Guyana Times

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

Issue No. 2720

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Monday, December 28, 2015

No evidence of corruption against PPP/C – President Granger Page 3

– admits that newspaper articles are misleading

Minibus tout stabbed to death Page 8

Vendor shot 5 times while closing stall

PRICE

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE: Pradoville 2

NICIL had no role in development P10 of the house-lots – Brassington

Page 11

– succumbed 20 hours later

Police identify suspect in Harbour P8 Bridge shooting – 1 dead, 1 injured

Hundreds stranded In Essequibo River as ferries run aground on sand bank

Page 17

Hundreds of passengers were stranded for hours on Sunday as MV Kanawan and MV Malali ran aground at Hog Island. In photo, both vessels were at a standstill as passengers waited to be rescued

REO gives Page 7 green light for ‘shabby’ roadwork at Hydronie, EBE – despite reservations of NDC Chairman about low-grade material

Four doctors' State auditors homes looted denied $50,000 bonus in NA Page 9

Page 12

RDC 10 P7 Councillors reiterate need for stipend increase – threaten to “down tools” over issue

Economy will rebound in 2016 – Granger P9 Cove and John Ashram hosts peace prayers for Guyana P13 – special “Gaitree” prayers to usher in 2016

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BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, December 24 – 14:30h-16:00h and Friday, December 25 – 05:30h-07:00h.

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, December 24 – 15:15h-16:45h and Friday, December 25 – 16:00h-17:30h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

No evidence of corruption against PPP/C – President Granger

…admits that newspaper articles are misleading

P

WEATHER TODAY Weather: Sunny conditions followed by light to heavy rain showers can be expected throughout the day, with cloudy skies in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 25 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly between 4.47 metres and 5.81 metres per second.

High Tide: 15:40h reaching a maximum height of 2.73 metres.

Low Tide: 09:13h and 21:43h reaching minimum heights of 0.65 metre and 0.48 metre respectively.

resident David Granger has admitted that the numerous investigations into the various operations under the former Administration are yet to unearth evidence to support the allegations of corruption against the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) officials.

This disclosure was made during an interview on the President’s weekly telecast “The Public Interest” that was aired on Friday. The statement by the President goes against almost every statement made by Government officials regarding the progress of the investigations into corruption against the previous Government.

The President was asked why his Administration was not making a move to charge certain officials despite claims from various Government functionaries that there was massive evidence of corruption against members of the former PPP/C Administration.

Granger, in response, stated that there was no evidence to prove the allegations of corruption against these persons.

President David Granger

“Sometimes, people make allegation and ask for evidence and there is no evidence to prove. That’s why we have a court system …

If people are assumed to be guilty because of a newspaper article or a letter to the editor, then the country would be in chaos…,” he said.

The President explained that the forensic audits were still ongoing and when there was sufficient evidence to lay charges, the Government would act accordingly.

“We can only go to the courts when we have evidence. We can’t go and say that we have a letter to the editor alleging that you did so, we have to get proof.

When we get the evidence, we would embark on prosecution,” he stated.

Only recently, a Government-aligned local newspaper reported that “despite evidence of corruption, Gov’t still to act on recommendations in forensic audit reports”.

Notably, some of these reports recommended

criminal charges. In the article, Finance Minister Winston Jordan is quoted as saying that he is yet to come around to reviewing the reports – his explanation for why Government has not yet acted on the recommendations.

On a number of occasions, PPP/C Executive Members, when asked to respond to the allegations of corruption, would simply call on the coalition Administration to “bring the evidence” or to “lay the charges”.

In the telecast, President Granger explained that sometimes the evidence was concealed and in some cases, the evidence was not there. On that note, he said the forensic audits would in time bring to light the truth.

Thus far, Government has submitted a file to the Guyana Police Force to investigate the allegations of corruption against the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) with the intention of laying criminal charges against those culpable, if any.

East Bank accident victim succumbs – hospitalised in ICU for one month By: Kristen Macklingam

S Wednesday, December 23, 2015

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creams filled the hallways of the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) on Sunday afternoon when an accident victim, Joseph Jaipaul, 58, died while his family and friends were visiting around 16:25h.

Guyana Times understands that Jaipaul of East Bank Demerara (EBD), had been hospitalised at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the hospital for one month.

His son, Anand Jaipaul, told this publication that his father had been heading to work on the morning of November 28 when a driver apparently fell

asleep at the wheel of the vehicle he was operating, and slammed into his father.

At that time, the now deceased man had been riding a bicycle. Due to the impact he suffered severe injuries about his body, Anand said.

Anand further said his father’s injuries included the shifting of his spine, a fractured neck, a puncture to one of his lungs, broken ribs and damaged hip.

This newspaper was informed that the accident victim had been on life support for most of the time he was hospitalised but that on rare occasions he was conscious and recognised family.

According to Anand, the driver had been released on bail a few days after the accident but he will be pursuing the matter to ensure justice is served.

The Jaipaul family is expected to visit the Providence Police Station, East Bank Demerara today to notify the police of

the Jaipaul’s demise.

When GuyanaTimes left the hospital on Sunday afternoon the family and friends of the dead man were inconsolable as they broke down in tears in the waiting area of the ICU. (kristenm@guyanatimesgy.com)

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Views Editor(ag): Michael Younge Tel: 225-8697, 225-6695, 225-5634, 225-8696, 225-6707 Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, sales@guyanatimesgy.com

Editorial

Stopping the spiral

W

ith four murders committed in the last few days, it would appear that the Police’s latest effort to quell the rising disquiet of the citizenry on “spiralling crime” has proven once again to be based more on hope than facts. Less than two weeks ago, the Guyana Police Force announced that “serious crimes” increased by nine per cent compared to November 2014.

This was only the latest in monthly increases in terrifying crimes such as murder, robbery under arms, robbery with violence, robbery with aggravation, larceny from the person, break and enter and larceny, burglary, rape, and kidnapping that have placed the entire country on edge. Yet, at the end of every announcement of yet another crime spike, elements of the Police would insist on placing some spin on the figures to suggest that “things were not so bad and in any case we’re turning the corner”.

The end-of-November report, issued in mid December, showed a total of 133 murders recorded in comparison to 130 at the end of November 2014, an increase of two per cent. Of the 133 murders however, 22 were committed during robberies and 10 were execution-style killings while the cause for 27 was yet to be determined. These are the “serious crimes” that citizens are petrified about.

In terms of distribution, the report revealed that 46 murders were committed in A Division while 23 were done in F Division; 21 apiece for B and C Divisions followed by 8 each in D and G Divisions and 6 in E Division. The report did not disaggregate the numbers to show that most of the “criminal” rather than “domestic” murders were committed in Georgetown, covered by A Division, and citizens in other areas might be at the same risk.

The Police stated that robbery under arms overall has increased by four per cent in comparison to the same period in 2014, with a jump of six per cent in the armed robberies involving the use of firearms, which was almost the same for those robberies where instruments other than firearms were used by the perpetrators. Guns are not the only problem.

But the most astounding increase was the 26 per cent jump in reports of rape: 300 compared to 238 for the same period last year. Break and enter and larceny, and burglary showed an overall increase of 11 per cent. But what was even more astounding was the Police took pains to announce as part of their report of the above dismal statistics, “However, following the launch of ‘Operation Dragnet’ on December 01, 2015, along with intelligence-led policing and improved cooperation from the public, this has been decreased to 7% up to December 11, 2015.”

We are approaching the end of the year, and it is clear that the 11 days of statistics that were used to signal a “serious crime decrease” were insufficient to make such an extrapolation because of the presence of more Police and Army personnel “on the ground” in “Operation Dragnet”.

When the new figures are collated for the end of December, it is doubtful that citizens would be able to “see any light at the end of the present crime tunnel”.

It was never clear, for instance, what effect soldiers at the border would have on “serious crimes” when interceptions of drugs at borders were not part of the “serious crimes data set”. But, in any case, there were no interceptions of drugs at the border. What we do believe, however, is that apart from the gimmick of throwing soldiers’ bodies into “civilian crimefighting”, the “intelligence-led” policing strategy is the way to go.

Rather than issuing “feel good” platitudes as addenda to the monthly depressing “serious crimes” statistics, the Police should throw much more significant resources into recruiting and training the Police intelligence units and offer the public a more realistic assessment as to when they can see the “rising crime spiral” show a downward trajectory.

Intelligence-led policing is not a quick fix, but it is a fix that citizens would wait for.

This house in East Canje, Region Six, had a total of 21,000 bulbs lit on Christmas night. Children who visited the house got to meet Santa and received gifts. The idea is from Christopher Persaud of Cartoys Audio Installer, said that the idea is to ensure that all children in the community can enjoy Christmas. The lighting up will go until Old Year’s night and has lights flickering to the beats of music being played

Wages should form part of President’s undertaking at GPHC Dear Editor, The Guyana Public Service Union welcomes the undertaking by the President during his Christmas Day visit to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), accompanied by First Lady Sandra Granger, regarding improvements in working conditions for the staff of the facility, particularly the nurses.

The union is comforted by the fact that the President clearly recognises the particular challenges confronting the staff of the GPHC and specifically those facing our nurses. Indeed, we believe that the President’s visit to the GPHC and his attendant undertaking will lift spirits amongst both the staff and patients of the hos-

pital. While we particularly note the President’s commitment to paying attention to enhancing the maternity services at the GPHC, we expect that within a reasonable time frame, official attention will be paid to other areas of service at the institution. Information reaching us, for example, suggests that the issue of professional and high-quality cleaning and sanitation may be an issue at the GPHC. We believe that the time is long overdue for our medical services to pay far more attention to the nexus between sanitation standards in our hospitals and effective patient care.

That, we submit, requires highly specialised interventions which must be investigated and implemented in the shortest possible time.

What cannot be separated from any attempt to improve conditions at the GPHC are the emoluments of the staff of the institution, particularly our nurses. The GPSU continues to believe that our medical staff, including our nurses, continue to do their best in what, frequently, are particularly trying circumstances. Immediate attention to wages and salaries should, we believe, form part of the President’s undertaking. It is our wish too, that, in the shortest possible time, the President’s undertaking be extended to state-run health institutions across the country.

It is no secret that medical facilities elsewhere in coastal Guyana and in our hinterland regions leave

much to be desired. Those Guyanese residing in and outside of the capital and its immediate environs are deserving of access to medical care that competes with the best in the capital.

The GPSU is mindful of the Spartan conditions that obtain at the country’s only psychiatric institution situated at Fort Canje, Berbice, when measured against evidence of what would appear to be the mounting need for quality psychiatric care across the country.

The GPSU feels duty bound to publicly emphasise this need to official and public attention.

Sincerely, GPSU President Patrick Yarde

Charge Freddie for malicious distortion of Jagdeo’s comments Dear Editor, Columnist Freddie Kissoon ought to be charged for malicious distortion of comments of former President Bharrat Jagdeo. At a public meeting at Success Village, Jagdeo blamed the PPP’s loss of power on arrogance of the party’s leadership. Freddie twisted Jagdeo’s comments to say that Jagdeo blamed Indian voters for PPP loss.

That is a deliberate distortion of what the former head of state said. How can a reporter mix up and reverse such an important voice?

Freddie is the most unprofessional newspaper reporter in the Caribbean. Any

writer worth his salt would immediately tender an apology and resign as a columnist for such a distortion.

But not Freddie! He lacks shame.

Freddie has had a penchant for penning lies and distortions about people who he dislikes. He does not care about the consequences of his unsupported writings – reputations that he destroys. And when he does not succeed with writings, he calls their jobs to file complaints to get them into trouble. That is the hallmark of a fraudster, a conman.

Freddie has freedom to write without his editor or publisher providing a right

to a reply from those he attacks. Does the columnist write lies at the instruction and/or connivance of others (with an agenda) or does he manufacture his own lies for his own agenda? It is well known he manufactures poll data since the 1992 election when he described the PNC as a 10 per cent party and the PPP as a 25 per cent party. Only a fool will come up with such poll numbers and believe them. That is Freddie!

A newspaper columnist is supposed to be a writer of integrity with a balanced view and emotionally detached.

But Freddie has exhibited none of these qualities. He

fails to present a fair view of both sides of an issue.

Freddie’s writings lack factuality. He fails to offer supporting details to substantiate his argument. Instead of presenting the various sides of an argument, he embroils himself in conflict as he has most recently done regarding the Jagdeo comments.

His writings fail to engender trust among readers.

He distorts peoples’ comments. His writing is propagandistic misleading the gullible public. The columnist ought to be prosecuted for his lies.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

guyanatimesgy.com

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Life is not always constant Dear Editor, Being around family and friends is always of utmost importance at Christmas time. Also a priority is being at home or close to home.

Home and family go hand in hand as the two main ingredients for a happy and joyful Christmas. We are always at home wherever we make home. For many of us, home for the holidays means being away from our ‘home- country’. There will be many messages at this Christmastime; of hope, joy, peace, love, kindness, mercy and togetherness. All of these coincide with the significance and true meanings of that first Christmas.

Today, the celebration of Christmas has become a universal practice among countless cultures and billions worldwide.

Many have found the fundamental principles of Christmas acceptable, meriting its celebration and observance, especially among non-Christians. Guyana is a typical example when you drive around at nights to see numerous homes in almost every village, lit and decorated, bathed in lights.

Families surround their dinner (or breakfast) tables; pepperpot, ginger beer, black cake, bread, egg nog, turkey, ham, chicken, mashed potatoes — the works! After all the major preparations,

shopping around the chaotic commercial hot-spots, it’s time to sit, relax, savour the moment, open presents and enjoy the company of friends and family.

The religious aspect of the holiday is very much alive today too, with Catholics leading the way in its celebrations that start a month before the actual day — with the beginning of the season of Advent.

Novenas, carolling, concerts, parties, outings, and midnight Masses — the hallmarks of a good Catholic celebration of Christmas.

The birthplace of Jesus in Bethlehem still exists today — a Church altar is built over that area. Often unsung and unheard of are the many works of mercy being carried out by the Roman Catholic Church throughout Guyana today, including those performed by the Society of St Vincent de Paul, St Martin de Porres Society, and Missionaries of Charity Sisters of Mother Teresa.

Various parishes of churches have numerous outreach missions and works, including tending to the poor and hungry; the forgotten and those marginalised by society. The works of Mercy continue well beyond Christmas and are often done silently, without much fanfare, and recognition hardly making the Six

‘o clock News story or media grind.

In the midst of the busy shopping and preparations, the Church always looks after and remembers the poor — as it has always done throughout the year.

In New Amsterdam, my parish church performs little yet significant acts of mercy all year round, whether it is giving a daily meal to dozens of outcasts on a daily basis; feeding hungry school children; spreading cheer by singing carols; or promoting wholesome family events — all connecting truly to the Year of Mercy that was called for

by Pope Francis earlier this year. That’s the message of Christmas. Anyone can say anything. Words are cheap, but actions speak volumes. I am proud to be a part of the effort the Church has been undertaking over the past years. Ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

As Guyana continues to transition under a new political administration, the sweeping changes across the country seen over the past months remind us that life is not always constant. And when Christmas is over and gone, remember the peace, joy, love and goodwill must continue.

Sincerely, Leon Suseran

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Page Foundation Negotiating with children:

when you should and shouldn’t

By Kim Abraham and Marney Studaker-Cordner

D

oes it seem like every time you tell your child “No,” it turns into a tug-of-war? One mom shared with us recently, “Absolutely everything’s an argument with my son. Even the simplest request. He just can’t take no for an answer. It’s so frustrating!”

Many parents find themselves in a negotiation with their children when

lawyer someday Sometimes talking to your child – especially if she has a personality that tends to be oppositional or defiant –can feel like you’re in a courtroom.

Having just told your teenage daughter ‘no, she can’t have a friend over’, she immediately puts you on the witness stand.

“Isn’t it true that just last week you told me I need to start finding more things to do, so I don’t just sit around the house..?” Caught off guard, you begin to defend

Discussions with your child that take place after you’ve given your decision are not negotiations! What’s happening in those cases is that your child is negotiating “around” you. They are trying to get their way, not find common ground. they are met with any kind of resistance. Negotiating is an important life skill. By definition, it means coming to an agreement through discussion. It’s about finding a middle or common ground. But negotiation can also mean to get over or around something, such as negotiating the vacuum around the furniture. When it comes to children, they often try to negotiate “around” us to get the result they want.

My child should be a

your decision: “Well, yes, but this just isn’t a good day to have someone over. I’m tired and I have to work tomorrow morning. Besides, your room is a mess!” Your daughter, the amateur lawyer, responds: “So the answer is yes, you did tell me to find things to do! And please – yes or no answers only – you’re saying that because you’re tired, I’m not allowed to socialise? What if I cleaned my room first? Then can I have a friend over?” Tired of being on the defensive, you

give in simply so she will stop hounding you: “Why do you always have to argue about everything? Fine, have her over, but you’d better get your room clean!”

Negotiating “around” versus negotiating “with” The above situation is a classic example of a child negotiating around her parent to get her way.

Your daughter wasn’t looking to find the middle ground. You stood in the way of her plans, so she figured out how to work around you. She wore you down until you agreed, just to stop the arguing.

We’ve all been there as parents.

So what does it look like to negotiate with your child? Say you are discussing how much allowance is going to be paid for chores your son will do around the house. You may say, “I will pay you $500 each week if you keep your room clean, clean the guest bathroom and vacuum the living room every Saturday.” And your son comes back with, “If I take out the trash too, will you give me

$1000?” That’s negotiating with you. The key here is that there’s room for give and take because you’re still discussing the matter. It’s not a request

are not negotiations! What’s happening in those cases is that your child is negotiating around you. They are trying to get their way, not find common

to which you’ve already said no. You are still thinking over the pros and cons and getting your child’s input, prior to giving an answer. Together, you are coming to an agreement about a fair decision or compromise. Discussions with your child that take place after you’ve given your decision

ground.

When the answer is simply no There are two situations in which you will want to “stick to your guns”, as difficult as that might be: When you’ve thought it through and the answer is

no. Sixteen-year-old Tiffany asks to go to her friend’s party where drinking has been known to occur. Your daughter doesn’t want to accept no for an answer because she really, really wants to go.

She makes every attempt to negotiate “around” you. In this case, you may want to use statements such as, “I’ve thought this through. It’s not up for discussion. The answer is no.” Or, “I understand how much you want to go, but there is no room for negotiation. Any time I’m willing to discuss a situation, I will let you know ahead of time, but in this case my answer is simply no.” You don’t need to defend your decision.

When you haven’t thought it through and automatically said “no”, but upon reconsideration would have said “yes”.

Even in this situation, stick to your original answer, otherwise your child will get the message that “sometimes no will turn into yes, if I keep at it long enough.” You may even honestly tell your child, “You know, I made that decision pretty quickly. Next time, I promise I will think about it for a bit before responding. But the answer this time is no.”

(That response is a judgment call, as some oppositional or defiant children may try to use that information as a tool to push your buttons.) Can there be exceptions? Yes. For example, maybe you receive new information that changes things – initially Johnny’s parents weren’t going to be home, but now they are. But remember: every time you say no, then change your mind to yes, it reinforces that whatever happened between NO and YES (arguing, crying, the silent treatment) was effective in negotiating around you. The next time you say no, you can expect to face the same behaviour.

When we make parenting decisions in reaction to a child’s arguments and disputes, everyone loses. As parents we come away feeling frustrated and ineffective. Our child comes away with the mistaken idea that the way to get what you want in this world, when faced with an answer or limit you don’t like, is to argue.

It also creates the mistaken impression that parents and children are on the same level. We’re not. A parent has the ultimate authority and sometimes the answer is going to be No. You don’t have to be a dictator, but at the same time, it’s not a democracy.

Remember: as much as your children might try to tell you otherwise, all family member “votes” are not equal! (Excerpt from

empoweringparents.com)

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REO gives green light RDC 10 councillors reiterate need for stipend increase for ‘shabby’ roadwork – threaten to “down tools” over issue at Hydronie, EBE BY: UTAMU BELLE

– despite reservations of NDC chairman about low-grade material By: Kristen Macklingam

R

evelations have surfaced that there are sub-standard road construction going on at Hydronie Old Road, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) and that Region Three Regional Executive Officer (REO) Denis Jaikarran has refused to investigate the matter.

Guyana Times was told the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) of Good Hope/Hydronie, EBE had halted the works but the contractor subsequently turned up, stating he was instructed by the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) to continue his job.

Speaking with Guyana Times on the issue Sunday, Chairman of NDC Milton Dookie said that earlier in the year the NDC advertised for ‘second grade crusher run’ to be supplied for the roadwork in question.

He noted that however, when the contractor who was selected begun supplying the material, it was evident he was not delivering the stipulated grade but instead was supplying a lower grade material called “quarry cleaning”.

He explained that this type of material contained about 40 per cent loam and 60 per cent stone. Also, 10 per cent of the stone include fairly large boulders which is not good for the project.

As a result of this, the NDC notified the contractor to stop supplying material for the road works.

According to the NDC chairman, he wrote to REO Jaikarran, notifying him of the issue and as such a meeting was scheduled with the REO, the Regional

Region Three REO Dennis Jaikarran

Engineer, the contractor and himself.

“I made my complaint; when he checked the consignment note that the contractor had, it had second grade crusher run. So he said that he is comfortable with that; the REO said once the consignment note says second grade crusher run he is not going to question anybody… The engineer of the region said that yes crusher run has loam in it and that if we want to verify we have to do a special kind of analysis,” the NDC chairman told this publication.

Dookie further stated he told the regional engineer that the contractor is required to do an analysis to prove he is supplying the required material.

Guyana Times understands that when the meeting concluded, the REO reiterated he was satisfied with the consignment note.

Dookie told this publication that since he was uncomfortable with the position taken by the REO, he notified those present at the meeting that he will be seeking the intervention of the

Communities Ministry.

The Good Hope/Hydronie chairman told this newspaper he wrote a letter to the Permanent Secretary of Communities Ministry, Emil McGarrell seeking his assistance in verifying the quality of the material being supplied by the contractor.

Guyana Times was told that a few weeks following the dispatching of the letter to the Communities Ministry, the contractor returned and recommenced works.

“I stopped him again and he boldly said to me that the region instructed him to do it… we have always been buying crusher run so we have a good idea what crusher run is. And we also have a good idea what quarry cleaning is. What he is supplying, this is not crusher run,” the NDC head exclaimed.

He noted that the NDC is trying its best to ensure quality work is executed and that residents receive value for money but unfortunately it is not getting the “kind of help” it needs. (kristenm@ guyanatimesgy.com)

C

ouncillors at the Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) Regional Democratic Council (RDC) have spoken out against a $10,000 monthly stipend which they presently receive, referring to it as “insufficient” and have even threatened to “down tools” if an increase is not provided.

Councillors Gordon Calendar and Charles Sampson were very vocal on the issue at a recent RDC 10 Meeting. Calendar said it seems as if everyone except RDC councillors is getting an increase in salaries and stipends. He added that some councillors do not have additional jobs and depend solely on the RDC stipend, which according to him, is clearly insufficient.

“By the time you collect the lil money and yuh do suh and you turn round, it done... by the time I leave home to come to these meetings I got to catch a car to come, or else I can’t meet early. Before you meet, Tom, Dick and Harry stopping you with some type of issue and you have to find solutions to give them... you can’t reach in time, and councillors in my mind, not only this council but all the councils, I think these councillors working even more hard than them MPs, and so the representation should be made... but if they can’t give us no answer then I think we should down tools until somebody come and tell us something proper. Them chaps living a nice life, past and present, so you can’t get we here and ain’t doing nothing...”, he passionately stated.

Calendar further urged the Regional Chairman Renis Morian to make the necessary representation, indicating that councillors are “serious” about their threat to down tools.

Region 10 Regional Chairman Renis Morian

Additionally, Sampson reiterated the views of Calendar, stating the views of the people suggest that Regional councillors work ‘hard’, and in many instances ‘harder’ than parliamentarians. Additionally, he said, councillors are “regional parliamentarians” and should be treated in like manner.

“We should be treated in such a way that is not dissimilar to how they (parliamentarians) are treated.

I get the impression that once people are comfortable and they’re getting something comfortable then they don’t care about others. We talking about this thing since the last Council. This Region owe me one year travel allowance, I can’t get it,” he told the meeting.

Further Sampson said councillors were promised cellular phones some time ago, but to date such have not been granted.

Morian in his response said he has been making representations and was told that an address to the issue would be made after Local Government Elections (LGE ), however, councillor Calendar asked: “What does the Local Government Elections have to do with councillor’s stipend?” “...the matter of stipend, I even get into a ver-

bal clash with a Minister that, for me I felt it was disrespectful because I raised the matter..., the councillors have been asking questions about this for years, give me an answer to take back, the Minister just turned and walked away. I went to my PS (Permanent Secretary) whom I’d already had a verbal clash with... he recognised it and he would have said to me that they’re working and it would have to be until after Local Government Elections. As it relates to the cell phones, the money is in the Region,” the regional chairman stated.

Morian said after LGE, the Local Government Act is expected to be amended and as such a better position will be established as to how much money Councillors will receive. He said it is his hope that areas such as Councillor’s traveling allowance and such like are taken cared of as a result.

“I am talking to Minister Bulkan quite often about the stipend... the remedy is, there is an amendment,” he said.

8 NEWS

monday, december 28, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Minibus tout stabbed to death Eyew tness A minibus tout is now dead after an argument ensued with a neighbour which resulted in him being stabbed to the throat early Sunday morning.

Dead is Kevon George, 28, of Bare Root, Main Road, East Coast Demerara.

Reports are that the now dead man was involved in an argument with his assailant at Bare Root, ECD when he was stabbed. Following the incident, George was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) where he was pronounced dead.

On Sunday at the dead man’s residence, his mother Minerva Nieuenkerk told Guyana Times her son

Dead: Kevon George

was a very friendly man with everyone within the community and was rarely in any trouble.

Nieuenkerk stated that her son’s killer lives in close proximity to their home.

She explained that the incident, which led to her son’s demise, begun several weeks ago when it was alleged that the assailant had robbed her daughter of several appliances and other valuables.

According to the grieving mother, the family had made a report about the incident but claimed the police never showed up. She added that family members made contact with the assailant’s father over the theft which forced the young man to return the valuables. Nieuenkerk noted that though some of the appliances were returned,

a few were still being withheld.

She added that her son confronted his assailant about the outstanding items on Sunday which resulted in an argument that led to the stabbing.

The dead man’s brother Kevin George told this newspaper that following the argument, which lasted a mere few minutes, his brother jumped on a bicycle and left.

He said several minutes later he was informed that his brother was stabbed to the throat.

Brother Kevin noted that the assailant’s father has since gone to the Vigilance Police Station and is assisting with investigations.

Police identifies suspect in Harbour Bridge shooting – 1 dead, 1 injured

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rime Chief Wendell Blanhum has confirmed that the police have identified the suspect in the minibus

shooting and a manhunt has since been launched.

Pandemonium broke out and sent passengers rushing for cover after a

man whipped out a gun and discharged two rounds in a Route 32 minibus that was traveling east along the Demerara Harbour

Bridge around 18:00h on Boxing Day. This resulted in the death of a man, and another being seriously injured.

The injured man has been identified as Rudolph Williams, 28.

The deceased, who is yet to be identified, was sitting in the seat behind the driver while the perpetrator was sitting in the seat behind him.

A heated argument ensued between the two men over the need to close the window after raindrops began pitching inside the vehicle.

According to information, the assailant asked the now dead man to close the window but he refused.

This evolved into an argument. The driver then made attempts to end the argument by threatening to put both men out the minibus. The men eventually quieted down but after some time, the assailant made another request for the window to be closed. And again, a refusal was made. It was on this occasion that the aggravated passenger pulled out a gun and discharged two rounds, fatally shooting the man and injuring Williams.

Subsequently, the perpetrator calmly walked out of the bus, into the rain, and continued his journey by foot.

After reviewing the surveillance video of the bridge, police succeeded in identifying the alleged killer.

Up to press time, police were pursuing the suspect.

Boozing …

I

…and “sports”

n our dear old Guyana, the word “sport” doesn’t only refer to games: it’s even more frequently used to signify “having a good time by indulging excessively in alcohol”.

The period we’re presently in – the week between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day – is practically an orgy of sport in this sense – with Guyanese using the days between those two bookmarks for recuperation for the grand finale, come the night of December 31.

This Eyewitness wonders from whence we picked up this tradition of boozing so heavily around Christmas? One hears of the egg nog from dear old Britain, spiced up with dollops of that Demerara Rum being served at the “Big Manager’s” house. Did our foreparents surreptitiously tipple in the back room as they served the Master and his guests? Did they vow when they were on their own, by golly, they would tipple too?

But then again we hear of the field workers given “grog” and some old clothes after the crop was in in early December – as a reward for their continuous labour for months to make sure the factory was “grinding”. Sort of an annual API! Wouldn’t you want to let off some steam after all that backbreaking labour?

Alcohol was introduced deliberately to workers after wage labour was introduced in 1834. Very soon after the Portuguese and Chinese indentureds completed their spell in the fields, they were facilitated to set up rum shops in front of the pay office or on the road leading to and from the estate.

From the “sport” at the end of the year, we began to sport every weekend.

For the planters, the, “bruks” worker had an incentive to return to the field and factories, and for the worker, he needed to eat.

But as we prepare for the grand finale of boozing this Thursday night, we have to be concerned about the effect of all this booze on our personal and national health. Alcoholism is one of the most widespread DISEASE in our country – and we have to remind ourselves that it IS a disease.

Alcoholism leads to violence in all its manifestations – domestic violence, DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE which ends up with mangled bodies pulled from cars, arguments between drinking buddies that can take violent turns… we all know the syndrome, don’t we?

Your Eyewitness isn’t any puritan or anything like that…

But our nation has to get a handle on all this consumption of alcohol that’s now a national pastime. Can’t we have a good time without boozing?

We must convince our people that being drunk isn’t cool.

…and national productivity

With all this drinking this week, nothing much gets done.

Just look around you… and you can count on your fingers – if at that – the number of co-workers actually doing their job.

They’re either recounting their drinking escapades from the last weekend, or vowing as to how they’ll top that come this weekend. You’re going to be a real spoilsport if you try to suggest that maybe some work ought to be done.

And on a somewhat reduced scale this syndrome is replicated at the workplace after every weekend of boozing.

So imagine the effect of boozing on national productivity. The stories are legion about workers not showing up on Mondays or if they do, beware of their efforts. Every production manager knows that products on this day are very suspect – lemons and limes!

So we expect not only people involved in social services and such like to get aboard this absolutely needed fight against our “drunken nation” syndrome.

We’re all in this together... let’s get out together.

…and manliness

Out of the socialisations from our hoary past, one of the challenges to attacking the 365/24/7 boozing binge will be its association with “manliness”. In Guyana, if you can’t “hold” your drinks, you’re not quite a man.

We have to reverse that. If you can keep away from the demon alcohol, then you’re a man.

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

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monday, december 28, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

State auditors denied $50,000 bonus Economy will rebound in 2016 A – Granger

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resident David Granger continues to express hope that the economy will soon rebound once the country starts to lessen its dependency on the six major economic pillars - rice, sugar, bauxite, gold, diamond, and timber.

Speaking during his weekly Public Interest Programme, President Granger reiterated that the six sectors performed unsatisfactorily in the past year and that this has resulted in the economic slump the country is now facing.

“There has been slow growth or no growth or low growth in the major sectors of the economy. Once there is a slow or low growth, there will be an impact in other sectors,” Granger said, noting that this is the reason why many are crying out that “money is not stirring”.

He further explained that when major sectors are not performing well, investors tend to hold back on spending, people opt to save and wait for a favourable rebound before making an investment in an uncertain economy.

Nonetheless Granger said the state of the economy will soon improve once the National Budget 2016 is presented in January.

He explained that government will focus on investing more in infrastructure and education and that this will help jumpstart the economy.

“Infrastructure is needed if we are to free ourselves from the bondage of the six sisters,” he said, noting that there needs to be more access roads into the hinterland.

According to the MidYear Report released by the Finance Ministry, the country’s economy declined some 2.5 per cent in the first half of this year when compared to the same period in 2014.

The report outlined

President David Granger

that initially, Guyana’s half-year growth was estimated to be at 0.9 per cent.

However, with the passage of time and the benefit of actual first-half performance in a number of sectors, the country’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) recorded a growth of 0.7 per cent in 2015, with non-sugar GDP recording a growth rate of 0.8 per cent.

It detailed the factors contributing to Guyana’s low economic performance during this period as the late presentation and passing of this year’s Budget, which was as a result of the 10th Parliament being prorogued in November 2014 and its subsequent dissolution in February 2015, followed by the holding of General and Regional Elections in May. The report further detailed that the delay in the budget resulted in many government agencies being unable to carry out their planned programmes for the year. “Many new projects were held in abeyance while only a few projects which were ‘rolled over’ from the previous year attracted funding.

At the same time, the atmosphere of uncertainty and tensions surrounding the holding of general elections, led to investors postponing decisions in many cases,” the Mid-Year Report detailed.

uditors of the Audit Office of Guyana were denied the $50,000 Christmas bonus promised for all public servants across the country.

Almost every other public sector workers were enjoying their Christmas weekend after receiving the promised bonus whereas the state’s auditors felt nothing but shattered hopes.

Auditor General Deodat Sharma told Guyana Times that employees attached to his office did not receive the bonus because they had already received monetary incentives for December.

This newspaper understands that this incentive is approximately 2.5 per cent of the workers’ salary – which amounts to approximately $12,000 for most.

Therefore while other public sector workers were entitled to the $50,000 bonus, state auditors and other personnel under the Audit Office received a meagre amount for Christmas.

Auditor General Deodat Sharma

“The audit office did not get the $50,000 bonus. But it was explained that because I had paid some bonus already in my payroll for December… before they announced the bonus… my budget catered to pay an incentive or bonus for production. So because of that they cannot get the $50,000,” the Auditor General explained.

He further stated that the incentive distributed

would have amounted to less than $50,000; however, a few senior officers would have been entitled to more.

He conceded too, that many of the workers were indeed disappointed as they were looking forward to receiving the tax-free Christmas bonus.

Nonetheless, in a recently published letter to the editor, aggrieved state auditors complained bitterly about this blatant act of discrimination.

They explained that, “in all fairness, we deserved the $50,000 that was given by the Government of Guyana to all Public Servants”, despite having already received a small increment percentage on their salary. “(It) was given to us by the Auditor General for our sterling performance throughout the year… It is totally unfair to give the $50,000 tax free bonus to some or most semi-autonomous agencies and exclude the Audit Office completely,” the auditors stated.

The letter noted that junior employees are the ones who will bear the brunt of this decision as the majority of them were looking forward to the tax-free bonus to partially further their studies in 2016.

“I believe that this is a Government of equality not partiality. It is unfair to deprive the employees of the Audit Office of this benefit while other semi-autonomous agencies were privileged. What the employees of the Audit Office experienced is like a solid ‘backhand’ slap to the face complimented with a punch to the nose. It hurt us to the core, honourable Minister,” the letter further stated.

Meanwhile, the auditors are calling on Finance Minister Winston Jordan to rescind the decision and grant the employees the $50,000 bonus that he announced would be payable to every single public servant earning below $500,000.

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monday, december 28, 2015

News

Sea defence breach at NICIL had no role in development Bush Lot temporarily fixed of the house-lots – Brassington F Pradoville 2:

By: Kristen Macklingam

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he National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) is denying allegations that it developed lands at Goedverwagting/ Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara (ECD) with the knowledge that specific persons would have been allocated the properties.

The area, which is commonly referred to as “Pradoville 2”, has been under the spotlight since the APNU/AFC government declared that the lands were only issued to persons affiliated with the former administration.

Head of NICIL Winston Brassington last week during a media briefing stated that he did not have any knowledge as to who the house-lots would have been allocated to at the time of development.

He clarified that NICIL was only mandated to spend some $70 million on the development of the lands for housing.

According to Brassington, this was the decision taken by the former administration, and at no point in time

NICIL Executive Director Winston Brassington

did NICIL have any role in the development of the lots.

In fact, the NICIL head clarified that his company neither entered any agreements of sale nor did it obtain any monies.

He explained that the money NICIL was required to spend was for the construction of a road, upscaling the community and providing potable water.

Guyana Times also understands that the funds supplied by NICIL also catered for the removal of the Dorcas Club with the purpose of allowing southern access to the ECD Highway.

Meanwhile, Brassington explained that the then Head of Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon, until the early part of 2015 while the PPP/C was in government, was to ensure that those funds were repaid by Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA).

The lands in question were allocated by CH&PA, and the Housing Ministry and NICIL had no knowledge as to who would be the future occupants when the project was completed, he said.

Brassington further explained that prior to the development of the lands, the National Communications Network (NCN) antenna tower and transmission station were based there.

However, he stressed that these were not in any way removed to smooth the progress of the housing development but that removal of the antenna tower and transmission station were to clear the flight path for aircraft as part of plans to upgrade Ogle Airport to international aviation standards. (kristenm@guyanatimesgy.com)

ollowing a sea defence breach at Bush Lot/Maida, Corentyne, Berbice, on Thursday evening, urgent minor works were undertaken to temporarily fix the opening.

The Sea and River Defence Department (SRDD), under the Public Infrastructure Ministry, had to respond to the breach reported shortly after 19:00h.

The stretch, spanning 800 metres, is currently having permanent works conducted on it by Toolsie Persaud Inc, which was awarded the contract in September. However, even though work has begun, there is a section spanning 100 feet still to be addressed. That section is the area which was breached.

Speaking with Guyana Times Saturday, chief of SRDD Kevin Samad explained that they could not have done much work because of spring tide.

However, he noted that some drainage works were done to relieve water on the land.

“They have some out-

fall there and we did some clearing so the water recedes, it gets off the land.

So far there hasn’t been any report of flooding of any residence. However the drainage networks – the canals – have been contaminated with salt water,” Samad noted.

According to Samad, they are trying to prevent a recurrence of the situation when the next high tide is expected in two weeks’ time: “So we have two weeks, where we need to seal this breach and that is our objective – to seal the breach before the next spring tide.”

Only Tuesday last, the Public Infrastructure Ministry had asked residents along the country’s coast to prepare for possible flooding during the spring tide period of December 22 to 29. The predicted tide indicates above normal levels for this impending period.

According to Sea and River Defence Department, areas along the country’s coastal line are particularly susceptible to flooding as a result of surges which

may induce overtopping of sea/river defence structures.

The highest tides during this period were expected on Christmas Day at 15:47h at a height of 3.10 metres and on Boxing Day at 16:28h at a height of 3.08 metres.

However, at the time he was speaking with Guyana Times, late noon on Saturday, Samad said there have been no reports of flooding: “I spoke with engineers around all the districts and there are no reports of any breach or any flooding around the country except for Bush Lot,” he stated.

Nevertheless, all persons residing along the banks of rivers and lowlying coastal areas are advised to take all necessary precautions against flooding.

Precaution should also be taken by mariners including those operating fishing vessels and larger ones.

Use of beaches and foreshore areas for recreational purposes during this period is not advisable.

“People making money on goodwill of municipality” – IMC Chairman

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ith countless public outcries, signalling years of inability to effectively manage its financial affairs, the Linden Mayor and Town Council (LM&TC) appears to be heading into 2016 in dire financial straits.

According to Interim Management Committee (IMC) Chairman Orrin Gordon, Lindeners are making money on the goodwill of the municipality.

In an interview with Guyana Times Friday, Gordon said given the years old nature of tax revenue collection methods the Council is presently faced with, “getting nothing”, while property own-

IMC Chairman Orrin Gordon

ers, for example, are renting their properties for thousands of dollars and continue to pay the municipality a meagre $800 a month, to the demise of the

council.

“People making money on the goodwill of the municipality, people selling their properties for $12 million and the municipality only getting $5000; they’re paying the municipality $800 a month and renting their properties for $25,000. These are the kind of things we continue to be plagued with,” Gordon said.

In continuing to establish his position further by using examples, the IMC chairman said the administration over the years has had to deal with the rise in fuel price and increased salaries which it has not been able to match, given its financial position and the “economic stagnation of the (Linden) community”.

Over the years the LM&TC has been seen to suffer disadvantages in effectively executing its mandate due to the financial crisis. Only recently, Town Clerk Jenella Bowen and acting Town Clerk Tessa Ragbeer highlighted recurring issues which has to do with unsatisfactory salary conditions faced by employees, solid waste management problems, and issues with property valuation and re-evaluation.

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News

Vendor shot 5 times Chaotic situation broke while closing stall out at Supenaam – succumbed 20 hours later By: Kristen Macklingam

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phone card vendor was shot five times as he was closing his stall at the Vendors’ Arcade, Georgetown, on Saturday evening.

Teron Hubbard, 29, succumbed to his injuries less than 24 hours after being admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH).

The now dead man spent just over 20 hours battling for his life at the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) but lost the fight around 16:30h on Sunday.

When Guyana Times visited the ICU, Hubbard’s father and aunt were trying to console each other.

Reports are that sometime around 20:00h on Boxing Night the young man was closing his stall when he was shot.

He was rushed to the GPH after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds and was in the ICU until his death.

His father Kenneth, told this newspaper that upon arrival at the GPH his son’s body had rejected blood transfusion so it was evi-

dent he was losing the fight for his life.

According to the distraught father, both of the young man’s kidneys had been badly damaged, a bullet had been lodged in his spine, he was shot to his throat, and also under one of his arms. He had also been shot to his buttocks.

As a result of all these, Hubbard’s respiratory system had been badly damaged and his organs began to fail.

“All the blood drained out of his body because his wounds were very serious. His body was rejecting blood; he just now died as you (reporter) came in. He was in a lot of pain. This is a great, great loss to me and my family,” Kenneth mournfully noted.

The father explained that even if his son were to have lived he would have been paralyzed from the waist down and he knows that his son would have ended up grieving to death since he was the type of man who was “always on the go”.

According to Kenneth, he is unaware if police are

GuySuCo COI report for Parliament this week – Minister Holder

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he report of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the operations of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) will be laid in the National Assembly this week for consideration by the Economic Services Committee. This was disclosed by Agriculture Minister Noel Holder when he briefed the media at his end-of-year media conference.

“While the recommendations of the CoI were with many options, it is government’s view that the future of sugar is so important to the fortunes of Guyana and the Guyanese people to warrant as much discussion and consideration as possible in our quest to chart a way forward for the industry,” Minister Holder is reported to have said by the Government Information Agency (GINA).

The report has already been discussed at separate meetings of the Cabinet.

Implementation of the approved recommendations will commence in 2016.

Meanwhile sugar production for 2016 is projected at 242,287 tonnes, a five per cent increase over the 2015 production. Grinding operations for the first crop will commence at the end of January.

Agriculture Minister Noel Holder

Meanwhile, with regard to sugar sales, Holder reported that the world market prices impacted negatively on that: “This was very evident from sugar sold to the European market where the price received is very much related to the World Market Price. Sales of value added sugar increased significantly from 2014 levels and our presence was reestablished in most of the Caricom countries. Sales of our latest brand of packaged sugar “Enmore Crystals” which is aimed at the North American market commenced in 2015 in both the USA and Canada.”

still investigating the matter since he has had no feedback from them, but to his knowledge the perpetrator is yet to be captured.

He described his deceased son as a hardworking individual who was family oriented, dedicated and full of life.

“Teron told me that I’m working hard, that I should stop working and he will work and take care of me.

But I can’t stop working, I have to work now. He was always on the go, an agent for GTT and Digicel, in fact he got two awards from Digicel for best salesman of the year,” Kenneth told this newspaper.

According to the older Hubbard, he lives on the upper flat of his East La Penitence, Georgetown, house and Teron lived in the downstairs apartment with his family.

He leaves to mourn his father, relatives, four children with the youngest being a five-month-old baby. (kristenm@guyanatimesgy.com)

– ferry encounters engine failure

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onfusion broke out among passengers at the Good Hope Ferry Stelling in Region Two, after one of the two ferries encountered engine failure, leaving only one vessel to ply the route.

A G Division Officer was forced to intervene on Sunday evening to restore normalcy after a brawl ensued amongst passengers and stelling officials over the lack of communication and the inconvenience caused as a result of one vessel being out of order.

Guyana Times understands that the vehicles scheduledfor departure was rescheduled to the 16:00h boat. However this boat, which was to depart at 16:00h did not depart on time due to confusion at the stelling over which vehicles should get priority to board the vessel.

A stelling official told this newspaper the chaos started after vehicle owners refused to move and allow other vehicles to make their

Ferry at Supenaam Stelling

way onto the stelling.

Nonetheless, passengers are calling on Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson to launch an investigation into the matter, stating that stelling officials should have communicated to passengers properly as to what had occurred.

Passengers complained over the long hours they had to wait without any word from the Transport and Harbours officers present at the stelling.

Meanwhile, according to a vehicle owner who had parked at the stelling almost five hours before the scheduled departure, he was denied access to the boat even though he had a priority pass.

“People came from behind and went in, I parked, me and my family waiting only to be disappointed we can’t make it on the boat, what are they saying priority is not priority?” The passenger questioned.

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monday, december 28, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Four doctors' homes looted in NA

Items scattered in Dr Vanessa Chan’s room

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he homes of several doctors attached to the New Amsterdam Hospital were the targets of burglars Saturday night and Sunday morning as their homes were ransacked and valuables stolen.

While some were out at the time, one doctor slept through the entire ordeal. The thieves targeted Doctors Quarters in New Amsterdam and homes in

Vryman’s Erven.

According to reports a guard on duty at Doctors Quarters was unaware that bandits were in a house there and sent away the police when they responded to the report.

The most affected was Dr Vanessa Chan, who resides in the lower flat of a twostoried building at Doctors Quarters. According to her she was spending the night

at her mother’s home since she recently gave birth. She told Guyana Times she left home shortly before nightfall and received a phone call at about 20:30h stating that her home was broken into.

“When I arrived at about 9pm, the police were in the house dusting for fingerprints.”

According to Dr Chan, the bandits managed to get into the house by breaking open the front door. Before breaking the door attempts were made to prize open a window at the back of the building: “They had a lot of time because they tumbled the whole house. All my clothes they go through and even open every pocket.

They also went through my underwear.”

When this publication visited, pieces of clothing were scattered in one bedroom along with cosmetics. In another bedroom, the mattresses were upturned.

Missing from the home were jewellery, passports, a DVD

The apartment which doctors Chan and Yacoob occupy

player, tablet, two laptops, a digital photo viewer, certificates, among other items.

“Several times I begged them to put grills on this house because this in the only downstairs without grills and every time they tell me that they don’t have money. My husband is stationed at Skeldon Hospital, so most of the time it is me alone here,” the woman said.

Guyana Times understands that a neighbour saw when a group of men were trying to break into the building and called the police. When law enforcement arrived and told the lone guard they were responding to a report of a breakage, they were told there was no breakage at Doctors Quarters.

The police left only to have to return later.

However before they did, thieves also tried to gain entry to the upper flat which is occupied by Dr Mohamed Yacoob. He explained that a louver was removed from a window.

“They push their hand in and grab the keys that they could reach and then tried to open the door. These are all spare keys, it is two locks that were on the door but they could not get to open one.”

According to the senior doctor, it is customary for doctors to leave the area whenever loud music is being played at a particular house. “Sometimes when they are playing music and

Road and Doctors Quarters said he was awakened by the guard at about 04:30h Sunday. The guard said she saw two persons in the yard and as she approached them they jumped over the fence and escaped. The back door to his house was seen open and an alarm was raised.

According to Persaud when the guard woke him up he discovered that a laptop, wristwatch, jewellery and a wallet containing bank cards, cash, and his driver’s licence were all missing.

According to Dr Persaud he had just come off duty and was very tired. He said he was on call but fell asleep.

“This Christmas weekend was very busy and very tiring.”

In Vryman’s Erven bandits also tried to get into the home of a Cuban couple.

According to the couple; both doctors on Sunday morning sometime after 03:00h a man sporting a dreadlock hairstyle and dressed in black was seen next to their fence.

That incident follows two failed attempts within the past three days by intruders to gain entry into their home. On the first occasion a window was removed but the couple was alert and able give an indication that they were awake.

The following night it was worse as one or more persons attempted to enter the house by hitting out the floor boards. They were successful in removing two boards but not to enter the house. The Cubans say they have had no sleep since Thursday night and have placed glass bottles at many of their window. They have also tried nailing the floor from the upstairs.

Dr Kester Persaud's house

the hospital calls us, we can’t hear. Sometimes they have to send the driver because they can’t get us on the phone.”

According to Yacoob, Saturday was one of those days, forcing him to leave home and spend the night at his personal dwelling place.

The keys which were removed from his home were later found close to a fence behind the house. “They spent a lot of time because they knew that no one was at home in this house. It is only the guards had that information,” the physician said.

Meanwhile, another doctor in the same area also had his home burglarized.

Dr Kester Persaud who occupies a house at Republic

The Cuban couple witnessed firsthand on Thursday night a man being caught by police coming out of his neighbour’s house.

The neighbour, also a government employee who is occupying a house in Vryman’s Erven, was out of town on Thursday evening and Friday morning. Sometime between those hours the Cubans saw someone entering that house and called their colleague. Contact was then made with the police who found the man coming through the window and arrested him. He had a bag with several items from the home.

According to a police source, the man is expected to be placed before the court today.

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monday, december 28, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Christmas in the olden days By: Kizzy Coleman

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he good old Christmas, the Christmas where you could hear steel-pan music on the streets, the cheerful screams of children running from the ‘Mad cow and Mother sally’, the Christmas when you can hear the masquerade bands and the melodious voices of carolling children.

These are the days the elderly folk at the Uncle Eddies Home remember as they reminisced on Christmases gone by.

The Christmases where one could see horse-carts decked out with colourful streamers and lights roaming the streets, lifting the Christmas spirit of all.

Christmas in the olden days was said to be more traditional, where families would spend time together focusing mainly on the reason for the season, which is the celebration of Christ’s birth.

On Thursday, when Guyana Times visited the Uncle Eddies Home, the residents there reflected on waking up Christmas morning to their wrapped presents and the welcoming aroma of garlic pork, pepper-pot, homemade bread, ginger beer and traditional black cake with the oh so important wine.

While mothers prepared the Christmas breakfast, children would be on the streets playing with carbon, instead of squibs which exists today, Gilbert Boyce a resident of the Home said.

“Carbon is like a squib but we make it by putting a chemical which we get from whitewash, this we put into a small hole in a tin can, we then spit in it or add a little water and you shake it up until it gets warm and then you scratch a match and put it in the hole and it explodes… boom,” he reminisced cheerfully.

He added that this was a joyful part of boys celebrating Christmas back in the days: ‘As soon as you hear the sound of the carbon going off, you would get that jittery feeling in the pit of your stomach, that Christmas feeling’.

Boyce a former mechanic stressed the importance of having family over during Christmas to add more life and spark to the festivities.

He talked about how grateful he felt to have his family visit him for the season; to be able to

meet his grandchildren, daughter-in-law; to see his son after many years as they are residing overseas.

Another resident eagerly shared his childhood memories of Christmas: “Christmas to me is the greatest celebration in the world” were the words of Hilton Lewis, 96.

He believes Christmas should be more religiously oriented as it was in his days.

He talked about Christmas Eve being a very busy time, like today where many are doing their last-minute shopping: “Christmas today is more criminal than in my time, if you had one murder a year that was a lot and if we saw 10 motorcars that was also a lot because we did not have so many vehicles back then”.

In his view, the preparations for the celebration have not changed: “It was always the excitement around town, the black cake, decorations and so forth. The only difference is the commercialisation of the season; partying, we used to party too but only on old years night.”

Lewis looks forward with enthusiasm to Christmas Day where he will be able to enjoy drinks with buddies and share in laughter while reflecting on times past as they celebrate together.

Yet another resident shared equal thoughts on the celebration of Christmas in days past as he looks ahead to yet another.

Oscar Lawson talked a lot of his family, indicating that on Christmas it’s all about family.

He is looking forward to his presents from his niece and daughter on Christmas Day. Lawson remembers going to church on Christmas morning with his family even though as a boy he was not interested in going.

“Long ago at this time you would be able to see masquerades on the streets up to January 15.

There were floats, and as a boy I and my friends would entertain families with carol singing which saw us receiving tips that we all shared” he related with a wistful expression.

All the residents this newspaper had the privilege of speaking with await in anticipation for all that is in store for them as they wake up on Christmas morning.

Cove and John Ashram hosts peace prayers for Guyana – special “Gaitree” prayers to usher in 2016

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ove and John Ashram (Guyana Sevashram Sangha) on Sunday hosted a special prayer service for peace and prosperity for Guyana. Members of the Ashram participated in special prayers and “Trayambakam” hawan calling for peace, love and unity to continue in 2016 among the people and leaders in the country.

According to administrator and spiritual leader of the Ashram, Swami Shivashankaranandji Maharaj, this is the period for persons to be united and strengthen their faith in God as they prepare to enter a new year. Special references were made by swami to the religious text, “Bhagvat Gita” on love and devotion for God. He spoke at length about faith and everyday guidance.

“God should always be remembered in everything

Members participating in the Hawan at the Ashram

you do, day and night, guidance is important. I implore everyone to start prayers early so that your New Year 2016 would be prosperous,” Swami said.

He also called on persons who were less devoted to God in 2015 to renew their

faith and to make the time to be engaged in congregational prayers.

In addition Swami Maharaj said the Ashram will be hosting special Hawan on the first Sunday of 2016 for unity.

The spiritual leader ad-

vises the Hindus community to chant the “Gaitree Mantra” 108 times with their families and mandir members ushering the New Year. He said such prayers offer auspiciousness in one’s home when recited and has miraculous powers.

14

guyanatimesgy.com

monday, december 28, 2015

Regional

Flooding ‘worst in 50 years’, as 150,000 flee Millions in payouts in Paraguay, Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay for depositors of

bankrupt St Kitts bank – 30 years later

V

ast areas in Paraguay, Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil are being hit by the worst flooding in 50 years, forcing the evacuation of more than 150,000 people.

Days of heavy rains brought on by the El Niño weather phenomenon have caused three major rivers to swell, and officials report at least six deaths.

A state of emergency is in force in Paraguay, the worst hit nation, where 130,000 people have fled their homes.

In northern Argentina, some 20,000 people have left their homes.

Dry weather is forecast for the Brazil-Uruguay border region in the next few days, but in Paraguay and Argentina, water levels are still expected to rise.

The Paraguay River, in the capital Asuncion,

F

A state of emergency is in force in Paraguay, the worst hit nation

is only 30cm (12in) away from overtopping its banks.

Officials warn this could lead to widespread flooding in the area.

And it could also affect

thousands of other people who live by the Paraguay – the country’s main river – the authorities said. “(The flooding) was directly influenced by the El

Niño phenomenon which has intensified the frequency and intensity of rains,” Paraguay’s national emergencies office said. (Excerpt from

BBC News)

ormer depositors of the defunct Bank of Commerce that went into bankruptcy in 1985 will be able to recover their money within a matter of days.

Prime Minister, Dr Timothy Harris said they would be getting what they put in, plus 2.5 per cent on their balances, today, through the St Kitts-NevisAnguilla National Bank.

Wrapping up the 2016 Budget debate in the National Assembly earlier this week, he said the Bank is expected to pay out EC$18 million (US$6.7 million) to former clients. Between 5000 and 6000 people are expected to benefit from the payout.

“This would see a sig-

nificant contribution in the economy between December and January, as more people have money to spend for the Christmas season and the New Year,” he said.

Harris said that after three decades, he was pleased that the resolution could come under his Team Unity Government.

The Bank of Commerce has been in liquidation since May 9, 1985, following a court order granted in response to a petition filed on February 2, 1985, by the Social Security Board (SSB), one of the financial institution’s creditors.

Earlier this year, Prime Minister Harris said that a court settlement had finally been reached. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

Cuban migrants: Pope Caribbean urged to sign on Francis urges quick solution to UNCITRAL Model Law

D

P

ope Francis has called for Central American countries to show generosity in dealing with the rising numbers of Cuban migrants stranded in the region.

Several thousand Cubans are stranded at the border between Costa Rica and Nicaragua, hoping to reach the United States by land.

Nicaragua has refused to allow the migrants to pass through its territory.

The Pope said many of the Cubans passing through Central America were victims of human trafficking.

“I invite the countries of the region to renew with generosity all necessary efforts in order to find a rapid solution to this humanitarian drama,” the Pope told tens of thousands of people at the Vatican’s St Peter’s Square.

Pope Francis will vis-

Cuban migrants say they prefer to try their luck through Central American than returning to Cuba

it Mexico in February.

Migration will be one of the main topics of his visit.

He is due to celebrate mass in Ciudad Juarez, close to the border with Texas.

Many Cuban migrants fear that the thaw in relations between Washington and Havana may put an end to the preferential treatment given to them. (Excerpt from BBC News)

irector of the Kuala Lumpur Regional Centre for Arbitration and Presidentelect of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, Sundra Rajoo is urging Caribbean countries to sign on to the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Model Law. He noted that if more Caribbean countries were to enact the Model Law, it would bring harmonisation and integration to the Region in conformity with the aims of Caricom. One of the virtues of the Model Law framework, he said, is its “inherent flexibility” , which means that states can preserve peculiar historical features of their arbitration regimes and aspects of their legal cultures or traditions if they so wish. “What is envisaged is legal harmonisation,

In The Bahamas, Belize, Guyana and Jamaica, arbitration law is still based on the English Arbitration Act 1889, which has long been replaced in England

not legal homogenisation,” he said.

Rajoo, who was addressing a recent seminar at Mona Law Institutes of the University of the West Indies, said there had been a plethora of ambitious projects to reform the

Caribbean’s arbitral infrastructure, focused on both legislation and institutions.

However, he said much remains to be accomplished before the envisioned transformation of the Caribbean arbitration landscape. (Excerpt

from Jamaica Observer)

Mexico no closer to solving Millions in marijuana seized in Antigua missing students mystery M

R

elatives and supporters of 43 missing Mexican students have protested on the streets of the Mexico’s capital, demanding to know what happened to their loved ones.

It has been more than a year since the students disappeared. They are believed to be have been murdered by drug gangs.

Neither information of their whereabouts nor confirmation of their death has been released to the families with the Government facing accusations it is hiding the truth.

Hundreds protested in Mexico City on Saturday

afternoon and among chants heard was a scathing condemnation of the Government.

“These are the people who are destroying our country,” the protesters said.

Arturo Guerrero, a protester, said: “I have seen repression, and the social demands have been growing because people are disappearing.

“Now we are demanding the Government gives us the students back alive.”

According to the Government, bodies of the students were burnt which made identification impossible. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

ere hours before Christmas Eve, Officers from the Office of National Drug and Money Laundering Control Policy (ONDCP) and ABDF Coast Guard conducted a successful joint counter narcotics operation.

The Officers were on duty in the Five Islands area and seized over 1227 kilograms (2700lbs) of cannabis on a vessel. Three men were arrested, 33-year-old Greg Warner of Willikies Village, 29-year-old Gavin Williams of Seaton’s Village and 31-year-old Vickram Dindial of Cassada Gardens.

When weighed, the packages amounted to over 2706.95lbs of marijuana with an estimated street

The marijuana had a street value of more than US$4 million

value of EC $10,827,800 (US$4,010,296.3).

The trio was charged with possession of cannabis, possession of cannabis with intent to supply, being con-

cerned with the supply of cannabis, drug trafficking and importation. Warner was additionally charged with possession of cannabis, being concerned in the

supply of cannabis and drug trafficking. The trio will make a court appearance today to answer to these charges. (Antigua Observer)

monday, december 28, 2015

guyanatimesgy.com

15

Around the world

Iraqi forces “retake Islamic Chinese mine State Ramadi stronghold” owner kills himself as 17 miners I remain trapped raqi forces have retaken a former Government compound in Ramadi from where Islamic State (IS) militants have been resisting an Army offensive, the military has said.

The complex was “under complete control” and there was no sign of IS fighters, a spokesman said.

He said this heralded the defeat of IS in the city, although he admitted there could be pockets of resistance.

The Government has been trying to retake Ramadi for weeks.

The mainly Sunni Arab city, about 55 miles (90 kilometres) west of Baghdad, fell to IS in May, and was seen as an embarrassing defeat for the Army.

In recent days, troops have been picking their way through boobytrapped streets and buildings as

T

The operation to retake Ramadi has proceeded cautiously amid fear of booby traps

they pushed towards the city centre, seizing several districts on the way.

After sniper fire from the com-

pound stopped and aerial surveillance detected no human activity, Iraqi soldiers moved in. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Action plan for “Start Up India” to be unveiled January 16

P

rime Minister Narendra Modi’s last “Mann ki Baat” radio broadcast for the year 2015 was far less dramatic than his latest diplomatic flourish of dropping in to see Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in Lahore.

“Apart from an excep-

tion in the case of the Land Ordinance, where he went into details of why he allowed it to lapse, and in 2014, the issue of black money, he has chosen not to speak about contemporary controversies,” said an official source.

On Sunday morning,

Modi announced January 16 as the date for the launch of his programme to encourage new business, “Start Up India, Stand Up India”.

The rest of his broadcast was on reaching out to ordinary people and talking on his pet themes such as sanitation.

In the last few days, the digital portal, MyGov.in, was flooded with suggestions on what people wanted to hear in his radio address.

More than 3000 suggestions, many of them after Modi’s surprise visit to Lahore on Christmas Day, were received. (Excerpt from The Hindu)

he owner of a gypsum mine in China’s eastern Shandong province has killed himself, as rescuers try to reach 17 miners who have been trapped for two days, state media report.

One person died and four miners escaped when the mine collapsed on Friday.

Since then, rescue workers have managed to pull a number of miners to safety.

China has a long history of industrial accidents.

The latest incident comes days after a deadly landslide caused by construction waste in southern China.

Ma Congbo, the chair-

man of Yurong company which owns the mine, drowned himself by jumping into a mine well early on Sunday, China’s Xinhua news agency reports.

His motive is not clear but the Chinese authorities have toughened the punishment of employers who are negligent, says the BBC’s Stephen Evans in Beijing.

Ma killed himself two days after the mine collapsed in Pingyi County’s Linyi city, Shandong Province, just before 20:00h local time. It is not yet clear what caused the collapse.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Concern in Israel over bill on foreignfunded NGOs

UK floods: Extra soldiers sent to stricken areas er.

Huntingdon Road and Yearsley Crescent in York were left under several feet of water

S

ome 500 soldiers have now been brought in to deal with “unprecedented” flooding in Yorkshire and Lancashire.

A thousand more are on stand-by after British Prime Minister David

Cameron vowed to help people in “their hour of need”.

Rescuers have been evacuating homes in York where water levels are still rising, and thousands of people in north-west England are without pow-

There are scores of flood warnings in England, Wales and Scotland – more than 20 severe, meaning danger to life.

On Sunday, the Government said it was deploying a further 200 soldiers to affected areas on top of the 300 who were already on the ground.

After chairing an emergency conference call of the Government’s emergency committee Cobra, the Prime Minister said the “level of the rivers plus the level of rainfall has created an unprecedented effect, and so some very serious flooding”.

“We will do everything we can to help people in this, their hour of need,” added Cameron, who is expected to visit some of the flood-affected areas today.

City of York Council said the River Ouse was 5.1 metres above normal summer levels and was expected to peak around lunchtime today – close to its highest recorded level of 5.4 metres.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Nigerian Army repels Boko Haram attack near state capital – witnesses

U

p to seven people died when Nigeria’s Army repelled an attack on Sunday by suspected Boko Haram fighters on a village near a northern state capital, residents and military sources said.

Gunfire and explosions could be heard in the eve-

ning outside Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state and birthplace of Boko Haram’s insurgency to establish an Islamic state in the northeast of Africa’s most populous nation.

Soldiers stopped suspected Boko Haram fighters in Aldawari village on the outskirts of Maiduguri,

military sources and witnesses said.

“We just came out of the mosque after evening prayers, then we started hearing gunshots ... then suddenly there was the sound of a blast,” said Nene Hassan, a resident, adding that four people died and five were wounded.

Since losing most of the territory it seized earlier this year to the Army, Boko Haram has resorted to hitting soft targets such as markets, bus stations and places of worship, as well as hit-and-run attacks on villages, mainly in Borno state. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Israel’s new Justice Minister, Ayelet Shaked, of the far-right Jewish Home party

I

sraeli Cabinet Ministers have approved a bill that critics say could severely curtail the influence of foreign-funded Non-Governmental Organisations, including human-rights groups.

The legislation, which was accepted on Sunday and expected to be passed into law this week, requires organisations that receive foreign funding to declare their financial sources on every documented report.

It also mandates that their representatives wear tags publicising their funding in parliamentary meetings.

The bill, proposed by Israel’s Justice Minister, Ayelet Shaket, and backed by the Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, could in turn harm the legitimacy of organisations receiving foreign funding.

Their work would be perceived as efforts by Foreign Governments to meddle in Israeli internal affairs, critics say.

Numerous senior Israeli officials, including Opposition Leaders and members of the coalition Government, have echoed concerns from civil rights groups that the bill could undermine the country’s democratic stature.

Yaron Kemner, the spokesman for the Association of Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI), told Al Jazeera: “We are concerned about the way the democracy will operate from now on, because the Government is trying to hurt organisations that are critical of it.

Kemner noted that the legislation came amid a growing campaign by rightwing NGOs against leftwing ones. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

16 news

monday, december 28, 2015| guyanatimesGY.com

VOX POPULI

What do people say about

I SAY...

With just a few days before the start of the New Year, Guyanese are looking forward to great things. This week, we spoke to a few of them about their resolutions for 2016 Colwyn Abrahms - Fashion Designer (Linden) “I personally don’t set New Year’s resolutions like everyone else because they’re like ‘oh I’m going to start a diet’, ‘oh I’m going to start the gym’, and in the New Year they return to their old selves. Like last year my friend was like ‘oh it’s a brand new kind of me’, and then a month after he turned out to be the same person, so I don’t have a New Year resolution. However, I do set goals in the New Year. Right now I have set one goal, I want to start my own business in the New Year, so I’m looking forward to that and starting university, however I don’t have any big life changes happening anytime soon, so that’s my thing”.

Denisia Liddell - Student (Linden) “My New Year resolutions are basically to socialise more. Make new friends and to get a job. Those two are on the top of my list of priorities at the moment, however, I would welcome any other positive changes that may come my way, there is always room for that on my end.

I’m looking forward to nothing but the best in 2016 and I’m optimistic that I will receive it. New Year, new goals, nothing but the best. I know there are people who set their New Year resolutions and then they fall back on them but I believe that if you aim for positivity and it’s what you really want then you should work very hard to achieve your goals.

No use in setting them if you’re not going to work hard to achieve them”.

Andy Jaglall - Legal Clerk (Essequibo) “I planned to aim high for 2016 by setting goals and achieve same, I also planned on taking a vacation, study more and spend time with my parents, I intend to achieve higher heights in my career and putting God first is my top priority”.

Mark Gittens - Construction Worker (Georgetown) “Since I know myself all the years I’ve never had any bad behaviour in any way at all and I don’t drink or smoke, I am a family man and a father of six so my resolution is to try to complete my house and make my family happy”.

Verona Khemraj – Selfemployed (Essequibo) “I plan to take good care of my family and myself, observing good health practices. I will keep God close; I also want to be a better person than I was last year, making fewer mistakes”.

Ariana Rookmin Private Sector employee (Essequibo) “For 2016 I have high expectations, I plan to put myself first and to take a vacation. I want to be more religious and elevate myself career wise, I also wish for a prosperous life for me and my family”.

Bibi Hamid - Sales Rep (Georgetown) “I don’t make plans, I go along with life. Whatever comes I try to work my way around, make any rectification if there’s any need to and accept things that I cannot change. That’s how I go along, because when we make plans the devil tends to step in the way. I believe in God’s will and if we can change situations to better things for ourselves and for others then we should do it”.

Trotman – Electrician (Georgetown) “I don’t make resolutions as long as there is life; I thank the Father for another day every day, I haven’t been able to achieve my own home so for the New Year I ask God to show me a way to achieve that with health and strength”.

Calixte Williams - Transmission Operator (Linden) “Better health practices. People usually say that they’re going to do this or that as their New Year resolution but mostly I think that people need to look at themselves in terms of good health and focus on bettering their health than the previous years, because without proper health it’s like you don’t have anything. So I think people should try to achieve better health in the New Year in terms of trying to exercise, using more water and things like that. That is just a resolution I was thinking about for myself, focusing on better health”.

Byron Forde - Photographer (New Amsterdam) “I am hoping to build my own home in 2016. I want to start the fencing in January so as to get a move ahead on the dream of every man; to own a home for his family. I have resolved that by the end of 2016 I will have my own home.

“In 2015 my resolution was to be more successful in business and I had planned to achieve more things. Now I can say that for this year I was able to achieve most of my goals, so for 2016 my goal is to get my own house.”

Alexis Rhobe - Police officer (Berbice) “My number one goal for 2016 is to get closer to God. I have discovered that I have been moving away from him. I know if I draw close to God everything will fall in place and I will get to achieve all my other goals.

“I am hoping to start university in the coming year and purchase a car of my own, but I know that I have to put God first and I will be successful. For last year, I did not have any resolution because I was in college from December until March of this year, so I had no time to focus on that.”

Godwyn Allicock - Businessman (Berbice) “For 2016, I am hoping to have a closer relationship with my family and also with my God because with him all things are possible. During the coming year I am hoping to also achieve the goal of ensuring that our sports is played in Berbice. I plan to lobby at every level for out sportsmen and women in Berbice to be given the recognition they deserve when they perform well and to get the government to pay more attention on the development of sports in Berbice.”

17 Hundreds stranded in Essequibo River as ferries run aground on sand bank news

monday, december 28, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Speed boat rescuing passengers to Parika

Tornadoes leave 11 dead in Texas

H

M V Malali stuck in the middle of the river

undreds of passengers, including vehicle owners along with their vehicles, were left stranded for hours in the middle of the Essequibo River on Sunday, sparking fear, frustration and even anger among those affected.

Up to press time, a number of vehicle owners and their transports had not yet been rescued.

Guyana Times understands that the MV Kanawan and the MV Malali, which ply the Region Two-Region Three route both ran aground at the Chalmers (Hog Island) area.

Reports are that MV Kanawan had departed the Supenaam Stelling with hundreds of passengers around midday (12:00h) on Sunday heading for Parika, Region Three when it ran aground.

It was revealed that this took place as a result of low tide coupled with engine failure.

This newspaper was told that upon learning of the situation the relevant au-

thorities dispatched the MV Malali to render assistance but unfortunately, it met the same fate as the other ferry.

As such, officers from the Public Infrastructure Ministry were forced to utilise another ferry, the MV Sabanto to transport passengers along the Region Two-Region Three route for the 16:00h scheduled trip.

By that time, there was a build-up of vehicles and passengers waiting at the stelling to travel and with only a limited number of persons and vehicles being allowed to travel per trip, some of the passengers had to be left behind.

Pandemonium broke out as scores of persons were seen hustling and bustling to secure tickets on the MV Sabanto.

Owing to the other two ferries being stuck in the Essequibo River, the MV Sabanto had to complete all the trips.

According to information received, around 17:00h, passengers travelling on the MV Sabanto could see the

MV Kanawan still stuck in the same spot where it had been for hours.

Reports indicate that the MV Sabanto will have to rescue the stranded passengers who were en route to Parika, but it is still unclear as to when this rescue mission will take place.

Andy Jaglall, a passenger who was on the MV Kanwan said around 17:30h, some speedboat operators came to rescue the stranded passengers.

He said that persons were transported “free of cost” by the kind-hearted speedboat operators to the stelling at Parika. Children and mothers were treated as a priority in this rescue.

Guyana Times also understands that several vehicle owners are still stranded and the captains of the vessels are waiting for the change in the tide.

Meanwhile, a number of vehicle owners have expressed their disgust over the situation, with many noting that they have perishable items on the boat.

Trinidad and Tobago Central Bank Governor fired

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mbattled Governor of the Central Bank, Jwala Rambarran has been fired after weeks of controversy surrounding his announcement that the twin-island republic was officially in a recession and disclosing the names of companies that were the biggest foreign exchange buyers.

Former Bank Deputy Governor Alvin Hilaire has been named as his replacement.

Rambarran was sent home on a recommendation from Cabinet, Finance Minister Colm Imbert said.

Acting President Christine Kangaloo signed off on the dismissal in the absence of President Anthony Carmona who is overseas.

“Cabinet took the decision after very careful deliberations,” Imbert said.

The Minister was among those who harshly criticised Rambarran for the statements he made as he ad-

E

leven people have been killed in tornadoes in Texas, Police say, with heavy rain and snow causing deaths and disruption in a number of other states.

At least eight people died in Garland, near Dallas, five of them when their cars were blown off a motorway.

In west Texas, snow combined with high winds to cause drifts that left a number of roads impassable.

Heavy rains have caused flooding further north, leaving 12 people dead in Missouri and Illinois.

Total devastation

Reports from Texas said churches were destroyed, cars mangled and trees toppled across a 64-kilometre (20-mile) zone from south of Dallas up to suburbs in the north-east.

Garland Police believed that tornado-strength winds late on Saturday were the cause of car accidents, Melinda Urbina, from the Dallas County Sheriff’s office, told the BBC. Urbina said the winds “tossed cars around” and vehicles were later found below Interstate 30, about 24km (15 miles) northeast of Dallas. She urged lo-

Police said some 600 buildings had been damaged in the Dallas area

cal residents to stay off the roads.

In a Sunday morning briefing, Lieutenant Pedro Barineau, of Garland Police, said 600 buildings had been damaged.

“It is total devastation,” he said.

The Red Cross is setting up shelters for those with damaged homes.

Kevin Taylor, a church Pastor in Glenn Heights, south of Dallas, described to WFAA how his church began collapsing around him.

“Doors began to turn inward, when I saw that I figured the glass was going to shatter and hit me in the face, so I broke and ran

down the hallway and by the time I got just a few feet everything collapsed and went dark and fell on top of me,” he said, adding: “By the grace of God I’m here though.”

Some 25,000 people were without power on Sunday morning.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has declared Dallas County and three other counties disaster areas.

He warned the death toll could rise.

The National Weather Service confirmed that several tornadoes had touched down near Dallas and other towns in northern Texas.

(Excerpt from BBC.com)

Zika virus confirmed in Martinique, PAHO reports

M Jwala Rambarran

dressed the Fifth Monetary Policy Forum on December 4. He said the Governor was “discourteous” for making the announcement before communicating the situation to Government first, in keeping with the Central Bank Act. And the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce had accused Rambarran of betraying

business’ confidence by giving the details of foreign exchange purchasers.

Former Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who appointed Rambarran three years ago amid criticism that he was chosen over officials with better qualifications, accused the People’s National Movement (PNM) Administration of victimisation. (Caribbean 360)

artinique has become the latest Caribbean island to report the Zika virus (ZIKV), according to the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO).

In its latest epidemiological report for the week of December 20 to 26, PAHO added Martinique as well as the French overseas territory of Guiana to the list of countries where there have been confirmed cases of the mosquito-borne virus.

It did not give any details about the number of cases or status of the patients.

Suriname remains the only Caribbean Community (Caricom) territory on the list. Health authorities in several Caribbean nations have indicated they are on high alert, putting all necessary measures in place to

prepare for the possibility of the ZIKV reaching their shores.

ZIKV causes Zika fever, which is very similar to dengue fever and chikungunya. Symptoms include fever, muscle and joint pain, headache, nausea, eyeball pain, inflammation of the eye, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdom-

inal pain, weakness, swelling of the lower limbs, and a rash consisting of small bumps.

PAHO says one out of four people may not develop symptoms, but in those who are affected the disease is usually mild with symptoms that can last between two and seven days. (Caribbean 360)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

monday, DECember 28, 2015

ARCHIE

If someone is giving you a hard time, the best way (March 21- to handle the situation is to April 19) present yourself and what you do with confidence. Put your best foot forward.

ARIES

Give friends and loved TAURUS ones your undivided atten(April 20- tion. Sharing ideas and makMay 20) ing social plans will boost your morale and inspire you to do well. Focus on activities that give you pleasure.

dilbert

Reminiscing can be enGEMINI (May 21- lightening, but don’t live in June 20) the past. It’s important to learn from experience so that you can move forward in a positive manner.

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Peanuts

Don’t let a physical challenge tire you out. It’s important to take care of your health. Use your intelligence to ward off any negative influences or argumentative people.

Put an end to old habLEO its. Find something you en(July 23joy doing that will contribute Aug. 22) to your health and wellness.

Once you get started, it will be easy to reach your set goal.

Calvin and Hobbes

Mix and mingle. Listen VIRGO and contribute. You have a (Aug. 23lot to give and plenty to gain Sept. 22) if you participate in events that offer both personal incentives and a different point of view.

Pace your every move and LIBRA (Sept. 23- keep your opinions to yourOct. 23) self. Avoiding an altercation with someone is in your best interest. Use your energy to make personal physical improvements.

SUDOKU

Whatever you do, give it SCORPIO your all. Put your skills and (Oct. 24knowledge to the test and ofNov. 22) fer to do something extraordinary for a friend, relative or loved one.

Invest more time and efSAGITTARIUS fort into honing your skills (Nov. 23- and planning your next move.

Dec. 21) You can bring about positive change, but first you have to have everything in place.

solution for Last Published Puzzle

You will be appreciated CAPRICORN and rewarded for all the little (Dec. 22- extras you do for friends and Jan. 19) relatives. You’ll be offered information that will benefit a cherished cause.

AQUARIUS Make your health a priori(Jan. 20- ty. Sign up for something that Feb. 19) will challenge you physically.

Express the way you feel in order to resolve a matter that concerns you.

Check in with people from PISCES (Feb. 20- your past who you feel can March 20) contribute to something that you want to pursue. Help is just a phone call or email away. Romance is highlighted.

monday, december 28, 2015

Stag Super XVI

19

NBA Roundup

Semifinal action set for 76ers get rare win Tuesday evening A T

who were trying for back-toback wins a night after winning at Oklahoma City.

Trail Blazers 105, Cavaliers 76

he final two teams to do battle in the Stag Super XVI football tournament will be decided on Tuesday evening when semifinal action in held at the Golden Grove ground.

Defending champions Grove Hi Tech faces Victoria Kings in the feature game preceded by a clash between last year’s beaten finalist, Ann’s Grove and Mahaica Determinators.

Meanwhile following the final set of quarter final matches on Boxing Night at the Golden Grove ground, Victoria Kings got past Uitvlugt 1-0 sealing a semifinal berth after Ann’s Grove set the tone for East Coast teams with a 4-0 win over Beavers of West Demerara.

According to a press release, Kings, which lost to Ann’s Grove on penalty kicks at this stage of the tournament last year after a 1-1 tie in regulation time, made no mistake this time around but were pushed all the way by a determined Uitvlugt side.

It was the second 1-0 result for Victoria Kings who had gotten past another West Demerara side, Stewartville in their round of 16 clash and it was also Alden Lawrence who netted the winner, back to back for the Kings.

The game was keenly contested as both sides proved that they earned the right to contest by virtue of playing good football but it was the Kings, once regard-

Shafeer Sanichar (left) and Anil Hernandez

ed as the most lethal knockout side in Guyana that prevailed in the end.

In the home straight, when the match seemed destined for extra time, Lawrence pulled one out of the bag to rock the back of the nets deflating the West Side steam in the process as neither team was able to score again which meant that the Kings earned a final four date with Grove Hi Tech tomorrow night.

The opening game saw Ann’s Grove making light work of Beavers who had recorded an impressive 6-2 win over Herstelling Raiders.

This time around, Beavers could not find the nets as Ann’s Grove hut them out.

Before the end of the first half it was virtually done and dusted with the score reading 3-0. Goals

were scored compliments of Andrew Murray in the 22nd minute, Kellon Barry in the 35th and Anil Hernandez in the 42nd minute.The sealer came off the boot of Shafeer Sanichar in the 53rd minute.

The final four teams are all guaranteed some cash but who walks away with the chance to play in the final come New Year’s Night will be known after the dust is settled tomorrow evening.

Only two of the four teams will have that chance and only one of the two will be celebrating victory of sealing 1.5million dollars with $500,000 at stake for the losing finalist.

Tuesday night’s losers will clash in the third and fourth place playoff with $300,000 and $200,000 respectively, at stake.

llen Crabbe scored a career-high 26 points, and Portland held LeBron James to just 12 points.

Crabbe scored 21 in the first half, helping Portland (12-20) stop a five-game losing streak. He was 4 for 6 from 3-point range for the night.

C.J. McCollum had 16 points for the Trail Blazers, while Mason Plumlee had 11 points and 14 rebounds.

James missed his first four shots, had six points at halftime and didn’t play in the fourth quarter. He matched his season-low scoring total.

Kevin Love had 13 points for Cleveland, which was coming off an 89-83 loss at Golden State on Christmas.

76Ers 111, Suns 104

Isaiah Canaan scored 22 points, reserve Nik Stauskas had 17 and the lowly Philadelphia 76ers beat the Phoenix Suns 111104 on Saturday night for their second victory of the season.

Carl Landry added 16 points as Philadelphia (230) snapped a 12-game losing streak with its first win since Dec. 1. The 76ers also stopped a 23-game road slide dating to last season.

Former Suns guard Ish Smith, who was acquired in a trade with New Orleans on Christmas Eve, scored 14 points in a starting role.

Nerlens Noel added 14 points and 11 rebounds.

The Suns lost leading scorer Eric Bledsoe to

Clippers 109, Jazz 104

Isaiah Canaan

a sprained left knee in the first half. The team said he would go for an MRI. Brandon Knight led Phoenix with 21 points.

Devin Booker scored 19 points, and Jon Leuer had 14 points and nine rebounds.

The Suns have lost four in a row and six of seven.

Mavericks 118, Bulls 111

J.J. Barea made a career-high seven 3-pointers and finished with 26 points coming off his first 30-point game, powering the Mavericks to the win.

Derrick Rose led the Bulls with 25 points, including nine in the fourth quarter, but had a key turnover before getting called for a 5-second violation when Chicago had a chance to tie in the final 11 seconds.

Dirk Nowitzki scored 16 points in his first home game since passing Shaquille O’Neal on the career scoring list, and Zaza Pachulia had 17 points and 12 rebounds.

Barea was 7 for 8 from beyond the arc.

Nikola Mirotic had 23 points, seven rebounds and three blocks for the Bulls,

Playing without an injured Blake Griffin, J.J. Redick scored 25 points and Paul Pierce had 20 to lead the Clippers to the road victory.

The Clippers learned before the game that Griffin, their leading scorer, had a partially torn left quadriceps tendon and is expected to miss at least two weeks.

Chris Paul scored 19 points and DeAndre Jordan added 14 points and 13 rebounds for the Clippers, who won their second straight game after losing three in a row.

Gordon Hayward scored 28 points for Utah.

Pelicans 110, Rockets 108

Anthony Davis had 24 points, 13 rebounds and three blocked shots for New Orleans, and Tyreke Evans stole Trevor Ariza’s inbounds pass in the final seconds.

Eric Gordon scored 26 for the Pelicans, hitting six 3-pointers as New Orleans shot 13 of 24 from long range. Ryan Anderson scored 16, and Evans finished with 11 points and 13 assists.

James Harden scored 25 points for Houston. His final basket was a 3 that tied it at 108 with 2:27 left.

Ariza and Patrick Beverley each had 16 points for Houston. (Herald Sport)

Shah tests positive for banned substance Perera faces 4-year ban after B sample tests positive S P akistan legspinner Yasir Shah has been provisionally suspended under the ICC’s anti-doping code for testing positive for a banned substance. A sample taken from Yasir on November 13, when Pakistan played an ODI against England in Abu Dhabi, was found to contain chlortalidone, which is on WADA’s prohibited list of diuretics and masking agents.

While he is provisionally suspended, Yasir cannot play - or be involved in any capacity in - international matches, and games organised by any national cricket board or its affiliated members. He can request for his B sample to be tested, and if

that test does not confirm a positive result then the entire test will be considered negative and the suspension will be lifted with immediate

Yasir Shah

effect.

Yasir can also request for a hearing before an anti-doping tribunal through a written application that must

be received by the anti-doping manager within 14 days.

Should he want a hearing, Yasir must state in his application how he responds to the charge and his explanation for the same.

Yasir, 29, has become a key member of the Pakistan team since debuting in Test cricket in October 2014.

Currently ranked No. 4 in the Test bowlers rankings, he has 76 wickets from 12 Tests at 24.17. Forty-nine of those wickets have come in 2015, making him the fourth-highest Test wicket-taker overall this year till date.

Pakistan’s next international assignment is a limited-overs tour of New Zealand in January. (Cricinfo)

ri Lanka wicketkeeper batsman Kusal Perera, who tested positive for a banned substance in early December, may face a lengthy ban from international cricket with his B sample understood to have also tested positive.

Perera had to be cut from Sri Lanka’s tour to New Zealand after a random test conducted in October came out positive for a banned substance. He had the right to request analysis of a second sample, taken at the same time, but ESPNcricinfo learnt the results of the B sample matched his A sample.

The ICC is yet to comment on the matter considering it is an ongoing disciplinary process. Although no official penalty has been an-

Kusal Perera

nounced yet Perera can be suspended for a maximum of four years for the failed tests.

The ICC had served Kusal with a provisional suspension on December 7 after tests conducted on the A sample came out positive. According to the ICC’s Anti-Doping Code, a player has 14 days to request a hearing before

an independent three-person Anti-Doping Tribunal.

Failing that, implies the player “shall have been deemed to have admitted that he/ she has committed the antidoping rule violation(s) specified in the Notice of Charge” and to have accepted the consequences specified in that Notice of Charge.

Sri lanka’s sports minister Dayasiri Jayasekera told reporters today that, “We are appealing against this because he was never found like this in the last four instances. We will back him with legal representation while doing every possible effort to help him to get out of this issue.”

Neither the ICC nor SLC have confirmed what the banned substance is. (Cricinfo)

20

guyanatimesGY.com

monday, december 28, 2015

NAGICO Super50

Motie looking to transfer form to 50-over format

By Akeem Greene

A

t the age of 20 years, 273 days, Gudakesh Motie has been rocking the headlines in regional cricket for the past two months.

Motie, who made his First-Class debut in the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) FourDay Professional Cricket League, was a standout and undoubtedly a major reason for Guyana sitting comfortably at the top of the points table after winning all their games to date.

When Guyana Times Sport spoke to the talented left-arm spinner after a day in the field of the ongoing NAGICO Super50 training at the Georgetown Cricket Club, Motie expressed his jubilance over the a superb season: “I’m very happy with my performance; it was a good experience for me playing with the senior guys like [Veerasammy] Permaul and [Leon] Johnson who shared

Gudakesh Motie

a lot of experience with me on how the pitch is playing at varying times.”

Now with the change in format and new challenges to face, the young spinner is not daunted by the task ahead and is confident he can make the necessary adjustments to the shorter version of the game.

Quizzed about the need for changes, if any, to his

game, he said, “No major changes needed. I need to adjust to the conditions presented and bowl as per normal.” However, he hinted that he was currently working on his “arm ball” and having more variations.

In his five First-Class matches, Motie has snared 34 wickets at an astounding average of 11.73; he already has five five-wicket hauls and one match haul of 11105.

In Guyana’s last game against Jamaica at Sabina Park, he was the chief destroyer in the second innings, picking up 6-33 to help Guyana Jaguars win by 117 runs. Motie is no stranger to taking a large number of wickets, as in 2012, he was the leading wicket taker both for the Guyana Under-19 team and in the Regional Under-19 Three-Day Tournament overall, taking a total of 27 wickets for 15.22 runs each, with an innings best of 7-31.

With respect to his recent performance, Motie

said: “I felt very happy, from my first five haul, everything began to feel normal and then it was like usual work.”

Playing Four-Day cricket meant there was a big jump in terms of fitness as longer bowling spells were required, but Motie said this was not a major issue since he was bowling long spells at the Under-19 level.

Admirably, despite his commendable achievements, he is already looking to find areas of improvement, as he stated: “I’m looking forward to next season with the hope to better this season.”

An orthodox left-arm spinner, his bowling has improved tremendously and some pundits of the game will argue that the experiences of playing alongside Veerasammy Permaul and Devendra Bishoo for Albion Sports Club in Berbice are major factors in his success. (akeemg@guyanatimesgy.com)

Broad keeps pressure on SA as Elgar shows bottle

Stuart Broad struck with the second ball of the innings (Getty Images)

L

ed by Stuart Broad, England kept the pressure on a fragile South Africa batting line-up to leave the opening Test fascinatingly poised after two days in Durban. Broad’s three wickets, including the kingpins of Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers, coupled with a valuable scalp for Moeen Ali left South Africa 137 for 4 in reply to England’s hard-fought 303 From 247 for 5, England would have envisaged more than what they ended with but Morne Morkel blew a hole in the much-vaunted lower-order strength with three wickets in six balls. A last-wicket stand of 36, with Broad finishing unbeaten on 32, ensured the innings did not completely crumble and the contest was even again when Broad extracted two wickets in his first spell to leave South Africa 14 for 2.

Broad later returned to

find the edge of a threatening de Villiers, ending a third-wicket stand of 86 with Dean Elgar, and Faf du Plessis paid for an ugly swipe against Moeen. Elgar glued South Africa together with an unbeaten 67, although he would have been lbw on 58 had England reviewed an lbw shout from Ben Stokes, and Temba Bavuma held firm during the closing moments of a day where 11 overs were lost despite an early start.

Leading the attack in the absence of James Anderson, it took Broad just two deliveries to make his first mark on the innings when, starting around the wicket in a clear piece of pre-series planning, he angled a delivery back into Stiaan van Zyl, who misjudged the line horribly and had his off stump smashed.

The out-of-form Amla was given a working over

and fell to arguably the third chance he gave in a difficult 24-ball stay. Evidence suggested that he offered a very thin edge off Broad on 1, which was not given or reviewed, and then he provided a clear chance on 2 when he nicked Chris Woakes but Jonny Bairstow grassed the chance diving in front of first slip. However, Broad produced a beautiful legcutter to nick the edge again and this time Bairstow snaffled a regulation chance.

The early wickets meant the ball was still hard when de Villiers entered at No. 4 and he survived a close call on 11 when a leading edge against Steven Finn was ruled not to have carried to Stokes in the gully. Stokes dived forward for the catch and after initially claiming it indicated his uncertainty; the soft signal from the onfield umpires was not out and, as so often in such cir-

cumstances, it was not overruled on the TV evidence.

De Villiers played himself in either side of tea and there were signs of him starting to dominate when he lofted Moeen straight for six.

However, he was outfoxed by a cunning piece of bowling by Broad who rolled his fingers across another legcutter, which moved just enough to find the outside edge.

Broad, though, needed some wicket-taking assistance to chip away at South Africa. Woakes and Finn both bowled excellent spells Woakes’ pace was eye-catching as he nudged 90mph but it was Moeen who nipped in when du Plessis, perhaps carrying the residual baggage from India, came down the pitch and missed a swipe across the line. For a moment it appeared Bairstow had missed a stumping chance, but the ball grazed the bail with just enough force to dislodge it although there was the curious sight of a bowled dismissal being referred to the third umpire. (Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD England 1st innings 303 South Africa 1st innings S van Zyl b Broad 0 D Elgar not out 67 HM Amla* c †Bairstow b Broad 7 AB de Villiers† c †Bairstow b Broad 49 F du Plessis b Ali 2 T Bavuma not out 10 Extras (lb 1, w 1) 2 Total (4 wickets; 52 overs) 137 To bat: JP Duminy, KJ Abbott, M Morkel, DL Piedt, DW Steyn Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-14, 3-100, 4-113 Bowling: SCJ Broad 10-5-16-3, CR Woakes 11-1-22-0, MM Ali 13-0-45-1, ST Finn 10-1-34-0, BA Stokes 7-1-19-0, JE Root 1-1-0-0.

Guyana’s basketball missing its fans

By Treiston Joseph

T

he Cliff Anderson Sports Hall is the home of basketball; in fact, it is the Mecca of the sport.

When we hear Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, we think basketball; yet, the facility in its latest renovation in 2014 had Treiston Joseph been designed to host a number of sport disciplines such as volleyball, badminton, futsal, and hockey, and whenever needed is transformed into a boxing arena – a multipurpose facility indeed.

Nevertheless, it does not stop us from immediately thinking basketball is the main purpose of the facility, especially since Guyana held the first-ever Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Championships in 1981 at this very facility.

In fact, former President of the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF), John Yates is credited as the founder of the CBC championships in 1981 which was then known as the CARICOM basketball championships.

In addition, Yates and former President of the Guyana Basketball Official Council (GBOC), Cecil Chin were the only two qualified FIBA referees for the firstever edition of the CBC Championships.

Guyana would also go on to hold the championships on two more occasions, in 1988 and 1994, and would have their highest placing in 1994 when they finished second in the championship game right at the Sports Hall when basketball was definitely on the up and up.

With such a rich history and the growth of the sport due to the ever-popular US National Basketball Association (NBA), one would believe that Guyana is home to a proud fan base of the sport of basketball.

Well, think again, while Guyanese basketball fans are glued to the NBA games, the sport locally continues to dwindle with lack of fan support and more importantly, the lack of sponsorship support as well.

Gone are the days when the Sports Hall is sold out for a basketball event; basketball is now held with less than 100 persons, most of whom are players being fans in the stands.

It leaves one to ask the question, why such a trickle of support for a sport that has become one of the world’s global phenomena behind soccer and athletics?

A few reasons can be posited: 1) the drop in talent level, not knocking any of today’s players but gone are the days when the likes of Andrew “Mr Dunk” Ifill would be finishing authoritatively at the rim or when Lugard Mohan would use his swift crossovers to find space for a smooth mid-range jumper that he hit with consistency; 2) the poor administration that has plagued the sport for the past decade, again not knocking this current administration that has done positive things in order to rejuvenate the sport.

Nevertheless, the sport needs the fans in order to provide that conducive atmosphere for players to perform at their optimum. To have futsal, a sport that is not aligned with the Sports Hall, filling the bleachers speaks volumes of all stakeholders that promote the game.

Sponsors will need to play their role, along with the administrators and players, if the game is to ever, see a rise in their production and, most of all, fill the Sports Hall for its main purpose which is a basketball game.

sports

YELLOW PAGES

Simmons praises Holder’s resolve

monday, december 28, 2015

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Jason Holder

H

ead coach Phil Simmons has praised Captain Jason Holder for the way he has handled the constant pressure on the ongoing three-Test tour against Australia.

The tour has been a calamity so far for West Indies on the field, resulting in fierce criticism of players and Caribbean cricket in general, from Australian media and television pundits.

However, Simmons said the 24-year-old Holder had faced up to the challenges well and was displaying all the attributes of a good leader.

“Jason has an amazing ability to leave the pressure on the field and I think that is one of his strong points,” Simmons told media here.

“When he comes off the field he knows there’s pressure on him as captain and there are things to do but

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he’s able to relax – if you can say relax – when he comes off and think about things rationally.”

Holder has led West Indies in only three Tests following his appointment last September, after wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin was sacked.

He endured a baptism of fire in Sri Lanka as the Windies lost both Tests and his painful initiation continued when West Indies were

Phil Simmons

hammered by an innings and 212 runs in the first Test in Hobart a fortnight ago.

Despite this, Simmons said Holder had remained focussed and was taking everything in stride.

“He knows there’s a lot of pressure from being West Indies captain and he’s taken to it like a duck to water. He knows what he has to do,” the Trinidadian explained.

“He speaks his mind to

the players when they don’t do what he expects them to do – which is what I expect of a captain – and he praises everybody when they do well so I think he has the right attributes and he’s coping with the pressure really well.”

Simmons, a former West Indies all-rounder, said Holder had been helped by advice from among the playing squad and the support staff – especially chairman of selectors Clive Lloyd who arrived here last week.

“He’s getting a lot of help.

On the field you can see help especially from Jerome Taylor in the changing of bowlers and talking to bowlers and things like that and off the field from the coaching staff,” Simmons noted.

“I’m sure he’s getting help from someone like Clive Lloyd. I’m sure he’s speaking to him because as one of the greatest captains we’ve had, he would’ve gotten a lot of advice from Clive too.

“I always think having Lloydie (Clive Lloyd) around is a good thing because guys go speak to him one-on-one and even in the nets at the back end, you can see him speaking to [players] so I think it’s a good thing to have him here.”

West Indies faced Australia in the second Test starting last night at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

(Trinidad Guardian)

Double Dutch for United, Chelsea in eerie showdown

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anchester United against Chelsea has often been a seminal fixture in deciding the destiny of the Premier League title in recent years but Monday’s clash at Old Trafford has a very different backdrop.

United have slipped to sixth in the standings following three successive defeats while champions Chelsea languish in 15th place after a dismal start to the campaign that brought about the dismissal of their manager Jose Mourinho last week.

Louis van Gaal hinted after United’s feeble 2-0 loss at Stoke City on Saturday that he could quit before being forced to relinquish the hot seat and the game against Chelsea, managed by his Dutch compatriot Guus Hiddink, could well be his last.

That Mourinho has been strongly linked with a move to Old Trafford adds another intriguing sub-plot to the game and the United players know they must step up.

“It’s Manchester United we are playing for, it’s a special club and it’s a privilege to play. We need to do better, it’s as simple as that,” midfielder Michael Carrick said after the Stoke game.

General view of the new South Stand at the Etihad Stadium during the game. (Reuters photo)

“We have got another game quickly to get ourselves ready for and we have got to stand up and be ready for that.”

Hiddink led Chelsea to an unconvincing 2-2 home draw with Watford in his first game in charge.

“Every Chelsea versus Manchester United game is big but this one is especially of course,” he said.

“I hope we can show the same ambition there that we showed in a big part of this game.”

Chelsea did fight back from 2-1 down against Watford thanks to two goals from striker Diego Costa who will miss the United game due to suspension.

Van Gaal left his cap-

tain Wayne Rooney on the substitutes’ bench against Stoke and his introduction prompted an improved performance after a shambolic first half in which the hosts scored twice.

The England striker has endured a frustrating season in a team that has failed to play with any of the attacking brio that brought United 13 Premier League titles under manager Alex Ferguson.

That conservative style has turned the United fans against Van Gaal more than the disappointing results and if they fail to beat Chelsea it is highly likely that the club will be taking a third shot at finding a worthy successor to Ferguson. (Reuters Sport)

22 Supreme Christmas Electronic timing for swimming LABA/Malta basketball semifinal and track facilities in 2016 Unpredictable clashes set for tonight guyanatimesGY.com

monday, december 28, 2015

Guyana’s Olympic-size pool at Liliendaal

By Akeem Greene

T

he swimming and athletics fraternities will be pleased to know that come next year, a more efficient system of electronic timing is on the cards to be implemented at the Track and Field Facility at Leonora and the National Aquatic Centre at Liliendaal.

This disclosure was made by Director of Sport, Christopher Jones. When Guyana Times Sport spoke to the Director of Sport, he explained that there were plans in place to have the necessary infrastructure to host such devices.

The Track and Field Facility at Leonora, West Coast Demerara, currently has a Fully Automatic Time (FAT) system, but lacks the correct infrastructure for it to be displayed to the public.

Jones said: “I have met with Mr [Aubrey] Hutson (Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) President); he is in possession of the equipment, but the infrastructure needs to be built so that the clock could be mounted.”

Hutson, when interviewed about the matter, said he welcomed the devel-

opment as it was important to have the system mounted. The AAG President revealed that the body had encountered some issues with the electronic timing at the recent Joint Services Meet, and there was a need for persons to be trained in handling the equipment. “There is a lack of personnel as it regards the use of the equipment and need for training.

We had had Allan Baboolall

from Trinidad and Tobago coming to do some training, but there is a need for more.”

The AAG President further alluded to the fact that athletes wishing to qualify for international sprint events (100m, 200m & 400m) must be electronically timed according to the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) rules. Huston ended by saying that “having

the system fully integrated would be something great for the sport in Guyana”.

As it regards the National Aquatic Centre at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, the Director said: “We are pursuing similar works with the intention of getting electronic timing at the Aquatic Centre; however, those negotiations have not started as yet and we are looking to pursue that going into 2016.”

Recently, Swimming Coach Sean Baksh had made a call for the 50-metre (Olympic-size) pool to be fitted with an electronic timer, as manual timings may not be totally accurate.

Guyana is scheduled to host the 2018 CARIFTA games, and a meet of that magnitude would need electronic timing. The Coach is adamant that an electronic timer gives more accurate timings and creates a more professional environment. (akeemg@guyanatimesgy. com)

The National Track and Field Centre at Leonora

UDFA GT Beer quarterfinals

Shattas top Kwakwani on penalties

– Topp XX coast to 3-0 win over Trainline

O

n another good night for football fans in Linden, home team Silver Shattas defeated Kwawkani Strikers 4-3 on penalty kicks while Topp XX netted three second half goals to eliminate Trainline 3-0 when the Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA) GT Beer year ending soccer championship continued on Saturday night at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground.

The first game of the night saw neither sides being able to score in open play and after regulation time, the extra period of play was taken as both teams were still unable to score.

With penalty kicks left to decide the winner, Shattas were able to emerge win-

Jesse Ward

ners as they connected with their last two shots, after missing their first and scoring their second and thus conversely the Kwakwani Strikers were on target with their first three, but failing in their last two when the game was on the line.

In the circumstances Jesse Ward got the final shot in for Shattas and sent his team through to the semifinal stage.

The second game went easily in favour of Topp XX over their opponents even after a scoreless first half.

The Topp XX unit in their first game of the tournament created more chances than their opponents but did not deliver. In one instance striker Shawn ‘Daniels’ was unable to find the back of the net when his left shot volley landed on the right upright within the first fifteen minutes of play.

However, the fortunes for Topp XX would change and with former National Under-23 player Travis Waterton being involved in the goals for Topp XX. The first goal for Topp XX came as Waterton made his move inside the 18 yards box where he was brought down and Waterton easi-

ly banged home the penalty in the 54th minute. Goal number two came when he made another inroad motoring through to receive a long ball, beating the advancing opposing goalkeeper, to score for Topp XX’s 2-0 advantage.

When the inspirational Collie Hercules came on in the second half, he decided against moving forward after collecting a pass, pushed it back to Waterton who then squared a pass that was collected by Keon Hall.

The slimly built Hall released a quick-fire shot which zoomed past the startled Trainline defenders who could only watch the ball hit the back of the net as top XX coasted eventually to a 3-0 win and into the semifinals with Silver Shattas.

I

Neil Marks

t will be hard to predict tonight’s outcome as the semifinals of this year’s Linden Amateur Basketball Association (LABA)/Malta Supreme Christmas Open basketball championship semifinals are played at the Mackenzie Sports Club hard court.

The Retrieve Raiders, a team with an unblemished record will put their perfect run at risk when they face the bigger Amelia’s Ward Jets in the first game while the Half Mile Bulls, having been ranked second after the preliminary round will want to repeat by beating the Victory Valley Royals and advance to the final.

However, lots of questions are going to be asked.

Can the Raiders maintain that unbeaten streak with another win against the Jets who they beat 49-46 earlier?

That will depend on which Raiders side shows up. The Raiders are going to include overseasbased power forward Louis Webster in their starting lineup. He was an immediate plus as he joined with former national power forward Dwayne ‘Brown Sugar‘ Roberts to add a one-two punch to the front court game of the Raiders.

Captain Neil Marks will play a pivotal role with his bundle of experience to this talented Raiders team.

National guard Keon Cameron should learn from the fellow backcourt and former national guard Marvin Hartman on how to control the play and once Abdulla Hamid can maintain his effectiveness as the man on the sidelines calling plays, then Raiders should prevail.

Nevertheless, their rivals the Jets bring a totally different proposition to this encounter. Their inside game is second to none once the Websters can get their way inside. Allister, Adrian and Joel all have what it takes for the Jets to play the half-court offense

game but their shooting national guard Orrin Rose can turn things around in a jiffy, with his outside bombs while leaper Parris Cadogan will be asked to get the offense going.

Meanwhile the second game is between the number two rated Half Mile Bulls who only went down to the Raiders but topped the third ranked Royals 57-52 even though that game was not an easy one for them. The Bulls best chances rest with their current national players in back-court trio Terron Welch, Dennis Niles and Michael Turner.

They bring separate dimensions to this side as Welch can connect from beyond the arc with frequency and Niles is both dangerous inside and from mid-range, while Turner is a slashing winger.

The additional play of Keifer Tappin will extend the quality of the back court players for the Bulls.

With the experienced Shane Lewis battling inside and Kelvin Easton being dangerous from outside are important cogs in this Bulls side and once they can acquire the services of Travin Dryden they can come out victorious again

Terron Welch

against the Royals.

On the other hand, the Royals are brimming with confidence that their best player national small forward Harold Adams can now look to power forward Lawrence ‘Bolo’ Dacosta for the kind of pounding inside that was lacking in the Royals camp.

The Royals guard duties will rests on the former junior national Marlon Pollydore and the competent Alwyn Rodney, while much will be expected from Dwight Cooper in the paint. The Bulls will come running but the Royals should ensure that the game is played to their tempo and not get carried away trying to match their opponents and employ a half-court game and pick their plays according to the situation.

guyanatimesGY.com

monday, december 26, 2015

Rose Hall Jammers boxers get assistance

Nazar Sulaiman presenting boxing gear to Coach of Jammers Boxing Gym, Gregory “Chassie” Cort, while some of the boxers savour the moment

B

oxers in Berbice are now in a better position to train for fights.

This follows a donation of boxing equipment to the Rose Hall Jammers Boxing Gym by overseas-based Guyanese Nazar Sulaiman.

The 62-year-old Masters amateur boxer made the presentation to Coach of the gym, Gregory “Chassie” Cort. Among the items do-

nated were punching bags; boxing gloves of various sizes; head, seed and other types of guards; pads; raps; boots; speed balls; skipping ropes, and trunks.

A number of young boxers from the club were present at the ceremony and donned some of the gear.

Sulaiman, who is a union representative in the USA, also runs a charity where-

by on a regular basis he returns home and makes donations to various charities and homes.

Speaking with Guyana Times Sport, the veteran boxer said that all he wanted was to assist boxers out of the Ancient County to realise their dreams by providing much-needed gear and uniforms. He also plans to assist them financially

whenever the need arises.

He is also in contact with former amateur and professional champion Jeff Roberts, who, along with former boxer Monty Bovell, has recently restarted a gym in New Amsterdam to see what immediate assistance he can give. Another set of gear would be on its way soon.

Sulaiman, who migrated to the USA in 1972, said that he fought about four fights, three in the Ancient County and one at the National Park, Georgetown. He cannot remember the names of his opponents.

Following the closure of the Pocket Rocket Boxing Gym in New Amsterdam, Berbice has not produced an amateur champion.

Stranded boxers were forced to attach themselves to the Jammers Gym, pressuring themselves to travel 30 miles daily to train.

The inflow of boxers also put pressure on the Gym to adequately cater for them. The Gym now has more than 12 boxers.

Cort said he was indeed grateful for the donation, pointing out that Sulaiman has been very kind to the Gym on several occasions.

(Andrew Carmichael)

23

Kennard Memorial Boxing Day horse race meet

Spit Fire crowned Boxing Day Champ S pit Fire of the Shariff Racing Stables held off a strong challenge from Lady Budapest of the Bactowar Stable to win the feature event in the Kennard Memorial Turf Club Boxing Day horse race meet on Saturday at Bush Lot Farm, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) to claim the $1 million first prize.

Nine animals took to the starting gates, with the finish line and hence $1 million and the Metro Office Supplies trophy just one mile away. Out in an even break, Diplomatic Cat took an early lead; however, as the horses went firing on all guns around the first turn, Spit Fire, Lady Budapest, Good Will Boy, Keep on Swinging and Diplomatic Cat were racing side by side giving racing fans the excitement they

the Cummings Electrical Store trophy and $100,000 over a distance of five furlongs. Eleven horses entered the opening race of the oneday horse race meet and set the tone for an exciting day.

The L Class race saw Blue Lightning copping second ahead of Secret Thinker and Master.

Precise Gold ridden by Jockey C Ross ran in ahead of Africanist, Chelsea and Right To Rule in that order to claim the E and Lower six-furlong race and take the $500,000 first prize.

The K Class race saw a battle between Golden Kiss and Plain Land, with the latter emerging as the winner and claiming the Continental Group of Companies’ first place trophy and $120,000.

The H1 and Lower race over a distance of six furlongs

Australia show no mercy to wanton West Indies T

owards the end of Australia’s latest gargantuan first innings in a summer of batting gluttony, the West Indies opener Rajendra Chandrika was struck a painful blow on the wrist by an Adam Voges stroke. Quickly to his aid was the hosts’ team doctor Peter Brukner. Chandrika recovered and later batted; it was the only moment’s mercy offered by the Australians to their hapless quarry all day.

More representative was the bowling of Peter Siddle, James Pattinson and Nathan Lyon, all of whom harried their opponents relentlessly and were rewarded with regular victims. Lyon’s loop, Pattinson’s reverse swing and Siddle’s accuracy made for a highly complementary attack, augmented by the stingy Josh Hazlewood.

By the close they had reduced the West Indies to a forlorn 6 for 89 in response to 551, leaving open the possibility of another follow on, another Australian innings victory and another threeday Test match. Even if the shorter turnaround to the New Year’s Test in Sydney stops Steven Smith from making such a call, not even the most staunchly patriotic Australian supporter can take too much joy from ritual executions of such lopsided brutality.

A second day gathering of 40,416 was the sort of figure both Cricket Australia and the MCC would have been happy about. Nevertheless it was very apparent how on

each day the crowds thinned after tea, as though they could not put themselves through the recurring spectacle of one of cricket’s domineers beating up on an opponent in dreadful disrepair.

For all the rhetoric of Curtly Ambrose and the good intentions of Jason Holder, there is very little within the power of this touring team to avoid problems that have built up over decades of neglect, infighting and divided loyalties.

The first half of day two had Voges and Smith batting without risk or any apparent danger. Their undefeated stand of 223 followed up the strong work of Joe Burns and Usman Khawaja on Boxing Day, and contributed to the statistical mountain being built by an Australian side growing daily under the leadership of their new captain.

Smith showed evidence that a rest had helped his sore knee in compiling his sixth hundred for 2015, while Voges continued on the merry way he began at Bellerive Oval in the first Test. He has now made 375 runs in the series without being dismissed, while his career average against the West Indies has reached a scarcely credible 542.

Though Smith’s century was marked by a subdued celebration, but Voges was far more animated in marking his fourth hundred of a debut Test year in which he has passed 1000 runs in a mere 12 matches. Only

Sir Donald Bradman, Neil Harvey and Sid Barnes managed to get there faster.

Together they ensured Australia’s bowlers had plenty of runs to defend once again, and after Chandrika and Kraigg Brathwaite resisted briefly they made steady then increasingly swift progress through the thin remnants of what was once a galaxy of Caribbean batting riches.

Brathwaite’s hands were too low and firm to prevent a catch squeezed to short leg when Lyon found bounce and spin. Chandrika was too generous in allowing Pattinson’s in-ducker to strike him in front without offering a shot and then optimistically reviewing the decision. Marlon Samuels’ wretched tour then

gained another stanza when he was pinned seemingly in front by Pattinson for a duck and declined to review a ball that EagleEye had passing over the stumps.

Very nearly yorked first ball, Jermain Blackwood played a few smart strokes before he was reprieved when the inevitably grey of television replays meant Burns’ apparent clean catch at square leg was overruled by the third umpire Ian Gould. The injustice of that decision was not to linger; Blackwood bunting a return catch to Lyon and Denesh Ramdin flicking a clearer catch to Burns before Siddle snaked a straightening ball around Holder’s dead bat to make it six wickets in the final session. (Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD Australia 1st innings JA Burns st †Ramdin b KC Brathwaite 128 DA Warner c Samuels b Taylor 23 UT Khawaja c †Ramdin b Taylor 144 SPD Smith* not out 134 AC Voges not out 106 Extras (lb 10, w 4, nb 2) 16 Total (3 wickets dec; 135 overs) 551 Did not bat: MR Marsh, PM Nevill†, JL Pattinson, PM Siddle, JR Hazlewood, NM Lyon Fall of wickets: 1-29, 2-287, 3-328 Bowling: JE Taylor 22-2-97-2, KAJ Roach 17-1-97-0, JO Holder 22-7-47-0, CR Brathwaite 30-3109-0, JA Warrican 26-2-1130, KC Brathwaite 18-1-78-1.

West Indies 1st innings KC Brathwaite c Burns b Lyon 17 R Chandrika lbw b Pattinson 25 DM Bravo not out 13 MN Samuels lbw b Pattinson 0 J Blackwood c & b Lyon 28 D Ramdin† c Burns b Siddle 0 0 JO Holder* b Siddle CR Brathwaite not out 3 Extras (lb 2, nb 3) 5 Total (6 wickets; 43 overs) 91 To bat: KAJ Roach, JE Taylor, JA Warrican Fall of wickets: 1-35, 2-50, 3-50, 4-82, 5-83, 6-83 Bowling: JR Hazlewood 11-516-0, JL Pattinson 10-1-36-2, NM Lyon 11-5-18-2, PM Siddle 9-2-19-2, MR Marsh 2-2-0-0.

Spit Fire of the Shariff Racing Stables and Lady Budapest of the Bactowar Stable had a close finish in the feature event

were looking for.

With half of the journey completed, Lady Budapest edged ahead of the rest, forcing Spit Fire to take the outside in order to move into the lead. But Lady Budapest kept on coming fast and the two horses were together as they came into the final turn. Spit Fire, with the advantage of being on the inside, took the lead into the homestretch, as Diplomatic Cat started to fade and was joined by Good Will Boy and Keep on Swinging in the closing moments of the race.

Spit Fire was desperate to keep the lead and crossed the finish line one stride ahead of Lady Budapest and four lengths clear of the fastfinishing trio. With the winner and runner-up clear-cut, after some deliberation, the judges gave third place to Keep on Swinging and fourth to Good Will Boy. The second prize was worth $500,000 with half that amount going to the third-place finisher and half that amount – $125,000 – going to fourth.

Earlier, Royal Stallion won the L Class race to claim

was won by She’s So Special ahead of Cat Massiah, Cassie and Mary Ann. The first prize was $250,000 and a trophy donated by Guyana Oil Company.

In what could only be described as an excellent day of horse racing, more than five animals participated, allowing fans to view the Atlantic in the background as the brisk sea breeze kept the bright sunny day cool.

The day’s proceedings came to a close with the staging of the J1 race over a distance of six furlongs. Party Time of the DeMatos Stable set the mood for the after party by winning the race and taking the Rohan Auto Sales trophy and $180,000.

Second place went to The Girl Is Mine ahead of Affinity and Masquerade Dr. Appadu (only name given) and Ross were adjudged as champion jockeys after finishing with two wins each.

The champion stable was the Shariff Racing Stables.

The event brought to an end the 2015 racing season. (Andrew Carmichael)

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

monday, december 28, 2015

Kennard Memorial Boxing Day horse race meet

Spit Fire crowned Boxing Day Champ Pg 23

Mohammed Shariff receiving the Metro Trophy and $1 million from Metro representative Ariff Baksh for winning the C Class event

Australia show no mercy to wanton West Indies Pg 23

Marlon Samuels walks back after managing a duck. (Getty Images)

Jason Holder was bowled for a first-ball duck. (Getty Images)

Kraigg Brathwaite was caught at short leg by Joe Burns. (Getty Images)

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