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04 Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana Issue No. 2808 guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

March 27, 2016

PRICE

Bath sugar workers attacked by killer bees – 1 dead, 6 injured

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Policewoman’s P18 home burglarised on Good Friday

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Decomposed body found hanging in Houston backdam Page 14

5 rape cases, 48 serious crimes reported last week Page 10

GBTI distributes kites to Spreading Easter cheer!

Canaan Home in Berbice

Arrangements being P7 finalised for Night Courts

Police yet to make an arrest in “Chessy’s” murder P10

Page 10

GWI trucking water to P6 Wakenaam residents The smiling faces of the children of Canaan Children Home after receiving their kites from representatives and employees of the Port Mourant branch of the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry

Former President and current Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo on Saturday took time out to spread some Easter cheer to children along the East Coast of Demerara by distributing kites

Millers Association GRPA urges Dredge to sue over President to owner “corrupt” take action against Minister accidently Jamaica rice shot dead contract Lawrence Winston Harding Scandal…

Page 16

Page 9

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Region 10 advancing P19 cassava deal with Alesie Police hunting shooter P18 in Linden bus driver execution

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SunDAY, march 27, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

NEWS

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SunDAY, march 27, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Sunday, March 27 – 05:30h-07:00h and Monday, March 28 – 05:30h-07:00h.

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Sunday, March 27 – 06:05h-07:35h and Monday, March 28 – 06:35h-08:05h.

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

WEATHER TODAY Thundery to light rain showers can be expected throughout the day and in the evening.

Temperatures are expected to range between 25-29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North easterly to East North-easterly between 4.47 metres and 6.70 metres per second.

High Tide: 06:32h and 18:55h reaching a maximum height of 2.67 metres and 2.58 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 00:10h and 12:29h reaching minimum heights of 0.60 metre and 0.58 metre respectively.

Bath sugar workers attacked by killer bees – 1 dead, 6 injured

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sugar worker is now dead, while several others were injured, including a man who is now listed as critical, after a swarm of bees attacked them while they were working in the backdam at Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice (WCB), Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) on Saturday.

The dead man has been identified as Romesh Lalaram, also known as “Satesh”, 56, of Lot C14 Church Street, Bath Settlement, WCB; while the injured are R Bissondyal; Haripaul Jagdeo; K Lookraj; D Persaud; Khemraj Latchman; Alta Ali and Ganesh Hemraj.

Six of the injured were treated at the Forth Wellington Hospital and sent away, while Alta Ali was admitted and is said to be in a critical condition.

Lalaram, who worked with the Guyana Sugar

Corporation (GuySuCo) for 23 years, was pronounced dead on arrival at the medical facility.

One of the injured men, Khemraj Latchman, told reporters that he along with nine other estate workers were about two miles in the backdam when they were attacked by the swarm of bees.

The man explained that they saw a herd of cows running towards them, while a swarm of bees were hovering over the animals.

“Then we know is bees, some men tek the canal and some try fuh run. I see Lalaram go and lie down by the tractor and I run away,” Latchman recounted.

He said he received about 50 stings as the men tried to flee to safety.

Aware that his colleagues were in danger, Latchman recounted that he lit a fire to create smoke in an effort to ward off the bees. The man said that the fire allowed

Dead: Romesh Lalaram, also known as "Satesh"

him to get closer to his colleagues, where he lit another fire, thus being able to rescue five of his workmates who were under attack.

However, he stated that Ali and Lalaram were still at the mercy of the bees.

“I put on a cloak (raincoat) and get lil diesel and throw it and the bees ease off and I go to Ali, but was still too much bees,” he recalled,

adding that the hen douse the insects with another quantity of diesel, allowing him to get to the injured Ali. “Like he de sleeping, ah touch he and tell he fuh get up and run, but like he ain’t waking up. So a shake he and then he ask me if them gone, ah tell he let we go, but he tell me Lalaram lie down deh,” the man explained.

Lalaram was said to be lying face down and covered with bees.

The further related that his other colleagues eventually managed to get the bees off Lalaram, however, he was remained in a motionless state. An ambulance subsequently arrived at the scene and took Lalaram to hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival by doctors.

The entire attack lasted for about one hour. GuySuCo has since launched an investigation into the incident.

APNU/AFC threatened voters – Jagdeo … alleges widespread abuse of State resources

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pposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has accused the Government of threatening the electorate ahead of the recently concluded Local Government Elections (LGE) and has consequently called on the electoral observer missions to take note of this and other developments.

During a news conference on Thursday, Jagdeo said he is in receipt of information implicating the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government officials issuing threats to certain sections of society in order to gain electoral support at the recently concluded LGE. “We have heard on the campaign people saying: ‘don’t vote for this group because we are in power now and you aren’t going to get any resources’, now this is threatening the electorate. Now if they freely exercise their franchise that

they chose a group that they feel can best represent their community, if they chose the wrong group, a group not sympathetic to APNU/AFC or not APNU/AFC, they will be starved of resources,” he disclosed.

He also claimed that Government took advantage of its incumbency and abused State resources for the purpose of campaigning for the LGE. In fact, Jagdeo said Government probably spent no less than $50 million of taxpayers’ money to conduct their campaign. “We’ve always recognised that incumbency has an advantage… and that I believe is pretty normal in a society, but what we are opposed to is this flagrant abuse,” he stated.

Jagdeo made reference to the outreaches in Bartica, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni); Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo); and Mabaruma, Region One (Barima-Waini) where more than a dozen

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

Ministers have travelled, accompanied by huge entourages – all paid for by the State.

“And this is why when you question them at Budget time, the large sums of money going into some Ministries; they were very delinquent in giving us answers,” he stated.

In these two instances, Jagdeo called on the international observer missions to take note of these worrying developments and to make mention of them in their re-

ports.

Jagdeo insisted that before you can declare an election as “free and fair”, one must not only talk about election day activities but rather, pay attention to complimenting events in the lead-up and after the election day proceedings.

“Anyone who talks otherwise, even some of these election observers, clearly do not know what they are talking about,” he stated simply.

Jagdeo also said Government was quite haphazard in declaring the new townships, bypassing the crucial consultation process with residents who will be greatly affected by the development.

In one particular Amerindian community in Bartica, Jagdeo said the residents are complaining because they were not consulted on whether or not they would like to be a part of the township of Bartica. turn to page 7

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SunDAY, march 27, 2016

Views Spreading Easter cheer!

General Editor: Michael Younge News Hotliine: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544 223-7230,223-7231,231-0544, 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

Energy Independence

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s the country moves closer to celebrating its 50th Independence anniversary, the focus of the government has unfortunately been on the “celebrating” rather than the “Independence”. Independence for a colony that was underdeveloped for three centuries could not have been achieved with the signing of a piece of paper and being handed “instruments” such as a flag and a motto. Independence could only come when the “underdevelopment” was undone through development projects that would make Guyana as selfsufficient as possibly.

This government inherited the Amaila Falls Hydro Electric Project (AFHEP) within the visionary and pioneering Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) that would make the country largely “energy independent”. The LCDS received much acclaim as a model for the world to combine development with a low carbon footprint. AFHEP was designed to generate 165 MW of electricity - approximately Guyana Power and Light’s (GPL) present generating capacity to satisfy consumer and industrial demand.

It would deliver independence from imported oil that consumes scarce foreign reserves.

The utilisation of our renewable water resource to generate electricity would, after the investment were paid off in 20 years, allow these funds to be utilised for social or infrastructural spending. The present government, starting when it was in opposition, was adamant about scuttling AFHEP simply because it did not want to acknowledge the vision of conceptualiser of the project, former president Bharrat Jagdeo.

The shifting goalposts used by them from the beginning to “evaluate” and finally kill the project demonstrated most conclusively this “cutting of nose” approach. For instance, they early on dismissed the project as a “pie in the sky” dream of Jagdeo even as it was subsequently revealed from studies done by the World Bank in the 1970s, they knew all along that Amaila Falls was a contender for a hydro-electric facility.

Then they claimed they did not have information of the financials and other contract details. But President Ramotar supplied these immediately upon assuming office. Even though Guyana is without a sovereign rating after the PNC destruction of the economy, the Government was able to secure the US$840 million financing for the AFHEP. Guyana was to put in US$100 million (of which US$80 million would come from the Norwegian Fund accessible to Guyana); the Build, Own, Operate and Transfer (BOOT) partner Sithe Global US$152 million; InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) US$175 million, and China Development Bank (CDB) US$413 million.

The contractor China Rail had already signed an Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) agreement with Sithe for US$506 million, when Sithe Global pulled out of the project last August because the “consensus” between the government and the Opposition it demanded was not reached. At that time the Opposition were demanding completion of the “due diligence” the IDB was conducting.

The last PPP Budget included the US$80 million allocated

by Norway to AFHEP but the Opposition APNU and AFC (now forming the government) promptly excised it even though it was stated that all AFHEP parties remained interested. Upon assuming office in May 2015, the Government shelved the IDB’s due diligence report on AFHEP and ignored Norway’s assertion that the US$80 million allocated to AFHEP which was already transferred to the IDB would be lost to the country unless utilised for the project.

Norway however persisted and on the side-lines of COP 21, which had committed the entire world to renewable energy such as hydropower, persuaded the government to accept a “final” review. The largest Norwegian consulting firm Norconsult was chosen earlier this year and its report is imminent. A team from Norway will be visiting Guyana next month and during their meeting with the government, the latter’s final decision on AFHEP will be made - one month before the massive Jubilee celebrations on “Independence”.

It is hoped the government’s Luddite obstructionism towards development for Guyana in general will cease. All Guyanese would agree with us that at long last we should use our “many waters” to sail into energy independence.

Former President and current Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo on Saturday took time out to spread some Easter cheer to children along the East Coast of Demerara by joining People's Progressive Party parliamentarian Anil Nandlall in the distribution of kites

Old boy Hammie unfit to be CHPA Chairman Dear Editor, One can only watch in amazement at the pivot if not the pirouette by the 82-year-old Hamilton Green as he undertakes his new responsibilities as chairman of the board of directors of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA).

This octogenarian has moved from presiding over and condoning every conceivable misconduct and transgression by his fellow councillors and officers at the Georgetown Municipality for the last 22 years to now being the picture of moral rectitude as the chairman by demanding the highest standards of professionalism and accountability from the staffers at the CHPA. But then again, one should not be too surprised, as in the past he moved from being a strongman and hatchet-man to a moral and spiritual revivalist.

Since 1994 after Green became the Mayor of the capital with much pomp and fanfare, there has been an explosion of illegal vending, both itinerant and fixed on the pavements of law abiding and taxpaying business owners.

This was encouraged by him because he considered it politically expedient, counting on the vendors for votes to support his failed attempt at the national elections and then later using them to protest against a former Town Clerk with whom he had a running battle. This situation allowed the City Constabulary to have a field day, shaking down vendors all over the city. These constables made millions for themselves and their superiors.

The then Mayor also allowed Building Inspectors from the City Engineer’s Department to first draw building plans for new

homeowners in the city, and then turn around and approve the very plans they and their colleagues drew, a clear conflict of interest. He also allowed these inspectors to turn a blind eye to all the serious violations of the building codes and municipal by-laws in the city.

One would have to be blind not to see the illegal covering of drains, construction of pavements, additions and renovations to buildings that go too close to fences, buildings going up without proper foundations leaning soon after, a threat to nearby buildings, the burgeoning of commercial entities in residential areas, something that he could rectify now as chairman of CHPA. But it did not end with the Officer Corps, but continued with his colleague councillors where one was well known for selling putrid and stolen meat, a violation of public health regula-

tions, whilst another waived interest on property taxes illegally and broke all tender board procedures in approving purchases, whilst many others had their relatives employed or contracted with the Council, a clear case of nepotism, all of which the then Mayor was fully aware of but did nothing.

Fast forwarding the tape we now see Green halting the building of turnkey homes, launching a number of investigations into several transactions by the entity, sending home key officials of the CHPA, demanding all sorts of information and records.

What is up with Green and this epiphany? Why did he not do the same at City Hall?

There is an old Guyanese saying “Moon ah run till daylight ketch am.”

Sincerely, Mark Roopan

Lawrence will not resign and Granger will not fire her Dear Editor, Politics aside, children really are the future for our nation. It is for this reason that this story is particularly disturbing. When the Minister of Social Protection, but more importantly the Minister responsible for child care and protection, Volda Lawrence was questioned by the media about the selection of the APNU/AFC candidate Harding despite his reported charges for child molestation offences she stated, “Do you think that me, the minister in charge of that (social protection), would have someone like that running?

Do you think that the par-

ty would expose itself like that? We are aware of the situation but he was never charged,” the Minister maintained.

Even more disturbing, the sector minister further went on to say that child molestation is a “family issue”.

Well it was reported that the APNU/AFC candidate was indeed charged several times for child molestation offences so these statements by the minister evinces unequivocally that after nearly one year in her post as minister she is totally unfamiliar and cheerfully unconcerned with the responsibilities of her portfolio.

In addition, Lawrence’s laziness to, at least, say “let me take a moment to find out if he was indeed charged with child molestation offences” especially since she took an oath to protect all the children of Guyana means very simply that she is totally unfit for the position she holds. As a consequence, the parents in Guyana can and will never feel that their children can be protected by the state under Lawrence’s watch.

Furthermore, the statements must raise, by necessity, questions in the minds of the officers in the Child Protection Agency and other bodies charged with pro-

tecting children, both local and international, about the competence, authority and legitimacy of Minister Lawrence.

Finally, it is very disturbing that Minister Lawrence, who is a PNC member, is prepared to play politics with the execution of her ministerial duties towards the Guyanese people by intentionally or negligently failing to investigate these reports because he is a member of the political party she represents.

The children of Guyana deserve better.

Charles S Ramson Esq MP

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SunDAY, march 27, 2016

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The truth about the recent Councillors who served before must lead from UG registration saga Dear Editor, Marcus’ entry into the arena on the denial of grades to students-at-law (Cox, Marcus and Mustapha) warrants a response if only to debunk Marcus’ misrepresentation of what is “full registration”.

At the University of Guyana a student only becomes eligible for full registration when he or she has paid the requisite fees. It therefore stands to reason that based on the information provided by Marcus, one can only conclude that they were not fully registered and not entitled to write examinations and/or receive results for examinations which they were not entitled to write.

The registration process required three acts by the University: recommendation by the Department, endorsement by the Assistant Dean and approval by the Assistant Registrar, Admissions.

Only after all three of those sequential acts are completed can a student be deemed to be fully registered.

The first two acts focus on the academic preconditions for registration. They seek to determine the student’s eligibility for the courses for which he or she proposes to be registered. The Assistant Registrar confirms the correctness of the recommendation and endorsement and upon the determination and payment of the requisite fees approves the registration. The latter act never occurred in their cases.

Marcus further argues that they were never told that they could not, or should not, have written the examinations which they were clearly not entitled to write, though they had not completed payment and consequentially were not registered.

To write a final examination at UG, one is required to be issued with an examination slip which clearly indicates the examina-

tions which one is entitled to write; and is the basis for entry into the examination.

They were never issued such slips. In addition, the University published in prominent places and on official notice broads, around the campus, the prohibition that ‘no one who had not completed registration and had not been issued an examination slip should present him or herself for any examination’.

They cannot claim ignorance of these stipulations, since they had all, previously, completed programmes at the University and would have undertaken and met those requirements, umpteen times.

In fact, it is because of their prior attendance at, and graduation from, the University and their noncompliance with the loan repayment schedule that they were being denied access to new loans, for new programmes. The bottom line is, they did not pay their fees which they indicated they would have paid by way of loans.

The case of Cox will be used as an actual illustration of what occurred. Cox is a former government-sponsored student-at-law, who failed to graduate from the UWI-UG law programme.

He subsequently completed a BA at UG. He then applied and gained entry to read for a degree in Law. He proposed to pay by loan and upon application to the Loan Agency was granted a loan on condition that he paid monthly instalments either for an outstanding loan or the current loan, since he might have passed the statutory age for accessing a loan.

He defaulted on that agreement, hence he was not granted a loan in his second year. He approached the Assistant Registrar who gave him an extended deadline to pay his fee.

He defaulted on that arrangement and for the two latter academic years of the

programme never completed registration, including the non-payment of fees.

He, however, in defiance of all of the University’s lawful notifications to all students, on the stipulations with regard to being registered as a perquisite to attending examinations, and in the face of his own prior experience and knowledge, proceeded to sit examinations with the facilitation of officials who were well aware of their wrong-doing.

At the end of the third year when the Examinations Division refused to release the grades for examinations unauthorisedly/ conspiratorially sat, Cox approached me for a resolution to the matter.

He was offered advice on a payment arrangement that the University was prepared to entertain but never responded to the offer.

He however kept badgering the University for the release of ill-gained grades and some three years after the University had closed the case came forward with a belated letter from Mr Rekha (Finance Secretary) to the effect that the Loan Agency was then prepared to issue loans, retroactively.

The University had already determined, and had maintained, that the case was closed.

The circumstances of his colleagues were pretty much the same, in principle.

Marcus and Mustapha had less and lesser, respectively, degrees of interaction with the University as they pursued their cases in the political corridors and piggybacked on Cox’s pursuit, as is the case, even now.

I have avoided being judgmental in this missive.

I have laid the facts bare and will continue to rely on the chips falling where they may, be it administratively or juridically.

I derive no joy from the foolhardiness of this matter.

Regards, Vincent Alexander

the back seat

Dear Editor, Well now that the votes have been counted and the dust has settled regarding the Local Government Elections for 2016, it is time to move on in unity, creating modern and well run cities, towns and neighbourhoods.

For the capital City in particular and the other towns in general it is important that we see the change that we all voted for, being effected, not a continuance of the same old, same old.

In order to achieve this, two principles should be followed.

First the persons who are going to be elected to key leadership positions such as mayor, deputy mayor, chairpersons and vice chairpersons of the various committees should be young, fresh, and energetic persons

with new ideas and modern thinking. It would be impious should the parties squander this glorious opportunity after 22 unpleasant years by putting back any of the old-timers such as Oscar Clarke and Patricia Chase-Green in these leadership positions.

Of course these elder politicians have a role to play, but it ought to be from the backseat, giving advice and guidance, not leading from the front.

Let us give the youths a chance that were promised since the national elections; this is the second tier of governance and should be used as a training ground for the next level. Second, in the interest of unity, the major party should extend the olive branch to the smaller groups that won seats by offering them

positions such as deputy mayor and vice chairs of the various committees. This would go a long way in assuring the populace that the vision for shared governance is real and not just a flight of the imagination.

There must be inclusivity by reaching across the aisle; the days for winner take all are over.

Even the former mayor in proposing the qualities of his successor said that he is hoping the person who is elected as the next mayor of Georgetown is “young and able” to serve in that capacity especially with respect to the restoration of the City.

I say to the old-timers like Nelson Mandela once famously said “Lead from the back — and let others believe they are in front.”

Riley Matthews

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Foundation

Easter!

“Easter is meant to be a symbol of hope, renewal, and new life.”

– Janine di Giovanni

Anu Dev

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e are in the midst of a dream confluence of holidays - Holi, Good Friday, the weekend and finally Easter Monday.

After the exuberance of Holi, we now segue into the more laid back, quintessential tradition of a Guyanese Easter - kite flying.

Tomorrow seawalls, community centres, parks and basically any other open space will be used by families and friends celebrating Easter. For many, Easter has become a secular holiday, with persons of all religions using the day for a fun-day of relaxation with relatives and friends.

Some might take a break from tradition and choose the easier option when it comes to kites, and choose the bird-kite - less than five minutes and you’re ready to fly your kite! But the hardcore traditionalists would probably stick to the orig-

guyanatimesgy.com

inal wooden-framed kites and start from scratch with building the kite-frames.

And of course there are those experienced old-hands who know exactly how to make the kite so that it ‘sings’ more or that it ‘dances’ more.

I guess even though lots of people use the bird kites now, the skill of kite-making won’t be lost since grandparents and parents keep passing down the secrets and tricks to eager children.

And let’s face it: we only really use the bird-kites because we might be pressed for time because given a choice between a bird-kite and a fully-assembled traditional kite most of us would choose the traditional kite.

Besides, half of the fun of Easter is assembling your kite and choosing the coolest colours of kite-paper and adding stars and sparkles to make your kite look better that your brother’s kite.

Half the fun is trying to add

as much kite-paper as possible to the frills of the kite to make it the most colourful kite ever - as babies we were all always attracted to shiny or colourful objects and we clearly haven’t got over that as yet!

And there will be those enthusiasts who go all the way and try to build kites taller than six feet or try to win competitions for the largest kites or for the smallest kites.

But the competition won’t just be limited to the official competitions - kids everywhere would try to bring down each other’s kites or to make their kite fly the highest on the playground. But not everyone plays nicely though - some kids attach razor blades or glass to the tails of their kites to deliberately cut down other persons’ kites.

But of course, kids won’t wait to begin flying their kites until tomorrow, for the past two weeks or longer,

kids have been flying kites.

And then tomorrow, families will plan picnics and spend the entire day out. Easter is always a relaxing time for both adults and children. Adults have tomorrow to relax before some of them have to go off to work while we kids would probably start to get serious about cramming in as much fun as possible in the meagre week that we have left of our holidays.

And if anyone, like me was wondering how the Easter Bunny is related to Easter Eggs, ancient German superstition states that Rabbits lay eggs on Easter Day, hence the Easter Bunny. And as President Granger reminded us last Tuesday night, Rabbits are symbolic of fertility (and fecundity!) which is what the original Easter celebrations were all about.

Have a Happy Easter everyone!

GWI trucking water to Wakenaam residents

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ollowing previous calls from residents on the Essequibo island of Wakenaam for improved water facilities, the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has been using trucks to deliver water to those currently without access to the service. Guyana Times was recently told that this has been occurring for the past few weeks.

“What they are doing is that they are transporting water around the island, and they are giving a barrel of water every two days to each family who do not have access to water… this project started about three weeks now,” one resident stated on Saturday.

It was related that while residents are thankful for the measures to alleviate the problem, additional amounts are needed.

Guyana Times further understands that some residents, who have the capabilities, would arrange to go to the well and obtain their own supply.

On a recent visit to the island, this newspaper had established that the water pressure in many areas was low.

This was blamed on the pre-

vailing dry conditions as attributed to the El Niño weather phenomenon. One resident explained that for the last “several months” the flow of water in the taps was reduced and claimed that persons furthest from the main were without access to GWI supply.

Earlier in February, GWI Public Relations Officer Timothy Austin had explained that the residents on this island “would soon benefit” from a new $12 million well. He also stated that plans were finalised and work was expected to commence during the latter part of the week of February 28. He further explained that drilling was expected to be completed at the end of May 2016.

The GWI PRO noted that the well in the area was not operational and observed that GWI was at the time sourcing potable water from other islands in close proximity.

It was posited that drilling of the well will contribute to a reliable supply of safe and potable water, which will considerably reduce the loss of productivity due to water-borne diseases and associated medical costs.

Easter – Then and now

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aster is considered one of the most important holidays for Christians, as it commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who gave his life on behalf of all humans in order for them to gain everlasting life.

The word Easter is derived from the name of a Saxon Goddess named “Oestre” or “Eastre” who was known as the ‘Goddess of dawn and spring’; her name meaning ‘the shining light arising from the East’.

Easter customs differs across the Christian world. In Western countries, the celebration of Easter begins on Good Friday (the day Christ was crucified) and ends the following Monday (the day of the Jesus’ resurrection).

Christians believe that the resurrection established Jesus as the Son of God and is cited as proof that God will judge the world in righteousness. For those who trust in Jesus’ death and resurrection, death is swallowed up in victory. Through faith, those who choose to follow Jesus are spiritually resurrected with him so that they may walk in a new way of life and receive eternal salvation.

Countries in the North share the same belief but celebrate the holiday a little differently.

The Easter egg and bunny are a huge part of their celebration. Preparation for Easter begins with the season of Great Lent. In addition to

fasting, almsgiving, and prayer, Orthodox Christians cut down on all entertainment and nonessential worldly activities.

Easter is linked to the Jewish Passover by much of its symbolism, as well as by its position in the calendar. In many languages, the words for “Easter” and “Passover” are identical or very similar.

The Passover commemorates the Israelites being released from slavery. It was observed for seven days where the people would eat unleavened food and would ensure that their surroundings are cleaned.

How it is celebrated today

In countries where Christianity is a state religion, or where the country has a large Christian population, Easter Monday is often a public holiday. Most businesses are closed on Easter Sunday. Good Friday, which occurs two days before Easter Sunday, is also a public holiday. On ‘Good Friday’, many would go to early morning services and would stay away from the use of meat. The making of hot ‘Cross Buns’ is a cultural norm in Guyana.

On Easter Sunday, most persons would spend the morning at church after which they spend the day cooking and eating with their loved ones.

On Easter Monday, it is the custom to fly a kite which symbolises Christ being risen from the dead and his ascension into Heaven.

news

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sunDAY, march 27, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Police hunting shooter in Linden Arrangements being finalised for Night Courts bus driver execution

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fforts are currently underway for the implementation of Night Courts to tackle the backlog of cases in the judicial system which inevitably leads to overcrowding at the Camp Street Prison.

Stemming from the deadly unrests at the Georgetown Prisons earlier this month which resulted in the deaths of 17 inmates and several others injured, a high-level meeting was held among top government and judicial officials.

During those discussions, the introduction of night courts was agreed upon to address the issues that were raised by inmates when they met with Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan and Minister of State Joseph Harmon during the deadly unrests.

Speaking to Guyana Times on Saturday, Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Justice Carl Singh, said: “Nothing has been finalised as yet”, but noted they are working on arrangements to establish night courts.

He revealed that they are looking at the number of prisoners at the Georgetown Penitentiary: “We are conducting an analysis in terms of the number of persons and the nature of offences.”

The Chancellor added too that they are looking at the magistracy to identify members to preside over these night sessions. The night courts are expected to be held sometime from 15:00 to 19:00h Mondays to Fridays.

It has been recommended

Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Carl Singh

that temporary Magistrates and judges be appointed to assist in the process of reducing the backlogged cases.

Only recently at the postCabinet briefing, Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman told reporters that it appears these initiatives of Night Courts are going to be implemented soon: “We are looking at night courts to process cases. I don’t think the intention really is to send more people into the prison, it’s certainly to process those who are being (incarcerated) to see whether they should go on bail and so forth. That’s one of the initiatives we hope to see in place within a few weeks.”

Asked how soon this could be seen materialising, Trotman said it is difficult to give a specific date: “It’s very difficult to say that by a particular date, the numbers in the prisons will be reduced by 20 per cent or 30 per cent.

It has to do with calling up the cases to see how many available judges they have…

Right now, the trust is to re-

duce the backlog of cases and also to bring the level or the number of prisoners at Camp Street down.”

According to the Government spokesperson, the Ministry of Finance has been approached for a special budgetary allocation to fund this new initiative.

He noted that this request will have to take the form of a financial paper and be presented to the National Assembly for approval. This will have to wait for another month or so since the next sitting of Parliament is May 4.

Moreover, Trotman outlined that government is also awaiting the end of the ongoing Commission of Inquiry, which is expected to produce appropriate recommendations about the overall state of Guyana’s penal system.

However, he pointed out that while government will look at all the recommendations, it will only implement those that are feasible.

“For example, the construction of a new prison now may not be financially feasible. It will have to be on a longer-term basis, but no doubt we need another prison outside of Georgetown,” he stated.

Furthermore, the Cabinet Minister noted that with the assistance of the United States government, several members of Guyana’s law enforcement officers, particularly prison officials, have gone on training on how to react to emergencies.

W

ith one person in custody, investigators are on the hunt for the main suspect in the execution-style killing of a Route 43 minibus driver on Monday last.

Police reports revealed that Alvin Lorrimer, 53, of Kara Kara, Linden, was standing on the roadway at the Linden Bus Park, Hadfield Street, Georgetown, around 21:00h when two men drove up on a motorcycle, and one of them discharged rounds at him before riding away.

Lorrimer was hit to his chest and left foot and was admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH), where he succumbed while receiving attention.

Head of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Wendell Blanhum on Saturday confirmed they have one person in custody assist-

Dead: Alvin Lorrimer

ing with investigations and are hunting for another.

While the Crime Chief did not reveal much detail about the investigations, Guyana Times was told that the person in custody is believed to be the biker who rode off with the gunman after Lorrimer was shot.

Additionally, this newspaper understands that a CG

motorcycle, bearing no number plate, has been confiscated. Reports had indicated that the motorcycle used by the perpetrators also bore no licence plate.

Meanwhile, details surrounding the shooting remain sketchy. Initially, it was reported that Lorrimer was killed during a robbery in which his cell phones and a quantity of cash were stolen but police sources confirmed that none of the man’s belongings were missing, in fact, they were handed over to relatives after his demise.

Other reports had stated there had previously been a robbery attempt on Lorrimer and he had reportedly identified two persons. The man’s wife had even related to this publication that her husband was threatened by two men on the said Bus Park about a week prior to his death.

APNU/AFC threatened...

Now that they are, Jagdeo said the residents now have to face new burdens like having the size of their lands reduced and the introduction of rates and taxes.

He noted too that the free, prior and informed consent (FPIC) was violated.

In this regard, he called on all Amerindian rights advocacy groups and the international community to be just as vocal of their rights violations as they were under the PPP/C Administration.

Meanwhile, Jagdeo recognised that the problem of partisan Presiding Officers still prevailed at LGE 2016. He

explained that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) did not resolve this major issue, which had existed in the General and Regional Elections 2015.

“They did not resolve the issue about a transparent process of hiring Presiding Officers and election day officials,” he said.

Jagdeo explained also that the idea of electronic tabulation, as was supported by the Private Sector Commission, will not solve the problem.

“Because if the stealing (of ballots) takes place before then, you will be tabulating inaccurate results,” he stated.

from page 3

As such, Jagdeo said the only way the problem can be solved is by introducing electronic voting/dual voting system.

“The only way you can avoid that capricious action of partisan Presiding Officers and Returning Officers, etc, is to ensure that the role is minimised in the electoral process and polling stations, and that electronic voting and tabulation, a dual system with electronic and paper trail will help to do that… That’s the only way we can address this issue comprehensively,” the Opposition Leader explained.

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Eyew tness You’re on your own...

A

...rice farmers

griculture Minister Noel Holder – who certainly never had rice-field mud oozing between his toes, you can be sure – has reported to Cabinet there’s no “crisis” in the RICE industry. One wonders whether Holder would think the kamikazi-flattening of the World Trade Centre Towers was a “crisis”. Probably not...since “only” 2977 persons perished.

And that’s precisely the cocked-eyed reasoning Minister of Natural Resource Raphael Trotman deployed when he rejected any sort of intervention by the Banks on all the outstanding loans that’s drowning rice farmers.

And it’s not only the buttoned-down Agri Minister who’s blowing smoke up farmers’ a55es. Now one can maybe excuse Holder because of his ignorance. But what about one Mohamed Khan who was once PPP but is now AFC, who wrote a letter to the press about what’s going down in Reg 2 rice?

The fella usually makes sense but it’s obvious his newly bestowed column in the Chronic courtesy of his hero Moses Nagamootoo has clouded his reasoning.

“The mouth is muzzled...” and all that, your humble Eyewitness guesses. So the now state employed Khan points out that of the 35,500 acres ploughed in Jan... only 25,000 acres will be reaped. And says this isn’t a “crisis”!!!! TEN THOUSAND ACRES – ALMOST ONETHIRD OF THE ESSEQUIBO ACREAGE PLOUGHED BUT ABANDONED - And this is not a crisis? This is a mouth that’s been stitched up!!

The average farm size in Essequibo’s about 5-10 acres. So how are the more than 1000 families with no rice coming in, going to survive? But that’s not all, Khan claims the average yield up now in this El Niño debased Essequibo crop is 45 bags of paddy per acre!!! Even in the best of times, the yield there - the best in Guyana - was about 40 bags per acre. And now with the critical water inputs at crucial times during the crop not available, the yield actually ROSE? What is this? Has Essequibo switched to upland “dry-rice” cultivation?

Over in Wakenaam and Leguan, the entire crop had to be abandoned - with families actually going hungry there. But this isn’t a “crisis”. Whatever rice is reaped in this crop will be severely damaged due to “wind paddy”, damaged paddy, discoloured paddy etc. The effective yield from paddy/rough rice to white rice will plunge from the usual 68% to less than 50%. But this isn’t a crisis.

The $2000/bag for paddy offered to the farmers is below the cost of cultivation.

But this isn’t a crisis. So why should the government intervene with private banks to declare a moratorium on loan servicing?

...but not for Jubilee

Maybe the story that the captain of the Titanic had been planning for the next big party just before his ship went down was apocryphal. But there’s nothing apocryphal about the mind-boggling spending on the Independence Jubilee – as our economy tanks The Finance Minister says the $300M budgeted for direct spending on the day itself - is “peanuts”. Imagine that!!

Was a time not too long ago when even $1M was money!! But like the iceberg that sank the Titanic, that $300M is just the tip of the spending iceberg that’ll sink our economy. There’s all that money for Durban Park... and the President’s Park but which pale in comparison to the “promos” tied to the Jubilee.

There’s that 50/50 offer by the Ministry to house lot owners - they’ll get 50% off on house lots purchased at up to $3M. Now $3M houselots aren’t exactly for the peons, yes?

And the CH&PA now tells us that gesture will cost the govt a cool $2B!!

But it”s “no big deal” - just bigger “peanuts”!!

....in audits

The government’s placed about a dozen of their $153M audits on the Finance Ministry’s website. They never even offered the department heads flayed in the audits, the opportunity to respond.

They were left out to swing in the wind.

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

news

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Winston Harding Scandal…

GRPA urges President to take action against Minister Lawrence

I

n the midst of widespread concerns and public outrage, Government remains resolutely silent even as pressure mounts for serious actions to be taken to reprimand Social Protection Minister Volda Lawrence for making callous comments in defence of accused child molester Winston Harding, who was a candidate for the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition in the recently concluded Local Government Elections (LGE).

President David Granger is currently under fire for his indolence in addressing the situation and rights organisations are growing impatient.

The Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA) is now demanding that the current Administration address the matter with urgency and for Minister Lawrence to be held strictly accountable for her actions.

During an interview with Guyana Times on Saturday, GRPA Head Patricia Sewnarine-Bisnauth said her organisation will intensify its calls for immediate action to be taken against Minister Lawrence and will continue to make these demands until the matter is satisfactorily addressed.

“It is unacceptable on all

levels!” expressed the child rights activist. “She is accountable to the nation for the protection of children and she has to uphold the law… We cannot afford to turn a blind eye to this issue.”

President Granger, when questioned on the situation, only proffered that he will ask the Minister for an “explanation”.

Minister Lawrence herself has been dodging media queries on the matter and has seemingly refused to offer a public apology.

However, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo had asserted that by making those statements, Minister Lawrence clearly abnegated her responsibility to the child, and for this, she must express contrition if she wants to rebuild public confidence in her ability to fully champion the protection of ill-treated children.

“She chose a political person in front of a child and she has not just ordinarily responsibility, but a statutory responsibility for that Minister and to protect the interest of the child,” Jagdeo stated.

Opposition parliamentarian Charles Ramson Jr also took a handle on the situation and issued a call for the Administration to not brush the matter under the carpet.

Social Protection Minister Volda Lawrence

In a statement on Saturday, Ramson Jr said “one would expect that in light of the revelations and public outrage, even among the APNU/AFC supporters any person with a single fibre of moral rectitude would, on their own volition, resign immediately.”

Other organisations that joined the campaign calling for the removal of the Minister are Help and Shelter, The Grass Roots Women Across Race, Red Thread, Guyana Trans United and ChildLink.

In response to questions regarding the suitability of Harding as a candidate, Minister Lawrence

appeared nonchalant about the matter and rushed to defend the accused child predator.

The Minister, who is also a senior People’s National Congress Executive, was quoted in another section of the media as saying that the candidate was “not convicted” of any offence while being fully aware of the gravity of the situation and the seriousness of the allegations.

Compounding the situation, the Minister also expressed, “This is a family issue that has been going on and on and on and on for whatever reason, I can’t tell you, because if I had a brother, even if there was an accusation, this is not how I would go about helping him.”

Her comments sparked immense public outcry and several rights groups have since launched a campaign calling for her resignation on the basis that she displayed complete incompetence and incapacity to represent the interest of a child.

Several organisations already took to the streets to mount a simple protest outside of the Ministry of the Presidency to express concern over the genuineness of Lawrence in protecting the rights of the child.

“We are here because Cabinet is meeting and

one of its Ministers, Volda Lawrence, has acted in contravention of the Sexual Offences Act and endangered a minor and she has been actively protecting the person who is accused of sexually molesting a minor.

From her utterances to the media indicating that this child’s molestation was a family issue and that were it her brother she would find a different way to deal with it rather than allow the law to take its course, we are saying that it is in breach of the law and thinking of that kind is a very clear indication that she is not fit to be the Minister responsible for child care and protection. This is not acceptable. It cannot be allowed to go unnoticed,” Red Thread’s Karen De Souza said.

“In the first place, the Minister should know that no incidence of child abuse is a “family issue”. As her own Director of the Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA) repeatedly tells the public, the protection of children is everyone’s business. This being so, it is the MSP [Ministry of Social Protection] who must take the lead to ensure that all allegations are thoroughly investigated and all victims receive supportive services.

In addition, the Ministry’s role is to provide services and support for victims and

non-offending family members – not to help perpetrators,” expressed ChildLink.

Charged several times

Meanwhile, Harding had faced several charges for child sexual molestation over the years but was never convicted. This was brought to light after he was already selected as the APNU/AFC Candidate for Constituency 13 (East and West Ruimveldt).

After this information became public knowledge, the coalition withdrew its support of Harding’s candidature, saying that the party is “firmly against all forms of abuse especially the abuse of women, children and the elderly.”

However, Harding went ahead and contested the local government polls during which he managed to win his constituency. This then raised concerns about whether the man would be recalled at the level of the party, since he initially entered the race as an APNU/ AFC candidate.

The APNU/AFC coalition has indicated that it will have to discuss the future of Harding in the Georgetown Council; however, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has stated that there are no legal provision for the party to ask the candidate to resign.

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News

5 rape cases, 48 serious crimes reported last week

A

t the post-Cabinet briefing on Thursday, Government spokesperson and Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman disclosed that among the matters reported to the Guyana Police Force last week were a startling five cases of rape.

He said that during last Tuesday’s Cabinet, Second Vice President and Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan gave an update on the crime situation for the period March 12 to 18, 2016.

A total of 48 serious crimes were recorded, including the five rapes. This comes against the backdrop of the Police Force continuing to receive significant numbers of rape reports.

Although rape in Guyana generally go unreported as victims are afraid and mostly ashamed to report their ordeal, head of Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Wendell Blanhum had previously stated that this culture is gradually changing. He credited the increase in rape reports to the Police

Force’s Sexual Offences Unit.

The Crime Chief had explained that one of the mechanisms put in place by the Force to encourage rape victims to report the matter was the installation of sexual offences units in each division.

While there was a reported decrease of 13 per cent of rape cases in February with 48 reports compared to 55 during the same period last year, the figure still remains high.

In January, the statistics revealed that there had been an increase of four per cent in the number of reports of rape, with 26 reports at the end of January this year compared to 25 for the same period last year.

During the course of 2015, for the first five months, there were no updates on the rape figures. However, the police reported a startling 74 per cent increase in the number of rape reports recorded in June, when compared to the corresponding figures of 2014. Most of these cases had occurred in Georgetown (A Division) and East Coast

Demerara (C Division).

On the other hand, there continues to be major concerns about the rate of conviction since Guyana has a very low conviction rate for sexual offences with many victims opting not to proceed with the judicial process when the matter reaches before a judge and jury. Most victims cite the lengthy period the matters last in the courts.

A few years ago, the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) conducted a study – “Without Conviction: Sexual Violence Cases in the Guyana Justice Process” – in which it found that during the years 2000 to 2004, the average conviction rate was 1.4 per cent.

This figure represented nine convictions out of the 647 reports made to the police.

Moreover, in the first year of the study the conviction rate had been 0.9 per cent (1:117). For the last year, the report showed that the conviction rate had dropped to 0.6 per cent (1:154). Additionally, the

study highlighted that only three per cent of the original complaints made it to trial at the High Court.

Meanwhile, the other serious crimes Ramjattan had informed Cabinet about include one robbery/murder case, 20 break and enter cases and one case of robbery with aggravation.

He also reported that during the one-week period, there were 25 road traffic accidents, three of which were serious, nine minor accidents and 13 resulting in damages.

There were no fatalities but most were caused as a result of speeding and the use of cell phones while driving.

Additionally, Cabinet was told that there were two reported cases of suicide. As it relates to narcotics, Cabinet was told that a total of 145 kilogrammes of cannabis were destroyed by Force’s Narcotics Branch at Yarrowkabra, Linden/ Soesdyke Highway.

No one has since been arrested or charged for this.

Police yet to make an arrest in “Chessy’s” murder

A

s the Police continue their investigation into the murder of Steve “Cheesy” Mohamed, 26, of Kaneville, East Bank Demerara, they are yet to make an arrest.

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum on Saturday told Guyana Times that at present, investigators are working on several leads, with the aim of getting a breakthrough in the case.

Mohamed’s bullet riddled body was found in Le Repentir Cemetery on Thursday morning by passersby who immediate-

ly alerted the Police. He was implicated in several armed robberies and was previously charged and convicted.

Police confirmed that there were three commitment warrants outstanding against Mohamed in matters where he was found guilty after ex-parte trials.

Two of the matters were for the possession of a firearm without being the holder of a licence and one for discharging a loaded firearm with the intent to murder a Policeman.

In December 2015,

Dead: Steve “Cheesy” Mohamed

Mohamed was wanted for the murder of Quacy Thompson, 31, of Linden.

He was accused of killing Thompson on July 15, 2014, at Mowasi Landing, Konawaruk, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).

In addition, he was implicated in a series of robberies and the shooting of an occupant of a minibus a few months ago.

His body is at the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home awaiting a post-mortem examination, as Police continue their investigations.

Local Colour

S

atiricus was happy even though he was still scrubbing off all sorts of colours from his face, neck and even his unmentionables. “How the heck did THAT happen?” he wondered bemusedly to his wife, who wasn’t amused. “GECOM really doesn’t need to import ink for voting - they should use this purple stuff Cappo smeared me with!”

Holi was one of the bright spots in the Satiricus’ family calendar.

Even though during the night before the big day, he had to sleep with one eye open. His kids insisted Holi started at midnight - and were prepared to douse him with water in bed. His wife conspired happily with them and Satiricus had been duly doused when his eyelids betrayed him.

But what Satiricus liked most of all was the truce between the politicians on this day of fun and celebrations which had all become quite ritualised, which tends to happen with these annual events.

In the morning the ordinary folks went around splashing each other with water. Satiricus missed the days when he would dump his friends in the canals. Or more likely - to be dumped by them.

But nowadays, there were these water guns and plastic buckets.

Satiricus always wondered why the politicians didn’t get involved with this fun waterworks. It’s not as if they’d be dumped into canals. Here they were... carrying on all the time about “the masses” and yet they didn’t take this liquid opportunity to get up close and personal with them.

“It’s because they scared they gon get blame for suggesting ordinary people were ‘the great unwashed’ who needed a wash down” suggested his wife.

Satiricus grinned: “These politicians DO tend to het their buktas in a knot about the weirdest things don’t they?” grinned Satiricus. “If I were a politician I would’ve taken Rodee water canon out of mothball and put it to better use as the “Holi Cannon!” Mrs Satiricus giggled But in the afternoon the politicians did come out - never to each other events though. That would be losing face. They went to what they thought was neutral ground at the Indian Cultural Centre. “Sato, you see how GrainJa play up with Nanda Ball?”

Asked Mrs Satiricus.

“But I didn’t see Mustacle Man playing with Nanda Ball.

Ah wonder why?” grinned Satiricus. “I thought they bury their hatchets for Holi,” “They bury their hatchets, all right,” replied Mrs Satiricus. “In each other backs!!”

GBTI distributes kites to Canaan Home in Berbice

The smiling faces of the children of Canaan Children Home after receiving their kites

T

he Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry Limited (GBTI) – Port Mourant Branch – has made Easter Monday this year something to look forward to for the children of Canaan Children Home.

On Thursday, the Bank donates kites to each child of the home which is situated one street away from the Bank in Port Mourant, Corentyne, Berbice. At a simple presentation ceremony, Branch Manager Ghoblall Mahadeo noted that the Bank has been a big brother to the children of the home.

“The Canaan Children Home is our neighbour in Port Mourant which objectively provides accommodation and basic necessities to an average of 16 children of mixed ages, gender and ethnicity. Today we are just continuing our support for their efforts by

donating kites and hot cross buns to the children to bring joy during the Easter season.”

Mahadeo added that the Bank and staff have contributed to those children in similar ways each Easter and at other times since the establishment of the branch.

The Port Mourant branch of GBTI was opened in December 2013. According to the Branch Manager, as part of its corporate responsibility, regular community support is provided to various non-profit groups and other charitable organisations.

Meanwhile, Assistant Caretaker of Canaan Children Home, Olive Punch, who accepted the kites on behalf of the children, expressed sincere gratitude to the GBTI staff and noted that the Bank over the past two years has been making timely contributions to the Home.

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SunDAY, march 27, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Decomposed body found hanging in Houston backdam

T

he decomposed body of an unidentified man was on Friday morning found hanging from a tree at Houston backdam, Greater Georgetown.

According to the Police, at the time of the discov-

ery, the body was clad in a grey vest and a pair of yellow short pants. The body is fair in complexion.

The man’s body was removed and taken to the Lyken’s Funeral Home where it awaits a post-mor-

tem examination.

Up to late Saturday evening, officials at the funeral home reported that no one came to identify the body.

The Police have also stated that while an investigation has been launched

into the discovery, they are still to confirm the man’s identity.

The Police noted that while it seems the man may have taken his own life, they have not ruled out foul play.

Younge’s Take Rising up

L

ast Friday, Guyanese from all walks of life sent a strong signal to the ruling A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change coalition that they no longer have tolerance for Executive excesses and political organisms that do not deliver on core promises.

They also made it clear that they are unwilling to Michael Younge trust the coalition with the management of their Local Government democratic organs because of the failures, double-standards and ineptness demonstrated by the APNU/AFC clan at the Executive level.

As a matter of fact, from the voting trends and the areas where people voted, it is clear citizens are losing confidence in the coalition which had branded and marketed itself as the “political change and healing” Guyana needed to move forward.

In other words, the electorate has rejected the coalition and its candidates by voting solidly for the opposition People’s Progressive Party/Civic which managed to secure a massive victory at the local polls even with a lacklustre LGE public relations campaign.

The PPP also performed well in some communities in key APNU/AFC stronghold constituencies despite the negative and protracted campaign embarked upon by the Kaieteur News which was aimed at further tainting the image of the PPP/C and its leaders who served in government in the lead-up to the March 18 polls.

Also, the PPP/C won triple times the votes and seats when compared to the governing APNU/AFC coalition even though the party principals have been the subject of several high-profile investigations, audits, probes and scandals in the lead-up to these historic elections.

This must be a most shameful and embarrassing defeat for the coalition which recently clinched a majority at the General Elections after promising Guyanese to return “patriotism, change, integrity, unity, good governance and dignity” to the people.

It also points to the fact that the work that is being done by the PPP/C under the stewardship of former President and now Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, and Party General Secretary Clement Rohee is having a quiet but significant impact on Guyanese at the grassroots level, within their strongholds and in areas where the party had lost support.

These elections results cannot be wished away or dismissed by any intelligent mind because Local Government Elections, historically, set the tone for what is to take place at National Elections.

Testimony to this is the fact that within the Caribbean and South America as of recent, ruling parties that have lost Local Government Elections have been stripped of either their majority or executive power at the next National Elections as had happened in Venezuela, Jamaica, Trinidad, and Brazil.

It is time, therefore, for the coalition to recognise that it will not get any more free passes from the citizenry as its period of honeymooning is long gone.

Also, the ‘ole heads’ in the APNU/AFC must commence a process of introspection as to why the coalition performed so badly at these elections. It may find that Guyanese are turned off by the recent excesses of the government and some ministers ‘sweet tooth’ for arrogance, luxury, power, status and extravagance.

It may also find that the PPP/C has not been busy gyrating itself with the jubilee celebrations and pouring money into a ‘black hole’ or wasting taxpayers’ monies on CoIs, audits and frequent trips abroad.

The PPP/C has been extremely tied up with paying keen attention to the government’s parliamentary agenda or lack therefore, the non-performance of the economy and the unresponsive austerity measures undertaken by the Finance Minister, and the outcry of the citizenry for more attention to be paid to the promise of delivering a better standard of living and good life to them.

In a sense, the same PPP/C which the APNU/AFC unseated seems postured and better position to return to favour in the next National Elections. The party is not leaving any stone unturned in its quest to govern again.

It is interested in Karma so it is rebuilding, rebranding, reorganising and reconfiguring its internal apparatus to be able to rise again to the presidency.

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sunDAY, march 27, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Hope springs eternal

By Ryhaan Shah

“

H

ope springs eternal in the human breast,” wrote the poet Alexander Pope, and this week we have been given two good reasons to celebrate the optimism imbued in those words. The stories that underpin the national holidays of Holi and Easter are stories of faith, hope and resurrection, feelings and sentiments that are very necessary for human survival.

Ryhaan Shah It is human nature to always find hope even in the face of adversity. It is part of our very survival package that we live by hope and expectations for better no matter what the odds. In Guyana, we have a history of such survival which means that we are a people who, despite our brutal history, have managed to keep hope alive.

The exuberance of the Indian spring festival of Holi or Pagwah reminds us of the sheer joy of simply being alive.

The bright music, the dancing, the delicious foods, and the vibrant colours of the powder and abeer that celebrate the rebirth that comes with spring are a goodly reminder that in the cycle of life there is always renewal and a chance for a new beginning.

The Hindu myth of Prahlad, the son of the demon king Hiranyakashipu, surviving a burning fire, the holika, is a story of the triumph of good over evil. This storyline is recounted in all kinds of tales in every part of the world and provides people with the necessary optimism that goodness will always prevail because of the rightness of the world.

The Easter holidays are also a celebration of faith and resurrection. The crucifixion of the Holy Prophet Jesus, commemorated on Good Friday, is followed by a celebration of his resurrection to life today, Easter Sunday, and his ascension into Heaven.

The two celebrations of Holi and Easter involve the larger sections of our population, Hindus and Christians, and the similarities of the two observances and the lessons of faith and hope they provide should be embraced by every one of us.

Given our history and our current political situation, it is easy for us to become discouraged and lose all hope that anything will ever get better. By all accounts, 50 years of independence is a drop in the bucket in the context of the history of time and the world, and that our country is still going through growing pains should not be reason to surrender to despair.

Those too are a necessary part of growth and there are bound to be even more setbacks and trials before we arrive at the peace and unity we all deserve.

We can learn, however, from the faith of Prahlad, and from that of the Prophet Jesus. Both survived horrendous trials. Both their stories assure us that the darkest days are often necessary for the renewal of spring and the rebirth of hope.

That we celebrate these holidays in our unique Guyanese ways is part of the confidence we have in ourselves that we can create our own customs. Holi, while a Hindu festival, is often “played” by whole villages and neighbourhoods of Hindu, Christian and Muslim.

It is difficult for anyone to stay away from the joy and exuberance of the festival.

The kite-flying that has become part of the local Easter tradition also brings us together from across all racial and religious lines, those very lines that often divide us in our political, social and cultural lives.

The holidays give us a respite. They allow us to embrace and show off our best selves and to demonstrate what is possible if only we can find ways to inculcate the lessons of faith and hope learned from these occasions into our daily lives and in our relationships with each other.

We would make much national headway if we can get our political leaders to connect with the sentiments of optimism and hope instead of division and discord and to understand that just as we can play and celebrate together as a people, we can also work together for our national good.

That is easier said than done and because of our track record of supporting division over unity, there is much despair of that possibility ever occurring. However, it is at times like these that we are called on to stay true to our humanity and find fresh cause for optimism.

Let us, therefore, keep the spirit of Holi and the holiness of Easter alive within us through all the trials of the coming year.

Happy belated Holi and Happy Easter!

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

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SunDAY, march 27, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Dredge owner accidently shot dead

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dredge owner was accidentally shot and killed on Thursday last by one of his workers, who allegedly fired a gun he claimed he found at King Bouy Hole, Mazaruni, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni). The

dead man has been identified as Feroze Khan, 34, of Bartica, Region Seven.

Based on reports received, Shawn Sandy, 40, of 1st Street, Alexander Village, Georgetown, claimed that he found the handgun and went

to show it to Khan but a round was accidently discharged.

As a result, Khan was shot to his abdomen and was rushed to the Bartica Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Sandy was also re-

portedly injured to the right hand.

Hospital officials told Guyana Times that Khan was shot in the vicinity of his waist and would lost a lot of blood.

However, after the incident, Sandy allegedly

disposed of the firearm, claiming that he panicked.

Relatives of the dead man reportedly told Police that they suspect Khan was robbed before he was killed, since he was due to travel out of the interior on the same day he was

accidently shot and killed.

Meanwhile, since his arrest, Sandy has been giving conflicting reports.

A post-mortem examination is expected to be performed on Khan’s body shortly as Police continue their investigations.

NEWS

17

SunDAY, march 27, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Anna’s

Amerindians are watching

By Anna Correia

T

he more time this coalition spends in office, the more one is convinced that it is absolutely clueless where Amerindian rights - in particular land rights - are concerned.

In addition to its anti-poor policies, it appears as though it is incapable of prioritizing the needs of Amerindians, Guyana’s first peoples.

Anna Correia The most recent demonstration of disregard for Amerindian land rights was made by Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman last week.

According to the State newspaper, the Minister promised to address the land issues of individuals in Four Miles, an Amerindian village located in proximity of Port Kaituma, Region 1, (Barima/ Waini) within the space of three months.

Trotman, in what can be described a rash decision, took it upon himself to commit to resolving conflicts of interest of lease applicants, although there is an Amerindian Land Titling (ALT) Project spearheaded by the Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Ministry, tasked with handling all issues related to Amerindian lands.

Perhaps if the powers that be within the Natural Resources Ministry paid more attention to their crucial role as stakeholders to the ALT project and sitting members of the board, they would have by now familiarised themselves with all information relative to the Four Miles land titling process.

For clarity, a thorough house to house investigation was conducted in Four Miles in 2014, by a team comprised of representatives from the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC), the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), the Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Ministry, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Four Miles Village Councillors.

The team trekked for hours through the forest inspecting mining claims, visited each house, spoke to residents, held consultations with residents and individuals from Port Kaituma who did not even reside in the community, listened to their concerns and recorded what they had to say. This information is available in reports submitted to Minister Allicock the very day he took up office.

In the reports figure the names of the 25 lease applicants who were recorded, mapped and verified via the GLSC. The 25 applicants were assured by Toshao Ellis James that they will not be removed from the village once status of communal land was granted. This was also recorded. There were no pending applications for mining properties.

All encumbrances were cleared for Four Miles, and title was granted with the full participation and consent of all stakeholders, including the GLSC, the GGMC, the GFC and the Natural Resources Ministry.

Now, in disregard for the authority of the Village Council, the Minister is encouraging the development of conflicts within the village which has been issued with legal ownership for their land for now over a year. What exactly the Minister intends to resolve in the space of three months remains unclear, but he should bear in mind that Absolute Grants transfer irrevocable and inalienable ownership of land to Amerindians. Land owned cannot even be sold by the residents of any titled village much less excised for the purpose of satisfying those creating dissent.

Perhaps, instead of investing efforts to stir trouble where Amerindians should be living peacefully, Minister Trotman should turn his focus to Tasserene, a community plagued by mining issues to which contribute not only mining companies, but also a Minister of Government. As a stakeholder to the ALT Project responsible for facilitating Amerindian land titling, that is where the Minister’s urgent attention is most needed, for six communities are still awaiting the issuance of their land titles. However, his attempts to legitimise the ownership of blocks by a Minister of Government on Tasserene proposed title, though infructuous, go unnoticed by the remainder of the Cabinet - an expression of their indifference for ethical practices and respect for indigenous rights.

Unfortunately, the Government’s indifference for indigenous rights extends beyond its inaptitude in addressing land titling, to now include the reduction of social and welfare benefits, the political discrimination of Amerindians by regional executives and other political appointees, the banishment of FPIC and most recently, the instigation of ethnic divide by Eric Phillips - a man who forms part of the upper ranks of Government employees.

But politicians and their minions will not remain immune from correction forever. So while the powers that be are busy doting on superficial investments, they should bear in mind that Amerindians are observing their every move, the same way they observed Columbus when he still believed he was approaching India.

Send questions and comments to sundayarrow@gmail.com

APNU/AFC blocking Region 5’s development

– no RDC meeting for third month

T

he Region Five Regional Democratic Council (RDC) has not been able to have a regional meeting for three months. Regional Chairman Vickchand Ramphal says the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition is responsible for stifling the region’s business.

Following the disruption of the RDC’s statutory meeting in January, the RDC has not been able to sit as a Council to discuss developmental plans for its people.

In January, APNU/AFC coalition Councillor Carol Joseph had stateda that the party would not sit under the chairmanship of Ramphal.

They accused him of being disrespectful to President David Granger.

“We feel that the Chairman of this region took the oath of office to serve all the people of this region... disrespected His Excellence President David Granger when he visited January 15

Regional Chairman Vickchand Ramphal

to commission two busses for the region and as such, we cannot respect him as the Chairman of this region until he apologises publically to his Excellency.”

Since then, when the monthly meeting commences, Councillors from the coalition sang songs and beat the desk to drown out any utterances of the Regional Chairman, forcing the meetings to be suspended.

At Thursday’s meeting, the Chairman went with a

plan which did not work. He explained that Joseph was suspended from the meeting but she refused to leave and continued to prevent the meeting from continuing.

The Police were called the remove Joseph but it was stated that such a matter was not one for law enforcement to handle; hence, they were not getting involved.

“It is a very sad day for us in Region Five. This is the third consecutive meeting of the Council that I was forced

to suspend because of the behaviour of the APNU/AFC Councillors. Presently they are depriving the people of Region Five from receiving the services that this region offers to its citizens.

I am saying this because at the statutory meeting we will deliberate on all the business of Region Five.

This is the meeting where we decide what projects and development works that will be done in the region and by not having this meeting, our people will be the ones that will suffer the most”, he said.

Meanwhile the coalition says it will not let up and no actions taken by the Regional Chairman will move it from its position.

They are demanding his resignation or a public apology.

“I am calling on the APNU/AFC coalition of Region Five to let us work together for the people of this region. Let us move this region forward. Let us develop Region Number Five.”

18 news

SunDAY, march 27, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

New events added to Linden Town Week calendar Policewoman’s

N

ew events have been added to the Linden Town Week (LTW) calendar, as outlined by Vybz Entertainment Chairman Devin Sears. Vybz Entertainment Incorporated (Vybz Ent Inc), in association with the Linden Mayor and Town Council (LM&TC) will be hosting yet another signature event from May 15 to 25, Over the years, the event has focused on three main aspects: culture, fete and expo.

Following the official launch of the week of activities a week ago, a new song, expected to set the tone of the event was also launched and features the voices of performers Diana Chapman, Davie Marley and ‘Lil’ Colwyn.

Sears said patrons can look forward to be entertained as a few new features have been added which have been conveniently shifted to take place during the time of the country’s 50th Independence celebrations. The event was

launched under the theme, “Reflection, resilience, rediscover Linden. Celebrating who we are”.

“This is the first time that we will see a regatta for Linden Town Week. This is going to be on May 14.

Definitely this year we are going to see an International Gospel Concert, we have drama completion, also the international comedy night.

‘Big and Bold‘ (pageant) definitely is back this year.

For the first time we will be having ‘Mic up’ as a part of Linden Town Week. There’s also ballroom dancing completion; we have a culinary cook off, steel pan and art on the lawns. We also have the boat cruise which is a huge thing. Michael James is also promoting a play called ‘Tales of our Fathers” and Code Red Records’s ‘Linden’s Got Talent’ mega school concert. These are some of the things that will be happening in Linden Town Week”, Sears announced.

Challenges

Sears also made calls for a collective effort in promoting the LTW activities, noting that there will be challenges, since it is expected that the number of people venturing into the town may triple. Added to that, he noted that there are issues with adequate accommodation in Linden.

“Linden Town Week is not owned by Vybz Entertainment, Vybz Entertainment is just facilitating the process of Linden Town Week. Linden Town Week has and will always be with the people of Linden…

What has happened is that the activities of Linden Town Week falls in conjunction with the 50thIndependence observances this year”, he said.

The LTW is an annual celebration of the town’s birth anniversary and this year it is celebrating its 46th year.

This marks a significant year in history as the town will observe 20 years of the LTW observances and 100

home burglarised on Good Friday

The open window through which the perpetrators may have gained entry into the house

Vybz Entertainment Chairman Devin Sears

years of bauxite, all of which have contributed to the socio and economic development of the town. Vybz Ent Inc said it expects the scale of economic stimulation, marketing, advertising and sale of products, in estimation, will double due to the large influx of tourists and visitors.

A

Policewoman is now counting his losses after a thief broke into his home and carted off several items between Thursday night and the early hours of Friday last.

The incident took place at Nicolay Street New Amsterdam, Berbice, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne). The theft was only discovered after the family woke on Friday morning.

According to Anastasia Frank, it was her sister; a Police Officer who made the discovery.

“She was like “Stacy where is my phone” and I jump up immediately and I say I don’t know. Ask Yonette if she move the phone or borrow Yonette phone and call your phone.

When she approaching

Yonette; that’s my mother, bedroom, she say she don’t know where she phone is either.”

Checks around the house revealed that a front window to the lower apartment was open. It was then discovered that three cellphones among other items, including an electronic tablet were missing.

Frank says there is a suspect based on a threat made to the family the night before. According to her, an individual with whom the family has an ongoing dispute and who has broken into the home in the past, threatened to burn the home the evening before.

The Police are investigation both the threats and the break and enter. No arrests have been made thus far.

Police hunt for main suspect in Skull City fatal stabbing

A

The house Bradford shared with his wife and children

lthough two persons remain in custody for the stabbing to death of Dellon “Chicken” Bradford, 25, of Patentia Housing Scheme, West Bank Demerara (WBD), the Police are hunting the main suspect.

When contacted, Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum explained that the two persons who were initially arrested in connection with the murder will remain in custody until the 72-hour detention period is over after which they will be placed on station bail.

Guyana Times understands that the Police are hunting for someone known as “Scraley” who might have committed the act after the now dead man accused him of breaking into his cousin’s home at Lot 1 Skull City, Patentia, WBD. Bradford, who was reportedly stabbed three times, succumbed while receiving medical attention at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Initial reports stated that “Scraley” had broken into the home of Ruth Ramdoo of Lot 1 Skull City, Patentia, while she was at her moth-

er’s house on Wednesday evening. After receiving information about her home being burglarised, Ramdoo rushed home and allegedly caught him red handed.

This led to a scuffle between Bradford and “Scraley”, during which Bradford was stabbed several times. He was rushed to the West Demerara Regional Hospital but was transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he died.

However, Bradford’s relatives refuted claims made by family members of the dead man’s reputed wife.

His sister, Simone Williams, explained that Bradford and Anita, the mother of his child, had an argument after she refused to go home with him. She was reportedly consuming alcohol with her relatives.

It was during his insistence that the woman leave with him that he was allegedly stabbed and killed.

After the stabbing incident, the now dead man was accused of being caught red handed in a house trying to commit a felony and it was during a scuffle with the owner he was stabbed.

news

19

sundAY, march 27, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Millers Association Region 10 advancing cassava deal with Alesie to sue over “corrupt” Jamaica A rice contract

Agriculture Minister Noel Holder

T

he controversy over the so-described “corrupt” rice contract signed between the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) and the Jamaican Rice Milling Company continues to escalate as the Millers Association is set to take court action if the deal is not rescinded.

This was on Thursday revealed by RPA Action Committee Co-Chairman Dr Turhane Doerga in an interview with Guyana Times.

Doerga, a former chief executive officer (CEO) and senior official of Alesie Rice Company posited that the Miller’s Association was at the verge of proposing price structures for rice sale following Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder’s announcement that government was no longer involved in setting these prices.

“The Miller’s Association was on its way to organise price structures but they go and cut a crooked deal, if they don’t take away this monopoly we are going to court,” Doerga pointed out.

“Government is not setting prices so why did you set a price for Jamaica and give one company a monopoly… they are saying this is a free market, everybody can do what they want yet they go and fix a price which is corrupt,” he further noted.

Guyana Times was made to understand that the other cheapest rice rates in Jamaica emanates from the United States market which sells at US$550 per tonne.

To this end, Doerga posited that he is void of the rationale as to why Guyana is selling its rice for US$400.

He reiterated that if anyone else wanted to sell there they have to sell a minimum 1500 tonnes at US$475.

“The US$75 per tonne is what the boys will be splitting among each other,” he explained, and further pointed out that “75x 80,000×3” equates to US$18 million that will be allocated to “the boys” and not rice farmers.

In refuting the agriculture minister’s explanation that rice millers underreported their selling prices for paddy to the GRDB, the co-chairman explained that millers wanted to curb over production.

“Because there is no reg-

Dr Turhane Doerga

ulation at the GRDB level, the millers had to get rid of the over production so this is where we called on GRDB to regulate but then you need professionals who will say what is the proximity of other suppliers and when you have that, you can position what it is… that is why we felt if GRDB would regulate the market we would get US$500 per tonne,” explained the former Alesie CEO. With regards to the minister declining to answer questions on transparency and accountability, Doerga gave a bleak outlook on the future of the rice industry.

“We are heading for really bad days, because the corruption will go on, farmers are getting poorer, while a small group of people enriching themselves… Mr Holder is caught with his pants down.”

The quarterly review as stipulated in the contract Doerga explained: “Millers will find their way to get their rice to the market, in that contract we have to give 60 days’ credit and it says if the price for whatever reason does not come down, they can deduct it from your price. While this minister is saying that they will ensure that farmers are paid on time, they sold my rice with 60 days credit and I don’t know what the price is really gonna be.”

Doerga is calling for a debate with the minister, GRDB, and other stakeholders within the rice industry.

When contacted on Wednesday to provide clarification on these matters, GRDB General Manager Nizam Hassan asked that he be contacted the following day. However attempts to contact Hassan on Thursday were unsuccessful.

The Government, through the GRDB, inked the deal between the Jamaican Company on March 1, 2016, for the purchase of 40,000 tonnes per annum. The deal has a lifespan of three years and can be reviewed every quarter.

The deal gives the buyer the option to purchase 10,000 tonnes per quarter and it was agreed that any unused portion could be taken up by another buyer so designated to work with GRDB in Jamaica.

s Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) continues to advance on a deal with Alesie to supply harvested cassava, a consultation meeting was held with farmers in Linden on Thursday.

Alesie businessman Doerga Persaud, Regional Chairman Renis Morian, expert Theodore Henry and Regional Agriculture Chairman Douglas Gittens were in attendance. Addressing numerous farmers at the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), Persaud said apart from cassava flour, the use of cassava in packaged meals are becoming more popular in foreign countries and as such there are available markets for the product.

It is on this basis that farmers in the Region are expected to supply the product. During the meeting, Persaud made particular

reference to countries using cassava as a specialty product and which he noted are “doing well” economically.

He stated that utilising cassava to manufacture flour would not sit well with the economic market, given the level of competition. He said while cassava, in times past was seen as a “poor man thing” that views have now changed. He also told farmers to rest assured the team is working in collaboration with NAREI, adding that the Regional Chairman took a bold step by consulting with the Institute where he received confirmation to obtain the cassava sticks to be made available to farmers.

The meeting he noted, was done in an effort to know where farmers were now and to ascertain where they will be in terms of production in the next six months.

We’re now in an era where we are doing things, we are not waiting. The exercises have been done.

We’ve done a lot of research, we’ve gone to NAREI… so what we have to do now, we know.

The thing is now to get it done. People need an income and we have to make sure that happens… we have to make sure the market drives the production, so, through the Chairman, we wanted to put it to the test in a very developed market… there’s great markets. We’re focused on cassava flour, but cassava flour has to compete with wheat flour, so in the business community we would not even touch that, because we’d say ‘why would we go and develop flour when it’s already there?’… what we’re doing is, we look for people who know the market, the better market, and as businesspeople that is what we do. You look for markets fist and then you want to see where can you produce it, he said.

Persaud also stressed

the need for farmers’ stabilisation or intervention fund.

The planting of cassava in Linden and Region 10, according to Persaud, is expected to be carried out in phases. In the first phase, he established that the farmers will be planting to offset supply and Alesie will work with what they produce.

While their earnings develop, the quantity is expected to accelerate.

He made it clear to farmers that they will remain poor if they venture into grinding cassava for flour. “So how far are we now? We’ve found the people who know the market inside out”, he stated.

Morian established at the meeting that farmers needed to see a guaranteed written agreement on the way forward. While the farmers indicated strong interest to supply, it was noted by some that presently they are not farming on a large scale.

However, they did reveal strong interest in increasing their production so as to supply the international market.

20

guyanatimesGY.com

sundAY, march 27, 2016

ICC T20 World Cup…

Windies hold nerves to make semifinals

W

est Indies nearly made a mess of a simple run chase but recovered in time to pull off a nervy three-wicket win over South Africa with two balls to spare, and romp into the semi-finals of the Twenty20 World Cup here Friday.

In pursuit of an uncomplicated target of 123 on a slow pitch at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, West Indies were propelled by Man-of-theMatch Marlon Samuels who top-scored with a vital 43 from 44 deliveries while opener Johnson Charles stroked 32 from 35 balls.

The Caribbean side were

on top of the game at 66 for two in the 12th over but lost five wickets for 47 runs in the space of 46 balls, to decline to 113 for seven in the penultimate over.

Starting the final over with nine required for victory, West Indies were left sweating when Carlos Brathwaite (10 not out) was kept scoreless by 20-yearold seamer Kagiso Rabada off the first ball.

However, Brathwaite cleared the ropes at wide long on with the second delivery before a wide and then a single, ensured the scores were level with three balls remaining.

Denesh Ramdin, bat-

SCOREBOARD

SOUTH AFRICA H Amla run out 1 +Q de Kock b Russell 47 *F du Plessis c Benn b Russell 9 R Rossouw c Russell b Gayle 0 AB de Villiers b Bravo 10 D Miller b Gayle 1 D Wiese c Sammy b Bravo 28 C Morris not out 16 A Phangiso run out 4 Extras: (b4, w2) 6 TOTAL: (8 wkts, 20 overs) 122 Did not bat: K Rabada, Imran Tahir.

Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Amla, 0.3 overs), 2-13 (du Plessis, 2), 3-20 (Rossouw, 3), 4-46 (de Villiers, 7.4), 5-47 (Miller, 8.2), 6-97 (de Kock, 15.4), 7-112 (Wiese, 17.2), 8-122 (Phangiso, 20) Bowling: Badree 3-0-22-0, Russell 4-0-28-2 (w2), Gayle 3-017-2, Brathwaite 2-0-11-0, Benn 4-0-20-0, DJ Bravo 4-0-20-2.

WEST INDIES J Charles c du Plessis b Wiese 32 C Gayle b Rabada 4 A Fletcher run out 11 M Samuels c de Villiers b Morris 43 DJ Bravo c Wiese b Phangiso 8 A Russell c Miller b Tahir 4 *D Sammy b Tahir 0 C Brathwaite not out 10 +D Ramdin not out 1 Extras: (lb2, w8) 10 TOTAL: (7 wkts, 19.4 overs) 123 Did not bat: S Badree, S Benn.

Fall of wickets: 1-5 (Gayle, 0.5 overs), 2-34 (Fletcher, 5.3), 3-66 (Charles, 11.1), 4-87 (Bravo, 14), 5-100 (Russell, 16.4), 6-100 (Sammy, 16.5), 7-113 (Samuels, 18.5) Bowling: Rabada 3.4-038-1 (w3), Morris 4-0-331 (w2), Imran Tahir 4-013-2, Wiese 4-0-19-1 (w2), Phangiso 4-0-19-1 (w1).

ting at number nine, then steered the fourth delivery and his first to short third man where Hashim Amla dropped a sharp chance jumping high to his right, earning a single to take West Indies to their third straight win and keeping them unbeaten in the tournament.

They sit top of Group 1 on six points, two clear of second placed England who face Sri Lanka – fourth on two points – on Saturday.

Sri Lanka are third on two points and an England victory will eliminate them.

Sent in earlier, South Africa were floundering at 47 for five in the ninth over before opener Quinton de Kock top-scored with 47 from 46 deliveries and David Wiese chipped in with 28 from 26 balls, to rescue the innings.

Chris Gayle was the unlikeliest of bowling heroes with his off-spin, claiming two for 17 from his three overs while seamers Dwayne Bravo (2-20) and Andre Russell (2-28) also chimed in with two wickets apiece.

West Indies struck a key blow off the third ball of the game when Amla (1) gambled on an ill-advised single with de Kock but failed to beat Russell’s throw from point to wicketkeeper Ramdin.

In the next over, captain Faf du Plessis chipped Russell to Sulieman Benn at mid off to fall for nine at 13 for two and when Rilee Roussouw scooped Gayle to Russell at point in the third

Carlos Brathwaite and Denesh Ramdin celebrate West Indies' win (AFP photo)

over to perish without scoring, the Proteas were stumbling badly at 20 for three.

De Kock and de Villiers (10) offered temporary relief in a 26-run fourth wicket stand before Bravo got the breakthrough, bowling de Villiers with a slower ball in the eighth over at 46 for four.

When the dangerous David Miller played back, completely misjudged a Gayle delivery that spun and was bowled, South Africa were tottering in the ninth.

De Kock, who counted three fours and a six, rallied the innings by adding 50 for the sixth wicket with Wiese who benefitted from a mis-stumping on three off left-arm spinner Benn in the 11th over, to strike two fours.

The left-handed de Kock eventually perished when he made generous room for a heave through the leg-side

and was bowled by Russell in the 16th over.

West Indies’ start was less then convincing especially after Gayle was bowled by Rabada for four with the fifth delivery off the innings off the second ball he faced.

Andre Fletcher struck a six in a run-a-ball 11 but was run out in the sixth over with the score on 34 when Charles bailed on a call for a quick single and left him stranded beyond the point of no return.

Samuels, who passed 1 000 runs in T20 Internationals during his innings, then anchored two key stands, adding 32 for the third wicket with Charles and 21 for the fourth wicket with Dwayne Bravo who made eight.

The right-handed Samuels counted six fours in a measured innings while Charles was never fluent though he struck two fours

and a six.

With a mere six runs an over required for the win at the start of the 12th, Charles needlessly swiped and holed out in the deep off seamer Wiese and Bravo had enough time to also pass 1 000 T20I runs before driving left-arm spinner Aaron Phangiso to Wiese at point in the 14th over at 87 for four.

Seemingly unaware that West Indies required 24 runs for victory at a run-aball at the start of the 17th over, Russell (4) belted legspinner Imran Tahir (213) into the lap of Miller in the deep. Next ball, captain Darren Sammy failed to pick a googly and was bowled, leaving the Caribbean side in bind at 100 for six.

However, Samuels then kept his nerve before Brathwaite and Ramdin sealed the win in the final over. (Windies Cricket)

news

YELLOW PAGES

Simmons: No let-up from Windies

sunday, march 27, 2016

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W

est Indies are already in the semifinals of the World Twenty20, but Phil Simmons said they must not hold back against Afghanistan.

Phil Simmons has urged West Indies to maintain their momentum when they face Afghanistan in their final World Twenty20 Super 10 match on Sunday.

The Windies beat South Africa by three wickets with two balls to spare in a tense Group 1 match in Nagpur on Saturday to seal their place in the semi-finals.

Darren Sammy's side should make it four wins out of four when they face Afghanistan at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, but coach Simmons warned they must not take the minnows lightly in the first T20 match between the two nations.

"I know them and I know they are going try and come to win, so we've got to play properly," said Simmons.

"There's always work to be done and improvement to happen, because we played the first two games on good wickets and then winning tight matches on a difficult wicket like that [against South Africa] you know you are moving forward.

"When you win the close games it shows you are doing something right."

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Samuels

has

Phil Simmons

been short of runs this year, but the all-rounder top scored with 43 to set up the win over the Proteas.

He said: "I'm not going to be overconfident, but this is the part of the game which I think is the most beautiful part of the game. It makes you bring out how tough you are as a person, because you're going to have failures, but what matters the most is how you come back."

ONE LAST SHOW FROM SHAHZAD?

Afghanistan gave England a major scare on Wednesday before ultimately falling short. They may

have lost all three games in Group 1, but the Associate side have won plenty of admirers in the tournament and if the dangerous Mohammad Shahzad gets going at the top of the order, they could give the Windies a test.

WINDIES TO SHUFFLE THE PACK?

With a place in the last four already secured, Simmons revealed that the selectors will discuss whether to give other players a chance to show what they can do. The likes of Jerome Taylor and Jason Holder could earn a recall. (Digicel Sportsmax)

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guyanatimesGY.com

sundAY, march 27, 2016

GFF/Stag Elite League…

STAG / EBFA Senior League…

Conquerors Agricola needle Kuru Kururu Warriors route GFC 6-2 F - Monedderlust pull off draw against GDF ruta Conquerors routed the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) 6-2 when the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Stag Beer Elite League Finale continued on Thursday.

Playing at the #5 ground in Berbice, Conquerors produced a complete performance to inflict a drubbing.

Though the first half ended 1-1, thanks to goals

by Conquerors Shaquille Agard in the 20th and GFC’s Romario Welcome in the 44th, it was the second half where the Tucville based side goal spree commenced.

It started when Dennis Edwards netted in the 51st, followed by Hubert Pedro in the 52 and 53; Edwards then scored again in the 54.

Pedro completed his hat-trick when he scored in

the 80th but a late goal by Linden Picket in the 90+3 gave the Bourda side some consolidation, if any.

The win puts the Conquerors firmly in second place while GFC have failed to register a win thus far and remain at the bottom of the table.

In the other match, home side Monedderlust drew with the Guyana Defense Force (GDF) 1-1.

GDF took the lead with a Delroy Fraser’s goal in the 76th but Monedderlust held on to score a late goal in the 90+2 by Kelvin Layne to pull off a fighting draw.

The League continues on Sunday at the Leonora Stadium where Conquerors play Alpha United from 19:00h and in the second match Pele FC play Slingerz FC from 21:00h.

Current Points Standings Team GP W L D GF Slingerz 6 6 0 0 18 Fruta Conquerors 7 5 1 1 17 Alpha United 6 3 1 2 12 GDF 7 3 2 2 11 Pele 6 2 3 1 4 Buxton United 6 1 3 2 5 Monedderlust 7 0 4 3 4 GFC 7 0 6 1 6

GA 2 8 5 12 5 8 16 21

GD +16 +9 +7 -1 -1 -3 -12 -15

Pts 18 16 11 11 7 5 3 1

Action in the Agricola (red) and Kuru Kururu Warriors match

A

gricola Red Triangle on account of a 60th minute penalty from Kacy ‘Boombie’ John took full points from Kuru Kururu Warriors in the lone match of the STAG/East Bank Football Association (EBFA) Senior League which was contested on Sunday at the Grove Playfield.

In a match that saw the Warriors creating the majority of chances but failed to score, Agricola, runners-up to defending champions Grove Hi Tech, made good on their only serious chance to win the match.

It was John himself who was fouled in the box by the warriors’ Joshua Oselmo and he made the opponent pay for that slip up.

What made the loss even more heartbreaking for Kuru Kururu was the fact that Agricola was reduced to 10 players in the 33rd minute

when Collis Samuels was given marching orders by the Referee for using abusive language to one of the Assistant Referees; Samuels will now have to miss two matches.

But despite the loss, Agricola still rallied to win the match as Kuru Kururu blundered on too many occasions including the penultimate minute when one of their players missed an open goal.

Sunday’s opening match did not come off as Diamond United gifted a walk over to

Mocha Champs.

Agricola will now face of with defending champions Grove Hi Tech in a crucial match today which will have a bearing on the eventual outcome of the league.

It is always a ding dong battle between these two sides and today’s feature match is expected to be no different.

The opening match at 13:00hrs will see Soesdyke match skills with Herstelling Raiders.

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sunDAY, march 27, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

SUNDAY, MARCH 27, 2016

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

guyanatimesgy.com

ICC T20 World Cup…

Windies hold nerves to make semifinals

Page 20 Chris Gayle and Dwayne Bravo celebrate the wicket of Quinton de Kock (Getty Images)

STAG / EBFA Senior League…

Agricola needle Kuru Kururu Warriors

Kacy ‘Boombie’ John (outstretched hands) in celebratory mood after scoring from the spot.

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