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THE BEACON OF TRUTH

House divided over $500M more for D’Urban Park Project

Issue No. 3070

Thursday, December 15, 2016

Page 3

PRICE

$80 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

$25,000 bonus should not halt P10 salaries negotiations – GPSU

...Opposition calls for forensic audit into project finances

Brother killed rescuing sister from bandits

Over 4000 child abuse P10 cases recorded in 2016 – CCPA

Page 2

…Region 7 tops list for January-October period

Problematic training P11 scheme gets $1B approved for 2017

President David Granger on Wednesday expressed his confidence in the ability of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) while addressing the Force’s top brass at its annual Christmas breakfast at Police Headquarters, Eve Leary. In photo, Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud is giving a brief overview of some of the Force’s activities over the past year

DHB toll increases “cruel, crass, insensitive” – Jagdeo Page 7

...as Govt announces toll hike

Gov’t spends millions Gunmen nabbed on full-scholarships for after relieving accountant of $2.5M Ministers, friends Page 2

Page 12

Heavy rains cause severe damage toP17 Linden – Soesdyke Highway

2 news

thursDAY, december 15, 2016 | guyanatimesgy.com

Brother killed rescuing sister from bandits

A

North East La Penitence man was on Tuesday evening shot dead after he rushed to his sister’s aid as she was being attacked by two gunmen outside their home. The incident occurred just before 23:00h.

Dead is 26-year-old Matthew Scott of Lot 291 North East La Penitence, Georgetown.

It was reported that the sister of the now dead man, in the company of another female villager, was walking along Toucan Street heading home and upon reaching in front of her house, two men exited a tinted dark

blue Toyota 212 motor car, which was parked nearby and attacked them.

An alarm was raised and Scott rushed out of the house to rescue his sister, but was shot by the bandits instead. Based on reports, he sustained a single gunshot wound to his chest and was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH), where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Speaking with Guyana Times on Wednesday, his sister Simone Waldron-Scott related that while heading home, she noticed the strange car parked outside her home but did not think

Dead: Matthew Scott

anything of it until the men emerged and attacked them.

She recalled that the men went to the older woman first but she pulled out a knife, which she keeps on her person for protection, and brandished it at the men.

“When she pulled out the knife, they left her and one of the boys come up to me and gave one cuff straight to my (right) ear. Then we had a scramble and he snatched off my chain, and pelt a shot at me but he missed; so he raised his foot to kick me,” the woman recounted.

At this point, she noted, the other woman raised an

Scott was shot and killed while attempting to rescue his sister during a robbery in front of the family home

alarm to alert family of what was transpiring and the gunman also fired at shot her (elderly woman), but missed again. Nevertheless, the screams and gunshots alerted Waldron-Scott’s family, and her 26-year-old brother rushed outside with her teenage son.

The woman further related that her brother picked up a brick to hit the gunman and that was when he was shot.

“When they come outside, my brother pushed my son away and that’s how he ended up get shoot… I fight back, why y’all didn’t take me; y’all had to shoot me brother, my only brother,” the grieving woman lamented.

Furthermore, the woman related that she saw her brothers’ killer and described him as “fair skin, tall with screwed hair and

with a tattoo on his neck… that’s the guy who attacked me and shoot my brother but he ain’t getting off so… I going all out for my brother, I need justice for myself and my brother.”

The expecting father, who was employed as a maintenance mechanic in the ‘Rum Factory’ at Banks DIH Limited, was married only three weeks ago. His wife, who is five months pregnant, was too distraught to speak to the media, but was observed washing away the blood stains in front of the gate as she sobbed in grief.

Meanwhile, Police have since received some information about the incident and are following the leads on the suspects. This newspaper understands that apart from the two suspects, there was also a third person driving the vehicle.

Gunmen nabbed after relieving accountant of $2.5M

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oments after relieving an accountant attached to Tower Hotel, Main Street, Georgetown of a bag containing $2.5 million, two men were apprehended by Police who responded promptly.

Based on information received, the accountant had returned from making a substantial withdrawal from a city bank and was about to disembark his vehicle in front of the hotel, when he was confronted by two men on a CG motorcycle.

One of the suspects approached the man and in the process discharged a round from his firearm, which struck a security guard to his abdomen who was also in the vehicle. He then broke a window, snatched the bag containing the cash and

jumped onto the motorcycle, before fleeing the scene.

A mobile Police patrol acting on information received, pursued the suspects who tried to evade them, but instead ended up in the Sussex Street Canal in the vicinity of North East La Penitence.The motorcycle and a significant amount of cash were recovered.

One of the suspects, however, admitted to dropping the firearm in the canal.

The Police were up to late Thursday afternoon trying to recover the firearm. Meanwhile, the injured guard was rushed to a private medical facility where he was admitted and is said to be in a stable condition. The two suspects are expected to be charged shortly.

NEWS

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2016 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, December 15 – 05:00h-06:30h and Friday, December 16 – 05:00h-06:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, December 15 – 05:20h-06:50h and Friday, December 16 – 06:05h-07:35h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Weather: Thundery to light rain showers can be expected in the morning, while heavy to light rain showers can be expected in the afternoon.

Clear skies are expected to give way to light rain showers in the evening with temperatures ranging between 24 degrees and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to East North-easterly between 2.23 metres and 4.91 metres.

High Tides: 05:14h and 17:27h reaching maximum heights of 2.72 metres and 2.84 metres respectively.

Low Tides: 11:01h and 23:30h reaching minimum heights of 0.52 metre and 0.38 metre respectively.

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House divided over $500M more for D’Urban Park Project ...Opposition calls for forensic audit into project finances

T

he National Assembly found itself divided on Wednesday over giving or withholding approval for an additional $500 million to be paid out from the Consolidated Fund to a number of contractors and other persons owed varying amounts for works undertaken on the controversial D’Urban Jubilee Park Project.

The rancour engulfed the House when the Speaker of the National Assembly put to a vote the capital expenditure under the Public Infrastructure Ministry’s bvudget, but was met with a resounding no.

A division was subsequently called for, resulting in 32 members of the House

openly questioned the timing of the inclusion of the $500 million in the Budget, since the Ministry had only been informed six days earlier.

In fact, Edghill argued that Government was in fact looking to turn over money to a private company – HDI – for works it had done using contractors that company had engaged in the project.

He used the occasion to draw reference to Substantive Minster David Patterson’s assertions that the Government did not actually engage any of the contractors that the Ministry was seeking approval to be paid over.

Voicing objections and questioning the methodologies to be used, Edghill sought

PPP/C MP Juan Edghill

voting to approve the monies, while 31 members voted against it.

Member of Parliament Odinga Lumumba was absent at the time of the vote from the Opposition benches, while Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman, was absent for the Government’s side.

Prior to the division of votes, the House heard that on November 22 last, six days before the Budget was presented to the nation – Homestretch Development Inc (HDI) had written to the Finance Ministry indicating that it owes contractors $500 million more and was looking to have this liability liquidated.

The revelation did not go down well with former Minster within the Finance Ministry, Juan Edghill, who

to enquire of the Minister precisely what law of statue would be used to legitimise such a transfer to a private company.

Patterson, in his retort to the House, said Government would be using the same mechanisms that had been used to transfer some $138 million to Omprakash “Buddy” Shivraj that went towards the construction of the then Buddy’s International Hotel, in addition to another $38 million that went towards the construction of the Cacique Hotel.

Edghill, however, dismissed this assertion saying those monies in fact represented a loan to the two projects and had not been extracted from the Consolidated Fund.

The Minister denied too the assertion that

Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson

Government had in fact employed a mechanism to spend some $900 million on a project from the Consolidated Fund, while at the same time avoiding any kind of scrutiny.

The trading of barbs came about when Minister Patterson told the House that the Public Infrastructure Ministry will in fact not be paying any of the contractors owed for works on the project and that the money will in fact be paid to HDI. Among the objections to such a mechanism is that HDI is in fact a private company not even listed under the Ministry’s Government’s list of organisations slated for subsidies and contribution.

Minster Patterson was adamant that the asset in the form of the D’Urban Jubilee Park is in fact an asset that belongs to the State.

Edghill also sought to no avail, to find out whether Minster Patterson, as an elected representative, is comfortable with expending in excess of $900 million on a project undertaken by a private company where there was no procurement process to get the work done.

Patterson maintained that the project represents an asset of the State and belongs to the people of Guyana.

Meanwhile, as it relates to the overall expenditure and cash and kind donations, Public Infrastructure Minister Patterson told the House that a total of $27.7 million was received in the form of donations from private individuals and entities, while another $37 million came about ‘in kind’.

As it relates to the donations, the Minister provided a list to the House.

Among the donors as listed by Minister Patterson are three anonymous contributors, Palm Court, TEOCO, STP Investments Inc, Mohamed’s Cambio and RUSAL, among others.

He listed among those given donations in kind as BK International, Courtney Benn Contracting Services Limited, BaiShanLin Forest Developers Inc, Demerara Sand and Aggregates, Barama, Buxton Gas Station, Splashmins, and NABI Construction, among others.

TURN TO PAGE 10

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2016

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

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

Editorial

Trump, climate change and us

S

peaking to the United Nations General Assembly last September, President David Granger reiterated his Administration's commitment to converting Guyana into a "green state": "It is a state that will ensure a secure future for its people in the pursuit of a ‘green’ economy. It is one that is proud of its place as a reliable and cooperative partner in international efforts to protect the earth’s environment." He pledged Guyana to "work towards the UN's Agenda’s goals, particularly, by contributing to limiting increases in global temperatures".

Without making explicit linkages, he was continuing along the path blazed by the Bharrat Jagdeo's PPP/C Administration that had launched a "Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) back in 2009. Since then, several countries, including Norway and Japan, have extended help to Guyana in its efforts to build a green economy. Fighting the impact of climate change then, can be seen as an initiative that has the unequivocal support of both parties across the political divide. Presenting the 2017 budget, it surprised no one when Finance Minister Winston Jordan announced its theme: “Building a Diversified, Green Economy: Delivering the Good Life to All Guyanese."

However, the incoming Donald Trump US Administration might just throw a spammer into that plan. The US President-elect is on record as unequivocally rejecting global warning: "The concept of global warming was created by and for the Chinese in order to make US manufacturing non-competitive," he once tweeted.

His actions since the election have simply that position apart from his stating very clearly that he envisages the US increasing its exploitation of fossil fuels. Presently, improvements in technology have allowed the US to become one of the top producers of petroleum from its shale deposits and Trump has reiterated his commitment to an "America first" energy policy that is centred on fossil fuels – even coal.

Trump's nominee to head the very powerful and critical US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt, has expressed scepticism about climate change, and he helped spearhead a lawsuit by 28 states to try to overturn President Barack Obama's Clean Power Plan. He had been one of the most vocal critics of the EPA and has vowed to change its orientation.

Other agencies such as the Department of Interior will also be headed by individuals who are climate change sceptics.

More recently, the level to which Trump will go to derail even the US’s present tepid efforts to combat climate change can be gauged from the 74 questions his transition team submitted to the Department of Energy (DoE). All of the questions that relate to present US policy on climate change question its premises. Believing, inter alia, that the request for the names of the scientists who participated in UN conferences on climate change presaged a witch hunt, the DoE has refused to comply with the request.

From a Guyanese standpoint, with the US acting as a brake on efforts of the leading economies in the developed world to fight climate change, our value as a net "carbon sink", which President Granger emphasised to Parliament earlier this year, will take a beating. The carbon credits that we could have earned from net polluters such as the US will definitely either disappear or become trivial. However, our own investments in alternative energy sources such as wind and solar will not be unrewarded since countries such as China and India that are also determined to use climate change mitigation as a spur to their economies will lower the costs of those technologies.

On the other hand, while Trump's nomination of the chief of ExxonMobil as his Secretary of State might also indicate his ties to the fossil fuel interests, we should remember that we are on the cusp of sharing those interests and we might be in a win-win scenario.

Additionally, Guyana will now become possibly more than just a blip on the US State Department's radar.

Children dressed as Santa Claus participate in a parade held to collect food for the needy, in Lisbon, Portugal (Reuters)

Budget 2017 wins the economic mannequin challenge Dear Editor, Budget 2017 has been labelled one of the most controversial budgets to be debated in Guyana’s 50 years of independence. It was reported in Parliament that Guyana’s economy declined to 2.6 per cent in 2016, which is lower than this Government’s projected four per cent and the lowest growth rate for the nation in nearly a decade.

It is my view that this $250 billion Budget lacks creativity and a sturdy plan for modernising Government systems. There is a minimal effort to generate any revenue other than through taxation.

It is my opinion that this Budget should have cornered and forced tax evaders and tax avoiders into making their contributions to the economy. Stricter measures should have been placed on businesses who fail to pay the NIS contributions of their workers, and at least harsher penalties for those who steal electric-

ity and water causing great danger to their neighbourhoods.

This Budget should have campaigned for citizens to make things right with the law. Instead, the Budget will penalize those who already pay taxes and pressure law abiding citizens into a life of hardship.

Further, the proposed taxation measures will reduce burdens on the wealthy and big businesses, while sadly increasing the burdens on the poor.

I believe that it is not sufficient to reduce VAT by a mere two per cent just to fulfil a 2015 election promise. By taking away the status of most zero-rated goods and broadening the scope of goods and services which attract VAT, consumers will face higher prices and a significant increase in the cost of living. Yes, VAT is a tax that can reach everyone, but with a declining economy, the Government should have seriously considered adding some ben-

efits to those in the low income earning bracket.

But what is this mannequin challenge? And why is it relevant? It is a viral Internet video trend where people remain frozen in action like mannequins while being filmed, usually with the song "Black Beatles" by Rae Sremmurd playing in the background. Justifying Guyana’s Budget 2017 winning this challenge economically, is outlined by Finance Minister Winston Jordan in his speech to the National Assembly where he said that mining, forestry, rice, sugar, agriculture, hydro-power, technology, construction and other sectors are expected to remain still in 2017.

So for an entire year, Guyana’s productive sectors will do the economic mannequin challenge while its neighbours and diplomatic partners watch on. This is a challenge that Guyanese (local and abroad) will start feeling sick and tired of very soon.

The theme of the Budget: “Building a diversified green economy: delivering the good life to all Guyanese” does not correlate with the contents documented within it, rather this Budget is delivering more expenses to all Guyanese.

In the speeches from the Government Ministers on Budget 2017, many of them tried to highlight that the Opposition was pulling wool over the eyes of the public and that we should study the Budget independently, but even without an Opposition, Guyanese are matured and capable enough to decipher good from bad.

I urge the Government to review this Budget, incorporate the Opposition in policy decisions and coordinate with them on revenue -generating projects and finally, always keep in thought, the livelihood of low income earners.

Yours sincerely, Juan Edghill Jr

Numbers and crime do not add up Dear Editor, This crime situation is getting to me, only to be compounded more by the article in your newspaper dated December 14, 2016 ‘Crime spirals out of control; Police claims 16 per cent reduction’.

I am beginning to question the data and sanity of the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

16 per cent reduction in armed robberies? Where did this data come from? Here is a little check and balance I did after reading this outrageous article. I hit Kaieteur News’ archives (when I want to read about crime I read that newspaper, they don’t miss any) and I selected one week at random in 2015 and

choose the corresponding week in 2016, now I know this is a small sample from which to make any generalisation, but I am sure if we all take a week in 2015 and compare it to 2016 we will find the same trend.

My weeks in history were October 25–31, 2015 and October 25–31, 2016.

For the week in October 2015, the newspaper reported TWO cases of robbery, I am not even sure if the articles can even be placed in this category, the headlines read ‘Businesswoman fights off gunmen to save car’ and ‘Party going passengers hijack taxi driver’. For the corresponding week in 2016, the

following were the headlines: ‘Bandits abandon Alness home invasion after hearing siren’, ‘Lone gunman robs and shoots businessman’, ‘Woman robbed at gunpoint outside La Penitence market’ and ‘Gunmen strike at Mahaica gas station’. There were FOUR incidents of robbery under arms reported, double that amount for the corresponding week in 2015!

The above finding is exactly why I am questioning the figures that the GPF is presenting. I read a letter in Stabroek News recently in which the writer (Mr GHK Lall) was questioning numbers, I saw great sense in his letter and I now stand in soli-

darity with him in also questioning the numbers, some things definitely do not add up!

I have heard cries of people (especially from supporters of the PPP) for the President and Social Protection Minister of to make a serious attempt to tackle the situation, I am not in defence of anyone, but I think if the GPF does get their data correct and pronounce that there is indeed an increase in armed robberies, the President and Minister will be in denial, through no fault of theirs.

Sincerely, W Moore

5 DHB toll increases “cruel, crass, insensitive” – Jagdeo NEWS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2016 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

…as Govt announces toll hike

J

PPP/C MP Irfaan Ali

unior Public Infrastructure Minister Annette Ferguson on Wednesday disclosed that Demerara Harbour Bridge tolls would be increased from next year, a move the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) has condemned, calling for its withdrawal.

The issue rose in the Committee of Supply during the consideration of the 2017 Estimates for the Public Infrastructure Ministry when Opposition Member of Parliament Komal Chand enquired whether the Demerara Harbour Bridge would be self-financing, since the subsidy has been reduced from $150 million last year to a mere $2 million this year. In response, Minister Ferguson revealed the intention to hike the tolls. She further disclosed the new fees, and the increases ranged from 50 to 200 per cent.

The tolls will increase as follows: motorcycles – from $20 to $40; motor cars – from $100 to $200; motor cars (hire) – from $100 to $200; motor tractors – from $200 to $300; one-axle trailers – from $200 to $300; hearses – from $100 to $300; motor

lorries (class 1) – from $500 to $700; motor lorries (class 3) – from $600 to $700; goods vehicles (up to 2200 pounds) – from $100 to $400, and goods vehicles (up to 4400 pounds) – from $200 to $400.

However, there will be no increases for four-wheel drive jeeps and minibuses, which are currently tolled at $200 as well as for vehicles with double-axle trailers, which cost $300 to cross the bridge.

Asked by PPP/C par-

Junior Public Infrastructure Minister Annette Ferguson

liamentarian Juan Edghill when the announcement of the toll hikes would have been made since nothing had been said to date, the Junior Minister said that the public would have been informed later this week. The increases will take effect from January 1, 2017.

The Opposition has kicked up a storm on these increases, which it called “another broadside from the Government” even as the Guyanese populace was overcoming the “shock and horror” of the 2017 Budget.

“The Office of the Leader of the Opposition views the astronomical increases in the tolls to cross the

Demerara Harbour Bridge as most cruel, crass and insensitive. This measure will add to the nearly 200-odd measures, which have been imposed upon the backs of the Guyanese people in the year 2016,” a statement on Wednesday evening detailed.

The release went on to outline that this increase would no doubt multiply the hardships and sufferings, which the Guyanese population would have to endure in 2017 and beyond. It further stated that the manner in which the Government concealed this measure from the public was equally reprehensible, as it noted that the information was reluctantly disclosed only after intense scrutiny and questioning by the Opposition Party’s MPs. “We call upon the Government to immediately rescind these pro-

The Demerara harbour Bridge

posed increases in tolls for the Demerara Harbour Bridge and we say to the Government, that you have taxed the people of Guyana enough for the year,” the parliamentary Opposition declared.

PPP/C Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) representative Irfaan Ali also issued a statement on the “covert decision”

to increase the tolls, saying that such a move would negatively affect the Region’s economy and result in additional hardships for its residents.

“It is also my view that these increases will adversely affect businesses in the Region which are already struggling to survive given the Government’s mismanagement of the econ-

omy… This move by the Government is harsh, spiteful and repressive. It also presents a new wave of “jumbie economics” which is being practised by a very secretive and corrupt coalition Government,” Ali remarked.

He further called on the Administration to abandon plans to increase the Demerara Harbour Bridge tolls.

The upcoming mayoral election Dear Editor, The choice in the upcoming Mayoral elections in the Georgetown Municipality is a very simple one. Re-elect the current Mayor and have more of the same for the next year: that is the awarding of contracts to clean the cemetery and other parts of Georgetown without a bidding process; monthly luxury travels to exotic destinations around the world

without any benefits being accrued by the city; the imposition of more draconian taxation on the citizens, such as the parking meter deal; the wanton deprivation of vendors from making an honest living; the wasteful spending of the citizens’ money on failed and unnecessary projects, such as the presidential park; the clear preference to control rather than consult with citizens; the late payment of

salaries to city workers each month, which is clear disrespect to the working class; more flea markets like the one that was put in place by the Mayor and Town Clerk on Regent Street a few months ago and which was a also colossal let down. Indeed an endless list of failures will continue.

Or Sherod Duncan could be chosen whose mantra is to create and

stimulate transparency, accountability and inclusive decision-making at City Hall.

Duncan is young, focused, and confident; he believes in transparency, has integrity, is inspired, has a passion, and is innovative.

That is the breath of fresh air that Georgetown needs.

Sincerely, Shanta Singh

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thursday, december 15, 2016

Page

Foundation

'Tis the season to be grateful

How to survive the family Christmas

BY JULIA SWEENEY

H

guyanatimesgy.com

ow to survive the holidays with your family? Pretend they're dead. It may sound harsh, but it's actually an exercise in appreciation. The holidays can be a battlefield, and strategies are useful.

Personally, my Christmases weren't all terrible. Especially at first.

Up to age 12 or thereabouts, I cannot remember anything that wasn't just perfect. In Spokane, where I grew up (in the North-West of the US), we all trudged through snow over to my grandmother's house for Christmas dinner.

My grandmother, Henrietta Valentine Ryan Sweeney, lived with her daughter, my maiden Aunt Barbara, in a small, traditional house with leaded windows and dark wood beams, and they appeared to have been cooking together for days before the big event. Dinner featured a big ham, or a turkey, and I think one year she even cooked a goose. There were always lots of interesting side dishes and old-fashioned food, like a tomato and shrimp aspic. The fancy Wedgwood china was out, along with the special Christmas tablecloth and the Waterford crystal glasses that had a tint of red in the stem. Candles flickered and a fire roared in the hearth. You get the picture.

At dinner it was important to be funny or, failing that, at least interesting. Of course, there was a lot of drinking. And, even though several members of my family became (or even were at the time) severely alcoholic, including Aunt Barbara, I do not remember any… scenes. No one passed out and no one's words got garbled. I don't remember anyone acting inappropriately or even any tension. We kids would play tiddlywinks or checkers on the living room floor after dinner, the fire nearly singeing us. My father fell asleep on the sofa.

Henrietta and Barbara insisted on cleaning up. It was dreamy.

Writing this now, it seems impossible this could have been so perfect. There must have been some inkling of what was to come. Some idea that Aunt Barbara would one day lie dead of the drink, at 56, in the middle of that dining room, only to be found later by my mother and father.

There must have been some indication that my father was drinking much too much and that my brother, Bill, who's only 18 months younger than me, would begin his own descent into alcoholism and drug use.

But perhaps that's the over-thinking me, looking for dark clues when really we

were just typical people, with common tendencies, some of which would kill us, as they did lots of people. Perhaps our Christmases really were as happy as I remember them.

Was it my own puberty that switched on the light? Because my memories were yellow and warm, and suddenly they are infused with a wincing fluorescence.

The cinematographer has changed. The camera movements are jerky. We're not in a languid film any more, we're in a harsh documentary, with erratic and extreme close-ups.

After I became a teenager, we had our holiday meals at our house. It seemed impossible for my parents to get the entire meal on the table all at once. We'd have some cooked corn, then half an hour later the ham would be done, then 45 minutes later, when we were already watching TV, the bread would be ready, along with some green beans.

Presents became a problem. There were five kids and I'm sure it was hard to keep the gifts straight. Things seemed to be bought on sale throughout the year and thrown into the back of closets, then hastily wrapped, and often there weren't names on them, so it was unclear to whom they were to be given. One of us kids would get 20 presents and another would get nothing. Other times my mother would scurry into the living room and toss a wrapped gift at one of us, which would turn out to be a mug from the kitchen. "At least it's something!" my mother would chirp, smiling frantically.

Once we were older, my mother had a new strategy for cooking special-occasion meals. We used to joke she would make dinner like this…

Mom:

"I have an idea for a dinner I'd like to make for everyone. It's going to be wonderful! We're going to have steak, and salad, and potatoes."

Me:

"That sounds great. What can I do to help?"

Mom:

"Oh, you could go to the store for me and get… well, steaks. And some lettuce and whatever you like in a salad. And I guess potatoes. Then if you could help me out by making the salad and putting the potatoes in the oven for an hour. While

― new research suggests that optimism and gratitude may keep us healthy

BY LORI RUSSELLCHAPIN, PHD

that's cooking, you could grill the steaks?

Oh, and ask your sister to set the table."

Me:

"Uh… OK." Mom (with a great sigh of accomplishment and exhaustion): "Oh, I'm so looking forward to this dinner! I've been wanting to do this for us for a very long time."

These two memories of her are unfair, I now see. For years she got dinner on the table for her five children and husband several days a week. But in my own youthful narcissism and in my eagerness to be unlike her, and as a way to differentiate myself and win admiration and aplomb, I vowed to be like Henrietta.

There was a Christmas, long after Henrietta had died and I'd moved to Los Angeles, when I decided to invite my parents to my apartment for Christmas and really show them how it was done. I made a special breakfast, prepared delicious baked apples after lunch and a very elaborate dinner. I included all the family favourites, I set the table with care and I remembered to smile. I felt triumphant. Everything was perfect. I asked for little or no help with anything.

But my most lasting image from that Christmas is of my parents in my living room, looking and feeling out of place, slowly and unenthusiastically eating the baked apple. I think they were waiting for when it would be socially appropriate to turn on the TV. I had won the battle, but lost the war. My Christmas was a bit of a downer. (The Guardian)

TO BE CONTINUED

T

he holidays are the season filled with joy and goodwill.

For many, it is a time of festivity and cheer. For others it is a difficult time from holidays past. Although it is not realistic to think we can have this attitude all year long, research consistently suggests that optimistic people may live longer and are a bit happier. Dr Martin Seligman has spent much of his career developing positive psychology tenets and their connection to mental health.

My mom taught me this song, and I sang it to my children everyday. I am sure they got tired of it, but I wanted them to start their day happy. You probably will recognise the lyrics: “Good morning to you, good morning to you. We’re all in our places with bright, shining faces. This is the way to start a new day!” It does make sense.

Recently Finnish researchers published results from an 11-year study using data from 2267 Finnish men and women. The data collected were biomarkers and a self-report pessimism rating scale. The findings concluded that a pessimistic attitude significantly increased the risk of dying from heart disease. Those who were pessimistic were twice as likely to die early, and 122 people died from coronary heart disease.

The truly good news about all of this information is that each of us can become a more optimistic person.

Several months ago, I wrote

a blog on neuroplasticity, because our brains are plastic and with practice we can become more grateful and optimistic. Dr Cary Nelson, a family practitioner, suggested to his clients three new daily practices to become a more optimistic and grateful person: 1) meditate for only five minutes a day; 2) begin to write a daily gratitude journal; and 3) smile more often.

I love all three of his exercises, but the last one makes me smile just writing this blog. Not only will smiling make you happier, but it is contagious. It will make others smile too. Our mirror neurons help others smile when they see your smile.

What a great brain we have, if you practice these positive plastic techniques.

For Christmas this year, I gave my girlfriends beautiful “blessing bracelets.”

Besides being so pretty, the idea is to daily touch each pearl or bead on the bracelet. Offer a different blessing for something in your life for each pearl. If we offered four different pieces of gratitude each day for 365 days of the year, think of the profound attitude change in our lives!

I am challenging each of you to start practicing optimism and gratitude today. This ties into my last month’s blog on resiliency as well. With gratitude we may be on the way to better health, resiliency and longer living.

Here is a wonderful quote from Cicero, “Gratitude is not the greatest of virtues, it is the parent of all others.”

Practice being grateful and see what happens.

Happy Holidays!

NEWS

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2016 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

AG says inadvertent mistake made by Finance Ministry

― gets clearance to purchase ‘proper brand new’ $20M vehicle for use

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ttorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams on Wednesday pleaded guilty to an ‘inadvertent mistake’ on the part of the Finance Ministry with regards to how figures are represented in the 2017 National Estimates.

Williams was at the time being grilled over allocations under his remit in the Legal Affairs Ministry and was pointed to provisions where there were no budget provisions, but the revised figures for the previous year shows that monies to the tune of millions of dollars, were in

fact spent.

The Attorney General pointed to the fact that this obtained despite the fact that there were no Supplementary Provisions, nor was there a budget sum, but the Ministry still went ahead and spent monies.

It was at this point that

Mayoral elections

Wynter re-elected unopposed

Kirt Wynter was re-elected unopposed as Mayor of New Amsterdam

K

irt Wynter was reelected unopposed as Mayor of New Amsterdam when the Town Council held its mayoral elections in the council chambers on Wednesday.

Wynter, who was appointed as Mayor in March 2015, was the only nominee for the post and received all 13 votes at the elections, which also saw Winifred Haywood being re-elected as Deputy Mayor.

In thanking the Council for the confidence it showed in him, Mayor Wynter said the Council was still to de-

liver after eight months.

“We have not given the residents what we want to give them,” he said.

However, the Mayor outlined new measures to be put in place from January 1, which would likely result in improvements to the town’s aesthetics. “I would like the public to know that we are not satisfied with the services that we are providing.

We are trying to get a portable pump like those the rice farmers use to put at some of the kokers so that when the rains come, we can ease some of the flooding…”

Wynter also made reference to downtown New Amsterdam, which many businesses have been using to dispose of their solid waste, saying litterbugs would be fined when the new year commenced. “One of the things we will be implementing from January 1st is fines for littering,” the Mayor stated.

He said the fines would be $10,000. “These are some of the things that we have to deal with: littering, illegal dumping in the alleyways; yes, we received a system that was in the gutters, we tried to build it; we are building it; we can’t fulfil all your requirements, but we are trying. If we can’t pick

Deputy Mayor Winifred Haywood

up your garbage, we are asking you to burn it…”

Meanwhile, Deputy Mayor Haywood said there were many challenges facing the Council especially in the areas of solid waste management and clearing lots. She said as such the Council would be informing residents of whatever difficulties it may experience as it endeavoured to carry out its mandate.

Her comments came in response to former Mayor Barbra Pilgrim asking the Council to be more transparent in its doings.

the Minster conceded that the mix up was as a result of an ‘inadvertent mistake’ by the Finance Ministry.

He explained that the mistake was associated with the adjustment of different programme heads in the budget.

Williams was also forced to defend the allocation of $19.7 million for the purchase a single vehicle.

According to Minister Williams, while the Ministry is yet to determine the type and make of the vehicle to be purchased, it is in fact to be used by him.

Williams told the House, “The Attorney General will be having a proper vehicle this time.”

He had prefaced his supposition by pointing to the practice of his predecessors, saying that a brand new vehicle was supposed to have been purchase in 2015 but this did not obtain.

Williams told the House that the transaction undertaken by the former Permanent Secretary resulted in the purchase of a used vehicle.

Another of the heated exchanges during the consideration of the expenditure under the Legal Affairs

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams

Ministry and Attorney General’s remit, surrounded the more than $100 million set aside for the payment of legal services.

Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall questioned the need for the expenditure for the payment of legal services.

However according to Williams, the money has been identified to pay the Special Prosecutors hinted to by the administration – Special Prosecutors meant to go after persons suspected of siphoning off State assets.

According to Williams, the Administration is steadfast in its pursuit of State assets that had been stolen, “we are very serious about that.”

In a direct quip to his predecessor, Williams told the House, “I am deadly serious about the recovery of the law books for the Ministry of Legal Affairs.”

The special prosecution teams is to be established to handle the legal proceedings to be initiated with regards to criminal charges into the Sparendaam Housing Project, known as ‘Pradoville Two’ and the operations of the Guyana Cricket World Cup Inc. Guyana Times understands that two lawyers have since been identified as special prosecutors after recommendations made by the Attorney General.

The Attorney General was also asked to provide answers in relation to allocations surrounding the imminent establishment of a Law Reform Commission, in addition to other justice modernisation initiatives among others before getting the blessings of the House for expenditure in 2017.

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News

thursDAY, december 15, 2016 | guyanatimesgy.com

IN THE COURTS

Christmas in jail for cellphone thief A cellphone thief was not pleased to hear that he will be spending his Christmas in a jail cell after being charged with robbery.

Kennrick Cozier, 24, of 110 B West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Annette Singh.

He pleaded guilty with explanation, in the hope of copping a small fine, but was quick to cry “I don’t understand the law, but I wanted to explain myself that is why I pleaded guilty. I heard when you plead not guilty, you don’t get to talk.”

The charge against him

Kennrick Cozier

stated that on December 12, 2016, at Water Street, Georgetown, and while being in the company of another, he robbed Trebivan Kalamadeen of one BlackBerry cellphone valued $40,000 and $2000 in cash.

According to the prosecution’s information, the Virtual Complainant (VC) was walking North along Water Street when he was approached by the defendant who reportedly asked the VC for $40 of which he did not comply. As such, the defendant and an accomplice attacked the VC and a scuffle ensued.

The Police were called to the scene by eyewitness-

es; however, the accomplice managed to escape with the $2000.

The defendant attempted to explain that he did not commit the offence, but was interrupted by Magistrate Singh who asked him what was his reason for pleading guilty if he is in fact not guilty of the offence.

The defendant was hesitant in his response. The prosecution also revealed that this is not the accused’s first offence and that a similar offence was previously brought before him.

As such, bail was refused and the defendant was remanded to prison.

He will return to court on December 28.

Rupununi man on $70,000 bail for wounding charge

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man who is allegedly the victim of an attempted assassination was on Wednesday brought before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan charged with wounding.

Lawrence France, 37, of Lot 86 Tabatinga, Central Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him.

It is alleged that on December 9, 2016, he unlawfully and maliciously wounded Sean Brusters.

However, the defendant’s Attorney submitted that his client was not guilty of the offence for which he was charged.

The lawyer stated that on December 3, 2016, three individuals invaded the restaurant of the defendant and attempted to assassinate him. However, their plans were foiled when Police ar-

assassinate France.

The lawyer further claimed that the wounding allegations were against someone else, but the Police accidentally arrested his client. He begged for reasonable bail on the grounds that

Lawrence France

rived on the scene and they were all arrested.

The defence counsel said too that the Police were in receipt of footage which clearly showed the perpetrators planning out the act. However, he claimed that something was amiss, as while the investigation into the matter was ongoing, his client was arrested and charged with wounding.

Brusters is one of the men who allegedly attempted to

it was the Christmas season.

Magistrate McLennan concurred, saying “in the spirit of Christmas, I place the defendant on $70,000 bail”. The matter will return to the Lethem Magistrate’s Court on March 7, 2017.

Medical marijuana lands yet another man before the courts

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22-year-old mechanic, who allegedly uses marijuana for medical purposes, was on Wednesday granted bail when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Anthony Atenson of Saint Ignatius Village, Central

Rupununi was charged with being in possession of 10 grams of cannabis.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him.

According to his attorney, his client suffers from severe malaria and was a patient in the interior for a long period.

According to him, the facility at which he was being treated ran out of medication and as such the cannabis was given to the defendant to be used.

He claimed that the defendant was not even aware of what he was being given.

The prosecution however, had no bail objections and this was granted at $40,000.

The Defendant will return to the Lethem Magistrate’s Court on March 2, 2017.

Weaning…

J

…the Cabinet from work?

ust when your jaded Eyewitness thought he’d heard it all, up comes this howler. Asked how come the Cabinet’s still reviewing mega contracts by granting or withholding their “no objection”, the Chair of the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) “explained” Cabinet has to be “weaned away” from that task!!

That’s right - WEANED AWAY!! Now your Eyewitness’ dictionary informs him that “weaning” is when you have to “accustom (someone) to managing without something on which they have become dependent, or of which they have become excessively fond”. Usually, we hear the phrase used with babies of mammals who initially get their nourishment from their mothers’ milk… how sweet that is! But after they’ve developed their capabilities, they’re expected to move on to regular fare.

So what’s this need to “WEAN AWAY” the Cabinet from passing or holding onto mega contracts? For years when they were in Opposition, APNU and AFC beat the PPP over the head for not constituting the PPC as was required by statute. The reason, they said, was the PPP - being the PPP - was using the “no objection” power of Cabinet to feather their nests by directing contracts to their “cronies”. The formation of the PPC and the removal of Cabinet’s approval on contracts, was so important to the AFC for instance, they promised to support the PPP with the AFHEP if they would just “do it”.

But here we are almost two years AFTER they were elected to Office - and they were dragged kicking and screaming to form the PPC - the PNC-led coalition Government has to be WEANED away from the practice they deemed “corrupt” under the PPP??? Well, at least we know why the word “weaned” was used by Mrs Corbin, the Chair of the PPC! Obviously those in the new Government didn’t take long to become used to whatever sweetness they’d accused the PPP of imbibing.

If, as their defenders may claim, the Cabinet had become used to the onerous WORK of approving contracts - such as rentals of pharma warehouses for $450 million - Mrs Corbin wouldn’t have had to WEAN them away, would she? Who becomes “excessively fond” of work??!!

Now your Eyewitness remembers that, conscious of the sweetness of illicit “siphoning off” of public funds, the Minister of the Presidency had justified the 50 per cent salary increase in the salaries of Cabinet Ministers for just this purpose. Taking home at least TEN times the salary of the lowly public servants under them and drawing oodles of fringe benefits (and then some!!) the Minister claimed, would immunize the Cabinet from temptation.

Seemed it didn’t work, because they now have to be WEANED AWAY from something “excessively” sweet!!

…the colonial from sentimentality

Beatle John Lennon crooned “Imagine”, his paean to a life without divisions of race or class and just being “human” not long after Sidney Pointier brought to life ER Braithwaite’s “To Sir with love” on the big screen.

Braithwaite describes his efforts to create such a world in a London ghetto, probably much like the one Lennon would’ve grown up in Liverpool. A schoolteacher in England, far from British Guiana, Braithwaite’s growth was a product of a genteel time when Black colonial of a certain background could still imagine himself as a “human being” - albeit a “British human being”.

What else could a boy, who went to school at Queens in the 1920’s, joined the RAF during WWII and then earned a Master’s in Physics at Cambridge think?

The British insisted we weren’t “ready” but must be “tutored” to become equal. Well, Braithwaite accepted the “tutoring” but was disabused of his idealism by British reality.

But the feel-good movie still brings a loopy grin to your Eyewitness face!! RIP Sir.

…away from black money

With all his talk of an “underground” and “criminalised” economy by head of SARU, will he be recommending a withdrawal of our $5000 note, to drain that swamp?

If there ever was one!!

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

news

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thursDAY, december 15, 2016 | guyanatimesgy.com

Local Government Commission

Teixeira accuses Bulkan of misleading House, dodging questions on delay

PPP/C Chief Whip Gail Teixeira

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ommunities Minister Ronald Bulkan faced the wrath of the Opposition Members of Parliament as he cunningly dodged questions regarding the long-awaited establishment of the Local Government Commission (LGC) – particularly whether Government has named its nominees – and why monies were budgeted for a currently non-existing body.

It was high drama in the National Assembly on Wednesday evening as Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira exploded over the Communities Minister’s uncooperative replies on the protracted delay in the establishment of the LGC, even though the Opposition has already submitted its nominees.

“Let me remind that Honourable Member that a

question was asked about when the LGC will be established and he said that the commencement order had not been made. He said the reason why the LGC had not been established is because the commencement order had not been made.”

A sum of $30 million was budgeted for the LGC in 2016, but the Communities Minister assured that no monies were expended.

Bulkan guaranteed that the full amount would be returned to the Consolidated Fund and in 2017, the monies will once again be budgeted for the LGC, which he anticipated would be finally established.

People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) MP Irfaan Ali questioned why the allocation had not been returned as yet to the Consolidated Fund, since the Government had already projected that the LGC could not be established before the end of 2016.

The Minister, in response, assured that the monies would be returned.

Bulkan was also grilled over Government’s delay in the establishment of the LGC, especially since it had initially cited the Opposition Leader’s delay in submitting nominees as the reason the Commission was not yet set up.

He indicated that the Leader of the Opposition had not responded to a letter his Ministry had dispatched.

Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan

“Following receipt of correspondence of Leader of the Opposition naming his nominees, there were two responses from Ministry, acknowledging receipt and then seeking clarification that in keeping with the provisions in the legislation that require consultations with other party in the National Assembly, that condition was met and today we have no response,” he explained.

But Teixeira maintained that this was not true.

“You keep playing around the issue about the letter of the law; you are fully well knowledgeable that a response to the second letter was sent to you and you are misleading this House? You should go to the Privileges Committee,” she declared.

The Minister, however,

stated that the LGC should be established next year, but when asked for a more specific timeframe, Bulkan declined to expand.

PPP/C parliamentarian Nigel Dharamlall then asked whether President David Granger and the Communities Ministry had submitted their nominees, as was required, and Bulkan again refused to answer.

“I am not in a position to provide an answer at this stage,” he stated.

The LGC, when established, will have oversight over the various local authority areas in the country.

It would also be responsible for appointing officials in the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and the local authority areas, as well as approving budgets for the NDCs. The Opposition’s nominees are former Town Clerk Carol Sooba, and former Local Government Ministers Norman Whittaker and Clinton Collymore.

The National Assembly’s Committee of Appointment also named its nominee for the LGC, Andrew Garnett.

Government has not yet given any clear indication on its position regarding the es-

tablishment of the LGC. Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, when asked about the matter in October, said that he “can’t say that we have the names of the persons who are going to be there…we have some indication of the people we are looking at, but I am not at liberty to say who those persons are.”

He then pledged to make an enquiry about Government’s nominees, but it appeared that the Minister did not fulfil his promise as no information in this regard was ever made public.

Corriverton heist

Victim identifies 1 suspect in ID parade

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ne man was on Wednesday afternoon identified as one of the five men who went into the home of a Corentyne cambio dealer and robbed him of millions of dollars worth in cash and jewellery on Monday morning.

The suspect was positively identified by the Cambio dealer during an identification parade conducted in Berbice.

Divisional Commander, Senior Superintendant Errol Watts said the man who was identified is from a village situated along the Upper Berbice River.

According to Watts, the cambio dealer; Devendra Churaman, also called “Katak” told investigators that during the time the five bandits were in his home, the mask fell from the face of one of the bandits. This information, he revealed, was given to the Police early in the investigations.

The man who has been identified is from on the Sand Hills, Berbice River; 125 miles away from where he allegedly committed the robbery.

On Monday, a gang of 15 heavily-armed bandits hammered their way into the home of the Corriverton

Robbed: Cambio dealer Devendra Churaman

cambio dealer situated at Lot 93 Albert Street, Kingston, and carted $20 million in cash and in excess of $1 million in jewellery.

The men used AK-47 rifles and shotguns in their military-styled operation which lasted about 20 minutes. Firecrackers were also used by the bandits.

The men, who were all armed with assault rifles and a cutlass, used a sledgehammer to break open the grilled window to gain access to the house and then hammered open the steel door leading to the bedroom in which the cambio dealer was.

The man from Sand Hills was arrested on Monday evening as investigators

followed several leads and nabbed seven persons who may have links to the robbery.

The following day, investigators continued to move swiftly as they set up road blocks along the Corentyne Highway – they went to two more homes where four more suspects were held; bringing the number of those in custody to 11, which included a woman and an ex-Police Officer.

Police are still on the hunt for several other persons. According to a source close to the investigation, there are several leads which are being pursued in an effort to locate the weapons which were used in the robbery.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Divisional Investigator, Deputy Superintendant Gary McAllister said the Police were able to retrieve live rounds, shells, two 12-gauge shotgun cartridges and a warhead from the scene.

Watts told reporters that the 21 live rounds are only used by AK-47 rifles. He said based on other information which the Police obtained, it is confirmed that the bandits used AK-47 rifles.

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guyanatimesgy.com

thursDAY, december 15, 2016

News

GPSU says $25,000 bonus should Over 4000 child abuse cases recorded in 2016 – CCPA not halt salaries negotiations

T

he Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) on Wednesday said that the $25,000 bonus that was offered to public servants must not be used as a tool to end salary negotiations between the Union and Government.

First Vice President of the GPSU, Mortimer Livan, made the statement at a press conference, stating that the Union is concerned with the state of salary negotiations, which at the moment is incomplete.

The Vice President stated that the announcement of a $25,000 bonus which the Union refers to as a “Christmas Freck” to public servants is a tactic being used to halt the negotiations.

“The announcement late last week that public servants earning less than $500,000 per month are to be paid a one-off, tax-free bonus of $25,000 comes against the backdrop of ongoing uncertainty over the status of the incomplete and outstanding wages and salaries negotiations between the Guyana Public Service

― as Region 7 tops list for January-October period

T

The Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) Board

Union and the Government of Guyana.”

Livan added that President David Granger has on many occasions publicly announced that the 10 per cent increase of the wages of public servants is an interim payment and would not halt negotiations; however, this is exactly what occurred.

“We have written the President on many occasions and he wrote us back saying yes, it is not the final stage and that negotiations will continue. But we are faced now with some delaying tactics by the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Public Service and there seems to be time for them to work out ramifications for

the 25 per cent bonus, but they cannot meet with us to finalise the wages and salaries.”

The Union announced that it is of the firm opinion that such diversionary tactics should be replaced by swiftly returning to the salaries negotiation table.

The Union noted that the persistence of periodic handouts to public servants in a fashion that seeks to relegate them to mendicants, cannot and will not be allowed to replace fair and honest collective bargaining.

Livan stated that the Union will be retaliating at their Executive Council Meeting to be held next week where a firm decision will be taken by the Union.

House divided over $500M more...

The Opposition member querying the expenditure was adamant during the consideration that with donations being less than 10 per cent of the $1 billion price tag, the project could not be one that could be considered as done privately.

He was adamant that it is reasonable to conclude that HDI was just a company that was used to engage private contractors of which ultimately all of the money to

be expended was to be paid by taxpayers and without any tender process.

Meanwhile, the Opposition is calling on the Auditor General of Guyana to conduct an immediate forensic audit into all revenues, expenditure and donations received.

In a statement late Wednesday evening from the Opposition Leader’s Office, the PPP expressed its disgust and outrage over the co-

alition Government’s raiding of the treasury for the additional $500 million to be plugged into the controversial D’Urban Park Jubilee Project, which is clear proof that the Guyanese people were deceived into believing that the project was privately funded.

“It is important to note that out of an expenditure of over $1 billion, only $27 million was received in cash donations and $33 million was received in ‘kind’ dona-

he Cuyuni-Mazaruni district (Region Seven) has recorded the highest number of reported child abuse cases for the year so far. The Social Protection Ministry’s Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA) made this disclosure at its 2016 Staff Conference on Wednesday morning.

CCPA representatives from the Monitoring and Evaluation Department, Latoya Beckles and Mark Baksh, disclosed that for the period January to October under review, the country saw 4259 cases of which 3209 were related directly to child abuse, whereas 965 recorded reports concerned other welfare matters, including child trafficking and child labour.

The preliminary statistics showed that 58.3 per cent of girls suffered abuse, while 41.7 per cent was recorded for boys. The age group four to seven was the most vulnerable group, with 27.3 cases per every 1000 children in the same cate-

Head of the CCPA, Ann Greene

gory.

The Region Seven area, which is principally a mining district, also showed the highest rate of child abuse cases at 47.4 per every 1000 children, while Region Four (DemeraraMahaica) came in next with 17.4. Meanwhile, Region 10

gions, with 76 per cent. The numbers further revealed that of this 76 per cent total, mothers accounted for nearly half of the cases at 48 per cent, whereas fathers reflected 23 per cent of the cases. The three years and younger age group was identified as the most vulnerable category for boys in the Cuyuni-Mazaruni district.

The final statistics will be released next year when numbers for November and December are added, the CCPA noted.

In 2015, over 3000 reports of child abuse cases were recorded at the Agency.

Head of the agency, Ann Green had told media operatives that neglect accounted for the highest number of reports and that reports of sexual abuse reports had surpassed 600.

Greene had further add-

from page 3

tions. The Ministry of Public Infrastructure has allowed itself to be used as a conduit to accommodate this highly irregular and vulgar transaction,” the Opposition stated.

The Party went on to remind of the motion it put forward for disclosure on the sums expended, the contractors and amounts paid to them, liabilities and other information that would have ensured accountability and transparency. This motion was defeated on November 21, 2016 when it was debated during which time the Public Infrastructure Minister selectively provided skimpy information.

(Upper Demerara-Berbice) ranked third with 14.2 per 1000 children.

Region Seven also ranked highest in the categories of neglect, sexual abuse, physical and verbal abuse. Region 10 was ranked second for sexual abuse cases, while Region Four was placed second in the child neglect category. Parents were said to be the main perpetrators of child abuse across the re-

ed that last year, the agency needed to find alternative care for over 500 children who were placed in foster care and institutional care.

“We try to make institutional care as the last resort, but most times, institutions are all we have to provide alternative care for a child; and it is not the best care but it’s life-saving for children sometimes,” Greene had expressed.

thursDAY, december 15, 2016

guyanatimesgy.com

11

News

Problematic training scheme gets $1B approved for 2017 … even as Indigenous People’s Affairs Minister fails to account for $500M ‘solar panels’

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Think for Yourself

very day that we pick up the papers, without fail, we read something about corruption. Whether the accusations are aimed at the Government, companies or various other individuals, they are linked with untoward practices, routinely with little or no evidence offered. Sadly, too many people take to this as gospel.

For the individual, the slur Lorraine Ince-Carvalhal on your name will stick and for a long time to come because it would seem that people would much rather believe the worst of you; more gossip and scandal to be embraced and used to fill dull days. For the larger companies, the smear could affect business and relations in a significant way. For the Government, heavy scrutiny and serious damage to the party.

The idea that the press can print almost anything they like without limitations as to what has been proved is quite frankly horrifying, and yet unsurprising, considering the lack of consequence. However, the really disturbing thing is the way the masses seem to accept it without question.

When we blindly accept what is being fed to us, we are allowing the press to rule and control. It is supposed to be there in our society to ensure we are presented with all the information needed to make up our own minds. We are supposed to accept some affiliations from different areas of the media and to acknowledge that they will always be inclined reporting, but unless we are continually aware and prepared to read between the lines, we are in danger of being brainwashed.

This is the type of attitude that has now produced a generation of stifled thinkers. This is a product of the failure to equip our children with the tools for critical thinking. It comes from a culture of being told and accepting; a culture of wanting to lament over the wrong everyone else is doing.

Perhaps in such a challenging social time, the idea that misery loves company is not far from the truth.

When was the last time you read or heard about something detrimental to another person and stopped to consider why you were being told, how much information the bearer of news actually had and what proof was behind it?

Unfortunately, if you’re being honest, this is not happening enough.

The point is many who are gossiping and spreading opinions actually have no idea, no proof and have made no effort to substantiate any of the comments they are making. Too many people are quick to have ill-informed opinions and bold enough to make a case against any other possibilities. Surely if you are going to argue your position on a topic you should have at least done your homework on it first. Think a little more for yourself before being spoon-fed unsubstantiated claims and do not be so quick to condemn just because it makes life more interesting for the gossips.

I have heard of Guyana being dubbed as the rumour monger of the world and it is a shame that there is continued ignorance and disregard for considering the truth behind words. Although, unfortunately a practice amongst political strategy around the world, it is time the political bickering reframed from blocking, ridiculing and thwarting the good projects that will be beneficial for all Guyanese in a bid for one-upmanship on any opposition. It is also time the public started thinking for themselves, considered the bias behind the stories, the reasons for the way information is presented and the realities that face our politicians, our businessmen and ourselves that make things not always as they seem.

Of course I am not dismissing the fact that corrupt practices may be occurring frequently and those responsible should always be held accountable, but surely we can see the way some reports are written with limited background checks and little concern for those linked with high profile corruption accusations and how unethical it is to slander a name with unproven allegations.

It is such an important time to offer our children and all our citizens a new outlook on the way we can allow ourselves to be controlled or how we can chose to liberate our minds to reflect our own informed opinions. These topics should be at the forefront of any parent, teacher or educator’s minds; to develop that free thinking individual who is going to stand up and question what is around them, who is going to refuse to be caught up in the careless sensational delivery of aspects of society that affect their lives, who is going to make their own judgement based on critical evaluation.

T

he problematic and controversial Hinterland Employment Youth Service (HEYS), executed under the Indigenous People’s Affairs Ministry, was on Wednesday given the go head to utilise almost $1 billion to fund its programme for 2017, but not before a relentless two-hour long probe of the Ministry’s expenditure in the National Assembly.

The House reconvened and resolved itself into the Committee of Supply in order to consider the almost $2.5 billion for the Indigenous Peoples Affairs Ministry.

Minister within the Indigenous People’s Affairs Ministry, Valerie GarridoLowe, with the assistance of the Ministry’s senior technical personal fielded an unrelenting grilling from members of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Opposition before conceding to the many hiccups that have plagued the HEYS programme throughout the course of the year.

Launched in 2015 by the coalition A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Administration, the progamme currently trains in excess of 1800 students utilising the services of some 373 facilitators across 112 Amerindian villages.

Funded under allocations for Amerindian Development Projects, the House heard that $996 million has been set aside for the HEYS project in the coming year even as Minister Garrido-Lowe failed miserably to give assurances that the problems that plagued the programme in 2016 had in fact been remedied.

PPP/C backbencher Yvonne Pearson used the occasion to ask the Minister to provide an accurate analysis of some of the problems facing the programme since according to reports, not only have the equipment for the training of the youths not been reaching the communities, several of the students and facilitators have had to wait months.

She sought to query of the Minster too what remedial actions have been taken to ensure not only a smoother execution in the coming year, but for the remainder of the year.

Minister Garrido-Lowe – providing the answers in the stead of Substantive Minister, Vice President Sidney Allicock – admitted to the “hiccups we have been suffering at the Ministry which will be ironed.”

Still unable to inform the House of what remedial actions have or will be taken, the Ministry said discussions have been had, conclusions drawn and measures will be put in place.

Minister within the Indigenous People’s Affairs Ministry, Valerie GarridoLowe

She was nonetheless happy to report however that the majority of villages did not wait for the tools promised by the Ministry to begin venturing out into farming, catering, joinery and other such projects.

Minister Garrido-Lowe admitted to the House that the progress made was essentially without the tools promised by the Ministry but “we will fix.”

The Minister appeared to be at a loss for answers again this time when questioned on solar panels and related equipment to be purchased with the members of the House at the end of the consideration being none the wiser.

It was Opposition Member of Parliament, Nigel Dharamlall – formerly the Permanent Secretary in the then Amerindian Affairs Ministry – who told the House that he is aware of payments made to the tune of $500 million for the purchase of the solar panels and related equipment.

According to Dharamlall, the items were purchased for homes and industrial type equipment to be used to power the Information C o m m u n i c a t i o n s Technology (ICT) hubs.

Minister Garrido-Lowe, reported to the House that the ICT hubs and related pieces are no longer being catered for under the Indigenous People’s Affairs Ministry.

Dharamlall persisted to no avail, as he sought to determine the actual location of the equipment since he was certain that the payments had been made by that Ministry.

Public Infrastructure Minster David Patterson attempted to intervene at this point but was prevented

by Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Scotland who informed the House that the Indigenous People’s Affairs Minister was more than competent to field the questions herself.

Not satisfied with the forthcoming answers from the Minister, Speaker Dr Scotland informed Dharamlall that “I am not going to have this I am going to ask you to take your seat… That is the answer you must take… if you want a different answer you have to ask a different question.”

The unsatisfied Opposition member again questioned, “where is it, is it in a container, is it in a factory,” but was told by Minister Garrido-Lowe, “I have answered the member already.”

Heckling from his benches, PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee blurted in reference to the unaccounted for $500 million in solar equipment, “another scandal.”

The Minister told the House that the Telecommunications Ministry and the E-governance department are overseeing the entire country with regards to ICT.

Security service expenses

Another of the expenditures that attracted a lively debate in the House surrounded the recurrent expenditures and payments

specifically for security services.

Opposition Member Dharamlall observed for the House that between 2015 and 2017 the allocations for security services for the Ministry has in fact increase five-fold from just about $12M to in excess of $66M. Minister Gariddo-Lowe indicated to the House that the increase was in fact as a result of the Ministry having to rent a new building and will have to provide security.

Dharamlall insisted that the increase appeared outrageous and in seeking to provide an answer this time around, the Minister sought to explain the increase as catering for increased electricity charges at the Sophia Village.

The House eventually moved on to considering other items without an answer forthcoming.

The Members of the House heard too that the Indigenous People’s Affairs Minister has allocated as part of its 2017 expenditure, monies to cater for countrywide consultations for the revision of the Amerindian Act. The House was at the time querying a $106 million – an increase from $36 million in 2015, for the Ministry Secretariat’s travelling.

Minster Garrido-Lowe informed the House that the Ministry will be catering for the increased consultation in addition to provisions for a legal officer, increased monitoring of community projects in addition to a consultancy for a women’s and children project.

Monies were also approved in the more than $2.4 billion Budgetary Allocations for 2017 to fund activities related to the National Toshaos Council, Heritage Month Activities, the Rupununi Rodeo and Music Festival, an ACTO Forum in addition to support to a number of indigenous sporting activities.

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thursDAY, december 15, 2016 | guyanatimesgy.com

Several ‘neglected’ agri villages to benefit from CDF agriculture grant/loan

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everal villages in Regions Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and Five (MahaicaBerbice) will benefit from a US$12.4 million programme that aims at reviving their agricultural production to supply local and Caribbean markets.

The Caricom Development Fund (CDF) has approved a US$6.63 million loan and a US$3.81 million grant to facilitate infrastructural improvements in targeted small-scale farming communities, namely Mocha Arcadia, East Bank Demerara (EBD); Beterverwagting (BV)/ Triumph, East Coast Demerara (ECD); Buxton, ECD, and Ithaca, West Coast Berbice.

In addition to the US$10.44 million provided by CDF, the Guyana Government has also injected some US$2 million in the programme to ensure its full implementation.

The signing of the two agreements was done at the Finance Ministry on Wednesday, where CDF Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Rodinald Soomer, explained that this programme will see significant improvements in the agricultural infrastructure within the selected communities, which have been “left uncultivated, under

needs of the community and surrounding villages, nationally and with an eye on exports.

More importantly, this intervention will result in creased income and reduced unemployment in the targeted communities,” Holder posted.

This project comes under the Guyana Country Programme Assistance presented to the CDF and was approved with-

Finance Minister Winston Jordan and CDF’s CEO Rodinald Soomer after signing the loan and grant agreements as Agriculture Minister Noel Holder looks on

cultivated and underdeveloped due to inadequate access and poor drainage and irrigation.”

He noted that the money is a concessional assistance to Guyana for “… the purchase of farming equipment that will remain resident in identified communities, to finance land clearing; to restore and upgrade drainage and irrigation canals and install a pump in the specified farming communities, as well as provide technical support for targeted farmers.”

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Winston Jordan outlined that the benefiting communities have

been neglected over the past years. These villages have a combined total of 1200 farmers and it is expected that some 35,000 persons would benefit from the programme.

Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Noel Holder who was also present at the signing, pointed out that not only will the communities develop agriculturally, but economically as well.

“It is anticipated that with the improved drainage systems and access, the new farmlands will be brought under cultivation with a variety of crops and fruits being targets for production to meet the

in the regional organisation’s thematic priority of improving existing infrastructure and promoting investment. Guyana had previously benefited from US$11.8 million financing from the CDF for the upgrading of farm access roads in Regions Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Four and Five.

The monies for this new project were approved since Guyana had paid in

full, its assessed contribution to the fund for the second funding cycle.

The CDF provides technical assistance to countries, regions and sectors in Caricom to enhance their prospects for successful competition within the Community, and to redress any negative impact of the establishment of the Caricom Single Market and Economy.

Govt spends millions on full scholarships for Ministers, friends

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Junior Education Minister Nicolette Henry

overnment has been secretly expending millions of dollars for several of its ministers to benefit from full-scholarship programmes.

Junior Education Minister Nicolette Henry and Junior Infrastructure Minister Annette Ferguson are among those who received millions of dollars to pursue their studies in the United States and the United Kingdom respectively.

Henry is doing her PHD in Public Health to the tune of $3.36 million, while Ferguson is benefiting from a $3.38 million scholarship in Public Policy Management.

Additionally, Education Minister Dr Rupert Roopnaraine’s daughter, Alicia, is benefiting from a $2.58 million scholarship at a university in the UK. She is studying psychology.

Other notable beneficiaries are former Chief Education Officer Olato Sam who is studying Education Policy in Jamaica, costing some $946,000 and a Guyana Chronicle Board Director Tabitha Sarabo-Halley who is currently pursuing Public Policy Management

The document submitted by Minister of State Joseph Harmon regarding the scholarship programme

studies in the UK to the tune of $3.4 million.

CSEC top student Elisa Hamilton is also a beneficiary of the government scholarships programme, but unlike the others, hers’ was publicly announced.

Questions are being raised regarding the process used to select the beneficiaries of the programme and why Government did not, in the interest transparency, disclose that it is funding the studies of some of its ministers.

Minister of State Joseph Harmon had disclosed to the National Assembly that Government has provided full scholarships to nine persons at the PHD Level, 75 at the Masters Level, 186 at the Bachelors Level, and 704 at various local institutions.

On Wednesday evening, in response to a requested made by Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira, Harmon submitted a list of names of all the persons benefitting from the government scholarships.

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thursDAY, december 15, 2016 | guyanatimesgy.com

Guyana accredits new Bangladeshi, CCPA hosts Staff Conference Finnish diplomats – victims of Drop-In Centre

Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge, new Finnish Ambassador Jukka Pietikäinen, President David Granger and Foreign Affairs Ministry Commissioner General Audrey Waddell following the accreditation ceremony

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resident David Granger on Wednesday morning accepted the credentials of the new High Commissioner of Bangladesh and the Ambassador of Finland to Guyana at State House, as he seeks to strengthen Guyana’s ties with foreign nations.

The Guyanese Head of State accredited Mohammad Ziauddin as the new Bangladeshi High Commissioner to Guyana, during which time he called for the cordial relations between the two countries to be significantly enhanced, particularly in the area of climate change.

During brief remarks, President Granger stated that Guyana and Bangladesh have shared cordial relations since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1972, sharing common positions on various international affairs, as well as common commitment to the principles and objectives of the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement and the Commonwealth.

The Head of State noted that given that the two countries were highly vul-

nerable to the adverse effects of climate change, this was an area in which they should pursue cooperation at both bilateral and multilateral levels. As such, the President said that Guyana looked forward to learning more about the steps that Bangladesh was taking to combat the threats posed by climate change.

“Guyana and Bangladesh together can continue to agitate for increased and more rapid climate financing for small-island developing and low-lying coastal states,” the President remarked.

The Bangladeshi High Commissioner disclosed that he highly anticipated meeting with the President and his excitement stemmed from having absorbed information about Guyana’s history and observed the beauty of the country and its warm and friendly people.

He said that the Government of Bangladesh believed that in today’s globalised world, relations should be strengthened with “friends on distant shores”, adding that his country now saw it as important to reach out to countries in Central and South America to build

the bridges of friendship.

“It is now time to explore the untapped potentials of our two countries for further development of our peoples.

My primary objective would be to strengthen cooperation and the overall relationship between our two countries…

I shall remain committed to taking the bilateral relations between the two friendly countries to a new height. I will do my best to bring our two countries closer… I know that with your blessings that our venture will be successful,” he posited.

Meanwhile, climate change, along with oil production, was also highlighted when the non-resident Finnish Ambassador, Jukka Pietikäinen, presented his Letters of Credence to the Guyanese leader.

After presenting his credentials, the Finnish Ambassador, in brief remarks, pointed out that the significant oil finds over the past two years in Guyana would provide massive opportunities to grow the country’s economy.

To this end, he expressed his country’s readiness to assist Guyana in the process

of changing and developing the dynamics of the country.

“The challenge is to translate its future economic wealth into sustainable growth and prosperity of the citizens. Finland stands ready to support your nation in these endeavours,” he asserted. The diplomat added that his country has the expertise and technology that would be needed by Guyana going forward.

President Granger pointed out that since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1979, the two countries have shared an amicable relationship, one he hoped would continue in the future as they worked towards common goals, particularly in the area of climate adaptation and mitigation and sustainable energy development.

“We are committed to a low-carbon, low-emission trajectory of development.

We look forward to working with you to strengthen cooperation in the areas of environmental protection and climate change mitigation and adaptation, during your tenure… Guyana, a small State, continues to make a big contribution to the global efforts to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change. We applaud Finland’s commitment to reduce its emissions substantially and to implement measures to arrest global temperature rises and its support for developing countries in their quest to build greater climate resilience,” President Granger outlined.

Moreover, the Head of State also spoke of Guyana’s ongoing efforts to establish a ‘green’ State, which emphasises protection of the environment, preservation of the country’s biodiversity, provision of eco-tourism and ecoeducational services and the promotion of practical measures to ensure climate adaptation.

fire remembered

Antonio George and his brother Joshua George perished in the fire

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eld under the theme ‘Promoting Staff Development for Effective Child Protection’, the Social Protection Ministry’s Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA) hosted its 2016 Staff Conference at Parc Rayne, Rahaman’s Park, Georgetown, on Wednesday. The event saw over 100 staff members gathered, as they were serenaded with Holiday songs and dances.

Staff of the CCPA were also encouraged by Social Protection Minister Volda Lawrence, who praised them for their hard work and dedication throughout the year.

Lawrence noted that unlike many other agencies which deal with much paperwork, the Social Protection Ministry “deals with real people”. She further observed that often, when interacting with the public, staff in the various departments of her Ministry have to “stop breathing” and take time to pay keen attention to what persons have to say; many of whom are often victims of abuse, neglect and other forms of ill-treatment.

The Minister also assured those gathered that their labour was not in vain, and announced that the Ministry’s 2017 Budget was justified, especially allocations set out for the CCPA. She announced that come next year, the departments of the Social Protection Ministry will be housed in one building, with the aim to assimilate the services which the Ministry offers.

The current decentral-

ised system often sees staff going into their own pockets to give money to members of the public to travel to other departments to have their concerns addressed, Minister Lawrence noted.

It was further explained that under the rehabilitation of the Hadfield Street Drop-in Centre, three apartments will be constructed to house family members of children who are stationed at the facility.

Meanwhile, Probation Officer and Chairperson for Wednesday’s proceedings Rickford Fanfair, related that the July Drop-in Centre fire which claimed the lives of six-year-old Antonio George and his two-year-old brother, Joshua George, was “a low point” for the agency in 2016. The gathering then observed one minute’s silence to remember the boys who perished.

It was reported earlier this year that the younger brother was asleep in the dormitory when the fire started and as the elder brother was being taken out of the building by caregivers, he rushed back in to save his little brother.

However, he became trapped in the building and the two met their demise.

President David Granger had ordered an inquiry into the incident which revealed that there was a lack of fire prevention measures, while systems to protect the children failed and therefore, all players were collectively responsible for the deaths of the two lads.

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thursday, deceMber 15, 2016

Regional

Splits form among Colombia’s FARC PM hails Jamaica, rebels after commanders expelled EU bilateral relations

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issures have begun to show in the ranks of Colombia’s FARC rebels after five mid-level commanders were summarily expelled from the group for refusing to demobilise and join a peace deal to end their 52-year war.

The FARC leadership said in a statement that the five commanders, who were all part of guerrilla units located in far eastern Guaviare province, were pushed out of the group for failing to follow orders.

“This decision is motivated by their recent conduct, which contradicts our political-military line,” FARC leaders said in a statement, hinting that those expelled sought to continue with the lucrative drug trade that thrives in the region.

The guerrilla group’s said its commitment to peace “cannot be blocked by a group of foolish people…

FARC members stand guard in northern Colombia on December 6, 2016. The guerrilla group has reached a peace deal with the Government

who throw themselves off a cliff of personal ambition wrapping up their ignoble purpose in apparent revolutionary rhetoric”.

The statement also suggests that the five commanders have a following, and a

source with direct knowledge of the situation said there could be more than 50 guerrillas under the command of the rogue rebels.

The commanders are the second group of rebels to declare their opposition to the

peace deal which will see the Farc lay down its weapons and transition into a political party. In July, a First Front unit leader and some of his fighters left the group in protest against the deal.

(Excerpt from The Guardian)

Venezuela power clash resumes after Vatican-led talks falter

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olitical conflict between Venezuela’s Opposition-run legislature and socialist Government flared again on Wednesday after the breakdown of Vatican-led talks, as each side moved to appoint its own members to the national election board.

The Opposition Democratic Unity coalition blames President Nicolás Maduro for the OPEC nation’s shrinking and dysfunctional economy, and wants to remove him through a referendum or by bringing forward the presidential vote due for late 2018.

Maduro, 54, says he will stay the course, and accuses opponents of sabotaging

Venezuela’s Supreme Court President Gladys Gutierrez (L) speaks during the swearing in ceremony of Tania D’ Amelio and Socorro Hernanadez for new board members of the National Electoral Council (CNE), at the Supreme Court in Caracas, Venezuela, December 14, 2016

the economy to undermine him while also seeking a coup with US connivance.

The feuding sides

came together at the end of October in a dialogue convened by the Vatican and three former heads

of government. But the Opposition walked out last week saying officials were reneging on accords including an agreement to negotiate new members of the five-person election board.

On Tuesday, the National Assembly pressed ahead with a symbolic political trial of Maduro, declaring him responsible for economic hardship and rights abuses in the nation of 30 million people. Later, the Supreme Court, which normally backs Maduro, renewed the terms of two outgoing election board members, saying the Assembly was in “contempt” of the law. (Excerpt from Reuters)

What plastic rice? Minister says no evidence of fake rice on Jamaica market

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ice imports from Guyana and Suriname will now be allowed into Jamaica, after the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) temporarily halted the clearance of rice at all ports of entry over reports that plastic rice had entered the local market.

On Monday, the JCA stopped the shipments and met with the relevant regulatory agencies, including the Bureau of Standards (BSJ), the Commerce, Industry, Agriculture and Fisheries Ministry; the Health Ministry; and the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), to verify whether the artificial rice was in fact in the country.

The concern was triggered by a Television Jamaica report on Sunday, showing a woman cooking the product. However, Commerce, Industry, Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Karl Samuda said

there was no evidence of plastic rice in samples tested by the BSJ. “The BSJ was provided with samples… and, so far, I can assure the people of Jamaica that there is absolutely no evidence of any

contamination of plastic within the samples tested,” he said.

The Minister said more samples will be taken from across the country to be tested and the BSJ had been asked to conduct island wide investigations into the source of all rice now in supermarkets.

“The reason for this is very simple: Guyana and Suriname are considered to be a part of our domestic market. They are members of CARICOM and we have never had incidents of any kind of contamination or otherwise...” he explained.

(Excerpt from Caribbean360)

rime Minister Andrew Holness this morning emphasised Jamaica’s strong and longstanding relationship with the European Union (EU) in a meeting with EU Ambassador to Jamaica, Malgorzata Wasilewska.

According to a news release from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), Holness and Ambassador Wasilewska spoke on many areas of support and partnership established over the years between Jamaica and the EU. Holness noted that the Government will continue to develop strong ties with the 27 countries of the EU. He also reportedly highlighted Jamaica’s focus on economic growth and job creation as a means of transforming the society.

Also, the OPM said Holness reiterated the country’s commitment to reducing crime and violence and outlined several government initiatives as part of Plan Secure Jamaica.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness

Meanwhile, Ambassador Wasilewska pointed out EU’s strong contribution to justice and issues related to the development of Jamaica.

In addition, she expressed support to the administration’s interest in promoting transparency, women’s rights and its focus on social development.

The Prime Minister and Ambassador Wasilewska pledged to collaborate closer to fine-tune areas of mutual interest between Jamaica and the EU. (Jamaica Observer)

Cross-dressing bandit slain by off-duty cop in T&T

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olice in Trinidad are yet to identify a cross dressing bandit who was killed by an off-duty Policeman shortly after he robbed a Woodbrook business of TT$40,000 Monday night.

According to Police reports, around 23:00h, a cashier at Stir Fry King Restaurant and Casino Pei Da Xiu was attempting to cash out the undercover robber, when he pulled a .38 revolver and demanded all the money. The bandit, who was in full women’s clothing, complete with handbag, took the money but on leaving was confronted by Constable Omari Danglade, who is cur-

rently on vacation.

Danglade stopped the bandit after noticing a gun in his hand and was fired upon by the thief, who ran back towards the area where he had just robbed the cashier. Danglade returned fire, hitting the bandit, who collapsed in the office. Police were of the opinion the dead bandit was a woman until the emergency health services arrived and noticed it was a man in woman’s clothing. By the time the EHS arrived the bandit was already dead. Police said they recovered the thief’s Cocoa HWM revolver with five rounds of ammunition. (Excerpt from Trinidad

Guardian)

US Senate passes new Caribbean engagement law

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ew legislation to enhance US engagement with the Caribbean has now passed both the House and Senate and is headed to President Barrack Obama for signature into law.

The new law, sponsored

by Eliot Engel (D-NY), ranking member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and Ileana RosLehtinen (R-FL), a former chair of the Committee, calls for a new, long-term strategy to strengthen ties between the United States and its Caribbean neighbours.

“At a time when our friends in the Caribbean need us more than ever, this bill will prioritise our partnership with the sub-region for many years to come. It is long past time to have a multi-year strategy that will

allow us to increase engagement with the Caribbean, especially when it comes to energy and security...,” Engel said.

The United StatesCaribbean Strategic Engagement Act (HR 4939) will strengthen relations with the Caribbean by requiring the Secretary of State and the Administrator of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) to submit to Congress a multiyear strategy focused on enhancing engagement with the countries of the Caribbean.

The legislation puts particular emphasis on energy security, countering violence, expanding diplomacy and providing educational exchange opportunities for citizens of the Caribbean.

(Excerpt from Caribbean News Now)

thursday, december 15, 2016

guyanatimesgy.com

Around the World

Woman gives birth to baby using ovary frozen in her childhood in 'world first'

Moaza Al Matrooshi gave birth to a healthy boy after her fertility was restored using frozen tissue

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woman has given birth after surgeons restored her fertility by implanting ovary tissue taken when she was a child. The 24-year-old is thought to be the first in the world to have a baby after having an ovary fro-

zen before the onset of puberty.

Moaza Al Matrooshi, who gave birth in London, said the arrival of her baby son was "like a miracle". The UK breakthrough will give hope to thousands of other girls who are unable to

conceive because their reproductive organs have been damaged by treatment for cancer and other diseases.

The young woman, from Dubai, was born with beta thalassaemia, an inherited blood disorder that is fatal if untreated.

She needed chemotherapy, which damages the ovaries, before receiving a bone marrow transplant from her brother at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London.

So, before treatment, when she was nine years old, she had her right ovary removed in an operation in Leeds, where the tissue was frozen. Specialists were able to preserve the organ, in the hope it would allow her to one day have a family. The ovary remained frozen until last year when specialists arranged for it to be sent to Denmark, where the transplant took place.

The patient and her husband, Ahmed then underwent IVF to increase their chances of pregnancy.

(Excerpt from The Telegraph)

East Aleppo under heavy attack again despite ceasefire

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yrian Government forces renewed shelling on the last holdouts of rebel-held eastern Aleppo, raising fears that a deal to evacuate civilians and fighters from the devastated city may not be honoured.

"There is artillery [being fired] now... as I speak," Zouhir Al Shimale, a journalist in east Aleppo, told Al Jazeera in a WhatsApp message on Wednesday.

"There aren't any clashes," he said, explaining rebel groups were not fighting at the moment. "There are injuries, but we don't know how many. We can't go outside because the shelling is indiscriminate."

The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights also said shelling could be heard, but its origin was not clear. Speaking to Reuters

news agency, rebel commanders said government forces had renewed shelling and violated a ceasefire reached a day earlier.

Medical sources told Al Jazeera cluster munitions were used in al-Zubdiyeh neighbourhood and elsewhere in the remaining rebel-held areas. The Russian Defence Ministry confirmed Government forces resumed attacks, claiming rebel groups broke the ceasefire in early Wednesday, according to Russia's Interfax news agency. Aleppo, once Syria's bustling commercial hub, had been largely divided between a government-held West and a rebel-controlled East since 2012. But Government forces are now in control of almost the entire city after weeks of intense fighting and relentless air raids. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Philippines' Duterte admits PM Modi reviews note ban, discusses personally killing suspects ways to fast track digitisation

Duterte made the speech before leaving the country for visits to Cambodia and Singapore

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hilippines' President Rodrigo Duterte has admitted he personally killed criminal suspects as Mayor of Davao. It is the first such admission he has made since becoming President in June, but echoes comments

he made in 2015.

He ran the southern city for two decades, earning a reputation for cutting crime, and criticism for allegedly supporting death squads.

Duterte was speaking to business leaders at the presiden-

tial palace on Monday, before an overseas trip. It is the latest in a series of controversial and sometimes contradictory comments by Duterte. "In Davao I used to do it personally. Just to show to the guys [police] that if I can do it why can't you," he said.

"And I'd go around in Davao with a motorcycle, with a big bike around, and I would just patrol the streets, looking for trouble also. I was really looking for a confrontation so I could kill." In 2015, he admitted killing at least three men suspected of kidnapping and rape in Davao.

The comments have been condemned by human rights group Amnesty International, which has called on him to put an immediate end to the killings. (Excerpt from BBC News)

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rime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday reviewed his decision to demonetise Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 notes with his Cabinet colleagues, and discussed ways to fast track digitisation to enable larger cashless transactions.

The Prime Minister initiated the discussion on the move, which was announced last month, with the Ministers after the meeting of the Union Cabinet ended on Thursday evening.

As it was not on the agenda, the issue was taken up after the Cabinet meeting was over. The meeting assumes importance with the Centre's deadline of December 30, wherein people can deposit the old notes, nears, as the government pushes for improving digitisation to en-

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

able larger number of cashless transactions through various means.

The focus of the meeting remained digitisation, sources said, adding that issues like digital wallet services also came up for discussion.

The Government wants to expand the scope of this

digital payment mode so that they can be accepted at more places like metro stations and petrol pumps. A threemember committee of secretaries is already in place to study ways of transitioning India into a cashless economy. (Excerpt from Times of India)

China installs weapons systems on artificial US Osprey aircraft islands - US think tank crashes off Okinawa

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hina appears to have installed weapons, including anti-aircraft and anti-missile systems, on all seven of the artificial islands it has built in the South China Sea, a US think tank reported on Wednesday, citing new satellite imagery.

The Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI) said its findings

come despite statements by the Chinese leadership that Beijing has no intention to militarize the islands in the strategic trade route, where territory is claimed by several countries.

AMTI said it had been tracking construction of hexagonal structures on Fiery Cross, Mischief and Subi reefs in the Spratly Islands

since June and July. China has already built military length airstrips on these islands.

Satellite images of Hughes and Gaven reefs showed what appeared to be anti-aircraft guns and what were likely to be close-in weapons systems (CIWS) to protect against cruise missile strikes, it said.

Images from Fiery Cross Reef showed towers that likely contained targeting radar, it said. AMTI said covers had been installed on the towers at Fiery Cross, but the size of platforms on these and the covers suggested they concealed defense systems similar to those at the smaller reefs.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Stepping back 3.6M years: footprints yield new clues to humans’ ancestors

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he footprints of five ancestors of humans who walked the Earth more than 3.6m years ago have been found preserved in volcanic ash that was dampened by ancient African rains. Researchers unearthed the tracks by accident when they began to excavate test pits that had

been called for as part of an assessment of the impact of building a proposed museum on the site in Tanzania.

The markings reveal that the ancient human relatives walked side by side for at least 30 metres. The footprints were laid down in a layer of ash that was subsequently buried, but which

when moistened retained the tracks like clay.

A first analysis of the footprints suggests that they were made when a male, three females and a child passed through what is now Laetoli in the African country. The individuals almost certainly belong to a species of hairy bipedal ape called

Australopithecus afarensis which is known to have lived in the region.

The most famous member of the species, known as Lucy, lived in the Hadar area of Ethiopia 3.2m years ago. A mere 1.1 metre tall, she was tiny in comparison to those who left their marks in Tanzania. (Excerpt from MSN)

coast in Japan

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he US Marines have suspended flights of all Osprey military aircraft in Japan, after a crash off the coast of Okinawa island.

The incident on Tuesday night injured five crew members onboard. It stoked immediate anger among locals, some of whom have previously complained about the US military bases and the Osprey aircraft's safety record.

It combines helicopter and aeroplane capabilities and has been involved in accidents worldwide. The most recent crash was in Hawaii in May last year, in which two US Marines died.

Tuesday's incident took place near the controversial US Marine base Camp

Shwab around 22:00 local time. Pentagon spokesman Captain Jeff Davis described it as a "mishap" as the aircraft landed in shallow water, and said they would conduct an investigation.

The US maintains two Osprey squadrons in Japan, according to Reuters. A squadron typically has between 12 and 24 aircraft.

Locals have long opposed the use of Ospreys, which are based in Futenma air station near densely populated neighbourhoods.

Local anger against the US military has intensified in recent months after a civilian worker on a US base was arrested in May for the rape and murder of a local woman. (Excerpt from BBC News)

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Macio Marcellus Alladin and his food magic

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n describing the meals created by Alladin’s Meals On Wheels & Catering Service, delicious, eye-catching and mouth-wateringly great are but understatements.

The online-based business, which offers free delivery and generous, delectable portions at affordable prices within Georgetown, is quickly expanding its following of devoted customers, with the converted recruit-

ing the new. “The response has been remarkable thus far, one that I couldn’t have imagined three years ago and for that, I’m forever grateful,” Macio Marcellus Alladin, the 24-year-old owner, said.

The social media-savvy entrepreneur with a bit of a philosophical bent explained that he started the business, which provides a wide range of local, Italian, Indian and Mediterranean cuisines all combined to satisfy loyal customers, because he wanted to build his own brand rather than dedicate all his skills towards building someone else’s. “…at that time I was working two jobs and just decided to resign from both to embark on this journey and three years later, here I am – going strong.”

The Linden native, who was raised in his hometown and the capital, certainly does not lack for courage and says the most important quality of entrepreneurs is tenacity.

“I’ve learned so much. Firstly, that time is money. There

aren’t any cheap shortcuts with marketing and most importantly, the best practices aren’t always the best practices for your customers and it’s important to never lose track of who you are and what you want your brand to represent,” he added in reflecting on the lessons learnt on his adventure into entrepreneurship.

Business News

Amazon makes 1st drone delivery

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etail giant Amazon has made its first delivery using a drone, in the United Kingdom.

The package arrived safely at its destination in Cambridge, 13 minutes after being ordered.

A video showing the process details how the order was completed using an electrically powered drone flying at up to 400 feet (122 metres).

One sceptic questioned how much of a “game changer” the limited trial of the service would be.

As part of the testing for the Amazon Air service, the delivery took place on December 7, although it was only revealed on Thursday.

The Cambridge fulfilment centre is home to the drones, which, once the ordered package is on board, travel along an automated track to the launch area.

The drones then take off and fly completely autonomously, guided by GPS to their destination.

They are capable of carrying items weighing up to

2.7kg (5lbs).

The aim is that all orders made using Amazon Air will be delivered within 30 minutes.

The trial will be expanded to dozens of customers living close to the warehouse in the coming months.

There are Prime Air development centres in the US, UK, Austria and Israel.

The company is also testing its drone vehicles in “multiple international locations”.

(BBC News)

Gold Prices – Guyana Gold Board

Bank of Guyana Cur

Buying

Calculated at 94% purity, December 14, 2016

Selling

USD

$1168.90

GBP

$260.28

$263.59

Gross

$225,884

CAN

$157.09

$158.91

$205.98

$208.44

Net

$210,072

USD

$ 219.10

$221.92

EURO

Indicators as on December 14, 2016 Indicators

US$ per barrel

Crude Oil

$55.72

Price

USD

Rough Rice

$213.84/ton

London Sugar

$499.20/ton

Live Spot Gold

Change %

+0.05 Change %

-1.37 0.00 USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1142.30

$1143.30

Low/High

$1139.10

$1166.10

Change

-0.30

-0.03%

Business Concept – Invoice A nonnegotiable commercial instrument issued by a seller to a buyer. It identifies both the trading parties and lists, describes, and quantifies the items sold, shows the date of shipment and mode of transport, prices and discounts (if any), and delivery and payment terms.

In certain cases (especially when it is signed by the seller or seller’s agent), an invoice serves as a demand for payment and becomes a document of title when paid in full. Types of invoice include commercial invoice, consular invoice, customs invoice, and pro forma invoice. Also called a bill of sale or contract of sale. (Business Dictionary)

An ardent music lover who believes “music is love and it makes living so much easier”, Alladin pinpointed Kanye West as his dream mentor because “as crazy as he seems to be at the moment…he’s mad talented and creative and I’ve always been inspired by his work”.

With the newer technological advances, the gastronomically blessed businessman said, online businesses will be the new business ideal, given the easy access to a large audience. He disclosed that he had big plans for his start-up. “The goal is to expand and grow. At this point I don’t wanna give away much, but I can tell you that we will be around for years to come.”

With more food magic!

Contact: 693-1409/6178401; BBM:7BF27ABB; Facebook: Alladins-Meals_ On_Wheels-CateringService; Instagram: @alladin_meals_on_wheels

Advertising vs marketing Conclusion

A

dvertising campaigns also evolve over time for many different reasons. Once your products and services are in the market you’ll get further information about and likely be able to refine what your target market is. Additionally, if your product is successful, different venues like television, which can initially be too costly, may open themselves up to

you. How to effectively advertise your products or services is something that should constantly be re-evaluated (as should the market research).

When considering both advertising and marketing, it is important that you take the time to address both aspects of selling your product comprehensively. Market research can be done comprehensively, but if the advertising doesn’t take place, the target market will never

know about your product or service. Conversely, a brilliant advertising campaign can be launched, but if it targets the market inappropriately, your product or service may not sell. Looking at both advertising and marketing and linking the market research to your advertising will ensure your work effectively drives the sales your business needs to succeed.

(Business Dictionary)

Investors’ Guide

Market statistics Cambio Rates

In encouraging would-be business owners to act, the Meadowbrook Gardens resident noted: “…There is no failure, just feedback. When starting out, I think we can sometimes overthink things or be paralysed with fear or feel that everything has to be done perfectly or not at all. I think we worry about making mistakes, but on a deeper level, we worry about failing.”

Always remember why you are starting the business, be unafraid to make mistakes, study your lessons,

keep your essence and always do your best, he advised.

Alladin, who currently has a staff of five, later advocated for more assistance for entrepreneurs. “There should be agencies that offer more aid and information to guide entrepreneurs, especially the youths with the planning process of starting up the business, which is a very important stage of any business. I also believe that Government loans would also help greatly.”

Time management is the key to the local food mogul’s success in juggling business ownership and life, and his mom – his biggest inspiration.

“I’m inspired every day by different things, but I would definitely say the strength of my mother keeps me inspired,” he declared.

“Success for me is happiness. And that’s like a moving target; it’s sometimes impossible to achieve, at least in our own minds. But I do know this, if you think you have achieved your greatest success, you clearly have decided to stop pushing yourself,” the St Rose’s High graduate posited.

Wall St slides after Fed raises rates; energy weighs

U

S stocks fell the most in two months on Wednesday after the Federal Reserve raised interest rates by a quarter point and signalled hikes could come next year at a faster pace than some expected.

Energy stocks weighed the most on the S&P 500 after a sharp drop in US crude oil prices.

The Fed’s decision to raise rates comes as Presidentelect Donald Trump, who will be sworn in next month, is seen cutting taxes and increasing spending on infrastructure.

Fed Chair Janet Yellen indicated the Central Bank was, at the margins, adapting to Trump, as some committee members began shifting fiscal policy assumptions to slightly faster growth and lower unemployment.

Stocks sold off during Yellen’s press conference after the Fed statement. She walked back from recent

comments that hinted the Fed could allow the economy to run hot for a certain time, meaning inflation could slightly overshoot and unemployment could remain low before the Fed felt the need to tighten policy faster.

“Yellen seemed to dampen expectations about her willingness to allow that to happen. If the Fed is seen less willing to let the economy run hot, markets are going to react,” said Brian Jacobsen, chief portfolio strategist at Wells Fargo Funds Management in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin.

Markets had all but priced in a rate increase by the Fed, but the faster pace of increases seen next year may give traders an excuse to cash-in the recent gains.

Since the November 8 US presidential election, stocks have rallied on bets that Trump’s expected businessfriendly policies will stimulate the economy. However,

some market participants are concerned that equities are pricing in a very favourable scenario, leaving them vulnerable.

The Dow Jones industrial average fell 118.68 points, or 0.6 per cent, to 19,792.53, the S&P 500 lost 18.44 points, or 0.81 per cent, to 2253.28 and the Nasdaq Composite dropped 27.16 points, or 0.5 per cent, to 5436.67.

US crude prices fell nearly four per cent, the most since mid-July, on renewed concerns about an oil glut sparked by rising US crude inventories in storage.

The US dollar strengthened across the board, its index hitting the highest level in nearly 14 years, further weighing on oil and other commodities priced in the US currency.

Exxon Mobil declined 2.2 per cent and was the largest drag on the S&P 500. (Reuters)

17

news

thursday, december 15, 2016 | guyanatimesgy.com

Heavy rains cause severe damage 270 gallons of fuel supplied to defunct D&I pumps in Essequibo to Linden-Soesdyke Highway – coalition Councillor raises concerns

A

Regional Chairman Renis Morian examines the extent of road damage at Amelia's Ward

C

urb walls along sections of the Linden Highway have been severely damaged as a result of the continuing inclement weather. Guyana Times on Wednesday visited two of the sites in the vicinity of Amelia's Ward and Kara Kara, where extensive damage was evident. Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) Regional Chairman, Renis Morian, during a visit to the locations, explained that while those are not the only areas that are affected, the damage along the highway at Amelia's Ward is life threatening, since it was caused on a slope a short distance away from the Kara Kara creek.

In an effort to alert oncoming vehicular traffic, a tire and markings were placed at the location to warn drivers of the danger. "Once there's heavy rains in Linden, and we're experiencing some heavy rains now, from the RDC (Regional Democratic Council), we would normally come out and check as far as Moblissa… we were checking on Monday and we realised that there was a heavy downpour – the rain would have dislodged the curb wall at Amelia's Ward

and the whole place wash away," Morian explained.

While he noted that he does not believe that the damage is in any way associated with the quali-

the whole area could wash away. Right now it already get under the road so any two downpours, we could lose a section of the road.”

The Council, Morian

Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Councillor Naitram has raised concerns during the last meeting of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) for the year 2016 over several defunct Drainage and Irrigation (D&I) pumps.

Speaking to his colleagues on December 13 in the boardroom of the RDC at Anna Regina, the Councillor said he was surprised to learn that two pumps were currently down, but fuel was being supplied at the respective stations.

According to Naitram, he is in possession of the supporting documents to substantiate his claim that fuel was supplied to the stations on December 2, 2016.

He was at the time responding to a report by the Regional Vice Chairperson Nandranie Coonjah that the two pumps at Lima and Hampton Court were currently out of order. When questioned by Naitram about how long the pumps have been out of order,

Region Two Chairman Devanand Ramdatt and Regional Vice Chairperson Nandranie Coonjah

Coonjah said approximately two weeks. The coalition Councillor then questioned why fuel was supplied to the stations.

He then explained that as of December 2, 2016, 135 gallons of diesel were issued and to date, 270 gallons were supplied. Naitram called on the RDC to launch an investigation into any alleged malpractices.

Region Two Chairman Devanand Ramdatt, after listening to the Councillor,

assured that a letter would be written to relevant officers asking for an investigation. Ramdatt also related his surprise over the amount of fuel supplied to the defunct stations.

Additionally, scores of rice farmers living in Lima and Hampton Court areas have raised concerns over poor drainage and irrigation in their areas. Most of them fear their fields would be flooded should the rains continue.

More to be done to tackle chronic diseases in Region 10 The damage to the curb wall along the highway

ty of work carried out on the curbs, the Regional Chairman said many are unaware of the purpose of the curb walls and in many instances, vehicles will drive over them, causing severe damage. As a result, he said when it rains, the water is forced to divert off the roadway.

He explained, "Today and tomorrow we're expecting heavy rains and

added, has already notified the Public Infrastructure Ministry of the situation and is looking forward to a speedy response.

"Apart from this, there are other breakages on the road because of the rain that would have to be fixed right away. Those are posing serious threats to life and limb, to vehicular traffic on the road," the Regional Chairman stated.

– Health Committee Chairman

R

egion 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) Health Committee Chairman, Dr Gregory Harris has made a call for an increase in promotional health activities in the Region, owing to what he has described as the high rate of chronic diseases.

Dr Harris is, therefore, urging officials within the Region to work together in terms of promoting preventative measures.

He explained that the

Health Committee, over the past year, has failed to achieve much of its mandate, owing to a lack of communication among its members. Dr Harris expressed the hope that this would change come 2017, so that much more could be achieved.

“In 2016, personally I haven’t achieved as much as I wanted to, because the Health Committee did not have enough meetings because persons weren’t turn-

ing up. At the end of this year, you would have wanted to look back and to see that you have achieved something, but we didn’t have enough meetings as possible,” he said.

Regardless, the Health Committee Chairman noted that, come next year, he does not intend to waste any time and made calls for a reshuffling of Committee members in an effort to move ahead with the Committee’s business.

First Lady joins Woodley Park Primary to usher in Christmas

F

Students of the Woodley Park Primary School at their Christmas party

irst Lady Sandra Granger today joined with students and teachers of Woodley Park Primary School, West Coast Berbice, Region Five (Demerara-Mahaica) to usher in the Christmas season at the school’s annual Christmas party.

The First Lady was given a warm welcome when she arrived at the school.

“I’d like to thank the headmistress of Woodley Park Primary for inviting me here today… and to wish you all a very merry Christmas. I’m very happy to be here,” the First Lady said.

The party opened with a medley of Christmas carols, such as “Away in a Manger” and “Joy to the World” sung by the Grade Six choir.

Petite Leanna Bharrat charmed the audience with her confident recitation of the poem “The Day Before Christmas”. Her perfor-

This little boy was happy to receive his present from First Lady Sandra Granger

mance was quickly followed by the recitation of another poem by duo Zarefa Salick and Trishana Bharrat. The First Lady then assisted in the distribution of gifts to the children before the close

of the party.

Acting Headmistress Savitri Khan, Grade Six Teacher and Choir Mistress Shivonne Williams, other teachers and Carol SmithJoseph, Regional Councillor

and Administrator of the Hugo Chávez Centre for Rehabilitation and Reintegration, along with several members of staff from the Centre also attended the party.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

thurSday, december 15, 2016

ARCHIE

Problems will surface if you or someone you live with (March 21- has been indulgent or imApril 19) pracical. Take action to turn things around in a positive manner.

ARIES

Making alterations to your TAURUS home to accommodate upcom(April 20- ing events will put added presMay 20) sure on you and your bankbook. Don’t be afraid to ask for assistance. If everyone pitches in, everyone wins.

dilbert

Money matters are best GEMINI looked at carefully. You may (May 21June 20) think you have more to spend than you do. Look for sales, and budget your end-of-year expenses carefully.

Emotions will escalate when dealing with matters (June 21- concerning children or your July 22) budget. Try to live within your means. Discuss your plans, and ask for approval before you proceed.

CANCER

Peanuts

Secrets are best kept. Don’t feel the need to make a lastminute decision just because someone else does. Protect your assets and position.

Romance and physical improvements are encouraged.

Plan to do something with VIRGO children, or get together with (Aug. 23- a friend who shares similar inSept. 22) terests. A shopping expedition will lead to bargains, but even so, limiting your expenses is encouraged.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Calvin and Hobbes

Last-minute changes will LIBRA lead to uncertainty and confu(Sept. 23sion.

Making a fuss will cause Oct. 23) bad feelings. Listen, observe and consider your options.

Don’t feel pressured to make a snap decision.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

Discuss your plans with SCORPIO someone you respect. Your (Oct. 24options will expand because Nov. 22) of the suggestions made. A change at home will give you a chance to pursue a promising venture.

You need to step up when SAGITTARIUS it comes to long-gestating (Nov. 23- projects. If you face facts and Dec. 21) answer questions, you will be able to move forward stressfree.

solution for Last Published Puzzle

Share your feelings, but CAPRICORN don’t let situations escalate (Dec. 22to a point of no return. Stay Jan. 19) calm, be straightforward and stick to what you know is within your means.

A closer look at your bank AQUARIUS statement will help ease your (Jan. 20mind. Get your house in orFeb. 19) der, both literally and figuratively, before the end of the year.

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

Copyright 2015, Distributed by Universal Uclick for UFS

PISCES Get together with some(Feb. 20- one you haven’t seen for quite March 20) a while. Catching up will give you insight into new possibilities that could make for an interesting new year.

guyanatimesgy.com

thursday, DECember 15, 2016

19

Taylor, Dottin named in Chelsea press on with Women’s Team-of-the-Year win over Sunderland

― Bates is ODI & T20I Player of the Year

W

New Zealand’s Suzie Bates was named ICC T20 Player of the Year for the first time in her career

est Indies World T20 winning Captain, Stafanie Taylor and champion all-rounder Deandra Dottin were named in the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Women’s Team-of-the-Year.

Taylor, who was also named Captain of the team is currently ranked number one inT20’s and sixth in 50-over contests while Dottin is fourth in the T20’s version and eighth in 50-overs.

Meanwhile, New Zealand women captain Suzie Bates became the first player to win both the ICC Women’s ODI and T20I Player-of-the-Year awards. Bates had won the women’s ODI Player-of-theYear award in 2013 but has been named the T20I Player of the Year for the first time.

The ICC took into consideration the 12 months between September 14, 2015 and September 20, 2016 which included the Women’s World T20 in India this year and the Women’s Championship that concluded recently. Bates scored 472 runs in seven ODI innings at an average of 94.40, second behind Trisha Chetty’s tally of 506 runs from 10 innings. Bates also took eight wickets at an economy rate of 3.75 during the period, the second-highest for a New Zealand player after Erin Berningham’s 14 wickets.

In T20Is, Bates topped the run-scorers’ list with 429 runs, that included four half-centuries, at an average of 42.90. Currently in Australia for the Women’s Big Bash League, Bates said: “It was a bit of a surprise to find out that I had won both these awards. It is always nice to be recognised for performances and after a busy year of cricket, I am pleased

C

helsea moved six points clear at the top of the Premier League as Cesc Fabregas’ first-half goal beat a stubborn Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

Fabregas steered into the far corner from the edge of the box as the Blues recorded a 10th consecutive league victory.

Sunderland keeper Jordan Pickford saved from former Black Cat Marcos Alonso and Willian Cesc Fabregas has scored more goals against Sunderland (five) to prevent Chelsea from than against any other Premier League team winning by a bigger margested that Chelsea’s good visitors, Fabregas somehow gin.

The hosts, who had set run could falter when either managed to find the gap to up to try to nullify their op- Eden Hazard or Diego Costa sneak a shot into the far ponent’s attacking strength, picked up an injury, and corner and ultimately give had few chances although Wednesday’s game provided Chelsea victory.

Chelsea have kept a clean they could have snatched an opportunity to see whethsheet in five of their previa point in injury time but er that would be the case.

Hazard did not travel ous seven games but their Thibaut Courtois superbly denied Patrick van Aanholt. after picking up a knock in inability to put the game out It was a hard-fought and Chelsea’s 1-0 win over West of Sunderland’s reach was a important win for Chelsea Brom at the weekend, so cause for concern for Conte.

For the third time in four after Arsenal slipped up he was replaced by Willian. against Everton on Tuesday Conte also took the opportu- games, they won by a sinand means Antonio Conte’s nity to rest Nemanja Matic gle goal margin and Conte is side will be top of the table as Fabregas made his first now keen to see his side improve their finishing. start since 3 December. at Christmas.

“When you have the posInitially, Chelsea apA key element of Chelsea’s run of recent vic- peared to miss Hazard’s cre- sibility to kill the game you tories has been consistency ativity as they struggled to must kill the game,” he said. with Conte having named find a way to break down a “We had this possibility but an unchanged side in eight packed Sunderland defence, we didn’t and at the end of the nine games prior to but Fabregas highlighted Courtois made a good save. the Blues’ strength in depth. I hope in the future we can the trip to Sunderland.

As Sunderland’s seven- improve.” (BBC Sport) Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp had recently sug- man defence frustrated the

Lallana double send Liverpool to 2nd

A

Stafanie Taylor

to have managed some consistency over both formats.

“The awards are always nice but the most important thing for me is to make sure I am performing consistently and helping put the team in a position to win more games.

“For the past one-anda-half years, our team has been performing very well and lots of different players have stood up and performed under pressure. It is heartening to see that the team is doing very well going into the ICC Women’s World Cup 2017 which will be held in England and Wales.”

New Zealand automatically qualified for next year’s World Cup by finishing third in the Women’s Championship under Bates’ captaincy. They won 13 of their 21 matches that counted towards the championship. New Zealand had also reached the semi-finals of the

World T20 earlier this year.

Bates was also named in the Women’s Team of the Year 2016, announced by the ICC for the first time, with West Indies’ Stafanie Taylor as the captain. The side was selected by a panel chaired

by Clare Connor and took into account performances during the same 12-month period from September 2015 to September 2016.

Women’s Team of the Year (in batting order): Suzie Bates (New Zealand), Rachel Priest (New Zealand) (wk), Smriti Mandhana (India), Stafanie Taylor (West Indies) (capt), Meg Lanning (Australia), Ellyse Perry (Australia), Heather Knight (England), Deandra Dottin (West Indies), Sune Luus (South Africa), Anya Shrubsole (England), Leigh Kasperek (New Zealand), Kim Garth (12th) (Ireland) (ESPNcricinfo)

dam Lallana scored twice and created another goal to give Liverpool their most emphatic away Premier League win of the season in a dominant display at Middlesbrough.

The Reds arrived at the Riverside Stadium having taken just one point from their past two matches and manager Jurgen Klopp chose to drop goalkeeper Loris Karius.

However, his replace- Adam Lallana’s fifth goal of the season gave Liverpool the lead ment Simon Mignolet had but abject after the break - tre of everything they did little to do after Lallana drop to 17th. well. Shortly after arrivheaded home Nathaniel The gulf in class between ing at the back post to head Clyne’s cross before the these two teams was clear. home the opener, he slid in break as Liverpool seized Often keeping possession to block a stinging Adam complete control. Sadio with 10 home shirts behind Forshaw shot at the other Mane wasted several opthe ball, Liverpool waited end.Mane struck the woodportunities but Lallana was for key moments to inject work, giving the hosts hope clinical, first crossing slickpace into attacks with dev- in the second half, but a onely for Divock Origi to prod astating effect. touch interchange involvhome a fine team goal, then Klopp’s decision to re- ing the Senegal internationside-footing in a pass from place Karius drew focus be- al, Georginio Wijnaldum, the Belgium striker for the fore kick-off, but that will Lallana and Origi for the third. The three-goal marswitch to his side’s qual- second goal epitomised all gin was enough to move ities after this display. that was good about the Liverpool second, while Boro Lallana was at the cen- classy visitors. (BBC Sport) - competitive in the first half

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

thursday, DECember 15, 2016

WICB/PCL Digicel Regional 4-Day Tournament 2016-17

Top teams hunt points as halfway junction approaches

A

fter a shift in the balance of power in the previous round, the three leading teams will be looking to take advantage of the three trailing teams, as they jostle for supremacy in the fifth round of the Digicel Regional 4-Day Tournament, ahead of the long break for the Christmas/New Year’s holidays, plus the Regional Super50 Tournament.

History has set up what should be an intriguing contest between hosts Leeward Islands Hurricanes and current leaders Jamaica Scorpions which starts today at Warner Park in St. Kitts.

Elsewhere, two-time defending champions Guyana Jaguars face Trinidad & Tobago Red Force at the Guyana National Stadium, starting on Friday, the same day that Windward Islands Volcanoes meet Barbados Pride at Windsor Park in Dominica.

Warner Park, i.e. last season and the season before, and secondly, it’s where they created history earlier in the season with the highest successful, fourth innings run chase in modern R4Day history (1966 onwards).

The spin of Liam Sebastien and Shane Shillingford were the Hurricanes’ undoing in the previous round, and how well they cope with Miller and his leg-spin bowling side-kick Damion Jacobs could be the key to the outcome.

Hurricanes Squad; Kieran Powell (captain), Kacey Carty, Rahkeem Cornwall, Jahmar Hamilton, Montcin Hodge, Chesney Hughes, Alzarri Joseph, Jeremiah Louis, Akeem Saunders, Jacques Taylor, Gavin Tonge, Hayden Walsh Jr, Tonito Willett IN-Willett, OUT-

Umpires for the match are; Leslie Reifer Jr (Barbados), Zahid Bassarath (Trinidad & Tobago) while Carl Tuckett is the Reserve Umpire and Stewart Rawlins is the Match Referee.

In Roseau, Dominica

A compelling contest is expected between the Volcanoes and Pride in what is typically one of the fiercest rivalries in the R4Day. The Volcanoes will be pumped up to face a team against whom, if no other, they typically rise to the challenge to confront, following their stunning, comefrom-behind victory over the Hurricanes in the previous round.

At the same time, the Pride – boosted by a number of returning West Indies players – were engaged in an engrossing battle with

Sebastien (captain), Sunil Ambris, Roland Cato, Johnson Charles, Tarryck Gabriel, Delorn Johnson, Mervin Matthew, Kyle Mayers, Kenroy Peters, Jerlani Robinson, Shane Shillingford, Devon Smith, Tyrone Theophile Unchanged Pride; (from): Kevin Stoute (captain), Anthony Alleyne, Shamarh Brooks, Jonathan Carter, Roston Chase, Shane Dowrich, Justin Greaves, Shai Hope, Kevin McClean, Omar Phillips, Kemar Roach, Jomel Warrican, Kenroy Williams IN-McClean, Williams, OUT-Kraigg Brathwaite, Ashley Nurse The Umpires for the match are Jonathan Blades (Barbados) and Joel Wilson (Trinidad & Tobago) with Ericson Degallerie performing duties as Reserve

Shivnarine Chanderpaul made a majestic century against the Pride in the last round

In Basseterre, St. Kitts

Momentum will be the key word for both the Hurricanes and Scorpions following contrasting results in the previous round of matches.

The Hurricanes will be looking to regain the energy they had from early in the season, after the weather in the Trinidad capital of Port of Spain and defeat to the Volcanoes derailed them in the last two rounds of matches.

Over the same period, good fortune has favoured the Scorpions, after the weather saved them a few

The Scorpions had a convincing victory inside three days against the Red Force and will be looking to keep the momentum against the Hurricanes

Jahmar Hamilton is having a good season behind and in front of the stumps

blushes against the Pride before the golden left-arm of their captain Nikita Miller catapulted them to the top of the table with a recordsetting bowling performance that led to a sensational victory over Red Force.

Recent history is however, on the side of the Hurricanes. First, they have won on the last two occasions the two sides have played at

would be interesting to note that the Red Force has held the aces in the other three which have all been drawn.

It’s true the Red Force perhaps may have fielded stronger units for those previous five matches, but it may be something they could draw upon to find the inspiration they may require to defy the Jaguars.

Jaguars squad; Leon Johnson (captain), Christopher Barnwell, Anthony Bramble, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Rajendra Chandrika, Shimron Hetmyer, Eon Hooper, Keon Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Veerasammy Permaul, Raymon Reifer, Vishaul Singh Unchanged Red Force Squad; Yannick Ottley (captain), Yannic Cariah, Sheldon Cottrell, Jyd Goolie, Kyle Hope, Jon-Russ Jagessar, Steven Katwaroo, Imran Khan, Jason Mohammed, Khary Pierre, Roshon Primus, Isaiah Rajah, Marlon Richards Unchanged Umpires are Nigel Duguid (Guyana) and Christopher Taylor (Jamaica) with Reon King as Match Referee and Ryan Banwarie is the Reserved Umpire.

After the four rounds of action, Pride opening batsman Anthony Alleyne still

Nkrumah Bonner Scorpions squad; Nikita Miller (captain), Jermaine Blackwood, John Campbell, Derval Green, Damion Jacobs, Brandon King, Reynard Leveridge, Andre McCarthy, Marquino Mindley, Paul Palmer Jr, Rovman Powell, Devon Thomas, Shacaya Thomas IN-Mindley, OUTFabian Allen

the Jaguars in between the showers, but had to settle for a draw.

After the two sides traded barbs in the first half of this decade, the Pride have steadily taken over, winning three of the last four matches under the franchise format and their hand is strengthened when it is revealed that they have never lost to the Volcanoes in any of the Windward islands since the start of the new millennium.

The Pride will also have fond memories of the previous occasion they played at this venue, when they dismissed the Volcanoes for less than 100 twice in a victory by an innings and 101 runs in a low-scoring match on a difficult pitch.

Batting will be the key in this match – After all, the Volcanoes have struggled in this area, except for the previous round, so they will be hoping for a similarly defiant performance, and though the Pride has the edge in this department, they will have to contend with arguably the best attack on paper in the Tournament.

Volcanoes squad; Liam

Umpire and Carlyle Felix is the Match Referee.

In Providence, Guyana

The Jaguars will be looking to take advantage of a Red Force side low on confidence and finish the first half of the season in pole position.

The weather got in the way of the Jags making a bid for victory against the Pride in the previous round, at the same that the Red Force stumbled to their second defeat in a season they started with a sound victory over the Volcanoes.

This could well be another absorbing contest, considering the results of matches between the two sides at this venue. Neither has a major advantage over the other. Of the five matches, they have each won once, and it

heads the runs tally with 451 runs despite failing in Guyana. Alleyne made 8 and duck at Providence but is the only batsman over the 450-run mark. Kyle Hope of the Red Force is closing the gap with consistent batting but is some distance away in second position on 354 runs followed by West Indies A and Hurricanes wicketkeeper batsman Jahmar Hamilton with 337 runs. Scorpions opener, John Campbell (320 runs) and Jaguars’ Shivnarine Chanderpaul (304 runs) round off the top five run scorers.

With the ball, Scorpions Captain, Nikita Miller is in pole position with 25 scalps and leaped to the top after picking up nine wickets in the Red Force’s second innings of the round four match at Sabina Park. Hurricanes off spinning all rounder, Rakheem Cornwall is in second spot with 23 wickets followed by Jaguars left arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul with 18 victims, Red Force’s leg spinner Imran Khan with 17 scalps and Volcanoes off spinner Shane Shillingford has 16 wickets to round off the top five.

Following are the Official Points Standings after the fourth round of matches in the 2016-17 Digicel Regional 4-Day Tournament.

FRANCHISES

PTS

M

W

L

T

I

A

DP

MR

BAT

BOWL

PB

1. Jamaica Scorpions

46.8

4

2

1

0

1

0

0

0

5

12

2.8

2. Guyana Jaguars

44

4

1

1

0

2

0

0

0

8

12

6

3. Barbados Pride

43.2

4

1

0

0

3

0

0

0

6

10

6.2

4. Leewards Hurricanes 36.6

4

1

1

0

2

0

0

0

4

11

3.6

5. Windwards Volcanoes 35.2

4

1

2

0

1

0

0

0

3

12

5.2

6. T&T Red Force

4

1

2

0

1

0

0

0

4

9

4.4

32.4

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21

sports

Farm, Ruimveldt book final date in EBDCA 50-over tourney ― Batson, Narayan outstanding

A

fter two days of cricket at the Farm Sports Club ground, East Bank Demerara the home team and Ruimveldt Sport Club have done enough to qualify for the final stanza of the East Bank Demerara Cricket Association 50-over tournament 2016.

Regular Georgetown player, Oslyn “Bread” Batson made hay while sun shine in stroking a commanding half century and picking up a five wicket haul to see the hosts get past Sandpipers by 99 runs on Sunday.

In all, Batson hit two fours and five sixes in a top score of 62 as Farm recovered from 6-2 to post 211-9 after the game was reduced to 40 overs. After being pegged back, Shivram Persaud and Ricky Debydial

Danny Narayan

revived the innings with a third-wicket stand of 53 before Persaud went for 38 while Debydial made 32. Following their demise Farm lost a few quick wickets before Batson held the lower order together with levelheaded batting in front of a fair sized crowd.

Elvis Salik and Mahendra Dhanpaul supported Batson with 36 and 19 respectively as J. Mc Alistair picked up three wickets and Orin Marks two.

In reply, Sandpipers never threatened the 212 target and were eventually bundled out for 112 with Colin Benn making 25

Oslyn Batson

as Batson ran through the batting to finish with 5-20 from 7.4 overs and A. Peerbacchus supporting with 3-28.

A day earlier, it was semifinal one between Ruimveldt SC and Eccles with the latter narrowly getting over the line by seven runs in a rain affected contest.

Batting first, Ruimveldt lost four wickets before Danny Narayan anchored the innings as he shared in useful partnerships with Ershad Ally and Daniel Paul. Narayan struck seven fours and three sixes in a brisk 72 as Ruimveldt posted 206 all out in 34.4 overs. Ally made 33 and Paul 23 as Kelvin Singh captured 3-17 and Kishan Singh 3-33.

Daniel Barker and Lenny Pancham added 44 for the opening stand to get Eccles reply off to a fine start before Pancham went for 29. Eccles then lost three quick wickets before the rain stopped play with the score on 98-4 in 22.4 overs. When the action resumed after about an hour, Eccles were set a revised target of 161 in 35 overs, needing a further 63 from 13 overs. With calculated risks, they seemed on course with Barker still at the crease. However, after his departure after hitting six fours and one six in hitting the top score of 68, the efforts of the remaining batsmen were not enough to see their team home as they were bowled out for 154 in 33.5 overs. Markie Roopchand made 19 as Narayan claimed 3-24 and Ally 2-30.

The date and venue for the final will be released later.

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A

fter putting down a number of catches in their recent match against the Barbados Pride, the Guyana Jaguars head coach Esuan Crandon is taking his troops through slip catching drills at Providence on Wednesday. From left; Christopher Barnwell, Rajendra Chandrika, Leon Johnson and wicket keeper Anthony Bramble.

The Jaguars host Red Force from Friday at Providence

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

thursday, december 15, 2016

Regal complete clean sweep in year-end competition

Guinness Greatest of the Streets....

Regal Open and Masters teams after sweeping the Regal Sport Tournament and the presentation A hallmark of this year’s tournament so far is the huge turnout of spectators

T

he final two teams of the Georgetown zone in the Guinness Greatest of the Streets have been decided with defending champions Sparta Boss and Tucville progressing to the marquee final on Friday at the National Park Tarmac after resounding victories in their semi-final matches on Tuesday evening.

The riveting semi-finals were played at the National Cultural Centre Tarmac with Tucville recording a 1-0 win over a rampant Broad Street Bullies in what many saw as an upset.

Before the match the Broad Street unit were dubbed the favourites having netted the most goals by any team this year but with just five minutes on the

clock, the consistent Leon Richardson broke the deadlock.

The Broad Street Bullies tried desperately to find an equaliser but yet again smart tactics by Tucville ensured that there would be no twist in the match.

The second match of the night, was in deeded the heavyweight clash as, the partisan ground got behind their respective teams in a match that was too close to call before the opening whistle.

Back Circle, the inaugural champions in 2011 were facing a weakened Sparta team with the absence of stars such as Gregory “Jackie Chan” Richardson and Devon Millington.

Their early enthusiasm

on the field was jolted when they conceded an own goal in the 7th minute to put Back Circle ahead.

The former champs then looked comfortable in trying to play for time but champions showed who is boss when Solomon Austin equalised in the 19th, followed by Courtney Britton in the 21st.

The two sides will now battle for the first place purse of $500,000 and trophy while the second place side will have to settle for $200,000.

The third place match between Back Circle and Broad Street Bullies will see the winner receiving $150,000 and the loser $100,000 along with respective trophies.

Sawpit reach maiden WDCA final ― set up clash with Zeeburg SC

S

awpit Sports Club trounced Rising Star Sports Club by nine wickets to enter the final of West Demerara Cricket Association (WDCA) Independence T20 tournament.

Played at Belle Vue at the weekend Sawpit created history when they reduced Rising Star to 94-7 from 10 overs and completed a successful chase in 7.2 overs to qualify for their first final in WDCA competitions.

In Rising Star’s innings, Marvin Cheong top scored with 29 but Zaheer Khan (2-14) and his accomplices ensured they restricted their opponents to under 10 runs per over.

Richie Looknauth

Zafar Khan hit a cameo of 39 which comprised of three sixes and four fours to propel Sawpit to 95-1.

Cheong returned with the

ball to claim one wicket.

In the other semifinal across at Joe Vieira Park, Zeeburg defeated MetenMeer-Zorg A by four wickets. The latter team batted first and were routed in 19.1 overs for 105.

Zaheer Haniff and Mahendra Nankishore were the principal scorers with 30 and 22 respectively.

While T. Mohamed 3-10 and Richie Looknauth 2-20 were the leading bowlers for Zeeburg, who responded with 109-6 from 15 overs.

Amrit Rai top scored with 39 and was the only batsman to fend off Anil Sookdeo, who claimed 3-12.

The final and third place play off is set for January.

R

egal All-Stars took the steam out of Speed Boat with an epic performance to take the open title while Regal Masters ruled over Mike’s Wellman to complete the sweep in the Regal Sport Softball Tournament 2016.

In the open final which took place last Sunday at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC), Regal All-Stars took full advantage of a ‘out of gas’ Speed Boat team with a commanding 10-wicket victory in the final competition of the year.

An unbroken opening stand of 129 between Manof-the-match Richard Latif and Patrick Rooplall anchored Regal chase against Guyana Softball Cup 6 champions, Speed Boat.

While Latif gradually grew into his stride, Rooplall was usual aggressive self as he dumped Greg Singh and Wazir Hussain for sixes before driving Sheldon Perch for four. Latif favoured the cover drive and executed it well taking boundaries off Perch before smashing Imran Khan for six.

Rooplall hit two fours and four maximums to finish on 52 while Latif struck six fours and two sixes in 51 as Regal achieved their target in 10.1 overs.

Earlier, Speed Boat were put on the back foot early

when Latif bowled Lennox Marks (03) and Hussain (11) reducing them to 272. They then lost two more quick wickets to be at 39-4 before Anand Bharat and Greg Singh added 44 for the fifth-wicket, but Delroy Pereira ended the partnership with the wicket of Singh for 10. Bharat continued to battle but find little support as he ended unbeaten on 24 with three fours.

Latif grabbed 3-13; Pereira 2-18 and Kelvin Olford 2-25 as Speed Boat were bowled out for 125 in 15 overs.

In the first match of the final day, Regal Masters defeated Mike’s Wellman by 37 runs.

Regal Masters posted 171-8, taking first strike.

Having lost Mahendra Hardyal (03), Eon Abel (05), Fazleem Mohamed (00), Raymond Harper (21) and Mahendra Arjune (16), Lynden Lyght and Eric Thomas resurrected the innings fairly with a sixthwicket partnership of 48 before Thomas departed for 19. Lyght hit three fours in a brisk 36.

The innings got the much needed impetus from Rudolph Baker batting at number eight. The powerful right hander hit a four and five sixes, including three in a row off Lakeram “Mikey” Singh. Eon Lovell had 2-19

and Latchman Kallicharran 2-20.

Laurie Singh bowled Greg De Franca (07) as Wellman lost their first wicket with the score on 16.

Kallicharran and Nandram Samlall held the innings together with a second wicket stand of 37 before at a very slow pace however, they both fell within the space of three runs of each other to put further pressure on the middle and lower orders.

Kallicharran made 21 and Samlall 13.

The hard hitting and aggressive Wayne Jones and Nigel Estrado threatened as they shared in a fourth wicket partnership of 40 but when Estrado went for 22 so did the Wellman hopes of a year-end title.

The classical Jones hit four sixes in a top score of 47 not out off 27 balls as Wellman finished on 134-8 from their 20 overs.

The pint sized “Tony” Singh was the pick of the bowlers with 3-13 while Hardyal claimed 3-36.

Jones was named manof-the-match.

The free entry tournament saw Regal Allstars and Masters collected a trophy and $100,000 each while Speed Boat and Wellman received a trophy and $25,000 apiece.

Linden Lyght and Rudolph were in the middle of a good partnership for the eventual champions at DCC

guyanatimesgy.com

THURsday, december 15, 2016

WICB/PCL Digicel Regional 4-Day Tournament 2016-17

I’m back at 90 mph! – Roach

Strong show A expected from Red Force – Sampath

By Akeem Greene

Roland Sampath

By Delvon McEwan

D

espite the challenges the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force have faced so far in the Digicel Regional Four Day tournament, Manager Roland Sampath is optimistic that his team could improve for the remainder of the season.

Red Force were off to a good start in their 2016/2017 campaign with a convincing win over Windward Islands Volcanoes in Port of Spain but ever since the lads from the twin island republic have had to endure three games without much positives with defeats to Barbados Pride and Jamaica Scorpions and a rain affected draw against the Leeward Islands Hurricanes.

The team’s bowling is yet to let them down but their batting is definitely an issue, an area that the manager believes is hampering the team.

“What we are coming up short in is the batting and game after game we (the team) keep hoping that the batting will come good because we had some centurions in our trial games and some of these players have been around for a couple of seasons now so it’s time they show progress, unfortunately we have fallen short.”

Nevertheless Sampath remains strong on confidence that his team will give a good show in Guyana and although he know it will take a lot out of his unit, he said they are up for the battle.

According to the former Trinidad player, his team’s downfall with the bat is due to the lack of focus and it is in the air that Trinidad’s cricketers have a liking for the shorter version, but the idea that they have been preparing for the four day games they need to be mentally strong, go in there occupy the crease, apply themselves and be strong.

He did not restrict the lack of focus merely to his players since it is a concern among regional teams and it is yet to be figured out if it is a mindset but he urged that stronger cricket must be played to attract people for the longer version. “The longer the version of the game we must give a better account of ourselves,” 59 year old advised.

Despite their lacklustre performance to date Red Force continues to field a similar team and the fifth round will be played with almost if not the same team that lost to the Scorpions in the fourth round.

According to the manager the reasons for this is because the absence of the senior players to global franchises and the emerging players would have done well in Trinidad’s domestic league and instead of ‘chop and change’ it is best to give them the run, so they can gain experience, get exposure and hopefully it will pay dividends sooner than later.

Among those young talents in the Red Force side are Isaiah Rajah an opening batsman, Khary Pierre an exciting fast bowler, Jyd Goolie a batsman and the very impressive Roshon Primus, who has shown potential of becoming a familiar face in regional cricket since his debut against the Volcanoes this season where he scored 36 not out in the match and took seven wickets including a 6/30 in his first outing with the ball.

23

career which began under the most controversial circumstances when the cricketer made his Test debut against a touring Bangladesh after the first choice West Indies players stages a players’ strike over a contract dispute in 2009, speedster Kemar Roach shot to the headlines with some fiery spells that rocked the Asian batsmen on some slow Caribbean pitches.

Now, in his eight year in Regional First-Class cricket, the Barbadian is seeking to bowl his way back into the West Indies with his renowned pace and aggression.

The right-arm seamer of late has unfortunately succumbed to a series of injuries which meant he has only played one Test match for 2016 and more so had a considerable drop in pace and confidence.

However, the 28 year-old who have brought Goosebumps to cricket lovers on his 2009 tour to Australia where he had captain Ricky Pointing on knife’s edge throughout series with his aggressive bowling, says that he is using the ongoing Digicel Regional Four-day competition as a way of not only regaining his place in the International team but also his lightening pace.

Speaking to Guyana Times Sport while in Guyana for the Barbados Pride’s round four clash against the home team, Roach said “I’m back to

the 90 mark and I’m feeling really good about it.”

Commenting on the constant niggles and drop intensity, he explained “I could not push myself, the more injuries you get, the more the body wears out so I had to bowl within myself and try to get wickets but it didn’t work out.”

The bowler who has played 37 Test for the men in maroon has picked up 12 wickets in four matches to date in the four-day competition just after he returned from West Indies A team duties in Sri Lanka where h e

Lightning speed! Roach is banking on having the speed gun record some rapid times as he begins the road back to the maroon colurs

Joseph, Miller fined; Primus reprimanded for breaching Code of Conduct

T

he West Indies Cricket Board confirmed on Wednesday via a media release, that Alzarri Joseph and Nikita Miller were fined, and Roshon Primus was reprimanded for breaches of the Code of Conduct during the fourth round of matches in the Digicel Regional 4-Day Tournament which ended on Monday.

All three players admitted to the offences and accepted the sanctions proposed by the respective match referees, meaning there was no need for formal hearings.

Joseph was reported by on-field umpires Danesh Ramdhanie and Leslie Reifer Jr, along with standby umpire Ericson Degallerie for a Level 2 breach of the Code of Conduct during the match between Leeward Islands Hurricanes and Windward Islands Volcanoes at Windsor Park in Dominica.

Joseph upon fielding the ball from his own bowling after the final delivery of the 18th over in the Volcanoes’ second innings, threw the ball at or near batsman Johnson Charles in an appropriate and dangerous manner while the batman remained in the crease.

Match referee Carlyle Felix imposed a fine of 50 per cent of the Hurricanes and West Indies fast bowler’s match fee for the breach of paragraph 2.6 of the Code of Conduct.

Miller and Primus were both reported by match umpires Verdayne Smith and Gregory Brathwaite, as well as reserve umpire Rushane Samuels for Level 1 breaches of the Code of Conduct during the match between Jamaica Scorpions and Trinidad & Tobago Red Force at Sabina Park in Jamaica.

Match referee Denovan Hayles imposed a fine of 20 per cent of Miller’s match fee, after he breached paragraph 1.3 of the Code of Conduct by using language that was offensive or insulting to the match officials and contrary to the Spirit of the Game, when he was notified about the wearing of incorrect playing equipment.

Primus was subject to an official reprimand from Hayles, after he showed dissent at the umpire’s decision by delaying his departure from the wicket, when he was adjudged lbw off the final delivery in the 56th over of the Red Force second innings.

The Red Force all-rounder admitted to the offence which was a breach of paragraph 1.2 of the Code of Conduct and accepted the imposition of the proposed sanction. No further action was taken and no hearing was required.

had 7 seven claps in three matches.

Thus far he has shown good signs and even had some of the Jaguars batsmen on their heels with the pink-ball on a slow Providence pitch where he hit Shimron Hetmyer on the helmet twice.

“I’m feeling good, been working hard in the nets, doing everything I’m supposed to do to play for West Indies again; my confidence is up and hopefully it continues,” he revealed.

The cricketer who has 122 Test wickets and needs one more to reach triple figures in One Day Internationals (ODI), is also known for his defiant knocks in the middle when the regional side is in crisis, revealed that he missed the International game and has longing to be back playing for West Indies.

“I have missed the game a lot, having to monitor injuries but I have been trying to keep myself fit and do everything possible to stay on the park; I have been taking the necessary precautions to avoid injuries and playing for West Indies is obviously a honour and privilege and I want to get back there since I really miss it,” Roach said in his deep Barbadian accent.

With the Test team hosting Pakistan in March next year then travelling to England in May, Roach will have another chance to impress selectors when Barbados Pride take on the Windward Islands Volcanoes in Dominica beginning on Friday (akeemg@guyanatimesgy. com)

Hubbard, Dhanpaul shine in WDCA Franchise trial

I

n preparation for the 50 over version of the Jaguars Franchise League which is scheduled to start on Thursday December 22, West Demerara Cricket Association (WDCA) hosted its first trial match on Monday at the Canal Number Two ground where 30 players showcased their skills to earn a spot in the final 14.

During that trial match Yutesh Dhanpaul and Malcolm Hubbard were the only batmen to surpass fifty while S. Khan and Marvin Cheong got four wicket hauls.

Due to a late start caused by wet outfield from overnight rain, the match was reduced to 40 overs per side.

Team B won the toss and chose to bat, compiling 179 all out in 32 overs.

Yutesh Dhanpaul 58 (4x6 4x4) and Malcom Hubbard 53 (5x6 4x4) led the batting after they were struggling at 26/3 off 12 overs. The pair joined forces to put on 94 runs for the fourth wicket partnership. The partnership was so ruthless that at one stage, Hubbard took 20 off Travis Persaud in one over and Dhanpaul smashed 16 off an over bowled by Richie Looknauth.

However, when that partnership was broken at 126/4, Team A continue to make constant inroads as Team B collapsed for 179 all out. No one else reached double figures. Hubbard was caught by Persaud

Malcolm Hubbard

off Marvin Cheong’s bowling while Dhanpaul was stumped by Adrian Johnson as Cheong was responsible for the demise of both Team B’s top batsmen of the day.

Cheong finished with figures of 4/30 from five overs while Kevin Paul 1/8 and V.Jadnauth 2/10 supported him. In their turn at the crease, Team A fell eight runs short for 171 all out in 39.3 overs after a good start between C. Ramcharan and B. Shivpersaud worth 48 runs. Shivpersaud and Looknauth made 24 apiece and Deoram Chanderbir made 19. S. Khan spearheaded Team B’s bowling with 4/40 and A. Safraz 2/5 claimed two wickets.

The next trial match is yet to be confirmed but it is expected to bowl off on Saturday.

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

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2016

guyanatimesgy.com

WICB/PCL Digicel Regional 4-Day Tournament 2016-17

Pg 23

Strong show expected from Red Force – Sampath

Trinidad and Tobago Red Force players in the nets trying to correct mistakes to bring their A game to the Guyana Jaguars at Providence

Guinness Greatest of the Streets....

Pg 22

Sparta Boss, Tucville progress to colossal final Sparta’s Sheldon Shepherd (partially hidden) thunderous strike from a Back Circle player

stops

a

Tucville’s Dennis Edwards (left) and Delon Alfred look on as a Broad Street player seeks to make his move

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