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THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 2744

Friday, January 22, 2016

Nagamootoo wants presidential one-term limit – "thieving always starts in second term"

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

2 die after separate P10 East Coast accidents

Page 7

Decomposed body of Venezuelan soldier found at Cuyuni Page 7

GRA fires Sattaur Page 9

Wales Sugar Estate closure

LGE in Region 3

Some NDCs P16 ready, others not Carpenter P8 charged for reputed wife’s murder

APNU/AFC Govt ducks debate with PPP/C Page 3

Public Health Ministry continues to monitor P2 for H1N1 and Zika

– workers protest outside Parliament Workers from the Wales Sugar Estate protesting outside Parliament on Thursday calling on Government to rescind its decision to close the operations of the Estate. Inset: Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo speaking with the media while in solidarity with the sugar workers who will be on the breadline

Barima River mishap

Body of 13-yearold found Page 10

MP calls for reduction of fuel, electricity prices Page 15

Police in P7 plainclothes, unmarked vehicles not authorised to stop motorists – GPF

2 news

friday, january 22, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Murdered British teen

Family grateful for local support T

he family of British national Dominic Bernard, 18, who was brutally murdered shortly after arriving in Guyana back in October, has expressed their gratitude to everyone who helped in solving the case.

The teen’s father, Andrew Bernard, speaking with the media on Thursday, said he and his family were touched by the support of the residents of Kildonan and Nurney, Corentyne, Berbice, when they held the candlelight vigil on January 13, 2016, to mourn the loss of his son and stand in solidarity with them.

“We understand at the end of the vigil where prayers and hymns were said and sung that you ended with the national song “Let Us Co-operate Guyana”... My wife and I would also like to thank

Dead, Dominic Bernard

profoundly all those amongst you who have come forward and furnished the Police with valuable information, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts,” he stated.

Nevertheless, the bereaved father is pleading with the community if anyone has any additional information regarding

Dominic’s murder, however small, that they relay this information as soon as possible to the Guyana Police Force.

On this note, the man expressed his appreciation to the head of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Wendell Blanhum and his team, who continue to work to ensure justice is served.

According to the father, they were visited last weekend by the pastor and members of the church the teenager attended – the Triumphant Global Ministries, where he gave his life to Christ in 2014.

“His Christian values can be seen in one of the last videos he made where he describes a football team where God is the Manager and Jesus is the Captain. Tributes from all Dominic’s friends have

Father, Andrew Bernard

poured in describing our son in detail and what he meant to them. His kindness, his compassion and the way he cared for others,” the father stated.

Meanwhile, the Tourism Ministry in expressing condolences to the family said: “The Ministry of

Tourism adds our sincerest condolences to the family of slain British teenager Dominic Bernard, who reportedly met his death just hours after arriving in Guyana… It has cast a shadow over our beautiful land that so many thousands of people across the diaspora are planning to visit in the coming months,” stated Tourism Minister Cathy Hughes in reference to Guyana’s 50th Independence celebrations.

Bernard of the United Kingdom went missing after he travelled to Guyana on October 14 last to visit his godbrother Aaron Hing, in Berbice. The young man was reportedly killed shortly after touching down at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, where he was picked up by his godbrother and his friend Staymore George.

Hing became the key suspect after he told the young man’s family that he did not know the teenager was coming to Guyana, but went into hiding two days later when Police tried to talk to him. However, both men

were subsequently arrested and led investigators to a shallow grave in Nurney where Dominic’s body was recovered.

They reportedly took some £2000 in cash the teen had in his possession along with his camera and video-making equipment, some of which they allegedly sold while they disposed of others.

After his arrest, another suspect, Jameel Sinclair took law enforcement to an area behind Nurney Village and pointed out where he hid the teen’s camera and components, including his laptop, by burying them.

Sinclair admitted that he was promised payment to hide the teen’s belongings on the night he was fatally beaten.

A pregnant Krystal Thomas and her mother, Sinfinee Henry, were also arrested for being involved in planning the teen’s murder. Investigators reportedly discovered that they concealed evidence.

All five persons were remanded to prison after they were arraigned at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Public Health Ministry continues to monitor for H1N1 and Zika

T

here has been no additional case of Zika reported in Guyana, even as the Public Health Ministry continues to monitor for emerging diseases in the Caribbean.

Speaking to the Government Information Agency (GINA), Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton pointed out that while one case of the Virus was reported in Guyana, the country was fully prepared to battle the vector-borne disease.

The Minister stressed that if there was need for international bodies, it was for them to “evaluate the system here and point to what more is needed for further strengthening…but we are prepared”.

He noted that the Ministry has “dealt with the mosquito before…it came with other diseases and it’s the same procedure”.

The Ministry is currently fogging the city to kill the adult mosquitoes which carry the Zika Virus.

Minister Norton has encouraged citizens to keep their surroundings clean, primarily drains. He said, “I’m worried about the weeds, even if it requires the usage of pesticides, we should get it out.”

In addition, chemically treated bed nets have been placed at all prenatal clinics to prevent possible birth defects linked to the disease as special attention is being given to pregnant women.

Symptoms of the viral infection include fever, headache, joint and muscle pain, rash and sometimes swelling of the limbs. Some persons may also experience vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain.

There has been one reported case of H1N1 in Guyana and the patient died overseas. The person did not contract the disease locally.

In addition, all local healthcare providers and family members, who came into contact with the deceased, are still being monitored, but no symptoms have yet surfaced.

On January 14, Dr Norton had announced to the National Assembly that the Zika Virus was confirmed in Guyana. He revealed that the sample came from a 27-yearold woman, whose address is listed as Rose Hall, Corentyne and also Garden of Eden, East Bank Demerara.

news

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friday, january 22, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

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

APNU/AFC Govt ducks debate with PPP/C

Friday, January 22 – 14:30h-16:00h and Saturday, January 23 – 05:00h-06:30h.

– workers protest outside Parliament

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, January 22 – 15:05h-16:35h and Saturday, January 23 – 15:45h-17:15h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Weather: Sunny conditions are expected in the early morning hours with heavy rain showers in the late morning and light rain showers and cloudy conditions in the afternoon hours. Partly cloudy skies can be expected in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East to East North-easterly between 4.02 metres and 5.81 metres per second.

High Tide: 15:29h reaching a maximum height of 2.58 metres.

Low Tide: 09:02h and 21:31h reaching minimum heights of 0.77 metre and 0.61 metre.

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

LOTTERY NUMBERS O 04 05 23 18 11 28 06 Bonus Ball

FREE TICKET

Thursday, January 21, 2016

Daily Millions

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Draw De Line 03 04 05 06 08

Wales Sugar Estate closure

12 19

DISCLAIMER: WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ERRORS IN PUBLICATION. PLEASE CALL THE HOTLINE FOR CONFIRMATION - TEL: 225-8902

By Devina Samaroo and Alexis Rodney

H

ouse Speaker, Dr Barton Scotland sparked further public outrage when he rejected a motion presented by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) to have a debate on the Government’s closure of the Wales Sugar Estate.

PPP/C Member of Parliament Komal Chand rose before the National Assembly on Thursday to present the motion to have a debate on the issue in light of the immense public fury the announcement has generated in the past few days.

Chand, who incidentally is the Head of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), emphasised that the impending closure would create a ripple effect, not only affecting the sugar workers and their families but the thousands of people in the communities and eventually causing immeasurable damage to the economy.

He then underscored the importance of having the motion debated, noting that the livelihood of thousands of Guyanese were at stake.

In response to the motion presented, the House Speaker explained that for such requests to be granted, they must have three critical elements: the issue must be definite, it must hold public importance and it must be urgent.

Dr Scotland conceded that the motion put forward indeed was a definite issue and has generated much public interest; however, he did not believe that the matter was urgent.

On that note, the Speaker declared that the motion was disallowed.

Resolute in their efforts to have the motion debated, Opposition parliamentarians rose to their feet in accordance to Standing Order 12 (3) (b), which states if the Speaker’s approval is not given, then at least 18 elected members can stand in support of the request made.

Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira explained, “The motion shall stand over until 5pm the same day and at that time any proceedings on which the Assembly is engaged shall be postponed until the motion for the adjournment is disposed of or until 9pm.”

Teixeira also contended that the matter could not simply be left until December 2016 before it was deemed urgent.

Notwithstanding, the House Speaker maintained his ruling. He pointed out that the Standing Order (3) (b) can

Sugar workers protesting outside Parliament on Thursday

only take effect if the Speaker is so satisfied.

Against this backdrop, the Speaker reiterated that the motion was disallowed and the matter of the closure of the Wales Sugar Estate would not be up for debate within the National Assembly.

Meanwhile, Chand, in an invited comment, expressed that it was most disappointing that the Speaker did not approve the matter for discussion.

Responding to the Speaker’s pronouncement that the matter was not urgent, Chand said, “May I point out that the matter is most urgent in that immediate steps have been taken since the Ministry issued the statement announcing the closure. For example, since the announcement, approximately 800 acres of tilled land is left abandoned as the planting of canes is not permitted and allowed.”

He also pointed out that the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) has already moved the ploughing machines assigned to Wales Estate to Uitvlugt.

Sugar workers protest

A raucous crowd of Wales Sugar Estate workers on Thursday protested outside Parliament calling on Government to rescind its decision to close the operations of the Estate.

The crowd, via placards, called on Government to reconsider its decision, which would have dire consequences on themselves, their families and the very community.

The contention is that Government has made an irrational decision in its move to

close operations of the Estate.

Former President Bharrat Jagdeo, who met with the sugar workers outside Parliament, said that the entire country was surprised at the decision by the Government.

“They themselves said that they will send this to the Economic Service Committee, but they moved so in the dark of the night to swiftly announce this closure. The whole country was surprised. We thought that they would have waited until the closure of the discussion of the report,” he told the crowd that surrounded him.

He said sugar remained a viable product in this country and he wished that Government could see this too.

“I believe that sugar has made a significant contribution to this country over the years. It is now going through a difficult period. The State needs to stand by sugar. You cannot do a financial rate of return alone. You have to make an economic rate of return and the profitability of every estate. Sugar means more than profitability,” the Opposition Leader said.

He posited that with the injection of small amounts of money, the industry can survive and production of the Wales Estate, among others, could be revived. In the meantime, he said it was unsafe to close any estate, because of the significant impact it would have on people and the community “What is good is that the Commission of Inquiry said no closure of any estate, because

they believe that sugar can be viable in Guyana. We in the PPP are willing to work with them to raise monies internationally for these estates … I hope that good sense will prevail and that they would come up,” he noted.

Jagdeo pointed to the situation which existed in the bauxite industry some years ago, when it had been in deep trouble for some 20 years.

According to him, the then Government did not move to shut it down, because a community depended on it. “That is why the CoI said we cannot shut down any estate because it is more than just financial profitability. We have to work to get every estate back to a stage where they are at least break even and I believe that with the injection of small amounts of money we can get it back on stream.” “... So at this time, sugar is going through a difficult patch and we made it clear that we will help it go through this time. And it is not about PNC, PPP; this is about people’s lives.”

The protest by sugar workers in front of Parliament followed another one at the Wales Estate earlier in the day. There, similar calls were made by the sugar workers for Government to provide answers and to meet them halfway in the process.

The two protests also followed meetings with executives of GuySuCo on Wednesday that, according to GAWU President Chand, did nothing to appease the growing worry of sugar workers.

Chand told Guyana Times that the GuySuCo delegation appeared clueless about the fate of the more than 1700 workers.

According to the GAWU President, the protest is just one of the means sugar workers will be using to seek Government’s assistance.

“They felt that they will work in the community and gather the residents to seek their support, because persons in the community – some of them are pensioners receiving pension from the Estate – the milkman, the tailor, the butcher all depend on the workers’ income,” he said.

Turn to page 12

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guyanatimesgy.com

friday, january 22, 2016

Views General Editor: Michael Younge News Hotliine: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544 223-7230,223-7231,231-0544, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, sales@guyanatimesgy.com

Editorial

Jagdeo gaining ground

S

ince his return to public life in August 2015, former President Bharrat Jagdeo appears to be leading a very successful bid, along with a group of young, talented and knowledgeable Opposition politicians, to recapture the presidency and restore the public’s confidence in the People’s Progressive Party/Civic and its ability to govern Guyana.

The new Opposition under Jagdeo’s stewardship has consistently demonstrated competency in the National Assembly, most times outmanoeuvring the new A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change Government whenever debates on the Administration’s legislative agenda surface in the House.

From day one, the Jagdeo Opposition wasted no time in drawing first blood and exposing the excesses of the new Government, informing the public of its clandestine move to increase the salaries of five- month-old Ministers on the request of the Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and its decision to purchase multimilliondollar vehicles so that some in the new Administration can move around in comfort and style.

Also, the Jagdeo-led parliamentary Opposition had made a mockery of the first budget presented by the coalition Government pointing out several errors, omissions, distortions, and lies contained therein.

Jagdeo’s ability to also constantly meet with the electorate and PPP support base outside of the undertakings of the Party’s General Secretary Clement Rohee also appears to be gaining traction and positive support within key communities across the country.

While Freedom House is visibly working overtime preparing for the upcoming Local Government Elections and 2020 elections, he is constantly highlighting the alleged wrongdoings of the State against not only supporters of the PPP but ordinary working-class citizens as any sensible opposition leader is expected to do.

That aside, people in key non-PPP constituencies are warming up to the Opposition Leader, as the Government is failing massively in responding urgently to the needs of the populace and appears too busy improving its international image while domestic matters remain unresolved.

But Jagdeo is holding the fort even in the face of some of the vilest and nastiest attacks on his image, legacy and the team he leads. This is nothing new.

However, since the Government changed, those who have “beef” to settle with Jagdeo because of some of the political and economic decisions he made in the country’s interest while serving as President are wasting no time in influencing the impressionable minds of some of the key players in President Granger’s Government.

This has led also to the resurgence of those anti-PPP and antiJagdeo writers who aim solely to influence the public’s continued perception of the Opposition Leader in order to suit their egos and personal agendas.

It is essential for Jagdeo to redouble his efforts while in Opposition and to work even harder with his current team of political allies to ensure that the overall image of their tenure in Opposition is unblemished and characterised by campaigns aimed at fighting for the poor and working-class people of this country.

Consequently, it is not hard to understand why some may feel that he is a narcissist, arrogant or incapable of self-examination because most men of Jagdeo’s ilk treat others as their equals and will not give way to self-proclaimed political gurus who have lost their sting or fossils that cannot energise the local grass-roots communities.

It is also necessary for the Opposition Leader and his public relations team to respond to some of the misinformation being peddled in sections of the media about his undertakings while in Government with a view of continuously setting the record straight and presenting the public with alternative perspectives which can be considered.

Jagdeo must appear confident in his team and the PPP as well as its supporters while executing the functions of the office of the Leader of the Opposition in spite of the criticisms of ex-Party generals like Ralph Ramkarran.

If the PPP too is to survive its tenure out of office, Jagdeo and Rohee must both give way to the views of younger, diverse and open people who can influence their support base in a much more meaningful way at the upcoming polls.

If this is done, then Jagdeo’s Opposition team will continue to regain the ground it lost during the May 2015 General Election.

This young lad taking care of his sister as he gives her a bike ride home from school

Closing Wales: Politics of spite, hate and betrayal The announcement by the government that it is closing the Wales Estate has taken everyone by surprise. No one was expecting this so soon in the life of the regime. The shock was also due to the fact that the Commission of Inquiry (CoI), which the administration itself set up, did not recommend the closure of any estate.

While writing this article, it was being reported that the government made an announcement that it has decided the close the estate before the CoI was set up. Why then set up a CoI and waste vast amounts of money? Sugar workers across the industry are now worried and wondering which estate will be the next target for closure.

Workers in the industry are feeling betrayed since the parties now in government made no mention of closing any estate during their election campaign. In fact they did just the opposite. They promised increases in pay and went as far as to say they were ready to pay a 20 per cent increase to the sugar workers. These words were hollow. Now we have this pending closure on hand. This move will certainly have a devastating impact on the workers and cane farmers in the first place. And it will certainly not be limited to them.

Many of the communities in that area depend heavily on the sugar industry.

Coupled with a declining economy, these villages

will feel the impact once their main source of earning a livelihood is taken away. This will also have a negative impact on the country as well. The large amount of workers and farmers that will be displaced will further restrict economic activities beyond Wales.

Businesses in Georgetown will be affected too.

Why has the government taken this position even though this was not a recommendation of the CoI, which they set up?

Try as you may, you cannot escape the conclusion that the closing of the Wales Estate is political in nature. The APNU/AFC regime did not make a single attempt to see how they could deal with the problem. Therefore, one can conclude that from the beginning they were determined to shut the estate.

This is politics of spite, betrayal and hatred.

Recall that during the elections campaign they promised to give big increases to sugar workers.

At public meetings, they spoke about a 20 per cent increase. The regime cannot argue that they did not know about the situation in sugar. On more than one occasion, the management and board of GuySuCo made presentations to the Economic Service Committee in the National Assembly.

Therefore it was a deliberate ploy to deceive the workers to get some

to vote for their own destruction. This is a great betrayal of the workers. It is also the politics of spite.

The PNC, now calling itself APNU, always hated the sugar workers. That is why at a time when the industry was prosperous, they imposed a levy to deny benefits to workers and to prevent much needed investments in the factories.

We also know that just before they left office in 1992, they were going to privatise the industry. By that time, they ran it down and it was only producing 129,920 tonnes of sugar.

That was only prevented from happening because they had to leave office.

Now we see them once again launching a vicious attack against sugar workers.

The action of the government since they took office suggests that a racial motive is also afoot.

Take a look at the dismissals from the public service.

It is almost 100 per cent Indo-Guyanese. At the Consulate in New York, every Indo-Guyanese was dismissed.

Many offices of the government are already without Indo-Guyanese employees. This regime has not even left any IndoGuyanese employee even as window-dressing, as the Burnham PNC did. They don’t care about that.

A glance at their attitude to the rice industry also tells a story of discrimination. The regime

is refusing to lift a finger to help an industry they helped to put in trouble.

No duty-free concessions, no offer of assistance to rice farmers. The perception is that these two industries are dominated

by Indo-Guyanese, so let them suffer.

This is the total opposite of what the PPP/C government did to save the bauxite industry from closing when it assumed office in 1992.

However, we will come back to this later. Suffice it to say that the PPP/C administration spent millions of dollars to subsidise the bauxite industry and return it to viability.

The national interests were always uppermost in the actions of the PPP/C administration. The politics of racial and political discrimination practiced by the PNC regime from 1964 to 1992 demonstrated that it is not possible to discriminate against one section of the population without eventually affecting negatively all the people in the country.

The APNU/AFC clearly have not learnt anything.

We are back on that slippery slope as racial and political discrimination continus to inform the policies of the APNU/AFC regime.

Let us all give our full support to the sugar workers and oppose this blatant attack on their livelihood.

Sincerely, Donald Ramotar

guyanatimesgy.com

friday, january 22, 2016

Legalised highway robbery Dear Editor, When oil prices took a nose-dive during the latter part of 2014 from US$80 per barrel to below US$50 in January 2015, the then PPP/C Administration announced a 30 per cent reduction in the price of gasoline that greatly benefitted motorists and commuters.

GuyOil’s price moved from $995 per gallon to $695 per gallon, a $300 reduction. Diesel prices declined from $985 per gallon to $694 per gallon another 30 per cent, while kerosene was reduced from $850 per gallon to $496 per gallon, a reduction of 42 per cent.

This meant that GuyOil was selling for less than $160 per litre of gas.

The Guyana Power and Light (GPL) also caved in to calls from former President Donald Ramotar, and lowered electricity rates to consumers.

The PPP/C had ensured that the savings in oil prices were passed on to the people as was previously done in 2008.

Now let us compare this to today’s drop in oil prices to illustrate just how insensitive the Granger Administration is to the

needs of the Guyanese people.

Oil prices have now fallen below US$30 per barrel, its lowest in 13 years. But in Guyana, this is not reflected at the pumps, and there is convincing evidence that this will not happen.

According to Kaieteur News’ Peeping Tom (January 20), “The Big Question on everyone’s mind is why have prices at the petrol stations in Guyana not fallen. This is a question for the government, just as it is for the companies that import fuel. The government’s tax mechanism allows it to reduce prices, but the biggest reduction is likely to come from the decline in acquisition costs from the oil companies. Both must answer as to why Guyanese are still paying over eight hundred dollars per gallon for petrol at the pump. This is a rip-off.”

Indeed it can best be described as legalised highway robbery.

Editor, I am appalled at the statement published in the January 19 issue of Kaieteur News by Vice President and Minister of

Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan to justify what appears to be an official position of the APNU/AFC Government that gas prices in Guyana is unlikely to be lowered, “...because there is a lot of expenditure we have to incur in relation to the social projects we have, the argument will forever be made that revenues will have to be taken in somehow, to carry them out.”

This is the kind of careless, pompous arrogance on display that we’ve seen so often from this Minister that directly contradicts the Administration’s promise of ‘a good life for al’.

As a lawyer and Minister of Public Security, Ramjattan is well aware that misappropriation of the people’s money and extortion are crimes, even when sanctioned by government. The current price of $860 per gallon is way above world market price, over $400 per gallon higher than that sold in New York.

If this was done under the PPP/C, a forensic audit would have been ordered to ascertain how much consumers overpaid

the Government for oil related products, and where the excess money went to.

The economy is crying out and there’s no relief in sight. Thousands have lost jobs under this new Government and thousands more will perish when the Wales Sugar Estate is closed.

The 20 per cent salary increase promised to civil servants did not happen, and VAT still remains at a burdensome 16 per cent.

Where is the conscience of this Government? Where is the “good life” promised to all?

With their fat salaries and free gasoline allowance, Government Ministers are not the ones feeling the pinch, but that should not make the Administration insensitive now to the suffering and needs of our people whose lives they pledged to improve.

I urge the Administration to disregard Ramjattan’s reckless proclaim and to do right by the people. They deserve better!

Sincerely, Harry Gill, MP

Identities of letter writers in the media Dear Editor, On Wednesday, the media carried a letter written by my friend, the very wellknown Tony Vieira (not, as he sought to clarify, Anthony Vieira, Director of GuySuCo) in which he, among other things, questioned whether Khemraj Tulsie does in fact exist or whether he is among the recent writers about the sugar industry and GuySuCo who use various ‘noms de plume’.

Without getting into the merits/demerits of the letters written by Tony Vieira and Khemraj Tulsie let me assure Tony that Khemraj

does exist; this fact can be ascertained by Anthony Vieira in his capacity as a GuySuCo Director because Khemraj Tulsie is and has been a staff member of GuySuCo for many years.

Like Tony, I have also had cause to wonder if another ‘recent letter writer’ who also writes about matters involving GuySuCo using the name Rajendra Parmanand does in fact exist or is this a pseudonym for someone who prefers to hide his real identity for whatever reason. Now, this is a case where for professional reasons I would honestly like to make contact

with this person because it appears that he is also a professional in the Human Resource Management field and we may be able to learn from each other or certainly I might benefit from his insight into matters of mutual interest.

For example, I might benefit from his apparent superior knowledge of Guyana’s demographics, the supply & demand of skills and competencies in the local labour market with particular reference to the sugar industry and issues of succession planning etc.

Can Parmanand please

Poor supervision by Georgetown City Council Dear Editor, Over the last several weeks, there has been a flurry of cleaning activities in certain parts of Georgetown particularly in the downtown area by contractors engaged by the Georgetown City Council.

This seems all well and good, and has been receiving glowing praise in some quarters. However a closer look in the alleyways and drains behind properties

in Robb Street, Charlotte Street, Regent Street etc will show that these contractors left sandbags and other items that were used to block the drains during the cleaning.

Clearly the Council’s staff that had to sign off on the works done never checked to see that everything was in order. In fact if they were there supervising the works by the contractors, they would have ensured that the sand-

bags were removed once that drain or alleyway was done.

One wonders whether the municipality’s workers are on the payroll of the Council or that of the Contractor. Maybe the Council will pay the contractors an additional amount to remove the sandbags as a separate project.

Sincerely, Nadine Jerrick

facilitate our contact? The Editor is authorised to supply my email address. (nowrangp@yahoo.com).

Sincerely, Nowrang Persaud

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Lack of irrigation water for Tapakuma rice farmers Dear Editor, In a media letter of Jan 19, Mohamed Khan drew attention to the lack of irrigation water to cultivate the 35,500 acres of rice lands in the Tapakuma Project, Region 2.

The Tapakuma Drainage and Irrigation Project (TDIP) was designed to provide supplemental irrigation needs for the 35,500 acres of rice lands along the Essequibo Coast thru’ stored water during the rainy season in three main lakes and pumping from the Arapiaco Creek, a branch of the Pomeroon River into the Tapakuma Lake. All lakes are connected to a main feeder canal at the back of the cultivated areas.

Regulators conveniently located on the main canal release gravity irrigation into subsidiary feeder canals for the various cultivations usually on a rotational basis.

Water levels in the lakes and main canal have to be monitored closely, particularly during the rice planting and growing seasons and maintained at predetermined levels to enable the rice fields to be irrigated by gravity. When the water levels drop below operation level requirements the Dawa pumping station starts pumping water working 24/7 to maintain full supply level in the main canal.

Neglect by the Minister of Agriculture, mismanagement and incompetence

by National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA),

a division of the Ministry of Agriculture as well as the RDC, have been responsible for the predicament of farmers as operation and maintenance of TDIP was allowed to deteriorate to the extent that the infrastructures are falling apart, the irrigation pumps working on and off because of fuel shortage and water levels in the main canal allowed to drop to elevations too low for quick build-ups to facilitate gravity irrigation unless there is supplemental rainfall to assist with the topping-up. There is plenty of fresh water now in the Pomeroon River awaiting to be pumped to irrigate the parched rice fields along the Coast but this had to be done well ahead of the anticipated needs of the farmers and not on a crisis basis.

Climate changes due to El Niños do have an impact on the water needs (as well as the flooding) of Essequibo rice farmers but if TDIP is managed and operated in accordance with its guidelines, much of the tragedy now being experienced by the farmers would have been avoided.

Finally, the Mainstay Lake has its regulator which releases fresh water from the Main Stay Lake into Main Canal closed. Is the owner of the Mainstay Resort or the NDIA/NDC controls the operation of this Lake?

Yours truly, Charles Sohan

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friday, january 22, 2016

Page W

ould you know what to do if your child was hurt in the home? If they fell and hit their head or choked on their food? A survey by St John Ambulance revealed that nearly two-thirds (59 per cent) of us wouldn’t feel confident trying to save a life and yet providing first aid in those vital minutes can be the difference between life and death.

It’s a situation every parent dreads; a child having an accident and not knowing what to do. Children every hour are admitted to hospitals around the world after accidents at home, but being able to act quickly and confidently in an emergency could mean that you are able to provide that vital early assistance that could save a life as well as reassurance.

To help ensure you are able to give your child the best care in an emergency, here is St John Ambulance’s essential first aid guide: Broken bones If you suspect a broken bone, keep the injured area as still as possible.

Support the area by placing blankets or clothing around it. If the skin is broken, cover the injury with a clean, nonfluffy pad and gently bandage. You can transport a child with a broken arm by car, but otherwise call an ambulance.

While you’re waiting, if you notice your child feeling worse or developing a fast pulse or clammy skin, you should lie them down and raise the legs – if the leg is injured, raise another limb instead. Don’t let your child eat or drink in case they need an anaesthetic.

Choking First encourage your child to cough.

If this doesn’t work, bend them forward and, using the heel of your hand, give

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Foundation

up to five sharp blows between the shoulder blades. Check their mouth, and if the obstruction is still there, move on to abdominal thrusts. Standing behind, wrap your arms around them and put one fist between their navel and ribs. Grab the fist with your other hand and pull sharply in and up, up to five times. If they’re still choking, repeat the process up to twice more, then call an ambulance. Continue until the ambulance arrives. Even if the

obstruction clears, seek medical advice if you’ve used abdominal thrusts.

Burns If your child’s burnt themselves, immediately cool the area under running water for at least 10 minutes while gently removing any jewellery, watches or clothing from the area

before it begins to swell. Cover the burn with clean, non-fluffy material to protect from infection – a clean plastic bag or loose cling film make good dressings. However small the burn appears, with babies or young children you should always seek medical advice if you’re at all concerned. If it’s severe, call an ambulance while you’re cooling the burn and treat for shock; raise the legs if possible, and keep the child warm, comfortable and reassured until

help arrives.

Cuts and bleeding Small cuts and grazes can look dramatic, but are easily treated. Clean the wound by rinsing under running water or using alcohol-free wipes. Pat it dry with a gauze swab and cover with sterile gauze. If it’s still bleeding, raise

the injured part above the level of the heart. Clean the surrounding skin with soap and water, then pat dry. Apply a sterile dressing, secure and seek medical aid. As the wound heals, watch out for signs of infection – worsening pain, swelling, redness or pus.

Asthma attack If your child has an asthma attack, they’ll be wheezing, finding it difficult to speak, and may have grey or blue skin or lips. If they already have a reliever inhaler – usually blue – help them use it. If this is their first attack, call an ambulance. It’s really important that you keep calm and reassure them, staying with them to stop them panicking. Sit them upright and slightly forward, encouraging them to take slow breaths. Call an ambulance if the inhaler has no effect, if they find it difficult to talk, or if they become exhausted.

Swallowed poisons If the child is conscious, ask them what they have swallowed, how much and when. Try to reassure them. Call 911 for emergency help. Give the ambulance control as much information as possible about the poison. Monitor and record the child’s vital signs while waiting for help. Keep samples of any vomited material, but do not make them sick. Give these samples and any other clues, such as pill bottles, to the ambulance crew. If the child’s lips are burnt by corrosive substances, give them sips of cold milk or water while waiting for help to arrive.

Parents should take a first aid class to increase their ability to provide care to their child in those critical early minutes. Check the Red Cross Society for first aid training programmes. (Excerpt

from parenting.co.uk)

Continued from thursday

By Dr Joan Simeo Munson

Set up Mom or Dad’s “In Basket”. Have another basket or a small area set aside for children to put anything that has to be turned in the next day or later in the week. All permission slips, envelopes for money for field trips or the cafeteria, notes from teachers or coaches, or information about upcoming events get placed here. After dinner each night, review what’s in the basket and organise accordingly with each child. This will help ward off frantic early morning searches for that note from the teacher.

Consider also using a longterm planner. Each child has their own slot in which longterm paperwork goes, like rubrics for long-term projects, reminders for picture day that’s not for another month, outlines for book reports, or sports schedules.

After dinner, focus on the morning. If homework still needs to be completed, continue enforcing the “no electronics, no distractions” rule. For younger children, it may be time to start getting ready for bed. But no matter what, for everyone it’s time to get ready for the next morning. Completed homework goes into backpacks, along with school books, signed permission slips, snacks, water bottles, and gym/sports gear. Once these are in order, backpacks get placed by the front door.

For children ages 8-12, have them create a checklist that gets kept in an accessible spot (say, the refrigerator). They can use this to help themselves get organised in the evening and as a double check in the morning. Teens can be as spacey and disorganised as toddlers. But, this doesn’t mean that you should treat them as you would a toddler! On the contrary, teens need to focus on getting more organised the night before in order to prevent lapses in the morning.

Establish bedtime and “get ready” time. Devise a nighttime sleep plan that you commit to adhering to each school night. This includes setting an expectation about what time is bedtime, and that getting ready begins around 30-45 minutes before your child is in bed. (Any shorter and your child will feel too rushed; while any longer invites stall tactics.)

For younger children, this routine might include bath time, getting pjs on, and a few stories before they are tucked in. Kids this age also enjoy picking out what they will wear the next day, which prevents early morning hassles for you. If your child has trouble falling asleep, stay calm and stick to your plan, telling them that you expect them to go to bed and stay there.

For teens, set an expectation about their bedtime by saying something like: “I’d like to see you in bed by 10:30. Let’s talk about how much homework you still have to finish up.” (Excerpt

from Empoweringparents.com)

news

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friday, january 22, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Decomposed body of Venezuelan soldier found at Cuyuni

Nagamootoo wants presidential one-term limit T – “thieving always starts in second term”

he partially decomposed body of a serving member of the Venezuelan Armed Forces (VAF) was found floating in the Cuyuni River, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) on Thursday, the Guyana Government said in a statement.

A statement from the Ministry of the Presidency said that on Thursday about 08:10h, Private W Zamora’s

P

rime Minister Moses Nagamootoo believes one of the best ways to prevent corruption from occurring is to periodically change the Head of State, noting that Presidents are bound to engage in dishonest activities should they be allowed to serve for more than one term.

“You should have a president for only one term or five years, because the thieving always starts in the second term!” Nagamootoo dynamically declared during his address to a small gathering on Saturday last at the Richie Rich Catering Hall in Queens, New York.

The Prime Minister stated that even the two-term presidential limit was too long a period for one person to remain as the leader of Guyana.

“When we decided to change the Constitution to allow a president to contest the elections only two occasions, two times, we realise that that itself is a danger,” he expressed.

Nagamootoo also exclaimed that Governments should be changed sporadically in order to avoid acts of corruption.

“In 50 years, we only changed our Government

partially decomposed body was discovered approximately 250 metres downriver from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) location at Eteringbang, in the Cuyuni River.

The discovery was made by a member of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) who was conducting a patrol in the area.

“The VAF location Commander at Ankoko Island

was informed and told members of the GPF that Private Zamora went missing on Monday, January 18, 2016, when he fell into a tributary of the Cuyuni River in Venezuela,” the statement said.

The Police completed an investigation, and the body was handed over to the Venezuelan military.

Police in plainclothes, unmarked vehicles not authorised to stop motorists – GPF twice and if you don’t change Governments quickly and periodically, you end up in…all kinds of situations where you are not moving forward, because you stay with the same leaders too long…You have to think about changing Governments as quickly as you can, as periodically as you can, because thieving is a disease,” he affirmed.

Nagamootoo, since on the campaign trail, had expressed a desire to clip the wings of the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition’s presidential candidate.

During the party’s Vreed-en-Hoop rally in the lead-up to the May 11 General and Regional

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n light of the recent highspeed chase between a poElections, Nagamootoo lice officer and the son of forstrongly advocated for a remer Commissioner General of duction of the presidential GRA, the Guyana Police Force powers and vowed to make on Thursday stated that police this the first order of busi- ranks in plainclothes and in unness upon assumption to of- marked vehicles are not authofice. rised to stop motorists.

“We need to have a conThe police in a release stated stitutional change; part of that unless the police ranks are the problem in Guyana is performing duties on the roadthat too much power is con- way in front of a Police Station, centrated on one person’s they are not authorised to stop hand…!” the politician had motorists for routine checks of documents. then stated.

On the other hand, the poShortly after assumplice have the right to do so if tion to office, Nagamootoo an offence is being committed made recommendations for all Government Ministers in their view or where there is reasonable suspicion. and parliamentarians to Fiyad Sattaur, 19, on get massive salary increasWednesday pleaded guilty to es in order to pre-empt and a charge of careless driving prevent the urge to “steal”. and was fined $25,000. The (Nagamootoo’s speech at incident occurred on January the event will be aired on 16, 2016. the Evening News tonight) They young man claimed

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo

that a policewoman in a heavily tinted unmarked vehicle trailed him until he stopped on East Street, North Cummingsburg.

Meanwhile, the Guyana Police Force in clarifying the incident noted that on Saturday, January 16, a Police Sergeant attached to the Traffic Department was driving a private car along Sandy Babb Street, Kitty, when she observed vehicle PRR 4423 overtake a line of other vehicles waiting at the traffic lights.

The police rank in police attire made a note of the vehicle’s registration number, intent on following up with prosecution, however, she caught up with the vehicle at the intersection of Lamaha and Albert Streets, where she drove up alongside and told the driver of the offence committed.

He however, drove away.

The Police Traffic Sergeant drove behind PRR 4423 and caught up again with the vehicle at Lamaha and East Streets, where she came out and approached the driver whom she learnt is the son of the former commissioner general.

This incident comes a few weeks after three persons lost their lives in a highspeed chase on Homestretch Avenue, Georgetown. The Guyana Defence Force Sergeant, Robert Pyle, was involved in a high-speed chase when his car crashed into a Canter. His wife, who was with him, died along with the Canter driver.

Pyle was reportedly assisting members of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) as part of an investigation into the National Industrial Commercial and Investments Limited (NICIL).

8 news

friday, january 22, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Carpenter charged for reputed wife’s murder

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he reputed husband of Linden resident Leolyn Sullivan was on Thursday arraigned for her murder before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Clarence Carter, 53, of Phase 1B Wisroc, Linden, was not required to plead to the indictable charge which stated that on January 18, at his home in Linden, he murdered his reputed wife.

He was remanded to prison, and the matter was transferred to the Linden Magistrate’s Court for February 2.

Leolyn Sullivan

Reports are that Sullivan and Carter had a dispute at home, which reportedly stemmed from the woman’s alleged infidelity. It is al-

leged that during the argument, Carter whipped out a knife and stabbed Sullivan 19 times about the body.

According to information received, the deceased woman had travelled to Georgetown on Friday last to conduct business and had returned late Sunday evening. She had reportedly confided in a friend that she and Carter were expected to meet with “Welfare” over some issues on Monday.

On the fateful night, the murder accused reportedly confronted the woman about allegations of infidelity and the argument

soon turned violent. When Carter began his attack on the woman, she reportedly tried to escape by plunging through a window. The man attempted to pursue her, but her 18-year-old daughter intervened in an attempt to stop him.

However, he also dealt her several stabs. Carter later turned the knife on himself, slashing his wrists and neck. Neighbours who heard the screams ran to the women’s rescue and rushed them to the Linden Hospital Complex, but Sullivan was pronounced dead on arrival.

Linden man charged for being found at drug house

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resident of Victory Valley, Wismar, Linden was on Thursday released on $10,000 bail by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on a charge of being found at an alleged drug house.

Delroy Galley, 33, of Lot 22 Victory Valley, denied the charge which read that on Wednesday, January 20 at Lot 116-117 Victory Valley, without lawful excuse, he was found at a place persons reserved for smoking cannabis. He was represented by Attorney Clive Forde, who made an application for the case to be dismissed, since it was “bad in law”.

According to the Attorney, his client was visiting his uncle at the house to deliver a message. The said uncle was also charged for permitting his house to be used for smoking can-

nabis and the Attorney argued that the charge was based on hearsay.

As there were no objections to bail, the Magistrate released the man on bail.

The case will continue on February 2 at the Linden Magistrate’s Court.

Meanwhile, A 54-yearold man on Thursday appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts slapped with a criminal charge for permitting his home to be used as a drug house.

Denis Bruster, a poultry farmer, pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on January 20, while being the owner of a house located at Lot 116 Victory Valley, Wismar, Linden, he permitted the said property to be used for the smoking of cannabis.

The defendant was rep-

resented by Attorney Clive Ford, who told the court that the house listed in the charge was not the house where the defendant resided, nor was he present at the house on the day in question.

Attorney Ford stated that his client never designated the house for such purposes.

The lawyer told the Court that his client had no criminal record and was not a flight risk; as such, he

made an application for the matter to be dismissed.

Prosecutor Deniro Jones stated that the defendant gave his lot number as Lot 116 to the Police and not Lot 114 as his Attorney said.

Prosecutor Jones had no objection to bail and the Magistrate granted bail in the amount of $50,000.

The matter was adjourned to February 2 at the Linden Magistrate’s Court.

Vendor remanded to prison on narcotics charge

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vendor was on Thursday remanded to prison when

he appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged for trafficking in narcotics.

Jermaine Rowe, 39, of Lot 60 Laing Avenue, West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on January 19, 2016 at Yarrow Dam, West Ruimveldt, he was found to be in possession of 606 grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.

On the day in question, Police Officers were acting on information received and conducted an investigation.

The Officers went to Yarrow Dam where the defendant was staying and conducted a search of the premises.

A multicoloured haversack was recovered from the living room of the premises and before Officers could search the bag, the defendant admitted that he was in possession of cannabis.

He was subsequently arrested and charged for the offence.

Chief Magistrate McLennan remanded the defendant to prison. He is expected to return to court on February 19, 2016.

Eyew tness Law of supply and demand…

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…short-circuited in Guyana

n the face-off between the US and its ally, Saudi Arabia – as both ramp up their production of oil in a weak market – the law of supply and demand has pushed the price of the industrial lifeblood to record lows. While this has plunged oil dependent countries like Venezuela to the brink, it’s proven to be a lifesaver for all those countries that have to import their supplies.

Now, when oil prices drop by more than two thirds, you’re talking about billions of dollars in savings for even small countries like Guyana. We import around 10,000 barrels daily – and so compared to last year when we were paying over US$100 per barrel, at even US$30 per barrel, we’re saving US$700,000 EVERY SINGLE DAY!! Or GY$140,000,000!! Multiply that by 365 for the year and you get $51 Billion!!

But are we really “saving” all that money to improve our lives like is happening in other countries? There, the drop in oil prices is matched by a reduction in the selling price of gasoline. So your cousins in New York are paying less than GY$400 per gallon. While you have to cough up THE SAME GY$800 you were paying last year when oil prices were three times higher!

And where’s all the “savings” going? Yep! You guessed it – into the pockets of the Government! As the oil price plunges, the Government increases the taxes by just the amount needed to keep the prices unchanged. And pockets the difference of $51 Billion! But they still don’t have money to raise the salaries of Government workers.

Or for saving 1700 jobs at Wales.

Ok! Let’s say we believe they’re spending some on social services – even though none of these services have been increased save pensions. And in the latter case, those pensioners now have to pay for water and electricity.

Why don’t they put a value to these “burgeoning” social services? Just as we just did with the increased revenues into the Consolidated Fund from the oil taxes.

They can’t. But we have a suggestion. Maybe the Government’s decided to kill sugar as the PNM Government of Trinidad did some years ago. But do they intend to kill rice also? Maybe the PPP is right to claim the Government’s out to cripple their support base? If the answer is no, why don’t they at least pass on the savings to rice farmers?

After all, they’re responsible for the cancellation of the Venezuelan market, no?

Farmers need diesel to prepare their land – not to mention pumping water in the El Niño drought. C’mon APNU/AFC, don’t be a hog.

…doesn’t apply to house lots

The new Housing Minister’s proven to be a breath of fresh air. For one, she’s not diffident to accept that Housing didn’t just spring “full grown” from her brow. She inherited a system that worked. But she wants to hit the ground running – and there’s everything right about that. She quickly announced there’s a 25,000 house-lot deficit right now – even after the more than 100,000 given out since 1992. That’s progress, right?

But she’s saying there isn’t enough available land for the low-income applicants. This Eyewitness says she’s looking in all the wrong places. Now she’s come up to “town” from the sticks of Linden, she should look at how it’s done up here. Town Clerk Royston King didn’t only announce he’d found house lots for his low-income municipal workers, he said he’ll assist them to BUILD their houses!!

Now, if King can find land in the city – why can’t the Minister of Housing just ask him for some?!

…for private farmers

Long before there was the slogan, “make the small man, the real man”, head of Bookers, Lord Campbell launched the Belle Vue private cane farming Co-OP to successfully show it could be done.

Now in the 50th Anniversary of our INDEPENDENCE, our Government’s put all these farmers on the breadline.

It’s more than ironic. It’s tragic.

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

news

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friday, january 22, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Embassy’s GRA fires Sattaur US HAP takes medical

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ommissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) Khurshid Sattaur was given marching orders by the Governing Board of the Revenue body.

The decision was taken and announced by GRA on Thursday, following a unanimous decision by the board during its 171st meeting held that morning.

While no reasons or details for the termination were provided, the GRA said the decision takes effect on March 1, 2016, and acting CommissionerGeneral Ingrid Griffith will continue to function as DRA head until further notice. Sattaur’s sacking comes weeks after he was sent on 200 days leave, which he had accumulated over a period of time.

The board of directors last month said it took a unanimous decision to send the Commissioner on leave with immediate effect. During this period, government said it would be contracting an international firm to undertake a forensic audit of GRA. Reports indicate that the Commissioner General was expected to retire before the 200-day period is over.

Following his departure he was visited by junior members of the Revenue Authority, who took away his firearm and other items belonging to the state entity.

This move evoked public outcry, after which the board clarified that it was only doing what was required by law.

“We felt compelled to protect the data of our taxpayers. The only thing that we were interested in receiving from the Commissioner was anything he had in his possession that related to the

Khurshid Sattaur

work of GRA”, Chairman of the board Rawle Lucas had told journalists.

Meanwhile, Sattaur in response to the decision to fire him, said it was obvious, through the many public pronouncements by the Prime Minister that it would be uncomfortable for him to continue as the Head of the GRA under the new administration.

“I held office at the pleasure of the Minister, President and the Board and they are entitled to adopt the course of action they have taken.

Immediately after the new government was installed I made a request to the President of this country for my services to be continued as the Head of GRA and I offered my continued commitment and dedication to the Revenue Administration of Guyana”, he said in a statement.

Sattaur disclosed that he did receive a response through a letter sometime in September last year, and which was backdated to July acknowledging his offer but indicating that President Granger and his Ministers will take a

decision.

“In the meanwhile, I was given all assurances from both the Minister of the Presidency and the Minister of Public Security that there was nothing to be worried about concerning continuing my services with the GRA.” He said however, within the GRA there were many strange developments that belied or contradicted what was communicated to him by the politicians.

“Professional ethics precludes me from disclosing any of these matters. Suffice it to say, however, I was extremely taken aback by the decision taken by the Board on 2nd December 2015 to have me proceed immediately on leave. According to the reasons offered, this was to facilitate an impending forensic audit of the Agency.

“As the public is well aware since proceeding on leave certain incidents have occurred including a press conference conducted by the Chairman that have targeted me and would appeare to suggest

that my days were numbered at the GRA. “It does concern me that I gave long and dedicated service to my beloved country for which I have received a national award (the CCH), for my outstanding performance and I am now being discarded and attempts are being made to have me ridiculed and publicly embarrassed by the very Agency that I gave long and dedicated service to”, Sattaur said in his statement.

He continued, “These incidents, sad to say, would appear to have been orchestrated to make it very uncomfortable for me to continue serving with the same dedication and sincerity with which I approach my work. It is apparent that if I were to resume duties at the end of my leave period I would have been unable to execute my mandate in an effective manner”.

He said he is very much “relieved” that the Board, probably sensing his “discomfort”, has chosen to terminate his services after giving him the necessary notice and most optimistically would be providing him with his hard-earned benefits including his pension benefits up to his legal age of retirement on 31 October, 2017, among other entitlements which apply to termination, such as severance pay and his full leave passage entitlement.

“I now look forward for a peaceful retirement and to engage in less strenuous activities that would allow me to enjoy the benefits of my long and dedicated service to this country. I am very proud and feel most honoured to have served my country with dedication, commitment and distinction.”

outreach to Berbice

Over 300 Berbicians benefitted from the two-day medical outreach

T

he United States Embassy, through its Humanitarian Assistance Program (HAP), held medical outreaches across Berbice last weekend.

The initiative was done in collaboration with the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) and Georgetown East Medical Team. The two-day activity was held in Fyrish, Corentyne, on January 16 and 17.

During the outreach, free medical services were provided to over 300 residents from Black Bush Polder, Fyrish and New Amsterdam. These services were possible through the outstanding efforts of the all-volunteer medical team led by Dr Errol Bassoo.

The outreach provided care to residents in the form of blood sugar testing, counselling and general medicine.

CIOG representative Imam Shamir Khan of Fyrish facilitated the event in the compound of the Fyrish Masjid for the Georgetown East Medical Team to set up stations for

patients to receive screening, treatment, and medicine.

Meanwhile, Dr Bassoo’s team of doctors, lab technicians, and pharmacists was supplemented by University of Guyana medical students from nearby communities.

Imam Khan expressed gratitude for the event, stating that people in need of medical attention often cannot afford to travel to Georgetown to access these services.

The medical outreach programmes through the Humanitarian Assistance Program represent a core component of the US Embassy’s continuing commitment to work with the government through the Ministry of Health to support enhanced public health for the people of Guyana.

HAP is an initiative under the US Embassy to assist Guyana’s communities, particularly in underserved regions, in the areas of social, economic and medical development. HAP works to bring together multiple local and international agencies to reach common goals.

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guyanatimesgy.com

friday, january 22, 2016

News

Plaisance woman killed Mahaica farmer killed by after car runs off road allegedly speeding car

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n early Thursday morning accident on the East Coast Demerara railway embankment has left a mother of one dead after she reportedly lost control of her vehicle and ran off the road. The accident occurred around 04:00h at Goedverwagting.

Dead is Lorleen Forde called “Roxanne” of Lot 37 Prince William Street, Plaisance, East Coast Demerara. She was on her way home from a city club when the tragedy occurred.

According to Police report, the woman was allegedly driving her pearl white Premio bearing registration number PSS 1869 at a fast rate when she lost control and ran off the road into a nearby fence on the Goedverwagting Railway Embankment Road.

Persons informed the woman’s family who took her to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH), where she was pronounced dead on arrival. She sustained severe head injuries with the front part of her scalp rolled back about two inches.

Guyana Times understands that the woman was flung out of the vehicle as it was propelled through the drain, covering about a 15-foot distance. The car is write-off.

Speaking with this newspaper, Forde’s mother Iona Percival said she heard about the accident from her grandson who is

Dead: Lorleen Forde

overseas but was not aware that her daughter died until two of the woman’s friends came and told her.

“Her friends came around 07:30h and they say ‘mom sit down’ but I didn’t want sit down so I tell them you sit and they start crying. I asked what happened and they say ‘ Roxanne died,’ ” the elderly woman related.

The woman recalled that her phone had been ringing repeatedly since around 05:00h but she did not answer, thinking that persons were calling to make appointment with her daughter, who is a hairdresser.

According to the grieving woman, her daughter lived in the lower flat and she was unaware that Forde went out, noting that she last saw the woman earlier Wednesday night. “I does normally carry down dinner for her but I didn’t take any for her last night. I say you gotta come upstairs and she came. We were talking

and laughing for the longest while in the kitchen and then she left to go back downstairs. I ain’t know that was the last I woulda see me child,” she said solemnly.

Percival further disclosed that when she went to the GPH morgue, she learnt of the extent of her daughter’s injuries. She added that they also visited the scene, and saw the spot where the car ran off the road, hitting down a part of the wooden fence.

Guyana Times understands that Forde had a “heated” argument with someone at a city night club shortly before she left and the manner in which the accident happened has raised suspicions that the person might have followed her and caused her to run of the road.

However, the family said no one around the area saw what transpired and were only alerted after the sound of impact. “People didn’t know… some guys around there say he heard the impact, then another one and when he look out the vehicle was sliding in the drain,” Percival added.

She also told this newspaper that she lost both of her children to road accidents, her eldest child – a son – was killed in an accident 20 years ago.

Forde leaves to mourn her son, 15, her mother and other relatives and friends.

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farmer was killed on the spot when he was struck off his bicycle by a car at Hand-enVeldt, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara (ECD). The accident occurred at about 05:20h on Thursday.

The dead man was identified as Edmond Smith, 55, of Lot 45 Third Street, Helena No 2, Mahaica.

Guyana Times understands that Smith along with his son and son-in-law left home at around 05:00h and were on their way to their farm, a few villages away, when the accident occurred.

He was riding on lefthand side of the road, proceeding west when he was hit from behind by a grey Toyota 212 bearing registration number HB 7159, travelling in the same direction.

Smith’s son, Orlando, recalled that he and his brother-in-law were riding ahead of his father when they heard the impact and immediately rushed to the man’s

aid. He noted that when he heard the impact and turned around he saw his father in the air, falling down.

“The man come pon the grass corner and knock me old man. When me pick up me old man and turn he over he heart nah beat, he nah move, he body just dead, it nah had no life,” the son stated, while adding that his father’s bicycle was stuck under the car.

He added that the driver assisted with taking his father to hospital and his brother-in-law accompanied them, while he returned home with the sad news.

However, he said that by the time he got home they were already aware of the accident and were preparing to head to the hospital.

Orlando told this newspaper that his father suffered a broken neck, right ankle and left shoulder.

Meanwhile, the son-inlaw, Everton Wills, the first to get to Smith, related to

Guyana Times that the man was about 40 feet behind them riding when he was struck.

“I throw down me bicycle and run back to his rescue and reach he lie down pon the road motionless, the man wasn’t moving. I would say he die on the spot but we put he in the car and carry he to the hospital in town, then is when the doctor say the man died,” Wills stated.

None of the two men could say exactly how the accident happened but maintained that the driver was speeding. When this newspaper visited Smith’s home, the wife of the car driver along with another male relative, who was also in the car at the time, were there.

Meantime the driver remains in custody at the Mahaica Police Station, assisting with investigations.

Smith leaves to mourn his wife, 10 children, other relatives and friends.

Barima River mishap

Body of 13-year-old found

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he body of the 13-yearold girl who went missing after a boat capsized on Tuesday while crossing the Barima River, North West District (NWD) was found on Wednesday evening a short distance from where the incident occurred.

Guyana Times understands that the teen’s body was transported to Mabaruma, NWD to be buried, while the body of Joel King, who also perished as

a result of the mishap, was taken to Port Kaituma for burial.

The third body, that of a 40-year-old woman, remains in Venezuela where her relatives are making funeral arrangements.

According to information received, Maureen Santiago, the owner of the boat, and her children were heading to her mother’s place at Mabaruma Settlement from Venezuela when the tragedy occurred.

Based on initial reports, the boat was carrying at least 14 people, some of whom had asked for a ride.

As they were reportedly heading across the Barima River, the boat came into rough waters and capsized.

Eleven of the persons managed to swim to shore.

A search party was established, and the bodies of King and the woman were the first to be located in Venezuelan territory. An investigation is underway.

friday, january 22, 2016

guyanatimesgy.com

11

News Region 2 trench cleaners, contractors still owed – several trenches clogged

A trench at Golden Fleece

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everal trench cleaners and contractors in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) are still owed thousands of dollars by the Region Two administration for works completed in 2015.

According to Region Two Chairman Daveanand Ramdatt, contractors who executed current and capital projects within the Region were not paid to date and have voiced concerns about the issue.

Ramdatt during discussions at the Regional Democratic Council’s first statutory meeting said he is yet to receive an explanation as to why these persons were not paid, adding

that he has received numerous complaints about the issue.

Also speaking at the meeting, Councillor Basil Persaud said that many trenches and drainage in several communities are clogged and contributing to serious drainage issue within the region.

He said he recently toured a number of communities and noticed that the trenches were filled with excessive weed.

Persaud said due to the delay of payments, cleaners have stopped removing debris, weeds and waste from trenches along the Coast.

He also said trench cleaners are not satisfied with

the current fee they are paid to clean a rod of waterway.

Meanwhile residents in Golden Fleece and Perseverance areas have complained about the poor drainage due to clogged trenches.

The residents also fear the trenches will soon harbour dangerous reptiles and are fearful that children who often traverse the area will be in danger.

They are therefore calling on the Regional Administration and more specifically the Regional Executive Officer, Rupert Hopkinson, to intervene immediately to resolve the situation.

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friday, january 22, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Gold smuggling case against local businessman dismissed

A

gold smuggling charge against Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo businessman Christopher Baldeo was on Thursday dismissed by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan after the Prosecution failed to prove its case.

Baldeo was taken before the Court on a charge which stated that on February 6, 2015 at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri, he exported gold valued US$69,142 without being the holder of an export licence from the Guyana Gold Board.

Police Prosecutor Bharrat Mangru had previously called four witnesses. Those witnesses were Airport Personnel Trevor Reid, Lisa Ramotar, Sydney James and Officer Tindel from the Special Organised Crime Unit.

On Thursday the Court was scheduled to hear the testimony of Agent Frank Racanti of the United States Customs and Border Protection Agency of Homeland Security. This testimony was expected to be heard via Skype.

However, the Prosecutor was unable to produce this testimony, telling the Court that the Agency is unaware of Guyana’s legal requirements

for the Agent to give his testimony.

After offering that explanation, the Prosecutor requested an additional three weeks for the hierarchy of the American Agency to permit their agent to testify in the matter.

However, Defence Attorney Latchmi Rahamat countered the application and requested that the Court resist the Prosecutor’s application, and filed a no case submission.

Rahamat explained that after the Prosecutor’s continuous failure to produce the last witness’ testimony, the Magistrate had scheduled Thursday for the Prosecutor to close his case. She stated that the Court had been lenient in extending time to the Prosecutor to close his case on more than one occasion.

She urged the Magistrate to draw the line Thursday, as time and resources were being wasted on the matter.

She posited that her client should not have been charged and brought to Court if a case was not properly made out against him.

She expressed her desire to proceed with the defence as the Prosecutor has no definitive excuse for the absence of

the witness.

On that note, the Prosecutor presented its final witness, Officer Tindel who stated that he neither saw the defendant in possession of gold nor did he see him leave Guyana’s shores.

Rahamat in her final submission related that it was up to the Prosecution to prove all the elements of the charge.

She further explained that of the four witnesses, James’ evidence remained incomplete and so the Court could not put any weight thereon, as such the Court was left to rely on the evidence of the remaining witnesses.

“It is the Defence’s contention that the Prosecution failed to meet the threshold of a Prima Facie case against Christopher Baldeo since they failed miserably to establish the elements of the offence for which the defendant is charged,” she stated.

She went on to explain that where the elements of a charge are not proven by the Prosecutor, the Court need not move forward with the case.

She revealed that all of the witnesses who testified stated that they never saw the alleged gold and as such, there

is reason to question whether the subject matter - the gold even existed.

She pointed out that in Ramotar’s statement, she testified to conducting a search of the defendant but did not find a gold export licence issued to him.

Rahamat argued this testimony, stating that the GGB issues licences to mining companies in their names, not to individuals. She went on to state that these companies hire persons to transport the gold for them, and the Board has a flawed system whereas the list of employees is not available for reference purposes.

Prosecutor Mangru, when given an opportunity to answer to these submissions, stated that he relied on the testimonies of his witnesses and conceded that he had not proven the case.

As such, the Magistrate ruled that based on the evidence and testimonies, it was clear that a Prima Facie case could not be made out against Baldeo.

She found Baldeo not guilty and dismissed the case.

However, there is still an additional charge of similar nature which Baldeo is on trial for.

Deportee jailed for drug trafficking

A

resident of Republic Park, East Bank Demerara was on Thursday jailed for four years

by Magistrate Deron Daly at the Providence Magistrate’s Court after he was found guilty of a drug trafficking charge.

Robin Wills, who was deported from the United States, had initially denied the charge which stated that on November 17, 2013 at Republic Park, East Bank Demerara (EBD), he had in his possession 2.232 kilograms of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.

According to Customs

Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) Prosecutor Bharrat Mangru, a woman by the name of Sonia LaRose arrived in Guyana on November 9, 2013 to attend a funeral. While in Guyana, she made contact with the defendant, who offered her assistance to arrange accommodations as well as to renew her passport. It was further explained that on the day in question, the woman was scheduled to return to the US when the defendant approached her and requested that she transport two bottles of cream liqueur to the USA for him.

The woman reportedly agreed; however, upon her

arrival at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), she grew suspicious and handed the cream liqueur over to the Airport’s security personnel. The Prosecutor further explained that the items were then given to CANU and tests were conducted on the contents of the bottles. The liqueur tested positive for cocaine, and LaRose was taken into custody.

Based on the information that she provided, Wills was later arrested and charged.

He made his first Court appearance before the then Chief Magistrate Priya SewnarineBeharry on January 31, 2014 at the Georgetown

APNU/AFC Govt ducks...

He explained that there would also be two petitions to President Granger: one from the community itself and the other from the workers.

Government made an official announcement on

Monday that it was moving to close the Wales Sugar Estate.

According to the Agriculture Ministry, it acknowledged that there was need for investment to ‘refurbish’ the Estate and that the figures for this re-

Magistrates’ Courts and the matter was subsequently transferred to the Providence Magistrate’s Court for trial.

During the trial, four witnesses were called to the stand. At sentencing, the Magistrate explained that the prosecution team had successfully proven all elements of the charge beyond reasonable doubt.

The Magistrate further explained that based on the witnesses’ testimony and the evidence, a prima facie case was made out against the defendant and she found him guilty. The defendant was represented by Attorney Adrian Thompson.

From page 3

mained significantly high.

However, “the finances are simply not available” and diverting funds from the other estates to keep Wales afloat would “seriously jeopardise the future of these estates”.

The Ministry stated that there was a “gloomy outlook” for sugar prices in the foreseeable future, and the Wales Estate has been projected to make a loss of $1.6 billion to $1.9 billion this year.

More talk on suicide?

(What else is there to say on suicides? The following is excerpted from a 2012 piece.)

O

ver the years, I’ve thought a lot about the phenomenon of suicide. It’s not I’m morbid. As an Indian Guyanese, I’m not sure how one can avoid such thoughts. With almost 200 suicides annually and more than three-quarters of them being Indians, there’s hardly a week you don’t get a call from some friend or acquaintance about someone they or you know who took their life. Who hasn’t been touched?

It’s been so ever since I can remember. Friends from other communities would joke: “What’s the name of an Indian cocktail? Malathion!”

But interesting enough when I started looking into the epidemic back in 1997 when Swami Aksharananda and I organised a “Conference on Suicide in Guyana”, I found in the villages of the Bhojpuri belt from where most of us had migrated, suicide had been a rare occurrence. The figures of the 19th century showed that Uttar Pradesh had a rate of 6.3 per 100,000, while in the countries to which we had been exported to labour on the sugar plantations, the numbers had skyrocketed to at least ten times that number. From Fiji to South Africa to the Caribbean, the authorities compiled meticulous records, even as they took no measures to deal specifically with the problem. It was just another factor that convinced them Indian immigration had to continue – to fill the gaps so to speak.

We’ve been highlighting this fact since 1997 to emphasise that whenever the authorities design a suicide intervention programme, they’d have to ensure that the cultural responses of Indians to the triggering mechanisms for suicide be taken into account. There has unfortunately been a studied refusal to take the hint. In 2011, noting that “multicultural societies require cultural sensitivity in all suicide prevention efforts”, the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) designated the theme for World Suicide Day as: “Preventing Suicide in Multicultural Societies.”

It was emphasised that: “Risk factors for suicide vary across cultural groups. Knowledge about common risk factors in a society often stems from research in majority populations.

However, in a multicultural context we need to be aware that some risk factors may play different roles in the suicidal process as well as in suicide prevention for some minority groups compared to the majority population…

“In addition, other factors that might have a different impact on minorities compared to the majority population are attitudes towards suicidal behaviour and suicidal people (eg taboo, stigma), religion and spirituality, and family dynamics (gender roles and responsibilities).”

It is therefore not surprising that as a result, as is the case in Guyana, “the strategy/programme is often aimed at the majority population and a specific cultural perspective or focus is missing”.

One problem arising with the traditional approach in dealing with suicide has been its strong linkage with mental health services. It’s not that the latter are failing people, but that they are not always the right service in the first place. If you are deeply distressed and feeling suicidal, then visiting a place seen as dealing with ‘mad people’ would be the last place you’d want to go.

Very few persons who committed suicide sought out available mental health workers.

The PPP Government made an attempt from 2007 to get ordinary individuals within communities trained in a ‘gatekeepers’ programme to be available to counsel individuals contemplating suicide. But the initiative appears to have been mothballed for reasons that are not clearly apparent.

The Minister of Health, Leslie Ramsammy had confessed that funding had always been a constraint, but we had hoped with the enormity of the problem, this would have been rectified.

In 2012, there was a report of a Peace Corps volunteer working with a local group in Black Bush Polder, the Mibicuri Community Developers. He surveyed the community’s specific conclusions as to why they’ve become the ‘suicide nest’ of Guyana. In descending significance, these were “the inability to cope, domestic-relational problems, parents disapproving of their children’s boyfriends or girlfriends, alcoholism as a pattern, impulsivity, insufficient money to live on or to repay loans, easy access to agricultural pesticides/poisons, poverty/ limited opportunities, manipulation to get what they want from parents and Satan/the Devil tempting them to do it”.

These may be compared to some general factors identified by the IASP – for instance depression, unemployment, poverty, oppression, marginalisation, stigmatisation, or racism. We have to connect the specific and general triggering factors, but, more importantly, identify why the particular response is elicited.

Other groups probably face these same challenges, but their response is different.

An effective intervention programme has to answer this ‘why’ and offer alternatives to the “Indian Cocktail”.

news

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friday, january 22, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Govt destroys PPP/C motion to publicly declare income tax, assets

By Devina Samaroo

H

ours of dynamic debate ended in vain when Government voted to significantly amend a motion presented by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) to have all parliamentarians publicly declare their income taxes and assets and to have criminal charges advanced for noncompliance.

In essence, instead of passing a motion to demand Members of Parliament (MPs) put under public scrutiny their income tax returns filed to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and all assets declared to the Integrity Commission over the last 10 years, the amended motion, as passed, requested parliamentarians to comply with the existing legislation which stipulates that everyone must file their income tax returns and declare their assets to the Integrity Commission.

It all started when PPP/C MP Juan Edghill, in a powerful presentation, introduced the motion to the National Assembly, on the basis of five critical grounds.

Edghill underscored that an endorsement of the motion would mean that all parliamentarians were agreeing to implement greater levels of transparency and accountability.

Noting that he expected no one to vote against the motion, Edghill explained that the motion underlined an enhancement of public confidence in public officials; ensured there were honesty and uprightness in public officials; secured integrity of public officials; created the platform for a change in the culture of Guyanese politics; and was the strongest anti-corruption mechanism that could be put into place at this time.

Edghill, therefore, charged that no one, if they were genuinely serious about being accountable and transparent, should vote against the motion.

“Every ‘no’ vote in this House is a declaration that ‘my walk is not consistent with my talk’… (It means) ‘I bluff you, I duped you, I fool you and I am not sincere… I give you fancy talk and I am not prepared to live to those standards,” the parliamentarian proclaimed to loud heckling from the Government benches.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo subsequently took the floor, setting the tone for Government MPs to shoot down the motion.

He argued that the motion was nothing but a “massive political diversion” from “what is really necessary” to unearth corruption.

He contended that the mo-

tion was ‘inadmissible’ because it was not in accordance with the Income Tax Act. “You come with subterfuge to the Parliament: the language of the motion that says the law says what the law did not say… you cannot conspire or agree to an illegality or commit an illegality. The Income Tax law requires the filing of returns for a period of up to seven years. This motion is asking for a declaration of return of a period beyond what a law says you should file,” Nagamootoo asserted.

Moreover, he contended that corruption would not be caught under the Income Tax Act but rather under the Integrity Act whereby all public officials were required to declare their assets to the Integrity Commission.

Notably, since the establishment of this Act in 2000, all public officials are stipulated by law to declare their assets; however, there are allegations that some have failed to do so.

In response to the Prime Minister, Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira debunked Nagamootoo’s entire argument by explaining that the motion proposed was simply for an amendment to take effect to allow MPs to publicly declare their income taxes and assets.

Several other MPs including PPP/C’s Nigel Dharamlall and Charles Ramson Jr and Government Member Valerie Patterson-Sharpe took the floor to contribute to the debate.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, in his contribution, explained that notwithstanding the Income Tax Act stipulating that returns must be filed for a period of up to seven years, the National Assembly has the power to pass legislation to give effect to the motion in order to set the bar higher for all public officials.

He contended in response to taunts from the Government benches that it

was no excuse to assert that if such an action was not taken in the past, there was no merit in doing so now.

Jagdeo also challenged, “If the corruption was in the past under the PPP, would you not be anxious for those PPP/C members to declare…if you are so perfect, then you would not have nothing to worry about.”

Jagdeo also proposed a public declaration of all assets to the Integrity Commission given that Nagamootoo had contended that this was where corruption would be caught.

Following Jagdeo’s presentation was Government MP Raphael Trotman, who lashed back at the PPP/C over the issue of confidentiality.

Trotman reminded that the PPP/C argued strongly against the move by Government to bestow upon the GRA the power to access personal data should the need arise. According to Trotman, the PPP/C cried that personal data would be exposed and it

ought to not happen.

“How is it now, just two weeks after, the very thing you are asking us not to do two weeks ago, you are asking us to do now?” Trotman rebutted.

At this point, the debate was rounding up and in accordance with convention, Edghill rose to conclude the debate on the motion.

However, Nagamootoo was agitated by Edghill’s conclusion and requested to respond to Edghill in accordance to a Standing Order.

This move prompted all PPP/C MPs to walk out of the Chambers, and they only returned when it was time to vote on the motion.

The Government MPs voted against the motion and in the process, proposed amendments to the motion for the National Assembly to support the enforcement of the legal requirement for all MPs to file their income tax returns and make declarations to the Integrity Commission.

This proposal was protested and eventually saw Edghill calling for his motion to be withdrawn, arguing that the amendments significantly changed the intent of the original motion.

The Government MPs declined the withdrawal request and at the end of the debate, succeeded in passing the amended motion.

Gov’t in talks with companies for CRG number plates

M

inister of State Joseph Harmon on Wednesday disclosed that Government is currently in talks with several companies on the Cooperative Republic of Guyana (CRG) registration plates for Stateowned vehicles.

At the post Cabinet briefing, Harmon disclosed that both local and overseas companies have expressed interests in producing the number plates: “So we are going through that process. What we want to do is that once these plates are issued they will have to have some security features and these are the things we are doing right now.”

In July last year, Cabinet had approved the use of the CRG registration plates for State-owned vehicles. It also gave its no objection for the issuance of these registration plates to be a centralised system.

The plates will carry special security features to stymie the use of falsely registered plates and enable easier tracking and identification. It is intended that all vehicles to be purchased for use by the State and State agencies will be fitted with the CRG registration plates.

Harmon had stated that the CRG plates would come into effect after some minor adjustments to the Motor

Vehicle Regulations were completed. He had explained that the CRG plates will serve to identify State-owned vehicles.

“You will not have the situation where private number plates are on vehicles, and, therefore, they can be abused by persons and it is not clear to the public that these are Government vehicles,” he noted.

According to the Minister, this decision was taken in light of the challenges the APNU/AFC Government had faced upon its assumption to office last year in recovering some of the assets, including vehicles, misappropriated by officials linked to the previous

Administration.

“So as soon as you see a CRG number plate, you will know that it is a State vehicle. So it is going to be easing and aiding in the identification of State-owned vehicles,” he pointed out.

He added that the new system would also address those vehicles which belong to the State but which people were holding under private number plates: “We will assign CRG numbers to those vehicles… Once

you have a CRG registered vehicle but you have a private number plate on it, then the Police can actually go and seize that vehicle from you, because it belongs to the State.”

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friday, january 22, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

NEWS

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friday, january 22, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

MP calls for reduction of fuel, electricity prices

I

n light of the dramatic drop in fuel prices worldwide, People’s Progressive Party/Civic Member of Parliament Irfaan Ali is mounting pressure on government to immediately adjust the electricity rates and fuel prices to reflect the reality.

With respect to high electricity rates, Ali firmly declared that consumers must benefit from the tremendous cost savings that the government and the Guyana Power and Light is receiving.

“At a minimum the Government should consider a reduction of 30 per cent in electricity tariff,” Ali proposed, noting that it is com-

mon knowledge that more than 50 per cent of the cost of production is attributed to fuel charges.

“This would not only help households but the manufacturing sector which would redound to the overall benefit of the economy,” he explained.

Ali insisted that it is also highly “unfair” that consumers are asked to bear high fuel prices when the international price for fuel came down in excess of 40 per cent within the last eight months.

“There is no justification for the prices currently paid at the pump. The minibus association and taxi association cannot remain silent

He explained that a free and open market must be able to bring benefit when commodity prices are low.

On that note, he recommended at a minimum there should be a reduction of 40 per cent in the price of fuel at the pumps.

Reports indicate that the already record-low universal price for crude oil is expected to plummet by another 30 per cent in 2016, a devastating blow for oil producers worldwide but a priceless PPP/C MP Irfaan Ali

on this issue. Prices must be adjusted to the benefit of the consumers,” the former Minister contended.

Kitty Market

Restoration on main agenda for M&CC in 2016

R

estoring the Kitty Market is on the main agenda for the Mayor and City Council of Georgetown this year, but are awaiting the necessary resources.

Speaking with this publication Thursday, M&CC Public Relations Officer Debra Lewis stated that the venture is needed to have the market functioning again.

In order for the project to start it was agreed to have the vendors relocated temporarily until the market is completely rebuilt. Initially the vendors were told they would be relocated to David Street, Kitty, until the market is completed.

In a comment Harry Narine a vendor stated he is “in objection” of having to relocate so far, since most of his customers reside in close proximity to the market.

Rudolph Dyal, also a vendor, said he “is willing” to render assistance by renting a plot of land he owns to the M&CC to have them relocated. This empty plot located is Shell Road, Kitty. He stated he is in possession of all his documents, which will be presented to the relevant authorities shortly as they em-

Kitty Market

bark on this venture.

Unsanitary conditions

Stall holders plying their trade at the market complained bitterly of the conditions under which they have to work. When it rains water pours in since there is no proper roof. Hanging boards from the ceilings pose a threat to the lives and safety of persons working there. A huge smelling garbage heap on the premises makes it totally unacceptable for food items to be sold.

After a visit to the Kitty Market Mayor Hamilton Green stated the matter “was discussed” with

Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan and a decision has to be made.

Presently there are proposals in place to maintain the historic site. He further explained that, based on responses from the engineers the market is way beyond the need of minor repairs.

Green stated they are examining all the possible alternatives to have the vendors temporarily relocated.

This venture would be of a substantial cost, and they are in the process of approaching the Ministry of Finance and the President to see what assistance would be given.

Russia warns UK Litvinenko inquiry may “poison” ties

B

ritain’s inquiry into the murder of exKGB agent Alexander Litvinenko may further “poison” ties between Moscow and London, the Kremlin has said.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday that Russia would give “all necessary answers via diplomatic channels”, after Britain’s inquiry concluded President Vladimir Putin “probably” approved a 2006 Russian intelligence operation to kill Litvinenko with radioactive polonium-210 in London.

“Such quasi investigations like the one we are talking about today are capable of further poisoning the atmosphere of our bilateral ties,” Peskov told reporters.

Al Jazeera’s Rory

Alexander Litvinenko died in London in 2006 after drinking tea laced with a radioactive substance [EPA]

Challands, reporting from Moscow, said the Kremlin’s reaction was expected, given the accusations against Putin.

“The spokesperson of the

Kremlin alluded to the famous British sense of humour, saying that perhaps this inquiry is an example of a subtle British joke,” Challands said.

“Essentially, he is pouring scorn on the inquiry and this report, saying this it doesn’t hold any kind of water whatsoever.”

Earlier in the day, British Judge Robert Owen said that it was likely the Russian leader signed off on the killing of the former spy in 2006 after a long-running feud.

Owen’s 300-page report said Andrei Lugovoi and Dmitri Kovtun were likely acting under the direction of Moscow’s FSB intelligence service, successor of the KGB, when they poisoned the 43-year-old at London’s Millennium Hotel. (Excerpt from Al

Jazeera)

opportunity for consumers around the globe who are cashing in on huge savings.

Oil prices fell by 34 per cent in 2015, battered by prolonged global oversupply and a slowdown in energyhungry China’s economy.

A recent report on CNN Money stated that oil sank to below US$28 per barrel, the lowest it has been in more than 12 years.

Even amid the prevailingly low oil prices last year which directly resulted in

the purchasing of cheaper fuel by government, gas prices in Guyana remained monumentally high.

With projections of another suffering year for oil producers ahead, fuel providers around the world are gearing up to further lower their prices to pass on the benefits to consumers.

An ABC News report said that gas prices have hit a stunning low at just US$0.47 per gallon in Michigan, USA.

16 news

friday, january 22, 2016| guyanatimesGY.com

Mother implores missing LGE in Region 3 daughter to return home Some NDCs ready, others not

A

mother is pleading with her 19-year-old daughter Amrita Singh, who was last seen on Sunday last in an unspecified area in Georgetown, to return home to her family.

The mother, Savitree Deonarine, of Canje, Berbice, informed Guyana Times that her daughter had left their home about 10:30h last Thursday and that had been the last she had seen or heard from the young lady.

She reported that after the girl had failed to return home that day, she made contact with friends and family who were all unaware of her whereabouts.

Attempts to get the girl on her cell phone were futile.

However, Deonarine revealed that someone had contacted her stating that they had seen her daughter in Georgetown in the company of a young Police Officer.

The missing girl, Amrita Singh

Deonarine had since made reports to the Reliance Police Station in Canje and Central New Amsterdam, but had not received any word from the stations.

According to Deonarine, the commander of Reliance Police Station had told her that they would call her after making contact with

the young man who was last seen with her daughter. However, he has failed to do so.

She disclosed that the young man, Leon Plass, who was seen with her daughter, had shared a relationship with her, but it ended some time last year.

Subsequently, the couple had begun to communicate again last December.

The distressed mother is appealing to her daughter to return home, or at least make contact with the family so they would know that she was safe and alive.

“Really speaking, I glad to see her. I just want to know her whereabouts. I want her to come home, that’s no problem.”

Amrita Singh is said to be slim, light brown in complexion, and five feet tall with shoulder length black hair.

By Shemuel Fanfair

H

eads of various Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) in Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara) have stated their preparedness for Guyana’s March 18 Local Government Elections (LGE).

Chairman of the Toevlugt-Patentia NDC, Roy Benett stated that his area was ready for all activities associated with the Elections.

“Our area is actually prepared…Nomination Day will take place at the village office. We have made some physical accommodations available and everything else is in order,” Chairman Benett said.

“As far as I’m aware, we have three groups in our community that will be taking part. There

[are] the two major political parties and there is a civic group taking part also.”

Benett also informed this publication that a formula for budgetary allocations to local NDCs by Central Government was yet to be calculated.

Jaideo Sookho of MoraParika NDC also indicated that his eight constituencies were set for the Elections.

“They want Local Government Elections; everybody in the area want it to happen: they’re anxiously awaiting…”

The Chairman stated that various party candidates have submitted their symbols.

“They already included symbols including a gentleman – Mr Hossein has a scale and weight as [his] symbol.”

“There was another woman who was said to be “contesting with a ball”, but hasn’t yet disclosed her party’s name as yet,” Chairman Sookho said.

With reference to Nominations Day, Chairman Sookho stated that he was not fully certain if all intended parties would qualify to contest the election.

Sookho is hopeful that in light of the upcoming elections, his area’s budget could be approved because their estimates have already been submitted.

“We can’t do any work if the budget is not approved. There are residents coming in and complain for us to do work in the NDC. Places need to clean up and so forth,” Sookho said.

The Chairman emphasised that his NDC was operating within the rules and regulations which the Ministry and the regional

body had set.

“Some people appreciate what the NDC is doing and some people not pleased with what we are doing…but we can only do so much because most of the instructions [have] to come down from the region and the Ministry of Communities,” he remarked.

The Tuschen/ Uitvlugt NDC has an estimated population of 40,000 residents. Their Chairman, Mr Kusil stated the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has embarked on many public announcement exercises which have been successful in informing residents about the electoral process.

Chairman Parman Kusil stated that his area has 10 constituencies, but could not say how many parties have indicated their intentions to contest the LGE. The Best/KlienPouderoyen district authority claimed that GECOM has the information pertaining to parties contesting in that district.

“We can’t know that: the NDC don’t have nothing to do with the election.”

Chairman Balram further claimed that the Ministry of Communities would have all the required information.

The Wakenaam NDC Chairman’s office was contacted, but he could not be reached for comment. Similarly, this publication was unable to contact the Leguan NDC. The local polls have not been held since 1994 and many parties in various constituencies have indicated their willingness to run in these elections.

Wife abuser jailed for 21 days

A

North Ruimveldt man on Thursday appeared before Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer to charges of assault and threatening behaviour.

Wenell Bristol, 27, pleaded not guilty to the charges which stated that on January 18, 2016, at Barbie Dam, North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, he unlawfully and maliciously assaulted his reputed wife, 29-year-old Joana Atkins.

It was also alleged that on the same day the defendant made use of threatening behaviour against Atkins.

The Court heard that on the day in question, the

defendant and his reputed wife, who share four children, had an argument.

During the argument, the defendant allegedly choked Atkins with both hands, pushed her into the wall and then to the ground, and dealt her several slaps and cuffs about her body.

When asked by the Magistrate what he had to say in his defence, Bristol said nothing.

As such, Magistrate McGusty sentenced the defendant to 21 days in prison for assaulting Atkins.

He was also fined $10,000 with an alternative sentence of seven days’ imprisonment for the threatening behaviour charge.

Friday, January 22, 2016

guyanatimesgy.com

Ravi B and Karma Band

KI and De Band

The Dil-e-Nadan

F

ormer member of the Karma Band, Gregory Ayuen is expected to perform independently on March 12 at the Guyana National Stadium when the “Clash of the Titans” super concert is held.

He has not performed at the “Clash of the Titans” for the past four years since he left Karma Band. However, this year, he is expected to take the stage by storm, as, without a doubt, he has a massive fan base in Guyana.

The “Clash of the Titans” is promoted by Fire Fest Production and will feature at least two local and four regional bands.

Those slated to perform at the event are Raymond Ramnarine and the Dil-e-Nadan; Ravi B and

Gregory Ayuen

Pooran Seeraj

C

The Heatwaves Band

Mahendra Ramkellawan

hutney lovers in Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara and surrounding communities are in for a treat this Saturday evening when “Teecha” hosts “Chutney Invasion” at the Ball Field.

The event will feature Heatwaves Band member and Guyana’s upcoming chutney star, Steven Ramphal, along with others who will definitely add some vibes to the event.

Before the actual performance, which is scheduled to start at 21:00h, the DJs from Black Ivory and 71 Sound System will be setting the tone for a fantastic night.

The event is the first of its kind in Soesdyke and the tickets are going like hot cakes. Be sure not to miss the Chutney explosion. The event is sponsored by Banks DIH and maximum security is guaranteed.

Gates open at 19:00h.

Karma Band featuring Ravi B, Nesha B and the Karma Dolls, and KI and De Band featuring Kris Persad, Neval Chatelal and Nishard M. The show will also feature Rick Ramoutar and Sexy Vanessa out of Trinidad and Tobago and Mahendra Ramkellawan from Guyana.

The local bands are The Dax New Generation Band and the Shakti Strings Orchestra featuring Steven Ramphal, Pooran Seeraj and Yoland Nedd. Also adding some flavour to the event will be the Fire Fest Dancers and another group to be named soon.

Tickets for the event will be released shortly at affordable prices.

Steven Ramphal

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guyanatimesgy.com

friday, january 22, 2016

Shelly G

Roger Hinds

Halima Khan

Bunty Singh

Haresh Singh

s Guyana prepares to celebrate another Republic Anniversary, plans are moving apace to host the muchanticipated Chutney Competition on February 6 at the Parking Lot of the Synthetic Track, Leonora, West Coast Demerara.

The event will see upcoming Chutney artistes vying for the title and over $1 million in cash and prizes. As usual, the artistes contesting for the title will be backed by the Shakti Strings Orchestra – the official band of the competition.

Thus far, several persons have already confirmed their participation, including the reigning Chutney Monarch Roger Hinds.

The others are Pooran Seeraj, Haresh Singh, Bunty Singh, Shelly G, Halima Khan, Colin Freeman, Sasnarine Hitnarine,

Yogeta Kellawan, Savitree Lee, and Bonita Seenarine, along with Chris Ken and Satish Udiram out of the United States.

The event is an annual one that promotes Guyana’s diverse culture and more so, provides a stage to promote local talents. Come

February 6, the artistes will be clashing head on with some of the best lyrics in the hope of reigning supreme.

The contestants have all started rehearsals and are certain that they will be ready for competition night.

A

G

uyanese artiste Jumo “Rubber Waist” Primo is thankful for his semi-final experience at the International Soca Monarch competition held in Trinidad and Tobago last weekend.

The reigning Carib Soca Monarch in an interview with Guyana Times Entertainment stated that his performance was on point, but apparently there was an agreement that he was unaware of that he was there just to perform and not to compete for the title.

He noted that while in Trinidad and Tobago, his team managed to organise a f e w ra-

dio and television appearances with little or no assistance from the

International Soca Monarch committee. His tune, “Unruly”, he explained, was only played whenever he made an appearance on the radio.

This, he noted, was not his expectation as any competition should always be a level playing field. While he represented Carib, as a result of being the Carib Soca Monarch, at the semifinals, he now plans to enter the competition independently. Although he did not make the cut for the final, he was appreciative of the efforts made by Carib Beer to have him showcase his talent.

He intends to compete in the 2017 competition in a bigger way.

H e

promises to continue releasing songs on a regular basis.

T

he public can look forward to a number of celebratory activities to observe this year’s Republic Anniversary. The theme for Guyana’s 2016 Mashramani is “Celebration of Diversity, Unity and

at the National Cultural Centre where at least 12 calypsonians will be competing for the title, cash prize, trophies and a spot in the Senior Calypso Competition.

On January 31, the Steelband competition for Region Three

Museum.

The semi-finals of the Senior Calypso Competition are billed for February 12 in Linden, while on February 19 at Demerara Park, Georgetown, the showdown for the adult calypso compe-

The National Exhibition on Arts and Facts will be held at the Castellani House on February 22. This will make way for the flag-raising ceremony on the morning of the 23rd at Parliament Building. After the flag-rais-

One of the performances during the Steelband Competition last year

King Perai

Sovereignty”.

However, as 2016 is the year of Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary, this year’s Mash activities will be amplified and will begin on January 23 and 24 in the mining community of Linden with the Steelband concert.

This will be followed by the Junior Calypso Monarch Competition on January 30

Flashback: The Children’s Costume and Float Parade

(Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) will be held.

On February 6, the final of the Chutney Monarch Competition will be held at the Synthetic Track at Leonora, West Coast Demerara followed by a concert for the elderly at the Promenade Gardens on February 7. The Mash Exhibition will take place on February 10 at the National

tition will take place.

On February 13, there will be the Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) Steelband competition as well as the masquerade competition. Between February 17 and 19, the children’s competition will take place at the National Cultural Centre, while the children’s parade will happen on February 20 at Parade Ground.

ing ceremony, there will be a family fun day at the Indian Monument Garden commencing at 12:00h.

The National Steelband Competition is billed for February 28 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

There also will be a Child Art Competition that will be done between February 26 and March 11 at Castellani House.

friday, january 22, 2016

Murray disarms Groth with masterly display

NBA Roundup

Cavs rebound with W win over Nets Knicks 118, Jazz 111 (OT)

K

Kevin Love

evin Love collected 17 points and 18 rebounds in three quarters as the Cleveland Cavaliers bounced back from their worst loss of the season with a 91-78 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night.

Love had his 19th double-double and fourth in five games by halftime. He was 5-for-10 from the field and came within one of his season high for rebounds while playing just 31 minutes.

LeBron James finished with 17 points on 7-of-12 shooting for Cleveland, which lost 132-98 to the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday.

Brook Lopez led the Nets with 16 points and nine rebounds.

Wizards 106, Heat 87

John Wall had 18 points and 10 assists, Bradley Beal also scored 18, and Washington snapped a recent home funk with a win over Miami.

The Wizards had lost two straight and five of six home games since getting blown out by the Heat on Jan. 3. Six

Wizards scored in double figures, including forward Nene, who had 16 points and a season-high with five steals.

Chris Bosh scored 18 points for Miami, which lost its third game in a row.

Raptors 115, Celtics 109

DeMar DeRozan scored 34 points, and Toronto defeated Boston to extend its winning streak to a season-best six games.

Jonas Valanciunas added 19 points and 12 rebounds for the Raptors.

Isaiah Thomas scored 21 points and had 10 assists for the Celtics, who lost their second game in a row.

76ers 96, Magic 87

Rookie Jahlil Okafor scored 20 points and reserve Hollis Thompson had 17 points to lead Philadelphia past Orlando.

The Sixers have the worst record in the NBA, but they won for the second time in three games. The Magic have lost eight of their past nine.

Orlando got 21 points and 10 assists from Elfrid Payton.

A heroic effort from forward Carmelo Anthony helped New York rally from a 13-point deficit to beat the Utah in overtime.

Anthony had a game-high 30 points, nine rebounds and seven assists to lead New York to a second consecutive overtime win.

Forward Derrick Williams (18 points), who buried a 3-pointer in front of the Knicks bench to give New York a 106103 lead in OT. Center Robin Lopez (season-high 22 points, 12 rebounds) also attacked the glass and scored on a putback as the Knicks’ lead expanded to 113-106 with 40.5 seconds remaining in overtime.

Swingmen Rodney Hood (29 points) and Gordon Hayward (27 points) led the Jazz. Hayward forced the game into overtime when he made all three free throws with 2.4 seconds left in regulation after being fouled on a three-point attempt.

Warriors 125, Bulls 94

Stephen Curry had 25 points, Klay Thompson had 20 and Harrison Barnes finished with 19 to lead the Warriors (39-4), who got double-figures bench scoring from Andre Iguodala (10 points), Leandro Barbosa (12 points) and Shaun Livingston (12 points).

Derrick Rose led all scorers with 29 points and Jimmy Butler added 23 points for the Bulls (24-17), who were swept

by Golden State in the twogame season series.

The Warriors trailed through the game’s first four minutes, but unfurled an 11-4 run to seize the lead and never trailed again. (KCCI Des Moines)

Mascherano accepts 1-year jail term in plea bargain - reports

B

arcelona defender Javier Mascherano accepted a one-year prison sentence for tax evasion on Thursday as part of a plea bargain, Spanish media reported, although he is unlikely to serve time in jail.

The 31-year-old Argentina international, who joined Barca in August 2010, pleaded guilty last year to defrauding the Spanish tax authorities of more than 1.5 million eu-

19

ros by concealing earnings from his image rights by using companies set up in the United States and Portugal.

During a brief appearance in court on Thursday, he agreed to pay an 800,000 euro (£615,750) fine and cover the legal costs, the newspaper El Pais reported.

Sentences shorter than two years are not usually enforced in Spain.

Mascherano also paid back the unpaid tax plus almost 200,000 euros in inter-

est.

In a tweet, Mascherano acknowledged the plea bargain, and said he reserved the right to take legal action against those who had given him poor advice on his personal finances.

Mascherano’s Barcelona and Argentina team mate Lionel Messi, FIFA’s world footballer of the year, is due to appear in court with his father at the end of May to answer charges of tax fraud.

(Reuters Sport)

orld number two Andy Murray used his full repertoire of clever passing shots and teasing lobs to disarm the world’s fastest server, Sam Groth, and swiftly book a spot in the Australian Open third round on Thursday.

Murray, a four-times runner-up at Melbourne Park, likes nothing more than fending off the heavy hitters and had too much craft for Groth as he won the first nine games on the way to a straightforward 6-0 6-4 6-1 victory.

Groth was making his first ever appearance on Rod Laver Arena, and it showed as he was taken to the cleaners.

“He didn’t start the match off serving that well, which helped,” Murray told reporters after his 91-minute victory. “Because I was returning well, that maybe put some more pressure on him.

“I tend to enjoy playing against that game style.

Always did since I was a kid.”

Groth began the match having blasted 27 aces and the fastest serve recorded at the tournament so far at 235 kph in his first round victory

Andy Murray

against Adrian Mannarino.

Against Murray his first ace did not arrive until the second game of the second set, by which time he was already reeling from a slow start punished by the 28-year-old Scot.

Murray was lobbing and passing at will and such was his complete mastery of his opponent, all Groth could do was shake his head and offer a wry smile.

“I wasn’t making first serves,” Groth said. “Wasn’t making first volleys. He’s too

good of a player not to do that against and not a guy you want to get behind against either.”

Groth finally got on the scoreboard in the 10th game, the Australian raising his arms in triumph to earn a massive roar from the parochial crowd.

Murray lost his momentum and Groth broke back as he levelled the set at 4-4.

“I think I held serve, got a game on the board, released a few nerves and probably just started playing the way I wanted to,” Groth said.

Murray, however, regrouped and broke Groth’s serve to seal the set then ran away with the decider to set up a third round clash with Portugal’s Joao Sousa.

Despite his easy progress so far, however, Murray said he felt there was a lot of work to do before his next match.

“There’s some things I certainly could have done better,” Murray said. “I didn’t serve a high percentage of first serves. I wasn’t hitting the ball from the back of the court as well. “It’s been a very good start but I can still get better.” (Reuters Sport)

Renzi backs Rome’s bid for 2024 Olympics as investment

I

talian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi endorsed Rome’s bid to host the 2024 Olympics on Thursday, saying that European countries should invest as much in sports and culture as in security.

Renzi led an Italian delegation to the Lausanne headquarters of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), where he made his pitch to IOC President Thomas Bach and senior officials.

“I think this is the time of Rome. This is my personal position. We are ready, we are in. And I think we are also the strongest candidacy, with all respect for Paris, Los Angeles, and Budapest,” Renzi told Reuters.

Italy’s attempt to host the 2024 Olympic Games is a chance to clean up the scandal-plagued capital city, the bid’s chairman, Luca Cordero di Montezemolo said last week. Montezemolo, a former head of Ferrari, has said it would cost 24.9 million euros ($26.96 million) to make the bid. Some have questioned whether the city can manage the lucrative contracts for the Olympics. They cost London, the last host city, some 9 bil-

Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi (L) and International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach pose after meeting at the IOC headquarters

lion pounds ($13.1 billion).

A mafia trial is under way after news broke in late 2014 that a criminal ring had allegedly been skimming millions of euros off city hall contracts for years.

Renzi, asked whether spending on the Olympics would be part of the EU deficit calculations, said: “I think for the budget, our Olympic Games in Rome, everything is good. We haven’t a problem of deficit, there is a great organisation, there is a great team.

“My personal position is that for every euro invested in security, defence, cybersecurity and technology, we can invest euros in culture, education, research and sports.”

Renzi’s presence “means

there is the full commitment of the government. He will go much more into details what the government intends to do, helping local authorities in Rome to put up a good business plan,” Rome Committee spokesman Fabio Guadagnini said.

Italy’s organising committee is to present its “full project and vision” on Feb. 17th, Guadagnini said. The IOC will name the winner in 2017.

Bach, asked about any concerns about corruption linked to Rome’s bid, told Reuters Television after the talks that “all that has to do with this candidature will be in compliance with the strict rules of the International Olympic Committee.” (Reuters Sport)

20

guyanatimesGY.com

friday, january 22, 2016

De Villiers talks up Letter to the Sports Editor England weaknesses GCB sternly reprimands Claude Raphael E

ven though England have already won the series against South Africa, AB de Villiers has declared them “not unbeatable” in a feisty press conference ahead of the final Test.

De Villiers referred to cracks in England’s batting, with three of the top five potentially playing for their places in Centurion.

He also suggested that some of their bowlers “have lost pace” - a comment widely interpreted as an attack on James Anderson, England’s attack leader who has so far only managed to take three wickets in two Tests.

“There’s no hiding from the fact that they seem to know what they are doing. But there’s also no doubt that there are weaknesses there, and we’ve exposed some of them - but not enough and not for long enough,” de Villiers said.

“Their batting is not 100% best-in-the-world material.

The bowling line-up is very experienced but some have lost pace over the years but they’re very smart and very skilled. They’re not unbeatable.”

With words like that, Alastair Cook warned that de Villiers may be ask-

AB de Villiers

ing for trouble from the England attack. “He’s obviously trying to wind everything up and if Jimmy reads it he’ll have a word,” Cook said. “I actually think his speeds have been quite good in this series. It’s a brave man to call Jimmy Anderson out but I guess it will spice up the match a little.”

That does not bode well for South Africa’s batsmen, who have had a torrid time of it in the last two months.

They have managed only two scores over 300 and slumped to their two lowest

totals since readmission something de Villiers is not running away from. He admitted their performances were not good enough “it’s time for us to wake up a little bit now and start playing proper cricket” but did not say whether much had changed behind the scenes to enable that to happen just yet.

For now, he offered fighting talk: “There are no dead rubbers in Test cricket. The game has got way too much tradition and culture and history for us just to rock up and think it doesn’t mean anything. It’s a huge game for us. We’d hate to lose 3-0.

I think 2-1 sounds a lot better. It would be great to win a Test. We haven’t won a Test for 12 months.”

But in the near future, he hopes there will be more technical improvements, including the involvement of a batting coach. “We’ve been a bit naive in believing we can go on the way we have been,” de Villiers said. “We need to get advice and help, not only from a batting coach - in a few other areas as well.

That will be discussed after this series. There are a few names already in the hat.” (Cricinfo)

Tenelec Inc Under-15 Cricket Competition…

Rose Hall Town, Blairmont Community Centre to do battle in final

Kevlon Anderson

R

ose Hall Farfan and Mendes and Blairmont Community Centre will be locked in a highly anticipated battle in the final of the Tenelec Inc Under-15 twoinnings cricket competition which will be held this Saturday and Sunday at the Blairmont Ground.

Joint defending champion Rose Hall Town Farfan & Mendes will be spearheaded by their two Guyana Under-15 cricketers Kevlon Anderson and Junior Sinclair who together with

Berbice under-15 all-rounder Keith Sinclair will lead the way in their batting line up.

Anderson has registered the highest score in the competition so far with 113 together with four half-centuries.

With his aggregate of 392 runs, Anderson is the highest run scorer of the competition thus far.

Sinclair is not too far behind with 299 runs including a 90 and two other halfcenturies. Their spin based bowling attack includes Sinclair, Anderson, Simpson and Emanuel Seecharran and Brandon Corlette.

On the other hand, Blairmont having defeated Young Warriors in the quarter-finals and created an upset of sorts to inflict an innings defeat on favourites Albion Community Centre, will be a handful.

Their batting will be led

by Berbice Under-15 cricketer Javed Karim who has so far scored 228 runs in the competition, including 83 against Young Warriors and 76 against Albion.

Dear Editor, The Guyana Cricket Board wishes to record its extreme disappointment and shock at the level that a former cricket official has descended to in his most recent letter to the media titled ‘How could our legal system embrace such an obvious illegality for five years?” . In that correspondence, Mr. Raphael proceeded to lampoon the Judiciary and the GCB with baseless allegations and reckless statements. Quite obviously, he seems upset with the decisions emanating from the legal system but his reactions are totally misplaced and utterly disrespectful.

The GCB wishes to caution Mr. Claude Raphael to desist from making such potentially libelous and threatening statements against senior members of the Judiciary, both sitting and retired Chief Justices.

Mr. Raphael’s scathing remarks against the judicial system and our learned Chief Justices are most disparaging when they are very closely examined. He has now publicly denounced and ridiculed numerous decisions of the Honorable Chief Justice, Ian Chang, whilst questioning the competence and integrity of the said Chief Justice and, quite possibly, the entire Judiciary.

Mr. Raphael also took the opportunity to issue a thinly veiled threat to the new Chief Justice. We should all respect the rule of law and the custodians of the judicial system which forms an important pillar within our democratic system of governance. The GCB issues a public call to Mr. Raphael to immediately make an unqualified apology to these

esteemed Jurists and, in the future, to refrain from venting his frustrations in the public domain. This call by the GCB does not absolve Mr. Raphael from any future action that these legal luminaries may decide to institute against him for his statements.

At the GCB, we have faced numerous decisions meted out to us by the judicial system, whether favorable to us or not, and have taken them all in stride whilst responding to them in the manner that our Executive Committee and Members have determined to be the most expeditious course of action. Obviously, our collective decisions will not find favor with Mr. Raphael and his colleagues, but they can be assured that they were all made in the best interest of preserving the integrity and development of firstly, our cricketers, the game of cricket, the institution of GCB, its constitution, its members and its valued staff. As custodians of the game, here in Guyana, the Guyana Cricket Board has an obligation to preserve its rich history and provide for the next generation Everyone has disagreements and differences of opinions on issues from time to time which, coincidentally, is the raison d’être why cricket administration has been mired in such controversy for the past 5 years. We all need to be matured and patient in our statements and actions and be ultra- careful not to offend, threaten or disparage persons that we do not agree with.

The GCB is very proud of the investment that the Board and our valued spon-

sors have made into our cricketers, both seniors and juniors, over the past years and we are especially encouraged with the positive attitude, commitment and the successes with which they have been rewarded.

We do acknowledge that we have not yet reached the pinnacle of our development program, but we have already charted the course for achieving that with our business plan developed a few years ago.

For the record, the Guyana Cricket Board recognizes that the Cricket Administration Act is the law of the land and duly respects same. Even though we have our disagreements with the Act, we have embraced same and continue to operate within its framework. We wish to remind everyone that GCB is the only legally recognized body enshrined within the said new Cricket Administration Act with the unenviable task of administering cricket in Guyana. This status existed just prior to the Act coming into force and subsequent to its implementation. The GCB has publicly expressed its dissatisfaction with this Act and has thus instituted a legal challenge to this Act which action is waiting to be heard and determined and, as such, is sub judice.

We again strongly caution Mr. Raphael to stop making false assertions against the GCB. The Guyana Cricket Board will continue to encourage our players, officials and staff to be professional in executing their duties.

Yours Sincerely, Guyana Cricket Board.

Djokovic and Williams target fourth-round spots D

Javid Karim

He will be supported by Chandradat Veersammy, Adim Shiwtahal and Seon Glasgow Jnr. Their bowling attack will be led by Berbice under-15 players, in offspinner Glasgow and leftarm spinner Nigel Deodat.

Shiwtahal can provide support with his handy off-spinners as well.

The umpires officiating are Moses Ramphal and Rafik Latif with Joseph Simon as the stand-by.

The match will bowl off at 10:00h.

efending champions Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams are back in action at the Australian Open on Friday with comfortable looking hurdles to overcome to reach the fourth round.

Top seed Djokovic, untroubled so far as he seeks a sixth Australian Open title, takes on Italian 28th seed Andreas Seppi having beaten him in all 11 of their previous meetings.

Williams resumes her pursuit of a seventh crown at Melbourne Park against Russia’s Daria Kasatkina after fifth seed Maria Sharapova takes on 22-year-old American Lauren Davis.

Djokovic will be happy to be back on court after his serene progress was interrupted in his post-match media conference on Tuesday when

Serena Williams

he was forced to deny allegations in an Italian newspaper about match-fixing in 2007.

He will be wary though as Seppi beat Roger Federer at exactly the same round of

last year’s Australian Open.

Federer, the 17-times grand slam champion, meets 27th seed Grigor Dimitrov, who was once labelled “Baby Federer”.

He will look to record a landmark 300th grand slam win, becoming the first man in history to achieve the feat.

Women’s fourth seed Agnieszka Radwanska, still searching for a first grand slam title, faces Puerto Rico’s Monica Puig while Japan’s Ken Nishikori, seeded seventh, starts things off on the Margaret Court Arena against Spain’s Guillermo Garcia-Lopez.

A day after Lleyton Hewitt’s final bow, one of Australia’s big new hopes, Nick Kyrgios, takes on sixth seed Tomas Berdych in what promises to be a raucous night session. (Reuters Sport)

sports

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F

ormer National Striker Vernon Mills has posited that his team, Slingerz Football Club is still very much a formidable unit to contend with on the field despite the loss of some vital players during the transfer period.

In an interview with Guyana Times Sport on Thursday, the attacking mid-fielder said “there was a lot of talk about players leaving, Slingerz being weaker; a few good players came in and we are much more stronger and balanced side for the second half”.

He further added that, “everybody is working hard because this is the pre-season, we are looking to work on the key areas of the game; the coaches are doing their best to put forward the best possible team for the start of the league finale”.

Five Slingerz players, namely defenders Colin Nelson, Joshua Browne and Solomon Austin; midfielder Dwain Jacobs and forward Anthony `Awo’ Abrams were transferred to arch rivals Alpha “The Hammer” United. But the West Side team gained some great Golden Jaguars expertise in the likes of Kester Jacobs and Quincy Adams.

As the tournament progressed Slingerz FC showed greater camaraderie and were beginning to live up to the favourites tag but now they have undergone the process of reconstructing the team.

“It may or may not affect how we start the second half of the league; the players that left, we have played together for a while as a team and would have built a strong chemistry. Now I think it we will take a little more time to get the team together, that is why we start the pre-season a bit earlier so that we can take a good look of the players that came in and hopefully jell faster”,

S

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...“We are still a strong team” – assured Mills

Vernon Mills (left) will not have the services of veteran strikeman Anthony “Awo” Abrams anymore

Mills said Slingerz won the league stage by virtue of only losing one of their 14 games, winning nine and drawing four, which helped them accumulate 28 points; just one more than second place Pele FC. Alpha United on 26 and Fruta Conquerors on 20 rounded off the top four.

“I would not say that in the first half nor in the second we would have a had a stronger team, because if we look at the league, it was not really balanced but it was competitive, I think we played with a chemistry, and we played with a brand of football unique to us”, the player revealed as the reason for their success.

Quizzed as to how the team plans to tackle the second half of the league, he explained that “ the only thing can make us different is how we play; if we will play the same way and not play as individuals we should be good

but will be going into the second half with the same frame of mind”.

Being a senior and having the expansive experienced Mills could feel the extra burden of having to perform on a more consistent basis for the team since his usual supportive elements in the mid-field and defense will be missing.

“I believe in one thing, you train as you play and you play as you train. So I will keep working hard and do what is expected of me; I think the second half of the league won’t be easy but I will achieve what is needed”, Mills said.

According to the player, “he is not aware of anymore players being transferred to or from the club”. Mills also confidently stated that supporters can expect Slingerz FC to be top of the table come the end of league’s second half which is scheduled to start on February third.

(akeemg@guyanatimesgy.com)

Narine shocked after being barred from speaking to Red Force

services

TO let

Slingerz FC still confident despite the loss of key players

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uspended West Indies player Sunil Narine was left in shock after not being allowed to enter the player’s enclose during Wednesday’s NAGICO Super50 semi-finals against Guyana.

Narine, whose six wickets haul played a crucial role in the team lifting the title last year, claims he was hoping to give a word of encouragement to members of the Red Force, but was stopped from entering the enclosure by a security guard.

The player was unable to

take part in this year’s competition as he is currently serving a ban from international cricket for a suspect bowling action.

“I was going to talk to the players and the security stopped me and said match officials and support staff said I couldn’t come,” Narine told the Trinidad and Tobago Newsday.

According to reports the player had been allowed to speak with the team throughout the group stages and was left taken aback by the change in attitude. reports sugRecent

gest that Narine’s ban was also expected to be extended to local cricket based on a surprising motion currently before the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB), but Roland Sampath the national team manager insists rules were just being followed.

“There is nothing about ban, no unauthorised person supposed to go there.

He is not a member of the team, he is not a member of the squad, nobody else supposed to go there,” Sampath said. (Digicel Sportsmax)

22

guyanatimesGY.com

friday, january 22, 2016

Rebel Tennis Club Championships…

GABA League of Champions…

Pacesetters win relegation Murray survives elimination to reach semis game against Nets T

he Trinity Grid Holding (TGH) Pacesetters will remain as a first division team in the Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) after they won their relegation game 5944 against the Republic Bank Nets when the GABA League of Champions continued on Wednesday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH).

Pacesetters used a second quarter run to put the game away as they outscored the Nets 22-11 to lead the game at the half 32-16.

Pacesetters never relinquished the lead despite a few minor runs by the Nets; Pacesetters always answered to stay in control of

Travis Burnett

the game that allowed them to remain a first division squad for the remainder of 2016.

Travis Burnett was the high point man for the Pacesetters, using his slashing ability to rack up 20 points in the win to be the only person scoring in double digits for TGH sponsored squad.

Drumson McAuley recorded a team high 10 points for the Nets while Mortimer Williams was the next best scorer with nine points.

Meanwhile, the University of Guyana (UG) Trojans defeated Ravens via a walkover in their slated first division third place playoff. Action in the event is slated to continue at the CASH on Saturday with another doubleheader that will also feature the final of the first division tournament.

Jackson elected new President of Victoria Kings FC

Ronald Murray

R

onald Murray survived two scares to make his way into the semifinal of the Rebel Tennis Club Championship on Tuesday at the Harry Panday Hard Court.

It proved true on that the easiest points are the hardest ones to win in the game of tennis as Murray learnt that lesson when eight match points were snatched from his reach by Oswin Coggins during the final round of 16 matches.

It was easy cruising for Murray in the first set when he stamped his dominance

with a 6/3 win using his potent arsenal of a serve. He continued to be in the driver’s seat of the match and took a commanding 5/3 lead to serve for the match in the second set.

However, like Benjettan Osborne his fellow Roraima Tennis club player, Coggins displayed what they are best known for, resilience.

Coggins dug deep and was patient, which allowed him to slowly creep back into the match. At this point Murray was on the back foot and his shots became plagued by doubt. The loss of seven match points left him mentally shaken and swung the pendulum of momentum to Coggins who then took the set 7/5.

The third set was closely contested between the two and at 5/5 Murray was able to secure a break off Coggins serve to set up two more match points.

Coggins managed to swat off one additional match point with the swing of a down the line forehand but failed to fend off the power of Murray’s serve. He conceded the set at 5/7 to make it the second match to last three hours in the tournament.

Meanwhile, Murray had no time for rest with a back-to-back match in the quarterfinals against Andre Erskine.

The match was pegged to be a close one and it did not disappoint the spectators.

The first set was grasped by Erskine in a close tie breaker which ended 8/6.

The cheering fans of Murray rallied behind him to see a third set. A spark of confidence exuded from the steps of Murray as he took charge of the second set and won it 6/4. He fought through a tumultuous third to win it at 6/4.

Milo U-20 School Football Tournament…

Defending champs Chase Academy, a well-prepared bunch – Coach

By Treiston Joseph

Top row from left: Rexford Jackson, Carlotta De Jesus, Kenwyne Nurne; bottom row from left: Calvin Marks, Delon Vangronigen and Anu George

A

ttorney-at-Law Rexford Jackson is the new president of Victoria Kings Football Club.

The club held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at Victoria Community Centre on Sunday where the elections were observed by the Vice-President of East Demerara Football Association (EDFA) Gregory Wickham.

Jackson won without any competition since the other candidates who were vying for the presidency pulled out of the race.

Business woman Carlotta De Jesus is the new VicePresident, Kenwyne Nurse and Calvin Marks are back as Treasurer and Secretary respectively.

Delon Vangronigen is the new Team Manager and

Anu George – Equipment Manager.

The new president charged the players and new management to work hard to bring about holistic development in the club and the country while outgoing President Idi Wilson thanked the players and the old management for the opportunity that they had given him to run the club.

Holder criticises regional pitches

W

est Indies Test and One Day International skipper Jason Holder has expressed dissatisfaction with the state of regional pitches.

The all-rounder, who recently returned to the region to represent Barbados Pride in the NAGICO Super50 tournament, believes the poorly prepared surfaces have been a hindrance to teams putting together competitive batting totals throughout the regional competition.

With the highest batting

score in the competition so far being 260 and the lowest 75, regional fans have hardly being treated to scintillating performances at the crease as several other scores have been in the 100s region.

“It’s been tough.

Obviously the scores are not what we’ve been accustomed to in One-day cricket, and I think that’s been due to the slow pitches,” Holder said.

“I’ve found it very difficult so far batting in this tournament in the middle overs especially, and trying

to get the ball off the square.

I think spinners are dominating it and that’s because the ball has spun quite early and quite sharply.”

“I just think we need to work a little bit more on improving our pitches and... stroke-play and the viewing of the cricket would be a lot better.”

A recent West Indies team to Australia, however, also struggled to put totals on the board with the bat, while the hosts seemed to managed just fine in an easy 2-0 series win. (Digicel Sportsmax)

D

efending champions of the Milo Under-20 School Football Tournament will be aiming to be the first team to repeat as champions in the tournament’s history when action kicks off on Saturday at the Ministry of Education ground.

With the tournament in its fourth year and no school to date winning the championship more than once, Chase just might stand a chance to accomplish the feat when the tournament opens from 11:00h on Saturday.

Coach of the defending champs, Vurlon Mills explained to Guyana Times Sport why he believes his squad is the favourite to lift back-to-back titles.

“One thing Chase is always training even when there is no tournament, we travel and we play games we travelled to Linden to play Christianburg we travelled to Essequibo and played two teams there and we travelled to Mahaica so the team is always training,” Mills highlighted.

However, the ingredient that Mills believes sets his squad apart from the rest of the teams, is the squad’s team chemistry.

“So for this Milo tournament I think we have a better chemistry than the other teams who are now starting to train for the tournament so I think we will be more prepared this time around,” Mills noted.

Nevertheless, Mills shared that there was no one star on the squad as all players know their roll and functions.

Mills is of the notion that each opponent will have a tough run against the defending champs because the whole 11 is to be feared.

“I think we have a good squad everybody

Vurlon Mills

knows their function and I think you have to look out for the whole squad, I can’t single out one player because our squad is very strong as unit,” Mills stressed.

Chase will kick off their title defence on Saturday against Tucville Secondary with that match slated for a 15:30h start.

guyanatimesGY.com

friday, january 22, 2016

Elizabeth Styles Under-19 cricket competition…

23

East Coast Cricket Board 40-overs cricket…

Wins for Paradise and Lusignan ACC, Port Mourant to clash in final on Saturday T

T

Manoj Looknauth

Balchand Baldeo

he postponed final of the Elizabeth Styles Under-19, 50-Over Cricket Competition in Berbice will at last be played this Saturday at the Albion Community Centre Ground.

Doing battle for the coveted trophy will be defending champions Albion Community Centre and Port Mourant.

Albion will field a formidable batting line up which includes two Guyana Under-19 all-rounders Balchand Baldeo

who registered the only double hundred in the competition so far with a magnificent 203 against Sand Reef and Sharaz Ramcharran who slammed 147 not out against Kendall’s Union.

Berbice Under-19 batsman David Latchaya who scored (159*) against Kendall’s Union), as well as Matthew Hardyal who made 104 against Sand Reef and Guyana Under-17 batsman Adrian Sukhwa can help Albion post a sizeable total.

Their spin based bowling attack will have the services of Baldeo, Ramcharran and Guyana Under-19 player Daniel Lewis. Latchaya and Satesh Dookna will provide competent support.

Overcoming Port Mourant will be no easy task since they defeated the previous year’s losing finalist, Rose Hall Town Pepsi and Tucber Park on their way to the final.

Scoring centuries for them are former Guyana Under-17 all-rounder Arif Chan and former Berbice Under-15 batsman Nicholas Cameron.

The Port Mourant team has the experience of Berbice Under-19 cricketers Samuel Kisnasammy, Dimitri Camero, Daniel Samaroo and Manoj Looknauth.

Samaroo and Looknauth will lead a potent pace attack as will have avid support from Chan, Kisnasammy, Vivehanand Jagjit and Jamal Lancaster.

The officiating Umpires will be Zaheer Moakan and Imran Moakan with Omadat Samaroo as the stand-by.

GCB/BANKS DIH/DIGICEL NSSCL...

Singh leads Charlestown Secondary to victory

A

n impressive all round performance by captain Sachin Singh led Charlestown Secondary to victory over Lodge Secondary in the final of the South Georgetown Zone as the 2015/2016 Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) National Secondary School Cricket League (NSSCL) sponsored by Bank’s DIH Ltd’s Coco Cola and Rainforest Water along with Digicel resumed across the country.

Playing at the Everest ground, Lodge Secondary won the toss and decided to take first strike. However, all hopes of putting a challenging total on the board was quickly diminished as the Charlestown bowlers put a clamp on the scoring eventually dismissing Lodge Secondary for 92 in 20.3 overs. Only Shamar Smith and Anthony Smith offered any kind of resistance scoring 27 and 23 respectively.

Bowling for Charlestown Secondary, Omar Corrington

claimed 3/9, Sachin Singh had 2/10 and Jamal Michael took 2/14.

This meant that Charlestown Secondary needed to score at just over three runs per over to secure victory and a chance to represent South Georgetown in the next stage of the NSSCL competition. Their batsmen did not disappoint as they completed the run chase in the 19th over. They were led by Captain Sachin Singh who finished 46 not out stroking six fours in the process. Negusa Walter supported with 21. Bowling for Lodge Secondary, Shamar Smith had 2/26.

Charlestown Secondary will now face East Georgetown champions St Joseph’s High on January 27 at the Everest ground.

Meanwhile on Wednesday, Bygeval Secondary crushed Ann’s Grove Secondary by 10 wickets while Hope Secondary defeated Lancaster Secondary by a 55 run mar-

gin in Mahaica Zone.

Playing at the Fairfield ground in Mahaica, Ann’s Grove Secondary was skittled out for a paltry 38 in 12 overs as Samaru had excellent figures of 4/6 while Mangru also had impressive figures of 3/7 to lead the demise of opposition batsmen.

Needing to score 39 runs in 30 overs for victory and a chance to book a place in the semi-final, the Bygeval Secondary batsmen seemed in a hurry as they knocked off the runs in just three overs finishing on 41 without loss. Ceresy David was not out on 20.

Earlier, Hope Secondary chose to bat first after winning the toss. They were led by 52 from Rovin Ramsarup which included 4 fours. His knock was the architect of Hope Secondary’s eventually target of 171/7 off their allotted overs.

Ramsarup was ably supported by Amor Persaud who made a well composed 38 stroking 4 fours and a solitary six. Bowling for Lancaster Secondary, Pooran Mangal claimed 3/28.

In reply, the Lancaster Secondary students were dismissed for 106in the 22nd over as only Bhootesh Persaud offered any resistance scoring 27. Bowling for Hope Secondary, Gopaul Applesammy had excellent figures of 5/20 and he got good support from Hemchand Boodhoo who claimed 3/9.

he East Coast Cricket Board (ECCB) 40-overs Competition which commenced on Sunday bowled off to a commendable start with three competitive matches.

At Paradise Sports Club Ground, the home team thrashed Golden Grove Cricket Club (GGCC) ‘A’ by 113 runs. Paradise Cricket Club (PCC) batted first and rattled up 232 from 37 overs.

Their innings got off to a flying start as Cladious Fraser tore into the GGCC bowlers with a pugnacious 98 which included 12 fours and one six.

Floyd James also put the Golden Grove bowlers to the sword with an attacking 77 (12x4s; 2x6s).

Bowling for Golden Grove ‘A’, Richard Woolford took 3-41, Cleon McLean 2-15 and Terry Gardener 3-22.

Wickets tumbled frequently as GGCC could not build momentum and collapsed to 120 all out from 31 overs. Woolford returned with the bat to make 25 (2X4s). Bowling for PCC, Shaun Hosannah took 3-14 and Joel Persaud 3-32.

Playing at Better Hope Community Centre ground, Better Hope ‘A’ defeated Lusignan East Cricket Club (LECC) nine wickets.

Lusignan won the toss and elected to bat on a placid pitch and were bowled out for 163 from 28 overs. Anand

Ramsaywack top scored with a classy 52 (4x4s) and Anil Jailal contributed 37 (3x4s).

Bowling for Better Hope ‘A’, Rasheed Rohaman took 3 for 29 and Suresh Budhu 3 for 33.

In their turn at the crease, Better Hope ‘A’ blasted the LECC attack with Ricknauth Roplall clobbering 94 off 61 balls (9x4s;6x3s) while Christopher Deonarine was left not out on 55 (6x4s)) as the score reached 164-1 from 16 overs.

Over at Buxton Community Centre, Plaisance Cricket Club was given full points after Buxton Cricket Club failed to arrive on time.

The ECCB / ECDCA and match officials are asking all clubs and teams to ensure that they fully comply with the rules, regulations and playing conditions.

The competition contin-

ues this Sunday with five more exciting matches. matches will The see Ogle (Sponsored by Builders Lumber Yard) go against Mon Repos at Ogle Community Centre; Better Hope Sports Club ‘B’ against Rockaway Cricket Club at Better Hope Community Centre; Lusignan Sports Club ‘B’ against Golden Grove Cricket Club ‘B’ at Lusignan Community Centre; Buxton ‘Carl Hooper’ Sports Club ‘B’ facing Lusignan East Cricket Club and Paradise Cricket Club against Plaisance Cricket Club at Paradise Community Centre ground.

Meanwhile the ECCB/ ECDCA is asking clubs outside of our membership and schools who are desirous of fielding a team in the upcoming sponsored under-15 competitions to call Raymond Barton on cell: 626-0223 for registration and other relevant information.

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

friday, January 22, 2016

Milo U-20 School Football Tournament…

Defending champs Chase Academy, a well-prepared bunch – Coach Pg 22

Flashback: Chase Academy celebrate their championship win after last year’s final

Holder criticises Slingerz FC still confident despite regional pitches GFF/Stag Elite League…

the loss of key players

...“We are still a strong team” – assured Mills

Pg 21

Flashback! Slingerz FC celebrate their 3-2 win over Alpha United in the League’s Genesis Final

Pg 22

Jason Holder

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