Guyana Times Daily - February 11, 2016

The race to LGE 2016

United Destiny Group ready to take up the mantle at Charity/ Urasara NDC P10 – youth empowerment a top priority

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

Issue No. 2764

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Thursday, February 11, 2016

3 killed in Annai horrific smash-up Page 7

4kg of marijuana Teenager dies unearthed in in Corentyne Berbice – 2 in custody accident Police ranks dump millions of dollars in cocaine Page 15

Page 13

PRICE

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE: Cool Square murder

Accused sprinted out of court a free man P8

PPP’s Dr P9 Clive Jagan resigns from Parliament

Page 9

Money laundering charges P9 dismissed against tyre dealer GPL swoops down on Essequibo P9 Coast businesses

– several caught stealing electricity Police Ranks on Thursday engaged in a drug eradication exercise as they destroyed millions of dollars worth in confiscated cocaine after successfully intercepting various individuals who attempted to traffic the substance through various mechanisms locally

AG takes on Nandlall in fiery budget clash Page 14

Road fatalities up by 40% despite 2:00AM curfew Page 14

Concerns grow as SOCU seizes more jewellery Page 3

Closure of Wales Estate

GTUC presents 8-point P15 plan to ‘save’ sugar industry

– plugs $13B support for each estate

2 news UG to increase linkages with int’l institutions friday, february 12, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

…to advance local oil and gas sector

By Alexis Rodney

T

he University of Guyana (UG) is set to “link up” with some big names that provide practical and theoretical training in the petroleum sector, as it prepares itself for the economic boom the local oil and gas industry could have on the country.

The recent discovery of oil in Guyana’s waters by United States oil and gas giant ExxonMobil has evoked a new level of hope for Guyana’s ailing economy. And while questions have been asked about whether the country’s tertiary institution is able to galvanise itself to help realise the promised profits to the economy, critics say it is a far cry from what is really needed to take hold of the emerging industry.

Recently-appointed Chancellor of the University, Dr Nigel Harris said the institution had better be prepared for the oil and gas sec-

UG Chancellor, Professor Nigel Harris

CGX Chairman (Guyana), Dr Suresh Narine

tor, which promises economic growth for Guyana.

“We had better be able to address that area,” the Chancellor told Guyana Times when asked on Wednesday.

He was at the time addressing Journalists at a forum where he disclosed the plans the fairly new administration had for

the institution.

He said the US oil company has already approached the University and has been making inquiries about its current arrangement for an industry that is likely to place the country’s economy on another level.

While the University is already offering programmes

related to the industry, others are in the pipeline, the Professor said. However, much more needs to be done, he noted, stating that he will be arranging with the University of the West Indies (UWI), where he recently served as Vice Chancellor, and international agencies assistance for the institution.

According to him, UWI has been training petroleum engineers and other persons in the industry for the past four decades.

“It may be that the UG may not be able to provide all the staff they need. So we are planning to link the University of Guyana with international institutions.

I will be pushing for links with UWI…. It does not make sense that we have the next door neighbours and not take advantage of the programmes,” he told Guyana Times. turn to page 7

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friday, february 12, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, February 12 – 05:00h-06:30h and Saturday, February 13 – 08:30h-10:00h.

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, February 12 – 06:45h-08:15h and Saturday, February 13 – 07:25h-08:55h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Weather: Light to heavy rain showers can be expected throughout the morning with light rain showers dominating throughout the afternoon.

Partly cloudy conditions are expected in the evening.

Temperatures are expected to range between 25 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-easterly to North-easterly between 4.47 metres and 6.25 metres per second.

High Tide: 07:12h and 19:36h reaching maximum heights of 2.78 metres and 2.74 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 00:46h and 13:08h reaching minimum heights of 0.41 metre and 0.44 metre respectively.

Concerns grow as SOCU seizes more jewellery J

ewellery traders and other members of the local gold business community are growing worried over what is developing into a consistent raiding and seizure of jewellery circulating within the country.

Last Friday, ranks of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) made yet another jewellery seizure at a local airport, however the quantity seized was not disclosed.

This incident comes on the heels of a similar one last month which has since prompted a multimilliondollar lawsuit against the government.

SOCU Head Sydney James disclosed that officials will be clamping down on money launderers and in fact a number of operations were launched last weekend.

Though SOCU is operating under the Anti-Money Laundering/Countering of Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Act, the business community is becoming more and more apprehensive about the impact these activities will have on their operations.

Particularly, businessmen are growing concerned about how the archaic Customs Act comes into effect.

The recent seizures caused many businessmen to believe that the officials were operating under the Customs Act which prohibits individuals from leaving the country with jewellery worth in excess of G$2000.

These laws, dating back to the 70s, stipulates that persons leaving or arriving in Guyana must make a declaration on a designated form of the items they are carrying on person or in luggage.

Though there is general prohibition against jew-

SOCU Head Sydney James

ellery, there is an exception as it relates to marriage or engagement articles (rings or watches). The Act allows a female to carry out jewellery valued at a maximum of $2000 and males at $1500.

Persons under twelve years can also take out jewellery but it must be worth no more than $500.

If persons are desirous of taking out jewellery valued more than the allowable amount, they must be in receipt of a written approval from the Finance Minister.

Persons have expressed that these laws are old and there is an increasing urgency for them to be upgraded, especially in light of the fact that government is moving to enforce the AML/CFT Act. Elegance Jewellery, a prominent jewel trader in Guyana, told this newspaper that most of its clients are foreign-based and if there continues to be arbitrary seizures at the airports, the entity’s operations will be gravely affected.

“Most of our clients are from overseas who come in Guyana to purchase jewellery and then they would take it out of the country.

We are basically surviving on foreign clients,” the representative stated, calling on government to move

swiftly to amend the legislation.

Another businessman, speaking on condition of anonymity, explained that some Customs Act overlaps with sections of AML/CFT and therefore these need to be reviewed to avoid confusion.

“You can’t have the AML/ CFT Act putting one limit on the amount you can carry around and you enforce that but then you have the Customs Act with a different thing but you don’t enforce. It needs reviewing so everything will be consistent because people will then be hesitant to conduct any kind of trade as it relates to these two Acts,” he explained.

Another popular Georgetown jewellery store noted that the Customs Act is ridiculous and its amendment is long overdue.

“It’s ridiculous that they haven’t changed it as yet.

You see, government has not enforced the Act in a long

time, simply because it’s outdated and 99 per cent of people aren’t aware of what the law says. Now that this information is coming to light, people will get concerned and it could put a damper on the jewellery trade,” the proprietor commented.

Contacted for a comment on the development, Finance Minister Winston Jordan explained that SOCU is operating under the AML/ CFT Act so there really is no need for concern. He posited that the Customs Act, like hundreds of other laws, are outdated and hence not enforced.

Nonetheless, he assured that steps will be taken in due course to make the necessary amendments to archaic laws.

“The law as we find them over time will be adjusted to suit modern times,” he assured, noting that many of them will also need to be synchronised.

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friday, february 12, 2016

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Editorial

Our raging planet

T

he BBC recently published an article entitled “Why are Americans so angry?” that may as well be headlined “Why is the world so angry?”.

According to the feature, the American economy causes the anger of many Americans, especially the middle and working classes – a situation that is mirrored around the world if you just ask any Earth citizen.

Whatever is going on in national economies worldwide, the middle and working classes do not believe they are getting an equitable share, and often face stagnation in their respective countries. Meanwhile, the poor get poorer, while the wealthy continue to cruise smoothly along on their yachts.

Many world citizens feel marginalised, discriminated against and voiceless, as Governments and conglomerates dictate national economic policies and, by extension, the world economy to fuel ideologies and profits without considering their effects on ordinary citizens.

This dissatisfaction is fuelling a general rage that continues to build when one also considers the distrust of government that Americans have in common with many other nationalities around the world.

The BBC pointed out that Americans “… see politicians fighting and things not getting done”; again, speak with any world citizen and they too will express their disgust over their own Government’s daily squabbles while their country’s economy stagnates or crumbles.

In fact, for many of the world’s inhabitants, voting a particular party into office has more often than not proved to be a calamitous mistake as promises on the campaign trail remain promises – a fact the Americans call a failure “…to keep their commitments to the people” according to the BBC’s quote of the Republican candidate Ted Cruz.

We can all recall the jubilant optimism of Egypt several years ago when that country experienced its “first free and fair” elections that shortly after ran into abject disappointment with their choice Mohamed Morsi, who was then overthrown.

There is speculation here in Guyana that the honeymoon between voters and APNU/AFC is long over since the coalition has little to show since its victory that can convince the constituency they made a good decision voting it into office.

Many in the world are angry with their Governments, not just the Americans with theirs.

The lack of meaningful participation of youths to have a say in their lives through political and economic opportunities has especially seen many angry young citizens of the world manifest their disillusionment in violent, anti-social and aggressive civil activities.

In the case of Guyana, a Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) study entitled, “Youth are our Future: The Imperative of Youth Employment for Sustainable Development,” shows that youth unemployment in Guyana is hovering around 40 per cent.

Youth unemployment rates in the Caribbean are among the highest in the world at nearly 25 per cent for countries with available statistics, the report stated.

Key among its findings was that regional countries with the highest persistent youth unemployment were Guyana and Suriname.

As old men cling to power, ruling an increasingly restless youthful population, few understand their young constituents, entrenched as they are in the old ways. Few see the need for young people, more often discarding them as immature and irrelevant.

Unfortunately, youths can be found amid many of the world’s most violent societies and events, angry as they are at their country that shows them little hope of a better future.

The world is angry, not just the Americans. Indeed, if one remembers the adage “When America sneezes, the world catches cold”, it only forecasts even grimmer tidings for the rest of us when the world’s superpower nation nurtures increasingly angrier citizens who feel that the ones they have entrusted their future to have let them down.

'Stay alive' and 'Say no to suicide' were prominent themes displayed by these little ones as they competed in the Children's Mash Competition, held at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall

DEA, drugs and corruption in Guyana Dear Editor, I read with great interest newspaper reports about the statement made by the US Ambassador to Guyana, Perry Holloway in relation to the DEA office in Georgetown, the tracking down of illegally acquired money in the US, the sharing of evidence between the US and Guyana as regards drug related and money laundering offences, etc.

The Ambassador made it quite clear that the US cannot assist to track down stolen state funds stashed away in the US unless provided with hard and specific evidence against someone

or a corporation. He stressed that there will be no witch hunting.

Therefore the authorities in Georgetown have to do a lot of work to identify the culprits and provide good and valid information.

There is a lot of talk of fraud and corruption, law enforcement agencies must come up with the evidence to prosecute the bad guys.

It is heartening to learn that there is constant communication between the US Embassy and local law enforcement agencies such as Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) and the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA),

but these bodies have to work harder to muster evidence to link the crooks. Maybe they should seek the assistance of the Guyana Embassy in Washington and the Consulate in New York. Maybe the Ministry of Foreign Affairs should look at the possibility of recruiting top notch private forensic experts to work in their Missions and concentrate on money laundering and international fraud.

The US treasury and the IRS are the focus of such information gathering, but it seems there must be a criminal investigation of some import to initiate a requested cooperation. The DEA is not

a major player in exchange of information involving bank accounts and taxes and as such the Georgetown Office will not be of help in this regard. Of course the DEA office will concentrate on drug trafficking in order to apprehend the culprits in this massive drug trade.

It is not a secret that for decades Guyana has been a transhipping point for drugs to the United States and Europe and the presence of DEA officers in the country by itself will no doubt minimise the trade in the region.

Sincerely, Oscar Ramjeet

Remembering the true meaning of love Dear Editor, As we celebrate Valentine’s Day we must contemplate the significance of the word ‘Love’ which I believe is the greatest of all words in the English language. Great writers, poets, singers, film makers, philosophers based their philosophies around this simple and precious word ‘love’.

When this fascinating word is traced to its root from the Greek concept it gives us the true meaning of the word ‘love’ from three Greek words: Eros, Philia and Agape.

Eros has to do with sexual love between a man and woman; philia has to do with friendship; but the

greatest love is what most experts called the ”agape love” or the God kind of love; meaning the unconditional love of all human beings.

This is the God kind of love Jesus spoke about in St John’s Gospel Chapter 15:12 which is as follows: “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you”.

Shakespeare wrote a collection of 154 sonnets, some based on love he dedicated to a dark lady that could have been his wife or a woman he admired; while some of his sonnets included his life story hidden in profound intricate images.

His 151st sonnet below is a poem of exquisite beauty:

SONNET 151 Love is too young to know what conscience is; Yet who knows not, conscience is born of love?

Then, gentle cheater, urge not my amiss, Lest guilty of my faults thy sweet self prove.

For thou betraying me, I do betray My nobler part to my gross body’s treason; My soul doth tell my body that he may Triumph in love; flesh stays no farther reason, But rising at thy name, doth point out thee As his triumphant prize.

Proud of this pride, He is contented thy poor drudge to be,

To stand in thy affairs, fall by thy side.

No want of conscience hold it that I call Her ‘love,’ for whose dear love I rise and fall.

We can evaluate from this literary discourse that ‘love’ is the answer to man’s basic needs and desires. If we can comprehend the love of God, we will be able to love the world, love ourselves, love our families, our country and build a bridge of peace among all mankind.

May we find that divine bliss and joy on Valentine’s Day. Yours faithfully, Rev Gideon Cecil

guyanatimesgy.com

friday, february 12, 2016

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There are more pros than Chanders badly treated cons in banning used tyres by West Indies Board Dear Editor, The (Georgetown) Mayor and City Council (M&CC) has expressed satisfaction toward the banning of used vehicles and tires claiming that a heavy environmental burden has been lifted off its shoulder.

Joining the growing debate on government’s recent decision to restrict all used tires and vehicles for road operation here, Town Clerk Royston King said Tuesday 9 that the policy will go a long way in helping to manage these particular types of waste.

He said the Council welcomes the policy not only because of its environmental benefits, but because it also improves road safety.

The Town Clerk explained that these used tyres for instance, take a very long time to disintegrate. At the same time the waste material releases harmful chemicals into the atmosphere.

These used tyres are also major contributors to vehicular accidents since blowouts and flats are prevalent with these worn out or damaged equipment.

The Town Clerk went on to encourage the acceptance of the new policy since, according to him, research confirms that the only positive associated with used tyres is that they are cheap.

He charged that, “The used tyre industry in Guyana is completely unregulated and there’s simply no guarantee that these tyres are safe.”

Sometimes these used tyres and vehicles may appear in working order but have internal damage that’s completely invisible. “It’s almost impossible to declare a used tyre safe by just looking at it, but this is the method employed in Guyana,” King warned.

The Town Clerk also warned that some sale tac-

tics being employed include the painting of used tires to make them appear to be in a better condition. “A consumer cannot tell the age of the tyre and most manufacturers warn against their reuse because the material breaks down at a certain point.”

This worsens the situation, King said, because road hazards such as potholes, rough terrain, and bad weather deteriorate the tyre further; increasing danger levels.

“There is no way one can know the history of a used tyre,” the Town Clerk urged.

He said the same understanding could be applied when understanding the consequences of having used vehicles.

Sincerely, Debra Lewis Public Relations Officer Mayor and City Council

Poor Internet service Dear Editor, We are sending this letter to you regarding the poor Internet service provided by GTT at Low Lands/Hope. It has been over a month now that the service provided is very

poor.

Customers cannot upload emails; whatsapp and access facebook. This kind of service is greatly affecting the business community and students. The customers of Low Lands/Hope

are very displeased with GTT. Customers need to get their money’s worth of service.

Sincerely, Concerned residents

Dear Editor, Narsingh Deonarine, in paying tribute to Shivnarine Chanderpaul in Trinidad (Express Feb 5, Guardian Feb 9), pointed out the greatness of Chanders as a cricketer, his humility and assistance to other players.

Chanders was a role model said Narsingh. Both T&T papers as well as Newsday also ran editorials praising Chanders for his outstanding performance noting how he has been badly treated by West Indies Board.

All three papers called for a fitting tribute to the legendary cricketer.

Former Captain Brian Lara also attested last week in Dubai that Chanders has been treated very badly by the Board and the selectors, and he reiterated his earlier call (last May) for a proper tribute to Chanders.

It is noted that Shiv is not the only one to be illtreated by the West Indies management. The iconic Brian Lara was also illtreated and forced to resign (2007) as was Carl Hooper.

Shiv was ill-treated in the same tradition of Rohan Kanhai (1974) and Alvin Kalicharran (1981).

As Lara and others commented, Chanderpaul should not have been dropped from the WI team last June without a forewarning.

Lara stated “Chanders should have

been given a chance to retire after the two tests home series in the West Indies last June against Australia”.

Lara stated then and reiterated last week he has no issue with Chanders breaking the record (86 runs required) and should be given an opportunity to play and bid farewell to the region.

Other boards allow star players to retire on their own time or be given time (warning) to play their last series before retiring.

Chanderpaul was sent straight to pasture without any forewarning and the selection panel and board misled the region and the world that Chanders would be given a grand send off during the Aussie tour last June.

Invoking his lack of form and failures as the reasons for dropping him from the home test series against Australia is indefensible.

No other player performed consistently during the tours to South Africa, Sri Lanka and the home series against England; so performance could not be only criteria for selection against Australia.

In India where I was on a lecture tour, cricket fans asked about Chanderpaul and Lara among other West Indies cricketing heroes. Lara and Chanders are considered as princes of cricket in India. People adore them everywhere.

So they were shocked that Chanders was unceremoniously dropped from the team. They were also disappointed when Lara called time on his career at a young 38. Fans described Chanders as the most reliable batsman who a team can count on to rescue it.

Chanders informed us that in order to play in the Masters League in Dubai, the organisers told him he needed a no objection certificate from WI Board. The Board refused to give the clearance unless Chanders officially retires from cricket.

That is the greatest insult to a legend.

Chanders resigned from international cricket to obtain the clearance.

Chanders has since rescinded his resignation after playing in the Masters League and has made himself available to play for Guyana next week. Should not the Board and other selectors resign for their illtreatment of Chanders?

Chanders should be accorded accolades and ceremonies by the Guyana Cricket Board as well as WI Board albeit too late.

And it is still not too late to allow him to play one last series at home against a touring side so he can bid farewell to fans in the region and around the globe.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

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guyanatimesgy.com

Foundation

uicides among young people continue to be a serious problem. Each year in the US, thousands of teenagers commit suicide.

Suicide is the third leading cause of death for 15-to-24year-olds, and the sixth leading cause of death for five-to-14year-olds.

Teenagers experience strong feelings of stress, confusion, self-doubt, pressure to succeed, financial uncertainty, and other fears while growing up. For some teenagers, divorce, the formation of a new family with

serious problem, a psychiatric examination can be very helpful.

Many of the signs and symptoms of suicidal feelings are similar to those of depression. Parents should be aware of the following signs of adolescents who may try to kill themselves: * change in eating and sleeping habits * withdrawal from friends, family, and regular activities * violent actions, rebellious behaviour, or running away * drug and alcohol use * unusual neglect of

step-parents and step-siblings, or moving to a new community can be very unsettling and can intensify self-doubts. For some teens, suicide may appear to be a solution to their problems and stress.

Depression and suicidal feelings are treatable mental disorders. The child or adolescent needs to have his or her illness recognised and diagnosed, and appropriate treatment plans developed.

When parents are in doubt whether their child has a

personal appearance * marked personality change * persistent boredom, difficulty concentrating, or a decline in the quality of schoolwork * frequent complaints about physical symptoms, often related to emotions, such as stomach aches, headaches, fatigue, etc. * loss of interest in pleasurable activities * not tolerating praise or rewards

A teenager who is planning to commit suicide may also: * complain of being a bad person or feeling rotten inside * give verbal hints with statements such as: I won’t be a problem for you much longer, Nothing matters, It’s no use, and I won’t see you again * put his or her affairs in order, for example, give away favourite possessions, clean his or her room, throw away important belongings, etc. * become suddenly cheerful after a period of depression * have signs of psychosis (hallucinations or bizarre thoughts) If a child or adolescent says, ‘I want to kill myself’, or ‘I’m going to commit suicide’, always take the statement seriously and immediately seek assistance from a qualified mental health professional. People often feel uncomfortable talking about death. However, asking the child or adolescent whether he or she is depressed or thinking about suicide can be helpful. Rather than putting thoughts in the child’s head, such a question will provide assurance that somebody cares and will give the young person the chance to talk about problems.

If one or more of these signs occurs, parents need to talk to their child about their concerns and seek professional help from a physician or a qualified mental health professional. With support from family and appropriate treatment, children and teenagers who are suicidal can heal and return to a more healthy path of development.

(www.aacap.org)

S

ociety loves portraying teens as moody, mercurial creatures – and sometimes, your child may fit that stereotype to a tee. But before you chalk up your child’s next hissy fit to hormones, know that sometimes, something more serious could be going on: depression. It’s far more common than you might think: more than one in 10 teens will be diagnosed with a depressive disorder by the age of 18.

But the signs of depression in teens often differ from the symptoms seen in adults and are hard to spot. Here are some of those more surprising red flags that parents should be looking for.

Signs of depression in teens 1. Irritability. “Although we tend to think of depression as sadness, teenagers often react to depression with a higher level of irritability: their behaviour often becomes more apathetic, grumpy, and indifferent,” says Mark Loewen, a teen Counsellor in Richmond, Virginia. Since even the happiest teen can grouse occasionally about chores or turn into a mute come dinnertime, the only time to really worry is if these symptoms last for days or weeks and have a hopeless

“nothing matters anyway” quality. That’s a sign that depression may lurk under that prickly exterior.

2. They’re “sick” a lot. Is your teen constantly dragged down by stomach aches, headaches, or other mystery ailments where he’s begging to stay home from school? It may be a ruse – or his depression is actually making him feel sick.

3. Backing out of favourite activities. If your teen suddenly stops playing baseball or backs out of the debate team or other extra curriculars he once relished, depression could be sapping his enthusiasm. “Depression weakens the reward system in the brain, which means that teens experience less pleasure performing activities they used to enjoy,” says Loewen.

4. Clinginess. Out of the blue, your teen has glommed onto you to a degree that you haven’t seen since you’d dropped him off at preschool. Or your teen may be spending most of his time with one friend, or just not be socialising as much as he used to. They may even express an excessive worry that you or someone they’re close to may die.

5. They’re on Facebook non-stop. Sure, teens and social media go hand in hand these

days, but one study by the University of Michigan found that the more teens log onto this social networking site, the more negative their mood becomes.

Whether Facebook actually causes this bleak outlook or depressed people are just more drawn to Facebook is unclear.

But either way it doesn’t look good, which is why experts have a name for it: “Facebook depression.”

6. Risky behaviour. If you catch your teen drinking, smoking, or skipping school, of course you’re irate! But this rebellious behaviour may have its roots in depression if you find that the motivation is less about living it up and more about who cares if I live or die? “Since all teens take risks, you need to examine the attitude behind it,” says Loewen. “The attitude to worry about is if they think nothing matters. In other words, they may smoke, or take a walk at night by themselves, or have sex because they think what happens to them is no big deal.”

7. They feel that nobody understands them. Sure, this is how all teens may feel to a point… but in teens with depression, the feelings of isolation are more intense, and often combined with more of the above symptoms.

Of course, spotting any one of the above signs doesn’t mean your teen is depressed. Rather, it’s the combination of numerous red flags that spell trouble.

So what should you do if you spot many of the above symptoms and think your teen needs help? First, don’t think this is something you can fix; this may require the expertise of a therapist or counsellor. But don’t drag your teen to a shrink’s office, either.

“Parents should avoid trying to convince their child to seek professional help and getting into a power struggle,” says Loewen.

“It is often enough to express to the teen that they don’t appear to be as happy as they could be, and that the parents want them to see someone about it.”

If your teen seems open to talking to someone, find two or three counsellors in your area, then let him decide which one he likes best to give him a sense of control. From there, you can also let your teen choose whether he’d like to see the therapist alone or with you, and be respectful if your teen doesn’t want to spill every detail of what is said behind closed doors. Your teen may feel the need for some privacy to open up, which is the key to putting him on the path to a happier state of mind. (Yahoo! News)

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friday, february 12, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

3 killed in Annai horrific smash-up

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hree persons are now dead following a horrific collision at the junction of the Rupurtee and Annai Village, Region Nine (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo) on Thursday morning involving two motorcycles and a car.

Dead are David William, 43, Belinda George, 58 and Henry George all of Annai, Rupununi, Region Nine.

According to reports, Williams and Belinda George died on the spot while Henry George died while waiting at the Annai Airstrip to be airdashed to the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Reports reaching this newspaper stated that the car did not have a license plate and was heading from Sherima Crossing when at the Junction at Rupurtee and Annai, he collided with two motorcycles.

One of the motorcycles was carrying Williams and Belinda George while Henry

Assistance for Region 9 to begin Monday ...Govt should prepare for imminent food shortage – Chairman

A The accident scene at Annai Village, Region Nine

George was riding the other.

They were heading to their farm located some distance from Annai Village.

Speaking with Guyana Times Regional Chairman Brian Allicock explained that the three persons sustained severe injuries to their bodies.

The regional chairman noted that due to the prolonged dry season in the area, the road is usually dusty making it practically invisible for

drivers plying the route.

He noted that from reports received, the car might have been speeding when the accident occurred. However, Rabindranauth Budhram Commander of F Division confirmed that the accident occurred while noting that information remains sketchy.

He added that the driver of the car is in police custody assisting with investigations.

UG to increase linkages...

The call for Guyana’s University to be streamlined was already made by Chairman of the Guyana Board of the Canadian oil company CGX, Dr Suresh Narine.

Dr Narine, who is also the Director of the Institute of Applied Science and Technology at UG, had said Government needed to introduce relevant courses at the University to cater for the takeoff of the local oil industry.

While President David Granger has already committed to the establishment of a Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) to secure the future of the nation, Dr Narine had said more needed to be done regarding the quality of education being

El Niño weather

offered to students at UG. CGX Inc has been in Guyana for some 15 years and is among a number of companies which have been seeking to benefit from Guyana’s promising oil reserves.

Professor Narine said the oil and gas sector, a major enhancement to any economy, would do wonders for Guyana’s fiscal footing. Unfortunately, according to him, the country’s premier university is “nowhere near where it needs to be to prepare people for the oil and gas industry”.

If the industry were to begin active operations now, there would be a shortage of personnel.

“What needs to be done, it’s

from page 2

not just petroleum engineers, it’s not just plumbing, and it’s not just stevedore men. It’s environmentalists who will find work in this sector, the tertiary jobs all the way through and I think that it is imperative of our country that we map that,” Dr Narine had said.

He spoke of one of Canada’s provinces which was much similar to Guyana in its economic activities whose fishing industry had suddenly gone out of business when it made a giant oil find. That province, he recalled, had to “bootstrap” itself in order to service the new oil industry.

“While the learning is there, we need to begin that conversation,” he said.

s a result of the ongoing drought that is plaguing Region Nine (Upper TakatuUpper Essequibo), Regional Chairman Brian Allicock is urging the Government to prepare to send provisions into the region in the coming months, as he states that a food shortage is imminent.

In a telephone interview with Guyana Times on Thursday, Allicock stated that in the months of March and April, food would have to be shipped into certain parts of the region. The Chairman related that the most critical communities are in South Rupununi.

Allicock stated that the regional body is doing as much as they currently can, but noted that some situations were unavoidable.

The Chairman reiterated that most persons in the region make a living by farming.

Allicock shared that farmers would generally prepare small farms in October and November and plant in December to support them in preparation for the rainy season that comes during the months of March to April.

He added that now, the region would have to seek assistance for food from April until August. The regional official stated that wells within the area were drying up, as water sources continued to become depleted, and the little they had could not be used to start a crop that would have probably never made it.

He told Guyana Times that certain parts of the region were blessed with heavy showers over the past three days for which the region is truly grateful. He added however, that these showers are only providing short relief as their situation cannot be solved with “a little rain”.

The Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Ministry in a release on Thursday stated that they are moving ahead with plans to address this crisis situation.

According to the statement on Wednesday,

Region Nine Regional Chairman Brian Allicock

Indigenous People’s Affairs Minister Sydney Allicock, hosted a series of conversations targeting immediate interventions aimed at mitigating the crisis.

The latest conversation brought together the Ministries of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Communities, Natural Resources, and the Guyana Water Incorporated, as well as the United Nations Development Programme.

It is anticipated that the collaborative efforts of the stakeholders will result in the examination and implementation of proposals targeting the establishment of wells in the most affected communities in the very shortterm. It is expected that works will commence in this regard on Monday.

The El Niño-like weather patterns are expected to continue to the end of June.

Other affected regions include Regions One (Barima-Waini); Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); Five (Mahaica-Berbice); Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) and Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).

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friday, february 12, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Miner charged for fraud

A

miner on Thursday appeared before Magistrate Ann McLennan facing fraud charges.

Hilton Charles, 43, of Mahaicony, pleaded not guilty to the charge which read that on January 10, 2015 at Georgetown he was solely entrusted by Yervis Harvacorn with $70,000 cash in order that he may deliver same to Yervis Harvacorn but which he fraudulently

converted for his own use and benefit.

Attorney Keisha Chase represented the defendant and made an application for reasonable bail on the grounds that he has no prior conviction and is not a flight risk.

She further told the court the defendant did pay some of the money for a Labrador dog for Harvacorn which he has a receipt for.

She added that he became

ill on Christmas Day and a blood test done showed that a blood vessel in his head burst; as such he was unable to work.

After he recovered, he subsequently went into the interior and upon his return he was arrested by police.

The prosecutor had no objections to bail and it was granted at the sum of $75,000.

The matter will return to court on March 7 for statements.

Rearguard action...

Hilton Charles

Cool Square murder

Accused sprinted out of court a free man

I

t was quite a spectacle on Thursday afternoon when Leon Duncan, who was on trial for murder, sprinted out of the High Court and ran down South Road, Georgetown with his family in pursuit after being acquitted by the jury.

Duncan was on trial for the murder of businessman Imtiaz Roopnarine, who was fatally shot during the course of a robbery at Cool Square Hotel in 2013.

Duncan, also known as “Whistle”, of Williamstad Road, Festival City, North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, was on trial before Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry for a charge, which stated that on January 24, 2013, at the Cool Square Hotel in Marigold Street, West Ruimveldt Georgetown, he murdered Roopnarine during the course of a robbery.

The deceased was said to be wearing several pieces

Freed, Leon Duncan

of expensive jewellery at the time, and after being shot, the 47-year-old businessman ran to the back of the hotel where he collapsed and died.

According to reports, he had been preparing to leave the hotel moments before the incident. The perpetrator had reportedly escaped with a gold-

and-diamond chain worth $500,000, one gold band worth $700,000, and other jewellery; all to a total value of $2,200,000. The State was represented by Prosecutors Stacey Goodings, Tuanna Hardy and Orinthia Schmidt, and the defendant was represented by Attorney Mark Waldron.

On Friday, after a nocase submission by the defence was overruled by Justice Sewnarine-Beharry, the defendant was called to lead his case. The defendant opted to give unsworn testimony from the prisoner’s dock where he vehemently maintained his innocence. He admitted to being at the hotel that night, telling the court that he, along with a female friend, whose name he gave as “Tiana”, rented a room there after a party. He recollected that twice, during the night, he had called his common-law wife using “Tiana’s”

phone to tell her that he would be returning home. He denied shooting the deceased, saying “I am innocent of this crime. I did not kill the deceased, nor I did not rob the deceased”.

During the trial, Inspector Singh had testified, saying that during “Tiana’s” questioning, she gave a different version of the story. He said that the woman related that on that night, the accused had used her phone but whispered the conversation. He further recollected that the woman had stated that when she left that hotel at about 04:00h the following morning, the accused had not left with her.

Singh said that the woman alleged that the accused called her the next day and told her that she should tell the Police that he left the hotel with her if they questioned her.

Nevertheless, the jury delivered a unanimous verdict of not guilty, freeing the accused.

Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones told the court that the Virtual Complainant (VC) is a drudge owner and the defendant works for him as a pitman.

He stated that on the day in question at around 15:30h, the defendant left to go to a camp away from the worksite when he stole the items mentioned in the charge.

On February 9, 2016, the VC acted on information and went to 9 Miles, Potaro, where he confronted the defendant

and asked about the items.

The defendant told the VC that he spent the money and lost the phone after which the VC took him to the police station.

Under a caution statement at the police station, the defendant admitted to the offence but refused to give a witness statement. An investigation was carried out and the defendant was charged.

Magistrate McLennan fined the defendant $50,000 or a default of 4 months in prison.

“Dougla” fined $50,000 for larceny

A

Jermaine John

man called “Dougla” on Thursday appeared before Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts slapped with larceny charge.

Jermaine John, 21, of Pamela Village, Essequibo Coast, pleaded guilty to the charge which stated that on February 7, 2016 at Pamela Back Dam, Potaro River, he stole one cell phone valued $20,000, 1 SIM card valued $2000 and $55,000 in cash, property of Joseph Mallu.

Eyew tness I

...on Rodney CoI

f anyone wanted to understand what the phrase “dragged kicking and screaming” is all about, they only have to look at how the APNU/AFC Government dealt with the Rodney CoI. First of all, they never wanted it to happen – even those members of APNU who were supposed to be Rodney’s comrades-in-arms. They had to be dragged kicking and screaming.

The family of Walter – that is, his wife and children – had been demanding a CoI since the 1990s when his son Shaka picketed the new PPP/C Government. Circumstances intervened over Gregory Smith’s extradition from French Guyana (we don’t have a treaty with France) and matters lapsed. Fast forward to 2005 when Parliament passed a motion – including the votes of the PNC – but it never came off since Rupert Roopnaraine felt it wouldn’t be fair on the PNC in the upcoming 2006 elections. The PNC dodged that bullet – and didn’t have to be dragged kicking and screaming.

Well, Rodney’s widow didn’t give up. After 2011, with the WPA firmly ensconced in the bosom of the PNC – including Keith Scott, Walter’s brother-in-law – she approached President Donald Ramotar. And President Ramotar agreed in 2014. The PNC/APNU jumped up and down and swore they wouldn’t participate.

President Granger objected to one Term of Reference which directed the “commission’s attention to the persons in command of the defence and security forces at the time; we felt it was prejudicial to the outcome of the CoI and we said we will not support it.” They had to be dragged kicking and screaming!

Who in the wide world disputed GDF Sergeant Gregory Smith was “involved” in Rodney’s death while working undercover and the “persons in command” of the GDF should be examined?? Well, not surprisingly, the PNC did – and we don’t have to dwell on the reasons for their kicking and screaming. President Ramotar, however, held strain – and the COI WAS LAUNCHED. While the PNC didn’t “participate” It’s Chairman Basil Williams, the present AG, “represented their interests”. He obviously saw his role as fighting a war of attrition against the Commission and had to be upbraided, cautioned and corrected on numerous occasions. Kicking and screaming.

To say “bad blood” developed between Williams and the CoI would be the understatement of the year.

But with the PNC in Government, they could now pressure the CoI. And pressure them they did. Refusing to grant them time to wrap up their interviews, or time to write up the report. And finally, reaching the nadir of pettiness, not giving the CoI petty cash for ink to print the report.

Don’t hold your breath for the Report to be released...

...on Wales

Folks over at Wales have no respect for those who scramble to build latrines when the stuff is about to hit the fan. As farming people, they know you can’t plant plantain just as you have a yen for plantain chips. So this nonsense from the government of first announcing the closure of the Wales Estate and only now talking about dairy farm, tilapia farm and “other crops” after protests hit the streets – is just a sop to show they’re not as scheming up as they really are.

As farmers, the people of Wales also know bull sh*t when they hear it, smell it and for sure when they see it!

It’s clear to them that some fat cat will be picking up Wales for a song. And the government’s working to ensure this because by the end of his crop they can say with a straight face, “Wales isn’t a going concern”.

That’s why we’re hearing the lies about poor drainage, damaged bridges, old factory – and now ensuring overgrown canefields.

Who do they think they’re fooling?

...on paramountcy

Your Eyewitness had hopes this new Speaker – supposedly drawn from “civil society” – would’ve represented Guyana in the assembly.

“Green and yellow are the colours of Guyana’s flag???!!!” Pleeeeease!

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

news

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friday, february 12, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Police ranks dump millions PPP’s Dr Clive Jagan resigns from Parliament of dollars in cocaine

P

Intercepted cocaine being prepared to be destroyed

olice on Thursday dumped more than 517 kilograms of cocaine, worth millions of dollars, 16 miles offshore into the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of Guyana.

The cocaine dumped was seized in cases already concluded in the Magistrate’s Courts and it is understood that the remainder of the cocaine seized by the Police over the years will be disposed of when those cases are completed.

The cocaine destroyed was found by members of the

Force over a two-year period.

It was found at various ports and transit points across Guyana, especially at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri, East Bank Demerara; at the Ogle International Airport, East Coast Demerara, and at city wharves.

The cocaine was skillfully hidden in a variety of ways, including in rum, letters, footwear, false-bottoms in luggage, sealed envelopes, packages, straws and pellets swallowed by drug mules.

Fifteen bottles of

15-Year-Old rum contained liquid cocaine and these were also destroyed.

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum explained to Guyana Times that most of the illegal drugs that were destroyed were from cases that were being appealed over the years in the court, while the remaining quantity was from persons who pleaded guilty to their cases over a two-year period.

Blanhum remained resolute that he and other officers from the Police AntiNarcotics Branch of the Force will continue to work even harder to stretch the long arm of the law in the fight against nacro-trafficking in Guyana.

Several boxes, bags, suitcases and drums containing cocaine were then transferred from the Police Anti-Narcotics Branch office at Eve Leary, Georgetown to the Coast Guard Marine Headquarters, stationed behind the Ruimveldt Police Station.

The arduous exercise lasted for four and a half hours.

GPL swoops down on Essequibo Coast businesses – several caught stealing electricity

T

he Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) seized a number of meters from businesses across the Essequibo Coast, after an inspection team unearthed a massive electricity theft ongoing in the region.

Several businesses including popular restaurants, liquor shops and supermarkets are out of electricity after the power company’s officers swooped down on the

region, as GPL continues its fight against electricity theft.

Guyana Times understand that the team visited Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) on Monday and conducted inspections on several businesses and household. Several proprietors were caught tampering with their meters in an effort to steal electricity.

This newspaper was reli-

ably informed that the meters that were suspected to have been tampered with to reflect a lower reading of electricity than that which was actually consumed, removed were.

A source close to the investigation told this newspaper that the businesses will have to pay GPL millions of dollars in revenues lost or face the court for this infringement.

P

eople’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) parliamentarian, Dr Clive Jagan has resigned from his seat. The House was informed of his resignation on Thursday following his absence from the National Assembly since the beginning of the year.

The announcement was made by Speaker of the House, Dr Barton Scotland, at the beginning of Thursday’s session.

According to Dr Scotland, he received a letter from the Opposition parliamentarian on February 4 in which the first-time Member of Parliament indicated that he was giving up his seat in the National Assembly.

While Dr Jagan did not

Dr Clive Jagan

state, in the letter to the Speaker, the reason behind his decision, it has been known that the parliamentarian has been ill for some time now.

Earlier this month, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo had disclosed that Dr Jagan was ill and was overseas receiving medical treatment.

Dr Jagan is the nephew of the late President and co-founder of PPP, Dr Cheddi Jagan.

The renowned dental surgeon made his entry into politics just before the May 2015 General and Regional Elections by endorsing the Party.

He was placed on the Party’s List of Candidates and subsequently selected as a second-bencher in Parliament.

The Speaker has called on the PPP/C to select an appropriate replacement for Dr Jagan from its List of Candidates.

Money laundering charges dismissed against tyre dealer

R

ajesh Seegobin had all charges of money laundering dismissed when he appeared before Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Thursday.

The man of Lot 19 Public Road, Prospect, East Bank Demerara, was accused of laundering money, G$30,000 and £3300 out of Guyana to be taken to Canada.

He was arrested at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) for the offence and the money was placed in a money laundering bag.

In his testimony he told the court that he and his wife at CJIA gave a declaration to the police that the money he had in his possession was gained from a loan taken at Scotia Bank and

Rajesh Seegobin

was to be used to purchase tyres from London for his business.

He added that the pound currency that he had was purchased from a cambio to be used in London.

Seegobin’s lawyer re-

quested that his client be placed on reasonable bail and that the money be returned to his client, which is in the custody of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU).

He was subsequently placed on $100,000 bail.

When he appeared before Magistrate McLennan on Thursday, she dismissed all charges stating that the court examined the case carefully and found the defendant to be honest.

She added that statements given to Immigration officers at CJIA and to the Magistrate court did not differ and as such the court believed the defendant.

McLennan ordered that £2000 be returned to the defendant and declared that he was free to go.

10 news

friday, february 12, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Search on for new UG Vice Chancellor The Race to LGE 2016 – as Opadeyi ends three-year stint

T

he Council of the University of Guyana (UG) is currently examining the names of applicants who were invited to fill the post of Vice Chancellor (VC), as former VC, Dr Jacob Opadeyi’s contract comes to an end next Monday.

Dr Opadeyi, who is currently on terminal leave, was appointed by the Council back in 2012, but officially began his stint as Vice Chancellor in 2013.

On Wednesday, recently appointed Chancellor, Dr Nigel Harris informed that an active search is going on for a new VC. In fact, that very day (Wednesday) was the deadline for all applications.

“They will go through a process of receiving the candidates who will also be required to interact with key stakeholders. I Hope that there can be a new person selected within the next few months,” Harris said, speaking about the work of the Council.

The Nigerian-born Opadeyi, had said late last year that he was willing to continue in service to the University; however, he was not approached by the Administration or the Council.

Prior to his leave, Opadeyi was faced with major criticisms, had a falling out with

Former UG Vice Chancellor, Dr Jacob Opadeyi

the two major councils and the University of Guyana Student Society (UGSS). He said he was very much interested in an improvement in the salary scale for UG workers.

The two unions back in January 2015 had orchestrated over four weeks of protest action against what they said were the unfair treatment meted out to staff members. They were demanding a 60 per cent increase on their salaries, for a 200 per cent increase in their travelling allowance, a better medical scheme, increases in allowances for books and other materials, duty-free concessions and yearly research grants.

These demands were not readily addressed.

Later in the year, the Vice Chancellor was served a peti-

tion of no confidence against him.

The two Unions – the University of Guyana Senior Staff Association (UGSSA) and the University of Guyana Workers’ Union (UGWU) – signed the petition signalling a vote of no confidence in the Professor in his capacity as Vice Chancellor and Principal of the University of Guyana.

The Unions said they had no confidence in his ability to administer the affairs of the University of Guyana, the premier educational institution of the country.

In a statement to the press, the Unions said the Professor, who has the responsibility for the day to day management of the institution, is responsible for infractions which they said are either illegal, based on the laws of Guyana and Statutes of the University of Guyana and unethical as they are opposed to the best interest of the Institution.

Dr Opadeyi was confirmed as the Vice Chancellor in December 2012. At that time, he was a serving professor in the area of Geometrics Engineering and Land Management at the University of the West Indies.

He had replaced Professor Lawrence Carrington, who demitted office on March 31, 2012.

United Destiny Group ready to take up the mantle at Charity/Urasara Neighbourhood Democratic Council – youth empowerment a top priority

Members of the group – Gregory Ryan Vansluytman (middle), Executive Member Doodnauth Mahadeo (right) and member Doodnauth Singh

By Indrawattie Natram

F

ormed with the aim of restoring democracy and uniting residents living within the Charity/Urasara NDC, United Destiny Group leader Gregory Vansluytman said the non-political group which is running under the symbol of a “Torch” is ready to run the NDC and represent the people. The group, known as “Umbrella” at the last Local Government Elections (LGE) in 1994, was renamed recently to unite the communities within the Charity areas. They will be contesting four out of nine constituencies in the Charity/ Urasara NDC, stretching from Somerset and Berks to Cozier in the First-pastthe-post system. 24 persons will be representing the group in the Proportional Representation (PR) from New Road, Charity Riverdam, Jacklow Upper Pomeroon, Somerset and Berks and Charity-Amazon area. The NDC in that area has 18 seats, nine of which are for PR and nine for First-past-the-post.

Explaining why persons living within the constituencies should vote for the group, leader Vansluytman said members are trying to restore democracy within the NDC. They are also aiming at empowering young people to govern the affairs of their communities, through training programmes regardless of their social, political, ethnic or economic background. Vansluytman, the manager of A and S Group of Complex, said the group is also aiming to have proper representation of neighbourhoods from a grassroot level. He add-

ed that when one looks at the reality of society, they would see that grassroots localities are not properly represented. He said the purpose behind the formation was to give residents proper representation and power to determine what occurs within their communities.

Some priorities on the group’s manifesto include, cleaning up campaigns, training youths in skilled training programmes, development of the Charity Community Centre by establishing a special management committee that would overlook the ground, develop sport facilities, social training programmes, installing a system to deal with road-side vending and the construction of a youth centre. Emphasis will be on tackling unemployment and illiteracy at all levels.

To do this, members told Guyana Times that youths need to be more empowered, and trained in various skilled areas that would make them more marketable in the field of work.

In the Charity area it is said unemployment and child labour are prevalent and as such the group intends to construct a youth centre that would facilitate various skills training programmes and workshops to better equip teenagers with the necessary knowledge. The centre will also provide indoor recreational sports that would attract young people in the evening.

Opportunities In addition, the United Destiny Group plans to train early school leavers in the art of boat building. According to member Doodnauth Mahadeo, boat building is a “big business” in the Charity area and often persons from outside the community are employed to construct boats.

Once equipped with such skills persons within the environs will be hired and be able to tap into the lucrative market of boat building. Joining Mahadeo, Vanslutyman noted that the main mode of transportation in the Charity area is boat and young people need to learn to make same.

Further, he said the group also plans to train youths in the mechanical aspect of boat engine servicing. “We need more mechanics and more boat builders in the Charity areas,” Vanslutyman said.

In dealing with the soar issue of roadside vending, the group intends to conduct more consultations.

Already the group has started to reach out to persons in the various constituencies by conducting house to house visits, television programmes and distribution of flyers.

The United Destiny Group is urging residents in the Charity/ Urasara NDC to support them in the upcoming Local Government polls slated for March 18 as they can transform the physical landscape of the area.

friday, february 12, 2016

guyanatimesgy.com

11

News

PPP/C accuses Government of plagiarism

Former Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran

I

n light of the plans and programmes being undertaken by the respective Ministers in the education and health sectors in Guyana, past Ministers of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) have slammed the A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government, accusing it of stealing what they had already begun to develop during their years in office.

Former Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsaran, during his Budget debate speech, explained that the current Government has been boasting about its plans for the advancement of Guyana, but what it was intentionally doing was misleading persons into believing that the PPP/C has left the country in a state necessitating urgent reformation.

Dr Ramsaran said that in no way was the PPP/C upset that the Government has been employing that Party’s strategies in addressing issues within the mentioned sectors, since it was concerned about the welfare of Guyana, but it was alarmed that the Government has not been able to alter the documents in any way which would fundamentally enhance and develop the sectors.

“We are happy that you’re stealing this, but, at the same time, we’re saddened by the fact they’re not developing or adding to it,” he said.

In backing up his claims, the PPP MP highlighted the Health Vision 2020 document which Health Minister, Dr George Norton had announced that the current Administration would embark on implementing.

According to him, last year Dr Norton had said that the Government was already implementing the Vision, insinuating that the initiative was the coalition’s invention. However, Dr Ramsaran pointed out that the document had been rolled out in 2013 by the PPP/C. Additionally, he mentioned that the former Education Minister, Priya Manickchand had also reported that when she analysed the APNU/AFC approach to the education

initial idea. This, she said, was a result of “copying” only part of the programme.

Manickchand has early disclosed this to Guyana Times during an interview when she said “the fact all their programmes and plans for the sector this year have been plagiarised from the PPP’s plan and program is a loud admission that they mislead people when they said both that the system was in crisis and that they had better answers”. She Former Education Minister Priya Manickchand

sector, she found that it had been completely plagiarised from her Ministry’s plans and programmes.

Manickchand’s punch

During Manickchand’s speech on Thursday in Parliament, she had also underlined that the Government had not taken a fresh approach.

“How can this be a fresh approach if so many programmes listed in the budget are a repetition of what we had two years ago? We had announced it in this House two years ago; we negotiated the money for these programmes,” she outlined.

She also informed the National Assembly that there have been complaints about the things that were left out of the programmes, causing disruptions in the

was at the time commenting on the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the education sector.

Manickchand and Dr Ramsaran shared the opinion that this move by the Government vindicated that the PPP/C had been doing what was best for the country, contradicting the rhetoric of the APNU/AFC Government that the Party had left the country in devastation.

Health Vision 2020 was

launched in 2013 by the then Minister Dr Ramsaran; Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shamdeo Persaud and then President Donald Ramotar, with the aim of developing the local health sector over the 2013-2020 period.

The mission of the strategy included making Guyanese people the healthiest in the Caribbean and improving the availability of medical services to the public.

12

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friday, february 12, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Police get more motorcycles to aid in crime fight

ACP David Ramnarine receiving the keys from the representative of Marvel Fairs

T

he Guyana Police Force’s vehicular resources continues to be strengthened as another corporate partner has handed over a fleet of new motorcycles that will be used in crime fighting efforts.

The four Honda 125150cc scrambler motorcycles were donated by overseas-based Marvel Fairs Company. A representative of the company handed over the keys to Assistant Commissioner of Police David Ramnarine on Thursday at the Tactical Services Unit Square, Eve Leary.

The London-based company has been in existence for the past 50 years and

specialises in supplying a comprehensive range of uniforms, accessories and accoutrements to Armed Forces, Police and Civil authorities world-wide. The company supplies uniforms to most armies in Africa and Asia as well as to the British Defence Force. Marvel Fairs is also the principle supplier to defence forces in the Caribbean, including Guyana.

Speaking at the simple hand-over ceremony, Richard Hing, a representative of the company, stated that for the past 12 years, Marvel Fairs has been supplying uniforms to the Guyana Police Force. It was against this background

that the company made the motorcycle donation.

“In view of the long association with the Guyana Police Force, we have decided that it’s time and timely to make this donation of four motorcycles for it to be used in the Force’s security operations,” Hing noted.

Meanwhile, after receiving the keys, ACP Ramnarine expressed appreciation on behalf of the Force for the timely gesture. He noted that the motorcycles will go a long way in supporting the Police Force’s drive to improve its performance.

Ramnarine assured the bikes will boost the police’s

fight against crime.

“We realise that crime is the biggest challenge and our ranks have to be mobile to deal with a lot of these challenges… We have a plan to look at the allocation of resources and we ensure that they are evenly distributed,” he stated.

Since A Division (Georgetown/East Bank Demerara) has the highest concentration of criminal activities and most of the crime-fighting efforts are done there, Ramnarine hinted that two of the motorcycles will be given to units in this Division.

“So without giving any details, it can be safely assumed that A Division may probably have two and then other two will go to other divisions. Having said so, it is important to note that the budget is being debated right now and so while some might feel A Division getting more resources than any other places, that is understandable but when the other resources are made available, you look back and reprioritise in an equitable manner,” the ACP pointed out.

Last October, Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud had announced plans for all Police Stations to be equipped with at least one vehicle, as the Force is expected to receive a number of vehicles and boats this year from Budget allocations along with a US multimillion dollar grant given by a foreign mission.

The GPF is often criticised over the lack of vehicular resources, including river transportation, which have been the core lack of ranks often being unable to respond effectively to reports.

In very many cases, citizens are forced to go to Stations and pick up officers to take to crime scenes.

However, the Commissioner had noted that with the Force’s budgetary allocations coupled with the grant, this will no longer be an issue: “We are likely to see a great boost in our transportation capacity, so much so that every Police Station will have a vehicle, and/or boat, to conduct patrols as appropriate.”

According to Persaud, this is expected to be realised by the end of 2016.

When asked about specifics of the funding, the Top Cop had explained that the money was promised by a foreign delegation in Guyana.

However, the Commissioner opted to not disclose which of the foreign missions will be giving the fund until the promise is realised.

He went on to say the Police have done all that was needed in the process, adding that the acquisition process of the vehicles may have commenced already.

Jubilee and the National Question I

have always had mixed emotions when think about our “independence”. I am old enough to have experienced first-hand the violent wrenching apart of our peoples that preceded this supposedly blessed state and left it in quotation marks for me ever since.

I was in short-pants as the police fired tear gas to clear “peaceful protesters” squatting on my primary schools steps at Uitvlugt during the 80-day strike of 1962. It was an open secret, known even by schoolboys, that the British and the US wanted the PPP out and that the independence that was to come to Trinidad that year should have then been ours also.

By 1963 we had three schools in the three sections of my village as the madness continued – mainly in Georgetown.

But I remember collecting paper “axes” at a UF Rally as they excoriated the “communist PPP” and demanded citizens “axe the tax”.

Then, of course, there was the denouement of 1964, as Cheddi (as even schoolboys referred to him) made one lastditch, eventually futile, attempt to reverse a history written (and funded) by “the best and brightest” of the West. 1964 saw ethnic cleansing in our country even before the term was invented.

Even then, I had my doubts “independence” could deliver us to the promised land of economic development and political equality, which the politicians had promised could be ours once the “white man” was gone. It didn’t strike me as likely, given the deepening divisions I witnessed all around me every day in every activity – whether in school or in the wider world.

Everything was defined as “us” and “them”. I found the announced “national” motto, “One People, One Nation, One Destiny” rather ironic – even as an aspiration, given the continuation of opportunistic ethnically centred politics.

The rigging of the 1968 elections deepened my scepticism.

We were attempting to achieve an end-state in Guyana that our model – Britain, Europe and the US had achieved only after undergoing, sequentially over many centuries, three massive macro-societal revolutions - centred on national identity, political participation and economic distribution.

That we had inherited a state and not a nation was supposed to be solved by a “motto”. England and the other European states had honed a “national” outlook in their peoples after centuries of often brutal persecutions, inquisitions and pogroms that suppressed expressions of differences.

These methods were rightfully rejected by the time of our independence and it ought not to surprise many that the lack of a ‘national” will has proven to be our Achilles heel in our quest for “development”. What has been surprising is the stubborn refusal by our elites, even in the present when it has been demonstrated even in our putative models that suppressed identities cannot be obliterated and must be given expression.

Our politicians, steeped in Marxist-Leninist lore, defined us as Homo economicus and concentrated on “economic” development as if that could be disjunctured from the need for identity and group worth. The strand of thought that suggested that “man does not live by bread alone” was derided as “backward. Eusi Kwayana became a voice in the wilderness, when he raised concerns about race and identity.

What has also been surprising is that politicians expect us to act as ‘one people’ when in their mobilisation initiatives, they plunge into activities that exacerbate the divide and even spill over into open hostilities.

How were we expected to pull together postindependence after the ethnically directed violence and ethnic cleansing of the early sixties, rigged elections after 1968, ethnically directed “kick-down-the-door bandits” after the seventies?

And in the last decade how can we have “social cohesion” after ethnically directed violence by criminals and statebacked private contractors created killing fields on the East Coast Demerara.

We have called for a truth and reconciliation commission since 1998. Maybe in the year of our Independence Jubilee, the time has come?

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friday, February 12, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

4kg of marijuana unearthed in Berbice – 2 in custody

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wo men are now in Police custody assisting with the investigation into the discovery of four kilograms of marijuana at Belle Vue Village, East Bank Berbice (EBE), Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne).

Reports are that acting upon information, Police

Officers on Wednesday went to a camp located along Coconut Dam, Belle Vue, where a 24-year-old farmer of Heat Burn Village, EBE and a 33-year-old cane harvester of the same village were found. They were not able to give Police an explanation for being in the desolate area and, as such, a

PaperCraft Creations for Valentine’s Day

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ow was the word that came to mind upon viewing some of the paper-craft created by Lachmin Persaud commonly known as Lisa – a treat for the senses with sumptuous colours, shapes and textures. And the reviews on Facebook likewise laud her work.

Given that Valentine’s Day is fast approaching,

her PaperCraft Creations may be the perfect place to get a special card or gift basket for your loved ones.

The 22-year-old, who has a fulltime job in addition to her business PaperCraft Creations, got her start after wowing family and friends at her sister’s baby shower for which she had hand made the decorations, invitations, gift baskets and other paraphernalia. As word spread of her talent, she soon received orders for personalised, one-of-a-kind cards and other creations, with several persons hiring her to do the décor for their events, including a wedding.

Contact: 610-9515 or www.facebook/PaperCraftCreations.

search was carried out on a nearby farmhouse. During the search, a polyethylene bag was found with five plastic parcels. It was then discovered that the parcels contained marijuana.

The two men were taken into custody. This publication understands that charges are likely to be laid shortly.

Recently, Officer-incharge of the Sisters Police Station, Sergeant Margo Governor had called on residents to support the fight against crime, noting that the Police were there to work with the community.

The Sisters Police Station has been actively involved in several community projects which include cleanup campaigns, antisuicide programmes, youth development and street sign painting.

Pregnant woman critical after speeding minibus slams into pole

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pregnant woman is now in a critical condition after the minibus in which she was travelling slammed into a pole along the East Bank Demerara roadway on Thursday evening.

According to reports, the minibus was speeding along the roadway when the driver lost control of the vehicle and pitched head on onto a streetlight pole in the vicinity of Providence.

Other eyewitnesses recalled that two motorcars were racing along the road when one of the vehicles jammed into the minibus, resulting in the crash.

The other passengers, who were all family members of the patient, in the minibus were also seriously injured and were rushed to GPHC for medical treatment.

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guyanatimesgy.com

friday, february 12, 2016

News AG takes on Nandlall in fiery budget clash

Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams

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ttorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams took on his predecessor, Opposition parliamentarian Anil Nandlall, on Thursday as the 2016 Budget debates continued on its fourth day.

In his presentation, Williams stated that just

after five months since the last budget, his Government was able to deliver and execute promises made to ensure Guyanese are given the “good life”.

“Mr Speaker, this is a clear indication of this Government’s commitment to stimulating growth and strengthening confidence in the Guyanese people as the good life beckons,” he stated.

Williams noted that going forward this year, one of the major highlight of his Ministry is the New Justice Sector Programme – a collaboration between the InterAmerica Development Bank (IDB) and Government that seeks improve the local justice sector.

These included the establishment of a Law Revision Office and a permanent Law Reform Commission secretariat; training for Judges, Magistrates and Prosecutors; disposal of

Former Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall

backlog cases with appointment of Judges; and the introduction of the Voice Recognition System for recording criminal sessions at the High Court in Demerara.

The Minister also mentioned the amendment to the Anti-money Laundering and Countering

the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Bill, stating that his Administration has removed the country from the clutches of the AML/ CFT censoring regime process and this was lauded by the Americas Region Review Group (ARRG).

Reflecting on his offices’ achievements over the past five months, Williams said that some of the above mentioned initiatives for 2016 coupled with other projects were some of the promises that his Ministry was able to fulfil. These include housing the Commercial and Land Registries in new buildings; appointments of Registrar and Deputy Registrar to head the commercial registry; reducing backlog in the Land Registry; widening the class persons who can be coroners; giving financial independence to constitutional bodies; working on a Cybercrime Bill, and set-

Road fatalities up by 40% despite 2:00AM curfew

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espite the 02:00h curfew imposed on Guyanese by the Public Security Minister, road fatalities have increased by a whopping 40 per cent at the end of January 2016 when compared to the same period last year. The 02:00h curfew was implemented on the pretext that most of the fatal accidents occurred after partying.

Based on police statistics, it seems as though the curfew is not helping the situation. The police reported that a total of seven fatalities were recorded at the end of January 2016 when com-

pared to five for the corresponding period in 2015.

However, the police revealed that there have been decreases in the other categories of traffic accidents comprising serious, minor and damage. A released issued by the Guyana Police Force stated that pedestrians have been the main category of road users affected in road fatalities with four persons having lost their lives.

In addition one pedal cyclist, one driver and pillion rider also lost their lives from January 1 to 31 this year.

Speeding is the major contributory factor of fatal

accidents, thus resulting in four of the seven fatal accidents.

On the other hand,Traffic enforcement by police has resulted in 6012 cases for this year being made against errant motorists at the end of January. Of this total, 2566 cases were for speeding, 304 for driving under the influence of alcohol, 84 for using cell phone while driving and 199 for failing to wear seat belt.

For February, the police stated that three persons had lost their lives from three fatal accidents. This was recorded on or before

February 10.

The Police Traffic Department is once more urging that all persons use the roadways in a manner that is cognisant of the five Cs – Care, Consideration, Caution, Courtesy, Common Sense.

Also, the Traffic Department has intensified its enforcement activities with special focus on speeding and driving under the influence, in addition to other offences such as driving motorcycles without safety helmets and using cell phones while driving a motor vehicle.

tling the controversial payments to Surinamese company Rudisa.

In addition to initiatives aimed at strengthening Guyana’s criminal justice system, the Legal Affairs Minister also highlighted works done under the Supreme Court of Judicature which includes the opening of the family court, extension to the High Court to facilitate the Land Court and ongoing works for the new court house at Sparendaam.

On the other hand, former Legal Affairs Minister and Opposition Member of Parliament, Anil Nandlall in his presentation, reminded his successor that these are projects that were birthed under the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) regime. “…

(Williams spoke about) the opening of the Land Registry on the Avenue of Republic and I hope that he will say, Sir, that that is a PPP Government project. He will speak about the construction going on in the Georgetown High Court compound where a building is being erected to house two land court judges and registry – I hope that he will say that is a PPP project. Construction will soon begin at Sparendaam to erect an edifice that will house two Magistrate’s courts and chambers for the Magistrates, I hope that he will say that that too is a PPP project. We will open this year, Family Court and I hope that he will recognised that that is a PPP project… because other than that, Sir, he has nothing else to say,” the Opposition parliamentarian pointed out.

Moreover, Nandlall ripped through the 2016

Budget, highlighting flawed measures that are being touted by the Government as encompassing the “good life” for the citizenry. He remarked that the public is questioning Finance Minister Winston Jordan’s figures in the Budget that tell a story of economic growth.

“We can speak about high growth but the people out there have a different reality… the views expressed are borne out of one look at the productive sectors,” Nandlall stated. He went on to outline that the tax net introduced by the governing Administration has made the Budget into a “taxation budget”.

He stated that with the raft of legislations proffered

by Minister Jordan only sought to extract exorbitant revenues from taxpayers when there is no salary increases for the public servants.

“There is an over reliance on taxation in Budget 2016… all of those legislations is designed to imposed additional taxes on the people of this country… From 2008 to 2014 – our last budget – no additional taxes by our (PPP) Government.

In fact, every year, we designed different measures to reduced tax burdens but here you have a slew of measures that are designed to increase taxation burdens,” he passionately remarked.

Moreover, Nandlall stated that there will be no economic growth in Guyana if Government does not provide an environment conducive for investment. He noted that growth comes from investments and from spending but people will not invest or spend if there environment is not encouraging.

NEWS

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FRIday, frbruary 12, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Teenager dies in GTUC presents 8-point plan Corentyne accident Closure of Wales Estate…

to ‘save’ sugar industry – plugs $13B support for each estate

Agriculture Minister Noel Holder

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he Guyana Trade Unions Congress (GTUC) has drafted and submitted to Agriculture Minister Noel Holder, an eight-point plan which it is convinced will save the sugar industry, including a $13 billion support to each estate.

The GTUC in a statement on Thursday said that at its central committee meeting on February 3, it deliberated on the state of the sugar industry and has decided to forward to Minister Holder its preliminary thoughts, as it seeks an engagement towards making further contributions on saving the industry.

The plan, which was presented to the Minister, calls for each sugar factory/estate to be made separate, autonomous companies, which will stand alone while making the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) a developing and marketable company that can also give financial and technical assistance to the individual companies.

It also wants the Government to provide $13 billion as support to the individual companies and at the same time sustain GuySuCo for the duration of two years.

“Each company shall de-

velop its own plan with a view to break-even in two years. At the end of the two years, each company need to be at the level where they can be placed on the stock market and be converted into public companies like Banks DIH, DDL etc,” the GTUC plan stated.

It said that by agreeing to a principle of reconfiguration, all workers should be paid their severance and the assets of the industry be converted into shares that ought to be distributed among the stakeholders inclusive of the cane farmers.

“The $13 billion that is distributed among the companies be converted into shares in each entity and those shares be owned by the State; The issue of the land and its future should be considered as a special lease, thereby ensuring it remains as State property; and the unions be given automatic recognition in each estate,” the Union stated.

The GTUC reminded the Minister of the important role the industry plays not only in the national economy, but communities and the sugar workers themselves, given its historical significance and scope.

It said that recognising its impact and conscious of it precarious economic state, it becomes necessary for the Government to arrest its decline and find alternative measures not only to sustain the industry but to build the economic prowess that can impact positively on the nation’s development.

The GTUC also advocated for the Government to hold consultations with all stakeholders; workers and their representatives, Neighbourhood Democratic Councils, Regional Democratic Councils and cane farmers with a view of discussing and arriving at a process

GTUC General Secretary Lincoln Lewis

of examining the challenges the industry face and more so coming up with ideas for which are not only aimed at reducing the loss but making the entity profitable.

It is important to note that the Union did not advocate the closure of any estates.

On Wednesday, GTUC General Secretary Lincoln Lewis stood in solidarity with the workers of GuySuCo, Wales Estate as they denounced Government’s decision to close the Wales Estate.

Lewis told the workers that their rights were at stake and “injustice anywhere leads to injustice everywhere”. “The issue… is not the question of the economics of Wales, but that of your rights and the laws of this land,” Lewis posited.

He also stated that the Constitution which protects citizens’ rights must be respected and called for Government to involve the Opposition in dialogue with the regional democratic organs regarding the closure of the Estate.

This, he posited, was because Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) was won by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic in the 2015 General and Regional Elections.

MB Sandaka paused for repairs 3 days after resuming operations

The MB Sandaka on its test voyage after leaving the Mazaruni dockyard

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nly three days after announcing that the MB Sandaka had resumed operations after it underwent repairs late last year, residents of Leguan Island, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), have informed Guyana Times that the boat has once again “broken down” and is parked at the Parika stelling awaiting repairs.

Leguan resident Ganga

Persaud told this publication that residents were told that the boat was down due to mechanical problems. Persaud stated that everyone in his community is infuriated with this new development, as this vessel had the potential to make life easier for many. The resident shared, “Only after three days, it bruk down already. Them spend ah set ah money and now we still back to square one”.

Persaud added that many were excited for the return of the vessel as Leguan is always the last stop for the MV Malali which is usually their main means of transportation for residents.

The General Manager of the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD), Marclene Merchant, recently announced that the MB Sandaka resumed operations after successful tests were conducted by engineers.

According to reports, approximately $33.4 million was expended to execute infrastructural work on the motor barge, which included works to the hull, the vessel’s frame, repainting of the rails and other parts, and fixing the decking plate.

Ray Mc Lean, T&HD’s mechanical engineer had indicated that rehabilitative works were executed by Courtney Benn Contracting Services Limited in the Mazaruni

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16-year-old boy is now dead after the minibus in which he was travelling crashed into a moving motorcar, before toppling four times along the public road in the vicinity of Bengal, East Berbice Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

The accident occurred around 21:15h on Thursday evening.

Dead is Marvin Baithoo of Crabwood Creek, Berbice. Baithoo was a student of the Skeldon Line

Path Secondary School.

Guyana Times understands that the minibus was at the time transporting students from a Mashramani event.

According to information received, there were nine students ranging from ages 14 to 17 in the minibus.

Eight of the students were from the Skeldon Line Path Secondary School while the other was from Tagore Memorial School.

Reports indicate that the minibus attempted to overtake the motorcar travelling ahead when it collided with the vehicle’s rear. The driver then lost control of the car and slammed into a parked truck.

Injured passengers were rushed to the Port Mourant Hospital for medical treatment and were subsequently transferred to the New Amsterdam Hospital.

Trial of ‘Son-Son’s’ alleged murderers commence – key witness gives conflicting testimony

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he murder trial of a businessman accused of fatally shooting Errol Lindo ,also called ‘Son Son’ 51-years-old, at High Dam, Caracas, West Canje, Berbice commenced on Thursday before a 12-member jury and Justice Franklyn Holder at the Berbice High Court.

The owner of Bristol Mall, Charles Henry, also called ‘Charles Bristol’ of Main Street and Lad Lane, New Amsterdam is on trial for the shooting death of Lindo which occurred on April 16, 2014.

State prosecutor Attorneyat-law Natasha Backer is contending that on the day in question, Henry went to Lindo’s home and ordered his workers to dismantle Lindo’s house his permission. During the activity, the deceased reportedly returned and there was an altercation between him and Henry. The altercation soon became physical and Lindo was shot, which resulted in his death. The defendant is being represented by Attorneys-at-law Nigel Hughes, Kim Kyte-John, Tanya Warren Clements and Savanie Barnwell.

The prosecution has related that they expect to present twelve witnesses to prove its case. On Friday, Travis Crandon, the first prosecution witness gave testimony. Crandon lives in the vicinity of the location of the incident and has claimed to be an eye-witness. According to Crandon, he knew both the accused and the deceased, adding that the accused began visiting the community about six months prior to the shooting claiming that he owned the land, however, never produced documentation.

Crandon stated that on the day in question he was in front of Lindo’s house when he saw Lindo frantically approaching him. “He was running towards me, I was on the dam and saw him go in the yard. I was about 16 feet away. I could also see the accused… he was in Lindo’s

Murder accused, Charles Henry

yard. I see Mr Henry take out a shine gun and Blam!

Blam! Blam!” The witness testified that he heard four gunshots and later saw four wounds on the deceased. He also described where the wounds were. He further related that he asked the accused to assist in taking the injured man to the hospital but Bristol refused.

Under cross-examination

by Attorney-at-law Nigel Hughes, Crandon revealed that he is not the owner of the land which he occupies but is aware that the accused had been claiming it.

“There was no bad blood between me and Mr Bristol,” he told the court. However, moments later Crandon admitted that during the Preliminary Inquiry (PI) he had revealed that there was some amount of animosity between himself and the accused. “Yes we had bad blood, there was bad bold from the start,” the witness is recorded as saying.

It was subsequently revealed that the witness was in his cow pen when he heard the men breaking down Lindo’s house and had left to go retrieve his animals when the accused who was in Lindo’s yard stopped him. He stated that they had a conversation and moments later Lindo was shot.

Hughes pointed out some inconsistencies in the wit-

ness’ evidence, relating that during the PI, Crandon told the court that the deceased was in the yard and Henry approached him and shot him, however, on Friday’s sitting, he said that Lindo ran into the yard and Henry was already in the yard.

Under re-examination by the State Prosecutor, Crandon told the court that he was confused at the PI because his sister-in-law was missing at the time. He said that a Police Officer had taken a statement from him one day after the incident, however he could not recall what he told the Officer.

Another witness, Rookmin Dindyal told the court that on the day in question she was at home cooking when she heard explosions which sounded like gunshots. She stated that she did not leave to investigate the source of the explosion until she finished cooking. She recalled that she could not exit her yard due to a large crowd which had gathered at her gate. “When I was in my yard Mr Bristol was walking coming in my yard. He had a gun in his pocket,” she stated.

Dindyal recalled that the accused sought refuge in her yard after his car went up in flames , adding that persons began hurling missiles at them. “I then held Mr Bristol’s hand and let him go out of the yard,” she stated. Under cross-examination by Attorney-at-law Kim Kyte-John, the witness testified that the crowd became extremely violent and when the Police arrived, they had to fire shots in the air to disperse them. She recalled that after the accused left, a few boys came into her yard and retrieved an axe, an electronic tablet and a gun holster. She further revealed that during April 2014, Lindo was not living at the house in Caracas, telling the Court that he had moved out about three months prior to the shooting.

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friday, february 12, 2016| guyanatimesGY.com

Serious crimes down by 6%, murders up by 8% – Police Int’l Union stands in solidarity with sugar workers Wales Estate closure

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he Guyana Police Force on Thursday stated that at the end of January 2016, it recorded a six per cent decrease in serious crimes in comparison to the same period in 2015.

A total of 14 murders were recorded at the end of January 2016, in comparison to 13 murders at the end of January 2015; an increase of eight per cent.

Of the 14 murders in January, five were committed during robberies, three were domestic related and six were of the disorderly type.

The statement issued by the Police further highlighted that due to diligent investigations, a number of persons have been arrested and charged in eight of the 14 cases of murder in January, while investigations are continuing into the others.

In addition, the Police disclosed that at the end of January 2016, robbery under arms overall has increased by five per cent in comparison to the same period in 2015.

However, the statistics indicate a decrease of 13 per cent in the number of armed robberies involving the use of firearms, while there was a 50 per cent increase in relation to the number of armed robberies where instruments other than firearms were used by the per-

petrators.

In addition, the statistics have revealed that there has been an increase of four per cent in the number of reports of rape, with 26 reports at the end of January

this year compared to 25 for the same period last year.

Break and enter and larceny and burglary have shown an overall decrease of eight per cent.

The Police further stated that at the end of January this year, a total of six illegal firearms have been recovered by the Police, including four pistols and two revolvers. This compares to a total of three illegal firearms that were recovered unto this time last year.

In relation to domestic violence, at the end of January 2016 a total of 274 reports were made from which 176 cases resulted.

Meanwhile, the Police

stated that the reduction in serious crimes was attributed to a number of factors, including the higher level of networking and activities of the Joint Services under “Operation Dragnet” which was launched on December 1, 2015.

Also, with capacity building of the Police Force under the five-point strategy to deal with crime which was outlined by President David Granger which has seen an increase in manpower and training in the Criminal Investigation Department.

Finally, the Police noted that also contributing to the reduction in crime will definitely be the increased deployment of ranks in the Police F Division (Interior locations); intelligence-led policing and improved cooperation from the public.

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n international trade union has expressed support to the thousands of sugar workers who will be affected when the Wales Sugar Estate closes at the end of the year.

The International Union of Food, Agricultural, Hotel, Restaurant, Catering, Tobacco and Allied Workers’ Associations (IUF); in a letter to the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE), registered its disappointment in the way the matter is being handled and voiced its “strong opposition” to the decision.

According to the correspondence, the IUF was shocked and in a state of

disbelief upon hearing the news about the plans to close the Wales Factory.

The IUF was particularly appalled that the decision was made without proper consultation with the

unions.

“Sugar has historically played an important role in Guyana. It has been a crucial source of rural employ-

ment. Workers on the estate and the families who depend on them will surely be pushed into poverty by this cruel closure.

We note that you have registered your strong opposition to and total disagreement with the decision to close the Wales Sugar Estate. We assure you of the IUF’s support,” an excerpt from the letter stated.

The IUF further noted that it will be alerting its affiliates worldwide about the situation and calling on them to support Guyana’s sugar workers in their time of need.

“An injury to one is an injury to all,” the correspondence concluded.

The IUF is comprised of 412 affiliated unions representing 10 million workers in 126 countries across the globe.

TV news report on corrupt CID rank, narco-trade cover-up false – Crime Chief

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n light of a recent news report on a controversial television station which revealed that a document was circulating regarding a senior Police rank’s involvement in the underworld, Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum has rubbished the report.

In an invited comment

on the issue, Blanhum disclosed that he is not in receipt of any such document as the head of the Criminal Investigation Department.

The document, purportedly detailed the officer’s links to the drug underworld, the planting of guns, cocaine and other bits of evidence on persons

who are still before the courts.

According to the report, which was aired recently, it also accused the officer of being paid well by a known drug lord to prevent raids of his operations. It was also reported that the rank was directly linked to several murders and dis-

appearances of people.

The document, according to the news report, also implicated the Police rank in the recent $90 million robbery committed on the Bourda Post Office and more so, several of the high-profile executions, including that of Courtney Crum-Ewing.

Duke Lodge presents French inspired Valentine’s Day event

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ome enjoy an evening of romance at a magnificent French-inspired Valentine’s Day Dinner at Duke Lodge and say ‘Je t’amie’ (“I love you”) to the one you love through a delicious dinner.

This three-course menu gives you the opportunity of dining with a difference. The menu features some of France’s best, the Gilled Trout in Beurre Blanc sauce and

the Chicken Supreme in Veloute Sauce. For just $9000 vat inclusive per couple, your Valentine’s Dining can be French inspired.

The difference Duke Lodge offers is not just in its menu but in the options for dining. You can dine on the ground floor and enjoy live entertainment by the Wedding Expo 2016 “Race to the Altar” top 5 contesting couples who will be performing in Spoken word, Songs and Dancing plus entertainment from Duke’s DJ. For a more intimate setting, you can dine in Duke’s Dining Room, British-styled Victoria Hall or the Sun Deck overlooking the pool. So, fan the flame of love this Valentine’s Day at the Roraima Duke Lodge.

A complimentary glass of wine spritzers will be served.

Dinner will be served from 19:00h (7:00pm).

For reservations call 2317220, 227-2212.

guyanatimesgy.com

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EMS Theatre Productions will be teaming up with the newly-formed Transformation Theatre to stage “Crack Jokes” at the National Cultural Centre from February 20 to 23.

“Crack Jokes” is a hilarious play set in the “ghetto” which illustrates the real struggles of the poor in a very funny way. The main focus is the Davidson family.

There are a number of conflicts among the Davidsons and their friends which take

S

helon Garraway, also called “Rose Trim”, but more popularly known as “Shelly G”, was born at the Suddie Public Hospital to Myrtle Garraway and is the third of four siblings.

Growing up on the Essequibo Coast as a child was like any other childhood – obedient and joyful. She was the little entertainer in the family. She also grew up with rich religious teachings and attended the Cotton Field Secondary School.

She became involved with music through her mother who strongly encouraged her to be the chorus leader at Sunday school. Her mother was one of the worship leaders in the church. While singing in the choir, she fell in love with it and elevated her talent by taking part in school concerts. It was from there that she blossomed in the music fraternity.

Her experience thus far as a performer was described as “a struggle” since everything she did required money and in the early stages, earning money was not easy. Likewise, the music business was not an easy road but she loved what she did, and due to her resilience, she swiftly moved to fame.

“I’m a fighter... and until I can make my dream come through, I’m not gonna give up... Regardless of what I’m going through, when I hit the stage it’s no longer there... the struggle is worth it once I get to perform,” she noted.

Her hits include “Touch Me” in 2005; “Daggerin” in 2008; “Swing it” in 2008;

friday, february 12, 2016

the comedy to new dimensions. They argue over the “farren” prags, throw “bad” past experiences in each other’s faces, complain about the neighbour’s food smelling too high.

Nothing is a secret. At least not for very long...

The main story line is centred on (drugs and) money, and how it could make or break family and friends. Additionally, everything is not what it seems with most of the characters, since they all seem to have secrets and hidden agendas.

Though they all have varying comical

“Iron”, which is a collaboration with the Hitman in 2011; and “This Gyal Claim” which was recorded this year.

Her advice to young folks who would want a career in music is to never give up on your dreams and what you believe in.

“If you wake everyday having that desire to sing, then you’re supposed to be a singer.

Ensure that you’re happy with what you choose to do to make that happen. And don’t do anything that’s going to cause you to lose self respect because if you don’t have self respect in this business, you are not going to make it”.

As a young ambitious young woman, some of her successes include winning the Carib Soca Monarch – the first female to win the competition.

Apart from singing, she likes to write and come up with ideas to enhance her performance.

Meanwhile, Shelly G is one of the contestants to watch at the finals of the Chutney Monarch slated for this evening at the Parking Lot of the Synthetic Track, Leonora, West Coast Demerara. She will be competing with 12 other artistes for the coveted title.

personalities, they have one thing in common the desire to get rich. This play will provide endless laughter.

The play stars Nuriyyih Gerrard and Kwasi “Ace” Edmondson along with Michael Ignatius, Mark Luke-Edwards, Johann David, Nelan Benjamin, Nathaya Whaul, Melika Edmonds, Abigail Brower, Kescia Branche and Odessa Primus.

It is written and directed by Primus, the two-time and reigning comedy queen. “Crack Jokes” was an entrant in the National Drama Festival 2015 with 11 nominations. It won best performing cast, best actor (Edmondson) and best actress (Gerrard) and 2nd best Guyanese play, along with 2nd best production.

Veteran producer and theatre personality Gem Madhoo-Nascimento is at the helm of the production to give her solid support. Guyanese are in for a treat and will roll down the aisles of

the Cultural Centre laughing.

Tickets are $2000, $1500 and $1000, and are available at Nigel’s Supermarket, Ashmins Trading, Giftland Mall and the National Cultural Centre.

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guyanatimesgy.com

friday, february 12, 2016

to focus on bigger things in 2016

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omeo Nermal, also known as “Mystic”, is Guyana’s singing sensation. He has made his name known in many shows in Europe and North America and of course here in South America.

Mystic is just doing what he loves, just music and has been going places. “Places I never thought I would have reached as a youth growing up. It’s all about following your dreams and putting in the hard work. I always say to youths to follow their dreams and stay focused and dedicate themselves and it will take them places,” he stated. He has been getting good reviews from the outer world with his music and he is not stopping there be-

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nternational Dancehall artiste Mavado, also known as the “Gully God”, will arrive in Guyana this afternoon for “Mavado,” the League Weekend show he is set to headline.

Since his time in Guyana over two years ago, Mavado has definitely raised the bar for Dancehall music as he has done some powerful music collaborations for his new label “We The Best Music Group”, headed by DJ Khaled.

Mavado has been touring the Caribbean for the past few weeks and is coming to Guyana just after a performance at Trinidad’s Carnival.

Fans can expect an energetic show with all of Mavado’s hits, including his collaborations being sang.

General admission tickets cost $3000 and VIP tickets cost $10,000, and are

cause he has a lot more to offer.

He said that the world has not heard the best of Mystic yet.

Performing in Europe, North America and the Caribbean has been mind blowing for this young artiste.

He has grown as an individual and has gotten more mature and outspoken. “I’ve grown on stage especially and I am comfortable on stage and can deal with crowds better. It’s a joy being on stage performing for different people. I count myself fortunate”.

He noted that it has been a wonderful experience for him and thought that he has made his mother proud which was basically one of this goals growing up. “I think every child growing up would want to make their parents proud with whatever they choose to do”.

It’s 2016 and he intends to do a lot more. Being a Guyanese artiste, he claimed “you have to juggle music

available at White Castle Fish Shop, Nigel’s Supermarket, That Look Boutique, Gizmos & Gadgets, The Spot Fish Shop on BV line top, Exclusive Styles and HJ Water World.

Mavado will be backed by Fusion Sound Company, the Boom DJs and Gully Ras. Gates will be opened from 18:00h and the show will commence at 21:00h.

Please be advised that absolutely no firearms, sharp objects, food or drinks will be allowed to enter HJ Water World.

Keep it locked to Boom FM and HJTV for more information and details on how you can win tickets to this event, and get an autograph from the Gully God and a full VIP experience.

and something else”.

He has been involved in farming more specifically, planting rice.

Whenever he goes to the studio, he writes and creating an image that can flow.

He is currently preparing to do some work with Darrell Pugsley of DP Records. The young artiste stated that the time has come for him to further spread his wings and is open to working with different producers, with the aim of taking his music to another level.

“I’m getting offers to work with some Jamaican producers, European producers and that’s something I really appreciate, because people have been listening and taking notice. I must say that Guyanese music is up to the level that the world is taking notice”.

As he attempts to take his music to another level, every show in which he performs, and every song that he

sings, was done with a touch of perfection.

The young, talented Berbician is now known for his chutney music but his heart lies in soca. “Reggae is what I love. I never considered myself a chutney artiste. I always say it’s choca – A mixture of chutney and soca,” he grinned.

He is firm in dealing with promoters who will allow him to sing both reggae and chutney. “At the end of the day, I’m looking to build a career, not just looking to have a one hit because this is my life and this is what I’m doing forever so I’m building a career,” he noted.

Again, as he noted that 2016 is his year, he envisions himself performing at bigger crowds in Europe, and rubbing shoulders with the biggest reggae artistes in the business.

He wants to make sure that people enjoy the performances even if it means opening up for big artistes.

First lady Sandra Granger posed with Mrs Ingrid Fung and her daughter, Dr Sulan Fung

F

irst Lady Sandra Granger is the new patron of the Mother and Daughter Pageant – an event organsied by Mrs Ingrid Fung and her daughter, Dr Sulan Fung.

Mrs Fung, in a brief comment, said that the Pageant started 25 years ago while she was a teacher at the St Joseph High School.

The First Lady said that she is honoured to have been chosen to be the patron of the show.

“The show not only celebrates womanhood but also family relationships, especially the close bond that is shared between mothers and daughters,” Mrs Granger said.

The first Mother and Daughter Pageant was staged at the National Sports Hall.

Since then, it has become an annual event

that has grown bigger each year.

A few years ago, Mrs Fung passed the baton on to her daughter, Dr Fung who said “this pageant has been my life and so as mom passed on the baton, I ensured that we take it to greater heights.”

Dr Fung promises a great show this year, particularly since the activities will incorporate the pageant’s silver jubilee and Guyana’s golden jubilee independence anniversary celebrations.

The organisers have already commenced the search for contestants and Dr Fung said that so far the response has been overwhelming. The pageant is set to hit the stage on May 7, the evening before Mother’s Day, at the National Cultural Centre.

guyanatimesgy.com

friDAY, february 12, 2016

19

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W

ith Valentine’s just a day away, the Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) on Saturday will be hosting a movie night commencing at 17:30h at Lot 67 New Haven, Bel Air, Georgetown.

The movie earmarked for viewing will be “Kal Ho Naa Ho”. The 2003 film directed by Nikhil Advani stars Preity Zinta,

Jaya Bachan, Shah Rukh Khan and Saif Ali Khan. It tells the story of Naina who falls in love with Aman. Aman has to let go of Naina though and tries to fix her up with Rohit.

There are many funny moments in the film.

The film was a blockbuster with a memorable sound track. Admission to the screening is absolutely free.

he self-proclaimed “Gully God” and international Dancehall artiste Mavado arrived in Guyana this morning for his live performance at Hits and Jams Water World this Saturday.

Before Mavado takes the stage, he will be at Palm Court to meet and greet his fans tonight. This will give fans an opportunity to take photographs and get autographs.

The Gully vibes begin from 21:00h, but the dancehall artiste will not be performing at this event. Entertainment will be provided by Fusion Sound Company and the Boom DJs. Ladies are admitted free before 22:00h

Passengers waiting at the boat house landing

The Guyoil Gas Station

T

he village of St Lawrence is tucked away five miles off Parika’s main road in a peaceful and tranquil setting.

Residents within this warm community live in love and unity.

Beautiful homes with kitchen gardens in the backyards and well-kept surroundings tell the story of the ethnically diverse residents’ industry and ambition.

With a population of about 300, the main economic activity is farming.

Many of the residents are engaged in cash crop, provision or fruit farming while others plant rice as a secondary source of income. Unemployment is not a major factor within this community, as farmers have difficulty finding workers at times.

Employment is also readily

after which patrons will pay $2000 at the gate.

Keep it locked to the Boom FM and HJTV for more information and details on how you can get an autograph from “Gully God” at this event and at his concert tomorrow evening.

available at the sawmill sitting on the outskirts of the village.

neighbouring communities and riverine settlements, in-

The sawmill in the village

A young boy strolling the village

The village’s post office

The community hosts a Guyoil Gas Station; grocery shops; beer parlours; a post office; a primary school (older children attend Leonora Secondary School); and a health centre, which also serves residents in the

Men enjoying a game of cards in the village

cluding Hog Island and Bonasika. The primary school is also used as a church, and there is a small mandir in the village.

St Lawrence as it is surrounded by

water also attracts lots of visitors who on their way home stop by to enjoy the scenic beauty of the village.

On a typical Sunday, the koker area in the village is busy, with farmers offloading their produce to be sold, passengers awaiting water taxis to return home or persons just transacting business.

The elderin ly but lively Naamawattie Bishuyanda, a member of the community, operates a boat service, which transports villagers and other passengers to small settlements up the Essequibo River. Boat captains pay a small fee each day, which is used for maintenance of the boats.

20 news

friday, february 12, 2016| guyanatimesGY.com

Guyana/Venezuela controversy

GPSU, GRA Venezuela disrupting negotiating Collective resolution process – Greenidge Labour Agreement I t would appear that neighbouring Venezuela would never allow due process to take its course through the assistance of the United Nation (UN).

The country has been accused of seeking to disrupt the process that could lead to a possible resolution and put the Guyana/Venezuela border controversy to rest once and for all.

Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge said on Thursday that the most recent declaration made by the Spanish-speaking country through its Foreign Minister Delcy Rodriguez will cause him to make a formal complaint to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.

The Minister was addressing the National Assembly moments before he made his actual contribution to the ongoing budget debate.

According to Greenidge, Rodriguez in a statement to the United Nations on February 4, 2015 titled ‘Guyana ratifies its rights over the Essequibo’ said “We affirm the legitimate rights of Venezuela on the Essequibo, is a historic place and we are ready under the Geneva Agreement to prosecute this territorial dispute through diplomacy, international law,” Rodriguez reportedly stated.

According to Greenidge, the statement made by Rodriguez at the United Nations headquarters was filled with “innuendos.” He said the statement misrepresents the facts.

“Guyana repudiates in its entirety the statement issued by the Venezuelan

Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge

Foreign Minister,” Greenidge said. He said that “Guyana rejects the backhanded attempts to despoil her rights.”

“Venezuela’s behaviour towards Guyana is a festering wound to peace and to the stability of the Region… it is an affront to the rule of law …Venezuela seems prepared to derail the process, Guyana will not allow the deceptions being peddled by Venezuela to persist,” the Minister told the National Assembly.

Venezuela, up until now, has not accepted the 1899 Award as a final settlement of the border dispute, although it only made its contention international in 1945. In 1949, the US jurist Otto Schoenrich gave the Venezuelan Government a memorandum, written by Severo Mallet-Prevost, the Official Secretary of the US-Venezuela delegation in the Tribunal of Arbitration, which was written in 1944 to be published only after

his death.

Mallet-Prevost, one of the four lawyers who had appeared for Venezuela before the Arbitral Tribunal, surmised from the private behaviour of the judges that there had been a political deal between Great Britain and Russia and for the first time, attacked the Award.

This memorandum led to Venezuela’s revival of its claim to Guyana’s territory.

In 1966 in Geneva, Switzerland, the Governments of British Guiana, the United Kingdom and Venezuela signed an agreement to resolve its contentions, since the issue has sporadically flared up and has not been resolved.

The issue reignited in early March when the Government of Guyana granted access to the USbased oil exploration company ExxonMobil, allowing it to drill for oil in the Stabroek block offshore Essequibo.

The Venezuelan Government was peeved at this move and made direct contact with the oil company, urging it to discontinue its attempt to carry out drilling activities in the area.

Saying it had no part in the territorial issue, the oil company went ahead with its drilling activity.

President Maduro later issued a decree on May 26, 2015, which purports to ratify maritime sovereignty over waters within 200 miles including the entire Atlantic Ocean off the Essequibo Coast as well as part of Suriname’s maritime territory and an area which is under dispute with Colombia.

T

he Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) and the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) are negotiating a Collective Labour Agreement for the trade union to bargain for and on behalf of the employees of tax body.

According to press release from the Social Protection Ministry, it has welcomed this development since it is through bargaining processes that the interests and rights of employees/employers alike are expanded and protected.

The release recalled that Junior Social Protection Minister Keith Scott advised the National Assembly that he would be pursuing the restoration of Collective Bargaining particularly in the Public Sector and on the same day, the GRA revealed that it had recognised the GPSU to act on behalf of its workers.

The Ministry noted

Junior Social Protection Minister Keith Scott

that the absence or dilution of the bargaining process and its attendant procedures over the years has not helped the development of industrial relations therefore the restoration of collective bargaining across the national landscape should exhibit a return to some of the main and critical values inclusive of vetting and counter-signing of the Collective Labour

Agreement by the Social Protection Minister Volda Lawrence within the framework of Contract Administration.

In the lead up to the elections, the issue of “collective bargaining” by the recognised trade union with the employer had been raised.

The now Government, but then opposition, had clearly indicated they were willing to go the collective bargaining route.

Collective bargaining in Guyana has had a chequered history in Guyana, unfortunately not necessarily because of substantive objections to the process but rather of successive governments’ evaluating it as another form of politics.

Politics in Guyana grew out of trade unionism, and it appears that trade unionists have never been able to completely wean themselves away from the pill of politics.

Jubilee Children’s Mash Competition continues

Possible extension for “Operation Dragnet” W

ith the recent revelation by Guyana Police Force that Operation Dragnet was one of the contributing factors of the reduction of serious crimes in January, when compared to the same period last year, the possibility of an extension of the operation will be considered.

Operation Dragnet was implemented following the upsurge in crime on December 1, 2015 with the aim of enhancing the country’s national security buy it will come to an end on June 1, 2016.

The operation saw the Joint Services coordinating with other Government agencies to intensify security operations by increasing border patrols, having a more robust Police presence within communities, and

having strengthened immigration scrutiny at the ports of entries.

While there have been scepticism about the manner in which the programme was carried out, the police have claimed it a success.

Assistant Commissioner David Ramnarine on Thursday lauded the programme, noting that it has yield success since its implementation: A number of illegal firearms were seized, a number of drug seizures made and a number of wanted men arrested, are some of the high points of Operation Dragnet.

He noted that the programme has lived up to the expectation of the joint services and while it may come to an end on June 1, it will be reviewed and a possible recommendation of an ex-

tension might be forthcoming by the higher authorities.

Although there has been a decrease in serious crimes, murders have increased by eight per cent; and a whopping 50 per cent increase in the number of armed robberies where instruments other than firearms were used by perpetrators.

However, the police also stated that there were other factors that have contributed to the reduction of serious crime such as the implementation of a five-point strategy to deal with crime which was outlined by President David Granger and more importantly, the increased deployment of ranks in F Division; intelligence-led policing and improved cooperation with the public.

T

East Street Nursery during their performance

he fourth part of the Jubilee Children’s Mash Competition kicked off on Thursday with the costume segment which featured nursery and primary schools across Georgetown.

The event staged at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall saw a large turnout of parents, teachers and students who came in support of their favourite participants or schools.

The hall was filled with screams and cheers as each student came in the

spotlight to deliver their performances to the jubilant crowd.

Waving flags and decked out in their vibrant costumes portraying Guyana’s cultural heritage, the children danced enthusiastically, moving across the stage in comfort.

Organiser of the event Sharon King-Harris told Guyana Times that so far the competition had been running ‘smoothly’. She said even though there had been minor inconveniences due to rain and transporta-

tion, the turnout had been great, but noted the costume competition usually attracts the largest crowd.

One of guest performers at the event, local artiste Calvin Burnett told this publication the experience is usually incredible since the children are the best audience. “As soon as you start singing a song, they just chime in with the music, so this is very exciting.” he told. The competition will continue today with the physical display segment.

sports

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ICC U-19 World Cup…

friday, february 12, 2016

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Hetmyer, Springer guide Windies to final W

est Indies Under-19s ended up stunning over 10,000 fans at the Shere Bangla Stadium by chasing down 227, with three wickets in hand, in an anxious fashion against Bangladesh Under-19s in the semi-final of the Under-19 World Cup. West Indies were cruising at 147 for 3 and seemed to be buckle under pressure after captain Shimron Hetmyer fell for 60. They lost two more wickets for 34 runs but were salvaged by Shamar Springer’s unbeaten 62 after his incisive spell of 10-0-36-2. West Indies will make their second appearance in an Under-19 World Cup final when they take on India Under-19s in Mirpur on Sunday.

The West Indies chase started in the usual aggressive mode when Gidron Pope clobbered 14 runs in the first over. He continued to attack and was dropped on 23 in the fourth over before he took his team to an intimidating 56 for 2 in seven overs. After Pope fell for 38, Hetmyer led the charge just like his counterpart Mehedi Hasan Miraz had done earlier in the day, with a measured knock in the company of Keacy Carty. The required run rate was just under four when they got together and they carried out their partnership of 62 in composed fashion.

They had no difficulty playing the spinners and Hetmyer brought up his second straight fifty but his dismissal in the 28th over threatened to tilt the game the other way. Springer was joined by Jyd Goolie and with no scoreboard pressure to face, they took the score past 175 until left-arm spinner Saleh Ahmed Shawon struck twice in four balls and West Indies were still 46 adrift with four wickets in hand.

Springer was still there, and he and Michael Frew ran well to steal ones and twos in a patient stand of 36 in 8.2 overs.

Bangladesh struck again when Mohammad Saifuddin removed Frew for 12 but Springer’s presence saw them through as he hit the winning runs with eight balls to spare.

Bangladesh showed signs of nervousness too. They dropped Springer when he was on 15, fumbled when they

shouldn’t have and conceded overthrows when the match was in the balance, possibly feeling the pressure of playing in front of a massive crowd that had gathered in Mirpur.

Earlier, Mehedi had to rescue his team again from a precarious position, just like he had done in the quarter-final against Nepal Under-19s.

He forged an 85-run partnership for the sixth wicket with Mohammed Saifuddin, lifting the side from 113 for 5 to close to 200.

West Indies’ opening bowlers, Alzarri Joseph and Chemar Holder, started poorly after the hosts opted to bat.

They conceded nine extras out of the total of 10 in the first two overs but later succeeded in removing the openers by the seventh over. They continued their barrage of short deliveries with varying lines, while Bangladesh found the odd boundary.

Just when Bangladesh were looking to lift the run rate after the first Powerplay, they lost Nazmul Hossain Shanto, their best batsman in the tournament so far, for 11 and medium-pacers Ryan John and Springer then choked the flow of runs. Joyraz Sheik, who was

dropped off a tough chance on 6, led them on even as Zakir Hasan struggled to rotate the strike. Sheik, however, dragged one onto his off stump and Zakir was bowled once Holder was brought back for his second spell.

Mehedi eased the flow of runs and pulled his team out of trouble once the spinners Jyd Goolie, Pope and Frew came on, relying on plenty of backfoot strokes. Once the hosts looked comfortable, the spinners sent down more loose deliveries and the fielders started to misfield, too.

Saifuddin played a more patient role in the partnership with Mehedi and was content giving strike to the captain, who brought up his fifty off 63 balls. Their comfort ended in the 45th over. Pacer Keemo Paul, who had injured himself while fielding earlier, came on in the 46th over and struck off consecutive deliveries to remove both set batsmen and hurt Bangladesh’s chances of a total close to 240. Springer was economical in the slog overs, too, and a couple of fours and a six from the tail pushed Bangladesh past 220. They were dismissed for 226 off the last ball of the innings. (Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD BANGLADESH UNDER-19s Pinak Ghosh c Paul b Holder 0 Saif Hassan c Goolie b 10 Joseph 35 Joyraz Sheik b Springer Nazmul Hossain Shanto c Hetmyer b John 11 24 Zakir Hasan+ b Holder Mehedi Hasan Miraz* c 60 Frew b Paul Mohammad Saifuddin b Paul 36 3 Saeed Sarkar b Paul Mosabbek Hossain b Springer 14 Mehedi Hasan Rana not out 10 Saleh Ahmed Shawon run out (Hetmyer/Paul) 1 Extras: (lb 6, w 13, nb 3) 22 Total: (all out; 50 overs) 226 Fall of Wickets: 1-10 , 2-27 , 3-58, 4-88, 5-113, 6-198, 7-198, 8-205, 9-217, 10-226.

Bowling: Joseph 7-1-331 (2nb,5w),Holder 101-36-2 (1nb,3w),John 8-0-29-1,Springer 10-036-2 (4w),Goolie 2-0-130,Pope 6-0-35-0, Frew 4-0-18-0,Paul 3-0-20-3

WEST INDIES UNDER19s innings G Pope b Mehedi Hasan Miraz 38 T Imlach† lbw b Mehedi Hasan Miraz 14 S Hetmyer* c Saif Hassan b Mohammad Saifuddin 60 K Carty b Saleh Ahmed Shawon 22 S Springer not out 62 J Goolie lbw b Saleh Ahmed Shawon 9 K Paul b Saleh Ahmed Shawon 4 M Frew c †Zakir Hasan b Mohammad Saifuddin 12 R John not out 2 Extras: (w 6, nb 1) 7 Total: (7 wickets; 48.4 overs) 230 Fall of wickets: 1-44 , 2-56 , 3-118, 4-147, 5-177, 6-181, 7-217, Did not bat: A Joseph, C Holder Bowling: Miraz 10-0-57-2, Rana 6-1-28-0 (5w),Saifuddin 9.4-0-46-2 (1nb),Shawon 10-2-31-0, Sarkar 2-021-0, Shanto 1-0-10-0

Jaguars looking to continue winning...

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The toss-up could be between pacers Ronsford Beaton and Keon Joseph who both were hitting their straps during training.

Keen attention will be on Beaton who has not had the best of times for Guyana of late but has a remodeled action which seemingly has given him the ability to have more control and exert consistency.

The Red Force on the other hand will be expecting greater application by their batsmen since only 20year old Jeremy Solonzo has scored a century for them with 110 against Jamaica Scorpions; Yannick Ottley is the next best scorer with an unbeaten 99.

Captain Jason Mohammed, the flamboyant

Evin Lewis and Narsingh Deonarine are all capable of getting the big scorers but have to stave off an extremely potent bowling attack.

Their bowling is led by talent leg spinner Imran Khan who has snared 26 wickets from five games at an average of 24.96. Off-spinner JonRuss Jagessar is expected to debut, after having a memorable NAGICO Super 50 where he picked up 14 wickets from six matches.

Certainly the Captain who wins the toss will be inclined to take to bat first since the pitch is known to become dry and helpful for spinners.

The other matches in the tournament will see Leeward Islands Hurricanes Vs Jamaica Scorpions at Vivian Richards Cricket Ground and

from page 22

Barbados Pride Vs Windward Islands Volcanoes at Kensington Oval. All matches bowl off from 10:00h.

Jaguars (from): Leon Johnson (captain), Robin Bacchus, Ronsford Beaton, Devendra Bishoo, Anthony Bramble, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Rajendra Chandrika, Assad Fudadin, Keon Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Veerasammy Permaul, Raymon Reifer, Vishaul Singh.

Red Force (from): Jason Mohammed (captain), Yannic Cariah, Narsingh Deonarine, Rayad Emrit, Kyle Hope, Akeal Hosein, Jon-Russ Jagessar, Steven Katwaroo, Imran Khan, Evin Lewis, Yannick Ottley, Marlon Richards, Jeremy Solozano.

22

guyanatimesGY.com

friday, february 12, 2016

GFF/Stag Elite League…

Top four teams to square off tonight!

– 14 rounds of matches slated for League finale

The Elite league returns with a two exciting games

By Akeem Greene

T

he “big guns” in local football will take to the field tonight at the Guyana Defense Force Ground when the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Stag Beer Elite League resumes with two exciting games.

The first game will see the league genesis winners Slingerz FC go against Pele FC in what is expected to be a mouth watering

clash. These two are locked at one and two on the table with just one point separating them.

Slingerz FC will be keen to show they will play this tournament with some of their big players such as Dwain Jacobs and Anthony “Awo” Abrams leaving during the transfer period.

However, when this publication spoke to Slingerz’s player Vurlon Mills he revealed that his side is in no way daunted and are still a for-

midable unit who will challenge for the title.

Pele will be an extremely tough side to defeated as they have some serious arsenal in their offense with the likes of the league’s second leading goal scorer Gregory “Jackie Chan” Richardson, Travis “Zorro” Grant and Jermaine Summerset in their line up Meanwhile, in the other game, Alpha United and Fruta Conquerors will play in a game that can spring surprises. Alpha will be glad to have many of their old faces back in and will want to resuscitate their dominance of local club football.

Coach Wayne Dover had bemoaned the loss of the seasoned players and the inconsistency in play throughout the tournament; Alpha had finished in third placed.

The Tucville based Fruta Conquers by all accounts will be a stiff challenge for Alpha with their youthful squad. Eon Alleyne, Jermaine Junior and Trevon Lythcott are just some of the talents Fruta possess; not forgetting the two Brazilian amateur players they have signed.

The league was a major crowd attraction for local fans as they get some high quality football. Matches will be primarily being played on Fridays and Sundays with each day having a double header. Kickoff is at 17:30h.

WICB/PCL 4-day cricket…

Jaguars looking to continue winning ways against Red Force today

By Akeem Greene

T

able Toppers Guyana Jaguars will look to continue their winning ways when they restart their campaign in the West Indies Cricket Board Professional Cricket League (PCL) four-day Tournament as they tackle Trinidad and Tobago Red Force at the Providence National Stadium today.

The defending champions lead the table with 85 points from five matches and hold a clear 22 point lead over the second place Barbados Pride who have 63 points.

Since their loss to Barbados Pride by two runs during the 2014/2015 season, the Jaguars have won 11 of their last 12 matches, with the other being a draw against the same Red

Force.

They enter this match against the fourth placed Red Force on 37 points, full of confidence as the last time these two teams played each other at Queens Park Oval, Jaguars crushed them by an innings and 49 runs.

In that match the likes of Assad Fudadin scored a sparkling 102 and Captain Leon Johnson chipped in with 92. Medium pacer Christopher Barnwell who is out with injury for this game, left-arm spinners Gudakesh Motie and Veerasammy Permaul impressed with the ball.

Fudadin still seems to be in good form as he made 145 and shared a 192 run second-wicket partnership with West Indies Test opener Rajendra Chandrika who made 86 in the preceding warm-up game.

The West Indies Test duo will have the tournament’s second leading runs scorer Vishaul Singh (421 runs; 2 centuries) who still looks in good touch as he certainly was middling the ball during practice on Wednesday.

Talented all-rounder Robin Bacchus could be in-line for a FirstClass debut if the selectors choose to play one outright seamer since they have another seam bowling allrounder in Raymon Reifer.

The pitch on Wednesday had a reasonable amount of grass covering but that can be expected to be removed considerably since Guyana has three quality spinners in their squad and will want conditions to support their wizardry. turn to page 21

CPL 2016 launches in style in Barbados

CPL CEO Damien O’Donohoe

T

he 2016 HERO Caribbean Premier League (CPL) Player Draft was unveiled at a gala ceremony in Barbados on Thursday, with some of the leading West Indian and international talent set to descend on the Caribbean this summer.

Delegates including West Indies coach Phil Simmons joined representatives from each of the six franchises including owners and coaches as well commercial partners and media to the impressive Concorde Experience.

Speaking in the aftermath of the CPL Player Draft, CEO Damien O’Donohoe commented: “It has been a busy period over the last few weeks for each of the franchise owners. But with the conclusion of the Player Draft today, we can now look forward to staging many mouth-watering contests later this summer in the Caribbean, and for the first time in the USA, with some of the best international talent in world cricket on display.

“There is a strong selection of outstanding international talent, supplemented by the introduction of ‘marquee’ players for each franchise which allies to our biggest roster of local Caribbean players to date, and that remains a cornerstone of the CPL’s strategy to develop West Indies cricket.

“Last year was our most successful campaign to date, where we welcomed over 302,000 fans through the gates, which represented an increase of 44% from the previous season. This year we are going to work even harder to build on this strong platform and engage our growing international audience. It is without doubt our most exciting roster of talent, with some of the biggest names signed up for what is the biggest party in sport.

“We look forward to working with each of the stakeholders, not least the West Indies Cricket Board who have been hugely important supporters of the CPL, to deliver our best season

yet.”

Proteas batsman Faf du Plessis will line up for the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots alongside West Indies duo Samuel Badree and batsman Lendl Simmons, Australian international Brad Hodge, retained players Evin Lewis and Tabraiz Shamsi as well as Canada’s Nikhil Dutta (ICC Americas) for the coming season.

Australia’s two-time ICC Cricket World Cup winner Shane Watson will join his former international team-mate Michael Hussey as well as West Indies World T20 captain Darren Sammy at the Zouks. They will team up alongside the likes of Johnson Charles and Andre Fletcher as well as South African paceman Morne Morkel and batsman David Miller.

The highly-decorated former ICC Cricketer of the Year Kumar Sangakkara, meanwhile, will return to the Jamaica Tallawahs after helping them seal the inaugural trophy in 2013 and he will join the electrifying Chris Gayle, Sri Lanka fast bowler Lasith Malinga, Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan and local favourites Andre Russell and Chadwick Walton.

The recently re-named Trinbago Knight Riders will welcome back the number one ICC WT20 international bowler Sunil Narine to their ranks from Guyana and he will be joined

by Proteas batsman Hashim Amla and Dwayne Bravo, Kevon Cooper as well as former Black Caps captain and ‘marquee’ player Brendon McCullum who will making his first appearance this summer at the biggest party in sport. Left arm spinner Sulieman Benn and Pakistan wicket-keeper Umar Akmal will also join the Trinidad and Tobago based franchise.

Talented duo Christopher Barnwell and Versammy Permaul will be aiming to provide the local backbone for New Zealand star top order batsman Martin Guptill for the Guyana Amazon Warriors as they bid to go one step further and seal the coveted CPL title which has eluded them on two occasions in 2013 and 2014. They will be joined by the hugely talented Dwayne Smith and Pakistan’s Sohail Tanvir who has moved from the Patriots.

Finally, Barbados Tridents will be spear-headed by the arrival of star Proteas batsman AB de Villiers who will join fellow South Africans Robin Petersen and David Wiese alongside the influential Kieron Pollard, Pakistan’s Shoaib Malik, Ravi Rampaul and Steven Taylor (ICC Americas) who was also retained by the franchise. (CPL)

guyanatimesGY.com

friday, february 12, 2016

23

GCB congratulates Windies U-19 Umroa, Hussain and Lovell highlight on reaching World Cup final latest round of matches GCB/BANKS DIH LTD/DIGICEL NSSCL...

– Mahaica top Mahaicony in Combine Elite League

N Shimron Hetmyer

Tevin Imlach

Keemo Paul

he Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) extended congratulations to the West Indies Under-19 squad for reaching the final of the 2016 International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup. West Indies defeated host nation Bangladesh by three wickets to book their spot in the final having last been in a final since 2004.

Here is the full release by the GCB: The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) extends congratulations to West Indies Under-19 Team on reaching the ICC U-19 World Cup 2016 Final, by virtue of defeating Bangladesh on Thursday. An enthralling final is expected when the flamboyant Caribbean boys meet India on Sunday,

February 14, 2016.

The GCB is delighted with the performances of the Guyanese boys, Shimron Hetmyer, Tevin Imlach and Keemo Paul who have all contributed significantly in the team’s success. The Board gives credit to its Professional Cricket Development Structure, which encompasses collaborated training between established senior contracted players and emerging national players under the academy program.

This collaborated component of cricket development, has advanced valuable support to all players involved, providing a great blend of youth and experience, and promoting the treasured purpose of technical soundness,

Physical Fitness, Nutrition, Healthy Lifestyle and Mental Toughness.

The GCB is of the view, that these youths maturity, grit and determination are semblances of the product of future great cricketers who have been nurtured under a purposeful and meaningful professional cricket Development structure.

We encourage the West Indies U-19 team to continue to demonstrate attributes of professionalism – to be goal oriented and tolerant by exhibiting an unwavering commitment towards attaining set individual and group goals. With such talented youth players, we are confident that they will lift the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2016.

T

Tanvir, Guptill top buys for...

from backpage

A breakdown of the purchases on Thursday

The experienced Dwayne Smith and Australian batsman Chris Lyn were then racked in for US$110,000 and US$90,000 respectively.

Trinidad and Tobago’ allrounder Rayad Emrit who has played for the Barbados Tridents in the past copped US$ 70,000; but the surprise buy for the Warriors was that of leg-spinner Adam Zampa for US$60,000.

The 23-year old Australian has just played two One Day Internationals (ODI) for Australia and 28 Twenty20 games for various teams but the little exposure he has on the international scene could become a secret weapon on Caribbean pitches that will aid his craft.

All-rounder Christopher Barnwell heads the list of locally retained players with a purse of US$30,000; new comer Wicketkeeper batsman Anthony Bramble was bought for US$7,000.

Squad numbers have in-

creased to 17, and there is now a guaranteed roster spot for a West Indies Under-19 player as well as a representative from the ICC Americas, which ties in with one of the CPL’s mandates of providing opportunities for young players.

Guyana’s West Indies Under-19 player will be selected at a later date while the ICC Americas selectee was Muhammad Ahsan Ali Khan.

A greater breakdown of Guyana Amazon Warriors teams shows they have a mixture of international and local talent. Despite the team not having a fleet of the popular T20 stars, the players bought can still post a serious challenge to any opposition if they play collectively as a team.

Much will be expected of the medium pacer Paul Wintz who should lead the seam bowling unit with the canny Emrit in support while West Indies left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul along with Zampa

should play key roles on the slow turning pitches.

The Pugnacious Barnwell and Bramble will be the powering force at the back end of the innings while the likes of Lynn who played for the Jamaican Tallawahs in 2015, Guptill and Smith are expected to lay a solid platform at the top Guyana Amazon Warriors Squad reads: Sohail Tanvir (US$ 160,000); Martin Guptill (US$ 130,000); Dwayne Smith (US$ 110,000); Chris Lynn (US$ 90,000); Rayad Emrit (US $70,000); Adam Zampa (US$ 60,000); Jason Mohammad (US$ 40,000); Christopher Barnwell (US$ 30,000); Veerasammy Permaul ( US$ 15,000); Orlando Peters (US$ 10,000); Assad Fudadin (US$7,000); Anthony Bramble (US$ 7,000); Paul Wintz (US$ 5,000); Steven Jacobs (US$ 5,000); Steven Katwaroo (US$ 4,000) and ICC America player Muhammad Ahsan Ali Khan (US$ 3,000). (akeemg@guyanatimesgy.com)

ational Under-15 spinner Kevin Umroa, sixwicket haul which included a hat-trick led Corentyne Comprehensive Secondary to a win over Skeldon Line Path Secondary despite a five wicket haul by Afseer Hussain when action continued in the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) National Secondary School Cricket League (NSSCL) sponsored by Bank’s DIH Ltd’s Coca Cola and Rainforest Water along with Digicel continued on Wednesday A well compiled half century from national under 15 batsman Kurt Lovell was also the talk of the day that saw Chase Academy topping Annandale Secondary.

In the Corentyne Zone, Corentyne Comprehensive Secondary booked their place in the final by defeating Skeldon Line Path Secondary by 45 runs. Batting first, Corentyne Comprehensive Secondary was bowled out for 94 in 18.4 overs with Jermaine Pollard scoring 29. Hussain was the pick of the bowlers claiming 5/21 while Myron Kurt and Mahendra Chitnarine had 2/8 and 2/23 respectively.

Chasing 95 for victory in 30 overs, Skeldon Line Path students barely manage to get 49 in 14.2 overs. The damage was inflicted by national under-15 spinner Umroa who took a

Kevin Umroa

hat trick on his way to figures of 6/21 and Surendra Budhoo who had 2/7.

At Everest in the quarterfinal played between Chase Academy and Annandale Secondary. Chase Academy took first strike and amassed 215/7 in their 30 overs. Lovell’s 54 which included six fours and one six led the way for Chase Academy. He was well supported by West Indies under-15 selectee Joshua Persaud who made 44, Lester Cubidore scored 29 and national left arm spinner Ashmead Nedd smashed a quick fire 25. Bowling for Annandale Secondary, Trevet Shivpersaud took 3/32 while Chanderpaul Ramraj had 2/22.

In reply, Annandale Secondary who hardly threatened Chase Academy’s total, were eventually dismissed for 123 in 26.5 overs. Four bowlers had two wickets each bowling for Chase Academy; Ashmead Nedd 2/13, Sese Norville 2/14, Dwayne Dick 2/21 and Orunde Chase 2/22. With this victory, Chase Academy has now booked a place in the national semi-final against the Berbice District winner who is still to be determined.

Meanwhile, Mahaica overcame Mahaicony by six wickets in a Combine Elite match at Fairfield. Batting first, Mahaicony made 109/5 off 25 overs. The top scorer for Mahaicony was Wendell Fordyce who made 49. Bowling for Mahaica, Shaquille Weekes took 3/17.

Mahaica in reply, got to 114/4 in 18 overs with Phillip Doodnat making 43 not out.

The NSSCL will continue today as Corentyne Secondary Comprehensive will battle Lower Corentyne at Port Mourant in the Corentyne Zone. In the Combine Elite League, West Coast Demerara faces West Bank Demerara at Wales, Upper Demerara plays Highway at Bayroc and North Georgetown battles East Georgetown at Everest. All Combine Elite matches are 50 overs per innings.

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

friday, february 12, 2016

Tanvir, Guptill top buys for Warriors at CPL draft

Chris Lynn

Martin Guptill

By Akeem Greene

S

ohail Tanvir and Martin Guptill lead the headline buys for the Guyana Amazon Warriors team at the HERO Caribbean

Dwayne Smith

Premier League (CPL) player draft which was held in Barbados on Thursday.

Guyana Amazon Warriors represented by team owner Dr Ranjisingh Ramroop, Coach Roger Harper and

Sohail Tanvir

Manager Omar Khan, selected 16 of the 17 players that will be representing the Warriors at the fourth edition at the high profile tournament.

Tanvir, who previously

had stints with the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots and the St Lucia Zouks, is a talented all-rounder from Pakistan who has played some 212 Twenty20 games for various teams around the world.

The all-rounder who is known for his unorthodox left-arm seam bowling action was picked up by the Warriors for a whopping US$ 160,000 in round one.

In the next round the Warrior’s management went for the in-form Martin Guptill who returns to the squad after being selected by the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in 2015.

Guptill who had successful stints with the team in 2013 and 2014 was bought as a “marquee player” for US$130,000.

The New Zealand opening batsman’s buy will certainly please the hearts of many fans, especially since he has been in top form of late on the International scene.

Guptill who is described by popular New Zealand commentator Danny Morrison as “Marty G” has played 28 games in the CPL and scored 821 runs at a strike rate of 122 and is known for his pivotal roles in helping the Warriors reach the finals on two consecutive occasions. turn to age 23

Hetmyer, Springer Jaguars looking to continue winning guide Windies to final ways against Red Force today WICB/PCL 4-day cricket…

Pg 21

Pg 22

Shimron Hetmyer pulls on his way to a half-century (Getty Images)

The Jaguars are in high spirits and will certainly be the team to beat

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