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THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 2957

Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Business community saddled with more expenses

PRICE

$80 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Craig Chinese restaurant robbed by P7 “customers”

Page 3

– as Govt imposes new tolls for Linden roads

Bankers rail against ‘SOCU leaks’

Faeces throwing case

Page 7

– says confidential information protected by law

Freddie Kissoon fails to ID accused in court

2 busted P17 with gun, ammo, drugs in Diamond house

Page 5

Private Sector makes ‘oil demands’ P5 – wants ‘local content’ protected in law

Digicel hosts back-to- P9 school drive

A number of People’s Progressive Party supporters staged a picketing exercise on Tuesday outside the High Court and later at GECOM’s office to vent their frustrations about the delay of the justice system in addressing the Party’s elections petition (Marceano Narine photo) See story on page 11

APNU/AFC has ambitious plans, limited pool of capable persons – report

Page 14

…says coalition likely to ignore USAID recommendations

Mother of 9 dies in waiting room of GPHC Page 9

– husband cries “neglect”

M&CC to take legal action against tax defaulters P12 – to repossess lands not in use

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, August 24 –09:30h-11:00h and Thursday, August 25 – 10:30h-12:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, August 24 –08:40h-10:10h and Thursday, August 25 – 09:45h-11:15h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Weather: Heavy rain showers with sunny conditions are expected throughout the day, while partly cloudy to clear skies can be expected in the evening.

Temperatures are expected to range between 25 degrees and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East to East South-easterly between 1.78 metre and 3.57 metres.

High Tide: 07:59h and 20:19 reaching maximum heights of 2.65 metres and 2.62 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 13:52h reaching a minimum height of 0.49 metre.

Business community saddled with more expenses – as Govt imposes new tolls for Linden roads

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ommunities Minister Ronald Bulkan has approved the payment of 18 different categories of tolls to be paid to the Linden Town Council (LTC) for the use of its roads.

The tolls, ranging between $2000 and $7000, were approved by Minister Bulkan, bringing into effect the Linden Town Council (Toll) By-Laws 2016, making the collection of tolls from vehicles traversing the roads into a statute.

The decision by Minister Bulkan stems from an earlier resolution of the LTC to impose the tolls to be charged at specified locations.

The by-laws, as set out by Minister Bulkan, caters for cars, minibuses, canters traversing the road with goods for sale, in addition to those laden with fuel and lumber.

The decision to saddle the business community with additional overhead expense in their operations comes out of a resolution the LTC made in July.

The resolution was approved by Minister Bulkan last Thursday and the information has since been officially gazetted.

The by-laws introduced

tion and the owner or person in charge of the vehicle shall pay in the full corresponding toll for the vehicle to the toll collector in local currency.”

The fees are as follows:

Car with goods for sale Minibuses with goods for sale Small canters with goods for sale Large canters with goods for sale Lumber trucks with boards 20-foot containers Pick-Ups and 4x4s with materials Trailers with boards Trucks with scrap iron Timber trucks with logs Trailers with logs Bedford trucks 40-foot containers Trucks with road building materials Trucks with fuel Fuel tankers Haulers Haulers with machines Under the newly approved by-laws, the Council, subject to the approval of the Minister, will be able to

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Linden Town Council

by Minister Bulkan not only impose the need for the payment of the tolls, but creates offences should this new regime be breached.

According to the by-laws, “Every vehicle specified in the schedule shall stop at a paying point at the toll sta-

ed by-laws, the affected vehicles that are registered in the name of a person living in Linden shall pay a toll determined by the Council twice a year in January and July.

amend the schedule to add or remove categories of vehicles to be included.

The tolls to be charged under the by-laws will not exclude persons living in Linden, though there is accommodation.

According to the gazett-

$2000 $2800 $3000 $4000 $4000 $5000 $3000 $4000 $5000 $5000 $5000 $4800 $7000 $5000 $5000 $5800 $5000 $7000

Vehicles which had been identified to attract a toll, but are transporting essential supplies for the Government, shall be exempted by the Council from the payment of each toll upon notification and certification by the Regional Democratic Council of the vehicle to the Council.

Meanwhile, offences for the refusal of the payment of tolls have been created under the by-laws for breach of the payment of tolls and also makes provision for the detention of the vehicle of a delinquent road user.

According to the bylaws, in addition to the penalties imposed for refusing to pay, “the toll collector, in the event that a toll demanded is not honoured, may impound the vehicle and release the vehicle after the sum has been paid in full.”

Additionally, the toll collector or the designated officer may release informa-

Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan

tion to the Council or Town Constabulary on any vehicle in respect of number plate, colour, make, type or model, or in respect of any person passing through the toll station and the information shall be confidential, according to the by-laws.

A decision by the Georgetown Mayor and City Council to impose a $25,000 fee for containers traversing the streets of the Capital City had been vociferously opposed by road users and affected businesses.

A decision was later taken to reduce this fee to $5000 but this too has been met with resistance and is currently on hold, pending the Public Sector Tripartite Committee’s response to the M&CC’s proposal.

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guyana-times.com

wednesday, august 24, 2016

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

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

Editorial

National priority for our first peoples

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merindian leaders from across the length and breadth of Guyana have gathered for the annual National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre. It is expected, and highly anticipated that the discussions and decisions taken there will result in the further improvement of the livelihoods of the indigenous peoples.

At this very important gathering, key issues will be brought to the fore, including issues of food security, health, education, land titles, energy, infrastructure, culture and tourism, this list is by no means exhaustive. This Conference has its beginning in 1969 when a delegation of indigenous leaders (Village Captains/Toshaos) gathered at Parliament Building.

Since that time, much has been accomplished in the way of finding solutions to issues affecting the communities and exploring developmental avenues, to further compound the many positive strides made. In accordance with the Amerindian Act 2006, the NTC was established as a corporate body comprising all Toshaos. It outlines that the NTC shall elect an executive committee comprising one Toshao from each administrative region of the country and not more than ten additional Toshaos. The past and existing Council is tasked with overseeing the affairs of all communities.

Given the existing reality that Governments around the world need to give and display more respect for indigenous values, traditions and human rights, Guyana seems to be in a leadership position as it relates to protecting the rights of indigenous peoples.

Empowered with the knowledge that the Government of the day and their elected officials have their best interest at heart, Amerindian leaders have travelled a great many miles across varying terrains to ensure that their concerns continue to be heard and that their input into nation building is counted.

On Monday, President David Granger recommended the formation of the National Indigenous People’s Authority (NIPA) to oversee and fast-track the implementation of decisions by the NTC and other decision-making bodies. This announcement has drawn sharp criticism as well as praise from many, including former Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai.

To be thrown into the midst of this controversy and bombarded by reports of a power struggle must be disheartening for most of the leaders making this arduous journey. In sections of the media, there have been accusations of ‘political interference’ with regard to the workings of the NTC; there are reports that the authority of the NTC is under threat. Amid all of the chaos, there have also been assertions of goodwill from all parties involved. But from all appearances, the important work of the Conference seems to have been overshadowed and the main issues placed on the backburner.

While the struggle for control of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs continues and even while decisions are taken to accelerate the pace of development, there is a real threat that the voices of Amerindians will become lost in the quagmire that is the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs and the foreseen tussle between the NTC and the proposed National Indigenous People’s Authority (NIPA).

The theme of this year’s Conference is “Guyana’s First Peoples, Preserving Our Culture and Land for Life”. At the end of the day, the main interest should lie with advancing the interests of the Amerindian people; this should remain a national priority. Who better to voice the needs or spearhead the effort than those who are affected and those who stand to benefit from decisive action?

Boys will be boys: These young lads of B Field, Sophia were on Tuesday afternoon pictured as they sail in their makeshift rafts, made from an old fridge, in their neighbourhood canal as they make good on enjoying the last days at home for the August holidays (Carl Croker photo)

A successful SARA needs constitutional reform

Dear Editor, The Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) is appreciative of the many responses it has received to its press release of August 13, 2016 on the pending State Assets Recovery (SAR Bill). It is the GHRA’s intention to spark informed debate and public comment on a development that will most assuredly have a profound impact on our society, both now and in the future.

Although the Bill has been the subject of much local and international consultation and advice, the emphasis appears to have been on its technical aspects. The result has been a Bill that is indeed technically elegant.

The misgivings of the GHRA are less with technicalities than with the consequences of putting the Bill into effect in our current political environment. An F-1 engine in a mid-sized sedan car will more likely shake the body to pieces than pro-

duce a world-class performance. Our current constitutional and legal systems in which the SAR Bill will operate have been fundamentally flawed since the 1978 Constitution was approved by a turn-out of 14 per cent of the population. No amount of tinkering and prevarication can disguise its deformity. The Constitution was fashioned to reflect the powers accumulated in the hands of the then President Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham.

The party flag flown over the Court of Appeal symbolised the end of politics as a process of prudence, conciliation and pluralism.

Both confirmed the entry of Guyanese politics into an era of power struggle rather than that of a political contest.

Despite avowals about constitutional reform since 1992, succeeding governments could never embrace the uncertainty this implied.

Dr Jagan’s appeal to his personal integrity; ie, that the excessive powers were safe in his hands, has become a mantra for subsequent Presidents.

The Constitutional Reform Commission recommendations of the late ‘90s were largely axed by the Parliamentary Oversight Committee (under the chairmanship of the current Prime Minister), reflecting a disturbing capacity of parliamentarians to suppress reforms aimed at weakening the over-weaning powers of the Presidency to their own benefit.

The legitimacy of the SAR Bill rests on ignoring this structural deformity of Parliament. No parliamentarian can challenge the Bill (from the Government side) nor welcome it (from the Opposition side) without risking expulsion from Parliament by their party leader. The Government is not seeking all-party support on the merit of the Bill

but is relying instead on its parliamentary majority – a power struggle without politics. Instead of mechanisms to ensure moderation, candidates for the directorship of SAR are required to possess the qualities of sainthood, essentially the same argument used by Dr Jagan.

The GHRA has issued numerous statements and organised several civic coalitions since the mid-1990s calling for constitutional reform of the electoral and parliamentary processes.

In light of this experience, the GHRA has no realistic expectations that the current incumbents will go further than their predecessors without sustained civic and public pressure. Our releases and our actions will continue to be focused in this direction.

Sincerely, Executive Committee Guyana Human Rights Association

Janam Ashtmi observed today

Dear Editor, Today Hindus worldwide will observe Janam Ashtmi, the birth anniversary of Lord Shree Krishna. In each age, the Lord manifested himself in various forms, to eradicate unrighteousness (Adharma) and to establish righteousness (Dharma).

In Sat Yug, he came as Narayan or Narasingh Bhagwaan, in Treta Yug as Bhagwaan Shree Raam and Dwapar as Lord Shree Krishna. On each occasion, he embodied himself to confront oppressive forces. Hindus do not celebrate only the birth anniversary of Shree Krishna but his advents and contributions to the present and future world.

The world is always dominated by illusive forces: people in general strive for physical accomplishments; there is very little evidence of spirituality. There is a preponder-

ance of evil, which was established in every age.

Leaders assume power to fulfil their selfish agenda rather than protecting institutional and national integrity. Fathers gave up their rightful position in the home, creating confusion within the families; mothers become more egocentric, sometimes losing their chastity and honour in the search for excitement. Brother and sisters severed their relationship just to acquire inherited assets. Relationships in every regard are undermined as a result of the predominance of ego due to ignorance. Janam Ashtmi reminds the aspirant or devotee to think and act in the spirit of self-dedication rather than to be consumed by worldly affairs.

The life of Vasudeo and Devaki must not be ignored. It was the selfless sacrifice and steadfast devotion of the pair

that influenced the presence of Bhagwaan Shree Krishna.

Lord Shree Krishna’s birth is unique and his advents attractive and sometimes miraculous. Lord Shree Krishna placed Dharma at the pinnacle of his life. His exemplary life is always worthy of emulation and will be relevant as the world progresses.

As the Lord of the Universe, he demonstrated supreme power at all times.

He acted out of his own natural sweet will. He was an embodiment of Independence and Freedom. The gift of the Bhagavad Gita is still considered to be one of the greatest assets to mankind.

As Hindus celebrate the occasion of Janam Ashtmi, divine intervention is sought to establish and strengthen the bond between Lord Shree Krishna and his devotees.

Shree Krishna’s greatest appeal to the opposing forces in

the Mahabharata as a mediator was to establish peace and stability within the kingdom thus avoiding hate and war, which are adverse to human development.

It is on this note, the Viraat Sabhaa (Guyana) wishes to enjoin the rest of the Hindu community and the nation as a whole to celebrate the occasion with significance and purpose.

May the occasion of Janam Ashtmi add to the peace and stability of our country and may all unite to strengthen the Human Fabric.

The Viraat Sabhaa (Guyana) invites all devotees to observe the occasion this evening at 19:00h at the Alexander Village Mandir.

Sincerely, Pandit Rabindranath Persaud (Pandit Ravi) President of the Viraat Sabhaa (Guyana)

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2016

guyana-times.com

News

Private Sector makes ‘oil demands’ − wants ‘local content’ protected in law

Faeces throwing case

Freddie Kissoon fails to ID accused in court

T Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman (left) along with members of the Private Sector

R

epresentatives of the local business community on Monday met with Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman and pressed their demands ahead of any commercial oil activities in Guyana, paramount among which was the protection of ‘local content’.

The briefing was held by Government to update the local business community on its plans for the emerging oil and gas sector.

Local content has come to be known as the quantum/percentage of locally produced materials, personnel, financing, goods and services rendered to the oil industry and which can be measured in monetary terms.

Representatives of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) and the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) were in attendance with those present at the meeting, including PSC Chairman Eddie Boyer, Kit Nascimento and Christopher Fernandes,

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among others.

During the meeting, representatives of the Ministry shared the policy, regulatory and institutional frameworks and fiscal structures that will govern the sector, as well as current plans for capacity building and development to guide its growth.

According to a missive released subsequently by the Natural Resources Ministry, current efforts to ensure transparency and accountability were also underscored.

Representatives of the Private Sector shared their views on Government’s plans, specifically highlighting the development of local content laws as an area of keen interest to them.

The matter of ‘local content’ was also raised recently in the media by Presidential Advisor, Eric Phillips, who had called for the necessary legislation to be put in place.

Phillips said if managed strategically and if good governance becomes the norm in Government and the

Private Sector, exponential growth in the Guyana economy is a real possibility with the discovery of oil.

He cautioned at the time however and pointed to research done by the McKinsey Growth Institute – Reverse the Curse – which points to the need to support local content in pursuit of oil and its related commercial activities.

According to Phillips in his public missive, “A Local Content Bill is an absolute necessity at this time during the early days of oil exploration… Exxon and other multinational entities who occupy the value chain of oil production and associated industries, should know from day one, that Guyanese must be involved in the initial spend to produce oil and later as oil is produced.”

He had suggested at the time that Guyana will need many thousands of workers to develop its oil industry; “Foreigners will flock to Guyana in massive numbers. Caribbean citizens will flock to Guyana given climate change, economic opportunities and CSME facilitation of the free movement

of people. If there is no Local Content Bill, Guyanese could lose their national patrimony which will be monopolized by foreigners.”

Substantive Minister Raphael Trotman during Monday’s meeting with the local business representatives, sought to remind them too that Government places high premium on the issue of local content.

Trotman used the occasion of the meeting to re-emphasise the importance of local content, noting that Government is placing high priority on making it a reality by having it written into law.

He also noted that draft legislation is already being developed and will be available for review in the near future.

The parties have also agreed to monthly meetings that will serve as a regular forum to clarify areas of concern and build strong networks for collaboration.

The meeting was held prior to a similar engagement between Private Sector representatives and officials of ExxonMobil.

he trial of the three men accused of throwing faeces on Freddie Kissoon continued on Tuesday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

In a packed courtroom, the three defendants – Sean Hinds, Kwame McCoy and Jason Abdulla appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman.

The Virtual Complainant took to the witness stand to give evidence, but when questions were posed to him about whether or not he could have identified the person/persons who threw the substance on him, he replied in the negative.

Kissoon claimed that he did not recognise any one of the accused as the persons who threw the “nasty, smelly” substance upon him when questioned by Police Prosecutor Kerry Bostwick. In fact, Kissoon told the court that the image of the person that threw the substance is engraved upon his mind as much as the first time he kissed his wife.

He added that he could describe the culprit’s facial features and height, since

at the time the substance was thrown at him he was wearing his glasses and it did not affect his ability to see. In his testimony, he told the court that prior to the incident he has never seen the individual.

Kissoon further explained to the court that he saw the person who threw the substance for 90 seconds and he later ran west along North Road.

He was cross-examined by Attorney Latchmie Rahamat, who is representing McCoy while Abdulla’s Attorney, Glen Hanoman, will continue his cross-examination of the VC during the next hearing.

Attorney George Thomas, who is representing Hinds, is yet to cross-examine Kissoon.

It is alleged that on May 24, 2010 in Georgetown, McCoy, Abdulla and Hinds assaulted Kissoon.

The trio allegedly walked up to Kissoon and instigated the throwing of faeces in Kissoon’s face after he emerged from Nigel’s Supermarket, Robb Street, Georgetown.

The trial continues on September 29.

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wednesday, august 24, 2016

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guyana-times.com

Foundation

The Pokémon (Conclusion) “It is easier to prevent bad habits than to break them” – Benjamin Franklin Go phenomenon ways to inculcate

good habits in your children

BY ENOZIA VAKIL

19. Be firm Your child may sometimes be caught for his inappropriate behaviour and lack of responsibility; at such times, be firm and try to make him understand why he shouldn’t be behaving in such a way and what his actions could lead to. If your child still continues to do the same, refuse to take a stand for him all the time. Let your child understand and experience the consequences post demonstrating wrong behaviour.

guide him while choosing the right combination of ingredients for foods.

22. Appreciate his achievements Appreciate your child and respect him for his achievements, irre-

20. Be a role model One of the best ways to develop good habits for children is by setting good example yourselves. Your child learns most of the things watching your everyday behaviour and habits. Hence it becomes important for you to exhibit the best so that he imbibes the same.

spective of how tiny they are.

Remember that he’s soon going to be an adult, and this is the time you should start grooming him to be responsible and in control of his actions. This will help your child remember that good actions have positive results and attract appreciation.

21. Cook with him Cooking is a great stress buster and an excellent way to bond with your child. Get him to help you decorate cupcakes or whip the salad dressings. You can also

23. Give him a treat You can take him out for a treat at times in recognition of his good behaviour. This is a great way to help your child stay motivated for the next time.

Take him out for a holiday

and make him feel special and wanted.

24. Let him speak Make sure you give your child the right to his opinion. Allow him to speak his heart out on

any situation and try to see things from his point of view.

You can also ask for your child’s views in small matters concerning the house.

That way, he is more likely to obey you and understand the reason behind your decisions, and will even value your opinion.

25. Love him One of the best things you could do to develop good habits in children is to love them. Children tend to rely on their parents for everything. If you give him the right love and respect that he deserves, he will surely work

out his way to stay happy with you and love you too!

So be liberal while giving those tight cuddles and cute little kisses before bed. Your little one will feel loved!

Parenting is nothing short of a challenging experience and it isn’t a smooth road.

Expect a lot of bumps on the way. Rest assured that you’ll be able to handle everything wonderfully if you just keep calm and deal with your child in the right way.

Always be mindful of the fact that being too strict or too easy isn’t going to help. Finding a balance is the best way to handle any situation. Do not hesitate to seek advice from other parents, and even friends and family. You can also have a talk with your paediatrician and learn more about your child’s development status and the measures you need to apply.

Remember that your child’s good habits always begin at home. A good habit for children helps your child grow up soon and be a wonderful and successful human being.

Make sure you’re there throughout to guide and support him. Don’t forget to share your parenting experiences with us. (mom-

junction.com)

T

aking a break from my usually school oriented columns; I’ve decided to tackle something almost as pertinent to young people – Pokémon Go. Now, for those who are disconnected from the constantly moving technological world, I’ll try my best to explain the game, as well as why it has become so popular.

The app is the most recent development of the Pokémon gaming experience. Pokémon, which has been around as a game since 1996, typically allows the user to explore a fictional world with the sole purpose of collecting all the different Pokémon (creatures each possessing different abilities and powers), to become “the very best” Pokémon trainer. The major difference with Ashley Anthony this and the new app is that the game now forces its users to explore their actual world in quest for Pokémon.

Using a technology similar to google maps, the game produces an augmented reality, with Pokémon appearing in the real world. Then, as a player, you must take your phone and walk around to find different Pokémon to capture. Monuments and special places are denoted as “Pokéstops”, at which you can find pokéballs (devices to catch Pokémon), potions, and even eggs from which Pokémon will hatch, (provided one walks a far enough distance). There are even Pokémon gyms where trainers battle for dominance.

As a novice, all of this may seem overwhelming, but to the many that have played the game before, it’s pretty easy to fall into the new order of things. Players everywhere have begun pledging allegiance to teams, going Pokémon hunting in groups and basically just trying to “catch ‘em all” . The app seems to appeal to older teens, and young adults, who grew up playing the game on their consoles. This age group was beginning to lose interest in the franchise as the newer generations of games were being released. However, with the onset of the Pokémon Go app, everyone is now “re-discovering” their childhood. The reason for this is perhaps it makes one feel like a genuine Pokémon trainer.

As much has it has been praised for giving young people incentive to get up, socialise and exercise, it has also been criticised for leading people into dangerous situations. One of the most obvious of which is that teens everywhere are now traipsing around at all hours with their pricey cellphones on full display. It has become such a worry, that the Trinidad and Tobago Police issued a warning, reminding players not to venture out into isolated areas late at night, since they were making themselves “easy” targets for bandits. Players who have their head stuck in their phones may walk into objects, and even in some rare cases, traffic. The game has even taken a jab at productivity, as many younger persons are playing when they should be working.

As much as these are genuine problems, the app seems to be here to stay. Guyanese, not to be left behind, have been seen at the 1763 Monument and the Umana Yana, enjoying the benefits of these pokéstops.

Players are particularly excited, because in the original game, the legendary Pokémon, Mew, was said to have originated in our jungles. If someone intends to make a trip to Kaieteur just to hunt for it, I wouldn’t be too surprised.

Businesses have begun to cash in on the popularity, with companies such as Banks DIH Limited – through their beer and Crix brands – putting out Pokémon inspired advertisements, and 704 Sports Bar even hosting a “Pokémon Go Party” on August 20. Since the craze doesn’t seem like it’s going to die out soon, smaller stores should start to use it for their benefit as well. If located near a gym, they can offer discounts to the team that’s currently dominating or they can dispatch “lures” which will attract Pokémon – and their hunters to the store.

So while it may be hard to keep up with all the latest trends, this one might just be worth it. To businesses, read up, see how you can use the game to your advantage, and to the players, exercise caution and common sense. A Dratini isn’t worth your safety.

news

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wednesday, august 24, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Craig Chinese restaurant robbed by “customers” Bankers rail against A ‘SOCU leaks’ – say confidential information protected by law

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egislation has been changed to obligate banks to hand over confidential information to other agencies such as the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) – such units must understand, however, that the confidentiality of that information cannot be violated, as set out in law.

This is the position adumbrated on Tuesday by the Guyana Association of Bankers (GAB), which says it cannot, in any way, condone the breach of confidentiality and publication of a customer’s information, whether accurate or inaccurate, and recent violations are cause for concern and dismay among members.

The Bankers’ Association was at the time reacting to the publication in sections of the media of several bank account numbers, balances and other assets and holdings in several companies locally of Omar Shariff, the embattled Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of the Presidency.

Shariff was sent on leave last month by Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, in order to facilitate the investigation of his billions of dollars in assets and holdings

by SOCU. The banking community representatives, by order of its Executive Committee, on Tuesday said GAB was compelled “to publicly record its concern given that the publication of bank account information of any person should never occur”.

GAB, by way of a public statement, said: “Confidentiality of financial information is the hallmark of bankers’ obligations to its customers…Accordingly, breach of confidentiality and publication of this information, whether accurate or inaccurate, cannot be condoned.”

The Bankers’ Association has since used the occasion to remind respective officers and staff members alike that

they are continually “bound by the obligation of confidentiality and there is continual emphasis on secure handling of customers’ information at all times”.

GAB also used the occasion to point out too that Section 63 of the Financial Institutions Act as was amended in 2015 “compels financial institutions to provide account information to authorised agencies”.

In what could be read as a veiled yet direct statement to SOCU, the banking group reminded that these agencies were also bound to maintain confidentially and only use the information provided for the purpose for which it was garnered and no other.

According to GAB, “Compliance with the law and provision of requested bank account information by this means or otherwise by court order presented by other agencies does not remove the requirement for professional handling”.

The matter of the leakage and publication of confidential banking information has generated heated debate in recent days.

The embattled Ministry of the Presidency Permanent Secretary later lamented that the information, which had been obtained by SOCU by way of search warrant had made its way into the public domain.

The publication of the confidential information had already been condemned

by Governor of the Central Bank, Dr Gobin Ganga, who said the matter was cause for concern and the banking community would be looking to see what course of action was available to it.

His sentiments were echoed by Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, who said while SOCU has denied that it was responsible for the information leaks, an investigation would be launched into the worrying affair.

popular Chinese restaurant owner in Craig, on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD), fell prey to armed robbers on Monday evening, leaving his family of four deeply traumatised and counting their losses.

The restaurant, named Hing Fat, is also attached to the family’s home and is located on the EBD Public Road.

The bandits, who posed as customers, carted off with millions of dollars worth in cash, jewellery, electrical appliances and other gadgets.

They also escaped with common commodities that were in stock, including cases of beer and energy drinks.

Guyana Times understands that three men were in the restaurant drinking beer when the owner signalled his intention to close the operations for the night since it was 22:00h.

Subsequently, one of the men approached the counter to make the payment when he whipped out a firearm and threatened to kill the man.

At this time, the man shouted to his wife to bar the doors to their house, which was attached to the restaurant; however, the other accomplice was one step ahead and quickly dashed into the room.

Reports indicate that the third man was standing guard outside.

Information reaching this publication revealed that the perpetrators stripped curtains apart and bounded the man and his wife as they hunted through the house in search for valuables.

The couple’s children – two young girls ages five and seven – remained out of the bandits’ sight during the ordeal which lasted roughly 30 minutes.

This newspaper was told that the seven-year-old child ran into the backyard to hide while the five-year-old was sound asleep when the

The restaurant which was robbed

event transpired.

After bagging the stolen merchandise, the bandits fled the scene in a white motor vehicle which was parked outside the restaurant.

The family managed to wiggle themselves free and contacted the Police who later arrived at the scene after being taken there by the owner in his private vehicle.

A Division (GeorgetownEast Bank Demerara) Assistant Commander Marlon Chapman confirmed

that the Police was notified of the incident and that

an investigation has been launched.

8 news

wednesDAY, august 24, 2016 | guyana-times.com

IN THE COURTS

Teen remanded on gun, ammo charges

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teen of Karasabai village, South Pakaraima, Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo), appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer to charges of possession of firearms and ammunition. Wenson Thomas pleaded not guilty to the charges which stated that on August 20, at Karasabai village, South Pakaraima, Rupununi, he had in his possession two 16 gauge and one 20 gauge Brazilian-made shotguns. The charge fur-

Wenson Thomas

ther stated that he had one

hundred 12 gauge cartridges, thirty-three 20 gauge cartridges and forty-three 16 gauge cartridges; all live ammunition. Defence Attorney Jerome Khan in a bail application, told the court that the firearm and ammunition found by ranks was not found in his client’s possession.

He noted that the items were found in a backpack that belonged to another man they first held, but whom later escaped. Khan added that his client was only standing next to the man, who is the owner of the bag, but after he es-

caped, Police enquired from the defendant if he knows the man and after he replied in the negative, he was asked to visit the Police station.

According to the lawyer, his client willingly rode his bicycle to the station but when he arrived, several allegations were put to him and he was charged. The lawyer’s bail application was denied and the defendant was remanded to prison. Thomas will make his next court appearance before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on September 8.

Businessman remanded over $400,000 bribery attempt to Police A

52-year-old man of Lot 3677 Robb and Cummings Streets, Georgetown, was on Tuesday remanded to prison after appearing before Magistrate Judy Latchman on a charge of obstruction of justice.

Narine Veersammy pleaded not guilty to a charge which stated on August 20, at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Eve Leary, Kingston, Georgetown, he corruptly offered an agent named Suraj Singh, an officer employed to the State of Guyana, the sum of $400,000 as a reward or inducement for Singh to show favour to Dennis Veersammy in relation to his principal offers.

Defence Attorney Glen

Hanoman in a bail application told the court that the accused had a vascular device inserted to his heart in April of this year in the United States, which he is still being treated for and has to return to the US for continuation of treatment in September.

Hanoman noted that while his client was in custody, he had to be rushed to the hospital, and as such, he is pleading for reasonable bail.

The lawyer also told the court that his client’s health claim is supported by a host medical documentation.

Police Prosecutor Kerry Bostwick told the court he has no objection of bail due to the defendant’s medical condition but requested that he stay

away from the prosecution’s witnesses.

Magistrate Latchman refused the defendant bail on the grounds of the nature of the matter to obstruct justice.

Veersammy’s family burst into tears when the Magistrate made her decision which the defence attorney challenged since his client is sick, however the magistrate maintained her decision.

He will return to court on September 29.

It was reported that Veersammy, a relative of one of the accused in the Berbice murder of businessman Shameer Ali Mursalin, initially offer $100,000 bribery to a CID agent and allegedly promised to deliver the re-

maining of the $400,000 bribe on another day.

Meanwhile, Mursalin, called “Kazac”, a trader, of Grant 1805 Weld Tank Dam, Crabwood Creek, Berbice, Corentyne, in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), was fatally shot to the head following dispute with a fellow businessman on October 24, 2015. businessman Berbice Dennis Veerasammy and two of his employees, Basheer Harrinauth and Delroy Fraser, were later arrested and charged with the murder.

The three men are facing a preliminary trial (PI) before Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh at the Springlands Magistrate’s Court in Berbice.

Charity labourer jailed, fined for narco possession A 38-year-old Charity, Essequibo Coast, labourer was on Tuesday jailed for three years and fined $30,000 when he appeared before Magistrate Sunil Scarce.

The defendant, Ravi Patrick, was found guilty

by Magistrate Scarce on the

charge, which stated that on March 18, 2016, at Charity Wharf on the Essequibo Coast, he had in his possession eight grams of cannabis.

The prosecution’s case contended that Police saw Patrick acting in a suspicious manner and subse-

quently approached him and conducted a search of his person. It was during the search that the illicit substance was found in the back pocket of his pants.

Following an almost fivemonth trial, Magistrate Scarce found him guilty of the offence.

Patrick is currently before the court on other drug related matters. He was recently arrested and charged at Charity after he allegedly sold cannabis to a well know vagrant. He was represented by Attorney Latchmin Dindyal.

Eyew tness

No trust... ...in Police or is it the politicians?

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o the USAID Report says our Police are the LEAST trusted institution in Guyana. Imagine that!! With politicians voted in on a platform to clean up corruption and bring transparency to the operations of Government now revelling at the trough of venality and graft, the Police still came out ahead of them?

Now there’s got to be some explanation for this state of affairs.

Are folks too forgiving of politicians or too hard on Policemen? Ever since this Government took office, it’s been one betrayal after another: if it’s another day...it’s another scandal involving a politician. The ink hadn’t even dried on their letters of appointment, when contrary to their promises, the Government couldn’t “find” the money to give Government workers a raise. But ...hallelujah!!... they found money to give themselves a 50% raise!

And if this didn’t raise distrust or mistrust of this benighted fraternity, what would? The fertiliser scam?

The rice contract to Jamaica scam? The billion-dollar out-of-court “settlements”? It’s only money, isn’t it?

The closure of Wales? Or the latest “bottom house” scandal about storing pharmaceuticals? Or the big-shot politician who’s being allowed to mix oil and water?

So, if all of these peccadilloes of politicians are to be excused, what’s the Police done (or not done) to cause them to be considered such untrustworthy creatures?

The report says the Police hardly prosecute anyone for crimes committed and when they do, rarely get any convictions. But your Eyewitness thinks the cause of the loss of faith is much more mundane. It’s the propensity – almost amounting to a compulsion – for the Police to treat citizens simply as cash cows: the means for filling their seemingly bottomless pockets.

Now don’t get your Eyewitness wrong. Of course, the citizens would like the Police to “serve and protect” them. But they’ve gotten resigned over the years to accept that the Police only see it as their duty to “serve and protect” the big ones. So this doesn’t make them lose “trust” – it just makes them cynical. And try to become friends with some “big one” who could become their godfather to the Police.

No...it’s the constant fleecing that shears off the veneer of trust that all of us develop; after all, as innocent children, we looked up to those men and women in their smart uniforms. We realised the Police stops on the road – whether of the minibus or car we were riding – wasn’t to enquire about the safety of the passengers.

It was to extort, at the least, a fried rice, or at the worst, a sliding scale of money that depended on the “infraction”. Day in, day out.

...in the system?

But this “trust” business or its lack thereof – goes deeper than we think. It goes to the “system” into which we are all caught and in which we operate like pawns moved by those controlling the system. Your Eyewitness got to thinking about this during the commemoration of Emancipation.

Look at it this way. Emancipation was supposed to free us from working for free, no? But we all know it just didn’t work out that way. But was it just a matter of “working out” – or was it more like being “worked over”? Imagine the moment you are free – that is “free” to sell your labour at a price you can demand – up comes “the man” who brings in a new bunch of people who’ve been forced to “willingly” accept wages lower than what you – the free slaves – were willing to accept.

And we, the first pawns, keep blaming the new pawns!

...in justice

But what should open our eyes to the iniquities of the system is how the claims for reparations are being handled. Law is supposed to reflect morality, no? So by what kind of morality did the planters legally get the equivalent of £18 Billion....

And we can’t even get an apology!

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

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Mother of 9 dies in Digicel hosts back-to-school drive waiting room of GPHC – husband cries “neglect”

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40-year-old mother of nine is now dead and the father of her children is casting blame on the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), decrying its negligence.

According to Maxwell John, he is devastated over the death of his wife, Acola Wayne. He said her death could have been prevented if hospital officials had attended to her properly.

Wayne, of Lot 247 Melanie Public Road, East Coast Demerara, visited the hospital on Monday.

According to John, she had sustained a broken leg just

Acola Wayne

gery done. He said she was told to return on Monday.

When she returned, she

Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC)

about a week prior and had visited the hospital. Her leg was put in a cast, but she was informed that she would need to have sur-

was given a date for the surgery and sent home. “… she returned on the date given, but they sent her home. Yesterday

(Monday) she was given a date to have the surgery done,” John said.

However, as she was returning home in a taxi, the driver noticed that the woman, who had a history of hypertension and diabetes, was becoming worse and took her back to the hospital. According to John, Wayne had visited the hospital three times that day and it was on the third visit while awaiting attention in the emergency area, she succumbed.

He said the taxi driver on the third trip had insisted that she be seen by a doctor. He said there has been no official word from the Hospital.

“I think it is neglect and malpractice. You can’t give somebody who is a diabetic and pressure case and a broken foot and give them another date. Three times she went there, three times, that is neglect,” he told Guyana Times in tears.

John said his wife died in the emergency section of the Hospital, and opined that she was “almost dead on the third visit”. “She was very young, very young. Didn’t live half of her life,” he lamented.

Wayne leaves to mourn John and her nine children, the youngest just seven years old.

Bandits rob farmer at Bourda Market

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57-year-old largescale farmer from St Lawrence, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), was robbed on Tuesday morning.

Reports are that the bandits pounced on Richard “Roy” Boodhoo about 09:00h as he was conducting a business transaction at Bourda Market.

The agro businessman recalled that the men approached him, one armed with a knife, and ordered him to hand over his money and other valuables.

Boodhoo stated that the

Richard Boodhoo said that he was held at knifepoint and robbed

men pushed their hands into his pockets and made off with his mobile phone and an un-

disclosed amount of money.

He further stated that the men escaped on a motorcycle. The farmer explained to this publication that he fought with the bandits, receiving several cuts to his hands. He appealed to the relevant authorities to implement measures to ensure that there was adequate protection for persons who operate their businesses in the market areas in Georgetown.

Guyana Times understands that the City Constabulary has launched an investigation into the incident.

Digicel’s Public Relations Officer, Vidya Bijlall-Sanichara sharing out back packs to children at Timehri

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igicel Guyana, in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Georgetown, on Tuesday hosted their annual back to school dental clinic, kicking off the initiative at Timehri, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

There are plans to expand the initiative this year to eight different locations across Guyana.

Launched six years ago, the initiative seeks to provide dental services and supplies to less fortunate children, whose parents cannot afford such care.

While Timehri residents have already benefited and received free Digicel bagpacks along with dental supplies and dental care, residents of Hauraruni, Berbice, Mahaica, Tuschen, and Essequibo are soon to benefit. The event will culminate at the National Culture Centre Tarmac in Georgetown, with the staging of grand show, filled

with lots of games and giveaways.

Expounding on the details of the activity, Digicel’s Public Relations Officer, Vidya Bijlall-Sanichara explained that the drive caters for 80 to 100 children daily at most of the locations.

She reminded that the initiative is a community activity, spearheaded by Digicel and assured of its continuity.

Bijlall-Sanichara said too that since the activity’s launch, it has greatly benefited and positively impacted the beneficiary communities.

“Every year when we go to the communities, we see the numbers rising so that means that it is hitting home with parents as well as the children,” she stated.

She further noted that Guyana is not a country that has dental service readily available for children therefore, Digicel is striving

to make a change in that regard.

She added that the initiative is one that is hitting home and which provides an avenue for the company to give back.

10 News

wednesdAY, august 24, 2016| guyana-times.com

More radio stations for indigenous villages I Debt Collection ndigenous Peoples’ Affairs Minister Sydney Allicock on Monday announced that the Government will be launching three more radio stations in the hinterland regions.

Allicock said communication is significant in the dispensation of information and so Government, through the guidance of Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, has assented to launching more radio stations in communities where there is a communication gap.

“We believe that if you have communication, you have information and if you have information that is knowledge and if you have knowledge that is power and

Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Minister Sydney Allicock

if you have power you will have a powerful community,” he said.

Minister Allicock stated that there is a division in terms of the coastal area and the hinterland when it comes to the dispensation of information, so the Government’s goal is for all villages to be connected countrywide. “The plan here... it is already in operation. That is why we established Radio Lethem and Radio Mabaruma,” he noted, echoing the sentiments of Prime Minister Nagamootoo that this is “just the warm up” phase.

The Amerindian Peoples’ Affairs Minister further revealed that Government will be launching stations in Aishalton, Moruca and Orealla, Allicock, stating that they will deliver as the fund-

ing is released.

So far, Radio Lethem is being transmitted through the state-owned National Communications Network (NCN). The station was recently launched by Prime Minister Nagamootoo. The radio station which has a range of 25 miles and on a clear day, up to 35 miles, would not only serve the people of Lethem but other nearby villages, such as Nappi and St Ignatius.

Some of the programmes would be aired in the indigenous languages and translated for those who cannot speak the native tongue.

The project is the brainchild of expert broadcaster Rovin Deodat.

Relocation of Stabroek Market vendors

Market Committee has until month-end to decide – Mayor

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ith the deadline for the second extension on the “Parliament View Mall” fast approaching, Georgetown Mayor Patricia Chase Green has given the Market

Committee up to the end of August to bring possible permanent relocation suggestions to the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) for discussion.

Addressing the members

of the Market Committee at the statutory meeting on Monday, the Mayor said, “We have to have something on board. We have until the end of December to relocate the vendors at the

Parliament View Mall, we cannot wait for a once of month meeting to deal with it. We’ve already completed three months and we’ve done nothing. The Market Committee has until the end of August.”

Chase Green explained too that if the Market Committee was unable to do their job, City Hall’s administration will be expected to “step up to the plate.”

Close to four months ago, the Stabroek Market vendors were relocated to the plot of land, South of Parliament Building, now known as the ‘Parliament View Mall. The M&CC had promised to have the vendors relocated to a permanent location within three months.

However, the Market Committee of City Hall has been unable to arrive at a solution and an extension up to December of this year was granted by the owner of the land.

S

atiricus was stunned. When would this persecution of Van East cease? "Was it because they used to call him "Baby Jesus" people want to persecute him like his namesake?" he wondered aloud to his friend Cappo. The two old friends were "throwing back" at the Back Street Bar. "Ah wha dem ah persecute Baby Jesus fah dis time, Sato?" inquired Cappo innocently. "Abeena dun seh de man can mix ile and watah?" Cappo polished off his beer and signalled for another.

"Well, it's pure jealousy, Cappo," said Satiricus heatedly. "All the man did was to get a licence to import and export oil. And they complain he doesn't have tanks to store them in?"

"Yes, Sato, abeena already talk 'bout da?" replied Cappo placatingly. "Me tell yuh 'e guh store de ile in 'e company water tank whe' e' a wuk!" He started on his second beer like a man on a mission.

"You could make all the jokes you want Cappo," said Satiricus with gritted teeth, "But Van East was just showing Guyana the new way of supplying goods."

"Wha da?" asked Cappo.

"It's called 'just-in-time' delivery," explained Satiricus patiently.

"You don't need storage tanks for storage. When the customer wants oil...Van East will ship it straight from the ship!"

"Really?" said Cappo in a voice that showed he wasn't convinced.

"Yes, Cappo," confirmed Satiricus. "Just like how they need the drug warehouse close to the Georgetown Hospital. As soon as the doctor prescribe the medicine, they can rush it straight to the patient from the warehouse. Just-in-time supply."

"Aah rite...aah rite," said Cappo, placatingly, but didn't look convinced. "But yuh still na t'ink Baby Jesus do wan wraang t'ing fuh open business when he gat big guvment wuk??"

"Cappo, when Baby Jesus...." Satiricus paused and stared at Cappo balefully. "You see...you have me calling the respected gentleman false names."

Cappo grinned as he finished his beer, and waited as Satiricus continued. "When the man's father-in-law said only government could own business, everybody vexed. In a free market economy, anybody can go into business, you know."

“Aah right....calm down," said Cappo. "Yuh still na tell me wha' wraang now!"

"Well, they're complaining Van East hired a drug deportee as his collections agent at the water company!" he exclaimed. "A real bad-John." "An wha' wraang wid da?" asked Cappo."Who yuh t'ink de Mafia does use fuh collect dem debt? Wan Angel?"

Satiricus ordered another round of beer. "I know you would finally understand," he said.

Parliament View Mall

news

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wednesday, august 24, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Elections petition

PPP disappointed in justice system – Rohee …wants filibustering matters out of the way

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handful of persons staged a picketing exercise on Tuesday to vent their frustrations about the failure of the justice system towards the parliamentary Opposition, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) in relation to the hearing of its elections petition.

The group conducted the synchronised exercise outside the High Court, Avenue of the Republic and, outside the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) on High Street in Kingston, which has seen several pickets by PPP members and supporters.

Leading the protest was PPP General Secretary Clement Rohee, who expressed utter disappointment in the continuous delays in the substantive hearing of the petition, which was filed since June 2015 seeking a number of orders, including the nullification of the General and Regional Elections 2015 as well as an order for new elections to be held.

“The hearings on the substantive position have not started. And that’s what we want. We want all these filibustering matters to get out of the way and go directly to the petition so people’s minds could be at ease at what really took place,” Rohee told Guyana Times during a brief interview while the picketing was ongoing.

The politician contended that there were too many obstacles that were being encouraged, interfering with justice being delivered.

“We are blaming the jus-

PPP General Secretary Clement Rohee leads the protest

tice system for not acting expeditiously on the matter, a matter that is concerned with more than half of the population of Guyana. If more than half of the population of Guyana is dissatisfied with the results of elections, and we did the right thing to take the matter to the court, we believe that the court should expedite the matter and put the situation to rest,” he noted.

“But so long as they continue to drag on this matter and have summonses filed and counter-filed by GECOM itself, a body which is supposed to be an independent body and impartial, they themselves are involved in defending their position as well as the position of the Government – the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC),” Rohee posited.

After the elections petition was filed in the High Court by Attorney-at-Law Anil Nandlall on behalf of PPP/C Executive Member

Ganga Persaud, several entities filed summonses seeking to frustrate the process.

GECOM subsequently filed a summons to strike out the petition.

But former Acting Chief Justice Ian Chang, days before retirement, returned to the courtroom to quash the counter litigation, paving the way for the petition to go to trial.

However, GECOM has since appealed the ruling.

Legal experts had explained to this publication that the Chief Justice ought to go ahead and announce a date for the elections petition to be heard.

Instead, reports indicate that a date has been set for some time next month for the hearing of the summonses against the petition.

Attorney General Basil Williams and representative of the APNU/AFC coalition, Dr Harold Lutchman had both filed summonses seeking clarifications into allegations of corrupt practices and falsehoods in the peti-

tion.

Meanwhile, the protest actions also saw the PPP/C supporters renewing their calls for GECOM Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally to resign from his post.

Rohee argued that the Party continued to lack con-

fidence in GECOM under the leadership of Dr Surujbally, to conduct free and fair elections.

“The protest action here today is a continuation of our protest, which we started soon after the 2015 elections to show that we are very unhappy and unsatisfied with the announcement of the results which we believe were rigged and votes were stolen from us … Surujbally refused to recount and that created a lot of suspicion…As a result of this wide dissatisfaction in GECOM’s role in properly supervising how the elections are to be conducted, that led to this protest and that we are demanding that our petition be heard and we are demanding that Surujbally must go,” Rohee emphasised.

Despite the low turnout,

the PPP General Secretary was not deterred, noting that President David Granger had also commenced his protest with a handful of people and now he was Head of State.

Rohee also asserted that the numbers were not a clear representation of the powerfulness of the exercise.

He explained that these picketing exercises were incredibly useful since they kept the Party’s comrades mobilised, helped to sensitise and bring a great sense of awareness to the general public, and aided in putting pressure on GECOM to take into consideration their demands.

In this regard, Rohee assured that the PPP would continue to stage protests until its demands were met, until justice prevails.

(Devina Samaroo)

12 News

wednesDay, august 24, 2016 | guyana-times.com

M&CC to take legal action against tax defaulters − to repossess lands not in use

By Ramona Luthi

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n an effort to curb the financial strain facing City Hall owing to outstanding payments, Town Clerk Royston King has announced that the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) is in the process of initiating legal proceedings against business owners who owe large sums of money to the municipality.

King made this announcement during the Council’s Statutory Meeting on Monday.

During the session, Georgetown Mayor Patricia Chase Green also revealed that the Council intended to repossess leased lands from persons who were not utilising them.

According to the Town Clerk, several businesses – including National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL); Guyana National Engineering Corporation

Georgetown Mayor Patricia Chase Green

(GNEC) and Central Garage Incorporation – owe the M&CC significant sums.

“NICIL owes us over $179 million, GNEC owes us $173 million, Central Garage Inc, we’re owed over $33 million and so we are proceeding to take legal action so that we can recover these outstanding sums,” King explained.

He said too that the monies, once recovered, would be utilised to facilitate further development in the city.

Mayor Chase Green further explained that over the years, the M&CC leased portions of land to persons and many of those lands were not being utilised, so she called for the lands in question to be repossessed.

“Many persons are just paying their lease and not using the lands, just holding it down and having a whole set of bush growing in it, let it be repossessed! We cannot afford for you to come to the Council and ask for the portion of land to do a development and at the end of the day, you just have it there and not doing anything,” she said.

Earlier in the year, it was revealed that City Hall had become cash-strapped and was unable to pay staff and contractors to complete many projects it had em-

Keeping it real

African Reparations: Response to Eric Phillips

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Town Clerk Royston King

barked on in Georgetown.

Having confirmed this, the Mayor explained that it was as a result of many persons not paying their taxes on time, adding too that many businesses owed millions at a time.

Since then, there has been talk of having the reins tightened on debtors in an effort to persuade them to pay their outstanding dues.

s I previously noted, the issue of reparations for Africans has taken on steam at the local and regional level. I had titled last week’s article “African Reparations and the Indian Security Dilemma” because, in a future piece, I wanted to examine how the issue of reparations for Africans might have an impact on what we described as “the Indian security dilemma”.

Dr Baytoram Ramharack I will have to further defer that examination because Eric Phillips, who is leading the charge for reparatory justice in Guyana, has taken issue with my conclusion in last week’s piece. Since his email was not in the public domain, I seek his permission to identify and expand on the issues germane to that discussion.

However, some caveats are in place.

First, to clarify any misunderstanding, I will repeat what I said last week, namely, that “I have no problem with demands for reparations by African leaders in Guyana, at long as reparation claims do not brand the Amerindians and Indians as perpetrators of this crime against humanity” because “a civilised world owes it to humanity to correct past injustices against its fellow citizens”. I do not claim to speak for this generation of Guyanese, but I believe most of them would, once they understand the nature of chattel slavery and its relation to reparations, would accept the calls for reparatory justice as a just one.

Second, Guyana is a multiethnic society, an already fractured and bifurcated one. Addressing issues that are seen as “other people issues” should not be deemed outside the realm of public debate in the Guyanese political space. Nor should individuals who raise questions about these issues be readily deemed as protagonists with “racial overtones”.

If our politicians were more candid in their acceptance that the nation remains divided, they might be moved to pursue distributive policies and structural or systemic changes that would lead to genuine solutions for our national problems.

I don’t think Dr Phillips presumes to speak for Amerindians or Indians or all Guyanese on this issue, nor am I aware that the Reparations Committee has been engaged in any form of educational outreach outside the African community.

This brings me to the third caveat. Dr Phillips should know that the issue of land rights (outside of reparations) and the national patrimony has been discussed before. It was argued in the past, primarily by Africans, that the national patrimony belongs to those Guyanese who came first to this land. We had objected to this argument in the 1990s because it was one-sided and based on an assumption that some Guyanese should be excluded from this discussion. Amerindian indigeneity, as a reason for land titles, were ignored.

Fourth, Phillips makes the claim that “cohesion” will come when “all groups have equal access and when there is historical justice”. No objections here. However, the leaders for African reparatory justice should not consider it an affront by their fellow countrymen when questions about how reparatory justice will impact them are raised. The Amerindian experience is instructive. Phillips tells us that “in 2006, the Amerindian Act gave our Indigenous peoples 14 per cent of Guyana as First People, even though three and possibly four of the nine tribes came to Guyana 100 to 200 years after Africans were forcibly brought here”.

In reality, Amerindians are the least influential and powerful of the three major ethnic groups. Their experience has shown that, outside of consciousness raising by concerned groups like Cultural Survival, using international law and relying on the Government of the day to protect their land rights have met with limited success and their ability to control their “own” land has made them vulnerable to displacement and exploitation by mining and logging enterprises. But the Amerindian community is changing. As the National Toshao Conference gets under way at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre, Amerindians may not settle for Phillips “14 per cent”, as they justify their arguments for “the return of land” (as opposed to land titles) and “indigeneity”. Some are rightfully questioning the “one people” notion that is enshrined in our national motto.

For the nine Amerindian groups in Guyana, this would be a logical way forward. This scenario represents a challenge to Eric Phillips central thesis... land for reparatory justice.

This brings us to the point I raised earlier: Does Eric Phillips’ quest for “cohesion” genuinely incorporate the narrative of “historical justice” of other groups in Guyanese society?

(Send comments to BRamharack60@gmail.com) To be continued

NEWS

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wednesday, august 24, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Upcoming UN meeting

US Army officer pays President to further green agenda courtesy call on Ramnarine on conference's sidelines

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US Army Lieutenant Colonel Tyrone Bentinck From left: Nikolaus Oudkerk, James Singh, Jenelle Christian, President David Granger, Ndibi Schwiers-Ceres, Vanessa Benn, Alona Sankar, Indarjit Ramdass and Damian Fernandes

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resident David Granger on Tuesday met with senior officials of the various agencies that are responsible for the protection and management of the environment. During the meeting, the President requested that the group prepare a document which details the priority areas, opportunities and other relevant information regarding Guyana’s biodiversity. He explained that this information will be used to inform his bilateral talks with heads of states on the sidelines of the 71st Regular Session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in New York next month.

Noting that he will be seeking to advance his Administration’s green agenda during bilateral talks, the President said that, “this is a country we love. It has tremendous wealth and we can share that wealth for generations to come… we have poverty around us and we need to make our wealth work for us.”

He informed that the Government will be establishing a department of environment to better coordinate the work of the different agencies that deal with the environment and help to address some of the challenges.

The Head of State explained that as it stands, there are problems with deforestation, a decline in, and smuggling of, wildlife species and little to no mention of biodiversity, zoology and botany in schools’ curriculum.

The President also spoke of the vast potential of the Guiana Shield and said that Guyana cannot wait for other counties within the Shield to act. It must move ahead with its own plans and demonstrate leadership with the furtherance of its green agenda. “Our responsibilities are massive to this and future generations of Guyanese… Guyana is poised to play a dominant role in making the Guiana Shield central,” President Granger said.

He also spoke of the need for children to be taught

about Guyana’s unique flora and fauna at an early age in order for them to develop a greater appreciation for the natural beauty that the country possesses. This, he said, will help to attract more young people to the sciences, where they will develop viable careers and at the same time, emerge as strong advocates for environmental protection. The meeting was held at the Ministry of the Presidency and included head of the Guyana Forestry Commission, James Singh; Director of the Environmental Protection Agency Indarjit Ramdass; Head of the Wildlife Division Alona Sankar; Commissioner of the Protected Areas Commission Damian Fernandes; Iwokrama’s Consultant Vanessa Benn; Nikolaus Oudkerk from the Ministry of the Presidency; Head of the Office of Climate Change, Jenelle Christian; and Advisor on Climate Change at the Ministry of the Presidency, Ndibi Schwiers-Ceres.

verseas-based Guyanese, United States Army Lieutenant Colonel Tyrone Bentinck on Tuesday paid a courtesy call on Acting Commissioner of Police, David Ramnarine, DSM, at his office.

The Lieutenant Colonel, who is based at the Pentagon, Washington, DC,

during the visit also made a monetary contribution to the Guyana Police Force Bursary Fund for which an award ceremony is slated for August 26, 2016 at the Officers Mess Annex.

Bentinck left Guyana at age 16 with his parents for the United States of America. He was the recipient of a bursary award

in Guyana since his father, the late Carlton Bentinck of Campbellville, Georgetown, was a Police Superintendent.

The Army officer said he recognised the importance of supporting the youth in their educational development as he was a beneficiary and, as such, enjoyed engaging and giving back.

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guyana-times.com

wednesday, AUGUSt 24, 2016

News

APNU/AFC has ambitious plans, limited pool of capable persons – report … says coalition likely to ignore USAID recommendations

T

he recently released Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance (DRG) Assessment of Guyana, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has found that the coalition A Partnership for National Unity, Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government is likely to flout its recommendations regarding its prop o s e d reform m e a sures.

This is the conclusion, since according to its authors – Tetra Tech ARD – the coalition Government will be more focused on pleasing voters ahead of the 2020 elections, given its slim margin of victory at its last showing at the polls.

Seeking to qualify its assertions, the Tetra Tech ARD signalled that as Guyana’s economy is reliant on international commodity prices and, “there is strong likelihood that the country’s financial situation will increasingly distract the Government from undertaking DRG interventions.” The Tetra Tech ARD observed that this is in part

because the APNU/AFC Government is well aware of the slender margin through which it came to power, and “is therefore increasingly anxious to please voters in the lead-up to the 2020 elections.”

According to the USAID funded report, “while the coalition Government has an ambitious agenda for reforms, it has a limited pool of persons

available to plan and implement reforms.”

The report documented too that the continued emigration of Guyana’s professionals abroad has decapitated both the public and private sectors.

Further compounding the inexperience of the coalition Government in handling the affairs of the country, the USAID report found that there are worrying signs now as well, “perhaps not due to a lack of willingness, but to inexperience in governing.”

The report highlighted MPs giving themselves a 50 per cent pay raise while giving the public service five

per cent, which created anger among their supporters and a feeling of “business as usual;” slow pace of action for some important functions such as getting the human rights and other constitutional commissions up and running; fast tracking of legislation that bypasses parliamentary standing orders and gives the Opposition the opportunity to charge foul and boycott the sessions; tensions within the coalition that are becoming more evident with the more moderate AFC members feeling sidelined by the former People’s National Congress members; and continuing opposition from the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), which refused the offer to form a Government of national unity. Speaking to the capacity constraints, the Tetra Tech ARD relied on the assessment of the Inter-American Development Bank’s (IDB) Country Representative, Sophie Makonnen, who “noted the limited absorptive capacity of the Private Sector to implement IDB-funded infrastructure projects.”

The Tetra Tech ARD group found too that similarly, “there are capacity issues within the Public Sector to effectively manage projects and project finances.”

The report further noted that underdeveloped road and communications infrastructure is another con-

straint.

“Outside of the coastal areas, roads are poor and some locations are only accessible by river or by air…

This adds time and costs onto any project implemented outside of the capital,” according to the USAID funded report.

Regarding the many proposed reforms that have been recommended by the USAID funded report, “there is a window of opportunity open now to support the reform process and build momentum for the process currently underway that can strengthen Guyana’s governance, balance the power of the executive, start the devolution of power to local Government, and ensure a more accountable and responsive government.”

These democratic reforms, if adopted and implemented, can, according to the USAID report, address the over-centralisation of power, politicised and nonperforming institutions that were found during the assessment, and increase governance effectiveness and responsiveness.

It was found that the election of a multiethnic, multiparty coalition brought a fresh opportunity to Guyana to make these substantive democratic reforms that could transform its political system and make it more effective, accountable, and inclusive, “However, this outcome is far from certain.”

According to the authors of the USAAID report, “there are indications of significant change, but there are also reasons for concern.”

20 at-risk communities to benefit from Ministry’s new security programme

By Ramona Luthi

I

n light of the significant increase of crime and violence in Guyana, the Ministry of Public Security in collaboration with the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) will be launching a “Citizen’s Security Strengthening” project, where 20 “at risk” communities are expected to benefit from crime and violence reduction.

This is according to the project’s Community Activity Specialist, Mark Ross on Monday at the M&CC’s statutory meeting.

Ross highlighted that this project is to be launched on Wednesday, August 24, 2016, at the Continental Shopping Plaza.

In an explanation at the statutory meeting, Ross stated that the main objective is to “reduce the crime and violence in Guyana, especially in high risk communities and young people by increasing their human and social capacity.”

He also added that through the Citizen’s Security Strengthening programme, it is expected that there will be an “improvement of behaviours from nonviolent conflict resolutions in private communities,” as well as an “increase in the effectiveness of the Guyana Police Force [GPF] in crime prevention and crime investigation nationally.”

According to Ross, the Government of Guyana entered its second loan agreement, (GYLN42) in February of 2014, with the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB), where US$15 million was granted to Guyana’s security sector through this agreement.

He informed the council that after this loan was granted, the Project

Community Activity Specialist Mark Ross

Execution Unit (PEU) was established in December of 2015, with the aim of providing betterment for communities in the country, adding that five members, including him, were appointed to play vital roles in maintaining the unit.

In his presentation about the Citizen’s Security Strengthening programme, Ross said that the project is expected to last for five years, where a total of 4400 “at risk” youths will have benefited upon its conclusion.

In his breakdown of how the loan is to be utilised in the Citizen’s Security Strengthening programme, Ross disclosed that “the funds will be used in the three components of the project.”

These components included community crime and violence prevention, the strengthening of the GPF in crime prevention and investigation capacity, and the strengthening of the Guyana Prison Services, rehabilitation and social integration services. The components, Ross highlighted, would account for US$5.7 million, US$5.5 million and US$2.3 million, respectively, of the US$15 million loan of the IDB. turn to page 17

wednesday, august 24, 2016

guyana-times.com

15

Around the World

Venezuelan public workers face Massacre reports show US inability to curb Iraq militias sack over referendum

V

S

hi’ite militias in Iraq detained, tortured and abused far more Sunni civilians during the American-backed capture of the town of Falluja in June than US officials have publicly acknowledged, Reuters has found.

More than 700 Sunni men and boys are still missing more than two months after the Islamic State stronghold fell. The abuses occurred despite US efforts to restrict the militias’ role in the operation, including threatening to withdraw American air support, according to US and Iraqi officials.

The US efforts had little effect. Shi’ite militias did not pull back from Falluja, participated in looting there and now vow to defy any American effort to limit their role in coming operations against Islamic State.

All told, militia fighters killed at least 66 Sunni males and abused at least 1500 others fleeing the Falluja area, according to interviews with more than

Destroyed buildings from clashes are seen on the outskirts of Falluja, Iraq, June 20, 2016

20 survivors, tribal leaders, Iraqi politicians and Western diplomats.

They said men were shot, beaten with rubber hoses and in several cases beheaded. Their accounts were supported by a Reuters review of an investigation by local Iraqi authorities and video testimony and photographs of survivors taken immediately after their release.

The battle against Islamic State is the latest chapter in the conflict between Iraq’s Shi’ite majority

and Sunni minority, which was unleashed by the 2003 US-led invasion. The war ended decades of Sunni rule under Saddam Hussein and brought to power a series of governments dominated by Shi’ite Islamist parties patronised by Iran.

Washington’s inability to restrain the sectarian violence is now a central concern for Obama Administration officials as they move ahead with plans to help Iraqi forces retake the much larger city of Mosul. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Barbados Govt to establish fund to support entrepreneurship and innovation

T

he Barbadian Government will soon establish a special fund to support entrepreneurship and innovation in this country among the youth.

Word of the intended fund came from Minister of Industry, International Business, Commerce and Small Business Development, Donville Inniss, on Monday morning during a visit to the offices of the Barbados Institute of Management and Productivity (BIMAP).

He told the media that his Ministry, through the Barbados Investment and Development Corporation (BIDC) and other agencies, is currently doing the legwork for that fund which, once capitalised, should help to create additional businesses in Barbados.

The Small Business Minister said even if only five per cent of the youth look to become entrepreneurs or set up enterprises, it would be a step in the right direction for the country and its economy. With that in mind, he

said while they have already identified a source for the money, they are at present examining the level of funding that would be required to execute the programme and are working to ensure they have the right structure in place to best target the intended groups.

However, Minister Inniss made it clear that the initiative will not be limited to academic institutions, as they recognise that there is untapped potential in the technical areas as well which can be developed. (Excerpt from Barbados

Advocate)

UN warns of “huge impact” of Mosul assault

Thousands of people fleeing fighting near Mosul have been arriving at camps in northern Iraq

T

he humanitarian impact of a planned offensive by Iraqi pro-Government forces to retake the city of Mosul is expected to be “enormous”, the United Nations says.

Up to 1.2 million people living in and around Mosul could

be affected by the operation to drive out jihadist militants from Islamic State, it warns.

More than 120,000 people have already been displaced by fighting since March as troops clear territory to the south.

Mosul, Iraq’s second largest city, has been under IS rule

since June 2014.

Earlier on Tuesday, elite troops launched an operation to recapture the key town of Qayyarah, 60 kilometres (40 miles) to the south.

A spokesman for the Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS), Sabah Numan, said its forces were battling IS militants on the town’s outskirts and were working in coordination with armed residents inside.

Pro-Government forces have been preparing to move on Qayyarah for weeks, after recapturing a nearby airbase that will be used as a logistics hub for the wider offensive on Mosul.

The town’s mayor, Saleh al-Jubouri, said an estimated 15,000 civilians were trapped there, but that most of the militants had fled or been killed.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

enezuelan Public Sector workers who signed a petition backing a referendum to recall President Nicolás Maduro could face dismissal, a spokesman of the governing Socialist Party said.

The spokesman said President Maduro had ordered that any manager in five key ministries who signed the petition should be sacked. The petition is the first step towards a referendum which could see Maduro ousted.

Maduro has been in power since 2013. He is a supporter of the “Bolivarian Revolution”, the socialist movement his predecessor in office, Hugo Chávez, founded.

Government critics argue that their socialist policies have driven Venezuela into a severe economic crisis. They have called for a recall referendum to be held this year to remove

President Maduro gave ministries 48 hours to sack senior workers who had signed the petition

Maduro from the presidency and trigger fresh elections.

They handed in a petition to that effect in May signed by almost two million people, many more than the one per cent of registered voters they needed.

On Monday, Socialist Party (PSUV) spokesman Jorge Rodriguez said that those

in senior public positions who had signed the petition would have to leave their posts.

He said that President Maduro had given the ministries of food, basic industries and finance among others a deadline of 48 hours to dismiss those in senior positions who had signed the petition. (Excerpt from

BBC News)

Peru investigates ‘Police death squad’ after killings

P

eruvian officials say there are “strong indications” that a rogue group of officers within the country’s Police Force has carried out illegal killings.

Deputy Public Order Minister Ruben Vargas said an investigation had identified at least 18 members of the force who were allegedly involved.

The investigation suggests the group was behind the killing of at least 20 civilians since 2012.

A general is among the Police Officers suspected.

Vargas said at a news con-

ference that the case resembled that of the “false positives” in Colombia, in which soldiers killed civilians and then passed them off as leftwing rebels to falsely boost the number of rebels they had “neutralised”.

In the Colombian case, the soldiers were at first rewarded with days off and other perks before the scandal emerged and a number of those involved were sentenced to lengthy prison terms.

In Peru, the rogue officers allegedly passed the victims off as dangerous

criminals to secure promotions. The killings happened in at least six different Police operations in the capital, Lima, in the northern town of Chiclayo and in two instances in Chincha Alta.

Vargas said that 11 of the 20 people known to have been killed did not have any criminal records. He accused the Police Officers of falsifying intelligence reports to fit their stories. One of the officers under investigation was decorated six times for his service, the Minister said. (Excerpt from BBC News)

WHO to hold emergency meeting to advise on yellow fever

T

he World Health Organisation (WHO) has announced that an emergency meeting will take place next week to discuss counter-measures for a yellow fever outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola.

An estimated 500 individuals have already been killed across the two African countries, according to the international charity Save The Children, which warned last week that the outbreak could soon spread globally if not contained.

WHO spokesman Tarik Jasarevic told reporters on Tuesday that Director General Margaret Chan had asked the committee of independent experts to meet on August 31 to analyse the situation and respond accordingly.

A large-scale vaccination campaign is already under way, with 14 million people in the Democratic Republic

Kinshasa residents queue to receive yellow fever vaccines on July 24, 2016 [Jerome Delay/The Associated Press]

of the Congo to be immunised against the acute viral disease that is spread by mosquitoes.

Makeshift clinics were set up last week in churches and schools across Kinshasa, DRC’s densely populated capital, as well as other regions bordering Angola.

An additional three million people have already been vaccinated, as well as 13 million in Angola.

There is no specific treatment for the viral haemorrhagic disease which is found in tropical regions of Africa and Latin America’s Amazon region.

Vaccination is the best preventive measure against the disease.

Poor sanitation has been the main cause of the outbreak as it provides a fertile breeding ground for mosquitoes. (Al Jazeera)

16 News

wednesDay, august 24, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Ministry awaiting Councils’ proposals for amendments to the Amerindian Act− Allicock

W

hile the Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Ministry has recorded a successful year, Minister Sydney Allicock has stated that there are some hiccups as it relates to the submission of proposals for the revision of the Amerindian Act. The Minister said in 2015, they had discussed the need for the strengthening of the Amerindian Act and when he spoke to the Executive Council on the first meeting, he vowed to take to Cabinet a menu of the amendments of the Act for approval and present them to the National Assembly for passage into law.

He stated that he had requested the Council to submit within two weeks written proposals for amendment but none was submitted.

“I remain ready to work

Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Minister Sydney Allicock

with you to strengthen the Amerindian Act. In this regard I shall yet await your submissions,” he said.

The revision of the Act is high on the agenda for the National Toshaos Council (NTC) as they meet this year to deliberate on the

way forward, and address other issues of importance for Amerindian people.

Meanwhile, Allicock stated that while it has been a challenging year, the Ministry has made steady progress in the implementation of their 10-point plan that was announced by President David Granger at the 2015 NTC. He announced that the Hinterland Youth Scheme is up and running and physical infrastructure is ongoing.

He also announced that the hinterland housing programme which is being undertaken by the Central Housing and Planning Authority is in its second phase and they are discussing a significant agricultural project with the International Federation for Alternative Trade (IFAT), which will benefit villagers of Regions One (Barima-Waini) and Nine

(Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo).

“This project seeks to build on the success of the Amerindian development Fund project and we are focusing on agriculture,” he said.

He stated that they are also pursuing an extension into the Amerindian land titling project. According to Allicock, “we believe that the Indigenous people land issues are critical to nation building. We are certain that with an extension to the project we will be able to address this matter in a very significant way,” he said, adding that: “contrary to what some will have you believe your Government continues to offer significant support to the sustainable development of Indigenous villages and communities across Guyana. Each of you can attest to that fact individually”.

Ramsammy’s Ruminations APNU/AFC’S shamelessness knows no bounds – killing transparency and accountability

A

nother day, another week, another scandal, but transparency and accountability have totally died in Guyana. After just 15 months in Government, the A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/ AFC) has made the Guyanese people yearn for the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Dr Leslie Ramsammy version of transparency and accountability, even if it was not perfect.

Under intense pressure, President David Granger last week instructed the relevant authorities to release the contract for a house which the Public Health Ministry rented as a medical warehouse without following any of the legal standard procurement rules. The contract is still not released for examination. In the meanwhile, the Government has paid two months in advance ($25 million) and has paid all current monthly rates ($12.5 million per month). For this year, the Public Health Ministry will have paid more than $87 million as rental for this house and over the next three years, will pay more than $450 million. Granger’s promise to release the contract was just words, another smokescreen, a tool that APNU/AFC has made disgustingly maximum use of.

But even earlier on the floors of Parliament, George Norton, the Public Health Minister, promised the Parliament and the people of Guyana that the contract will be made available for scrutiny immediately. Now, three weeks after, there is no indication that he nor APNU/AFC has any intention to release the contract as promised. If it is released in the coming days, there will be enough suspicion that the released document was sanitised.

But the more APNU/AFC spins this scandal, the more scandalous it gets. There was no emergency need for space, as Norton claimed in Parliament, since about 16,000 square feet of space is unutilised at Diamond, East Bank Demerara even now.

Even if there was an emergency, months after the rental, the building is still unusable as a medical warehouse. He spun the lie that the Ministry had determined the building had met PAHO/ WHO standards for a warehouse before they rented it, but, in fact, work to re-design the building to serve as a warehouse is still ongoing. Can he tell us what those standards are? Then Trotman and his colleagues two weeks ago supposedly went and visited the building and they too determined that the building had met all PAHO/WHO requirements, weaving more webs to hide the truth.

However, the best spin came from the anointed chief bloviator, Moses Nagamootoo. He now says that while the Government bond may have space, there was need to rent the house because of traffic problems. The Diamond Warehouse is meant for bulk storage of medicines and medical supplies. Such warehouses are not intended for health facilities to access on a daily basis to meet everyday needs. If this justifies spending $450 million over the next three years, a cost that is about 70 per cent higher to rent certified medical warehouse space, then why not spend the money on expanding the Georgetown Public Hospital’s (GPHC) warehouse for the medical institution to store its own medicines and medical supplies?

No wonder, shockwaves continue to reverberate around the shameful, reckless and disgusting contract to rent a house to serve as a warehouse. Even as questions have been left unanswered, more questions are being asked because of the lies and misrepresentations that continue to mount. No amount of media spinning will wipe away the stench and the obvious feelings in the hearts of the vast majority of the Guyanese people that the so-called medical warehouse renting is a sweetheart deal and that somebody has lined his or her pockets.

In fact, the corrupt rental of a house in Sussex Street as a medical warehouse is another of the almost daily corrupt deals that epitomise the APNU/AFC Government. Not a day passes by and there is not another corrupt transaction, whether it is a procurement contract based on sole-sourcing or another scandal like the oil licence given to Van West-Charles. But make no mistake, while George Norton is taking the flak as Public Health Minister, the entity that signed the contract, he is really the fall guy for an APNU/AFC Cabinet that is being absolute in its fidelity to its governance mantra – political donors and sponsors must be rewarded for their political investment that brought APNU/AFC to power.

The Guyanese people are being duped everyday by a bunch of charlatans who are desperate to continue from where they left off in 1992. Only this time, they believe that they need to be bigger and more gluttonous than the People’s National Congress was between 1964 and 1992. APNU/AFC is more interested in the next corrupt deal than in fixing the economy of Guyana. As the economy sinks, more attention is paid to what would be the next sweetheart deal. We have bid adieu to transparency and accountability.

(Send comments to doc_ram@hotmail.com)

17

news

wednesday, AUGUST 24, 2016 | guyana-times.com

2 fined for driving tinted vehicles

Its use “discretionary” – Ramjattan

A

s the debate over tinted motor vehicles continues, two men were on Tuesday fined on separate charges for such offences. Oswald Boston and Conroy Peters appeared at the Vreed-en-Hoop Magistrate’s Court where Police evidence stated that on August 23, the private motor cars belonging to the defendants were found in the vicinity of the Vreed-enHoop Ferry Stelling heavily tinted. The Police facts stat-

ed that this was a breach of both of the driver’s road fitness certification.

The men pleaded guilty and the court ordered that they remove the tint accessory from the vehicles.

Additionally, it was also alleged that the vehicles were parked on a “No Stopping” sign at the Vreed-en-Hoop Stelling. Boston, 57, who plies his trade in the interior, was fined $5000 for the tint and $20,000 for failure to observe the road sign.

Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan

Minister

20 at-risk communities to benefit...

Ross further stated that Government has recently fulfilled its obligation under the loan agreement, which was to provide information to the IDB, “on Guyana’s suicide rates, domestic violence and other crime and violence categories that the Crime Observatory and Guyana Police Force, records.”

He asserted that through the fulfilment of this obligation, the IDB can now disperse funds of the US$5.7 million for the first phase of the project to commence.

According to the project’s activity specialist, the selected “at risk” communities to be targeted are within the districts of five regions.

“In Region Three, Vreeden-Hoop; Region Four, Providence, Annandale, Buxton, Friendship, Enmore; In the Georgetown area, Albouystown, Charlestown, Sophia, South Ruimveldt Gardens, South Ruimveldt Park, Alberttown, Kingstown, La Penitence and McDoom; Region Five, Rosignol; Region Six, Angouy’s Avenue, Adelphi, Port Mourant, Albion and

Friendship; and Region Ten, Wismar,” he said.

Ross explained that the project will focus on “at risk” youths in these communities between the ages of 15 to 24, who have “either dropped out of Primary School or Secondary School resulting in them not completing high school, if they are living with a single parent or extended guardian, if they had prior run-ins with the law or other risk factors that would drive them into getting involved in devious behaviours.”

He stated that in ensuring that the youth are granted the opportunity to complete their education, a stipend of US$70 to US$75 will be provided on a monthly basis for each person.

Additionally, training centres will be established within the selected communities through the resuscitation of existing government structures. “No new structures will be built,” Ross affirmed.

He also stated that training will be done in the “areas of public resolution, domes-

from page 14

tic violence, gender based violence, and parenting programmes will be made available for teen parents.”

He added that through the implementation of rapid impact projects, councillors in charge of the various communities will be called upon to “mobilise and work with the communities.”

The councillors are also expected to assist in the identification of existing structures that are not in use, and can be utilised for rapid impact projects.

Ross asserted that in each community, academically qualified persons will be recruited as Community Action Officers to assist in mobilisation activities, the formation of community government structures, as well as to assist in the skills training of youths.

In an effort to reduce unemployment in Guyana, Ross said that there will be guidance provided for persons who are unsure of the field that they would like to pursue as a career, adding that entrepreneurship training will be provided.

Peters, who had no previous convictions, was also faced with the same fines as Boston. The men were told that if they do not pay the fines, they will be incarcerated for two weeks.

On the sidelines of a recent road safety magazine launch, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan told media operatives that despite his implementation of measures to reduce the use of tint on motor vehicles, citizens have been trying to justify its use.

“The whole country wants tint and since I made a new criteria that it has to be persons carrying large sums of money and they have to have proof… and also if they have skin disease, but I noticed that everybody in Guyana now got skin disease,” Ramjattan quipped.

The Minister cautioned

An example of a tinted motor car

that the use of tint is “discretionary” and noted that persons who are desirous of obtaining the accessory must present documentation on its use.

“It is a discretionary thing and I have been using my discretion as judiciously as possible to ensure that the minimum are granted… they’ll have to bring in their

documentation to verify that they satisfy the criteria” the Public Security Minister outlined.

Earlier this year, the Police restarted its campaign to curb heavily tinted vehicles from using the country’s road. Many drivers have voiced objections to the enforcement of this measure.

2 busted with gun, ammo, drugs in Diamond house

P

olice are investigating the discovery of a .32 revolver and six matching rounds found at a house in Diamond, East Bank Demerara.

According to Police at about 13:30h on Tuesday, ranks of the Guyana Police Force detained two persons who were found in the house with a .32 revolver and six matching rounds.

A small quantity of suspected cocaine and cannabis was also found. An investigation is in progress.

18

guyana-times.com

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2016

ARCHIE

Don’t make rash decisions.

Wait until you have all the (March 21- facts in order to avoid looking April 19) bad and being stuck in a nowin situation. Criticism and negativity can be expected.

ARIES

Don’t feel bad or heed com-

DILBERT

TAURUS plaints that aren’t warranted.

(April 20- Trust in your ability to deal May 20) with situations personally and you will avoid meddling and interference. Romance will improve a personal relationship.

Personal improvements GEMINI are favored.

Don’t be too vocal (May 21about what you want to acJune 20) complish. A romantic moment will lead to a closer bond and long-term commitment.

You’ve got what it takes CANCER to make positive changes at (June 21- home and work. Your loyalty July 22) coupled with a sincere desire to help will put you in a good position.

PEANUTS

Make a difference and do LEO what you can to help others.

(July 23Your strength, courage, drive Aug. 22) and physical endurance will turn you into a hero and a leader.

Learn from the experts VIRGO and try something new.

(Aug. 23Sept. 22) You’ll find your niche if you are open to suggestions and put a new spin on what you already have to offer.

CALVIN AND HOBBES

Negotiate on your own beLIBRA half in order to get what you (Sept. 23want.

Dealing with instituOct. 23) tions will result in unexpected benefits. Strive to make personal gains.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

Don’t be afraid to do things SCORPIO differently. It’s your unique (Oct. 24- approach that will draw supNov. 22) port and bring a chance to reach your goal. Romance is on the rise.

Look for an opening that SAGITTARIUS will help you get ahead. It (Nov. 23- may take a lot of time and Dec. 21) work on your part, but what you get in return will be worth your while.

Fixing up your personal CAPRICORN space or buying into some(Dec. 22- thing that has the potential Jan. 19) to grow will encourage you to make purchases that will increase your comfort.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE Speak from the heart and AQUARIUS get to the bottom of uncom(Jan. 20fortable situations. Knowing Feb. 19) what others want will help you offer incentives that will get you what you want in return.

RULES OF THE GAME: 1. Words must be of four or more letters. 2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed. 3. Additional words made by adding a “d” or an “s” may not be used. For example, if “bake” is used, “baked” or “bakes” is not allowed, but “bake” and “baking” are admissible. 4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed. To contact Word Game creator Kathleen Saxe, write to Word Game, Kathleen Saxe, Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.

Copyright 2015, Distributed by Universal Uclick for UFS

PISCES Keep your emotions in (Feb. 20- check. Someone will take adMarch 20) vantage of you if you are too accommodating. You cannot please everyone. Be sure to please yourself first and foremost.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2016

19

Russia loses Paralympics ban appeal G

eneva (AFP) Russian competitors remained banned from next month’s Rio Paralympics after the country lost an appeal Tuesday against a suspension issued over a vast, state-run doping programme.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) dismissed the appeal filed by the Russian Paralympic Committee, which sought to overturn the August 7 ban by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC).

The IPC took the tough action after the release of a bombshell report commissioned by the World AntiDoping Agency (WADA), detailing drug-cheating directed by government officials and affecting dozens of sports.

Citing evidence compiled

by WADA lead investigator Richard McLaren, the IPC argued that Russia’s disabled athletes had failed to comply with global anti-dop-

ing codes.

The Lausanne-based CAS said Russia in its appeal “did not file any evidence contradicting the facts on which the IPC decision was based.”

In a statement, the court “confirmed” Russia’s ban from the Rio Paralympics, which run from September 7 to 18.

Russian officials had voiced confidence of a victory at CAS and immediately took issue with Tuesday’s ruling.

Sports minister Vitaly Mutko, a central figure in the McLaren report, blasted the CAS decision as “more political than legal.”

“The decision is not in the legal domain,” TASS news agency quoted Mutko as saying. “There was no reason for rejection but it happened.”

However IPC President Philip Craven said the decision “underlines our strong belief that doping has absolutely no place in Paralympic

Russia will not be allowed to compete in the Paralympics next month after losing an appeal against a ban imposed over doping

sport, and further improves our ability to ensure fair competition and a level playing field for all Para athletes around the world.”

The decision was applauded by the president of Germany’s National Paralympic Committee, Friedhelm Julius Beucher.

“The judgement is a sign of consistent zero-tolerance on doping,” he said.

“Exclusions are always

Murray, Williams lead US seedings

tragic, but there are rules in sport and anyone who doesn’t follow them gets shown a red card,” he added.

The Paralympics ban was the latest blow to Russian sport, which has been condemned by a mountain of doping allegations in recent months.

The country narrowly escaped an outright International Olympic Committee ban from the

A

ndy Murray has been seeded second in the men’s singles for the US Open, with fellow Briton Johanna Konta a career-high 13th in the women’s singles.

World number two Murray, 29, has reached the final of all three Grand Slams this year, winning Wimbledon for a second time last month.

Defending US Open champion Novak Djokovic, who has had a wrist injury, is the top seed at Flushing Meadows.

American Serena Williams is seeded one for the women’s singles.

Konta, 25, is ranked 14th in the world.

Last year’s champion,

Flavia Pennetta of Italy, retired after beating compatriot Roberta Vinci, who is seeded seventh, in the 2015 final.

The tournament starts on 29 August, although qualifying began on Tuesday, with Britain’s James Ward beaten 6-3 6-4 by Maximo Gonzalez of Argentina.

Fellow Britons Tara Moore and Laura Robson begin their qualifying campaigns in New York on Wednesday. (BBC) US Open men’s singles seeds 1. Novak Djokovic (Ser) 2. Andy Murray (GB) 3. Stan Wawrinka (Swi) 4. Rafael Nadal (Spa) 5. Milos Raonic (Can) 6. Kei Nishikori (Jpn)

7. Marin Cilic (Cro) 8. Dominic Thiem (Aut) 9. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (Fra) 10. Gael Monfils (Fra) US Open women’s singles seeds 1. Serena Williams (US) 2. Angelique Kerber (Ger) 3. Garbiñe Muguruza (Spa) 4. Agnieszka Radwanska (Pol) 5. Simona Halep (Rom) 6. Venus Williams (US) 7. Roberta Vinci (Ita) 8. Madison Keys (US) 9. Svetlana Kuznetsova (Rus) 10. Karolina Pliskova (Cze)

with disabilities, has taken place in various forms since 1948 but has grown in importance over the past 20 years.

An estimated 250 Russian competitors had been slated to take part in Rio and many had continued training ahead of the CAS decision.

That included 19-yearold backstroke specialist Alexander Makarov, who suffers from arthrogryposis, a congenital condition that limits the limbs’ movements.

He told AFP last week that he was trying “not to think” about being barred from Rio, as he churned through 50 laps during a morning training session outside Moscow Nearly 4,300 athletes from 164 countries took part in the 2012 London Paralympic Games.

The 2016 Rio Paralympics will see athletes compete in 23 disciplines over 11 days.

(YahooSport)

Angelo Perera replaces injured Pradeep for Sri Lanka

N

Murray and Konta represented Great Britain at this month’s Olympic Games in Rio

just-concluded Rio Games, but still saw dozens of its athletes barred, including the entire track and field team.

Russia continues to deny the findings of the McLaren report, including the involvement of the sports ministry and the Russian secret service in doping fraud at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.

Russian Paralympic Committee president Vladimir Lukin had sought to portray his athletes as independent from the Moscow government.

But the IPC said it did not believe that disabled Olympic hopefuls were untouched by the pervasive cheating in the country.

Craven said previously that Russia’s “thirst for glory at all costs has severely damaged the integrity and image of all sport” “Their medals over morals attitude disgusts me.”

The Paralympics, held every four years for athletes

uwan Pradeep has been replaced

by Angelo Perera ahead of Sri Lanka’s second ODI against Australia in Colombo.

A hamstring injury aggravated by Nuwan Pradeep has resulted in Sri Lanka calling up Angelo Perera to the one-day international squad for the second match against Australia.

Sri Lanka trail 1-0 in the five-match series after suffering a three-wicket defeat in the first match in Colombo on Sunday, but Pradeep, who missed the last two Test matches due to the injury, did not feature.

With no improvement the seamer has been replaced by Perera, and coach Graham Ford said the all-rounder could be involved.

“Nuwan Pradeep is injured which is a big blow to us. [He is] an important part of the side and has done really well over the past, but at the moment he’s struggling with a hamstring injury, has done for a little while, so at the moment he’s out for the time being,” said Ford.

“The selectors have

called him [Angelo] into the squad, I think they felt he played really well [for Sri Lanka A] in England. He’s a very capable player. He has a chance of playing, he looks in good nick.”

Perera has had good outings with Sri Lanka A team in England. He scored 35, 30 not out, 35 and 69 in four list A matches against England Lions and Pakistan A. An aggressive right-hand batsman, Perera has also been one of the more consistent performers in domestic cricket over the past few years, maintaining an average of 36.21 and a strike rate of 93 across 78 List A innings. He hit 450 firstclass runs at an average of 40.90 in this year’s Premier League Tournament.

Captain Angelo Mathews suggested there could be changes to the Sri Lanka XI, but Dinesh Chandimal – who hit his fifth successive ODI fifty in the first match – and Kusal Mendis have been cleared after injury concerns.

“We still haven’t decided on the final 11. [It’s] possible, if needed, there might be a couple of changes. We will have a chat with the se-

Angelo Perera

lectors because we are not quite sure about the wicket,” said Mathews.

The selectors had originally selected Perera as cover for batsmen Dinesh Chandimal and Kusal Mendis who took blows to the ribs and fingers respectively. Both those players have been cleared to play on Wednesday however, and, with seamers unlikely to play a major role for Sri Lanka in this series, no fast-bowling replacement has been made for Pradeep.

(Sportsmax)

20

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2016

"Player safety was the main concern and we respect that" - du Plessis C oncerns over player safety on a soft outfield caused three abandoned days in the Durban Test and an eventual draw, despite both teams being “very keen” to get on the park. Faf du Plessis and Mike Hesson said the South Africa and New Zealand camps were “extremely disappointed” and “frustrated” after playing only four out of 15 sessions, but respected the decision of umpires Ian Gould and Richard Illingworth not to allow further play.

“It’s up to the umpires to make an assessment of whether the ground is safe or not,” du Plessis said. “As cricketers or sportsmen, we generally don’t look at all the factors, we just want to get out there. From our perspective, we wanted to play but the general feeling was that the ground was unsafe.

There were quite a few areas that were a bit muddy and a bit loose on the foot. They were very worried that if you were to sprint or make sudden movements on it, you could get badly injured. The message was pretty clear from the umpires that player safety was their main concern and we respect that.”

Kingsmead’s recently relaid outfield took 65 mm of rain on Saturday evening, which sunk into the sandy patches caused by the scarifying process that left scant grass in several areas. A full day of sun on Sunday and winds of up to 70kph on Monday were enough to dry it out but the ground underfoot did not harden and the match was called off before the scheduled start of play on Tuesday.

In particular, patches around the boundary and on the edges of the square were inspected by the umpires over the two days and were found to give way underfoot, highlighting what was obvious even before the match began - that the outfield needed more time to recover from the work that had been done earlier in the winter. “From the time we arrived at this Test match, we knew that the outfield was in a poor state and obviously it just didn’t cope with the rain,” Hesson said.

Solutions such as moving the boundary in or using a drying agent like sawdust were non-starters because the laws do not permit changing field dimensions once play has start-

The umpires get together for a chat as they inspect the outfield at Kingsmead

ed and sawdust is only used once there is an indication of when play will be possible. In hindsight, covers on the entire outfield could have kept it protected, but Kingsmead does not own full ground covers, which cost around R400,000 (US$30,000), and none were borrowed from nearby clubs.

The covers made a significant difference as was evident from the square, which remained in pristine condition throughout the match.

Du Plessis even admitted he would have been happy to field close-in, but it was the

outlying areas that posed a danger.

“I wouldn’t have minded standing in the slips because there wasn’t much happening there but the areas of concern were the boundaries. If you fielded at fine leg and had sprint around or you have to dive for a ball at mid-off, take a catch or something like that, that was a concern,” he said.

“As a player, when a ball is going in one direction, I am going to run and dive and try and stop it. I don’t think of what’s happening on the outfield. It’s the umpires’ job

to think of those things. I am there to try and win a game of cricket for my country.

The modern game of cricket allows the umpires to make the decision to make sure player safety is important.”

Du Plessis also conceded that neither side wanted to take the chance of losing a player to an injury that could be avoided. “If we had got on the field and a bad injury happened, both teams would have been pretty upset. From a captain’s point of view, if one of your strike bowlers ran around the boundary and hurt himself

by doing it, you would be upset,” he said.

As far as conditions in the middle were concerned, though, seamers on both sides had had reason to smile, as Kingsmead presented them with one of the best pitches seen at the ground. The surface had a significant grass covering, which aided seam movement and had good bounce and carry. New Zealand restricted South Africa to 263 on it, before Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander brought back memories of old in a 12-over period in which they had New Zealand 15 for 2.

With the visitors’ best batsmen, Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor, at the crease, it was shaping up to be an interesting tussle.

“We were dying to get out there because we had them in a spot of bother and on that wicket, there was still a lot of assistance. It was a great cricket wicket,” du Plessis said. “There was a bit of movement for bowlers, a bit of swing and if you knuckled down and you were prepared to bat for time, you could score some runs on it.

I think it would have been a really good Test match.”

Debutant tastes 1st stage victory

G

rand Tour debutant Lilian Calmejane tasted victory for the first time at the Vuelta a Espana with a late break on stage four.

Lilian Calmejane marked his Grand Tour debut with a first stage win as he made a late breakaway stick on the fourth day of the Vuelta a Espana.

The 23-year-old held station in the 21-man breakaway on Tuesday before pushing clear on his own with less than 10 kilometres to race, Calmejane holding on to claim Direct Energie’s first Grand Tour stage success since 2012.

Using the short descent before the final ascent to his advantage, the Frenchman navigated his way to the summit finish atop Alto Mirador de Veixia to win by 15 seconds from Darwin Atapuma (BMC Racing) and Ben King (CannondaleDrapac) Atapuma’s late surge from the breakaway group ensures he takes over the leader’s red jersey, the Colombian holding a 29-second lead over Movistar’s Alejandro Valverde.

Meanwhile, Tour de France winner Chris Froome (Team Sky) and general classification rival Nairo Quintana (Movistar) remain well placed in third and fifth respectively in the overall standings.

“It’s a very great feeling,”

Grand Tour debutant Lilian Calmejane tasted victory for the first time at the Vuelta a Espana with a late break on stage four

said Calmejane. “I started the Vuelta with a lot of ideas in my head but to win a stage so soon in the Vuelta is just awesome.

“I gave everything to the finish line and it is great. It’s my first year as a pro, it’s my first Vuelta and the goal was to win a stage. So now the future in the Vuelta is positive so I’m feeling good.”

A breakaway of 18 riders opened up an early gap on the peloton five kilometres short on the first summit of the day - Alto Da Serra Capela - with Thomas De Gendt showing great form once again to take maximum climbing points.

The group swelled to 21 after that ascent but again it was De Gendt - who won atop Mont Ventoux during the Tour de France - who was first up the second category three climb for LottoSoudal.

As the 163.5km route

from Betanzos to San Andres de Teixedo made its way through the Galician countryside, the leaders pulled near five minutes clear of the peloton.

Hard work from Tinkoff and Movistar reeled them in a little but it soon became clear the stage winner would come from the breakaway.

Axel Domont (AGR2R La Mondiale), Zdenek Stybar (Etixx - Quick Step) and De Gendt all tried their luck only to be reeled in, but when Calmejane pushed on he was not to be stopped.

Further back the men expected to challenge for the GC had a comfortable day in the peloton, Froome and Quintana rolling home two minutes behind the stage winner with Alberto Contador (Tinkoff) - the Spaniard still trailing by one minute and 52 seconds overall. (Sportsmax)

YELLOW PAGES WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2016 | WWW.GUYANA-TIMES.COM

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SPIRITUALITY

Queen’s Park Oval.

Despite sunshine and blue skies for the four following days, the outfield retained too much water for the pitch to be playable, with West Indies losing the series 2-0.

As a result, India missed out on the 3-0 win needed to retain their place at the top of the International Cricket Council Test rankings, with Pakistan displacing them.

The TTCB and QPCC will probe the circumstances that led to the lack of play, with the aim of avoiding a repeat in the future.

“As hosts, the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) and QPCC regret that limited play was possible in the fourth Test match between WI and India at the Queen’s Park Oval,” a statement from TTCB president Azim Bassarath read.

“We have jointly launched an investigation to determine what occurred with a view to remedying the situation so that this does not occur in the future.

“Once this has been done it will be presented to the WICB [West Indies Cricket Board].”(Sportsmax)

New skipper Brathwaite not worried about Windies T20 egos

Newly appointed West Indies T20 Captain Carlos Brathwaite

“The guys enjoy each other’s company. It’s just a matter for me to go there, do the things that I can do, firstly as a player and then a captain, continue to mould the team that Darren has started to mould, efficiently. The most important thing is getting victories for the West Indies,” he added.

Brathwaite claims support from former captain

Sammy was key in making the proposed transition to the job seem a lot easier.

“He just told me, ‘Congratulations’.

He heard it before I spoke to him, and he just said, ‘Congratulations, it’s a big challenge’. He gave me his blessing and as a senior guy appreciated it, which allowed me to ease into the role.”(Sportsmax)

Contador retains Vuelta optimism

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espite losing nearly two minutes in the opening four stages of the Vuelta a Espana, Alberto Contador believes he is still a GC contender.

Alberto Contador is confident he can claw back his Vuelta a Espana deficit despite sitting nearly two minutes adrift after four stages.

The Tinkoff rider has been fighting an uphill battle in the opening days of the Grand Tour after losing vital time in the team time trial on Saturday.

Contador lost 52 seconds to Team Sky rival Chris Froome on stage one and three days later he is another minute adrift of general classification leader Darwin

Alberto Contador

Atapuma (BMC Racing).

Froome, Nairo Quintana and Alejandro Valverde are within 40 seconds of Atapuma, meaning Contador must find at least a minute on his GC rivals if he is to be in with a chance of winning on September 11.

But the three-time overall champion is confident he can do just that, despite

a less-than perfect preparation for the race.

“Although I felt my form well I wouldn’t say it was perfect,” he told Tinkoff’s official website after stage four.

“However, it is important to recover and keep putting efforts in. The next important day is stage eight with its very demanding finish.

“Our bodies will be more into race mode and we will see then how my legs respond.

“I came to the Vuelta without an optimal preparation because I didn’t have enough time, but I feel confident that in the coming days I will be able to give more.”

(Sportsmax)

22

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2016

Mayor’s Cup moves into Quarter Finals

Lennox Arthur

T

he 22nd edition of the Annual Mayor’s Cup is ready and rearing to excite the crowds when action resumes on Sunday at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) Ground, Bourda, with three thrilling matches as the competition moves into the Quarter Finals.

Ann’s Grove has already made it through to the Semifinals which will be played on Wednesday, August 31,

with six teams vying for the last three spots.

In the first match, beginning at 16:30h, Santos will play Police.

Santos made it to the Quarter Finals after beating Pouderoyen’s team in a 3:2 contest, where Fabian Crawford scored a double to secure a Quarter Final spot.

Police, on the other hand, thrashed Compton FC 3:0.

Keiron Boston was the architect of that victory, scoring two goals.

Western Tigers made light work Den Amstel, charging to a 7:2 win due to Dwayne McLennon and Randolph Wagner scoring two goals each to book a match against Eagles of Linden who had already qualified for the Quarter Finals.

Riddim Squad, having defeated Beavers, will face Federal Winners Connection in the last match of the

night where the winner will go into the semis against the victor of the Santos vs Police match.

The teams will all be battling for the top prize of $700,000 and a trophy, compliments of Aruwai Resort, while the second place finisher will receive $300,000 and the ANSA McAL trophy. Third place will take home $200,000 as well as a trophy made possible by John Fernandes and fourth place will walk away with $100,000 and the Ministry of State’s trophy. Additionally, winners will receive hampers from Ricks and Sari.

The top goal-scorer of the tournament will be the recipient of a three-piece suite compliments of AH&L Kissoon.

This tournament is sponsored by Top Brands, Cummings Electrical, MACORP, Busta, Sterling Products and Bakewell.

Guyana reach semi-finals in team competition at CAREBACO Championships

Jammers show no mercy to GHDC — whip them on their own court

Part of the action at the GHDC Court on Sunday

R

ose Hall Town Jammers had no sympathy on Sunday for newcomers to First Division Basketball, the Guyana Human Development Centre (GHDC), when the two teams met in the A Ally’s and Sons 2016 Basketball tournament.

The Jammers recorded a huge 49-31 win over GHDC, with Joel Glasgow registering a game high of 16 points for the Jammers. He received excellent support from Calvin Bates (12) and Jonathan Parshotam (9).

At the end of the first quarter, the Jammers led 13-8 and when the half time

whistle came it was 25-17 in favour of the visitors.

GHDC were restricted to five points in the third quarter, as the Jammers added twelve.

In a losing cause, David Gomes led the way with 12 points with, Davindra Khedna assisting with ten.

GHDC will next take on New Amsterdam Warriors at the Vryman’s Ervin Basketball Court in New Amsterdam.

Six teams are involved in the competition which is being played on a round-robin home and away basis in two zones.

Zone ‘A’ includes

Smithfield Rockers, Fyrish Black Sharks and Ithaca Hardliners, while Zone ‘B’ comprises of Rose Hall Town Jammers, Guyana Human Development Centre of Corentyne, and New Amsterdam Warriors.

The two top teams in each zone will advance to the knockout round. At stake in the competition is the A. Ally’s and Sons trophy. Cash and other incentives are also up for grabs.

The Tournament is being organised by President of the Berbice Basketball Association, Vibert Garnett.

Action in the competition continues on Sunday.

Sankar aims to stake his claim I

Guyanese badminton players

G

uyanese badminton players, currently in Aruba, continued with their quality performances on tour as they defeated team Aruba on Tuesday to follow up their opening win on Monday against Barbados, as the second leg of the CAREBACO Championships continued at the Centro Deportivo Sports Hall.

Here are the second day results in Guyana’s 5-0 whopping of hosts Aruba; BOYS SINGLES: Narayan Ramdhani defeated Efraim Van Der Linden: 21-7, 21-4 GIRLS SINGLES: Priyanna Ramdhani defeated Thyrza Van Der Linden: 21-10, 21-10 BOYS DOUBLES: Narayan Ramdhani & Jonathan Mangra defeated Tim Hankark and Efraim van Der Linden: 21-3, 21-5

GIRLS DOUBLES: Priyanna Ramdhani and Ambika Ramraj defeated Leyenne Schairer and Thyrza Van Der Linden: 218, 21-15 Mix doubles: Jonathan Mangra and Ambika Ramraj defeated Jai Lalwani and Leyenne Schairer: 21-4, 21-6 Meanwhile the following are the results as Guyana defeated Barbados 3-2 on the first day of the second part of the tournament; BOYS SINGLES: Jonathan Mangra defeated Shae Martin: 21-13, 15-21, 21-19 GIRLS DOUBLES: Ambika Ramraj lost to Amanda Hayood: 6-21, 9-21 BOYS DOUBLES: Narayan Ramdhani and Jonathan Mangra defeated Jehu Gaskin and Keshem Moore: 21-15, 21-10

GIIRLS DOUBLES: Priyanna Ramdhani and Ambika Ramraj defeated Cheyanna Burnett-Griffith: 21-14, 21-6 MIX DOUBLES: Narayan Ramdhani and Priyanna Ramdhani lost to Shae Martin and Amanda Haywood: 16-21, 16-21 Six countries are participating in two Groups. The two winners in each group will then move forward to the main knock out draw.

Guyana is in Group B and will compete against Barbados and Aruba while Group A will see clashes amongst the Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname.

Guyana’s semi-final clash was slated for last night against Suriname who got second place in Group A this evening.

t has been two years since former national youth player, Steven Sankar, has donned national colours and he is optimistic that it would not be too long before he dons it again, this time, for the senior team. His ambition comes in the wake of the Jaguars Franchise League which is scheduled to start on Friday.

The 20 year old leg spinner is planning to use the league to stake his claim for senior duties.

Speaking to the Guyana Times Sport yesterday, Sankar said “I expect the league to be competitive and I will utilise it to my best interest which is to dominate with the ball to stake a claim to be selected to represent Guyana.”

The former Chase Academy student last represented Guyana in 2014 at the under-19 level, where his team created history as they won the Regional double (three day and limited over titles). Since then, he has been labouring to make a breakthrough to the senior set up. “It’s been two years since I’ve represented Guyana and although I’m yet to play at the senior level, I miss donning the national colours and I am willing to execute in the best manner to progress in my career,” said Sankar.

Steven Sankar in delivery mode during a match

The former Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC) player is one of 33 contracted players who have been dispersed to represent one of eight franchises. He will turn out for East Coast alongside Rajendra Chandrika, Paul Wintz and Chanderpaul Hemraj. Speaking about his new team and his stint with the academy so far, Sankar said, “In particular my batting has improved and I continue to work extremely hard on my bowling so to be more effective…. as

it regards playing for East Coast, I don’t think it will take me long to adapt because I would have played with or against most, if not all of these players during my youth career.”

He plans to be among the stand out bowlers in the tournament and in order to do so he said he will mix aggression with patience then await his virtue. He believes his approach will enable him to outsmart batsmen and force them to make errors.

Although he has to compete with the likes of West Indies spinners Devendra Bishoo and Veerasammy Permaul, as well as emerging spinner, Gudakesh Motie-Kanhai for a place in the national team, Sankar is adamant about being able to represent the national team once he excels in the league.

The leg spinner is expected to open his campaign for East Coast against West Demerara on Friday and from as early as his first game he plans to be impactful.

According to Sankar, he has done all that is necessary to be at the summit of his game by the end of this tournament. He has a total of seven games to impress and his journey to the top could manifest once he sticks to his principles.

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2016

23

Mike’s Wellman beat Fisherman XI by 10 wkts Over $8M up ― Parika Defenders, Tropical Springs, Regal Masters register wins for grabs in A President’s Cup ― “Just Call Me Boss” is looking to take back-to-back titles

Collin Elcock

O

ver $8 million up for grabs in President’s Cup A huge turnout is expected when all the big guns in horse racing go neck and neck at the 24th Annual President’s Cup, this Sunday at the Rising Sun Turf Club, Arima Park, West Coast Berbice.

This is the second consecutive year the Rising Sun Turf Club is in collaboration with Friends of Rising Sun and is set to stage the President’s Cup Horse Race meet in honour of the Executive President of Guyana, his Excellency Brigadier David Granger.

The event will also be held as a continuation of Guyana’s 50 Anniversary Golden Jubilee Celebrations.

The top jockeys will be gunning along with 85 horses in eight exciting races which are listed for the day with over $8M in cash and prizes up for grabs.

Mohammed “Nankoo” Shariff

Jumbo Jet will be looking to steal the show with the likes of “Jocking my Style”, “King’s Knight”, “Release the Beast”, “CP got Even” and “Because I say So”, all in their stables.

Chris Jagdeo is also gearing up for the top horse race meet of the year and with the Jamaican horse, “Just Call Me Boss”, representing this team, there is every chance they could emerge winners. Confidence will be high as defending champion, “Just Call Me Boss” is looking to take the back-to-back titles. However, “Princess she’s not”, representing the Sheriff Racing Stables, will be convinced they can

emerge the winner having won the feature event at the Guyana Cup earlier in August.

Dennis DeRoop is also one of the promising stables, having “Scores Even” in his armoury.

Notable contenders for Sunday’s meet include, “Lady Budapest” and “Plum Plum” The A and lower President’s Cup event will once again be the event to see with the top horses once again expected to continue their battle for supremacy over 1400M for an encouraging $1.2M and the President’s Cup. The other races listed for the day are the event for horses classified E and Lower over 1400M for a pole

Chris Jagdeo

position taking of $600,000.

Then there will be the 1400M event for G and lower horses for a winning prize of 400,000 and a trophy.

The winner of the H and lower 1400M event will get $300,000 and a trophy. The two-year-old event is for Guyana Bred horses over 1100M, pocketing winnings of $280,000 and a trophy.

A competitive field is expected to take to the track in the race for horses classified J and lower for the $260,000 top prize over 1100M. Horses running in the J and Lower 1100M event will battle for a top prize of $240,000 and a trophy. The K and lower 1100M event will see the winner taking home $220,000 and a trophy. The final event is for horses classified L and lower with a winner’s money of $180,000 and a trophy, also 1100M. Top jockeys, runner, stable and trainer will be presented with incentives compliments of Banks DIH, Jumbo Jet, Chico Singh, Ramesh Sunich of the Trophy Stall and the organisers. There is every possibility that there will be clear skies this Sunday and spectators will be in their numbers. The race will be run under the rules of the GHRA. Race time is 12:00 hrs.

s action continues in the Wolf’s Softball Challenge Cup, fans were treated to four action packed 20/20 games, two that were hosted at the Gandhi Youth Organisation Ground, Woolford Avenue and two at Malteenoes Sports Club, Thomas lands.

In the first match of the day, Mike’s Wellman XI registered a comprehensive 10 wicket trouncing of Fisherman XI. Fisherman XI batted first and struggled to 134, having been bowled out in the 19th over. Only a half century from Trevor Emmanuel (57) provided any resistance even as Jaggernaught Singh scored 23.

Sheldon Adams was the main destroyer, claiming four scalps for just 23 runs in his four overs. Greg De Franca and Laxman Kallicharan collected two wickets each.

In response, Wellman breezed to the target in 15.2 overs, lead by Ron Ramnaught’s 78 compris-

Raymond Harper

ing of seven sixes and two fours. On the other end, Khemchand Dindyal scored a composed 38.

Manoj Arjune struck 91 in vain as Parika Defenders overcame HS Masters at Gandhi Youth Ground.

HS Masters batted first and blazed a trail to 167 all out in their allotted overs due to Arjune’s 91, comprising of 11 sixes and four boundaries. Rudy Samaroo was the other batsman to reach double figures with 19. Ucil Armstrong was the pick of the bowlers, bagging

3-22 in his four. Devanand Kumar and Ramesh Rambhrose walked away with figures 2-9 and 2-17, respectively.

In reply, Parika Defenders gunned down the target in just 17 overs.

Mahendra Balgobin was the star batsman, steering the innings with 67 not out, inclusive of 5x6 and 5x4. Amit Kumar chipped in with 39.

Ricky Persaud was the only real threat having claimed three wickets for 19 runs.

The games then moved over to the Malteenoes Sports Ground where Regal Masters emerged victorious with a four wicket win over Savage Masters.

Savage Masters were the first team to bat and struggled against the quality bowling of Regal’s Shaheed Mohamed and Raymond Harper, who both took two wickets, as Savage Masters only managed to make 116 for the loss of eight.

Richmond Grant made 22 while V Ramsaywak scored 14. Chasing the small

total, Regal reached 118 in 15.5 overs, losing six wickets.

Harper returned with the bat to clobber 33 and was supported by Lynden Lygth’s 29. Samuel Kingston and Mohamed both chipped in with 19 each. Ronald Singh managed to take 3-20.

In the final match of the day, Tropical Springs squeezed in an eight run win over Superior Woods.

Batting first, Springs posted 152-8 inside their 20 overs as Suresh Ramdin smoked 80. Vishnu Baljit was the other main contributor, striking 19. Mark Fung snatched four wickets for 28 runs, while Dermendra Mohabir claimed 2-8.

Superior Woods, batting second, were bowled out before the 20 over mark, having fallen for 144 in 17.5 overs.

Peter Persaud and Mohamed Rafeek made 39 and 29 respectively.

Buddy Rahaman gathered 4-17 and Ramdin returned to pick up 3-21.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2016

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

New skipper Brathwaite not worried about Windies T20 egos Pg 21

Guyana reach semi-finals in team competition at CAREBACO Championships

Pg 22

Over $8M up for grabs in President’s Cup ―“Just Call Me Boss” is looking to take back-to-back titles Pg 23

Chris Jagdeo will be looking to win the title for the second year running

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