Guyana Times Daily - November 26, 2015

Crisis looms with early 2016 Budget – Irfaan Ali

thursday, november 26, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

No major electoral reforms for GECOM ahead of LGE – Surujbally confirms

... PPP’s concerns rebuffed

Coming fresh off of the May 2015 General and Regional Election, Guyana is slated to host Local Government Elections in less than five months and Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Dr Steve Surujbally has stated that there will be no major reforms to the electoral process.

Following the May 11 Election, they were several recommendations made to GECOM and the Government of Guyana for reforms to be made in order to make the electoral process more efficient and transparent.

Only recently, the Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) had called for electoral reforms to be placed on the front burner. The reforms include a fresh voters list, improved bio-metrics and electronic voting, among others.

However, speaking with Guyana Times on Wednesday, Dr Surujbally said that there will be no major reforms heading into the local government polls. He explained that in order for these reforms to be executed, they would have to be tabled in Parliament and re-

ceive the House’s approval before being implemented.

Nevertheless, the GECOM Chairman disclosed that the Commission is looking at making internal changes to better execute their functions at the March 18, 2016 Local Government Elections. “Internally, we would have been improving on our system,” he said.

According to Dr Surujbally, the elections body recently held a retreat during which certain recommendations were made. However, he noted that the findings from this retreat are yet to be compiled.

“There were ideas that came up there that we could implement but I wouldn’t get into that now,” he stated.

Moreover, the head of the elections body pointed out that there are certain changes that will have to be made, such as the ‘one day verification’ process after registration, which the Opposition had said could result in fraud.

“I think the consensus of opinion would be not do it the same day but the other day, I think that was a reasonable proposition or even two days so that is not unreasonable. There are certain areas of course, where

Fedders

there must be done on the same day,” he said.

Dr Surujbally outlined that GECOM sees the PPP’s intervention and contributions as an assistant that is auxiliary to the electoral process.

“They (PPP) can quarrel and state in very vicious terms sometimes, their feelings but they must do what they have to do but we too must do what we have to do. When something is valid, we don’t see them as antagonist, we see them as partners in an auxiliary process,” the Chairman noted, while adding that this goes

for all political parties.

The PPP, which lost the election by close to 5000 votes, remained steadfast to its position that the 2015 General and Regional Election was severely flawed, stating that in the past 23 years, there has been “absolutely no reforms” at GECOM to cater for institutional strengthening through more transparent and impartial practices.

Other reforms proposed by the Opposition include bringing the GECOM Secretariat under the purview of the Commission to enable the Commission to

give the Secretariat general orders and directions; recruitment of GECOM’s key election officials such as Returning Officers, Presiding Officers and Poll Clerks, through improved transparent and impartial processes; review the process that allows for voting by the Disciplined Services; amend the relevant sections of the Representation of the People Act to allow for the enactment of appropriate legislation to facilitate implementation of agreed reforms, and the selection of a new Chairman of GECOM.

In a previous interview with <<<Guyana Times>>>, former President and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, had stated that GECOM failed the country because of its inability to deliver free, fair and transparent elections this year. He said that the elections body has a lot of burning questions to answer following what he described as the “fraudulent and rigged May 11 General and Regional Elections”, which saw the A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) coalition forming the new Government with a oneseat majority. They oust-

ed the PPP/Civic into the Opposition benches after 23 years in office.

The Opposition had filed a petition at the High Court challenging the outcome and according to the Opposition Leader, they are expecting to get answers outlined in the legal action, which details the many deficiencies associated with those elections and his Party’s view that the results of the election do not reflect the will of the people.

Jagdeo said that the petition will give Guyanese insight as to the inner workings of all those bodies within the GECOM infrastructure that were established to safeguard a free and fair election process, but were inefficient, compromised and politically skewed.

That aside, Jagdeo maintained that the 2015 election experience has left a sour taste in the mouths of PPP supporters and leaders because of the manner in which the election was conducted by officials at GECOM. The Opposition Leader said the PPP arrived at a plan of action to remedy some of the deficiencies encountered during the last election.

Lloyd to complete Specialty Hospital

– as Govt signs MoU without tendering

Almost two weeks after announcing that it would go ahead with the construction of the Specialty Hospital Project, Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian company Fedders Lloyd to build and equip the facility.

The MoU was signed on Wednesday between Finance Minister Winston Jordan and a representative of the company, Ajay Jha. This now paves the way for works to restart on the construction of the Specialty Hospital, a joint statement from the Ministry and the Indian company said. According to the MoU, Fedders Lloyd will review the works already started, conclude a design of the hospital that is acceptable to

the Government, and commit to fully equip the facility on completion of its construction. The company also undertakes to commence work on the facility immediately following the signing of the MoU.

The Specialty Hospital, a project initiated by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration, is aimed at catering for complicated surgeries, ranging from heart operations, organ transplants to cosmetic surgeries. In 2012, a US$18 million contract was awarded to India-based company, Surendra Engineering, which was tasked with designing and building the controversial facility. The funding was provided by the Indian Government through a Line of Credit (LOC).

The current Administration, which was on the Opposition side of the National Assembly during the 10th Parliament, had heavily criticised the project. The coalition had even cut the $1.25 billion that was budgeted for the Hospital in 2013. The previous Administration had only received $34.4 million as supplementary funding for the Hospital in the 10th Parliament as a result of the absence of APNU Member of Parliament (MP) Volda Lawrence, when a vote had been taken for the funds.

However, citing instances of fraud and delays, the Donald Ramotar Administration last year announced that it had terminated the contract of the India-based Company and subsequently filed a lawsuit against it for failing to honour its obligations. Government is yet to recover close to $1 billion from the company.

The previous Administration was hoping that the Hospital would be a pull factor to bring tourists and overseas-based Guyanese back to Guyana for “health tourism”. However, the new Administration had said with the current state of affairs in the health sector, it was better that the construction of the Hospital

be put on the ‘backburner’ and the money used to enhance the primary health care system.

Government had requested the EXIM (Export, Import) Bank of India to cancel the LOC for the Specialty Hospital and to reallocate the balance of funds to a project to modernise three primary healthcare facilities – Bartica, Suddie and West Demerara Hospitals.

However, the Government of India while indicating that it had no objection and support for the modernisation of primary healthcare facilities, suggested that G0vernment should consider salvaging the Specialty Hospital as it will complement primary healthcare facilities in

Guyana.

Having examined the merits of the proposal, the Government of Guyana began searching for a willing partner to complete the Specialty Hospital using the remaining US$14 million of the LOC.

Without any tendering process, Government said it approached Fedders Lloyd –one of the original bidders –to explore the possibility of it completing the project. The Indian company expressed continued interest and was prepared to complete and fully equip the facility.

At the signing ceremony, Minister Jordan said, “The signing of the MoU represents a tangible expression of Fedders Lloyd’s interest and commitment to

move the project forward.” He added, “The MoU is also testament to Government’s commitment to advancing health-care delivery in Guyana.”

Meanwhile, Jha thanked the Government for the opportunity to work on the project, but more particularly to work Guyana. The company representative further remarked, “The Specialty Hospital will be a model not only for Guyana but the rest of the Caribbean.”

On the other hand, the Finance Minister also restated the Indian Government’s approval of an additional LOC for the upgrade and modernising of Suddie and Bartica hospitals and the West Demerara Regional Hospital.

GECOM Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

Artist impression of the Specialty Hospital

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

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, November 26 – 16:15h-17:45h and Friday, November 27 – 05:15h-06:45h

FERRY SCHEDULE

Supenaam

WEATHER TODAY

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APNU dodges questions on campaign financing

…even as Gaskin confirms audit completed, figure known

As the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) gears up for campaign mode for Local Government Elections, the coalition is yet to publicly disclose the financiers and total amount spent on its extravagant 2015 General and Regional Elections campaign, even though the audit is complete and the figure is already known within.

Alliance For Change (AFC) Executive Member Dominic Gaskin confirmed that his party is already in receipt of the total sum of APNU’s contribution towards the campaigning costs for the previous election but it appears that APNU is pussyfooting on the release of this information to the public, even though it had promised full public disclosures of its campaign funding.

APNU General Secretary Joseph Harmon, when contacted, told Guyana Times he cannot answer the question at the moment. He then requested to be contacted on the matter today.

This publication also contacted APNU Executive Member Amna Ally who declined to offer any information on the party’s campaign financing contribution; stating that the party’s General Secretary would be the best person to divulge any information.

Director of Communications Mark Archer was also contacted but he explained that he is not in receipt of information regarding the party’s financing for the previous campaigns.

The AFC had previously disclosed that it spent an incredible $400 million and it was waiting on its coalition partner to disclose its contribution. Gaskin told this newspaper that the party did receive APNU’s total contribution; however, he declined to offer any more information on the matter.

“It would be inappropriate,” he stated.

The APNU was required to provide 60 per cent of the funding of the coalition with AFC therefore, if

this formula was adhered to, then the coalition would have spent at least $1 billion on campaign financing.

Harmon previously stated that his party is willing to reveal the amount of money it utilised for campaign purposes but will not disclose where the money came from.

During the campaign trail, both the APNU and the AFC pledged to make public the details surrounding the financing for their campaigns. In fact, they had promised to make this information public by the first week in August

but to date, no substantial information has been released regarding campaign financing; at least on the part of APNU.

Harmon previously posited that all the political parties, if they have nothing to hide, should feel committed to “transparency” and reveal their information.

Legislation

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally had told Guyana Times that while GECOM has been pushing for campaign finance legislation, there is only so much the body can do. He noted that the responsibility of passing the legislation lies in the hands of the National Assembly and they have taken no direct stance on the issue.

GECOM’s Legal Officer Wanita Barker had also explained to this publication that the existing legislation governing the campaign financing is “really of no value.”

According to the Legal Officer, the current law is antiquated and in dire need of being amended, given that it stipulates each party is expected to expend no more that G$25,000 on a single candidate.

She also explained that it does not say when campaigning for elections should start so to ask for parties to submit financial records for any campaigning period would a complicated task. According to

Barker, the enforcement has to be detailed.

Since 2009, the Organisation of American States (OAS) has implored with the Government of Guyana to introduce campaign financing laws. These laws are not intended just to capture the quantum of funding to political parties, but also the nature of the source of the funding.

While the AFC and APNU had given lip service to the introduction of such laws – one of which was ironically introduced since 2011 by the AFC –they have studiously avoided making the law operational.

Chief Whip of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Gail Teixeira said previously that the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) had downplayed the proposal by the OAS for a model regarding campaign financing for the 2011 elections.

Teixeira had said then that the party had stated that it was not necessary for the elections of that year. It was in that same year APNU announced ahead of the 2011 elections that it had secured some US$6 million campaign funds, but failed to disclose from where the money was secured.

The AFC has also been accused previously of being financed from questionable

sources. Questions were raised as to how the party was able to secure the services of US-based political consultant Dick Morris for the AFC’s 2006 elections campaign, whose fees would have run into the tens of millions.

In January this year, when asked about the lapse in not pushing through the legislation even when the combined Opposition held the majority in Parliament, the AFC blamed former Attorney General (AG) Anil Nandlall for them not doing so.

AFC General Secretary

David Patterson said then that the party had always been concerned about campaign financing. “The question of campaign financing is something I must admit that we have always wanted to table… we have a draft and things like that but circumstances have overtaken us on that,” Patterson explained.

He however did not detail what those circumstances were that led to the AFC missing out on the opportunity to address this foundational issue.

APNU General Secretary Joseph Harmon

PPP Chief Whip Gail Teixeira

APNU Executive Member Amna Ally

AFC Executive Member Dominic Gaskin

Editor(ag): Michael Younge

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

Mailing address: 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown

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

Editorial

Whence “Social Cohesion?”

“S

ocial Cohesion” seemingly dropped fully grown from the brow of President David Granger in the launching of his APNU/AFC Cabinet appointments, when Guyanese woke up to discover that they now had a “Ministry of Social Cohesion”. The State had always been tasked with creating “the good life” for its citizens – as the Government’s first budget was to explicitly state – and had distributed what it considered to be the necessary components to achieve that state into “Ministries”. “Social Cohesion”, it would now appear, would be one of the specific components.

In the years preceding the elections, whether as individual parties or the precursor A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) coalition of “10 parties” or from the “multiethnic” Alliance For Change (AFC), there was not a single mention of “Social Cohesion” in terms of a policy aspiration or as a programmatic initiative. Even after the launching of the Ministry or its convening of a “National Roundtable on Social Cohesion” most citizens – and even the Ministers of the Government – would be hard pressed to explain precisely what “social cohesion” is all about, beyond some nebulous notion derived from the word, “cohesion”, that “we should come together as a society”.

At Independence, the People’s National Congress (PNC), in coalition with the United Force, had selected as our “National Motto” the aspiration for us to become “One People, One Nation, One Destiny”. Some thought that the present Government was conceding that divisions in the society have not been bridged much less eradicated as the PNC had previously boasted. There would now be a new effort towards that elusive goal of “One People”.

In conceding divisions in Guyanese society were very salient and presumably a barrier to the good life that the State was mandated to deliver, there would still remain the question as to which of the myriad cleavages, including race, ethnicity, class, colour, location, etc, would be prioritised for addressing or whether there was a “one shoe to fit all approach”. And this once again raises the issue of exactly what is “social cohesion” and is it in fact confined to the dimension of social cleavages.

On investigating the term, one discovers that “Social Cohesion” as a specific goal of the State was an evident recent epiphany of the European Union as it grappled with the challenges of melding a continental collection of States into a cohesive unit and simultaneously within each State to deal with new immigrants who brought with them new cultures and world views. Specifically at the inter and intra State levels, it was grappling with two problematics to what it considered to be a “cohesive” unit – the absorption of the new Eastern, formerly communist bloc and the increase in the gap between the rich and the poor.

In adopting the programme of “Social Cohesion” from the EU into Guyana; therefore, the Government is repeating the insistence of the early leaders of the country to import unadapted ideologies and programmes from a Europe that is confronting issues that by definition cannot be identical with our local reality. The “independence” generation imported several flavours of European Marxism none of which took root but left lasting effects.

The foreign fixes slit and destroyed our society and economy as the leaders insisted on forcing our unique Guyanese contingencies on the Procrustean European bed. For instance, they chased out our fledgling business class by denouncing and persecuting them as the “comprador bourgeoisie”. It would appear that the present Government wants to go one better than the past rulers to impose their unadapted “ism” on the populace: then, there was at least a prolonged debate on the suitability of Marxism for the country.

With “Social Cohesion”, the Government owes it to the Guyanese people to first circulate its formulation widely for discussion and comment by the people. It can then be debated in Parliament. This was done for the constitutional changes of 2000, and this new goal of the entire society that will now inform even the Constitution deserve no less a public scrutiny and approval.

A case to hold off the celebrations for LGEs in 2016

Dear Editor, Local Government Elections are far more important than the General and Regional Election, especially as it related to the impact on the daily lives of citizens.

The main point is the inability of the regions to collect taxes and then forward a portion of taxes collected to the national Government based on a formula that includes population size, production, sales and income, etc. I suggest 30 per cent maximum of the region’s Gross Domestic Product. The remaining 70 per cent would be used to benefit the local citizens of the respective regions. The local representatives would have control of how they spend the monies based on the specific needs of its people.

Concepts

Dear Editor, Reference is made to Mr Sase Singh’s letter in November 25, 2015 edition of the Kaieteur News. There is no disagreement that change in the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) is necessary and urgently so. However, we must beware that the metaphoric speedy “skating on thin ice” in a cold coun-

For example, if a region is more agriculture based, then emphasis would be on farming and related activities. Another example is a region that is more involved in manufacturing and services and so on.

Regions would be able to trade with each other as a result of comparative advantage. Sales taxes would be collected for both local and national Governments. Regions should be allowed to offer businesses their own tax-free programme as an incentive to invest.

The people of each region would have the power to determine their future, that is, they would vote for leaders that are accountable to them. These leaders would be visionaries who surround themselves with experienced and skilled professionals.

Regions would become self sufficient and to the point; managing whether its citizens are productive or lazy. Moreover, the ruling Government would be unable to use the threat of reduce funding or increase funding depending on the particular region’ s leadership independence or dependence.

The Government’s responsibilities would be to provide national defence, health care, legal oversight, sea defence, own major highways and waterways, national forest and parks. Regions, as they become richer as a result of increase productivity, should take over more responsibilities (ownership), such as owning and operating their own utilities (electricity, water and sewer etc); meanwhile they could pur-

chase these services from the ruling Administration or Private Sector.

Having Local Government Elections (LGE) is only a small step towards individual and community responsibilities with regard to improving their own lives. For too long it has been about handouts, and in some instances, threats. For this reason, citizens should reap the benefits of their hard work and sense of community.

LGE should be set when the tax laws and the Constitution change to allow the citizens of the regions to have self determination with regard to their current and future living standards.

Sincerely, Keith Bernard

must be pragmatically relevant

try might be a non-starter in hot Guyana and more so in boiling GuySuCo!

As I indicated before, the constraints of my being in the Commission of Inquiry into GuySuCo does not facilitate a more comprehensive retort to Mr Singh’s formula at this time. Nevertheless, I wish to remind him and our readers about the wisdom

of considering contextual and situational factors before ‘importing’ solutions that may not be relevant or timely, given the ground realities. A case in point is the well-known fact that our Field Foremen are actually in the same union as the workers they supervise and the Field Supervisors & Factory Foremen are virtually in the same boat.

Mr Singh needs to reflect on these specific contextual realities which militate against any indiscriminate and untimely application of practices which might be more germane to other situations. Hence, my plea for caution and pragmatism.

Sincerely, Nowrang Persaud

Guyana joined the rest of the world on Wednesday to commemorate International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women 2015. In photo: Students interest themselves with pamphlets on violence against women at an exhibition hosted on Main Street, Georgetown

or letters@guyanatimesgy.com

Indian intellectuals advocate for racial equality

Dear Editor, Reference is made to Abu Bakr’s query “Who is the Indian intellectual” (SN November 19). I am disturbed with the tone of the language and the contempt shown for Indian intellectuals by Bakr’s recent retorts on Indian intellectuals. I cannot make sense of “the scorn heaped” on outstanding Indian intellectuals, none of whom have shown disrespect to Bakr or to the African community. There is so much angst against Indians not characteristic of his previous writings that had made Indian and African intellects self-reflect on their advocacy.

His latest letter is interpreted as promoting division between Indo and Afro Guyanese. He misunderstands the objective and role of the Indian intellectuals with whom he engaged – Indian intellectuals have been promoting racial healing and a common destiny based on mutual respect and shared space. The Indian intellectuals are not shunning the issue as Bakr claims. They want it to be fleshed out and a resolution be sought for racial equity for all groups.

Is Abu Bakr’s insistence on fleshing out the character and role of the Indian intellectual premised on some sort of guiding principle to define all intellectuals? Is he suggesting (expecting) that there must be a sort of homogeneity for (as regards) Indian intellectuals? He cannot expect

(or is he actually expecting) that the term ‘Indian’ in front of intellectual creates connotations that would be different from intellectuals from ‘African’ and all other ethnic groups. Is not the Indian intellectual simply someone who’s Indian and who is an intellectual but whose intellectualism is not necessarily confined within the boundaries of his/her ethnicity? Does Bakr apply his yardsticks to other ethnic groups?

In any case, since Bakr claims to speak from a religious (‘black’ Muslim) perspective, one cannot fathom why this sudden obsession with the Indian intellectual?

Bakr lives in France which has been facing issues with Muslims of varied ethnicities. Bakr says he follows Hadith. Why this sudden (black and or French) Muslim perspective focusing on (issues of) race in Guyana? And why is his commentaries spiced with such venom?

What is eating Bakr’s obsessions with Indians and Indian intellectuals or Indian advocates?

Bakr keeps harping on “10 things that Indians are particularly deprived of” in a discussion that started off simply as an appeal by an Indian intellectual for other intellectuals to express themselves on issues impacting the Indian community. By what leap of logic has this become an issue exclusively on Indian deprivation (by the forte of a Bakrian logic)? That was not

what the intent of Professor Ramharack’s appeal.

The problem with Bakr’s exchanges is that he infuses into the debate started by Dr Ramharack issues that were not the intent of the writer. And then Bakr keeps insisting that his interpretations and ‘run off’ questions must be answered as if he is some supreme overlord on matters impacting Indians. Bakr will determine whether the Indian grievance is legitimate. Can an Indian or White or Chinese or Amerindian intellectual decide whether an African grievance has merit? Prime Minister David Cameron said the demand for reparation for black slavery has no merit. Should that be accepted by black intellectuals?

Editor, while the media is free to continue to entertain Bakr’s meanderings, Indian writers have better things to do than to engage with the likes of a Bakr whose sole aim seems to exhibit racial prejudice that perpetuates acrimony and racial division. Bakr misunderstands the role of Indian intellectuals who identify (some) problems facing the society and are simply interested in finding solutions, promoting racial healing and equity as consistently advocated. Bakr should join, not oppose, them in this endeavour.

Yours faithfully, Vishnu Bisram

Produce and suffer – the sugar workers’ plight

Dear Editor, The Government’s and GuySuCo’s response to the sugar workers’ strike for pay increases and a reasonable annual production bonus shows their insensitiveness to these issues.

The coalition Government has made it clear that ‘sugar workers are screwed’ (Nagamootoo’s words at Canje in November 2011) and even though the ‘Champion for Sugar Workers’ is now the Prime Minister of this Government, his resounding silence speaks volumes of his powerful impotence.

It is clear that this Government is not interested in the welfare of the sugar workers since they are now producing, yet they are perishing! Why is it that when there is a clear indication that the efficiency of the estates is improving that workers are made the scapegoats? How can the sugar workers digest this ‘bitter pill’ when sectors which are not productive are demanding huge increases and getting them? The workers at the Mayor and City Council are demanding 14 per cent wage increases even

though the Government is pouring hundreds of millions to do their jobs, while our Ministers and other Government officials are getting between 50 and 100 per cent. The sugar industry is improving and sugar workers must be adequately compensated.

Then the management of GuySuCo, instead of showing some concern for the sugar workers’ welfare, issued two letters, which firstly tried to deem the strike as ‘political’ and wrong.

I would like to ask Estate Managers, why they never wrote such a letter when AFC parliamentarian Dr Ramayya and others were inciting workers at Port Mourant and other locations to strike for even the ficklest of reasons? It seems that these top management people are just trying to save their jobs at the expense of the poor sugar workers. These top Managers should be man enough to write open letters to the Coalition Government and demand their financial input instead of accusing and lambasting workers and their Union! How could estate management deem this strike to be

‘political’ when the sugar workers’ Union is aggressively negotiating on their behalf? Is it amnesia on their part that estate management is unaware of the numerous strikes called by GAWU during the PPP’s 23 years in Government?

It is time to accept the fact that the PPP/C Government offered financial assistance to the sugar industry in excess of eight years and that the positive results that GuySuCo is now enjoying are as a direct result of the capital investments made during those years, and, of course, sound management in some cases. This coalition is in Government for just 24 weeks. Not even enough time to plant and harvest a crop of sugar canes which will take approximately 44 weeks, so it cannot claim the accolades.

The coalition promised a COI whose findings are stillborn, and a 20 per cent wage increase to sugar workers which has not even been conceived but aborted!

The current strike by them is strongly justified!

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf

You can send your letters with pictures to: Guyana Times, 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown, Guyana

Page Foundation

By MalcolM TaTuM

One of the challenges every parent faces is determining the best way to raise their child. Parents want to provide structure for the child as well as encourage creativity, build social skills and in general prepare the child to become a well adjusted and responsible adult. There are many models for child rearing in use today, with authoritative parenting earning a lot of attention.

But what is authoritative parenting? How does it work? What sets this method apart from other methods? Is this parenting model the right one for our family? Here is what you need to know about authoritative parenting, including the potential benefits and drawbacks.

Definition of authoritative parenting

In a nutshell, authoritative parenting is a strategy that seeks to set reasonable rules and guidelines that are in the best interests of the child. The rules provide structure while still allowing room for the child to explore, test, and begin the process of learning what constitutes acceptable behaviour. Authoritative parenting is also a model that allows parents to express love and affection with no worries that loving expression will undermine their control of the home.

Instead of a rigid environment where there is no margin for deviation from the house rules, authoritative parenting makes it clear

the parents are in charge of the household and will set limits. At the same time, this methodology also encourages a degree of flexibility in the child rearing process. This flexibility makes it possible for parents to assess a given situation and take action that is appropriate rather than falling back on disciplinary measures that may or may not help the child to mature.

How does authoritative parenting work?

Unlike an authoritarian approach to child rearing, authoritative parenting seeks to create a home environment where there is enough structure for the children to feel secure, but not so much structure that they become afraid to try anything new or different. The house rules are designed to keep the child safe and also provide a basis for beginning to relate to the world in general. When these broad rules are breached (and every child will try to get around any and all of the rules at some point), the emphasis is on expressing displeasure with the action in a constructive manner.

Parents who are using an authoritative model will see correcting the child as an opportunity rather than a challenge or a duty. Instead of simply administering a punishment and assuming the child got the message, the parents will take steps to help the child grasp why the action was not acceptable and also assist the child in identifying alternative actions that would have been

acceptable. Some type of punitive action may still be employed, but the child will at least understand the reason behind the punishment.

Over time, authorita-

ready have mastered

* The desire to learn new things and find ways to implement this new knowledge into their lives

* Mental and emotional

are based on fear or some other negative factor.

Unlike an authoritarian approach, choosing to raise children using authoritative methods means realis-

tive parenting encourages creative thinking rather than following rules in order to avoid being punished. Children learn what type of behaviour is appropriate in a particular setting, and begin to use those skills as they develop friendships with other children, begin attending school, and take those first tentative steps toward adolescence and later adulthood.

When parents are effectively making use of the basic principles of this parenting style, they can look forward to the following results for the children:

* Loving respect for parents, siblings, and other people in their social circle

* The confidence to try new things, secure in the knowledge of what they al-

balance

* Freedom to express and develop character traits that are sometimes considered gender specific (that is, girls interested in aggressive play and boys who are sensitive to the needs of others)

What sets this method apart from other methods?

The basic style of authoritative parenting is somewhat unique in comparison to other child rearing techniques. In some cases, this method draws on the most attractive aspects of other approaches. At other times, authoritative parenting eliminates elements that

ing that not everything can be defined in terms of absolutes; there must be some degree of vision and flexibility in order to rear happy and productive children. This environment encourages children to develop skills that will help them evaluate situations and choose a responsible response later in life. (www.justparents.co.uk)

TO BE CONTINUED

By NaoMi FreuNdlich

(CONTINUED frOm WEDNEsDay)

I’m not saying to make rules just to prove you’re the boss. It’s important to set limits for a good reason and to explain them to your children in a loving and caring way. But studies show that having rules and structure makes a child feel safe and secure and teaches self-control and self-reliance.

Be your child’s biggest booster

The single most important thing you can do for your children is to let them know you’re absolutely crazy about them. Tell them often that they are terrific. Say, “You are the best thing in my life.” Research shows that these kinds of messages make children resilient and help them deal with disappointment, rejection, and the other unpleasant stuff that life routinely hands out. Surprisingly, a lot of children don’t know how much their moms and dads appreciate them, and that’s because parents aren’t getting the message across. Make a conscious effort to be positive – even when you’re setting limits. Instead of criticising a child for fighting with a sibling, for example, say something like, “I know that’s not your best effort. I’m sure you love your brother a lot more than you’re showing him now.” That lets your child know you have faith in him, that you believe in him – and what can beat that?

Make family time a priority

In recent years, there has been a lot of emphasis on keeping children challenged – and busy. When children are as young as three or four, we sign them up for gym classes, music lessons, sports teams, and more. We’re afraid that our children will fall behind if they don’t participate in what everyone else is doing. So we’ve become servants to our children – driving them here and there, scheduling our lives around their activities.

I think it’s far more important to make family time your biggest priority than to cater to everybody’s individual activities all the time. Eat dinner as a family, even if it means your child won’t be able to make a soccer practice. Children should carve out time for grandparents and other relatives too. Children also need lots of downtime when you can all just relax and be together as a family. Family bonds are an anchor for children: Their activities will come and go, but family relationships will last a lifetime. (Parents.com)

Crisis looms with early 2016 Budget – Irfaan Ali

...says Govt in rush to spend while not completing 2015 projects

By Edward LaynE

The A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government’s plan to present the 2016 National Budget in January could lead to what People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Member of Parliament Irfaan Ali described as “an implementation crisis”, especially in the face of a significant chunk of the 2015 budget being not yet implemented which will roll over to 2016.

Ali, who prior to becoming a Cabinet Minister in 2009, served in the Finance Ministry, told a news conference on Wednesday at the PPP Robb Street, Georgetown Headquarters that, while the Government’s rush to get the 2016 Budget out may be in anticipation of the economic challenges ahead, this could spell significant trouble for the country, especially with the current state of the economy.

“The problem with having the budget in January is the state of expenditure for the 2015 Budget, you will have a budget coming in January 2016 when maybe 50-60 per cent of the 2015 budget has not been spent….so you will have what you call a crisis of implementation, because you have not completed the implementation in 2015 and you are going into 2016 and the Minister further said that he is coming back December 2016 with 2017 budget, he said you will have two budgets in 2016 –one in December and one in January,” Ali said.

The former Housing and Water Minister said the Government seemed to be in a rush to spend, “be-

cause you can spend your way out of a crisis”.

Ali said he has always been supportive of early budgets; however, the current environment of a massive backlog in the implementation of 2015 projects could lead to even deeper troubles.

He also called on the Finance Minister Winston Jordan to make public the current state of implementation of the Government’s 2015 capital programme, the Public Sector Investment Programmes (PSIPs), the loan programmes, as well as foreign-funded programmes.

“If you have a lot of the projects rolling over to 2016 and then you have an early budget that’s my fear on this scenario and that then you will have a capacity overload and that is what leads to problems,” he reasoned.

He is, however, convinced the Government contributed significantly to the slothfulness of the economy in relation to the

Man shot while fleeing bandits

A57-year-old man has been hospitalised after he was shot while attempting to escape two armed men who confronted him in front of his house. The incident occurred sometime around 03:35h on Wednesday at Grove, East Bank Demerara.

Patrick Ross sustained a gunshot wound to his abdomen. According to reports, Ross was entering his premises when he was confronted by two men, one of whom was armed with a firearm.

The man raised an alarm and made an effort to get into his home during which the men opened fire on him, hitting him in his abdomen. Afterwards, the two perpetrators immediately made good their escape.

The injured man was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital for medical treatment and has since been admitted.

An investigation has been launched into the incident.

4 Celina’s Resort workers in Police custody

Fexpenditure, pointing out that many projects in the 2015 Budget have not even been awarded as yet.

“Outside Georgetown where you have the massive cleaning up exercise, if you take a drive outside into the other regions, you will see there is not much going on. The Government needs to accelerate implementation plan and ensure that projects in the budget come on stream in an efficient manner so that the benefits of those projects, the spending of those projects can be translated into the economy and the economy itself can benefit from these expenditures,” he said.

our workers attached to the Celina’s Atlantic Resort are in Police custody after a formal complaint was made by the Public Infrastructure Ministry that they were disobeying a cease work order.

Guyana Times understands that the Public Infrastructure Ministry lodged a complaint at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) over construction works ongoing at the Resort located on the Kitty Seawall.

This newspaper was told that when Police visited the Resort at 16:30h on Wednesday, employees were at the time engaged in construction work. Three persons were arrested on the spot and a fourth was taken into custody when he turned up at the station. Those ar-

rested were three operators and a mechanic.

According to the Public Infrastructure Ministry, the Police have launched an investigation into the extensive and detrimental work undertaken by the Resort. The official also shared that the employees have all singled out the same person as their employer. Additionally, the Police are hoping that the arrests will send a clear message to both employees and employers at the Resort and will act as a deterrent in the future.

Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson applauded the Police’s swift response: “I must commend the Police for doing their job.”

Patterson added that “the Ministry takes the protection of the sea defence

and the preservation of our protection extremely seriously and we will continue to monitor the situation”. The arrests come against the backdrop of the Public Infrastructure Ministry filing an injunction to halt the works being done on the Resort as it could be harmful to the sea defence at Kitty. However, the owners are adamant that construction work is not unlawful but in conformity with the permission granted under their lease, which was renewed in 2011.

Celina’s, a hangout located on the foreshore overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, is currently moving to develop a US$5 million facility that will boast a restaurant, bar, mini-golf course and kids’ park in addition to a number of guest rooms.

PPP/C MP Irfaan Ali

Ongoing works at the Celina’s Atlantic Resort

thursday, november 26, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

Suspect in GPHC staffer’s murder turns self in

The man, who reportedly stabbed his former reputed wife before dumping her out of a moving car on Monday, has turned himself into Police custody.

Head of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Wendell Blanhum confirmed that the suspect, Allan Sim, turned himself in on Wednesday morning accompanied by his Attorney.

Up to press time on Wednesday, Sim was still in custody assisting with the investigations. Guyana Times understands that investigators were working on gathering additional information and were looking

for the motor car in which 33-year-old Melissa Skeete was attacked.

Reports have revealed that Skeete, of Lot 94 Prince William Street, Plaisance, East Coast Demerara, was seen falling out of a moving car on Carmichael Street. She was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital by public spirited persons.

The mother of four, who was an ambulance dispatcher at the same medical facility sustained several stab wounds about her body and died while receiving treatment. A post-mortem examination was conducted by State Pathologist, Dr Nehaul Singh on Wednesday. The results showed that she died of stab wounds to her chest.

According to reports, Skeete shared a child with the suspect but ended the relationship sometime ago because of the reported abuse she endured.

On Monday, she left work sometime after 15:00h and was reportedly seen entering the suspect’s vehicle. About 20 minutes later, a

bloody Skeete was rushed back to the medical institution.

Guyana Times was told that before the woman left work on Monday, she informed one of her co-workers that she was going to meet her ex and even left the registration number for the man’s vehicle. Skeete had also asked that someone call and check-up on her after some time.

“They had a rocky relationship and she wanted out so she ended it but he didn’t want to let go and keep running behind her all the time. He even went to her house in Plaisance and broke the window, she had to move from there to get away from him so I don’t know why she went with him in the first place,” the worker said.

According Skeete’s colleague, they had advised the mother of four to report the matter to the Police but she was scared that nothing would be done to assist her.

Man charged for

abusing sisterin-law –

claims amnesia on incident

Aman was slapped with an abusive language charge after he reportedly used a string of expletives against his sister-in-law on Tuesday.

However, when he was taken to court on Wednesday, he claimed that he could not remember abusing his sister-in-law.

Robin Charran of Ruimveldt, Georgetown pleaded not guilty to the charge, which stated that on Monday, November 23 at Yarrow Dam, Ruimveldt, he made use of abusive language to Luana Chester, the Virtual Complainant.

In court on Wednesday, Charran said that he was under the influence of alcohol and “cannot recall using abusive language”.

The VC stated that the defendant was in the habit of abusing her as he lived in the upper flat of the house she occupied. She stated that she had young children who would be awakened by the defendant, when he begins shouting and using abusive language loudly in the night. She suggested that the man be placed on a bond to keep the peace, to which the Magistrate agreed.

Charran was released on a bond to keep the peace for 18 months or risk a default sentence of six weeks in prison.

Eyew tness Changing “history”…

…but not facts

It is said that history is written by the victors. This, of course, implies that the history of mankind is a history of wars. Politics, being “war by other means”, not surprisingly is also dominated by those who see themselves as “victors” writing history. And in Guyana – where politics is more extreme than most – history is not only written, but erased and rewritten.

In their first go-around, the PNC was so confident its regime would last a thousand years, (like you know who!), they began naming people, places and things after their Founder Leader. Some said it was the Founder Leader who set the ball rolling on these changes. “A hint to Beneba mek Quasi tek notice”, and all of that.

So as early as 1970, the three upriver mining villages of Wismar, Mackenzie and Christianburg were combined into a township and declared to be “Linden”. Named after, of course, the Founder Leader – “Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham”. The area had special historical significance. It was the ethnic cleansing of Wismar in 1964 by PNC goons that made Janet Jagan quit as Home Affairs Minister. And Cheddi Jagan to throw in the towel in that open war to control Guyana for the next 28 years. For good measure, just to make sure future generations might forget who “Linden” was, they named a street in Wismar, “Burnham Drive”.

Then there was “Burnham Park” in New Amsterdam, another PNC stronghold. But it wasn’t all “renaming”, there was also “naming”: Burnham’s older daughter was honoured with “Roxanne Burnham Gardens” in Georgetown and another with “Melanie Damishana” on the East Coast. It was said that the massive hydro project in the Mazaruni – on which Burnham blew over 500 million Guyana dollars when the conversion was GY$2 to US$1!! – was going to be named “Burnham’s Hydro”. But after it was scrapped, it was the rest of Guyana that got “hydro”.

We don’t, of course, mention the LFS Burnham Mausoleum, where the great man’s body is preserved like Lenin. After all, one of his (in)famous quips about his arch-rival Jagan was “De mortuis nil, nisi bonum” – one should speak only good about the dead. And Jagan was still alive when he said it. (The PPP tried with Cheddi Jagan International Airport – but everybody still says “Timehri Airport”!) Guess they were never real “victors”!)

Well, now the PNC’s back in power – and it’s renaming time again. (Well, do you really think even Ramjattan thinks the AFC “counters” the PNC, even though they kept their name?? And please, don’t let us even mention the NFC, GAP and WPA, et al in the APNU!)

Mayor Hamilton Green OR, before he’s put out to farm, has now declared the Botanic Gardens to be “Forbes Burnham Botanical Gardens”. Repeating history?

…and forgetting history

Sase Singh continues to comment on matters Guyanese from his basement in the Bronx. He wants to save the Sugar Industry by “empowering workers…to give ideas on how to improve work process”. So, works probably in some Bronx factory where the boss has a “Suggestion Box” and he thinks this is “revolutionary”??!!

No wonder, one Nowrang Persaud, an old head from the Bookers Days “upsed “ him! While Persaud cautioned against the wholesale importation of what might’ve worked elsewhere – rather than designing or customising for the Guyanese idiosyncrasies – he was too circumspect to inform Singh that in Burnham’s failed utopian “Cooperative socialist” experiment that ruined Guyana – he’d introduced “Workers’ Councils” in the Sugar and Bauxite industries. Fat lot of good they did!! Listen, Singh…in an industry that by definition has to exploit workers – from slavery to today – workers ain’t telling management nothing!

…and private parts

When the Muckraker headlined some “Coke mules” secreting the stuff in a part of their anatomy that vulgarly rhymes with it – even its partisans shook their heads. Now there’ve been TWO apologies by the Mook. Lost more sales? More giveaways at Rubis?

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

Dead: Melissa Skeete

IN THE COURTS

CJIA cocaine bust

Smuggler jailed for 4 years

Apoultry vendor has been jailed for four years after admitting that he swallowed 800 grams of cocaine to traffic to New York City, USA.

Johan Joaquin, of Hickley Street, Plaisance, East Coast Demerara, admitted to Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts that between November 22 and 24, he had in his stomach 800 grams of cocaine pellets which he attempted to traffic to the United States.

According to reports, on November 22, the 44-yearold man was an outgoing passenger on Caribbean Airlines Flight BW520.

Ranks of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit

Johan Joaquin

(CANU) saw the father of two acting in a suspicious manner and questioned him. Reports stated that based on the man’s response and gesticulation, they took him into custody. He was subsequently taken to the

At Linden…

Woodlands Hospital and an X-ray was done.

The X-ray showed foreign objects in his stomach and over the course of two days, he excreted 27 cocaine pellets of which he admitted ownership. The substance was tested and weighed, and additional investigation led to the charge being laid.

In court on Wednesday, in a plea of mitigation he told the Magistrate that he attempted to smuggle the drug out of frustration, since his significant other cheated on him.

He stated that he was frustrated and a lapse in his judgment led to him committing the act. He was sentenced to four years in prison as well as a fine of $2,518,000.

Case against burglary accused dismissed

An Amelia’s Ward man on Tuesday walked out of the Linden

Magistrate’s Court a free man after a burglary charge laid against him was dismissed. The accused, Julius Branker, of lot 1143 Central Amelia’s Ward, Mackenzie, Linden, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBeribce) had been on remand for breaking and entering the home of Onica Abel at 1272 Central Amelia’s Ward on February 7, 2014 and stealing the sum of $50,000. However, Magistrate Clive Nurse dismissed the charge, noting that the Virtual Complainant (VC) had given contradicting oral statements to the court and Police.

It was alleged that on Friday February

7, 2014, Branker stole the sum of cash from the Virtual Complainant’s wardrobe at approximately 03:50h while she was asleep in her room. Abel had alleged that she was awakened and observed Branker’s reflection in the wardrobe mirror. Later checks revealed the cash was missing. The presiding Magistrate dismissed the case against the accused noting that the VC had given a written statement to the Police two weeks after the incident had taken place when the defendant was arrested. He noted too that statements from the Police and that submitted to the court by Abel were not corresponding. As such, the case was dismissed.

First-time traffic offender fined $75,000

Afirst time traffic offender who appeared before Magistrate Clive Nurse at the Linden Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday was slapped with fines which amounted to a total of $75,000. Rondel Williams was charged with being an unlicensed driver, as well as being in breach of insurance – charges he pleaded guilty to. The court heard that the defen-

dant drove motor car PGG 5108 while he was not the holder of a valid driver’s licence and without the vehicle having insurance. He was intercepted by Police Officers who were conducting routine checks and was subsequently charged for the offences. He was fined $50,000 for the breach of insurance and $25,000 or three weeks in prison for driving without a valid licence.

Welder fined $20,000 for traffic offence

Awelder was fined $20,000 on Tuesday after he made an appearance before Magistrate Clive Nurse at the Linden Magistrate’s Court. The defendant, Ian Williams, pleaded guilty to the charge which alleged that he drove motor vehicle bearing registration number PTT 8794 for a purpose other than which it was licensed for. The court heard that on Wednesday, November 18, he drove the said vehicle on the Washer Pond Road, Mackenzie, Linden.

Meanwhile, Rondel Ayler was also fined $20,000 by Magistrate Nurse on Tuesday for failure to give right of way to on duty Police Officers. The 38-year-old of Central Amelia’s Ward, Linden resident was ordered to pay the sum or an spend an alternative of three months in prison. The court heard that he drove motor vehicle PSS 852 along the Kara Kara public road, Mackenzie, Linden and failed to give way to ranks who signalled with their vehicle by way of siren and lights.

Minibus driver jailed for causing death

Aminibus driver was on Wednesday sentenced to serve 58 months in prison after he was found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving by Magistrate Judy Latchman.

Paul John was found guilty of the charge which stated that on April 4 at Water Street, Georgetown, he drove minibus BPP 1702 in a manner dangerous to the public thereby causing the death of four-year-old Elijah Jaden Andrews.

According to reports, the child, of Queen Street, South Cummingsburg, Georgetown, was struck down about 13:35h and succumbed to his injuries while receiving medical attention at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Reports suggested that the lad was seen purchasing a kite in Giftland OfficeMax after which he reportedly ran out of the store and into the path of the minibus. Guyana Times understands that the 35-year-old driver attempted to flee the scene, but was forced to stop the vehicle by one of his passengers – a social worker.

He reportedly picked up the child and rushed him

to the Georgetown Public Hospital, soon after which the child died.

The Magistrate, in delivering her ruling, stated that there were five witnesses who testified during the trial: two officers; Omella Charles, the mother of the now deceased child; Sharon Harding, a passenger in the minibus at the time of the incident; and Kevin Bell, the conductor.

She reflected on the defendant’s testimony that on the day in question, he was the driver of the blue Route 45 minibus, which was proceeding north on Water Street on the western side of the road. The driver had testified that he had stopped the minibus to put off his passengers and subsequent to driving off, he felt the impact of the child running into the side of his vehicle.

The Magistrate revealed that this statement contradicted that of another witness, Sharon Harding who related that the driver was speeding when she felt something hit the side of the vehicle and felt a bump as if the left wheel had run over an object.

Magistrate Latchman fur-

ther related that Harding testified that she asked the driver to stop; however, he ignored her, waiting until he was some 16 feet away from the point of impact before he stopped.

The Magistrate stated that after reviewing the evidence presented during the trial, she believed the testimony of Harding. She stated that if the now deceased child had run into the bus as claimed by the defendant, the deceased would have sustained injuries to his feet and not a crushed chest as reported by State Pathologist, Dr Nehaul Singh. The post-mortem revealed that the lad suffered several broken ribs and a fractured skull.

Magistrate Latchman stated that she had accepted and believed the evidence of Harding when she related that the driver was speeding. In closing, she related that it was her finding that the defendant did not observe the five Cs and the driving of the defendant fell below the level of careful, competent and experienced drivers. As such, she found him guilty and handed down the 58-month sentence.

Neonatal deaths

GPHC to be slapped with another lawsuit

...family recounts horrifying experience

Consumed with rage over the attitude of nurses of the maternity ward at the Georgetown Public Hospital, a 34-yearold mother has joined a list of other families who are currently in the process of taking legal actions against the several health institutions across the country.

Sumarie Balwant, called “Shalinie”, of Lot 640 Good Hope, East Coast Demerara, was pregnant with her second child and had reached full-term pregnancy when she went into labour. She was taken to Georgetown Public Hospital, where family members claim the nurses refused to deliver the baby even though her amniotic sac, more commonly called the ‘water bag’ had ruptured.

During a telephone interview with Guyana Times on Wednesday, the woman’s mother Yungal Kumarie disclosed that the family is contemplating the option of suing the Hospital and all those culpable for the death of the baby.

The family is alleging that the baby suffocated and died while inside his mother; owing to the failure of the hospital staff to deliver the baby in a timely manner.

According to Kumarie,

her daughter’s due date was November 17 and as such, she was admitted to the Hospital on that day. Then around 13:00h on November 18, the woman’s “water bag” burst; however, the nurses only attended to her af-

ter 19:00h. Balwant eventually gave birth to a stillborn baby.

The family, through their lawyer, already submitted a letter of complaint to the Medical Council of Guyana; calling for a thorough investigation into the matter. In the correspondence seen by this newspaper, the family is claiming that the baby died as a result of malpractice and professional misconduct on the part of the doctor and nurses who treated Balwant.

Horrifying experience

After Balwant went into labour, her mother explained that her daughter was practically crying out in pain and begging the nurses to attend to her but to no avail. Kumarie said her daughter suffered immensely for nearly six hours until the doctors finally decided it was time to deliver the baby.

“They told her that she was not ready. They keep telling her to hold on and they keep telling she that she behaving like she nah had baby before,” the mother related.

Dubbing the experience as horrifying, the distraught mother is pleading for the situation to be addressed swiftly before someone else is forced to endure a similar or worse ordeal.

Kumarie related that her four-year-old grandson would often ask about “the baby” but she is unsure of how to break the news to him.

“He asking all the time ‘where the baby’ but I don’t know what to tell him… I don’t know how to tell him,” she stated.

The baby’s funeral is slated for today.

Front burner and coal pots

Satiricus was pleased. Guyana was really making progress. Here it was, the Money Minister had just announced the “President Jagdesh Hydro Project”, which the Govt had dumped like a hot conkie, as soon as they got into office, was now “on the front burner”.

“Imagine that,” thought Satiricus. “Only a few years ago when the Money Minister was working as a clerk in the Money Ministry back room, only the Kabaka knew about “front burner”.

Every body else cooked their local food on coal pots to fire sides. “Local foods” – because the Kabaka banned dhall, flour and other foreign foods. And no “front burners” because there was no gas for even “one burner” much less “front burner” stoves.

But today, Jar-Done, the Money Minister could use “front burner” as a metaphor! Satiricus had learnt all about “metaphors” when he was in Common Entrance class back in the day. “Charan Rass is an ass!!!” THAT was a metaphor. While Charan Rass was not actually the creature with the long ears and big teeth, he did have the main qualities of an ass: to bray schupidness every time he opened his mouth. And loudly!

That’s what metaphors do – they make you start from what you REALLY know, to what you might not know that much about. So before we get to the SUBSTANCE of what Jar-Done was talking about HYDRO, the form he chose to do it in is important.

“What a guy!!” marvelled Satiricus. “Jar-Done’s signalling that unlike when he was sucking up to the Kabaka and his henchman Green Bridge, Guyana’s economy was doing so well, all-a-wee Guyanese know what a “front burner” is!”

Most homes now have four burner stoves with the biggest and hottest flame in the front row. “Everybody got money nowadays to buy gas from gas bottles to cook their food – local and foreign,” said Satiricus. “Every two-by-four shack-store hocks gas bottles in front!”

Satiricus couldn’t hold back any longer, “FREE AT LAST; FREE AT LAST! THANK GOD ALMIGHTILY GUYANESE ARE FREE AT LAST!!!” he shouted. “No more chopping up the front steps to cook dinner!”

And this was why Satiricus was happy as a lark. JarDone wanted to tell the people of Guyana that his Pee-anSee Government had inherited a wonderful, prosperous economy. But as the Money Minister, how to say so when he was supposed to bad talk the departed PPPCEE?

Well, Hydro Power is on the front burner! Hydro is back in Guyana. Not the HYDRO that Burnham gave the entire nation when he squandered billions and billions of dollars. This was Hydro Power.

Soon we would even move from gas to electricity to cook our conkie!

Taxi driver on bail for fraud, possession of stolen articles

Ataxi driver was on Wednesday released on bail when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged for fraud and possession of stolen articles.

Brenton Charles, 31, of Parika Outfall, East Bank Essequibo, appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore. He denied the allegation that on October 7, at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters, with the intent to defraud he uttered a receipt from Universal Store, to a Police Officer knowing same to be fake or forged.

The defendant also de-

nied the allegation that on September 24 at Ruimzigt, West Coast Demerara he

had a quantity of stereo set equipment knowing it was stolen or unlawfully obtained. It was revealed that the defendant had an unblemished record and the file was incomplete. Charles requested reasonable bail and Prosecutor Simone Payne revealed that she needed additional time and requested a later date for reports. The defendant was granted $75,000 bail on the fraud charge and would make his second appearance on January 4. Additionally, he was granted $35,000 bail on the possession of stolen articles charge. That matter will continue on December 7.

Accused: Brenton Charles

Sumarie Balwant along with her husband and son during her pregnancy

Guyana, UAE ink Air Services Agreement

Minister within the Public Infrastructure Ministry, Annette Ferguson, signed an Air Services Agreement between Guyana and the Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Tuesday in Montreal, Canada.

The agreement allows for operations by airlines from either country. The agreement was inked on the sidelines of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) World Aviation Forum (WAF) 2015 at the ICAO Head Quarters in Montreal.

Minister Ferguson, along with the acting Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Chitrani Heeralall, is currently attending the forum.

Following the signing of the agreement, the Junior Public Infrastructure Minister alluded to the UAE being the home of two of the world’s best airlines, Etihad and Emirates, and hopes that at least one will opt to oper-

ate in ‘Destination Guyana’.

The ICAO World Aviation Forum 2015 is being held under the theme “Aviation Partnership for Sustainable Development”. The forum is timely as ICAO and the United Nations Specialised Organisation for civil aviation recently launched its “No Country Left Behind” initiative to better identify and coordinate assistance to states.

The ICAO WAF is a unique opportunity to harness aviation’s vast potential to stimulate economic growth in a manner consistent with the United Nations 2030 agenda for sustainable development.

Despite the clear economic significance and the demonstrated ability to serve as a foundation and catalyst for global connectivity and economic growth, only 2.5 per cent of global 2005-2015 funding for infrastructure and services has aviation development.

The ICAO WAF 2015 brings together States and fi -

nancial/development community to raise the level of assistance in the civil aviation sector.

Many of the developed countries and the donor community have applauded ICAO’s “No Country Left Behind” initiative and have pledged their continued support for collaboration, for rendering technical assistance and for aviation development as a whole.

Guyana will be seeking support from ICAO for technical assistance to improve the level of compliance with ICAO standards.

Meanwhile, Minister Ferguson was invited by ICAO to moderate the session on investment and aviation development perspectives. She took the opportunity to inform the forum of aviation development in Guyana.

“Guyana like many States here, considers the growth and sustainability of aviation a catalyst for improved social and economic activities and structures,” Ferguson stated.

There was a similar call

at the Aviation Conference held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre in October 2015, for the recognition of aviation as the lifeblood of economic and social development in Guyana and for action to be taken to address the challenges the sector is facing, including strengthening of the civil aviation safety oversight body. That conference also emphasised the need for a safe, sustainable and strong aviation sector for our national development for the benefit of all our people.

Minister Ferguson added, “Guyana joins with the rest of the aviation world to congratulate ICAO on this ‘No Country Left Behind’ initiative and is heartened to hear from the developed countries, their pledge for continued support and collaboration with ICAO and its member States to ensure that ‘No country is Left Behind’”.

She also highlighted that “many States here share similar challenges in financing aviation projects to enable their economic development and I am sure our esteemed panel will share perspectives on global investment and aviation development and encourage donors to assist in enabling economic development through financing of various aviation projects so that the spirit of the ‘No Country Left Behind’ initiative of ICAO can be realized for the positive impact on the economic and social development of all States”.

Guyana’s two representatives at this Forum will continue their discussions to seek technical and financial assistance for Guyana’s aviation development.

Men fined for smoking cannabis

Two men were on Wednesday fined $5000 each for smoking cannabis after they appeared before Magistrate Alex Moore in Court 10 of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Twenty-year-old Wesley Mingo and 27-year-old Stephon Archer both pleaded guilty with explanation to the charge which stated that on Tuesday, November 12 at Georgetown, they smoked cannabis.

Mingo stated that he had smoked the marijuana cigarette, which he used as a form of relaxation after work and had fallen asleep when he was awakened by the Police who then took him, and the number two accused who was seated nearby into custody. He stated that the Officers arrested them after smelling the cannabis smoke and finding the ‘roach’ or remnants of the cannabis cigarette nearby, adding that they did not find any of the drug nearby.

Magistrate Moore related that the charge attracted a penalty of a fine of no less than $5000 and no more than $15,000, along with a prison sentence of one to three years. However, he revealed that he would be lenient with the two defendants as it would not be

feasible to imprison them for such a lengthy time on a minor offence.

The Magistrate related that imprisonment for such a minor matter could have dire results as having two first-time offenders confined among hardened criminals would create a negative influence. He pointed to the Summary and Jurisdiction Procedure Act which gives him, the Magistrate, the power to impose a fine in lieu of imprisonment given the right circumstances.

The Act states “where a person is convicted of any summary conviction offence for which the Court, under any enactment for the time being in force, has authority to impose a fine, the Court, notwithstanding any such Act or other enactment, may, if it thinks justice of the case will be better met by a fine than by imprisonment, impose the offender a fine not exceeding $80,000”.

Using the authority prescribed to him by this Act, Magistrate Moore sentenced the two defendants to pay fines of $5000 each. They were given two weeks to do so, and failure to comply would result in a default sentence of one week in prison.

The two accused, Wesley Mingo and Stephon Archer

Minister within the Public Infrastructure Ministry, Annette Ferguson signing the agreement with an UAE official

thursday, november 26, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

along Mabura Road

Missing fuel truck returned to owner Hijacking

– driver and porter key suspects

The fuel truck that was allegedly hijacked on November 21 along the Mabura Road, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) was discovered by Police officials on Monday afternoon.

At the time of the reported hijacking, motor lorry GSS 1819 was transporting over $4 million worth of fuel from Georgetown to Mahdia.

It was alleged by the driver and the porter that they were attacked by eight men who hijacked the vehicle.

However, when Police discovered the truck on Monday, the $4 million worth of fuel and the truck were intact. The truck has since been handed over to its owner, Deodat Dhanraj of Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

Divisional Commander Calvin Brutus told Guyana

Times that the search team found the truck covered in some bushes off the 23 Miles junction on the Mabura Road around 16:00h on Monday.

He said the search team noticed some faded track impressions on the roadway and decided to follow the trail, which led to an old tire in the middle of the road.

According to the Commander, the team then decided to check the nearby bushes and eventually, they discovered the truck.

on page 13

Keeping it real

an old friend

Along lost friend of mine who resides in Canada called me a few days ago. We had lost touch for more than 20 years but he found my email through Guyana Times

Dr Baytoram Ramharack

He was frantic, yet excited at the same time. He said he had little faith and hope that any “good” can come out of a future Guyana. “Only God can save Guyana,” he said. I disagreed and said we must have faith. As he explained, the tipping point for his disappointment with the land of his birth culminated with an incident involving his older sister who had gone to Guyana last year to tend to some family business. His sister is still suffering from the shock of being robbed in the house in which she was born. On the evening of his sister’s arrival to Guyana, along with her husband and their teenage daughter, a gang of marauding thugs invaded their home on the Corentyne. The gun-toting robbers who wore masks knew they were domiciled abroad. They demanded everything they had in Canadian and American currency, and the robbers apparently knew exactly how much money they had converted to Guyana dollars at the cambio in the New Amsterdam market. Aside from the chit chat and catching up on old time gaffes, my buddy expressed a number of concerns and he sought my opinion on what I felt were some burning issues facing Guyanese. Since his questions are not unusual, I repeat a few of them here, along with a brief summary of my response to him.

Are we ever going to see national unity in this country?

“National unity is elusive right now. Guyanese cannot reap the benefits of economic development unless this problem is addressed by political leaders. The fact that we have a Social Cohesion Minister and just coming out of an election that showed voting along racial/ ethnic lines, is an indication that we are far from bridging this gap, even as we move towards 50 years of independence. The coalition had expressed an interest in national unity but the Granger Administration seems to rely more on its Social Cohesion Minister – who shares no relevant expertise in this area – to tackle this longstanding anomaly. The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) leadership, based on recent statements made by Clement Rohee has ruled out any discussion in a national unity government, citing the acrimonious political environment and discrimination against its supporters, as some of the reasons for this position taken by the Opposition. So, for now, meaningful discussions among the political leaders will not get us to the ‘promise land’. As one commentator noted, if President Granger was serious about establishing a government of national unity, he would have made the magnanimous gesture after the General Election of declaring a number of Government vacancies, including Minister positions, that would be allocated to the Opposition after consultations. This would have truly been an innovative move, not to mention, a revolutionary one. National unity seems to be a dead issue, at least for now.”

How will the coalition and the PPP perform at the upcoming Local Government Elections?

At this point, it is difficult to tell. Guyanese will have an opportunity to judge the coalition’s performance after almost a year of being in office by the time Local Government Elections are held on March 18, 2016. If the PPP can capitalise on the mistakes of the coalition (exorbitant salary increase, crime wave, discrimination, etc) and convert these mistakes into votes, it would shore up Jagdeo’s position within the PPP. The real question on some people’s mind though is the role of A Partnership for National Unity’s (APNU) partner, the Alliance For Change (AFC), which barely tipped the balance of the May General Election in favour of the APNU/AFC coalition. The fact that Minister Khemraj Ramjattan has announced that the AFC will participate in the coalition Government as a single party in the upcoming Local Government Elections does not create an opportunity for us to be able to make an informed assessment as to whether the AFC has lost or gained political support since its entry into a coalition arrangement with the APNU. Regardless of the outcome, national power, the most important power centre, remains in the hands of the coalition. They will continue to use this power to reshape a future Guyana, regardless of what the PPP does.”

Is Jag deo the right person to lead the PPP?

“U nfortunately, no one else seems to be capable of this task within the PPP at this time. Jagdeo has valuable experience as a two-term President. But there is a whirlwind of moral and political issues that surround his leadership. The PPP needs to rebuild itself with a cadre of new visionary leaders who are not tainted by past transgressions, real or perceived. More importantly, the PPP needs to transform itself into a more democratic institution and prepare for the upcoming LGEs in March and General Election in 2020. The Party needs to expand its base. The PPP has indicated its willingness to do so by bringing in “50 per cent” non PPP members at the upcoming LGE. This remains to be seen. If the PPP continues to falter and neglect its supporters, PPP supporters should put pressure on the Party and create a revolution, from within and outside, to promote necessary changes. Aside from this, there might be an opportunity for the creation of another political party. If the coalition continues to make blunders, and the PPP is plagued by internal challenges, it is quite possible that a third force, with credible individuals, can capture the attention of the Guyanese people at the next national election.”

Was my buddy convinced? It was hard to tell.

(Send comments to BRamharack60@gmail.com)

The truck stashed in the bushes

Veteran Journalist laid to rest

Veteran Journalist

Rachid Osman was on Wednesday laid to rest following a church service at the First Assembly of God Church Wortmanville, Durban Street, Georgetown. Prior to the service, family members, friends and colleagues paid their last respects by way of tributes. His eulogy was read by his daughter Ruth Osman-Rose. She spoke about the Journalist’s life, both as a father and a husband. As the service went on, Osman’s wife, Pastor Yvonne Osman was console by family members.

Osman died peacefully in his sleep on Saturday last at his Bent Street, Wortmanville home. He was 78 years old.

At the service, tributes reflected his work and life, which was described by many as brilliant both in the print and broadcast media.

Rachid Osman, according to those who knew him, was described as a “kind, caring, loving and a dedicated man, who ensured that his family was well

taken care of.”

His colleagues at the Guyana Chronicle remembered that on Friday, November 20, he left the office early to get ready to attend the opening of the National Drama Festival at the National Cultural Centre. He covered that assignment and passed away the following morning.

The media fraternity was plunged into a state of mourning on Saturday as the news spread about

Missing fuel...

“The perpetrators attempted to sweep the tracks impression away but, because of the weather, some impressions were still there. They followed it and apparently they (the perpetrators) marked a particular spot with a tire and some bottles on the road junction… So the Police found that suspicious so they then went further into the bushes and they found the truck,” the Commander explained.

Commander Brutus told this publication that the truck was then taken to the Mackenzie Police Station, Linden, where it was processed and returned to the owner.

Asked if the truck was damaged in any way, the Commander replied in the negative, noting that only a few small bottles of lubricant were missing.

“Everything else was intact,” he stated.

Suspects

Meanwhile, the Commander disclosed that the driver and the porter of the truck are suspected to have a role in the hijacking.

“We are strongly of that opinion… however, we are not just limiting the investigations to the driver and the porter alone. They could have had accomplices as well,” he told Guyana Times

The Commander further disclosed that the Police discovered a palm print on the truck and it is currently being processed.

Previously, Commander Brutus told this publication

from page 12

that the driver and the porter were giving conflicting reports when interrogated by Police Officers.

According to reports, while the truck was transporting the fuel to Mahdia, two persons travelling in a motor vehicle drove up alongside the moving truck and informed the truck driver that a spare wheel had fallen off the tray.

The truck driver stopped the lorry and upon investigation, noticed that indeed the spare wheel was missing. The two persons offered to lead the truck driver to the location where the wheel had fallen off and the two vehicles began to proceed along Mabura road.

Some 15 miles later, the two vehicles came to a halt and the men exited their vehicles to look for the wheel.

It was at that moment six armed men joined the other two persons and attacked the truck driver and porter. According to information, the men were stripped of their clothing and received several blows about their bodies, resulting in minor injuries.

After incapacitating the men, the attackers then reportedly fled the scene in the motor lorry and the other motor vehicle.

The injured men waited on the deserted road until another truck came by and hitched a ride to the Linden Police Station where they filed a report.

Investigations into the matter are ongoing. (devinas@guyanatimesgy.com)

Osman’s sudden death.

Osman started his career as a feature writer at the Guyana Graphic in 1963 and continued in that role when the newspaper became the Guyana Chronicle. Eventually, in 1982, he was appointed Managing Editor and was later promoted to Sunday Editor, then Editor and

eventually Editor-in-Chief in 1989.

At the time of his death, he served as Assistant Editor with the Sunday desk at the Chronicle.

Osman’s love for the arts moved him to pen brilliant critiques of stage plays, musical and dance concerts, and national cultural events.

Castello man died of stab wound to chest

The 37-year-old-man who was killed after he attacked his rival, in what turned out to be an apparent lover triangle, died of a stab wound to his chest. This is according to the post-mortem examination results.

Troy Brutus of Castello Housing Scheme, Georgetown, was pronounced dead on arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital after he was stabbed several times about his body. The post-mortem examination was conducted on Wednesday morning by State Pathologist, Dr Nehaul Singh.

Guyana Times was made to understand that the suspect, Michael Riley, known as “Nice Guy”, is currently in a relationship with Brutus’ ex, sparking the

feud between the men. On Monday, Brutus reportedly went to his rival’s home, where he attacked the man upon his return from work.

But according to Brutus’s sister, he and the suspect recently had a misunderstanding at a football game and Riley attacked her brother on Monday morning, a short distance from their home.

Later that day, the Police said, Brutus then attacked the suspect with a cutlass and a knife, chopping him to his hand and face. However, the suspect managed to overpower Brutus, relieving him of the knife and stabbed him several times about his body.

The injured suspect is still hospitalised at the Georgetown Public Hospital under Police guard.

The viewing prior to the funeral service on Wednesday

Petrobras probe arrests Brazil billionaire Andre Esteves

One of Brazil’s richest businessmen has been arrested as part of the corruption probe into the state oil giant Petrobras.

Andre Esteves was reportedly arrested at his home. Documents were seized both from there and from the bank’s headquarters in Sao Paulo.

The Government’s leader in the Senate, Delcidio Amaral, was also arrested.

Esteves, head of finance firm BTG Pactual, is Brazil’s 13th richest man, worth an estimated US$2.5 billion (£1.7 billion).

Federal Police also searched the senator’s offices in Congress. No reasons or details have been given by the Police for either arrest. According to the Brazilian media, Police claimed the politician was detained because he was ob-

structing the course of an investigation.

Authorisation for both arrests was given by Brazil’s Supreme Court.

More than 100 people have now been arrested in the two-year investigation, including politicians and former top executives at Petrobras, and some of the country’s biggest construction firms.

On Tuesday, Police arrested businessman and rancher José Carlos Bumlai, a friend of former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, in an investigation into loans benefiting his companies and president Dilma Rousseff’s Workers’ Party.

Senior figures in the party have been indicted and arrested but neither Rousseff nor Lula has been named in the Petrobras probe. (BBC News)

PCA recommends cops be charged in ganja find at Kamla’s house

The Police Complaints Authority (PCA) is recommending prosecution action be taken against an unspecified number of Police Officers who were allegedly involved in a discovery of marijuana at the private residence of former Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar.

In a release on Wednesday, the PCA stated it intends to recommend to the Director of Public Prosecutions to charge the officers with the offence of Misbehaviour in Public Office.

On June 17, the PCA informed the public of its decision to begin an investigation, on the matter. The release went on to say, “The PCA completed a comprehensive investigation into the matter and has forwarded its investigative file together with a recommendation to the Director of Public Prosecutions to prosecute specified person(s) for the offence of Misbehaviour in Public Office on account of wilful neglect of duty.”

During the 2015 General Election campaign, then political leader of the Independent Liberal Party,

Jack Warner, claimed a quantity of marijuana was found at Persad-Bissessar’s Philippine residence in April 2013. (Trinidad Guardian)

Argentine President-elect to tap excentral banker as Finance Minister

Argentine Presidentelect Mauricio Macri named former Central Bank Chief Alfonso Prat-Gay as his Finance Minister on Wednesday, a close adviser said, in a clear signal that he will move quickly to restore the bank’s autonomy.

Just hours before taking the job, Prat-Gay delivered a scathing attack on the current Central Bank

President, Alejandro Vanoli, for acting like a “militant” of the ruling party under outgoing President Cristina Fernandez.

“The bank has had no independence these last years,” Prat-Gay told Radio La Red. “The bank’s charter says it cannot receive orders from the executive power.” A second source from Macri’s “Let’s Change” alliance confirmed Prat-Gay’s

nomination, which was expected to be formalised in a press conference at 17:00h (2000 GMT).

Macri, who won Sunday’s presidential election, promises to end more than a decade of free-spending leftist populism and lift a wall of protectionist trade and currency controls that have hobbled growth. But he faces huge challenges.

The central bank is running

low on dollars, the peso currency is overvalued, inflation is in double digits and the fiscal deficit is widening sharply.

Prat-Gay, who was global head of foreign-exchange research at JP Morgan in the late 1990s before leading Argentina’s central bank between 2002 and 2004, said Macri’s Government was committed to seeing capital controls lifted. (Excerpt from Reuters)

3 Jamaicans recognised at Caribbean American Heritage Awards

Three Jamaicans are among eight outstanding Caribbean Americans honoured by the Washington-based Institute of Caribbean Studies (ICS) for contribution to the American society in various fields.

They are international reggae artiste Maxi Priest, who received the Luminary award for his outstanding contribution to reggae music; forensic document examiner Beverley East who received the Forerunner award for her expertise and work in document forensics; and graphic designer Michael Thompson, who was presented with the Outstanding Community Service award for pioneering the International Reggae Poster contest.

The presentations were made at the 22nd Caribbean American Heritage Awards Gala held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel on Friday last. Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States Ralph Thomas, in his remarks, lauded the awardees who, he said, have demonstrated excellence in their various fields.

He had special commen-

dations for the Jamaicans, noting that they are ambassadors in their own right, who continue to fly Jamaica’s flag high.

Ambassador Thomas also hailed the ICS for conceptualising the awards. “For this awards ceremony to be celebrating 22 years is a testimony to the high esteem in which the ICS is held. It

Haiti election results trigger violent protests

Violent protests have erupted in Haiti after the electoral council announced the official results of the first round of last month’s presidential election.

Jovenel Moise, who has the backing of current President Michel Martelly, came first with 33 per cent of the vote and Jude Celestin came second with 25 per cent.

As neither won a majority, a run-off will be held on December 27.

The announcement triggered protests by supporters of another candidate, Moise Jean-Charles. His supporters took to the streets of Cabaret, a town in western Haiti, while protests also erupted in the capital, Portau-Prince, where two Police Officers were injured.

Police fired teargas to disperse protesters who denounced the first round as fraudulent. Last week, one person was killed when police clashed with protesters demanding that the first round be annulled.

The protesters accuse the Government of rigging the election in favour of Moise, an accusation Martelly’s Administration has denied.

On Tuesday, the National Offices of Electoral

Litigation rejected a request by the Fanmi Lavalas opposition party to ban Moise from the race because of “massive fraud”.

Moise is a banana exporter with little political experience but who enjoys the support of outgoing President Michel Martelly. Jude Celestin made his name as the former head of the state construction company. (Excerpt from BBC News)

also demonstrates the determination of the institute to bestow recognition upon members of the Caribbean community in the United States,” he said.

The other persons honoured were musician Glendon Henderson who received the Trailblazer Award; Dr Brenda Hutchinson, the Excellence in Medicine award; Lt Colonel Shawna Kimbrell, the Vanguard award for her contribution in the field of aviation; Magdalah Silva, the Outstanding Entrepreneur award; while the Outstanding Public Service award went to Miguel Southwell also in the field of aviation. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

OECS heads ‘extremely disappointed’ in Dominica PM

Heads of Government who attended the recent meeting of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) in Roseau, Dominica, are reported to be “extremely disappointed” with their colleague Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica.

Reliable sources indicated that, at the suggestion of St Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister, Dr Timothy Harris, the OECS leaders discussed the candidacies for the post of Commonwealth Secretary General.

Two of the four candidates are nominated by OECS countries – long-serving Caribbean diplomat and regional advocate Sir Ronald Sanders of Antigua and Barbuda and Dominican born Baroness Patricia Scotland, a sitting member of the British Parliament.

The discussion centred on one of them being withdrawn to allow the 12 Commonwealth

Caribbean countries to put forward a single candidate.

It was reportedly evident at the meeting that Sanders enjoyed the support of the majority of Caribbean countries and had more support in the wider Commonwealth than Scotland. Skerrit is said to have stated to his colleagues that he was prepared to withdraw the British baroness, but that he wanted to discuss the matter with his Cabinet on the following day (Friday).

At a press conference after the OECS meeting, Grenada Prime Minister Keith Mitchell said: “It was agreed among the heads that, given that the two possible candidates at this time are OECS citizens, that the leadership of both of the countries involved will meet, and by the time we leave here next week we are going to the Commonwealth meeting with one recommendation coming from the Caribbean region.”

(Excerpt from Caribbean News Now)

Andre Esteves was reportedly arrested at his home

Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States Ralph Thomas (second left) with Jamaican recipients of the 2015 Caribbean Heritage Awards. They are (from left) Michael Thompson, recipient of the Outstanding Community Service Award; Luminary awardee, international Reggae Artist Maxi Priest; and recipient of the Forerunner Award, Beverly East. The awards were presented at the 22nd Annual Caribbean Awards Gala at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Washington DC, on Friday last

Protesters blocked streets in the capital, Port-au-Prince

Russia: No war with Turkey over planned provocation

Russian Foreign

Minister Sergey Lavrov has described the downing of a Russian warplane by Turkey as a “planned provocation”, but said the two countries would not go to war over the incident.

“We have serious doubts about this being an unpremeditated act, it really looks like a planned provocation,” Lavrov said at a press conference in Moscow on Wednesday.

Lavrov, who cancelled a trip to Istanbul scheduled for Wednesday, said Moscow would seriously reconsider its relations with Ankara over the downed plane.

“Our attitude to the Turkish people has not changed. We have questions over the action of Turkey’s current leadership,” he said.

The Russian Sukhoi Su24 warplane was shot down on Tuesday for allegedly violating Turkish airspace, angering Russia’s President Vladimir Putin, who com-

pared the incident to being “stabbed in the back”.

One of the warplane’s two pilots was shot and killed after parachuting from the burning plane, while his crewmate was rescued by Syrian forces and delivered in good condition at a Russian airbase in Latakia province.

Speaking to Russian state media on Wednesday, the rescued pilot said that no prior warning was issued by Turkish jets.

“There was no warning, not by radio exchange nor visually. There was no contact at all,” Konstantin Murakhtin said from the Hemeimeem airbase, adding that his plane was flying over Syrian territory and did not violate Turkish airspace.

Turkey has defended itself, saying the jet had crossed into its airspace from Syria. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

French Muslim activists debate licences for imams

France’s leading Islamic body has called for imams to be licensed before being allowed to preach, a move that has prompted criticism from voices within the country’s Muslim community.

Anouar Kbibech, the President of the French Council for the Muslim Religion, known as the CFCM, has called for imams to be tested on their knowledge of Islam and French values before being

allowed to preach, the AFP news agency reported on Tuesday.

During a meeting with the Bernard Cazeneuve, the French Interior Minister, in Paris, Kbibech said that the move would ensure religious leaders promoted a tolerant version of Islam.

The proposal follows attacks by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) group on the French capital, which left 130 people dead.

All those identified as having taken part in the attack so far have either been French or Belgian nationals, a fact that increased scrutiny of Muslim communities in both countries.

Yasser Louati, a spokesman for the Collective Against Islamophobia in France, told Al Jazeera that he did not see how the move would counter the appeal ISIL has to some French Muslim youth. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

China robot event showcases service, sport and dancing robots

The World Robot Conference in Beijing has drawn big crowds to its showcase of “jiqiren”, or “machine people”, in Chinese.

The country still has a long way to go until it catches up with Japan, among others, but on the evidence of the conference, it is only a matter of time before robots are cooking us dinner and cleaning up afterwards too.

China is already the world’s biggest market for industrial robots, according to the International Federation of Robotics.

But many analysts at the conference said the future lay with “service robots”, helping out around the home and office.

Robot waiters are already a popular draw at some restaurants and

China is already the world’s biggest market for industrial robots, according to the International Federation of Robotics

tourists sights in China.

In a world of declining birth rates, robots could increasingly keep the young, and old, company.

But despite rapid catch-up, China still lags far behind Asian robot giants Korea and Japan.

The conference also hosted discussions on the opportunities – and perils

Around the world

Pope Francis kicks off Africa tour with peace message

Pope Francis has called for ethnic and religious reconciliation after arriving in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, at the start of his landmark three-nation Africa trip.

In what is his first official trip to the continent, the Pope called all Kenyans on Wednesday to work for peace and forgiveness and warned of the need to address poverty as a key driver of conflict.

“Experience shows that violence, conflict and terrorism feed on fear, mistrust, and the despair born of poverty and frustration,” Francis said in Nairobi.

“To the extent that our societies experience divisions, whether ethnic, religious or economic, all men and women of goodwill are called to work for reconciliation and peace, forgiveness and healing,” he added.

“Ultimately, the struggle against these enemies of peace and prosperity must be carried on by men and women who fearlessly believe in, and bear honest witness to, the great spiritual and political values which inspired the birth of the nation.”

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta and a group of traditional dancers and sing-

ers welcomed Francis upon arrival at Nairobi’s airport, at the beginning of a six-day tour that will also take him to Uganda and the Central African Republic, a country hit by ongoing MuslimChristian violence and instability.

Al Jazeera’s Catherine Soi, reporting from Nairobi, said there were high expectations for the pontiff’s visit.

“A lot of people are saying [that this is] his most interesting trip yet, especially that trip to CAR where there is ongoing conflict between Muslim and Christian groups.” (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

2015 set to be “hottest year on record”

This year is likely to be the hottest on record, the United Nations’ weather agency has warned ahead of a global climate summit starting in Paris next week.

Global average surface temperature in 2015 is expected “to reach the symbolic and significant milestone of 1C” above the pre-industrial 1880-1899 era, the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) said on Wednesday.

The group said a combination of a strong El Niño and man-made global warming was behind the rise.

The years 2011-2015 were also the warmest five-year period on record, with many extreme weather events – especially heatwaves – influenced by climate change, the WMO said.

“This is all bad news for the planet,” said Michel Jarraud, Director General of WMO, warning that inaction on climate change could see global average temperatures rise by 6C or more.

“You have scenarios assuming very strong decisions, very quick and sharp reduction of greenhouse gases, and you have other scenarios with business as usual, where you end up with predictions of additional warming of five, six degrees, maybe even more. That will very much depend on the decisions [in Paris].” (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

India Kashmir stand-off ends, 4 killed

Acivilian and three armed militants have been killed in a fierce gun battle at an Army camp in Indianadministered Kashmir.

The three gunmen forced their way into the camp near the Line of Control (LoC), the de facto border that divides Kashmir between India and Pakistan.

An Army official said the attackers entered after cutting through a fence.

Both India and Pakistan claim Kashmir in its entirety. Militants have been fighting Indian rule since 1989.

– of artificial intelligence.

Robotics expert Toshio Fukuda, from Japan’s Nagoya University, laughed when asked about the possibility robots might one day become our masters.

“Maybe in 30 or 40 years,” he said. “But I’m not worried. I won’t still be alive.” (Excerpt from BBC News)

The Gambia’s President Yahya Jammeh has banned female genital mutilation (FGM) saying it is not required in Islam.

The announcement at a rally was met with huge applause, AFP reports.

Three-quarters of women in the mostly Muslim country have had the procedure, according to UNICEF.

In the procedure’s most severe form, after remov-

The gunmen stormed the army base at Tangdhar, 140 kilometres (87 miles) northwest of the main city of Srinagar, firing automatic weapons. The Army’s counter-offensive lasted for about six hours, agencies said.

“Three terrorists were killed in the exchange of stand-off fire that began in the morning hours. One soldier was wounded in the firefight,” Defence Spokesman Srinagar NN Joshi told the AFP news agency. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Gambia’s Yahya Jammeh bans female genital mutilation

President Jammeh’s ban on FGM is effective immediately

ing the sensitive clitoris, the genitals are cut and stitched

closed so that the woman cannot have or enjoy sex. FGM, also known as female circumcision, can be extremely painful, lead to tetanus, gangrene, HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C and effective sterilisation.

The President’s announcement said the ban was effective immediately. It is not clear when a law will be passed to allow the ban to be enforced. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has cancelled a trip to Istanbul scheduled for Wednesday [AP/Ivan Sekretarev]

WMO Director General Jarraud called for immediate action in the fight against climate change [Martial Trezzini/Keystone via AP]

thursday, November 26, 2015| guyanatimesgy.com

Sovereign Wealth Fund consultations begin

– legislation to be tabled in Parliament by year-end

Following up on President David Granger’s plan to establish a Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) for Guyana, Governance and Patrimony Minister Raphael Trotman said Guyanese have the responsibility to preserve and develop the country’s patrimony.

The Minister was delivering the feature address at the launch of the Sovereign Wealth Fund Workshop on Wednesday at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.

According to Trotman, “In our infancy, we are told of Guyana’s vast potential yet most have passed on and moved away not experiencing the power of that potential. We are the inheritors of the patrimony of Guyana and it is our sacred duty to not only preserves it but to develop it so that when we bequeath it, we pass something that has progressed from potential to reality; from hope to substance.”

These fiscal measures, he said, while allowing Governments to capture a substantial share of the rents for the public, also need to be carefully structured to provide a stable and attractive investment climate.

Trotman said the number and size of sovereign wealth funds vary globally, however, there is evidence

among the 46 odd countries with sovereign wealth funds that many issues arise concerning the governance and operation of these funds.

Speaking on the extractive industry, the Minister said it remains good for Guyana as it generates large economic rents that Government can capture through taxes, royalties, and licence fees.

“New fiscal and legal structures that guide the sustainable exploitation of the extractive industries are among the measures being actively examined We have been offered support from countries and institutions that have experienced some of our growing pains in the extractive industry and have built their capacity to manage some of the challenges ahead”, he noted.

However, the magnitude of revenues from natural resources due to issues of commodity prices on the world market and individual sector challenges has led many Governments to set up stabilisation funds to smooth the macroeconomic and budgetary impacts, and to provide sustainable revenues for future generations, he noted.

Trotman said that it was against that background that President David Granger had indicated his intention is to create a SWF from the revenues gained within its extractive industries.

“These fiscal structures are to be built taking the lessons learnt by other countries, and Guyana’s own unique context into consideration. Which strategies and policies maximise the net benefits from resource development projects and how can industry and Governments work together to reform poor governance models in favour of greater transparency and accountability are all areas to be explored and answered on this journey,” he added.

He said the country has an abundance of natural resources which go beyond the oil that is to come in the near future. These include gold, diamonds, sand, stone, bauxite, forest products and even water, “which we have thus far failed to effectively capitalise on,” he said.

According to the Patrimony Minister, earnings from all the country’s natural resources will be housed within resource wealth management funds to the benefit of all Guyanese in three key areas. These are savings for future generations, budget support in times of economic downturns, and infrastructure development.

These funds, he said, could for example, proudly carry the names of Guyana’s three highest mountain peaks namely Mount Roraima, Mount Ayanganna and Mount Caburi.

Music in schools a priority – Education Minister

Education Minister Dr Rupert Roopnaraine has called for the reintroduction of music classes in schools countrywide.

“Let the children sing,” he said at the launching of the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry’s Education Savings Plan.

During his address to the gathering, the Minister stated that such an initiative would be given priority.

Minister Roopnaraine further stated that the Education Ministry would be sponsoring a choir competition, which would see all schools participating, adding that although aca-

Violence against women very costly to families, society – WPO

BY KRISTEN MACKLINGAM

Hundreds of women’s rights groups and organisations throughout the world on Wednesday paid special tribute to women and girls as the world commemorated “International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women”.

Here in Guyana, the Women’s Progressive Organisation (WPO) has identified a number of types of violence committed against young girls and women, which continue to be a major cause of human rights violations.

According to the WPO, over the past decades, several initiatives have been undertaken; both by Government and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), as well as other individuals to reduce and/or eliminate this scourge from society.

“Yet, it seems that there has been an increase in do-

mestic violence incidences due to the reports in the media on a daily basis. Too many women have been killed during the past five years. Too many women have been maimed and brutalised. Too many women who are victims of domestic violence are afraid to come forward and speak out because of financial dependence and cultural practices,” the women’s organisation said.

In light of this year’s observance of International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the WPO is calling on all its members, supporters and stakeholders to work together in this fight against violence.

demics are of utmost importance, extra-curricular activities aid in ensuring that children get excited for learning.

According to Roopnaraine, when there is a balance between academics and extracurricular activities, this leads to a successful student life.

Music, he noted, is one way in which teachers can engage students in classrooms.

In efforts to revive musical development in schools, Dr Roopnaraine in August initiated a music workshop, which was intended for teachers.

Workers attached to the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) continued their protest action over the Corporation’s Annual Production Incentive (API) offer. On Wednesday, striking sugar workers upped their demands, calling on the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) to meet with them on their own turf.

The more that 7000 workers who are currently on strike in protest over a decision taken by GuySuCo to pay them an API at a ratio of 85,000 tonnes for sugar produced for one extra days pay, when compared to what they previously received – 32,500 tonnes for one extra days pay prior to 2014.

All eight estates across the country have stopped grinding, as factory workers joined their collogues from the field at La Bonne Intention (LBI), Enmore, Uitvlugt, Wales, Blairmont, Rose Hall and the Skeldon estates.

On Wednesday, as Albion, the last grinding factory came to a halt; workers took to the streets in protest, stating that they will not return to work until they receive an officer from GuySuCo that is acceptable. However they indicated reluctance to meet with management of the sugar company at a round table, demanding that management meet with them on the street.

According to one worker, Joshua Appadu, they have lost faith in round table meetings, hence their demands for management to meet with workers of their turf. “We na go lowe dem so if we got fo stay pon de road and dead pon de road, we go dead hungry. We an go wuk and starve, lea we sit down and starve. How long we got strength we gon fight fo our rights, we gon never throw away it. Tomorrow again we continuing right here, leh they know they got to com an reach awe right here. We gon never tune back.”

At Albion, where the largest number of workers had

“When mothers are hurt, children suffer untold psychological trauma and grow up to become victims or perpetrators of domestic violence themselves. On the other hand, mothers themselves endure enormous physical and psychological pain. When employees are hurt, companies suffer loss in production and downtime because of sick leave, etc, so in the long term, the cost of domestic violence on the country is humongous,” the statement also said.

The WPO is renewing its commitment to work towards eradicating violence within families, whether it is spousal, child or elderly abuse. (kristenm@guyanatimesgy. com)

It urged that there is need for many individuals in the country and the rest of the world to defend women’s human rights by creating awareness, especially among men, who are said to be the main of perpetrators of domestic violence. The WPO has noted that actions which are classified as domestic violence acts are very costly to both the family and the society at large.

GuySuCo strike Workers call for management to meet them on the ground

converged in a picket exercise to back their demands that GuySuCo reconsider its offer – which will see the workers receiving 2.6 days par as their 2015 API – workers chanted slogans as they displayed placards and chanted “No API, no wuk”.

According to one cane harvester, Vicram Mangal, who has been with the Albion Estate since 1998, cane harvesters do not work for big salaries as claimed by some. His comments came in the wake of some political analysts claiming that sugar workers are the best paid in the Public Sector. “As Dr Ramayya [Regional Executive Officer of Region Six Veerasammy Ramayya] say the bigger fish get catch and the smaller one run away, so dem get the biggest fish now. Dem does find all the mistake of the people dem. Now we need den of stand up fo the sugar workers... everybody just wash and dash, this is the problem. I think the GuySuCo people them if them worth the money like what we worth… As one of the AFC people what does dea on the television an say cane cutter work is $50,000 a week. I want to know if he does pay the cane cutter or somebody paying the cane cutter fo dem… but I have all my pay slip,” Mangal noted.

Meanwhile a factory worker, Nowas Yusuf refuted claims that the strike was politically motivated and expressed disgust over the way they are being treated by politicians who chorused them to vote for the coalition at the recently held General and

Regional Elections. “The officer that GuySuCo [has] is giving us a lot of sugar; it used to be about thirty something thousand. That is an unreasonable officer. We also striking for wages because the industry is going good compared to previous years and we does always get wage increase, this time around we ent get that. We poor, we need wage so that we can sustain ourselves and family to live a decent life… Some people might say that this strike is politically motivated but it is not so, it is the sugar worker and it is a cross section of everybody who partake in the strike regardless of what political party they are from, they are part of the strike. This strike has nothing to do with politics.”

Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union’s (GAWU) Berbice Regional Supervisor, Harvey Tambron says the workers are determine to have GuySuCo come on board to address their concerns, foremost of which is the issue of API. “This here clearly defines the determination of the sugar workers. Management has still not agreed to meet mush less to move from their position. We are hoping that they will address tine concern so that we could see production on the move and we can see a resumption to work, but unless they decide that they will address the concerns of the sugar workers, only then will the comrades agree and only then will the comrades resume.” Up to press time, there was no word from GuySuCo which could influence the workers’ return to work.

Some attendees at the workshop

Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine

Sugar workers in Berbice protesting on Wednesday

SUDOKU

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

(May 21June 20)

Stand out by making your forward-thinking, agreeable and adaptable traits easily seen. If you do this, recognition and rewards will follow. A chance to travel for business or pleasure will pay off.

Get approval from everyone involved before you make a financial decision or commitment. Don’t assume you can speak for others. Consider the requirements of all sides in order for a successful resolution to take place.

Your actions are affecting someone behind the scenes. Your easygoing charm has made you a subject of favorable discussions. Be wary of anyone who is persistently asking for loans or donations.

Lady Luck is smiling on you. Profits through careful investments or real estate holdings are on the horizon. A beneficial partnership will develop with an acquaintance.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Be open and share your concerns about your future stability with your family or partner. A viable solution to your worries will come about as a result of your combined efforts.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Holding a grudge is a waste of time and will cause more stress for you than your opponent. Focus on projecting positive energy and an optimistic attitude in order to move forward without hindrance.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

You will be the shining star at any social or professional event. Others will be drawn to your innovative ideas and original perspective. A romantic liaison is in your future.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

There is money to be made. Your unique gifts can make for a lucrative sideline business by furnishing an ongoing service or must-have item. Someone from your past will want to reconnect.

CAPRICORN (June 21July 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

Sincerely flattering the people you admire will make everyone feel closer and more in tune. There is nothing wrong with sending positive messages, provided they are from the heart.

(Jan. 20Feb. 19) (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

You are in a good position, but ignoring what the competition is doing will result in a missed opportunity. Compromise will be the name of the game where family dynamics are concerned.

AQUARIUS

PISCES

(Feb. 20March 20)

It’s time to tighten the purse strings and avoid unnecessary purchases. Frivolous spending on entertainment will lessen your financial flexibility. Cut costs in order to ease stress.

A cultural, musical or sporting event will provide a welcome break to a long session of stressful maneuvering. A personal or professional opportunity will develop from a chance encounter.

CANCER

GEMINI

Peanuts

Calvin and hobbes

dilbert

arChie

India v South Africa, 3rd Test, Nagpur, 1st day…

Nightwatchman Imran Tahir was dismissed just before the close

Not long into the first hour of the third Test, the Nagpur pitch looked like it had been played on for

days. The dry surface, spider-webbed like a cracked windshield, had already developed significant rough patches because

WDCA T20 knockout competition…

Cornelia Ida, Wales CC to square off in final

Cornelia Ida and Wales Community Centre have advanced to the final of the West Demerara Cricket Association (WDCA) T20 cricket competition. The championship game will be played on a date to be announced. While the details of the first semi-final were not immediately available, this publication learnt that Wales Community Centre defeated All Youth Sports Club to advance to the final. In the other semi-final, Cornelia Ida defeated host Zeeburg Sports Club by three wickets to join Wales in the final.

Inserted to take first strike, Zeeburg posted 1716 from the allotted 20 overs with M. Deonarine scoring 52 (6x4s, 1x6), Malcolm Hubbard 39 (2x4s, 3x6s) and Yatesh Dhanpaul 31 (1x4, 3x6s).

Cornelia Ida won off the penultimate delivery of the match, reaching 172-7 from 19.5 overs with Naveed Ali hitting six sixes and a four in a topscore of 45.

Former Guyana Under-15 player Ameer Khan supported with 37 (3x4s, 2x6s) and Akshaya Persaud scored 30 (4x4s, 2x6s). Bowling for Zeeburg, Deonarine had 2-15.

of the bowlers’ followthroughs and once Morne Morkel found the right length for the conditions, and off-spinner Simon

November 26, 2015

SA face spin ordeal after India out for 215

Harmer the ideal pace, survival was an ordeal for the batsmen. India did not make it through the day, lasting only 78.2 overs. In the nine overs South Africa faced before stumps, they glimpsed the severity of the challenge ahead, having lost a crucial toss.

R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja spun the ball plenty and got it to bounce too. Stiaan van Zyl fell to Ashwin’s drift and turn, prodding an off-break to slip, and the nightwatchman Imran Tahir was bowled by Jadeja’s accurate left-arm spin. They ended the day on 11 for 2, the deficit of 204 acquiring formidable proportions. India did not look like they would get as far as 215 - the highest total of this spinner-dominant series - at one stage. Had there been more bounce to go with the prodigious

SCOREBOARD

India 1st innings

M Vijay lbw b Morkel 40

S Dhawan c & b Elgar 12

CA Pujara lbw b Harmer 21

V Kohli* c †Vilas b Morkel 22

AM Rahane b Morkel 13

RG Sharma c de Villiers b Harmer 2

WP Saha† c Duminy b Harmer 32

RA Jadeja b Rabada 34

R Ashwin b Imran Tahir 15

A Mishra lbw b Harmer 3

I Sharma not out 0

Extras (b-15, lb-3, w-2, nb-1) 21

Total (all out; 78.2 overs) 215

Fall of wickets: 1-50 (Dhawan, 13.6 ov), 2-69 (Vijay, 21.2 ov), 3-94 (Pujara, 30.1 ov), 4-115 (Rahane, 37.2 ov), 5-116 (Kohli, 39.2 ov), 6-125 (RG Sharma, 46.2 ov), 7-173 (Jadeja, 63.6 ov), 8-201 (Saha, 72.6 ov), 9-215 (Ashwin, 77.6 ov), 10-215 (Mishra, 78.2 ov) Bowling: M Morkel 16.1-7-35-3 (1-nb), K Rabada 17-8-301 (2-w),

turn, the pitch would have been near unplayable, but South Africa took a while to figure out the best method of attack. During that time India progressed

to 50 for 0: M Vijay and Shikhar Dhawan bringing up their second consecutive half-century stand. They then lost six wickets for 75 runs. (Cricinfo)

Four women umpires to stand in Women’s WT20 qualifier

Four women umpires will officiate in the Women’s World T20 Qualifier in Bangkok from November 28 to December 5.

The ICC said in a release that New Zealand’s Kathy Cross, Australia’s Claire Polosak, England’s Sue Redfern and West Indies’ Jacqueline Williams have been picked for the tournament, in which Bangladesh, China, Ireland, Netherlands, Papua New Guinea, Scotland, Thailand and Zimbabwe’s women teams will compete for two spots in the 2016 World T20.

Cross, the most experienced of the four, had become the first woman to be named in an ICC umpires’ panel in 2014, having been added to the Associate and Affiliate panel. She umpired in the Women’s World Cup in 2000, 2009 and 2013, the Women’s World Cup Qualifier in 2011 and the Women’s World T20 Qualifier in 2013.

Polosak is the youngest of the four at 27, and recently carried out the duties of third umpire in the Matador One-Day Cup, becoming the first woman to officiate in Australian List A cricket. Redfern has played cricket for England, bowling left-

arm spin in six Tests and 15 ODI’s from 1995 to 1999, after which she took up umpiring. Williams, who is from

Jamaica, recently made her international debut, standing in the first ODI and T20 between West Indies Women

and Pakistan Women in the Caribbean. She is set to become the first woman to officiate West Indies’ firstclass tournament, the WICB Regional Four-Day tournament, once she returns home from Thailand.

Cross said she was happy to finally get the opportunity to officiate with other women, a big step for women in the game. “Each tournament brings something new for women’s cricket, and this latest development hopefully shows that the quality of [women’s] umpiring is getting better and better, as the calibre of [women’s] teams is certainly improving,” Cross said. “I have enjoyed the experience of officiating in different parts of the world, but I have been alone, as a woman, in the middle for quite some time.

“So, it’s great for all of us to have this opportunity in Thailand this week at such an important tournament. I think that the selection of four females can set down a pathway for more people to come through the system.”

Also officiating in the tournament will be umpires Allan Haggo and Nigel Morrison, and match referee Graeme Labrooy. (Cricinfo)

West Indian Jacqueline Williams has been identified to officiate in the tournament

IPA helping Flex Night to raise the bar

One of Guyana’s leading pharmaceutical companies, International Pharmaceutical Agency (IPA), is helping Flex Night Inc. to raise the bar at the upcoming Flex Night International, billed for Sunday December 6 at the National Cultural Centre.

The support given by the pharmaceutical company for the Flex Night event is a further demonstration of its long established

commitment to the development and promotion of bodybuilding in Guyana.

IPA, distributors of the familiar Universal brand of bodybuilding and nutrition supplements, is also the distributors of Optimum Nutrition products and will be mounting a display of its bodybuilding and nutrition products in the lobby of the National Cultural Centre during the Flex Night event.

IPA is also making sup-

plements available to special categories of winners at Flex Night.

Managing Director of Flex Night Inc., Donald Sinclair, said he is proud to once again have the company onboard for the mega event.

Flex Night, which will start at 18:00h, usually attracts male and female bodybuilders from Guyana and the Caribbean, and brings the curtains down on the season.

Trophy Stall expands support beyond Guyana

Trophy Stall Guyana Inc., touted as one of the leading sponsors of sporting activities in Guyana, has also been spreading its wings in the Canadian sports arena.

Over the past few years, Trophy Stall has been involved in the sponsorship of cricket at all levels in

Ontario and this year was no different.

At last Saturday’s Ontario Softball Cricket League (OSCL) 20th annual presentation dinner and dance, held at the Eastown Banquet Hall, Scarborough, Toronto, Caribbean Sensation received the Grand Championship trophy, spon-

Rain forces postponement of Petama/Motor Trend softball finals

– Games switched to this weekend

Rain in the capital city last weekend forced the postponement of the semi-finals and finals of the inaugural Petama Enterprise/Motor Trend softball cricket competition, organised by the Guyana Floodlight Softball Cricket Association.

Those games have been rescheduled for this weekend.

Co-sponsored by Mike’s Pharmacy, Ariel Enterprise, Trophy Stall, Romeo Oil Seal, Tropical Spring Water, Ramchand Auto Spares, and Rohan Auto Spares, the competition has a top prize of $100,000 each for the winners of the Male Masters and Male Open divisions.

The runners-up of both categories are assured of $25,000 each, while the winner and loser of the exhibition female match are guaranteed $50,000 and $20,000 respectively.

Additionally, the Most Valuable Player of the three finals will receive $5,000

each. Player of the Series for the three categories will collect a trophy and $5,000.00.

The Open category finalists will be decided on Saturday at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) ground when Die Hard Brothers play Regal at 09:00h on Pitch One, and Adventure Sports Club battle Wolf’s Warriors at the same time on Pitch Two.

On Sunday, Trophy Stall Angels will take on Wellwoman in the Female

final from noon, followed by Parika Defenders taking on reigning Guyana Softball Cup Masters champions Regal Masters in the Masters final, starting at 13:30h

The winners from Saturday’s semi-finals will then clash in the Male Open final, starting at 16:30h. Admission to the games is free, and the GFSCA is urging softball fans to come out and witness a weekend of action packed cricket.

GCB/Scotiabank Kiddy Progression One Cricket…

Hopetown boys are West Berbice champions

Hsored by the Guyanese entity, which has branches in Bourda Market, the City Mall and South Road.

On hand to present the winning trophy and smaller ones to each player, on behalf of proprietor Ramesh Sunich, was his brother Roger Sunich, who resides in Canada.

opetown Primary emerged champions of the West Berbice zone when they defeated Number Five Primary in the final of the 2015 GCB/Scotiabank Kiddy Progression One Cricket. Playing at the Bush Lot ground, Hopetown Primary won the toss and immediately sent in Number Five Primary to bat first. Number Five Primary then made 115-5 with Sayeed Khan scoring 30, which in-

cluded one four and two sixes. Tyrone Delph was the only other major contributor with the bat as he scored 20, including two fours and one maximum. Bowling for Hopetown, Avinde Rogers returned figures of 2-3.

In Hopetown Primary’s turn at the crease, Rogers returned with the bat to lead the successful chase as they manage to get to 117-7.

Number Five Primary tried their best to defend a tricky target taking the game down

to the final over, but they eventually lost, much to the disappointment of their supporters. Rogers finished with 43 as he struck three fours and three sixes to cap a good all-round effort. Action will continue today when Timehri Primary and Camille Primary square off at Thirst Park. The winner will face St Ann’s in the final of the East Bank District, which is slated for Friday, at the same venue.

Flex Night Managing Director, Donald Sinclair (second right), receives the commitment of sponsorship from Reginald Persaud, the Managing Director of IPA.The handing over is witnessed by Atisha Isaacs, IPA Marketing Manager, and David Gomes, Flex Night Director of External Resources

Roger Sunich (stooping at left) poses with members of Caribbean Sensation after presenting the trophy

The Hopetown Primary School students collect their trophy

YELLOW PAGES

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Skeete sizzles at National Schools Swimming Championships

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National swimmer Jamal Skeete lived up to expectations as he sped away with three goal medals at the National Aquatic Centre at Liliendaal on Monday.

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Skeete produced a fleet of dominating performances to help his North Georgetown/District 11 team to victory at the GTU/MoE/Digicel 55th annual National Schools Championships.

The Boys Under-18 swimmer spoke to Guyana Times Sport after his successful day in the pool. Skeete was quick to thank his coaches, Stephanie Fraser and Cuban Isabel

Maria Cousa Fals, as well as his teammates, whom he said are the main reasons behind his performances.

The Queen’s College Lower Sixth Form student explained that unlike most swimmers, he trains all year round and has to stick to a strict routine.

Skeete admirably acknowledged the rise in the level of competition of the District 10 (Linden) swimmers, who certainly pushed him to some limits.

Looking forward to next year, Skeete said he is looking to up his game as much as possible and compete not with not only local swimmers, but international competitors as well, as he looks to lower his timings. The younger swimmer, whose favourite event is the 100m free style, copped silver in the 400m freestyle, and bronze in the 200m freestyle at the Goodwill Swim Meet at the Centre of Excellence Swimming Pool in Trinidad and Tobago in August. The swimmer boldly stated that Guyana can count on seeing him in action at the Olympics in 2020.

Considering the guidance and training facilities now at the hands of young swimmers in Guyana, one can expect a wide range of possibilities, and swimming at the Olympics is certainly one of them. (akeemg@guyanatimesgy.com)

RHT Metro defeat Tucber Park in game one

Acricket match between two female cricket teams was finally played in the Ancient County of Berbice after an absence of six years.

The match played between the Rose Hall Town (RHT) Metro Female Team and the Tucber Park Cricket Club at the Area “H” ground was the first of three to be played as part of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) efforts to promote female cricket in Berbice.

The winner would take home the Isabelle Smartt/ Bernadette King Memorial trophy. Smartt and King were two outstanding female administrators of the RHTY&SC, who died several years ago.

RHT Metro, led by West Indies female cricketer Shemaine Campbelle, easily defeated Tucber Park by wickets wickets to go up 1-0 in the three-match series. The Tucber Park lasses were asked to bat first after losing the toss.

They were bowled out for 104 in 21.2 of their allotted 25 overs with Trishanie Cort (15), Steffi Rodney (20), Tremayne Smartt (13) and M. Budhoo (13) being the principal scorers. Bowling for RHT Metro, off-spinners Melanie Henry took 3-8 and Plaffiana Millington 2-10.

Openers Henry and Shanetta Grimmond then featured in an attacking partnership of 66 in eight overs to lay a strong foundation for the home team in their

pursuit of victory, before Grimmond was bowled by D. Frank for 25.

RHT Metro then lost their second wicket at 83-2 in the 10th over when national player Henry was caught and bowled by Steffi Rodney for a well-played 43 with

$10 million each

The ICC will pay seven full-member boards $10 million over the next eight years, as part of the Test Cricket Fund announced during last year’s Big Three takeover of cricket’s governing body. Other than the BCCI, ECB and CA, the remaining full-member boards will each receive $1.25 million annually, beginning January 2016.

The latest figures indicate that each member receiving the Test Match Fund stands to gain $10 million over eight years. This is less than the figure of $12.5 million over eight years announced by ECB president and ICC executive committee member Giles Clarke in February 2014 as each nation’s Test Cricket Fund package.

The ICC plans to make its first Test Cricket Fund payment of $600,000 in early January, before disbursing another $650,000 to the ‘small seven’ member boards in July. Payments are expect-

ed to follow this biannual pattern until 2023.

The ICC had originally announced that the Test Cricket Fund aimed to “encourage and support Test match cricket” outside the Big Three nations. As Boards have already entered bilateral touring agreements until 2023, there appears to be limited scope to enhance their

Test schedules using the Test Cricket Fund payments.

It appears more likely that the money will be used to underwrite loss-making tours. For example, Sri Lanka Cricket loses money on Test tours featuring all nations except the Big Three and Pakistan. The Test Cricket Fund would help it recover losses from home

eight boundaries. Sherica Campbelle, the cousin of the more famous Shemaine Campbelle, was unbeaten on 33 (5x4s), along with Shakati Gajnabi (04*) when victory was achieved in the 12th over.

Secretary/CEO of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC), Hilbert Foster, congratulated both teams for the spirit in which the game was played and the discipline and commitment of all the players.

He pledged the cooperation of the RHTY&SC in the continued development of female cricket in the Ancient County. Henry was named Player-of-the-Match and received a trophy. The second match of the series would be played this weekend.

tours such as the recent visit by West Indies, which is estimated to have cost SLC about $648,000.

The Test Cricket Fund had been among the chief incentives offered to the smaller boards, as the BCCI, ECB and CA sought support for their takeover of the ICC in January and February last year. During that time, Clarke, then ECB’s chairman, had said in an interview with Sky Sports: “The ICC has agreed to establish a Test Match Fund of $12.5 million per country over eight years - available to all except England, India and Australia - which will allow those countries which find Test cricket difficult to sustain economically the opportunity to continue to stage Test matches.”

The ICC has not yet announced the funds’ terms of usage, or how it will hold boards accountable to the objective of encouraging Test cricket. (Cricinfo)

Giles Clarke had initially announced a Test Cricket Fund package of $ 12.5 million for the full-member boards

Jamal Skeete

Melanie Henry

National Schools Championships

Kenisha Phillips runs fastest time in championship history

– Lynch, Garrett, Prince, McKoy dominate 800s for District 11

By TreisTon Joseph

Winston Churchill once said: “History will be kind to me because I intend to write it.” Well, Kenisha Phillips of East Coast (District 4), more specifically the village of Buxton, wrote her own bit of history on Day Three of the National Schools Championships by becoming the fastest woman in the history of the 55 years of the mega event on Wednesday at the National Stadium, Providence.

National Schools Championships

Phillips, who won the girls’ Under-16 100 metres, did not just break her age group record with a winning time of 12.0s, but even ran faster than the Under-20 female record which still stands at 12.1s since 2004 to become the fastest female in the history of the event.

Cassie Small, of East Georgetown (District 12), was second in the final with a time of 12.3s which would have been good enough to equal the girls’ Under-16 record were it not for Phillips’ brilliance. Tiffauna Garnett, of South Georgetown (District 13), finished third with a time of 12.4s.

In the boys’ Under-18 100 metres final, Compton Caesar, of Upper Demerara/ Kwakwani (District 10), ran away with the event to equal his own record of 10.7s, while running the fastest 100 metres of the 2015 edition of the Championships. Tyrell Peters, of New Amsterdam (District 15), finished in second with a time of 11.0s, while Titus Webster, of West Coast Berbice (District 5), finished third in a time of 11.1s.

Tevin Garraway, of West Demerara (District 3), won the male Under-20 100 metres in 10.8s to top 400 metres specialist Jason Yaw, of North Georgetown (District 11), who clocked 11.0s for second, while Linton Mentis, of East Georgetown, was third in a time of 11.1s.

Avon Samuels, of North Georgetown, won the female Under-18 100 metres in a time of 12.6s, while Cassie Tixey, of East Coast, was second in 12.7s. Natricia

Hooper, of East Georgetown, who is a gold medallist in the triple jump in these Championships, finished third in a time of 12.8s.

Daniel Williams, of District 10, equalled the male Under-16 100 metres record with a winning time of 11.0s, topping Umkosi Vancooten, of South Georgetown (District 13), who recorded a time of 11.2s. Jermaine King, of New Amsterdam, was third in 11.4s.

Meanwhile, in 800 metres action, Samuel Lynch, of North Georgetown, ran the fastest male 800 metres of the day in the boys’ Under-18 category with a time of 2:04.3s.

Claudrice McKoy, of

North Georgetown, continued her dominance at these Championships with yet another win, running the fastest female 800 metres time of the day in the girls’Under-16 category with a time of 2:23.1s.

Orin Prince, also of North Georgetown, ran away with the male Under-20 800 metres in a time of 2:06.8s, while Maria Urquhart, of North Georgetown, won the female Under-18 800 metres in a time of 2:32.1s.

Jeremy Garrett of North Georgetown blazed the field to win the male version of the Under-16 800 metres in a time of 2:07.8s, while District 10’s Shontel Hinds was the only athlete to really break up North

Georgetown’s dominance in the event by winning the female Under-20 800 metres in a time of 2:31.6s. Matthew Gordon of West Coast Berbice won the Under-14 800 metres in a time of 2:17.6s, while East Coast’s Kissanna Glen won the female version in a time of 2:33.6s.

Meanwhile, the top districts in 3, 4, 10, 11, 12 and 13 qualified for the 4x400 metres final set for today in both male and female events.

Action in the Championships will continue today at the said venue with the 200 metres finals set to be the highlight of the day.

Caesar says he is the “best”

– Garraway hoping to impress in 200 after sub-par 100m

By TreisTon Joseph

Upper DemeraraKwakwani/District

10’s Compton

after his dominant

win in the boys’ Under-18 100 metres was extremely confident of where he stands in the pecking order of Guyana’s best sprinters.

“Well, I’m Compton Caesar and I’m the best right now, only (Winston) George could beat me,” the confident 17-year-old noted.

Looking at his performance in the 100 metres on Wednesday, he noted that he could have probably done better, “Well, I have a slight injury (hamstring) right now, so I’m not at my best so I could have done better,” he stressed.

Caesar will also be contesting the boys’ Under-18 200 metres today in hopes of making the final that is

also scheduled to run today. Meanwhile, the Championships’ fastest man ever in Tevin

Garraway out of West Demerara (District 3) was a bit disappointed with his 100 metres run in the final, despite picking up the win

in 10.8s.

“Well, I came here to break my own record (10.5s), but it was a tough day, the weather, the field

with the wetness and the sand – it was tough but it was good competition,” Garraway mentioned.

Nevertheless, Garraway is looking forward to his 200 metres and making the final which is set for today, “I want to leave a lasting impression so I’m going out there tomorrow to win the boys’ 200 metres; my 100 was poor and I want to make up in the 200m,” Garraway noted.

However, Garraway will have to contend with the brilliance of Jason Yaw, who is a far better 200 metres athlete than he is a 100m and with East Georgetown’s Linton Mentis as well.

Caesar

Claudrice McKoy crosses the finish by herself to win the Under-16 800 metres in the day’s fastest time of 2:23.1s (Treiston Joseph photo)

Samuel Lynch is all alone as he wins the boys’ Under-18 800 metres with the fastest time of the day

Compton Caesar

Tevin Garraway wins the boys’ Under-20 100 metres on Wednesday (Treiston Joseph photo)

PMTC volleyballers perform creditably at UWI Invitational

The Port Mourant Training Centre (PMTC) Volleyball Club participated in the UWI Pelican Volleyball Invitational tournament 2015, which was held at the Mona Campus, Kingston, Jamaica, from November 2022.

The tournament attracted six male and six female teams, namely UWI A, UWI B PMTC, Utech, Venus All Stars, Vikings (Males); and

UWI A, UWI B, Blackbirds, V/Queen’s, CBB and G.C. Foster (Females).

The preliminary roundrobin games were played on the first two days, while the semi-finals and finals were played on the final day.

After the preliminaries on Saturday, the PMTC volleyballers were second in the standings, having lost only to UWI A. However, on Sunday PMTC lost to

Vikings in their semi-final game 25-21, 20-25, 9-15 and UWI A defeated Venus All Stars 25-17, 23-25, 15-13.

The final was won by UWI A, who defeated Viking 3-1 (25-23, 2225, 34-32, 26-24). The female final was won by G.C Foster, who defeated UWI A 3-2 (17-25, 26-24, 24-26, 31-29, 15-13).

At the presentation ceremony held after the male final, Quacy Matheson of

PMTC received the Best Outside Hitter trophy, while Trevlon McRae, also of PMTC, received the Best Middle Blocker trophy. All of the participants and officials received souvenir UWI Pelican Volleyball 10th anniversary bags.

Head Coach of the PMTC team, Levi Nedd, in an invited comment, said, “I am pleased with the performance of my team; we could have done better, but

for some biased refereeing in the semi-final that took its toll on the young players.”

He further added, “Just coming to Jamaica was an achievement and the way we played against more seasoned opponents was commendable for such a young team, and augurs well for the future.”

The PMTC team took the opportunity to thank the UWI Pelican team

and presented tokens of appreciation to the main organisers. The trip to Jamaica was made possible through the assistance and kind sponsorship of the Ministry of Education, RDC Region Six, GuySuCo, A. Ally and Sons General Store, Ansa McAl Trading, M&M Snackette, Sain Supermarket, Poonai’s Pharmacy, Spready’s Bakery, Fly Jamaica and other well-wishers.

RHT Gizmos & Gadgets, Tucber Park advance to final

The finalists of the 2015 Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club’s (RHTY&SC) Busta Champion of Champions 40-overs cricket tournament have been decided after two high standard semi-finals on Saturday last at the Area “H” and Cumberland grounds.

Rose Hall Town (RHT) Gizmos and Gadgets had to dip deep to overcome a remarkable effort by West

Berbice at the Area “H” ground, while Tucber Park (formerly Bermine) got pass arch-rival Young Warriors by six wickets at the Cumberland ground.

West Berbice invited RHT Gizmos and Gadgets to take the first strike in the first semi-final after play was delayed by an hour due to early morning rain. The match was reduced to 35 overs per side and RHT Gizmos and

Rosignol Secondary crowned West Berbice champion

Rosignol Secondary defeated Bush Lot Secondary by eight wickets in a low-scoring contest to win the West Berbice zone of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) National Secondary School Cricket League (NSSCL) sponsored by Banks DIH Limited’s Coca Cola and Rainforest Water, along with Digicel.

Playing at the Bush Lot ground, the home team was dismissed for a dismal 94 in 19.2 overs, as only Clayton Grant (12), Trenton Glasgow (12) and Seon Glasgow (11) reached double figures.

Hemchen Singh claimed 4-16 in 5.2 overs, while S. Vyphius supported well with 3-9. In reply, the home team stuck two early blows which sparked some hope before Javid Karim and C. Veersammy settled down with level-headed batting to lead Rosignol Primary to victory with no further loss. Karim and Veersammy finished on 37 not out and 23 not out respectively.

Rosignol Secondary will now represent West Berbice in the Inter-Zone stage of the NSSCL, which is slated to commence in January 2016.

Gadgets suffered an early setback when Vidal Crandon was bowled by the fiery Kieron Fraser for four at 14-1 in the fourth over.

RHT Gizmos and Gadgets lost Renwick Batson (10) and Jason Sinclair 13 to find themselves in trouble at 36-3 and when Rajiv Ivan was run out for one, they had slipped to 43-4 in the ninth over. The seasoned pair of Royston Crandon and Khemraj Mahadeo then added 123 for the fifth wicket before a tired Mahadeo fell for a majestic 76 (3x4s, 5x6s).

Crandon batted well for a top score of 80. Collis Butts (15*) and Eon Hooper (14) supported well to ensure RHT Gizmos and Gadgets reach 251 all out off 34.5 overs. Bowling for West Berbice, Kieron Fraser took 6-48 from seven overs. Needing to score 252 to win from 35 overs, the West Berbice lads were given a rousing opening stand of 87 from 11 overs by openers Arthley Bailey and Raffiel Estriado before Bailey was bowled by leg-spinner Shawn Pereira for 40.

The openers were severe on fast bowler Clinton Pestano, whose two overs leaked 35 runs. It took the RHT Gizmos and Gadgets spin attack of Collis Butts, Pereira, Eon Hooper and Rajiv Ivan to pull back their team into the game as Troy Halley (38), Steffan Adams

(27), Renwick Mitchell (28) and Carlton Nurse (20) all batted well.

In rapid fading light, West Berbice eventually mustered 226 to lose by 25 runs. Offspinner Ivan took 4-30 from seven overs and Pereira 3-38.

At the Cumberland ground, Tucber Park inserted the home team after winning the toss. Openers Ishwar Singh and Kelvin Sinclair added 44 for the first wicket before Singh, and his younger brother Gajanand Singh were dismissed by female West Indies pace bowler Tremayne Smartt to leave the home team at 79-2. The hard-hitting Wahied Edwards (49) and Seon Hetmyer then added 79 runs for the fourth wicket before Hetmyer was

dismissed for 32.

Eugene La Fleur then took 4-24 to limit Young Warriors to 199 all out in 40 overs as Tremayne Smartt supported with 2-38. La Fleur then completed a good all-round match by scoring an unbeaten 86 not out as Tucber Park reached 201-4 in 34 overs to win easily by six wickets.

La Fleur was supported by skipper Anthony D’Andrade (28), Hakeem Hinds (24), Devon Clements (23), while Romario Shepherd scored a breezy 22 not out at the end of the innings. Sudesh Dhanai, Balram Samaroo, Kevin Ramdeen and leftarm spinner Kassim Khan each took a wicket for Young Warriors.

The final, featuring the

RHT Gizmos and Gadgets and Tucber Park, would be played in two weeks. RHTY&SC Secretary/CEO, Hilbert Foster, stated that the club intends to make the final a special occasion and with a lot of planning to do, the match would most likely be played on December 6, at a venue to be named. Foster stated that the first two rounds of the tournament had seen a very high standard of cricket and several outstanding individual performances from players like Clinton Pestano, Collis Butts, Devon Clements, Ishwar Singh, Royston Crandon, Khemraj Mahadeo, Brentnol Woolford, Arthley Bailey, Kieron Fraser and Romario Shepherd.

Quacy Matheson of PMTC receives his Best Outside Hitter trophy

Trevlon McRae of PMTC copped the Best Middle Blocker trophy

Eugene La Fleur

Rajiv Ivan

Compton Caesar thumps his chest upon winning the boys’

Joseph photos)