Guyana Times Daily - July 2, 2015

Massive $120M fraud at Mohamed's Enterprise

…one employee in gold operations charged

Eron Ferrier, an employee who was attached to Mohamed’s Enterprise for over six years, was charged for robbing the entity of over $120M. Mohammed Enterprise, located with headquarters on Lombard Street, is one of the largest gold dealers in the country.

Ferrier, who supervised

Mohamed’s Enterprise Office in Bartica, was brought before the Georgetown Magistrates Courton Wednesday 1, where he pleaded not guilty to the charge that between June 22 and 28, he was given $120M by the company’s Managing Director Nazar Mohamed to purchase gold for the company. However, he fraudulently converted the large sum of money to his own use.

Speaking to media operatives outside of the Court House after the hearing, Mohamed explained that management would often encounter financial hiccups with Ferreira.

“He would often mismanage and misappropriate the company’s money, large sums of money,” Mohamed disclosed. It is understood that these sums amounted to hundreds of millions.

He related that there was one incident in which the de-

fendant lent “large sums of money” without management’s approval.

However, instead of taking the matter to Court, the two entities entered into private agreement where Ferreira was required to repay the misappropriated money.

“We kept him on along with someone else to look

over the work he was doing but he corrupted the other person and together they misappropriated the $120M,” Mohamed stated.

In the Court, Ferreira adamantly denied stealing the money but when asked by St ate Prosecutor Latchmie R ahamat to present the gold which he was entrusted to purchase, the defendant fell silent.

Ferreira subsequently requested bail, which was refused and instead being charged and remanded to prison.

The matter will be called again at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court on June 3.

Since the gold industry ballooned during the past decade, frauds in the mining sector are occurring with increasing frequency due to the nature of operations on the ground and the inadequacy of human resourc-

es supervising and controlling all mining districts.

Despite a solid legal framework favorable to the development of mining and sustainable exploitation of other natural resources, the reality on the ground reflects a different situation where monitoring of cash flows becomes a veritable challenge.

Although the mining sector grew from 9% of the GDP in 2009 to a healthy 12.1% in 2013, representing in the same year USD 796.2M, it is apparent that to date no efforts are being made to implement mechanisms necessary to reinforce the national legislations governing the sector

Ruimveldt man wanted by Police for abduction, attempted murder

Less than a week after Devon Chung of Guyhoc Park, Greater Georgetown, was abducted from his car wash and shot, Police on Wednesday issued a wanted bulletin for a Ruimveldt man in connection with the matter.

In a release, Police stated that Freeman Fordyce, 38, of Lot 271 South Ruimveldt Gardens, Georgetown, is wanted for questioning in relation to the attempted murder and abduction of Chung on June 26.

It was reported that on the night of the incident, Chung was in conversation with a friend who happened to be a member of a drug enforcement unit at his car wash at the junction of Durban Street and Vlissengen Road, Georgetown, when they were confronted by two armed men who held them at gunpoint.

The friend was forced to lie on the ground and his licensed firearm and ammunition were taken away.

The two men then ordered Chung into his Range Rover motor vehicle which they jumped into and sped from the scene.

Chung was reportedly driven to a location in Sophia, Greater Georgetown where he was forced out of the vehicle; shot once to his chest and back, and left to die. Guyana Times understands that on their way out of Sophia, the driver of the vehicle lost control and it ended up in a nearby trench.

A Police source told this publication that Chung was rescued by a passer-by and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was immediately taken into surgery to have the bullets removed. Guyana Times understands that Chung remains in stable condition at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

The source disclosed that after receiving information about the alleged shooter’s identity and whereabouts, the Police stormed his home where they recovered a .32 pistol. His sister, who was at home at the time, was arrested along with a man.

The Police are asking anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Freeman Fordyce to contact them on phone numbers 225-6411, 225-8196, 226-7065, 227-1149, and 911 or at the nearest Police Station. Investigations are continuing.

Mohamed’s Enterprise

Eron Ferrier Nazar Mohamed

Wanted, Freeman Fordyce

thursday, july 2, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Thursday, July 2 – 05:00h-06:30h and Friday, July 4 – 05:00h-06:30h

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Thursday, July 2 – 16:45h-18:15h and Friday, July 4 – 05:00h-06:30h

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Thundery showers can be expected throughout the morning and into the early afternoon, with thundery showers returning in the evening over coastal regions and near inland locations. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees and 27 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-easterly between 4.02 metres and 5.36 metres per second.

High Tide: 04:27h and 16:57h reaching maximum heights of 2.74 metres and 2.64 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 10:29h and 22:45h reaching minimum heights of 0.45 metre and 0.58 metre respectively.

Rape up by 60%

... Police set up unit to tackle scourge

By Bhisham mohamed

Against the background of low convictions for sexual offences here, the Guyana Police Force said it has recorded a 60 percent increase in rape during the period January 1 to June 11, 2015 with most of the offences being perpetuated against underage girls.

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum told the Guyana Times that most of the cases of rape were reported in A Division (Georgetown) and C Division (East Coast). He added that taking into consideration the increase number of rape cases, the Guyana Police Force has established Sexual Offences Unit in each division comprising female ranks that are strictly mandated to investigate offences of rape.

Blanhum noted that over the past few weeks, they have seen persons becoming more confident in the police and as such are not afraid to make a report. These matters, he noted are treated with utmost confidence. Nevertheless, he stated that the police force will soon embark on a project to sensitize the public about this crime.

“Most of the cases involved underage girls and we must let the men out there know that not because a teenager gives permission to have sexual intercourse, it is correct… once the girl is below the age of consent, it is called statutory rape”, he added. With this in mind, he stated that the perpetrator will feel the full brunt of the law.

As of September last year there were more than 140 cases of rape which represented at the time one case every two days. Police generally do not release statistics on rape in their periodic crime statistics update. For the year 2013, during the period of January to July, there were 179 cases of reported rapes.

A number of social groups have lamented the manner in which rape is generally handled by the Police, and the Guyana Human Rights Association in a study titled “Without Conviction:

Sexual Violence Cases in The Guyana Justice Process” some years ago had revealed that there was an average conviction rate of 1.4 per cent in rape cases compared to rape reports originally made to the Police. Additionally, as of last year there were no convictions for sexual offences since 2011– a situation which was described as “alarming”.

Former Attorney General, Anil Nandlall had blamed the archaic jury system, as well as reluctant witnesses for the problem. For the years 2012 and 2013, some 22 sexual offences cases were taken before the court, but there has been no conviction. Instead, there have been a number of hung juries, witnesses failing to attend court and some victims deciding not to pursue the matter.

In 2011, 16 sexual offences cases were completed. There were three guilty pleas and three cases were nolle prosequi (unwilling to pursue) because the Virtual Complainant (VC) gave a statement expressing a desire not to proceed with prosecution. There were seven not guilty verdicts by the jury.

However, in 2012, 10 sexual offences cases were completed.

In two cases, there was a formal verdict of not guilty because the VC did not attend court to testify; eight cases went to trial and in all eight cases the jury returned a not guilty verdict. For 2013, 12 sexual offences cases were completed, eight of which the VC went to court and indicated that they were not willing to proceed with the trials.

Those cases had to be discontinued by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Additionally, in one case, the VC could not be located, while three cases went to trial. In one of the three cases, there was a unanimous not guilty verdict and in the remaining two cases, there were hung juries. “Therefore in 2012 and 2013 there was not a single conviction for sexual offences in a total of 22 cases,” Nandlall lamented.

Serious crime up

Meanwhile, Blanhum stated that the Guyana Police Force has also recorded a 16 percent increase in murders with a whopping 53 percent increase in plain robberies while there has been a decrease of robbery under arms by 8 percent. In addition, a 6 percent reduction was recorded in robbery whereby other instrument other than firearms was used. Robbery with violence was reduced by 6 percent and robbery with aggravation saw a reduction by 23 percent. On the other hand burglary also recorded a 1 percent reduction while there was an 8 percent increase in break and enter and larceny. Kidnapping saw a 100 percent reduction for the period January 1 to June 11, 2015 when compare to the same period last year.

Overall, the Guyana police force recorded an 11 percent increase in serious crimes. Those crimes that were monitored are murder, robbery under arms, robbery with violence, robbery with aggravation, larceny from the person, break and enter and larceny, burglary, rape, and kidnapping.

Cop charged for dark-tinted vehicle

Apolice corporal attached to ‘B’ Division (Berbice) has been placed before the court for having dark tints on his car.

Corporal Orlando

Webster appeared before Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs

Marcus on Wednesday in a New Amsterdam Court to answer the charge of

Prohibition of tinted grill. He was also slapped with a charge of using an unlicensed vehicle.

Webster pleaded not guilty and will have to return to court on August 17 for trial. He was granted bail on his own recognisance.

Guyana Times had reported that that the police

Corporal was told to remove the dark tints which he has on his car by a senior officer, but he refused, telling his superior he will only comply if the officer removes the tints from all of the vehicles owned by police officers.

It had also been reported that the issue of the

dark tints was brought to the attention of the Senior Superintendent that the suspiciously dark tinted vehicle had been parking in front of the gate of business place in New Amsterdam and was posing a security risk since visibility to the interior of the vehicle was impossible.

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum

Editor: Nigel Williams

Tel: 225-5128, 231-0397, 226-9921, 226-2102, 223-7230 or 223-7231. Fax: 225-5134

Mailing address: 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown

Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, sales@guyanatimesgy.com

Editorial

APNU/AFC:

an attempt at power play

Now that the dust has been settled, there is definitely an attempt at power play unfolding at the highest level of the Coalition Government (APNU/AFC) in relation to the implementation of the Cummingsburg Accord.

Over the past few weeks, the pressure has been building on the APNU/AFC Government to explain to the Guyanese public, especially the persons who would have voted for the Coalition, the real reasons for breaching the Accord. Many commentators have expressed the view that the mere brushing aside of the concerns that are being raised is not enough as persons would have voted for the Coalition based on the premise of the Accord. That is, there would have been a new and improved style of governance and even more importantly, a break away from a system where one party dominates the corridors of power.

Unfortunately, now that the time has come for the Coalition to ‘walk to talk’ we are witnessing all sorts of excuses being made as to the reasons for not honouring the pact made with the electorate. What citizens are seeing and experiencing now is very far from what was initially agreed to by both APNU and AFC before the elections were held. One is therefore left to believe that the coalition of the two parties and subsequent signing of the Accord had one main objective which was to see the PPP/C removed from office.

Based on the Accord, the President shall, among other things, delegate the responsibilities of domestic national affairs and the chairing of Cabinet to the Prime Minister. Other responsibilities delegated to the Prime Minister should have included recommending ministerial appointments and providing the organisational structures of Ministries for the approval of the President as well as the appointment of heads of agencies and non-constitutional commissions, with the required and agreed democratic mechanisms of consultation and domestic security (Home Affairs).

So far Prime Minister Nagamootoo hasn’t been given the responsibilities of chairing the Cabinet or of exercising responsibility for domestic affairs. In fact, one commentator points to the contents of Minister Harmon’s regular engagements with the press which suggests that domestic affairs reside with him and/or the President.

Many are of the view that the explanation which has been put forth by the President of the Constitution having to be amended in order for the Cummingsburg Accord to be followed is inaccurate. Former Speaker of the National Assembly Ralph Ramkarran had expressed the view that there is and would be no violation of the Constitution if the terms of the Accord are implemented. He had pointed to the fact that various articles of the Constitution allow the President to appoint others to execute his responsibilities.

This view was also supported by social commentator, Ramon Gaskin, who was quoted in this publication as saying that the excuse being put forward for the violation of the Accord must not be accepted since the Constitution makes clear provisions for such.

At the moment, there is talk that the key players intend to amend the Accord on the grounds that the reality of political office has clashed with the Accord’s constitutionality. However, Like Ramkarran, Gaskin and others, we believe it is unacceptable for the two parties to just sit and decide that there will be modifications due to unforeseen clashes with the Constitution without engaging the third party – the electorate. The electorate understood and voted for the Coalition on the basis that the AFC would have had a distinct and visible management role in the affairs of governance through the Prime Minister.

The fact that in these early stages citizens are raising questions and are beginning to have doubts about the sincerity of the Coalition in relation to the many promises made doesn’t go down well for the nation as a whole. That said, we strongly believe that the APNU+AFC Government has an obligation to go back to the Guyanese people and explain the reasons for the breaches of the Accord, what changes would be made (if any) and what guarantees would be put in place to ensure that the Accord is fully respected and implemented.

Merely dismissing the concerns being raised is unacceptable.

Ramjattan should rethink arming fishermen

Dear Editor, Kaieteur News Online, 29 June 2015, carried an article titled, “Ramjattan backs guns and ammunition for piracy prone fishermen”

This article is quite troubling coming from Mr. Ramjattan, Minister of Public Security. It seems as though he spoke without giving the matter proper considerations. Some of the fishermen

themselves admitted that the proposal is ““too dangerous””.

Firstly, this cannot be a short time term solution, because it will take a significant amount of time to educate and train the fishermen to use such equipment.

Secondly, the pirates will know what equipment the fishermen have, would they not just come with

larger guns and higher numbers against the fishermen? Do the fishermen stand a chance?

Thirdly, did he even think about whose job is it to protect the fishermen? Whose mission and responsibility is it?

Fourthly, where is he going to stop?

Shopkeepers? Gas Stations? Rice farmers?

All Guyanese?

If Mr. Ramjattan wants to help, he should consider hiring, training and equipping the proper personnel to do the job. His proposal is way behind modern thinking and instead of solving the piracy issue, he will exacerbate the suicide and homicide problems the country already face.

Richie Pooran

Janette Bulkan’s selective justice

Dear Editor,

Permit me to respond to Janet Bulkan’s letter in S/N (Mon, June 29th, 2015) titled “transfer pricing in log exports is a good example of why forensic audits in the Natural Resources Sector are urgently needed”.

It is is apparent without factual information as usual that Janette Bulkan wants forensic audits in Guyana’s Natural Resources Sector.

But this is just to get the attention of the Granger Government which is on forensic audits spree, since Bulkan is a known crony of the APNU/AFC Coalition

Government which she is currently using to satisfy her personal vendetta against Guyana’s Forestry Sector and its Management. The Granger Government needs to be careful with Bulkan and her deceptions. Norway knows her well.

Bulkan in her article is basically saying that the Natural Resources Sector does not comply with the Customs Act (CAP. 82:01). Did Bulkan carry out an on the ground survey to verify her claim? Or is she only glued to foreign web sites just to extract misleading information about Guyana’s Forestry Sector?

It must be noted that Bulkan is not living and working in Guyana.

But if Bulkan is confidently saying that the Natural Resources Sector does not comply with the Customs Act, can she inform the Minister of State, Hon. Joseph Harmon that a defunct garden furniture company based at Industrial Estate never complied with the Customs Act as well?

Bulkan knew this company very well which used the locust wood species and made millions. Why she did not call for a forensic audit to determine the lawful export operations of this company?

Bulkan seems to be selective and unprofessional in her calls for forensic audits and this is dictated by her mischievous personal agenda against the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC). By the way, Bulkan should also call for a forensic audit of a Logging Company located at an old glass factory site on the Soesdyke- Linden Highway. She should know of its operations better than she knows of the Customs Act.

Yours sincerely Mark Luke

Persons dressed in African wear as the African Cultural and Development Association on Wednesday launched its 21st celebration of the Emancipation Festival at the Akwaaba Centre, Thomas Lands (Carl Croker photo)

Dear Editor,

One last Judge standing Honouring and obeying the Constitution of Guyana

Dear Editor,

It is distressing to observe politicians and Parliamentarians, and leaders of political parties acting in violation of individual rights and entering into arrangements which conflict with our national Constitution, the supreme law of the Country. What example are these high public officials setting for the national community?

For instance, aspects of the much talked about Cummingsburg Accord are in conflict with the Constitution which is clear on the powers of the President to appoint Ministers and preside at Cabinet meetings, etc.

Those aspects of this Accord which are in conflict with the Constitution or any law are invalid, null and void. Any law student would advise that no agreement or accord, however well intended, can be valid if it conflicts with any law.

The question is why this was done by lawyers and politicians of APNU and AFC? Was it done deliberately to deceive the population just to get some more

Response

Dear Editor,

I note my successor’s apparent obsession with the reason why the Caribbean Court of Justice judgment in Rudisa Beverage Company case against Guyana was not paid. The judgment sum is over US$6,000,000. This converts over into 1.2 billion Guyana dollars.

Mr. Williams seems not to be able to appreciate that the whimsical withdrawal of such a huge sum of money from the treasury can have far reaching ramifications in an economy like ours. Perhaps he will soon learn that guidance from the Ministry of Finance is most instrumental in matters of this financial magnitude.

More significantly, Mr.

votes?

They need to explain to the population. Many are now Ministers of the Government. Can they be trusted to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law?

The Constitution speaks of a public service free from political influence. It states clearly that “no public officer shall be required to execute or condone irregular acts on the basis of higher orders.” Public employees should point out and resist any unlawful instructions and should bring it to the attention of higher authority.

I wish to refer to a few important articles in our Constitution which provides for institutional safeguards:

Permanent Secretaries to function in a professional manner as public officers an independent judiciary in which all persons presiding over the courts shall exercise their function independently of the control of any other persons or authority independent public and other service commissions protection of fundamental

rights and freedoms if the individual protection of human rights ethnic relations and rights commissions.

These and others are provisioned by our Constitution and with effective implementation provide some guarantee based on the rule of law for all citizens without distinction and discrimination.

The nation looks forward to President David Granger to ensure that his Government and all those in authority under him uphold the Constitution and the rule of law. It would be good for the President to address the nation on these and other fundamental issues during these anxious times.

Of particular and immediate concern is the escalating wave of crimes over the last two months with a heavy toll on lives, personal harm/injury, and loss of property.

Personal safety and security in our homes and businesses must be the overriding concern of a caring and compassionate government.

Sincerely Joshua John

to Mr Basil Williams

Williams ought to know that such huge sum of money cannot be withdrawn from the consolidated fund without approval of the National Assembly.

The judgment was handed in May, 2014, the National Assembly went into recess and then Parliament was prorogued because of a decision of the then joint-opposition to pass a no confidence motion against the Government.

Parliament was then dissolved and of course there were certain limits upon spending in the absence of a budget in 2015.

I reiterate that this humongous debt on the backs of the Guyanese tax payers is purely the creation of Mr. Williams and his political colleagues while they

had a majority in the 10th Parliament.

They rejected our government’s attempt to amend our laws on 2 occasions to bring Guyana in conformity with the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas.

Were this amendment passed, Rudisa Beverage Company would have withdrawn the case without Guyana paying a single cent.

So Mr. Williams should spend less time trying to find out why the debt was not paid and more time explaining to the Guyanese people how and why they, the Guyanese people, have to pay this debt in the first place.

Anil Nandlall Attorney-at-Law

The Guyanese people still being held hostage

Dear Editor, One would think that after the rigged elections, mass media propaganda and blatant thuggery would cease. The masses are still being duped by the irresponsible flagrant reporting of the Kaieteur News, Guyana Chronicle and Stabroek News. Is there no sense of responsibility or shame in these people? Do they not know the damage their senseless lies are doing to Guyana? Would it

not be wise for the people of Guyana to boycott these said newspapers? Moreover, what is going to be done about the individuals that had and have started controversies based on their own imagination, to feed the media? People like Joseph Harmon, Freddie Kissoon, Clive Thomas, Christopher Ram, Winston Jordan, Anand Goolsarran, Turhane Durga and Glen Lall just to name a few. All of these people have had a

great deal of sickening influence in bringing Guyana economic and social uncertainty. They seem to enjoy their own ignorance, destabilizing a third world country even further into the pits. Nothing will change unless the people of Guyana start to wisen up and hold individuals like these accountable for their actions. No one likes to be taken for a fool!

V Apana

Last year we saw another landmark ruling coming from a no-nonsense judge in the Neesa Gopaul murder case. Justice Navindra Singh gave convicted killers Jarvis Small 96 years and his accomplice Bibi Gopaul 106 years to a total of 202 years in prison. This is a life sentence which if it runs its normal course goes way beyond the normal life expectancy of a human being, meaning that they will die in prison. It is fitting punishment for a heinous crime. All of us who followed this case were convinced that this teen was tortured, and then bludgeoned to death in the most brutal way. She died a horrible death. That is why the jurors wasted no time in returning a guilty verdict. It was now left to the judge to hand down a lengthy jail sentence to send a clear message to killers of other human kind that they in like manner must have their lives taken away.

In the olden days the convicted two would have had their day with the hangman, but seeing the death penalty is outlawed we must give sentence commensurate with the crime, life! When I say life I am talking about enough time, a long time, away from normal people. Killers of the lot must never again enjoy free-

dom among us. Neesa could not enjoy such freedom and neither should they.

This judgment subscribes to the tried and proven philosophy that “do the crime, do the time.” Why should less be expected given their being found guilty?

Justice Navindra Singh shows that he fears no man, he is a judge who is concerned with the erudite dispense of justice and nothing else. This is evident when Jarvis Small chose a battery of top notch lawyers who vainly tried their legal jargon to intimidate the judge. He even claimed being deprived of a fair trial, and that the decision was political. Of course he was banking on the notion that his high priced lawyers could have forced the judge into making an “ethical” decision.

But this judge will have none of that, he did not buy into that scheme, he was firm in his resolve that the planners and executors of this ghastly act must pay for their crimes. Small has filed an appeal which means that he is not remorseful and still believes that he should walk free of this crime. He probably has money to waste because the justices in the appeal court are no-nonsense, thorough and methodical persons will to give Small what he deserves. I am of

the firm belief that these justices would not go against the collective, independent decision of twelve jurors, that is, twelve independent minds. It is not going to happen.

The point this letter makes is why is there only one judge giving sentences to criminals to adequately commensurate to their crimes? Why Singh, what of the other justices in the system? The answer is simple. Firstly, Justice Singh operated under a system and a government that facilitated freedom of the judiciary. From information gathered so far this is about to change in the new de-facto government.

The PPP/C didn’t tamper with the judiciary which ensured free and equal trials. Justice Navindra Singh stands head and shoulders above the crowd in the legal field. Secondly, he is working under the hidden law which bans hanging. It implies that it is inhumane to hang someone so the only option left is to give life sentences. Even in the life sentencing, there are limited options and what goes for one doesn’t go for all. Justice Singh ensures that this is avoided by ensuring they stay out of normal existence and do the time!

Neil Adams

Page Foundation

(Continued from Wednesday)

By Sarah E Ludwig

Depression can run in the family

Studies show that 25 per cent of children who have a parent who has suffered from clinical depression will experience their own episode, says Dr Fassler. If both mom and dad are depressed, the risk increases to around 75 per cent. Scientists aren’t exactly sure of the reason for this, but one theory posits that these children have a genetic vulnerability, which is then exacerbated by a stressful environment. That said, keep in mind that genes aren’t destiny, even when there’s depression in the family: Rachel’s siblings, for example, so far seem untouched by the disease.

It’s often masked or mimicked by other problems.

“Approximately 40 per cent of children and adolescents with depression also have an anxiety disorder, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and about one in four has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD),” says Dr Fassler. Learning disorders are also common. Experts don’t know quite how these relate to each other, but they do know that when there are coexisting conditions, it can

be harder to suss out and treat each one: Symptoms can overlap, making the conditions harder to identify, or medication may not be as effective. That’s why some mental health professionals suggest that every child diagnosed with depression be evaluated for the other disorders, and vice versa.

Irritability can be a major clue

The biggest difference between symptoms of adults and those of children is that while adults are usually sad and withdrawn, children are easily aggravated and may have irrational outbursts, says Dr Hendren. “Children might not recognise that they are feeling depressed,” he says. “Often, they don’t know how to identify this feeling and put it into words.”

Kate Coyne, a mom from South Portland, Maine, initially took her daughter, Emma, then eight, to a Psychologist after a teacher said she’d been “uncharacteristically irritable” at school. “I was shocked when the Psychologist said she was depressed,” says Coyne. “Since Emma wasn’t withdrawing or sleeping all the time – symptoms that might have jumped out at me – it never entered my head.”

Early diagnosis and treatment is key

MRI studies have shown that prolonged untreated depression can actually change the shape of the brain. It may, for example, shrink the hippocampus, which helps regulate emotions. No surprise, then, that depression can contribute to problems in

doctor as soon as possible.

“If Richard had been diagnosed properly, we could have been working on giving him his coping strategies when he was six, instead of waiting until he was in the pit of hell at 13,” says Davis of her son, whose suicidal tendencies, recurrent depressive episodes and serious sleep difficulties are all consistent

The treatments for childhood depression are more complex than for adults Doctors use the same basic set of tools in ministering to both age groups: everything from lifestyle changes (getting more exercise, eating better) to cognitive behaviour therapy, which focuses on developing realistic, practical

school, substance abuse and, in the most serious cases, even self-harm and suicide when help is delayed. The bottom line: If you suspect your child is depressed, get him to the

with untreated depression.

“I definitely feel that the amount of time between his first diagnosis and the right diagnosis contributed to the severity of his depression.”

ways to cope with depression-distorted thoughts and reactions. “In particular, research suggests that many children and adolescents with milder cases respond well to psycho-

therapy,” Dr Fassler says. However, depending on how severe the depression is and how long it has been going on, medication may be necessary as well. This was the case for Damon Reinhardt, nine, of Vancouver, Wisconsin. “He was never a happy-golucky child,” says his mother, Melissa Hansen. “You would look at him and he just looked like a sad little boy.” But after the death of his father 15 months ago, not long after his parents had split up, things got much worse: He spiralled into a depression so deep that his mother had him spend a week in the hospital. Eventually, his doctors put him on the antidepressant Celexa, and an antipsychotic, Abilify. “The counselling and medications were the best decision I could have made for him, for both of us,” says Hansen. “He still has lots of ups and downs, but he can laugh and play now. It’s amazing to see how much difference it makes for him.”

Of course, most parents have heard of the warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) about the risk of increased suicidal tendencies in children and adolescents using antidepressants. Yet it’s important to know that all the major medical groups have come out in favour of using them in at least some situations, in conjunction with other treatments. (“Medication alone is rarely a sufficient intervention,” Dr Fassler points out. “It should only be used as one of the components of a comprehensive, individualised treatment plan.”)

In Rachel’s case, the doctor recommended therapy, coupled with a low dose of Prozac. I was hesitant to put her on medication but ultimately decided that I wanted her to have relief as soon as possible. Today she sees a therapist who specialises in treating children, as well as a Paediatric Psychiatrist. And it’s worked well for us. Her doctor plans to wean her off of medication soon to see how she does. I do worry about what will happen with her depression when she hits adolescence, but I’m glad we’ve got a handle on it now and that we have an idea of what to expect. Most of all, I’m happy that for every stormy day, there are now dozens when she walks in the sun.

(Parenting.com)

Govt to up pressure on Venezuela at Caricom summit

President David Granger is leading a high-level delegation at this year’s Caricom Heads of Government Summit in Barbados, where the recent flare-up of the decades-old border controversy with Venezuela is expected to be high priority for this nation.

Granger is accompanied by Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge, acting Director General of the Foreign Ministry, Audrey Waddle and another official. Guyana is hoping to convince the delegates that the claim being made by Venezuela is unjust.

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon said the Head of State would be delivering his presentation from a prepared “compendium of articles”, which would be shared out to each Caribbean Head of Government.

“When the President speaks on the matter, he will distribute a book that was written over the last couple of days. The Administration over the last week has been working to ensure that Guyana’s case is well made and that every individual will have access to the case when the President speaks. The basis of his argument is that Venezuela’s claim is unjust and that Guyana … is meant to be supported by all Caricom States,” Harmon told members of the Press on Wednesday at the Ministry of the Presidency.

He said the President’s presentation has been configured in such a way that he would be seeking to send the message that the Caribbean should be a zone of peace and therefore a “threat by Venezuela to Guyana is almost a threat to all of Caricom”. “The position which we take and which will be buttressed by sidebars and other meetings with individual Heads of State and officials from other countries, we expect a statement from Caricom in our support,” Harmon said.

Asked about the effect the PetroCaribe deal could have on Caribbean Governments lending their full support to Guyana, Harmon said he could only hope that the presentation made by President Granger

would be enough to persuade the member countries to support fully Guyana’s call for peace.

PetroCaribe, he said, is a very powerful instrument and “you could not expect total conformity with everything that is done at the summit”.

He said Guyana’s Government would also be pushing for the harmonisation of foreign policy in Caricom, while the Venezuela controversy is one issue, there are several other matters that are “looming large” internationally that require a consistent and coordinated foreign policy approach by the Region, “and we are going to be pushing as well for that”.

Meanwhile, minutes

before his departure on Wednesday President Granger said, “The Government of Guyana remains committed to improving relations with the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.”

He said, however, that Guyana remained steadfast in its stand against the illegal and increasingly militant actions of the Spanishspeaking nation directed against Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“Guyana reasserts that its lawful boundaries that were established 116 years ago are not negotiable. Violation of them on land or at sea is an assault on the tenets of Caricom and must be condemned as such.”

The Head of State had a few days prior also declared that his Government was going to move ahead with the pursuance of judicial settlement no matter the cost. He had said that the area over which Venezuela has been claiming ownership is rich in natural resources and that Government needed to protect it.

Just recently too, the Commonwealth said it stood as one and spoke with one voice in its commitment to Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as it offered full support for the position adopted by the Government against spurious and illegal claims made

ACDA to spotlight entrepreneurship ...at Emancipation 2015 Programme

by the Venezuelans.

Foreign Affairs Minister Greenidge had also said before his departure that “Our analysis and those of the friendly bilateral nations with which we have consulted in the last three weeks point to the fact that the 1787 decree promulgated by Venezuela, apart from being illegal in international law, seeks to appropriate for Venezuela marine spaces and related resources which currently constitute and are accepted as part of the EEZ of every state in the Eastern Caribbean ranging from St Kitts and Nevis to Grenada as well as Suriname. It also affects states to the west and in that regard the Government of Colombia, like that of Guyana, has lodged its objection.”

He said this would be drawn to the attention of the Heads of the Caricom States. Obviously, it is for those Heads to take appropriate action, whatever the state of their current bilateral relations with Venezuela. Bilateral relations can only continue if one is a state, Greenidge said.

He said in a matter as fundamental as this, silence was not an option if the Region was to remain independent, let alone viable states. “We have to stoutly and unapologetically represent our interests and pursue fairness in the international arena.”

Minister Greenidge, in responding to a recent report that a Venezuela Government spokesman had claimed there was nothing to be concerned about in relation to the decree, the Minister said that “a law calling on a Navy to enforce a security zone and to exclude other states from it is no laughing matter, neither can it be an error if after six weeks it is still in force.

“No subsequent amendment has ameliorated to any degree the coercion behind the decree. As of today, it still requires the Venezuelan forces to exclude us as a matter of duty and an obligation from those areas internationally recognised as ours.”

The African Cultural and Development Association on Wednesday launched its 2015 Emancipation programme with promises to emphasise the great entrepreneurial spirit of freed African slaves and its implications for this generation of youths.

The launching ceremony was held at ACDA’s Akwaaba Centre at its Thomas Lands, Georgetown headquarters. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Rekindling Our Past Glory through Youth Innovation”, with the sub theme, “Building Strong Families through Youth innovation”. ACDA, over the years, has been pushing Afro Guyanese to become entrepreneurs and its Director, Dr Eric Phillips, had recently hailed the Caribbean Examination Council’s initiative to introduce entrepreneurship as a Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) subject.

Speaking at the launch, Phillips explained that one of the greatest entrepreneurial acts by freed Africans in world history was the village movement, which started in 1839. The freed Africans combined their resources to buy villages so that they would not have to return to the plantation life and cheap punitive labour.

For Emancipation 2015, ACDA has chosen to honour Wakenaam in Essequibo as its Village of the Year. Wakenaam, which is Dutch for “waiting for a name”, is an island in the mouth of the Essequibo River. In 1690, after the French invaded Fort Island, the Dutch plantation owners moved to and settled on the island of Wakenaam. One of these Dutchmen started a plantation and named it Maria Johanna, thought to have been

the names of his twin daughters. The Colonial Government took control of the plantation because of bankruptcy and later sold it to a company in 1871, whose shareholders were predominantly former slaves. The sale price was $700.

Phillips said due to major disagreements among shareholders as to what was the best way to develop the land, the plantation was ultimately taken over under the partition ordinance in 1914. In 1912, a village was created and a tax system was introduced. Additionally, ACDA celebrates an African country every Emancipation Festival as most Guyanese of African descent are unable to trace their roots to a particular African nation. For the year 2015, the Association has chosen to honour the country Niger, which prior to French colonisation, played a valuable part in history as it was part of four major Empires and Kingdoms: the Songhai Empire, the Hausa kingdoms, the Mali empire and the Kanem-Bornu Empire.

Meanwhile, Phillips said the theme for this year was chosen in recognition of the importance of youths knowing their history and the legacy of their ancestors who have

been on this earth for three million years along with the need to build Guyanese families through economic strength via entrepreneurship.

To launch this event, ACDA hosted a cultural programme that featured dancing, poetry, a fashion display by Guyana’s premier Africa-inspired designer Anetha Daniels and a special performance by the recently crowned Miss Guyana World, Lisa Punch. The committee promises that this year’s celebrations would be bigger than ever, as it is its mission to make each year bigger than the last. This year is the 175th Emancipation anniversary and the first emancipation held in Guyana during the International Decade for People of African Descent (IDPAD) 2015-2024 which was so designated by the United Nations last year. A variety of activities will be held during the month of July leading up to the grand Emancipation Celebration at the National Park on August 1. Dr Phillips stated that persons at these events will be thoroughly entertained as they would feature international acts and many special aspects while being cohosted by Punch.

ACDA Director, Dr Eric Phillips

President David Granger

Venezuelan President Nicolàs Maduro

Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge

1 charged, Police hunt two others in minibus fatal shooting

Amachine operator was on Wednesday arraigned for the murder of Hardat Kissoon who was gunned down in a route 44 minibus in the vicinity of the Rupert Craig Highway, Greater Georgetown, during a robbery on June 1, as Police continue their manhunt for two other suspects.

Sherwin Trotman, 32, of Lot 45 Section D South Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown was not required to plead to indictment which stated that he, in the company of others on June 1, on the Rupert Craig Highway murdered Hardat Kissoon.

Crime Chief Wendell

Blanhum told Guyana Times that while Trotman was arraigned for the murder; the Police will continue to hunt for his accomplices. He noted that based on CCTV images retrieved from surveillance cameras around the crime scene, the two other suspects are being pursued.

However, after the charges were read to the accused on Wednesday, Trotman who was arrested at the Princess Hotel Casino told Magistrate Ann McLennan that to date, he has not given the Police a statement nor was he part of an identification parade. In addition, he told the Magistrate that no one came forth to give a statement that placed him at the crime scene.

Further, he told the court that he was shown blurred surveillance footage of two men committing the act, noting that he was not one of them. He also accused two well respected Criminal Investigation Department (CID) officers of wanting to collect a bribe to finish the matter.

The Police Prosecutor assured the court that the CCTV images that were acquired placed Trotman at the scene of the robbery/ murder.

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum had told this newspaper that immediately after reviewing the CCTV footage, investigators knew who to look for. The images, he noted, were clear hence the Police at that time had information for a positive identification, but the suspect was still on the run.

He stated that ranks visited the home of Trotman in Sophia, Greater Georgetown many times and came up empty handed, but they continued to hunt for the man.

One Saturday evening, the Crime Chief noted, the Police would have received information that Trotman was in the Princess Hotel

Casino and the Police immediately responded and arrested the suspect.

Kissoon, 42, of Lot 94 Cane Grove, East Coast Demerara, was shot once to his chest by a passenger in a Route 44 minibus on June 1 after he was relieved of a bag containing over $500,000.

It was reported that the now dead man boarded a loaded minibus at the East Coast minibus park about 14:45h. When the minibus was in the vicinity of the University of Guyana access road, a man who was sitting in the back passenger’s seat requested a stop. On his way out, he grabbed the bag containing the money from Kissoon.

Kissoon, who was also sitting in the back seat of the minibus, reportedly put up a fight, but the bandit whipped out a gun and shot him at close range. The shooter then took the bag and threw it out of the bus through a window to an accomplice, who was waiting on a CG motorcycle.

The man exited, jumped on the motorcycle and fled the scene. Kissoon was pronounced dead on arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital moments after the shooting.

Man gets bail for allegedly stealing feminine products

A30 year-old man was allowed bail in the amount of $75,000 on Wednesday when he made his first appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts for stealing almost $10,000 in feminine care products.

The accused, Kurt Clark from 144 James Street, Albouystown stood in Court Two of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer to the

charge brought against him.

The charge alleged that he stole 10 packets of baby pampers valued $23,400, a quantity of panty shields/ liners valued $9600, and two Yale padlocks worth $7000, between June 2528, while at a stall in the La Penitence Market.

The items are the property of Adrian Kennedy.

Magistrate Ann McLennan who presides in

Court Two told the accused that he was not required to plead to the offence as the charge is indictable.

However, his Attorney Clyde Forde made an application of bail, stating that the defendant is not a flight risk as he has a fixed place of abode and has a child to maintain.

Thus, bail was granted in the sum of $75,000. He was ordered to return to court on July 14.

Eyew tness

Corrupted guardians...

...at MMU

It sounded like a good idea. Since elections in Guyana can get rancorous - and even downright dirty - why not set up a body to “monitor” the media to ensure that they didn’t add fuel to the fire. They should report the news and nothing but the news. The body set up - as in previous elections - was the Media Monitoring Unit (MMU). So far, so good. But what happened subsequently was just further proof of the old saying that “the road to hell is paved with good intentions”. As with all institutions - which are the set of rules that define what the organisation should be doing - the fly in the ointment was the staffing of the organization. You pick a bunch of neophytes but place a diehard partisan in charge of them - and you have the definition of “outcome determinative”. Wasn’t this the problem writ large with GECOM itself and the head honcho? So with the MMU you have their latest report dragging TVG over the coals for referring to the new government as “de facto”.

Now here it is that the PPP’s been screaming “we wuz robbed” and using the term “de facto”, right left and centre ...what do they want the newscasters to do? Not say that the PPP is saying this? So TVG is to be the censor of the news? Maybe this might work in totalitarian societies but it’s certainly not the function of a news outfit in a free society.

The condemnation by the MMU betrays the mindset of the boss-lady writing up the MMU’s reports. This person’s writing style is so polemical, strident, obnoxious and one sided that there’s absolutely no doubt through what lens she sees Guyana’s politics - Anti-PPP and pro APNU-AFC. We won’t mention her purple prose.

This Eyewitness saw this bias from the very first report that the MMU issued, when she cited President Jagdeo for repeating an instance of racial incitement he’d heard coming from APNU? Talk about beheading the messenger!! The MMU’s citation of the GTimes is another classic example of partisanship.

The paper’d referred to David Granger’s citing the death of Crum Ewing at its Linden Rally in a story headlined, “Granger pushes envelope on incitement”: “Granger said he was deeply hurt over Crum-Ewing’s murder and pointed fingers directly at the governing party for the man’s execution as he told the persons gathered that he was convinced Crum-Ewing’s death was the result of the actions of the “rulers of darkness.”

The MMU hit-woman screamed that Granger had never ACTUALLY referred to the PPP!! So in a political rally where Crum Ewing was APNU’s cause célèbre, which rulers were Granger referring to?

The Prince of Darkness?

...hear no evil

At the time your Eyewitness provided the smoking gun: “The “rulers of darkness” reference (repotted by the not-cited Stabroek News) was “You are here because the rulers of the power of darkness do not care about you. So, are you going to give these people five more years?” But even more directly the SN continued: “Pointing to the death of activist Courtney Crum-Ewing, who was executed in Diamond...(Granger told the crowd) “We wrestle against a dangerous PPP. Do not let anymore brothers or sisters fall to the PPP government”. And this is not “incitement” against the PPP? Finally, the also -not cited Demerara Waves’ headline on the rally was: “Granger points fingers at ruling party for Crum-Ewing’s killing.” But the GTimes is the whipping boy and must be given an obligatory kick, no?”

The more things change...

...Moulders of our youths

Say it ain’t so. Is nothing sacred? The UG Senior Staff Association's ISN'T a legal Union? So what are these “Senior Staff” teaching our future leaders of Guyana? Bluffing?

Murder accused Sherwin Trotman

Alleged thief, Kurt Clark

Slain rice farmer Hardat Kissoon

Uncertainty looms over future Amerindian development

…Amerindian land titling and

Toshaos’

elections at standstill

Minister of the Indigenous People's Affairs, Sydney Allicock, in a recent interview with the Guyana Times, stated that the members of the indigenous community will make a greater contribution to society within a few years’ time given that he and members of his ministry are on a mission for "betterment" of the interior regions.

He stated that the Ministry of Indigenous People's Affairs is critical in binding people together in this country since it represents the indigenous segment of our population. He mentioned that this aspect of indigenous affairs is critical since Amerindians need to be more informed not only about what is happening in their small communities, but also in the wider society. The Minister also stated that Amerindians need to be better informed and able to manage their affairs in a responsible manner.

Allicock posited that the ministry is aware of the natural resources available in these communities and the experience that Amerindians have developed through years of managing and respecting their environment.

However, the Minister indicated that these developments present new challenges, including educating and enhancing Village Councils so that they would be able to be more accountable and become better planners and negotiators. The aim, he said, was to continue the good work of managing the natural resources through an understanding of national laws and respect for the ecosystem. He added that further development of the indigenous communities would take some time, but it is expected that within the next 3-5 years these communities would have a better sense of management in business, social and academic issues while hopefully making significant contributions to the national stage.

In relation to the APNU/ AFC 100-Day Plan, Allicock

indicated that work has begun to meet targeted activities. He gave the example of the national Toshaos’ elections where he indicated that the timetable has been set to begin the auditing of the village financial assets, requiring that proper accountability is ensured during the transition of Village Councils. The national Toshaos’ elections were initially rescheduled for July 22nd after being postponed due to the May 11 general and regional elections. While Amerindians are actively calling for Toshaos’ elections to proceed as planned, Minister Allicock failed to say whether the date would be respected or adjusted to accommodate the auditing process.

Allicock also volunteered that he is eager to recommence work on the two LCDS funded projects, the Amerindian Land Titling Project (ALT) and the Amerindian Development Fund (ADF).

He indicated that the ministry is currently reviewing these and is engaged in discussions with the UNDP, partner entity to both projects. He confirmed that after a final discussion on the matter, the ministry will go ahead with the projects.

However, this newspaper was informed that the Amerindian Land Titling Project staff were terminat-

ed since June 15 despite having renewed contracts predating to March. Additionally, on June 15 work was resumed under the Amerindian Development Fund (ADF Project). Amerindian land titling remains one of the biggest challenges indigenous peoples face in Guyana and the ALT Project was created to address these issues, some of which have been pending for years. The emphasis placed by the previous Government in promoting Amerindian land rights resulted in the LCDS funded US $ 10.7M ALT Project which since the Government took Office, has been on a standstill.

In addition to these two projects, under the previous PPPC administration, several other initiatives aimed at developing Amerindian and hinterland communities had been initiated by the former Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, now Ministry of Indigenous People's Affairs.

These include the Youth Entrepreneurship and Apprenticeship Programme responsible for Community Support Officers, the National Hinterland Secure Livelihood Programme, eco-tourism and youth projects, the Arawak and Warrau language revival projects, the distribution of musical instruments for Amerindian villages, sports equipment for Amerindian villages, subventions to the Bina-Hill Institute (North Rupununi), construction of village offices, and other facilities.

The Ministry previously provided heavy equipment such as vehicles, tractors and other agricultural equipment while ensuring that basic infrastructure inclusive of guest houses and construction of multi-purpose buildings in Amerindian villages.

Drip irrigation systems were also installed in communities. Many of these projects were implemented using the annual Presidential Grants launched under former President Bharrat Jagdeo.

Businessman drops case against trio who allegedly robbed him over $1M

Abusinessman saved a trio on Wednesday morning though they were brought to the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts for stealing over $1million in items from his store.

The men, 27-year-old Feyand Amin from Meadow Brook Gardens, Georgetown; Mervin Blackman, 24; and Lorris Murssunder, 28, of 69 East La Penitence, Georgetown, were arraigned on Wednesday for stealing a generator valued $800,000, an electric plane valued $7000, two drills worth $148,000, a jigsaw valued $40,000, a microwave, a vacuum clean-

er valued $65,000, a tool kit valued $6000, a DVR worth $60,000 and two nail guns valued $90,000.

The charge stated that the trio stole these items between June 25-27 from the Virtual Complainant (VC) Keith Munassar store.

The men pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to them. Mervin Blackman’s Attorney told the court that the VC wished to withdraw the matter as he has no interest in proceeding with the case against the three men.

Nevertheless, the lawyer made an application for bail, stating that his client is not a

flight risk, since his information (name, address and occupation) was provided to the court.

To give credence to what the defence Attorney stated, the VC gave a sworn statement to the court that he was not forced nor threatened to withdraw the matter against the trio.

Thus, Magistrate Ann McLennan was left no choice but to dismiss the matter against the men. However, she placed a bond on all three the men, enabling them maintain the peace or face imprisonment for an unstated amount of time.

16-year-old missing since June 24 – family pleads for her safe return

Sixteen-year-old Mary Ann Chappel sent her family into a state of panic when relatives woke up on the morning of June 24 and realised she was missing.

Social media is currently exploding with posters of the missing girl as her family desperately tries to explore all avenues to bring her home.

“We are emotionally drained, having sleepless nights worrying and studying where she could be. But, we are not giving up,” her cousin Dominic Gittens posted on Facebook.

Gittens, speaking to Guyana Times, explained that there was no conflict in the happy home before the teen went missing.

“There was nothing wrong. You can say every-

thing was all rainbows. She’s not a person like this. Even on the Tuesday night before she went missing, there was nothing wrong and then on Wednesday morning at 5:00am when her cousin woke up, she saw the door was opened and Mary was

not there,” he related.

Asked whether he thought his cousin was abducted, Gittens replied in the negative.

However, he noted that the family never expected her to run away from home and was still bewildered as to the reason for her sudden abandonment.

Gittens also explained that there has been little to no help from the Police on the matter.

Chappel, of 594 A Field, Sophia, was a student of the Sophia Trading Centre.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of the missing teen is asked to make contact with the nearest Police Station or call her cousins on 645-0572, 6130395 or 655-5263.

Accused of theft, from left: Feyand Amin, Mervin Blackman and Lorris Murssunder

Mary Ann Chappel

Minister of the Indigenous People's Affairs, Sydney Allicock

Guyana United Artists hosting “A Destiny Mould” art exhibition

The Guyana United Artists (GUA) is currently hosting its “A Destiny Mould” art exhibition which celebrates the unique experience of Guyana, at the Museum of African Heritage, Barima Avenue, Bel Air Park.

In explaining the theme, the group said in a press statement, “A destiny to mould comes out of our unique Guyanese historical experience.

Nowhere else within the entire region had any people given the task of humanising the landscape, which today represents the

coastland of Guyana.”

General Secretary Desmond Alli said Guyana has some of the most interesting stories emanating from its past and all Guyanese should be proud of their country.

He said, “History and Art are fundamental to the development of any country” and they work hand in hand for the development of any civilisation.

The Art Historian, whose work has taken him throughout the length and breadth of Latin America and the Caribbean, urged the Guyana Government

and the University of Guyana to take more interest in those two sectors.

The exhibition is “dedicated to the promotion of nation unity, peace and reconciliation”, the artist collective said. GUA’s members and affiliates have been working on the pieces on display, which are also available for purchase, for quite some time, with some of the work taking years to materialise after conception of the idea.

The GUA is currently seeking a one-week extension for the exhibition, which ends on Friday, to

enable History students from schools in Georgetown to visit and broaden their knowledge of Guyanese history and Latin American history.

In a bid to further disseminate Latin American history, Alli, who has spent a large portion of his life travelling around South and Central America, is currently working on a book that documents his extensive research on indigenous societies and their identifying artefacts, ranging from the Incan Civilisation to the Aztecs and Olmecs.

CCJ brings end to Essequibo rice land dispute after 24 years

The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) on Monday ruled on a case originating from Guyana, bringing an end to a 24-year dispute over the ownership of two plots of rice lands, located in Essequibo.

The case, Daniel Ramlagan vs Narine Singh, was dismissed by the CCJ. The appeal was filed by Ramlagan challenging the ownership claims by Singh of a two-acre parcel of rice

land. The dispute dated back to 1991, when Ramlagan attempted to remove Singh from the lands, which is part of a larger 12-acre plot of land.

Singh had subsequently sued Ramlagan for trespass, claiming that he had occupied the land since 1975 to plant rice and rear cattle. However, Ramlagan maintained that the entire 12 acre parcel of land was owned by his family and had even presented a

Transport (a deed) which was issued after legal proceedings in the Land Court in 1983.

A statement published on the CCJ’s website detailed that the Court accepted Singh’s evidence that he had been on the two-acre parcel of land since 1975. The CCJ pointed out that Singh therefore satisfied the 12-year time period, required to claim adverse possession under the Title to Land (Prescription and Limitation) Act.

Consequently, the highest judicial court in the Caribbean also ruled that the legal claim initiated by Ramlagan’s family in the Land Court did not stop time running under the Act, given that Singh was not a party to the proceedings before the Land Court. In addition, the Court highlighted that no other proceedings were brought against Singh prior to the expiry of the 12year period.

The CCJ further concluded that on entering the land in 1991, Ramlagan had trespassed on Singh’s property. Additionally, the Court ordered that a Transport be issued to Singh for the two-acre plot and that the Transport for the 12-acres held by the Ramlagan’s family be cancelled and a new Transport be issued reflecting the remaining 10 acre parcel.

According to the release, the decision of the CCJ was delivered by Justice Maureen Rajnauth-Lee. Attorneys Roopnarine Satram, Chandrapratesh Satram and Mahendra Satram appeared for Daniel Ramlagan while Attorney Khemraj Ramjattan appeared on behalf of Narine Singh.

In February last year, during the CCJ’s first itinerant sitting in Guyana, this case was among three that were heard by the panel comprising of the President, Sir Charles Michael Dennis Byron along with four Judges of the CCJ namely Justice Adrian Saunders, Justice Jacob Witt, Justice David Hayton, and Justice Winston Anderson.

When the matter was called up, an application for special leave was made by Attorneys Roopnarine Satrohan and CV Satrohan. They presented arguments on behalf of the applicant, Ramlagan, on why the appeal should be heard. Submissions for the respondent, Singh, were presented by Attorney Khemraj Ramjattan in association with Attorneys Neil Parsram and Juman Yassin.

The Olive Branch

Satiricus didn’t believe in holding grudges. “What’s the point,” he asked himself. “We’re all dead in the end, no?” Satiricus was given to having these discussions with himself - and it was why he’d get some odd looks from folks since he’d speak out aloud occasionally.

Anyhow, Satiricus was so pleased to see former Minister of the Government, Mr. Old Time Biggie, going to meet the new President.

His wife had sent him a posting from some social media site showing Mr. Biggie going through the gates of the Office of the President. And even though he’s been out of office for a month, the pic showed Mr Biggie, working his phone even as he was walking. Mr. Biggie was such a go getter! He was probably offering some words of comfort and solace to some poor children whose father had perished in a mining collapse.

Mr Biggie was standing head and shoulders over his other comrades who kept whining on being “cheated out of office”. “Well that was progress, no?” thought Satiricus. “So what if they were cheated? Even though the whole country had been waiting for riots to break out - IT DIDNT!!” That was progress and Satiricus was always one to salute progress.

Ex-Minister Mr Biggie had also pointed out that the cheating wasn’t as big as in the past. Heck!! In the old days the cheating would’ve been by hundreds of thousands of votes. Here it wasn’t even 5000!! “Why!! That was practically almost NOT cheating!” exclaimed Satiricus loudly, as his neighbour looked at him kinda funny.

His wife had snickered when she’s passed on the pic of Mr Biggie sidling into the Presidential compound. And Satiricus just knew what she and so many other were thinking: that Mr Biggie was stabbing his comrades who’d made him into what he was, for a “lil wuk”. But those were people with small minds. They didn’t know that Mr Biggie was doing it all - not for himself - but for his comrades.

And this was why he’d announced that he was taking a “sabbatical” from his party. He wanted to build bridges to the new government for his old comrades.

Speculation that he was just trying to protecting his own rear end, was so unkind. Mr Biggie was like name and nature...not that he had a BIG ego....just a BIG heart!

Wallaba thief remanded

A36-year-old man was refused bail by Magistrate Ann McLennan on Tuesday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts after he was accused of stealing Wallaba posts in Upper Berbice.

The supposed thief is a Kwakwani, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) resident and Truck Driver. George Gildharie made an appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer to two charges lodged against him

The court was told that he stole 30 Wallaba posts valued $60,000 from

Shameer Yusuf between June 19 and June 26 while on Roraima Road in Upper Berbice River. He is also charged with escaping lawful custody while being detained at the Kwakwani Police Station on June 29. Initially, Gildharie was not permitted to plead to the offences as it was indictable. However, Police Prosecutor, Corporal Deniro Jones made an application for the matter to be tried at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. This was accepted. The accused is expected back in court on July 17.

GBTI seminar puts spotlight on credit card fraud

The Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) Limited on Wednesday held a one-day seminar aimed at educating businesses on the best practices and how to limit exposure to fraudulent transactions particularly with the use of credit cards.

The Bank’s 2015 Merchant Operating and Risk Management Seminar saw the attendance of representatives from major merchants in Guyana. In his address to the gathering, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GBTI, John Tracey, underscored the importance of embracing technology developed to secure financial transactions. He explained that card fraud is not only seen as an attempt to obtain money through fraudulent means but also reflect the loss of confidence in operations transacted via this method.

“It’s being seen as a way of really undermining the way we in the West are trying to live our lives, the convenience we want to give to shoppers and to sellers… If we lose confidence in the way we do it, then that really destroys our system of

Guyana, businesses should be aware of the best practices. He noted that it’s always good to be ahead of the game and be prepared for what will eventually come to Guyana.

Tracey outlined that the seminar will help businesses understand the methods the can courteously use when they have suspicions of someone. The CEO further cautioned that busi-

On the matter of security, Tracey disclosed that GBTI will soon be launching the Chip Cards, which will contain an embedded microchip, as well as the traditional magnetic stripe. According to Tracey, these cards are currently the most secure of its kind as it reduces the chances of being used fraudulently.

“The idea about moving to the chip card is that

how we live and so we need to combat this attempt to bring the financial system down,” Tracey added. On this note, he underscored the importance and timeliness of the seminar given the prevalence of frauds being happening.

According to the Bank’s CEO, even though such frauds are not detected in

nesses need to have an aroused sense of suspicions. He made reference to the long line of scrutiny that the commercial banks have in place, noting that businesses just cannot assume that a customer before them is genuine. They always have to be conscious of security and of fraud, he added.

the card issuers – Visa and Masters Cards – have implemented a no liability policy which means that in the event of fraud, all the liability falls back on the card issuers (in this case GBTI or some other bank) so in order to minimise the liability that we would incur from fraud, we’ve decided to have this very se-

cure card,” he stated.

The Bank’s CEO further declared that certain countries only use the chip cards given its high level of security features that cannot be counterfeited. He explained that with the traditional magnetic stripe cards, the information can be illegally obtained easily but with the chip cards, this cannot be done.

Meanwhile, Fraud and Compliance Analyst of the Caribbean Credit Card Corporation Limited, Janiere Frank, pointed out that GBTI has not detected any major fraud cases which means the merchants generally adhere to the practices in place. Nevertheless, she remarked that they want to ensure there is a secure environment to prevent such frauds from happening.

“That’s why we are continuing to encourage the merchant education and provide them with guidance in terms of how the transaction process should be completed and also in terms of the security measures they need to have in place at their merchant locations so more preventative than reactive to something that is happening now,” she noted. According to Frank, with the invention of the chip technology, fraudsters are now moving towards those environments that are less secure.

The Fraud and Compliance Analyst went on to do a detailed presentation on three broad areas. Firstly, she dealt with Card Acceptance and Best Practices, outlining the step by step process that businesses should follow when accepting cards. The second she presented on was Fraud and Trends Data Security and her final presentation was on Dispute Resolution.

During her presentation Frank took questions from the gathering.

Puran Bros distances self from Haags Bosch

The management of Puran Brothers Disposal Incorporated has distanced itself from the construction and operations of the Haags Bosch Sanitary Landfill facility, even as the Ministry of Communities and BK Group of Companies seem to be at odds.

“Puran Brothers Disposal Inc wishes to inform stakeholders and the general public that our company has never been a part of the construction and operations of the Haags Bosch Sanitary Landfill Facility located in Eccles on the East Bank of Demerara,” the company said in a release on Wednesday.

According to the company, it only participated in the bidding process of this project by means of a joint venture arrangement, which was subsequently awarded the contract to build and operate the new facility.

“While we were prepared to perform our role in the operations, we were regrettably excluded from all aspects of the project by the leading partner,” it said.

The company further said that it wishes to make it explicitly clear that it would not be held responsible for any work site accidents with resulting injuries or death, any negative environmental impact or any form of mismanagement pertaining to the operations of the Landfill facility.

“Notwithstanding our exclusion from the Haags Bosh Sanitary Landfill contract, we stand ready to perform all necessary remedial works and take on

the day to day operations of this very important facility. With over 20 years of experience in solid waste management and a proven track record in managing and rehabilitating other landfills, we are confident that we can operate the Haags Bosch Sanitary Landfill facility within the confines of international accepted standards,” the disposal service further expressed.

The company’s statements come on the heels of the ongoing conflict between BK International and the Ministry of Communities after Minister Ronald Bulkan was quoted as stating that the Haags Bosch Sanitary Landfill at Eccles, East Bank Demerara is a disaster and an “environmental time bomb” declaring that BK International has failed in its management of the site and, as such, the Government wants it gone. “We are looking to have a parting of ways, a separation and a divorce in the Central Government, and BK operating or responsible for management of that site, because they have failed and we want them off of the site,” Bulkan told the other entity.

The bone of contention between the Ministry and the company arose after Bulkan reportedly indicated that the Inter-American Development Bank, which funds the project, wanted BK removed from managing the site.

He said that the bank would not have expressed dissatisfaction with the contracting firm specifically, but rather with the manner in which the site was being managed.

A section of the gathering present at GBTI’s 2015 Merchant Operating and Risk Management Seminar held on Wednesday at Pegasus Hotel

Chief Executive Officer of GBTI John Tracey addressing the gathering

thursday, july 2, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

Govt to negotiate final payments to TCL, Rudisa – Harmon

Minister of State Joseph Harmon, has declared that the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government is prepared to pay the two companies but is hoping to negotiate a reduction in the sums of money awarded by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

Guyana has been ordered to pay Trinidad and Tobago Cement Limited (TCL) the sum of TT$2,599,971 (G$84,918,799 million), which includes a sum for Guyana being in contempt of the court. Another sum amounting to US$6.5 million (G$1.2 billion) was awarded to Surinamese company Rudisa Berverages and Juices Limited.

Speaking at the postCabinet briefing on Wednesday, Harmon posited that Cabinet was briefed on the Court’s judgement and has made it clear that as a law abiding country, the judgement of the Court has to be respected.

“These sums of money are due to be paid to the companies and Cabinet has taken the position that it will honour these commitments, however, in the spirit of our accepting this responsibility, Cabinet has advised the honourable Minister of Legal Affairs to seek to enter into negotiations with these companies with a view to finding out whether they will be prepared to accept a smaller sum as a final settlement in these matters,” he disclosed.

On another note, Harmon defended the APNU/AFC decision as the combined Opposition in the 10th Parliament not to pass the Environmental Tax Bill presented by the former

People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) in the 10th Parliament.

In May 2014, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) handed down a ruling, awarding some $1.2 billion to Surinamese Company Rudisa, as compensation for environmental tax that was charged on its beverage products imported in Guyana.

On Wednesday, Harmon pointed out that the judgement is for Guyana’s violation of commitments made under the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas and not because the then APNU/ AFC Opposition voted down the legislation as is being claimed by former Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall.

Earlier this week, Nandlall lashed out at current Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams, for acting like Guyana’s debt to the Rudisa Beverage Company of Suriname is a novel discovery, laying the blame for the decision at the feet of the then Opposition.

“It boggles the mind that the Attorney General made this ‘discovery’ by chance when I repeatedly and ad nauseum made this information public, both when the judgement was awarded, as well as on numerable times thereafter. On almost every occasion that I spoke on this matter, I explained why, and on what basis this judgement was granted,” Nandlall had told Guyana Times

In response to this, Harmon at this week’s postCabinet briefing stated that Guyana is in contempt of court hence it was ordered that the sum of money be paid. He further mentioned that his research reveals that the former PPP/C Cabinet would have approved the sums of money to be paid on the tax.

“So it’s not about Mr Nandlall challenging Attorney General Basil Williams on who is right and who is wrong. The records are there, the records of the CCJ and the records of the previous Administration. We have to show that we respect the law, we to show that if this is the court of final jurisdiction that we respect it. Once you subscribe to the jurisdiction of the court then you have to abide by its judgement,” he declared.

Furthermore, Harmon explained that the PPP/C had filed a piece of legislation as Environmental Tax that sought to, rather than removing the “obnoxious” imposition of a container tax, create additional taxes on other companies so that level the situation. He noted that is what they had objected to and refused to pass the Bill.

“We said if you wanted to have an environmental

tax then in the first place, the tax should be directed to the purposes connected to the environment. It must not just go into a lump sum and then utiltise it for everything else that you want to use. It was meant for issues relating to the environment,” the Minister of State remarked.

Secondly, Harmon outlined that there were no distinctions between containers that are biodegradable and those which were not. Therefore, he added, if you are introducing an Environmental Tax then the environment should benefit from that tax.

According to the Minister of State, these issues were raised with the then Government. In addition, he said that they also raised the fact that billions of dollars were already collected from the tax but were never applied to anything that has to do with the environment. He recalled that when the tax was first introduced, a separate account was supposed to be created so that the money derived from the tax would go for the benefit of the environment. This, he noted, was the commitment the Finance Minister at that time, Asgar Ally.

Harmon went onto say that the matter was even argued vigorously in the National Assembly and the People’s National Congress (PNC) representative at that time had pointed out to the PPP/C Government that if they insisted on applying this tax and the way in which they wanted to do it, then they would breach the Caribbean Community (Caricom) treaty obligations. “He (Ally) insisted on doing it and that was the result,” Harmon posited.

Giftland Mall opens doors today!

Finally, the much anticipated Giftland OfficeMax world-class shopping plaza will be officially opening its doors today with a ribbon cutting ceremony at its Pattensen, East Coast Demerara (ECD) location around 17:00h.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo is slated to be the feature speaker at the grand opening ceremony which is expected to have hundreds of businessmen and Government officials in attendance.

The mall will then be opened to the public on Friday 3. However, all the exciting amenities that were in the lineup to be featured will not yet be made available to the public.

In fact, the mall will be opening in phases, beginning with the state-of-theart movie theatres, four popular restaurants, and the Giftland superstore, including the gift store “Giftronics”, the sports store “Sportsmax” and all the other departments.

There will also be a Republic Bank ATM machine available for customer convenience.

Thereon, the full blown entertainment complex will take shape as more restaurants and stores progressively open up. The video arcade and entertainment strip, comprising fine dining res-

A section of the Giftland Mall during the construction phase

taurants, sport bars and night pubs are also put on a hold for future opening, tentatively sometime in December.

The supermarket department is also tentatively set for a Christmas opening. Nagamootoo, as with the rest of Guyana, could not hide his excitement about the opening of this magnificent innovation. “I am very excit-

ed and I can’t wait for Thursday to be here when they would have the grand opening for what would be the single biggest innovation in commerce in Guyana, at least in my 53 years in public life. I hope Guyanese would all share that excitement on Thursday when the doors would be officially opened,” Nagamootoo had expressed after touring the colossal building.

Government has plugged some US$100,000 into the ailing Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development and has also established a committee to oversee the operations of the organisation.

Minister of State Joseph Harmon on Wednesday said the organisation has been failing miserably, particularly in the areas of reaching its operational expenses and being able pay its staff and other expenses.

The representation was made by Minister of Governance Raphael Trotman, whose Ministry is responsible for the protection of the national patrimony for the money to be granted to the Centre for its work up to the period September 2015.

Cabinet also approved the appointment of a committee comprising Minister of Governance Raphael Trotman, Major General Retired Joseph Singh, Clayton Hall, Dane Gobin from the Iwokrama Centre, Dr Raphael Thomas from the Iwokrama Centre, David Singh from Conservation International, Damien Fernandes of the Protected Areas Commission, along with representatives of the University of Guyana, the Tourism Ministry, the Indigenous People’s Affairs Ministry and the Public infrastructure Ministry.

The purpose of the committee is to review the operations of the Centre and to recommend a way forward for the Centre. He said the committee has been given clear instructions to commence work immediately so that decisions could be made in that regard. Only a few months ago – in February of this year – the Centre’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dane Gobin had reported that the organisation has been operating at a shortfall of US$1.3 million for the longest while.

At that time, he told Guyana Times in an exclusive interview that the Centre was in need of an average US$2.5 million to effectively execute its mandate which is to promote the conservation and the sustainable use of tropical rainforests in a manner that will lead to lasting ecological, economic and social benefits for the people of Guyana.

With the drying up of financial support from international donors, Iwokrama last year managed to rake in a total income of US$1.2 million, with the Government of Guyana contributing US$600,000. In 2013 and 2014, the Government pro-

vided a total of US$1.5 million to relieve the Centre of its financial burden. It has since indicated that this year, it will once again bail out the Centre using some US$100,000 from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC). Gobin pointed out that in 2013, the Iwokrama International Centre commissioned two financial reports which suggested that between US$750,000 and US$1.2 million was needed annually to meet its core functions. The Centre’s total income of US$1.2 million in 2013 was down by 38 per cent over 2012 levels of US$1.9 million mainly, as a result of a 40 per cent drop in grants income.

As a result, total expenditure fell in 2013 recording levels of US$1.1 million against US$2.1 million in 2012 – a decrease of approximately 44 per cent. This decrease was also as a result of the Centre’s austerity programme which included a reduction in staffing levels and operational expenditure together with a consolidation of activities. Financial records for the year ending 2014 are pending. In addition to the Government of Guyana, Commonwealth Secretariat, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, the European Union, the InterAmerican Development Bank, the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, NORAD, the Caribbean Development Bank and Chicago Zoo were among the main contributors for the previous financial years. Harmon however said on Wednesday that the Commonwealth Secretariat had indicated its inability to continue funding.

Iwokrama was the first institute to receive Forest Stewardship Council Certification, an international certification in Europe which shows best practices in forest management. The Iwokrama International Centre was established by Guyana and the Commonwealth through the donation of approximately 360,000 hectares (one million acres) of intact tropical rainforest by the Government and people of Guyana to the international community. The responsibility for management, conservation and sustainable development of this forest area (the Iwokrama Forest) has been entrusted to the Iwokrama International Centre, through the Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development Act of 1996, and an Agreement between the Government of Guyana and the Commonwealth signed on November 9, 1995.

Minister of State Joseph Harmon

Caricom Heads of Government Summit begins today

As is customary and in keeping with the obligations of the Treaty of Chaguaramas, Caricom Heads of Government will be meeting in Barbados today, for what will be the 36th meeting of the regional integration movement, since the historic treaty signing ceremony at Chaguaramas, Port of Spain, July 4, 1973.

President David Granger will be leading a delegation to the event inclusive of Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge; acting Director General of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Jardine Waddell, and the President’s press team. He will be ensuring that the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy is on the agenda and is discussed, against the background of the latter state’s claim to two-thirds of Guyana’s territory, and its recent decree number 1787, on May 26, announcing claims also to Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

This year’s conference, which begins its deliberations today and runs until July 4, will welcome new Heads of Government in the persons of President Granger; St Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister, Dr Timothy Harris and Montserrat Premier Donaldson Romeo, who took office in February 2015 and September 2014 respectively.

Over the following days, 15 Caricom Heads of Government and the heads of five Associate States and their delegations, a total of more than 150 persons,

will deliberate over a range of items of importance to the Region.

There will be business sessions and a retreat for Heads of Government. It is expected that prominent on the agenda will be matters critical to the well-being of the integration movement, such as the state of the regional economies, security, implementation issues and the recent European Union (EU) decision to blacklist a number of Caribbean islands, some of them Caricom members, as non-cooperative tax jurisdictions.

A cultural event will also be hosted for Heads of Government of visiting countries and local officials on Caricom Day, Saturday, July 4.

Guidance

The conference is the supreme organ of Caricom, and is empowered to make policies and provide guidance on matters pertaining to the integra-

tion movement and other pertinent issues. A critical aspect of its function is its mandate to enter into treaty obligations on behalf of the Community, as well as relationships between the Community and international organisations and states.

The grouping is the final authority on financial matters of the Community, therefore, and it will include decisions relative to finances for defraying the expenses of the Community. It is also tasked with establishing organs or bodies for achieving the objectives of the Community. Other key functions of this pivotal organ of the Caribbean Community are resolving disputes between Member States, issuing policy of a general or specific character to other institutions of the Community for achieving the objectives of the Community, consulting with entities within the Region or with other organisations, establishing mechanisms as it deems necessary and regulating its own procedures, and deciding on the admission of non-Member States and other entities to the Community. In its actual framework, there is what is described as a quasi-Cabinet, where each of the regional leaders is assigned to a specific portfolio. For every completed subject area, the information is transmitted for implementation in Member States.

Barbados has assumed the chairmanship of Caricom for the period July 1, 2015-December 31, 2015.

Major reform for education sector as CoI commences

New Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine has established a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the operations of the education system. The Commission is mandated to investigate and hold hearings across the country on the state of the sector, and provide a report outlining recommendations for the enhancement of education delivery.

Dr Roopnaraine said as the new Minister, he needed to know more about what had happened to an education system that was once the pride of the Caribbean and further afield. He explained that he was by no means trying to say that the system has collapsed and was not well equipped with experts, a cadre of dedicated teachers, and willing students.

The CoI, which is expected to conclude its hearings in July, comprises education officials, citizens drawn from across the country and experts in various fields.

Dr Roopnaraine noted that while experts have provided reports to him, he was not quite satisfied, because he was yet to see reports that lay out an implementable action plan. He said over the next five years he wished to mobilise across political parties, people to come together, work together to craft strategies and advance the interest of the people. “Education is not something we need to fight over. A solid education system benefits everyone. Education is the foundation of what we do and what we will do,” he stated, adding that he has been able to draw on relationships established with his predecessor,

Priya Manickchand and other former Ministers of the previous Government.

In the meantime, Dr Roopnaraine has stated that as a matter of importance, he needed to know what obtains at each and every school across the country and what their needs are. To this end, he said that audits in all schools have begun.

The audit team will be conducting an “environmental audit of each and every school”. “I need to know which schools need infrastructural work. I need to know about everything that is lacking in our school system,” he said.

According to the Minister, reports have already started to come in and he estimates that the audit should be concluded by the end of July this year. Dr Roopnaraine said the audit was critical to the implementation of strong evidence based national policies.

3 Ministries named in alleged fuel abuse probe

The Ministries of Home Affairs, Tourism and Natural Resources and the Environment have now become the centre of an investigation into the alleged abuse of the Guyana Oil Company (Guyoil) fuel credit facility.

And while the amounts used up by these Ministries, headed by former Ministers Clement Rohee, Robert Persaud and Irfaan Ali respectively, were not released, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon said it would soon be done.

Speaking at a news conference on Wednesday, Harmon said he has also instructed all Permanent Secretaries (PSs) and accounting officers of the Ministries to provide assistance to the investigation.

Last week, the Minister had disclosed that Government had discovered rampant abuse of the credit facility, which is extended to the various Ministries and state agencies in Guyana, and has been investigating the matter. He said he had in his possession some evidence that Government personnel in the previous Administration had been abusing the facility. Government had asked the oil company to present it with the accounts and statements and the names of persons.

Updating the media on the issue Wednesday, Harmon told reporters, “Guyoil has actually given us full support in our investigation into the matter and has provided us with information on several things. They have given us indication of conflict of interest situations in the company.”

Harmon said Government now has the list of vehicles and the names of some of the persons who have drawn fuel from the oil company. He said while he was in possession of all of the

On this note, Dr Roopnaraine said that the Ministry and the Government would continue to solicit the involvement of all Guyanese at home and abroad in the reformation of the education system, as he believed that through partnerships the solid educational foundation that is needed for the development of this country can be realised.

The Minister has extended an invitation to the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) to participate in the development of policies. “I do not want teachers to believe that they are robots in a classroom, who we sent there to execute policy that they had nothing to do with making,” he said.

The GTU was invited to appoint a working committee to regularly meet with the Ministry so that together policies can be created. The Minister believed that people are more likely to execute policies that they had a hand in forming rather than policies that have been handed to them to execute. He said, “We want the parents, the teachers, the Union, the students to be fully engaged in the reform of our education system.”

Since taking up the role of Education Minister, D. Roopnaraine, a renowned scholar, has said that while the country appears to be doing well, topping the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) examinations and excelling in other areas, there was still more to be done to ensure that the education sector once again becomes the pride and joy of Guyanese.

necessary information, he was giving persons the opportunity to make payment for the fuel before any contact is made with the Police.

He explained that there were at least five vehicles and individuals who were taking gas free of cost while they were not in the employ of Government. The money owed for the five individuals are somewhere in the vicinity of over $200,000 for each vehicle, he related.

“There are vehicles that were drawing over 20 gallons a day filling empty containers. I can say to you that there are at least five vehicles and names of individuals who are not employed by one particular ministry....The bills were being taken to the various ministries,” Harmon informed.

He said too that he has also been advised that apart from Guyoil, there were private gas stations from which Government vehicles have been drawing gas.

In a release to the press following the disclosure by Government last week, Guyoil had explained in detail the steps taken in the transaction of sale of fuel to the various Government Ministries and agencies.

It stated that the

Government Ministries and agencies were granted monthly credit by Guyoil in purchasing fuel at the company’s service stations and terminals, for which strict procedures have to be adhered to for the supply of fuel.

“A Ministry or agency has a number of officers who are authorised to sign fuel orders. The names and specimen signatures of these officers along with a specimen of the fuel order are sent to Guyoil’s Head Office, copies of which are made and lodged at each service station and terminal.

“The management of Guyoil also request the registration numbers of the vehicles authorised to be sold fuel, but primary focus is on the authenticity of the fuel order and the authorised name and signature therein,” the release stated. It went on to explain that upon receipt of a fuel order from a Ministry at the service station, the officer on duty verifies the name and signature of the authority with the specimen in place and if they conform, fuel is sold to the vehicle and an invoice is issued.

“Copies of invoices are sent from the service stations and terminals to the finance department at Head Office where they are processed and a statement is generated and sent to the Ministry or agency every month.

“The Government Ministries and agencies are generally prompt with their payments and are among the better customers of Guyoil in that regard,” it added.

Guyoil noted that its management is giving the Government its full cooperation on these ongoing investigations with the objective of reducing and eliminating any such malpractices.

“Mother Patsy” on attempted murder charge ...after another exorcism exercise

Patricia ‘Mother Patsy’ Alves who was convicted and jailed for killing a woman during an exorcism exercise back in 2004 was in court again on Tuesday this time charged with attempted murder for allegedly trying to “beat demons” out of a New Amsterdam woman.

Alves had served a 10-year prison sentence for the killing Parbattie Camille Seenauth called ‘Paro’, between February 14 and 15, 2002 in a failed exorcism attempt in Alberttown. Since being released from jail she had been living in New Amsterdam and has continued her “spiritual healing” practice.

The 55-year-old Alves was remanded to prison on Tuesday by Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs Marcus when she appeared in a New Amsterdam court on an attempted murder charge. The accused was not required to plea to the charge.

It is alleged that on Wednesday, June 17, at Lot 157 Smythfield, New Amsterdam Berbice, Alves unlawfully and maliciously wounded 75-year-old Jean Joyce Dean with intent to murder her. Police Prosecutor, Corporal Desiree Pilgrim, told the court that the two women live at the same address but in different apartments. Alves, the prosecutor said occupies the upper flat of the house while Dean stays on the lower flat. The court was told that the two women were friends and during the month of May 2014, Dean became ill and told Alves who is a self-proclaimed spiritualist. She told Dean that she needed spiritual healing and promised to help. However, when Dean went for the treatment she was told that she is unclean and had chased away all of the accused demons, and needed to bring money for them to return.

Dean had been paying every cent she earned to the accused who treated her with beatings using various implements, including a hammer, cutlass and even knives. The victim was rescued by a son and treated at the Fort Wellington Hospital. A report was made to the police and the accused arrested. She was refused bail and will have to return to court on July 20 for a police report.

Back in September 2005 Alves was found guilty killing Seenauth, 34, on February 15, 2002. She allegedly beat Seenauth in an attempt to drive evil spirits out of her. Seenauth’s battered body was found in a shallow grave in Alves’ backyard the day after the beating. Neighbours called police after seeing a foot sticking out of the ground. Alves led a congregation of believers in spirits for many years, setting up a Spirit Church in her home.

President David Granger

Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine

Patricia ‘Mother Patsy’ Alves

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon

Cuba, US restore diplomatic ties after 54 years; announce embassies

There has not been a US Embassy in the Cuban capital Havana since the

The United States and Cuba on Wednesday formally agreed to restore diplomatic ties that had been severed for 54 years, fulfilling a pledge made six months ago by the former Cold War enemies.

US President Barack Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro exchanged let-

ters agreeing to reopen embassies in each other’s capitals, with the Cubans saying that could happen as soon as July 20.

“This is a historic step forward in our efforts to normalise relations with the Cuban Government and people and begin a new chapter with our neighbours in

the Americas,” Obama said from the White House Rose Garden.

US Secretary of State John Kerry, speaking from Vienna, said he would visit Havana later this summer to raise the US flag outside the US embassy, currently labelled the US interests section under the protection

of the Swiss Government.

Obama and Castro seek to relegate to history 56 years of recriminations that have predominated ever since Fidel Castro’s rebels overthrew the US-backed Government of Fulgencio Batista on January 1, 1959.

“Cuba is encouraged by the reciprocal intention to develop respectful and cooperative relations between our two peoples and Governments,” Raul Castro, 84, Fidel’s younger brother and Cuban President since 2008, wrote in his letter to Obama.

The Cuba deal marks a major achievement for Obama, who has been criticised for foreign policy stumbles, especially in the Middle East. It follows his recent victory in a congressional fight for fast-track authority that could undergird a landmark Asia trade deal and comes as Washington appears to be on the cusp of a nuclear agreement with Iran. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Jamaicans, Vincentian caught in massive drug bust in Antigua

Law enforcement officials in Antigua and Barbuda have nabbed three non-nationals in an operation that also netted over 104 kilograms (230 pounds) of cannabis and more than 49 kilos of cocaine.

The cannabis, which was found in crocus bags, has an estimated street value of over EC$2.3 million (US$851,851) while the wholesale value of the sealed packages of cocaine is over EC$1.7 million (US$629,629).

The suspected smugglers – two Jamaican men and a Vincentian man – are now facing drug charges.

According to local media reports, the Jamaicans have been in Antigua for a while and the Vincentian recently travelled to the island.

Honduras corruption probe widens as lawmaker is held

The Supreme Court in Honduras has ordered the arrest on Tuesday of the Vice President of Congress, Lena Gutierrez, over a corruption scandal.

Gutierrez and members of her family are accused of defrauding the country’s health-care system.

Gutierrez, who is a member of the governing National Party, has denied any wrongdoing.

The scandal has triggered large anti-corruption protests in the streets of the capital, Tegucigalpa.

The head of the Supreme Court said he had ordered the arrest of Gutierrez and

more than a dozen other people, including her father and two of her brothers, allegedly linked to the scandal.

He said he wanted to prevent them from leaving the country.

They have been charged with fraud, crimes against public health and falsification of documents.

Gutierrez and her father and two brothers are suspected of having links to a company which allegedly embezzled the state by selling it poor quality medicine at inflated prices.

Prosecutors say the state was defrauded out of as

much as $120 million.

They allege that some of it went to finance the political campaigns of the governing party.

A lawyer for the family said they had sold their shares in the company years ago.

Tens of thousands of Hondurans have protested weekly against corruption with many calling for the resignation of President Juan Orlando Hernandez.

The President has come under fire for a separate corruption scandal which involves alleged fraud in Honduras’ social security system. (Excerpt from BBC News)

They were held early Tuesday morning when personnel from the Office of National Drug and Money Laundering Control Policy conducted an operation in the rural Mount Joy community. (Caribbean360)

Brazil rejects lowering age of criminal responsibility

The Lower House of the Brazilian Congress has narrowly rejected a proposed amendment to the Constitution that sought to lower the age of criminal responsibility.

If the amendment had been passed, children between 16 and 18 years of age could have been tried as adults.

They could have faced the same sentences as adults, and been sent to adult jails, for serious crimes.

The bill’s supporters argued that it would have acted as a deterrent.

They said that under the current system, teenagers who have committed serious crimes often only serve short sentences.

Opponents, however, said the bill would have had “disastrous consequences”, with young people put at risk in Brazil’s overcrowded and dangerous adult prisons.

Justice Minister Eduardo

Cardozo called the proposal an “atomic bomb” for the prison system.

He also said that some Brazilian jails were “veritable crime schools” where young people would be negatively influenced by hardened criminals.

A majority of members of the Lower House voted in favour of the move, but they were five short of the number of votes needed to pass the bill.

The bill had been amended to restrict the age reduction to only the most serious crimes, such as murder and rape.

The original bill, which seeks to lower the age at which youngsters can be prosecuted as adults for all crimes, still has to be voted on.

However, some of the lawmakers who supported trying 16- to 18-year-olds as adults for the most serious crimes said they would not do so for all crimes. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Former Turks and Caicos Premier loses Privy Council appeal

Former Turks and Caicos Premier Michael Misick has failed in his attempt to have his corruption case heard before a judge and jury, with the Privy Council dismissing his challenge to a Jamaican Judge presiding over the matter alone.

In a judgment handed down last week, the Londonbased Council dismissed the grounds on which Misick and his co-defendants challenged Justice Paul Harrison, a former President of the Court of Appeal in Jamaica who decided they would not have a jury trial.

TT: Cops under fire for fabricating case

In awarding more than TT$0.4 million to one of the people charged under the Anti Gang legislation during the state of emergency in 2011, a High Court judge Tuesday slammed the Police Officers who charged him, saying they had fabricated the case.

Delivering judgment in favour of Kevin Stewart in a malicious prosecution lawsuit, Justice Joan Charles severely criticised two senior and one junior Police Officers for their conduct in the case.

“I also hold that the prosecution of the claimant (Stewart) was malicious in

that Police Constable Phillips, together with Assistant Superintendent of Police Mohammed and Assistant Commissioner of Police Fredericks, were motivated by indirect or improper motives,” Charles told the court.

Through his Attorney Kevin Ratiram, Stewart

had filed the lawsuit after the prosecution discontinued proceedings against him in September 2011, a month after he was charged by PC Phillips with being a gang member, on the grounds there was insufficient evidence.

In a 27-page judgment delivered in the Hall of Justice,

Port-of-Spain, the Judge found that ASP Zamsheed Mohammed and ACP Fredericks’ handling of the case was in breach of established Police procedure and in breach of Section 12.1 of the Anti Gang Act, adding their conduct amounted “to a gross dereliction of their duty”.(Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

The Judge was appointed for the specific purpose of presiding over the corruption cases.

Misick and the other appellants had questioned Justice Harrison’s impartiality and independence, but their claim was rejected by the Judge himself and, subsequently, by the Court of Appeal, before it was taken to the Privy Council.

Challenging the lawfulness of their proposed trial, the appellants argued that Justice Harrison did not have sufficient security of tenure and was, therefore, not independent; and that he failed to ask whether there was no reasonable doubt that the interests of justice required a trial without jury before deciding so.

However, in delivering the decision of the sevenmember panel, Lord Hughes said the Judge was appointed on the recommendation of the independent Judicial Service Commission and he was guaranteed security of tenure during his appointment.

(Excerpt from Caribbean360)

1960s

Students protested against the proposed bill outside Congress in Brasilia

Former Turks and Caicos Premier Michael Misick

Deadly attacks hit Egypt’s Sinai

At least 35 people have been killed in ongoing attacks on several military checkpoints and Police Stations in Egypt’s northern Sinai, security sources and witnesses have told Al Jazeera.

About 70 fighters of a group calling itself the Province of Sinai simultaneously attacked several targets in the area on Wednesday, the sources said.

At least 22 of the fighters were killed and three of their vehicles were destroyed, the sources added.

Egypt’s Air Force deployed fighter jets to the region to assist the Army in the ongoing battle, Al Jazeera has learned.

There were also reports that Israel has closed down its shared border crossings with Egypt.

Sources told Al Jazeera that all Egyptian security forces at two checkpoints at Sheikh Zuweid were killed.

The mortuary in ElArish received at least 35 bodies, Egyptian security sources said, adding that at least 11 soldiers were among the dead.

However, local media reports suggested the death toll of the attacks could be much higher.

Wael Abbas, an Egyptian journalist and blogger, told Al Jazeera that the attack was highly “coordinated” and that there were reports that the fighters had put mines on the roads to prevent more Egyptian military vehicles from accessing the area.

He said some supporters of ISIL had tweeted that they were going “to eradicate the military’s presence in Sinai” before the attacks.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Around the World

Greece debt crisis: PM Tsipras defiant as bank controls bite

Greece’s Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has made a defiant speech as cash withdrawal limits begin to bite for Greek bank customers.

Tsipras promised Greeks their pensions and wages would be safe.

Earlier he put new proposals in a letter to eurozone partners, accepting most of what was on the table before talks collapsed, but with conditions.

Germany says talks with Greece will not be possible until after a referendum called by Tsipras for Sunday.

Eurozone Finance Ministers held a conference call on Wednesday and also decided to postpone any further talks with Greece until after Sunday’s referendum, according to Slovakia’s Finance Minster Peter Kazimir.

In the poll, Greeks will be asked to accept or reject proposals made by creditors last week.

Tsipras’s latest offer to creditors is tied explicitly

Thousands march for Hong Kong democracy

Tens of thousands of Hong Kong protesters marched for full democracy on Wednesday and called on the Chinese-controlled city’s leader to resign, just weeks after lawmakers voted down an electoral reform package backed by China.

The turnout, estimated by organisers at 48,000, was one of the lowest for the march marking the anniversary of Hong Kong’s return from British to Chinese rule

in 1997.

Last year’s protest drew more than half a million people when debate over the city’s democratic reforms was near fever pitch.

“I want real universal suffrage” the crowds chanted on a sweltering day, with many holding yellow umbrellas, a symbol of the “Umbrella Movement” last year when protesters blocked major roads to pressure Beijing to allow direct elections in 2017.

But after a series of wrenching street protests and the veto of the electoral reform package, many chose not to show up.

“Hong Kong people have been through a lot and they’ve mobilised massively over the past few years,” said Johnson Yeung, with the Civil Human Rights Front, one of the main organisers of the march.

“So after the veto, it’s quite natural for them to want to take a rest.”

Some heckling and heated exchanges broke out between the democracy activists and pro-Beijing groups who hurled insults from the sidelines, with Police separating the two sides.

Some activists fighting for greater autonomy and even independence from China held up signs calling for a “Hong Kong nation”, while others waved Hong Kong’s old colonial-era flags featuring a UK Union Jack. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Burundi awaits vote results amid fatal violence

Six people, including one Police Officer, have been killed in gun battles in Burundi’s capital as the nation awaits election results from Monday’s parliamentary poll.

The clashes in Bujumbura’s Cibitoke district on Wednesday took place after three grenades were thrown at a Police patrol, in-

juring two officers, a Police official said speaking on condition of anonymity.

“Two Policemen were injured,” said Fabien, a resident of Mutakura district where weeks of street protests took place against Nkurunziza in May and early June.

Fabien said it appeared some civilians were also wounded when two grenades

exploded but it was not clear how many.

Elsewhere in the capital, military parades were held to mark the country’s Independence Day.

The violence in the capital is the latest in weeks of unrest that has seen Burundi locked in its worst political crisis since its civil war ended a decade ago, with pro-

tests erupting in late April against President Pierre Nkurunziza’s bid to seek a third term in office.

Monday’s parliamentary elections were widely boycotted by the Opposition and condemned internationally.

Some voting stations were also attacked by grenades, according to the Police. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Fears rise of new Ebola outbreak in Liberia

Ateenager who died from Ebola fever has spread the virus to at least two more people in Liberia, confirming the first outbreak of the tropical disease for months, a health official has said.

“Two more people have been confirmed positive. These people had contact with the boy. We are still waiting for more results of blood tests,” Cestus Tarpeh, a health official, said on Wednesday. Tarpeh, a spokesman for

the Health Department in Margibi County, where the 17-year-old got sick, told the AFP news agency a herbalist who had treated him had evaded the authorities and was on the run.

The news came a day af-

ter Health Minister Bernice Dahn announced that the boy – who has not been named –had died at a village near the west African nation’s international airport, about an hour’s drive southeast of Monrovia.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

to agreement on a request for a third bailout from the Eurozone’s bailout fund lasting two years and amounting to €29.1 billion.

In his address on Wednesday, Tsipras thanked Greeks for their “calm” in the face of bank closures and said their salaries and pensions would “not be lost”.

He angrily denied he had a secret plan to take Greece out of the euro, calling those who accused him of this “li-

ars”.

Greek banks did not open this week after the ECB froze their liquidity lifeline. Withdrawals from cash machines are capped at just €60 a day and long queues have been forming outside banks.

However, up to 1000 branches re-opened on Wednesday to allow pensioners – many of whom do not use bank cards – a oneoff weekly withdrawal of up to €120. (Excerpt from

China security law tightens control of cyber security

China’s legislature has passed a wide-ranging and controversial national security law which tightens Government control over many areas of life.

The law broadly defines national security as covering everything from finance and cyber security to religion.

State media said it would “protect people’s fundamental interests”.

It is part of a raft of policies by President Xi Jinping that have drawn criticism from foreign Governments, businesses and rights groups.

The vaguely worded legislation authorises the Government to take “all necessary” steps to protect China’s sovereignty.

Included in the law, passed by the standing com-

mittee of the rubberstamp National People’s Congress, is a move to make key network infrastructure and information systems “secure and controllable”.

The BBC’s Martin Patience in Beijing says critics argue the law is excessive. Many foreign technology firms operating in China are concerned, he adds. They fear that under the new law they will be forced to hand over sensitive information to the authorities.

The law is more an ideological declaration, says Zhang Xuezhong, a lawyer and former professor of political science and law at East China University, which will allow more cultural censorship and a crackdown on dissidents. (Excerpt from China)

PM Modi launches Digital India campaign

Pitching India as the world’s destination for the next big idea, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday asked, “If Indians can work in Google. Why can’t Google be made in India?”

Talking about his dream of digitally connecting India, PM Modi launched his ambitious Digital India project. The project aims to create a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. Modi spoke extensive-

ly of his vision for Digital India, “I dream of a Digital India where high-speed digital .... I dream of a Digital India where Government is open and governance is transparent ... I dream of a Digital India where tech-

nology ensures Government is incorruptible ... I dream of a Digital India where rural economy has access to e-healthcare ... I dream of a Digital India where the world looks to India for the next big idea,” he said.

“Just like Make in India is important, design in India is also important. The world recognises India’s IT talent,” he said.

Stating that the Digital India scheme is meant to benefit the poor, Modi said, “It is

Government’s duty to make rural India benefit from digital drive. People used to debate why does a poor nation like India need to send satellites? But, now that satellites forecast weather, it benefits the poor farmer.” (Excerpt

The Egyptian daily Al Ahram reported that there had been no official death toll because ambulances had trouble reaching the injured and dead for fear of getting caught in the crossfire

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras

Included in the law is the move to make key network infrastructure and information systems “secure and controllable”

thursday, july 2, 2015| guyanatimesgy.com

Granny scales fence

..as gunmen terrorise Corentyne family

By Andrew CArmiChAel

Alarge gang of armed bandits early Tuesday morning forced an elderly Port Mourant, Berbice woman to scale a fence after they attacked and robbed a Corentyne family and their neighbours, carting off a quantity of jewellery, cash and other valuables in a 45-minute ordeal.

The incident occurred at Johns, Port Mourant, Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

According to reports received, at about 01:00h on Tuesday, 10 armed men who were masked and dressed in camouflage clothing attacked the family, minutes

after they had emptied a 40foot container which had arrived earlier in the day.

According to Ishwar Bignauth, also called

“Buck”, he had just left the yard to visit a friend when he saw the men. He related to Guyana Times that some of the men were hiding behind one of two containers as the others approached. “I run back and start fo hola fo thief. Ah fall down three times and they catch me by the gate,” Bignauth related.

He said he was immediately struck on the head with what appeared to be a gun. Meanwhile, Dera Singh also known as ‘Bull’, to whom the container was posted, related that he him himself under a tractor which was off loaded from the container.

“Six man run in with six gun me see, and me run bottom the tractor an me hide. One ah dem say watch ah owner gone under de tractor.”

According to Singh, one

of the men proceeded to use a piece of iron to hit him on the body, ordering him to come out.

His brother-in-law along with his wife, who had arrived in the country earlier in the day, had just left the premises in a car to have a bath at his mother-in-law when the bandits arrived.

“They carry me in the kitchen an ask me where all the money and gold deh,” Singh recounted. “Me say ‘before allyuh do me anything this is all the money me get.”

He then gave them the $760,000 he had in his pocket. However, he was told that they wanted US money and the foreigner. “Me tell dem that the man gone, an they carry me in the bedroom an start broadside me an then lash me with a iron bar an me head bus,” Singh

related.

According to Singh, the men took about $120,000 worth in jewellery, a cellular phone, two amplifiers and stock from the refrigerator, among other items before they locked the nine-member family in the kitchen and made good their escape. However, this was not before ransacking his son-inlaw’s house which is in the same yard.

Beeram Singh was just returning home after having a bath at a friend’s house when he was taken captive and had his towel placed over his head. He said that the men asked for gold and diamonds while at the same time hitting him in the head with an iron bar.

At his home, the door to the wardrobe was broken open and jewellery and cash removed. The house was also ransacked. His wife, Kurardavi Kalicharran, who is said to be five months pregnant, was also hit in the face with a gun.

Kalicharran said when she heard the shout for ‘thief’, she ran around the side of the two storied house, scaled the back fence, ran a short distance before being forced to scale a second fence, spraining her ankle in the process. “I didn’t care if me foot break, I had to get away because they would ah beat me and ask me to carry them to me mother house where me sister from overseas went.”

Kalicharran explained that she made it to a neighbour’s house, from where she contacted the Police. However, her 62-year-old mother who was following suit, was not as fortunate and she was caught as she tried to escape. According to Dularie Sewghair, after she was caught escaping, she was dealt several slaps from one of the bandits. As the bandit became distracted, however, she said she seized the opportunity and ran to the back fence, managing to jump into a neighbour’s yard, where she sought refuge.

One of the men who was in the house said he was able to identify two of the ban-

dits. “All of dem had cloth tie over they face and the cloth fall off of one of them face and I know him from right here in Port Mourant.” He said that he was able to identify another from his voice and features.

Meanwhile, Singh said after the men left he went to a neighbour’s house and called the Police, who arrived shortly after. One of the victims led Police to a house where two men were arrested; one of whom was identified as the man whose mask had fallen off. Several persons were treated at the Port Mourant hospital and sent away. Police are continuing their investigations.

UG unions claim Opadeyi’s lawsuit vicious, malicious

The $10 million lawsuit which was filed by Vice Chancellor Jacob Opadeyi against Dr Melissa Ifill, President of the University of Guyana Senior Staff Association (UGSSA) has been deemed “vicious” and “malicious” by the body.

The UGSSA and the University of Guyana Workers Union (UGWU) went so far as to point out that they were of the belief that the attack was personal and intended to target Dr Ifill.

The UG Vice Chancellor has sued Dr Ifill for $10 million for ‘brewing’ a document disparaging his character and calling for his removal

from the post at Guyana’s leading tertiary educational institution, after a petition of no confidence was circulated by the UGSSA President and UGWU President Bruce Haynes on behalf of the joint union membership and with their authorisation and endorsement at a general meeting held on June 23.

According to a release

President is a signature action by Professor Opadeyi in the sense of being ad hominem, malicious and vindictive and confirms the rationale for the issuance of the petition of no confidence,” the statement read.

They noted that the suit was now seen as an attack on all staff and the unions.

“It is an attempt to bul-

committed to serving our membership and will continue to carry out our work without fear,” the unions continued.

Most unhelpful

“The unions find it unprecedented and most unhelpful that the Vice Chancellor sought recourse to the law against

by the VC, which should not replace his official response, is diametrically opposed to the spirit of the Minister of Education’s expectation and public statement that ‘…I don’t think [the Vice Chancellor] would stay in a situation where nobody wants to work with him...’,” the unions added.

The UGSSA and UGWU

from the unions, the UGSSA and UGWU, they stand by the no confidence petition in its general and specific content.

“This private action by the VC that specifically names the UGSSA

ly and intimidate, and will be legally and vigorously defended. We are convinced that this will only serve to exacerbate an already unhealthy atmosphere at the University of Guyana. As responsible bodies, we remain

the President of one of our two unions notwithstanding Section 7 (1) of the Trades Union Act, which states that unions, or their members or officers, cannot be sued for actions on behalf of their union. This private action

had attacked the Vice Chancellor, saying that he was responsible for “eroding the powers of the Academic Board as prescribed in the statutes of the University of Guyana; and compromising academic quality and integ-

rity for the sake of cutting costs.”

In addition, the unions said Opadeyi was responsible for the “dictatorial, vindictive, micromanagement leadership style that is characterised by dishonest and deliberately misleading communications.” He was also accused of altering terms and conditions of work without consultation with employees; failing to honour contracts with employees, including illegally withholding legitimate payments due to staff among many other breaches.

UGSSA President, Dr Melissa Ifill

UG Vice Chancellor Jacob Opadeyi

Dularie, age 62

Dera Singh, also known as “Bull”

Sharraz Azzas with the iron bar that they were hit with

7 months later…

Baby with exposed brain still awaiting surgery

– Mother seeking help from new Govt

Seven-month-old Emannie Melvin, the baby who made regional headlines after being born with a rare defect which left part of his brain exposed, is still awaiting corrective surgery, but continues to defy the odds and enjoy good health.

His mother, Felicia Melvin, said it was a miracle for her to see her baby boy happy and healthy, but she was still worried out of her wits about his well-being and survival. In a recent interview with Guyana Times, Melvin noted that the child was unable to undergo surgery, but with a new government in place which promised to address poor people’s concerns, she decided to again seek help from the Health Ministry which is under the stewardship of Dr George Norton.

“I pray to God every day

and I thank him for this [the baby’s good health], but I know I need to get it looked after, because I don’t know how long he could live like this, but I am not getting the help,” she explained. She noted that she would often have to place socks over the baby’s hands and watch him closely to ensure he did not burst the exposed

Rehabilitation therapy

tissues.

“Not once have I taken a day for granted, every day I have to watch him closely, because he does want fatigue the brain and I am scared one day something will go wrong,” the mother lamented.

Melvin expected to give birth to a healthy bouncing baby boy, but to her dis-

may, little Emannie was born with a partially exposed brain, believed to be as a result of Encephalocele, although local doctors have not been able to confirm the exact nature of his condition.

Canada-based NonGovernmental Organisation (NGO) The Caribbean Children Foundation (TCCF) had stepped forward to render assistance to the family, but owing to the heavy paperwork involved, the process was just never completed.

Since Emannie was born, Melvin has been desperately going around the country seeking financial and medical assistance to ensure her baby’s survival.

The mother is still hoping a local doctor can advise her on surgery for the child, whose first birthday is fast approaching.

Compounding the situation, Melvin, who was born and raised in Anna Catherina, West Coast Demerara, was abandoned by her spouse when the child was born.

“He said he ain’t able with stress, and I have to keep me stress with me by meself,” Melvin related. She said the father had also urged her to get rid of the child.

Encephalocele

According to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Encephalocele is a rare type of Neural Tube Defect (NTD). The neural tube is a narrow channel that folds and closes during the third and fourth weeks of pregnancy to form the brain and spinal cord.

Encephalocele is a saclike protrusion or projection

of the brain and the membranes that cover it through an opening in the skull and happens when the neural tube does not close completely during pregnancy. The result is an opening in the midline of the upper part of the skull, the area between the forehead and nose, or the back of the skull.

The CDC estimates that each year about 375 babies in the United States are born with Encephalocele. Babies with Encephalocele are vulnerable to nervous system and other health problems.

Generally, surgery is performed during infancy to place the protruding tissues back into the skull, remove the sac, and correct the associated craniofacial abnormalities. Even large protrusions can often be removed without causing major functional disability.

Bringing comfort to the impaired

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R), also known as physiatry, has been restoring comfort to the lives of billions worldwide.

This type of treatment is a branch of medicine that aims to enhance and restore the functional ability and the quality of life to those with physical impairments or disabilities. This treatment is designed to help patients recover from injuries, illnesses, or diseases to as normal a condition as possible. It is prescribed for many types of cases including amputation, cancer, arthritis, neurological problems, cardiac diseases, orthopaedic injuries, spinal cord injuries, stroke, and traumatic brain injuries.

There are several forms of this treatment which include, among others, physical therapy, aquatic therapy, medical nutrition therapy,

sports medicine, and athletic training. Physical therapy/rehabilitation or physiotherapy is one of the most common types of this treatment; it is also the most popular one in Guyana. These types of treatment and exercises are designed for the remediation of physical impairments and disabilities through the promotion of mobility and functional ability. In Guyana, rehabilitation therapy is available free of cost in all of the country’s 10 administrative regions. It can be accessed at the country’s five main hospitals and a number of health centres; according to the Public Health Ministry’s Rehabilitation Service Director, Barbara Lawrence.

Care can be accessed at two health centres in Region One at Moruca and Mabaruma; in Region Two

at Suddie and Charity; in Region Three at the Leonora and Leguan hospitals; in Region Five at the Mahaicony Hospital; in Region Six at three health centres; in Region Seven at Kamarang and Bartica; in Region Eight at the Mahdia Hospital; Region Nine at Annai, Lethem and Aishalton; and in Region 10 at two centres. Most of these facilities offer four main types of therapies: physiotherapy, which deals with mostly mobility; occupational therapy, aimed at familiarising individuals with their comfort zones, such as their work space and homes; speech therapy, which deals with the pronunciation of words and exercises for exhausted/over used tonsils along with other injuries relating to speech; and audiology, which deals with hearing disorders, and which is a major focus area, especially at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

In addition to these facilities, individuals can also access this type of care at the Cheshire Home in Mahaica, East Coast Demerara and also at the Open Door Centre/ National Vocational Centre for persons with disabilities, located in Sophia, Greater Georgetown. Under the Rehab Services Programme Seven, there are two agencies that receive subventions; the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre and the National Commission on Disability. These institutions receive approximately five per cent of the National Health Budget, towards providing a better quality of life for disabled individuals, despite a few challenges.

“Our major challenge remains human resource; we

do need a lot of specialised skilled professionals… but we do have a number of rehabilitation assistants… our ultimate goal is to provide quality services for persons with disability so that they can enjoy a full, productive and independent life,” Lawrence noted.

To bring some level of relief at the human resource level, training has been focused on the area of rehabilitation assistants. Lawrence pointed out that, “What we have done as a country is to train mid-level workers, so we have trained

Ministry also works with teachers, community volunteers and care givers. Support groups also play a major role in this form of treatment as it allows individuals with the same disability to work together and relate to each other, providing some level of extra comfort. The Rehabilitation Unit of the country’s main referral hospital, the Georgetown Public Hospital, is doing very well. This facility sees an average of 15 patients daily in each department except for occupational therapy which sees an average of

Rehabilitation Assistants (a rehab assistant is someone who is trained in the three areas-physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy) to provide a basic level of rehab services.”

Since this type of treatment should be continued at home, the Public Health

30 patients per day.

The professional therapists provide timely, restorative medical techniques, in helping persons with temporary or permanent disabilities, to heal both physically and emotionally. This is done through modalities, which comprise hot/cold

packs and electrical stimulation. This helps to strengthen, relax, and heal muscles. Individuals are given independent sessions and work time with their therapists; one session can be 30 minutes to one hour long. The unit is housed in a separate department with audiology in a different flat; due to the fact this type of treatment requires a very quiet/isolated environment.

The Georgetown Public Hospital’s audiology facility is offering one of the most modernised types of care; this is digitalised hearing aids, which allow for a wider variety of adjustments, to suit the needs of the patients.

Monty Thompson, a patient who has benefited from this type of treatment, pointed out that it has contributed significantly to changing his life. “It (his life) has changed a lot, I could listen lil music, when my children talk to me I does hear, they don’t have to come close in my ears, that used to annoy me because I use to feel like they hollering on me, now I get the hearing aid, we could talk and watch lil picture (movies)… it more comfortable,” Thompson said.

The Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre was recently lauded by the Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton, for doing a magnificent job. He pointed out that, “This Centre could be used as an example across the country.” Physical therapy is believed to have been derived through the advocating of massages, manual therapy techniques and hydrotherapy by two physicians who treated people as far back as 460 BC.

A staff at the Audiology Department of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) assisting a patient to put on his hearing aid

Little Emannie was born with an exposed brain

Amanda La Rose, Senior Rehabilitation Assistant, Occupational Therapy department, Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) working with a patient who has an injured arm

SUDOKU

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

GEMINI (May 21June 20)

CANCER

Go over financial, legal or personal contracts in detail to avoid making a costly mistake. Time is on your side, and fact-finding will ease your mind.

Travel or educational pursuits will broaden your outlook and inspire your imagination. If you open your eyes to new possibilities, you will find new ways to use your skills.

Finishing home-improvement projects will give you peace of mind and some free time to help others. Your kindness and understanding will result in greater popularity.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Social gatherings will be a unique source of entertainment. Noticing how people react in various situations will give you insight into your own behavior. You’ll connect with someone who wants to collaborate with you.

Overindulgence will lead to neglect. There are lots of groups that will help you get back on track with healthy food choices and exercise. Friends will provide support and motivation.

Start fresh. Join a group, club or organization that will provide an interesting diversion from your daily grind. If dancing or art lessons are not your thing, try out a new sport.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Be careful what you say. You will be upset and disappointed if someone you have trusted reveals personal details. Don’t allow anyone to take advantage of you.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Others will be more than willing to cooperate if you let them. Trying to do too much on your own will make you anxious. Ask for help when you need it.

CAPRICORN (June 21July 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

Your enthusiasm for your current professional goals will make loved ones feel ignored. You should put time aside to concentrate solely on the people closest to you.

(Jan. 20Feb. 19) (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

A relationship or misunderstanding will catch you by surprise. If you have misinterpreted the signals being sent your way, open up a dialogue to get to the heart of the situation.

AQUARIUS

PISCES

(Feb. 20March 20)

If your intuition is sending you red flags, take notice. The temptation to try something risky may be strong, but weighing the consequences ahead of time will ensure that you don’t get burned.

Any sound advice or knowledge you receive now should be put to good use. Trying out new experiences and meeting new people will add to your expertise and increase your popularity.

Peanuts

Calvin and hobbes

dilbert

arChie

Pakistan, Canada and Japan get Hero CPL boost

Classy Tridents...

from back page

The Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) is delighted to announce a partnership with LIVESPORT.TV, which will allow fans in Pakistan, Canada and Japan to stream the tournament live online. Fans can watch the remaining 24 matches of CPL 2015 for just US$7.99.

LIVESPORT.TV, the home of official streaming of premium sports from around the world, is a network of online sports channels, featuring all the top sports competitions from around the world. Fans

ICC

Tcan watch the matches at www.cricket.livesport.tv, or through the LIVESPORT app on their LG, Toshiba or Samsung Smart TV. This announcement is great news for Pakistani fans, who will be able to watch their heroes, Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Malik, Misbah Ul Haq, Sohail Tanvir, Umar Akmal and Kamran Akmal in action at the Biggest Party in Sport. Canadians can follow the fortunes of their young star Nikhil Dutta, who claimed the wicket of Kevin Pietersen on his debut for the St Kitts

and Nevis Patriots.

Damien O’Donohoe, CEO, Hero Caribbean Premier League, said: “We’re thrilled to have secured this deal with LIVESPORT.TV. It’s great news for our fans in Pakistan, who are hugely passionate about the CPL, and the fact that there’s demand from viewers in Canada and Japan shows just how much the tournament is growing.”

Hero CPL 2015 began on June 20, with global superstars including Kevin Pietersen, Jacques Kallis and Shahid Afridi join-

ing the Caribbean’s finest cricketers, like Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo, and exciting up-andcoming local talent.

The tournament has already provided plenty of excitement, with packed crowds, an unrivalled party atmosphere, two last-ball thrillers, and a sensational 90* from just 36 balls from the ‘World Boss’ Gayle.

The competition features 33 matches in all, with the final, at the Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad, taking place on Sunday July 26. (www.cplt20.com)

Fletcher did make partial amends with a fine innings of 52 off 35 balls including four sixes, but when he was out, Ross Taylor and Kyle Mayers soon followed, expertly dismissed by the crafty Sri Lankan spinner Jeevan Mendis. The Tridents turned the screw and the run rate soared, and even though Sammy clubbed opposite number Kieron Pollard for a huge six, Rayad Emrit destroyed any lingering hopes the Zouks had with 3-20 from his four overs as they snuffed out the run chase in clinical fashion. (www.cplt20.com)

SCOREBOARD

Barbados Tridents innings DR Smith c & b McCullum 22

EMDY Munaweera c Pietersen b Sammy 26

RJ Peterson c Roach b Sammy 1 Shoaib Malik c Sammy b Edwards 51

KA Pollard* run out (McCullum) 5

JL Carter lbw b Roach 14

SD Hope† c sub (K Lesporis) b Roach 10

BMAJ Mendis run out (Davids/†Fletcher) 8 JO Holder not out 1

Extras (lb-2, w-7, nb-1) 10

Total (8 wickets; 20 overs) 148

Fall of wickets: 1-45 (Smith, 7.4 ov), 2-48 (Peterson, 8.5 ov), 3-63 (Munaweera, 10.1 ov), 4-76 (Pollard, 12.1 ov), 5-100 (Carter, 14.6 ov), 6-133 (Hope, 18.3 ov), 7-141 (Shoaib Malik, 19.2 ov), 8-148 (Mendis, 19.6 ov) Bowling: ST Gabriel 4-1-180 (3-w), FH Edwards 4-0-25-1 (1-nb), KAJ Roach 4-0-37-2 (1w), DJG Sammy 4-0-28-2 (1-w), NL McCullum 4-0-38-1 (1-w)

St Lucia Zouks innings (target: 149 runs from 20 overs) ADS Fletcher† c Pollard b Emrit 52 J Charles b Peterson 5 KP Pietersen run out (†Hope) 1 LRPL Taylor st †Hope b Mendis 20 H Davids c Carter b Pollard 8 KR Mayers c Peterson b Mendis 0 DJG Sammy* c †Hope b Emrit 15 NL McCullum st †Hope b Peterson 8 KAJ Roach not out FH Edwards c & b Emrit 9 ST Gabriel not out 2 Extras (lb-2, w-2) 4 Total (9 wickets; 20 overs) 133 Fall of wickets: 1-12 (Charles, 1.1 ov), 2-24 (Pietersen, 3.2 ov), 3-80 (Fletcher, 12.4 ov), 4-83 (Taylor, 13.2 ov), 5-83 (Mayers, 13.3 ov), 6-92 (Davids, 15.2 ov), 7-108 (Sammy, 16.5 ov), 8-113 (McCullum, 17.3 ov), 9-124 (Edwards, 18.6 ov) Bowling: JO Holder 3-026-0, RJ Peterson 4-032-2, BMAJ Mendis 4-015-2 (1-w), R Rampaul 3-0-23-0, KA Pollard 2-0-151, RR Emrit 4-0-20-3 (1-w)

blasts USACA’s selection policies, player treatment

he ICC’s AntiCorruption and Security Unit (ACSU) has recently received a formal complaint related to national team selection procedures of the USA Cricket Association, according to information contained in a 40page report delivered at the ICC annual conference last week in Barbados. The complaint references a threat of legal action “by the parent of an aggrieved child” against the USA U-19 selection process, with the complaint to the ICC ACSU alleging that the selection process was “corrupt” and should be investigated.

Though the ICC report did not name any individual, the complaint is believed to reference Shyam Patnam who, as ESPNcricinfo reported last week, was pursuing arbitration with USACA over the USA U-19 selection process held in May. Patnam separately alleged in a letter to USACA that three players were unfairly selected after not attending the trial while four other players benefitted from nepotism,

due to relations with current or former USACA administrators. He added that the seven players should be replaced in the USA U-19 squad by his son, Aravind, and six others. Patnam’s initial request for an appeals hearing with USACA was ignored, prompting him to hire California sports attorney Jeremy Evans in a bid to escalate the matter.

Substandard selection

In addition to the mention of the USA U-19 selection process, the ICC report also outlined numerous instances of substandard selection processes for USA’s other national teams, as well as accusations of politically motivated support staff appointments. The report, which was prepared by a review group led by ICC chief executive, David Richardson, and head of global development, Tim Anderson, states that many USA players and stakeholders referred to the board’s method of staff appointments “as a joke” and felt that such decisions “were damaging to the team’s ability to perform at the highest

level” due to the incompetence of support staff.

USA technical director Robin Singh’s reputation as an Indian Premier League and Caribbean Premier League title-winning coach was highlighted as one of the few things that served to be beneficial to players. It came with a caveat though, that his coaching pedigree and acumen are helpful only when he is available. The report cited Singh’s prolonged absences, due to his franchise T20 commitments, as “an impediment to the development of the best players and teams in the US.”

“It is strongly felt that for USA cricket to meet its potential, the recruitment of full-time, competent coaching resources based in the USA is a fundamental requirement,” the report stated.

Worryingly, the report also cited instances in which the welfare of USA’s players is undermined by USACA’s inability to provide them proper insurance coverage prior to and during their participation at ICC tourna-

ments held in the USA and overseas. It is part of a pattern of administrative behaviour in which players interviewed told the ICC that they felt “disrespected and not supported by USACA.”

Poor treatment

“Such a feeling was exacerbated when, at times, USACA was unable to provide appropriate medical insurance for national team players,” the report stated. “This saw players being asked to sign pre-tour/event waivers,” which would have absolved USACA of financial liability in the case of injury. On some occasions, the report cited, players were not reimbursed when they sustained injures and required medical attention while playing or training for the USA.

In its defence, USACA claimed that the geographical size of the country, combined with insufficient funds for preparation and lack of vacation days the players are able to obtain from their day jobs make it challenging for the national team to get together for pre-tournament

training in order to produce consistently positive performances. The ICC report countered that even though these arguments have merit, the obstacles should not be as debilitating as they are made out to be.

“These challenges are important, however, they are not insurmountable with the involvement of competent, properly motivated people, the development of partnerships and the raising of income. Noting the apparent lack of confidence and distrust within the cricket community about USACA’s capacity to implement a merit-based high performance system, it is, however, doubtful that the injection of additional funds only would lead to better on-field performances,” the report noted.

Women’s cricket

As for women’s cricket initiatives, the ICC expressed disappointment in the fact that the number of female hard-ball players in the country had only risen from 75 to 135 from 2011 to 2015, despite USA’s

participation in the 2011 ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier in Bangladesh. The data submitted by USACA, and similar figures reported by other governing bodies in the Americas, resulted in the ICC pulling the plug on funding ICC Americas women’s tournaments for World Cup and World T20 berths until better efforts are made by the respective local governing bodies like USACA to develop “more robust” playing pools and domestic structures for women.

“The review group is of the view that, given the right environment and support, the USA has significant potential to develop an internationally competitive women’s team in a relatively short period of time. This is largely due to the possibility of talented female athletes in the US that have grown up playing softball, hockey or even lacrosse being able to transition into cricket, and/or females with cricket playing expatriate heritage being given greater opportunities to play competitively.”

(Cricinfo)

Fans in Pakistan and Canada can now see their favourite players in action

Essex v Australians, Tour match, Chelmsford, 1st day…

Red-hot Marsh turns up heat on Watson

Mitchell Marsh struck a belligerent hundred to strengthen his case for selection

On the hottest July day in England since records began, it was hard to know what was at a higher temperature - a sweltering Chelmsford crowd or the scything blade of Mitchell Marsh. Billed as the pretender to Shane Watson’s place as the incumbent Test all-rounder, Marsh advanced to his second century in as many innings to leave Essex bedraggled and place enormous pressure on the selectors.

A first-innings hundred against a better attack than that presented by Kent at Canterbury was a significant achievement for Marsh, who came to England with two first-class hundreds and now has four. If it arrived in slightly more deliberate style than his joyful thrash at the St Lawrence Ground, 118 balls for three figures was still a rate to please the coach Darren Lehmann. Watson has plenty to do as a bowler in order to secure his spot for the first Investec Ashes Test at Cardiff next week.

The major blemish for Marsh was a bad mix-up

with Adam Voges when his state captain was on 49, leaving the pair momentarily at the same end of the pitch before the older man sprinted vainly for the bowler’s end. To that point Voges had looked the epitome of assurance, and it is difficult to see how he can be left out of the Cardiff XI following a memorable debut hundred against the West Indies in Dominica last month.

Other encouraging signs were shown by David Warner, who looked to have struck an ideal balance between attack and defence in a morning innings that safely negotiated the new balleven if it was delivered somewhat gently by Jesse Ryder - before picking gaps more or less at will. Chris Rogers was less happy with his day, adjudged caught behind then standing his ground in some disbelief before trudging from the field.

Essex were more generous hosts than they had been in 2005, not only trading first use of a good pitch at the toss in return for a full four days of well-attended cricket to help replenish the county’s

coffers, but also shelling no fewer than four chances - one from Watson, one from Peter Nevill and two from Marsh, albeit the first at 98. (Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

Australians 1st innings

CJL Rogers

c †Foster b Moore 21

DA Warner

c Bopara b Porter 94

MJ Clarke* c ten Doeschate b Moore 0

AC Voges run out (sub) 49

SR Watson b ten Doeschate 52

MR Marsh not out 136

PM Nevill† c sub b Ryder 78

Extras (b-1, lb-7, nb-2)

Total (6 wickets; 89.4 overs) 440

Fall of wickets: 1-60 (Rogers, 13.3 ov), 2-60 (Clarke, 13.4 ov), 3-132 (Warner, 26.1 ov), 4-204 (Watson, 40.4 ov), 5-252 (Voges, 51.2 ov), 6-440 (Nevill, 89.4 ov)

Bowling: JA Porter 15-0-71-1, JD Ryder 10.4-1-52-1 (2-nb), MET Salisbury 15-1-80-0, TC Moore 14-2-50-2, T Westley 11-1-63-0, RN ten Doeschate 10-0-49-1, ASS Nijjar 13-064-0, NLJ Browne 1-0-3-0

Big Boss domino tourney set for Sunday

Big Boss Transportation Service in association with Hopkinson Mining and Logistics (HML) will stage a 20/20 domino competition on Sunday at The Garage, Aubrey Baker Road, South Ruimveldt.

Double-six time is 13:30h and entrance fee is $10,000 per team. The winning team will take home a trophy and $200,000, runner-up a trophy and $150,000 and third

place a trophy and $100,000.

The Most Valuable Player will pocket a trophy and $10,000, while the best uniformed team will collect a trophy and $25,000, and the player that shares the first double-love will receive a trophy and $10,000.

The competition is being co-sponsored by Ansa McAl Trading, GUYTRAC, Doosan, H.B. Curtis, Scott’s Jewellery, Beckles Lumber Yard, The Garage, Faye

Bermine/Police combined squad released

- Trophy Stall sponsors MOTM trophy for Caricom Championship final

Selectors of the Bermine/Police combined team have named a strong group of players to compete in the Berbice Cricket Board’s Caricom Championship this Sunday at the Albion Community Centre ground.

The combined unit will be led by opening batsman Anthony D’Andrade and includes several top players, including Norman Fredericks, Eugene La Fleur, Romario Shepherd and Herman Latcha.

The squad is: Anthony D’Andrade (Captain), Norman Fredericks, Eugene La Fleur Devon Clements, Romario Shepherd, Keon DeJesus, Damion Vantull, Hakeem Hinds, Herman Latcha, Brentnol Woolford, Michael NewLand, Albert Sinclair, Niall Smith, Andel Doris and Kevin Pellew. The Manager/Coach is Julian Moore.

Meanwhile, the Trophy Stall of Bourda Market, South Road and the City Mall has agreed to sponsor the trophy for the Man-ofthe-Match in the final.

Managing Director of the company Ramesh Sunich, an

avid sport enthusiast, made the presentation to BCB representative Malcolm Peters

earlier this week, signalling his support of the board’s fundraising event.

The Caricom Championship will involve eight top first division teams in Berbice competing in a 10over knockout competition

with the final of 20 overs to be played under lights for a top prize of $80,000 and tro-

phy. The runner-up will receive $40,000 and trophy with the losing finalists collecting $15,000 each. Manof-the-Match in every game will be rewarded. The teams will don coloured clothing and white balls will be used. Action will commence at 10:00h sharp.

Game one will bring together Young Warriors/ Rose Hall CC/Edinburgh Combined vs UCCA/Skeldon Combined, followed by Albion CC versus Bermine/ Police Combined, Port Mourant against Bush Lot/ D’Edward Combined, and Blairmont/West Berbice Combined versus Rose Hall Town.

The winner of games one and two will play in the first semi-final, while the winners of game three and four will play in the other.

National ruggers off to Canada for Pan Am Games

Joseph, Patterson and Associates, Sweet Point, Dynasty Entertainment Centre and Strikers Sports Club.

Chief Executive Officer of Big Boss Transportation Service, Lyndon Boston, said indiscipline will not be tolerated and urged the teams to be punctual to facilitate a prompt start. He wished the teams well and thanked the sponsors for coming onboard.

Members of the rugby team before departure for Canada on Wednesday

Guyana’s national Seven’s Men’s rugby squad departed these shores on Wednesday, hunting glory in the Pan American Games in Toronto, Canada, later this month.

The players will be involved in a mini warm-up tournament on Saturday at Appleby’s College, where they will play three games. The participating teams will be Guyana, Uruguay, Ontario and C-International, which is a Pro-American team.

The Guyana squad is Richard Staglon, Peabo Hamilton, Lancelot Adonis, Rickford Cummings, Claudius Butts, Ronald Mayers, Patrick King, Akeem Fraser, Ryan Gonsalves, Dwayne Schroeder, Phibian Joseph and Avery Corbin. The officials are Terrence Grant, Theodore Henry and Philip Browne.

Managing Director of the Trophy Stall, Ramesh Sunich, presents the Man-of-the-Match trophy to BCB representative, Malcolm Peters

Anthony D’Andrade

Romario Shepherd

YELLOW PAGES

thursday, july 2, 2015

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Rashid, Finn in England Test squad

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England have stuck with the team who drew 1-1 with New Zealand for the first Investec Ashes Test in Cardiff, while adding Adil Rashid and Steven Finn to a 13-man squad. Rashid was not part of the group taken to Spain for a training camp with the new coach, Trevor Bayliss, but took four wickets in Yorkshire’s Championship win over Durham to continue the good impression he made during the recent ODIs.

The Yorkshire leg-spinner has yet to be capped in Tests, but will provide competition for Moeen Ali, although both could yet play. Bayliss, who is due to speak to the media for the first time since being appointed, said that England would consider including two spinners when assessing conditions before the series begins next Thursday. “There’s been a bit of hot weather around so we want that option,” he told the ECB website.

Finn returns to the reckoning ahead of Chris Jordan and Liam Plunkett, who is still recovering from an injury sustained during the oneday series with New Zealand, but there was no place for Derbyshire left-armer Mark Footitt, who was part of the 14 that returned from Spain on Tuesday.

There were otherwise no surprises in the makeup of the group to take on Australia and the XI that

played both Tests against New Zealand could well continue in Cardiff. Gary Ballance has retained his spot despite recent poor form and his Yorkshire teammate Adam Lyth will partner Alastair Cook at the top of the order, having made his maiden Test hundred at Headingley last month.

Jonny Bairstow, another Yorkshireman, could not force his way into contention despite a prolific run with the bat. Jos Buttler is fit to take the wicketkeeping gloves after a hand injury that led to Bairstow deputising in an ODI and T20 with New Zealand.

Mark Wood, who has been identified as a key weapon in England’s attack, will be expected to join James Anderson and Stuart Broad in forming the pace attack, supplemented by allrounder Ben Stokes.

Although there are plenty of young faces in the squad, there is Ashes experience running through the middle. Ian Bell, the only survivor from England’s 2005 victory, will be playing in his seventh Ashes series, Cook and Anderson their sixth, and Broad his fifth. Cook will lead England for the third time and can call on the inside knowledge of Australian Bayliss as he attempts to regain the urn after the 201314 whitewashing.

Bayliss has arrived in England to take charge after being named as Peter

Moores’ successor last month. He inherits a side that have won six of their last eight Tests - despite drawn series against New Zealand and West Indiesand which has taken further confidence from improved limited-overs form.

“Adil Rashid’s inclusion provides Alastair and Trevor with plenty of bowling options and the surface at Cardiff will dictate who makes the final XI,” England’s national selector, James Whitaker, said. “Within the squad there are players who have plenty of experience of Ashes cricket and that knowledge will I’m sure be useful for the players who are yet to experience a home Ashes series.

“There has been some very good cricket played so far this summer and we are aware that we will need to build on that over the next seven weeks if we are to win back the Ashes. On behalf of the selectors I’d like to congratulate the 13 players selected for the first Investec Test and wish them as well as Trevor all the very best for what will I’m sure be a very competitive and entertaining series.”

England squad for the first Test: Alastair Cook (Captain), Adam Lyth, Gary Ballance, Ian Bell, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler (wk), Moeen Ali, Stuart Broad, Mark Wood, James Anderson, Adil Rashid and Steven Finn. (Cricinfo)

Lara, Yorke to play in CPL...

Sir Viv Richards said, “St Kitts and Nevis is a beautiful island and home to some of the most passionate cricket fans in the Caribbean, so I hope the fans will be out to support us!”

from back page

St. Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister, Dr Timothy Harris, said; “I am particularly looking forward to being part of this Hero CPL all-star charity T20 match that brings together celebrities, cricket legends and current stars of the game, for a noble cause, during an exhilarating week of what is called the ‘Biggest Party in Sport’, at the most romantic cricket venue in the Caribbean, in the twin-island paradise of St Kitts and Nevis...nothing could be better! I invite all to come out and enjoy this exciting event on the CPL calendar and by doing so give support to the St. KittsNevis National Education Foundation (SKNNEF), a non-profit organisation that gives our disadvantaged students an opportunity to receive an excellent education, a fair chance and a fair share of the good things in life.” (CPL Release)

Adil Rashid has been added to England’s 13-man squad for the first Investec Test

The Investec Ashes 2015…

Dwight Yorke

Caricom ‘Wheat Up’ cycling set for Monday

By AvenAsh RAmzAn

Alarge crowd is an-

ticipated to flock the Seawall Bandstand on Monday when the Roraima Bikers Club (RBC) once again partners with the National Milling Company (Namilco) to stage the highly anticipated annual ‘Wheat Up’ Cycling Classic.

Held every year to coincide with Caricom Day, the 12th edition of the event will once again be held around the Seawall Bandstand circuit to allow for spectators’ participation and to create a festive and family atmosphere.

On Wednesday morning, officials of Namilco and executives of the RBC met at the sponsor’s headquarters at Agricola, East Bank Demerara, to further strengthen a partnership which started over a decade ago when the then RBC

president George Humphrey approached the company for support.

Representatives of both sides were unanimous in their agreement that the event has grown from strength to strength over the years.

President of the RBC, Brian Allen, said the club is always appreciative of the support given to them by Namilco, noting that the company has stuck with them “through thick and thin.”

“I want to say at this point in time a special thank you to the management of Namilco for being there for us whenever we needed them. This event has grown from strength to strength over the years. It started as a road race from Georgetown to Long Creek, and three years ago we decided to make it a circuit race.

Why we did this was to get the sporting public involved and behind the sport of cycling,” Allen pointed out.

Allen added that the desire of the RBC is to expand the event to attract riders from the Caricom member states, but stated that such plans would have to be supported by other sponsors and the government.

‘B’ Division benefits from benevolence of cricket teams

The cricket teams of the Rose Hall Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) and the ‘B’ Division of the Guyana Police Force recently donated over $250,000 worth of school bags to less fortunate students in Berbice.

The joint project is the latest cooperation between the two organisations after sports gear were donated to schools and clubs late last year.

Club Secretary/CEO, Hilbert Foster, stated that the funds were raised via a raffle, which had a first prize of an airline ticket to the USA, compliments of Fly Jamaica. The main objective of the joint cooperation between the RHTY&SC and the police is to encourage youths to stay in school and obtain an educational background while saying no to drugs, crime and suicide.

The RHTY&SC and its cricket teams, Foster revealed, has invested millions into a highly successful pro-education programme that includes educational scholarships, billboards, in-

formation booklets, award ceremonies, camps, television programmes and commercials, tribute to teachers programmes, tribute to retired teachers among numerous others.

The RHTY&SC, unlike other clubs in Guyana, strongly believes in investing in the all-round development of its members on and off the sports ground and is quite passionate in making a positive difference in the lives of youths.

He urged the students who would be receiving the school bags to always strive for excellence and to work hard to fulfill their ambitions as nothing is impossible. He also urged them to get involved in sports, noting that there are numerous cricket, volleyball, football and basketball clubs in the Ancient County. Commander of ‘B’ Division, Cristopher Griffith, hailed the cooperation between the two organisations and expressed confidence that it would be strengthened in the future. The Guyana Police Force, he

stated, is not only involved in fighting crime, but also in assisting youths to improve themelves. Griffith urged the students to stay away from crime and be moulders of Guyana’s future.

Schools benefitting from the school bags project included the Rose Hall Town Primary, Tain Primary, Belvedere Primary, Berbice High School, New Amsterdam Secondary, Lower Corentyne Secondary, J.C. Chandisingh Secondary School, Tagore Memorial, Central Corentyne Secondary, Skeldon Line Path and Corentyne Comprehensive Secondary.

The cricket teams of the RHTY&SC, who organised the distribution of the school bags, are the Farfan and Mendes Under-15, Bakewell Under-17 and Second Division, Pepsi Under-19 and Intermiade, Gizmos and Gadgets Under-21 and First Division and Metro Females. Since 2009, the teams have distributed over $4 million worth of school bags to less fortunate students in Berbice.

Finance Controller, Fitzroy McLeod, confirmed Namilco’s pleasure to once again throw its weight behind the event, which is usually well supported by riders and spectators alike.

“Indeed ‘Wheat Up’ has become known as the fuel of champions, and we think it’s appropriate, and winners always look forward to their year supply of ‘Wheat Up,”

McLeod mentioned.

McLeod said he was also delighted to see the organisers once again arranging races for all categories of cyclists.

A total of 12 races are carded for the day, with action pedalling off at 09:00h.

The top six finishers in the ‘Wheat Up’ Classic Open 30lap event, as well as the top three in the other races will

be rewarded with cash prizes. Trophies will also be at stake for certain races.

As has been the norm over the years, the champion of the Open race will receive one year supply of ‘Wheat Up’, compliments of Namilco.

In addition, the winner will cart off $30,000 and trophy, while the second and sixth placed riders will receive $25,000, $15,000, $10,000, $8,000 and $5,000 respectively. Fifteen prime prizes will also be up for grabs.

Other races carded for the day are the 12-14 Juveniles (3 laps), Juniors/Category 4 (5 laps), Categories 1-3 (5 laps), Veterans Under-50 (5 laps), Veterans Over-50 (5 laps), Win and Out Open (8 laps), Points race (12 laps), Mountain Bikes Open (5 laps), BMX 6-9 (2 laps), BMX 10-14 (2 laps) and Females (5 laps).

Historic youth information booklet launched by

“As a nation, Guyana has to do everything in its power to make sure that every one of its youths fulfill his/her full potential. Our youths are our future and unless we give them every opportunity to excel, we are down as a country.”

Those were the words of long-serving Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) Secretary/ CEO Hilbert Foster as the club launched a historic 40page booklet for youths, in conjunction with Edward B. Beharry Company Limited.

The booklet, which was produced and edited by the Educational and Public Relationship Committee and cricket teams of the club, is the only of its kind in Guyana. Foster expressed confidence that it would play a vital role in getting youths in Region Six to better understand topics of importance to them.

The booklet offers ad-

vice to youths on a wide range of topics, including Public Speaking, Manners in the Classroom, HIV/ AIDS, Suicide, Table Manners, Drug Abuse, How to Conduct a Job Interview, Importance of Education, Importance of Discipline, Personal Hygiene, Role of a Sports Ambassador, Choosing Friends, Peer Pressure and Public Manners among others.

The booklet also features important information on Guyana, its government, the National Pledge and National Anthem. Special messages from the RHTY&SC and Anjuli Beharry- Strand of the Beharry Group are also part of the booklet, along with numerous quotations for youths.

The main aim of the booklet which would be distributed to all schools and clubs in Berbice free of cost, is to assist youths to make correct life decisions and to

avoid the social ills of society.

Marketing Manager of Edward B. Beharry Company Limited, Satesh Singh, at the launch of the booklet called on youths to think wisely about the choices they make and to always strive for excellence. He urged them to take full advantage of the opportunities presented to improve themselves.

The magazine also features words of advice from the Rose Hall Town Farfan and Mendes Under-15, Bakewell Under-17 and Second Division, Pepsi Under-19 and Intermediade, Metro Female and Gizmos and Gadgets First Division and Under-21 cricket teams. Interested sport, youth organisations and individuals can contact the RHTY&SC on 337-4562 or email foster_hilbert@yahoo. com for a copy of the booklet.

Flashback! Marlon Williams crosses the line to win last year’s ‘Wheat Up’ Classic

‘B’ Division Commander, Christopher Griffith, with some of the students receiving school bags

Students of the GuySuCo Training Centre with their copies of the magazine

GFF donates footballs to Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) on Wednesday handed over 100 footballs to the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs, to be distributed among the villages in the hinterland region in an attempt to aid their preparation and participation at the upcoming Hinterland Games in August.

Chairman of the GFF’s Normalisation Committee Clinton Urling, Dr. Karen Pilgrim, Eric Phillips, Technical Director Claude Bolton and General Secretary Richard Groden met with Minister within the Ministry, Valerie Garrido-Lowe, and representatives from Regions One, Eight and Nine at a simple, but significant presentation ceremony in the ministry’s boardroom.

Minister Garrido-Lowe said that sports play an integral role in the lives of the indigenous people, especially the discipline of football since it is most favoured and popular in the hinterland.

“What generally happens, although they are really talented and enthusiastic, they don’t get the necessary exposure, training and everything and it makes me sad to see every time, a national team has to represent Guyana, I’m not seeing a truly national team; I’m not seeing my in-

digenous brothers and sisters and I would like us to change that,” the honourable minister said.

The minister pointed out that it is her hope for the ministry and the GFF to form a strong link “where we can develop hinterland football to a high level where the opportunity can come to

our hinterland brothers and sisters.”

Meanwhile, Urling said that Guyana has a unique geography in the Caribbean region, with large expanses of land, while noting “we’ve not seen the best of Guyana’s football when we send our national team out, I sincerely believe that some

of our best players will come from the hinterland region and since becoming the head of the Normalisation Committee, we’ve made a deliberate effort to expand the game and reach out to the hinterland communities.”

He added, “Currently we only have a member of the

GFF from Region Nine, but listening and speaking to other people, I’m beginning to realise that even that one Member Association is insufficient to service the entire hinterland region, so we may have to at establishing may be three or four members, affiliated to the GFF and to have its members supply the relevant information so we can get them on our national team and to participate internationally.”

The Normalisation Committee Chairman spoke profoundly of the GFF’s robust plan, which includes technical support for all across the country; areas that are traditionally overlooked, since Urling is of the view that “football is concentrated to a few areas.”

“I know the balls and the equipment we’re providing today is not enough to satisfy the eventual demands, but it’s a start and the GFF is looking forward to working with the ministry to help in our reach of the game,” Urling said.

Ramdyhan, Gentle to square off in Ladies final

The pair for the final of the Ladies Singles in the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) Tennis Open 2015 has been decided with defending champion, Nicola Ramdyhan, putting her title on the line against Shuana Gentle’s younger sister, Afruica Gentle.

Last year Nicola played Shauna Gentle in the final, and this year Shauna’s baby sister has a shot at the title. The roads to the final were paved differently for the two competitors with one being comfortable and the other tumultuous.

Ramdyhan made light work of the up and coming Kalyca Fraser as she wasted no time to control the match and win 6-0, 6-2. On Court Two, the other semi-

final between A. Gentle and Carol Humphrey went toeto-toe in a match that lasted over over hours.

Gentle battled through nerves, but was down 3-0 in the first set. The emotional

Gentle was able to gather some composure to take the first set 6-4. The experience of Humphrey was unquestionable as she persevered in the second set to win by the exact soreline.

In the deciding set, an energised Gentle stepped on to the court with a singular goal, which was to win. She recalled her sister’s lost to Humphrey and wanted to have a little revenge for big sister and dedicate the title to her. She lost the first game of the third set, but shifted into high gear as she closed six straight games to win the set 6-1.

Meanwhile, Mark McDonald and Hemraj Resaul’s journey to the Men’s Doubles Open came to an end when Daniel Lopes and Nicholas Glasgow defeated them 6-2, 6-2. The brave shots and tactical play were counteracted by the crafty and power tennis of Glasgow and Lopes.

In the other quarter-final of the category, fans were delighted to see big server Nicholas Fenty team up with doubles partner, Leyland Leacock. Although Fenty was under the weather, his serves were still a

force to be reckoned with.

He easily held serves to complement Leacock’s net game. Their opponents, Stephen Bailey and Oswin Coggins, combated hard, but were outplayed. Fenty and Leacock won the match 6-1, 6-1.

In other results, Godfrey Lowden received a walkover from the Russian, Vladimir Permyakov to advance

to the final of the Men’s Over-35 against Chethan Narayan. Narayan outplayed local veteran, Rudy Grant, 6-3, 7-5 to book his spot in the championship game.

The first of the round 16 matches of the Men’s Open Singles saw the exit of Keimo Benjamin, who was dispelled by Daniel Lopes 6-0, 6-1, while the number

one seeds, Jason Andrews and Afruica Gentle, of the Mixed Doubles Open had a close call in the second set of their quarter-final match, eventually winning 6-1, 7-5.

Godfrey Lowden and Carol Humphrey started the Mixed Doubles Open with victory over Orande Dainty and Sarah Klautky 6-3, 6-2.

Chairman of the GFF Normalisation Committee, Clinton Urling (fifth right), and other GFF officials pose with representatives of the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs

Nicola Ramdyhan

GBTI Tennis Open...

Carol Humphrey (left) and Godfrey Lowden

Classy Tridents back to winning ways

The Barbados Tridents got back to winning way in the 2015 Hero Caribbean Premier League thanks to a clinical bowling and fielding display against the St Lucia Zouks in St Kitts.

The Tridents made 1488 from their 20 overs, perhaps slightly below-par, but they were magnificent in the field, and once they had removed Andre Fletcher for 52 there was only ever going to be one winner as they reduced Darren Sammy’s side to 133-9.

The 2014 champions were keen to put their defeat

at the hands of new boys the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots behind them, but they made a sluggish start after winning the toss and electing to bat, with Dwayne Smith - the man who usually gets them off to such a good start - particularly out-of-sorts.

Zouks’ pacemen Shannon Gabriel, Kemar Roach and Fidel Edwards all bowled with good speed and accuracy - Gabriel’s first three overs saw him go for 0-5, such was his hold over the batsmen.

Smith and Dilshan Munaweera both got out in the 20s, but it was Shoaib

Malik who rescued the champions as wickets con-

tinued to fall throughout the innings, the Pakistan great keeping his cool superbly to hit 51 from 34 balls before he was out in the final over.

Edwards went for 1-25 from his four and Gabriel finished with 0-18, while captain Sammy (2-28), Roach (2-37) and Nathan McCullum (1-38) - making his first appearance after replacing Eddie Leie - all impressed with the ball too.

The Zouks were soon in trouble in their reply as Johnson Charles uncharacteristically got out early and Kevin Pietersen was crazily run out after a mix-up with Fletcher.

Lara, Yorke to play in CPL charity match

- star-studded game set to mark the pinnacle of celebrations in St Kitts and Nevis

Sporting legends, Brian Lara and Dwight Yorke, are the latest stars confirmed to take part in the Hero CPL charity match at Warner Park, which takes place today at 18:00h (EST).

The match will bring together a host of cricketing legends and current stars to mark what promises to be an exhilarating two weeks in St Kitts and Nevis where Warner Park will host 10 Hero CPL matches from June 30 to July 11.

The game between the Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis XI and cricketing legend Sir Vivian Richards XI, will boast an impressive list of all-star names who will be joining Brian and Dwight, including former English fast bowler Darren Gough; Indian spin legend Murali Kartik; former West Indies batsman Daren Ganga; Ashes winning Australian Damian Martyn; former New Zealand cricketer and sports commentator Danny Morrison and his fellow commentator and former West Indies paceman, Ian Bishop.

This year’s chosen charity will be the St KittsNevis National Education Foundation (SKNNEF), which is a non-profit organisation that seeks to provide deserving disadvantaged students with an opportunity to receive an excellent education. The Foundation’s goal is to award 30 scholarships to disadvantaged students in the Federation.

Damien O’Donohoe, CEO of the Hero Caribbean Premier League, commented; “We’ve got some fantastic names from the worlds of cricket and entertainment due to take part in the charity match, the event is set to mark the pinnacle of celebrations in St Kitts and Nevis. The Hero CPL is the Biggest Party in Sport, so we’re expecting a fun and colourful evening of entertaining cricket, whilst raising money for a worthy cause.”

The players will also be joined by three current CPL coaches; Simon Helmot, Eric Simons and Stuart Williams, alongside one of the best West Indies women’s cricketers in the region, Stafanie Taylor. All proceeds from the game will go to a local charity. Last year, three charities including, Special Olympics St Kitts and Nevis, St Kitts and Nevis Association Of Persons with Disabilities and the Creative Youth Academy, benefitted from the proceeds.

Caricom ‘Wheat Up’ cycling set for Monday

Finance Controller of Namilco, Fitzroy McLeod (third right), presents the winner’s trophy to RBC president Brian Allen. Sharing the moment are RBC secretary Theresa Pemberton (third left) and staff of Namilco (Avenash Ramzan photo)

Brian Lara

Shoaib Malik struck 51 off 34 balls

The Barbados Tridents bowlers struck at regular intervals during the run-chase