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GBTI gets into Jubilee celebration mode P11

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THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 2849

Saturday, May 7, 2016

PRICE

Closure of Wales Estate

$80 vat included

High Court halts dismissal, redeployment of workers

High tide floods Vreeden-Hoop P10 stalls

City Council, vendors in showdown again over relocation

Government P10 visits ExxonMobil headquarters

Page 3

WHAT'S INSIDE:

– orders consultations with workers’ unions first

Page 7

– President Granger urges swift action Ramada Princess Casino robbery

Water St vendors P16 outraged as M&CC ignores court injunction

Security officer, 2 others charged, remanded Page 8

The three accused of the Ramada Princess Casino robbery (from left): Andre Blackman, Julius Stewart and Wayne Griffith outside the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Friday

Linden Town Clerk accused of not having “respect” P11 for Council

NIS Forensic Audit Report

Trotman rushes to pay outstanding contributions Page 9

– Nandlall, Sukhai to settle payments “soon”

Deplorable conditions Low staff capacity at Region 5 affecting efficiency Mortice Primary … parents reluctant to send children to school of magistracy Supreme Court 2015 annual report

Page 12

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Commuters accuse bus operators of exploitation P17

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saturDAY, may 7, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Supreme Court 2015 annual report

Low staff capacity affecting efficiency of magistracy

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ow staff capacity and inadequate salaries are the main causes of administrative inefficiencies within the Supreme Court of Judicature, particularly the magistracy.

The Annual Report of the Supreme Court of Judicature for year ending December 31, 2015, was presented to the National Assembly last Wednesday. The report was submitted by acting Registrar, Rashid Mohamed, and tabled by Legal Affairs Minister and Attorney General, Basil Williams.

According to the report, the various sections under the judicature generally keeps and maintains registers and other records that are relevant to its functions, however there are a number of issues affecting such practices within the magistracy.

It was outlined that while all courts perform the same functions as those of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Office, the smaller number of

The Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts

staff in the other offices has resulted in problems, especially in the area of accounting.

“This can be clearly seen in the Auditor General reports over the years citing several instances of irregularities due to lack of proper record keeping and general accountability. This problem needs to be addressed and can start by having a proper staff assessment since the present structure was designed decades ago when the

workload was not that great as it is today”.

The report stated that one of the problems the Magistrates’ Courts faced was the failure to reconcile banks, however, this situation has seen tremendous improvements of recent.

Moreover, it was further highlighted that the ability to keep staff both at the Supreme Court and the Magistrates’ Courts is another problem affecting the efficiency of the system. Poor

salaries were recognised as the driving factor behind this and as such, it was recommended that these matters be resolved immediately to ensure efficiency of the country’s judicature.

“A solution to these problems and many of the other administrative problems must be found so as to ensure accountability, maximum efficiency and the delivery of justice in a timely manner by the judicial system.”

The report went on to talk

about expeditious and timely trials, noting there must be respect for and compliance with the schedules which enhance the prompt implementation of legal procedures.

Cases should be processed in a manner that facilitates expeditious, economical and fair resolution of disputes, the report added.

The Magistracy consists of seven Magisterial Districts, even though the law requires nine.

These are the Georgetown Magisterial District (which also has responsibilities for the Rupununi District); Berbice Magisterial District; Corentyne Magisterial District; East Demerara Magisterial District; Essequibo Magisterial District (which has responsibilities for the North West Magisterial District); West Demerara Magisterial District and West Berbice Magisterial District.

A total of 52 courts are within these districts and

sits on statutory and special days. The Interior District of North West Rupununi, sits quarterly for two weeks, while most courts sit daily and others sit weekly.

While it is authorised that these districts are served by 21 magistrates, the need for this number to be increased has been recognised.

“The authorised strength for magistrate needed to be revised since the workload is becoming increasingly voluminous. Cognisance is being taken of the expanding population in the new housing areas which has led the Administration to have a new building, housing courtrooms to be built in 2016 at Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara.”

Additionally it was disclosed that plans are afoot to construct a court house in Diamond, East Bank Demerara, to unburden the workload of the magistrate at the Providence Court.

Traffic Constable’s death

Lindener on $500,000 bail R on Cole, 40, the Linden driver charged for causing the death of Police Constable Nikosi Lefluer, reappeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Friday after being remanded to prison earlier in April.

The father of six was represented by Attorney Leslyn Charles, who made a bail application for him.

Charles requested that bail be granted at a reasonable sum, while stating her client has been incarcerated since April 18.

One week was requested by Police Prosecutor Neville Jeffers for the case statements and post mortem reports, which

are both still outstanding and as such he had no objections to bail.

Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan granted bail in the sum of $500,000 and ordered Cole to report to the McKenzie Police station weekly.

Cole pleaded not guilty to the charge, which read that on April 11, at Eccles Public Road, East Bank Demerara, he drove his car GRR 9355 in a manner dangerous to the public thereby causing the death of Police Constable Nikosi Lefluer.

The deceased was at the time directing traffic when he was struck down by Cole.

The matter was adjourned to May 18.

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saturDAY, may 7, 2016 | guyana-times.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, May 7 – 05:00h-06:30h and Sunday, May 8 – 05:30h-07:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, May 7 – 17:00h-18:30h and Sunday, May 8 – 05:00h-06:30h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

Light to heavy rain showers accompanied by thunder can be expected throughout the day. Thundery showers can further be expected in the evening.

Temperatures are expected to range between 25 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly between 3.12 metres per second and 4.47 metres per second.

High Tide: 17:09h reaching a maximum height of 2.83 metres.

Low Tide: 10:42h and 22:58h reaching minimum heights of 0.25 metre and 0.43 metre respectively.

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High Court halts dismissal, redeployment of workers – orders consultations with workers’, unions first

BY EDWARD LAYNE

WEATHER TODAY

B

Closure of Wales Estate

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DISCLAIMER: WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ERRORS IN PUBLICATION. PLEASE CALL THE HOTLINE FOR CONFIRMATION - TEL: 225-8902

T

he High Court on Friday issued an interim injunction, barring the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) from dismissing or redeploying hundreds of sugar workers attached to the Wales Sugar Estate, without first consulting with their unions, Guyana Agriculture and General Workers Union (GAWU) and the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE).

The court action, brought

by GAWU and NAACIE was heard by Justice William Ramlall and Madam Justice Diana Insanally was seen by this publication.

The judges granted an interim injunction, restraining GuySuCo from proceeding to implement their decision “to sever the employment of workers of the Wales Estate, Wales, West Bank Demerara, and rendering them redundant unless and until they hold consultation with the Applicants/Plaintiffs (unions and GuySuCo) in accordance with the letter and spirit of section 12 of the Termination of the Employment and Severance Pay Act Cap. 99:08, until the hearing and determination of a Summons returnable in Chambers” The action was brought after GuySuCo began discussions with individual employees of the Wales Estate to negotiate severance packages, without informing or involving the unions.

The date was January 20, 2016, at a meeting between GuySuCo and the unions, where the corporation revealed its intentions to close the operations at Wales Estate.

The unions, in the court documents seen by this publication, accused GuySuCo of not keeping its promises regarding the future of

workers of Wales Estate.

It was stated that the unions were promised that in due course, they will be inform of the new venture that will be established at the Wales Estate, Wales, and the names of the workers who will be re-deployed to Uitvlugt Estate, West Coast Demerara; and those who will be rendered redundant.

It stated that while GAWU was informed on

the corporation will continue to treat with the workers without any consultation whatsoever with their trade unions. “…when the trade unions are excluded from this process, the workers are not receiving the best available option, terms and conditions,” the unions argued.

They reminded that the right of trade unions to participate in and be part of negotiations involving employ-

Mohabir Anil Nandlall, Euclin Gomes, Sase Gunraj, Manoj Narayan and Sasha Mahadeo.

One legal luminary explained that the corporation is legally bound to hold all negotiations relating to workers and their welfare, with their recognised unions, in this case GAWU and NAACIE. It was explained that negotiations should not start with severance pay,

March, 22, 2016, of the employees who have opted for redundancy, and NAACIE is still to be so advised.

“The course of conduct embarked upon by the Respondent as expressed in the letter referred to in paragraph six above is in flagrant violation and contravention of section 12 (3) (b) of the Termination of the Employment and Severance Pay Act Cap. 99:08 which mandates the Respondent to consult with the Applicants before any such or similar decision can be lawfully made,” the unions stated.

They noted that unless restrained by the Court,

ee and employer is “a sacred and sacrosanct right” fought for and won by workers after centuries of struggle.

“We verily believe that the Respondent is deliberately excluding us from negotiations so that they can exploit and manipulate the workers,” the unions pointed out.

GAWU and NAACIE are also seeking damages in excess of $1 million for breach of statutory duty owing under the Termination of Employment and Severance Pay Act, Cap. 99:08, Laws of Guyana.

The unions are represented by Attorneys

but rather, examine all the possible options in the best interest of workers and to agree on which option best suits the interest of the affected workers.

If it is agreed that severance is the best option then negotiations on the severance package, inclusive of its calculations will commence and must be done between GuySuCo and the two unions, the legal expert explained.

The closure of the estate by yearend will affect some 1700 workers directly and thousands of persons in the Wales and surrounding communities indirectly.

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saturDAY, may 7, 2016

Views General Editor: Michael Younge News Hotliine: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544 223-7230,223-7231,231-0544, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707

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

Editorial

Women’s unemployment

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he International Labour Organisation (ILO) will hold its annual International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva from this month-end.

At that Conference, workers’, employer and Government delegates from the ILO's 187 Member States will tackle a wide range of issues, including global supply chains; decent work for peace, security and disaster resilience, as well as the impact of the ILO Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalisation.

This Conference is taking place at a time when the ILO in its World Employment Social Outlook 2016 is reporting that the global economy is showing new signs of weakness. According to the report, the world economy is estimated to have expanded by 3.1 per cent in 2015, over half a percentage point less than had been projected a year earlier. If current policy responses are maintained, the outlook is for continued economic weakening, posing significant challenges to enterprises and workers. Indeed, over the next two years, the world economy is projected to grow by only around three per cent, significantly less than before the advent of the global crisis. The continuing slowdown in economic growth is being driven by weakness in emerging and developing countries. China is facing a pronounced slowdown. This, combined with other factors, has contributed to a steep decline in commodity prices, particularly those related to energy. This situation has, in turn, affected large emerging economies who are commodity exporters, such as Brazil, which has entered a period of recession. Another sign of economic weakness is the fact that global trade, which had typically expanded twice as fast as the global economy, is now growing in line with/or at a lower rate than global growth. Because slow growth forecasts for the Region remain in the coming years, the ILO estimated that in 2016 the average unemployment rate for Latin America and the Caribbean could increase further to 6.9 per cent.

But what is striking in the report is that women face a 25 to 35 per cent higher risk of being in vulnerable employment than men in certain countries.

ILO Regional Director Jose Manuel Salazar is quoted by the Jamaican Observer as saying that more than half of those newly unemployed are women. The unemployment rate of women has increased from 7.7 per cent in 2014 to 8.2 per cent in 2015, according to the ILO’s Labour Overview, equivalent to 1.4 times the rate of men.

According to the World’s Women 2015-2016: Transforming Economies, Realising Rights Report, where women do have jobs globally, they are paid 24 per cent less than men, on average. It noted that the globalised economy seems to be working at cross-purposes with the universal vision of women’s rights: limiting rather than enabling them.

Where there is no choice, there are few rights.

But there are solutions. The report proposes a number of specific ways with the right mix of economic and social policies, Governments can make transformative change: they can generate more jobs for women that their unpaid care work is recognised and supported. Macroeconomic policies can and should support the realisation of women’s rights, by creating dynamic and stable economies, by generating decent work and by mobilising resources to finance vital public services.

Ultimately, upholding women’s rights will not only make economies work for women, it will also benefit societies as a whole by creating a fairer and more sustainable future.

There is no doubt according to the United Nations that Guyana has made good progress in the area of gender equality and has achieved gender parity. The passage of the Domestic Violence Act and Sexual Violence Act is evidence of this progress.

Guyana has made very good progress towards the empowerment of women. To further promote the equality of women in all spheres of life, Government should prioritise the implementation of various initiatives, including microcredit schemes and more training programmes.

Progress for women is progress for all!

Staff at the GBTI, Water Street branch, outfitted in their golden t-shirts in observance of the 50th Jubilee of Independence

Era of ‘divide and rule’ is over

Dear Editor, The former President, Ramotar, seems intent on proving that there is institutional racism against Indians, even if he has to use baseless and incitefull propaganda about Indians being targeted for, and susceptible to, discrimination at the recent grade six examinations. His most recent excursion was in response to a David Hind’s retort.

In that response, he sought to establish that there was, and is, systematic targeting of African Guyanese who dare openly support the PPP. I would be the first to admit that some African Guyanese are not tolerant to their kin who openly support the PPP and may even respond violently against such persons. But, it appears to me that Ramotar will be the last to admit that there are Indo-Guyanese who react in like manner to Indians, who show support for the PNC.

His stance implies oblivion and denial of such a situation.

My experiences on this matter are very vivid. I recall my first visit, in the early 70s, to an Indian comrade on the Corentyne. As we (African-Guyanese PNC activists) entered his yard many Indians from the precincts came onto their bridges and stared in our direction as if aliens had just touched down. Our comrade warned us that there would have been serious, if not violent, repercussions, for him, for his act of entertaining African-Guyanese at his home. He even essayed what their course of action was likely to be. What followed was the flooding and destruction of his rice crop.

That was the recurrent cost he had to pay for associating with the PNC. I remember late Headmaster Jagnandan of Canal Polder whose house was destroyed by fire in the

mid-seventies. His only sin was his open support for the PNC. I also recall the Rupans’, the Ramkeerat brothers, Labachan Labadadur et al who had to flee their villages and seek refuge at Loo Creek because they joined the PNC. The aforementioned is but a sample.

Ramotar’s comrades were, and are equal if not worse, proponents of what he deems wrong and of which he accuses others. If he is sincere, his crusade should be to struggle against all such attitudes rather than fuel the divide by pitting Indians against Africans. One could well imagine how his message is delivered in closed fora and bottom-house meetings, if he has the gumption to make the public articulations that seem to be his contributions to trumping up Indian support and fostering racial antagonism and a polarised society. Not to men-

tion Jagdeo’s recent brazen statement about securing Indian votes at the recent local government elections.

A UG student leader once told me that he was told, by a PPP activist, that one was required to genuflect to Burnham when in his presence.

The aforementioned are but an iota of the various subliminal and not so subliminal racial antics of the PPP, over the decades.

The time has come for the Nation to rise up, in chorus, against any group that continues to take the country down this dangerous path of ‘divide and rule’ and destruction.

To change the ‘divide and rule’ method may yet be our best manifestation of the Independence that Burnham and Jagan dreamt of and for which they purportedly fought.

Sincerely, Vincent Alexander

GTT stands ready to do even more for Guyana Dear Editor, We live in exciting times.

In just the past week, the Government of Guyana has granted spectrum for Guyana’s Independence Jubilee, allowing us to provide long-awaited 4G to Guyana. It’s a visionary move by the government and a giant step that signals the impending formalisation of liberalisation.

We couldn’t be happier. Liberalisation will allow GTT to provide faster speeds, more competitive rates, and a wider array of services to our customers. It will allow us to continue to

“Do More” for our customers; and ultimately, Guyana wins.

GTT is supportive of liberalisation and sees it as an essential aspect of modernising and growing Guyana’s economy and has proactively sought to reach an agreement with the Government of Guyana. With all of the unlicensed competitors, the telecommunications sector in Guyana is already somewhat liberalised; it just needs to be formalised.

Customers can already get several services from other players in the market. There are existing com-

panies that offer e-internet, landline, international inbound and outbound calling and mobile services. Internet access is also available from cafès. So the sector has long been a liberalised one; just not formally so. There is no real monopoly.

With the rollout of 4G, Minister of Public Communications Cathy Hughes stated that, “We are happy to announce that in close cooperation with GTT we are able to provide highspeed, broadband services.

This is the way for our country and it underlines that GTT is ready to ‘Do More’ for

Guyana and for their customers.”

Since 1991, GTT has been in your homes and supported the country’s development; now we get to help with modernisation and the introduction of cutting edge technology!

GTT embraces the benefits liberalisation will bring to the sector, our customers, and Guyana. No matter what you’ve heard otherwise, we say, “BRING IT ON!” Yours faithfully, Justin Nedd, CEO, GTT

guyana-times.com

saturDAY, may 7, 2016

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

Breath of fresh air at local IDB office Dear Editor, I welcome the appointment of Therese Turner-Jones as the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) General Manager for the Caribbean with oversight of the Guyana office.

Turner-Jones holds a very important post and developing countries like Guyana look forward to her support and co-operation. I welcome her to this important and challenging post.

Turner-Jones’s appointment no doubt comes at a time when the IDB Guyana office is embroiled

and ensnared in a series of issues of allegation of mismanagement and corruption and seemingly political partiality.

A number of questionable and seeming lack of transparent transactions have occurred at the IDB local office in recent months mainly relating to contracting of forensic auditors and contracting of staff at the Office of Climate Change (OCC).

Both of these transactions seem not to have gone through any transparent public procurement process which is contrary to good gover-

nance and public practice.

I have asked IDB publicly through sections of the media numerous times to make public the information on these contracts but to date the IDB local office and its head Sophie Mc Konnen have been silent on it, very much to the dissatisfaction of the public and transparency advocates.

There is absolutely no excuse regarding their involvement and to say this is a government process when the IDB knows that for all posts paid through the IDB, the IDB gives approval and reviews the

procurement process.

I would also add that it is exceptionally uncanny that IDB cannot account for its procurement process, or at least has not been transparent at all about it, and has in turn participated in the hiring of a plethora of persons at OCC through the “back door process.”

And the very person who participated whilst at the IDB as a staffer in this approval, is now the head of the very agency (Office of Climate Change) that has these persons in its employ, it cannot get more interesting than that.

The non-disclosure of the requested information adds to the assumption that the IDB local office has serious issues of mismanagement, corruption and lack of transparency.

For example, I also raised the matter of single-sourcing of large value, multimillion dollar contracts for forensic audit purposes.

Even if one were to try to justify this by saying there is no option for alternative consideration and the auditors chosen were the only ones who could do it (ie sole sourcing), I am certain a large number of

practitioners in the field of auditing in Guyana, can right away debunk this by showing long lists of qualified companies and individuals who could have very capably carried out these audits.

Turner-Jones, I call on you to urgently investigate the operations of the IDB Guyana office and its leadership. I will be the first to compile a dossier of these events and questionable transactions and present them to your office.

Yours faithfully, James Cornelius

Benefits and opportunities of women within GPSU Dear Editor, The role of women and empowering women within the Guyana labour force has been a matter of controversy for over decades.

The GPSU has a vibrant Women’s Committee, and has been on the front burner of advocating for women and their empowerment not just to fulfil the goal of gender equality, they have also done so to promote leadership amongst women within the Working Class.

Due to my perseverance and enthusiasm as a public service employee and a young woman, I was given the opportunity to represent Guyana and the Caribbean at official meetings and conferences both at regional and international levels.

These platforms have afforded me the opportunities of speaking out and making significant con-

tributions, while achieving the pertinent personal and professional advancements.

It should be noted that women has been and continues to be empowered as their civic, economic, social and political participations at decision-making levels continue to expand within the work force.

For Women in today’s society their role can be termed threefold, in that we are capable of managing our jobs, homes and childcare relatively. Thus, striving to create a family-oriented work environment, and realising that empowering women has a “domino effect”, in that it could eventually lead to improved living conditions and childcare investments.

With much valued representation by the GPSU, women’s status has moved from discrimination (right to vote denied) to legisla-

tion (gender equality policies) to capacity building.

As we reflect on the challenges and progress made thus far, in my opinion, greater attention should be placed on doing our part as women by claiming such rights instead of awaiting a platter.

The fact remains that women are currently serving, and have in the past served at varying decisionmaking and executive levels within the Union, as many can attest to such awareness.

The Guyana Public Service Union is indeed devoted to making substantial contributions towards the empowerment of women and women’s issues. On this note, I urge other organisations that have not yet included women’s role as a pertinent aspect to review their approach, since it is one of the seventeen Sustainable

Developmental Goal that our Government would have signed onto in seeking to realise the human rights of all and to achieve gender equality and the

empowerment of all women.

Sincerely, Ronda Floris

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guyana-times.com

Foundation

Music for productive creativity

Can music help you get in a creative flow?

By Kimberly Sena Moore, PhD

A

rguably, one of music’s most salient characteristics is the impact it has on our emotions. What if this impact can be used in an intentional way to boost creative flow?

I had an interesting conversation last week with an airplane seat mate, a writer heading on holiday. During the course of the conversation, he shared with me his strategy for shifting into an appropriate mental space prior to working on a writing project. He listens to music.

But it’s more detailed and interesting than that: He creates playlists for different writing projects.

Writing is a creative process, and different types of writing projects require different types of creative energies, shall we say. For example, some writing projects are more technical and demand a level of focus, whereas others are more thoughtful and introspective, perhaps requiring a more relaxed mood state.

So my seat mate would consider the writing topic and type of project, then develop a playlist designed to shift his cognitive and emotional state into what is needed for that particular assignment. One common denominator in all his playlists – which I’ve written about previously when discussing music for productivity – is that the music he uses either has no words, or uses words in a foreign language he does not understand (Dutch techno music

was a particular favourite of his). Other than that, the genres and artists vary depending on the mood he intends to create.

It’s actually quite a brilliant plan that draws various mechanisms underlying the influence of music on brain and behaviour function:

Music for mood: Music has the ability to influence our mood states. In fact, this is one of the most common functions of everyday music listening –to regulate our emotional state. We listen to energising music when we need to feel “pumped up” as we clean the house, or listen to calming music when trying to relax after a long day at work. My writer seat mate used this naturally occurring phenomenon to shift himself into a project-specific mood state. ***Music for sustained focus***: Music is a temporal stimulus, meaning it oc-

curs over time. Furthermore, our brains are attracted to music – not only do we find it aesthetically pleasing, but it’s a highly patterned and organised stimulus, and the human brain likes processing information that’s patterned and organised. Given these qualities, music is conducive to helping the brain

focus over a long period of time. Thus, by listening to a playlist during his writing task, my writer seat mate was creating an environment in which his attention could remain focused on the task.

Practiced associative connections: The final key is practice. My writer seat mate did not create a single playlist to use once for a one-off project; he listened to a particular playlist whenever he worked on that project. Thus, he begins to form associations with that playlist. Whenever he starts hearing it, he will shift into

the mood state more quickly. Furthermore, he undergoes this process for each writing assignment. It’s a part of his regular writing practice. If you engage in this process on a regular basis, over time it will become a practiced response. You’ll begin to associate music listening with shifting into a certain creative space, and it will take less effort.

This begs the question, then, of how you can use music to help get in a creative flow. This creative flow does not have to be specific to writing – it can be for any sort of creative project: cooking, art, design, brainstorming, etc.

Once you have identified your project, the first step is to create a project-specific playlist. This involves thought into the project itself, as well as thought into yourself. Consider what type of mood you need to create in that will help you get in the appropriate mood state. Consider, too, your musical preferences. Use these guidelines to create a playlist of music you like that will shift you into the mood you need to focus on your creative project. As with my writer friend, the playlist should include music you like, and should not include words (or at least words you understand), as your brain will want to process lyrics, which can be distracting.

The final step is to make project-based music listening a regular practice. Allow yourself to learn and associate this type of music listening practice with productive creativity. (psychologytoday.com)

S

tudying is usually defined by the same, old, boring methods – reading, writing study notes, and rote learning.

While these tasks should take up the bulk of your teen’s studying time, there are certainly other less well-known methods that effective studiers use to make sure they get the grades they’re aiming for.

The five methods below are all things YOU can encourage them to do and help them with, and will contribute massively to your teen’s studying success.

Help them make a study timetable Your teen’s study timetable only needs to be very simple, yet the benefits of having one (and using it!) are huge: Your teen is much more likely to complete the studying they need to if it’s planned in advance and written down. A timetable achieves both these things immediately.

By marking out when they will study each subject, your teen will ensure they study everything they need to in time for each exam.

Quite simply, having a study timetable = more study done Making and sticking to a timetable is Organisation 101, and being organised does absolute wonders for stress levels. By helping your teen get organised, you’re helping to keep their stress levels down… something the whole family will benefit from!

Implement incentives where appropriate Many teenagers need a good kick up leading up to exams. If this sounds familiar then we suggest using a few simple incentives to give them the boost they need.

But, they need to be the

right kind of incentives…

Harvard Educational Professors have shown that incentives based on a child’s inputs [work done] are far more effective than those based on their outputs [grades].

This means you should base your incentives on the number of hours of study done, rather than the grades your teen ends up getting.

Introduce them to handy websites The web is a goldmine of fabulous free resources designed specifically for high school exam study, of any schooling system.

To get you started here are a few of our personal favourites: Khan Academy: This site has thousands of free videos covering everything from math to chemistry to finance at a level that’s perfect for high school students.

It also has a ‘Practice’ section that acts as a personal math tutor. All free!

GCSE Bitesize: Based on the British curriculum, but a fantastic website bursting with resources for any high school student anywhere.

YouTube: Yes, it is one of the best tools for procrastinating, but if your teen can resist their browsing urges, YouTube probably has at least 10 videos explaining any topic they could ever need to master.

Past exam papers We credit a lot of our own exam success to studying from past exams. Not every teacher will provide them, but it never hurts to ask.

They’re a wonderful study tool because: The questions and format of the exams this year will probably be very similar to those in previous years.

They’ll give your teen the best idea of what to expect in the exam, and they’ll want to avoid any nasty surprises!

Going over past exams will very quickly show your teen what they need to brush up on.

Test them A great tool for studying is getting someone to test your knowledge.

As a parent, you may not know what protein synthesis or differentiation is, but that doesn’t mean you can’t help your teen memorise those definitions.

As long as you can read, you can ask questions from their study notes. Flash cards could also fit in very well here.

As you can see, just because your teen is growing up and studying for subjects you haven’t thought about for 30 odd years, it doesn’t mean you have to be a spectator of their success.

Behind every successful high school student are very proud and supportive parents.

We hope that the tips we’ve outlined here help you help your teen reach the level of academic achievement you know they’re capable of.

It’ll be YOU they thank first at their high school graduation.

(lifehack.org)

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saturDAY, may 7, 2016 | guyana-times.com

City Council, vendors in showdown again over relocation – President Granger urges swift action

H

eated exchange of words between Town Clerk Royston King and vendors of the Stabroek Market area was the order of a meeting called Friday morning at City Hall, with vendors defying the decision to have them removed from the outskirts of the market by the council.

Over 300 vendors and supporters turned up at City Hall to officially hear from the Council what ex-

On Friday, King told the vendors the council was seeking to have them comfortably relocated by today.

“We are in the process of finalising the preparation of the land where we will be relocating the vendors who once plied their trade around the Stabroek Market and the immediate periphery”, King told the gathering.

“We are not in the business of putting anybody out

that area will be fitted as a civic square for the benefit and pride of all Guyanese.

Guyana Times understands that while over 300 vendors have been removed, the new vending area can only accommodate half of that amount Meanwhile President David Granger on Friday called on the Council to hasten its efforts to prepare and provide an alternative location for the vendors.

Vendors will soon occupy this land to continue their businesses

Vendors at the meeting with Town Clerk Royston King on Friday

act plans it had for them, as it had been days since they last worked.

Following their removal Sunday, vendors said they were somewhat bewildered, since they were never informed of an actual move, but were only aware of an invitation to join in cleanup campaign.

The move had sparked some amount of anger among vendors, who carried out a series of protest actions.

of bread. You have to make a living and we have the responsibility of keeping this city clean”, he said.

The new area for relocation will only be available to vendors for a mere three months. King said following the expiration of the three months, the council will be having a permanent place for the vendors. He was however pointed in his remark that there will not be any more vending outside the market space. He said

“I deeply regret that there has been some delay between the removal of the vendors, the cleaning up of the square and the resettlement… I would urge the City Council to hasten the resettlement and ensure that every legitimate vendor is given a place to conduct his or her business in a lawful and more sanitary manner,” President Granger urged.

The President expressed disappointment over the

delay in resettling the vendors but said he supported the clean-up efforts. He noted that while there may have been some ‘hiccups’, he is satisfied that the vendors were consulted and informed about the move.

“Again, I’d like to urge that the City Council pay attention to the humanitarian side of the cleaning campaign and to make sure that the vendors know what is in store for them. I am satisfied that prior to the move the vendors were consulted and the only disappointment is that the City Council was not able to deliver the promises on time, but from what I can say they’re working,” the President said.

He noted that the Stabroek Market Square is a public space and any citizen of Georgetown or any visitor must be given free access to public places, without fear.

“Over a period of years the use of that public place has degenerated and it became very unsanitary and there’s evidence that a lot of unlawful practices were conducted there. I support the work of the Mayor and City Council to rectify the public area and to put vending on a more orderly footing. This city has to be cleaned and when you look at the conditions that existed in what used to be called ‘Jurassic Park’, nobody had said that Stabroek Square did not have to be cleaned up….

What I would say is let us work together with the City Council to ensure that the vendors are properly accommodated so that they can pursue their economic activities in a legitimate and orderly manner,” he said.

Asked whether it was fair that the vendors from the Stabroek Market Square

were required to move while those on the pavements remain, the President said it is expected that things will be done in a sequential manner and not all at once: “I don’t know about the use of the word unfair, what I know is that Stabroek Square is a public place and I support the efforts of the City Council over the last seven months or so to clean up all public squares…

Everything cannot be done simultaneously. Things are being done in a sequential manner… I do believe that the feeling in the population at large is that they’re doing a job which needs to be done.”

The President said he believes and expects that Georgetown will be a healthier, more aesthetically pleasing place at the end of the process.

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saturDAY, may 7, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Ramada Princess Casino robbery

Security officer, 2 others charged, remanded

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he three suspects who were allegedly involved in the brazen Ramada Princess Hotel Casino robbery and shootout were remanded to prison after appearing in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

Wayne Griffith, 29, a vendor, Julius Stewart, 30, and Andre Blackman, 35, the security guard attached to the security firm owned by the Virtual complainants were not required to plea to the indictable charge which stated that on April 29 at Providence, East Bank

Andre Blackman

Demerara, being armed with guns, they robbed Daniel Ronald and Alfia Ramadar

of $8.5 million.

According to Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones, the files for the case are still to be completed. He objected to bail based on the gravity of the charge and its stiff penalty and the fact that weapons were used to carry out the crime.

The prosecutor added that further charges are to be laid against the men, including attempted murder.

Attorney George Thomas in his submissions to the court said Griffith and Blackman were physically abused while they were being held in the Providence

Police Station. He also claimed that the men were denied the right to seek medical attention.

Thomas also told the court his client Blackman hasn’t made any written nor oral statements to the police. He requested reasonable bail be granted.

Two of the suspects are also said to have similar matters in court. His submissions were overruled by Magistrate McLennan and the three men were remanded to prison.

The case will continue on May 20.

Golden Grove man slapped Gun with causing death charge possession accused A remanded Golden Grove Public Road, East Bank Demerara, man was granted $500,000 bail

by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan when he appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Zaffar Khan, 28, father of one, pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on May 3, at Golden Grove he drove lorry GSS 9553 in a manner dangerous to the public, thereby causing the death of Keturia Dalgetty.

The man’s attorney told the court his client is a single-parent who recently lost his wife and lives with

Zaffar Khan

his mother and four-yearold child. He requested reasonable bail based on these grounds.

The Prosecutor’s case stated that on the day of the

incident, the defendant was reversing when the deceased was hit, fell to the ground and ran over by the vehicle.

The injured man was taken to the Diamond Diagnostics Centre where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Prosecutor Deniro Jones however had no objections to bail, but insisted it should be granted on the condition that the defendant must report to the Golden Grove Police Station weekly.

Along with bail Khan’s driver’s licence was also suspended.

The matter will continue on May 24.

A

Hollingsworth

n 18-year-old was remanded to prison

by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged for unlawful possession of a firearm.

Hollingsworth (the only name given) of Lot 183 East Ruimveldt, Georgetown, pleaded not guilty to the charge, which stated that on May 5, at Hincks Street, Georgetown, he had in his possession one .22 pistol without being the holder of a firearm licence.

Attorney Paul Fung-AFat, who represented the teen, told the Court that his client, who worked at the Georgetown abattoir, found the “rusty old gun” on the road in the vicinity of the Berbice Car Park, and it had no bullets in it at the time.

However, Prosecutor Deniro Jones stated that on the day in question, Police Officers attempted to detain the man, but he ran off.

The Officers then gave chase and searched the young man upon apprehending him.

The gun was found in his pants crotch.

Fung-A-Fat made a strong application for bail to be granted to his client, based on the fact that the weapon when found seemed to be old and unusable. The teen was, however, remanded to prison. The case will continue on May 17.

Eyew tness

Rear view mirror...

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...and social history

cting President, Vice President, Prime Minister and Minister of Information Moses Nagamootoo couldn’t make it to the Arrival Ceremony at the Monument Gardens. Your Eyewitness doesn’t know why he stayed away, since the organisers took pains to emphasise it wasn’t “Indian” Arrival Day. Nagamootoo, of course, had rather ostentatiously emphasised in NY he wasn’t “Indian”, but “Guyanese”.

Last week he allowed he was “Madrassi” - by which your Eyewitness figured he was alluding to his cultural roots since he was speaking in a “Kali Mai” Mandir. Since no one thought he was a citizen of India, one wonders what the fuss in NY was all about. Anyhow, he was represented by Vice President and leader of the AFC Khemraj Ramjattan.

Referring to the preceding speech by former Speaker Ralph Ramkarran who gave a rather ponderous historical account of the trials and tribulations of the indentureds, Ramjattan took a swing at Ramkarran’s exposition. He claimed while history has its time and place, as “Guyanese”, folks ought not to “linger” over the past. Ramkarran, it must be admitted - on the evidence of the fidgeting audience as he spoke - did not only linger but “tarried”.

But in addition to criticising, Ramjattan offered a suggestion to “Guyanese” in the form of an extended analogy as what folks ought to do at these “commemorations” of events past. “Like a chauffeur in every car, we must watch that windscreen in front of us so that we can keep our eyes as to where we want to go. You simply can’t remain watching that rear-view mirror – you’re going to crash!”

It would seem VP Ramjattan believes these “ethnic lingerings” on history are rather dangerous to being “Guyanese” - with all the manglings and carnage these “crashes” produce. Well now that Arrival Day’s behind us, and Emancipation Day lies ahead, we wonder whether VP Ramjattan will repeat his warnings to the Guyanese who participate in that “lingering” come Aug 1.

After all, from Ramjattan’s perspective, the greatest “lingering” of them all has to be the call for reparations.

We can just hear him asking as to why the descendants of African slaves are looking in the “rear view mirror” and stirring up trouble. Why upset the Brits who just dangled some cash as grants for “infrastructure?” If they look straight ahead, they could kiss and make up and the Brits wouldn’t even have to say “sorry”.

But seriously folks, it’s this refusal to study and reflect on the past that has this government in general looking so incompetent - and in particular the Public Security Ministry.

Those who forget the lessons of history are doomed to repeat them.

...on Nagamootoo

The PM’s shill whinged in the Chronic about this newspaper’s coverage of his boss, Nagamootoo. But, he sniffed, “It is not my orientation to give credence to the constant harangue of the Guyana Times...” “Not his orientation?” Why’s he dragging gender issues into this matter... we’ve never questioned his “orientation”. Jeez... your Eyewitness even defended “working girls” who some feel are beyond the pale.

Anyhow he then went on to complain Times has a “plan to systematically pillage the reputation of the Prime Minister.” “Pillage?” Well last time we looked in a dictionary, “to pillage” was “to rob violently of money and goods”.

All Guyana knows by now the PM staked his reputation on money ($1.7M per month) and goods (refurbished, air conditioned mansion, SUV’s etc). But even though we’ve knocked him for collecting the said money and goods while government workers, promised a “significant raise” got a pittance - he’s still in possession of those money and goods, nuh?

But a shill gotta earn his keep.

...on BBCI

The government’s audit of the Berbice Bridge highlighted the return on the NIS investment in Preferred Shares was “only 2%”.

It didn’t say the much maligned owners’ common shares never delivered a penny to them over the past eight years.

We wonder why?

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

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saturday, may 7, 2016 | guyana-times.com

NIS Forensic Audit Report

Trotman rushes to pay outstanding contributions – Nandlall, Sukhai to settle payments “soon”

F

ollowing the publication of the names of several prominent individuals who have not paid their National Insurance Scheme (NIS) contributions over a lengthy period, there has been a rush to settle the payments.

The Ministry of Finance on Wednesday released the Forensic Audit report of NIS, which says that over $2.5 billion is outstanding by contributors who have not paid their dues but have been submitting monthly returns. The report was prepared by auditor Ramesh Seebaran.

While the report stated that several companies and businesses, many of which are no longer in existence, have not been making the payments, it also outlined that several individuals, too, have been for whatever reasons, failing to pay their contributions.

Among those persons named on the defaulters list is Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman and Opposition parliamentarians Anil Nandlall and Pauline Sukhai. According to the auditor, Trotman is in debt of $554,850, while Sukhai has a debt of $1.6 million and Nandlall with a debt of $4.4 million.

However on Friday, the Natural Resources Minister was quick to settle his debt, which he said he was not aware of. Moreover, he sought to explain that the outstanding monies is what is owed personally by him.

“Minister Trotman was not aware that he had been in default and this morning met with a representative of the National Insurance Scheme to clarify the matter. Minister Trotman was advised that the matter does not relate to remitting NIS contributions for any staff member of his, but rather, pertain to his personal contributions whilst he was in law practice,” a statement from Imran Khan, Director of Public Information, Prime Minister’s Office, detailed.

Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman

The release added that further verifications will be conducted but nevertheless Trotman immediately made a payment, and upon completion of the verification there is expected to be an offset.

“Minister Trotman has always complied with the legal requirements and ensured that contributions for his staff at his legal practice have been duly paid.”

Meanwhile, when contacted Friday, Nandlall told Guyana Times that while he has not settled his contributions, he will be doing so in the near future. “I will settle the outstanding contributions shortly,” he stated.

The former Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister explained that the money outstanding is what was accumulated over the period of time he was a minister.

He noted that he had always assumed that his NIS contributions were being deducted from his government salary.

“I belatedly learnt that Ministers are to pay NIS contributions as self-employed and that government does not make the payments,” he added.

On the other hand, the former Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai, related to this newspaper that she too will be settling her out-

standing contributions soon but has not made any payments as yet.

Furthermore, Seebaran in his report revealed that some 42 debtors were identified, with each of them owing in excess of $4 million, amounting to $686,781,422.

In addition, a debt of $168 million was recorded in NIS’ audited financial statements for 2013, however, part of it dates back to 2001.

“Included in this amount, is a balance of $116M owed by the Ministry of Finance and an amount of $38M which represents dishonoured cheques from contributors. Further, over $20M of the $38M are in excess of five years.

Management has advised that these balances were referred to the Guyana Police Force but were sent back to the Scheme to be dealt with under their debt recovery policy,” the report stated.

The auditor advised that the board of directors have to determine whether the sundry receivable balance should not be impaired.

Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall

Moreover, it was found that the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) is the largest defaulter with an indebtedness of over $1.5 billion.

According to Seebaran, the Operations Manager presented a list of receivables totalling $1,091,172,705 at August 2015 which does not include GuySuCo whose indebtedness is $1,574,283,889 for the period September 2014 to April

2015.

The audited report outlined that though a 2011 actuarial review reported that 40 per cent of the informal sector workforce is not contributing to the Scheme, the current system is not designed to determine the actual or near actual contributions from employers/ self-employed/employees that are not registered.

It was observed that during visits to NIS branches across the country, it was reported that the Scheme has limited human resources to cover the areas that fall within the jurisdiction of each office. The auditor said the Operations Manager informed that no report was ever done on the potential loss of contributions from self-employed and employees not contributing to the Scheme.

Back in 2014, there were discussions on a draft Debt Management Policy which resulted in the formation of a document titled ‘Procedure for Debt Management Unit’ prepared in August 2014 but has not been approved for imple-

Former Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai

mentation to date.

On this note, the auditor recommends the establishment of both a proper Debt Management Unit with adequate staff and resources to effectively pursue defaulters and a legal department since at the moment, management only engages lawyers for significant cases. This practice severely hampers its debt collection abilities.

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saturDAY, may 7, 2016

News

Government visits ExxonMobil headquarters High tide floods Vreed-en-Hoop stalls O il and gas giant ExxonMobil, which is currently engaged in oil exploration in Guyana, was recently greeted at its headquarters in the United States by a threemember delegation comprising Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman, Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson and Business Minister Dominic Gaskin.

The Natural Resources Ministry on Friday reported that the delegation had extensive engagements with company executives over a two-day visit between April 28 and 30 last.

They were updated on ongoing and planned exploratory activities following the significant discovery of hydrocarbons in the Liza 1 well, and engaged in interactive sessions which covered important topics such as an exploration update, development of the well for production, and capacity building to ensure Guyanese involvement and ownership in the various stages of development of the industry.

The visiting delegation was also taken on a tour of ExxonMobil’s new campus and ultramodern headquarters, which included its state-of-the-art laboratories where samples of hydrocarbons from all over the world

Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman, Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson and Business Minister Dominic Gaskin in talks with ExxonMobil officials

are analysed and processed.

The level of attention to detail, impressive facilities for workers, and the work ethic were outstanding features that were evident during the visit.

The visit ended with both Government and ExxonMobil hailing it as highly successful and pledging to deepen relations to enhance cooperation to ensure the smooth, expeditious and mutually beneficial development of Guyana’s oil and gas industry.

The Ministers were accompanied to Houston, Texas by ExxonMobil officials Jeff Simons, Country Manager (Guyana), and Kimberly Brasington, Senior Director of Public & Government Affairs (Guyana). They were joined

in Houston for the duration of the visit by Dr Erik Oswald, Vice President (Americas).

Following the historic discovery of significant deposits of hydrocarbons off the coast of Guyana by ExxonMobil in 2015, Government has had several engagements with ExxonMobil officials.

Additionally, Government, and in particular, the Ministries of Natural Resources and Finance, “have been working assiduously to enhance capacities to develop policies, identify and apply the appropriate legal mechanisms to manage and regulate the industry, and to ensure that the national patrimony is managed and preserved so that all Guyanese now, and well

into the future, can benefit equally”.

President David Granger has already committed to the establishment of a Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF), a pool of money derived from a country’s reserves, which is set aside for investment purposes that will benefit the country’s economy and citizens.

Back in May of 2015, ExxonMobil announced a startling discovery of some 295 feet of high-quality oilbearing sandstone reservoir.

The well is the first on the 6.6-million acre Stabroek Block. At the time of the discovery, then Natural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud had said the oil find would be a significant boost to the country’s economy.

W

Stalls at Vreed-en-Hoop flooded on Friday afternoon

ith the current stretch of high tides, several stalls at Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara, were affected by flood waters after the banks of Demerara River overflowed.

On Friday afternoon, many proprietors were seen using bask-brooms to wash away the muddy residue from their stalls.

With the ever increasing tides, many stall owners have had to “build up” their structures by putting one row of concrete blocks

at their entrances in order to prevent river water from entering their stalls. Over at the Georgetown Stelling many speedboat passengers had difficulty entering boats with the high tide.

Over the years the Public Infrastructure Ministry, formerly Ministry of Public Works has been building up the facilities on the banks of the Demerara River since water levels have been increasing. These projects were able to see a reduction in flash flooding in many of the riverine locations.

saturDay, may 7, 2016

guyana-times.com

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News

Linden Town Clerk accused of not having “respect” for Council M onths after former councillors within the Linden Mayor and Town Council (LM&TC) passed a NoConfidence motion against Town Clerk Jenella Bowen, Mayor Carwyn Holland has accused her of lacking respect for the municipality

and failing to relate correspondence regarding the Council in a timely manner.

During the recent statutory meeting, Holland also informed councillors that he had resorted to serving the Town Clerk an official written reprimand for fail-

ure to attend an important meeting, which was recently scheduled to take place between the two, among other things.

He stated that while Bowen had agreed to attend the meeting, he along with Deputy Mayor Waneka Arindell were left waiting

GBTI gets into Jubilee celebration mode

Town Clerk Jenella Bowen

for hours but she did not turn up. Holland contended that there are several outstanding issues, which need to be settled but noted that he seems not to have her full attention.

I

n observance of the 50th Jubilee of Independence, the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry Limited (GBTI Ltd) has taken the initiative to adorn themselves in golden yellow tshirts for the month of May. The Bank takes great pride in joining the country in celebrating Guyana’s 50th year as an Independent nation. Already, the various branches have been decorated with the Guyana Flag as

well as hoisting of the 50th Logo unto their buildings.

GBTI has been serving Guyanese with exceptional customer service while exemplifying their tagline “Your Friend, Your Bank”.

Going above and beyond, the Bank has risen to furthering its corporate social responsibility by giving back to the communities in hosting Community Business Workshops in the various Regions, partnering with

various governmental and non-governmental entities, annual donations and other such community-based activities.

GBTI presently has 13 branches stretching across Guyana namely: Anna Regina, Parika, Vreed-enhoop, Providence, Diamond, Water Street, Regent Street, Kingston (Corporate Office), Port Mourant, Corriverton, Lethem, Bartica, and Port Kaituma.

“There’s so much going on in this council that we need to be made aware. I’m saying if there’s matters before the council that we need to know about, they need to be brought to the fore… It is essential that you refocus your efforts on working together with the body of councillors to establish a collaborative working relationship,” Holland stressed.

In her response, Bowen said she believes there is some kind of “mix up” as it relates to the roles and responsibilities of the administration versus that of the council as well as the policy-maker and administration.

Meanwhile, Councillor Lennox Gasper who abstained from the Motion stated that a decision to

Mayor Carwyn Holland

reprimand the town clerk should be one for the Council to make, while noting that there was some amount of tardiness which he said was due to the lack of resources.

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SaturDay, may 7, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Deplorable conditions at Retired Policeman Region 5 Mortice Primary named SOCU ... parents reluctant to send children to children

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he optimum educational advancement of students at the Mortice Primary School at Mahaicony, Region 5 (Mahaica/Berbice) is being hindered because of the school’s current deplorable conditions.

On Friday Guyana Times was shown evidence of hanging wires with accompanying sockets for fluorescent lights at various sections of the

(REO) Roderick Edinboro have the ceiling repaired after Pest control had removed it to clean the stench.

Guyana Times was also told that pest control pulled out the wires to clear the ceiling but the REO is yet to send staff to fix the wires.

Additionally, the plyboards were also left after being torn off. One individual told this newspaper that some of the

Hanging wires in toilets at Mortice Primary School

school.

Information reaching this publication stated that the pest control department removed the internal ceiling of the school after a section “caved in” due to mounting bat defecation. According to reports, bat dung and dead bats were removed from the school around four weeks ago and the Regional Administration had requested that the Regional Executive Officer

parents complained of the lingering scent which drove them to clean up some of the dirt, as they were concerned over the children’s health.

“The children dem parents keep dem way, they not sending them to school… a lot missing school.”

Further, parents threatened to call in the media but upon supposed instructions of the Education Department, the Headteacher reportedly

Deputy

R Nursery school students attending classes outside

pleaded with the parents not to do so and it was promised that the situation would be rectified.

Additionally the school’s lavatory facilities are in a nonfunctioning condition.

This publication was told that cleaners would have to fetch many buckets of water from the neighbour’s yard to flush the toilets. More alarming was that “the children can’t use the toilets because as soon as they enter, the live wire is there.”

Inadequate nursery

Meanwhile, early childhood development is also at risk of being hindered as some 23 students of the Mortice Nursery School are currently attending classes under the Mortice Primary School.

These classes are being conducted in an environment that is not enclosed. The students also have to consume their lunch there. Parents are worried that their chil-

dren will become sick if they get wet with the prevailing weather pattern.

It was on April 10 Guyana Times reported that a dormitory in Mahaicony which houses secondary school students from the Indigenous community of Moraikabi, had lacked vital food supplies. At that time, Guyana Times was told that all the facility had were some potatoes.

After the report was published, a number of items was supplied to the facility nearly two weeks later.

etired Senior Superintendent of Police Lawrence Kissoon has been named Deputy Head of the Guyana Police Force’s (GPF) Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU).

Kissoon, who recently retired from the Force after serving for over two decades, is slated to assume duty soon.

Kissoon will be the Deputy to Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Sydney James, who himself is a retired Colonel of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).

Efforts made to confirm Kissoon’s appointment at SOCU with the agency head proved futile.

SOCU was established in 2013 as a law enforce-

Lawrence Kissoon

ment agency to investigate exclusively, allegations relating to money laundering and terrorism and has since expanded its operations to include gold smuggling and narcotics trafficking by Guyanese locally and abroad.

Newly-rebuilt access dam, others in Region 1 sinking – Vice Chairman

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One of the sunken dams in Region One

egion One (BarimaWaini) Vice Chairman Sarah Browne is calling for an intercession on behalf of the residents by Government as several dams that are used to connect one village to the next are sinking.

The most severe case is in the village of Barabina affecting the dam connecting it to Broome’s Estate (a major economic area in Region One).

Barabina is located in Mabaruma and connects Barabina village to Central Mabaruma. The dam is the only access in and out of the village.

According to the Vice Chairman, the dam has been sinking for a considerable period of time and a few days before Local Government Elections (LGE) work commenced to have the dam rebuilt.

The works were started by the Government through the Public Infrastructure Ministry without any notice or any input from the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), Browne said.

She divulged that an investigation was carried out by the RDC and it was revealed that $3 million was paid to a local contractor to rebuild the dam through sole sourcing.

The Vice Chairman further disclosed to this publication that information obtained following the investigation also revealed that the Public Infrastructure Ministry had initially asked the RDC Public Works Department for a proposal for the dam.

The proposal given by the RDC exceeded the $3 million that was allotted.

It is believed that in an effort to cut cost, the Public Infrastructure Ministry allocated the contract to the local contractor for less than what the RDC was requesting to have the dam to be properly reconstructed.

As a result of the “substandard” work that was completed, the dam is already back to the deplorable condition it was in just one month after it was rebuilt, Browne highlighted.

She noted that dams con-

tinue to be a huge issue in the Region. The residents of Manawarin have also been calling for their dam to be given some attention since the rainy season has begun.

According to the residents, because the dam in their village has sunken, the rain is causing “labaria snakes” to come up onto their lands, especially at a specific area where children traverse on a daily basis.

In Moruca, Para, Ricon and Mora (all located in Santa Rosa), dams are also breaking away.

These communities all connect to Central Santa Rosa where the schools, health centres and commercial areas are found.

Browne disclosed that the RDC budgeted for the dams, but this was not approved.

Thus, she is calling for swift action by the Government to have the concerns of the residents addressed.

This newspaper tried to make contact with the Public Infrastructure Ministry, but all attempts proved futile.

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saturDay, may 7, 2016 | guyana-times.com

GuyExpo preparations on track – will be more business-oriented this year

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ith just five days to GuyExpo, preparations are going as planned to finalise the event.

In an interview with Guyana Times event coordinator Tameka SukhdeoSingh expressed delight at the way things are going on Guyana’s premier trade fair: “As of today, as you walk around the compound you will see our preparations are in full bloom. We are ready.”

Exhibitors are on course but the rains seemingly are posing a threat to the prep-

arations. However, this will not stop the event from opening on 12 May. GuyExpo which previously was under the Ministry of Trade and Commerce is now under the Ministry of Business and will now take a more business-oriented approach in keeping with its

theme “Promoting enterprises, Driving Productivity.”

Sukhdeo-Singh noted that the planning committee along with Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin, are working to make this event for the exhibitors a more business-oriented event.

The main focus of the event is to help with expansion of small- and mediumscale businesses in order to contribute to the economy.

When the event began in 1995, from 200 exhibitors it kept growing, with this year

400 booths are expected to be occupied. Among these are over 50 first-timers including Fernandes Bread Box, and others.

In recognition of Guyana’s golden jubilee, the coordinators of GuyExpo are looking to have a lot of groups to show the prog-

ress they have made over the years and bring back the vintage style that will be incorporated in the décor of GuyExpo.

Exhibitors such as luminous women are looking to do the ‘old dollar sweeties’ and Torginol paints will be using old advertisements.

This year the business exhibitors can expect four workshops. These workshops include packaging and promotion. There is the need for local investors to be able to appreciate the importance of a brand and the large companies can share with microcompanies to help develop them, Singh outlined.

Another important feature according to the coordinator is “a social media marketing workshop which is one of the most fundamental areas for a business to grow in this generation.”

Access to finance and business planning are the two other workshops within the GuyExpo plans.

The coordinator highlighted that security is upto-date with close-circuit television around the entire compound.

While this year may be different, the usual sponsors are on board such as Digicel, GTT, DDL, Banks DIH, Ansa McAl, among others.

The expo plans for families with comedy shows and skits on Friday while

The arch at the entrance to the Sophia Exhibition Centre

Saturday and Sunday will see concerts by DDL and Ansa McAl. Ten special gate prizes every night of the exhibition

will include ipads, Xboxes, Cellphones, and a lot more.

Sukhdeo-Singh emphasised GuyExpo is the place to be.

The premier event is expected to run from the 12 to 15h May at the Sophia Exhibition Centre.

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saturDay, may 7, 2016

Regional

Brazil Senate committee “Panama Papers”: Source breaks backs Dilma Rousseff trial silence on Mossack Fonseca leaks

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The result of the committee's vote was closely watched by Brazilians

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Senate committee in Brazil has recommended that President Dilma Rousseff should face an impeachment trial for breaking budget laws.

The full Senate will now vote next week on whether the trial should proceed.

Rousseff has denied any wrongdoing, and described the impeachment procedure as a coup attempt by political enemies.

Her removal would mark an end to 13 years of rule by the left wing Worker's Party.

The Senate committee on

Friday voted 15-5 for the impeachment trial.

The vote paves the way for a full Senate vote on Wednesday on whether the President should face trial for allegedly manipulating budget figures.

If a majority votes in favour, she will be instantly suspended for up to six months from office and Vice President Michel Temer will take over as interim President.

At the end of a trial that could take up to 180 days, Senators will vote on whether she is guilty or not. If con-

victed, Rousseff will stand down permanently.

Friday's developments are the latest in a series of political manoeuvrings surrounding the President.

On Thursday, Brazil's top court suspended Lower House Speaker Eduardo Cunha from his mandate, following a request by the country's Attorney General.

Cunha – an outspoken critic of the President – has been accused of trying to obstruct a corruption investigation against him and intimidating lawmakers. (Excerpt

from BBC News)

Colombia to send jets against criminal gangs T

he Colombian Government says it will launch air raids against gangs involved in drug trafficking and illegal mining.

Defence Minister Luis Carlos Villegas said the full force of the State, including the military, would be used to fight them.

The gangs emerged from right-wing paramilitary squads disbanded under the last Government of Alvaro Uribe, who was in office until five years ago.

Officials say there are three criminal gangs with about 3000 members.

Air raids against leftwing FARC – the country's largest rebel group – are currently suspended, as peace talks continue in an effort to end five decades of conflict.

"This will allow the application of the entire force of the state, without exception, against organised armed groups, against powerful mafias," Villegas said.

The new strategy specifically targets three groups – the Clan Usuga, Los Pelusos and Los Puntilleros.

Clan Usuga is the largest and is accused of trafficking cocaine to Central

America and on to the US. The Los Pelusos gang has strong links with the powerful Sinaloa Cartel in Mexico.

Los Puntilleros are involved in trafficking in Colombia's Catatumbo region.

Analysts say the decision to militarise the fight against organised crime marks a sharp turn in strategy as the Government is nearing a peace deal with the FARC. Air raids have been the most powerful military strategy against guerrilla groups and led to the deaths of many of their most feared commanders. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Human rights groups urge Jamaica to shelve idea to resume hanging

F

orget the death penalty and instead focus on fast tracking critical reforms in the justice and law enforcement systems.

That’s the advice two human rights groups – Stand Up for Jamaica (SUFJ) and Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) – have given to National Security Minister Robert Montague following his announcement that Government is exploring the possibility of bringing back the death penalty.

Montague said the State Minister in his Ministry, Senator Pearnel Charles Jr, has been instruct-

ed to consult with several stakeholders, including the Ministry of Justice and Attorney General’s Office, to determine if there are any “legal impediments” to be addressed in resuming hangings.

But the groups say there is an abundance of evidence that shows capital punishment is not an effective deterrent to crime, with several countries who continue to impose capital punishment still seeing high rates of violent crime.

“Instead of reviving an inhumane and ineffective practice, Government should focus on fast-track-

ing the critical reforms needed in the justice and law enforcement systems,” they said in a joint statement.

“Capital punishment does not address the root causes of crime and this is where we feel Minister Montague should focus his attention.”

SUFJ and JFJ also suggested that if Jamaica is to be a part of the global village, then it must accept international norms in order to avoid the consequences of losing critical support and funding from donors and international partners who have clearly expressed their opposition to the death penalty.

(Excerpt from Caribbean360)

he anonymous source behind the leak of the “Panama Papers” has spoken for the first time, offering to help law authorities make prosecutions in return for immunity.

In an 1800-word statement, "John Doe" reveals he has never worked for a spy agency or a government.

He starts the statement by citing "income equality" as a motive.

The “Panama Papers” have shown how some wealthy people use offshore firms to evade tax and avoid sanctions.

The documents belonged to the Mossack Fonseca law firm. It denies any wrongdoing and says it is the victim of a hack.

The Papers were investigated by hundreds of investigative journalists, including from the BBC, who worked in secret with the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) for months.

The documents have revealed the hidden assets of hundreds of politicians, officials, current and former national leaders, celebrities and sports stars.

They list more than

200,000 shell companies, foundations and trusts set up in tax havens around the world.

The John Doe statement came shortly before US President Barack Obama delivered an address on the economy, in which he cited the “Panama Papers” as highlighting the problem of corruption and tax evasion.

He said the US would require banks to identify those behind shell corporations. Obama said his Administration's actions would allow it to do a better job of making sure people paid taxes. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Grenada, Antigua record first confirmed cases of Zika

G

renada and Antigua and Barbuda have each recorded their first laboratory confirmed case of Zika infection.

Both are women. In Antigua, a woman who returned from the Dominican Republic recently tested positive for the mosquitoborne illness. A 27-year-old non-Grenadian with a history of recent travel to St Vincent and the Grenadines was diagnosed as Grenada’s first patient.

The cases were confirmed by the Trinidadbased Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA).

“Upon receiving notification of the suspected case, the Ministry had dispatched vector control teams to the area where entomological surveillance, treatment, and fogging were undertaken,” the Health Ministry in Grenada said, in announc-

The cases were confirmed by the Trinidad-based Caribbean

ing the confirmed case.

Health Minister Nickolas Steele said his staff aggressively took those measures to contain the possible spread of the Virus and to ensure that the Health Ministry continued its efforts to eradicate the Aedes aegypti Mosquito.

The Ministry said that while the Government has been at the forefront of the national response to Zika, with the support of private and public stakeholders, citizens also needed to take personal responsibility in dealing with mosquito-borne diseases. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

1000 safety and security officers for Jamaica’s public schools

T

here will be 1000 safety and security officers in Jamaica’s public schools come September, as authorities try to deal with indiscipline in the island’s learning institutions.

“Safety and security in schools is part of the strategic priorities of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information.

The programme is constantly under review and we are going to see some results in the coming years,” said Director for Safety and Security in Schools, in the Ministry, Assistant Superintendent Coleridge Minto.

In addition to those officers, other initiatives are being implemented.

Minto said the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) launched a mentorship club in 40 schools last year, in order to provide role models for males and females.

Director for Safety and Security in Schools, in the Education Ministry, Assistant Superintendent Coleridge Minto

“There are 450 volunteer Pastors and Police Chaplains that are strategically placed across the island, who are willing to provide spiritual guidance and a moral compass to steer

our young boys to where they belong,” he said, adding that greater emphasis will be placed on uniformed groups to increase discipline in schools.

“We feel that the presence of the groups will help with the disciplinary and behavioural problems we see.

It will also teach the youngsters lessons they will not learn in the classroom.”

Consulting psychologist, Dr Leahcim Semaj, welcomed the new thrust for uniformed groups in public schools, but also called for more male-oriented groups and organisations.

“There are about 287 women organisations, and how many do we have that focus on boys and men? We have to realise that there is a male energy that will become destructive if you do not transform it and socialise it,” he cautioned. (Excerpt

from Caribbean360)

saturDAY, may 7, 2016

guyana-times.com

Around the world

Erdogan tells EU: "We'll go our way, you go yours"

T

urkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has rejected easing anti-terror legislation in exchange for visa-free travel for Turkish citizens in the European Union.

Erdogan told EU states, "We'll go our way, you go yours," in a statement released on Friday, just a day after the resignation of his Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu.

Davutoglu –who negotiated the deal with EU states – is believed to have stepped down after a rift with the Turkish President.

European leaders wanted Turkey to reverse recent anti-terror measures in exchange for allowing Turks

15

Erdogan has pushed for a broader application of anti-terror laws [Murad Sezer/Reuters]

to visit the EU without visa for stays of up to 90 days.

The laws were brought in after a number of attacks carried out by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) group and Kurdish

separatists, respectively.

The Government says that the laws will allow it to take on the groups more effectively, but critics say the country's leadership is unfairly targeting opponents.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

China takes first step in US$1B pledge to UN to fund peace, development

C

hina signed an agreement with the United Nations on Friday to pay US$20 million annually for a decade to help fund peace, security and development activities, taking the first step in fulfilling a US$1 billion pledge made by President Xi Jinping.

The money will be paid into a newly established UN Peace and Development Trust Fund, and China's contribution will be split evenly between supporting peace and security, and implementing a 2030 agenda for sustainable development.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon was "extremely appreciative of this generous contribution to the United Nations", his spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters.

Chinese President Xi Jinping

"This is a follow-up of Chinese President Xi Jinping's announcement last September of China's contribution to a strong United Nations," Dujarric said.

During the annual gath-

ering of world leaders at the UN in September last year, Xi said China would establish "a 10-year, US$1 billion China-UN peace and development fund to support the UN's work".

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Labour's Khan becomes 1st Egypt crackdown widens with arrest of leading rights lawyer Muslim Mayor of London

S

adiq Khan, the son of a bus driver, became London's first Muslim Mayor on Friday, seeing off a Conservative challenger who attempted to link him to extremism and securing a much-needed victory for his Opposition Labour Party.

As New York Mayor Bill de Blasio sent his congratulations, Khan had yet to re-

ceive official notification of his victory, which would go some way to soothing the wounds of Labour which suffered losses in Thursday's other local elections.

Dealt a crushing blow in Scotland, where it came third behind the Scottish National Party and Britain's ruling Conservatives, Labour did better than ex-

pected in England, saving its left-leaning leader from an early challenge.

But the big prize was the London Mayor vote, which pitted Khan, 45, who grew up in public housing in inner city London, against Conservative Zac Goldsmith, 41, the son of a billionaire financier.

A

prominent Egyptian human rights lawyer has been arrested, in the latest Government move against critics of a recent decision to hand over two Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia.

Malek Adly is accused of plotting a coup and spreading false information.

He is among a group of

lawyers who filed a lawsuit against a deal signed by President Abdul Fattah alSisi and Saudi Arabia over the islands.

The decision led to protests in April, followed by a wave of arrests.

Malek Adly was one of a group of journalists supporting the protests. He appeared

(Excerpt from Reuters)

on TV talk shows, arguing that the islands belonged to Egypt.

Two others from the group were arrested on Sunday during a Police raid on the journalists' union, sparking protests by hundreds of journalists who called for Interior Minister Magdy AbdelGhaffar, to be dismissed.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Turkey jails prominent journalists Convoy leads Canada fire evacuees through burning city to safety A Turkish court has jailed two prominent journalists for revealing State secrets, in a case widely criticised by international observers.

Erdem Gul received five years and Can Dundar five years and 10 months.

Dundar and Gul, the former editor and Ankara bureau chief of opposition daily Cumhuriyet, were prosecut-

ed over reports alleging the Turkish Government had tried to ship arms to jihadists.

Shortly before the verdict, a gunman attempted to kill Dundar.

The assailant fired several shots while Dundar was briefing reporters outside the courthouse. Dundar escaped unharmed and the gunman was arrested. A reporter was

slightly injured in the leg.

The two men were acquitted of more serious charge of espionage, which could have carried with it a life sentence. But their very prosecution has proved controversial, drawing sharp criticism from human rights campaigners and fellow journalists.

They are expected to appeal against the verdict.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

2 killed in shopping mall shootings in Maryland A man is in custody after two people were killed and three injured in two shootings at shopping centres in Maryland near Washington.

The man arrested, a Police Officer, is also wanted for the fatal shooting of his estranged wife on Thursday.

One person was killed and two more people are in hospital after being shot outside a shopping mall in Bethesda.

In Friday's second incident, a woman was shot and killed 13 kilometres (eight miles) away shortly afterwards.

Eulalio Tordil, 62, is a Police Officer with the Federal Protection Services,

A

convoy of evacuees from the Canadian oil town of Fort McMurray drove through the heart of a massive wildfire on Friday guided by Police and military helicopters as they sought to reach safety to the south of the burning city.

Some 1500 vehicles began making the 30-mile (50km) trip at 04:00h in groups of 50 cars. The residents had fled to oil camps and settlements north of the city earlier in the week and had to retrace their route through thick smoke on the only highway out of the area as the fire continued to spread.

"It reminded us of a war zone," said Marisa Heath, who spent 36 hours in her

Flames rise in an industrial area south of Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada on May 3, 2016

truck on the side of the highway with her husband, two dogs, a cat and seven kit-

tens. "Eerie. All you could see was cement foundations of houses." (Excerpt from Reuters)

India threatens £10M fine for mapmakers who don't toe line on disputed territories Police are gathering evidence and hunting for suspects

which provides security to US Government buildings.

He was arrested by tactical officers "without incident" near where Friday's second shooting took place.

Police believe he killed his estranged wife Gladys Tordil outside the High

Point High School in Maryland on Thursday as she was picking up her children.

Nearby schools and hospitals were temporarily placed on lockdown on Friday as Police searched for him. (Excerpt from BBC News)

I

ndia has launched a crackdown on maps that show Kashmir and other disputed territory as part of Pakistan or China, amid a series of controversies involving Twitter, Facebook and Google.

Tough new laws imposing fines of up to £10 million and seven-year jail terms

were drafted after maps and location services used by the web giants allotted territory claimed by India to its two fiercest rivals.

Land claims between India and its two neighbours have led to five wars, and remain a highly sensitive issue.

Any digital map of India

will now need a licence marking approval from the Indian Government, under the proposals.

“No person shall depict, disseminate, publish or distribute any wrong or false topographic information of India including international boundaries,” the draft bill says.

(Excerpt from The Telegraph)

16 news

saturDAY, may 7, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Deadly prison riot Water St vendors outraged as M&CC ignores injunction Media barred ...contempt of court proceedings if such acts continue – Nandlall

“I

fed up” was the cry of many outraged vendors who ply their trade outside the old Guyana Stores Storage Bond on Water Street, Georgetown, after the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) ignored an injunction restraining the Council from removing the vendors from the area.

The injunction was obtained on May 4 by Attorney Anil Nandlall on the behalf of his client, Peter Warran.

Nandlall had applied for and obtained an interim injunction granted by Justice Roxanne George restraining the Town Clerk, his servants and agents from removing several of the vendors’ stalls and goods situated at the Bond.

However, Warran ex-

Maureen Clarke’s goods were seized and the Council has failed to give account for them

only leff fuh I fall down and dead right now, cause I fed up,” the distraught women cried.

Joycelyn Moore shared similar sentiments as she explained that she also lost a large quantity of her goods. “I wasn’t here at the said time when they came and broke the stall, but they

and the rain,” she stated.

Moore declared that she was begging the relevant Government officials to show some sort of interest in their well-being. “To the relevant authority that is in Government, You know we work very hard for y’all to be there and even to my little grandchild I used to give fliers to share out so that they could be where they are today. And when they get this message I am asking if they could be able to help us cause my vote count.

Is my vote, my family vote help put them there today,” she stated.

Meanwhile, Attorney Nandlall explained that he was informed that the court order was duly served upon the Town Clerk by a marshal of the High Court, yet the Council and its agents were acting contrary to the order.

“This conduct constitutes a gross violation of the order

Joycelyn Moore also faces a similar plight and incurred huge losses as a result

uncompromising duty of every person who is the subject of a court order to obey the same irrespective of how wrong that person may feel that the order is. A failure to obey any order of court constitutes contempt of court and is punishable with imprisonment. Needless to say contempt of court proceedings would be filed if the

Vendor Peter Warran

plained that on Wednesday, several City Constables came to the area and removed their stalls as well as their merchandise. “We had some jeans out there; we put out some jeans to sell. The Constable came and take them down and I explain to the Constable that there was an injunction and that there was a case, and we should be allowed to sell and the Constable said that he’s working with orders,” the frustrated vendor explained.

He related that the area which they occupy was not located on the pavement but on private property. Warran further went on to say that he was not against relocating temporarily for the sake of clearing up the area, but was unhappy with the fact that they were not given a proper time frame.

Meanwhile, Maureen Clarke, who sells ladies’ apparel, explained that she was not present when the Constables came and removed the stalls, which resulted in her incurring a huge loss. “They break up my stall, and the night that they break up my stall … my mother die same time. So I ain’t had much of a chance to carry away nuff thing from meh stall. I lose a lot of stuff. They break up and seize meh thing and carry it away … I need money. Right now, my mom dead and I need money for the wake and funeral. The stress deh pon me right now. They trying fuh tell me now that they ain’t carry away nothing fuh me and I lying. It

pass a notice to us which is from Royston King that said that within 24 hours we must remove,” the woman related.

She echoed Warran’s sentiments that they should not have been forcibly removed, because they ply their trade on private property. “Is not Royston King put us here… is not the Council place… is a private place. And the owner of this place had given us permission to sell. A couple years back, the owner gave us his transport to take Council to court and we won. Council should not be the one to tell us to remove,” Moore declared.

She went on to say that they were constantly told by the Council that they were vending there illegally; however, despite these claims, M&CC agents collect $1000 from them weekly as a fee.

“I don’t think Royston King know what he is doing…they trying to beautify the place and everything and putting it all in place, but what about us that are Guyanese that work so hard in this country? I believe that they should give us a chance, so that we could be able to earn a daily living. I have a lot of bills to pay and children to look after. Who are going to help me? I lose couple days’ sale, who is going to pay my bills? Who is going to send my children to school? None of them! They in their office and collecting their money.

We have to work in the sun

of Justice George. The law on this is very clear. It is the

court order continues to be violated,” he related.

again from CoI

M

embers of the public and the media fraternity were once again barred from the hearings into the deadly Camp Street Prison riot on Friday.

While it was not clear who testified on Friday, the nonadmission of the press and public has once again raised questions of transparency as the hearing into the events of March 3 when 17 inmates lost their lives after a period of rioting in a fire was meant to be public. The media was advised that public observation of the hearings will resume as normal on Monday, the proposed final date for testimonies.

It has been opined that Chairman of the CoI, Retired Justice James Patterson has the prerogative to decide whether or not proceedings should be held “in-camera” or be open to the public.

This view was related

by Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan who when questioned by the media over the closed-door setting and concerns about lack of transparency with the process, posited that it was within the authority of the Chairman to allow such a move.

“The CoI is controlled by the CoI members…he has authority to do that I suppose under the terms of reference and if he thinks it is a matter for security reasons, why not?” the Minister had noted.

On April 18, members of the media had been barred from hearing the testimonies of members of the Prison

Chairman of the CoI, Retired Justice James Patterson

Service.

One of the key witnesses who testified was Prison Officer Lyken who was reportedly ordered by his superiors to take video footage of the prison riots. Justice Patterson had raised concerns over the way in which the video footage of the events was released to the public. In the footage, which was shown to media operatives on April 4, prisoner Collis Collison and members of a riot force were shown to be engaged in an altercation.

Attorneys representing the Guyana Bar Association had later raised concerns over lack of transparency regarding the non-disclosure of the Standard Operating Procedures which govern the Joint Services operations at the Camp Street Prison. The Guyana Bar Association later withdrew from the proceedings citing time constraints in cross-examination of witnesses.

Canada hoping to strengthen bond with Guyana

– as CNCF donates equipment to GPHC Burn Care Unit

C

anadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Pierre Giroux has stressed his country’s intent to further strengthen the close relationship it enjoys with Guyana.

The High Commissioner made the comments on Friday during the handing over of equipment, worth some Cdn$13,500, by Canadabased Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), the Caribbean North Charities Foundation (CNCF) to the Burn Care Unit of the Georgetown Public Hospital.

The NGO has, over the years, has been making contributions to the Hospital, specifically the Burn Care Unit to help increase its efficiency.

Giroux emphasised the bond that Canada and Guyana have developed over the past few centuries. He said that the close relationship has expanded, catering not only for the development of the country’s medical sector but the general advancement of Guyana as it grows from strength to strength.

He stated that it was with pleasure that the Foundation has made donations to the medical sector in Guyana, since it was aware of the sig-

The equipment that was handed over to the Burn Care Unit

nificant role these can play in changing the lives of burn victims as well as placing Guyana on the charts as one of the developed countries.

“This simply strengthens the people-to-people relations and expresses what we are hoping to be now and in the future as a follow-up of the past which says essentially we are here to work together and to grow together.” Giroux also noted.

The diplomat commended the Health Ministry and the Hospital for ensuring that the service offered by the Burn Care Unit was of maximum quality. For this reason, he said, the Foundation is grateful to be a significant part in the process of developing the Unit.

Making his remarks on behalf of the Hospital and Ministry, Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton, conveyed gratitude to the Foundation for always doing its best to aid Guyana in its journey to grow the health sector. “.. . this donation adds further to the many years of invaluable assistance and longstanding commitment of the Foundation to the Burn Care Unit”, he added.

The continuous support by the Foundation has had a lasting impact on the Unit over the years in improving its quality of service to the public, the Minister also noted.

Additionally, Dr Norton mentioned that in a world where the health sector was vastly developing technologi-

cally, the laptop computers that were donated would help tremendously in keeping policies and procedures in digital format so that burn care information could be accessed online.

With that, the Minister said the Ministry was anticipating the Foundation’s continued support. “We look forward to continuously working with you to provide effective care for severely burnt patients and to reduce their pain and suffering during hospitalisation.”

Among the equipment that was donated were the Skin Graft Mesher, Expansion Ratio Cutters, Autoclave Case, Skin Graft Mesher Carrier, and Dermatome Blades.

17

news

Commuters accuse bus operators of exploitation … some fares spike by 60 per cent

saturDAY, may 7, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Sonia Noel and WASD giving back to society for 50th anniversary

A

s part of fulfilling its dedication of giving back to the Guyanese public and marking the Golden Jubilee anniversary, the Sonia Noel Foundation for Creative Arts (SNFCA) in partnership with the Women’s Association for Sustainable Development (WASD) on Friday handed over 50 food hampers to 50 single-mothers from across the country.

This contribution to the mothers was part of the

she is aware of the struggles of single-mothers and how difficult it is to get by daily, the initiative was pioneered to offer relief to these women. She said this brings her great joy knowing her foundation can help out in any way that it can.

The renowned designer encouraged all singlemothers to maintain their strength and continue to strive for success, both for themselves and their children.

the anniversary celebrations, the foundation will be focusing specifically on youths across Guyana and fostering their growth and development.

Noel informed that over the days, donations of US$50 will be made to 50 underprivileged children for the purchase of educational material. In addition, the foundation will provide 50 mentors to 50 young mentees.

The project will also

The Route 32 bus park during the day

O

n the backdrop of what has been described as a “sluggish economy”, many commuters, especially those journeying home from work have been encountering unwelcomed fare hikes especially at nights.

Investigations by this publication have uncovered that the present situation transcends bus routes.

East Coast Demerara

Many East Coast residents have complained of being bullied into paying exorbitant fares in the evenings. While the Route 44 fare from Georgetown to Ann’s Grove is $200, operators are said to be demanding $300 in the evenings.

In fact, passengers are normally told they must pay this fare upon entering the minibuses. If not they are refused entry.

A 22-year-old Guyana Defence Force officer told this publication that he does not think it’s a good move for bus operators to be “overcharging” passengers.

While the $300 fare represents a 66.7 per cent daily increase, calculations would show that passengers are being exploited of $2000 on a monthly basis if a five-day work-week is taken into consideration only.

One passenger going home to Enmore told Guyana Times that although the fare is $160, some bus operators would charge $200. The woman who was on her way home from work said commuters would hardly complain as “people want to go home.”

Route 31

Commuters in West Demerara also complain of exploitation. Recently, minibuses

who ply the Route 31 West Bank Demerara have started to engage in the phenomenon of charging $200, up from $160 after 21:00h.

This increase comes in spite of shorter distances whether it be to La Grange (normally $120) or Stanleytown (normally $140).

The same can be said for commuters who travel to the La Parafaite Harmonie Housing Scheme where their fares can jump from $140 to $200 at nights.

This publication was told this occurrence normally takes place when passengers pay with $500 or $1000 bills. The lack of street lights in this community has added to the problem of passengers not being able to properly check their change.

Route 32

To De Kindren, West Coast Demerara, the fare from Georgetown ranges from $160 to $200 on a normal basis but $300 would be demanded at nights. Georgetown to Vreed-en-Hoop is much of the same as fares increase from $120 to $200 from early in the evenings.

Reports have come from Windsor Forest, where the fare of $160 can be increased to as much as $500 at nights.

Similar reports have also come from commuters on the East Bank Demerara.

Commuters across the various communities have stated that they feel helpless since they have no other choice because they want to go home. Many have also complained of touting of passengers. For years, commuters have been complaining about exploitation from bus operators and have wanted regularisation of the public transport system.

US$30.9M sea defence project gets underway

T

he Public Infrastructure Ministry’s Work Services Group (WSG) Coordinator, Geoffrey Vaughn said capital works under the US$30.9 million sea and river defence resilience project have commenced in some of the targeted areas.

He said that Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara) was one such area.

“We have others where maintenance works are being done in East Bank Berbice, particularly where enforcement of embankment is being done. Also in Region Three, we have embankment work being done, so there’s quite a lot of work being done by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, and we intend to continue this,” Vaughn said

Public Infrastructure Ministry’s Work Services Group (WSG) Coordinator, Geoffrey Vaughn

in an interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA).

The sea and river defence resilience project is a collaborative effort between the Government of Guyana and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB)

to repair the country’s sea and river defences.

Over 90 per cent of Guyana’s population lives along the coastal area, much of which lies below sea level and is subject to flooding.

“This is the Government’s effort to protect the environment, people, assets, and livelihoods from flooding and contribute to the sustainable economic growth and future socioeconomic development of the country,” Vaughn said.

He added that work would begin in the other targeted areas shortly.

The project will see construction and rehabilitation works on sea and river defences in Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); Three; Four (DemeraraMahaica) and Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) that will benefit 45,000 Guyanese.

Founder of SNFCA Sonia Noel along with the single mothers who received hampers

foundation’s 6/50 project, where a series of donations are being made, highlighting Guyana’s 50th year as an Independent Nation.

Speaking at the handing-over ceremony at Water Chris Restaurant, founder of SNFCA and local fashion designer Sonia Noel, said this is an ongoing initiative that she has taken much pride in being part of but since this year is monumental in Guyana’s history, she had decided to organise the project in such a way that would mark this accomplishment.

Noel added that since

“Being strong is the only option you have. I encourage single-parent mothers to continue to be strong and be the best parent you can for your children because they are depending on you.”

Meanwhile, one of the single-mothers expressed her gratitude to the foundation for recognising the need of helping mothers. She said this will indeed “make the mother’s day” for those mothers who have a tough time getting by.

Apart from this first leg of project 6/50, over the next three weeks leading up to

reach out to the David Rose School for Special Needs where the students will be taught fabric designing.

The pieces produced will be sold, and the funds will go towards development of the school.

For the elderly in Guyana, 50 churches across the country have been selected to submit the name of its eldest member who would receive US$50.

On the fashion aspect of the anniversary, there will be the holding of an exhibition for 50 fashion illustrations by Clinton Duncan.

18

guyana-timesgy.com

Saturday, may 7, 2016

ARCHIE

Gather information and learn as you go. Your ability (March 21- to finish what you start will April 19) lead to the gains you are hoping to achieve. Initiate change and follow through on your plans.

ARIES

Use your charm and intelTAURUS ligence to get the attention of (April 20- someone who can help you exMay 20) pand your interests. An unexpected opportunity will bring financial gains. Celebrate with someone you love.

dilbert

Don’t go into any charged GEMINI (May 21- situation or debate withJune 20) out being fully prepared.

Someone will try to damage your reputation by making you appear to be unreliable or presumptuous. Be on guard.

CANCER

Peanuts

(June 21July 22)

Do your own thing and enjoy interacting with onlookers who support your efforts.

Rewards will be offered and promises made. Romance will improve your life.

Be playful, attentive and will-

LEO ing to laugh at your mistakes.

(July 23- Maintaining amicable relations Aug. 22) with everyone will make the difference between getting your way and being shut out. Don’t let an emotional matter ruin your plans.

Listen to complaints and VIRGO share your thoughts and so(Aug. 23lutions.

Your insight will be Sept. 22) valued and will encourage others to participate in your plan. Love is on the rise.

Calvin and Hobbes

Emphasise what’s most LIBRA (Sept. 23- important to you. Focus on Oct. 23) friends, educational pursuits and travel. Make a focused effort to stick to your plan and finish what you start.

SUDOKU TODAY’S WORD – HAPLESS (HAPLESS: HAP-les: Unlucky; unfortunate.)

Average mark 21 words Time limit 35 minutes Can you find 30 or more words in HAPLESS? The list will be published tomorrow.

LAST PUBLISHED WORD – DUPLICITY duct duly duty pity puli licit lipid lucid lucidity ludic icily

idly idyl city clip cult cupid cupidity tidily tidy tipi tulip

solution for Last Published Puzzle

Emotional frustration and SCORPIO anger will hold you back. Rise (Oct. 24above any conflict you face Nov. 22) and parlay your energy into bringing about changes at home that will help you grow and achieve happiness.

Excess, exaggeration and SAGITTARIUS emotional outbursts will (Nov. 23- prove costly. Step outside any Dec. 21) controversy you face and focus on personal gains, improvements and changes.

Don’t let temptation lead you astray.

Size up your situation CAPRICORN and observe what others do, (Dec. 22- but don’t follow the crowd.

Jan. 19) A personal venture involving your home or other assets will lead to financial gain and spark a celebration with someone special.

Complaints can be exAQUARIUS pected if you disagree with a (Jan. 20friend, neighbour or relative.

Feb. 19) It’s best to keep your thoughts to yourself and your mind on personal changes and business opportunities.

Call on someone from your PISCES (Feb. 20- past who has helped you or March 20) who owes you a favour. Don’t rely on anyone who wants to call the shots or tries to pressure you into doing something unorthodox.

saturDAY, may 7, 2016

19

Huge incentive Mustafizur, Bhuvneshwar for Khan in topple Gujarat Lions daunting T Canelo bout S Sunrisers Hyderabad v Gujarat Lions, IPL 2016, Hyderabad…

he quality and depth of Sunrisers Hyderabad's seam attack proved the decisive factor in a low-scoring scrap against Gujarat Lions on a two-paced pitch at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ashish Nehra and Mustafizur Rahman bowled with skill and nous to restrict Lions to 126, and though Sunrisers lost wickets regularly, the smallness of their target meant their batsmen never had to overextend themselves.

Apart from having a set target to aim for, Sunrisers were helped by the conditions easing somewhat in the second innings, with a little less swing for the Lions new-ball bowlers.

David Warner gave the chase early momentum, hitting two sixes off Pradeep Sangwan in the second over.

On a slow pitch, Sangwan provided pace onto the bat, and also bowled the wrong lengths; when he came back in the 13th over, he began with a short ball outside off and a half-volley on the

Mustafizur Rahman finished with figures of 2 for 17 in four overs

Sunrisers counterparts had done. With Sunrisers needing 40 from 31, Ravindra Jadeja bowled a quicker one wide of off stump with third man inside the circle, and Deepak Hooda dabbed it away to the fielder's left.

With 34 needed off 27, the otherwise excellent Dhawal

SCOREBOARD Gujarat Lions innings (20 overs maximum) DR Smith c Mustafizur Rahman b Kumar 1 BB McCullum c Warner b Henriques 7 SK Raina* c & b Kumar 20 KD Karthik† c Williamson b Mustafizur Rahman 0 AJ Finch not out 51 DJ Bravo c sub (V Shankar) b Sr an 18 RA Jadeja c Kumar b Mustafizur Rahman 18 P Kumar not out 6 Extras: (w-5) 5 Total: (6 wickets; 20 overs) 126 Fall of wickets: 1-2 (Smith, 2.4 ov), 2-24 (Raina, 4.6 ov), 3-25 (Karthik, 5.4 ov), 4-34 (McCullum, 7.4 ov), 5-79 (Bravo, 14.1 ov), 6-106 (Jadeja, 18.1 ov) Bowling: B Kumar 4-128-2, A Nehra 4-1-23-0, Mustafizur Rahman 4-0-172, BB Sran 3-0-21-1 (2-w), MC Henriques 3-0-24-1 (2-w), Yuvraj Singh 2-0-13-0 (1-w)

pads, and Dhawan put both away for four.

Lions' bowlers did well to take the game as far as they did, but provided hittable balls just a little more frequently than their

Sunrisers Hyderabad innings (target: 127 runs from 20 overs) DA Warner* c Kumar b Kulkarni 24 S Dhawan not out 47 KS Williamson c Smith b Kumar 6 MC Henriques c †Karthik b Bravo 14 Yuvraj Singh c Sangwan b Kulkarni 5 DJ Hooda c †Karthik b Bravo 18 NV Ojha† not out 9 Extras: (lb-3, w-3) 6 Total:(5 wickets; 19 overs) 129 Fall of wickets: 1-26 (Warner, 3.1 ov), 2-33 (Williamson, 4.5 ov), 3-55 (Henriques, 9.2 ov), 4-81 (Yuvraj Singh, 13.6 ov), 5-108 (Hooda, 17.2 ov) Bowling: P Kumar 4-0-28-1 (1w), PJ Sangwan 2-0-28-0 (1-w), DS Kulkarni 4-1-17-2, S Kaushik 4-0-25-0 (1-w), RA Jadeja 2-0-14-0, DJ Bravo 3-0-14-2

Kulkarni - who had troubled Yuvraj Singh with the short ball on the way to a wicket maiden - gave Dhawan a wide long-hop. With 12 needed from 10 balls, Praveen Kumar bowled a

half-volley, at his normal pace, that Naman Ojha lofted down the ground.

Dhawan ended the match in that Praveen over, clipping and flat-batting him for successive fours.

It had rained in Hyderabad on the eve of the match, and it was still overcast, with swarms of insects flying around the players' faces, when Bhuvneshwar ran in for the first ball.

The conditions encouraged swing, and Dwayne Smith couldn't put bat to the first four balls of the match. Three were outswingers that beat his outside edge, one an inswinger that struck him on the front pad. Smith connected off the next two balls, but hit both straight to backward point.

Nehra followed that maiden with another, puzzling Brendon McCullum with a mix of balls swinging into him and balls that went with the angle across him. Some of them held up on the pitch, adding to the batsman's discomfort.

When 0 for 0 became 2 for 1 in the next over, Smith's record against Bhuvneshwar in all T20s read: 52 balls faced, 38 runs scored, two dismissals.

Suresh Raina injected urgency into Lions' innings when he slogged Nehra and Bhuvneshwar for sixes in successive overs, but he only lasted 10 balls, consumed by the tendency of the ball to stop on this pitch.

Mustafizur, coming on in the sixth over, nearly struck with his first ball,

as McCullum skewed a wide-ish cutter high over point, but the backtracking Dhawan juggled and then dropped the ball. But another cutter three balls later opened up Dinesh Karthik, and Kane Williamson threw himself to his left to complete a low, one-handed stunner.

McCullum's uncomfortable stay ended in the eighth over, as he toe-ended Moises Henriques to longoff. Henriques and Barinder Sran provided tight backup to the three main seamers, taking the pace off the ball and bowling stump-tostump.

Lions recovered somewhat as Dwayne Bravo and Aaron Finch put on 45 for the fifth wicket, but both of them had to scrounge for their runs. So did the rest of the batting. Mustafizur remained an unsolved puzzle, the right-handers finding it almost impossible to hit against his combination of angle and break off the pitch - they hit only two scoring shots off him through the leg side.

Warner dropped a sitter off Finch in the 16th over, when he was on 30, but the excellence of Mustafizur, Nehra and Bhuvneshwar meant it wasn't a costly miss. Between them, they only conceded 35 off the last four overs. Given Lions' slow start, that was never going to be enough of a finish to reach a competitive total.

(Cricinfo)

aul 'Canelo' Alvarez is the strong favourite to defend his WBC middleweight crown against Amir Khan in Las Vegas on Saturday, but the underdog certainly has plenty to gain as he looks to spring a shock.

Khan (31-3-0) has never previously fought above the welterweight limit of 147lb, but will step up to 155lb - a catchweight five pounds below the middleweight cut-off - when he faces the powerful Alvarez (46-1-1).

The 29-year-old Briton has been praised for taking on such a daunting opponent and Virgil Hunter, Khan's trainer since 2012, is aware a win for his fighter would be highly significant at a time when boxing is seeking to fill the void left by the recent retire-

Acknowledging the strength of his opponent, Khan has pinpointed his speed and movement as potential key factors in the first fight to be held at the new T-Mobile Arena.

However, Alvarez, whose only defeat to date came against Mayweather in 2013, is sure he can deal with his rival's attributes.

"I know what Amir Khan brings," said the 25-yearold. "He's a very fast, very elusive, very tricky fighter.

But I'm confident, with the work that's been done, to be able to go in there and break this down."

Alvarez's trainer, Eddy Reynoso, highlighted a desire among Mexicans to gain revenge following Khan's victory over the legendary Marco Antonio Barrera in 2009.

Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez (left) is the strong favourite to defend his WBC middleweight crown against Amir Khan

ments of superstars Floyd Mayweather Jr and Manny Pacquiao.

Hunter is quoted by the Guardian as saying: "He [Khan] could be the new number one but, in boxing, the promoters and the media, they can say what they want to say. What a fighter's peers say, that is most important because that's where the most respect comes from.

"He can be the man if he wins and he should feel like he's the man. It can do a lot of good things for him and his career, however long he goes. It would be a catapult to bring everything to fruition, from the first day he started up to this point."

"Definitely, it did hurt, because Marco is one of the top names in Mexican boxing and at the moment he was still at one of the top levels," said Reynoso.

"That’s when we realised who Amir Khan was, after that victory. I think after Saturday night, it would give that ingredient to the fans, that satisfaction back [should Alvarez win]."

The undefeated Gennady Golovkin looms as a potential future opponent for Alvarez and will be ringside, while Khan could drop back down in weight to face countryman Kell Brook or Danny Garcia, one of the two fighters he has previously been knocked out by. (Digicel Sportsmax)

20

guyana-times.com

saturDAY, may 7, 2016

Mayor’s Cup Football tournament to kick-off today

T

he 22nd edition of the annual Mayor’s Cup Football Tournament will commences tonight with a double header at the Victoria Community Centre Ground, East Coast Demerara.

The tournament which was delayed because of the inclement weather experienced in and around Georgetown will see a classic East Coast Demerara versus Linden affair on the opening night.

East Coast side Ann’s Grove will take on Linden’s Eagles United in the first game at 18:00 Hrs while BV Triumph United, another East Coast Demerara

team will face off against Linden’s powerhouse in Mile Rock FC in the feature match of the evening at 20:00 Hrs. The tournament which has 24 teams will be played on a knock-out basis and features teams from the five associations in Guyana; the Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA), Georgetown Football Association (GFA), East Demerara Football Association (EDFA), East Bank Football Association (EBFA) and the Georgetown Football Club (GFC).

Top four finishers will be awarded prize monies of $700,000 for the winner,

$300,000 for the runner-up, $200,000 for third place and $100,000 for fourth place.

Each game will be played for ninety (90) minutes consisting of two forty five minute halves. If there is no winner after the end of regulation, an extra time period of twenty minutes (20) will be played consisting of two ten (10) minute halves.

Should there still be no winners at the end of extra time, the game will then be decided by penalty kicks with each team being allowed five (5) kicks. If the game is still in a deadlock sudden death penalty kicks will become applicable.

Smith, Marsh tracking well for Windies

C

onfidence is building among Cricket Australia's medical team that Steve Smith and Mitch Marsh will be fit for next month's ODI triseries in the West Indies.

Mitchell Marsh

Smith and Marsh both headed home at the start of the week, cutting short their time at new Indian Premier League franchise Rising Pune Supergiants.

Smith had been managing an ongoing wrist injury and had been doing it quite well given his final three scores in the competition were 46 not out, 101 and 45.

Marsh's setback was a side strain but scans confirmed it was a minor issue. Both men have been assessed

in Australia and ordered to rest. The touring party flies out on May 27, leaving Smith and Marsh with limited time to recover from their respective concerns.

But at this stage both men are expected to take their place in the 16-man squad that will face South Africa and West Indies in the Caribbean. The obvious temptation would be to rest both players from a series that isn't as important as the ensuing Test tour of Sri Lanka. But coach Darren Lehmann reiterated earlier this year that players wouldn't be ordered to miss games haphazardly.

"We'll pick the side to win every series as we normally do," Lehmann said.

Lehmann will temporarily hand the reins over to Justin Langer for the trip, with Cricket Australia (CA) wanting to give the mentor a break from a relentless schedule.

Those members of the ODI squad not taking part in the IPL will head to Brisbane later this month to shake off the rust at CA's training centre. John Hastings (ankle) and Shaun Marsh (back) both suffered injuries during

the IPL and won't be part of the upcoming tri-series.

Hastings was replaced in the touring party by Victoria teammate Scott Boland, while Marsh wasn't part of

Steve Smith

the original squad because of the impending birth of his first child.

Australia squad for the Qantas Tour of the West Indies: Steve Smith (c), David Warner (vc), George Bailey, Scott Boland, Nathan Coulter-Nile, James Faulkner, Aaron Finch, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, Adam Zampa. (Cricket Australia)

TTFA reforms difficult but necessary - John-Williams

T

he Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) is set to undergo major chances as recently installed president David John-Williams looks to re-shape the organisation.

According to JohnWilliams the changes come as a part of his election campaign mandate and also form part of the recommendations issued by a consultant hired to assess the organisation’s structure.

The TTFA has already began attempts to settle some of the debts accrued by previous administrations, with money to former coaches Russell Latapy and Even Pellerud already paid. John-Williams in-

David John-Williams

sists the process of reform is difficult but necessary.

“I can assure you with all the problems in the TTFA that it is not a nice job to do, but we have to do it.” John-Williams told the T&T Guardian.

Reports indicate that Azard Khan who recently took over the post general secretary is expected to

be among those names on the chopping block. Khan took over the post following the departure of Sheldon Phillips, who was sacked by former TTFA president Raymond Tim Kee. According to reports, Anthony Moore, the Tobago Football Association president, is the man likely to replace Khan. (SportsMax)

Sixers, Hurricanes in Big Bash hunt for Carlos Brathwaite

T

HE Hobart Hurricanes are in a three-horse race for the most explosive six-hitter in world cricket.

The Hurricanes have not yet offered a contract to 201415 and 2015-16 import West Indies T20 captain Darren Sammy as they chase his teammate Carlos Brathwaite – the iceman who created history last month when he won the West Indies the World Cup final by smashing four consecutive sixes in the final over. However, there is strong competition for Brathwaite, with the Sydney Sixers and another BBL team in the hunt.

With Sri Lankan star batsman Kumar Sangakkara already contracted for this Carlos Brathwaite

summer, Hobart is desperate for a bowling allrounder and Hurricanes general manager Michael Roberts said Brathwaite, 27, was top of the list.

“We made contact with him before the World Cup, so disappointed that he put himself up in lights actually,” Roberts said, tongue in cheek.

“There’s a fair bit of interest in him now, not just in Big Bash but world cricket. The ball is in his court now. We’re waiting for him to come back with further discussions.

“You need these internationals to come in and really embrace what Big Bash is about without the ego … from what I’ve heard about Carlos, he’s the perfect Big Bash model player.” (themercury.com.au)

Raptors outlast Heat in OT, level series F

or the second consecutive game, overtime decided the Eastern Conference semi-final between the Toronto Raptors and Miami Heat.

The Toronto Raptors held off the Miami Heat 9692 in overtime as they levelled their NBA Eastern Conference semi-final on Thursday.

Overtime decided game one in Toronto on Tuesday, with the Heat winning by six points that time around.

And OT was needed again at Air Canada Centre two days later, with the Raptors responding to level the second-round play-off series at 1-1.

Miami's Goran Dragic forced an additional period when he nailed a threepointer with 10 seconds remaining, after Kyle Lowry's jump shot had put the Raptors three points clear

DeMarre Carroll had a game high 21 points

just seconds earlier.

But that was as good as it got for the Heat, who were outscored 10-6 in OT, with Cory Joseph sealing Toronto's win with a pair of free throws.

DeMarre Carroll's 21 points led the Raptors, as Jonas Valanciunas contributed 15 points and 12 re-

bounds in a double-double performance.

Raptors team-mates DeMar DeRozan (20) and Lowry (18) also had doubledigit points.

Dragic posted 20 points, while Dwyane Wade and Joe Johnson added 17 points apiece. (NBA.com)

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21

sports

Street triumphs over church

T

itans defeated Tucville and were crowned champions of the “Church meet the Street” Jubilee Futsal Competition hosted by C&A Unique in collaboration with South Quake Youth Ministry on Thursday May 5 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

For a match that was marked with sheer aggression and speed it was eventually decided by penalties.

After regulation time the teams were deadlocked one goal apiece with the goal coming from Lawrence December for Tucville and Amais Benjamin for Team Titans. Team Titans were better able to hold their nerves and execute from the spot to cart off the $50,000 first prize while their op-

ponents had to settle for $25,000.

Led by hat tricks from both Keifa Brandt and Ryan Hackett and a goal from Travel December Tucville were able to steamroll Ballerz FC in the first semi-final. Jamal Bristol and Leon Richardson were the scorers for Ballerz FC. In the second semi-final eventual winners Titans booked their ticket for the finals by overcoming the challenge of young warriors by 3 goals to 1. On target for the titans were Amias Benjamin, Damian Williams and Akeem Singh while the lone goal for Young Warriors came from the boot of Shamar Barrow.

Ballerz FC the only Church team in the semifinal were adjudged 3rd

place winners after gaining a walk over victory from Young Warriors.

Three teams contested the female competition which saw Prayer Warriors gaining victory against Amazing Grace by 2 goals to nil to clinch the championship. Both Goals were scored by Sasha James of Prayer Warriors.

Keifa Brandt was awarded the male MVP for scoring 5 goals while Sasha James who also netted five goals was the female MVP. The event which was dubbed a success was sponsored by Banks DIH, National Sports Commission, Guyana National Newspaper Limited, Guyana Football Federation and Trophy Stall.

Mickey Arthur appointed Pakistan's head coach T he PCB has appointed Mickey Arthur as Pakistan's head coach. He fills the role vacated by Waqar Younis' resignation in April, following Pakistan's early exit from the World T20. This is Arthur's third assignment with an international side; he coached South Africa from 2005 to 2010, and Australia from 2011 to 2013. A PCB release said Arthur was expected to take over by the end of the month.

Arthur, who played 110 first-class matches in a South African domestic career lasting a decade and a half, has had a chequered past as an international coach. He tasted plenty of success with South Africa, helping them to their first series win in England in over 40 years, in 2008, and

their maiden series victory in Australia in 2008-09, and leading them to the No. 1 ranking in Tests before resigning following a breakdown in his relationship with their captain Graeme Smith.

Australia won 10 of their 19 Tests under Arthur, but the team had an uneasy relationship with him, culminating in the infamous Homeworkgate episode on the tour of India in 2012-13.

He was sacked from the role less than three weeks before the 2013 Ashes series in England.

Since then, Arthur has coached a number of franchise sides including Jamaica Tallawahs, Dhaka Dynamites and most recently Karachi Kings during the inaugural Pakistan Super League in 2016.

Following Waqar's resig-

nation, the PCB appointed a panel comprising Wasim Akram, Ramiz Raja, and Faisal Mirza to help them in their search for a new head coach. The PCB release said the panel forwarded four recommendations to it.

"Following detailed consultations on this matter at the last Board of Governors' meeting and further telephone consultations by the PCB Chairman with BOG members, discussions with Mickey Arthur were initiated and he has confirmed his acceptance of the post of Head Coach of the Pakistan National Cricket team."

The PCB has not revealed the other candidates on its shortlist.

Peter Moores, the former England coach, had told ESPNcricinfo that he had declined an approach from the PCB. (Cricinfo)

Everest Masters begin Jamaican tour at historic Sabina Park

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very year around May, the Everest Cricket Club Masters team would embark on a tour to play a series of cricket matches against various teams in the foreign land.

This year it’s no different as the Georgetown based club is on tour of the lovely island of Jamaica.

While in the land of wood and water the Guyanese will play two (2) matches at historic venues. On Saturday May 7 the tour begins with a 35 overs a-side match at the international venue, Sabina Park in the nation’s capital, Kingston. The opponents in the opening match is the Kingston Cricket Club Masters while on Monday May 9, the Kaiser Sports Club ground in Discovery Bay, Ocho Rios will be the venue for the final match on tour against a select XI. The strong 13-man squad which winged out of Guyana on Friday will be led by reg-

Everest Masters as they prepare to leave for their 2-match tour of Jamaica

ular captain Rajesh Singh.

The other members are Shadeo Hardaiow, Hafeez Ali, Hemraj Garbarran, Rabindranauth Seeram, Shaheed Mohamed, Rohan Sarjoo, Anwar Rahaman, Sanjeev Datadin, Ronald Jaisingh, Basil Persaud, Prakash Balgobin and Johnny Azeez.

The Guyanese Masters have been playing as a unit and will give a good account of themselves with talent throughout the squad.

The trip has been made

possible through the generosity of IMG, Dinar Trading, Trophy Stall, Professional Printing Services, Carib Food Distributors, Fly Jamaica, Shalindra Etwaru, Robin Bharat, Anand Sanasie and staff of the Guyana Cricket Board while Dave Cameron, Wavell Hinds and Paul Campbell from Jamaica have also contributed in making the tour a possibility.

The Everest Masters Team is expected to be back in Guyana on May 12.

22

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

saturDAY, may 7, 2016

Final push for Independence Exciting Jump Rope competition set for Linden Three-Stage riders today — event to coincide with Town Week celebrations

By Avenash Ramzan

B

anks DIH Limited, through the world renowned Coca Cola brand, will take the annual Jump Rope competition to the Mining Town of Linden

Nicholas Fraser.

Held under the theme “Skip to my Lou”, the event will be held at the Amelia’s Ward Tarmac and is set to attract approximately 125 students from various primary and secondary

comprise rivalry among the school in four categories, namely Freestyle, Pair, Double Dutch and Last Man Standing. He pointed out that the event will coincide with the Linden Town Week celebrations, set for May 15-

Flashback! Jump Rope is an exciting event that tests the skills of the students (Avenash Ramzan file photo)

on May 17.

The official launch took place on Friday at Banks DIH Limited’s Sport Club at Thirst Park, where representatives of the various partnering groups enlightened the media on plans for the one day activity.

These officials included Banks DIH Communications Manager, Troy Peters, Senior Physical Education Officer Lindsey Langhorne and Head of the Ministry of Education’s Physical Education Department,

schools, both in the private and public institutions of learning.

Fraser said, “We’ve been doing training nationally, we’ve also been having competitions every year to commemorate the Republic anniversary. This event is excellent, because we will be able to continue and keep children continually active through skipping, and Linden has taken a great step forward in terms of doing regional competitions.”

Langhorne indicated that the day’s activities will

25.

Apart from trophies, compliments of Banks DIH Limited, the top individual performers will also receive electronic Tablets.

Peters said Banks DIH Limited is pleased to partner in the initiative, a relationship that started last year with the organisers through the Coca Cola brand. He wished the schools well and noted that his company will always to support activities that provide an avenue for young people to exert their energies.

— Powerade cycling set for National Park

By Avenash Ramzan

T

oday provides the final opportunity for local riders to test their level of preparedness for next weekend’s highly anticipated Independence Three-

taking centre stage in the various BMX age group races. It is the final competitive event before the Three-Stage Young boys and girls will compete in the BMX 6-9, 9-12, 12-14, Open and BMX Boys and Girls, followed by

Coco’s won the 10-lap Juveniles race in 23 minutes, 57.6 seconds (23m: 57.6s), while fellow teammate John Niles topped the five-lap Veterans Under-50 in 11 minutes, 56 seconds (11m: 56s).

Today’s event provides local riders with an opportunity to put the final touches on their preparations for next weekend’s Independence Three-Stage (Avenash Ramzan file photo)

Stage cycling meet, with the staging of the sixth annual Powerade 11-race programme at the inner circuit of the National Park.

The Three-Stage is one of the biggest cycling events in the country, with local and foreign riders competing for top honours in various categories.

Today’s programme, which is being coordinated by national cycling coach Hassan Mohamed, will pedal off at 09:00h with the country’s up and coming riders

the seasoned campaigners taking to the line to showcase their prowess.

They would compete in the Juniors/Juveniles, Veterans Under and Over50, Mountain Bikes and the feature 35-lap School Boys and Invitational.

Last year’s main race was won Team Gillette Evolution’s Michael Anthony, who completed the course in a time of one hour, 15 minutes, 03 seconds (01h: 15m: 03s).

Jamal John of Team

With a time of seven minutes, 56 seconds (07m: 56s), Daniel Perreira won the 1214 Boys and Girls three-lap race, while Raynauth Jeffrey won the five-lap Mountain Bike race in 12 minutes, 57 seconds (12m: 57s).

Representatives of Banks DIH Limited, including Outdoor Events Manager, Mortimer Stewart, are expected to witness the races and assist in the presentation of prizes at the conclusion. (aramzan@guyanatimesgy.com)

F1 Champion Lewis Hamilton set to be in action

Ming geared for Sunday’s Barbados Festival of Speed

By Akeem Greene

G

uyana’s Calving Ming Jnr will be shifting all gears as he turns his attention to the Barbados Festival of Speed at Bushy Park on Sunday. In speaking to Guyana Times Sport as he sets his sights to producing yet another sterling performance. The racer exclaimed that the possibility of rubbing shoulders with three time Formula 1 Champion Lewis Hamilton will be one of good learning experience.

Ming said, “About Lewis [Hamilton], I haven't really thought about it, it’s just like any other race. All you can do is perform to your best and focus on what needs to be done with your team to make your car go fast”.

He added, “But if he does race I am definitely looking forward to it as he can offer a lot; great competition and I can probably learn off of him.”

Ming (right of picture) celebrates his podium finish at the F1600 championship in Atlanta back in April

Organisers have revealed that the high profile Hamilton will grace the shores with his very own Formula One car and will take on the likes of from former British Superbike Champion Tommy Hill and island’s rallying legend Roger Skeete on the 2.01-kilometre Bushy Park circuit.

Though, it seems that Hamilton’s drives are mostly exhibition oriented, the prospect of the talented getting to challenge Ming getting to challenge Hamilton would certainly be intriguing.

When asked about his season for this year, he explained that is was productive and expects it continue along the same path as enters into more competitive racing.

“The season start has been pretty solid so far. We have had a few ups and downs but with the help from the team we were able to overcome them. Each

week we learn more and progress further and further so we will be very competitive and hopefully be able to claim many more podiums later this year”, the teenager said.

The son of veteran racer Calvin Ming Snr, the younger Ming was able to churn out two first place finishes in his pre season to the formula one 1600 championship races. In the first official round in April, he finished third on the podium and two fifth place finishes which put him only 20 points off the leader at this point in the now in the championship. He also got a podium finish by finishing third in F4 championship.

The frequent travelling to compete in events by undoubtedly tiring for the young driver but he revealed that the love for racing is what keeps him going.

“Touring has been really tiring but racing is what I love to do, so I have no prob-

lem travelling if in the end I get to get behind a steering wheel and race; don't get me wrong there isn't anything wrong about travelling. I love meeting new people and getting to try new foods and see different cultures, it’s kind of fun but racing is what I love the most”, the driver revealed.

Ming, whose childhood heroes are Formula 1 speedsters Ayrton Sena and Sebastian Vettel, explained that he has been stuck at the track since his car had broken down on Wednesday however, everything is going according to plan now.

Ming, the former shifter kart champion locally as well as a North American competitor, will not be the only Guyanese on show this Sunday as two-time Caribbean Motor Racing Campion (CMRC) Kristian Jeffrey will be joining the Suzuki Challenge Series Swift Cup for the balance of the season.

guyana-times.com

saturDAY, may 7, 2016

23

GFF/Stag Elite League Finale…

Buxton hold on to beat valiant Monedderlust 3-2 B uxton United topped Monedderlust 3-2 on Thursday, at the National Track and Field Facility, Leonora to secure their third victory in the Finale stage of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Stag Elite League.

Eson Hamer, Denvor Dennis and Rondell Assanah scored for the East Coast of Demerara side while Delbert Wilson and Akimo Watts scored for the Berbice based Monedderlust.

Buxton opened the scoring in the 21st minute after Esan Hammer finished a shot from the centre of the box after receiving a goodball from the flank.

Just nine minutes later the Berbicians would suffer another major setback when their goalkeeper Selwyn Jack was shown a red card in the 30th minute. Jack received a straight red for fouling a Buxton attacker outside of the penalty box in an attempt to deny the attacking team a scoring

GFC player (white and blue) battle for possession of the ball against Pele

opportunity.

Stepping up to take the free kick was Denver

WIFBSC Short Range Championships 2016 preparations…

Jaguar edge Lion in latest Team Practice Match

T

eam Jaguar edged Team Lion by three points when members of the Guyana National Rifle Association (GNRA) continued practice ahead of this month’s West Indies Fullbore Shooting Council (WIFBSC) Short Range Championships in Antigua from May 16-22 this year.

The four-man team shoot was held to assist members to improve their competitiveness ahead of what is anticipated to be a very competitive Caribbean championships with the likes of Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and Bermuda keen on wresting the title from the defending champions, Guyana.

Competition was at the 300, 500 and 600 yards ranges on a day that was overcast resulting in eventual rain which saw a halt in proceedings at the 500 yards range for about one hour before the action resumed.

Team Jaguar member Leo Romalho enjoyed a near perfect day, having dropped a single point at the three contested ranges. Caribbean Individual Champion Lennox Braithwaite was also in good form dropping four points, while national vice-captain and Team Lion member Dylan Fields was five points off a perfect day.

Coaching Team Jaguar

to victory were Braithwaite and Paul Slowe, while at the helm for the Lion were Fields and local Individual Champion, Ransford

Lennox Brathwaite

Goodluck. Fullbore Captain Mahendra Persaud was unavoidably absent from the shoot.

Dennis; after lining up his shot, Dennis then struck an impressive curling right

footed shot into the back of the net in the 32nd, doubling Buxton’s advantage

and sinking Monedderlust even further.

However, despite being a man down and having a two goal deficit, the Berbice based side came fighting back through Wilson who converted a cross from Kevin Cottoy in the 40th minute to bring his side back into the affair with five minutes left in the first half. The sides would head into the break with Buxton leading 2-1.

After the half time interval, Buxton would once again restored their two goal advantage when Rondel Assanah netted a shot from inside of the box past the Monedderlust custodian to give his side a 3-1 lead in the 62nd minute.

Monedderlust refused to lose hope as they came storming back in the 76th minute as Akeema Watts latched onto a loose ball following a miscommunication between Buxton’s goalkeeper and his defensive line.

Watts immediately made the most of the opportunity

to make it 3-2.

Buxton FC would hold on to their one goal lead and close out the game despite efforts from Monedderlust to salvage a point.

Buxton now sit on eleven points and are sixth in the table while Monedderlust remains in seventh with six points after suffering their fourth consecutive loss.

In the second game of the double header Pele FC were held to a 1-1 draw by the Georgetown Football Club (GFC). GFC’s Keron Soloman in the 40th minute was the first to score and it was until the 86th minute that Pele were able to equalize through a goal from veteran Travis “Zorro” Grant.

Pele FC, who are trying to fend off the Guyana Denfence Force (GDF) to qualify for the final four, remains in fourth with seventeen (17) points and lead GDF by three points. In the distance there is GFC at the bottom of the table with two points.

saturDAY, May 7, 2016

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

Exciting Jump Rope competition set for Linden — event to coincide with Town Week celebrations

Pg 22

Banks DIH Outdoor Events Manager, Mortimer Stewart (second right), presents the trophies to Lindsey Langhorne of the Ministry of Education’s Physical Education Department. Sharing the moment are Troy Peters (right) and Nicholas Fraser of Banks DIH Limited and the Ministry of Education respectively (Avenash Ramzan photo)

GFF/Stag Elite League Finale…

F1 Champion Lewis Hamilton set to be in action

Buxton hold on to beat Ming geared for Sunday’s valiant Monedderlust 3-2 Barbados Festival of Speed

Buxton United’s Denvor Dennis (red and black) on the attack against Monedderlust

Pg 22

Pg 23 Calvin Ming Jnr in his Suzuki Radical SR-3 at the pit on Friday (Calvin Ming Photo)

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