Guyana Times March 11, 2016

GNBA Board hosts session with TV broadcasters P10

Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 2793

Friday, March 11, 2016

PRICE

Fiery prison riot

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Prisoners were teargassed, left to die in cells – CoI hears

Page 3

Coverden bush fire threatens businesses, residences P18

Recent FAO’s regional conference

LGE 2016 campaign

2 in custody after APNU/AFC Ministers abusing fatal stabbing of state resources – PPP … highlights alleged irregularities 18-year-old during D-Day voting

P12 Minister Holder wants quick action in addressing agri issues

Page 11

Major political parties intensify campaign P14

Page 14

300-pound P17 jaguar caught in Mainstay trap

“Barber” jailed, fined $36M for trafficking P13 cocaine

Georgetown’s Regional STEM Fair kicks off Page 13

– as key city schools vie for supremacy

Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine listens intently as a student explains her school's project at the science fair

Police Sergeant Handyman LaRose laid to rest dies after Page 14 “…paid the ultimate price doing what he loved to do” – Police Commissioner

falling from breadfruit tree Page 17

Gunshots ring out ahead of President’s Rose Hall meeting Page 18

... sources say was sign of people’s dissatisfaction

Annandale shooting

Accused jailed for 3 years on bodily harm charge P14 Umana Yana reconstruction project

Indigenous P11 workmen yet to receive payments – despite early project completion

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BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, March 11 – 05:00h-06:30h and Saturday, March 12 – 05:30h-07:00h.

Prisoners were tear-gassed, left to die in cells – CoI hears

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, March 11 – 05:40h-07:10h and Saturday, March 12 – 06:20h-07:50h.

A

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunshine with cloudy intervals can be expected throughout the day, while partly cloudy conditions can be expected in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 06:08h and 18:32h reaching maximum heights of 2.94 metres and 2.89 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 12:04h reaching a minimum height of 0.26 metre.

Wednesday, March 9, 2016

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Fiery prison riot

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s the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the fatal riots at the Georgetown Prison commenced on Thursday, two inmates testified that they were locked in Capital A Division before the fire started by prison officers, who refused to let them out afterwards.

The two prisoners told the Commission that on the morning of Thursday, March 3, they were told to come out of the Capital A Division for a search to be conducted, however, about 30 of them were locked in by prison officials.

One of the witnesses, 32-year-old Errol Kesney, explained that some prisoners had alerted them that prison officers were hitting inmates in the yard and so they refused to come out of the Division.

“Some of the guys them start come out (in groups of five as instructed) ‘cause everybody couldn’t come out at the said time and the first five that come in the yard, the Task Force (prison officers) start drag him in a manner like they beating them and everybody start run back. They (the prisoners) say them beating them men, them beating them man, let we don’t go out, them gon beat all ah we,” he recalled.

Kesney noted that a prison officer, whom he later identified as Deputy Director of Prisons “Mr (Gladwin) Samuels”, instructed that the door be locked and so another officer complied. He noted that at that point in time, some of the prisoners began breaking a hole in the wall that separates the Capital A Division from Capital B and so he, along with some others, crawled over to the other Division.

However, he said the Deputy Director of Prisons was there at the door ushering out inmates from that Division and so they rushed back into Capital A Division. It was at this point that Kesney said they saw a small fire which was extinguished but soon after, black smoke was seen spinning from the floor.

Dwayne Lewis

“Everybody start running wild and holler we want come out, we want come out; open the door, open the door,” the prisoner recalled.

He added that his skin began to blister and so he ran along with some others prisoners to the back of the Division to get fresh air. It was then that they realised it was tear gas.

“We didn’t see no fire at the time, bare smoke in the building and we stay down there getting fresh air. Then I feel a heat start coming down on me, I look up and see a red fire glare coming. (Rayon) Paddy like he crawl and go out looking for somebody and tell we yall don’t move from there… he crawl and come back, and next thing I see he skin start burn off. Then is when I know well is fire take over de place,” he related.

On the other hand, another witness, Dwayne Lewis, in his testimony recalled that after the door was locked, a fire started in the middle of the Division. However, he could not say who started the fire and how it begun.

Tear gas smoke

“Well after the fire started, it start to smoke up the place. We began to apply for water to control the situation, then some men was breaking a hole in the wall to escape…

About six cans of tear smoke was thrown into the building… It start to burn our eyes and skin so we run to a small ventilated area and we start

calling for help but haven’t got any response from outside.

The fire eventually grow bigger and bigger, and took over the whole cell causing some of the inmates to be badly burnt up,” he recounted.

Lewis, who is awaiting High Court trial for a manslaughter charge, told the Commission that he escaped through the hole in the wall and went into the yard, while Kesney recalled that he along with other inmates eventually got out when inmates from another section of the Capital Division broke in and began throwing water on the blaze.

He said by that time, the door was reopened and they were able to exit the building.

Both men revealed that they sustained minor burn injuries.

Additionally, the inmates recounted the events of Wednesday, March 2, with Lewis detailing to the Commission that during the search conducted by prison officers and ranks of the Guyana Police Force, a number of cellphones, a quantity of “leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be marijuana” and several “prison made cutlasses” were found. Asked how the items may have gotten into the fa-

Errol Kesney

cility, the prisoner declared “I can’t say that part Sir; even if I want to say that part, I would not say that part”.

Comfort

Lewis further noted that while he cannot say how his fellow inmates felt when the items were taken away, “you could see it in their faces that they felt a way”. He pointy explained that the cellphones provide some sort of “comfort” to prisoners during their incarceration, adding that it would make the prison administration calm, thus preventing events such as last week’s riot.

Turn to page 9

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Editorial

A dangerous precipice

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t has become somewhat ironic that voices of dissent so strident several months ago have fallen silent, despite the many questionable acts and events that have apparently become the modus operandi of the Administration of APNU/AFC. One can perhaps infer that either all is wonderfully well with their world or they are too obligated to the present Government to voice dissent. “Waiting to see” how the coalition runs the country is no longer an excuse; APNU/AFC is already well into its approach.

Listening and reading certain media coverage of ministerial speeches is like still listening to political party campaigns, with a party focus rather than a national one.

At an overseas rally not long ago to garner foreign investment, rather than the Guyana flag prominently displayed behind the Government speaker, there was the coalition’s banner from its campaign days, while the speaker narrated the wonders his party promised for the country rather than explain frankly to potential investors what the Guyana Government can bring to the table worthy of their funds – in the real world.

Every governmental act is lathered as the magnanimity of APNU/AFC rather than a right of each citizen of Guyana to be provided for by the Government of the day. Have we not passed the campaign trail yet, and is it not time to get down to the business of running the country? Can a new bicycle, boat or bus be for the people rather than an ongoing APNU/AFC campaign?

Meanwhile, certain media pick up the sensational displays of party generosity and broadcast them as news, indebted as they seem to be to the new Administration. It has become obvious that many local media houses have become muzzled, unable to call a spade a spade because of their seemingly past involvement in political engineering, whose favours are being called in now.

How quiet is the call by some media houses for SOCU to be investigated, who before would have been screaming from the rooftops of the injustices that led to the cover-up of the death of an innocent truck driver and an officer and his wife, and the recent ransacking of a businessman’s home.

Instead, their focus is on the past Government and its apparent past misdeeds. Ignoring the present for the past so that their news would only show the new Government in good light. It is a ploy as old as politics, and just as dangerous.

Is it too dangerous as well for these media houses to criticise the coalition that they turn a blind eye to the obvious? Or is it that they tacitly approve of the human rights violations and petty political points scoring because it satisfies some – unknown to others – cause of theirs?

Whatever is the reason behind the sudden silence, it does not bode well for Guyana’s media and the country when an administration is not being called out on its questionable policies and practices because of a clear bias.

Observing some media, it would seem that the only thing wrong with the country is the Opposition, the new Government has all the right policies and practices in place. It is a fallacy and a shame.

When individual obligations and opinion have the capacity to prejudice general judgement, then blind faith and devotion lead perilously close to party paramountcy – a situation Guyana cannot afford to reach again.

A young fisherman on Saturday decided to cast his net into a nearby canal with the aim of catching some rare and sizeable fish which were spotted recently in the Greater Georgetown areas of Pattensen/Liliendaal

Tasserene Land Titling Process – Conflict of Interest Dear Editor, The Guyana Empowered Peoples’ Action Network (GEPAN) reiterates its concern regarding the nonresolution of the conflict of interest amounting from the ownership of mining blocks by Junior Minister of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes, on Tasserene proposed title land.

The Natural Resources Ministry is an integral component of the Amerindian Land Titling (ALT) Project, funded by the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS, recently renamed).

The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC) and the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) are all Senior Suppliers to the ALT Project under the supervision of the Natural Resources Ministry, and are tasked with facilitating titling and demarcation of Amerindian lands, as mandated by the signed ALT project document.

The Natural Resources Ministry as well as the GGMC, the GFC, the GLSC and the Protected Areas Commission (PAC) are all sitting members of the ALT Project Board and participate actively in the implementation of the project.

In addition, the project is executed in keeping with the United Nations safe-

guards and standards for transparency and accountability and in respect for human rights which encompass indigenous rights.

Consequently, Minister Broomes in her role as Junior Minister of the Natural Resources Ministry, and, by extent, the Natural Resources Ministry and its agencies are in violation of the exigencies, terms and obligations of the ALT Project.

As such the Natural Resources Ministry cannot facilitate the land titling process for Tasserene, if the mining blocks owned by one of its Ministers already constitute a mining encumbrance and therefore part of the problem which obstructs the Tasserene land titling process under the ALT project.

GEPAN concludes that the Ministry is subsequently breaching its responsibility to the Amerindian beneficiaries of the Government of Guyana funded Amerindian Land Titling Project.

In a previous correspondence to GEPAN, the Natural Resources Ministry alluded to the legal connotation of “conflict of interest”.

While no legislation in Guyana prescribes a definition for the term, legally, “conflict of interest” designates a situation in which a

public or government official violates her or his responsibility to fulfil the duties assigned to her/him for the benefit of the people s/he serves, with the aim of acquiring personal profit or benefits, particularly pecuniary.

It is on this basis that the conflict of interest on Tasserene proposed title land arises, and it is also on this basis that the Government of Guyana is in violation of several articles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), the Amerindian Act 6 – 2006 and the Constitution of Guyana, all listed in a previous missive addressed to the Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman.

GEPAN reaffirms its belief that the possession of mining blocks registered under Simona Broomes (or SB), B-149/MP/000, 2013, Simona Broomes (or SB) B-149/MP/001, 2013 and Simona Broomes (or SB) B-150/MP/000, 2013 and to which the Junior Minister admitted ownership on January 6, 2016, obstructs the land titling process for Tasserene under the ALT Project.

Provisions made, under the Norway/Guyana Low Carbon Development Strategy (recently renamed) which funds the ALT Project, for the pro-

tection of indigenous rights and the inclusion of indigenous peoples in attaining the goals of the Agreement, are also being breached by this irresponsible nonaction from the Natural Resources Ministry.

GEPAN insists that the Ministry reserves the right to have Broomes’ blocks relocated out of the proposed titled area upon simple request to the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission.

The GGMC is known to facilitate such a process once the miner is willing to cooperate. Relocation of these blocks would significantly reduce the obstacles to the Tasserene Land Titling Process. Refusal to correct this anomaly will demonstrate poor political will and ethics from the Government in fulfilling its commitment to the indigenous peoples of this land as well as to its own policies.

We look forward to the cooperation of the Government in resolving this issue.

We also invite civil actors and all other concerned parties to participate in the resolution of this conflict of interest.

Regards, Anna Correia President Guyana Empowered Peoples’ Action Network (GEPAN)

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Guyanese Hindus Do not miss your opportunity observe Shivratri to vote in LGE in New York

Dear Editor, Guyanese Hindus in America observed the annual pious festival of Maha Shivratri last Monday as they did in Guyana and around the diaspora. Maha Shivaratri is one of the most important festivals of Hinduism glorifying Lord Shiva, known as the Destroyer in the Hindu Trinity of Brahma (the Creator), Vishnu (the Protector and Preserver), and Shiva. Lord Shiva is known as the destroyer of evil and as the dispeller of fears.

According to Hindu teachings, Shiva is the lord of all things in the universe, including its originator. He is worshipped to ward off dangers and evils assailing mankind.

Devotees pray with utmost reverence (bhakti) to the Lord and see God in everything around them. Hindus tend to fast for Shivratri.

They chant Om Namah Shivaaya. According to Hindu scriptures, anyone who fasts on Shivratri and prostrate on the feet of the Lord would gain salvation. The day is so auspicious that Lord Shiva sheds grace on anyone who even accidentally and unintentionally utters or listens to his name.

Contemplation of Lord Shiva is most fruitful and one begets true shakti from the Lord. Worshipers of Shiva gain longevity of life, success, and prosperity in all fields.

On Maha Shivaratri, Lord Shiva is worshipped only but Lord Shiva can be worshipped on any day. In the Hindu faith, an auspicious day has been set aside annually for the exclusive worshipping of a God or Goddess. Hence the observance of the Shivratri festival propitiating Lord Shiva, the fountain of all cosmic energy and power.

Shiva is the consort of Goddess Parvati (Mother of the Universe) and father of Lord Ganesh (who showers knowledge upon devotees).

I was fortunate to visit several temples on Shivratri night where mandirs were packed. Beautifully decorated Murthis of Lord Shiva are on display in the mandirs. On Monday, the Mandirs were brightly illuminated with electronic lights and the inner sanctum was beautifully decorated with flowers.

As they did in Guyana,

Hindus thronged to the mandirs throughout the course of the day. Shivaratri obtains its name from the word rath which means night. So Shivaratri was observed in the evening, but puja was also performed in the morning before sunrise on that day as well as the following day.

Most worshippers visited the temple on Monday evening making offerings to the lord.

Worshipping is performed through rituals and oblations on a Shiva Lingam.

This was done through intense devotion, meditation, singing, and chanting of verses from the scriptures. People made offerings themselves with the pandits chanting mantras from the holy books.

The lord bestows auspicious things in abundance on devotees who pray with sincerity and makes the devotees immortal.

There are some fifty temples in the greater New York area with each temple packed with worshippers. As in Guyana, many devotees kept vigil all night singing praises and offering supplications to the Lord. As in Guyana, temples held sessions throughout the day.

As in Guyana, elaborate puja (prayer and rituals) ceremonies were conducted at the homes of devout Hindus.

The pandits conducted Shiv Puranakathas and some temples also hosted nightly discourses on Shivratri or on the Ramayana the preceding week.

The same was also observed at some temples in Guyana. There was a long procession of people entering the temples I visited in Guyana.

At some mandirs, the scenes were that similar to a Diwali celebration. People performed non-stop offering of dhar and aartee. Incense burned continuously.

Fire glowed eternally in the havan kund as devotees made offerings of samagri and other paraphernalia. The long lines of worshipers offered jaal (milk, honey, water, sweet spices, etc) and were blessed by the pandits.

At the conclusion of puja, aartee was performed followed by the distribution of Prasad and dinner.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

Dear Editor, ”If you do not vote, other people who vote will choose your community representatives, and you will have no voice in the decision-making process. The importance of having a voice in decisions that directly affect you cannot be overstated.”

According to the Communities Ministry, Councillors elected by the people who vote will make decisions on what bridges and roads to repair or build; they will decide where playgrounds are to be constructed; they will be responsible for garbage collection, cleaning of drains and parapets, provision of healthcare services, pest control, noise-

nuisance control, and all other aspects of community life. “Can anyone, therefore, afford not to vote?”

This quote is taken from a news article in Thursday’s edition of a local newspaper based on a statement from the Ministry of Communities on the issue of low voter turnout for Local Government Elections (LGE) by members of the disciplined forces.

Let me at the outset state that every citizen who has the right to vote should exercise it. Voting is a constitutionally provided opportunity for citizens to contribute to the process through which their leaders are chosen.

However I have a problem with the statement, which implies that by not voting, citizens will not have a voice in the decision-making process. In addition to those who do not vote, there are those who will vote for a candidate who is not successful and therefore will not become the elected official. Am I to understand that these categories of citizens; non-voters and those who vote for unsuccessful candidates; will have no voice... no say in the decision-making process?

Elected leaders are responsible for and required to serve the interests of their communities/constituencies and this entails taking

on board the views and recommendations of all; thereafter making decisions that are technically, financially and operationally sound and feasible. All ideas must contend!

Citizens must go out and vote. In certain parts of the world thousands have sacrificed their lives to ensure all citizens regardless of race, gender and religion enjoy the entitlement to vote. But let it be clear that elected officials have the responsibility and obligation to listen to the voices of all and to act in the best interest of their constituencies/communities.

Regards, Wesley Kirton

GuySuCo needs to listen more, talk less Dear Editor, It is with amusement that I read on my son’s Facebook that workers at Calabash Pump, Rose Hall Estate, are being forced by the estate management to work a 6AM-11AM dayshift instead of an 8AM – 4PM dayshift as they are working a three-shift system: 8AM-4PM, 4PM-12MN and 12MN – 8AM. Now a few things are not right there.

Firstly 6AM – 11AM is a 5-hour shift so secondly the 4PM- 12MN shift will have to work 13 hours to cover that shift.

Where is the common sense there?

Editor in this day when

crime is on the rise in our neighbourhoods, I think it is time for workers to be concerned about their safety. Those of us who know about the Providence backdam can tell of the dangers that people face on a daily basis there.

The Calabash Pump is about 6-7 miles from the public road and from the time you enter the backdam you are in dangerous ground.

There are cattle rustlers, there are jaguars and other big cats; there are snakes, etc along the route.

Editor for someone to reach Calabash Pump for 6AM on a bicycle on a good day (no

rain) he will have to leave home 1-1 ½ hours early.

Right away he is not only putting himself in danger, but his entire family as he will have to leave home in the dark.

Editor, I think it is time that management of GuySuCo pay heed and practice what they preach.

Right across the corporation there are notices cautioning about safety.

It is time for change, a time for managers to take advice or accept suggestions from workers for the corporation to move forward.

The workers’ union should take note.

Yours truly, Estate Worker

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Foundation

Secret habits of highly effective moms – highly effective moms get things done with equal parts of good old-fashioned drive and a handful of these efficient habits

By Jessica Bowers

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e all know a mom – or maybe you are the mom – that seems like she can do it all. She is the mom who just seems to accomplish more in a day than anyone else, and it seems like she does it without even smudging her lipstick.

The truth is that the “do-it-all” mom often gets a bad rap. People assume that she can’t possibly be doing it all on her own – she must have a full time housekeeper, a nanny, or a secret time turner straight out of Harry Potter.

While it would be great to have any one of those, especially a time turner, the highly efficient mom gets it done with equal parts of good old-fashioned drive and a handful of habits that make her efforts look easy. Here are her secrets revealed: She gets up early or stays up late, but not both Efficient moms, like the military, get more done before 9 am or after 9 pm than most people do all day. They know the time to get serious about getting things done is when the children are asleep. So if you want to be efficient too, pick the time of day that’s most productive for you and guard that time like it’s really good chocolate. Just remember, burning the candle at both ends only leads to burn-out. Pick one or the other and still make a good night’s sleep a priority.

She approaches her ToDo list differently Feeling like you have a mountain of work to tackle actually makes it harder to tackle anything at all. Most of

us have a To-Do list that’s way longer than the number of hours in a day, so how do efficient moms seem to stay on top of everything? They’re just doing it differently. For example, when I look at my To-Do list, I divide it into time blocks rather than task blocks.

Rather than listing the things I need to accomplish and working my way completely through each task, I look at my schedule and note that I can spend an hour with house chores, an hour with work chores, and an hour with miscellaneous tasks before I need to pick up my children. Then, it’s a race against the clock to get as many tasks done as possible in the allotted time.

Working this way allows me to get more done overall because the time limit encourages me to work efficiently and stay focused.

She handles tasks with urgency Research shows that putting off a task, even for a few minutes, actually increases the likelihood that you will continue to put off that task in the future. We’ve all done it; you open an email and decide to respond later or find a bill and stick it in your purse with the promise that you’ll deal with it when you get home. The procrastination struggle is real, but it’s easily overcome by putting an end to the habit of putting things off. Any task that can be completed immediately, should be. Get in the habit of tackling a task as soon as it hits your hand (or inbox) and get back all that time that gets sucked away by the act of procrastination.

She procrastinates productively Even though most of her moments are spent purposefully conquering

her tasks, “Super Mom” also has her moments when she just doesn’t feel like putting on her cape. When that happens, an efficient mom uses those moments to do something that makes her feel productive, even if it’s frivolous.

Maybe she curls up with a great book or spends some time recharging with

playing on Facebook when I should be doing other things. Shoes always go by the door, so we aren’t scrambling to find them in the morning, and so on.

friends, but whatever it is, it’s a task that she feels good about and makes her feel re-energized.

efficiently that it’s like a game. I get so excited when I find tasks that can be done simultaneously. Shopping for groceries while listening to a podcast is my version of heaven. Cooking dinner while helping with homework makes the evening go a little bit smoother.

And, bonus tip, I never allow myself to binge watch my guilty pleasures unless I am folding laundry or exercising at the same time. Getting the socks folded and running a few miles on the treadmill makes me feel great about re-watching “Downton Abbey”. (Excerpt from Parenting.com)

She sets her environment for success My dirty little secret of “getting it all done” is that I’m not really more disciplined than the next mom, but knowing this helps me set up my environment so I’m less likely to get lazy. Before I go to bed at night, I set out my workout clothes, so they’re the first thing I see in the morning. At night, I plug in my phone in another room, so I’m not tempted to spend a few minutes

She is a master multitasker Multitasking is such an important part of making it through the day

Handling awkward parenting moments B y M elissa W illets

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our child loudly asks about another shopper’s disability in the grocery store. Yes, we’ve all endured brutally awkward parenting moments when we wish the floor would open and swallow us up. But it doesn’t have to be that way. In fact, these sticky situations can actually serve as teachable moments for our children and bonding experiences between parent and child.

It’s all about being proactive. “I always tell parents, and I tell children, be prepared,” Dr Gail Gross, PhD, EdD, MEd, psychologist and expert on relationships and family development, told Parenting.com. That means working with your child ahead of time to help them understand what’s appropriate and what isn’t.

But even if you provide that structure, kids will be kids. Here’s what you can do when awkwardness strikes: Your child says something rude about another person in public, like ‘Why is that woman fat?’”

First and foremost, Dr Gross says, “Stay calm. Don’t be reactive. And remember, you are entitled to parent.”

So the priority is addressing the bad behaviour with your child, which is best done in private. Say, “Please excuse my child.” Then change their environment; like, escape to the frozen food section!

Now, correct: “No honey, we don’t say that type of thing. That’s not nice.”

Ultimately, you’re trying to teach empathy, so your child understands another person’s feelings were hurt by what he said. “Ask your child to apologise if you think you have their full attention,” says Dr Gross.

Your child acts rudely while at a friend’s house for dinner, saying something like “That looks disgusting!”

Although you may worry how your child’s rudeness reflects upon your parenting, Dr Gross cautions, “Don’t be reactive; don’t yell; don’t go down to your child’s level.”

Instead, excuse yourself with your child, to help her shift her emotions; remember, correcting a child in front of others is shaming. Tell your child what she said hurt the hostess’s feelings. Then ask, “Are you feeling better?

Can we return to the table now?” But first, build trust with your child by assuring her, “When we get home, I’ll fix something for you.” (Excerpt from Parenting.com)

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Robbery, assault charges dismissed against duo

C

lifton Charles and Jumal Edwards had charges dismissed against them when they appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Wednesday.

They were facing charges which read that on March 6, 2016 at North

Road, Georgetown, while being in each other’s company, they robbed Muriel Trebecky, a Spanish National of $209,000 and other items including her passport.

They were also facing a charge which read that on the same day at the same location, they assaulted

Trebecky with intent to case bodily harm.

Trebecky told the court she does not wish to pursue the matter as she would be travelling to Annai, Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo and would just like to have her passport returned.

Edwards told the court that he is not involved in

the matter, adding that he was woken out of bed and arrested by Police for the robbery which he had no knowledge of. Magistrate Latchman dismissed the charges against the defendants and ordered that the passport which was recovered to be returned to Trebecky.

3rd suspect charged for Multiplex Mall owner’s murder

T

he third suspect in the murder of Regent Multiplex Mall owner Ganesh Ramlall was Thursday remanded to prison after being arraigned for the murder.

Kurt Erskine, 35, also known as “Banana”, a welder of 285 Section “C” Golden Grove, East Bank Demerara, was not required to plead to the indictable charge which read that on July 5, 2015 at La Jalousie, West Coast Demerara, he murdered Ganesh Ramlall during the course of a robbery.

According to information, Erskine was arrested late last week after the Police made a successful applica-

tion to the High Court to further detain him despite the expiration of the 72-hour detention period.

The accused’s attorney told the Court that he is surprised his client has been brought before the Court as the incident occurred in 2015 and a wanted bulletin was not issued for his client, yet somehow he was arrested and charged. He added that two others have already been charged for the murder; however, his client fully intends to prove his innocence.

He made an application for bail which was denied, and his client was remanded to prison. The matter was transferred to the Lenora

Magistrate’s Court for March 29 where all three suspects will jointly appear.

Previously, Lennox Roberts, 32, called “Soldier Man” of 2279 Tuschen Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo, and Fazeel Bacchus, 21, called “Javed” of Lot 7 Anna Catherina, West Coast Demerara, were charged for the murder of the businessman.

Both men reportedly confessed to the murder moments after they were arrested. They gave a detailed account of the execution which they claimed was planned more than two months prior to the hit.

Ramlall, 48, was out

with friends at a barbeque in a neighbouring village and upon returning home at about 00:30h, he went to collect a plate as well as use the outside washroom. While doing so, Ramlall was attacked by gunmen who discharged a round, hitting the washroom door.

Guyana Times understands the businessman might have attempted to run into the bottom flat of the house from which he had emerged but was riddled with bullets. He dropped a few metres from his back door where he died. He is believed to have been shot at least seven times, including once to his head.

Alleged arsonist remanded for 2009 Health Ministry fire

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ne of the alleged arsonists who were said to be responsible for setting the Health Ministry on fire seven years ago was on Thursday remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

Keith Ferrier denied the charge which read that on July 17, 2009, he, along with others, set fire to the Health Ministry. Bail was denied and the defendant was remanded to prison. He is expected to return to Court on April 4.

According to reports, on

Accused arsonist Keith Ferrier

the day in question, about 03:00h, perpetrators hurled improvised bombs made with channa and fuel into the upper flat of the main building of the Ministry.

As a result of the fire, more than 200 persons were dislocated and the entire building destroyed.

Following an investigation, it was concluded that the fire was an act of arson.

After the fire, the Guyana Police Force had issued a wanted bulletin for Ferrier; George Lashley, 60, of Lot 187 Freeman Street, East

La Penitence, Georgetown and others for setting the fire.

However, Clayton Westford, 19, an office assistant of 7 West La Penitence, and 21-year-old Tedena Bagot, a pork-knocker of 32 Second Street, Alexander Village, were subsequently charged for the fire, while Ferrier evaded Police capture after being released on $350,000 bail. Ferrier was nabbed on Monday at a business establishment on North Road, Bourda after Police ranks recognised him.

Eyew tness

Chilling effect...

T ...on witnesses

he Government moved with alacrity to appoint a CoI into the deadly prison riot at Camp Street Prison. This was after the visit by the Minister of National Security and the Minister of State who rushed to the Prison after 17 inmates had perished in the fire. The latter two worthies brokered a truce that had the prisoners returning to their cells and the Government committing to immediately improving living conditions. So far so good.

But there’s a fly in the ointment immediately identified by the local Transparency International head: the appointment of Dale Erskine as a Commissioner. Erskine had retired only in 2013 as head of the Prison after decades on the job. Now it was under Erskine’s watch, some of the most egregious breaches of security at Camp St had occurred – including the infamous 2002 Jailbreak of Andrew Douglas, Dale Moore and Company.

Whatever problems the Prison might be presently facing, most of them had to’ve been highlighted in three previous investigations. The reports were produced under Erskine’s watch. The bottom line is THE PROBLEMS AT CAMP STREET DIDN’T JUST SPRING FULL GROWN FROM THE BROW OF THE RECENTLY RIOTING PRISONERS. One of the most pertinent questions, then, would be: what had Erskine done to solve those problems?

This Eyewitness remembers back in 2007, Erskine was under some pressure to resign by then Home Affairs Minister Rohee after two sets of prisoners almost escaped.

Forbidden implements had been found on the prisoners – even though not of the deadliness of the gun wielded by Moore and Douglas when they killed one prison guard and maimed another. So is Erskine supposed to be just sitting there to investigate why he was part of the team that screwed up big time?

More to the point, are former prisoners – who’d be the ones with inside info – expected to tell Erskine to his face he screwed up? Police, guards and convicts form a small community where everyone knows everyone. There can be repercussions if toes are stepped on. Our Eyewitness isn’t sure why Erskine was picked since the reaction against him was predictable – and any report that’s issued with him aboard will be seen as tainted.

Is he there simply to cow witnesses? Why would the Government want to shoot itself in the foot like this? Or is it because the bad blood between Rohee and Erskine will enable the Committee to become a “Get Rohee!” posse?

And not so incidentally get Ramjattan off the hook?

Whatever it is, things don’t look too regular for root-andbranch prison reform.

...of pre-emption

Another problem with the Prison CoI was the conclusive statements by the Chairman at his press conference after just one visit to one portion of the Jail. That 12 Camp Street was described by him as a “war zone” has been widely quoted...but there was another statement that was more troubling to your Eyewitness. This was when the Chairman said he saw “two contending factions...one which may be described by some as the wretched of the earth and the others as the oppressors”.

Now this judge is of an age and educational background to be fully cognisant of the origin and implications of his description, which was coined by Franz Fanon. The “wretched of the earth” are the poor and powerless who’re oppressed by the ruling class that must be destroyed in an orgy of violence.

The violence, Fanon claimed, was not only instrumental in getting rid of the oppressors, but “cathartic” in cleansing the minds of the formerly oppressed.

If the Chairman thus concluded, why even hold an Inquiry?

...being unchilled

In one of his major moves to quell the spiralling crime rate on the coast, Ramjattan insisted his gun amnesty be extended to the hinterland. And unlicensed weapons must be surrendered – even though killing wild animals didn’t add to the crime rate.

Luckily that’s been reversed before folks there suffered from protein deficiency!

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

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friday, march 11, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Guyana’s Int’l Parliamentary North Ruimveldt mother finds son – thanks Guyana Times, iNews media for assistance Union membership approved

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Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira

he National Assembly on Thursday afternoon unanimously passed a motion which paved the way for Guyana to join the International Parliamentary Union (IPU) – an international organisation of Parliaments established in 1889.

The motion, moved by Prime Minister and First Vice President Moses Nagamootoo noted that the IPU provided an opportunity to express views on issues of international interest.

“We have great advantages in becoming a member of the IPU; the other day we observe International Women’s Day and we wish to note that one of the consistent work of this International Parliamentary Union has been in the area of women: to have women’s involvement,” Nagamootoo told the House. The Parliamentary Management Committee of the 10th Parliament on May 2, 2014 decided that Guyana should become a member of the IPU and an application was submitted by Guyana on May 27, 2014.

However, the IPU noted

that in order for that application to be processed, the Guyana Parliament must pass a resolution approving the country becoming a member of the Union.

Nagamootoo said that Guyana would be required to pay an annual subscription fee of $2 million.

He said, however, this investment was a good one since it would allow Guyana to reap significant benefits from the IPU. Meanwhile, Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira said that her People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) supported the motion and was also cognisant of the importance of the IPU. “It is important to note that this is an important international body which Guyana should be a part of,” Teixeira stated.

She also explained that back in 2004 she and then Opposition legislator Joseph Harmon agreed on Guyana’s involvement; however, because of the financial implications, a recommendation was forwarded to Cabinet. That recommendation was subsequently approved. “We are very pleased that the motion has finally reached here,” Teixeira said, and called for its “expeditious implementation”.

Both Nagamootoo and Teixeira agreed too that Guyana must join other parliamentary groupings, including the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) Parliament when it was fully established.

The IPU, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, said on its website that it was the focal point for world-wide parliamentary dialogue and worked for peace and cooperation among peoples and

S

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo

for the firm establishment of representative democracy.

Among its objectives are fostering contacts, coordination, and exchange experiences among parliaments and parliamentarians of all countries; considering questions of international interest and concern and expressing its views on such issues in order to bring about action by parliaments and parliamentarians.

It also contributes to the defence and promotion of human rights – an essential factor of parliamentary democracy and development and better knowledge of the working of representative institutions and to the strengthening and development of their means of action.

The IPU supports the efforts of and works in close cooperation with the United Nations, whose objectives it shares. The Union also cooperates with regional inter-parliamentary organisations, as well as with international intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations which are motivated by the same ideals.

hanna Wilson of Kaikan Street, North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, is grateful for the return of her special needs son, N’tem Pickering, 28, on Thursday. Wilson related to Guyana Times that her first-born was picked up by ranks of Tuschen Police Outpost who informed her Pickering was with them.

Wilson said her son could not fully explain how he ended up so far from home but alleged that “people at a dam in Den Amstel” dealt him several blows “with a hose and a wood” which caused him to run away. She surmised these individuals may have assumed he was a thief.

Following reports in the media and online, the man’s mother said several persons contacted her, including one man who called her on Wednesday stating that he had seen Pickering

N’tem Pickering

wandering about in Den Amstel that evening. She also noted that social activist Mark Benschop offered her assistance to find her son.

Wilson stated: “Mr Benschop called me cause he said he saw it on iNews and offered a helping hand to go and look for him.” She was taken to Brickdam

Police Station where ranks transported her to Tuschen to be reunited with her son.

“I was so happy because they said come pick up your son and I rushed out without eating anything,” stressed the elated mother.

On Tuesday, Wilson had told Guyana Times that she last saw her son at 07:00h on Sunday before she left for work. She had noted that the man intended to visit his grandmother after attending church but had never showed up.

The missing man, unable to work due to physical difficulties, attends services at Light Chapel Church in La Penitence and would usually return home around 20:00h. The mother emphasised that with the help of the media and the internet, her son was found. (Shemuel Fanfair)

Prisoners were tear-gassed...

Meanwhile, Kesney told the Commission that without their cellphones, prisoners would “plug out”, meaning get angry.

“Anything could happen (when a man plug out).

When a man get flashes, he could trip out pon any person,” he remarked.

According to the 32-year-old inmate, who claimed that he was wrongfully charged and that the name he was

charged under (Errol Williams) is not his, “I see death, is God save me… the devil was busy that day”.

During the testimonies, the men also voiced concerns about the living conditions at the Camp Street penitentiary. Poor food, long detention periods, insufficient toiletries, inadequate recreation, overcrowding and limited or no access to contact

From page 3

their families, were some of the concerns raised by the two prisoners.

The inquiry will continue today at the Public Service Building on Waterloo Street and the three-member Commission is expected to hear from more prisoners.

Seventeen persons died during the riots but only nine bodies have been identified thus far.

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friday, march 11, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

GNBA Board hosts session Region 2 contractors, trench cleaners still owed with TV broadcasters

… vouchers stock piled on REO’s desk

By Indrawattie Natram

R T

he board of the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) on March 3 hosted an interactive session with television broadcasters in an effort to become better acquainted with the broadcasters, and to foster cordial relations and partnership between broadcasters and the regulatory agency.

A release from the entity said the event was hosted by the Authority’s recently appointed Public Relations Officer (Acting), Joel Ally, who welcomed broadcasters and introduced the chairman, Leonard Craig.

“This event saw participation from a wide cross-section of Local Television Broadcasters who expressed personal concerns faced within the Broadcast Industry. Some of these concerns included: Unfair practices among Broadcasters, Fee Structure, Signal Interferences and the Expressed Need for Protection by the GNBA”, the release noted.

Also, board members addressed

the concerns broadcasters raised, assuring that it is working assiduously to ensure the issues within the Broadcast Industry are appropriately addressed.

The Chair officially presented the Board of Directors. Present were Anthony Vieira, Jocelyne Josiah, Vic Insanally and Ex-Officio Member: Valmikki Singh the Managing Director of the National Frequency Management Unit (NFMU).

Josiah was introduced as Chair of the Monitoring and Compliance Committee (MCC) while Vieira was introduced as Chair of the Legal Matters, Fees and Licensing Committee (LMFLC). Insanally will chair the Finance Committee (FC).

Each chairperson spoke of the work currently undertaken by their respective committees in the interest of stakeholders. It was noted that the country was divided into Commercial Zones. These include: Primary, Secondary and Tertiary

Zones. Specified fees for Television were also outlined.

“TV Ratings such as TV-MA and the content of lewd Music Videos were also mentioned while advice was given with regards to advertising. Specific emphasis was placed on Monitoring and Compliance. All Broadcast Media will be monitored based on approved Guidelines. A review of those guidelines will be done in an effort to give advice on issues relating to the said guidelines”, the release explained.

On the important point of Finance, it was noted that Licence Fees need to be looked at with the realization of where the money comes from, with the aim of helping broadcasters. The current board inherited a situation where there had been no monitoring, regulating or enforcing; hence these matters are to be addressed.

To this end, broadcasters were assured that efforts are being made to level the playing field as far as possible.

Region 5 Chamber of Commerce to host first trade expo

W

est Berbice Chamber of Industry and Commerce in Collaboration with Region 5 National 50th Independence Anniversary Committee as part of the drive to promote commerce and trade in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), will be hosting a two-day Expo and Trade to show-case the Regions Diversity and to attract potential investors.

The event is to be hosted under the theme “Transforming Region 5 for a Better Guyana” on March 26 and 27 at the Bath Settlement Community Centre Ground, in honour of the country’s 50th Independence anniversary.

The event will be an annual feature thereafter.

The much anticipated fun-filled

Exposition and Trade Fair is expected to attract public and private sector businesses, NGOs and other interest organisations which will exhibit their products and services. The usual vending, children games, and entertainment, including live bands, fireworks, etc. will be in attendance to satisfy the needs of the public.

The Chamber said it is delighted to be part of this initiative since it believes the investment represents development to the Region, and will go far in improving businesses to markets near and far.

“The Chamber welcomes the undertaking and business are encouraged to book their booths early. The Chamber will continue to support the

development of communities within which it serves,” a release from the entity said.

Booth spots under the main exposition auditorium with sizes 10 by 8ft are available for $15,000 for the two nights; in addition, spots are available around the venue for larger companies desirous of establishing their own external booths.

Admission to the event is $500 for adults and children $300: The Expo will be opened from 16:00h to 23:00h over the two-day period.

Interested partners and sponsors are asked to come on board.

For more information please contact 592-328-7977 and 232-0938 or email: wbcic2015@gmail.com.

esidents of Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) continue to raise their concerns over the non-delivery of essential services and supplies, due to the unsigned vouchers that are reportedly lingering on the Regional Executive Officer (REO) Rupert Hopkinson’s desk.

This was disclosed on Tuesday at the recent Regional Democratic Council (RDC) meeting that was held for the month of March. According to Region Two Chairman Devanand Ramdatt, numerous contractors and trench cleaners have complained of not being paid for works completed and supplies delivered.

Ramdatt told his fellow Councillors at the statutory meeting that a contractor related to him that he could not send his child to school since he was facing financial difficulties. The contractor further stated that he is owed huge sums of money by the Region Two administration. Ramdatt stated that the contractor is owed for works done since 2015.

“I have learnt that there is a new system where the voucher go to the accounts department then return to the REO’s office and unfortunately, there is an individual at the REO’s office who is requesting a toll to pass the vouchers,” Ramdatt said.

The Chairman further related that persons need their money in order to sustain their families, as well as to stimulate the region’s struggling economy.

Responding to those claims, Deputy Regional Executive Officer (DREO) Sunil Singh who filled in as clerk for REO Hopkinson in his absence at the RDC meeting, said the accounts department is very efficient but the vouchers are being held up at the office of the REO. He confirmed that indeed piles of vouchers are lying on the REO’s desk awaiting his signature. Singh however said he is unable to confirm if contractors have to pay a “bribe” to

Region 2 REO Rupert Hopkinson

get their voucher signed.

These allegations were received by the Regional Chairman who in turn informed REO Hopkinson.

No supplies

The Chairman further informed the Council that presently, there is a shortage of materials from the building department, adding that if the vouchers are not signed in a more timely manner, this could slow the pace in the procurement system.

“When vouchers are piled up, it means that essential materials will not be supplied, like chalks to the schools, medical supplies to the hospital, vegetables to the dormitory, these suppliers won’t be able to supply these items if they are not paid and the working class are affected,” Ramdatt argued.

Another People’s Progressive Party/Civic Councillor Showkat Ali stated that contractors are also owed from his Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC). Ali who is the Chairman for Good Hope-Pomona NDC said the piling up of vouchers seems to be a new trend and it must stop as persons need to be paid for works executed.

Coalition Councillor Naithram was also concerned over the non-payment of contractors, particularly the trench cleaners.

friDAY, march 11, 2016

guyanatimesgy.com

11

News

High voter turnout Umana Yana reconstruction project Indigenous workmen yet to receive payments if March 18 declared national – despite early project completion holiday – PPP GS W

T

he People’s Progressive Party (PPP) is contending that declaring March 18 a national holiday could help facilitate large voter turnout at the Local Government Elections (LGE).

The Party’s General Secretary, Clement Rohee, said the Party observed there was a very low voter turnout on Tuesday when the Disciplined Forces cast their ballots. This was one of the reasons the Party has been calling for Government to declare March 18 a national holiday.

“The whole idea behind declaring that day a national holiday is not for people to jump up and sport, but… people work outside of their constituencies, and therefore, if they are given a national holiday, it means that they can vote early or late.. it gives them the flexibility,” he told reporters.

Putting to rest the concerns raised by sections of society and the PPP, Government on Wednesday confirmed that March 18 will not be made a public holiday to facilitate Local Government Elections.

Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman told a post-Cabinet media

conference on Wednesday that there was no indication that LGE day will be declared a national holiday.

He said LGEs are not known to be treated with the same level of importance as national elections, so there was no need for a national holiday.

However, Rohee said the bottom line was to make election day convenient for all Guyanese to exercise their franchise.

“Sometimes you have this huge buildup as well around the polling station.

So the whole idea as well is to make it more convenient to the voter, to go at their leisure… we said that you (Government) were the one that was pressuring for Local Government Elections and you were the one that were saying that people were excited about Local Government Elections.. And now you are throwing a damp rag on it,” he said.

According to the General Secretary, while the PPP was in Government, it had always declared national holidays on Election Day. He said if the current Administration does not want to follow suit, then that is absolutely ok.

orkmen on Thursday complained that they have not received their payments even though reconstruction work on the historical Umana Yana has been completed.

The project, which commenced on February 5, had a three-month life span and it has been opined that the workmen’s dedication was responsible for the task being completed in five weeks, ahead of its April deadline.

Guyana Times has been made aware that the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs supposedly told 35 workmen [30 from Gunns Strip and five from Bara-bara] that in the meantime, they should go home to their villages and return afterwards when the time was right for them to receive their payments.

Workers are against this proposal, citing the cost factor; they had hoped to return to their communities today (Friday).

They said they were previously told that they would be paid this weekend, but were unclear as to the exact time and date. The indigenous workers are also calling on the Government, through the Ministry, to provide a specific date when

LGE 2016 campaign…

APNU/AFC Ministers abusing state resources - PPP …highlights alleged irregularities during D-Day voting

T

he People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) said it is taking considerable note of, and urged the international observers to pay keen attention to the apparent abuse of state funds by the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) Government, to carry out its Local Government Elections (LGE) campaigns.

General Secretary Clement Rohee said over the past two weeks over 17 ministers were ferried from Ogle to Mabaruma for electioneering purposes.

“We consider this to be an abuse of state resources and this may cost approximately $30 million. Apart from the trip by the President himself with a huge entourage of ministers in that location”, he said.

He said the party was made aware that a “cutlery” of ministers is scheduled to travel to Lethem. This is going to cost a huge amount of money as well, millions of dollars in air fares, he said, and noted

that the party will be taking note because it considers it an abuse of state resources.

“We want to call on the foreign missions who are observing these elections to take note of this abuse of state resources by the APNU/AFC to carry out its political campaign at Bartica, Lethem Mabaruma and Anna Regina.”

He said it is important for them to pay close attention to the way in which the resources are being abused by this government to carry out their elections campaign.

“We are calling on the foreign missions observing these elections to take note of this blatant abuse of state resources by the APNU/AFC coalition.”

But asked if his party, while in Government did not utilise state resources to carry out similar functions, Rohee denied, saying that the party has always been using its own funds.

“We raised funds through fund-raising exercises and we used that money to conduct our campaign,” he told jour-

nalists.

Rohee said while the party does not have a problem with the Head of State travelling, “it is the abuse… mentions the word abuse of state resources. That is what we are talking about.”

He said they cannot object to the President’s travel, but they discern that he is abusing the state resources…

“Everything is a judgment call, he said.

The party’s Executive Secretary Zulficar Mustapha also weighed in on the issue and expressed that the entity has always been self-sufficient.

“I could say one thing, that when we were in government - and I was involved in a lot of these arrangements, normally we pay for our transportation, especially in the interiors when we send people, I normally ensure that we pay, the funds come from Freedom House and we pay for these things.

I don’t liaise on Government or piggy back on Government at that time“.

The recently completed Umana Yana

they will be paid.

Ekufa Newsha, a Toshao from Bara-bara, on Thursday related that workers were currently housed at Sophia Exhibition Centre and explained that many of the men were finding it difficult waiting around and adjusting to the foods and to “big city” life. Newsha further explained that officials related different things with regard to the urgency of the project.

“Although they told us to speed up, they [then said]

we finish too quick, so we can’t really understand because we come from so far and we [all] got something to do in our villages – family to look after and farm to look after also,” stated the disgruntled Toshao.

He posited that while the families of the workmen were currently coping, they were eagerly awaiting the return of the men.

“The families are making out good, but they just want to know when we are coming back and [women]

said they can’t do anything without their husbands and so on,” explained Newsha.

The roof of the Umana Yana, Guyana’s largest benab, was made entirely of leaves from Moraikobai and St Cuthbert’s Mission.

The reconstruction of the building was said to have not exceeded its $60.7 million cost.

At the turning of the sod last September, Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson said that $16 million was budgeted for the installation of solar panels to provide the new building with power. It is, however, unclear when these panels will be installed.

In September of 2014, the fire which destroyed the landmark was believed to be of electrical origin.

The Umana Yana (meeting place) was first built in 1972 for the NonAligned Foreign Ministers’ Conference and was later used as a VIP Lounge and for exhibitions and recreational purposes.

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friday, march 11, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Recent FAO’s regional conference

Minister Holder wants quick action in addressing agri issues

A

griculture Minister Noel Holder while addressing the Food and Agriculture Organisation’s (FAO) Regional Conference for Latin America and the Caribbean, called for speedy action in addressing agricultural issues.

These include barriers to the sector’s development, access to Caribbean Community (Caricom) markets and climate change interventions.

Minister Holder was at the time presenting the Caribbean’s sub-region report on regional and global policy and regulatory matters at the conference held in Mexico City. Minister Holder addressed the forum in his capacity as Chairman of the Caribbean Group of Ministers of Agriculture.

During the one-week ministerial session, Minister Holder held meetings with key officials, including Mexico’s Agriculture Minister on several issues affecting agriculture

Agriculture Minister Noel Holder

in the region.

Among the key issues discussed were challenges and perspective for food and nutrition security in Latin America and the Caribbean, the Millennium Development Goals to the Sustainable Development Goals, challenges for transforming the rural sector in Latin America and the Caribbean, and challenges for sustainable use of natural resources among others.

Suddie Public Hospital lacks adequate beds

P

regnant mothers admitted to the maternity ward at the Suddie Public Hospital in Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) are forced to share beds due to shortage of beds there.

The matter was raised by People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) RDC councillor and Chairman of the Health and Sanitation Committee, Arnold Adams.

According to Adams, he was shocked when he visited the maternity ward and noticed two mothers on one bed.

The councillor said when he enquired what was going on, the mothers said they were told by nurses to share beds because of the bed shortage. Adams said the discomfort of the mothers were obvious and proceeded to enquire of the Matron the reason for sharing of beds.

The Matron told Adams there is currently a shortage of beds at the hospital but she has already made requests for more beds from the Public Health Ministry.

Adams said the situation is quiet disquieting and

Histories and Narratives PPP/C Councillor Arnold Adams

as such the RDC must do something about the issue.

During his address to fellow councillors, he described the beds as narrow in width, saying he cannot figure how two pregnant women can fit on one. He also reported that alarmingly mothers who have delivered are forced to rest their babies on same bed also.

Having heard of such, Region Two Chairman Devanand Ramdatt was quiet disturbed at such occurrence.

He said it is unacceptable and he will be writing Minister of Public Health George Norton on the matter.

T

he Rodney CoI's Report (still officially not released) has unleashed a new wave of narratives and histories of the sixties and seventies in our daily newspapers. Histories, however, are always written within a particular “space of experience” – the ways that the past is remembered in the present and a “horizon of expectation” – the anticipation of the not-yet-known future beyond the horizon.

A history of our present, in the words of David Scott, demands that “histories of the past ought to be interventions in the present, strategic interrogations of the present’s norms as a way of helping us to glimpse the possibilities for an alternative future”. Somehow our narratives about Burnham and Jagan that are now circulating just keep looking backwards at what was "then".

But our “problem space” – the threats and opportunities that confront us in our sociohistorical conjuncture – is radically different today. At a minimum, our “us” and “them” within the old narrative is not a unified “us” versus the “them – British”, whom we hoped to kick out – the “us” and “them” are now “all-a-wee” that have to co-exist in our common homeland.

What then should be our “horizon of expectation”?

Criticism is always strategic. What is it that our interlocutors want as a consequence of their criticisms, narratives, actions and exhortations? What is the “Good”?

While there will never be – for the simple reason that it just cannot be – a single horizon of ends for all of us, I am pretty sure that among the various possibly competing ends that of a more harmonious society would be there in common in all formulations.

I am suggesting that with the privilege of hindsight, we should connect the past with the present in a broader narrative that is healing rather than destructive. We cannot change the past, but we can certainly change the future.

Our horizon of expectation must generate strategies that speak to those normative ends rather than further dividing us as some seem determined to do. They must ask whether their particular narrative (of revolution), or any narrative that seeks to connect our past to the present and envision a more positive future, will deliver those normative ends. Another way our problem space is different from our post-independence era is the demographics now deny any built-in ethnic majority and so open up the possibilities of a working democracy. A constructive narrative cannot then picture our opposing groups locked forever in mortal combat.

Crucial to the formulation of a constructive narrative would be what Hayden White labelled the “content of the form” of the narrative – particularly its plot to link past, present and future.

Most of the present narratives set “us” against “them” into a frenzy of nihilistic Fanonian violence – not to mention teleologically promising a future that can never be delivered.

Hegel’s famous interpretation of Antigone as the paradigmatic Greek tragedy might be particularly apt to our situation. In this narrative, both “sides” are morally right: the conflict is not between good and evil, but between “goods” on which each is making exclusive claim. Isn’t this the situation that our mutually exclusive narratives of victimhood with its facile binary oppositions have delivered us into? Such an emplotment within a narrative, I am suggesting, should suggest compromise rather than a battle of one side overcoming. That would be a constructive narrative for our time, place and circumstances.

In noting the importance of narratives in the task of nation building, Benedict Anderson has identified the importance of newspapers that are read every morning in constructing what he has tellingly labelled “Imagined Communities”: “The significance of this mass ceremony – Hegel observed that newspapers serve modern man as a substitute for morning prayers – is paradoxical. It is performed in silent privacy, in the lair of the skull. Yet each communicant is well aware that the ceremony he performs is being replicated simultaneously by thousands (or millions) of others of whose existence he is confident, yet of whose identity he has not the slightest notion.”

Let us use our newspapers for nation building rather than tearing it apart by narratives that are fighting longgone terrors.

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friDAY, march 11, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Georgetown’s Regional STEM Fair kicks off

– as key city schools vie for supremacy

Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine examines the Bishops’ High School’s project

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he Georgetown leg of the Regional science, technology, engineering and mathematic fair 2016 kicked off on Thursday at the Queen’s College Auditorium.

The annual event saw the participation of a number of schools exhibiting their innovative pieces which incorporate the use of technology to advance Guyana generally.

Aimed at providing a forum for youngsters to not only portray their capabilities and represent their schools, the programme caters for the longterm goal of ensuring Guyana is advanced technologically.

Under the theme “Enhancing Traditional Technologies to Sustain Modern Societies through STEM”, this governmentspearheaded programme focuses primarily on the utilisation of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) project.

Making an appearance to

mark the event, Minister of Education Rupert Roopnaraine during the opening ceremony first commended the students and teachers for their consistent and persistent work to create innovative pieces.

Given the evolution of the majority of countries in regard to technology and science, the minister said this fair serves to create a forum where Guyana may also be developed through the new and growing trend.

Speaking in regards to the STEM project, the minister said there are specific aspects that are prominently addressed, and the fair is one which fosters the execution of these particulars.

He added that the concept of STEM is to cater for the growth of human and social development, and this is done through research, discovery and application. Underlining its significance, Roopnaraine informed that this culture gives purpose and prospect to a nation and its

Students of Cummings Lodge Secondary School explain the concept of their project

citizens in their search for advancement and self-fulfilment.

He explained that the introduction of this fair was based on the need to execute the STEM project in order to reach the ultimate goal of education.

This the minister indicated, proves the administration of the Ministry of Education has given preference to stimulating education levels, while working towards the achievement of its goals.

Speaking in relation to the impact the fair has on youngsters in Guyana, Roopnaraine stated the fair targets the school system, and fosters the moulding of minds of young people to be prepared for the world that is technologically and scientifically quickly evolving.

Specifically, he said this serves an integral part in training youths for challenges that are ahead and developing their minds on how to respond to them.

In closing, the minister encouraged those in attendance to take full advantage of the opportunity being presented to them, which not only serves self but the country. “I think its harbours well for us in the education sector and harbours well for the nation as a whole.”

The pieces presented used various technological and scientific techniques to address particular situations in Guyana, dominantly hydro project and the use of recycled produce to make an impact on Guyana’s environment.

These pieces would be assessed by a panel of judges who would ascertain the prize winners of Georgetown. This will be announced Friday.

Similar fairs that aim at promoting technology are ongoing in the regions across Guyana.

On Wednesday, the fair was officially opened in Region Two (Pomeroon/ Supenaam).

“Barber” jailed, fined $36M for trafficking cocaine

Bothram Garnette

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drug trafficker was on Thursday sentenced to prison by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts when she found him guilty of trafficking in narcotics.

Bothram Garnette, 35, called ‘Barber’ of Lot 265 Second Street, Number 2 Village, East Canje, Berbice, was on trial for a charge which read that on June 26, 2015 at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), he had in his possession 12.294 kilograms of cocaine.

During the trial, the Prosecution said Garnette was an outgoing passenger on a flight destined for the United States when a search was conducted on his suitcase and the cocaine found concealed in four false walls.

On his initial Court ap-

pearance, Garnette was denied bail, however, he was later granted bail by the High Court in the sum of $2,000,000.

Before the ruling, the Chief Magistrate explained that she considered the evidence of the Prosecution’s witnesses, as well as the Defence’s evidence which was led by the accused’s unsworn statement. She said she disbelieved Garnette’s story and had found that he was indeed in possession of the suitcase which he attempted to use as a means to traffic the drugs out of Guyana.

After finding him guilty and taking into consideration the prevalence of the offence as well as the quantum, she sentenced him to four years and ten months in prison, as well as a fine of $36,892,000.

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Police Sergeant LaRose Major political parties laid to rest intensify campaign LGE 2016

“… paid the ultimate price doing what he loved to do” – Police Commissioner

By Utamu Belle

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Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo during an LGE public meeting in Region One

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s March 18, 2016, the day when most of Guyana’s 523,831 eligible voters are expected to cast their ballots in the first Local Government Elections (LGE) in more than two decades, the two major political parties, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) and the ruling coalition the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) are intensifying their campaigns.

The two parties are fanning out across the 71 Local Authority Areas (LAA), seeking to convince the electorate.

PPP/C, led by Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo, has been for the past few months meeting with residents across the country as it seeks to achieve its goal of winning most of the 62 Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and the nine Municipalities.

During this past week, PPP/C members have been meeting with residents in Region One (Barima-Waini), Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and Region Nine (Upper Takutu-

Upper Essequibo).

There was also a series of meetings in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne).

A delegation from the party, headed by Jagdeo, is expected in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) on Friday.

Jagdeo has been lamenting the need for a strong voter turnout, especially of his party’s supporters so that the PPP/C can take control of most of the 71 LAAs. This, he pointed out, will ensure that the APNU/AFC Central Government is kept in check. He noted that it is only work in the field that will ensure a high voter turnout and ultimately victory for the PPP/C. Jagdeo also was stressing the need for his party’s candidates when elected, to remain humble servants of the people who would have elected them.

“They can’t chase people away who go to their offices and complain. They have to explain to them some of these issues in their NDCs. If they don’t have money to do some-

thing, they have to hold the shoulders of their comrades and say ‘I can’t do this, we can’t do this, we don’t have money,” Jagdeo stated.

Meanwhile, the APNU/ AFC has been conducting a relatively low-key campaign leading-up to the elections.

The coalition held a number of community meetings and according to information is running a vigorous houseto-house campaign, where its candidates are having oneon-one discussions with residents.

The coalition is expected to culminate its campaign with a “grand rally” on March 16 at the Well Site, Roxanne Burnham Gardens, Georgetown, where President David Granger is expected to deliver the feature address.

Apart from the PPP/C and the APNU/AFC, there are a number of community groups and independent candidates contesting the March 18 elections, being held for the first time since 1994.

Already on Tuesday members of the Disciplined Services cast their ballots.

Annandale shooting

Accused jailed for 3 years on bodily harm charge

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samo Stevens, 24, of Annandale, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was on Thursday sentenced to three years in prison by Justice Jo-Ann Barlow at the Georgetown High Court after he was found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm.

Stevens was before Justice Jo-Ann Barlow and a mixed jury on two charges, the first being that on Saturday, December 23, 2007 at Sand Reef, Annandale, ECD, he shot Devon Spencer also called “Housetop”, with intent to murder. The second charge is that on the same day, he inflicted grievous bodily harm on the said Spencer with intent to maim, disable and disfigure.

Last Friday, he was found not guilty on the attempted murder charge, however, the Jury instead found him

guilty of causing grievous bodily harm.

The trial commenced last Tuesday, and the prosecution closed its case the following day after presenting four witnesses.

Detective Mahendra Tooknauth had testified on January 2008 that he made personal contact with the accused at the CID Headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown, where the accused told him that an individual who he identified as “Fine Man” gave him the gun to kill Spencer if he wanted to start ‘liming’ with him.

The victim had also testified that on the day of the incident, he was on his motorcycle when he heard an explosion. He stated that upon making checks to his back, he realised that he was bleeding.

He revealed that the accused then walked in front of him

saying “yuh know how long ah want kill yuh s****”. He further testified that when he looked back no one else was there at the scene.

On Thursday, Stevens led his defence during which he vehemently denied being involved in the shooting, and made claims that the Police were trying to wrongfully implicate him. The unrepresented accused made a brief unsworn testimony, telling the Court that he did not commit the offences for which he stands indicted.

Stevens alleged that he knew both Spencer and “fine man” as they all lived in the same area. He stated that he was not a friend with either of the men, and did not shoot anyone.

Stevens alleged that the Police were trying to frame him for the shooting but he was innocent.

ributes poured on Thursday at the funeral of Police Sergeant 16934 Leonard LaRose, who was stabbed to death last week during an attempt to arrest a rape suspect at Matthews Ridge, Region 1 (Barima-Waini). The homegoing ceremony for the Sergeant was marked by a very sombre atmosphere at the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) Ground in Linden.

Grieving family and associates of the slain Officer, also a former Lindener gathered to provide comfort to each other in their time of bereavement. Sergeant LaRose was given military honours by the Guyana Police Force.

Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud, E Division (Linden/Kwakwani) Commander Calvin Brutus and Regional Chairman Renis Morian also paid their respects.

In delivering Sergeant LaRose’s eulogy, older brother Ivor Thom said he was remarkable in many ways, and has touched the lives of many people, to whom he had ded-

icated his life’s service. He described him as a family man, devoted husband, father, brother and a friend to many, one who could always be counted on for advice. “…he was ready, steadfast, willing… I know that you would miss the friendship that Leonard brought into your lives. I’m sure you would remember him in your own special way. He lived a principled life… we can only imagine how much he would have accomplished were it not for that terrible tragedy”, he said.

In his tribute Commissioner of Police Persaud extended sympathy to the wife, relatives and friends of the deceased, on behalf of the Guyana Police Force. Persaud related that along with the family, the GPF also shared in the loss of LaRose.

He added that the incident is a stark reminder of the plight of thousands of officers around the world who put their lives at risk on a daily basis in order to protect their communities. He related that LaRose joined the GPF in September 1995

as a direct intake to the Presidential Guards.

Persaud said his desire to serve saw him serving at several Police stations and attending several training programmes where he displayed a high level of competency.

This, he noted, saw LaRose being promoted to Corporal in 2009 and Sergeant in 2014.

“Like many of us, policing was his calling. During his stay he would have displayed that he was a very courageous individual, a very good public servant and a very dedicated Policeman. He also would have paid the ultimate price doing something that he loved to do to protect members of the community that he served… I’m sure that among us and among those of you here he will be missed. He’s a good man and May God bless his soul”, the Commissioner of Police said in his tribute.

Friends and family of the deceased also mentioned similar sentiments as they wept openly.

Sergeant LaRose is survived by his wife and children.

2 in custody after fatal stabbing of 18-year-old

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wo persons are now in Police custody assisting with the investigation into the stabbing death of 18-year-old Sherwyn Lynch who was found in Goedverwagting, East Coast Demerara, on Wednesday evening.

One of the men Guyana Times understands was arrested after he was found to be in possession of the now dead man’s mobile phone while the other would have sustained a stab wound to one of his hands which he reportedly received during an attack.

The suspect with the stab wound to his hand claimed that he, along with the now dead man, exited a car soon after which they were attacked by a knife wielding man.

During the attack, Lynch was stabbed several times and fell to the ground. He was subsequently picked up and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

At the home of the dead man earlier today, his sister, Tamika Soloman explained that her brother only returned from the interior on Friday last and was due to collect a sum of money from someone. She noted that her brother had a telephone number for the person and when he attempted to contact the individual, his phone was disconnected.

Dead: Sherwyn Eldon Lynch

However, she claimed that the person might have contacted her brother and they would have made arrangements for the money to be collected. “I ain’t sure if he death had anything to do with the collect… but they saying is some rasta man with tear drops,” she added.

Soloman could not give a possible motive for her brother’s murder, adding that her brother had no known enemies and was not knowingly involved in anything unlawful.

However, Guyana Times understands that the young man might have been killed after he attempted to relieve a woman of her handbag.

Nevertheless, the sister

further stated that she was at home on Wednesday evening when she received a message informing her that Lynch was shot and that she must make her way to the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Without hesitation, she ventured to the medical facility and on her way, made contact with the teen’s father. As she arrived at the Hospital, she recalled a woman and a man grilling her about her brother. Eventually, she was allowed to see him. “He had one stab wound to his chest, one to he hand and one to he thigh,” she stated.

Upon enquiring, she was told that her brother was still alive when he was picked up and taken to the hospital by a family friend who recognised him.

“She say that people were standing around meh brother and they refused to rush he to the hospital… as they de going to the hospital, meh friend try to get information from him but he couldn’t talk,” the aggrieved sister stated.

Solomon added that the Police have taken statements from an uncle and other relatives, including the two men in custody as they continue their investigations. She is however of the belief that the injured suspect is not telling the truth and that his version of what transpired is “all over the place”.

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300-pound jaguar caught Handyman dies after falling from breadfruit tree PPP/C highlights in Mainstay trap LGE 2016 campaign

alleged irregularities during D-Day voting

PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee

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he People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) has reiterated the concerns it raised recently after its observation of the just concluded Disciplined Services’ participation in the Local Government Elections (LGE) on March 8 last and has called for some legislative reform that would put an end to the malpractices.

The Party’s General Secretary Clement Rohee said the party repeats its alarm at the high incidence of Disciplined Services electors presenting themselves without identification to vote. He said while the detailed statistics on this “phenomenon” are being reviewed, the widespread and unusual occurrences on this nature can only serve to undermine the integrity of the polls.

Rohee said the PPP/C remains firm in its view that voting without ID cards should be a rare exception rather than a new normal situation. “Note has also been taken of the seeming failure of GECOM’s voter education efforts which has incurred enormous expenditures”, he told a news conference on Friday.

The party has therefore called on GECOM to immediately take advantage of the remaining seven days to LGE day to vigorously encourage electors to show up with their ID card. He said the party is also currently reviewing the issue, based on the experiences of past elections, to require a legislative change which allows for only a valid ID card being presented by an elector for identification for voting.

Rohee said the party has also noted the complaints and long excessive explanations by presiding officers of the sample ballot. This is said as being done where there has been no request from the elector for advice or explanation.

“We are of the view that the voter education efforts by the political stakeholders and also those of GECOM, should be more than ade-

quate to educate the elector on how to vote. Again, only on a request being made by an elector for voting advice should explanations by the presiding officers be given”, he said The General Secretary also raised concerns about the “inappropriate coloured symbolism at the Disciplined Services polling places. According to him, a number of unsettling symbolic colours of a political nature were observed at these polling places.

“These include green coloured tablecloths covering the poll tables at polling places at major Guyana Defence Force locations.

What was notable was that the colour was not of the GDF’s camouflage or other service types, but was clearly that of the type of colour used by the main political party now at the seat of Government and which is known to have strong military links”.

He said at some locations, white tablecloths with broad green stripe were on the poll tables.

Meanwhile, Rohee also raised concerns about the alleged voter molestation and intimidation of Disciplined Service voters. He said the party received reports that senior military and police officials had “arrogated unto themselves the role of turning out the vote at practically all the DS locations used for voting”. He alleged that officers and NCOs were in possession of list of electors and had the task of actively and loudly urging the electors to join the lines to vote.

He said complaints have been made and harassment and threats to voters if they did not comply with the instructions.

“The PPP/C wishes to identify these practices by senior disciplined officers as constituting a breach of the electoral laws under the rubric of voter molestation and intimidation”. He said the only lawful role for military and police “officialdom”, with respect to the DS voter and DS Election Day is to provide the opportunity to vote lawfully”, Rohee said.

Further, Rohee complained about the quality of folio pictures used. He said the party found that the quality of the pictures used was unsatisfactory.

“In many instance, it was impossible to identify a voter with certainty - particularly if that voter showed up without an ID card. The party is repeating its demand that coloured pictures be provided to all scrutineers to allow for the indisputable identification of voters.”

The seven foot, 300-pound jaguar caught in the trap at Mainstay

By Indrawattie Natram

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esidents of the Amerindian area Mainstay/Whyaka and Red Lock are once again showering loud praises to Chris Allen and Troy Fredericks for successfully trapping another Jaguar.

Jaguars have been plaguing the community for quite some time, creating havoc by killing the dogs, poultry and goats. The second Jaguar was captured alive Wednesday evening at a location called “Jump, Jump” in the community.

The trap was meshed with barb wire crafted into a pen and a dog was placed in the trap as prey.

Toshao of the Community Joel

Fredericks said residents woke up Thursday morning to the exciting news and many flocked the trap for the opportunity to take pictures.

Fredericks said the previous Jaguar caught was tranquilized and handed over to the Environmental Protection Agency. They intend to do the same with this one. These Jaguars will be placed at the zoo in Georgetown. The Toshao said the jaguar caught measured about seven feet in length and weighs around 300 pounds.

Residents believe there are still others roaming the area as there are evidence of footprints daily. The Jaguars usually come out in search of food during darkness.

The lifeless body of Percy Harris being taken away

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49-year-old man died on Thursday after falling from a breadfruit tree.

He was identified as Percy Harris of South Sophia, Greater Georgetown.

He was a handyman attached to the Foreign Affairs Ministry.

Guyana Times understands that the man was in the process of climbing the breadfruit tree located in the Ministry’s compound to pick a breadfruit; however, the limb he was standing on gave away.

The incident occurred around 11:00h.

Co-workers subsequently discovered his lifeless body in a pool of blood beneath the tree.

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Coverden bush fire threatens Gunshots ring out ahead of President’s Rose Hall meeting businesses, residences ...sources say was sign of people’s dissatisfaction

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People stood in awe as the fire ripped through the bushes

ire-fighters were up to late Thursday evening battling a bush fire at Coverden, East Bank Demerara, as it threatened several lumber yards and residences in the area. The fire, according to reports, started in Caledonia backlands at about 12:00h and rapidly spread to the neighbouring village.

An official from an export company explained that workers of the Cummings

Wood Product acted swiftly in removing piles of wood that were already packed to be shipped overseas. “If the wood had caught fire, it would have been major, with millions being lost”.

After the fire was spotted, fire-fighters from Timehri, East Bank Demerara were summoned to the scene but upon seeing the magnitude of the fire, they contacted other fire services. At about 18:00h, tenders from

Georgetown arrived to render support.

A woman who asked to remain anonymous explained that residents in the area had started to remove household items in case of the fire spreading further.

Up to press time, there have been no reports of any building being destroyed but businesses in the area especially National Hardware have taken preventive measures.

Patients refuse to send blood samples for Zika testing By: Devina Samaroo

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he number of Zika cases in Guyana might be grossly underestimated since many patients refuse to give consent for their blood samples to be sent for testing overseas.

Though they do not incur any expense whatsoever to have their blood samples sent for testing to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) in Trinidad for the Zika Virus, masses of Guyanese opted not to take this route.

Public Health Minister Dr George Norton explained that because the Zika Virus has not proven to be lethal or severely harmful, persons prefer not to go through the hassle of finding out if they are infected or not.

The mosquito-borne Zika virus usually causes mild symptoms in adults, with a low fever, headaches and joint pain.

“It’s not like Chikungunya or Dengue where persons are in uncomfortable pain,” he pointed out.

However, Dr Norton said the only time health officials insist that the blood samples be sent for testing is when they are attending to pregnant women since the Zika Virus is linked to severe birth defects, including microcephaly which is the abnormal smallness of the head.

There is no vaccine or treatment for Zika but the symptoms can be treated.

There are currently five confirmed cases of the Zika Virus in Guyana and hundreds of suspected cases.

The first case was de-

tected in an East Bank Demerara (EBD) woman who had travelled to Berbice, while the second case is a teenage boy residing at Eccles, EBD. Later on, the virus was detected in two Cuban doctors, who reside in Guyana and another woman – all of whom live along the EBD corridor.

There is also a case where a US citizen was infected with the Virus after travelling from Guyana but there was no confirmation if the visitor contracted the disease here.

In Guyana, if patients exhibit symptoms similar to Zika Virus, they are first tested for other related infections like Malaria, Dengue or Chikungunya. If those test results are negative, the blood samples would then be sent overseas to test for the Zika Virus. In most cases, the test results come back as negative.

Because of this, health officials are suspicious that another virus might be coming into play.

However, Dr Norton said samples were sent to CARPHA to test for possible viruses other than the Zika Virus but the results also came back negative.

The Minister had told media operatives that a

large number of doctors have related that they have come across varying symptoms that do not correspond with those of the Zika virus.

Effects of Zika French researchers recently discovered that in addition to causing severe birth defects, the Zika Virus can result in a rare neurological ailment in adults and is linked to paralysiscausing myelitis (inflammation in the spinal cord).

Myelitis can affect limb movement and cause paralysis by interrupting communication between the spinal cord and the rest of the body.

French experts reported that a 15-yearold girl diagnosed on the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe with acute myelitis in January had high levels of Zika in her cerebrospinal fluid, blood and urine.

“The presence of Zika virus in the cerebrospinal fluid of our patient with acute myelitis suggests that this virus might be neurotropic" -- something that attacks the nervous system,” the researchers noted.

Also, there have been less than a handful of reported cases of sexual transmission.

ours before President David Granger was scheduled to deliver an address at Rose Hall, Berbice, gunshots rang out in the town. Police have since launched an investigation.

The shots were heard in the vicinity of AK’s Business Establishment of Rose Hall.

Eyewitnesses say it may not have been a robbery attempt, but the proprietor says he was robbed several times before; the last being three years ago and he could not say if he was a target on Thursday.

According to a source close to the Police at Rose Hall, the businessman reported that two shots were fired as he was about to open his business place, which includes a pawn shot. He said he took out his licensed firearm and two persons fled the scene.

Residents say one person was seen riding away from the scene shortly after two shots were heard. According to one eyewitness, for several minutes before the shots were heard, a man was seen standing in front of the business establishment.

Although eyewitnesses noted that there were two per-

AK’s Business Establishment was robbed thrice

sons, the resident said but he only saw one.

“That is around some minutes to eight when most business people open. They had to be targeting him. Something he may have done and somebody targeted him.”

The eyewitness said one person was standing across the road from the business in a suspicious manner carrying a covered bird cage and holding it from the bottom. When the shots were heard, that individual ran, leaving his slippers and headdress behind.

There are reports that sec-

ond person took to hiding after hearing the sound of the first shot. Another eyewitness said he saw one of the men before the shots were heard and could identify him.

“I notice this guy with the birdcage and I don’t normally see he round here, so when ah done work an I come pon he road and they describe the guy to me, ah say I just see him, so I describe is who to the Police.”

Police have since spoken to several persons as the investigation continues.

Prisoners have right to Counsels during CoI – Ram

The three-member Commission heading the probe into the unrests

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he Commission of Inquiry into the recent unrests at the Georgetown Prisons, which left 17 prisoners dead and several others including prison officers injured, began on Thursday with the testimonies of two inmates, however, President of Guyana Bar Association (GBA) Christopher Ram is concerned about the manner in which the proceedings are being conducted.

Following the day’s almost four-hour hearing, Ram expressed concerns to the media about what the witnesses were told in relation to the procedures of the inquiry.

“I don’t know if the witness was told before that he had a right to counsel but I certainly believe he ought to have been told,” pointed out Ram, who sat through most of the session in a “personal capacity”.

According to the attorney, “the Commission of Inquiry act is very specific that every person affected by a Commission of Inquiry has a right to counsel and cannot be denied a right to counsel”.

Section 13 of the Commission of Inquiry Act Chapter 19:03 states: “Any

GBA President Christopher Ram

person whose conduct is the subject of inquiry under this Act, or who is in any way implicated or concerned in the matter under inquiry, shall be entitled to be represented by counsel or solicitor at the whole of the inquiry, and any other person who may consider it desirable that he should be so represented may, by leave of the commission, be represented in manner aforesaid”.

In addition, the GBA President outlined that there are other aspects of the proceedings which he thought should not have happened.

“There are some matters of procedures that I’m concerned about as well. I thought some of the questions were leading ques-

tions that ought not to have been framed the way they were framed so I’m pretty concerned,” he stressed.

The attorney said that such practices can create problems in the findings of the Commission.

Moreover, Ram noted that the Bar Association is obviously interested in the Commission of Inquiry, since it touches on a very important development in the country. “We will be taking a keen interest,” he said, while adding that certain representatives of the legal fraternity and even members of the GBA will be attending the sessions.

In fact, he disclosed that there is currently a discussion ongoing as to whether the Bar Association should request ‘status amicus curiae’, that is, appear as a friend of the tribunal but with a right to ask questions. “… not only to ask questions but to object to certain questions being asked,” he stated.

During Thursday’s session, the Commissioner heard the testimonies of prisoners Dwayne Lewis and Errol Kesney who chronicled their recollection of the events that transpired during the three-day unrests.

guyanatimesgy.com

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he Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha (GHDS) has a full calendar of activities planned for Phagwah (Holi) 2016, which will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 23.

The annual Phagwah Mela and Bazaar will be held on Saturday, March 12 at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara from 16:00h. This year, in addition to fabulous entertainment, there will be a fantastic food festival featuring local, traditional and authentic vegetarian foods.

Patrons will be able to enjoy samosas, pakodas, baiganies, potato balls and pholourie fried on spot and served with a variety of chutneys; a wide range of Indian sweets, including barfi, gulab jamun, pera, mittai and jalebis; seven

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curry served traditionally in leaves; sada roti with various chokhas; authentic Indian cuisine such as biryani rice, channabatura and paneer and much, much more.

Having satisfied the taste buds, it will then be onto the stage performances which will feature outstanding Guyanese singers Artie Sookhai, Rekha Singh, Sookrane Bookdhoo, Mona Gowkarran, Richie Hansraj, Suraj Dhoray and Dindial Mohan. They will be performing music from the different decades along with some favourite Holi melodies.

The Dharmic Nritya Sangh of Naya Zaman fame will be presenting exciting dances replete with energy, glitz and glamour.

The grounds of the Conference Centre will be transformed and patrons will

ne of the biggest cricket tournaments on the Essequibo Coast will commence on Sunday, March 13 at the Parika Ground – the Champion of East Bank Essequibo 50-Over Cricket Tournament. It will see eight teams competing for top honours.

The teams participating in the competition are Tuschen Southside, Hyde Park, Vergenoegen, Tuschen Sports Club A and B, Zeelugt Sports Club, Parika Sports Club and ParikaSalem Sports Club.

Matches will be played every Sunday at the Parika, Vergenoegen, Tuschen and Zeelugt Grounds until Saturday, April 23 when the grand final will be held.

This Sunday will see Parika clashing with Zeelugt in a day-and-night match at the Parika Ground.

The game bowls off at 14:00h following the elaborate march pass set

be able to move freely from the beautifully decorated stage area to the bazaar featuring the numerous food stalls, mehndi booths, games and great shopping deals on everything from Indian clothes, jewellery and Phagwah supplies to phones from Digicel.

Strictly no alcohol will be allowed. Tickets cost $800, with children under 10 being given free admission. Paid parking will be available within the compound of the Conference Centre.

On Sunday, March 13, the East Coast Demerara Praant will host its annual Phagwah Sangam at the Mahaica Market Tarmac, which will feature Chowtaal melodies and talent from East Demerara in song, dance and drama.

The programme commences at 18:00h.

for 13:00h.

After the game, there is expected to be a high-level concert featuring De Hitman, out of Trinidad and Tobago alongside the Slingerz Family, 71 Sound System, DJ Amtraxx, the X-Factor Dancers and other entertainment that will sizzle.

The tournament is supported by Two Brothers’ Service Station, TOT Stone Depot, Gulf Motor Oil, Two Brothers Pure Ice, XTra Beer, E-Networks, Medicare Pharmacy, Fargo General Store and Parika Travellers Lounge, Double Day Rentals and First Choice Water.

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Admission is free and bhojan (seven curry) will be served to all. The East Bank Demerara Praant’s Phagwah Mela will be held on Saturday, March 19 at the Diamond Tarmac at 18:00h.

Chowtaal Samelan, an initiative of the Sabha, will be held countrywide in all of the Praants. Chowtaalgols or groups from Mandirs in each region will converge at the various venues to share in spirited singing reflective of the festival. The first Samelan is scheduled for Friday, March 11 at the Palmyra Prem Bhakti Mandir, East Berbice at 17:00h.

On Sunday, March 13, Samelan will be held at the Providence Mandir, East Bank Demerara beginning at 10:00h.

On Sunday, March 20, Chowtaal Samelan will be held at Guava Bush, Central

Corentyne at 12:00h, at Rosignol Mandir, West Berbice at 10:00h; Unity Mandir, East Coast Demerara at 11:00h; De Willem Mandir, West Coast Demerara at 13:00h and the Colombia Mandir, Essequibo at 10:00h.

On Sunday, March 20, the East Berbice Praant will host a grand Phagwah Mela and Katahar Curry Competition at the Rose Hall Welfare Ground, Canje starting at 15:00h.

The event will also feature an exciting stage programme which includes an enactment of the story of Bhakta Prahlad, songs and dances. There will also be a number of Holirelated activities. Admission is $300.

The Sabha will also be hosting its annual Holi Utsav on Phagwah Day at the Everest Cricket Club Ground.

Raymond Ramnarine

ll preparations are in place for the hosting of Clash of the Titans on Saturday evening at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara. The tunnel leading from the main gate of the parking lot of the Stadium is completed and other amenities are being installed to ensure that the event is a grand success and more so, that the patrons are entertained to the maximum.

Those slated to perform are Raymond Ramnarine and the Dil-e-Nadan; Karma Band and the Karma Dolls; KI and De Band, featuring Kris Persad, Neval Chatelal and Nishard M; and former member of the

Gregory

Karma Band Gregory Ayuen.

Also billed to perform are Rick Ramoutar, Sexy Vanessa and Mahendra Ramkellawan.

There will also be special appearance by members of the Dax New Generation Band and the Shakti Strings Orchestra. Also adding some flare to the event will be the Fire Fest Dancers.

The regional artistes are expected to arrive in Guyana today.

The event is expected to commence at 19:30h by WR Reaz followed by a special dance item by the Fire Fest Dancers. The Dax New Generation Band will take to the stage from 19:50h, followed by another dance by the Fire Fest Dancers. At about 20:40h, the Shakti String

19

In addition to scintillating performances, there will be powder giveaways, countdowns, colour throws, dance instructions for the crowd, dahihandi, food stalls and other exciting activities at this family event. Holi Utsav will also be held at the Oceanview Mandir Compound, West Coast Demerara.

Holika Dahan or the burning of Holika will be observed on the eve of Phagwah at the Camptown Ground, Campbellville at 19:30h.

The Essequibo Praant’s Phagwah Mela is scheduled for Saturday, March 27 at the Anna Regina Community Centre Ground at 13:30h.

The Sabha urges all to attend these events which usher in the beautiful spring festival of Holi.

Rick Ramoutar

Orchestra will be setting the tone for the rest of the event after which Devindra Pooran will perform live.

This will be followed by a sassy performance by Rick Ramoutar and his wife, Sexy Vanessa by which time, Mahendra Ramkellawan will make his grand appearance. There will be a musical interlude after which Raymond Ramnarine and the Dil-E-Nadan Band will take the stage. The Karma Band will be the penultimate performers after which the show will culminate with KI and De Band.

Tickets for the event will be available at the venue at the same prices – VIP, $5000 and general admission $1500.

will be provided by Yaadgaar Orchestra led by Riaz Ahmadali from Suriname.

VIP tickets for the evening will cost $5000 while general admission tickets cost $2000 and $1000. Car passes will also be available at a cost of $2000.

Tickets are available at KK Gas Station, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara; NTN TV Station, Brickdam, Georgetown; N and S Mattai, Water Street, Georgetown; Joseph Cassette and CD Shop, Regent Street, Georgetown; M&M Snackette, Harbour Bridge, East Bank Demerara; Joseph JR, Vreed-en-Hoop, West Bank Demerara; Mary’s Sports Bar, Crane Village, West Coast Demerara (WCD); Pap’s Shop, Cornelia Ida, WCD; and Boodhoo’s General Store, Parika, East Bank Essequibo.

The event is exclusively sponsored

by Demerara Distillers Limited. Food vendors or any other booths desirous of participating can contact the organisers on telephone number 6637633.

Gates will be opened from 15:00h. This event is powered by Travellers Sound and Light System.

V

ybz Entertainment Incorporated, in association with the Linden Mayor and Town Council (M&TC), will be hosting yet another year of signature events for Linden Town Week between May 15 and May 25, 2016.

The Town Week is an annual celebration of Linden’s birth and this year it celebrates 46 years. It has been shifted to the period of Guyana’s 50th Independence celebration.

2016 marks a significant year for the mining town – 20 years of Linden Town Week

I

Terry Gajraj

B

eats Entertainment Inc presents “A Musical Evening”, featuring Rajesh Panwar – the man with a voice like Mohamed Rafi – all the way from India on Saturday, March 19, at Guyana National Stadium tarmac, Providence, East Coast Demerara.

Also performing at the event will be Nisha Madaran from Suriname, who is also known for her melodious voice and tunes around the Caribbean and further afield. The show will commence at 19:00h with at least three hours of live music by the Indian superstar and his guest artiste.

Music

Prince Jp

guyanatimesgy.com

friday, march 11, 2016

Aamir Khan

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nspire Inc in collaboration with the HUG presents its fourth edition of its Phagwah Festival, to be held on March 23, at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara, featuring “Guyanese Baboo” Terry Gajraj.

Last year, the event saw a massive turn out of Guyanese from all walks of life and this year, it is expected to be bigger and better.

This year the event is set to commence at 14:00h and will also see performances from several other local artistes, including Guyana’s Chutney stars Prince JP and Aamir Khan.

The artistes will be backed by the Shakti String Orchestra.

The event will also feature several dance routines from the Ishara Dance Group comprising its leader Shivanie Latchman. There are several other dances to be performed that will definitely add to the festival’s excitement.

Apart from the performances, there will be colours in galore as well as sprinkles with water in abundance. There will also be Indian delicacies on sale and more so, mouthwatering seven curry. Admission to the event is absolutely free.

celebrations and 100 years of bauxite mining, both of which have contributed to the socioeconomic development of the town.

With that said, this year, the scale of economic stimulation, marketing, advertising and product sales is forecast to double owing to the large influx of visitors, both overseas-based and local.

It is on this basis the organising body has collaborated with major sponsors and stakeholders to launch Linden Town Week 2016 on March 19 at the

Linden-Georgetown Park starting at 16:00h.

At this event, there will be remarks by Vybz Entertainment Inc Chairman Devin Sears; Region 10 Upper DemeraraBerbice) Democratic Council (RDC) representatives; Linden M&TC representatives and Government officials, accompanied by the release of the Linden Town Week Jingle, theme and cultural events.

The launch will last into the night and will feature a press briefing, ceremony, ‘mingle and entertainment’ and stage performances and fete.

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YELLOW PAGES friDAY, MARCH 11, 2016

CAR RENTALS Need a car to rent? Then call 611-1018 for the best cars at great prices.

Progressive Auto Rental: Cars from $4000 and up. Tel: 219-3900, 643-5122

dentistry Dentures provided in 72 hours from as low as $4500. Contact Dr B Stuart, 209B Charlotte St, Lacytown.

Tel: 225-5034

Driving School Shalom Enterprise Driving School 2 Croal Street, Stabroek. You can obtain an International Drivers Permit Covering 131 Countries. Tel: 2273869, 644-7052, 659-3381

health

Healthworld Clinic – Providing professional psychological therapy for all mental and behavioral health problems. Call (592)-690-1824 Mondays-Saturdays 9am-3pm.

Email; healthworldhc@gmail.com

lAND FOR SALE Formerly Globe Cinema, Corner lot, Church and Waterloo Street Size 125 ft x 133 ft Tel: 610-2234 One land 100/50 at Good Hope Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara for sale. Priced six million dollars. For more information, kindly call 623-0156 or 695-3150 (serious inquires only)

property for sale

EDUCATION Music 2016!! Register - learn to play the recorder, drums, guitar, keyboard, saxophone, violin, steel pan and train your voice at Foundation 7 Music School. Call 225-1151/657-8404

FOR SALE

GOOD HOPE, OGLE AND ANNA CATHERINA. CONTACT: 673-5546, 222-3066, 682-7257, 679-0987 Bargain! One 3-bedroom wooden building in Georgetown. Solid greenheart beams, columns & boards. $1.3M Negotiable. Call 227-4285

services Clean Garden Earth. Also excavating, grading and leveling done. Call 627-9977 Road to Belwasa and A Dip at the Sangam, Indentureship Novels at Austin’s Book Store and at Lachmansingh Drug Store. Tel: 226-5053.

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

One 6 inch dredge, one 4-cylinder MWM, one 3-cylinder MWM engine in working condition with all other complete equipment in good working condition. 679-3655 PLANT SALE 25 7-FEET PALMS, 15 ROSES, 20 SAFARI PALMS, CONTACT: 673-5546, 222-3066, 682-7257, 6790987

flowers Available: Fresh long-stemmed roses, fresh dried and silk floral arrangements, gift items, bridal boutiques and wreaths. Nesha’s Flowerland. 78 Church Street (opposite St George’s Cathedral). Tel: 227-3553/225-3315

immigration Immigration & Visa Services We handle all Canadian, USA and UK immigration and visa matters. Self sponsorships, holiday/ visitor’s visas, work permits, students visas, family, class, immigration forms, embassy enquiries, appeals for refused cases, US green card lottery, business class waivers, pardons, etc.

Get your visa approved. High success rate. Balwant Persaud & Associates.

Certified Immigration Consultants, 68 Sixth Street, Alberttown, Georgetown (Between Cummings & Lights Sts) Tel: 225-1540, 622-8308, 655-3105.

Email: balwantpersaud@yahoo.ca

KEY CUTTing Professional Key Shop, 125 Carmichael Street, Georgetown.

Phone: 225-3923, mobile: 621-3249.

We cut any type of key, service and repair all types of locks. Get your extra key today. optician

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

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

spirituality Surinamese spiritualist. Resolving all problems. Money, love, blockage etc.

Call 223-6834/600-7719.

Suriname’s Astrology, Palmist and Hindustani Spiritual Healer, solve all purpose problems, 100% confidential guaranteed. Phone: 602-8997 HEPHZIBAH MINISTRIES 24 hrs Prayer Line 322-5081, 322-5738, 322-5788, 337-4510, 337-4259, 337-3070, 3375103. For healing, deliverance, financial difficulties, marriage issues call now. Jesus Cares.

Ifa Temple – Are you having serious problems and urgently need spiritual help? Call 621-0552 now. Email: anew-life@live.com SICKNESS, EVIL, SPIRIT, RELATIONSHIP, IMPOTENT, REUNITE, LOVERS, PREGNANCY, JOBS, BUSINESS, BLOCKAGE ETC. 612-1975, 683 5228

services Repairs and Spares, Air Conditioning, Car AC, Washers, Stoves. Call Nick: 683-1312, 627-3206

TO let One 2-Bedroom Apartment in Kitty.

Fully grilled. Contact: 621-4620 Leonora New Housing Scheme, W.C.D. Garage, Kitchen & Shower.

Tel: 675-5998/268-2277.

NO CHILDREN. Working Persons Only

taxi services GR Taxi, 24 hours. Phone: 225-7878, 219-5000 or 227-2100

VEHICLES FOR SALE For Sale: One Massey Ferguson Tractor (175) & Trailer. Call 255-0343 1 TOYOTA IPSUM (7-SEATER) IN EXCELLENT WORKING CONDITION WITH MUSIC (5800 W): CONTACT 653-1003 JUST ARRIVED: TOP QUALITY RECONDITIONED VEHICLES; TOYOTA NOAH; TOYOTA VOXY; TOYOTA IST (NEW SHAPE); SUZUKI SWIFT; DAIHATSU MOVE

(660CC); MERCEDES BENZ C200 KOMPRESSOR; COROLLA AE100 WAGON; TOYOTA HIACE MINIBUS RZ; PITBULL-STYLE FREEZER VAN; LAND CRUISER (FULLY LOADED); MAZDA PROCEED 4WD EXTRA-CAB PICK-UP; TOYOTA HILUX 4WD EXTRA CAB PICKUPS - 3RZ, 5L, 3L SOLID DEFFERNTIAL; MITSUBISHI CANTER TRUCKS 4 TONS FREEZER; 3 TONS OPEN TRAY; 2 TONS 4WD; NISSAN ATLAS 2 TONS OPEN TRAY TRUCK. PRE-ORDER YOUR UNITS EARLY AND GET THE BEST PRICES. FULL AFTER SALES SERVICES AND FINANCING AVAILABLE. DEO MARAJ AUTO SALES, 2 CHIMNEY ROAD, CHATEAU MARGOT, ECD. 624-0762, 220-5177.

A NAME AND SERVICE YOU CAN TRUST

WANTED Help Wanted. Fast growing food importers seeking experience salesperson with driving license, vehicle and police clearance. Tel 231-8529 SALESGIRLS WITH EXPERIENCE PLEASE BRING WRITTEN APPLICATION AND CV TO TRISTAR ELECTRICAL BRASSONIC Bldg.

(MAIN ENTRANCE 42 WATER ST. G/ Town. 231-7101 Vacancy exists for one fulltime Pharmacist to work on the West Coast of Demerara in Metenmeerzorg. Telephone #: 2750733

LEGAL NOTICE LAND COURT. LAND REGISTRATION AREA: PLANTATION NAAMRYCK PARCELS: 113 being portion of ‘R’ lettered ‘B’ BLOCK: IX ZONE: EAST BANK ESSEQUIBO. The following application in respect of land at the above mentioned area is fixed for hearing before Madam Nicola Pierre, Commissioner of Title at the Land Court, Lot 39, Brickdam, Stabroek, Georgetown on Friday the 25th day of March, 2016 at 9:15 pm. App. No. 12/2014. Applicants: Nandaram Karamchand and Lakshmin Sukhu.

Address: Both of Naamryck, East Bank Essequibo, Guyana. Parcel: 113 being portion of ‘R’ lettered ‘B’.

For Registrar of the Supreme Court.

SUPREME COURT REGISTRY LAW COURT GEORGETOWN.Dated 11th day of January, 2016.

LAND COURT LAND REGISTRATION AREA: Plantation Parika. PARCEL: 2286 (Mutation of former Parcel 1723) BLOCK: VII ZONE: Right Bank Essequibo River. Pursuant to Section 31 of the Land Registry Act, Chapter 5:02 the following Declaration of Title was made in respect of the Parcel of land herein mentioned situate at Plantation Parika being Block: VII of Zone: Right Bank Essequibo River as shown on a Final Plan by G. Samaroo, Sworn Land Surveyor dated the 23rd day of September, 2015 and recorded in the Guyana of Lands and Surveys Commission as Plan No. 62646 and (Land Registry) Land Registration No. 844. NAME & ADDRESS OF AWARDEE RANDOLPH LANFERMAN Of Parika Outfall, East Bank Essequibo. DECLARATION OF TITLE OF PARCEL 2288 (Mutation of former Parcel 1723) ACREAGE 0.261.

For Registrar of the Supreme Court.

SUPREME COURT REGISTRY LAW COURT GEORGETOWN Dated 3rd day of December, 2015 LAND COURT LAND REGISTRATION AREA: Plantation Friendship PARCEL: 358 BLOCK: XXV ZONE: East Coast Demerara. Pursuant to Section 31 of the Land Registry Act, Chapter 5:02 the following Declaration of Title was made in respect of the Parcel of land herein mentioned situate at Plantation Friendship being Block: XXV of Zone: East Coast Demerara as shown on a Final Plan by L. L. Rutherford, Sworn Land Surveyor dated the 6th day of May, 2011 and recorded in the Guyana of Lands and Surveys Commission as Plan No. 49987 and Land Registry No. L. R. 1540. NAME & ADDRESS OF AWARDEE: YVONNE GLASGOW Administratrix of the Estate of Charles Henry McLean, Lot 49 Friendship, East Coast Demerara.

DECLARATION OF TITLE OF PARCEL: 358. ACREAGE: 0.234. or Registrar of the Supreme Court

SUPREME COURT REGISTRY GEORGETOWN Dated 25th day of November, 2015. LAND COURT. LAND REGISTRATION AREA: Plantation Zeelugt. PARCEL: 95 BLOCK: I ZONE: East Bank Essequibo River. Pursuant to Section 31 of the Land Registry Act, Chapter 5:02 the following Declaration of Title was made in respect of the Parcel of land herein mentioned situate at Plantation Zeelugt being Block: I of Zone: East Bank Essequibo River as shown on a Final Plan by G. Samaroo, Sworn Land Surveyor dated the 21st day of January, 2011 and recorded in the Guyana of Lands and Surveys Commission as Plan No. 49155 and Land Registry No. L. R. 445.

NAME & ADDRESS OF AWARDEE: RAMKUMARI PARBATI MOHABIR of Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo.

DECLARATION OF TITLE OF PARCEL: 95. ACREAGE: 0.113. For Registrar of the Supreme Court. SUPREME COURT REGISTRY LAW COURT GEORGETOWN. Dated 13th day of November, 2015 LAND COURT NOTICE. ACQUISITION OF TITLE BY ADVERSE POSSESSION UNDER SECTIONS 106 AND 107 OF THE LAND REGISTRY ACT CH.5:02. LAND REGISTRATION AREA: Plantation Naamryck.

PARCEL: 64 BLOCK: IX ZONE: East Bank Essequibo River. NILWANTIE LEWIS also known as NILWANTIE SAMAROO and LEYLAND LEWIS both of Lot 17 Naamryck, East Bank Essequibo, have submitted an Application to the Commissioner of Title praying for a Declaration of Title in his favour in respect of the Parcel of land numbered 64 (sixty four) being Part of Plantation Naamryck, in Block: IX of Zone: East Bank Essequibo River as more fully described in the schedule hereunder: (Application No. 5/14 dated the 18th day of November, 2013). Attorneyat-Law for the Applicant is Mr. R. N. Poonai whose chamber is situated at Lot 153, Charlotte Street, Lacytown, Georgetown, Demerara. The registered proprietor of the said parcel of land is Alice Elizabeth Abraham of Parika, East Bank Essequibo, vide Certificate of Title No. 99/5. Any person desirous of lodging a CounterApplication or Notice of Objection to the said Application is required to do so in terms of the Act and the Rules appended thereto. Forms (2) and (3) at pages 90 and 91 are applicable.

Upon the expiration of the period of 1 (one) year from the date of publication of this Notice in the Official Gazette and a daily Newspaper printed and circulated in the State of Guyana, the Commissioner of Title shall fix a day for the hearing of the said Application. SCHEDULE Parcel 64 (sixty four) being Plantation Naamryck, in Block: IX of Zone: East Bank Essequibo River, containing an area of 0.3554 (nought decimal three five five four) of an acre. For Registrar of the Supreme Court.

Supreme Court Registry Law Courts Georgetown. Dated this 3rd day of December, 2015. LAND COURT NOTICE ACQUISITION OF TITLE

BY ADVERSE POSSESSION UNDER SECTIONS 106 AND 107 OF THE LAND REGISTRY ACT CH.5:02. LAND REGISTRATION AREA: Plantation Aberdeen PARCEL: 189A BLOCK: XVI ZONE: Essequibo Coast.

THAKUR of Aberdeen, Essequibo Coast, has submitted an Application to the Commissioner of Title praying for a Declaration of Title in his favour in respect of the Parcel of land numbered 189A (one hundred and eighty nine A) being Part of Plantation Aberdeen, in Block: XVI of Zone: Essequibo Coast as more fully described in the schedule hereunder: (Application No. 75/11 dated the 22nd day of September, 2011).

Attorney-at-Law for the Applicant is Mr. R. N. Poonai whose chamber is situated at Lot 153, Charlotte Street, Lacytown, Georgetown, Demerara.

The registered proprietor of the said parcel of land are Shiwranie of 96 New Road, Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara and Jawhir Khan of Columbia, Essequibo, vide Certificate of Title No. 91/12 and 94/70. Any person desirous of lodging a CounterApplication or Notice of Objection to the said Application is required to do so in terms of the Act and the Rules appended thereto. Forms (2) and (3) at pages 90 and 91 are applicable.

Upon the expiration of the period of 1 (one) year from the date of publication of this Notice in the Official Gazette and a daily Newspaper printed and circulated in the State of Guyana, the Commissioner of Title shall fix a day for the hearing of the said Application. SCHEDULE Parcel 189A (one hundred and eighty-nine A) being Plantation Aberdeen, in Block: XVI of Zone: Essequibo Coast,

containing an area of 0.2319 (nought decimal two three one nine) of an acre. For Registrar of the Supreme Court. Supreme Court Registry Law Courts Georgetown. Dated this 3rd day of December, 2015.

LAND COURT NOTICE ACQUISITION OF TITLE BY ADVERSE POSSESSION UNDER SECTIONS 106 AND 107 OF THE LAND REGISTRY ACT CH.5:02.

LAND REGISTRATION AREA: Plantation Naamryck PARCELS: 88 and 89 BLOCK: IX ZONE: East Bank Essequibo River. NANDALALL SAMLALL and JASODA NANDALALL both of Naamryck, East Bank Essequibo River, have submitted an Application to the Commissioner of Title praying for a Declaration of Title in their favour in respect of the Parcels of land numbered 88 (eighty-eight) and 89 (eighty nine) being Part of Plantation Naamryck, in Block: IX of Zone: East Bank Essequibo River as more fully described in the schedule hereunder: (Application No. 117/2012 dated the 9th day of October, 2012).

Attorney-at-Law for the Applicant is Mr. R. N. Poonai whose chamber is situated at Lot 153, Charlotte Street, Lacytown, Georgetown, Demerara. The registered proprietor of the said parcel of land are Etwaria Samlall, Vishnu Samlall, Seenauth Samlall and Nandalall Samlall all of Naamryck, East Bank Essequibo, in equal shares vide Certificate of Title No. 2000/161. Any person desirous of lodging a Counter-Application or Notice of Objection to the said Application is required to do so in terms of the Act and the Rules appended thereto. Forms (2) and (3) at pages 90 and 91 are applicable.

Upon the expiration of the period of 1 (one) year from the date of publication of this Notice in the Official Gazette and a daily Newspaper printed and circulated in the State of Guyana, the Commissioner of Title shall fix a day for the hearing of the said Application. SCHEDULE Parcels 88 (eighty-eight) and 89 (eighty nine) being part of Plantation Naamryck, in Block: IX of Zone: East Bank Essequibo River, containing an area of 0.1301 (nought decimal one three nought one) and 0.0965 (nought decimal nought nine six five) of an acre, respectively. For Registrar of the Supreme Court. Supreme Court Registry Law Courts Georgetown.

Dated this 28th day of December, 2015.

2015 - HC - DEM - CIV - P- 1067 IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE DECLARATION OF TITLE. Lynn Rutherford and Verbina Noeley Rutherford both of Lot 5 High Dam, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara, Guyana, have presented a Petition for a Declaration of Title by prescription of the property described in the schedule attached hereto. Any person (s) intending to oppose the said petition must within one (1) month after the date of the first publication of this notice file in the Registry of the High Court in the City of Georgetown, Notice of his/her Opposition and an affidavit or affidavits in support thereof and serve a copy of this Notice and any affidavit/affidavits upon the said Petitioners.The said petition is accompanied by a plan of the said property which may be inspected at the Registry during office hours. Sgd. R.N. Poonai, Attorney-atLaw for Petitioner. Dated this 9th day of November, 2015. S C H E D U L E: Sublot lettered “VB” being portion of Lot numbered 4 (four), (South of the Public Road) Plantation Rebecca’s Lust or High Dam, within the Farm/ Woodlands Neighbourhood Democratic Council, situate on the East Coast of Demerara, in the County of Demerara and in the Republic of Guyana, the said sublot “VB” containing an area of 0.179 (nought decimal one seven nine) of an acre together with a right of way measuring 10 (ten) feet in width and running along the eastern boundary of the said sublot and leading to the Public Road, the said sublot and right of way being laid down and defined on a plan by H. M. Amsterdam, Sworn Land Surveyor dated the 19th day of December, 2014 and recorded in the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission on the 6th day of January, 2015 as plan No. 60502.

MEMORANDUM The Petitioner address for service is at the Chambers of his Attorneys-at-Law, Mr. R.N. Poonai and/or Mr. S. J. Poonai of Lot 153, Charlotte Street, Lacytown, Georgetown, Guyana.

2015 – HC – DEM – CIV – P -1238 IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE DECLARATION OF TITLE Joseph De Freitas of Lot 8 Land of Canaan, East

Bank Demerara, Guyana has presented his Petition for a Declaration of Title by prescription of the property described in the schedule attached hereto. Any person (s) intending to oppose the said petition must within one (1) month after the date of the first publication of this notice file in the Registry of the High Court in the City of Georgetown, Notice of his/her Opposition and an affidavit or affidavits in support thereof and serve a copy of this Notice and any affidavit/ affidavits upon the said Petitioner.

The said petition is accompanied by a plan of the said property which may be inspected at the Registry during office hours. Sgd. R.N. Poonai, Attorney-at-Law for Petitioner. Dated this 15th day of December, 2015. S C H E D U L E Tract lettered “JD” being portion of Lots eleven (11), twelve (12), thirteen (13) and fourteen (14) being portions of Plantation Sarah Johanna, within the Craig/Caledonia Neighbourhood Democratic Council, situate on the East Bank of Demerara, in the County of Demerara, in the Republic of Guyana, the said Lots numbered 11 (eleven), 12 (twelve), 13 (thirteen) and 14 (fourteen) being laid down and defined on a Plan

by H. Rainsford, Sworn Land Surveyor dated July, 1846, the said the said tract lettered JD containing 0.2967 (nought decimal two nine six seven) of an acre as being shown, laid down and defined on a Plan by Desmond A. Weeks, Sworn Land Surveyor dated 21st day of September, 2012 and recorded in the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission on the 4th day of October, 2012 as Plan No. 54030.

MEMORANDUM The Petitioner’s address for service is at the chambers of his Attorneys-at-Law, Mr. R.N. Poonai, S. J. Poonai and N. Poonai, of Lot 153, Charlotte Street, Lacytown, Georgetown, Guyana.

2015 - HC - DEM - CIV - P- 1049 IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE DECLARATION OF TITLE. ALEXIA KIPPINS of Bendorff, East Bank Essequibo, Guyana, has presented a Petition for a Declaration of Title by prescription of the property described in the schedule attached hereto. Any person (s) intending to oppose the said petition must within one (1) month after the date of the first publication of this notice file in the Registry of the High Court in the City of Georgetown, Notice of his/her Opposition and an affidavit or affidavits in support thereof and serve a copy of this Notice and any affidavit/ affidavits upon the said Petitioner.

The said petition is accompanied by a plan of the said property which may be inspected at the Registry during office hours. Sgd. S.J. Poonai, Attorney-at-Law for Petitioner. Dated this 5th day of November, 2015. S C H E D U L E Sublot lettered ‘b’ being a portion of Block lettered “KI” being portion of Plantation Bendorff, situate on the East Bank of the Essequibo River, in the County of Essequibo and in the Republic of Guyana, the said Sublot lettered ‘b’ containing an area of 5.5145 (five decimal five one four five) acres being shown, laid down and defined on a Plan by J. Ramnauth, Sworn Land Surveyor, dated the 8th day of March, 2005 and recorded in the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission on the 14th day of April, 2005, as Plan No. 37331.

MEMORANDUM The Petitioner address for service is at the Chambers of his Attorneys-at-Law, Mr. R.N. Poonai and/or Mr. S. J. Poonai of Lot 153, Charlotte Street, Lacytown, Georgetown, Guyana.

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friday, march 11, 2016

North Georgetown launches junior athletics meet – Running Brave decline invitation with baffling explanation

F

ormer National School Champions, North Georgetown/District 11 will host a junior athletics meet on March 20 at the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary.

The 13-time champions has invited five clubs and two districts to the event that will see some of Guyana top junior athletes competing.

It was also revealed at the launching which was held on Thursday that the longest race will be the 1500 metres as the organisers aim to keep the event interesting and fiery.

The clubs that will participate are Ruralites Athletics Club, Police Sports Club, the Guyana Defence

Members of the head table during the launching

Force Athletics Club, Super Upcoming Runners and Mercury Fast Laners while the two districts will be East Coast and Bartica.

Sponsors of the event Courts Guyana, the National Sports Commission (NSC)

and Banks DIH commended the district for their initiative, with Director of Sport Christopher Jones noted that the event will fit in well with Guyana’s 50th Independence celebration that is be termed “50 shades of games” under

the NSC. However, with the top junior club Running Brave Athletics Club missing, Branch Manager of North Georgetown Mariska Williams related that Head Coach of the successful club Julian Edmonds, declined the invite to participate while stating that “we do not participate where we are not welcomed,” Williams shared while noting that it was a baffling comment since most of their top athletes are from the club.

Nevertheless Williams thanked all the sponsors onboard with the event as the district aims to make the meet annual. Action is set for a 16:00h start.

WICB PCL 4-day…

Jaguars face Hurricanes today in Antigua – Kieran Powell set to make return to cricket

By Akeem Greene

I

t will be a clash of the top ranked and bottom rank teams, when Guyana Jaguars play the Leeward Islands Hurricanes in their ninth round match of the WICB Professional Cricket League (PCL) fourday Tournament at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground, Antigua.

Jaguars currently have 125 points and sit comfortable at the top of the table, 19 points more than second place Barbados Pride while the Hurricanes lie in the cellar position on 39 points.

The last time these two sides met, the Jaguars got the

better of Leewards when they defeated them by innings and 35 runs. There Vishaul Singh helped himself to a 150 while left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie stared with ball in hand.

Captain Leon Johnson has been a real star performer with the bat and by all accounts a West Indies recall looks eminent but Johnson will want to continue his good form and register another good score.

Singh, who is leading runscorer to date with 633 runs, will want add to his tally in the two remaining matches.

Even without Motie, their leading wicket taker in this season, and the possibilities

lie, he might not make the final eleven; the Jaguars still has an extremely potent bowling composition, with West Indies spinners Devendra Bishoo and Veerasammmy Permaul.

Jaguars squad: Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Rajendra Chandrika, Leon Johnson (Captain), Vishaul Singh (V/Captain), Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Raymon Reifer, Anthony Bramble (Wicketkeeper), Christopher Barnwell, Veerasammy Permaul, Gudakesh Motie, Devendra Bishoo, Keon Joseph, Ronsford Beaton, Esuan Crandon (Head Coach), Rayon Griffith (Assistant Coach/Manager) Beverley

Nelson (Physiotherapist).

Hurricanes squad: Nkrumah Bonner (Captain), Orlando Peters (Vice Captain), Keacy Carty, Rahkeem Cornwall, Daron Cruickshank, Colin Hamer, Jahmar Hamilton (Wicketkeeper), Montcin Hodge, Alzarri Joseph, Jeremiah Louis, Kieran Powell, Jacques Taylor, Gavin Tonge.

The other matches will see Windward Islands Volcanoes play Jamaica Scorpions at Arnos Vale Cricket Ground and Trinidad and Tobago Red Force play Barbados Pride at the National Cricket Centre.

Match begins at 10:00hrs.

Hand-in-Hand on board YWCC Mash Cup – event shifted to March 20

Hand-in-Hand employee Eshwarie Persaud, left, hands over the sponsorship cheque to Shimron Hetmyer in the presence of Berbice Manager Tajpaul Adjhodea

I

nsurance Giants Hand In Hand Insurance Company is the latest sponsor of the Young Warriors Cricket Club (YWCC) annual fundraiser, Mash Cup 2016.

The tournament which was slated for February 23 was postponed to March 20 at the Cumberland Ground.

At the presentation held recently, Eshwarie Persaud, employee of the New Amsterdam Branch said that her company is happy to once more be on board with this mega event particularly because proceeds from this event will go towards the further improvement of the lovely game of cricket.

Hetmyer collected the sponsorship cheque on be-

half of the club and thanked the company, stating that sponsorship like these “Make sure that you also educated yourselves” was the advice from the former Berbice High School student.

In closing, Hetmyer pleads to the Berbice community to support the insurance company who will in turn continue to support sports and other charities.

This event will form part of Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebration with proceeds going towards further improvements to the club’s facilities and day to day running. In addition, funds will be allocated to three schools in the No 19 to Gangaram area.

guyanatimesGY.com

friDAY, march 11, 2016

23

Slingerz edge Alpha YBG launches NSBF Regional Conferences in feisty encounter T – Fruta Conquerors maul Monedderlust 4-1

By Treiston Joseph

he Youth Basketball Guyana (YBG) launched their 11 edition of the National School Basketball Festival (NSBF) Regional Conferences that is set to begin on April 15th at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH).

At the launching on Thursday at the CASH, Director of YBG Chris Bowman explained the reason his organisation continues to strive for the development of youth basketball in Guyana.

“11 years in only possible through dedication and hard work and understanding why we are doing this and we are committed to student and athlete development but we could

Slingerz FC’s Vurlon Mills about to make an offensive play

By Akeem Greene

S

lingerz continued their unbeaten run in the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Stag Elite League when they defeated arch rivals Alpha United on Wednesday at the Tucville ground.

The final score line read 2-1 but it was a match that proved to be an extremely exciting encounter for fans as the top two football sides battled for supremacy.

It was the final half where all the action took place as Alpha who ended the match with just nine men on the field took the lead when Anthony Abrams scored in the 59th.

Controversy sprung between the 67th and 70th minutes where Alpha lost three players by red cards for varying reasons, some of which left many baffled as Abrams, Anthony Benfield and

Shavane Seaforth were no longer apart of the match.

Julian Wade then was gifted an easy shot on goal to score in the 71st after Clive Nobrega took a shot from the left and the goal keeper Alex Murray padded the ball into Wade.

With Alpha looking dejected, the skilful Trayon Bobb knurled his way through the defence to score the winner in the 86th.

In the other match, Fruta Conquerors mauled a listless Monedderlust 4-1.

Conquerors goals came off the heels of Shaquille Agard in the 16th, Jahaal Greaves in the 29th, Hubert Pedro in the 66th and Jermaine Junior in the 89th.

The League continues today at the Guyana Defence Force ground where Conquerors tackle Singerz from 18:00 hrs and the home side plays Alpha from 20:00h.

not do it without our sponsors and supporters.

‘We are grateful and privileged to do what we have been doing,” Bowman relating, noting that Guyana will be able to field a strong boys’ and girls’ team at the under-16 Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Championships which is slated for Guyana in July.

YBG”s main sponsors in Digicel, Edward B Beharry and Company Ltd, the National Sports Commission along with Banks DIH pledged their continued support to the event.

However, Banks DIH’s PRO, Troy Peters highlighted that YBG’s commitment was needed for the “growth” of basketball while Marketing Director of Beharry Group of Companies,

Anjali Beharry-Strand noted that, “Sports is the way to go, it helps the kids to grow… more money needs to be plugged into sport because the youths are the future,” Beharry-Strand stand.

Digicel’s Luanna Abrams assured that the telecommunication giants will remain committed to the event while Director of Sport Christopher Jones commended the YBG for their longevity while requested the organisation use the “50 Shades of Games” tag in accordance with the NSC’s celebration of Guyana’s Golden Jubilee.

Schools from all over Guyana will be involved in the event that will culminate in the July with the NSBF Championships that will name the national school champions.

Guyana reach semis of U-19 International badminton tournament

T

he Guyanese top doubles pair of Sunburst Champion Narayan Ramdhani and Jonathan Mangra played extremely well to make it into the semifinals and medal round of the II Peru Under-19 Junior International World Ranking

Tournament being held in Lima, Peru.

The duo advanced by defeating Peru’s Renzo Camogliano Telge and Matias Zamorano Ramos: 21-8, 2117 in the Quarter-Finals Boys Doubles.

Meanwhile in the quar-

terfinals of the boy’s singles Ramdhani lost to Nicolas Macias: 21-18, 21-18.

Narayan was pressured mostly in the backhand side of the court as it was there that his weak point was as he is still recovering from his knee ligament injury.

Road to Mecca quarterfinals...

However, the Raiders are favoured to win the contest since they are the higher rated team.

The second game of the evening will pit the Bulls against the Pacesetters in a match

that should provide the fans with some fireworks since both teams like to run the basketball.

Nevertheless, the defending champs will need to up their defence if the hope to slow

from back page

down the streaky Bulls squad that can burn them from beyond the arc.

The quarterfinal will continue on Saturday with two more games as action is set to start from 19:00h on both nights.

friDAY, march 11, 2016

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

WICB PCL 4-day…

Jaguars face Hurricanes today in Antigua Pg 23

– Kieran Powell set to make return to cricket Jaguars will be looking to take their unbeaten run to 16 matches in the PCL

Road to Mecca quarter-finals YBG launches NSBF begin tomorrow evening Regional Conferences Pg 22

Some of the Round of 16 action at the CASH last weekend

T

he quarterfinals of the Road to Mecca III National Basketball Club Championships will commence tonight at the Cliff Anderson sports Hall.

Teams are that much closer to the coveted national title as action is set to tip off with two games this evening.

Defending Champs, Trinity Grid Holding

Pacesetters of Georgetown will face the Half Mile Bulls of Linden while the Retrieve Raiders will battle Victory Valley Royals in an all linden clash.

The Royals who are a rebuilding team will need every bit of youth to run the much more experienced Retrieve Raiders into the ground. turn to page 23

Sponsors and members of the YBG pose with some of the school athletes set to participate at the event

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