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Aruba Airways seeks to enter Guyana market P 13

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THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 3187

Thursday, April 20, 2017

SARA Bill paves way for hiring of new Director, CEO

PRICE

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Govt seeking to save forestry P11 sector …as declining earnings hit home

Page 3

…PPP to oppose any politically affiliated appointments EssequiboPage mechanic 7 chops wife, ingests poison

Pages 2&11

$80 vat included

2 motorcyclists killed after crashing into parked vehicles

Kildonan deadly fire

Son remanded for burning father to death P2

Protesters hopeful for VAT repeal

Page 9

Body of miner found in P12 shallow grave

Sister allegedly stabs brother to death P12

…as coalition Govt splits on issue A group of stakeholders upped the protest actions on Wednesday, as the call for VAT on education to be removerd was taken outside the Ministry of the Presidency in an effort to demonstrate their dissatisfaction with Government’s move to reject their concerns (Marceano Narine photo)

SOCU arrests Bartica gold Page dealer 17 ... guns, ammo unearthed at known associates' properties during raid

DEMTOCO decries illegal tobacco trading Page 10

– as company records $2.8B profits before tax

2 meat P17 processing facilities for Regions 5, 9

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news

thursDAY, APRIL 20, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

GPL employee dies after crashing into parked truck A

young man attached to the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) lost his life Tuesday evening after he reportedly crashed the motorcycle he was riding into a parked truck along the Reliance Public Road, Essequibo Coast.

Dead is 22-year-old Akeem James of Lot 3 Golden Fleece Village on the Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

Based on information received, the now dead man was proceeding south along the roadway when he reportedly lost control of the motorcycle and crashed into the lorry, which was facing the opposite direction.

He sustained severe injuries to his face and other parts of his body. Guyana Times understands that he was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. The helmet was reportedly recovered strapped to the handle of the mangled motorcycle.

The young man was

short distance away.

The distressed father stated that he was at home when he received the devastating news. He noted that by the time he rushed to the scene, his son had already been taken to the Suddie Hospital where doctors pronounced him dead.

He noted that his son had a “gash” to his forehead. He also confirmed that he was told after the impact, his son was tossed into the air and landed some distance away.

The young man leaves to mourn his parents and two siblings.

The motorcycle Akeem James was riding at the time of the accident Dead: Akeem James

picked up and taken to the Suddie Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Calvin James, the father of the now dead man, who was in tears, told Guyana Times that he last saw his son alive on Tuesday afternoon when he left home with some friends. They were reportedly heading to a lime a

Kildonan deadly fire

Son remanded for burning father to death The truck that was involved in the accident

T

he Kildonan, Berbice man who allegedly set his father’s house on fire with the 82-year-old man inside was on Wednesday slapped with a murder charge and remanded to prison.

Colin Ross, 52, appeared at the Number 51 Magistrate’s Court.

It is alleged that on April

Murder accused: Colin Ross

Dead: Rudolph Ross

10, he murdered Rudolph Ross in the course of arson at Kildonan Village, Corentyne, Berbice.

With an emotionless face, Ross listened attentively as the murder charge was read by Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh. The farmer, who is also a father of two, was unrepresented.

Reports are that on April 10 about 03:00h, a villager noticed smoke emerging from Rudolph Ross’ house.

As neighbours converged, they heard the elderly man screaming for help, but their efforts to save him proved futile.

The former Chief Executive Officer of the Bush Lot/Adventure Village Council perished in the fire as he was reportedly locked in a bedroom.

Investigators were able to

obtain a statement from the dead man’s son, which reportedly stated that he was at home when the fire started, but fled the house after gathering important documents. This newspaper was told that the man reportedly informed Police that he did not remember that his father was in the house when he fled with the documents.

Fire investigators later found a bottle containing what appeared to be a flammable liquid at the scene.

Reports are the younger Ross had also omitted to tell investigators that when he fled the building, he used a bicycle and later hid it in a clump of bushes nearby before returning to the scene of the fire.

It had been reported that the dead man’s eldest brother claimed that there was a dispute over the property some time ago, but he was of the view that the issue was resolved. Reports are the now dead man and his son were involved in a heated argument hours before the fire.

Meanwhile, the matter has been transferred to the Whim Magistrate’s Court.

The case will continue on May 8.

news

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thursDAY, APRIL 20, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, April 20 – 12:00h-13:30h and Friday, April 21 – 13:30h-15:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, April 20 – 11:20h-12:50h and Friday, April 21 – 12:45h-14:15h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

SARA Bill paves way for hiring of new Director, CEO …PPP to oppose any politically affiliated appointments

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunny conditions are expected throughout the day, interrupted by light rain showers in the late morning hours. Clear skies are predicted for the evening hours. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-easterly to easterly between 3.57 metres and 4.47 metres.

The PPP has already announced plans to mount legal challenges against the Bill, and Nandlall said one of the challenges which would be launched would target the appointment process.

“Parliament has no role and function in appointing persons. No parliament in the world under the constitutional system like ours appoints people,” he explained.

the population…They cannot be expected objectively to function professionally.”

Meanwhile, former President Bharrat Jagdeo, at a press conference on Tuesday, expressed his disappointment over the appointment of “political hacks” to the now vacant positions at SARA. SARU CEO HeathRetemyer was accused of

Director of SARU, Clive Thomas

SARU CEO Aubrey Heath-Retemyer

The former Minister continued: “If they persist in putting politically contaminated persons, then we will challenge on that ground too that those persons cannot bring to bear an impartial mind to an investigation having regard to their political dissidents and political hostility to a large section of

getting the position of CEO because of his close affiliation with Government.

However, the Opposition Leader on Tuesday contended that his Party would seek to have persons with the requisite qualification function in the positions at SARA and would accept nothing less.

High Tide: 11:14h reaching a maximum height of 2.14 metres.

Low Tide: 04:42h and 17:27h reaching minimum heights of 1.16 metres and 1.02 metres respectively.

WEDNESDAY, April 19, 2017

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Former Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall

N

ow that the controversial State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA) Bill 2017 has passed in the National Assembly by the Government, which used its one-seat majority to enact the legislation, the hiring of a new Director, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and other officers for that agency could commence soon.

However, in order for this to happen, President David Granger will first have to assent to the Bill and have it gazetted so that the Agency can be established and fully functional.

Prior to the Bill being passed, Dr Clive Thomas was the Director of the State Assets Recovery Unit (SARU), which has now been renamed SARA and Aubrey Heath-Retemyer was the CEO. Other persons who were also working at SARU were Tacuma Ogunseye and Eric Phillips.

But while the Government may have plans to rehire Thomas and the

current batch of senior staff, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) plans to vigorously oppose it.

This is according to former Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, who told Guyana Times on Wednesday that his Party would not accept such reappointments.

“We will oppose any person, who first of all is a politician or has displayed any form of political bias or affiliation,” Nandlall asserted.

According to Nandlall, SARA by the terms of the legislation that will bring it into force has tremendous law enforcement powers and only persons who are trained in the areas of law enforcement and matters in relation to this Bill should be hired.

He said, “This bill has no place for politicians. So, if any of the current people; they are tainted political people and none of them are qualified on that ground alone.”

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thursDAY, april 20, 2017

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

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

Authoritarian creep T

he referendum in Turkey that gave President Recep Tayyip Erdogan the executive presidency he desired after being the Head of State since 2002 in a parliamentary democracy, should resonate with Guyanese who are familiar with our own history, when Prime Minister Forbes Burnham assumed the executive presidency his newly imposed 1980 Constitution had created. Burnham, Prime Minister and Head of the Government in Guyana since 1964, explained the expansive powers he assumed were necessary to “mould” the destiny of Guyana, in its “transition from capitalism to socialism”.

Erdogan explained the need for an executive presidency in Turkey as necessary to bring together a divided nation that just came out of an attempted coup. The referendum, however, was secured with a razor-thin majority of 51 per cent, which many election observers claim was riddled with irregularities. Obviously, whatever divisions Erdogan was referring to are very much still present. Observers believe what is really playing out is a drift towards authoritarianism that was long in the making and, in fact, is part of a wider movement apparent both in Europe and the United States.

From this perspective, the authoritarian leaders who are now rising to the fore at the helm of mass movements based on nationalism is a direct reaction to the failure of the neo-liberal paradigm that only three decades ago was thought to have led to the “end of history”, with all the contradictions of politics resolved. To look for answers, analysts have excavated the works of the generation of scholars – such as Hannah Arendt and Erich Fromm – who attempted to explain the rise of the totalitarian movements in the era between WWI and WWII. In her “Origins of Totalitarianism”, Arendt focused on leaders taking advantage of the insecurities and fears of “atomised” individuals created by the liberal stress on individualism to create mass movements in which the individual can find “meaning”. The latter, according to Fromm, has a “fear of freedom” and want certainty. In the US and Europe, the white middle and lower classes find themselves adrift in the new globalised world that has undercut their initial advantage of being a “labour aristocracy”, in the face of outsourcing to China, India, etc.

Leaders like Donald Trump are feeding off the resentment of these dislocated strata.

In Turkey, on the other hand, the initial revolution by Kemal Attaturk – who gave the English language the term “Young Turks” for a generation that demanded urgent change, after WWI to drag the rump of the Ottoman Empire that had shrunken to Turkey into modernity – had long faltered. The urban Westernised elites became disconnected to the people in the rural areas. But after decades of being rebuffed for admission to the European Union (EU), as not being quite European, even the children of the elite began to question the benefits of “modernisation”. The sea of headscarves in universities was only the tip of the iceberg exemplifying the change in how liberalism was seen.

In Guyana, as we know to our cost, at Independence we inherited a state, but not a nation. Burnham’s assumption of massive presidential powers in “moulding” Guyana’s destiny also incorporated the goal of creating “One Nation, One People, One Destiny”. The paramount PNC was supposed to be the “vanguard party” that would bring all the people under its banner. That the attempt foundered, crashed and burnt in its own contradictions simply left the door open to further attempts.

Today, there are disturbing signs of creeping authoritarian tendencies by the Executive here, even after many of the centralised powers of the 1980 presidency had been whittled away after constitutional reform in 20002001. Under the guise of creating “social cohesion”, an entire apparatus has been deployed ostensibly to create a “Guyanese nation”. But moving in tandem with the Executive disregard for the rule of law encompassed in the Constitution – and once again deploying its powers to run roughshod over those that oppose it – Guyanese have to be wary of history repeating itself.

As Guyana and neighbouring Suriname work to increase cultural ties an Art Exhibition has commenced in collaboration with the Education Ministry’s Department of Culture, the Foreign Affairs Ministry of the Republic of Suriname and the Caricom Secretariat. This initiative is the first part of an exchange programme between Suriname and Guyana in the field of Visual Arts. The second part of the exchange will be a return visit of Guyanese artists to Suriname. On Wednesday, art students and enthusiasts flocked to the Umana Yana for the launch of the Suriname Art Expo 2017 (Marceano Narine photo)

GuySuCo belabouring wrong argument on Wales closure Dear Editor, We refer to a letter of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) which appeared in April 13, 2017 in another section of the media under the hand of the company’s Senior Communications Officer, Ms Audreyanna Thomas.

The Corporation’s Communications Officer again belaboured the wornout and wrong argument that Wales Estate has not been closed. But we hasten to ask, hasn’t the cultivation of cane and the processing of sugar ended at Wales? Haven’t hundreds of workers been made redundant and have been confronted with the prospect of an uncertain future? Haven’t many cane farmers, a large number with small ancestral peasant-type holdings, been forced out of business? Hasn’t the Corporation begun to cannibalise the Wales factory?

Certainly, if that isn’t closure, then GuySuCo and Ms Thomas may have redefined the word.

While our Union, the workers and all Guyanese continually hear about Wales being the launching pad for the Corporation’s re-activation of its Other Crops Division (OCD), we ask the sugar company to advise us all how far have their ideas been implemented? As far as we are aware, nothing has been done and all we hear about are studies, feasibility assessments, etc. Undoubtedly, the Corporation put the “cart before the horse” in closing Wales.

Ms Thomas makes reference to high production costs, but fails to tell us that a significant proportion,

around 70 per cent, of the industry’s costs are fixed. An important element in addressing cost reduction is improved production, which will lend to lower average fixed costs. On the declining market prices, the Corporation is well aware that refocusing its marketing within the Caricom Region and non-traditional European buyers is a first step to securing improved prices. Moreover, establishing a refinery will absorb a large proportion of its sugar output and for which there is an assured lucrative market in the Caribbean. The maximisation of the packaging capacity is also another area where profitability can be had. On the Corporation’s debt, we see the quoted sum as a ‘red herring’ meant to deceive and mislead.

We share GuySuCo’s view about Uitvlugt and are supportive of measures and plans to improve production.

But we ask when it is generally accepted that all estates are operating below their potentiality, why hasn’t the Corporation advanced plans to have production in line with productivity as it seeks to do at Uitvlugt? On the labour issue at Uitvlugt, it is irksome for us that the Corporation has refused funding for further mechanisation at that estate to address the labour difficulties.

We take the Corporation’s explanation, on this matter, with a pinch of salt.

Ms Thomas refers to the need to secure Uitvlugt, “…to contribute to a buoyant economy in West Demerara communities”. We share the view entirely, but are at the same

time confused. As it is the same State-owned enterprise which closed Wales Estate located in West Demerara and is advancing plans to close the East Demerara and Rose Hall Estates and to sell out Skeldon Estate. Aren’t those workers, residents and communities deserving of similar treatment.

GAWU’s advice to the Wales workers is in keeping with the workers’ rights as outlined in the Termination of Employment and Severance Pay Act (TESPA). It would be unprincipled and callous for our Union to knowingly countenance an illegality.

And concerning the planters of East Demerara, the workers being given tasks when not planting is widely known and accepted. It is GuySuCo, which in spite of long-standing practices, that is compelling the planters to cut canes. It is disheartening for us to register, in both scenarios, that the Corporation is seemingly re-introducing the wretched system of forced labour in the sugar industry.

While GuySuCo points to the level of turnout by cane cutters at East Demerara Estate, it fails to see the absurdity in its statement. At this time, when jobs outside of sugar are limited, if not non-existent, the level of turnout should strike a chord.

The fact remains that willingness to work is influenced by rates of pay. Certainly, denial of pay raises and Annual Production Incentive (API) in recent times along with other machinations to reduce workers’ income will not lend to improved willingness to work. The workers and the

Union are willing to work to turnaround the industry, but our enthusiasm and drive have been tempered by the anti-workers’ position and haughty and arrogant attitude being displayed by the Corporation’s officers.

We reiterate the majority of strikes are related to price disputes which arise when negotiations regarding additional payments for workers to undertake tasks in vine-infested, grassy and weedy fields break down. Such work stoppages are deemed legitimate by the agreement between the parties. These stoppages could be avoided if the Corporation approaches the matters more open-mindedly with a view to seek a resolution; often times this is not the case. Moreover, high cane yields reduce the propensity of vines and other obstacles in the fields and in that way reduce demands for additional payments which in effect serves to reduce work stoppages. This is known by the Corporation’s ‘best minds’.

The Corporation, in its submission to the Administration, which was shared with us, points out that by 2020 it would become profitable. But at the same time, 9000 workers directly would be jobless and the hopes, dreams and aspirations of thousands more would be shattered. We shudder to think of such treatment meted out to our working people. Is this the ‘Good Life’ the workers and their families were promised?

Yours faithfully, Seepaul Narine GAWU General Secretary

guyanatimesgy.com

thursDAY, april 20, 2017

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

Govt’s approval ratings skidding Dear Editor, An opinion poll conducted by the North American Caribbean Teachers Association (NACTA) last month revealed that the approval rating of the PNC-led coalition Government has hit skid row. The approval ratings of the President and the Prime Minister have also gone south, while that of the Opposition Leader is rising. The opinion survey was conducted in early March, some two months before the second anniversary of the Administration. Earlier NACTA polls conducted last January, December, October, and June also revealed a climbing down of the approval ratings of the coalition, President and PM, a reversal from when the APNU/AFC Administration was installed into office in May 2015.

At that time, they enjoyed wide support as the nation was willing to give the new Administration and its Ministers a chance to bring positive change in the country. But this goodwill was frittered away within months through Government’s unforced errors and broken promises, and it has been downhill ever since, with one misstep after another by the young Administration.

Approval ratings are a percentage of how the popu-

lation (obtained from a representative sample), determined in a snap poll, feel the Government or any of its officers are doing (whether they approve or disapprove of the performance of the particular job of that person or programme). Like most surveys that predict public opinion, approval ratings are subjective and dynamic, meaning they change regularly. They are a snapshot of that particular period in time. NACTA has been conducting approval ratings polls in Guyana since 1991.

The latest opinion poll interviewed 402 respondents reflecting the demographic composition of the population with a margin of error of almost five per cent.

Asked if they were satisfied with the performance of the Government, 23 per cent said ‘Yes’, with 62 per cent saying ‘No’, and the others not offering a comment or response. It is the lowest approval rating of a government since NACTA began conducting polls over 25 years ago.

On the job performance of President David Granger, 38 per cent approve, with 54 per cent disapproving and the others not offering an opinion. Many now considered former supporters of Granger say the President has let them down especially over his ineffective re-

sponse to what they view as Government corruption and broken promises. It is interesting to note that the President’s approval rating is 15 per cent higher than his Administration’s.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo’s job performance also took a hit with an approval rating of 36 per cent and a disapproval rating of 55 per cent. Opposition supporters, former supporters of Nagamootoo, express serious disappointment with their former hero over his silence on the ill-treatment of sugar workers and rice farmers.

Bharrat Jagdeo’s performance as Opposition Leader revealed an approval rating of 57 per cent and disapproval of 37 per cent.

The poll revealed that on the Government side, only Ministers Cathy Hughes, Dominic Gaskin, Carl Greenidge, and Jaipaul Sharma enjoy significant confidence among the population for their job performance. On the Opposition side, Irfaan Ali, Anil Nandlall, Gail Teixeira, Dr Frank Anthony, and Priya Manickchand enjoy the confidence of the population for their performance as shadow ministers or Members of Parliament (MPs).

Sincerely, Dr Vishnu Bisram

Robbing small miners

Dear Editor, I wish to bring to your attention a matter that involves corruption at the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission. I have been responsible for some claims held by Cyril Francis and Joseph Isidore (my father), both deceased who were both residents of Mahdia.

Since after my father’s death, I’ve tried to get the claims verified with much difficulty.

The first issue I had with the Commission was in 2010 when I attempted to verify eight claims at Konawak, Mining District #2. Another claim holder, who I would consider a “big fish” came up with a strategy to take those claims away from me. So I was told that the said claims were null and void due to late payments. However, in 2012 – upon my lawyer’s request for information of the claims, I received a response stating that only two of the eight claims were null and void.

It was very interesting to note that the two gold claims with excellent potential were made null and void by the corrupt GGMC official to benefit a Pomeroon “big fish” gold miner.

In 2015, I commenced verification of another 10

Parking meter contract stinks to high heaven Dear Editor, What a flip flop and a complete waste of time. The Fantastic Four has now announced that for the first time in almost one year, that copies, purportedly of the authentic original controversial parking meter contract, will be officially released to the remaining City Councillors who were prevented from receiving this secret document.

There are several salient points that the City Council and even the Minister of

Communities fail to understand. First, there has to be a new contract. There has to be the revocation of the City Hall-Smart City Solutions agreement because there was no competitive bidding, nor were there any consultations with stakeholders prior to entering into this very flawed contract. This contract stinks to high heaven. So, it started off on the wrong footing and, therefore, cannot now be adjusted to be placed on the right footing. The contract is il-

legal, as it never had the Council’s authorisation and cannot be made legal retroactively even with adjustments.

Second, none of the four persons originally involved in the deception and notorious arrangement in the first place should be allowed to participate in the review process. If they have any decency, they should recuse themselves because of a potential conflict of interest and lack of impartiality.

Third, before the Council

could even consider another revenue source such as fees from parking meters even if it is a paltry and shameful 20 per cent, they must have their books audited and their accounts qualified first and foremost.

The country is overtaxed at the moment, and the reintroduction of a crooked parking meter contract will be the proverbial ‘straw that will break the camel’s back’.

Sincerely, Mark Roopan

claims in Pamela, Mining District #2. This process has prolonged until now whereby another “big fish” is trying to attack again. I must let you know, however, that these individuals are being aided by officials in the GGMC. Not the ordinary officials, by the way, it’s the ones at the top level who are facilitating these culprits to get whatever they want from the small miners.

The particular claim that this “big fish” is trying to grab is Gift #1, which is situated on the left bank of the Potaro River about 2500’ from Pamela Landing. The coordinates read: A- 59.201831, 5.334111; B- 59.202110, 5.334850; C- 59.204050, 5.33850; D- 59.204180, 5.337720. Location date:

15th September, 1993, all payments were made on time, boundary lines clear and boards intact.

With no authentic reason, this individual has been able to have a cease order placed on our operations there. He has no grounds for dispute, but still continues to attract the attention of the officials to even adhere to his plea.

I think it is time to expose the things that have been going on at the GGMC, as these people fail to realise that we all have to live. They have been continually robbing the small miners and this has to stop.

Sincerely, Mary Isidore

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Foundation

Talking to your teen about sex

By Laurence Steinberg, PhD

By Stefanie Mollborn, PhD

M

any teens engage in risky sexual behaviours, making teen pregnancy, abortion, birth, and sexually transmitted infection (STI) rates high. The information and cultural messages teens hear about sex and pregnancy play an important part. But what messages are teens hearing, and how are they responding?

These questions are the focus of my new book, Mixed Messages: Norms and Social Control around Teen Sex and Pregnancy.

My research team interviewed young people from a wide variety of backgrounds and communities, focusing on college students and teen parents and asking them about messages related to sex and pregnancy they heard during high school.

Our participants described a complicated social world filled with strict rules, inconsistencies, silence, gossip, control by adults, and pushback from teens.

Teens are hearing mixed messages that are combined with a lack of support from adults. Our participants talked about hearing strong opinions against teen sex and pregnancy from parents and other adults, but these opinions were rarely backed up with much concrete information or support to help teens conform to them. Our participant “Isaac” (all names are pseudonyms) said that parents in his community told teens, “Don’t get pregnant. I don’t care how you do it. I’m not going to give you condoms.

You’re not supposed to get pregnant when you’re seventeen.” Parents often threatened severe consequences if teens broke their rules, all the while not usually providing contraception or concrete advice about how to successfully navigate a romantic relationship or potential sexual situation.

Many young people reported feeling scared, powerless, and unsupported.

An important part of this climate around teen sex and pregnancy are the conspiracies of silence that teens, parents, and other

people engage in. Because the rules against teen sex and pregnancy are usually strict and the threatened punishments for breaking them so severe, teens and the people who care about them are motivated to turn a blind eye to any rule violations. In nearly all families, this meant avoiding what Veronica called the “me having sex talk”.

To accomplish this, both parents and teens sidestepped the topics of sex and pregnancy or talked hypothetically about them. This strategy kept many teens from getting concrete advice about their relationships and behaviours, accessing contraception, and talking to an adult about whether they are ready for sex.

Teens’ friends aren’t able to provide the support teens need, and they often present a real danger to teens. But this danger usually isn’t what we might expect. Most friendship groups are not pressuring each other to have sex or get pregnant. Instead, peers are dangerous because they are relying on each other for information and practical support that they aren’t really able to provide.

This can lead to misinformation and bad decisions. Peers are also dangerous because they socially exclude each other in hurtful ways based on rumours and innuendo that are often not true. Because high school students are stuck spending all day with their peers, the threat of social exclusion makes the world of friends and peers a risky place for teens. Participants told stories of people yelling “Baby killer!” in the school hallway to a girl who, it was rumoured, had an abortion; pregnant girls dropping out of school because of poor treatment from students and teachers; and sexually assaulted girls being made laughingstocks. Close friends were often supportive, but the wider circle of peers represented a threatening and powerful arena of social judgment in which unfounded rumours were enough to condemn a teen.

Finally, I found that the messages

S

tudy after study shows that teenagers want more information about sex than they are getting. When asked how t h e y would

your teen hears depends a lot on the local community. There were striking differences in the messages teens hear about sex and pregnancy. In some less religious communities, abortion was begrudgingly tolerated as what Claudia called “the easiest, cleanest, most discreet thing.” In some more religious places, abortion was such a grave sin that some people praised teen mothers for having chosen not to have one. Teens in wealthier communities heard strong messages about not messing up their bright futures, and the implicit promise of money for college may have encouraged them to refrain from sex or to use contraception very consistently. In all communities, though, teens were told that sex is a bad idea, yet many of them became sexually active anyway, often not using contraception carefully and sometimes ending up pregnant.

This suggests that our cultural messages aren’t working the way we would like them to.

What can parents and other adults do to help remedy this situation? I argue that it is important to communicate openly with teens and empower them to make their own thoughtful, mature, and ethical decisions. Their decisions can be better if they get support and information from people they trust. Then hold them to high standards regardless of their sexual decisions. If, like most teens, your teen becomes sexually active at some point, help him make sure that decisions don’t threaten his future or compromise his own ethics or his relationships with family members and friends. Paradoxically, by making teens feel less scared, powerless, and unsupported, we may be able to gain more leverage over their behaviour and reduce the risks they face.

choose to learn about sex, nine out of ten say from their parents – yes, their parents – not from their friends or a health class or books. When asked if they actually talk to their parents about sex, however, only about one in ten says yes. The reason, according to most teenagers, is that their parents hold back.

Why are parents reluctant to discuss sex with their teenagers?

“I don’t want to encourage sex.” Many parents believe that talking to young people about sex will lead to premature sexual ac-

education in school or other sources. And some young adolescents are convinced they “know it all”. They don’t.

The sex education provided in a typical junior or senior high school consists of a total of five to ten hours of in-

struct i o n and/or discussion.

T h e emphasis is usually on anatomy and physiology – the “plumbing.” Sexual feelings and sexual relationships-the issues that concern adolescents most – are rarely mentioned. If contraception and STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) are introduced, it is often in the eleventh and twelfth grades, which may be after the fact. In short, sex education in school tends to be too little, too late, and boring. So young people turn to their friends, older siblings, and whatever books, magazines, and TV shows are available, and they come

(psychologytoday.com)

tivity; that children will interpret their parents’ willingness to talk as permission to become sexually involved. Both beliefs are false. Researchers who have studied this question extensively find no evidence – repeat, none – that sex education, from whatever source, increases sexual activity.

What they do find is that lack of education increases unsafe sex. The message children get from discussions of sex is the message you communicate. If you say that you do not think teenagers should have sex, your child will hear you. He or she may not agree with you, but if you say nothing, you will never learn what your child thinks, nor will your teen know where you stand.

“My child knows more than I do”

Some parents believe that they don’t need to discuss sex because their children already know whatever they need to know, from sex

up with a few facts, a good many half-truths, and almost as many untruths.

Your adolescent may have an advanced sexual vocabulary, but this doesn’t mean he knows what he’s talking about.

“I don’t know how to begin”

Perhaps the main reason parents feel awkward about discussing sex is that they don’t know how.

Today’s parents likely came of age after the sexual revolution, but sex may still have been a taboo subject in their homes. When the time comes to talk with their children, they don’t have role models for being parents of sexually open teenagers. In spite of what they think they should do, a part of them feels it is inappropriate to include frank sexual discussions in their child’s upbringing. One generation’s prohibitions have a way of becoming the next generation’s inhibitions.

(Excerpt from psychologytoday.com)

To be continued

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thursDAY, APRIL 20, 2017| guyanatimesgy.com

Essequibo mechanic chops wife, ingests poison …both complain about living in an abusive relationship

Mohammed Rakfeek Ali consumed poison after chopping his wife and was battling for his life at the Hospital

T

ormented and ‘fedup’ of his wife, an Essequibo mechanic decided to act on his numerous reported threats to kill her in the early hours of Wednesday morning when he dealt her several chops about the body as she lay sleeping. He then consumed poison in an effort to take his own life.

The woman, Melissa Durga, a mother of three who hailed from Abrams Creek in Lower Pomeroon, but was presently residing at Walton Hall on the Essequibo Coast in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) was awakened around 04:30h on Wednesday by several chops from her common-law husband, Mohammed Rakfeek Ali. Both Durga and Ali are presently patients at the Suddie Public Hospital.

The husband and wife, lying on separate beds at the hospital, spoke to this media house about the incident and of living in an abusive relationship.

Ali, a mechanic, related that he was ‘fed-up’ with his wife’s attitude and related that on numerous occasions she left her children unprotected and ventured into “different relationships”.

Nursing chop wounds: Melissa Durga at the Suddie Hospital

He said he spoke to his wife several times about her lifestyle, but she continued to leave the children and responsibilities on his shoulders. The man said he regretted what he did, but he snapped after enduring too much emotional pain in the marriage.

On the other hand, Durga said the problem was created when she revealed to Ali that she was not going to take him back. Durga said she and Ali separated and she only visited his home, so she could spend some time with her children at Easter. The woman claimed that Ali threatened to kill her several times, and these threats were reported to the police.

Relating the story, the woman said she was asleep around 04:30h on Wednesday morning when Ali started to chop her about the body. Durga said she woke up startled, as several chops were pelted in her direction. She received five chops to her back, one to her left hand and one to her right eye. The mother said she started screaming, after which her children came to her rescue.

She managed to escape through the front door,

while her husband also left and immediately reached for poison which he consumed.

The woman’s daughter, Shafeena Ali, said that all she heard were “screams coming from the top of the bed”. Shafeena, who is 12 years old, explained that she usually slept with her brother on the floor in their small house.

The secondary school student said she immediately rushed over to her badly wounded mother, who was bleeding profusely.

She then rushed over to her aunts who live nearby to assist in taking both parents to the hospital.

The still traumatised 12-year-old said her mother was separated from them and she begged her mom to return, so that they could spend time together for Easter. The girl said she did not hear her parents fighting or quarrelling.

She, however, alluded to the fact that she would usually hear her father making threats to kill her mother. The couple shared an abusive relationship for 13 years and that union brought forth two children.

Durga was reported to have been in previous relation-

ships, and also has another child.

Meanwhile, Ali is pres-

ently battling for his life at the hospital and is currently under Police guard. Police

are continuing their investigations.

(Indrawattie Natram)

8 news

thursdAY, APRIL 20, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

IN THE COURTS Lodge nanny gets 3 years, businesswoman remanded following cocaine bust

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nanny who was busted with a quantity of cocaine at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) was on Wednesday morning jailed for three years after confessing to having the drug in her possession for trafficking purposes.

Bernadette Evandey Warren, of Lodge Housing Scheme, Georgetown, made an appearance before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, where she pleaded guilty to the charge which stated that on Sunday, April 16, she had 1.5 kilogram of cocaine concealed in her luggage at the CJIA. Based on information received, the 51-year-old woman was a Dynamic Airways passenger destined for the John F Kennedy (JFK) Airport, New York in the United States, on the day in question. The defendant reportedly checked in two suitcases and proceeded to the scanning area where a false wall was noticed in one of the cases. Alert ranks of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) whose suspicions were aroused proceeded to puncture the walls of the suitcase leading to the discovery of a white substance in two transparent bags.

Warren was told of the offence and cautioned, before being escorted to CANU

Jailed: Bernadette Evandey Warren

Headquarters where she was charged with the offence shortly after.

Reports are that Warren had only secured her US visa earlier this year and it was her first trip to the foreign country.

In addition to the threeyear sentence, the caretaker was ordered to pay a fine of $4.1 million, which is equivalent to triple the street value of the illicit substance.

An emotional Warren told the Magistrate that she is a mother of two, aged 28 and 11, and briefly apologised to the court for her actions before she was escorted out of the hearing.

Meanwhile, a 36-yearold city businesswoman who was caught “cooking “ cocaine on Easter Sunday was remanded to prison after denying charges of cocaine possession. Joy

Jacqueline Cownes was on April 16, 2017, busted with 2.2 kg of cocaine at her Lodge Housing Scheme, Georgetown residence after a conscience-stricken Warren leaked information to CANU officials following the drug bust at the CJIA. Some $14.5 million in local currency and US$744, along with other sums of Trinidad and Tobago currency, which the accused claimed were proceeds from her boutique were also seized from the woman’s premises.

CANU Prosecutor Konyo Sandiford told the court that the substance was found behind the false walls of an empty suitcase when the officials raided the premises of the accused. Sandiford added that smaller portions were found in the kitchen area of the house, reportedly in a pot on the stove as well as a bowl.

The Prosecutor stated that Cownes, despite her refusal to sign caution statements, made several oral statements, even naming her supplier and child’s fa-

N Remanded: Joy Jacqueline Cownes

ther, whom the Police are currently after.

Defence Attorney Adrian Thompson, in his request for bail in a reasonable sum for his client, related that the house was never searched in the presence of his client and the said narcotics were not found in her possession.

Bail was refused and the woman will remain incarcerated pending trial, which is set to commence on May 3, at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Pregnant Dominican fined for immigration fraud

Y

asbel Benitez from the Dominican Republic was on Wednesday slapped with two immigra-

Knots…

tion fraud charges, and appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The first charge, which was read by city Magistrate Fabayo Azore via a translator, stated that Benitez between May 13, 2016 and December 20, 2016 in the city of Georgetown, with intent to defraud, conspired with person/s to forge one Guyana immigration service stamp in her Dominican Republic passport, purporting to show that same had been issued by the Guyana Immigration Department.

In addition, the woman on April 13, 2017, uttered to an Immigration officer one Dominican Republic passport in favour of herself, with one forged immigration service stamp endorsed to show that it was issued by the Immigration Department of Guyana, knowing same to be forged.

Police Prosecutor Simone Payne told the court that the woman entered Guyana legally via the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) on February 2, 2017, and was granted a one-month stay in the country. She later applied for an extension and it was upon confirmation of such, that it was discovered that her previous extension of stay in 2016, was forged and not issued by local immigration authorities.

The pregnant woman admitted to both charges and was slapped with a $100,000 fine for each offence. Failure to pay the fine will result in six months’ imprisonment.

…over VAT

ow that the dust is settling on the VAT-on-PrivateEducation (VOPE) dust-up, your Eyewitness wants to have a few things cleared up. Not about whether the Government will eventually back off. No siree Bob… ain’t gonna happen! This Government knows Guyanese are like those mutts that bark at passing caravans in the desert or slow-moving donkey carts in our villages. They soon tire of the exercise and take a break until the next caravan or donkey cart.

Not about whether VAT on private education violates the Constitution, 149 (I): “no person shall be hindered in the enjoyment of the right to establish a private school which shall be under the regulation of the State”. Just read that tag phrase at the end – under the regulation of the State. The VAT will be explained as being within the right to regulate.

Not about whether the Minister of Finance REALLY meant what he said about rich folks being able to afford the VAT when they send off their little darlings to Private Schools in Land Cruisers and such like. Of course, he did!!

That doesn’t mean there aren’t some poor folks who will go without supper to send their children to the ritzy private schools. But hey!! That’s not the point, is it?

Just read about Burnham’s experience of attending a ritzy school with the sons of the rich and famous. If the Battle of Waterloo was won on the playing fields of Eton and Harrow – then the indignities inflicted by Burnham on the top echelons of the Civil Service at Hope Estate were born on the playground of Queens! But Burnham got an education!

Naah! Your Eyewitness just wants to know what’ll happen to those schools paying the VAT for the students.

If your Eyewitness – who frankly admits he’s challenged by anything that involves Maths above the “2+2” level – read the explanation on VAT right, it’s supposed to be paid by the CONSUMER of the goods or services being hocked. Right?

Now, as far as he can figure, there’s only one point in which the “value” is being added to an educational product – when it’s regurgitated to the rich school kids.

So the VAT must be paid by the snotty kids, no? So if the schools pay the VAT to the Government, all they do is reduce the VALUE of the product the teacher delivered, no? Is the VAT calculated on this lower amount?

Aaah…what a tangled knot….

Sort of like the moral one presented when Food For The Poor paid the fine for a couple of law breakers.

Aren’t they making a mockery of the whole justice system and its punishments?

…over GECOM Chair

Now, why isn’t your Eyewitness surprised the Opposition Leader’s having conniptions jumping through the hoops set by Prezzie and which – to the surprise of all – he accepted. The individual, according to Prezzie’s fiat, “must not be an activist of any form (gender, racial, religious, etc); that the person must have no political affiliation; and that the person should have the general characteristics of honesty, integrity, faithfulness, and diligence”!!!

It’s not a matter of: “they don’t make ‘em like that anymore.” Did they EVER make them like that?? Even the brother of Prezzie’s SON-in-LAW has gone to the High Court to challenge the criteria! Not because Jagdeo’s been given basket to fetch water – but because they’re actually UNCONSTITUTIONAL!!

So, after another round of consultations with Civil Society, Jagdeo’s compiled another list – but one worthy dropped out even before the names could be announced!! Your Eyewitness thinks even Caesar’s wife couldn’t qualify.

Jagdeo should demand Prezzie submits HIS nominee – who he can then vet with Prezzie’s criteria!!

…over forensic audits

After spending hundreds of millions on 50 “forensic” audits – after which not a SINGLE charge has been laid, with 40 released – the Government’s announced it won’t release the remaining 10.

Why? They put a “strain” on the Police!!

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

9 Protesters hopeful for VAT repeal news

thursDAY, APRIL 20, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

…as coalition Govt splits on issue

By Devina Samaroo

P

rotesters are reinvigorated with a new sense of morale now that the Government appears to be divided on the issue of the education tax, with the smaller arm of the coalition demonstrating a willingness to join the resistance.

A small group of disgruntled stakeholders lined up outside the Ministry of the Presidency on Wednesday in an effort to demonstrate their dissatisfaction with Government’s move to reject their concerns.

The Alliance For Change (AFC), which has a minority of senior Ministers in the coalition A Partnership for National Unity (APNU)/ AFC Administration, has signalled its intention to challenge a Cabinet de-

AFC Government Ministers on Monday at the party’s headquarters to further discuss the best strategies to be employed to reverse this hated aspect of the new tax regime.

AFC Leader Raphael Trotman recently indicated that he would push for an earlier review of the VAT on private education in light of the continued concerns being raised by stakeholders.

From all indications, the key players in the Government seemed to be divided on its stance regarding this issue, and stakeholders are wasting no time in capitalising on the opportunity.

2018

Cabinet recently pronounced that the 14 per

Some children in the protest line taking a stand against VAT on private education

cision to maintain the 14 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) on private school fees.

Stakeholders on Wednesday engaged an AFC delegation on the issue of VAT on private education, where the party’s General Secretary, Marlon Williams pledged support and encouraged them to continue their opposition.

Guyana Times was informed that some concerned individuals would be meeting with the nine

cent VAT on private education would stay, but the policy would be reviewed for the 2018 National Budget.

Protesters argued that such assurance is of no comfort to them.

“What will happen to the parents who can’t afford it currently? Would they have to take their children out of the private school?

And then when Cabinet reviews it for 2018 and drop the VAT, would the parents then have to take back their children to private

schools? That doesn’t seem like a workable decision,” stated Chetram Ramdial.

Jonathan Yearwood, a business student at a private institution, said he may have to drop out of school and give up his aspirations until Government decides to review the tax.

“If they say that they are not going to remove it until 2018, I may have to drop out of school by then.

Children may have to drop out of school by then. It does not help us for them to review for 2018. We need immediate action. We need action now. While they are waiting to review for 2018, people will be punishing,” he stated.

that the tax could be removed without significantly harming the revenue framework by simply cutting spending in unnecessary areas like ministerial salary increases and the $12.5 million monthly rental of the Sussex Street drug bond.

Discrimination

Some protesters also believe Government is blatantly discriminating against persons who opt to

send their kids to public schools,” expressed a mother of four.

Many stakeholders have also questioned whether the public education system is prepared to absorb all the students who will now have to abandon private schools because of the imposed tax.

Former President of the University of Guyana Senior Staff Association (UGSSA), Dr Melissa Ifill had argued that pri-

workers, who are also affected by the imposition of the education tax, are fearful of victimisation if they stand in the protest lines.

Despite the poor turnout, the organisers are committed to continuing their resistance.

According to them, it is not about the number of persons who show up but the magnitude of the problem, which has far-reaching implications on the socio-economic landscape of

Pressure

Amid criticisms that the AFC is just playing politics, protesters are keen on holding the few Government Ministers to their word.

“What we now have to do is put the AFC to the test. We now have to put pressure on individual Ministers within the AFC, who can now bring pressure to bear on the Cabinet,” Yearwood stated, hoping that the outcome would be favourable.

Opposition forces have argued that the AFC, as part of the coalition Administration, was part and parcel of the decision to initially impose the tax and subsequently voted for it to stay.

Trotman, however, had asserted that the situation was akin to sewing: whereby it is simple to pull a threaded needle through a cloth, but b quite difficult to reverse the action.

One of Government’s main concerns regarding the calls to remove the education tax relates to the impact it will have on its projected revenue structure.

But, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo explained

A section of the persons who picketed the Ministry of the Presidency

send their children to private schools.

“I don’t think the (Government) should be discriminating against parents just because we sacrifice to send our kids to private schools. Private schools provide an environment where kids are safe. For example, look at that little 10-year-old girl who died because she was kicked to the stomach; that happened in the public school system. The Government, instead of applauding or praising or trying to do similar to what the private schools are doing, is now more or less trying to force parents to

vate schools were generally viewed as assets by Governments across the Region and the world, as they removed a burden from the State in the provision of education.

Poor turnout

Although the turnout was poor, protesters were not discouraged as they strongly believe their united voices are powerful.

They explained that persons are otherwise occupied with the hassles of life and may not always make it to participate in the protest actions.

Some protesters also believe that Public Sector

the country.

Meanwhile, People’s Progressive Party (PPP) on Wednesday said noted that it recalls that the AFC voted along with the APNU in imposing VAT on private education during the 2017 Budget debate when the accompanying VAT measures were being imposed in the National Assembly.

In so doing, the party noted that the APNU/AFC rejected the PPP’s plea not to impose VAT on private education.

At the next sitting of the National Assembly, the PPP will be moving a motion to remove VAT from private education.

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thursDAY, april 20, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

DEMTOCO decries illegal tobacco trading – as company records $2.8B profits before tax

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he Demerara Tobacco Company (DEMTOCO) is pushing to have the necessary legislation in place to ensure a level playing field with regard to tobacco trading in Guyana.

Passage of the Tobacco Control Bill in the National Assembly, over the years, has been subjected to numerous delays. However, it was last reported back in December that the draft legislation was still in a preparatory phase. There have since been several comments about its importance, including calls made by former Health Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy on the importance of having such legislation in place.

According to Managing Director of DEMTOCO, Maurlain Kirton, one of the challenges the company is facing is the existence of illicit traded products. She noted that while the compa-

Managing Director Maurlain Kirton addressing shareholders as Chairman Felicio Ferraz (sitting first from left) and other executives listen

ny is not opposed to competition, it must be on a balanced playing field.

“The push for the company has been for balanced regulations – I’m sure you heard about the impending passing of a tobacco bill. The company is supportive of the passage of a tobacco bill. The concern of the company has to do with a balanced regulation,” Kirton explained to this newspaper on the sidelines of DEMTOCO’s

Annual General Meeting (AGM), which was held on Wednesday at the Pegasus Hotel, Georgetown.

This concern was also raised by Chairman Felicio Ferraz, in his report. He pointed out that the widely-available smuggled brands of cigarettes made it exceptionally difficult for the company.

“Smuggled brands, which avoid the tax net of the Revenue Authority, contin-

ue to pose a challenge to the company,” he stated. In addition, he noted that most of the smuggled brands do not comply with existing product regulation.

Nevertheless, Ferraz went on to outline in his report that despite this challenge and others that the local Private Sector faced, DEMTOCO managed to achieve a profit before tax of $2.8 billion in 2016. This, however, represents a 2.3 per cent decline when compared to figures from the previous year.

The Chairman outlined that for the third consecutive year, Guyana has experienced a decline in the growth rate of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP), moving from 5.2 per cent in 2013 to 2.6 per cent in 2016.

Ferraz said DEMTOCO’s portfolio performance reflected the need by customers for more affordable offers, compounded with other factors.

“Fortunately, (the) company has made a substantial investment in a sustainable portfolio of products catering for Guyanese discerning consumers. One of our Global Drive Brands, Pall Mall, acted as an obvious choice for Dunhill & Bristol consumers who are seeking quality products at a lower price,” he stated, adding that the impact on revenue was a reduction reflecting a two per cent year-on-year decline.

Last year, the company introduced Bristol Vibes –

a new menthol product that was launched in October, adding dynamism to the Bristol family. Additionally, the Bristol brand in 2016 had two ‘limited edition packs’ commemorating Guyana’s 50th Independence anniversary from April to June and the New Year’s edition in November and December.

Moreover, the Chairman noted that the Board of Directors approved the fourth interim dividend of $12.62 per share which, together with a proposed final dividend of $8.63 per share, brings the total dividend for the year to $66.68 per share, representing a return of

Programmes. He added that the company has also been campaigning and educating retailers nationwide that tobacco products should only be sold to persons above the age of 18, an initiative which its trading partners have supported.

Ferraz concluded that while the economic, business and wider environment continued to remain challenging for 2017, the company will continue to progressively drive and sustain shareholder value going forward. “(DEMTOCO) has provided high-quality tobacco products to Guyana for over 83 years. With our wealth

Shareholders at the 83rd AGM of DEMTOCO on Wednesday

6.5 per cent on the current share price. According to the Chairman, once the final dividend is approved, payment will be made.

He went on to outline that the company continued to uphold high standards in delivering its responsibility through its voluntary International Marketing Principles and Corporate Social Investment

of knowledge and experience, we are indeed the industry leader, and will continuously seek to explore opportunities to satisfy consumer moments. Moreover, the company will persistently engage regulators with respect to the introduction of balanced regulation, which safeguards consumers’ rights of choice and smoking experience,” Ferraz stated.

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thursDAY, APRIL 20, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Don’t give up on education

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espite the commendable efforts of those passionate about the education of young people, especially the consistent work of certain heads of private institutions, it seems that the outcry about VAT on education has fallen on deaf ears as those who have the tough decision of choosing where to gather much-needed revenue refuse to admit this particular area should never have been targeted in the first place. Despite the obvious effects the tax will have on Lorraine Ince-Carvalhal the most important people of Guyana – our young people, revocation has been vetoed for now and the future of education is uncertain.

Educating our young people is the responsibility of the Government. Unfortunately, it does not have the capacity to do this adequately and so it would seem any other entity willing to offer support in this area would be welcomed, appreciated and even subsidised – not penalised. Private schools are critical components of the mission to educate our nation’s children.

How can we afford to make it harder for children to have access to what is considered a human right?

How can the reality be ignored that the reputed best public school in the land, the educational facility that thousands of 11-year-olds have worked tirelessly to secure a limited place in can look forward to, at best, being issued with five out of the 13 books on their booklist? The reality is resources are scarce in both the human and paper form. To argue that this school still produces the brightest students is a testament to the resilience and hard work of the students, teachers and extra lessons, despite the lack of resources. Unfortunately, most other public school children do not easily overcome the shortfall.

If public schools are struggling to afford resources, maintain facilities, to pay decent wages and to train teachers, what is going to happen when those children who can no longer afford to stay in private schools become the responsibility of the public-school system? Where will they be accommodated?

How will they be accommodated? Where will they get books?

Where will new schools be built? Where will the revenue come from?

Youth unemployment in Guyana is disproportionately high even in contrast with our Caribbean neighbours, so how on earth can we hope to tackle that by undermining an already struggling education system? Education is the precursor to preparing our youth for employment and should be the first area of development in efforts to combat our rising unemployment figures.

How ironic at a time when there is the potential for job creation, the future workforce will be undermined. While we know the creation of jobs from the oil industry will be limited in numbers owing to the highly technical and minimal manpower requirements of the current offshore project, the positive ripple effects that the project will have on the economy will increase employment in other areas of service and development. What will we offer employers if we stifle such a vital portion of our education system? How are we preparing our young people to become valuable assets in the wake of potential economic development, by making it more difficult for them to enjoy a solid education?

Failure to provide as broad access as possible to education now is laying a foundation for limited opportunities. Any amount of time wasted in debate over what is clearly detrimental to the country may have negative cause-and-effect repercussions in other areas such as crime. Not only do the majority of career criminals come from the ranks of school dropouts, but those who fail to find regular employment as poorly educated youths are also more likely to turn to criminal activities.

It is incomprehensible that the education of our young people should ever be made less accessible. It seems so contradictory that a government which has invested so much, with efforts to provide transportation, hot meals and clothing to enable each child to attend school would turn around and deny so many a fair chance, possibly owing to a misguided assumption that they can afford it.

I recently heard that it is never too late to do the right thing.

Now that may well be true, but putting off doing the right thing when it so clearly is the right thing to do can do irreparable damage to so many of our young people.

I am a firm believer in admitting to and, where possible, correcting a mistake, sooner rather than later. Let us hope I am not alone in this belief.

Motorcyclist killed in Mc Doom accident A motorcyclist was in the wee hours of Wednesday killed after he reportedly lost control and slammed into a parked motor vehicle on Mc Doom Public Road, Greater Georgetown.

Dead is 40-year-old Troy Cordwell of Lot 1 D’Urban Street and Louisa Row, Georgetown.

Reports are that Cordwell was heading to Georgetown on his motorcycle bearing registration number CD 3069 at a fast pace, but while in the vicinity of Pestex Environmental Solutions, he lost control and crashed into the motor vehicle with licence plates GSS 1066.

The injured man was picked up and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital, but was pronounced dead on arrival.

Dead: Troy Cordwell

When Guyana Times visited the

home of the dead man, it was locked.

Persons in the area informed this publication that the man lived alone, noting that all of his relatives lived abroad.

Some persons with whom he would interact on a daily basis explained that they received the news of the man’s death on Wednesday morning and as such, knew little of what transpired.

However, the close friends of the dead man stated that his relatives have already been informed of the fatal accident. They described Cordwell as a very pleasant individual who would come out in the evenings to “lime” with them at the corners of D’Urban Street and Louisa Row. The Police, in a release, said that an investigation has been launched into the accident.

Framework document for Green State Development Strategy finalised …to build on successes of LCDS

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he framework document for Guyana’s development along a ‘green’ pathway has been finalised. The document, which is titled “Framework of the Guyana Green State Development Strategy and Financing Mechanisms”, is intended to provide guidance on the prioritised areas to be developed in the Green State Development Strategy (GSDS). It lays out the elements to be examined and consulted on during the course of the development of that policy document.

According to the Ministry of the Presidency, the document represents a roadmap for Guyana’s development along a reduced emissions pathway and builds on the successes of the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) and several other national documents, such as the Nationally Determined Contributions; Climate Resilience Strategy Action Plan (CRSAP); Draft National Energy Policy, and National Adaptation Strategy for the Agriculture Sector (2009-2018).

Development of the GSDS will be completed over the course of the next 12-18 months.

The Ministry of the Presidency added that nationwide consultations and stakeholders’ feedback would guide the development of the seven major themes of the strategy.

These include: green inclusive, structural transformation; sustainable management of natural resources; transition towards renewable energy; resilient infrastructure and spatial development; human development and well-being; governance and institutional foundations; and international cooperation, trade and investment.

Guyana’s lush rain forest

12 NEWS

thursDAY, APRIL 20, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Sister allegedly stabs Body of miner found in shallow grave brother to death T

A

24-year-old woman is in custody as Police investigate an attack on her mother and the fatal stabbing of her 21-year-old brother on Easter Monday.

The now dead young man, Vishaul Hansraj, a trawler operator of Covent Garden Squatting Area, East Bank Demerara (EBD), succumbed on Tuesday afternoon while receiving treatment at the Georgetown Public Hospital after being stabbed to the chest on Monday.

While information surrounding the stabbing is sketchy, Police have arrested the dead man’s older sister, whom they believe wounded him.

When contacted on Wednesday morning, A Division (GeorgetownEast Bank Demerara) Commander Clifton Hicken told Guyana Times that the young woman was “in custody for questioning into both stabbing incidents”.

At the time, Hicken noted that detectives were awaiting the results of the post-mortem examination that was conducted on the body on Wednesday in order to determine the course of the investigations.

However, the siblings’ mother, Sumintra Brijmohan, was adamant that the young woman did not kill her brother. She explained that the young woman was at home when her brother came in, but he

Dead: Vishaul Hansraj

was already injured.

Nevertheless, Brijmohan admitted that her daughter had attacked her during an earlier confrontation.

She related that the young woman had gone to the nearby school ground with her brothers and they were drinking.

She noted that her daughter returned home around 17:00h and was sitting in the house quietly.

“I ask she ‘Debbie, what happen?’ and she say ‘nothing nah wrong, like you want a problem’. I say ‘I don’t want no problem’, so I left she (in the house) and walk outside. She run out behind me and she shove me and I fall, and like me nah know how it happen, but like she nail dig me (on the neck). After me feel the blood, me run out and call for my neighbours and they call taxi.

But whilst I running over

the bridge, my son run towards me and he pass me with a set of blood on he shirt and went to the house,” the woman stated.

She continued that she did not turn back, but was put into the taxi by neighbours, who moments later brought her injured son to the car, and they were both transported to the Diamond Hospital.

Brijmohan added that she was treated and sent away that night from the medical institution, while her injured son was transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he succumbed on Tuesday.

The woman claimed that Hansraj died without relating how he got injured.

“I don’t know (what happened), he didn’t tell me nothing… All me son say ‘Mommy, I want something to drink’; ‘Mommy, I want go home’; ‘Too much pain; ma, carry me home’… that’s all meh son say to me before he die,” the distraught woman related, adding that she did not want to lose another child – referring to her daughter who is in custody.

The young woman remains in Police custody as investigations continue.

Meanwhile, a post-mortem examination conducted on Wednesday morning revealed that Hansraj died as a result of perforations of the liver due to stab wounds.

He was stabbed twice.

he decomposed body of a miner was on Monday last found in a shallow grave at Karrau Backdam, Mazaruni, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni).

The miner has been identified only as Kevin, also called “Fine Thyme”. Police have since confirmed that the man’s body bore several chop wounds and two men were taken into custody to assist with the probe.

Reports are the now dead man and two others went to the mining pit to “wash down” gold after which they went for a drink.

This was on April 7.

However, in the midst of consuming alcohol, the owner of the mining camp accused “Fine Thyme” of stealing raw gold and this led to an altercation. Persons in-

tervened and the two men went their separate ways, but ended up back at the same mining camp.

At the mining camp, the owner collected a cutlass and dealt Kevin several blows to the body while he was asleep in the hammock.

The other suspect in custody told Police that owing to the chop wounds, Kevin fell out of the hammock, but he was too “drunk” to help him and might have fallen asleep.

He claimed that when he woke up, he did not see Kevin and thought that he had left the camp following the incident. It was not until the man’s body was found, he realised that the man had died.

F Division (Interior Locations) Commander Rabindranauth Budhram,

when contacted, told Guyana Times that investigations were ongoing, noting the 51-year-old owner of the camp, of Fourth Avenue, Bartica and another miner, were being interrogated.

He also noted that although one of the miners in custody witnessed the chopping incident, he failed to lodge a report with the Police. The owner of the camp also did not report the incident.

Police believe that the story told by the miner in custody has some loopholes and are of the view that the two men might have buried the man’s body after they realised that he had stopped breathing. The Commander said other information pertaining to the deceased was not available.

Repeat offender Colwyn Harding remanded for robbery

T

he infamous victim of alleged sexual assault in 2013involving two Police ranks exited the courtroom in defeat as he once again appeared before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Wednesday, this time for an alleged Lime Street, Georgetown robbery.

Appearing before Magistrate Fabayo Azore was Colwyn Harding, charged for robbing Virtual Complainant (VC), Ray Margaret Baird on April 15, 2017, of three cellular phones valued $160,000 and a pair of glasses valued

48,000 among other items.

The 26-year-old vendor denied the allegation, and disclosed that he was a father of one, permanently residing in West Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

The defendant was remanded to prison along with an accomplice in November last for the joint charge of robbery with violence by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

He subsequently found himself on the streets again after being relieved of the charge.

Harding had alleged (in 2013) that he was brutal-

Defendant: Colwyn Harding

ly raped with a police baton and otherwise assaulted by two Police Officers while in custody at the Timehri Police Station. The matter was, however, dismissed in March last year by Magistrate Leron Daly owing to insufficient evidence.

Moreover, Harding was freed of an armed robbery charge by Magistrate Judy Latchman in 2015 after the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case against him.

The present matter is adjourned to May 3, 2017 owing to the incomplete state of the prosecution’s file and Harding remains incarcerated.

news

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thursDAY, APRIL 20, 2017| guyanatimesgy.com

Govt seeking to save forestry sector

…as declining earnings hit home …GFC to sell off BaiShanLin seized logs

I

n light of the 15 per cent decline in earnings from the forestry sector in 2016, the Government is now prepared to implement several changes in the hope that it will help with the sector’s recovery.

This is according to Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman, who provided an update on the sector to a Parliamentary Committee chaired by Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan on Wednesday. Trotman said the first step to be taken

by Government to assist in these efforts, is to reallocate three quarters of the

1.6 million hectares of land held by Barama.

The Minister said the blocks would be divided up equally, giving everyone a fair chance to operate.

According to him, one of the blocks will be held for conservation, another will be allocated to small loggers and two will be utilised by international companies.

Already, the Ministry is in the process of evaluating some 17 Expressions of Interest (EOIs) that were submitted recently, and this process could be completed by the end of this month.

Trotman told the

Committee that the 69 concessions given out at the end of last year were expected to significantly boost production, as it was looking at a target of 297,070 cubic metres this year.

Speaking on the illegal joint ventures that BaiShanLin entered into with five local companies, Trotman said the Government had no choice but to revoke the contracts and seize the lands.

He declared that the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) planned to auction off, or invite companies to express their interest in purchasing, the

logs that were left behind.

It was also revealed to the Committee that the Chinese Development Bank has requested Government not distribute lands once held by BaiShanLin. Trotman said the Bank was now looking to secure finances to recapitalise loans owned by that company.

According to him, there are currently no activities ongoing on the two concessions. Those concessions, he said, remain intact and are not being worked at this time. Given the decline in production, the GFC has made calls for even more incentives to be granted in an effort to make the sector more competitive.

In light of the new trends and future expectations for

Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman

forests and timber trade, the Proposed National Log Export Policy Report (20162020) deemed such a move to be a “critical” one.

According to the GFC, in

this document, incentives are aimed at continuing support for economic activities while embracing environmentally sound practices.

Another crucial incentive recommended by the GFC was the need to have tax waivers on spare parts, components and tooling.

The GFC said that concession holders and operators invest on an annual basis a significant amount on spare parts and components for logging equipment.

The forestry sector contributes in excess of three per cent of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) based on primary production, and provides direct employment to approximately 23,000 people.

Aruba Airlines eyes Guyanese market

A

ruba Airlines on Wednesday presented its formal application to the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) seeking permission to operate out of Guyana, according to Captain Gerry Gouveia.

The revelation was made at the inaugural Annual General Meeting of the National Air Transport Association (NATA).

Captain Gouveia, the Vice President of NATA, also noted that search and rescue operations remained a serious concern for local aviation operators, since there were no systems in place to deal with those operations.

“It is unfortunate that we almost always respond spontaneously to these things rather than having a system set up,” he said.

“The Private Sector has been advocating for quite a long time that maybe what we could do is set up a search-and-rescue system in the organisation of the Civil Defence Commission, because they already have equipment and machines.

All they need to have is a department in there to deal with maritime search and rescue and aviation search and rescue, because they have the emergency response systems already,” Gouveia posited.

He also made an appeal to Junior Public Infrastructure Minister Annette Ferguson to consider the Private Sector’s proposal since it was much-needed.

NATA’s President, Annette Arjoon-Martins, in her report, stated that the local aviation sector served as a catalyst to green tourism. She also stressed the need for a comprehensive search-and-rescue system, since it was imperative for

“In our earlier consultations, I found that the mining airstrips were always sort of prioritised over the community airstrips, and it is very important that we have a balance when we are looking at the hinterland airstrips rehabilitation and maintenance programme,” Arjoon-Martins stated.

She revealed that some of NATA’s goals for the year include independent

From left: NATA President Annette Arjoon-Martins, Junior Public Infrastructure Minister Annette Ferguson, GCAA Director General Retired Lieutenant Colonel Egbert Field and NATA Vice President Captain Gerry Gouveia

the aviation and tourism sectors.

She said NATA started with nine aircraft operators, which represented 90 per cent of the local aviation industry, but has since expanded to include pilots, engineers and flight attendants of the member companies. Arjoon-Martins indicated that the Association was also committed to working with non-mem-

ber aviation operators.

She lauded the GCAA and both Public Infrastructure Ministers for their commitment to NATA’s advocacy and for the Civil Aviation Bill.

Arjoon-Martins stated that within months of its formation, NATA was able to provide parking for small aircraft at the Eugene F Correia International Airport.

airport management, having the needs of domestic operations prioritised, Government’s adherence to airport development plans, and transparency and accountability in the tendering for services at the Airport.

In delivering the feature address, Minister Ferguson stated that the civil aviation industry accounted for one per cent of the coun-

try’s GDP while providing 1 in 20 jobs, thus impacting the economy.

“The Government of Guyana recognises the valuable contribution of the aviation industry to the growth of the economy and, as a consequence, has begun to improve strategic alignment with the aviation sector,” she stated. turn to page 17

14

guyanatimesgy.com

thursdAY, april 20, 2017

Regional

Venezuela crisis: Teenager and woman Police arrest shot dead at anti-government protests demonstrators at

A

t least two people have been shot dead in Venezuela in protests against the Government of President Nicolás Maduro.

A teenager died in the capital Caracas and a woman was killed in San Cristobal, near the Colombian border.

Tens of thousands of people have taken to the streets to demand new presidential elections and the release of jailed Opposition politicians.

President Maduro has accused the Opposition of attacking the Police and looting shops.

He said more than 30 arrests had been made. Supporters of the Government are holding a rival rally in Caracas.

Despite having the

Demonstrators want new elections and the release of Opposition politicians

world's largest proven oil reserves, Venezuela has suffered for several years from high inflation, rampant crime and a shortage of basic goods.

The protests taking place across the country were expected to be the biggest in three years, putting extra pressure on President Maduro to negotiate with

the Opposition and find a way of easing the country's economic crisis.

Anti-Government protesters have described it as Venezuela's "second independence day".

Elections are not due until 2019, but the Opposition says the country is on the verge of collapse. Inflation is expected to top 700 per cent this year, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) says.

The latest crisis was triggered by last month's Supreme Court decision to officially take over power from the Oppositioncontrolled Parliament.

The Supreme Court reversed its decision after three days, but it was too late to prevent a new wave of protests. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Ecuador recount confirms Lenín Moreno won presidential poll

F

ollowing a recount of almost 1.3 million votes in Ecuador, the electoral council has confirmed left-wing candidate Lenín Moreno as the winner of the presidential poll held on April 2.

The recount slightly boosted Moreno's margin over his conservative rival, Guillermo Lasso.

Lasso had demanded a full recount citing allegations of fraud but the national electoral council only agreed to a recount of 10 per

cent of the votes.

Moreno will be sworn in on May 24.

The National Electoral Council said that following the recount Lenín Moreno had increased his lead over Lasso by 0.01 percentage points.

Moreno won with 51.16 per cent against Lasso's 48.84 per cent, National Electoral Council President Juan Pablo Pozo said.

Lasso dismissed the partial recount as a "show" and a "manoeuvre" by the gov-

erning party of Moreno "to legitimise a process which has been less than transparent".

But monitors from the Organisation of American States said they considered "a recount of this magnitude and under these norms to be an exercise in transparency".

Lasso said he would give a news conference on Wednesday to announce how he will proceed next.

Moreno will take over from President Rafael

Correa, who has been in power since 2007.

He is expected to continue many of his predecessor's policies, including allowing WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to remain at the Ecuadorean embassy in London.

Lasso had said that if he was elected he would kick out Assange, who has been living at the Ecuadorean embassy since 2012 to avoid extradition to Sweden. (Excerpt

anti-government protest in Suriname

R

iot police in Suriname detained several individuals, including a union leader during anti-Government protests in the capital Paramaribo.

During the fourth demonstration since April 6, participants called on the Government to stop its “policies of destruction”. Numerous protesters chanting anti-Government slogans also called for President Desi Bouterse to resign.

Although much smaller in numbers than the previous demonstrations, protesters vowed to continue their rallies until the recent price hike for fuel has been revoked and Government freezes other new measures that would cause more hardship for the people.

The Suriname Police Force said in a statement that four persons were detained. According to Police, a man hit a Police Officer in the face when he was addressing one of the leaders

of the demonstration.

“The officer’s glasses were shattered by the blows,” said the statement released to the press.

Armand Zunder, President of the Progressive Workers Union (PWO), said that union leaders since 2012 have warned the Government to change its policies; keep prices under control and prevent inflation and devaluation of the country’s currency to prevent erosion of the spending power of workers.

“The Government didn’t listen but instead continued its destructive policies resulting in an economic crisis,” Zunder told the gathering.

The union leader argued that, instead of pilfering the hard-won earnings of workers, the Government should renegotiate deals it struck with mining multinationals Iamgold and Newmont in order for these companies to contribute more to the state coffers. (Excerpt from Caribbean News Now)

Haiti to rebuild quake-damaged National Palace

from BBC News)

Series of Antiguan earthquakes triggers advice from Seismic Research Centre

F

ollowing a series of earthquakes felt in Antigua and Barbuda, and as far away as St Kitts and Guadeloupe, the University of the West Indies’ Seismic Research Centre (SRC) is urging the people of the region to remain prepared.

Around 1:23h on Monday, the SRC recorded an earthquake located north-east of Antigua/south-east of Barbuda with a preliminary magnitude of 5.8. This is the second earthquake that has occurred in the magnitude range 5.6-6.0, since 2011.

The SRC said it received more than 120 felt reports from as far west as

St Kitts and as far south as Guadeloupe for that event.

“This earthquake has been followed, so far, by more than 500 events in the same general area, two of which were in the magnitude range 5.1-5.5,” the SRC said, adding that its scientists expect that aftershocks should continue for some time.

“Although this most recent earthquake sequence may not necessarily signal a larger earthquake, the public should be reminded that the Leeward Islands region is an area of high earthquake activity for the Caribbean.

“Moderate to significant

The destruction caused to the National Palace in Port-au-Prince

sized earthquakes may occur in this region at any time which may impact islands in this area (St Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, Montserrat). For this reason measures must always be in place at an in-

dividual, community and national level to protect against the impact of earthquakes,” it added.

Earthquake safety tips can also be found on the SRC website. (Caribbean360)

Mexican ex-governor declines immediate extradition from Guatemala

J

avier Duarte, the former State Governor of Mexico's ruling party who was arrested in Guatemala at the weekend, said in court on Wednesday he would not agree to be ex-

tradited until his lawyers were able to study a formal extradition request.

The former governor of Mexican state Veracruz, appeared in a court for extradition proceed-

ings in Guatemala City, Guatemala.

"At this time, I can't agree (to extradition) until the formal extradition request arrives," said Duarte, who faces prosecu-

tion for embezzlement and organized crime in Mexico, where he was the governor of Veracruz state until last year.

Duarte has denied any wrongdoing.

H

aiti's President Jovenel Moise has launched a project to rebuild the presidential palace, destroyed by a devastating earthquake in 2010.

"For many, the post-earthquake reconstruction has not begun as long as the National Palace has not been rebuilt," he said.

The new complex would be on the same site as the ornate domed building in the capital Port-au-Prince.

More than 250,000 people are estimated to have been killed in the quake.

About 300,000 were injured and more than 1.5 million left homeless after the magnitude 7.0 quake on January 12, 2010.

Speaking on Wednesday at the temporary presi-

dential residence on the grounds of the collapsed palace, President Moise set up a committee of engineers and architects to oversee the project.

He said he wanted construction to begin before the end of 2017.

President Moise, who assumed office in February, also said the facade of the palace should look the same, but the interior would be adapted to the needs of a modern presidency.

The cost of the project is yet to be estimated.

Decades of poverty, environmental degradation, violence, instability and dictatorship have left Haiti as the poorest nation in the Americas. (BBC News)

thursDAY, april 20, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

Around the World

North Korea tension: China “seriously concerned” about nuclear threats

C

hina says it is seriously concerned about North Korean nuclear development, in the wake of a BBC interview with a top official from the North.

North Korea’s Vice Foreign Minister told the BBC Pyongyang would continue to test missiles and would launch a pre-emptive nuclear strike if it thought the United States was planning an attack.

Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lu Kang said China opposed words or actions that could further raise tension.

North Korea showed off military hardware at a parade in honour of the anniversary of founding father Kim Il-sung’s birth

North Korea-US tension is growing.

There has been heat-

ed rhetoric from both sides in recent days. US Vice President Mike Pence, who

has been visiting the region, warned the North not to test Washington and said the US “era of strategic patience” with Pyongyang was over.

The BBC’s Stephen McDonell in Beijing says the Chinese Government appears to be becoming increasingly frustrated with North Korea, its traditional ally.

“I have noted the recent report,” Lu said, referring to the BBC interview.

“China expresses serious concern with recent trends about North Korea’s nuclear and missile development.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Putin-linked think tank India: Leading BJP figures to drew up plan to sway 2016 face trial in Babri mosque case US election – documents

A

Russian Government think tank controlled

by Vladimir Putin developed a plan to swing the 2016 US presidential election to Donald Trump and undermine voters’ faith in the American electoral system, three current and four former US officials told Reuters.

They described two confidential documents from the think tank as providing the framework and rationale for what US intelligence agencies have concluded was an intensive effort by Russia to interfere with the November 8 election. US intelligence officials acquired the documents, which were prepared by the Moscowbased Russian Institute for Strategic Studies, after the election.

The institute is run by retired senior Russian foreign intelligence officials appointed by Putin’s office.

The first Russian institute document was a strategy paper written last June that circulated at the highest levels of the Russian

Government but was not addressed to any specific individuals.

It recommended the Kremlin launch a propaganda campaign on social media and Russian State-backed global news outlets to encourage US voters to elect a president who would take a softer line toward Russia than the Administration of then-President Barack Obama, the seven officials said.

A second institute document, drafted in October and distributed in the same way, warned that Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton was likely to win the election. For that reason, it argued, it was better for Russia to end its proTrump propaganda and instead intensify its messaging about voter fraud to undermine the US electoral system’s legitimacy and damage Clinton’s reputation in an effort to undermine her presidency, the seven officials said. (Excerpt from

Reuters)

I

ndia’s Supreme Court has ordered that the co-founder of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), LK Advani, and other leaders be tried for criminal conspiracy in the demolition of a 16th-century mosque about 25 years ago.

The Babri Masjid in

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Two images of Kori Ali Muhammad released by the Fresno Police Department

T

hree white men were killed and another wounded when a black gunman opened fire in Fresno, California, in a suspected race attack, Police

N

Buhari took office in 2015 with a pledge to root out corruption in Government.

In a statement, his office said he had also suspended his close aide, David Babachir Lawal, pending an investigation into contracts awarded to deal with the humanitarian crisis in the north-east. The region has been hit by an insurgency

Ayodhya, in the northern Uttar Pradesh state, was pulled down by Hindu activists in December 1992, leading to widespread riots in which more than 2,000 people died.

The decision is being welcomed by Muslim clerics.

California gunman kills 3 ‘in race attack’ in Fresno

Nigeria’s Buhari suspends spy chief after US$43M found in Lagos igeria’s foreign spy chief Ayo Oke has been suspended after anti-corruption officers found more than US$43 million in a flat in the main city, Lagos, the president’s office has said.

President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered an investigation into how the spy agency headed by Oke came into possession of the money, his office added.

Oke has not yet commented.

However, unnamed intelligence officials told local media that the money was kept in the flat for covert operations.

Anti-corruption officials have uncovered bundles of cash in Nigeria this year.

15

by militant Islamist group Boko Haram.

A three-member panel, led by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, will investigate both cases, Buhari’s office added.

The National Intelligence Agency (NIA), which led by Oke, had laid claim to the money, Buhari’s office said.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

have said.

Kori Ali Muhammad shot 16 rounds in 90 seconds in the shooting spree on Tuesday, said Police Chief Jerry Dyer.

He shouted “God is greatest” in Arabic when arrested but this was a hate crime not terrorism, Dyer believed.

Muhammad, 39, was also wanted for the murder of a security guard outside a motel in the city last week.

The mass shooting may have been sparked by the release of his photo to the media on Tuesday afternoon, Police say.

Dozens of people marched to the downtown shooting scene on Tuesday afternoon to show support for “peace and reconciliation”.

A Muslim leader in the city said Muhammad did not represent Islam.

All four victims were white men, and one of them was shot sitting in a car.

Media in the city named him as Zackary Randalls, a 34-year-old father of two who was on his first day in his new job as a utility worker. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Britain’s May wins Parliament’s backing for June 8 snap election

P

Britain’s Prime Minister Theresa May

rime Minister Theresa May won Parliament’s backing for an early election on Wednesday, a vote she said would strengthen her hand in divorce talks with the European Union and help heal divisions in Britain.

May surprised allies and opponents on Tuesday when she announced her plan to bring forward an election that was not due until 2020, saying she needed to avoid a clash of priorities in the sensitive final stages of the two-year Brexit talks.

After addressing a rowdy session of the House of Commons, May won the support of 522 lawmakers in the 650-seat parliament for an election on June 8.

Only 13 voted against.

With May seen winning a new five-year mandate and boosting her majority in Parliament by perhaps 100 seats, the pound

held close to six-and-ahalf month highs on hopes she may be able to clinch a smoother, more phased departure from the EU and minimise damage to the UK economy.

“I believe that at this moment of enormous national significance there should be unity here in Westminster, not division,” she said.

“A general election will provide the country with five years of strong and stable leadership to see us through the negotiations and ensure we are able to go on to make a success as a result, and that is crucial.”

The former Interior Minister, who became Prime Minister without an election when her predecessor David Cameron quit after last year’s referendum vote for Brexit, enjoys a runaway lead over the main Opposition Labour Party in opinion polls. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Fox News: Bill O’Reilly out after harassment claims

P

resenter Bill O’Reilly has been dropped from Fox News over sexual harassment claims, the company says.

“After a thorough and careful review of the allegations... Bill O’Reilly will not be returning,” the network said in a one-sentence statement.

He has been on holiday since April 12, and was seen shaking hands with Pope Francis at the Vatican on Wednesday.

O’Reilly said it was “tremendously disheartening” to leave over “completely unfounded claims”.

More than 50 sponsors have withdrawn ads from his show, “The O’Reilly Factor”.

Pressure on Fox has mounted since recent reports that five women had received US$13 million in payouts because of O’Reilly’s behaviour.

The prime-time presenter, who has been with the US network almost since its inception, has denied all of

More than 50 sponsors had withdrawn ads from Bill O’Reilly’s show

the allegations.

“It is tremendously disheartening that we part ways due to completely unfounded claims,” he said in a statement released after his dismissal.

“But that is the unfortunately reality many of us in the public eye must live with today.”

Fox broadcaster Tucker Carlson will be taking over O’Reilly’s slot, the company said in a follow-up statement. (Excerpt from BBC News)

16

THURSday, april 20, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

“There are no shortcuts in business” – Coffee Bean’s Narvini Dewnath H

ealthy eating that satisfies the taste buds in a warm and relaxing environment; that is what Narvini Dewnath’s Coffee Bean delivers. The stylish 31-year-old said she set up the eatery to “offer customers a space to relax, meet or work – ideally your home away from home”.

She explained that in 2010, she and her family looked at the environment and evaluated it to see what they could offer that was different and necessary all at the same time. “The idea of the Coffee Bean arose and we found ways to create a concept that would be appreciated,” she revealed.

“We started out with coffee being the main focus, but then we strategically focused on food. We noticed gaps in the food industry and tried to provide items that foodies would enjoy, so our breakfast all day has al-

ways been a hit. For all the health-conscious eaters, salad varieties were lacking, so we tried to ensure we can provide fresh and healthy grilled meat salads. In addition to that, we offer a variety of wraps, sandwiches, desserts and an assortment of milkshakes, smoothies, Italian sodas and fresh juic-

es. All of our items are prepared fresh daily and to order, so while you may have to wait a few minutes you are guaranteed fresh items every time.”

“At the Coffee Bean we take great pride in our products. Our philosophy is quality above quantity and for that reason our chefs

Business News

Facebook shares braincontrol ambitions

F

acebook says it is working on technology to allow us to control computers directly with our brains.

It is developing “silent speech” software to allow people to type at a rate of 100 words per minute, it says.

The project, in its early stages, will require new technology to detect brainwaves without needing in-

vasive surgery.

“We are not talking about decoding your random thoughts,” assured Facebook’s Regina Dugan.

“You have many thoughts, you choose to share some of them.

“We’re talking about decoding those words. A silent speech interface – one with all the speed and flexibility of voice.”

Dugan is the company’s

head of Building 8, the firm’s hardware research lab. The company said it intends to build both the hardware and software to achieve its goal, and has enlisted a team of more than 60 scientists and academics to work on the project.On his Facebook page, Mark Zuckerberg added: “Our brains produce enough data to stream four HD movies every second.”

(BBC News)

Market statistics Cambio Rates

Gold Prices – Guyana Gold Board

Bank of Guyana Cur

Buying

Calculated at 94% purity, April 19, 2017

Selling

USD

$1285.00

GBP

$264.57

$267.92

Gross

$257,038

CAN

$153.27

$155.05

$233,465

USD

$208.44

Net

$205.98 $ 220.81

$223.65

EURO

Indicators as on April 18, 2017 Indicators

US$ per barrel

Crude Oil

$54.89

Price

USD

Rough Rice

$221.21/ton

London Sugar

$475.90/ton

Live Spot Gold

-0.86 Change %

-0.45 -0.50 USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1279.60

$1280.60

Low/High

$1273.80

$1287.90

Change

Business Concept – Lien

Change %

-0.70

-0.05%

Creditor’s conditional right of ownership (called security interest) against a debtor’s asset or property that bars its sale or transfer without paying off the creditor. In a contractual arrangement, a lien is the right of a contracting party to take possession of a specific asset of the other contracting party, in case the contract is not performed according to its terms. A mortgage agreement is a lien on the mortgaged property and a bond is a lien on the bond issuer’s assets. Liens are also granted by the courts to satisfy a judgment against a losing defendant. All liens are for a limited period (which varies with the jurisdiction), apply only to the asset or property that forms part of an express or implied contract, and (if attached to a real property) must be properly registered to be valid and enforceable. (Business Dictionary)

use the finest ingredients to prepare each meal,” the company’s website thecoffeebeangy.com noted.

The infectious good cheer of Dewnath, who says happy and smiling customers are her idea of success, helps to create the welcoming atmosphere the business strives. Musing on the lessons she has learnt so far, the young entrepreneur said: “A business is like a roller coaster: many highs and many, many lows, but once you're on that ride, you can't exit halfway. You have to be patient and passionately determined to work hard at any given moment.

Having a strong support team to encourage, support and motivate ensures success and being open to criticism and advice is also crucial.”

Dewnath, who gets up early to open the business for 07:00h and then works into the night, stressed, however, that the most important trait of an entrepreneur is being tenacious.

“Every day is a different day and brings with it new possibilities and new challenges, being able to live with the uncertainty is one quality that builds character and adds to strength.”

In these trying times for business, such traits are

even more important. The foodie noted that the “Coffee Bean has been in existence for six years and we always hope that we can last a long time, but it’s a fragile time for us (Georgetown businesses), having dealt with the blow from the parking meters which had directly affected us. Knowing that the threat looms is definitely ominous.”

But Dewnath continues to persist. She says her biggest influence is her par-

my parents have worked hard all their lives and the way they have encouraged and motivated not only their children but everyone around them. They inspire me every day.”

She warned would-be entrepreneurs that there were no shortcuts in business especially when it comes to food. “Pay attention to every detail because one little mishap can cost you greatly. Be patient, don't give up and don't be afraid to ask

ents. “My mom and I run the business together, so we share responsibilities, but in addition to running a business, she takes care of the entire family,” she added. “I’ve admired how

for help.”

Contact: 133 Church Street, Georgetown; 2232222; narvini@thecoffeebeangy.com; sita@ thecoffeebeangy.com; facebook.com/coffeebean.

Investors’ Guide

IBM sends S&P 500, Dow lower; Nasdaq advances

T

he S&P 500 and Dow closed lower and the Nasdaq advanced on Wednesday as investors digested the latest round of earnings, while a drop in oil prices weighed on the energy sector.

IBM sank 4.9 per cent to US$161.69 after the company reported a bigger-than-expected decline in revenue for the first time in five quarters. The stock was the biggest drag on the S&P and the price-weighted Dow. “Usually the bigger names are the bellwethers, people look to them for some signals on the overall health, and sometimes the companies that report later that beat are lost in that shuffle,” said Peter Jankovskis, cochief investment officer at OakBrook Investments LLC in Lisle, Illinois.

The energy sector .SPNY slumped 1.4 per cent for its fifth drop in six sessions as oil prices settled nearly 4 per cent lower.

US data showed a counter-seasonal build in gasoline inventories and a smaller-than-expected decline in overall crude stocks and sent U.S. crude below the $52 a barrel mark for the

first time in two weeks.

“Certainly oil has been weakening for a couple of days and that has been putting some pressure on things,” said Jankovskis.

Morgan Stanley rose two per cent after posting a surge in quarterly profit, taking some of the sting out of a disappointing report from Goldman Sachs on Tuesday.

Of the 57 companies in the S&P 500 that have reported earnings through Wednesday morning, 75.4 per cent have topped expectations, according to Thomson Reuters data, above the 71 per cent average for the past four quarters.

Overall, profits of S&P 500 companies are estimated to have risen 10.8 per cent in the quarter – the best since 2011.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 119.13 points, or 0.58 per cent, to 20,404.15, the S&P 500 lost 4.03 points, or 0.17 per cent, to 2338.16 and the Nasdaq Composite added 13.56 points, or 0.23 per cent, to 5,863.03.

The S&P 500 failed to climb above its 50-day mov-

ing average, a level which has acted as resistance since the benchmark index fell below it last week.

With Wall Street near record levels and worries over President Donald Trump’s ability to carry out his progrowth promises, investors are hoping first-quarter earnings will be strong enough to justify pricey market valuations.

Mounting tension between North Korea and the United States, along with political uncertainty in Europe ahead of the French presidential elections, have also served to keep investors cautious.

Intuitive Surgical gained 6.4 per cent at US$807.94 to help lift the Nasdaq after the company reported higher-than-expected first-quarter revenue and profit. The stock was on track for its best day in nearly two years.

The US economy expanded at a modest-to-moderate pace between mid-February and the end of March, but inflation pressures remained in check despite more difficulties in attracting and retaining workers, the Federal Reserve said. (Reuters)

news

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thursDAY, APRIL 20, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

meat processing SOCU arrests Bartica 2facilities for Regions 5, 9 gold dealer C …guns, ammo unearthed at known associates’ properties during raid

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wo employees of alleged fraudster Saddiqui Rasul were on Wednesday taken into Police custody following several raids in Bartica and Georgetown by members of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU).

Information reaching Guyana Times revealed that the men were taken into custody following the discovery of several illegal

Agents of the SOCU removing a jet ski owned by Rasul (Photo courtesy Royston Drakes)

Fraudster Saddiqui Rasul

firearms and ammunition, documents and a vehicle allegedly belonging to the embattled gold dealer.

A source related that the raids were conducted at several locations in Bartica and Georgetown, including Kitty and Prashad Nagar.

While information remains limited, Guyana Times understands that the raids were conducted in light of the money laundering investigation that was launched against Rasul and his alleged corruption with the Guyana Gold Board.

Information reaching this newspaper also re-

vealed that Rasul was also asked to visit the SOCU office. Up to late Wednesday evening, he was being questioned in the company of his attorney.

However, a search was also conducted at the house of Rasul's close associate called "Paper Shorts" in Sandy Babb Street, Georgetown. It is believed that the associate who worked for a well-known convicted drug dealer is now working for Rasul.

After several hours of searching, agents of the SOCU removed three CBR motorcycles, a jet ski and a bag containing a quantity of ammunition.

It is unclear if the motorcycles had the appropriate documents, but members of the family were invited to the SOCU office for further questioning.

Only last week, one black 2013 Hilux belonging to Rasul was seized by SOCU after it was discovered that it bore false number plates. It is believed that the vehicle was imported from Brazil without the

Aruba Airlines eyes...

from page 13

“The efforts of the Government of Guyana have also not gone unnoticed. On April 7, a bulletin was released in Montreal, Canada by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) where Guyana was selected as one of the 12 countries from a membership of 191 to receive the ICAO Council President Certificate 2016 for the significant progress it has made in resolving its safety oversight deficiencies and improving the effective implementation of ICAO standards and recommended practices,” the Minister informed.

GCAA Director General, Retired Lieutenant Colonel Egbert Field congratulated NATA for the good work it has been doing. He informed stakeholders that the GCAA was there to fa-

cilitate the development of the aviation sector and not to police it.

“Over the past few weeks, I have been entertaining overseas operators, finding out the requirements for operating large-scale helicopters since Exxon has tendered out for helicopter use,” he added.

He also noted that while the local sector was expanding and attracting international operators, it was important to be prepared for the challenges that may come with expansion. One way to do so, he said, is with the development of a National Aviation Masterplan.

NATA was founded on November 11, 2015, with its primary focus being the advocacy and representation of all aviation stakeholders.

necessary paperwork and taxes paid.

The authorities are still on the hunt for a second vehicle similar in nature. Only recently, a money laundering investigation was launched into a company with which Rasul is closely associated.

It is believed that the company R Mining Inc would have made several transactions with the Guyana Gold Board that have now come under scrutiny. The investigation is being led by SOCU. It was reported that Rasul conducted business with the Gold Board using two companies – R Mining Inc and SSS Minerals Trading Enterprises.

SSS Minerals Trading Enterprises is, however, licensed to buy gold from miners and sell to the Gold Board, but based on records at hand, the bulk of the gold sold was from R Mining, which was only supposed to be engaged in mining activities.

It is believed that by using R Mining Inc, Rasul was exempted from paying taxes for the months the transactions were done.

This is according to sources from the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) amounted to some $100 million. It was further reported that during the transaction period (September-November), Rasul’s companies sold 31,790 ounces of gold to the Gold Board, which amount-

ed to $7.67 billion.

With this recent revelation, the Natural Resources Ministry has ordered an investigation into the members of the new Board of Directors of the Gold Board.

Rasul is believed to have robbed and conned several gold dealers of hundreds of millions of dollars.

He presently has several lawsuits hanging over his head from clients that he took money from to purchase gold, but instead, fraudulently converted it to his own use.

One of the biggest frauds, however, was in relation to him depositing six cheques between March 21 and 24, 2017 in the amounts of $290 million, $96 million, $138 million, $89 million, $298 million and $45 million.

The incident became public three weeks ago and after a few hours, Rasul turned himself in to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters in the company of his lawyer. Further, it was reported that the female bank manager colluded with Rasul to change the cheques. He has since been placed on $3 million bail after he was slapped with several fraud charges. It is believed that the woman did not follow protocol stipulated by the Bank before clearing the cheques. She is presently being investigated by the Major Crimes Unit of the Guyana Police Force.

omponent three of the recently-launched S u s t a i n a b l e Agricultural Development Programme (SADP) will advocate for the compliance of sanitary and phytosanitary standards (SPS). One of the major undertakings under this component will be the construction of two pilot facilities for meat processing in Regions Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

The SADP has a long-term objective of increasing productivity, while maintaining sustainable and climate-resilient use of natural resources in Guyana. With increased access to meat processing facilities, there will be higher productivity, which will contribute to reduced pressure on the fragile eco-systems while increasing income for small and medium-scale farmers.

Component three of the SADP has been allocated US$2.8 million, from a loan valued at US$15 million, which has been approved by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to facilitate this aspect of the Programme. When constructed, the facilities are expected to increase the country’s capacity to comply with SPS, which will open up markets for livestock production.

Agriculture Minister Noel Holder said, according to the Government Information Agency (GINA), that once there was complete compliance with SPS, Guyana stands a better chance of exporting meat and its by-products. Guyana currently has 10 registered abattoirs; however, owing to outdated standards, there is the need to ensure that livestock farmers have adequate access to more stateof-the-art facilities.

“By ensuring compliance with SPS standards, the overall quality of meat processed in the abattoirs will be en-

hanced. The longer-term position of our Food Safety System can then be recognised by international trading partners and open the opportunity for export of meat products. This is in line with our policy as outlined in the Food Safety and Animal Welfare Bill presented in Parliament earlier this year,” Minister Holder noted.

It is widely recognised that rising SPS standards have created numerous obstacles to the international exchange of agricultural commodities. The issue is of particular importance for developing countries such as Guyana, which has an abundance of agricultural resources.

Head of the Agriculture Sector Development Unit (ASDU), Khemlall Alvin said that opportunities for exporting meat from Guyana were limited as a result of these outdated standards. “Some of the current standards, for example, the Public Health Ordinance dates back since 1915; it’s very outdated. The standards for the abattoir are mirrored off of Indian standards, which are dated back to 1978 and a comprehensive cost is not available for the standards to be upgraded,” he further added.

To alleviate this challenge, the Ministries of Agriculture and Finance engaged the IDB, proposing to review and update standards and codes related to products destined for both local and potential export markets.

Minister Holder said, “The final component of the SADP (will) increase sanitary and phytosanitary standards and access to meat processing facilities. This will be achieved by implementing improvements in infrastructure, ensuring adequate regulations are in place, as well as maximising the number of trained inspectors and supporting policies.”

18

guyanatimesgy.com

thursDAY, April 20, 2017

ARCHIE

Make a point to pay close attention to what others do (March 21- and say. The information you April 19) gather will help you avoid getting coerced into a no-win situation. Protect your reputation.

ARIES

Greater stability will be TAURUS yours if you embrace an offer (April 20- that comes your way. Don’t May 20) hesitate to make a move.

Taking on a challenge and working hard will pay off.

dilbert

Someone will take adGEMINI vantage of you if you are too (May 21easygoing.

Think hard about June 20) what’s being asked of you and if it’s in your best interest.

Put your health and emotional well-being first.

Domestic alterations will entice you, but check to make (June 21- sure you can afford the changJuly 22) es you want to make before you begin. It’s who you are, not what you own that counts.

CANCER

Peanuts

Don’t dwell on the imposLEO sible. Find a way to get along (July 23and get things done. Arguing Aug. 22) will be a waste of time. Keep the peace.

Calvin and Hobbes

Look for new opportunities.

VIRGO Go for interviews and send out (Aug. 23Sept. 22) your resume. Meeting with a former co-worker will lead to an interesting proposal.

A chance to do something LIBRA interesting with a close friend, (Sept. 23loved one or youngster in your Oct. 23) life will give you a boost and offer insight into ways to raise your income.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

Refrain from sharing your SCORPIO feelings. Get down to business (Oct. 24and do your best to take care Nov. 22) of job-related matters with precision. Your reputation relies on finishing what you start.

Talks, meetings and inSAGITTARIUS terviews will lead to advance(Nov. 23- ment. It’s time to initiate Dec. 21) change and use your knowledge, experience and intelligence to go after your goals.

solution for Last Published Puzzle

Use your experience to CAPRICORN guide you if someone tries (Dec. 22to take advantage of you or Jan. 19) tempt you to engage in something that isn’t in your best interest.

A steady pace will help AQUARIUS you get things done. Don’t (Jan. 20fret over things you cannot Feb. 19) change or the emotional baggage you’ve been carrying around. Make amends and start anew.

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

Copyright 2015, Distributed by Universal Uclick for UFS

Make sure you get all your PISCES (Feb. 20- facts straight before you forge March 20) ahead. Not everyone will be telling the truth. Choose to work with people who will put in as much effort as you.

thursDAY, aPRIL 20, 2017

19

Seaton, Winter show impressive signs at N ational swimmers Leon Seaton and Lian Winter may have missed the podium after their events at the just concluded CARIFTA Championships which were held in the Bahamas from April 15 to 19 but have gained invaluable experience.

Seaton, had qualified for six events but only swam four where he made it to the finals on three occasions. In the 200M freestyle

Leon Seaton

the 13 year-old entered the preliminary rounds with a time of 2:21.30s but during the final he clocked 2:17.49s which was only good enough for eighth place. He had a time of 2:17.09s to place seventh in the preliminary race.

In the 100M freestyle, he got fifth place, his highest placement in a final, in a time of 1:01.58s. He was expecting a much better Lian Winter

showing in the final having stopped the clock at 1:00.39s during the prelim-

inary rounds.

Likewise the 50M freestyle, a time of 27.46s gave him eighth place. The other event he participated in was the 50M butterfly but only could not qualify for the finals with a time of 30.28s.

On the other hand, Winter got to three finals of the six events that she competed in, with her high-

est placement being eighth with a time of 32.79s in the 50M butterfly. The 100M Backstroke (1:22.57s) and 200M butterfly (3:00.98s) gave her 18th and 12th respectively.

The athletes returned home on Wednesday evening and are expect to the pool where they will endure rigorous training ahead of Goodwill Games that are set for August.

RHTY&SC, MS, congratulates Fudadin, female cricketers Young Warriors CC

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he Management and members of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, M.S in a press release extends congratulations to Assad Fudadin on scoring his sixth first class century last weekend and five of their female cricketers on their

Assad Fudadin

selection on the Guyana Senior female cricket team.

According to the release, the entity is very proud of their players’ achievements and would like to wish all of them continued success in their future.

It added; “Fudadin’s century is special to all of us at the RHTY&SC as it comes at a crucial period in his career after being left out of the Guyana four day team at the start of first class season. We are confident that this century along with the fifty he scored against Trinidad in the 7th round would be the start of a highly successful second phase

of his career. Assad’s special talent is well known but in life, there has to be a phase where disappointments has to occur so that we can cherish success when it comes around. We would like to encourage Assad to remain focus and to work towards scoring another ton against the Leeward Islands in the final round to remain in the plans of the West Indies Cricket Selectors.”

The club is also pleased of its five female cricketers who are included in Guyana team to participate in the Regional Women’s tournament. “We are also very proud of our five female cricketers – Shemaine Campbelle, Erva Giddings, Meliane Henry, Shabati Gajnabi and Plaffina Millington on their selection to the Guyana team.”

“The girls have all worked hard to make the team and we are confident that each one of them would make us proud on and off the cricket field.”

The RHTY&SC, M.S and Metro Office Supplies have invested heavily in Guyana’s only female cricket team and the team over the years has become the pride of the Club.

The success of the RHTY&SC, M.S over the years has been based on a simple formula of hard work, dedication, faith in the God we serve, honesty and we would advise the girls to remain committed to those

congratulates Hetmyer

T

Shemaine Campbelle

values. The RHTY&SC, M.S would like to also acknowledge the role of the official cricket sponsors who have invested heavily into the careers of every one of our cricketers – Farfan & Mendes, Bakewell, Pepsi, Metro and Gizmos & Gadgets.

Special congrats to Andre Percival on his selection as Coach of the Guyana Female team. Andre is a highly respected coach who inspires his players and who earns the respect of them.

Perez, Ali-Mohammed...

The former accounted for 11 boundaries while AliMohammed smashed four fours and two sixes in his quick-fire innings. They were the main contributors in their team’s 200 plus score.

Mark Jeffers and West Demerara skipper Richie Looknauth led their team’s bowling with three scalps

he executives and members of the Young Warriors Cricket Club at Cumberland, Berbice are elated at the elevation of their member Shimron Hetmyer to the Senior West Indies team for the upcoming three-Test series against Pakistan in the Caribbean beginning on Friday in Jamaica.

The members offer their heart felt congratulations to their exciting young opener who has dominated cricket at all levels. The twenty year old is the first player from the club to be called up for senior West Indies duties. However, over the years the club produced many outstanding West Indies junior players and national youth and senior players such as former national captain Damodar Daesrath, recently CPL bound Gajanand Singh, Richard Ramdeen, Balram Samaroo, Kwesi Maltay, Linden Austin and many others.

In a statement from Rafeek Kassim, newly elected president of the club, he stated that Shimron’s success was purely due to hard work, commitment and humility. He said that his talent was spotted since he was six years old accompanying his elder brother Seon Hetmyer, a former national youth player to the cricket ground.

His class was obvious and with proper guidance, there was no doubt that he would one day don West Indies colors as he is about to do. Kassim said that his achievement has made his club and everyone in the East Canje area extremely proud.

Kassim called on parents to send their young children to the club so that more Shimrons can be found. The club’s president also praised him for having a good head on his shoulders highlighting that he was the first West Indies under 19 captain to win a youth World Cup, which he did last year in Bangladesh.

The president would like to thank his parents, the former and current executives of the club, his team mates and all those who have helped the batting star during his career so far. Special

From Young Warriors to the world! An elated Shimron Hetmyer after lifting the Youth World Cup in Bangladesh in February 2016

mention was made of his coach Hubern Evans, a former national cricket, selector and coach. He added that Evans provided the technical support for Shimron throughout his career along with Kwesi Maltay. He also mentioned the role of former Berbice all-rounder Anil Beharry who was an executive for the club for over 15 years. He said Beharry was the person responsible for guiding Shimron throughout his career.

In closing, Kassim wished Shimron well and encourages him to keep his feet grounded and don’t get carried away with success. He also encouraged him to stay humble and keep God in his daily life.

from page 22

apiece while left arm spinner Keshram Seyhodan grabbed two victims.

Ali-Mohammed ran through the West Demerara top order as he picked up the first five wickets during their turn at the crease. They later slipped to 81-7 and never recovered from there as only Looknauth with 38 not

out was resilient against the Georgetown bowlers.

In the latter part of the visitors’ innings, the right arm medium fast bowler, AliMohammed, returned to pick up his sixth wicket and brought the city side within sight of victory against the four-time defending champions.

Off-spinner Dwayne Dick

bowled well for his two scalps for Georgetown while Darshan Persaud and Joshua Persaud claimed one wicket each.

In the other match at the Ogle Community Centre Ground, hosts East Bank and East Coast played to an exciting tie. Batting first, Romel Chatura hit a top score of 94 to guide East Coast to

152-8 in 35 overs as Kishan Singh took three victims while East Bank responded with 152-7 from 35 overs, with Navindra Persaud and Stefan Wilson contributing 52 and 46 respectively.

The tournament will continue on Saturday and Sunday.

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

thursDAY, april 20, 2017

Golden Blue Echo disregards stable orders to win again

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he big dark spotted Golden Blue Echo disregarded the orders of coming from the Nand Persaud Stables to stride past the pole inches ahead of Spit Fire to win the feature event at the Guyana Cup Fever one day horse race meet at the Port Mourant Turf Club on Sunday. In the process, the much loved animal made the Nand Persaud Racing Stables $1M richer.

Just like it did two weeks ago at the Kennard Memorial Turf Club, when the orders were for Golden Blue Echo to go out in front early in an attempt to tire those that went after him in the early stages of the race and then let stalemate Honey Flow take over and win, Golden Blue Echo again disregarded those orders to win on Sunday.

Eleven of the country’s fastest animals were out of the starting gate in an even brake and with long strides firing at all guns leaving the dust behind, Just Call Me Boss took the initial lead with Princess She Is Not in an attempt to complete a triple peat at the track moving alongside.

As they got into the second turn of the race which was one lap and one furlong (9 furlongs) Honey Flaw took over the lead forcing Golden Blue Echo to challenge with Princess She Is Not, Jack In My Style, Just Call Me Boss, Keep On Swinging, Climate Change, Spit Fire, Goodwill Boy, Brave Sky and Lady Budapest all following closely.

As the animals hit the half way stage Princess She Is Not, Golden Blue Echo and Just Call Me Boss were locked together at the top.

Into the final turn they came and Just Call Me Boss kept its noise ahead of the rest with both Princess She Is Not and Golden Blue Echo challenging strongly.

Spit Fire made a late come from behind on the inside as the animals got onto the home stretch. The crowd then went into a frenzy as Golden Blue Echo started to pull away. However on the inside, Spit Fire continued to gain grounds so too did Goodwill Boy but the teenage Jockey, Julius ensured that Golden Blue Echo made the stable proud again.

After a stewards’ enqui-

ry it was decided that the second place went jointly to Spit Fire and Goodwill Boy while Jack in My Style was fourth.

The Nand Persaud Stables also had Brave Sky in the race while Jumbo Jet had Jack In My Style and Keep On Swinging. The other stable with more than one horse in the race was Kris Jagdeo racing Stables with Goodwill Boy and Just Call Me Boss.

The winning purse was $1M and the Banks DIH Trophy. The second prize was worth $500,000.

Meanwhile, Fire Line of the Sheriff Racing Stables with Jockey Richmond in charge won the 4-year-old West Indian bread event.

The second race went to Got To Go ahead of Chelsea and T&T. The 3-year-old Guyana bread race was taken by Mischievous Maker of the Sheriff Racing Stables and ridden by Jockey R. Drepaul. The second finisher was Marry Ann coming in before Miss Anjanie and Seven Dust.

The Trinidadian Jockey R. Hashanah piloted It’s

Massy Industries on board YWCC Mash Cup M

assy Industries joined the list of sponsors for the Young Warriors Cricket Club fund raiser, Mash Cup 2017.

This is the fourth edition of the highly anticipated tournament which will be held on April 30, at the Cumberland Cricket Ground in East Canje, Berbice.

A release from the Cumberland based cricket club said that the tournament was originally fixed for the traditional Mash day but due to the rainy season, it was postponed to April 9. However, that date would have clashed with the Pakistan tour to Guyana thus the further postponement.

Information coming out of the East Canje area is that the interest of thae public is gaining Mark Roopnarine (left) hands over the trophy to YWCC momentum and they are looking executive Sahadeo Singh in the presence of staff members and forward for this annual mega representatives of the club event. Proceeds from this event runs the clubs cricket programs. Donations are also In response, Rafeek Kassim, newly elected made to religious and educational organisations President of the club was thankful for the support as part of the club’s policy towards community and promised that the event will be well run and development. Betsy Ground Triple Stars are the provide fun and entertainment for the entire family. He said that the large trophy provided defending champions.

It is expected that a number of teams from will be used as incentive for the competition, the East Canje area will compete in the action eliminating some cost. He added that YWCC will packed five overs aside cricket competition continue to provide opportunities for the young for prize monies of over $100,000.00. Two top boys and eventually girls in the East Canje area.

The club has announced that it will be Masters softball teams in Guyana are expected to holding a three day cricket clinic that will run do battle in a 15 overs aside feature game. There from Wednesday April 19 to Friday April 21 for will be added attractions for the kids and the all cricketers who are 19 years old and below. entire family. Live musical entertainment and a All players are urged to take advantage of this well stocked bar will be there. At the presentation opportunity for there is no cost attached. The clinic ceremony, Mark Roopnarine, Manager of the will be conducted by national coach Julian Moore Massy Industries Berbice Branch said his company and be held at the Cumberland ground. Interested is he once again please to be part of this event. persons can contact the club executives 327He said that his company understands its role as a 7585, 612-0944 per 332-0476.

Meanwhile, the good Corporate Citizen. He continued to by saying club takes this opportunity to congratulate their that he has been following the progress of the club over the years and is impressed with the amount prolific opening batsman Shimron Hetmyer for his of players coming out of the system, highlighting selection on the West Indies senior team to face that the recent West Indies World Cup under 19 Pakistan in the three Test series in the Caribbean cricketer Shimron Hetmyer is a perfect example. beginning on Friday in Jamaica.

The feature event of the Guyana Cup fever had a star-studded line-up last Sunday at Port Mourant Turf Club

My Choice of the Jumbo Jet Racing Stables to win the E3 and lower event. Second was Golden Blue Echo finishing ahead of Red and Lovely and Release The Beast.

Fifteen horses took the starting gate for the L Class race which had a top prize of $130,000. It was won by Lil Dude of the K. Jagdeo Racing Stables.

She’s

In Control came second ahead of Red Region and Confusion.

The H and Lower race which had a top prize of $275,000 was won by MidBlue with Campador, Cat Massiah and It’s My Turn rounding out the top finishers. The other horses in the race were Jumbo Gift, Appealing Harvest, Quiet Dancer, Amazing Run,

Bird Man and Bridle Stone Corner.

The day’s proceedings came to an end with Miss Olympic of the L. Singh Stables winning the J2, K and L Classes race. Second was Red Region with Awesome Cash and Red Jet completing the winners.

The top stable was the Sheriff Racing Stables.

ECCCC new executive rolls out development programme

The new Executive of the Enmore Community Centre Cricket Club after elections recently. Taajnauth Jadunauth is seated at the centre

R

iding on its successes over the past three years, the Enmore Community Centre Cricket Club (ECCCC) membership recently re-elected most of the outgoing executives to continue to manage the affairs of the club for 2017.

Taajnauth Jadunauth was unanimously re-elected as the Chairman with similar confidence expressed in Bheemraj Ramkelawan as Secretary and Club Captain; Tahal Ganesh as Treasurer, with Ramdeo Ramkissoon and Chaitram Ramlall as Committee Members.

The new faces on the

executive body are Suresh Jainarine Assistant Secretary/Asst. Treasurer; Rudolph SinghVicecaptain; and Gavin MoriahCommittee Member.

Jadunauth thanked the members for their confidence in retaining the majority of the executives from 2016, and called upon the membership to re-commit to the club’s mission.

Club Secretary/Captain, Ramkelawan, highlighted some of the plans for the club during this year.

They included a high-grade cricket pitch cover, village outreach for expansion of membership, cricket tour to

Trinidad and Tobago, Interblock cricket competition and the club’s anniversary cricket tournament.

He also urged members to be active in the club’s fundraising activities in order to realise this year’s programme.

Meanwhile, the club commenced the 2017 cricket programme with consecutive victories over D’Edward Village, East Coast Under-19 and Strathavon SC. The ECCCC’s anniversary T20 cricket and Interblock softball competitions are also scheduled for April 30 and May 1 respectively.

21

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GUYANATIMESgy.COM

thursdAY, april 20, 2017

“I just want to do the best for my country”

By Akeem Greene

I

n just his second match at Regional First Class level, medium pacer Keemo Paul produced match figures of 9 for 64 on home tuff to route the Windward Islands Volcanoes and give Guyana Jaguars their third consecutive four-day title.

Guyana Times Sport caught up with the energetic player on Wednesday to inquire about the feeling of producing such a phenomenal feat, not just at home but in front of his father, David Paul.

“I produced a good spell of 6 for 28 [first innings], it was very good feeling being in conditions suiting me for swing bowling so I went there and put the ball in the right spots to get wickets; my father came to watch and I was just trying to make him proud and do my best for my country and it paid off,” the 19 year-old revealed.

The right-arm bowler whose debut against Trinidad and Tobago Red Force in round seven of the on-going Digicel Regional Four-Day tournament was cut short due a hand injury has shown to be fast learner, very abreast with the construct of modern day cricket. Most would remember him for the

sensational World Cup victory with the West Indies under-19s last year in Bangladesh but it was the his mankad against Zimbabwe to propel his side into the quarter-finals that sent his name in shockwaves around the cricketing world.

Now a senior cricketer, the player acknowledged that alot of hard work will be expected and he is willing to learn. “It is much tougher, I have to be much more patient put allot of good balls in areas and wait, I am grooving in; I am getting full support from the guys especially the captain [Leon Johnson], the guys are 100% behind me and it is helping to relax my nerves.”

With the preverbal ‘golden-arm’ continues to reap consistent success whenever on the field with bat and ball, but it was interesting to know if the stellar performances could breed overconfidence.

“The confidence is definitely there but I don’t want to be too overconfident, I am just taking it step by step and I want to keep producing and learning the game” the Demerara Cricket Club player responded.

Nipping the new-ball around and being a menace to batsmen is not the

Keemo Paul

only goal of the former West Indies under-19 vice-captain as he feels he can add more to his highest score of 46 and also consistently make big impacts for the team in the lower order.

Paul, who was a substitute fielder during last year’s final match against Jamaica Scorpions at Providence witnessed the then West Indies Director of Cricket, Richard Pybus handed the Headley/ Weeks Trophy to the Jaguars and will yet again be able to hold the coveted prize in 2017 as the Jaguars have completed the three-peat.

“It is a great achievement winning back to back titles, it is something that don’t happen very regular; it is great to be part of it this year which makes it much more special.”

Paul will have another chance to showcase his skills when the Jaguars face the Leeward Islands Hurricanes in their final match beginning on Friday at Providence.

Demerara Inter-Association U-19 championship

Perez, Ali-Mohammed inspire G/town to upset over defending champs ‒ East Bank, East Coast tie

D

efending champions, West Demerara suffered an early set back in their quest for their fifth successive Demerara Inter-Association Under-19 title after losing to Georgetown by 126 runs in their opening game yesterday at the Everest Cricket Club Ground.

by the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) in the absence of a nonfunctioning Demerara Cricket Board (DCB).

However, apart from the shortage of players at the start they fared well throughout the day, benefitting from the performances of two of

their players with national experience.

Perez and Ali-Mohammed added 96 for the fourth wickets to set the platform for their team after they had lost three wickets for 72. continued on page 19

GCA/Guyana Diabetes U-17

MSC whip St Stanislaus College

‒ DCC, TSC, GNIC in winners’ row

M

Alphius Bookie

alteenoes Sports Club (MSC) defeated St. Stanislaus College by 81 runs to set their campaign in the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA)/ Guyana Diabetes U-17 Tournament off to a positive start on Wednesday at their Thomas Lands home venue.

All-rounders Wayne Bollers and Chad Shivrattan returned decent performances for the eventual winners, who enjoyed sweet revenge against St. Stanislaus, who defeated them in last year’s tournament.

In MSC’s innings of 1328 from 20 overs, Bollers and Shivrattan made 16 and 15 respectively at the top of the order along with Wayne McPherson who scored 14 while Ntini Permaul15 and Matthew Jupiter 14 hit a few boundaries in the depth of the innings. Daniel Persaud snared 2-29.

St. Stanislaus were skittled for 51 in reply with off spinner Shivrattan and leg spinner Bollers, snatching 3-9 and 2-11 respectively while Ronaldo Seecharan took 2-0.

CWI/ Digicel Regional 4-Day Tournament 2016-17

Joseph, Reifer return for Jaguars ‒ uncapped Adams included E

Richie Looknauth

Georgetown’s victory was inspired by Raymond Perez, who scored 110 and skipper Renaldo Ali-Mohammed, who was outstanding with bat and ball scoring 52 before returning to take six wickets.

Georgetown scored 2418 from 50 overs after being inserted by West Demerara who folded for 115 in 32.2 overs.

The City side started the match with eight players in yet another disappointing start to a tournament hosted

ssequibo’s Left arm orthodox spinner Antony Adams earned his maiden First Class call up for the three time champions Guyana Jaguars in their final match of the third edition of the Franchise League Four Day Tournament against Leeward Island Hurricanes starting this Friday at Providence.

After years of consistent performances as he baffled batsmen with spin, variation and accuracy, Adams, has been rewarded with a selection in the Jaguars squad.

He is the second player from Essequibo to elevate to the senior team in the last two months, following Keemo Paul, who made his debut against Trinidad and Tobago Red Force recently. The former national youth player, who plays for city team Georgetown Cricket Club

is among three spinners named in the squad.

Pacer Keon Joseph and allrounder Raymon Reifer are making their return to the squad after representing the West Indies Cricket Board’s President’s XI against the touring Pakistan team in a three day match in Jamaica.

Omitted from the last match against the Windwards Volcanoes which the Jaguars won inside three days are, Sherfane Rutherford, Clinton Pestano and Romario Shepherd.

Jaguars have already been declared champions after amassing an unassailable points lead in the 10-round league, however, this match is expected to be an interested one because the Hurricanes are the only team that defeated the Jaguars this season.

The squad; Assad

Anthony Adams

Fudadin, Rajendra Chandrika, Chanderpaul Hemraj, Leon Johnson, Bhaskar Yadram, Keemo Paul, Anthony Bramble, Raymon Reifer, Veerasammy Permaul, Gudakesh Motie, Keon Joseph, Steven Jacobs and Anthony Adams. Coach Esuan Crandon, Assistant Coach Rayon Griffith and Physio Ernesto Campo.

Wayne Bollers

Chad Shivrattan

At the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) ground, the hosts and favourites to win the tournament DCC made light work of Everest Cricket Club.

Everest scored 81-5 from 20 overs with Joshua Rampersaud 23 and Ariel Tilku 14 as Dequam Bamfield claimed 2-12. DCC replied with 85-2 from 12.2 overs, with Alphius Bookie on 29 not out and Garrick Persaud (15) also unbeaten after Ghansham Premchand and Ashmead Nedd fell for 18 and four respectively.

In the morning game at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) Ground, strong contenders for the Transport Sports Club (TSC) humbled GCC by eight wickets.

The hosts rallied to 118-9 from 20 overs, compliments

of 48 extras. Joel Spooner 3-19 and Ronaldo Fredericks 2-16 impressed with the ball for TSC, who responded with 119-2 in 13.2 overs.

Jamal Michael made 35 not out, Devon Allen 21 not out and Adrian Hinds 15.

In the closest match of the day Guyana National Industrial Corporation (GNIC) edged Gandhi Youth Organisation (GYO) in the last over to win by two wickets. GYO made 100-8 from 20 overs, Yeudistir Persaud made 14 while Omaya Liverpool took 2-5 and GNIC reached 101-8 in 19.1 overs, with Romeo Brown 22 and Daniel Paul 16. Akeem Hendricks 3-11 and El Nathan Suknanan 2-16.

The tournament will continue today with matches at MSC, DCC and GCC.

Les Harris Teachers T20…

Guyana beat T&T easily ‒ Jamaica remain undefeated

G

uyana triumphed against Trinidad and Tobago by 48 runs to win their first match of the tournament on Wednesday at the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Camp Ayanganna Ground in the Les Harris Teachers T20 tournament.

After losing their first match on Tuesday to Jamaica, the hosts rebounded strongly against their closest Caribbean neighbor in a display that saw them scoring 154-4 before returning to restrict the teachers from the twin Island Republic to 106-9 from 20 overs.

Former inter-county players Balram Samaroo, the skipper of the side, made 52 while Wayne Osbourne top scored with 76 with Guyana batted.

Ranole Bourne and Darnell Douglas chipped in with 15 not out and 13 respectively. Dehan Seeram bagged 2-19 to finish as T&T best bowler.

In the visitor’s turn at the crease only Vinood Maharaj (30) looked firm against the Guyanese bowling attack which was spearheaded by off spinner Andrew Williams (413) and pacer Kevin Paul (419).

Dwight Stewart

In the second match of the day at the said venue, Jamaica had an easy task in recording a mammoth win against the Bahamas.

The lads from the Reggae Island dismissed Bahamas for 25 in 11.1 overs in an innings that six batsmen failed to score.

Dwight Stewart orchestrated the collapse and received support from Gavaskar Malachi (2-8) and Darren Mc Taggart (2-0).

Jamaica raced to 28 without loss in 1.2 overs, with Kemar Cox and Darrian Gordon, both promoted up the order, remaining unbeaten on 12 and 11 respectively.

guyanatimesgy.com

thursDAY, april 20, 2017

23

Boyce & Jefford Relay Festival & Family Fun Day 2017…

Need to capitalise on diplomatic C Mohan Contracting running ties – GTTA President

By Akeem Greene

P

resident of the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) Godfrey Munroe is of the firm opinion that to help develop the sport, the relevant stakeholders must seek to capitalise on their diplomatic ties in an effort to give players the opportunity to garner more international exposure.

“It is using diplomatic relationships with key countries and we working with Director of Sport [Christopher Jones] in this regard in getting good relations with China.” Munroe stated in an interview with Guyana Times Sport.

His comments stems from the Guyana hosting the 22nd Caribbean Region Table Tennis Federation (CRTTF) Cadet & Junior Championship at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, w h e r e Dominica Republic were the most dom- i n a n t team in both the under-15s and 18s categories, winning 12 gold, four silver and eight bronze medals while the host won three sil- v e r and seven bronze medals.

Munroe explained that the Dominican Republic team have a mentorship programme with China, where by during the summer, two pre-cadet, cadet and senior players would go China and train, while a Chinese player/coach would visit the country to help develop their structure, an ambition that the president

endeavours for Guyana.

In addition, to Guyana strengthening their bi-lateral ties, Munroe contended that there is a need for more support from the corporate sector, increase in domestic tournaments, strengthening their school programme and increasing the amount of certified coaches.

Last year when the championships were held in the Dominican Republic, Guyana won four medals (1, gold, 1 silver & 2 bronze) with the five-member (Shemar Britton, Elishaba Johnson, Kyle Edghill and Nicholas Romain and Miguel) that they fielded.

Commenting on this year’s results, Munroe felt it allowed the association to get a gauge as to where the sport is currently.

“It was an excellent tournament for Guyana given the context; it was the first time in the history of the Caribbean

Championships that you had 10 teams participating.” He further stated “it provided a good litmus test as to where we are as a country and where we need to develop.”

Commendably, the competition was at a high standard but Munroe critically assessed the need the examination of the players’ mental strength and physical conditioning.

In exposing 32 players at the championships the president foresees a bright future, highlighting the promising signs showed by 11 year-old Kaysan Ninvalle who played in the un-

with Women’s relay

GTTA President Godfrey Munroe

der-15 category and Miguel Wong along with Nicolas Romain who are expected to take up mantle in the under-18s, now that the likes of Britton, Edghill.

Johnson and Priscilla Greaves, who won the country’s lone individual medal (bronze) this year, are now seniors.

Meanwhile, seasoned National Coach Linden Johnson, albeit impressed with the players’ performances felt the country should have earned more medals.

“I felt we should have gotten more medals especially gold but we got to accept what we got, we put our best foot forward but now we got to go back to the blackboard and improve.”

He added, “Priscilla [Greaves] did well in here final year as a junior but I was looking forward to better results from the boys.”

The coach highlighted the difficulty in getting the team together on consistent basis due to many players having school examinations.

Next on the agenda for the National team will be the seniors attending the Islamic Games in May, followed by the South American Youth Games.

Trinidad and Tobago have pulled out from hosting the senior Caribbean Championships in July and the hope by some in the association is that Guyana can be the next option. To this end, the GTTA are in discussions with key stakeholders before a decision is made.

Blairmont Cup Floodlight Reload set for April 30

T

Blairmont Blazers will be defending home territory come April 30

he Blairmont Cricket Club will be hosting its annual fund-raiser, the Blairmont Cup Floodlight Reload, on Sunday April 30 at the Blairmont Estate ground.

This is the third consecutive year that the competition would be held.

Ten top teams will be competing in the main event- the 10/10 cricket competition. The teams likely to participate are Blairmont Cricket Club Blazers, D’Edward Super Kings, Cotton Tree Die Hard, Albion Sports Club, Rose Hall Youth and Sports

Club, Cold Fushion, Young And the Restless, Bush Lot, Enterprise and Young Warriors.

In 2016, Blairmont Cricket Club’s West Side Titans were winners and Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club were runners-up. In 2015, Cotton Tree Die Hard emerged champions, while Blairmont Cricket Club came in as runners-up.

“The tournament will have nine exciting matches, while there will also will be an Over-40 exhibition game. There will be live commentary by internation-

al commentator, Inderjeet Persaud, while tassa drumming and air horn giveaway will make the atmosphere buzzing,” the organisers said in a release.

There will also be a domino competition catering for 15 teams and starting at 12:30h, and a three-aside volleyball tournament, geared at encouraging individuals to participate in physical activity.

Other attractions on the day will include barbeque sale, tassa drumming, bouncy castle, ice cream giveaway and cartoon characters walk around.

Office Manager Bevaughn Ferrier (left) of C Mohan Contracting Guyana Inc hands over the sponsorship to Chairman of Boyce and Jefford Committee, Colin Boyce as proprietors Carl Methuram (background, left) and Vishal Mohan look on

C

Mohan Contracting Guyana Inc on Tuesday entered a long-term agreement with sponsorship of the Women’s 4x100 metre race at the upcoming Boyce and Jefford Relay Festival and Family Fun Day, scheduled for April 30 at the Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary.

C Mohan Contracting Guyana Inc. indicated during the simple presentation that they will adopt the Women’s 4x100m race for continued sponsorship annually, beginning this year.

The group is of the view that the event is a refreshing activity for sports in Guyana, and as such, it will partner with the hosts to offer continued annual support.

Chairman of the Management Committee for the Boyce and Jefford Relay Festival, Colin Boyce, thanked the entity for their contribution, indicating that

it augurs well for the longevity of the event when a company decides to offer longterm sponsorship.

The relays this year include the 4x100 (Male and Female); 4x400 (Male and Female); 4x200m Mixed Relay; 4x400m Mixed Relay; Sprint Medley Females (100m,100m, 200m, 400m); Sprint Medley Males (100m, 200m, 400m, 800m); Distance Medley Females (2400m) (400m, 600m, 600m, 800m) and the Distance Medley Males (2800m) (400m, 600m, 600m, 1200m).

Cash Prizes of $25,000; $15,000 and $10,000 will be awarded to teams finishing first to third in each event for total prize money of $500,000 to be handed out in 10 races. In addition, the event this year will include football, softball cricket, cycling and dominoes competitions.

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

THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

"I just want to do the best for my country"

Pg 22

Eyes on the ball! Keemo Paul has been hard at work on his batting to ensure that he can be a valuable all-round asset to the team

Demerara Inter-Association U-19 championship

Perez, Ali-Mohammed inspire G/town to upset over defending champs

Pg 19

Pg 22

— East Bank, East Coast tie Renaldo Ali-Mohammed (left) and Raymond Perez

Seaton, Winter show impressive signs at CARIFTA Jamaica breast stroke Olympic gold medallist Alia Atkinson (left) strike a pose with back row from left: Daniel Scott, Alex Winter and chaperone Shonette Winter; middle row are Lian Winter and Leon Seaton Jr while coach Shefetah Tzedeq is stooping

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