Guyana Times Daily - April 7, 2016 by Gytimes

Guyana hosts World Health Day fair P11 Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyana-times.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 2819

Thursday, April 7, 2016

Court quashes Bulkan’s selection of Mabaruma’s Mayor, NDC Chairmen

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

UG students call off protest after getting President’s attention P7

Page 14

Controversial Trotman LGE recording

Freddie Kissoon does somersault under pressure Page 11

BaiShanLin luxury vehicles seizure

….apologises to Trotman, admits lying about “tape”

GRA favors settlement in interest of investment – Chairman Page 15

Teen biker’s death

Accused jailed for over P14 2 years – asks deceased’s family for forgiveness

Mayors and Deputy Mayors take Oath of Office – President urges new officials to put politics aside for development Page 17 Sussex Street murders

Brother of slain Coast Guard charged with “Tuffy” murder – 2 others charged for killing GDF rank

P14

Newly sworn-in Mayors, along with President David Granger, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan, after taking their Oath of Office at the Ministry of the Presidency on Wednesday

Controversial photoshopped front page picture

Chronicle Page Editor-in- 7 Chief to be suspended

– admits “the buck stops at me”

National Suicide Conference

It is time to act not mourn

Page 3

– President Granger tells stakeholders …concedes more resources, personnel needed to reverse trend

Govt announces more diplomatic postings

MV Kanawan encounters P13 engine failure

Page 10

East Ruimveldt man escapes jail time on narcotics P8 charge – to do community service

thurSDAY, APRIL 7, 2016 | guyana-times.com

news

thursDAY, april 7, 2016 | guyana-times.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, April 7 – 05:00h-06:30h and Friday, April 8 –05:00h-06:30h. The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, April 7 – 16:35h-18:05h and Friday, April 8 – 17:10h-18:40h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Light rain showers with sunny intervals can be expected throughout the day, with sunny conditions prevailing in the later afternoon. Partly cloudy conditions can be expected in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 25 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius. Winds: East North-easterly between 4.02 metres and 5.81 metres per second. High Tide: 04:24h and 16:48h reaching maximum heights of 2.93 metres at each scheduled high tide.

Low Tide: 09:55h and 22:07h reaching minimum heights of 0.56 metre and 0.60 metre respectively.

National Suicide Conference

It is time to act not mourn

– President Granger tells stakeholders …concedes more resources, personnel needed to reverse trend

ntense collaborative efforts combined with the pooling of resources are needed in order to develop a holistic approach to address the raging suicide contagion in the country, according to President David Granger. The Head of State was at the time underscoring the importance of the National Stakeholders Conference on Suicide Prevention which was held on Wednesday at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre in Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown. The conference was attended by a number of nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) and social activists who will be brainstorming to develop ideas and initiatives which they can embark upon together, to raise awareness, speak up and reach out to persons who may be at risk of ending their lives. Granger acknowledged that the country’s suicide rate seems to be spiralling out of control, with many entities involved in the struggle to curb the growing incidents. However, he pointed out that the country’s lack of resources and human capacity are the underlying reasons behind the little headway made in this regard. President Granger explained that numerous initiatives have been attempted to address the suicide epidemic but none ever made a lasting impact in curbing the scourge. He also stressed that more information needs to become available for stakeholders’ guidance in responding the reports of suicide.

More research needed

For information to become available, President Granger said there needs to be more investigations and research on the causes of suicide before one tries to prescribe a remedy. “Happy people don’t kill themselves,” Granger reminded. Public Health Minister,

A section of the gathering at the National Stakeholders Conference on Suicide Prevention

Dr George Norton in his address to the forum also underscored the need for a holistic approach in addressing the suicide epidemic in the country. “Everyone has a role to play in tackling this scourge and it is for this reason that, as Minister for Public Health, I sincerely thank you all for coming on board, for this serves as great encouragement for the Ministry to bring to reality its plan to correct the situation of suicide in Guyana,” he expressed, as he made reference to the National Mental Health Action Plan 2015-2020 and the Suicide Prevention Plan. Minister Norton highlighted also that suicide not only affects persons directly connected to a particular situation but the entire country at large. “Suicide has opened a major ripple effect on the placid lifestyle in the hinterland villages as well as in urban communities,” he stated. Providing an overview of the Mental Health Action Plan 2015-2020 was Dr Jorge Balseiro of the Mental Health Unit of the Georgetown Public Hospital. In his remarks, Dr Balseiro outlined some of the causes and means of suicide in Guyana, as well as what needs to be done in order to inform people of other ways of dealing with their problems rather than ending their lives. Dr Balseiro disclosed that

there needs to be meetings with stakeholders in all 10 administrative regions, adding that this initiative has started; the need for rigorous training among stakeholders (this has also commenced); and the need for a massive and extensive information campaign in order to reach out to people. Pan American Health Organisation/ World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) Country Representative, Dr William Adu-Krow in his speech, pointed to the fact that there is hope for

Guyana, as he made reference to other countries that managed to overcome their high suicide rates. “China had the same issue and China was able to control it… incidentally, in the case of China, the means of suicide was also the ingestion of pesticides… so if China can do it, then we can do it,” he said. He also pointed to Suriname, which had the highest suicide per capita in the world six years ago, but managed to lower its ranking to number six in the world.

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thursDAY, april 7, 2016

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

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

Editorial

The “Panama Papers”

n the late 1960s, as the US war in Vietnam escalated, many Americans became convinced it was both unjust and unwinnable. A government analyst, Daniel Ellsberg, working on a study on the war for the US Secretary of Defence, also became convinced and released portions of the study so that US citizens would know the truth. The files became known as “The Pentagon Papers” and, when published by the New York Times in 1971, led to such an uproar that the Government had to draw the curtain on the Vietnam War by 1973. Today, another set of papers have been released to inform the public about another war – one that even Guyana has been drawn into: money laundering. As all Guyanese would know by now, there is an organisation – the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) on Money Laundering – formed by the largest and most powerful government organisation in the world, G20, leading the charge. They have used their clout to compel Governments to enact legislation and launch institutions to fight the battle. But the release of the “Panama Papers” demonstrate that FATF and the G20 Governments behind it have either been looking in all the wrong places or have been wilfully blind. About a year ago, over 11.5 million files amounting to 2.6 terabytes of information were released from a hitherto obscure Panamanian law firm, Mossack Fonseca to a German paper by hackers. The firm specialises in creating “dummy corporations” or “shell corporations” in countries, such as Panama and Virgin Islands that facilitate the mechanism allowing citizens to evade taxes on legitimate or illegitimate income in their home countries. For instance, Panamanian law does not require corporations that are registered there to declare their owners’ names. Enterprising law firms like Mossack Fonseca in these jurisdictions filter money from clients through a string of these corporations all across the world in other tax havens so that even Sherlock Holmes might not be able to untangle the money trail. We know for sure that FATF was unable, or unwilling, to perform that untangling. Only two months ago, it removed Panama from its “grey list” because, it declared Panama made “significant progress” in dealing with its money laundering weaknesses. Yet the “Panama Papers” reveal that Mossack Fonseca – which is only the fourth largest law firm of its type in the world – serviced 14,153 clients through nearly 215,000 offshore shell companies. The first set of files, amounting to not even 0.1 per cent of the total, linked 143 politicians, their families and close associates — including 12 highly placed political leaders — to the use of tax havens to shield vast wealth. Among the leaders named were President Mauricio Macri of Argentina; President Petro O Poroshenko of Ukraine; Sigmundur Gunnlaugsson, the then Prime Minister of Iceland; Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif of Pakistan; King Salman of Saudi Arabia; the former emir of Qatar, Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, and its former Prime Minister, Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber al-Thani and the Argentine soccer star Lionel Messi. The biggest names highlighted in the revelations up to this point are the cellist Sergei Roldugin, a close friend of President Vladimir V Putin of Russia, who was also named in the documents. There were comparatively few individuals and firms from the United States and Britain in the files from which the data was released. This finding simply highlights that tax havens in the US and Britain and their dependencies easily service their citizens who wish to launder their funds. For instance, while the father of British Prime Minister David Cameron, who was a very wealthy stockbroker, was found to have utilised the services of Mossack Fonseca, he had already been shown to have established firms in the British tax haven of the island of Jersey to sequester his family’s wealth. It is hoped that the FATF will now take action against these gargantuan money launderers in addition to the small ones.

Certainly a proud Guyanese! This man was seen downtown Georgetown with Guyana’s flag affixed to his readjusted bicycle

Vendetta against the Head of the Presidential Secretariat/Minister of State! Dear Editor, Forbes Burnham in 1985 noted in his last interview with the Caribbean Press “In life and politics as in mathematics you have to accept the highest common factor.” Using that analogy: when we look at the structure of PNCR or APNU – it is an incontrovertible fact that aside from President David Granger, Minister Joseph Harmon is the most likely individual to lead PNCR or APNU coalition. What is corrupt or unpardonable about 1. The appointment of Mr Brian Tiwari as Business Development Advisor to Minister Harmon and 2. The determination by the Minister of State and Cabinet Secretary that the seizure of assets from BaiShanLin was uncalled for at that juncture? The current media pronouncements on the actions of Minister Harmon as unjustified and indefensible are absent of any evidence conveyed to the public. When one considers the position Mr Harmon holds in the current Government, the statements made by many commentators are ridiculous, be it Chris Ram in another section of the media dated April 3, 2016: Harmon’s action warrants immediate investigation… President Granger must take action which shows zerotolerance for reckless, unlawful and/or corrupt behaviour; Or Anand Goolsarran who made several verbal assaults on Harmon, first on March 31, 2016 in the same paper, Goolsarran “expressed his shock to learn that Harmon, a man who spoke against the appalling backdoor deals made by the PPP, would appoint businessman Brian “BK” Tiwari as Ministerial Advisor on Business Development. Goolsarran was even more shocked that three senior AFC Cabinet members – Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, Vice President Khemraj Ramjattan and the Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin – have no knowledge of this appointment. Goolsarran further unleashed his wrath against Harmon with Goolsarran’s speculative pronouncement, to wit: “It is evident that the President needs to place a curb on the tendency of the Minister of the Presidency to act unilat-

erally and without obtaining his prior approval.” In the same section of the media on April 4, 2016, Goolsarran continued his onslaught against the former Lieutenant Colonel by stating that “This runaway train must be halted in its track before it is too late. Mr Harmon is behaving just like the former HPS, (Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon) if not worse.” No one seriously believes that an appointment made by Dr Luncheon as Cabinet Secretary would be rescinded by Presidents of that era. Also, a directive from the Cabinet Secretary to desist from a particular action by a Government Agency is not unusual and falls within the duties of the Cabinet Secretary/Minister of State. The significant supervisory role of the Cabinet Secretary over the actions of Ministries, Government Agencies and State Controlled Corporations helps to ensure proper coordination and prevent pernicious acts to the functioning of the State, the image of Guyana and relationships with donor countries, particularly countries such as USA and China. Differences, if and when they occur, should be resolved within the apparatus of the executive branch of Government. On April 6, 2016, a media article is captioned “GRA Will Now Operate Without Political Interference – Chairman” (Rawle Lucas Non-Executive Chairman of GRA). This kind of fairytale thinking, is consistent with the utopian pronouncements of Ram, Goolsarran and Lucas. Ironically, Mr Rawle Lucas who waxes eloquently on interference is often times deemed to be interfering and usurping the executive management responsibilities of Ms Ingrid Griffith, Commissioner General (ag) of GRA. Oh what a tangled web we weave when we utter to deceive. Rawle Lucas, who in March of 2016, was appointed Executive Director for Economic Cooperation and Global Trade Investment within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, penned an article as a columnist in another section of the media, where Mr Lucas wrote in his Sunday column dated April 3, 2016 that “Politicians and other public of-

ficials need to stop monkeying around on these issues (a most disparaging remark by a public servant) and understand that the entire country is at risk of being marginalised by the international economic community for failure to uphold its own laws”. As offensive as those comments were to many hardworking politicians and public officials, the media house apparently embraced the “monkeying around” label by referencing it in its article captioned “Much more needs to be done about corruption – Rawle Lucas” dated April 4, 2016. Also, in its editorial on April 4, 2016, we are exposed to a barrage of insults against the Cabinet Secretary re: “Minister of State’s farcical appointment of Mr Brian Tiwari as a Business Advisor to the Government” and “The President himself would have sought an immediate explanation from Minister Harmon on his return from China about the rationale for the appointment of Mr Tiwari and then determine appropriate disciplining of the Minister. The editorial is loaded with unfounded allegations and appalling suggestions, including “It immediately raises the spectre that the appointment was a sinecure or providing a benefit solely to those involved.” and Minister Harmon’s actions raise serious questions about his judgement and he clearly needs to be reined in.” In my opinion, the writer of this editorial needs to focus on facts and not conjectures. To move from the ridiculous to the absurd, we have Transparency Institute Guyana Inc (TIGI) issuing a statement in the same section of the media dated April 5, 2016 that preached: “It was noted that by any standard, the conduct of Harmon and, by extension, the Government, constitutes corruption.” I conclude with a few questions for our informed commentators/columnists/editor: 1. What is the justification for rescinding Mr Tiwari’s appointment? 2. Was Mr Tiwari’s race a factor in rescinding his appointment? See the last paragraph of Ms Ryhaan Shah - Guyana Times Article dated April 3, 2016.

3. Is there any one among our informed commentators or columnists aware of the modus operandi for appointing advisors to Ministers and to the President? 4. Is Mr Tiwari not eminently qualified to provide business development advice, based on his mega success in building BK International Inc into Guyana’s largest privately owned company, spanning several industries? 5. What are the names of all the advisors and the remuneration made to those advisors, working across the different Ministries? 6. How is Minister Harmon’s business trip to China, a country that is one of Guyana’s largest foreign investors a new form of corruption? 7. Is the decision of the Minister of State and Cabinet Secretary to ask GRA officers and representatives of the Special Organised Crime Unit to stand down – a new form of corruption? 8. Could the seizing of Assets of BaiShanLin have been done in a more tactful manner, considering our substantial fractional dependence on foreign investment from China and Chinese companies and also considering the role of its Managing Director, Mr Chu Hongbo, in the Association of Chinese Enterprises in Guyana? 9. Who are the architects behind the leakage of the appointment letter of Mr Tiwari as Advisor to the Minister of State? 10. Who are the advisors in the diaspora and exactly who are they advising? 11. Does it matter whether it was Mr Harmon or Mr Tiwari who initiated the process of the advisory role? 12. Does a Minister have the authority to appoint an advisor to his/her Ministry? The jumping on the bandwagon to destroy Harmon is misplaced, appears to have divisive intentions and seems to be a form of cognitive dissonance. Lucas Anthony Seneca: “We are more often frightened than hurt; and we suffer more from imagination than from reality.” Sincerely, Nigel Hinds

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thursDAY, april 7, 2016

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

Looking forward to CPL in Florida Phillips is seriously Dear Editor, The outstanding performances of the West Indies senior players to win the T20 World Cup championship for the second time, the victory of the women players to be crowned champions in their world T20 tournament, as well as the excellent performance of our Under-19 players to bring home the bacon have certainly revived inter-

est in the game after a relatively long time. Interest in the game was waning, but it has bounced back and a large number of fans have expressed their willingness to witness the CPL matches carded between July 28 and 31 at the Central Broward Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Six teams will participate and besides the Windies star play-

ers like Chris Gayle, Marlon Samuels, Kieron Pollard, Lendl Simmons, Sulieman Benn, Sunil Narine, overseas stars will also be in action. Big names like Brendon Mc Cullum, Kumar Sangakkara, AB de Villiers, and others. Cricket fans in the region have already contacted their relatives and friends in Florida to make arrangements for possible accommo-

dation and after-cricket activities The Broward Stadium has excellent facilities and New Zealand played three matches against the West Indies on that ground before packed crowds three years ago. It can accommodate10, 000 spectators. Sincerely, Oscar Ramjeet

A forensic audit and ethics review must be conducted immediately at City Hall Dear Editor, Please allow me space in your newspaper to highlight an urgent matter which is of utmost importance to the residents of Georgetown. As a newly-elected Councillor, I am publicly calling on all Councillors, the Mayor and Deputy Mayor to begin discussions on conducting a forensic audit of the Municipality of Georgetown at our first statutory meeting on April 11, 2016. The Local Government Elections are over and the Mayor and Councillors have been sworn in for Georgetown so it is time to get down to the serious business of efficiently managing the city’s affairs. Above all other matters, the need for a full-scale forensic audit is paramount and it must be initiated immediately to cover all areas of operation of the municipality of Georgetown. This forensic audit, by necessity, must be performed by an independent and competent external auditor with specific terms of reference to discover the previous modes of operation and the utilisation of the city’s re-

sources. Once the results are reviewed by the Council, we will be in much better position to chart the course for the revitalisation of Georgetown. Many citizens have expressed grave concern about transparency and accountability at City Hall especially with the election of past members of the City Council, including the Mayor and Chairman of the Finance Committee and some of its members who have been part of the administration at City Hall for many years. No one should really object to an external forensic audit if there is nothing to hide especially since everyone seems interested in seeing a revitalised Georgetown. A forensic audit is of vital importance to rebuild public trust and confidence in the competence, operation and overall performance in all areas of city governance. I, along with many of the candidates, had made this call during the campaign leading up to the Local Government Elections. Residents, stakeholders and other interested parties have been calling for an independent audit to be conducted at

City Hall for some time now and there are tremendous benefits to be gained from such an undertaking by the newly-elected Councillors and Mayor of Georgetown. The APNU/AFC coalition had taken the same path on its assumption of power to determine how the State’s resources were used. In principle, City Hall must follow the same measures so that the Councillors and Mayor can implement new systems of control in all areas which will result in the provision of a much higher level of accountability, transparency and competency. A forensic audit will discover any misappropriation of the city’s assets, any corruption schemes involving people working for the city and any fraudulent financial statements. Additionally, a forensic audit will allow us to know precisely what assets are owned by the city, all outstanding debts/receivables and liabilities, the human resources disposition and the current financial status of Georgetown. The results of such a foren-

sic audit must be made available to the public for scrutiny and comment. I would also like to see an ethics review which will allow us to determine what is acceptable behaviour for everyone associated with the administration of the municipality of Georgetown and to prevent unethical actions and conflict-of-interest situations. As a new Councillor in the City of Georgetown, I am particularly interested in the control systems used, the human resources component, departmental financial allocations and the use or misuse of the public’s money. We owe it to the people of Georgetown to account for every cent of their money spent. Every effort should be made to bring the municipality of Georgetown in compliance with the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act and to operate in a transparent manner. Thank you. Bishram Kuppen Councillor – PPP/C Municipality of Georgetown

limiting himself

Dear Editor, It must be thrilling for Eric Phillips and his colleagues to discover evidence of their negroid ancestors even in Brazil. Phillips should not be deterred by arguments about the skeletal remains of Luzia being Australoid or south-east Asian since there is archaeological evidence that his negroid ancestors left Africa some 12,000 years ago and moved to every corner of the Earth. These groups eventually settled and evolved into the different racial types of the Caucasian and Mongoloid, and into the ethnic groups as found in the Middle East, India, and elsewhere. Because of the need to survive climatic and other environmental factors their skin lightened, their hair straightened, and their physical appearance changed from the original. They also developed languages, religions and other social and cultural practices that have contributed to human civilisation. The truth is that if anyone digs deep enough anywhere in the world they will discover negroid skeletal remains, these being the ancestral relics of every racial and ethnic type before their evolution into today’s homo sapiens. Phillips and his colleagues are rightly proud that they can see them-

Time for City Hall to start respecting women Dear Editor, Last July, a lady by the name of Suzanna Nichols, who is a Canadian national and who came to Guyana upon the invitation of the Social Protection Ministry to develop a social empowerment programme for girls and women, was aggressively assaulted by four female officers of the Georgetown City Constabulary, when she took her son to the City Hall for a meeting with the then Mayor Hamilton Green. Indeed her son reported that upon hearing the commotion he looked through the window of the Mayor’s Office as he was meeting with the Mayor at the time, and witnessed these officers aggressively assaulting his mother by punching her in the face, kicking her about the body and dragging her half naked to their office as they had ripped off her underwear and pants in the process. He said he pleaded with the Mayor to intervene and bring an end to the humiliation, assault and battery. But the Mayor did nothing. This was not surprising, but nonetheless disappointing. Indeed, the lady ended up in the hospital after being unconscious at the City Constabulary headquarters

half naked for more than 20 minutes. The doctors indicated that she had two perforated discs, a hairline fracture to the hip, and bruises and lacerations about her body. The Mayor and his City Constabulary suggested that this lady was feigning these injuries or at best exaggerating their seriousness. Consequently, she was never given any mistreatment compensation. Again, this was not unexpected but still quite unacceptable. One wonders whatever happened to these rogue constables who were allegedly placed under close arrest and the complete report on the matter that was supposed to be delivered to the Social Protection Minister forthwith. Now that Hamilton Green is gone and we have a lady as Mayor who is known to help women to challenge discrimination, claim their rights, and transform their societies, it is my sincere hope that she will reopen this case and ensure that those who were found or who could now be found culpable, face the sternest possible action and that the lady be given redress. This would show that City Hall has turned the corner

and would send a message to the City Constabulary that the days of the “Wild West” in Georgetown are over. She

should also ensure that the Constables are better trained to better carry out their duties and improve their image and

that of the Council. Sincerely, Mark Roopan

selves in the negroid skeletal remains from 12,000 years ago. They are, after all, the original humans and they remain so even today when other groups have evolved into other racial and ethnic types. Phillips is seriously limiting himself to claiming just Guyana’s lands when he can lay rightful claim to the entire planet. He and his colleagues should start with a petition to the UN and claim China, Finland, Argentina, the North and South Poles, Jesus, Cleopatra and Santa Claus. All the world’s achievements belong to them and as the original people of the Earth they must claim them as their natural birthright. By basing their claim on Darwin’s theory of evolution, Phillips and his colleagues will start down the slippery slope of the argument that if negroid skeletal remains are the standard for land ownership then a case can certainly be made for going one step back on the evolutionary ladder to the ancestors of those skeletal remains, the hominids. That slippery slope can be taken all the way down to an argument for the Earth really belonging to the primeval ooze from which life sprang. Where does it end? With the big bang or the nothingness that went before? Undoubtedly, Phillips and his colleagues will claim the nothingness as theirs also. Yours truly, Shanie Jagessar

thurSDAY, april 7, 2016

Page

Foundation BY GAIL FERO

(Continued from Wednesday)

BY BARBARA GREENBERG, PHD

7. Make your home a comfortable spot for your grandchildren to come stay. Most children love the opportunity to get away from home for a few days. This has the additional benefit of allowing the parents to have some alone time. 8. Use the wisdom of your years to teach your grandchildren gentle life lessons. At some point in their lives they will thank you for this. They may at times listen to you while tuning out their own parents. 9. Play with your grandchildren. Teach them about the importance of play. Show them that growing older doesn’t mean that life becomes all about being serious. I can’t tell you how many children think this. 10. Please try not to play favourites. Of course, you may find some of your grandchildren easier to relate to than others, but surely they all have redeeming qualities. It is important for all of your grandchildren to feel that they have a special place in your hearts. I am, of course, aware that there are plenty of complicated grand-parenting issues that haven’t been addressed here. Good Luck! The role of grandparents in a child’s life Parents and children of today face a very different world than those of the previous

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generation. Awareness of these differences can help today’s parents navigate the role of grandparents in a child’s life and, on the flip side, help grandparents play a special role in the family. For example, child health and safety issues are of much

of the health risks it poses, today’s parents are becoming more conscious and making different decisions than their parents once did. As things change in our world, it’s become important for grandparents to check with their grown children and be

greater concern now than before. Today’s grandparents who had children before 1967 took them to school, to the playground, and to their grandparents’ homes without the benefit of seat belts or car seats. Given what we now know about the dangers of automobile travel, it is unthinkable that anyone, much less infants and toddlers, would travel this way. In addition, for many parents, second-hand smoke was an unknown danger to their children. Now, aware

in sync with their parenting styles. Communication and respect are key aspects of the grandparent to parent relationship. However, remember that some things will never change – grandparents’ love, genuine concern, and dreams for their grandchildren. Here are some tips for establishing the role of grandparents in a child’s life that make both the parents and children happy and safe. If you’re a parent: * Check in with your

parents and partner’s parents. After you and your significant other, there is no one who loves your child more. Grandparents can be a wealth of knowledge and teach you important life lessons. Remember that they’ve raised their own children and have years of learning to build upon. * Let the grandparents know your expectations for your child. Sometimes this is difficult to do. How do you tell your own mother or mother-inlaw that you would like things done differently? The answer is honestly and respectfully. “Mom, we’re concerned about the amount of sugar in juice, so we’d like him to drink milk or water for now. Thanks for listening.” “Dad, we don’t think that movie is suitable. Thanks for taking the girls skating instead.” If you’re a grandparent: * Find out your child’s (and his/her partner’s) expectations for grandparents and grandchildren time. * Are there routines that they’d like for you to maintain as the grandparent? Knowing just the right sequence at bedtime may make the time infinitely more pleasant for you and your grandchild. * Learn your grandchild’s schedule. Knowing when meal time occurs, how much time the child needs to get ready for an event, when outside playtime is okay, and so forth will allow you to provide more consistency for your grandchild. (Excerpt from psychologytoday and brighthorizons)

hildren of all ages need boundaries, but teens need them most of all. Though it’s tempting, and may seem logical, to give your teen fewer restrictions, this will create more problems further down the line for them and for you. Teenagers are still not adults yet, and though it is important to give them more freedoms than you would a younger child, you need to create, discuss, and enforce boundaries with your teenagers. The teenage years can be the most difficult for both the teen and their family. But the tantrums, cold shoulders, and shouting

matches should remind you that you’re still dealing with a child. Your teenager needs parameters and it’s your job to create them. Keep your teenager’s safety and health the focus of your boundaries. The limits you choose will differ for each teen, even if only slightly. This may create the appearance of unfairness, but it’s necessary. Every teenager is different

and will face different dangers due to their personality. For some it might be susceptibility to peer pressure, for others it might disregard for their own health. An important part of creating effective boundaries for your teen is to discuss them with your partner before deciding. You both need to understand what behaviours will and won’t be acceptable, and present a united front, backing each other in enforcing these boundaries. There should be no misunderstandings between the two of you, because this can cause confusion or make room for manipulation. When you both have a good handle on the limits you want to put in place,

discuss them with your teen. Be clear about what will be expected of them, the reasoning behind the demarcation, and the consequences of their actions should they defy you. Though they might not agree or be happy with you, creating the dialogue should help you enforce your boundaries. Because teens are in that awkward stage between child and adult, involving them in discussions about the rules of the house will make them feel more in control, or at least aware of what’s going on. Once you have your rules in place, it’s necessary to enforce them. Consistency and reliability are as important to teenagers as the boundaries themselves. With so much changing around them, you need to remain steadfast and dependable so your teen knows you are serious about the rules. Teens require just as close parenting as any younger child. They are at risk because they are between childhood and adulthood. Though they might not want to admit it, they are still children and need you to parent. Creating boundaries should be about their safety and their health. Discuss your rules with your teen, telling them why you’re insisting on this behaviour and these boundaries. Let them know it’s for their well-being and because you care. Don’t allow tantrums or arguments to deter you in enforcing these rules. Stay consistent and you’ll see the results that you’re looking for. (childdevelopmentinfo.com)

news

thursDAY, APRIL 7, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Controversial photoshopped front page picture

Chronicle Editor-inChief to be suspended

UG students call off protest after getting President’s attention

– admits “the buck stops at me”

The handful of students gathered outside the Ministry of the Presidency to stage the demonstration

A Editor in Chief might have been responsible for altering the photograph. Contacted for a comment, Williams referred this newspaper to the Guyana Chronicle’s apology which explained that the intention was to showcase a composite photograph. Williams explained

ditor in Chief of the State-owned Guyana Chronicle Newspaper Nigel Williams will be suspended for one week over the photoshopped front page photograph, which attempted to portray a racially balanced gathering of children interacting with President David Granger during the Easter weekend celebrations at the National Park. The image was photoshopped to introduce children of a different ethnicity in an attempt to showcase “unity in diversity”. During a meeting of the Board of Directors and the Guyana Chronicle’s senior Editors and Managers on

Tuesday, it was discovered that Williams was culpable of allowing the publication of the badly photoshopped image, which has since caused the newspaper widespread embarrassment. According to information received, the Editor in charge of that edition’s publication was journalist Neil Marks. However, Marks insisted that he played no part in the publishing of the failed front page photo. Marks reportedly explained that when he closed off the newspaper for the day, the photoshopped image was not included in the file. Reports indicate the

Editor in Chief Nigel Williams

that though Marks was the Editor on duty at the time, as Editor in Chief, he has the broader responsibility for everything that occurs with the newspaper. “The buck stops at me,” Williams said.

handful of students, with placards in hand, assembled outside of the Ministry of the Presidency on Wednesday with much vigour to begin their calls for the Government to afford them a meeting to listen to their concerns. However, the demonstration was immediately called off after the Ministry of the Presidency heeded their request and announced that a meeting will be arranged sometime next week. According to a statement from the Ministry, President David Granger has agreed to meet with the University of Guyana Student Society (UGSS), however the logistics are currently being worked out so no definite date and time was set. The purpose of the engagement would be to discuss the welfare and the issues raised by the students over the past week. UGSS Outgoing President Joshua Griffith explained that on Wednesday morning, he received a call from the Ministry of the Presidency informing him of the possible meeting next week. Griffith said he is very grateful for the opportunity to finally meet and discuss

with the Head of State the many issues affecting students at the country’s premier tertiary institution. “We formally wrote the President in 2015, then we met at the University’s graduation function where we interacted with him to meet again and he directed us to Ministry of Education, and

Incoming UGSS President Ron Glasgow

what we did was we wrote to Minister of Education (Dr Rupert Roopnaraine) and we didn’t get a response so we wrote back to the President and that is how it’s been since,” he explained. Moving forward, Griffith explained that the plan moving forward now would be to ensure the students are fully prepared for the engage-

ment with the President. Following Monday morning’s protest, the UGSS also met with the administration of the university but Griffith explained that the engagement yielded little results. “The administration needed some clarity with regards to the demonstration, they highlighted the need for protocol and all the usual stuff… and the student body wasn’t given a fair chance to air their views as per normal, generally you find when it comes to senior administration setting, students are given a timeframe or are always muzzled, its nothing new to us,” he lamented. Nonetheless, he posited that the UGSS appreciated the opportunity to meet with the administration. During the interview with media operatives outside the Ministry of the Presidency on Wednesday, Griffith explained that the course of action thereafter will have to be decided by the incoming UGSS President Ron Glasgow. Griffith expressed confidence in Glasgow to continue the fight for better conditions and student welfare on campus. Efforts to contact Glasgow for a comment proved futile.

8 news

thursDAY, APRIL 7, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Eyew tness

East Ruimveldt man escapes The Golden jail time on narcotics charge Rule... – to do community service

n East Ruimveldt man got lucky on Wednesday after he was ordered to serve 10 hours of community service instead of jail time after he pleaded guilty to a drug possession charge. Matthew Burrowe, 19, a construction worker, pleaded guilty to possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking when he appeared

before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. The Prosecution contended that on April 5, at East Ruimveldt, Georgetown, he had in his possession three grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking. According to the Prosecutor’s case, on the day in questioned, the defendant upon seeing a Police patrol

van began acting in a suspicious manner. Having suspected that something was amiss, the Police pursued the defendant who starting running. The Police eventually caught him and a search was carried out on his person. During the search, a transparent Ziploc bag containing the leaves, seeds and stems of what was suspected to be cannabis was found in

his pants pocket. Burrowe was the escorted to the Ruimveldt Police station. In court on Wednesday, Burrowe claimed that he saw the package on the road and picked it up to keep it for the owner when the Police saw him and searched him. Magistrate Azore then ordered him to do 10 hours of community service. He was also fined $3000.

Lindener jailed for narco possession A Lindener was jailed for three years when he appeared before Magistrate Clive Nurse at the Linden Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday following the conclusion of his trial on a trafficking in narcotics charge. Wade Mentore, of Lot 4 Rainbow City, Mackenzie,

Linden, was charged after he was nabbed with 460 grams of cannabis on September 18, 2014 at Mabura Hill, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice). The 47-year-old miner who was previously on bail for the offence was found guilty of the charge by Magistrate Nurse.

In a plea of mitigation prior to sentencing, Defence Attorney Gordon Gilhuys asked the Court to take into consideration the fact that Mentore was a father of four. He further asked that the Court exercise discretion in the sentencing of the defendant given the fact that he has a wife and two chil-

dren who are dependent on him. Before handing down the sentence, Magistrate Nurse stated that he had noted the defendant’s plea of mitigation which had been put forward. In addition to the three-year prison term, Mentore was also fined $30,000.

Linden brawl lands women in court

hree Linden women were granted $25,000 bail by Magistrate Clive Nurse on Wednesday on charges of unlawful wounding and assault, allegedly committed against each other. The charge against the number one accused 19-year-old Tilisa Wilson of Block 22, Wismar, Linden, is that she assaulted Telisha

Cornette at Bayroc Ground, Wismar on March 28. A similar charge was read against the number two and three accused, Cornette and Ronda Williams, also of Block 22, who are jointly charged with assaulting Wilson, on the same date at the same place, causing grievous bodily harm. The trio all pleaded not guilty to the charges.

...and the Panama Papers

here are several “Golden Rules”. The one your Eyewitness’s talking about says: “He who has the gold makes the rules”. And this truism was brought to his mind by the “revelations” coming out fast and furious in the so-called “Panama Papers”. Surely you haven’t missed that, have you, Dear Reader? But just in case, let’s give you a fresher in a nutshell. There’s this “law firm” out in Panama, Mossack Fonseca that had an employee feeling so wronged he decided to bring down the entire firm. Now you’d most likely say, what should that be of any concern to you? Well, just that the Panamanian backwater law firm just happened to be laundering funds for kings, Prime Ministers, gangsters, athletes, administrators, stockbrokers and every other occupation you could think of that may want to hide their financial transactions from the tax man, that there isn’t a country in the world that wasn’t affected. And if your country was affected by money laundering, you can be sure YOUR pocket was hit – either directly through some mega scam. Or indirectly by some big ones not paying their taxes and living off your hard-earned money deducted by the Government. But somehow most of the news of the scandal we’ve been getting concerns Russia and its ruler, Putin. What’s going on? Aren’t there fellas and felines from the US and the UK with mega bucks to launder? Or are they more virtuous than the rest of the world. Well, that’s where the “Golden Rule” comes in. The folks that have the gold and make the rules also control all the news organisations the whistleblower sent the 2.6 terabytes of information. The papers show that some of the major banks in the world are the major drivers of this massive scam. So of the 154-document tip of the 11.5 million-document iceberg we’ve seen, you can bet somebody’s trying to make Putin look bad. This is classic misdirection. Then there’re also the thousands of firms like Mossack Fonseca in the US (think Delaware and US Virgin Islands) and UK. Those folks can stay local. Will we ever read about the big ones in the US and UK? If history is anything to go by...don’t hold your breath. That we now know David Cameron, Prime Minister of Britain received his posh Eton and Oxford education courtesy of a 1982 fund (Cameron was then 16) filtered through the Mossack Fonseca firm his stockbroker father set up, is probably an aberration. In the meantime, let’s roast Putin.

...in journalism

What would make a journalist, noted for his contrarian positions in marching to the beat of his own drum, suddenly do a complete somersault and eat words he’d penned only a few days before? And in eating his words, offered not a single excuse as to what had made him issue the original words to begin with. This Eyewitness believes it all has to do with a corollary to the Golden Rule which states that who has the gold makes the rules. And the corollary was penned by our own national poet Martin Carter after he resigned from a three-year stint as Minister of Culture under the Burnham’s PNC dictatorshipin-the-making: “The mouth is muzzled by the hand that feeds it”. And it’s a “shad...shad” story as another of our famous personalities said. This Eyewitness does not blame the journalist. While to “tell truth to power” sounds powerfully ethical...we each have responsibilities that we must deal with. The shame is in the hand that threatens to withhold the food.

and scapegoating

Remember the “scapegoat”? After the Jewish priest had “laid” on it all the sins of the people, it was let out to perish in the wilderness. So who’s the “leak” that made Harmon the present-day scapegoat for the sins of the coalition Government? We know he’s AFC, of course. The newbie or one of the old duo? Readers are invited to send their comments by email to eye@guyanatimesgy.com

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thursDAY, APRIL 7, 2016 | guyana-times.com

April Criminal Assizes

Local Government CN Sharma’s carnal knowledge Commission to case listed for hearing be established

arnal knowledge-accused Chandra Narine Sharma, owner of CNS Channel 6, is likely to face trial in the April Criminal Assizes in Demerara. Sharma is facing an indictable charge for allegedly raping a 13-year-old girl in 2010. After undergoing a Preliminary Inquiry (PI), which faced several delays, the businessman was committed to stand trial back in May 2013, after the presiding Magistrate Sueanna Lovell found that a prima facie case was made out against the popular television owner and talk show host. However, the matter is yet to be called up at the High Court. The April 2016 session commenced on Tuesday with a total of 163 cases listed to

CN Sharma

be heard. Justices Navindra Singh, Jo-Ann Barlow and Priya Sewnarine-Beharry are presiding over the Assizes. Sharma’s case is listed for

hearing by Justice Barlow’s; however, it is unclear whether the matter will be tried in this session. In April 2010, then Chief Magistrate Melissa OgleRobertson had remanded Sharma to prison when he made his first appearance in court on the charge. It was a scene of high drama, with Sharma collapsing in front of the media cameras as he made his way out of the prisoners’ chute. He was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he regained consciousness shortly after the incident. He was later granted bail in the sum of $2 million. In a sworn affidavit, the 13-year-old girl alleged that Sharma had been sexually molesting her and her sisters, with the consent of

their mother. The girl said the abuse only stopped when she refused to return to her mother’s home. In the affidavit, the girl also alleged that Sharma molested her two older sisters and two younger ones (who were nine and five years old respectively at the time). The girl had also claimed that she would receive $2000 weekly from Sharma. The child also stated that she was afraid of Sharma. The entire court proceedings at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts were held in camera away from the public eye. Sharma is also the leader of the Justice For All Party (JFA), which is part of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) coalition.

Linden bus park shooting

“Jim Carey” murder accused arraigned

Dead: Alvin Lorrimer

he man accused of shooting minibus driver Alvin Lorrimer on the Linden bus park was on Wednesday slapped with a murder charge when he appeared before Magistrate Judy

Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Twenty-three-year-old Terry Cromwell of King Edward Street, Albouystown, Georgetown, was not required to plea to the indictable charge. The Prosecution is contending that on March 22 at the Linden bus park, in Georgetown, he murdered 53-year-old Lorrimer of Kara Kara, Linden. According to reports, Lorrimer was standing on the roadway at the Linden Bus Park, Hadfield Street, Georgetown, around 21:00h, when two men rode up on a CG motorcycle, one of whom discharged rounds at him before riding away. Lorrimer was hit to his

the men on the motorcycle on the night in question. It is unclear whether the rider of the bike, who was held for assisting Cromwell in escaping, is still in custody and whether he would also face charges. The accused is expected to make his next court appearance on April 29.

Terry Cromwell

chest and left foot, and was admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he subsequently succumbed to his injuries. Cromwell was arrested after an eyewitness positively identified him as being one of

– operational by June month-end

n light of the recent controversies surrounding the recently held Local Government Elections, the Local Government Commission will be established soon. Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan, whose Ministry has responsibility for local government, told Guyana Times on Wednesday that the commission is expected to commence its operations “before the end of June”. The Minister further explained that the appropriate site to house the facility is still being sought after. “The problem is location; we are feverishly looking around for a suitable premises,” the Minister noted. This long-awaited commission will be tasked with oversight over the various local authorities, rather than have directives issued by the Communities Minister. It was previously reported that the commission will be able to monitor and assess the performance of the local government organs, administer disciplinary action and implement policies such as tax collection. At a post-election press conference on March 19, Minister Bulkan had stated that the operationalisation of

Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan

the commission was expected to be “fairly imminent”. He had also noted that the appropriate Government property to house the commission was identified and stressed that a rental may have to be paid. Bulkan had announced last year that the body will be established and be operational on ‘early’ 2016. After a 22-year absence, Local Government Elections returned with a turnout of just over 47 per cent. The ruling A Partnership for National Unity /Alliance For Change coalition won six out of nine towns and the Opposition People’s Progressive Party/ Civic claimed 28,000 more overall votes than the ruling Administration.

guyanatimesgy.com

thursDAY, april 7, 2016

News

Govt announces more diplomatic postings The Ministry also announced the appointments of Cita Pilgrim and Shirley Melville as Consul General of Barbados and Boa Vista respectively. Last month, Government announced the appointments of several high ranking officials to various countries around the world. Among the new appointees are several high-ranking strong men and wom-

Guyana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Dr Kenrick Hunte

Guyana’s Ambassador to the US, Dr Riyad Insanally

he Foreign Affairs Ministry on Wednesday announced that approval has been received from the respective Governments for four more appointments of Guyanese diplomats. Almost a month after making its first declaration of nine diplomatic postings, Government announced four others. The new diplomats are Dr Kenrick Hunte, who now takes up his post as High Commissioner to South Africa and Dr Riyad Insanally, who has received approval to become Guyana’s Ambassador to the United States of America.

ing Laleshwar Singh. He is a former Executive Member of the PNC and held several high-ranking Opposition portfolio’s for the party. Similarly,

Consul General to Boa Vista Shirley Melville

en from the bosom of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and close associates of the Alliance For Change (AFC). The release stated that Frederick Hamley Case has been appointed Guyana’s new High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, replac-

the Ministry reported that prominent Attorney and former Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Clarissa Riehl had been appointed as High Commissioner to Canada. Riehl, who had various squabbles with the leadership of the party after President David Granger was parachuted into the post of leader, spoke out during the last PNC congress about the unfairness of the process and the undemocratic pathway that was being followed. It was long speculated that she would have been given such a post. The former deputy Speaker of the House now replaces Rajnarine Singh. Meanwhile, Bayney

Consul General to Barbados Cita Pilgrim

Karran has been appointed as Guyana’s new Ambassador to China. Karran, who has been serving in Washington DC, United States for a number

of years, replaces Professor David Dabydeen. He was appointed by the previous People’s Progressive Party/ Civic Government. David T A Hales has been appointed the country’s new Ambassador to Belgium, while Halim Majeed will now function as Guyana’s Ambassador to Cuba. Hales as the new Ambassador to Belgium replaces Dr Patrick Gomes; while Majeed succeeds Mitradev Ali. Majeed was the former Deputy Chief Political to President Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, former Chief Political Adviser to the late President Desmond Hoyte and head of the Political and Press Division, Office of the President.

Cove and John Ashram to observe Navratri from Thursday evening

he Guyana Sevashram Sangha, Cove and John Ashram on the East Coast of Demerara will be observing the auspicious period of Navratri from Thursday evening.

According to spiritual leader and administrator for the Sangha, Swami Shivashankaranadaji Maharaj, the period of nine nights is specially designated for the worship of Hindu Goddess Mother Durga, Lakshmi and Sarswattie. Services will commence from 18:30h daily and conclude at 21:00h. They will run until April 15, 2016. During the services, hawan will be conducted followed by discourse on the period and its auspiciousness and concluding artie. S w a m i Shivashankaranadaji is urging persons to join with the Ashram in the observances. During these nine nights and ten days, nine forms of Devi are worshipped. The tenth day is commonly referred to as Vijayadashami or “Dussehra” (also spelled Dasera). Navratri is an important Hindu festival in Guyana and it is celebrated by all in the Hindu community. The first three nights are designated for Mother Durga (the remover of darkness); the second three nights for the worship of Mother Lakshmi (giver of health, wealth and prosperity) and the last three nights for the worship of Mother Sarswattie (the giver of knowledge). During this period, Hindus flock various temples for congregational prayers and fast, cleansing their bodies. Many persons would also visit the waterside to pay homage to Mother Ganga during this period.

news

thursDAY, april 7, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Guyana hosts World Health Day fair

Controversial Trotman LGE recording

Freddie Kissoon does somersault under pressure T

By AHREEFA BACCHUS

… apologises to Trotman, admits lying about “tape”

Freddie Kissoon

ust two days after making damning allegations against Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman, political commentator Freddie Kissoon was forced to issue an apology, after the “tape” surfaced revealing the true contents of what was said during the public meeting in Bartica. Kissoon disclosed that he was in possession of a “tape” implicating Trotman in delivering a passionate “hatefilled” speech while campaigning and had called on the Alliance For Change (AFC) to take firm disciplinary action against him. When Guyana Times contacted Kissoon on the day of publication, the columnist maintained that Trotman was indeed playing the racecard and that the AFC must investigate the situation. The next day, Kissoon wrote another column rehashing the same contents of his previous article against Trotman. Then in an odd turn of

events, Kissoon told the nation that he had mis analysised the contents of the “tape”. “After criticism received rejecting the contentions of the column, I am in full agreement that my analysis was misplaced, misdirected and unfair to Mr Trotman,” Kissoon wrote. Contacted on Wednesday to comment on what prompted him to issue the apology, Kissoon suddenly made it clear that he will not be talking to this publication. Nevertheless, in his apology letter, Kissoon explained that he never intended to damage Trotman’s career. “Some of Mr Trotman’s close friends are friends of mine. I campaigned heavily for Mr Trotman’s party in the last general elections. I would not in any way want to see the weakening of the Guyana Government and its Ministers, because I think this entire country knows I worked to have such a Government in place, and the entire country knows I would not want the PPP [People’s Progressive Party] back in Government,” he wrote. He further wrote, “I owe it to my readers and Mr Trotman to explain where I believe I went wrong. It had to do with Mr Trotman’s exhortation to Barticians to vote for APNU/AFC because Bartica is an APNU/AFC constituency. I juxtaposed that with Mr Trotman’s question to the audience, which asked if they see other parties competing against the PPP in the PPP’s ar-

Minister Raphael Trotman

eas in the LGE. The weakness in that juxtaposition is that I sought to elevate party competition to the call to vote race. This is where I believe the column fell down. This is where I believe my analysis went in the wrong direction.” The remainder of Kissoon’s column focused on him continuously apologising to Minister Trotman. “Once again, I apologise for the placement of anything contrary in the column.” “I am happy to express my regrets to Mr Trotman because I think it is the decent thing to do… I can tell Mr Trotman that I do feel contrite, because I know he was hurt by the article… I would extend an invitation to Mr Trotman for us to meet and have a gentleman’s handshake… In all the years I have known and talked with Mr Trotman, I have called him Raphael… Let me say to him, ‘sorry, Raphael’,” Kissoon went on to say in his abject apology.

he Public Health Ministry on Wednesday observed World Health Day 2016 with a health fair at the Enmore PolyClinic, on the East Coast of Demerara, where focus was placed on tackling persons living with diabetes. At the fair, visitors were educated on their general health; however, emphasis was placed on tackling diabetes, as well as coping with the disease. A number of doctors, as well as persons who suffer with diabetes gave their experiences on dealing and living with diabetes. Dr Wilson Jordan of the Georgetown Public Hospital told the gathering that a number of his relatives suffer from diabetes. He said this forced him to take better care of himself, but even so, he too is diabetic. “I’d like to say to all the patients here today (Wednesday) that you too can control this chronic disease. It’s a killer and we need to be careful with it. We need to be careful as quite a large number of people die worldwide with diabetes. We have to take control of it or it will take control of us,” he stated. Representative of the Pan American Health Organisation Forbes Mellville, reflected on the theme of World Health Day and its importance to diabetics. “World Health day is the birth anniversary of the World Health Organisation since its founding in 1948. The theme for World Health Day is ‘Step up. Beat Diabetes’… and it provides the opportunity to focus our attention then on the prevention and control of diabetes as to reduce the amount of persons affected by this non-communicable disease,” he explained.

A section of the gathering at the health fair

He further related that over 350 million persons worldwide suffer with diabetes, saying “diabetes affects persons from all walks of life”. He explained that early detection and treatment, along with health policies are key in the prevention of acquiring the chronic disease. Educating the gathering on the seriousness of the disease, a doctor explained that it is a chronic disease that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. There are three major types of diabetes: type 1 diabetes which is the most frequent among children and adolescents; type 2 diabetes which is the most frequent among adults and is linked to obesity or being overweight, lack of physical activity and poor nutrition; and gestational diabetes which is a complication of pregnancy that affects an estimated 10 per cent of pregnancies globally. Meanwhile, other organisations at the event took the opportunity to educate those present at the fair about their general mental, physical and sexual health needs. June Ann Taylor, a representative of the National Milling Company of Guyana Inc (NAMILCO), explained that the organisation saw it fit to

participate in the health fair as to encourage persons to eat healthily so as to maintain a healthy body. This she related could be possible by using some of the products that the company offers to the health conscious. Melanie Saul of the Vector Control Department also related that as the number of mosquito borne diseases increases, it is imperative that persons take precautionary measure to prevent infection. “We’re asking persons to dispose of their garbage in a proper and professional manner,” she stated, adding that garbage and stagnant water can be a breeding ground for the mosquitoes that carry diseases including Malaria and the Zika Virus. Naitram Parsram, a HIV Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) Councillor of the EnmorePolyClinic also took the opportunity to inform persons about their sexual health. Michelle Nurse of the Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association was also present to educate persons about their sexual and reproductive health, including family planning and safe sex. Residents of Enmore and surrounding communities lauded the hosting of the fair which saw many persons leaving with invaluable information about their wellbeing.

12 news

THURsDay, APRIL 7, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Region 10 television station saga

Solomon accused of not following directives

Regional Chairman Renis Morian

number of leaders in Linden, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) have lashed out at Secretary of the Region 10 Broadcasting Inc (RBI), noting that he is going against directives issued by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo on the way forward for the Linden television station. During a press conference on Monday, Regional Chairman Renis Morian, Member of Parliament Jermaine Figueira, Councillor Sandra Adams and newly elected Mayor of Linden Carwyn Holland all refuted alleged claims by Sharma Solomon that they were stalling the pro-

cess of the television station. Morian, Adams and Figueira were part of a recent stakeholders meeting with Solomon and the Prime Minister, who indicated that Solomon was going against certain principles established. Morian said he (Solomon) was involved in the meeting and asked several questions, including “Why were the negotiations (of the television station) not done with the new Administration?” Morian added that the Prime Minister then gave clear-cut directives on what is to be done, noting that the PM’s directives were not followed. “We will meet, chose our people and we’re going to move forward… I am following the directive of the Prime Minister, as I said Mr Solomon don’t run broadcasting in Guyana, it’s managed by a Prime Minister… so what Mr Solomon is saying attempts to contradict what the Prime Minister said,” Morian noted. In response to Solomon stating that present infighting is causing the station not to move forward, and it is expected that matters be settled by April 8, Figueira refuted this, noting that

MP Jermaine Figueira

the elected people of Linden have not been given a fair chance. “It should be from the onset known that it is not our intention to stall any process, we are in support of us having a television station and we must also make it known that we applaud Mr Solomon’s efforts in regards to leading the way forward in us getting the television station, but it is important for us to acknowledge that what the Chairman said, we have a change in Administration, it is only fit that those changes be reflective in how we proceed in going ahead with this television station… I be-

lieve prudence dictate that the elective representatives must have an integral role with regards to how we pilot the way forward,” he said. With regards to the Prime Minister’s directives, Figueira said Nagamootoo would have made few revelations of which the public was not cognisant of. This, he said, included the opinion that the setting up of the Trust is not in actuality a true reflection of ownership by the people of Region 10 and that it was owned by a small group of people. He said another directive was also given for a collective meeting to be held where the documents of the Trust will be shared with elected representatives and all stakeholders who were present; however, that document was only received on Friday last. He contended that it‘s unfair to say that they are stalling in regards to the station since it was not known what would have been contained in the document. The contents of the document, he said is also “shocking”, adding that time should be given to peruse it. As such, he said a few more days should be given to do so. “And he would have also said if push comes to shove where this thing is to be sold, the people of Region 10 will not have a say if it can be sold or not. So we’re saying that as elected representatives of the people it is im-

RBI Secretary Sharma Soloman

portant for us to involve the representative of the people as well as key stakeholders of the community to decide on the way forward.” Adams said while she applauded the efforts of those initially involved, there was always a fight in terms of the Linden television station in times past. The move to have the station back as a community one, she said, was a push in the right direction. However, echoing similar sentiments, she said the Prime Minister’s directive was not followed by Solomon and the RBI in terms of timing. Adams said it was clear that the Government made a promise to give back the station to Linden within a hundred days of it being in power and not to a few people. “Recently we noted that it

Linden Mayor Carwyn Holland

is not going in the direction where the people can truly say it belongs to them… my argument today is let’s not get confused about who fought for the station… What’s the rush to have a Committee formed? And not in the right way again… but we intend not to focus on the rush. We’re going to do it the way the PM asked for it to be done… Linden does not intend to fight it’s own Government…,” she said. Adams said Prime Minister Nagamotoo would have advised that that the Trust is extended by at least 10 more people chosen by the RDC, Mayor and Town Council and the Kwakwani Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC). She also made calls for the parties involved to sit at the bargaining table to consult and do it “correctly”.

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thursDay, APRIL 7, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Local businessman participates in YLAI A

young local businessman is the first Guyanese to participate in the United States Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI). Entrepreneur Triston Thompson recently met with US Ambassador Perry Holloway after returning from his participation in the YLAI in the US. During his visit, Thompson got the opportunity to meet with Secretary

of State John Kerry and Assistant Secretary for the Western Hemisphere, Roberta S Jacobson, at the US Department of State to discuss the future of entrepreneurship and the importance of empowering young leaders throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. Launched by US President Barack Obama in April 2015, YLAI seeks to expand opportunities for emerging entrepreneurs

and civil society activists from Latin America, the Caribbean, and the United States. YLAI will help address the opportunity gap for youth, especially women, by empowering entrepreneurs and civil society leaders with the training, tools, networks, and resources they need to transform their societies and contribute more fully to economic development and prosperity, security,

MV Kanawan encounters engine failure

MV Kanawan

usinesses persons who were scheduled to travel at midday from Parika, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) to Supenaam, in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) on Monday and Wednesday were inconvenienced due to engine failure on the MV Kanawan. The crew discovered a problem with the vessel on Monday morning when it docked at Parika around 07:00h. The malfunction was fixed on Monday but the problem was again encoun-

persons to have an additional ferry run introduced to assist passengers and the business community in conducting their daily activities, the Public Infrastructure Ministry had introduced a midday service to facilitate the needs of the populace. There are three scheduled ferry services daily – 04:00h, 12:00h (noon) and 17:00h. The MV Kanawan and MV Sabanto usually ply the Parika to Supenaam route. tered on Wednesday mornAccording to an offiing. Hence, there was no mid- cial attached to the Public day service on Wednesday, Infrastructure Ministry, which caused frustrations to the ancient MV Malali was build among business per- put into operation to assons waiting at the Parika sist with the transportation stelling, as they were hoping of vehicles from Parika to to utilise the service to con- Supenaam. The official said duct their business. Several a team is presently working businessmen, who were at to fix the problems affecting the head of the line to board the proper functioning of the the vessel, argued further MV Kanawan. that they were not given priWhile some passengers ority even though they were waited a further nine hours at the stelling since morning. to commence their journey, others were forced to cancel Service demanded their trips due to the delays. Due to the demand from

US Ambassador Perry Holloway with YLAI participant Triston Thompson

human rights, and good governance in the hemisphere. In sharing his experi-

ence, Thompson noted that it was a real privilege to be a part of such an amazing group of young entrepre-

neurs and the extraordinary benefit of expanding his network of colleagues. He also shared with the Ambassador a project that he was currently working on, which will enable mobile technology to address the needs of consumers and businesses in a user-friendly and efficient manner. Ambassador Holloway congratulated him on the initiative and looked forward to utilising the technology when it becomes available. Thompson is a Partner and Information Systems Architect at IntellectStorm, an organisation that specializes in providing information technology and marketing solutions to businesses growing in Guyana’s rapidly-evolving market.

guyana-times.com

thursDay, april 7, 2016

News

Coldingen Railway Embankment murder

Sussex Street murders

Trio expected to be Brother of slain Coast Guard charged for murder today charged with “Tuffy” murder – Police awaiting advice from DPP on 13-year-old the High Court, was also arrested and confessed to being an accessory to murder. He had been previously arrested for questioning in relation to the murder of Regent Multiplex Mall owner Ganesh Ramlall, but was released shortly after. Additionally, the driver of the car that was used to transport the man’s body from his Section B, Nonpareil, ECD home to Coldingen Railway Embankment has also been

One of the accused

The man’s 17-year-old daughter has confessed to murdering her father and is expected to be charged today

hree of the suspects in the murder of 64-yearold Roger Manikam, whose body was dumped on the Coldingen, East Coast Demerara (ECD) Railway Embankment, are expected to be arraigned for murder today. Manikam’s body was found by residents in the area around 06:30h along the Coldingen Railway Embankment on Sunday last with wounds to the head and upper neck. He was bound and his head was covered by a plastic bag. The man’s 17-year-old biological daughter and 13-year-old stepdaughter have since admitted to killing him, claiming that he was a “nuisance” to them. The older teenager’s boyfriend, a Clerk attached to

Murdered: Roger Manikam

arrested in relation to the murder and is expected to be charged. This was confirmed by Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum, who also related to Guyana Times that the Police have impounded the vehicle in question. He noted that the two males confessed to disposing of the body. The suspects were taken to the scene, where they indenti-

fied the spot they dumped Manikam’s body. They also took investigators a short distance away where they dumped incriminating materials such as bloody sheets and clothing. Detectives became suspicious of the dead man’s daughters after they realised that the rope serving as the clothes line in the yard of the home was identical to the one used to secure the plastic found around the man’s head. The Police took the two young ladies into custody and during interrogation; they broke down and gave a detailed account of the murder. The Crime Chief related that while the trio is expected to be brought before the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court today, the Police are awaiting advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions’ Chamber in relation to the 13-year-old.

– 2 others charged for killing GDF rank

Dead: Gladston Taylor, called “Tuffy”

olice have instituted murder charges against Vellon Thorne, a brother of slain Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard, for the execution style killing of Gladston Taylor, called “Tuffy”, of Adelaide Street, Charlestown who was gunned down as “revenge”. The young man is expected to make his appearance today at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Courts to answer to the indictable charge. He is accused of shooting to death Taylor, whom he claimed had a

hand in his now dead brother’s death. On the night of the shooting incident, Taylor was reportedly sitting at Adelaide and Sussex Streets, when two men rode up on a CG motorcycle and opened fire on him. He was shot at least five times about his body. He was picked up and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Thorne was identified as the killer and was subsequently arrested and interrogated. Meanwhile, two men will also make their court appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged with the murder of GDF Lance Corporal Kevon Payne, 22, of Lot 36 Sussex Street Charlestown. The men were positively identified by the now dead soldier’s brother. On the night of March 29, Payne and another man, Shakel Williams, 22, of James Street, Albouystown, were among a group of men standing on the roadway at Lyng and Sussex Streets, Charlestown, when two men armed with firearms rode

Dead: GDF rank Kevon Payne

up on a motorcycle and discharged rounds in their direction. Payne was hit about his body and Williams was hit to his right foot. As a result, Payne was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival while Williams was admitted. The Police say ranks of a Police mobile patrol in the vicinity of the shooting responded to the sound of gunshots and confronted the two suspects who managed to escape after an exchange of gunfire with the ranks.

Teen biker’s death

Accused jailed for over 2 years – asks deceased’s family for forgiveness

Dellon Duncan BY KIZZY COLEMAN

ellon Duncan, the man charged for causing the death of 17-year-old Travis Bollers was on Wednesday jailed for two years, nine months, when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. He stood before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan who handed down the sentence. McLennan in handing down her ruling told the defendant that there is no doubt that the prosecution proved that the death of the deceased was as a result of dangerous driving. She noted that the witnesses called by the

Prosecution – Quacy McCalmont, Nigel Edghill and Shaunette Brown – all gave consistent testimonies. Magistrate McLennan told the defendant that his account of what occurred on the night of the accident was considered before making a ruling but the court was not satisfied with the evidence presented by the defence. Duncan in his evidence told the court that on the night of the accident, he saw a motorcycle but did not see anyone after he stopped to check. After handing down her sentence, the defendant asked for the court to have compassion and mercy on him and asked for forgiveness from family members of the deceased. Bollers and his cousin, Quacy McCalman, 22, of Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown, were riding a motorcycle along Pike Street, Campbellville, headed towards Sheriff Street when they collided with the Toyota Tacoma pick-up that had turned into the street. Bollers, who was controlling the bike; and McCalman, the pillion rider, were subsequently rushed to the Georgetown Public

Dead: Travis Bollers

Hospital, where the teen was pronounced dead on arrival while McCalman was admitted. Following the teen’s death, his brother Eon Bollers, launched a Facebook campaign to find the driver of the pick-up who had fled the scene. His family also staged a protest at the Square of the Revolution to press authorities to bring the man to justice. Duncan was identified as the driver of the vehicle involved in the accident and his vehicle was found in a mechanic shop where it was being repaired. He denied all allegations that he was involved in the accident.

thursDAY, april 7, 2016

guyana-times.com

News

Education Ministry confirms GRA favours settlement in interest changes to NGSA of investment – Chairman BaiShanLin luxury vehicles seizure

Glenn Lall

GRA Chairman Rawle Lucas

s the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) continues to investigate the non-payment of millions of dollars in duty owed to the entity by Chinese logging company BaiShanLin Forest Development Inc, the revenue collection body may consider settling the matter outside the realm of the judiciary. On Tuesday, officials from the GRA’s Customs Department seized a Lexus SUV with registration number PRR 2888 and a Nissan minivan with licence plate number PRR 3888; both belonging to the controversial Chinese company. Guyana Times was told that the Chinese logging company allegedly has over $50 million outstanding in duties, which they failed to pay within the stipulated timeframe. This newspaper contacted GRA Chairman Rawle Lucas on Wednesday who related that he was still awaiting a report from the team that conducted the operation. “I have not received that report as yet. All I got from them was an email indicating that they were still preparing the report and as soon as the report is ready, it would be sent to me,” Lucas said. Asked whether the Revenue Authority will be filing criminal charges against the foreign company or would

move to settle the matter, the Chairman explained that at this point, the course of action is yet to be determined. However, he noted that the latter option might be more feasible since Government wants to maintain its relationship with investors but at the same time ensure that they operate within the confines of the laws of Guyana. “Remember what we are trying to do is to make sure that we can try our best to maintain a reasonable relationship that we expect between the Government and the investors; so one should, therefore, expect prudent actions to be taken in order to deal with the matter,” he pointed out. The Chairman could not say, when asked, whether there were any efforts by BaiShanLin to engage the GRA in having the matter settled as he is yet to receive the report. “I’m not sure what would have transpired in the operation and what communication would have been indicated by the company,” Lucas stated. In 2014, when the GRA seized two Lexus luxury vehicles and filed charges against remigrant couple Narootandeo and Gharbassi Brijnanan, along with Kaieteur News Publisher Glenn Lall and his wife Bhena Lall, for alleged-

ly defrauding the Revenue Authority of more than $100 million of customs duties on the two vehicles imported under Government’s Remigrant Scheme Programme, the parties later arrived at “amicable resolutions” outside of court and had the cases dismissed. Guyana Times understands that BaiShanLin has been under the radar of the revenue collection body for years. It was reported that the GRA has been trying to recoup the monies owed by the company for some time now; however, recent efforts by the Authority to confiscate the vehicles were blocked by a Government official.

They heard “what is the truth about Panama,” the State Secretary for communication, Manuel Dominguez, told AFP. The Government has also written a harshly worded letter to the head of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Angel Gurria, attacking a statement he made describing Panama as “the last major holdout that continues to allow funds to be hidden off-

A.M. English Language 2

P.M. Science 1

APRIL 27, 2016

(09:00h–09:55h)

(13:00h–14:10h)

English Language 1

Science 2

(10:30h–11:40h)

(14:30h–15:25h)

THURSDAY

Mathematics 1

Social Studies 1

APRIL 28, 2016

(09:00h–10:10h)

(13:00h–14:10h)

Mathematics 2

Social Studies 2

(10:45h–11:40h)

(14:30h–15:25h)

ne day after former Education Minister Priya Manickchand blasted the Education Ministry for failing to disclose the changes that will be made to the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA), the Ministry has come out saying that there are changes indeed but these will be “minor”. In a statement on Wednesday, the Education Ministry said that specimen papers were prepared and distributed prior to the com-

mencement of the new term to all regions to familiarise pupils with the new layout of the NGSA. “Please be advised that changes made to the assessment relate only to the layout of question paper and answer sheets and not the structure or format of the questions on the question paper. The Guyana Learning Channel is expected to air a special programme to further familiarise pupils with the layout,” the Ministry noted.

Approximately 14,500 candidates are expected to sit NGSA on Wednesday, April 27 and Thursday April 28, 2016. Manickchand, who served as Education Minister for a number of years, said on Tuesday that it has come to her attention that the Ministry intended to change the manner in which the NGSA, or a part thereof, was going to be written and marked. This change will begin at the 2016 exams.

Govt excesses must be reined in – Lincoln Lewis

ead of the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) Lincoln Lewis has lent his voice to the barrage of warning being thrown in the direction of the A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) coalition government against falling prey to corruption. In a statement on Wednesday, Lewis said the political growth of the country and its people relies on rigid adherence to time-honored principles, rules, laws, universal declarations, conventions and charters. He said where there has been some progress in the nation following the national and regional elections, it must continue and not be undermined by acts that are “inimical to growth and progress. “Ours is a republic built on a system of representative democracy. Where the

Panama mounts fierce defence of vital financial sector

anama mounted a fierce defence of its crucial financial services sector on Wednesday, trying to head off a feared international clampdown on its offshore business in the wake of the “Panama Papers” leak. Diplomats accredited to the small Central American nation were called to the Foreign Ministry to hear officials argue that it was unfair to single out Panama in the scandal.

DATE WEDNESDAY

shore from tax and law enforcement authorities”. Those accusations were false, “unfair and discriminatory”, Deputy Foreign Minister Luis Miguel Hincapie wrote in the letter, which was obtained by AFP. Gurria and others relying on reports from the “Panama Papers” were seeking to “distort the facts and tarnish the reputation of the country,” Hincapie wrote.

(Excerpt from AFP)

GTUC Head Lincoln Lewis

Executive and Legislature are elected by the people to represent their affairs, these branches cannot govern ignoring the fundamental rights and freedoms of all. Whether one votes for a party or not, whoever is given the privilege to govern cannot exclude the interests of those who did not cast a ballot for them, given that under the laws all are considered equal and guarantee equal protection of their rights and freedoms,” Lewis stated in his statement. Within recent days, Lewis reminded, the nation has been inundated with acts by State and Government officials giving rise to justifiable concerns that “we are not witnessing a change in the way business is done on our behalf.” Additionally he said there are reports of State and Government officials acting a law unto themselves, with little or no regard for tenets of good governance that ought to be guiding their conduct. He added that the coun-

try was also witnessing board members of State institutions conducting the business of the organisations outside of guiding principles. “A board charged with policy responsibility ought to be engaged in conceptualising and developing policies, informed by the organisation’s mission, taking

roles, functions and responsibility. “Some boards are operating as laws unto themselves and disregarding workers’ fundamental rights, laws and industrial relations practices”. The tendency where decision-making is guided by gut feelings, fear or egos must cease. Board members and Government officials must act in accordance with established tenets, be trained, and where there exists refusal to correct mal-conduct they must be removed, since they are subject to the rules governing the organisation, internally and externally. “The David Granger/ Moses Nagamootoo Government is called on to eschew practices of double standards, given that they condemned the abuse

“This Government and those who they have placed in positions to operate on the people’s behalf must not be allowed to get away with doing what they condemned in the past.” cognisance of internal and external factors. Day-to-day management of the workers and resources are not the responsibility of policy board. Its duty is to ensure that the resources (human and others) are made available to realise the mission of the organisation.” “Problems facing the performance of boards, he noted, are absence of experience, appropriate mix of skills, understanding of

of authority and power when they were in the opposition,” he said, noting that state agencies or officials are allowed under the law to violate the laws and transgress rights. “This Government and those who they have placed in positions to operate on the people’s behalf must not be allowed to get away with doing what they condemned in the past.”

thursday, april 7, 2016

guyanatimesgy.com

Authentic Amazonian Irene Bacchus-Holder made of her beloved local woods and semi-precious stones as she continues to grow her business and move from strength to strength, inspired by the Creator. She says that the satisfaction that you gain from creating and selling your products beyond the financial aspect and

rene Bacchus-Holder of Amazon Authentics has taken the art of pyrography (decorating wood or leather by burning a design on the surface with a heated metallic point) in Guyana to new levels. The UNCTAD/EMPRETEC International Women in Business Award 2008 finalist turned a passion for creating art on everyday objects like jewellery boxes and kitchen wares which she gave to family and friends into a thriving business that showcases the beautiful woods of Guyana and her designs – with customers around the world. Although the business, which she started under her house, targets the export market given the positive

response received at international trade shows in the Caribbean and South America, North America, and Europe, the Amazon Authentics shop at Robb and Camp Street is filled with exquisite things for everyone to enjoy. Amazon Authentics products are made of very beautiful, rare (not endangered) species, harvested when they are discarded by commercial loggers, the company said on its website ww.amazonauthentics.com. The artist, who hails from Richmond Hill, Linden, has long been sustainability conscious before it became the buzzword it is today. Bacchus-Holder recently launched a line of jewellery

the appreciation they engender over the years as well as recognition for your contribution after “an extended period, maybe 25 years” are what defines success for her. The ‘artrepreneur’ noted that persistence and discernment which she described as the

ability to assess people and the market are the most important traits an entrepreneur can have. Her advice to wouldbe business owners: “Think carefully of what you want to do then do a feasibility study. Plan and be prepared for the hard road ahead, the sleepless nights, the

failures, how to cope when that happens. Success is there but it is a fierce battle to get there. Look around for those persons who will help. They are there. Seek them out. Then there are those who will pull you down. Be smart and recognise them for such. Maybe you cannot

get rid of them but seek ways in which you can box them out.” In reflecting on the lessons she has learnt along the way, she declared, “Strength comes from within. When everyone fails you, look within yourself. You can do it if you try hard enough. Life is a struggle

and you have to devise ways in which you can come out on top.” Contact: 50 Robb St, Lacytown, Georgetown, Guyana 444-6162 facebook. com/amazonauthentics

Business News US readies bank rule on shell companies amid “Panama Papers” fury

he US Treasury Department intends to soon issue a long-delayed rule forcing banks to seek the identities of people behind shell-company account holders, after the “Panama Papers” leak provoked a global uproar over the hiding of wealth via offshore banking de-

vices. A department spokesman said on Wednesday the rule would “soon” be turned over to the White House for review and issuance, but did not confirm any timetable for the initiative, which has taken years. Governments around the globe have launched

probes into possible financial wrongdoing after 11.5 million documents from the Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca, nicknamed the “Panama Papers,” were leaked to the media and reports emerged Sunday. Mossack Fonseca has said it was the victim of a computer hack, and that it

has consistently acted appropriately. The papers offer “validation for those who have been screaming for a decade” about the need for financial institutions in the United States and else-

Market statistics Cambio Rates

Gold Prices – Guyana Gold Board

Bank of Guyana Cur

Buying

Selling

Fixed as at April 6, 2016 Calculated at 94% purity

U.S.

$1236.25

$158.22

Gross

$236,686

$205.98

$208.44

Net

$220,118

$233.44

$236.43

GBP

$288.95

$292.60

CAN

$156.41

USD EURO

Indicators as on April 6, 2016 Indicators

US$ per barrel

Crude Oil

$37.75

Price

Change %

+4.93

USD

Change %

Rough Rice

$213.40/ton

London Sugar

$419.40/ton

+0.31 -0.06

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Once

Bid/Ask

$1224.90

$1225.90

Low/High

$1216.80

$1232.80

Change

+2.60

Business Concept – Niche marketing

+0.21%

Concentrating all marketing efforts on a small but specific and well defined segment of the population. Niches do not ‘exist’ but are ‘created’ by identifying needs, wants, and requirements that are being addressed poorly or not at all by other firms, and developing and delivering goods or services to satisfy them. As a strategy, niche marketing is aimed at being a big fish in a small pond instead of being a small fish in a big pond. Also called micromarketing. (Business Dictionary)

where to address risks of money laundering, terror finance and other crime by identifying people who clandestinely control legal entities, former Treasury official Chip Poncy told Reuters. (Reuters)

Tips for negotiating with your creditors By Lea Nathan

uring tight economic times, both individuals and businesses struggle to keep their heads above water financially. However, many people and companies alike do not know they can successfully negotiate with bill collectors and creditors to reduce payments and make arrangements that work for both parties. The following tips from the Business Dictionary will give you successful negotiation strategies for a win-win solution. Take proactive action As soon as you know you will have problems making any payments, talk to the credit company to make a payment arrangement before they send the bill to collections. You will probably harm your credit by making late payments, but most companies hope to avoid sending the bill to collections as most charge a percentage of the amount collected. Collection accounts cause your credit score to drop even lower than if the original agency keeps working with you. Pay what you can Look at your budget realistically and come up with a plan to pay your bills. Remember that a budget is a tool to serve you and help you stay on track financially. Only promise to pay what you can. Credit companies take a dim view of breaking payment agreements. It’s almost always better to negotiate a lower amount and pay the company more if you are able to do so. Tell your story As you talk about your situation, remain calm. You need to share some details of your story without drawing out the explanation. Tell the truth about your difficulties and explain what you plan to do to work out your issues. If you start to become angry or overly emotional, tell the collector you will speak with them later. Let them know you will record the conversation if needed.

Investors' guide

Wall Street rises with healthcare, oil rallies

S stocks jumped on Wednesday, bolstered by gains in healthcare shares after the collapse of the US$160 billion merger of Pfizer and Allergan, and by a rise in energy shares. Minutes from the most recent Federal Reserve meeting suggested the Fed was unlikely to raise interest rates before June. US drugmaker Pfizer Inc and Ireland-based Allergan Plc called off their merger after new US Treasury rules aimed at curbing tax-cutting inversion deals. News of the merger’s breakup boosted the healthcare sector on hopes that the pharmaceutical giants could turn to smaller targets. The S&P healthcare index gained 2.7 per cent, while the Nasdaq Biotech Index jumped six per cent. Shares of Pfizer rose five per cent to US$32.93 and gave the biggest boost to the S&P 500, while Allergan was up

3.5 per cent at US$244.74. “I guess the feeling is Pfizer will now look for a new target,” said Stephen Massocca, chief investment officer, Wedbush Equity Management LLC in San Francisco. But, he said, “the rally in healthcare is a little counter-intuitive, given the political climate seems to be negative for big pharma right now”. The Dow Jones industrial average was up 112.73 points, or 0.64 per cent, to 17,716.05, the S&P 500 had gained 21.49 points, or 1.05 per cent, to 2066.66 and the Nasdaq Composite had added 76.78 points, or 1.59 per cent, to 4,920.72. Crude oil jumped after data showed an unexpected draw in US stockpiles last week, boosting shares of energy companies. The S&P 500 energy index rose 2.1 per cent. The day’s rally, which included gains in all but two sectors, followed two days of

declines in the S&P 500. The index had rallied 13 per cent in the previous seven weeks, thanks to stabilising oil prices and reduced concerns about China’s economy. Investors will soon turn their attention to first-quarter S&P 500 earnings, which are estimated to be down 7.4 per cent from a year ago, according to Thomson Reuters data. Some strategists see further gains in the market if companies are able to handily beat such low earnings expectations. Federal Reserve policymakers debated whether they might hike rates in April, but “a number” of them argued headwinds to growth would probably persist, with many arguing they should be cautious about raising rates. The S&P 500 posted 12 new 52-week highs and no new lows; the Nasdaq recorded 35 new highs and 21 new lows. (Reuters)

news

thursDAY, april 7, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Court quashes Bulkan’s selection of Mabaruma’s Mayor, NDC Chairmen

he People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has moved to the High Court to block the selection of a Mayor and Chairmen for five Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs), after there were ties between the Councillors during the electing process. PPP’s Commissioners attached to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) on Tuesday accused Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan of selecting five Chairmen and a Mayor for six Local Authority Areas (LAA) where there were equality of votes – a move the Commissioners say was outside the remit of the laws governing the selection of Mayors and NDC Chairmen. On Wednesday, the Opposition Party filed six writs of Certiorari, Prohibition and Mandamus at the High Court. The legal documents were filed by Attorney Anil Nandlall on behalf of the applicant, PPP Executive Secretary Zulficar Mustapha. The matters were heard by Justice Diana Insanally the same day during which she granted a series of or-

ders as requested in the affidavit with respect to the Minister’s inability to select a Mayor within the Mabaruma District and Chairmen for several NDCs. The court orders seek to nullify the selection of Kervin Crawford as Chairman and Gail Thomas as Vice Chairman, of the GibralterFyrish NDC; Audrey Thomas as Chairman of the IndustryPlaisance NDC; Peter Livingstone as Chairman and Royan Junior Thomas as Vice Chairman of the Malgre Tout-Meer Zorgen; Carol Nurse as Chairman and Wilbert Vhypius as Vice Chairman of the WoodlandsBel Air; Gershon Clarke as Chairman of the WoodlandsFarm and the selection of Rupert Henry Smith as Mayor and Astrille Gamell as Deputy Mayor of the Municipality of Mabaruma. The Order or Rule Nisi of Certiorari granted by the Judge is directed to Minister Bulkhan, quashing his decision of the selections on the grounds that it is contrary to and in violation of Municipal and District Councils Act Chapter 28:01 and the Local Government Act Chapter 28:02. She said that the deci-

Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan

sion “is in excess of and without jurisdiction, made in bad faith, is unreasonable, arbitrary, capricious, based upon irrelevant and in proper considerations, mala fide, malicious, vindictive, unlawful, ultravires, null, void and of no legal effect.” Justice Insanally further ordered that the Councillors selected by the Minister be restrained from acting as or performing the functions of Chairmen, Vice Chairmen and Mayor of their respective NDCs and municipality on the grounds that to do so, would be contrary to

and in violation of municipal and District Councils Act Chapter 28:01 and the Local Government Act Chapter 28:02, is unlawful, unfair, unreasonable, arbitrary, capricious, in excess and without jurisdiction, oppressive, malicious, illegal and ultra vires. The court also quashed the decision of the NDCs in electing Vice Chairmen and of the Town Councils in selecting any or all committees, citing the above mentioned grounds. The Judge further ordered that the Overseers of the NDCs and the acting Town Clerk of Mabaruma appoint a day for the election of Chairmen and Mayors from among such candidates by the voters whose names appear on the Register of Voters for the local authority area of the respective NDCs and municipality. The Minister as well as the appointees were all called upon by the court to show cause why the Order or Rule Nisi of Certiorari should not be made absolute. The matter has been adjourned to April 20, when it will be called before Chief Justice Yonette Cummings-

Mayors and Deputy Mayors take Oath of Office – President urges new officials to put politics aside for development

ewly elected Mayors and Deputy Mayors of the nine municipalities of Guyana took the oath of office on Wednesday at the Ministry of the Presidency before President David Granger. Taking the oath to serve faithfully with fear or favour, ill will or affection, the Mayors appeared before the President vowing to responsibly execute their purpose in office. In the presence of their families, President Granger in delivering the charge to the elected officials encouraged them to strive to fulfil their tasks to the best of their abilities, putting aside favouritism. Speaking on granting townships to the once three villages, the Head of State highlighted the Government’s plan for these towns and how he plans to develop them into sustaining settlements. As the towns have proven to be capable of handling its affairs and producing for not only itself but the country generally, Granger said there places are all deserving of the township title. Thus, the President charged the Mayors to take up the mantle of ensuring that they are effective in adopting change in the respective towns. Regardless of political background, Granger said there should at all times be cooperation in the levels of Government, putting aside differences and enmity. “When I swear you in, I don’t see PPP, APNU or independent. I see people who

President David Granger, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, and Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan surrounded by the newly-appointed Deputy Mayors

are committed to the development of this country,” the President said. He assured that there should not be fear in working alongside the central government and in addition no fear in executing their functions despite social group or ethnicity. As taken under oath, he encouraged them to fulfil the vow to which they had solemnly affirmed to work without favouritism. “That is the vow, and if you don’t fulfil that vow, God be with you,” Granger cited. The Head of State reminded the Mayors that Guyana is looking forward to their service and there is much work to be done that will build the future. He tasked them additionally with fulfilling the need for economic growth so that as a town it will thrive.

Granger commended the newly elected officials for their decision to take up the responsibility to ensure that growth is consistent in Guyana. Of those being sworn in at the ceremony were Mayors from the seven municipalities, including Patricia Chase-Green of the Georgetown Municipality, Kurt Wynter for New Amsterdam, Ganesh Gangadin for Corriverton, Carwyn Holland for Linden, Henry Smith for Mabaruma, Gifford Marshall for Bartica, and Vijay Kumar for Rose Hall. Present to witness the proceedings were Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, Minister of State Joseph Harmon, Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan and Social Cohesion Minister Amna Ally.

On March 18, Guyanese went to local government polls after more than 22 years. However there was a mere 47 per cent voter turnout at the election. The Opposition People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) pulled significant votes in the Proportional Representation (PR) component of the historical Local Government Elections. The results updated on the Election Commission’s website showed the PPP reining in a total 123,564 votes, some 24,894 more than the coalition Government which gained 98,670 votes. The results were made available some four days after the election. Out of the 507,584 eligible voters in LGE, 239,070 persons or 47 per cent voted. Out of the total votes cast, 2744 were invalid.

Edwards. On the other hand, Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan on Wednesday maintained that he broke no laws as claimed by the PPP Commissioners. He was at the time speaking to reporters following the swearing in ceremony of the nine Mayors and Deputy Mayors by President David Granger. The Minister pointed out that he is baffled about the

PPP’s interpretation of the laws, noting that the legislation allows that for the intervention of the subject Minister when there is a tie in electing a mayor or NDC Chairman following two election meetings. Nevertheless, Bulkan express confidence that his Administration is ready to defend his decisions during the court proceedings and will even get a favourable outcome.

Education CoI

Ed Caesar to head Commission

ormer Chief Education Officer (CEO) Ed Caesar has been named Chairman of the Government established Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the education sector, Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine has said. The Minister made the announcement during a meeting with the press on Wednesday where details of the education CoI were laid out. According to Dr Roopnaraine, the CoI is expected to run for some four months and will be examining the state of affairs of the public education system between September 2010 and July 2014. While the investigation has a four month life span, there is a possibility of a short extension if the need arises. The recommendation from that investigation, he said, will be fed into the administrative policies and legislative processes, where the actions will be initiated. According to Dr Roopnaraine, the Ministry is tasked with the responsibility of formulating and monitoring education policy from nursery to tertiary levels. And despite commendable performances from the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) to the Caribbean Advance Proficiency Examination (CAPE), low and declining examination scores continue to typify the general state of education nationally. He said at the tertiary level, the University of Guyana remains unequal to the challenge of human development with regards to both enrollment and the delivery of the curriculum. “There have been anecdotal indicators of causation including poor adherence to protocols, challenges to human resources development inadequate learning environment, infrastructure, and indirect social factors”, Dr Roopnaraine said of the highest learning institution in the country. The Education Minister said parallel to the declining performance in the public education system, has been an inclining performance in the private education system. “The initial finding of a

June/July 2015 initial audit of the Ministry’s services and delivery infrastructure had indicated that the problems are endemic. There remains a consistent gap between even the Ministry’s own recommendations and actual practice”. Dr Roopnaraine said the Ministry’s credo of “eliminating illiteracy, modernising education and strengthening tolerance” serves as an abstract base point in which it measures it education delivery in general. “The first is that literacy expands beyond the literal literacy and numeracy and encompasses a wide range of basic fundamental skills including technological and cultural. Modernising education implies both the integration of up to date technology and its practicum in teaching. Finally, the goal of strengthening tolerance as the core part of the Ministry’s agenda speaks to the recognition that the public education system has a critical role to play in promoting social cohesion within a tradition in a deeply divisive society.” He said education in Guyana will require comprehensive and far reaching reform, if the system is going to prove capable of addressing the country’s developmental needs. “This reform will only be achievable subsequent to a far ranging inquiry into the public education sector; one that paints an accurate picture as possible of the state of the sector,” Dr Roopnaraine said The general objectives of the inquiry are to establish a baseline analysis of the state of the education sector in Guyana, and to recommend broad strategic guidelines for the enhancement of public education. The Commission will be allowed to employ the in camera and public consultation methodologies when conducting the inquiry on any aspect of the investigation. Other member of the 11-member team include Secretary Kellyann Hercules, Ingrid Trotman, Marcelle Hutson, Leslyn Charles, Ramesh Persaud, Vibert Hart, Ronald Austin Jnr and Mark Lyte.

guyana-timesgy.com

thursday, April 7, 2016

ARCHIE

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thursDAY, aPRIL 7, 2016

‘‘WICB the most unprofessional board in the world’’ - Bravo

n a scathing attack on the WICB, West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo has called the board “most unprofessional” and its president Dave Cameron an “immature”, “smallminded”, “arrogant” person, who he believes is at “personal war” with his own players. Bravo made the comments during a Skype interview with CNC3, a television network based out of Trinidad & Tobago. Bravo has had several run-ins with the WICB in the past. As ODI captain, he led West Indies’ pull-out from the India tour over player-payment issues in October 2014, and since then has not featured in the ODI squad, lost his retainer contract, and had even been removed as captain of his regional T&T team in the domestic one-day tournament. Being victimised by his own board, Bravo said, was nothing new and so he would not be surprised if West Indies’ Twenty20 captain Darren Sammy is disciplined by the WICB for being critical of the board after the team won the World T20 for the second time on Sunday evening in Kolkata. “I’m yet to hear from our own cricket board. That is very disappointing,” Sammy

Dave Cameron

had said at the post-match presentation. “For today, I’m going to celebrate with these 15 men and coaching staff. I don’t know when I’m going to be playing with these guys again because we don’t get selected for oneday cricket…” Hours after that, the WICB sent out two media releases. The first one congratulated the players on their achievements, but in the second release Cameron said he would inquire into Sammy’s remarks.

Not surprised

“No, I was not surprised [by Sammy’s comments]. We had enough as players,” Bravo told the television station. “Too much times people come down on the players. They questioned our com-

mitment, they questioned whether we were really committed to West Indies cricket or is it just the money. A lot of people don’t understand the things we go through as players dealing with our board. It is the most unprofessional board in the world to me. Sammy spoke from his heart. There is nothing wrong with Sammy’s speech and I support Darren Sammy 100%. “The entire team supports him and it’s a matter of us as players feeling hurt and the time has come where we can’t take it anymore and someone needs to put a stop to it because the cricket is being run by people who do not have West Indies cricket’s interest at heart.”

According to Bravo, the WICB has always failed to respect and communicate with the players. “The board refused to listen to what we have to say. It reached a point where we can’t take it no more and that itself encouraged us to go out there and win despite all the challenges we have. Even our own board did not think we were going to win the tournament. We are yet to hear from the president, yet to hear from the CEO, yet to hear from the director of cricket. I mean how can you represent the region, and the people who are supposed to be your bosses and in charge of you don’t even wish you well, don’t even support you. “So I was not surprised at Sammy’s speech because he spoke from his heart. And it’s something that the Caribbean people need to understand, we’re not happy with the way how our cricket is being run.” It did not help matters when, following the men’s and women’s victories, Cameron tweeted from his personal account: “When is the last time a critic paid one your bills? Always remember that when you start to give them your energy.” Bravo said: “I’m not sur-

West Indies WT20 win a great day for cricket - O’Donohoe D

amien O’Donohoe, CEO of the HERO Caribbean Premier League (CPL), said the West Indies cricket teams’ victories at the World Twenty20 finals on Sunday were outstanding moments, both for him and the CPL. The women’s cricket team won the Women’s World Twenty20 tournament, the first of the series, against Australia, with the team’s captain Stafanie Taylor being awarded Player-of-the-Tournament and fellow player Hayley Matthews being named Player-of-the-Match. The men’s cricket team went on to win the title against England with 161 for six, winning by four wickets, with two balls to spare. Speaking to Loop Sports, O’Donohoe said this signifies a resurgence in the popularity of cricket for people in the region. He pinpoints the exciting finale clinched by West

Damien O’Donohoe

Indies batsman Carlos Brathwaite’s phenomenal four sixes as an amazing event to witness first-hand. “It was a great win for the Caribbean, the 20/20 format is the perfect format; there were over 60,000 people (at the final). It was a day that we may probably not see again, days like yesterday don’t come around too often,” he said. He was elated to see the players dominate the field, many of whom got their

starts within the CPL. “It was a moment of immense pride,” he said. With the recent announcement of CPL’s fixtures in the U.S., O’Donohoe says the stage is now set to bring the excitement of CPL cricket to the U.S. “It’s always been part of our plan to play games in the U.S., it’s hugely exciting. It’s a mature sports market but we’re really excited to bring the games there and show that there is a market for

it,” he said. The 2016 HERO Caribbean Premier League (CPL) campaign in the U.S. will start on Thursday, 28 July with a match between the Guyana Amazon Warriors and the Barbados Tridents in Fort Lauderdale. All six teams will feature in the 10,000 capacity stadium across four days, with Faf du Plessis, Samuel Badree and Lendl Simmons’ St Kitts & Nevis Patriots facing newly re-named defending champions Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR), who will this year have New Zealander Brendon McCullum in tow as their marquee player alongside spin twins Sulieman Benn and Sunil Narine, on the Friday night. Supporters will have the opportunity to see all six teams in action twice over four action-packed days which will showcase some of the best West Indies and international talent on display. (Loop Sport)

prised by the president’s tweet, to be honest, because it is expected of him. He is someone very immature. Two years ago when we had the problems on the India tour, [Kieron] Pollard and myself had been blatantly victimised for whatever reason. That is their way of dealing with situations. They are very small-minded people, especially the president as I said before. There is nothing much he can do again.” Bravo pointed out that even during last year’s ODI World Cup, Cameron had posted an untimely tweet when he questioned Chris Gayle’s form in the opening matches. “That tweet from the president was [during] the 50-over World Cup when Chris Gayle was struggling in the first couple of games. The president sent out a tweet: ‘It is time for Chris Gayle to buy some runs.’ It is like a personal war against his own people, his own players. The president was in India [during the World T20] and he is yet to come to the team to say congratulations or well done guys or anything like that.”

Staying far

In an interview with ESPNcricinfo last week, Cameron said that the rea-

son he did not want to enter the West Indies dressing room was because he did not want the players to get affected or distracted by his presence. He called the decision “very, very deliberate”, but said that he shared a good relationship with his players. Clearly, Bravo did not agree. “Our cricket has gone to the lowest. Yes, we won the World Cup, the women won the World Cup. Also the Under-19s won the World Cup. But that doesn’t mean to say our cricket is in good hands. It is not. We definitely need help and the board needs to answer for some of the things that have been going on.” Bravo was pessimistic about a resolution being reached in the near future, keeping in mind the WICB was willing only to negotiate with the West Indies Player Association, which “90% of the players” are not part of. “It is tough times and I could only see getting worse because the board is going to retaliate with hate and anger, and they don’t think as adults and mature people with common sense. They always try to react with some kind of victimisation or trying to do something to victimise the players or take action against players.” (Cricinfo)

Griffith urges female world champions to build from experience

Tremayne Smartt and Shamaine Campbelle pose with Rayon Griffith and Melinda Bishundyal-Chaitram from GCB

hairman of the Senior Selection Panel of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), Rayon Griffith, urged female world champions, Tremayne Smartt and Shamaine Campbelle to build on their historic experience in the Women’s World T20 which finished with an emphatic victory for the Caribbean ladies last Sunday. Griffith along with GCB Assistant Administrator, Melinda BishundyalChaitram, welcomed the two ladies home today at the Ogle International Airport. He stated that the GCB is proud that there were Guyanese representing the West Indies

in the Tournament and have their names written in history as the first female West Indies team to achieve this glorious title. He said this exposure could only assist them to enhance their cricket; noting that they need continue with the discipline they showed in the World Cup and strive to be the best. The Chairman of Selectors posited that the GCB plans to honour for the ladies in recognition of their efforts. The Board hopes that this accomplishment by the regional women would motivate young girls to pursue a career in this sport which is becoming more accommodating for females.

guyana-times.com

thursDAY, APRIL 7, 2016

Former PM Stanislaus, Frank Arthur weighs in lead Young Warriors on cricket saga to 1st innings points F BCB/NYBG 2-day, U-19 cricket...

ontrasting half-centuries from Trevon Stanislaus and Jamaal Frank led Young Warriors Cricket Club (YWCC) to first innings points over Sisters CC in a rain-interrupted first round match of the New York Business Group (NYBG) two innings Under-19 cricket competition organised by the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB). Sisters won the toss and batted first, scoring 148 all out 27 overs. The only partnerships of worth were the third wicket of 30 between Julian Bennett and N. Amarally, and C. Byass and Amarally’s 37 for the fifth wicket. Extras topscored with 37. Amarally made 29, and Byass 26. Bowling for the visitors, Kris Bahadur took 3-30 off seven overs, Jamal Frank 2-6 off two and

Jamaal Frank (left) and Trevon Stanislaus

Shazim Gafoor 2-4. In reply, Berbice Under-17 opener Alex Algoo went cheaply for three after putting on 22 for the first wicket with Bahadur. Trevon Stanislaus joined Bahadur and added 26 for the third wicket. YWCC found themselves in deep trouble at 101-6 before

Frank joined Stanislaus and added a blistering partnership of 150 for the seventh wicket. Frank slammed a robust 83 with eight fours and six sixes. Stanislaus, who held the innings together, was the ninth wicket out for 84 with 14 fours. Wilson took 6-40 off nine overs and D. Lewis 2-40 off six.

ormer Prime Minister Owen Arthur has called for a “moratorium on controversy” in West Indies cricket, while stating that he was not only bowled over by recent comments made by the President of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Dave Cameron and the region’s T20 skipper Darren Sammy, but also by the persistent demands by some of his former prime ministerial colleagues for the disbandment of the WICB. “People are not focusing on cricket per se and that is what the focus needs to be. They have to find a way to work together now in good faith,” said Arthur, while hailing Sunday’s World T20 cricket victory by both the Windies men’s and women’s teams as a “wonderful

American footballer admits taking cocaine, smoking marijuana

orld Cup winner and two-time Olympic champion Abby Wambach has admitted taking cocaine and smoking marijuana. American Wambach, the world's all-time leading international goalscorer, was arrested on Saturday for drunk-driving. Court documents connected to the 35-year-old's arrest said that "the defendant tried cocaine at age 25". Mini U.S.A., one of Wambach's sponsors, said it was withdrawing adverts for the car featuring the former footballer, who retired

in December. In a statement, it said: "This behaviour is against the values we promote as an organisation and the safety of everyone on the road is a priority here at Mini." Wambach, who scored 184 goals in 255 games and helped U.S.A. to 2015 World Cup glory, was arraigned on Tuesday in Multnomah County Circuit Court, Portland. She was not present, but her lawyer entered a plea of not guilty on her behalf. Court documents said Wambach has no prior arrest record.

WICB, alluding not only to problems with sourcing gear for their T20 bid, but the fact that words of support had come from several quarters – including CARICOM leaders – but not their own board. To make matters worse, Cameron immediately shot back at what he deemed inappropriate comments made by the West Indies’ men’s captain. In a show of disgust over the skipper’s remarks, the WICB president also tweeted: “When is the last time a critic paid one of your bills? Always remember that when you start to give them your energy.” However, Arthur believes both sides are at fault. “I thought that Cameron’s response, even if provoked, was also inappropriate,” he told Barbados TODAY. “He [Cameron] has to understand that in leadership sometimes that you suffer in silence and then try to work out the matter behind the scenes,” he suggested, ahead of a visit to Jamaica on Friday, during which he is hoping to meet with the WICB head.

Poor timing

Abby Wambach was a World Cup winner in 2015

In court documents, officers wrote that she first used marijuana at age 24 and her last use was at 25. A Portland police spokesman said it is standard procedure for officers to ask defendants about prior drug use. (BBC Sport)

Owen Arthur

achievement” and a positive indication that “West Indies cricket is not dead”. However, he said “like all Caribbean people, I was soaring on the realms of pride, [before] the moment was sullied when both the team leadership and the West Indies Cricket Board foisted upon the international community’s attention and imagination the extent of the conflicts among themselves, and I think that was tarnished a bit by that conflict.” The bitter divisions in Caribbean cricket were laid bare Sunday as the WICB publicly reprimanded its St Lucian-born captain Sammy just hours after his team’s stunning victory in the World T20 final over England. It should have been a day of complete joy for the West Indies, with the women’s team winning their Twenty20 final against Australia on the same Eden Gardens ground where the men later downed England by four wickets in a last-over thriller. But in a post-match interview, Sammy gave vent to months — possibly years — of frustration with the

Arthur, who is an avid cricket supporter and a strong proponent of regionalism, also suggested that Sammy should have allowed the region to savour its moment of triumph last Sunday, and candidly state his objections to the board at a later date. “It is not to say that the players may not have a cause, [but] if the West Indies Cricket Board didn’t live up to the responsibility of providing supplies, then that is a serious issue, but I didn’t need to know all of that when the players and the whole region were at the point of rejoicing. “You have your report on the tour. Give that report with candour and if it has to come out, let it come out. But I thought it would have been better had he complimented the extraordinary exploits of young [Carlos] Brathwaite because a lot of Caribbean people had given up when we had to score those runs in the last over.” Ahead of a planned address to the Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) on Thursday night, Arthur called for greater focus on the creation of a development programme, below the level of the WICB, to make West Indies cricket viable. In this regard, he said there was scope for “common ground” between the WICB and Caribbean Community (CARICOM) governments. However, the former Prime Minister, who has been invited to chair a group for the creation of a trust fund for the development of the regional game, warned

that such a programme could not be had in an environment where West Indies cricket continued to be affected, more than any other country’s cricket, by divisiveness, including between the WICB and regional prime ministers.

Disbanding WICB

Asked whether he agreed with the recent recommendation made by the CARICOM Prime Ministerial SubCommittee that the WICB should be disbanded, Arthur responded: “The leaders have to let cricketing decisions be made by those responsible for cricketing decisions.” However, within the context of the game’s development, he said there needed to be some level of support by governments. “There is that sense in which there still needs to be a relationship between the West Indies Cricket Board and governments because you can’t have a nursery for West Indies cricket unless you have development programmes at the level of the countries.” Using Barbados as an example, he said it was not by chance that the island was currently providing most of the West Indian cricketers for both the Test and One Day teams, given that it has a development programme in place, for which he said there was access to sustained funding provided by his former Barbados Labour Party (BLP) administration. However, he made it clear that “Prime Ministers should not be involved in saying who should be selected or whatever else and I am not sure that there is a legal basis from which the Prime Ministerial SubCommittee can tell the West Indies Cricket Board that it needs to be disbanded. It is a recommendation, but I don’t know it can go beyond that,” he told Barbados TODAY. “They can call for it to change, but there is no way that they can legally require it to be done,” he emphasised, pointing out that the WICB was its own legal entity and could not be disbanded by the “fiat of regional prime ministers, it really can’t”. “The decision on whether Cameron stays or goes was not theirs to make,” he said. “The board was constituted by way of elections. We in the Caribbean are accustomed to regime changes by way of elections. I am familiar with it. I don’t know there is need now for us to superimpose a process that is not known on this situation. “If Cameron is a disaster, he will be changed, but he shall not be changed by the fiat of Prime Ministers,” Arthur stressed. (Barbados TODAY)

sports

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Sunil Gavaskar ‘‘too expensive’’ for BCCI T

he Indian cricket board, it appears, is soon likely to break a long partnership. The Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) professional relationship with cricketer-turnedcommentator Sunil Gavaskar could come to an end anytime now when his contract comes up for renewal. Gavaskar has been a long-standing associate of the board’s internally-held production house that hires its own commentators on a full-time basis apart from professionals who are hired by the broad- Sunil Gavaskar casters on a series-bylong-time colleague, Ravi series basis. Sources say the Shastri, will be hired by the board’s rant is that the fee BCCI full-time going forpaid to Gavaskar “is astroward or handled with the nomical” vis-a-vis the fee for same gloves as his senior. which some others are ready Shastri’s role as director to commentate for the BCCI of the Indian team has come panel. While other comto an end after the World mentators are paid between T20 and sources say he is unUS$525 (Rs 35,000) and likely to continue in any caUS$1502 (Rs 1 lakh) per day pacity where Team India is for their services, Gavaskar concerned. The former India was reportedly paid eight all-rounder will be available times that amount for a for commentary when the day’s commentary. ninth season of the Indian Another sticking point Premier League (IPL) comfor the BCCI, although some mences next week. It could of its officials do not buy it, not be ascertained if Shastri is that Gavaskar hasn’t toed too will be part of the BCCIthe board’s views in his role hired commentary team or as commentator. will be laid off with an unMeanwhile, Gavaskar’s derstanding that he can be junior Sanjay Manjrekar hired, like Gavaskar, on a is likely to be promoted series-by-series basis. as a full-time commentaSources close to Gavaskar tor alongside another exfailed to comprehend when pert. However, it is to be exactly the legendary forseen whether Gavaskar’s

mer India opener failed to toe the board’s line. In fact, on multiple occasions, Gavaskar and Shastri have only supported the board’s line of thought, including debates on the Decision Review System (DRS) or obnoxiously turning pitches when playing at home. In the past, when the DRS was debated on air, Gavaskar and Shastri had in fact supported the BCCI’s stand which led to the now-famous argument between Shastri and former England captain Nasser Hussain. Even when it came to talking about the nature of pitches on offer, the BCCI hired commentators had blamed poor batting on part of the South Africans but not the much-talkedabout surface that had taken the toll. Board sources, however, categorically say that Gavaskar is “very expensive”. Manjrekar was paid US$548,314 (Rs 36.49) lakh for the entire IndiaSouth Africa series while Anil Kumble was paid US$587,533 (Rs 39.1 lakh) for the same. Gavaskar, during this time, raked in a salary of close to US$1,352,378 (Rs 90 lakh). “Sunny gets US$150,264 (Rs 10 lakh) per match day while Sanjay gets around US$45,079 to US$60,105 (Rs 3 to 4 lakh). So do your math,” a source in the know of developments said. (Cricbuzz)

Pacquiao may not retire - trainer Roach

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Freddie Roach and Manny Pacquiao have worked together since 2001

anny Pacquiao may fight on after his world title bout against Timothy Bradley, says trainer Freddie Roach. Filipino Pacquiao, 37, has hinted that Saturday’s Las Vegas fight will be the last of a career in which he has won world titles at six different weights. But Roach said: “I do think Manny has more quality fights in him. His power, speed, work ethic are still

superior to most others.” Pacquiao and American Bradley have fought twice before, with one win each. Pacquiao, who lost his previous fight last year to Floyd Mayweather, has political ambitions and is running for a seat in the Philippines senate. WBO welterweight champion Bradley, 32, has won five world titles and lost only once in his professional career.

American Roach, who has also trained former world champions Mike Tyson, Miguel Cotto and Oscar De la Hoya, added: “I personally don’t know if this will be Manny’s last fight but he is training like it’s going to be his last fight. “Manny has achieved so much in his boxing career and if this is going to be his swansong I know he wants to go out blazing with a spectacular performance.”

(BBC Sport)

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

thurSDAY, APRIL 7, 2016

Tallawahs boss says CPL making big impact on Jamaican economy

anish Patel, partowner of the Jamaica Tallawahs franchise, believes the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) Twenty20 Tournament has made tremendous strides towards boosting the Caribbean’s economy and Jamaica’s in particular. Patel, who was in the island along with CPL’s CEO Damien O’Donohoe and other key partners, to meet with sponsors and government officials, revealed that last year’s staging alone contributed $8 million to the Jamaican economy. He explained that the figure was accumulated from the four home games contested by the Jamaica

Tallawahs at Sabina Park. “In terms of direct investment, I think last year I believe the number was US$8 million, so if you look at the direct impact I think it was pretty significant. For four home games that is a huge impact, just the hotel finances, also for the stadium folks, and those in direct and indirect jobs with the CPL,” he told the Jamaica Observer in an interview at Sabina Park recently. “So it has been a pretty big impact to the Jamaican economy and so right now I think it is important to get everyone aligned on how we work together,” he added. Patel explained that since the tournament’s inception in 2013, the invest-

ments by franchise owners and a number of commercial partners and sponsors have been very strategic and beneficial to all parties involved. A Wikipedia search revealed that as of December 30, 2015, the Caribbean Premier League’s salary cap was US$780,000. The tournament includes six franchises with 15 contracted players each, including a maximum of five international players and four players under the age of 23. Each team has one local and one international franchise player. “Cricket is our passion as well and we fell in love with Jamaica, and it was obvious the passion that we have brought to the game with

our family over the last two years. But it is also important at the same time that you get a partnership, because you have made a financial commitment to the Jamaica franchise. “It is also important that you get a similar support from the Government and also from JCA (Jamaica Cricket Association) and all the other key authorities that are involved. You can’t have one entity continue to invest and not get anything in return, so I think it is important that there is a threeway partnership with the JCA, the Government and us," Patel said. As it relates to those partnerships, Patel pointed out that slight progress has

been made in the negotiations, and he and his team will be making frequent trips to Jamaica leading up to the tournament. He added that they remain optimistic about seeing an even bigger impact from this year’s staging of the tournament which will be contested July-August. “This is a great product for the fans and for the local economy. I think there has been a huge direct impact on the local economy of millions of dollars for the Jamaican economy. So I think it is important that now that the data has been presented, that the partnership will come from the other side,” Patel reasoned. “It is going good so far. It

has been really positive (as) we have met with the sports tourism and other key government members, and we are very optimistic that we have done a pretty good job in terms of the CPL product over the past three years. So I think the impact has been positive from an economic standpoint and I think those are right indicators for us to partner with government folks,” he ended. Reigning champions Trinbago Knight Riders will seek to defend their title against former champions Barbados Trident and Jamaica Tallawahs, Guyana Amazon Warriors, St Kitts and Nevis Patriots and St Lucia Zouks. (Jamaica Observer)

“Xercise” programme building players off-field Renaming of St Lucia Stadium…

“X

ercise”, a sport development programme, held an interactive session on Wednesday at Ministry of Education, Department of Youth Culture and Sports Boardroom on Main Street with several students from schools across Georgetown. Director/Founder of the programme Royston Alkins explained that “Xercise” is a sport development initiative that would have started out of immense passion for sport and youth development and more so off-field because we don’t have technical expertise in terms of the coaching and the other intricacies so we focus on stuff in terms of getting athletes to speak better.” He added, “It’s to get them speak better in front of camera, what not to say and what to say, and also get the likes of Christopher Barnwell, Keemo Paul and the other stars to engage in volunteerism, which will build their capacity as nationals and help them to foster a more love for country.” The programme was held to coincide with the United Nations’ (UN) Day of Sports

CPL-bound Australia stars congratulate Sammy

Royston Alkins

for the Development of Peace, which was observed on Wednesday. Moving forward, the exercise will see a fusion with the various sport federations to do similar projects, as in Guyana everything regarding sport is mostly done on the field and there is no workshops or similar programmes that could build athletes off the field. President of the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA), Roger Harper, who was in attendance, said, “Events

like this and the organisations help to develop rounded sportsmen; so it means the sportsmen will be better prepared when they get an opportunity to represent their country.” Sessions of this nature were previously done at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC), St Roses High and Queens College. The programme is in collaboration with the international organisation, One Young World, who currently have a Windies revival programme ongoing.

ECCC/SPR Enterprise 40-over cricket…

Seemangal (7-35) spins ECCCC into semi-finals

h a n d r a b a n Seemangal was outstanding with bat and ball to make sure Enmore Community Centre Cricket Club (ECCCC) maintain their unbeaten run in the East Coast Cricket Committee (ECCC)/SPR Enterprise 40-over cricket competition and book a spot in the semi-finals. Seemangal’s heroic secured a comfortable 40-run victory for his team against Enterprise B last weekend. Batting first, ECCCC scored 180 in a 35-over affair. Rudolph Singh top scored with 54, Imran Hassan 29 and Seemangal 23, as S. Ramkumar took 4-17 for Enterprise B. In reply, Enterprise B were bowled out for 140 in 29 overs with Mohabir scoring 36. Off-spinner

Chandraban Seemangal

Seemangal ran through the batting line-up to finish with figures of 7-35 from his seven overs. Prior to that game ECCCC had crushed Golden Achievers by 10 wickets at Enmore. Batting first, Golden Achievers were skittled out for an embarrass-

ing 36 runs in eight overs. Nandram Ganesh and Imran Hassan took 3-10 and 2-14 respectively. ECCCC scored the required runs in 4.3 overs without losing any wicket. ECCCC play the runnerup from Group Two shortly.

ustralia’s Zouksbound duo for this year’s HERO Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Michael Hussey and Shane Watson, have sent messages of congratulations to West Indies team captain Darren Sammy following the announcement that the Beausejour Cricket Ground in St Lucia will be renamed as the Darren Sammy National Cricket Stadium. Michael Hussey, who averaged 37.94 in 38 T20 internationals for Australia

Darren Sammy has won two World T20 titles as captain

sionate the West Indies public are, but to receive this news about the St Lucia government’s decision to re-name the national stadium in honour of one of their favourite sporting sons is a huge thing, especially for someone so young who has so much top level cricket ahead of him. “Darren is a great leader and a true champion in all regards, and I know how passionate he is about the Zouks. He deserves this accolade for the manner he has led the West Indies team Michael Hussey

and who is one of the most respected and charismatic leaders in world cricket, said: “To win a world title for your country is the ultimate accolade and I would like to offer my congratulations to fellow Zouks man Darren Sammy, coach Phil Simmons and the West Indies team on their win last weekend in the ICC World T20. “With the government now marking this historic achievement with the renaming of the Beausejour Cricket Ground, it indicates once more to the world the high love and esteem that the West Indies has for their local heroes. Congrats to Darren on this incredible accolade in his home nation. “It is clear to see that West Indies cricket is on the ascendency, after the performances of the Under-19’s and Women’s teams, and they are to be commended for their performances over

Shane Watson

the last few weeks. I just can’t wait to be a part of the action this summer with the Zouks. It promises to be the biggest and best CPL yet!” Shane Watson, who was named in the ICC T20 Team of the Tournament and retired from the international arena as the number one allrounder in the T20 rankings after a string of outstanding displays for Australia, added: “I knew when I first signed up for CPL how pas-

and this is an honour for all time. It really excites me about being a part of CPL 2016 and I can’t wait to step out on the Darren Sammy National Cricket Stadium this summer.” Meanwhile, tickets for the confirmed CPL 2016 fixtures in Central Broward Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, and St Kitts and Nevis will go on sale this Friday on www.cplt20.com

guyana-times.com

thursday, APRIL 7, 2016

Sarwan blasts WICB on World T20 players’ controversy — “I have experienced it and I guarantee you, it is not about the money”

By Akeem Greene

ormer West Indies captain Ramnaresh Sarwan has chastised the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) for the manner in which they continue to deal with the region’s top professional cricketers. His comments came in light of the raging controversy surrounding the treatment of team leading up to the recent successful campaign in the World T20 in India. Speaking to the media operatives on Wednesday at his Fitness 53 Gym at Providence, the outspoken Sarwan was in full support of the statements made by captain Darren Sammy after the winning the World Cup on Sunday. Sammy, at the post-match interview, lashed out at the WICB for their treatment of players. He also highlighted the struggles they went through prior to the start of the global tournament. Sarwan pointed out that

tors or whatever you want to call them tend to do a lot of stuff and get away with it; and during the period that I have been playing we have strike a lot in trying to highlight those areas that would have been aired and nothing seems to be changing,” Sarwan vented. Fees Vice-president of the WICB, Emmanuel Nanthan, in a statement explained that the players’ fees only dropped marginally and that they are practically blowing the issue out of proportion. “So the players complained that for the World Cup their fees went down maybe by 20 thousand or there about. But they did not say that the week before they got the World Cup contract all of them signed contracts for the regional competition where their fees went up by 80,000, 140,000, 145,000, and 75,000 (US dollars). They did not say that,” said Nanthan. In response to Nanthan claims, Sarwan said the is-

reasoned. He added, “Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo, [Darren] Sammy all have big contracts with teams in the IPL [Indian Premier League], but I think it is [an issue of] principle as well, because you don’t want to find yourself in a situation where you under sell your players and I think that is what has been happening and the WICB and they keep doing it over and over… and to try to paint this picture that the players are ‘money hung’ which I strongly believe that this is not the case.” Sarwan, who last donned

CARICOM has intensified its battle with the WICB in an effort to bring a change to how the cricket is administrated in the region and Sarwan is in support of the grouping’s intervention. “I like the initiative CARICOM is taking in trying to resolve the problem and I think once CARICOM gets involved, they will find some sort of solution,” he stated. Sarwan continued, “Like I have said many times before, it’s not that we’re lacking of talent, it’s just a situation where we don’t have the right people managing

Darren Sammy

Dave Cameron

these issues were always ongoing, but were never clearly highlighted. “[Darren] Sammy was spot on the issue, in terms of the interview; I think over the years that the West Indies Board, especially the directors and administra-

sue runs much deeper than money and has a lot to do with the treatment of players. “I have been in the position, I have experienced it; we have been in numerous times where we negotiated and I guarantee you, it is not about the money,” Sarwan

the maroon colours in July 2013, was absolutely short of no words on the issue of the players wanting too much money. He further stated, “Even when we had strikes before, it was something they were trying to paint as well; they are just going to cover-up their way of managing West Indies Cricket and they [WICB] don’t want to accept that they have faults and due to the fact they feel they are untouchable…they are very nasty in terms of being very vindictive towards players”. Already, WICB President Dave Cameron has labelled the comments of Sammy as unfortunate, and feeling is that the T20 skipper is bound to be disciplined by board. What some supporters of the regional team tout as a light at the end of the tunnel, the intervention of CARICOM, is seen as a panacea in solving the problems of the WICB.

Hetmyer slams 189 for YWCC against Satro CC

magnificent innings of 189 (17x6s, 15x4s) by the first-ever World Cup winning West Indies Under-19 captain Shimron Hetmyer led the Young Warrors Cricket Club (YWCC) of Cumberland, East Canje, Berbice, to a massive 167-run victory over host Satro Cricket Club of Leguan, Essequibo Islands, in a feature match played last Sunday. The visitors won the toss, batted first and piled up 3217 off their allotted 30 overs. Hetmyer got support from his brother Seon, a former national youth player, who scored 41. Another former national youth all-rounder Linden Austin made 28 and Waheid Edwards 17. Guyana senior one-day selectee Ricardo Adams took

three wickets. Satro Cricket Club in reply had a poor start and never recovered fully, finishing on 154 all out in 29 overs. Zaman Mustapha topscored with 39. He got support from Kevin Gordon (35) and Mark (24). Pacer Jermin Henry took three wickets, while Trevon Stanislaus and Karamchand Ramnarine took two wickets each. The previous day, YWCC lost to the host by eight runs. The host won the toss, batted first and made 1124 off their reduced 14 overs with Nash scoring a robust 47. YWCC started well, but lost their way at the end with Shimron Hetmyer scoring 33 and Ameer Khan 22. Nash took four wickets and got support from Kevin Gordon with three in the

Shimron Hetmyer was in great form in Essequibo last weekend

rain-affected game. The organisers thanked the YWCC for visiting the island. Shimron Hetmyer, who was well received by cricket fans there, thanked the host for their hospitality.

our cricket and how long we don’t get that I don’t think our cricket will be able to rise again.” Cameron announced that he would meet the players after the IPL at the annual review in June to find a “common ground” where the “best” players can represent

Emmanual Nanthan

the region in all format.” Many cricketing stalwarts of the sport have come out in support of the players, stating that the WICB should listen to their concerns. Sarwan on GCB Meanwhile, the righthanded batsman, who made his First-Class debut for Guyana in the 1995-96 season at the tender age of fifteen, held back no words as he stated that Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) is also at fault in their administration of cricket in Guyana. “We here in Guyana are facing troubles with our cricket as well, which I think we need sort out as well,” he declared. The 36-year-old further revealed that “based on all the information that I was given and being a part of the board [GCB] and that I was able to access, I think all the stakeholders who are involved in Guyana’s crick-

et want to have elections but for some reason or not we are not having elections for the past five or six years.” He added, “West Indies Cricket Board has been supporting the present board that we have in Guyana without having a proper election. I think everyone is calling for elections we might as well try to get it and I just to urge the government to try and see how they can best find a solution to the problem.” Sarwan also highlighted that cricket in Guyana is stagnant due to a lack of competitions and sponsors are hesitant to come on board. He said, “It’s not like years ago where you have persons wanting to sponsor cricket; at the moment cricket is very stagnant in the country and something needs to be done about it.” (akeemg@guyanatimesgy. com)

thursDAY, APRIL 7, 2016

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

Tallawahs boss says CPL making big impact on Jamaican economy

“Xercise” programme building players off-field Pg 22

Pg 22

Manish Patel (centre) is a part-owner of the Jamaica Tallawahs

Students/cricketers pay rapt attention during a study session on Wednesday

Sarwan blasts “WICB the most unprofessional board WICB on World T20 in the world” - Bravo players’ controversy Pg 19

Dwayne Bravo on the WICB: ‘Two years ago when we had the problems on the India tour, [Kieron] Pollard and myself had been blatantly victimised. That is their way of dealing with situations

Pg 23

Ramnaresh Sarwan is not too pleased with the WICB’s administration of the game

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