Guyana Times Daily

Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana Issue No. 2720 guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

December 27, 2015

PRICE

Controversial Specialty Hospital project

Page 3

Ramjattan’s involvement heavily criticised

Page 16

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Berbice gets 4 Christmas babies P12

– TIGI President presses for MoU scrapping

Former GDF rank killed, several injured in Ruimzigt accident

$120 vat included

Albouystown man killed during Christmas Day brawl Page 7

Better conditions ahead for GPHC – President

Hope Canal project

Northern P10 relief channel for completion in 2016 – Holder

– tours maternity and children’s wards on Christmas Day

Two in P12 custody for BCCI robbery Fire erupts in Subs and Salads’ P10 kitchen at Grove

President Granger reading from the Book of Malachi, Chapter 9 in the Bible to baby Malachi as his mother, Tianie Maria Trim of Coldingen looks on proudly. Also in photo are First Lady Sandra Granger; Health Minister, Dr George Norton; and Social Cohesion Minister Amna Ally (Ministry of Presidency photo)

NGO wants data from suicide helpline – says alleged “100% success released rate” means nothing Page 11

Another convict escapes from Mazaruni Prison Page 9

President announces increased subvention for Dharm Shala – $1M donation to be handed over before yearend

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NEWS

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SunDAY, december 27, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Sunday, December 27 – 05:30h-07:00h and Monday, December 28 – 05:00h-06:30h.

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Sunday, December 27 – 05:45h-07:15h and Monday, December 28 – 06:25h-07:55h.

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

WEATHER TODAY

Weather: Light to heavy rain showers can be expected throughout most of the day, with some sunny intervals in the afternoon. Light rain showers and thundery showers are expected in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 25 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly between 4.02 metres and 5.36 metres per second.

High Tide: 05:32h and 17:44h reaching maximum heights of 2.59 metres and 2.70 metre respectively.

Low Tide: 11:18h and 23:45h reaching minimum heights of 0.63 metre and 0.53 metre respectively.

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

LOTTERY NUMBERS F 08 10 20 15 13 24 12 Bonus Ball

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Controversial Specialty Hospital project

Ramjattan’s involvement heavily criticised – TIGI President presses for MoU scrapping

BY EDWARD LAYNE

A

s public outcry continues to mount over the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Administration’s decision to handpick disqualified contracting company Fedders Lloyd to construct the controversial Specialty Hospital, President of Transparency International Guyana Inc (TIGI), Father Compton Meerabux on Saturday called for the scrapping of the MoU and a retendering.

Father Meerabux told Guyana Times on Saturday there are too many questions surrounding the MoU and therefore there should be a fresh tendering process.

“The fact the Fedders Lloyd deal is worth more than US$14 million, it demands the highest ethical standards compliance… and what we recommended that there should be a retendering of the whole process because there are too many issues involve in the process,” the TIGI President said.

He noted that the fact that Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan had advocated on behalf of Fedders Lloyd after it was disqualified, is enough reason for there to be questions about whether or not the Minister used his influence in Government to ensure that the company was engaged in completion of the project.

“There is a conflict of interest with Mr Khemraj Ramjattan and that rivals transparency and there should be a retendering of the whole process,” Father Meerabux said.

Recently, Father Meerabux’s deputy Christopher Ram called on the Government to revisit the entire transaction.

“In view of the public disquiet on this matter, the Government should revisit the entire transaction, including the retendering,” he said, adding that the Government should satisfy itself that the award of

TIGI President, Father Compton Meerabux

the contract for the project was in conformity with the Public Procurement Act. There have been widespread condemnations of the Government’s decision to select Fedders Lloyd to complete the project, since the company was disqualified and more so, was associated with, Minister Ramjattan.

Economist and transparency advocate Ramon Gaskin had said that Government should have moved to retender in the first place, pointing out that even before this report was made public, there was already a shadow of corruption hanging over the selec-

they (the Government) lied to the public,” Gaskin declared.

Former Government Minister, Dr Henry Jeffrey, in an invited comment, said the release of the Tender Evaluation Report was not necessary for the retendering of the project, since by law, Government was bound to retender. These revelations made it even more compelling for a new tendering exercise to be embarked upon, he said.

Dr Jeffrey maintained his initial position that as a matter of law, the project should have been put to tender.

“They are supposed to open this matter for tendering process and they are supposed to allow other people an opportunity…

Ramjattan is a senior member of the Cabinet and he is in a position of kind of a conflict of interest and, therefore, they (Government) have to be even more transparent than the [People’s Progressive Party/Civic] PPP/C,” he had told Guyana Times.

Other stakeholders have also called for Government

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan

ber of criteria during the tending process in 2012.

The Specialty Hospital, a project initiated by the then PPP/C Administration, is aimed at catering for complicated surgeries, ranging from heart operations and organ transplants to cosmetic surgeries.

In 2012, a US$18 million contract was awarded to India-based company Surendra Engineering, which was tasked with designing and building the controversial facility. The funding was provided by the Indian Government through a Line of Credit.

In January, the contractor’s services were ter-

An artist’s impression of the Specialty Hospital

tion of Fedders Lloyd, since the company’s Attorney, Khemraj Ramjattan, was now a Government Minister.

“Scrap the whole thing and retender… (Because)

to abandon the current arrangement and retender, since there is now evidence in the public domain which proved that Fedders Lloyd was indeed disqualified after it failed to meet a num-

minated owing to several contractual breaches. The matter was taken to the High Court and compensation was accordingly awarded to the Government.

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Views Sunday Editor: 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 Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, sales@guyanatimesgy.com

Editorial

Christmas and Nation Building

W

e have just come off celebrating Christmas 2015 in fine Guyanese style. And in that statement there lies the germ of what it would take for us to at long last create a nation: we must maintain and create institutions that all our citizens can relate to as “ours”. While we are fragmented in so many ways, Christmas does bring us together – and we are not necessarily referring to the religious core that resonates more with Christians. There is “a Guyanese Christmas”.

Christmas is a time of gift giving: we take time out to remember our friends, neighbours and workers and share a token of our esteem for them. The goodwill created will last a long time. Christmas is also a time for employers to share out bonuses to their workers – giving their income stream a fillip that is generally put to good use in improving home and hearth. This year, because of challenges in some industries, there are some workers – notably those in sugar – who were not so rewarded. It would have been better in these instances if the representatives of management and workers could sit down in the spirit of Christmas and be forthright about the state of the industry and the reason for the omission.

There were the “Christmas Parties”. In almost every workplace there would have been a “get-together” ranging from a simple meal to ostentatious parties in clubs in which the persons who had laboured together all year long could “let their hair down”. But most of all there were the Christmas celebrations in the homes where families and friends shared the bonhomie along with black cake, ginger beer and other Christmas staples.

And the next day came “Boxing Day”. While we might not have continued the original British tradition to take leftovers from the Christmas feast to share with the less fortunate, the holiday does offer an opportunity for tired Christmas revellers to recharge their batteries.

We have elaborated on the institution of Christmas to suggest we will have to expand the rituals we share in common so as to foster and give meaning to the collective first person plural, “we”. It has been said that at independence – which will be fifty years ago, come next May 26 - even though we became a member of the “United Nations”, we actually inherited a state and not a nation. Meaning that we received all the paraphernalia of a state: a new name that untethered us from being owned by another power, a flag, coat of arms, national bird, etc.

But to be a “nation” meant we had to feel from somewhere deep in our collective being that we, the people inhabiting the state, were engaged in a common endeavour and where we accepted we were somehow related by more than a common passport. It was not that the founding fathers did not recognise the need for us to become a nation: the motto “One People, One Nation, One Destiny” explicitly stated the goal. But somewhere along the line, we have to accept that we did not work hard enough to transmute that aspiration into reality.

We need many more occasions that will bring us together as a people. It would appear that the new administration has this goal in their announced decision to commemorate our 50th Independence Anniversary countrywide. It is our hope that we do not merely have parades and spectacles but events that will draw us together in meaningful ways to build relationships across whatever barriers that have been created before and after 1966. This annual commemoration can be made into another “Christmas” to which all Guyanese will identify.

But in addition to external events to foster nation building, we must be cognisant that the most powerful barrier to becoming a nation is when the state does not treat each citizen equally. Even in families that recognise their commonality, favouritism breeds divisions and resentments. This we must eschew.

Christmas Eve Midnight Mass and Service on Thursday at the newly re-opened Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church which was devastated by fire in 2004

Govt, DPI out of touch with the people of this country Dear Editor, I noted with no surprise the naturally intellectually flaccid response by the Department of Public Information (hereinafter referred to as “DPI”) in seeking to justify the President’s and the Attorney General’s receipt of a tax-free salary in an attempt to justify their very own existence at the DPI. Allow me to precis the thrust of the argument advanced by the sum total of the (un)intellectual protagonists and/or political lackeys at the DPI in response to my public questioning, as a duly elected Member of Parliament, of President Granger’s and the Attorney General’s tax free salary – in essence the DPI said President’s Granger’s and the Attorney General’s tax-free salaries are justified because President Jagdeo, President Ramotar and Anil Nandalall received tax-free salaries.

Not surprisingly, this response is exactly why the swing voters in this past election are so disappointed with the APNU/AFC government.

Had the ears of the APNU/

AFC politicians and the DPI been close to the ground they would have heard the resounding and resonating public resentment with the APNU/AFC government and the assertion that “there has been no change but an exchange”. What the DPI fails to realise is that the vast majority of the 50% of persons who may have voted for the APNU/AFC coalition were expecting “change” (for the better) as was promised on the campaign trail so any attempt to now justify any wrong, as a tax-free salary is, with a statement of “well it used to happen in the past and even though we could correct it we won’t” is obtuse, asinine and simply stupid but more importantly, it shows conclusively that the APNU/AFC government and the DPI are out of touch with the people of the country.

The concluding paragraph which makes reference to my salary at the Office of the President before I resigned in 2012, a taxable $400,000 per month which, a props, is $1.4m less per month than the president and prime minister receives

and $500,000 less per month than the senior ministers receive in this APNU/AFC government (even though I have more degrees/qualifications, better grades from better universities than almost all of the current crop) is none other than a fallacious argument known as “argumentum ad hominem”. Nice try but the public will not be distracted by this stratagem and the fact is that the President and the Attorney General ought to be paying tax on their “public service” salaries and a comprehensive review of the executive government was done and there was no attempt to make the President’s and the Attorney General’s salary taxable and there is no reason in the world that could be proffered to justify their taxfree salary.

Second, this very ad hominem statement evinces definitively that the DPI is unprofessional, incompetent, and politicised. Instead of the DPI focusing some of their attention to make cheap political shots at me the DPI has a “public-good” duty to perform and the DPI may want

to consider asking its peers/ colleagues in the private media (you can start with Denis Chabrol) to score its performance and it will find that it is abysmally low.

Further, another accurate barometer of the performance of the DPI is the public sentiment and approval rating for the government of the day. The incorrigibly low approval rating of this APNU/AFC government will lead one to conclude that all is not “kosher” at the DPI but as the folk adage says “easy lesson hard fa dunce”.

Finally, accepting that all court documents have to be filed and form part of the public record, I chalcourt documents which I would have filed in more than two matters before my resignation from the Office of the President within two weeks failing which I shall be taking the necessary steps to identify the writer of the press release and to commence defamation litigation forthwith.

Sincerely, Charles S Ramson Esq MP

The devious misconceptions peddled by some people in Guyana

Dear Editor, I read with dismay some of the views expressed by Adam Harris in his weekly column on December 13, 2015, “Winette Alexander, a woman who lived rampant racism.”

Harris makes some disparaging and scandalous comments about Berbicians.

He discusses the abuses Alexander encountered when she grew up in Berbice with parents of mixed ethnic groups but then he throws in a very blatant lie when he says: “The wider society has changed, there are inter-racial marriages and the mixed

child does not have to worry about rampant discrimination, especially in the big city.

And this explains why many Berbicians shun attending university and move to the city. They want to escape the race prison” Seriously, Harris?” Have you ever visited the two Berbice campuses at Tain and Johns? If you do then you will see students of all ethnic groups studying, socialising, and completing assignments with each other and in harmony. There is no evidence of students being discriminated against because of their ethnic backgrounds! I

have also not heard of any students leaving Berbice and going to Turkeyen because they are discriminated against. I know of a few students who have left the Berbice campus for Turkeyen because of the fact that courses they want do are not being offered at the former. This statement by Harris is an insult to Berbicians.

In another column by Harris on December 20 2015, Harris attacks Joseph Hamilton for what he alleged was some pholourie that the latter stole. Yet again we notice the trend of the attack.

Harris is able to remember something as trivial as someone stealing some pholourie but he overlooks the many mistakes of this present coalition government. Harris ends his column with the following,’ Pholourie Joe has escaped with that crime. His colleagues in PPP will not escape as he did.”

Well, Harris, you are loud and clear now but I didn’t hear you say anything when the PNC left office in 1992.

Why the double standard?

Sincerely, Rakesh Singh

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

Stress is one of the key culprits driving suicide Dear Editor, The alarming suicide rate in this country seems surprising.

However, it shouldn’t be. The World Health Organization (WHO) in 2014 placed Guyana on top of the list of countries in suicide rankings. Guyana easily cruises into the top spot with a fourfold higher suicide rate as compared to global figures.

All indicators are that Guyana will remain a top contender for a long time to come. This scourge will linger on and even climb, guaranteeing our top spot bearing the fact that society is overburdened with stress that goes unheeded. Stress is dreadful and has damaging effects on the brain. It compromises mental health by rewiring neuronal circuitries disrupting equilibrium and changing its physiology (function) thereby unleashing an abundance of mental health-related issues - suicide, depression, and alcoholism.

It is to be remembered that folks who are depressed or are alcoholics are also more likely to commit suicide. Without hesitation stress should be pinned down as one of the key culprits driving this problem.

Who will disagree that our lives are not burdened by unbearable stress emanating from grave poverty, dysfunctional politics and bloated corruption, to say the least?

Such a toxic dynamic inexorably hatches a spectrum of secondary problems including: joblessness, bankruptcy, lack of interventions, poor healthcare outcomes, discrimination, racism, bullying, mental abuse, crime, disrespect, physical and domestic abuse, all of which create merciless stress taking a heavy toll on our lives.

Given this picture the massive suicide rate should not surprise any of us one bit.

To make matters worse, we even fail to link societal stress to the massive suicide rate. This is echoed each time a victim is added to the death toll. Families of victims innocently express that they were unaware that loved ones were hurting.

How can anyone not know?

Our response is always one of surprise. We look no further than our doorsteps to make sense of this problem.

Surely, we definitely need to widen the net to include society when searching for a cause.

It is reasonable to as-

sume that all Guyanese are potential victims of suicide in the face of the monstrous stress radiating from society. Tackling this scourge would require us to rewrite the equation to include stress emanating from society as a pivotal force driving suicide.

An avalanche of evidence from multiple sources supports that stress deals a blow to life. Take for example the WHO report that three-quarters of all global suicides occur in low- and middle-income countries, suggesting that economic hardships is a potent inducer of stress which ultimately drives suicide.

In another example, just within the last few months Sham Harrinauth, a detainee at the West Ruimveldt Police outpost hanged himself as a means of undoubtedly escaping the pains of stress. Who can argue that Harrinauth was not under pressure when he was in detention?

This is clear-cut evidence demonstrating that stress is a propeller of suicide. Had Harinauth not been in the lock-up, he would have been alive today.

Moreover, just within the past week two ru-

ral Wakenaam residents (Sydney Ramphal and Soma Bhyro) committed suicide.

An examination of their stories leading up to their deaths revealed that these gentlemen were experiencing stressful life events (illhealth and domestic turmoil) which I am sure were undoubtedly tied to the poverty-stricken conditions that have enveloped this country.

One might rightly question, given the fact that we are all in the same boat, why we are all not committing suicide? However, it must be noted that while we are all in the same boat many of us are on different decks: ie there are individual differences.

There are those who can cope and there are those who are incapable of coping due to biological, social and psychological differences.

Those incapable of coping resort to alcoholism and suicide as escape routes. This is maladaptive.

There is no need to kid ourselves that hiding pesticides, ropes, and other methods used to commit suicide will address this problem.

This strategy isn’t going to get us anywhere. Folks who are stressed will find a way

to seek out alternative options of killing themselves.

It gets even more ridiculous when we enlist police officers to tackle this problem. What we need are social workers, psychologists, clergymen and politicians whose priorities are to create jobs, increase education-

al opportunities, and create safety nets for those who are being drowned by social pressures. Stress needs to be significantly minimised to put a dent into the massive suicide rate.

Sincerely, Dr Cecil Dilip Kumar

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SunDAY, december 27, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

“The street is my home” ANSA McAL gives

‘Bundle of Joy” hampers to Christmas Day babies

- stories of the homeless

BY ALEXIS RODNEY

C

hristmas has come and gone, but life remains the same for the scores of Guyanese who live on the streets of Georgetown. For one thing, there was the rigid hope of at least spending the day with friends and family members, but this never happened for many because for a long time, all they have known is life on the streets.

Christmas day was celebrated on Friday, and almost every Guyanese was with their family or close friends. Even if they were not, they at least still had a place to call home and still had some expectations of meeting up with their family

Bibi Ali

members sooner or later.

But not so for those lying on the streets. Somehow, the streets have become their home. At least that is the story of 59-year-old Carl Edwards who has been on the streets of Georgetown for almost four years. Although he has a little place he calls home, he spends just a few hours there during the evening, and even

Carl Edwards

that would depend on how the weather looks.

“I didn’t have anybody to look after me. I have children, but they are living by themselves”, Edwards told Guyana Times on Christmas Eve day.

Asked how he planned to spend his Christmas he said, “I don’t know, I will be spending it maybe on the streets here. I get my food out here; I have to beg for money to buy food”.

Roy Ram, a 52-year-old told this publication that he left Berbice more than five years ago. The truth is, he said, he has no idea where his family is. Tears welled up in his eyes when he spoke with this newspaper. He said it was the first time in years that he has spoken to someone apart from those he shares the pavement with.

“Every day we reach and the same thing, I drinking, they drinking. It makes no sense I have conversations with a friend or whatsoever, because the friend, he in the same thing like I do. It ain’t nothing like how you Guyana Times come and talk to me and have a conversation. No one is concerned

and comes to talk with us.

“I get so frustrated so long; I just decide to not go anywhere.

Here is not nice, but when I remember things I prefer to be here. I had a lot of opportunities to go, but they move and move, I got to go and look for them. I don’t know where to go”, Ram said, speaking about his children.

He was reminded of Christmas and the season, and by this time tears trickled down his cheeks. He said anywhere he is found when “night ketch me, that’s where I spend the night”.

“Since I am in this town, I never been on a bed. I find a quiet corner where there are no worries and I am alone and re-

Charlie Wilson

lax”.

Ask what his wish for the season was, he said “All I wish is for this eye water to come out of my eyes”.

Among the homeless is a mother of four; 57-year-old Bibi Ali. She seemed to have been living on the streets for as long as she remembers. In fact, while for sometime, she returned home to her young

Roy Ram

children, she got back on the streets mostly during the day.

She said she is a “sickly woman, I trouble with Pressure”, nothing that although she now has adult children, one of whom lives in the United States, she makes a living on the streets.

Guyana Times later met with Charlie Wilson, who returned to Guyana over 10 years ago. He could not say what led to his return, he was also unsure of his age. He was quite aware that he has a son, who lives in the United States, but could not say when was the last time they spoke. According to him, there is nothing more that he would want than to be with family; to get off the streets.

But, he boldly told this newspaper, that the “streets is my home”.

While we all may have spent the warm Christmas day together with our loved ones, and even as we approach the new year, let us take time to remember the hundreds of persons, who either by choice or circumstances remain on the streets, craving daily for what we sometimes take for granted.

First baby girl born at GHPC! From L-R: Nurse Michelle Holder, mother Vanita James and ANSA McAL representatives

A

NSA McAL Trading Limited on Friday introduced the ABCD diapers at its annual tradition of sharing “Bundle of Joy” hampers to all babies born at the Georgetown Public Hospital and the Woodlands hospitals.

This is the first year ABCD has supported all

sented to the mothers of the first baby boy and girl at the Georgetown Public Hospital, while all other hampers contained 112 ABCD diapers.

In addition to the babies born on Christmas Day, the ANSA McAL team gave samples of the new diaper to all mothers in the ward.

Mother Camanie Kishon, Nurse Omodelle Samuels, ANSA McAL Brand Representatives Joel Lee and Leon Fitzpatrick

mothers with the special gifts of “Bundle of Joy” hampers.

ABCD hampers were presented to mothers who gave birth on Christmas Day in Georgetown. The generous gifts were well received and brought smiles to the faces of the new mothers.

ABCD Brand Representative Joel Lee of ANSA McAL Trading said that it was the company’s pleasure to support mothers as they ushered in a new generation on the day we celebrate the birth of Christ.

Large hampers containing 140 diapers were pre-

Babies born on Christmas Day were to mothers Vanita James (First baby girl on Christmas Day), Meena Bisnauth, Raneta Petterson, Kim Sam, Akima Garraway and Camanie Kishon, gave birth to her first baby, a boy at the Woodlands Hospital.

ANSA McAL Trading thanked the management and staff of the Georgetown Public Hospital and Woodlands Hospital for their support in helping to make the “ABCD Bundle of Joy” Presentation on Christmas Day 2015 a great success.

NEWS

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Belize High Court to determine fate of Guyanese rice exporter T he Belizean High Court will on January 4, 2016, begin hearing proceedings to determine if a shipment of rice from Guyana which is sitting on a wharf in that Caribbean Community (Caricom) country will be able to enter the country’s market.

The 75 tons of grade A rice was shipped to Belize by importer Jitendra Chawla, also known as “Jack Charles”, but was blocked from entering the market by the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA).

Justice Young on Christmas Eve Day gave lawyers for BAHA until December 31, 2015, to file court papers in response to an application by Chawla, for a judicial review.

After the response is filed, the High Court will begin the hearing on January 4, 2016.

In the interim, Chawla has to pay storage fees for the three shipping containers of rice to be held at Big Creek. The importer hopes that the High Court ruling will not only see the release of the rice but also a refund of all storage fees.

Alternatively, he will have to return the rice to Guyana.

The BAHA blocked the

Belizean Importer Jitendra Chawla

shipment on the grounds that it will enter the market and be sold cheaper than rice produced there, thus displacing Belizean rice producers.

The Guyanese grain, if allowed to enter the market, would be sold at 69 Belize cents per pound, compared to $1.25 for Grade C rice that is being produced by that Central American nation.

“The matter is more than just about the price of rice. Rather, if the importer is proposing to displace the livelihood of at least 20 per cent of our Belizean rice farmers, there must be a commitment to following the requisite procedures in

Albouystown man killed during Christmas Day brawl

A

brawl between two men at Albouystown, Georgetown, turned tragic on Christmas Day, leaving on dead and the other facing murder charges.

The dead man has been identified only as “Fluffie”.

According to information received, at about 15:00h on Friday, December 25, two men were involved in a heated argument when one of them whipped out a knife and dealt the other several blows to the neck and chest.

The victim reportedly fell to the ground while the suspect attempted to escape but was cornered by public spirited citizens. The injured man was picked up and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The suspect was later handed over to the Police and is expected to be charged on Monday. The Police have since recovered the blood stained knife suspected to be the murder weapon.

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum when contacted told Guyana Times that Police are continuing their investigations but con-

firmed that the two men are known “junkies” in the area.

This murder has been added to already 133 that were committed at the end of November 2015, in comparison with 130 at the end of November 2014.

Of the 133 murders, a whopping 53 were as a result of disorderly behavior, 22 were committed during robberies, 20 as a result of domestic issues, 10 were execution style killings, 27 are yet to be determined and one falls under the category of ‘other’.

In addition, the report further revealed that 46 murders were committed in A Division (GeorgetownEast Bank Demerara) while 23 were done in F Division (Interior locations); 21 apiece for B (Berbice) and C Divisions (East Coast Demerara) followed by eight each in D Division (West Bank Demerara-East Bank Essequibo) and G Division (Essequibo coast-Islands) and six in E Division (Linden-Kwakwani).

There have been at least five murders for December thus far, with a few days to go before the end of the year.

the proper order, so as to safeguard the safety of the consumer in the long-term, and to prove that the quality and standards justify the social and economic loss to Belize”, the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry was quoted by a Belize Reporter as saying.

Meanwhile, the Belize Agro-Productive Sector Group (BASG) has queried how many Belizean farms, farmers, farmhands, millers and distribution workers will join the unemployment line as another agricultural product – Belizean rice – is removed from the products produced in Belize.

“Currently the Belize rice industry supports almost 100 local rice farmers, five milling companies, more than 2000 field workers, employees, distributors, and their families.

The Big Creek Port where the consignment of rice is being held

This does not include a host of gas stations, fertiliser and agro chemical stores, restaurants and mechanic shops to name a few businesses that depend on our rice production. On the other hand, Guyanese rice will support

one importer and a handful of distribution workers,” the BASG release said.

Article 150 of the Treaty of Chaguaramas makes provisions for the importation, on the condition that Chawla stays within 20 per

cent of the entire country’s market demand.

Charles has committed to importing 20 per cent, stating that he is only providing a superior quality product at a reasonable price for the poor.

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SunDAY, december 27, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Money changer murder

Suspect on the run – Police source

T

he mastermind behind the murder of Mohamed Fizal Baksh, 56, of Crabwood Creek, Corentyne, Berbice (East Berbice-Corentyne) has gone into hiding but the authorities have launched a manhunt for him.

A Police source confirmed that the suspect who goes by the name, “Fullah Man Boodhoo”, is a market vendor at the Skeldon Municipal Market.

Guyana Times was told that the suspect was the person who contacted the now dead man informing him that an elderly couple wanted to change a sum of foreign currency. Upon receiving the call, the money changer was instructed to take a taxi and stop off at a particular spot at Number 65 Village, Corentyne. That was the last time Baksh was seen alive.

Mohamed Jabor Baksh, brother of the dead man told this publication that after the Police received information about the suspect, they

Dead money changer Mohamed Fizal Baksh

went to his home but he was not there. Upon further investigations, the Police were of the view that the family was hiding information and arrested several members.

The suspect’s mother, sister-in-law and brother, among other relatives were subsequently released.

A Police source confirmed that the suspect might have fled the jurisdiction and the Guyana Police Force has alerted its counterparts in neighbouring Suriname.

The grieving brother told

Guyana Times that the suspect is a vendor near the area where his brother operated his cambio at the Skeldon Market.

Jabor Baksh went on to say that his now dead brother and the suspect were friends. He stated that on the day his brother went missing, he recalled his brother receiving a call from the suspect instructing him to go to Number 65 Village.

“The taxi driver tell we that he dropped off meh brother at a dam head and he had to walk in… all through the journey he de receiving calls from the man,” the distraught brother related.

He added that his now dead brother had indicated that he would be back in two hours and left home. After time elapsed and he did not return home, his relatives attempted to contact him via telephone but the calls went unanswered. They subsequently made a report to the Springlands Police Station.

He is calling on the Police

Eyew tness

A hope and a prayer…

Suspect in the murder of Mohamed Fizal Baksh

to apprehend the suspect.

Mohamed Fizal Baksh went missing on December 21 and it was during a search in the area that his body was discovered on Christmas Eve Day along the Number 63 Foreshore.

Following the discovery, a post-mortem examination performed by State Pathologist, Dr Vivekanand Brijmohan proved the deceased suffered a fractured skull. The autopsy revealed that he died as a result of hemorrhage and shock.

W

…on the economy?

e’re coming to the end of the year and while your Eyewitness doesn’t want to be a wailing Jeremiah, he can’t just ignore all the signs and portents about what might lie ahead. Now most folks think that President Granger is a real nice guy… no doubt about that. But they also feel he hasn’t surrounded himself with the people Guyana needs at this time in our history.

A good example for him would be President Reagan in the US. When Reagan assumed office, he had a clear vision for his country. He was no expert in economics or politics or sociology – he just had strong opinions of what the US needed. Government had gotten too big for its britches and had become a fetter on the economy – not to mention the freedoms of the populace. He conveyed this feeling that change was necessary and folks voted him in.

But Reagan’s claim to fame was to recognise his limitations and to surround himself with experts in the areas he wanted changed. Love him or hate him – he (with the support of junior partner Maggie Thatcher of Britain) helped to revolutionise government, the economy and society. David Granger appears to also have a clear picture of what he wants to achieve for Guyana… but with the people around him all he has going for him to accomplish this is just a hope and a prayer.

Your Eyewitness knows this is the season to be jolly and all that – but really, is the fella in charge of, say, Agriculture where three of the sick “six sisters” of the economy reside – Rice, sugar and forestry – really the best we can do? To actually boast that we’re producing and exporting MORE rice when we’re getting less money for it is to rub salt into an open wound, isn’t it? So what’s the incentive for farmers to even get back into the next crop?

And the less said about sugar is best for all our sanity.

How many hats will the Chairman of GuySuCo wear?

President Granger will have to do some pruning here.

But more egregious than anything else is the inanity of his AFC coalition partners who were given 40% of the Cabinet. Really? What skill set does Nagamootoo bring to government and governance.

The President had to’ve realised early in the day he was carrying some serious deadwood here when he nixed Nagamootoo on chairing the Cabinet. You can just imagine the disaster that would’ve been with a man who just loves the SOUND of his own voice.

The road to hell is paved with good intentions.

…for WI Cricket

West Indian test cricket fans have been promised a “reversal of fortunes” being just around the corner so many times in the last two decades that they’d be forgiven for hearing the word, “reversal”. The Australian tour will only be another site of our humiliation… and will be the case when India comes calling next year.

The funny thing is everybody and their uncle knows what’s at the root of our shameful standing (?) in world Cricket today: the West Indian Cricket Board (WICB). This pack of jokers are only interested in milking cricket for their own benefit – and these benefits ain’t chicken feed.

They’ve refused to listen to the recommendations of some of the most respected “wise men of cricket” from the past – and the Caricom governments of the present.

The previous government of Guyana had made a stab at straightening out the affairs of the local cricketing board. The other territories and this administration should pick up on that initiative to return some pride to our proud cricketing people.

…for pensioners

Surely there can be some “means test” to determine which pensioners should receive a $50,000 “bonus”.

How about those that don’t bring in more than $500,000 income annually?

This Eyewitness insists that we must do better on those who brought us into this world.

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

news

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SunDAY, december 27, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Joshua House: A home away from home

BY AHREEFA BACCHUS

C

hristmas is said to be the season of perpetual hope, joy and good tiding, a season to be spent among family and friends sharing joy and laughter.

For most children in Guyana, Christmas day was spent feasting with their family and unwrapping presents in high spirits among their parents and family.

However, for 55 children who reside at the Joshua House Child Care Centre, their Christmas Day, and the season, was significantly different.

These are the children rescued from abusive homes, or worse, those left abandoned in the streets by those who were supposed to protect and care for them.

Gladys Accra, the Matron of the Home, explained that in this season, the children need the kindness and generosity to give them a sense of happiness.

She explained that a majority of the children come from broken homes, and the season of Christmas – which is one celebrated among family – can be especially challenging for them.

The ages of these children range from three years old to 17; all plagued by memories of a painful or abuse-filled past.

Accra, in a previous interview with Guyana Times, related that some of the children are showing signs of improvement in their emotional state. She explained that due to their past experiences, some would usually isolate themselves while

some exhibit violent or fearful tendencies.

She revealed that due to the kindness displayed by kind individuals and organisations that donated food and toys, and did what little they could to spread the Christmas spirit to the children, the children have been able to have a joy-filled and memorable Christmas.

Speaking to Guyana Times, Sherry Ann Campbell, an employee at the Centre, related that there have been many initiatives to make the Children’s Christmas bright and exciting. She explained that in previous years, the Matron of the House disguised herself as Santa Claus and distributed presents to the children; however, this year was slightly different.

“The Children woke up early this morning and after breakfast which was pepper pot and bread, they all rushed down the stairs to get their Christmas gifts,” Campbell related. She explained that during this season, the children were very happy and excited, although a few of them tend to miss their families around this time of the year.

She disclosed that although some of the newer members of the Centre experience some difficulty in making the transition, in terms of dwelling in a new environment, the Christmas festivities tend to put them in better spirits. This publication took the opportunity to interact with a few of the children, who were not too shy to speak, and learnt a bit about what Christmas was like at the Centre.

Anisa Bollers

At 14 years old, young Anisa Bollers has spent the past two years of her life at the Joshua House Child Care Centre. The Grade Eight student of Achiever’s Academy related that while she did not spend Christmas with her immediate family, it has been enjoyable thus far. “I usually spend the Christmas season playing with the other kids and going out. We have had a lot of Christmas parties this year and it has been fun. We are like one big family here,” she related.

Young Diquan Dovers has spent two years thus far living at the Centre, and is a Grade Six student of St Angela’s Primary. Speaking with Guyana Times, the shy, yet bright young man explained that he has never had a dull day among his friends at the Centre. He explained that he had an enjoyable Christmas, brightened by the presents and the merriment of being around the other children. He took the opportunity to send everyone season’s greetings, saying “I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”

day playing with her presents along with the other children. “I have been living here for two years now and I have made many friends,” she disclosed, adding that she wished to send out New Year’s greetings to Guyana.

Arjune Williams

Angela Singh

While nine-year-old Arjune Williams is not a resident of the Joshua House, he explained that he spends a great deal of time at the Centre as his mother is employed there. He explained that he enjoyed spending the Christmas holiday with the children and has had a lot of fun with his friends.

The fact that so many persons and organisations remembered these less fortunate children in this season is greatly appreciated, and Guyanese should take this opportunity to remind themselves that these children need our support and kindness all year round, not only at Christmas.

Giving a little can go a long way in making these children’s lives better.

Another convict escapes from Mazaruni Prison

A

Diquan Dover For some, the Christmas holidays do not only bring a sense of joy, but also memories… some good and some bad.

Twelve-year-old Angela Singh painted on a brave smile as she fought back tears, reminiscing on her days at the Care Centre.

The Grade Seven student of St Barnabus Special School related that she spent most of Christmas

manhunt has been launched for yet another inmate who escaped from the Mazaruni Prison, just four months before he was due to be released.

Guyana Times understands that the prisoner escaped from the compound on December 23, during the evening hours. He has so far been identified as “Khemraj”.

This publication was unable to ascertain what crime the escapee was convicted for but was told that the prisoner was set to be released in April 2016.

Meanwhile, only recently, a manhunt was launched to locate the other prisoner who had escaped on December 10. Police sources have confirmed that the convict was found and placed behind bars.

That prisoner, Chetram Nowrang, was convicted on October 31, 2011 for manslaughter, and was sentenced to 18 years imprisonment. He was found guilty of manslaughter committed on his wife, Jasoda Budhoo, in May 2007.

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SunDAY, december 27, 2015

guyanatimesgy.com

News Hope Canal project

Northern relief channel for completion in 2016 – Holder

A

fter years of construction, the northern relief channel at Hope/Dochfour, East Coast Demerara, is set to be fully completed by the end of 2016.

This is according to Agriculture Minister Noel Holder during the Ministry’s year-end press conference.

Holder noted that there are several projects in the pipeline to be completed in 2016 and among them is the Northern Relief Channel at Hope/Dochfour.

Speaking with Guyana Times on Saturday, the Agriculture Minister pointed out that the only works remaining on the project is the installation of gabion baskets at the northern sluice to prevent erosion around the eight-gate structure.

Holder explained the gabion baskets have all been procured and are on sight but there are certain conditions needed for the installation to commence.

“We have to block off the area, we have to dry the channel and so on because we can’t work under water. We have to wait for the right time of the year,” the Minister related.

According to Minister

The eight-door sluice of the Northern Relief Channel at Hope/ Dochfour

Holder, the rainy season is currently on, and as such, workers will have to wait for the dry season, which is most ideal for these works to be done. “So it’s a timing thing,” he said.

Further, when asked about the time it will take, given the right conditions to install the baskets, Holder noted that he cannot say at this time.

In June, there was a series of periodic testing of the Northern Relief Channel outfall. The tests were done at the time to drain the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC) of excess water that had built up to an alarming level.

During the successful trial, the integrity of the Head

Regulator (southern sluice), strengthen of the canal and holding dam as well as the operational efficiencies of the automatic high level doors at the northern sluice were tested. The Relief Channel has since been operational periodically.

The project was designed as an alternative route to discharge excess water from the conservancy rather than using the Lama and Maduni sluices, which would cause floods to residents along the embankment of the Mahaica and Mahaicony Creeks.

The Hope Canal is seven miles long and has the maximum width of 180 feet at the top and 60 feet at the bottom. The facility can also be used to drain water from

the Mahaica Creek into the Conservancy and release it through the Canal, thus preventing flooding, especially in farming communities in Mahaica and Mahaicony.

The northern relief channel of the Hope/Douchfour outfall was constructed to the tune of $3.6 million. It will be used to relieve water from the East Demerara Water Conservancy into the Atlantic Ocean, thus preventing flooding in villages along the coast.

However, retired Major General Joe Singh had recently explained that while the Hope/Dochfour Canal will alleviate flooding for farmers and villagers in Mahaica and Mahaicony, the rest of the East Coast cannot depend on it.

He further stated that the country and the authorities in charge of drainage and flooding issues still encounter problems when it rains and there is a collection of water between the conservancy dam and the crown dam.

Problems also occur when there is a collection of water between the crown dam and the Railway Embankment Road, between the Railway Embankment Road and the East Coast Demerara Highway, and between the East Coast Demerara Highway and the seawalls.

Singh reiterated that the Hope/Dochfour Canal stabilises the EDWC and prevents the kind of flooding that happened in Mahaica Creek. since major flooding would badly affect the cash crop and rice farmers close to the area.

The Hope Canal project was one of the major projects negotiated and started in 2006 by the then President Bharrat Jagdeo.

Roots man S

atiricus was nothing if not a “roots man”.

And this was not just confined to cassava and yams… he just revelled in his country’s traditions. So in this Christmas season he just plunged into the activities that had been passed on to him. Unfortunately he wasn’t sprightly enough for the Masquerade Bands.

This was his favourite… but things had changed.

When he was a lad, it was the “Bull-Cow” that would charge though the village and terrify him out of his wits. When he was grown he realised the Bull Cow was made of strips of bamboo strapped together and covered with “kite paper”. Darting this way and then that, the gaily dressed fella who controlled the Bull Cow would gallivant behind kids like him all the way up the stairs and into his house where he would huddle behind the skirts of his mother, who would pay off the “Bull Cow Man” to retreat.

Young Satiricus had heard stories of kids who’d been gored by the Bull Cow’s massive horns and had to be rushed to the hospital. While he’d never seen these maimed kids, he had no wish to be added to the folklore. So even though Satiricus had on several occasions wet his pants, he just loved this tradition and wished it could be brought back. Why should kids of this generation not know the sheer white terror of running away from a crazed bull. It was Guyana’s answer to the “Running of the Bulls of Pamplona”.

Nowadays Satiricus revelled in the Masquerade Bands that flounced in front of his car in Georgetown and on the highways and caused traffic to be back up for miles. They used to be around when he was a boy… so this was roots stuff but Satiricus just loved how traditions could evolve. The Bull Cow used to terrify him as a kid, now the Masqueraders would terrify him as a big man. He was in terror of hitting down one of the steatopygous young women (or cross dressers) with well augmented bumpers.

But Satiricus was a roots man and would encourage the intimidation and harassment of motorists by the Masqueraders in the new millennium – because this was what made Guyanese special.” Happy Holidays” thought Satiricus with a grimace.

Fire erupts in Subs and Salads kitchen at Grove

A

fire of unknown origin erupted at the Subs and Salads, Grove, East Bank Demerara branch early Christmas morning, completely destroying the kitchen area.

The incident occurred around 11:00h. After realising that smoke was emanating from the upper flat of the building, nearby residents sounded an alarm and made attempts to alert the Diamond/Grove Fire Station.

Residents told Guyana Times that telephone calls to the local fire service went unanswered which prompted a taxi driver to go to the Fire Station to inform and summon the firemen to the scene.

Firefighters from the Diamond/Grove Fire Station and the West Ruimveldt Fire Station arrived that

Subs and Salads, Grove, East Bank Demerara

the scene at approximately 11:30h.

Guyana Times understands that the fast food outlet was closed at the time of the fire, and as such, firefighters had to break the glass doors to gain access to the building. During the process, one of the firemen was injured. Nonetheless the firemen succeeded in containing the fire. This

newspaper was further informed that the fire erupted at a time when the franchise holder is in the process of closing the business.

Back in June 2014, a similar situation occurred at the Subs and Salad Branch that was located at the Shell Gas Station, Regent Street, Georgetown.

To date, that Branch remains closed.

guyanatimesgy.com

SunDAY, december 27, 2015

11

News

Essequibo murder/attempted suicide

Son gets new family for the holiday BY: INDRAWATTIE NATRAM

A

fter losing his mother, and father being on remand almost a month ago, Donny Narine, four, of Jib Village, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), has a lot to be happy and grateful for this Christmas despite that tragedy which will forever shadow him.

Little Donny lost his mother Malini Narine after his father, Vishnu Narine, brutally murdered her in front of him last November 28.

Although Donny still appeared traumatised after witnessing the horrific episode, he could now look to the New Year with hope, courage and optimism found in the warmth of a

new family.

Donny was adopted

by Sabritee Singh of Jib Community.

Speaking with Guyana Times Singh said she took the child over two weeks ago and he seems happy with the new environment. When asked what prompted her to take the child, she told this newspaper that she foresees Donny being someone admirable, someone who can overcome the tragedy of his life and be ‘somebody’, as such she wants to be the one to facilitate this and give him a proper education.

“His grandfather works at sea, his aunty is very young and cannot take care of him. His father in jail; so I want him to be in a home,

Little Donny Narine, four, with his new family

where he can be loved and cared for,” Singh said.

With his new family,

NGO wants data from suicide helpline released

– says alleged “100% success rate” means nothing

A

general statement that the Suicide Prevention Helpline has recorded a “100 per cent success rate” without releasing any supporting statistical data means absolutely nothing to the general public and ultimately defeats the purpose of promoting public confidence about the effectiveness of the system.

This is according to local nongovernmental organisation, The Caribbean Voice (TCV), which noted with concern the disclosures by Suicide Prevention Helpline Committee Member Caitlin Vieira.

Veira is reported in another section of the media claiming that “the helpline has 100 per cent success rate this far in the sense that all callers have been helped with their issues/situations, and have received weekly follow-up calls.”

However, TCV in a media release posited that Vieira’s statement means nothing unless contextualised with data.

“One of the very major, recurring problems in Guyana is the lack of statistical data to enable analysis and evaluation,” the NGO stated, noting that Vieira’s statement has no merit.

TCV explained that information should be released on a regular basis about the work of the Helpline, including the number of calls received, range of issues addressed, geographic range covered, and the number of interventions.

“The release of such data would not only serve to shore up Ms Vieira’s assertion about 100 per cent success rate, but also instill confidence in the public about the effectiveness of the hotline. This public con-

fidence is much needed, given that the Police Force is a far way from eliciting a significant degree of trust and confidence in the public at large,” the NGO said.

Incidentally, the organisation also noted that the agency’s Facebook page, which was designed to keep persons up to date with the work of the Helpline, is nothing but a “ghost page”.

“Same deal also for the twitter page. Perhaps the committee should have a few persons manage these sites so they can regularly post and tweet and most definitely the numbers/contact information should be prominently posted and pinned on the Facebook page and regularly tweeted.

The Caribbean Voice would be pleased to do so if that’s the only option,” the NGO said.

Moreover, the organisation recognised Vieira’s comments regarding the management of the helpline. Vieira stated that “occasionally, a call cannot be put on hold to answer another and that in such a situation which can result in a call ringing out, the caller can try any of the other five hotline numbers, Facebook, twitter, WhatsApp, BBM or email.”

In response, TCV recommended that an additional landline number be added to the helpline to ensure all calls are taken.

“After all, the issue is about saving lives and it is well known that anyone who is suicidal may well not make a second call if the first call does not result in an immediate response. Consideration can also be given to transferring calls to other entities that may be willing to handle them, as an immediate voice

at the end of the line is an absolute necessity for anyone seeking help,” the NGO explained.

Additionally, TCV strongly suggested that the Committee charged with managing the helpline reach out to all media houses throughout Guyana and persuade them to publish or broadcast the hotline numbers on a regular basis as a public service.

The organisation also suggested that overtures be made to the two telephone giants to persuade them to send out to all mobile phone customers’ weekly messages with the helpline numbers and tips for suicide prevention, antiabuse and related issues.

Furthermore, TCV is urged the Committee to build relationships with corporate Guyana and similarly persuade them to publicise the helpline on their outdoor billboards and electronic advertisements.

The Suicide Prevention Helpline was established August with the intention of providing counselling and the necessary help to persons with suicidal tendencies.

The Helpline is being operates on a 24-hour basis by trained personnel.

Thus far, there has only been one reported case of the Helpline intervening in time to prevent a child from committing suicide.

The Suicide Prevention Helpline can be accessed on telephone numbers 2230818, 223-0009 and 223-0001; mobile numbers/Whatsapp on 600-7896 and 623-4444; email at moc.oohay@ycnegayug; BBM pin 2BE55649 and 2BE56020; on Twitter @guyanaagency and Facebook page Guyana Interagency Suicide Prevention Help Line.

Donny now has a sister and parents, especially a

father figure to protect and love him. Having a new family is a living reality for the four-year-old. The New Year will dawn upon him with love radiating from the Singh family.

His grandfather Ryan Toolsie said he had no choice but to let his only grandson go. He told this newspaper that even though Donny leaving means the child will have a happy life, he still misses him badly every day. He added that there is a gap in his heart that never can be filled due to the passing of his eldest daughter.

Toolsie himself has faced much emotional drama, having remarried and lost his second wife recently, then one year after los-

ing his daughter under unfortunate circumstances.

The deceased Malini Narine had moved to her father's residence having recognised the pain and loneliness he was going through.

When Guyana Times visited little Donny on Christmas Eve, he appeared happy with his new family. He brought a toy plane outside, playing merrily by himself. He was hugged lovingly by his new mother. His new sister Valanie Singh vowed to take care of him.

The Singh family welcomes kind donation from anyone who wants to contribute towards the upbringing of little Donny Narine.

12 news

SunDAY, december 27, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Berbice gets 4 Christmas babies F

Hema Veerapen and her baby boy

BBCI robbery

Two in custody for BCCI robbery

T

wo persons are in Police custody as the investigation continues into the robbery committed on the Berbice Bridge Company Incorporation (BBCI).

The Bridge Company was robbed of over $5 million in cash and cheques on Wednesday when agents of the Bridge attempted to make a deposit at a Republic Bank location.

Reports indicate that about 06:00h, employees of the Bridge Company were making the deposit at the Bank’s branch near the Bridge’s D’Edward, West Bank Berbice location, when

a lone gunman pounced on them and demanded the monies.

The gunman reportedly pointed the gun at the head of a female employee and demanded the deposit bags.

Guyana Times understands that two persons have been arrested and are currently being interrogated as Police believe there were others involved in the incident.

BBCI Chief Executive Officer Omadatt Samaroo told this newspaper that the Police are moving swiftly in investigating the matter and the monies stolen are expected to be returned soon.

our women in Berbice who gave birth to healthy babies on Christmas Day at the New Amsterdam Hospital are now praising the medical staff for the exceptional treatment they received.

Back in 2014, seven babies were delivered at the same institution compared to four in 2013 when a twin were born.

The nurses are said to have been very patient and tolerant despite having a relatively busy morning while the new mothers say they were treated well by the midwives who delivered them.

Shownelle Dublin, 17, of Rose Hall Town delivered the first Christmas baby, a healthy 2.7 kilogram girl at 00:21h.

Tia Janaia Nelson weighing 5.1kg

According to the firsttime mother her due date was January 1 but on Christmas Eve she went into labour and was rushed to the NA Hospital.

Omawattei Alstine smiles at her new baby boy

“I was not hoping for a Christmas baby because they told me New Years, but I am happy to have a Christmas baby – it is special,” said the mother who sadly explained that she has not seen the father of the new born for some time.

“I don’t know where he is, I don’t know when last I saw him.”

The delivery was done by midwife Stacy Cameron.

Dublin is being taken care of by her mother and is currently in good health.

With the success of the first delivery, the nurses were marked for a successful day and five hours after, Hema Veerapen, 21, of Fyrish Village delivered her third child, a boy weighing 3.2kg at

Shownelle Dublin and her new baby girl

05:40h.

She was more than two weeks off her due date which was given as January 13. The midwife was nurse Marlyn Tinnie.

Veereapen was hoping for a boy since she already has two girls. “I am finished, no more for me. I wanted a boy and that’s it.” said Veereapen who was admitted to hospital on Christmas morning.

She, however, noted that this birth was the most painful.

Her husband is a fisherman.

According to Veereapen she is not sure whether a Christmas baby is something special but notes that the day is celebrated as Christ birthday and hence having a baby on that day must be something good.

The third Christmas baby

for Berbice arrived via caesarean to Sonji McDonald, 26, of Rose Hall Town. It was her first child and the biggest Christmas baby this year, weighing 5.1 kg at 12:33h.

At 13:20 shortly after the nurses had changed shift, midwife R Hintzen was praised after safely delivering the fourth Christmas baby; a boy to Omawattei Alstine, 21, of Reliance Village, East Canje. She gave birth to her third child — second boy.

“That’s enough for me,” she told Guyana Times.

Meanwhile, two of the mothers were experienced enough to compare the treatment at the hospital’s labour room which they said has been improving since their first visit.

news

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SunDAY, december 27, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Celebrating two Vessel found in NWD being – CANU Head prophets of God tested – No arrests made

By: Ryhaan Shah

O

ver the past few days, we have celebrated the birth of two Holy Prophets of God, the Holy Prophet Mohammed and the Holy Prophet Jesus.

More is known here about Christianity than Islam and even less is known about Mohammed himself and the trials he faced during his lifetime. As Jesus came to the Jews, Mohammed came Ryhaan Shah to the Arab world with the revelations he received from God, which make up the Holy Quran.

Muslims, Jews and Christians are all referred to as “people of the Book” in the Quran, the Book being that compilation of the stories about Adam, Moses, Abraham, Jesus, etc. The Quran states: “We indeed gave Moses the Book and followed him up with a succession of apostles; We gave Jesus, son of Mary, clear signs and strengthened him with the holy spirit.”

(2:87) Both Jesus and Mohammed embodied the qualities of humility, kindness and compassion that create nobility of character and they both suffered much in order to establish religions that have transformed the world.

The birth of Jesus is itself seen as a miracle. Born of a virgin, he went on to preach and to perform miracles and suffered the crucifixion which is central to the redemptive nature of Christian faith and belief.

It was five centuries after Christ that Mohammed, then in his late 30s, began to receive the divine revelations. At that time, the Arabs in Mecca were polytheistic and materialistic so converting them to the worship of one God was a task that involved much personal suffering and even hard fought battles.

Mohammed was always careful to state that he was no angel and that he did not work miracles but that he was only a prophet who recited the revelations he received at Allah’s command.

Because his teachings threatened the Meccan way of life, both moral and economic, he and his followers experienced severe persecution which often turned into open violence.

Mohammed escaped from Mecca and moved to Yathrib, 280 miles away, which was in need of a strong leader. There he found followers willing to worship Allah and to defend him and his Meccan followers to the death.

The leaders in Mecca did try to prevent his escape but they were unsuccessful and Mohammed’s safe arrival in Yathrib is celebrated annually as the Hijira. The year in which it occurred, 622, is the date at which the Muslim calendar begins. Yathrib was renamed Medina al-Nabi, “the City of the Prophet”, and is now known simply as Medina.

In Medina, Mohammed proved himself an able politician and statesman as well as a prophet. Exercising superb statecraft, he brought together the five warring tribes of the city, three of which were Jewish, into an orderly confederation.

In the constitution he laid down, he stated, “To you be your religion, to me be mine.” His reputation spread and people flocked from every part of Arabia to see the man who had wrought what was seen as a miracle of peace.

There is nothing clearer about the respect that the Prophet Mohammed had for other nations and their beliefs and that securing peace is always the ideal. The Quran itself states: “O Mankind, surely We have created you from a male and female, and made you tribes and families that you may know each other.” (49:15) This verse upholds the Islamic tenet that God created the world’s nations and tribes not to cause wars and estrangement but in order to establish a human brotherhood underpinned by understanding among peoples.

Mohammed engaged in several battles with the Meccans and, in 630, he and his forces marched to Mecca and defeated it. The Holy Prophet rededicated the Ka’ba temple to Allah, witnessed the conversion to Islam of nearly the entire Meccan population then returned to Medina. He died in 632, having conquered nearly all of Arabia for Islam.

Mohammed fought to defend his beliefs, and defending the “Truth and Right” remains a fundamental cornerstone of Islam. Any unjust war waged in Islam’s name is a betrayal of the Quran and the Prophet’s teachings.

That the birthdays of two great Prophets coincide this year, gives us all an opportunity to reflect on their life and teachings which are as relevant to today’s world as they were when the religions of Christianity and Islam were founded.

According to the Holy Bible, Jesus’ birth was ushered in by a chorus of angels who said, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, goodwill toward men.”

This is a good summation of the guiding light by which both Prophets lived and it can serve as a daily guide for all of us.

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

T

he vessel which was found by authorities earlier this month in the North West District (NWD) is currently undergoing tests as investigators trying to gather information.

Speaking with Guyana Times on Saturday, Head of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), James Singh, disclosed that since the gofast vessel was transported to Georgetown, they have been conducting various tests.

According to Singh, they have the suspicion that the vessel may be involved in illegal activities, as such tests are being conducted on the engine to see whether it was bought or modified to fit the boat.

Furthermore, the CANU head explained that the vessel was camouflaged and as such, could not be spotted from the air. Additionally,

Singh noted that no arrests have been made thus far.

Meanwhile, a source close to the investigation had previously told this newspaper that while nothing illegal or suspicious was found on the vessel, they believe it was designed to be used in illegal activities.

“We are working on that angle right now but we just want to make sure we are correct, because it could be (used) for anything – guns, narcotics and so on,” the source had stated.

Go-fast vessels are commonly used by narcotics smugglers since they are difficult to detect by radar, except when on flat calm water or at close range. There are found to be stealthy, fast, seaworthy, and very difficult to intercept using conventional craft.

The discovery of this vessel comes just over a year after local authorities stum-

Head of CANU James Singh

bled upon a self propelled semi-submersible (SPSS) craft. The vessel was found in August last year in a creek off the Waini River, NWD. The craft was blue and according to CANU, was already fitted with a diesel engine and steering wheel, navigation and other machinery to deem it serviceable. However, no contraband was found on board the

SPSS. CANU, along with Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Special Forces, Coast Guard and Air Corps, acting on intelligence from an ongoing investigation, conducted an operation along the Waini River.

During a search of one of the creeks branching off from the Waini, the vessel was discovered about two miles in, along with a camp consisting of three structures – accommodation, workshop area and generator. The accommodation had the capacity to sleep approximately 12 persons.

In addition, there was also a kitchen area located within the accommodation.

The workshop consisted of pulleys, power tools, paint, and several fibreglass materials. Based on the items present, it was believed that the SPSS found in the creek was built in the area.

14 news

SunDAY, december 27, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

President announces increased subvention for Dharm Shala – $1M donation to be handed over before yearend

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resident David Granger on Christmas Day announced an increase in Government subvention for the Dharm Shala Indigent Home, and a donation of $1 million before yearend, for the continued work at the institution.

The President made this announcement to an audience including residents, staff and management at the Christmas luncheon at the home. In an invited comment, the president said the donation is to be used to support any effort to rehabilitate and/or equip any member of the institution with the skills needed for employment.

Younge’s Take

Growing up poor

O

“We [would] like to look at other measures that could be used to rehabilitate them, to prepare them for the world of work. People should not feel that the end of their useful life begins when they enter the Dharm Shala; it is just a phase, something to help them help themselves,” President Granger said.

Even as he commended the work of the institution, the President noted that the Dharm Shala has been part of Guyana’s history and rich tradition of xharity, hospitality, sharing and caring. In his Christmas message he reminded those gathered that President David Granger signs the Dharm Shala’s Visitor’s Book after enjoying the annual Christmas luncheon with residents, as Edward Boyer of National Hardware (left) and Kella and Pamela Ramsaroop (right) look on

Christmas should not only be a time for merriment, but more importantly it should be a time for charity, peace and the goodness of Christ.

The Head of State also spoke of his Government’s plan to bridge the gaps of inequality across the country.

Pointing to the need for providing access to education for all, as one sure way to remedy this situation, the President hoped that the Dharm Shala could also play a role in pushing education.

“I hope that in this institution, some of that additional money that will be coming your way in 2016 will be used to encourage persons, regardless of their age, to remain in employment, or to enter or re-enter the world of employment, and also the world of education. Regardless of how old you are, there is always something to learn, there is always something,” the President said.

The President wished those gathered a Merry Christmas and expressed hope that even as the charity continues its mandate, it makes provisions for spiritual growth as the nation moves closer to its 50th Independence anniversary.

“This time let us come together... let us regard next year 2016 as a year for coming together, a year for national unity. Wherever we are, let us reaffirm our faith in our nation, reaffirm our faith in one another, and let us use this scared festival, the festival of peace and good will, to remember the lesson of Luke that we should greet each other with peace,” the President added.

Also on the occasion, Dharm Shala Treasurer and Managing Head, Kella Ramsaroop, thanked the President for his attendance, noting the residents were delighted that he came to celebrate the Christmas luncheon with them.

The Dharm Shala has been proving much needed care for indigents and elderly persons in Guyana for 95 years, including housing and medical care.

During the days leading up to Christmas, the residents of the Dharm Shala were treated to a day of carolling by the Salvation Army, and participated in their annual children’s party for children in the Albouystown community.

Throughout the month, residents were treated to gifts and goodies by the business community and other individuals.

(Ministry of the Presidency)

n Friday, I joined friends and some family to partake in what can be described as very ‘spirited’ and rich Christmas festivities.

The food was grand and included all of the mouthwatering dishes that I have become accustomed to over the past seven years of my life. The music was loud and in constant competition with the voices of my friends Michael Younge for supremacy as the day progressed into night.

There was a feeling of satisfaction and I knew somehow that this year’s Christmas was everything that I wanted it to be. I was mingling with like-minded middleclass folk who chronicled their Christmases as a child while comparing it with what they were enjoying presently.

For many of these folks, all of their life they have had access to creame liquors, gingerbread, fine wine, good music, bountiful and lavish gifts, the warmth and company of friends, and the ability to party or spend limitlessly.

They told stories of how they gave to the poor and how they tried to spread the Christmas cheer with those who were lesser fortunate because obviously the poor hadn’t the means to have “a proper Christmas”.

A good friend of mine remarked: “If it wasn’t for our generosity and people like us… many poor people in shacks and poor communities would not enjoy their Christmas… so in a sense we were their Santa Claus”.

Another said that if we were unable to finish up all of the delightful dishes, there was no problem as she would give them to those who would make much of them in another part of town.

Soon after this statement, I had an epiphany: I realised I could not relate to the stories told by some of my friends.

I could not conform to their concept of what it meant to be kind and to spread Christmas cheer. I also realised for the first time in many years that I could not support their paradigm of what it meant to be poor and needy.

I grew up in the countryside where a majority of my family dwell. At Mahaicony with my aunts, cousins and uncles, I learnt the value of working hard and of being proud of who you are. We were poor but I had the honour from a very tender age of seeing them work and build their families and homes from scratch. I saw them sing and dance at Christmastime. They pooled their resources and cooked delicious meals.

I reminisced on the Christmases I had growing up in Garnett Street, Campbellville and Billamby Place, South Rumiveldt Park. My family were still poor but my mother spent every dollar she had, to put smiles on our faces.

The scent of the black cake laced with alcohol came back to me and memories I had of me and my little brother always stealing portions whenever my mother tried to ration it. I recalled the pepper pot dishes we enjoyed and I also recalled how my mother would buy toys for us wholesale and hide them from us until Christmas Day. The joy I experienced on Christmas Day as a child was unexplainable. I had family, basic food and enjoyed to drink to take the burden of being poor off my shoulders for the holidays.

I always knew there were families who were sadly living in extreme poverty but my mother never taught us to look down on them or save some of what we had for them as if they were dogs awaiting scraps and the bones from others.

Instead, she taught us to invite them into our home at Christmastime and dine with them at the table. She made it her duty to always share what we had with people who we considered in worse circumstances than us.

The best gift for persons who were poor was to show them endless love even after the holidays had passed. Real kindness, I leant as I became a teen, was not engaging in acts of feeding the poor, talking about it and seeking the admiration of others for it.

Real kindness was doing things quietly and respecting all human beings regardless of their social class or strata. I grew up poor and I am proud of it. I believe it is the experiences and love I had mixed with the tumultuous challenges at that stage of my life that propelled me into another stage.

I lifted myself out of poverty and I am sure that many of those who are needy will do so eventually.

As my turn came to share a story, this was the exact tale I shared and for the first time I had managed to enlighten those around me about what it means to grow up poor and the fact that their handouts were not “NEEDED” even though it would be appreciated. I do not think that they would ever speak about the poor in that manner again.

As Guyanese, we must resolve to help each other by QUIET acts of genuine kindness and love especially if it is our intention to be more like Christ.

NEWS

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sunDAY, december 27, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

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SunDAY, december 27, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Former GDF rank killed, several injured in Ruimzigt accident

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former Guyana Defence Force (GDF) rank succumbed to his injuries at the Georgetown Public Hospital on Saturday morning, following a two-vehicle collision at Ruimzigt, West Coast Demerara. The accident also left several persons hospitalised.

Dead is Dason Bess, 22, of Crane Housing Scheme, West Coast Demerara (WCD), while those injured are Godfrey Mounter, 19, also of Crane Village, WCD; Eshwar Deochand, 30, of La Grange, West Bank Demerara (WBD) and threeyear-old Nayesha Nandalall also of La Grange.

According to information received, Bess was driving his motorcar and was in the process of overtaking a vehicle when he collided with another vehicle which was also attempting to overtake another car in the opposite direction. The two vehicles collided head on.

As a result of the collision, Bess along with four of his friends – Richard Blackette, Courtney Mounter, Daniel Hopkinson and Godfrey Mounter – were taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital along with Deochand and Nandlall.

Due to the extent of the injuries Bess sustained, he was transferred to the

Dead: Dason Bess

Georgetown Public Hospital where he later succumbed.

Mounter is said to be in a critical condition. The others are said to be stable but are being monitored.

A relative of the dead man when contacted by Guyana Times said he was at home and at about 04:15h when his parents received a telephone call informing them of the accident.

Without hesitation, they rushed to the scene where he saw Bess pinned in the vehicle.

They made several attempts to pull him from the wreckage but it was difficult, hence they made contact with the Guyana Fire Service at Leonora, WCD for assistance.

“We call them and after sometime, they didn’t show up so I decided to take a ride to Leonora to enquire… as I was riding, I meet up the fire engine at Den Amstel heading to the accident scene, so after I see that, I

ride back to the scene”, the young man stated.

He further stated that when he reached back at the scene, Bess was already pulled from the wreckage

by Police ranks and public spirited citizens and rushed to the West Demerara Regional Hospital. While there, the frustrated young man noted that due to the severity of the injuries Bess received, the hospital did not have the equipment to treat him so a decision was taken to transfer him to the Georgetown Public Hospital.

As they were about to do so, they realised that the Demerara Harbour Bridge was closed to vehicular traffic, which meant that they had to wait at the Hospital until the bridge was reopened. “When the bridge open back, Dason was taken to the Georgetown Hospital… as soon as he reached, he had to be hooked up to a life support machine after the doctor diagnosed that one side of his lung was shut down and he was brain dead.”

The relative said that Bess died about an hour after arriving at the Georgetown Public Hospital. Bess leaves to mourn his parents and siblings. The Police have launched an investigation into the accident.

PPP spreads Christmas Cheer to tragedy-hit families BY: INDRAWATTIE NATRAM

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amilies who were recently affected by unfortunate tragedies in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) were on Christmas Eve recipients of Christmas hampers compliments of the People's Progressive Party (PPP).

Distributing the food hampers and toys were Region Two Chairman Devanand Ramdatt and Member of Parliament/ Executive Member of the PPP, Dharamkumar Seeraj.

Ramdatt said the venture was made possible through the kind contributions to the PPP in collaboration with the Association of Concerned Guyanese.

He said the Party decided to reach out to the less fortunate in the most depressed communities along Region Two. "The PPP party has always been compassionate and I strongly believe that this is the time to bring much support and encouragement to these families" Ramdatt related.

The Chairman along with Seeraj visited several families from villages in Anna Regina, Somerset and Berks, Jib, and Supenaam spreading Christmas cheer.

During the visit, recommendations were made for continued counselling to be made available to the affected families as well as

A family from Jib receiving a hamper

further assistance.

At Anna Regina, a very poor family was given a hamper and toys.

Recipient Bowandai Persaud said her daughter died several years ago, leaving her to take care of her five children. The grandmother said that Christmas is dull for her and she plans to make much with whatever is provided to her.

A visit was also made to the jib family who recently lost their daughter, Malini Narine after she was brutally murdered by her reputed husband Vishnu Narine. According to her father Ryan Toolsie, Christmas won't be the same for them and the incident is still vivid in the family’s mind.

Holding back tears, the fisherman said he is look-

ing to God for faith and comfort.

That family received a food hamper and gifts.

Another family from Somerset and Berk, which lost their 20-year-old daughter during child birth was visited.

Yonnette Gray died on May 15, 2014, after giving birth to her first child, a baby girl at the Suddie Public Hospital, Essequibo Coast. The baby, Princess Shonnette, who survived is growing well and in the care of her grandmother Nellie Gray. Baby Shonnette received a gift set.

Other families who were very poor also received food hampers and toys. The families expressed gratitude towards the Party for bringing joy and comfort to them during the season.

news

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SunDAY, december 27, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

My first Christmas with you future and be successful in life, since being born on Christmas day alone would be seen as "good luck".

She said that the pregnancy itself had its own ups and downs and delivering her baby was very painful. However, she would go through it all again just for her daughter.

It is her hope that someday, Tatianna becomes an

She, being the youngest mother in the post-natal ward of the Georgetown Public Hospital, and so far from home and family, had only her little daughter to keep her company this Christmas.

The young lady's mother who was at her bedside when Guyana Times visited stated that she is a proud grand-mother of one and is

Venetia James and her baby Tatianna

BY KRISTEN MACKLINGAM

C

hristmas is a season filled with joy and love, where memories are created with family, friends and loved ones; memories that will last a lifetime.

celebrate with.

This Christmas, their precious gifts came in the form of their new born babies. For Venetia James, a 20-year-old mother who gave birth to her bouncing baby girl on Christmas morning, this season will never be the

15-year-old Peninnah Hunter and her mother, along with the new born girl

Kim Sam and her new born baby Skyler

This year, it was no different, with many persons celebrating the festive season in full splendour which included participating in family traditions, going to parties and of course, attending church services.

However, for some mothers who were in the Georgetown Public Hospital, while they could not enjoy this special day as they would have hoped, they had their little bundles of joy to

same for her again.

She stated that while she was already a mother of one, her new-born daughter has brought her much joy and happiness this Christmas, simply by being born alive and healthy.

According to James, she named her baby Tatianna after a character in a movie which she had liked. The young mother told this publication that she hopes her little girl will have a bright

Attorney or a doctor so that she will make a difference in someone's life and perhaps save many more lives.

As for Kim Sam, a mother hailing from Nabaclis, East Coast Demerara (ECD), her newborn daughter is a "blessing from above". Her baby who was also born on Christmas morning has given her an indescribable joy and peace, she said.

While the childbirth process was painful for her, she is extremely pleased and thankful that both her and her newborn are alive and well. Sam stated that the name she chose for her baby is Skyler; a name that was suggested by a close family friend. Since it was a unique and uncommon name, she decided to give her daughter that name.

The mother explained that she had a daughter prior to this baby's birth but the older child died last year at the age of 16. So for her, this baby's birth is truly a blessing and a second opportunity for her to be a mother once again.

Meanwhile, 15-yearold Peninnah Hunter who resides in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) delivered her first child a few days before Christmas.

committed to helping her child raise her baby.

"This is my first grandchild, this baby girl, and I am happy my daughter had her baby safely. We have not named the baby as yet but we will do soon, maybe after you... Or maybe you can name this baby for us," the woman told Guyana Times playfully.

Peninnah is already excited at having her first baby and is looking forward to spending the upcoming days learning about motherhood. "My daughter, I am already getting so close to her. Having this baby was painful but worth it. I am happy this is my Christmas gift," the elated young mother said.

These mothers, among others at the Georgetown Public Hospital, are looking forward to returning home with their bundles of joy so that the rest of their families, loved ones and friends can celebrate with them.

The arrival of these babies into the world signals a new start to life for the mothers and a chance for them to practice as well as excel in motherhood with the hope that their children will have a better and brighter future than they had.

Two years later: Little Jasmine successfully recovering from puma attack

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wo years have elapsed since Jasmine Joseph was viciously attacked by a puma in her village of Isseneru, Region 7 (CuyuniMazaruni).

Following the most unfortunate incident, her parents thought their little girl would not have lived to see another day. But today, she is strong, happy, and healthy. Little Jasmine, full of energy, is also attending school.

Regional Chairman Gordon Bradford recently visited the family ahead of the holidays. The parents

were overwhelmed by their daughter’s recovery and could not stop thanking God for her survival.

Jasmine was three years old when she was attacked by the puma. The child’s face, neck and shoulders were badly disfigured as she suffered a fractured skull and broken jaw. She had to undergo several surgeries including a plate implantation for a fractured skull and she also remained on life support for several days.

Jasmine was in her yard playing when the wild animal pounced upon her and

Jasmine Joseph

dragged her into the nearby bushes. Her uncle heard her piercing screams and rushed to the little’s girl’s aid with

a cutlass. With assistance from other residents, the animal was chopped about its body and then burned.

THE

Issuance of Absolute Grant for Four Miles did not breach the Amerindian Act

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n December 13, a newspaper carried a headline captioned “Four Miles granted reservation status… In breach of Amerindian Act”. The headline falsified the Four Miles case, inducing the reader into being misled on two ccounts.

Four Miles is not an Amerindian “reservation”.

Besides the highly pejorative Anna Correia connotation of this term which often reflects the sad situation of Native Americans whose rights and freedom of movement are being trampled upon, the fourteen reservations which at one point did exist in Guyana, were established between 1902 and 1904, under the Amerindian Ordinances of the said years. It wasn’t before the application of recommendations from the 1969 Land Commission Report that Absolute Grants were issued to villages, definitively removing their status of “reservation”.

Subsequently, there are no Amerindian reservations to date in Guyana and the word doesn’t even appear in the governing Amerindian Act No 6 – 2006.

The second error is perhaps more grave, as its purpose serves to misinform the public, is biased and non-factual.

Four Miles applied for title in May 2010, and accounts for a population of 760 according to a 2014 census conducted by the former Community Council.

Similar to neighbouring communities in Region 1 (BarimaWaini), the predominantly Carib population occupied the territory for generations, and as Toshao Emmanuel Henry of Eclipse Falls Top would recount, his pregnant mother canoed from upriver (Barima River) to have him delivered. It wasn’t until later that attempts were actually made to physically delineate and name communities.

Additionally, Region 1 is known to be home to the Carib and Warrous in particular, and during the consultative investigation conducted under the Amerindian Land Titling Project, testimonies collected from Amerindian residents confirmed the presence of older generations of relatives living, farming and hunting on the lands. Permanent crops still exist today as remnants of their efforts.

The now Toshao, Ellis James, explained that although Four Miles did make a bound towards visible development as a community in 1992, Caribs pre-existed the arrival of other inhabitants and the elderly who were born and grown in the village are living proof of this. In consideration of these elements among others, the community of Four Miles was found eligible for title and did not breach the Amerindian Act. Instead, the Amerindians of Four Miles were given access to their land rights as guaranteed by the national legislation in vigour, the Constitution of Guyana and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

The months-long consultative investigation which culminated in the deliverance of an Absolute Grant, revealed that 25 individuals, mainly non-Amerindians, had applied for leases within the community but no leases were actually issued by the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC).

Of the 25 applicants, only 20 inhabited or cultivated the lands they applied for. During the public consultations which were held in the community by the Amerindian Affairs Ministry, the Guyana Geology & Mines Commission, the Guyana Forestry Commission and the GLSC, no objections were made to the application for communal land.

Lease applicants were guaranteed their right to continue dwelling on the land by the then Community Council. A certain Ignatius Roberts who spoke on behalf of himself, his wife and two sons, defending several applications for leases, was also given the same guarantee by the Council. A certain C Williams, a non-Amerindian living in Four Miles, was worried about her access to gold mining should communal land be granted. She was also given the reassurance that as an active resident of the village she would be entitled to the same rights as Amerindians.

She raised no objections at that time.

Land titling investigation and research lasted five months until the application was approved for Four Miles in February 2015, ensuring that all possible encumbrances were cleared.

The result is an Absolute Grant according irrevocable and inalienable land ownership rights to the Amerindians of Four Miles.

Consequently, it is the responsibility of the now Indigenous Affairs Ministry to adequately inform the public on the legitimacy of the Four Miles case so that information would not be misconstrued to manipulate public opinion through the media or other forums.

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SunDAY, december 27, 2015

EBFA/Stag Super XVI…

Grove Hi Tech and Mahaica Determinators into semi-finals

Hafeez, Azhar agree on unconditional return to camp

After agreeing to return to Pakistan’s training camp, Mohammad Hafeez stressed that his stance against corruption was not directed at any particular individual

Eion Abel

F

ollowing intense Christmas Night exchanges at the Farm Community Centre ground, East Bank Demerara, defending champions Grove Hi Tech downed Pouderoyen 2-0, while Mahaica Determinators edged Den Amstel 1-0 to book respective semi-final spots in the second edition of the Stag Super XVI knockout tournament.

While Grove sealed the fate of Pouderoyen in the first half and could have easily won by a larger margin, but for poor finishing, Mahaica Determinators were pushed to the hilt and only booted Den Amstel in the closing moments of their pulsating shindig.

Playing floodlight football at the Farm ground for the first time, Grove did not take much time to get into their stride as they sought to shout out the opposition early. Pouderoyen came into the match as one of the leading sides on the ‘West Side’ taking on the pride of the East Bank.

The defending champs did not allow their opposition to settle and went on the offensive from the first whistle. It did not take long for Grove to ease into the lead, compliments of a bullet-like free kick from Lloyd “Badai” Matthews in the 10th minute.

A free kick was awarded to Grove just outside

Lloyd Matthews

Pouderoyen’s 18-yard area and it was defender and Grove most energised player Matthews, who was given the task of taking the free kick and he did not disappoint as the shot was not only powerful, but well directed. Poudeoyen’s custodian Sherwin Bernard did not stand a sniffer of a chance in stopping Grove from going one up.

Urged on by their vociferous supporters, Grove continued on the offensive even as Pouderoyen also had a few good , but was not able to be punchy and effective in the attacking third.

Grove doubled the advantage 30 minutes on; again the attacking mood of the home team brought the rewards they sought when Akeem James was successful in hitting past Bernard for his side’s second goal which saw the Grove fans celebrating.

The second period of play saw Grove dominating their counterparts whilst creating chances, but poor work in the final third saw simple headers that should have been put away sailing way over the cross bar as the game ended 2-0. Grove will now play the winner of the quarter-final match-up that was contested last night at Golden Grove between Uitvlugt and Victoria Kings in the second semi-final on Tuesday night also at the Golden Grove ground, East

Coast Demerara.

Mahaica Determinators bettered last year’s showing, having exited at the quarter-final stage by qualifying for a semi-final date with the winner of last evening’s match-up between Ann’s Grove and Beavers of West Demerara.

Determined they were as they made sure the momentum they had against Den Amstel for most of Christmas night’s first quarter-final, translated into a beautiful goal from a free kick off the boot of Eion Abel in the penultimate minute of a gruelling battle.

When it seemed as if the match was destined for extra time, Mahaica Determinators’ constant pressuring of Den Amstel brought them a free kick in ideal range, just outside the area. The resulting play saw the nippy Abel packing a well-directed left foot bullet that flew past goalkeeper Kevaughn Ward in the ‘V’ to his right to seal a deserved win for the Mahaica boys and a ‘final four’ date on Tuesday night at Golden Grove.

The winner of the competition will walk away with $1.5 million on New Year’s night, January 1st, 2016, while the losing finalist will collect $500,000. Third place will receive $300,000, while the fourth placed team will get $200,000, all compliments of Stag Beer.

P

akistan’s ODI captain Azhar Ali and allrounder Mohammad Hafeez have agreed to ‘unconditionally’ return to the ongoing training camp in Lahore, two days after they chose to stay away due to Mohammad Amir’s presence at the camp.

Amir, who is in the selection mix after serving a five-year ban for his role in the 2010 spot-fixing scandal, was one of the 26 probables named for the preseason conditioning camp in the build-up to the New Zealand tour. On Thursday, both Azhar and Hafeez were scheduled to join the camp after completing their domestic matches, but they did not do so. Azhar went on to state that he would not attend the camp “as long as Amir is there.”

The players, however, decided to join the training camp after meeting with PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan.

“They both met and decided to join the training camp,” Khan said, after a final meeting with the players. “I do respect their concerns but some of them, I told them, are not acceptable. So they understood and confirmed that they are on the same page with us and now we are looking forward to the success of the team.”

Amir had been allowed to return to cricket ahead of schedule by the ICC in January this year and has

impressed in Pakistan’s domestic first-class competition and in the Bangladesh Premier League. He was also signed up by the Karachi Kings franchise for the upcoming Pakistan Super League. Khan urged both players to respect Amir and extend their full support to the bowler who has completed his punishment.

Apart from the five-year suspension, Amir was given a six-month jail sentence and he served half of it at the Portland Young Offenders Institution in Dorset.

“We have also conveyed that for a while we have only selected Amir in the training session and he has not been selected in the national team so far,” Khan said.

“But if so [Amir is selected] then they both have to stand with him and should not see him with suspicion or behave badly with him.

It is now their responsibility - Azhar as captain and him [Hafeez] as a senior player - to take him like a family.

We, at the same time, will ensure that Amir stays on course and does not commit any mistake in future.”

Hafeez was happy that Khan had agreed to listen to his reservations and said he will continue to oppose corruption on principle.

“My stance has been simple all the way, that anyone who damages the pride and integrity of the country should not be given a chance again,” he told the media, after agreeing to return to the

camp. “It was my principle stance and will remain the same throughout my life.

“I am happy that the PCB chairman heard my reservations and agreed to safeguard our concerns for the sake of Pakistan cricket.

Playing cricket is my passion and I don’t need to convince people about my talent. I know I am an average player but I won an honour to represent Pakistan and I vow to contribute to the success of Pakistan. I will, in my humble capacity, continue to support every player.” ‘ In November, Hafeez had reportedly turned down an offer in the Bangladesh Premier League from the Chittagong Vikings franchise, which had enlisted Amir. Hafeez told ESPNcricinfo that he could not play “with any player who has tarnished and brought a bad name to the country”.

On Saturday, Hafeez stressed his stance was not directed at a particular individual. “I also want to clarify that my stance wasn’t against any one individual but it was for all who have committed [corruption],” Hafeez said. “I have forgiven all who have damaged the integrity of the Pakistan cricket through corruption but I, in principle, am against corruption and will keep holding this stance forever. I hope people will understand and support me.” (Cricinfo)

sundAY, december 27, 2015

guyanatimesGY.com

19

Australia v West Indies, 2nd Test, Melbourne…

Khawaja, Burns subdue West Indies J

oe Burns and Usman Khawaja adjusted from Twenty20 to Test match gears with all the smoothness of a well calibrated sports car, as Australia’s top order put their stamp on Boxing Day despite a well grassed pitch and a slightly improved West Indies.

Both Burns and Khawaja had turned out for their BBL clubs in the gap between Tests, but it was the unsigned and rested David Warner who let adrenaline get the better of him in an early flurry that ended with his wicket after Jason Holder sent the Australians in to bat.

The vast majority of a day delayed by an hour due to considerable morning rain was then taken up by a union that reaped 258 runs and centuries to Burns then Khawaja, who joyfully passed their milestones in the space of three deliveries after tea. Burns was ultimately out stumped at the hands of Kraigg Brathwaite, and Khawaja glanced Jerome Taylor into Denesh Ramdin’s gloves before the close.

Their exits should not detract from the ruthlessness shown by Burns and Khawaja, two members of the Boxing Day selection triangle that ultimately cost Shaun Marsh his place.

Burns showed excellent judgment around off stump while finding the boundary 17 times. Khawaja carried on with the rich vein of form and confidence that began at the Gabba against New Zealand: few batsmen in the world are capable of making the game look quite as simple as he does at his best.

Australia’s batsmen were aided by another disappointingly muted display from the West Indies bowlers, who conceded runs at a lesser rate than they had done in Hobart but were nonetheless unable to create sustained pressure on the batsmen. The debutant Carlos Brathwaite was at one point reduced to bowling well outside off stump to a 7-2 field, a gambit the umpire Marais Erasmus opposed by calling a pair of disapproving wides.

The tourists’ fielding was also indifferent - one

Khawaja flick through the leg side was chased so languidly by Jerome Taylor that the batsmen might easily have run five. Later Marlon Samuels, who had juggled Warner’s skier, turfed a ball Khawaja struck more or less straight to him at cover. Melbourne’s smallest Boxing Day crowd since 1999 expressed appropriate disbelief.

Holder had expressed hope that his pacemen would be able to exploit the moisture evident in the pitch after rain delayed the start by an hour. But they were stunned by Warner’s early salvo, striking five boundaries in the second and third overs of the day as 27 were heaped in the first three.

Having stated his desire to make a century on Boxing Day - the MCG is the only Australian Test ground where he is yet to pass three figures - Warner was flushed with adrenaline, and overreached to his 12th ball when he tried to pull Taylor over midwicket and skied to Samuels at cover.

This episode had been manic, and Khawaja’s ar-

rival signalled something more orthodox as he tried to find his rhythm after playing only one BBL match for the Sydney Thunder on his way back to fitness following a hamstring strain. Not quite as initially fluent as he had been when making hundreds in Brisbane and Perth, Khawaja slowly found his range, while Burns looked safe at the other end having been retained in a decision that showed the selectors’ faith in him.

The scoring rate built up once more as lunch neared, with Carlos Brathwaite, included for the injured Shannon Gabriel, going for 11 runs in his first two overs. Kemar Roach extracted one edge from Burns as the interval near, but it fell short of the slips cordon.

Few such moments could be found in the afternoon, as Khawaja and Burns accumulated steadily while the MCG crowd swelled nearer to the gathering of around 50,000 hoped for by the MCC. Even so, 53,389 was the smallest Boxing Day attendance in at least a decade.

They were witness to

some attractive batting but also an assortment of bowling and fielding that veered from mediocre to awful.

Holder’s control of proceedings was loose at times, his fields invariably defensive due to inconsistent bowling, and his choices of bowlers also odd - having exploited some moisture on the first morning in Hobart to gain useful spin, Jomel Warrican was unused this time until the day’s 42nd over, by which time there was precious little purchase for his slow left-arm.

The evening session’s highlight was undoubtedly Burns and Khawaja passing three figures in the same Warrican over. It was otherwise something of a slog

as the batsmen accumulated soundly while Holder tried with some success to limit the flow of boundaries. Khawaja was to reach or clear the rope seven times in his 144, a testament to his strike rotation but also the freely available diet of singles.

There was a hint of tiredness in the dismissals of both Burns, advancing at Brathwaite but misjudging a ball fired flatter and wider, and a leg-glancing Khawaja.

Their graft had left the match and series firmly in Australia’s lap, with the captain Steven Smith and the Hobart double centurion Adam Voges there at the close. (Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

Australia 1st innings JA Burns st †Ramdin b KC Brathwaite 128 DA Warner c Samuels b Taylor 23 UT Khawaja c †Ramdin b Taylor 144 SPD Smith* not out 32 AC Voges not out 10 Extras (lb-3, w-3, nb-2) 8

Total (3 wickets; 90 overs) 345 Fall of wickets 1-29 (Warner, 4.1 ov), 2-287 (Burns, 73.2 ov), 3-328 (Khawaja, 84.1 ov) Bowling: JE Taylor 18-2-832, KAJ Roach 10-1-53-0, JO Holder 17-6-33-0 (2-nb), CR Brathwaite 20-1-71-0 (3w), JA Warrican 16-1-710, KC Brathwaite 9-1-31-1

BCB chief wants Zimbabwe Former FIFA Test after World T20 vice-president

BCB president Nazmul Hassan is worried about the players’ ability to switch between formats if Bangladesh play Zimbabwe in a Test match just before the World T20

B

angladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Nazmul Hassan has said that the cricket operations committee-proposed solitary Bangladesh-Zimbabwe Test in January is unlikely to take place. Instead, he has suggested that the one-off Test could take place after the World T20, in May or June.

Hassan, who underlined the challenges of playing two different formats in the span of a few weeks, said he wanted to consult the Bangladesh players and head coach Chandika Hathurusingha about the matter before discussing it with the board.

“Basically the cricket operations [committee] told me that they want the team to play both Test and T20s [against Zimbabwe in January],” Hassan said on Friday. “But the problem is they [BCB’s cricket operations] want the T20 first and then the Test match; so to play a Test before the Asia Cup T20 won’t be possible. There’s problem with the grounds too, since the Under-19 World Cup will be ongoing.”

The BCB’s cricket operations committee had said that they were mindful of venue shortages and had earmarked Khulna (where no U-19 World Cup matches will take place) and Sylhet (where five U-19 World Cup matches will be held in two stadiums) when they proposed a series comprising one Test and three T20s.

Hassan is worried about the lack of time to accommodate such a schedule as well. “Zimbabwe won’t be arriving before January 14 [after finishing their away series against Afghanistan].

They have responded to the Test proposal by saying that they want to play only T20s. They have to send two separate teams for Test and T20s, like many nations. We more or less have the same team. If they can’t come before January 14, the problem will be quite big.”

Another hindrance to the proposed one-off Test could be a lack of frontline personnel for Bangladesh. Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim and Tamim Iqbal are set to take part in the Pakistan Super League from February

4 and Hassan said it was “absurd” to even think of playing a five-day game without them with ICC rankings on the line.

“We want to play T20s but Tamim, Shakib and Mushfiqur will be playing in the Pakistan League at the same time. Will I play Test against Zimbabwe without them? It is just absurd. We have to understand that ranking points is very important. If we win against them, we get nothing. But we lose six points if we lose to them. So we have to keep that in mind too.”

There is the option of scheduling the Zimbabwe Test before the T20s, but considering the calendars of both teams would be relatively free after the World T20, Hassan felt there was no need to rush things.

“The players may say, ‘we don’t want to play Test just before the Asia Cup T20’. They may want to play the Test first. We are not denying that Test cricket is necessary, good and important. We are playing more Tests than previous years.

“We will play this [Zimbabwe] Test in May or June. There’s no reason to worry about it. We will discuss with everyone what’s best for the team. We are both available for a long time [after the World T20]. We have time to play Test cricket.”

Hassan bolstered his argument to retaining a full T20 series by saying West Indies were also interested in playing Bangladesh in January. So the BCB may consider a BangladeshZimbabwe-West Indies tri-nation series.

“A third country is also interested to play T20s when we will play against Zimbabwe. We will arrange something.

West Indies has shown interest. If it is a tri-nation, it will be of a different format. It is very hard to say anything now,” he said. (Cricinfo)

extradited to Uruguay

Eugenio Figueredo, the once senior football official, is accused of receiving bribes worth millions of dollars connected to Copa America tournaments

A

former FIFA vicepresident, Eugenio Figueredo, has arrived in his native Uruguay to answer charges related to a massive corruption scandal.

Figueredo, 83, was one of seven officials arrested in Switzerland in May at the request of US prosecutors.

But while he has been fighting extradition to the U.S. he agreed to face charges in Uruguay.

The former footballer was also once a vice-president of the South American Football Confederation (Conmebol).

Figueredo was among 14 FIFA executives and associates accused of corruption

by the U.S. earlier this year.

He is accused of receiving bribes worth millions of dollars connected to Copa America tournaments.

A local prosecutor, Juan Gomez, has told AFP agency he will face charges of racketeering and money laundering when he makes an initial court appearance.

The Swiss authorities approved requests from both the U.S. and Uruguay for his extradition.

This week saw FIFA president Sepp Blatter and the man once tipped to succeed him, Uefa boss Michel Platini, both banned from football-related activities for eight years following an ethics investigation. (BBC Sport)

20

guyanatimesGY.com

sundAY, december 27, 2015

SFSCL concludes season with massive awards ceremony

Four Guyanese off to Australia for Lawyers Cricket World Cup

T

Charles Ramson Jr

he Australian Lawyers’ Cricket Council (ALCC) is hosting the fifth International Lawyers’ Cricket World Cup in Brisbane, Australia, over the period of the December 29, 2015, to January 9,

2016.

The Guyanese quartet- Charles Ramson Jr, Sanjeev Datadin, Tejnarine Ramroop and Tejprakash Persaud- will be winging off to Australia today as they represent the West Indies Lawyers Team, forming part of a Commonwealth XI to compete in the International Lawyers’ Cricket World Cup where the final will be played at the famous Gabba.

There have been four previous Lawyers World Cups, which have taken place in India (2007 and 2013), England (2009) and Barbados (2011). The regular participants at these World Cups are England, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, West Indies and Australia.

New Zealand, South Africa and Ireland have participat-

Sanjeev Datadin

ed at some of these World Cups. Bangladesh is joining this tournament for the first time in Brisbane this year.

This will be the third Cricket World Cup for Ramson, Datadin and Ramroop, while this is Persaud’s first.

Members of the committee along with Region 1 Chairman Bretnol Ashley (centre)

Brathwaite steels himself for long shift

K

Some of the awardees pose with their trophies

T

he South Florida Softball Cricket League (SFSCL) concluded this year’s cricket season with a glittering awards ceremony at the German American Society of Greater Hollywood club house in Hollywood, Florida last Saturday.

More than 300 players, representing 22 teams, were joined by their families and other guests for the ceremony, which featured the presentation of some 450 trophies to 136 players and six teams for their accomplishments during the 2015 season.

Among the special guests at the event were Brentnol Ashley, Chairman of Region One (Barima Waini), who is visiting from Guyana, and Ramzan Roshanali, Guyana’s Honorary Consul in Florida. Ashley brought greetings from the softball cricketing community in Guyana and praised SFSCL for keeping the sport alive in the United States of America. He also took the opportunity to congratulate

the winning teams and top players for their outstanding achievements during the just concluded season.

Teams receiving trophies were Hustlers Cricket ClubSpring Division One champions; Diamond CC- Spring Division Two champions; CS United- Summer Division Two champions; Five Star CC- Summer Division One champions; Hurricanes Coral Springs UnitedSummer Premier champions; and Yaad Boyz CC- Fall Division Two champions. Players also received trophies for centuries, fifties, most runs, most wickets, five-wicket hauls, hattricks, top all-rounder and top wicket-keeper.

Keshan Budhna of Hustlers CC copped the Cricketer-of-the-Year award in the top division, having already received the Spring competition’s most runs, Summer competition’s most runs, Summer competition’s top all-rounder, Summer competition’s most wickets, two half-centuries, one fivewicket haul and one hat-

trick trophies.

Andy Busgith of Berbice CC was crowned Cricketerof-the-Year 2015 in Division Two, collecting also the Spring competition’s most runs, three centuries, two half-centuries and one fivewicket haul and the Summer competition’s most wickets runner-up trophies.

SFSCL president Sal Hussein thanked all the executives, umpires, volunteers and sponsors for their unselfish contribution to the league’s success and said that he is expecting next season to be much better that the just concluded season. He also thanked Cricket Zone Trophies, Tropics Restaurant, DJ Viren and the many, many volunteers who helped put together the award ceremony.

He also said that the SFSCL is looking forward to its Fall Division One final on Sunday January 3 at Miramar Sports Complex in Miramar, Florida, between powerhouses Hustlers CC and Hurricanes CC.

raigg Brathwaite is fighting to change his captain’s opinion of his bowling, but knows he will have a long shift ahead with the bat if West Indies are going to make a contest of the Boxing Day Test.

The wicket of Joe Burns amid a tidy spell was just reward for Brathwaite’s canny off-spin, which is sparingly used by Jason Holder though it is obvious that the opener takes considerable pride in his second string.

A six-wicket haul in the recent series in Sri Lanka something Brathwaite was eager to point out - indicated how his bowling is developing, though he doubted Holder’s views on the subject had changed. Two factors, a poor over rate that has left Holder at risk of suspension, and also the banning of Marlon Samuels from bowling, have allowed Brathwaite to contribute more fully.

“I back myself to get wickets whenever I come on, I don’t necessarily bowl a lot, so I just want to keep working at it and keep improving as a bowler,” Brathwaite said. “I cherish my bowling, I don’t really bowl a lot, so when I get a wicket I’m really happy. I don’t think it [Holder’s opinion] has changed a lot, so I will try my best to continue to prove him wrong and get wickets.”

Brathwaite has been the epitome of crease occupation for much of his Test career so far, and has occasion-

“I cherish my bowling, I don’t really bowl a lot, so when I get a wicket I’m really happy” - Kraigg Brathwaite

ally looked out of his depth against Australia, particularly when Mitchell Starc was swinging the ball earlier this year in the Caribbean.

However, he showed evidence in the second innings of the Hobart Test that he has found a better balance between attack and defence, putting pressure on the bowlers while stroking his way to a second-innings 94.

“I got a lot of confidence from that innings. For me moving forward and believing in myself, I know it’s not going to be easy but I need to go out there, believe in myself and help the team,” he said. “For me as an opener I want to build a foundation for the team, make it easier for the guys to come.

“So once we rally support with big partnerships we’ll do better as a batting team.

My game is around concentrating for long periods and

I will continue, if I see bad balls I’ll put them away. I have plans to be positive in my mind and make sure I put away all the bad balls, but [I’m] looking to spend as much time as possible in the middle.”

Brathwaite had little to say about Holder’s decision to send Australia in to bat, nor was he aware of any injury to Kemar Roach despite the fast bowler’s relative lack of bowling in the latter part of the day. However, he agreed that West Indies had to improve their tardy over rate on day two.

“It is a concern,” he said.

“I think we need to come out and try to get through the overs as quick as possible tomorrow. That’s a key thing because we don’t want to be behind. A lot of boundary balls, so that could count for some amount of time.”

(Cricinfo)

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New Zealand v Sri Lanka, 1st ODI, Christchurch…

Henry, top order hand Sri Lanka drubbing

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ri Lanka would have thought of turning their fortunes around in the ODIs after losing both the Tests and would have banked on the absence of New Zealand’s pace spearheads Tim Southee and Trent Boult. To add to that, Kane Williamson was ruled out of the first ODI with a knee niggle. But Matt Henry reduced the visitors to 27 for 5, and even though they went on to post 188, their hopes of defending it were quashed by a merciless opening stand of 108 in 10.1 overs between Brendon McCullum and Martin Guptill. New Zealand chased it down easily thereafter, in 21 overs, despite losing the openers and Tom Latham.

It was Henry’s opening spell of 7-1-26-4 that threw Sri Lanka off track after they opted to bat, before fifties from Milinda Siriwardana and Nuwan Kulasekara pushed the score past 150 but they were eventually bowled out in 47 overs. Henry finished with 4 for 49 and Doug Bracewell’s 3 for 37 put the brakes on Sri Lanka’s late charge, before the hosts’ top order led them to their seventh win against Sri Lanka from their nine ODIs played in the last 12 months.

Milne started with a dangerous combination of precision and pace, regularly clocking in more than 145kmh, and had Danushka Gunathilaka caught behind in the third over even though New Zealand had to use a review after the umpire failed to pick the outside edge. And once Tillakaratne Dilshan top-edged Henry to midwicket, the pacer took three more in seven deliveries. Thirimanne’s slow start ended when Henry swung the ball in to trap him lbw.

He then pitched the next ball shorter and extracted Mathew’s outside edge with some outswing to second slip where Tom Latham took a low catch.

With only four more runs added to the score, Henry also made Dinesh Chandimal poke outside off for another catch to the slip cordon and Sri Lanka had lost half their side. To avoid a complete collapse, Siriwardana pulled things back with the lower order. He first found a useful partner in Chamara Kapugedera for more than half an hour to score 38 runs together. Kapugedera defended patiently for most of his 24-ball stay before he gave a straightforward catch to cover.

Kulasekara and Siriwardana combined at 65 for 6 to stage a comeback with the biggest partnership of the innings - 98 runs. As the balls became older, the duo hardly faced any troubles in rotating the strike and Siriwardana was also helped by debutant Henry Nicholls, who dropped the left-handed batsman on 10 at deep midwicket.

Kulasekara displayed his intent to gather boundaries right from the start. He dispatched Milne in the 23rd over for a six to the midwick-

Matt Henry picked up 4-49 from his 10 overs

et boundary and hammered more boundaries whenever opportunities arose. A slog-sweep against Mitchell Santner and a cover drive drilled in consecutive overs frustrated New Zealand further.

Siriwardana, playing his ninth ODI, collected quick runs by using the pull effectively and also unfurled some crunchy cover drives during his career-best score to marshall the stand and the innings. Kulasekara nearly caught up with Siriwardana by bringing up his fourth ODI fifty with his fourth six but both batsmen were dismissed soon after in quick succession. Once Siriwardana was removed by Bracewell, Kulasekara edged one off Mitchell McClenaghan for Luke Ronchi to complete a stunning one-handed catch. The last-wicket pair of Suranga Lakmal and Dushmantha Chameera vexed the hosts a little more before Bracewell struck again.

McCullum and Guptill went about the chase in usual fashion - attack irrespective of the opposition and target.

They stamped their authority by smashing nine runs from the first over and wreaked havoc to cross 100 before the first Powerplay could end.

McCullum made room consistently to bludgeon drives and unleash his trademark shortarm pulls, while Guptill relied more on drives and timing, instead of brute force.

They punished the bowlers the most from the fourth to ninth overs by hammering 80 runs with the help of 11 fours and four sixes, with no bias to any particular part of the ground.

Mathews brought himself on in the seventh over and McCullum pulled him for six first ball. Ajantha Mendis came on for the next over and McCullum dispatched three more fours to complete his 23-ball fifty. Guptill also awakened his force in the next over; he came out of the crease for a consecutive four and six against Siriwardana.

McCullum eventually fell to a leading edge skied to backward point but that could only delay the result, not change it.

Guptill also brought up his 39-ball fifty and accumulated another 22 runs only in boundaries before holing out to long-off, only four balls after Latham was bowled for 18. With only 25 more needed, Nicholls scored 23 on his home ground and finished things off with back-to-back fours. (Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD Sri Lanka innings (50 overs maximum) MD Gunathilaka c †Ronchi b Milne 8 TM Dilshan c Nicholls b Henry 9 HDRL Thirimanne lbw b Henry 1 LD Chandimal† c Taylor b Henry 5 AD Mathews* c Latham b Henry 0 TAM Siriwardana c McCullum b Bracewell 66 CK Kapugedera c Santner b Bracewell 8 KMDN Kulasekara c †Ronchi b McClenaghan 58 BAW Mendis c †Ronchi b McClenaghan 4 PVD Chameera not out 13 RAS Lakmal c Latham b Bracewell 8 Extras (w-8) 8 Total (all out; 47 overs) 188 Fall of wickets: 1-13 (Gunathilaka, 2.4 ov), 2-20 (Dilshan, 5.1 ov), 3-23 (Thirimanne, 7.4 ov), 4-23 (Mathews, 7.5 ov), 5-27 (Chandimal, 9.4 ov), 6-65 (Kapugedera, 17.4 ov), 7-163 (Siriwardana, 38.5

ov), 8-164 (Kulasekara, 39.4 ov), 9-167 (Mendis, 41.5 ov), 10-188 (Lakmal, 46.6 ov) Bowling: AF Milne 10-0-301 (3-w), MJ Henry 10-1-49-4 (2-w), MJ McClenaghan 10-240-2 (3-w), DAJ Bracewell 9-137-3, MJ Santner 8-0-32-0

New Zealand innings (target: 189 runs from 50 overs) MJ Guptill c Kulasekara b Siriwardana 79 BB McCullum* c Lakmal b Siriwardana 55 TWM Latham b Dilshan 18 LRPL Taylor not out 5 HM Nicholls not out 23 Extras (lb-1, w-10) 11 Total (3 wickets; 21 overs) 191 Fall of wickets: 1-108 (McCullum, 10.1 ov), 2-162 (Latham, 15.5 ov), 3-164 (Guptill, 16.3 ov) Bowling: KMDN Kulasekara 3-0-27-0, RAS Lakmal 3-0-240 (1-w), AD Mathews 1-0-170 (1-w), BAW Mendis 5-0-49-0 (2-w), TAM Siriwardana 5-0-452, PVD Chameera 2-0-18-0 (3w), TM Dilshan 2-0-10-1 (1-w)

22

guyanatimesGY.com

sundAY, december 27, 2015

Badri Prasad Memorial T20…

GNRA Fullbore section honours leading shooters Zeelandia/Maria’s Pleasure,

SS Jaguars to clash in final

Z

King of the Long Range, Ransford Goodluck (seated second right), is flanked by GNRA President Brigadier Mark Phillips (seated second left), Lennox Braithwaite (seated right) and Mahendra Persaud (seated left). O-Class winner Sherwin Felicien is standing at centre, while others from left are Roberto Tiwari, Gordon Richards, Peter Persaud and Ryan Sampson

F

ollowing a hectic 2015 where the biggest events for the Caribbean were the World Championships and Palma Match at Camp Perry, Ohio, USA, local riflemen settled down to contest the National Championships at the Guyana Defense Force Ranges, Yarrowkabra, Linden/Soesdyke Highway.

When the dust was settled following three days of shooting at the 300, 500, 600, 900 and 1000 yards ranges, a new national champion emerged in the form of Ransford Goodluck, who dethroned Lennox Braithwaite in the process.

Apart from being crowned champion and being rewarded by the Guyana National Rifle Association (GNRA) at a presentation ceremony that was held on Friday last at the Crown Mining Supply Roof Gardens, Middleton Street, Campbellville, Goodluck was also crowned king of the Long Range and received the Denise Carryle Long Range Trophy for his efforts at the 1000 yards shoot.

Goodluck also won the 500 yards shoot and took home the Valladares trophy. Braithwaite, the reigning Caribbean Individual champion, was named Club Champion, while he also

won the 10-round shoot with National Vice-captain Dylan Fields taking the seven-round shoot and the 600 yards aggregate.

Sherwin Felicien was crowned the O-Class champion, while Roberto Tiwari took top honours in the Tryo Class for beginners. Gracing the occasion with is presence was GNRA President and Chief-of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier Mark Phillips, MSM. National captain Mahandra Persaud thanked the shooters for their efforts during the year, whilst promising that 2016 will be hectic.

eelandia/Maria’s Pleasure and Sans Souci Jaguars have secured places in the final of the Badri Prasad Memorial T20 competition after recording victories in their respective semi-final played recently in Wakenaam.

Zeelandia/Maria’s Pleasure defeated Noitgedacht Sports Club by 51 runs at the Wakenaam Community Centre ground.

Batting first, Zeelandia/ Maria’s Pleasure posted 1635. Ryan Adams struck 63, while Navishaul Pooran got 22 and Ajay Ghansam 15.

Neil Ramalho and E. Chung took two wickets each.

Noitgedacht SC were sent packing for 112 in 16 overs in reply. Ramalho made 28; Pooran, Ricardo Adams and Bernard Lewis claimed two wickets apiece.

SS Jaguars overcame

Ryan Adams

Good Success by 20 runs at the said venue. SS Jaguars took first strike and managed 140 all out in 19 overs.

Zameer Zaman cracked 48, Nokta Moses 33, Safraz Mohamed 23 and Rashaad Rasheed 18. Imran Khan snared 3-23, Wazir Khan 2-25, Nazeer Mohamed 2-26

Zameer Zaman

and Vickram Ramnarine 2-29. Good Success responded with 120 all out in 19.4 overs. Imran Khan hit 43 and Ramnarine 34.

Nokta Moses claimed 3-24, Beesham Moses 2-25 and Siddique Mohamed 2-26.

The final will be played today at the same venue.

Bishoo injures shoulder at training

W

est Indies legspinner Devendra Bishoo has been sent for scans on his left shoulder after falling and injuring his rotator cuff during a practice session on the first morning of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.

Bishoo was not picked for the first Test against Australia in Hobart as leftarmer Jomel Warrican was preferred, and again he was not named in the XI at the MCG, where debutant allrounder Carlos Brathwaite

was named to replace the injured Shannon Gabriel.

Bishoo collected 6-80 against Australia in the Dominica Test earlier this year, but after a disappointing tour of Sri Lanka he was overlooked for the Hobart Test.

He picked up 1-60 from 14.2 overs in the warmup game against an understrength Cricket Australia XI in Brisbane at the start of this tour, and then claimed 2-60 against a Victorian XI in Geelong last weekend. (Cricinfo)

Devendra Bishoo injured his rotator cuff during a practice session

sundAY, december 27, 2015

guyanatimesGY.com

“It’s the love for the game that keeps me going”– Permaul

By Akeem Greene

A

rguably one of Guyana’s best spinners of the modern era, left-arm orthodox spinner Veerasammy Permaul credits his love for the game as the motivation behind his urge to play at the highest level.

Permaul, who took some time out speak to the Guyana Times Sport after a day in the field due to his ongoing training with the Guyana Jaguars, revealed that “as a youngster growing up, I wanted to play cricket so it’s a privilege to represent my country and the region.”

The Guyana Cricket Board’s Male Cricketer-of-the-Year for the second consecutive year, was quizzed about the reason behind his success.

“I grew up working hard and I think my experience playing for Guyana paid off and also training hard; I personally believe putting in the hard work to get results,” he explained.

The Guyana Jaguars are currently in preparation mode for the upcoming NAGICO Super 50 tournament, to be held in Trinidad and Tobago and St Kitts and Nevis from January 7, and the Berbician, who hails from the Albion Community Centre Cricket Club, is confident of the team doing well, once they correct the mistakes of last year.

Last year’s final was a one-sided affair, as Trinidad and Tobago Red Force clobbered the Guyana Jaguars by a 135 runs.

“Well you see, we have a good team from the Four-day [competi-

Veerasammy Permaul

tion]. We have been playing good cricket; we reached the final last year and we just need to play better cricket and we can go further and win the tournament,” Permaul explained.

Permaul, who has played six Test matches and six One Day Internationals for the West Indies, has had an inconsistent run at the international level, and found it difficult to cement his place, despite exceptional performances on the domestic scene.

He made his Test debut against Bangladesh in November 2012 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka and last played for West Indies against Australia at Kingston in June this year.

His ODI debut came on the same tour to Bangladesh, and his last appearance in the 50-over format was back in November 2013.

Despite claiming the most wickets in the Professional Cricket League Four-day tournament during the 2014/2015 season, Permaul was overlooked for the last few series by the West Indies selectors.

“I have no control over that, all I can do is produce good performances and keep knocking on the door,” he stated. He further added that “you need to learn fast to be successful at the top.”

Permaul, who made his debut for Guyana in the 2006-07 season, was in high praise of the current system of cricket in the region, noting that it keeps players ready for West Indies duty any time they are called upon.

“You have cricketers training [the] whole year, so when West Indies is ready for a player, you also are ready and in top shape,” the former Guyana captain stated.

Permaul will be hoping to continue his good run so far in the domestic circuit when he turns out for the Guyana Jaguars, who play their first game against the Windward Volcanoes at St Paul’s, St Kitts Nevis on January 7.

(akeemg@guyanatimesgy.com)

23

GFA/Banks Beer Cup…

N/A United, Santos FC advance to semi-finals

I

n latest action in the Georgetown Football Association’s (GFA) Banks Beer Cup knockout football competition on Christmas night, New Amsterdam United and Santos FC secured victories to book their semi-final spots.

Playing at the Number F i v e ground, W e s t C o a s t Berbice, N e w

Amsterdam United defeated a determined Guyana Police Force FC 2-1.

The Police Force in their opening round looked a side full of confidence and entered this encounter with the same amount of enthusiasm.

But the Berbice side dented the confidence of the lawmen with back-to-back goals by Delroy Ferdinand in the 11th and 12th minute. When it all seemed dim, Police’s Jonathan Fredericks scored in the 32nd to end the first half 2-1. The second half started with a revitalised Police Force, but the experienced New Amsterdam United held off any late flourish by the lawmen.

In the second game of the

night, one the favourites Santos FC produce a late goal to walk away with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Rosignal United.

Josh Parvatan of Santos opened their account in the 15th minute and was soon followed by Tyresse Forde in the 18th. Rosignal never seemed out of the game and continued to press for goal to cut the deficit as Mark Wronge hit the back of the net in the 25th.

The first half ended 2-1 in favour of the Georgetown team. Two minutes into the second half, Rosginal United equalised through a Winston Benjamin goal. The intriguing battle continued and the game looked to be heading into extra time until Travis Fitzpatrick pulled out a late stunner in the 89th to secure tough victory.

The semi-finals are slated for Tuesday at the GFC ground, Bourda, with New Amsterdam United tackling the winner of the Riddim Squad FC versus Beacon FC game and Santos FC going up against the winner of Sunburst Camptown FC versus Western Tigers FC match.

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

sundAY, December 27, 2015

guyanatimesgy.com

Australia v West Indies, 2nd Test, Melbourne…

Khawaja, Burns subdue West Indies

Page 19

Joe Burns carved his way to a Test hundred

Usman Khawaja made his third century in as many games

“It’s the love for the game that keeps me going”– Permaul Page 19

EBFA/Stag Super XVI…

Grove Hi Tech and Mahaica Determinators into semi-finals Page 18

Veerasammy Permaul will transfer his Four-day form into the upcoming NAGICO Super50

Grove Hi Tech’s Lloyd Matthews (#5) in control against Pouderoyen at the Farm ground, EBD, on Christmas night

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