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First Lady explores P13 possible partnerships with Domestic Violence Unit Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 3118

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Wednesday, February 8, 2017

PRICE

Parking meter fiasco

AFC bows to pressure from citizens, PPP

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Hatchet- P2 wielding man shot by cop

Page 12

Severance packages

Protest P9 grows over nonpayment to sugar workers

…calls for project’s suspension, slams M&CC for overreaching authority

Fire guts EBD house

Pedestrian, disabled man die in separate accidents

Page 9

$80 vat included

Pages 2&5

50 years strong

Caricom stands in solidarity with Haiti – Granger P5

Parking meter fiasco

City by-law P14 provisions make no logical sense – TIGI ...regulations absolve city officials of responsibility for damaged vehicles

P11 Bandits terrorise, beat businessman, family

The women’s arm of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), as part of the Women’s Army Corps 50th Anniversary Medal Presentation and Parade, took to the Drill Square, Base Camp Ayanganna in full colour to show the ‘strength of a woman’

Region 3 REO rejects bids contrary to requirements of standard bidding Page 3 documents

Foreign currency circular

Cambio dealers decry Central Bank’s imposed Page regulations 7

Gunmen P5 rob Berbice mechanic PAHO/WHO P17 Director wraps up 4-day visit

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wednesDAY, february 8, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Pedestrian killed in Essequibo accident

A

pedestrian was killed on Monday night after he was run over by a car, which was driven by a 21-year-old man from Johanna Cecelia village, on the Essequibo Coast. The accident occurred on the Adventure Public Road at

around 19:30h.

According to information reaching Guyana Times, the pedestrian, who has been identified as Ashuk Dass, 56, of Adventure village, was last seen imbibing on Monday evening. The driver of motor car, PVV 4390,

was proceeding East around the northern side of the Adventure access road and was about to take a left turn when he allegedly ran over the pedestrian.

After the impact, the man reportedly came out of the vehicle and saw Dass ly-

ing motionless on the road.

He immediately rendered assistance and took him to the Suddie Public Hospital.

However, Dass was pronounced dead on arrival by doctors.

According to eyewitnesses who converged on the

Dead: Ashuk Dass

scene, they saw the man lying on the road and it appeared as though he sustained severe injuries to his face. Villagers also reported that they had seen Dass in the area earlier in the evening, watching a game of cricket.

According to the dead man’s sister, Nirupa Dass,

mortuary where it awaits a post-mortem examination.

Seventeen-year-old Iftikar Ishmael, a mechanic from Lot 36 Vilvoorden, Essequibo Coast, also lost his life in an accident on Sunday, which occurred on the Airy Hall Public Road.

That accident involved a motor lorry, GNN 6695, owned

The car involved in the accident which killed Dass

she last saw her brother on Monday evening. She explained that the man lives alone and that she would usually cook for him. The deceased, a father of one, has been separated from his wife for some time and was said to be in the habit of drinking alcohol and was always roaming the area. His body was taken to the Suddie

and driven by 30-yearold Balwant Mohabeer, a truck driver of Lot 52 Zorg, Essequibo Coast. Mohabeer is presently in Police custody assisting with investigations.

Ishmael was the eldest child for his parents.

His body is also at the Suddie mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination.

Hatchet-wielding man shot by cop

A

man who allegedly attacked a Police Officer on Monday evening at Fair Field Public Road, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was shot.

Shot is Bertrand Robertson, 46, of Rebeccas Rust High Dam, Mahaicony ECD. Reports are at about 23:00h, Assistant Superintendent Ravin Dass was returning to Georgetown from Berbice and due to tiredness, stopped at Fair Field to take a nap.

While sleeping, he reportedly heard a knocking on his window and as such, lowered the window. As he did, the suspect enquired

about his presence there and he explained but the man removed the key from the ignition of his car.

As the Police rank attempted to retrieve his car keys from the man, he was attacked with a hatchet. In retaliation; he whipped out his service revolver and discharged two rounds, hitting his attacker in the left ankle. The injured man was taken to the Mahaicony Hospital where he was treated and sent away.

The Police rank is assisting with the investigation. His weapon, along with two spent shells, as well as the hatchet that were recovered at the scene was lodged.

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wednesDAY, february 8, 2017| guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Wednesday, February 8 – night retraction at 03:00h and a day retraction at 14:30h-16:00h.

Thursday, February 9 – night retraction at 04:00h and a day retraction at 14:30h-16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, February 8 – 14:15h-15:45h and Thursday, February 9 – 15:05h-16:35h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Early morning light cloud cover is expected to give way to light rain showers that are expected to last throughout the day, while clear skies can be expected in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 25 degrees and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-easterly between 5.36 metres and 7.59 metres per second.

High Tide: 02:26h and 14:46h reaching maximum heights of 2.38 metres and 2.46 metres respectively.

Region 3 REO rejects bids contrary to requirements of standard bidding documents

T

he Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara), Dennis Jaikarran, on Tuesday rejected a number of bids at the opening of the tender for medical supplies, when bid submissions were made at the region’s Lot 1-3 Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara (WCD) office for medical equipment.

According to the REO, bids from International Pharmaceutical Agency (IPA), Caribbean Medical Supplies Inc, Western Scientific Co Ltd and NEW GPC INC were all deemed

No.

LOTTERY NUMBERS L

02

06 07

08 09 20

04 Bonus Ball

FREE TICKET

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2017

DAILY MILLIONS 01 06 08 17 20 LUCKY 3 8 1 8 Afternoon Draw

5

2

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Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

02 04

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DISCLAIMER: WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ERRORS IN PUBLICATION. PLEASE CALL THE HOTLINE FOR CONFIRMATION - TEL: 225-8902

No.

IPA owner Lloyd Singh

opening, exclusive of late bids to be returned to the bidder unopened.”

A representative of one of the bidding companies said that only the names of bidders were called at the

Bidder's Information on Tender Opened February 7, 2017 For the Procurement of Medical Equipment Lot 1 Regional Democratic Council, Region 3

Low Tide: 08:17h and 20:51h reaching minimum heights of 0.83 metre and 0.64 metre respectively.

SATURDAY, febrUARY 4, 2017

Bidder's Information on Tender Opened February 7, 2017 For the Procurement of Medical Equipment Lot 2 Regional Democratic Council, Region 3

Name of Bidders

1

Western Scientific Co Ltd (Rejected)

2

New GPC Inc (Rejected)

3

IPA (Rejected)

4

RP Imports

5

Max Construction & General Supplies

6

F & H Computer Supplies & General Merchandise

7

Caribbean Medical Supplies Inc (Rejected)

8

Qualpus Imports

9

Meditron Inc

10

K & P Project Management Co

irresponsive because the respective bidders failure to submit a handwritten bid, utilising the original bid document which was purchased by the bidders.

Guyana Times understands that this is the first time printed bids were rejected. According to Section 13.2 of the RDC Region Three Standard Bidding Documents: Procurement of Medical Equipment 2017, “The bidders’ names, bid prices, including alternatives (if alternatives are permitted), information on the presence or absence of required bid security, or bid securing declaration, information on the presence (absence) of tax debts and debts of social insurance payments, will be announced at the opening. No bid may be rejected at the

opening. There was also no mention of submission of compliances, bid security and total amount tendered.

Guyana Times also noticed that two recently blacklisted companies were allowed to participate in the tender – Western Scientific Co Ltd, recently blacklisted by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) for fraudulent and collusive practices; and Caribbean Medical Supplies Inc,

Name of Bidders

1

Meditron Inc

2

F & H Computer Supplies & General Merchandise

3

Qualpus Imports

4

RP Imports

5

K & P Project Management Company

6

Caribbean Medical Supplies Inc (Rejected)

7

New GPC Inc (Rejected)

8

Western Scientific Co Ltd (Rejected)

Bidder's Information on Tender Opened February 7, 2017 For the Procurement of Medical Equipment Lot 3 Regional Democratic Council, Region 3 No.

Name of Bidders

1

Meditron Inc

2

Max Construction & General Aupplies

3

F & H Computer & General Merchandise

4

Qualpus Imports

5

New GPC Inc (Rejected)

6

Western Scientific Co Ltd (Rejected)

7

Caribbean Medical Supplies Inc (Rejected)

8

Orkon Construction

9

K &P Project Management

10

IPA (Rejected)

It has been long established that bids are rejected due to: (a) lateness, (b) failure to submit valid Certificates of Compliance from NIS/GRA, (c) failure to submit the offer in the specified format. However, never for being submitted in print.

Region 3 REO Dennis Jaikarran

which was blacklisted by the Board of Inquiry set up to probe allegations of mismanagement and malpractices within the procurement process of pharmaceuticals at the Public Health Ministry.

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guyanatimesgy.com

wednesday, February 8, 2017

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

Women, science and media

O

n December 22, 2015, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution to establish an annual International Day to recognise the critical role women and girls play in science and technology communities. In welcoming the efforts of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO); the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN-Women); the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and other relevant organisations that support and promote the access of women and girls and their participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics education, training and research activities at all levels decided to proclaim February 11 of each year the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.

Science and gender equality are both vital for the achievement of the internationally agreed development goals, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Over the past 15 years, the global community has made a lot of effort in inspiring and engaging women and girls in science.

According to the United Nations, women and girls continued to be excluded from participating fully in science. According to a study conducted in 14 countries, the probability for female students of graduating with a Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree and Doctorate degree in science-related fields are 18 per cent, 8 per cent and 2 per cent respectively, while the percentages of male students are 37 per cent, 18 per cent and 6 per cent.

In order to achieve full and equal access to and participation in science for women and girls, and further achieve gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution A/ RES/70/212 (draft A/70/474/Add.2) declaring February 11 as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.

Gender equality has always been a core issue for the United Nations. Gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls will make a crucial contribution not only to economic development of the world, but to progress across all the goals and targets of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as well.

On March 14, 2011, the Commission on the Status of Women adopted a report at its 55th session, with agreed conclusions on access and participation of women and girls in education, training and science and technology, and for the promotion of women’s equal access to full employment and decent work. On December 20, 2013, the General Assembly adopted a resolution on science, technology and innovation for development, in which it recognised that full and equal access to and participation in science, technology and innovation for women and girls of all ages is imperative for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.

The inaugural session of the Commission on Women and Girls in Science and the second commemoration of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science will take place on February 10-11 , 2017 in Malta under the theme “Gender, Science and Sustainable Development: The Impact of Media”.

The objective of the forum is to explore ways in which both common global frameworks and regional, sub-regional, national, and local frameworks promote knowledge about and support for women and girls in science. The two-day Forum, hosted by the Government of Malta at the presidential level, will investigate ways in which all actors can work together to ensure that women and girls in science are perceived with dignity and recognised for their abilities.

It is the belief that scientific communication and strengthening the public understanding of science in general and the role of women in science in particular should be leveraged as a cultural instrument, not only to inform or create a context for dialogue, but also to build higher visibility for the scientific research by women. Society needs to acquire scientific knowledge and attitudes for developing cultural heritage since science and society are intrinsically related, and to present this is the role of the media.

Participants will also examine opportunities and challenges at policy, organisational and individual levels for maximising the contribution of women in science and media for the achievement of the SDGs and the 2030 Development Agenda.

Further, it will present the impact of media in achieving parity in science. Gender equality and women’s empowerment are relevant issues in Guyana; however, the Head of State has affirmed that the promotion of gender equality and women’s empowerment are fundamental to the Administration’s plans for the country’s future.

A group of Afghan girls practise the flowing movements of Wushu, a sport developed from ancient Chinese kung fu martial arts, stretching and bending and slashing the air with bright swords. In a country where women’s sport is severely restricted, the Shaolin Wushu club in a part of Kabul that is home to the capital’s Hazara ethnic community, is a rare exception (Reuters)

An alternative to parking meters

Dear Editor, The City Council of Georgetown should consider a smarter alternative to collect more revenue, than by what is considered by many, as an ill-conceived, burdensome and expensive parking meter venture for a small return, even if all the meters are fully used. The negotiating brains in the City Council should have explored the best possible options for revenue generation, and after careful study, canvassed views of the consuming public, residents and businesses in the city.

This should have been the decision of a duly constitut-

ed full Council meeting, although not the best options.

Here is an option: the City Council should negotiate with Central Government for a subvention to cover the estimated net income from the parking meters. Government can institute a small increase in the price for each gallon of fuel, collected up front from the few distributors for this venture. This small increase in the price for fuel can be extended to the entire country as vehicles use and park in other cities and along public roadways. This can contribute to the subventions for other

municipalities and Regional Councils. This is a more equitable solution. The parking meters should therefore be abandoned along with Smart City Solutions.

The same negotiators of the Council should negotiate the scrapping of this venture.

Abolish motor vehicle licences

It is also proposed that the annual motor vehicle licences be abolished and that the accurate estimate of net revenue from motor vehicle licences be applied by a small increase on each gallon of fuel. This can be collected at source from the few distributors. The control

and regulation concerning motor vehicles will reside in the registration and annual road fitness.

The revenue generation under these proposals will be garnered easily without additional cost of personnel time, materials and administration, and considerable savings in productive time of all drivers and those purchasing these licences.

Let good common sense prevail; bite the bullet, and take the right course of action in the interest of all.

Sincerely, Samuel J Goolsarran

Cunha Canal Rehabilitation Project Dear Editor, Delivering the feature address at the launching of the Cunha Canal Rehabilitation Project (CCRP) on February 4, Agriculture Minister Noel Holder stated that the Cunha Canal, located on the East Bank of Demerara, is intended to serve two purposes. Firstly, to drain farmlands located in the villages of Kuru Kururu, Coverden, Pearl, Sarah Johanna and secondly, to relieve flood waters from the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC) into the Demerara River.

Unfortunately, rehabilitation of the derelict structures listed as the CCRP will

be unable to provide drainage simultaneously for the above-listed villages and the EDWC, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall when the villages’ drainage channels and the EDWC are in flood modes.

The Cunha Canal was designed to operate at high water level to relieving flood water from the EDWC into the Demerara River.

Minister holder was therefore correct when he stated that,” the Cunha Canal is a key element to the operation of the EDWC,” as it is one of many drainage outlets critical for the safe operation of the Conservancy,

preventing floodwater overtopping its dam and damaging adjoining homesteads and farmlands.

The Cunha Canal’s primary purpose is to assist in keeping water levels in the EDWC at pre-determined elevations to maintain assured water supply to users and prevent overtopping of the Conservancy Dam thus threatening its stability. It is inconceivable; therefore that the Cunha Canal can provide gravity drainage for the EDWC and the villages which it encompasses simultaneously when the Conservancy and village drainage channels are all

in flood modes which happen during periods of heavy rainfall. There are reasons to believe also that their bed slopes and levels (canal and channels) have different elevations which will adversely affect gravity water flows in the intended directions.

Given the circumstances, it would be reassuring if Minister Holder could state clearly how the CCRP will make Mr Nauth, Chairman of the NDC drainage ‘pipe’ dream becomes a reality for the residents and farmers of his constituency.

Yours truly, Charles Sohan

Good ole sugar

Dear Editor, In recent times, companies such as Pepsi Cola have begun to add products in the USA that no longer contain corn syrup, but instead are made with good ole sugar. Keeping with consumer

health trends, these products are also sold at a premium to their corn syrup products in the market place. Such supplier contracts are quite lucrative and if pursued could provide the much needed income to combat operational ineffi-

ciencies at the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo).

In addition, the alcohol beverage market continues to be in need of bulk rum which also has an attractive margin at the operating margin line.

This is yet another healthy

market that offers contracts that could easily improve the profitability of GuySuCo via more profitable revenue streams.

Best regards, Jamil Changlee

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wednesDAY, february 8, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Caricom stands in solidarity with Haiti – Granger

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aricom Chairman, President David Granger welcomes the democratic renewal represented by the inauguration of the 58th President of the Republic of Haiti, Jovenel Moise.

The Guyanese Head of State, who just attended the opening of the National Assembly for the constitutional swearing-in ceremony of the new Haitian President, in an interview Tuesday night, said: “The Caribbean is not only a zone of peace from a strategic point of view in terms of the absence of war, but it is also a zone of constitutional stability. There is predictability, and we don’t want to see that there are elements in any member state which disrupt the constitutional process, [or] which use extra-legal means to seize power or delay the holding of elections. There have been delays here, but Haiti has finally come through and I am very happy to be here to put

the stamp of approval on behalf of the entire Caribbean Community on those elections and the duly-elected President Moise.”

The transfer of power ends nearly a year of transitional rule by interim President Jocelerme Privert and follows a political crisis, which was initiated in October 2015 when President Moise won the later annulled first round of voting, which was said to have been plagued with fraud.

In February 2016, Haiti’s Parliament elected interim President Jocelerme Privert, since President Michel Martelly’s five-year term had ended. The elections were finally held in November 2016 after having to be rescheduled from October because of Hurricane Matthew.

The Caricom Chairman said that his presence at the inauguration activities represents the Region’s solidarity with Haiti, noting that the country has faced major ca-

President David Granger and Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge at the inauguration of the 58th President of the Republic of Haiti

tastrophes over the past 15 years, which have resulted in significant loss of life and damage to the country’s infrastructure.

“It is a matter of recognition of the democratic process. President Moise has been elected democratically and it is a matter of support for the people of Haiti generally to let them know that they are not alone in their adversity… and we will con-

tinue to stand by them. So, it is very important for me as President of Guyana and, of course, as Chairman of Caricom that at this moment we should show support and solidarity for Haiti,” he said.

President Granger added that with the development of the economies of the Region appearing on the agenda of the Caricom Heads of Government meeting to be held in Guyana on February

of the lorry. He started to reverse and collided with a pedestrian who was in an almost sitting position on the road,” Persaud explained.

The victim’s father, Ganpat Chunoo, told Guyana Times that it was carelessness on the part of the driver which resulted in the tragic loss of his son. He explained that the driver got into the lorry and did not look to see

whether there was anything behind the vehicle.

“The boy usually go on the road right there; he was right down at the bottom of the road because he was waiting on somebody to bring something to him. The truck pass the boy and then go back and run on him right dah an kill am dead,” the grieving man said. According to the dead man’s sister, Yupatie (only name given), her brother was left lying on the roadway for close to one hour after the accident, and it was only after her intervention that he was taken for medical attention.

She further explained that when she arrived on the scene, the lorry driver was sitting in the cab of the vehicle and upon her request, identified himself as the errant driver. The woman related that her brother was still breathing, and after re-

16-17, the Region was keen to support the economic revival of Haiti.

He said, “The most important thing is to help the revival of the Haitian economy… We feel that Haiti has a very important role to play in producing goods for [the regional] economy and also in attracting investment from other countries… Haiti is a big market and we would like to see Haiti recover from its environmental problems as quickly as possible, because what is good for Haiti is good for the Community.”

The Head of State noted that in addition to natural disasters, Haiti’s economy continues to suffer from the economic effects of its struggle for independence. “Haiti is the first Caribbean country to win its independence. It was a long bit of struggle. I call it the 5000-day war and it was cruelly invaded by the French, by the British and by the Spanish and other mercenary forces and a lot of people

were killed. And the damage done to the Haitian economy was enduring because at that time of the outbreak of the rebellion, it was the single richest country in the entire world. At the end of it, the economy was really very badly damaged,” he said.

President Granger also said that the members of the Anglophone and Francophone Caribbean as well as the Latin American mainland, have all been influenced and inspired by the Haitian struggle for independence, and noted that the country was an important member of Caricom and the Region as a whole.

The inauguration events include a mass followed by a Te Deum by Cardinal Chibly Langlois and a lunch offered by President Moise, in honour of visiting Heads of Delegations.

On Tuesday evening, President Granger also attended a dinner hosted by former interim President Privert.

Disabled man crushed in Berbice accident A man from Bushlot, on the Corentyne, has become the region’s latest road fatality after he was run over by a lorry on Tuesday morning.

Dead is Ganpat Ganpat 38, of lot 298 Bushlot, Corentyne. The man was unable to walk and earned a living by seeking assistance from villagers. According to reports, the man was crushed

to death on the Corentyne Highway when a lorry, belonging to a local beverage company, ran over him.

Divisional Traffic Officer, Superintendent Boodnarine Persaud, who visited the scene discovered that the lorry was reversing at the time of the accident.

“The lorry was parked and he was called upon by the sales person who was out

Gunmen rob Berbice mechanic

T

hree men, two of whom were armed with handguns, on Tuesday morning robbed a Corentyne mechanic of cash and jewellery.

According to reports, about 01:00h, Davindon Reddy was packing up after his daughter’s birthday party when three armed men

entered his yard.

The men all had handkerchiefs tied over their faces, in an attempt to conceal their identity.

They relieved Reddy of one gold chain worth $100,000 and $15,000 in cash.

B Division (Berbice) Commander, Assistant

Correction

G

Kesaundra Alves

uyana Times inadvertently published a photograph of Ms Debra Nurse under the headline, “GPHC Board gets new Chairman” instead of Ms Kesaundra Alves. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this mistake would have caused Ms Nurse and Ms Alves.

Commissioner Ian Amsterdam said the perpetrators then jumped the front fence and made good their escape on foot.

He said the Police were investigating the incident, but, up to press time, have not arrested anyone. Several leads are being followed as the investigations continue.

Dead: Ganpat Ganpat

peated requests, the lorry driver got a car and took him to the Port Mourant Hospital. However, when they arrived at the hospital, he was pronounced dead.

The woman is calling for justice for the death of her

brother and noted that no one from the company has visited the family. Ganpat is the third person in four days to be killed on the roads in Berbice. On Saturday, a Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) employee; Shabana Ali, 29, of Nigg, Corentyne, lost her life after the car she was driving slammed into a utility pole at Palmyra, East Coast Berbice.

According to Divisional Traffic Officer, the woman might have been speeding in an attempt to get the Berbice River Bridge before it closed to vehicular traffic.On Monday, Ivan Preme, 60, of H&J Albion Front, Corentyne, was killed when a car ran into the bicycle he was riding. The driver, Jeff Roberts, claims that he was stung by an insect and lost control of the vehicle.

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Page

Foundation – learning from your mistakes combined with self-compassion is a winning formula

By Christopher Bergland

Hopefully, this recent research will galvanise colleges and universities to create various workshops and campaigns that promote self-compassion and teach students to embrace the underestimated benefits of failure.

Learning from mistakes and growth mindset go hand in hand

The latest MSU research from Jason Moser’s Clinical Psychophysiology Lab on the benefits of a growth mindset and the importance of being open to learning from one’s mistakes measured young participants’ brain waves as they learned. This study was led by Hans Schroder, who is a fifth-year doctoral stu-

guyanatimesgy.com

dent in MSU’s Department of Psychology.

For this study, Schroder and colleagues started by assessing 123 children with an average age of seven to establish two cohorts: One group was tagged as having a growth mindset, the other with a fixed mindset.

Then, the researchers monitored participant’s brain

waves using an EEG as the children played a fast-moving accuracy computer game (de-

signed to prompt mistakes) while their brain wave activity was recorded.

Within half-of-a-second of making a mistake, brain activity spiked to varying degrees as each player tried to pinpoint exactly what had gone wrong. The more pronounced the brain response,

the more the person was focused on trying to figure out his or her mistake.

As would be expected, children with growth mindsets were more likely to have robust brain responses after making a mistake than their fixed mindset counterparts. They were also more likely to improve on the accuracy tasks the longer they played the game.

In a statement to MSU, Schroder said,”The main implication here is that we should pay close attention to our mistakes and use them as opportunities to learn.”

In many ways, the MSU researcher’s 2017

[Continued]

brain wave findings reaffirm Haimovitz and Dweck’s 2016 findings from their benefits of failure study.

Schroder et al encourage teachers and parents to help children learn to pay more attention to their mistakes in a way that opens up growth mindset opportunities. Glossing over mistakes or shying away from a constructive dialogue about the importance of short-term failure as a pathway to long-term success can undermine someone’s potential growth.

N i k k i Giovanni (born 1943), world-renowned African-American writer, poet, and social commentator, once said: “I really don’t think life is about the I-could-havebeens. Life is only about the I-tried-to-do. I don’t mind the failure, but I can’t imagine that I’d forgive myself if I didn’t try.”

Hopefully, the empirical and anecdotal evidence presented herein will inspire anyone reading this to increase your own growth mindset (and that of your children, if you’re a parent) along with nourishing your self-compassion and embracing all the silver-linings of failure at every stage of life – as you push against your limits day in and day out. (Excerpt from psychologytoday.com)

The fabled key to success

E

very time great results are released, the first thing that you see is scores of articles in which the students are questioned about how they achieved their success. And yet, every time that I have been interviewed in such a way, I have tried my best to impress what has worked for me might not work for someone else. However, this is overshadowed by the multitude of student Ashley Anthony responses that preach diligence, hard work and long nights.

People are eager to lap these up, and push them on their children. “If this girl said she studied four hours every night, why are you only doing two? Don’t you want to do well?” Whilst well-intentioned, the outcome might not be what is expected. There is no one recipe for success. You cannot add three hours of studying, two hours of working past papers and an hour of prayer, to cook up a scholar. We are all individuals. Some of us might need extra classes for a few subjects, others might need to study more for science subjects versus art subjects and for some, they might genuinely grasp concepts faster than their counterparts, and need not do excessive revision.

Success comes from figuring out what is right for you. It is up to the individual to determine what is his/her balance.

Which subjects does he/she need to focus on more? Is having a rigid schedule more productive than a flexible one?

Whilst it is great to listen to the stories of those who have done excellently to get some of their personal tips, it doesn’t mean for you to be successful that you have to follow exactly as they have done.

If it’s your first time writing a major exam, you may feel pressured by teachers and parents. Be sure not to let that pressure overwhelm you. Know yourself, and know how much you need to learn to be prepared to write the exam, and figure out how you’re going to learn it before the exam date. It’s easy to let others get into your mind and plant doubts about your capabilities, but you have to hold strong.

Consider their advice and if necessary, apply it appropriately to your life, but don’t let others mandate how you must study. At the end of the day, you’re the one with the paper in front of you, not your friend, your teacher, or your parents.

And finally, it should go without saying, ensure that you take care of yourself. Do not put studying over your physical and mental health. Be sure to get a reasonable amount of sleep, and eat regularly so that your body can function to the best of its abilities.

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wednesDAY, february 8, 2017| guyanatimesgy.com

Foreign currency circular

Cambio dealers decry Central Bank’s imposed regulations

C

ambio dealers across the country are up in arms over Government’s strict regulations on their prices for trade, especially since there is legislation which grants them the freedom to determine their own rates.

Government, through the Central Bank, issued a circular to cambios and the local banking sector informing them of the regulated rates for foreign currency trade.

According to the circular seen by Guyana Times, nonbank cambios must reduce the spread between the buying and selling rates on foreign currency transactions to

an effort to “improve the efficiency, depth and liquidity of the foreign exchange market.”

The Bank of Guyana outlined that this measure is in accordance with Section 7 of the Dealers in Foreign Currency (Licencing) Act. The relevant section states that “The conditions of a licence referred to in subsection (1) may include a condition as to the furnishing of security by the licensee, the amount and forfeiture thereof and the power of the Minister to vary the amount of the security from time to time.” But a few prominent cambio dealers who spoke to this newspaper contended that they have the right to set

dance to Section 7 cannot interfere with the cambio dealers’ legal entitlement under Section 9.

He contended that the only body with the power to adjust that entitlement is the Parliament of Guyana.

“Central Bank is not above the law. Therefore, though the Central Bank has a regulatory role to play, it is enjoined to do so in accordance with law. It cannot purport to regulate by violating the law of the land.

In so far as it does so, it would be acting unlawful,” the former Attorney General asserted.

section, “The price at which a licensee may buy or sell any foreign currency shall be determined by the licensee and shall be displayed at a prominent place on the licenced premises.”

Major losses

Several of the cambio dealers already predict major losses with the new regulations imposed by Central Bank.

One of them explained that it is unfair to restrict the trade of currency – a commodity which usually depends on world market prices.

“It’s all about demand and supply. I don’t think they (Government) understand the

Bank of Guyana Governor, Dr Gobind Ganga

cy is bought for G$150 today and then tomorrow the selling price drops to G$140 on the world market, then by forcing cambios to sell the currency at the highest $143 would be detrimental to their business.

They were also concerned about the duration of this imposition and how badly it will affect their earnings in the long-term.

The law

In an invited comment, legal practitioner Anil Nandlall explained that any changes in the licence condition in accor-

The circular dispatched by the Bank of Guyana

no more than G$3.

This means if a cambio dealer purchases currency at G$210, then the dealer cannot sell it for more than G$213.

The Bank of Guyana, in the circular signed by Governor, Dr Gobind Ganga, said this requirement must be applied in

their own prices and this right is protected by the law.

Indeed, Section 9 of the Act confers upon those who are licenced to carry out the business of buying and selling foreign currency to determine their own prices.

According to the relevant

trade.”

Another dealer said that by imposing such a limit on the prices, cambio dealers stand to suffer significant loses when the world market prices fluctuate.

The dealer explained that if a particular foreign curren-

Condemnation

Former President and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo already condemned in the strongest possible terms this new foreign currency policy being implemented by the Government through the Bank of Guyana.

According to Jagdeo, such a move is “absolute madness” and will only hasten the decline of the economy.

The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) also took a swing at the Government over this move, noting that the People’s National Congress (PNC) Government in the past had

embarked upon this route before and the outcomes were devastating.

An influential Private Sector operator also told Guyana Times that such a move would drive a lot of business underground, as already being unfolded in the mining sector with the new taxation measures.

Government has also received scathing criticisms from the Private Sector Commission (PSC) when it initially announced such an intervention.

The PSC also reminded that Guyana had gone down this path before with disastrous consequences to the economy. Minister of State Joseph Harmon, during a post-Cabinet press briefing, announced that the Bank of Guyana, as the regulatory body for banks and non-bank cambios, was instructed to respond with stricter regulations and closer monitoring of the foreign exchange market – following reports of foreign exchange, as well as foreign currency hoarding.

Dr Ganga, in another section of the media, explained that the announced measure aims to deter investors taking advantage of the market and monopolising the trade.

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wednesDAY, february 8, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Hipsters…

O

…and traditionalists ne wonders if Clement Rohee understood the irony of transmuting the Stabber’s use of the word “hip” to “hipster” to describe the unnamed PPP leader – who evidently didn’t agree with his (Rohee’s) description of the protesters to the parking meters in Georgetown – as “middle class”. In his letter taking them on, we’re sure he didn’t intend to big-up SN’s compliment! But what he also inadvertently let slip was how out of touch he is with today’s jargon – as much the ideological shifts in the modern world that SN identified.

But your Eyewitness notes how quickly the Stabber veered from a discussion of ideological protestations to the concrete instance of the “meter protest”. The latter is safer, but how long can they avoid ideology? The PPP’s already began the process internally through a debate in the letters’ pages between two members of the Central Committee – Hydar and irfaan Ali. Rohee aligns himself with Hydar Ali and professes that Marxism’s alive and well – if not kicking! – in the PPP. Where, if he’s to be believed, a thousand flowers are blooming!

But he should know among flowers, not all are appropriate for every occasion. A rose sends its own message, after all. The question he should address is of what relevance is Marxism today in Guyana? How relevant is its message? In the rest of the world, the question has been pitched at an even higher level of generality – of what relevance is the “left” – much less its extreme Marxist wing.

What history has demonstrated in a resounding voice is not all who cry, “the poor! the poor” will get the support of the poor. Can’t blame them. They’ve seen every other group but them inheriting the earth a hundred years after the promise of the October Revolution.

Right here in Guyana, if Rohee is to be taken at his word, the Marxists “dominated the leadership of the PPP” for the longest while. But were they able to take the poor to the Promised Land under the banner of “class interests”?

“The Big Question is why”? Rohee rather approvingly cited one of Henry Jeffrey’s old rejections of the “one love”, “unity government” spiel that’s been offered as one way out of our political mess. But shouldn’t he have proposed his alternative? The coalition Government, after all, claims they’ve achieved “racial unity” after the Afro-dominated APNU picked up Moses Nagamootoo’s 11 per cent Indians.

Is this Rohee’s vision also? He mentioned the archMarxist Jagan’s proposal for a unity government – but in addition to panning Jeffrey’s critique, maybe – as a selfprocessed Marxist – he could answer the question Burnham posed to Jagan on racial interests.

“What is the class content of race?” And if not race or class, what then?

…and irony The Public Security Minister really must answer why the Police Force hasn’t been able to nab the “Cultural Advisor to the Ministry of Education” who threatened to burn down the Sanata Complex. Which houses – as the Advisor took pains to point out – the Guyana Times, the Evening News and RGI. In any other jurisdiction, the Minister would’ve defended his charges being made out to be bungling buffoons, who’re incapable of locating “a big man in a small room”! But this is Guyana, and for some it’s “one for the money”! Your Eyewitness understands the fellow’s defence – when the Police do catch up with him – is he was being “ironic”!

Being a composer of doggerel (according to one eminent critic), maybe the fella can explain what kind of irony – situational, dramatic or verbal – covers his explicit “go break down all the parking meters and then proceed to torch the Sanata complex.”

Isn’t this “slow fyaah; mo fyaah” redux!!

…in retirement The original Guyanese hipsters were fellas who might’ve been middle class but were “hip” to sounds like jazz and the boogie-woogie – when it was new.

Clive Thomas?!

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

news

Fire guts EBD house A

n early Tuesday morning fire has completely razed a Craig, East Bank Demerara (EBD) home, leaving two persons homeless.

The fire reportedly started at the Lot 436 Craig house about 08:30h; no one was at home at the time.

The owner of the house, Damien Bailey, works in the interior, while the lone occupant was already at

Pierre had rented a room in the house. Speaking with this publication, Pierre noted that he normally left for work about 02:00h and Tuesday morning was no different.

He explained that he worked at the Meadow Bank Wharf as a fish vendor and about 09:00h, after he was done selling, he received a phone call informing him that the house was

The house moments after it was engulfed in flames

work when the fire started. Reports are smoke was seen billowing from the wooden structure and within minutes, the entire building was engulfed in flames.

By the time the firefighters arrived, the house was already gutted.

Persons in the area noted that owing to the intensity of the heat, those who rushed to assist retreated and as such, no household items were salvaged.

Hours after the blaze, the occupant, Clement Pierre was still in disarray, claiming that he has lost a lot in the blaze. Guyana Times understands that

on fire. He hurried home, but by this time, the house was already burnt down to the ground. A devastated Pierre said that when he leaves in the morning, he would usually drink a glass of juice and eat a slice of bread. “I don’t cook so there is no need to put on the stove… I either eat at meh family or in town,” he reiterated.

He also noted that before the owner of the house went into the interior he had the electricity supply disconnected.

“We can’t say that it was electric because I couldn’t even watch lil TV when I

home because it ain’t got current… I don’t know what start the fire,” he noted.

He said that he was now depending on his children and other relatives to provide him with shelter, clothing and food.

Meanwhile, a neighbour who lives in an apartment building in close proximity, explained that the three water tanks at the back of the building were destroyed.

He noted that he was not at home at the time of the blaze, and when he arrived at the scene, firefighters had already extinguished the flames. He added that the owner of the house had been living in that area for quite some time.

“At this time, we cannot contact him because where he is in the interior, there is no telephone signal… I am sure he will be devastated whenever he receives the news of the fire,” the young man stated.

Severance packages

Protest grows over nonpayment to sugar workers

The protest outside the Wales Estate grew on Tuesday as workers continue to demand their severance payments Clement Pierre

Fire!” and as she looked out, she saw the wooden house in flames. In a trembling voice, she noted that she got confused and immediately wondered if Pierre was caught in the fire.

She calmed down after persons confirmed that he was on his way home.

Officials of the Guyana Fire

The house after the fire

Meanwhile, a woman who lives across the road noted that she was in her home when her grandchildren started to scream “Fire!

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Service have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the blaze.

S

ugar workers attached to the Wales Estate, West Bank Demerara, again took to the streets to vent their displeasure against the Guyana Sugar Corporation’s (GuySuCo) nonpayment of severance packages on Tuesday.

A large number of sugar workers gathered just after 07:00h Tuesday morning in front of the Wales Sugar Estate and reiterated that their payments were due since December.

The workers highlighted that they need money to take care of their families and further noted that the Sugar Corporation has not favourably responded to their pleas.

“Dem a lie to workers; we need we severance pay long enough now,” a worker expressed.

“GuySuCo [hasn’t] told us anything about we severance pay onto now and the Estate Manager said we ah protest and he [won’t] talk to anybody,” worker, Rahem

Seepersaud noted.

Following calls for more representation, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) stated that it was “puzzled by media reports” which stated that GuySuCo said 650 workers from the Wales Estate would take up employment at Uitvlugt Estate.

GAWU’s Grievance Officer, Satesh Rajpat, who joined the picket line on Tuesday, explained that the Union never agreed to any such proposal.

“It just something they’re peddling, its false information,” Rajpat noted.

Responding to the rice diversification project, the workers claimed that no rice was planted and stressed that the only thing was done was ploughing.

The rice project was announced after Government had confirmed the end of sugar operations at Wales Estate, citing costs as the main factor for closure.

TURN TO PAGE 11

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wednesDAY, February 8, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Student slapped with ammo possession charge

A

20-year-old man from Riverstown, on the Essequibo Coast, was on Tuesday released on $400,000 bail after he appeared before Magistrate Leron Daly to answer to a charge of illegal ammunition possession.

During a Police raid on February 4, 2017, Inshan Alli, a student of the Essequibo Technical Institute, was found with a .32 round of ammunition, without being the holder of a firearm licence, at his Lot 25 Riverstown residence.

Defence Attorney Jerome Khan told the court that the said ammunition was found on the premises when Police officials invaded his home. However, he argued that the raid was motivated by a Police

Inshan Alli

report made by the former brother-in-law of the accused who had ended a relationship with Alli’s sister on bitter terms and had vowed to get even with the family.

The in-law had reportedly made a report to the United States Embassy in Guyana stating that the

family, all of whom are Muslims and holders of business visas, were involved in terrorist activities.

The man’s Attorney further posited that there are three homes in the said lot, with 13 occupants and anyone could have had access to his client’s bedroom,

where the ammunition was found. The ammunition, he stated, belonged to Kumar Bacchus, a family member who died five years ago.

He concluded by stating that the matter was initiated by the former in-law, who has a “vendetta” with the family of the accused over a broken relationship.

Khan successfully made a bail application, which was granted in the sum of $500,000, but subsequently reduced to $400,000 upon the Attorney’s request.

Alli will return to court on Monday, February 13, when the matter will be transferred to the Essequibo. In addition, the accused is required to report to the Suddie Police Station every Monday.

Tucville shooting

Businessman to stand trial in High Court T

he preliminary inquiry into the murder of Colin Ferreira came to an end on Tuesday, when Magistrate Dylan Bess ruled that a prima facie case has been made against murder accused, Robert Benn.

The accused, who is a businessman and a licensed firearm holder, allegedly shot and killed 24-year-old Colin Ferreira, and injured his girlfriend after Perreira drove his vehicle onto Benn’s bridge,

Robert Benn

on August 24, 2016, at Perry Street, Tucville,

Georgetown.

The man made his first court appearance on August 29, 2016 and was remanded to prison by Magistrate Leron Daly.

Magistrate Dylan Bess told the court on Tuesday that there had been no difficulty in identifying the accused as the person who committed the offence, and the court was satisfied to this end by the testimonies of several eyewitnesses.

He further explained that the post-mortem

results and testimony by Pathologist, Dr Bridgemohan revealed that Ferreira died as a result of the injuries inflicted by the defendant.

The prosecution has since built a strong case against the accused. The Magistrate told the court that the evidence of the 16 witnesses who testified, was clear and coherent and not discredited by cross examination.

The accused was given the opportunity to address

Bun Dem S

atiricus was fuming even though there was more foam than fumes emanating from his nostrils. He was literally foaming at the mouth and nose as he fumed. It could’ve been since he’d just taken a swig of his beer at the Back Street Bar, just as his buddy Bungi mocked the performance of Rum Jhaat, he’d choked in righteous indignation.

“Listen Bungi, I’ve just about had it with you,” Satiricus finally spat out. “What do you have against Rum Jhaat to suggest he’s a ‘waste’?”

“Well, since ‘e tu’n Ministah, crime gaan up or dung?” asked Bungi, not backing down.

“Did you listen to what the man said?” replied Satiricus impatiently. “Up or down’ depends on how you look at the graph.”

“Suh Rum Jhaat does look a’ de graph w’en ‘e stan’ pan ‘e head?” demanded Bungi.

“OK! OK! Fellas. Cool down,” advised Hari. “Is what got you going this time Bungi?”

“Well, yuh know dis maan tell people fuh bun dong de Times papah?” started Bungi, as Hari nodded. “But Rum Jhaat Police still cyaan jetch de maan even ‘dough de man next door!”

“But the fella was only making joke, Bungi,” protested Satiricus.

“Sato, yuh know dat all skin teet’ na joke,” replied Bungi. “Daa how dem bun me uncle store in town aftah de Big Man seh ‘slow fyaah; mo fyaah’!”

“Bungi got a point, you know Sato,” said Hari. “This is Guyana. Why Rum Jhaat can’t at least tell the Police to question the fella about incitement?”

“You chaps don’t understand the law like Rum Jhaat does, that’s the problem,” said Satiricus flatly. “This is a case of free speech.”

“Really?” asked Bungi scoffingly. “Suh when de Police guh question de man?”

“When he or somebody else burn down the paper,” said Satiricus.

the court; however the man said he reserved his defence for the High Court and did not wish to present witnesses.

The businessman will proceed to trial at the Georgetown High Court in April.

news

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Bandits terrorise, beat businessman, family

A

63-year-old businessman was severely beaten and is now hospitalised after several armed bandits invaded his Bagotstown, East Bank Demerara home on Monday evening.

The businessman, Rabindranauth Gossai, owner of the 70-year-old R Gossai and Sons General Store, was gun-butted several times and beaten while his wife, son and grandson looked on helplessly.

His son’s arms were bound while his wife and grandson were held at gunpoint.

While three of the bandits held the family hostage, the others ransacked the house during which they found money, jewellery and other items. As they were

leaving, they collected several bottles of high-end rum and a quantity of groceries.

Based on reports received, at about 20:00h, eight masked men who were armed with guns scaled the fence to Gossai’s property, and hid in the businessman’s yard for some time before they executed their plan.

When Guyana Times visited the house on Tuesday morning, the man’s son, Joey Gossai, explained that after they closed the shop they would remain in the house until he is ready to go home.

He noted at about 20:00h, he opened one of the doors to the lower flat of the house, and as he made his way to the car, he was

confronted by the men who emerged from the backyard.

Without any time to react, he was held at gunpoint and one of the bandits bound his hands.

He recalled that within seconds, the men made their way into the house where they held his parents and four-year-old son at gunpoint. “When they took me in the house, I saw my father was bleeding profusely but there was nothing I could have done… they put all of us to lay face down on the ground and even threatened to kill my son if we didn’t cooperate,” the man stated.

The young man noted that after they were held hostage, several of the men tumbled every corner of the

Protest grows over...

FROM PAGE 9

The workers told Guyana Times that they are prepared to go the distance to ensure that their severance is paid.

Their contention is that they cannot be compelled to travel beyond 10 miles to their place work, and as such, prefer their severance payments, in keeping with the relevant labour laws.

“We’re gonna ask our fellow sugar workers in the other estates to support us in this struggle because what happened to us, they could do the same thing. It’s an embarrassing thing to all Guyanese, we need to stop this nonsense and speak truth,” worker Hassan Ali explained.

On Monday several irate sugar workers protested the

non-payment of the severance packages. They had explained that management at Wales Estate encouraged them to take up employment at Uitvlugt, premised on claims that GAWU agreed to such a measure. The Union later denied these claims, noting that no definitive discussions and conclusions were reached at the GAWUGuySuCo engagement last week Wednesday.

GAWU had further noted that the Corporation had informed the Union’s delegation that it was seeking to have some 420 workers – cane cutters and the workers engaged in transporting the canes from the fields to the factory – take up work at Uitvlugt Estate to augment

that Estate’s labour pool. The Union then explained that the shop stewards had “advised” the Corporation’s representatives at the meeting that they and their fellow workers were seeking to be paid severance as cane production was discontinued at the Wales Estate.

It is expected that between today and tomorrow, some 420 workers will be involved in engagements on the Corporation’s proposals.

In early 2016, Guyana Times broke the news of Government’s intention to close the Wales factory. It was later disclosed that rice will be planted as part of the diversification plans but it remains unclear when the first rice crop will be reaped.

The R.Gossai and Sons General Store

house, including the shop.

They escaped with the sales for the day, an undisclosed sum of cash from the money transfer section, several bottles of rum and groceries,” the young Gossai stated. He could not estimate the total value of the items taken, however, as checks were, made more valuables were discovered missing.

He also noted that the bandits removed the DVR for the cameras; hence there is no surveillance footage of the robbery.

He noted that after the ordeal which last for some 25-30 minutes, the bandits escaped on foot. After the men left, the young man managed to untie himself and called the Police but his

priority was to take his father to the hospital since he was still bleeding.

The young Gossai is however thankful that the gunmen did not go berserk and open fire. The Police have since visited the scene and dusted the area for fingerprints. No arrests have so far been made.

12news

wednesDAY, february 8, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Parking meter fiasco

AFC bows to pressure from citizens, PPP

… calls for project’s suspension, slams M&CC for overreaching authority

D

espite refusing to support the parliamentary Opposition when it brought a motion to debate the contentious Parking Meter Project in the National Assembly, the Alliance For Change (AFC) arm of the coalition Government has now bowed to pressure and has come out criticising the initiative.

In a statement to the media on Tuesday, the AFC expressed concerns over the Georgetown Municipality overreaching its authority on a number of matters, including taxation arrangements, traffic arrangements and road ownership.

The political party argued that the current arrangements of the parking meter project do not appear to be in the best interest of the public and therefore called on the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) to suspend its implementation.

AFC Leader Raphael Trotman

The AFC said the suspension period should be used by the authorities to reconsider the pertinent aspects of the Finance Ministry’s review of the project and seek a second independent review of its contract with Smart City Solutions Inc (SCSI).

“The AFC is of the view

that the current arrangements do not appear to be in the best interest of the people of the city. The party therefore registers its serious concern with regard to the handling of this project from its inception to its current stage, but specifically in terms of the lack of sufficient prior public consultation; the absence of transparency and of a competitive bidding process; the seeming lack of proper planning with regard to exemptions and the pricing and penalty structures,” the party expressed in its statement.

Further, the AFC said it views “with alarm” this development, as there appears to be an apparent “exclusivity and monopolisation of paid metered parking in the city”.

In spite of these assertions, the AFC contended that it is “neither supportive nor against” the implementation of paid parking in Georgetown.

curement involved, terms and conditions of the contract, and the overall lack of consultancy with stakeholders.

Ali, who had tabled the motion, contended that the AFC cannot claim to be an innocent party, nor can it divorce itself from the collective decision by its Government when the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) aligned Communities

ity of Councillors on the City Council,” the politician argued.

Ali also rapped the AFC for making this issue a political football, highlighting that the execution of this project has had devastating impacts on the business community and the pockets of the people.

He also noted that notwithstanding the many appeals from the public and the

PPP/C MP Irfaan Ali

The party also said it recognises the autonomy of the M&CC as the duly elected representatives of the Georgetown Municipality to regularise parking and to raise revenue.

Motion

In an invited comment, People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Member of Parliament (MP) Irfaan Ali told Guyana Times that he called out the AFC over its hypocrisy as it did not support the parking meter motion which was tabled in the National Assembly.

The motion had called for a debate on the transparency of the project, method of pro-

A parking meter in Georgetown

Minister Ronald Bulkan signed the By-laws for the project to be implemented.

“The Government, of which the AFC is a part, has the ability and power to suspend the project as the very Government has the major-

parliamentary Opposition for an urgent intervention, the Government, of which the AFC is a part, never budged in allowing a constructive re-evaluation of the “glaringly biased and detrimental” project. TURN TO PAGE 15

news

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wednesDAY, February 8, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

First Lady explores possible partnerships with Domestic Violence Unit

F

irst Lady Sandra Granger met with Head of the Domestic Violence Unit (DVU), Akilah Dorris, of the Social Protection Ministry, to discuss possible areas of collaboration on issues that affect the most vulnerable sections of society.

During the meeting, which was held at the Office of the First Lady at State House, the women discussed high incidence of domestic and sexual violence afflicting society, the importance of women’s empowerment and other issues.

“Domestic violence has a bearing on women’s health and well-being, physical and mental,” the First Lady said at the meeting.

The Domestic Violence Unit was established in October 2016 with the view of reducing the high incidence of sexual and domestic violence in Guyana.

Last year, 12 Police stations across the country were identified that will be upgraded to handle domestic violence complaints in a more sensitive and secure manner.

According to the Government Information Agency (GINA), Dorris at the meeting pointed out that the DVU is working closely with these Police stations in this endeavour. She also revealed that her office is engaging several organi-

First Lady Sandra Granger and Head of the Domestic Violence Unit, Akilah Dorris following the meeting at State House on Tuesday

sations, including Ministries and non-governmental organisations in an effort to bring greater awareness about domestic violence.

“Women don’t really come forward because they have nowhere else to go, so this year we’ve developed a temporary assistance programme for domestic violence survivors, where we provide temporary accommodation for victims up to about six months until we can get them reintegrated,” Dorris said. On this point, the First Lady said that it is important for women to become empowered. While women are adaptable, she said, “We have to start thinking [about] how we harness [what we have].

Women tend to embrace change; my main focus is get-

ting women empowered in their own little communities”.

The First Lady also said that she is becoming increasingly concerned about reports of children being trafficked by their families.

“I think we need to really focus on [these issues] because it is disturbing to me, [especially] in our hinterland areas where we have young girls who are trafficked…

What sense of [worth] will these children have? It’s very difficult for them to come back into the mainstream life,” the First Lady said.

She noted that the social problems plaguing Guyana all overlap at some point and that there is the need for a holistic approach to deal with each issue.

Linden municipality fears losing CIIP programme T

here are reports that the Community Infrastructure Improvement Project (CIIP) may soon be removed from under the management of municipalities across the country. According to Linden Mayor Carwyn Holland, he has made representation on behalf of the Linden Mayor and Town Council (LM&TC), for the programme to remain.

Holland explained that the issue came up for discussion during a meeting of Mayors and Town Clerks, where it was revealed that there have been countrywide concerns in relation to the CIIP programme.

The Mayor explained that he was not in possession of all the information and therefore was unable to report fully on the issue.

"I don't want to report fully, but I understand the CIIP will be taken from under the municipality...

I don't have the full information... I think it was a

Linden Mayor Carwyn Holland

decision of the Ministry (of Communities), due to constant problems over time.

That they had a meeting some time and the final decision, I heard it was made.

I'm not sure, I don't have the facts, it wasn't indicated to me by writing but this just came from a senior official," Mayor Holland said.

Holland further explained that while there has been ongoing debate

about the CIIP, he has advocated for the Linden CIIP programme to be used as a model for other municipalities.

"A lot of the other municipalities are having serious problems with their CIIP programme and I did represent. I said we don't have this problem to this magnitude in Linden. In fact, I said clearly at that meeting of the municipal leaders that Linden is setting a trend and we have a model that they can gain from in trying to keep the programme," Holland continued.

The implementation of CIIP programme, which commenced in several regions across the country in 2014, has resulted in the improvement of numerous communities, including the creation of employment.

Issues raised under the CIIP in Linden include late payments to workers, lack of equipment, termination of contracts and rehiring of fewer workers.

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wednesDAY, february 8, 2017

News

Parking meter fiasco

City by-law provisions make no logical sense – TIGI

... regulations absolve city officials of responsibility for damaged vehicles

V

ehicle owners, whose vehicles are towed and impounded, will not be compensated for any damages to their vehicles during the process. This is among the several daunting provisions in the City By-laws which was recently assented to by Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan.

Having reviewed the Bylaws, Transparency Institute of Guyana Inc (TIGI) President, Dr Troy Thomas on Tuesday came out swinging at the City Council and Minister Bulkan, noting that it makes no logical sense that these laws delegate power to the City Constabulary that absolves them of any responsibility or liability for the property of citizens.

Speaking with Guyana Times, Dr Thomas said if the Constabulary is going to tow a

person’s vehicle, they must be held liable for damages that occur in the process.

“It doesn’t make logical sense to give yourself the power to move people’s property while at the same time absolving you of any responsibility for its damaged,” he said. “You’re basically saying that the person’s property is at your mercy and it can be returned in any condition, and the person can do nothing about it. They have to take some responsibility for it. It doesn’t make sense to me.”

Dr Thomas said that from the onset, TIGI had identified that there were several issues with the way the project was handled, which demonstrated poor governance.

“You disregarded the people with everything that was said, all the letters that were written, the editorials, the

been put in charge of citizens’ affairs. It should send a strong message to those in charge that you cannot treat the people in this way.”

By-laws

Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan

TIGI President, Dr Troy Thomas

written statements people have been making. The parking meter project was not conceptualised and executed in the interest of the people.”

“And whenever that happens, if it’s a democratic society, it’s correct that there are

consequences. So I personally welcome the action that the people have taken to have their voices heard, just on the principle that the people were disregarded in the process.”

According to Thomas, the system in place seemed to be beyond what citizens can afford. He pointed to the fees for parking itself and the penalties. Thomas noted that from a TIGI standpoint, if the people were dissatisfied with the way their affairs are managed then they were entitled to use the democratic process to have their voices heard.

He added that “it’s the citizens who have the power and not the politicians who have

Guarding against liability or prosecution, Section 23 of the City By-laws exempts City Constables, parking wardens and the City Council itself from any liability, civil or criminal, for any damages "in respect of any action, proceeding or demand whatsoever whether for the recovery of any alleged damage to such vehicle or otherwise in respect of removal thereof."

The City By-laws also go on to mandate that "when a City Constable or parking warden has reason to believe that a person has contravened any prohibition or restriction imposed by the Act, the City Constable or parking warden may give the person a notice under this By-law in respect of the offence."

But it also caters for those who may be tempted to withhold information. Under Part VII, Offences and Penalties, it is an offence attracting a fine of $50,000 to refuse to provide one’s name and address or to give a false one, if asked to do so by a parking warden or

City Constable for the notice to be provided.

The Act also stipulates that owners of vehicles deemed to be illegally parked are liable for any fees incurred from immobilisation, removal, towing, improvement, and storage.

In cases where someone is convicted of removing or attempting to remove the clamp without authorisation, they will be slapped with a $100,000 fine and imprisonment of not more than three months. Section 57 stipulates that if a vehicle is unclaimed or if the owner of the vehicle cannot settle any outstanding fees, the vehicle can be auctioned off by City Hall.

City Hall is mandated to publish a notice of this auction 14 days beforehand.

These are just some of the provisions included in the Bylaws assented to by Minister Bulkan. In spite of his approval, however, the By-laws are still awaiting the approval of Attorney General Basil Williams and the Government to gazette them. However, Smart City Solutions Inc employees and the City have been clamping motorists and enforcing the stipulations in the By-laws on an almost daily basis.

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15

wednesDAY, february 8, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Parking meter fiasco

Finance Minister ignored as VAT still charged on GeoPark cards

− immobilisation fines also attracting extra charges

D

espite Finance Minister Winston Jordan’s announcement that GeoPark cards should not be attracting Value Added Tax (VAT) charges, retailers have continued to impose the extra charge on motorists purchasing parking time.

This was evident Tuesday when this publication purchased the card from a North Road retailer. A perusal of the tax invoice revealed that an extra charge of 16 per cent had been applied to the purchase of the two cards.

Any doubts about the origin of the extra charge were removed when a $2500 ($2900 VAT inclusive) notice was observed on the front of the GeoPark card.

During the January 30 sitting of the National Assembly, Jordan, who is the subject Minister overseeing the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), had addressed the issue directly. Jordan had stated that Smart City Solutions (SCS) must remove any VAT

The fine one hapless motorist was slapped with

as how you treat the telephone cards. The VAT isn’t on the card, it is on the telephone service itself,” Jordan

The front of the parking card

charges on the cards it retailed.

“That is an error on the part of the SCS. It is incorrect, the VAT is only supposed to go on the parking itself. Treat it the same way

had said, while promising to issue an advisory to the company for good measure.

Following a meeting between GRA Commissioner General Godfrey Statia, Deputy Commissioner

General Hema Khan and a delegation from SCS, led by its Managing Director, Amir Oren, the GRA itself said: “The VAT which is currently being charged at a rate of 16 per cent is included in the cost of the prepaid cards which are being sold citywide. It should be noted that as of February 1, 2017, VAT will be applied at a rate of 14 per cent.”

The revenue collection agency had also observed that since a number of cards were printed and sold prior to the VAT rate being reduced; SCS had agreed to inform its vendors of the need to reduce the total cost of the cards accordingly.

Immobilisation charges

According to a complaint reaching Guyana Times, one motorist had her car clamped while parked on

AFC bows to citizens...

FROM PAGE 12

To this end, Ali contended that the AFC must answer why it refused to support his motion, which was presented to the National Assembly if it truly is concerned.

Protests Marked as a unique moment in Guyana’s history, a mass protest by disgruntled taxpayers was conducted on Friday last against the parking meter project. A second protest against the initiative is slated for Thursday and it is expected to attract a much larger crowd.

Many have already complained of the injustices meted out against them from employees of the parking meter company.

For instance, some have complained of parking meter officials clamping their vehicles before their time has expired and that 14 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) is still being charged, even as the new tax regime reduced it

by two per cent.

One of the glaring aspects of the contract is that if it is cancelled, City Hall will be forced to pay SCSI for 49 years.

Additionally, the By-laws include draconian measures such as in an area of both metered parking and unmetered parking, a driver is banned from parking in the unmetered zone and a violation can result in a short prison sentence.

It also stipulates that the city wardens will not be liable to any damages to vehicles during the course of clamping or towing.

Moreover, it was discovered that consumers are losing huge monies with the structure of the parking meter cards.

The prices for the cards vary from $570 to $11,400.

The rate for parking is $50 for 15 minutes plus VAT – taking the total to GYD$58 for 15 minutes or $232 per hour.

If any of the cards are used up to its limit, there is a non-transferable balance on the cards.

For example, a $580 card gives a consumer a maximum parking time of two hours.

The balance on the card after paying for two hours is $36. This balance is therefore wasted as it cannot purchase the minimum parking time, nor can it be transferred. The same applies to all values of cards.

Several professionals have contended that the current implementation of the project is unlawful since the By-laws governing its operations are still under the review of the Attorney General and are yet to be approved by Cabinet and gazetted.

A team of lawyers have already signalled their intention to challenge the project in the courts on the basis of it being unlawful.

Water Street. According to the citation, she was fined for being “illegally” parked without a card, an offence committed at 16:01h.

As it turns out, however, she did have a card she purchased at 15:53h, with her time scheduled to expire at 16:38h. For her ‘offence’, her car was immobilised and she was slapped with a charge of $9260 to recover it – despite the by-laws stipulating an immobilisation penalty of $8000.

Meanwhile, the two incidents were brought to the attention of Smart City’s Public Relations Consultant Kit Nascimento. According to the communications consultant, the charge listed on the card and the price this publication paid in its invoice appeared to be a “mistake”, on the part of the vendor.

“SCS has instructed its wholesalers who have in turn instructed their retailers that the VAT rate has been changed as of February

The invoice received from the purchase of the GeoPark card

1, 2017. That said, retailers, when selling prepaid meters parking cards should know better than to charge 16 per cent VAT on anything anymore, let alone prepaid parking cards,” Nascimento stated.

“Regarding whether VAT is charged on the cards or at the parking terminals, the cards are prepaid in nature.

And as such, the cards are

prepaid with both the balance for parking, along with the associated VAT. As the cards are used, the prepaid funds are debited both for the parking and the associated VAT.” He went on to assure that there was no double charge involved, stating that “the concept is simple. Parking and VAT are prepaid and then debited per use”.

16 news

wednesDAY, february 8, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Anna Regina Community Centre Ground unsafe, unsanitary – teachers, parents

S

cores of residents, as well as teachers from various schools across Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), are complaining about the deplorable conditions at the Anna Regina Community Centre Ground, as they voiced their views after the recently con-

dren and teachers who converged at the facility for the Mashramani activities were inconvenienced due to the faulty pavilion and continuous rainfall.

Parents have also expressed concern over the pileup of garbage which has accu-

cluded children’s Mashramani activities, hosted by the Department of Education.

Alluding to the areas of concern, many pointed to the swampy conditions of the ground surrounding the dilapidated pavilion. Scores of chil-

mulated at the entrance, which they said is unhygienic for children and spectators who gather there.

Concerns were also raised about the condition of the stage on which the children performed. The structure was re-

Skeldon Sugar Factory – A story of deceit, deception, corruption and nepotism

S

Holes can be seen in the roof of the pavilion

The swampy conditions at the Anna Regina Community Centre Ground

Ramsammy’s Ruminations

portedly built by officers from the Regional Administration Works Committee; however, a student from Aurora Secondary School was injured during her performance and had to seek medical attention. The condition of the washroom at the site is also an area of concern.

The Dramatic Poetry and Calypso Competitions, which were slated to be held at the ground, were postponed due to flooding. Parents as well as teachers are calling on the Anna Regina Town Council

to invest in the community ground, which is the largest playground in Region Two. The facility is used to host international shows, as well as cricket matches, and the concerned residents are questioning why the Council is not utilising funds from these events to upgrade the facility.

This publication was reliably informed that the Council has plans to upgrade the ground, however, due to insufficient funds, works cannot commence.

ugar is under siege.

Since the A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/ AFC) assumed control of Government, sugar has been caught in a web of deceit, deception, corruption and nepotism spun by President David Granger, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and their colleagues in APNU/ AFC. They told the sugar Dr Leslie Ramsammy workers and Guyanese during the 2015 General Election campaign that under an APNU/AFC Administration the sugar industry will become energized; sugar will retain its role as the KING in our economy and the sugar workers will be given a 20 per cent annual wage increase.

But the deceit and deception have resulted, instead, in the sugar industry contracting, with the closure of Wales Estate, on the West Bank of Demerara, and the ending of cane cultivation at Providence, East Bank Demerara, at the end of 2016 and the closure of Rose Hall estate, in Berbice, in 2017. The promised 20 per cent annual wage increase was a monster deception with sugar workers impoverished by zero wage increases for 2015 and 2016, told that 2017 promises nothing better and denied their earned Annual Production Incentive for 2016. All of this is in direct contradiction to the $75 million Commission of Inquiry recommendations.

The recent revelation of a Nagamootoo-driven deal with an investor from India, with his son-in-law as a front man, is a blatant example of nepotism that has become a hallmark of the APNU/AFC. Nagamootoo met representatives of the company from India and linked them with his son-in-law. He now claims that his son-in-law is merely acting out of the "goodness of his heart" because he wants to help his country.

Nepotism is a poison to our democracy and development, but compounding the problem is the insidious stench of corruption.

After deceiving the nation that there is no plan to privatise the Skeldon Sugar Factory and after informing Guyana and the world that the Skeldon Sugar Factory was a heap of scrap metal, worth nothing, we are now told that a company from India finds Skeldon an attractive investment. Skeldon is now a prime divestment asset, even after Clive Thomas, speaking on behalf of APNU/AFC, pronounced in late 2016 that Skeldon was a heap of worthless scrap metal.

Now an Indian company, brought to us by Nagamootoo and his son-in-law is positing that Skeldon has enormous potential, just as the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has always insisted. The company is suggesting, moreover, that the Skeldon factory has the potential to take off an additional 14,000 hectares of cane, confirming the PPP's position and contradicting the claim made by Thomas and APNU/AFC, clearly exposing the deceit of Thomas and APNU/AFC. Their pronouncement of Skeldon factory being a heap of scrap was a deliberate deception to set the stage for giving away Skeldon dirt cheap. Why would anyone want to cheaply give away national assets? The stench of corruption is so tangible it is stinking up the environment.

The suspicion of corruption is heightened when we consider that the APNU/AFC had earlier confessed they had signed a memorandum of understanding with a Trinidadian car parts dealer to buy out Sheldon. What happened to this arrangement? More pertinently, how come this "heap of scrap", unsalvageable according to Thomas and APNU/AFC, is generating such intense interest from international investors?

Why is a national asset that APNU/AFC deems unsalvageable and worthless worth so much to international investors?

Inquiring minds and people of reasoning, in and outside of Guyana, are suspicious that there is deceit and deception in undervaluing a national asset for the purpose of divesting it not to the highest bidders, but to those who may want to indulge in "hanky panky" deals. “Hanky panky” deals never benefit the country, but are highly beneficial to those who make those deals. When an asset is deliberately undervalued and sold to others there is something sinister in such deals. The Skeldon Sugar Factory is caught in a web of deceit, deception and corruption, with a good dose of nepotism.

Nagamootoo was a chief accuser of the PPP Government, charging Jagdeo, Ramotar and their Ministers with nepotism.

Granger and APNU were frothing from their mouths alleging nepotism by the PPP when the PPP was in control of the Government. But never have there been a two-year period of government in the history of Guyana in which deceit, deception, corruption and nepotism have been as prevalent and pervasive as they are now. Not only pervasive, but deceit, deception, corruption and nepotism have become the blueprint of APNU/AFC's governance and their enshrining of dictatorship in Guyana.

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wednesDAY, February 8, 2017| guyanatimesgy.com

PAHO/WHO Director wraps up 4-day visit …discussions focused on Non-Communicable Diseases

A

cocktail reception was held at the Georgetown Marriot Hotel on behalf Director of the Pan-American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/ WHO) who has been on a four-day visit to Guyana, from February 5-8. The primary focus during her visit, which ends today, was on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). PAHO/ WHO’s Director, Dr Carissa Etienne, was slated to meet with a number of local and international bodies, including sister agencies of the United Nations (UN) and the Caribbean Community (Caricom).

On the agenda was the reconstituting and re-launching of the National NonCommunicable Diseases Commission.

It was explained that NCDs account for more than 70 per cent of deaths in Guyana.

Speaking at the cocktail reception, Dr Etienne

explained that she has had discussions with several of Guyana’s Government Ministers, to chart the way forward regarding PAHO/ WHO’s role in Guyana.

“I am here because the work of PAHO is at the country level,” she noted.

The visiting official stressed that it is at this level that lives can be touched, while she noted that Government officials can be engaged.

“The sustainable development agenda has set the tone whereby we must recommit to ‘leaving no one behind’ so we could focus on all of those who we have not yet reached,” she added. Meanwhile, acting President Moses Nagamootoo, while underscoring the importance of international assistance, told the gathering that PAHO/WHO was instrumental in shaping several Government policies. The acting President thanked the visiting official for her contribu-

More sponsorship needed for Mash – local designer

A

Olympia Small-Sonoram designs

s local designers gear up for Mashramani 2017, designers as well as entertainers are signalling that sponsorship remains a major challenge facing the industry. They are therefore calling on corporate Guyana and Guyanese at large to get on board and assist where they can.

For the past several years, Maxi Williams of Maxi Williams Designs has had his designs prominently featured along the Mash route, and has built a name for himself.

However, this year, the designer is lamenting the fact that support has dwindled.

Despite this, Williams said he intends to design 80 pieces with the hope that Guyanese will eventually purchase them to wear on Mash Day. “This is my fifth or sixth year that I am not working with a company, I’m one of the designers that have my own mass band and what I have to usually do is go to the companies and ask for sponsorship so that is how my band come about,” Williams told Guyana Times.

Williams’ 2017 designs are tiled ‘Zeal’, and depict

a greener economy in addition to showcasing what the Republic celebration is about.

The young designer is hopeful that his designs will create a buzz on Mash day. Come February 23, the streets of Georgetown will be adorned with colourful masterpieces from several wellknown designers.

In the meantime, Pulse Entertainment is set and ready to invade the streets of Georgetown on Mash day with several party trucks.

Robbie Singh, the CEO for Pulse Entertainment, told this publication that much is expected for Mash day, as Pulse will be taking four trucks on the road.

A mobile party is in store for those who purchase tickets. The costumes to be featured on the trucks and which are currently for sale

by Pulse are designed by renowned designer, Olympia Small-Sonoram.

Singh also explained that support from corporate Guyana is lacking; however, he explained that Pulse is hoping for the best outcome.

Tickets are now available at the Pulse head office and also at the 704 Sports Bar.

Director of the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation, Dr Carissa Etienne was on a four-day visit to Guyana from February 5-8

tion to the international body.

“The Government of Guyana is very thankful

and appreciative of your service and we hope that your visit serves as a cata-

lyst for strengthening the efforts of PAHO in Guyana,” Nagamootoo noted.

UN Resident Coordinator and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative to Guyana, Mikiko Tanaka, in giving brief remarks, explained that the various agencies of the UN have collaborated to better the lives of Guyanese but cautioned that more is needed. “We must continue to be agents of change in all our areas of expertise, while cooperating in areas that bind us.

We will promote and support

unity in Guyana’s rich diversity through universal values of peace, justice, human dignity, tolerance and solidarity,” the diplomat noted.

The National NonCommunicable Diseases Commission was launched in 2014 by then President Donald Ramotar, with the main goal of coordinating a multistakeholder response to the epidemic of NCDs in Guyana. Some key areas addressed were tobacco use, harmful use of alcohol, unhealthy eating and a lack of physical exercise, among other related issues.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesDAY, February 8, 2017

ARCHIE

Emotions will be difficult to control. Overreacting or do(March 21- ing something impulsive will April 19) cause problems within important relationships. Think before you say or do something you will live to regret.

ARIES

Get together with friends TAURUS or relatives or do something (April 20- that will inspire you to begin a May 20) creative project. Don’t let uncertainty interfere with your beliefs or lifestyle.

dilbert

Think before you take on GEMINI too much or let your emotions (May 21June 20) interfere with the outcome of an important matter. Don’t feel that you have to part with your cash to impress someone.

You’ll be impulsive and excessive if you let your emo(June 21- tions interfere or take conJuly 22) trol. Separate yourself from any situation that may cost you emotionally, financially or physically.

CANCER

Peanuts

Refuse to let anyone upset LEO you. Emotions will get in the (July 23way of good judgment. Stay foAug. 22) cused on yourself and being the best you can be. Charm will help you bypass trouble.

Emotions must be dealt VIRGO (Aug. 23- with sensibly. You can feel Sept. 22) sorry for someone, but don’t take on problems that don’t belong to you, or you will be blamed for meddling.

Calvin and Hobbes

A change of plans will play LIBRA in your favor. If you take the (Sept. 23path of least resistance, you Oct. 23) will have time left over to spend enjoyably with a loved one.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

Step outside your comfort SCORPIO zone and test the waters. You (Oct. 24will discover something interNov. 22) esting about who you are and what you are capable of doing.

Don’t hesitate to experiment.

If you put some muscle beSAGITTARIUS hind the changes you want to (Nov. 23- make at home, you will acDec. 21) complish what you set out to do. Emotional interference will arise if you go over budget.

solution for Last Published Puzzle

Uncertainty must not be CAPRICORN allowed to lead you into a (Dec. 22precarious or vulnerable sitJan. 19) uation. Face whatever comes your way head-on, so that you can go about your business without worry.

Refuse to get caught up AQUARIUS in someone else’s dilemma.

(Jan. 20Acknowledge what others do, Feb. 19) but proceed down a path that will ensure your happiness and success. Love and romance are highlighted.

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 If you offer to help others, (Feb. 20- you will create good karma.

March 20) What you put out, you will get back. Kindness and consideration will suffice, so don’t be indulgent or go into debt.

wednesDAY, february 8, 2017

Du Plessis’

185

makes it 4-0 for SA A

Sri Lankan line-up that was dis- in the penultimate over to overtake de Kock missed for under 190 in the first and then tried to repeat the feat with four three ODIs and had not topped 300 balls to go. Du Plessis did not get enough in any format on the current tour of South power behind his shot and long-on took Africa made a fist of chasing a record total at the catch to end his quest. For Sri Lanka, Newlands, but eventually fell 40 runs short. though, the damage seemed done.

South Africa’s batsmen filled the boots by Tharanga and Dickwella, who had alposting the highest total at the ground, ready scored two half-centuries on this tour, overtaking the 354 for 3 they put on against enjoyed the batting conditions as much as Kenya in 2001.

South Africa had. Pretorius made the first Quinton de Kock scored his first fifty of breakthrough in his second spell, when the series, AB de Villiers his 50th ODI fif- he had started to use the short ball more. ty, but Faf du Plessis stole the show. Dickwella played early to a delivery that got His second century of the b i g on him and he top-edged to series also made Behardien at deep square him the holder of leg to end a 139-run the second-highest opening stand. Like du individual score by Plessis, Tharanga cona South African. tinued almost completeSri Lanka’s reply l y unaffected by a dismissal started strongly as Upul and brought up a 73-ball hunTharanga and Niroshan dred.

Dickwella plundered 100 Much rested on Tharanga runs off the first ten overs. though, especially when Tharanga went on to score the Kusal Mendis walked first century by a Sri Lankan across his stumps and batsman on this trip but gloved a Parnell delivery was dismissed in the 30th over. to de Kock. Tharanga Sandun Weerakkody ensured that only managed two by bringing up a maiden half-cenmore shots in antury to keep Sri Lanka within ger before he steered range, and even put them ahead Parnell to backward of South Africa at times. After 45 point and Sri Lanka’s overs, Sri Lanka were 317 for 7. challenge looked over.

He took two wickets in his final But there was some over - trapping Nuwan Kulasekara depth to the Sri Lankan lbw and having Weerakkody caught at effort and it came in the backward point - to leave Sri Lanka form of Weerakkody. He needing 51 off the last four overs with started slowly and lost just one wicket standing.

Dhananjaya de Silva to Hashim Amla was dismissed early an lbw, but put on a 79but that only gave du Plessis enough run fifth-wicket stand time to settle in and build an innings. with Asela Gunaratne, He shared a century stand with de Kock the intent against Shamsi by the time Sri Lanka could have their and Pretorius’ short ball first drink. De Kock brought up fifty off 40 was noticeable. He brought balls and was threatening more but added up fifty off 46 balls to keep five more before he edged Sachith Pathirana them alive. But Tahir had to Tharanga at slip. other plans to give South De Kock and du Plessis had Africa an opportunity of inmotored on at a rate of 6.89; Faf du Plessis plays a flicting a series whitewash.

(Cricinfo) de Villiers picked up exactly delightful extra cover drive where they left off and put on 137 runs with du Plessis. Their contributions were almost mirror images of each other - South Africa innings WU Tharanga* c Duminy b du Plessis scored 70 runs in HM Amla c Gunaratne b Kumara 1 Parnell 119 their stand; de Villiers 64. Du Q de Kock†c Tharanga BKG Mendis c †de Kock b Parnell 29 Plessis’ fifty came off 46 balls b Pathirana DS Weerakkody c Parnell b 55 Imran Tahir 58 with a drive off a half-volley. F du Plessis c Gunaratne b 5 185 DM de Silva lbw b Rabada De Villiers reached his fifty off Madushanka 3 8 DAS Gunaratnec Amla b Rabada b Pathirana 64 AB de Villiers* 51 balls, the delivery before du Plessis dug out a Kumara JP Duminy c Mendis b Kumara 20 KMDN Kulasekaralbw b Imran Tahir 1 not out 36 SS Pathirana c †de Kock b Pretorius 1 yorker to get to a hundred. F Behardien LD Madushanka c Pretorius b not out 1 WD Parnell De Villiers only added anoth6 Parnell Extras nb-1) (w-4, 5 er 14 runs before being bowled CBRLS Kumara 1 not out (5 wickets; 50 overs) 367 Total around his legs. b Parnell 1 PADLR Sandakan As his innings went on, he Did not bat: D Pretorius, Imran Extras (lb-7, w-3) 10 Tahir, K Rabada, T Shamsi batted more aggressively. His Fall of wickets 1-3 (Amla, 327 Total (all out; 48.1 overs) first fifty came off 46 balls, his 1.5 ov), 2-103 (de Kock, 16.2 Fall of wickets 1-139 (Dickwella, second off 43 and his third off ov), 3-240 (de Villiers, 36.1 16.1 ov), 2-203 (Mendis, 27.2 ov), 3-216 (Tharanga, 29.1 40 as he brought out every- ov), 4-287 (Duminy, 43.3 ov), ov), 4-228 (de Silva, 33.5 ov), thing from a straight drive 5-361 (du Plessis, 49.2 ov) 5-307 (Gunaratne, 43.4 ov), Bowling : KMDN Kulasekara back over the bowler’s head to 10-0-74-0 (w-1), CBRLS Kumara 6-308 (Kulasekara, 44.1 ov), a scoop over fine leg, once in 7-0-73-2, LD Madushanka 107-317 (Weerakkody, 44.6 ov), 8-325 (Pathirana, 45.6 ov), 0-69-1 (nb-1, w-2), DM de Silva the same over.

9-325 (Madushanka, 46.4 ov), Farhaan Behardien scored 3-0-18-0, PADLR Sandakan 8-010-327 (Sandakan, 48.1 ov) 62-0, SS Pathirana 10-0-55-2 (walmost half the runs (31) in a 1), DAS Gunaratne 2-0-16-0 Bowling : WD Parnell 9.1-074-run stand but was happy to 58-4 (w-1), D Pretorius 8-0-55hand strike back to du Plessis Sri Lanka innings (target: 2 (w-1), JP Duminy 1-0-12-0, K Rabada 9-1-50-2 (w-1), Imran as he went in search of the re- 368 runs from 50 overs) Tahir 10-0-76-2, T Shamsi 10cord. Du Plessis wanted it and N Dickwella† c Behardien 0-60-0, F Behardien 1-0-9-0 58 hit Nuwan Kulasekara for six b Pretorius

SCOREBOARD

19

Gayle leads 7

West Indians retained by IPL franchises T

he 36-year-old left-handed batsman has been retained by Royal Challengers Bangalore, who were beaten in the last year’s final by Sunrisers Hyderabad. Spinner Samuel Badree has also been retained by the Southern Indian team.

All-rounder Andre Russell has also appeared on the list of the Kolkata Knight Riders, despite being recently suspended for a year by his country’s Anti-doping authority. Predictably mystery spinner Sunil Narine has also been retained by the team, but West Indies One Day International (ODI) and Twenty20 captain Jason Holder has been dropped.

West Indies Twenty20 skipper Carlos Brathwaite has retained his place with the Delhi Daredevils, while Kieron Pollard and Lendl Simmons have been retained by the Mumbai Indians. There was no such luck for Jamaican fast bowler Jerome Taylor, however, as he was dropped by the fran-

Alastair Cook

A

Chris Gayle

chise.

West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo will also be looking for a new club after being released by the Gujrat Lions.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) auction is confirmed to take place on 20th February. (sportsmax)

“You can’t do this job at 95%”

lastair Cook has admitted that he had “been to the well” too many times to carry on as England captain, as he spelled out his reasons for stepping down after a record 59 Tests in charge.

Speaking at Lord’s for the first time since his resignation was confirmed, Cook admitted that he had been left drained by a tough winter campaign in the subcontinent, which culminated in five Test defeats in England’s last six matches, including a maiden Test defeat against Bangladesh and a 4-0 series loss to India.

“It was an incredibly tough decision to make,” Cook told Sky Sports. “I’ve loved every minute as England captain, but it’s a job you have to commit 100% to, and there’ve been certain times throughout my four or five years in the job when I’ve been to the well and dug pretty deep.

“And coming back from India, the way I felt then, I didn’t think I had it in me to do it again, because this isn’t a job where you can operate at 95%. “When I looked in that mirror, I felt it was time. It was sad in one way, because I’ve loved the honour and prestige of all of it. I’ve been leading some great men and had some great moments as England captain, but I do think it’s the right time for me and for the team.” Cook’s career included some notable high points, not least his maiden series as full-time captain in 2012-13, when he led England to a stunning 2-1 series win in India, and last year’s away win in South Africa. But the low moments were particularly bruising, not least the Ashes whitewash in 2013-14, which presaged the most testing period of his tenure - the sacking of Kevin Pietersen ahead of the 2014 home season.

Cook was present at the ECB meeting that signalled the end of Pietersen’s England career, and he bore the brunt of much of the fall-out for the rest of that summer. “I think we all have regrets over how it was handled,” he admitted. “I was part of that decision, I wasn’t the be-all-and-end-all of

it, but what followed was part of the responsibility I had as England captain.

“The fallout wasn’t great for English cricket, we were in the headlines for the wrong reasons, especially when our job as players is to promote the game as best we can, so it was not the best six months. But things have moved on, and since Andrew Strauss has come in [as England director], he’s done a great job and made it clear that the side has moved on.”

While insisting that his tenure wasn’t “all doom and gloom”, Cook did single out England’s supporters for particular gratitude, not least those who gave him an ovation at the Ageas Bowl during the 2014 home series against India, when Cook was enduring some of the worst batting form of his career.

“I’ll never forget Southampton, the warmth I had there in 2014,” he said. “That kept me going, and of course my family and friends who mean the world to me and stuck with me through the tough times.” Asked if he would have any advice for his younger self, or for that matter the player who is appointed to succeed him, Cook - a famously stubborn individual - was revealingly candid.

“The advice I needed was to make sure you don’t always do it your way,” he said. “There are a lot of great people out there who watch a lot of cricket who know probably more than you do. So use that advice and be open to it. Ultimately you have to make the decision out there yourself, but use as much as you can. A lot of people want you to do well, because people love seeing England win games of cricket. “It is a challenging job, you don’t know what will be thrown at you at certain times. But I have loved it, and that is what has made the decision quite hard, because I knew what I was giving away. I look forward to the next part of my career, supporting the next guy as best I can, and hopefully scoring some runs as well and being part of England’s success.” (Cricinfo)

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

WEDNesDAY, february 8, 2017

Milo schools football returns Saturday

M

uch to the delight of our school children, the Milo Under-18 football competition returns for the fifth season with the kick off set for Saturday at the Ministry of Education ground, Carifesta Avenue.

This was disclosed as the tournament was officially launched at the Milo distributing company, Beepats Warehouse facility in Dennis Street, Sophia on Tuesday.

The tournament, which is organized by Petra Organization is expected to run until mid-April and will see the familiar structure being applied with 32 school teams taking center stage in eight groups of four teams playing a round robin then the top two teams will advance to the knockout stages.

Co-Director of Petra, Troy Mendonca, speaking at the launching of the tournament

that was formerly an Under 20 competition, related that this tournament has attracted a wide cross section of society as well as the school populace who look forward to viewing the tournament for all the right reasons. Mendonca pointed out that the man on the street referred to the competition as just “Milo”, a symbol of the sterling contribution the

Beepats, through the milo brand has done for

schools’ football. The Petra director explained that the tournament will run beyond the end of the Easter term due to its late start.

Brand Manager of Milo, Renita Seetal, expressed her delight in the popularity of the competition as she reiterated how proud she was of being a part of the tournament.

Seetal highlighted that what this tournament is doing is a true reflection of what the milo brand stands for, “representing being active.”

A l s o speaking at the launch of the enormous tournament on behalf of the Ministry of Education, Nicholas Fraser said the Ministry had no difficulty approving the tournament and was in

GABA League of Champions 2017…

Ravens hammer Guardians, UG stop Pacesetters U

niversity of Guyana’s Trojans pulled off a huge upset while Dyna’s Ravens made light work of their opponents as the under-23 action in the Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association’s League of Champions 2017 intensified on Monday night at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH), Homestretch Avenue.

With only two matches booked for the night, at the final buzzer of the first match, Ravens crippled Plaisance Guardians who have been impressive throughout the tournament. In the opening period, Guardians only managed eight points with a two-pointer from Trenton Woolford that produced a 14 point lead with Ryan Gullen registering two three pointers.

The second period was no different, with another 20 points scored during the period going to Ravens.

This time they led with a 10 points form Dominic Vincent as the score stood

in favour of Ravens 45-21.

By then Ravens had dented the spirits of the Guardians supporters as the match was good as over.

The Third quarter was closer than the first two as Ravens netted 13 points to match the 12 points the Guardians netted. In the fourth quarter, Ravens outscored their opponents once more to cap off a dominant night 18-14 to fini s h

with a final score line 76-47.

In the second match, UG Trojans snatched a memorable game from the clutches of Pacesetters with the third period being the deciding session in

the 68-53 game.

In the first period, both teams were matching shot for shot as Trojans set up a minimal five-point lead over Pacesetters and held their lead into the second period, extending it by one as the score line showed 33-27 by half time.

It was the third period that lost the game for Pacesetters as they only mustered seven points, 10 less than Trojans, who at that point now held a 16 point lead. Pacesetters won the final period but only by a one point margin which was not enough to change the result.

The action continues at the same venue tonight with Ravens taking on Eagles in the open

class and Ravens matching up with Guardians in the Under-23 category.

(L-R) Mark Allyne, Beepats rep Christopher Beepat, Petra Director Troy Mendonca, Milo Brand Manager Renita Seetal, GFF President Wayne Forde and Education Ministry’s Nicholas Fraser at the head table during the symbolic launch ceremony fact proud of the initiative the Petra Organization has embarked on to develop sports in schools.

However, Fraser singled out that there is a gap between the primary level and the secondary level with this particular tournament being dominated by fourth and fifth form students, thus creating a gap with the first three forms of secondary school boys not having much competition, therefore urging the organization to help in expansion as

the Ministry is always supportive of expanding and development.

Notably, President of the Guyana Football Federation Inc. (GFF), Wayne Forde mentioned that this tournament helps facilitate the youth programme ran by the GFF as well as extended much thanks to Beepats and their Milo brand for sticking to their corporate responsibility.

Mendonca indicated that much is at stakes for the top teams with prize payouts

of $500,000 for the winner, $300,000 for first runner up and $200,000 and $100,000 for third and fourth placed teams respectively along with trophies and individual prizes for outstanding performances.

The sponsors have not left out the fans and Seetal is urging supporters to turn out in their numbers as their will be lots of activities and giveaways at the venue with four games being played on Saturdays and Sundays starting from 11:00h each day.

PMTC-1 retain Aswell Mohabir title

– PM females, Black Beatles successful

Participants of the second Aswell Mohabir Volleyball Tournament with BVA President Levi Nedd (extreme right)

P

ort Mourant Training Centre (PMTC)-1 was outstanding in Berbice Volleyball Association (BVA) season opener on Saturday at Blairmont Community Centre ground, winning the male’s title of the Aswell Mohabir tournament for a second successive year.

The champions defeated PMTC2 in 3-1 with Adriel Moore being named the Most Valuable Player. PMTC1 won the first set 28-18 before surrendering the 18second 25. However, they rebounded beautifully to capture the third and fourth sets 26-24 and 25-23 respectively in a fierce battle for the title.

In the earlier matches, PMTC1 got past Tain Humanitarians in two sets (25-22, 26-24) while PMTC2 beat GTCPM also in two

straight sets to set up the final clash.

C a n d a c y Mentore was the top female player a s Port Mourant (PM) females stunned defending

champions Orealla Jets to be crown new champions. They won in two straight sets which ended 25-22 and 26-24.

Black Beatles won the junior title, defeating Hustlers in the finals. Hellon Singh from Beatles was adjudged MVP. Prior to the final, Hustlers and Beatles defeated first timers Kennard’s Union in the preliminary stage.

According to President of the BVA, Levi Nedd it was a tough task to get all the teams but nevertheless it was a good day for volleyball as it was filled with energy and played in the spirit of the game. A total of nine teams participated across the three categories. Due to early overnight and early morning rain the tournament started on concrete court before completing on the grass.

YELLOW PAGES WEDNesday, FEBRuary 8, 2017 | www.guyanatimesgy.com

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sports

21

Floodlights Masters vow championship repeat at Florida Cup

Flashback! The victorious GFSCA team after winning the Masters trophy in 2016, Florida

C

aptain of the Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA) masters team, Ricky Deonarain is highly optimistic his team can retain the Masters championship in this year’s Florida Cup annual tournament slated to be played from February 24-26.

According to the veteran right-handed Deonarain, the side is loaded with a plethora of experienced campaigners and feels everyone can give a good account of themselves. He also stated that they are buoyant and ready to remain on the podium.

Reflecting on what had transpired last year, Deonarain mentioned that the success was purely on total team cohesion and no doubt they will apply similar efforts later this month at the picturesque Brian Picollo Park in Cooper City.

“We [are] definitely confident of winning the Masters category again; we played committed and hard cricket in 2016 and my players are ready to go again,” Deonarain commented.

Quizzed on the composition of the lineup, Deonarain immediately acknowledged that the setup has a great deal of all-rounders while the specialist batsmen and bowlers should be able to create an impression too.

“We have got some seasoned players; very experienced and are capable of doing well; our preparations also demonstrated that we are equipped to be a triumphant unit in 2017 at this big tournament,” the 52-year-old Deonarain related to Guyana Times Sport.

In the final last year, GFSCA team trounced South Florida Softball Cricket League by a handsome eight-wicket margin at the Central Broward Stadium in Fort Lauderdale and that gives Deonarain the confidence they can return to Guyana with the winning trophy for the second year in succession.

“I am very much confident of lifting the trophy for the second time; last year was very successful with all our matches unbeaten and that showed that we were well-prepared and now ready to defend the championship,” Deonarain explained.

Having emerged victorious at their own tournament, the Guyana Cup 6 last year, Deonarain re-

vealed that would have also inspired them immensely to keep the winning momentum progressing. He attributed that success also to hard work and diligent cricket.

He will be banking heavily on the some of the reputable players to cash in on the overseas trip. Players like himself, Wayne Jones, Gordial Mattai, John Sumair, Kash and Ravi Lutchman (brothers), Ramo Malone, Anil Beharry, Uniss

Ricky Deonarain

Yusuf, Jagdish Persaud among others to come to the fore.

Apart from the GFSCA Masters, the GFSCA Legends will also be participating for the ninth consecutive years among other Guyanese teams for both the Masters and Open categories. Teams are expected from New York, the hosts city and Canada to be part of the action as well.

Meanwhile, Deonarian took the opportunity to speak about the Floodlights’ participation for Toronto Cup which is billed for August 4-6. The two teams from association will be competing again and he also promised they should make an impact. The GFSCA team was beaten to Canadian side Our Own Sports Club in the final played at the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus facility in 2015, the inaugural season. “We are definitely eager to play in the Toronto Cup 2 and I am confident we can be the triumphant team this time; was a great tournament two years ago and we looking forward to come out on top,” an enthusiastic Deonarain declared. (Contribution made by Ravi

Madholall)

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

WEDNesDAY, february 8, 2017

Petra/Limacol Round-robin Knock-out football

Den Amstel leave Santos on the fringes – action continues at GFC tonight

D

en Amstel Football Club dealt Santos FC a serious blow to their qualification for the next phase of the 2nd annual Petra Organised Limacol round-robin knock-out football tournament with a 1-0 defeat on Monday at the

Leonora Stadium.

Andre Hector proved to be the difference between the two teams as he broke the deadlock in the 79th minute. The early exchanges were full of excitement for both sides but it was could not bring any prosper-

First half action between Den Amstel and Santos

ity for either side.

The West Demerara side which has won both of their matches to date, are almost certain of a spot in the quarter-final while Santos most definitely need to win their remaining match to have a chance of qualifying.

In the earlier match, Uitvlugt Warriors strolled to a 3-1 victory over New Amsterdam United via brace from Jamal Harvey and goal by Trayon Bobb.

Harvey gave his team an explosive start when he scored in the 1st minute, followed

by Bobb in the 15th.

Harvey was then on the pounce once more in the 73rd.

The tournament will continue tonight at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) where Grove Hi Tech will play Northern Rangers from 18:30h followed by Western Tigers against Uitvlugt from 20:30h and both matches has a direct effect on qualification for the knock out rounds.

The event is being contested in a group round-robin format, with the top two finishers progressing to the quarterfinal round.

The winner of each group will receive $100,000 while the remaining teams will pocket $50,000, $30,000 and $20,000 apiece in order of placing.

Winner of the event will pocket $500,000 and a trophy while the second, third and fourth placed teams will receive $300,000, $200,000 and $100,000 respectively and the corresponding accolade.

To date, Banks DIH Limited under the GT Beer Brand, Trophy Stall and Star Party Rentals are the other companies that have thrown their support behind the championship.

Uitvlugt Warriors marksmen Jamal Harvey (left) and Trayon Bobb

Current Points Standings Group-A Team

GP

W

L

D

GF GA

GD

Pts

Winners Connection

2

1

0

1

3

1

+2

4

Milerock

2

1

1

0

2

2

0

3

Grove Hi-Tech

2

1

1

0

2

3

-1

3

Northern Rangers

2

0

1

1

1

2

-1

1

Team

GP

W

L

D

GF GA

GD

Pts

Western Tigers

2

2

0

0

3

1

+2

6

Uitvlugt

2

1

1

0

4

3

+1

3

Eagles

2

1

1

0

2

2

0

3

NA United

3

0

2

0

2

5

0

0

Team

GP

W

L

D

GF GA

GD

Pts

Den Amstel

2

2

0

0

3

0

+3

6

Ann’s Grove

2

1

0

1

2

2

+1

4

Santos

2

0

1

1

1

2

-1

1

Pouderoyen

2

0

2

0

1

4

-3

0

Team

GP

W

L

D

GF GA

GD

Pts

Mahaica

2

1

0

1

5

3

+2

4

Guyana Police Force

2

1

0

1

3

2

+1

4

Camptown

2

0

1

1

1

2

-1

1

Riddim Squad

2

0

1

1

2

4

-2

1

Group-B

Group-C

Group-D

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesDAY, febRuary 8, 2017

23

CWI Regional Super50 2017

Jaguars stung by Scorpions again

A

see-saw game between Guyana Jaguars and Jamaican Scorpions ended in favour of the latter, who won by 20 runs and now stand a clear chance of qualifying for the semi-finals.

Played at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on Tuesday in a day/night encounter, it was a fierce battle between the two sides in a very important situation that could have a direct effect on qualification.

Batting first Scorpions were restricted to 255 all out in 49.4 overs, with Stephen Taylor (86) the principal scorer, while Raymond Reifer grabbed four wickets for the Jaguars. In reply, Jaguars fell for 235 with Assad Fudadin top scoring with 56, while Scorpions’ John Campbell collected 4-43 from 10 overs.

Jaguars’ openers, Rajendra Chandrika and Fudadin, in their second best effort in the tournament, added 34 runs for the first wicket before Chandrika was run out for 13 by Scorpions’ skipper Nikita Miller.

That did not break their momentum as Reifer (54), promoted for a third time this season, added 90 runs with Fudadin for the second wicket, before the latter was run out attempting a suicidal second run to Reynard Leveridge on the cover boundary.

It was catastrophic thenceforth, as the Jaguars lost five wickets for 41 runs, increasing the Scorpions’ chances of winning.

However, a brilliant effort

by Veerasammy Permaul (30) and Anthony Bramble allowed the Jaguars to claw their way back to level grounds. The duo scored rapidly in a 59-run, eight wicket partnership, until Jerome Taylor removed Permaul with 31 to get from 16 deliveries and two wickets in hand. Devendra Bishoo was also out in the 48th over.

Miller bowled the pen-

Stephen Taylor hits out during his entertaining 86

ultimate over that cost him four runs and left the Jaguars requiring 27 from the last over which was bowled by Devon Thomas.

Bramble manage a six in that over, but succumbed off the third ball.

Campbell was the standout for the Scorpions with the ball to crown-off a good all-round performance that won him man of the match.

Earlier, after opting to take first strike, the Scorpions lost two early wickets to be placed at 392, however, an invaluable third wicket partnership between Taylor and Andre McCarthy rebuilt their team’s innings to set a competitive total.

The pair added 125 runs before McCarthy departed for 45. Taylor, who batted aggressively throughout his innings, continued batting confidently until he was run out for 86 by Leon Johnson.

With the tempo set by the third wicket partnership, it was up to the lower order batsmen to carry on from a firm foundation.

However, that was not the case, but Campbell, who has been doing well since he was demoted to bat in the lower order to allow Stephen

SCOREBOARD Jamaica Scorpions Innings (Maximum 50 overs) C Walton c Jacobs b Reifer 6 S Taylor run out (Johnson) 86 J Blackwood c Jacobs b Reifer 5 A McCarthy c Beaton b Barnwell 45 D Thomas c Bishoo b Barnwell 17 J Campbell run out (Chandrika) 42 R Powell c Jacobs b Beaton 24 D Jacobs c (sub) Hetmyer b Beaton 3 J Taylor 8 N Miller b Reifer 1 R Leveridge not out 1 Extras(lb-4, w-13) 17 Total (All out, 49.4 overs) 255 FOW: 1-13, 2-39, 3-129, 4-154, 5-182, 6-229, 7-239, 8-245, 9-254, 10-255 Bowling Reifer 8.4-1-38-4, Beaton 8-0-33-2, Jacobs 8-054-0, Permaul 8-0-44-0, Bishoo 7-0-37-0, Barnwell 10-0-45-2 Guyana Jaguars Innings (Target 256 from 50 overs) A Fudadin run out (Leveridge) 57 R Chandrika run out (Miller) 13

R Reifer c Taylor b Campbell L Johnson c Powell b McCarthy S Chanderpaul c Taylor b Campbell C Barnwell LBW b Campbell S Jacobs stp wkpr Walton b Campbell A Bramble c Miller b Powell V Permaul c wkpr Walton b J Taylor D Bishoo run out (J Taylor) R Beaton not out Extras (lb-6, w-11) Total (All out, 49.3) 235 FOW: 1-34, 2-124, 3-129, 4-147, 5-147, 6-164, 7-165, 8-224, 9-226, 10-235 Bowling J Taylor 10-1-441, Leveridge 6-2-26-0, Powell 6.4-0-32-1, Jacobs 2-0-14-0, Miller 10-0-55-0, Campbell 100-43-4, McCarty 5-0-15-5 Result: Jamaica Scorpions won by 20 runs Points: Scorpions 4, Jaguars 0 Player of the Match: John Campbell (Scorpions)

54 3 17 0 4 39 30 0 1 17

Taylor the opening position, scored 42 before he became the second victim to out via the run out route.

He formed a reliable alliance with exciting all-rounder Rovman Powell, who struck 24. After the

Campbell/ Powell union was broken at 229-6, Scorpions lost their last four wickets for 26 runs, as they were dismissed for 255 in 49.4 overs.

Like he did in the previous match, and has been doing throughout the tournament, Raymond Reifer was Guyana’s most impressive bowler of the match with figures of 4-38, while Ronsford Beaton’s good showing in this year’s tournament also continued, with him accounting for two scalps.

Scorpions remain in second position with 16 points and two matches remaining, while Jaguars are placed third on 12 points with one game to go.

In the day’s first game, ICC Americas upset Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC) Marooners by 72 runs at the Windward Cricket Club, Barbados.

Batting first, ICC Americas

scored 265 all out in 50 overs, skipper Nitish Kumar led the way with 80, while Timroy Allen 69 and Kamau Leverock 55 supported. Jermaine Levy, 4-22, and Vikash Mohan, 3-40, shared seven wickets between them.

In reply, Marooners fell for 183 all out in 43.3 overs, losing by 72 runs on the Duckworth/Lewis method. Mark Deyal scored 68, while Nikhil Dutta and Timil Patel took three wickets apiece.

Today’s game will see battle in Group A between reigning champions Trinidad and Tobago Red Force against Kent Spitfires at Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground from 9:00h, while the other match will feature home team Leeward Hurricanes against Windward Volcanoes at Coolidge Cricket Ground from 13:30h.

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

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

CWI Regional Super50 2017 Pg 23

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Den Amstel leave Santos on the fringes – action continues at GFC tonight

Pg 22

It was an intense battle between Santos (black and white) and Den Amstel from the opening whistle

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