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THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 3111

Wednesday, February 1, 2017

Govt distances itself from Cultural Advisor’s “torching” threat to Guyana Times, Evening News/TVG Page 3

PRICE

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE: AG vs Deputy Solicitor General

Credibility of AG Chambers now in question – Bar Association P7

…Minister Roopnaraine to reprimand Ruel Johnson, Police report filed

Bandits snatch $6M after trailing businesswoman from bank

Forced out of office

“I am very disturbed and upset” – JusticePage Kennard 9

UK multibilliondollar infrastructure grant to fund Linden-Lethem P14 Road

Page 11

Parking meter fees to be P13 reduced today …as GRA confirms VAT charges in order …new group formed to protest

Policeman drowns after patrol vessel P7 sinks GDF rape investigation

Mother tells daughter’s story P10

Getting the right fit! Digicel's Marketing Manager Jacqueline James making sure this lad has the correct size of shoes during the company’s launch of its 10th anniversary with a charity drive (See story on page 16)

“Disgraceful” salary increases were not enough for APNU/ AFC – PPP Page 15

PM to get unlimited tax exemption, dutyfree vehicles Page 5

Bartica Massacre accused to know P14 fate soon

…as prosecution, defence close case

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wednesDAY, february 1, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

news

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wednesDAY, february 1, 2017| guyanatimesgy.com

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

Wednesday, February 1 – 05:00h-06:30h and Thursday, February 2 – 08:30h-10:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, February 1 – 07:15h-08:45h and Thursday, February 2 – 07:50h-09:20h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Light cloudy conditions in the early morning hours are expected to give way to heavy rain showers, while lighter showers can be expected in the afternoon and evening hours. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-easterly to Easterly between 4.02 metres and 5.36 metres.

High Tides: 07:28h and 19:50h reaching maximum heights of 2.66 metres at each scheduled high tide.

Low Tides: 01:01h and 13:22h reaching minimum heights of 0.51 metre and 0.56 metre respectively.

Govt distances itself from Cultural Advisor’s “torching” threat to Guyana Times, Evening News/TVG

…Minister Roopnaraine to reprimand Ruel Johnson; Police report filed

T

he Government of Guyana has distanced itself from the threat made on social media by its Cultural Policy Advisor, Ruel Johnson, who called for the “torching” of the Sanata Complex, which houses most prominently, the Guyana Times newspaper, Television Guyana (TVG) and Radio Guyana Inc 89.5.

Johnson, who is also a Director of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited (GNNL), which publishes the Chronicle, on Monday called for the

be reported. According to Marks, the GPA would wait for the outcome of any probe stemming from the report.

Criminal report

Cultural Policy Advisor to the Government of Guyana, Ruel Johnson

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The comments made by Johnson

torching of the Sanata Complex as a “united Guyanese protest”.

However, this did not go down well with his employer – the Government of Guyana – which on Tuesday distanced itself from Johnson’s comments.

In an interview with Guyana Times on Tuesday, Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine promised to seek an explanation from the Ministry’s Cultural Policy Advisor on the threat. Referring to such a comment being made as “strange”, Roopnaraine made it clear that such

comments were not reflective of the Government or its views.

“Certainly not! I don’t

know where that came from or what it’s about.

When I see him, I will ask him. It was brought to my attention and I would like an explanation on it.”

On Monday, the Cultural Policy Advisor

Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine

posted the comments – which also included a call for the destruction of the recently implemented but controversial parking meters. He stated: “Here’s my idea for a united Guyanese protest against impunity and tenderpreneurship – go break down all the parking meters and then proceed to torch the Sanata complex.” Johnson explicitly made the connection between the Sanata Complex, QAII, its owner and the media group consisting of the Guyana Times newspaper, Television Guyana (TVG) and Radio Guyana Inc (89.5) which would all be torched.

GPA

When contacted on Tuesday, Guyana Press Association (GPA) President Neil Marks made it clear that such a serious allegation should

Meanwhile, a Police report has been filed by the head of security at the media entity with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on Tuesday.

In Chapter 8:01 of Guyana’s Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Title four, Section 35, the charge of ‘Attempt, incitement and threat’ applies to “Everyone who, in any case where no express provision is made by this Act, or by any other written law for the time being in force, for the punishment thereof, attempts to commit, or incites or attempts to incite any other person to commit any felony not punishable with imprisonment for seven years or more, or any misdemeanour, under this Act shall be guilty of a misdemeanour and liable to imprisonment for one year.”

In Section 36, the Act goes on to cite that in cases where the felony cited incurs imprisonment of seven years or more, the act of incitement carries imprisonment for two years.

According to the laws of Guyana, arson is an indictable offence usually carrying a minimum sentence of three years and a maximum of five years.

TURN TO PAGE 5

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Wednesday, February 1, 2017

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

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

Revisiting domestic violence

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bviously concerned about the high level of domestic violence in our society today, the Head of the Women and Gender Equality Commission (W&GEC) a few days ago, once again, pressed the need for more stringent measures to be taken to help save women’s lives, since many of them continue to suffer and even die at the hands of their spouses, or other persons close to them.

Almost every day we see stories of some form of genderbased violence being reported in the media. Not so long ago, we carried a report of a woman who was doused with acid by the father of her two children. From all indications, the couple shared an abusive relationship for several years, and it was only recently that they separated, which, from all indications, prompted the violent reaction of the man.

This, of course, is the latest in a slew of cases that have taken the country by storm. Sometimes the reaction by many is: when will it all end? But they do very little as citizens to help address the problem. Many times, they refuse to go to the authorities to report cases of gender-based violence; and part of the reason for this is that for many, this has become a norm in society.

This is quite unfortunate as violence against women and children has tremendous costs to communities and nations, and can remain with women and children for a lifetime. If not dealt with very effectively, it can also pass from one generation to another. Hence, it is necessary for citizens to speak out when they know of cases of persons being abused.

According to a United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) report “Behind Closed Doors: the impact of domestic violence on children”, violence in the home shatters a child’s basic right to feel safe and secure in the world. It stated that every child has the right to grow up safe from harm and should feel that those they love are also protected.

And in cases where this right is violated, there should be a comprehensive response, taking into account the range of effects and needs of different children.

It stated that as many as 275 million children worldwide are exposed to violence in the home, indicating that this range is a conservative estimate based on the limitations of available data and the figures might be higher.

We are fully aware of the solutions that can help bring about change. We have seen hundreds of reports which detail recommendations and actions which need to be taken to arrest the situation. We have also had numerous dialogues with the involvement of all stakeholders, but yet the number of cases is going up daily.

The W&GEC claims that numerous recommendations were made to the previous and current Administrations, yet nothing much has been forthcoming. It must be noted though that a Domestic Violence Policy Unit has been set up to oversee the implementation of the National Policy on Domestic Violence. The policy calls for the Government to provide temporary shelter services, counselling, social work services, and legal aid for victims, as well as training about domestic violence for healthcare workers, Police, Judges, Magistrates, lawyers, and others.

We believe that it is time for the policymakers to revisit the issue and come up with practical solutions which address the scourge in a holistic manner, with greater focus on the root of the problem.

We had stated before that one of the greatest challenges Guyana faced in countering domestic violence, especially sexual violence, was in changing the attitudes of service providers – such as Police, Magistrates, social workers, and healthcare providers.

Additionally, awareness campaigns are critical to prevent gender-based violence, not only by educating persons of what constitutes violence and its unacceptability, but also to challenge the underlying attitudes and behaviours which support it. Awareness and early education on the issue would create wider knowledge and better understanding of the permanent damage caused by this type of abuse.

That said, while Government must take the lead in helping to bring about change, everyone – civil society, faithbased organisations, etc, must get meaningfully involved.

We, therefore, support the call made by the W&GEC for a national discussion on domestic violence to commence once again with the aim of redesigning the critical programmes to tackle the scourge.

The Children’s Mashramani Competition continued on Tuesday at the National Cultural Centre with performances in the categories of Dramatic Poetry and Calypso in age groups from 5 years to 17 years. In photo is Bel Air Primary with an entry called “The Remedy” in the 8-10 category (Carl Croker photo)

Untruths, misinformation and distortions

Dear Editor, “He that bringeth his case first seemeth just until it is carefully examined”, Proverbs 18:17. The above proverb is applicable to the press release purportedly coming from the office of the Prime Minister (PM) which was published in three of the daily newspapers on Tuesday, January 31, 2017, concerning relative increases in salaries of the Presidents, Ministers and public servants over the years 1998 to 2014. Please allow me to make some simple observations: Firstly, if it is true that the salary increases given by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) were according to the Prime Minister “unconscionable and disgraceful” then the Prime Minister who has now positioned himself as an arbiter of fairness and holds himself out as the epitome of decency, should have refused the increase on an already high salary in 2015, granted by the Granger Government to the newly elected Ministers on the Prime Minister’s words, “unconscionable and disgraceful”.

The question then needs to be asked, what adjectives will best describe the huge salary increases that the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government gave themselves one month after being in office: indecent, reckless, hypocritical and even deceptive; especially when this was disclosed by the media, denied by the Government spokespersons

and subsequently discovered to be secretly done and gazetted.

This matter was debated in the Parliament with the Opposition calling for an annulment of the order granting the increases to the President, Prime Minister, Vice Presidents, Ministers and Junior Ministers, some 28 in number. This unpalatable situation continues to fester and haunt the David Granger-led Administration with even their members and supporters crying out against this betrayal of trust. Obviously this unpopular decision has resulted in the APNU/AFC Government resorting to propaganda and in an act of desperation stage-managed the question by Jermaine Ferrigura and the answer by Winston Jordan, Finance Minister, was opportunistically used by the Prime Minister with speedy orchestrated response.

At this stage, I will not digress into a realm outside of what was said in this carefully choreographed question and answer segment of the National Assembly, but will use the Minister’s answer to debunk what is being misconstrued to deceive a population at its boiling point of anger against this unpopular administration because of the several inhumane, anti-poor decisions by the Coalition government.

In 1999 and 2000 the Armstrong tribunal recommendations were adopted and public servants received increases of 31.06 per cent and 26.66 per cent respectively. Minister Jordan’s an-

swer in Parliament disclosed that the Jagdeo Government did not bureaucratically grab the opportunity to increase their salary similar to that given to public servants. In essence neither the President nor the Ministers in the Jagdeo Government were provided with similar increases enjoyed by public servants for that year. In the same answer Minister Jordan revealed that in no less than three occasions the President and or Ministers were not given any salary increases whatsoever.

The Minister of Finance in his answer said that the President’s salary was indexed in 2006 to that of the Chancellor of the Judiciary and the Attorney General.

The Ministers salary was indexed to that of Permanent Secretaries, although the records would show that the salary of some Permanent Secretaries (OP & MOF) remains far in excess of the remuneration received by Cabinet Ministers.

The clear case in point, is that the PPP/C took office in 1992 and it was not until 14 years later after we would have developed Guyana, repaired infrastructure, achieved debt relief, stabilised the economy, fixed health and education services, improved disposable income of the ordinary man, expanded the middle class, made significant investments in the development of the rural and hinterland communities, implemented policies for the revitalisation of the Private Sector; making Guyana attractive for

investment and the overall improvement in the standard of living of all Guyanese before correcting what can be considered an anomaly. By this time our budget recurrent expenditure reflected a commitment to pro-poor expenditure to almost 60 per cent.

It is important to note there was no public outcry, there was no public rebuke, and there was no secrecy in relation to the PPP/C salary increases. This was gazetted, publically known and not handled in an underhand and devious manner. The people saw a Government prioritising taking care of the interests of the masses.

In the interest of not occupying too much space in your publication, I just dealt with the justice of the situation and not the actual figures which can be dealt with more adequately in another instalment. I conclude by saying this, APNU/AFC Government in its misconstrued beliefs of its messianic stature or more aptly described as manifest destiny will continue to operate as if they are “anointed” to do whatever they want, whenever they want, to whomever they want and no one dares question them. To do so, is to incur the wrath of the divine. I will not, by my silence, be a sponsor peddling untruths, misinformation and distortions. Not intimidated!

Yours faithfully, Bishop Juan Edghill, MP People’s Progressive Party/Civic

wednesday, february 1, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

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News

PM to get unlimited tax exemption, duty-free vehicles

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he Cadillac lifestyle has gotten better for Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, who can now import unlimited vehicles which will be exempted from Value Added Tax (VAT).

This is in addition to the duty-free vehicle he is already entitled to as a Member of Parliament (MP), along with many other extravagant benefits he enjoys at the expense of the public purse, Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira has revealed.

Teixeira, in her presentation to the National Assembly on Monday, highlighted that the list of VAT exempt vehicles were expanded to include those imported by and for the use of the Prime Minister and the President.

“I had to scratch my head because I thought when you buy cars for pres-

idents’ use; there are all sorts of things that they don’t pay, because it is the Government buying it for the President. But then I saw the word ‘by’. So it’s motor vehicles imported ‘by’ or ‘for’. When I saw it at first I thought it was normal because you got to buy the cars for the President and you got to buy the cars for the Prime Minister.

And then I said ‘oh shoot’.

It’s true what they say. One little word, one tiny word called ‘by’, that ‘by’ certainly changes the meaning of this amendment,” the former Presidential Advisor pointed out.

Teixeira said she was confused even more as to why Nagamootoo was entitled to such a benefit, since he already had duty-free concessions.

Junior Finance Minister Jaipaul Sharma had clarified that VAT-exempt items

Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira

do not attract additional charges for the consumer.

Since assumption to executive office, Nagamootoo has been accused of going to extreme lengths to ensure that he would be enjoying quite a sybaritic lifestyle for the next five years.

In fact, just three

Govt distances itself ...

FROM PAGE 3

This is not the first time that Johnson has made discriminatory and inciting comments on social media about provoking violence. In 2016, Johnson was lambasted by Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira for a similar outburst, and she called on Education Minister Roopnaraine to terminate Johnson’s contract.

According to Teixeira, Johnson does not have an understanding of the role his position has in shaping society and is reckless in his statements. She had pointed out that the Constitution

of Guyana speaks to the issue of anti-discrimination and noted that a person who holds the responsibilities of culture must be sensitive to Guyana’s multi-cultural nature.

Meanwhile, only last year, East Bank Essequibo resident Bibi Safora Salim, who used social media to issue threatening and derogatory statements against President David Granger, was charged, placed on bail and then tried by the courts. Unlike that case which was dismissed because there was no specific offence committed, ac-

cording to the Magistrate, in this instance, incendiary threats to 5520 followers to “torch” specific premises presented a clear and present threat.

Similarly, Tameshwar Beekham, a self-professed A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) supporter, was charged and fined after he issued death threats on social media against the life of former President and Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo and other parliamentarians of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP).

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo

months after being sworn in as Prime Minister, a $22 million customised luxury Land Cruiser was added to his existing fleet of more than 20 vehicles.

The Prime Minister’s salary amounts to a whop-

ping $1.7 million monthly and if he is to retire tomorrow, he will receive a pension, calculated to be higher than the pension enjoyed by any former President.

Millions of taxpayers’ dollars have been pumped into improving the lavish lifestyle of the Prime Minister.

Nagamootoo has cashed in on hefty amounts for the repairs to the bridge and road to his private residence, repairs to the official Prime Minister’s residence and the Office of the Prime Minister.

Nagamootoo had refused to move into the State residence, saying that it was unfit for inhabitation, and he would only move in after it was upgraded. He exclaimed that he would not let his dogs live there and then demanded upgrades be done to the tune of mil-

lions of dollars before moving in.

Cabinet had given its no-objection to the award of a contract for renovation works at the Prime Minister’s residence. The contact was approved to the value of $29,328,078.

The PM is cashing in on all these benefits at the expense of taxpayers when his portfolio has been described as nothing short of what was the responsibility of a former Media Liaison attached to the Office of the President under the former Administration.

Interestingly, it was Nagamootoo, who popularised local usage of the term “fat cat salaries” and condemned the living of a “Cadillac lifestyle in a donkey-cart economy” when he was sitting on the Opposition benches before May 2015.

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very year, your family probably faces its share of colds, sore throats, and viruses. When you bring your child to the doctor for these illnesses, do you automatically expect a prescription for antibiotics?

Many parents do. And they're surprised, maybe even angry, if they leave the doctor's office empty-handed — after all, what parent doesn't want their kid to get well as quickly as possible? But your doctor could be doing you and your child a favour by not reaching for the prescription pad.

How antibiotics work

guyanatimesgy.com

Antibiotics, first used in the 1940s, are certainly one of the great advances in medicine. But overprescribing them has resulted in the development of resistant bacteria, that don't respond to antibiotics that may have worked in the past. Plus, whenever kids take antibiotics they run the risk of side-effects, such as stomach upset and diarrhoea or even an allergic reaction.

To understand how antibiotics work, it helps to know about the two major types of germs that can make people sick: bacteria and viruses. Although certain bacteria and v i r u s es cause diseases

with similar symptoms, the ways these two organisms multiply and spread illness are different: Bacteria are living organisms existing as single cells. Bacteria are everywhere and most don't cause any harm, and in some cases may be beneficial. Lactobacillus, for example, lives in the intestine and helps digest food.

But some bacteria are harmful and can cause illness by invading the human body, multiplying, and interfering with normal bodily processes.

Antibiotics are effective against bacteria because they work to kill these living organisms by stopping their growth and reproduction.

Viruses, on the other hand, are not alive and cannot exist on their own — they are particles containing genetic material wrapped in a protein coat.

Viruses grow and reproduce only after they've invaded other living cells.

The body's immune system can fight off some viruses before they cause illness, but others (colds, for example) must simply run their course.

Antibiotics do not work against viruses.

Why it's harmful to overuse them

Taking antibiotics for colds and other viral illnesses not only won't work, but it can also have dangerous side effects – over time, this practice actually helps create bacteria that are harder to kill.

Frequent and inappropriate use of antibiotics can cause bacteria or other microbes to change so antibiotics don’t work against them. This is called bacterial resistance or antibiotic resistance. Treating these resistant bacteria requires higher dos-

es of medicine or stronger antibiotics.

Because of antibiotic overuse, certain bacteria have become resistant to even the most powerful antibiotics available today.

Antibiotic resistance is a wide-

Taking antibiotics for colds and other viral illnesses not only won't work, but it can also have dangerous side effects spread problem, and one that the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) calls "one of the world's most pressing public health problems". Bacteria that were once highly responsive to antibiotics have become more and more resistant. Among those that are becoming harder to treat are pneumococcal infections (which cause pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, and meningitis), skin infections, and tuberculosis.

In addition to antibiotic resistance, overusing antibiotics can lead to other problems. Antibiotics kill many different bacteria, even the good ones that help keep the body healthy. Sometimes taking antibiotics can cause a person to develop diarrhoea due to a lack of good bacteria that help digest food properly. In some cases, bad bacteria, like Clostridium difficile (or C diff), may overgrow and cause infections. (Excerpt from Kidshealth)

Reading for leisure – the benefits

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eading voluntarily is not something that you often find encouraged: yet it is extremely helpful to a child’s success. There are many reasons why parents should kindle the love of leisure reading within their children, some of which I hope to discuss here.

Growing up, reading has always been an integral part of my life.

Ashley Anthony It was alien for me to discover that persons didn’t read often. It was almost as though they were missing a whole section of their lives. For me, one thing that reading did was stimulate my creativity. Through fictional books, I was able to picture mythical worlds, and I became more imaginative. This then led me to my love for writing, as I wanted to be able to create my own stories. And because of reading, I was also able to excel in English, as I was familiar with syntax and my vocabulary had expanded. This love for reading continued to aid me in life, even in my higher studies, as I didn’t find reading notes or textbooks as burdensome as some of my colleagues did. Such little things have added up to what I believe is an easier and more enjoyable school experience.

Something else too that reading gifts to children is a wider cultural experience. You are able to live situations (second-handedly) that you might not come across in real life, and analyse how the characters respond to them.

These simple analyses can be applied to your own life, and can help you make better decisions as to how to interact sensitively with others. Furthermore, reading can help you connect with others. If two people have read the same book, there’s almost an instant rapport created between them. Just like how persons supporting the same football team act as a family, so do readers who support a particular author. Readers form a community, and reading can even become a constructive hobby. It can be used to distract from stress, while simultaneously stimulating your mind.

Plus, it’s relatively low budget. You can buy used books, or even borrow books from schools, libraries and friends.

You can also get a few online if you’re up for the modern experience of e-books. So really, it seems like a win-win.

Obviously, not everyone will find the same joy and benefit the same ways as I did from reading, but there’s nothing to lose from trying.

news

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wednesDAY, february 1, 2017| guyanatimesgy.com

AG vs Deputy Solicitor General

Credibility of AG Chambers now in question – Bar Association

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he Guyana Bar Association has weighed in on the controversy between Attorney General Basil Williams and Deputy Solicitor General Prithima Kissoon, pointing out that someone should take the proverbial high road as the issue is one affecting the credibility of the office seen as the legal representation of the State.

This is according to former President and current Executive Member of the Bar Association, Teni Housty.

He noted that this did not necessarily mean that there should be no retaliation, when warranted. What it does mean, he said, is that there are rules and regulations to deal with such infractions.

“If there is a procedure to be followed, follow the procedure and let the procedure decide it. Do not try to proceed in the court of public opinion. Not because one party steps outside the rules means the other one has to step outside the rules.”

Housty noted the importance of the Attorney General’s Chambers, as the legal rep-

Attorney General Basil Williams

resentation of Guyana’s state apparatus. The Attorney-atLaw pointed out that the expectation, therefore, was that as its status befits, it should not be exhibiting disunity.

“A public service is governed by rules and issues with discipline, insubordination, conduct of staff should be dealt with within. Now, when you step outside the rules and attempt to have issues canvassed outside the rules, what kind of example do you set to others following the observance of rules.”

“The concern is when you start to disregard one set of rules, what happens to the wider rules of society? To be representing a part of society which upholds the rule of law, and then (infighting occurs), what type of example would you be setting for the wider society?”

Housty went on to say that the entity’s reputation was now in question.

“When these things come out, it doesn’t fit (the entity’s repute). It weakens the confidence in the State machinery when it comes to the administration of justice. When these things happen, it is the administration of justice that suffers.”

This latest scandal originated from the dismissal of a State-sponsored appeal which led to the quashing of a case against former President Bharrat Jagdeo.

Williams had blamed the Deputy Solicitor General for this outcome by publicly ridiculing her, in addition to criticising the Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Justice Carl Singh. His statements prompt-

Deputy Solicitor Prithima Kissoon

General

ed rebukes across the political divide, with Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo distancing himself from Williams’ comments.

However, Kissoon has since filed a detailed complaint to the Public Service Commission (PSC). In the complaint, Kissoon spoke about the AG failing to give instructions or examining documents prepared by her prior to being filed or presented to the court.

She also claimed that Williams, who was recent-

Policeman drowns after patrol vessel sinks

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39-year-old Policeman is now dead after the vessel in which he and a colleague were travelling sank during a river patrol exercise on Monday evening.

Dead is Police Corporal 16825 Balgrave Bartholomew of Itaballi, Mazaruni, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

According to Police reports, the incident occurred around 20:45h in the Ekeruku River, Mazaruni.

The investigation so far has revealed that Corporal Bartholomew and his colleague Constable Travis Bess went on patrol duty in a wooden boat that was captained by miner Devon Williams, of Annandale, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

As they were returning from patrol duty, the vessel

began to take in water from the bow and quickly sank.

Bess and Williams managed to swim to shore, but Corporal Bartholomew unfortunately could not.

An alarm was raised and a search team comprising residents began combing the area. About 10:00h on Tuesday morning, the lifeless body of the 39-year-old cop was found in the river.

The body has since been transported to Bartica Hospital Mortuary for a post-mortem examination today. Corporal Bartholomew had served in the Guyana Police Force for over 20 years and had been stationed in the hinterland for most of his policing career.

F Division (Lethem and other Interior Locations)

Commander, Senior Superintendent Ravindradat Budram, along with Pastor Lennox Rankin of the Police Force’s Cops and Faith

Community Network and a party of Police ranks, on Tuesday’s visited relatives of the deceased and offered their condolences.

ly made a Senior Counsel by President David Granger, instructed his assistants to refuse to accept any documents or correspondence from her.

Meanwhile, in another section of the media, Solicitor General Sita Ramlall, in a letter to the editor, pointed out that Williams had insisted to Kissoon and herself, that he be named as the plaintiff in the appeal when he was not a party.

“I did not prepare nor approve the Appeal in this matter. The Deputy Solicitor General, Ms Prithima Kissoon at all material times and at all stages had conduct of the matter and she was aware that an Appeal was being prepared. When the Appeal was to be filed, Ms Kissoon could not be found to affix her signature to same. The pleadings were brought to me for signature, whereupon I declined to sign same. I then went to the Honourable Attorney General and advised that he could not be a party to the action for the very same reasons…but the Honourable Attorney General was adamant and instructed me to sign and file the Appeal.

This was done,” Ramlall stated.

Former Bar Association President Teni Housty

Defence In his defence, the AG claimed that he could no longer sustain Kissoon’s undermining of his Chamber’s cases.

He claimed that in cases where President David Granger, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and the Attorney General were sued, Kissoon deliberately disobeyed the instructions of the Attorney General and the Solicitor General with regard to challenging the applications on lack of jurisdiction, thereby causing the matters to be protracted.

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wednesDAY, february 1, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Picking sense…

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…from BS

oses Nagamootoo, who couldn’t even match the votes his shill picked up at the AFC popularity sweepstakes, was in fine form at the National Assembly the other night. Meaning he couldn’t help putting his foot into his mouth! Compensation for weaknesses can be a bitch!! In what had to be a carefully hatched plan by him, one obscure MP had asked for the salaries and percentage increases of Ministers and the President between 1998 and 2014 to be declared.

And – surprise! surprise! – Finance Minister Winston Jordan JUST HAPPENED to have them available to be rattled off. Yes Virginia – there is a Santa Claus!! And right on cue, up jumps PM Nagamootoo, performing the last role left to him, and announces the raises authorised by the PPP – in which he then was an MP and a member of the PPP Central Committee, mind you! -- were “unconscionable and utterly disgraceful”!! The raises for the PPP President and Ministers amounted to over 386 per cent and 220 per cent respectively.

Imagine that! What Nagamootoo didn’t realise was he was setting himself up because he’s constitutionally incapable of doing otherwise! – speaking without following all the ramifications. Now if the PPP raises were so “unconscionable and utterly disgraceful” over the 17-year-period, you’d think those massive salaries would be enough for PM Moses Nagamootoo, his President and his new and expanded Cabinet, wouldn’t you??

But you see, Dear Reader, you’re not Moses Nagamootoo and his band of merry men! So, what did they do?? Why! Immediately grant themselves a 50 per cent raise on top of the “unconscionable and utterly disgraceful” salaries!!

So, what do you call these new salaries? Disgusting and shameless? And how were the “disgusting and shameless” salaries explained? There were several; but the one that struck a chord was that these new Ministers had to get mega salaries so they wouldn’t be tempted to steal!!

Now, but that obviously means the original PPP salaries inherited by the coalition Government weren’t so “unconscionable and utterly disgraceful” after all! If they were, there’d be no need to inflate them so massively! Or, then could it be, the new lot were so avaricious, right off the bat, the handlers knew they had to build a bigger moat against corruption.

But from what we subsequently saw, it’s clear while the assumptions on the weakness of the flesh of the new Ministers-on-the-block were spot on – the inducement to fortify their flesh still wasn’t enough! Rotten to the core??

The question arises: if the average ministerial salary increase of the PPP over their 17 years was 13 per cent, what’s it gonna be for the PNC-led coalition that started off in YEAR ONE with 50 per cent!!??

Lord, have mercy!!

…from ideological cluelessness

Hydar Ally raised a hornet’s nest when he attempted to pronounce authoritatively on the ‘ideology’ of the PPP – which, as he fully well knows, is in a state of transition that is accelerated ever faster after their Essequibo Congress. It was not surprising that almost immediately he provoked reactions from both within and without the party.

The problem with fellas like Hydar Ally – is they’re very well-meaning but almost a century and a half after Darwin explained that even living organisms have to adapt to their ever-changing environment – or face extinction – he doesn’t appreciate the same is true of institutions.

Including the PPP. Irfaan Ali, one of the new generation, explained the situation rather pithily, your Eyewitness thought, by showing that even Hydar Ally’s exemplar of “Marxism Leninist” – Dr Cheddi Jagan – was constantly changing with the times.

But didn’t even Marx explain that “dialectics” itself imply change? Including that of the “old guard”?

…from evasive analyses

In the attempts to explain what went down at the AFC elections, there’s a studied refusal to face the facts. If the AFC vote was a search for new leaders, how can Trotman – who was AWOL since the elections – be explained?

How about the elephant named “race”?

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

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wednesDAY, february 1, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Forced out of office

“I am very disturbed and upset” – Justice Kennard A

fter devoting over 50 years of his life to serving Guyana, Justice Cecil Kennard is disheartened with the manner in which Government is coercing him to retire from his post as Chairman of the Police Complaints Authority (PCA).

During an exclusive interview with Guyana Times on Tuesday, the PCA Chairman explained that he was initially only given practically 36 hours’ notice via a letter sent to his office while he was on vacation to step down from his position.

“On December 29, I was on a short vacation with my family in Antigua when I received a phone call from my secretary that she had received on that day a letter which was written on behalf of the President indicating that the President directed he send me this letter indicating that my services will end on December 31,” he explained.

Justice Kennard said he was “shocked and upset” upon receiving that information as he had no prior indication that his service was going to be brought to an end. He also contended that the timeframe in which Government gave him to retire was unfair, especially for a senior officer of his capacity.

The PCA Chairman said he immediately made contact with Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, who pleaded ignorance about the letter.

According to Justice

Kennard, Ramjattan promised to look into the matter.

“On January 4, I received a telephone call indicating that I have been granted an extension and that a letter will follow.

unfinished work for his successor.

“To give me 36 hours to vacate is very shocking and even the two months extension is not fair to me because the annual report will take

“To give me 36 hours to vacate is very shocking and even the two months extension is not fair to me because the annual report will take a lot of time to prepare…

I am very disturbed and upset that having served this country for 50 years to be given such a short notice,” Kennard said.

To this date, I have not received a letter, they said the letter would indicate the extension period. I then read in the press that my services will be brought to an end at the end of February,” he explained.

Unfair

Justice Kennard contended that the extension granted is rather unfair on a number of grounds, one being the bulk of work to be completed before he leaves.

“I have a lot to do, I have to prepare my annual report, I have a lot of files to deal with and I was expecting that I would be given some reasonable time at least until the end of March to complete my work,” he explained.

The former Chancellor pointed out that having been in the legal system for a number of years, he developed a policy of not leaving

a lot of time to prepare… I am very disturbed and upset that having served this country for 50 years to be given such a short notice,” he emphasised.

Age discrimination

Even more shocking, Justice Kennard pointed out, is that Government is yet to formally indicate to him its reasons for wanting him to retire.

He highlighted that no reason has thus far been given expect from what he read in the media attributed to Minister Ramjattan.

Ramjattan told the opening of the annual Police Conference that the PCA Head was asked to retire because of his age.

“I think it’s age. He’s almost over 80 and the President indicated to me that he sent him a letter and he would be removing [him], at this stage,

by the end of February,” Ramjattan said.

But Justice Kennard believes that age is not a practical reason for asking someone to retire as age does not render someone incompetent or incapable of executing his/her duties.

“Is age a criterion for getting rid of a person?

There are a lot of politicians around my age and they are still serving therefore if there is an age policy, we should rid get of all the old people and let the young people take over. I have no problem with that,” he stated.

Dr David Hinds, a political commentator and Executive Member of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) – one of the smaller parties in the coalition Government – had posited that an “unhealthy precedence” is being set in this matter. “In a country that is “woefully short of competent people to staff its expanding bureaucracy, we should not be in the business of firing people simply because they are getting old,” he reasoned.

til March month-end so he can complete his work. The Public Security Minister had disclosed that the search for a new PCA Chairman would be the responsibility of the Ministry of the Presidency.

Outstanding service

Chairman of the Police Complaints Authority (PCA), Justice Cecil Kennard

Challenge

But despite his grievances, Justice Kennard does not intend to challenge Government’s desire to have him vacate office.

“I don’t intend to make myself a fool. I don’t want to appear that I am fighting to keep the job. That is not my policy and I wouldn’t resort to any means to remain in office,” he stated.

Justice Kennard said all he is asking is that government grants him un-

The former Chancellor, who is a recipient of the Order of Roraima (OR), studied Law in the United Kingdom’s prestigious Lincoln’s Inn. He returned in 1962 to open a private practice in Berbice, from where he hails. In 1965 he was appointed State Counsel (prosecutor) in the Director of Public Prosecutions Chambers, before being elevated to senior State Counsel in 1968. He also served as the Guyana Police Force’s legal advisor.

Kennard served in the Court of Appeal before becoming Chief Justice, serving from 1995 to 1996. He then served as Chancellor of the Judiciary from 1996 to 2002, when he left the Judiciary to take up his position at the PCA. He has been PCA Chairman ever since.

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wednesDAY, February 1, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

GDF rape investigation

Mother tells daughter’s story

…as investigations continue

T

hree members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) stationed at Base Camp Stephenson, Timehri, East Bank Demerara are now in hot water for allegedly raping an 18-year-old girl.

The incident reportedly occurred on Friday evening after the teen was forcefully taken to the barracks by two of the three men in a vehicle bearing GDF plates.

Based on reports received, the teenager left her mother's Timehri home about 21:00h with the intention of going by her grandmother to spend the night.

Her grandmother, Guyana Times understands, resides in the squatting area behind the Cheddi Jagan International Airport.

However, as the teen solicited public transportation, a GDF vehicle stopped and offered her a lift, but she refused.

Soon after, "a tall red one" exited the vehicle and approached the young lady, leading her to believe that he wanted to converse, but instead, he grabbed and dragged her into the vehicle, the teen’s mother told this newspaper.

The young lady was carrying a phone, but the men were not aware of that, so she stashed it. They reportedly took her to a house in close proximity to t h e base where they locked her in.

"After she get locked in... she contact me and tell me to come save she that she just get kidnap by two GDF boys and they lock she in a room... she tell me that after they carry she in the

house, she could hear other voices and then the place went silent,” the mother told Guyana Times.

Without hesitation, the mother contacted her aunt and they went to the Timehri Police Station and explained the situation.

The Police, along with the teen's mother and aunt, immediately went in search of her.

"She called

back and give we some direction, but as soon as she was about to give me more information, someone entered.”

"We tried calling her back, but the calls went to voicemail," the mother stated. It was during this time, the teenager confirmed that one of the men raped her after which he left.

As soon as he left, the violated teen collected her phone and contacted her mother, but while doing so, another rank came in and told her "if you want we loose you, you got to put away the phone".

While this was happening, the Police were still searching for leads and even went to the base to enquire.

The mother claimed when she asked to speak with the duty officer, the rank at the

gate told her that he could take her, but insisted only she will be allowed to see him.

This, she claimed, did not sound right and, as such, she related it to the Police ranks who were with her and they too thought something was amiss.

Nevertheless, as they patrol the area, they received another call from the teenager who informed them that the men had dropped her off where they had collected her.

"She tell us that they took a short cut, because they know we de searching the area...As we head down the hill, we see the soldier vehicle going up, but decide not to follow them and rushed to meh daughter.”

The teenager then related to the Police what had transpired and she was taken to the hospital where she was examined and doctors confirmed that she had sexual intercourse.

The matter was reported to the official at the base on Saturday morning, and with the assistance of a relative of the Guyana Police Force, the teenager positively identified two men after which a third was implicated.

The mother is holding out that the ranks of the GDF and the Guyana Police Force are supposed to protect the citizens of Guyana and not to bring harm to them. She is calling on the hierarchy of the Force to investigate the matter thoroughly, so that justice can be given to the teenager.

Moustachioed Local Trump

S

atiricus was bemused. Not amused, he informed his friends, but “bemused”, as is perplexed. He was hanging out with the fellas at their usual joint: performing their usual ritual of quaffing lager and periodically downing portions of the “cutters” de jour. Which today happened to be fried Banga Mary doused with the house’s secret-recipe pepper sauce.

“How much longer are you fellas going to carry on about Trump and his carrying-ons over in the US?” he demanded.

“Well, Boy, we just can’t understand what the man’s doing with all these tweetings and bannings!” protested Hari.

“Yeah! An’ if ‘e sen’ back all dem Guyanese fram ‘merica, whe’ abee guh put dem?” asked Bungi with some heat – and not from the peppered Banga Mary.

“Not to mention, all of our freck will be cut,” chipped in Hari.

“But while you fellas bellyaching about Trump in America,” asked Satiricus. “What about our local Trump?”

“Who yuh mean?” demanded Bungi.

“Who else but Moustache Man,” said Satiricus with some exasperation. “Trump only doing stupidness two weeks now, but Moustache Man been behaving even stranger for over a year and a half!!”

“You know, Sato,” confessed Bungi, “Me nevah t’ink ‘bout Trump and Moustache Man dat way!”

“Both of them just say whatever comes to their mouth!” exclaimed Hari. “And because both of them in Government, they just embarrass ordinary people.”

“Fellas! I know both of you just gloating!” said Satiricus.

“But he embarrassing my leader Nagga Man, when he attacking Judges and all that.”

“But a whe’ ‘e get all dem spunks fram?” Bungi wanted to know. “Like he get mo’ seed dan baigan!”

“Is payback time, fellas,” said Satiricus shaking his head sadly. “Remember he was the man what was talking to the Bannuh on the Agricola Massacre?”

“Wow!” exclaimed Hari. “The Americans may be able to impeach Trump. But even “Number One” can’t touch Moustache.” “’E know whe’ all dem Pee-an-See skeletan bury!” grinned Bungi. “Tell Nagga Man ‘e bettah mek fr’en wid Mustache Man!!”

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wednesDAY, february 1, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Bandits snatch $6M after trailing Ganja bust Couple released on $400,000 bail businesswoman from bank

A

A

n East Coast Demerara (ECD) couple were on Tuesday morning robbed of some $6 million after bandits reportedly trailed the wife home from a city bank.

The incident occurred around 11:45h at the couple’s Lot 31 Chimney Road, Chateau Margot, ECD home where they operate a vehicle upholstery shop.

It was reported that the armed men confronted the couple moments after the woman arrived home from the bank and escaped with the cash, along with other belongings that were in her handbag.

According to information reaching Guyana Times, Indranie Boodhoo went to a city bank on Tuesday morning and withdrew the money. She then took a taxi home and upon arriving there, she went into the yard, but soon after, a silver Toyota Allion motor car bearing registration number HB 8059 pulled up in front of the house.

A male exited the front passenger seat and rushed into the yard, before confronting Boodhoo at gunpoint and demanding the bag. He was then joined by an armed accomplice, who came out of the driver seat.

Upon realising what was happening, the woman quickly threw her handbag,

The Boodhoos’ home where bandits carted off $6 million after trailing the wife from a city bank

which contained the money, to her husband who was also standing in the yard at the time. However, the bandits managed to get to the man before he could have escaped and pointed the gun to his head. They took the bag away from the husband, Mulchand Boodhoo, and subsequently escaped in the motor car.

At the time of the robbery, one of the couple’s employees was in the yard, but was unable to aid the couple since the ordeal lasted less than five minutes.

Luckily, no one was injured.

Meanwhile, the taxi driver has since been taken into Police custody and is assisting with investigations. It is unclear whether the taxi the woman used was known to her or not.

Nevertheless, when contacted about the robbery, C (East Coast Demerara) Division Commander Marlon Chapman told this newspaper that neither of the two bandits has been arrested.

However, the Commander reiterated the need for citizens to be cautious and take the necessary steps to protect themselves. In this case, the Commander posited that the woman should not have gone on her own to the bank, especially when it involved that large sum of cash.

“People need to be security conscious; we keep sounding the same alarm.

You can’t trust people, because you don’t know what is really going on in their minds,” he pointed out.

Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo) farmer and his wife, who were allegedly busted with a quantity of ganja, were on Tuesday arraigned before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on a charge of narcotics possession.

Louis Bertino, 26, and Felicia Mandokin, 18, of Moco Moco Village, Central Rupununi, are accused of having three kilograms of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking on January 27.

The couple, who denied the charge, was represented

by Attorney-at-Law Jerome

Khan.

In a bail application, Attorney Khan told the court that on the day in question, his clients were arrested during a Police raid. He said the Police were looking for his client’s brother when they stumbled upon the narcotics in the couple’s residence. He further related that the substance was found in the luggage of the brother of his client, who had two days prior to the raid, left it at their home.

He requested reasonable bail for his clients, questioning the grounds of the arrest and arguing that the Police had a named suspect, who

owned the bag containing the substance and who they were still looking for, but they instead arrested his clients. He further told the court that his clients had a three-yearold child together and had no knowledge, or in no way could have reasonably suspected the contents of the relative’s luggage included an illegal drug.

The presiding Magistrate then granted bail to the couple at $200,000 each, and the matter was transferred to the Lethem Magistrate’s Court.

The case will again be callled on February 7.

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wednesDAY, February 1, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Parking meter fees to be reduced today … as GRA confirms VAT charges in order … new group formed to protest project

W

ith the new tax regime coming in force effective today, the fees for parking meter cards will be reduced.

The Value Added Tax (VAT), which was currently being charged at a rate of 16 per cent, is included in the cost of the prepaid cards which are being sold citywide.

Given that a quantity of cards was printed prior to the

VAT rate being reduced, the total cost of the cards will have to be reduced accordingly.

The parking meter company, Smart City Solutions (SCS), will inform its vendors of the need to implement this reduction.

For example, where a card states a cost of $580, VAT inclusive, it will now be sold for $570, reflecting the VAT reduction from 16 per cent to 14

per cent.

Consumers making their prepaid metered card purchases at vendor locations are asked to be vigilant in ensuring that the cost of cards are reflective of the reduced VAT of 14 per cent.

Meanwhile, the confusion of the double charging of VAT for the parking meter services was clarified on Tuesday after a delegation from the Guyana

Biofriendly detergent line launched in Guyana

F

our new lines of the famous Seventh Generation products were launched in Guyana as part of the support for promoting a greener economy.

The Eco Atlantic Investment Company on Tuesday launched the products at Cara Lodge, Georgetown.

The sole distributors of these products are the Eco Atlantic Investment Company, run by two women, Sophia Dolphin and Miranda Takur.

The Seventh Generation products are all plant-based, and have been around for over 28 years. The company is known for promoting ecological products. At the launching, it was disclosed that the company, out of 400, won the right to use the US Department of Agriculture bio-preferred label.

According to co-founder of the company, Sophia Dolphin, it is important for Guyanese

Some of the Seventh Generation products

to begin demanding more organic products on store shelves.

“We at Eco Atlantic are encouraging all Guyanese that when you go to shop, learn more about your products, practise that habit because it is happening worldwide, and we encourage you not because it is the right thing to do, but because it is safe for us and helps us to live longer.”

In attendance at the launch was First Lady Sandra Granger, who called for eco-products to be manufactured and promoted right here in Guyana.

She noted that while locals were importing these prod-

ucts, similar products were being manufactured here.

“While we are importing eco-friendly products, look at what we are producing here and we are going back to many of the things that we used as children. We are seeing products like crab oil and coconut oil and all those things coming back, so we might want to look at a fusion of those things and see how you can use your marketing expertise to sell them internationally.”

Georgetown Mayor Patricia Chase Green, who was also present at the launch, endorsed the products.

Consumers making their prepaid meter card purchases at vendor locations are asked to be vigilant in ensuring that the cost of cards are reflective of the reduced VAT of 14 per cent

Revenue Authority (GRA) visited SCS. The delegation was led

by Commissioner General Godfrey Statia and Deputy Commissioner General Hema Khan, who met with SCS Managing Director, Amir Oren. In a statement, the GRA determined that the VAT being applied to the service provided by SCS is in compliance with the requirements of the

VAT Act. The Tax Authority explained that VAT is being charged by SCS upon the purchase of the prepaid parking cards at current VAT rates.

The VAT is, however, applicable to the consumer only at prevailing VAT rates when parking is transacted.

Despite immense public outcry, parking meters have been established throughout

the capital city.

The implementation is divided into two phases, with the first phase of the parking meter project occupying 3237 parking spaces in Georgetown, utilising 157 parking meters.

The meters, intended to regulate traffic, are situated along Quamina Street, Water Street, Hadfield Street, Camp Street, Church Street, North Road, Robb Street, Regent Street, Charlotte Street, South Road, Croal Street, Brickdam, Avenue of the Republic, Wellington Street and King Street. Meanwhile, a newly formed group called the “Movement Against Parking Meters (MAPM) will be seeking to engage the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) of Georgetown to address numerous concerns regarding the implementation of the parking meters across the city.

The group is hoping to conduct a peace full protest on Friday.

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News

UK multibillion-dollar infrastructure Bartica Massacre grant to fund Linden-Lethem Road accused to know

T

he Public Infrastructure Ministry is gearing up to commence construction on the first phase of the LindenLethem Road Project, which will be funded by the Government of the United Kingdom through its UK Caribbean Infrastructure Partnership Fund (UKCIF) programme.

In September 2015, former UK Prime Minister David Cameron announced a £300 million investment in vital new infrastructure such as roads, bridges and ports to help drive economic growth and development across the Caribbean region. Guyana was named among nine Caribbean states to benefit from the grant.

According to the Public Infrastructure Ministry on Tuesday, construction for the first phase of the LindenLethem Road Project, which spans from Linden to Mabura, is expected to commence without a hitch as the Ministry will be working closely with the UK Government towards the success of the project.

The first phase of the project covers approximately 122.5 kilometres of road from Linden and the construction of a bridge across the Essequibo River at Kurupukari River. This phase is currently in the design stage.

As part of the collaboration with the UK

Construction works are to commence this year on the LindenLethem Road

Government, the Public Infrastructure Ministry said Government is seeking to engage a multi-discipline and transport sector-experienced consulting firm to assist in the preparation of a two-component capital project.

The components for this capital project include the upgrade of approximately 122.5 km of road between Linden and Mabura Hill (including drainage) and construction of a new single or dual lane fixed bridge across the Essequibo River at the Kurupukari ferry crossing, which is approximately 600 metres long.

While the proposed road upgrade applies only to one section of the Linden-Lethem road, the capital works on the remaining 331.5km of the laterite road will be undertaken through funding from other sources.

The remaining capital works would fall under addi-

tional phases and the Public Infrastructure Ministry disclosed that it has already engaged the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) on possible funding for the stretch of road between Mabura Hill and Lethem.

Earlier last week, Junior Public Infrastructure Minister Annette Ferguson met with officials from IsDB on the project and another team is slated to return to Guyana for further discussions.

The final cost of Phase One of the project is not yet known but will be determined by the detailed design study being funded by the UKCIF. Meanwhile, the Infrastructure Ministry is optimistic about the success of the project. According to Chief Planning and Transport Officer, Patrick Thompson, the Ministry and the UK Government are working closely together to

ensure that the project progresses smoothly.

“We’ve received very favourable responses so far and we are feeling very optimistic about the progression of the first phase of this project,” Thompson noted, while adding that construction can commence in as soon as 18 months.

Last month, during the 2017 Budget presentation, Finance Minister Winston Jordan speaking about “infrastructure for integration”, noted that an infrastructure network that can support rapid economic development requires huge capital investments.“This is especially true of Guyana with its sparsely populated town and village centres scattered over its 214,970 square kilometres,” he posited. To this end, Jordan noted that Government budgeted some $37.2 billion to narrow the infrastructure deficit in the country, while at the same time pursuing other financing options, including PublicPrivate Partnerships (P3s), for the large-scale transformative projects.

“We have been waiting for over five decades to bridge the coastal and hinterland divide, and create national and hemispheric inter-connectivity via the Linden to Lethem corridor.

A recent Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) market demand study has reinforced that this corridor is essential for creating a link between our road and sea transportation networks,” he added.

According to the Finance Minister, Government intends to exploit the competitive advantage of the country’s strategic geo-physical and geo-political location on the South American mainland along the Atlantic Coast.

fate soon

… as prosecution, defence close case

A

fter three months of gruelling testimonies from witnesses presented by both the prosecution and the defence, the Bartica massacre case will be summed up by the presiding Judge later this week.

This means that a verdict looms for the three accused in the High Court case, which started in November 2016 after several pre-trial delays. The State contended

In his closing argument to the jury, Attorney Hugh reminded the jury of his client’s contention that he was at a mining camp at Pataro, Essequibo at the time the attack took place.

“You can’t be in two places at the same time,” Hugh told the jury.

He further recalled that several witnesses, including self-confessed gang members called by the State,

Defendants Roger Simon and Mark Royden Williams were present at Tuesday’s court session while Dennis Williams was a no-show

that Mark Royden Williams, called “Smallie”; Dennis “Anaconda” Williams; and Roger Simon, known as “Goat Man”; were part of the Rondel “Fineman” Rawlins gang that killed 12 persons at Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) on February 17, 2008.

At the Demerara High Court on Tuesday, the 12-member jury heard closing arguments by Defence Attorney Peter Hugh who is representing Roger Simon and lead Prosecutor Diana Kaulesar. Both sides made passionate appeals to the jury but it is the group of 12 which will decide on innocence or guilt.

had also said that his client was not seen in Bartica at the time the deadly attack was executed. This was the account of gang members Clebert Reece and Dwane Williams, called by the prosecution and that of Michael Caesar, called by the defence. Hugh further explained that he does not believe that Police Constable Chester Benjamin was an honest witness. Benjamin testified that he saw Simon some 20-30 feet away from a window, just moments after he was shot about the body at the Bartica Police Station.

CONTINUEd ON PAGE 15

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guyanatimesgy.com

15

News

“Disgraceful” salary increases were not enough for APNU/AFC – PPP T

he “utterly disgraceful” salary increases given to Presidents and Ministers under the past Administration were not enough to satisfy the appetite of the coalition Government, which clandestinely awarded its Ministers an exorbitant 50 per cent salary just after several months in office.

That was the People’s Progressive Party’s (PPP) response to the outcry by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo over the salary increases given to the Ministers and Presidents between the periods 1998 to 2014.

A publicity gimmick was executed by the coalition Government in the National Assembly on Monday when an A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) backbencher Jermaine Figueira was asked prepared questions to Finance Minister Winston Jordan in relation to salary increases under the PPP Administration.

In a subsequent statement, Nagamootoo said the increases which amounted to a total of 220.5 per cent for Ministers and 386.5 per cent for Presidents over 17

years were “unconscionable and utterly disgraceful”.

But the PPP pointed out that those accumulated increases were never done in any veiled or clandestine manner unlike what was done in the case of the coalition Government which

“Notwithstanding, how “disgraceful” these salary increases were, they were still inadequate to satisfy the leisure, lifestyle and greed of his coalition Government” – PPP tried to cover up their lavish and unjustifiable increases.

The Party noted that its increases over the years were always announced prior to their implementation and when they were implemented, the public was duly informed as soon as possible thereafter. The PPP recalled too there was never any public hue and cry about these increases.

“We note the Prime Minister seizing this opportunity for cheap publicity, as is his wont, and characteristically, without thinking, describing these increas-

Bartica Massacre accused...

FROM PAGE 14

Prosecutor Diana Kaulesar who led the State’s case addressed the court immediately after the defence concluded its arguments. She outlined to the jury, the prosecution’s justifications for contending that the three co-defendants are guilty. Kaulesar explained that there is enough evidence to show that the men standing trial are liable by their conduct as being part of the crime. The prosecutor noted the “convenient” testimonies of witnesses called by the defence, who never disclosed their alibies to Police in nine years, whether through statements to Police or during preliminary proceedings at the Magistrate’s Court. Chief among the testimonies that the Prosecutor called upon the jury to disregard, was that of Sheldon Williams who claimed that his cousin, co-accused Mark Williams was with him during the Bartica attack.

Sheldon had hyperventilated and seemed to cry several times on the stand recalling that two of the murdered Policemen were his “squaddies”.

However, Kaulesar termed his display of emotion as “an award winning performance” in the witness box, especially since Sheldon could not recall the regulation numbers of his “squaddies”.

She also discredited the account of Dennis Williams’ father, Grantley Williams, who

es as “disgraceful”. There is a saying that fools normally rush in where wise men dare not go. Had the Prime Minister thought the matter through, he would have remained quiet. But he has illustrated that notwithstanding, how “disgraceful”

while claiming that his son was with him during the attack, had several timeline difficulties.

Kaulesar also challenged the testimony of mining camp owner, Bryan Chase, who could not account for Roger Simon’s whereabouts on the night of February 17, 2008.

Chase had only accounted for Simon on February 18 when the message of the massacre was sent. In keeping with the three defence attorneys who preceded her, Kaulesar thanked the jury for their attentiveness throughout the trial and urged them to “do their civic duty” and be fair when considering all of the evidence.

Presiding judge, Justice Roxane George, SC will sum up the entire case on Thursday morning before the jury can deliberate. Meanwhile, co-accused Dennis Williams has again refused to attend his trial but co-defendants, Mark Williams and Roger Simon were present at Tuesday’s proceedings. Apart from the three men standing trial, Clebert Reece and Michael Caesar who were both accused for the Bartica crime, pled guilty to manslaughter late last year and were sentenced to 420 and 1080 years respectively. Caesar’s sentence carried more years as he admitted involvement in the January 2008 massacre at Lusignan.

these salary increases were, they were still inadequate to satisfy the leisure, lifestyle and greed of his coalition Government. As a result, he led a campaign at Cabinet which resulted in an increase of these “disgraceful” salaries by over 50 per cent,” the PPP highlighted.

The Party also pointed out that the revelation of these increases comes after vehement denials from Minister Raphael Trotman to the nation that there will ever be any such increases.

“The “disgrace” was compounded by the fact that

President David Granger and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo with Ministers of the APNU/AFC Government

there was no public announcement of this over 50 per cent increase but the nation learnt about it through an obscure order hidden in the Official Gazette. The “disgrace” was also aggravated by the increase being made retroactive to take effect from the beginning of the first working month that the Government took office,” the PPP argued.

The Party added that “as if there is no limit to the shame”, the hefty increases in salaries were followed by a fleet of brand new SUVs for Ministers.

“The vulgarity did not stop there. It was followed by an increase in travelling and per diem allowances for

overseas travels by several thousand per cent, along with the abolition of a requirement to produce any receipts for those expenditures. The new rule which was established that now allows for Ministers to travel with their spouses at taxpayers’ expense must be added to the “disgrace”. So often times, the nation witnesses through photographs published in the social media, the Prime Minister and other Ministers partying and socialising at expensive restaurants and entertainment centres in North America,” PPP outlined.

Furthermore, the Party disclosed that “several houses are being rented for

Ministers to the tune of several thousand of US dollars per month, per house and the fleet on bodyguards and personal assistants who accompany Ministers, even to the washrooms in Parliament.”

Notably as well, some Government Ministers are benefiting from fully-funded Government scholarships which are typically awarded to Guyanese citizens who otherwise cannot afford to finance their university education.

The PPP noted that, in the face of these vulgarities, the coalition Government imposes VAT on baby food, medical supplies, educational materials, domestic travels; even on the dead.

“At the same time, (they are) refusing to pay promised increases to the public servants, teachers and sugar workers; while at the same time, authorising the President and Prime Minister to personally import, tax, VAT and duty ‘luxury vehicles’. This Government should be the last grouping of persons in the world to speak about ‘disgraceful,’” the PPP asserted.

Teacher in Antigua charged with attempted murder of student

… Union begs for less severe charge

A

secondary school teacher in Antigua is facing an attempted murder charge after allegedly striking a student in the head with a rock.

But the Antigua and Barbuda Union of Teachers (A&BUT) is asking Police to review the charge, contending that it is too severe given the circumstances of the incident.

Vendiz Charles, a 26-year-old Physics teacher at the Clare Hall Secondary School, was granted

EC$10,000 (US$3703) bail by the High Court on Monday after appearing in the St John’s Magistrates’ Court for the attempted murder of 14-year-old Akeem Scotland.

Scotland had to be admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of the Mount St John’s Medical Centre on January 24 with a fractured skull.

Reports indicate that the teen was riding his bicycle on the school compound, after hours, when he was struck in the head with a

Charged with attempted murder: Vendiz Charles

stone. He was discharged from hospital last weekend.

The A&BUT acknowledged that Charles’ alleged action was irresponsible, but in a statement said: “While we respect and support the work and professionalism of the Police, we strongly beg to disagree that there was any malice in the teacher’s action that would support the conclusion that there was intent to murder that student or any other, by the teacher in question”.

(Caribbean360)

Morocco rejoins African Union after more than 30 years

M

orocco has been readmitted to the African Union more than three decades after it left when the continental body recognised the independence of the disputed territory of Western Sahara. Hopes that the move could pave the way for peace-building were bolstered after Western Sahara – regarded by Morocco as part of its historic territory – welcomed the readmis-

sion.

Morocco’s King Mohammed VI, who had been campaigning since last year to join the bloc, told African leaders at the AU summit in Addis Ababa: “Africa is my home, and I am coming back home.”

The foreign minister of Western Sahara (officially the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic), Mohamed Salem Ould Salek, said on Monday that

Morocco’s readmission was a “positive step for the people of Western Sahara”.

A former Spanish colony, Western Sahara was annexed by Morocco in 1975 and was the focus of conflict between Morocco and indigenous people led by the Polisario Front until a UNbrokered truce brought the armed insurgency to a halt in 1991.

A UN-supervised referendum on independence

was supposed to be held in 1992 but was aborted when Morocco objected to the proposed electoral register, which it said was biased in favour of secession.

A UN peacekeeping mission that attempted to organise the vote has remained in the territory ever since, monitoring the 2700kmlong sand wall built by the Moroccan army across the desert that separates the two sides. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

16 news

wednesDAY, february 1, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Digicel Guyana launches 10th anniversary with charity drive

I

n two weeks’ time, telecommunications giant Digicel will be celebrating its 10th year of operations in Guyana, and the company has kicked off its celebrations with a massive charity drive.

According to Digicel Marketing Executive Jacqueline James, the company will be focused on giving back to its customers throughout the year.

“For this year we are focusing on charity; we are focusing on giving back to community, so that will be our main thing for our anniversary celebrations this month and there is no better way to start.” The first stop of

St John Bosco Orphanage was the first stop as Digicel Guyana embarks on a massive charity drive ahead of its 10-year anniversary

the charity drive was at the St John Bosco Orphanage in Plaisance, East Coast Demerara on Tuesday morning. During the drive, the company donated items such as books (both exercise and

reading), back packs with pencils, and school shoes to the 50-odd young boys at the orphanage.

James, along with the Digicel team, interacted with the boys and even assisted

some of them in trying on their new pair of much-needed school shoes. The boys, whose ages range from four to 16 years, were delighted to accept the acts of kindness and thanked the company for remembering them. The children were also treated to a light snack early in the morning before heading off to school with their new gear.

In addition, Digicel also presented the administrators of the orphanage with a brand new washing machine.

According to the company’s Marketing Executive, Digicel will be undertaking several similar initiatives in commemoration of its anniversary.

CONTINUEd ON PAGE 17

Ramsammy’s Ruminations The Judiciary threatened – APNU/AFC wants a sycophant Judiciary

T

he Deputy Solicitor General has written to the Public Service Commission citing harassment from the Attorney General.

The outgoing Solicitor General has written a letter in the media informing us that the Attorney General refused her advice on the matter that caused him to publicly rebuke Dr Leslie Ramsammy the Deputy Solicitor General.

This is the latest assault on the Judiciary, assaults that have been persistent and increasingly threatening, as the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/ AFC) seeks to transform the Judiciary from an independent arm of Government to a mindless and authoritarian sycophant.

These are ominous times for Guyana – freedom and democracy are at stake. Far from an exercise of hyperbole, I am fearful that authoritarianism is rapidly descending over our beautiful Guyana, AGAIN. APNU/AFC has not yet completed two years in office, but they have moved rapidly away from democratic norms of governance to dictatorship.

As part of the rapid decline of Guyana's democracy and APNU/AFC's iron-fisted clamp down on democratic norms, APNU/AFC has targeted the Judiciary, actively transforming the Judiciary from an independent arm of Government to being sycophantic and a "creature" of the executive.

When APNU/AFC's youth czar, the elderly Aubrey Norton, dared to cross Desmond Hoyte, who was the Leader of the Opposition at the time (about 1999), Hoyte dismissed him as Chairman of the People’s National Congress (PNC), pronouncing Norton was nothing but a "creature" appointed by the Leader. The present version of the PNC, APNU/AFC, appears still enamoured of Hoyte's guidance – all individuals and all statutory agencies and bodies are nothing but "CREATURES" of the executive. APNU/AFC expects a loyalty vow from the Judiciary and that means always rule in favour of the Government when the Government is a party to any legal matter. In other instances, always rule as instructed, even in criminal matters.

The law according to APNU/AFC is what Basil Williams, as Granger's man, says. APNU/AFC has governed with an expectation that the Judiciary must act and behave, not as the law dictates, but in accordance with the whims and fancies of APNU/AFC. When the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) insists on independence and filing charges based on the evidence and not instructions from the Government, she was bypassed by appointments of special prosecutors who are linked to Joe Harmon and Bail Williams, family and friends.

When former Chief Justice Ian Chang ruled that the presidential term limit in the Constitution is illegal, he had to face the wrath of APNU/AFC. Similarly, when Carl Singh as the Chancellor and Chair of the Appeals Court (three judges) read the Appeals Court ruling in a matter which the Attorney General appealed he was castigated for not knowing his place in the new dispensation. These instances are only the more prominent ones, but similar threats to make judges and the judicial system more malleable are everyday occurrences in Guyana.

I am not aware of Ms Kissoon's political leanings, but she clearly is a professional who refuses to cower to brutal political recrimination. I doubt that the former Chief Justice is afraid of the likes of Basil Williams or APNU/AFC. He was a professional that ruled against the Government when Bharrat Jagdeo was President, when Donald Ramotar was President and now when Granger is President. He ruled against the Government when the Attorney Generals were strong men, such as Charles Ramson, Doodnauth Singh and Anil Nandlall. Carl Singh has similarly ruled against Government when the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) was in charge and now when APNU/AFC is in charge.

APNU/AFC has not only used the Attorney General, but used its Goebel, Raphael Trotman and the Chronicle to tell Carl Singh he better mind his manners. In the meantime, we are reliably informed they have already identified his successor, even though a successor can only be appointed with the agreement of the Leader of the Opposition.

While there are others in the Judiciary and in the statutory bodies that are part of the judicial system who will not be intimidated, APNU/AFC is determined to transform the Judiciary into one that is a sycophant, one that will be loyal to the wishes of the Government and not the law. In the coming months we will see an exodus as people are forced out and new ones enter. The new ones will have to pass a loyalty test. It is time for Guyanese to speak up. An independent Judiciary is the bedrock of any democracy. When judges and judicial officers like the DPP and Solicitor Generals are asked to rock with the wind, tyranny is in charge.

(Send comments to doc_ram@hotmail.com)

17 Repeal VAT changes; restore zero-rated items – Teixeira demands news

wednesDAY, February 1, 2017| guyanatimesgy.com

…as Sharma blames Private Sector for increases

“I

t’s VAT and VAT and VAT everywhere!”

Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira exclaimed as she moved her motion in the National Assembly calling on Government to repeal the new Value Added Tax (VAT) regime, which comes into effect today (February 1).

The motion, which challenges Government’s decision to eliminate zero-rated VAT items and extend the list of VAT exempt items, had the full support of other Opposition parliamentarians, some of whom contributed to the lengthy debate on the issue.

Teixeira highlighted how almost everything, even down to the dead, would be subjected to VAT, as she called on the Government to put an end to this unnecessary burden on the people of Guyana.

“Not even the dead can live in peace!” she remarked, noting that funeral services, which were previously zero-rated, would now attract VAT. Teixeira outlined that services in the health sector,

Junior Finance Minister Jaipaul Sharma

the cost for over-the-counter drugs, educational materials, religious books, sports gear, as well as local products, are now attracting 14 per cent VAT – making it even more challenging for the average man to rid himself and his family of poverty.

Teixeira also argued that VAT on basic items such as educational materials, health purchases and sports gear went against promises made by the Government to reduce

school drop-outs, to solve the Maths problem facing students, to encourage youth from turning to crime and to foster a healthy nation.

She explained if basic items such as erasers and geometry sets now attracted VAT, then it becomes increasingly difficult for struggling families to keep their children in school.

On the other hand, Junior Finance Minister Jaipaul Sharma explained that Government’s new tax regime was to facilitate equal wealth distribution and the Private Sector was to be blamed for the increases passed on to the poor.

Sharma argued that the switch from zero-rated items to exempt should not come at a cost to consumers, but it was the businesses who were taking advantage of the change to exploit the spending public.

“In both cases, where it is zero-rated and exempted, there is no VAT to be put on that bill. You will not be seeing any VAT on that receipt… so this issue of persons pay-

Digicel Guyana launches...

FROM PAGE 16

“So, this year, for Digicel’s 10th anniversary we are doing 10 charities prior to our anniversary celebrations on February 14th. So, 10 days prior to that, we will be doing charities. So, every day, we will be out doing something, somewhere within Guyana…

So we have a lot of places we gave to visit – all in 10 days.”

Moreover, James noted

that during this charity drive, the company would also be focused on the special needs schools such as Gifted Hands, Tuschen Deaf Academy, New Amsterdam Special Needs and the Linden Special Care Projects.

Furthermore, Digicel’s Marketing Head has pledged the company’s continued commitment to charity, noting

that it could be called upon at any time.

The St John Bosco Orphanage, which has been providing a home for orphaned boys since 1879, is run by the Roman Catholic Sisters of Mercy, which is represented by Mother Superior Julie Matthews, who is the Director and Grace Daniels, the Administrator.

VAT… I went around, I was shopping in the supermarket and guess what? The price for commodities increase. What was the explanation for the price increase? I am buying 5 gallon of water and the people increase the water. What is the explanation? VAT is not effective until February 1. The business community is taking advantage of this Administration,” he stated.

Benefits

Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira

ing VAT is a misnomer,” he explained.

He argued that businesses should not be charging consumers VAT if the items are exempt.

“The businesspeople have to be responsible. So you give the onus to the businessman if he want to charge additional cost, but it will not show as

Further, Sharma said the new VAT regime was aimed at benefiting the Private Sector.

“These measures basically benefit the businesspeople.

Just imagine a businessman at the end of every month would have to prepare to submit his VAT returns for refunds. That is more work for the businessman… the businessman don’t have to have a big team of people preparing a list to send to the GRA for VAT refund,” he insisted.

He contended too that this

measure would make “life easier” for the GRA staff as they would no longer have to expend time, energy and resources facilitating the VAT refunds.

Sharma also contended that the new VAT regime would benefit the poor.

“The measures that we took here is (for) the benefit of the poor. The poor was crying…they were saying that they were treated like the rich man. So the measures with the VAT are to ensure the rich is treated one way and the poor is being treated another way, a way that is less penalty to them,” he explained. Sharma posited that “the poor man must see that the rich man paying VAT and he is not paying VAT so he gonna feel some way that this government is fair in how they are distributing the income and the wealth. If you want to eat fancy food, you pay the VAT. The poor man don’t eat fancy food,” he reasoned.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesDAY, February 1, 2017

ARCHIE

High energy and an impulsive nature will bring good (March 21- results if you are disciplined, April 19) prepared and organized.

Reach for the stars with certainty.

ARIES

Your association with a TAURUS group of interesting people (April 20- willing to explore similar inMay 20) terests will broaden your outlook and help you discover what you really want to pursue.

dilbert

You’ll be ready to take GEMINI on the world. Get active and (May 21June 20) exert discipline in order to bring about positive change.

An opportunity will come to you through people you have worked with in the past.

Don’t ignore friends, family or children who need your (June 21- help. Be resourceful and offer July 22) suggestions and solutions, but don’t do the work for someone who has made a mistake.

CANCER

Peanuts

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Bring about the changes you’ve been longing for. Beef up your resume or pick up skills that will qualify you for a position you desire. Present what you have to offer.

You’ll be offered a bad deal.

VIRGO (Aug. 23- Ask questions and gather the Sept. 22) facts before you make a major decision. Emotionally fueled spending will lead to loss and regret. Simple, cost-efficient plans are your best bet.

Calvin and Hobbes

Network, express your LIBRA feelings and reach out to those (Sept. 23who can contribute to your Oct. 23) plans. Don’t neglect your duties at home, or complaints will be made.

WORD GAME TODAY’S WORD — CIVILIZED

SUDOKU

Home is where the heart SAGITTARIUS is, and making your abode (Nov. 23- more efficient will pay off. If Dec. 21) you are proactive, you will reach a new level of comfort and convenience.

(CIVILIZED: SIV-uh-lize’d: Showing evidence of moral and intellectual advancement.)

Average mark 13 words Time limit 30 minutes Can you find 19 or more words in CIVILIZED? The list will be published tomorrow.

YESTERDAY’S WORD — HOURGLASS halo haul hoar hora hour hula hurl oral ours rash rough rush galosh gash

gaur gauss ghoul glass gloss goal gosh goulash grass gross guar gular gush lash

lass lasso laugh loss lush also sago sash shag shoal shrug slag slash slog

slosh slough slug slur slush soar solar solus sora sough soul sour sugar surah

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

Copyright 2015, Distributed by Universal Uclick for UFS

Discussions will be inforSCORPIO mative, but before you take (Oct. 24someone’s word, consider the Nov. 22) source and think about if exaggeration has played a role.

Rely on your gut to discern what’s fact and what’s fiction.

solution for Last Published Puzzle

Avoid excessive people.

CAPRICORN Stick to what you know and (Dec. 22trust, and avoid making a Jan. 19) change based on hearsay or conjecture. Trust your gut feelings when dealing with others.

Emotional energy will AQUARIUS help you push your way to the (Jan. 20top. Whether you are helping Feb. 19) others or expanding your own interests, give it your all in order to reap the rewards.

PISCES Someone will take advan(Feb. 20- tage of you if you are too acMarch 20) commodating. Think twice before you spend time trying to get everyone to love you.

The expense will be too great.

wednesDAY, february 1, 2017

Regal

complete another softball double

A

nother exciting day of softball cricket ended in almost darkness but in bright sprits for Regal All-stars and Regal Masters who were crowned champions of their respective categories on Sunday at the Everest Cricket Club Ground in the KPL fundraiser.

The formidable Regal AllStars unit easily overcame Mike’s All-Stars by 46 runs while the Masters’ teams played a competitive final much to the delight of the large number of spectators.

In the masters’ final, Regal took first strike and posted 134

Fazleem Mohamed all out from 14.5 overs. Raymond Harper and Eric Thomas added 31 for the third wicket after they were reduced to 27-2 with Mahase Chunilall and Eion Abel sent back early. Thomas hit a towering six and was looking to repeat the shot when he was caught at cover off the leading edge for 11 while Harper made 19.

Regal were rescued by

19

The successful Regal All-Stars and Masters teams are jubilant after sweeping another tournament

Mahendra Arjune who got off the mark with a six and struck four more for good measure in a top score of 33 while David Harper made 15 and Rudolph Baker 14.

Sheldon Perch snared 3-22 and the lively Latchman Kallicharran 2-16.

Pint sized change up bowler, Laurie Singh picked up three early wickets as Mike’s Wellman found themselves in some trouble at 273, but Lloyd Rooplall and Wayne Jones resurrected the chase with a fourth wicket stand of 42 before Jones was taken off Ricky Persaud for seven. However Kallicharran continued to play his shots and along with Perch kept their team in the hunt before Persaud uprooted the stumps of Perch for 26.

Regal bowlers maintained a steady line and as Mike’s Wellman were bowled out for 125 in 14.5 overs falling short by nine runs. Rooplall hit three fours and four sixes in scoring 41 as Persaud finished with 3-18, Singh 3-29 and David Harper 2-20; Harper was named Man-of-the-Match.

On their way to the final, Regal

Masters got the better of ParikaAmazon by 62 runs in their semifinal. Regal Masters took first turn at the crease and scored 180-4.

Fazleem Mohamed making an unbeaten 52 (3x4; 5x6), Thomas 41 (3x4; 4x6) and Baker 37 not out (2x4; 4x6) with K. Persaud picking up two wickets.

Parika- Amazon responded with 118-5 as B. Singh got to 43 while Mahendra Arjune captured 2-23.

Mike’s Wellman beat Savage Masters by the narrow margin of four runs in their semifinal. Mike’s Wellman made 109 all out, batting first with Jones scoring 32 and Nandram Samall 21. Savage got to 105-8 in reply with K. Luke making 28 and T. Ramsaywack 20 as the consistent Motilall Chumandatt grabbed 3-14.

In the Open final, Roohit Dutchin hit 38 and Safraz Esau 32 to help Regal All-Stars post 127-7 off their allotted 10 overs taking first strike against the supreme ball. Following the demise of opener Navin Singh (02) with the score on three, Esau add-

ed 52 for the second wicket with Vishnu Tannechandra stabilizing the innings. Regal All-Stars then lost Wazir Husain (00) and Tannechandra for 19, but Dutchin beefed up the innings hitting five fours and one six while Greg Singh captured 3-24. In reply, Mike’s AllStars were reduced to 10-3 before Chien Gittens struck 31 and W. Edwards 22, but their efforts were not enough as their team finished on 81-4. Timure Mohamed picked up two wickets, while Privnauth Motilall and Kelvin Orford had one each. Dutchin was adjudged the Man-of-the-Match.

Regal All-Stars beat De Hoop by 70 runs in their semifinal.

Regal All-Stars rattled up 1603 with Esau stroking one four and seven sixes in a top score of 54 while Navin Singh scored 41, Roohit Dutchin 24, Marvin Bobb 20 and Wazir Hussain 16. In reply, De Hoop were restricted to 90-8 as Motilall did the damage with the ball picking up three wickets while Hussain had two.

In the other Open semifinal, Mike’s All-Stars overcame Farm

XI by six wickets. Farm XI made 103-7, taking first strike. Greg Singh and Imran Hussain captured three and two wickets respectively. Mike’s All-Stars responded with 104-4 in 9.5 overs.

Gittens slammed 41 and Singh 20.

The competition was played to assist Organizing Secretary of the Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL), Samuel Kingston in raising funds for eye surgery in Trinidad at the end of this month.

The initial cost for the surgery is US$5,000 which became necessary after Kingston took a blow to his eye while playing a softball

Lloyd Rooplall game last November at the Gandhi Youth Organization ground, Woolford Avenue.

The GSCL next event is the Republic Cup which bowls off this Friday at various venues in Georgetown. Registration is ongoing and interested teams must contact the league on 225-4802, 619-5103 or 623-2704.

Tickets for WI vs England Series available online E

arly bird patrons will be able to purchase tickets online from today, February 1 for the three-match one day international series, West Indies vs England.

The series set for March 3, 5, (Antigua & Barbuda) & 9 in Barbados used an Official Tour Operators Programme. The arrangement was with International Cricket Tours, Howzat Travel, Sports Tours Plus, Living with the Lions and Gullivers’ Sports Travel.

Commercial Manager, WICB, Nelecia Yeates says, “I am pleased with the take-up of tickets so far. The five Official Tour Operators we partnered with, have delivered on expectations. We therefore hope that the rest of the region will capitalise on the package we have for the usually-popular West Indies vs England match-up series in the Caribbean.

Yeates added that “any series with West Indies vs England always attract keen attention from fans all around the world. We look forward to welcoming them to what is expected to be an exciting series.”

There is a special promotion for children which gives 50 per cent off, once purchased with an adult ticket. There is also a special promotion for patrons over 60 years old. The allocation is one (1) free ticket. That promotion is within the first week of Box Office ticket sales and are for Caribbean Nationals only. Those tickets are on a first-come, first-served basis. Patrons will also have to honour the No Re-entry rule.

West Indies and England have a long history at the ODI level

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

wednesDAY, february 1, 2017

Finch will captain in Sri Lanka after schedule clash

Russell banned for doping-code violation W

est Indies allrounder Andre Russell has been banned for one year from cricket for a whereabouts clause violation by an independent anti-doping panel in Kingston. The ban is effective from January 31, 2017 and will last until January 30, 2018.

A three-member tribunal comprising Hugh Faulkner, Dr Marjorie Vassell and Dixeth Palmer, a former Jamaica cricketer, found Russell guilty of being negligent in filing his whereabouts on three separate oc-

With David Warner and Steven Smith preparing for the India tour, Aaron Finch will take over as T20I Captain a year after he lost the role © Getty Images

A

aron Finch will lead Australia in their upcoming Twenty20 international series against Sri Lanka in the absence of captain Steven Smith and vice-captain David Warner. The remainder of Australia’s T20 squad will be named on Wednesday morning, and there will be plenty of space for fresh faces due to the timing clash with Australia’s Test tour of India.

Smith, Warner, Mitchell Starc, Glenn Maxwell, Josh Hazlewood, Usman Khawaja and Mitchell Marsh are among the players who will be preparing for the Test series and therefore unavailable. Australia find themselves in the highly unusual situation of playing a T20 international - the final match in the series against Sri Lanka - in Adelaide on February 22, and a Test in India the following day.

The cramped fixture has left some members of Australia’s team unhappy; Warner notably described it as “very, very poor scheduling”. However, the situation means that Finch will take

over the captaincy for the three-match series, a year after he lost the T20 captaincy to Smith as Australia sought to unite the leadership in all three formats.

“It’s very exciting to be back and leading the side in Steve’s absence,” said Finch, who also led Australia in Monday’s ODI against New Zealand in Auckland after stand-in skipper Matthew Wade was a late withdrawal due to injury.

“It’s been a rollercoaster from being captain leading up to the ICC World Twenty20 (in 2016), being injured and then Steve taking over the reins for that tournament but it’s something that, any time you get the chance to captain your country in any format, you’re very chuffed about.

“We’ll be missing some big names, some of the biggest in world cricket, but you can’t dwell on that and it will be a fantastic opportunity for guys who’ve performed well in the KFC Big Bash League to push their case for further inclusion, and inclusion in the other formats too.”

Interim national selec-

tor Trevor Hohns said: “In the absence of Steve Smith and David Warner amongst others, we believe Aaron is the logical choice to lead the side. He’s done it before and he has a great deal of experience in the format as both a captain and a batsman.

“When the squad is selected for this series we, as selectors, will obviously have one eye on the present and also one eye on the future, with the next ICC World Twenty20 scheduled to take place in Australia.

The KFC Big Bash League has given us the opportunity to see plenty of exciting talent and it means we will have plenty to consider when we chose the players to join Aaron in the squad.”

The Test tour of India not only robs Australia of several of its best players but also of its coaching staff.

Justin Langer will step in as acting head coach for the Sri Lanka series, with Ricky Ponting and Jason Gillespie as his assistants.

The series begins at the MCG on February 17 and also incorporates the first ever men’s international match in Geelong. (ESPNcricinfo)

Andre Russell

casions within a 12-month period in 2015. That - under the World Anti-Doping Agency rules - amounted to a failed dope test.

Patrick Foster, Russell’s lawyer, confirmed the verdict and said he would dis-

cuss all options with his client including appealing the ban.

In March 2016, the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission pressed charges of negligence against Russell for not fil-

ing his whereabouts on January 1, July 1 and July 25 in 2015 despite several reminders through calls, e-mails and written letters.

In his defense, Russell had told the tribunal that he had not been negligent.

Considering his cricketing commitments around the world, and his own lack of training in filing the required paperwork, he said he had authorised his agent Will Quinn and Tajae Smith, one of the JADCO officials, to take care of the process.

However, JADCO legal counsel Lackston Robinson disagreed saying the players had been offered education programmes on anti-doping which also involved filing procedure.

Robinson accused Russell of “gross negligence” during the hearings.

On November 17 last year, while summing up his arguments during the final hearing before the tribunal retired to decide on the verdict, Foster told the tribunal that if firm evidence of negligence was indeed established and Russell was found guilty then, keeping in mind his history of complying with testing protocols in the past, he ought to be banned for not more than one year. (CRICINFO)

YELLOW PAGES WEDNesday, FEBRuary 1, 2017 | www.guyanatimesgy.com

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sports

21

WICB appoints Attorney as Chief Operating Officer

T

Verlyn Faustin

he West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) has made another strategic appointment to its Executive team. This time it is the appointment of Verlyn Faustin as Chief Operating Officer (COO).

Faustin, who is the current Corporate Secretary, will be responsible for the day to day operations of the business, ensuring the organisation has the proper operational controls, administrative and reporting procedures. She will also lead the charge to put people systems in place to effectively grow the organisation and to ensure its financial strength and operational efficiency.

Faustin’s appointment comes at an interesting time in the WICB as the organisation embraces management and operational changes aimed at making the organ-

isation more effective on and off the field.

The appointment falls within the time frame that the technical team has been boosted with the appointments of Jimmy Adams and Stuart Law as Director of Cricket and Men’s Head Coach; and Johnny Grave as CEO. Faustin, an attorney by training has been with the WICB for the last five years and has served as a key member of the Executive team.

She retains the role of Corporate Secretary.

President Dave Cameron, welcomes the appointment.

“Verlyn’s previous work is of quality standard, and I have no doubt she will continue along that path. We look forward to her valuable contributions.”

Faustin’s appointment became effective January 1, 2017.

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Everest Cricket Club executives repainting the scoreboard last Sunday

T

he leading cricket club in Georgetown, the Everest Cricket Club is currently undergoing a physical transformation that is spearheaded by the executive body.

The move follows a decision taken at the club’s monthly meeting in mid-January after examining the need for the upgrade and the club’s financial position.

The vibrant body’s first project was the repainting of the scoreboard and the tins which was done last Sunday at the club located at Camp road and Carifesta Avenue.

President of the club, Rajesh Singh noted that “help is given to those who help themselves, that is why as a club we are fixing up our home away from home by ourselves.” Singh fur-

ther stated that the club remains committed to serving the business community by offering advertising in and around the club. “We have space for billboards, space along the outer and inner fence and pavilion that our business partners can utilize,” Singh told Guyana Times Sport.

Other projects include; the repainting of the outer walls of the club’s main pavilion, fixing light fixtures, leveling of the outfield and with lots of external help, building the northern mound.

Last Sunday was deemed a success and special mention was made of club coach, Saheed Mohamed and Vice President Dwayne Adams for taking the lead roles in the execution of the stepping stone project to enhance the

club’s overall aesthetics.

In terms of finances, the club will be hosting a curry-que this Friday and will have other fund raising events periodically to improve their financial position. Tickets for the curry-que are available at the club or from any executive member. The upper level of the club is also available for rental for special events at affordable rates.

The ground is one of the better ones in the Georgetown zone and is used for many Guyana Cricket Board and Georgetown Cricket Association organized competitions while it is considered “the Mecca of softball cricket” with numerous competitions running off almost every weekend with some night matches as well.

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

wednesDAY, february 1, 2017

Petra/Limacol round-robin knock-out football…

Holder leads

lawmen to 1st win – double header on tonight at GFC

R

ound two matches in the Petra Organised Limacol round-robin knock-out football tournament have commenced and the Guyana Police Force Football Club is the first team to register a victory when they got past against Camptown Football Club 1-0 compliments of a Quincy Holder goal.

When the feature match of the evening match finally got underway after a lengthy delay on Monday night, it immediately created great enticement as to which team will breach the opposition’s defence first with both sides having a fleet of offensive attacks on goal.

The see-saw continued to swing until Holder seized an opportunity in the 32nd minute scoring his second goal of the tournament in an as many matches to put his team in control.

The Campbellville unit had chances to change the score-line during the second half but ruing those mishaps in front of goal.

In the earlier match, Winners Connection were subdued to a goalless stalemate by a spirited Northern Rangers. The Linden unit after their 3-1 pouncing of Grove Hi Tech would have been brewing with confidence but talisman Rawle

“Boneyman” Gittens and company could not have fruitful impact.

Though goalless, there were much physicality in the game as five yel-

Current Points Standings Group-A Team

GP

W

L

D

GF

GA

GD

Pts

Winners Connection

2

1

0

1

3

1

+2

4

Milerock

1

1

0

0

2

1

+1

3

Northern Rangers

2

0

1

1

1

2

-1

1

Grove Hi-Tech

1

0

1

0

1

3

-2

0

Team

GP

W

L

D

GF

GA

GD

Pts

Western Tigers

1

1

0

0

2

1

+1

3

Eagles

1

1

0

0

2

1

+1

3

Uitvlugt

1

0

1

0

1

2

-1

0

NA United

1

0

1

0

1

2

-1

0

Team

GP

W

L

D

GF

GA

GD

Pts

Den Amstel

1

1

0

0

2

0

+2

3

Santos

1

0

0

1

1

1

0

1

Ann’s Grove

1

0

0

1

1

1

0

1

Pouderoyen

1

0

1

0

0

2

-2

0

GP

W

L

D

GF

GA

GD

Pts

Guyana Police Force 2

1

0

1

3

2

+1

4

Mahaica

1

0

0

1

2

2

0

1

Riddim Squad

1

0

0

1

1

1

0

1

Camptown

2

0

1

1

1

1

-1

1

Northern Rangers’ (pink and black) Tefon Daly in a close battle for ball possession with a Winners Connection player

low cards were given out. The Rangers late in the second half, had their avenues to equalize but too often did not give any support to the running forward.

The tournament continues tonight at the same venue with another double header, as Milerock clash with Grove Hi Tech

from 18:30h followed by Western Tigers tackling Eagles from 20:30h.

The top teams are competing for a $500,000 first place prize while second to third will receive $250,000, $125,000 and $75,000 respectively.

In addition, the top teams in the groups will be

rewarded $100,000, $50,000, $30,000 and $20,000.

Other than title sponsors Limacol, the organisers have also managed to gain the support of Bank DIH under their GT Beer brand, Star Party Rentals and Trophy Stall.

Admission to the venue is $500.

Group-B

Group-C

Group-D Team

CWI Regional Super50 2017

Hurricanes, Pride lead groups after day 7 – Powell, Nurse top aggregates

S

Trailing Hurricanes in that group is English County team Kent Spitfires in second followed by Trinidad and Tobago Red Force, Volcanoes and West Indies U-19 in that order.

However, with a mammoth victory over the U-19s yesterday (day 8), Red Force is expected to make significant strides.

In the other Group B, the Jason Holder led Pride has been the standout so far.

They demolished top contender, Guyana Jaguars in their opening match and recently edged Jamaica Scorpions in a thriller.

They have also scored a victory over ICC Americas and will face Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC) Marooners at the Kensington Oval today.

Holder and Ashley Nurse are their leading bowlers so far while Kraigg Braithwaite is the spearhead of their batting.

Marooners and Jaguars are currently on nine points, but with a game less and a better net rate the former team fills the second spot while Jamaica Scorpions and ICC Americas fill the

tanding at the summit position in respective groups after day seven of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Regional Super50 tournament are Leeward Hurricanes with 14 points in group A and Barbados Pride in group B with the same amount of points.

Both teams have played unbeaten to date, managing 12 match points and two bonus points apiece. In Group A Hurricanes have proven to be superior to the other teams with convincing victories in their three matches so far.

They defeated Kent Spitfires in their opening clash and have been good since with wins against West Indies U-19 and Windward Islands Volcanoes. Their skipper, Kieran Powell has been in ripping form registering his first two List A centuries in successive matches against the U-19s and Volcanoes.

Alzarri Joseph has returned to form and with career best (6-31) against Volcanoes, he is certainly the spearhead of the bowling attack.

remaining positions.

Powell with 271 runs from three innings tops the batting aggregate while Nurse with 10 wickets has been the best bowler to date.

Ashley Nurse

Current Points Standings ZONE A - ANTIGUA Team

PL

W

L

Tie

MP

BP

PTS

NRR

FOR

AGN

Leeward Isl Hurricanes

3

3

0

0

12

2

12

1.709

815/143.3

539/150

Kent Spitfires

3

2

1

0

8

1

4

0.059

427/86.1

430/93.3

T&T Red Force

4

2

2

0

8

1

4

-0.425 460/98

460/86.1

Windwards Volcanoes

3

1

2

0

4

0

4

-0.289 636/150

800/148

West Indies U19

3

0

3

0

0

0

0

-0.818 357/100

466/100

Team

Pl

W

L

Tie

MP

BP

PTS

NRR

FOR

AGN

Barbados Pride

3

3

0

0

12

2

14

1.109

598/127

450/150

528/145.4

ZONE B - bARBADOS

CCC Marooners

3

2

1

0

8

1

9

0.059

Guyana Jaguars

4

2

2

0

8

1

9

-0.425 707/170

887/193.3

451/126.3

Jamaica Scorpions

3

1

2

0

4

0

4

-0.289 579/150

614/148

ICC Americas

3

0

3

0

0

0

0

-0.818 491/143.3

501/118.1

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesDAY, febRuary 1, 2017

WI-U19 blown away for 58 A

s preparation for defence of the World Under-19 championship, the West Indies Under 19 team are included in Group A of the Cricket West Indies Regional Super50 2017 and were beaten by two-time defending champions Trinidad and Tobago Red Force on Tuesday at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground in Antigua.

After credible performances in their first two matches, a much more competitive contest was expected from the youngsters who are still learning the art of professional cricket.

However, after being sent in the West Indies youth side were bowled out for 58 from 31 overs thanks mainly to the pace of Ravi Rampaul and Man of the Match Sheldon Cottrell. In all, five batsmen were dismissed without scoring with Emmanuel Stewart the only batsman in double figures.

The Red Force batsmen wasted no time in knocking off the target in 10.2 overs to get the bonus point with Evin Lewis and Nicholas scoring 19 runs each. The victory was badly needed by the Red Force to keep their title defence on track af-

Chelsea extend lead after 1-1 draw with Liverpool

C

Diego Costa both won and missed Chelsea’s late penalty

helsea had to settle for a draw against a much-improved Liverpool at Anfield after Diego Costa’s late penalty was saved by Simon Mignolet - but still extended their lead at top of the Premier League to nine points.

Liverpool keeper Mignolet made amends for his firsthalf embarrassment when he had been caught off guard by David Luiz’s superb free-kick from 25 yards.

Georginio Wijnaldum’s close-range header 11 minutes after the break gave Liverpool a draw they fully deserved, ending a run of three successive home losses, two of which knocked them out of the EFL Cup and the FA Cup. However, it could have been much better for Chelsea and worse for Liverpool when Costa went to ground under challenge from Joel Matip 14 minutes from the end. Referee Mark Clattenburg pointed to the spot but Mignolet dived low to his right to save the Spain striker’s spot-kick.

Roberto Firmino wasted Liverpool’s two best chances, shooting high over an open goal and heading straight at Thibaut Courtois in the closing seconds.

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte disguised his disappointment about Costa’s late penalty being saved by Mignolet with his reaction at the final whistle.

The Italian knew Chelsea would be facing a wounded Liverpool after those three damaging defeats - and he clearly saw this as one point won rather than two lost as he went straight to the visiting fans and pumped his fists in delight.

The Blues were not at their best and yet showed the resilience and compactness of old as they were dominated in possession but kept Liverpool at arm’s length for most of the game. And in N’Golo Kante they had the game’s outstanding performer, perpetual motion and first to every loose ball in midfield and at both ends of the pitch.

Costa had an off night, including squandering the penalty, but Chelsea found answers elsewhere and carried a threat of their own after Pedro came on as a late substitute.

Chelsea may only return to London with a point, but results elsewhere for Arsenal and Tottenham made this a good night for the Premier League leaders. (BBC Sport)

Sheldon Cottrell bowled with pace and accuracy against the young West Indies batsmen

ter they lost their previous match to Kent Spitfires.

The West Indies Under 19 will next meet Kent Spitfires on Thursday at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground while the Red Force battle the Hurricanes at Coolidge.

In today’s encounters, ICC Americas will be looking for their first taste of points when they come up against the Jamaica Scorpions at the 3Ws Oval from 09:00h and the Barbados Pride go at the Combined Campuses and Colleges at the Kensington Oval from 13:30h.

23

SCOREBOARD West Indies Under 19 Innings (Maximum 50 Overs) S Brathwaite LBW b Rampaul 0 M Patrick c wkpr Ramdin b Cottrell 0 B Yadram c Primus b Cottrell 6 E Stewart+ b Pierre 30 K Kallicharan* LBW b Cottrell 0 K Paul c Pierre b Primus 5 A Athanaze c Pierre b Primus 0 J Bishop LBW b Khan 3 J Louis Not Out 1 J Spencer LBW b Pierre 0 O McCoy Run Out (Alexis) 0 Extras (lb-4, nb-2, w-7) 13 Total (All out, 31 overs) 58 FOW: 1-3, 2-6, 3-14, 4-14, 5-27, 6-34, 7-57, 8-57, 9-57, 10-58 Bowling Cottrell 7-4-6-3 (w1), Rampaul 6-1-9-1 (w-2), Primus 7-0-20-2 (nb-2, w-3), Emrit 4-1-3-0 (w-1), Pierre

5-2-16-2, Khan 2-2-0-1 Red Force Innings (Target 59 from 50 overs) K Hope c&b Spencer 8 E Lewis c wkpr Stewart b McCoy 19 N Alexis Not Out 19 J Mohammed Not out 4 Extras (b-4, w-5) 9 Total (For 2 wickets, 10.2 Overs) 59 FOW: 1-23, 2-46 Did not bat D Ramdin*+, R Primus, I Khan, K Pierre, R Emrit, R Rampaul, S Cottrell Bowling McCoy 5-0-26-1 (w3), Spencer 4-0-22-1 (w-2), Bishop 1-0-5-0, Paul 0.2-0-2-0 Result: Red Force win by 8 wickets Points: Red Force 5; WI U-19 0 Player of the Match: Sheldon Cottrell (Red Force)

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2017

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Petra/Limacol Round-robin Knock-out Football Pg 22

Holder

leads lawmen to 1st win – double header on tonight at GFC

Action between Police Force FC (blue) and Camptown at the GFC Ground

Harper re-elected unopposed

The Georgetown Cricket Association elected executives, seated left to right; Treasurer Dennis Wilson, First Vice President Neil Barry, President Roger Harper, Second Vice President Azad Ibrahim and Secretary Deborah McNichol. Standing from left: PRO Collin Alfred, Assistant Treasurer Imran Ali, Assistant Secretary Paul Castello, Chairman of Competition Committee Shawn Massaiah and Marketing Manager Graham Alli (see full report in tomorrow's edition of Guyana Times) (Dexter Ceres photo)

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