Guyana Times Daily

President charges Rotary to lead in fostering communitarianism P7 Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana Issue No. 2767 guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

February 14, 2016

PRICE

AFC emasculated after signing Valentine’s Accord – Independent commentators

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Police P find gun at Issano

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Page 3

Elderly woman Harmon, Jordan outperform PM killed at Budget Golden Grove to defend – recommits Govt to Page 8

... while using pedestrian crossing

$120 vat included

2016 delivering "good life"

Treasury possibly P15 $13.5B richer after tax hikes – PPP/C MP

See stories on Pages 18 & 20

Region 3 cements stance against suicide Page 16

Diamond, Kaneville residents P7 relieved after water service restored

3 miners remanded P8 for narcotics possession The National Suicide Awareness and Prevention Programme under the Nirvana Humanitarian Society was inaugurated on Saturday with a walk from the Leonora Synthetic Track to Meten-Meer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara

Gunman opens fire on West Dem contractor Page 14

Walter Rodney CoI report

Chairman says Commission was told to leave report at AG’s office Page 9

Aurora Primary School materials missing Page 6

– Police probing possible theft as Region 2 CEO clueless

Zika virus P8 outbreak to top Caricom Heads Belize meeting

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NEWS

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SunDAY, february 14, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Sunday, February 14 – 09:00h-10:30h and Monday, February 15 – 10:00h-11:30h.

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Sunday, February 14 – 08:15h-09:45h and Monday, February 15 – 09:15h-10:45h.

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

WEATHER TODAY Weather: Light rain showers can be expected throughout the day with sunshine in the later afternoon, while clear skies with light cloud cover can be expected in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius.

AFC emasculated after signing Valentine’s Day Accord – independent commentators

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ne year ago, the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) joined forces in unwavering matrimony through the signing of the historic Cummingsburg Accord (Valentine’s Day Accord) with unyielding dedication to change the name of politics in Guyana, with the country’s first ever six-party coalition Government.

However, critics believe that the Administration has

Winds: East North-easterly between 3.57 metres and 4.91 metres per second.

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Low Tide: 02:19h and 14:49h reaching a minimum height of 0.69 metre at each scheduled low tide.

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Also expressing his views on the Government’s effectiveness thus far, the former Minister said he is rather disappointed.

Using the Wales Estate closure debacle as an example, he posited that the Government is only making matters worse for themselves.

BY DEVINA SAMAROO

Political Commentator Ramon Gaskin

fallen short on one too many of its promises and have already forecasted nothing but a bleak future, particularly for the AFC-arm of the People’s National Congress (PNC)-led coalition.

With the honeymooning season over, prominent political commentators and players had lots to say as they reflected on the coalition’s first year together as partners in politics against the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration.

Economist Ramon Gaskin reminisced that it was only a year ago that the two parties, eager to gain Executive power, teamed up to defeat the longstanding PPP/C Government.

“Without them coming together, the APNU could not have won the elections alone because the PPP/C is still a bigger party than all of them,” he noted.

But Gaskin highlighted that while the APNU was reaping all the benefit from this sweet victory, the AFC

AFC Vice Chairman Moses Nagamootoo and APNU Chairman David Granger share a light moment after signing the Cummingsburg Accord on February 14, 2015

was left in the shambles.

“Everyone can see that the AFC lost some grounds in the immediate run-up to the General and Regional Elections in Regions Five and Six… the AFC continues to lose ground among its supporters. They can’t make it on their own now. They would not survive,” Gaskin predicted.

Gaskin expressed that it appears the AFC has been shafted by the PNCled Government; however, for reasons unknown, they would not complain.

“They could have gotten more but they seem happy. Nagamootoo, Hughes, Patterson and Ramjattan…,” he said.

Gaskin explained that while the Cummingsburg Accord promised a 40:60 split between the two parties, the AFC continues to be left behind. He highlighted, for example, that State boards are made up predominantly of PNC members.

Moreover, commenting on the coalition Government’s performance together thus far, Gaskin rated it as “reasonable”.

He also expressed concerns over the influx of exmilitary personnel into highranking positions within Government.

Former Government Minister, Dr Henry Jeffrey, also believes the AFC will be completely wiped out if they ever embark upon entering the political arena as a single entity again.

He believes both sides are well aware of the circumstances and therefore, the AFC will continue to do any-

thing to stay in power while the APNU will remain in control.

“The coalition has placed much emphasised on staying in Government other than political relationships among themselves… They are set upon staying in Government, so the AFC will bend with the winds to just stay in Government, and the larger party will continue to rule,” Dr Jeffrey presumed.

He explained that one of the detrimental elements between the parties is the fact that there is no political framework in place to determine policies within the coalition.

Political Commentator Henry Jeffrey

At best, Dr Jeffrey would rate their performance as “mediocre”, noting that it appears the Government’s flagship programme is mainly cleaning up Georgetown. turn to page 14

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SunDAY, February 14, 2016

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

Editorial

Valentine for Guyana

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oday, being Valentine’s Day, Guyanese will exchange token and expressions of affection and love with those of another gender. Today is also a lull from the rancorous debate going on in the National Assembly over Budget 2016.

Unfortunately that debate did not end on a note of "affection and love" when the opposition walked out after the Government once again refused to follow tradition and have the leader of the opposition be the penultimate speaker before the Minister of Finance had the last word.

Our country is our mother and today it is hoped all Guyanese will spare her a thought and act in a manner that expresses some "love and affection" for her. What can we do? Having achieved Independence from Britain 50 years ago - there cannot be a Guyanese who has not recited the Pledge of Allegiance to our flag, the Golden Arrowhead. We have all taken therefore, the following vow, with our hand across our breasts to emphasise our seriousness about the words recited: "I pledge myself to honour always the Flag of Guyana/ and to be loyal to my country;/ to be obedient to the laws of Guyana; to love my fellow citizens and to dedicate my energies towards/ the happiness and prosperity of Guyana."

Today on Valentine's Day let us repeat and try to put into effect our promises in our "Pledge of Allegiance".

There is that promise to "honour always" our Flag which, of course, is a symbol of our nationhood. In making the promise, we are asserting that Guyana must be honoured and as such we must never let its Flag be sullied.

In the end, we would only be allowing our individual selves to be dishonoured.

We are not sure that enough has been done to inculcate into our citizens the respect of Flag and Country that, for instance, was insisted on in reference to the Union Jack of Britain during the colonial era.

The prior question is whether Guyanese citizens have a deep enough sense of loyalty for their country - which is the second promise. Would they react positively to JFK's famous exhortation: "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country"?

While one cannot speak conclusively on this issue, anecdotal evidence suggests that it does not take much for Guyanese to "badmouth" their country and even to "shake the dust off their feet" from it. It has been estimated that there are as many Guyanese out of Guyana as in.

Obeying the laws of a country is the sine qua non of peace and stability and is summarised in the phrase, "rule of law" which exhorts all that they are "under" the law equally.

This equality of treatment under the law is one of the most important practices that must be adhered to if the country is to be honoured and inspire loyalty. And since we have taken an oath to obey the laws, we must help in ensuring that others also do the same. This does not mean that there may not be "bad" laws, but that the law itself would encompass procedures that would allow the people to deliberate on and change them if that is the general consensus.

And we arrive at our promise to love each other as citizens. That is an important distinction: we have not promised to love someone in general, but as "citizens". We Guyanese are all citizens of this country and as such are endowed with particular rights and responsibilities towards each other and the country. To "love" another citizen, we each have to ensure that we do not infringe on their rights and that we assist them to fulfil their obligations. In that sense, we are our brother's (and sisters) keepers.

The final promise is that we do all within our power towards "the happiness and prosperity of Guyana". We commend this to our Government and opposition tomorrow.

Happy Valentine’s Day, Guyana.

A man feeds seagulls on a beach along the Arabian Sea in Mumbai, India, February 9, 2016 (REUTERS/Danish Siddiqui)

The Golden Arrowhead is not a yellow arrowhead Dear Editor, Please permit me space to express my disappointment at the way in which this APNU/AFC Government has been aggressively forcing its “Green & Yellow” on all Guyanese. Since this administration came into office in May 2015, it has not missed an opportunity to paint anything with green and yellow, which are the identifying colours of the Coalition. This is no coincidence.

The fact is that bridges, public infrastructures, and even the bicycles, boats and buses in President’s David Granger’s “Three Bs Programme” are painted in green and yellow. These public properties are intended to be used by every Guyanese and not just APNU/AFC supporters. As such, everyone should feel comfortable using these facilities, but when you look around all that you see is the imposing colours of the Coalition Government.

A casual drive down the Rupert Craig Highway on East Coast Demerara will show that everything that is done by this Government is done in a manner that is politically motivated.

While the palm trees look beautiful, all the tires are painted in green and yellow. The seats in the public park between Church

Street and North Road are predominantly green and yellow. At best, one or two seats are painted in red, which is one of the colours that are traditionally associated with the PPP/C. This makes a mockery of the whole talk about social cohesion and national unity. People must feel comfortable in their daily lives knowing that their political views are respected.

The green and yellow fantasy climaxed when Opposition MP, Alistair Charlie mentioned it in the National Assembly during the Budget Debate. It is reported that the Speaker of the National Assembly said that green and yellow are colours of the National Flag. This is exactly one of the defences that supporters of this administration are proffering when objections are made to the green and yellow campaign. Now, the last time I checked, our National Flag was titled the “Golden Arrowhead”.

There is no “yellow” in our national flag. Even a kindergarten child will explain that our National Flag is called the “Golden Arrowhead” and it has five colours: green, gold, white, black and red. It is simply not logical for our flag to be called the “Golden Arrowhead” when it has a “yellow” arrow. For some-

one to say that there is not a deliberate and conscious campaign by the APNU/ AFC to paint Guyana green and yellow is to be living denial.

This latest justification of green and yellow is mere hogwash and has even emboldened the Government MPs to pompously display their green and yellow necktie and scarf in the National Assembly where they are expected to represent the interests of “Guyanese” and not their selfish “political” interests.

For someone to say that the green and yellow campaign is not something that is affecting Guyanese, they would be barefacedly denying the fact that the APNU/AFC Government and some of its supporters are seeking to show its dominance over the people of Guyana.

One must never forget the days when the flag of the People’s National Congress (PNC), now the dominant partner in APNU/ AFC, was flown over the Court of Appeal as a sign of Party Paramountcy. Are we heading down that dark road again?

Others have justified this green and yellow campaign by saying that the PPP/C Government had done the same, but one must ask these questions: should the APNU/

AFC Government be excused from wrongdoings simply because the PPP/C Government did worse?

Are Guyanese destined to benefit from only what is a little better than what the PPP/C offered? Is the PPP/C Government the national (or international) standards by which political parties must conform their performance?

I am certain that anything painted with the colours of our National Flag will stand out remarkably better than something painted with only green and yellow or only red, gold and black.

National unity and social cohesion cannot be realised when any section of our society, moreso almost half of Guyana feels intimidated and dominated by the Government.

The APNU/AFC Government was elected (the Elections Petition aside) to serve all Guyanese and everything that is done must be done in the interest of all Guyanese. If the APNU/AFC Government is truly interested in real national unity and social cohesion, then they will stop the greening and yellowing of Guyana. The elections are over.

Sincerely, R Ramgolam

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SunDAY, february 14, 2016

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You can send your letters with pictures to: Guyana Times, 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown, Guyana or letters@guyanatimesgy.com

While Wales suffers, Diaspora’s 50th Independence GuySuCo’s top brass Committee responds to Bisram continue to thrive

Dear Editor, GuySuCo remains very much in media spotlight with Government’s recent decision to close Wales Estate at end of 2016. This decision did not have its bearing from the recent Sugar CoI. It was a cabinet decision confirmed

by President Granger in a television programme “The Public Interest”.

The fact that Government’s first major decision on the industry does not have its basis in the recommendations of the CoI suggests that Government is receiving advice (recommendations) from other sources (advisors). On the issue of Wales, Government is moving to implement a recommendation from its advisors despite being contrary to recommendations from a $75 million CoI. In the present situation, there will be no shortage of advisors. Each one will market their “knowledge”, ideas and agenda to attract attention and gain relevance for eventual financial gains. If I am not mistaken, many of the advisors held influential positions in the industry before, and were responsible for many major decisions, then the fruits of those decisions are being reaped now.

The new CEO comes with tremendous experience in the industry. In the period 1990 to 2010, he held very influential positions in the management structure of the company and was no doubt in every major decision made, be it good or bad.

It is those very decisions that have the company in its present state. GuySuCo was managed by Booker Tate Ltd of UK from 1990 to 2008.

Local Management handled the affairs of the company from 2009 onwards.

The new CEO served in top-ranking positions in both eras (Booker Tate & Local Management). History shows that in 1995, he left GuySuCo and joined Booker

Tate Ltd, UK as its Regional Finance Director.

In 2002 he was promoted to Business Director with responsibility for Caribbean & Latin America.

By late 2008/early 2009, Government of Guyana fired Booker Tate Ltd and Hanoman rejoined GuySuCo, as its first Local CEO in February 2009.

In December 2009, there was much debate about his salary of $2.5 million per month which drew sharp criticisms from Chairman of AFC Khemraj Ramjattan.

He was quoted as saying “this is outrageous in the context of GuySuCo which is in a pathetic financial situation. This disparity as to what the bosses get and what ordinary sugar workers get is most extreme!”Kaieteur News, December 14, 2010.

In July 2010, Hanoman resigned from the post citing personal reasons. One expects that the present CEO looked at balance sheets and business plans for estates during his tenure in Booker Tate and Local Management in the period 1995 to 2010.

Whatever, were the numbers, he did not for one fleeting moment in that period support closure for economic reasons or went public on any bad decision.

It is Booker Tate Ltd, Hanoman’s former employer that sucked monies out of GuySuCo in management fees to pay themselves incentives based on production and not profitability or economics. That payment mechanism drove production at any cost and Hanoman said nothing about it. Maybe, ethics was sacrificed for a pay cheque.

Hanoman was Booker Tate’s Business Director for Caribbean & Latin America when Skeldon Sugar Modernisation Project was planned, finalised and implemented. As an “astute economist”, he must have recognised that sugar busi-

ness was going bad and should have advised against it. As Business Director, he was in a position to do so but did not. Maybe, economic principles were sacrificed for a pay cheque.

Hanoman was Booker Tate’s Business Director for Caribbean & Latin America when Booker Tate Ltd proposed closure of Uitvlugt estate and he did not reject it. The Government of the day rejected the proposal, allowing that factory to remain intact. Hanoman now boasts that Uitvlugt factory is more efficient and has better equipment. What a change of heart from Booker Tate days to 2016 CEO days.

Maybe, patriotism and facts were sacrificed for a pay cheque.

Hanoman is once more the CEO of GuySuCo. There is no doubt that his monthly salary is above $2.5 million per month at a time when GuySuCo’s debt is at its highest point. Against this backdrop, he advised sugar workers that they will have a bleak 2015 Christmas and they certainly did. In 2016, he announced that Wales Estate will be closed and some workers will be made redundant.

Hanoman will put ordinary workers on the breadline at any time to retain his pay cheque. He sacrificed ethics, economic principles, facts, patriotism, etc for it in the past.

In the same way that Ramjattan in capacity of Chairman of AFC was dismissive about Hanoman’s salary in 2009, it is hoped that he is equally dismissive in 2016 as Vice President and Minister of Public Security.

The situation is even more compelling in 2016 because the company’s financial state is even more “pathetic” and disparity of pay between bosses and ordinary workers is greater.

Yours truly, Frederick Yuvraj

Dear Editor, The Objective of the New York 50th Independence Anniversary Celebration Committee is to be diverse.

The 50th Independence Anniversary Celebration Committee (New York) has noted a letter authored

by Vishnu Bisram in the February 12, 2016 edition of the Guyana Times which states that our committee is not diverse enough.

The committee welcomes any suggestions from Bisram on enhancing diversity. I encourage him to ask the organisations which share his concern to each nominate a representative for consideration to serve on the Planning committee.

The membership of our committee reflects those who responded to a widely publicised call for interested Guyanese nationals to join the committee.

Over 140 responded by contacting the Consulate in New York or the committee directly.

US representatives of the political parties in the Parliament of Guyana were also invited to nominate candidates to serve on the Planning Committee. The APNU, AFC and WPA responded.

Both the committee and the Consul General wrote

the PPP to this effect on two occasions and received no response. Everyone who responded either directly to the committee or to the Consulate was nominated to the committee.

The committee has members from seven States; New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Georgia, North Carolina, Florida, and Guyana, and comprises members who are of every ethnic persuasion.

It is the first diverse initiative of its nature in the history of the Guyanese diaspora, and we are working constantly to broaden diversity. Several individuals from the Richmond Hill, Queens community currently serve on the committee.

The UN Ambassador, the Consul General and deputy Consul General are ex-officio members of the executive and planning committees.

To ensure broad representation, the committee in October 2015 established a Queens sub-committee, chaired by executive member D Taj Rajkumar of Richmond Hill, to ensure all Guyanese are fully integrated into its planning of the celebration.

Dr Rajkumar and his team have been working to ensure broad representa-

tion. It is as a result of the work of Dr Rajkumar that Attorney Rhonda Binda joined the committee, and was subsequently elected its Vice Chairman.

At the invitation of the committee, Lakshmee Singh from Divya Jyoti Association which organises the Hindu Diwali Festival also joined the Planning Committee.

I reiterate that the intent and objective of the committee is to embrace the widest possible diversity in membership. To this end, it appears that the committee and Bisram agree on this point.

This is why I invite him to meet at the earliest possible time with the committee’s leadership, including Dr Taj Rajkumar, and to recommend representatives from various organisations he thinks can make a positive contribution to the committee.

We eagerly await a response. I can be contacted through the Guyana Consulate.

Yours Sincerely, Janice Hall Co-Chair Public Relations & Diaspora Engagement Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary Celebration Committee (New York)

'Because We Care' grants were equitable Dear Editor, I am happy to have provided some amusement for Allan Fenty (“Stabroek News”, Giving and Telling about it, Feb, 12, 2016) through my last Guyana Times Sunday column.

I had as much fun writing it, and I just wish to reply to his query about my thoughts regarding the PPP/ C’s Government $10,000 “Because We Care” grants to parents of school children.

Those grants were a budgeted benefit approved by Parliament and much welcomed by all of Guyana’s parents, Indian, African, Amerindian, Chinese and

Mixed alike.

It was never a case of President Donald Ramotar or Minister Priya Manickchand handing out charity, including boats named for themselves, to whomsoever they chose.

This national benefit was always transparent and fully accounted for in its allocation and distribution to all the parents of children who attended public schools.

Even if Fenty wishes to view it cynically as national bribery, at least the “bribes” were being distributed equitably, and in a country deeply divided by race such equity cannot be easily dis-

credited.

This is in stark contrast to the ad hoc presentation of “gifts” by a Santa Claus president. It’s also as clear as day whose children and which communities are benefitting from the president’s charity.

All skin-teeth and laugh aside, there can be no comparison between the PPP/C Government’s approved grants to all parents and the current style of charitable handouts which are wholly dependent on President David Granger’s personal favour.

Sincerely, Ryhaan Shah

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SunDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2016

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Foundation

Aurora Primary School materials missing

“You can’t blame gravity for falling in love.” ― Albert Einstein

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Anu Dev

t’s that time of the year again and the quote above is so serendipitous since the last prediction from old Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity was just confirmed!! But, it’s felt like “that time” ever since February began, what with the plethora of posts and articles about Valentine’s in the lead up to Valentine’s.

I’ve noticed that there are approximately four types of reactions to Valentine’s Day on social media: (1) loveydovey declarations of love from those in relationships, (2) single-and-proud statuses, (3) statuses declaring that food is their one true love, and (4) people who just go about their day like it was any other.

This Sunday, florists and confectioners will triple or even quadruple their sales as most everyone rushes to buy last minute Valentine’s

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for their loved ones.

Whether it’s a simple rose or diamond earrings, most everyone does something to show the special people on their life that they care on February 14. You don’t have to pull a Jay-z and send your wife 10,000 roses. I mean, you could… but you really don’t have to.

But February 14 doesn’t hold exclusive rights as the only date to s h o w s o m e one you care.

It’s just a date chosen in honour of St Valentine and became associated with romantic love in the 14th Century. It could’ve been any other date or better yet, it doesn’t just have to be one date. Why can’t people show their love for the important people in their lives every day? Or rather, why don’t they? The persons you love should be important enough to you that you would have no problem with showing them that you love them every day - whether you want to show your love by just saying ‘I love you’ or by showering them with gifts, it’s your prerogative.

Be spontaneous, show your love every day in all of the little ways that count much, much more than an elaborate show on Valentine’s Day. And love itself comes in so many, many forms - you could love your mom, your dad, brother, friends, boyfriend, girlfriend and all of the other people in your life.

W h y should only romantic love be exalted?

But how many people consider all of those other people on Valentine’s Day? And if everyone did, there probably wouldn’t be enough flowers in the world to gift all of those people - so how are you going to show your love to all of them on Valentine’s Day? You don’t have to - not if you showed them that you love them on the other 364 days of the Calendar.

And that’s exactly what you should be doing. Let the people you care about al-

ways know and feel that you care about them. Sure, people aren’t perfect and someone is sure to step on your toes over time. But you don’t need to hold a grudge or put them in the doghouse - remember that you love them.

And I’m not saying you need to go around loving everyone because no matter how many pink sunglasses we wear, we can’t fool ourselves that the world is as rosy as we would like it to be. There are always people who we will find decidedly unlovable, and that’s OK. You don’t need to love everyone and show everyone that you love them - that might be spreading yourself too thin (not to mention you’re also losing the plot of love being special and important).

You at least ought to show the important people in your life, the ones you care deeply about that you love them because hey, if you love them that much, that shouldn’t be much of a problem - right?

But OK, even though you should be showing your love every day, it IS a nice gesture to go that extra mile on Valentine’s Day. And a shout out to my brother Abhi...who turned 16 yesterday!

― Police probing possible theft as Region 2 CEO clueless

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aterials dismantled from the old Aurora Primary School in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) are missing and the Region Two administration is clueless as to how this happened.

According to Region Two Regional Executive Officer, Rupert Hopkinson, the school was dismantled after a contract at the cost of GY$114,715,474 was awarded to Builder’s Hardware and General Supplies for the construction of a new building for the Aurora Primary School.

Hopkinson, speaking to Councillors at the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) meeting for February said all the materials went missing. He said that the Police; however, has launched an investigations into the issue. He said that trucks were seen fetching the materials but persons from the area are not coming forward with information.

At that point, A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition Councillor Naithram stood up and questioned why the Aurora Police Station which is neighbouring the school did not overlook the issue or where was the security at the time when the materials were being transported away.

Naithram said that the materials should be

Region Two REO Rupert Hopkinson

placed at the Regional Administration compound and whenever persons want they should write letters first. He said that many times he sees contracts being awarded and the materials that are changed are durable that can withstand usage for years.

Region Two Chairman Devanand Ramdatt also raised concerns over the security and supervision of the project. He questioned where was the guard at the time and said that the materials dismantled could have been used to build a bus shed or a kitchen to feed school children.

Ramdatt said that he is very disappointed that an entire primary school was fetched away and no one is being held accountable. The Council was however informed that the Police have launched a probed into the matter.

Palm Court up and ready to celebrate V-Day

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ith Valentine’s Day upon us, some are prepared to stay in doors with their ‘special one’ but for those who prefer the hype in an environment that will leave you breathless and feeling the ‘full Valentine spirit’, all roads lead to the party nightspot Palm Court where there is a special Valentine’s Day treat that awaits couples and singles.

Guyana Times on Friday visited the popular party hangout where a representative spoke of the entity’s special offers for the pre-Valentine and Valentine Day celebration which includes a full package dinner, drinks and great entertainment in an atmosphere of romance.

Offering three reasonably priced packages that all come with a single fresh rose, persons can take advantage of an all inclusive dinner for the price of $15,000, a Valentine’s Day lunch at $5000 per person or a gift basket that goes as low as $8500, and includes a free bottle of red wine.

Additionally, Pulse Entertainment will also be holding their VIP Valentine’s Cupid’s Chokehold party at the venue’s upstairs hall on Saturday, with admission at $2000 per person with specials all night.

So Valentine’s Day is definitely on at your favourite spot to hang while enjoying great food, drinks and music with the Palm Court family.

news

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SunDAY, february 14, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Diamond, Kaneville residents relieved President charges Rotary to lead in fostering communitarianism after water service restored

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Persons in Diamond Scheme utilising the service of the water distribution truck

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esidents of the communities of Diamond and Kaneville on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) are breathing a sigh of relief with the restoration of the disrupted water service, after the well station serving the communities was down for several days.

On Monday, the Diamond Well Station began experiencing some technical difficulties causing a disruption to the service. It was revealed that a quantity of clay was found in the well.

A subsequent statement from the Guyana Water Incorporation (GWI) said that its “East Bank Demerara Maintenance Team observed that the water being produced by the Diamond Well Station, which has a depth of approximately 600 feet, contained large amounts of clay”.

The nation’s supplier of water added that further investigations revealed that the well casing was compromised at approximately 241 feet below the surface.

GWI’s Well Maintenance Engineer Denise Woolford had stated that a team from GWI was working along with a contractor to repair the ruptured casing.

Meanwhile, GWI’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr Richard Van West-Charles, on Friday met with local contractors and experts on well maintenance in light of the technical difficulties experienced at the Diamond Well Station.

During the meeting, discussions were held to determine a course of action regarding a resolution to the challenges at the Diamond Well Station. The CEO had stated that it was pivotal to utilise the ‘best minds’ in the field of well drilling and maintenance in order to successfully restore the well station in the swiftest manner possible.

Dr Van West-Charles indicated that GWI is in the process of repairing the ruptured well casing. This work entailed removing the accumulation of clay from the well and placing an internal sleeve in an attempt to seal the rupture. Following this,

the well will be cleaned and disinfected.

The CEO also charged the experts present with formulating a long-term solution for the current challenges at the well station and urged that every possible solution be explored.

Recognising the impact the service disruption was having on the residents, GWI attempted to supply water to the affected communities from areas between Covent Garden and Grove, EBD. This, however, resulted in customers residing between Covent Garden and Grove experiencing reduced levels of service.

In addition, the pressure was not strong enough to reach residents down at the back of Diamond Scheme and in Kaneville as such, GWI had to transport water via tankers to customers of Diamond, who were at the extreme end of the distribution network.

Guyanese Times spoke with a few residents earlier in the week who expressed their frustration with the fact that they were not getting any water. A Kaneville working mother, Samantha Niles, told this newspaper that it was “stressful” not having water to do her chores. She noted that with a house of five members, the stored water in their tank ran out by the second day of disrupted service.

“It was a lot of stress having to come from work and school not being able to do as much as we can… we had to wait until the truck come to get water because we didn’t want to use out the little we had left in the tank… we even had to use bottle water that we drink to shower,” she complained.

Ashok of Diamond New Scheme related that while his water was not coming from the tap, he had to use his water pump to get water and would share with his neighbours who were dependant on the normal service.

By Saturday when this publication made contact with these and several other residents in the affected Diamond Scheme, Diamond Public Road and Kaneville,

a few of them indicated that they were still not getting water while most said that they were receiving water but indicated that the pressure was low.

resident David Granger said civil society groups have a critical role in fostering communitarianism and called on the Rotary Club of Georgetown to lead efforts to instil the virtue of accountability to family and community to build a strong and united Guyana.

The Head of State made this appeal in his address at a fundraising dinner the Rotary Club of Georgetown hosted in observance of World Understanding Month at the Pegasus Hotel on Friday evening.

The President noted that Guyana has a long history of violence and division, but as the country prepares to celebrate its 50th Independence anniversary, it cannot afford to continue to stagger perpetually on the brink of catastrophe, constantly moving from one crisis to another.

“We need to exhibit the common sense and social cohesion which can ensure a cessation of this senseless divisiveness,” President Granger said. To this end, he noted that 2016 is Guyana’s “Year of Renaissance” and as such, all citizens and civil society groups must stand in solidarity and embrace the ideology of communitarianism, which emphasises an individual’s responsibility to the community and the social importance of the family.

President Granger noted that civil society, while pursuing its individual interests, generally works to ensure that its efforts are directed toward the broader objectives of society.

The President noted that these problems cannot be addressed by any single group – whether it is a Government or non-governmental organisation, but require a collective and co-

President Granger receives his Paul Harris Fellow certificate from past President of the Rotary Club of Georgetown, Errol Cheong

hesive response.

The President was also inducted as a Paul Harris Fellow, during the evening’s proceedings. The Club’s past President, Errol Cheong said that Rotary bestows the Paul Harris Fellow on a person whose life, in its estimation, demonstrates a shared purpose with its foundation and objectives. President David Granger, he said, exemplifies these qualities and the Club is honoured to bestow the title upon him.

The Rotary Club was started by Paul Harris on February 23, 1905 and is now an international service organisation, which brings together business and professional leaders in order to provide humanitarian services, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and to advance goodwill and peace around the world.

8 news Elderly woman killed at Golden Grove SunDAY, february 14, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

... while using pedestrian crossing

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n elderly woman has become the ninth road fatality for the month of February after she was stuck by a truck while using the pedestrian crossing at Golden Grove, East Coast Demerara (ECD), on

Friday.

The dead woman has been identified as Kosilla Mohamed, 67, of Lot 21 Clonbrook, ECD. She was pronounced dead on arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital. It was report-

ed that Mohamed suffered head and leg injuries.

It was revealed that the now dead woman was crossing the road on the pedestrian crossing when she was hit and flung several feet from the point of impact.

The driver, who was reportedly on his mobile phone when the accident occurred, was taken into Police custody, was.

Police have launched an investigation into the accident.

3 miners remanded for narcotics possession

T

hree miners on Friday were remanded to prison when they appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged

for narcotics possession.

Roy Tony, 28, of 33 Old Road Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara; Troy Richmond, 28, of East Coast Demerara; and Harrison Henry, 31, of East Coast

Demerara; who are all miners at Kaikan Backdam, stood before the court to answer to the charge which alleged that they had in their possession 299kg of cannabis for the purpose of traf-

ficking which subsequently led to their arrest.

They were all remanded to prison and the matter was transferred to the Kamarang Magistrate’s Court for March 21.

Zika virus outbreak to top Caricom Heads Belize meeting

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dvancing the regional response to the Zika threat will be among matters engaging Caribbean Community (Caricom) Heads of Government at their 27th Inter-Sessional meeting in Placencia, Belize later this month.

The Belize meeting comes some two weeks after the World Health Organisation declared Zika as a ‘public health emergency of international concern’.

The suspected Zika link to cases of microcephaly in parts of Latin America, with babies born with underdeveloped brains, has also heightened public concern about the virus.

At least five Caricom Member States have diagnosed cases of the Zika virus. The Caribbean Regional Public Health Agency (CARPHA), which has been providing testing and prevention and control guidance to Member States, is expected to help the Meeting determine the future actions in the Zika fight.

The meeting will also give Caricom Heads an opportunity to build on the favourable outcome, from last December’s COP 21 Paris Climate Change conference, for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) which include Caricom Member States.

The Heads are also expected to focus on measures to position the Region to benefit from the historic Paris Agreement on climate change.

Caricom climate change negotiators in Paris, using the popular mantra “1.5 to Stay Alive” successfully promoted the ‘temperature rise’ as an existential issue for the Region, and were able to have language included in the historic final Agreement which takes account of the 1.5 degree option.

The Caricom negotiators also pushed the special circumstances for scaled up financing for the implementation activities in SIDS, and the Agreement includes a baseline contribution of 100 billion US dollars annually for both adaptation and mitigation.

Caricom now faces

the challenge to use the Agreement as the basis for future climate action. This is expected to include improving national and regional capacities to make use of the emerging opportunities.

The Caribbean Community now faces the challenge to use the Agreement as the basis for future climate action. This is expected to include improving national and regional capacities to make use of the emerging opportunities. Caricom Ministers and their technical officials were meeting in Belize Thursday and Friday to further analyse the agreement ahead of the Inter-Sessional Meeting.

The Paris Agreement will be opened for signature and ratification at the United Nations in New York in April.

Caricom Heads are also

expected to continue deliberations on the implications for the regional banking sector from loss of corresponding banking relationships.

Of particular concern is the Region being labelled as a high-risk area for financial services. This could lead correspondent banks in the United States and major banking centres in Europe to weigh risks versus rewards in deciding whether to do business with the Region’s indigenous banks, and banks in its offshore sector.

The Heads of Government last year established a Committee of Finance Ministers to work with the Caribbean Association of Banks to develop a plan to deal with this matter. That Committee will meet on Monday, February 15, ahead of the InterSessional Meeting to deliberate on a regional strategy to go forward to the Heads.

This Inter-Sessional Meeting will begin with a short opening session on Monday evening which will be addressed by host Prime Minister and Incoming Caricom Chairman Dean Barrow; Outgoing Chairman Freundel Stuart; and Caricom Secretary General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque.

Eyew tness Trashing...

I

...parliamentary protocols

n civilised societies, it’s accepted that to facilitate citizens following the norms of society, the forms of behaviour must be such as to encourage the actions sought to be followed to increase citizens’ wellbeing and for harmony to be augmented. So it is in the courts, for instance, the judge wears certain garb to emphasise his sombre role to “pass judgement”... and he’s addressed as “Your Honour” or such like.

In those same courts, we have an adversarial form of representation to ensure the interests of the accused and the interests of the state are allowed free expression so that the judge can make his decision on the case presented to him – and not to some Platonic notion of “justice”. Parliament is an institution premised on similar principles.

Here, the nation’s interest would be best served – especially during presentations of Budgets – by having the opposition scrutinise and critique the government’s plans for spending taxes collected from all Guyanese.

The tradition offered the spokespersons from the two sides to summarise their differing positions succinctly – for the benefit of the citizenry. While the Speaker isn’t a Judge, he’s supposed to impartially apply the Standing Orders and the traditions of the Assembly to ensure form facilitates function... and both sides be heard. And the country benefits.

One of the Parliamentary traditions in England is after the Chancellor (their Finance Minister) presents the Budget, the Leader of the Opposition responds. In Guyana, that tradition was after the debate, the Leader of the Opposition sums up his party’s position and the Finance Minister is allowed the last word. But suddenly, in the last Budget Debate, Moses Nagamootoo – stripped of all “line responsibilities” by the President – including those promised by the Cummingsburg Accord – suddenly insists HE should speak after the Opposition Leader and before the Finance Minister. The Government would now have two persons summing up to the Opposition one.

And the APNU/AFC Speaker once again let him get away with this violation of the fundamental norms of fairness that’s supposed to typify the working of Parliament!! And it was because of precisely this potential for unfairness and partisanship of past Speakers that in the House of Commons, the Chairman of the “Ways and Means Committee” – not the Speaker – chairs the Budget debate. Maybe we should follow suit in Guyana.

It’s very pathetic because Nagamootoo has been neutered by Pressie, he’s allowed to use the one discretion left to him – being “in charge of government business in the Assembly” – to buttress his excised libido.

He’ll alter a long tradition of parliamentary fairness just so he can show Jagdeo “he’s maan”. But that’s the nature of this spayed poodle.

...the PPP

So what did Nagamootoo actually say, after the PPP members exited the Assembly in protest? “Throw talk” at the PPP as usual. Hearing him excoriate the PPP for its “neglect” of sugar during the last 23 years, you’d think his navel string was buried in the PNC! How does this fellow hold in the same brain, his boasts about being in the PPP for 50 years – thirty years as a “leader – and at simultaneously declare the PPP was screwing sugar workers? These two positions clash so violently, Nagamootoo vividly illustrated the term “cognitive dissonance” when his wild eyes and foaming mouth even alarmed his new comrades.

Almost like the gravitational waves just confirmed – which could only be generated by powerful clash of two black holes! And the same thing on rice farmers. If his government didn’t even ATTEMPT to engage Venezuela to renew the PetroCaribe rice deal, how can they escape blame for its cancellation?

Luckily the PPP was spared the tremors from Nagamootoo’s clashing brain waves!

...Nagamootoo’s Shill

President Granger bitch-slapped Nagamootoo’s shill Imran Khan something fierce for saying GINA must only cover the government.

Poor Shillo... can’t be easy trying to boost Nagamootoo’s testosterone when he’s been spayed.

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

news

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SunDAY, february 14, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Walter Rodney CoI report

Chairman says Commission was told to leave report at AG’s office H

igh on the heels of controversy surrounding the handing over of the report from the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry (CoI), Chairman Sir Richard Cheltenham has clarified that he was told to leave the report at the Attorney General’s Office.

On Wednesday, Attorney General Basil Williams confirmed to the media that the final report from the Inquiry was dropped off to his Confidential Secretary, in what he described as a “disrespectful” manner. It was also reported that the Commissioners left Guyana after handing over the document.

However, in a lengthy statement Saturday signed

by Cheltenham, he sought to clear the air on what had transpired, saying it was President David Granger’s Secretary who told him to leave the report with the AG’s Office after the Head of State was unavailable to personally receive it.

The Chairman admitted that the scheduled handingover of the report on Monday was postponed because there was a shortage of ink. He explained that on Monday last, the soft-copy of the report was being printed via private printing facilities at the Mariott Hotel, where they were staying, but during the process he was informed the ink had ran out.

Sir Richard said when the Commission’s Secretariat was contacted for additional ink, they were told that it had to be sourced by the Administrator to the Secretariat, Hugh Denbow, but reported efforts to contact him were unsuccessful.

The Chairman added that around 11:15h, Denbow turned up at the Hotel ex-

plaining that he was in a meeting with aviation officials visiting the country and apologised for being out of reach. The administrator then indicated that he had already procured ink days before in anticipation of the printing and was surprised that it had run out.

He, however, left the hotel and returned 30 minutes later with the additional ink which he purchased personally and they re-commenced printing the report, which was scheduled to be handed over to the President at 12:00h.

According to the statement, the Chairman wanted to do the presentation the said Monday but was told President Granger was unavailable for the rest of the day. Nevertheless, the following day, Cheltenham added that he along with fellow commissioner, Seenath Jairam SC, went to the President’s Office to make the official hand over.

The Chairman disclosed that they were told initially that the Tuesday handover was tentatively set for 12:30h and after receiving no confirmation, they proceeded to the Ministry of the Presidency.

“We were keen to discharge our obligation and hand over the Report. At 12:45 pm with no word from the President, the Chairman instructed Mr Denbow (Commission Administrator) to alert our security personnel and the police that we were going to the President’s office at 1:00 pm to hand over the Report,” he stated.

Sir Richard went on to say that after clearing security at the Ministry of Presidency, someone came and escorted them to a room, where they waited for the

President. “…after about twenty-five minutes a lady (whom we assumed to be the President’s Secretary) came and informed us that the President would not be able to see us as he was otherwise engaged. She added that he had instructed that we should take the Report to the Secretary to the Attorney General and leave it with her. That we did just before 2:00 pm,” the Chairman revealed.

Cheltenham went even further to mention that they took photographs along the way and even when they handed over the report to the Attorney General’s Office.

Moreover, the Chairman sought to also address the issue of their contract and fees to write the report. During his comments to reporters on Wednesday, the Attorney General had remarked that

Government is puzzled about the request for a “writing fee” since it is well understood that a report is compiled at the end of any inquiry.

“In any inquiry, the end of such inquiry is culminated by the presentation of a report. That can only be done only after it has been written up, that should have been included in the fees charged.

So we don’t know about a separate writing fee when it is subsumed in any remit of any inquiry that they have to write up the report and hand it over,” Williams had posited.

But, Sir Richard in his four-page statement explained that the terms and conditions of the Commissioners’ services were engaged and settled with the former Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, on behalf of then President

Donald Ramotar, who initiated the inquiry.

“There was no signed contract which is not uncommon in Commissions of lnquiry. The Chairman was careful, however, to send a letter dated 10 February, 2014, to Attorney General Nandlall reflecting the terms of our engagement which had been agreed with the Chairman and the other Commissioners at the Amaryllis Hotel in Barbados on the 8th of February, 2014,” Cheltenham said.

He continued that, “one of the elements of our engagement included a writing fee for the Commissioners, as is the norm. A writing fee is a standard part of the engagement of Commissioners.

It reflects the reality that Commissioners have to spend considerable time, separate and apart from

hearing the evidence, in analysing and writing up the Report. It is the fee paid to Commissioners for the final phase of their responsibilities.”

Sir Richard noted that the writing fee was due to be paid in full, ten days before the delivery of the Report.

He added that a letter from the Chairman setting out the terms with respect to writing fees was provided to the Administrator during the last sitting of the Commission in August, 2015, and he was reminded of this in another letter dated January 20, 2016.

“Notwithstanding that, none of the writing fee was paid, the Commissioners went to Guyana determined to discharge their responsibilities under the Terms of Reference and have done so,” the Chairman said.

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SunDAY, february 14, 2016

guyanatimesgy.com

News

Guyanese-American Chamber of Commerce opens in Florida

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mbassador Bayney Karran of Guyana recently opened the Guyanese American Chamber of Commerce (GACC) in Miramar, Florida, USA. In his address to the audience, the Ambassador noted that this establishment is timely since it has the potential to“improve the scope and functions of Guyanese and Guyanese American businesses.”

“I am certain that the Chamber will lobby effectively for your interests and protect your rights,” Ambassador Karran posited. He however cautioned that the Chamber would not be able to protect entities if applicable laws and regulations are not observed.

“I would urge member companies to take advantage of the Guyanese American Chamber of Commerce as a dependable collaborator and ally,” stated the Ambassador.

It was also posited that the GACC will be able to make a valuable contribution to the two countries by networking support for businesses.

The Ambassador opined that Governments “rely on stakeholders” to make suitable rec-

Ambassador Bayney Karran

ommendations to advance their legislative agendas.

“Your organisation would be expected to protect the interests of Guyanese American-owned businesses in the United States as well as Guyanese companies that do business here. It is hoped that you can provide timely and relevant information to them...

There is much scope for mutual support and collaboration between the Guyanese American Chamber of Commerce and businesses in Guyana through

the relevant Government agencies,” Ambassador Karran explained.

To this end, the Ambassador pointed to the Business Ministry, established by the new Administration which he said recognised the “absolute importance of business to the social and economic development and prosperity of Guyana.”

“The Government needs businesses to succeed in order to generate employment and taxes [for] the services the Government provides. For this reason, the Government of Guyana is ensuring a business environment that is conducive to growth and development and one in which businesses would enjoy better returns on their investments,” Ambassador Karran explained.

Sectors such as ago-processing, wood products, light manufacturing, ICT, and the film, jewellery and garment industries will all be pushed by the Business Ministry, Ambassador Karran explained. He also noted that the Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest) has planned to facilitate 160 new investments.

It was further explained that the Government is seeking

to increase the country’s presence in foreign markets and foreign direct investments to improve the economy.

Ambassador Karran pointed out that Guyana is going through a period of “mixed fortunes” with regards to economic development. The difficulties in the sugar industry and the threat from Venezuela to the nation’s oil discovery were two challenges to the economy which the Ambassador observed.

At the occasion, the programme activities for the 50th Independence anniversary celebrations were also launched.

Ambassador Karran highlighted that the cricket competitions, family fun days, a Phagwah festival and cultural presentations will all be held in Florida.

These activities have been prepared to observe “our diverse culture, national identity and irrepressible spirit.”

“I wish to thank all Guyanese, more so the members of the planning committee, for your patriotic commitment.

I wish you great success as you continue to engage in the planning and organisation for the Golden Jubilee,” Ambassador Karran expressed.

Wear Red and White Representing our flag S

atiricus was appalled at the ignorance of his fellow Guyanese. He accepted he wasn't usually the brightest bulb in the room by any means. But even HE knew what the Chief Talker in the National Talk Shop was talking about when he said "Green and yellow are the colours of the National Flag" – our dear, old Golden Arrowhead. And that the Opposition mustn't "lampoon" our beloved flag.

Now Satiricus knew lampooning was bad. You can't go around mocking people using biting sarcasm and wit. Like those folks who keep saying our Prime Moocher Nagga Man lacks "testicular perspicacity". That's terrible!!

Or that Rum Jhaat lacks "ocular perspicacity"... that's even more lowdown. Satiricus had always thought the Opposition lady, The Sharer, was on the ball. But to his surprise, she was the one who objected when the Chief Talker pulled up her MP. The MP was objecting to the APANU and KFC government painting everything that didn't move – including the First Dog who'd gotten a tad overweight – but especially the State Buildings with the colours Green and Yellow. Which, he pointed out, were the colours of APANU and KFC. "NOT SO!!" thundered the Chief Talker, "They're the colours of the Golden Arrowhead!” And to criticise the use of green and yellow was to lampoon our nationhood – not to mention our manhood and womanhood.

The Sharer then became very impudent, in the opinion of Satiricus. She claimed the colour in the Golden Arrowhead was actually "gold" and not "yellow" – hence the name "Golden" Arrowhead and NOT "Yellow" Arrowhead. And to have a "yellow" streak in our flag would mean we're a nation of cowards. As even if that were true, we can't very well be advertising it.

The Chief Talker was not moved and implied The Sharer was just quibbling. "Yellow or gold," he pointed out, "same difference." The Sharer then quibbled that there were OTHER colours in the Golden Arrowhead.

And this was the source of Satiricus' disappointment. The Sharer didn't know about "synecdoche"?? When you use a part of a thing to represent the whole? Like "wheels" to refer to cars" or "cock eye" to refer to a certain politician.

Satiricus hoped The Sharer learnt a lesson and today she'd be patriotic and wear "red and white" – another synecdoche for our flag.

news

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SunDAY, february 14, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

What the people say VOX POPULI I SAY...

Time for a united Guyana What does Valentine’s Day mean to you and how do you plan on spending the day?

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t is time for change, real change. It is very clear that the APNU/AFC Coalition Government which promised that change will not be delivering on their promise. They have already made countless missteps and their unapologetic cronyism, racism and corruptions seem to be exactly what the Granger government intends.

From the very start, the course was set when the AFC was shown the exit door and the powers promised Prime Minister Ryhaan Shah Moses Nagamootoo never materialised. The promised constitutional reforms, especially those to temper presidential powers, are also unlikely to happen.

What did happen was a top-heavy cabinet of ministers who have given themselves magnificent pay hikes while the rest of the country wallows in the effects of a flattened economy that is likely to continue given the shortcomings of the proposed budget.

Many of us had our doubts, and voiced them, about the PNC being returned to power when they have never admitted to any of their past wrongs but many were just as convinced that a change would be welcomed and fell prey to the PNC/APNU/AFC’s hysteria about the PPP’s alleged corruptions.

Even if some are proven true, it is unclear why the Granger administration feels it can now behave with a similar arrogance and is turning the promised change into an exchange, into a swapping of one corrupt side for the other.

The PPP has also not taken stock of the reasons for their loss at the polls and if they are returned to power they will most likely continue the ping-pong game that is being played by these two political parties. They might both score wins for themselves but, caught in the middle, the country always loses.

Third parties have proven feckless and always die. Burnham threw out the United Force. The WPA simply vanished without the moral leadership of Dr Walter Rodney, and the AFC will be unable to withstand President Granger’s slights and rebuffs for much longer. That is, if the party has any dignity to speak of.

Given this scenario, the PPP has every chance of victory for the party and a victory for Guyana at the next general elections but only if it undergoes real reforms to make it a political force of true Guyanese unity. This would not be an alien move for the party.

When Dr Cheddi Jagan founded the PPP, he meant to create a party for all Guyanese and the recently published letter written by the late Rory Westmaas in 1953 to the Governor’s Advisory Committee for Detained Persons shows how far the PPP has fallen from its earliest days when it attracted young, bright minds.

Westmaas’ letter bears out that the PPP was once unafraid of intellectuals and intellectual thought.

The split between Burnham and Jagan did divide the country into two opposing realities, Indian and African, and the shift in emphasis to racial hegemony has led to the death of intelligent life in both camps since shoring up racial voting requires only the basest rhetoric.

Guyana can ill afford to continue on this path and the tragedy that is unfolding under President David Granger’s lack of just leadership must serve as a wake-up call. With many voices, Indian, African and Amerindian, already raised in dissent and criticism, the PPP should seize the moment to effect real party reform.

Many would be willing to work with a party that will put country first and bring to life Dr Jagan’s vision of unity. It would be a bold and courageous move that would give us a real chance to create unity out of division.

To open up the membership to newcomers would take confidence and maturity on the part of the current PPP leadership.

It would require statesmanship from all sides since those who join up will have their own political ambitions.

There will be need for negotiation and compromise and this could mark the beginning of a new maturity and progressiveness for our country.

The young, especially, are tired of the old politics of race and division. There are injustices that rankle and suspicions to allay but in the absence of any leadership to help us settle scores and atone for past wrongs, perhaps, the most politic route would be for us to share the common ground in order to, first, create the progress we all so richly deserve.

The positivity gained from working and succeeding together might help us to eventually settle our grievances in an amicable way.

Fifty years after Independence, a true united political front would give us much to celebrate. And Dr Jagan would approve.

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

Catherine Jeffers, 69 –

“It’s a lovely time to spend with friends and couples. Long ago, it was good. We used to go house party and have fun with no lawlessness. It’s the day when you’re looking forward for your boyfriend to come and pick you up because you have your clothes and everything but as we get older, it doesn’t really mean so much to us.”

Tameshwar Ramcharran, 24, Entrepreneur –

“I think Valentine is not just for lovers but also for family and friends and I plan on taking my girlfriend to a dinner and a movie and after a candlelight dinner at home and chat so that she can have a romantic evening.”

Oneka Labennett and Shawn McDaniel (Couple) –

“Valentine’s Day is not usually a holiday that I think about a lot but we are visiting here from New York and we’re spending Valentine’s Day here in Guyana. This is the first time in 16 years we’ll be celebrating it at the Marriott. I guess it’s going to be a special day.”

Shivani Persaud, 17, Cashier –

“It’s just a day that I spend with my mother but unfortunately this year, I’ll be at work but I do plan to make it special with her… Valentine to me is just a day that you share love but I believe that it is not only on Valentine’s Day you share your love but according to the history of Valentine’s and prediction it tends to be most memorable day for most people.”

Denoila Bristol, 17 –

“Valentine to me is basically just a normal day, however, people show a little more love on that day so I plan to spend it as a normal day showing love as normal to everyone, especially my family.”

Ray and Angela Rahaman (Married couple) –

“Valentine’s Day is not only for your partner in life but we try to spend it with our family with our kids by going to church first and then we all have breakfast together so in that way we show our young ones what love is all about. We also encourage our children and show them what is expected of them on Valentine’s Day in the future… it’s about the ‘effort’ which is love and happiness.”

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uary 14, 2016| guyanatimesGY.com

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14 news

SunDAY, february 14, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Gunman opens fire on West Dem contractor

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West Coast Demerara (WCD) contractor was left traumatised but grateful for life after he narrowly escaped death, when a gunman opened fire on him.

The incident occurred on Friday afternoon at Eccles, East Bank Demerara.

Reports reaching

Guyana Times revealed that the contractor, a resident of Leonora, WCD, was in his motor vehicle heading out the Eccles Old Road and approaching the East Bank Public Road, when two men on a motorcycle rode up alongside him.

This newspaper was fur-

ther told that one of the men was armed and discharged two rounds in the contractor’s direction. Fortunately, the man escaped from the incident with only a bullet graze.

It was further reported that the two men on the motorcycle sped away from

Police find gun at Issano

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he Guyana Police Force has arrested a miner after an illegal firearm was found in a mining camp he was in.

According to reports, police conducted a search

Thursday at Honey Camp, Issano, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) during which they found an unlicensed shotgun along with two cartridges.

The miner was taken

into custody and is assisting with investigations.

In its most recent statistics update issued on Thursday last, the Police Force disclosed that at the end of January, a total of

AFC emasculated...

Political Opponent Vishnu Bandhu of the United Republican Party also anticipated doom for the ‘newlyweds’.

Bandhu too shared the view that the AFC component is being undermined and bullied and against that backdrop, he believes there will soon be a rift between the parties as there previously was with the PNC and The United Force (TUF).

“The AFC is definitely being used. I think there will be a repeat of history like when The United Force coalesced with the PNC and a few months after, the PNC kicked them out,” Bandhu projected.

He added that it appears Minister of State Joseph Harmon has more executive power than the Prime Minister, and concluded that the coalition really has no need for Nagamootoo other than to have him as a “rubber stamp”.

“They just want to show the Indian people ‘oh look we have an Indian person here’,” Bandhu expressed.

Sharing his views on the coalition’s performance so far, the URP Leader said he is particularly discontented with the manner in which the Government is treating the rice farmers and sugar workers.

He also expressed con-

the scene. It is unclear what their motives were since there was no attempt to relieve the contractor of any of his belongings.

Nevertheless, the matter was reported and the Police have since launched an investigation into the incident.

six illegal firearms were recovered, comprising of four pistols and two revolvers.

This compares to three illegal firearms for the same period last year.

from page 3

cern over what he deemed as a “heavy racial discrimination” brewing within the Government quarters.

Guyana Times made efforts to contact senior members of the coalition to comment on their experience working together; however all attempts were futile.

AFC Chairman Nigel Hughes declined to express his opinions and advised this newspaper to contact AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan or Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo.

Calls to the mobile phones of Ramjattan, APNU General Secretary Joseph Harmon, and AFC General Secretary David Patterson

went unanswered and were not immediately returned.

There is a wide perception that there is a battle for power within the coalition Government – with Nagamootoo expressing his desires to have a oneterm presidential limit and with the President reconfiguring the Ministry of the Presidency to include the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), rather than having the OPM as a separate entity.

Notably, the parties have clearly been in breach of the much touted “Cummingsburg Accord”.

Specifically, contrary to the Accord, Nagamootoo does not chair Cabinet, nor is he in charge of domestic national affairs.

In fact, the powers he was promised have all been diminished to oversight of the information sector of the State media.

Only recently, the President overrode a decision pronounced by the Director of Public Information (DPI) in relation to the operations of the State media.

The DPI, which falls under the remit of the Prime Minister, declared that Government Information Agency (GINA) will not cover the affairs of the parliamentary Opposition but the President later came forward to dismiss those statements.

The Accord also stated that the Prime Minister would recommend ministerial appointments and provide organisational structures for Ministries – for the approval of the President and the appointment of heads of agencies and nonconstitutional commissions.

Interestingly, in September last, the former Speaker of the National Assembly Ralph Ramkarran had also predicted danger ahead for the coalition given the violations of the Cummingsburg Accord and alleged internal pressure on President David Granger from the PNC arm of the alliance.

Ramkarran recognised that the Accord has been blatantly breached and if it were not addressed quickly and appropriately, the parties could expect to lose support, particularly the AFC.

Younge’s Take That Valentine Accord

I

t’s now one year since the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC)led A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance for Change (AFC) signed on to the Valentine’s Day Accord which paved the way for their political marriage and the formation of a modern post2000 political coalition.

The two parties, ahead of the 2015 General and Regional Michael Younge Elections, signed the accord with much hope, energy and conviction as it established in writing their tone, scope and responsibilities as well as expectations under the sweet-heart agreement.

They subsequently went to the polls as lovers asking Guyanese to trust their marriage as it would be the vehicle for positive and badly needed change that would transform the socio-economic dynamics which impact this country’s state of affairs and developmental thrust.

The APNU/AFC elections coalition promised to do right by the Guyanese people, and to ensure that they make then incumbent People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) pay for its massive wrong doings, corrupt schemes and discriminatory as well as spiteful undertakings.

The coalition promoted the Valentine’s Accord at every available opportunity while campaigning hard and long, and simultaneously taking advantage of the gullible minds of some of the country’s youth who were in favour of political and national unity as well as putting the past behind them.

As history would have it, the APNU/AFC coalition, according to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Statistics and the pronouncements of the international observer groups, won the elections.

The sections of the populace finally bought into the purity of their love and their desire to restore cohesion, unity and goodwill to the deteriorating fabric of the Guyanese society.

“It is time” for change, some of the coalition leaders said immediately after the elections as they promised this and promised that.

These leaders where ‘high’ on their electoral victory and embarked on their change campaign as Guyanese held their breath and expectations soared.

Months into the love pact and the only fruit and change that the Valentine’s union has brought is racially divisiveness, ethnic insecurity, confusion and political bigotry.

Apart from dishing out contracts for millions of dollars and creating jobs for the boys at the Ministry of the Presidency, the Junior Prime Minister’s Office, and within the Diaspora, the union has not made much political progress.

It has failed to court the oldest and no doubt most skilled single political organism in Guyana into joining its ranks or being part of initial dialogue on forming a Government of national unity or entering into a shared governance arrangement.

That aside, the union has left the AFC in the worst state since the party was founded back in 2005 by several deflectors, some of whom, betrayed its legacy and core principles.

Before the marriage, the AFC was ripe and pregnant with potential and good policies but now the party has become visionless, baron and confused as to its own future as the PNCled APNU continues to dominate and dictate almost every facet and discourse about changing and building a new Guyana.

Despite the rhetoric from the PPP-trained Moses Nagamootoo who sits as an imposter within the AFC’s hierarchy, the party is wounded and falling apart.

Its identity has been lost and soon when more problems develop in the marriage with the APNU, the party will recognise that President Granger’s only valentine is the PNC. Months on and the legacy of the union has been the firing of thousands of youth and adults; the displacement of sugar workers; Commissions of Inquiry that rack up millions to tell the populace what they already know; rising crime and criminality; weaning investors’ confidence due to mixed political signals from the Government; a slumping economy as a result of lazy and poor economic foresight; a ghettoParliament where a highly partisan Speaker presides and the erosion of the principles of democracy, accountability and transparency.

After all, according to former US President Abraham Lincoln nearly all men can withstand adversity but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power. Added to that “Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely” warns Lord Acton.

The Valentine’s Day Accord brought power to the PNC and APNU but it has left the AFC with a Junior as well as powerless Prime Minister; a broken party structure; emasculated ministerial core and a bleak political future.

Indeed, the first year of this marriage has left the AFC suicidal and one just wonders when the hierarchy of the party will have a political epiphany.

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Treasury possibly $13.5B richer after tax hikes – PPP/C MP

W

ith the mountain of increased taxes introduced by the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) administration, the total revenue of Central Government is projected to increase by a whopping $13.5 billion due to the expansion in tax and nontax revenue.

This is according to People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Member of Parliament Irfaan Ali. The $230 billion Budget 2016 includes a variety of measures aimed at squeezing more money out of the

general populace through increased charges on several taxes and on licenses.

Tax revenue is driven mainly by expansion in consumption taxes which is projected to generate $72.5 billion; the highest level since VAT was introduced, he stated.

Ali explained also that the non-tax revenue is projected to generate record high revenue of $21.8 billion for government. The key drivers of increased nontax revenue are increased licence fees and revenues from public enterprises such as Guyana Power Light

and Guyana Oil Company (GuyOil) as well as Bank of Guyana.

He said the improved revenue from the public enterprises is a clear indication that government intends to milk consumers at the petrol pumps and that it will be unwilling to transfer the benefits of lower oil prices to the average citizen and businesses.

Economists have argued that this move would impact the profit margins of businesses and could result in lower sales from sluggish economic growth and higher taxes imposed by govern-

PPP/C MP Irfaan Ali

ment.

Moreover, Ali said the total expenditure is projected to increase with expansion in current and capital expenditure.

He noted that wages and salaries are projected to grow this year with the largest beneficiaries being contract employees who will collectively be receiving 158.2 per cent more than last year.

Notably, he said the employment cost of these categories is projected to be $9.5 billion this year compared to $3.7 billion last year.

Capital expenditure is also expected to grow this

year. The increase in capital expenditure comes at a time when the thresholds for contracts are increased, Ali highlighted.

Moreover, the deficit is expected to be financed from the increase in net external borrowing and net domestic borrowing, the Parliamentarian stated.

Ali added also that net external borrowing is projected to increase by $10.9 billion due to disbursement of loans and lower debt repayments. Meanwhile, net domestic borrowing will increase from $14.5 billion to $22.2 billion.

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Region 3 cements stance against suicide

BY KIZZY COLEMAN

A

s the suicide rate continues to increase in Guyana, organisations are doing their part to create awareness in an effort to bring a reduction in the number of persons who lose their lives to the social scourge.

The Nirvana Humanitarian Society (NHS) on Saturday partnered with the Public Health Ministry to create awareness on the issue of suicide by hosting a road march under the

theme ‘Your life matters, suicide is not the answer’.

The NHS also launched a suicide prevention programme.

The event was aimed at reaching out to persons who have had thoughts of suicide, especially youths in Guyana, who see ending their lives as the only alternative.

After the official launch of the suicide prevention programme, it is the plan of NHS to have house to house visitations, street corners programmes and to set up a

permanent counselling centre to assist the Public Health Ministry in the fight against suicide.

The organisation further calls for support in their efforts to bring hope to those who deem themselves hopeless, thus ending their lives.

Chairman of NHS Swami Ramdular spoke passionately about the issue of suicide, disclosing that his personal life has been touched by the issue.

“My personal life has been touched by this tragedy and this has caused

Marching under the banner ‘Your life matters, suicide is not the answer, persons came out to raise awareness about suicide

me to get involved and to start a number of activities to bring recognition to suicide”.

He added that as persons who are involved in the fight against this issue, it is up to us to understand the state of mind of the individuals that we are seeking to help, enphasising that “we need to recognise that they are vulnerable and to share in their vulnerability”.

He further explained that intervention programmes are successful in reducing suicide around the world.

“We have evidence of this from the United States as the US Air Force which had one of the high-

est incidences of suicide in the world and there were very meaningful interventions which had the desired effect. Sri Lanka also has many cases of suicide but their vigorous intervention programme has also proved to be successful,” he explained.

In his feature address, Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton pledged his Ministry’s full support of NHS for the work that they have embarked on.

He disclosed that each year, over 800,000 persons die from suicide across the world and for the one person that dies from suicide, there are 20 more persons contemplating the act.

Norton added that sui-

cide has marred the beauty of Guyana as it continues to increase.

“Over the years we have experienced alarmingly high figures of suicide and suicide attempt cases taking our beautiful nation to the top of the list of countries with the highest suicide rates. This has not only affected persons directly connected to the situation but to the country at large,” he explained.

The Minister further stated that the loss of life by suicide affects many persons, including “family, friends and other love ones” which often has a major effect on communities and for that reason, suicide prevention is everybody’s business.

He called for the involvement of other organisations, institutions, communities and the entire population, stating that it is very important to raise awareness.

“Also I need to mention that support of friends and relatives are crucial for people who may be at risk of suicide and for those who have lost someone to suicide. Let us work together to decrease the incidences of suicide and suicide mortality in Guyana”.

Sophia residents demand Police outpost

R

esidents of Sophia, Greater Georgetown, especially those in A and B Fields, have voiced their concerns over the absence of an outpost in either field, which makes it difficult to get Police assistance in the case of an urgent situation, especially robberies.

The station, inconveniently located in D Field or what is commonly called “last field”, is a significant distance away from the rest of the area where there has been an upsurge in crime.

Guyana Times spoke with a few distressed residents, who elaborated on how prevalent crime has been in the community and what little is being done to curb the issue, even though they have been demanding that Government look into their plight over the past few years.

One resident from A Field told this publication that even though the Turkeyen Police Station is efficient in executing their duties, this does not take away from the fact that the station is in a remote location.

“They are prompt in responding to situations but there is still need for outposts to be set up in A Field or even C Field. This would cater for the persons who live in the first three fields,” the man stated.

The Turkeyen Police Station

Another resident of B Field related that in late December last year, there was a robbery at one of the bridges which connect A Field to B Field. This, she stated, could have been avoided had there been Police patrols or an outpost close by.

“One lady’s purse got snatched by a young man; he was waiting for her in the bushes at around 00:30h at night. If only Police were around this wouldn’t happen. Also the place is really dark so it’s easy to attack,” she explained.

When Guyana Times contacted Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud for a comment on the issue, he communicated through his Secretary.

She said that the community of Sophia has to report to the Turkeyen Police Station.

“Sophia is under the ju-

risdiction of the Turkeyen Police Station, so there is no requirement for an outpost”.

The response from the Commissioner to the situation had sent the residents in a fury, with them lamenting that their security is being put at risk and their trust in the Police department is rapidly declining.

Apart from there being no outpost, residents added that there is also no active Police patrol in the area, especially to work in the nights, since this is when most of the criminal activities occur. Additionally, some fields have been without street lights for a number of years.

“It is like they completely forgot of our existence. Some of our roads bad, there is no streetlights, no Police patrol and to top it off there is no Police outpost. They are neglecting our needs,” a resident argued.

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THE

Deconstructing Allicock’s Budget speech

“T

he time has to come to attack the issues rather than personalities”, these were Sydney Allicock’s words last Thursday during the 2016 budget debate. Yet, when stripped of its sarcasm and personal attacks against Opposition members, Allicock’s presentation was nothing more than a poorly written Anna Correia and rehashed speech which he himself could barely read.

The content of his presentation was comprised mainly of initiatives drafted under the previous administration, including the construction of a resource and documentation centre which I crafted in 2015.

However, there were a few absurdities highlighted by Allicock, which included the method employed to unite Amerindians. Allicock stated, “We [his administration] have removed the tentacles of central government from the affairs of indigenous peoples, villages and communities. Villages are now free from political interference from the Government side”.

It was indeed the coalition’s immediate plan to “depoliticise” NTC, which is impossible since it is a political entity provisioned for by the Amerindian Act No 6 – 2006, dependent for funding from the Amerindian Affairs Ministry and includes the Minister of Amerindian Affairs as an Ex-Officio member. Attempting to depoliticise Village Councils however, is even more obtuse and capricious, considering that Toshaos compose the NTC and are the political authorities of their respective communities.

Additionally, the assault on Village Councils, patients, school children and the Regional Chairman of Region 9 - the Minister’s own brother, Bryan Allicock - by the Regional Executive Officer, Carl Parker, was omitted. This scenario depicts the chastising of those Amerindians perceived to be friendly to the PPP/C, and reports suggest that it is repeated in all administrative regions.

Curiously, the establishment of a “Hinterland and indigenous peoples' lands commission” was cited to address the issue of FPIC (Free, prior and informed consent). The demarche is fatuous for 2 reasons: 1) the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) under the Amerindian Land Titling (ALT) project, is responsible for conducting nationwide capacity building on FPIC and 2) the last time an Amerindian Lands Commission was established it was in 1967, designed to assess the needs of Amerindians with regards to land, and issue recommendations accordingly. The result is that only half of what Amerindians requested was recommended to the Burnham administration for titling.

However, the land titling needs of Amerindians to date have already been assessed insofar as the applications received, resulting in the implementation of ALT to complete a process which commenced three decades ago. Surely, the purpose of such a commission cannot be to inform on the concept of FPIC. Is it then that the land rights of Amerindians are now being questioned by the very Ministry which is mandated to represent their rights? Could this be a technique meant to buy time for other stakeholders such as the protected areas commission and miners?

Allicock shamelessly stated that the indigenous peoples’ rights and resources conference was managed and facilitated by the NTC in 2015, allowing “Indigenous NGOs” to participate freely in the conference, which according to him “never happened before”. However, of the two main NGOs specialised in indigenous rights, TAAMOG and APA, the former has always been active in activities and consultations nationwide, unlike the latter which deliberately chose to exempt itself from all Government initiated activities for 23 years. Perhaps Allicock should explain why for the first time, TAAMOG was deliberately excluded from the last LCDS stakeholders’ meeting attended by the Norwegians a few weeks ago.

Then, Allicock’s racist grain again manifested when he “invited” MP Pauline Sukhai to “be indigenous”, despite her Amerindian lineage originating from the Campbell family of Santa Rosa. This is reminiscent of when Allicock, then an APNU parliamentarian, called for an Amerindian to replace the then Indian Permanent Secretary. Now, under his leadership, Allicock has installed nonAmerindians in the persons of the PS, the Deputy PS and the acting DPS. Subsequently, he is guilty of the said hypocrisy he accuses the Opposition of, when he himself cannot abide by his own principles, which remain discriminatory at best and racist at worse.

Au finale, Allicock’s budget speech is comparable to an empty carcass, much like the Minister he is, who even with a herd of APNU and AFC advisors, cannot come up with a long term sustainable development plan for indigenous peoples, but instead, has a knack for cheap street politics.

Digicel Guyana celebrates 9th anniversary by giving back

A

s Digicel Guyana Inc celebrates nine years in Guyana, the telephone giant has spent the last week giving back to society in a meaningful way by focusing on several orphanages and children’s homes around Guyana.

The homes and orphanages visited were the Prabhu Sharan Orphanage at Cornelia Ida, West Coast Demerara; the Saheeds Boys Orphanage; The Red Cross Children’s Convalescent Home; Gifted Hands Special School and the St John’s Bosco Boys Orphanage.

“As we celebrate nine years in Guyana, the importance of giving back is a priority on our list of activities. Our commitment to the less fortunate and vulnerable children is steadfast. In 2013, we completely rebuilt the Mahaica Children’s Home and since then we have continued giving back to homes and orphanages in Guyana,” Communications Manager Vidya Sanichara stated.

The donations included food hampers, groceries, books, teaching aids, desktop computers, back packs, and small appliances.

In addition to the charitable donations, Digicel also made it possible for nine lucky persons to have their wishes come through. This was done through a special letter writing competition where persons wrote about their wishes.

As a result of this exercise, Digicel selected nine winners via a special selection committee. The wishes granted included free eye test and spectacles for a mother, a sofa set for a single mother of two, two laptops for students who needed assistance, full tuition payment for nursing classes for one young lady, a Nikon camera, a shopping spree, a cellphone, a Valentine’s dinner for two and a donation to the Palms.

Digicel Guyana Inc is a member of Digicel Group, a total communications and entertainment provider with operations in 33 markets in the Caribbean, Central America and Asia Pacific.

Digicel entered the Guyanese market in February 2007, brining competition to the benefit of all Guyanese. The telecommunication giant has been recently stepping up its advertising as the company calls for an end of the telecommunications monopoly so it can become a

Some of the recipients of the donations made by Digicel Guyana

full service provider by offering landlines, TV and

innovative business solutions and much more as

they further cement their presence here in Guyana.

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SunDAY, februARY 14, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

2016 Budget debate

Jagdeo scolds Govt over lack of transparency ― wants Kurshid Sattaur’s revelations investigated

BY EDWARD LAYNE

T

he A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) Government was severely criticised by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo for failing to do more to end corruption and continuing to engage in anti-transparent activities which are having a negative effect on the country’s socio-economic performance.

Jagdeo scolded the Government for its double standards, having accused the former People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Administration of corruption, when they themselves are now acting in a manner that erodes the very principles of transparency and accountability of which they once lobbied.

“The members on the other side have lost every moral authority to speak about corruption, when they voted down the motion that would have seen the

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

tax records of every [Member of Parliament] MP for the past 10 years (revealed)… they would have also seen the asset declarations to the Integrity Commission for the last 10 years (revealed)… having seen that the nation would have seen who was corrupt and who was not,” he said.

Issues like Fedders Lloyd

involvement in the Specialty Hospital project; a move by the Government to borrow against oil revenues that have still not materialized; the handpicking of a party financier Lloyd Singh’s company to develop a wind farm at Hope, East Coast Demerara; the award of contracts for major projects like the Georgetown clean-up, among others without any public tender, and allegations of the establishment of several companies by a particular Government Minister to bid for Government contracts, are, but some of the allegations of corruption levelled against the Government since it took office back in May 2015.

Jagdeo believes some of these very issues which took place under the APNU/AFC Administration over the past eight to nine months, were responsible for Guyana’s slippage on the Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index (CPI) 2015.

Guyana slipped five points at the end of 2015 on the CPI and was placed at 119 out of 168 countries, with a score of 29. This year, Guyana ranks just above Haiti, which received a score of 17.

Jagdeo also warned Minister of State Joseph Harmon about his constant utterances of who will be going to prisons, since, since not submitting asset declarations to the Integrity Commission carries a jail term.

Sattaur’s revelations

Meanwhile, the Opposition Leader said if the Government wants to show that it is against corruption and believes in transparency, then an immediate probe should be launched into the revelations made by sacked Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Kurshid Sattaur.

Sattaur, in a statement said he was asked repeatedly to act in a manner that was not in the

best interest of the GRA, including to settle for meagre sums, cases of taxpayer, which would have led to the loss of billions of dollars in revenue, promote unqualified persons or persons who have questionable records, rehire employees who were fired for corruption and ignore the photocopying of taxpayer’s files, including that of Minister Khemraj Ramjattan.

Jagdeo questioned whether these settled tax cases involved “political investors” of which the Government said it sees no problem in handing out multimilliondollar contracts to.

“These are the things we are taking about when we point to concerns if lack of transparency from this Government,” Jagdeo stated.

Jagdeo also called on the Government to release the names of persons who were fired for corrupt practices at the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and rehired after May 11, 2015.

2016 Budget debate

“Don’t gripe, come to the table”, Harmon tells Opposition

“D

on’t just gripe, come to the table and let’s talk.”

Those were the words of Minister of State Joseph

Harmon during his contribution to the 2016 national Budget debate on Friday, as he extended an invitation to the Opposition People’s

Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) to sit at the table with the Government and flesh out ideas to move the country forward.

Harmon warned that constantly complaining about issues will be sending mixed signals to the world, particularly investors who may want to invest here.

“While some gripe, we have a nation to build and in a global environment where there are serious competitions for investment funds for development, we have to be clear about the message we are sending to the world,” Harmon noted.

due out on February 29, “will point the way forward for the Public Sector.”

“Every public servant

tions presents plans, programmes and policies for the Guyanese people and responds to their needs.

Corruption

On the issue of corruption, the Minister of State said Guyana’s ranking on international corruption indices could have an impact on investors’ confidence and was hopeful the country can bounce back and perform better this year.

However, he did not address the fact that Guyana slipped five points at the end of 2015 on the CPI, under the watch of the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC), and was placed at 119 out of 168 countries, with a score of 29. This year, Guyana ranks just above Haiti, which received a score of 17.

Public service

Turning his attention to the public service, Harmon said his Government is aiming at the development of a professional and politically impartial public service sector which addresses the needs of the people.

“We believe that public service has to be reformed so that it understands its role of being servants to the people,” Harmon stated.

Harmon said that the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry into the public service which is

Minister of State Joseph Harmon

must become computer literate,” Harmon declared, adding that this would be accomplished with the soonto-be commissioned Public Service Staff College which potential applicants will have to attend.

Harmon said that those attending this college will undergo six months of theoretical work and a six-month attachment stint to garner some practical experience.

He said at least 500 persons are expected to be trained under this programme in the next five years.

Fresh approach

Speaking directly to the Budget, Harmon stressed that a “fresh approach” is necessary, even as he indicated his Government’s intention to continue “some good programmes” that were initiated under the PPP/C Administration.

He noted that the $230 billion worth of alloca-

Harmon said that the budget is focused on goals of the Government which has a “nation to build”.

Harmon also presented an analysis of Guyana’s geo-economic position with its neighbours, explaining that Brazil’s economy had contracted for the last three years and was projected to experience five per cent less GDP growth for 2016.

He also highlighted the economic woes of Venezuela with its high inflation and Suriname which is said to be experiencing an ‘economic shock’.

Trinidad and Tobago, he added, is also forced to scale back its spending, and in the words of its Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley to “make do with less”.

Guyana is competing in this neighbourhood for scarce foreign direct investment; hence prudent financial management was needed.

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SunDAY, february 14, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

PPP/C responsible for Granger defends decision not to everything wrong in personally receive CoI report Government – Nagamootoo

P

rime Minister Moses Nagamootoo’s presentation during the Budget 2016 Debates focused primarily on how the previous People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration is to be blamed for all the problems the coalition government is currently encountering and less on his administration’s policies to develop the country.

Nagamootoo rose to declare before a room full of government parliamentarians that it is the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) government who restored the faltering confidence of the people since they had lost reliance in the leaders they elected 23 years ago.

On the issue of the rice crisis, Nagamootoo exclaimed that the former government is responsible for everything wrong in the sector.

“He (Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo) would have known that the PetroCaribe deal had floundered and prematurely came to an end while his government, the PPP/C, was in government.

And to try to situate the difficulties in the rice sector, particularly with the loss of the Venezuelan rice market, at the footstep of this new government, it was nothing less but an untruth,” the PM argued.

After several minutes of knocking the Opposition for walking out on his speech, Nagamootoo then exclaimed that the former government left the Iwokrama in shambles.

“Under the former government, they have left the Iwokrama as a destitute, begging for finance to survive. The largest single biodiversity park in this country has been left to neglect and yet we have the Leader of the Opposition telling this House that we are the ones not paying attention to biodiversity and that we have to do more when they left Iwokrama into a state where it is hardly able to function,” the Prime Minister stated.

He stressed that almost 40 per cent of the Guyanese population had plunged below the poverty line whilst Donald Ramotar was

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo

President.

Nagamootoo also said the former government’s position towards the sugar industry is the reason the sector is currently in a state of “paralysis”.

“I remember that those same persons who were talking about mouth being muzzled, when they learned that GuySuCo was broke… they didn’t say a word. When they

learned that the government then, under Ramotar and Jagdeo combination, was going to shutdown GAWU and derecognize the union, their moouth was also muzzled.

When Diamond (Estate) was shutdown and their operations merged with Enmore and workers were displaced, where were they, their mouth was muzzled,” Nagamootoo stated, defending his government’s decision to close the Wales Estate, and insisted his administration is indeed considering the welfare of sugar workers.

Nagamootoo also knocked the government for the lack of renewable energy in the country and once again criticised the former government’s decision to move ahead with the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project.

Moreover, the Prime Minister denied promising a 20 per cent increase in public servants’ salaries and he also denied promising rice farmers increased prices for paddy, making reference to the coalition’s manifesto as evidence.

P

resident David Granger has defended his decision to request the Commissioners of the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry (CoI) to submit the report to Attorney General Basil Williams’ Secretary rather than allowing them to hand it over to him directly.

Responding to the explanation made by CoI Chairman Sir Richard Cheltenham and Commissioner Seenath Jairam, the Ministry of the Presidency issued a statement expressing the President’s disappointment in the Commissioners’ inability to arrange their work so as to enable them to present the Report at the agreed time and date after several requests for extensions were granted.

The release explained that President Granger was informed that the Commissioners were prepared to hand over the Report to him in person.

It related that the President agreed to receive the Report and actually altered his schedule to meet with the Commissioners

at 12:00 hours on Monday, February 8.

However, the President was informed that the Commissioners would not meet him because the report had not yet been printed.

The statement also pointed out that the Commission was granted many extensions by both the present and previous governments.

The release highlighted the following: February 8, 2014: President Donald Ramotar appointed the Commission; September 30, 2014: President Ramotar extended the life of the Commission for the first time; January 31, 2015: President Donald Ramotar extended the life of the Commission for the second time; March 31, 2015: President Ramotar extended the life of the Commission for the third time; July 27, 2015: President David Granger extended the life of the Commission for the fourth time; December 15, 2015: President Granger extended the life of the Commission for the fifth time; February 6, 2016: President Granger

extended the life of the Commission for the sixth time; and on February 8, 2016: President Granger waited at the Ministry of the Presidency for the Commissioners who did not appear to keep their agreed appointment.

Against this backdrop, the Ministry of the Presidency explained that the Head of State acceded to every request of the Commissioners for extensions to the time set in the original 'terms of reference and found it unacceptable that after two years, the Commissioners still found it impossible to keep an agreed appointment to present the Report of the Commission of Inquiry.

The statement further registered the President’s disappointed to learn that the Commissioners were unable to present the Report at the agreed time and date.

It explained that the President, after waiting a while, thereafter resorted to keeping the appointments, which were previously scheduled.

Jordan to PPP: “What you wanted us to do, dump all your projects?”

– as he defends Budget 2016

A

s he wrapped up the debates on the proposed $230 billion 2016 Budget, Finance Minister Winston Jordan fired back at the Opposition for accusing Government of “repackaging” projects that were initiated under the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) regime.

Throughout the just concluded debates, most if not all, of the Opposition parliamentarians repeatedly highlighted the fact that for the second time around, the coalition Government brought to the National Assembly a budget that is flooded with “repackaged PPP” projects, as it accused the current Administration of being visionless.

However, defending his second budget proposal on Friday night, Jordan sought to address the accusation.

The Finance Minister asked whether his Administration should have “dumped” the projects that millions were al-

ready spent on.

“They talking about repackaged projects – this is PPP, that is PPP and everything is PPP – we just here for four months, what you want us to do? Dump every one of them?” a fired-up Jordan questioned.

He pointed out that it is customary for any new Government to continue projects that were started by its predecessor since a lot of time, effort and money would have already been expended on them.

The Minister reflected to back in 1992 when the PPP came into power, they too took over and implemented projects that were created by its predecessor – the People’s National Congress (PNC).

“In first four to five years (when PPP came into power), they were implementing projects that were set up by the PNC… we’re not blaming or telling them anything for that.

It’s the nature of the business,

Finance Minister Winston Jordan you can’t just come in and dump projects that have already started,” he noted.

Jordan continued saying “so what is wrong with these projects that they have borrowed money for – big money that you got to pay back. So what is wrong with us continuing and finishing those projects that are crowding out the fiscal space that we have, that we cannot bring our projects in because we inherited all

these projects – many of them you have enormous problems with”.

The Finance Minister mentioned the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) Expansion project, for which half of the money was advanced to the contract (China Harbour and Railway Company) and yet the works done there thus far is not reflective of the amount of money paid out. He revealed that his Administration through the Public Infrastructure Ministry had to redesign the project and works are expected to recommence soon.

Jordan went on to talk about the controversial Specialty Hospital Project, on which US$4.2 million of US$18 million has gone down the drain because the company that the PPP/C Administration selected took an advance and later found themself in local courts for defrauding Government because they did not do any of the work

they had do.

“The people who were aggrieved in this process, who know about building specialty hospitals… they came to our rescue and say we will try and see what we can do with this US$14 million… these generous people say come fire or water, we will do it and lets sign a Memorandum of Understanding to that effect,” the Minister stated, while adding that the office brought out the fireworks in the name of transparency and accountability.

Nevertheless, the Minister said he is not bothered with the “hot air and the hot noise” but is more concerned about what will be said of him about his work and that of his Government.

“Five years from now, you can’t tell people you win a debate against the Opposition Leader… What have you done for me will be the question and if you can’t answer it then we will be old men and geriatrics for real,” Jordan remarked.

sports

YELLOW PAGES

India v West Indies, final, Under-19 World Cup, Mirpur…

sunday, february 14, 2016

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WI’s batting flair a test for India’s bowlers T wo questions will most probably be answered in the final of the 2016 Under-19 World Cup. How long can West Indies Under19s continue their World Cup campaign with flair? And are the India Under-19s are saving their best game for the final?

Ishan Kishan’s side have won all their matches in the tournament so far and in the few times that they have been tested, for instance in the first 45 minutes of their semi-final against Sri Lanka Under19s, their awareness of the match situation helped them get through. Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant and, at times, Armaan Jaffer have led the

team’s batting front, but there hasn’t been a combined effort that pushes the opponent out of the contest. The India team management has had to take the tough call of dropping Ricky Bhui, who made only 47 runs in the first three games.

His replacement, Anmolpreet Singh, though, has done the job at No. 3 and will target a big score in the final.

India’s bowling attack, Mayank Dagar, Avesh Khan and Mahipal Lomror, have done well together and will be expected to stop West Indies’ fast-scoring batsmen. Keeping Gidron Pope, Shimron Hetmyer and Shamar Springer quiet for long periods of play will be a stern test

for India, and will be the most interesting sub-plot in the final. Pope has regularly given West Indies strong starts with the bat, while Springer and Hetmyer have held together West Indies’ middle order.

West Indies’ bowling, too, has flair, especially with Alzarri Joseph and Chemar Holder who bowl with pace and bounce in the first 10 overs. Keemo Paul has been effective in the death, which means that India will have to do much of their scoring in the middle overs. Given the strength of the sides, and a Mirpur pitch that offers bounce but remains slow, the final will be a compelling match. (Cricinfo)

Anthony wins R&R International feature race

T

eam Gillette Evolution’s Michael Anthony chalked up his second win this season, when he won the feature 35-lap School Boys and Invitational race, sponsored by R&R International for the 25th year in succession.

Competing at the inner circuit of the National Park on Saturday, Anthony com-

pleted the course in one hour, 15 minutes, 16 seconds (01h: 15m: 16s).

Williams’ teammate Orville Hinds took second spot, followed by Shaquille Agard, Mario King, Alonzo Ambrose and Andrew Hicks in that order.

The other category winners were: Hicks (Juniors and Juveniles), Zamal Khan (12-

14 Boys and Girls), Warren McKay (Veterans U-50), Andrew Spencer (Veterans O-50), Monty Parris (Veterans O-60), John Niles (BMX 6-9), Zab James (BMX 9-12) and Adelia Hodge (BMX 12-14).

The riders will switch to the roads today for the R&R International 40-miler on the West Demerara roadways from 08:00h.

WICB contracted players to be “free” agents during CPL

P

layers currently on West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) retainer contracts will only be allowed to play in this season’s Caribbean Premier League (CPL) as “free” agents, and will be paid on a pro rated basis.

Attempts by Barbados Tridents to draft Denesh Ramdin and the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots to bid for Shannon Gabriel were met with frustration as the clubs were informed that the players were unavailable due to being centrally retained.

Trinbago Knight Riders coach Simon Helmot expressed regret at the situation, which will also exclude Darren Bravo.

“There is nothing we can

do about the situation. We will miss Darren Bravo who played so well for us the last time around but it is just one of those things.

“It means that someone else will have to step up and fill the void that is left by him. We will surely miss him, Samuel Badree and Jason Mohammed who have been with us previously.”

The CPL announced that all centrally contracted West Indies players can be chosen as replacements for other players, but not as frontline selections.

Some of the big names missing are Marlon Samuels, Jerome Taylor, Carlos Brathwaite, Jason Holder and Jermaine Blackwood. (Digicel

Sportsmax)

Denesh Ramdin

Cariah’s 58* leads Red Force...

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21

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Next ball, Motie gifted a full toss outside the off-stump and Cariah drove it elegantly for four through cover.

Earlier, Guyana Jaguars, resuming on 204-7 with Singh on 88* and Bishoo on 02*, lost Bishoo for 11 at 215-8, before Motie played back to a delivery and was trapped leg before wicket for two to leave the score at 223-9 with Singh on 97.

Despite the tricky passage of play, Singh steered off-spinner Deonarine down to third man for four to bring up his century, which coincidentally brought a downpour of rain.

When play resumed, the Red Force took the new ball and it nearly brought the end of the innings for the Jaguars when seamer Marlon Richards induced the resolute Singh into a shot outside the off-stump which top-edged off his bat and was dropped by Yannick Ottley at gully on 104.

Next over, Joseph (06) was

caught at gully off the bowling Rayad Emrit to see Jaguars being bowled out in 90.4 overs.

Singh’s stubborn knock saw

him facing 218 balls and hitting 14 fours.

The third day’s play will begin at 09:30h today.

SCOREBOARD Jaguars 1ST Innings R. Chandrika b Emrit 15 T. Chanderpaul b Emrit 3 A. Fudadin b Richardson 18 L. Johnson* run out 23 V. Singh not out 104 A. Bramble+ lbw b Richards 1 R. Reifer lbw b Jagessar 1 V. Permaul c wkt Katwaroo b Richards 47 D. Bishoo c Hope b Jagessar 11 G. Motie lbw Jagessar 2 K. Joseph c Ottley b Emrit 6 Extras: (lb-6) 6 Total (all out; 90.4 overs) 237 Fall of wickets: 1-15, 2-18, 3-47, 4-73, 5-84, 6-85, 7-198, 8-215, 9-233,10-237 Bowling: Emrit 17.4-644-3, Richards 21-6-41-3,

Jaggesar 27-7-59-3, Deonarine 7-1-17-0, Khan 10-1-460, Mohammed 3-0-13-0 Red Force 1st Innings E. Lewis c Bishoo b Joseph 26 K. Hope c Johnson b Permaul 9 Y. Cariah not out 58 N. Deonarine lbw b Reifer 18 J. Mohammed* not out 18 To bat: S. Katwaroo+, R. Emrit, I. Khan, M. Richards, and J. Jaggesar.

Extras: (nb-6, lb-1) 7 Total (for 3 wkts, 44 overs) 136 Fall of Wickets: 1-19, 2-49, 3-98 Bowling: Joseph 9-1-251, Reifer 10-2-21, Permaul 9-2-41-1, Bishoo 11-238-0, Motie 5-3-10-0.

22

guyanatimesGY.com

sundAY, february 14, 2016

Trio excited to play for CPL franchises

Anthony Bramble

By Akeem Greene

T

he Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) Player Draft, which took place on Thursday last in Barbados, saw some big international stars being swooped up by various franchises, while some of the top regional talents moved around to different teams. Today, we feature three of those regional players.

Rayad Emrit

The Trinidad and Tobago player, who played most of his CPL career with the Barbados Tridents, was bought by the Guyana Amazon Warriors for US$70,000.

When Guyana Times Sport spoke with Emrit, he cheerfully revealed, “It’s good to see I’m getting paid for what I have done in the past; it’s nice to see people recognising what you have done in the past, it good feeling to be bought at that price.”

Quizzed as to his expectations of playing with the Warriors, Emrit said, “It’s a new franchise, so it will be a new environment and I will take whatever opportunity comes my way.”

Emrit, who has played 64 Twenty20 matches across different tournaments, is an extremely useful all-rounder,

but his canny bowling skills outweigh his batting. He has picked up 74 wickets at an average of 18.56 with a highly impressive economy rate of 6.66.

Based on the composition of the team, he acknowledges he has to contribute in major way to boost the chances of his franchise winning the tournament.

“I have done it with the Tridents, I have been put under a lot of pressure bowling in the death or bowling at the top, I have got a lot of responsibilities with [Kieron] Pollard being captain, so it’s nothing new and I relish the opportunity. Yes, it’s going to be tough because of the squad we have, but I think I’m going to do well here,” the all-rounder explained.

Anthony Bramble

The aggressive wicketkeeper/batsman was bought for US$7,000 by the Guyana Amazon Warriors for the first time. Bramble, upon hearing the news, said, “It’s [a] good moment and it’s a nice feeling to be playing in the CPL, especially for my home team Amazon Warriors.”

Bramble’s selection would not be a surprise to many as has been a steady performer with the bat for Guyana with his pugnacious batting style.

In the semi-final of the recent WICB/NAGICO Super50 he cracked 51 from 44 balls, inclusive for two fours and four massive sixes in a losing cause.

Bramble, in recognition of his work, said “I’m a freescoring cricketer, so I love to be scoring runs; it was a great feeling scoring runs for my country in a big semi-final.”

On his expectations of the upcoming CPL, he revealed, “It’s always good to put in productive performances in a cricket match; you never know where opportunities may lie later on in the future, so it’s

Ramnaresh Sarwan

good to showcase your talent.”

Ramnaresh Sarwan

The former West Indies captain, who last played any competitive regional cricket in 2014, was snapped up by the Trinbago Knight Riders for US$4,000.

Sarwan, who captained the Guyana Amazon Warriors in the 2013 edition of the tournament, is overjoyed to be back in the regional cricketing frame work.

“I’m excited, obviously it’s a great opportunity to continue playing and I will be looking forward to the challenges and supporting my teammates wherever I can,” Sarwan said.

After being away from the game for such a long time, Sarwan was still confident of being picked by one of the franchises.

“The only reason I put my name was because I thought I could be drafted; I was hoping I could be picked up back [and] get another opportunity to play the game that I love,” he explained.

Sarwan, who at one point of his One Day International (ODI) career was touted as the best “finisher”, has played 75 Twenty20 games and has a highest score of 70 with a strike rate of 104.39. (akeemg@guyanatimesgy. com)

GCB/BANKS DIH LTD/DIGICEL NSSCL...

Lower Corentyne Secondary wins Corentyne zone

L

ower Corentyne Secondary demolished Corentyne Comprehensive to win the Corentyne zone, while Uitvlugt Secondary whipped Linden Foundation Secondary to book a place in the national semi-final as the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) National Secondary School Cricket League (NSSCL) sponsored

by Banks DIH Limited’s Coca Cola and Rainforest Water, along with Digicel, continued.

At Port Mourant, Lower Corentyne Secondary bowled first after winning the toss.

Their decision to bowl first was soon vindicated as they routed Corentyne Comprehensive Secondary for a paltry 56 on 20.4 overs. National Under-15 bowler Junior Sinclair led the rout as he claimed 4-12, while Keith Sinclair supported well with 3-9.

Lower Corentyne then knocked off the required runs

Troy Drakes

in 12.4 overs, losing four wickets in the process. Kevlon Anderson made 20. Bowling for Corentyne Comprehensive Secondary, Emanuel Seecharan and Kevin Umroa each had 2-14.

At Zeeburg ground, Linden Foundation Secondary won

the toss and sent in Uitvlugt Secondary to bat. Uitvlugt Secondary was then dismissed for 120 in 15.3 overs.

Chanderpaul Mohabir was the top scorer with 24, while Reaz Khan was left not out on 16.

Bowling for Linden Foundation Secondary, Vashon Browne was the pick of the bowlers taking 4-11.

In reply, Linden Foundation Secondary folded for 55 in 14.2 overs, as Troy Drakes had impressive figures of 4-8, while Reidell Reddy claimed 3-1 and Reaz Khan took 2-2.

Uitvlugt Secondary will now await the winner of the Anna Regina Secondary and Essequibo Islands Secondary game, while Lower Corentyne Secondary will now play New Amsterdam/Canje zone winners New Amsterdam Secondary on Monday at Cumberland ground.

Harper satisfied with Guyana Amazon Warriors picks – Bishoo retained as “free” player

By Avenash Ramzan

H

ead Coach of the Guyana Amazon Warriors, Roger Harper, has expressed satisfaction with the combination of players the franchise was able to snap up at the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) Player Draft in Barbados last Thursday.

“Based on the way things went, I would say yes,” Harper told this publication when quizzed on whether the franchise had succeeded in selecting the players to fill the various roles.

The squad includes six specialist batsmen- New Zealand’s Martin Guptill, Barbados’ Dwayne Smith, Australia’s Chris Lynn, Trinidad and Tobago’s Jason Mohammed, Antigua’s Orlando Peters and Guyana’s Assad Fudadin.

Sohail Tanvir of Pakistan, Christopher Barnwell and Steven Jacobs of Guyana, and Rayad Emrit of Trinidad and Tobago are the allrounders, while the bowlers are Veerasammy Permaul and Paul Wintz (Guyana), Adam Zampa (Australia) and Muhammad Ahsan Ali Khan (ICC Americas).

Anthony Bramble (Guyana) and Steven Katwaroo (Trinidad and Tobago) are the wicketkeepers.

The Under-19 player will be selected following the completion of Youth World Cup, which ends today in Bangladesh.

Guptill was bought as the Marquee Player, while those retained from last year were Permaul, Barnwell and legspinner Devendra Bishoo.

However, due to Bishoo being a centrally contracted West Indies Cricket Board player, he could only be chosen as a re-

Roger Harper: “I expect us to be very competitive”

placement, but not as frontline selections.

He has been retained and could be called upon to play providing he is not on West Indies duties.

Meanwhile, Harper pointed out that although some of the other franchises may have recruited some big name international players, he believes the Guyana Amazon Warriors group will be a “competitive” force in CPL 2016.

“I think we have a good squad. Some of the other teams may have some bigger names, but I think all-round we have a very decent squad, and I think one that would be very competitive. I expect us to be very competitive,” Harper reckoned.

Commenting on the appointment of a captain, the former West Indies and Kenya Head Coach pointed out, “That is something I will be looking at, and I expect the owner and management to make an announcement on that in the very near future.”

A source close to the franchise has revealed that Guptill is a front-runner for the captaincy post. If confirmed, the

flamouyant opener will follow in the footsteps of Ramnaresh Sarwan, who led the franchise to the final in 2013, and Denesh Ramdin, who guided the Warriors to the final in 2014 and semi-finals last year.

The publication also learnt that Tanvir’s ability with bat and ball swayed the franchise towards picking him as the highest paid player in the first round of the Draft.

“Tanvir is an all-rounder; good death bowler, awkward action, prolific hard-hitting batsman. A game changer,” the source said. Tanvir, who has the CPL record for the fastest fifty off 18 balls playing for St Lucia Zouks, was bought by the Guyana Amazon Warriors for US$160,000.

One of the distinct features of the Guyana Amazon Warriors squad is that all the players will be available for the entire tournament, since they are not otherwise contracted.

Many of the international players picked at the Draft, especially those from South Africa, will leave the tournament at some stage to fulfill their obligation to their respective national teams.

The Guyana Amazon Warriors will play 10 games in the preliminary phase of the League, with four matches in Guyana, two in Florida, and one each in Trinidad and Tobago, St Kitts and Nevis, Jamaica and St Lucia.

Additionally, Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago are in contention to host the semi-finals and final, and should Guyana win the bid, fans will be afforded another three games.

Hero CPL 2016 will be held from June 29 to August 7. (aramzan@guyanatimesgy. com)

WICB/PCL 4-Day cricket…

Cariah’s 58* leads Red Force reply to Jaguars’ 237

By Akeem Greene

L

eft-handed batsman Yannic Cariah made well composed 58 not out to lead the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force to 136-3 in response to Guyana Jaguars’ 237 all out on day two of the WICB/ Professional Cricket League (PCL) Four-day tournament at the National Stadium, Providence.

Cariah has so faced 125 balls and spent 172 minutes at the crease, hitting five fours and one six. Captain Jason Mohammed was there at the end on 18* when played was called off at 05:14h due to bad light. The Red Force will start day three today, trailing by 101 runs.

The highlight of the day however, was Vishaul Singh scoring his fourth First-Class century and his third of the season, ending on 104 not out.

When Red Force started their reply, openers Evin Lewis and Kyle Hope trudged out to crease in dark and windy conditions and the two put on 19 for the first wicket before Hope was caught on the stroke of lunch by captain Leon Johnson for nine off the bowling of Veerasammy Permaul.

When play was about to resume for the post lunch session, another downpour of rain saw 80 minutes of play being lost.

New batsman Cariah along with Lewis took the score to 49 when Lewis played a wild hack to a Keon Joseph delivery that was just back of a length and was caught at mid-off by Devendra Bishoo to fall for 26 (3x4s;1x6).

Narsingh Deonarine, who came out to the crease like man who had a point to prove, got off the mark by coming down the track to hit the leftarm spinner Permaul straight back over his head for four.

Tea was taken with Red Force on 62-2 from 18 overs, with Cariah on 22 and Deonarine (04).

About 15 minutes after play resumed, Deonarine moved from eight to 16 with two sweetly-timed drives through cover that went for fours.

As the two batsmen began to exude confidence, boundaries and singles were coming with ease.

In the 24th over, Cariah played a fortuitous shot off the leg-spin of Devendra Bishoo when he lifted the bowler over deep mid-wicket, but the

fielder Permaul fell over the boundary rope with the ball in hand.

Just as Deonarine was beginning to look like he would get a big score against his former teammates, left-arm seamer Raymon Reifer, bowling from the Media Centre End in overcast conditions, got the ball to jag-back just a bit and had Deonarine out leg before for 18 (3x4s).

His dismal signalled the end of a 49-run, third wicket partnership which brought the skipper Jason Mohammed to crease in the 31st over, who, with Cariah on 41, took the score to 100-3.

Left-arm Gudakesh Motie was introduced into the attack in the 33rd over, and immediately began to look threatening.Cariah began to showcase patience and determination, as he took away his initial intent to score with Bishoo now settled was bowling with a nagging line as the pair crept along to 117-3 in 41 overs.

Motie landed one short and Cariah pulled him to the deep backward square-leg boundary for four to bring up his seventh First-Class half-century off 116 balls with fours and one six. turn to page 21

sundAY, february 14, 2016

guyanatimesGY.com

23

Milo U-20 School Football tournament…

GFF/Stag Elite League…

Bishops’, South Ruimveldt Win for Slingerz; Fruta Conquerors, Alpha United draw grab wins in round 3 action

Tischard Joseph

Darren Harris

Shaquille Agard

By Akeem Greene

lines man raised the flag.

In the 34th minute a foul occurred in the box due a convergence of multiple players on the ball and a penalty was awarded, a call that many felt was injudiciously made. Joseph took the penalty and easily placed it in the left side of the goal.

Pele, looking for the equaliser, saw Konata Mannings taking a free kick from just about 60 yards from goal, but the ball looped just above the heads of the Pele strikers in the 40th minute, which was the last of any exciting play in the first half.

The second half saw a more invigorated Pele as just in the 53rd minute, Richardson tried to wrap his left foot around the ball from about 12 yards from goal, but hit it straight to the boot of right back Maralo Barbosa.

In the 61st minute, Bobb, who continued to cause trouble in his preferred left wing position, thrilled the crowd yet again by dribbling past two Pele players, taking the ball into the box, but failing to make much of the shot.

In the 88th minute, Slingerz’s Dexroy Adams had a chance to double the score when he hit a ball that bounced just in front of him to the right post.

Slingerz FC next game will be against Guyana Defense Force, while Pele FC will play Monedderlust.

In the earlier game, Fruta Conquerors held Alpha “The Hammer” United to a one-all draw.

The respective scorers were Darren Harris of Alpha in the 36th and Shaquille

Agard of Fruta Conquerors in the 67th. Harris’s goal was the major highlight of the first half when he maneuvered his way inside the box to put the ball in the left corner of the goal.

The second half saw Conquerors creating opportunities, but just like last season, they failed to make these chances count. Agard’s goal materialised when he attacked the keeper, running on the left, he suddenly made a switch to his right foot to hit the ball at the back of the net to equalise.

Conquerors can count themselves lucky as their two centre backs were playing much two square and the likes of Anthony “Awo” Abrams could have to easily slipped between them.

In the 85th minute, Shawn Wishart took a freekick from wide out on the right that went straight to Eon Allyene who was quickly barraged by Alpha’s defenders as he tried desperately to run around them.

Conquerors custodian Derrick Carter should come in for some high praise as he staved off some serious shots at goal made by Alpha’s forwards.

Fruta Conquerors will play their next game against Buxton United and Alpha will play Georgetown Football Club.

The League will continue today at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) ground, Bourda, where Guyana Defence Force will play Buxton United from 18:00h, then the home team GFC will play Monedderlust at 20:00h.

T

he return of the Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) Stag Elite League saw a night of highly competitive games as all four teams were desperately trying to start the League Finale on a successful note.

Playing at the Guyana Defence Force Ground (GDF), the main attraction for the Friday evening games was the Pele FC versus Slingerz FC match-up, which saw the latter prevailing 1-0 due to goal by Tischard Joseph in the 34th minute.

Slingerz and Pele, who finished the League Genesis in first and second respectively, with just one point separating them, wasted no time in formalising their offensive plays.

Golden Jaguars player and Slingerz FC’s Trayon Bobb, who, for the entire game was major headache for the Pele’s backline with a fleet of dinky dribbles, brought the game to light in the 10th minute when he ran speedily down the left and cut inside the box to take a shot with his left foot, but it was easily saved by Pele’s goalie.

In the 27th minute, Slingerz FC’s Julian Wade had a wonderful opportunity when he received a full ball while standing in front of goal, but placed it much too wide.

Just three minutes after, Pele’s Gregory “Jackie Chan” Richardson, tugging with the Slingerz defenders, began cutting in from the left, but with his eyes set on goal, the

George breaks 400m indoor record

G

Winston George poses just after his record-breaking run

uyana’s Olympian Winston George continues to roll as his season progresses with yet another outstanding performance, breaking another record on the indoor circuit.

George, competing at the Valentine’s Invitational in Boston, clocked a fast time of 47.13s to eclipse the previous record of 47.15s held by Stephan James.

George described the race as a “smooth” one and indicated that he was happy with the outcome, despite finishing fourth. However, George also pinpointed that that with his current preparation he will be ready for the outdoor season.

George indicated that his coach and agent will decide the next time he competes.

Part of the action during the day (Marceano Narine photo)

By Treiston Joseph

B

ishops’ High School and South Ruimveldt Secondary dominated Saturday’s action of the Milo Under-20 School Football tournament, which continued with round three at the Ministry of Education ground, Carifesta Avenue.

Bishops’, in game two of the day, topped School of the Nations 5-1 to grab three easy points to remain undefeated.

Bishops played an unselfish game, as they spread the ball from side to side in order to provide their attackers with spacing.

Nevertheless, despite their large margin of victory, School of the Nations struck first in the 20th minute with a goal from Raymond Perez.

The goal by Nations sparked some urgency from Bishops as they went on a scoring tear with Kofi Victorine, Shemar Britton, who is more renowned for his table tennis prowess, Joel Morrison, Mark John and Lemar Williams scoring goals in 24th, 28th, 30th, 32nd and 35th minutes respectively to end the first half of action and eventually the game.

Meanwhile, the third game of the day saw South

Ruimveldt topping Central High School 4-0 to walk away with their first three points of the tournament.

Much like Bishops’, South Ruimveldt provided spacing for their players and showed brilliant passing as they had four different scorers.

Junior Thomas, Leon Charles, Adrian Aaron and Cecil Jackman scored goals in the 24th, 34th, 55th and 60th minutes respectively.

In the first match of the day, Christ Church and Richard Ishmael played to a tame nil-all draw, while Carmel Secondary gained a walkover against Sir Leon Lessons.

sundAY, february 14, 2016

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