November 11, 2016

Outgoing Chinese Ambassador Zhang Limin pays courtesy call on Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 3037

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Friday, November 11, 2016

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Crime spiralling out of control

Granger says deliberate attempt to embarrass Police, Govt Page 3

Chinese nationals beaten, PME reveals man was murdered supermarket before body dumped robbed Body fished out of Mazaruni

$80 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Workers may get land for timber operations P7 after Barama’s exit

No tribunal for Hassan – Harmon

P11

Page 10

Page 10

Anti-corruption forum held for local MPs Page 5

Ministers of Government, Opposition members and representatives of the diplomatic corps gathered for the opening of a two-day Parliamentary Forum on Anti-Corruption being held at the Marriott Hotel on Thursday

GGDMA, Govt clash over removal of mining concessions ….body says this ultimate betrayal will kill mining industry

Essequibo abandonment case

Page 7

CCPA returns children to mother Page 9

Collapsed road

Region 10 Chairman calls for P15 study

Social Protection Ministry mum on violence P16 against women – Manickchand $48M to fix P11 nationwide Maths problem

2 NEWS

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Hampton Court man commits suicide A

man from Hampton Court Village, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), ended his life tragically Wednesday after allegedly experiencing problems

within his home circle. He was discovered hanging around 16:30h in the upper flat of his parents’ home.

According to information reaching Guyana Times the deceased, 19, a

labourer, was an alcoholic and having family issues.

About 10:00h on Wednesday, the deceased’s mother Chanwattie Baldeo, left the son at home and ventured to her

rice field. When she returned at around 16:30h and called out for her son, there was no response. The mother then checked the upper flat of the house, where she discovered the

young man hanging from the ceiling.

In shock, the mother alerted neighbours.

A report was made to the Anna Regina Police Station. The body was tak-

en to the Suddie Public Hospital where the lad was pronounced dead. The body is currently at the Suddie Mortuary awaiting a postmortem examination.

NEWS

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11 , 2016 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, November 11 – 14:30h-16:00h and Saturday, November 12 – 14:30h-16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Berbice – Friday, November 11 – 13:35h-15:05h and Saturday, November 12 – 14:20h-15:50h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Thundery to heavy rain showers with chances of sunshine can be expected during the day, while clear skies and light cloud cover is expected in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 25 degrees and 30 degrees Celsius.

East North-easterly to East South-easterly between 1.78 metres and 3.57 metres.

High Tide:01:33h and 14:00h reaching maximum heights of 2.49 metres and 2.62 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 07:30h and 19:59h reaching minimum heights of 0.66 metre and 0.57 metre respectively.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2016

LOTTERY NUMBERS D

04 08 10 12 16 27 22 Bonus Ball

FREE TICKET

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2016

Daily Millions

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Crime spiralling out of control

Granger says deliberate attempt to embarrass Police, Govt

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here has been a surge in criminal acts and activities in recent days and Head of State David Granger has sounded the alarm that this is in fact a part of a coordinated effort to embarrass the Government and Guyana Police Force (GPF).

Granger made this pronouncement on Thursday, when he met with members of the local media corps for his ‘Public Interest’ television programme and said “I am suggesting that the pattern of crimes that we have seen is part of a campaign.”

The President conceded that there has been a decline in the rate within which ranks of the GPF not only respond to reports of criminal activities but also in their apprehension and prosecution of suspects.

The President told media operatives, “I am very suspicious about the fact that the Police are reacting very slowly.”

He used the opportunity to draw reference to two robberies committed on Wednesday last, one at the home of former Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee and another at the home of the son of prominent Chartered Accountant Christopher Ram. The President was adamant that these crimes “cannot go unnoticed.”

According to the Head of State, “I get the impression that these crimes, they are crimes, they are almost to embarrass the Police Force, to embarrass the Government.”

He suggested that the perpetrators of the attack against the former Home Affairs Minister could not seriously be expecting to walk away with any large haul of loot, “but it certainly made the headline news.”

The President was adamant that “we have to be very careful that people are committing crimes because of some ulterior motives…

Maybe it is to show that the Police Force is weak or the Government is weak “ Granger told media operatives “we don’t know for

Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud

President David Granger

Assistant Police Commissioner David Ramnarine

sure what is taking place but many of these crimes have their origins in the weakening of the Police Force.”

This weakening of the Police Force, according to Granger, obtained during the period he recently described as the troubled period in Guyana, adding that there are some persons who seem hell bent on repeating or continuing the lawlessness that prevailed during that period.

“We have a very serious problem on our hands,” according to Granger, as he pointed to Government’s resort to resuscitating the Security Sector Reform Project with the assistance and funding of the British Government.

“Some of the actions taking place,” according to Granger, convinced him that the Police Force has to be reformed.

Expanding on his revelations, the President reminded that Government inherited the Guyana Police Force in its current state, namely a state of affairs where there was an erosion of its capacity and capability.

During that ‘troubled’ period, according to Granger, the Police Force was weakened, coupled with the fact that more Police were murdered during that period than in any other period in Guyana’s history.

“We had rampant criminality, the murder rate was much higher, executions were much higher… drug lords were driving about.”

According to the

President, the Police Force was present during that troubling period and this is compounded by the fact that many of the ranks that were witnesses to and a party to activities of that period are still in the Force.

“We have not purged the Police Force so there are still some elements in the force and in society who were involved in those problems.… certain high profile crimes we are noticing now seem to be hold overs from that period and I am very suspicious about the fact that the Police are reacting very slowly.”

tives that the Public Security Minister has since been tasked with investigation the matter.

Lamenting the fact that the matter has in fact been playing out in the public domain, Granger called the state of affairs unseemly and of concern since it could in fact not only have a negative impact on the morale of the ranks of the force but could also embolden criminal elements looking to do mischief.

He suggested too that such high-level quarrelling in the hierarchy of the Police Force can also undermine the public trust in the institution.

Weighing in on the spat between the two Top Cops, the President pointed to the fact that the Force operates with a hierarchical structure with the Commissioner at the helm.

He noted however that when the Assistant Commissioner is acting in that capacity, it is expected that this be done in an affirmative and not passive manner.

“Although there is a structure, there is also a convention that persons who are acting have to do their work in an affirmative manner and not in a passive manner,” according to President Granger.

He nonetheless opined that the matter is not insurmountable and while it is cause for concern, it is in fact nothing more than a “storm in a teacup”, adding “I don’t believe the problems are unsolvable.”

Storm in a teacup

Meanwhile, the President also used the occasion to weigh in on the current public bickering between Police Commission Seelall Persaud and his deputy Assistant Police Commissioner, David Ramnarine.

Persaud, who recently returned from leave has attempted to rescind decisions taken by Ramnarine who had acted in his stead, namely with regard the promotion of several Police ranks.

The Top Cop has claimed that his temporary replacement was not authorised to make any such promotions, while Ramnarine differed with him.

The matter has since spilled into the public domain and according to President Granger, it was earlier this week addressed at the level of the National Security Committee.

Granger told media opera-

4

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016

Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707

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

Editorial

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Trafficking of children

he Social Protection Minister on Wednesday made an appalling revelation that so far for 2016 some 103 children were trafficked, compared to 63 last year. This represents an increase of 63.4 per cent. The disturbing figure represents 97 females and six males, all below the age of 18. This begs the question what is happening in our country? To say that such an increase paints a “bleak and gloomy” picture of trafficking in Guyana and call for much more to be done to combat this surge is simply not enough. What is Government doing to restrict the instances of our children being trafficked?

Child trafficking is about taking children out of their protective environment and preying on their vulnerability for the purpose of exploitation. Worldwide, millions of children, women and men are bought and sold as commodities into forced labour and prostitution. In Guyana, Trafficking In Persons is governed by the Combating of Trafficking In Persons Act 2005.

The Act provides that Trafficking in Persons includes engaging in, or assisting another person to engage in or organising or directing other persons to engage in Trafficking In Persons.

Guyana’s law spells out that human trafficking, whether of children or adults, means recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receiving a person by means of threat or the use of force or other means of coercion, or by abduction, fraud, deception, abuse of power or of a position of vulnerability, or by giving or receiving payments or benefits to achieve the consent of a person having control over another person, for the purpose of exploitation.

However, although legislation is in place to combat this heinous crime even Social Protection Minister Volda Lawrence has admitted that more needs to be done in this area, since there is a consistent increase in the number of persons, more so children who are being trafficked.

According to statistics Minister Lawrence outlined at the launching of the “State of the World Population Report 2016” on Wednesday, in 2012, there were 54 child trafficking victims, including five males and 30 females. Figures in 2013 indicated 56 victims whereas 2014 stats stood at 59 cases and in 2015, there were 63 cases. That figure jumped to a whopping 103 cases. This in itself tells a horrifying story of this atrocious crime in Guyana. It also speaks to the lack thereof of Government and law enforcement’s ability to fight this crime.

The US State Department Report 2015 on Trafficking In Persons in Guyana outlines that the Government of Guyana does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking although efforts are made to do so. That US report had also stated that Government has not demonstrated overall increasing anti-trafficking efforts and that law enforcement efforts remained insufficient. Between April 2014 and January 2015, only four suspected traffickers were prosecuted. In 2015, the single trafficker convicted and jailed for four years subsequently appealed the decision and was granted bail. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that calls for vigorous investigation and prosecution of trafficking cases and the need to hold convicted traffickers accountable with time in prison have been, and continue to be, made.

Guyana’s law makes it very easy to convict trafficking accused but yet the conviction rate is extremely low.

The Combating of Trafficking In Persons Act 2005 provides that in the case of child trafficking, there is special provision. According to the law, the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receiving of a child or the giving of payments or benefits to obtain the consent of a person having control of a child for the purpose of exploitation shall constitute Trafficking In Persons. In getting a conviction, all that is needed to be established is the first element, regardless of whether it has been established that it was done by means of threat or the use of force or other means of coercion, or by abduction, fraud, deception, abuse of power or of a position of vulnerability, or by giving or receiving payments or benefits to achieve the consent of a person having control over another person for the purpose of exploitation. While legislation is in place, supporting agencies involved in TIP in Guyana need to step up their game as the battle to end or reduce TIP seems to have been receiving significant setbacks in Guyana. Government also needs to accelerate its fight against this dreadful crime by ensuring that agencies receive adequate funding and by demanding that through investigations are carried out. Supportive work in collaboration with Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) can help in stamping out this crime.

In the Potaro-Siparuni region of Guyana, the Chiung River meanders in the Pakaraima Mountains, and in the village of Kato, develops into a series of falls known as the Chiung Falls (www.TheMichaelLamCollection.com)

Where are the protesters for better paddy prices in Anna Regina?

Dear Editor, The rice crop on Essequibo Coast is in progress and farmers are receiving poor prices for their produce from millers, and the government is doing nothing to help farmers, although they made several promises during the election campaign.

What is most surprising is that the same set of farmers who protested for better prices and prompt payments when the PPP/C was in government are now hiding when the protests are badly needed at Ana Regina.

I am stunned by the actions of those farmers to-

day!

During the PPP/C time in government they were so active in their protest and marches and TV programmes. They were vibrant on top of the Anna Regina High Bridge because they wanted more money and prompt payments. They were not pleased and blocked the Public Road at Reliance in their fight for betterment of the rice industry, although former ministers Ramsammy and Baksh were doing so much for them and the entire industry.

Now the coalition gov-

ernment is in power, the said farmers are afraid to hold any protest for better prices and prompt payments.

Why are they afraid now? Their mouths are now shut to confront the government.

Where are the busy Friday market protest marches during the rice harvesting season at Anna Regina?

Where are the former protest leaders?

The protest is now needed and I call on those who once lead the protests to join with the farmers and prove their love for them.

Farmers must always

remember who is responsible for the destruction of the rice industry in the 70s and 80s.

Farmers need to act and not let the industry go further down the drain.

The PPP/C Government worked hard in the interest of rice farmers to build the rice industry.

The D&I system was the best in the entire country and rice prospered!

Hats off to PPP/C government for developing the rice industry during their years in government.

Regards, Kevin Singh

Manipulation of people’s emotions by very savvy media

Dear Editor, Please allow me to share some knowledge with your readers that may be of great benefit to their lives. It regards the startling rise in unscrupulous manipulation of people’s emotions by very savvy media operators.

Imagine this scenario if you will: a video emerges of a political rally where a person of one race is abused in the crowd by those of another race; he is pushed, shoved, called names, racial epithets are hurled his way, and

all ‘caught’ on ubiquitous smart phone videos, it is shared on social media, people of the abused race are angry, their reactions guided by emotions fuel further abuse and crossabuse ensues, persons get forced into feelings of shame by the actions of the abusing crowd, they react by trying to comfort and support friends from the victim’s race.

Imagine if you will that the entire incident at the political rally was carefully staged by political strategists.

This is our new reality and it is a very dangerous one.

Social media is awash with such events, it is a strategy engaged on by those in power, those wishing to attain power, added to the plethora of fake ‘news’ websites that make patently false claims to an increasingly gullible global population; it makes for poor decision-making.

Such manipulation abounded during the recent election in the USA, Guyana however is a much smaller society and the re-

sults could be disastrous in an already acrimonious political environment.

My advice to fellow Guyanese is to stick to credible sources of information, do not be too willing to believe every video or photograph you see, look closer and the manipulation may become clear; misinformation is the new reality, do not be hasty in sharing or reacting to such manipulation, think before you share.

Faithfully, Robin Singh

NEWS

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Anti-corruption forum held for local MPs M

embers of the National Assembly are currently undergoing a two-day parliamentary forum on anti-corruption.

The forum is a partnership between the Guyana Parliament and the United Kingdom’s Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA). The UK delegation is being led by UK parliamentarian, Sir Kevin Barron and includes another UK parliamentarian, Lord Callanan, David Melding of the National Assembly for Wales, Eve Samson Clerk of the European Union Scrutiny Committee – House of Commons, and Rachel Atkins from the CPA-UK. During the opening ceremony on Thursday at the Marriott Hotel, Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Scotland, said this forum will enhance the knowledge of MPs on corruption. He noted too that it is a good step for parliamentarians as well as the public to be aware of the existence of corruption, recognise the signs of corruption and to feel bold enough to take steps to combat corruption.

“The potential for cor-

needs to be a collaborative effort hence he expressed appreciation to the UK delegation for sharing their experience.

Meanwhile, UK parliamentarian, Sir Kevin Barron posited that his team brings a wealth of expertise and knowledge on corruption and anti-corruption measures, and is also looking to learn from their Guyanese

Parliament as well,” Sir Barron remarked.

During the two-day plenary sessions on Thursday and Friday, Guyanese MPs over the two days, benefiting from presentations made by both Guyanese and UK Members of Parliament on several areas, including corruption, the role and use of Codes of Conduct, creating robust anti-corruption insti-

UK parliamentarian, Sir Kevin Barron and Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Scotland at the head table

ruption is pervasive in our daily lives as we undertake the responsibilities entrusted to us. Whenever we must interact with the public or indeed with one another, whenever we must deliver services and ensure that the improvements slated for a particular area or regionsare fairly and evenly distributed,whenever contracts are to be granted or works undertaken, there exists the potential for corruption,” the Speaker posited.

Dr Scotland outlined that the fight against corruption is an ongoing process and this forum will take Guyana further along the anti-corruption road. He

mentioned some of the country’s noteworthy achievements along this line such as the National Assembly passing Resolution Number 19 of 2013 giving birth to the four Parliamentary Sectorial Committees, the passage of the Integrity Commission Bill in July 1997 and its accidence to the United Nations Convention against Corruption.

The speaker added that these progressions overtime has resulted in the revised draft Code of Conduct for members of the National Assembly and public office holders. Moreover, Dr Scotland outlined that the fight against corruption

Sir Kevin Barron addressing the participants at the opening ceremony of the anti-corruption parliamentary forum held at the Marriott Hotel

counterparts as well.

“What we want to share with you is our ap-

Poor labelling of seed paddy sold by GRDB Burma Rice Research Station Dear Editor, Kindly permit me space in your newspaper to express my dissatisfaction with the labelling of seed paddy being sold to farmers by the GRDB Burma Rice Research Station.

The seeds do not have the requisite label with the necessary information on the bag. The bags have some things written on it with a marker. Anyone can write anything on the bags once they have a marker and dupe the farmers.

This has been happening for some time now. The allegation is that the leadership of Burma Rice Research Station chooses to bypass this step in the processing and packaging of the seed paddy for the reason of passing off low quality seed pad-

proach to these matters… our approach in the British Parliament, where we had to wrestle with some of these issues, very difficult issues some occasions. It is not easy for politicians to sit and judge other politicians…

We hope to leave here in two day’s time, strengthening both the Guyanese Parliament in terms of how it approaches issues around

dy and paddy that does not fully meet the required standards to farmers.

Farmers who purchase paddy from the Burma Rice Research Station in the last crop can absolutely corroborate the fact of the quality of paddy received.

Time has come for the GRDB and the Minister of Agriculture to take steps to ensure that the seed paddy sold to farmers meets the quality standards and seed label must be stitched within the lid of the bags the essential information (Year and Season Grown, Class of seed, Variety, Weight, % Purity, % Other Crop seeds, % Inert matter, % weed seeds, Origin , % Germination, Date tested etc) so that farmers can know what they are paying

for is what they are getting and not buying ‘pig in a bag’ like in the last few crop.

The seed quality standard protocol that oversee the labelling of seeds is one that is known and be-

ing used by seed production agencies in other parts of the Globe and must be adopted here in Guyana.

Yours faithfully, Terry Ross

the conduct of members and also wider issues of corruption, and also the British

tutions and key areas of anti-corruption work in natural resources.

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016

Page

Foundation

for

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helping children and teens with

homework and study habits

(CONTINUED FROM THURSDAY)

each your child that studying is more than just doing homework assignments. One of the most misunderstood aspects of schoolwork is the difference between studying and doing homework assignments. Encourage your child to do things like: * take notes as he’s reading a chapter * learn to skim material * learn to study tables and charts * learn to summarise what he has read in his own words * learn to make his own flashcards for quick review of dates, formulas, spelling words, et cetera Note-taking is a critical skill and should be developed. Many students don’t know how to take notes in those classes that require them. Some feel they have to write down every word the teacher says. Others have wisely realised the value of an outline form of notetaking. Well prepared teachers present their material in a format that lends itself to outline form note taking.

Should notes ever be rewritten? In some cases, they should be, particularly if a lot of material was covered, and the youngster had to write quickly but lacks speed and organisation.

Rewriting notes takes time, but it can be an excellent review of the subject matter.

However, rewriting notes isn’t worth the time unless they are used for review and

guyanatimesgy.com

recall of important information.

bring an extra pencil just in case.

it; try the Internet or books in the library.

A home dictionary is essential, but if it is kept on a shelf to gather dust, it won’t do anyone any good.

Keep it in an accessible place and let your child see you refer to it from time to time. If the family dictionary is kept in the living room and the child studies in his room, get him an inexpensive dictionary for his exclusive use.

Good dictionary, encyclopaedia and organisational skills depend on the ability to alphabetise. See if your child’s teacher practices alphabetising in class. Try alphabetising spelling words, family members’ names or a few favourite toys at home as a way of practicing.

During a homework session, watch for signs of frustration. No learning can take place and little can be accomplished if the child is angry or upset over an assignment that is too long or too difficult. At such times the parent may have to step in and simply halt the homework for that night, offering to write a note to the teacher explaining the situation and perhaps requesting a conference to discuss the quality and length of homework assignments.

How best to handle report cards? To save shocks and upsets, gently discuss from time to time “how things are going at schoolwith your child. Something casual, such as “How did the math test go?” “How did you do on the history report?”

“How’s your science project coming along? Need any help?” are questions that aren’t “third degree” but indicate interest. Find out if it is a policy at your child’s school to send out “warning notices” when work isn’t going well. Generally, such notices require the parent’s signature to verify that the parent has, indeed, been alerted. This is the time to contact the teacher of the course, along with your child, to learn what the difficulty may be. If such notices aren’t sent, then grades on projects and reports and from tests may be the sole source of information short of what your child wishes to share. Be tuned in to statements such as “He’s an awful teacher,” “She goes too fast,” etc.

This may be the child’s way of indicating frustration in understanding content or lack of study time with the subject. However, be cautious in contacting teachers without your child’s approval or interest. It may disrupt good feelings between you and make you seem to be interfering and spying. (child-

Help your child to feel confident for tests. Taking tests can be a traumatic experience for some students.

Explain to your child that burning the midnight oil (cramming) the night before a test is not productive.

Better to get a good night’s sleep. Students also need reminding that when taking a test, they should thoroughly and carefully read the directions before they haphazardly start to mark their test papers. They should be advised to skip over questions for which they don’t know the answers. They can always return to those if there’s time. Good advice for any student before taking a test: take a deep breath, relax, and dive in. Always

Should parents help with homework? Yes-if it is clearly productive to do so, such as calling out spelling words or checking a math problem that won’t prove. No-if it is something the child can clearly handle himself and learn from the process. And help and support should always be calmly and cheerfully given. Grudging help is worse than no help at all! Read directions, or check over math problems after your child has completed the work.

Remember to make positive comments – you don’t want your child to associate homework with fights at home.

Model research skills by involving your child in planning a family trip. Help your child locate your destination on a map or atlas. Use traditional encyclopaedia or a CD-ROM to find information about the place you will vis-

structure and children’s education

C

hildren in intact families tend to have greater academic achievement and educational attainment and are less likely to exhibit behavioural problems in school. Their parents tend to be more involved in their school activities and to have higher expectations for them.

Educational attainment. Family structure is related to educational attainment.

Individuals from intact families completed, on average, more years of schooling and were also more likely to graduate from high school, attend college, and complete college compared to peers raised in blended or single-parent families.

School behaviour.

Adolescents in intact families are less likely to exhibit problem behaviour in school and tend to have higher levels of academic achievement. Compared to children

biological parents performed similarly; however, compared to adolescents in married biological-parent families, those living in single-mother families or those living with single mothers and their cohabiting partners tended to fare worse on the PPVT.

Maths and Science proficiency. Children who do not live in intact families tend to be less proficient in math and science.

Compared with peers in intact families, children in single-parent families, stepparent families, or non-parent guardian families scored, on average, lower on math and science achievement tests, according to a large international survey. Family resources (eg, number of books in the home, number of possessions, immigrant status, and household size) only partially explained the re-

developmentinfo.com)

living in intact families, peers living in (1) single-mother families, (2) single-mother families with cohabiting partners, and (3) married families with stepfathers were more likely to have ever been suspended or expelled from school; more likely to have engaged in delinquent activities in the past twelve months; more likely to have problems getting along with their teachers, doing homework, and paying attention in school; and more likely to have lower grade point averages. On the Peabody Vocabulary Test (PPVT), an indicator of cognitive development, children living in married-parent families with stepfathers and those living with married

lationship between family structure and math and science achievement.

Divorce and academic achievement. Youths who experienced parental divorce tend to have lower grade point averages and are more likely to be held back a grade in school. When socio-economic standing, race, and gender are controlled for, (1) remarriage, more than divorce or widowhood, exerts a downward pressure on the achievement of these children on standardized tests; (2) divorce and widowhood, more than remarriage, exert downward pressure on GPA and increase the likelihood of being left back one grade. (familyfacts.org) TO BE CONTINUED

NEWS

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GGDMA, Govt clash over Workers may get land for timber removal of concessions operations after Barama’s exit …. body says this ultimate betrayal is going to kill mining industry

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overnment and the representative mining association of Guyana are at loggerheads over purported plans to rescind widespread concessions granted to the industry.

The concerns were raised by the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) on Thursday, when, in a public missive it called on its members to be prepared to mobilise for strong and decisive action to safeguard their livelihood.

According to the GGDMA, it “has received highly credible information that the current Government will be rescinding all the concessions granted to miners”.

The Association said Finance Minister Winston Jordan was expected to make this announcement in his budget speech (on November 28) which would include measures that would result in the removal of: all Value Added Tax waivers, concessions for fuel and lubricants, concessions for motor vehicles, concessions on spares and parts, concessions on tools and equipment and the non-renewal of the fuel import licences. The Natural Resources Ministry has since swiftly responded, but instead of denying the accusation outright, said “we can state also that the Ministry of Finance is currently engaged in discussions regarding these concessions and other forms of support to the mining sector, including reviewing requests for renewal of these concessions”.

According to the response to the mining Association issued by the Natural Resources Ministry, “we urge that the executive of the GGDMA await confirmed information from the Ministry of Finance or the Ministry of Natural Resources before making inaccurate pronouncements that do no one any good”. The GGDMA, in publicly voicing its concerns on Thursday, called the move on the part of Government

Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman

“the ultimate betrayal of the miners by the APNU/AFC Government and will only serve to make the already difficult industry harder, if not impossible”.

It said it was calling on the Government to restore the status quo and return all the concessions granted to miners under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration.

The GGDMA said too that the current Government has given no additional help to the industry. “They have provided no new concrete concessions and to date, they have not put in one single road or other infrastructural work that directly benefits the industry.” The Administration has since taken umbrage to this assertion, saying this position was wholly incorrect.

According to the Natural Resources Ministry in its response to the GGDMA, in November 2015, agreements were signed between the GGDMA, the Guyana Energy Agency and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission regarding a number of exemptions from Customs duties on fuel and equipment. These agreements remain in force.

“As the period of the agreement signing would suggest, the agreement was signed under the current Administration”, contrary to what was said in the GGDMA missive, according to the Ministry’s release.

Regarding the assertions by the GGDMA that the cur-

rent Government has given no additional help to the industry, has provided no new concrete concessions and to date, has not put in one single road or other infrastructural work that directly benefits the industry, the Ministry maintains those assertions “simply have no basis in fact”.

According to the Ministry, it, along with the Public Infrastructure Ministry is currently engaged with members of the GGDMA to address the maintenance and opening up of hinterland roads.

The Natural Resources Ministry is adamant the David Granger-led Government places immense value on the contribution of mining to the socioeconomic well-being of Guyana, and especially hails the contributions of small- and mediumscale miners.

“The Administration has no intention of turning its back on the miners at this critical time of national development,” the Ministry said in its missive. The GGDMA in its complaint observed that “the gold industry is set to surpass the 600,000 ounces mark this year…Two-thirds of this figure is the direct effort of the small and mediumscale miners…We have produced this much gold without the concessions or tax breaks the foreign companies enjoy.”

The GGDMA said it held the view that given the same concessions as the foreign companies “we can produce more than 600,000 ounces by ourselves.” The Association said the proposed backward step, on the part of the Administration “to remove all waivers and concessions, will see a significant decline in the production targets next year and many more miners on the breadline.”

According to the GGDMA, “the industry is already suffering and this betrayal is going to kill mining in Guyana…

Miners are prepared to take all necessary steps to ensure that the industry survives.

We will stand together.”

W

ith hundreds of workers jobless after Malaysianowned Barama Company Limited pulled the plug on its forestry operations locally, Government is considering giving the lands to the now jobless persons to commence their independent operations.

Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman submitted a number of proposals to Cabinet on alternative use of some 1.6 million hectares of forest lands, as well as on the welfare of the workers who are affected as a result of Barama’s closure.

State Minister Joseph Harmon, during a postCabinet press briefing on Thursday, explained that a Cabinet sub-committee was established to review the options and make recommendations on their feasibility before December.

Harmon also disclosed that international and local bodies have already expressions of interest in utilising the forest lands.

“We are looking at medium-scale and small-scale work in the area. We are exploring the possibility of those employees who were in the sector, forming themselves into cooperatives to be able to use work in those areas…there are also al-

ready expressions of interest from several foreign companies and local companies, but we first have to look at our own employees, our own Guyanese people in that regard,” he stated.

The Cabinet sub-committee tasked with reviewing these options comprises the Natural Resources Minister, Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan, Business Minister Dominic Gaskin, Indigenous People’s Affairs Minister Sydney Allicock and Social Protection Minister Volda Lawrence.

Barama is currently in the process of retrenchment and some 500 workers stand to be affected.

In October, the Company announced that it would not be seeking a renewal of its 25-year-old forest concession agreement with Government and would be scaling back its operations.

Reports indicate that the Company is still deciding whether it is profitable to continue its sawmilling and veneering and plywood manufacturing here.

According to reports, Government’s slothfulness in reviewing the renewal of the contract was the main reason behind Barama’s decision to leave the market.

Quoted sources explained that during the period of

the prolonged negotiations, the global economic situation took a drastic turn for the worse. The sources said had the Government presented a contract earlier, the Company would have most likely still be conducting operations.

Last year, the Natural Resources Ministry undertook to review the renewal of the contract with Barama at its behest; however, the Company was presented with a draft agreement until late 2016.

A Task Force was established to examine the Company’s request for a continuation of its contract, given the “rapacious activities” of some foreign companies operating in the forests of Guyana.

When the draft agreement was finally presented to Barama for feedback, the Company had already decided to pull the plug on its operations. The source quoted in the media also indicated that the draft contract was “rough”, and did not encourage the Company to stay in the market.

Barama has invested in excess of US$43 billion in its local operations since its establishment in 1991 and was one of the country’s largest employers. (Devina Samaroo)

8

NEWS

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

IN THE COURTS Triangle love affair murder

Conclusion of matter delayed again

A

lexis Tappin and her lover, Stephon Barlow, on Thursday reappeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan as the trial into the murder of Tappin’s reputed husband, Sherwin Johnson continues.

The trial, which was scheduled to conclude shortly, was again delayed, as the final witness Gavin Williams requested additional time.

This was granted and the matter was put down for November 16, 2016.

Tappin and Barlow reportedly stabbed Johnson to death on July 2, 2016.

However, in a turn of events, Tappin accused the deceased’s mother, who was at the time present in Court , of attempting to push her off the Courts’ step; the woman denied ever attempting to carry out such actions.

Y Alexis Tappin

Dochfour pool game murder trial continues

D

avendra Rooplall, also known as Bryan, has made another High Court appearance for the January 2014 murder of Suresh Goberdhan at Dochfour, East Coast Demerara.

Goberdhan’s body was discovered less than a mile from his home in bushes on Mud Dam, Dochfour, after a heated argument with two males over a pool game.

At Thursday’s hearing, witnesses told the court of the activities surrounding the night in question when heavy alcohol consumption and pool playing somehow resulted in the death of the young man.

The trial is being presided over by Justice Jo-Ann Barlow and continues at the Demerara High Court.

Rooplall’s defence counsel is Attorney Sandhil Kissoon, while the State’s Prosecutors are Shawnette Austin and Siand Dhurjon.

The prosecution’s contention is that after the mur-

been playing pool at a shop and an argument erupted

over money. His body was discovered January 16, 2014.

Cosmetics thief remanded to prison

A

Murdered: Suresh Goberdhan

der accused had lost a game of pool, he proceeded to hit Goberdhan over his head with a steel pipe. It is further alleged that after he committed the act, Rooplall went through Goberdhan’s pockets and stole the man’s money and mobile phone.

A Post-Mortem Examination (PME) had found that Goberdhan died as a result of multiple injuries to the head. Reports in 2014 had stated that the murdered Goberdhan had

Still reeling...

man accused of stealing from a cosmetics stall was on Thursday remanded to prison when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

Anari Dookie, 39, of Georgetown, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged with break and enter.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that between October 3 and 4, 2016, he broke and entered a cosmetics stall belonging to Shondell Stilly and stole products worth some $360,000.

He was also charged with escaping from police custody on October 7.

According to the prosecution, the defendant was caught and taken to the Albouystown Police Station

Anari Dookie

on the larceny charge.

However, while in confinement, he managed to escape the custody of the Police.

Bail was objected to by the prosecutor who stated that the defendant gave contradicting addresses.

He will return to court on November 27, 2016.

West Ruimveldt man charged with robbery

A

West Ruimveldt man was on Thursday placed before the courts charged with robbery.

Dexter Ford, 22, of Lot 35 West Ruimveldt, Georgetown appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Leslie Benjamin.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on November 7, 2016, he stole one cell phone valued $14,000 and $5000 cash from Corletta Nurse. The prosecution contended that the defendant, on the day in question, carried out the daring robbery in broad daylight.

The Prosecutor reported that Nurse was walking along the roadway when the defendant rolled up on a bicycle and snatched her purse containing the abovementioned items.

The woman raised an alarm and public-spirited persons gave chase, catching up with the defendant.

He was detained and was later handed over to the Police who charged him with the offence. The prosecution unsuccessfully objected to bail because of the prevalence of such offences. Bail was granted at $55,000.

...from Trump

our Eyewitness is enjoying the consternation in some camps at Trump's victory. In the US, he saw this demonstration - which the Stabber gave front page prominence - screaming "Trump - NOT MY PRESIDENT"!! So are they planning to migrate out of the US? Cause if they don't, they're stuck with Trump at least for the next four years and will have to deal with his initiatives and their consequences!

But your Eyewitness has a question to those folks.

What happened to "democracy" which American's been teaching us benighted natives since the Monroe Doctrine of 1823? Didn't the US fight two world wars - and who knows how many other skirmishes: Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq etc etc - to make the world safe for democracy? Don't they want America to be democratic?

Trump's victory is a victory for democracy just as Jimmy Carter's or Obama's or any other US Presidents.

But like with Britain and Brexit, there are some folks who insist that democracy isn't to be placed at the services of who they define as "the great unwashed".

These are the elitists. But their problem is they want to have it both ways - to channel their elitism through the two political parties with their money but control those parties - and of course their position on the issues.

If they were honest about expressing their views on the "yahoos" in the boons, they'd have a powerful defender in Plato...the Greek Philosopher who singlehandedly invented what is now "western philosophy". Plato said rulers ought to be "philosopher kings" - the rabble would be too easily swayed by (what else?) "rabble rousers"! In America, the party system has done a very good job winnowing out outside "demagogues" as real contenders for the presidency.

No outsider has ever managed to pull off what Trump did. The ones who tried - even Ross Perot who was also a billionaire - played by the rules of the game.

Not Trump. With his brashness AND his money, he went DIRECTLY to the masses and articulated their fears. And this is what "direct democracy" is supposed to be, no?

But the funny thing is, the founding fathers also were leery about this direct democracy...which is why they inserted this "electoral college" business. The popular vote actually DOESN'T elect the president but 548 pledged ELECTORAL votes. Trump received 279 of these but when they meet in December as the "Electoral College" they're not LEGALLY bound by their pledges!!

So some diehards think some Republican delegates will "turn" and vote for Clinton!! Ain't gonna happen.

Why would they throw away their control of both Houses AND the Presidency? That's power, baby!!

...from robbery of Rohee

Your Eyewitness isn't a conspiracy theorist but he's trying to get his head around the robbery of former Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee. Who also just happens to be the General Secretary of the PPP. Of all the houses in all of Eccles, they pick on Rohee's? Of course it could be pure serendipity, but your Eyewitness will not rule out enemy action!! He HAS been a tad critical of his successors, hasn't he?

But the ramifications of the robbery of Rohee goes further than his material loss and the trauma of his maids. This merely reinforces what has been going on all over Guyana at all levels of society. Pick a paper... any paper...on any day and you'll see a robbery under arms being described in all its sordid and frightening detail.

Guyana is in the throes of another crime wave... and like most waves, it's building slowly as it moves towards the Christmas season.

To crash with fury on a hapless populace.

...from the water

Will GWI never come off the headlines? As soon as one scandal's buried, up comes another. After blanket denials, one operative of the water company now announced that the untested "purifier" antinfek was not used at Bartica - only in Diamond.

So that makes it OK?!

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

NEWS

9

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Granger confident Trump will reverse views on Climate Change

…as he heads to Morocco to lobby support in developing Green Policy

H

ead of State David Granger continues to push for the development of a green agenda and a green policy for Guyana and is of the belief that President Elect of the United States Donald Trump will in the near future have a change of heart; and there will be some modification of his views on Climate Change.

President Granger made this disclosure on Thursday, as he hosted his weekly Television Programme, The Public Interest and met with local journalists.

This publication sought to inquire of President Granger his views on the possible impact on developing Guyana’s Green Agenda in tandem with its world partners, in light of the fact that Trump has repeatedly dismissed the notion of Climate Change as a myth.

Responding to Guyana Times President Granger said, “I am quite sure that once he is in office and gets the benefit of the advice of the technical people in the US Administration there may be some modification of his views.”

The President prefaced his optimism by saying that Trump has only now come off of the election campaign trail and “I expect he has started being briefed by outgoing technical leaders in Obama administration.”

He went on: “I reckon in the next two months, he will become more aware that global warming is a reality.”

The President posited that there is abundant evidence to show that what is taking place in the world is not normal and pointed to the generation of large

President David Granger

amounts of greenhouse gases, smog, industrial pollutants and the use of certain types of fossil fuels which are all contributing to global warming and climate change generally.

COP22 Granger made his position known ahead of another international confab, the 22nd Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP22) to the UNFCCC scheduled to take place between November 7 and 18, 2016, in Morocco.

At that forum, parties are expected to begin preparations for entry into force of the Paris Agreement—of which Guyana is a signatory and a ratified partner.

According to Granger, Guyana will be using the occasion of the COP22 meeting to “work along with other parties to ensure climate change don’t cause greater damage.”

The President told the media that it is common sense for Guyana to pursue a green agenda given its endowment of abundant natural resources, in addition to the fact that the country serves as a net carbon sink—meaning the country’s forests absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere that is generated by industrialised coun-

President-elect Donald Trump

tries such as the United States of America.

Speaking of the COP22 meeting, Granger told the media that Guyana, which has preserved large swaths of its forest, “is a key player in the world.”

Granger said it is for this reason he has opted to travel to Morocco for the COP22 meeting in addition to the fact that Guyana is a party to numerous conventions and treaties related to tackling climate change.

He said too that Guyana has a policy/strategy and that the COP22 meeting will be used to seek to consolidate world views around this.

According to the President, “we don’t know exactly what the other parties will say at COP but we are committed to working with them to reduce the rate with which global warming is taking place.”

Indigenous Responding to criticisms that his administration has not been pursuing the development of Guyana’s Green Agenda indigenously, President Granger disagreed.

He pointed to the fact that Guyana’s economy has for the past 100 years

been heavily dependent on its extractive industry such as bauxite, gold, diamond, and timber; and pointed to the fact that “we are aware that the industries have the capability of destroying the environment.”

He pointed to mined-out areas and other untoward effects of such activities, such as those felt by people in the hinterland that depend on the nation’s rivers and streams that could become polluted.

According to President Granger, “we are aware of the dangers, we are very much on the ground in that regard and the thrust towards a green state is driven by local factors.”

He told the media that this thrust is bolstered through engagements with indigenous communities, addressing public health problems and forestation, among other factors.

The President was adamant that, “we are not trying to conform to any international norms or conventions…We have a problem in Guyana and the green state is the solution to that problem.”

Essequibo abandonment case

CCPA returns children to mother

T

he children who police alleged were left unattended by their mother, Veronica Davidson were returned home.

According to a source close to the investigation, the mother has since offered an explanation, which is contrary to police reports.

According to the source, the woman’s story was satisfactory therefore no charges would be brought against her: Davidson disclosed that she did not attend any birthday celebration, as was alleged; instead she went with her mother, who is a pensioner, to Georgetown to look after her Identification Card at GECOM. Further, the woman said that she was not gone for three weeks but rather three days, and that she left the girls in the care of their adult brother and his reputed wife.

The police had alleged that on November 8,

Commander of G Division (Essequibo Coast/Islands) Khali Parashram received information around 19:00 hours about the children being neglected and abandoned by the mother.

Acting on that information, a sergeant and ranks visited the home of Davidson, 40, at Dry Shore Village. It was discovered that there were four children in the house, who were unattended and poorly cared for.

According to the Police Report, on Friday 4 November 2016, around 17:00 hours Davidson left her four daughters ages 13, 7, 5 and 3, in the care of her son, Georgie Davidson, and his reputed wife Zeena Richards. The couple has a six-month-old son.

Police took the children to the Suddie Public Hospital where a medical examination was conducted; they were later moved to a hostel.

10 NEWS

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Chinese nationals PME reveals man was beaten, supermarket murdered before body dumped robbed Body fished out of Mazaruni

A

n autopsy conducted on the body of Timothy Fraser, the welder whose body was recovered from the Mazaruni River last weekend, has confirmed that Fraser was murdered.

As such, investigators have since taken several persons into custody and are looking for more suspects.

The post-mortem examination was conducted by forensic Pathologist, Dr Nehal Singh on Wednesday.

According to the autopsy, Fraser died as a result of, among other things, blunt trauma to the head. The autopsy also concluded that the man died two days before workmates said he went overboard.

The welder’s body was on Sunday recovered from the Mazaruni River, one day after he was reported missing. The 44-year-old Fraser

Dead: Timothy Fraser

of Savannah Park Housing Scheme, New Amsterdam, had been working with a mining company for more than two months when workers said he went missing.

The workers had given family members conflicting reports. Initially, they said he was dressed in his welding

outfit waiting on a boat to collect him at a landing and decided to go for a swim. When the boat came – according to that story – only his clothing were seen.

Later on Saturday, the story changed and relatives were told that he went to another location in the interior to work. Relatives said that they were told that he left to go to the waterfront and only his clothes were found at the waterfront.

Then on Sunday, relatives heard that Fraser was on a boat sitting on a chair which fell overboard and he jumped into the water to retrieve the chair after taking off his welding suit.

However, a diver who later went into the water where the chair reportedly fell had claimed that no such item was found in the water.

A search party which in-

cluded close relatives and friends gathered information from the area and were told that the only eyewitness to what transpired left the area on Sunday morning and no one knew which part of the country he is from or where he was heading.

However, by mid-Sunday, Fraser’s partly decomposed body was discovered a close distance to the shore. The body bore what appeared to be marks of violence.

According to the autopsy report, Fraser died on Thursday whereas workers say he was alive on Saturday.

It is believed that Fraser was asleep when he was beaten and then taken in a boat to a point in the river and then thrown into the murky water.

None of his welding equipment or clothing was found in the camp. Police continue to investigate the man’s death.

Gun, ammunition handed over to Police

A

miner of Konawaruk Backdam, Mahdia, Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni) who allegedly found an unlicensed firearm and several rounds of ammunition has promptly handed over same to the Police.

Based on reports gathered, the man was clearing a plot of land when he discovered a bag hidden in the bushes. Upon checking, he found a .22 semi-automatic pistol, a magazine and four live matching rounds of ammunition.

He immediately contacted the Police and handed over the bag but not be-

In the past, Police have arrested several miners in the Mahdia area with unlicensed firearms and ammunition, leaving Police ranks in F Division (Interior locations) to implement measures for miners to be searched at strategic locations.

The firearm and ammunition found at Konawaruk Backdam, Mahdia

fore going through a tedious interrogation process. The Police are expected to conduct a ballistics test on the

weapon to determine if it was used in any criminal activities. Police are continuing their investigations.

A

cashier and another staff of the Prance Chinese Supermarket at Crown Dam, Industry, East Coast Demerara were on Thursday beaten as armed men carried out a brazen daylight robbery on the establishment.

Based on reports, four men on two Honda CG motorcycles pulled up in front of the supermarket, two of them kept guard while the others rushed into the business place, held the cashier and the owner at gunpoint, and demanded money. At the time of the robbery, around 14:30h, there were no customers in the supermarket.

One of the bandits then gun-butted the cashier and continued to make demands.

Another worker who was close by was also struck to the head. Out of fear, the cashier opened the register and handed over the money and a quantity of phone cards.

Not satisfied, the bandit went around the cashier’s counter and pulled out a bag containing an undisclosed sum of money. He reportedly placed the bag on the counter and the second gunman collected it, as he waved his gun at the cashier, threatening her. The perpetrators then left the supermarket, jumped onto the waiting motorcycles and fled the scene.

The Police were immediately summoned and the injured workers were taken to the hospital. The Police have since retrieved the surveillance footage that captured the entire episode. It is believed that the men were monitoring the business place for some time based on how they operated and more so, they knew exactly where the money bag was kept. Up to late Thursday afternoon, the Police were reviewing the CCTV footage.

Over the past weeks, several businesses owned

by Chinese nationals were robbed. Only recently, three gunmen robbed a newly opened supermarket at Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara.

The men posed as customers and entered the Good Life Supermarket, but soon after held a staff member at gunpoint. The other men started to bag off valuable items taken from the customers and proprietors. They also jumped over the counter and picked up a bag containing at least $300,000 in cash, a quantity of cigarettes and phone cards.

In addition, they relieved the proprietor of two iPhone 6s, as well as customers of Samsung and Blu smartphones.

NEWS

11

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

No tribunal for $48M to fix nationwide Hassan – Harmon Maths problem G

A

Nizam Hassan

tribunal will not be established to determine whether Nizam Hassan is fit to continue serving in his post as General Manager of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), though he is facing fraud charges before the court.

President David Granger however had sworn in a tribunal to investigate and recommend whether trade unionist Carvil Duncan, who was also facing fraud charges before the court, should continue as Chairman of the Public Services Commission and in his other constitutional positions.

Interestingly, though both public officials are facing fraud charges, they will not be facing similar repercussions.

Minister of State Joseph Harmon told media operatives during a post-Cabinet press briefing on Thursday

Carvil Duncan

that Hassan will not be treated the same way as Duncan.

“They are two distinct matters,” he said.

Hassan, the former General Manger of the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC); and a female colleague, 34-yearold Felicia DesouzaMadramootoo, were on Monday slapped with fraudrelated charges.

Hassan and DesouzaMadramootoo were charged with intent to defraud together with three others by continuously approving payments for substandard and faulty works during the rehabilitation of the GMC building at Robb and Alexander Streets, Georgetown.

Hassan and his co-accused were not required to plead to the indictable charge but were released on $250,000 bail each and have been ordered to report to the

headquarters of the Special Organised Crime Unit every Friday.

Similarly, Duncan was slapped with charges of stealing and conspiring to steal from the Guyana Power and Light.

In light of his charges, a presidential tribunal was established to determine if he should be removed from his constitutional posts.

According to Government officials, it was unfit for a public official to continue to hold his position while before the courts on matters of such nature.

Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Noel Holder said he is unaware of any plans to fire Hassan.

However, he disclosed that the GRDB Head requested some leave during this time and it was granted.

The court matter has been adjourned until December 7.

overnment is pumping $48.6 million in rolling out a Mathematics programme aimed at enhancing the competency level of students in primary schools.

Officials say Guyana has been performing progressively worse in the subject area.

In an effort to solve the problem, Government, through the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD), developed a seven-point initiative to improve the performance of students at the primary level.

State Minister Joseph Harmon said Cabinet, in its most recent session, deliberated extensively on the unsatisfactorily results in Mathematics nationwide at the 2016 National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) Examinations and developed a plan to address the situation.

Harmon disclosed that the programme would focus on training teachers in content and methodology, facilitating fortnightly cluster meetings in all regions, the recruitment of Mathematics coordinators and monitors,

the training of officers and school administrators to supervise the teaching of Maths, preparing and administering a diagnosis assessment of pupils in hinterland before training, enhancing public relations and parental involvement in education, and acquisition of support material for students.

Preparatory works are already underway and Government is mulling the idea of rehiring teachers in the system and recruiting teachers from overseas territories.

The State Minister also underscored the importance of introducing this initiative at the primary level, noting that Government was not

excluding the other students at secondary and tertiary levels where difficulties in Mathematics also rampantly exist.

“If you have a problem in the primary, by time you get to the secondary, the problem goes with you because if you don’t deal with it there, by the time you get to the second level, you will get to university and the problem was never dealt with and that is the reason why it is important you deal with it at the primary level,” he stressed.

Meanwhile, the sums allotted will fund the programme for the remainder of the year, after which additional monies will be set aside to continue the initiative.

12 NEWS

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Speculations, worries “over Wardens nothing” – US Ambassador to clamp down on A illegalities Indentureship in ended? extractive N sector

s there continues to be uncertainties among Guyanese here and those living in the United States over new President-elect Donald Trump, US Ambassador to Guyana Perry Holloway has assured that there is nothing to be worried about.

Speaking with reporters on Thursday, the US Diplomat pointed out that half of America is unhappy with the fact that their candidate has lost the presidential elections, but noted there is nothing to be worried about. In fact he added there are institutions at work to ensure there will be a peaceful transition of power from outgoing President Barack Obama to his successor. “…We are all Americans and we are going to move forward together… As you have seen, some people have manifested that they are not happy but you are never happy if your candidate doesn’t win… Right now, there is a lot of speculation and worry over nothing. That is my opinion,” he posited.

The Ambassador further outlined that the 24-hour news cycle allows persons to express their opinions and half the country’s candidate did not win so they are go-

US Ambassador to Guyana Perry Holloway

ing to express their views while the other half is going to express another view.

This, he added, is what is driving the fear. “… There is always fear, the unknown is always fearful,” he remarked.

Moreover, the US Diplomat reiterated that in his 20 plus years of experience in the US Foreign Service, whenever a new president is elected there are hardly any changes in the country’s foreign policy.

“Each president has his or her interests or focus and I can’t predict what President-elect Trump will do… I don’t think there will be any significant changes to our foreign policy towards

Guyana and we will see what happens in the coming months in January when the president has actually taken office,” Holloway stated.

Furthermore, the US Ambassador sought to clarify that there is no change in the country’s visa policy, as is being perceived, nor does he expect there to be any. Such changes, he explained, are done by the US congress and usually take a long time to happen. “(But) there is no indication that (the visa policy) will change,” the Diplomat explained.

Trump’s presidential victory over his Democrat opponent, Hillary Clinton, has stirred much anxiety and uncertainty not only among Americans but those abroad such as in Guyana. The 70-year-old won the US presidential elections in a stunning victory that sent shockwaves around the world.

The Republican nominee defied pre-election polling to claim swing states, winning the key battleground States of Florida, Ohio and North Carolina.

Trump won some 26 of the 52 states while Clinton only secured wins in 18. Out of the 538 electoral votes, Trump got 290 of them and Clinton 228.

A

s the local extractive industry expands along with instances of illegalities and bad practices, so has the need for a robust compliance and enforcement programme.

State Minister Joseph Harmon said a corps of wardens will be trained and dispatched to provide support to existing forest and mines officers in enforcing the various regulatory frameworks governing the different sectors in the country’s vast extractive industry.

He said the proposal was made by Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman who noticed that with the expansion of extraction came a proliferation of the unethical and illegal issues that always plagued the sector.

The corps of wardens will be addressing issues including noncompliance with mining related environmental regulations; prove institutional capacity to enable enforcement of the various regulatory frameworks; coordinate action against illegal mining, drug trafficking, deforestation and trafficking in persons, monitor increased turbidity levels in creeks and streams, and monitor chemical waste management.

Emergency rescue and disaster recovery will be part of the wardens’ portfolio.

According to the State Minister, the persons who will be hired by the Natural Resources Ministry, will undergo general training, after which they will be grouped to receive specialised training based on the sectors they will be monitoring.

He noted too that the wardens will receive a certain level of police training and be vested with a certain level of police powers.

Harmon said the agencies tol benefit from these wardens include the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, Guyana Forestry Commission, Guyana Gold Board, Environmental Protection Agency, Protected Areas Commission, and the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission.

Responding to concerns, Harmon explained that these new wardens will not replace the existing officers but will actually compliment their work.

...what has really changed? ext March 12, it will be 100 years since Indian Indentureship was effectively ended. But what has really changed?

When the workers protested management's breaking of their contracts, the standard responses were: charging them criminally; ejecting them from the plantations; docking their pay and ever so often, calling in the police to shoot them down after like dogs.

The immigrants had very few partisans in authority to champion their cause – even though there was supposed to be a "Protector of Immigrants" department. After an 1869 protest by immigrants at Leonora, a sympathetic ex-magistrate wrote a devastating critique of the abuses of immigrants. It led to the usual British response: a Commission of Enquiry in 1870-71 – right before five protesting workers were shot and killed at Devonshire Castle in Essequibo in 1872.

But the abuses continued unabated and in 1896 at Pln Non Pariel, another five immigrant workers - protesting slashed wages - were gunned down and fifty-nine wounded.

A champion of their cause came from an unexpected source: Bechu, an indentured Indian who had arrived two years before, bound for Enmore. He wrote a letter to the Daily Chronicle that inspired other Indians in the colony to defend their exploited compatriots in the sugar fields.

Bechu wrote: Sir, Will you kindly permit me, through the medium of your widely circulated paper, to say a few words with regard to the official investigation which has been made concerning the rate of wages paid to the indentured workers on Pln Non Pariel?

Being a coolie myself, and an indentured one in the bargain. I have up to now refrained from saying anything in the matter but as I see it mentioned in last Saturday’s issue of The Argosy that the referees after due enquiries are satisfied that the wages paid for punt loading and cane cutting is ample, and that the price for weeding is only a trifle below the usual rate. I am curious to know on what they have based their decision.

Prior to registering myself for service in this colony, I, in common with the rest of my countrymen, had to sign an agreement which is printed in three different languages and which reads as follows: [Bechu then reproduces in detail the terms of the agreement with reference to (1) Period of Service. (2) Nature of Labour. (3) Number of days per week for labour.

(4) Number of hours daily for labour. (5) Monthly or daily or task work rates – for men, women and children. (6) Conditions as to return passage and (7) Other conditions.

Bechu then delivered his indictment.]

It will be observed from paragraphs 4 and 5 above that every male immigrant above 16 years of age is entitled to a rate of wage of not less than one shilling per day and every male and every female under 16 is similarly entitled to a wage of not less than 8 pence per day for seven hours of work in the field and ten hours in the factory and when performing extra work shall be paid in proportion for every extra hour of work.

[Bechu details how these rules are violated preventing workers from earning even the measly stipulated wages.]

In this colony however, an agreement appears to be binding on one side only, for we constantly see coolies being brought up for neglecting to attend work?, for ?not completing their task?, and for many such trivial breaches in contract, but in not a single instance have I seen a Protector charge an employer for not fulfilling his part of the contract...Is this fair? ...[Bechu concluded] "Verily unto everyone that hath been given and he shall have abundantly; but unto him that hath not shall be taken away even which he hath."

It is really an indictment on our humanity that 120 years after Bechu, sugar workers still have to protest broken agreements - most recently API! But this time they face the arbitrary and draconian decision to close Wales and to have the "Cutlass of the Massa" hanging over their heads till December on the possible closure of the entire industry.

NEWS

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Region 10 to benefit from "Linden Restoration Project"

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inden is set to benefit from several initiatives, with the unveiling of the 'Linden Restoration Project' organised by the Linden Youth Leaders (LYL) in collaboration with the Mayor and Town Council (M&TC), the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region 10 (Upper Demerara/Berbice), retired managers of Linden and members of the Diaspora.

During an informative meeting at the Watooka Complex in Linden on Monday, organisers shared their ideas regarding the project, with the common goal of restoring the community both socially and economically.

Speaking for the LYL were Orlena Obermuller and Joanne Profitt, while Mortimer Mingo, Steve Bovell, Orrin Gordon and Emmet Alves spoke on behalf of stakeholders and retired managers of the community. Linden Mayor Carwyn Holland who was the moderator, posited that the idea of the project means taking the long-awaited step in charting the course of Linden's future development.

The project is the brainchild of the Linden Youth Leaders and according to Holland, the group would have already forwarded ideas for the project to President David Granger and ministers of Government.

In her brief remarks Obermuller, who serves as project manager of the Youth group said the aim of the project is to make Linden more attractive and exquisite by developing and improving the educational, social and physical sectors.

"By making recommendations, empowering youths, creating employment for youths, public infrastructure and promoting cohesion through public cooperation... we can create something new, to coincide both where we were and where we want to go. That's why we're happy to collaborate with matured minds...whereby we can come together and put our thoughts and ideas together, where we can bridge the gap between the two generations and exchange our ideas and thoughts, to brand

Organisers unveil the Linden Restoration Project

and promote Linden once again", she said.

Outlining several initiatives, Bovell in his remarks said he is concerned over the level of negativity portrayed surrounding the community, noting that on the contrary it is one which is richly endowed with vast lands and natural resources. As such, he encouraged all to make use of these features, as a step towards economic and social development.

"There is no way Linden should be poor and categorised a depressed community", he said.

Bovell, who is a farmer and businessman also made calls for the community to become more involved in the "Grow More Food� initiative, positing that products such as cherries, pigeon peas, papaws and cane can be easily grown in Linden. He also urged the promotion of self-sufficien-

cy, while relating plans to provide at least 20 meals to various vulnerable groups in the community every week. This he noted will comprise of a main meal, desert and fruit juice.

Other initiatives

planned according to Bovell are in the areas of youth employment and trade, as well as the resuscitation of cultural, art and tourism activities.

Meanwhile, Gordon said the lack of will has been wit-

nessed in the community over time, noting that it is time to come to the realisation that it is necessary for all participants to work together.

Addressing the small gathering, Mingo said he was happy to be involved in the planning of moving the community forward which he noted has "taken a beating" over the years.

He added that he was pleased to have young people on board while he stressed the need to move with alacrity towards development.

Mingo further urged those involved not to squander opportunities in putting together such proposals.

The project is being conducted under the theme: "Enhancing our town, building cohesion, creating jobs, developing a better life for all."

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guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016

News Body found on Corentyne No extradition request for Family calling for Dataram – US Ambassador justice, thorough probe U

nited States Ambassador to Guyana, Perry Holloway said that his country has not made any attempt to have convicted drug lord Barry Dataram extradited to the US to face smuggling charges.

A few years ago, Dataram had successfully fought off an extradition attempt to the US after he was named in American court documents as a drug dealer.

However, with Dataram now in a Guyanese prison, Ambassador Holloway said there have been no renewed efforts by the US to have Dataram extradited there.

“Right now, Guyana has him…so I guess we will wait

and see what Guyana does…

We do not have any other charges currently against him in the United States.

There had been an indictment, but that was many, many years ago and the indictment is not the same as being guilty so therefore we would only request extradition if there was indeed a trial and if he was found guilty. So right now there is no extradition request on its way; we are going to let Guyanese justice do what it needs to do first,” he stated.

Dataram and his reputed wife, Anjanie Boodnarine, along two others, Komal Charran and Trevor Gouveia, were charged jointly with the possession of

narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.

However, days before the ruling on the case was handed down, Dataram, who was previously granted High Court bail, and Boodnarine fled the country. After the couple failed to attend court on the previous scheduled days of sentencing (September 20 and September 23, 2016), the presiding Magistrate Judy Latchman issued arrest warrants for them and noted that she would proceed with her ruling in their absence.

As such, Dataram was sentenced to 60 months in jail and fined $164.2 million after he was found guilty in absentia of possession of co-

caine for the purpose of trafficking.

His three co-accused, including his reputed wife, were all freed of the joint charge, which stated that on April 16, 2015, at Fourth Avenue, Diamond, East Bank Demerara, they had 60.840 kilograms of cocaine in their possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Dataram was apprehended three weeks later in Suriname and transported back to Guyana, where he pleaded guilty to passport forgery, evading penalty and illegal departure, and was sentenced to another four years.

PSC facilitates AML/CFT workshop

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Participants at the workshop on Thursday

he Private Sector Commission (PSC) on Thursday facilitated an Anti Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) workshop, targeting private business entities.

The event was hosted at the Pegasus International Hotel, in Georgetown.

Chairman of trade and investments of the PSC, Ramesh Dookhoo, said the process involving the AML has been a difficult one, noting that Government should be celebrated for moving Guyana to this point, after the country was put on the list a few years ago.

He recalled that back in 2000, Guyana passed the Money Laundering Prevention Act, while it was a member of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF); an associate of Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

He said the new Government after coming into office made it a priority to table the Act which it put forward while in Opposition.

Speaking to the attendees, who included representatives of private businesses, the Dokhoo said

the issues remains a serious one. Dookhoo said he was somewhat disappointed in the Bankers who never seemed to be vocal about things that affect them and their customers.

Executive member of the PSC, Jerry Gouveia, said he has been a part of the organisation for some 24 years.

However, he was unaware of the importance of money laundering.

Legal Affairs Minster Basil Williams on Wednesday announced that Guyana has been cleared by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF), less than a month after it successfully exited the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) regime.

The Attorney General is presently attending a CFATF plenary and working group meeting in Turks and Caicos.

CFATF is expected to release a report on this new decision soon.

In May 2014, CFATF had handed over Guyana to the FATF due to the country’s then failure to meet the agreed timelines in its Action Plan. However, since then significant progress has been made resulting in

the country being removed from FATF’s watch list last month FATF had reported last month too that Guyana still had deficiencies in its AML/ CFT regime. The organisation recommended that Guyana continue to implement its action plan by ensuring and implementing an adequate legal framework for identifying, tracing and freezing terrorist assets. It also wanted Guyana to ensure a fully operational and effectively functioning financial intelligence unit; establish effective measures for customer due diligence and enhancing financial transparency and implement an adequate supervisory framework.

Last month, FIU Director Matthew Langevine and his deputy Abiose Thomas assumed their duties in keeping with the FATF recommendation.

The FIU functions in collaboration with the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Finance Ministry in identifying and tracking persons fingered in financial illegalities.

Additionally, a FATF/

International Cooperation Review Group (ICRG) delegation visited Guyana last month to assess its reforms.

Attorney General Basil Williams had explained that the reforms include adequately criminalising money laundering and terrorist financing, establishing and implementing adequate procedures for the confiscation of assets related to money laundering, and establishing and implementing an adequate legal framework for identifying, tracing and freezing terrorist assets; as well as establishing a fully operational effectively functioning financial intelligence unit, establishing effective measures for customer due diligence and enhancing financial transparency, strengthening suspicious transaction reporting requirements, and implementing an adequate supervisory framework.

Williams had also announced that the regional watch body had lauded Guyana for its progress in strengthening its AML/CFT regime during the CFATF plenary meeting and working groups agenda in June last.

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Dead: Faiyaz Narinedat

amily members of the carpenter, whose lifeless body was discovered over a week ago along the Number 70 Corentyne Highway, are calling for a thorough investigation into his death.

This follows new evidence which an alleged eyewitness has provided.

The body of Faiyaz Narinedat, of Lot 36 Number 70 Village, Corentyne, was discovered about 03:45h at the scene of what appeared to a hit-and-run accident.

Divisional Commander Kevin Adonis has said that the matter was being considered a homicide; however, following an autopsy conducted

by Pathologist Dr Nehal Singh it was revealed that Narinedat suffered a fractured skull and spine among other injuries.

Dr Singh’s findings revealed that all of the injuries resulted from a motor accident. However, the autopsy report noted that the father of two was not hit while in a standing position.

Following the discovery of the body, relatives of the dead man said Narinedat was killed at another location and placed on the road. They pointed to a laceration on the back of his head, and claimed that Narinedat was at a party in the village when a fight broke out which led to his death.

When Guyana Times visited the area, villagers were tight-lipped. However, a relative of the 26-year-old man told this publication that there was evidence to indicate that the body was placed on the road.

The relative directed this newspaper to a location one street away, where a muddy shirt which was said to be that of the deceased was seen on the road along with some broken sticks.

Family members have begun to circulate information, which was purportedly giv-

en by an eyewitness who has since gone into hiding fearing for his life.

The alleged eyewitness claims that Narinedat was at the party hosted by an overseas-based Guyanese at Number 70 Village the evening before.

On October 31, members of the media, including the Guyana Times were at a presentation ceremony hosted by overseas-based Guyanese Marcus Brian Bishram at Number 70 Village. Bishram invited members of the media to stay for an after-party, but the invitation was declined by the reporters.

Meanwhile, the family of the dead man has distributed a flyer detailing what they were told of what might have happened. The document that was widely circulated made allegations against several persons, whom the family is holding accountable for the young man’s death.

The mother of the dead man, Bibi Shakira Aziz speaking with this publication, at her Number 70 Village home, called for the Head of State and the Ministry of Public Security to zero in on the matter.

“I don’t want no Police from Berbice to investigate…,” she lamented in making allegations of bribery. According to the distraught and frustrated woman, “he (the alleged perpetrator) wants to show what he can do. He has power, he has money, he has security more than the President.”

She noted that Narinedat was her only child, adding that he was married with two young children, ages two and six months.

The family is pleading with higher authorities to intervene and bring justice for Narinedat. He was laid to rest on Sunday, but the question remains, was it a “hit and run” or murder.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016

guyanatimesgy.com

News

Bandits hit Mon Repos gas station twice in one week

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olice in C Division (East Coast Demerara) are on the hunt for two motorcycle bandits who attacked a gas station located on the Railway Embankment, Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, on Wednesday evening.

According to reports, about 20:30h, a female pump attendant was sitting on a chair counting some cash when two men on a motorcycle rode into the service station and grabbed her.

However, the woman managed to escape and alert her colleagues.

At the said time, a customer, who is a licensed firearm holder, was at the gas station and upon realising what was transpiring, drew his weapon and opened fire.

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This caused the two bandits to rush out of the service station. Luckily, they were unable to get any valuables.

It was reported that this service station was among three businesses that were robbed last weekend by two bandits on a motorcycle. Reports revealed that around 07:00h on Friday last, two men, one armed with a gun and the other with a knife, rode up to one of the pump attendants and snatched a sum of cash from her hand before riding off.

After reviewing surveillance footage of Wednesday’s incident, the owner of the facility, Rabindranauth Prasad, believes that the two men who attacked his business on Wednesday were the same ones who car-

ried out last weekend’s daring robbery.

He pointed out that this was the fourth time the gas station has been robbed and the Police were unable to capture any of the perpetrators despite being provided with surveillance footage.

On June 18, 2016, armed bandits stormed the service station just after midnight and tied up the pump attendant along with the security guard before escaping with some $14,200 in cash, two cellular phones and 12 gas cylinders.

Meanwhile, with regard to Wednesday’s incident, this newspaper was told that the Police were reviewing the surveillance footage and were yet to make an arrest.

Collapsed road

Donald Trump and Barack Obama meet at White House

President Barack Obama meets with President-elect Donald Trump in the Oval Office

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S President-elect Donald Trump has said it was a “great honour” to meet President Barack Obama for transition talks at the White House.

Obama said he was “encouraged” by their “excellent” and “wide-ranging” conversation, which lasted for more than an hour.

Trump has questioned Obama’s US citizenship and vowed to dismantle his legacy in the past. During the campaign, Obama called Trump “uniquely unqualified”.

However, Obama said he was “rooting” for him after his shock defeat of Hillary Clinton in Tuesday’s election. After Thursday’s be-

hind-closed-doors meeting in the White House, Obama said: “My number one priority in the coming two months is to try to facilitate a transition that ensures our president-elect is successful.”

He said they had discussed domestic and foreign policy and he had been “very encouraged” by Trump’s interest in working with President Obama’s team on issues facing the US. Trump said he would “very much look forward” to dealing with President Obama in future.

Trump flew from New York on his private jet and landed at Reagan National Airport, just outside the nation’s capital. The Presidentelect was accompanied by his wife, Melania, who had a meeting with First Lady Michelle Obama. (Excerpt from BBC

News)

Region 10 Chairman calls for study First official refugee and migrant shelter opens in French capital

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refugee and migrant shelter with beds for 400 single men opened Thursday in northern Paris, part of an ongoing drive to take asylum-seekers off French streets after the demolition of the Calais “Jungle”.

“Only a few migrants came here this morning”, said France24’s Charlotte Boitiaux, who was at the scene on Thursday morning and saw five men entering the new shelter.

“Most migrants in Paris have already been evacuated from the Stalingrad camp

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Works being done to a collapsed section of Burnham Drive

ollowing the recent collapse of a section of Burnham Drive Road at Wismar, Linden, Regional Chairman Renis Morian made a call for a study to be conducted of the road which is one of the main thoroughfares in Wismar.

Remedial works to the collapsed section are being done by Linden contractor, Bella's Contracting.

"We've noted that on Burnham Drive there is an increase in of traffic - you got more cars, and that is a road with schools, churches, mosque, market. So there's more usage of the road.

When we look at the high tides that we're getting now, all that impacts on the road.

I've made a call and I'm calling again for a study to be done", the chairman said.

Morian also disclosed that there are even more structural faults along the thoroughfare which also leads to the MackenzieWismar Bridge.

"As soon as you come off the bridge, about a hundred yards, the road is collapsing there. When you come to about 250 yards where we're working right now, that col-

lapsed. When you come at the cinema (former Palm Tree Cinema) there's a huge hole. There's an erosion from the river right through...It's not a case where you have a piecemeal; you have to do a study to know if there will be a disaster. One day the whole road might collapse with people because we don't know what is happening", Morian warned.

The Regional Chairman also pointed to a "drop" and an "indentation" to other sections of the Burnham Drive road. According to Morian, five other areas also face the same threat.

He has therefore made a call for a hydraulics engineer from the Ministry of Public Infrastructure to visit the location to provide advice on the way forward.

The Ministry, he disclosed, is responsible for servicing the thoroughfare. Morian said while the Burnham Drive road contract is not in his hands, he is certain that assiduous work is being carried out.

He assured that he often visits the location but so far the project appears to be on schedule.

As a result of rehabilitation to the main thoroughfare, a bypass was created at McNabb corner, but drivers have complained about the deplorable and uneven state of the bypass. The chairman asserted however that the said contractor recently "levelled" the bypass stretch.

Additionally, Morian said contracts were signed last week for repair works to be carried out on deplorable roads in Linden. This will also include rehabilitation to a huge hole in the vicinity of Pinhead Corner along the One Mile Public Road at Wismar, among others. Those works are expected to commence sometime next week.

Morian continues to make calls for road signage to be erected across Region 10 (Upper Demerara/ Berbice).

"We have made repeated requests to the Ministry of Public Infrastructure... except there are signs, it means that we can see an increase in accidents, with the increase of vehicular traffic in Region 10", Morian said.

to other shelters outside the city. A local official told me that new arrivals were expected as soon as word spreads about this new shelter”, Boitiaux added.

The centre, in a disused railway yard near Gare du Nord station, will take in 50-80 people a day – the estimated number of migrants that arrive in Paris daily, most of whom end up sleeping rough.

They will spend up to 10 days at the site where they will receive medical care and advice on seeking asylum before being trans-

ferred to a French “Welcome Centre”.

“The idea is to create a place where every newly arrived migrant can be welcomed and offered dignified, humane shelter,” said Bruno Morel, head of the Emmaus Solidarité charity running the centre.

A separate facility for families and women will open in early 2017 in the southeastern suburb of Ivrysur-Seine. Unaccompanied minors will be sent to existing children’s shelters around the city. (Excerpt from France24)

Indian banks call in Police as people rush to ditch old banknotes

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ndian banks called in thousands of Police on Thursday to manage huge queues outside branches, as people tried to exchange bank notes abruptly pulled out of circulation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a crackdown on “black money”.

Modi announced the shock move on Tuesday night to ditch 500 and 1000 rupee notes – worth a combined US$256 billion – that he said were fuelling corruption, being forged and even paying for attacks by Islamist militants against India.

Lines formed before banks reopened after being shut on Wednesday to prepare for the change, as people tried to swap the worthless cash for smaller bills or new 2000 rupee notes being rushed into circulation and made to be harder to counterfeit.

Some people frustrated by the long wait got into

A security guard hands out request slips for the exchange of old high denomination bank notes at a branch of the State Bank of India in Old Delhi, November 10, 2016

arguments at Canara Bank near the parliament building in New Delhi, as people barged into queues that wound through the branch and on to the street outside.

Economists and some businesses, especially those involved in cashless payments, have welcomed the “demonetisation” scheme as a vital step toward broaden-

ing the formal economy and improving tax compliance.

But it has disrupted the daily lives of hundreds of millions of Indians who live in the cash economy that is estimated to account for a fifth of India’s US$2 trillion gross domestic product and who have low confidence in banks or plastic cards. (Excerpt

from Reuters)

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Social Protection Ministry mum on Relatives of victims testify violence against women –Manickchand Bartica Massacre trial

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The three accused: Dennis “Anaconda” Williams, Mark Williams, and Roger Simon

elatives of the three victims of the brutal 2008 Bartica Massacre testified before Justice Roxanne George and a 12-member jury at the Demerara High Court on Thursday.

Education official Ingrid Ferreira-Trotman testified that on February 20 of that year, she identified the body of her uncle, Ignatius “Pakoo” Ferreira at the Georgetown mortuary, where she also witnessed a post-mortem examination performed on his body by pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh.

She told the court that her murdered uncle’s funeral service was held three days later at the Sandy’s Funeral Home, then the body was transported and buried at Sorrow Hill, Bartica.

Ferreira-Trotman further noted that her late uncle was working as a security guard at the time of his demise.

Then, Fizal Ally, who

glanced at the three accused on trial several times, recalled that two days after the brutal attack, he too identified the body of his nephew Abdool Yasseen, called CB or Hasseem, who had become the boat captain for a vessel that belonged to his late father. It was explained that the young man was a past University of Guyana student.

The father of Police Lance Corporal Zaheer Zakir, who had been attached to the Bartica Police Station, also testified that he identified and witnessed the post-mortem on his son.

The three men on trial – Mark Williams, Dennis “Anaconda” Williams and Roger Simon, along with Celbert Reece and Michael Caesar, who both pleaded guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter last week, were all accused of executing an attack where 12 persons,

including three Policemen, were killed at Bartica on February 17, 2008.

It is believed that the five were part of the Rondell “Fineman” Rawlins gang, which attacked the town and shot dead the individuals. The Bartica attack came weeks after another massacre at Lusignan, East Coast Demerara where 11 persons were also brutally killed.

The other law enforcement ranks killed in the Bartica massacre were Police Constables Shane Fredericks and Ron Osborne, while the other civilians killed were Edwin Gilkes, Dexter Adrian, Deonarine Singh, Ronald Gomes, Ashraf Khan, Errol Thomas, and Baldeo Singh.

It is expected that family members of the remaining victims will take the stand some time next week.

The matter continues before Justice George on Monday.

he Latin American Public Opinion Project (LAPOP) has revealed that 30.8 per cent of persons in Guyana condone – approve or understand – violence against women, a recent LAPOP report said and Shadow Education Minister Priya Manickchand has expressed concern that the responsible Ministry is silent on the matter.

According to the LAPOP report, Americas Barometers Insights 2016, on average across 16 countries, one out of four individuals either approves or understands a man hitting his wife if she neglects household chores. On this particular issue Guyana

rural areas than those living in urban settlements, for both men and women.

Further, it stated that it is also highly prevalent in the poorest of families.

The report stated that overall, 10 per cent of men and women between 15 and 49 years old believe it is justifiable for a husband to hit his wife if she goes out without telling him, neglects the children, argues with him, refuses sex or if she burns the food.

Manickchand highlighted that while gender-based violence is not unique to Guyana, the Social Protection Ministry, which has responsibility over women rights, has opted to remain mum on

domestic violence.

Manickchand further stated that Guyana needs to empower its women, educate them on their independence and create opportunities for them to be independent.

In the last eleven months, 14 women were murdered by the spouse, boyfriend or ex-lover.

UNICEF stated that domestic violence has a straight connection to gender-based violence.

“Between 2006 and 2007, there was an estimated 50 per cent increase in the total number of GBV victims, 3600 more than the previous year,” it said, adding that the largest increase was recorded in

ranked third, right behind Suriname which has a 43.7 per cent acceptance rate for violence against women. The top ranking country was Guatemala which has a 53.9 per cent tolerance rate.

The report stated that women, those in the oldest age cohorts, those with more years of schooling, those in urban areas, and those who are wealthier, are less likely to accept spousal violence against women. It also added that stress and dislocation matter – individuals whose households are facing economic hardship and those who intend to live or work abroad – are more likely to accept spousal violence against women.

Recently, the United Nations Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF) disclosed that the highest level of acceptance of wife beating occurs in the Indigenous communities, with one in every four adults believe that it is justifiable to hit the woman. There were high incidence rates in Regions Nine (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo), One (Barima-Waini), Five (Mahaica-Berbice), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and Eight (Potaro-Siparuni). It underscored that domestic violence is more accepted among those living in the

the matter.

She stated that violence against women occurs because of the prevailing inequality of gender, in which people generally believe that men are superior and women are inferior. Therefore, she said it is imperative to change the perspective of “our population and educate our youths”.

Manickchand emphasised that she has seen no effort carried out by the Ministry to fight the scourge, adding that the Ministry has to stop being silent and address the issue on the frontline.

Nevertheless, she indicated that this issue cannot be tackled alone by one Ministry instead it has to be multisectoral.

“No one Ministry can address this issue… we need the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Public Security and the Private Sector,” she said, adding that the Education Ministry needs to be incorporated into that Ministry to teach young children that violence should not be condoned.

“We don’t want them to grow up in the same culture, and the harmfulness of violence,” she noted, stating that the Police Officers should be educated and responsive to complaints made by victims of

Berbice (Regions Five and Six), where reported cases rose steeply from approximately 300 in 2006 to 1890 in 2007, representing a 500 per cent increase.

It stated that a combination of social norms and social and cultural practices have been identified as the main factors that influence violence against women. It added that lack of punishment for those men that perpetrate violence against women was appointed as one factor that reinforces violent acts in the country, contending that between January and November of 2015, 582 cases of domestic violence were reported in Berbice, from these, 326 reached the court, and only 17 men were convicted.

According to LAPOP, policies and programmes that increase education, economic opportunities, and social stability are key to shifting norms with respect to tolerance for domestic violence.

“These broader efforts might be pursued alongside more targeted programmes that seek to empower women while encouraging men to curb their comparatively higher degree of tolerance for domestic violence against women,” it stated.

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY,NOVEMBER 11, 2016

The policy of inclusion has been incorporated into the sustainable development goals of GFW, whereby all creative practitioners would be allowed access to participate in creative expression, irrespective of their disability.

Working in conjunction with the Social Protection Ministry, the Executive of GFW will be highlighting awareness of Trafficking In Persons as an underpinning of the social cause strategy of GFW. Another awareness drive promoted by GFW is the national anti-domestic violence campaign – “Breaking the Silence”. Last weekend, GFW in collaboration with Help and Shelter hosted a fundraising fashion event at the residence of the home of the US Ambassador, Perry Holloway to sensitise the public to the needs of the victims of domestic violence.

Partnering with empowerment initiatives is an essential ingredient of the GFW menu. So when Calvin Ming, Guyanese race car driver won his round in the Formula 1 qualifier, it was only natural for the GFW Executive to celebrate the win of a relative of one of the prominent partners of GFW, over the years.

Opportunities for ‘brand Guyana’ are always priority for GFW, so nation-building alignments are a must. The Guyana Fashion Week will culminate on Sunday evening with the grand finale followed by an ‘All White’ after party.

Thus far, several regional and international designers are already in Guyana to participate in the event. In fact, several teams of professional models from Trinidad and Tobago, Curacao and Antigua and Barbuda are already inducted into the ewvent.

Meanwhile, the highlight of the event will be the announcement of the first ever model image competition.

This will be done on the evening of Saturday. GFW M o d e l Image will feature 11 young men and 17 young women participating in an empowering exercise for creative enthusiasts.

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uyana Fashion Week (GFW) is in full swing and has always mandated its alignment with social causes – local and internationally conscious platforms. This year, is no exception. GFW is recognising the contributions of the differently able to a developing society.

Bringing awareness to differently able persons is one of the missions of GFW 2016. In keeping with this focus, GFW is highlighting a differently able designer, Setra Oselmo, who will be featured in the Aspiring Designer showcase on November 11, at the Pegasus Hotel at 16:00h.

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guyana-times.com

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016

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he Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha’s popular theatrical production “Naya Zamana 21 – Lost in Time” will be presented at the York College Performing Arts Centre in Jamaica, Queens on Saturday, November 19 at 19:00h.

The show, which was presented in Guyana in August, received excellent reviews and Dharmic Sabha is extremely happy to be bringing it to New York. The Sabha will be partnering with ZEETV to present the production in New York.

“Lost in Time” traces the adventures of two young men who experiment with a time machine and are taken on an unexpected journey which includes a visit to the heavens and a trip to the future.

There is a lot of comedy, romance and drama and the audience is sure to be mesmerised by the magnificent costumes, sets and

choreography. The show is written, directed and choreographed b y D r Vindhya Persaud.

Some 20 artistes will be travelling from Guyana to be part of the production which will also incorporate performers from New York. Dr Indhira Harry, Farzaana Khan, Nirmala Persaud, Travez Piaralall and Rahul Ravichandran play the lead roles.

Piaralall recently

returned from India after completing his diploma at the world famous Anupam Kher’s Acting Academy in Mumbai.

Last year, Naya Zamana 20 was presented in New York and the response was excellent. Since then, the Sabha and its USA Praant in particular have been inundated with requests to bring the show again.

Naya Zamana 21 is new and different from 20. All proceeds from the production will go towards Bal Nivas, Dharmic Sabha’s shelter for children who are victims of abuse.

Tickets are currently on sale at Spice World and Jaichand Jewellers on Liberty Avenue, Richmond Hill;?Star Music at 104-02 113 Street, Richmond Hill; Parasram’s West Indian Store – 17707 Jamaica Avenue; and ?Central Auto Repair – 12334 Rockaway Blvd; or persons can call DEV on 347-2913807 or VJ on 347-6450046.

The Sabha would like to thank ZEETV and Fly Jamaica for supporting the production which gives talented young Guyanese artistes the opportunity to perform before a new audience and which brings a little bit of Guyana to the Diaspora.

The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha has hosted this production for 21 years and continues to provide a positive platform for young people to develop their skills and talent and express themselves in creative ways. Many fans who attend Naya Zamana every year have remarked on how much it is like looking at a film on stage.

The production promises to be spectacular and will include all of the elements that make it so much loved and appreciated in Guyana including the opulent sets and fabulous costumes designed by Trishala Persaud. A must see for all, Naya Zamana continues to lead the way for family entertainment and raise the bar each year in production.

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EM, Guyana’s premier lifestyle and entertainment magazine since 2004, will be revealing shortly its much anticipated 4th annual list of professionals under the age of 40. The goal of the magazine which is to target progressive people, said as with previous lists, the make-up consists of top career oriented individuals, entrepreneurs and other influencers with varying backgrounds.

Making the cut this year was a Deputy Mayor, a Member of Parliament, webmasters, dentists, event planners, media and marketing executives, comedians, an international model, and inspirational speaker and representatives from many other industries.

The thirty-nine individuals chosen who also grace the cover were selected from a list derived from the magazine’s team, voluntary submissions and recommendations from clients and readers.

As has become the norm, nearly one hundred names were available to choose from, and this created some difficulty in deciding on the standouts, since the aim was to be as inclusive and as diverse as possible.The 74th edition of the magazine also has features on the Georgetown Chamber, Designer

Roger Gary’s famous Aqua Couture collection, the Rupununi Wildlife Research Unit and much more.

In addition, readers can expect to see all the usual articles that they have grown accustomed to reading over the

years.

GEM, which was launched nearly 13 years ago as the nation’s first bi-monthly international glossy magazine, has managed to maintain its concept of transcending race, politics, religion and class to positively highlight people, places and events at home and in the Diaspora. This is done through easy to read human interest stories, trendy articles and high quality pictures.The magazine which has grown tremendously in popularity has a large list of newsstand buyers and subscribers in the Caribbean, North America and Europe.

The publication can also be read online at www.gemmagonline.com or www.issuu.com/ cmgguyana, and it is also quite active on social media.

Be sure to pick up your copy of the 2016 Professionals Edition when it hits newsstands shortly to find out more about these young movers and shakers.

I

n two days, the South Dakota Circuit, Timehri, East Bank Demerara, will become a battle ground as the final leg of the Guyana Motor Racing Championships is held.

But before the action gets underway, the riders and race car drivers will participate in a VIP “meet and greet” session where Guyana motor racing fans can interact and use the opportunity for a photo op.

This meet and greet event is billed for today at the Giftland Mall. Most of the international and Caribbean drivers are expected to participate in the event. These include Peter Ray and Doug Hollywood Gore of Jamaica; Bryce Prince of USA, Matt Trulove of Great Britain and Mark Maloney among others.

Persons who attend the event will also get a chance to view the contesting cars and will be entertained by the Rent-a-Tent cheerleaders.

There will also be lots of giveaways. Meanwhile, the action commences at 09:00h sharp on Sunday at the South Dakota Circuit with several races billed for the day.

Some of these include the most anticipated motorcycle clash among the big board but all eyes will be on young Matthew Vieira who is well prepared for the clash. In addition, the group four races are expected to be competitive as Guyana aims at winning the CMRC title once again. This is one clash of the champions you do not want to miss on Sunday.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016

guyanatimesgy.com

T

19

DJ competition for November 19

en top deejays selected from various parts of the country will have a change to showcase their talent on November 19, when the first event Westside 45 Kick Out DJ competition is held at the Leonora Stadium, West Coast Demerara.

Thirty-seven applications were received and after a preliminary assessment, only 10 were shortlisted to compete in the event which is expected to be grand. These young men are from New Amsterdam, Berbice, Region Six; Georgetown and Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, Region Four; Bartica, Region Seven; and several others from the East Bank and West Bank of Demerara.

The evening is promoted by Slingerz Entertainment and is one of the most anticipated competitions for the year. The winner will receive one Apple laptop computer, one Beats headphone and $200,000 along with the champion’s trophy.

There will also be prizes for the most Hyped Deejay; the deejay with the most fans at the competition and the best dressed deejay.

Music will be provided by Guyana’s number one sound, Slingerz Family. There will also be lots of giveaways for persons who attend the event. Admission costs $1000 and tickets are only available at the venue. The competition will juggle off at 21:00h and is sponsored by 2 Brother’s New Mini Mart, 2 Brother’s Pure Ice, Digicel and Stag.

for Nuriyyih Gerrard for People’s Choice Award

“J

a

Habeeb Khan

Francis Quamina Farrier

oie de Vivre”, a musical theatrical production, is slated to be held in Guyana on December 4 and 8 and will feature renditions from renowned musical performers out of the Laramade Musical Theatre out of New York. The event will be held at the National Cultural Centre.

The Laramade Musical Theatre comprises 10 members whose focus is in musical theatre, the Big Band era and Caribbean folklore. Their most recent performances have been in honour of the Barbados Independence celebration at the Wyngate Theater in New York, and the Jimi Hollaway Jazz Production at The Terrace on the Park location, in New York.

However, the presentation is book musical that tells the story of a group of artistes at a night club who desperately want to be liberated from their domineering manager but feel trapped by their circumstances.

It therefore follows the character arc of one who becomes empowered to change the course of her life.

In addition to the musical extravaganza, eight theatre icons of Guyana’s stage will be honoured. These include Ron Robinson, Francis Quamina Ron Robinson Farrier, Daphney Rogers, Margaret L a w r e n c e , Desiree Edghill and the late Habeeb Khan, the late Keith Andre Subryan and Robert Naraine.

The production is written and directed by Launce Northe and is choreographed by Oral Welshman.

Desiree Edghill

Margaret Lawrence

A

s Nuriyyih Gerrard, Guyana’s representative to the Miss World Pageant prepares to compete in the international pageant slated for December 18 at Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, Maryland, USA, she is counting on her supporters to make her win the People’s Choice Award.

The winner of this poll shall be eligible to claim promotion of self on the Miss World Pageant portal and have an exclusive interview to reach out to a global audience through the Great Pageant Community social media outlets.

Those who wish to vote for the 24-year-old Guyanese ambassador are urged to visit the Miss World Page on #MissWorld #RoadtoMissWorld #MissWorld2016 #multimedia award#MissWorldGuyana #People’sChoice and search for Miss Guyana and cast their ballot. Persons can vote more than once.

The 66th edition of the Miss World Pageant will see more than 119 delegates from around the world competing for the coveted title. At the end of the contest, Mireia Lalaguna of Spain, Miss World 2015, will crown her successor.

The Great Pageant Community will be streaming the Pageant online and more so, leading up to the Pageant, there will be regular updates and insights through various reviews of sub contests through Hotpicks.

Meanwhile, voting for the People’s Choice Award will end on December 17, one day before the grand finale.

20 Herath’s 13-for sweeps Zimbabwe

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016

Stokes ton keeps England on top

B

— SL's winning streak extends to 5

The Sri Lanka team after collecting the trophy for winning the series 2-0

I

t took Sri Lanka a little over 50 minutes to wrap up proceedings on the final day in Harare.

Resuming on 180 for 7, Zimbabwe folded for 233 to give Sri Lanka a 257-run win. Rangana Herath, in his first and perhaps last series as Sri Lanka captain - he was standing in for the injured Angelo Mathews - celebrated a 2-0 series win with his seventh ten-wicket haul in Tests. His match figures of 13 for 152 took his series

tally to 19 wickets.

Craig Ervine, who made a battling half-century on the fourth day, stood between Sri Lanka and an early finish. In the first six overs, he seemed keen on playing according to the merit of the ball. But the frustration of being unable to get runs - Zimbabwe had just one scoring shot in the first 23 minutes - resulted in him gloving an audacious reverse sweep from the rough off Herath to Dhananjaya de

SCOREBOARD Sri Lanka 1st Innings 504 Zimbabwe 1st Innings 272 Sri Lanka 2nd Innings258/9 Dec. Zimbabwe 2nd innings (Overnight score 180/7) TMK Mawoyo c de Silva b Herath 15 BB Chari b Herath 8 H Masakadza lbw b Herath 10 CR Ervine c de Silva b Herath 72 SC Williams c Mendis b Kumara 45 MN Waller c †MDKJ Perera b de Silva 0 PJ Moor† c Mendis b Herath 20 AG Cremer* b Herath 5 DT Tiripano not out 16

CT Mumba lbw b Herath 1 CB Mpofu lbw b Herath 20 Extras (b-12, lb-6, w-3) 21 Total (all out; 58 overs; 246 mins) 233 Fall of wickets 1-16 (Chari, 7.2 ov), 2-32 (Masakadza, 9.6 ov), 3-39 (Mawoyo, 13.6 ov), 4-113 (Williams, 28.6 ov), 5-114 (Waller, 29.4 ov), 6-166 (Moor, 39.6 ov), 7-176 (Cremer, 43.2 ov), 8-195 (Ervine, 51.1 ov), 9-201 (Mumba, 53.1 ov), 10-233 (Mpofu, 57.6 ov) Bowling: RAS Lakmal 15-258-0, HMRKB Herath 23-663-8, MDK Perera 8-1-42-0, CBRLS Kumara 9-0-42-1 (w1), DM de Silva 3-0-10-1

Silva at slip.

Dhananjaya, who was initially moving to his right in anticipation of the sweep going a lot squarer, changed directions and dived low to complete an excellent twohanded catch. Ervine referred the decision, but it was eventually upheld as there was sufficient evidence of the ball brushing the glove before hitting his forearm. Off the first ball of his next over, Herath had Carl Mumba with an arm ball that drifted back in to trap him in front.

Christopher Mpofu came out playing shots. A slog sweep over deep midwicket off Herath even had the dressing room in splits as he acknowledged the applause by raising his bat. He swung at everything thereafter, but the party did not last much longer as Herath’s slider came back in to beat his forward push and trap him lbw.

This was Sri Lanka’s fifth successive Test win they swept Australia 3-0 at home prior to this series - to equal their second-longest winning streak in Tests.

Their longest is nine, which they achieved in 2000-2001.

en Stokes hit an imposing century to put England in a dominant position on day two of the first Test against India in Rajkot.

The all-rounder was twice dropped by wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha on the way to 128 as England racked up 537.

Moeen Ali moved from 99 overnight to 117, while Stokes shared 99 with Jonny Bairstow, who made 46.

On a true surface, India reached 63-0 by the close, 474 behind, with Gautam Gambhir on 28 and Murali Vijay 25.

India’s comfortable progress in the evening session highlighted the size of England’s task if they are to take the 20 wickets re-

Ben Stokes tries to prevent the ball from hitting the stumps

quired to end the hosts’ run of 12 wins and two draws in their past 14 home Tests.

However, England’s batting effort has them in control and wickets early on day three would put the world number ones under severe pressure.

With England 311-4

SCOREBOARD Stumps - Day 2 England 1st innings (overnight score 311/4) AN Cook* lbw b Jadeja 21 H Hameed lbw b Ashwin 31 JE Root c & b Yadav 124 BM Duckett c Rahane b Ashwin 13 MM Ali b Mohammed Shami 117 BA Stokes c †Saha b Yadav 128 JM Bairstow† c †Saha b Mohammed Shami 46 CR Woakes c †Saha b Jadeja 4 AU Rashid c Yadav b Jadeja 5 ZS Ansari lbw b Mishra 32 6 SCJ Broad not out Extras (b-5, lb-4, nb-1) 10 Total (all out; 159.3 overs) 537 Fall of wickets 1-47 (Cook, 15.1 ov), 2-76 (Hameed, 26.3 ov), 3-102 (Duckett, 32.3 ov), 4-281 (Root, 80.5 ov), 5-343 (Ali, 99.4 ov), 6-442 (Bairstow,

120.5 ov), 7-451 (Woakes, 123.4 ov), 8-465 (Rashid, 129.6 ov), 9-517 (Stokes, 152.5 ov), 10-537 (Ansari, 159.3 ov) Bowling: Mohammed Shami 28.1-5-65-2, UT Yadav 31.53-112-2, R Ashwin 46-3-1672, RA Jadeja 30-4-86-3 (nb1), A Mishra 23.3-3-98-1 India 1st innings M Vijay not out 25 G Gambhir not out 28 10 Extras (b-8, lb-1, w-1) Total (0 wickets; 23 overs) 63 To bat: CA Pujara, V Kohli*, AM Rahane, R Ashwin, WP Saha†, RA Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, UT Yadav, A Mishra Bowling: SCJ Broad 5-1-200, CR Woakes 7-2-17-0 (w1), MM Ali 6-2-6-0, ZS Ansari 3-0-3-0, AU Rashid 2-0-8-0

(BBC Sport)

(ESPNcricinfo)

WI Women begin India series in disappointing fashion

W

est Indies women will have to wait till the second ODI on Sunday to give themselves a shot at securing the one win they need to earn a direct entry to the 2017 Women’s World Cup, after a forgettable first outing against India in Vijayawada. They slumped to 131 all out before India’s captain Mithali Raj and middle-order batsman Veda Krishnamurthy steered the hosts to a six-wicket win.

The pair put on an unbroken stand of 97 as India - who had slumped to 36 for 4 in the 17th over - chased down the target with 65 balls to spare. Raj faced 91 balls and hit six fours in her 46 not out, while Krishnamurthy brought up her fourth ODI fifty and was unbeaten on 52. The win was India’s seventh in 16 ICC Women’s World Championships matches and put them two points behind fifth-placed South Africa.

Four of West Indies’ top seven, including Deandra Dottin one of their most experienced batsmen - were out for single-digit scores after they had elected to bat. Hayley Matthews (24) and captain Stafanie Taylor (19) put on 37 for the second wicket - the highest partnership of the innings - before left-arm spinner Ekta Bisht removed both of them and Kycia Knight, to leave West Indies precariously placed at 63 for 4. Merissa Aguilleira, the wicketkeeper, top-scored with 42 not out as she carried the batting almost singlehandedly, with no batsmen after her getting into double figures thanks to a four-wicket haul by Rajeshwari Gayakwad, India’s other left-arm spinner.

West Indies lost their last four wickets for 16, three of those to Gayakwad, who finished with career-best figures of 4 for 21. Bisht, who bowled three maidens in her eight overs, finished with 3 for 14, while allrounder Shikha Pandey took the only other wicket that wasn’t a run-out, with her medium-pace.

India, experimenting with the new opening combination of Smriti Mandhana and Deepti Sharma, were rattled early. The opening pair put on 15, and No. 3 Mona Meshram - playing her first ODI in over three years - made 2 off 14, before falling to mediumpacer Shakera Selman (2-11). Harmanpreet Kaur’s dismissal for 1

overnight, Stokes, who began on 19, attacked the second new ball in the company of Moeen, who got the single he required for a hundred in the first over.

After Moeen was bowled shouldering arms to Mohammed Shami, Stokes added 99 in 21.1 overs with Bairstow as England piled up 139 runs in the morning session.

Bairstow’s loose edge behind was the signal for England to lose three wickets for 23 runs, but Stokes found an ally in Zafar Ansari.

After mixing leg-side power - two thirds of his runs came on the on side - with beautiful straight drives, Stokes brought up his fourth Test century, each scored on a different continent, by cutting Ravi Jadeja for four.

Eventually, the scoring dried up and the Durham all-rounder seemed to suffer with cramp, but by the time he was caught down the leg side off Umesh Yadav, England had a huge total.

Buxton United top...

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

shortly after reduced India to 36 for 4, giving West Indies a glimmer of hope. However the experience of Raj prevailed in the end as she saw the side home in Krishnamurthy’s company. (ESPNcricinfo)

SCOREBOARD West Indies Women innings (50 overs maximum) HK Matthews lbw b Bisht 24 SL Quintyne lbw b Pandey 0 SR Taylor* b Bisht 19 Kycia A Knight b Bisht 9 DJS Dottin c †Verma b Gayakwad 8 MR Aguilleira† not out 42 SA Campbelle run out (Meshram) 7 SC Selman lbw b Gayakwad 3 ASS Fletcher run out (Kaur) 0 A Mohammed b Gayakwad 5 TD Smartt lbw b Gayakwad 0 Extras (lb-1, w-13) 14 Total (all out; 42.4 overs) 131 Fall of wickets 1-5 (Quintyne, 1.2 ov), 2-42 (Matthews, 10.5 ov), 3-54 (Kycia A Knight, 14.2 ov), 4-63 (Taylor, 16.3 ov), 5-63 (Dottin, 17.4 ov), 6-94 (Campbelle, 27.4 ov), 7-115 (Selman, 34.3 ov), 8-115 (Fletcher, 35.3 ov), 9-131 (Mohammed, 42.2 ov), 10-131 (Smartt, 42.4 ov) Bowling: J Goswami 8-1-32-0 (w-2), S Pandey 8-1-22-1 (w-3), E Bisht 8-3-14-3, DB Sharma

6-0-27-0, RS Gayakwad 9.4-221-4 (w-1), H Kaur 3-0-14-0

India Women innings (target: 132 runs from 50 overs) DB Sharma lbw b Fletcher 16 S Mandhana c Dottin b Selman 7 MR Meshram c †Aguilleira b Selman 2 46 M Raj* not out H Kaur lbw b Matthews 1 V Krishnamurthy not out 52 Extras (lb-3, w-3, nb-3) 9 Total (4 wickets; 39.1 overs) 133 Did not bat: J Goswami, RS Gayakwad, S Verma†, S Pandey, E Bisht Fall of wickets 1-15 (Mandhana, 3.3 ov), 2-28 (Meshram, 7.3 ov), 3-33 (Sharma, 13.1 ov), 4-36 (Kaur, 16.3 ov) Bowling: TD Smartt 3-0-21-0 (nb-3), SC Selman 9-4-11-2, HK Matthews 8-3-18-1, ASS Fletcher 6-1-20-1, DJS Dottin 4-0-17-0 (w-2), A Mohammed 4-0-16-0, SR Taylor 2-0-5-0, SL Quintyne 3.1-0-22-0

G

olden Stars suffered their fourth loss in eight matches to remain on 8 points. Mahaica in handing BA Paradise SC their third loss of the league maintained their unbeaten run and along with Buxton United are the only two unbeaten sides in the league.

They {Mahaica} also knocked off BA Paradise from the second spot in the table which they now with 17 points, one better than Paradise. Mahaica’s win was crafted by Orlan Adams’ double which he achieved in the 20th and 55th minute. Rickford Profitt sealed the deal in the 60th minute.

Ann’s Grove hammered Buxton Youth Developers on account of two goals each from Maurice Adams (42nd and 44th) and Yohance France (50th and 52nd).

On Sunday, Plaisance Panthers ran away 2-0 leaders over Buxton Stars with Emanuel Hamer scoring both goals in the 3rd and 13th minute. But while Plaisance thought that that was probably enough to see them home, Buxton Stars had other ideas.

Buxton first pulled one back before the halftime whistle when Shemar Scott rocked the nets in the 21st minute to halve the deficit. The equalizer came off the boot of Kenaz De Cambra in the 73rd minute as both teams walked away with one point each.

21

SPORTS

YELLOW PAGES

Caribbean Motor Racing Championship...

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n Sunday the South Dakota Circuit will be invaded by some fast motor cars and bikes for the final leg of the Caribbean Motor Racing Championships (CMRC) and Jamaican Doug “Hollywood” Gore strongly believes it will be one of the best meets of the year.

Gore, who drives what is dubbed the fastest car in the championship, an Audi TTRS, has already secured the group four 4WD drive ti-

tle but still wants to travel to Guyana to compete fiercely with his fellow drivers.

“Mark Maloney from Barbados is a good driver and his car is fast, the Jeffrey’s are always fast, and Mark Vieira who I always look forward to racing against; so I feel it will be one of the best race meets in the CMRC all year,” Gore disclosed.

He added, “Winning the Caribbean championship and having Guyana as the

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SPIRITUALITY

Race Programme RACE#

TIME

GROUP

8:00 AM

LAP OF HONOR

8:20 AM

Street Tuner

2

8:40 AM

Starlet Cup

3

9:00 AM

Super Bikes CMRC

4

9:20 AM

Sports Tuner

9:40 AM

Group 3

1

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10:00 AM

Super Biker Outlaw

8

10:20 AM

Group 2

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10

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11:20 AM

Street Tuner

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15

11:40 AM

Starlet Cup

16

12:00 PM

Super Bikes CMRC

17

12:20 PM

Sports Tuner

18

12:40 PM

Group 3

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6

Group 3 CMRC

9

Group 2 CMRC 10:40 AM

11 12

Group 4 2WD Group 4 2WD CMRC

11:00 AM

Group 4 AWD Group 4 AWD CMRC

19

Group 3 CMRC

20

1:00 PM

Super Bikes Outlaw

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21

1:20 PM

Group 2

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22

25

Group 2 CMRC 1:40 PM

Group 4 2WD Group 4 2WD CMRC

2:00 PM

26

Group 4 AWD Group 4 AWD CMRC

27

2:20 PM

Street Tuner

28

2:40 PM

Starlet Cup

29

3:00 PM

Super Bikes CMRC

30

3:20 PM

Sports Tuner

31

3:40 PM

Group 3

32

Group 3 CMRC

33

4:00 PM

Super Bikes Outlaw

34

4:20 PM

Group 2

35 36

Group 2 CMRC 4:40 PM

37 38 39

Group 4 2WD Group 4 2WD CMRC

5:00 PM

Group 4 AWD Group 4 AWD CMRC

final leg to celebrate has always held a special place in my heart, I will be crowned champ for the third time now and it feels good.”

The Jamaican’s fondest memory of South Dakota is setting the lap record of 33.3s back in 2011 which is still yet to be broken and is urging all fans to come out at to a “Hollywood Sunday” since they will be in a for a treat.

Looking ahead, the group four driver is looking to take some time off from the sport due to the high cost, attached, as he revealed “Running the CMRC is not cheap and cannot be done back to back as it’s a financial strain, so next year I might give it a miss if the sponsorship is not there.”

In five years of racing, the driver is extremely appreciative of the support given by his team since “the car has never broken down on the track ever in all of the 5 years of racing and my crew must be commended for this as this is a huge accomplishment.”

Doug closest competitor is country man Kyle Greg on 43 points while Trinidadian Kristian Boodosingh in third on 30 points.

Inaugural Guyana Premier Softball Cricket Competition unveiled — Panamanian companies pledge support

T

he Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL) has organized the inaugural Guyana Premier Softball Cricket Competition which will be played from November 25 to 27 across six venues in Georgetown. The competition will be in two categories with handsome prize monies at stake.

The Over 45-year old category will see the inaugural champions $500,000 richer while in the Open category the winning team will pocket $600,000.

Interested teams are required to pay an entrance fee of $40,000 while on match days they are also responsible for their own balls, meals and water.

According to Organising Secretary of the GSCL, Samuel Kingston the games will be played at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC), Everest Cricket Club, Carifesta Sports Complex, Ghandi Youth Organisation (GYO), and GNIC grounds from 9:30h.

Kingston stated that all teams registering for the Over-45 category must submit photo identification preferably valid passports at least

by November 18 for every member of their 15-man squad.

Registration will be done by contacting the GSCL at 69 Seafort Street Campbellville or telephone 619-5103.

The tournament is receiv-

Samuel Kingston

ing overwhelming support from Panama with HL Latino, Beifa Zona Libre, Quick and Mayo Zona Libre already on board. On the local scene, Elegance Jewellery and Pawn Shop, Ink Plus – The Computer Store and Crown Mining have all thrown their corporate support for the three-day event. So far for 2016, the Georgetown Softball Cricket League has successfully ran off the Digimax Softball Cup and the Regal Sports Competition while another Regal Sports tournament is approaching the quarterfinals stage.

GFF/NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power National U17 League…

Buxton United top ECD standings

B

uxton United has continued to tighten their hold on the GFF/NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Intra Association Under-17 League in the East Demerara Football Association leg with another solid win last weekend.

The point’s leaders led by a hat-trick from Troni Semple brushed aside Golden Stars 5-0 at the Ann’s Grove Ground on Saturday.

On Sunday at the

Golden Grove ground, Buxton Stars battled back from a 2-goal deficit to draw with Plaisance Panthers.

Buxton secured their 7th win in eight matches with one draw in another dominating display against Golden Stars which couldn’t get on the score sheet. Joshua Liverpool opened the winners account in the 25th minute as Golden Stars stood solid against the constant raids from the Buxton

United players.

It was not until the second half that Buxton was able to double their advantage and this was done by the competition’s leading goal scorer, Kobe Durant who blasted his 16th goal of the league. Thereafter, it was the Profitt show as he netted in the 68th, 72nd and 75th minute to maintain his side’s unbeaten run as they move to 22 points from their 8 matches.

CONTINUES ON PAGE 20

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GUYANATIMESGY.COM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016

WICB/PCL Digicel Regional 4-day...

Jaguars begin hunt for 3-peat against new-look Scorpions — Trevon Griffith set to debut against home team

T

Jaguars Head Coach Esuan Crandon (with bat) and Vice Captain Vishaul Singh (left) going through close catching drills with Shimron Hetmyer and Tagenarine Chanderpaul

he Guyana Jaguars will begin their hunt for an un- dominance of the Scorpions whom they have beaten on the precedented third consecutive title in the third edition last four occasions. Test spinner Veerasammy Permaul has of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Professional so far taken 296 Regional First Class wickets and will beCricket League Digicel Regional Four-Day when they face come only the fourth bowler to take 300 wickets when he an in-different Jamaica Scorpions today at the National bags four more victims.

Stadium, Providence.

At Providence, the first ball bowls off at 9:30h with free Jaguars will start as strong favourites after only los- admision. ing just once in the last two years of the competition and The umpires for the match are Nigel Duguid and on paper has the strongest team comprising of several Test Jonathan Blades while former West Indies pacer, Colin players and recently selected West Indies A team players. Stuart is the Match Referee. The reserved Umpire is The tournament features 10 rounds of cricket with teams Nandkumar Shivsankar. playing on a home and away basis for the Headley/Weeks In other matches in the opening round, a reinvigoratTrophy. ed Leeward Islands Hurricanes host Barbados Pride at The home team batting will be lead by captain Leon Warner Park in Basseterre, St. Kitts. The Hurricanes – Johnson who topped the charts last year with 807 runs at under new captain Kieran Powell – will be hoping to turn an average of 57.64 while vice-captain Vishaul Singh, who around a number of seasons of weak performances and berecently stroked his fifth First-class century with a splen- gin to show more consistency, but the depleted Pride will did 161 playing for West Indies A against Sri Lanka be eyeing their ninth straight victory over the hosts.

A has been in good form. The list goes on with In the other match, Trinidad & Tobago Red another A-team player Shimron Hetmyer, who Force and Windward Islands Volcanoes, two stoked a century in the last round of the sides which promised much last season, but last season’s Four-Day match against the failed to deliver, will aim for a strong start Scorpions right at Providence. There are to the season in the first of six day/night also Test players Rajendra Chandrika contests during the season. and veteran Shivnarine Chanderpaul Day/night matches are one of the who along with his son Tagenarine who innovations which the WICB has inwill carry the brunt of the batting. troduced to the Tournament in a bid The bowling will be led by talentto bring more fans to the game. They ed left-arm spinners Veerasammy were first trialled in the R4Day during Permaul and Gudakesh Motie, who the 2010 season. both took 40 wickets last season and Apart from playing at night, there they will be supported by improving is also plenty of recent history beright-arm fast bowler Keon Joseph. tween the Red Force and Volcanoes Assistant coach and Manager that makes this contest intriguing.

Rayon Griffith has already stated that The Volcanoes have won five of the team will be looking to start the their last seven matches against the season well and carry the momentum Red Force, including the last three throughout the season. played in Trinidad.

Meanwhile, in the opposing camp, The other innovation the WICB has Head Coach Robert Samuels told this pubintroduced this season is a bonus points lication that “home boy” Trevon Griffith is system that rewards teams for getting wickTrevon Griffith expected to make his debut for the Scorpions ets using fast bowlers (see accompany playtoday. The dashing left-handed opening batsing conditions). For every wicket taken by a fast man, would have been a part of the team for the last bowler, each team will be awarded 0.2 points. two seasons but only played a few limited over games.

Squads: The batsmen extensive knowledge of the Providence wicket JAGUARS (from): Leon Johnson (captain), Christopher could be of great use to the visitors who finished third on the Barnwell, Anthony Bramble, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, points standings last season.

Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Rajendra Chandrika, Shimron Samuels quizzed on his expectations of the game stated, Hetmyer, Eon Hooper, Keon Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, “The first game will be tough encounter, they have the home Veerasammy Permaul, Raymon Reifer, Vishaul Singh. turf advantage and we will be starting as underdogs against SCORPIONS (from): Nikita Miller (captain), Jermaine the defending champions but I’m expecting a high quality Blackwood, John Campbell, Jason Dawes, Derval Green, and high class game from both teams.”

Trevon Griffith, Damion Jacobs, Brandon King, Andre Opener John Campbell has been their most consistent McCarthy, Marquino Mindley, Devon Thomas, Shacaya player in the league and the coach is hoping that he con- Thomas and Chadwick Walton. tinues to perform well since, “My worry is about the openers RED FORCE (from): Yannick Ottley (captain), Yannic since they have not clicked and my fast bowlers but hoping Cariah, Sheldon Cottrell, Jyd Goolie, Kyle Hope, Jon-Russ that if both come good, the team can perform well.”

Jagessar, Steven Katwaroo, Imran Khan, Jason Mohammed, He added, “The pressure is on Guyana (Jaguars) to per- Khary Pierre, Roshon Primus and Marlon Richards. form since they are the defending champions and the presVOLCANOES (from): Liam Sebastien (captain), Sunil sure is on to go out and put on a good show”.

Ambris, Narsingh Deonarine, Tarryck Gabriel, Kavem The matches will be played on the most eastern pitch, Hodge, Delorn Johnson, Mervin Matthew, Kenroy Peters, which was not recently relaid and should entice either cap- Jerlani Robinson, Shane Shillingford, Devon Smith and tain to win the toss and bat first since it should become Tyrone Theophile. slower as the match progresses a sentiment expressed by HURRICANES (from): Kieran Powell (captain), Quinton new Scorpions Captain, Nikita Miller.

Boatswain, Nkrumah Bonner, Kacey Carty, Rahkeem Miller said that his team has prepared well before arriv- Cornwall, Jahmar Hamilton, Montcin Hodge, Chesney ing in Guyana and will want to begin the season on a win- Hughes, Jeremiah Louis, Akeem Saunders, Jacques Taylor, ning note. The Scorpions’ spin department lies in the hands Gavin Tonge and Hayden Walsh Jr. of the experienced Nikita Miller and the young Damion PRIDE (from): Kevin Stoute (captain), Anthony Alleyne, Jacobs but both bowlers would be spinning the ball into a Shamarh Brooks, Roston Chase, Nikolai Charles, Justin left- handed heavy top six and an off-spin of Campbell and Greaves, Aaron Jones, Kevin McClean, Omar Phillips, Griffith will become very handy.

Mario Rampersaud, Kemar Roach, Jomel Warrican and The Jaguars will be looking to maintain their recent Kenroy Williams

GFF/Stag Elite League...

Major sponsors on board as kick-off shifted to November 20 ...main objective is player development — Forde

MVP Prize! Some players enjoying the moment of viewing the prize for the Most Valuable Player

T

he Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Stag Elite League which was initially set to kick-off on Sunday will recommence on November at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) Ground, Queenstown.

The League which is in its second year has attracted some major sponsors such as Marics Guyana Incorporated (Inc.), Camex Restaurants Inc. under their Church’s Chicken brand, the National Communications Network (NCN), EC Vieira Investments Limited, the Pan American Health Organization and Impressions Branding in addition to ANSA McAL under its Stag brand.

President of the GFF Wayne Forde, said that AnsaMcAl should be praised for maintaining the relationship between the two entities as they share a common vision for the tournament and the discipline.

Forde further thanked the latest wave of sponsors for coming onboard to help elevate the championship to unprecedented heights, noting “the main objective of the event is player development.”

According to Forde, high quality coaching alongside financial remuneration will also have a “positive impact on player’s development”, declaring “We need all hands on deck to push the sport forward” from all the relevant stakeholders.

Meanwhile, Stag Beer Brand Representative Linden Henry said the importance of the event should not be understated, adding that the players will be the focus of the impending season as the inaugural year was fixated on the actual tourney.

Also, Romel Richmond, Marketing and Sales Manager of Marics Guyana Incorporated said “It’s a privilege to be a part of the event. We see this as an opportunity for youth development in country”.

Richmond declared “Football and sport is the driving force of the economy in any country”, stating by partnering with the federation, the company will be able to contribute in this regard. He further revealed that the company has donated a Honda XR 150cc motorcycle for the most valuable player (MVP) of the event.

Chief Executive Officer of NCN Lennox Cornette said “NCN is really proud to be a part of the event. Elite suggest what we are aiming for and what is the long term objective, goal and vision”.

According to Cornette, footballers have a life off the field and that he is pleased they will be compensated for their services, adding the event will provide a platform for Guyana to develop and that the company is grateful for the opportunity provided by the GFF. Finally, Dawn Braithwaite, Director of Trading at Camex Restaurants said “We are pleased to be a part of the event and we assure you that we will continue in whatever way we can”. She further urged the GFF to focus on the academic aspect of player development, revealing “We don’t believe in only feeding hungry bellies but hungry minds.”

The event which will be played on a double round basis and will see the participants being Buxton United, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Fruta Conquerors, Monedderlust FC, Topp XX and Victoria Kings after Alpha United, Slingerz FC, Pele and Georgetown Football Club (GFC) officially withdrew.

Fixtures are expected to be drafted shortly, with the registration period for the four teams slated to close today.

Total prize monies for the championship is G$18,000,000, an increase from the first season’s entire winnings of G$15,000,000.

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016

23

Arjune backs Jaguars for 3-peat Hikers looking for lucky 7 S GHB/Diamond Mineral Water Indoor Hockey Festival

By Ravi Madholall

Aroydy Branford will be a main player in Hikers’ quest for a 7th title

Robert France will be looking to lead his men to the title once more

By Romario Samaroo

the team one of the more formidable teams in the competition.

This year, the stakes have been tripled with a cash payout of US$3000 for the winners of the male and female divisions and US$500 for the Veterans.

With three divisions in the festival, male, female and veterans, a total of 17 teams, including both local and international, have been confirmed to participate with time and space for m o r e teams to join the festival.

Registration fee per team in the male and female categories set at USD$400 while the veterans’ teams are required to

S

ince the tournament began in 2004, Pepsi Hikers have won the title six times and in the 13th edition of the Guyana Hockey Board’s (GHB) Diamond Mineral Water Indoor Hockey Festival scheduled for November 24-27, the top local male side is looking to make it seven.

Speaking with Guyana Times Sport, Captain of the Hikers t e a m , Robert France a f t e r winning the GHB/GTT Indoor Hockey Tournament (IHT) last Sunday said “The next stop is the Diamond Mineral

Wate r League where international teams will be coming in.”

With six previous titles along with a championship win in the Lucozade IHT and an undefeated run in the GTT IHT, France went on to explain that they are at the top of their game and will be representing the host country with their best, heading into the Festival with “Brute force and Ignorance” Reflecting on the 2015 edition of the festival where Hikers were dethroned by Canadian team 6IX Men, France pointed out the fact that they “were lacking practice but this time we putting in the works and we going all out,” adding that the plan will be to take the festival “one game at a time.”

France was not hesitant to call on the big guns in the squad heading into the Festival. Young talent, Aroydy Brandford who is an attacking player, Randy Hope, Jamarj Assanah, Andrew Stewart and others make

p a y US$200 each.

Returning to the tournament are four time winners, Canada’s Toronto Hockey who will be spare headed by past Most Valuable Player (MVP) on multiple occasions, Jonathan Roberts which includes gold medal winners from the Canadian team who participated in the last Pan American Cup in Uruguay. Last year’s runnersup, Trinidad and Tobago’s Queens Park Hockey Club (H.C.) and debutants, Ball Washers out of Washington, USA will both be looking for success. Also in the mix are, 2012 winners Toronto Academy, Carib H.C., Malvern H.C. and the top local sides, Old Fort, Bounty GCC, Pizza Hut GCC and others.

The Diamond Mineral Water Indoor Hockey League will be played at the home of Indoor Hockey, the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue from November 24-27.

ince the introduction of the West Indies Cricket Board Professional Cricket League (PCL) Digicel Regional Four-day tournament in 2014, Guyana Jaguars have been the championship side on both occasions.

Former Guyana First Class opening batsman, Krishna Arjune is backing his country’s boys to come out on top again and highly confident they could do it in 2016/2017 edition.

The action is set to bowl off on Friday with three matches playing simultaneously as Guyana Jaguars hosting Jamaica Scorpions while last year’s runners up, Barbados Pride travel to St. Kitts and Nevis to clash with the Leeward Islands Hurricanes.

In the other fixture, Trinidad and Tobago Red Force will entertain Windward Islands Volcanoes at the Queen’s Park Oval, Port-of-Spain in the day/night match of the round.

Guyana Jaguars ended with a whopping 149 points after the double-round format from 10 matches winning eight games and ended up with two drawn encounters.

Those figures, gave Arjune greater hopes that the men from the land of many waters should be inspired to retain the coveted regional four-day cup.

“I think the way Guyana Jaguars played in the two previous seasons showed that they are eager to dominate in this version; the experience is there especially with the presence of veteran batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul,” the 36-yearold right-handed batsman Arjune commented.

The Guyanese team will

The Jaguars putting in the hard work ahead of their opening fixture at the National Stadium

once again be led by test batsman Leon Johnson while opener Rajendra Chandrika, spinners Devendra Bishoo and Veerasammy Permaul along with Chanderpaul are the men with test exposure.

“Looking at the team and with all these senior players available also demonstrated that the selectors are serious to go out there and fire in all cylinders,” Arjune asserted.

Johnson, who recently returned with the Caribbean team from Dubai, has been consistently since the PCL competition launched while left-handed Vishal Singh was prolific too in the last two seasons.

Singh also had a wonderful A team tour last month in Sri Lanka and might be anxious to make another impression having knocked very hard at the selectors door for an international call up.

Arjune, who featured in 40 first-class matches, feels that the youngsters in the team are capable of being

impressive and it shows that the national selectors have shown faith in them to prove their talent.

Young West Indies world cup skipper Shimron Hetmyer, opening batsman Tagenarine Chanderpaul and left-arm orthodox spinner Gudakesh Motie have been in superb form.

“Well, that the good thing about this squad, you have got the experience and the youth, two things I believe the Guyanese can be proud of to showcase against the other competitors.

Meanwhile, Arjune stated that looking back at the four-day history, Jamaica have been a powerhouse country since the inauguration of the competition in 1965/66. The reggae boys had a streak of winning the tournament from 2008 to 2012 and that might be a psychological advantage for them, according to Arjune.

“Jamaica is known to be very competitive at this level but I am confident

Hicks looking to take Track Attack B

erbice cycling star and defending champion Andrew Hicks will be looking to make it two in two when he competes in the 2016 Track Attack cycling event organised by the Flying Ace Cycling Club (FACC) of Berbice which will be held this Sunday, November 13 at the Rose Hall Community Center Ground, East Canje.

Hicks, who was a member of the Trojan cycling club but now represents We Stand United, speaking with Guyana Times Sport said that he is confident that Andrew Hicks will look to he can defend his title as he make it two in two on Sunday has developed a lot since the

last time.

Hicks also won eight other lap races as well as the Devil take the Hindmost while placing amongst the top riders in the recently concluded National Sports Commission Three-stage race.

Throughout the day, it is expected that there will be events for all riders including categories such as Open, juniors, juveniles, BMX, veterans, school boys, starters, females and school girls including the 5000, the 3000 and 1500 meters events.

There will also be flat races of various, categories, distances and age groups in-

the Guyanese can start off things on a positive note against them; they have some quality players too but Guyana have got winning momentum and that is very important,” the elder Arjune related. His younger brother Vishaul Arjune would have also represented Guyana at the youth level.

Guyana Jaguars who defeated Jamaica Scorpions at Providence by an innings and 55 runs should commence the season as a firm favourites. Guyana Jaguars won eight of their ten games last season plus two drawn encounters.

The full squad reads: Leon Johnson (Captain), Vishaul Singh (ViceCaptain), Rajendra Chandrika, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Shimron Hetmyer, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Raymon Reifer, Anthony Bramble, Veerasammy Permaul, Eon Hooper, Gudakesh Motie, Keon Joseph and Christopher Barnwell.

cluding the much anticipated 100M and 200M events.

Cyclists and athletes from across Berbice are expected to trek to the venue to be a part of the day’s activities. All the top cyclist of the club and a few others from the Berbice area are expected to take part in the day’s action.

Last year, Curtis Dey of The FACC for his part rode away with the U16 six and five lap events while up and coming top female cyclist Whitney Poyer also of the FACC won the female five and six lap races.

The day’s event is expected to ride off at 10:00h.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016

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

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

WICB/PCL Digicel Regional 4-Day

Pg 22

Jaguars begin hunt for 3-peat against new-look Scorpions —Trevon Griffith set to debut against home team

Veerasammy Permaul who needs four more wickets to join the ‘300 Club’ inspects the Providence track ahead of today’s opening match

GFF/Stag Elite League...

Major sponsors on board as kick-off shifted to November 20

Pg 22

... main objective is player development — Forde

Front row (L-R) Vice Presidents Tandi McCalister and Bruce Lovell; President Wayne Forde, and 2nd Vice President Rawlston Adams along with sponsors, team officials and players

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