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Issue No. 2984

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

PRICE

Jagdeo addresses global issues at Clinton Initiative’s annual meeting

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Lusignan Prison escape

Hunt still on for 2 P9 prisoners Govt to renew P7 Barama agreement

Page 3

…commences series of engagements in USA

Woman shot as Police chase bandit Page 14

$80 VAT INCLUDED

Arrest warrant issued for Barry Dataram Page 7

Hampton Court/Windsor Castle rice lands flooded – pumps out of operation due to lack of fuel Page 16

…awaits word from company on draft contract

Rohee P12 accuses Ramjattan of “covering up” serious crimes

Armed P14 bandits rob Sleep In Hotel

‘Chicken P9 feed’ bandits rob Ogle businessman

2 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Bandits invade Grove home T

wo armed men broke into the home of a Grove, East Bank Demerara (EBD) family in

The perpetrators were also keen on cutting all cameras in order to guarantee a clear escape.

and the owner was notified of the incident.

Roy rushed home to find his house broken into and

Speaking to Guyana Times, Roy explained that it was a devastating experience because he worked re-

O

One of the bedrooms which were completely ransacked

broad daylight.

The incident occurred on Tuesday about 09:30h.

The armed men carted off an undisclosed amount of cash, a quantity of jewellery, along with a television, computer and other electronic devices.

The owner of the house, identified only as “Roy”, was at work in Georgetown at the time of the robbery.

His wife was also not at home.

After neighbours realised what was taking place, an alarm was raised

Residents without cellphone service in Region 9

The bandits removed the grill door to gain entry

completely ransacked.

From all indications, the bandits removed the grille and forced the wooden door open with a sharp object.

ally hard to earn back those valuables, after his house was raided a few years ago.

The Police were notified of the matter and an investigation has been launched.

ver the last few days, residents of Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) have been significantly inconvenienced owing to the disruptions to mobile service from telecommunications giant, GTT. The mobile service went down on Saturday last, greatly impacting business operations and leisure activities in many areas across the Region.

GTT mobile subscribers were unable to send or receive calls, text messages or access the Internet.

Reports indicate that residents of North Rupununi and Central Rupununi have been particularly affected, since commercial activities are abundant in those areas.

Residents have also expressed concern that GTT failed to promptly inform the public of the disruption to the service and to keep them updated on progress in addressing the matter.

In a Facebook post,

parliamentarian Alister Charlie vented about the lack of customer service.

“Come on GTT, be professional and let the subscribers know exactly what is happening and how soon will the service be restored,” he posted.

Contacted for a comment on the matter, the company explained that the disruption was as a result of damage to equipment at its Lethem facility.

On Tuesday, GTT Public Relations Officer (PRO) Allison Parker advised that the information would be broadcast on the recently-commissioned radio station in the Region.

According to the statement from the company, engineers are working to replace the equipment and conduct urgent repairs.

In apologising for the inconvenience caused, the company announced that mobile services should be restored fully today.

NEWS

3

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, September 21 – 08:30h-10:00h and Thursday, September 22 – 09:30h-11:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, September 21 – 07:35h-09:05h and Thursday, September 22 – 08:30h-10:00h

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Heavy to light rain showers with chances of sunny weather can be expected throughout most of the day, while sunny weather is expected to prevail in the late afternoon. Clear skies can be expected in the evening, with temperatures ranging between 25 degrees and 31 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 07:36h and 19:52h reaching maximum heights of 2.63 metres at each scheduled high tide.

Low Tide: 01:07h and 13:26h reaching minimum heights of 0.44 metre and 0.66 metre respectively.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2016

LOTTERY NUMBERS N

06 07 10 12 19 24 08 Bonus Ball

FREE TICKET

Monday, September 19, 2016

Daily Millions

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LUCKY 3 3

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Draw De Line 03 06 07 08 10

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

Jagdeo addresses global issues at Clinton initiative’s annual meeting … commences series of engagements in the US

U

pon the invitation of former US President Bill Clinton, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo travelled to the United States to deliver a keynote address at the 12th Clinton Global Initiative’s Annual Meeting which commenced on Tuesday.

The event addresses a series of global issues, including how the international community can build from last year’s historic Paris Climate Agreement.

President Clinton and the Clinton Foundation have been highly supportive of Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), with a team from the Clinton Foundation working with the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) and the Office of the President during Jagdeo’s presidency.

Jagdeo praised the Clinton Foundation for assisting Guyana, saying the Foundation was an example of modern forms of global partnership which seek to solve big problems.

“The conversations here today are focused on the world’s most pressing issues – things like climate change, global migration, terrorism, stagnating economic growth and youth un-employment. As we listen to each other, we hear again and again about how societies all around the world suffer when leaders move away from evidence-based policy, and instead forge policy through prejudice. In developed and developing countries, we are seeing how intellectually-weak policies are combining with the rise of populist politicians to put development into reverse.

The answer to these threats is the reassertion of progressive politics across the world,” he stated.

The Annual Meeting opened with public discus-

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo shares a light moment with former US President Bill Clinton on the sidelines of the 12th Clinton Global Initiative’s Annual Meeting

sions, including between former President Clinton, Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, Argentinean Prime Minister Mauricio Macri and the recently-elected Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan.

Prime Minister Renzi made a passionate call for Europe to respond positively to changes in the world, and the Mayor of London spoke of how “progressive politics works.”

Meanwhile, Jagdeo is slated to commence a series of engagements in the USA. After attending the CGI, Jagdeo moved to a further set of meetings in New York, focused on international plans to address climate change.

According to a statement from his Office, the Paris Climate Agreement is likely to become international law in the coming months after it is ratified by the requisite number of countries, so global leaders are now

consulting on how its provisions can be strengthened and global ambition to combat climate change can be increased.

Jagdeo will then travel to the state of Florida, where he has been asked to be the guest speaker at the Eric Williams Memorial Lecture at Florida University in Miami.

Dr Eric Williams was the first Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, and the Memorial Lecture in his honour has seen many world personalities speak, including former US Secretary of State, Colin Powell; former President of Zambia, Kenneth Kaunda; and former Prime Minister of Jamaica, PJ Patterson.

Last year’s speaker was St Vincent and the Grenadines Head of Government, Dr Ralph Gonsalves.

Following the engagement at Florida University, Jagdeo will meet with groups of university stu-

dents in Florida, and he will also be meeting with members of the Guyanese community in both New York and Florida.

4

guyana-times.com

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2016

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

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

Editorial

Guarding against Cyber-attacks

A

report by US-based Inter-American Development Bank and the Organisation of American States has revealed that Latin America and the Caribbean are highly vulnerable to potentially devastating cyber-attacks.

The report said that four out of five countries in Latin America and the Caribbean do not have a strategy to prevent cyber-attacks.

The report added that nations such as Mexico, Colombia, Trinidad and Tobago, and Chile have an intermediate level of preparedness, but remain far from advanced nations like the United States, Estonia and Israel.

When we hear about data breaches in the news, it’s usually the big names in countries that are thousands of miles away. We hardly stop to think about our own vulnerabilities and examine ways we can protect ourselves. However, as many countries and large corporations invest in ramping up security, hackers are turning their sights elsewhere, to targets that may not have the resources to fend off their attacks.

The international institutes have called on regional governments to step up cybersecurity, saying that two out of three countries do not have a command and control centre for cybersecurity.

The question is how can persons protect themselves, organisations and employees? We need to understand why the issue of cybersecurity is important in the first place. In this hightech era, cybersecurity is more important than ever. Most of our daily transactions are being conducted via digital technology, from socialising to e-commerce. It is true that we may be lagging behind most countries in this regard, but we are well on our way.

Quite recently, Telecommunications Minister Cathy Hughes revealed great plans for Guyana’s e-governance system which are aimed at decentralising Government’s services, providing telemedicine services, distance education and the submission and marking of examination materials even at the level of the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), among other things.

They pointed to the establishment of an interconnected digital platform that can provide Government services to citizens in an efficient, cost-saving and efficient manner.

To make this a reality, the Administration has consulted with the Chinese telecommunications giant, Huawei, to assess the feasibility of expanding the coastal fibreoptic network to include other areas of the country.

Sections of the local media reported that Government’s announcement comes at a time when US security experts have cautioned major telecommunications companies like AT&T against using Huawei’s services because of fears of espionage.

Amid the uncertainty about this partnership, the Telecommunications Minister assured that Guyana has been placing great emphasis on cybersecurity and Guyana has been sending officials overseas to conferences “so that we can be up to date about mechanisms that could be put in place to protect the integrity of national data”.

Officials also assured that every conceivable step was being taken to protect data, largely with support from the Organisation of American States of which the United States is a major supporter.

Whether there is genuine cause for concern is left to be seen; however, we need to take the possibility of a cyber-threat seriously.

Experts recommend simple steps that can be taken to prevent hacks and protect information. Many in today’s workforce do not realise how easy it is to be fooled by innocentlooking attachments and links within malicious emails. Viruses, ransomware, and malware can invade your system with just one click. Once the trap is sprung, all of a person business’ sensitive data becomes a free-for-all for cybercriminals. Ensuring that employees are aware of the risks is crucial.

Persons also need to ensure the company hired to host its website has a good reputation and utilises proven security practices such as encryption. There are many other small, albeit crucial measures that can be taken to safeguard ourselves. These include but are not limited to securing our websites with SSL encryption, using a Secure Hosted Shopping Cart; persons have to be able to trust e-commerce platforms (online shopping is becoming increasingly popular in Guyana), protecting themselves and business with Web Application Firewalls and certainly, by no means least, changing passwords regularly.

No matter what preventive measures a person take, there will always continue to be more advanced hackers trying to get at personal or company data, persons simply need to ensure that they are doing all that they can to guard against cyber-attacks.

Football is no longer a boys' game. This talented young lady was seen engaged in a game of football with the boys on the Georgetown foreshore and was surely showing off her skills in the game (Marceano Narine photo)

Forensic audit needed into the operations of Region 6 Dear Editor, I have been reading with deep interest the many allegations of corruption in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and the hijacking of the 2017 Estimates allegedly by two Regional Democratic Councillors (RDC) officials.

What is exposed in various letters and the former Regional Executive Officer, Dr Verasammy Ramayya in his TV programmes are issues which have plagued the RDC for a long time but which have now reached epidemic proportions. The corruption now seems to start from the formulation of these estimates onward and if nothing is done by this coalition Government, then Region Six will slide rapidly downwards. I was a Regional Councillor for four years and am very much acquainted with the corrupt practices at the Tender Board level and the huge number of substandard works being done and duly certified on a regular basis. It is time these practices are put to an immediate halt.

I was also a former

Chairman of the Water Users Association and I am quite stunned by the corrupt practices of the new Board which was installed recently.

These Board members are diverting the region’s machines to be used for their personal benefits and those of their friends rather than doing work to assist rice farmers in the area. These machines are also used to destroy my ancestors’ graves.

These directives were allegedly given by the Regional Vice Chairman.

Many farmers have been complaining bitterly about these corrupt practices but to no avail. All the access dams in the rice cultivation are in dire need for repairs yet the machines have remained stuck in one area for the past months servicing friends and cronies of some officials of the region. The Vice Chairman was spoken to and he promised to deploy these machines to Number 54 Village over a month now and yet nothing was done. It appears as though this man controls all the machines and

the Regional Chairman is totally unaware of what is going on. I do feel that it is time the Regional Chairman investigates what is going on before it is too late, since he is in charge of the region.

In addition, the education sector is also replete corrupt practices. with Recently, I was mandated by the Education Minister to look at the conditions existing in various schools in the region and I was disappointed by the substandard work done by contractors and the state of disrepair at most of the 90 schools I visited. For instance, at the Cumberland Nursery School, female teachers have had no access to toilet facilities for over five years. I was ashamed to ask how they responded to the call on nature.

At the Belvedere Primary School, a small footpath bridge which is just four feet in width was built at an enormous cost of 1 million dollars only last year and the revetment is already falling apart!

Anyone looking at this bridge will be totally dumbfounded

as to where the one million dollars actually went. This is a direct result of estimates for work being done without any independent engineer being consulted or broad-based consultations held. There are many instances of such practices and that is the reason why Region Six cannot see the type of development it should.

Lastly, because of the lack of proper consultations, there are some cases where estimates were made for roads in 67-69 Village which were already done and no consideration was given to priorities. I personally spoke to officials in the 52-74 NDC who decried the fact that they were not consulted in the preparation of Region’s 2017 Estimates.

I do hope that this Government will do a forensic audit of the Tender Board and the operations of the region.

Yours sincerely, Reekahraj Poonai WPA Executive Member

Bribery has plagued the Police Force Dear Editor, I would like to state my support for Police Commissioner (ag) David Ramnarine and the work that he is doing within the Police Force. As many are aware, he is very popular among the rank and file and has certainly created an atmosphere of change by raising the level of discipline and integrity expected from the officers he manages.

I must mention that the men and women of the Guyana Police Force have dignity and are a profes-

sional group of people that I, like many Guyanese, hold in high regard. I salute these officers, but note there are a few who tarnish the reputation of the law enforcement body.

The issue of bribery is one that has plagued the Force for a number of years and has caused the trust of the public to diminish.

The issue is one that affects all Police Forces around the world. Bribery is a disease. What is even more alarming is that there is a well set-up system,

whereby senior officers are involved and are benefiting from this practice.

Recently, the City Constabulary was accused of targeting certain Guyanese drivers and conductresses on the roadways.

And this has been happening at an alarming level.

These acts go against the agenda fostered by the coalition Government, of social cohesion and unity. The Government must take action, as the buck starts and ends with the President.

Since Local Government

Elections earlier this year, the city government has forgotten that it was elected and its actions can prevent re-election.

I encourage the Council to respect the vendors, the taxpaying businesses and individuals, and the general public here in Georgetown.

They are responsible for the major revenue of the city. We must remember who pays the piper calls the tune.

Sincerely, H R Khan

guyana-times.com

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2016

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You can send your letters with pictures to: Guyana Times, Queens Atlantic Investment Estate, Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Guyana or letters@guyanatimesgy.com

Reminiscing about the political struggle for democracy Dear Editor, As the 2016 summer school holiday is over in New York and teachers and students are back to classes, some of us teachers reminisce about spending our summer holidays in Guyana, joining others in the struggle against the People’s National Congress (PNC) dictatorship for the restoration of democratic rule and conducting social research. Democracy was restored in Guyana. So in recent years, instead of going to Guyana to organise political events as we did for many years during the 1980s and early 1990s, we rest and or travel to other locations for vacations or research. Some of us still go to Guyana for conferences or to assist with programmes to counter social issues impacting the population. We miss the visits of the 80s and 90s that involved political activism in Guyana that were memorable experiences.

For teachers, summer was a period for rest or an opportunity to earn extra money on top of regular salary teaching or

staffing some other city programme. While most of the other Guyanese teachers took advantage of the extra city pay (that could be in excess of $3,000), a handful of us (Vassan Ramracha, Baytoram Ramharack, Rennie Ramracha, and myself, joined Ravi Dev and sacrificed the extra pay for voluntary grass roots activism in Guyana to combat the racist dictatorship. Individuals like Freddie Kissoon never made those kind of sacrifices; he was safely ensconced in his basement apartment in Toronto and Grenada and spying against the liberators. Our country and our people and the rights of Guyanese took precedence over the extra pay for teachers in summer school. We booked flights to Guyana, joining the Opposition parties (PPP, WPA, URP, NRP, DLM, TUF, etc) in putting pressure on the PNC dictatorship to force it to carry out political and economic reforms. In the US, we lobbied politicians to put the squeeze on the PNC dictatorship unless it was willing to pursue political (freedom to organise political

“Dragga” still intact Dear Editor, I have been keeping abreast of the “Dragga” situation in the Mazaruni River, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and take this opportunity to acknowledge the Ministers’ apology on this matter. Allow me to point out though that since the Minister’s apology, the higher water has allowed some boats to take a chance and pass over the rocks next to the channel. These boats have all reported however that the “Dragga” remains at the same spot.

With the water receding rapidly, these boats might be forced to stop operating shortly and there will be no way of knowing what is being done. Please, I do not want to sound pessimistic but the Natural Resources Ministry assured those affected back in August that the dredge will be removed, then MARAD gave the boat operators assurances that they have notified the company that owns the “Dragga” that the dredge must be moved by September 3, 2016 – this along with several messages from the company itself all seem forgotten. I do hope the Minister’s promise is fulfilled, but please

understand my skepticism.

Sincerely, Ralph Persaud

meetings, etc.) and economic (end the food ban and Government controls) reforms that allowed the nation exhale from decades of abuse. We were intimidated and harassed in Guyana by PNC agents and Police, and we were threatened with physical harm for partaking in protest rallies or discussing politics or conducting opinion polls. The PNC sent spies to monitor our activities. Ravi Dev was held overnight and beaten by the Police. But we were undeterred as we were committed to liberate our people, never mind that the PPP

never appreciated our vital work that benefited it more than the other parties.

In the US, we organised rallies to focus on human rights violations in Guyana.

We were at every public event where Guyanese gathered – even at events organised by nationals of India because many Guyanese patronised those events.

On every Saturday morning, without fail, we were on 14th Street with handouts about atrocities committed against our people in Guyana. We held picketing exercises against officers or Ministers of the PNC dicta-

torship. We carried out petition drives to highlight what was happening in our country. We lobbied and met politicians; visiting several of them or writing them about human rights violations and violent events directed by the PNC against activists in our country and pleading for the intervention of members of Congress.

Our activism paid off.

The food ban was lifted, allowing Guyanese once again to consume roti, daal, and alou. Several American politicians responded positively to our petitions and wrote letters of support for our work. Some threatened

sanctions and withholding of aid to the PNC dictatorship unless it introduces democratic reforms. Some urged the US Administration to take actions against the Hoyte dictatorship, forcing it to hold free and fair elections in October 1992.

It brought about needed democratic change for which those who made so much sacrifice giving up their summer vacations and other precious time were never recognised for helping to restore democracy to Guyana.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

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guyana-times.com

wednesDAY, september 21, 2016

Page

Foundation

Understanding Oppositional Defiant Disorder

BY KIM ABRAHAM AND MARNEY STUDAKERCORDNER

P

arents are often left wondering if their child’s argumentative, limit-testing, back-talking, rule-breaking behaviour is “typical” teen or pre-teen defiance – or if it’s something else.

What is Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)?

Clinically speaking, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is “a pattern of angry/irritable mood, argumentative/defiant behaviour or vindictiveness lasting at least six months.” But what does that mean, exactly?

If an image of constant chaos and conflict comes to mind, your child may have ODD. Parents of children with ODD say that their child frequently argues – with authority figures such as parents, teachers, or any other adult – and often refuses to follow or “defies” rules, at home, school, or other places where there are behavioural expectations. They often report that their child deliberately annoys others, especially siblings, and blames his or her behaviour on others. Their child may exhibit touchiness, irritability, or full-blown anger and resentment on a regular basis, especially if faced with a rule, limit, or stressful situation.

If asked to do something that he or she doesn’t want to do, the response is usually outright refusal.

Limit-testing behaviour crosses into ODD when it becomes a frequent pattern and continues in the face of consequences or redirection.

Isn’t “challenging authority” normal for puberty?

Testing limits, fighting for independence, and separating identity from parents

is all very typical of adolescence and pre-teens. At this age, information from peers, media (especially social media), and other sources start to take precedence over parents. This is “normal.” It’s not pleasant, but it’s normal.

Adolescence serves two purposes: You irritate your children enough that they want to move out of your home to live independently, and they get on your nerves enough

because of trouble he’s gotten into, or if she’s been expelled for bullying peers or taking a weapon to school, your child’s behaviour has now moved into Conduct Disorder.

Conduct Disorder is a pervasive pattern of violating the rights of others. In the middle is Oppositional Defiant Disorder. Not the worst behaviour, but certainly not the best. If asked to rate the severity of your child’s behav-

the signs of ODD. When we think of ODD, we often picture an angry, arguing teen, yelling at a parent in defiance. But some teens are, instead, “politely defiant.” Any time 14-year-old Jack’s mom or teachers asked him to do something he simply replies “No, thank you.” No yelling, no arguing, just no. So defiance can range from polite to furious and anywhere in between.

If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck, it may be… a chicken

that you’re fairly happy to see them go. Limit-testing behaviour crosses into ODD when it becomes a frequent pattern and continues in the face of consequences or redirection.

Is it ODD or something else?

Think of children’s behaviour as on a continuum. At one end, you have complete compliance: an adolescent who always follows the rules and limits set by authority figures. (We’ve never heard of such a teen, but let’s pretend for a minute that this exists.)

At the other end of the spectrum, you have Conduct Disorder: behaviour that is so negative and dangerous, it is aggressive, illegal, or exploitative of others, and lacks remorse or empathy. If you’re afraid or intimidated by your tween or teen, worry about the cops coming to your door

iour issues on a scale of one to 10, and you reply anywhere from five to eight, you’re probably dealing with ODD. ODD can leave a parent overwhelmed, exhausted and disheartened. It does not leave a parent scared or frightened their child will seriously hurt someone.

These distinctions are important when it comes to correctly diagnosing and intervening in a pre-teen or teen’s behaviour. And a correct diagnosis allows mental health professionals to determine what type of interventions would be most helpful in treating the symptoms that are causing distress.

One size does not fit all

It’s important to remember that ODD can “look” different depending on the child. Just as your child’s personality is unique, so too are

Whenever a mentalhealth professional seeks to diagnose a child or adolescent, the first step is called differential diagnosis: determining what diagnosis best accounts for what we’re seeing. Behaviour that looks like ODD can stem from a variety of factors, including a history of abuse or trauma, anxiety, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), or medical conditions.

Some children with chronic illnesses, allergies, or other issues just don’t feel well.

They may not know why and often aren’t able to put into words what’s going on inside.

Before making a diagnosis of ODD, it’s important for parents and health professionals to look at the whole picture.

You may have entered a marathon, not a sprint

ODD behaviour can leave a parent feeling misunderstood, resentful, worried, and fearful for their child’s future.

But there is hope. Many successful people in this world were oppositional and defiant during adolescence. The same traits and characteristics that are so frustrating for parents often serve children with ODD well in achieving their goals later on in life.

(Excerpted from empoweringparents.com)

Young

Artists Talk W

hilst in my p r e v i o u s columns I have established myself as a strong proponent of the sciences, I have not touched much on the importance of arts.

Personally, I believe that arts are incredibly important, however just as underrated.

Arts are far more than just a hobby, or as many say a “waste of time”.

Something doesn’t have Ashley Anthony to make us money for it to be valuable. Arts are valuable because they are a means of self-expression: our thoughts, our feelings. They are valuable because practising arts can be therapeutic, and they are also valuable because they help to connect people all around the world.

In addition to all of this, practising art at an early stage helps children to develop. The benefits include enhanced motor skills (due to having to handle paint brushes, crayons and scissors); channelling of creativity and encouraging innovation (both of which may be applied to other areas such as science and entrepreneurship); the advancement of communication skills and learning how to work in three dimensions. Arts can also be used to speak out about injustice, and protest the infringement of rights.

I believe that in Guyana, the reason why we have so few artists is because it is very difficult to become a successful one. As a young person, there is not much encouragement to pursue art, as many believe that it’s a useless skill. Not only is there this discouragement, but there are also very few resources – no specialised stores just for art, not many classes and very few job opportunities.

Budding artist Elmira Persaud, a CAPE Queen’s College student, says she enjoys practising typography, and sketching. She explained that art gave her freedom through its different styles. She expressed that typography required precision, whereas doodling allowed you to “go with the flow”. She related that art on the whole is important because it allows you to experience the world through different perspectives. She, too, voiced her frustrations with the lack of assistance that young artists receive.

Recently, a network of animators called the Guyana Animation Network (GAN) came into existence. The group aims to connect artists across Guyana, including those who practise traditional and non-traditional art forms. They aim to provide young artists with the support and expertise to take their art to a professional level. Whilst this is a good first step, it will take some time before the Guyanese artistic community can rise to a formidable level.

However, I remain hopeful. Art will never go out of style.

It remains relevant as it portrays our basic human emotions.

A person can relate to a painting done in 1758 as easily as they can to a painting from 2016.

So, for the artists, keep persevering. As the popular saying goes “The ‘earth’ without ‘art’, is just ‘eh’. “

7 Govt to renew Barama agreement NEWS

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

… awaits word from company on draft contract

T

he Malaysian-owned Barama Company Limited will likely be granted approval to continue its operations in Guyana when its 25-year Investment Development Agreement comes to an end in October.

Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman, on Tuesday confirmed to Guyana Times that Government will be moving ahead with the renewal of the agreement.

He said Government already dispatched a draft agreement to the logging company and is awaiting its comments on the proposal before wrapping up the deal.

“The Barama agreement is still being finalised and a draft has been shared with the company for its review and comments,” he stated.

He refrained from providing further information on the matter until a definite decision has been taken.

“Until we agree, I won’t want to get into specifics, except to say that we are proceeding and getting nearer to a conclusion,” Trotman stated.

In a recent statement, the Natural Resources Ministry explained that a Task Force was established to examine the Company’s request for a

plywood, sawn timber and flooring products.

It is one of Guyana’s biggest employers, employ-

ing approximately 1000 Guyanese.

It has been allocated some 1.6 million hectares of

the State production forest and has been operating the largest forest concession in Guyana.

Arrest warrant issued for Barry Dataram

A Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman (left) toured the Barama Company Limited facility earlier this year

continuation of its contract.

Cabinet had recommended the convening of a Task Force to examine the request given the rapacious activities of some foreign companies operating in the forests of Guyana.

The Government had noted too that some negative observations had also been expressed at the operations spearheaded by Barama.

The Task Force met on several occasions and visited Barama’s operations at Buckhall, Essequibo, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

A legal consultant subsequently began reviewing the existing contract, forest concessions and tax incentives, previously enjoyed by the Company, while other

members of the team examined critical issues, such as workers’ rights, value added operations and environmental management practices, to name a few.

General Manager of Barama Guyana, Mohindra Chand, emphasised the Company’s commitment to continue its operations in Guyana, stating that while it was faced with many challenges, it has no intention to shut down its operations.

Barama has invested in excess of US$43 billion in its local operations since its establishment in 1991.

Barama’s operations consist of forest management, timber harvesting and manufacturing of various woodbased products, such as

n arrest warrant has been issued for alleged drug lord Barry Dataram and his reputed wife, Anjanie Boodnarine, by Magistrate Judy Latchman after they failed to make an appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Tuesday.

Magistrate Latchman sounded a warning to the two other co-accused – Kevin Charran and Trevor Gouveia – who were present at Tuesday’s hearing and who are to return to court on Friday, September 23. The Magistrate cautioned that if they failed to return to court, arrest warrants will also be issued and that she will not recall the case.

The four are facing trial for allegedly being in possession of 129.230 kilograms (284 pounds) of cocaine. The Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit reported that the narcotic was found on April 16, 2015, at Dataram’s house, located at 661 Silver Dam,

Barry Dataram and his reputed wife, Anjanie Boodnarine Fourth Avenue, Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

Defence Lawyer Glenn Hanoman explained to the court that he had spoken with Dataram and Boodnarine a few minutes before court was in session and they were only a few minutes away. He added that when he tried contacting the duo again, he was unsuccessful.

Hanoman pointed out that Dataram and Boodnarine have a good record of attendance, and he was unsure if an emergency

might have prevented them from making an appearance on Tuesday.

A total of 692 parcels of cocaine, a multicoloured box that contained utensils and a white refrigerator have already been admitted into evidence.

The foursome pleaded not guilty to the charge, which stated that on Thursday, April 16, 2015, at Lot 661 Fourth Avenue, Block X, Diamond, EBD, they had in their possession 129.230 kilograms of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.

8 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

IN THE COURTS Mother of 2 remanded Fisherman remanded on firearm, narcotics on multiple charges charges

A

40-year-old mother of two, who resides at Lot 436 Cowis Street, East La Penitence, Georgetown, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan to answer to charges of illegal possession of a firearm and possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.

It is alleged that on Friday, September 16, 2016, at Lot 4 Cowis Street, Alexis Phillips had in her possession 51.350 kilograms of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.

It is further alleged that on the same day, Phillips had in her possession a .38 revolver and two matching rounds of ammunition without being the holder of a firearm licence.

Phillips pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Michael Scott Alexis Phillips

Attorney Mark Waldron, who represented the defendant, made an application for disclosure of statements.

The defendant was placed on remand. She will return to court on October 4, 2016 for report.

A

20-year-old fisherman, of Lot 65 Middle Road, Mc Doom, East Bank Demerara, appeared before Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on three charges of break and entry.

Michael Scott pleaded not guilty to the charg-

es which stated that on Thursday, July 14, 2016, while being in the company of others, he broke into the dwelling of Dante Narine and stole two gold chains valued $160,000, property of Chanice Narine.

The second charge stated that on the same day at the same dwelling, he stole two pairs of sneakers valued $40,000, property of Patrick Deweaver. The third charge stated that on the same day at the same dwelling, he stole US$200, equivalent to $40,000 local currency, belonging to Dante Narine.

The unrepresented defendant begged to be placed on bail, which was denied by the Magistrate after the prosecution indicated the seriousness of the crimes committed.

Scott will make his next court appearance on October 10, 2016.

Eyew tness

Three-card monte...

Y

...at City Hall

our Eyewitness has heard about “the other foot” falling to confirm what had been suspected in shady deals, but needed further confirmation. But on this Georgetown Parking Meter abomination that’s been shoved down the throats of Guyanese, so many feet have been falling, it’s clear a centipede has been let loose in our midst!

And we know who’s that centipede, don’t we?! But yet nothing’s being done by those above to rein in on the Town Clerk and Mayor who reign over us like Stalin executing one his more notorious purges.

The latest foot to drop is the confirmation that Kamau Cush was just a front man for foreign interests to get their teeth into Guyana and suck our blood for forty years. Yep… after all, the outrage and protests about the contract, the meters are gonna be rolled out any day now. The Panama Papers was a preview of how these fellas operate - hiding behind a welter of paper corporations to pull off their three card monte or shell game. Now you see it, now you don’t!!

You’ve seen them at fairs haven’t you? Look at the three cards… You’re shown each of them as they’re flicked and then placed on the table and then interchanged in front of your eyes. You think you’re following the last movement and that’s where you’re being challenged. But that’s not it.

When the cards were originally flicked and placed on the table that’s when the switch was made. What you thought was the second card being placed face downwards - wasn’t!

So in the parking meter scam, the switcheroo wasn’t the terms of the contract or the price or any of that jazz… those were just misdirection. The switch was way up front - who was really behind the contract. Was it Smart City Solution (SMS), who installs Parking metres? Was it National Parking Solutions (NPS)? Or was it Amir Oren, who we’re now told is the “major investor” behind the two named companies?

One wonders whether Kamau Cush collected a cushy “small piece” for delivering a contract for making money so outrageous, it makes the Royal Mint look like a cane juice stand. He’s still insisting he’s a “director” of the companies executing the deal - but the new head honcho didn’t even bring him up to date with the hiring of his new shill - Kit Nascimento. Your Eyewitness hopes Cush will get what he deserve in the days to come.

The new spinner - who’s even better than Sunil Narine revealed: “we (meaning himself and Oren) were brought on after the contract was baked.”

It was a Freudian slip - he obviously meant “when the contract was cooked up”!!

...in Region 6 AFC

Whatever you may think about Ramayya out in Region 6 - and your Eyewitness confesses the fella wasn’t on his hit parade during the last elections! - he’s now looking like a prophet! Imagine Moses Nagamootoo has the testicular perspicacity to think he’s insulting Ramayya when he says his fellow villager never agreed to AFC’s merger with the PNC… oops! - APNU! Insult? That’s the highest accolade that can come from the AFC camp. If Ramayya needed anything to guarantee himself a bright future in Berbice, all he has to do henceforth is to play a recording of Nagamootoo’s remark! Berbicians, after all, want to know what the marriage - which was consummated in front of all of them at Whim - has given them. They know Nagamootoo got “Larwah” and seemed quite comfortable with that… but what about them?

And if Nagamootoo claims Ramayya’s holdout was “racist”, what about Ramjattan’s “dead meat” prediction that was also just as prophetic.

Accepting Ramjattan ate his words for a mess of pottage!

Thus his sour mein!

...with WI Cricket

The WICB ruined WI cricket and needs radical surgery according to the committee headed by Jamaican Statesman, PJ Patterson, a decade ago.

But nothing has or will happen. Parochialism will kill reform as with PM Mitchell’s resignation.

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

NEWS

9

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

feed’ bandits Driver charged for ECD fatal accident ‘Chicken rob Ogle businessman

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he driver of the Toyota 4x4 that reportedly swerved into the path of an oncoming car, killing two persons and injuring five others was remanded to prison on Tuesday.

Mark Joseph made an appearance at the Mahaica Magistrate’s Court to answer to two counts of causing death by dangerous driving.

According to the charges, on September 16, at Unity, East Coast Demerara, he drove motor vehicle GMM 426 in a dangerous manner thereby causing the death of businessman Kelvin Cort, 26, of Fyrish, Corentyne, and Jennifer Grant, 39, of Betsy Ground, East Canje,

Dead: Kelvin Cort

Dead: Jennifer Grant

Berbice.

The accused was remanded until October 11.

The accident, which occurred around 19:30h, also resulted in injuries to Grant’s daughter Jamcey

Grant, 18, a student of New Amsterdam Technical Institute; Petal Thom, 35; Fayola Thom, 38, and Mark Thom, 16.

According to reports, Cort, who was driving a mo-

Lusignan Prison escape

Hunt still on for 2 prisoners

T

he hunt is still on for the two prisoners who escaped from the Lusignan Penitentiary, on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) on Monday morning, while working outdoors.

Rajendra Deonarine, 22, of Richmond Housing Scheme, Essequibo, and 26-year-old Faos Shakir, of Le Ressouvenir, ECD, were clearing overgrown vegetation from the penitentiary’s fence when they made good their escape sometime around 10:30h on Monday.

According to reports, Deonarine was serving a two-year sentence for the possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking, while Shakir was sentenced to three years for several robbery offences.

Director of Prisons Carl Graham told Guyana Times

that they have not had any luck in recapturing the two prisoners thus far, but noted that both the Guyana Police Force and prison ranks have been combing the surrounding areas and communities with the hope of locating the men.

However, he stated that the search teams had received information during the course of Tuesday, but when followed through, nothing substantial was found.

“Two sets of information sent us in two different directions, but it turned up empty. I’m not saying that the information we received had no merit, we are continuing our search and is still encouraging the public to help us with any information they have,” Graham remarked.

Meanwhile, Commander of C Division (East Coast Demerara), Paul Williams, told this newspaper that his ranks are lending their full support to prison officials in attempts to recapture the escapees. He said they have questioned the families of the two men, but they claim that they have not seen or heard from them.

Nevertheless, Williams noted that the Police are continuing to search the East Coast corridor and are on the lookout at specific places and persons.

In the meantime, residents along the East Coast of Demerara are being urged to be extra cautious and to provide the authorities with any information that can lead to the recapture of the two men.

tor car bearing registration plates PFF 6778, was heading to Berbice when the pick-up, which was heading in the opposite direction, reportedly swerved into his path. As a result of the impact, the car reportedly toppled several times before coming to a halt.

The occupants of the car were pulled from the wreckage by public-spirited citizens and were rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where Cort and Grant succumbed while receiving medical attention.

The others were admitted and are all in an unconscious state. Grant, a mother of four, was a custodial employee attached to the New Amsterdam Hospital.

Guyana Times was told that Cort was hired to pick up his cousin, Petal Thom, two of her sisters and two of their children from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, as they were returning from vacation.

B

Neville Sooklall

Rajendra Sooklall

andits, under the guise of purchasing chicken feed, robbed an Ogle, East Coast Demerara man of over $2 million on Tuesday morning.

According to the father of the businessman, Neville Sooklall, the robbers entered the home under the pretence of ordering chicken feed.

“Them boys come on a motorcycle and ask us for chicken feed and while we were getting it, then it hap-

pen,” the man recounted.

He explained that as they were attending to the men, one of them whipped out a gun, held up the family and ordered them to be silent, while his daughterin-law was ordered to hand over the cash and jewellery.

The family was relieved of over $2 million in cash and valuables. No one was injured during the ordeal.

Police are continuing with their investigations.

10

NEWS

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Digicel rectifies 4G network problems F

ollowing an announcement from Public Telecommunications Minister Cathy Hughes, that she is engaging Guyana’s two telecommunication giants – GTT and Digicel – about their poor 4G network services, Digicel on Tuesday said that the issue has been resolved on their end.

Hughes had indicated that the disappointing 4G network service citizens have been provided with will be rectified by the end of the year. She said that she has spoken with both telephone companies and they had promised to fix it.

However, Digicel said on Tuesday that initially the company was experiencing some interference within its allocated spectrum range but that issue has now been resolved. “With the launch

ed.

4G Smart Data Bundles Plans, including free talk and text and a lower cost of megabytes, we certainly are offering better value to the customers with our 4G plans,” an official from Digicel said when contacted for a comment, noting that they would be engaging the

Minister on Thursday for further discussions.

“The feedback from our customers has been largely positive to the whole 4G experience. Once the Telecoms Bills comes into force, we look forward to bring additional products and value to Guyana,” the company add-

Since GTT and Digicel rolled out their 4G network services, many persons have complained that the services provided are less than satisfactory.

Earlier this year, GTT launched its “Free Basic 4G Services”. It was designed to give people free 4G access to information from more than 20 local and international websites, including Wikipedia, Guyana Learning Channel. com, google.gy, gina.gov.gy, and all major news sites in Guyana.

Digicel rolled out its 4G smart bundles, which consisted of data bundles and free talk and texts to all local numbers, which will be available to all postpaid and prepaid Digicel customers.

High-security prison for dangerous prisoners

H

igh-profile prisoners housed at the Georgetown Penitentiary, Camp Street, will soon be transferred to a high security, brick prison constructed at a cost in excess of $80 million.

The decision to construct the high security prison block was made following the findings of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the March prison riots at the Camp Street Prison.

Speaking to media operatives at the Cecil Kilkenny Prison Officers’ Training School, in Lusignan recently, Public Security Minister

Khemraj Ramjattan said the “brick block” of the Camp Street Prison to house highprofile prisoners has minor corrections to be done before being commissioned.

“The brick block is completed with the exception of the doors… I didn’t want to risk putting any prisoners there (in its current state) because it was the hardcore prisoners who were supposed to go there, into that brick prison,” Minister Ramjattan explained.

The faulty door, the Minister said, would be fixed shortly as the contractor has to resource some of the lock-

ing system apparatus and paraphernalia from overseas.

The brick prison, which was built in the compound of the Camp Street jail to house more than 300 highprofile prisoners, was scheduled to be completed by the end of July.

During the sitting of the CoI into the prison riots, Attorney Selwyn Pieters, who represented the Guyana Prison Service, said Government needed to invest financially in constructing a brick prison, since the main prison is housed in the country’s capital city, which

is also the country’s business capital.

Further, Pieters pointed out that Superintendent Kevin Pilgrim, Officer-inCharge of the Georgetown Penitentiary, in his testimony, had said the old wooden structures make it easy for inmates to hide contraband and posed challenges for officers assigned to the living units.

“Wood buildings at the Georgetown Prisons… have their place, and their place now is ‘historic relics’; those are not places to house prisoners,” Pieters told the Commission at that time.

Elections Communication

S

atiricus was smirking like a cat that’d just lapped up a bucket of milk. Cappo looked at him but didn’t say anything and continued chugging his beer. The Back Street Bar was quieter than usual since several of the regulars were off to the dominoes competition in the neighbouring village. The two friends were both dismissive about dominoes being called a “sport” and hadn’t gone on that principle.

Cappo knew Satiricus would have to break down sooner rather than later.

“Have you read about the fuss some folks are making about the high-end radio sets bought by Gee-Con?” Satiricus suddenly blurted out, validating Cappo’s assessment.

“Budday!! $100M fuh jus’ 50 “raid-yo”?!” Cappo exclaimed. “Like dem bin wan’ fuh talk to people pan Mars or wha’?”

“Cappo, you’re making the same mistake like the news people,” Satiricus said with a satisfied smile. “These are special radios.”

“Dem mussee betta dan special!” said Cappo, who couldn’t contain his amazement. “$2M a-piece jus’ fuh talk to people in de inteer-ya about dem vote!!”

“But that is the mistake everybody’s making, Cappo,” said Satiricus in a conspiratorial tone, as he leaned forward suddenly.

“Wha’ mistake?” demanded Cappo, while pulling his beer away in a defensive move.

“The mistake is these radios were to communicate WITHIN Gee-Con, not outside,” continued Satiricus in hushed tones. “$2M “raid-yo” a-piece fuh talk inside??!!” Cappo was outraged and the volume of his reply signalled as much.

“Cappo you just didn’t “talk” with these radios,” said Satiricus. “When you spoke into them, it could add, subtract and multiply numbers of votes that were fed into them by voice.”

“Wha’ mek dem waan’ fuh do da?” Cappo demanded.

“Cappo, it’s you and your party that complained how long it took for Gee-Con to deliver election results,” answered Satiricus. “The $100M was spent to speed up the count.”

“But de result still tek five days!” said Cappo indignantly.

“Me bite me finga-nail to de bone when me bin a wait!”

“Well, the radios did have a problem with the local Guyanese accent,” confessed Satiricus. “They were programmed in America to understand THEIR accent.”

“Wha’ mek?” said Cappo truculently.

“Well, after they helped us to “vote like a boss,” Satiricus confided, “they had to make sure Gee-Con counted like a boss.”

NEWS

11

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Traffic Dept’s capacity boosted MMC employee remanded for with more equipment

Traffic Chief Dion Moore distributed additional equipment to his subordinates in the various Divisions to aid in “Operation Safeway”

A

s the Traffic Department of the Guyana Police Force continues with “Operation Safeway”, additional equipment has been handed over to the various divisions to aid in carrying out the exercise.

Speaking at the simple handing-over ceremony at Traffic Headquarters, Traffic Chief Dion Moore explained that “Operation Safeway” was focused primarily on curbing speeding and drunk driving, which have been identified as the two main causes of road accidents.

To this end, he stated that the equipment is needed for the ranks to efficiently carry out their duties.

Among the items distributed were radar guns, breathalysers, flashing wands, reflector vests and traffic

cones.

“As part of our enforcement strategy, we utilise the radars and the breathalysers to the fullest capacity and you would find an increase in the amount of ranks conducting radar exercises and breathalyser testing,” he noted.

While all the Police Divisions will be receiving additional equipment to execute “Operation Safeway’, emphasis will be placed on Divisions A (GeorgetownEast Bank Demerara); B (Berbice) and C (East Coast Demerara).

In light of the increase in fatal accidents on the country’s roadways, the Police Force on Thursday last launched “Operation Safeway”.

“In all of the divisions, there will be ongoing operations, by day and by night.

At night, you will have more vehicular patrols and within those patrols you will find ranks providing random breathalyser and speed testing hence the additional equipment,” the Traffic Chief stated.

Although “Operation Safeway” has only been in place less than a week, Moore noted that it has been seeing errant road users brought to justice. According to the Traffic Chief, 41 persons have been arrested for driving with more than the prescribed limit of alcohol within their system, while some 356 drivers have been arrested for speeding thus far.

Since the launch of the Operation, there has been one fatal accident at Unity, East Coast Demerara, which claimed the lives of two persons. The Division

with the most arrests is the A Division, followed by B Division.

The Traffic Chief went on to outline that along the East Bank Demerara corridor, there were some areas that were prone to accidents and this coupled with speeding has contributed to a high accident rate in that Division. He added that C Division has also recorded the most number of accidents; hence, the two divisions have been on the radar even prior to “Operation Safeway”.

Moore noted that the Traffic Department was currently utilising more than 200 ranks to execute the Operation. Moreover, he disclosed that the ranks were working on a 24-hour shift basis, with special emphasis being placed on the night period.

“We find within the nights, we have to take off the foot patrol ranks and utilise vehicles to have more mobile patrols for the exercise,” he remarked.

“Operation Safeway” is designed as a continuous exercise and, according to the Traffic Chief, there is no tentative date for when it will be relaxed. The aim is to have more road safety conscious drivers and to promote better driving attitudes as well as road safety practices.

killing workmate

A

security guard attached to the MMC Security Service who shot dead a colleague and injured another was remanded to prison when he appeared at the Cove and John Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.

Kevin Stephens appeared before Magistrate Alicia George and was not required to plead to the indictable charge which stated that on September 17, at the MMC head office at Happy Acres, East Coast Demerara, he shot and

Dead: Herbert Verwayne

The MMC head office at Happy Acres

killed 36-year-old Herbert Verwayne of Lot 710 Block 8 Tuschen Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo.

Stephens was also charged for shooting and injuring another colleague, Keon White, to his left hand.

The accused was remanded on both charges.

According to reports, the incident occurred

about 08:30h on Saturday last. It was reported that Verwayne was in the company of several other employees when the accused, armed with a shotgun, approached and accused him of making ill statements about his daughter. In a rage, Stephens allegedly discharged a shot hitting the man to his neck.

12 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

71st Regular Session of the UN

Guyana will create a global footprint in environmental sustainability – Granger

P

resident David Granger on Tuesday said that Guyana was on the path to creating a global footprint in environmental sustainability, as it pursued ‘green’ growth in a ‘green’ economy.

The President made the remarks at the 71st Regular Session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly currently underway at the body’s Headquarters in New York.

According to President Granger, Guyana is an integral part of the global ‘green’ movement to mitigate against the adverse impacts of climate change and global warming phenomena.

“It is a state that will ensure a secure future for its people in the pursuit of a ‘green’ economy. It is one that is proud of its place as a reliable and cooperative partner in international efforts to protect the earth’s environment,” the Head of

State said of Guyana. He added that it recognised the interlocking objectives of the Agenda for Sustainable Development and Climate Agreement, and realised that the establishment of a ‘green state’ was consistent with building climate resilience, while mitigating the effects of climate change.

“Guyana promises to continue to work towards the Agenda’s goals, particularly, by contributing to limiting increases in global temperatures; and work towards a ‘green path’ of development that is in accord with the Agreement’s nationally-determined commitments,” he told the Assembly.

According to President Granger, Guyana is in a unique position as it stands at the centre of the Guiana Shield – one of the world’s last remaining spheres of virgin tropical rainforest. The Guiana Shield

President David Granger at the UN

spans an area of 2.7 million square kilometres, larger than Greenland, in South America and is shared by six countries – Brazil, Colombia, Guyana, French Guiana, Suriname and Venezuela.

The President said that Guyana, as part of the Shield, is a net carbon sink with a green canopy of rainforest, which envelops more than 85 per cent of its land

Canadian High Commission gives thumbs up to JES project − assisted in solving high-profile cases

C

anadian High Commissioner to Guyana Pierre Giroux has given a 10/10 rating to the Canada and US sponsored Justice Education Society’s (JES) “Strengthening the Criminal Justice System in Guyana” project, noting that it has already helped the Guyana Police Force solve several high-profile cases.

Earlier this month, the High Commissioner met with Guyana’s Project Manager of the Justice Education Society of British Columbia (JES), Evelyn Neaman, to reflect on the progress made under the “Strengthening the Criminal Justice System in Guyana” project.

Last month marked one year since the project was initiated in Guyana and the midpoint of the Canadian funded project, which was approved in early 2015, following a successful application by the JES to Canada’s AntiCrime Capacity Building Programme (ACCBP).

The project, valued at CAD$750,000 (G$106 million), is Canada’s largest bilateral project with Guyana.

The goal of the JES project is to develop the technical capacity of the Police, Police Prosecutors, State Prosecutors and Magistrates to collect, analyse and present forensic evidence as a means of decreasing impunity rates.

High Commissioner Giroux said the project has proven tremendously successful in Central America and Guyana so far. He said this success is largely due to two key elements; the unique JES methodology which is inclusive and practiced based with rigorous mentoring, and the full support given by the Guyana Government and re-

High Commissioner Pierre Giroux reflects on the JES project

cipients.

According to Giroux, the success rate of the project to date has surpassed most other countries where JES has conducted similar work.

“Most places in the world would still be at the information stage now, but in Guyana we are quite advanced and this is due to cooperation among all stakeholders,” the High Commissioner said.

He said too that sustainability planning is key to long-term success. He likened the endeavour to a marathon, observing that there is no “silver bullet” when it comes to justice sector reform. The process, according to him, will be long and will require great coordination of effort on the part of the donor community.

Fortunately, he noted, the donor community in Guyana works together to harmonise their programming and priorities,recognising that the JES methodology reaps results.

The JES project is actually the result of collaboration between the High Commission of Canada and the Embassy of the United States of

America. In January 2015, the two foreign missions worked together to bring JES to Guyana to lead a diagnostic seminar on Guyana’s justice system. Following this, JES submitted their successful proposal to Canada’s ACCBP. The ACCBP support will end in 2017 which is why the High Commissioner was especially pleased that the United States will be extending the project by another two years, which will contribute to greater sustainability of the project. “It is my hope that the project continues for a very long time,” he said.

JES is a Canadian non– profit organisation with an impressive record of improving the effectiveness of justice systems in Canada and around the world. The Guyana project is being implemented in collaboration with the Ministries of Public Security and Legal Affairs, as well as the Office of the Chancellor of the Judiciary, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Guyana Police Force.

The ACCBP funds a number of regional security projects which benefit Guyana, including the recently launched INTERPOL Project to combat human trafficking in the Caribbean and a project to strengthen the anti-money laundering systems in Central America and the Caribbean.

Canada is also working to strengthen national justice systems in the region, by sharing Canadian expertise, improving access to and efficiency of the justice system, and providing training and mentoring programmes for both Police and justice officials.

mass – the second highest percentage forest cover on Earth.

With these advantages to its credit, he said, Guyana is, therefore, pursuing a ‘green path’ so as to better understand how to protect its precious biodiversity and manage its complex ecosystems, sustainably.

“Guyana made a covenant with the world to be an exemplar of ‘green’ growth in 1989, three years before the UN Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de

Janeiro in 1992. We made a gift with the prospect of sustainable development and to a project to protect its environment through our generous grant of 371,000 hectares of our pristine forests to be used as an international model for: ... research, training and the development of technologies. This will promote the conservation and the sustainable and equitable use of tropical rainforests in a manner that will lead to lasting ecological, economic and social benefits to the people of Guyana and the world in general. The Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development (IICRCD) – located in the centre of our country and at the heart of the Guiana Shield – survives and thrives as a testament of Guyana’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental conservation,” he said.

Further, evidence of Guyana’s role as an important partner in the global environmental movement can be seen in the agree-

ments, which have been brokered with Norway, the Netherlands, Germany, Japan and other States as well as international organisations.

“Guyana reaffirms its commitment to Goal No 15 of the Agenda under which UN member states pledged to “protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.”

Guyana is improving the management of its ecosystems and natural resources in order to conserve its forests and their rich biodiversity. It will fulfil its obligation contained in the ‘Intended Nationally Determined Commitments’ under the Paris Agreement.

Guyana will deepen its research by establishing an International Institute of Biodiversity at the Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development,” the Head of State said.

Rohee accuses Ramjattan of “covering up” serious crimes

F

ormer Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee on Tuesday expressed concerns over what he said was a rise in criminal activities across the country, and even lashed out at Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, for allegedly covering up serious incidents of crime.

Rohee was addressing members of the media at his Party’s weekly press briefing. He said as a former Home Affairs Minister, he was bothered by the rate at which crime was growing in the country and hoped that Government, particularly the Public Security Ministry, would stop covering up serious incidents of crime.

Rohee said the situation had become so bad, persons were losing confidence in the Police Force, particularly since small reported matters were ending up on the streets.

He said too that overseasbased Guyanese, many of whom he has had conversations with, are fearful of coming home to visit.

“I know many who have come back too and this is not just loose talk, there are many Guyanese in the Diaspora who are fearful of travelling to Guyana because of the crime situation. Let’s be realistic, there are some who will come and there are some who will not come, because of what? The crime situation,” he told Journalists.

He said that what Government should be doing was seeking out other stakeholders to determine a plan to deal with the escalating

Former Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan

crime rate.

Asked about what recommendations he has in mind to help curb the situation, Rohee said the People’s Progressive Party/Civic has always maintained that crime was just one component of social violence.

“There are many other aspects, including domestic violence, so the Police is just one aspect of the fight to deal with these activities. You have to involve other social actors, other people. We need more than the Police to be involved in the fight against criminal activities in whatever shape or fashion. We have been pressing for the longest time to have the security sector oversight committee established in the National Assembly; they haven’t done so as yet.”

Last week, despite a different picture painted with daily occurrences of crimes, the Guyana Police Force reported an 18 per cent reduction in all categories of serious crimes recorded at the end of August 2016, com-

pared to the figures for the same period last year.

The Force said that murder had been reduced by 10 per cent. Gun-related robberies declined by seven per cent, while a 17 per cent decrease was recorded in armed robberies where other instruments were used and a nine per cent reduction in robberies where no instruments were used.

This statistical analysis came two weeks after acting Police Commissioner David Ramnarine, reported a 15 per cent decline in serious crimes recorded from January 1 to August 23, compared to the same period last year.

Some 91 murders were recorded thus far this year, reflecting an 11 per cent decrease against the 101 cases that were recorded in 2015. However, there was no change in the number of gun-related robberies recorded over the two comparative periods, with 473 cases over both periods.

13 Lindeners benefit from 3-in-1 medical outreach NEWS

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Dental outreach activities in progress

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esidents of Linden in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) on Tuesday benefitted from a dental outreach assistance programme, facilitated by the US Humanitarian Assistance Programme (HAP) in col-

laboration with the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC), the Region 10 Health Committee and the Linden Mayor and Town Council (LM&TC).

A blood drive initiative as well as sickle cell awareness session was also part

of the collaborative medical outreach programme.

Organisers of the event deemed it a successful one as members of the community came out in their numbers to benefit from the various services offered.

Dr Bukaris Anugerah, a member the HAP outreach medical team, noted that attendance by the community was overwhelming.

Regional Health Committee Chairman, Dr Gregory Harris said that the dental outreach initiative was a timely one since presently there was only one dentist operating within the Linden community.

He revealed that a future programme was also planned in collaboration with the HAP team, during which 600 pairs of eye glasses would be distributed to those in need from the Linden community.

The team of organisers

Meanwhile, HAP Programme Director Stephen Stosberg said he was excited about the outreach, the aim of which was to assist as many persons as possible from Linden

and surrounding areas.

He outlined that similar activities were also conducted in Georgetown and the team had made donations at Bartica and Corriverton, distributing

school supplies and shoes to students.

The HAP team is presently conducting medical outreaches in other parts of the country as part of a week of activities.

11-year-old stabbed multiple times, perpetrator remanded

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man who appeared to be of unsound mind was refused bail when he appeared before Magistrate Faith Mc Gusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts for unlawfully assaulting an 11-year-old child.

Carl Brathwaite pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on September 15, 2016, at Regent and Robb Streets, Georgetown, he unlawfully and maliciously assaulted

the child.

The defendant who was unrepresented pleaded with the Magistrate for bail which was denied.

The parents of the injured child, speaking with Guyana Times, indicated that the child was stabbed to the head multiple times with a knife, but luckily, it did not penetrate further than the child’s scalp.

The mother explained that the child was with her when the incident oc-

curred. ”I just left the child with his two sisters outside of a store while I was inside getting something when the man appeared from nowhere and start stabbing my child. He then ran away,” she said.

The mother added that the man was detained on Sunday, September 18, 2016 and taken to Brickdam Police station.

Brathwaite will return to court on October 10.

The Brian Bisram Foundation Inc, a US-based Non-Governmental Organisation making efforts to support the less fortunate, on Wednesday last honoured 100 children and youths from the community of Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) and contributed $672,000 towards the education of five students living there

14

guyana-times.com

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2016

News Woman shot as Armed bandits rob Sleep In Hotel T Police chase bandit A

woman was admitted to the Accident and Emergency Unit of the Georgetown Public Hospital on Tuesday afternoon after she was accidentally shot in the back.

The injured woman, who has been identified as Jean Rodrigues, of Crane Housing Scheme, West Coast Demerara, is said to be in her fifties.

According to reports reaching Guyana Times, Rodrigues, along with her husband, Anthony Persaud, their three children and grandchild were all headed to a wake in Grove, East Bank Demerara (EBD) around 17:30h when the incident occurred.

The family was in the vicinity of the Timehri bus park when they heard screams coming from a Police Officer. When they looked up, they saw the Officer (name given) in pur-

suit of a man.

In an attempt to catch the man, the Officer discharged a round, which allegedly hit the woman. “We were all standing and this man run past us and then the Policeman that was chasing him fire off shots and miss the man, but hit my wife,” Persaud said as he recounted what happened.

The distraught man relayed that his grandson was in the spot where his wife was shot, just a few seconds before.

Rodrigues was picked up and rushed to the hospital’s emergency room by the Policeman.

There are reports that the Police Officer told the family that he did not shoot the mother of 10, but rather it was the bandit he was pursuing.

However, the family members said they saw what had occurred and claimed

Shot: Jean Rodrigues

that the Officer was trying to “cover up the matter”.

The family said that since Rodrigues was taken to the hospital around 17:30h, they have been unable to see her or to get an update on her condition.

The matter was reported to the Police Outpost at the hospital. The Officer has been placed under arrest, and an investigation has been launched to ascertain what transpired.

hree armed bandits carried out a brazen robbery on Tuesday evening at the Sleep In Hotel located at 151 Church Street, Georgetown, carting off $100,000 in cash.

The incident reportedly occurred around 19:30h. Surveillance footage showed that one of the men, who arrived at the hotel in a silver Toyota Allion motor car, entered and made inquiries at the front desk. He then took out his cellphone and sent a text, at which time, another man barged in and pointed a gun at the receptionist and another male employee, forcing the man to face the wall. The male employee was told that if he did not comply, he would be shot.

The first bandit then attacked the receptionist and ordered her to hand over the money, and she complied. After receiving the money, they then casually walked out the front entrance, entered the parked car, and made good their escape.

Speaking with this publication, the male employee relayed what occurred: “The first man came in and he asked how much for five nights at the hotel and the receptionist told him and then he was on his phone and he pressed the buzzer and pretended to go outside and as he was about to go through the door, the other man came in, pulled out a gun and said ‘don’t move’,” he said.

Clifton Bacchus, the owner of Sleep In, said that he had just left the hotel when he received a call detailing what had transpired.

He said he was told that two men en-

Clifton Bacchus

tered the hotel, held up the receptionist and took the money before escaping.

Surveillance footage provided to this publication showed that the robbery took less than five minutes.

The matter was reported to the Police and an investigation has been launched.

When Guyana Times arrived on the scene, one hour after the incident transpired, the Police were yet to arrive. They subsequently arrived and took images off the surveillance footage.

Aishalton receives key boost to health sector

Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton (sitting on ATV) presents the vehicle to community members during a simple handing over

O

ver the weekend, the Amerindian village of Aishalton, in the deep South of Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), received much needed assistance when Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton handed over two All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV’s), a motorcycle and a quantity of medical supplies.

One ATV was presented to Wallace Rodrigues, the Malaria Control Programme Officer, and the other was given to Jude Paul, the Community Health Worker, while Ermalinda Joseph, the Environmental Health Assistant, received a motorcycle. The vehicles are intended to assist the representatives in effectively carrying out their duties.

Dr Norton made good on his promise to the three healthcare professionals, of addressing the challenges they face while traversing the terrain of the South Rupununi Savannahs.

During a village meeting on Friday, residents were pleased when they were informed of the developments.

Dr Norton told villagers that Government is committed to improving the lives of all Guyanese, regardless of their geographical location.

Among the concerns raised was the long standing issue where patients who are transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital and subsequently discharged, are left in the care of the Ministry

of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, which is then tasked with ensuring their safe return home.

The main concern for residents is the length of time patients have to remain at the Indigenous Residence in Georgetown before they can rejoin their families in the Rupununi.

Vice President and Indigenous Peoples Affairs’ Minister, Sydney Allicock, who was also present, assured residents that both Ministries will work together to ensure patients return home in a reasonable time, after being discharged from the nation’s primary healthcare facility.

Last Saturday, a pregnant woman, who was flown to Georgetown, was returned to her region safely after the Ministers were informed that the patient was discharged days earlier and was awaiting her return flight home.

Arrangements were immediately made to have the mother (name provided) and her baby return home, and according to reports, they are both doing fine.

Residents also raised the concern of the deplorable condition of their main thoroughfare, which causes some amount of discomfort to patients who have to traverse the area.

Minister Allicock told residents that the Public Infrastructure Ministry and the Communities Ministry are working together to address the situation.

The Communities

The Churikad Creek Bridge under construction

Ministry is currently constructing a bridge over the Churikad Woa Creek located approximately 10 minutes from the village, which when completed, will bring immediate relief to residents.

The road passes through the river and when it rains, the water level rises above normal and villagers and others traversing the area are forced to wait on either side of the shore until the water recedes before continuing their journey. The new bridge will relieve the villagers of this problem.

The Churikad Creek Bridge is expected to be completed by next week, while two other bridges have already been completed in the area.

A completed section of the Churikad Creek Bridge

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2016

guyana-times.com

15

Around the World

Syria conflict: UN suspends Angelina Jolie to all aid after convoy attack divorce Brad Pitt

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he United Nations has suspended all aid convoys in Syria after a devastating attack on its lorries near Aleppo on Monday.

The strikes, which witnesses say came from the air, came hours after Syria declared a week-old US-Russia brokered cessation of hostilities at an end.

Russia and Syria have both insisted that their forces were not involved.

But UN chief Ban Ki-moon launched a stinging attack on the Syrian Government, saying it had killed the most civilians in the civil war.

In unusually blunt language, Ban said “powerful patrons... feeding the war

The attack at Urum al-Kubra destroyed 18 of 31 lorries and killed about 20 civilians, including a senior local official of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent

machine, also have blood on their hands”.

US Secretary of State John Kerry, speaking along-

side his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov, insisted the ceasefire deal was “not dead”, following talks on the

sidelines of the UN General Assembly on New York on Tuesday.

UN Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura also said there was still hope, but said delegates from the Syria Support Group had agreed the truce deal was in danger.

The attack at Urum alKubra destroyed 18 of 31 lorries and killed about 20 civilians, including a senior local official of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, named as Omar Barakat.

The UN would not confirm what type of attack took place, saying “we are not in a position to determine whether these were in fact air strikes”. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Bystanders watch as Delhi woman killed

The woman was attacked on a busy street in Delhi

I

ndians have reacted with outrage after passers-by watched a woman being stabbed more than 20 times on a busy street in the capital, Delhi.

CCTV footage showed a man on a motorcycle

approach schoolteacher Karuna, 22, who died in the attack.

He is seen stabbing her repeatedly as people walk by, before hitting her on the head with a stone and kicking her.

Locals did eventually intervene when he tried to escape. Police say they have charged the suspect with murder.

During the attack, at least one man does try to approach the assailant, but backs off after being threatened and is seen leaving the scene. Many others stop to see what is happening, but fail to help.

“She was attacked as she was walking with her cousin at around 9am. It seems that the assailant started liking her when they used to be neighbours earlier, but since he was married, she never paid attention,” senior police offi-

cial Esha Pandey told the BBC. Local media had quoted the victim’s brother as saying the assailant had a history of harassing his sister, and the family had filed a police complaint against him.

Earlier Deputy Commissioner of Police, Madhur Verma, told reporters that “the family had lodged a complaint fourfive months back and both the families had reached a compromise”.

Images of the murder and the fact that many passers-by did not stop to help the victim have caused outrage. (Excerpt from BBC News)

STI vaccine for Antiguan minors

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s the Antiguan Health Ministry prepares to roll out a controversial vaccination programme in November, parents have been told that inoculation for Human Papillomavirus (HPV) will eventually become mandatory because the virus presents a public health risk.

Superintendent of Public Health Nurses Coralita Joseph made the disclosure on Monday, and added that the programme will be offered to boys and girls on a voluntary basis in its initial stages.

“One of the things that we will be going after is to make sure that the ministries of Health

and Education investigate it and make it a policy for girls and boys to have that particular vaccine,” Joseph said.

The human papillomavirus is most noted for being the cause of cervical cancer in over 95 per cent

of cases. It can also cause penile and anal cancer.

The virus is present in over 80 per cent of people over the age of 50 and can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact and through sexual intercourse.

Nurse Joseph said boys

and girls who are not yet sexually active will be given the vaccine in a bid to reduce incidences of cervical cancers.

She said the vaccines have already been ordered and over the past two years, Ministry officials have been working to sensitise certain interest groups about the pending programme.

The controversial programme was conceptualised in 2013 as part of the government’s public health agenda to combat the virus. It is the intent of government to administer the vaccine to children before they become sexually active. (Excerpt from Antigua observer)

IDB launches series on crime and violence in Caribbean countries

T

he Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) says it is launching a series of technical notes on crime and violence in four Caribbean Community (Caricom) countries.

It said that the series, titled ‘Crime and Violence in the Caribbean’ will look at the situation in The Bahamas,

Barbados, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago.

“The pervasive effects of crime and violence can be seen in all parts of the world and the Caribbean is no exception,” the IDB said, outlining the rationale behind the series to document the size and dimensions of crime and violence in the

Caribbean.

It said that the series will be based on police data and the literature of the region, and includes a description of the situation in each country.

The IDB said it will host a live Internet debate on the crime and violence series on Wednesday, where Sutton and other citizen security ex-

perts will discuss the main findings of their research.

The crime and violence technical note series is a joint collaboration between the Caribbean Economics Team and the Citizen Security Cluster of Institutional Capacity of the State. (Excerpt

from Jamaica Observer)

A

ngelina Jolie has filed for divorce from Brad Pitt citing “irreconcilable differences”, the actress’s lawyer has confirmed.

Robert Offer said she filed for “dissolution of marriage” on Monday, adding the “decision was made for the health of the family”.

“She will not be commenting, and asks that the family be given its privacy at this time,” Offer added in a statement.

The couple have been together since 2004, but only married in August 2014.

Jolie’s longtime manager Geyser Kosinski told E! Online: “Angelina will always do what’s in the best interest of taking care of her family.”

It was Pitt’s second marriage, having previously wed Friends star Jennifer Aniston, and Jolie’s third after Billy Bob Thornton and Jonny Lee Miller.

According to US entertainment website TMZ, the divorce papers listed the date of separation as September 15.

It is understood Jolie is seeking physical custody of the couple’s six children and is asking the judge to give Pitt visitation rights.

The couple have six children together – Maddox, Pax, Zahara, who are adopted, and biological children Shiloh and twins Knox and Vivienne.

Pitt, 52, and Jolie, 41, married privately in the French hamlet of Correns in Provence in 2014. Their children served as ring bearers at the wedding and helped illustrate Jolie’s white dress with their drawings.

Jolie is well known for her charity work – she served as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Refugee Agency for 11 years before becoming a Special Envoy in April 2012. (Excerpt from BBC News)

China merger to create world’s 2nd largest steel firm

T

wo of China’s largest steel companies have announced plans for a merger, creating the world’s second largest steelmaker, as the industry struggles with global overproduction.

Under the deal, Baosteel is to take over its smaller competitor Wuhan Iron and Steel.

Both companies are majority-owned by the State.

The announcement comes as Beijing tries to overhaul the steel industry, one of the country’s bloated state sectors.

The merger will create a

new company, China Baowu Iron and Steel Group. Based on data from 2015, the two firms together have an annual production of about 60 million tonnes a year, which would make it the country’s largest steelmaker.

Globally, it would be second only to Luxembourgbased ArcelorMittal.

Baosteel’s net profit tumbled 83 per cent to 1bn yuan (US$150 million) last year, while Wuhan lost 7.5bn yuan, a sharp drop from its 1.3bn yuan net profit in 2014. (Excerpt

from BBC News)

Commonwealth SG backs plans for global agreement on migration

C

ommonwealth Secretary General Patricia Scotland is supporting plans for a global agreement to end the refugee and migration crisis around the world.

The global compact for safe, regular and orderly migration is part of the agenda for sustainable development and achieving full respect for the human rights of migrants by 2030. It will be discussed at a round-table event at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

The Dominican-born Secretary General emphasised the importance of nations considering how best to use the mechanisms needed to tackle the crisis, such as economic, political, legal, humanitarian aspects. This year, UN member states will begin the process of intergovernmental negotiations, leading to the adoption of the compact in 2018.

“The Commonwealth will

play an important role to ensure that this global compact leaves no one behind, by identifying specific challenges faced by our member states, especially small nations, which represent the majority of our members.” Migration remains a big challenge for the Commonwealth with the Secretary General noting that East Africa, Southern Africa, the Caribbean and South Pacific regions of the Commonwealth are particularly vulnerable to migration based on the effect of climate change.

She said that 80 per cent of refugees are hosted in the developing world, with Pakistan hosting more than 1.7 million refugees, more than any other country in the world.

As well as focusing on the challenges of climate change on migration, the Secretary General will be calling on leaders to pay more attention to the needs of young people.

(Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

16 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Hampton Court/Windsor Ramsammy’s Ruminations Castle rice lands flooded By the way, what − pumps out of operation due to lack of fuel

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ice farmers living in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) continue to struggle to upkeep the industry and are constantly battling many challenges, including excessive water in their rice fields.

Those living in the Hampton Court and Windsor Castle areas are predominately affected and many are blaming the situation on the negligence of the Region Two administra-

The affected farmers explained that they are forced to incur additional expenses to pump water out of their fields, in an effort to save their rice crop – which, for many, is their only source of income.

When Guyana Times visited the affected areas on Tuesday, the water on the lands matched the level of the water in the nearby drainage trenches. The farmers explained that they would soon be harvesting

E

Another affected farmer pointing to the clogged trench

The condition of the dams in the area leading to the rice fields

tion. Hundreds of acres of rice lands are reportedly inundated with water.

Added to the flooding, farmers are also struggling with the deplorable condition of the dams leading to the rice lands.

and the water would affect their harvest.

They also said the pumps that were put into operation to assist the area are currently out of order, allegedly due to a lack of fuel. They said too that the

happened to the Mexico rice market?

Windsor Castle pump is in need of a filter.

One farmer disclosed that the pump attendant at Windsor Castle is known to be disrespectful and would often shun the farmers when they ask questions.

The businessmen are calling for immediate intervention by the Agriculture Ministry and the Region Two administration to save their crops.

Acting Regional Chairman Nandranie Coonjah, when contacted, confirmed that there is sufficient fuel to fill the pumps, but there is a lack of transportation and labourers.

She also disclosed that machinery, including the region’s tractor and plough are currently inoperable, awaiting repairs.

Reports were forwarded to the Agriculture Ministry, officials from the Guyana

Rice Development Board (GRDB) and Regional Accounting Officer Rupert Hopkinson, to follow up on the issue.

MHS vandalised for 5th time in recent years

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lasses at the Mackenzie High School (MHS) in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara- Berbice) were forced into a two-day recess last week, following the surprising discovery of graffiti on the walls of the classrooms.

Officials of the school were alarmed after turning up on Wednesday to find the walls of several classrooms defaced with spray paint. A meeting was later held with parents and school officials.

Parent-Teacher’s Association (PTA) Chairman Dawn Barker said the body was “fed up” of the situation and was presently working in collaboration with the Region 10 Department of Education to address the matter.

She said too that the Association also needed the help of the public as she pleaded with members of the community to keep a watchful eye on the school’s environs.

Barker opined that the security attached to the school was incapable of protecting the premises against such acts.

The PTA Chairman reminded that this was the fifth time that such an act was committed at the school in recent times.

“We’re paying for security and yet still this is happening. I am fed up of the situation and this is the fifth time that this has happened,” the Chairman stressed.

According to reports, a canteen located inside the school’s compound was also burglarised. Back in 2013, 2012 and 2011, the walls of the MHS were defaced in similar fashion.

ven as the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) is teetering on the edge of an abyss, the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) is clueless in finding a way forward. In fact, they have clumsily made the crisis at GuySuCo worse.

Now they have inexplicably turned to rice for an answer, Dr Leslie Ramsammy even as they have caused a downward trajectory in the fortunes of the rice industry.

It must have shocked many to find out that GuySuCo is proposing to cultivate rice at Wales. It seems like APNU/AFC is desperately throwing darts and looking to see if any would stick. It is ironic that APNU/AFC’s solution for sugar is rice, given that APNU/AFC has precipitated the most severe threats that rice has confronted in more than two decades.

Moses Nagamootoo has been conspicuously silent about the Mexico rice market for months now. In fact, he has shown an absolute disinterest in the rice industry. He and Ramjattan who presented themselves before the 2015 elections as the champion of rice farmers now have little or nothing to say to the rice farmers. They have betrayed these farmers, like they have betrayed the sugar workers. The Agriculture Minister Has not mentioned the Mexico rice market once in the last several months. It appears as if everyone, but the rice farmers and the rice millers, has forgotten about the Mexico rice market which APNU/AFC boasted would be a panacea for the rice industry.

After Nagamootoo returned from Mexico almost a year ago, he boasted that he had personally negotiated a new market for Guyana’s rice. He and APNU/AFC, reeling from the loss of the Venezuelan rice market, felt compelled to kerfuffle the Guyanese people and, particularly the farmers, by conning the people that they had secured a new and better market than Venezuela for Guyana’s high quality rice. They ignored the reality that the problem was never markets; there are many destinations that Guyana can export our rice to. The problem is finding markets that guarantee Guyana’s farmers the best prices. The Prime Minister triumphantly proclaimed last year that Mexico is an even better alternative than Venezuela.

Almost a year later, could Nagamootoo, the Agriculture Minister, the President, anyone say what happened to the Mexico rice market? Because we had negotiated a large highpriced market in Venezuela, the so-called ‘Jagdeo rice deal’, millers after 2009 voluntarily reduced their export to Europe, a good, reliable, but lower priced market. But as our production reached record levels after 2011, Guyana increased its rice export to Europe. With the loss of the high-priced Venezuelan market in 2015, we are forced to further increase our export to lower-priced European destinations, switching from highpriced to low-priced markets. APNU/AFC had promised that rice export to Mexico would have alleviated the problem.

Before the 2015 elections, APNU/AFC promised farmers they will increase prices from just above $3000 per bag to $9000 per bag of paddy. Once they got into power, the first thing they did was to recklessly lose the Venezuelan market, leading to an immediate fall in paddy price to under $,500 and even below $2000 per bag. This has led to a significant reduction in acreage under cultivation and a reduction in rice production. We were supposed to have reached a recordbreaking production of 700,000 tons in 2015. After a recordbreaking production (365,000 tons) in the first crop in 2015, the second crop failed to meet its target. This year, we are unlikely to even reach 600,000 tons.

Significantly, thousands of acres of rice land are presently not being cultivated since the paddy price is often below cost of production. In addition, hundreds of farmers are still owed by millers for paddies they supplied almost a year ago. APNU/ AFC has an obligation to ensure that farmers are able to utilise the rice land that is presently available. Yet without addressing the challenges that rice farmers face and in the absence of any credible plan for Wales, they have now decided to cultivate rice at Wales.

Astonishingly, it appears that APNU/AFC is turning to the failed policies and approaches of the old People’s National Congress, including party paramountcy. Those same policies brought Guyana to its knees with poverty rates by 1988 reaching between 66 per cent and 88 per cent; depending on whose statistics you believe, including the statistics of Clive Thomas, the present Chairman of GuySuCo. Once before, they thought that rice would be a good solution for GuySuCo. The rice mills and the rice fields are still standing idle at Blairmont to remind us that rice is not the answer to sugar. History has not taught APNU/AFC anything as they stir the pot with another toxic concoction of jingoism and chauvinism as an economic and social development platform. (Send comments to doc_ram@hotmail.com)

NEWS

17

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Major investors interested in ICT sector – GO-Invest CEO C

ontinuous development in the area of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) is signalled for Guyana, as interests and applications for investments in the sector have been submitted to the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest).

The agency’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Owen Verwey told the Government Information Agency (GINA) that, “specifically, Information and Communications Technology is an interest in this market for the call centres, or what they call business processing outsourcing. We have had two major clients, and we have got others that are interested

in this market.”

This aspect of ICT investment garners the opportunity for job creation and modernisation of the local ICT market. The CEO further added that due to the restructuring of the application process to make it more efficient, there has been a delay in the process’ completion.

“Those are the areas in which we have been seeing applications coming, and they have been processed pretty well so far.

There was some slowdown in how those are being processed because the processes were changing and we are getting to the bottom of that, have been moving forward,” Verwey explained.

P u b l i c

GO-Invest CEO, Owen Verwey

Telecommunications Minister Cathy Hughes, in a recent press statement pointed out the importance of having ICT systems and

networks implemented in Guyana.

In 2010, Guyana secured a US$32 million loan from the China Export Import (EXIM) bank with an aim of developing ICT infrastructure to facilitate an E-Governance network.

The network is expected to be further expanded to provide Internet access to schools and governmental agencies while increasing bandwidth and improving the levels of Internet accessibility.

With the implementation of ICT systems through investments, Guyana is expected to provide better technological services, thereby enhancing communication and information access, and data storage.

Police seeking help to ID man mauled by pit bulls at Leonora

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anks of the Guyana Police Force in D Division (West Bank Demerara-East Bank Essequibo) are seeking help from the public in identifying the man who was mauled to death by a pack of pit bulls last Thursday at Leonora, West Coast Demerara (WCD).

“The Guyana Police Force is seeking the assistance of the general public with the identification of a male East Indian, about 55 years old, five feet in height, medium built and fair in complexion,” a statement from the Force’s Public Relations Officer, Jairam Ramlakhan detailed.

According to the Police, the body of the man, who residents say is a desti-

The Police are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the man killed during the vicious dog attack

marks about his body. It is believed that the dogs escaped from a nearby yard and attacked the man.

The injured men managed to escape and sought medical attention at the Leonora Cottage Hospital, which alerted the Police about the attacks. At dawn, when the Police arrived in the area to investigate the incident, it was then that they discovered the body of the unidentified man. Both Adams and Bhikam claimed they did not see the body.

Meanwhile, the Police arrested the owner of the pit bulls, Marceline BasdeoSmall, on Sunday after she evaded Police since the attacks.

Acting Divisional Commander, Leslie James, told this newspaper on Tuesday that Basdeo-Small is assisting with the investigations. He explained that

The residence from which the dogs escaped

tute, is currently at theEzekiel Funeral Home, Best Foreshore, WCD. Based on reports, the now dead man was found at about 06:00h on September 15, lying in a trench at Lot 190 Para Field, Leonora.

The man had several bite

It was also reported that in the wee hours of last Thursday; two men, Ramanand Bhikam of Stewartville Housing Scheme, WCD, and Wilbert Adams of Cornelia Ida, WCD, were attacked and injured by the same dogs.

no charges have been filed as yet since much more work has to be done by the Police.

James further pointed out that a post-mortem examination has not been conducted as the Police are awaiting the identification

of the dead man.

Guyana Times was told that the dogs would normally get out of the yard and attack other animals. Only recently, they killed several sheep and cows in the area, but it is the first time they had actually attacked a person.

This newspaper understands too that the Police found the yard of the owner of the pit bulls unsecured.

Lima Sands, St Denys roads in need of repairs

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oth Government and Opposition-appointed Councillors of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Two(Pomeroon- Supenaam) are calling on the Regional Administration to maintain the roads leading to the Lima Sands and St Denys Amerindian communities They have advocated for the much-needed repairs at their statutory meeting for the month of September.

According to People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Councillor Arnold Adams, the roads leading to the communities are in deplorable condition and are in need of urgent maintenance works. Adams said that drivers have been complaining about the number of potholes in the roads, and despite several reports made to the Regional Administration, nothing has been done.

Acting Regional Chairman Nandranie Coonjah added that the St Denys Amerindian community would be hosting its heritage celebration on September 30 and the road was in a very bad condition for visitors.

Coonjah reminded that the road at Mainstay was upgraded by the Region Two Administration for the Village Day Celebration, and pointed out that the same could be done for the St Denys community.

Government Councillor Naitram told the RDC that several roads and farm-tomarket dams leading to several communities were in deplorable condition. He added that the Region’s machinery was currently dysfunctional.

Naitram explained that he was “sick” with the number of complaints that have been brought to him about faulty roads. He blamed the Region’s Engineer for not being proactive in inspecting the roads and making necessary recommendations.

In response, Regional Executive Officer Rupert Hopkinson said next year’s budget would cater for additional materials to maintain roads. Hopkinson revealed that in 2017, more works would be done on roads, as they were catered for in the Region’s budget. He said works could not be currently executed on the roads owing to the lack of materials.

18

guyana-times.com

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2016

ARCHIE

A financial matter will leave you uncertain regarding (March 21- your choices and current sitApril 19) uation. Look at the long-term effects of following your heart and pursuing your passion.

ARIES

Someone will take advanTAURUS tage of you if you are too gull(April 20- ible. Look at the variables inMay 20) volved before you choose to shoulder responsibilities that someone else will end up taking credit for.

DILBERT

Listen carefully and read GEMINI between the lines. Deception (May 21is apparent when dealing June 20) with a friend or a young person in your life. Ask direct questions to find out exactly what is going on.

Expand your interests and CANCER open up your house for meet(June 21- ings and activities that will July 22) lead to new friendships and opportunities. Your generosity will help you advance.

PEANUTS

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Look at the big picture VIRGO and refuse to let your emo(Aug. 23Sept. 22) tions take charge, which could cause you to damage your reputation. Think before you do something you’ll regret.

Check out new prospects LIBRA and explore possibilities that (Sept. 23will encourage philosophiOct. 23) cal or spiritual growth. Live life instead of standing on the sidelines while it passes you by.

CALVIN AND HOBBES

WORD GAME

Helping someone or participating in a cause you believe in will encourage others to respect you. Taking action will show others that you mean business. Romance is encouraged.

SUDOKU

Uncertainty will surface SCORPIO (Oct. 24- if you let your emotions take Nov. 22) control. Use your skills and knowledge to help you overcome any obstacle. Trust in the facts, not in rumors.

Open up about your feelSAGITTARIUS ings, and listen to what oth(Nov. 23ers have to say. Your relaDec. 21) tionship with both personal and business associates will be challenged if you exaggerate.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

The way you present who CAPRICORN you are and what you have to (Dec. 22- offer is important. Knowledge Jan. 19) and expertise alone will not do the trick. Update your look to impress others.

A chance to turn someAQUARIUS thing you love doing into a (Jan. 20profitable endeavor looks Feb. 19) promising. Set up meetings and plan your strategy to ensure a successful launch.

Celebrate with a loved one.

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

Copyright 2015, Distributed by Universal Uclick for UFS

PISCES Playing games with some(Feb. 20- one’s emotions will not help March 20) you get your way. Try to keep the peace and figure out how to get what you want without upsetting others. Diplomacy will be required.

wednESDAY, september 21, 2016

19

Nottingham Forest 0 Arsenal 4: Perez at the double as Gunners ease through A rsenal eased into the fourth round of the EFL Cup as goals from Granit Xhaka and Lucas Perez saw-off Nottingham Forest 4-0.

Lucas Perez scored a second-half double as Arsenal ran-out 4-0 winners over Nottingham Forest in the third round of the EFL Cup. Former Deportivo la Coruna forward Perez, signed for a reported £17million in August, netted his maiden goal for Arsene Wenger’s side with a coolly despatched penalty on the hour-mark, before doubling his tally with a superb solo effort.

In the first meeting between the two sides since 1999, Granit Xhaka’s second goal in as many games – a blistering strike from 25 yards out – opened the scoring midway through a tightly-contested first-half at The

City Ground.

On the 12th anniversary of Brian Clough’s death, Philippe Montanier’s side looked to respond after the interval, but any hopes of a comeback were all-but ended when Perez converted after Michael Mancienne brought down Chuba Akpom in the area.

And Perez swiftly followed up his maiden strike to ensure that Arsenal progressed to the fourth round in comfortable fashion, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain completing the win in stoppage time.

Forest could have had the lead early on, former Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner – on his full debut – teeing up Patjim Kasami, but the ex-Fulham midfielder could only drag his shot off target.

The City Ground paid homage to Forest legend

Gunners dominated Nottingham Forest in the first game since 1999

Clough with a round of applause in the 12th minute, with Arsenal mustering their first chance a moment later, Vladimir Stojkovic saving well from Akpom’s strike.

Bendtner was at the

heart of the action again soon after, the Denmark forward curling wide after driving in unchallenged from the left.

However, Forest’s hard work was undone 23 minutes in – Xhaka, fresh from

opening his Arsenal account with a stunning goal against Hull City on Saturday, unleashing a venomous effort that Stojkovic could only palm up into the net after it had deflected wickedly off Chris Cohen.

Arsenal went close to doubling their tally on the stroke of half-time, Akpom flashing an acrobatic attempt across goal at the culmination of a swift counterattack.

Perez was the next Arsenal man to test Stojkovic, Forest’s goalkeeper hanging on to the Spaniard’s dipping free-kick after Bendtner had thumped a low effort wide at the other end.

Wenger’s side were gifted the opportunity to extend their advantage just prior to the hour, Mancienne adjudged to have dragged down Akpom in Forest’s

area.

And Perez duly made no mistake from the spot, drilling his penalty high into the net past Stojkovic.

Forest were in shambles at the back, and found themselves further behind in the 71st minute, Perez shrugging off the challenges of two defenders as he powered into the box and, after initially failing to connect with his attempted strike, squeezing the ball home at the second attempt.

The Spaniard squandered a gilt-edged opportunity to seal his hat-trick as he fluffed his lines from closerange late on, but he turned provider in stoppage time as Oxlade-Chamberlain added the fourth with a cool finish as Arsenal eased to their fourth-succesive win over Forest. (SportsMax)

Cuba volleyball players Chelsea beat Leicester jailed for rape in Finland in extra time 4-2

F

ive members of Cuba’s national volleyball team have been convicted of raping a Finnish woman during a World League tournament in Tampere.

Four of the men, including the captain, were given five-year jail sentences while a fifth is facing a prison term of three and a half years.

They were detained in the southern Finnish city on 2 July after a woman said she had been raped at a hotel.

Eight men were originally held. Two were released soon afterwards.

Another of the players was released from detention at the end of August and acquitted by the court in Tampere.

The men given the longer sentences included 27-yearold captain Rolando Cepeda Abreu, Alfonso Gavilan, 21, Ricardo Calvo Manzano, 19, and Osmany Uriarte Mestre, who is also 21. Luis Sosa Sierra, 21, was given a shorter sentence.

The team had been taking part in a tournament ahead of the Rio Olympics when the rape took place at the hotel in which the play-

C

Cuban volleyball player Luis Sosa Sierra (centre) was handed a sentence of three and a half years

ers were staying.

Lengthy ordeal The court heard that two of the players had met the woman in a nightclub in the hotel basement. She later went to the room of one of the men, Uriarte Mestre, and consented to sex.

However, Uriarte Mestre was then said to have texted the other men without the woman’s knowledge.

They entered the room and subjected the woman to a lengthy ordeal and held her by the hair to prevent her leaving.

When she was eventual-

ly allowed to leave, she complained to the hotel receptionist who called police.

The men had denied the accusation, insisting the woman had given consent.

However, the court ruled they were guilty of aggravated rape and ordered the men to pay €24,000 (£20,500; $27,000) in compensation to the victim.

As the allegations emerged, two of the team coaches were sacked.

Despite its depleted squad, Cuba fielded a team in Rio and lost all five of its matches.

esc Fabregas scored twice in extra time as Chelsea came from two goals down to beat 10-man Leicester and reach the EFL Cup fourth round.

Shinji Okazaki’s header and instinctive strike put Leicester in control, but Gary Cahill nodded in before the break.

Cesar Azpilicueta equalised with a longrange strike before Foxes defender Marcin Wasilewski was sent off.

Fabregas’ clipped finish put Chelsea ahead early in the first extra period and his powerful strike sealed the win.

It had been a pulsating cup tie - particularly in the second half - with chances at both ends but Wasilewski’s dismissal for elbowing D i e g o Costa ultimately proved costly.

Chelsea deserved the win in the end but Claudio Ranieri will perhaps be buoyed by his side’s performance for much of the game, with glimpses of their incisive attacking

and compact defending that helped them win the title last season on show.

Slick in attack, sloppy in defence Chelsea have scored in every game this season and their attacking strength came to the fore towards the end of this game.

However, their defensive frailties should continue to be a cause for concern for boss Antonio Conte.

Only once in their previous 14 games in all competitions have the Blues managed to keep a clean sheet - and they were needlessly exposed in the first half of this game.

Azpilicueta’s awkward touch when trying to deal with Ahmed Musa’s cross allowed Ozaki to nip in and flick a header over Asmir Begovic, and the Foxes forward then profited from a static backline to score a second.

“Chelsea’s decisionmaking when under pressure was poor,” BBC Radio 5 live summariser and former Leicester d e f e n d e r Gerry Taggart said.

“We are talking about basics.

Clear t h e ball first, then ask questions. Some of Chelsea’s decision making was abysmal.”

There was just two minutes and 29 seconds between Cesc Fabregas’ two goals

20 Beams bowls Australia Langston, Ecclestone selected for Windies ODI tour Women to crushing win E R GUYANA-TIMES.COM

wednESday, SEPTEMBER 21, 2016

iding on Kristen Beams’ four-wicket haul and halfcenturies from Nicole Bolton and Alex Blackwell, Australia Women thrashed Sri Lanka Women by 78 runs in Dambulla to take a 2-0 lead in the four-match ODI series. The win made Australia Women the first team to secure direct entry for the 2017 Women’s World Cup. Sri Lanka’s chase of 255 got off to a terrible start as they were reduced to 35 for 5 in the 18th over, with Beams taking three of the first five wickets. The hosts ultimately managed to cobble together 176 for 9, helped considerably by the 41 runs in wides offered up by Australia’s bowlers. That still left Sri Lanka with a big defeat, as only Chamari Polgampola playing an innings of substance.

After Australia opted to bat, the top three laid a very solid platform, courtesy scores of 64, 45 and 29 from Nicole Bolton, Elyse Villani and Meg Lanning. Bolton put on 81 off 17.5 overs with Villani for the opening stand, before adding 67 off 11.4 overs with Lanning for the second wicket.

Australia had moved

to 148 for 1 before Bolton’s dismissal, in the 30th over, opened a passage of play in which they lost 5 for 38 in 12.1 overs. Chamari Atapattu took three of those wickets and ended with figures of 3 for 31 in her 10 overs. Blackwell’s unbeaten 56 off 64 helped them to recover to post 254, with Erin Osborne and Megan Schutt chipping in to keep Blackwell company.

Holly Ferling and Beams then wreaked havoc on Sri Lanka’s top order, sharing the first five wickets between t h e m to leave the home team tottering by the 18th over. Eshani Lokusuriyage resisted for a while with 20 off 28, before she became Beams’ fourth wicket. Beams’ finished with figures of 4 for 15 off 10 overs having broken the back of Sri Lanka’s batting with her legspin.

Sri Lanka slumped further to 100 for 8 in 35 overs, before showing some fight to bat out their 50 overs.

Polgampola, who had come in at No. 3, finished unbeaten on 68 off 136, but the second highest contributor to Sri Lanka’s total was

‘Extras’ which accounted for exactly 50 runs. Of those, 41 came from wides alone.

Remarkably, Australia’s bowlers delivered a total of 26 wide balls; each bowler bowled at least one, with Ferling bowling as many as 10.

Kristen Beams took 4 for 15 to derail Sri Lanka Women’s chase

However, even that blemish could not prevent Australia from romping to a big win and collecting two points in the Women’s Championship. (ESPN Cricinfo)

Russell anti-doping hearing pushed to September 28

A

ndre Russell’s antidoping hearing, looking into the Jamaican Anti-Doping Commission’s (JADCO) claim that the West Indies allrounder had missed three dope tests in a 12-month period, resulting in a whereabouts-clause violation, has been adjourned to September 28.

According to the WADA code, three missed tests amount to a failed dope test and the athlete could face a ban of up to two years.

Russell was present at the hearing in Kingston, having skipped the three-T20I series against Pakistan in the UAE, citing “personal reasons”.

On September 19, Russell’s lawyer, Patrick Forster, argued in front of the independent anti-doping disciplinary commission that the burden of proof was on JADCO to show Russell was negligent in fulfilling his whereabouts-clause obligations on January 1, July 1 and July 25, 2015, when he was supposed to undergo out-of-competition dope tests.

“The thrust of our case is that the doping authority, JADCO, must prove negligence that has to emerge in the context of the evidence as it is given, so that is, essentially, our position.

The burden of proof is on JADCO,” Forster told the Jamaica Gleaner. “I don’t want to comment too much

ngland have included two uncapped players for their five ODIs in the West Indies next month. Beth Langston and Sophie Ecclestone, who have only played T20 internationals before, are included in the touring squad of 15.

Langston, a right-arm seamer, has recovered from a broken thumb suffered in training and is expected to be fit for the second half of the series, having last been involved with England in the Caribbean three years ago. Ecclestone, 17, is one of two slow left-arm bowlers in the squad, alongside Alex Hartley, who is selected for her first tour.

England will be without batsman Fran Wilson, who suffered a broken finger in training last week, but are otherwise at full strength and looking to continue the momentum of their recordbreaking series against Pakistan. The tour will be Heather Knight’s first overseas assignment since taking the captaincy after Charlotte Edwards’ retirement.

“We’ve done a lot of soul searching and worked incredibly hard since the ICC Women’s World T20 at the start of this year,” England women’s coach, Mark Robinson, said. “The summer series against Pakistan couldn’t have gone any better in terms of results, but more importantly the manner in which we went about playing our cricket was re-

Women’s Championship. ally pleasing.

“This tour to the West England are currently third Indies will now give us a in the table, with four augood idea of how far we have tomatic qualification spots come. The heat of Jamaica available for next year’s and the ability of the West World Cup, ahead of trips Indies team will test our to the West Indies and Sri skills, fitness and mental Lanka. strength. Everyone is hugeEngland women’s squad ly excited by the challenge to tour the West Indies: ahead.

Heather Knight (capt), “The unfortunate news Anya Shrubsole, Tammy Katherine of losing Fran Wilson with Beaumont, a broken finger at the end Brunt, Sophie Ecclestone, Elwiss, Jenny of last week has been tem- Georgia pered by the news that Beth G u n n , Alexandra Langston’s broken thumb is Hartley, healing more quickly than expected, and she should be able to play a full part in the second half of the tour.

Beth is bowling with good pace at the moment, and will give us another dimension with the ball. “ S o p h i e Ecclestone’s inclusion is a reward for all the promise she showed against Pakistan this summer. Fellow left-arm spinner Alex Hartley had a fantastic Kia Super League for Surrey Stars, and along with the two off-spinners - Laura Marsh and Danielle Hazell - the four spinners gives the bowling attack Sophie Ecclestone made her T20 lots of options and debut for England earlier this year balance.”

England will play two Danielle Hazell, Amy Jones matches at the Trelawny (wk), Beth Langston, Laura Stadium in Jamaica, fol- Marsh, Natalie Sciver, lowed by three ODIs at Lauren Winfield, Danielle Sabina Park - fixtures which Wyatt. will count towards the ICC

Antigua camp possible for Hurricanes T

Andre Russell

on the details of the evidence in the midst of crossexamining the witness, but a good portion of the crossexamination relates to the July to September quarter, where JADCO recorded two filing failures, so in cross-examination, I am just questioning the basis which they arrived at two filing failures for the same quarter.”

After preliminary hearings in late July, the independent panel comprising Hugh Faulkner (chairman), Dr Marjorie Vassell, and former Jamaica cricketer Dixeth Palmer, was supposed to carry out a two-day hearing starting Monday.

However, it was curtailed because a second key witness, Carey Brown, the JADCO’s executive director, could not be present as he was recovering from an accident.

Monday’s hearing began with JADCO’s legal counsel, attorney Lackston Johnson, explaining to the panel how Russell had failed to respond despite being sent reminders three times.

Forster cross-examined the first witness Nadia Vassell, the whereabouts officer and director of technical services at JADCO. According to the Jamaica Observer, Vassell told Forster that a first reminder was sent to Russell through a letter on July 6, 2015.

An extension was given to Russell to file his whereabouts by July 13, 2015. On July 20, Vassell sent another email to Russell asking him to file his whereabouts

by July 24.

According to the Observer the panel was likely to dispose of the case by October 7. (ESPN Cricinfo)

he Leeward Islands Hurricanes will run a near one-month camp prior to the start of the West Indies Cricket Board’s Professional Cricket League (PCL) regional Four Day cricket competition set for early November.

This was announced by President of the Leeward Islands Cricket Board (LICB) Enoch Lewis on Monday.

The move, Lewis said, would afford the team more opportunities to play cricket against quality opposition going into the start of the 10-match league.

“If I get three or four practice matches in before those tournaments, then I expect the team to select itself. I expect the players to select themselves by way of performance and so I am not going to take this excuse that I was not match ready. We’ve not done it before and I figure it is something we need to do because as it is right now, I believe most of the other territories are playing cricket and playing competitive … at least, maybe A side against B side and so on,” he said.

Hurricanes will be without five players for part of

Alzarri Joseph, who recently made his Test debut, is a key member of the Hurricanes squad

the PCL after they were drafted into various West Indies squads. Antiguan allrounder Rahkeem Cornwall, Anguillan wicketkeeper Jahmar Hamilton and Kittitian all-rounder Keiran Powell have all been selected for the West Indies A team’s tour of Sri Lanka starting this month.

Meanwhile, the Hurricanes will also lose young sensational Antiguan fast bowler Alzarri Joseph who has been called to the ODI squad for the first time and Trinidadian batsman Nicholas Pooran who has been selected in the T20 squad. The team, Lewis be-

lieves, will have the support based needed here to adequately prepare for the upcoming season.

“I am thinking that the best place for them to do that would be Antigua so my plans are to have a training camp in Antigua that probably runs, minimum, three weeks where they will play maybe three or four matches before the Four Day tournament starts,” he said.

The 2016/17 Professional Cricket League is slated to bowl off on November 11 when Leeward Islands will take on Barbados in their opening Four Day fixture.

(Antigua Observer)

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Jaguars Franchise League

Grimmond optimistic about team’s future A

fter two disappointing performance in their most recent encounters of the Jaguars Franchise League, coach of the Upper Demerara/ East Bank team Clive Grimmond is optimistic his team will respond in their upcoming matches positively.

According to Grimmond a more positive approach in his team future matches will bring the result he is looking for from his unit. “Besides our three academy players Steven Jacobs, Tevin Imlach and Sherfane Rutherford, we have a young unit who is new to three day cricket and as such they are yet to adapt to this longer format. However, there will be a more responsible and patient approach from us (the team) in future matches and that will bring us the result we are looking for.”

That approach, Grimmond believes has already begun to show itself judging from his team batting performance in the last innings of their clash

Clive Grimmond

against Lower Corentyne, where Sherfane Rutherford was spectacular with a century on a pitch that was difficult to bat on.

The coach labelled his team recent performance as naturally poor and blame the batting department which was not good enough for such display. “Our losses were due to naturally poor performances and our batting was very dismal”, the coach pointed out.

The Upper Demerara/ East Bank team’s campaign in the League was off to a good start as they won first innings advantage against Georgetown.

However,

since that game they have lost momentum and during that period they lost by more than a hundred runs to West Demerara, then suffered an innings defeat to Lower Corentyne. Their other game was abandoned due to wet Everest Cricket Club ground.

There are three more games remaining for East Bank and they must rebound to end on a positive note. This, according to Grimmond, could only be achieved if their batsmen stay at the crease for long periods since the bowling department is already intact.

The Upper Demerara/ East Bank team next assignment starts Friday against Upper Corentyne at the Enmore Community Development Centre Ground, once their batting department produce a substantial effort then it could be a very competitive encounter between the two sides that are in the cellar positions on the points standings.

Bakewell tennis tournament commences Saturday

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Deputy CEO of Bakewell Jacob Nanan (second from left) hands over the sponsorship cheque to GLTA representatives Nigel Niles in the presence of other GLTA members Christie Campbell (right) and Oswin Coggins (left)

T

he Bakewell Tennis Tournament has been given the green light for a third successive year as the Deputy CEO Jacob Nanan has continued his partnership with the Guyana Lawn Tennis Association to bring off the event.

The tournament is held in honour of the late Bakewell CEO Naeem Nasir and it coincide with his death anniversary. Competition will commence this weekend at the National Racquet Centre and continue for the next two weekends at the President’s College tennis courts then back to the National Racquet Centre.

The former CEO, Nasir

was a dedicated fan and supporter of sport, specifically tennis. “Bakewell” carrying on his legacy and continues to support the development of the sport.

Meanwhile the GTA is grateful that Bakewell has upheld their commitment to come on board as a long term sponsor stating that this is what the sport needs.

This tournament will help to determine which players are selected for the upcoming overseas tournament.

Some of last year’s top competitors including last year’s girls under 18 winner Afruica Gentle and runner up Aretta Dey, Boy’s under-14 winner Mark McDonald and runner up

Heimraj Resaul and Girls’ under 12 winner Sarah Klauky and runner up Nathalie Ramdyhan among many other fierce competitors like Nicola Ramdyhan, Jordan Beaton and Keenan Persaud.

Matches start on Saturday September 24 and will feature categories U12, U14 and U18 for boys and girls. The competition will run over three weekends with matches played at the National Racquet Centre from 8:30am to 4:00pm.

Some matches will also be played at the President’s College tennis courts which were built by Nasir during April 2010.

22

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

wednESday, september 21, 2016

Laparkan to crown new $128.9M contract inked cycling champ this weekend FIFA Forward Programme

for site preparation

Fierce competition is expected in the 12th annual Laparkan Holdings 11-race cycling programme

T From left: GFF Second Vice President Rawlston Adams, GFF First VP Bruce Lovell, Home Designs and Engineering Associates' Dwayne Ferdinanad, GFF President Wayne Forde, FIFA Developmental Officers Howard McIntosh and Anton Corneal with GFF PRO Debra Francis

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he Guyana Football Federation (GFF) on Tuesday inked a contract valued G$128,900,000. with Dwayne Ferdinand Home Designs and Engineering Associates for the commencement of preparatory work on the site set out to be the location of the Artificial Football field under the FIFA Forward Programme.

The new artificial football field will be located in Providence following a 30year lease of an 8.5 acre plot of land acquired by the GFF from the Eccles/ RamsburgNeighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC).

It was revealed that Dwayne Ferdinand Home Designs and Engineering Associates was successful out of an initial pool of four but shortlisted to two, alongside Courtney Benn Contracting Services and won the bid. The panel used to select the winning bid comprised of RabindranauthChandarpal, who served as the panel’s Chairman, Former National Sports Commissioner, Nigel Hinds and Guyana Olympic Association Committee member, Hector Edwards.

According to second

Vice-President of GFF, Rawlston Adams, “the work designated to Ferdinand was the removal of the top soil, putting on the construction white sand, laying the drainage pipes, and compacting the surface to the necessary specifications as well as fencing.”

President of the GFF, Wayne Forde acknowledged that this project has been long overdue.”

Speaking on behalf of the winning bidder, Ferdinand justified his company’s creditability, citing a number of projects they would have undertaken since the New Amsterdam based company got into business.

Among those projects included the New Amsterdam branch of Citizen’s Bank, Crab Island lifting, inter alia.

Additionally, the total cost of the entire project is in the vicinity of $250M but will be divided into a two stage project with the first stage being the preparation of the site and the second being the surfacing of the artificial field.

According to FIFA Development Officer, Howard McIntosh, all funds have been approved by FIFA

and this will be the first project in the Caribbean to initiate an artificial turf, showing a positive sign by Guyana in its commitment to the sport.

McIntosh also guaranteed that by this time next year, football will be played on the artificial surface in Guyana following the four month duration of the first stage and the second stage timing.

The Development Officer pointed out the fact that one of the main problems facing the sport in this part of the world was the ‘terrible surfaces’ that was unequipped to deal with the weather patterns, indicating that while one day may have play, rain can hamper the next day play. In essence, the new turf will be leading to a continuous play of the sport for the younger ones.

The location will also house the GFF as McIntosh went on to predict this to be the first of many to be established across Guyana and across the region with an eye on the development of the youths but currently, the main focus is on getting the first one done properly.

PCL to be reviewed

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fter just two full seasons of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Professional Cricket League (PCL) it was recommended that the League be reviewed.

The decision was made at the recent Board of Directors meeting on Saturday September 10.

Coming out of the meeting, the Board executives decided that an internal team has been mandated to assess the League, with a detailed look at technical, structural and marketing support for the Franchises.

The review should be available in six months to

coincide with the end of the 2016/2017 season, due to be completed in March next year. The third season of the PCL will start on November 11 and will feature the Region’s top crick-

eters. Guyana won the inaugural title in 2014/2015 then follow up by winning 2015/2016 edition. The tournament is used as the gateway tournament to the West Indies team.

he inner circuit of the National Park will become a cycling speedway where some of Guyana’s top cyclists will keep spectators engrossed as Laparkan Holdings Limited holds their 12th annual 11-race cycle programme on Saturday.

The day of events which is coordinated by National Cycling Coach, Hassan Mohamed in partnership with the Carlton Wheelers Cycle Club will have the first race ride off at 09:00h, it is expected that the cream of top riders across the country will turn out to the starting line in their numbers as they vie for the top spot in one of the more premier cycling events in Guyana Definitely there will be a new champion in the fea-

tured 35-lap School Boys and Invitational as 2015’s champion, Alonzo Greaves is suspended from the sport.

Greaves had been suspended for one year by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), after he failed an anti-doping test last year. Greaves was one of 10 cyclists who was identified by the Caribbean Regional Anti-Doping Organisation for random testing at the conclusion of the Tour of Guyana Five-Stage in November 2015. The 12-month period of ineligibility started on November 1, 2015 and ends on November 1, 2016.

The banned rider clocked one hour, 19 minutes, 21.47 seconds (01h: 19m: 21.47s) to win the event and this

year’s riders will have their eyes set on bettering that time.

With riders such as team Coco’s Junior Niles, Team Evolution’s Raul Leal and Michael Anthony, the race should have serious competition for the top honours.

Other winners from 2015 were Christopher Griffith in the 10-lap Juvenile race but Andrew Hicks would be looking to rise to the occasion, Shameer Baksh in the 5-lap Veterans U-50, Sean Budhan in the 5-lap Mountain Bike and Ronella Samuels in the 3-lap Boys and Girls.

Representatives of Laparkan will be present to distribute prizes to the respective winners.

Young guns inspire Windies to win in tour opener

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UBAI, United Arab Emirates, CMC West Indies defeated Emirates Cricket Board X1 by 22 runs in a warmup match before their first T20 International of a three-match series against Pakistan here on Tuesday.

New recruits to the West Indies T20 squad, Nicholas Pooran and Rovman Powell, inspired the innings with a half century partnership while Samuel Badree and Sunil Narine shared five wickets.

Badree and Narine conspired to erase a threatening partnership and swung the match firmly in West Indies way for them to eventually coast to an effortless win at the ICC Academy in Dubai.

Badree picked up three wickets for 20 runs while Narine grabbed two for 21 to restrict Emirates to 144 for six wickets from their 20 overs after West Indies posted 166 for seven.

West Indies, who won the toss and elected to bat, lost top order batsmen Evin Lewis, Andre Fletcher and Chadwick Walton cheaply but aggressive opener

Pooran and Powell were drafted into the T20 setup on the basis of outstanding batting performances in the fourth edition of the Caribbean Premier league earlier this year.

The West Indian score looked under threat when Mohammed Qasim, who carried most of the innings Johnson and S h a i m a n Charles Anwar, combined to put smashed on 73 for the third wicket 42 from in nine overs of batting 32 balls to together. keep the in- Nicholas Pooran But then Narine nings alive. and Badree struck in quick Charles’ innings includ- succession to stifle the ambied five fours and a six until tions of the homeside. he attempted to slog a flightNarine trapped Anwar ed ball from Ahmed Raza leg before for 31, and then on the on-side but got a top had Rameez Shahad for a edge for Raza to take a su- duck soon afterwards. perb running catch.

Badree, who had made West Indies were 74 for the initial breakthrough the loss of four wickets half- with two early scalps, then way through their innings returned to get the wicket when Pooran and Powell of Qasim, who danced down came together to kick-off the wicket to a flighted ball an explosive phase which but was neatly stumped by produced 55 runs in a fifth Andre Fletcher for a top wicket partnership. score of 46.

Pooran top scored with A last wicket stand of an undefeated 47 off just 23 33 by Laxman Sreekumar balls, in an innings which and Amjad Javed, who were include four fours and three unbeaten on 19 and 16 resixes while Powell scored spectively, was not enough 38 from 31 balls, hitting to rekindle the asking rate. three sixes and picking up a (Windiescricket) boundary.

guyana-times.com

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Providence pitch 50% complete – Xavier wednesday, september 21, 2016

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ollowing the decision to completely remake the four pitches at Guyana’s only international cricket venue, the Guyana National Stadium located at Providence, East Bank Demerara Stadium Manager, Anthony Xavier has indicated that the works are 50% completed.

Presently, the four pitches located on the square of the cricket field have been relayed and is in a setting phase.

Since the inaugural game, back in March 2007 when the stadium featured a World Cup match between Sri Lanka and South Africa, the pitch was the topic of much criticism on its slowness and lowness.

When Guyana Times Sport visited the Stadium, the recently laid dirt was being heavily soaked.

This comes after the old pitches were dug up and a fresh bed of stone and oth-

er materials were placed as part of the preparation process.

The overall outcome is to have a pitch that mirrors the practice pitches which provide a better bounce and slower deterioration rate when compared to its previous state.

It is no secret that while Guyana has a slow and low pitch, the outfield is one of the fastest drying in the world and if the works done on the pitch are to exceed expectations Guyana has the potential to be one of the most sought after grounds in the Caribbean.

Additionally, the works are expected to produce a consistent bounce and carry much to liking of both batsmen and bowlers.

According to Xavier there is no rush to hurry the works, but rather time is treated wisely to produce a world class product.

Xavier indicated, howev-

er, that the project is heading into one of the more tender stages, as the laying of the grass is a delicate and technical procedure but is confident that the project will be completed in October.

Additionally, finishing touches are also being done to the already 95 percent compete paint job to the external stairways of the stands.

The project is expected to be completed in time to facilitate Guyana’s hosting of West Indies Cricket Board’s Professional Cricket League Regional Four Day matches which begins in November.

The first match to be hosted in the new season is expected to be on November 11.

The pitches at Providence are renowned for its spin friendly conditions and quite often lead to low scoring affairs. The Providence stadium has a capacity of 15,000 making

The repainted exit stairways in the red stand

it one of the largest in the region.

It also is the home ground for the Guyana Amazon Warriors in the Caribbean Premier League.

Only Sri Lanka has managed to break the 400run mark at the world recognized ground all the way back in 2008.

It is no surprise that the

likes of Sunil Narine and Saeed Ajaml, both off spinners and former number one bowlers had dominated at Providence.

“Hit It For 50” school cricket

Several schools record wins in primary school cricket

BY ANDREW CARMICHAEL

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he Ministry of Education through the Department of Sport and National Sports Commission is hosting a wind ball cricket competition for primary schools across the country in observance of Education Month 2016.

The ‘Hit It For 50’ Primary Schools Wind ball Cricket tournament is being done in collaboration with AL Sport & Tour Promotions.

Ranald Mc Lennon 10. In reply, the defending champions were restricted to 23-2 to lose by 41 runs. Samuel Eastman top scored with 15.

Meanwhile, debutants New Amsterdam Primary lost their opening game to Saint Aloysius by nine runs.

Saint Aloysius batted first and made 41-2, Richard Bruce 18. New Amsterdam Primary turn in the middle were restricted to 32-0.

When the girls played, Edinburgh turned the ta-

Hall Estate Primary Boys after winning the toss and elected to take first strike made 18-4. Delon Hendore grabed 2 wicket bowling for Sheet Anchor who hit off the required runs in one over reaching 20 without loss to win by 10 wickets.

When the girls played the table was turned with Rose Hall Estate winning by nine wickets. Sheet Anchor Primary Girls batting first in their first appearance in the tournament after an

The Corentyne Zone started with prayers

In some results from the New Amsterdam Zone in Region Six (East Berbice/ Corentyne), defending champions Edinburgh Primary Boys, fell to All Saints

ble around on All Saints.

Batting first, Edinburgh girls 43-0, Latisha Nagaswar made 23 runs, all coming in singles, Tracy Caesar 10 also in singles. All Saints were re-

absence of more than ten years, made 20-1. Rose Hall Estate Primary Girls in reply reached their target just losing one wicket.

Meanwhile, the Central

The schools that participated in the New Amsterdam zone

Primary.

Sent in to bat, All Saints 64-1 off their allotted 5 overs with Nicqual Samuels 45,

stricted to 31-1, with Ashanti Leitch 22, (2x6, 2x4) to fall 12 runs short.

In the Canje zone, Rose

Corentyne zone was played at the Bush Lot Farm Ground.

In that zone, Kildonan and Mc Gowan Primary Girls

played to a tie in the only girls game possible. Both schools scored 36 off their allotted five overs.

The boys saw Yakasary Primary losing to Mc Gowan by eight wickets. Scores; Yakasary Primary batting first, 30-4, Vishwoonauth Mangru 10. Abdul Mohamed grabbed 3-7 bowling for Mc Gowan who reply with 34-2, A Mohamed top scored with 11. Alness Primary Boys lost by nine runs when they

were limited to 29-2 replying to Auchlyne Boys 38-1, Dion Schuiers 14, Stephens Reddi 12 (3x4).

Kildonan beat Johanna Primary y nine wickets in a high scoring encounter. Johanna Primary batted first and got to 733, Parsham Singh 20 and Karamchand Bhola 18.

Kildonan 74-1, Samuels Sandy 30, Randy George 29.

Johanna Primary in their second game made 46-3

against Mibicuri Primary.

Yashwant Gobin 16, (3x6) and Joshua Ramjeet 11.

Rickie Bissoon took 2 wickets bowling for Mibicuri. In reply, Mibicuri were restricted to 43-2, Rickie Bissoon 25, Emmanuel Gaindilall 10.

Karamchand Bhola picked up 2 wickets for Johanna Primary. Meanwhile, play will continue during the month in Region Six, Region Five, Region Four, Region Three, and Georgetown.

wednESday, september 21, 2016

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

Pg 23

Providence pitch 50% complete - Xavier The next stage for the Providence square is the planting of grass (Romario Samaroo photo)

FIFA Forward Programme

$128.9M contract inked for site preparation

Pg 22

Moving forward: GFF President Wayne Forde (centre) hands over the contract to Home Designs and Engineering Associates’ Dwayne Ferdinand

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