GuyanaTimes

2

Pomeroon

SunDAY, September 13, 2015 | guYAnAtimeSgY.com

High

William Street fire leaves several homeless, devastated

The Guyana Fire Service has once again come in for criticism following a fire at William Street, Kitty, Georgetown on Saturday evening that left four families seeking refuge.

The fire which started at about 17:45h, completely gutted the Lot 69 William Street two-storey wooden and concrete structure; owned by overseas-based Guyanese Deloris Joseph.

The top flat was occupied by Joseph’s son, Ronel Griffith while the three apartments on the lower flat were occupied by separate families. The names of the other families were given as Barrow and Fraser. The name of the third however, was not immediately available.

From all indication, the fire started in one of the apartments in the lower flat but the cause of the fire is still unknown. Reports indicate since no one was in the apartment at the time the fire started.

When Guyana Times arrived at the scene, there were about five fire tenders parked while fire fighters were struggling to tap into a water sources in the area. Some of them were seem attempting to open several fire hydrants but were met with some hurdles.

Eventually, after some 30 minutes, they were able to get water through the hoses but by this time it was too late. The upper flat would have already been gutted.

Members of another family who occupy a house on the same lot were seen throwing water to prevent their home from catching afire. There was also heavy

Police presence in case of looting.

A devastated Ronel Griffith who was being consoled by his friend told Guyana Times that he was lying down with his children when he started to smell smoke and thought that someone had lit a garbage heap in the area.

Soon after he saw smoke coming through the flooring boards and immediately grabbed his two children and ran out of the house. His wife followed suit.

He stated that within minutes, the entire lower flat was engulfed in flames and ultimately the upper flat. The young man posited that no one got an opportunity to salvage any household items. He related that they contacted the Guyana Fire Service but the tenders did not respond until after 30 minutes would have elapsed, by which time the house was far gone.

He also added that when

tenders arrived, as usual, there was not enough water to put out the blaze. He could not say if the house was insured since his brother conducts business on his mother’s behalf.

However, Norma Hopkinson, an occupant of the second house told Guyana Times that she was on Regent Street when she received a telephone call from a relative informing her that cousin’s house was on fire. She hurried home only to find the house completely engulfed.

As she sat on a bench in front of her home, she stated that her cousin has resided overseas for the past 12 years but returned last year to complete some renovation on her home. She added that she did not have infor-

mation about the fire, adding that her nephews and other relatives were trying to save her house.

Incompetence

Meanwhile, several residents and onlookers lashed out at the Guyana Fire Service for their incompetence when it comes to fire fighting. They claimed that if only the tankers were filled with water, the building could have been saved. The fire officials were on the scene and would have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire. This comes days after a fire of unknown origin completely destroyed a building that housed several businesses at Regent and King Streets, Georgetown (bhisham@ guyanatimesgy.com)

The fire as it rips through the two storey house

Sunday Editor: Michael Younge

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

Mailing address: 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown

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

Editorial

Destroying the recommended P3 Development Model

Even as the World Bank and the G-20 nations have placed Public Private Partnerships (PPP's or P3's) at the top of their agenda as a model for building infrastructure in the new millennium, the new Government of Guyana, by its precipitate actions on the Berbice Bridge which pioneered the use of the model, is destroying this option for our now investment-starved and stagnant economy.

The P3 model came into vogue in the 1990's. As explained simply by Wikipedia, "There are usually two fundamental drivers for P3's. Firstly, P3's are claimed to enable the Public Sector to harness the expertise and efficiencies that the Private Sector can bring to the delivery of certain facilities and services traditionally procured and delivered by the Public Sector. Secondly, a P3 is structured so that the Public Sector body seeking to make a capital investment does not incur any borrowing. Rather, the P3 borrowing is incurred by the Private Sector vehicle implementing the project."

As is implicit in the explication above, the PPP model tries to combine the provision of a "public good" – such as a river crossing – which is normally delivered by Government from funds collected as taxes from the citizenry with funding sourced through the "market-driven" Private Sector. In 2006 when the Berbice Bridge was conceptualised as a P3 model, the IMF had raised the question of the still high debt load, inherited from the People’s National Congress, carried by Guyana. When as in the Bridge or a hydro electric plant the services would be paid for by the end user, it becomes an off balance sheet method for Government spending. The Government would not add to its debt portfolio. The International Monetary Fund explicitly commended the P3 model, also floated for a hydro-electric plant, at the time.

What has not been commented on presently is the tremendous achievement of the then People’s Progressive Party/Civic Government to bring aboard almost every financial institution in the country – and several commercial ones along with pensions funds – to finance a venture via a P3 Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) that was never tested before in the country. Eight years after our Berbice Bridge was built using the P3 financing model, in the wake of the recently concluded Ministerial G-20 meeting, the OECD had advised on the necessary complexity of the arrangement. It pointed out that the World Bank has just issued a "Report on Recommended P3 Contractual Provisions", which recommends language to address key issues that emerge when countries have to negotiate a PPP contract, including transparency and dispute resolution.

This issue about "lack of transparency" has been raised in Guyana on the contract between the SPV (Berbice Bridge Company Inc) and the Government but even the World Bank points out in its Report that because of the involvement of private investors in P3's, there will have to be broad areas of redactions including commercially sensitive information, trade secrets and strategic/public interest related confidential information.

Because private investors prefer liquid investments (or those that could be easily made liquid) there is great reluctance to enter into P3's that would tie up their money for decades. The inducement in 2007 for investors in the Berbice Bridge would have been to offer higher than then prevailing interest rates. Interestingly, all the investors, including common shareholders accepted, then prevailing rates. Patriotism must have overcome financial prudence.

The OECD has now moved from its recommendation last year that the aversion to P3's can be for governments to "mitigate" risks by transferring them to the Public Sector away from the Private Sector. While in Guyana, this move would be condemned by the present Government, this year the OECD has been even more radical in advising governments to consider “credit and revenue guarantees, first loss provisions [that limit the amount the investor will lose if things go wrong], public subsidies, and … direct loans” to reduce the risks for institutional investors.

APNU/AFC coalition has positioned rice on the road to destruction

Dear Editor,

Make no mistake about it

– the rice industry is in crisis. David Granger, Moses Nagamootoo and their Finance and Agriculture Ministers have argued that there is no crisis in the rice industry. But the present unwillingness to assist the industry and the rice farmers is the start of a sad story, a story of the rice industry being positioned to fail. Mark my word, the industry will begin to see an exodus of rice farmers from the fields, like in the 1980s, unless the A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) remedies the situation.

The rice industry needs the Government's support now. APNU/AFC needs to prove that the budgeted $23 billion as well as the promised $9000 per bag of paddy isn’t an illusion.

The present $1500 to $2200 per bag of paddy being offered to farmers is not acceptable and it is no substitute for the $9000 promised before the elections. The Government needs to make the budgeted $23 billion available to the industry now. For the Finance Minister to say he does not quite understand where the money is in the budget is another voodoo economics ploy.

The rice farmers have been abandoned by a Government which pretended to be their friends before the elections. The rice farmers’ votes which were bought by the APNU/AFC were re-

warded with betrayal. Now the Government argues that the rice industry is a Private Sector business and that the transactions between millers and farmers are private.

The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) supported the Private Sector nature of the rice industry, but also embraced the notion that the rice industry is a critical to our development and understood that Government support was an imperative.

Rice farmers are generally not rich people. They work hard to make a living. Even more important, the rice farmers have ensured that the rice industry has grown over the years to become one of Guyana's top GDP earners. The industry is in the top five for GDP contributors and is presently at the top for export earnings. No industry has contributed more to the reduction of poverty and hunger in our country than the rice industry.

It is incumbent for the Government of the day to ensure that the rice industry receives maximum support.

The rice industry has earned an important place in our social and economic development. It’s not a charity or handout as Keith Scott had called it in during the 2014 budget debate, but out of necessity that the Government must support the industry. Such support is in the social and economic interest of the people of Guyana.

The PPP has always supported and catalysed the growth of the rice indus-

try. It was an early Cheddi Jagan-led PPP Government that saw rice reaching 100,000 tonnes production by 1960 and 200,000 tonnes production by 1964. It was under the PPP that exports reached 100,000 tonness by 1964. Before 1992, there was a production of 100,000 tonnes and less than 40,000 tonnes in export.

Under the PPP, production surpassed 600,000 tonnes with 500,000 tonnes in export in 2014, a remarkable development story. From a handful of countries in 1990, Guyana was exporting to 33 countries by the end of 2014. Prices for paddy which had been less than US$3 per bag in the early 1990s rose to US$15 and then US$25 per bag by the end of 2014.

The People’s National Congress, however, destroyed the booming rice industry it inherited in the 1960s. From record breaking highs in production and export, the industry sunk to record-breaking lows by 1990. In the 1970s and 1980s, the party effectively killed the rice industry which wasn’t mere mismanagement, but a deliberate act to punish rice farmers perceived as supporters of the late Cheddi Jagan and the PPP.

The present APNU/ AFC non-action in ensuring that all rice farmers are paid for their paddy is not just an oversight; it is very much part of the strategy for rice farmers not to

be able to return to production. The harvesting of the second crop for 2015 has already begun. It is expected that more than 500,000 tonnes or the equivalent of eight million bags of paddy will be produced by farmers for the second crop of 2015. Yet farmers are still owed about $1 billion for paddy they sold to millers during the first crop of 2015. During the tenure of the PPP, the Government intervened in every crop and made certain that millers paid the farmers before the next crop started. In some instances, the PPP Government even loaned money to the millers to ensure that the farmers were paid before harvesting of the next crop. This was a proactive support mechanism that nurtured and increased the growth of the rice industry in Guyana. In Opposition, APNU/ AFC saw support to the industry ashandouts to rice farmers. It had argued, as Carl Greenidge did, that the industry is a private business and that Government has no business intervening in the transactions between millers and farmers. The PPP believes that support to the industry, including finding markets and ensuring farmers are paid a fair price and receive timely payments, are imperatives for the social and economic development of our country.

Dr Leslie Ramsammy

Govt strangling housing, construction sectors

...should intervene to boost sector; stimulate economy – former Housing Minister

Private developers’ investment is driven by confidence in the economy and the Government’s approach towards the housing sector, but from all indications; it appears as though the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) administration has no real direction in which it wants to take this sector – ultimately the country.

This is according to former Housing Minister Irfaan Ali who has been observing with much alarm the current inactivity with respect to housing policies – most of which is to be blamed upon Government’s tepid general approach to the sector and lack of support projects to stimulate investment.

“In my view, the policy approach to housing is not only regressive but lazy.

The housing sector has to be driven by dynamic leadership,” Ali pointed out, hoping that Government immediately corrects its mistakes.

Firstly, the former Minister advised that Government needs to shake off its slothful and uninspiring approach to the sector.

“There is no excitement,” he highlighted, noting that private developers will not be attracted to a market that has not potential to grow.

“The market has to be stimulated, vibrant and generally project positive outlook in terms of future value (FV) and net present value (NPV). For there to be a meeting of interest between

the Government and Private Sector, the Government has to be seen as aggressive,” Ali explained.

Secondly, he pointed out that Budget 2015 makes no provision for new infrastructural projects that would stimulate expenditure in the sector. Further, Ali remind-

ed that the five alternative bypasses linking Diamond to Eccles have been shelved, noting that this is another flawed action by the Government which signals its disinterest in the housing sector.

Thirdly, Ali recognised that there is not a single

strategic approach in catalysing the potential of linking transformative infrastructure with housing. He said the Government has built up so much negativity around these projects that they have now virtually eroded the injective benefit it has for the economy.

“An example of this was the marketing of Silica City as a spinoff of the New Airport and a transshipment hub that the Lethem Georgetown road link will create. A second example is the inability of the Government to reconcile with the vision of investing in the housing infrastructure for the new Ogle/ Cummings Lodge Area. So in essence, we will be building that new road link

but delaying the supportive or secondary infrastructure that has the greatest potential to drive Private Sector activity,” the former Minister stated.

Moreover, Ali admitted that the agreements with private investors must be adhered to but highlighted that if the Government’s negative approach is eroding confidence in the sector then more exposure in spending by the Private Sector can create greater national problems. He noted that most private developers operate on large over drafts or loans therefore if liquidity is used up in still assets or non productive assets then not only are the private investors but also the financial institutions exposed.

Former Housing Minister Irfaan Ali

Page Foundation

Anu Dev

If you’re going to do something, then do it right

"Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching." – C. S. Lewis

Ithink I’ve heard the old adage, “If you’re going to do something, you might as well do it properly” thrown around probably a thousand times by now. But how many people do I see actually taking their own advice to do things properly? Not that many. But it's difficult, I suppose. As Portia said in

the Merchant of Venice, “I can easier teach twenty what were good to be done than be one of the twenty to follow mine own teaching.”

It’s so easy to just phone it in and do a job half-way if you find that you can get by on that. And you’re even more inclined to do that if everybody else seems to be getting by doing the bare

minimum as well. Why should you be the only one working hard? Where’s the motivation for you to do the job properly?

And it happens a lot with people who are naturally pretty smart or good at what they do. They figure out very quickly that working at just half-speed, they can outperform most

of their peers. And they end up doing just enough to keep ahead, never mind that they have the potential to do so much more.

And that’s definitely a dangerous path to choose to travel. Because for people like that, when they’re then thrown into an environment where everyone else is just as good as they are, it’s quite a shock to the system. Especially if those people weren’t content to just kick back, and instead, kept pushing themselves and developed a stellar work ethic.

And you should want to do well because you want to. It shouldn’t be for the sake of pleasing other people or making other people proud. It should be for you. Whatever work you do, it should be something you’re proud of. At the end of the day, you should be able to reflect and say, “I’ve done my best on this.” It’ll be worth so much more.

I saw a picture on the “Humans of New York” page the other day, of a girl who said that she was always an overachiever, got accepted to Harvard, was

then surrounded by people as smart as or smarter than her and her grades ended up falling. She said it was because she was no longer getting that external validation she had grown accustomed to. She eventually realized she had formed her entire identity around making people proud of her. She took some time off, learnt more about herself, learnt to cope with failure and that it’s okay to ask for help. She eventually went back and graduated. So that story had a happy ending! It really does feel nice to get praised for your work, to be singled out as the top of your class, or as the best employee. But it’s not healthy for someone else’s praise to be the goal. That should never be the goal, it sure is a nice byproduct but the goal should be you getting the job done and having a result that you can be proud of. So, to repeat something you’ve all heard a million times, “If you’re going to do something, then do it right.”

Hurakabra Resort hosts 3rd Nereid’s Yacht Rally

– Guyana has prime yachting destination potential

By Devina Samaroo

As Guyana journeys to become a full-blown yachting destination, some 18 vessels are expected to participate in the third Nereid’s Yacht Rally at the Hurakabra Resort in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni).

Yachters journeyed from as far as New Zeeland, France, the United Kingdom, Canada and Russia and as close as French Guiana, Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados to take part in this event.

“Our country and this event really is a wonderful melting pot for people from all over the world,” Tourism Minister Cathy Hughes exclaimed, failing to conceal her excitement.

For years, Guyana has been in talks of developing a marina at a prime location in the Essequibo where yachters can dock their ships and venture off on the shores to explore the all the wonders of this small South American country, including the majestic Kaieteur Falls, the nature-friendly eco-resorts that line the Rupununi corridors and the hinterland regions, among others.

Acknowledging the great successes of the rallies throughout the years, the Minister pledged her commitment and determination towards finally realising a yachting marina in the Essequibo.

“We definitely see that a

marina in Guyana is an incredible place to have the possibility where yachters can come and have their boats docked and any basic mechanical or maintenance done right here in Guyana. And of course, it is a tremendous opportunity for us to provide jobs for our people that live in this area,” she stated.

Meanwhile, the yachters are expected to rally through the Caribbean where the grand sailing will come to an end in Saint Laurent, French Guiana.

Nonetheless, many of the yachtsmen and yachtswomen expressed their desire to return to Guyana to continue their adventure of discovering more of this beautiful land.

Sailing on my own

The Guyana Times met a remarkable woman who travelled all the way from the United Kingdom, by herself, in her yacht N’oublie Jamais (French for ‘Never Forget’).

“Sailing on own, my gosh, I do a lot of sailing on my own. I sailed through the Mediterranean on my own; I did a fair amount in the Caribbean. I don’t chose to sail on my own, but I find that if I don’t have the right persons onboard then it doesn’t work,” said Jean Petty.

Petty has been sailing all alone for years and has experienced many amazing cultures however, she was truly amazed when she wit-

nessed Guyana.

“I joined the Nereid rally because I heard such wonderful things about Guyana…,” she stated, noting that indeed Guyana is a wonderful country with wonderful people.

Petty, in an inspiring message, explained that just because you are a lady does not mean you cannot do things. “Too many people think that a woman doesn’t have the strength and the capabilities. It’s not about strength, it’s about finding an alternative to issues…If you can’t pull in sail, there’s another way of doing it. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t,” she stated.

Building Yachts

The Guyana Times also met a yachter from

Trinidad and Tobago, Donald Stollmeyer, who occasionally enjoys building his own yachts.

In fact, his most prime possession is the Ballerina Girl- the yacht he designed and crafted almost all by himself. “I hired two persons to help me, but I basically built it on my own,” he said.

Stollmeyer is the Manager and part-owner of Power Boats Inc in Chagauramas, Trinidad and Tobago. The company specialises in building yachts and powerboats.

The Ballerina Girlwhich appears like a speck in the Essequibo River is equipped with three bedrooms; two bathrooms; a kitchen with iceboxes, cupboards, and a microwave; a surround system stereo set;

and a flat-screen television. Stollmeyer explained that it took him a long seven years to build the yacht but noted that it was well worth the wait. He explained that nothing beats sailing in boat that you almost singlehanded designed and constructed.

“But I would not recommend anybody build a yacht. Go buy a yacht if you want a yacht… it is a lot of work and you have to be very particular in what you do because the boat has to be functional and it has to be strong; when you get outside and you have strong winds and big waves it has to be tough because it has to take lots of jamming,” he advised.

Boat yard

Moreover, Stollmeyer

recognised that Guyana has a lot of potential of becoming a prime destination for yachters.

“But we don’t want a country to remain with potential forever. We must activate that potential…have a focal point for them to come to,” he said. However, he noted that a marina alone will not do. He recommended that Guyana also develop a boat yard where yachters can leave their boats since Guyana is safe from hurricanes. Meanwhile, at the official welcoming reception on Friday, owner of the Hurakabra Resort, Kit Nascimento, and his wife Gem Nascimento extended a warm welcome to the yachters. Welcoming remarks was also delivered by Region Seven Regional Chairman Gordon Bradford. David Matelicani, the mastermind who came up with the concept of the rally, also delivered brief remarks. It was discovered that Matelicani actually ventured off to Guyana by accident and, had it not been for that misfortune, Guyana would have never realised its potential of unlocking that tourism aspect. Matelicani was actually sailing along the border of Venezuela when a storm struck and his yacht floated all the way into Guyana’s shores. There, he and the Nascimentos got to talking and the Nereid’s Rally was born. (devinas@guyanatimesgy.com)

Guyana journeys to become a full-blown yachting destination

Reg 2 paddy price plunges

...APNU/AFC Councillor says situation "not pleasant"

Rice harvesting has commenced across various villages in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), and many rice farmers have noted their concerns over the price being offered by millers. Scores of rice farmers, who approached Guyana Times stressed that they are not pleased with the current prices put out by millers for a bag of Grade A paddy.

According to a farmer, who has already harvested his fields, he had no choice than to take his paddy to the closest miller as he has no storage bond. The farmer explained that he does not know what price he will be offered by the miller, since he was told that price is not out as yet.

Another rice farmer from Cullen, Sugrim Persaud, explained that he took his paddy to another

miller where he was paid $1800. Sugrim said that $1800 is not profitable for him and he has a family to support. Persaud said that the situation is very frustrating as he noted that

there is lack of storage facility within the region.

Currently, a few millers within the coast are paying prices ranging from $2700 to $1800. Rice farmers said the prices offered

are not profitable and explained that most times rice farmers paddy do not received Grade A due the various challenges they are facing.

Meanwhile A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change Councillor Samad Baksh, at the Regional Democratic Council Statutory Meeting for the month of September held on Tuesday last, told Councillors that the situation in the rice industry is a difficult one. The rice miller said harvesting is currently in process and, within another three months, some 250 tons of paddy will be added to the 200 tons in the system already.

“The situation is not pleasant. What are we going to do with all the rice in the system? And there is not a proper paying market?” Baksh questioned.

Conduct unbecoming...

...a Minister

Raphael Trotman's back home - in the bosom of the PNC, the one led by the old LCP types. He only left because he assumed he was the Crown Prince, Bonnie Prince Trottie, and was squeezed by the old finagler, Corbin. Hoyte might've led him on, because neither of them were enamoured of the rough-hewn Corbin. Refused to stick out his pinkie when he sipped tea - laced with Scotch, to boot!

Anyhow, Trittie's now Minister of Governance and dispenser of the "national patrimony". Tasks promised to Nagamootoo in the Cummingsburg Accord, but for which he was deemed unsuitable by the powers-that-be. Toooooo rough-hewn and not to the manner born. Anyhow, Trottie just announced a "Code of Conduct for Ministers and Government Officials". (CCMGO).

The CCMGO's built around ten principles: duty, honour, integrity, dignity, loyalty, accountability, objectivity, diligence, transparency, and responsibility. Whew!!! Now you KNOW they're out to get Nagamootoo - he's gonna score 0 out of 10! Poor sucker! But this Eyewitness thinks the LCP types might be too smart for their own good. Let's just apply the criteria to some of their other members.

"Duty, honour, integrity"?? Where were these when the APNU agreed to powers for Moses Nagamootoo to entice him to deliver Berbice, then screwed him royally? Did anyone buy the ridiculous excuse they "didn't know the Constitution forbade these delegations"?? Ha!!

"Dignity"?? After the display of the entire Government benches during the Budget cuss down (no "debate" that!) even fisher-women are suing for defamation of character, when they heard the Ministers described thusly! "Loyalty"? Sure....but "loyalty" to what? To feathering their own nest? The Mafia has a code of "loyalty" also. So what? "Accountability" includes "conflict of interest". Now isn't it a conflict of interest for Ministers of Government to sit on the Sectoral Committees - mandated to "scrutinise" their performances? So it's Ok for Ministers to be their own judge and jury - as well as shill?? Then what about those payment for foreign trips by "private" interests?

"Objectivity"? Sure. And Ramjattan's soooo objective to say that it's the Opposition creating the PERCEPTION of a crime wave! Or Nagamootoo berating a poor reporter for saying the Government "blundered" in its Budget presentation. "Diligence"? Man, that AG Basil Williams has been ultra diligent pursuing those big contributors to the APNU campaign who owes $20B in taxes!

Transparency? Well Jagdeo has said he'll show his overseas wealth if Government officials will do the same. Why don't they pick him up in his offer?

We'll tell you why.

Because they know they're responsible for evading the taxman - and that a Camp Street address awaits them!

...a City Clerk

In Opposition, APNU backed Royston King to be be Town Clerk - claiming that even though the position was a bureaucratic one to be appointed by the Ministry, King should've been selected by the Council. But now they're in Government, and appointed all "political" hacks to be the Bureaucratic officials on the Regional Councils - they haven't changed King. This Eyewitness wonders how the new "Code of Conduct" views this? Objectivity?

Anyhow, the Town Clerk himself was involved in an activity that raised issues of "accountability". After throwing out some vendors at Bourda on their ears, he gathered the others from around the city and had them agree to pay $1000 weekly for "polluting the environment". But then turned around and said they weren't "legal". What the heck is this? By accepting payment from the vendors, King and the City Council have just legalised them.The question, of course, is whether KING'S action is legal.

But then he has a mandate from the President himself, no?

And he's just "quasi political"!

...a Minister

Minister Scott berated Brian Tiwari for being a no-show at his private housing inspection. Has Scott forgotten the sterling contribution of BK to the inauguration bash?

Even if there's no "loyalty", has quid pro quo also been thrown overboard?

A rice field during harvest in Region Two

Herstelling

murder confession...

Guyana participates in annual NY Guyana Folk Festival Wife allegedly hired hitman to kill husband

Gwendolyn Persaud, wife of slain joiner Nathan Persaud, succumbed to pressure on Friday evening and admitted to paying a hitman a huge amount of money to get rid of her husband.

A Police source told the Guyana Times that the woman made the confession while being interrogated at the Criminal Investigation Department at Eve Leary, Georgetown.

According to information received, the woman reportedly told investigators that her now dead husband was planning to kill her, but she took the first jump.

She also admitted that the murder stemmed from a property dispute which is presently engaging the attention of the courts. The Police are now hunting for a Georgetown resident in connection with the murder.

The couple was separated for over a year due to constant domestic dispute. The woman who operates a drinking bar in Diamond New Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara was taken into custody hours after Persaud’s bloodied body was discovered on Thursday morning.

Based on information received, the woman was seen boarding a minibus with the alleged hitman, who was ear-

lier seen in the village enquiring about the now dead man. He reportedly had a piece of paper in his hand as he asked several persons ques-

tions in attempting to locate Persaud’s home.

Persaud, according to reports gathered, would have received death threats via telephone and would have confided in his four sons. Nathan Jr, one of the dead man’s sons, was a little hesitant to speak but confirmed that his father had told them that his life was in danger and that he needed to leave the country. He stated that he and his brothers convinced his father to stay. Even up to Saturday morning, the young man told the Guyana Times that the family is still trying to come to grips with the shock that his mother was involved in the murder.

The young Persaud re-

called living in Diamond Housing Scheme with his mother, father and siblings but, due to the constant fights between his parents, his father thought it best to move on; hence they built the house in Herstelling, East Bank Demerara. The property, he stated, that is at the centre of the controversy is also located at Diamond.

Nathan Persaud, age 43 of Lot 66 Herstelling New Housing Scheme, was on Thursday morning found in a pool of blood in the living room of his home. His head was bashed in at the time of the discovery, which was made at about 10:00h by a relative.

A knife, hammer and several pieces of clay bricks were found next to the man’s body. He was last seen alive by one of his sons before he left for classes. Persaud was reportedly on the telephone at the time.

A post-mortem examination performed on the body of the dead man proved that he died as a result of blunt trauma to the head. The autopsy was performed by State Pathologist, Dr Nehaul Singh, at the Georgetown Public Hospital on Friday. Persaud is expected to be laid to rest on Monday. (bhisham@guyanatimesgy.com)

Tourism Minister Catherine Hughes, led a Guyanese contingent of travel professionals, hospitality and other service providers and representatives of the Guyana Marketing Corporation to

their heritage.

“This is a good time to reflect on how far we’ve come, what we want to achieve in the near future, and the importance of maintaining our traditions and cultures,” the Minister said before she

generation and any genre, published or not. This year’s rising writers included Liann Aris Henry, Tiffany Herod, Chaniece Allen, and Terrance Bobb. Adult writers present included Brenda Richards, Charles

the 14th Annual Guyana Folk Festival and Brooklyn Labour Day festivities last weekend.

Minister Hughes and party arrived in New York on Friday September 4, 2015 and went directly to the traditional “Kwe Kwe” (Queh Queh) event at the St Stephen’s Lutheran Church Hall. She lauded the Guyana Cultural Association (GCA) for the effort they expend every year to maintain their cultural heritage and ensure that current Guyanese-Americans are continuously educated about

joined in the simulation of a traditional pre-wedding Kwe Kwe ceremony.

The large gathering, which included other West Indians and Americans, was also briefed on the plans to celebrate Guyana’s Golden Jubilee in May 2016. The Minister took the opportunity to extend an unconditional invitation to everyone to visit Guyana and participate in these celebrations.

The following day, the party attended the GCA’s Annual Literary Hang, an event that provides a platform for writers of every

Liverpool, Valerie Coddett, Yvonne Sam, Rueben Freeman, Rosalind Kilkenny McLymont, Kimani Nehusi, Francis Quamina Farrier, Courtney Noel, Percy Haynes, Roy Brummell, Angela Massiah, Claudia Persaud, Lear Matthews, Ted Matthews, Kwesi Oginga, Ingrid Griffith, Maurice St. Pierre, and Alexander Betton Haynes. Luminary Dr Vibert Cambridge used the event to launch his new book Musical Life in Guyana (Excerpt from GINA)

Slain, Nathan Persaud

Tourism Minister Cathy Hughes with “Bob” the parrot and TV Weatherman Joey Stevens

Give all miners the same concessions – small-scale miners

Discussions are currently ongoing between the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) and the Government of Guyana regarding the possibility of small and medium-scale miners benefiting from the same concessions being granted to the larger miners.

This is according to former President of the GGDMA, Patrick Harding, during the 32nd Annual General Meeting on Friday.

Despite having already been promised some concessionary benefits, the GGDMA is calling on the Government for greater support as the local industry continues to struggle under the low gold prices.

He explained that the gold industry continues to cripple due to the low prices on the market and considering that the mining industry is a great

contributor to the economy, the Government should play a more significant role in ensuring that miners are not driven into bankruptcy.

In its Budget Speech 2015, Finance Minister Winston Jordan announced that only “eligible” miners will be exempted from the payment of custom duties on fuel, matting, ATVs, jack hammer

drills, flex hoses, expanding metals, pumps, pump housing, impellers, shaft and engines.

He did not specify on the criteria which needs to be met for one to become “eligible” for these concessions.

While this move is welcomed by the Association, it was pointed out that this will not be enough to keep the industry afloat.

Harding also pointed out that some of the benefits granted by the previous administration are not going to help save the industry this time around. For example, the GGDMA had obtained a licence to import diesel fuel and lubricants at a lower cost however; Harding explained that this still does not make it easier for small and medium scale miners to compete with the larger ones.

For these reasons, Harding

believes that the small and medium scale miners should benefit from similar concessions as the larger miners- especially during this time of crisis.

Gold prices stood at US$1,107 per ounce on Saturday and experts have already predicting a steady decline.

The GGDMA had previously pointed out that small and medium scale miners currently produce more gold than is currently projected to be produced by the large scale companies, but are not yet treated with due value.

The Association contended that the cost of production for these miners is incredibly high and therefore, when prices fall, these miners find it extremely difficult to meet their obligations.

“The sector is now plagued with repossessions, of mining equipment and property, and defaulting bank payments as many of the smaller operations find it difficult to continue to subsidise the cost of production,” GGDMA had stated.

As such, Harding explained if these concessions are granted, the miners would be able to lower their cost of production which will ultimately result in them being able to survive as gold prices remain below US$1400 on the international market.

Compounding the situation is the fact that gold declaration has also dropped. He stated that production declaration from January to August this year is 224, 544 ounces compared with January to August last year’s 265,553 ounces; a difference of 40,008 ounces or 15 per cent decrease.

Sucked orange

Satiricus always knew that Guyanese had a way with words. They were so imaginative. In the 1960's, just like that, they came up with "choke and rob" to describe what Americans mundanely called "muggings". A "mugging" can be all sorts of things - even connected to the guzzling of Satiricus' favourite beer. "But "choke-and rob"? No room for ambiguity there," grinned Satiricus. "Just like with kick-downthe-door-bandits in the 80's" and "slippery ochro" now."

Satiricus was mulling over the reaction of the Bourda vendors to Hammer Green's tough-love edict to break down their stalls. One vendor moaned, "Hammie treating we like sucked orange. He suck we dry and den throw 'way de skin." Satiricus knew exactly what that vendor meant. He liked oranges - especially the ones from Canal. When Satiricus ate oranges, he would cut them in two and then suck all the juice from each half, until there was absolutely no more. Then he would dump the skin in the rubbish bin. Why not? He had no use for orange skin.

But this is where the vendors didn't understand Hammer Green. Hammer wasn't Satiricus. He was a man of vision: he was a man who wanted to change Guyana. He wanted to get rid of all the blood suckers on Regent Street and make the poor (vendors) inherit the earth!

He could see beyond the sweet juice of the orange. Sure he had used the vendors to do his dirty work. Sure they had been used as shock troops. They had marched that Syuba lady who didn't realise Hammer was "El Jefe", didn't they? But that was also for the good of the vendors. Usually, they'd sit on their chairs in front of their stalls - just getting fat and unhealthy. Hammer was doing them a favour by making them march in the sun every now and them.

And so it was with the breaking of their stalls; the vendors didn't see the big picture. The Bourda vendors were obstructing just a bunch of old papers from the derelict old school. Nobody in there to be obstructed out of business. By forcing the vendors to move and not providing them with any alternative space, they would have to move to the more upscale locales in front of the new malls and so on.

Where they could help make the lives of those uppity money-grubbing blood suckers hell.

Even the skin of sucked oranges can be useful: they can make orange peel.

Additionally, Harding noted that the issues such as increased criminal activities, impassable road, increased mining pit collapses and the smuggling of gold are current-

ly plaguing the mining sector, making it even more difficult for miners to continue their operations. (devinas@guyanatimesgy.com)

Former President of the GGDMA, Patrick Harding

2 remanded on break and entering charges

Two juveniles were on Friday remanded to the juvenile holding centre when they appeared before a Berbice Magistrate on separate breaking and entering charges.

Both of the accused appeared before Magistrate Sherdel Marcus-Isaacs in a New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court. They told the court that they currently attend the Vryman’s Ervin Secondary School. Though both gave the court the same age, 16 years old, one said he was in fifth form and the other stated that he was in second form.

It is alleged that one of the accused broke into the home of a relative and stole $200,000. The accused told the court that he lived at that address, however Police Prosecutor Sergeant Phillip Sherriff told the court that the victim was a relative of the accused, and the victim refused to accompany him to court.

Sherriff said that the accused had given different addresses. The accused told the court that both of

his parents were out of the jurisdiction. Magistrate Isaacs then remanded him for the offence which was committed at Philadelphia Street, New Amsterdam.

Meanwhile, another teenager was remanded when he appeared before the same Magistrate on a breaking and entering charge.

It is alleged that on September 3, the second accused broke into the bond of Satesh Rejaram of Trinity Street, New Amsterdam and stole 10 cases of XL energy drink valued at $31,800; two cases of another energy drink valued at $4500; one bag of Lays Chips valued at $4100; two bags of potatoes valued at $6600; and two bags of baby diapers valued at $17,000.

Police reported that the accused was caught with the items shortly after breaking into the bond. The accused gave his address as 41 Scheme New Amsterdam.

Both are scheduled to return to court on September 23.

2 arrested following discovery of gun, ammo at Lethem

Two men are now in police custody and are expected to be prosecuted following the discovery of gun and ammunition at Parshara, Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

According to information received, at about 19:45h on Friday evening, Police Patrols conducted a search on two men who were on a motorcycle at Parshara.

During the search, an unlicensed 20 gauge shot gun and two live cartridges were found. In addition, eight spent shell of the same calibre of ammunition were discovered. The men were arrested and were taken to the Lethem Police Station pending charges.

This came on the heels of the Gun Amnesty Programme rolled out by the Public Security Ministry, which has not garnered much result since

its launch. To date, 13 guns and 1464 ammo were handed over by the public.

However, over the past months, several persons were charged for the illegal possession of gun and ammunition in the Lethem/ Rupununi area. The area is the transit point for those entering Guyana and leaving for neighbouring country of Brazil.

In addition, due to porous borders, large quanti-

ties of guns and ammunition are smuggled into the country on a regular basis.

Police and immigration have been tightening security at borders.

Only in May last, a man was arrested and charged after he was found with a 12 gauge shot gun and two cartridges.

Police stated that officers attached to the Lethem Police Station conducted a search on a house

at Bitoon, South Central Rupununi, during which the gun and ammunition were discovered. It was reported that the gun and ammunition were found hidden under a bed. The man, who was the lone occupant of the house at the time, claimed that he knew nothing about the items. He was subsequently remanded to prison when he made his court appearance.

SunDAY, September 13, 2015 | guYAnAtimeSgY.com

Pomeroon farms under threat from Red Palm Mite disease

F

armers cultivating in the Lower Pomeroon River in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) are calling for urgent help from the Government of Guyana through the Agriculture Ministry to combat the Red Palm Mite disease that has invaded thousands of coconut estates.

Farmers from Grant Beach Profit, Hackney and Friendship canal in the Lower Pomeroon are predominately affected.

Venting their frustration to Region Two Chairman Devanand Ramdatt at a recent community meeting, farmers said for several months now their farms are under attack and despite reports made, nothing has been done.

According to coconut farmer Brian Ally, the disease is uncontrollable and

poses a great threat to the industry. The farmers usually supply young water nuts to Pomeroon farmer Vilma Da Silva, who later

skinned ones. However, the disease has also started to spread among sucker plants such as plantain, banana and sour fig.

bottles and exports to the Caribbean and other commonwealth countries.

It was noted that the yellow skin coconuts are predominately affected as opposed to the green

Another coconut farmer, Rosanna Benn, who has over 50 acres of coconut farmlands said that her virgin oil coconut business is also affected.

Both Benn and Ally have

called on the Government too come to their assistance to rid of the disease that is hampering their livelihood.

Meanwhile, farmers’ representative in the Pomeroon and Councillor of the RDC, Vilma Da Silva, said a meeting was recently held with NARIE on the Red Palm Mite disease.

She advised farmers to be careful about the types of insecticides they will use treat the disease. She explained that regardless of the type of insecticide recommended, farmers should still be closely monitored by Agriculture Extension Field Officers.

Responding to farmers, Region Two Chairman Ramdatt said that he has already written to Agriculture Minister Noel Holder on the matter, but to date has not received a response.

After every election, those who emerge victorious are duty bound to embark on a course of action that would see their vision and promises made to the electorate, ahead of the concluded polls, fulfilled.

How they execute their action plans usually determines whether they will have the ability to win another election or whether they will be defeated.

Competence, Good Governance, Consultation and Trust play a major role in the execution of their vision and plans as it is easy for major blunders to be made that could send confusing signals to the populace especially those who voted in favour of their electoral platform.

Usually, those who aspire to hold political and executive power, avoid making lofty and fanciful promises because they run a higher risk of failing to implement these promises because they are confronted by a myriad of practical and realistic factors that mitigate against the realisation of the essence and core of the promises made.

As a result, politicians take their time to prudently craft their promises ahead of the elections and also plot what course of action can be taken to immediately implement them if they are successful at the polls. This minimizes the ‘surprise effect’ when they start to unfurl changes and governance policies. The populace is at ease because life continues while the significant marginal improvements are noticed and welcomed as a result of the changes.

Unfortunately, in Guyana’s case, the outcome of the May 11 General and Regional Elections has left the country in a perplexed and anxious state and each day, the level of uncertainty rises. Even though the new Government came to power back in May, it has not managed to settle itself in office. It appears that it is behaving as though it is still on the campaign trail and in opposition.

The new A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change ( APNU/AFC) coalition Government appears to be in a haste to push changes down the throats of Guyanese regardless of the adverse impact and so exposing in the process, thee absence of a codified plan or blueprint for Guyana’s short, medium and long term development.

Government is rushing to do this and do that, making major blunders in the process notwithstanding the margin of errors allowed for new administrations.

The Finance Minister got the ball rolling by declaring incorrect debt figures to the Parliament in a obvious attempt to make the former Government look bad. He and the State Minister then claimed that the Petro Caribe Fund was empty. Government claimed that the country was bankrupt but somehow still managed to transfer huge sums of monies to GuySuCo to avert a crisis; hold massive celebrations for Independence and an ostentatious President’s Inauguration; meet its wage bill; offer salary increases and budget measures to various sectors; upgrade the luxury levels of its new Ministers by purchasing new vehicles and undertaking renovation work in various places.

The Finance Minister continued the farce with a flawed budget which upon the objection of the PPP had to be restructured to become compliant with Constitution and laws. He then admitted that no $23B dollars was available in the budget to directly subsidize the ailing rice sector crashing the hopes of thousands of rice farmers who had welcomed his announcement.

The Government went on a firing spree probably not realizing that a majority of the people being terminated and sent on leave were from two ethnic groups, not from their traditional constituency, raising ethnic uneasiness amongst an already divided society.

The Ministers still cannot get on top of their sectors and the country is at a standstill as the President travels touring here and there, and engaging this summit and that summit while the domestic affairs of the country worsen.

The Government needs to slow down and to craft a National Development Plan and a five year strategic plan for lifting the country’s standard of living. The Ministers need to stop the campaigning and start working genuinely. It has to stop this obsession with the PPP and COIs as it is like Nancy Drew looking for clues, finding them but the mystery is still not unraveled.

Guyana cannot have two opposition parties; one must act like the Government because it was elected as just that!

This Government must heed the advice of Shakespeare “Wisely, and slow. They stumble that run fast”. Unless the Government has the ability to “look into the seeds of time, and say which grain will grow and which will not”, then it must thread carefully.

Michael Younge

A coconut tree in Grant Beach Profit that is under attack by the disease

WHAT SOCIAL COHESION?

Over a decade ago, I was involved in round table meetings sponsored by the Ethnic Relations Committee in a bid to start a serious discussion of Guyana’s race issues. I was then president of the Guyana Indian Heritage Association, and GIHA was one of two Indian Guyanese groups at the table, the other being the Indian Arrival Committee. Also engaged were other cultural groups that represented African Guyanese, Chinese Guyanese and Amerindian interests.

Ryhaan Shah

The exercise was funded by the ERC and the UN and the UN’s facilitator was Chris Spies who returned for the recent round table sponsored by the Ministry of Social Cohesion. I did wonder whether he was struck at all by the thought that he was back because that first round table was an exercise in futility. No doubt, glowing reports were filed then as they would be for this go-round and, as then, nothing will change.

The issues we brought to that first discussion were rooted in the racial violence of Africans on Indians that started in the 1960s and had continued to that time of the Buxton-centred atrocities. GIHA and the IAC both spoke of the CIA-funded race riots, the Wismar Massacre and its ethnic cleansing, Burnham’s institutionalised racism, the PNC “protests” (read “street violence”), and about the violence that was then emanating from Buxton, all of which were blatantly racist.

The African Guyanese groups present (ACDA did not participate) were unwilling to deal with any of it and GIHA quit the engagement at that point as being a waste of time.

In a media interview after the recent round table, President David Granger admitted that our society has been scarred by that violence and called for the damage to be repaired and the trust restored. All the other issues involved in building social cohesion such as alleviating poverty and eliminating inequalities do not address the root causes of the racial violence and the resulting distrust but the president offered no ideas for tackling those.

However, the country is now saddled with a Social Cohesion Ministry that will cost millions and will accomplish nothing except that, conveniently situated within the Ministry of the Presidency, the subject Minister Amna Ally is trotted out for every photo op as the Indian Guyanese face of the Government. She is very expensive window dressing.

This time around the British got on board as a sponsor for the conference and High Commissioner Greg Quinn referenced the peace accord that brought cohesion to Northern Ireland after “The Troubles”. That peace is on the brink of collapse following the recent killing of a former IRA member by IRA gunmen, underlining the fragility of such accords and the need for the fullest commitment and integrity when dealing with conflict and its resolution.

The talks that will start tomorrow to try and restore peace to Northern Ireland will be nothing as facile and hypocritical as occurred at Guyana’s recent round table because the Irish are prepared to deal with their conflict frontally in order to build peace, a commitment that is yet to happen here.

The British are also serious about their racial relations and no British Government would ever organise a superficial engagement on this issue within its own borders and without all the stakeholders present.

Taken in the context of the racism, cronyism, nepotism, party paramountcy, conflict of interest, influence peddling, and media muzzling of the Granger Government, the round table was wholly hypocritical and the diplomatic community would be well advised to think carefully before supporting such initiatives.

In a post-conference interview with “Stabroek News”, Sir Shridath Ramphal spoke of Guyana’s independence starting out with a coalition Government. Noting that the present Government is also a coalition, he went on to support the idea of a Government of national unity.

In a politic move, he stopped short of recounting the fate of that first coalition. Perhaps, he did not want the reminder hanging about in the air especially since no one expects that the current coalition will be allowed to go the distance of two whole years under this PNC-led Government.

Government is planning a 50th independence anniversary extravaganza for next year. No doubt, it will feature speeches from Granger glorifying Burnham, yet again, as a hero and visionary when most of the population, including many African Guyanese, know him as a dictator who placed himself and the PNC above the law.

There is a huge gap between the truth and the words that are spoken. It is not naïve to state that when that gap is closed, cohesion will follow naturally.

Crum-Ewing murder case… DPP to receive updated file this week

Almost one month after the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack, had requested additional information into the Courtney Crum-Ewing matter with respect to Rajput Narine, the updated file is expected to reach her in the new week.

A Police source told the Guyana Times that the additional information requested by the DPP has been included in the file and it should be at her chambers by Wednesday. Based on the additional information provided, the DPP will determine whether or not Narine, who was implicated in the execution of Crum Ewing, will be charged.

Guyana Times was told that there is not sufficient evidence to warrant charges against the former bodyguard of the then Attorney General, Anil Nandlall.

While Regan Rodrigues, also called “Grey Boy”, accused Narine of offering him $3 million to execute the exsoldier, there is no proof that Narine was the pay master. The Police source stated that investigation thus far did not point to Narine as a main suspect in the murder, but was still dubbed a person of interest.

The rank stated that

even though emphasis was placed on Narine and Rodrigues, the investigators are still open-minded since they are of the opinion that Crum-Ewing was executed by four men and only one was charged.

Narine was arrested in

Rodrigues told Police ranks that he was allegedly contacted by Narine to do a “hit” on social and political activist Mark Benschop and Crum Ewing.

Narine, on the other hand, during his detention, told investigators that he

July for questioning into the killing of Crum-Ewing. However, he denied having any involvement in the planning, organisation or execution of Crum-Ewing, who died from a hail of bullets at Diamond, East Bank Demerara back in March.

“Grey Boy” was arrested for possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition, but during investigations into that matter it was found out that the weapon matched the one used in the execution of Crum-Ewing.

While in custody,

Crum-Ewing, a 40-yearold father of three, was gunned down execution style on March 10, while urging residents of the Diamond Housing Scheme to go out and cast their ballots on May 11.

An autopsy report proved that Crum-Ewing was shot five times – three bullets went to the head, while one struck the back of the neck and the fifth bullet entered under one of his arms. All the bullets were fired from behind and at close range except the one that hit under his arm and exited his shoulder.

never knew “Grey Boy” personally and was never part of any plot to assassinate Benschop or Crum-Ewing. Narine was subsequently released on bail.

It was also reported that the bullet wound to the back of the man’s neck was at point-blank range and gunpowder residue was also found on the back of the collar of the shirt that he was wearing. It was reported that two .38 war heads were removed from the dead man’s head.

Slain ex-soldier, Courtney Crum-Ewing

September 13, 2015

Missing $23B Budget "allocation" for rice sector…

APNU/AFC allies say Govt betrayed Rice Farmers

– shocked at silence of Agri Minister

Following Finance Minister Winston Jordan’s admission that the $23 billion was never intended for rice farmers, the Rice Producers Association (RPA) Action Committee comprising Dr Turhane Doerga and Jinnah Rahman , who had staunchly supported the APNU/AFC coalition during the campaign, have responded saying that government’s position is “disappointing”, “devastating” and “confusing”.

Following immense pressure from society and the massive protest staged by over 400 rice farmers from across the country for the release of the $23 billion, Jordan finally, in an invited comment to the Guyana Times, said the money does not belong to the rice farmers though during his Budget presentation, even though he had given the impression that the funds would go directly to the struggling farmers.

However, after being silent for so long- allowing the rice farmers to believe that they would finally be relieved, Jordan’s revelation that the money had done towards "shipping rice to Venezuela" has taken by many surprise- including the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change aligned RPA Action Committee.

In an invited comment, Dr Doerga said he is extremely disappointed and devastated to hear about these developments and that it appears that not even Government cares about the future of the rice farmer and the rice industry.

“Apparently it appears that nobody cares what’s going to happen with the rice farmers,” he said.

He alluded to the fact that never in the history of Guyana did such a large number of rice farmers travel all the way to Georgetown to stage a protest; concluding

that the situation is clearly in a dreaded state for these farmers to go to this extreme for their voices and struggles to be heard.

“Indian people, their culture is a little bit different, they are ashamed to say that they don’t have money, they are ashamed to say that they owe the bank, they are ashamed to say they already got letters threatening to auction their property. We’re not very vocal people going

out there… The amount of rice farmers that came down to protest, never in the history of Guyana was this done in Georgetown...What does that tell you? Never in the history of the rice industry you had so much rice farmers protesting in Georgetown, it tells you the level of misery at this moment,” Dr Doerga reasoned.

He added that it is extremely worrying that even amid everything that is happening, the Minister of Agriculture Noel Holderwho is mandated to be responsible for the rice farmers has remained silent through it all.

“You know what shocks me, is the silence of the Minister of Agriculture and therefore the AFC. It shocks me, I am completely lost. The mere fact that so many peo-

ple came down tells you how bad it is… What is going to happen to the rice industry?” he pondered.

Similarly, Rahman told this publication that the situation is rather confusing yet not a word is being uttered by the persons in charge.

“They are not explaining things even though they have access the state media and the communication system…They are not explaining to the people…People have questions,” he stated.

Further, he disclosed that he is not even sure where government will be sourcing the $23 billion- which it now claims will be used for “rice shipment”.

“I don’t know where they got this 23B…If they discussed with the farmers or if they consulted anybody like me. We don’t know anything that is going on,” Rahman related.

On Friday, the Finance Minister told this newspaper that his announcement of providing $23 billion to the rice industry is not to pay farmers, but to assist in the shipment of rice to Venezuela. He still did not address the contention that the sum was not “real” nor exactly to which entities the $23B was paid. The sum would represent payment for an entire year’s shipment of 200,000 tonnes of rice to Venezuela.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo had made the shocking disclosure when he rose to debate the Budget, revealing in the process that the $23 billion announced by Jordan was not real or liquid money but just a paper transaction by the Government. In addition to demanding the release of the $23 billion, the rice farmers who had gathered in front the Agriculture Ministry and the Ministry of the Presidency, also demanded that Government honour its promise of paying $9000 per bag of paddy.

Solution

Meanwhile, in hoping to address the issue, Dr Doerga said for his part, there needs to be a more professional Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) to look at solutions that need to be acted upon to help the rice industry in its current time of crisis. Moreover, he called for both the government and the opposition to not let their differences cloud their judgment of the real issue and instead of engaging in a back and forth war of words, they should work together to help the rice farmers and save the rice industry.

For Rahman’s part, he said will immediately make contact with the Minister of Finance to get clarity on the issue.

Dr Turhane Doerga (left) and Chairman of the Rice Producers’ Action Committee (RPAC) Jinnah Rahman

PPP presses Govt to reduce Essequibo ferry fares

The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) has joined the call for Government to pay equal attention to the people of Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) and Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara).

The residents of Essequibo and even those of Berbice have already registered their concern over Government’s particular focus on relieving the Berbicians of the burdensome bridge tolls while the people of Essequibo have to endure similarly expensive ferry tolls.

Recognising this biased approach, the Party issued a press statement reminding that “there must be equitable distribution of resources and wealth across the country” and therefore, urged the A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Administration to start the process to reduce the ferry fares.

In fact, the PPP/C explained that this task

would be less complicated given that both ferries which travel the EssequiboParika route are owned and operated by the State.

Several Berbicians, including activist David Sooknauth and President of the Berbice Chamber of Industry and Commerce (BCIC) Rajnauth Ramroop, have already supported this cause – conceding that the ferry fares are indeed unreasonable.

Recently, President of the Upper Corentyne Chamber of Commerce (UCCC) Abraham Sooknauth also admitted that the current fares are expensive. However, he explained that the calls of neglect may be too premature, considering that nothing has actually been done for the Berbicians. He added that from a business perspective, Government should place its priority with Berbice since the plight of the farmers in that Region is more extreme than Essequibians. Sooknauth argued that farmers all the way from

Black Bush Polder cannot compete with farmers from other regions, even those from Essequibo, due to the current fare structure. Nonetheless, he conceded that Government should start looking at a long-term plan for the Essequibians as their prices too may be burdensome on some, if not all, the residents.

Currently, a ticket on the ferry costs $380 per person and $1140 for a person with an empty vehicle (one-way).

Therefore, a journey back and forth for a vehicle owner would amount to $2280 plus an additional $1900 for five passengers – a total of $4180 to travel from and to Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam). A minibus with 15 passengers would have to pay the $2280 plus $5400 for the passengers for a total of $7680 if they wanted to take a trip to Parika. Businesses pay twice that amount when their vehicles are weighed.

turn to page 18

Has the APA lost its credibility?

The silence of the Amerindian Peoples’ Association (APA) in face of the overt disrespect displayed by this Government towards Amerindians is deafening. The reader would recall the aggressive activism for "indigenous rights" in which the organisation was involved during the twenty three years of its existence under the PPP/C. Since it was founded in 1991, it stood out primarily for its strong engagement in the fight for Amerindian rights, but also for its flagrant anti-government stance.

Seldom did the APA agree to engage in discussions with the previous Government and even refused to participate in the LCDS consultations, an Agreement from which stemmed the very Amerindian Land Titling Project. For an NGO which claimed to be apolitical in the past, many of the members and collaborators of the APA are now working under the newly elected Government. This renders its legal status as an established “Non-Governmental” Organisation, suspect if not actually invalid and illegitimate. The conflict of interest which lies in some of the leaders of the APA being part of the APNU and AFC candidates list in 2015, and now serving the current Government administration, is valid ground for questioning the credibility of the organisation.

While some NGOs stop to reflect on the positive changes they have influenced in their countries, the APA has always depicted a stubbornly negative image of indigenous peoples in Guyana under the PPP/C administration. Even if Guyana is still an emerging, middle income economy, it remains one step ahead of its neighbours in promoting indigenous rights, especially land rights.

It is true that the State needs to encourage more significant changes in issues ranging from trafficking in persons, to prostitution and mining, but one must remember that Guyana is still a 49 year old independent country, which for nearly half of its independent existence was stifled by an authoritarian regime. Yet, it eclipses countries such as the US which is over 200 years old, in addressing indigenous land rights. On many occasions the APA attended international and national events such as the United Nations Forum on Indigenous Peoples, misinforming and painting a diabolic impression of the Government, Amerindians and all Guyanese without ever hinting at the progress the country has accomplished in terms of indigenous rights.

Today however, after the hijacking of the National Toshaos’ Council (NTC) Conference, the disenfranchisement of 1972 Amerindian Community Support Officers abruptly dismissed from their jobs, the halting of the Amerindian Land Titling Project and the imposition of regional flags, all in outrageous disregard for the principle of Free, Prior and Informed Consent, the voice of the APA remains mute.

Understandably, the repositioning of affiliates and members of the APA within the Government will contradict any attempt to speak out against the violation of these rights which were introduced and nurtured under the previous Government. For instance, how can the State media report on these matters when Jean La Rose, Programme Manager of the Amerindian People’s Association and a Deputy Representative on the APNU/AFC list of candidates for the past Election, is now selected to chair the Guyana National Newspapers Limited (GNNL) board? How can the APA be impartially advised by its former president and its legal advisor, David James, who is also the legal advisor to Indigenous Affairs Minister, Sydney Allicock?

This Government’s move to fire 1972 CSOs and to deliberately ignore the principle of FPIC couldn’t be done without the consent of the Indigenous Affairs Ministry, which now employs the former APA president, a learned lawyer in international and national indigenous rights. The imposition of regional flags couldn’t be done without the consent of the Communities Minister and his advisor, Martin Cheong, who as his AFC profile indicates, is deeply involved with the APA, and was even accredited with the position of trustee for the organisation in 1997.

One of the prominent APA affiliates said shortly after becoming part of the Indigenous Affairs transition team, that “before”, he fought for indigenous rights against the State. Perhaps today, since there are apparently no more rights worth defending against the State, the organisation can reinvent itself. However, the heavy involvement of its members with the Government, has rendered the legal status of the NGO obsolete, which requires revision and the attention of the Labour Ministry. Send questions or comments to sundayarrow@gmail.com

Anna Correia

SunDAY, September 13, 2015 | guYAnAtimeSgY.com

Teacher being blamed for teen’s suicide at Rose Hall

The parents of the 14-year-old boy who was found hanging in the garage of their Rose Hall Town, Corentyne’s home on Wednesday, are blaming his teacher for causing the teenager to take his own life.

According to the boy’s father, information has revealed that his class teacher had caused his son great embarrassment and had made some threats which may have led his son to the act of suicide.

On Wednesday, September 9, at about 04:00h, the body of Joshua Beepat also called “Jags” was discovered handing in the garage. At the time of his death, his parents had no clue what could have caused their son to make such a drastic decision.

However, on Saturday, speaking with Guyana Times, his father Ramnauth Beepat related that his son was recently embarrassed in front of the entire class and threatened that he would be put in the hands of the Police.

“Jags was always afraid of the Police, he don’t even ride down the street with the Police outpost and if the Police passing in front and he is outside, he will run and go up stairs,” the bereaved father said.

From information received, the young Beepat

was accused of touching a female student on her buttocks and was disciplined by his class teacher. “What I understand from other children in the school is that the teacher put him in front of the whole class and spoke about it. He is a boy that is very shy. I don’t know if he did it or not but the Headmaster told the whole school on Monday at the school general assem -

ble,” the father told this publication.

Beepat further explained that on Wednesday, there was a Parent Teacher Association (PTA) meeting and the Head Teacher also mentioned the alleged incident to parents at the meeting. “He (Joshua) did not tell me about the meeting... maybe because he did not want me to know about it. So I was not at

the meeting.”

One parent who was at the PTA meeting told Guyana Times that the Head Teacher mentioned the alleged incident during the meeting. According to a source at the department of education, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), the incident had not been reported to the school welfare department up to then.

Meanwhile, Beepat who was visited by the Head Teacher on Thursday morning was told that there was no issue known to the school which might have caused Joshua to want to take his own life. The father related that Head Teacher visited him home again on Thursday evening, by which time he had received certain information. “I ask him if he

know that some girl say that Joshua touch her on her bottom and he told me “no”, so I said to him that he spoke about it at the meeting and why he is lying to us and the man start to raise his voice saying that “he did not come for that” and then get up and go away.”

The distraught father also said that former students have also been critical about the class teacher in question, alleging that on many occasions, she acted in an unprofessional way. Several instances were mentioned to this publication which would lead some to believe that the teacher is less than professional when executing her duties. “If something happens, she would come and holler up on you,” a former student of Lower

Corentyne Secondary School said.

Another former student also recounted instances where she was wrongly punished. “If the school bell ring and you don’t reach in the class, she will take a whip and start lashing everybody on the foot; and I know that the teachers not suppose to beat.”

The Department of Education was on Friday hampered in its attempt to start investigating the allegations made, since reports indicate that the Head Teacher was not in school when investigators visited.

Reports are that as young Joshua left school on Wednesday afternoon, he told a friend that he will not be seeing him again. The lad leaves to morn two siblings and his parents.

PPP presses Govt to reduce...

On the other hand, persons traversing over the Berbice Bridge between Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) have to pay a toll of $2200 and it is now proposed by the Government for this to be reduced to $1900 (return).

Oversight committee

Meanwhile, the PPP/C also supports the call for the establishment of an oversight committee made up of primarily residents in good standing of Region Two to oversee a

total review of the operations of the two vessels, inclusive of their schedule.

“This review must take into consideration the need to give priority at all times to vehicles transporting perishable items, as well as those transporting the sick, elderly and the disabled.

“This review must also take into consideration allegations of favouritism, discrimination, bribery and corruption by persons employed at the Transport and Harbours Department levelled by those who utilise the ferries on a constant basis,” the Party said.

Joshua Beepat recieving a trophy form hs head teacher Paul La Cruz one year ago

Several graduate from GVF one-week course

The Guyana Volleyball Federation (GVF) on Friday pulled the curtains down on its 2015 Volleyball Cooperation Program (VCP), with a closing ceremony at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue.

The week long course, which was made possible by the world volleyball governing body, the Federation of International Volleyball (FIVB), through one of their international instructors, Dr Julio Morales, was aimed at exposing and developing the skills and knowledge of young volleyball players from developing federations around the world.

The course, which was coordinated by Marlon Pearson, an administrator within the GVF and a local coach, saw approximately 25 boys and girl between ages 15 and 18 go through the paces with Dr Morales at the National Gymnasium and Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. They were exposed to a different level of physical and theoretical volleyball coaching, climaxing with all of them being recipients of official certification from the FIVB.

At the closing ceremony, the children, who came from the Bishop’s High School, St Roses

High School, Plaisance Community Centre and Buxton Community Centre, were addressed by digni-

used the opportunity to congratulate all the students on making the effort to attend the sessions daily. He

ernment has been supportive of his federation and all volleyball-related events.

Flores went on to thank

taries including, Lennox Shuffler, the immediate past president of the GVF, John Flores, the standing president of the GVF, Gervy Harry, the sports administrator within the Department of SportMinistry of Education and Dr Morales himself.

In opening remarks, Shuffler, who represented Guyana at volleyball with distinction in the 1960s,

told them that if they decided to stick and dedicate themselves to the sport, they may one day get the opportunity to represent Guyana, and possibly travel the world as he did as a national player.

Flores thanked the government for its support, pointing out that the administration made the two venues available to the GVF willingly. He noted that gov-

the students for their input and dedication and pledged that because of the interest shown by youngsters, he will ensure that the next developmental course he gets from the FIVB will be to target teachers.

After thanking Dr Morales for the patience and dedication he showed to ensure the course was a success, Flores turned his attention to corporate Guyana, whom he said has started showing interest in the sport, but urged more entities to lend support to the sport, which will in turn benefit the youths of the country.

Dr Morales pointed out that it was a unique experience for youths to be able to benefit from an overseas instructor and stated that even though most of the youths came with little or no volleyball background, they did well and came a far way. He encouraged the youths to think even beyond just playing volleyball and to set their sights on helping to develop and promote the sport possibly as administrators and even coaches one day.

At the presentation of certificates to all the participants, Dr Morales again expressed his satisfaction with the dedication and work the students put in over the

week and noted that it is a norm to award the best performing person, but that he also wanted to acknowledge the persons who would have progressed the most during the course. In appreciation for their participation, the GVF also presented a volleyball to each of the schools and youth groups who participated in the event.

Delivering the feature address, Harry congratulated the GVF for running off such a fine programme and thanked Dr Morales for travelling thousands of miles to do what he did for local volleyball. He congratulated the youths for graduating after what must have been a long week and said that they are no longer students of the course, but he can now call them graduates. He also said he was impressed with the fact that the participants came from various communities across Guyana and managed to gel the way they did. He congratulated the outstanding participants, noting that they were all winners.

Top officials (seated) with participants of the one week course

Cash-strapped GAPF benefits from BranderZ Guyana

The cash-strapped Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPF) has received a timely donation in the form of uniforms to outfit its reduced team of eight members from the management of BranderZ Guyana.

The manager Martin Brock said that he was happy to help the team make possible its participation in this year’s 15th NAPF/FESUPO PanAmerican Powerlifting Championships to be held in Ribeirao Preto, Brazil, starting September 16 through 20.

The team will depart Guyana on Monday to do

battle, but will be without two of its most decorated lifters in Winston Stoby (former World Masters deadlift record holder) and Vijai Rahim (Caribbean and national record holder). Both lifters were gold medal and record hopefuls at this competition.

The federation’s fundraising efforts were inadequate, and as such, couldn’t cover the team’s needs for airfare, accommodation and meals. Lifters and officials attending were ask to stand the full expense of their trip. The Federation was however, able to pay membership and other affiliation fees.

US Open 2015… Pennetta beats Vinci in final…then retires

Flavia Pennetta beat fellow Italian Roberta Vinci to win her first Grand Slam title at the US Open, and then announced her retirement.

Pennetta, the 26th seed, won 7-6 (7-4) 6-2 to become only the second Italian woman to win one of the tennis majors.

She then said: “I make

congrats to her.”

The absence of Williams from the final day had led to fears that the stadium might be half empty, but a full house of 23,771 did see history made, albeit Italian history.

Prime Minister Matteo Renzi was courtside after flying in for the first final between two of his compa -

a big decision in my lifethis is the way I like to say goodbye to tennis.”

The 33-year-old from Brindisi confirmed she plans to play the rest of the season before retiring.

“One month ago I decided that this is the way I would say goodbye to tennis,” added Pennetta, who collected a winner’s cheque of $3.3m (£2.1m).

“This is my last and I couldn’t think of finishing in a better way.”

Vinci, ranked 43rd in the world, had stunned Serena Williams in the semi-finals, ending the world number one’s bid for a calendar Grand Slam.

The 32-year-old from Taranto, said: “I am really happy and really happy for Flavia. It’s tough to play against a player who you have known for a long time.

“I tried to play my best, but Flavia played unbelievable and I have to say

triots since the open era began in 1968.

It was Pennetta who prevailed after making the running from the outset, breaking serve at the seventh attempt in a dramatic seventh game.

Vinci was tentative, making little headway with her sliced backhand until a Pennetta error brought her level at 4-4.

A tie-break was required and again it was Pennetta who held her game together better, clinching it with a serve after four errors from Vinci. Pennetta raced 4-0 clear in the second, a big enough lead to absorb a brief fightback from Vinci, and the darkening skies above loomed as the biggest threat to her hopes.

The drizzle did arrive but only moments after Pennetta had fired a forehand into the corner on match point.

PRO/Organising Secretary of the GAPF, Denroy Livan (left), accepts the sponsorship from staff of BranderZ Guyana

Flavia Pennetta’s Grand Slam title was her first. She later announced her retirement

Need a car to rent? Then call 6111018 for the best cars at great prices.

SHALOM ENTERPRISE 2 CROAL STREET, STABROEK. ENQUIRE ABOUT OUR DRIVING PACKAGE & INTERNATIONAL DRIVER'S PERMIT (JOIN US ON FACEBOOK) 2273869/622-8162/644-7052

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

Tain, Corentyne, Berbice, Opposite UG Campus. Tel: 675-5648

One property Ogle; One property Anna Catherina; One property Good Hope. Contact; 2223060/6735546/622-6448/679-0987

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

FOR SALE

Clean Garden earth. Also excavating, grading and leveling done. Call 6279977

For sale by lot: Lot (1): 2 bath tubs, bathroom fittings and fixtures & toilet set; shower fittings - $150,000 and Lot (2): 1 Dell desktop computer & HP scanner - $25,000. Call 225-2676 or 601-5285.

Puppies for sale. German shepherd and pitbull (mixed) $40,000 each. Contact: 269-0711 /621-7842

Puppies for Sale. Pure Breed Dachshund Pups. $15,000 each. Tel: 256-3360 / 685-8485

Technician specialized in repairs and servicing to all commercial and domestic appliances such as Air Conditioning units, Treadmill machines, refrigerators, pressure fryers, convection ovens, dryers, stoves, washing machines, pressure pumps, gas grills, fabrication of appliances, etc. On-the-spot repairs rendered. Tel: 684-2119

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

Cab service and cooking gas delivery available, East Bank area. Tel: 2163326, 683-9910

K. LAKERAM - BUILDING CONTRACTOR, HOUSE PLAN, ESTIMATES, WEEDING & SPRAYING GRASS DONE WITHIN 48HRS. CARPENTRY, MASON, TILING, PAINTING, PLUMBING. PROMPT & AFFORDABLE GENERAL HOME MAINTENANCE. FREE ESTIMATES. TEL: 216-0671/622-0267/692-8464. EMAIL: klakeram.construction@ gmail.com

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

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

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

Immediate vacancy for one cook to prepare cutters at R&V Sports Bar, preferably from country area. $18,000 per week , free meals and accommodation provided if necessary. Tel: 684-2119

5 waitresses needed at R&V Sports Bar, preferably from country area. $18,000 per week , free meals and accommodation provided if necessary. Tel: 684-2119

One Junior Accountant.

Qualification: Certified Accountant Technician, 2 years experience. Contact tel # 592-673-5475 or email kevin@expresstruckingcorp.com

JUST ARRIVED: TOP QUALITY RECONDITIONED VEHICLES; TOYOTA NOAH; TOYOTA VOXY; TOYOTA IST (NEW SHAPE); SUZUKI SWIFT; DAIHATSU MOVE (660CC); MERCEDES BENZ C200 KOMPRESSOR; COROLLA AE100 WAGON; TOYOTA HIACE MINIBUS RZ; PITBULL-STYLE FREEZER VAN; LAND CRUISER (FULLY LOADED); MAZDA PROCEED 4WD EXTRACAB PICK-UP; TOYOTA HILUX 4WD EXTRA CAB PICKUPS3RZ, 5L, 3L SOLID DEFFERNTIAL; MITSUBISHI CANTER TRUCKS 4 TONS FREEZER; 3 TONS OPEN TRAY; 2 TONS 4WD; NISSAN ATLAS 2 TONS OPEN TRAY TRUCK. PRE-ORDER YOUR UNITS EARLY AND GET THE BEST PRICES. FULL AFTER SALES SERVICES AND FINANCING AVAILABLE. DEO MARAJ AUTO SALES, 2 CHIMNEY ROAD, CHATEAU MARGOT, ECD. 624-0762, 220-5177. A NAME AND SERVICE YOU CAN TRUST BMW320 I; NISSAN MARCH - PMM SERIES, BLUEBIRD, 4-DOOR PICKUP; TOYOTA - AT212, AT192, RAUM, I.S.T, L-TOURING WAGON, EP71 STARLET, HILUX 4-RUNNER AND PICK-UP; HONDA 600RR. TEL 644-5096 / 697-1453

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

& Lights Sts) Tel: 225-1540, 622-8308, 655-3105. Email: balwantpersaud@yahoo.ca

Dutch spiritual healing in removing evil spirits, bad luck, evil sickness, spells, reuniting lovers and prosperity to business Call 612-6417, 6875653, 220-0708

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

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

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

ECB clears air on refusal of hostel to NECC

By Rajiv Bisnauth

The Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB) on Saturday said the North Essequibo Cricket Committee (NECC) T20 tournament held recently in Pomeroon was “unauthorised and unapproved”, and as a result, the board could not have given permission to the Committee for the usage of the ECB hostel.

The two bodies are at loggerheads over a request made by the NECC for the usage of the facility.

The NECC, in a letter published by this publication on Saturday, indicated that the Committee had formally sought permission from both the ECB President and Secretary to use the hostel to accommodate players from the Lusignan Sports Club, who would have participated in the tournament.

However, that request was not granted. The ECB

recognised that the tournament does not fall on the list of “approved cricket for the ECB”, as endorsed by the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB).

In an invited comment on Saturday, ECB Secretary, Brian Christiani, contended that the authority for approving cricket, not on the pre-approved list, is

the GCB, who may delegate such authority to the ECB.

He noted that the NECC is not authorised to approve cricket not listed on the GCB list of approved cricket.

Christiani acknowledged that the board had indeed received a request from the NECC, but after discussion by board members, they recognised that the group or-

ganising the tournament is not in keeping with the regulation of cricket in that county.

“We received information that the faction coming up

will be hosting a 20/20 tournament,” the ECB Secretary declared.

“Subsequently, I received a call that the group is a part of the cricket ac-

ECB’s action as bullyism, adding that it’s “another vindictive and callous” move by the ECB.

“We consider this another vindictive and callous

against Mr Bacchus [Faizul Bacchus- ECB president]

tivity [NECC 20/20 tournament], and is requesting the usage of the hostel. That request was made known to the president. Of course the discussion went on along that line, and after recognising that it’s a group that is not organising activities in keeping with the regulation of cricket, which is approved cricket….that tournament was not approved cricket so we couldn’t approve the use of the hostel for that purpose,” Christiani said.

Further, with regards the occupants at the Hostel, the ECB Secretary pointed out that the ECB has a caretaker, who, along with his family occupies a single room.

Christiani also indicated that the hostel is been used for its intended purposes, adding that an inventory of all equipment and items are available.

Meanwhile, in an invited comment on Saturday, President of the NECC, Prince Holder, who penned the letter, considered the

act from the ECB. This is nothing but sheer bullyism,” Holder concluded.

Efforts to contact the ECB President, Faizul Bacchus on Saturday proved futile.

The ECB hostel was built some eight years ago under the stewardship of former President Alvin Johnson, with funding mainly from the Guyana Cricket Board, through the Stanford initiative.

Its key purpose was to host teams arriving from distant areas, including Inter-county teams from Demerara and Berbice, hence minimising the financial burden on the ECB. Additionally, the hostel was to provide a firm basis for the growth and development of the Essequibo players by way of encampment since the facility has provisions for practice and it is in close proximity to the Anna Regina Community Centre Ground. (rajivb@guyanatimesgy.com)

NECC President Prince Holder

ECB President Faizul Bacchus

The Essequibo Cricket Board hostel

The Niles show at DeSinco cycling

Veteran rider Junior Niles proved on Saturday that he still has some power left in his legs, while his son John displayed immense promise as the father-son combination yielded three wins in the 15th annual DeSinco Trading 11race cycling programme.

Competing at the inner circuit of the National Park,

started the winning trend by emerging champion of the BMX 6-9.

Junior Niles, who rides for Team Coco’s, clocked one hour, 18 minutes, 22 seconds (01h: 18m: 22s), to beat off the challenge of Akeem Wilkinson and Shaquille Agard in a thrilling sprint finish.

Jamal John, Paul

the five-lap Veterans event in 12 minutes, 45 seconds (12m: 45s) ahead of Ralph Williams and Ian Jackson.

Other category winners were John Niles (BMX Boys 6-9), Toshwanna Doris (Boys and Girls 12-14), Linden Blackman (Veterans Over50), Jamal John (Juveniles), Ozia McAulay (Mountain Bike) and Adelia Hodge

the senior Niles took top honours in the feature 35-lap School Boys and Invitational race, after earlier capturing the top podium spot in the Veterans Under-50. John had

DeNobrega and Robin Persaud rounded off the top six in that order. Disappointingly, only 10 riders signed up for the race.

Junior Niles earlier won

(BMX Boys 12-14).

The cycling season will continue today from 08:00h with the Powerade sponsored 50-mile road race at West Demerara.

mocha champs beat...

Play resumed as the youngsters were eager to take the field following the long break. Mocha went on to hit the back of the nets on two more occasions- Gible Stephens from the penalty spot following a handled ball in the 40th minute and Shaquille Cox in the 56th minute.

Grove did create a few chances, but were not able to handle the more limber and robust Mocha players. The home team pulled one back in the 48th minute, also from the penalty spot, Rasheed Evans doing the honours.

The EBFA is now awaiting an official protest from

from back page

the executive of Grove Hi Tech. Meanwhile, the competition will continue on Saturday with a triple-header. Agricola Red Triangle will come up against Kuru Kururu Warriors from 10:00h, Diamond United will oppose Craig, while Herstelling Raiders will face Mocha Champs.

The category winners pose for a photo after Saturday’s event at the National Park

final on

– Bent Street, Sparta Boss hunting bragging rights, $500,000 purse

By Akeem Greene

The

exciting GT Beer

said his side has improved as the tournament progressed. When quizzed about which side he wanted to play in the final, he said “We wanted Sparta Boss.”

For a team, which banks on offensive style of play to penetrate the opposition, Sparta Boss will be a great test. For the Sparta Boss side, which has lots of experience at finals, they will hope to get the better of the Bent Street side.

Coach of Sparta Boss, Jerome Richardson, said that his side “needed better composure and when we reach the final, we usually get the job done.”

will see Festival City going up against West Front Road. The West Front Road team will start as favourites in this contest and will be hoping to claim the consolation place of third.

For the Festival city side, seasoned campaigner Eon Alleyne will be looking to lead his team to a victory, but the dynamic Randolph Wagner and his West Front Road side will have other ideas.

Patrons can also expect two exciting exhibition games as Banks DIH Limited will go up against Lands and Survey. The other will be the highly anticipated rematch between the Media team and the national cricketers.

Futsal tournament being held at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall concludes tonight when the highly anticipated clash between Sparta Boss and Bent Street will take centre stage for the final.

Sparta Boss team.

The Bent Street ballweavers have lit the tournament afire with their phenomenal goal-scoring ability with 45 goals in five games, but they will be coming up against a highly organised

A major asset of the Sparta Boss team is their goalkeeper, who seems to manage the team’s defense exceptionally well.

He will be coming up against the powerful Okeeni Fraser, whose energetic

playing and deadly right foot usually gets the job done for the Bent Street side. Daniel Wilson and Stellon David, who both scored hat-tricks in the semi-final clash, are also vital to the Bent Street side lifting the trophy.

Bent Street’s coach has

Veteran Travis “Zorro” Grant will be a key figure in this clash. In the semi-final, Grant grew with confidence as the game went on and played with much more venom. Influential players such as Cleon Forrester and Eusi Phillips will be looking to continue their good run of form. To call the final now will be a difficult one, as both teams throughout the tournament have shown to be difficult to defeat. Therefore, an exciting final is expected.

The third place playoff

The last time, the cricketers got the better of the Media boys, but a different outcome can be expected as the media practitioners are determined to rebound.

The Petra Organisationcoordinated event has a winning purse of $500,000 while the second to fourth place finishers will cart off $250,000, $125,000 and $75 000, respectively. Kick-off time is 19:00h.

Mocha Champs beat Grove Hi Tech

The Lens Craft Optical sponsored East Bank Football Association (EBFA) Under-13 league recommenced on Saturday at the Grove Community Centre ground with the home team going down to Mocha Champs 1-3. It was Mocha’s first win of the competition, having previously taken full points from a walkover from Craig, whilst drawing with Kuru Kururu Warriors and losing to Agricola. The Mocha boys were the dominant side de-

spite playing two short, but were the bigger of the two teams in terms of size.

It was the size of the Mocha players that prompted a few of the Grove Hi Tech supporters to make queries at half time about some of the Mocha players. At that point, the Mocha boys were leading 1-0 following an own goal from Grove’s Tyrese Jones in the third minute of play.

Mocha was the more dominant of the two sides and clearly displayed a high level of fitness and awareness following the extended break, which was partially due to the prolonged rainy season that made grounds unplayable. The competition was scheduled to restart one week earlier at the Mocha ground, but that did not materialise as the ground was deemed unsuitable for play.

Following the half-time break, the Grove players were told not to take the field of play for the restart since a few supporters felt that some

Mocha players were overaged. The players were adhering to the ill-advice of the

few misguided fans until the EBFA stepped in and told the players that they must continue the game and lodge an official protest after.

The tournament has been nothing short of a goal-scoring spree

Mocha Champs (yellow) and Grove Hi Tech going at each other on Saturday