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Issue No. 2867

Thursday, May 26, 2016

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Guyanese mother, P14 daughter murdered in Suriname

“We are proud of our achievements over the past 50 years” − President Granger

Page 16

... recognises contributions of past Presidents, previous Administrations

“Our patriotism must never be questioned” ... says Guyanese need to work – Jagdeo together for true prosperity

Society failing to address HIV/ AIDS stigma – US activist P5

Teen crushed to death after jubilee P7 rehearsals

“Don’t attack GRA for enforcing the law!” – Finance P7 Minister Hague farmers P11 urged to diversify crops

Page 3

No accommodation President for Opposition at flag- to present raising ceremony 85 persons with National Awards − Barbados PM, House Speaker, Rex Page 17

Page 8

– PPP MPs walk out disappointed

McKay to receive Order of Roraima

Babita Sarjou’s death

Husband, P15 accomplice slapped with murder charge

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thursDAY, may 26, 2016 | guyana-times.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, May 26 – 05:30h-07:00h and Friday, May 27 – 08:30h-10:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, May 26 – 06:45h-08:15h and Friday, May 27 – 07:35h-09:05h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunny intervals with thundery rain showers can be expected throughout the day, while light cloud cover can be expected in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North Easterly to East North-easterly and East South-easterly between 0.89 metres per second and 3.57 metres per second.

High Tide: 07:06h and 19:41h reaching maximum heights of 2.57 metres and 2.43 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 00:40h and 13:11h reaching minimum heights of 0.77 metre and 0.64 metre respectively.

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“Our patriotism must never be questioned” – Jagdeo

... says Guyanese need to work together for true prosperity

A

s Guyana and Guyanese here and abroad celebrate the country’s 50th Anniversary of Independence from British rule, Opposition Leader and former President Bharrat Jagdeo believes that Guyanese need to work together in order for the country to truly prosper.

He was at the time addressing the National Assembly late Tuesday evening. The Opposition Leader took the opportunity to extend Independence greetings to Guyanese, while wishing Government parliamentarians, a year filled with productive service in favour of development in the country.

“We believe that we have to work together regardless of our political affiliation to move our country forward. We too share a vision for this country – a vision that is similar, at least in its ideals, to those and that of the President (David Granger). We’d like to see our country prosper, we’d like our people to progressively have a better life,” he stated.

Jagdeo added that he too envisioned a green economy and national patrimony which could be passed on to future generations. He said that the Party wanted the country’s people to live together in harmony and not be divided by history and by current circumstances.

“We believe that as Guyanese we have more in common than those things that divide us…

Regardless of the robust debates that we have; regardless of the numerous encounters we have wherever we go in the streets or on television or in the de-

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

bates, we are all children of this soil. We all share its history,” he posited.

The former Head of State recalled Guyana’s history and the struggle the country’s fore-parents had to endure in their fight for Independence.

He said as the country celebrates its jubilee milestone, persons must take account of the struggles of all of those who fought for freedom.

“Here in Guyana, we must disabuse our minds that somehow the British handed this (freedom) to us. From the very first fight for freedom from slavery and from organised trade union movement to the Political Affairs Committee 1946, when the first sort of political action was brought together in an organised way… and then in 1950 when Burnham and Cheddi Jagan formed the first political party in Guyana – the People’s Progressive Party,” he recounted.

According to Jagdeo, these were all important milestones in the march to freedom and it was progressive policies in 1950

that paved the way for what came after. He went on to say that the PPP and its then leaders started to enact those policies because they wanted to change Guyanese lives for better.

However, he pointed out that this journey was not without struggle as external pressure and interference mounted in the early 60s, mainly because some did not want freedom to be extended to Guyana or they wanted freedom but on their own conditions.

The Opposition Leader noted that those situations have negatively impacted Guyanese as they promoted division among them, something which still lives in the lives of

that generation and has even poisoned the minds of this new generation.

“So when we talk about social cohesion today, the primary task, I think, is to go back and remove the (divisiveness) from that period. Yes, we did have (division) from local leaders who might have been used, but the plot was external to divide our people, purely external and we have had to live with the consequences,” he stated.

On this note, Jagdeo outlined that they had to ensure collectively that whatever policies were enacted today, that Guyanese perceive them to be for the entire country.

He further remarked that after the Independence celebrations, he hopes the whole year would be spent on achieving the lofty vision of bringing Guyanese together, noting that this was something his party was willing to be part of.

“The PPP and its members will always work in the nation’s interest. Our patriotism must never be questioned. We and our members love this country as much as anyone else do… We will work as hard for this country as anyone else. We are looking forward to 50 years in the future when we can look back at this celebration and say our country have moved forward,” he said.

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Editorial

Jubilee day A

t a minimum, the tremendous effort of the Government to commemorate the 50th anniversary of our independence from the Britain in such a spectacular fashion, has stirred debate at many levels on the import and reality of that independence. In 1966, Guyana had just emerged from two years of civil strife between 1962-1964 that left society in a very fragile state, both politically and socially.

Guyana and its political parties – the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), the People’s National Congress (PNC) and the United Force (UF), were merely pawns in the struggle between the US and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) for the dominance of their competing ideologies. Ironically, both ideologies were centred on what was the best method to develop the economies of “backward” countries, yet the struggle would cripple some of those same countries, such as Guyana. Over the next 50 years, Guyana adopted elements of both ideologies in its drive to remove the shackles of underdevelopment imposed by colonialism. In that system, Guyana was governed to provide raw materials for the “mother country” to be transformed and shipped back, at many times the original price. The terms of trade was only one of the factors that ensured Guyana remained poor.

But Guyana also inherited another, possibly even greater impediment to growth and development during the 1960s riots. These widened the ethnic divisions created when successive waves of immigrants from different countries and cultures were brought in after 1834 to substitute the freed African slaves. What must be emphasised is Guyanese on their own volition did not initiate violence against each other, but rather only after instigated and funded by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

It is very unfortunate that the efforts to pull Guyanese out of the colonial rut of underdevelopment all failed for reasons that were not all due to strategic mistakes of the Government of the day. For instance, the “oil crisis” of the 1970s which skyrocketed oil prices, coincided with the PNC’s attempt to break with the prior capitalist/ colonial order and introduce “cooperative socialism” as a strategy of development. Borrowing to pay for the oil and also to improve infrastructure combined to saddle the country with an unsustainable debt burden. The consequent destruction of the economy precipitated even more intense competition between the ethnic groups for resources that were now even scarcer, creating an ever deepening spiral of poverty.

When the PPP replaced the PNC in 1992 after 28 years, the USSR had disintegrated and its socialist model of development had been discredited. The PPP were able to have most of the inherited debt written off but were now shackled with the US backed “neo-liberal” ideology of development. This model insisted on “privatisation” of the 80 per cent of the economy that the PNC had nationalised; the “stabilisation” of the macro-economic indicators such as inflation and budgetary deficits and the liberalisation of the financial sector as well as the trade regime.

While the economy was turned around and produced growth rates of approximately five per cent per annum over the last decade, this was insufficient for Guyana to even catch up with its partners in the Caribbean Community (Caricom), much less the developed economies. The cleavages in political mobilisation was refracted in the evaluation of the PPP Government as not being “inclusive” enough by members outside its transitional base.

With the change in Government last year, the new APNU/AFC Government raised great expectations that it would work to address the twin obstacles to a more stable Guyana: the need for higher rates of economic growth and its connected ethnic divisions. Unfortunately, while it has commendably articulated a need for “social cohesion”, its concrete actions in this regard and also its handling of the economy have raised more questions than answers.

This newspaper would like to wish all Guyanese a happy 50th Independence Anniversary and suggest that the Government and the Opposition use the occasion to begin collaboration on addressing our country’s challenges.

President David Granger takes his salute from the Guard of Honour which made its way onto the D’Urban Park tarmac marching to the beat of their drums as Guyana celebrates its 50th year as an independent nation

We must never forget our common heritage

Dear Editor, On this historic day May 26th 2016, the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) joins with our brothers and sisters in our blessed land in observing the 50th Anniversary of our nation’s Independence.

As we move forward as a nation, we pay homage to those who worked and sacrificed to win our freedom and national identity. All Guyanese should cherish this gift of God of

a free and democratic society, rich in diversity, culture and traditions.

We thank our Government for their efforts in energizing our people on this our Independence, so that we can strengthen the patriotic spirit that is so necessary to achieve cohesion and nation building. We must never forget that our allegiance is owed to justice for all, service to our fellow man and upholding the rights of all Guyanese.

It is the fervent hope and prayer of the CIOG, that from this day onward our Guyanese people should work in harmony to ensure that future generations can inherit a land of united people, with dignity, respect for all and a pride of being Guyanese.

As we move forward, let us eliminate the concept of division by religion, class, race and other means used to discriminate.

As Guyanese we must never forget our common

heritage, as our nation will have to determine our destiny.

Guyana is a great country, and today the CIOG implores all Guyanese brothers and sisters to renew our faith with the certain hope, that by doing the right thing God Almighty will crown our efforts with success.

Sincerely, Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG)

A sea of evolutionary changes occurred in the post-independence years Dear Editor, As we celebrate Guyana’s 50th Independence, it is necessary for us to reflect on our history with the aim of understanding the common struggle which resulted in us casting off the shackles of subservience and rising as an independent country.

Guyana’s pre-independence years were fraught with hardship and resulted in our fore-parents taking a resolute stance against colonialism.

Many of Guyana’s sons and daughters lost their lives in our struggle for independence. As we observe this 50th milestone, we reminisce on their valour and indefatigable spirit.

A sea of evolutionary

changes occurred in the post–independence years.

There were obstacles to real development and progress. The serious economic hardship, crime and loss of equal opportunities and democracy in the first two decades resulted in the consistent migration of many Guyanese families.

It was the resilience of remaining Guyanese that shone as they are managed to contribute positively in diverse spheres of our country.

After years of struggle and development, we celebrate our festivals together and enjoy the many faceted cultures, norms and traditions of all the peoples of Guyana. We must move forward with that same tenac-

ity and fortitude displayed by our foreparents.

There are new challenges and difficulties but our spirit must never be vanquished. We must see the attainment of 50 years as a milestone of our evolution as a people and country.

The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha will continue to play its role of contributing in a sterling manner to the Hindu community and all of Guyana through its impacting and diverse programmes, initiatives and events.

The Sabha has an impressive 42 year history of contributing to the cultural, social and religious landscape of Guyana and our vision encompasses many more years of sevice

as we evolve to meet the many challenges and developments in Guyana and the world.

50 years as an independent country should motivate us to work harder and more diligently to achieve the ideals of togetherness, productivity, equal opportunities, understanding, sustained peace, mutual respect and sound value systems and principles for our children, youth, adults, families, communities and country.

Happy 50th independence and may our beautiful land Guyana and all our peoples be forever blessed.

Sincerely, Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha

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Society failing to address HIV/AIDS stigma – US activist

B

oth the legal and social environments are still failing to address stigma and discrimination against those most vulnerable to HIV/AIDS and people living with the disease.

This is according to Stephanie Joseph-De Goes, Guyana’s Country Coordinator for the President’s Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief – PEPFAR, a US governmental initiative to address the global HIV epidemic with her office based at the US Embassy in Georgetown.

She made those remarks at Guyana’s seventh Annual AIDS Candlelight Memorial held at the Catholic Life Centre by the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) on Sunday last, where a charge was made to all Guyanese to come together to fight against the stigma and discrimination for those living and infected by HIV/AIDS.

Stephanie Joseph-De Goes delivering her remarks at Guyana’s seventh Annual AIDS Candlelight Memorial

“We must put an end to the disease of stigma and discrimination,” she stressed.

During the event, the US diplomat remarked that in this 50th year of Guyana’s Independence, the country can truly make history by amending the Prevention of Discrimination Act 1997 to

include sexual orientation, gender identity and health status, and repealing other laws that perpetuate stigma and discrimination.

“Stigma and discrimination eats at the soul of a society. We know that eliminating stigma and discrimination will positively affect a nation’s progress, well-being, and public health for things like HIV prevention, care and treatment.”

The US activist continued, “I ask you what is holding us back from zero discrimination. From ensuring human rights, equal rights for all no matter a person’s health status, gender identify or sexual orientation. When it comes down to it, I think it’s our personal judgments about difference.”

She lamented that too often individuals use belief, religion, culture, etc, to judge others on differences: be it one’s skin colour, sexual identity, or health sta-

Guyanese doctors attend Zika management meeting in Barbados

T

wo Guyanese doctors, attached to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), are currently attending a two-day May 26-27 meeting on the management of Zika Virus in Barbados.

The Incident Management System Technical Meeting is organised by the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/ WHO) Zika Task Force.

Dr Ahmad Rafi Rozan, Obstetrics Specialist and Gynaecologist and Dr Ulanda Haynes, Resident in Paediatrics, are representing Guyana at the regional meeting.

Dr Rozan is a specialist in Gynaecology and Obstetrics, spanning the areas of antenatal and perinatal care with an interest in decreasing maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity in order to improve quality of life.

Dr Haynes worked as a General Medical Officer in the Department of Paediatrics at the GPHC since 2013 and is currently a Senior Resident in Paediatrics attached to the said department.

The geographical distribution of the Zika Virus has been steadily increasing since it was first detected in the Americas in Brazil in May 2015. Since then, a total of 35 countries and territories have reported autochthonous (locally transmitted, mosquito- borne) transmission of Zika in the Americas.

Several countries have re-

updated overview of the situation in the Region and to discuss protocols for clinical care and to analyse the challenges in preparations of the health services in the response to the outbreak of the Zika Virus.

Dr Ahmad Rafi Rozan

ported cases of newborns with microcephaly and other conditions associated with Zika infection.

PAHO has coordinated a process for developing harmonised recommendations on clinical care for pregnant women and newborns.

The objectives of this meeting are to present an

tus. “Whatever the difference might be that does not fit into our worldview. Then we focus so much on those perceived differences that we forget our ‘sameness’. We forget what unites us – our ‘humanness,’” she pleaded.

Joseph-De Goes posited that it was hard to get to zero discrimination because society and those in policymaking positions were so busy judging the differences instead of recognising the strengths in individual identities.

“How can we deny human rights, compassion and love?” she questioned.

According to the US diplomat, “we cannot afford

to say we cannot support amending the Prevention of Discrimination Act because of religion, beliefs, culture, etc”.

“We know what has been done in the name of belief – human atrocities and ‘man’s inhumanity to man. Will we continue to allow injustices in the name of belief and ‘difference’?”

She charged Guyanese society to work together for equality and to recognise that denying any one of us the right to justice, equity, access, security, education, health and employment – human rights – is denying all of us.

“Let us decide to work together towards a Guyana

where laws protect the human rights and the dignity of all. Guyana’s time is now. We are at the 50-year mark. Let us join forces to support the amendment of not just the 1997 Prevention of Discrimination Act but also all other punitive laws,” Joseph-De Goes said.

She expressed hope that in the next 50 years, Guyana can be a nation with zero discrimination and 100 per cent human rights so that every person whether HIV-positive, HIV-negative, heterosexual, homosexual or bisexual, lives in dignity with the rights to employment, health, safety and security.

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thursday, may 26, 2016 | guyana-times.com

“Don’t attack GRA for enforcing Teen crushed to death after jubilee rehearsals the law!” – Finance Minister

By Devina Samaroo

F

inance Minister Winston Jordan was utterly astonished at the calls from the business community for the local tax authority to rethink its crackdown on errant entities, positing that the laws must be enforced.

“I don’t know what it means to ease up enforcement… this is the problem we have… Once they (regulations) are on the books, we are obligated to enforce them in accordance with the law,” the Minister emphasised during a recent news conference.

Linden Mayor Carwyn Holland made the first call for the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) to put a hold on a current crackdown on non-compliant businesses in the mining town.

The appeal later gained traction and Private Sector representatives subsequently made a similar demand, urging the tax body to rethink its enforcement of some regulations and modernise them where necessary.

Completely appalled at the requests, Jordan made it clear that his Government will not encourage and promote a lax on enforcement; however, he mentioned that there are alternatives for dealing with the taxes if they are indeed too burdensome for businesses.

“I just cannot believe it… If it’s a regulation, it has to be enforced. If you want it removed, we can discuss it with a view to alter and change, but you cannot rethink the enforcement,” he explained.

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

Jordan pointed out that when the regulations were not enforced, stakeholders were crying out about unfair competition and unleveled playing fields and lamented that now, when the authorities have heeded to their initial requests, complains still exist.

“These regulations were not being enforced and so it allowed an unfair advantage to those who benefited. When we begin to enforce the regulations, then people begin to cry.

So you take a simple vendor who pays no taxes, GRA goes in and enforces the regulation and they are no longer competitive so that’s some level of demand and supply gonna fall… but on the other hand, the legitimate businesses are happy because their profits will go up, their sales will go up and so forth,” the Minister explained, noting that the compliant businesses are naturally going to benefit if the laws are upheld.

Furthermore, Jordan dismissed claims that the

GRA is only going after small businesses and not large corporations. He posited that poor public relations ought to be blamed for that perception.

“It is not true, x big business wrote saying that they are facing unfair competition, I asked GRA what on earth you are doing because these are legitimate people who are paying and there is an elaborate structure in place that targets these different businesses.

They have a PR issue and it appears as if they are going after the rum shop in West Demerara or the one in Linden and so on,” he explained, noting that tax enforcements are being done across the board.

“It’s a countrywide measure aimed at getting people to legitimise themselves. We can’t on the one hand ask for legitimacy to take a foothold and at the same time when those who will be affected, we seek to have this ‘oh you know leave them and so on’,” he stated.

Jordan reminded that one has to be extremely dispassionate when enforcing the laws. “You have to go after your mom or dad…

Otherwise you’ll always have a friend who’ll say ‘don’t touch he’,” he highlighted.

Moreover, he noted that in time, if everyone pays their taxes, the possibility exists that the taxes will eventually be reduced.

“If everybody comes into the net, just think about how we can reduce taxes overall generally…

We need to go after everybody so that if the take is wider, we can bring down the rates over time,” he opined.

R

ehearsals for the flag raising ceremony for Guyana’s 50th independence anniversary ended tragically after a young pannist attached to the Pan Wave Steel Orchestra was crushed to death by the wheels of a moving truck from which he jumped on Tuesday evening.

The dead lad was identified as Richard Ishmael Secondary School student, Kevin Scipio, 14, of Lot 6 Railway Embankment, Kitty, Georgetown.

According to reports, while the truck transporting the Pan Wave Band equipment was reversing into the North Ruimveldt Multilateral School Compound on Mandela Avenue, Scipio jumped off the vehicle and tripped and fell under the truck. He was crushed by the rear wheels of the lorry.

The teenager was picked up and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The driver of the truck is in Police custody assisting with investigations.

When Guyana Times arrived at the home of the boy, relatives were gathering in the home consoling each other trying to come to grips with the loss of the young man.

Scipio’s distraught mother, Alieka Davis, related that this was her only child and at about 22:00h, she was called and told the tragic news.

The Ministry of the Presidency has extended condolences to the relatives of the teenager, stating that it was with deep regret that President David Granger and the Government learned of the tragic passing

Dead: 14-year-old Kevin Scipio

of Scipio.

Meanwhile, Minister within the Education Ministry with responsibilities for culture, youth and sport, Nicolette Henry visited the dead teen’s relatives and offered her personal condolences and that of her Ministry.

Additionally, the Richard Ishmael Secondary school’s flag was flown at half mast in respect of the young man’s passing.

Moves afoot to find replacement for Chief Planning Officer

A

lmost two months after his death, steps are now being taken to find a suitable replacement for the Chief Planning Officer within the Finance Ministry.

Finance Minister Winston Jordan made this disclosure during a news conference on Monday.

Clyde Roopchand had served as Chief Planning Officer within the Ministry for a number of years before his passing on March 31, 2016, in New York.

Roopchand was born on February 2, 1947, at Friendship, East Coast Demerara, and attended the St Anthony’s RC School in Friendship, before continu-

Clyde Roopchand

ing his education at Central High School in Georgetown.

He then furthered his studies at the University of Guyana.

From 1967 to 1974, he

taught at the St Anthony’s RC School.

After graduating from the University of Guyana in 1975, he secured employment with the Economic Development Ministry as an economist.

Later, as the Chief Planning Officer in the State Planning Secretariat, his job responsibilities included designing, developing and managing the Public Sector Investment Programme, appraisal and monitoring of Public Sector projects and participation in the preparation of the National Budget.

He sat on several boards and was the Chairman of Guyana Revenue Authority.

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thursDAY, may 26, 2016 | guyana-times.com

No accommodation for Opposition at flag-raising ceremony – PPP MPs walk out disappointed

W

hat was expected to be an exciting time for members of the parliamentary Opposition People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), turned out to be very insulting and unpleasant event, as there were no seating arrangements for them when they turned up at D’Urban Park to witness the flag raising ceremony.

The situation forced Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo to gather his MP’s and leave the celebration, in protest of what he said seemed to be an attempt to embarrass the PPP. When contacted on Wednesday evening, Jagdeo told Guyana Times that his Party had signalled its intention of attending the event, since it wanted to participate in the activities to mark the country’s signif-

Disappointed PPP members leaving D'Urban Park on Wednesday evening

icant milestone.

He said contact was also made with Junior Education Minister Nicolette Henry, who holds responsibility for the event, concerning the

seating arrangement. He said assurance was given that this was taken care of.

In fact, he said she related that there were some 1000 VIP seats.

Jagdeo further related that the Party received a ruthless shock when members turned up, but had to stand for over 30 minutes.

Jagdeo said, while himself and a few other senior members of the Party were already seated, the majority of party members were left standing, while other persons, many of whom were dressed inappropriately, passed by and were allowed seats. He said he asked Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams to address the matter and warned that if it was not, then he would be left with no choice but to leave in solidarity with his colleagues who were left unseated.

The former President said nothing was done, and his Party left some 45 minutes after arriving.

Eyew tness Independence Musings

T

...on Caribbean misogyny

here's so much to reflect on this special Independence Day. But a LAPOP survey on spousal attitudes to domestic violence was especially interesting. Asked whether they think whether husbands should use violence against their wives who neglect their chores – more than half of adult Guatemalans (53%) think they should. By contrast, the Paraguayans clock in lowest at 8%, while we're #3 at 30%! Once again, we're hitting world headlines for all the wrong reasons. Even the Americans whose movies suggest they aren't too averse to a bit of wife beating come in at 11%.

So what does that say about us? Back around the time independence was granted, future Nobel Prize winner VS Naipaul had written, with tongue not necessarily in cheek, there was this wife who oiled the cricket bat all week, with which she was thrashed on weekends! Then there was that more accessible folk philosopher of Caribbean life and times, the Mighty Sparrow, who made some observations on the subject. In fact, Sparrow, who's been awarded several doctorates by UWI for his commentary – and compared to Chaucer – suggested there wasn't even the need for an excuse such as ducking household chores, for the husband to "touch up" the wife: "What, Socrates and Plato didn't know, I'm gonna sock it to you in calypso.

Every now and then, cuff dem down, They love you long and they love you strong.

CHORUS Black up their eyes, bruise up their knee, And then dey love you eternally."

The song was belted out lustily from one end of the archipelago to the other...us being the southern end. And the LAPOP poll showed Sparrow mightn't have been too far off the mark. In that percentage that believes wife beating is salutary, almost as many women as men believe that ought to be the case! What to do?

Well, let's just look at the data a bit more closely.

Even the Jamaicans, Bahamians, Bajans, and Trinis (in descending order) don’t believe in wife beating as much as we do. And it isn't by coincidence their levels of prosperity are inversely correlated by the number of approved wife beaters. That suggests if our economic circumstances continue heading downhill domestic violence will continue climbing skywards.

The other variable was education. Not that educated men beat their wives less...but more educated women REFUSE to consider the beatings as salutary. And this is good news for us since our females are fast becoming more educated than our men.

Unfortunately, this suggests as the educated wives reject beatings divorce rates may rise.

Or so will murders of abusive husbands by wives, who’ll get off with the defence of "provocation".

...on commemorations or celebration

Today, come hell or high water, we'll be having our Independence floats moving from Stabroek to D’Urban Jubilee Park in commemoration of our 50th Independence Anniversary. Some have asked "what's to celebrate?" And this Eyewitness holds that this is one of those "half-empty/ half-full" conundrums.

Could we have done better after 50 years of independence? We only have to look to places such as Singapore and Malaysia that were right where we were fifty years ago and today have done so much better, to say, "Sure!!" But we also have to ask, "Could we have done worse?" And just as clearly as we look at so many countries in Africa and elsewhere, and admit, "Yes, it could've been worse."

This Eyewitness believes today is a day for taking stock.

We have to do some introspection and ask what each of us can do so the next 50 years aren't a repetition of the first.

Our children deserve better, don't they?

...on social cohesion

Last night, the Golden Arrowhead was raised for the fiftieth time to herald our sovereignty.

Let us acknowledge the magnanimity of Dr Jagan, who was ousted from office unfairly, still showing up to show his solidarity with Mr Burnham on the inaugural occasion.

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

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thursDAY, may 26, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Hague farmers urged to diversify crops F

armers of Hague Backdam, on the West Coast of Demerara, an agriculture-based community, are being urged to venture into crop diversification, particularly to focus on the cultivation of produce with higher market values, like red beans.

The National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) recently reached out to farmers there, in an effort to build a stronger relationship with the community.

NAREI Chairman, Major General (Rtd) Joseph Singh; its Chief Executive Officer, Dr Oudho Homenauth; Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) Regional Executive Officer Dennis Jaikarran; and the Managing Director of the Guyana Foundation Anthony Autar were a part of the interaction.

The meeting was facilitated by the Guyana Foundation, a NonGovernmental Organisation (NGO) that is working to enhance the lives of residents of Hague Backdam. The NGO, headed by Supriya Singh-Bodden, is currently executing the ‘Hague Back

Village Renewal Project’ and critical to this initiative, is a vibrant agricultural sector.

The objectives of the meeting were to strengthen the relationship between NAREI and farmers; establish a link between NAREI, the NGO and farmers; and ascertain areas in which the institute could assist farmers.

During the meeting, NAREI CEO, Dr Homenauth urged the farmers to diversify their crops, explaining that the smallness of the local market limits the consumption of a particular produce, resulting in a large quantity of produce being spoilt daily.

While acknowledging that farmers face the challenge of low prices for some produces such as pepper, Dr Homenauth posited that farmers should enter into contractual agreements with exporters and processors as a safeguard.

He assured farmers that NAREI wants to help them; however, they need to start approaching their farming activities as a business. He explained that for instance, they could invest in shaded cultivation which allows farming all year round or

NAREI Chairman, Major General (Rtd) Joseph Singh; NAREI CEO, Dr Oudho Homenauth; Region Three REO Dennis Jaikarran and Managing Director of the Guyana Foundation Anthony Autar interact with Hague Backdam farmers

utilise the services offered

by NAREI such as on the spot soil testing.

According to Dr Homenauth, information regarding the services offered by NAREI could be accessed online, via telephone, and through Extension Staff

who are present in each administrative region.

In addition to providing technical support, quarantining imports and exports and offering free soil testing, NAREI tries to link farmers to exporters and processors.

NAREI Chairman, Major

General (Rtd) Joseph Singh, underscored the power of working as a collective enterprise, and encouraged the farmers to form a farmers’ association, explaining that such an organisation could advocate for developmental projects, enter into econom-

ic ventures and even negotiate for better prices for produces.

Singh also advised the farmers to have a planned approach to farming. “Do not plant because you were planting a particular crop all the time… there are new crops on the market such as sijan, which has high nutritional value,” he said.

Moreover, farmers were urged to add value to their products. Owing to Guyana’s population, it is important that produces or processed products are exported to other Caribbean countries.

“As such, farmers need to start adding value to their produces. For instance, solar drying is an inexpensive method that could help preserve some produces, such as peppers and carambola [Five finger],” he stated.

Some crops grown for commercial purposes are sweet potato, cassava, plantain, pepper, cabbage, spinach, tomato, coconut, ochro, bora among other cash crops.

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2016 | guyana-times.com

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guyana-times.com

thursday, may 26, 2016

News

Guyanese woman, daughter US Govt congratulates Guyana on 50th murdered in Suriname

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Guyanese woman and her 10-year-old daughter were on Tuesday last found dead in their apartment in Nieuw Amsterdam, a village in District Commewijne, Suriname.

The duo hailed from Sparta Village, Essequibo Coast, Guyana. Dead are 37-year-old Leelawattie Sookhoo and her daughter, Tisha Ahiram. According to reports, the discovery was made on May 24 after Police in Suriname received a report that the woman’s boyfriend who was supposed to be at work did not show up.

When the Police arrived at the house to check for the man, they found that the front door of the building was locked with a padlock and thought that something was amiss.

They subsequently broke the padlock and entered only to find the wom-

The house in which the mother and daughter were found dead

an lying on the ground with a cord around her neck, while the child was on the bed in a semi nude state.

Surinamese law enforcement officers have launched an investigation into the double homicide.

Guyana Times understands that the area where the woman lived

with her children is known as a fishing area where many Guyanese reside.

Nandranie Ahiram, a former mother-in-law of the dead woman, told Guyana Times that they received the dreadful news on Tuesday morning.

She noted that the now dead woman was married to

her son, but they separated a few years ago after she befriended the man she lived with up to the time of her demise.

The former mother-inlaw added that the mother of five returned to Guyana last December with her daughter, but despite the fact that one of her four sons begged her to reconcile the relationship with his father, she refused. She went back in January with her daughter, but her four sons remained with their father.

She has no other relatives in Suriname, the former mother-in-law related.

She noted that her son was devastated by the death of his 10-year-old daughter.

Arrangements are being made for a member of the family to travel to Suriname to attend the funeral. (Bhisham Mohamed)

Anniversary

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US President Barack Obama

he United States Government has extended its congratulations to Guyana as the country celebrates its 50th Independence Anniversary.

“On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I join the families, communities, and leaders of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana in celebrating their country’s Golden Jubilee anniversary of independence,” US Secretary of State, John Kerry said in a statement.

The United States and Guyana, the message noted, are bound together by shared democratic values and common interests in ensuring prosperity, stability, and security throughout the hemisphere. This partnership has yielded tangible results on issues of vital importance to both our nations.

“This year, we strengthened our relationship in law enforcement training, port safety, justice sector reform, and Coast Guard cooperation through the Caribbean

Basin Security Initiative.

We worked together to diversify energy resources and expand investments in sustainable energy projects through the recent US-Caribbean-Central American Energy Summit.”

At the same time, he noted that the US Government has acted to create opportunities for vulnerable Guyanese youth through the efforts of USAID. “And we have deepened people-to-people ties between our countries through initiatives to build bridges between American and Guyanese universities, and to dismantle barriers to study abroad for our students.”

Fifty years after Independence, the message said, the citizens and Government of Guyana can count on the friendship and support of the United States as, together “we address our common challenges and build a future of peace and progress for our peoples”.

News

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thursday, may 26, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Over 8000 Guyanese Babita Sarjou’s death Husband, accomplice slapped infected with HIV with murder charge – Health Minister …Guyana to participate in UN High Level Meeting to end AIDS

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ith some 8000 persons said to be living with HIV/AIDS in Guyana, Government, through the Public Health Ministry, is hoping that a high-level meeting set to be hosted by the United Nations in New York next month will aid in the push towards total eradication.

Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton said Guyana and countries across the Caribbean remained in second place, having the highest number of HIV/AIDS cases. They fall just beneath the SubSaharan Africa Region. On an average, there are about 5000 new cases diagnosed each year, with at least 200 persons dying from AIDSrelated complications.

The Minister, along with UN Secretary General Special Envoy, Dr Edward Green and Country Manager UNAIDS for Guyana and Suriname Martin Oudit, met with journalists on Wednesday to brief them on the High Level Meeting. The officials also spoke to the state of affairs in Guyana, as it relates to the epidemic.

According to Dr Norton, it is important for Guyana to make representation at the High Level Meeting slated for June 8-10 at the UN Headquarters.

At the meeting, UN Member States will be expected to adopt a political declaration on ending AIDS, to scale up the pace of progress and reassess timebound targets.

The UNAIDS Country Manager for Guyana and Suriname said by participating in the meeting to end AIDS, Guyana would be taking part in a unique moment in history. He said focus must remain strong to ensure that gains of the national AIDS response are leveraged rather than lost during this period of transition and hope.

He said Guyana has made significant gains in its HIV response over the past decade. According to UNAIDS estimates, in 2015, about three of every five people living with HIV were receiving Antiretroviral therapy (ARV).

Meanwhile, Dr Green told journalists that the meeting will attempt to move the world toward the end of AIDS across the world.

“What the meeting will do in 2016, it will try to advance our direction in the AIDS epidemic. In 2000, the epidemic was sort of despair.

Having the disease was like despair. This is not the case in 2016,” Dr Green said.

He related that by

T

Dorel Pronton

Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton

the end of 2015, when the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) came to an end, there were advances and reductions in death rates and increased access to ARVs. He said they exceeded that target and AIDS related deaths were reduced by 42 per cent.

According to him, the position now reached is that at the High Level Meeting there will be hope for people living with HIV/AIDS. The UN Secretary General Special Envoy said it was also hoped that at the meeting, Guyana and other countries would be able to achieve the objective of fast tracking the response to HIV/AIDS. “We are hoping that at least 90 per cent of the people with HIV be tested and of those, 90 per cent are treated by 2020, bringing the viral load low enough as not to transmit.”

Dr Green said “fast tracking” spoke to testing and treatment. It also speaks to prevention. Prevention strategy, he said, means that each country should contribute at least quarter of the budget on health to prevention. “Prevention and treatment are some of the most important issues,” he noted.

Another issue that will be focused on is human rights.

“People affected and infected

by AIDS have human rights and, therefore, the rights to access affordable medicines that is an affordable right.

It is the right not to be discriminated against, whether at the workplace, the health centres or through the laws that exist in the country,” Dr Green noted.

He said these issues help to discriminate against people and leave many infected persons marginalised.

He also said it was hoped that at the end of the meeting, “we will come out with a global consensus of how we can work towards ending HIV/AIDS globally”.

hirty-nine-yearold Sharadananda Narine, called “Anand”, and his alleged accomplice 45-yearold Dorel Pronton, called “Yankee”, who were slapped with a murder charge on Wednesday appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

The two men were not required to plead to the indictable charge which stated that between November 4, 2010 and May 22, 2016, they murdered Narine’s estranged wife, 28-year-old Babita Sarjou, a mother of one, of Timehri Public Road, East Bank Demerara.

Narine and Pronton were remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate McLennan until June 21, pending the postmortem report and the DNA results.

Meanwhile, speaking with the media following the duo’s court appearance, Director of Caribbean American Domestic Violence Awareness (CADVA), Dianne Madray said that she was happy the men were now facing the consequences of their crime, while adding that justice has been served.

Champa Seonarine, mother of the now dead

Sharadananda Narine

woman, was elated that the men were charged.

The skeletal remains of Sarjou were discovered at Narine’s Seaforth Street, Campbellville, Georgetown, yard on May 22 – six years after she went missing.

Her estranged husband and his accomplice, who were arrested on Saturday, allegedly confessed to the

woman’s murder and later led investigators to the spot where they buried her body back in 2010.

In early April, Seonarine, along with officials from CADVA had again petitioned for the case to be reopened. Seonarine said all she needed was some closure.

The dead woman’s mother at the beginning of the investigations had voiced her belief that her daughter’s estranged husband had something to do with her disappearance.

It was also reported that there were several instances of domestic violence and reports made to both the Kitty and Timehri Police Stations

by Sarjou against her husband.

In 2010, during the initial investigations, the Police held her husband for questioning for 72 hours and then released him.

16 news

thursDAY, may 26, 2016 | guyana-times.com

“We are proud of our achievements over the past 50 years” - President Granger ...recognises contributions of past Presidents, previous Administration

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uyana today celebrates its 50th Independence Anniversary after centuries of being colonised, and as the country moves on, President David Granger said focus would have to be placed on ensuring that a sustainable path was paved for future generations.

In his Independence address to the nation, the Head of State noted that the country’s foreparents laid the foundation for creating this unique new nation. He stated that Guyanese were paying homage to their ancestors, whose rebellion and yearning for freedom would have empowered them to confront the greatest of adversities and to overcome the most dangerous

adversaries.

The President added that the empowerment of the disenfranchised masses through the advocacy of mass-based organisations, the attainment of universal adult suffrage and the achievement of constitutional reforms combined to intensify the demand for self-determination and independence. He stated that Guyanese were paying tribute to men and women who were part of this historic and heroic struggle for self-determination.

“We can enjoy freedom today because of their consciousness, their courage and their commitment to the cause of freedom,” he stressed as he recalled those martyrs

who struggled and made sacrifices that eventuated into national independence.

“Our people’s ardent aspiration and arduous struggle for political independence moulded our national identity,” Granger said.

“Independence infused the qualities of audacity and tenacity in our people. It fortified our determination to be masters of our own destiny.

It created new institutions on which to erect the pillars of a new nation.”

Moreover, he pointed out that Independence allowed the country to adopt its own symbols of nationhood, which Guyanese were proud of as they boosted national pride. According to

Granger, Independence created the need for new institutions to preserve the country’s achievements, promote the development of the nation and protect the rights of its citizens.

The Head of State went on to recognise the contributions of the past Presidents and the previous Administration all of whom played a significant part in adding to the country’s development.

“We are proud of our achievements over the past 50 years. We are proud of efforts to deliver our people from dreary logies, shanties and tenement yards and to open the doors to family homes,” Granger said. He also acknowledged the works of artists, composers, dancers, dramatists, writers, the talents of sportsmen and women, the brilliance of scholars and the labours of working people, stating that their contributions too over the past decades will never be forgotten.

Furthermore, President Granger outlined that Guyana has made headway in its development while facing threats to its territorial integrity over the past 50

years from two of its neighbours. Granger praised the past leaders for their vision to guide and ability to sustain the country over the past 50 years against these adversities.

On this note, the Head of State posited that Guyana’s Golden Jubilee was an opportunity to strategise and plan ahead in order to fulfil obligations to future generations.

“We look ahead to our next 50 years and to the challenge of realising the good life for all of our citizens. Independence is our birthright. Independence vested in us the duty to protect our nation and to purse the best interest for all generations,” he remarked.

According to the Head of State, the good life entails the absence of poverty, presence of equity, creation of an enlightened citizenry through education, effective stewardship of natural resources and creation of employment for the people.

“Our mission for the next 50 years must be to expand the economy to ensure equality, to improve education, to protect the environment and to provide employment for all,” he stated, adding that

Guyana has bountiful resources, both human and natural, to achieve this vision.

Granger said that while the country has made headway in uniting its people, efforts in this vein would continue to be pursued especially in the area of geographic inequalities between the coastland and the hinterland, and urban and rural communities.

“The hinterland, despite its endowment, remains underdeveloped, plagued by poor infrastructure and environmental hazards. The disparities in development and in households between hinterland and coastland must be removed if we are to become a more equal nation,” he stated as he outlined a massive developmental plan for the hinterland region.

Granger reiterated the desire of his Administration to have inclusive governance.

He also reiterated his commitment to the green economy initiative, which he said would be the guiding principle for sustainable development, as he mentioned plans to capitalise on the country’s resources.

“Guyana’s future is green.

A green economy will protect us from the most adverse effects of climate change. It will ensure a clean environment and reduce pollution. It will preserve our valuable biodiversity. It will ensure that all of our energy needs eventually will be met from sustainable sources. It will catalyse investments in eco-tourism,” the President stated.

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NEWS

THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

President to present 85 persons with national awards – Barbados PM, House Speaker, Rex McKay to receive Order of Roraima to Colonel Paul Anthony Arthur and Nazrul Hussain for their distinguished service beyond the normal call of duty as Officers in the Guyana Defence Force.

The Disciplined Services

Barbados Prime Minister Freundel Stuart will receive the Order of Roraima

House Speaker Dr Barton Scotland

Attorney Rex McKay

n the occasion of Guyana’s 50th independence anniversary, President David Granger, Chancellor of the Orders of Guyana, on Wednesday announced that some 85 persons have been selected to receive awards under the Order of Roraima of Guyana and the Order of Service of Guyana.

Among the awardees for the second highest national award – the Order of Roraima – is Freundel Jerome Stuart, Prime Minister of Barbados.

Prime Minister Stuart will be awarded for his dedication and commitment to the Caribbean Community and his unflinching support for the rights of Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

Attorney Rex Herbert McKay and Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Umax Adolphus Scotland have also been

identified to receive that award for their long, dedicated and outstanding service as a legal practitioner and commitment and service to Guyana in the diplomatic, parliamentary and legal fields and in the public service respectively.

Identified for the Cacique’s Crown of Honour (CCH) for his long and outstanding service in the field of business is Inderjeet Beharry, Director of Edward B Beharry and Company.

Also to receive the CCH for her outstanding service in the administration of the law is Chief Justice Yonette Decina Cummings-Edwards.

For his long and outstanding service in tertiary education, in industrial relations and trade unionism and in jurisprudence in Guyana and the Caribbean, Dr Harold Alexander Lutchman; former Vice Chancellor University

of Guyana will also receive the award.

The Golden Arrow of Achievement will be awarded to Lawrence Anselmo, for his unflinching commitment in the safeguarding of the rights of the indigenous peoples of Guyana and his research in the Arecuna language. Marilyn Patricia Dewar, music teacher and Accompanist of the Woodside Choir will also receive this award for her long and outstanding service in the field of education.

Meanwhile, the Medal of Service will be awarded to retired coordinator of People’s National Congress Reform Marjorie Eleanor Charles.

Also to receive this award is Mohindra Persaud, General Manager and Director Nand Persaud and Company Limited.

The Military Service Medal will be awarded

O

Medal will be awarded to Maxine Lavern Graham, Senior Superintendent, Staff Officer Administration 1 for sustained and dedicated service of a high order in the Guyana Police

Force; and Brian Linden Alexander Joseph, Assistant Commissioner of Police/Head of the Presidential guard, for sustained and dedicated service of a high order in the Guyana Fire Service.

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thursday, may 26, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2016

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Kolkata Knight Riders v Sunrisers Hyderabad, IPL 2016, Eliminator…

Sunrisers’ seamers snuff out Knight Riders T

hree teams had defended successfully in five games on slow Feroz Shah Kotla surfaces this season. There was no reason why Sunrisers Hyderabad, with one of the best bowling attacks in the competition despite Ashish Nehra’s absence, couldn’t defend 163 in a knockout game. Kolkata Knight Riders, meanwhile, had won six out of their eight games chasing. This was therefore an even contest on a surface of the kind Knight Riders have thrived on back home in Kolkata. But the loss of early wickets on the face of some disciplined bowling and outstanding fielding by Surisers derailed the twotime champions. Sunrisers, by virtue of a 22-run win, setup a clash with Gujarat Lions in Qualifier-2 at the same venue on Friday.

It wasn’t a night of manic six-hitting or breathtaking batting by any stretch, but Yuvraj Singh’s 30-ball 44 had all the elements that made him a feared limitedovers batsman once upon a time. Yet the effort that underlined his importance on Wednesday was a direct hit from backward point to send back Colin Munro early in Knight Riders’ chase

to induce a hint of panic.

An effort of that kind automatically lifted a unit that applied pressure courtesy David Warner’s tactful bowling changes to escalate the asking rate.

Bhuvuneshwar Kumar then pulled off a stunner at deep midwicket to dismiss the inform Yusuf Pathan to further dent Knight Riders.

At 69 for 4 in the 11th over, they were firmly behind in the game.

A no-holds-barred contest then came alive as Manish Pandey and Suryakumar Yadav counter-punched, their 46-run stand, laced with unorthodoxy, caused a few flutters in the Sunrisers camp, but there was always the danger of them perishing in the quest for one big hit too many. Suryakumar, who was reprieved in the 15th over by Mustafizur Rahman at third man, couldn’t kick on, and miscued a slog to Shikhar Dhawan in the next over to leave Knight Riders needing 47 off 24.

Warner immediately summoned his trump card Mustafizur for the first of his two remaining overs, and he responded by conceding just eight. With no option but to go for hell or high wa-

SCOREBOARD Sunrisers Hyderabad innings (20 overs maximum) DA Warner*b Kuldeep Yadav 28 S Dhawan b Morkel 10 MC Henriques c & b Kuldeep Yadav 31 44 Yuvraj Singh b Holder DJ Hooda run out (Kuldeep Yadav) 21 BCJ Cutting st †Uthappa b Kuldeep Yadav 0 NV Ojha† c †Uthappa b Holder 7 B Kumar c Pandey b Morkel 1 Bipul Sharma not out 14 0 BB Sran not out Extras: (b 1, lb 1, w 4) 6 Total: (8 wickets; 20 overs) 162 Did not bat: Mustafizur Rahman Fall of wickets; 1-12 (Dhawan, 1.6 ov), 2-71 (Henriques, 9.4 ov), 3-71 (Warner, 9.5 ov), 4-120 (Hooda, 15.5 ov), 5-124 (Cutting, 16.1 ov), 6-145 (Yuvraj Singh, 18.3 ov), 7-147 (Ojha, 18.5 ov), 8-161 (Kumar, 19.5 ov) Bowling: YK Pathan 3 -0-17 -0, Morkel 4-0 -31 -2, SP Narine 4 -0 -35 -0 (2w), JO Holder 4 -0 -33-2 (2w), Kuldeep Yadav 4 -0- 35 -3, R Sathish 1 -0 -9 -0

Kolkata Knight Riders innings (target: 163 runs from 20 overs) RV Uthappa† c Henriques b 11 Sran G Gambhir* c sub (V Shankar) b Cutting

28 C Munro run out (Yuvraj Singh) 16 MK Pandey c Hooda b Kumar 36 YK Pathan c Kumar b Henriques 2 SA Yadav c Dhawan b Henriques 23 R Sathish b Kumar 8 JO Holder c Cutting b Kumar 6 SP Narine not out 1

M Morkel not out 0 Extras: (lb 9) 9 Total: (8 wickets;20 overs) 140 Did not bat: Kuldeep Yadav Fall of wickets: 1-15 (Uthappa, 1.5 ov), 2-53 (Munro, 6.6 ov), 3-63 (Gambhir, 9.1 ov), 4-69 (Pathan, 10.5 ov), 5-115 (Yadav, 15.5 ov), 6-125 (Pandey, 17.2 ov), 7-139 (Sathish, 19.2 ov), 8-140 (Holder, 19.5 ov) Bowling: B Kumar 4-0 -19 -3, BB Sran 3 -0 -29 -1, DJ Hooda 1-0 -8 -0, Mustafizur Rahman 4-0 -28-0, MC Henriques 3 -0 -17 -2, BCJ Cutting 3 -0 -14 -1, Bipul Sharma 2 -0 -16 -0

ter, Pandey kept swinging, one of which found Deepak Hooda at long-on. His dismissal on 36 brought about an air of inevitability to the chase as Bhuvneshwar, who finished with 3 for 19, followed the dismissal by spearing in yorkers and fulllength deliveries which the batsmen couldn’t get underneath. It was reduced to a game of hit and miss from there on, much like it was in the first half when Yusuf Pathan an Morne Morkel had Sunrisers, who were sent in, struggling for early momentum.

Dhawan’s early dismissal forced Warner to tread cautiously. He scored his first boundary off his 10th delivery, but his methods deviated from the usual.

The muscular hits were replaced with drives and dabs behind the wicket. He was reprieved on 10 when Yusuf put down a difficult chance off his own bowling in the fifth over, but he would only go on to add 18 more.

By squeezing out three bonus overs from Yusuf in the Powerplay, Gambhir ensured there was enough bowling arsenal to quell Sunrisers in the middle overs. They also limited Warner’s off-side strokeplay by sticking to tight lines.

The first six was hit by Henriques, when he pulled Yusuf towards deep midwicket to signal Sunrisers’ move; the first six overs, four of which were bowled by the spinners, produced 43.

Kuldeep Yadav introduced in the eighth over was hard to pick. As well as they did to rotate strike, the pair found boundary scoring difficult, as a three-over period after the first six brought just one boundary. The pressure started to tell, and Kuldeep reaped the rewards as his double strike stunted Sunrisers in the 10th over.

After taking a skier off his own bowling to send back Henriques, who attempted an across-the-line swipe, he clean bowled Warner with a wrong’un that beat his powerful sweep. At 71 for 3 at the halfway mark, Sunrisers had to start afresh.

Yuvraj walked out to a slip and silly point, and was put through an examination against Narine’s wily variations. Intent on attacking the bowlers, he took apart Kuldeep with two lofted hits - one of which made clean connection as the swagger

that has made brief appearances in recent times, was back to give Sunrisers hope.

He raced to 18 off 12. When he starts off in that fashion, especially on a ground with short boundaries, it points to ominous signs.

Hooda was unfazed by the fuss at the other end; deep midwicket being his preferred area of attack as he slogged two superblytimed sixes, but his run-out after a mix-up with Yuvraj in the 16th over - Kuldeep effected a direct hit at the bowler’s end from mid-off stalled Sunrisers’ upswing yet again.

By then, Yuvraj was in a belligerent mood as he picked three leg-side boundaries before a premeditated move against Jason Holder resulted in his middle stump being flattened.

Bipul Sharma’s two muscular hits for six gave them momentum going into the break, which they rode to derail the chasing monsters to ensure IPL 2016 will have a new champion. (Cricinfo)

Sunrisers Hyderabad were the fourth team in six games to successfully defend a score at the Kotla this season

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Cricket and Independence

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GUYANA-TIMES.COM

THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2016

he early 1960s were Lance Gibbs’ most productive period in Test cricket, and his greatest achievements came in the 1961–62 home series against India. In five Tests he took 24 wickets at just 20.41 runs each, including one of the game's greatest spells of bowling at Bridgetown, where he single-handedly reduced India from 149/2 to 187 all out with eight wickets in 15.3 overs at a total cost of just six runs; Lance's final innings return of 8/38 was his best in a Test match. In 1963 West Indies toured England, and Lance had another highly successful series, taking 26 wickets at 21.30 including 5/59 and 6/98 in a ten-wicket triumph at Manchester.

Further successful series followed: indeed, in eight successive series topped and tailed by the 1960– 61 and 1968–69 tours to

Australia, Lance never took fewer than 18 Test wickets and took five or more wickets in an innings on 12 occasions.

In 1967 Lance played for Warwickshire in the English County Championship, for whom he would continue to appear each season until 1973, although his appearances in 1969 and 1973 were reduced because of his commitments with West Indies' tours of England. In 1970, after a winter spent with South Australia, he took a career-best 8/37 against Glamorgan, but by far his most successful season in England was 1971, when he claimed 131 first-class wickets at only 18.89, with nine five-wicket hauls.

This exceptional performance gained Gibbs a Wisden Cricketer of the Year award in the following year's Almanack.

Lance Gibbs In 1973, at the age of almost 39, Lance made his One Day International debut against England at Leeds as part of the Prudential Trophy tournament, taking the wicket of England captain Mike Denness. He played only two further ODIs: the first again being against England two days later at the Oval (11–4–12– 1 and the wicket of John Jameson), and a single outing against Sri Lanka at Manchester in the 1975 World Cup, in which he bowled just four overs without success.

Lance's' last Test matches were played on the tour of Australia in 1975–76. Although he played in all six Tests, and took 5/102 in the first innings of the first Test at Brisbane, his 16 wickets came at an average of over 40. He passed the milestone of 300 Test vic-

tims at Perth by dismissing Gary Gilmour. His last Test match, and indeed his last appearance in senior cricket of any description, was at Melbourne, his 309th and final Test wicket being that – again – of Gilmour.In addition to being Test cricket’s highest wicket-taker for five years before Dennis Lillee broke the record, Lance was also an outstanding fielder to his own bowling and a gully specialist where he grasped the majority of his 52 catches. Gibbs' contribution to West Indian cricket is perhaps best summoned up by his cousin and long-time colleague, Clive Lloyd. He said: "There was never a more whole-hearted cricketer for the West Indies, nor an off-spinner in anything like his class. He was by no means a mechanical spinner, instead always thinking about the game,

The Master of spin bowling Pt 2 of 2 working an opponent out, assessing his strengths and weaknesses and laying the trap for him. A fierce competitor, he would be given a total effort, no matter if the pitch was flat and docile, no matter if the total was 300 for two and the sun scorching, no matter if his finger had been rubbed raw".

When he was not on duty with Guyana or the West Indies, Lance represented Burnley and Whitburn in the Lancashire and Durham leagues respectively, Warwickshire – he enjoyed his best season in 1971 with 131 wickets (av. 18.89) – in the English county championship and South Australia in the Sheffield Shield competition. In 1964 as the first 1000-pound professional in the Durham senior league, he helped Whitburn win the championship with 126 wickets (av. 8.53) which

remains a league record.

After his retirement from the game, Lance emigrated to Florida, in the United States, where he lives with his wife, Joy, and their two children – Richard and KellyAnn Cartwright – who were successful professionals. Almond Street in Georgetown, Guyana, was named after him and he is the proud owner of a prized International Cricket Council (ICC) Hall of Fame cap presented to 60 of the world’s finest players last year to mark the centenary of the sport’s governing body.

He managed the West Indies touring teams to England in 1991 and to South Africa in 2009. He is also the cricket ambassador for Digicel – the leading mobile service provider in the Caribbean – which is the West Indies team’s sponsor.

Thunderbolt Flour U-17 teams receive footballs

From right, Sherwin Forde (Berbice Football Association VP) presents footballs to representatives from the various clubs

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he Berbice Football Association (BFA) presented 40 footballs to the ten (10) member clubs that will be participating in the GFF/ NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power U-17 Tournament. The presentation was made on May 23, 2016 and four balls were given to each club including: Canefield Diamond Strikers, Corriverton Links, Cougars, East Bank Sports Club, Hopetown United Rangers, Mahaicony Sports Club, Monedderlust, New Amsterdam United,

Paradise Invaders and Rosignol United.

The much needed balls will assist in the teams’ preparation for the upcoming Guyana Football Federation (GFF)/ NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power U-17 Tournament scheduled to begin shortly. The footballs were donated to the BFA

by Mr. Ken Vincent on behalf of Food for the Poor.

The BFA is grateful to Mr. Vincent and Food for the Poor for their help in Youth Football Development in Berbice.

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IMMIGRATION SERVICES PROFESSIONALLY PREPARED BY IMMIGRATION CONSULTANT. PASSPORT AND VISA APPLICATIONS (PERMANENT/VISITOR) FOR USA, CANADA, UK, CHINA, INDIA, ETC. SABITA’S IMMIGRATION SERVICES. TEL: 225-6496/662-6045

KEY CUTTing Professional Key Shop, 125 Carmichael Street, Georgetown.

Phone: 225-3923, mobile: 621-3249.

We cut any type of key, service and repair all types of locks. Get your extra key today.

Driving School Shalom Enterprise Driving School 2 Croal Street, Stabroek.

You can obtain an International Drivers Permit Covering 131 Countries. Tel: 227-3869, 6447052, 659-3381

EDUCATION REGISTER - learn to play drums, guitar, keyboard and train your voice NOW OR in the Summer. Call 225-1151/ 657-8404.

Special Computer Package for 2016 CXC Students. 9 Courses in Computers $20,000 OFF. Computerized Accounting 4 Courses. Quickbooks, Peachtree, POS, Excel 2016. MicroGraphics Technology, Vreed-En-Hoop/ Parika. Tel: 264-3057 Study in CANADA/USA $1,000US Processing Fee. Limited Offer.

MicroGraphics Technology, VreedEn-Hoop/Parika. Tel: 264-3057.

Cybertron BeReady Driving School.

Daily and Weekend Classes.

Limited Offer. MicroGraphics Technology, Vreed-En-Hoop/ Parika. Tel: 264-3057

FOR SALE FOR SALE 3 HEIFERS. TEL: 658-0115 Powerline Battery Water/wholesale.

1 litre and 0.5 litre sizes. Tel: 680-3863 One Toyota Spacio, One Toyota Forklift, One Motorcycle 110cc, One Cement Mixer (Ransom), Vick’s Hardware. Tel: 264-2682/649-0707 Clean Garden Earth. Also excavating, grading and leveling done. Call 627-9977 Road to Belwasa and A Dip at the Sangam, Indentureship Novels at Austin’s Book Store and at Lachmansingh Drug Store.

Tel: 226-5053.

For sale by lot: Lot (1): 2 bath tubs, bathroom fittings and fixtures & toilet set; shower fittings - $150,000 and Lot (2): 1 Dell desktop computer & HP scanner - $25,000. Call 225-2676 or 601-5285.

One 6 inch dredge, one 4-cylinder MWM, one 3-cylinder MWM engine in working condition with all other complete equipment in good working condition. 679-3655 2 STOREY CONCRETE HOUSE 35 X 45 ENCLOSED DOWNSTAIRS, SIZE OF LAND 65 X 120, SECTION A DIAMOND HOUSING SCHEME, EAST BANK DEMERARA, CONTACT # 6645052/617-0583

flowers Available: Fresh long-stemmed roses, fresh dried and silk floral arrangements, gift items, bridal boutiques and wreaths. Nesha’s Flowerland. 78 Church Street (opposite St George’s Cathedral).

Tel: 227-3553/225-3315

immigration Immigration & Visa Services We handle all Canadian, USA and UK immigration and visa matters. Self sponsorships, holiday/visitor’s visas, work permits, students visas, family, class, immigration forms, embassy enquiries, appeals for refused cases, US green card lottery, business class waivers, pardons, etc. Get your visa approved. High success rate. Balwant Persaud & Associates. Certified Immigration Consultants, 68 Sixth Street, Alberttown, Georgetown (Between Cummings & Lights Sts) Tel: 225-1540, 622-8308, 655-3105.

Email: balwantpersaud@yahoo.ca

optician Da Silva’s Optical. For Your Eyes Only, Look Better See Better. Phillip A Da Silva OD, Shannon L Da Silva OD, Natalie Da Silva OD. 248 South Road, Bourda. Phone: 227-3529, Linden: 444-6376, Corriverton: 3393536, Meten-Meer-Zorg: 275-0322, Grand Cayman Islands: (345) 9431515 for the perfect trendy touch.

health Healthworld Clinic – Providing professional psychological therapy for all mental and behavioral health problems. Call (592)-690-1824 Mondays-Saturdays 9am-3pm.

Email; healthworldhc@gmail.com

lAND FOR SALE Land at La Grange Public Road to Sea Dam, Size 4 Acres, could be used for commercial or Housing Scheme. Tel 625-1514 1.5 Acre Land in W.B.D. Call #:658-0115 Land at La Grange Public Road, Size 4 Acre, could be used for commercial or housing scheme. Tel#: 625-1514 Formerly Globe Cinema, Corner lot, Church and Waterloo Street Size 125 ft x 133 ft Tel: 610-2234 One land 100/50 at Good Hope Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara for sale.

Priced six million dollars. For more information, kindly call 623-0156 or 6953150 (serious inquires only)

property for sale

services Repairs and Spares, Air Conditioning, Car AC, Washers, Stoves. Call Nick: 683-1312, 627-3206

taxi services

TO let FOR RENT 1,000 TO 10,000 SQUARE FT. WAREHOUSE SPACE, OFFICE SPACE & SHOP FRONT. CALL: 592600-2040/600-5758 Leonora New Housing Scheme, W.C.D. Garage, Kitchen & Shower.

Tel: 675-5998/268-2277.

NO CHILDREN. Working Persons Only

VEHICLES FOR SALE 1 TOYOTA IPSUM (7-SEATER) IN EXCELLENT WORKING CONDITION WITH MUSIC (5800 W): CONTACT 6531003 JUST ARRIVED: TOP QUALITY RECONDITIONED VEHICLES; TOYOTA NOAH; TOYOTA VOXY; TOYOTA IST (NEW SHAPE); SUZUKI SWIFT; DAIHATSU MOVE (660CC); MERCEDES BENZ C200 KOMPRESSOR; COROLLA AE100 WAGON; TOYOTA HIACE MINIBUS RZ; PITBULL-STYLE FREEZER VAN; LAND CRUISER (FULLY LOADED); MAZDA PROCEED 4WD EXTRA-CAB PICK-UP; TOYOTA HILUX 4WD EXTRA CAB PICKUPS - 3RZ, 5L, 3L SOLID DEFFERNTIAL; MITSUBISHI CANTER TRUCKS 4 TONS FREEZER; 3 TONS OPEN TRAY; 2 TONS 4WD; NISSAN ATLAS 2 TONS OPEN TRAY TRUCK. PRE-ORDER YOUR UNITS EARLY AND GET THE BEST PRICES. FULL AFTER SALES SERVICES AND FINANCING AVAILABLE. DEO MARAJ AUTO SALES, 2 CHIMNEY ROAD, CHATEAU MARGOT, ECD. 624-0762, 220-5177. A NAME AND SERVICE YOU CAN TRUST

VACANCIES Cashier for Supermarket. Tel: 624-0033 One (1) Cook. Tel: 624-0033 One (1) Maid. Tel: 624-0033 Driver for Water Truck. Tel: 680-3863 Security – In store; Day Duty. Tel: 680-3863

Eccles: $27M Neg. Enterprise Sec C: $20M Neg. MonRepos: $30M Neg. South Ruimveldt Park:$20M Neg. Broad Street: $80M Neg. Charlotte Street between Camp and Alexander: $55M Neg. Providence(land): $6.5M Neg. Parfaite Harmony(land): $4.5M Neg. Contact: 691-1521

WANTED

GOOD HOPE AND OGLE. CONTACT: 673-5546, 222-3066, 682-7257, 6790987

services House plans & estimates, weeding of grass and spraying done within 48hrs. Call: 216-0671; 622-0267; 692-8464

spirituality Surinamese spiritualist. Resolving all problems. Money, love, blockage etc.

Call 223-6834/600-7719.

Suriname’s Astrology, Palmist and Hindustani Spiritual Healer, solve all purpose problems, 100% confidential guaranteed. Phone: 602-8997 HEPHZIBAH MINISTRIES 24 hrs Prayer Line 322-5081, 322-5738, 322-5788, 337-4510, 337-4259, 3373070, 337-5103. For healing, deliverance, financial difficulties, marriage issues call now. Jesus Cares.

Ifa Temple – Are you having serious problems and urgently need spiritual help? Call 621-0552 now. Email: anew-life@live.com Dutch spiritual healing in removing evil spirit, bad luck, evil sickness, spells, reuniting lovers and prosperity to business. Call: 612-6417, 6875653, 220-0708

DC Jammers fend off Pacesetters 82-75; remain undefeated

GR Taxi, 24 hours. Phone: 225-7878, 219-5000 or 227-2100

House Lot, Diamond New Scheme between 2nd & 3rd Avenue. Contact: 638-1529

Transported property in Regent Street between Wellington & Camp Streets. Tel 625-1514

21

sports

Fast growing food distribution company is looking for a driver and salesperson with a car, experience and police clearance. Call: 231-8344 or 231-8529 SALESGIRLS WITH EXPERIENCE PLEASE BRING WRITTEN APPLICATION AND CV TO TRISTAR ELECTRICAL BRASSONIC Bldg.

(MAIN ENTRANCE 42 WATER ST. G/ Town. 231-7101 Vacancy exists for one full-time Pharmacist to work on the West Coast of Demerara in Metenmeerzorg.

Telephone: 275-0733

DC Jammers Semaj Inge going up for a reverse dunk

T

he DC Jammers continued with their winning ways on their 2016 four game Goodwill Tour of Guyana.

On Tuesday night, the visitors played third game of the short tour and at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall against the spirited Pacesetters.

In what was a highly competitive and exciting game, Pacesetters proved to be a resilient force, however, Kevan Creppy clutch performance down the stretch helped the DC Jammers to a 82-75 victory to secure their third consecutive win and remain undefeated with one game to go.

Semaj Inge had another good day at the office with 21 points while Guyanese born Winston Robinson added 14 points for the Jammers.

Pacesetters were led by former Guyana Basketball Association first division MVP; Jason Squires who topped scored for the locals with 20 points while Stephon Gillis netted 17 points.

The Washington based side set the tone early, opening the game with a with 10-0 run as Keron Mckenzie nailed back-to-back three pointers, McKenzie was left unchecked on both occasions which proved costly for the home side when McKenzie displayed his sharp shooting from downtown. Pacesetters would get their first points of the evening when Randy Richardson battled for an offensive rebound and finished under the rim.

The size advantage was clearly in favour of the Jammers, they dominated the glass in the first period with numerous offensive rebounds, capitalizing on the Pacesetters’ lack of ‘big men’ on the floor. Jammers would finish the first period with a 24-14 lead.

The home side opened the second period on a 8-2 run with their high intensity defense and quick outlet passes that cut the lead to 4 (26-22) with 7:52 remaining in the quarter. The Pacesetters would outscore the Jammers in the second period 24-19 to head into the half trailing by only five points, 38-43.

Semaj Inge had 12 points at the half for the Jammers while Stephon Gillis had 10 for the Pacesetters.

The momentum gained by the Pacesetters during the second period continued into the third, the Guyanese side came out with an aggressive mindset, running most of their plays in the post as the game slowed down which favored the home side. Pacesetters were able to reduce the deficit to just two points (43-41) with little over 3 minutes played in the quarter. The game immediately turned into a back and forth affair with both sides trading buckets, Keron McKenzie hit his fourth three pointer of the night to give the Jammers a 57-50 lead before Jason Squires answered with a three of his own to make it 57-53. The entertaining third quarter was capped off when Jason Squires nailed

a buzzer-beater to cut the Jammers’ lead to one (5857) sending the home supporters into a frenzy.

Randy Richardson gave Pacesetters their first lead of the night early in the fourth when he finished a lay to give Pacesetters a 58-59 lead. Soon after Pacesetters would hit their next jumper and go up by three with 6:21 remaining.

The noise level inside the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall erupted when Stephon Gillis nailed a three pointer while drawing a foul, he converted the free throw to complete the four point play as the Pacesetters gained a 69-64 lead.

The Jammers came fighting back with a run of their own, Samaj Inge and Winston Robinson’s twopunch combo of back to back jumpers regained the lead (70-69) for the Jammers with 4:49 remaining in the game.

Samaj Inge stepped into another gear producing 2 vicious blocks as the game got physical down the stretch.

Kevan Creppy went on to hit three consecutive buckets helping the DC Jammers open a seven point lead, 7770, Jammers would prove too much for the Guyanese side when they pulled away late in the final minutes to secure a hard fought 82-75 victory.

The Jammers will now turn their attention to Guyana’s All-Star team this Friday evening as they seek to make it a Goodwill Tour clean sweep. Action tips-off at 18:30 Hrs.

National Junior Karate Championships set for May 29 I n celebration of the 50th Independence anniversary of the CoOperative Republic of Guyana, the National body of Karate – The Guyana Karate Federation (GKF) will be hosting the 2016 National Junior Karate Championships at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall on Sunday May 29, 2016.

Weigh-In starts at 9:00 hrs and elimination will commence at 10:00 hrs while the Official Opening ceremony and Finals is set for 13:00 hrs.

The Olympic recognized Karate body (WKF) rules will be used and competitors in age groups 6 – 8 years old, 9 – 11 years old, 12 – 14 years old and 15 –

17 years old will be competing for the top spots and the opportunity to represent the Federation Internationally.

Trophies for 1st, 2nd, 3rd places are donated by the National Sports Commission will be presented to the respective winners at the end of the tournament.

22

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Doris has a great chance in Rio THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2016

W

orld number three ranked triple jumper Troy Doris, arguably Guyana’s best chance of a medal at the 2016 Rio games is in Guyana courtesy of the Guyana Olympic Association.

At a press conference held on Wednesday at Olympic House on High Street, Georgetown the jumper with the second longest leap of the year (17.10 meters) revealed his joy at not only qualifying for the summer Olympics but also being able to represent his family and Guyana at the highest level.

The overjoyed 27 year old revealed that for a while now he had wanted to be in Guyana and is very grateful for the opportunity especially during this Independence Golden Jubilee time where he plans to soak up as much of Guyana’s culture as possible. The lad express his feeling when he qualified for the Olympics, “I had this sense of joy that it was over and I got to tell my mother, father and brothers that I finally qualified for the Olympics and that joy was amplified because of representing Guyana.”

Troy Doris who resides in Chicago, Illinois, will depart the land of many waters on Tuesday May 31 for one month in Greece where he would unite with his Greek coach to continue his training.

He would also compete at two International Association of

Troy Doris

Athletics Federation (IAAF) Diamond league meets, on June 9 in Oslo, Norway and Stockholm, Sweden on June 16.

President of the Guyana Olympic Association K. Juman Yassin revealed that the Association will fund almost all of Mr. Doris’ expenses for his pre parations ahead of the Rio Games.

He also mentioned that the Association is awaiting the plans of the country’s other Olympic qualifiers Brenessa Thompson (100 & 200m), Aliyah Abrams (400m) and Winston George (400m) to assist them where possible.

Mr. Yassin further stated that the Association plans to fund the travel expenses for the athletes on solidarity scholarship (Stephan James, Winston George, Adam Harris and Kadecia

Baird) to compete at the Aliann Pompey Invitational on June 18. Additionally, the Association also intends to foot the bill for the athletes that have qualified for the Olympics to participate at the meet with the exception of Doris who would be unavailable.

The invitational which is also a qualifying tournament for the Olympics will be held at the Leonara Track & Field facility, West Coast Demerara will also provide an opportunity for local athletes in the likes of Natricia Hopper and others to have a shot at their relevant qualifying targets.

The Iowa University student, Troy Doris is the son of Tessa Franco and Paul Doris who are both born Guyanese and former residents of East La Penitance, Georgetown.

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2016

23

NAMILCO assists football associations ahead of U-17 tournament I

n preparation for the start of the GFFNAMILCO National Under-17 Thunderbolt Flour Power Tournament, scheduled to be begin this month end, the National Milling Company of Guyana (NAMILCO) presented sponsorship cheques and gears to the participating Member Associations of the Guyana Football Association (GFF).

During the presentation which took place at the GFF Headquarters and was attended by representatives from the football associations around Guyana, President of the Guyana Football Federation; Wayne Forde expressed his gratitude towards NAMILCO for their continued partnership with GFF in aiding the development of football in Guyana.

“The National Milling Company has been a constant reminder of; the kind of friendship football needs, even during some our most challenging period in football NAMILCO stayed with the sport and they invested

consistently in the playing of football. I think this is something that is very commendable.”

The National Under-17 Thunderbolt Flour Power Tournament will be the first of its kind in Guyana and all nine football associations in Guyana will be competing in the tournament. Forde highlighted that it was only fitting that the Guyana Football Federation launch such a tournament with NAMILCO. Forde stated that players partaking in the tournament will be scouted by Youth Development Officers (YDO) who will be tasked with identifying the tactical development of the players. Players identified by the YDO will be entered into an Academy Training Center for sessions twice per week. Players involved in the camp will be exposed to consistent technical and tactical training.

Forde further stated that with this initiative, Guyana will be able to have a much more diverse pool of national players in the years to come.

Provisional ban for Gregory Richardson

T

Gregory Richardson

Travis Grant

he undoubtedly talented Golden Jaguars and Pele Football Club striker Gregory “Jackie Chan” Richardson, has been issued a provisional ban by the Guyana Football Federation (GFF).

The confirmation of the ban was made by President of the GFF Wayne Forde on Wednesday, which effectively means that Richardson will no longer be able to represent the Golden Jaguars in the ongoing Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Caribbean Cup. Richardson is not the only Pele player to face the brunt of the GFF, as teammates Travis ‘Zorro’ Grant and Omallo Williams were

also given provisional bans for their involvement in the club’s “walk off” in a GFF/ Stag Elite League Finale match against Alpha United on May 18 at the Track and Field Facility at Leonora.

Based on reports, Richardson was shown a red card for allegedly using abusive language towards the official in complaint for the distance of the wall marked for an infraction.

With protests coming in every direction from the Pele players who surrounded the official, Omallo Williams was then issued a red card moments later before the restart of the contest for allegedly using threatening language to the referee.

It was at this moment that the Pele players left the playing area in protest.

Despite the attempts of the match commissioner to appease the situation, the players refused to take the playing area and the match was subsequently abandoned following discussions with the match commissioner and the Director of Competitions Ian Alves.

The club was also fined $200,000 (US$1,000), for bringing their clash with Alpha United to an abrupt end.

Omallo Williams

GFF President Wayne Forde (black jacket) and NAMILCO’s Managing Director; Bert Sukhai (left of Wayne Forde) standing with representatives from Guyana’s football associations

“We are going to have the most diverse and the most technically sound national team. With the participation of every football association the national pool will be very broad and deep in terms of having players from around the country rather than mostly on the coast lands.”

NAMILCO’s Managing Director; Bert Sukhai also

gave his remarks at the launch of the tournament stating that such an investment will be prosperous for both NAMILCO and GFF. “We [NAMILCO] think the objective of the tournament is worth the investment that we are making and I am sure the company will also benefit. This tournament promises to

be a landmark in Guyana and the Guyana Football Federation’s football development programme and aligns with NAMILCO’s traditional focus on the development of youth through education, sport and facilitating.

We expect that this tournament will provide an unrivalled national effort in the identification, exposure and

development of Guyana’s football talent in a critical age, and to be the foundation on which Guyana’s future football successes will be built.”

The National Milling Company of Guyana (NAMILCO) is the exclusive sponsor of the tournament which is scheduled to commence this next week.

THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2016

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

Doris has a great chance in Rio

Pg 22 Front row – from left: GOA President K Juman Yassin, Tessa Franco, Troy Doris, Paul Doris and AAG President Troy Hutson

DC Jammers fend off Pacesetters 82-75; remain undefeated

Pg 21 Semaj Inge and Pacesetters’ Randy Richardson battle for the opening tip

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