Guyana Times Daily - October 23, 2015

friday, october 23, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

Mayor appointed as head of CH&PA Board a “conflict of interest” – Ali

The A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition continues to ignore the cries of the public with regard to appointing political favourites on State Boards, while giving such persons senior positions at Government entities in spite of the Administration’s earlier promises that this would not happen.

Recently, Mayor Hamilton Green was appointed as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), and this latest move by the Government has left many to wonder about the evident “conflict of interest”.

Former Housing Minister Irfaan Ali told this newspaper on Wednesday that such an appointment by the APNU/AFC coalition was an obvious conflict of interest and went beyond the

appointment of a “political hack” as the head of the CH&PA.

“It is more of a professional issue and more than having someone in a position of conflict of interest. This is because the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) is chaired by Mayor Hamilton Green and he makes recommendations to the CH&PA Board.

So, if you have the same person chairing both entities, then you can have a lot of difficulties; so, from both a professional and an ethical perspective, this is not right,” Ali said.

Guyana Times understands that in the October 3, 2015 edition of the Official Gazette, it was publicised that Green had been appointed as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the CH&PA.

Letters poured in to various media entities from concerned citizens complaining that the person(s) making recommendations and appointments to State Boards “must realise” that this latest appointment was a “clear conflict of interest situation”.

“How can the Mayor, who chairs the statutory meetings of the City Council also be the Chairman of the CH&PA?” one woman asked.

It was further explained that when someone wishes to

erect a building, that person has to submit three copies of the plan to the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) to begin the application process.

After the M&CC, chaired by the Mayor, approves of this plan, it is then forwarded to the CH&PA for the Housing Ministry’s approval.

“Here again, it will run

into Mayor Hamilton Green, who will this time be wearing the hat of the CH&PA Chairman, as the plan seeks to get its second approval. Where will the checks and balances be? There is no separation of powers because Hamilton Green can approve a faulty plan at City Hall, and then go over to the Central Housing and Planning Authority and approve it a second time,” one individual stated.

Meanwhile, Green had told the media that his appointment to the Board of

the CH&PA was no conflict of interest since both entities (the M&CC and the CH&PA) were led by “professional people”.

He divulged that he would not be running for Mayor again come the next Local Government Elections (LGE) although he still wished to serve the country.

In addition to Green’s appointment to the CH&PA’s Board, Meshel Austin and Winston Hope have also been appointed as Directors. (kristenm@guyanatimesgy.com)

Surujbally to head Caricom Observation Mission for Haiti elections

Amid resounding calls for his resignation from thousands of Guyanese, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally will be heading a Caricom Election Observation Mission in Haiti for the first round of the presidential elections and the second round of the legislative elections on October 25.

Based on reports, Surujbally’s delegation was scheduled to arrive in Haiti on October 21 and would be departing two to three days after the elections. The delegation comprises 11 members, including election officials from Caricom Member States and experienced election observers along with two representatives of the Caricom Secretariat who will assist with the administrative and logistical support.

According to Caricom, the fielding of the Mission was requested by Haiti’s Government following the presence of Caricom Election Observation Missions in St Kitts and Nevis, Guyana, Suriname, and Trinidad and

Tobago. In Haiti, 53 presidential candidates will be vying for the support of 5.8 million registered voters. Meanwhile, on the heels of Surujbally’s departure to head the mission, there have been repeated calls by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) for his resignation as Chairman of GECOM. The PPP/C has held him responsible for all the discrepancies which plagued Guyana’s recently concluded General and Regional Elections on May 11.

Dr Steve Surujbally

Mayor Hamilton Green

Former Housing Minister Irfaan Ali

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

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

Friday, October 23 – 12:45h-14:15h and Saturday, October 24 – 13:45h-15:15h

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

High Tide: 00:29h and 13:09h

and

Venezuela’s ongoing aggression against Guyana continues with the neighbouring country now attempting to bring about the end of the operations of the Guyana Goldfields Inc at its mine in Aurora, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

This was disclosed by President David Granger as he was addressing the full Parliament on Thursday. In his remarks, the President stated that the Spanish-speaking country has warned the Canada-based mineral exploration company that legal action would be taken if the company moved ahead with operations at the gold mine.

He noted that the letter, dated October 13, 2015, was sent by Venezuela’s Ambassador to Ottawa to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Guyana Goldfields Inc. “The letter warned, inter alia, that the opening of the gold mine would be:“infringing on the territorial sovereignty of Venezuela and committing unlawful actions which could incur legal consequences. As such, you are hereby fully given notice of the respective legal actions that could herein occur,” the President informed the House.

According to the President, Venezuela continues to breach the Geneva Agreement of 1966 by asserting new claims, promulgating new decrees purporting to lay claim to vast expanses of Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone and dissuading foreign investors from developing Guyana’s territory.

He went on to point out that the recent “Ottawa letter” reflects the approach adopted by the late Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez, during his state visit to Guyana in February 2004. President Chávez had plainly told the press that his Administration would have no objection to everyday infrastructure works such as roads, water and electric-

ity that directly enhanced the lives of residents.

However, he had pointed out that strategically sensitive projects – including major offshore oil exploration ventures, mineral exploration or the involvement of foreign Governments – were another matter. The former Venezuelan President said that these should be dis-

Moreover, the Guyanese Head of State went on to mention the October 2013 incident, during which the Venezuelan Navy seized a petroleum exploration vessel in Guyana’s water. He said despite “so-called bilateral dialogue” between the two neighbouring countries following that incident, the Bolivarian Republic continues to dis-

cussed within the framework of the High-Level Bilateral Commission (Comisión Bilateral de Alto Nivel).

“The ‘Chávez doctrine’, in short, meant that Venezuela demanded a role in determining the developmental destiny of Guyana’s Essequibo. Another impudent example of that ‘doctrine’ was President Chávez’s opposition to the proposed satellite project in the Barima-Waini Region in 2000. Chávez at that time intervened to undermine the agreement between the Government of Guyana and Beal Aerospace Technologies Inc, which aimed at establishing a satellite launch station in the BarimaWaini Region.

play aggression against Guyana with the aim of obstructing development here.

“The Venezuelan naval corvette – the Yekuana – expelled the Teknik Perdana, a petroleum exploration vessel, from Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The vessel, however, never returned to continue its work. The investors as well as others were scared into inactivity by the Venezuelan aggressive naval action. Venezuela’s claim that Guyana is an aggressor defies logic and plain common sense. Who is the aggressor? Who owns the corvette,” the President outlined.

In addition to having its navy expel vessels from Guyana’s waters, President Granger

said that the neighbouring country also promulgated decrees purporting to annex Guyana’s maritime spaces. He added it also augmented its military manpower and exhibited offensive weapons and materiel at unprecedented levels as well as conducted provocative manoeuvres on Guyana’s border.

Additionally, the Guyanese leader highlighted that Venezuela also recalled its Ambassador to Georgetown and suspended the process of acceptance of Guyana’s Ambassador-designate to that country.

“Guyana reacted to these provocations with dignity and firmness and on the basis of compliance with international law. It has always been respectful to the government and people of neighbouring states, confident in the correctness of its policies and in the justice of its cause. Guyana has no need to resort to force to advance its rights,” the Head of State noted.

Nevertheless, President Granger pointed out that Guyana continued to urge a peaceful and expeditious solution to the controversy arising from Venezuela’s contention that the Arbitral Award of 1899, under which Venezuela was granted over 13,000 km² of territory, was a nullity.

The Head of State explained that he was awaiting the findings of the high-level United Nations team which visited both Georgetown and Caracas recently. The President, however, is adamant that a recourse to a juridical process as a final and binding means of resolving the controversy is the best process to finally resolve the controversy between the two neighbouring countries.

President David Granger addressing Parliament on Thursday

Editor(ag): Michael Younge

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

Mailing address: 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown

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Editorial

For a realistic LGE date

Amidst much fanfare after the APNU/AFC government took office, Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan, in an apparent haste to display that he is the new boss of local government, went ahead and announced that local government elections will be held in November of this year. The glee over the assumption that their Manifesto “100 day promise” would be kept, however changed shortly afterward to consternation.

But this time Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) had to reign in Bulkan’s alacrity and let the public know that LGE could not follow the whims and fancies of the Minister but rather the process that leads up such an election. As a matter of fact GECOM had previously complained that the Administration was blocking its attempts to fully prepare for the Elections by not taking adequate steps to remove the legislative hurdles facing the hosting of the Elections under a new and improved system.

In 2014 the then President Donald Ramotar had assented to three of the four reform bills passed in the National Assembly. The Fiscal Transfer Act, the Municipal and District Council Amendment Act, and the Local Government Commission Act.

In September, in its haste to meet the unrealistic date, APNU/AFC coalition used its one-seat majority tabled, debate and passed amendments to a key local Government law that was a prerequisite in paving the way for local elections to be held this year. This Over strenuous objections by the PPP/C.

It is no secret that the LGEs are certainly overdue but the APNU/AFC coalition, through its Communities Minister should have been adequately informed before making promises about the election. During the Local Authorities (Elections) (Amendment) Act 2015, the Peoples Progress Party/Civic had cautioned the Government that such an election was not possible this year. But Bulkan disagreed.

Now low and behold, comes Governance Minister Raphael Trotman disclosing LGEs are likely to be held in March next year. But here again GECOM is tempering the government enthusiasm. Since Trotman’s announcement, Chairman of GECOM, Dr Steve Surujbally has already announced that the proposed March 2016 date is “not unreasonable”.

But he did however advise that in order for Local Government Polls to be held in March, all the prerequisites need to be fulfilled such as the ‘Order’ as to whether Government will issue any new constituencies, township and municipalities or use the same criteria that were prepared back in 2009, when Local Government Elections were slated to be held.

Local Government Elections are required to be held once every three years. Back in 1997, when the LGE elections were supposed to have been held following the historic one in 1994, the country was constitutionally due to have General Elections, thereby postponing local Government polls. Then there was periodic rumblings in the National Assembly since then about the much needed elections.

However, if the APNU /AFC government is to be taken seriously about its ‘genuine’ intent to have LGEs, it must be well informed, work along with GECOM and engage the Opposition to determine a ‘realistic’ date for such elections.

Operating on even a wish and a prayer will only see more delays in the indeed much need LGEs and lead to cynicism in the citizenry.

Guyanese are hurting because Govt mishandling country

Dear Editor,

With reference to the letter written in Stabroek News by Craig Sylvester captioned: “Increase in salaries of senior gov’t officials is exactly what is needed”, it is my view that his position is highly biased in favour of Government and raised several important issues: Firstly, Mr Craig needs to understand that Guyanese cannot approve of any salary increase that does not make sense. Our expenditures cannot exceed our incomes. Our economy has plummeted under this Government and on top of this, to ask us to shoulder a fat salary increase to pamper Ministers is just heartless.

To even ask for a raise under these harsh economic times is simply lacking conscience. If we were to approve of a salary increase, it means that we will be willing to sacrifice our own welfare and that of our country for the benefit of our Ministers. Who in their right mind would agree with this? During harsh economic times, we need to conserve and reserve scarce dollars for healthcare and education, along with basic needs.

A healthy and educated Nation will correct our economy by growing it and generating revenues. If we pour money into Ministers pockets it will be similar to pouring money into a rat’s hole. We can only entertain a rea-

sonable pay raise and not a bloated one if and when our economy becomes healthy. Government knows its actions will hurt our country, yet it is forcing its way with a hefty pay raise.

Secondly, Sylvester needs to understand that the APNU/AFC Government is heavily involved in political patronage – corruption. Therefore, to argue that a salary increase will thwart corruption is just a dishonest argument to get us to accept it. Political supporters of the APNU/AFC political party are hired for key positions including Ministers even when they lack relevant expertise and experience – rendering them ineffective.

Obviously, our Ministers cannot serve our country but are highly rewarded so as to remain loyal to the APNU/ AFC political parties. In my view, political patronage is the key element destroying our country. Government is openly taking care of its own welfare by whacking our country and the result is that we do not get to live a full life. Our country is buckling and reeling from pains due to Government’s actions. We need to immediately stop this abuse.

Thirdly, Sylvester discussed that our country needs to move away from obsolete ideas and embrace new ones - which are all

good. So, Mr Sylvester, then why did the APNU/AFC Government not move away from political patronage –corruption? This is something Government needs to move away from, so as to allow our country to breathe.

What is holding Government from doing the right thing? This Government deliberately embraces corruption because it is a means to keep its supporters happy. Government and its supporters are scratching each other’s backs at the expense of our country.

Through corruption, Government has also unjustly given out National Awards to its political supporters, leaving many baffled by its actions. The APNU/AFC is stuck in its old corrupt tracks and needs to be replaced, which I am sure Sylvester will have no trouble with. Mr. Sylvester rightly thinks that we should get rid of the obsolete. We need fresh blood in politics to move our country forward and we need to get rid of the deeply entrenched. This Government must go. It has falsely campaigned on a promise of change. Where is the change? We were duped by its rhetoric. Our country will never move forward under this Government and its corrupt governing style.

Fourthly, why is Craig comparing salaries with oth-

er countries when the economic standings, finances and qualifications for jobs vary from country to country? Salary scales are uniquely set up in relation to multiple economic parameters and finances unique to each country along with educational requirements. Our Ministers are overcompensated as it is. Some of them bring little to no qualifications or experience to the job.

In closing, we are hurting because Government is mishandling our country. We know how cruel and brutal life can be in this country, particularly for the unconnected poor – because of corruption.

Government is brutal and its actions are cutting short lives. With this, I urge Government to show compassion and respect irrespective of who we are. Why a fat salary increase is out of question at this time.

Government needs to use its own private funds to reward its political supporters instead of bleeding our country. It needs to put the welfare of its people before its own, particularly the most vulnerable – women.

Until we eliminate corruption within Government and focus on the welfare of our citizens, our country will continue to erode.

Yours faithfully, Dr Cecil Dilipkumar

A surreal moment in Georgetown, Guyana as the sun sets!

your

Businessman squatting on Government reserve

Dear Editor, Wednesday, October 14, 2015, I continue to receive telephone calls from residents of my village that a person is squatting and fencing the front of a Government reserve which is next to the National Bank of Industry and Commerce (NBIC) at Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast.

As far as I can remember this person attempted to occupy this piece of land way back in 2007,and several letters were written in the press, opposing this squatting since the Hindu community from Anna Regina and Cotton Field was using this dam to plant and burn their holka.

A petition was signed by thousands of residents from these two villages and was taken to Office of the President for action to be taken.

I also remember being the acting Mayor for the Anna Regina Town Council when this matter came up at the statutory meeting where the man had applied to build a mall and the full council denied his application, knowing it was a Government reserve and its the property of the council.

After I resigned from the Town Council this matter kept surfacing and the man made several more attempts to occupy this reserve which is a thoroughfare designed by the then Lands and Surveys Department for the maintenance of the sea defence in the event of a disaster and the walls collapse suddenly, mobilisation of machinery and equipment can get easy access.

I emailed the former President, after learning that he was coming to meet with PPP members at Reliance branch office. He agreed to meet with me to discuss the matter, but for some reason or the other he couldn’t come to meet with me. He sent former Minister of Health who was on his party trip to meet with me

and listen to my complaints.

The villagers were alerted by me to come and raise their voice against this squatting.

The Regional Vice Chairman arrived with the former minister at my house and the villagers flocked him in the hallway and complained bitterly about the squatting on the site which they have used for decades to plant and burn their holka.

The minister asked the Vice Chairman, who was the Chairman of the Land Selection Committee how can an approval be given for a Government reserve which is a public ingress and egress? The VC told the Minister that the committee had rescinded the approval after careful consideration, and appeals from the residents of the adjoining villages.

We the villagers never knew that a lease for the reserve was being issued secretly by the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission. The Town Clerk told me that she saw the lease with his building application which was sent in for the Council’s recommendation. This application was referred to CH&PA where it was not approved or recommended and returned to the Council.

I asked her if she was aware that this person was fencing the Town Council reserve, and she told me she was not aware and will inform the Chairman of the IMC.

She told me that NBIC had applied for the same spot to make a play park for children of the surrounding villages so in the evening, Sundays and holidays they can play and relax. The bank would do all the development works and plant flowers.

The NBIC application was approved she told me, by the Town Council, but the political directorate had instructed her to cancel it as the Region had better use for this

piece of land. She did cancel it. I had previously called the Manager of Lands and Surveys Department in 2007, when I heard that the land Selection Committee had approved this thoroughfare. He told me that he had abstained from voting on the matter because he knew that it was against the law to approve a Government thoroughfare there.

Anyhow, after the squatting started days ago on the public thoroughfare, I decided to call the Regional Chairman and REO to inform them about what is taking place, but none was available, one was looking at members of the public and the other was in Georgetown at a meeting. I then called the Vice Chairwoman and informed her, and she assured me the man was wasting his time and money since he cannot get this land.

I took her word for granted. I reminded the Town Clerk that if she looked up the statutory minutes during my tenure she would find the matter was closed.

What amazed me in 2007 was the Hindu community priest and residents of both Anna Regina and Cotton Field were up in arms against the squatter since it’s the only place suitable in the village for them to plant and burn their holka.

Now, because of a new Government, they are all silent and want it to look bad and that the present Government is corrupt in having given permission to the squatter to fence the thoroughfare leading to the sea defence.

An investigation needs to be conducted into the issuance of this lease. This person is a millionaire businessman and can buy a large plot or apply elsewhere.

Yours faithfully, Mohamed Khan.

Airport theft of passenger’s $ is an age-old problem, not really CAL’s

Dear Editor, Complaints of security officers preying on unsuspecting passengers at Timehri and stealing their foreign currency has been an ongoing problem since the 1970s when the PNC dictatorship introduced the currency police (as well as gold police and food police looking for banned goods and export of gold beyond the allowable limit). Taking any foreign currency and more than G$25 (worth less than US$8) out of the country was against the law. Declaration of currency, food and gold was mandatory when coming into or leaving the country; banned goods like flour, bread, potatoes, dhal, onions, milk, spices, religious items, etc were not allowed.

Today, searching passengers’ belongings (for security reasons) has replaced the customs police. Passengers were and have been largely helpless to stop theft. Counting or monitoring passengers’ currency or gold and food import is not law any more. But clearly, currency stealing is still an old habit hard to disappear even when the previous government (PPP/C) sought to eliminate the menace. It was not then and not now an airline (CAL) problem. It was a Government institutionalized problem left behind by the dictatorship that refused to take action against those it employed to harass and intimidate people. It backfired in which security agents feel they can rob people and get away with it.

One of the culprits has been caught. It is hoped that an example will be made of that particular thief who got caught on Sunday, and that Government as well as airline officials will be vigilant in monitoring staff to deter theft of passengers’ belongings. It is not enough to fire the staff; she must be prosecuted to other would-be thieves.

It is noted that in the two recent public complaints of airline security theft that hit the news this week, it was staff from a private security firm employed by CAL to conduct handbag search, and not Government or airline workers who were involved in the theft of peoples’ money. It was not CAL employees.

This security firm needs to better screen its staff and not employ would-be felons. The firm must be held accountable for the criminals it employs. It will not be surprising to find out that the individuals pilfering items from luggage are also from firms contracted to provide baggage handlers.

It is recalled that when the then Forbes Burnham dictatorship introduced currency (and customs, gold and food) police during the mid-1970s, monitoring currency amounts of passengers entering or leaving Timehri, many complained of the Police stealing (under a similar tactic used by the female officer) or confiscating their money under flimsy anti-currency flight laws.

I was a victim and when I complained to the supervisor, the Police who “searched me” was nervous and began to stammer. “Look around again”, he suggested. “I don’t want to be responsible for any allegations”. The missing US$ miraculously found its way on the floor, and I was blamed for being “careless” and allowing my money being “dropped on the floor” when all the time the money was in the “tiefing” currency Police hand.

The strategy employed to scam people was the Police (sometimes with a partner) would distract the incoming or outgoing passengers during the counting of the money and a quantity would disappear when it was returned to the unsuspecting passenger.

Countless passengers were victims of this scam encouraged by the dictatorship based on ethnic prejudice and the victims were helpless to recover their money. Often times, victims were blamed for “falsely” accusing the Police of pilfering their foreign money. They were afraid of filing a complaint, fearful they would be accused of violating currency or gold restriction or food ban laws and not noted to travel. So they ‘forgot’ the incidents of theft and victimization. Even I was afraid of filing a complaint when the Police tried to “heist” my hard-earned money as happened to me in 1986, fearful I could be locked up for my political activism against the dictatorship.

Today, some passengers are more courageous and they are speaking out and complaining against theft of their money at Timehri. The Police and airport officials must be attentive in monitoring screening staff at the airport and passengers are urged to be alert when they are being screened. Check your money right away and file a report if money is missing. Also, if goods are pilfered from luggage, file a report immediately.

Yours faithfully, Vishnu

Bisram

You can send

letters with pictures to: Guyana Times, 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown, Guyana or letters@guyanatimesgy.com

Page Foundation

The early years of a child’s life are very important for his or her health and development.

One mother’s story

Angela had her first child as a teenager. She continued to stay in school and had two more children. As she was getting ready to marry her children’s father, he was killed. At the time, she was living in her mother’s house and going to college for a nursing degree. Money is one of Angela’s biggest worries. She also feels she has no one to turn to for support in trying to raise her children.

an accelerated education programme by age 5.

Legacy helped Angela to think more about her influence on her children. “Legacy opened my eyes to thinking through the long-term effects of what I do, rather than just at that moment.”

and emotional, mental, and physical health. The study also will provide estimates of the broader effects and benefits of Legacy on society, such as on the social services, education, juvenile justice, and physical and mental health care systems.

During the pregnancy with her youngest child, Angela joined the Legacy for Children programme. Watching the other children in the Legacy programme helped Angela understand what to expect of her daughter Lara as she was growing. Talking to other mothers about new parenting skills strengthened her own skills and helped her decide to become an early childhood educator. “It never would have crossed my mind to want to help others. I never realised what an influence I was to other people.” Angela developed a strong connection to the idea of “parents are the child’s first teachers,” and changed her interactions with her children, including her discipline decisions, by focusing on “positive parenting.” Angela reported that Lara is advanced, and was accepted into

CDC currently is funding and working on a study called Legacy for Children™. The Legacy programme is based on the belief that parents can have a real effect on how their children learn and grow. Research has shown that how parents interact with their children is related to children’s success later in life. It appears that even children who face various

in similar circumstances. Intervention specialists, who are skilled in guiding group discussions and in child development, assist mothers in finding and trying out new ways to help their children realise those dreams. In addition, Legacy includes one-on-one sessions with mothers that strengthen what mothers discover in the group sessions.

It is important to note that Legacy does not tell mothers how to raise their children. The group sessions encourage exploration, discussion, and trying out a variety of ideas and

CDC and the Administration for Children and Families (which is part of the US Department of Health and Human Services) are partnering to translate research to practice by integrating Legacy into Early Head Start programmes. The Legacy model is currently being used in five Early Head Start

challenges, such as poverty or poor neighbourhoods, are more likely to overcome these challenges when their parents are involved and invested in providing a safe, stable, and nurturing base of support.

How it works

A core part of the Legacy program is regular group meetings of mothers, including mother-only sessions and mother–child sessions. The main purpose of these meetings is to provide mothers with a chance to develop and explore goals and dreams for their children with other mothers

behaviours that are linked to positive outcomes, allowing mothers to decide what is right for themselves and their children.

A follow-up study of Legacy currently is under way. The purpose of the follow-up study is to find out how Legacy affects the long-term health and well-being of children. Researchers are following children who were part of the main study three to five years later when they are in third grade, and measuring their progress. The researchers are looking at the children’s learning and thinking ability; school performance; behaviour; social skills;

programmes across four states within Head Start Region IV (Florida, Georgia, Mississippi and Kentucky).

Investing in our children Investing in our children is investing in our future. Early childhood investment can reduce social costs. This includes tangible costs such as special education, foster care, welfare, medical care, law enforcement, social security, and social services, and intangible costs such as physical and emotional pain experienced by children with developmental delays and their families. (CDC.gov)

Part 2

“A foundational principle of brain development is that neural systems organise and become functional in a sequential manner,” he explains. “The organisation of a less mature region depends, in part, upon incoming signals from lower, more mature regions. If one system doesn’t get what it needs when it needs it, those that rely upon it may not function well either, even if the stimuli that the later developing system needs are being provided appropriately. The key to healthy development is getting the right experiences in the right amounts at the right time.”

In some cultures, crucial skin to skin contact is almost guaranteed for babies. Older children still participate in caring for infants in the family, and learn a great deal in the process.

Pepperdine University Professor of Psychology Louis Cozolino concurs. “Because the first few years of life are a period of exuberant brain development,” he says, “early experience has a disproportionate impact on the development of neural systems. In this way, early negative interpersonal experiences become a primary source of the symptoms for which people seek relief in psychotherapy.”

What are the right experiences for the developing infant brain? It seems almost self-evident, but the first needs of human beings include cuddling, healthy touch and gentle, affectionate stimulation. To develop what psychologists call “secure attachment” infants need caretakers who demonstrate that they love them, who meet their needs, calm their fears, keep them safe and encouragingly help them achieve physical milestones. When such stimulation is withheld, the brain’s corresponding neurosystems change accordingly. Since they are “use-dependent”, the systems that do not become stimulated at this crucial time will not develop, and these are the very areas of the brain that moderate our ability to have relationships, to respond appropriately to stress, and to mediate pleasure and empathy.

Salarygate scandal widens:

REOs to cost the Treasury over $114M annually

–

as Govt

increases

$114M of hard earned taxpayers’ dollars will now be spent annually to pay “quasi” political officials - as Minister of the Presidency described one of them - who have been appointed to the post of Regional Executive Officers (REOs) throughout the country following a decision by the new A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) Government to increase the emoluments of these officials by over 100%.

The Government took the decision to increase the pay of its REOs despite public outcry over its ongoing extravagance and wastage of taxpayers’ monies from the public purse on hefty salary increases for its Ministers and other politically connected individuals of the ruling coalition.

With the hike in pay, over $81M will be spent on the salaries of REOs annually who will now receive an enhanced wage package of $380,00 in salary and $300,000 in additional benefits, bringing their total monthly remuneration to $680,000.

The benefits received by REOs will cost the public purse over $3M annually. Additionally, the duty free concession on vehicles enjoyed by the REOs will cost the public purse another $30M annually in unpaid duties.

Breakdown

The newly appointed REOs were handpicked by

emoluments for the “boys” by over 100%

the new Administration after they took office in May, replacing seven of those appointed by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C). REOs are supposed to be bureaucrats and several of the dismissed REOs protested to no avail. As detailed below, it is ironic that the new Government did not follow its own statements on the issue.

Under the new remuneration package, the REOs will receive a non-taxable salary of $300,000; a non-taxable duty allowance of $70,000, and $10,000 as cellular phone allowance. They will also receive an additional $300,000 for payments of electricity bills, security service, and landline telephone service. In addition, the REOs will receive an annual vacation allowance of the equivalent to one month’s non-taxable earnings, which in this case is $300,000. Their contracts will be for a threeyear period with 42 days in annual vacation.

As if not enough to burden the public coffers, the REOs will also benefit from a driver, an assigned Government vehicle, and yet a duty-free vehicle. The gas to fuel these vehicles alone will amount to over $1M annually.

Under the previous Administration, REOs received a salary of $292,196 with a station allowance of $1,500 and $500 entertainment allowance. They were under contract for a one-year period with annual performance review prior to renewal of contracts.

The addition of the nontaxable duty allowance was never a benefit enjoyed by REOs under the previous Administration.

The new boost of salaries for the REOs was announced on Wednesday by Prime Minister Nagamootoo at a post-cabinet media briefing. He said Cabinet approved the pay hike on Tuesday.

Family, friends and political sponsors

The newly appointed REOs are Leslie Wilburg,

Region 1; Rupert Hopkinson, Region 2; Dennis Jaikaran (Sr), Region 3; Pauline Lucas, Region 4; Roderick Edinboro, Region 5; Veerasammy Ramayya, Region 6; and Gavin Clarke, Region 10.

The seven newly appointed REOs join Peter Ramotar, Region 7, Raphael Downes, Region 8 and Carl Parker, Region 9.

Hopkinson is the son the first Regional Chairman of Region Two, Kenneth “Baggie” Hopkinson who was appointed by the then People’s National Congress (PNC).

Jaikaran (Sr) is a member of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) now APNU and was in fact a pallbearer at the funeral of former president Hugh Desmond Hoyte.

Edinboro was a former City Treasurer, who was dismissed by the Georgetown City Council following recommendations of a Commission of Inquiry into the affairs of the Georgetown Municipality.

Ramayya is an Executive member of the AFC. Late August Ramayya had threatened resignation from the AFC after he was not given any substantial Government job after the APNU/AFC took to office.

The increase in salaries for REOs comes against the backdrop of huge increases for Ministers and Vice Presidents.

In the Official Gazette

of September 25, it was revealed that a Cabinet Minister would be given a hefty sum of $10,439,124 annually. It is further detailed that annually the Prime Minister would be benefiting from in excess of $20 million, while the other Vice Presidents would each receive $11,135,064.

The three Vice Presidents – Sydney Allicock, Carl Greenidge, and Khemraj Ramjattan will earn monthly some $1.13 million, double the $579,000 which they would have earned as Ministers. In addition, the vacation and other benefits are also $500,000.

A Cabinet Minister is now earning the hefty sum of $10,439,124 annually and a Junior Minister is paid $8,346,492 per annum.

Meanwhile, the Leader of the Opposition is offered $10,439, 124 on an annual basis, but Jagdeo has already indicated he will not be accepting this salary.

Amid massive public outcry, President David Granger sought to defend and justify the decision for the hefty salary increases. According to the Head of State, the salary increases will eventually translate to good governance.

State Minister Joseph Harmon had stated that the salary increase decision was made to ensure Ministers and Government officials are paid an attractive salary so as to discourage them from being corrupt.

PPP continues call for Surujbally’s removal – presses for recount

Former Ministers Bheri Ramsaran and Clement Rohee, along with dozens of supporters of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) from across Guyana, on Thursday protested in front of the Office of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) at Cowan and High Streets, Kingston.

The protesters were once again calling for a recount of the votes of the May 2015 election, where they believed the Party had been cheated, and for the swift resignation of GECOM Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally.

Surujbally had previously mentioned that he would not be going anywhere in face of calls by the Opposition PPP for his resignation.

The Commission’s head had told this publication when asked for a response to the PPP’s position, he was

not involved in the complexities of the operations of the Commission. His job is simply to overlook and chair the Board of the Commission. The brunt of the work, in his explanation, falls in the arms of the Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield. He said he could not understand the haste to unseat him.

The GECOM official had stressed that his job was simply to preside over the operations of the Commission and the call by the PPP for his resignation held no water.

Speaking to reporters on the issue, former Home Affairs Minister Rohee shared that the Party and its supporters would not be stopping their protest sessions anytime soon until their demands have been met.

Former Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee leading the protest in front of GECOM on Cowan and High Street, Kingston

Veerasammy Ramayya

Pauline Lucas

friday, october 23, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

Director of Prison Services on $100,000 bail for sexual assault charge

The Director of Prison Services, Welton Trotz was on Thursday brought before Magistrate Fabayo Azore in Court

Five of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged with sexual assault.

Trotz denied the charge which alleged that he sexually assaulted a female Police rank in his office at the Guyana Prisons Headquarters on Brickdam, Georgetown. The particulars of the charge were not revealed; however, Guyana Times was reliably informed that Trotz allegedly made several sexual advances towards the Virtual Complaint who refused him. The VC claimed that sub-

sequent to her refusal, the Director summoned her to his office where, after showing her pornographic material, he made another advance. She consequently lodged a complaint with the

Public Security Ministry. A Board of Inquiry was subsequently established and it came to the conclusion that Trotz should face disciplinary action. The Director of Public Prosecutions, how-

ever, advised that Trotz be charged with sexual assault. The former Assistant Commissioner of Police, a recipient of the Disciplined Service Medal, was placed on $100,000 bail and will return to court on October 27. While leaving the courtroom, Trotz stated that he was innocent, saying “may God be with those who think otherwise”. In an invited comment, he stated that he would be stepping down from his position for the duration of the court case. He opined that he would be vindicated, adding that the ones making the allegations are attempting to tarnish his reputation and “stain” his name.

2 remanded on trafficking in narcotics charge

Two men were on Thursday remanded to prison by Magistrate Fabayo Azore in Court Five of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts after they appeared before her charged with the possession of an illicit substance for the purpose of trafficking.

Lloyd Sandu, 34, of Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara (ECD), and Howard Rambarose,

23, a taxi driver of Lot 6 Second Street, Meadow Bank, Georgetown, denied the charge which read that on Tuesday, October 20 at Eccles, East Bank Demerara, they were found in possession of 1.452 kilograms of cannabis sativa for the purpose of trafficking.

Attorney Mark Waldron represented both of the defendants and stated that while nei-

ther of them has pending matters, Sandu was previously convicted to four years in prison on an unrelated matter. The court disagreed with this submission, revealing that Rambarose has a pending matter.

Bail was denied. The two will next appear before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in Court One on October 27.

Eyew tness Judge, jury and …

…paymaster

So here we have it: will this salary rape never end? It’s obviously serial rape – rape of the public servants who’re on their knees with their 5%; rape of the senior citizens into whom they put in a thumb ($4000) and pulled out a plum ($5000 in electricity and water bills). And today, the rape of all the norms of Parliamentary checks and balances.

The growth of democracy has been all about the struggle of the people to prevent the government from raping them. Parliament was invented to prevent the King from doing the dirty and subsequently, the rule for the opposition to be heard, was to prevent the party winning elections from doing the same.

But look at what passes for democracy in Guyana today. We had a Cabinet vote itself a 50% pay raise. Now you’d think this should’ve been suggested by some independent body, no? Well, that’s how it’s done in Blighty and Stateside. But not in dear old Guyana. Cabinet knows best – especially when it has to do with filling their own pockets!

But hold it!! There’s Parliament, right? Charges to the Consolidated Funds have to be approved by the National Assembly… so here’s the “check and balance”. Well the Opposition thinks so, but according to the Cabinet – now backed by the Speaker – the Assembly’s just a rubber stamp. Its rules, if the Clerk’s to be believed, is if the Minister gives the “order” to raise salaries and it’s “gazetted” – then boat already “gone a watah!” Yes… the Motion to raise the salaries will be debated –but what’s the point? – MP’s would already have been paid. Just because the Government have the votes the Opposition doesn’t have to be heard? And if the term “meaningful consultation” has been determined to mean just that –“meaningful” - shouldn’t the opinions of the Opposition be given some “meaning”?

But treating the Parliamentary regulations like “an ass” doesn’t stop there: the Opposition can’t even introduce a motion to object to the obscene increases. They have to wait – says the Clerk, because that’s what the rules say - until the Government “lays their motion to increase salaries”. Which raises, we must remember, have already been spent by the Ministers!

Now this is the reason why citizens through the ages have stormed the barricades (around Parliament?) to teach the Governors what democracy’s all about.

Let’s cut through all the crap – and that’s what these rules have to be if they allow this rape. Nobody can just up and decide to use taxpayers’ money to fill their pockets and not have it first vetted!

…and astrologer

The present Government – in the person of Minister of National Security - has interjected itself into the arcane field of Hindu astronomy and astrology, to “settle” the dispute between two Hindu bodies as to when Diwali should be celebrated. Now even though your Eyewitness might be mixing up metaphors here, this is a subject where even angels may fear to tread!

But as far as yours truly understands it, the Minister of National Security (and exactly how does this fall under “Security”?) can only declare when the Public Holidaywhich is decreed by the state – is being granted so that folks can legally take the day off. As to which day the Deity’s to be actually worshipped, isn’t that a bit beyond the pay grade of a National Security Minister? (Augmented, as that pay grade might have recently been!)

But hold it!! Isn’t that “which NIGHT the Deity’s to be worshipped”? If it’s on the “darkest night” why does the Minister have to declare a “holi-DAY”.

Shouldn’t that be a “holi-NIGHT”?

…communications engineer

According to Nagamootoo, (who’s in charge of “state media” but had NOTHING to do with publishing Molly Hassan’s salary details) the “uplinking equipment” for NCN was “left to idle and rot”. They’re making telecommunications equipment “biodegradable” nowadays?

Director of Prison Services, Welton Trotz

Accused drug trafficker, Lloyd Sandu

Guyana under siege as economy plummets

Creeping dictatorship erodes investors confidence – Fmr Industry Minister

By Kristen MacKlingaM

Given the stagnant economy which is adversely affecting the entire country, former Housing and Water Minister Irfaan Ali says Guyana is suffering tremendously because of political manoeuvres, opportunism, misdirection, and hate mongering” displayed by the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government.

Ali, who also had responsibility for tourism, industry and commerce, told Guyana Times that the Administration was trying to use ‘political misdirection’ to turn the public’s interest away from the present situation.

“We have an economy that is underperforming with jobs being lost on a daily basis with unexplained slothfulness and loss of confidence in the management and projection of the economy. The consistent negativity about the transformative agenda for Guyana, lack of direction and focus on economic management and policy formulation has eroded investors’ confidence and predictability in relation to the future. There is arrogance and early signs of dictatorship with no concern for the views of the people and there is the money rush for personal enrichment, self-imposed curfew without consultation and release of criminals without consultation or any public information,” Ali told this newspaper on Wednesday.

Another major issue which is being handled poorly by the coalition government is in the agriculture sector specifically the sugar and rice industries.

According to the Opposition People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Member of Parliament, there is uncertainty about the future of the two largest and most important exports for Guyana.

“The Government’s noncommitment to the future of these industries and inability to come up with any solution has severe and devastating consequences for tens of thousands. Meanwhile, we have a crime situation that is presenting severe challenges and a lack of policy direction with far too many layers in the governance mechanism. Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan is out of his league in the security sector,” he emphasised.

Guyana Times was told that both investors and the general population want to see a “results oriented strategy” in dealing with crime especially since the current economic condition would not help the crime situation.

“The Police Force has some competent managers and what is needed is a supportive not intrusive Government in the management of the situation. There is also the never-ending witch-hunting and obsession in vindictive, vicious and venomous politics filled with hate and watered with ethic division. If seeded, these would have disastrous consequence for our people,” posited Ali.

It was further stated that the APNU/AFC Government had to and needed to decide whether or not the “bread and butter” issues like Guyana’s economy, crime situation, rice, sugar, gold, bauxite and agricultural expansion were critical enough to be addressed at this moment.

“We have gone overboard in this hate agenda and it is the people and the country that suffers? Where will it stop?...Should a motion be filed to repossess the large portions of land transferred to former President Burnham heirs and other allocation made to Congress Place, and highranking political officials now in Government be pursued, where would this lead us?” questioned the former Housing Minister. (kristenm@guyanatimesgy. com)

Probe launched into yet another rape allegation at Timehri Police Station

Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud has instructed the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to launch an investigation into allegations of sexual assault made against a detective attached to the Timehri Police Station.

Persaud ordered the probe following an article published in another section of the media on October 22 under the caption, “Prisoner claims detective raped him in Station.”

Police in a statement revealed that the top cop has instructed the Police Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) and the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter.

According to reports, the 36-year-old man claimed he was forced to have unprotected sex with a Police officer in exchange for a case against him being dropped.

It was reported that the victim who lives alone, attended a barbecue on Saturday evening and as he was heading home, he was held up by a neighbour who accused him of stealing.

A scuffle reportedly ensured and the man threatened to make a report to the Police. On his way, he was accosted by Police ranks and taken to the Timehri Police Station. There he was told of a report made against him in connection with a break and enter and larceny offence.

He was however incarcerated for three days and had to depend on food and water from his fellow inmates. On the night of the incident, he told a media operative, the detective who was handling the case went to him requesting additional information after which he promised to let him go.

The rank reportedly forced the inmate to have

sexual intercourse with him and promised to drop the matter but to his surprise, he was charged and sent to court.

This came close to two years after Colwyn Harding had accused a Police rank of sodomising him with a baton while being in custody at the Timehri Police Station. The matter was first made public after the mother of the young man decided to approach the media.

The corporal on duty at the time was placed under close arrest and the others were transferred to locations closer to Georgetown. After months of investigations and public outcry, two Police officers were charged in connection with the matter.

Roslyn Tilbury and Devin Singh were jointly charged with causing actual bodily harm, while Officer Singh was charged with common assault.

friday, october 23, 2015 |

Bus conductor found guilty of raping 11-year-old

Abus conductor who raped his friend’s 11-year-old sister in 2007 was on Thursday unanimously found guilty of carnal knowledge at the High Court.

Anthony Braithwaite, called “Poke Toe”, 27, of Lot 29 Friendship, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was convicted of having carnal knowledge of the 11-yearold on July 26, 2007.

The case is being presided over by Judge Priya Sewnarine-Beharry, while the State is represented by Attorneys Stacy Goodings, Michael Shahoud and Siand Dhurjon. Braithwaite is represented by Attorney Raymond Ali.

According to the partic-

ulars of the charge, the defendant was 19 years old at the time of the incident. The court heard that on the day in question, the victim was at a neighbour’s residence in Buxton, ECD when she went to use the washroom.

She heard a knock on the door and opened it, expecting her sister, whom she had asked to bring her toilet paper, but it was Braithwaite. The court heard that Braithwaite then entered the toilet and raped the child. Subsequent to the incident, she told her family and the bus conductor was arrested and charged.

The Preliminary Inquiry into the matter was completed in 2010 and the defendant was commit-

ted to stand trial in the High Court by Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus. During the trial, the Court heard the testimony of the victim, who is now 19 years old, her mother, neighbours and several Police ranks. The victim is emotionally scarred by the incident, and showed signs of this during her testimony. She testified that she had known the defendant three years prior to the incident as he was a friend of her older brother and would visit their home regularly.

The guilty verdict was given and the Judge adjourned the matter until November 6 when the defendant would be sentenced.

Former Housing and Water Minister Irfaan Ali

Civil groups protest 50% salary hike outside Parliament

Several human and civil rights activists protested outside Parliament Buildings on Thursday, raising their voices against the hefty salary increases Government is giving its Ministers and Vice Presidents.

Criticisms continue to mount against Government over the 50 per cent salary increases, this time with several rights activists expressing utter disappointment and disgust at the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Administration.

Speaking with this newspaper, Head of Red Thread Karen de Souza, related that she is totally disapproving the manner in which Government has awarded itself such excessive salary increases.

“At the same time, they have failed to really provide for the public service workers who were promised during the campaign trail that they would see substantial increases,” she noted. Red Thread has been one of the vocal organisations to bash the

Administration over the pay hike.

Meanwhile, activist Sherlina Nageer registered her disgust at Government for giving themselves mega salary increases while public servants got a meagre amount. She pointed out that the Coalition had promised to give public servants a 20 per cent increase but instead went ahead and give themselves a raise without even first informing Guyanese.

“It’s the arrogance with which it was done and the

Training but no jobs:

Over

48

disrespect. We have had enough of this behaviour from previous leaders, we deserve better,” she noted. Nageer added that the APNU/AFC coalition had promised a better life for all Guyanese not just the ones at the top.

Furthermore, she outlined that there are persons living on less than $30,000 per month when the Ministers are getting in excess of $10 million annually. “That’s not equitable and that’s not the kind of society we voted for. We

want change – real change – and not just an exchange of one set of thieves for another,” she stated.

On the other hand, another activist, Vanda Radzik, pointed out that the 50 per cent pay hike the coalition Government gave itself is illogical and unjustifiable: “It is very disappointing. I support the change, I support coalition and I particularly support President Granger and so I am extremely disappointed at this decision they took.”

Vanda went onto say the increase has added insult to injury: “How dare they pay workers in this country five per cent and pay themselves 50 per cent. I don’t know how anybody in good conscious can do that.”

The activist further stated that the APNU/AFC coalition took office as a “servant/leader” and there was suppose to be a change of attitude, partnership with the people, and allow stakeholders a say in the policy making process for a

better Guyana.

Despite heavy criticisms and calls for the increases to be rescinded, Government is adamant it will go ahead with the hefty pay hike.

Only on Wednesday did Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo take the fall for the salary increase crisis, admitting firstly that it was he who requested the salary increase and that he failed to give the public a reasonable explanation for the increases.

Nagamootoo insisted that the reason the salaries were increased was to allow for a reasonable pay scale to differentiate between the various levels of Government personnel.

However State Minister Joseph Harmon had previously stated that the reason the increases were given was to ensure the Ministers were paid better to avoid corrupt practices.

Furthermore, the Prime Minister stated that the salary increases were not a reflection of a greedy Administration but rather, a move that needed to be done to develop balance.

new UG trained doctors unemployed

– unable to start internship until next year

Added to the 92 unemployed Cuban-trained Guyanese doctors, some 48 medical graduates from the University of Guyana (UG) are also said to be on the breadline, bringing the total number of unemployed doctors in Guyana to 140. These graduates have been studying for the past five years while undergoing great sacrifices so that the per capita population of doctors in Guyana would be increased towards what obtains in neighbouring countries.

Guyana Times understands that the locally trained doctors are still to find employment, after completing their studies at UG.

May of them have had to find other jobs way outside their skill set and are very bitter. One of the young doctors employed outside the training, complained: “The Government has been stressing since it came into office the need for training young people in skills. Well, we have been trained in a very important skill - to heal the sick. But where are the jobs? I believe that this will be the fate with other young people who will get training only to find out that there will be no jobs.”

Health Minister Dr George Norton however did not address this human tragedy when he spoke with journalists on Thursday.

Based on a statement by former Minister of Health Dr Bheri Ramsarran, the Government is not required to find employment for these graduates since they are not usually under any contractual agreement.

However, one legal practitioner opined that the thrust of the Government to train professionals created a reasonable expectation of employment. But beyond that there is the moral imperative to not dash the hopes of the young who are ready to serve the nation.

One individual in the

health sector said that at the very best, the new doctors may not be placed into internships until next May.

Same with Cubantrained Doctors

However the Minister in discussion with reporters claimed that the 92 Cubantrained doctors, who are currently at home, will soon be dispatched to their places of work as Government is in the process of drawing up their contracts.

He noted that the situation with the Cuban-trained doctors is rather unfortunate however there is no reason for them to entertain any thought that they are going to remain unemployed.

“There is no reason for them to entertain that thought. We don’t blame them because they graduated and completed their rotation some two months ago and they still don’t know or was not called in. That is unfortunate”, Norton said. He said too it was unfortunate they did not approach him, as Minister of Health, on the issue.

“No doubt, there was some system before where this was not supposed to happen. Even if there was a breakdown of communication, every effort should have

been made to correct that. The fact that the students had to go to the press is unfortunate”. The Minister did not explain whether anyone would be disciplined for not following the “system” that led to this human resources disaster.

According to him, had they brought the issue to his attention earlier; it would have been dealt with.

“They are in the process now of signing their contract and applying for their registration”, he informed.

Earlier this week, the young Doctors complained that they were being given the “royal runaround”, as they sought to find out about the matter surrounding their employment. According to them, both the Ministry of Health and the Public Service Ministry (PSM), could not assure them on the way forward.

After completing six years in Cuba, upon their return to Guyana, the students were required to complete a oneyear stint at hospitals across the country. During that time, they were being paid a stipend. However, according to them, the last time they were paid was in August of this year. At that time the PSM, which was responsible for them during the one-year

period, related that they were being placed into the hands of the Health Ministry.

“Many of us have families. Some have children, some have spouses. It is not fair that some of us still have to depend on our parents… grown people depending on our parents, after they supported us for six long years,” another doctor lamented.

According to the doctors, the issue before them is their signing of a contract, which will in essence seal their commitment to the Government and the people of Guyana.

The doctors explained that if they did not sign a contract, they cannot just simply show up at any medical insti-

tution to work. “It would be illegal,” they say.

The situation has reportedly compelled a number of doctors to seek alternate sources of income.

“We don’t have money. What’s there left to do?” another questioned.

Meanwhile, former Health Minister Dr Ramsarran said the doctors are usually contracted under the PSM. At least that was the system under the Bharrat Jagdeo and Donald Ramotar Administrations.

“These are persons that the Government is supposed to find work for. They should find employment. It would be criminal if Government should renege at this point”.

According to him, the Cuban-trained doctors are a treasure, relating that Guyana has moved up a very far way from having just a handful of persons studying or depending exclusively on the expertise of Cuban doctors, to having their own trained doctors who are opened to later specialising in any area.

In the wings of these recent miscues in the health sector there is also the loss of accreditation by the UG medical programme which the Minister should be dealing with.

Former Minister of Health, Dr Bheri Ramsarran

Health Minister, Dr George Norton

Protest outside Parliament against the hefty salary increases for Government officials

Speaker to approve PPP/C motion to challenge salary increases

The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) is awaiting the approval from Speaker of the National Assembly Dr Barton Scotland before it goes ahead to lay its Motion to challenge the steep salary increases Government has awarded itself and imposed upon Members of Parliament (MPs).

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo told Guyana Times he knew its members could not have debated the salary increases in Parliamentary

Minister Broomes to head Tripartite Committee on Workers’ Rights

Junior Social Protection Minister

Simona Broomes was selected to serve as Chairperson of the newly established National Tripartite Committee which will deal with matters relating to industrial relations, human resource management, and labour policies.

This is according to Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo who was updating the media at the weekly post-Cabinet briefing on Wednesday.

He noted that Government has established several committees with Trade Union bodies and other workers’ organisations in its quest to ensure workers’ rights are upheld; they remunerated fairly and are provided conducive working environments.

Other members of the Committee will include Social Protection Minister Volda Lawrence, representatives of the Consultative

Association of Guyanese Industries (CAGI), the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) and the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG).

“We have appointed these entities to work along with the Government and this board… very important features of the struggles of the working people of Guyana for trade union recognition emerged from the Trade Union Recognition Act chapter 98:07 of the Laws of Guyana, and it concerns the procedures for certifying trade unions and recognised bodies,” the Prime Minister stated.

Cabinet has also appointed members of the Board of Directors for the Trade Union Recognition Certification Board which will be chaired by Justice Claudette La Bennett.

However, this decision has caused much concern for several trade union bodies who complain that there was no consultation regarding the appointment of La Bennett as Chairperson.

Based on reports, Executive Member of the FITUG Komal Chand explained that his organisation submitted a nominee as requested by Government however there was no consultation thereafter.

According to reports, several other union bodies are claiming there were no meaningful consultations regarding this decision.

on Thursday but he had expected the matter would have appeared on the Order Paper. The House Speaker would have to grant his approval for the matter to be listed on the Order Paper. Jagdeo noted that it is likely that the Motion will be on the Order Paper on November 12.

“At which point in time, we will debate it,” he stated. Jagdeo assured that the PPP/C did not withdraw the Motion and that they are still committed to moving forward to lay the Motion to annul the unconscionable increases.

In fact, it is most likely the PPP/C will be returning their increases to the treasury or will donate it

to charity.

The new payment packages see the Prime Minister earning a whopping $20,580,000 per annum, while the other Vice Presidents will each receive $11,135,064.

A Cabinet Minister gets a huge package of $10,439,124 annually –more than $300,000 over previous Ministers and a Junior Minister gets paid $8,346,492.

Government’s adjustment to the salary scale sees Leader of the Opposition receiving $10,439, 124 on an annual basis. However, Jagdeo had already refused this salary and opted to accept his pension instead.

Fire destroys Castello Scheme house

Afire in the wee hours of Thursday has left the upper flat of a Castello Housing Scheme, Georgetown, house destroyed and several homeless.

According to reports, the fire is believed to be electrical in origin.

Guyana Times was told that on Wednesday night at about 22:00h, neighbours heard an explosion but thought it was gunshots.

The sounds were continuous, persons in the area related.

However, it was until around 01:30h that flames quickly engulfed the upper flat of the two-storey wooden house.

Neighbours said they were alerted by one of the occupants of the house who was home alone and imme-

diately called the Guyana Fire Service.

Fire tenders responded promptly. With water from a nearby trench, the fire fighters were able to douse the flames, thereby preventing the entire building from being destroyed.

Of recent there has been a lot of fires, particularly in the Georgetown area, believed to be electrical in origin. About two weeks ago, fire gutted the upper flat of a two-storey house on East Street, South Cummingsburg, Georgetown, leaving several persons homeless.

While it has not been confirmed, preliminary investigations by the Fire Service have revealed that an explosion was heard in the building before the fire started.

Junior Social Protection Minister Simona Broomes

Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Scotland

friday, october 23, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

Pardoned criminal programme lacks transparency ...but

President to release more next year

President David Granger had come in for much criticism back in May when he announced some 60 young convicts will be pardoned and again earlier this month when he said another batch will be released next year. The announcement was made as part of the country’s 49th Independence Day celebration. However, only 40 of these “petty” criminals in their late teen to mid 20s were released in June. The missing 20 were found unsuitable for various undetermined reasons by the prism administration and remain incarcerated.

The criteria include prisoners who are facing short sentences; those who are incarcerated for petty, non-violent offences; and those prisoners between the ages of 18 and 24. This pardoned gesture applies to both female and male inmates.

But this decision had caused great uneasiness among Guyanese especially business owners, since the

country’s crime rates were high at the time.

Addressing these concerns back in June before the pardoned beneficiaries were freed, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan has stated “Those businessmen that feel well if we release them they are going to be the bigger criminals; that is not necessarily the case. What will be the case is that in there (prison), if they start their associations with the bigger boys, you are going to have bigger criminals in the three to eight months period”.

Guyana Times was made to understand that among the offences that the pardoned persons were convicted for were “petty” theft such as that of cell phones. If one would have examined the history behind such offence it would confirm that as “petty” as this may seem, having a phone snatched from persons would have spent hard earned money on is no “petty” matter.

It is interesting to note that magistrates are continu-

ing to send persons to jail for stealing cell phones. It would appear that by the Executive, in the person of the President has a different view of this crime that the Judiciary.

On another note, not all victims of cell phone theft are lucky enough to see their perpetrator brought to justice.

There is the case of 21-year-old Sheema Mangar who was killed as she was pursuing the perpetrator who entered a motor car after snatching her Blackberry cell phone back in September 2010. The former Demerara Bank employee reportedly stood in front of the vehicle in an attempt to stop it but was ran over and dragged several feet before the car sped away.

Another case to consider of a not so innocuous cell phone theft was one recently, back in June when 18-yearold Keith Jonah Daniels, 18, of Lot 42 Public Road Kitty, Georgetown and formerly of Yarakita Village, North West District (NWD). He was stabbed three times during a

robbery. After the young man collapsed the perpetrators relived him of a mobile phone and cash after fatally stabbing him.

On a separate note, there were also calls for the identities of these convicts to be publicised, however it was explained that this would have hindered the reintegration process of these young people back into society.

Only recently, the Guyana Bar Association (GBA) has criticized the secrecy behind the pardoned convicts in a local newspaper, saying that unless queries on the identities of these persons are answered then the Association will not endorse the President’s action.

According to the GBA, the convictions would have been a public record as such it was reasonable to expect that the identity of the pardoned persons should also be made public. “While the pardoned persons may very well deserve their release from prison, utilising the presidential pardon in such a mysterious manner and without setting out specific criteria is a

Smoke-filled room causes scare at UNDP building

The Fire Service was called into action at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Office on Brickdam, Georgetown after smoke began emanating from an unused room in the building on Thursday.

Speaking with Guyana Times , UN Resident Coordinator Khadija Musa said she noticed smoke originating from the unused room and the Guyana Fire Service was

dangerous precedent,” the Association warned.

Moreover, it was highlighted that if the President wanted to go ahead with pardoning convicts then there should at least be systems in place to monitor the activities of these persons to ensure that they indeed use this second chance given to them to reform their lives.

Apart from a three months rehabilitation programme with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Skills and Knowledge for Youth Empowerment (SKYE) programme, no such arrangement was put in place.

In a previous interview with this newspaper, SKYE Chief of Party, Magda Wills had clarified that they are only facilitating the reintegration progress and pave the path for opportunities but will not be acting as probation officers for these young people. “We will not be monitoring them after they leave,” she had stated.

The three months period in the SKYE programme should be over by now and

immediately alerted. She added that the issue arose as a result of an electrical problem and fortunately no one was injured or hurt during the incident.

There were burnt marks on the outside of the building.

Workers of the Guyana Power and Light were on scene to render assistance.

Meanwhile, the Fire Service was called in earlier in the day when a fire of unknown origin burnt an old wooden structure on Parade Street about 15:30h. The structure was uninhabited.

An eyewitness revealed “all I saw was smoke coming from the building; it was old and seemed to be falling apart”. When this newspaper arrived on scene, the fire had already been contained and there was no sign of occupants of the building. Only some trees in the yard had burnt, but nearby buildings were not threatened.

PPP

there is yet any word from Government on whether the programme was successful and if all the participants would have secured jobs to improve their lives.

On the other hand, Minister Ramjattan had previously mentioned that he has had discussions with the British High Commissioner to set up programmes that will focus on rehabilitation of young people who were locked up for short periods. Additionally, he revealed that he spoke with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) representative with regard to juvenile justice.

The Public Security Minister Had outlined that the two bilateral partners have indicated their willingness to help with the abolishment of status offences such as wandering as well as rising the age of criminal responsibility. He further pointed out that there should be other means in which young person’s can undergo corrective rehabilitation rather than being sent to jail.

Police issue wanted bulletin for Rosignol man

Police have issued a wanted bulletin for Ruando Mitchell who escaped from custody on October 9, 2015, at the Blairmont Police Station, Region Five.

In a release issued on Tuesday, Police said Mitchell is wanted in relation to investigations into the attempt murder of Surujdai Paul.

This publication had reported that Commander of B Division Christopher Griffith had said Mitchell was waiting to appear in court on attempted murder charge when he escaped.

Sources say the area where it is alleged the pris-

continues call...

He added that protests would continue from time to time in keeping with the declared policy of the PPP that it would continue to mount pressure on Surujbally and GECOM.

“It is not a personality issue; it’s just the issues as it relates to the elections,” Rohee explained. “Look at the placards, it is not only focusing on Surujbally, but it is focusing on the elections in general. Whenever Local Government Elections are held, we are going to contest whether Surujbally is there or not… The matter is bigger than Surujbally.”

Former Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsarran also told reporters that the party still believes that the election 2015 results are fill with controversy

oner escaped from is too small for someone to pass through. Griffith said based on initial reports which had reached his office, he ordered that a thorough investigation be launched immediately by Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR).

Asked Tuesday for an update on the OPR investigation, Griffith said the report had not yet reached him.

Meanwhile this publication had reported that on October 5 at Blairmont, Surujdai Paul was wounded by a male resulting in her being hospitalised at the New Amsterdam Hospital for several days. The suspect in the matter had fled the jurisdiction but was apprehended in Corriverton on October 4. Mitchell’s last known address is Lot 113 Rosignol Village, Berbice.

Anyone with information that may lead to Mitchell’s arrest is asked to contact the Police on telephone numbers 225-6411, 333-2191, 333-2151, 333-2485, 911 or the nearest Police station. All information will be treated with strict confidence.

from page 7

and they will not end there activities until they believe all is well with the election process.

He shared that he hoped the Election Commission and international observers were taking notes and seeing what the Guyanese people were saying.

“We needed our votes to be counted properly and all other difficulties addressed,” former Health Minister Ramsaran stressed.

Several days after the May 11th elections for which the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition was declared the winners, the PPP had called on the Chairman of GECOM to resign and had also told Party supporters to “remain mobilised for further action”.

In a statement, the Party had stated prior to the May 11 General and Regional Elections, it raised concerns both publicly and privately with the GECOM Chairman, Commission and Secretariat, the advance assessment teams of the United Nations, Commonwealth and the Carter Centre, the diplomatic community, and subsequently with the International Observer Missions with regard to the partiality of the GECOM machinery.

According to the PPP, the recruitment of polling staff connected to the APNU/AFC coalition was known and it consistently raised its concerns publicly months before and during the recruitment and training periods.

wanted: Ruando Mitchell

The Fire Service attending to the building

Lima Sands residents in need of drinking water

Resident living in Lima Sands, Region Two continued their call on the regional administration and Government to assist them with drinking water.

ation.

Residents say they have to walk three miles to source water from a lake.

Headteacher of the Lima Sands Primary Jone Russel, told this newspaper that the school is presently out of water for both drinking and other purposes.

The Headteacher further related that the situation was reported to the Department of Education but she is yet to receive a response.

Teachers from Lima Sands area also reported that children are coming to school sick with vomiting and high fever.

source of water in the village. Thomspon, who is the Community Development Council (CDC) worker, said she had reported the matter to the Environmental Officers at the Regional level. She pointed out that the village does not have its own well and is calling for help for residents in the form of drinking water.

First Lady and Foundation for the Development of Caribbean Children looking to work together

First Lady Sandra Granger in her quest to extend much-need services to vulnerable groups, including children and the elderly, on Thursday met with Paula Mohammed-Benjamin of the Foundation for the Development of Caribbean Children.

and knowledge, communities can be strengthened.

The residents said they are unable to use the water in the canal because it is contaminated by a decomposed cow, compounded with the fact that the canal is low as a result of El Niño.

Another resident, Elsie Baksh, confirmed the water in the canal cannot be used for domestic purposes. Baksh said at the moment she has no drinking water.

When Guyana Times visited the area on Thursday residents complained bitterly about the discomfort they are facing as a result of the situ-

Speaking on behalf of the community, Rosaline Thompson said the Lima Sands canal is the main

Meanwhile, Headmistress of the Lima Sands Nursery Salome Persaud said the community is in dire need of drinking water: “We have been asking parents from the PTA to buy water for the children; we need water; children cannot drink water from the canal.”

Another resident, Merva McLean, said the situation is very troubling.

Regional Chairman Devnand Ramdatt when approached said: ‘Water is necessary.’

Cancer Institute gets timely donation from Breast Cancer Society

The Cancer Institute of Guyana on Thursday received a monetary donation from the Breast Cancer Society at the Institute on Lamaha Street. Speaking on behalf of the Breast Cancer Committee, President of the Cancer Society Bibi

Hassan said for the last five years, funds were being raised so women who cannot afford and women in rural areas can receive free screening. Hassan further sated this donation was all a part of the activities for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. She added that the committee is grateful for the support of companies such as Queens Atlantic Investment Inc (QAII),

Young Attorney admitted to Bar

Another young attorney Tejprakash Persaud was on Friday admitted to the bar. Persaud’s petition was made by Attorney Gem Sandford-Johnson before Justice Sandra Kurtzious. The 25-year-old recently graduated from Hugh Wooding Law School where he attained his Legal Education Certificate (LEC).

Following his petition, the young attorney said he was first inspired to become a lawyer at the tender age of nine.

“This journey to become an attorney-at-law began some 16 years ago when someone asked me what I wanted to be when I grow up. I remember immediately shouting out “I want to be a lawyer”. It was from that day that I began pursuing that dream,” the new attorney said.

He expressed gratitude to his family to whom he attributed his success. He revealed that he would be pursuing post-graduate studies, adding: “It is with much ambition that I say I intend to pursue

those studies and more so in one of the developing areas namely oil and gas law or aviation law,” he added.

The young man attended the Bishops’ High School during the period 2001 to 2006 where he completed his Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CXC) examination. He later enrolled for the Bachelor of Laws Degree at the University of Guyana in 2010 and in 2013 was among the top 25 students.

He thereafter pursued his LEC at Hugh Wooding, which he successfully completed in 2015. The accomplished young lawyer was also a member of the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) as well as a member of the Hempstead Cricket Club (Long Island, NY, USA). He is also a current member of the Trinidad &Tobago Lawyers Cricket team and was recently drafted into the West Indies Lawyers Cricket team where he is preparing to compete in the Lawyers Cricket World Cup in January 2016.

N&S Mattai, Natsha’s Gift Shop in the City Mall, among others.

Coming out of the meeting, the First Lady said ideas were shared on how services provided by her office can be extended.

“We are talking about how we can create synergies; we are basically talking about how we can work [together] and how I can get volunteers for my programme. We are both community-focused and we are seeing how we can involve our seniors and children, in such a way that we get the best results for our efforts,” the Government Information Agency (GINA) quoted the First lady as saying.

She added that some of the ideas put forward fit in with her own vision and that through the sharing of skills

“The Foundation for the Development of [Caribbean Children] is looking at the child in the community and how the community supports the development of the child. The child cannot develop without the support of the community and the First Lady’s programme really takes in from the child to the elderly and I think this is really a good strategy for producing positive citizens; citizens that are well cared for and citizens that we would really like to see in the productive workforce,” Benjamin explained.

The FDCC is the first indigenous, non-profit private foundation in the Caribbean, which evolved from the 10 year Caribbean Child Support Initiative (CCSI) programme. The Organisation is dedicated to early childhood development, and has a track record of providing children the foundation they need in order to reach their maximum potential.

Attorney Tejprakash Persaud in the company of Attorney Gem Sandford-Johnson, Justice Sandra Kurtzious and his family after being accepted to the Bar

Residents say they have to walk three miles to source water from a lake

friday, october 23, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

Mother cries for justice for murdered daughter

It has been five months since Alissa McPherson, 17, was callously stabbed to death by her boyfriend and to date, her grief-stricken mother Denise McPherson is still crying for justice as the alleged killer is still on the run.

“Six months, they are capturing everybody’s killer but nothing, no word on my daughter,” McPherson tearfully related.

Her daughter, of Cappies Place, C Field, Sophia, Georgetown, was murdered

on Sunday, May 10, 2015, reportedly by her boyfriend Shivanand Roopnarine.

The teen was stabbed about her body 41 times.

According to initial reports, the teen went to a party with some relatives and some-

and her alleged killer Shivanand

one informed the suspect that she was having an affair there.

The young man subsequently arrived and an argument ensued between the couple.

It was further reported that he took the young woman into a corner where he stabbed her about her body.

The suspect has since remained on the run and the victim’s mother is growing frustrated with the Guyana Police Force’s apparent lack of will to capture the man she believes killed her eldest daughter.

“To me, it’s like they are not giving her case any attention. People keep calling me

and telling me that they seeing the man in Grove and I call them (Police) every time and I tell them. They keep telling me that they will look into the matter but nothing, nothing happens,” the mother wept.

During an interview with Guyana Times, the mother reminisced on the times she and her daughter shared, noting that now their home seems empty.

“Since she finished CXC, it used to be me and she alone home. Now it’s me all alone and I does lock up every day and cry. My eldest daughter, and still no justice,” she wailed.

The mother is pleading with the general public to assist in the capture of the suspect by contacting the nearest Police Station if they have any information regarding the whereabouts of Shivanand Roopnarine.

She is also pleading with the alleged killer to turn himself in for questioning simply so she can get closure.

Digicel to open new outlet in Giftland Mall

As part of its commitment to stay close to their customers and keep them connected in every way possible, Digicel Guyana will be launching a new outlet on Friday at the Giftland Mall, Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara.

The outlet to be managed by Cellular Planet, will be providing all the services of a full-fledged store. Customers can expect an exciting variety of activities during the launch.

There will be chances to win handsets, free credit, and Digicel gifts for purchases made on the day of the launch and for the weekend.

This outlet will cater to all the needs of customers,

whether they need credit, activate a data plan, purchase handsets or need help with any Digicel products and services.

“Digicel prides itself on being the innovator in the business of telecommunications, always striving to keep our customers engaged and letting them know what’s new and what’s fresh. It’s important that we are aware where our customers are and we are coming to the customers and connecting with them”, Head of Sales Nalini Vieira stated.

There will also be a live radio broadcast from the mall during 12:00-14:00h as part of the outlet’s launch for the Mall since its opening in July.

“We are so excited to part-

ner with Giftland on this venture. We guarantee that our location will always offer you the latest smartphones and other new technologies. We want to encourage everyone to come out and take advantage of all we will have for you”, Sales Distribution Manager Aisha Viapree said.

Apart from the live broadcast, customers will benefit from reduced prices on selected handsets and five lucky shoppers will have the chance of winning a handset after making as purchase on any of the handsets that will be on sale in their ‘BUY a phone WIN a phone’ launch day promotion. The sales and promotions will begin at 10:00hrs.

Homeless man on attempted murder charge

Ahomeless man was on Thursday remanded to prison by Magistrate Fabayo Azore in Court Five of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on charges of attempted murder and armed robbery.

Thirty-year-old Quincy Henry, also called “Fix Up”, a labourer, was not required to plead to the indictable charge which read that on Sunday, September 20, at Bourda he unlawfully and maliciously wounded the Virtual Complainant (VC), Troy Bacchus in an attempt to commit murder. The accused also pleaded not guilty to the charge which read that on Monday, October 12 at Orange Walk, Bourda, while armed with a knife, he robbed XangLi Lang, a Chinese national, of $100,000. .

According to Police Prosecutor, Inspector Steven Telford, on the days in question, the accused approached the VCs and demanded money. However, they refused and in retaliation, the accused attacked them. The Prosecutor further revealed that the ac-

cused was a drug addict who was in the habit of approaching members of the public and demanding money, and when they refused, he would go into violent fits of rage and attack them. Telford objected to bail on the grounds of the seriousness and gravity of the charges, adding that Henry has no fixed place of abode. He also revealed that the accused was being investigated for several

other similar matters. However, Henry said, in relation to the incident with the Chinese national, he was being falsely accused. He stated that on the day in question, the man approached him and hired him to fetch some bags of goods into his store. He stated that he usually did odd jobs, so he had agreed to do the job. He added that it was a large quantity of goods and when he was finished, Lang gave him a meagre $300. He stated that the two had an argument and he demanded that he be paid more. He alleged that during the argument, Lang’s money fell to the ground and he picked up $2500 and left, while a crowd swarmed around the spot where the money fell. He was subsequently arrested and charged.

The accused said as it relates to the attempted murder charge, he was attacked by the VC who ran at him with a hammer, threatening to hit him in his head. The matter was transferred to Court One for October 27.

Torn photo of the dead teen, Alissa McPherson

Attempted murder accused, Quincy Henry

Kerry seeks to end Palestinian-Israeli violence

United States

Secretary of State

John Kerry called for an end to inflammatory Israeli-Palestinian rhetoric as he met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who blamed the Palestinians for a recent surge of violence.

Kerry arrived in Berlin on Thursday for talks with Netanyahu. “It is absolutely critical to end all incitement, to end all violence and to find a road forward to build the possibility, which is not there today, for a larger process,” Kerry told reporters as he and Netanyahu posed for pictures.

Kerry said he hoped for steps “that take us beyond the condemnations and beyond the rhetoric.”

For his part, Netanyahu blamed the Palestinians for the recent surge in killings, singling out Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

“There is no question that wave of attacks is driven directly by incitement. Incitement from Hamas, incitement from the Islamist movement in Israel, and incitement, I am sorry to say, from President Abbas,” he said.

A senior US State

Department official told reporters that Kerry hopes to persuade both sides to “tamp down” their rhetoric during a four-day trip to Europe and the Middle East, in which he also plans to meet Abbas and Jordan’s King Abdullah.

His tone mirrored that of German Chancellor Angela Merkel at a joint news conference with Netanyahu on Wednesday evening.

“We have to do everything to calm down the situation and in this spirit I think all sides need to make a contribution,” she said. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Around the world

Jamaica: Renewed call for Health Minister to resign after baby deaths

There is a renewed call for the sacking of Health Minister Dr Fenton Ferguson over the outbreak of healthcare- associated infections at the University Hospital of the West Indies and Cornwall Regional Hospital which have claimed the lives of 18 babies since June.

The Health Ministry disclosed at a press conference on Tuesday that a total of 42 babies had contracted the infections, which have since been identified as the klebsiella and serratia strains. The outbreaks happened in the neonatal intensive care units at the hos-

pitals.

A defensive Ferguson maintained Tuesday that he only learnt of the deaths on Friday, the same day news surfaced about the shocking incident.

In a press release, Opposition Leader Andrew Holness expressed condolence to the grieving families, and called on Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller to sack Ferguson.

“... The Prime Minister is protecting the failing Health Minister, is just as culpable for his failures, and should act like a Prime Minister

and remove him,” Holness said while campaigning in Nine Miles, Clarendon South Eastern, on Wednesday.

“When 18 babies die of a mysterious illness and the Minister of Health is comfortable in saying that he has only just learnt of it... when the nation doesn’t even trust what the Minister says since his Chik-V cover-up, and when we see the deterioration of our health services to a point which we have never seen before in the history of Jamaica, how can the Prime Minister not act?” he asked.

Mexico arrests six over drug kingpin “El Chapo” escape

Authorities in Mexico have arrested six people accused of helping drug kingpin Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman escape from a maximum-security prison in July.

Among those captured are his brother-in-law and a pilot, who prosecutors say flew him out of town. Police believe the brother-in-law supervised the construction of the 1.5 kilometre tunnel that the notorious drug lord used to escape the Altiplano Prison in central Mexico.

Guzman, the boss of the

powerful Sinaloa cartel, is Mexico’s most-wanted fugitive.

“Today we are able to affirm that the group responsible for planning, organising and carrying out the escape from outside the prison has been broken up,” the Associated Press quoted Attorney General Arely Gomez as saying on Wednesday.

Gomez told reporters the suspected mastermind of the escape was a member of Guzman’s legal team who had access to Altiplano

Prison and was able to update him regularly.

The news comes days after the Government announced that Guzman had been hit in the leg and the face after fleeing a failed operation to recapture him in north-western Mexico earlier in October.

Gomez, who did not name any of the suspects, said that following his escape, Guzman travelled by land to the city of Queretaro from where he caught a small plane to a mountainous region of Sinaloa, his home state and stronghold. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Israel has beefed up security amid the wave of violence which has claimed 52 Palestinian and eight Israeli lives [Oded Balilty/AP Photo]

Almost 3000 young Amerindians expected to be employed – Nagamootoo

The recentlylaunched Hinterland Employment and Youth Service (HEYS) Programme is expected to provide productive employment for close to 3000 Amerindian youths, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo disclosed during the postCabinet press briefing on Wednesday.

The HEYS Programme was created by the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Administration after its Indigenous People’s Affairs Minister Sydney Allicock terminated the Youth Entrepreneurship and Apprenticeship Programme (YEAP) which left close to 2000 young Amerindians completely jobless.

3rd

GAccording to Nagamootoo, the HEYS Programme will see the recruitment of 3000 youths from the hinterland communities who would then

be, at the end of the programme, employed or assisted to find employment. The Prime Minister stated that the former Community Support Officers (CSOs), who the Government claimed were political hacks under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration, would be reengaged and facilitated into the HEYS initiative.

The youths will undergo training at various institutions including the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA), among other technical institutions. Nagamootoo said the participants would also receive monthly stipends; however, he did not disclose how much they would be given. The former CSOs were entitled to $30,000 per

month.

The public had erupted into much hue and cry following the termination of the 1920 CSOs, with Amerindian leaders strongly condemning the Government for the decision. Amid public pressure, Government announced its replacement programme which technically did not differ from the original programme.

YEAP was aimed at professionalising young people, while promoting personal and educational development and creating employment opportunities, regardless of the political persuasion of CSOs. Through the provision of stipends to the CSOs, the local village economies kept growing.

Annual South Rupununi Safari

uyanese are urged to come out in their numbers to explore, experience and enjoy all the wonders of Guyana during the third Annual South Rupununi Safari.

The Safari kicks off on November 24 and will be a grand six-day outdoors adventure, trailing through the tropical rainforests all the way to the vast and picturesque savannahs in the South Rupununi district.

Participants will experience a journey of a lifetime, having the opportunity to come closer to nature and witness up close native wildlife, visit 14 Amerindian villages, enjoy and appreciate the various eco-friendly lifestyles of the hinterland inhabitants, put their driving skills to the test by travelling through the coarse rainforest terrain as well as drive over the famous Shea Rock. The Safari will also afford tourists a grand opportunity to meet new people, develop friendships and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Republic Bank donates $1M to National Art Gallery for 2017 National Competition

The National Art Gallery has been the recipient of a renewed commitment of monetary sponsorship, for the National Biennial Drawing Competition, from Republic Bank (Guyana) Ltd through its initiative called ‘The Power to Make a Difference’.

A cheque valued $1M, the first round of support for the project, was presented on Thursday to Minister within the Ministry of Education Nicolette Henry in the presence of the Gallery’s Curator, Ohene Koama and Senior Managers of Republic Bank.

make a Difference’ initiative award from Republic Bank is $2 million to cover a period of four years as sponsorship for the National Biennial Drawing Competition. $1 million will be used to realise this year’s competition.

The structure of the awards will be Gold, Silver, Bronze and a Trophy. Recipients will be First, Second, Third place and a Special Young Person prize between the ages of 16 – 18. Each Award recipient will also receive Honorariums.

launched

already expressed great interest in participating.

To participate, individuals are required to pay $80,000. This fee will include transportation, meals and hotel accommodation. Persons with four-wheel drive vehicles are required to pay $15,000. For more information, persons can contact Rainforest Tours on 231-5661.

The South Rupununi Safari was created following the great demand for the North Rupununi Safari.

The Safari is a collaborative event between the Tourism Ministry , the Guyana Tourism Authority and Rainforest Tours. (devinas@guyanatimesgy.com) Explore, Experience and Enjoy Guyana!

The objective of this project is to continue fostering the development and skill of drawing with clear intentions to hone excellence and wider country participation while substantially rewarding the victors of a structured and transparent competition.

Republic Bank adopted a position to monetarily sponsor a National Biennial Drawing Competition and exhibition for Guyanese Artists who have a knack for fine Drawing. This sponsorship covers three aspects of the activity – the Ad campaign, the medals and the Honorarium.

The Eleventh Biennial Competition in 2017 will also see the inclusion of a new component. The structure of the competition with awards will be retained but the first place winner will not only be awarded a gold medal and an honorarium but also the opportunity of Artist in Residency at Castellani House for a period of three to six months with a monthly stipend (conditions will apply).

The winner will also be provided with a space to work from 09:00h – 17:00h Monday to Friday and 14:00 – 18:00h on Saturdays, along with easels and drawing materials.

Once the first Biennial Drawing competition in 1994 was canvassed successfully, Artists and others nationwide, who have an aptitude for drawing, continued to eagerly participate and look forward to the biennially announced competitions.

Abrand new Kia

Sportage 2015 model is up for grabs via raffle compliments of the Rotary Club of Georgetown.

The funds raised from this initiative will go towards the purchase of a new Book Mobile for the National Library.

The Rotary Club and its members are well-known for supporting basic education and literacy, and this has resulted in the establishment of six book clubs across Guyana. The availability of the Book Mobile will increase the reach of the Clubs, the Library’s and by extension Education Ministry’s literacy drive.

The raffle was launched on Thursday at the National Library by Minister Nicolette Henry, who was

The trip will cover 1000 miles, and is guaranteed to be the ideal adventure for nature lovers.

Fifty persons, inclusive of Guyanese, Surinamese and Trinidadians, are already registered to travel on the trip. Persons from Canada, Brazil, Barbados, Grenada and England have

Rotary Club, National Library launch bookmobile fundraiser

joined by members of the Rotary Club of Georgetown and staff of the National Library.

In her remarks, Minister Henry noted that the Education Ministry is pleased with this effort by the Rotary and looks forward to future partnerships.

The Minister emphasised that the Clubs’ venues are important because of the role education plays in personal and national development. She recognised that even though the fundraiser is simple, it will go a long way in reaching unserved areas.

President of the Club Liz Cox said support will also be sought from Rotary Clubs overseas. She explained that the book mobile service has been offered by the library for over 30

years. The first book mobile was donated by the British High Commission, and in 2006 another one was purchased by the Ministry of Education.

The mobile service is an asset in the provision of library service since it allows the young and elderly to have access to books.

Tickets for this raffle cost $1000 each and $5000 for a book of 6 tickets. As mentioned, the grand prize is a brand new Kia Sportage vehicle 2015 model. Tickets are available from any member of the club and at Kings Jewellery World (Quamina Street), Rambaran’s Enterprise (Middleton Street), Parmesar Associates (Dury Lane, Campbellville) and Maggies (New Market Street).

This year’s ‘Power to

Students and visitors will benefit from the opportunity of witnessing live drawing and interact with the winner while they demonstrate their drawing skills and methods of approach. An exhibition of the drawings produced during the residency will be mounted and promoted by Castellani House.

Essequibo Nite Exhibition and Fair on this weekend

BY INDRAWATTIE NATRAM

Thousands of patrons are expected to flock the Anna Regina Community Centre Ground, Essequibo Coast, this weekend for the annual “Essequibo Nite Exhibition and Fair” being hosted under the theme, “Exploiting our Strength: Advancing Agriculture and Social Protection.”

The event is expected to set the platform for so-

cialisation and networking amongst manufacturers and farmers.

This year the Private Sector has shown much interest in the event with over 60 booths already booked.

According to Chairperson of the Nite Committee, Regional Vice Chairperson Nandranie Coonjah, the event is gaining solid partnership with the Private Sector.

Businesses such as Banks DIH, Comfort Sleep and other prominent es-

tablishments have already booked their booths.

Food vendors have already been brief and trained on the food and safety laws. Meanwhile, preparation for the two-night annual phenomenal event is moving apace.

The event is managed by the Essequibo Nite Committee.

There will be a rich cultural programme backed by Dax New Generation band complimented by the Chinese Assain sounds. Top Guyanese artistes are expected to take the stage.

The launch of the activity will take place on Friday, October 23, after which a rich cultural programme will follow. Talents from the Region will be highlighted. The event was started several years ago by the late Minister of Agriculture Satyadeow Sawh under the theme: “Made in Guyana, Grown in Guyana”.

Imam Bacchus booth on displayed last year

Scenes from the previous South Rupununi Safari

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo

The artistes have started to arrive and the tickets are going like hot cakes for the first ever chutney on the beach slated for Saturday at the Hits and Jams Water World, Providence, East Bank Demerara.

Those slated to perform are former International Chutney

Monarch Kris Persad, also called “KI”, Chutney singing sensation Sally Sagram; the versatile Rick Ramoutar; the lead singer of the Beemerz Band, Anil Bheem and Guyana’s own, “Coolie Bhai”, also known as “Mystic”. With the powerful line up, patrons are expected to have a blast.

This event is another created by the HJ family and is being sponsored by ANSA McAL under the Carib Beer brand. The event will take the form of a beach fun day which allows patrons to participate in various water activities during the course of the day. The live performances, however,

kick start as the sun sets. Nevertheless, during the course of the day, the deejays will definitely select the best in terms of chutney and chutney soca hits. Gates will open at 10:00h but the action actually commences at 12:00h with access to all the water activities and the best in

food and drink. Tickets for the event cost $2000 and are available at Nigel’s Supermarket, Georgetown; M&M Snackette, Harbour Bridge, East Bank Demerara; Hits and Jams office, Georgetown; and at the venue. This is definitely one you do not want to miss.

All roads will lead to the Umbrella Resort, Soesdyke/Linden Highway for “Carnival on the Highway” featuring Jamaica’s top female dancehall artiste, Charmaine Munroe, better known by her stage name “Macka Diamond” on November 1.

No stranger to Guyana, the talented artiste is known for her versatility and her explosive performances. Also known as Lady Cham, Lady Mackerel, and the Money Goddess, Macka Diamond is a Jamaican singer and writer. She was born in Kingston and raised in Portmore. She was influenced by female artistes such as Mama Nancy, Lady Ann, Lady Junie and Lady G, who were big name entertainers at that time. With Lady Junie’s help, she got the chance to record “Don Girl”. After a string of singles, including collaborations with Captain Barkey

and Wickerman, she changed her name to Macka Diamond with her 2003 single “Tek Con”, a protest record to Vybz Kartel’s chauvinistic track “Tek Buddy”. She released a new album “Don’t Disturb Mi’ in 2012, and has been creating some buzz.

The artiste is expected to perform live from 16:00h. Also adding some flavour to the carnival-like event will be a football competition which will see Sparta Boss and Bent Street clashing head on for cash prize of $200,000. This match is sponsored by Blue Iguana Sports Bar and the game kicks off at 13:00h. There will also be a ‘Miss Goodlooking’ contest starting from 15:00h. More excitingly, there will be a dance contest for ladies and ‘fat men’. To add to the attraction, the event will also see dancers from Jamaica, Guyana and Brazil heating up the stage.

Music will be provided by Slingerz Family, DJ Killa Feelings out of Afrikan Vibz and Deejay Puffy. Admission to the event cost $2000. Gates open at 10:00h.

SCorentyne, Berbice and began writing songs dur ing his teenage years but never record any until re cently.

His recent track titled “My Country” is not spe cific to Guyana but all countries around the world, as it re lates to the social issues plaguing the societies the world over. This song talks about the scourge of sui cide.

The talented artiste has sev eral songs under his belt, including songs he recorded for Father’s Day and Mother’s Day. He also composed one for Valentine’s Day earlier this year. Additionally, he re leased a single in time for Guyana’s Republic

In every one of his songs, this talented Berbician tries to tell a story or send

He has been recording under the label Redland Production, in the USA, and his most recent track was recorded in the Kross Kolors record-

He has also collaborated with the Naya Fasana band over the years and has been working with team Emerald Digital Production. He was quite impressed with the recording of his tune “Indian Wedding” done by Digital Production. While talented, he is also gracious, thanking his parents and his entire family, as well as those who have worked closely with him in making his dreams a reality. He also wishes to make special acknowledge of his daughter. Persons can visit YouTube to view the songs that have

KI

Sally Sagram

Rick Ramoutar

Anil Bheem Mystic

Macka Diamond

the Community Centre ground, West Bank Demerara. The main attraction at the Village Day is the highly anticipated vehicle sound off

These vehicles will be judged for loudest mini xtreme car, loudest xtreme car, loudest mini xtreme minivan/suv, loudest xtreme minivan/

vehicle, biggest vehicle crew and most hype vehicle. However, there are rules that govern each

category and the judges will be paying keen attention to this. The event is promoted by Westsiderz Entertainment and it not the first time that the group has promoted auto shows.

Only recently, one of the biggest such shows was held at the Tuschen Community Centre ground, East Bank Essequibo, which saw thousands of dollars and trophies being awarded.

On Saturday, apart

from the special features, there will be activities for the entire family. Patrons can rock the night away with the sounds of Ramping Vybz and Big Life Sound.

All will be admitted to the event free before 20:00h after which patrons will pay $500. Goed Fortuin Village Day is powered by Stag Beer, Westsiderz Electronics, Amrol and Sons, Sign Tech, N&J Taxi Service and Car Rental.

On Saturday, October

31, top deejay for Slingerz Family, Deejay Garwin will be celebrating his birthday in fine style with a birthday bash called “Gaza Forever” at Ruimveldt California Square, Georgetown.

The birthday bash will see entertainment by members of the Slingerz Family out of Florida, Deejay Froggy and Deejay Stylish and out of Trinidad, and Deejay Trevlyn. The birthday man himself will also be adding some flavour for the evening’s proceedings.

There will also be live performances by former Carib Soca Monarch Kwasi “Ace” Edmondson, Shelly G, Lil Million, James Bond and a surprise artiste out of Jamaica. Admission to “Gaza Forever” will cost $1000 but ladies will be admitted free before 22:00h. This birth night party is sponsored by Chetsons, Truck MASTERS, X-TRA Beer, X-TRA Energy, Gulf Motor Oil and Two Brothers Mining; and is promoted by Slingerz Family and Deejay Garwin.

TThe Skyline Lounge is taking patrons on a haunted adventure with classic Goosebump monsters – evil living dummies, headless ghosts, mummies, werewolves and many other characters. It will definitely be a world of horror that will thrill the entire family.

Other attractions will include live entertainment by the best in the Werewolves’ family and the Evil Dummies. The event will be spiced up with the best selection of music that will raise you goosebumps by Deejay Specs out of Trinidad and Tobago.

Apart from the scary scenes, one can cool off with drink specials all night long. Tickets for the event cost $2500 and are available at the Pegasus Hotel’s front desk. There will be special prizes for the scariest and sexiest Halloween costumes. Be sure not to miss this event as we celebrate Halloween in Guyana.

Deejay Garwin

Kwasi “Ace” Edmondson

Shelly G

his Halloween, the stories you’ve read as a child comes ALIVE!!! Come October 31, Aura Bar and Lounge presents ‘Goosebumps – The Sounds of Halloween’ at Pegasus Hotel, Kingston.

Personality Profile

Come Friday, October 30, School Street and Punt Trench, Albouystown, will be transformed into a concert arena, as Wickedee Media in collaboration with Commander Community Initiative will host the first event “Straight out of Albouystown” stage show.

The show is being held as a birthday bashment for Malcolm Ferreira, commonly known as “Mr Wickedee” and more so, a show to celebrate the end of his radio career

as he embarks on ‘bigger things’.

The Radio Announcer’s career started as young man in Albouystown when he was part of a group called “Ghetto Voices” and would have performed in the area and other places.

It was his involvement in the group that led to his career as a radio broadcaster, and he now feels that it’s time to give back to his community.

The stage show will feature some of the best names in the mu-

sic business – locally, regionally and internationally. The regional and international team comprises Alwin Nurse, also known as “Negus”; and “Imagee” from Canada, along with “Jahvillani” from Jamaica.

The Guyanese line-up will include Natural Black, Kwesi “Ace” Edmondson, Jumo Primo, Jacky Jaxx, Jory, Ilaman, Lil Million, Ernesta Nelson, Street Thugs and Lyrical Fyah. Admission to the event is absolutely free.

The place to be this Saturday evening is the Buddy’s Night Club, Sheriff Street, Georgetown, for yet another concept party promoted by Team MMR, in collaboration with the management of Buddy’s Night Club. The evening is called “Old School Bollywood” and will feature hits from yesteryear.

Expected to steam up the venue will be none other than the ‘Party Boss’ himself WR Reaz and Selector Andy on the console. With the two in charge of music, be sure to get the best of Salman Khan, Shahrukh Khan, Rajesh Khanna, Hema Melini, Shami Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan and many more.

Although, it will be an old school party that will feature hits of yesteryear, the younger folks will be in for a treat with a few selections

from present day. So after a hard week’s work, chill out with Team MMR at Buddy’s Night Club and be relieved and relaxed with the best in Bollywood music. Ladies will be admitted free before 22:00h, while general admission will be $1500. The doors opens at 19:00h, so make sure you are there for the retro Bollywood party.

Jovinski, China and Shivaine are Kross Kolors’ youngest and promising future artistes. Though they are different in many aspects, they have one thing in common and that is music in their veins.

Kross Kolors Records is known for producing phenomenal talent and musical impact within the music industry in Guyana.

Sixteen-year-old Jovinski, made music his passion after his brother died, using it as a vehicle to overcome the grief. He found listening to music helped ease his pain. He is articulate and a very hard worker when it comes to music.

He is not afraid in experimenting and is a firm believer that the impossible can be made possible. He was first exposed to the public while performing “Tic Toc” – an original by the duo X2 – which would have gained him recognition in the eyes of Jumo “Rubber waist” Primo (one of the members of X2) who later recommended that there should be a place for him at Kross Kolor Records.

By signing onto Kross Kolors, Jovinski has already recorded his first two singles – “Too Young” and “Hello” which made everyone, especially his young female fan base fall in love with him.

The young artiste also stated that he is the youngest of nine children – four of whom are musically gifted. He is the winner of GTT’s Kid Stage.

On the other hand, Sueann “China” Campbell was born in 1999 and showcased her talents through modelling, swimming, dancing but most importantly, through music.

“I love singing and rapping” says the 16-year-old rising star. The young star took part in modelling and swimming in her younger days before realising that music would be her passion.

It was not until August 2014, when she auditioned for the Centre Stage Competition and won the hearts of the judges with her rapping techniques.

Kross Kolors saw the potential in this budding artiste and in time, signed her to the label. Even though her talent was rapping, the label introduced the young artiste to various genres that would work well with her vocals.

Finally, Shivaine Bhola, was born in Suriname was raised in Guyana until the age of nine before she migrated to the United States of America.

While living in the US, she found her passion for the musical art form when she was a singer in the Martin Kellogg Middle School’s Choir.

In 2011 she took part in a regional contest within her state which was a first attempt at any competition. Shivaine and her mother decided in 2012 to move back to Guyana after the loss of her step-father to cancer.

Just like her record label colleague “China”, Shivaine also auditioned for the Centre Stage Competition where she also impressed the judges.

The young artiste had to withdraw from the competition because of prior commitments. By impressing the judges, she was remembered for her performance and was selected among a few to have the opportunity of being mentored by the founder of Guyana Music Network Burchmore Simon.

Jovinski, China and Shivaine are eager and are looking forward to sharing their music with Guyana and the rest of the world, through the recently recorded “Chirstmas with Us” album which will be available in stores and online from November 8.

China, Jovinsk and Shivanie

Malcolm Natural Black

Negus Jumo

Jahvillani

CFU Women’s Olympic Qualifier final round Sri Lanka v West Indies, 2nd Test…

Coach Rodrigues cautious of road ahead for Lady Jags

With the Lady Jags eyeing a bit of history by being the first Guyanese team to qualify for the Olympics, Head Coach of the squad, Mark Rodrigues is “cautiously optimistic” about their chances.

“Trinidad has already encamped their players for over a week now, and will continue to work with them up to their first round of qualifying early in November, and thereafter into the Championships on Nov 18 – 20.

“Jamaica and Puerto Rico have also encamped their players in preparation for this all-important round, as they know the importance of advancing to the CONCACAF Championships, having been there just a year ago in World Cup Qualifying,” Rodrigues highlighted.

Guyana’s senior national women’s football team will face Puerto Rico on

Smart

November 18, at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Trinidad and Tobago in the final round of Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Women’s Olympic Qualifier.

Guyana, Jamaica and Puerto Rico have qualified for the ‘four team playoff’ by coming out on top of their respective groups.

In the final round, the four teams will play a single-elimination tournament. The two finalists and the winner of the third-place match will qualify for the 2016 CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying Championship as CFU representatives.

According to a press release, since returning to their respective teams in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, the Lady Jags’ strength and conditioning coach David Lawrence has been working with the players using a

structured system requiring the players to log and post online their results weekly.

Rodrigues pointed out that the players have all responded very well and the results have been significantly shown in several players through their private online numbers.

“Along with Coach Lawrence’s fitness programme, they have all continued to play in their respective leagues which are just coming to an end.”

If the Lady Jags finish within the top three, they will face the likes of the USA, Canada, Mexico and two representatives from the Central American region.

The Lady Jags are expected to arrive in the twin-island republic on November 16, and should Guyana be victorious against Puerto Rico, they will advance to the finals on November 20.

The Smart Aid Pharmacy 24-hour division has thrown its support behind driver Paul Jiwanram for the upcoming Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club meet (GMR&SC) on November 15 at the South Dakota Circuit. Jiwanram said it was a much needed boost to his

campaign and also was in high praise for Emran and Raymon Hassan General Automotive Services for their support also.

Smart Aid Pharmacy proprietor Rajiv Singh expressed his delight in giving support to the driver as it was all a part of his enterprise’s aim to give back, and he hoped other companies could come on board and do the same.

Debutant Warrican takes 4, as Windies take control

Buoyed by a quicker pitch with some live grass on it, West Indies’ threepronged pace attack made light work of Sri Lanka’s top order before debutant left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican claimed four wickets to wrap up the Sri Lankan innings at 200, two hours into the final session on the first day at the P Sara Oval.

In response, the visitors lost Shai Hope lbw to Dhammika Prasad in the first over but Kraigg Brathwaite and nightwatchman Devendra Bishoo hung around before deteriorating light forced stumps.

Jerome Taylor had woken up a groin niggle but passed a fitness test and consistently hit speeds above 140kph. He struck with his fourth ball - a beauty that angled in and curved away, leaving Kaushal Silva prodding and edging to the wicketkeeper. West Indies reviewed and the third umpire Marias Erasmus decided there was enough evidence to overturn umpire Rod Tucker’s on-field decision of not out. Silva was out for a duck and his lean patch was extendedhe had failed to build on a start in the first Test against West Indies after managing only 87 in six innings against India.

That wicket proved a scenesetter and each of the West Indies’ fast bowlers got extra bounce and zip before Warrican took over. Milinda Siriwardana, playing his second Test, scored his maiden fifty in the format, and Rangana Herath, promoted to vice-captaincy after Lahiru Thirimanne was left out, indulged in hacks and hooks to avoid a total wipe out.

The morning session was packed with action, containing as many as five reviews. West Indies’ second review, coming after the Silva wicket, was also successful, and accounted for 20-year old Kusal Mendis for an edgy 13 on Test debut. Mendis had wafted at a Kemar Roach ball that straightened a touch and nicked behind.

Jason Holder’s first dismissal - West Indies’ second of the morning - had also in-

WJiwanram will be taking part in the Group 1 category which is for cars with 1500cc engines. Jiwanram explained that this was his first year in the races and he would be in team ER Racing. The group has more than 20 participants and the young driver is hoping that a victory will help him move to the Group 2 category. (akeemg@guyanatimesgy.com)

est Indies women’s captain Stafanie Taylor overwhelmed Pakistan women with a powerful all-round performance, making an unbeaten 98 and then taking 3 for 26 in ten overs to secure a 109-run victory for her team in St. Lucia. Pakistan had made a promising start after choosing to bowl and had West Indies at 57 for 3 in 10.1 overs. Taylor then put on 130 runs with Merrisa Aguilleira, who was run out for 68. Kyshona Knight’s 45 off 40 balls added the finishing touches as West Indies powered to 281 for 5. Taylor, on 90, had faced the last four balls of the innings but could manage to score only two off each delivery, finishing two runs short of a century.

Pakistan’s chase of a challenging target barely got off the ground. Javeria Khan played a sole hand, making an unbeaten 73 at No. 3, but no one else got past 20. Taylor

volved a review. He had Dimuth Karunaratne lbw for 13 in his second over; Sri Lanka’s review going in vain this time. The quicks rattled the batsmen and beat the outside edge regularly and reduced Sri Lanka to 59 for 4, six minutes before lunch. The session ended with West Indies bowling coach Curtly Ambrose welcoming his bowlers with warm applause.

Siriwardana helped Sri Lanka recover briefly, adding 31 and 37 with Dinesh Chandimal and Kusal Perera respectively. With Siriwardana joining hands with another left-handed batsman in Kusal, West Indies’ premier spinner Bishoo was held back. He had come into the attack only after 36 overs in the Galle Test. Today, he came in after 46 overs.

Siriwardana was assured in defence and cashed in when fed with width. He carved Holder over covers, eased Taylor past the same region, and slashed Warrican behind point. He pushed on to bring up his fifty off 76 balls by dancing out and launching a straight six. He had a life when he was shelled at square leg on 63 but added only

five more to his tally before he miscued Warrican into Taylor’s lap at long-off.

Warrican began with a halftracker, which was dispatched by Angelo Mathews to the point boundary with a strong cut. He settled down quickly, and twirled away in an uninterrupted 14-over spell after lunch. His reward came off a bad ball: Kusal Perera stepped out and spooned a return catch off a full toss, becoming Warrican’s maiden Test victim. Having received his Test cap from Garry Sobers, it turned out to a happy day for Warrican.

West Indies, who had spilled five catches to add to a sixth chance that was not attempted in the first Test, lifted themselves significantly on the field, with the only blip being the Siriwardana drop. Marlon Samuels made a diving save at backward point while Holder threw himself around mid-off. Brathwaite, though, produced the best piece of fielding when he bent forward from second slip to grab a sharp, low catch to snaffle Mathews for 14. The catch was deemed legal after being sent to the third umpire (Cricinfo)

(lb 2, w 1, nb 1)

(1 wicket; 5.2 overs) 17

bat: DM Bravo, MN Samuels, J Blackwood, D Ramdin†, JO Holder*, JE Taylor, KAJ Roach, J Warrican

Fall of wickets: 1-7

Bowling: KTGD Prasad 3-09-1, N Pradeep 1-0-5-0, HMRKB Herath 1.2-0-1-0.

By Akeem Greene

Lady Jags will attempt to become Guyana’s first team to qualify for the Olympics when their campaign begins on November 18

Paul Jiwanram receives sponsorship from Smart Aid Pharmacy proprietor Rajiv Singh

Aid Pharmacy sponsors driver for upcoming GMR&SC meet

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Digicel’s Annual Breast Cancer Cycle Race

Over 50 riders to compete at Sunday’s event

Over 50 cyclists from 12 cycle clubs across Guyana have confirmed participation in this year’s Digicel Breast Cancer Awareness Cycle Race.

The fourth edition of the Cancer Awareness Cycle Road Race was launched on October 14 at Digicel’s Fort and Barrack Streets office.

The Race, which is scheduled for Sunday, has an added leg this year, making it a two-stage event; previous years only featured one stage.

The first leg will commence at 08:30h from Schoonard on the West Coast of Demerara, proceed to Bushy Park on the East Bank of Essequibo, before returning to Schoonard, covering approximately 40 miles.

Ladies and veterans will ride to Uitvlugt, and then back to the point of origin.

Stage two will commence at 12:30h and will see the se-

niors and juniors depart from Abary and the ladies and veterans start at Perseverance Halfway Tree and ride to the National Park where they will make two laps around the outer circuit before seeing the chequered flag.

The first six top spots will be awarded, with the winner of the seniors carting off $150,000, top junior $80,000 and the top female and veteran $50,000 each, as Digicel has put aside over $1.3 million for the one-day event.

Keith Fernandes, whose cycle club, Team Gillette Evolution, is coordinating this year’s race, contended that he expected a clean, fair and competitive race.

He further mentioned that registration would begin at 06:00h sharp on race day and his club was committed to ensuring that the race was properly coordinated.

Louanna Abrams, Senior

Sponsorship and Events

Executive of Digicel, expressed the company’s pleasure at being involved in the event for a fourth consecutive year, adding, and “We at Digicel are pleased to be a part of this event especially in this month of cancer awareness. We see it as a part of a healthier society. We will be donating all the proceeds from the registration fees to the Cancer Society in addition to our sizeable donation all in the fight against breast cancer.” This donation will help the Cancer Society take the fight to the hinterland regions of Guyana where it is difficult for persons to travel to Georgetown for screening, testing and treatment. Pink t-shirts will be distributed along the route to onlookers in keeping with the observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Ramnarine Appiah Memorial T20 competition

YWCC, Canje Pathfinders, RHCC and No 7 victorious

Young Warriors Cricket Club (YWCC); Canje Pathfinders; Rose Hall Cricket Club (RHCC) and No 7 have all recorded wins when play in the Ramnarine Appiah Memorial T20 competition for Second-Division teams in the East Canje/Lower East Coast Berbice area continued last Sunday.

At Cumberland, YWCC beat Hamid XI by 11 runs. Batting first, YWCC made 107-6 off their reduced quota of 15 overs.

Balram Samaroo made 32, Zaheer Moakhan 27 not out and Alex Algoo 20. Bowling for Hamid XI, 72-year-old Zamin Hamid took 3-15 and Hassan Hussain took 2-12. In reply, the visitors made 96-9 off 15 overs. Hussain scored 22 and Nazooredeen Bux 21.

Over at Rose Hall Estate Ground, the hosts won the toss and made 132-9 in 20 overs. Compton Hopes topscored with 34. He received support from Ameer Rahaman (24 not out) and Kristoff Bahadur (21).

Khemraj Sumair took 4-23, Leon Sunthgolam 2-23 and K Isaacs 2-21 bowling for Canefield Sports Club. In

reply, Canefield SC made 82 all out. Latchman Ramotar (3-13); Ameer Rahaman (216) and Adrian Haralsingh (2-17) were the best bowlers for the home team.

In the other match played at the same ground, No 7 batted first against Seawell and made 136-4 in their reduced quota of 15 overs. Ryan Mohamed topscored with 48, and was supported by Johnathan Bhola with 20.

N Singh took 2-28. In reply, Seawell made 81-9 in 15 overs, with R Jainabi scoring 21. Bowling for No

7, Raymond Mohamed took 3-17 and Vishal Ramlall 2-5. Over at the Goed Bananen Land Ground, Canje Pathfinders won both of their games against Canefield SC and Goed Bananen.

Matches will continue this Sunday. Teams are asked to submit the scores within 48 hours to the Board on 333-2375 or the Board’s representative Sahadeo Singh on 617-1103 for the media. No First-Division players will be allowed unless the player is 40 years and over.

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The top performers from last year’s race as Digicel continues to use cycling to spread awareness of breast cancer

GFF/Stag Elite League

Pele hammer Alpha United to remain League leaders

– Slingerz maul GFC 5-0

By Akeem Greene

In the feature game of

the night, between the League’s top ranked teams, Pele pulled out an outstanding performance to outplay Alpha “The Hammer” United on Wednesday at the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Ground.

The scoreline at the final whistle was 3-0, but it was an action packed game from kick-off.

Early, in the seventh minute, Grenada-born Alpha United player Kithson Bain had a shot on goal, but had it rejected by Pele’s custodian who made a diving effort to parry it away from goal.

Pele soon responded with a goal in the 15th minute when Ronel Gordon’s stab from the right side of the box rocked the net.

Gordon’s goal was the result of some exceptional passing by Pele’s forwards who pushed play inside the penalty box as Alpha’s defenders lacked the necessary

composure.

Jermaine Summerset made it 2-0 for Pele in the 19th minute with a classic dink with his left foot.

Alpha tried desperately to reduce the lead, but Pele’s backline resisted the counterattack to end the first half 2-0.

The second half was even more exciting as Pele still went on the hunt in search of more goals, while Alpha was desperately trying to score.

In the 62nd minute, Pele’s Omali Williams had a wonderful opportunity with a volley, but it went straight into the hands of the goalie.

Alpha’s Sherwin Skeete attempted to break the shackles with a shot off his left foot in the 81st minute, but it unfortunately went wide.

Pele’s third goal was nothing short of excitement, as Deon Alfred attempted to score, but the shot rebounded after a spectacular save by Alpha’s custodian; Jamal Cozier was alert to the situation and belted the ball to the back of the net in the 86th minute.

Alpha seemed deflated after the third goal, but Coach Wayne Dover from the sidelines tried to rally his player to find a consolidation goal.

The leading goalscorer in the League, Gregory “Jackie Chan” Richardson attempted to add to his tally with a clever run down the right wing only to put his shot into the side netting. This victory put Pele four points clear of second place Alpha.

In the earlier game, Slingerz FC ripped the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) apart with a 5-0

Guyana to miss 2016 CFU Club Championships

Eligible clubs from Guyana will be unable to participate in the 2016 edition of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Club Championships as the nation has no league champions.

According to a press release,

CONCACAF’s Director of Competitions, Horace Reid, who responded to an enquiry made by the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), highlighted that owing to regulations, the eligible clubs from Guyana’s last league in 2013-14 will be ineligible.

However, Reid said that on completion of the Stag Elite League in 2016, Guyana would be able to participate in the 2017 CFU Club Championships.

Guyana’s previous top league was completed in January 2014, and none was restarted as a result of the Federation being embroiled in administrative turmoil, which led to FIFA installing a Normalisation Committee to run the affairs of the Federation in October 2014.

The Elite League was restarted in September 2015 with many of the clubs having to meet rigorous club licensing requirements to participate.

thrashing. From the start of the game, Slingerz FC dominated ball control, but the youthful GFC side still tried to battle for a goal.

However, in the 21st minute, Anthony Abrahams scored the first goal for Slingerz to end the first half 1-0. GFC had some good offensive play, but they seldom got a chance to put immense

pressure on the Slingerz backline.

GFC started the second half with lots of energy but it soon faded as they were being outrun by a seemingly fitter and more experienced Slingerz unit.

As the GFC players’ legs became tired, Slingerz began a goalscoring spree, as Vurlon Mills sent one to the

Ram slam t20 cricket billed for sunday at Lusignan

With the aim to renew the competitive spirit and cricket rivalry in teams within the Mon Repos /La Reconnaissance Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) area, the Lusignan Sports Club (LSC) will stage the second edition of the Ram Slam T20 tournament this Sunday at the Lusignan Community Centre Ground from 09:00h.

The one-day tournament will feature teams from the four villages within the NDC – Mon Repos, Good Hope, Lusignan and Annandale.

Matches will feature players who have made the villages proud over the years and include national players Brian Sattaur and Emran Khan, emerging prospect Steven Ramdass,

R Naikbaran, Kumar Bishundial and Vishnu Ramjeet.

In an invited comment, LSC President Christopher Singh disclosed, “This event is aimed at developing cricket in these communities, in the process keeping young

people away from some of society’s ills such as illegal drugs, HIV/AIDS and suicide.”

Monies raised will be used to fund participation of the Club in the various competitions run by respective area Boards and the Guyana Cricket Board, at the different levels.

The event will be a family affair with side attractions of games for the children, lots of food and drinks, and music. Admission is free.

Key sponsors for this year’s event are: Penko Steel Construction, PY Taxi Service, Two Sisters Car Rental, Miracle Optical, Bipta Grocery Store and Singh’s Grocery and Bicycle Store. (rajivb@guyanatimesgy.com)

Benons elected President of GDF FC

Loring Benons was elected President of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Football Club when the members of the Club met on Wednesday to elect their new Executive Committee at Base Camp Ayanganna.

Three Vice Presidents were elected, with Sherwin Scipio elected first Vice President; Dewayne Stephen and Troy Cordis elected Second and Third Vice President respectively.

The Secretary is Roshelly Grandison, while Pamela Julian was elected Treasurer. The Assistant Secretary/ Treasurer is Monique Skeete.

The Manager is Dwaine Moses, while Dwain Daniels was elected Assistant Manager.

Members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Football Club

back of the net in the 54th minute; Dexroy Adams added another in the 60th and 61st followed by Julian Wade in the 63rd. This victory moved Slingerz up to third, just one point behind Alpha United. GFC remains in the cellar position with five losses from eight games. (akeemg@guyanatimesgy. com)

Christopher Singh

Pele’s goalscorers

Slingerz FC’s goal scorers

Horace Reid

Courts on board with Health and Fitness Expo

Courts (Guyana)

Inc has once again demonstrated its commitment to the development of sport by chipping in with a sponsorship package for this weekend’s Guyana Health and Fitness Expo.

The two-day event is billed for Saturday and Sunday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

At a simple handing-over ceremony on Wednesday, Courts Guyana contributed a whopping $200,000 to ensure the success of the event.

Courts Marketing Manager Pernell Cummings noted that “a fit nation is a good nation

and a healthy nation is a strong nation and Courts is partnering with the Fitness Expo for this”.

Expo coordinator and Genesis Fitness owner Noshavyah King said, “We will have lots of exhibitors with different things in terms of health and fitness – everything health and fitness, so I’m encouraging the Guyanese public to come out and support. It’s the first time being done in Guyana; it’s two full days and something for everyone.”

At the Expo on Day One, a myriad of events will be conducted including: Jazzercise, yoga, kickboxing, soca aero-

bics, circuit training, boot camp classes and six pack ab classes during the day. In the evening, there will be the 5K (Glow), Night Walk and the Zumba Glow Pink Party for Cancer Awareness.

Day Two will be highlighted by karate demonstrations, capoeira, dancing and bodybuilding. There would also be competitions in the disciplines of basketball, football, volleyball, power lifting and cross fit. Crowd participation games will also be played.

Admission is $1500 for one day and $2000 for the weekend pass. (rajivb@ guyanatimesgy.com)

Wayne Forde officially launches GFF presidential campaign

By TreisTon Joseph

Fruta Conquerors Football Club

President Wayne Forde officially launched his campaign for the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) presidency on Thursday at the Pegasus Hotel.

Under the title, “Team Integrity”, Forde plans to erase lawlessness from Guyana’s football while restoring its image.

Fruta Conquerors

Secretary Daniel Thomas, who highlighted the construct of the group, noted a few characteristics of “Team Integrity”.

“Team Integrity is made up of persons of substance and character bounded together for one common cause … these persons will be humble servants of football not lords and masters of the game,” Thomas declared.

Second Vice President of the slate, Rawlston Adams, who played a part in a previous administration of the GFF but declined to mention his reasons for exiting, highlighted that he was committed to this group and the development of football.

“When I was contacted, at first I was a bit hesitant, but when you are called

to service, you have to respond and I am glad that I have responded and I pledge my support and commitment… I think football has struggled for too long and the sport deserves better,” Adams noted.

Forde, during his address, highlighted the need to restore the image of football while vouching for his team’s integrity and intellect as well as business and managerial savvy.

“The image of football is experiencing its worst days and not very often we are given the opportunity to directly charter the course of our beloved sport… we are here to work religiously to restore the image of football.

“The best days of football are ahead of us and we will have a rule-oriented fraternity,” Forde highlighted.

Further, Forde, who noted that becoming the President of the GFF was never a passion of his, noted that he believes that with football floundering, his slate can change the tide.

“GFF presidency was never an ambition of mine, my involvement in football has always been grounded in the service to football, but now it has more to do with having real love and passion for the sport and I felt the need to get involved at this level, because I think I can offer another alternative than what we are accustomed to,” Forde stressed. He ended by imploring all of the stakeholders in football to put their trust in “Team Integrity” to right the ship that is Guyana’s football.

Also on the slate of “Team Integrity” are First Vice President candidate, Brigadier (retired) Bruce Bovell, Third Vice President Thandi McAllister as well as committee member Dion Inniss who is also the President of Guyana’s Football Referees Association. (josepht@guyanatimesgy.com)

Courts Marketing Manager Pernell Cummings hands over the sponsorship cheque to Expo coordinator and Genesis Fitness owner Noshavyah King in the presence of another staff and member of the Health and Fitness Expo Committee

Brigadier (rtd) Bruce Bovell

Jomel Warrican celebrates the wicket of Kusal Perera Garry Sobers presents Jomel Warrican with his maiden Test cap (WICB photo)

Stafanie Taylor cuts during her unbeaten 98 (WICB photo)

From left, Committee Member Dion Inniss, Second VP Candidate Rawlston Adams and Presidential Candidate Wayne Forde after the launch of their campaign