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THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 3051

Saturday, November 26, 2016

PRICE

Missing GT&T shares

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Chinese buyer attempted to avoid paying US$5M debt – Jagdeo Page 3

Chinese businessman terrorised, robbed Page 13

$80 vat included

Businessman nabbed with P8 ganja in water pump

Police dump $49M worth of cocaine

UG should offer more post-graduate programmes – Lancashire Professor P12

Page 10

Vendor, cousin P17 nabbed with semiautomatic gun

Gunmen rob bread delivery truck at Grove P14

President David Granger and Chinese Ambassador Zhang Limin unveiling the plaque (inset), at the intersection of Washerpond Road and Causarina Drive which officially commissioned the Centennial Arch. The arch was constructed

by Bosai Minerals Group (Guyana) Limited in celebration of the 100 years of bauxite mining in Linden (See story on page 14)

GuySuCo awaits word on fate of Skeldon Sugar Factory Page 10

Cuyuni P12 mining district to get new airstrip

ExxonMobil to submit local content plan to Govt

Page 13

Lone gunman robs Beharry distribution P14 truck

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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2016 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

news

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saturDAY, november 26, 2016 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Saturday, November 26 – 14:30h-16:00h, with a night retraction at 03:00h (Sunday morning) and Sunday, November 27 – 14:30h-16:00h, with a night retraction at 03:30h (Monday morning).

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, November 26 – 14:45h-16:15h and Sunday, November 27 – 15:20h-16:50h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Early morning sunshine will be interrupted by light rain showers that will last throughout the remainder of the day. Clear skies can be expected in the evening, with temperatures ranging between 25 degrees and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to East North-easterly between 3.12 metres and 4.47 metres.

Missing GT&T Shares

Chinese buyer attempted to avoid paying US$5M debt – Jagdeo

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he Chinese company that had purchased the 20 per cent shares held by Government in the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) had attempted to coerce Guyana’s Ambassador to China into not making its final payment and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo is of the view, “if they don’t pay we will have

High Tide: 02:19h and 14:35h reaching maximum heights of 2.37 metres and 2.49 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 08:08h and 20:33h reaching minimum heights of 0.81 metre and 0.72 metre respectively.

Professor David Dabydeen

Wednesday, november 23, 2016

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Friday, November 25, 2016

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to legal action.”

Jagdeo made the disclosure on Thursday when he sought to clear the air on the seemingly missing US$5 million.

The Chinese buyer – Datang Telecom Technology and Industry Group – had agreed to pay US$30 million for the 20 per cent shares Government held in the telephone giant but the company has since refused to pay its final tranche of US$5 million.

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon had travelled to China after the coalition A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) Government took office to ascertain the whereabouts of the missing payment.

He has since said that National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) will have to make the pronouncements on the money.

However, Opposition Leader Jagdeo on Thursday said that the Chinese buyer never made its final payment for the shares.

Seeking to provide some context on the deal that would have been initiated during his tenure in Office, Jagdeo said the sale of the shares was publicly advertised but this process saw the highest bidder coming at US$7 million for the 20 per cent shares.

This, he said, was found to be unsatisfactory by Government but when it got wind that the Chinese company was interested, negotiations were embarked on and a sale price of US$30 million was agreed on.

The company had agreed to pay an initial US$25 million when it signed the agreement with the final tranche being paid within two years.

This did not occur, and according to Jagdeo, during this time there arose a big issue which led to a backand-forth between NICIL and the Chinese company which had refused to make its final payment, claiming that it did not get its ‘Golden Share’ allowing it greater representation on the board of directors at GT&T. According to Jagdeo the Chinese company made an issue of the fact that they did not get the directorships on the board as was purportedly promise and as such did not want to pay.

Jagdeo said the company had even engaged the then Guyana Ambassador to China, Pro David Dabydeen and had claimed that he gave approval to not pay the remaining US$5 million.

The former President now Opposition Leader has staunchly denied this, telling the media Thursday that the Ambassador had said ‘no.’

“We are saying the money was not paid,” declared

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

Jagdeo.

He suggested that if Government maintains otherwise then all is required is to request of the company to whom the money was paid.

Jagdeo is unyielding that the Chinese buyer had attempted to coerce Ambassador Dabydeen into entering some sort of agreement to not pay the outstanding amount but this never materialised.

According to Jagdeo the Chinese company could use whatever reason it wants but “if they don’t pay we will have to legal action.”

At a post-Cabinet press briefing at the Ministry of the Presidency on April 20 last, Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Raphael Trotman, had said the administration is currently trying to locate the US$5 million outstanding to the Government.

Trotman told the media that Minister Harmon discovered that the money was paid to NICIL before May 16 last year. It is unclear to whom specifically the money was paid.

“What I can say is that Mr Harmon has been able to retrieve some documents which tell a different story, and that story is that the $5 million was paid; and we are trying to track down to whom, when and where;

and that was before May 16, 2015,” Trotman said.

Former President Donald Ramotar has denied that the US$5 million owed by the Chinese company had been paid to his administration prior to the May 11, 2015 general elections.

“The claim by the APNU/ AFC Government that the money was received is a lie, and I challenge the Government to present the ‘documents’ it has received, so that the veracity of the evidence can be tested and authenticated,” the former President had said.

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saturday, november 26, 2016

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

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

Editorial

Different team familiar result

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here is a saying that winning is a habit, and so is losing as it is becoming a norm with the once dominant West Indies cricket team.

On Friday, the new look Caribbean side crashed out of the Blue Mountain Achilleion Tri-nation Series due to a five run loss to host Zimbabwe via the Duckworth/Lewis Method. It was their second defeat of the series and the end to what was determined by most cricket pundits, “a surprised performance” by the Regional side.

At the start of the series the West Indies surprised many with an impressive 65 run win over a Sri Lankan unit also undergoing transition. In that encounter the guys in maroon, for most of the match, applied the basics to get to a positive result.

Subsequent to that match the West Indies found ways to tie and lose matches from positions where they were strongly in control and should have won. A situation West Indies fans are quite familiar with since the swing of the century. Even with the presence of Brian Lara, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Ramnaresh Sarwan and Chris Gayle in the same team, they lost from strong positions.

Prior to the series the inexperienced Caribbean side were not among the favourites to reach the final, but with the quality start they had a lot was expected of them thereafter. In the very next match (the third of the series) West Indies required 258 to win from 50 overs and at one stage were 28 runs away from victory with six wickets remaining and 18 deliveries to be bowled. To everyone’s amusement Zimbabwe managed to tie that match. A rare case of a batting catastrophe from such a strong position, especially with a further break down of just four runs to win from the final over with five wickets intact. Captain Jason Holder blamed the lack of experience for the result.

An unimaginable thriller followed the tied encounter, but this time West Indies found a way to lose by one run to Sri Lanka in a high-scoring encounter. Those who witnessed that match would know how difficult it is to analyse that result, particularly after a spectacular maiden century from Evin Lewis when the West Indies were on course for a successful 300-run chase for the first time ever.

Then the knockout punch came as the regional team was five runs off the Duckworth/Lewis par score when rain interrupted and arguably played into the host’s favour.

Unfortunately the skipper, Jason Holder, was at the crease on all three occasions but he is not to be blamed solely for any of the results since he displayed courageous performances with bat and ball in all of West Indies matches.

What should be questioned is the reason for negative result from a different team. Although it may be too soon to judge this new unit, their execution to the latter part of games is familiar and should be examined immediately before the catastrophe of losing matches from winning positions develop.

Clearly it has to do with their psychological approach and if it is limited to that then there must be improvement in that area.

Nevertheless the young unit performed beyond expectation throughout the series, especially in the batting department. With one match remaining in the series (the final between Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka) West Indies batsmen Shai Hope (101) and Lewis (148) so far have the only centuries of the series while they were bowled out once and scored over two hundreds thrice in a rare showing of consistency by the West Indies.

Meanwhile, in the bowling department the pacers led

by Holder contained batsmen and made constant inroads while the spinners performed satisfactorily.

Overall the series must be critically analysed if this new look team is to bring unfamiliar results. That is, positive outcomes.

The Machinery Corporation of Guyana Limited (MACORP) on Friday evening hosted a grand customer’s appreciation night which saw a number of their dedicated customers being awarded for their loyalty. In photo are the awardees along with the Chief Executive Officer Jorge Medina (front centre)

The immorality of politics of deception Dear Editor, The APNU/AFC parties have so far based their politics on deception. They deliberately set out to fool people just to secure their votes.

They have also misled a lot of people into believing that they would do things that they never had any intention of doing in the first place.

One would recall the many promises they made.

In every area, they made promises that they never had any intention to fulfil.

They gave many assurances to the sugar workers, including that they would give them (the workers) a 20% increase in wages.

They knew the situation in sugar long before they took power. GuySuCo’s board and management made several appearances to the Parliamentary Standing Committee for Economic Affairs. They were given all the information, including the huge cut in price for sugar being exported to Europe (a 36 per cent cut).

They knew, too, because the PPP/C Government sought Parliamentary approval for funds to assist

the sugar industry with the problems it faced.

In fact, at one time, what seems to be a Freudian slip, the then Opposition Leader, David Granger, said that the industry should be closed. Not long after, he changed his position and said GuySuCo should not be allowed to fail. He actually said it was too big to fail.

Now we see that they have refused to give the sugar workers even a dollar more since they came into office. Their wages have been frozen.

Worse than that, they are making moves to decimate the sugar industry.

The same trick was played on rice farmers. They told the farmers they would pay them $9000 per bag of paddy. They did this knowing perfectly well that such a promise could not have been honoured.

Today, farmers have been forced to take a huge cut in prices. This has resulted in some farmers being unable to commence a new crop. Some are facing ruination.

The regime also promised to cut the VAT from

16 per cent to 10 per cent.

That was one of the ways they said would bring down cost of living. They did this knowing that the PPP/C Government had zero-rated all essential items and removed VAT from machinery in the productive sector, mainly mining and agriculture.

The APNU/AFC regime has not only maintained the VAT at 16 per cent, but they have reapplied it on machinery and equipment used by miners and farmers.

They also deliberately demonised companies and their personnel, for example, NICIL. They promised to shut down the Government’s holding company and to transfer the monies held there to the Consolidated Fund.

But they have kept NICIL operational. A new board has been appointed and new management is now in place; higher salaries are being paid to these persons. At the same time, they have not transferred all the funds to the Consolidated Fund.

Indeed, the regime, in

their need to finance their excesses, have also been taxing kitchen gardeners, donkey and horse cart operators and a host of other small businesses. They seem desperate to scrape up all they can to pay for an already top-heavy and growing bureaucracy.

This practice of political deception has already led to much suffering of ordinary people.

It also tells a story of the nature and character of those persons who are running this country. It is a politically immoral group bent on maximising their own personal benefits; thus, their slogan about ‘The Good Life...”

We see the real meaning of that slogan is really a good life for the rulers and heavy burdens for those at the bottom. This regime came into power based on a foundation of fraud and deception and they continue to follow that line.

This is a sure recipe for destruction.

Sincerely, Donald Ramotar Former President

Noise nuisance in West Ruimveldt Dear Editor, I'm taking this opportunity in your newspaper column to voice my concern about the loud music that is being played every Thursday and Sunday by the Ballaz Bar. Our community is West Ruimveldt Estate.

This bar has been playing their music very loudly,

many times until 04:00h in the morning. This is causing much distress to neighbours and their children. Our children cannot study or even get a good night's sleep and many children go to the West Ruimveldt Primary School, the area which the bar is also located.

The bar also had a shooting recently and Police

found a gun. They are being allowed to play their music very loudly until after 02:00h.

Many calls were made by neighbours to the Ruimveldt Police Station but nothing has been done. Police patrols would pass and “gaff” with the people of the bar and just allow the music to continue.

This situation is getting worse. This situation needs Minister Ramjattan’s attention. This music is so loud, even the roofs of the houses shake and car alarms go off.

How can residents live in this situation?

Sincerely, Concerned residents

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

What future does a Trump A regressive action presidency hold for the Caribbean region?

Dear Editor, Much has been written about the results of the recent US presidential election. My candidate of choice, Hillary Clinton, won the popular vote but lost the Electoral College and the presidency to Donald Trump. What a shocker this was to many of us, but the electorate has spoken and Donald Trump is the legitimately elected president-elect of the USA. Despite Trump’s triumph life goes on and as President Obama said, the sun will continue to rise each morning. But what future does a Trump presidency hold for the Caribbean Diaspora and the Caribbean region itself?

Much has been written on this subject as well, including an insightful column by Guyana born-Antigua Ambassador to the US, Sir Ron Saunders.

Earlier this week at the Caribbean Central American Action’s (CCAA’s) 40th annual conference on the Caribbean and Central America there was much discussion on the Trump presidency and what it means for the Caribbean and Central America.

One session devoted exclusively to this issue was chaired by Guyana’s Ambassador to the US, Riyad Insanally and included a panel comprised of persons close to the Democrats and the Republicans. During that discussion Al Cardenas, Senior Partner, Squire Patton Boggs (US) LLP had this to say: “The Trump presidency offers us a blank canvas on which to paint our priorities.” Insinuating that the Trump campaign never expected to win and therefore never paid any attention to the Caribbean much less craft a policy on its relations with the region if and when it formed the government. Cardenas pointed to the opportunity presented the Caribbean and Central America to help contribute in shaping US/Caribbean Basin relations under the new Administration.

During the panel discussion the possible negative impact of Trump’s previously expressed policies on issues such as trade, immigra-

tion, remittances and climate change were highlighted but it was noted that at no point during the campaign had Trump alluded to the DR/ CAFTA or Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI) agreements.

It was also noted that the US is a country of strong institutions which would provide checks and balances to a runaway president, should Trump choose to be such.

Against this backdrop the burning question that emerged is: “Are we ready?”

We in this case mean the Caribbean and Central America. There was in-depth discussion on the state of readiness or lack thereof and the identification of strategies on the way forward.

There was consensus that the Caribbean and Central American nations need to act quickly together on reaching out to key players in the new Administration so as to contribute to shaping "the painting on the now blank canvas.”

There was also consensus that the governments of the Caribbean Basin should utilise its Diaspora and key organisations such as CCAA and other business organisa-

tions in their efforts in this regard.

I fully endorse the consensus emanating from this discussion. I have always been an advocate for intensified engagement with the US on the part of Caricom states and for a coordinated approach that involves their Diasporas. In fact I have submitted a proposal to the Caricom Secretariat on a lobbying strategy that provides for a key role for the Caribbean Diaspora.

While I fully endorse the approach that would see Caricom and Central American countries work together here, I would caution that at times our respective priorities will differ and Caricom must be prepared to fight its own battles, and do so effectively. Working with our Central American brothers and all others with whom our interests coincide is the way to go, being ever conscious that our unity does not preclude a plurality of outlook, it pre-supposes it. It wasn’t so long ago that we had the divisive issue of bananas.

Regards, Wesley Kirton

Dear Editor, I do not believe in the philosophy, ideas and the sentiments of anything that is divisive or could cause Guyanese to think in a manner that will create a sort of internecine, tribal division in our nation. I am someone who does not know what racism is, I do not like it, I do not believe in it and I do not tolerate it. However, I believe that an organisation like the African Business Chamber for whatever reason and whoever decided to form it did not go far enough to realise that in Guyana we have a multi-ethnic society and in Guyana everyone has the right to go into business.

To form an afro-centric business chamber to me, personally, is a regressive action. Some other people may not be as outspoken as I am to come out and to say this but it must be said. So I give my message to the media, the editors and the public that I strongly disagree with this move.

The African Chamber of Commerce has been applauded by the Government and that is within their power to do so, although I disagree. To be fair, I do recall His Excellency David A Granger calling for growth and development among the

African culture and business and so forth, but I believe that encouraging such segregation could be dangerous. I also read that the Opposition Leader, Former President Bharrat Jagdeo, wisely critiqued its formation and brought out his thoughts nationalistically, stating that it could lead to the destruction of other businesses. I believe that this will also create a widening of ethnic chambers of commerce in Guyana.

Will it be wise for the Indian businesses to form an Indian Business Chamber? Will it be wise for the ‘Dougla’ to form a Dougla Chamber of Commerce? Would it be a wise decision if our Amerindian brothers and sisters in business formed an Amerindian Business Chamber? It could be justified since they are probably the most abused and mistreated people in the history of Guyana. Should the Chinese then call for a Chamber of their own? Can the Europeans here form one also? I view having a chamber strictly for a particular race as degenerating.

I know that some of my African brothers and sisters will be upset and annoyed with me, but the ones who are intellectual will see the repercussions of this development. If Africans are to

Another blue Christmas for Amerindians Dear Editor, There are more delays in Guyana’s Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF) REDD+ Readiness project since there seems to be little or no movement in the implementation of this project by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) in collaboration with the Natural Resources Ministry. On the occasion of Guyana’s 50th independence anniversary, I wrote regarding Amerindians being denied benefits due to slothfulness by the IDB in discharging its responsibilities and hence causing delays in resources being made available to the Amerindian people (approximately US$300,000 is budgeted for the National Toshaos Council (NTC) and Indigenous organisations).

This placed a dark cloud over Amerindian celebration for Independence.

At the commencement of the 2016 Amerindian Heritage

Month activities, NTC Chair Joel Fredricks made a passionate plea for this project to kick start and bring benefits to the Amerindian people of Guyana.

From then to now, a few administrative activities have been done but as far as I am concerned, no substantive progress has been made on the FCPF project at least not to the point of discharging

benefits to Amerindians. This I believe is very unfortunate and the Amerindians continue to wait in frustration due to the IDB’s inaction and bureaucracy.

I believe the Ministry is making every effort to have the project on stream so where exactly is the bottle neck; one can only think it’s the IDB’s inability to properly administer this project and hence

causing unnecessary delays and hardship to hard working Amerindians, whose hopes are fading with every passing day, so much that it will be another blue Christmas for Amerindians in the fight against climate change and its dangerous consequences.

Yours sincerely, Peter Persaud

keep the business of Africans within their community then the other races may think the same way. If this happens, then there will be no need for a regional or national chamber of commerce.

My philosophy is one of unity and goodwill and I believe that all must be given opportunities. The goal which we all hope to achieve together is social cohesion and I further believe that this African chamber will cause paranoia amongst the other races and they may want to marginalise the Africans and vice-versa.

Once we go this direction, it is kind of an apartheid mentality which isn’t being created by the Government but by the people themselves. The African people are one of the world’s most dynamic, powerful and industrious groups and they do not need to be segregated to make economic gains in this country. I sincerely hope that this African Business Chamber does not add to the racial polarising of groups of Guyanese.

We know that some Indians discriminate against certain groups of Indians, also some Africans discriminate against their fellow Africans for example, light skin versus darker skin, the Chinese and the mandarins versus the others; this brothers and sisters, is human nature but we must evolve. So are we going to have several different kinds of tribal organisations within the country? Our first 50 years as an independent nation has been riddled with racial and political chaos, let us make the next 50 years an example to the world on how to live harmoniously in a plural society.

Yours sincerely, Roshan Khan

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Page W

hen your child has a serious or chronic illness, it’s hard to think beyond the next treatment. While health is the first priority, education also is important. School is part of every child’s normal day, and even the most reluctant learner would prefer to be healthy and in school rather than in the hospital. You’ll want to help your child stay on top of schoolwork as much as possible and plan for when he or she can return to school.

Not only does staying connected to school bring academic, cognitive, psychological, and social benefits – it’s also your child’s legal right.

Under federal law, children with chronic or life-threatening illness and/or disabilities are entitled to educational support, and your child might qualify for free services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). If your child attends private or parochial school, you might consider enrolling him or her in your local district, as services are more readily available than in the Private Sector.

With a little planning and a lot of communication, you can help your child balance treatment and academics.

Plan ahead

First, talk to your doctor about how long your child is likely to be away from school and whether the treatment might interfere with concentrating, doing homework, and meeting deadlines. Are there side effects that might have an academic impact? What does your doctor recommend when it comes to attendance,

guyanatimesgy.com

Foundation

tutoring, or studying?

Then talk to the teachers and school staff, and encourage your child, if well enough, to do the same. It may be necessary to set a reduced schedule or shift due dates for papers and tests. With your help, your son or daughter can work with teachers to help plan the workload. The more notice teachers have, the easier it will be to come up with a flexible solution.

Some children who spend a lot of time away from school or in the hospital have Individual

tor decides it is time to plan for your child’s discharge and eventual return to school.

Find hospitalbased support

If your child will be spending long stretches in the hospital, ask a doctor, nurse, social worker, or child-life specialist about onsite schooling. Many hospitals provide hospital/homebound instruction free of charge to their patients.

The two most common types of educational support include bedside schooling and

bound instruction upon discharge, and ease re-entry into the classroom when the child is well again. School is scheduled around medical tests and therapies, and always takes a child’s medical condition and strength into consideration.

Whether your child is being educated at school, in the hospital, or at home, remember that getting better is the main priority. So be realistic about what he or she can handle. Children may feel an unspoken pressure from parents, teachers, and themselves to continue with schoolwork, and this anxiety could hurt their recovery.

Stay connected

Education Programmes (IEPs). These are customised goals and learning strategies created by the teachers, school psychologists (or other specialists), and counsellors.

IEPs take a child’s individual academic needs into account. Under the IDEA, children who qualify for an IEP will receive one at no cost, in addition to receiving free support services (such as a tutor) to help them reach educational milestones.

Creating an IEP involves meeting with a variety of support personnel from your school and the school district.

Be sure to contact the Special Services Office in your school district as soon as your doc-

classroom schooling. Typically, bedside schooling is for children who are too ill to leave their hospital rooms or have weakened immune systems due to chemotherapy. Other children who are well enough might be educated individually or in small groups in an onsite hospital classroom.

Licensed teachers who are K-12-certified in a variety of subjects and special education work intensively with students to make sure that they don’t fall behind in their studies. To stay on track, hospital-based teachers work closely with teachers from a child’s school to maintain curriculum continuity, arrange for home-

Maintaining ties with classmates and teachers can help your child retain a sense of normalcy during this difficult time. Your child might even be able to Skype or FaceTime into a lesson at school over the computer. Programmes nationwide offer free or low-cost laptops for use in the hospital. Check with your social worker, hospital school program, or the hospital IT department to see if this service is available to you.

In addition to academic isolation, your child may feel cut off socially from friends and classmates. When an illness means an extended absence from school, children can feel that their classmates and teachers have forgotten about them. This can lead to depression as well as anxiety about returning to the classroom, particularly if the child

looks different after treatment. Online social networking sites, email, instant messaging (IM), text messaging, and talking on the phone can help kids stay connected.

Also, ask teachers to encourage a letter-writing, email, or care package campaign from classmates – you might even set up a collection box at school where teachers and classmates can deposit notes and pictures.

Arrange for visits from your child’s friends and, if the doctor says it’s OK and your son or daughter is up to it, encourage him or her to attend school plays, sports events, classroom parties, and other social gatherings.

Hospital school pro-

I

f your child has a serious illness, the caretaking that falls to you is undoubtedly intense. But of course you do it willingly. After all, you’d do anything for your child, including switching places in a minute if only that were possible.

Instead you give all that you can, in every other imaginable way.

It’s harder than anything you’ve ever done, and honestly, there are moments when the sheer magnitude of what you’re up against is so overwhelming that you just want to run and hide.

Ask any parent who’s done this before and you’ll find out something very important: You’re not alone.

The caregiver’s dilemma

When you’re the caregiver of a child who is seriously ill, it can feel as if the whole world is on your shoulders.

Your sick child needs you. You may have o ther

children who need you.

Your spouse needs you.

Your job – however pointless work might seem right now – needs you.

Yet there’s only so much you can give before you will feel mentally, emotionally, and physically drained. That’s why it’s a necessity – not a luxury – to spend some time taking care of yourself so that you can recharge and feel empowered to continue to support and care for your child.

Tips for caregivers

Many of these tips might seem easier said

grammes, along with Child Life departments in the hospital, offer re-entry assistance to students transitioning back to school. Depending on a child’s needs, they may visit the school ahead of the return date, speak with faculty, attend IEP meetings, or present informational programmes for classmates to help them understand why the child has been absent, what they can expect when the child returns, and – most important – how they can help the child feel welcome.

Staying connected will make for a smoother transition socially, emotionally, and academically when your child returns to school after treatment. (Excerpt from Kids Health)

than done at first, and a few may seem downright frivolous. But to make it through the long haul, consider the wisdom of that air-safety rule about putting your own oxygen mask on first before helping others. Here are some ways to do that: Take breaks. It’s essential to regularly schedule a few times each week – even for just an hour or two – when you can get away while a family member, friend, or a health aide stays with your child. Once away, that time is yours, so don’t feel guilty about how you spend it. Nap, read, have coffee with a friend, go shopping, whatever allows you to relax. While you’re out, your child will probably enjoy having someone else to talk to and you’ll feel refreshed when you get back.

Eat right. It’s no surprise that living on coffee and picking at hospital leftovers canleave you

feeling tired and run down. If you know you’re going to be out, carry nutritious snacks with you, like fruit, granola bars, sandwiches, or nuts. And if friends offer to bring homemade meals to your home to help out, take them up on it.

Exercise.

Whether through a brisk walk, a bike ride, or yoga, most people find that exercise helps clear the mind, boost energy levels, and improve sleep. Even 20 minutes can do the trick, so save a bit of time every day to get moving. (Kids Health) TO BE CONTINUED

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Granger’s D’Urban Park defence gets stinging rebuke …out of sync with reality …entire fiasco reeks criminality ‒ Nandlall

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ead of State David Granger has come out in defence of the D’Urban Jubilee Park Project saying there is nothing criminal or sinister about it. His position has, however, come in for immediate and stinging rebuke.

Former Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall in an invited comment by Guyana Times expressed the view that President Granger’s utterances “clearly demonstrates either he is out of sync with reality or he is part of a conspiracy to mislead the nation.”

The former legal advisor

Former Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall

to the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration told Guyana Times, “Irrespective of how it is spun,” by officialdom, “the financial provisions of the Constitution, several provisions of the Financial Management and Accountability Act and the Procurement Act were all grossly violated and this entire fiasco reeks of corruption, cronyism and criminality.”

President Granger this past week on his weekly televised programme, The Public Interest, said a private company – Homestretch Development Inc – was set up to collect donations for the project since there were

President David Granger

no budgetary allocations available for use.

Nandlall – a practicing attorney – is adamant: “The law is very clear on this issue… Once private monies are used on a public project it must be spent and accounted for in the same manner like public monies.”

Both President Granger and Minister of State Joseph Harmon, at separate forums on Thursday, confirmed that monies had been collected from private individuals for use on the project which is State-owned and is on Stateowned lands.

According to Nandlall, “Clearly this was not understood by those who formed this private company… It is obvious that this company was used for this project so that the monies received and spent would not be the subject of Parliamentary scrutiny and oversight and the procurement of goods and services would not have to be done in accordance with the Procurement Act.” He has since surmised that this misapprehension is exactly what transpired and that is why Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson, “refused to answer the questions posed to him in the National Assembly.”

Nandlall was referring to a debate on a Motion promulgated unsuccessfully by his colleague Parliamentarian, Bishop

Juan Edghill, which had called on the National Assembly to make full disclosures surrounding the financing of the D’Urban Jubilee Park Project during the entire life of the project.

Government instead provided details from April 21, 2016 when the project was turned over to the Public Infrastructure Ministry, saying that all works prior to April were undertaken by the private company – Homestretch Development Inc? and as such the details could not be had.

Nandlall has since opined: “It is quite unfortunate that the President has stepped into the fray to lend his voice in support to the fiasco which surrounds the private company, Homestretch Development Inc involvement in the D’Urban Park Development Project.”

He has accused the President of further clouding the issue of accountability and transparency in relation to monies spent on the project by glorifying and extoling the virtues of the D’Urban Park Project.

The former Attorney General maintains, “The fact is, this private company was secretly established and collected hundreds of millions of dollars to spend to develop a State asset… No one knew about this company and its directors until Monday night when Minister David Patterson was forced to disclose these details in the National Assembly… Even then, he misled the National Assembly by not naming Minister of Education, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine, as a Director.”

Responding to President’s Granger’s assertion that the private company was used to solicit funds since none was available through budgetary measures, Nandlall pointed to the fact that the 2015 Budget was passed in August 2015 by this Government, “so by September 2015 there was money to be spent by the

D’Urban Jubilee Park Project

Government.”

H o m e s t r e t c h Development Inc was not incorporated until January 2016, according to Nandlall, who used the occasion to remind also that “massive works started on this project in September 2015. The President’s story therefore, simply does not make

sense.”

Nandlall in rebutting President Granger’s assertions noted that he had sought to convey the impression that this is a Government company, “however, Minister Patterson was at pains in the National Assembly to convey the impression that

this is a private company for which the Government is not answerable… Indeed, this is the very reason why he diverted questions from himself to the private company and deliberately did not disclose that Minister Roopnaraine is a Director of this company.”

According to Nandlall, “If the company was a Government company as the President claims, why was this not made public for the past eleven months?”

He pointed out too that there are three directors of this company who have no known connection to the Government.

Nandlall has since sought to inquire where the Cabinet decision is, to incorporate this company; or will the company be audited by the Auditor General; and who will pay the hundreds of millions of dollars owed to contractors?

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saturday, november 26, 2016 | guyanatimesgy.com

Businessman nabbed with ganja in water pump

A

n East Ruimveldt, Georgetown, businessman was on Thursday nabbed with a

The ganja found in the water pump

quantity of cannabis hidden in a water pump enroute to an interior location.

Eon Brian, 32, was arrested and placed before Magistrate Delon Best at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court where he pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Police stated that on November 24, 2016, Brian had 369 grams of cannabis in his possession

for the purpose of trafficking. Reports are Police acting on information, swooped down on the suspect who was about to depart Bartica in a speed boat.

A search was conducted on his person and belongings during which the illegal substance was found hiding in a section of the water pump.

He was cautioned and arrested. He was later remanded to prison and will make his next court appearance on December 1.

Only a few days ago, a 38-year-old miner of 111 Miles, Mahdia, Potaro River was busted with 227 grams of compressed marijuana hidden in a piece of pipe.

It was reported that Police ranks observed the suspect acting in a suspicious manner; as such the lawmen approached the miner to conduct a search on his person. At the time, he was carrying a six-inch length of pipe.

After the search on his person heeded no success, a search was conducted on the pipe during which a black plastic bag containing the illegal substance was found hidden.

Mahdia man remanded on robbery charge

A

Mahdia, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) resident was on Friday remanded to prison when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on a charge of robbery under arms.

It is alleged that Kevin Anthony on November 21, 2016, at Marudi Backdam, South Rupununi, while armed with a knife, robbed Katiya Dajourn of 96 pennyweights of raw gold, a cellular phone and $119,000 in cash.

The matter was transferred to Lethem Magistrate’s Court where the defendant is scheduled to return on November 28.

Delayed…

D

…Demerara crossing

uring the 1992 elections, the PNC pulled out all the stops. At a Stabroek Market Square meeting, Deputy Mayor Robert Williams offered his audience a clinching argument in his peroration: “And look how we gave you the Demerara Harbour Bridge, comrades. Now you can sport at Tony’s on West Bank and return home the same night!!” He got the loudest round of applause for that one.

Since then, the regular traffic on the Bridge has increased exponentially - even as the structure is decades past its expiry date. The back-ups during the rush hour morning and night - are now of mythic proportions. And us being Guyanese, the scrapes and scratches and fender benders have created a cottage industry of its own. Not to mention adding billions to healthcare costs to deal with the increased high blood pressures induced.

Well, at long last the PNC-led coalition government is picking up on the PPP administration’s proposal to build a fixed structure bridge to replace the old floating one; long giving us the dubious distinction of possessing “the longest floating bridge in the world.” Maybe its poetic justice. The PNC’s getting the opportunity to make amends for all the time portions of the bridge - being pontoons - floated down river and giving the occupants of several cars and minibuses a fair imitation of Huck Finn rafting down the Mississippi River!

The PPP had conducted a pre-feasibility study back in 2013 and concluded that the best site for the new bridge was from Versailles on the WBD to Houston in Georgetown.

The most important innovation would be a clover leaf entrance and exit ramps on both approaches that would eliminate the need for vehicles slowing down at those points. It’s this slowing down that cascades backwards and holds up traffic for the length of the backup.

The biggest hurdle will be the cost, since fixed span concrete bridges don’t come cheap. It’ll definitely replace the Skeldon Modernisation Plan as the “largest investment in Guyana”. Where will the Government get the approx US$250 million financing? After their browbeating of the Public Private Partnership BBCI on tolls reduction, they can forget about THAT model!!

With the economy showing no sign of heading north anytime soon, it’s doubtful the government may want to saddle itself with that big a bump in its debt portfolio. But the last time then British PM David Cameron visited the Caribbean in 2015, he did promise £300 million or US$375 million in GRANTS to the Caribbean for infrastructural development.

Maybe they won’t fund the whole bridge… but they can certainly take care of a goodly portion!!

Let’s get that study out - and request in, chop! chop!

…“do fuh do” on Edghill

Just over a year ago, Juan Edghill, the PPP Junior Shadow Minister of Finance, made some (allegedly inflated) statements on the Ministerial Salary increases the PNC-led coalition Government had awarded itself. The comments were questioned by the Finance Minister and last May a Motion was moved in Parliament by Government MP Charrandas Persaud to haul Edghill before the Privileges Committee.

Now six months later, Speaker Scotland suddenly remembered to give effect to the Privileges motion and summon Edghill before the committee he heads.

Is this just coincidence, the PPP wonders, that it was Edghill who’d moved the motion on MP Norton that resulted in the latter being sent to the same committee?

Or caused a major embarrassment to the Government by moving a motion (which the Government used its 1-seat majority to defeat) on the D’Urban Park scandal?

But the Govt is ill advised. Any highlighting of the 50 per cent Ministerial salary increase as the Christmas season unfolds is sure to pi55 off even its own supporters!

They should let sleeping salaries lie!

…nationalists’ recognition

Edghill’s motion to identify financiers of the D’Urban Jubilee Park was blocked by the Govt.

Why wouldn’t businesses be proud to say they helped with the patriotic Park?

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

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saturday, november 26, 2016 | guyanatimesgy.com

Edghill revises Ministers’ salary increases upwards of $1B …pleads for impartial hearing in ‘Parliamentary Court’

F

ormer Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Bishop Juan Edghill, on Friday appeared for the first time before the Parliamentary Committee of Privileges and has maintained that the salary increases Government handed itself and ministers, is not just close to $1 billion but with the inclusion of a new Minister (Valerie Patterson) the toll on the treasury has now exceeded the billion-dollar mark.

Edghill was hauled before the Committee of Privileges – akin to a court – to answer allegations that he had abused his privileges by misleading the National Assembly when in December last he computed the salary increases to take a toll on the treasury of almost $1 billion.

The former Government minister, now in the Opposition benches, appeared before the Committee on Friday – chaired by Speaker of the National Assembly Dr Barton Scotland – where he presented his revised computations to include the salary paid to the coalition Government’s newest Minister Valerie SharpePatterson.

Bishop Edghill presented to the Privileges Committee a document containing his original computations of what the salary increases would entail, providing a total of $964,486,521.

He also submitted computations with the inclusion of the new minister – who was appointed after the initial December 2015 debate – and the total figure to be charged against the treasury has climbed upward to $1,001,350,194.

Former Minister within the Finance Ministry Bishop Juan Edghill

Outlining Friday’s appearance before the Committee as the first occasion “to have been afforded a deserving opportunity to be heard and understood since this matter has attracted much public attention,” Bishop Edghill categorically denied, “that I had any intention to mislead the House or deliberately misinform as it relate to the

statements I made in relation to the Motion that was tabled.”

Appealing to the Chairman, Committee members and by extension the electorate, Edghill said: “I wish to assure that I would not have done anything that could have brought my integrity, honour and dedication, as well as commitment to the Oath I took in the National Assembly into dispute or question.”

According to the former minister, “It is with that understanding that I appear here today and I hope that my statement and explanations would be received within that context and looked at in a fair, impartial and independent manner, regardless of which side of the National Assembly you sit.”

Looking to contextualise the entire salary fiasco, Edghill drew the Committee’s attention to the Motion he had moved last December, calling upon the Government to annul order related to the salary increases since, “I considered an act to undu-

ly enrich Ministers of the Government and place a burden on the public purse.”

According to Edghill, “It is my understanding that the increases as were purported by the Government and reported ad nauseam in the media would have resulted in taxpayers footing a tumultuous bill of almost an additional $1 billion when compared to the cabinet of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic Government at the time of demitting office in May 2015.”

Edghill recalled that he was asked to withdraw his computations but did not yield to the request because, “I held the view that my statement was fair comment and based upon the details available in Order No 16 of 2015, I acted responsibly during the discourse of my debate.

The former minister is adamant: “My figures were not plucked out of the sky or manufactured… And had the tone of the debate been more civil, with less unnecessary interruptions and adequate time offered,

Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Scotland

greater details could have been given to the House and the avoidance of this unnecessary outcome and abuse of process.”

Edghill’s party – the

Peoples’ Progressive Party/ Civic – upon hearing of him being summoned to appear before the Parliamentary Committee, had signalled anticipation at not having a fair hearing since, “we are of the view that the Government, along with a Speaker who is yet to demonstrate impartiality, will ensure that the process is less than fair.”

The political Opposition has since voiced its support for its MP saying, “Bishop Edghill is not alone, as all of his colleagues are in full support of him and join in rebuking the Government’s misuse of the Parliamentary rules and procedures, as well as its continued disregard for standing Parliamentary norms and traditions.”

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saturday, november 26, 2016 | guyana-times.com

GuySuCo awaits word on fate Police dump $49M of Skeldon Sugar Factory worth of cocaine

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here is growing opposition against the likely sale of the US$200 million Skeldon Sugar Factory, but according to Chairman of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) Board of Directors, Professor Clive Thomas, no such decision has been made as yet.

Speaking with Guyana Times on Friday, Professor Thomas said that what currently obtains is there are options presented to Government for its consideration – options that had been submitted by the GuySuCo board in recent weeks.

He said the corporation has put forward its proposals to its shareholders – the Government of Guyana – in order for it to make a decision on the fate of the factory According to Professor Thomas, the board of directors is expecting a formal response to its proposal imminently – a sentiment bolstered by the fact that the 2017 national Budget is slated to be presented on Monday.

Professor Thomas told Guyana Times during a brief phone interview that one of the options presented is for the status quo to remain, but this he said would lend to the eventual collapse of the industry.

According to Professor Thomas, Government also has before it a proposal to privatise the Skeldon Facility, with a view of seeking an investor or investors that would pursue diversification.

This option he said, if pursued could lead to the development of other activities

Chairman of GuySuCo Board of Directors, Professor Clive Thomas

including areas of aquaculture, dairy, among other alternatives.

The representative union bodies for sugar workers on Friday all voiced concerns over the possible sale of the Skeldon Sugar Factory and have cautioned against this course of action.

Unions stand together

The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) on Friday endorsed the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), a major affiliate of the FITUG group, in its call to halt any consideration of a sale of the Skeldon Sugar Factory.

“FITUG notes the potential dire effect on the employees’ lives of this unnecessary plan to sell an important national asset… Any sale of the Skeldon facility at this time would certainly impact negatively on the entire industry, which can only aggravate the

country’s economic plight.

The factory and the estate’s extensive and rich land-holding have the potential to contribute to GuySuCo’s recovery and, indeed, the nation’s economy.” According to the trade union representative body, it sees much sense in the case made by GAWU for the retention, refurbishment and sustained technical maintenance of the Skeldon flagship estate: “Recent praise about the factory’s excellent sustained improved production performance coming from GuySuCo’s Chairman and the Agriculture Minister (Noel Holder) need to be emphasised.”

FITUG pointed too to the corporation’s 2015 Annual Report, which also documented the factory’s improved performance and, “importantly, the constructive recommendations from the Government-appointed Commission of Inquiry must not be swept under the carpet as they present a sound case for the retention of Skeldon with all its potential, including its CoGeneration plant.”

FITUG also used the opportunity to raise concerns related to transparency in the proposed GovernmentCorporation ‘sale’ scheme.

“Firstly, as experienced when the Wales Estate closure was mooted early this year, there has been no consultation with the workers or their union. Credible information revealed that at the level of GuySuCo’s Board of Directors, the matter was not discussed and the relevant decision(s) seem to be

A quantity of the cocaine which was dumped on Friday

P

FITUG General Secretary, Kenneth Joseph

limited to a select few, at least, up to this time.”

According to FITUG, “we are mindful of the fact that the industry, wholly or its many components, are the nation’s assets and the Administrations of GuySuCo and the Government should not forget this.”

FITUG said it considers it important to expose that no agency or auditor, except Wartsila, which examined only the power generation aspect of the factory, has been identified in the new and sudden critique of Skeldon made simultaneously when not so far-fetched rumours about a chosen buyer identified though no bidding has been announced.

“FITUG urges the Government to tread warily, re-think hasty decisions and consult every stakeholder, including the unions and the political Opposition on this ‘sale of Skeldon’ which, we firmly believe, will be disastrous.”

olice on Friday dumped a total of 55.2kg of cocaine, with street value of $49.7 million, into the Atlantic Ocean.

Of the amount, 40kg of the illegal substance was found in several buckets at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) while the other six kilograms was liquefied cocaine found in rum bottles, also at the CJIA. On March 19, 2015, a city exporter was nabbed at the country’s main port of entry, attempting to ship almost 90 pounds of cocaine in buckets of cassareep, green seasoning and Chinese sauce.

It was reported that the suspect, who is on remand, went with all the necessary documents to the cargo bank of the CJIA to ship 50 buckets containing cassareep mixed with green seasoning and Chinese sauce.

However, members of the Police Narcotics Branch acting on information conducted a searched on the buckets and uncovered a whitish substance which turned out to be cocaine. The illegal substance was weighed and amounted to 40.405 kilograms.

In the other matter, six kilograms of liquefied cocaine was detected in several bottles of rum at the Airport on

May 29, 2014.

It was reported that a Guyanese-born US resident – who was an outgoing passenger at the airport on a Dynamic Airlines flight destined for the JFK Airport in New York – approached the departure gate, but was intercepted by ranks of the Police Narcotics Branch and a routine search on his carry-on bag was conducted. It was then that the ranks found three bottles of El Doradobrand rum.

The contents of the bottles, which appeared unusually thick, aroused their suspicion and a test of the substance later confirmed the presence of cocaine. Two men were subsequently sentenced to four years in jail for the matter.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday last, member of the Police Narcotics Branch burnt 294.2 kilograms of marijuana that was confiscated over a twoyear period – 2015 and 2016.

A quantity of marijuana was seized following raids conducted by the Police and another quantity from the conclusion of several court cases. The huge quantity of marijuana, which has an estimated street value of $147 million, was destroyed at the incinerator at Princes Street, Georgetown.

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saturDay, november 26, 2016 | guyanatimesgy.com

UG should offer more post-graduate programmes – Lancashire Professor

By Shemuel Fanfair

F

resh off his recent address to the 2016 graduating class at the University of Guyana’s (UG) Tain Campus, England-based UG alumni and Professor of Physiology and Research Degree Tutor at the University of Lancashire, Jaipaul Singh, has called on this country’s premier tertiary institution to embark on a “higher education revolution”. This, he said, will only be attained if UG pursues and offers more post-graduate training courses leading to the awards of MSc by Research, MPhil, PhD, and MD, as well as awarding DSc and DLit, which are two honorary degrees.

In an exclusive interview with Guyana Times on Thursday, Professor Singh explained that there are a number of areas in research that are essential for UG’s growth.

“There are numerous areas for research in Guyana.

They include biodiversity, sea defence, health issues (cancer, obesity, diabetes, heart diseases), tropical medicine and infectious diseases, and social issues (suicide and child-bearing out of marriage - in Black Bush Polder), climate change, agriculture, soil and fishery biology, mining, forestry, fashion, forensic sciences, computing, media and design, sports, wellbeing and leisure, Gas and Oil, Fire, engineering, waste management and environment issues,” the Professor posited.

He added that Guyana is “a natural laboratory for many PhD theses. Things are moving very, very fast, new research activity and research will go hand in hand with quality,” he noted.

“A university is not really a university unless it is involved in research, national and international collaborations, innovation and development and working with companies and outreach. If a university is not involved with research,

UK-based Guyanese Professor, Jaipaul Singh

then it is merely a glorified Further Education College/ Institution,” the UK-based professor explained.

Professor Singh also stated that he hopes that current Vice Chancellor, Ivelaw Griffith, will review the entire operations at UG, including the hiring of highly qualified staff. He also noted that with the combination of research, post-graduate

courses, and good qualified staff, the university can be improved. He also explained that salary increases are also key to attracting qualified staff.

The Professor also called on private sector entities to offer more support to the university and he even called of Government to implement an “educational tax” on companies, especially those in the extractive sectors.

“All these people who take our money away – gold, diamond; big businessmen in Guyana, why don’t you sponsor a professorship, lectureship, studentships… to bring back some money,” he noted.

Taking into considering the financial challenges UG faces, Professor Singh noted that it should aim to garner foreign students as this will add revenue to the institution.

“My university makes almost 40 million pounds [sterling] a year from foreign students,” he referenced.

Professor Singh highlighted the need for diversification in education

and noted that a Campus ought to be established in Essequibo. He further stated that the Tain Campus should offer more courses so that students would not have to travel vast distance to acquire their educational advancements.

The Professor further opined that the State should direct more investments for technical and vocational programmes, as he highlighted that not all persons will be able to attain tertiary education.

“Not all of us can become

doctors, dentists or lawyers or professionals – but what about carpentry, plumbing, plastering, electrical engineering, gardening, landscaping and hotel services,” he opined.

He further explained that for the institution to conduct such training courses it must have adequate facilities.

The Professor is attached to the School of Forensic and Applied Sciences at the University of Lancashire, and has worked with that institution for over 30 years.

Cuyuni mining district to get new airstrip

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overnment has announced that it has awarded a contract to a mining company to construct a new airstrip in the Cuyuni area. This is according to Minister of State, Joseph Harmon.

“Cabinet has granted it’s no objection to the construction of an airstrip and aerodrome by Innovative Mining Inc at Aramata in the Cuyuni mining district number four, North West District,” Harmon said Thursday.

Harmon made these disclosures at the post-Cabinet press briefing on Thursday.

It was revealed that the chosen company, Innovative Mining Inc, is involved in mining and geological explorations and has been the beneficiary of several mining permits in the hinterland.

The Minister of State also told the media that the company is registered under the Companies Act of Guyana.

He further explained that the airstrip will be used to facilitate the company’s operations.

“The approved airstrip will facilitate the company’s mining and geological exploration activities,” he defined.

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saturday, november 26, 2016 | guyanatimesgy.com

ExxonMobil to submit local content plan to Govt

O

il giant ExxonMobil will soon be submitting a local content plan as a part of its developmental strategy to the Guyana Government as its operations in the Stabroek Block expands and continues to yield promising results.

After tempering the hopes of Guyanese on job creation opportunities in August, Country Manager Jeff Simons clarified that there will in fact be employment for locals.

He was at the time delivering the feature address at the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) annual dinner and awards ceremony on Thursday evening at the Pegasus Hotel.

“One common misperception is that we don’t want to have local content, we want to bring a bunch of people in to do this and that’s definitely what we don’t want to do,” he stated.

Simons explained that during the third quarter of 2016, 325 of the 670 persons who were working for ExxonMobil are Guyanese.

He added too that the oil company has been utilising an abundance of services from local entities such as hotel, aviation out of the Eugene Correia International Airport, food supplies, transportation, medical facilities, waste

ExxonMobil Country Manager Jeff Simons

management, among others.

The Private Sector Commission (PSC) has been emphasising the need for local content legislation, especially in light of the fact that Guyana is on the verge of becoming an oil producing nation.

Chairman of PSC, Edward Boyer, noted that it is crucial that Guyanese businesses and the citizenry educate themselves in preparation for the changes which will occur in the economy when the country begins to receive significant revenues from oil.

M e a n w h i l e , ExxonMobil’s Country Manager, in response to a question by an attend-

ee, ruled out the idea of establishing an oil refinery in Guyana because the amount of oil found here is too small to support such a venture.

“Building a big refinery means you are going to be exporting a lot of product too and so getting to the economies of scale in this Hemisphere that will allow for an economic development of a refinery, you need more oil, you need a really big refinery to be competitive and right now that doesn’t look like an attractive (venture),” he stated.

ExxonMobil in October made its third significant discovery in its drilling explorations offshore Guyana at the Liza 3, with a net present value amounting to US$6.2 billion based on calculations from the Bank of Montreal (BMO) Capital Markets.

In late June, ExxonMobil’s drilling results at Liza 2 revealed more than 58 metres of oilbearing sandstone reservoirs in Upper Cretaceous formations.

The well was drilled to 5475 metres at 1692 metres water depth. Drilling results confirmed recoverable resources to be between 800 million and 1.4 billion barrels of oil equivalent. Data from the Liza 2 well test is being assessed.

In May 2015,

ExxonMobil confirmed its significant oil discovery at its Liza 1 exploration well, where more than 295 feet of high-quality oil-bearing sandstone reservoirs was encountered.

The Liza wells are being drilled with the Stena Carron harsh environment drillship.

On September 8, ExxonMobil announced that its third exploratory well, Skipjack, was unsuccessful since it did not yield commercial quantities of hydrocarbons.

ExxonMobil spud Liza 3 after Skipjack turned up unfavourable. Skipjack was a separate prospect 25 miles

northwest of the Liza wells.

The Liza 3 well, like Liza 2, will be focused on testing the flank of the Liza structure to determine the aerial extent of the reservoir.

The US super major is likely to start production in 2020 with up to 100,000 barrels per day. (Devina Samroo)

shier booth and was held at gunpoint by one of the men who demanded cash. Out of fear the businessman handed over an undisclosed sum of cash, from the day’s sale, along with other valuables.

Additionally, the other two bandits grabbed a quantity of phone cards and then escaped. They were seen running along Bristol Street, Number 2 Village,

East Canje.

Hong Zhou was taken to the New Amsterdam Hospital where she was treated and sent away.

The Police were summoned and have since launched an investigation.

No arrests were made, but several persons have been questioned over the robbery.

Chinese businessman terrorised, robbed

A

Chinese national was on Thursday evening terrorised by three masked men who invaded her nephew’s store at Number 2 Village, East Canje, Berbice. The incident occurred at about 20:35h.

The injured woman was identified as Lan Hong Zhou, 50. She reportedly suffered laceration to the face after she was struck with a piece of wood. Based on reports, the three bandits stormed the China Town Store armed with a handgun, a cutlass and a piece of wood.

The injured woman, her nephew Zhou Chunmin, 25, and four customers were in the store when the bandits entered.

Chunmin was in the ca-

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Saturday, NOVEMber 26, 2016

News

Lone gunman robs Beharry Gunmen rob bread delivery truck at Grove distribution truck

A

I

n another brazen daytime attack, the driver of a distribution truck attached to the Edward B Beharry and Sons Company was on Friday afternoon robbed in the vicinity of Bourda Market, Georgetown, by a lone gunman.

Reports are at about 14:00h, the driver of the truck was proceeding along Robb Street, Georgetown, when he was ambushed by the lone gunman who relieved him of an undisclosed sum of cash along with other valuables.

Guyana Times was informed that the driver, who was unhurt but traumatised, parked the truck in front of a store and then proceeded to the Alberttown Police

The scene moments after the robbery at Bourda Market where the driver of the delivery truck was attacked

Station where he made a report of the robbery. Police have since launched an investigation.

Only recently, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan had announced that heightened securi-

ty plans have been put in place around the city as the Christmas season approaches.

However, at this latest attack, no law enforcement agents were in proximity.

Illegal aircraft at Yupukari

bakery truck attached to a Cotton Field, West Coast Berbice company, was pounced upon by three bandits in the vicinity of Xenon Academy at Grove, East Bank Demerara on Friday morning.

In surveillance footage seen by Guyana Times, the occupants were relieved of cash and personal items.

During the ordeal, four young men were seen scouring the Tank Street, Grove area, prior to the daylight robbery.

An eyewitness confirmed what was shown in the footage seen by Guyana Times.

Three young boys – appearing to be teenagers – rode up on two pedal cycles alongside Xenon Academy private school, where one occupant of the bread truck was exiting to make a delivery. Two of the bandits, one

The surveillance footage obtained shows the bandits making off with an undisclosed sum of cash

of whom carried a handgun, ambushed one of the workers, while a second bandit dragged the driver out of the vehicle and the third rode away from the scene.

The two bandits then proceeded to rob the men, repeatedly hitting the driver and the delivery man before calmly walking away from the scene.

The matter was reported

to the Grove Police Station and an investigation has been launched.

This latest criminal attack comes as the Police continue to publish statistics which have purported that serious crimes are down by 17 per cent. However, reports of larceny and armed robberies on businesses and civilians have increased.

CoI report handed over to Govt Centennial Arch unveiled in Linden

I

T

he final report of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the discovery of an illegal aircraft near Yupukari, Region Nine (Upper EssequiboUpper Takutu) was on Friday handed over to Minister of State Joseph Harmon by Brigadier (Ret’d) Edward Collins at the Minister’s office at Ministry of the Presidency.

The CoI, which com-

The illegal aircraft

Brigadier (Ret’d) Edward Collins handing over the report to Minister of State, Joseph Harmon

menced in early October, was originally slated to be handed over on November 16, but an extension was granted on instruction of President David Granger, following a request by Brigadier Collins.

He said that the decision to host public meetings in several villages such as Katoka, Kaicumbay, Yupukari and other villages, along with the Regional Chairman and Regional Executive Officer of Region Nine, proved to be a worthwhile exercise, since it allowed for greater insight into the facts discovered during the probe. Collins noted as well that through that process a number of eyewitnesses have stepped forward.

“There has been additional evidence, which have

caused us to firm up our findings into the circumstances under which this aircraft came into Guyana illegally. I wish to thank the Toshaos, the senior councils, and the village leaders in nearby villages for their cooperation. Since they got involved, there have been more revelations, more residents came forward voluntarily. They did their own investigations,” Collins said.

Upon further investigations, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) were led to an abandoned camp at Yupukari believed to be connected to persons who may have knowledge of the aircraft.

Collins also said, “One thing that came out of the inquiry that we did not recognise earlier was the involvement of a woman, and this was because of the voluntarily evidence presented

by the residents.”

He also informed that coming out of the meetings was a recommendation for the setting up of a Village Intelligence Committee, where Toshaos and other village leaders can pass on information on any suspicious activity to a relevant authority. However, the brigadier added that the maintenance of public trust would be critical to ensuring villagers are forthcoming with such information.

Meanwhile, Minister Harmon said that the report will provide valuable insight into the security framework, particularly in the hinterland. “This report will form the basis of a careful analysis of our security architecture and will advise on as to what forms of security action we need to take to ensure that our territorial integrity is preserved and that the security of our citizens in those hinterland areas are properly taken care of,” he said.

On September 13, 2016, a plane, bearing registration number N767Z, was first brought to the attention of officials by residents of the area. A Joint Army, Police, and Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) team was dispatched to the location to conduct investigations into the sightings of the aircraft.

The CoI was appointed on September 28, 2016.

n commemoration of the 100th anniversary of bauxite mining in the community of Linden, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice), Bosai Minerals Group Guyana Incorporated (BMGGI) on Friday commissioned the town's centennial arch on the achievement of this significant milestone. The Bauxite Century Committee on the occasion also launched its centennial magazine during the dedication ceremony. A dedication ceremony, held on location at Casuarina Drive, Mackenzie, marked the official unveiling of the arch.

President David Granger, representatives of Bosai, Tourism Minister Cathy Hughes, Natural Resources Raphael Trotman and outgoing Chinese Ambassador to Guyana Zhang Limin, were among some of the numerous dignitaries present.

President Granger, in delivering the feature address, said the social impact and contributions of the bauxite industry to the Guyanese society is impossible to calculate.

He spoke of the days when the industry bloomed and people from all walks of life flocked to Linden in search of higher wages. The industry, he noted, also provided thousands of jobs to Guyanese and was a major contributor to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). He noted that the occasion of the unveiling of the arch is a significant one, while sharing his hope that it becomes a beacon of hope. "… I see this arch as an arc of hope, a gateway to the future, an entrance to a new path, rather than an exit from a lone enterprise. This arch, first of all pays homage, homage to the pioneering people who built this industry with picks and shovels. This arch is a promise to future generations… It is my hope that this arch will not only commemorate the centenary of bauxite but become a beacon of hope

From left: Minister within the Public Infrastructure Ministry Annette Ferguson, Business Minister Dominic Gaskin, Chairman of the Bauxite Century Planning Committee Horace James, Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman and President David Granger

for all of us in this country," he said.

Chairman of the Bauxite Century Board Horace James, in his remarks, said bauxite mining has been one of the greatest achievements for Linden and Region 10, which he noted also played a great role in World War II. Expressing appreciation to Bosai for the gifting of the arch, James said it is intended to be more than a structure to drive under but an important space in the community to educate and inspire its youths. The area designated for the arch is a significant one, James told the gathering, since it was one where significant activities relating to bauxite occurred. He said it is the most fitting place for the arch since it is the point where Watooka, the West Bank (Wismar) and Mackenzie meet.

Meanwhile, China's Ambassador to Guyana Zhang Limin emphasised the importance of the arch as a national symbol, noting that the occasion will go down in history as a memorable one.

He also expressed his hope for Bosai to continue to develop and contribute to the social and economic development of Guyana. Also present to mark the auspicious event were Linden Mayor Carwyn Holland, Region 10 Chairman

Renis Morian and Bishop of Guyana, Reverend Charles Davidson, among others.

Following the ceremony, the bauxite centennial plaque was unveiled by President Granger to mark the official unveiling of the arch.

The centennial arch was constructed at a cost of over $20 million.

The arch lies at the intersection of Casuarina Drive and the Washer Pond Road, Linden. It is divided into four components, including the foundation, main frame, crown and the centennial seal. The main frame, which stands at 51 feet, contains two semi-circular arcs, with extended bed arms on both sides. It spans 95 feet across the Washer Pond Roadway.

Sitting at the top of the main frame is a crown which carries the logos of the different companies involved in the mining of bauxite over the hundredyear period. It is also decorated with golden Cacique features to its North, South, East and West sides. The flag of Guyana adorns the base.

Additionally, there are flag and lamp poles equipped with lights around the arch. It also contains information plates of the Mayors of Linden, Regional Chairmen and the 14 years the region won the National Schools Athletics Championship.

saturday, November 26, 2016

guyanatimesgy.com

15

Around the World

Passenger trains collided Fresh crisis in Brazil in Iran, 44 killed as new President faces corruption allegations F

orty-four people were killed and 103 injured when one Iranian passenger train collided with another at a station about 150 miles (250 km) east of the capital Tehran, state media reported.

State television footage showed four derailed carriages, two of them on fire and a spokesman for Iran’s Red Crescent, Mostafa Mortazavi, told the semi-official Fars news agency that firefighters were trying to control the blaze.

Senior Health Ministry official later announced via Tasnim news agency that rescue operations had been completed and the final death toll was 44. An investigation into the cause of the

crash in the northern province of Semnan was continuing.

Semnan provincial governor Mohammad Reza Khabbaz told Iranian television it appeared that a train entering the Haft-Khan station on the outskirts of Shahroud plowed into another that had broken down there.

“The initial investigation suggests that a mechanical failure, possibly caused by cold weather, forced the express train, operating between the cities of Tabriz and Mashhad, to stop (at Haft-Khan),” Khabbaz said.

Tabriz state governor Rahim Shohratifar told Tasnim that the moving train had 400 passengers. It

T

One Iranian passenger train collided with another at a station East of the capital of Tehran, killing 44 people and injuring 103

was not clear how many passengers were on the stationary train. Fars earlier reported that 100 passengers had been rescued. Semi-

official Mehr news agency said four of the dead were railway employees aboard the trains. (Excerpt from Reuters)

US election 2016

Jill Stein raises over US$4.5M to request US election recounts in battleground states

J

ill Stein, the Green party’s presidential candidate, is preparing to request recounts of the election result in several key battleground states.

Stein launched an online fundraising page seeking donations toward a multimillion-dollar fund she said was needed to request reviews of the results in Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

The drive has already raised more than US$4.5 million, which the campaign said would enable it to file for recounts in Wisconsin on Friday and Pennsylvania

Jill Stein said she was acting due to ‘compelling evidence of voting anomalies’ in several battleground states

on Monday. The fundraising page said it expected to need around US$6 million$7 million to challenge the results in all three states.

Stein said she was acting due to “compelling evidence of voting anomalies” and that data analysis had indicated “significant discrepancies in vote totals” that were released by state authorities.

“These concerns need to be investigated before the 2016 presidential election is certified,” she said in a statement. “We deserve elections we can trust.”

Stein’s move came amid

growing calls for recounts or audits of the election results by groups of academics and activists concerned that foreign hackers may have interfered with election systems. The concerned groups have been urging Hillary Clinton, the defeated Democratic nominee, to join their cause.

Donald Trump won unexpected and narrow victories against Clinton in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin earlier this month and may yet win Michigan, where a final result has not yet been declared. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

he Brazilian President, Michel Temer, faced a crisis on Friday after a former Cabinet colleague placed him directly in the line of fire of corruption allegations.

The scandal, which immediately forced the resignation of a key aide, looks set to pose the greatest challenge yet to a six-month-old Administration that is also struggling with a dire recession and political turmoil which led earlier this year to the impeachment of Dilma Rousseff.

The crisis exploded when the former Culture Minister Marcelo Calero alleged to federal investigators that Temer put pressure on him to sidestep a heritage preservation order that was holding up construction on a tower block in the Northeastern city of Salvador.

An apartment in the luxury residence had been bought by the President’s close ally Geddel Vieira Lima, who stepped down on Friday as Minister in charge of relations with Brazil’s congress as a result of the revelations.

Temer has denied wrongdoing, but he is now in the

Brazil’s President Michel Temer: the latest crisis could complicate his effort to push through austerity measures

sights of Opposition politicians, who say they will use the case to open impeachment proceedings.

Although this is unlikely to pass a congress dominated by Government supporters, it could antagonise the public and complicate Temer’s efforts to push through a package of austerity measures.

The latest upheaval comes at a sensitive moment for the Administration, which is planning to propose a pension reform bill as a step towards rebalancing state finances. The measure faces fierce opposition from unions.(Excerpt from The Guardian)

UK provides funds to improve Caribbean health facilities

Turkey threatens EU with new refugee surge

P

resident Recep Tayyip Erdogan threatened on Friday to open Turkey’s borders to allow

refugees and migrants to reach the European Union in a move that would tear up a landmark deal that has

Turkey hosts more than three million refugees, mostly Syrians who have fled the war next door [Reuters]

reduced the flow.

Erdogan’s comments, some of his toughest in recent times against the EU, prompted an immediate warning from Germany which helped broker the deal that such “threats” were unhelpful.

The threat came a day after the European Parliament angered Ankara by backing a freeze in EU accession talks, already hit by alarm over its crackdown following the July 15 failed coup.

“Listen to me. If you go any further, then the frontiers will be opened, bear

that in mind,” Erdogan told the EU during a speech in Istanbul.

Turkey agreed to step up maritime and land border controls in exchange for incentives on its long-stalled EU membership bid, including visa-free travel for its citizens and an acceleration of accession talks.

However with an October target passing, no apparent progress on the visa issue and the accession talks stalled, Ankara has accused Brussels of failing to keep its side of the bargain. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Montserrat hit by power outages

T

he Montserrat Utilities Limited (MUL) Friday said progress was being made in identifying the major problem with one of its faulty generators that has resulted in power outages on the small Caribbean island.

But MUL said that the discovery is not enough to signal that normal oper-

ations would be resumed soon.

“We have identified a serious fault that would have caused the earlier damage.

Unfortunately, we don’t know if the repair will hold so we have to test it under pressure, before we can risk bringing the generator onto the grid. In the meantime MUL staff and representa-

tives Caterpillar are carrying out further works to try and make sure we have not missed other items that still need to be repaired,” the utility company said in a statement.

MUL said it has had a series of requests to try and alternate the outages so that everybody is not always affected at the same

time of day and as a result “some changes have been made to the schedule of outages”.

MUL said that it will provide a further update on Saturday and apologises for the inconvenience to residents and businesses on the volcano ravaged island. (Jamaica Observer)

T

he Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) says an estimated 50 healthcare facilities in seven Caribbean countries are being improved and retrofitted as part of the SMART Health Care Facilities project.

The US$38.3 million project is being supported by the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (UK aid).

PAHO said its Health Emergencies Department, in partnership with the Ministries of Health, is assessing some 600 health centres, hospitals and similar facilities in Grenada, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dominica, Jamaica, Guyana and Belize.

The selection of the facilities and the retrofitting works are being guided by a team of regional

experts under the supervision of Regional Advisor and Project Manager Dr Dana van Alphen, using the SMART Toolkit developed

by PAHO to assess structural, non-structural, functional and environmentally sound elements.

In Dominica, PAHO said four health facilities have been selected to undergo major improvements designed to make them disaster resilient and environmentally friendly.

PAHO said Princess Alice Hospital in Grenada has been identified as the showcase facility to be retrofitted. Four other health facilities have also been approved by the Ministry of Health for retrofitting, PAHO said, noting that over the past 18 months all 38 health care facilities on Grenada and Carriacou were assessed using the SMART Toolkit.

(Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

16 news

saturDay, november 26, 2016 | guyanatimesgy.com

New Demerara harbour bridge

Dutch company to do feasibility study

G

overnment has procured a Dutch company to carry out a feasibility study for the construction of a new bridge across the Demerara River.

Minister of State Joseph Harmon on Thursday announced that the final step before the construction of what will be a high-level fixed bridge will begin in early January 2017 by The Leivense CSO consultancy firm, a Dutch company.

In 2013, the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation (DHB), in collaboration with the then Public Works Ministry, had carried out a prefeasibility study. That study concluded that a fixed high-level bridge was the best option to pursue.

In 2016, he said, the Public Infrastructure Ministry advertised for suitable consultants to conduct a feasibility study that would lead up to the construction of the bridge, utilising the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model.

According to Harmon, the Ministry has since received an offer from a recognised Dutch Consultancy Firm, called Leivense CSO to carry out the study and design for the new bridge, including investigation for a prospective financier as well as the preparation of the PPP tender document.

The study is expected to commence in January next year.

According to Minister Harmon, in such types of

The Demerara Harbour Bridge

construction, pre-feasibility and feasibility studies are required. He said the pre-feasibility study examines several things and

Heightened security in Linden for festive season – Commander

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esidents of Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara/Berbice) can expect increased Police presence/beefed up security, heading into the festive season, ‘E’ Division (LindenKwakwani) Commander Fazil Karimbaksh confirmed.

Karimbaksh noted that there will be an increase in Police patrols, mainly in busy areas such as Central Mackenzie, while Amelia's Ward will see the presence of mobile Police on motorcycles and ATVs. He also outlined that there will be

uniformed as well as foot patrols in civilian clothing.

He noted that river patrols will also be operating daily out of Wismar. Sniffer dogs will be assisting to curb the crime situation associated with this time of the year.

Residents can also look forward to intensified roadblocks.

The Commander noted that Police will be conducting targeted precise operations, and that there will be collaboration with Community Policing Groups with 24-hour patrols established.

While some promoters in the community have voiced concerns over the 02:00h curfew being in effect, the Commander assured that it is being enforced for enclosed as well as open air parties. He explained that the intention is not to harass people but to be in coherence with the law.

Karimbaksh is also encouraging residents to report any criminal activity that they may be aware of, noting that the information will be treated with strict confidentiality.

(Utamu Belle)

November 30, 2016

narrows down the work for the actual feasibility study.

That study has a more limited area which it has to consider, he noted, continuing that the study will consider the model, the tender documents and the sites proposed. It will also make the final pronounce-

ment on whether or not the construction is something the country can go forward with.

Early last month, Chief Works Officer of the Public Infrastructure Ministry, Geoffrey Vaughn, had disclosed that one of 22 tenders was successful and was being assessed by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) to determine whether the contract should be awarded.

In December 2015, 22 companies from around the world submitted bids to conduct the study and furnish a design for the bridge. So far, three connections are being examined for the construction of the bridge – which are between Houston, East Bank Demerara (EBD) and Versailles, West Bank Demerara (WBD); between Peter’s Hall, EBD and

Schoonord, on the WBD; and between New Hope, EBD and at Laurentia Catherina, WBD. The bridge must have a navigational clearance of 100 metres wide, with navigational aids, an air draft of 50 metres, adequate marine collection protection at the navigating channels and an estimated length of 2250 meters.

Faced with constant mechanical problems and heavy traffic, calls were made for the construction of a new bridge across the Demerara River.

Floating at 1.25 miles, the Demerara Harbour Bridge is a strategic link between the Eastern and Western Banks of the Demerara River.

The structure, which opened in July 1978 with the expectation of lasting only 10 years, has been floating for 38 years.

Essequibo traffic department clamps down on tinted vehicles

F

ifty-three drivers in Region Two (Pomeroon/ Supenaam) were on Wednesday stopped by traffic officers and the tint on their vehicles removed as the department adheres to the use of tint.

According to Officer in Charge of Traffic in the Region Arunanauth Ramnauth the ranks were on a "tint" campaign as part of operation “White Knight”.

The White Knight campaign is a collaborative effort of the Guyana National Road Safety Council (GNRSC) and the Guyana Police Force. The aim of the cam-

Region Two Officer in Charge of Traffic, Arunanauth Ramnauth

paign is to team education awareness with enforcement during strategic roadblocks across the country.

During Wednesday’s campaign 53 drivers were told to remove their tint or be prosecuted.

Ramnauth said that all the drivers complied and removed the tints. Ranks were placed at various locations along the Coast where they stopped and inspected vehicles.

The department will continue the campaign right through the festive season in an effort to make the roadways safer from drunk drivers. (Indrawattie Natram)

news

Outgoing Chinese Ambassador lauds friendship with Guyana

O

utgoing Chinese Ambassador to Guyana Zhang Limin has praised the friendship of the People’s Republic of China and Guyana, noting that the People’s Republic is committed to assisting developing countries such as Guyana.

Ambassador Limin has served as the People’s Republic of China’s Ambassador to Guyana for the past four years, but as he prepares to leave the post, he vowed that the relationship between the two countries will continue.

“As the biggest developing country, China is doing its best to help some medium and small developing countries like Guyana... in

Outgoing Chinese Ambassador, Zhang Limin

recent years, the Chinese Government has continuously provided assistance to the Guyanese Government to help the economic devel-

opment,” Zhang through his interpreter pointed out.

He made these comments at the Education Ministry on Thursday where he also

stressed that the people of Chinese are committed to providing assistance to add to the improvement of Guyana’s education sector.

“I have been here for four years and I’m about to leave [and] I’m very happy to be here… even as I leave, the Chinese people and the Chinese companies will still make donations to the schools, nursing homes and other organisations,” the Chinese Ambassador stated.

“The friendship between Guyana and China will become better and better, thank you,” Ambassador Limin stressed. He will leave at the end of the month and Guyana Times understands that his replacement will arrive in December.

17

saturday, november 26, 2016 | guyanatimesgy.com

Vendor, cousin nabbed with semi-automatic gun

A

52-year-old market vendor and his cousin are now in Police custody following the discovery of a semi-automatic pistol at their East La Penitence, Georgetown home on Friday.

According to information, Police ranks acting on a tip-off went to the home of the 52-year-old man at East La Penitence Squatting Area and requested to conduct a search on his premises.

It was during the search that Police unearthed the semi-automat-

ic weapon. The vendor was questioned and allegedly told the ranks that the weapon was given to him by his cousin to keep until a later date. When contacted, the cousin admitted to giving the gun to the man, while urging the Police to release his cousin and take him into custody instead.

Both men were arrested and are assisting Police in their investigations. A ballistics test is expected to be conducted on the weapon to determine if it was used in the commission of a crime.

Govt has abandoned sugar workers – WDRSA hosts annual road safety rally fmr Agri Minister

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he West Demerara Road Safety Association (WDRSA) on Thursday collaborated with the Guyana National Road Safety Council (GNRSC), D Division (West Demerara) of the Guyana Police Force and the Security Ministry to hosts its annual road safety rally.

With the theme “Life does not have a reset button, Drive carefully”, the event was hosted at the Nirvana Humanitarian Centre, Kastev, Meten-Meer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara.

This year’s rally was aimed at educating students on the importance of adhering to road rules.

Over 300 children from more than 13 schools across Guyana were in attendance.

According to the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the WDRSA, Shahab Hack, it is important that the five Cs of road safety – care, caution, courtesy, consideration, and common sense – be reiterated to children.

According to Hack, it is

Former Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy

Region Three Regional Chairman Julius Faerber (third from left), Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan (fourth from left) and Traffic Chief Deon Moore (fifth from left) along with other coordinators of the rally

important that schools play a more integral role in educating students on road safety drills.

“This is what our Association is striving to promote and we will be working hard in this regard.” The event was an in-

teractive session where students were further educated

by Ramona Doorgen, the GNRSC Coordinator.

Also present at the event was Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, Traffic Chief Deon Moore and the Regional Chairman of

Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Julius Faerber.

Minister Ramjattan focused his address on the importance of each individual doing his/her part to ensure that proper road use is being carried out.

New foster care programme being implement – CPA

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he Social Services Ministry plans to implement a new mentorship programme to further encourage persons to foster a child. The programme will be implemented in the first quarter in the next year.

In an interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA), Foster Care Manager, Colleen Khan said the new programme will provide persons with more information on the foster care process and how it works.

Khan explained that the programme is an extension of foster care but, “instead of bringing a child home to live with you and family, you can dedicate an hour, a week, or a month. Be a role model to a child’s life, particularly adolescents,” she urged.

The Foster Care Manager noted that al-

Child Care and Protection Agency Foster Care Manager, Colleen Khan

though the department has been placing and reintegrating children into foster care, there are still many children who are not placed because persons would rather adopt. She pointed out that currently, there are 200

children in foster care with approximately 109 foster parents.

“So that would suggest that there are foster parents who are caring for more than one child. We would like to have more children placed, we have over 600 children in children’s home across the country and many of them are eligible for foster care and they range from infants to 17 or 18 years old,” Khan explained.

The challenge is that many persons are not properly informed on the process. Khan explained that foster care is just a temporary care option for a child and not permanent. “It’s not an adoption where you permanently care for the child; we have foster care placement areas where it can just be for a few weeks. We may just need you for a weekend… a child has been abandoned, we need to place that

child into care so you can be very short-term, for six months or sometimes one year,” Khan pointed out.

Meanwhile, the department for this year has conducted several outreaches and sensitisation programmes on foster care at parent-teacher meetings in several primary schools and other institutions.

“This is the sixth year the Childcare and Protection Agency is observing Foster Care Month and this year, it’s all about sensitisation and bringing awareness.

We’ve been using newspapers, television, radio and they’ve been very fruitful in child protection on a whole,” Khan said.

Additionally, the Foster Care Manager indicated that the department has a planned activity to give back and show appreciation to foster parents for their commitment.

F

ormer Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy has stated that the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government has abandoned the sugar workers, since their resounding pleas for wages negotiations have been brushed aside.

Ramsammy indicated that while sugar workers “dangle on a string”, those who vigorously proclaimed themselves champions of sugar workers; people like Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, are deafeningly silent.

“Their silence is acquiescence to the vicious assault on sugar workers, as they enjoy the trappings of exalted positions like Prime Minister and Minister of Public Security, because of the votes of some sugar workers seduced by their holy combustible rubbish. Nagamootoo and APNU/AFC have reprehensively betrayed the workers,” Ramsammy said, noting that in 2015 and 2016, the Government and the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) imposed an “unconscionable” wage freeze on sugar workers with a zero offer and no discussion.

He stated that they undoubtedly claimed that they consulted with workers when they informed the unions in writing, indicating that talks are unnecessary since GuySuCo is not in a position

to grant an increase of wages. However, Ramsammy said this does not constitute fair wage negotiations.

“APNU/AFC, for its part, has resoundingly ignored the plea of sugar workers, the same sugar workers they depended on for votes to get them into government in 2015,” he added.

He stated that under the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Government, from 1992 to 2015, sugar workers negotiated a wage increase every year, in good years and bad years, with an annual average increase of 9.6 per cent for 23 years. “In the last five years with various challenges and an uphill battle to maintain production near target, the sugar workers were still able to negotiate wage increases of between 3.5 per cent and eight per cent. The PPP was clearly motivated to help workers,” he said.

He stated further that it was this same Government prior to the May 2015 elections that went around the sugar belt, promising sugar workers they would grant them a 20 per cent annual wage increase were they in Government.

He added that while the Government has chosen to freeze sugar workers’ wages, simultaneously, GuySuCo and APNU/AFC found money to pay expensive consultants for a Wales Rice Study, aquaculture study, Skeldon rice study.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

saturday, november 26, 2016

ARCHIE

You must keep secrets to yourself in order to avoid dis(March 21- cord. Unsettled situations will April 19) escalate if you don’t put out any fire that’s smoldering. Mental challenges will help keep you busy and out of trouble.

ARIES

Share your concerns with TAURUS someone you respect. A unique (April 20- approach to an old idea may May 20) solve a problem initially, but in the long term it isn’t likely to put you in a favorable position.

dilbert

Keep your eye on a position GEMINI that interests you. Take a dif(May 21June 20) ferent approach to getting what you want. Someone you find interesting will touch you emotionally. Listen carefully before you agree with someone’s words.

A trip will be enlightening.

Sharing your thoughts and (June 21- feelings will break down barJuly 22) riers that have held you back in the past. Romance is highlighted and will improve your life.

CANCER

Peanuts

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

An emotional issue is best dealt with in an unorthodox way. Not everyone will like your decision, but you have to do what’s best for yourself.

Don’t hesitate -- make your move.

Make changes to your resiVIRGO dence or remove yourself from (Aug. 23Sept. 22) a situation that isn’t in your best interest. Take charge of your life and take care of your emotional and physical health.

Calvin and Hobbes

Ponder what’s available LIBRA to you and whom you want (Sept. 23to collaborate with. Make deOct. 23) cisions rather than acceptg what someone else wants you to do. Don’t fold under pressure.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

Back away if someone SCORPIO tries to pry into your affairs.

(Oct. 24Offering minimal information Nov. 22) will help you avoid an unstable situation and dispute. Sort out your feelings before getting involved in something.

You need to take charge if SAGITTARIUS things aren’t going your way.

(Nov. 23- You are responsible for your Dec. 21) life and happiness. Backing down will not get you where you want to go.

Avoid being predictable.

CAPRICORN Taking a unique approach to (Dec. 22a project or how you deal with Jan. 19) others will give you the edge you need to stay on top.

solution for Last Published Puzzle Good fortune will depend AQUARIUS on common sense. Listen to (Jan. 20your inner voice. Don’t disparFeb. 19) age an idea until you take a closer look and determine its merit. Think big, but act moderately.

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

Copyright 2015, Distributed by Universal Uclick for UFS

PISCES Creative accounting will (Feb. 20- help you avoid a hefty penalMarch 20) ty. Don’t share personal information. Help a cause because you believe in it, not because you are looking for something in return.

guyanatimesgy.com

saturday, november 26, 2016

19

Guinness Greatest of the Streets kicks off on Monday

F

or the sixth time the pioneers of organized street football, Guinness Greatest of the Streets will begin with the Georgetown leg of the competition on Monday November 28 at the National Cultural Centre tarmac and is expected to produce one of the more high profile competitions to date.

At the official launch of the event at Banks DIH Head office at Thirst Park, Brand Manager of Guinness, Lee Baptiste explained some of the differences in the tournament, highlighting two in particular.

“For the first time all teams will be fully uniformed from the beginning compliments of Colours Botique who is a more integral partner for the second year.”

Baptise stated while adding that “the tournament will now be a first round knockout format before moving into the round robin stage, this is to bring excitement from the

Guinness Greatest of the streets, Georgetown leg will officially begin on Monday

first day.”

Speaking on behalf of the clothing and footwear giants, Creanna Damon said it was a proud moment for the management to be a part

of the competition while thanking the participants in advance.

Baptise went on to say that there were just over 50 teams registering but only 32 would be mak-

ing the starting pack, therefore there was a knockout stage prior to the official start of the games, however, consistently strong teams had earned a bye to the final 32.

In the mix will be for the second time, a team from camp Street Prison as well as a team from the prison guards.

The teams will all be vying for over one million dollars in cash and prizes with the first team taking home $500,000 while second, third and fourth will cart off with $200,000, $150,000 and $75,000 respectively.

Following the Georgetown leg the games will move to West Coast Demerara, then to East and West Berbice before heading to Linden then to Bartica before the national final. Troy Mendonca, Co-Director of the Petra Organization, the organizers of the tournament said that the tournament will run until December 16, with games playing throughout the district at the D’Urban Park, the National Park, the National Cultural Centre Tarmac, East Ruimveldt Community Centre and Demerara Park.

GFF Grass Roots Festival Fireworks expected heads to Essequibo & EBD in Wakenaam Banks Beer T20 festival T

T

Participants of the Grass Roots Festival turned out in their numbers at the Buxton Community Centre for the opening

he Guyana Football Federation (GFF) National Grass Roots Football Festival continues today at the Grove Community Centre Ground, East Bank Demerara and the Queenstown Community Centre Ground, Essequibo Coast respectively from 10:00h to 14:00h.

This follows a successful start of the Festival at the Buxton Community Centre Ground, East Coast Demerara on last Saturday.

The GFF’s Technical Director, Ian Greenwood, in welcoming approximately forty-six participants at the Buxton Community Centre Ground provided an overview of the programme and the day’s activities.

“Today, with all the coaching staff, we will be looking at you doing lots of skills – dribbling techniques, passing techniques, one versus one, two versus two, three versus three games. The main idea is to evolve a new set of footballers. From next year, there will be

a lot more youth football being played.

They will be Grass Roots sessions running in your association every week.

We will have football leagues for U-11, U-13, U-15, U-17 and U-19 players. In every Association, we’ll have an academy as well so that academy will start the base of our national youth team programme. We’ll have the best players there (in the academy), then they will go into the national youth teams.

In five to ten years, I will see as many of you playing for the Golden Jaguars as possible.”

Bernice Chester, a grandmother of two of the participants, said she was very happy that the children can be at the event and be gainfully occupied in sports. “I think it will impact greatly on their lives when they leave here today.”

Another caregiver, Dellon Adams, said: “I brought five children – two girls and three boys – (who) live in my street. I just

thought it was an excellent opportunity to get them exposed.

They’ve never been on a field and actually kick a ball. It’s not in the school curriculum and even at the club level, not so very young; they (clubs) will look at the Under-15’s and the Under-17’s.

I’m particularly happy for this opportunity to expose them.”

When asked about what her expectations of the programme, Adams said, “…a renewed love for the game.

Having been given a chance to kick a ball, to listen to instructions, to do the fun things that they are doing here, I hope that revives their love for the game.”

The festivals cater for children five to twelve (12 years); parents and caregivers are encouraged to accompany their children to the festivals. Admission to all events is free.

he inaugural Banks Beer T20 knock out Festival begins today at the Wakenaam Community Centre ground in Good Success with eight male and two female teams vying for over $200,000 in cash and prizes.

Action gets underway at 14:00h with four matches expecting to be played on the opening day which will be followed by the semi finals and final on Sunday under lights.

Among the teams expect-

Ricardo Adams

ed to take part are G Square Cavaliers, Good Success, Maria’s Pleasure, Sans Souci, Sans Souci Jaguars, Zeelandia and Noitgedacht.

Keemo Paul

There will be several other activities including dominoes and attraction for the children. Patrons are asked to bring out the entire family to see the likes of West Indies U19 World Cup winner Keemo Paul, Ricardo Adams, Nokta Moses, Wayne Osbourne, Navishaul Pooran, Imran Khan, Zameer Zaman and Beesham Moses in action.

Entertainment will be provided by Vicious Vibes Sound System and deejays from Georgetown and Essequibo Coast.

Additionally, several promotions are planned and Virgin Promotions mascot will be on hand to distribute novelties to spectators.

20

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saturday, november 26, 2016

GHB/ Diamond Mineral Water Indoor Hockey Festival 2016…

Debutant Bal Wash Ers, Bounty GCC show class T

he action in the Diamond Mineral Water Indoor Hockey Tournament continued on Thursday with five thrilling matches at the National Gymnasium. The colourful and vocal crowd witnessed local side, Bounty GCC hammer Carib Hockey Club in the male division as well as debutants, United States based, Bal Wash Ers destroying Carib Hockey Club in the veterans’ category to.

In the Male matchup between Bounty GCC and Carib hockey Club, the locally based Bounty team represented the hosts well, coming out victorious with a 5-2 whipping thanks to four goals from Kevin Spencer and one from Kevin McKenize. In the first half of play, Spencer had already secured

three goals (2nd, 5th and 13th minute) to push back the Caribs while Dylan Francis was able to score the lone first half goal for his side in the 17th minute (17’). Kern Ramsammy scored his side’s second goal (26’) to put them back in contention but a few good passes by Bounty’s midfield enabled Spencer to score once more (33’) and also creating

the opportunity for McKenzie to score in the 35’.

In the second Male match up, local side Pepsi Hikers came up against some strong competition from the Trinidad and Tobago team, Queen’s Park Club as the two goliaths battled to an intense draw 5-5.

The Trinidadians were first on the score sheet through a beautiful play by Darren Cowie in the fifth minute only to have Hikers’ Robert France reply two minutes later. Jordan Vieira then scored a minute later before France leveled the scores once more. Vieira came back in the 13’ to secure his side’s third goal and Dominic Young added another one minute later as Randy

Hope closed the first half in the 17’ with the score 3-4 in favour of the visitors. Aroydy Branford scored twice in quick succession while Vieira score his third to end the match deadlocked at 5-5.

Meanwhile, Doubles from Inder Bath ( 13’ and 36’) and Raji Singh ( 11’ and 34’) sent the USA team soaring past the Carib team late into the second half of the .

In the second Veterans’ match, Queens Park Hockey Club played the Pepsi Hickers into submission, as the mauled the local side 5-1.

Gary Chin scored twice (19’ and 38’) early on while Raphael Govia scored a hat trick (1, 11’ and 32’. Devin Munroe was the only Hicker to find the back of the net (25’).

In the two ladies matches of the night, the clash of the local giants, Pizza Hut GCC and Woodpecker Hikers ended in a 2-2 draw. With Pizza Hut leading 2-1 heading into the second half, Alana Lewis was the only one to score in the final minutes to level the score line. Toronto’s Toros clobbered Old Fort 6-Nil. Kaelan Watson (8’ and 37’) and Jaslan Stirling (21’ and 40’) score twice as Angela Lancaster (24’) and Danica Jayme (28’) score one goal each. The action continues daily with the finals set for Sunday at the same venue.

Castrol Strikers back with a bang

C

astrol Strikers volleyball club, after completing a successful weekend by their own standards are now beginning to see rewards for the hard and dedicated work they have been putting in over the past two years.

As one of the longest standing local volleyball clubs, which was formed in the mid 90's, Castrol Strikers found

fortune or reward for their hard work, both the male and female teams managed to take home second place honours in the recently concluded, Demerara Volleyball Association (DVA), senior club tournament held over the past weekend at the National Gymnasium.

In an invited comment from the head coach, Rodney Fredericks, he quickly pointed out his respect for the

The female team should not be taken lightly

itself without a male or female team competing in local tournaments between 2012 and 2013.

However, through a concerted effort by past members, the club embarked on a drive to revive their once dominant male and female teams. With a mixture of limited experience and mostly fresh players, the team began a rebuilding phase in late 2014 and have been finding it difficult to bring the club back to its former glory.

In what may be deemed a change of

Rodney Fredericks

ly sees a minimum or 20 to 30 players.

Fredericks also went on to point out that in another twist of fortune, the club has managed to rekindle the long standing relationship with its original sponsor, Guyoil, who have pledged to once again stand by the club as its main sponsor.

Moving forward, Fredericks intends to extend the club even further to include a junior team as he outlined that in order for the team to remain successful and vibrant, the school system is the only place capable of feeding him with players.

Looking forward to the 2017 season, Castrol will continue to be dedicated with its training and hopes to continue building on their recent success with the aim of having the number one;

Castrol Strikers male team (black uniform) enjoyed a good return to competitive action

dedication the players have shown to practice as he pointed out that on most practice nights, he easi-

male, female and junior (male and female) teams in the near future.

‘Lady Ira’ honoured for aiding Atwell’s recovery

Ira 'Lady Ira' Lewis (third right) with members of the Guyana Committee of Services. From left are Eugene Noel, Young Bill Rogers, Joseph Ramkumar, boxer Clive Atwell, Rajan Tiwari and Leslie Black

T

he Guyana Committee of Services on Thursday recognised the efforts and work of Ira Lewis, popularly known as ‘Lady Ira’, who played a lead role in the treatment and recovery of Guyanese boxing champion, Clive ‘The Punisher’ Atwell, who suffered a brutal knockdown at the hands of Dexter Gonsalves last year at the Giftland Mall.

Members of the group presented a plaque to the USA-based Guyanese, inscribed with the words, “I slept and I dreamt that life is all joy. I woke and I saw that life is all service. I served and I saw that service is joy, with an abundance of thanks.”

It was a simple, but significant ceremony held in the main pavilion of the Georgetown Cricket Club where Chairman of the Guyana Committee of Services, Eugene Noel, spoke of the committee’s agenda, prior to bestowing the award on ‘Lady Ira.’ “A few months ago, under the aegis of Payless Variety Store, we endeavoured to a do a few things for persons who are very unfortunate. We were successful with a few of them in sports- we were successful with Clive Atwell- and we’re attempting others.

But we’re grateful, we‘re very thankful for the service that you would have provided for brother Atwell when he was in the States and we’re happy that we have this connection,” Noel told the small gathering.

‘Lady Ira’ is the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Guyana America Heritage Foundation, and played a key role in Atwell getting medical attention in the USA after he endured a horrendous blow to the head by Gonsalves in their title fight.

The punch rendered the boxer unconscious, and after he was rushed off to hospital, it was determined that he needed urgent reconstructive surgery on his skull. After the WBC FECARBOX Super Lightweight fight in October 2015, Atwell was diagnosed with massive intracranial haemorrhage and general swelling to the brain.

It was on his journey to seeking help to offset his expenses that Atwell encountered ‘Lady Ira’, a meeting he pointed out was “a blessing in disguise.”

“She came onboard with everything she had. She got the understanding of the situation and then we launched out to raise money. She made sure I was at different functions, different fundraising events. She would call my wife and I every day- sometimes four, five times a day. She would travel two, three hours a day from one event to another, all in the effort of raising funds,” Atwell reflected.

‘Lady Ira’ meanwhile, is the recipient of many awards for her work with the Foundation in the USA, but she says this accolade is very special since it is from her countrymen and women.

“I’m surprised. I don’t know what to say because a lot of times I give awards, but receiving is something else. I can tell you right now; I never felt this way before,” a smiling ‘Lady Ira’ said upon receiving the plaque.

She continued, “I’ve been honoured by many, many countries and nationalities, but today is one of the honours that I never expected. When your own honours you, you feel so much better. America has honoured me and I’m grateful and thankful for that, but I must tell you I feel 101% better when my own country people honour me. Thank you, thank, thank you.”

The Guyana Committee of Services would also like to express gratitude to other several persons who played a part in Atwell’s surgery and recovery, among them Joseph Ramkumar, Carlos Prowell, Avril Black, Leslie Black, Sean Devers, Gwen Williams, Lyndon Jones, Rajan Tiwari, Lennox Cush, Eugene Noel, Young Bill Rogers and Fly Jamaica.

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Berbice Educational Institute narrowly wins NA/Canje Zone

Berbice Educational Institute are the New Amsterdam/ Canje zone winners of the 2016 National Secondary School Cricket League

B

erbice Educational Institute (BEI) clinched New Amsterdam/ Canje Zone of the 2016 edition of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) National Secondary School Cricket League (NSSCL) with a narrow margin victory over New Amsterdam Secondary School (NASS).

The eventual champs held their nerves to record a tense two wicket victory over their rivals at the Cumberland ground.

NASS batted first and were bundled out for just 94 runs off 27 overs after they were inserted by BEI.

Berbice under 15 pacer Nicholas Haywood was the only batsman to offer any resistance with a top score of 24. Another Berbice under 15 pacer, Geevan Shults was the pick of the bowlers for BEI with 3/15 off six overs.

Randy Ramnauth also had three wickets to finish with 3/16.

BEI in response, required a match winning ninth wicket partnership of 20 to get them across the line in the 27th over. Andrew Southwell and number 10 batsman Isiah Anderson who contributed three not out came together with the team pre-

cariously place at 68/8 and batted sensibly as Southwell who made 24 not out hog the strike to take control of the game and set up what seem to be an unlikely victory for BEI at one stage. NASS’s Haywood returned with the ball to claim 2/21 while Steffon Peters had 2/19 in a losing effort.

Berbice Educational Institute now joins an elite group of Zone winners in the 2016/17 GCB/NSSCL competition who will be eagerly awaiting the resumption of the GCB/NSSCL which is scheduled for early January 2017.

36 strong for Senior National Powerlifting T

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sports

223-7230-1 (Ext: 35)

he third and final Power lifting event on the calendar of the Guyana Amateur Power Lifting Federation (GAPF) is on stream with the organizers putting the final touches to the marquee competition of 2016.

The event will feature battles amongst Guyana’s top strongmen and strongwomen at the Auditorium of St. Stanislaus College, Brickdam where the action will be on November 27.

After registration was closed on November 14, the final count is 36 athletes inclusive of seven females and 29 males.

There will be a lot for spectators to look forward to as this competition will mark the return of some seasoned campaigners from the Guyana’s Golden Era of Power Lifting.

Among those making a return to the platform is one of Guyana’s most seasoned weight sport competitor, Kimberley Mars-Loncke who has been renowned for her performance on the Power lifting platform as well as the bodybuilding Stage. The two-time Caribbean Power lifting Medalists and Caribbean and Central American Championship (CAC) bronze medalist returns with hopes of regaining her throne after a three year absence from the sport.

However, if she will be able to bring the same fire and determination she once brought to the platform and gain dominion, it will have to match and better that of young powerhouse, Tineisha Toney who will be her main rival for the Female Best Lifter Title.

For the men, we will see the return of 2012 Caribbean Bronze Medalist Fabian Ketwaroo who will be competing in the 66KG division and local bodybuilder Marvin Richards who will lock horns with 2016’s 93KG Champion, Nigel Phillips, Imran Mohammed and Caribbean Silver

GAPF Treasurer Colin Andrews receiving the sponsorship Cheque from Fitness Express’ Ian Rogers

Medalist Erwyn “Superman” Smith.

Two of Guyana’s top heavyweights, John Edwards and Colin Chesney will make their returns to be part of a three-way Battle Royale with Farouk Abdool of Hardcore Gym Berbice as they battle for Supremacy in the 120KG class.

Ticket Master has recently stepped onboard and is very excited to have become part of the growth of power lifting in Guyana. Participation at this competition serves as a prerequisite for being considered for selection for Regional and International meets in the year 2017.

Weigh-in time is 07:00h to 08:30h and athletes who arrive after will not be allowed to compete. Tickets are $1,000 and are available from members of the GAPF and entrance remains same at the gate. The GAPF wishes to express gratitude to its sponsors Fitness Express, Trophy Stall, Buddy’s Gym and Ticket Master for making this event possible.

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saturday, november 26, 2016

District 10 takes back to back title − Skeete breaks 400m record

By Romario Samaroo

D

efending Champions, District 10 (Upper Demerara/Kwakwani) successfully retained their title, cruising to victory when the curtains came down on the 56th Ministry of Education/ Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) Cycling, Swimming and Track and Field Championships at the Guyana National Stadium on Friday evening.

After five grueling days of competition across three venues, the now 15 time champions, had amassed a total of 65 points, well ahead of second placed District 11 (North Georgetown) on 59 points.

District 13 came in third with 55 points while Districts three (53 points), Six (50 points) and 12 (47.2 points) finished in 4th to 6th positions respectively Administrator of the wining district, Curtis Gravesande said it was a great feeling to once again be at the top of the sport while expressing his gratitude to the athletes who trained hard and put in the work and time.

On Day five, the highlight of the day was the 400m races, as the competition was beyond exceptional. In the U-20 boys, District 12’s Linton Mentis romped to vic- Compton Caesar of District 10 leads the males 4x100m tory in 50.5seconds (50.5s) barely piping Stayon Wilson (50.6) of District 15. Darius Austin copped 3rd in 53.3s as favourite, Compton Ceasar was disqualified after a false start.

In the U-18 boys, Samuel Lynch (50.7) was victorious ahead of Daniel Williams (51.5) and Jakeem Benn (51.9). in the boys U-16 District five’s Gowin Humphrey (52.2) lead the pack closely followed by District 11’s Daniel Benjamin (53.0) and Jamal Millington (53.7). In the U-14 boys, in 56.7s District four’s Benel Ogle won as he was trailed by Tyrese Wharton (57.9) and Devon Abel (58.2). Johnathon Copland was given U-16 champion boy, Daniel Williams (U-18) and Stayon Wilson won U-20.

District One’s Meanwhile, in the girls division, District Three’s Kezra Murray won the U-20 in one minute and one second. District 10’s Chantoba Bright dominated Rickey Williams dominated the the U-18 in 59.9s, District 11’s Yessinia Andrews won the U-14 in 61s. Andrews, Bright and Murray were all awarded champion girls of their age groups.

5000m Deshanna Skeete was victorious in the U-16 category racing away with the win as well as shattering the previous record in 57.7 seconds. She was also given the Champion Girl in her division.

In the U-18 male High Jump, District Six’s Samuel Jordon leaped to first with 191cm while Tatyanna Blair (155cm) leaped the furthest for the U-18 girls also breaking the record.

District 10 won the Track and Field championships with a massive 651.5 points, blazing past second placed District Six with 479 points and District Three with 467.5.

Meanwhile, the swimming championship was won by district 11 who amassed a total of 411 points as District Six safely took the Cycling championships with 297 points ahead of second placed District 10 on 278 points and District four on 119 points. District Three carted off with the Teachers’ championship, having tallied 293 points, distancing second placed District 13 with 258 points and District 11 who totaled 218 points.

Speaking at the ceremony, acting Chief Education Officer, Marcel Hutson, thanked the athletes and their management for their organized championship and to once more produce a clean and accident free games.

The CEO went on to leave a word of advise with the youngsters as they return to their normal lives, saying “Success is never final, Failure is not fatal but is courage that matters”

Hicks takes District 6 to Cycling Title D

istrict Six (Corentyne) rode away with the cycling championship in the Ministry of Education/ Guyana Teacher’s Union 56th National Cycling, Swimming and Track and Field Championships on the final day of the tournament on Friday.

Heading into the road race with a one point lead, District Six capped off the title with a total of 297 points, well ahead of second placed, District 10 (Upper Demerara/ Kwakwani) with 278 points while District 15 finished with 119 points, District 13 103 points and District 12, 93 points.

The race which was divided into two categories, a 40KM road race for the boys and 25K for the girls rode of from the usual east Coast starting point, the front entrance of the Ocean View Hotel, Liliendaal with the males riding to Bell Vue, East Coast Demerara (ECD) and back while the girls

turned around at ‘half way tree.’

With a total of 27 boys starting the race, Andrew Hicks (District Six) rode off with the win, having distanced his opponents by at least 10 minutes as he finished in a

t i m e if one hour, four minutes and 56 seconds (1:04:56), ahead of Adelia Hodge of District 11 (North Georgetown), who came in second and his fellow

district man, Cortis Dey. District 10’s Christopher Joseph, District 13 (South Georgetown) Ronaldo Narine, District 15 (New Amsterdam) Jason Cameron, District six’s Ralph Seenarine and District Two (Essequibo Coast/Pomeroon) Rokwell Smith finished in that order.

Speaking with Guyana Times sport, Hicks said he was pleased to have represented his District and is hopeful of another year, leaving his brother, David Hicks, who is also a cyclist to represent well.

Meanwhile in the girls’ race, District Six once again dominated the competition as Shenika Texiera pedaled her way to the win in a time of 00:55:46, ahead of teammate, Deancae Welch.

District 10’s B’Yonka Barker, Abigail Jeffrey and Olesa McPherson finished 3rd, 4th and 5th respectively.

We are the Champions! District 10 are now 15 time champions

23

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saturday, november 26, 2016

Blue Mountain Achilleion

Z

West Indies knocked out

imbabwe fought back from the brink to beat West Indies by five runs via the Duckworth-Lewis method in Bulawayo. The spirited victory gave Zimbabwe a berth in Jonathan Carter the tri-series final, where they will was not out on on Sunday.

43 when rain play Sri Lanka The cornerstone of intervened Zimbabwe's comeback was the unbroken 91run partnership - their highest for the ninth wicket in ODIs - between Sikandar Raza and Tendai Chisoro, which lifted the home side to 218. That stand came on the back of a 38-run eighth-wicket stand between Raza and Donald Tiripano, after Zimbabwe had slipped to 89 for 7. West Indies were set a target of 219 after a rain break during Zimbabwe's innings had reduced the match to 49 overs a side.

Having rescued Zimbabwe with the bat, Raza and Chisoro began proceedings with the ball - only the third time in ODIs that Zimbabwe opened with spin at both ends. Chisoro had Johnson Charles caught and bowled off the fourth ball of the innings, and trapped Evin Lewis lbw in his next over. Sean Williams came in as first change, and Graeme Cremer, second change, as Zimbabwe squeezed West Indies with spin.

It was Williams who got the next wicket when Shai Hope, driving with hard hands, could only edge the ball to Hamilton Masakadza at first slip. Just as West Indies seemed to be recovering, Kraigg Brathwaite was run out by a direct hit after the batsmen attempted a tight single. Williams got his second wicket when Rovman Powell holed out to Craig Ervine at long-off. West

GASA National Swimming Championships 2016...

Impressive races from familiar faces

By Delvon Mc Ewan

A

competitive opening day of the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) Nationals Swimming Championships saw some impressive races from familiar faces at the National Aquatic Centre, Liliendaal.

One of those season swimmers is Soroya Simmons out of the Dorado swim club, who stood out among her peers in the 18 and over category. The 19 year old started the day with a timing of 19:53secs as she concluded her 1500m freestyle comfortably in the morning session.

In her next race, the 400m individual medley, she recorded a time of 5:55.12secs to once again top her field. Then she closed off the day strongly in the 100m Backstroke with timings of 1:14.78.

Her colleagues from Dorado dominated the morning session but not without a stern challenge from Sea Otters’ swimmers.

Alex Winter in the boys 1500m freestyle, Lian Winter in the girls 11-12 200m butterfly and Daniel Scott-boys 200m butterfly, all out of Dorado club spearheaded their races.

Lian Winter also won the 11-12 100m backstroke.

For Sea Otters, Vidjaz Mohamed-11-12 boys 1500m freestyle and Phillip DeNobrega-boys 15-17 1500m freestyle were among the winners in the opening session.

Trumaine Cole out of the Silver Shark swim club was the other winner

Soroya Simmons

in the morning session in the Boys 18 and over 100m Backstroke.

Other winners on the first day include, Kayla Hardy girls eight and under 50m breaststroke, Jeron Sookram boys eight and under 50m breast stroke, Aleka Persaud girls 9-10 50m breaststroke, Raekwon Noel boys 9-10 50m breaststroke, Jadyn George girls 11-12 50m breaststroke, Leon Seaton 11-12 50m breaststroke, Brandon Abrahams boys 11-12 50m BS and 11-12 100m backstroke, Kenita Mahaica girls 13-14 50m breaststroke, Alex Winter boys 13-14 50m breaststroke, Tiffany DeMoura girls 15-17 50m breaststroke, Phillip DeNobrega 15-17 50m Breaststroke, Shaqueel Amin boys 18 and over 50m breaststroke, Aleka Persaud, Tzedeq Sekhel, Accalia Khan.

The clubs involved in the three day event which will conclude on Sunday are; Dorado, Sea Otters, Silver Shark, Orca and Dolphin.

Indies were 93 for 5 in the 23rd over at that stage, well behind the D/L par score, even as play went on under a steady drizzle.

Jonathan Carter batted on for an unbeaten 56-ball 43 and Jason Holder hit 22 off 17 to add quick runs, but West Indies were still five short of the D/L par score when rain intervened in the 28th over, with the score at 124 for 5. That proved to be the end, and West Indies were left to rue another match that had slipped from their grasp.

Earlier, after a rain break had interrupted Zimbabwe's innings at 48 for 1, Devendra Bishoo and Ashley Nurse tore through the middle order, engineering a collapse of 6 for 41. In the third ball after the resumption, Bishoo bowled a full ball into the blockhole that beat Hamilton Masakadza's defence. Thereafter, batsman after batsman demonstrated poor technique against spin to send the innings into a downward spiral. Brian Chari, Peter Moor and Cremer all rocked back and played cross-batted shots to deliveries that should have had them playing forward. They were all bowled. Ervine and Williams both played forward, but the former was beaten by the turn and trapped in front, while the latter could only manage a fine edge through to the keeper.

Between them, Bishoo and Nurse took 6 for 57 in 20 overs.

But, just when it seemed that Zimbabwe would slump to a doublefigure total, Raza and Tiripano started a counterattack against the seamers. Holder bounced Tiripano out to end a pesky eighthwicket stand, but that only paved the way for an even thornier partnership that frustrated West Indies.

Raza and Chisoro built their partnership on ones and twos, minimising risk as they looked to bat out the overs. With two overs to go, though, they both cut loose - Raza creamed two fours through the cover region, while Chisoro unleashed two mighty pulls for six. The pair plundered 29 runs off the last two overs to send Zimbabwe into the interval on a high. That high extended into their bowling and fielding, before the intervention of the elements sealed a well-deserved win for the hosts. (ESPNcricinfo)

Sikandar Raza clips one to the leg side

SCOREBOARD Zimbabwe innings (49 overs maximum) BB Chari b Bishoo 19 CJ Chibhabhab Holder 9 H Masakadzab Bishoo 20 CR Ervine lbw b Nurse 7 Sikandar Razanot out 76 SC Williamsc †Hope b Nurse 0 13 PJ Moor† b Nurse AG Cremer*b Bishoo 1 DT Tiripanoc †Hope b Holder 15 TS Chisoronot out42 Extras (lb-4, w-9, nb-3) 16 Total (8 wickets; 49 overs)218(4.44 runs per over) Did not bat: CB Mpofu Fall of wickets 1-18 (Chibhabha, 3.6 ov), 2-48 (Masakadza, 11.3 ov), 3-59 (Chari, 17.1 ov), 4-63 (Ervine, 18.3 ov), 5-63 (Williams, 18.5 ov), 6-86 (Moor, 24.5 ov), 7-89 (Cremer, 25.6 ov), 8-127 (Tiripano, 36.5 ov) Bowling: ML Cummins 10-140-0 (nb-3, w-3), JO Holder 10-0-58-2 (w-2), D Bishoo 101-30-3 (w-1), AR Nurse 10-027-3, CR Brathwaite8-0-52-0

(w-2), JL Carter 1-0-7-0 (w-1) West Indies innings (target: 130 runs from 27.3 overs) E Lewislbw b Chisoro 9 0 J Charles c & b Chisoro KC Brathwaiterun out (Ervine) 24 SD Hope† c Masakadza b Williams 14 JL Carter not out 43 R Powell c Ervine b Williams 6 JO Holder*not out 22 Extras: (b 4, lb 1, w 1)6 Total: (5 wickets; 27.3 overs)124 Did not bat: CR Brathwaite, AR Nurse, D Bishoo, ML Cummins Fall of wickets 1-1 (Charles, 0.4 ov), 2-12 (Lewis, 2.5 ov), 3-35 (Hope, 9.2 ov), 4-70 (KC Brathwaite, 17.4 ov), 5-93 (Powell, 22.5 ov) Bowling: TS Chisoro 6-123-2, Sikandar Raza 6-126-0 (w-1), SC Williams 7-1-18-2, AG Cremer 5.3-028-0, CB Mpofu 3-0-24-0

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