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2 killed execution style Issue No. 3083

Tuesday, January 3, 2017

Page 7

after leaving “cockfight” Labourer killed by speeding Policeman Page 8

Guyanese gunned down in NYC, brother critical

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Govt to utilise concessions held by P10 Barama

Coroners’ Amendment Bill

“Not a single P9 coroner appointed” – Nandlall

Page 2

Footballer P8 stabbed during row over firecracker

A call for P11 healthy habits

NCDs take up 70% of public health budget – Dr Cummings

Dhanwantie Singh gave birth to the first New Year’s baby at the Georgetown Public Hospital

Linden Town Clerk saga P2

GuyOil raises gas, kero prices Page 16

Red House fiasco

Govt engrossed in “executive lawlessness” Page – Ramkarran 3

…Gaskin warns of PNC hooliganism, bullyism

Council’s actions illegal − GPSU rep

2 news

tuesDAY, january 3, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Guyanese gunned down in NYC, brother critical

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West Bank Demerara (WBD), Region Three resident, who travelled to New York for his grandmother’s funeral was in the wee hours of Monday shot dead, while his brother is clinging to life after they were attacked by two men on 124th Street, South Richmond Hill, Queens, New York.

Ricky Kalisaran, 31, of Lot 7 Klein Pouderoyen, WBD, was shot once to his back by one of the gun-toting bandits and left to die in front of a nightclub on 124th Street.

His brother, Michael Kalisaran, 25, a resident of the US, was shot to his abdomen but when the bullet exit his body, it caused severe damage to a lung and kidney. He was admitted to the Jamaica Hospital, but was later transferred to a medical facility in Long Island to receive treatment.

Anmarie George, an aunt of the two men, when contacted via telephone, told Guyana Times that Ricky and another brother,

ed. After Rickey saw this, he went to his brother’s assistance and it was then we learnt that one of the men whipped out a gun and discharged a round hitting him to his back,” George revealed.

She explained that after Ricky was shot, he was left on the roadway for about 45 minutes where he bled to death. His youngest brother was later picked up and rushed to the Jamaica Hospital.

Dead: Ricky Kalisaran

Vicky, arrived in the US on Saturday for their grandmother’s funeral, which is scheduled for Wednesday.

She explained that based on reports they received, the two men were shot during a robbery.

“From what we got, is that Michael forgot his mobile phone in his car and went to retrieve it when he was attacked by a group of men who attempted to take away a gold chain he was wearing and a scuffle start-

Detectives at the scene early Monday morning

Injured: Michael Kalisaran

The Eyewitness News in New York reported that detectives were looking into whether the young men had left a nearby club prior to the shooting.

“Police say the two men attempted to rob the brothers and they resisted, getting into a physical struggle with them. One of the men

pulled a gun and shot them both. The men fled the scene in a dark coloured sedan,” the news entity reported.

Further, it stated that a similar car crashed into another vehicle at 103rd Avenue and Lefferts Boulevard, and detectives were looking into whether the suspects were in that vehicle. After the crash, the car then proceeded onto the Belt Parkway and disappeared.

No arrests have been made.

Meanwhile, George explained that Michael’s condition was critical and the men’s mother was devastated. “She is in the process of preparing for her mother’s funeral… her father is hospitalised, now one of her

sons is dead and the other is battling for his life… you could imagine her present condition,” the aunt added.

Meanwhile, relatives in Guyana explained that they received the dreaded news about 03:30h on Monday.

One relative who spoke with Guyana Times explained Ricky and his eldest brother Vicky along with their father lived in Barbados for some time before returning to Guyana.

Ricky was described as a different “breed” in the family. He was jovial, loving and caring. He leaves to mourn his mother, his injured brother who is battling for his life, and two sisters.

Linden Town Clerk saga

Council’s actions illegal− GPSU rep

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lmost three months have elapsed since Linden Town Clerk (TC) Jonellor Bowen was sent on administrative leave based on the recommendations by Linden Mayor, Carwyn Holland, and several councillors within the municipality of the Linden Mayor and Town Council (LM&TC).

However, to date, there has been no update on the status of the investigation and the Council is still awaiting the findings of a hearing into the alleged wrongdoings by the TC from the Ministry of Communities.

Bowen had been sent on administrative leave pending the results of the hearing.

According to Mayor Holland at the time, a ‘no objection’ letter had been received from the Ministry of Communities on 4 October, following an examination of the Council’s requests and recommendations for the TC to proceed on administrative leave.

Prior to that, he had explained that a letter was sent to the Communities Ministry on 9 September 2016.

Bowen has sought legal action against the Council who has since requested the annulment of her leave. The Council had also passed a no confidence motion against the TC. Her attorney has threatened court proceedings, should the Council fail to adhere to that letter. Speaking to this publication on Thursday, Bowen said that things are progressing slowly, while she confirmed that there has been no response from Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan.

She revealed that her attorney also dispatched a letter to the Minister, and is presently awaiting a response.

Also speaking on the issue, Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) Region 10 (Upper Demerara/Berbice) representative Maurice Butters questioned whether the Council was acting within the law by its decision to send the TC on administrative leave. Butters noted that, in his opinion as a union representative, the actions of the Council were illegal.

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news

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Tuesday, January 3 – 08:30h-10:00h and Wednesday, January 4 – 09:00h-10:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, January 3 – 07:45h-09:15h and Wednesday, January 4 – 08:00h-09:30h.

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

WEATHER TODAY Weather: Light to thundery to heavy rain showers can be expected throughout the day, while light cloud cover can be expected in the evening.

Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 27 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-easterly between 2.23 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 07:49h and 20:09h reaching maximum heights of 2.49 metres and 2.54 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 13:40h reaching a minimum height of 0.74 metre.

Red House fiasco

Govt engrossed in “executive lawlessness” – Ramkarran …Gaskin warns of PNC hooliganism, bullyism

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overnment’s rapid move to repossess the Red House reeks of executive lawlessness and is reminiscent of the emblematic hooliganism and bullyism of the People’s National Congress (PNC).

These were the sentiments expressed by non-partisan political commentators who have been critical of both the former People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) and the incumbent PNCled A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Administrations.

Former Speaker of the National Assembly, Ralph Ramkarran described the manner in which Government rushed to repossess the Red House as

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tuesDAY, january 3, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

the “height of executive lawlessness”.

He contended that the rule of law was completely ignored, firstly when Government moved to take repossession by bypassing the court.

“No Government official has the power to dictate the expulsion of occupants of State or any other property.

If the Government requires possession, it must obtain an order of the court. That

The Red House

is the rule of law. It applies to the President, the Government and the citizen,” he explained.

Ramkarran, who is also a Cheddi Jagan Research Centre (CJRC) Board Member, expressed “if the Government is aggrieved by the possession of Red House by the CJRC, it is the height of lawlessness for it to send its staffers to eject the occupants and seize possession. The same APNU/AFC, even the PNC and PNCR before it, popularised the phrase ‘executive lawlessness’. The attempt to eject the occupants of Red House is a straight case of the height of executive lawlessness.”

He also raised concerns over how the series of events unfolded.

President David Granger had announced that Government would seek to repossess Red House from the CJRC on the basis of advice that the lease was invalid and he gave the occupants 48 hours to vacate the premises.

However, the day after this announcement was made, the PPP on behalf of the CJRC moved to the courts seeking a con-

servatory order to prevent Government from taking over Red House.

But Attorney General Basil Williams told the

Ramon Gaskin

court that Government had already repossessed Red House and the conservatory order would be in vain.

Around this time, a group of men wearing shirts with the “Ministry of the Presidency” sign, invaded Red House, ripped down its signboard and began to bar the gates. After PPP members and Police arrived on scene, a confrontation ensued and the men eventually left.

But Ramkarran believes this was just a ploy to validate the Attorney General’s claims.

“I know of my own knowledge that the claim that Government was in possession of Red House was palpably false. I spoke to staff of the CJRC by telephone from the CJRC at about 4 pm (16:00h) and they were in the Red House carrying out their normal activities. It could be, because of the uncanny connection, that in order to create conditions on the ground, as reported by the Attorney General in court, that the premises were invaded by persons wearing shirts with the insignias ‘MOTP”, assumed to be ‘Ministry of the Presidency’,” he surmised.

Ramkarran said the attempted unlawful seizure of Red House, unlawful restriction of the movement of the occupants, and the unlawful sequestration of its property bring back sad memories of times past when the rule of law in Guyana was being severely undermined as a result of political oppression and authoritarian rule.

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

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

Editorial

Traducing the Rule of Law

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slew of activities by the PNC-led Government of our country following the last general elections raises the question once again as to what are principles by which we shall be governed? We had assumed that the question had long been settled: the overriding principle would be the Rule of Law – the notion that we would be governed by laws and not by men.

While we may have had many problems with colonial rule, we assumed unanimity in our acceptance on the Rule of Law. But we may be too optimistic. Take the instance in the public domain right now: the claim by the Government that the lease the prior government issued to the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre (CJRC) is fatally defective on several legal grounds it enumerated.

The CJRC, on the other hand, has rejected that claim and countered with contra legal citations. Under the principle of the Rule of Law, the Government should have moved to the courts rather than sending workers from the Ministry of the Presidency to change locks. In the courts, the dispute would be considered under the ambit of the laws of the land and under the principle of equity and a judgement would be handed down.

But instead, there’re all kinds of inflammatory statements issued, protest marches staged and ultimatums launched. And all of this from the Executive that is in charge of the State. It is no wonder we have remained lumped as “Third World” and by definition, “Third Rate”.

We in Guyana want to live like the “developed” countries; we demand the trappings and titles of the “First World” – but we do not have the fortitude to stand on the bedrock that has made those countries into havens of stability – the Rule of Law. What is this Rule of Law and in what way is it being transgressed today? In modern parlance, the essential characteristic of the Rule of Law is: the supremacy of law, which means that all persons (individuals and institutions) are subject to law; a concept of justice which emphasises interpersonal adjudication, law based on standards and the importance of procedures; restrictions on the exercise of discretionary power; the doctrine of judicial precedent; the common law methodology; legislation should be prospective and not retrospective; an independent judiciary; the exercise by Parliament of the legislative power and restrictions on exercise of legislative power by the Executive and last, but not least, an underlying moral basis for all law.

In the matter that is roiling the nation, let us consider the element of the Rule of Law in our parliamentary system. The Constitution is the supreme law of the land and even the Judiciary, Executive and the Legislature must operate within its strictures. In Guyana, however, there is a stubborn streak inherited from the departed colonial power of the Executive holding itself above the law – and therefore the Constitution.

What is playing out in Guyana is the insistence of the Executive to pursue its own notion of “justice” by bypassing the recourse to adjudication by the courts. In pursuing this misguided course, it risks bringing down the whole edifice of the Rule of Law so painstakingly won in the last two centuries following the abolition of slavery.

This challenge to the Rule of Law illustrates the stubborn refusal by the Executive to accept that justice requires that the better interest should prevail but that does not mean that there is no merit in the inferior interest. There is merit (and possibly demerit) on both sides. Whether there may be flaws or not in the lease for Red House, for instance, surely the Executive would not deny that the CJRC has some rights to secure the papers of a former president of the republic. They have to leave it to the courts to ascertain which side has the better right.

The elements in the Government’s counter protests refused to accept there might be other interests existing much less “better interests”.

Politics aside: Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo and Robert Corbin share a light moment on Old Year’s Night at Palm Court before ushering in 2017. Also in photo are former Tourism Minister Manniram Prashad and Mrs Corbin (Carl Croker photo)

Tit for tat politics Dear Editor, How do the politicians in APNU/AFC defend the indefensible? Why seek to seize assets legitimately owned in some cases or controlled by the PPP/C or their representatives or supporters?

When these assets amount to a drop in the ocean compared to the other resources and assets available for ownership, control and management by APNU/AFC in the ocean of Guyana.

ExxonMobil’s findings included.

These actions were not part of the platform that APNU/AFC promised preelection, yet here we are acting as if we are two nations with two destinies.

Why do our politicians have to inflict deep and unnecessary divisions amongst the Guyanese people? Does this not take us backwards to intense hatred and an urge to rebel against a fairly elected coalition Government?

The PPP/C was duly elected and used their tenure of office to not only contribute to the development of Guyana, providing a period of economic growth never seen in Guyana’s history; even as the hierarchy of the

party and major supporters used the government structure to enrich themselves, politically speaking there is nothing unusual about their conduct.

Machiavelli noted that “A ruler never lacks legitimate reasons to break his promise” and indeed the APNU/ AFC can find multiple legitimate reasons to seize Red House from PPP/C, but is this action good of Guyana – with the resulting animus, vendetta mentality, and pillarizing of racism; this is clearly not the route to take.

As much as I supported APNU/AFC pre-election, my groundings with brothers and supporters of PPP/C has grown post-elections, as acts of folly and hypocrisy have obtained far too frequently from the Coalition. It is always easier to meet with the Opposition than those who carry the titles. One of the great mistakes of the populace is to judge politicians by their intentions rather than their results – with apologies to Milton Friedman.

Invariably in politics, friends become pawns, mere creatures to manipulate and use whenever convenient.

Politicians tend to have in-

terests only and those who occupy the halls of power often believe the titles they carry represent a divine right to rule with hubris, insolence, arrogance and the gravy of egotism. Of course, there is a timeline to all this pomposity…

Now here we are in 2017 – with Red House under threat of seizure; Properties in Sparendaam mostly owned by PPP/C members are being targeted for repricing; sugar estates being unjustifiably placed on the chopping block for auction or divestment; leadership in the National Assembly seemingly hell-bent on suspending an attorney over tablets or tattle; skilled technocrats fleeing from Guyana; the NICIL no-case; these backward-looking stratagems are so damaging to the Guyanese psyche that one sees only self-destruction ahead.

We are damning our country to failure. The party in power should be seeking with all hands-on deck to find ways to continue the development of Guyana and avoid the futile, backward, and dangerous practice of focusing on the rear-view mir-

ror, while trying to go forward. Doing so will only lead to more divisions, divisiveness and vendettas when the other party inevitably takes power. Those in power tend to think it will last forever or deceive themselves into believing it will be so; history has exposed this fallacy. Even the blemished Trump will not prosecute or persecute Mrs Clinton.

Let bygones be bygones… let sleeping dogs lie… let all things past, pass… Why spend much needed resources, energy and human capital to undo our heritage, instead we should work to replicate, increase, improve and perfect numerous assets in other locations, using the vast resources available for development in the ocean of Guyana.

“Nothing can destroy a government more quickly than its failure to observe its own laws, or worse, its disregard of the charter of its own existence” - US Supreme Court Justice Tom C Clark.

Sincerely, Nigel Hinds

Stop the violence

Dear Editor, Since pre/post-independence the PNC and its supporters have resorted to violence to solve problems. The PPP and its supporters, in contrast, have pursued the enforcement of their rights and redress of grievances at the courts. Why this different path between the two par-

ties and their supporters in seeking enforcement of their rights? On Friday night last, a peaceful vigil held by the PPP outside Red House was disrupted by Minister Volda Lawrence and a mob at a time when her ministerial colleague Amna Ally is preaching national cohesion.

President Granger’s de-

cree that Red House should be seized and its inhabitants evicted in one day is a travesty of justice. The President made himself lawyer, judge, jury, and enforcer all in one stroke. Fortunately, the coalition Government has been blocked by the courts. Why shouldn't the PPP be free to protest in peace? Ministry

of the Presidency operatives barged into Red House and broke the sign, as well as padlocked the gates as if they were a law unto themselves.

This occurred after a court had issued an injunction barring the takeover. The PPP did not reciprocate with violence to enforce their rights.

Continues on PAGE 5

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Norwegians suggested restructuring, not abandonment

Dear Editor, On December 28, the Ministry of the Presidency issued a statement asserting that it “proposes to utilise a mix of energy options, starting with less risky options such as solar and wind, as outlined in Budget 2017.”

The reason given for this position from the Granger administration was that the report from the Norwegian Consultants “provides supporting evidence that the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project (AFHP) would not be optimal in its current model and presents an unbalanced risk to the Government and People of Guyana.” So was this the final conclusion from the consultants?

After examining the Report I found on Page 37, the following statement attributed to these same consultants, “From a financial and economic point of view, development of Amaila Falls seems to be the optimal solution for meeting the electric-

ity demand in Guyana. The project should be financially restructured in order to make it more attractive for the GOG and potential investors.”

On that same page, we also find more telling advice from the Expert Energy Consultants; “The financing challenge as a result of the perceived risk of investing in Guyana would be the same for all projects of a similar size, and substituting AFHP with another hydropower project of a similar size would not make any difference.”

But to re-emphasise why AFHP is the best option for Guyana’s green energy needs, the Consultants said on Page 35 of the Report that, “From a system point of view, solar power is not sufficiently stable and can therefore not be recommended as the main source of power in the main grid. Solar may be used in offgrid areas with battery backup and or in the main grid for generation during day-time,

but it cannot function as a source for base-load power.”

After reading this Report, I personally feel vindicated because when I opposed this project, my reasons were arrived at purely on financial grounds, my forte and not on the engineering reasons which I am no expert. So I will leave the engineering side to the Charles Sohans of the world. I said then that the US$858 million project was too expensive and that the cost of equity for the sponsor was too high and the distribution of the risks was misaligned. But the then PPP government would have none of it and pressed on with the flawed financial model to the nation’s detriment. The financial analysis that I personally constructed with some colleagues proved that the Jagdeo option was overpriced (see http://www.stabroeknews. com/2011/opinion/letters/12/16/there-should-be%E2%80%98tripartite-lead-

Stop the...

In spite of all the violence perpetuated on PPP supporters by PNC thugs, what does the PPP do in response?

They hold Commissions of Inquiry and proceed to the courts for redress. One party acts primitive and the other goes by the rule of law. In no recent case has the PPP resorted to violence as a means of redressing wrongs.

Why? History of experiences of violence shows that when violence is countered with superior violence, there is respect for law and order.

Fear drives people to behave themselves. PPP needs to pay attention to that tenet.

The contrast of the two parties is like night to day.

The PPP leadership seeks the courts for its justice. The PNC resorts to illegal acts and violence to get its way as in the case of the assault on Red House. Obviously, the AFC/APNU Government does not believe in the constitution or laws.

Rightly so, if the PNCled Government believes that their case has righteousness, why not act within Guyana's laws and the constitutions to cancel the lease of the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre? Why resort to violence to prove their case? The answer is the PNC recognises that the PPP is helpless and will cave in to violence. Had the PPP

ership%E2%80%99-on-theamaila-project/). However I have always maintained that the AFHP was important to Guyana. Therefore, I am deeply saddened by the actions of Minister Patterson, since he is not driving an agenda that can mould this nation on the energy front.

Guyana is about to lose even more now because of the Granger Cabinet.

The Norwegians suggested some financial and engineering restructuring of the project, not abandonment as Minister Patterson is pushing. What is now absolutely clear is that Minister Patterson does not understand this project and it would be advisable to assemble a tripartite team of the Government/Opposition/ Civil Society to advance the recommendations of these Experts.

What is clear is that Minister Patterson is not seeing that the “the annual payments from GPL may be

FROM PAGE 4

put an end to PNC violence very early on during the 1960s and the 1970s, the violent behaviour of the PNC would have been history.

The PNC coalition shut down Wales Sugar Estate, which impacted thousands of PPP supporters, and yet there were no court challenges or resort to violence.

What is the PPP waiting for?

One must ask the question, why the PNC cannot behave in the same manner as the PPP? What next?

PNC violence in Guyana has a history of being always directed against Indians, and this has gone unchallenged by all good Guyanese citizens. Such a travesty must not be allowed to continue by the ABC countries.

What will it take to make PNC supporters stop such evil actions? Just say "Stop it."?

Yours truly, Vassan Ramracha

reduced by 20 per cent compared to the original proposal” as calculated by the consultants. But the bigger picture remains that having AFHP in place can significantly lower the current operating cost of GPL, compared to this company using these gas guzzling generators that currently secures power.

These savings can directly feed through to the ordinary people by reducing their light bills. It is now a clearly established fact by this report that AFHP is the most feasible and bankable alternative green option to bring reliable and low-cost green energy to Guyana; not solar or any other forms of energy. While all sorts of green energy, especially that from the Hope Beach Wind Farm must be welcomed and are necessary, none of them can provide 164 MW of energy for 10 months in every year for 100 years at US$0.11 Kw/h in a reliable and dependable manner.

I am shocked therefore by this position attributed as the recommendations of Minister Patterson to the Cabinet that the AFHP presents an “unbalance risk to the people of Guyana”. I am convinced this position is patently erroneous and weak.

I cannot stand by and allow people who clearly are putting the future of the children of Guyana at risk because of their petty vindictiveness, inability to think big and understand such a big deal and clearly cannot feel the pulse of the nation. People are fed up with blackouts and even if we successfully implement

all the solar energy initiatives in the 2017 Budget, it will only sort out the energy needs of Mabaruma, Bartica, Mahdia and Lethem and a few other hinterland areas.

That is less than two per cent of the population. Who in their right mind develops an energy agenda to progress two per cent of the people and stagnate 98 per cent?

Please permit me now to invite the Minister to examine more closely the accuracy of his positions and take the necessary actions to address the needs of the people and stop playing political games with such an important matter as the nation’s energy security.

Sincerely, Sase Singh, MSc Finance, ACCA Maryland, USA

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Foundation

New Year's Resolutions your children made

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Authored by Kori Baudoin edited by Cliff McKinney

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Learn new things

My daughter wants to learn how to sing. She is so smart and has accomplished so much in her short six years. — Michele Martinez Five-year-old Grace wants to learn to read more "star words" (sight words).

Learning to read in kindergarten has been so much fun. Two-year-old Ben wants to run and climb more! — Renee Ballerine

Improve education

Stop eating junk food

My girls decided on no more fast food "minus a pizza every now and then," and we figured if we can cut that out, it would be a good lifestyle change. We already limit junk food that comes in the house. —Katie Fitch

Start Exercising

My nine-year-old son has resolved to run with me three days a week. My seven-year-old son wants to play more with his brothers.

— Melissa Newell

Children of war

– the rights of Syrians and their children are being violated

hat resolutions have your children made to ring in the new year? Our readers share the real goals their children have promised to accomplish.

My four-year-old daughter is still having a tough time holding her pencil/crayon correctly, so we're set on mastering that. — Joanna Good My four-year-old wants to master addition. — Alisha AlmostKerr Scalf

guyanatimesgy.com

Help mom quit smoking

My son is nine. He decided to make it his goal to help me quit smoking. Kids – gotta love them! — Lorena Kerrigan

Adopt a "green" lifestyle

I have five kids, and they decided to use less energy, so they are cutting out 90 per cent of TV usage, unplugging everything we don't use daily, and walking to school!

— Millie Radona

Master milestones

My son just turned 2 years old; his resolution is to learn to use the big-boy potty. My second child is in the womb and "says" his/her resolution is to sleep through the night as fast as possible.

— Ronella Collins My three-month-old daughter told me she wants

to learn how to walk and say "Mommy." — Lucy Herrera

Continue good behaviour

My seven-year-old daughter, who has ADHD and Asperger's syndrome, said her goals are to be good and listen to her parents. — Dolores Sheesley

Always have fun

My son wants to build a teleporter to Legoland. — Lisa Decker Last year we held a New Year's Eve playdate and we counted down at noon for the kids. That night, at bedtime, I was telling my son (then four years old) about resolutions, and without pausing he told me, "I want to have parties where we throw confetti and make lots of noise once a week." — Katie Dugan (parenting.com)

and

magine being in the shoes of a Syrian child, caught in the middle of an ongoing conflict that began over five years ago.

Most of your friends from school have fled the country or have been displaced within Syria. The school you used to attend has been bombed, you have seen friends and family members brutally murdered, and the hospitals you would h a v e gone to for care are being attacked.

You have not been to school in over five months.

Your family is too afraid now to even leave their own home, and the last time you looked out the window you had seen your uncle being shot by soldiers.

Just yesterday, soldiers invaded your house, accused your father of being involved with opposition forces, and took him away. You are scared you will never see him again, and your mother has plans to flee to Lebanon. How can you imagine a future for your-

self in this situation?

According to Abbyad (2012), many refugees she sees every day have endured horrible forms of violence and disregard to their human rights, including beatings, death, witnessing the killing of family members, torture, detention, shootings, being denied care, and sexual assault.

Experiencing these types of horrendous acts has a serious toll on psy-

chological health, even more so for children.

Abbyad reported witnessing many children living alone on the streets, often taking up very strenuous side jobs just to survive. It is heart-breaking to see that any refugees from Syria could be unwelcome and not given the proper resources they need. Most of the refugees are fleeing to neighbouring countries such as Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Iraq, and Turkey.

In September 2013, these countries met with the United Nations (UN) and were willing to accept refugees and provide access to territory and public services. However, over the years, the refugees have flooded in massive amounts, causing unanticipated effects on the surrounding economies and high tensions between refugees and local residents.

The vignette above is similar to the stories of almost five million people who have fled Syria. According to O’Rourke (2015), about 52 per cent of refugees are under the age of 18 years and most of these children miss significant amounts of school. Many problems contribute to this limited access to education, including a lack of proper facilities and transportation as well as a language barrier.

What will happen to these children who already face severe problems from trauma, but also have no access to education? For refugee

children, school could provide a much-needed structured environment, which would instil a sense of normalcy and help them adapt to a new life. Access to education is considered a right for all children according to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) and the Convention of the Rights of the Child (CRC).

W h o

should be held responsible for ensuring that Syrian refugees have equal educational opportunities? The countries mentioned above have attempted to provide education to accommodate the refugees, but their capacity and resources are limited. The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) is providing funding to the primary countries that host most of the refugees, funding schools for over 100,000 Syrian children. As part of efforts to reintegrate refugee children, Wellman and Bey (2015) discuss a programme that uses artistic self-expression to promote language, self-advocacy, cultural preservation, and community building. They suggest that the visual arts can be an effective method for refugee students to understand their new environment and face disturbing issues.

This is a very difficult problem that requires many types of solutions aside from the visual arts (eg, addressing living conditions, quality of life, trauma, etc). Hopefully, more programmes can be administered to help refugees. It is up to the world to protect the rights of all refugees, children or otherwise, and ensure that they have access to safety, public services, and an opportunity to better themselves. (psycholo-

daytoday.com)

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tuesDAY, january 3, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

2 killed execution style after leaving “cockfight” T

wo men were killed in an apparent hit, moments after leaving a “cockfight” in Friendship, East Bank Demerara (EBD) on New Year’s night. The shooting occurred about 19:00h.

Dead are Desmond David Singh, called “Fix Up”, 34, of Lot A 1 Orange Walk, Bourda, Georgetown and Azrudeen Hussain, 24, of Little Biabu Mahaica Creek, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

Singh’s body was riddled with bullets and he died instantly, while Hussain was shot to his neck and was pronounced dead on arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Reports are the two men were at a “game cock fight” at Humphrey Street, Friendship, EBD, which ended in a draw. Soon after the fight, Singh left and was reportedly walking towards the public road as Hussain drove out of the street.

With less than two meters to reach the public road, Singh stopped Hussain to chat and it was during this time, two armed

Dead: Desmond David Singh

and masked men emerged from the southern side of the street and opened fire in Singh’s direction, but one of the bullets eventually struck Hussain.

After Singh dropped to the ground, the men allegedly stood over him and riddled his body with bullets. The gunmen then escaped in a waiting motor car.

At the time of the shooting, Hussain’s brother, nephew and two friends were in the car. After they realised the final-year pharmacy student at the University of Guyana was

shot to the neck, his brother took over the wheel and drove to the Georgetown Public Hospital.

The Police were summoned and the area was cordoned off, as detectives began their investigations.

Guyana Times understands that two men of North Ruimveldt, Georgetown were later arrested.

A Division (Georgetown and East Bank Demerara) Commander Clifton Hicken told this publication that two men were in custody, but they were not being treated as suspects. “They are just assisting with the investigations,” he reiterated.

Meanwhile, when Guyana Times visited the home of the now dead man at Orange Walk, his sister, Denise Singh, said that she was at home when she received the news of the shooting.

“Somebody call me and tell me that “Fix Up” get shoot so I travelled up to the scene and when I reach there, his body was in the middle of the street in pool of blood… He had bullet holes all over he body, but

Dead: Azrudeen Hussain

the one bullet to the head is what really kill he,” she added.

She explained that her brother would normally participate in “game cock fights”, describing him as a lover of the sport. In addition, she related that her now dead brother did not drive to Friendship since the fitness of his vehicle had expired and, as such, he went up with a friend.

The grieving sister explained that since their parents died, they took over the business, noting that her brother had no issues with anyone.

Govt engrossed in “executive lawlessness”...

FROM PAGE 3

Hooliganism and bullyism

Ramon Gaskin, another independent political commentator, told Guyana Times that this developing situation cast a dark shadow over the country.

“The bullyism that we saw there, the invasion of the place and the kicking down the signboard, that’s the PNC hooliganism. On a matter that is before the court, it takes you back to the bullyism of the PNC. And this is an extremely dangerous event we have witnessed and I am hoping the President pulls back from this behaviour,” he expressed.

Gaskin was also baffled about the status quo of the lease, with the AG claiming that it was revoked already, but the public statements contending otherwise.

“You have several inconsistencies there. If the lease was revoked, you’d have to serve a letter to the lessor and you’d have to give notice to leave and all of that…,” he stated.

Nonetheless, Gaskin pointed out that the matter was now before the courts, so both the Government and the PPP would have to argue the law and the public would have to wait on

the court’s ruling.

“We should all stand back, stay calm, relax and watch and see how they argue the law,” he stated.

The Red House was the former home of late President Dr Cheddi Jagan, a beloved and key figure in the struggle for a free, independent and democratic Guyana.

Red House is a National Monument of Guyana and it falls under the auspices of the National Trust.

The CJRC was incorporated in 1999/2000 to promote research into and publish materials on the life, work and ideas of Dr

Jagan.

The lease agreement, for 99 years at $1000 per month, was drawn up but was only seemingly approved in 2012.

The Attorney General claims that the lease was invalid since it did not bear the signature of the President of the day.

Government is seeking to reclaim Red House on the basis that the lease is invalid and the building is a national monument and, therefore, belongs under the purview of the State and not private individuals.

At the siblings’ business place, persons were heard offering condolences to his sister, describing the father of six as a pleasant man.

One woman, who sells across the road from the business, recalled speaking to the now dead man on Saturday evening as they made rough jokes. Another noted that Singh and his sister managed to keep the family business afloat following the death of their parents.

Meanwhile, Azad Hussain, father of the second dead man, told Guyana Times that his son left home about 15:30h claiming that he was going to Friendship to “watch cockfighting”.

“He left with meh other son, meh grandson and he collect two other friends from Mahaica. I was at home when I get the call that he get shoot and dead, but I didn’t go see he…” the devastated father recalled.

Based on what was related to him by the occupants of the car, the elder Hussain said his now dead son had stopped to chat with Singh when the men attacked. From all indications, Singh was the target, but it was a stray bullet that caught his son in the neck, he stated.

“After he get shoot, he head throw back and he foot stepped on the escalator and rev the car…so meh other son think the car fastened so he come out to push and then is when he realise that the sound was real gunshots and not squibs… all the time, he thought was people firing off squibs,” the man related.

The father said that his son would regularly accompany his cousin, who took part in the cockfights.

Hussain leaves to mourn his parents and four siblings. The Police are continuing their investigations. (Bhisham Mohamed)

8 News Labourer killed by speeding Policeman A tuesDAY, january 3, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Police Officer is under close arrest following an accident on Old Year’s night which resulted in the death of a Corentyne labourer and farmer.

Dead is Naveneranauth Ragnandan, also called “RZ”, 37 of Bush Lot Village, Corentyne. According to reports, the man died moments after being hit.

Guyana Times understands that the car, which was being driven by the Policeman attached to the Number 51 Police Station, was allegedly travelling east on the Corentyne Highway at a fast rate. Ragnandan, who had just ended a conversation with another farmer, Hemraj Latchman, was walking away when he was hit.

According to Latchman, he and Ragnandan had just completed a discussion about his rice field, and shortly after he heard the impact.

“When I spin around, I see “RZ” in the air…,” Latchman related, adding that the car stopped some 200 meters away.

This publication was told that the man landed about 30 feet from where he was hit. “The man was speeding an he didn’t want the brakes impression to show how speed he was going, so he slow down till he stop; he stop till by that shop up the road,” Latchman said.

Divisional Commander, Assistant Commissioner Ian

Dead: Naveneranauth Ragnandan

Amsterdam told Guyana Times that a breathalyser test was administered and the officer was found not to be above the legal limit of alcohol consumption.

The Commander added that the Police have obtained a statement from an eyewitness and would be preparing a file to send to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on the matter.

Meanwhile, Ragnandan’s widow, Diawattie Bissember, also called “Kim”, speaking with this publication said she was at home when she heard the impact, but had no idea that her husband was involved. “Me sister-in-law dem run out and when me go fo run out them tell me na go, so me stay.”

She then was informed of the tragic news, which she shared with relatives living nearby. “They go an see he but dem na carry me… When

Diawattie Bissember (wife)

Ah see mi husband he did lie down on a stretcher at Port Mourant Hospital, and then dem take he and carry him to the funeral parlour,” the grieving widow explained.

Bissember explained that on Monday she visited the Whim Police Station and was shown the suspect. The woman related that officers there told her that that they were unable to gather statements from anyone who witnessed the accident.

However, Assistant Commissioner Amsterdam refuted that claim, saying that the Police were in receipt of a statement from an eyewitness. He assured that the Police were treating the matter as they would matters where civilians were the suspects.

Bissember said her husband was an all-rounder who worked in the rice field, painted, and also worked as a carpenter. “He na get

one regular job, anyway he can go an get a job,” she explained.

Recounting the couple’s last moments together, Bissember said during the day (Old Year’s Day) her husband assisted with the cooking. “About 2’o clock time, he tell me say that he gon go and shy paddy and he go out an I ain’t seen him back.”

She said they had planned to spend the last hours of the year together.

“Ah tell he that I gon buy some beer and when he come back me an he gon sit down and drink it home, but I ain’t see he back…”

Bissember is pleading with the Police for assistance. “Mi fus husband dead an mi second daughter drink poison and she dead, so me don’t have no savings fo do any burying.”

The couple shared two children, aged 16 and nine.

The Divisional Commander, who was out of the jurisdiction for the New Year’s weekend, explained that the family was not visited because most of the senior officers would have gone home for the weekend. He has promised to visit the family.

Ragnandan leaves to mourn his children, wife and four siblings. A post-mortem examination is expected to be performed on his body today.

Footballer stabbed during row over firecracker

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footballer attached to the Guyana Jaguars’ team and the Alpha United Football Club is now nursing a stab wound which he sustained following an

argument over a firecracker in the wee hours of Sunday at North Ruimveldt.

Dellon Lanferman, 22, remains a patient at the Georgetown Public

Hospital. Reports are the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the Stag Elite Football Tournament was standing at a gathering when another man accused him of throw-

ing a firecracker at him.

This was refuted by the footballer. An argument quickly ensued between the footballer and the drunken man, during which he was stabbed. He was picked up

Brinksmanship…

T

…on the race front

he dust is beginning to settle in the dust-up over, and at Red House. So, what’s emerging from the haze? Clarity on the political alignments most thought had shifted during the last elections. APNU is conceding it’s really the PNC and really doesn’t need the “small parties” fig leaf any longer. The job’s been done: the PNC successfully hid its stripes when it counted and has decided it’s not worth the effort any longer.

“Parties” like NFA and GAP really never mattered – it was the WPA that was the initial catch sought - and finally hooked. The challenge from that party in its core constituency had stuck in the PNC’s craw since the success of Rodney in the 1970’s. With his sense of history, Granger knew the WPA and its heretical few had to be brought back into the fold. That a grounded member of the core WPA ideologues like Tacuma Ogunseye could be defending the PNC from the redoubt of the Office of the President – which had advised the WPA to “make their wills” - says it all.

The remnants of the WPA wasn’t important for their numbers, but for the moral high ground they’d seized as far back as when Rodney asked African Guyanese of Georgetown to reflect on what it meant for Burnham to assume they’d condemn an innocent Indian man - Arnold Rampersaud – just because they were Africans. WPA’s support confirms the PNC as the sole representative of African Guyanese – just as Burnham was when he was permitted to rig elections. “It’s us or them”.

And we now get to the AFC – which could claim with a straight face at the last elections they’d coalesced with APNU and not “PNC”. They’re definitely more than “dead meat” after the humiliating treatment of the institution dedicated to preserving the memory of Dr Cheddi Jagan. Moses Nagamootoo, who’d brought over his 11 per cent Berbice Indian support to the PNC-inAPNU – has obsessively declared that his entire 50-year political career was as a “Jaganite”. Yet, he was the one who actually drafted the lease for the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre!!

Your Eyewitness knows Nagamootoo, poor fellow, was never permitted to chair Cabinet meetings – but he’s still allowed to sit-in, nuh? So, was he there when the Cabinet declared war against the memory of Jagan?

Did he defend the lease he drafted when Basil Williams claimed it had more defects than the Skeldon Factory?

Your Eyewitness hopes the AFC understands now that the PNC has the full support of its constituency, it doesn’t need Nagamootoo’s 11 per cent - or whatever’s left of it.

The PNC now has a license to rig. “If not us, them?”

…in legal circles

Dellon Lanferman

and rushed to the Hospital where he was admitted.

The suspect was reportedly arrested and was expected to be charged shortly. Wayne Dover, National Coach of the Guyana team, in a Facebook post, confirmed that the young man was stabbed once and was recuperating.

Dover was convinced that the injured young man was on the road to recovery and would soon be discharged from the medical facility.

In the clearing of the haze mentioned above, matters arising over in the judicial branch of the Government are also becoming more clearly defined. If the PNC’s to have its way – to rule by any means necessary – then, as it found out in its first incarnation under the Founder Leader, it’ll have to ensure the Judiciary doesn’t insist on humbug-like “rule of law” and suchlike.

Like the Chief Justice (ag) telling AG Basil Williams that even if he’s now a “Senior Counsel”, the Executive Branch isn’t the arbiter of the law. And Ministry of the Presidency’s goons can’t just throw the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre into the street.

So, we can now understand the story in the Chronic that bootstraps on a single letter about the Chancellor of the Judiciary reaching 65 years of age, to claim “… concerns raised over whether he will try to prolong stay”. If he does stay, the PNC would have to take a chance he might nix their upcoming challenge to Jagdeo running again for the Presidency.

Can’t have that, can they?

…from Chronic

After a manful attempt to retain a shred of “impartiality”, looks like the Chronic’s given up.

Their end-of-year headline on the Red House lease fiasco, “NOT VALID” was the white towel.

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

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tuesDAY, january 3, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Coroners’ Amendment Bill President Granger calls for deepened regional integration “Not a single coroner

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s Guyana assumes chairmanship of the 15-member Caribbean Community (Caricom) grouping, President David Granger has called for deeper regional integration, noting that the new year held great promise for the Caribbean countries to advance “our integration process which can only be possible through the involvement and participation of all”.

“Let us resolve to play our part in strengthening our Caribbean Community and to making regional unity a living, breathing experience,” Granger said in a message ahead of taking over from Dominican Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit from January 1.

Granger, who will hold the position for the next six months, said that 2016 marked the mid-point of the Five-Year Strategic Plan, which he described as “a foundational element in the Community’s reform process”.

“That process is geared towards ensuring that our people feel the impact of the integration movement in their daily lives. Integration is not merely about systems and institutions. It is mostly about people.

“It is in the interest of developing our people that we are taking steps to ensure that they are fully equipped to address the requirements of the 21st Century economy and society. Our Commission on Human Resource Development is developing a Regional Education and Human Resource Strategy with special attention to ICT in Education and Human Resource Development.”

Granger said that the Caricom Single Market and

New Caricom Chairman, President David Granger

Economy (CSME) that allows for the free movement of goods, skills, labour, and services across the Region remained “the vehicle through which we can achieve the growth and development; timely assessments will serve to ensure that we maximise its benefits for our citizens”.

He acknowledged that notwithstanding the substantial progress that has been made, regional leaders would review its operations and identify ways to improve its delivery.

Granger said that the Caribbean was well endowed with the requirements for pursuing a green economy, including sources of renewable energy and forests that harbour a significant amount of carbon.

He said as noted by the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, “the green economy can be seen as a lens for focusing on and seizing opportunities to advance economic and environmental goals simultaneously”.

“The effects of climate change continue to bedevil our countries as exemplified

by Hurricane Matthew. The need to conserve and protect our environment, therefore, becomes even more pressing.”

Such actions, he said, will also give the Region the opportunity to leverage the abundant forests and wetlands as well as the marine resources with which the Region was blessed and utilise them creatively to launch new pathways to social and economic development. “This can be accomplished while ensuring that we help in the global commitment to limit the rise in global temperature to below 1.5 degrees.”

Granger said that Caribbean people made a considerable contribution to the global community in the sphere of culture and later this year, the Region’s premier cultural exposition, the Caribbean Festival of the Arts (CARIFESTA), would be held in Barbados.

The 13th edition of this festival, bringing together the peoples of Caricom as well as the wider Caribbean, will take place under the theme “Asserting our Culture: Celebrating Ourselves”, and President Granger added “we certainly look forward to widespread participation to make the event a tremendous success”.

In his statement, the Guyanese leader said that the safety and security of the Region was of paramount importance, noting “as we move forward with implementing a regional crime and security strategy, we will be building on the platform already established by concluding legal agreements with respect to Arrest Warrants and Asset Forfeiture”.

appointed” – Nandlall

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lmost a year has elapsed since Government passed the Coroners’ Amendment Bill, and President David Granger is yet to reopen an investigation into the huge backlog of unresolved “unnatural deaths”.

This was pointed out by former Attorney General Anil Nandlall, who criticised Government’s haste to pass the Bill in the National Assembly.

“We made proposals and they were objected, because we were told that they need it so badly. Nine months or more have passed and not a single coroner has been appointed under the Coroners’ Bill,” Nandlall stated.

The National Assembly, on January 14, 2016, passed the Coroners’ Amendment Bill 2015 after a heated and lengthy debate between the Government and Opposition.

According to the amended Bill, at present, the Magistrate of the magisterial district in which an unnatural death occurs is the coroner. If that Magistrate cannot conveniently or speedily be found or is unable to act, the nearest Justice of the Peace who is able to act shall be the coroner. A coroner is defined as a public official who investigates by inquest any death not due to natural causes.

Former Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall

The amendments effected by the Bill to the Act do not affect the law as it stands, except that they widen the meaning of a coroner.

According to the explanatory memorandum, the amendment provides for the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to appoint fit and proper persons to be coroners for the country.

A coroner shall also have the powers, privileges, rights and jurisdiction of a Magistrate and Justice of the Peace as are necessary for the performance of his duties.

In his presentation, prior to the Bill being deliberated on, Attorney General Basil Williams stated the Government was moving to have this Bill passed, since

there were a number of families who needed closure on the death of their loved ones.

The Coroners’ Amendment Bill was revised to allow for at least four coroners in Demerara, three in Berbice and two in Essequibo. These persons will be fulltime coroners. Every person appointed as a coroner under the act shall take and subscribe to the oath of office taken by a Magistrate with whatever modifications are necessary.

To date, Government is yet to appoint a coroner.

The President had announced in the early days of his Administration that he would be moving to investigate the extrajudicial killings that plagued the country and haunted the minds of thousands of Guyanese.

The People’s National Congress (PNC)-led A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition had indicated on numerous occasions, its intent to launch these probes into the killings that occurred between 2000 and 2008. However, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), while supportive of the move to launch investigations into these unsolved cases, objected to the limitation imposed on the time period for these impending probes.

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guyanatimesgy.com

tuesDAY, january 3, 2017

News

Govt to utilise concessions held by Barama

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ompanies looking to capitalise on the available forest concessions will have to prove that they employ sustainable forestry practices. This is even as the Government looks to re-allocate concessions once held by the Barama logging company.

Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman said that the subject Ministry has begun inviting tenders for forest concessions previously held by Barama.

Speaking to the media late last week, Trotman said the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) has been advertising in the media locally, as well as in major forestry magazines and websites regionally and internationally, to invite interested and highly competent parties to submit Expressions of Interest for State Forest Exploratory Permits. The deadline for submission of applications is January 20, 2016.

According to him, the processing of applications will begin after the deadline for submission. “We will begin a new chapter of greater sustainability practices in forestry and a reinvigorated focus on value added,” he explained.

Trotman said that the 1.6

Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman

million hectares concession previously held by Barama would be divided into four portions. “One of these portions will be used for conservation; a second will be made available to small loggers who are interested in pursuing sustainable logging activities, while the last two will be open to multinational companies interested in operating larger concessions in an environmentally sustainable way,” he said.

In October, Barama announced its decision to not extend its forest concession agreement with the Government of Guyana.

Trotman assured that his Ministry, through the Guyana Forestry Commission, was monitoring the winding up of the company’s logging operations,

even as the Social Protection Ministry continued to engage the company directly on matters related to its workers.

Reports indicate that the company was still deciding whether it was profitable to continue its sawmilling and veneering and plywood manufacturing here.

According to reports, Government’s slothfulness in reviewing the renewal of the contract was the main reason behind Barama’s decision to leave the market.

Sources had said that during the period of the prolonged negotiations, the global economic situation took a drastic turn for the worse. The sources said had the Government presented a contract earlier, the company would have most likely still be conducting opera-

tions.

In 2015, the Natural Resources Ministry undertook to review the renewal of the contract with Barama at its behest; however, the company was presented with a draft agreement in late 2016.

A task force was established to examine the company’s request for a continuation of its contract, given the “rapacious activities” of some foreign companies operating in the forests of Guyana.

When the draft agreement was finally presented to Barama for feedback, the company had already decided to pull the plug on its operations. The source quoted in the media also indicated that the draft contract was “rough”, and did not encourage the company to stay in the market.

Barama has invested in excess of US$43 billion in its local operations since its establishment in 1991 and was one of the country’s largest employers.

Trotman, following the company’s withdrawal, had submitted a number of proposals to Cabinet on alternative use of the more than 1.6 million hectares of forest lands, as well as on the welfare of the workers who were affected by the closure.

Council’s actions illegal...

“My position on it is: ‘Is it that the Council has the authority to do what it did?’

That was my first question. Whether the Council should not have informed the Ministry PS (Permanent Secretary) or the Minister to take action. But they are saying that either the Minister or the PS gave them

permission to take action.

They can’t. No political position can take administrative decisions. She (TC) was the Chief Administrator...It is not the Council who appointed her. The Council would have made recommendations to the Minister and the Minister instructs the PS or the Public Service

to make such an appointment. So, what they did, in my opinion is illegal.”

Additionally, the GPSU representative questioned whether there is evidence to support the Council’s allegations against the TC. “That is what they have to justify. Even if she leaked information, is it true or not?

F R O M PAGE 2

That is the question they need to answer”, Butters stated.

He further outlined that Bowen can seek representation from the union despite the fact that she is not a member, although the union does not always choose to represent non-members.

Regardless, he said he has had a discussion with the TC regarding the issues.

“I deal with the issue, as a trade unionist, regardless of which Party or colour, I have an obligation to represent you. So we were in discussion about the issues and these are some of the things that I discussed with her and I said to her if there are any leads let me know so we can start the representation,” Butters noted.

Meanwhile, there are accusations that the Council’s actions are in clear violation of the Municipal and District Councils Act, Chapter 28:0, however, the LMTC maintains that it proceeded in accordance with the Act, Chapter 28:0, Section 8 A, Subsection G, which states that the Council shall “ensure that the municipality is managed in a professional and competent manner by a qualified Town Clerk” and Section 8 A, Subsection H, which states that the Council “shall perform any other duties or functions imposed on the Council by this or any other law or by the Council”.

2016 will go down in history as a year of crime

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am convinced that if Guyanese were asked on a national survey in the New Year what were the most pressing concerns in 2016 the answer would be the crime wave followed by economic downturns. Thumbing through the pages in the dailies, surfing the internet and communicating with Guyanese convinced me further that crime was not only central to, 2016 but crime and criminality will also continue in 2017. The latter point is not a whisper but ominous news, which some in the political divide will find a bitter pill to swallow.

Every day, every week and every month, Guyanese from myriad backgrounds, experience, feel, read, you name it, the wrath of crime on their lives. If you are not familiar with Guyana and you read the dailies, social media and speak to anyone, you would think that Guyana is in a war zone, battling demons of sorts.

The headlines in the dailies are so chilling that they would force an average person to apply for a gun, to join or form vigilante Dr Lomarsh Roopnarine groups, to avoid the Police or run for cover. Tons of overseas Guyanese have abandoned Guyana, fearing they would be a victim of crime if they visit.

Yet, the Police Force is under the impression that it has made significant inroads in combating crime and stated that serious crime has experienced a downward spiral. Unfortunately, this delusional information has not swayed public opinion that the Police Force is at a loss as to what and how to bring crime down to satisfactorily levels. The United States Department of State Bureau of Diplomatic Security, an international respected agency, says the following about the crime situation in Guyana for last year.

“Criminal activity continues to be a major threat, particularly aggravated robberies. Serious crimes, including murder and armed robbery, are common, especially in suburban areas and the interior regions. The most recent information from the United Nations Office on drugs and Crime lists Guyana’s 2012 homicide as 17 per 100,000 – the fourth highest murder rate in South America (behind Venezuela, Colombia, and Brazil). Guyana’s murder rate is three times higher than that of the United States.”

The extended report is intended to inform Americans and overseas travellers and therefore has omitted the local lingo that Guyanese use to define crime. Guyana Times columnist Ravi Dev fills the gap succinctly when he writes that crimes in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s were known as Choke and Rob, Kick-down-the Door, Urban-Guerrilla warfare, Resistance and Death Squads, respectively. What would be the label for crime in the next decade is not certain, but there is something sinister about crime in 2016 that forces one to ask: How come crime increased so much since the new regime came in power less than two years ago? Is the new regime finding it difficult to provide a safe environment for all Guyanese? How come implemented crime-solving plans seem to be ineffective?

Has Guyana reached the label of a criminalised state that it is impossible to reverse this crime status in the short-term? Is the regime listening to what the people have to say about crime? If so, what exactly is the regime listening to?

No Police Force is perfect and no one expects the Police Force to stop crime altogether, but tangible progress must be seen towards ensuring public safety. The President has instilled some confidence in this regard by standing firm against pardoning convicted felons for serious crimes, a decision that was no doubt influenced by public outcry. The expectation is that this trajectory should continue.

There is, of course, more to be done, starting with clarity on the crime situation. The public has been caught in a web of confusion. The Government’s daily newspaper proudly speaks of “the continuous monthly reduction in serious crimes is testimony to the excellent collaboration among the many stakeholders and public at large, coupled with strategies employed by the force.” This is an ambitious declaration that does not stand up to scrutiny when the evidence shows that crimes occur within a stone’s throw from Police Stations, when Police response time is always hours late, and when stakeholders have now extended their personal private security. Troubling, and in one sentence, the Police Force appears to be less pro-active and more postactive in crime fighting strategies, which is like putting the cart before the horse. This approach does not bode well for public safety and the clarion call is that the Police should probe deeper into root causes of crime, develop sounder crime strategies, and the communities must support the Police to stamp criminality.

Guyana’s national security team must be reminded that all citizens, I argue, would prefer this adage: it is better to be above rather than below ground.

(Send comments to: lomarsh.roopnarine@jsums.edu).

NEWS

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tuesDAY, january 3, 2017| guyanatimesgy.com

A call for healthy habits

NCDs take up 70% of public health budget – Dr Cummings N on-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are said to be laying a heavy burden on the budgetary allocation to the Public Health Ministry, and Junior Minister, Dr Karen Cummings is pleading with persons to take better care of themselves.

Dr Cummings was part of a panel including Public Health Minister Dr George Norton and Chief Medical Officer Dr Shamdeo Persaud, at the Ministry’s year-end press briefing, last Friday.

Dr Cummings explained that the Chronic Disease Unit (CDU) has been addressing the top four causes of premature death in Guyana: cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases.

According to Minister Cummings, NCDs carry a huge cost to families and caregivers of those suffering from the diseases as well as Government.

“Currently, about 70 per cent of the Ministry’s budget is being spent on NCDs. Therefore, it is imperative that we develop healthy lifestyle choices and practices early so as to avoid falling prey to NCDs,” she stressed.

The Minister outlined that the Unit performed creditably in 2016 when compared to previous years.

She said there was much optimism that the new year will bring additional achievements that would further promote the work of the Unit.

In collaboration with the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) Guyana Country Office, the Unit has completed the first leg of the implementation plan for the years 2016-2018 in sync with the Integrated Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Disease Strategic Plan 2013-2020.

Moreover, the Unit has worked unremittingly to ensure it achieved all the activ-

Junior Public Health Minister, Dr Karen Cummings

ities programmed for 2016.

Dr Cummings said the Unit continued to ensure that capacity building occurred in the regional facilities. Between October 17 and 28, 10 new providers were trained and placed in the healthcare sector to ensure that screening for cer-

Region 2 teenager commits suicide

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ighteen-year-old Franco Antonio Cornette, of Grant Annadale, Lower Pomeroon in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), ended his life by consuming a quantity of poisonous substance.

The incident reportedly occurred on December 25, 2016 around 19:30h; however, the young man succumbed on January 1 at the Charity Oscar Joseph Hospital.

The teenager lived with

his father Courtney Cozier, who explained that he noticed his son vomiting a “greenish” substance into a bucket. The distraught father related that his son then admitted that he had consumed a poisonous substance. The lad was immediately rushed to the Charity Oscar Joseph Hospital where he was admitted.

Cornette was hospitalised for a few days, but tragically, he succumbed on New Year’s morning.

His body is currently at the Charity mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination.

vical cancer continued. The training also produced a new provider in the Charity area, signalling the launching of a new site for VIA screening.

There are now 20 sites located across Guyana with a total of 33 VIA certified providers. A new cohort of 17 doctors and nurses from all six regions of the country where there are Regional Diabetic Foot Centres were trained in Diabetic Foot Care and Management.

She noted that the Ministry, late last year, met with members of the Guyana Business Coalition on Health Awareness and a Memorandum of Understanding was developed, which would see the Private Sector companies allocating funding towards chronic Non-Communicable Diseases. The funding will cover focal point nomination, support groups, training, screening, and purchas-

ing of gym materials to allow for more physical activities in workplaces. The entities also agreed to enforce the no smoking policies in their work environment.

The Unit also developed a training course and manual for community personnel to become more actively involved in sensitising their peers on Non-Communicable Diseases. The programme, entitled “Community Leaders in Health”, is a conglomeration of all the essential services offered by the Ministry which are essential in combating NCDs. Two training sessions were held in August and November where a total of 51 persons from communities in Region Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, and 10 were trained.

Partners and stakeholders

According to Dr Cummings, the Chronic Disease Unit works collab-

oratively with a number of international partners and stakeholders, including PAHO, the Guyana Diabetic Association and the Caribbean Public Health Agency.

Early last year, the Coordinator of the Chronic Disease Unit attended the First Global Meeting for NCDs programme managers and directors. This meeting saw Guyana opening discussions relating to free trade and innovative approaches towards combating NonCommunicable Diseases.

The launch of the National Commission on Prevention and Control of NonCommunicable Diseases was an idea, which met the unreserved approval of the forum. Dr Cummings said her Ministry intended to make this Commission a reality in 2017.

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Ushering

TUESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2017 | GUYA

in

2017!

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RY 3, 2017 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

in

Photos compliments of Carl Croker

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tuesDAY, january 3, 2017

Regional

Brazil prison riot kills more than 60

A

riot in an overcrowded prison in northern Brazil has left at least 60 inmates dead, many of them decapitated, officials say.

The unrest in Manaus, in Amazonas state, started on Sunday after a fight between rival gangs, Police said.

The violence ended 17 hours later, when the inmates surrendered their weapons and freed unharmed the last of 12 guards they had taken hostage.

Brazil has the world's fourth largest prison population.

There are some 600,000 inmates in the country, and overcrowding is a serious problem. Reports said the capacity of the Anisio Jobim Penitentiary Centre, the biggest in Amazonas, was for 454 inmates, but it had 1224 men. When the riot began, six headless bodies were thrown over the perimeter fence of the prison.

Pictures showed bloodied

Argentina: Uproar as New Year message omits disputed Falklands

A

Police have been searching for possible escapees

and burned bodies stacked in a concrete prison yard and piled in carts.

The State Public Security Secretary, Sergio Fontes, said rival gangs operating inside and outside the prison had been fighting for control over drug trafficking.

Fontes called it "the biggest massacre" ever commit-

ted at a prison in the state.

"During the negotiations [to end the riot], the prisoners had almost no demands. Their only request was not to be mistreated by the Police when they came in," he told local radio network Tiradentes. The inmates got weapons through a hole in a prison wall, he

added. Several firearms were found in the post-riot search by Police, as well as several tunnels. Prisoners at a second jail unit nearby also rioted and many escaped, Fontes said. Some 40 inmates had been recaptured, he added. It was unclear how many remained at large. (Excerpt from BBC News)

new year's message by Argentina's Social Development Ministry has caused uproar after it excluded the disputed Falkland Islands from the country's map.

Former combatants and social media users said the message was offensive to those who died in the 1982 war.

The Ministry has apologised, saying it was a mistake by the design team.

The islands are a British territory in the Atlantic claimed by Argentina, where they are known as the Malvinas.

President Mauricio Macri, who took office in December 2015, promised a "new kind of relationship" with the UK, a step seen as aimed at boosting Argentina's flagging economy.

Since then, the countries have agreed to work toward removing measures restricting the oil and gas industry, shipping and fishing around the islands. But the issue of sovereignty has not been discussed.

The Ministry said on Twitter: "Our apologies for the mistake of the graphics department in the New Year's message" Saul Perez, who fought in the war, expressed his "uneasiness," and told C5N news channel "it was not a mistake".

He said the omission was part of a campaign

by Macri's Government to "place a priority on bilateral trade" over the sovereignty claim.

Alicia Castro, who served as Argentina's Ambassador to the UK under former President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, called the absence of the islands "inadmissible".

"I'm upset to see this mutilated map. Usually the British do this, I haven't seen any government doing it," she told Argentina's Radio 10, according to La Nacion newspaper (in Spanish).

Some users on social media accused the Government of betraying the claim to sovereignty.

Migrants fret about Trump threat to halt remittances Venezuelan star I n central Mexico’s Mezquital Valley, new pick-up trucks bounce along unpaved roads and US-style houses are springing up alongside cornfields.

But people are afraid that remittances from family members abroad, a primary source of funding for such purchases, may soon dry up.

During the holiday season, even as money and gifts have flowed into the area from relatives working in

the United States, residents have fretted about what a Trump presidency will mean for them and family members working in the United States.

During his presidential campaign, Donald Trump said he would stop allowing wire transfers of money out of the United States from Mexican nationals unless Mexico agreed to fund a border wall. Migrants in the United States are expected

to have sent a record US$27 billion in remittances into Mexico in 2016, according to BBVA Bancomer, an increase of more than US$2 billion over 2015.

Remittances jumped nearly 25 per cent to almost US$2.4 billion in November from a year earlier, the biggest annual increase for any month since March 2006, Mexican central bank data released on Monday showed.

Monica Arroyo, who

lives in a village outside Ixmiquilpan, the Mezquital Valley’s largest town, said she depends on the US$200 a month her daughter, an undocumented restaurant worker in Clearwater, Florida, sends home.

“If they return our migrants, there’ll be more poverty, because up there they have work and help maintain us,” she said. “Here there is no work.” (Excerpt from

(Excerpt from BBC News)

dies on stage

Reuters)

Cuba puts on show of strength as Trump inauguration nears C

uba paraded troops and hundreds of thousands of citizens through its emblematic Revolution Square on Monday in a traditional show of nationalist fighting spirit in the face of steep economic and diplomatic challenges.

The event marked the 60th anniversary of the landing of the Granma yacht which brought the Castro brothers and their bearded rebels from Mexico to Cuba to start their revolution against a U.S.-backed dictatorship.

Troops wielding automatic rifles marched in lock step behind a replica of the Granma on Monday, followed by a sea of bannerand flag-waving Cubans, many bussed in and organised through their workplaces and neighbourhoods.

"This is an important message of unity and

Memo Morales was 79 when he suffered a fatal heart attack on stage

V

Soldiers march to mark the Armed Forces Day and commemorate the landing of the yacht Granma, which brought the Castro brothers, Ernesto “Che” Guevara and others from Mexico to Cuba to start the revolution in 1959, in Havana, Cuba, January 2, 2017

strength," said Rene Lazo, 66, who, like most, got up well before the crack of dawn to participate in the parade.

"This is going to be a difficult year, but we will keep working hard to bring our people forwards".

Communist-ruled Cuba fell into an economic reces-

sion in the second half of last year, its first since the collapse of the Soviet Union a quarter century ago, as its strategic ally Venezuela floundered.

Meanwhile, its historic detente with the United States came under threat with the election of Donald

Trump as President. Trump, who takes office on January 20, has said he would unravel attempts to normalise relations unless he gets a “better deal". All this is taking place as Cuba is also coming to terms with the loss of its revolutionary leader, Fidel Castro. (Excerpt from Reuters)

enezuelan singer Memo Morales, 79, has died after suffering a heart attack during a New Year's Eve concert in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas.

Morales, who was popularly known as El Gitano Maracucho (The Gipsy from Maracaibo), became famous for singing songs with a Spanish flair, such as boleros and pasodobles.

He often sang with popular orchestras such as Billo's Caracas Boys.

His most popular song was "Ni se compra ni se vende (Neither bought nor sold)".

The singer, whose full name was Guillermo Enrique Morales Portillo, came from a musical family and won his first talent show at the age of eight singing a

tango.

At 16, he moved from his home town of Maracaibo to Caracas and started performing regularly.

In 1964, he joined Billo's Caracas Boys, one of the most popular dance orchestras at the time in Venezuela, with which he stayed for 12 years.

It was during this time that he became famous for his renditions of pasodobles such as “Que viva Espana (Long live Spain)” and “Se necesitan dos (It takes two)”.

In 1976, he went on a successful solo tour of the United States, singing in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Miami.

In 1984, he founded his own orchestra along with another Maracaibo native, singer Cheo Garcia.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

tuesDAY, january 3, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

15

Around the World

Turkey nightclub attack: North Korea's claim on ICBM test Gunman still at large plausible – experts

S

o-called Islamic State says it was behind the New Year attack on a Turkish nightclub that killed 39 people.

The group said in a statement it was carried out by "a heroic soldier".

At least 600 revellers were celebrating in the early hours of Sunday at Istanbul's Reina nightclub when the gunman began firing indiscriminately, discharging some 180 bullets.

The gunman is still at large and a manhunt is under way. Police say they have made 12 arrests so far.

Late on Monday, Turkish media said special forces police backed by a helicopter launched an operation on a house in the Zeytinburnu district following a tip but that the attacker was not found.

IS has been blamed for recent attacks in Turkey, which is taking military action against the group in

N

The nightclub attack came just over an hour into the new year

neighbouring Syria.

The militant group has already been linked to at least two attacks in Turkey last year.

The IS statement accused Turkey of shedding the blood of Muslims through "its air strikes and mortar attacks" in Syria.

Turkey launched a military operation in August aimed at pushing back IS and Kurdish forces, with some of the most intensive recent fighting against IS around the northern town of al-Bab. Turkey has also been a key player with Russia in

negotiating a truce between moderate rebel forces and the Government.

Turkey's Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus said on Monday that the nightclub attack was a "message" against Turkey's operations in Syria but that they would not be affected.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Israeli Police question PM Netanyahu in corruption probe I sraeli Police have arrived at the home of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as part of an inquiry into corruption allegations.

Ahead of their arrival, Netanyahu again denied any wrongdoing.

He told the media and political rivals to "hold off partying", adding: "Nothing will happen, because there is nothing."

Israeli media have reported allegations that he has received significant gifts or "favours" from business-

men.

Three investigators are reportedly questioning the PM at his central Jerusalem residence.

Netanyahu told his Likud party legislators earlier on Monday: "We hear all the media reports. We see and hear the festive spirit and atmosphere in television studios and in the corridors of the Opposition.

Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, have faced scrutiny several times over the years "I want to tell them to wait for the celebrations.

Do not rush. I told you and I repeat: There will be nothing because there is nothing.

You will continue to inflate hot air balloons and we will continue to lead the state of Israel."

However, Ynet quoted the leader of the Zionist Union, Isaac Herzog, as saying: "This isn't a happy day.

This is a hard day for the state of Israel. We are not gloating."

Opponents of Netanyahu have called for an investigation into his affairs following a series of scandals in re-

Mogadishu has seen frequent bomb attacks at hotels and military checkpoints [Abdirizak Mohamud Tuuryare/Al Jazeera]

S

uicide bombers have attacked the main peacekeeping base in

Somalia's capital, killing at least three Somali security officers.

tal United States, which is around 9000 km (5500 miles) from the North. ICBMs have a minimum range of about 5500 km (3400 miles), but some are designed to travel 10,000 km (6,200 miles) or further.

North Korea's State media regularly threatens the United States with a nuclear strike, but before 2016 Pyongyang had been assumed to be a long way from being capable of doing so.

"The bottom line is Pyongyang is much further along in their missile development than most people realise," said Melissa Hanham, a senior research associate at the US-based Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey, California. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Spain Ceuta: Migrants found hidden in car and suitcase

cent months – none of which have resulted in charges.

Last month, an investigation was opened into the purchase of new submarines from Germany, after it was claimed that Netanyahu's lawyer represented the company during negotiations.

Earlier this year, convicted French fraudster Arnaud Mimran claimed he had donated hundreds of thousands of euros to Netanyahu's 2009 election campaign – something the Prime Minister denies. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Massive blast hits near Mogadishu airport Captain Mohamed Hussein told The Associated Press news agency on Monday one blast took place as security forces were searching cars at a checkpoint a few hundred metres from the main base of the African Union peacekeeping force, AMISOM. Another vehicle then drove through towards the base's main gates, but came under fire from peacekeepers, Police Officer Mohamed Ahmed told Reuters news agency. "It exploded about 200 metres from the gate.

Civilian buildings were damaged," AMISOM said on its Twitter feed.

The powerful blasts damaged the front of the near-

orth Korea has been working through 2016 on developing components for an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), making the isolated nation's claim that it was close to a test-launch plausible, international weapons experts said on Monday.

North Korea has been testing rocket engines and heat-shields for an ICBM while developing the technology to guide a missile after re-entry into the atmosphere following a lift-off, the experts said.

While Pyongyang is close to a test, it is likely to take some years to perfect the weapon.

Once fully developed, a North Korean ICBM could threaten the continen-

by Hotel Peace, though there were no immediate reports of casualties there.

The burned-out shell of one of the wrecked vehicles lay outside.

Al-Shabab spokesman Sheikh Abdiasis Abu Musab said the fighters had intended to attack the hotel, as African leaders seeking a solution to Somalia's decadeslong turmoil had met there last year. Abdur Razak Tuurare, a Mogadishubased journalist, said the blast had destroyed most of the hotel.

Witnesses said a second explosion and heavy gunfire could be heard at the checkpoint after the attack.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Spanish Police in Ceuta released this photo on Sunday

P

olice have detained two Moroccans who tried to smuggle migrants into Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta – two hidden in a car and one in a suitcase.

When Police checked a car on Monday one person was found hidden in the dashboard and another in the hollowed-out back seat.

The man and woman, thought to be Guineans, received first aid as they had had little air to breathe.

Separately, a young African man was found hidden in a woman's suitcase.

That incident happened on December 30 and again the man – believed to be from Gabon – required urgent medical attention.

A 22-year-old Moroccan woman had tried to smuggle him into Ceuta, but customs officers ordered her to open the case, which was tied to a trolley.

The incidents coincided with a mass attempt by subSaharan Africans to storm the six metres (20 feet) border fence separating Ceuta from Morocco.

Fifty Moroccan and five Spanish border guards were injured when 1100 migrants tried to get over the fence on Sunday.

None managed to get through, but two people were injured scaling the fence and were taken to hospital in Ceuta. One guard lost an eye, officials said.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

16 news

tuesDAY, january 3, 2017| guyanatimesgy.com

GuyOil raises gas, kero prices

…company making “windfall” on back of consumers – PAC Chairman … Guyanese should “get accustomed” to fluctuating prices – Gaskin

By Shemuel Fanfair

V

ehicle operators countrywide will now have to pay more at the pumps following the revelation that fuel prices have been increased.

The Guyana Oil Company (GuyOil) on New Year’s Day announced the “upward movement” in prices for its products nationwide, citing rising prices on the world market.

The new price structure took effect January 2 and

New Prices MOGAS (Georgetown) $ 190 GASOIL $ 165 KEROSENE $ 115 MOGAS (Berbice) $ 191 GASOIL $ 166 KEORSENE $ 116 MOGAS (Essequibo) $ 192 GASOIL $ 167 KEORSENE $ 117 it was disclosed that the gasoline price jumped by $12.00 to $190.00 per litre while kerosene and gasoil prices increased by $5.00 per litre, respectively.

“These increases are directly related to increase in acquisition cost from source and are consistent with trends in the upward movement of world market price for petroleum prod-

ucts,” a statement from the oil company on Sunday noted.

The company stated that it had reduced gasoline prices back in October 2016, which it noted was consistent with its policy of “passing on favourable prices to the Guyanese populace” whenever possible.

As Guyana’s electricity grid is heavily dependent on fuel acquisition, it is likely that the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) may soon increase its rates to offset the hikes. In an invited comment, Business Minister Dominic Gaskin on Monday noted that Guyanese should “get accustomed” to changing prices as there was fluctuation on the world market.

“It’s a fairly small increase. You have to understand too that GuyOil did reduce the prices not too long ago as fuel on the world market declined.

Now raising it again in the face of rising prices so we, like anybody else in the world, have to get accustomed to fluctuating oil prices on the international market and their impact on prices at the pump. It is not unusual; as in many places in the world, prices are adjusted on a daily basis,” the Business Minister said.

The increase in fuel prices comes against the backdrop of Government’s announcement during the National Budget 2017 that the Value Added Tax (VAT) would be included on electricity bills above $10,000 from this month.

PAC Chairman Irfaan Ali

Responding to concerns that these compounding factors would impact adversely on the local populace, Gaskin rejected this assertion, noting that the addition of VAT would only affect the minority of consumers.

“I don’t see the connection because GPL hasn’t

indicated that they were planning to raise their traffics. As far as the VAT of the electricity is concerned, only about 25 per cent of the consumers are consuming in excess of $10,000 per month threshold,” Gaskin indicated.

Meanwhile, responding to the many suggestions that 2017 would be a dismal year for business and the economy as a whole, the Business Minister noted: “Those [suggestions] are nonsense, I think there are people who are hoping for some sort of recession, but there is no basis for those suggestions.

The forecast for growth between three to four per cent, so there is nothing dismal about that.”

He further highlighted that many business opportunities exist for persons to capitalise on, once they were “prepared to go the extra mile and do the

Business Minister Dominic Gaskin

ground work”.

However, Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in the National Assembly, Opposition Member of Parliament, Irfaan Ali’s assessment of the rising costs was in steep contrast to that of the Business Minister. He told Guyana

GuyOil Service Station at Regent and Wellington Streets

Times on Monday that as there was only a US$2 increase in world oil prices, Government could have adjusted the tax rate to cushion the effect of the increase.

“First of all, this Government has shown very little remorse for the Guyanese people. Their immediate response to issues like these is to pass the cost on the consumer. When we were Government, we avoided the impact of these increases by adjusting the tax rate to the benefit of the consumers. They cannot attribute this to movement in the prices on the international market. The price has only moved US$2 over the November pegged price of $52,” Ali explained.

According to his calculations, the oil company would benefit from the new increases.

“When you calculate the increase GuyOil will be charging it is equivalent to between 10 and 12 US dollars per barrel. This is designed to make a windfall on the backs of the consumers,” Ali opined.

The former Housing and Tourism Minister further reiterated the convention that business people would pass on increases and new charges to the general populace. “The impact of this increase on the productive sector will further affect their margins and cost of production. In the end, who will suffer? The consumer, the ordinary man, all these new taxes and charges will ultimately be borne directly by the consumers,” Ali indicated.

26 New Year’s Day babies welcomed

Dhanwantie Singh was the first to deliver her baby at the Georgetown Public Hospital

A

number of families ushered in the new year with a double celebration as they welcomed new arrivals.

The Georgetown Public Hospital was filled with laughter and delight when 21 parents rang in the new year with their little bundles of joy.

Visitors swarmed to meet and greet their loved ones, who were all fortunate to be celebrating the new beginning with the gift of life.

Those mothers who gave birth to babies just after midnight were all presented with hampers, courtesy of ANSA McAL. However, the first child, born to Dhanwantie Singh, was presented with a special hamper from Republic Bank of Guyana, and to the delight of the parents, a Starter’s Account was also opened, courtesy of the Bank.

In Berbice, two New Year’s babies were born

Soma Devi Lall and her bundle of joy

at the New Amsterdam Hospital; both mothers delivered 2.8kg babies on Sunday. This year, a 19-year-old mother was the first to deliver her baby.

Sooma Devi Lall gave birth to a baby girl at 02:20h, who was delivered by midwife K Woolford. This

is the second child for Lall, who now has two girls. The young mother lauded the efforts of the nurses in the Maternity Unit.

At 07:16h, Doctor Oma Persaud delivered a boy for 24-year-old Neirmala Choorman of Rosignol Village, West Coast Berbice

Neirmala Chooman and her baby

(WCB). She was admitted at 03:00h on New Year’s Day, but gave birth four hours later. This is Choorman’s fourth child, but it is the first time that she delivered a baby in the hospital.

Both mothers were also presented with hampers

by ANSA McAL Marketing

Assistant Alicia Messiah.

In the mining town of Linden, the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC) recorded two New Year’s births.

And in Charity, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), one birth was recorded at the Charity Hospital.

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news

tuesday, january 3, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

DTL workers’ dismissal

Labour Department “a toothless watchdog” – GAWU I n light of the October 2016 sacking of 11 Demerara Timbers Limited (DTL) workers who were reportedly dismissed for protesting at their employer’s head office, the Social Protection Ministry’s Labour Department has come in for stinging criticism from the workers’ representative union.

In its end-of-year statement issued late last week, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) described the Labour Department as a “toothless watchdog”, which was “unable” to safeguard the rights of the Guyanese working class. Junior Social Protection Minister Keith Scott holds the labour portfolio.

“It’s the Ministry whose final responsibility lies with the Minister,” GAWU General Secretary Seepaul Narine told Guyana Times on Monday.

GAWU also registered its disdain for the company’s “anti-worker” and “antiunion” actions over the dis-

Minister with responsibility for labour, Keith Scott

missals.

“The decision by the foreign-owned company… sets a nasty precedent in our country and runs contrary to established norms, longstanding principles and conventions, as well as the laws and Constitution of Guyana,” GAWU noted.

The Union regarded the workers’ dismissal as a “clear attempt to intimidate the

workers” by the use of “extra-legal measures” to deny workers their pay increases.

Giving an update on the plight of some 72 workers who were placed on a retrenchment list, GAWU’s General Secretary on Monday also revealed that “more than 20” workers have been let go. In an interview with Guyana Times, Narine disclosed that DTL was yet to indicate the status of the other workers.

Reports received by this publication had indicated that some 72 workers were on a retrenchment list, which would have been completed by December; however, the General Secretary indicated that even the Labour Department had found some difficulty in garnering updates on the status of the workers.

“The Ministry was trying to get them (DTL) to give an update, but they were not listening to the Ministry. It’s more than 20 workers that were retrenched,” Narine told this publication.

Guyana Times under-

stands that the company closed operations at the end of the holiday season and would restart operations next Monday (January 9). It is expected that at this point, the status of workers’ employment will be disclosed.

It was in late October that it was announced that DTL was scaling down operations in Guyana.

Meanwhile, Narine also outlined plans for advocacy of workers’ rights this year, noting that Minister Scott indicated willingness for more engagement with the relevant unions.

“He said that he wants to engage the trade unions and that he is hoping to have dialogue so we said we are willing to meet with him.

There’re a number of important issues we need to talk about,” the GAWU official pointed out.

Negotiations between the Union and the company reached a stalemate on November 17, 2015 after the DTL did not approve any pay raise, but offered a Christmas bonus of $5000 to each work-

GAWU General Seepaul Narine

Secretary

er that year. The DTL had informed that its financial state precluded it from offering a pay raise. Following the impasse, the dispute was next subjected to conciliatory services by the Social Protection Ministry’s Labour Department.

On October 3, workers picketed DTL’s headquarters in Kingston, Georgetown and 11 workers were dismissed.

Guyana Times was told later that month that the DTL would supposedly pay the workers their “full benefits”.

However, GAWU had maintained that since the 2015 pay raise dispute was still at the Social Protection Ministry’s Labour Department, the matter should have been settled before any workers were laid off.

At that time, GAWU reminded that the timber company was unjust to terminate workers for taking industrial action over an ongoing pay raise dispute, citing Section Eight of the Termination of Employment and Severance Pay Act. In a statement released back in October, GAWU had condemned the move DTL had taken and had even pointed out that those dismissals were the first time in Guyana’s history that a private or public entity had taken such an action despite the country’s labour laws, which prohibit workplaces from dismissing workers for taking part in industrial action.

West Berbice man T&T: Fireworks ‘war’ turns deadly missing for 17 days A – family wants greater Police intervention

A

distraught family from Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice (WCB), Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) is seeking assistance to get ranks from the Fort Wellington Police Station to actively investigate reports about a missing family member.

The missing man, Ramzam Bassalat, 45, also called “Bucky”, was allegedly beaten by the persons with whom he worked, two days before he went missing.

Family members allege that the Police have not been following this lead.

According to relatives, they reported the matter more than two weeks ago.

Bassalat went missing on December 18. According to his sister, Nazreen Shahid of Lot 4 Railway, Rosignol Village, WCB, on the day of his disappearance, he left the home of another sister wearing a white t-shirt and blue jeans.

She explained that he left the Woodley Park Village, WCB home about 08:00h and headed towards a shop in the village to purchase a pack of cigarettes. He has not been seen again.

According to Shahid, the missing man lived with some of his friends at Bath Settlement and also worked with them.

She further explained that on December 17, there was a heated argument involving Bassalat and some of his workmates.

"We went and find out and the neighbours tell we how them beat he so bad, he catch fits. He never catch fits in his life before," she said.

It was after the alleged alter-

fireworks “war” between residents of Nelson Street and Mango Rose, East Dry River, is being blamed for a fire that claimed the life of a disabled man and left 15 people homeless. The fire broke out about 2:30h Sunday at Building 5557, Nelson Street, Port-ofSpain.

Dead is Jameel Allamby, 37, who used a wheelchair. He was trapped in his burning

apartment and suffocated and died. His mother, Rosalyn, tried to save him, Police said, but could not. Police Officers had to bodily carry the screaming woman away from the scene.

“The woman kept screaming for her son and we had to withhold the truth from her that her son died. Very tragic and sad. Very heart-breaking to see this,” an officer at the scene told the T&T

Guardian.

One of the affected residents, Everald Trudge, 70, who lived in an apartment on the upper floor, said the building caught on fire when a fireworks device landed on it. The fire quickly spread through some of the apartments, including his, completely destroying them. Trudge lived there with his 17-year-old grandson, Jabari Auguste.

“This is a terrible start to the New Year for me. I

lost everything. I might have to live in the river now because I have nowhere to go,” he said.

He blamed the tragedy on a “fireworks war “ that had been waged for the past week with some residents setting off fireworks and scratch bombs “to see whose better at it”.

Trudge said: “That’s the kind of game they playing.” (Excerpt from Trinidad

Guardian)

India Supreme Court bans election appeals using religion or caste Missing: Ramzam Bassalat, also called “Bucky”

cation that Bassalat telephoned his sister at Woodley Park and requested to move in with her.

Two days later, he went missing.

The man’s sister pointed out that she was not accusing anyone of her brother’s disappearance, since there was no solid evidence. However, the fact that he was beaten by his roommates two days prior to his disappearance leaves room for suspicion and speculation.

She added that on two occasions, reports were made to the Fort Wellington Police Station about a missing person. "Me go report it two time and them Police na come out and investigate, me never hear back nothing from them…"

Family members are asking anyone who may know of the whereabouts of Ramzam Bassalat, to contact them on 328-7399, 652-5285 or 651-8058, or the nearest Police Station.

T

he Indian Supreme Court has ruled that politicians cannot use religion or caste to seek votes.

"Religion has no role in electoral process, which is a secular activity," the judges said in their ruling.

The court said using religion or caste to seek votes amounted to corrupt practices under electoral laws.

The landmark ruling comes just weeks ahead of the crucial election in Uttar Pradesh state where the two issues generally dominate polls.

Assembly elections are also due in the states of Punjab, Uttarakhand, Goa and Manipur.

Monday's ruling said the relationship between man and God was an individual choice and the State was forbidden from interfering in such an activity.

The ruling was passed by a seven-judge bench head-

Religion and caste affiliations are key in Indian elections

ed by Chief Justice TS Thakur, although there was a difference of opinion among the judges – four supported the order while three differed with it.

The three dissenting judges said "discussion on caste, creed and religion is constitutionally protect-

ed within and outside elections and this cannot be restricted" and that the issue should be left to parliament to decide.

Caste and religion are often central to Indian elections – most parties select candidates based on their religion or caste

and campaigning often involves appealing to voters on these issues.

The court was hearing a question first raised in 1990 in a court in the western state of Maharashtra, which asked whether this was legitimate in elections. (Excerpt from BBC News)

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tuesDAY, january 3, 2017

ARCHIE

Maintaining a strong sense of discipline and living (March 21- within your means will help April 19) you reduce stress. Too much of anything will lead to problems at work and in the home.

ARIES

Do something nice for TAURUS someone; it doesn’t have to en(April 20- tail a hefty price tag. Living May 20) within your means will help keep your stress level low and your bank account fat.

dilbert

Listen to your heart, not GEMINI to what others tell you. Don’t (May 21June 20) feel that you have to overachieve to make an impression. If someone doesn’t accept you the way you are, you need to move on Explore new avenues, travel to unfamiliar places (June 21- and do things that excite you.

July 22) Live in the moment and strive for self-awareness and perfection. Make love a priority

CANCER

Peanuts

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Set up a routine that will help you strive to look and be your best. Changes at home will initially help, but if you don’t follow through with them, nothing will change.

Mixing business with pleaVIRGO sure will lead to stronger alli(Aug. 23Sept. 22) ances. An important partnership will improve if you spend more time nurturing it and less time trying to buy love.

Calvin and Hobbes

It’s a good day to initiate LIBRA change.

If someone beats you (Sept. 23to it, you aren’t going to be Oct. 23) happy with the outcome or the time it will take you to revise your plans.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

Make your home a place of SCORPIO comfort, and designate a space (Oct. 24that you find conducive to creNov. 22) ative pursuits. It’s OK to do things differently. Don’t wait for validation when you can begin to follow your dream..

You need to reevaluate matSAGITTARIUS ters and think about what you (Nov. 23could have done differently.

Dec. 21) It’s never too late to learn or to change your mind or direction.

Recognising your mistakes is the first step to positive change.

SATURDAY'S

solution for Last Published Puzzle

Your charm will help you CAPRICORN win favours and attract at(Dec. 22tention from people who can Jan. 19) contribute to your success.

Express your feelings in order to receive the encouragement you need to push forward.

A change will do you good.

AQUARIUS Something you always want(Jan. 20ed to do will be possible now.

Feb. 19) Volunteer for something you believe in or negotiate on your behalf and raise your income.

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

Your charm will help you PISCES (Feb. 20- win favours or gain the supMarch 20) port you need from someone influential. Don’t feel pressured to make an impulsive decision. A partnership looks promising.

guyanatimesgy.com

South Africa v Sri Lanka, 2nd Test, Cape Town, 1st day…

Christian’s 5-for sets up Hurricanes’ big win

Elgar’s ton anchors South Africa’s recovery A T

he serious demeanour of Dean Elgar dominated the opening day of the second Test at Newlands as Sri Lanka failed to gain lasting benefit from a good bowling day. A new year had dawned, but it was very much the old Elgar, recognisably sure of stroke and restricted in ambition, who guided South Africa forward as he progressed conscientiously to a sixth Test century.

At 169 for 5, with 30 overs remaining and Temba Bavuma just dismissed on the pull by Sri Lanka’s highly-promising fast bowler Lahiru Kumara, the day was still in the balance, but South Africa snatched it with a sixth-wicket stand 103 in 24 overs between Elgar and Quinton de Kock, who gambolled around without a care on land that Elgar had tilled, and watered from the sweat of his brow, for hours.

Elgar’s end came against the second new ball - 129 from 230 deliveries - when he pushed at a wideish delivery from Suranga Lakmal and was defeated by a little seam movement, leaving Kusal Mendis to pouch the catch. De Kock, his antithesis, survived a few escapades with failed ramp shots and top-edged pulls to reach a happy-go-lucky 68 not out by the close.

Faf du Plessis, South Africa’s captain, would be well satisfied. He had happily volunteered that a fresh and grassy Newlands surface was intended to favour his strong pace attack. Even Table Mountain, adorned by cloud throughout the first session, came out in support.

“Against England last year it was a road,” he said. “It was different for that bowling attack. You have to prepare for the team you are playing against.”

Sri Lanka had first use of it, but were unable to bury their reputation. Two wickets late in the morning session for Kumara ensured they achieved what was surely a minimum objective of three wickets when the odds were most in their favour, and the addition of du Plessis shortly before tea brought them further reward on an otherwise trying afternoon.

Angelo Mathews, who initially bowled himself ahead of Kumara, settled for containment with a line well outside off stump which South Africa’s batsmen ignored at their leisure which later made it hard to ascertain why Mathews took the second new ball while

Dean Elgar celebrates with Quinton de Kock after bringing up a battling hundred

Kumara, already strong and stocky at 19, and capable of speeds well beyond 140kph, had to make do with the old.

Kumara accounted for both Amla and JP Duminy in the same over. Amla was unhinged by an excellent delivery which came back sharply off the seam between bat and pad, leaving him without a Test half-century in his last nine innings, a strikingly lean run for a batsman blessed with such natural gifts. Five balls later, Duminy became a second duck in the top four when he fended a back-of-a-length delivery from Kumara off his hip for Mendis to spring down the leg side for a fabulous catch.

Mendis’ presence behind the stumps had been the outcome of much Sri Lankan agonising before start of play. News gradually filtered through that Dinesh Chandimal was feeling ill, not enough to rule him out of the match, but persuading Sri Lanka that he should concede the gloves to reduce his workload. Sri Lanka also made two changes from the first Test, omitting Kusul Perera and Dushmantha Chameera in favour of Kumara and the seasoned Upul Tharanga.

Elgar’s hundred was his sixth in 31 Tests, his average still a touch below 40, but he

has blunted many attacks in that time. He approached his innings methodically, working the ball off his hips and drawn occasionally into a restrained straight drive.

As the assistance for the seamers lessened, Mathews turned to his left-arm spinner, Rangana Herath, for the first time in the 42nd over.

Herath took 57 wickets at 18.93 in 2016, second only to R Ashwin in terms of victims, all of them killed with kindness. He is at the age when the passing of the years invite questions as to how long he can continue in such form, but he soon dispensed with Du Plessis.

In his fourth over, he wandered up with his usual economy to draw du Plessis into an uppish drive only for Tharanga to miss an inviting chance at deepish mid-off. No matter. In his penultimate over before tea, he strolled up again to have du Plessis caught at slip, driving wildly at a wide one.

South Africa’s captain had favoured a seamers’ track and, although in his case it was the portly figure of Herath who had prospered, he would be tossing a new ball to his pace attack sometime on the morrow with a belief that this Cape Town pitch would maintain its life for a while yet. (ESPN

cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

Stumps - Day 1 South Africa 1st innings SC Cook c †Mendis b Lakmal 0 D Elgar c †Mendis b Lakmal 129 HM Amla b Kumara 29 JP Duminy c †Mendis b Kumara 0 F du Plessis* c Mathews b Herath 38 T Bavuma c Tharanga b Kumara 10 Q de Kock† not out 68 KJ Abbott not out 16 Extras (lb-2, w-4, nb-1) 7 Total (6 wickets; 90 overs) 297

To bat: VD Philander, KA Maharaj, K Rabada Fall of wickets 1-0 (Cook, 0.4 ov), 2-66 (Amla, 22.1 ov), 3-66 (Duminy, 22.6 ov), 4-142 (du Plessis, 51.2 ov), 5-169 (Bavuma, 60.5 ov), 6-272 (Elgar, 84.4 ov) Bowling: RAS Lakmal 21-369-2, N Pradeep 15.4-3-46-0, AD Mathews 14-3-30-0 (w-1), CBRLS Kumara 17-1-86-3 (nb1, w-3), HMRKB Herath 14.23-34-1, DM de Silva 8-0-30-0

tuesDAY, january 3, 2017

s the BBL group stage approaches its halfway point, both Hobart Hurricanes and Adelaide Strikers arrived at Bellerive Oval with a win and two defeats under their belts; it shaped as a vital clash for both.

And, thanks to a supreme bowling performance - led by an unlikely spearhead, Daniel Christian - it was Hobart Hurricanes who prevailed.

Chasing an underpar 144, D’Arcy Short and Tim Paine put on 105, the highest opening stand of the competition so far, and the Hurricanes got home with eight wickets and 14 balls to spare.

Earlier, Christian had taken 5 for 14 - which included three wickets in the final over of the innings - and recorded the second-best figures in the BBL’s history, eclipsing the 5 for 16 taken by Sean Abbott two nights ago.

In that game, the Strikers did brilliantly to defend a low score against the Sixers having been invited to bat first, but they were unable to provide a repeat dose; as a result, their finals hopes hang by a thread.

The two teams meet again at Adelaide Oval on Friday another vital clash but, this time, the Hurricanes’ position looks rather stronger.

With Shaun Tait injured and Hamish Kingston dropped, Hurricanes’ bowling attack had a rather different look. There were three seam options the excellent Stuart Broad, Simon Milenko, making his first appearance of the season, and Christian, who was yet to bowl in the competition.

Regular spinners Clive Rose and Cameron Boyce were joined by debutant Beau Webster. Tim Paine opted to bowl first, but on a flat pitch and with one square boundary of around 54m, the Hurricanes were up against it.

Broad set the tone brilliantly - and returned for three more fine overs, all in separate spells - but Christian immediately tied Strikers down. His two Powerplay overs cost three, then two, with the second picking up the wicket of Jono Dean. He returned in the 13th

to dismiss Travis Head - courtesy a fine catch from Broad at longon - then was entrusted with the final over. Two had fallen in the penultimate over, bowled by Broad, and Christian dismissed key man Brad Hodge, then Ben Laughlin next ball, and Liam O’Connor to end the innings.

The story of Christian’s success - which included 16 dots in 24 balls - were the variations in pace and length, trying slow bouncers to swift yorkers and much in between.

Of Hurricanes’ bowlers only Milenko disappointed, conceding 50, but he picked up the vital wickets of openers Ben Dunk - whose fine form continued with a quick 31 - and Jake Weatherald.

The Strikers’ bowlers could not bail their batsmen out this time. The swift loss of the top three threw away a fine start and it was left to Travis Head and Brad Hodge to rebuild.

Head, who had been dropped on five, was out immediately after a big straight six, but Hodge batted through until the final over, smiting cleanly over the leg side. With Keiron Pollard struggling again and a long tail, five wickets fell in the final two

19

overs, and 143 never looked enough.

D’Arcy Short looks quite a find for Hurricanes. He enjoyed a dream debut in the win over Sixers, before a couple of quiet games. He was in outrageous form here, standing tall, swinging hard and watching the ball fly, putting on 105 with the team captain Paine. Short took Michael Neser’s first over (the 11th) for three huge sixes - the third of which went out of the ground to bring up the 100 - and 15 from Chris Jordan’s third.

Paine was happy to play the role of amused onlooker, plodding along in Short’s slipstream and targeting the spin of Head and O’Connor.

Eventually Billy Stanlake - who was outstanding again (bowling 16 dots), and the only bowler to trouble Short - had him caught behind by Dunk, the man he replaced at Hurricanes, and Paine was bowled by Head, but not before he passed Chris Lynn as the season’s leading scorer.

Fortunately for them, George Bailey and Kumar Sangakkara picked up the baton to see Hurricanes over the line - with the Sri Lankan finding some form in the process. (ESPNcricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

Adelaide Strikers innings (20 overs maximum) J Weatherald c †Paine b Milenko 14 BR Dunk† b Milenko 31 JR Dean c Short b Christian 0 TM Head c Broad b Christian24 BJ Hodge* c Wells b Christian55 KA Pollard b Rose 11 CJ Jordan c Webster b Broad 1 MG Neser run out (Boyce/†Paine) 1 B Laughlin c Bailey b Christian 0 B Stanlake not out 1 LN O’Connor b Christian 0 Extras (lb-2, w-2, nb-1) 5 Total (all out; 20 overs) 143 Fall of wickets 1-40 (Dunk, 3.6 ov), 2-41 (Dean, 4.3 ov), 3-46 (Weatherald, 5.3 ov), 4-94 (Head, 13.2 ov), 5-129 (Pollard, 17.3 ov), 6-134 (Jordan, 18.1 ov), 7-142 (Neser, 18.6 ov), 8-142 (Hodge, 19.2 ov), 9-142 (Laughlin, 19.3 ov), 10-143 (O’Connor, 19.6 ov) Bowling; SCJ Broad 4-0-17-1

(nb-1), BJ Webster 4-0-28-0, DT Christian 4-0-14-5 (w-1), S Milenko 4-0-50-2, CA Rose 3-021-1 (w-1), CJ Boyce 1-0-11-0

Hobart Hurricanes innings (target: 144 runs from 20 overs) TD Paine*† b Head 41 DJM Short c †Dunk b Stanlake 60 KC Sangakkara not out 22 GJ Bailey not out 6 Extras (b-11, w-3, nb-1) 15 Total (2 wickets; 17.4 overs) 144 Did not bat; DT Christian, JW Wells, S Milenko, CJ Boyce, CA Rose, SCJ Broad, BJ Webster Fall of wickets 1-105 (Short, 11.6 ov), 2-115 (Paine, 14.5 ov) Bowling; TM Head 4-0-221 (w-1), B Stanlake 4-0-17-1 (w-1), CJ Jordan 3-0-30-0, B Laughlin 2-0-9-0, LN O’Connor 2-0-20-0, MG Neser 1.4-0-280 (nb-1), KA Pollard 1-0-7-0

T&T futsal star’s brother murdered T

rinidad and Tobago’s National futsal team captain, Jerwyn Balthazar, hasn’t had the best starts to the new year after his brother, Sherwin was murdered on Friday.

Sherwin, the younger brother of the T&T captain, was among four men killed in Beverly Hills, Laventville.

His murder, according to police, sparked reprisal killings a few hours later, with Andre Mitchell, Marvin Subratie, and Sheavon

Ryan, also falling victim to shootings.

Sherwin, according to police, was a gang leader, with an attempt on his life coming earlier in 2016.

In that incident, San Juan Jabloteh winer Nathan Lewis was shot in the shoulder after he, along with Sherwin, were part of a kick-a-bout at the Maloney Indoor Facility on September 18, 2016.

Football and crime in Trinidad and Tobago have

shown themselves to be heavily linked in recent times, with national player Kerron Cummings getting shot in the leg at the end of 2015, fomer national under-20 player Damani Richards finding himself facing illegal possession of firearms, ammunition, and drugs charges, Defence Force winger Ross Russell Jr, charged for murder and former Police FC Utility player on armed robbery charges. (Sportsmax)

20

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tuesDAY, january 3, 2017

Misbah continues as Captain in Sydney

Narine makes shock top order debut in Renegades win

W

e s t Indies mystery spinner Sunil Narine made a surprise appearance when he opened the batting for Melbourne Renegades in an eight-run win over city rivals Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League (BBL) 2016-17 on New Year’s Day. Narine has never opened an innings at the senior level, and the highest he has ever batted in T20s is at five. The 28-year-old Trinidadian put in a commendable shift, however, adding 38 runs for the first wicket before he was dismissed for 21.

The West Indian lasted for 13 deliveries and smashed two fours and a six. The spinner was eventually dismissed by Scott Boland with Kevin Pietersen taking a fantastic catch. Narine before losing his wicket hit Boland for a four and six.

Cameron White’s then took centrestage cracking an unbeaten 43-ball 64 that provided Renegades with a much-needed impetus. Led by White they finished on 171 for four in their allotted 20 overs.

However with rain playing spoilsport Melbourne Stars’ target was reduced to 159 in 18 overs.

Veteran spinner Brad Hogg then went to work claiming 3-22 as the Stars

M

Sunil Narine made a quickfire 21 from 13 balls

faltered chasing the makeable total. Kevin Pietersen (15 from eight balls) could only manage a short-lived BBL return, while Glenn Maxwell’s promotion to the top of the order lasted just three balls before he was bowled by Tom Cooper.

The rain delay proved fruitful for the Renegades, with David Hussey dragging a Hogg delivery onto

his stumps on the third ball after the break.

Luke Wright (45) looked to push the run rate and had the Stars well-placed by the time Hogg came back on in the 15th over.

But the 45-year-old spinner struck again, bowling Wright and trapping Sam Harper LBW in quick succession.

(Sportsmax)

SCOREBOARD Melbourne Renegades innings (20 overs maximum) SP Narine c Pietersen b Boland 21 AJ Finch* b Faulkner 30 MS Harris st †Harper b Zampa 9 CL White not out 64 TLW Cooper c Faulkner b Stoinis 36 TL Lawford not out 4 7 Extras (b-1, lb-3, w-3) Total (4 wickets; 20 overs) 171 Did not bat: PM Nevill†, CP Tremain, CAH Stevenson, GB Hogg, CJ Ferguson Fall of wickets 1-38 (Narine, 3.4 ov), 2-63 (Harris, 7.2 ov), 3-65 (Finch, 8.1 ov), 4-137 (Cooper, 16.2 ov) Bowling: MA Beer 3-0-21-0,BW Hilfenhaus 3-0-33-0 (w-1), SM Boland 4-0-44-1, MP Stoinis 3-0-24-1 (w-1), JP Faulkner 4-019-1, A Zampa 3-0-26-1 (w-1) Melbourne Stars innings (target: 159 runs from 18 overs) GJ Maxwell b Cooper 1 45 LJ Wright b Hogg

KP Pietersen c Finch b Stevenson 15 DJ Hussey* b Hogg 20 JP Faulkner c Finch b Tremain 25 MP Stoinis not out 18 SB Harper† lbw b Hogg 2 A Zampa run out (Lawford/†Nevill) 7 BW Hilfenhaus run out (Harris/†Nevill/Narine) 1 SM Boland run out (Stevenson/†Nevill)

1 7 MA Beer not out Extras (w-6, nb-3) 9 Total (9 wickets; 18 overs) 151 Fall of wickets 1-2 (Maxwell, 0.4 ov), 2-18 (Pietersen, 2.2 ov), 3-52 (Hussey, 6.3 ov), 4-109 (Faulkner, 13.2 ov), 5-115 (Wright, 14.4 ov), 6-117 (Harper, 14.6 ov), 7-133 (Zampa, 16.1 ov), 8-137 (Hilfenhaus, 16.4 ov), 9-139 (Boland, 16.6 ov) Bowling: TLW Cooper 1-0-51, CP Tremain 3-0-30-1 (nb-1, w-4), CAH Stevenson 2-0-211, TL Lawford 4-0-47-0 (nb-1, w-1), SP Narine 4-0-26-0 (nb1), GB Hogg 4-0-22-3 (w-1)

isbah-ul-Haq will play the third and final Test against Australia and will do so as captain.

After the final-day loss in Melbourne, in which a second-ball duck prolonged a run of low scores for him, Misbah had spoken of the possibility of retirement from Test cricket and had not ruled out the likelihood of doing so before Sydney.

But Pakistan’s management confirmed he will lead the side out at the SCG on January 3.

“Misbah will play at Sydney and he will be captain,” the PCB’s director (media), Amjad Hussain, said.

Pakistan traveled to Sydney on New Year’s Eve and cancelled training on the first day of the year.

What happens after Sydney is unclear.

Pakistan do not play another Test until a series in the Caribbean in AprilMay 2017.

Misbah’s comments post-Melbourne were the strongest indication that he will step down but he has fallen short of confirming it.

It could be that he waits to arrive back in Pakistan before he announces his decision and it could also be that the result

in Sydney, a dead rubber now, could have a role to play in his decision.

Misbah has scored 20 runs in four innings on the tour of Australia so far and the duck in Melbourne brought concerns over his lack of form into the spotlight again. Six innings across Pakistan’s tours of

Pakistan’s Test Captain, Misbah-ul-Haq

New Zealand and Australia have brought Misbah only 6 4 runs, at an average of

10.67.

After t h e match he said there was no point staying in the team if he couldn’t contribute the

runs. a l ways bel i e v e d that if I couldn’t contribute to the team then it’s no point staying there,” Misbah said after Melbourne. “This is a point where I need to think about that, even before the next game [in Sydney] and after the series. Next couple of days I will think about it and decide what to do.

There is no point in hang“ I

ing around and doing nothing.”

Misbah had conceded that he was contemplating retirement during the series against England in the winter of 2015. The prospect of leading the team against India kept him from making that decision but when that series did not mater i a l i s e , Misbah chose to continue in his role and lead the team in difficult away series.

“I was thinking about my retirement long ago, even when I was playing against England in Dubai,” he said. “I was thinking then that we had possibly Tests against India, so I would play that and that’s it.

“But then we had difficult tours like England, New Zealand and Australia, I thought that is not right time. I’ve been there for last six-seven years, developing this team. I have to face these difficult series.

That is why I hung around.

Even at that stage my plan was not to play for another two-three years. I have to think about that, haven’t finalised it.” (ESPNcricinfo)

Ponting named assistant coach for SL T20Is

Ricky Ponting had said last year that he was open to a coaching or selection role with the Australia team

F

ormer Australia captain Ricky Ponting has been named an assistant coach for the team’s T20 series against

Sri Lanka in February in an interim capacity, and will work alongside Justin Langer and Jason Gillespie. The trio have

been brought in with the core of Australia’s support staff set to be in India for the four-Test series. Gillespie was appointed to the staff last week. Ponting had said in November that he was open to a role with the national team, and had expressed interest in a coaching or selection job. He reiterated it after his appointment.

“I always said when I retired that I wanted to get back involved and what better way to do it than alongside a couple of my best mates in cricket, Justin Langer and Jason Gillespie,” Ponting was quoted as saying by a press release from Cricket Australia.

“We have some incredible Twenty20 talent in this country

and I can’t wait to work with JL, Dizzy and those selected to have a real crack at doing special for Australia’s Twenty20 International ambitions.”

Since his retirement from international cricket in 2012, Ponting has taken up a range of cricket and media roles.

He played his last T20 in the 2013 edition of the Caribbean Premier League, and had a two-year stint, between 2015 and 2016, as coach of Mumbai Indians in the IPL. Mumbai won the 2015 IPL and finished fifth in the 2016 edition. Ponting has been commentating for Channel Ten in this season of the Big Bash League. Langer and Gillespie, meanwhile, are coaching the Perth Scorchers

and the Adelaide Strikers respectively Pat Howard, Australia’s performance manager, said Ponting’s appointment would provide an extensive T20 knowledge base for the players to tap into.

“By getting him on board during the series, it will allow Justin, Jason and the players to tap into his extensive Twenty20 knowledge, gained through his time playing and coaching in domestic tournaments in England, the Caribbean, India and Australia, as well as through his time watching the KFC BBL for Network Ten,” Howard said.

“The fact Ricky, Justin and Jason all know each other so well through their many years together in the Australia team

means they will gel quickly and their significant collective experience of the format should ensure the squad that is selected gets all the guidance it needs off the field,” he added.

Ponting scored more than 27,000 runs in an international career that spanned nearly two decades. He was a part of three World Cup-winning squads, captaining them in 2003 and 2007. Australia’s three T20 matches against Sri Lanka will be played at the MCG on February 17, Kardinia Park in Geelong on February 19 and Adelaide Oval on February 22.

The Adelaide match takes place the day before the first Test begins in India. (ESPNcricinfo)

21

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Shattas snatch victory with last-minute strike in heated final

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Silver Shattas receive the winning cheque and trophy at the post-match presentation

S

ilver Shattas were able to claim their first major title with a last ditch shot from on top the 18-yard box which cannoned to the cross bar and hit beyond the goal-line to score, as they claimed the $1M first prize from Eagles United of Christianburg 1-0 to end the Upper Demerara Football Association’s (UDFA) GT Beer football championship on New Year’s Night at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground in front of a grand crowd.

That 93rd minute strike for the Shattas uncorked a tough win in front of an expectant crowd that saw a dramatic ending to a tournament which was played on its best ground conditions of the championship, even if it was a bit heavy.

Watched on by President of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), Wayne Forde, Mayor of Linden Carwyn Holland, Chairman of Region 10 Renis Morian, President of the UDFA Sharma Solomon and Banks DIH officials GT Beer Manager Geoff Clement, Outdoor Events Manager Mortimer Stewart and Linden Branch Manager Shondell Easton, the final was well received as both teams never let up in their search for a final’s victory.

Shattas, last year’s losing finalist were pegged back somewhat by the energetic play of the Eagles United side as the first shot fired to goal was by the Christianburg based side; as the Shattas goalkeeper Kellon Major was called into play in the 5th minute. By that time had been doubled from a nice play

by Michael Wilson, Silver Shattas were able to respond in kind, even though it went harmlessly over the crossbar.

But the Eagles were up to the test and they were able to jolt the thoughts of Shattas when a shot knocked the cross bar

in the ensuing minute of play.

However, Shattas knew that they were in a battle to cash in on the top prize of $1M and their dependable striker Colwyn Drakes slammed a shot into the left upright to the dismay of his supporters.

After that Eagles through their prolific forward Yonnick Hercules Simon would show some grit and determination as they pressed forward to

standing well to the pressing exploits from their youthful opponents and a left foot shot from Deshawn Freeman was cleared by the Eagles goalkeeper.

Drakes of Shattas was also probing forward and as he made his way inside right his drive in the 76th minute was cleared by the Eagles goalkeeper Shamar Gittens.

Still the Eagles were claw-

The man of the night was definitely Robin Adams

see his shot held by the Major in the 27th minute.

Then Shattas through a one-two combination between Wilson and Kenny Benjamin in the 31st minute failed to score and the first half would end without either team being able to get on the scoresheet. Four minutes into the second stanza of this final Hercules Simon in another good run down the right wing sent a good shot that was a bit too high.

Then Major in the 53rd minute was called upon to execute a save as the Eagles began to gain their momentum with some timely offensive forays Consecutive shots fired goal wards by the Eagles United players in the 68th minute failed to break the 0-0 deadlock from close in and a follow-up one on one opportunity was also missed by the inexperienced Eagles side one minute later.

But the Shattas were

ing their way into the goal mouth and a shot backing the goal was unable to score after a rebound outside in the 84th minute.

In the 88th minute a long ball was kept in touch by Kwesi Quintin of Eagles and his cross was held firmly by the Shattas custodian.

However, the knock out shot came in the 93rd minute when from just outside the 18- yards box on the inside right Robin Adams’ rasping drive seared through to collide to the cross bar and rebound over the goal-line to register for a 1-0 win when referee Maureese Skeete blew for game to the excitement of the fans of the Silver Shattas bringing them their first title in years.

Botafago had earlier scored a 2-0 over Winner Connection through a brace from Kello Primo.

The official presentation is expected to be done on Saturday in Linden.

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

tuesDAY, january 3, 2017

Motor racing to shift gears in 2017 – Boodhoo

and top British rider Matt Truelove along with local boy group four driver Kristian Jeffrey and Jamaican Doug Gore in his Audi sparked a greater interest in the sport in Guyana.

In addition, he also expressed pleasure about the ref u r bish-

need to have strong ties with the media to help in spreading the message of road safety among other things.

As it regards the further improvement

By Akeem Greene

L

ast year was touted as a successful year for motor racing by President of the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMR&SC) Raj Boodhoo but his focus now is improving the momentum of development in 2017.

Boodhoo explained that “2016 has been a very successful year, we would have made new strides and leaps for the development of the sport and we are looking forward to improving the pace in 2017.”

The highlight for the previous year was seen by the President as the successful hosting of the Caribbean Motor Racing Championships (CMRC) final leg in November at the South Dakota Circuit considering the much needed improvements made to the

GMR&SC President Raj Boodhoo

facilities and access roads.

More so, Boodhoo felt that Team Mohammed’s

Enterprise recruiting the likes of Moto America 2016 champion Bryce Prince

ment of the Cosmos Go-Kart facility which is seen as the breeding ground for new talents.

In assessing aspects where the club can develop, the President felt there is need for stronger ties with major sponsors and making the sport safer.

“There is more to do with financing so that is why we will be seeking more support from major sponsors and most importantly we are looking forward to making it (motor racing) safer by concentrating on safety for both competitors and the fans,” he explained.

He further stated, “We are trying to get fans closer to the competition so we

o f the South Dakota track, Boodhoo stated that the major focus is to get international accreditation.

The major expansion is a must to bring it up to international standard so we can have more foreign competitors” and have insurance for our competitors , I don’t know how possible it will be for in 2017 but we will be concentrating on a new pit lane and also developing a new drag race track,” Boodhoo revealed.

In 2016, the drag racing phenomenon certainly carried the heat by fans and there seems to be a possibility that a Caribbean champions could be on the cards once all systems go according to plan.

“The return of Suriname to Guyana was great; it was

almost dubbed and international meet so we are talking to Trinidad, St. Vincent, Antigua, Jamaica and they are all willing to come here and when we s e t

our c a l endar o f activities we will be inviting them, so 2017 might see a Caribbean drag racing championship,” Boodhoo revealed.

In terms of the CMRC country title, Guyana lost their crown to Trinidad and Tobago after finishing third but the GMR&SC President said that regaining the title is of significant importance when the season gets underway in April-May. “We are focusing strongly on getting back the country championships, we have spoken to some our competitors that will be touring and the club will trying to assist in whatever way we can to help more competitor’s tour, the President underscored.

Meanwhile, the Motor racing club is seeking to have an event per month whether it drag racing, circuit racing for Go-kart as way of keeping the public interested in the sport.

Johnson optimistic about greater success in 2017

BY AKEEM GREENE

T

alented, delightful, charismatic, smart are just some of the positive adjectives that are used to describe Test batsman Leon Johnson when in full flow at the crease but for the latter part of 2016, those descriptions have not corresponded with him having an outstanding runs aggregate.

After topping the charts of the 2015/2016 West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Professional Cricket League (PCL) Regional 4-day competition with 807 runs at an average of 57.64, the left-hand batsman managed to regain selection into the West Indies Test team after last wearing the maroon cap in January 2015 against hosts South Africa.

However, his success at the regional level was not transformed to the international arena as in the five Tests The success desired by the classy batsman has not materialised thus he played in far, but he is hard at work to ensure a change in fortunes 2016; he only managed to score a total of

128 runs at average of 14.2 with his highest score being 47 against Pakistan in the historic Day/Night Test in Dubai.

The Guyana Jaguars captain, who led his franchise to two successive Regional FourDay titles won the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Male Cricket of the year for a second time and also the Senior Regional Cricketer of the year, was quizzed on his opinion of his performances with the bat in 2016.

He responded saying, “I thought the Regional performance was very good in 2015/2016, I always feel I could have done better than the 807 runs I got, and it was the most in the season so I’m grateful for it.”

He further stated, “Internationally, I was batting out of position but I got a couple of starts and I didn’t make full use so I’m bit disappointed with my international performances but coming home now, hopefully I can replicate the form I had last season and score the volume of runs in First-Class cricket and maybe more so I can maintain a place in the regional side so I can better the performances against India and Pakistan.”

The middle-order batsman, who made his First-class debut at the age 16 in 2004 was given his Test cap ten years later and responded with a classy 66 against Bangladesh as a make-shift opener but since then has spent the majority of his nine Tests to date in the same position.

Considering his meek returns, the lefthander was asked whether the pressures of the new role or technical issues being exposed as the reason for his drop in form.

Johnson responded saying that “it is a bit of both, opening batting is very new to me

and playing against international bowlers and the quality of bowlers of Pakistan and India, playing in that position will be difficult if you are not accustomed to it but to say that it is not an excuse for not doing well, I should be able to adapt to it and they are few technical areas I need to work on.”

Since returning to the Caribbean seeking to lead Guyana Jaguars to a three-peat in titles, the runs still have not come to a player of his calibre but according to the determined batsmen, he feels no way out of form despite just having twohalf centuries in eight innings.

With Pakistan set to tour the Caribbean in April/ May and then the regional side travels to England in August, the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) player said that he is identified technical areas to address.

“I have identified a few technical problems with West Indies batting coach Toby Radford and I have been working on those things and it makes me feel better doing it, since it has worked to an extent; I have not scored the amount of runs I wanted to in the first half of the regional tournament but at no time I felt out of form,” he revealed.

In addition, Johnson has set his sights on adding to his six One Day Internationals (ODI) since England are schedule to visit in February, by having success at the upcoming Regional 50-over tournament which is to be played in Barbados and Antigua and Barbuda from January 24 to February 18.

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesDAY, january 3, 2017

GFF to take control of youth tournaments

Aliyah Gordon’s rise to the top

― standard of NAMILCO National U-17 league to be improved

T

he Guyana Football Federation (GFF) new Technical Director Ian Greenwood has constantly been voicing that great emphasis needs to be placed on the youth development in Guyana and that he will be doing his utmost to develop these raw talents.

However, the conditions that many of these players are forced to play domestic tournaments are bewildering considering on many occasions there are a lack of referees, the pitches are not properly groomed, the perimeter lines are not clearly visible, and at times there is a lack of nutritious refreshments for players, among other ailing issues which begs the question on how will the country’s “future” develop properly under such conditions.

Responding to these criticisms, President of the GFF Wayne Forde explained that his federation will take full control of the country’s youth tournaments as a way of curbing such deficiencies in junior football.

“The model of the Guyana Football Federation is a developing one and mostly likely the federation will assume full control of all youth football and what we will do with our associations is sit with them and identify the gaps within they can operate their youth tournaments,” Forde explained.

Last year the Federation managed to secure a five

Aliyah Gordon takes control early in her career GFF President Wayne Forde

year-sponsorship deal with the National Milling Company (NAMILCO) worth $30M and saw fourteen of the sixteen shortlisted national U-15 players that represented Guyana in the Claude Elise Under-15 football Tournament in French Guiana in December, emerging from that tournament.

Giving his assessment of the league, he stated that “we are not completely happy with how some of the games were organised in some of the associations, the tournament was intended to be an opportunity for associations to build capacity and it is one of the reasons why we will go in and take over our youth tournaments as it is the heart of the our development”.

The league though successful for being a spotlight for players, it was hampered by organizational issues that

By Romario Samaroo

affected the regularity and high standard of matches in some associations.

As a way of combating this issue Forde explained that “technical development officers will be assigned to the associations and will play a key role as these individuals will be paid by the federation and their job will be to ensure that all youth tournaments sanctioned by the federation operate at a certain established standard.”

The GFF boss also revealed that the officers will ensure proper game day management along with having the correct field preparation.

It was also disclosed that the Federation will soon be signing an under-15 intra association league which will have a similar model to the NAMILCO league and that plans are afoot in having leagues at the under-13 and under-19 levels this year.

Next step, Latin America – GABA President

By Romario Samaroo

S

ince 2016 is done and dusted, and today is only the third day in the New Year, most sporting bodies would be in the process of planning, if not completed their annual agenda. However, in the world of Boxing, the vision is not only for 2017 but further up the road in 2020, the year Tokyo is set to host the Olympics where Guyana has its eyes on medaling once more in ring. Guyana has only managed one Olympic medal, a bronze, won in boxing back in 1986 by Michael Paris.

Looking at this goal, it is a realistic possibility and even the president of the Guyana Amateur Boxing Association (GABA), Steve Ninvalle believes we can bring glory back to this great nation.

During the 2016 season Amateur Boxing recorded some of its most prestigious moments where some new blood had been found within the shadows of local gyms as they matched punch for punch in the three amateur tournaments held by GABA and their expansion to regional dominance of late.

Most notably is the complete destruction of opponents when Guyana participated in the

Caribbean Development Boxing Tournament in Barbados, returning with a massive haul of 10 gold medals and one silver while Christopher Moore copped the Best Boxer title as well.

“These guys have proven what we have been saying all this time that they are the best in the Caribbean and I dare say the best anywhere if we are given the facilities and resources. We will make sure we prove that and we proved it when we bring home not only medals from the Caribbean but medals from the world championships and medals from the Olympics.” Ninvalle said. However, it will be no walk in the park. Making reference to the dedication the athletes and he had put in by walking 100 miles just to raise funds to go to the trip in Barbados.

As such, the athletes and the administration will have to go the extra mile if they want to see results.

“The road to the Olympics is the longest journey we will have and we have started and taken the first step by winning the Caribbean championship.

Our next step is to make sure we can go to Latin America and win there and further afield to the Olympic qualifiers and

23

H

ockey, a sport though captivating fans in Guyana for over two decades, has not attracted the magnitude of attention on the local scene as it did over the last two years mostly because of the talent of the young crop of players. Aliyah Gordon is one of those in the forefront of the sport and is destined to take up the mantle in the female division.

Hands down, one of the most important players in the GCC Pizza Hut set up and arguably one of the best young talents around today. Gordon recalled falling in love with the sport at a very young age after seeing almost everyone around her playing and she constantly pleading with her mother for a chance and play with the other girls on the team like her older sister, Brianna Gordon.

“I’ve been around hockey for a long time, when I was first introduced to the game I was too small to play. I spent years begging my mother to ask the coach to let me train but it couldn’t happen,” the former Queen’s College student said.

As a result young Gordon was forced to watch the others play until she was of age and size recalling that her most memorable moments of watching hockey came from the Diamond Mineral Water Indoor Hockey

Festivals where teams from the region such as Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Antigua among others and North America, namely Canada would come and have some thrilling games.

By the age of 12, Gordon was ready for her Diamond Mineral Water Festival debut where she turned out for her club’s ‘B’ team, immediately capturing the attention of all the spectators in the opening season.

However, the young star admitted that she was not as experienced as the others but that did not stop her from bettering herself in every game after the first, noting that while she does not have a favourite player that she can single out, she admires “the teamwork, chemistry and consistency between teams such as Australia, Argentina and Netherlands, to name a few.”

As she grew more and more in the game and gained experience, as she is dubbed a fast learner, Gordon graduated into the senior ladies team.

Already the young lady has attracted high praises from her team captain and been the topic for discussions during opposing teams’ meetings.

The 18-year old added that her diet and training were two aspects of her career that she took extremely serious because in order to run back and forth for the allotted time of the match, it was not something easy and the body had to be in ‘tip-top’ shape if it was going to withstand that among of pressure.

Additionally, Gordon who is currently an ‘A’ Level student at School of the Nations, found it a bit challenging to balance the sport and studies, but nevertheless, found the balance to excel in both aspects.

Looking to the future of Hockey, Gordon related that she wished that “we could attract more teams from other countries. I am hoping we could widen the tournaments and get to face more overseas teams and learn from them.”

Gordon stated.

With the determination and discipline this young lady possesses, the sky is definitely not the limit, and with the Guyana Hockey Board President stating that it is the intention of having both male and female teams at the Pan American Indoor Hockey Championships this year, it is a possibility that Gordon has booked her ticket already.

Rain delays franchise league 50-over tournament

― players shortlisted for practice ahead of Regional Super 50

C

GABA Ninvalle

President

Steve

then the Olympics,” the GABA President pointed out.

Minister with responsibility for sports, Nicolette Henry, Guyana Olympic President K. A. Juman Yassin and Director of Sport Christopher Jones have all pledged to do everything in their power to support the sport. While on the other hand, top local boxing coach Sebert Blake of the Forgotten Youths Foundation has already began pressing the administration to actually put their words into action and has thrown his career on the line. He has since stated that if he is given the necessary resources he is guaranteeing an Olympic medal.

ricket Guy Inc. wishes to advise that the Jaguars One Day 50 Overs League which was scheduled to commence today has been deferred to a date to be announced later. This deferral is due persistent rains which has left earmarked grounds in an unfavorable playing conditions.

As a consequence, Cricket Guy Inc. has shortlisted 28 players for practice matches tentatively set for the National Stadium at Providence on January 5 and 6, 2017. Meanwhile, the players will be going through some fielding and fitness drills under the watchful eyes of Head Coach, Esuan Crandon and Assistant Coach Rayon Griffith from 10:00h today at Providence, weather permitting. This exercise will give the coaching staff a fair idea of the com-

Rayon Griffith

position of the teams ahead of the matches on Thursday and Friday. These two matches are likely to be the final game context opportunity that players would have before the selection of the final 14 man squad of the Guyana Jaguars team in the West Indies Cricket Board’s Professional Cricket League Regional Super 50.

The Guyana Jaguars will

looking to capture the championship title when the tournament commences on 24 January, 2017 with matches in two zones, one in Antigua and the other in Barbados.

The shortlisted players for the two (2) trail matches are Shimron Hetmyer, Leon Johnson, Assad Fudadin, Raymon Reifer, Devendra Bishoo, Veerasammy Permaul, Keon Joseph, Paul wintz, Christopher Barnwell, Chanderpaul Hemraj, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Romario Shepherd, Tevin Imlach, Anthony Adams, Gudakesh Motie, Robin Bacchus, Anthony Bramble, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Ronsford Beaton, Rajendra Chandrika, Vishaul Singh, Jonathan Foo, Sherfane Rutherford, Royston Crandon, Clinton Pestano, Steven Jacobs, Eon Hooper and Kevon Boodie.

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

TUESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

Motor racing to shift gears in 2017 – Boodhoo

Pg 22

Kristian Jeffrey’s Mitsubishi Evo (white) and Jamaica’s Doug Gore's Audi were two cars that thrilled the Guyanese fans at the November meet (Marceano Narine photo)

GFF to take control of youth tournaments

Pg 23

― standard of NAMILCO National U-17 league to be improved With an abundance of talent on show in these tournaments, the hope is that the players can begin to play the sport under the correct conditions from a young age

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