Guyana Times Daily

Civil society moves to tackle suicide scourge Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana Issue No. 2739 guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

January 17, 2016

PRICE

President “reconfigures” Executive structure…

$120 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Nagamootoo stripped of all “line responsibilities”

New vehicle excise tax

Reduction will not benefit P12 average Guyanese

Page 3

…now reports to Min Of Presidency Harmon

NA man commits suicide

Page 18

Govt to close Wales Estate

– hundreds of workers to be placed on breadline Page 18

QC hosts anti-human trafficking walkathon

Specialty P9 Hospital design was never completed – Dr Norton

Winners of THAG Essay Competition announced P6

Page 10

Republic Bank to address P17 teenage pregnancy

Page 8

Ogle/Diamond bypass road project…

Indian Govt to return P8 revised agreement

Social Protection Minister Volda Lawrence, other officials and students of Queen’s College who participated in the walkathon

Ian Chang Govt refuses to still acting remove racist insults Chief Justice to Indians, Chinese

GTT rolls out countrywide mobile fair

Page 7

Justice Cummings-Edwards’ appointment Page 18 premature – former AG

…as it railroads Coroners Act amendment through Nat’l Assembly

Soesdyke- P14 Linden Highway family complains of Police harassment

2 news

SunDAY, January 17, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Adolescence Health Unit to be Police’s F Division launches further developed – Dr Norton tennis team in Bartica

ByKizzy Coleman

T

he sexual and reproductive health of adolescents and youths in Guyana is animportantareaof focus to the Public Health Ministryandwillbea priority ofthe sexual health unit.

According toPublic Health Minister, DrGeorge Norton,the Adolescence Health Unit will develop a draft sexual and reproductive health policy, which will cover all sexual and health behaviours of adolescents and youths in Guyana.

DrNorton stated onMondaythat last year the Unit, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), conducted youth empowerment training which featured advice on sexual and reproductive health.

He added that peer educators were also given youth empowerment training in addition to special training on sexual and reproductive health.

“This is so important in our communities today; in so many aspects of our everyday life particularly that which affects the Ministry of Public Health, sexual and reproductive health plays an important part, either positively or negatively, but it is something we can-

Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton

not ignore,” the Minister explained.

He further stated that efforts were being made to reduce maternal mortality among teenagers, whowere considered high-risk caseswhen pregnant.

“We saw what happened recently with the 14-yearold who went overboard in committing suicide; it just tells us how important this particular aspect of training on sexual reproductivehealth is to our society.”

DrNortonexplained that there were talks given at

clinicsonteenage pregnancyto all mothers present on safer sexual practices and in most cases where there wasanunplanned or unwanted pregnancy, youths were involved.

“Unwanted and unplanned pregnancy leads to consequences that we cannot afford likeabortions, which we know can have some dire consequences on the lives of mothers. An informed population can make informed decisions, hence the importance of education and concurrently, all informed Government and its developmental partners will be better able to improve the health care services offered to its citizens,” Dr Norton noted.

He added that anenhancedAdolescence Health Unit was one of the objectives the Ministrywas taking seriously.

‘This is a goal that we wake with, that we work with, that we go to bed with.

We literally dream about having a nation with a better healthcare facility available to all at every opportunity in every region of this country.”

DrNorton stated that the Public Health Ministry was committed to continuously improving the healthcare service offered to youths and adolescents.

Members of the Circle Tennis Team with Divisional Commander, Senior Superintendent Rabindradat Budhram (extreme left) and other ranks

A

s the Guyana Police Force continues with efforts to strengthen its relationship with the public, the Force’s F Division (Interior Locations) has launched a tennis team for youths in Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

The establishment of the Kaleidoscope Circle Tennis Team, which has 25 members, was part of the Police Force’s Social Crime Prevention Initiative that has a special focus on the development of youths in

the community. The project was undertaken by Divisional Commander, Senior Superintendent Rabindradat Budhram.

It is expected that the establishment of this team will contribute to the involvement of youths, who are between the ages of 13 and 18 years old, in socially acceptable vocations, while instilling discipline and moral values as well as steering them away from anti-social behaviour.

The Social Crime Prevention Programme,

the brainchild of Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud, was launched in 2014 with the main focus of addressing crime and disorder, especially gun crimes.

The Police Force has since put in much effort, embarking on various activities, to make the ongoing initiative successful.

A significant part of these efforts is aimed at empowering youths to develop skills so that they can be productive and meaningful contributors to society.

E Division records overall reduction in crime

W

hile E Division ( L i n d e n Kwakwani) recorded an overall reduction in crime last year as compared to 2014, the figures continued to show the prevalence of disturbing instances of crime in areas within the jurisdiction of the Division.

Divisional Commander Calvin Brutus noted an overall reduction in a number of areas for 2015, including serious crime, domestic violence, the quantity of narcotics seized, as well as the number of firearms seized. According to statistics coming out of E Division, in 2014, there was a total of 133 serious crimes committed, as compared to 109 last year. The offences which fall under the category of serious crime include murder, attempted murder, manslaughter, rape, break and enter and larceny, and burglary. In terms of counternarcotic activity, a total of

Divisional Commander Calvin Brutus

5002.686 kilograms of narcotics was seized last year as compared to 19.217 kilograms in 2014. The narcotics included cocaine, cannabis sativa and heroine.

In both 2014 and 2015, there was a total of six murders committed in E Division. Meanwhile, there were two attempted murders last year, compared to

none in 2014. There were no manslaughter cases reported for last year, compared to 16 in 2014. Twenty-three rapes were also recorded last year, the same as in 2014, while there were 50 reported cases of break and enter and larceny for 2015, compared to 84 in 2014. Additionally, there was a total of nine burglaries last year, compared to seven the previous year.

Wisroc, Amelia’s Ward, Canvas City and Blueberry Hill are areas listed as the most prone to crime.

There was also a slight decrease in the number of domestic violence reports and the number of court cases in the Division for 2015.

Last year, there was a total of 320 reports which resulted in 198 cases and three convictions, compared to 2014 which saw 372 cases of domestic violence being reported which resulted in 219 cases and 15 convictions.

NEWS

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SunDAY, January 17, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Sunday, January 17 –10:30-12:00h and Monday, January 18 – 12:00h-13:30h.

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Sunday, January 17 –09:50-11:20h and Monday, January 18 – 11:05h-12:35h.

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

WEATHER TODAY Weather: Sunny conditions will prevail throughout the day with light rain showers in the early morning and afternoon. Partly cloudy skies can be expected in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-easterly between 3.57 metres and 4.02 metres per second.

High Tide: 10:21h and 22:58h reaching maximum heights of 2.40 metres and 2.32 metres.

Low Tide: 16:25h reaching a minimum height of 0.84 metre.

Saturday, January 16, 2016

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President “reconfigures” Executive structure

Nagamootoo stripped of all “line responsibilities” …now reports to Min of Presidency Harmon

O

n Thursday, January 14, in his first address to the National Assembly in this year, which he had dubbed “Year of Renaissance”, President David Granger announced a “reconfiguration” of his governing Executive structure, which saw the Office of the Prime Minister, headed by PM Moses Nagamootoo, subsumed into the Ministry of the Presidency, led by State Minister Joseph Harmon.

In a wide-ranging speech evidently patterned on the US President’s annual “State of the Union” message, rather than the traditional local single presidential opening of the five-year Parliament, President Granger stated flatly, “The Ministry of the Presidency has been reconfigured to combine the Offices of the President, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ministers of State, Citizenship and Social Cohesion. This combination enhances governance and, especially through the Office of the Prime Minister, manages the Government’s business and legislative agenda in the National Assembly.”

The “Ministry of the Presidency” was an organisational innovation announced at the very start of the new Administration and at first was thought to have replaced the position of “Secretary to the Cabinet” in the preceding Administrations. The last incumbent in that position was Dr Roger Luncheon, who served as the spokesperson for the Cabinet on decisions reached.

In the first seven months of the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government, the retired Lieutenant Colonel Harmon was soon seen to be deploying a wide range of powers that made him the de-facto second in command after the Executive President, rather than as was tradi-

explicitly negotiated when the APNU/AFC coalition was being brokered. In a very prescient letter back in September 2015, veteran journalist Rickey Singh had written, “The core features of what emerged as a so-called Cummingsburg Accord (named after the venue of the agreement) had

President David Granger

tional, the Prime Minister.

Nagamootoo of the AFC had been appointed as Prime Minister as part of the coalition-sealing Cummingsburg Accord.

Traditionally, the Prime Minister was the leader of Government business in the National Assembly, and was also given a substantive and substantial line Ministry. The long-serving People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) PM Samuel Hinds, for instance, had been in charge of Energy.

In the new “reconfiguration”, the President explained, Nagamootoo would now be sharing in leading the Government’s bills in the National Assembly with the other Ministries coming under the umbrella of the Ministry of the Presidency.

The President went on to explicitly describe the powers and the remit of the Ministers of Social Cohesion and Citizenship within the Ministry of the Presidency, but made no mention of any additional duties for Nagamootoo as Prime Minister. Earlier, it had been reported that Nagamootoo had finally been allocated the “governance” portfolio from Raphael Trotman in addition to overseeing the State media, but this was evidently not so.

In the present instance, however, the powers of the Prime Minister had been

sourceful team of 14 ‘line’ Ministers from our six-party coalition for the purpose of promoting economic growth.”

He went on to painstakingly describe the duties and responsibilities of the 14 “line Ministers”: Ministry of Business, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Public Telecommunications, Ministry of Communities , Ministry of Education, Ministry of Social Protection, Ministry of

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo

provided for the traditional enormous powers of an Executive President as Head of State as well as the constitutional responsibilities allotted to the Prime Minister – normally number two person in the Guyana Cabinet.

Currently, the President seems busily engaged in the further constitutional empowerment of his former Army colleague, ex-Guyana Defence Force Colonel Joseph Harmon. This leaves no doubt about the reality of a twosome power status quo-he and ‘comrade’ Joe. ” Mr Singh’s column had been pulled from the State-owned Chronicle after he expressed these sentiments.

In addition to placing Nagamootoo’s PM office under the auspices of the Ministry of the Presidency, President Granger also explicitly denuded his Prime Minister from any “line responsibility” such as “governance” or “media” oversight.

The President explained, “We have recruited a re-

State Minister Joseph Harmon

Legal Affairs, Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Ministry of Public Health, Ministry of Natural Resources, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ministry of Public Security.

A Ministry of “Governance” or “Information” for Nagamootoo were not mentioned.

Notably, the Cummingsburg Accord stipulates that the Prime Minister should have responsibility for domestic affairs and chairing the Cabinet; recommending ministerial appointments and providing the organisational structures for Ministries for approval of the President, and appointing Heads of Agencies and Constitutional Commissions.

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Views General Editor: Michael Younge News Hotliine: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544 223-7230,223-7231,231-0544, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, sales@guyanatimesgy.com

Gandhi’s journey was remarkable!

Editorial

Why integration is on “pause”

L

ast week, Minister of Social Protection Volda Lawrence addressed a Caricom forum on the Free Movement Regimes of the Caribbean Community as part of a series of “sensitisation” meetings across the region on the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME). The Minister spoke feelingly for territories to respect the right of the “increasing“ number of workers that will be crossing borders as the “CSME develops”.

While one cannot dismiss efforts to respect workers’ rights regionally, in terms of advancing the agenda of the CSME, it would appear that once again the leaders of Caricom would rather put the cart before the horse in ignoring the fundamental problems facing the implementation of the complete CSME regime.

Accepting that their Caricom states shared what were considered to be the prerequisites for deepening regional integration: similar social and political institutions, stable political leadership, and longstanding democratic traditions, thirteen of the 15 Heads of Government had signed the Grand Anse Declaration in July 1989 with the goal of establishing a Caribbean Single Market and Economy

by July 4, 1993.

Minister Lawrence and the Caricom Secretariat that organised the workshops are making a studied effort to ignore the elephant in the Caricom room: that the CSME process was placed on “pause” by its leaders right here in Guyana in 2011 after missing the latest “revised” deadline in 2008. In an era where there are several new initiatives to launch economic blocs across the Pacific and the Atlantic Oceans, it is imperative that Caricom get its act together in consummating its integration movement so that it can negotiate and interact with the emerging economic blocs from a greater position of strength.

As should be evident from its name, the CSME has two components – firstly, the formation of a single market and secondly a single economy. The “free movement of peoples” that Minister Lawrence promoted and promised Guyana’s cooperation, is an aspect of the single market prong. In a paper presented at the Caribbean Future Forum, “Implementation Deficit: Why Member States Do Not Comply With Caricom Directives” Dr Paul C Clement offered one perspective on why the CSME has not been realised and also some recommendations as to what ought to be done.

Extending the work of the late Norman Girvan that considered data to 2004, Professor Clement examined the extent to which actions required for implementation of decisions taken to effectuate the CSME were completed by 2007 – the year before the “final” deadline. The key finding – buttressed by empirical data compiled by Caricom itself, is that the main challenge is not the achievement of the Single Market, but the abysmal failure to make almost any progress towards crafting a single economy.

As the author pointed out: “Although very few analysts would be surprised that the CSME is experiencing an implementation deficit, a key contribution of this study is the identification of the Single Economy as the category with the most serious implementation deficit. The Single Economy had an implementation deficit of 94 per cent or a compliance rate of only six per cent. This revelation is critical and timely since Caricom is at a crossroad on how to address the Single Market and Single Economy dilemma.”

The “implementation gap” – which is the gap between decisions made by Heads of Government (HoG) at their meetings and the subsequent inability to implement them - is explained by the author as a consequence of the structure Caricom’s decision-making process. The policies proposed by leaders invariably are done with an eye on their individual domestic politics, which invariably may not be suitable for all territories. Rather than hash out their differences at the HoG level, the policies are approved by the leaders knowing that since they must receive local approval, they can be left in abeyance at that level.

Bereft of a mechanism to filter policies for regional appeal, the CSME had to grind to a halt.

Mahatma Gandhi and his wife Kasturba are seen here at a wedding of a Christian man and an untouchable woman in Sevagram ashram, 1940

Opposition Leader making supplication at MYO Youman Nabi Programme

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo joined youths from the Muslim Youth Organisation and other officials to be part of a Youman Nabi Programme

There cannot be two Acting Chief Justices Dear Editor, The 1980 Constitution (CAP 1:01) as amended re-affirms the establishment of a Supreme Court for the Republic of Guyana both in its municipal vestigious state and its more recent extra-territorial incarnation.

As a superior court of record [ART 123 (2)] this court is constituted by the High Court, the Court of Appeal and the Caribbean Court of Justice, the last of which became operational as our final court in 2005 as prescribed by virtue of ART 123 (30 and (4). In the former two, the Judges other than the Chancellor and the Chief Justice therein, are appointed by the President in accordance with the advice of the Judicial Service Commission under ART 134. In the event of any vacancy in these two municipal Divisions, a person suitably qualified as prescribed by ART 129, may be appointed by the President “to act” in office of a Judge and shall sit in such Court until his appointment is revoked by the President, again “acting in accordance with the advice of the Judicial Service Commission.” [ART 128 (3)] For the purpose of the main thrust and reason for this analysis, ART 127 must be set out verbatim in light of the recent

announcement with respect to Her Honour Justice of Appeal Yonette Cummings-Edwards to act as Chief Justice when his Honour I.N. Chang S.C., C.C.H proceeded on his earned leave prior to the date by the Constitution in ART 197 (2) (b) for his retirement, i.e. his 65th birthday. It may not be without some patina of indelicacy that Guyana was visited with this administrative imbroglio created by the purported well-intentioned but myopic Constitutional Reform Commission: Act#6 of 2001.

Prior to the last substantive Chancellor demitting office in 2005, the President was entitled to appoint a suitably qualified person of his choice to the quondam apex Court after consultation with the Leader of the Opposition ( erstwhile Minority leader). However, this latitude was eclipsed by the amendment to the Constitution by way of ART 127, to wit: The Chancellor and Chief Justice shall each be appointed by the President, acting after obtaining the agreement of the Leader of the Opposition!

Without the concomitant prescience expected in the adversarial political embedded in the polity of our Parliamentary history, ART 127 (2) can only be deemed to have the unintended

perpetuation of an antagonistic environment a peculiar, if not endemic, patter characterizing the antinomian political culture of the Guyana landscape.

The full complement of Judges of the Supreme Court, as originally constituted, comprises Chancellor, Chief Justice and Justices of Appeal (s. 34 of the High Court Act CAP 3:02) and Puisne Judges who are appointees of the High Court but shall include the Chief Justice who is declared to the President thereof (s. 3 of the High Court Act CAP 3:02). Contrary to recent nauseam references to a” Judge of the Land Court”, it must be stated that our Court of Appeal has had occasion to declare otherwise. For the purpose of clarity it must be emphasized that there is a substantive Chief Justice of Guyana who is performing the functions of Chancellor, but there has been no substantive Chancellor since 2005. However by virtue of ART 127 (2) suitably identified members of the incumbent Bench of Judges were appointed by a past president “to perform the functions” of the Offices of Chief Justice and Chancellor respectively. A verbatim record of that provision ought to lead to any further essential comprehension of this analysis.

ART 127 (2):

“If the office of Chancellor or Chief Justice is vacant or if the person holding the office of Chancellor is performing the functions of the Office of President or is for any other reason unable to perform the functions of his office, or if the person holding the office of Chief Justice is for any reason unable to perform the functions of his office, then, until a person has been appointed to and has assumed the functions of such office or until the person holding such office has resumed those functions, as the case may be, those functions shall be performed by such other of the Judges as may be appointed by the President after meaningful consultation with the Leader of the Opposition.”

Therefore, given the impasse earlier adumbrated, the President could not constitutionally appoint a substantive Chief Justice since 2005, in the absence or inability to appoint a substantive Chancellor within the constrictive configuration of the Constitution. The phrase “such other of the Judges” relates to the respective office of Chancellor and Chief Justice.

No two judges can perform the functions of ach Officeholder. turn to page 5

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

There is no difference between PNC and the APNU/AFC Govt Dear Editor, The ongoing surveillance, harassment and intimidation of opposition politicians and political activists by the current APNU (PNC)/AFC coalition regime brings back memories of similar activities by the PNC dictatorship (1966 thru 1992). As a historian, I learnt history repeats itself.

What is currently happening in Guyana is a repeat of the past and an omen of what is to come. People cannot afford to be silent but must speak out and act if they are to avoid a repeat of that terrible

experience.

When the PNC surveillance began during the 1960s, accompanied with harassment, intimidation, violence against activists, followed by press censorship and banning of basic foods, hardly anyone spoke out. People felt that once they were silent, the dictators won’t bother them.

They were wrong as they well remembered what took place during that dark period – ethnic persecution and oppression, the likes of which the nation cannot afford a repeat.

The surveillance then was

carried out in much the same way as is being done now by police and military people and PNC activists (affiliated with the militia) on the instruction of the regime. People were fearful of speaking out against abuses during that period with the result that the dictatorship lasted for such a long period and people brutalized.

People minded their own business and focused on themselves and family rather than on the national wellbeing, afraid to say anything that will cause the rulers to target them for

surveillance. The same is being observed now.

Unless people courageously and collectively take the necessary steps, speak out and oppose the current spate of abuses by this coalition regime, a return of a dictatorship is not far off the horizon.

During the dictatorship, the few pro-democracy campaigners (like me) and nonpoliticians who spoke out against the abuses as well as labour leaders (not affiliated with the PNC) were also victims. Students, teachers, canecutters, rice farmers, lawyers,

doctors, and other professionals were targeted even for nonpolitical activities.

As an illustration, when we formed student religious clubs and a student government at Corentyne (Chandisingh) High School, we were victimized and brutalized. Surveillance was carried out against teachers and students, including me, and several arrested or picked up for questioning – ring a bell?

Several of us were beaten.

Others charged and forced to report to court repeatedly.

Do these ring a bell of what

is happening around us today?

Several members (PNC element) of the current regime partook in (directed and were responsible for) the abuses during the period of the PNC dictatorship. They are at it again.

Efforts must be made to stop them, to avoid a repeat of that dark period of the PNC dictatorship.

Civilians must be willing to speak out against the ongoing abuses.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

The revival of awarding National Awards Dear Editor, Shortly after Guyana became a republic in February 1970 Forbes Burnham, the Head of Government removed British awards such as knighthood (Sir), OBE, CBE, MBE, etc and replaced them with local awards such as OE (Order of Excellence), OR (Order of Roraima), CCH (Cacique Crown of Honour) etc and he had been constantly announcing awards until his demise in 1985 and his successors continued until 2002.

There was a lull for nine years by the PPP/C administration, and thereafter a few awards were made in 2011.

Last year when Brigadier David Granger took over as Head of Government and State, in his capacity as Chancellor of Honours he awarded Honours to more than fifty nationals and announced that he will continue the Burnham trend to

announce awards on an annual basis. I seem to recall that in the 1970s and 1980s the names of the proposed awardees were announced on February 23 - the anniversary of our Republic and the presentations of the awards were done on May 26 - the Independence anniversary.

If President Granger is to pattern from the first President he and his advisors should start thinking of the names of possible nominees.

Moreover they should hand out awards to persons deserving of them and not name persons because of their political affiliation.

There were a few criticisms in the 1970s that Guyana should have retained the English tradition dating back to the ancient Rome several centuries ago, and Barbados and Antigua and Barbuda, former British colonies award “Sirs” and “Dames” in their local awards

thus in my view mislead some people that those awards originated from London.

Cricketers like Clyde Walcott, Conrad Hunte, Wes Hall, and others were awarded the local knighthood as well as academics, Hilary Beckles, Keith Hunte, lawyer Richard Cheltenham et al were so honoured. I must mention that cricketers, Sir Frank Worrell, and Garfield Sobers were knighted by Her Majesty the Queen.

Over in Antigua and Barbuda, cricketers Andy Roberts, Richie Richardson, Curtley Ambrose were “knighted” by the Antigua government and several years ago similar award was bestowed on former acting Chief Justice Bryan Alleyne of Dominica, as well as brilliant Guyanese born lawyer Sir Fenton Ramsahoye. Ron Sanders was also awarded a local knighthood, but he

There cannot be two Acting...

It may now be fair to state that the reality inherent in the hiatus between recent announcement of the intended incumbency of Justice Yonette Cummings- Edwards and the expectant retirement of Justice I.N. Chang S.C., C.C.H., is that there are two fully qualified persons performing the prebiotic operational functions of the Office of Chief Justice, since neither appears to meet stringent requirements to be fully vested with the entitlement of appointed status of that constitutional office. This conclusion is ineluctable when one considers that while a “vacancy” exists in respect of the Office of Chancellor, none exists in relation to that of Chief Justice.

One of the major questions is therefore, could the Constitution, the Supreme Law of Guyana, have contemplated and/or intended 5this form of dual occupancy as would appear to be the case?

Another more perplexing conclusion which a pragmatist is entitled to draw: was the appointment of Justice Chang unwittingly, by implication, revoked by President Granger’s installation of Justice Cummings-Edwards during the tenure of Justice Chang?

Parliament in enacting the individual provisions of the Constitution adopted the expression crafted by the draftsmen and must be credited with gibing imprimatur to the spe-

cific words and phrases therein. Due regard therefore has to be paid to the expression “performing the functions of” in relation to the Office-holders, e.g. the Chancellor, the Chief Justice and the President. In each case that expression must be compared and/or considered in contradistinction to the word “act”. In each case the person “ performing the functions” of the substantive officeholder cannot be deemed to be “acting” on his behalf in the office he holds, notwithstanding that the term “acting:” having been held by some esteemed judicial functionaries not to be a word of art. “Office” means a substantive thing that exists apart from the holder of that Office, according to the House of Lords in a 1922 decision.

While ART 128 may be construed according to the ordinary canons of construction to include the likelihood of an “acting” officeholder, ART 127 prescribes the occupation of the respective Offices limits the officeholder to perform those functions in the same way that in the absence or incapacity of His Excellency, the President, the functions of that Office shall be performed by identified elected Cabinet members or the Chancellor in the highly unlikely event of the absence if a Cabinet [ART 96.]

However, the immunities attaching to that Constitutional Office do not protect the per-

from page 4

son “performing” the functions thereof.

It would be remiss of me to advance the proposition that this imbroglio is not res integra i.e. a novel experience. In my fifth decade as a member of the legal profession, I am unable to say with certainty that am exact precedent exists in Guyana.

There is undoubtedly a dearth of authority in the Caribbean, but in the wider global juridical terrain decided in the Guyana Court of Appeal in the last decade of the 20th Century and the 1st Decade of this century, it may be fair to conclude that it is acknowledged that a Judge remains constitutionally empowered and enabled until he dies or upon reaching the age of retirement. Driven by the ruminations postulated in those cases this disquisition seeks to address the imbroglio which unwittingly appears to confront our municipal judiciary. In this context, it can be declared, with apodictic certainty, that Justice I.N. Chang S.C., C.C.H “ shall vacate that office upon attaining the age of 65 years” [ART 197 (2) (b)], and, until such milestone eventuates, he remains constitutionally vested with his extant judicial functions.

Justice Charles R. Ramson S.C., O.R. (Former Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs)

also received the high honour from Her Majesty the Queen of England and Head of the Commonwealth.

Back in Guyana, President Granger should take time and consider carefully who he should nominate and do not allow political affiliation to cloud his

judgment. I had advocated for Wordsworth Mc Andrew for more than a decade to be given recognition, but unfortunately it came after his demise. I also called for Hugh Cholomondeley, the man who placed Guyana on the broadcasting map for introducing “inserts” in news items, but

he too has passed without being honoured.

There are a few outstanding lawyers who should be awarded silk and be admitted to the inner bar and I hope this will soon be addressed.

Oscar Ramjeet

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Foundation

Winners of THAG Essay Competition announced “For the senses wander, and when one lets the mind follow them, it carries wisdom away like a windblown ship on the waters.”

– The Bhagavad Gita

Anu Dev Anu Dev

I

t’s not far enough into the New Year yet that we’ve gotten into the groove of writing 2016 instead of 2015 - maybe we’ll get the hang of it by next month?

We all have this tradition of making resolutions for the New Year, don’t we?

And as sure as the sun rises in the east, we very quickly realise that maybe we were a mite too ambitious with those vows. What to do, what to do...?

Well, as a Hindu, I have a second shot since January 14 or 15 of every year is “Makar Sankranti”.

“Sankranti” means movement - and the day reminds us our life is one of constant movement in Time, in space, and in relationships etc.

This is one of the few days that falls annually on the same day on the Gregorian calendar - since

Makar Sankranti is connected to a Solar event.

The sun had “proceeded” to its furthest point south and “turned back” into the constellation of Makar (Capricorn) back in Dec 22.

While it’s a harvest festival some (like my family) follow the tradition of making vows or pratigyas on this auspicious day.

So here I am offering you a chance to review those New Year’s resolutions you might have made a bit too enthusiastically. For my part, I tried to keep my resolutions simple this year. I usually go overboard with making elaborate plans. I think I usually spend more time planning than trying to fulfil the resolutions. So this year, instead of setting myself up to fail, I pulled back and set some manageable goals.

I know most schools have opened and homework’s being hurled at students from all angles - I know work is definitely piling up here at

UWI. But it’s really not too late to sit down and methodically plan out how you want to use your time for the new semester.

For my high school readers, I know from experience, that in 5th and 6th forms, being on this side of January 1, you’re kind of propelled faster and faster to your 1st exam date.

Somewhere between the mounds of SBAs, IAs and past papers, and frantically trying to cover what’s left of the syllabus, time slips away.

And before you know it, it’s the morning of your 1st exam. So take the time now, before you get swept away in the whirlwind of the days up ahead and plan, set goals, get more organised than you were last semester.

It’s going to take some time, a lot of thinking, and a lot of self-evaluation to make sure your goals are realistically achievable. But it’ll be worth it, because a couple of months from now,

you won’t be in a panic over not covering everything, or not working enough papers because you would have already covered those things according to your plan.

Panic is probably one of the most dangerous emotions to have during exams. Your mind can literally go blank and you can find yourself unable to remember things like the names of the 20-something poems you covered for English B. Deep breaths and taking some time to collect your thoughts can prove to be incredibly helpful. It’s not for nothing panicked persons are advised to take a deep breathit actually works! Oxygen getting to your brain and all that!

Don’t let procrastination get the best of you this year.

We’re all guilty of procrastination at some time or the other, some of us much more than others. And it’s usually the crushing regret afterwards, when we realise we could’ve done so much better that brings us to our senses. So, stick to your goals and don’t give up on those Resolutions just yet.

Happy Makar Sankranti!

The winners along with THAG president Shaun McGrath, Dr Steve Surujbally and Ruel Johnson

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he Tourism Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) on Saturday awarded the winners of their Essay Competition 2015 held for the second consecutive year having been launched as part of Tourism Awareness Month.

There were two categories in the competition, one for primary school - 600 words, and one for secondary students — 1000 words with topic ‘Guyana Through My Eyes’.

The essay required the writers to explain what they thought made Guyana a special tourism destination that is worth visiting.

The winners were determined based on creativity, structure and grammar with the wow factor being the most important criteria.

This year the competition received a total of 53 entries from as far as Madhia, Rupununi, New Amsterdam, Fort Wellington and Sparta.

Victoryne Mohabir a student of St Margaret’s Primary was announced winner of the primary category and Omari Joseph of Queen’s College was announced winner of the secondary category, having won the competition last year in the same category.

Both winners received certificates as well as trips compliments of Trans Guyana Airways.

Victoryne Mohabir was very delighted to receive the first prize in her category, stating shyly that her parents were her motivation, contributing to her writing a successful essay.

“I feel quite excited, it’s an exciting feeling, I know that many others tried out and I am happy that I was chosen as the winner” she explained.

Omari Joseph stated that he feels very happy to reap the rewards of his hard work: “I feel pretty good because most of the other schools got

their essays kind of late, fortunately because I participated last year I got to ask around and found out about three to four weeks before. I looked at Guyana from a perspective of three which is the three counties, three rivers, and three primary colours etc which I broke down to that level so that I could basically express everything and based on that I formulated the story. I feel very happy to reap the rewards of my hard work”.

President of THAG Shaun McGrath explained that the competition was really close, having received fantastic entries. He explained that the winners were chosen based on quality. It is his hope that the competition can be made an annual event.

GECOM Chairman Steve Surujbally and judge of the competition stated that he can say with confidence that Guyana’s literary future seems to be in good hands.

He explained that in judging the competition there was a limit to which teachers and parents could get involved and all of those were factors that were considered before the winners were determined.

“Some pieces were brilliantly written but it was evident that the pieces were not the complete work of the individuals alone but they received a lot of help.

These children should be allowed to express their own concepts and methods of expression”.

Surujbally added that it was a pleasure to once again judge the competition and hopes he can continue: “this was an opportunity for me to get to know young people”.

Ruel Johnson another judge explained that the competition saw some good promotional pieces for the country which will indeed boost tourism.

NEWS

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SunDAY, january 17, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Budget 2016 to offer Govt refuses to remove racist insults to Indians, Chinese stimulus packages

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udget 2016 is expected to encompass a variety of measures that will stimulate the economy, prevent noncompliance with tax authorities, provide employment opportunities, and promote social programmes that will foster national cohesion.

President David Granger, during the recent airing of the “Public Interest” programme, teased viewers about some of the highlights in the upcoming National Budget which will be presented before January 31.

Stimulus package

The President noted that the biggest priority on the Budget was a stimulus package to jumpstart the economy.

He explained that the country needed to lessen its dependency on the six major economic pillars – rice, sugar, bauxite, gold, diamond and timber – and advance further towards “economic independence” by developing and expanding its productive sectors.

The President had previously hinted that investments in infrastructure and education would play an integral role in helping to reignite economic activities in the country.

Tax reforms

Another major highlight of Budget 2016, the President said, would be more rigid measures to increase revenue collection, reduce leakages and tax evasion, and ensure compli-

President David Granger ance with the law and payment of workers’ National Insurance Scheme (NIS) contributions.

Asked if there will be another significant tax reform, the President declined to indicate, noting that the populace would have to wait until the Budget Presentation to find out.

Before being elected as the Head of State, President Granger had spoken vociferously about the need for tax reforms to lessen the financial burden on an already strained economy.

Economist Ramon Gaskin had suggested that tax reform is needed to encourage economic activities.

“I do believe that in this country, tax rates are very high – corporate rate, income tax rate, the VAT rate is very high and those need to be reduced because taxes take a lot of money out of your pocket and reduce the purchasing power of the citizens and capacity of companies to reinvest,” Gaskin had explained.

Additionally, the Private Sector Commission (PSC), during Budget 2016 consultations with Finance Minister Winston Jordan, had lobbied for tax reforms.

The body had recommended that moves be taken swiftly to reduce corporate income taxes and PAYE in order to stimulate the economy and make Guyana’s exports more competitive in the Region. The PSC noted too that the reduction of these taxes would actually lead to increased collection of revenue by Government.

Employment

The President also disclosed that Budget 2016 would focus on creating employment opportunities through micro-financing in order to develop micro-industries.

He noted that particular interest would be devoted to ensuring young people can participate in the economic growth of the country.

Prior to assuming office, the President had lamented the country’s unemployment rate and vowed to implement measures that would improve upon the situation.

Meanwhile, through the Social Cohesion Ministry, the President noted that a critical feature of Budget 2016 would be to introduce social programmes that will promote national unity among Guyanese. He conceded that these undertakings would consume much revenue, but explained that this was an important aspect for the nation to move forward and develop.

…as it railroads Coroners Amendment Act through Nat’l Assembly

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ast Thursday amid loud protests on a number of grounds from the Opposition People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), the PNC-led A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition Government used its oneseat majority to railroad its Coroners (Amendment) Bill – Bill No 11 of 2015 through the National Assembly.

The Government claimed the Amendment, which would authorise the appointment of several new coroners in all three counties, was necessary to clean up the large number of ‘unnatural deaths’ that have occurred over the past years.

The Opposition objected on two grounds – that the new coroners were “unnecessary” and “politically motivated”, since sitting Magistrates were also coroners, and secondly that some “racist and colonial” language needed to be eliminated from the extant Act. The Government was referring to one set of killings that occurred between 2002 and 2008.

Towards the end of that decade, the People’s National Congress (PNC), under the leadership of Robert Corbin, compiled a list of what it claimed to be over 400 mostly young African Guyanese men who were killed by a “Phantom Squad” since 2002. Corbin did not include a large number of other individuals who were killed contemporaneously by armed gangs that operated out of Buxton.

At the time, Corbin claimed he wanted an “international investigation”, since the Police had been “involved in some of the killings”. However, follow-

Former AG Anil Nandlall ing the PNC-led APNU/AFC victory at the last elections, the new Government proposed that coroners be appointed to investigate the alleged “phantom killings”.

Invited to discuss the issue by Attorney General Basil Williams, former AG Anil Nandlall requested that the Bill be sent to a Select Committee so that the entire Bill, which had elements from its first enactment in 1887, could be scrutinised. The incumbent AG refused.

During the debate in the National Assembly, PPP/C vehemently reiterated its objections to the Bill, with both former AG Nandlall and PPP’s Chief Whip Gail Teixeira emphasising the racist language embedded in the Act after the Amendment. Nandlall said the Special Committee review was necessary since the Act, passed 129 years ago, speaks to “Asiatics” and “plantations”, thus making it out of touch with the current realities. “In my humble and respectful opinion, this Bill is an abysmal failure in an attempt to amend the law,”

Nandlall said.

In her peroration, which failed to move the Government, Teixeira described the resultant Act as “racist” and “colonialist”. The PPP/C parliamentarian was referencing sections such as the one referring to “ inquiry into unnatural death of immigrant on plantation”: “16 (1) Where the death of an immigrant is an unnatural death within the meaning of this Act, and occurs on any plantation, the Magistrate of the district in which the plantation is situated shall forthwith hold an inquiry.”

In an invited comment, former Housing and Water Minister Irfaan Ali explained the second prong of his Party’s objections. “In principle, the PPP has no objection to investigating the deaths of all the persons killed – not just the “young African men” stressed by the PNC – between 2000, when the PNC launched its “mo fyaah, slow fyaah” strategy against the Government and the end of that horrible period when the “Fineman” Rawlins gang was eliminated in 2008.

“But it is more than ironic that in our ethnically fractured society, the APNU and the AFC have so resolutely refused to even consider these further amendments that might issue from a Select Committee that would remove language that are so demeaning and degrading to the descendants of Indians and Chinese. The language makes it seem as if they are still seen by the State as “immigrants” and so not fully protected by the laws of this land or entitled to its patrimony.”

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SunDAY, january 17, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Ogle/Diamond bypass road project…

Indian Gov’t to return revised agreement

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he Government of Indian is expected to return the revised Line of Credit (LoC) agreement between the Indian Exim (Export and Import) Bank and the Guyana Government for the construction of a bypass road, linking the East Bank and East Coast Demerara Highways.

Speaking with Guyana Times Indian High Commissioner V e n k a t a c h a l a m Mahalingham said the LoC will be signed in the near future. He explained that the drafted LoC agreement was already approved by the Guyana Government but there were some new guidelines which had to be added to the agreement.

“So the new LoC agreement is in preparation by Government of India in association with the Exim Bank of India and quite soon, I can say maybe within few days, the agreement copy will be sent to us then we will forward it to Government of Guyana for vetting it,” Mahalingham stated.

According to the Commissioner, as soon as the vetting process is completed, the agreement will be signed between Guyana and the Indian Exim Bank.

In an interview with Guyana Times last month, Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson

Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson

had stated that the final design of the road will have to done by a specialist from the donor country.

“Government of India will be sending down, shortly in the course of next year, a list of consultants and from that (list) we will select one who will do the final design of the road,” he disclosed.

When asked how soon the list of consultants, referred to as Project Management Consultants (PMC), will be submitted to the Government of Guyana for short listing, High Commissioner Mahalingham could not say but noted that it should not be long after the revised agreement is signed.

After the design is completed, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure will commence the bidding pro-

cess to start construction.

Minister Patterson anticipates that actual construction will commence in the third quarter of 2016 and will last for approximately two years.

“It is anticipated to be like a 24 month construction period. It’s virgin territory, as you know, and so there is quite a lot of works to be done. There are crossings, rivers, drainage and things like. Fortunately where (the road) is going, we don’t have utilities so we won’t have delays in that regards but we have to construct drains, we have to construct roads, we have to build the road up, we have to construct crossings, we need culverts for the bridges and then we have to construct connectivity onto the existing roadways – both East Bank and East Coast,” the Infrastructure Minister had noted.

During a visit to India in January last year, former President Donald Ramotar had secured a Line of Credit to build a bypass road from Ogle, ECD, to Diamond, EBD. The agreement for the US$50 million grant was agreed Ramotar and India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi.

In the 2015 National Budget presented in August by the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC)

Larwah and bigger Larwah…

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Indian High Commissioner Venkatachalam Mahalingam

Coalition Government, it was outlined that the Administration intends to create a bypass road linking Diamond to Ogle.

“The new road will open up unutilised lands to support a modern housing scheme for 1100 households, while creating new jobs for Guyanese, as well as establish a more efficient link between the country’s two international airports,” Minister Jordon had stated in the Budget speech.

In an effort to reduce traffic congestion on the East Bank Demerara, the previous People’s Progressive Party/Civic regime was working on constructing an ‘East Coast to East Bank’ bypass road. In fact, a feasibility study for this link was even done.

Labourer charged with break and enter

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labourer was on Friday released on $10,000 bail

by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan when he appeared before her in Court One of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged with breaking and

entering with the intent to commit a felony.

Wayne Singh, 47, of 197 Sussex Street, Albouystown, denied the charge which read that during the night of Monday, January 11, he broke and entered the dwelling of the

Virtual Complainant (VC), Peter Mc’Durby with the intent to commit a felony.

The particulars of the charge were not revealed in Court; however, Police Prosecutor Neville Jeffers told the Court that no items were stolen.

Eyew tness

The defendant told the Magistrate that he did odd jobs such as clean drains and weed yards and opted to say no more.

He was released on $10,000 bail and the matter was transferred to Court Six for January 26.

…for Nagamootoo

t’s now quite obvious former President Donald Ramotar knew what he was talking about. On hearing his erstwhile comrade of scores of years, Moses Nagamootoo had teamed with the PNC-led APNU coalition to oust the PPP from Government, Ramotar predicted in Nagamootoo’s home village of Whim: “Moses is going to get Larwah”.

Now while a tad scatological, “Larwah” has the same connotation of “getting wood” – that is, you’re not only getting ZILCH for your snivelling but you’re also going to get “screwed” royally. And so said, so done. In spades. Ever since the coalition took office, it’s been one humiliating stripping of powers from Nagamootoo’s office of “Prime Minister” after another. Even though the said powers had been carved in the “stone of Cummingsburg” – or so did THIS Moses think.

Charging the Cabinet? Soooory! But Nagamootoo can sit next to Pressie and maybe take notes? In charge of governance? Soooory! That’s for Trotman, the same AFC fella who pipped him when he, Nagamootoo, was the OFFICIAL AFC nominee for the Speaker in the last Parliament. The poor shmuck tried to assert himself on some junior Chronicle reporter as the “Information Minister” - but had to pull back because of public outrage.

What’s left? Well… there’s his SUV and his title and powers as PRIME MINISTER. Now even the latter’s gone!

Addressing the National Assembly last Thursday, President Granger gave a remarkably candid description of the portfolios and powers of his Executive. Lest your humble Eyewitness be accused of being jaundiced, let him give you dear readers, a direct quote of Pressie’s: “The Ministry of the Presidency has been reconfigured to combine the offices of the President, Vice-President and Prime Minister and Ministers of State, Citizenship and Social Cohesion.”

Lest you can’t believe your eyes, let me restate what Pressie announced: Nagamootoo’s jobs as Vice President and Prime Minister ARE NOW COMBINED INTO THE MINISTRY OF THE PRESIDENCY! And lest you’ve forgotten, the Minister of the Ministry of the Presidency is no other that Lt Col Joseph Harmon. Nagamootoo now reports to Harmon.

So what are Nagamootoo’s “powers”? Well, Pressie did say he still “manages” government business in the National Assembly - but in tandem with the other ministers in the Ministry of the Presidency! If we were playing strip poker with one piece of Nagamootoo’s clothing removed for each “power” stripped, he’s be down to his bukta. Which would be his “Information” portfolio, right?

Wrong!! Pressie went on to enumerate the powers of the 14 “line Ministers” in his “reorganised Executive, and “Information” was nowhere to be seen.

Nagamootoo didn’t just get Larwah – he got Larwah engorged!

…for Guyanese motorists

Like most working stiffs slogging away for a salary, your diligent Eyewitness was able to own a car for the first time under the PPP government. Along with 10,000 other Guyanese every year. But with everything sweet, car ownership has its downside. In this case, the need to feed the iron beast gasoline every week. That took a big chunk from Your Eyewitness’ paycheque.

So when the price of gas headed towards the floor from more than US$100 a barrel and his cousins in NY were having their gas prices slashed, your Eyewitness eagerly awaited having all those savings to spend on his family.

And waited… and waited… We were “free enterprise like America, no? And supply and demand, ran the economy, no?

No! Because he’s still waiting. So where’d the savings go from the cheaper oil? In the pockets of the government, that’s where! The government’s been raising the taxes on oil, to wipe out any savings passed on to us, dear readers.

Maybe it’s time to send a message on the streets?

…for sugar workers

A little twa-twa told your Eyewitness the govt’s going to close Wales estate and throw 1700 persons on the breadline.

These fellas really believe revenge is best served cold!

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

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SunDAY, january 17, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Specialty Hospital design was never completed – Dr Norton the Indian company was never the second best bidder in the tendering process back in 2012, as claimed by the APNU/AFC Government.

The PPP/C Opposition had stated that the company was disqualified because of certain inconsistencies in its submission

An artist’s impression of the Specialty Hospital

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he design of the controversial Specialty Hospital was never completed by previous contractors, Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton has stated.

Speaking with Guyana Times on Saturday, Dr Norton disclosed that before the construction of the facility could recommence, the design would have to be finalised. He explained this discovery was when the site was handed over to the new contractor.

“While the site was handed over, the design from the contractor who had it before was not the final design.

They would need to some more work on that. The new contractor would have to look at the design and see if they can work with that or it will have to be redesigned,” he stated.

The Minister could not say whether this process has commenced; however, he noted there were some issues that Fedders Lloyd, the new Indian company contracted to build and equip the Specialty Hospital, needed to address.

Dr Norton explained that a local representative from the company wrote to Government stating that he had to get some clarification from the Indian EXIM (Export and Import) Bank before the company could proceed with the project.

“We had it in writing from him (company rep) saying that he wanted to make certain that the relationship that needs to be between the

local bank and the Indian EXIM Bank was aboveboard,” the Minister said.

Meanwhile, High Commissioner of India to Guyana Venkatachalam Mahalingam, in a recent interview with this newspaper, pointed out that as soon as these matters were ironed out, they would move ahead with the construction of the world-class facility.

The Specialty Hospital Project was initiated by the previous People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration with the aim of catering for complicated surgeries, ranging from heart operations, organ transplants to cosmetic surgeries. In 2012, an US$18 million contract was awarded to Indiabased company, Surendra Engineering, to build and design the facility.

The current Administration which was on the Opposition side of the House during the 10th Parliament had heavily criticised the Project. The coalition had even cut the $1.25 billion that was budgeted for the Hospital in 2013. The previous Administration had only escaped with $34.4 million as supplementary funding for the Hospital in the 10th Parliament on account of the absence of a coalition Member of Parliament (MP) when a vote had been taken for the funds.

Citing instances of alleged fraud and delays, the Donald Ramotar Administration last year announced that it had terminated the contract

of the India-based company Surendra Engineering and subsequently filed a lawsuit against it for failing to honour its obligations. Guyana is yet to recover close to $1 billion from the company.

After coming into power last year, the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Administration scrapped the Specialty Hospital Project with the expectation of diverting the remaining US$14 million, of the US$18 million Line of Credit (LOC), towards upgrading three primary healthcare facilities – the Bartica, Suddie and West Demerara Hospitals.

But in November last year, Government announced that it would be going ahead with the Specialty Hospital Project and two weeks later, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Fedders Lloyd – one of the original bidders in 2012.

Government explained that after examining the merits of the proposal, it began searching for a willing partner to complete the Specialty Hospital using the remaining US$14 million. Hence, in the interest of time and without any tendering process, it approached Fedders Lloyd to explore the possibility of it completing the Project. The Indian company expressed continued interest and was prepared to complete and fully equip the facility.

However, this caused much uproar and controversy after it was revealed that

to the local Tender Board, a report which Government contended was a lie.

Former Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall had pointed out that the bid was never evaluated and, therefore, could not be considered as the second ranked bidder. In this regard, he

slammed the Government for bypassing the transparent process to handpick a company, which is known to have close ties with a senior Government official – Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, to undertake the construction of the Specialty Hospital.

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guyanatimesgy.com

News

QC hosts anti-human trafficking walkathon By: Kizzy Coleman

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he students and teachers of Queen’s College joined with the Ministry of Social Protection to host the inaugural walkathon to raise awareness of Human Trafficking in Guyana with theme spread #BurnThePriceTag. The walkathon commenced at 06:00h with students and teachers as well as Social Protection Minister Volda Lawrence walking from QC’s compound to the National Park where the walkathon concluded with a simple ceremony.

At the ceremony the campaign founder Gabriella Bacchus a fifth form student talked passionately about the initiative.

She explained that it is her hope the initiative can be spread to other schools and to other regions in Guyana especially those parts that are vulnerable to human trafficking so that awareness can be raise and hopefully it can be stopped.

She added that her motivation behind launching the initiative is due to the fact that she herself is a teenager and those mostly targeted are teenagers.

“We are all at risk of being trafficked, there is no limit to who will be trafficked so I want it to stop so we can make it safer for the young generation because these are the people that

Minister Volda Lawrence in the walkathon.

will help to develop the country and will help to move the country forward through initiatives and strategies”.

She further explained the theme #BurnThePriceTag which she stated is very significant to the initiative.

“Hash tag so that we can get it trending in order for it to be broadcasted really quickly and burn the price tag because human trafficking puts a price tag on the people that are trapped in the system which is not right so we want to burn it and eradicate it completely”.

Students who participated in the movement were enthusiastic to share why they got involved.

Akarshini Singh explained that she wanted to get involved because of the prevalence of the issue of Human Trafficking.

“This is a very press-

ing problem in Guyana that needs to be tackled because I’m pretty sure that human trafficking is seen as a taboo topic and it is not fair to the victims, so that is what motivated me to come out here today to lend my support”.

Shafina Milton talked about how she would feel if she was to be directly affected by human trafficking thus emphasising why she is lending her support.

“I’m sure if this happens to us it would be very difficult because if this happens to me or one of my friend I’d be devastated, so we want to support those affected and show that we want this to stop and we hope we can get others to join with us to help”.

Minister Lawrence in her feature address congratulated the organisers of the event especially Gabriella

Bacchus and the students of Queen’s College, expressing how heartened she feels by the response from young Guyanese who came out to support the awareness drive aimed at stopping the crime of human trafficking.

“There is power in numbers and I believe that your presence here today sends a strong message for human vultures who prey on the innocence and vulnerability of persons seeking better economic opportunities” she explained.

She explained that her ministry will not condone the exploitation and trafficking of persons, stating that we all are free beings who should not be coerced into sexual arrangements and exploited for material gains of others, “there is no price attached to humans so let us burn the price tag!”

She expressed appreciation for the support that is being given to her ministry.

“Our needs are infinite and our resources finite, leaving us with many gaps in meeting people’s social needs. We therefore welcome collaborations such as these not only because we cannot do it alone, but because we deeply value the impact young people could have on each other in addressing social issues. We believe that you have a greater role to play in the solution of many problems and therefore wish that you would continue to broaden your physical and social networks so that we can impact more lives”.

Lawrence stated that it is our duty to care more, to talk to each other more and most importantly to listen more to help bring an end to this issue of human trafficking.

“Together we can do this.

Let’s spread the word! Take action today! Stop human trafficking!”

Preserved Fish S

atiricus just loved perseverance. Not “Perseverance”, the village which he’d never seen, but people who just won’t give up when they just had to do something. The Americans called it “True Grit”. And in all this wide world, Satiricus had never seen such perseverance as that shown by Mook Lall in his mission to “Get Brassy”.

It was like a LOCAL remake of “Kill Bill” excepting The Mook didn’t have as much hair as Uma Thurman as “The Bride” named “Black Mamba”. In “Kill Bill”, The Bride wanted revenge because her asssain partners had killed her entire wedding party. That’s motivation to a trained killer, won’t it?

“The Mook’s reasons to “Get Brassy” were just as serious,” thought Satiricus, who was obviously a movie buff. Here it was The Mook and his close (very, very close) best friend Tiny had been making money hand over fist at the Big Store near the Big Market. They’d worked very hard to rebrand the Big Store from being the premier shopping address in Guyana to being like a fish Market.

“If the truth be told,” thought Satiricus, “ it WAS a fish market. Excepting that The Mook and Tiny didn’t SELL fish, but preserved Banga Mary with a special white powder and shipped them to New York City”. They provided employment for so many people. But just when business was really taking off, up comes Big Brassy and hauls the Mook and Tiny to the courts.

Why? And this was what got Satiricus really mad. Just that the Mook and Tiny had never bothered to pay for the store, which Brassy had sold to them for the govt.

Now isn’t that motivation to “Get Brassy”? Why the heck did Brassy have to get so….well…Brassy. What’s four hundred millions between honourable “preserved” fish exporters providing employment to Guyanese?

So the “Get Brassy” campaign was launched. At first the Mook and Tiny could only call Big Brassy false names in their Muckraking Paper. But the moment the govt changed hands – the very hands into which the Mook had handed millions as head of FUCOP (Funding a United Candidate for Opposition Presidency) “Get Brassy” shifted into a different gear. Perseverance.

The Mook put pressure on his new friends in high places and soon SAROO told DAROO who told SOCOO and before you know it, we had a bigger hair raising high speed chase than in the Terminator. And three dead.

“Let’s see who’ll now try the Mook in court!” thought Satiricus with a chuckle.

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SunDAY, january 17, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Region 2 Working Suicide Group River’s View residents appeal plans host of sensitisation, parenting for help with land issue programmes to tackle issue

By Indrawattie Natram

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series of activities have been planned by the Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) Working Suicide Group as it launches an awareness programme to tackle the issue of suicide.

Among the actions and projects to be undertaken by the recently-formed group were positive talk show programmes, a parenting forum, the erection of billboards with anti-suicide messages and talks with students from various secondary schools. Last year, the Group hosted several activities, including a “Suicide Prevention Forum” with major stakeholders.

According to the Chairman of the group, Dr Ranjeev Singh, Region Two is facing a crisis as it relates to suicide, with someone attempting to end their life almost every day. Given that frightening scenario, the Group will actively tackle the issue by implementing programmes in an effort to find solutions and raise awareness about positive thinking at all levels.

Dr Singh informed members of the group, which had

met on Wednesday, that the Region presently had the highest suicide rate in Guyana, and it was sad to see young people losing their lives as a result of depression and frustration.

He said the Group would be working with major stakeholders, including the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Foundation, and the Region Two administration, in empowering persons to be stronger and exercise faith in life. He opened the doors also for any organisation to come on board and support the initiative within the Region.

During the meeting, members came up with the strategic programme to empower and reach out to the younger population and members of various communities. It was also suggested that the weedicide Gramoxone, which has been used by a majority of persons to commit suicide in Guyana, be banned from the market.

Also present at the meeting was G Division (Essequibo Coast and Islands) Commander Kevin Adonis.

Divisional Commander Adonis said the Group had the full support of the Police Force and pledged to erect

Uncertainty over payment for streetlights in Linden

Linden Interim Management Committee (IMC) Chairman Orrin Gordon

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ith the recent installation of 84 new street lights at Burnham Drive, Wismar, Linden by Government through the Public Infrastructure Ministry, while residents of Bath Settlement, Berbice continue to be affected by Government’s decision to have theirs removed, questions have arisen over who will foot the bill.

At Linden, the municipality of the Mayor and Town Council (M&TC) is tasked with the responsibility of paying for streetlights situated in both Wismar and Mackenzie; however, Linden Interim Management Committee (IMC) Chairman Orrin Gordon said on Friday that the municipality was not consulted over the erection of the new streetlights at Burnham Drive and as such, it would not be paying for those lights.

Gordon disclosed that he “heard” that the project was a “gift to the people of Linden” as well as a “continuation” of

similar street lighting projects which were executed by the former Administration.

He said he was happy, since Linden was in need of the kind gesture.

“We’re not going to pay for those lights. Nobody said anything to us and I’m not asking any questions either...they can’t tell us anything about paying since they did not come to us in the first place... we were unaware of that,” the IMC Chairman stated.

Gordon said the new lights were erected along with the older ones for which the municipality had responsibility.

He opined that these should have been taken down to assist other areas in the community which were currently in need.

Meanwhile, this newspaper understands that the installation of the street lights was done in collaboration with the Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) Democratic Council. Regional Chairman Renis Morian, when contacted on Tuesday, said he was uncertain whose budget would be responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the newly-installed lights at Burnham Drive, as such was yet to be sorted out.

Just recently, residents of Bath Settlement, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) had protested after having their street lights removed and being told that “Government cannot afford it”. Government had indicated that it could not have afforded to pay the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) for the streetlights and, as such, had the lights removed from the area.

two anti-suicide billboards along the Coast. Already, several youth groups have been formed by G Division as a way of getting the youths involved in meaningful activities.

The Working Suicide Group also suggested that a mental health officer and a psychologist be placed at the Suddie Public Hospital to offer counselling to those individuals who survived their suicide attempt. The Group is calling on persons who are willing to volunteer their services to assist in whatever way they can, so that the message can be sent that life is important and despite whatever challenges, one may be going through, one should have faith in God and life.

Also attending the meeting were Regional Democratic Council (RDC) member Samad Baksh, Prime Ministerial Representative Karam Chand and Regional Vice Chairman Nandranie Coonjah.

R

River's View

esidents of River’s View, a riverine area located in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), are seeking answers as to why a map was redrawn omitting certain areas from the community. According to Regional Chairman Renis Morian, the revelation was made after a team of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) which comprised him and several Regional Councillors visited several riverine areas to facilitate a children’s party in favour of President David Granger. He said, as related to him by residents, there

were a number of issues involving land in the community which needed to be addressed.

Morian was, however, unable to ascertain who was responsible for the map of the area being redrawn. “...we were able to get firsthand information on some of the issues facing residents there. One of the major issues that’s said is land...the traditional River's View...the map was redrawn, omitting lands belonging to River's View and omitting lands that have houses too,” he stated.

Morian said the issue would be addressed through

the Regional Land Selection Committee as the RDC seeks to assist residents in having the issue resolved.

“So this is one of the first challenges which we have …to engage the Minister through the Land Selection Committee to have the lands returned to the people. I had interactions with auditors from the Auditor General’s Office in relation to allegations of impropriety in the RDC and I know they’re continuing to work...,” he continued.

Meanwhile, it was noted that a boat was handed over to the RDC last December to assist with the transporting of over 27 students of the riverine areas who attend school at Linden. Morian said he was awaiting information regarding the exact number of students, noting that the initiative was a “plus” in assisting the students. He said a proper system would be put in place to facilitate a boat captain, life jackets and boat storage.

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New vehicle excise tax

Fire station at La Grange to be commissioned by May

Reduction will not benefit average Guyanese T

By Edward Layne

T

he recently-announced plans by the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government to significantly reduce the excise tax on the importation of new vehicles in an attempt to encour-

duty and $2.1 million dutyfree, while a Toyota Premio is $3.2 million with duty and $2.1 million duty-free The same Allion and Premio if purchased new will cost an average of $10.5 million with duty and about $6 million duty-free.

It is important to note that the Government prom-

dealer said.

Another dealer said that the proposal, if implemented, would benefit only the middle and upper classes of the population, since Guyanese lower down the economic ladder did not buy and could not afford a new car.

“This proposal as they are said to have drafted is just laughable, because who you think will benefit? It’s the rich people, because which man who is working as a public servant or operating a small business will be able to buy a new car?” he questioned, “ It’s an upper-class decision which will kill the auto industry in this coun-

used vehicles that met certain criteria were imported and not ‘any and everything’ as was being imported by the many “bottom-house” dealerships popping up around the country.

It was also suggested that the Government put systems in place to restrict vehicles of a certain age from entering the country, for example, allowing only cars that were built in 2005 to present into the country.

This, the dealer said, would increase the number of “newer” cars on the road.

Guyana Times first reported that the Government was already in possession of

Model of car: Avensis

age more people to purchase brand-new vehicles as opposed to used, will bring little or no real benefits to lowincome and middle-income earners, based on price comparisons made by this publication.

According to most auto dealers, the average Guyanese who buys a car will go for the low end foreign-used Toyota motor car – Allion, Premio, Avensis, and Verossa, etc, which is sold at an average of $3.1 million including taxes.

However, the same vehicle, if purchased new, will cost a whopping $11 million with tax, including import duty, and about $6 million duty-free.

As a matter of fact, checks at several local auto dealers show that the two cars that are purchased the most by average Guyanese are the Allion and Premio.

A foreign-used Toyota Allion is $3.1 million with

ised a reduction in the taxes on new vehicles and not a removal, thus to purchase a new Allion or Premio, the buyer would have to pay more than the average $6 million, almost double the price for a foreign-used car of the same specifications with duty.

One auto dealer who spoke with this publication on the condition of anonymity said that the proposal was absurd and would not benefit low-income and middle-income earners.

“The average man who buys a car, in majority of the cases, would do so through accessing a loan from one of the local commercial banks, and he or she is barely making it to qualify for a $3 million car, then how will that person be able to qualify for let’s say a $6 million loan for a new car? This proposal is not well thought-out and will only deny the poor people a chance to own a vehicle. There should be greater thought put into this,” the

Model of car: Premio

try.”

The dealers are urging the Government to review its proposal, since it would significantly affect not just usedvehicle dealers, but also the poorer section of the population, who were currently enjoying the benefits of owning a vehicle.

One dealer proposed that the Government engaged stakeholders in the industry so that their suggestions could be incorporated into any proposal to adjust the taxes on both new and used vehicles.

Another dealer proposed that the Government regulated the industry so that only

a raft proposal on the new rates and more information would soon be announced publicly.

The source was unable to confirm whether Government would be moving to increase the excise tax on imports of used vehicles.

President David Granger had previously stated that used vehicles had created many problems in society and had contributed tremendously to the road carnage in the country.

“Many of those vehicles being imported are being discarded by states that have proper safety regulations, many of the tyres that we use on our vehicles are being discarded by people who know they are unsafe, but we are so happy to get cheap handed-downs that we don’t realise that we are jeopardising the safety of our citizens,” Granger had reasoned.

He maintained that second-hand vehicles had a whole host of problems and should not be allowed to enter Guyanese markets.

“People must be discouraged from buying junk,” Granger insisted.

he new fire station at La Grange, West Bank Demerara (WBD) is expected to be commissioned before the 50th Independence Anniversary in May. This is according to Fire Chief Marlon Gentle, who explained that the building was close to completion.

Gentle said the Guyana Fire Service was currently awaiting the arrival of the fire tenders and trucks. A sum of $18.6 million has been allocated for the construction of the building; however, the cost of the fire tenders has not yet been disclosed.

This revelation was made at a time when residents of La Grange and the surrounding areas were expressing concern over the fact that the area, which was highly populated and surrounded by a number of developing housing schemes, was not equipped with a fire station. The closest fire station is the Leonora Fire Station located on the West Coast of Demerara (WCD); however, owing to the distance it cannot effectively manage fires on the West Bank of Demerara.

As such, on most occasions when fires occur, the fire station located at the Stabroek Market responds as it takes a shorter period of time to arrive in these areas from that location. The

Fire Chief Marlon Gentle

Wales Sugar Estate occasionally offers its assistance to surrounding areas in the event of a fire. The Estate usually deploys a pump on a Canter truck which utilises water from surrounding canals and drains to extinguish the fires.

Sadeeka Khan, a resident of Bagotville, WBD, expressed relief at the news, explaining that only recently a nearby house was completely destroyed by a fire on account of the late arrival of the Fire Service. “It gun be a good help ‘cause it does usually take a long time fuh the fire truck from Georgetown reach.

And by then the place gun already burn flat ‘cause it ain’t much that couple buckets could do in them situations,” she related.

Port Kaituma Hospital to be completed by Mid-Year

T

he recent outbreak of gastroenteritis in Baramita and its satellite communities has shown that improvements in healthcare services in the North West District are needed. In this light, Minister of Public Health Dr George Norton is optimistic that the new Port Kaituma Hospital should be completed by June.

In an interview with Guyana Times the Minister related: “There will be the completion of the hospital at Port Kaituma that will increase the quality of health services that is available to the public there… “We are hoping before mid-year that should be completed.”

Though it was said that steps are moving apace with the facility’s completion, Dr Norton was not yet ready to reveal the amount of patients for which the hospital will cater.

“In terms of beds, the different wards that we have – I’m not in a position at this point in time to give you that but we have it there on record

because the hospital is practically on the completion stage,” stated the Minister.

Some of the services to be offered include maternal healthcare facilities, radiology and pharmacy. The Minister emphasised that in 2016, Region One’s healthcare needs will come into focus.

“In terms of Region One, we have definitely budgeted for a more hands-on approach.

We will be visiting those areas, going and see what is taking place,” stated Dr Norton.

He further stated: “We continue with our vaccine programme that’s up-todate there, as well as a whole thrust of antenatal clinics as well as post-natal clinics and this whole thrust in nutrition in trying to allow them to eat healthy and as a result live healthy.”

The reported $700-million hospital is one of many in the Barima-Waini area.

Other facilities located in Region One include areas such as Mabaruma, Kamaka and Moruca.

Man remanded for attempted murder

A

construction worker accused of attempted murder was remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan when he appeared before her.

Abdul Karim, 46, of 1730 Diamond New Scheme, East Bank Demerara stood before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts Friday to answer to the charge which read that on Monday, January 4, 2016, in the vicinity of Golden Grove, he discharged his loaded firearm in an attempt to murder Alvin Moreslyn.

He was not required to plead to the charge and his Attorney told the Court that at the time the act was alleged to have occurred, Karim was in Bartica working. She further stated that her client’s wife called him on the phone notifying him of the Police report and they both found the accusation to be unwarranted.

Karim then enquired about the report at the Bartica Police Station, and no report against him was said to be recorded there.

The defence counsel

pointed out that as the defendant was in another region when the offence occurred, it was impossible for him to have committed the offence.

Moreslyn, however, told the Court that he has known Karim for more than seven years and had a personal vendetta against him, adding that this has been his third attempt to kill him.

As there was an objection to bail, the defendant was remanded to prison and the matter was adjourned to February 15.

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Profiting from D’Urban Park to become major public venue the ethnic divide

By Ryhaan Shah

F

ormer PPP executive member Ralph Ramkarran has called on President David Granger to seek solutions to the country’s racial divide which, as we all know, is the stumbling block to all progress and development in Guyana.

GIHA and ROAR did both ask for a truth and reconciliation commission at the turn of the century when the PPP was in government Ryhaan Shah and of which Ramkarran was a member - and nothing was ever done.

It can be safely stated that the APNU/AFC Coalition will also do nothing. In fact, this government has moved to make the matter a non-issue by establishing a whole ministry, that of Social Cohesion, which officially ignores the racial divide. If it does not exist how then to seek solutions?

People never do anything, especially over and over again, unless they are rewarded for it so it is very obvious that both political parties profit from the ethnic/racial divide.

It gives them both built-in support. Campaigning at elections time is an exercise in laziness. There is no need for plans, ideas, manifestos, or even intelligent leadership. Here, political leaders run from presidential debates for fear that their shallowness would be exposed.

This laziness and shallowness find their way into government and can become truly dangerous. The APNU/AFC government knows that their supporters will never be openly critical of them no matter the seriousness of the issues, even one as serious as the state surveillance fiasco that resulted in three fatalities. There will be no street protest against this government. The protesters are now the government.

For PPP administrations, profiting from the ethnic divide is not as clear cut. As during their last go-round, they never reformed the army, police and civil service, leaving most of the state apparatus in the opposition’s hands. This appeasement policy towards Afro-Guyanese has the benefit, however, of making their Indian Guyanese supporters insecure and herded together under the party flag.

This party/racial loyalty runs through all of society and infects everything. This is where corruption and mediocrity have their wellspring, and everyone is comfortable with the status quo because everyone profits from it as is evidenced by the new appointments to government.

But what if we were to start taking responsibility at a personal and individual level and signal to the leadership, on both sides, that we are a principled people? What if we were to take the lead in creating change?

Imagine a Coalition supporter, offered a cushy government job, refusing and saying that Mrs Lall or Mr Gobind is better qualified for the position.

That would be the Guyana we could all be proud of, a Guyana where merit and decency matter. In such a country, political parties would actually have to work to win voters.

They would have to come up with development plans and have leaders who are intelligent and just, and who would know that if they default on their campaign promises they could lose the elections the next time around.

That is what democracy looks like and the truth is we have had no democracy here for fifty years and counting. Free and fair elections is no test in a country so deeply and comfortably divided, a division that weakens the country enough for it to be easily exploited by international players who support the side they can better manipulate for their own ends.

Were the status quo to change, were the racial divide to be healed, Guyana would actually have every chance of reaching and easily surpassing its potential. In such a country, merit, intelligence, fairness and courage would matter and would supersede party/racial fealty, as they should.

Other countries have conflicts and work assiduously to find peaceful solutions. We, however, nurture ours and watch it grow. Case in point was the recent kick-off of the independence jubilee celebrations on Old Year’s Night.

A friend of mine who watched the whole televised debacle of mediocrity quipped that it was “one people, one nation” indeed, since the audience was a showing of only PNC/APNU supporters, ie, Afro-Guyanese. Government and its supporters are very comfortable with this even as we all have to pay up $10 million for their “one people” sport.

The young people who voted for change are completely jaded by now. They will leave, as thousands before them, for countries where they will progress and have their ambitions for a good life fulfilled because, there, it is merit that matters.

If we can all find the moral courage to rally round this one good idea, perhaps the healing might well follow.

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

Construction work ongoing to transform Durban Park into a major public venue

D

’Urban Park, once a densely forested area, will soon be transformed into a major multi-purpose recreational facility.

Construction works are currently ongoing, and the first phase is scheduled to be completed in time for Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary on May 26.

The first phase includes uprooting the overburden

and replacing it with sand and loam to enable construction of drains and pathways and the installation floodlights.

According to Project Manager Larry London, this stage will be completed in five weeks.

Reports indicate that the second phase will include the installation of nine ponds and seating facilities such as benches and bleachers. The Project Manager

said this would continue until mid-year.

Upon completion, the Park is expected to have a capacity of 30,000 persons, both seated and unseated, and will be able to accommodate literary events, concerts, sporting activities and other public events.

Recently, President David Granger and State Minister Joseph Harmon visited the site where the construction work was on-

going to transform the area into a major public venue.

A statement from the Ministry of the Presidency noted that the Park was being developed mainly for the benefit of South Georgetown residents, but it is expected to have capacity to house major national events.

During the tour, President Granger expressed that he looked forward to the commissioning of D’Urban Park.

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SunDAY, January 17, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Region 2 rice farmers neglected by Younge’s Take Government – PPP/C RDC Councillors What President …industry in serious crisis, no intervention

By Indrawattie Natram

S

everal People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Councillors of the Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) Regional Democratic Council have lamented the current state of the rice industry and the challenges faced by rice farmers.

At the first statutory meeting held by the Council on Tuesday, many questions were asked about what the coalition Government was doing to assist rice farmers.

Councillors pointed out that the present Government needed to be straight with rice farmers, since the industry required urgent attention. Speaking passionately about the challenges faced by rice farmers,PPP/C Councillor Rabindranauth Mohan said the present Government was clueless on how to move the rice industry forward. He said farmers were bankrupt and nothing was being done by the Government to reschedule loans. Mohan pointed out that efforts were not even being made by the current Government to source additional markets.

Compounding the farmers’ problems were the water issues faced owing to the delay in pumping water from the Dawa Pump Station. The regional official explained that it was only fitting for

PPP/C Councillor Rabindranauth Mohan

water to be provided to those farmers who had land under cultivation rather than those who were struggling for water to prepare their lands.

Mohan further explained that rice had a season for planting, particularly from November- December, and if farmers did not honour the dates, the crop would be late. He is, therefore, advising farmers not to prepare their lands if they have not already done so, explaining that if they went ahead, they would be faced with more challenges.

“Farmers are faced with low paddy prices; they have to pay additional expenses for pumping, if this continue given the fact price low and this depend on the international price, then if lands are put under cultivation late, them farmers will not make

profit,” he contended.

Mohan, who also is part of the Rice Producers Association (RPA) as a farmer representative, said a number of correspondence were sent to the Minister of Agriculture on the issues and to date, no response was given.

At that point, RDC Chairman Devanand Ramdatt said that priority should be given to those lands that were presently under cultivation. He told Councillors that the commercial banks were after farmers who owed loans.

The Chairman also informed the Council that the banks were currently conducting field inspections of farmers’ fields in an effort to ensurefarmers strived to pay back their loans.

Ramdatt is of the opin-

ion that there should be a more comprehensive approach to assist rice farmers as they too have families to maintain. “Failure of the rice industry means failure of Region Two’s economy,” he said.

Another PPP/C Councillor Showkat Ali stressed that rice farmers were frustrated and while the coconut farmers in the Pomeroon were getting attention from the Government, rice farmers were neglected. Ali said the industry was failing daily and still there was no intervention by the current Government.

“The Government needs to immediately address this, if rice fails, then Region Two economy will be down also; this itself will create a frustrated society, already many persons are depressed,” Ali said.

Another Councillor, Basil Persaud called for the monitoring of the water currently being released to rice farmers. He also informed the Council that the Pomeroon River has become salted and over 500 acres of land in Cozier was in desperate need of water.

Councillors are, therefore, calling for an immediate intervention from the Government of Guyana to get the industry back on track, lest many persons in Region Two suffer.

Soesdyke-Linden Highway family complains of Police harassment

A

family of Ideal Road, Soesdyke-Linden Highway, East Bank Demerara, is living in fear as ranks of the Timehri Police Station have been visiting their home with huge guns in search of a relative who does not live at that address.

According to information received, the ranks have been visiting the house in search of Andrew Tang for whom an arrest warrant has been issued.

The reason for his arrest warrant remains questionable, and relatives are furious that the Police continue to search the wrong house.

At the home of the frustrated family, Devika Haimnauth explained that family members were traumatised owing to the unprofessional manner in which the Police operated when they visited the home.

She explained that on January 1, her cousin, Calvin Smithet, was involved in an argument and was chopped to his face by Dexton Grant who made good his escape.

However, Grant was tracked down, caught and thrashed by a group of men, including one man for whom Police were looking.

The woman explained that the first time the Police came to her home, she made it clear that Tang did not re-

Injured: Calvin Smithet

side at that address and asked them to leave. After some time, the Police ranks were still at the house, but she refused to let them into the home, since they did not have a search warrant.

search warrant… Police can do anything. They continue to grill me about my relative and I told them I don’t know… the same Police rank told me that they came peacefully, but things can get drastic.”

After some time, her mother and brother joined her at the door and it was then the Police ranks left. On Friday last, she noted that they returned, enquiring about Tang once again, but like the first time, she told them that he was not at the house.

Haimnauth noted that two of the ranks were in the vehicle and three surrounded the house with huge guns, while another was making the enquiries. “The children

The house where the incident occured

“I recognised one of them – Beharry, who told me that Police do not have to get a

in the yard got scared after seeing the men with the big guns… in the night, they

kept looking through their bedroom windows to check if anyone was standing outside with guns… that is how the children are traumatised,” she added.

She is calling on the relevant authorities to look into the matter, noting that Police Officers are supposed to serve and protect. Meanwhile, the relatives are holding out that they have no information about the wanted man.

Speaking to the injured Smithet, he explained that on the night he was injured, they were having a party in the area and an argument ensued between him and another man, but Grant intervened and dealt him one blow to the face.

He was taken to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre and was referred to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was admitted. He received several stitches. He alleged that owing to the influence Grant’s uncle has on the Police, he was charged for assault and released on bail.

“All I can say is that the Police taking pay to hunt for my cousin and the Police think that we hiding him in our homes, so they come with the guns and frighten people,” Smithet alleged. He too called on higher authorities to look into the matter.

P

Granger said

resident David Granger is quoted by the Ministry of Presidency on January 13, 2016 as saying: “Guyana is beginning to win the war on crime”.

The article also stated that he was “pleased” with the progress being made by the Guyana Police Force in the fight against crime and its ability to “detect” crime and “quickly bring to justice” Michael Younge the perpetrators.

The President is also widely quoted as he boasted about the measures taken by his Government to strengthen the security forces, some of which he admitted were not “visible to the naked eye”.

He also via his statements informed the country that every week he meets with the Public Security Minister and Prime Minister to discuss security issues in response to the crime wave.

If these statements attributed to the President were indeed his, and paint a true reflection of his gut feeling about what is happening in the country as far as the crime situation is concerned, then something is definitely wrong with the psyche of his entire cabinet.

The truth is the President’s statements were most inopportune and inappropriate as they came at a time when crime and criminality in Guyana is spiralling out of control, and to the point where there is a near-total breakdown of law and order.

President Granger’s declaration also came at a time when the Guyana Police Force continues to report stark and consistent increases in serious crimes, robberies and other forms of criminal activities.

Guyana cannot begin to win the fight against crime when its media corps is reporting “9 deaths in 9 days” at the beginning of January nor can it begin to win the fight when criminals are demonstrating the same level of spunk by targeting high-level security officials like former Crime Chief Leslie James.

President Granger must be aware that while he sleeps comfortably at State House and with tight security at his Private residence, ordinary citizens are left exposed to the actions of wicked and patient criminals who invade their homes, murder and rape their children, sometimes leave their loved ones maimed. These criminals also rob citizens of private property that they would have spent their lives acquiring so that they can live a comfortable and good life.

Also, the President must have recognised that the recent instances of crime point to the fact that more IndoGuyanese are victims of the wanton actions of bandits and criminals when compared to any other ethnic group under his Government’s watch.

One would have expected that as a former military chief, President Granger would know that winning the fight against crime is not based solely on the detection of crime and brining those responsible to justice but on the prevention of crime and criminality from the outset.

He needs to move the security forces from the point where they are reactive to crime to the point where they are proactive and able to dent the profits and gains made by criminals.

This means that the security forces have to be reeducated and empowered to prevent crime by constantly working within communities to maintain law and order while establishing a physical presence.

Whether the Government wants to tackle white-collar or blue-collar crime, it must redouble efforts to achieve results that people can see with their naked eyes.

Guyana will only begin to win the fight against crime when people feel safer and the Government ends its political banter and posturing on the matter.

President Granger would do himself well firstly, if he sits with his ministers and develop a proper crime fighting strategy and master-plan for the next five years instead of constantly insulting the intelligence of the public.

Secondly, he should instruct the full implementation of the recommendations of theDiscipline Services Commission while ordering the establishment of a Commission that would come up with workable local reforms for the police and army instead of begging for foreign help and assistance which should be a last resort.

It is both an insult and shameful that such an honourable man like President Granger could make such foolhardy statements when all Guyanese,including those residing in China, know that we are losing the fight against crime each time we lose a human life as a result of the scourge.

If we cannot stop crime, we must significantly reduce it but it would appear that the President is already declaring victory when his army has not even made contact with those who run the underground economy and the political agitators of crime and criminality.

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Amerindian land titling: Will Trotman cooperate?

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inister Trotman as he addressed an audience of future b e n ef i c i a r i e s l a st Friday, confirmed that more lands will be granted to small minersin the six mining districts across Guyana.

The issue of Amerindianproposed title lands was omitted, despite Amerindians being a major stakeholder to mining. While the move is commendable, expanding mining opportunities without determining the impact on Amerindian lands falls short Anna Correia of managing the sector responsibly, especially since mining has been the major obstacle to titling Amerindian lands.

By now the Natural Resources Minister must be familiar with the complications in the Amerindian land titling processes of several communities, particularly in Regions 1 and 7, arising from the conflict of interest involving miners. The argument put forth in the past by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) was founded on the legal principle that the agency cannot withhold permits and licenses from miners who wish to operate on proposed titles. Amerindian-proposed lands are to date considered State land until Absolute Grants are delivered to Village Councils.

However, Article 111 of the Mining Act, Cap 65:01 invokes the responsibility of the agency to recognise that “all land necessary for the quiet enjoyment by the Amerindians of any Amerindian settlements, shall be deemed to be lawfully occupied by them.”Unfortunately, more often than not the first argument takes precedence over the latter, augmenting the vulnerability of Amerindian communities awaiting the approval of their communal land title applications.

The consequences of issuing mining blocks within proposed boundaries are multiple. The then Amerindian Affairs Ministry received numerous complaints in the past from both Village Councils which possessed land titles and thoseawaiting the issuance of theirs, of the disrespectful conduct of some miners who had little regard for the authority of the Councillors. Reports highlighted the disregard of some miners for villagers andtheir way of life, and the degradation of their environment. This disrespect is particularly accentuated in the reports produced by Village Councils awaiting title, since miners ignore the authority of Village Councils on the basis that proposed lands are still State lands.

Another recurrent issue is the unavailability of lands for Amerindians who wish to mine, since those on proposed titled lands have to compete heavily with other miners. Again, the argument used is that miners have rights on State land, even if a portion of the land is under consideration for Amerindian land titling.

Amerindian land titling is a multi-stakeholder activity, which requires the cooperation of all stakeholders to produce results.

It is for this purpose that all relevant agencies, in particular the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), the GGMC, the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC) and to a certain extent the Protect Areas Commission (PAC), are systematically informed of the initiation of the land titling process for a community. The notices served by the then Amerindian Affairs Ministry would request that the issuance of all mining and forestry permits and licenses, leases and other activities be put on hold by stakeholder agencies, pending the decision to approve the applications for communal lands.

The major violator of this common practiceis the GGMC which provided minimal cooperation in facilitating Amerindian land titling, especially in areas considered to be rich in mineral resources. The move by Minister Trotman to expand mining possibilities to small miners in all districts will negatively impact the land titling processes encours, if precautions are not taken to avoid new conflicts of interest among stakeholders.

Before small miners are granted permits to operate within Amerindian proposed boundaries, it is the responsibility of the Indigenous Peoples Affairs Ministry to inform the Natural Resources agencies of ongoing land titling processes, and pressure those responsible to withhold permits until current encumbrances are removed.

The land titling mechanism designed under the previous administration did not exert adequate pressure to enforce cooperation from the GGMC. Now, it is Minister Trotman’s responsibility to ensure that Amerindian proposed lands are given the priority over the distribution of new mining permits and licences within proposed boundaries.

If not, mining will continue to prime over the land rights of Guyana’s first peoples.

Republic Bank to address teenage pregnancy

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t a media cocktail on Friday, Republic Bank revealed its plans for aiding in the improvement of Guyana, especially through social projects.

Managing Director of Republic Bank, Richard S Sammy, in his address to the gathering, disclosed that in 2016 the company would be implementing its “Power to Make a Difference” programme which would seek to improve environmental literacy and combat the issue of teenage pregnancy in Guyana.

He added that the Bank’s agenda would also see it focusing on youth development, strengthening of Guyana’s rich cultural heritage and being a voice for the Autism Awareness in Guyana.

“Further, through our vibrant Staff Volunteerism movement, our staff are keenly engaged in several community initiatives,” Sammy highlighted.

The company will also play a chief role in the observation of Guyana’s 50th Golden Jubilee Celebrations both at a national level and through its branch network, according to Sammy.

Speaking at the event also was General Manger of the Bank’s Trinidad branch, Michelle PalmerKeizer, who highlighted the achievements the company has been able to accomplish in the countries in which it is established.

These included the Bank of The YearCaribbean 2015 and Bank of The Year-Trinidad and Tobago 2015 which was accorded to the Bank by the world-renowned business publication, Latin Finance.

Palmer-Keizer highlighted that the achievements were as a result of the support the Bank has received; therefore, she thanked all those who played a part in the company’s journey and looked forward to having a “solid relationship” with them.

In addition to contributing to Guyana’s social improvement, the company is anticipating the opening of another Republic Bank outlet.

“We are moving ahead with the expansion and upgrades, with plans for a new banking facility at Triumph, East Coast Demerara to further enhance customers’ access to the Bank’s suite of products and services,” Sammy informed.

Over the years, the Bank has taken pride in making a difference in the countries where it serves in partnership with Government Ministries.

The company declared that it has spent a sum of $350 million on projects over the three-year phase which started in 2003.

Some of these projects were: The Republic Bank RightStart Music Literacy Programme,

Youth Link Apprenticeship Programme, transportation for persons with disabilities, Promenade Gardens maintenance and working with teen mothers to overcome the challenges of early teen pregnancies, just a few to mention.

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SunDAY, January 17, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Ian Chang still acting Chief Justice

Justice Cummings-Edwards’ appointment premature – former AG

Govt to close Wales Estate – Hundreds of workers to be placed on breadline

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he appointment of Court of Appeal Judge, Justice Yonette Cummings–Edward to act as Chief Justice after Justice Ian Chang, S, CCCH, proceeded on preretirement leave is said to be premature and contrary to the provisions in the Guyana Constitution.

This view was expressed

by Justice Charles Ramson, SC, OR, who served as Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).

Justice Ramson, in a letter to this publication on Saturday, said that despite being on leave, Justice Chang still remained the acting Chief Justice until his appointment was revoked by the President or he reaches the age of retirement, as outlined in the Constitution of Guyana.

As a matter of fact, he pointed to Article 127 (2) of the Constitution which clearly outlines the circumstances under which a Chief Justice or Chancellor can be appointed.

Article 127 (2) of the Constitution states; “If the office of Chancellor or Chief Justice is vacant or if the person holding the office of Chancellor is performing the functions of the office of President or is for any other reason unable to perform the functions of his office, or if the person holding the office of Chief Justice is for any reason unable to perform the functions of his office, then, until a person has been appointed to and has assumed the functions of such office or until the person holding such office has resumed those functions, as the case may be, those functions shall be performed by such other of the Judges as may be appointed by the President after meaningful consultation with the Leader of the Opposition.”

Meanwhile, the former AG reminded that while a

Wales Sugar Estate

By Kristen Macklingam

Justice Cummings-Edwards

“vacancy” exists in respect of the Office of Chancellor, none exists in relation to that of Chief Justice.

“One of the major questions is, therefore, could the Constitution, the Supreme Law of Guyana, have contemplated and/or intended this form of dual occupancy as would appear to be the case? Another more perplexing conclusion which a pragmatist is entitled to draw: was the appointment of Justice Chang unwittingly, by implication, revoked by President Granger’s installation of Justice CummingsEdwards during the tenure of Justice Chang?” Justice Ramson questioned.

He explained that due regard must be paid to the expression “performing the functions of” in relation to the officeholders like the Chancellor, the Chief Justice and the President.

“In each case, that expression must be compared and/or considered in contradistinction to the word “act”. In each case, the person “performing the functions” of the substantive officeholder cannot be deemed to be “acting” on his behalf in the office he holds, notwithstanding that the term “acting” having been held by some esteemed judicial functionaries not to be a word of art. “Office” means a substantive thing that exists apart from the holder of that Office, according to the

House of Lords in a 1922 decision,” the Senior Counsel reasoned.

Justice Ramson said that in his 50 years in the legal profession, he was unable to say with certainty that an exact precedent existed in Guyana.

“There is undoubtedly a dearth of authority in the Caribbean, but in the wider global juridical terrain decided in the Guyana Court of Appeal in the last decade of the 20th Century and the first decade of this century, it may be fair to conclude that it is acknowledged that a Judge remains constitutionally empowered and enabled until he dies or upon reaching the age of retirement,” he noted.

He said based on the constitutional provisions, it can be declared with absolute certainty that Justice Chang “shall vacate that office upon attaining the age of 65 years”, as outlined in Article 197 (2) (b) of the Constitution and, until such milestone eventuates, he remains constitutionally vested with his extant judicial functions”.

Justice CummingsEdwards was sworn in on December 16, 2015 by President Granger to carry out the functions of acting Chief Justice.

The longstanding Judge replaced Justice Chang, who goes into retirement in February 2016.

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he APNU/AFC coalition is proceeding to stick to plans it had made while in Opposition to have sugar factories/estates shut down despite public outcries against such a move and the Wales, West Bank Demerara location has been earmarked as the first to go.

The Wales Sugar Factory and estate is one of the oldest located in the country still functional but is operating at a huge loss so the relevant authorities opine it should be closed down.

Plans are afoot to have these workers receive their benefits and severance pay, a source stated.

Meanwhile, hundreds of sugar workers and their families are slated to be directly affected as their only means of survival and earning a livelihood will no longer exist.

This newspaper was told that in the phasing-out process the sugar canes at Wales will have to be transported via tractor/trailers to the Uitvlugt factory, West Coast Demerara.

Logistics and cost For the canes to be transported the sugar industry will have to expend huge sums since the distance between the two factories is great.

The old fashioned method of using punts to haul canes will not be applicable in this situation since the Boerasiri conservancy does not have a direct link between the Wales and Uitvlugt estates.

This means that the only means of transportation would be tractor/trailer

NA man commits suicide

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New Amsterdam family was plunged into mourning on Saturday morning after a 24-year-old man was found hanging by the neck from a rope at his Angoy’s Avenue home.

Dead is Sherlund Allen of Ogleton Dam. The body of the unemployed man was found about 00:30h on Saturday by his brother, Orin Sampson.

According to Sampson, Allen was the only person at home when he returned from a next-door cousin shortly after midnight.

“When I reach home, I saw like the top half of the door just open suddenly and I feel like something push me… When I walk going into my room to sleep and

Dead, Sherlund Allen

I raise up so, is my brother hanging with a rope on his neck. All I could do is holla.”

With that, neighbours came and the body was taken down before Police were contacted. Sampson said he

was not sure whether his brother was still alive when the discovery was made.

“When I holla, I run towards him to see if he still breathing an if he still soft because I ain’t want see he an leff he dea still alive an ain’t do nothing,” the grieving brother said.

Allen is said to have worked in the interior for a number of years, but gave up the job more than a year ago during which time he started attending a church in the community. However, on Friday morning, reports are that he refused to go with another relative to the weekly deliverance service.

According to the dead man’s brother, on Friday afternoon, when he arrived home, Allen was in his bed-

room reading a Bible. “He came out the bedroom and pass me and go on the back landing and he fly back inside the room and lock the bedroom door and I ask he, ‘Sherlund, wha wrong buddy,’ and he ain’t really respond to me. I ain’t pay he no mind because ah know that he start to go to church an changing he life.”

Allen had recently removed the braids from his hair was part of the changes in his life. “He start living a decent life,” Sampson said.

Reports are that Allen had no girlfriend and few friends; relatives have found no connection which might suggest the motive for the suicide.

Allen leaves to mourn two siblings and his mother.

Wales Sugar factory

which carries only a limited amount of cane per trip, thus will prove to be a very costly venture.

Meanwhile, the already crippled sugar industry would continue to suffer ‘blows’ as monies would have to be found to pay for this process as well as to pay workers severance who would no longer be employed at Wales Estate.

Guyana Times further understands that operations at the Uitvlugt factory are still facing challenges.

At this time it is unclear whether it can handle double the production it would be required to facilitate with the canes from Wales.

2015 sugar CoI report

It is important to note that this CoI report which is supposed to pave the way forward for Guyana’s flailing sugar industry did include the possibility of closing some sugar estates.

Such a suggestion was met with intense debates and prolonged discussions which saw the majority of Commissioners holding firm to the position that there should be no closure of estates at this time. Although the administration has been in receipt of this CoI report it is yet to pronounce on the recommendations and other matters highlighted therein.

However, the APNU/AFC government has already begun preparations for the closing down of the Wales Estate.

Meanwhile, it is expected that very soon management of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) will deliver the news to those at the Wales estate and factory that they are soon to be displaced.

APNU+AFC going back on their word

When the APNU/AFC coalition had been the main Opposition party in 2015 it had trumpeted that should it gain power following the May 11 elections it would

close down GuySuCo. However, after former President Donald Ramotar announced that Guyana cannot afford to close the sugar estates, while pointing out some of the serious adverse effects of such a move, then Presidential Candidate for the APNU David Granger told his supporters that “sugar is too big to fail”.

He assured that should he be elected President he would not close down sugar.

Additionally Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo had also told supporters then on the campaign trails that the sugar industry will not be closed if the coalition won at the May 11 poll.

However, on Arrival Day last year, Nagamootoo went a little further, saying they will close the sugar industry and outlined what should happen after its closure.

“Our ancestors worked very hard and today we still have their descendants on the sugar estate working very hard and of course they deserve to reap the contributions made by their ancestors and they don’t need to be afraid that the factory may be closed and that they may be out of jobs. They need to be guaranteed that even if there is factory closure on the sugar estates that the land must first go to the sugar workers. Let them choose if they want to grow cane on it, let them choose if they want to rear fish on it or they want to rear cattle on it. The land belongs to the ancestors of our Indian foreparents who worked in the sugar industry…” Nagamootoo had said to the surprise of many who were in attendance.

However, at present it is unclear as to what the administration has in store for the lands and factory at Wales following its closure which is set to be announced soon.

news

Indo-Guyanese reflect on history, connection to India

Civil society moves to tackle suicide scourge

– as Guyana observes Pravasi Bharatiya Divas

Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha President Dr Vindhya Persaud

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The speakers at the local observance of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas

he High Commission of India, in collaboration with the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) – Guyana Chapter, observed Pravasi Bharatiya Divas on Friday, reflecting on the lives of Indo-Guyanese and their connection to India.

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, which translates NonResident Indian Day, is cel-

are desirous of tracing their roots and even facilitate trips to India.

In his feature address, Justice Singh spoke of IndoGuyanese having maintained and incorporated values and practices inherited from their ancestors into their lives, making it part of the “Guyanese culture”.

“Guyanese of Indian origin contribute to this amal-

A section of the intimate gathering at the ICC on Friday

ebrated annually in India on January 9, to recognise the contribution of the overseas Indian community to the development of India. The event also commemorates the return of Indian leader Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa on January 9, 1915.

Friday’s event was held at the Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) and saw a line-up of prominent personalities delivering presentations on the theme “Diaspora – The Indian Connection” to the intimate gathering. These included business tycoon Yesu Persaud, historian Pat Dyal, novelist Ryhaan Shah and Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Justice Carl Singh, who was the Chief Guest.

Indian High C o m m i s s i o n e r V e n k a t a c h a l a m Mahalingam said that despite the geographical distance between India and Guyana, the connection remained since most IndoGuyanese embedded in their daily lives customs and traditions inherited from their ancestors who came from the Asian country.

“Guyana is a country where people feel so close to their ancestor land and look towards India for tracing their traditions… I cherish Guyana for this quality of placing India on top of their minds in their daily way of life,” he stated.

Mahalingam noted that the High Commission would facilitate any Guyanese who

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sunDAY, january 17, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

gam or rainbow culture (of Guyana). We have, in significant measure, kept alive the cultural values and traditions of our fore parents.

Present-day Guyanese of Indian origin continue to recognise their ancestral origins and attachment to their inherited cultural values.

It is this abiding interest to keep alive their cultural roots that is responsible for the attachment of well-settled Indians here in Guyana to India,” he remarked.

According to the Chancellor, this connection is reflective in the food, festivals, religious practices and distinctive clothing on celebratory occasions of Indo-Guyanese. Moreover, Justice Singh pointed out that with advanced technology, Indo-Guyanese were now more connected with the culture and practices of their ancestral land via the Internet and television.

Additionally, he highlighted efforts of India to sustain relations with the Diaspora, adding that the strands of both sides of the relationship were equally important to creating a resilient and robust bond.

Meanwhile, in his remarks, Persaud reflected on the history of India and some of the inventions by Indians that make lives around the world easier. He noted that Indo-Guyanese should be proud to have come from such a country that has led the world in many areas in the early centuries.

Locally, Persaud said, Indo-Guyanese had evolved from “lowly workers” on sugar estates into successful business personalities, doctors, engineers and so on.

“Pravasi Bharatiya Divas should be celebrated (here) with pomp and glory every year, because we have something to celebrate,” he said.

Picking up from there, Dyal spoke about cultivating closer relations between the two countries.

He pointed out that while Indo-Guyanese have learnt and received a lot from India, there are things that the Asian country could learn from the daily lives of Indian descendants living in Guyana, and the Caribbean by extension.

He spoke of chutney music, which he said was making an impact in India.

Dyal also spoke of the nonexistence of “caste” in the Caribbean, something which India still struggled with to date. “(A non-caste society) makes life more easier, it makes society more integrated and I think this is one of the things that we have had that at least India can look at,” he stated.

Dyal further stated that another issue that Guyana and the Caribbean had managed to get past was religious differences, especially between Hindus and Muslims. “This is one of the main achievements we have had. Today in the Indian sub-continent, religion – being Hindus and Muslims – tend to be very divisive; now here, it’s not. It’s quite a unifying thing, because here Hindus and Muslims tend to feel themselves as being the same thing,” he outlined.

However, despite these achievements and much more, Shah in her presentation on the future of IndoGuyanese underscored the need to address the “crisis” of the Indian family in Guyana. She was referencing the alarming rate of suicide and attempted suicide that has recently spiked among the Indian community in the country.

The novelist went on to highlight other societal scourges in the Indian community, such as alcoholism and drug use. She requested assistance from the High Commission to implement programmes and initiatives such as recreational centres for youths so as to channel their attention into constructive activities.

I

n light of the recent spike in the suicide rate in Guyana, the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha and other faith-based organisations have intensified their suicide prevention campaigns. Within the past month there has been over ten deaths as a result of suicide while the number of attempted suicides keep growing, the most recent being teenaged students.

Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha President, Dr Vindhya Persaud in a telephone interview with Guyana Times disclosed that the Sabha is taking proactive measures to tackle this growing scourge by intensifying the prevention campaigns and outreaches: “We’re very concerned about it, and in fact we started work in this area about a year-and-a-half ago. We’ve been increasing the intensity of the work that we have been doing.”

Dr Persaud related that the organisation began their campaign over a year ago, but as a result of the recent increase in suicides they are increasing their efforts.

“Last year we trained peer

educators, some 80 peer educators across the country in suicide intervention and prior to that we trained more - specifically on suicide- and we’ve also been doing some training with our pandits in our Pandits’ Training Class. All this is geared towards intervention at the community level through our religious network,” she shared.

Dr Persaud further related that there are a number of activities planned for the upcoming weeks to spread awareness and offer help to those persons struggling with suicidal thoughts and tendencies.

“This year, we are going to further intensify our efforts by doing more community outreach programmes. We did some of these last year in West Berbice and a few other places.

“On Saturday we are going to Essequibo with a full team. On January 23, we are going to the Cotton Field Secondary School to do more interventional work on suicide and we will be working on having a structured programme where our peer educators will be placed at specific locations across the country so that persons can interface with them when in trouble.

“We will also be utilising social media to intervene and to help people with problems.

And we’ll be doing a lot more infomercials, print as well as media infomercials to help with it. So this is just a part of our plan but we’re doing many other approaches. This is what we’ll be doing for the first half of the year,” she disclosed.

Administrator of the Men’s Affairs Bureau, Pastor Diego Alphonso also revealed to this publication that the

Administrator of the Men’s Affairs Bureau Pastor Diego Alphonso

Men’s Affairs Bureau along with the Social Protection Ministry are collaborating with a number of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and faith-based organisations to spread awareness about suicide.

“Presently, we’re at a moment at the Ministry where we’re embarking on some initiatives across the country.

We’ve been doing a number of collaborations with NGOs and faith-based organisations to supplement what we’re already doing,” he stated.

Pastor Alphonso also explained that the family unit can play a great role in tackling the issue: “We believe that the family unit is very important and that the persons within the home should feel love and compassion so that if something is bothering them they can feel free to talk to someone in the home.

And if that can’t happen then they should seek professional counselling. But we believe that the atmosphere in the home should be conducive to being free to talk about anything that is bothering you or concerns you.”

GTT rolls out countrywide mobile fair

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n an effort to reach out to customers throughout Guyana, GTT has rolled out its countrywide mobile fair, offering great deals on the latest phones.

The phone giant has also introduced its new fleet of brightly coloured vehicles which will be used to take the great deals being offered to customers across the length and breadth of Guyana.

The countrywide mobile fair was launched on Saturday with the first event held in Georgetown, on the corners of Camp and Regent Streets. Customers flocked around to take advance of the deals on the handsets, which were from as low as $3000.

Marketing Executive Allison Dundas explained that this new initiative was being introduced given that the company rebranded itself last September. She noted that GTT would be taking these mobile fairs into every community so that Guyanese would get familiar with the specially designed vehicles.

“So look out for our vehicles because they will be rolling up into your villages, into your town, into your neighbourhoods, into communities, into the market place – we are going to be everywhere,” she noted.

However, Dundas point-

Customers flocked to take advantage of GTT’s first mobile fair

ed out that if persons noticed the mobile fair was not coming to their community, then they should contact the company or her.

The Marketing Executive further stated that there would be five mobile fairs held on a daily basis at different locations across the country.

With the purchase of any of the smartphones, GTT will be giving customers one month free data, she added.

Next week, persons in Berbice and Linden can look for the specially designed GTT vehicles to bag great deals on handsets, which Dundas said are the lowest prices anywhere in Guyana. She added that as the mobile fair continued, GTT would be changing the phones being offered at the mobile fairs based on cus-

tomers’ demand.

Some of the handsets up for sale during the mobile fair are: the BLU Studio G for $18,000; BLU Advance for $12,000; PLUM Trigger and Unnecto Dron XT for $9,000; and Alcatel Pixi for $12,000.

Additionally, GTT has amazing deals on the iPhone 5C priced at $60,000 while stocks last. The Samsung J5, which cost $48,000, is another handset that customers are rushing to get because of the highquality camera.

Moreover, during these mobile fairs, persons are allowed to take photos with the GTT branded vehicles that will be travelling across Guyana and will also get to sit in the driver’s seat to pose for the camera.

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guyanatimesGY.com

sundAY, january 17, 2016

SA dethroned, Stars quicks secure India No 1 Test team Perth Scorchers v Melbourne Stars, BBL 2015-16, Perth…

MCG semi-final

Daniel Worrall finished with 3-15 in his four overs

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or much of their stuttering innings, Melbourne Stars’ prospects of a finals berth looked in serious peril. But a 52-run come-frombehind victory over defending champions Perth Scorchers at the WACA has ensured they are a legitimate chance of winning their first ever Big Bash League title.

A scintillating bowling performance - they bowled Scorchers out for 94 in the 19th over - guaranteed Stars second place on the BBL ladder, which means the two teams will likely go at it again next Friday at the MCG in the second semi-final.

Chasing 147 for victory, and at least 109 to play the knockouts at the WACA ground, Scorchers collapsed under sustained and disciplined bowling. Only captain Adam Voges, who remained unbeaten on 46, managed to avoid a trend of reckless and baffling strokes that became instant wickets.

Stars’ new-ball bowlers Daniel Worrall and Ben Hilfenhaus produced seven fine overs, which fetched six wickets and conceded only 32 runs.

Openers Michael Klinger (0) and David Willey (2) succumbed to Worrall’s menace, leaving Scorchers at 2 for 9 in the third over. The WACA crowd of 20,870 - a record in the Big Bash - were petrified

and when Ben Hilfenhaus dismissed Michael Carberry and Ashton Agar in the sixth over, the match’s result was effectively decided.

Scorchers had spiralled to 4 for 26 and essentially re-adjusted their focus to chasing down the 109 runs needed to host a semi-final. But regular wickets, and an inability from anyone to support Voges, meant Scorchers fell short of that too.

It was the type of result that looked unlikely earlier in the day. After being sent in to bat, Stars could mount very little momentum and were three down before the Powerplay was done. None of their top four managed a score more than 14, but captain David Hussey struck 36 off 25 balls and the lower order took his example to heart. An enterprising 27-run ninth wicket partnership between Worrall and Evan Gulbis took the total to 9 for 146.

Both sides had lost players to the Australian ODI team, but Scorchers were worse off with their pace spearhead Jason Behrendorff’s back injury. A key to Scorchers’ unparalleled BBL success over the years has been their depth and knack of fringe players stepping up when given an opportunity. This trait was further exemplified tonight with Matt Dixon shining in his first BBL

game of the tournament.

With Behrendorff out and Joel Paris on national duty, Dixon made the most of his chance with hostile bouncers that rattled Stars’ top order.

In notable contrast from the WACA’s staid pitch just four days earlier for the India ODI, Scorchers’ quicks got the ball to rear up sharply to make life difficult for Stars’ batsmen.

Dixon picked up Luke Wright (14) and Peter Handscomb (9) with short deliveries and also had Kevin Pietersen (8) caught behind off a fuller one, although the former England batsman was nonplussed with the decision.

Dixon finished with 3 for 32 off four overs. Stars were 4 for 55 in eight overs.

Hussey and Rob Quiney took over rebuilding duties with a hard-hitting 40-run partnership, and the visitors began hoping for a competitive score on a fast and bouncy WACA pitch. But David Willey broke through and Quiney was well caught at point by Ashton Turner. Hussey looked most likely to steer Stars to respectability but he was felled in the 14th over, coolly caught on the long-off boundary by Ashton Agar off Brad Hogg.

Seamer Andrew Tye finished things off with his remarkable accuracy and various slower balls. He finished with 2 for 25 from four overs and likely put himself into Australia’s World T20 calculations. (Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD Melbourne Stars innings (20 overs maximum) MP Stoinis c Agar b Turner 5 LJ Wright c Richardson b Dixon 14 KP Pietersen c †Bancroft b Dixon 8 PSP Handscomb† c Richardson 9 b Dixon DJ Hussey* c Agar b Hogg 36 RJ Quiney c Turner b Willey 21 25 EP Gulbis not out A Zampa b Tye 1 BW Hilfenhaus b Tye 1 DJ Worrall run out 16 (Willey/†Bancroft) Extras: (lb-2, w-8) 10 Total: (9 wickets; 20 overs) 146 Fall of wickets: 1-17 (Wright, 1.6 ov), 2-27 (Stoinis, 3.6 ov), 3-33 (Pietersen, 5.3 ov), 4-55 (Handscomb, 7.4 ov), 5-95 (Quiney, 12.3 ov), 6-101 (Hussey, 13.4 ov), 7-117 (Zampa, 16.1 ov), 8-119 (Hilfenhaus, 16.4 ov), 9-146 (Worrall, 19.6 ov) Bowling: DJ Willey 4-0-231 (2-w), MW Dixon 4-0-323, AJ Turner 1-0-2-1, AJ Tye 4-0-25-2 (1-w), JA Richardson 2-0-22-0 (1-w), GB Hogg 4-036-1, AC Agar 1-0-4-0

Perth Scorchers innings (target: 147 runs from 20 overs) M Klinger c Wright b Worrall 0 DJ Willey c Wright b Worrall 2 AC Voges* not out 46 MA Carberry b Hilfenhaus 7 AC Agar c Worrall b Hilfenhaus 0 CT Bancroft† st †Handscomb 1 b Zampa AJ Turner c †Handscomb 11 b Stoinis AJ Tye c Stoinis b Gulbis 10 JA Richardson c & b 5 Hilfenhaus GB Hogg c Hussey b Zampa 0 MW Dixon b Worrall 4 Extras: (lb-3, w-5) 8 Total:(all out; 19 overs) 94 Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Klinger, 0.4 ov), 2-9 (Willey, 2.3 ov), 3-26 (Carberry, 5.4 ov), 4-26 (Agar, 5.6 ov), 5-34 (Bancroft, 7.5 ov), 6-51 (Turner, 10.4 ov), 7-72 (Tye, 14.2 ov), 8-85 (Richardson, 16.5 ov), 9-86 (Hogg, 17.2 ov), 10-94 (Dixon, 18.6 ov) Bowling: DJ Worrall 4-0-15-3 (1-w), BW Hilfenhaus 3-0-17-3 (1-w), MA Beer 3-0-15-0 (1-w), EP Gulbis 3-0-20-1, A Zampa 4-016-2, MP Stoinis 2-0-8-1 (2-w)

South Africa slip to No 3 in the Test rankings, while England rise to No 5

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outh Africa’s 0-2 defeat in their home series against England has pushed them off the top of the ICC Test Rankings.

Now India, with 110 rating points, are at No. 1, with Australia one rating point shy in second place.

It has been over a year since South Africa last won a Test match and that was against the eighth-ranked West Indies. Even if they beat England in the fourth Test in Centurion, they won’t be able to improve on their current third position.

Since January 2015, South Africa have lost five out of nine games, besides accumulating four draws.

England, by virtue of winning away from home, are in fifth place. They played out a highly entertaining drawn series against New Zealand at the start of the summer, then regained the Ashes with their fast bowlers putting in a strong display, but suffered a 0-2 defeat to Pakistan in the UAE. England have the opportunity to redress that scoreline when Pakistan come to their shores in July

2016 for a four-Test series.

England’s next assignment in Tests though will be the three matches against Sri Lanka in May. India, who beat South Africa 3-0 in December, have claimed the top spot for the first time since 2011. But they might not hold it for long. Australia are scheduled to play two Tests against New Zealand (ranked sixth) in February 2016 and will go top of the table if they win 1-0.

Virat Kohli and his men have enjoyed a fine season of Test cricket in the subcontinent. They broke a four-year drought without an overseas series win in Sri Lanka, coming from behind to beat the hosts 2-1 and then spun the South Africans out at home. The 337-run victory in the Delhi Test was India’s largest in terms of runs in their 83-year Test history.

Australia, under Steven Smith, have been just as prolific. They sealed the Frank Worrell Trophy in seven days, prior to which they won the inaugural DayNight Test to cap off a 2-0 victory over New Zealand.

(Cricinfo)

Sydney Sixers v Sydney Thunder, BBL 2015-16, Sydney…

Watson, spinners keep Thunder in contention

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eeding a win to stay in contention for their first Big Bash League semi-finals, Sydney Thunder turned out in style and sank Sydney Sixers in front of a record crowd.

Thunder had lost their previous four games, missed their preferred opening partnership, but produced a clinical performance with the bat to post the season’s highest score. Quick contributions from Shane Watson, Michael Hussey, and Andre Russell powered Thunder to 202. The bowlers then dismissed Sixers for 156 to cap off an impressive all-round performance.

Thunder are now safe, so long as one of the Melbourne teams lose their final games, or else they enter the murky world of net run-rate. Either way, in keeping their side of the qualification bargain, Thunder pulled the plug on

Andre Russell whacked 46 off 20 ball

Sixers’ season.

It was not all plain sailing, though. To remain in contention for finals themselves, Sixers had to win inside 16 overs. And when Nic Maddinson was joined by Brad Haddin in pursuit of 203, Hussey, playing his fi-

nal game in Sydney, looked anxious, and with good reason. Thirty of Maddinson’s first fifty runs came in sixes, and he was swinging with such power that the back of his bat simply flew off as he tried to drill offspinner Chris Green down

the ground.

Green proved an unlikely staller for the Thunder.

Brought into the attack with Sixers on the charge, he had Haddin caught sweeping second ball and conceded just five runs in his first two overs. Maddinson’s blitz ended when he was caught brilliantly by a diving Henry Nicholls at longon off legspinner Fawad Ahmed the following over.

Sixers were 118 for 4 in the 13th over, and they added very little to that.

With the bat, Thunder could have done little more.

Watson, promoted to open in the absence of Usman Khawaja and Jacques Kallis, veritably ghosted to 66 off 41 balls. Hussey anchored the innings, while Russell was in brutal form, fearlessly clearing his front leg and throwing his hands to launch four sixes in the death to propel Thunder.

(Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD Sydney Thunder innings (20 overs maximum) SR Watson c Bird b Dwarshuis 66 AC Blizzard c †Haddin b Abbott 20 MEK Hussey* b Bollinger 41 HM Nicholls c Bollinger b Lyon 3 AD Russell c Silk b Abbott 46 BJ Rohrer not out 14 CJ Green not out 5 7 Extras: (lb-3, w-4) Total: (5 wickets; 20 overs) 202 Fall of wickets: 1-48 (Blizzard, 6.1 ov), 2-108 (Watson, 12.2 ov), 3-115 (Nicholls, 13.3 ov), 4-175 (Hussey, 17.5 ov), 5-185 (Russell, 18.5 ov) Bowling: BJ Dwarshuis 4-0-421 (1-w), DE Bollinger 3-0-40-1 (2-w), JM Bird 3-0-27-0, J Botha 2-0-16-0, SA Abbott 4-0-412 (1-w), NM Lyon 4-0-33-1 Sydney Sixers innings (target: 203 runs from 20 overs) MJ Lumb c McAndrew b McKay 12 EJM Cowan c McKay b Russell 13 NJ Maddinson* c Nicholls b Fawad Ahmed 70

BJ Haddin† c McKay b Green 17 JC Silk c Nicholls b Green 16 BJ Dwarshuis st †Hartley b Fawad Ahmed 13 J Botha c Nicholls b Fawad Ahmed 4 7 SA Abbott not out NM Lyon b Green 0 1 JM Bird c Watson b McKay DE Bollinger c Fawad Ahmed b McKay 0 3 Extras: (w-3) Total: (all out; 17.3 overs) 156 Fall of wickets: 1-13 (Lumb, 1.3 ov), 2-45 (Cowan, 4.4 ov), 3-101 (Haddin, 9.2 ov), 4-118 (Maddinson, 12.3 ov), 5-135 (Dwarshuis, 14.2 ov), 6-139 (Botha, 14.5 ov), 7-148 (Silk, 15.4 ov), 8-149 (Lyon, 15.6 ov), 9-155 (Bird, 17.1 ov), 10156 (Bollinger, 17.3 ov) Bowling: AD Russell 3-0-311, CJ McKay 2.3-0-16-3, N McAndrew 2-0-21-0 (3-w), SR Watson 2-0-22-0, Fawad Ahmed 4-0-39-3, CJ Green 4-0-27-3

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Williams elected head of Demerara Volleyball Association

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Guyana Volleyball Federation president, John Flores (left), with the new executives of the DVA. From right are Ian Wills, Odile Broomes, Trevor Williams, Jana Edghill and Allana Bose. Absent is Allister Griffith

F

o r m e r Parliamentarian Trevor Williams was on Saturday afternoon voted in as president of the Demerara Volleyball Association (DVA), following the association’s Annual General Meeting.

Williams was elected unopposed to replace Army Major Alan Pompey, who did not seek re-election.

Momenta after being elected, Williams said the DVA executives will immediately focus on increasing the number of registered clubs, especially by targeting different areas like Linden, as

well as social and religious groups. He also spoke of the need to widen the pool of players to select from.

To help him realise those goals, Williams will have the likes of former DVA president, Ian Wills, as his Vice-president to call on. Jana Edghill is the new Secretary, while Allister Griffith is the Treasurer and Odile Broomes the Assistant Secretary/Treasurer.

Radio and television personality, Allana Bose, was elected to serve as Public Relations Officer.

All the positions were contested unopposed, with the

exception of the Assistant Secretary/Treasurer post.

Tameka King was the other candidate. The DVA has followed in the footsteps of the Berbice Volleyball Association, who recently got a new president in Levi Nedd, who replaced the outgoing Gregory Rambarran.

President of the Guyana Volleyball Federation (GVF), John Flores, who was the Returning Officer of the DVA elections, urged the executives that in keep with the GVF and world volleyball plans, they should pay special attention to beach, school and female volleyball.

South Africa v England, 3rd Test, Johannesburg, 3rd day…

Broad’s 6-17 sweeps England to series victory

A

remarkable spell by Stuart Broad inspired England as they beat South Africa by seven wickets in the third Test to secure a series victory.

In one of his trademark hot streaks, Broad took 5-1 in 31 balls as the hosts were bowled out for 83 in Johannesburg.

Broad ended with 6-17, while Ben Stokes claimed 2-24 and James Taylor held two stunning catches at short leg.

England, earlier bowled out for 323, were taken to their target of 74 by Alastair

SCOREBOARD South Africa 1st innings 313 England 1st innings 323 South Africa 2nd innings D Elgar c †Bairstow b Broad 15 S van Zyl c Stokes b Broad 11 5 HM Amla c Taylor b Broad AB de Villiers* c †Bairstow b Broad 0 F du Plessis c & b Broad 14 T Bavuma b Broad 0 DJ Vilas† c Taylor b Finn 8 CH Morris b Stokes 1 K Rabada c †Bairstow b Stokes 16 GC Viljoen lbw b Anderson 6 M Morkel not out 4 Extras:(lb-2, nb-1) 3 Total: (all out; 33.1 overs) 83 Fall of wickets: 1-23 (Elgar, 7.5 ov), 2-28 (van Zyl, 11.6 ov), 3-30 (de Villiers, 13.5 ov), 4-31 (Amla, 15.3 ov), 5-35 (Bavuma, 17.5 ov), 6-45 (Vilas, 21.2 ov), 7-46 (Morris, 22.1 ov), 8-67 (Rabada,

26.6 ov), 9-77 (Viljoen, 30.4 ov), 10-83 (du Plessis, 33.1 ov) Bowling: JM Anderson 101-26-1, SCJ Broad 12.1-617-6, BA Stokes 8-1-24-2, ST Finn 3-0-14-1 (1-nb) England 2nd innings (target: 74 runs) AN Cook* c †Vilas b Morris 43 AD Hales lbw b Elgar 18 NRD Compton c Morkel b Elgar 0 JE Root not out 4 JWA Taylor not out 2 Extras: (b 4, lb 2, w 1) 7 Total: (3 wickets; 22.4 overs) 74 Fall of wickets: 1-64 (Hales, 16.6 ov), 2-68 (Compton, 18.4 ov), 3-71 (Cook, 21.2 ov) Bowling: M Morkel 5-2-7-0, K Rabada 4-0-28-0, GC Viljoen 4-2-15-0 (1-w), CH Morris 6-2-8-1, D Elgar 3.4-1-10-2

Stuart Broad ripped through South Africa’s batting in Johannesburg

Cook’s 43 for a three-day win.

Cook’s men go 2-0 up, with only the fourth Test still to play, for a first overseas series victory since 2012.

Regardless of the result of the final match in Centurion, South Africa now without a win in nine Tests - will be replaced by India at the top of the Test rankings.

Broad had taken five wickets in a single spell on six previous occasions, the most famous of which were Ashes-winning hauls at The Oval in 2009, Chesterle-Street in 2013 and Trent Bridge in 2015. (BBC Sport)

22

guyanatimesGY.com

sundAY, january 17, 2016

National Senior Table Tennis Championships…

Paul benefits from benevolence of V Net Communications

Opening night serves off W with ‘C’ Class action

Part of the action during the opening night’s play on Friday (Marceano Narine photo)

By Treiston Joseph

A

ction in the National Senior Table Tennis Championships served off with ‘C’ Class action on Friday evening at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue.

Kaysan Ninvalle, Nicholas Romain, Tyriq Saunders and Jeremy Singh, along with Yeudister Persaud were the standout players of the evening.

Ninvalle, playing in Group Four out of seven, played with great poise to win all three of his matches in the group, ending the

night on six points. He defeated Vincente Henery 3-1, Leonardo Butcher 3-1 and Jamal Allicock 3-0.

Saunders, playing in Group Three, had a dominant display, easily winning his three games against Colin Wong 3-0, Jermine Rice 3-1 and Ion Waidron 3-0.

Meanwhile, Singh, out of Group Six, looked in great touch, displaying some aggression with three straight wins against Niran Bissu 3-1, Thuraia Thomas 3-0 and Krystian Sahadeo 3-0.

Persaud also made his

presence felt in Group Five with wins against Jamal Nicholas 3-1, Dhanesh Persaud 3-1 and Andrew Marks 3-0.

Romain was also in great form in Group Two action, defeating Isaiah Layne 3-0, Maurice Cummings 3-0 and Ishaka Jackman 3-1.

The tournament will continue over the weekend with all finals set to be held today at the said venue where the likes of Shemar Britton, Chelsea Edghill, Trenace Lowe and Nigel Bryan are expected to take to the tables.

est Indies Under-19 Vicecaptain Keemo Paul has become the beneficiary of the benevolence of V Net Communications as he embarks on another journey in his young career.

At a simple ceremony held at the entity’s office in Delph Street, Campbellville, prior to Paul’s departure for the ICC Under-19 World Cup in Bangladesh, Chief Executive Officer of the company, Safraz Sheriffudeen, presented a quantity of cricket gear and an undisclosed sum of cash to the Guyanese all-rounder. Paul’s package also includes communications coverage when on tour.

Sheriffudeen congratulated Paul on his selection and wished him well in his future endeavours. The company also sponsors cricket and dominoes in Wakenaam and Sheriffudeen added that his cricket competition is geared towards enhancing talent on the island.

“Players need exposure to develop and that’s the main reason we are supporting the sport there,” he said, adding that Paul would have played in the said tournament. “His feat will definitely serve as a motivation factor to many youths there and I have seen quite a number of them taking the sport seriously, so Paul is already a role model for some,” he posited.

The CEO, who hails

V NET Communications CEO, Safraz Sheriffudeen (right), presents the pieces to Keemo Paul

from Wakenaam, said that he was impressed with the talent on show during his last competition there and that his company will continue to support the game as well as young players on the island, and that they are happy to be associated with sports.

Paul thanked Sheriffudeen for his backing and pledged to so his best for his for the region.

He hopes his feat will motivate young cricketers, adding that it is a pleasure to represent the West Indies, more so to be named Vicecaptain.

The all-rounder explained that parents should encourage their children to take sports seriously and credited his father for his success so far. Paul feels that discipline is important in order to achieve success.

V Net Communications provides satellite internet services to remote areas in Guyana.

Meanwhile, PRO of the Wakenaam Cricket Committee, Vickram Ramnarine, congratulated Paul and stated that his achievement is as a result of the hard work he has put in over the years.

Major changes to upcoming National Sports Awards

By Akeem Greene

T

he upcoming National Sports Awards 2015 are set to undergo some swooping changes with the aim of keeping greater anonymity of the winners.

Director of Sport,

Flashback! The awardees of 2014

Director of Sport, Christopher Jones

Christopher Jones, speaking to media operatives last week, was quizzed on the plans for the award this year. He revealed that “there is a shift in

the panel, in terms of the panel that was previously had in terms of identifying an individual; for example the Director of sport will play absolutely no role in the process.”

As it regards the actual panel, Jones explained that “they [the panel] will not be collectively identifying individuals, but they will be individually identifying the individual, and based on the amounts of votes for an individual or association, a different group will put those together and confer

who is the individual that wins the sports award, so it is that no one individual knows who will be awardees until the day.”

There have been some concerns in the past about the selection process of the various individuals, but the Director said this year, they will be addressed.

The National Sports Commission is currently notifying the respective associations/federations/ boards to submit their names of potential awardees.

“We are in the process

of sending the letters to the various associations/ federations, informing them that they could make the submissions identifying the sports men, women, journalists and associations that would be contending [for the] awards,” Jones said.

Guyana and West Indies spin bowler Veerasammy Permaul was named the Sportsman-ofthe-Year, while track athlete Cassie George won awards for Sportswomanof-the-Year, as well as

Junior Sportswoman-ofthe-Year for 2014.

Circuit racer Kristian Jeffrey was runner-up among the men, while squash player Akeila Wiltshire was the women’s runner-up. The runner-up Junior Sportsman award went to cricketer Shimron Hetmyer, while track athlete Jason Yaw collected the Junior Sportsmanof-the-Year award. The multi-talented athlete Alisha Fortune won the runner-up Sportswomanof-the-Year award.

The Guyana Rugby

Football Union won the awards for Most Improved Association, Sports Association of the Year and the Sports Team of the Year. GRFU’s president Peter Green won the Male Sports Personality award and National Rugby coach Theadore Henry won the Sports Coach award.

The National Sports Awards will be in the month of May and plans are to incorporate the 50th anniversary celebrations into the awards. (akeemg@guyanatimesgy.com)

sundAY, january 17, 2016

guyanatimesGY.com

23

WICB/NAGICO Super50

Jaguars face Marooners today in final group game

By Akeem Greene

W

ith Guyana Jaguars’ semi-final spot secured, they enter their final Group B game of the WICB/NAGICO Super50 against Combined Campuses and Colleges Marooners today with the freedom to experiment with their line-up. However, with the possibility of facing the stronger sides in the knockout phase, they may be tempted to keep a winning combination.

In their last game against Leeward Island Hurricanes, debutant fast bowler Romario Shepherd blew away the opposition with his Man-of-the-Match performance of 3-37. It then

was over to the experienced Shivnarine Chanderpaul to shepherd the side home with an unbeaten 57 in a sevenwicket win.

Despite the comfortable win, there are still questions lingering about the batting, as there has been some inconsistency in terms of top order batsmen not carrying on after getting starts.

Jaguars will be pleased to know to know their bowling seems to be extremely competent in restricting teams.

Spinners Veerasammy Permaul, Gudakesh Motie and Steven Jacobs have constantly been among the wickets. Not only have they taken wickets, they have made opposition scoring ex-

GASA president enthused by Olympic prospects – Hannibal Gaskin currently training at High Performance facility in U.S.A

Ivan Persaud

Jamila Sanmoogan

By Akeem Greene

Hannibal Gaskin and Jamila Sanmoogan being the two entries. Both swimmers are currently undergoing intensive training.

Gaskin is currently undergoing a seven-month training stint at FINA High Performance Centre in Delaware, Ohio. This facility is touted to be one of the best hard-level training institutions in the word.

The new training regime could be tough on the swimmer, but Persaud believes “he has to get accustom to that different regime of training.

He is a strong young man, I think he is very enthusiastic and up for it to go Rio.” In August 2015, at the Goodwill Swim Meet held in Trinidad and Tobago, Gaskin broke the 200m freestyle record in the Boys’ 15-17 age group, when he swam a time of 1:58.66s, bettering the previous time of 1:59.29s.

Sanmoogan is currently in Colombia at the National School of Sport on a scholarship and is dubbed an exceptional swimmer by members of the swimming fraternity. She recently did a time of 1:02s in the 100m freestyle.

Her previous best was 1:06s.

To receive one of these wild cards, swimmers would have had to compete at the FINA World Championships, which were held in Russia last year. Gaskin and Sanmoogan, along with Andy Fowler, attended. (akeemg@guyanatimesgy.com)

P

resident of the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA), Ivan Persaud, is of the strong belief that the country has the right pedigree of swimmers who can make Guyana proud at the Olympics.

Persaud, in an interview with Guyana Times Sport, revealed that “We stand a very good chance in 2020 because we have lots of very good swimmers coming up… the future of Olympic swimming is very bright.”

He further added, “For the first time in 2020 we might have more than two swimmers qualifying and I mean actually qualifying. We always have to qualify by wildcards because of our performance.”

Over the last year, Guyana has seen an increase in persons getting into swimming at a young age and astonishingly producing commendable performances. The President highlighted two of many young swimmers, who, once given the correct training, can do wonders in the pool.

“Leon Seaton, a 10-year old, is already swimming under 30 seconds in 50m freestyle. Jayden George, who is also the same age, is doing it as well; they, in the next first years, will do well for Guyana,” Persaud explained.

Guyana has already received two wild cards for the Rio 2016 Olympics, with

tremely difficult.

Today’s game is by no means a dead rubber.

Should CCC Marooners win and earn a bonus point, they can leapfrog Windward Islands Volcanoes and qualify for the semi-finals.

That’s providing the Volcanoes lose their final game against the Hurricanes.

Anything seems possible since in their last game against the Volcanoes, the CCC they won by 91 runs, defending a total of 158.

Rovman Powell (71) shone with the bat and Chemar Holder (5-22) with the ball to hand them their first win of the competition.

A large portion of the students’ hopes lie with captain Chadwick Walton. The Marooners will be hoping to get off to a good start via Anthony Allyene, who is an extremely pleasing to watch, especially when he rocks back to play the cut shot. He could be a dangerous player

Romario Shepherd impressed on debut last Friday

if he gets going. Powell certainly will still be brewing with confidence and could pose a threat.

Their bowling lies in hands of another former West Indies Under-19 player, leg-spinner Akeem Dewar. The tall Dewar, who normally does not extract much turn from the pitch, is more known for his ability to get bounce, and his quicker deliveries.

Seamers Christopher Powell and Chemar Holder are extremely handy with the ball as well.

The Warner Park pitch under lights will see the ball swinging in evening.

The last match the Jaguars played there was a thriller and the hope will be that this can muster the same excitement. The day/night match will begin at 13:30h.

The Guyana Jaguars squad reads: Assad Fudadin; Kevon Boodie; Shivnarine Chanderpaul; Leon Johnson (Captain); Vishaul Singh;

Christopher Barnwell (Vicecaptain); Raymon Reifer; Anthony Bramble; Steven Jacobs; Veerasammy Permaul; Gudakesh Motie; Paul Wintz; Romario Shepherd and Royston Crandon.

Combined Campuses and Colleges Marooners: Chadwick Walton (Captain), Jovan Ali, Anthony Alleyne, Cassius Burton, Akeem Dewar, Mark Deyal, Chemar Holder, Nino Henry, Aaron Jones, Vikash Mohan, Christopher Powell, Rovman Powell, Kristopher Ramsaran In the other games, Jamaica Scorpions will play ICC Americas at the National Cricket Center, Trinidad, from 09:00h; Trinidad and Tobago Red Force will tackle Barbados Pride at the Queen’s Park Oval from 13:30h; and Leeward Islands Hurricanes will face Windward Volcanoes at St Paul’s from 09:00h.

sundAY, january 17, 2016

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

guyanatimesgy.com

National Senior Table Tennis Championships…

Opening night serves off with ‘C’ Class action Page 22

A panoramic view of the set for the National Senior Championships at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue (Marceano Narine photo)

WICB/NAGICO Super50

Jaguars face Marooners today in final group game Page 23

GASA president enthused by Olympic prospects – Hannibal Gaskin currently training at High Performance facility in U.S.A

Page 23

CCC Marooners’ captain Chadwick Walton missed out the last time against Guyana Jaguars. He will certainly want to rectify that today

Hannibal Gaskin

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