Guyana Times Daily - July 9, 2015

Kaieteur News scandalises CPL

thursday, july 9, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

Two-man protest staged against illegal Venezuela decree

– Guyanese urged to stand together, speak out against claims

By Dennis GlasGow

Atwo-man protest was staged on Brickdam, Georgetown on Wednesday against the new illegal decree issued by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro which threatens Guyana’s territorial integrity and maritime sovereignty.

The protest was held by Guyanese socio-political activists Don Gomes and Dennis Atwell who said they would not stand idly by as citizens and allow the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela

Guyana and it will remain part of Guyana, and I am pledging as a Guyanese to protect Essequibo by any means necessary.”

Atwell claimed that he had written the Government and the Opposition urging them to come out and protest in their numbers and show Venezuela that Guyana was standing against them in unity.

He quickly added “this is not about people being APNU or AFC or PPP, this is about Guyana and we all have to stand together in one voice”.

bring out the people in their thousands to show that Guyana has no intentions of backing down.

“With all due respect, His Excellency President Granger has not yet made any address to the people of the Guyana. I think that by now, there should be an address to the nation.”

He added that his aim was not to whip up fear among the people, but they needed to be informed by the Government so that they would make effective decisions on the issue.

“We are a peaceful people and

to threaten this country’s sovereignty in any shape or form.

During the protest exercise, Atwell said that he was appalled by the passive response from Guyanese to what he deemed a very vexatious and serious issue given the content of the illegal decree which was made public over the weekend after it was issued by Maduro in Venezuela.

“I feel very much outraged by these statements coming out of Caracas by His Excellency, the President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela that lay claim to our territory,” Atwell, who is a native of Essequibo, said passionately. “Essequibo is part of

Atwell said that he wrote the political stakeholders asking that they come out on July 3 to stand in solidarity with him and they did not show up or respond to his messages.

He is now left to wonder “whether or not these people are really interested in the affairs of Guyana”.

Message to Government

Atwell believes “more needs to be done” and though the President himself is taking the issue seriously, he believes that the other Government officials should address this matter as a “serious threat”.

He wants the Government to

we want to maintain peace; however, we ought to be educated about all issues relating to Venezuela’s MADNESS of claiming our Essequibo and our waters, because when you are educated about anything in life you are better able to make informed choices.”

He urged people to “wake up and smell the coffee, because Cheddi Jagan and Forbes Burnham have fought for this country and worked tirelessly, even to the last days of their lives for Guyana. They have delivered Guyana to us and I am grateful to them, but we must not sit idly by and allow this to pass, because if they take Essequibo then you take away Guyana and we are sitting too quiet”.

Taxi driver beaten, robbed –

car hijacked along Mandela Avenue

By Jillica PinDer

Twenty-four-year-old

Jonathan Gordon is alleging that he was beaten and robbed on Wednesday morning while plying his trade as a taxi driver attached to the Gem’s Taxi Service.

Gordon, speaking during an interview with Guyana Times on Thursday, said that the incident occurred at 12:30h when he stopped to pick up three male passengers who were destined for Lamaha Springs, Greater Georgetown.

He said that on his way to that location, one of the passengers asked to be dropped off at Mandela Avenue and Meadow Brook Drive and he complied with the request.

When the first man exited the vehicle, he came over to the driver’s window and started looking for change. He then told his friend that he did not have change and that he should pay.

Gordon stated that as he turned to collect the cash from the second person who was on his left side in the front seat of his vehicle, the man on the outside of the vehicle leaned in, turned off the car, and took the key out of the ignition after which he proceeded to punch Gordon about his face.

The young man stated that the third man who was sitting behind him reached forward and held him in a chokehold.

After the beating, the group tied his hands together and pulled his shirt up to cover his face.

The man who had previously exited the vehicle returned, started the car, and drove off with Gordon tied and held hostage in his own vehicle.

He said he heard one of the men mention that they were going into B Field Sophia.

He added that the man who was sitting on his left told him that he would be shot if he moved or made any noise.

Gordon further mentioned that a fourth person later joined the vehicle after some time.

He suggested that this new assailant might be someone he knew or someone who knew him, as he was very keen on making sure that he was properly bound and that the t-shirt was fixed properly on his face before he entered the vehicle,

and told the men to cut the seatbelts and secure his legs also.

The group, at gunpoint, asked him for money. He told them the money was in the car and that was all he had. He stated that one of the persons told him to “walk with more money next time”, if he knew what was good for him.

After another severe beating, the men then proceeded to throw him over a fence before driving away. Gordon said that he did not move until he was sure that the men were gone, after which he untied himself and removed the blind-

Jonathan Gordon’s back after he received the beating on Wednesday

fold. He noted that that was when he realised he was Ogle on the East Coast of Demerara. Gordon said he walked to a nearby Shell Gas Station, explained to the security guard what happened, and asked him for a phone call.

The guard then told him that they should have killed him and refused to lend him a phone.

He shared that he then made his way along the seawall, intending to head to town when he saw a Police patrol and flagged them down. After he explained the situation, the officers dropped him at the East La Penitence Police Outpost as the incident had happened out of their jurisdiction.

An investigation of the matter is ongoing.

Don Gomes and Dennis Atwell protesting in the rain at Brickdam

thursday, july 9, 2015 |

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Thursday, July 9 – 11:00h-12:30h and Friday, July 10 – 12:30h-14:00h

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Thursday, July 9 – 10:20h-11:50h and Friday, July 10 – 11:40h-13:10h

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Thundery to heavy rain showers can be expected throughout the morning and afternoon, with thundery showers expected in the evening over coastal regions and near inland locations. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East to North-easterly between 2.68 metres and 4.02 metres per second.

High Tide: 10:28h and 23:00h reaching maximum heights of 2.38 metres and 2.40 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 03:57h and 16:26 reaching minimum heights of 0.80 metre and 0.84 metre respectively.

Muckraking journalism...

Kaieteur News scandalises CPL

n a totally unwarranted attack against Dr Ranjisinghi Ramroop, Chairman of the NEW GPC INC, which owns the Guyana Amazon Warriors T-20 cricket team, the Kaieteur News (KN) continued the vendetta it launched since 2008, when the Guyana Times newspaper was founded. In a screaming front page headline on Wednesday, the KN claimed

that Finance Minister Winston Jordan said the “Govt will not pay Ramroop’s $100M CPL invoice”. In the story, however, there is no direct quote from the Finance Minister making that scurrilous charge. When contacted by Guyana Times, Minister Jordan said flatly, “I did not make any such statement. I do not know Dr Ramroop. I referred to an invoice from the Caribbean Premier League.”

CPL

Asked for a comment on the allegation, Dr Ramroop said, “The people running the Kaieteur News are either totally ignorant about the nature of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) or they are up to their usual sensationalisation to sell papers. The CPL is an overseas-based corpora-

tion. It was made clear when the CPL was launched that it is an independent corporation based overseas that has allocated seven franchises – originally six – to various territories. This information is even on Wiki! If they do not have reporters that understand how business operates, they could have gone online. We only own the Guyana Amazon Warriors – not the CPL and I am sure that the Finance Minister did not make the assertion the KN claims he did.”

The Wikipedia article Dr Ramroop alluded to states: “On December 13, 2012, the [West Indies Cricket Board] WICB announced that they had finalised an agreement with Ajmal Khan, Founder of Verus International, a Barbadosbased merchant bank, for the funding of the new franchisebased Twenty20 league to be launched in 2013. It was then expected that the new Caribbean Premier League was likely to comprise six Caribbean city-based franchises as opposed to the current territorial set-up, with the majority of the players are to come from the West Indies. As part of the agreement, the WICB will receive additional funding from Verus International for additional retainer contracts for players in addition to the 20 annual retainer contracts the Board currently funds.”

Benefits

What is also significant is the substantial investment made by individual franchisees, such as the Guyana Amazon Warriors, that impact on the economy and society. If for instance the NEW GPC had not made the investment on the cricket team, Guyana could have reaped none of the benefits it has and will continue to enjoy. By sponsoring four local young Guyanese

cricketers to be with the team, while offering them remuneration, it is an investment in developing local talent that benefits the nation and ultimately, the Region.

Because the NEW GPC is a unit of Queens Atlantic Investment Incorporated (QAII) which also owns a full media house – television, radio and press – the Warriors have also benefited from a tremendous amount of publicity which from an opportunitycost standpoint, costs the franchisee millions of dollars which go unmentioned. The CPL was able to attract as investors a multinational corporation like Hero and mega Bollywood Stars like Shah Rukh Khan, has been a boost to the image of the entire Caribbean as an investment destination.

Payments by Governments

But in terms of the payments by the Guyana Government to the CPL, this is in line with similar payments made by other participating Caribbean territories for the concrete benefits provided by the tournament, in addition to the invaluable val-

ue of bringing together the people of the Caribbean. All Governments understand the benefits of publicity for their tourism industry, even if the KN does not.

The CPL has since launched two widely successful tournaments in the Caribbean during 2013 and 2014, which was broadcast across the cricket playing world, reaching an audience of 800 million people. The third tournament is presently underway. An independent Economic Impact Study revealed last December that the Caribbean Premier League injected into the Caribbean region’s economy a whopping US$166 million during the 2014 tournament. This injec-

tion was a significant increase of 58 per cent, compared to the tournament’s economic impact in 2013.

Findings in the report showed:

* Incremental spend by regional and international fans totalled US$47.4 million (excluding accommodation and airfare)

* An estimated 217,176 regional and international spectators watched CPL 2014 live

* The international TV

audience increased to 65 million in 2014 from 36 million in 2013, with 29 broadcasters from around the world airing the games live

* Over 21,500 international visitors (approximately 10 per cent of total spectators), attended CPL 2014, spending US$7.9 million

* Thousands of new jobs were created in tourism and travel across the Region by CPL and more than 156,000 jobs positively impacted

* The tournament’s high profile international broadcast media campaign (which encouraged tourism in the Region) generated US$4.47 million in advertising value

The study conducted by SMG-Insight/YouGov showed a breakout across each of the eight markets as follows:

* Antigua and Barbuda –US$13.8 million

* Barbados – US$28.7 million

* Grenada – US$13.3 million

* Guyana – US$24.5 million

* Jamaica – US$25.1 million

* St Kitts and Nevis –US$26.3million

* St Lucia – US$13.9 million

* Trinidad and Tobago –US$21.1 million

Kaieteur News Publisher Glenn Lall

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

Tourism Minister Cathy Hughes

thursday, july 9, 2015

Editor: Nigel Williams

Tel: 225-5128, 231-0397, 226-9921, 226-2102, 223-7230 or 223-7231. Fax: 225-5134

Mailing address: 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown

Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, sales@guyanatimesgy.com

Editorial

Sports and the Caribbean

The term "Third World" became popular after WWII and served to distinguish the industrially developed countries of Western Europe and the USA ("First World") from the Soviet Union and its allies ("Second World"), with which they were locked in a "Cold War". The rest of the world, which were generally colonies of the European "First World", were lumped together as the "Third World". They were mostly poor and underdeveloped and looked to the two other blocs for their model of development.

The tussle between the first two blocks was over ideology – capitalism versus communism – but the competition was waged over economics, culture and every facet of human endeavour, including sports. Sports in the First World was very advanced in its methods of training and conditioning of athletes. Just before WWII Germany under Hitler had tried to prove that the Germans were a superior race through the production of superior athletes but had been embarrassed at the 1936 Olympic Games.

After WWII the Soviet Union and its allies in the Second World also tried to prove their superiority through sports. They initiated a programme that identified athletically gifted children at a very early age and placed them in special schools focusing on specific sports. The results were spectacular and in the Olympics from the 1950's an ever increasing number of medals were won by this bloc.

In the Caribbean there was also an urge to prove we were as good at our colonial rulers – especially after independence. During the colonial period, sports was introduced into the school curriculum and also at the national level, but here mostly through private clubs and organisations. In the Cold War struggle, sports became one of the areas in which the two blocs tried to win allegiance for their system, in the Third World.

In the Caribbean, not having the resources of the larger countries, Cuba initially became the first Caribbean country to produce world class athletes. Its athletic programme wa=s based on the Soviet model, since that country was also its economic model. But notwithstanding its paucity of resources it made big strides in several international sports –three notable ones being track and field, soccer, and boxing.

Cricket is the pre-eminent West Indian sport, even though it is fast being overtaken by soccer at the youth level. Introduced by the British, after WWII West Indians consciously viewed the sport as an opportunity to "beat the British at their own game". And beat them the West Indies did – becoming the world champions in all three variants of the game in the last four decades. While the WI cricket team is at a low ebb right now, the Caribbean Premier League T-20 team is professionalised to the standards of the developed countries.

In track and field, the WI has also made its made its mark in the world and presently it can boast that the fastest man in the world, Usain Bolt. Track and field had been on the curriculum of schools since the colonial days and this has continued into the present. West Indians began winning medals in this sport from the seventies in the Olympics and their success encouraged the local governments to establish athletic stadia to go along with the ones long dedicated to Cricket.

In soccer and boxing, the West Indies have not been as successful as at cricket and track and field but they have done credibly in the world competitions, considering their relatively small populations. Individual athletes have made it to the sports' official rankings and with the recent building of football stadia, the sport should continue to grow. Boxing, on the other hand, is seen a more of an outlet for inner city youths, to steer them away from the criminal path. It has its ups and downs.

Unquestionably, sports have made a great impact on the Caribbean and the Caribbean in turn, has also made its mark on world sports.

Dr Bheri Ramsarran should not be in Parliament

Dear Editor,

One would think that barely a few months after an intensely fought election, coupled with a loss of political power and serious introspection as to the reasons for their predicament, the PPP leaders would show signs of emerging as a reformed and reinvigorated political entity. We will have to wait to see how events will be played out and how the PPP leaders will deal with the issues of the day when it takes up its place in Parliament, before making a judgment on the latter. However, the question that begs a response is the issue of reformation of

Dear Editor,

Ever since the emergence of politics as a science, personal, political and ideological attacks often by political opponents have become a characteristic feature of its everyday praxis.

Such attacks were usually because of strong ideological, tactical and strategic differences especially among political leaders. In many instances, these differences arose due to personality incompatibilities and the deprivation of personal expectations.

In the case of Guyana, political rivalries began with the split in the PPP in 1955. At first, it was based on strategic and tactical differences at the leadership level of the party. These differences later manifested themselves ideologically.

Burnham, leader of the PNC was described by the Americans as an opportun-

the PPP which still has a number of major hurdles to overcome, including legal issues and continuing accusations of corruption and graft while in office.

Having said this, I am baffled as to the inclusion of some of the former Ministers on the list of Members of Parliament submitted by the party, particularly former Health Minister Dr Bheri Ramsarran, whose resignation many Guyanese, including myself, had called for. Either the PPP is intent on creating HariKari or it is setting the stage for its defeat in future elections, rather than focusing

ist, racist and a demagogue intent only on personal power while Jagan was deemed the “the communist" who wanted to make Guyana a “second Cuba”.

The long term effect of the split was that the Guyanese body-politic became deeply polarised and firmly entrenched along party lines dominated by the PPP and the PNC.

The struggle for political power between the two parties was manifested in the racial clashes of the early 1960s and the struggle against PNC dictatorial rule and for free and fair elections from 1968 to 1992.

Today, regardless of what its adversaries might say, the PPP is still the PPP and for electoral purposes is in an alliance with a civic component. The PNC for its part has virtually embedded itself in an amorphous alliance calling itself the APNU.

on rebuilding the party and dealing with the problems that plague the organization. If, only a few months ago Ramsarran was declared unfit for holding public office and was relieved of that high-ranking position, what makes him now qualified or eligible to serve in the highest lawmaking body in the country? It is inconceivable by many that Dr. Ramsarran is considered for political office, given his recent outbursts towards rights activist Sherlina Nageer, followed by revelations of other instances of what could be described as lewd conduct.

Both Jagan and Burnham are long dead but their followers in the PPP and PNC respectively continue to hold strongly to their legacy with some changes here and there.

Up to the late 1960s while Jagan was alive he was pilloried almost every day for his allegiance to Marxism but by the early 1990s changes, though not fundamental, began to take shape within the PPP. Jagan was proposing that the PPP should "think globally and act locally" his new thinking was captured in the call for a New Global Human Order.

As regards his relationship with the political and social forces at home and abroad Dr Jagan advanced the view that the PPP must endeavour to "walk between the raindrops". This was his way of advising the party how to manage its domestic and foreign policy if it was to

Parliament is a forum where, in theory, honorable men and women interact, share ideas, compromise and decide on public policy that will eventually influence the political culture and move the country forward. How awkward would it be for Dr. Ramsarran to participate in national issues, for instance, those issues affecting women. This is one of many issues the PPP leadership needs to address. More importantly, the party owes its supporters, and the nation an explanation.

Respectfully, Dr Baytoram Ramharack

survive politically.

There are important lessons to be drawn from these historical antecedents. At every stage of its struggle to advance its cause the PPP was confronted with new situations, new challenges. Take 1953, when the party was removed from office due to the suspension of the Constitution by the colonial powers, there were some in its leadership at the time, who made the accusation that it was the application of incorrect strategy and tactics that led to the removal of the party from Government and subsequently, the split in 1955 resulting in the emergence of the PNC.

Those who leveled the accusation and subsequently broke away from the PPP justified their actions claiming that the party had “lost its way.”

A wild bull leaps over revellers into the bull ring after the second running of the bulls of the San Fermin festival in Pamplona, northern Spain, July 8. One runner was gored in the run that lasted two minutes and 14 seconds, according to local media (Reuters/Joseba Etxaburu)

Political manoeuvres to end Opadeyi’s tenure at UG

Dear Editor,

Are there pre-emptive political manoeuvres to end Professor Jacob Opadeyi’s tenure as Vice Chancellor and Principal of the University of Guyana (UG)? Professor Opadeyi was carefully selected by the UG Council after an elaborate recruitment and selection process almost three years ago.

Since his assumption of duty in February 2012, Professor Opadeyi has dedicated himself to the cause of the University, to lift its professional and academic standards, and to promote general improvement of the University environment. It is therefore disturbing and unfortunate to see statements in the media emanating in a so called ‘no confidence’ vote against the Vice Chancellor from the leadership of University of Guyana

Senior Staff Association on June 24, 2015.

Dr Rupert Roopnaraine, Minister of Education, a distinguished Scholar and Academic at UG for many years, a member of the outgoing UG Council who was fully involved in the recruitment and selection committee which unanimously recommended to UG Council, and which Council unanimously approved the appointment of Professor Opadeyi, was quoted as saying in Guyana Times of June 28, 2015 “he hopes that the Vice Chancellor would do the ‘right thing’ and remove himself from the position in which he was clearly not wanted” Professor Opadeyi, no doubt must be thinking “et tu Rupert?”

Clearly not wanted by whom? The vocal minority?

The campaigners and voters

as quid pro quo for the head for the Professor, like that of John the Baptist on a silver platter for the dancing damsel of the UGSSA?

The Demerara Waves stated stated this week that “Education Minister Rupert Roopnaraine told Demerara Waves on Monday, July 6, that Griffith has applied for the post and after proper screening and the functioning of the University’s Council a decision will be made, Griffith is among several prominent persons who have applied for the job, but sources said things are looking bright in his direction”. Indeed, this is a matter for the University Council. But there is no vacancy for Vice Chancellor. The outgoing Council (whose tenure ended on June 30, 2015) authorised NO such advertisement for the position of Vice Chancellor

in the local and foreign media as is the established policy for the position of Vice Chancellor and other senior positions at UG. When such a vacancy is advertised and applications are received, it is followed by agreed criteria for short listing by a representative panel of the Council, an agreed recruitment process, and agreed criteria and weighting for the interview and selection.

Professor Opadeyi is the current Vice Chancellor whose first contract goes to the end of February 2016 with the option for a renewal for another term of three years on satisfactory evaluation. His valiant efforts at improving the University merits continuity with another term.

Yours sincerely,

Samuel J Goolsarran

Parents still awaiting back to school vouchers

Dear Editor, I have two children still in school and every year I look out for the Government’s School Uniform Voucher to help with the family’s back to school expense in the new school year. But this year we have received nothing and the teachers have indicated that they too have received no update from the Ministry of Education about the school vouchers.

Rumours have it that there is no money left to distribute and that the previous Government was so corrupt that the cupboards were left bare. Well, even if this was the case, there was somehow still enough left for the ordinary people to get benefits.

I am afraid that parents will now have to find their own financial means of procuring school uniforms, books and everything else just so that this new Government can prove a point by trying to justify their accusation of how much the PPP/C stole. What is becoming clear is that the coalition promised change and we were fooled into thinking that they meant change for the better.

Shanie Jagessar

Carl Parker is unfit to be Regional Executive Officer (REO)

Dear Editor, Unbehalf of all concerned residents of Lethem and St Ignatius of Region Nine, I wish to bring to your attention and of the general public of our dissatisfaction on the appointment of Carl Anthony Parker as Acting Regional Executive Officer of the Regional Democratic Council of Region Nine and also the way in which this transition took place after the General and Regional Elections here in our region.

The fact that Carl Anthony Parker is the proposed Acting Regional

Executive Officer raised alarms and fear among persons within the communities, since the behaviour and attitude of this individual is well known by all, given the fact that he served as a public servant in several regions and was dismissed by the Public Service as a result of his corruption and unacceptable behaviour. This individual also served as a member of the Guyana Defence Force and was relieved of duties for irregularities.

Mr Editor, we the concerned residents are humbly asking the Honourable

Minister of Communities and President David Granger to reconsider and recheck the filthy files of Carl Anthony Parker before he brings embarrassment to the respective Ministries and Government as a whole.

Finally, Region Nine is blessed with competent persons who can serve in this capacity and also persons with excellent qualities, especially young people with great potential in the Regional Administration, rather than Carl Anthony Parker who is familiar with the entire system and knows how to cheat

it.

We call on the relevant authorities to remedy this.

Why is it that President Granger didn’t allow Carl Greenidge to resume a position of Minister of Finance?

The answer is evident since all Guyanese know that it’s because he is unfit for it. So why is it then that Carl Anthony Parker was elected for Regional Executive Officer whereas he is a rather capricious and corrupt individual?

Is that change?

Regards, Ryan Da Silva Jose

Carl Parker is abusing Regional assets

Dear Editor, I read a letter in the SN (Friday, July 3, 2015) titled “the PPP is uncomfortable with the fact that Carl Parker knows the system”, signed by one Carlton Beckles.

One should know that Carl Parker, the acting Regional Executive Officer (REO) of the Rupununi, Region Nine is already frustrating the work of the new Regional Democratic Council (RDC). The RDC wrote Parker requesting the allocation of two vehicles so as to carry out their work in the vast Rupununi region. Parker gave the RDC an old vehicle which cannot even transport chickens.

Parker at the moment is using the RDC’s vehi-

cle given by the Office of the President now known as the Ministry of the Presidency. The Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan must see to it that this vehicle is returned to the RDC. Not doing this means that the Minister is encouraging Parker with his known corruptible tendencies in the region. This he has already started where he is currently abusing the property of the RDC.

Beckles in his letter said that “the nine Councillors on the RDC for the PPP are planning to move a motion of no confidence in the Regional Executive Officer, Carl Parker”. However, the nine Councillors are definitely not wrong since Parker is hell-bent on frustrating the

work of the Region Nine RDC which the PPP/C won at the May 2015 elections. Beckles knows this very well. So bring on the motion of no confidence in Parker.

It is known in Lethem that Beckles and Parker are two good friends and both are political activists of the PNCled APNU. In fact Parker and Beckles are on the Region Nine candidates list. Parker is also on the Region Nine geographical constituency list (No 3) for the APNU+AFC coalition. They both campaign for the APNU+AFC coalition and lost.

So the PPP is not concerned about Parker knowing about any alleged system. What the PPP is concerned about is the fact that the Minister of Communities autocratically removed Regional

Later, in 1964, when the Party lost the elections after being "in office but not in power" for seven years , the ultra-leftists and the ultrarightists in the PPP at the time claimed that the party lost power because it did not push through with its "prosocialist agenda" and that it "under-estimated the racial factor in the society."

Again, to those who championed these views the cry for the second time was that "the party had lost its way."

When the PPP decided to transform itself from "a loose mass party to a disciplinedtype of party" the ultra-rightists and liberal democrats inside and outside the PPP at the time raised their voices in protest and condemned the party for adopting a proSoviet model which was unsuitable to our local conditions. Once again, for the third time the PPP “had lost its way".

In 1973, when the PPP adopted the political line of "civil resistance and non-cooperation" with the PNC dictatorship the party came under attack from ultra-leftists in and out of the party at the time for not going far enough. They called for armed struggle. When the party rejected the call as adventurist we were attacked and the cry for the fifth time was that we "had lost our way.”

The party "lost its way" for the sixth time in 1974 when it adopted the position of "critical support" for the progressive measures adopted by the PNC but critical of its reactionary policies. The liquidationists in the leadership of the party at the time wanted us to extend "unconditional support" to the PNC while the racist elements inside and outside the PPP accused the party of "selling out the East Indians to the PNC" as far as both camps were concerned we had "lost our way".

office, has simplistically “lost its way." To the armchair theorists so long as you have lost political power you have lost your way. (Sic!) This brings us more specifically to www. conversationtree.gy. If there is one political leader in today's PPP who has come under attack more than any other it is Bharat Jagdeo. Jagan did come under severe attack in his time even when he was President of the Republic. Recall the infamous accusation of him being racist following a speech he delivered in Toronto, Canada at the Travelodge Hotel.

In Jagdeo›s case, he is deemed "corrupt and racist" by some in the media, while other politicians has seen him as having an “insatiable ego”, “greed for the limelight”, and that he “practices methods of abuse, control and sycophancy.” Another failed politician called him a “coolie bully.”

It is on the basis of these ad hominem attacks and primarily because of the deprivation personal ambitions we are told in absolute terms that the PPP has been “shattered by defeat”, “made the most egregious blunder in its entire history” and "killed the dream of unity". What a poverty stricken and unscientific analysis coming as it were from Fukuyama’s local mimic men who see no further than their noses.

The PPP has decided that Jagdeo will be the Leader of the Opposition but the mere proposition of that coming to pass has triggered the ire of the intellectual skunks who premise their entire wobbly analysis on personal hatred and the starry figment of imagination instead of the solid ground of reality.

Officers from their jobs and appointed political activist and campaigner Carl Parker as the acting REO for Region Nine. I challenge Beckles to do his home-work. He must find out exactly from Carl Parker, why he had to run out from Aishalton village when he was a District Development Officer (DDO) and why when he was an Assistant Regional Executive Officer (AREO) and Deputy Regional Executive Officer (DREO) he failed to achieve the status of an REO for Region Nine. If Beckles is unable to do his home-work and needs help, I can willingly assist him.

Yours sincerely, P Antone

Throughout the 1968 to 1992 period while the PPP was in the political wilderness struggling for free and fair elections, the party was accused of "losing its way" because the dominant view at the time by some in and out of the party at the time that there was no way the PNC would concede free and fair elections to the PPP and therefore the party should resort to «any means possible» to win political power. This was the eight occasion on which the party was supposed have to "lost its way."

When Walter Rodney emerged on the political scene and the WPA was in its heyday, the PPP while supportive of the WPA opted for a different tactical approach to fight the PNC. There were many in and out of the party at the time who accused the PPP of having "lost its way" and saw the WPA as leading force.

“The way” is interpreted by some to mean the road to political power and the benefits to be derived therefrom. Accordingly, the PPP, notwithstanding that on May 11, 2015 it was cheated out of

What Jagdeo is accused of by the usual suspects is exactly what they are guilty of viz: having the answers to everything!

An attack on Jagdeo is an attack of the PPP and its thousands of supporters. It is an insult to the leaders and the entire membership of the PPP to describe them as "sycophants" as if they can’t think for themselves and oppose reactionary views and ideas. More so, to view our new MPs as "window dressing" and on their way to Parliament to "bury the dream of unity" as if unity is a one way street on which the PPP alone must traverse or like Sisyphus must keep carrying the burdensome stone upwards.

Contrary to those who say that the PPP has "lost its way" it is they who have lost their way in the ravines of political alienation, selfishness and delusions of grandeur.

History will absolve the PPP. And like Arnold Schwarzenegger said; “I’ll be back...” meaning the PPP. Work has already begun in this direction. Stay tuned!

Clement Rohee, General Secretary PPP/C

Page Foundation

By Sandra Flear

When we became parents, most of us had no idea that we would need to master the art of handling stress. Nurturing children is a job that’s best done with ample and relaxed support – several committed people taking a variety of roles to see that each person in the family is

their lives good. Couple this singular dedication with the lack of information, mentors, help, pay, respite, and daily encouragement, and you get hard times!

With adequate support, we’d have the help we needed to enjoy our children so much more thoroughly. We would worry less and play more. We’d be freer to anticipate difficulties, and to solve

able to thrive. But most of us find ourselves more or less alone as we care for our children. This isolation almost guarantees that we will encounter more stress in the work of parenting than in any other work we’ll ever do.

Our children’s behaviour isn’t the core reason parenting is stressful, although it almost always feels that way. We’re stressed because we love our children deeply and are determined to make

them as they came along.

The things that most upset us are usually connected to “hot buttons” that were established when we were young. If, for instance, you are a parent who grew up in a very strict family, where you and your siblings were yelled at and punished when you roughhoused, then a “hot button” was set up for you around physical play and laughter. As much as you want your children

to play freely, you’ll find it stressful when they romp through the house. It will be hard to join them in the fun. The buried memories of punishment and blame will make you stiff or distant. You might be prone to anger, or, so as not to explode, you might isolate yourself, develop a headache, or reach for coffee or a cigarette to numb the edginess that bubbles up.

We call this triggering of stored hurt that landed on us in childhood “restimulation.” When you realise that your history as a child can set you up for bad feelings as a parent, even though nothing hurtful is happening, you’ve taken a big step! This awareness helps you stop blaming yourself and your children for how you feel. You have more power to lower your daily level of upset and unhappiness, because you can figure out:

• what events in your childhood planted that stress in you;

• what triggers in your present life you want to disarm;

• what reactions you have under stress that you want to change, so that you don’t pass the stress on to your children.

There are three basic strategies that can help you tackle hard times in parenting.

• Move your mind away from the bad feelings that

have been triggered.

• Release the feelings that bubble up, so that over time, you carry fewer stored feelings to trouble you.

• Head off the restimulation before it builds up.

Here are some experiments you might try with each of these strategies.

short walk or a drink of water. You can take a shower, fix a bath (for you or for them), or simply stop trying to do whatever you were trying to do when stress built up. Don’t fold the mountain of laundry, put on music and pick up the beat. Pour yourself a big glass of water, sit, sip, and pet the cat. Throw a

• Stop and concentrate on your breath. Many people find that stopping for a few minutes to focus on their breath is a great tension-breaker. For some of us, taking a short time to do this at the beginning of the day or at some other regular time helps keep our tension

Move your mind away from the upset

• Change the scene. There are many ways of doing this. You can gather up the children and take a walk, or if they’re fighting in the car, you can stop the car and all get out for a

pile of blankets and pillows on the floor, and watch the children make burrows and tunnels, instead of cooking a hot meal. Cottage cheese and carrots will do. If you feel the need to cry as you give yourself permission to take a break, it’s smart. Go ahead.

load manageable. It’s a way of giving respect to yourself, which you richly deserve.

• Exercise. Many parents find that they feel more in charge of their lives when they manage to exercise. Walk, jump rope, dance to your favourite music with your children, find an exercise video at Goodwill, do some stretches, give your children “airplane rides” or play tag around the house with them. Find some simple way to insert exercise into your busy life. Our bodies are meant to move!

• Cuddle. Even when you feel upset with your children’s behaviour, it’s a good idea to a break for a cuddle or to sit together on the sofa. Simple touch can remind you that you love them (and remind them that they love you). The feel of their skin, the curl of their hair, the warmth of their bodies in your lap can sometimes break the hold that stress has on them and on you, too.

• Lie down on the floor. Sometimes children get locked into opposing us at every turn. Sometimes we respond by trying to control their behaviour minute to minute. These power struggles temporarily rub out our feelings of love for our children. So when you notice that you’ve been issuing orders and they’ve been resisting, stop. Lie down on the floor. You don’t need any explanation. Just lie down. (handinhandparenting.org)

thursday, july 9, 2015 |

Guyana-Venezuela rice deal collapses

– thousands of farmers could be affected

By Gomatie GanGadin

Thousands of farmers are expected to be affected over the coming months as the Venezuelan Government has refused to renew the rice trade agreement with Guyana, leading to the virtual collapse of the entire deal which ends November this year.

The historic rice deal sealed by the previous People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government with the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela several years ago saw Guyana receiving oil

in exchange for rice.

Speaking to Guyana Times on Wednesday, Finance Minister Winston Jordan said that during the PetroCaribe Ministerial Council Meeting which was held in Venezuela last week, the country indicated that it would not renew the agreement which comes to an end in November of this year.

He noted that this was a result of the fact that Venezuela would be taking rice from Suriname and as such, did not require the large amount which was currently being sent from Guyana.

“They said that they had communicated that to the former Administration that they will not be renewing the contract and they still stand by that,” he said.

Jordan, however, said that the country has indicated that it may be interested in taking small amounts of rice from Guyana.

Questioned on the implications of this on the country, Jordan said that the Government was looking at alternative solutions which would include another deal with Venezuela. This, which will be in the form of a joint venture, will see Guyana and any other interested country

Govt to implement new anti-crime strategy as concerns mount

By alexis Rodney

The A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition government will be moving to beef up security at borders across the country, in what it called “a strategic attempt” to significantly reduce the recent spike in criminal activities here.

Coupled with that move is the resuscitation of the Police’s marine wing to provide Police Officers with flexibility and greater access to inland waterways along with the use of animals, including horses and dogs, to go after criminals.

The upsurge in crime over the last couple of weeks had become a major bugbear for Government and citizens alike. Several persons lost their lives at the hands of criminals. The most recent act of violence was car-

ried out on an East Canje, Berbice woman who was shot to her head by bandits who invaded her business premises.

President David Granger on Tuesday summoned his top brass in the security sector, including Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan and Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud, to a meeting where special focus was placed on five areas of strategy that would be taken to tackle crime.

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon said apart from border security, focus would also be placed on the Police administration itself and the requirement to identify criminal activities across all 10 regions of Guyana, to determine, where the activities are being committed and to decide on the strategy to deal with them on a national basis.

producing rice and Venezuela marketing the rice to countries such as Iran, which consume a large amount of the product.

He noted that from there on, once the rice would have been sold, they would then sort out the payment terms to

sued by that country. He was, however, hopeful that the trade agreements between the two parties would continue.

“These were matters which were discussed last week, before the decree was issued, before everything else

each contributing country. He cautioned, however, that discussion was still ongoing on the matter and to make a full pronouncement at this time would be premature.

The Finance Minister said it was on this note that Guyana has asked for the matter to be further discussed and for a high-level delegation to travel to the country. However, Jordan intimated that the way forward now was entirely dependent on the latest decree which has been is-

took place so we would have to see what takes place now. I would want to hope that whatever happens, it does not affect the trade agreements between the two countries,” the Finance Minister expressed.

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon had told reporters last week that Guyana would have been looking for an extension of the deal even as the competing South American nations were eyeing the Venezuelan rice market, when the industry was

not at its best with longstanding stakeholders. He had remained optimistic that owing to the length of time that the two countries have been engaged in this trade that Guyana would have had an advantage in maintaining its market share.

Long before the current crisis concerning the future of PetroCaribe, the political unrest and economic difficulties which had coincided with President Nicolás Maduro’s accession to office had raised questions about the future of the agreement.

Venezuela has been by far the major market for Guyana’s rice and paddy, accounting for around 60 per cent of total exports in 2010. In 2014, exports to Venezuela accounted for approximately 38 per cent of total exports though the overall tonnage exported (150,000 tonnes of rice and 50,000 tonnes of paddy) far exceeded the 2013 export levels.

In light of this development, the authorities here must now shift even further away from dependence on the Venezuelan market and begin to source additional rice markets since rice production this year is expected to soar even higher.

Last month, President David Granger had mandated Agriculture Minister Noel Holder and Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge, among others, to set about sourcing additional markets

for the rice produced. It is still unclear whether any new markets have been sourced and if so, how much of Guyana’s production will be going to these new markets.

Guyana had been aiming to sell more than 200,000 tonnes of rice and paddy to Venezuela for this year; however, Minister Harmon said that the PetroCaribe Fund, set up to hold the proceeds from the oil-for-rice arrangement, was “still bare”, and debtors were demanding outstanding payments.

The Finance Minister disclosed that Government has released more than US$9 million of the total of US$15 million owed for the rice farmers to be paid.

He noted that the remainder will be paid as soon as possible in the coming months.

Finance Minister Winston Jordan Minister of State, Joseph Harmon

Rice being exported to Venezuela

Two victims of robberies committed against citizens and businesses as of late

Rural Development Fund…

Ali says Harmon’s criticisms “baseless” – urges Govt to

Former acting Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Irfaan Ali, under whose Ministry the Rural Development Fund was managed, has strongly refuted claims made by Minister of State Joseph Harmon that documentation does not exist for the spending of at least $100 million from the billiondollar fund.

Speaking to Guyana Times on Wednesday afternoon, Ali said that it was “amazing” to hear the Minister of State make such statements when the said Fund was approved by the National Assembly when the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government was in power.

“This project was one of four initiatives announced and debated in the National Assembly in the last budget... the two projects being the call centres for Enmore and Tuschen,” he said.

He noted that the resources budgeted for the Rural Development Fund went to the Committee of Supplies and every question asked was answered to the extent that resources under this project were not subject to cutting.

“Further, the works for the construction of the factories and the supply of the equipment was publicly tendered and awarded at the NPTAB, so it is amazing to hear the reasoning that enough infor-

revisit

decision to stall project

mation was not available on these projects,” the former Minister intoned. Ali further said that the decision to pull the resources from the people of Wakenaam and Leguan under the Rural Development Fund is one that is detrimental to the creation of wealth, improvement of livelihood and creation of new economic opportunities.

“It is strange that the reasoning behind this decision is not based on the positive attributes of the projects or the opportunities it is created for the people on the islands but it is based on the assumption that there is not enough information available on the project. I wish to call upon the Government to se-

riously reconsider this decision, as it is one that will take us backward rather than forward…,” the former Minister expressed.

This publication was able to source a copy of the project document titled “2014 Rural Development Fund Project Document, Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce” which contained all the information on the projects; including cost, implementation, schedule of works among others, that the Minister of State, Joseph Harmon said could not be found.

In the document, the construction of factory building in Leguan, Essequibo Islands/ West Demerara, Region Three was pegged at $39,497,692, with the different phases and the cost for each phase clearly identified and listed.

All information was also listed for the two call centres at Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo and at Enmore, East Coast Demerara.

Harmon, speaking at a press conference on Wednesday at the Ministry of the Presidency, said that through the Rural Development Fund, Wakenaam and Leguan would have seen the establishment of a Plantain Chip Factory, while Enmore and Tuschen were earmarked for call centres. According to Harmon, as of June 30, over

Govt to implement new...

“It was felt that the high incidence of gun crimes has its genesis in the fact that we share a very long border with countries that actually produce guns and, therefore, our strategy will include border control activities as well as activities involving the Guyana Revenue Authority in relation to the way in which goods and services are imported into the country and the use to be made of the instruments that are available to the GRA,” Minister Harmon said.

Addressing journalists on Wednesday on the outcome of the high-level meeting, Harmon said the Government has given a commitment to the Guyana Police Force that it would be putting all of the assets of the state at its disposal, to ensure “that wherever criminal activities exist that it will

be rooted out most viciously”.

“So, the overt and covert operations which will have to be undertaken in this matter will be given the full backing of the state,” he promised.

The next element of the security plan has to do with Police organisation and training and the way in which the Police Force is organised, Harmon said. He said a clear directive was given by the Public Security Minister that more Police Officers needed to be put on the streets to carry out patrols and get out of the offices, where they are performing non-core functions.

“The deployment of the Police Force itself, the response time by Police to complaints by citizens, the operation of the 911 facility…all of these are part of the strategy and will be subject to serious

review over the next couple of weeks,” Harmon said

Another element of the strategy covers Police assets and equipment, Harmon said, noting that Government has given a clear undertaking to the Guyana Police Force that it would provide the assets to go after crime wherever it existed.

“These include the Police’s ability to go up in the air, to utilise aircraft and helicopter to overlook certain terrain, not only on land but on water where piracy takes place.”

“The issue of illegal firearms in the country and the way in which it is dealt with. Our zero tolerance to the use of illegal firearms is all part of the strategy.”

He said Police communication would be improved significantly with the use of computers, the Internet, and access to

$20 million had been spent on the building at Wakenaam and there was a further $33.6 million still to be spent on it. Additionally, some $24 million was invested in Leguan.

However, he said that no documentation could be found for the respective projects at the Ministry and as such, the Government has taken the decision to put the project under review.

“What was most important was that the Minister of Business…looking for proposals and documents of these projects but of course, he could find none. So Cabinet decided that the Minister of Business, assisted by various agencies such as the Guyana Marketing Corporation, the Ministry of Agriculture and other elements within the Ministry of Business, that they conduct a very serious review of the monies spent under this project.”

He disclosed that as it stood, close to $100 million had been spent and therefore Government will now have to review the way in which the money was spent, following which a decision will be taken as to whether the projects will be completed.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan have also been asked to assist in having the review carried out, Harmon said.

the Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) network.

“We have given the Police the undertaking that they will have these done. The networking of Police Stations will also be fleshed out by the Commissioner and they will have Internet access, linking the Police Stations with the CID headquarters.”

Essentially, he said the strategy session demonstrated the state’s resolve to ensure that citizens were safe and that criminals have no place, “we will go after them relentlessly and that the criminals and their handlers will understand that we will not sit by and allow them to run riot on the streets. We are sending a clear message to all and sundry, that wherever the intelligence leads us, we will follow,” the State Minister promised.

Eyew tness Misunderstandings...

...in language

As if we didn't have enough problems with Venezuela on their border controversy, up comes Maduro accusing President Granger of making a "racist" statement against Venezuelans. And Maduro didn't just mutter this in some back room - he declared it to the entire Venezuelan parliament. He said Granger called Venezuelans "monkeys" in his speech to CariCom leaders. Now "them's real fighting words" to our western neighbours!

If you think being denied ownership of a piece of real estate named "Essequibo" gets Venezuelans worked up into a lather, you haven't seen anything like this this "racial slur". And it's not just the "hot blooded" Latin nature - it has to do with their history on race and race purity. The Spanish didn't just "settle" Latin America - they CONQUERED it. And they insist that they're all Spanish Conquistadors. Well your trusty Eyewitness was as puzzled as you were...and checked out Granger's speech.

And discovered that what the President actually said was - as far as the border controversy that Venezuela's been hanging over our heads like the Sword of Damocles - Guyana "had a monkey on its back"! Now, you and every other English speaking person know this simply means that we have a problem that just won't go away. But evidently, Venezuelan Spanish doesn't have a similar idiom.

And so we have swords rattling on our borders just because a word was misinterpreted by some lowly, minimum-wage translator? Well now that your trusty Eyewitness has explained the matter, he hopes the Venezuelan Ambassador reading this ( she's officially "recalled" but still here) would pass it on to Maduro.

After all, if he cuts off our rice shipments in retaliation, HE'LL have a monkey on his back with all those hungry, rioting peons!

...on crime fighting

So are we to understand, now that the President convened a "confab" on crime, Ramjattan's 2:am curfew isn't the sum total of the new administration crime fighting plan? We rather suspected that - but couldn't eke out anything else from the National Security Minister's responses. We know he couldn't possibly be serious about discovering that "greed" was at the source of all crimes and that he was committed to rooting out that vice. He must've been listening to Hamilton Green O.R. and his "moral re-armament " spiel.

Anyhow your Eyewitness scanned the papers feverishly to find out what the President and his security mavens had come up with to roll back this crime wave. Some had even dubbed it a "crime tsunami". With so many medal-and-epaulet-bedecked top advisors, your Eyewitness was already surprised that they didn't have their plans unfurled from the Inauguration Day.

And the best they can do is "We coming after you"?

This is as bad as "haul yuh ass"!

...on new VC?

Someone raised the pertinent question as to how can the government be advertising for a VC when there isn't even a vacancy. It's not even that the body isn't cold - it ain't even dead! Deja vu of the Chief Justice's "vacancy"?

Former acting Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Irfaan Ali

Ramotar defends PPP/C MPs’ List

…says Party should move to Parliament as early as possible

Although left off of the Party’s List of Members of Parliament (MPs), Central Executive Member of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), Donald Ramotar, who ran for another term as President of Guyana, has pledged his support for those who will be going to Parliament.

Ramotar, in explaining why he did not appear on the MPs’ List, stated that it was time for the PPP/C to allow the younger generation to take charge and lead. “… why am I not in Parliament? I would like to answer that question straight away to say that my personal view is that the Party should go into transition at this point in time and to transition to younger leaders to take us to future successes in the Party,” he noted.

He added that the leadership of the Party was engaged in extensive discussions and finally agreed that former President Bharrat Jagdeo should return at the helm of the PPP/C as the Leader of the Opposition. Ramotar clarified that the MPs were not arrived at via a voting process, but rather through extensive discussions which led to a consensus.

Ramotar and Harper

Given that Ramotar and Elisabeth Harper were

its Presidential and Prime Ministerial Candidates, the PPP/C is now faced with the reality that many may feel slighted that these two individuals will not be in Parliament to represent their constituency. When presented with this scenario, Ramotar explained that the drastic change in Guyana’s political atmosphere effected the decision to leave himself and Harper out of the parliamentary chambers.

“The whole situation in our country has changed tremendously; of course, we went into the elections with the expectations of winning the elections, we did win the elections, as I said before, we are convinced that it was stolen from us, so that changed the political situation quite a lot,” he said.

Ramotar added, “I think our supporters voted for the list and that they may very well understand the situation at hand.”

Although he will not be representing the Party at the parliamentary level, Ramotar affirmed that he would remain within the leadership of the Party and would continue to represent and fight for the rights of all Guyanese.

“I am not going anywhere; I will not stop representing the people of this country. I am here and I will continue to struggle on their behalf,” he assured.

Further, Ramotar said he would not be seeking to re-enter office in the capacity of Head of State unless something “really dramatic” occurred and his colleagues required him to return.

For Harper’s part, she had indicated to Guyana Times her desire to stay out of the political scene for now.

Controversial figures

Appearing on the Party’s List of MPs are several controversial figures, whom some sections of society blamed for the failure of the

Party at the recently-concluded elections.

A few of those include former Minister Dr Bheri Ramsaran who made headlines and was even relieved of his ministerial duties after he verbally assaulted social activist Sherlina Nageer; Dr Westford whose former ministry is currently being investigated for transfer of vehicle; and Anil Nandlall whose name was stained after a controversial conversation between him and a Kaieteur News reporter was leaked and went viral.

Ramotar admitted that there were heated deliberations concerning the appointment of certain individuals as MPs; however, in the end, a final decision had to be made by the Party regardless of individual views.

“In a political party like ours, there will be a lot of discussions, debates and disagreements, but, in the final analysis, when we come to a decision, that’s it, it’s the final decision. There were people in our Party who were probably not in favour of every single person on the list … it would be totally unnatural if everybody were to agree on everyone there, but in the end that is the final decision of the Party and these are the people they want to take to Parliament and I will do my best to support them,” he said, noting that it was irrelevant to

disclose whether or not he agreed with the individuals on the list.

He also indicated that if the need arose for changes to be made among the parliamentary representatives, the PPP/C would be capable of doing so.

Ramsammy out

The PPP/C had revealed its list of MPs on Monday evening which indicated that former Agriculture Minister Leslie Ramsammy would be returning to Parliament.

However, due to his ill health, Ramsammy will no longer be participating and, therefore, the PPP/C will have to find a replacement.

Moreover, other individuals who appeared on the PPP/C List of Candidates, including former Minister

Robert Persaud, Dr Ashni Singh, Dr Nanda Kishore Gopaul, Robeson Benn and Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett have already indicated, in some way, their reason for not returning.

Ramotar maintained

that the Party has no issues with those who were left out, noting that he was sure the PPP/C will have other important tasks for them.

Move to Parliament Meanwhile, Ramotar said he believed the Party should move to Parliament as early as possible in order to represent its constituency.

“I knew that we had to go back into the Parliament. I was convinced, as my other colleagues, that we had to go back into Parliament.

“The question was the timing, now I see the earlier the better, but I don’t think that that is totally yet settled, but my personal view, if you are asking me, that is that the earlier the better,” he posited.

Amaila Falls Project still on hold pending report

The Amaila Falls Hydroelectric Project (AFHEP) is still on hold, pending the completion of a report. This is according to Minister of State Joseph Harmon.

Harmon said that apart from the economic feasibility study done by the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB), there are other issues that have to be addressed.

“… Government was advised that there are some other peripheral matters which the previous Government had entered into with certain companies which need to be addressed… there are some other issues… connected to the project that have nothing to do with the economic viability report,” he told media operatives on Wednesday.

Government disclosed that the IDB has wrapped up an economic feasibility study on the Amaila Fall Hydropower Project and was slated to make its presentation to Head of State David Granger last Wednesday.

Harmon said the IDB’s Vice President, its General Manager of the Caribbean Department and their teams were in Guyana conducting the study regarding the economic viability of the hydropower project. He said once Government is presented with the information, it will then hold discussions to decide on a way forward for Amaila. The new Government has an early July deadline in which it has to respond to the IDB about the future of the project. “We have to say something to them about whether we will continue with Amaila. We need to take a decision on that very quickly,” Harmon had said.

The AFHEP sparked much controversy since it was presented in Parliament, hitting a snag when the then A Partnership For National Unity/Alliance For Change Opposition derailed the passage of a critical piece of legislation back in 2012, causing a major investor to walk away

from the project. The previous People’s Progressive Party/ Civic Administration was bent on forging ahead with the project if it had regained executive power.

The plant, with the proposed location at the confluence of the Amaila and Kuribrong Rivers, was expected to deliver electricity to Guyana’s capital, Georgetown, and its second largest town, Linden via a transmission line.

The project, when completed, will immediately provide local communities with employment, as well as the opportunity for expanded sales of goods and services. The plant was expected to lower average wholesale energy costs while spurring additional economic investment, resulting in more jobs and stronger infrastructure. After 20 years of operation, the ownership of the project would have been transferred to the Guyana Power and Light Incorporated.

Former President Donald Ramotar

Dr Bheri Ramsaran

Dr Leslie Ramsammy

Maritime border controversy

New Venezuelan decree doesn’t remove old claims – Granger

Guyana’s President, David Granger, has stated that while he was successful in getting Venezuela to withdraw the illegal decree numbered 1787, he was still not satisfied since the replacement proclamation still made claims on Guyana’s territory.

President Granger said he has been working tirelessly over the past weeks to have the controversial decree removed, which was done on Monday by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. However, the controversial decree was replaced with an-

other proclamation and, according to Granger, the new proclamation did not remove the neighbouring country’s illegal claim on Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

“So we worked hard with our colleagues to call for the revocation of the decree and that was successful. But what President Maduro has announced does not necessarily satisfy our demands. We wanted a complete revocation of the decree and he simply erased the lines, but he has maintained the claims to a large portion of Guyana’s EEZ. We will continue working in different forums around the world to have the decree fully withdrawn,” he pointed out.

The new dictum does not have any defining coordinates, a Venezuelan news entity reported. It purports to support and justify the actions of the Bolivarian National Armed Force (FANB) in defending the newly created Integrated Defence Maritime Zones and Island (Zodimain).

According to Venezuelan reports, the Ministries of Defence and Interior are em-

powered to implement the decree, which was published in the Official Gazette No 40,696 on Tuesday. However, Article 20 of the new decree specifically emphasises that it aims to set boundaries, which has to do with activities related to defence.

President Granger explained that Decree 1787 affected several Caribbean Community (Caricom) States. In fact, he stated that the lines (coordinates) on the map purporting to come out of Venezuela indicated that Guyana has been

squeezed between Suriname and Venezuela. The lines ran right across Guyana’s EEZ, Granger said, adding that upon closer examination, it was discovered that several Caribbean countries were affected including Barbados, Trinidad, Grenada and even Suriname.

Peaceful resolution

Furthermore, the President went on to say that he would continue to work with organisations such as the United Nations (UN); Commonwealth; the Organisation of American States (OAS); Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) and more specifically Caricom to ensure there is a peaceful resolution of the decades- old controversy between the two countries.

“We are not concerned with further attacks or vitriol or heightening the level of tension, we want to have a peaceful resolution of this

conflict so we can get on with the business of developing our country, developing our resources. So we feel it’s a backward step. We don’t have any intention of retaliating,” Granger said.

Commenting on President Maduro’s recent decision to recall his Ambassador to Guyana, Granger said that he would not give much significance to it. According to the Head of State, his Venezuelan colleague was just expressing anger given all the pressure that has been placed on him.

“So I can understand the disappointment on the part of the President of Venezuela, but we would like to call on him to revoke the decree completely in its entirety and we would like to have normal diplomatic relations with Venezuela, so we would like to ask that the Ambassador remain. Don’t think the Ambassador has removed as yet. It’s better to talk about these issues rath-

Parliamentary sitting today...

er for there to be complete silence and suspicion, so once the Ambassador is here, we can continue talking,” he outlined.

On Monday, the Venezuelan Head of State told the National Assembly that he was recalling the country’s ambassador to Guyana, Reina Margarita Arratia Diaz. However, Guyana Times was told that the diplomat was not given any formal order to return home and as such she remained here.

In fact, when this newspaper visited the Embassy’s office on Thomas Street, Georgetown, the diplomat was hosting a reception to celebrate Venezuela’s 204th Independence Day anniversary, which was on July 5. The seemingly intimate reception had a small gathering of mostly Venezuelan guests as well as a few members of other foreign missionaries in Guyana.

Granger to address Venezuelan border decree

President David Granger will today address Parliament on Guyana’s response to the decrees issued by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

Granger’s pronouncement will be his first since his return from neighbouring Barbados, where he had pleaded with his regional counterparts for their support against the aggression of the Spanish-speaking country over its claim that it owned an area that was awarded to Guyana.

At the end of the summit, the Heads had all agreed that the move by Venezuela was unlawful and should be condemned and that they were standing fully behind Guyana on this.

Granger’s address will underline Guyana’s position surrounding the May 26, 2015 decree issued by Maduro, which claimed most of Guyana’s continental shelf. A map to this effect purports to indicate Venezuela’s sovereignty of all waters within the 200-mile range, hence blocking Guyana’s access to resources in that area of the Atlantic Ocean.

This is the second decree expressing a claim to Guyana’s territorial waters. The first was issued by President Raul Leoni 47 years ago in July 1968, and claimed “sovereignty” over a 12-mile strip of Guyana’s continental shelf along the Essequibo Coast.

He will also be addressing

the most recent decree issued by the Spanish Government, and which, Granger said was not entirely new from the first.

The new decree issued on Monday by Venezuela, number 1859, purports to set all constitutional, legal and doctrinal elements, creates the zone of integral defence and established the Armed Forces’ tasks in all maritime areas of the country due and legally established.

Venezuela has remained resolute in its claims that the area which was recently found to have a very rich oil reserve belongs to it, and that the United States based oil drill ship operated by ExxonMobil was operating illegally.

President David Granger

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro

Govt urged to revisit 2:00 am curfew

The local entertainment industry, including promoters and nightclub proprietors, along with key spokespersons for the local business sector are unanimously calling on the Government to revisit the 2:00 am (02:00h) close-off time which has been imposed on bars and nightclubs across the country.

Over the weekend, several businesses claimed to have suffered significantly due to the cut-off time which was imposed on its usual operations.

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan believes that the late opening of bars and nightclubs is linked to increasing crime, as well as persons driving under the influence of alcohol, which then leads to more vehicular accidents.

He is of the strong view that the enforcement of the 02:00h curfew will help curtail such lawlessness.

According to the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Act, the Minister is required to set a close-off time for businesses operating with liquor licenses and the stipulated time on those licenses is 02:00h.

The imposition of the 02:00h curfew, therefore, is nothing new but rather is an existing law which was being breached. While cognisant of this fact, several stakeholders believe a proper consultative forum should be organised between Government and nightclub proprietors to discuss the possibility of reviewing the law to facilitate its business operations.

Chairman of the Trade and Investment Committee of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) Ramesh Dookhoo explained that businesses will severely suffer if they are forced to close their doors at 02:00h, especially considering the fact that this

was not the practice under which they were operating before.

Dookhoo contended that nightclubs and bars, particularly the high-end entertainment complexes, offer more than just a venue for alcohol consumption, but rather, an ideal environment for a family affair and these places are also world class restaurants.

“People do not just go to these spots just to drink, they go for entertainment; it’s a whole experience,” he explained.

“Party goers will still exit clubs highly intoxicated before 02:00 am and they can still contribute to road accidents, if that’s what the case may be. So it’s not a matter of what time the bar closes, it’s a matter of law enforcement.

I agree that the law should be upheld, if the law says these bars should be closed at 02:00 a.m., then that’s okay, but that’s why I think there should be proper consultation on how this cut-off time affects the stakeholders and to see whether there is room for compromise.”

Furthermore, Dookhoo said many of these high-end businesses invested heavily into creating full-blown entertainment establishments with a projected return on investments based on the existing conditions and therefore, changing the game plan by putting a deadline of the operations of the business will negatively impact these businesses.

In addition, he predicted that that curfew will act as a disincentive to tourists who would have, under previous circumstances, visited Guyana to enjoy the exhilarating nightlife these entertainment complexes are able to provide.

In fact, the owners of these clubs have enforced their own security for patrons

coming into and exiting these clubs. Dookhoo noted that the nightcubs have proved to be safe places of entertainment, but now they are being penalised, when in fact other sectors of society need to fulfil their obligations to the community by offering proper protection to the citizenry.

Meanwhile, General Manager of the Buddy’s Entertainment Complex Seelall Pharbo agreed that there needs to be proper consultation among stakeholders and Government about this drastic change, which is affecting an entire industry in the country.

He noted that, for the Buddy’s Entertainment Complex, sales slightly dwindled over the holiday weekend in comparison to other holiday weekends. “By 02:00 am we shut the door, we had lots of people who came and we had to turn them back,” he said.

In sections of the media, other prominent nightspots in the country, including Gravity Lounge and Palm Court, already indicated their dissatisfaction with the 02:00h closedown time.

From all indications, Guyana Times understands that most nightspots in the country complied with the curfew however, only a few popular spots failed to adhere to the law.

Ramjattan had stated that should liquor stores, bars and nightclubs dare to breach the stipulated curfew, he would not hesitate to let the law take its course.

“It is a legal requirement under the licensing arrangement that they bring a halt to their activities at 02:00 am …There are sanctions in the law and there will also be the ultimate sanction where we will close, suspend or revoke the licence,” he asserted.

President still to assent to AML/CFT bill

Despite being passed more than two weeks ago, President David Granger is yet to assent to the Anti- Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Bill.

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, when questioned on the matter on Wednesday at the post-Cabinet press briefing at the Ministry of the Presidency, noted that while the Bill was currently on the desk of the President, he was yet to affix his signature.

He, however, expressed that it was expected that he would soon do so.

“We are just as anxious as you are or as any other bank or business entity is in ensuring that we have anti-money and the countering the financing of terrorism legislation that not only meet the international requirements but satisfies us as Guyanese that we have strong legislation that deals with the issues that affect us as well,” he said.

In the meantime, Harmon shared that the Government has been having consultations with several agencies and thus far, the AML/CFT Bill seem to have satisfied the Caribbean Action Task Force (CFATF) and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

“ From all we’ve been told is that the legislation that we debated and passed and that will soon be assented to by the President will

make us CFATF and FATF compliant,” Harmon said.

According to Harmon, while international compliance was paramount for the administration, it took more than that for the legislation to work.

“International compliance is one aspect of it, but it also requires some other administrative actions to be taken by the State and those actions we’ve already started to take such as the establishment of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) and there are some other major things which we are doing, so the legislation is a major element of satisfying that requirement and we feel confident that the legislation will satisfy those requirement,” he said.

Living piece of legislation

He noted that even after compliance, however, the international institutions might require Guyana to change certain things as they hold their annual review or series of reviews.

“The international institutions have a set of reviews annually so even if it is FATF and CFATF compliant, they may say we need to look at this or look at that. It is a living piece of legislation that you adjust from time to time for international best practices,” Harmon intoned.

Despite fierce objection by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), the new A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance

For Change (APNU+AFC) Government on June 26 passed the controversial AML/CFT Amendment Bill 2015, paving the way for all financial transactions in the country to be monitored.

Amendments were made to Section 37 (A) and another section where the Director of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) was previously appointed by the Finance Minister or the President. Describing the situation as “untenable”, Attorney General Basil Williams said an independent authority would now be placed over the FIU, with the National Assembly having oversight. This independent body will advertise for and scrutinise persons for the position of Director and Deputy Director of the Unit.

The PPP/C said the proposed AML/CFT Amendment Bill contained some provisions that have been rejected by the CFATF as well as the FATF and Government ran the risk of passing into a law a Bill that may not be compliant with international requirements. Guyana was referred by FATF to its Americas Review Group In September 2014 and went before this body on two occasions (most recently on April 2015) to work on an agreed Action Plan with targets and six monthly reports to ensure targets were being achieved. These targets included legislative and non-legislative interventions.

thursday, july 9, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

Autopsy reveals La Jalousie businessman died from multiple gunshots –

$5M reward offered for information on man’s killers

Apost-mortem examination was conducted on the body of La Jalousie, West Coast Demerara businessman Ganesh Ramlall who was shot to death and revealed that he was shot several times about his body.

Ramlall,48, owner of Regent Street Multiplex Mall, of Lot C La Jalousie, was shot in the wee hours of Sunday, shortly after he returned home. The man reportedly got home around 00:30h, and went to use the outside washroom when he was attacked by gunmen.

The PM was done on Wednesday morning by State Pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh, who gave the cause of death as multiple gunshot wounds to the body. The man sustained gunshot wounds to his abdomen and chest area, and one to his head.

Police are continuing their investigations; however, they have not had any leads thus far. The family of the dead man has since put forward a reward of $5 million for any information that will lead investigators to his killers.

A relative of Ramlall told Guyana Times that no one has came forward with any information since the reward was announced. Furthermore, the woman pointed out that the Police have also indicated that there has been no lead in the matter.

She noted that they were doing a “poor” job, adding that since their visit on Sunday, the Police have not returned to conduct any further investigations. The woman said that they did not even take any fin-

gerprints from the house. The relative added too that the Police only took a statement from one person.

Information received revealed that the businessman after realising there were gunmen in the yard, immediately rushed out of the washroom, heading to the backdoor of the house and yelled out to his wife, 18-year-old daughter and niece who were upstairs. It was while alerting his family that thieves were in the yard that he was reportedly gunned down.

During an interview with

Guyana Times, one of the neighbours related that he was awakened by screams coming from Ramlall’s house calling for help. He added that immediately after, he heard several gunshots and the screams stopped.

The man recalled secretively peeping out into his neighbour’s yard, where he

saw a man armed with a “big” gun standing on the outside next to the empty lot beside Ramlall’s house, while two others were scaling the fence from the inside. He stated that the three men then walked West, where there is a turn in the road, and subsequently jumped into a Primo motor car that was waiting

further up the road. The shooting has sent shockwaves through the West Coast village. The father of one was described by all as a gem. He had only last week attended the graduation of his daughter at Queen’s College. Ramlall was a noted philanthropist, a staunch Hindu and was a benefactor of the vil-

Govt approves $9.7M for faster

lage Mandir, which is located a block from his home. He worked his way up from owning stalls in Stabroek Market to becoming a mall owner and being one of the country’s largest importers of clothing from Curaçao and Panama. His funeral is expected to be held this weekend.

issuance of Diaspora passports

The Government of Guyana has approved some $9.7 million for the purchase of equipment which will see a faster issuance of passports to Guyanese in the Diaspora.

According to Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, persons in the Diaspora have been complaining bitterly about the time taken to acquire their Guyana passports.

The process, he said, sometimes took as much as five months but with the $9.7 million now allocated, additional equipment will be purchased to equip the immigration office to ensure that the issuance of passports is done in as little as five days.

Minister of Citizenry, Winston Felix had briefed Cabinet and informed that

there existed a “backlog” and steps were being taken to ensure that this was “reduced considerably”.

In the meantime, Harmon said the Government was looking to decentralise the immigration office.

RINS

“The processing of applications along with deliveries will also be decentralised, so that a Guyanese citizen in Berbice, in Linden, at Bartica, in Lethem and in the hinterland locations, it will make it easier for them to access these essential documents which are necessary for them to travel and to do business,” Harmon said.

It was only recently that the newly-installed Minister of Citizenship, in explaining the vision for the Immigration Services, “Developing to its full potential, Guyana’s registration and immigration system”, noted that it was envisaged that in the long-term, the country would be serviced by an efficiently run decentralised Registration, Immigration and Naturalisation Service (RINS).

This service will have branches in all of Guyana’s

townships such as Bartica and Lethem, and will enable persons to know their rights and responsibilities, and “have access to recourse in the event of anomalies to the system”.

The Minister stated that for too long these agencies have had a disparate relationship, and they were unable to share information, and hence completely serve the purpose for which they were designed.

The Ministry of Citizenship, currently housed in the compound of the Ministry of the Presidency, will review the existing system and structures and the formulation of a strategic plan to integrate the systems to achieve the development of a comprehensive citizenship policy, a border policy, decentralisation of services and a national model that includes civic education to transform the sector to realise its full potential.

The Ministry will comprise two divisions, Minster Felix added, “One involved in the registration of births, deaths and marriages, while the other will be engaged in the registration of citizens, naturalisation, visa extensions, passport applications and other related

matters.”

A managing board will be put in place to guide and be responsible for overall policy. An Operations Manager will assume responsibility for the delivery of the services, administration and daily operations while a Legal Adviser will also be appointed.

An Integration Technology Manager who will oversee the integration of the systems and relevant data and a Public Relations Manager will be employed. All new births will be registered with a unique number issued to them, Minister Felix further explained, stating that this number will be instrumental in the registered person obtaining a national identification card at age 14, where biometrics will also be done to ensure that Guyanese can be easily identified wherever they are. Agencies such the Guyana Revenue Authority, Immigration and the Ministries of Education and Public Health will eventually have access to this information under a secure database system. All of these measures will be implemented using international best practices.

Kaieteur News scandalises...

With an investment of over US$25 million to date, the CPL is the world’s second biggest T20 cricket tournament – behind the Indian Premier League – and is set to continue growing in 2015 and beyond. CPL, in partnership with the WICB, continues to invest in the development of the game, providing opportunities for players and fans to access world-class cricket in the Caribbean.

According to the study, Grenada, for instance, for the estimated US$13.3 million it earned, invested US$500,000 for the rights to host the opening games held in July 2014. The Government of Grenada pointed out the benefits reaped: “Video clips of Grenadian culture and tropical beauty were broadcasted via television to an audience

of nearly 800 million people in Grenada’s traditional markets of North America, the United Kingdom, the Caribbean region and other non-traditional markets such as South Africa, India, Australia, New Zealand, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.”

Almost double the benefits for Grenada ($24.5 million versus $13.3 million) were enjoyed by Guyana for the same $500,000 that it was billed.

Contracts

In the KN story, Finance Minister Winston Jordan claimed that he had an invoice from CPL but not a contract. When contacted, former acting Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali however confirmed that there was in fact a contract. He confirmed that in addition to the wider exposure garnered for Guyana’s

tourism product, there was also a 15-minute infomercial broadcast to the international audience of 800 million.

The present Tourism Minister Cathy Hughes said that while she could not pronounce conclusively on the issue, she does believe that CPL does provide such an advertising service to the participating countries for which they pay in return.

Persecution

Asked for a closing comment, Dr Ramroop said, “We have provided live top-level cricket to our people who otherwise would be starved for the game they love so much. In addition to the CPL benefits, if the Warriors win the tournament, they can go on to the Champions League and expose Guyana further.”

Dead businessman Ganesh Ramlall

Govt fires almost 2000 young Amerindians

– PPP/C up in arms over move, continued discrimination

BY ALEXIS RODNEY

The new David Granger-

led Administration has fired close to 2000 young Amerindians who were employed as Community Support Officers (CSOs) across the country by the previous People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government.

Minister of State Joseph Harmon confirmed the dismissal of exactly 1972 CSO’s in the hinterland regions, explaining that it might have very well been the right thing to do as their operations were found to be political.

Minister Harmon told reporters that it was always found that the programme, which has been in existence for over five years, was being used by the previous Administration for political purposes. This being the case, he said their sacking is justified.

“In the tenth Parliament, the matter of the employment of these CSO’s, particularly in the hinterland regions, and that they were paid to do political work for the PPP [arose]”, Harmon stated.

He said this was found to be true during his outreaches to those communities. “We encountered that kind of work which the CSO’s were doing. So if that was true, if they were primarily involved

in political work, then they ought not to be paid by the State and if they were being paid by the State to do that, then I can see every justification for the action which was taken,” he said.

But the PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee said his party was appalled at the sacking of the officers,

“The Granger-led Administration, has cut loose and thrown onto the breadline some 1972 Community Support Officers. They were branded political activists by Government, carrying out support services to the village councils particularly in the social services sector in various Amerindian

about those task, “so that they could become effective themselves in the execution of their functions. They were recruited from the villages base on consultation with Village Captains and Councils.

Rohee spoke too of the “scant regard” that is being given to the Hinterland

time visiting the Orealla/ Siparuta region, where he assured residents that the new Government was in place to serve all the people, regardless of their political persuasion. He said his Ministry was in the process of developing a strategy to ensure that the indigenous population, particularly youth, women

previously employed Community Services Officers

who have been carrying out their duties in a professional and objective manner.

Rohee at his press briefing on Tuesday said the almost 2000 youths were engaged in support services to the village councils, particularly in the social services, education and health sectors in various Amerindian communities and their respective regions. They received a monthly stipend of $30,000 each, which amounted to some $60 million per month paid by the then Amerindian Affairs Ministry.

communities…. The CSO’s have since been left out since Granger became President”, Rohee told reporters. He said Government is “oblivious” about the hurt and pain it has caused those individuals and “obviously don’t care”.

He said the CSO’s have been in place for several years with specific functions to assist in the areas of health, education, social services; assisting the Village Council with effective governance of the community and at the same time, helping themselves as they go

Scholarship Programme – a flagship of the PPP/C Administration. He said Government has failed to recognise that the vast majority of youth in the interior face daily challenges which they must struggle to overcome, either by “dent of hard work, for a rewarding income.”

Recently, Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs Sydney Allicock had announced that Government was moving to revisit the CSO programme.

The Minister was at the

and children fulfil their potential. While the Ministry is still in its transition process, it has assembled a team to review and implement plans, he explained.

New units would be created within the Ministry and staffed with skilled personnel to ensure that plans come to fruition, he said, adding that “for too long we have been having officers who are sitting in their air conditioned rooms and imagining the needs of the community.”

CSOs fell under the responsibility of the Youth

Entrepreneurship and Apprenticeship Programme (YEAP) launched in 2013 by the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs across the country. Capacity building and training workshops were hosted for those CSOs selected by the Village Councils in areas such as business, agriculture, governance, social welfare issues, communication and infrastructure. The intention of the ministry was to provide the support requested by hinterland communities in these areas CSOs would assist the Village Councils and Community Development Officers (CDOs) in developing and enhancing community life while monitoring progress of ongoing projects. Also, in most communities, at least one CSO was attached to the community health centre to provide assistance.

Before the programme was implemented, this support was provided by only fifteen CDOs dispatched in the ten administrative regions. The YEAP aimed at professionalising young people while promoting personal and educational development and creating employment opportunities, regardless of the political persuasion of CSOs. The programme also allowed through stipends to increase village income while boosting local economy.

Civic organisation to oversee gun amnesty programme

BY VAHNU MANIKCHAND

As Government continues to formulate the details of the firearm amnesty programme, which provides for persons to hand over unlicensed firearms and ammunition to the authorities without facing prosecution, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan has revealed that a civic organisation will most likely be given responsibilities to oversee the programme.

In an interview with reporters on Wednesday, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan disclosed that the operational aspect of the amnesty programme is currently being worked out. He explained that they have realised that persons may not be too inclined to hand over firearms to the Police, as such, they will have an independent organisation to oversee the programme.

“We want an independent civic organisation, perhaps a church, that is going to take charge and so I am hearing from the Commissioner of Police that he is going to come out by Friday with an operational manual as to where it should be de-

livered, what are the arrangements to be made, who should accept delivery and things like that. After this, there will be a public awareness so that

members of the public will know where to hand in their arms and ammunition,” the Public Security Minister stated.

Finding the source Meanwhile, President Granger has reiterated the importance of removing illegal firearms from the streets of Guyana. He noted that there is a large amount of illegal weapons, as such; they need to find the source of these firearms and stop them from

whichever countries they are coming from.

“The important thing is to seize more illegal firearms, more important than that is to stop firearms from coming into the country. No point in having an amnesty and the weapons continue to come,” he pointed out.

In its 2015 election manifesto, the APNU+AFC coalition had promised an amnesty period for persons to hand over unlicensed firearms and ammunition to the authorities without facing any prosecutions.

In efforts to curb the number of gun-related crimes and rid the streets of unlicensed weapons, the APNU+AFC coalition had outlined in its elections manifesto that it will be implementing an amnesty programme for the surrender of illegal weapons, which will be backed by a “Voluntary weapons Collection” programme.

“The amnesty programme will be accompanied by a special fund to provide alternative opportunities for training, development of generating projects, credit, etc, for youth at risk, and sports, scouting and other cadet like schemes for youth in

schools and religious organisations,” the manifesto detailed.

Last month during a press briefing, Minister Ramjattan had stated that he needs to consult with the Top Cop on the way forward in implementing the programme to determine whether incentives will be given to those who take advantage of the amnesty period or whether persons would faced harsher penalties for failing to submit their illegal weapons within the amnesty period.

“So all of that is part and parcel of my projected plans for the next couple of months… Indeed we are going to grant an amnesty so they can start their collection and bring it to the nearest Police station,” he had remarked.

Furthermore, the Public Security Minister had mentioned that he will also be reviewing the granting of firearms licenses, noting that he has already requested the Head of the Department to bring up the policy so that he can review the process. Usually, firearm licence applications are sent to the Police Commissioner who makes recommendations and forward it to the

Minister. The Minister will then make the decision on whether to grant the licence or not.

However, Ramjattan said that he will be reviewing this process and the role of the License Board. He noted that he would prefer the responsibility of granting the licence to placed with experts within the Ministry.

“I would like more a technocrat in here doing that rather than the

Minister. I would want see that being shifted away because I want to concern myself with policy matters rather than going through gun licence application forms and all the other documentations. That’s not ministerial functions, ministerial functions have largely to do with policies and get the technocrat people there at that level to grant the licenses,” he had highlighted.

Police still probing Durban St shooting

Investigators from the Guyana Police Force were on Thursday continuing their probe into a shooting that occurred on Durban Street, Lodge which has left 32-year-old Jomel Lewis nursing two gunshot wounds about his body.

The incident occurred on Wednesday morning around 04:15h and saw three men approaching Lewis while he was in his yard at the time. Lewis had been roused by strange noises around the Lot 77

Durban Street premises where he resides.

The men opened fire on Lewis, hitting him to his back and side in the process. Lewis was forced to scale a fence to escape them, foiling their execution bid in the process.

While running from the advancing men, Lewis encountered a police patrol which rendered immediate assistance before taking him to the Georgetown Public Hospital. Investigations are continuing into the matter.

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan

Some

Young Journalist gunned down in Belize

Police say they have no leads so far in the murder of a 27-yearold Journalist who was gunned down in the early hours of Monday. Kareem Clarke was shot multiple times – in the left side of the forehead, back of the head, abdomen, right upper back and middle of the back – according to the biweekly Amandala Newspaper where he worked, as he was riding his bicycle around 01:00h.

He had reportedly left the residence of a friend

when he was ambushed by a lone gunman who fired several shots, killing him on the spot. Police recovered eight 9mm shells from the scene. Investigators say they are yet to determine the motive for the shooting.

Tributes have been pouring in for the slain Journalist from media workers across Belize. Many recalled his willingness to be better at his craft and said his death was a loss for the media fraternity. Clarke, also worked for sister companies KREM TV and KREM Radio, was described an intelligent, driven and promising young Journalist.

Amandala Editor Russell Vellos said it was terrible that his future had been cut short, and violently so. “We will feel his loss; he will be hard to replace. He was intelligent, a good young man and a loyal worker. Through his work, he had made many friends in the media, and along with us, they will all miss him,” he said. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

PM knew of alleged Life Fund fraud

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has admitted that she and Health Minister, Dr Fuad Khan were notified by letter that thousands of US dollars had allegedly been embezzled out of the Children’s Life Fund last year.

Speaking to reporters after touring the $1.3 billion Couva Children’s Hospital on Tuesday, PersadBissessar said the alleged theft was now being investigated by the Fraud Squad.

The letter Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar was referring to was written by then CEO of the Children’s Life Fund Authority Genevieve Madoo on May 7, 2014.

In the letter, Madoo alleged that a former employee had obtained close to US$7700 (some TT$50,000) by duping parents into signing receipts for money they were supposed to receive for day-to-day expenses when

they travelled with their children for operations in Colombia, Argentina and the United States.

Asked on Tuesday whether she was concerned about the allegations of impropriety, Persad-Bissessar directed questions to Khan. She said, however, that she was heartened that the lives of 221 children were saved under the fund, which received TT$25 million in donations.

But Khan said there was no concrete proof to verify the allegations. “What is being sent in the public domain is from a disgruntled employee who was released and has put misleading information into the public domain based on what she feels. However, these are only allegations and there has not been any concrete proof of any mismanagement or corruption. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Chile lawmakers approve marijuana decriminalisation bill

Abill which will allow Chileans to grow small amounts of marijuana for medical, recreational or spiritual use has been approved by the country’s lower house of Congress.

The measure will allow each Chilean home to grow up to six plants. Up to now, planting, selling and transporting marijuana has been punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

The new bill will go before a health commission and then the Senate for approval.

Members of the lower house approved the bill by a

Chilean law already allows medical use of marijuana with government approval

wide margin, with 68 in favour and 39 against.

However, some lawmakers criticised the result, saying it would encourage drug

use.

A Chilean municipality began planting the country’s first medical marijuana in October, as part of a

Government-approved pilot programme.

However this Bill, if passed, will also decriminalise recreational use. Several other countries have eased restrictions for medical or personal use of marijuana in recent years.

In the US, more than 20 states allow some form of medical marijuana and Colorado and Washington have legalised it for personal use. Uruguay became the first country to create a legal marijuana market in 2013 and earlier this year Jamaica decriminalised personal use of the drug. (BBC News)

Colombian rebels say prepared to call unilateral ceasefire

Leftist Colombian rebels said on Wednesday they are prepared to call a monthlong unilateral ceasefire from July 20, a potential boost to peace talks that have been threatened by increased battlefield violence in recent months.

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos gave no immediate sign he would reciprocate, saying in response that “more is required” and that rebels of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) need to show more urgency in the two-and-a-half-yearold peace talks.

“With this we seek to generate favourable conditions to advance with our counterparty to work toward a definitive, bilateral

cease-fire,” FARC Leader Ivan Marquez read in a statement in Havana before going behind closed doors for talks with the Colombian Government.

They said they were responding to the Tuesday call by four countries sponsoring the Colombian peace talks for an “urgent de-escalation” of violence and “con-

fidence-building measures” in Latin America’s longestrunning civil war.

The FARC has long advocated a bilateral ceasefire, which the Government has rejected saying the group has used previous attempts at such truces to rearm. Media speculation in Colombia is running high that Santos may soften his stance on the bilateral ceasefire amid concerns the process is floundering. Santos has said he would like to reach a peace agreement this year.

“We appreciate the FARC’s gesture of a unilateral ceasefire but more is required, especially concrete commitments to accelerate the negotiations,” Santos said on Twitter. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Sanitation workers on strike in Barbados as union enters Phase 2 of industrial action

Aday after calling out public servants to protest, the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW) has instructed employees its represents at the Sanitation Service Authority (SSA) to stop working.

The action – Phase 2 of the industrial action sparked by the forced retirement of workers at the

Barbados Investment and Development Corporation (BIDC) – will mean no garbage collection or provision of grave digging services by the SSA.

Pile-ups like this are expected to worsen with SSA workers on strike. There will also be a “go-slow” at the Bridgetown Port.

And action will escalate to a national shutdown by

Friday if there is no intervention to resolve the dispute, the Union’s acting General Secretary Roslyn Smith warned on Tuesday.

The NUPW wants the BIDC to reinstate the 10 employees over the age of 60 who were sent on retirement, or pay them until they reach the age of 67. A total of 13 people over the age of 60 went home but

the BIDC said two of the other three had indicated prior to the BIDC’s decision that they wanted to retire by August while the other was not appointed in a post.

With the BIDC standing its ground, the NUPW staged a march through the City on Monday, attracting around 5000 Public Sector workers and supporters. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

Police in Jamaica launch campaign to intercept illegal guns

The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has launched its latest crime fighting initiative, designed to reduce the number of guns available for use in murders across the island.

Dubbed “Get the Guns Campaign”, it aims to in-

tercept illegal guns entering the country and seize them from criminals. The campaign will feature a reward scheme to encourage members of the public to provide information which will systematically reduce the number of guns used in murders.

Providing details on the initiative, Commissioner of Police, Dr Carl Williams said it is among several strategies being implemented by the JCF to reduce the surge of murders, and should result in “benefits during the last six months of the year”.

“Guns account for 80 per cent of all murders. In Area One alone, it is 87 per cent and in St James, it is 90 per cent and we are witnessing an alarming increase in the use of illegal firearms in all kinds of conflicts, including domestic conflicts,” he said.

The top cop encouraged Jamaicans to support the police in their crime fighting initiatives and rid the country of illegal guns.

“This campaign is going to enlist the support of all Jamaicans through a reward scheme. We are going to be giving rewards to members of the public who assist the police with information to seize guns,” he said. Williams said the JCF would use all the analytical capabilities available and intelligence at their disposal, to “zero in” on the guns. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

Murdered: Journalist Kareem Clarke

Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) lead negotiator Ivan Marquez reads from a document during a conference in Havana April 20

Around the World

Russia vetoes UN genocide resolution on Srebrenica

Russia has vetoed a United Nations resolution that would have condemned the 1995 massacre at Srebrenica during the Bosnian war as a “crime of genocide”.

body.

The vote condemning the mass killing 20 years ago as an act of genocide was 101, with four abstentions –Angola, China, Nigeria and Venezuela.

The UK had put forward the draft text, hoping the Security Council would formally recognise Europe’s worst atrocity since World War II as an act of genocide for the first time, and condemning genocide denial.

British Deputy Ambassador Peter Wilson accused Russia of siding “with those who are unwilling to accept the facts today”.

China shares: Regulator takes action after slide

China’s regulators are taking fresh steps to try to quell volatility in the country’s financial markets.

Investors holding stakes of more than five per cent are not allowed to sell shares in the next six months.

The new rule from the country’s securities regulator is intended to relieve pressure on the stock market.

of China’s main shares. IG Chief Market Strategist Chris Weston dubbed the sell-off “Black Wednesday”.

“For the first time, The China Insurance Regulatory Commission (CIRC) has admitted there is genuine ‘panic selling’ underway.

“When we see around 90 per cent of the market suspended or falling by their daily limit (while further measures have been taken to limit the influence seemingly exerted by futures traders), you know things are becoming less rational,” he said.

Russian Ambassador Vitaly Churkin on Wednesday called the UKdrafted text “not constructive, confrontational and politically-motivated”, arguing that it unfairly singled out Bosnian Serbs for war crimes.

tension,” Churkin told the council meeting that began with a minute of silence to remember the victims.

“The draft that we have in front of us will not help peace in the Balkans, but rather doom this region to

Rebel leader gives ultimatum to South Sudan President

The leader of South Sudan’s rebels has said the country’s civil war will continue as long as President Salva Kiir remains in power.

Speaking to reporters in Nairobi on Wednesday, Riek Machar said the people of South Sudan did not deserve to go back to war and that Kiir had to resign with immediate effect.

In December 2013, Kiir accused Machar, who at the time was his Vice President, of planning a coup, setting off a cycle of retaliatory killings that has split the poverty-stricken, landlocked country along ethnic and tribal lines.

“We don’t feel like we have a peace partner with Salva Kiir,” Machar said,

adding that previous ceasefires he had signed with the Government during the course of the 18-month-old conflict were “born dead”.

“Should President Kiir remain adamant and refuse to hand over power back to the people, then the citizens have every right to rise up and overthrow his regime.”

Machar’s comments come just a day after he told Al Jazeera that he wanted a power sharing deal with Kiir, underpinning the tumultuous relationship between the two men.

South Sudan’s Parliament voted in March to extend Kiir’s mandate by three years, formally ditching any plans for elections originally due to take place this year. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

The Security Council put the resolution to a vote on Wednesday, despite appeals from Russia and China not to because of divisions in the UN’s most powerful

“Genocide occurred at Srebrenica. This is a legal fact, not a political judgment. On this there is no compromise,” he said.

Russia, Britain and the US had been locked in intense negotiations over the past 24 hours to try to avoid a veto and agree on a text.

Berlusconi found guilty of bribing Italian Senator

Italy’s former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi was found guilty on Wednesday of bribing a Senator to switch factions in a move which helped topple the then Government in 2008.

The court in southern Italy sentenced Berlusconi to three years in jail and banned him from holding any public office for five years, a Judge said in a ruling shown live on television.

The four-time Prime Minister denied the charges. However, he will not have to serve his sentence because a statute of limitations kicks in later this year before any appeal can be held, preventing the courts from pursuing the case further.

Berlusconi lost his parliamentary immunity when he was ejected from the Senate in 2013 following a conviction for tax fraud. Despite remaining head of his once-triumphant Forza Italia party, he is struggling to revive his political fortunes.

Prosecutors accused Berlusconi, 78, of bribing Sergio De Gregorio, a former Senator in the small Italy of Values party, to switch allegiance in 2006 in a move that eventually helped topple the Government of Berlusconi’s arch rival, Romano Prodi.

De Gregorio admitted receiving three million euros from Berlusconi and attempting to persuade other senators to change sides.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Alarm in India over dozens of deaths of people linked to Vyapam scandal

TV journalist Akshay Singh had spent about an hour talking to the family he had travelled to central India to interview when he started losing consciousness.

Singh foamed at the mouth and fell from his chair, according to colleagues. His TV crew took him unconscious to a nearby hospital where he was declared dead.

The next day, Police in New Delhi found the body of a college dean, Arun Sharma, in a hotel room.

On the face of it, the two deaths over the weekend, which happened hundreds of kilometres apart, have noth-

ing to do with each other. But both men are linked to a mysterious web of suspicion, death and scandal that has seized national atten-

tion in India and prompted one Government Minister to say she fears for the lives of those connected to her. At the heart of the mat-

ter is a high-profile corruption case involving allegations of bribes being paid for jobs and college admissions in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh.

A former Judge supervising the state’s investigation has said that more than two dozen people linked to the case have died in the past two years. Opposition members say the count is double that amount.

Many of the deaths were originally attributed to causes like road accidents, suicide and illness. There’s no evidence of foul play, but many Indians don’t know what to believe anymore.

(Excerpt from CNN)

Despite efforts to stem the losses, the dramatic sell-off in China’s main stock market continued on Wednesday, with the Shanghai Composite plunging 6.8 per cent. That took share values nearly 30 per cent below their June peak.

On Wednesday, another 500 listed firms said they would stop trading their shares in an effort to insulate themselves from the meltdown.

Around 1300 firms have halted trading, almost half

Chinese regulators made a string of pledges on Wednesday to try to ease the “panic sentiment” in the market.

The Cabinet agency that oversees China’s biggest state-owned companies said it had told them not to sell shares and to buy more “in order to safeguard market stability”. (Excerpt from

New York Stock Exchange suspends trade after glitch

US markets were down before the halt in trading, which started just after 11:30h ET, as a fall in Chinese markets added to concerns about its impact on global economic growth

The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) has said share trading was suspended due to a technical fault, not a hack.

It said it would give more details as soon as possible. All open orders will be cancelled, Reuters said.

The Nasdaq index reported no technical issues and said it continues to trade NYSE-listed stocks.

The Wall Street Journal website and United Airlines also reported technical problems, although US authorities said the issues appear unrelated.

“We’re currently experiencing a technical issue that we’re working to resolve as quickly as possible,” a NYSE spokeswoman said in a statement.

“We will be providing

further updates as soon as we can, and are doing our utmost to produce a swift resolution, communicate thoroughly and transparently, and ensure a timely and orderly market reopen.”

However, in a tweet later the NYSE said the problem was an internal technical issue, not a cyber attack. The White House said that President Barack Obama had been briefed, and the Securities and Exchange Commission said it was “closely monitoring the situation”.

One trader on the NYSE floor, Mark Otto, of J Streicher & Co, told Reuters: “It’s under control. We’re just waiting for word. There’s no sign of panic at all. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Russian Ambassador Vitaly Churkin called the UK-drafted resolution “not constructive” (Reuters)

There have been widespread protests against the scam in Madhya Pradesh (BBC News)

thursday, july 9, 2015| guyanatimesgy.com

Rohee issues strong warning to PPP/C critics

– defends Jagdeo, party youth leaders

The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) said it will not be daunted by the heavy criticisms coming its way from the political masses, but will wade the storm and make an enormous comeback on the political scene.

The party, which was defeated at this year’s General and Regional Elections, said it continues to be attacked, something that has been happening as far back as the when the party was first established, but said it will not be bothered by the political rhetoric.

In a strongly worded letter to the Editor, the party’s General Secretary Clement Rohee said the party has always been under attack, with naysayers saying the party has “lost its way.”

“In 1964, when the party lost the election after being “in office but not in power” for seven years , the ultraleftists and the ultra-rightists in the PPP at the time claimed that the party lost power because it did not push through with its “prosocialist agenda” and that it “under-estimated the racial factor in the society.” Again, to those who championed these views, the cry for the second time was that “the party had lost its way.”

He said when the party decided to transform itself from “a loose mass party to a disciplined-type of party” the ultra-rightists and liberal democrats inside and outside the PPP at the time raised their voices in protest and condemned the party for adopting a pro-Soviet model which was unsuitable to our local conditions. “Once

again, for the PPP “had lost its way”, he said.

He recalled too in 1973, “when the PPP adopted the political line of “civil resistance and non-cooperation” with the [People’s National Congress] PNC dictatorship, the party came under attack from ultra-leftists in and out of the party at the time for not going far enough. They called for armed struggle. When the party rejected the call as adventurist we were attacked and the cry for the fifth time was that we “had lost our way.””

The Party “lost its way” again in 1974, he said, when it adopted the position of “critical support” for the progressive measures adopted by the PNC but critical of its reactionary policies. “The liquidationists in the leadership of the party at the time wanted us to extend “unconditional support” to the PNC while the racist elements in-

side and outside the PPP accused the party of “selling out the East Indians to the PNC” as far as both camps were concerned we had lost our way”.

He said throughout the 1968 to 1992 period while the PPP was in the political wilderness struggling for free and fair elections, the party was accused of “losing its way” because the dominant view at the time by some in and out of the party at the time that there was no way the PNC would concede free and fair elections to the PPP, and therefore, the party should resort to “any means possible” to win political power. This was the eight occasion on which the party was supposed have to” lost its way.”

He recalled too that when Walter Rodney emerged on the political scene and the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) was in its “heyday”,

the PPP while supportive of the WPA opted for a different tactical approach to fight the PNC. There were many in and out of the party at the time that accused the PPP of having “lost its way” and saw the WPA as leading force.

Meanwhile, Rohee said if there was a political leader in today’s PPP who has come under attack more than any other it is Bharrat Jagdeo. “Jagan did come under severe attack in his time, even when he was President of the Republic. Recall the infamous accusation of him being racist following a speech he delivered in Toronto, Canada at the Travelodge Hotel.

In Jagdeo’s case, he is deemed “corrupt and racist” by some in the media, while other politicians have seen him as having an “insatiable ego”, “greed for the limelight”, and that he “practices methods of abuse, control and sycophancy.” Another failed politician called him a “coolie bully.””

He said an “attack on Jagdeo is an attack of the PPP and its thousands of supporters”.

“It is an insult to the leaders and the entire membership of the PPP to describe them as “sycophants” as if they can’t think for themselves and oppose reactionary views and ideas. More so, to view our new [Members of Parliament] MP’s as “window dressing” and on their way to Parliament to “bury the dream of unity” as if unity is a one-way street on which the PPP alone must traverse or like Sisyphus must keep carrying the burdensome stone upwards.”

Dr Jagan, Selman ready for Parliament

– pledge commitment to represent Guyanese rights

Dr Clive Jagan, nephew of late President Cheddi Jagan, and Africo Selman, former Member of Parliament (MP) of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) have both pledged their readiness to represent the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) whenever it decides to participate in the 11th Parliament to fulfil its role as the Opposition Party in the National Assembly.

Both Dr Jagan and Selman are among some of the new faces appearing on the PPP/C’s List of MPs, and both are equally excited about entering Parliament so they could advocate for issues pertinent to their areas of expertise.

For Dr Jagan, this is the first time he will be entering the parliamentary arena and he is very eager to work with his colleagues to represent the interest of the Party.

Asked why he decided to take up the offer, the soon-to-be MP explained that the PPP/C was the single largest political party which has the single

Dr Clive Jagan

largest constituency, therefore, he felt “very proud to represent this constituency”.

Dr Jagan, who currently manages the Jagan Dental Health Centre, said before he accepted the offer, he had extensive discussions with his wife and three sons about how this new post would impact their lives during which his family pledged full support for his role as a parliamentarian representing the Party his uncle had devotedly worked to establish.

“The ideas and aspirations of Dr (Cheddi) Jagan, the principles of which he stood for will definitely influence my approach in the National Assembly,” he said.

Dr Jagan added, “The PPP/C represents the strongest singular political force in this country and it is my pledge to this constituency that I will ensure that their interest is well-articulated.

I have a genuine and heartfelt desire to see the improvement in quality of life for all Guyanese and ... I am happy to be on this legislative assembly as I work towards this ideal.”

continues on page 17

Road safety is paramount on new Govt’s agenda

The Government Information Agency reported that President David Granger on Wednesday told attendees at a Stakeholders’ Consultation Meeting on Road Safety that his participation in the forum was a clear indication of the importance his Government places on the issue.

The meeting was hosted by the Guyana National Road Safety Council (GNRSC), in partnership with the Guyana Police Force’s Traffic Department, and the Pan American Health Organisation/ World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO). It was convened at the Ocean View International Hotel, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.

As he delivered the feature address, President Granger said he was pleased to see the effort being made by the agencies involved in addressing this issue. “When you see in

the last 15 years, over 2000 Guyanese have been killed on the roads, it is a serious epidemic, and no government can ignore the death of over 2000 of its citizens in such a short period of time.”

Drawing a comparison to figures of road fatality in Barbados, the President said Guyana has a road fatality rate that is four times higher than that country’s. The President said it is always saddening to attend funerals of those killed in road accidents, noting that such incidents are avoidable and should be prevented at all cost.

“We have to make our roads safer, we have to explore the means, the measures, the methods to reduce injury, risk, deaths of persons on our roadways, and the task of this consultation must be to ensure that in every possible instance we prevent injury and death on the road.”

The President noted that on a yearly basis, acci-

dents cost the Government millions of dollars in health care, as it was reported some time ago by the WHO that in one year; accidents cost the Government in ex-

cess of $500 million. “… So when all of it is added together, you see there is a huge social cost, there is a huge economic cost, there is a huge cost in time and

there is a huge cost in public property.” It is in this light that the Head of State called on the entities involved to take a more holistic approach to

the issue of road safety in Guyana.

President Granger also took the opportunity to congratulate the GNRSC for their efforts, as he urged the organisations to continue to work together with other stakeholders to address the problem of road safety.

Currently, the GNRSC receives a yearly subvention of $3.5 million from Government and the President promised that this will be reviewed with the aim of raising the amount granted to the entity.

The objective of the meeting was to update stakeholders on the national road safety activities conducted thus far for 2015; to identify gaps in road safety nationally, based on analysis of national data and traffic reports; and to develop a work plan for the implementation of priority activities aimed at addressing the gaps.

PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee

From left at the head table are Assistant Police Commissioner David Ramnarine; Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan; President David Granger; Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson; PAHO/WHO Representative, Dr William Adu-Krow and Dr Samuel Joseph

Africo Selman

Innovative storage of garbage on Regent St?

– Mayor promises probe as businesses complain about eyesore

Several businesses along Regent Street, Georgetown are complaining of the ineffective cleanup system that is currently in operation under which workers of the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) are picking up garbage along the street and bagging it. However, no proper system is in place for the removal of the bags of garbage which they claim are continuing to pile up.

Guyana Times has received several calls from concerned proprietors who complain of the negative impact the pileup of garbage are having on their business operations.

“First of all, it don’t look good in front of your business, customers will not want to come in. It will eventually smell bad and plus its harbouring flies. Come on, it’s not nice. I applaud the work being done, don’t get me wrong, but if you’re going

ed the workers about leaving the garbage bags in front of the stores, they were informed that it was their responsibility to get rid of the garbage thereafter.

When contacted for a comment on the issue, Mayor Hamilton Green said he was completely taken aback by these complaints.

He explained that the M&CC has a contract with Puran Bros Disposal Services which requires the disposal firm to collect garbage along Regent Street on a regular basis.

Green speculated that there may simply be a lag

to do something good, make sure every aspect is done correctly,” a businessman related.

Those who complained to this publication expressed similar sentiments, claiming that there needed to be a proper system in place to facilitate the removal of the garbage.

Businesses explained that when they confront-

Dr Jagan, Selman...

Because of his background in the field of health, Dr Jagan anticipates his role as MP will enhance his capacity to advocate for and implement better health services across the country.

Dr Jagan mentioned the Specialty Hospital Project and noted that during his time in Parliament, he will push for the Project to see fruition despite Government’s reluctance towards its development.

Another area that piqued his interest is that of the social services/social security sector which he said he will be extensively advocating for during his tenure as a PPP/C MP.

Duty and responsibility to serve Guyana

Meanwhile, Selman is equally enthusiastic about serving as a PPP/C MP after being suppressed as a parliamentarian during her tenure with the APNU.

Asked why she decided to take up the offer, she explained that “as a Guyanese, I believe that it is my duty and responsibility to serve Guyana. I feel that because I am an educator, I can represent and advocate for the people. I enjoy helping people and one of the ways in which I can advance this cause to help people is by becoming a

MP.”

Some of the issues she intends to advocate for include gender equality, representation of women, youth issues and educational issues.

Selman noted that Guyana has indeed come a long way with regard to women empowerment; however, society was still lagging in several aspects.

One example is the fact that of the 10 administrative districts in the country, only one will be governed by a woman.

As such, Selman said she will be advocating for more women to come to the forefront to lead the country in the direction in which they believe will bring about better changes in society.

“One day, I want to see a woman as Commissioner of Police. I want to see more females as Regional Chairman, I want to see more women in politics … so I will be championing women’s rights,” she said.

Further, being a teacher at the Success Elementary School, Selman said she believed all children should be on a level playing field where education was concerned.

Therefore, another platform she will be taking upon entry to Parliament is equal rights for children in the hinterland regions.

E-Governance matters under scrutiny – Govt charges Unit to supply information

The E-Governance Unit has been charged with providing the Administration with a complete report on all matters relating to the body and its activities. This mandate to the Unit was communicated to members of the media, who were in attendance at Wednesday’s post-Cabinet press briefing, hosted by Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, at the Ministry of the Presidency, Shiv Chanderpaul Drive.

The Minister explained that the advice to “cut its loss” was given by the Head of the Unit, Alexei Ramotar, to the previous Administration, and has nothing to do with what the current Government was doing. At the time, and according to Ramotar, based on information from sources in Venezuela, the repairs to the controversial fibre-optic cable project would cost in the vicinity of US$20 million, and, therefore, were not feasible. Ramotar recently told Harmon during a visit to the Unit’s Duke and Barrack Streets office that

in the system which he assumes will be addressed in a timely manner.

Nonetheless, the Mayor vowed to look into the matter.

Moreover, he encouraged those affected businesses to formally make a complaint to the M&CC so the situation can be addressed more accordingly.

from page 16

Selman lamented the fact that many of the schools in the interior regions are without the necessary resources to deliver quality education as is being offered on the coastland.

“I want to see top students from Region Eight, Region Nine, so I will be advocating for indigenous peoples’ rights. The schools are not what they should be. It needs more resources and I will be pushing for more resources to be channelled to those areas,” she stated.

Selman had entered the political scene some nine years ago. Asked what piqued her interest in politics, Selman related, “I was a political science lecturer at the University of Guyana and I was enthused with the theoretical aspect of politics and so I was intrigued with experiencing what the practical aspect would be like.”

Although not regretting her decision, Selman noted that the practice of politics in Guyana was not similar to what transpired on the international scene and she hoped that some day, with her influence, the nation can transform in modern politics where the politicians will forget personalities and focus on issues affecting the country and working together to develop solutions to those problems.

the cable had suffered about 40 per cent damage, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported.

This was some four years after an agreement was signed between Guyana and Brazil, for the stringing of a fibre-optic cable.

However, Harmon has now requested “information from the Unit on the E-Government project, and all of its subsidiary activities” so that the present Government can review it.

Harmon also added that Ramotar was “still employed by the State, and so

must produce all documents on the state of connectivity on other projects – towers, Internet, etc”. He said further that Ramotar advised him that “Internet connectivity is at a very advanced stage”.

The Minister elaborated that the overall purpose of E-Governance in Guyana is that the Government is aiming to better position itself to equip the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to fight crime and help schools and Ministries to perform their duties effectively.

He stated that Government was not about “competing with service providers like Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GT&T) and Digicel, but to connect communities via hubs, with the Internet”.

Minister Harmon informed that Floyd Levi is the Administration’s Adviser on E-Governance, and that he was part of the team which visited the E-Governance Unit recently. Levi will also be on the team that will be reviewing the One Laptop Per Family (OLPF) Project.

State audits will not delay

Toshaos’ election

– Minister Garrido-Lowe insists amid concerns

By Devina Samaroo

Minister within the Indigenous People’s Affairs Ministry, Valerie Garrido-Lowe is reassuring Amerindians and stakeholders alike that the Government’s audits into the assets belonging to several hinterland communities will not interfere with the imminent Toshaos’ Elections, which are slated to commence July 16.

Guyana Times recently spoke to several Amerindians and Toshaos from the various hinterland communities, and the majority of them expressed grave scepticism regarding the already protracted Toshaos’ Elections.

Many of them fear that the state audits, some of which are yet to commence, will result in a further delay of the much-needed elections.

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon had announced that Government must complete a full and thorough probe into the villages’ assets before elections can be held. He noted that the Administration has received numerous reports which allege that monies were irresponsibly spent to provide the communities with supplies over the years and therefore, an audit must be done to resolve the situation.

In an invited comment, the Minister told this publication that the audits were only being conducted in a handful of villages and this would not be very time-consuming.

Asked how long these audits would take, GarridoLowe did not provide an exact duration, but assured that they would be completed before elections were slated to commence.

The Toshaos’ Election was delayed earlier this year to facilitate the hosting of the General and Regional Elections.

Meanwhile, immediately after the elections, the next focus will be the hosting of the National Toshaos’ Council.

Indigenous People’s Affairs Minister Sydney Allicock had stated his intention of depoliticising this forum with the aim of focusing more on the issues affecting Amerindians.

“We would like to have Toshaos using their imagination, their own strength, because they are the ones who have to manage their communities, and if they are linked heavily to political parties, then they would be probably intimidated and

they wouldn’t be able to do their work as they should for the communities,” Minister Allicock had explained. Meanwhile, the Amerindian communities are all very excited about the approaching elections.

Guyana Times spoke to several persons from Region One (Barima-Waini); Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) and Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) who, though worried about a possible delay of the elections, could not hide their enthusiasm.

Santa Rosa Toshao Basil Cornelius expressed his pleasure about the imminent elections, noting that he was confident he would win again. Cornelius said he would be campaigning for more skilled and qualified individuals to work in the village and to continue the fight for Amerindian development.

Shane Cornelius of Karrau has decided to run for Toshao of the village, following in his uncle’s footsteps.

He noted that if elected, he has a three-year plan to help develop his community. This plan includes formulating and implementing new village rules while establishing proper village offices. Also, he plans to promote a variety of community-based tourism activities all for the betterment of the community. He noted that these were things that the community needed and he was not afraid to take up the mantle.

The garbage pile-up in front of one of the businesses along Regent Street

Another pile of garbage

Minister of State Joseph Harmon

Minister within the Indigenous People’s Affairs Ministry, Valerie Garrido-Lowe

SUDOKU

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

(May 21June 20)

CANCER

You will have no difficulty finishing all the tasks on your to-do list. Harness your excess energy and help a friend or relative who is in need of assistance.

Someone will tell you what you want to hear. Don’t move forward based on secondhand information. If you are looking for the truth, ask someone who has always been on your side and told you the truth.

An opportunity to meet a special someone who shares your goals and can impact your future will develop if you volunteer for a worthy cause. Offer your services.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

CAPRICORN (June 21July 22)

AQUARIUS

(Jan. 20Feb. 19) (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

PISCES

(Feb. 20March 20)

Focus on what would make you happy. Day-to-day stress will leave you feeling out of control. Plan a short trip or unusual activity to shake up your routine.

Moneymaking opportunities are present. Be prepared to act quickly if you are offered a great deal. Real estate or property investments will enrich your life in more ways than one.

Get out and mingle with people who share your interests. Join a sports team, club or class that will stimulate or challenge you. A partnership will develop.

If you have been ignoring your physical health, it’s time to get back in shape. Even a few minutes of exercise a day will invigorate you and breathe life into a stale routine.

Leave your worries behind you and get out with friends. Enjoy a movie, or a cultural or sporting event to shake things up. If you are single, get out and meet people.

You will be tempted to give personal advice. Tensions will mount if you meddle. Keep your opinions to yourself and avoid a rift that could ruin your friendship. Someone will get the wrong impression. Be sure to not lead anyone on. Be as blunt and honest as you can to avoid a misunderstanding. Be clear about your intentions.

Love is in the air. You will be more outgoing than usual, so host a party or group event. Your special flair will ensure a fun day and plenty of compliments.

Learning more about your family history is a stimulating and worthwhile hobby. Ask relatives or search on the Internet in order to find many clues regarding your background.

GEMINI

Peanuts

Calvin and hobbes

dilbert

arChie

Sammy ruled out for remainder of Hero CPL

SLucia Zouks captain, Darren Sammy, has been ruled out for four weeks, and will miss the remainder of the Hero Caribbean Premier League, after sustaining an incomplete fracture to his left hand. He will be replaced as captain by Kevin Pietersen and Keiron Cottoy has been called up to the St Lucia Zouks squad.

All-rounder, Sammy, has scored 81 runs and taken six wickets for the Zouks in CPL 2015. He suffered a fracture on his second metacarpal when facing a short ball from Andre Russell in yesterday’s match against the Appleton

Estate Jamaica Tallawahs. He will continue to travel with the St Lucia Zouks squad for the remainder of this year’s tournament. Tom Moody, Director of Cricket, Hero CPL, said: “It’s a real shame for Darren, he’s one of the biggest names in the CPL and a great leader for the Zouks. We wish him a speedy recovery, and knowing the kind of guy he is, I’m sure he’ll continue to be an inspirational part of the squad for the rest of the tournament even though he won’t actually be out in the middle.”

Hero CPL 2015 began on 20th

Hero CPL fan...

As well as winning US$1,000, Private Fisher also has the chance to win a trip to Trinidad for the Hero CPL final, and if he repeats the feat at the Queen’s Park Oval, he will win US $1million!

Damien O’Donohoe, Chief Executive Officer, Hero CPL, said: “We’ve had a lot of near misses so it’s great to have a successful one-handed catch in the crowd. We’re delighted for Private Fisher – you can tell he’s a good cricketer be-

cause he made the catch look so easy! We wish him the best of luck as he tries to progress to Trinidad for the final.”

Larry Olton, Group VP Integrated Marketing Communications, Guardian Group, said: “Last night’s match between the Tallawahs and Zouks presented multiple exciting opportunities for a spectator to take a US$1000 catch and Guardian Group

congratulates Private Fisher and wishes him the best of luck as we move to the final in Trinidad and the chance to win up to US$1million.”

The first person to take a catch one-handed at every CPL match this year will win US $1,000. The public will vote on the best catches online at CPL’s official Facebook page (https://www. facebook.com/CarnivalT20) to decide who makes the trip to Trinidad. In the CPL countries where there is no onehanded catch, fans can still register at www.myguardiangroup.com for a chance to win the trip to the Hero CPL Final.

There have been over 200 sixes in the tournament so far, and there are bound to be plenty more opportunities for fans at the upcoming matches in Jamaica, St Kitts and Nevis, Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago to win some serious cash. (CPL Release)

June, with global superstars including Kevin Pietersen, Jacques Kallis and Shahid Afridi joining the Caribbean’s finest cricketers, like Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo, and exciting up-and-coming local talent. The tournament has already provided plenty of excitement, with packed crowds, an unrivalled party atmosphere, thrilling finishes, and some outstanding batting and bowling performances. The competition will feature 33 matches in all, with the final, at the Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad, taking place on 26th July. (CPL Release)

Jessie Vargas has filed a formal appeal with the California State Athletic Commission over the controversial ending of his unanimous decision loss to Timothy Bradley Jr. in their June 27 welterweight title bout at the StubHub Center in Carson, California, commission executive officer Andy Foster told ESPN.com on Tuesday night.

Vargas is seeking to have his loss changed to a no contest based on the fact that referee Pat Russell mistakenly called the fight over with about seven seconds remaining in the 12th and final round because he mistook the 10-second clapper for the final bell.

Vargas was upset because the fight was stopped just as he had Bradley in terrible shape after rocking him and nearly dropping him with a right hand. Vargas

Mo Farah set for return today

Mo Farah returns to action today for the first time since doping claims against his coach Alberto Salazar.

The double Olympic champion, who says he is “100% clean”, faces Great Britain team-mate Andy Vernon in the Diamond League 5,000m in Lausanne.

Farah will race against five of the top six in the world rankings this year.

Six-time Olympic champion Usain Bolt misses the 100m, but Justin Gatlin, Asafa Powell and Tyson Gay are set to line up in Switzerland.

Farah, 32, will be running over 5,000m for the first time this season in what will be his first race for six weeks.

He pulled out of a Diamond League meeting in Birmingham last month following claims made by BBC Panorama and US investigative website ProPublica that Salazar violated several anti-doping rules.

Salazar has denied the allegations and issued a 12,000-word document refuting claims made in the

investigation.

Farah has not been accused of any wrongdoing and has welcomed subsequent investigations by UK Anti-Doping and the US AntiDoping Agency.

On Thursday he will face Vernon for the first time since the pair had a row on social media.

After Lausanne, Farah is due to race over 1,500m in Monaco eight days later before returning to the Olympic Stadium in London to compete in the 3,000m at the Anniversary Games the following week. (BBC Sport)

Vargas appeals decision loss to Timothy Bradley Jr, wants no contest

felt robbed of a chance to finish off Bradley because the fight was stopped prematurely.

At the postfight news conference, Vargas vowed to fight to overturn the result.

“Normally it’s 36 minutes for a fight, right? It was a little under that right when he was hurt, right when he was out on his feet,

and all I needed was one last punch,” Vargas said. “The referee stepped in, looked at Bradley, waved the fight, and I said, ‘I’m a new world champion, interim champion, whatever it was.’ And unfortunately, they came back to me and said, ‘Oh, no, I made a mistake. The fight’s over.’

“I don’t understand how

Sweeping changes at CONCACAF...

Other changes include full publication of CONCACAF’s annual financial statements and budget, a “pre-approved” vendor system for all contracts with CONCACAF to prevent fraud, the appointment of a chief compliance officer and the set -

ting up of a whistleblower hotline

“In implementing the Reform Framework, the Confederation will demonstrate to its fans, sponsors, member associations and other stakeholders that CONCACAF is resilient and devoted to managing,

developing, and promoting the game with accountability and transparency,” CONCACAF said.

Former CONCACAF president Jeffrey Webb was among six soccer officials arrested and detained by Swiss police pending extradition at the

that can be. I’m gonna fight as much as I can to get this decision overruled, to get the decision to be a no contest. I think I deserve to finish what I started.” Foster said the commission has not decided whether it will hear Vargas’ appeal.

“I am reviewing his supporting documentation,” Foster said.

If the commission decides to hear the appeal, it would not be until the next commission meeting, which won’t be until late August or early September.

Bradley (32-1-1, 12 KOs) and Vargas (26-1, 9 KOs), a junior welterweight titlist who moved up in weight for the fight, were fighting for a 147-pound interim world title. But with Floyd Mayweather being stripped of the WBO belt Monday, Bradley will be elevated to full titleholder. (ESPN)

from page 22

request of US authorities in May.

The case involves bribes totalling more than $100 million linked to commercial deals dating back to the 1990s for soccer tournaments in the United States and Latin America. (CMC)

t

Darren Sammy Kevin Pietersen

Keiron Cottoy

Mo Farah

Jessie Vargas

Ashes Series… Root century galvanises England

Joe Root has come a long way since he was part of a demoralised England squad that left Australia with a 5-0 whitewash and apparitions of Mitchell Johnson, vaudevillian moustache to the fore, lurking around every corner. Australia will now recognise that improvement only too well after Root’s rapid, surefooted century galvanised England at the start of the Investec Ashes series.

On a slow Cardiff surface designed to nullify Mitchell Johnson, a recourse that England might turn to all summer, Root blossomed from the outset as he struck 134 from only 166 balls, an innings of attacking intent that made light of England’s loss of three wickets for 43 on a grouchy Cardiff morning.

SCOREBOARD

England 1st innings

A Lyth c Warner

b Hazlewood 6

AN Cook* c †Haddin b Lyon 20

GS Ballance lbw

b Hazlewood 61

IR Bell lbw b Starc 1

JE Root c Watson b Starc 134

BA Stokes b Starc 52

JC Buttler† c Johnson

b Hazlewood 27

MM Ali not out 26

SCJ Broad not out 0

Extras:(b 13, lb 2, nb 1) 16

Total:(7 wickets; 88 overs) 343

To bat: MA Wood,

JM Anderson

Fall of wickets: 1-7, 2-42, 3-43, 4-196, 5-280, 6-293, 7-343

Bowling: MA Starc 19-4-84-3, JR Hazlewood 22-8-70-3, MG

Johnson 20-2-87-0, NM Lyon 17-4-54-1, SR Watson 8-024-0, DA Warner 2-0-9-0

With England imperilled, Root needed good fortune to get through his first few deliveries from Mitchell Starc, an inside edge saving him from an lbw decision first ball and Haddin then dropping a very takeable one-handed catch to his right from the next delivery as he dug at a full, wide one. Australia barely reacted, as if they imagined it might be a bump ball. But it was a duck they could have done with: instead, he has broken the chains.

Since that Australia series, Root has averaged 85.41 in 13 Tests. It has been an emphatic response, ranking him alongside Australia’s Steven Smith as one of the most exciting young batting talents in the game. The pair will refresh this age-old contest, as the best young players indubitably do.

If Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes are the embodiment of England’s one-day enterprise, Root bears their hopes on his slim shoulders in this Ashes series. His de-

parture, at 280 for 5, with nearly 18 overs remaining left England facing an awkward phase with the second new ball soon due and the further loss of Stokes, after a rumbustious half-century, and Buttler reasserted Australia’s threat.

Producing deliberately slow pitches, if that proves to be England’s aim, could reduce the appeal of the series to damaging effect, but that danger was not evident on the first day as Root batted enterprisingly, driving and cutting with alacrity. His third-wicket stand of 153 in 39 overs with his Yorkshire team mate - and one-time room mate - Gary Ballance was the bedrock of England’s innings.

He fell in a manner that would have irked him, driving at a wide one from Starc, whereupon Shane Watson held the catch at slip. Later than it might have been, Starc must have thought. Starc then bowled Stokes with a beauty, holding his index finger to his mouth in a gentle admonishment of Stokes’ pre-series fight-firewith-fire hype. Buttler then chipped Josh Hazlewood tamely to mid-on.

Starc was as blustery as the south Wales weather, the low pressure rushing in whenever he had to align himself against left handers. Hazlewood bowled a probing line and could grow into the series as a more-then-useful replacement for the injured Ryan Harris, if not with quite the same bullish intent. Both finished with three wickets. Nathan Lyon, too, cleverly introduced early in the day by Michael Clarke, quickly claimed the wicket of Alastair Cook and would be reasonably content to go at three an over when

England intend to counter his offspin aggressively.

As for Johnson, reaper of 37 wickets in the last Ashes series, he finished wicketless and expensive. Outside Australia and South Africa, where slower pitches reduce his physical threat, his record puts him back in the realm of mere mortals. There was barely a bouncer to be seen and when it came, it was hooked over the sightscreen for six by Ben Stokes. The wrong sightscreen, to be fair, a top edge which flew high above the wicketkeeper Haddin.

After the pre-series hoopla of the past few weekslargely repetitive and tiresome this time around, a consequence of three Ashes contests in two years - the first Test could not begin too soon. There were squally morning showers to con-

tend with, three national anthems - Wales being forever in confusion about the extent of its sporting allegiance - and Cook, who chose to bat in expectation of settled afternoon weather, found the morning a demanding one.

Three England wickets with only 43 on the boardCook himself, Adam Lyth and Ian Bell dismissed - represented a potent opening to the series for Australia on a sluggish pitch.

In the first over, from Starc, two balls reached Haddin on the second bounce, the second of them almost getting a third one in. It looked ominous, but the keeper and slips came up a few yards - a reluctant walk, particularly for an Australian - and nobody much minded after that.

(Cricinfo)

Murray beats Vasek Pospisil to reach Wimbledon semis

Andy Murray

Britain’s Andy Murray reached his sixth Wimbledon semi-final in seven years with victory over Canadian Vasek Pospisil under the Centre Court roof.

The Scot, seeded third, won 6-4 7-5 6-4 in two hours and 13 minutes, and will play second seed Roger Federer in the last four on Friday.

Murray, 28, had to cope with two rain delays, the second of which saw the roof brought across in the second set.

“It was difficult, we were stopped a couple of times,” said Murray.

“I felt I played some good stuff. He served extremely well for periods. I tried to change my return position at the end of the second set to see the returns better.”

Looking ahead to a 24th meeting with seven-time champion Federer, Murray added: “I know Roger very well, we walked to the practice courts together this morning.

“Friday is a different story and hopefully we can

LTTC hosts developmental training camp

The Linden Table Tennis Committee (LTTC), headed by Howard James (President) and Shavin Greene (General Secretary), kick started its first summer table tennis camp on Tuesday at the Mackenzie High School Auditorium.

Greene and James, both International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) level one coaches, will be conducting the programme which is sponsored in part by Banks DIH Limited Sports Plus Sports Store and supported by the Guyana Table Tennis Association.

The programme is aimed at introducing, orienting and teaching the fundamentals of the sport of table tennis to children between the ages of eight and 18 years old in a fun and structured way in order to create a new

Howard James working with three of young female talents nucleus of players which would create the foundation for development of table tennis in Linden.

The organisers have indicated that they have regis-

tered more than 40 players who would be split into two categories for better management of the programme. The programme will be used to identify the best tal-

ents for which continuous training will be provided. There are also plans to develop the programme in a more holistic way targeting players from the region.

have a great match.”

Murray produced a clinical performance to see off Pospisil, the world number 56, in straight sets. The Canadian, making his first appearance in a Grand Slam quarter-final, kept Murray’s return game at bay for the most part but the Briton capitalised on fleeting chances to establish control.

Murray converted the solitary break point on offer in each of the first two sets, both with fizzing cross-court backhands that caught out Pospisil at the net.

The first break came just before play was halted for 35 minutes at 3-1 because of the rain, and a second interruption of 30 minutes in the second set saw the roof brought across, despite a burst of sunshine.

Murray did well to hold serve for 4-4 on the resumption as Pospisil pressed, and the Briton took a firm grip on the contest when he broke for 6-5.

Two lengthy rallies played to Murray’s strength, with a breathless Pospisil given a time warning at 30-30, and the 2013 champion clinched the key break with a drop shot and a backhand.

Pospisil, 25, fended off four break points with big serves and a fifth with a brilliant drop volley as Murray raised the pressure further in the third set.

The decisive moment came at 4-4 when Pospisil, who had a first serve taken away for a second time warning, was forced out of position and played a shot between his legs facing a sixth break point.

Murray stepped in and crunched a backhand winner into the corner before saving a break point and converting his second match point in a tense closing game.

“I have loved playing here over the years,” added Murray.

“I have always played some of my best tennis here. I hope I can get to another final but it will be a tough one.”

Joe Root leaves the pitch after making 134 from 166 balls

Shalom Driving School, lot 2 Croal Street, Stabroek. Enjoy 20% discount. Phone: 227-3869, 622-8162, 644-7052, 227-3835

YOU COULD ALSO OBTAIN AN INTERNATIONAL DRIVER’S PERMIT COVERING OVER 130 COUNTRIES (LIKE US ON FACEBOOK) Tel: 6447050/619-0106/227-3869/227-3835

Da Silva’s Optical. For Your Eyes Only, Look Better See Better. Phillip A Da Silva OD, Shannon L Da Silva OD, Natalie Da Silva OD. 248 South Road, Bourda. Phone: 227-3529, Linden: 444-6376, Corriverton: 339-3536, Meten-Meer-Zorg: 275-0322, Grand Cayman Islands: (345) 943-1515 for the perfect trendy touch.

C A l l : 6757292 /611-7223

Private Custom’s brokers certificate training course. All importer/ exporters and others who trade is on the increase globally and locally. Learn how to prepare custom documents. Date :4th August 2015 (for three weeks). Classes from 2:004:00 pm and 5:00-7:00 pm (optional). For more information call:6948322 or 223-1506. Register early and save$$$

FOR SALE

Clean Garden earth. Also excavating, grading and leveling done. Call 6279977 20 tons heavy duty trailer – 2.7 million; Call: 678-6022 or 613-9277

Caterpillar skid loader 246B low hours – 6.6 MILLION; Call: 678-6022 or 613-9277

Caterpillar back hoe /loader with extended arm 8.6 million; Call: 678-

House plans & estimates, weeding of grass and spraying done within 48hrs. Call: 216-0671; 622-0267; 692-8464

Repairs and spare parts for fridge, freezers, A/C, washers, gas stoves, etc. Call Nick tel # 683-1312 or 6273206

Khemraj & Son -landscaping & plant nursery. Lot 77 Independence Street, La Grange, West Bank Demerara. Landscaping, planting grass, weeding, killing wood ants, killing roaches, rats & mealy bug, treat plants, coconut trees and flowers, cleaning ceiling, grafting coconut plants: 18 months bearing period, treating land, grass & spraying grass, grafted papaya plants: 6 months bearing, grafted cherry plant, sour sop & sapodilla, cutting big trees & removing, treated mould for sale & flower plants for sale. Tel 627-5969/ 603-1134

Surinamese spiritualist. Resolving all problems. Money, love, blockage etc. Call 223-6834/600-7719

Suriname’s Astrology, Palmist and Hindustani Spiritual Healer, solve all purpose problems, 100% confidential guaranteed. Phone: 602-8997

HEPHZIBAH MINISTRIES 24 hrs Prayer Line 322-5081,337-4510,3374259,337-4583,337-3070,337-5103. For healing, deliverance, financial difficulties, marriage issues call now. Jesus Cares.

GR Taxi, 24 hours. Phone: 2257878, 219-5000 or 227-2100

proved.

Balwant Persaud & Associates. Certified Immigration Consultants, 68 Sixth Street, Alberttown, Georgetown (Between Cummings & Lights Sts) Tel: 225-1540, 622-8308, 655-3105. Email: balwantpersaud@yahoo.ca

Two bedroom upstairs apartment.

$60,000 monthly with parking. Couples preferable. Tel 233-2607 / 644-7089

Three Storey 75ft’x 30ft’ bldg, open floors, 2 offices, 2 washrooms, driveway. 25B Princess St, Charlestown. Tel : 223-0654, 225-0605

Two Self contained single bedroom furnished apartments for rental. Self contained 7 bedroom bungalow idea for family/ guests/ students local or overseas long/ short term rental. Contact # 622-7097 / 624-7111

JUST ARRIVED: TOP QUALITY RECONDITIONED VEHICLES; TOYOTA NOAH; TOYOTA VOXY; TOYOTA IST (NEW SHAPE); SUZUKI SWIFT; DAIHATSU MOVE (660CC); MERCEDES BENZ C200 KOMPRESSOR; COROLLA AE100 WAGON; TOYOTA HIACE MINIBUS RZ; PITBULL-STYLE FREEZER VAN; LAND CRUISER (FULLY LOADED); MAZDA PROCEED 4WD EXTRACAB PICK-UP; TOYOTA HILUX 4WD EXTRA CAB PICKUPS - 3RZ, 5L, 3L SOLID DEFFERNTIAL; MITSUBISHI CANTER TRUCKS 4 TONS FREEZER; 3 TONS OPEN TRAY; 2 TONS 4WD; NISSAN ATLAS 2 TONS OPEN TRAY TRUCK. PRE-ORDER YOUR UNITS EARLY AND GET THE BEST PRICES. FULL AFTER SALES SERVICES AND FINANCING AVAILABLE. DEO MARAJ AUTO SALES, 2 CHIMNEY ROAD, CHATEAU MARGOT, ECD. 624-0762, 220-5177. A NAME AND SERVICE YOU CAN TRUST

We buy lands in Parfaite Harmonie, Eccles, Farm, Herstelling, Uitvlugt and Elsewhere. C A l l: 675-7292 / 611-7223

Djokovic and Richard Gasquet into semis of Wimbledon

Defending champion Novak Djokovic will play Frenchman Richard Gasquet in the Wimbledon semi-finals.

Gasquet beat French Open champion Stan Wawrinka 6-4 4-6 3-6 6-4 11-9 in a thrilling five-set match.

Had Wawrinka won, it would have been the first time for 20 years that all of the top four seeds had reached the last four at Wimbledon.

Earlier, top seed and world number one Djokovic made short work of Croat Marin Cilic, winning 6-4 6-4 6-4.

Switzerland’s seven-time Wimbledon champion Roger Federer plays British number one Andy Murray in Friday’s other semi-final.

Djokovic had not lost to Cilic in their previous 12 matches, and his unbeaten record never looked in danger as the US Open champion failed to cope with the Serb’s precision.

The 28-year-old reached his 27th Grand Slam semifinal with his 50th win at Wimbledon, only the seventh man to reach that number of victories.

The Serb had to recover from two sets down against South African Kevin Anderson in the last 16, but his quarter-final win was far more comfortable.

Djokovic broke in the third game of the first set, the ninth game of the second set and the seventh game of the final set to wrap up victory inside two hours.

“It was a very solid performance after a tough fiveset match against Kevin in the fourth round,” Djokovic said.

“I didn’t know how my body was going to feel. I was hoping I was going to play well and that’s what I did.

“The top players are expected to reach the final stages of these competitions, but still I’m happy to make my way through. Of course I try not to take it for granted.”

The eight-time Grand Slam champion hit 27 winners, making just 12 unforced errors and did not offer a single break point to Cilic.

Gasquet wins ‘great battle’

In an unpredictable encounter on Court One, 21st seed Gasquet came out on top in the first set, before Wawrinka took control by taking the second and third.

With the score 5-4 on

Wawrinka’s serve in the fourth, the Swiss two-time Grand Slam champion produced his first double fault to send the match into a fifth set.

The pair then battled it out in an 83-minute decider, before Gasquet prevailed to reach a Wimbledon semifinal for the first time since 2007.

“It was tough and I made some mistakes,” Gasquet, ranked 20th in the world, told BBC Sport.

“He had big confidence after Paris and I had to fight. I really wanted to win. It came down to mental strength. I was aggressive and it was a great battle.”

Gasquet has lost 12 of his 13 matches against semi-final opponent Djokovic.

The Frenchman said: “It will be tough but I’m happy with how I’ve played.

“I’ll try to play my best again against the best player in the world.” (BBC Sport)

Federer at his silky best to reach Wimbledon semis

Roger Federer was at his regal best as he floated into the Wimbledon semi-finals with a silky 6-3 7-5 6-2 win over Frenchman Gilles Simon on Wednesday.

Federer was broken for the first time at this year’s championships but apart from that blip he did not put a foot wrong as he reached his 37th grand slam semifinal, and 10th at the All England Club.

There he will play home favourite Andy Murray who he beat to win the 2012 title -- the last of his 17 grand slam titles.

Such was the seventimes champion’s command of the match that the only thing that could halt the Swiss second seed’s charge was two separate 40-minute rain breaks on No. 1 Court.

Simon did earn some bragging rights for finally breaking the Federer serve after 116 successive holds, stretching back to the first

round of last month’s Halle Open.

Otherwise, he could only watch in wonder at the winners flying off the Swiss maestro’s strings.

“(My) reaction was always going to be important once the streak ended and the serve was broken,” said Federer.

“I was able to do that because Gilles is a quality return player. The game I got broken, he was too good so no problem to accept that,”

added the Swiss, who fired down 11 aces and 36 winners during the dazzling 95-minute exhibition. The world number two broke Simon once in the first set, twice in the second and twice more in the third as he rolled on towards a sixth successive win over the luckless Frenchman. A high backhand volley dinked away at the net ended Simon’s hopes of reaching his first grand slam semi-final. (Reuters)

Parfaite Harmonie $1.5 million, Tuschen $1.6 million, Linden/ Soesdyke highway -30 acres agricultural land $9 million.

Novak Djokovic

Roger Federer

NSBF Championships…

Day 3 filled with more blowout victories

By TreisTon Joseph

The Bishops’ High School looked solid in their Under-19 clash against St Joseph High School on Tuesday evening when the two teams collided in the National School Basketball Festival (NSBF) at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

Bishops’ High routed St Joseph 78-26 to grab their first victory of the tournament with an all-round team effort. The Bishops’ team simply were too large and talented for the St Joseph, outscoring and outrebounding St Joseph High.

Timothy Thompson had a game-high 19 points and 12 rebounds, while Daniel Haynes had 18 points and 10 rebounds. Marvin

Durant also scored 18 points in the win.

The second Under-19 game saw New Amsterdam Multilateral topping the Government Technical Institute (GTI) 48-32.

Neil Wills was his dominant self with 12 points and 12 rebounds, while Kevon Wiggins had a game-high 13 points.

Mackenzie High School took care of business in the final Under-19 game of the evening holding off Marian Academy 45-37 in one of the few close games of the night.

Tyrese Mitchell was the only player to score in double digits for the game with 18 points.

In Under-14 action, Mackenzie High School continued to roll with a

34-11 drubbing of Marian Academy. Yonnick Tappin continued his stellar play with a game-high 13 points.

The second game of the Under-14 category saw St Rose’s High topping Kwakwani Secondary 2612. Anthony Yansen had a double-double performance of 10 points and 11 rebounds.

Kadeem Dover scored 10 of Kwakwani’s 12 points in the loss.

Meanwhile, in female action, Marian Academy topped New Amsterdam 12-8 while Kwakwani gained a walkover against St Rose’s.

Action in the tournament will continue during the remainder of the week with the final scheduled for Sunday.

Gym Expo billed for Sunday

Bodybuilding, fitness and fashion aficionados are in for a special treat this Sunday at the annual Fitness Paradise Gym Expo to be held in the Savannah Suite of the Pegasus Hotel.

The event will start at 19:00h and will be declared open by Dr Karen Pilgrim, Vice President of the Guyana Olympic Association.

Gym Expo 2015 will feature participants from both Fitness Paradise Gym

and Studio Body Shape of Suriname.

The events include the Mr Expo Bodybuilding in two classes and the Mr Expo Hot Body.

Ladies will be seen in the Miss Expo Bikini and Miss Expo Best Legs. Jermaine Karg and Daes Burgzorg of Studio Body Shape will be competing in the Mr Gym Expo Bodybuilding and the Mr Expo Hot Body contest respectively, while Shirley Parta and Margaretha

Vrede will be taking part in the special fashion sequences that feature clothing by front-line fashion designer Olympia Small.

The Gym Expo has so far attracted some key sponsors. These include GT&T, Southland, Fitness Express, China Trading, Trophy Stall and John Lewis Styles.

Part of the proceeds of the event will go towards the Guyana Paralympics Association to support the activities of that body.

Caricom Championship attracts more sponsorship

With the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) organised Caricom Championship just days away, Venu Shopping Centre and Beauty Salon has been the latest business entity to confirm its support of the tournament.

The one-day tournament will now be played on Sunday, July 19 at the Albion Sports Complex.

Proceeds from this event will be used mainly to organise a three-day FirstDivision cricket competition for teams in Berbice.

At a simple ceremony held recently at the business location at Public Road, Number 78 Village, Sanita Roopnarine, an employee of the business establishment, expressed confidence in the work of the Board.

She added that cricket provided an opportunity for young people to be positively occupied.

In response, BCB Executive and Upper Corentyne Cricket Association Treasurer Vicky Bharosay thanked Venu Shopping Centre and Beauty Saloon for its kind gesture and promised the business establishment that it would get good mileage for its contribution.

Waramadong

Secondary continued their dominance in school football when they retained their regional title in the fifth annual Digicel School Football Tournament with a 3-1 win over Bartica Secondary on Wednesday at the Bartica Community Centre in the final of the Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) zone of the nationwide tournament.

The three-time losing national finalists were given the upper hand in the 27th minute when forward Dean Rodrigues went on the far side with the ball and passed it through the legs of defender Mark Richards before making a perfect pass in front of his opponents’ goal. The ball landed on the foot of Delmer George who scored in his own goal.

The heavy muddy outfield took an early toll on the players, with Waramadong getting the better of the exchanges, but they just could not get past goalkeeper Shane Luke standing be-

tween the uprights.

The second half brought some good fortune for Bartica who were being backed by a large vocal crowd. In the 70th minute, Sheldon Anthony pushed a ball wide of an advancing Deochan Lewis standing in goal. However, the equaliser seemed to energise Waramadong and one minute later Delmar George answered the goal. George was brought on to replace forward Aston Ward for the second half.

In the 85th minute, Anthony scored a flat shot to the far post out of the reach of the goalkeeper to give the champs a 3-1 lead. Waramadong will now take on Bush Lot Secondary who replaced the disqualified Mahaicony Technical Institute as Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) champions.

The two teams will clash on Sunday at the Number Five Ground in a play-off for a national quarterfinal place.

Meanwhile, Orealla went on a goal fest against Manchester Secondary in their Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) quarter-final at the Burnham Park in New Amsterdam on Wednesday. Orealla won the one-sided affair 19-0 and ended one short of the national record for the most goals in a game in the competition.

Cleon Henry opened the scoring in the second minute and then made it 2-nil in the eight minute on his way to scoring five goals.

Erwin Russer scored a hat-trick in each half of play for a tally of six goals in the game. Also scoring almost at will was Cameron Edwards with a helmet trick. Andre France netted twice while Donnell France and Miguel Devair scored once.

Meanwhile, action in zone six continues today when GuySuCo Training Centre and Berbice High School meet at the Skeldon Community Centre Ground in a quarterfinal match.

Eight top T20 FirstDivision teams in Berbice will compete in the 10-over knockout competition with the final of 20 overs to be played under lights for a top prize of $80,000 and a trophy. The runner-up will receive $40,000 and a trophy, with the losing semi-finalists copping $15,000 each. The Man of the Match in

every game will be rewarded. Action will commence at 10:00h sharp.

The participating teams are Upper Corentyne/ Skeldon, Port Mourant, Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, Albion, Young Warriors/Rose Hall Centre/ Edinburgh, Police/Bermine, Blairmont/West Berbice and Bush Lot/D’Edward.

The Board said that the teams were selected in such a manner that all the top players in Berbice will be on show.

Young Warriors/ Rose Hall CC/Edinburgh Combined will tackle Upper Corentyne/Skeldon Combined in the opening game. Game two will see Albion

CC taking on Bermine/Police Combined. Game three is Port Mourant versus Bush Lot/D’Edward Combined. Game four will see Blairmont/West Berbice Combined playing Rose Hall Town. The winner of games one and two will play in the first semi-final while the winner of games three and four play the other semi-final.

Many gate prizes will be up for grabs for fans, with a well-stocked bar and musical entertainment.

To promote the game, 15 passes each will be given to eight schools in the Lower Corentyne area. The entrance fee for adults is $300, while children under 12 are admitted free.

Sweeping changes at CONCACAF in the wake

CONCACAF has announced sweeping changes to the way it does business in a desperate attempt to salvage its reputation after some of its leading officials were placed at the centre of a FIFA corruption scandal.

The body that governs football in North America, Central America and the Caribbean has announced that it has approved expansive reform measures pro-

of

FIFA scandal

posed by a three-man special committee.

The confederation says the reforms, unanimously approved by CONCACAF’s Executive Committee at a weekend meeting in Canada, aim to strengthen its management and operations.

“These reforms are intended to apply best practices for sound corporate governance to CONCACAF’s business operations,” CONCACAF said.

“This Reform Framework reflects CONCACAF’s commitment to strengthening our governance, management, and operations”. Reforms include independent members on the eightmember executive committee (Exco), not affiliated with any football-related activities, term limits on all members of the Exco, including the president and full publication of senior officials’ salaries.

Sanita Roopnarine, employee of Venu Shopping Centre and Beauty Saloon, presents a gate prize to BCB Executive Vicky Bharosay

Daniel Haynes rises for a dunk during Bishops’ routing of St Joseph (Treiston Joseph photo)

BCB congratulates female team

The President and executive members of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) have extended congratulations to the management and members of the Berbice female senior team, which won the Inter-County Championship on Monday by defeating Demerara by seven wickets in their final at the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Ground.

In a release, the Board stated that the team have done the county proud and continue to demonstrate that the Berbice Cricket Board is the most organised one in the country.

The Board was im-

pressed with the captaincy of West Indies all-rounder Shemaine Campbell, the teamwork and the level of professionalism of Manager Abena Schultz and Coach Andre Percival.

Percival was also the Coach of the Berbice Under-15 team which won the inter-county championship earlier in the year.

The BCB promises to make sure that cricket is played at all levels and will soon launch a threeday competition for FirstDivision teams.

The release also stated that this year also saw the return of school cricket at

the Under-17 and Under-15 levels.

The Board also stated that arrangements are in place to get the senior cricketers in camp shortly. They will be joined by the Berbice Under-19 team.

This early preparation is to keep the players fit and ready for the inter-county tournaments.

Players who are called up and fail to turn up will not be considered for selection for the county.

Players will also be added based on performances in club cricket. The female cricketers will be honoured by the BCB shortly.

Sweeping changes at CONCACAF in the wake of FIFA scandal

CONCACAF has announced sweeping changes to the way it does business in a desperate attempt to salvage its reputation after some of its leading officials were placed at the centre of a FIFA corruption scandal.

The body that governs football in North America, Central America and the Caribbean has announced that it has approved expansive reform measures proposed by a three-man special committee.

The confederation says the reforms, unanimously approved by CONCACAF’s Executive Committee at a weekend meeting in Canada, aim to strengthen its management and operations.

“These reforms are intended to apply best practices for sound corporate governance to

CONCACAF’s business operations,” CONCACAF said.

“This Reform Framework reflects CONCACAF’s commitment to strengthening our governance, management, and operations”. Reforms include independent members on the eight-member executive committee (Exco), not affiliated with any football-related activities, term limits on all members of the Exco, including the president and full publication of senior officials’ salaries.

Other changes include full publication of CONCACAF’s annual financial statements and budget, a “pre-approved” vendor system for all contracts with CONCACAF to prevent fraud, the appointment of a chief compliance officer and the set -

Regional Under-17, 2nd Round… Guyana suffers second straight defeat

Guyana suffered their second straight defeat in this year’s Regional under-17 tournament on Wednesday in Tobago.

The Guyanese lost to the Windward Islands by 103 runs. Louisy grabbed 4-26 from 7.1 overs and fellow spinner Singh snared 3-21 from seven overs, as Guyana were bowled out for 134 in 38.1 overs to give the Windwards their second straight victory.

Joshua Persaud led the way for the Guyanese with 32 and his captain Rolando Alimohamed added 20 which no other batsman reached, as the batting crumbled in the chase for 238.

Melius had gathered 76 from 122 balls to prop up the Windwards batting and lead them to 237 for eight from their allocation of 50 overs, after they were put in to bat.

Melius smashed five fours and three sixes, giving the Windwards a solid base of 84 for the first wicket with fellow opener Johann Jeremiah and set the tone for the rest of the batting.

Jeremiah made 25, Tahj Tavarnier hit 29 and Allick Athanaze got 27 to add beef to the Windwards’

total, as Bhaskar Yadram captured 3-40 from his allotted 10 overs and fellow off-spinner Richie Looknauth took 2-31 from nine overs.

Other second round matches: At Canaan: Barbados won by 9 wickets.

LEEWARD ISLANDS 93 off 31.4 overs (Dimari Prince 22, Jerrilous Louis 20; Donte Niles 4-24, Jarion Hoyte 3-10).

BARBADOS 96 for one off 14.5 overs (Thaddaeus

Chase 52 not out, Shian Brathwaite 39 not out). At Shaw Park: Jamaica won by 1 wicket.

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO 147 off 48.4 overs (Cephas Cooper 65, Kirstan Kallicharran 31; Shalom Parnell 2-14, Sanjay Williams 2-22, Javeur Royal 2-29). JAMAICA 148 for nine off 31.4 overs (Raewin Senior 38, Javeur Royal 21; Kirstan Kallicharran 4-49, Siba Batoosingh 2-29).

SCOREBOARD

ting up of a whistleblower hotline

“In implementing the Reform Framework, the Confederation will demonstrate to its fans, sponsors, member associations and other stakeholders that CONCACAF is resilient and devoted to managing, developing, and promoting the game with accountability and transparency,” CONCACAF said.

Former CONCACAF president Jeffrey Webb was among six soccer officials arrested and detained by Swiss police pending extradition at the request of US authorities in May.

The case involves bribes totalling more than $100 million linked to commercial deals dating back to the 1990s for soccer tournaments in the United States and Latin America. (CMC)

The Berbice female senior team pose after their win on Monday

Hodge fires Warriors to 2nd win!

Amature fifty from Brad Hodge was instrumental in taking the Guyana Amazon Warriors to a crucial victory in a rain-affected match against St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots.

Rain interrupted the Amazon Warriors runchase of 158-6 three times, but Hodge, the most experienced T20 player in the world, didn't let the disruptions influence his mindset and he stayed cool and

SCOREBOARD

St Kitts and Nevis Patriots innings (20 overs maximum)

MJ Guptill lbw b Permaul 10

E Lewis c †Ramdin b Beaton 14

MN Samuels* c †Ramdin b Bishoo 61

TA Willett c Beaton

b de Lange 15

DC Thomas b de Lange 19

CR Brathwaite c †Ramdin b Beaton 14

Shahid Afridi not out 11

Sohail Tanvir not out 1

Extras: (lb 5, w 8) 13

Total: (6 wickets; 20 overs) 158

Did not bat: SO Dowrich†, SS Cottrell, T Shamsi

Fall of wickets: 1-19, 2-25, 3-79, 4-123, 5-140, 6-156 Bowling: CD Barnwell 2-0-24-0, RR Beaton 3-0-27-2, V Permaul

4-0-14-1, SP Narine 4-0-250, D Bishoo 4-0-19-1, M de

Lange 3-0-44-2. Guyana Amazon Warriors innings (target: 159 runs from 20 overs)

TA Griffith c †Dowrich b Cottrell 6

AB Fudadin not out 43

D Ramdin*† c †Dowrich b Cottrell 31 BJ Hodge not out 61

Extras:(lb 2, w 3) 5

Total: (2 wickets; 16.4 overs) 146

To bat: Umar Akmal, CD Barnwell, SP Narine, V Permaul, M de Lange, D Bishoo, RR Beaton

Fall of wickets: 1-11, 2-48

Bowling: Sohail Tanvir 3.40-18-0, SS Cottrell 4-0-462, CR Brathwaite 3-0-28-0, T Shamsi 1.3-0-21-0, Shahid Afridi 4-0-26-0, MN Samuels 0.3-0-5-0.

calm to guide his team to an 8-wicket Duckworth-Lewis victory.

While Hodge played the anchor role it was up to Assad Fudadin and Denesh Ramdin to play starkly different but equally important cameos in assisting the Amazon Warriors towards victory.

After losing Trevon Griffiths in the second over, Ramdin launched a brutal assault, taking 22 from the fourth over of the innings bowled by Sheldon Cottrell. Ramdin fell immediately after the end of the Powerplay to bring Hodge to the crease in partnership with Fudadin who in fact took some time to get going and for much of his innings was striking at below a run-a-ball.

The Patriots were dealt a blow when their star bowler from the last two matches Tabraiz Shamsi pulled up injured early into his spell. Although he returned to bowl he was clearly not comfortable bowling and after Fudadin struck him for consecutive sixes he removed

himself from the attack.

Back-to-back sixes from Hodge off the first two balls of the thirteenth over bowled by Shahid Afridi reduced a still difficult equation to almost a run-a-ball, and despite two further rain intervals the Amazon Warriors weren’t going to lose from there and their victory was eventually confirmed.

Earlier on it was Marlon Samuels who was yet again

the star man with the bat for the Patriots, his 61 off 40 balls was the only score of more than 19. There were however six other double figure scores and the Patriots may look back and rue the fact that not one of those starts was converted into a more significant score.

Given the relatively tight nature of the chase it could’ve been the difference between victory and defeat.

This was a hugely important win for the Amazon Warriors who were languishing at the bottom of the table - this win

Waramadong Captain, Mcferen George receives the

Coordinator, Timothy Cornealus

Marchant de Lange and Ronsford Beaton both took two wickets for the Amazon Warriors, and although Sunil Narine was frugal he picked up none.

elevates them to fifth. The Patriots remain in third place. (CPL. com)

Ronsford Beaton celebrates a wicket as the Warriors pull off a rain affected victory