Guyana Times Daily

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

Issue No. 3179

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Tuesday, April 10, 2017

PRICE

Govt not serious about public/private partnerships – Jagdeo

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Page 3

Mahaica farmers decry losses, lack of concern from P12 Govt

…as Gaskin admits absence of investment projects

3 die in Father burnt to death in separate Berbice fire accidents …son in custody

$80 vat included

Pages 2,13, 16

Jagdeo challenges Phillips to factbased debate on P7 racism

Page 7

“Aspects of European-Guyanese Heritage”

Parking meter burden

MAPM sends reminder of lasting opposition to P2 contract

Massive P14 protests rock Suriname, French Guiana, Venezuela ... against corruption, collapsing currency, economy

The European Union, in collaboration with the Guyana Heritage Society and the National Trust of Guyana, on Monday evening launched the book “Aspects of European-Guyanese Heritage”. In photo, President David Granger and First Lady Sandra Granger share a moment with President of the Guyana Heritage Society Ben ter Welle (left); EU Ambassador Jernej Videtič, his wife Ruta Drizyte-Videtič and Principal of the Brickdam Secondary School, Shandrina Welcome-Lee

Doctors’ gratuity to pension

Govt makes U-turn on imposition

Page 13

PAC recommends swift action against Region 8 REO Page 16

…major discrepancies found in several Regions

Sugar workers protest closure of East Demerara P11 Estate

Jealous man sets home on fire ... wife, 3 children homeless

(See details in Wednesday’s edition)

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NEWS

TUESDAY, APRIL 11, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

1 dead, 1 critical in Parking meter burden MAPM sends reminder of lasting Parika accident opposition to contract

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wenty-one-yearold Marlon “Deol” Gobin of Lot 312 Public Road Parika, East Bank Essequibo is now dead, while 24-year-old Ricky Ramnauth is listed in critical condition at the West Demerara Regional Hospital following an accident at Mora, Parika, East Bank Essequibo on Monday morning. A third occupant of the car was treated at the

in the wrecked vehicle for quite some time before assistance arrived. Gobin, son of popular Parika businessman “Massive,” reportedly died on the spot.

Speaking with the media, the aggrieved father recalled seeing his son in front of his home at about 04:00h talking to two friends. “I ask he if he wasn’t coming in, but he tell me just now.

So after I hear that, I went

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Dead: Marlon Deol Gobin

The upturned car after the fatal accident

Leonora Cottage Hospital and sent away.

Based on reports received, Gobin, Ramnauth and the other man were heading to Hubu Backdam when Ramnauth lost control of the car he was driving and it toppled several times before coming to a halt in a nearby trench with its four wheels in the air. The men were reportedly trapped

into the house and left him standing there,” Massive related.

Massive said that after some time had elapsed, he received a telephone call informing him that his son was involved in an accident. At the moment when he received the call, he had thought the news impossible, since he was under the impression that his son was

sleeping. Nevertheless, to confirm that his son was at home, he told the person on the other end of the line to “hold on” as he made some checks. “When I go in he room, the bed neat, neat… it look like he nah even sleep on it for the night,” Massive related.

Immediately after checking, he saw several persons converging on his house, and they confirmed that his son had been involved in an accident.

Massive said he and other relatives went to the scene of the accident. He immediately recognised the car belonging to his son’s friend, and when he looked closer, he saw his son lying on the parapet covered in a white sheet.

TURN TO PAGE 9

he Movement Against Parking Meters on Monday recommenced its activism by staging a less extravagant protest in front of City Hall to post a reminder of its ongoing opposition to the parking meter project.

This demonstration coincided with the swearing in of the mayor and new deputy mayor of the Georgetown City Council, officially commencing the fiscal year ahead.

Following a three-week pause, the protestors have again assembled to reiterate their call for the revocation of the parking meter contract. Members of the significantly smaller crowd maintained their position of questioning the feasibility and legality of the agreement between the M&CC and the overseas-based Smart City Solutions. At the frontline of the demonstration was organiser of MAPM, Don Singh, who highlighted the motive behind the abrupt staging of the protest. Singh pointed out that “MAPM is around, we have not gone anywhere.”

The lead activist went on to say, “Three weeks have passed, we have not seen much action; there have not been any consultations or anything. So we just thought (that), at the beginning of the fiscal year of the Mayor and City Council, we should

A small crowd gathered in front of City Hall to send a reminder of the MAPM’s lasting opposition to the parking meter project

show a small presence just to let them know that MAPM is watching. We are vigilant and we are around.”

According to Singh, the M&CC has been quiet on the matter since it was placed under consultation three weeks ago. However, he noted that if no update is given by the ninth week, the protests would return in full force.

Sharing a similar view was attorney Roger Yearwood, who called for the revocation of the parking meter project. Yearwood pointed out that while the pay-topark project is currently on suspension for three months, “We are just letting them know that we haven’t forgotten them.” Furthermore, Yearwood posited, “They (M&CC) are hoping that we would go away, disappear.

Three months from now, when they bring it back, we

will still be here protesting.”

However, while the demonstrators were calling for action on the parking meter fiasco, an unidentified woman disrupted the protest to shed light on other issues affecting the nation. The passerby called for action against the deficiencies of the medical sector, highlighting the shortage of drugs and unavailability of adequate space for mothers and newborn babies at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

The Movement Against Parking Meters’ protest convened just moments after Patricia Chase-Green was reinstated as mayor and Lionel Jaikaran as deputy mayor of Georgetown at City Hall. It was at this event that Mayor Chase-Green announced that consultations into the parking meter contract will commence on Wednesday.

news

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TUESDAY, APRIL 11, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Tuesday, April 11 – 05:00h-06:30h and Wednesday, April 12 – 05:00h-06:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, April 11 – 16:35h-18:05h and Wednesday, April 12 – 05:00h-06:30h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Thundery showers can be expected throughout the day interrupted by heavy rain showers in the midafternoon hours, with partly cloudy to lightly cloudy skies in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to East north-easterly between 3.57 metres and 4.91 metres.

High Tide: 04:32h and 16:52h reaching maximum heights of 2.71 metres and 2.79 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 10:27h and 22:41h reaching minimum heights of 0.48 metre and 0.55 metre respectively.

SATURDAY, April 8, 2017

LOTTERY NUMBERS I

01

13 15

18

21

24

27 Bonus Ball

FREE TICKET

Monday, April 10, 2017

DAILY MILLIONS 10 16 17 21

26

LUCKY 3 4 3 3

6

Afternoon Draw

3

5

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

05 10

13 16

18 19 21

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

Govt not serious about public/ private partnerships – Jagdeo …as Gaskin admits absence of investment projects

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f the Government were serious about developing the economy, it could have already entered into approximately 50 public/private partnerships as it inches closer to its third year in office. This is according to Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, who observed that the administration has finally admitted that it has no current investment plan or project for the country.

Business Minister Dominic Gaskin has admitted that Government has no investment projects to offer to anyone who has the least bit of interest in investing in Guyana. “Investors generally want to know what specific projects we have for them to invest in, and we have none; and therefore we tend to lose the interest of the investor, because there are other countries competing for those limited investment funds that have tangible investment projects to offer,” he disclosed recently at the Heads of Missions Conference held at the Pegasus Hotel.

The minister also admitted that Government is only now looking to develop a portfolio of investment projects. This as the Administration approaches its third year in office.

The Opposition Leader was shocked to learn that, after so many months in office, Government has not

velop a prospectus, the prospectus would estimate the cost of the project,” he said.

According to Jagdeo, the prospectus would also state conditions under which each side would participate, and the benefits to private sectors involved, whether it is guaranteed rate of return or special tax breaks;

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

yet developed a proper plan to generate investments in the local economy. “Gaskin is absolutely right, and I thank him for being honest. They have no investment projects to offer to anyone. So it’s not the illegal economy of the past and drug monies of the past….,” Jagdeo noted.

Jagdeo reiterated that the economy is sluggish, and he said it is not because of the absence of drug money, as some may claim, but as per Government’s own admission, the lack of investors in the country. “People are being laid off because sales have collapsed, and that is because Government is reducing aggregate demand by reducing disposal income from people,” he contended.

Jagdeo also highlighted that there is a huge demand for public/private partnerships (PPPs) as he chided Government’s slothfulness in capitalising on this opportunity. Gaskin recently said Government has not entered any PPP because there is no framework in place to ensure value for money and that any form of abuse is prevented. The former President is contending that there is no need for a fixed framework.

“If the minister is serious, he’d look at an investment opportunity where they need a PPP. They would de-

Business Minister Dominic Gaskin

and then those conditions would be advertised.

“They could have done 50 of those by now if they are seriously involved in PPP. It’s a simple thing to be done. It’s just ordinary work to pursue PPP,” he stated.

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guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, april 11, 2017

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

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

Development for everyone

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n the latest edition of its Human Development Report (2016), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has concluded that in spite of impressive progress in human development made over the past quartercentury, many people are still behind, “with systemic, often unmeasured, barriers to catching up”.

The report titled, “Human Development for Everyone”, finds that although average human development improved significantly across all regions from 1990 to 2015, one in three people worldwide continue to live in low levels of human development, as measured by the Human Development Index (HDI).

At the launch of the report, which is usually compiled and published yearly by UNDP, Administrator Helen Clark noted that the world has come a long way in rolling back extreme poverty; in improving access to education, health and sanitation, and in expanding possibilities for women and girls – but emphasised, “those gains are a prelude to the next, possibly tougher challenge, to ensure the benefits of global progress reach everyone”.

The report shows that in almost every country, several groups face disadvantages that often overlap and reinforce each other, increasing vulnerability, widening the progress gap across generations, and making it harder to catch up as the world moves on.

According to the report, women and girls, rural dwellers, indigenous peoples, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, migrants and refugees, and the LGBTI community are among those systematically excluded by barriers that are not purely economic but political, social and cultural as well.

Further, the report mentions that populations living in rural areas also face multiple barriers. For instance, children from poor rural households attending school are less likely to be learning reading, writing and Mathematics.

Of note too is that marginalised groups often have limited opportunities to influence the institutions and policies that determine their lives. The report underscores the point that changing this is central to breaking the vicious circle of exclusion and deprivation. For example, indigenous peoples account for five per cent of the world’s population, but 15 per cent of people living in poverty.

As part of its numerous recommendations, the report calls for far greater attention to empowering the most marginalised in society, and for giving them a greater voice in decision-making processes.

Additionally, the report calls for a more refined analysis to inform actions, including making a shift toward assessing progress in such areas as participation and autonomy. Key data, disaggregated for characteristics such as place, gender, socioeconomic status and ethnicity, is vital to know who is being left behind.

Moreover, the report warns, key development metrics can overstate progress when they focus on the quantity, rather than the quality, of development. For instance, girls’ enrolment in primary education has increased, but in half of 53 developing countries with data, the majority of adult women who completed four to six years of primary school are illiterate.

The UNDP believes that despite progress gaps, universal human development is attainable. It explains that over the past few decades, we have witnessed achievements in human development that were once thought impossible.

For example, since 1990, one billion people have escaped extreme poverty, and women’s empowerment has become a mainstream issue. While as recently as the 1990s, very few countries legally protected women from domestic violence; today, 127 countries do.

The report stresses the importance of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to build on these gains, noting that the agenda and human development approach are mutually reinforcing. The report includes recommendations to reorient policies to ensure progress reaches those furthest behind, and urges reforms of global markets and global institutions to make them more equitable and representative.

An important point mentioned in the report is that too much attention is placed on national averages, which often mask enormous variations in people’s lives. Hence, in order to move ahead with developmental aims, there is need to examine more closely not just what has been achieved, but also who has been excluded and why.

A young artist demonstrating techniques in pencil drawing on Saturday as the Guyana Police Force A Division hosted its third annual Career Fair at the Police Sports Club Ground at Eve Leary (Carl Croker photo)

A guideline for Minister Gaskin

Dear Editor, The recent article “No guidelines in place to avoid abuse - Gaskin” illustrates a lot of the problems that the Coalition Government has gotten itself and Guyana into with the fantasies it promulgated to the public about billions of dollars of corruption in the way Guyana had been grown and developed and jobs created during the twenty-three years of PPP/C in office. Minister Gaskin recognizes an important role for “Public-PrivatePartnerships” but laments that there are no guidelines to avoid abuse.

Were it not for he and his Government’s propaganda abuse of the PPP/C Administration, he might have recognized guidelines, concerns and achievements in three P-P-P projects: the fully completed Berbice

River Bridge, the not fully complete Marriott Hotel, and the ready-to-go Amaila Falls Hydroelectric Project which they vetoed. If the Minister and his colleagues were to give themselves to earnest study, rather than having their imaginations run amok in fantasies of corruption, they could learn a lot, including the important essential role of the much aligned Mr W. Brassington and PU/NICIL in the growth and development which we managed to achieve.

PU/NICIL continually sought to find ways to put together old, unused, no longer profitable Governmentowned properties and other resources (including people -released past employees) with other non-government resources − money, new technologies and capabilities, expert and experienced

persons, markets -- to create a new enterprise that has a great likelihood to pay its way.

Yes, not everything turns out right/successful. Indeed, I read that it would be a good score when 10 out of every 100 projects, initially earnestly pursued, studied, reappraised, and reconsidered in stages in greater and greater depth to eventual implementation, were to be successful.

Yes, knowledge of what we should know is never complete. We try to minimize personal judgments.

In any case, no one knows how things would be in the future.

Minister Gaskin and his colleagues have tied their own hands in their fantasy charges of billions of dollars of annual corruption against us, PPP/C. There

is an old Guyanese proverb that says, “Little pig ask mama pig how come she mouth so long, and mama pig replied, ‘You will find out’.” Minster Gaskin and his colleagues are finding out that they could get little done without opening themselves to the same fantasy charges with which they have been smearing us. They have paralyzed themselves, the private sector - local, diaspora and foreign, and our economy. It is for them to free themselves and our economy, and in doing so, ensure that there are no actions that present real charges of corruption. They have not been doing so well.

Yours truly, Samuel A A Hinds Former Prime Minister and Former President

Fearful of returning to another PNC Govt Dear Editor, On behalf of the geographic constituency that I represent in the National Assembly of Guyana, and on behalf of all concerned Indigenous citizens across this country, inclusive of the National Toshaos Council (NTC), I hereby express my concerns with the stance taken by former executive member of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), Vincent Alexander.

Mr Alexander posited that there should not be a separate commission to examine the issue of Amerindian land rights, as opposed to merging the inquiry into Amerindian land rights and African land rights together in a fashion seemingly designed to favour one over the other.

We, the first peoples

of Guyana, fear that the Government plans to deal with the Amerindians as though we are lumpen imponderables who stand in the way of the upward mobility of their traditional support base, and the rhetoric being expounded

by Eric Phillips and Tacuma Ogunsye of ACDA and others of their ilk seem to support this perception.

Alexander has adumbrated the PNC-led Government’s position that Amerindian land rights and African land rights should not be dealt with one extraneous to the other, and he argues that there is adequate and justifiable reasons to have consideration of Amerindian and African land rights being addressed by one commission.

As an Indigenous representative of my people, I

also noted that speaking recently at a Carter Centre/ British High Commissionerorganised forum on constitutional reform, held at the University of Guyana (UG), Alexander asserted, “We have to have a holistic and integrated approach to the resolution of sectoral or communal problems. I don’t think the nation could have a discussion about Amerindian land outside a discussion about lands, period.’

However, I stand firm in my capacity with the National Toshaos Council (NTC), which is resolutely rejecting the establishment of a Commission of Inquiry that considers African and Amerindian land rights together. We will not cooperate with that process because it compromises Amerindian

rights that have already been established. I, like the NTC, am adamantly demanding that President David Granger stand true to his promise that he made in 2015 - that a “Hinterland and Indigenous People Lands Commission” would be constituted.

I am cognizant of the fact that the terms of reference of the Commission of Inquiry were only published on March 11, 2017, one day after six of the seven commissioners were sworn in. This signifies Government’s intention not to consult with the NTC and any other Amerindian rightsbased organisation, which is denying the fundamental rights of our community to be consulted on matters that impact our basic constitutional and human rights.

Continues on page 5

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, april 11, 2017

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

Guyana’s Constitution is irrelevant, repressive, dictatorial Dear Editor, The parking meter saga was a political red herring, of sorts. It has received wide support because it gave people an area to vent. Persons bridged the political divide to picket the City Hall because they were able to find common ground on a local issue.

I say that the parking meter saga is a red herring of sorts because if we were to step back, we in Guyana could find a dozen things to picket about that are way more significant than the parking meters. There is the shortage of drugs and the crime wave. Just this weekend, some men tied up the security guard at the D’Urban Backlands Millicent Greaves old people’s home and broke into the container that the overseas missionaries are using to house their equipment and other important and valuable stuff.

We also have the festering issue of constitutional reform. Guyana has a constitution that has kept us racially and politically polarised for over 50 years. It has also been used to exert force tantamount to dictatorial repression. As seen with the prorogation of the Parliament or the refusal to call Local Government Elections for two decades.

If the truth was told, our lack of progress as a nation and our autocratic leaderships styles, are tied directly to our dictatorial Constitution. I believe that our Constitution is the only one in the Caribbean that does not follow the Westminster style of governance. We are probably the only Caribbean country that uses the proportional representation, rather than the first past the post, elec-

toral system, meaning that you cannot vote for, or elect, your parliamentary representative.

The so-called Burnham Constitution does not allow you to have any local representative at the central level of governance. In every Caribbean and First World country, you are allowed to vote for your parliamentary representative. But not in Guyana.

Additionally, no member of a party can vote on any issue independent of the collective party membership.

And if they do vote independently, the Constitution (through an amendment), allows for their immediate removal from the Parliament.

Also, the Constitution does not allow for parties to collate after an election.

This means that even a party with a simple majority can form the Government.

For instance – Guyana’s Parliament has 65 seats – if in a three-way race two of the parties win 20 seats each, the party that won the other 25 seats will form the Government and the two parties with the combined 15-seat majority cannot collate to form the Government.

We all know that our Constitution was drafted by folks who wanted to make sure that they remained in power, with ultimate power, for life. Of course, you know also that the President of Guyana stands immune from the law for any deeds he commits while in office.

Again, this is only true in Guyana and in countries with dictatorial regimes.

For years there have been calls for the reformation of the Constitution but neither of the political big wigs would push for any substantive change in the Constitution, why? Because

it is a gold mine of political and oppressive powers. It is said that power corrupts and Guyana’s Constitution gives the executive absolute power, hence the absolute corruption that we see pervasive in Guyana.

So, if we really wanted a matter of national significance that we should rally and picket for, it is the reformation of the 1980 Constitution. It has almost singlehandedly stifled the growth and upward mobility of Guyana and yet, for personal gains, our politicians will continue to wrap themselves in it.

It will take the collective force of ‘We The People’, to bring about the needed reform to our irrelevant, repressive, dictatorial Constitution. And that’s not a red herring.

Sincerely, Pastor Wendell Jeffrey

Seek counselling, call hotline Dear Editor, The headline in one local newspaper stated, “Father of 3 buckles after wife leaves home”. The article added that the 51-yearold man committed suicide by ingesting poison after his wife walked out on him, taking their three children.

Apparently, his sister had been spending time with him because he had become depressed after his wife had moved out.

Sadly, once again, here is a life that may have been saved if the sister had only called the suicide hotline.

But the assumption here is that the sister would have been aware of the hotline and the services offered.

Empirical evidence and our presence on the ground both indicate that Guyanese, in general, are not aware of the hotline, and even those who are aware are reluctant to call. This is why The Caribbean Voice has been consistently calling for comprehensive ongoing nation-wide publicity, education and information dissemination about the hotline, as

well as for public release of data that indicates how the hotline has been successful in helping Guyanese, especially in saving lives thus far, given that such data would be an impetus for others to use the helpline.

Another article that made recent headlines related to a woman in an abusive relationship, who is scared for her life because the police offered her almost no help when she reported threats by her police officer husband.

This is the latest in a rising spate of abuse/murders of our womenfolk by men, and clearly point to a number of deficits that have been highlighted by The Caribbean Voice and other social activist NGOs. In any case, The Caribbean Voices and Voices Against Violence join the police in urging our womenfolk to ensure that as soon as restraining orders are obtained, please let the police stations around know about this.

The Caribbean Voice and other stakeholders have been waging an ongoing bat-

Fearful of returning to...

The composition of the Commission is also a vital concern, because we are convinced that the Commission would comprise members who would be more inclined to favour ACDA/Government’s positions in direct contravention to Amerindian rights and needs.

We are justifiably fearful of returning to the past under another PNC Government, because under the first PNC rule, the first peoples of this land languished in obscurity, separated and not provided for by the first PNC admin-

istration. It seems like with the establishment of this CoI, their real intention is to continue to reward their financiers, as well as enrich their supporters at the expense of the Amerindians, relegating us to the status of third-class citizens with scant rights in this country once again, to a time and place under their tenure when we were scornfully referred to as ‘them ignorant buckman’. Today, through representation, interventions and laws formulated by the former PPP/C Administration, our rights

tle against the propounding of myths and misinformation relating to suicide and suicide activism. We were thus rather disappointed that a young weekly columnist for one of the local newspaper, in a column on suicide, drew conclusions and made uninformed comments that clearly indicate that the necessary research and reaching out to stakeholders were not done. Thus, with respect to social issues like suicide and abuse, we strongly urge media in general and columnists in particular to please get the facts and publish informed comments.

Guyana Inter Agency Suicide Prevention Helpline telephone numbers (+592) 223-0001, 223-0009, 6007896, 623-4444, Email: guyagency@yahoo.com, BBM PINS: 2BE55649, 2BE56020 Twitter: guyanaagency; WhatsApp: +592-600-7896, 592623-4444Facebook: Guyana Interagency Suicide Prevention Help Line.

Sincerely, Annan Boodram The Caribbean Voice

from page 4

are internationally recognised and respected, and we refuse to allow our community to become national rejects once more, denuded of any rights under another PNC regime.

Notice should also be taken that, if ACDA/Government have their way, paragraph 70 of the AWG/LCA outcome for REDD would be under threat, as would any other potential rewards from Norway or other countries for our conservation of forest carbon stocks and other listed prerequisites, because while the

Amerindian way conserves, the way of the intruders destroys. The world should take cognisance of the latent threat against Guyana’s Indigenous peoples and consequently our traditional way of life, because rainforests are the lungs of the world, and the invasion by hordes of outsiders would eventually depreciate, instead of enhance, the sustainability of forest carbon stocks.

Regards, Alister Charlie, MP Region Nine

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TUESdAY, APRIL 11, 2017

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Foundation

– 10 reasons why exercise might make you an even better mom

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arenting comes with overwhelming responsibility and few accolades. Every day, moms make sure that their children are well-rested, fed, and getting the exercise they need. But this care for their children often comes at their own expense. As the emotional anchor of her family, a mother’s lack of self-care compromises her ability to parent with joy and confidence.

Beyond its obvious health benefits, exercise has been proven to offer a tremendous psychological boost. It really doesn’t matter what exercise routine you choose, but it does matter that you stay with it. Physician Jordan D Metzl says that instead of prescribing a specific fitness regimen, he encourages his patients to find what works for them. “The ideal form of exercise for you is something you actually do!” he writes. So find your favourite way of working out, whether it’s a brisk walk in t h e park pushing a stroller or laps around the field while your kids are at soccer practice. The rewards are far-reaching and well worth the time and effort.

Here are 10 benefits of

exercise that just might make you an even better mom.

Enhance self-love.

Self-love offers a powerful foundation for parenting. While often linked to practising gratitude and mindfulness, regular exercise can also help you achieve self-love. “The more self-love you have for yourself, the better prepared you are for healthy relating,” writes psychologist

Deborah Khoshaba.

This applies to your parenting as well.

It’s impossible to parent joyfully if you are down on yourself.

Exercise and fitness counteract the barrage of messages about beauty and body image that can make moms feel less attractive and even self-hating.

You don’t have to get buff or thin to appreciate your body for its strength and power.

Every time you work out, you’re writing a love letter to yourself.

Healthy role modelling. It’s one thing to tell your kids to exercise and eat well. It’s even better if you do it yourself.

Demonstrating s e l f - c a r e through exercise sends a powerful message that you take your health seriously and that they should, too. Instill exercise habits that are healthy today, and your kids will continue them on their own tomorrow.

Blow off steam. Moms don’t get any gold stars for patience, but we know how awful we feel when we lose our temper or get overwhelmed by parenting.

Tough moments, chaos, and loss of control are to be expected when raising children. Making time to release energy and shift your focus goes a long way toward helping you calm down and get perspective. You could even invest in a punching bag and gloves – it’s a great workout and super satisfying.

Sense of accomplishment. “It’s important to take each day one at a time and as you move through it, pat yourself on the back for small and large accomplishments,” psychoanalyst

Laurie Hollman says. For moms, kids are an unreliable source of that sense of accomplishment. Everyone expects you to be a good mom, so the rewards are few and far between. Sticking to an exercise regime, on the other hand, will leaving you feeling proud of yourself. Every workout has the potential to reveal improvement and measurable milestones. Being a mom who fights for her fitness will make you feel stronger and more accomplished, even when you’ve got spit-up on your shoulder or peanut butter in your hair.

Increase long-term strength. Adults lose between 5-7 pounds of muscle every decade after age 20, and recent research indicates that inactivity is responsible for the majority of this muscle loss. Exercise, especially strength training, increases bone mass and density, which protects against osteoporosis, a disease in which bones become fragile and more likely to break. The American Journal of Medicine recently reported that folks with a higher muscle-mass index live longer. So, be a strong mom, and increase the likelihood of being a strong grandmother, too. Your kids will thank you! (Excerpt from psychol-

A

focused-attention practice is a brain exercise for quieting the thousands of thoughts that distract and frustrate us each day. When the mind is quiet and focused, we are able to be present with a specific sound, sight, or taste. Research repeatedly shows that quieting our minds ignites our parasympathetic nervous system, reducing heart rate and blood pressure while enhancing our coping strategies to effectively handle the day-today challenges that keep coming. Our thinking improves and our emotions begin to regulate so that we can approach an experience with variable options.

For the following practices, the goal is to start with 60 to 90 seconds and build to five minutes:

leg and wiggle it, exhaling it back to its original position.

For younger grades beginning these focused-attention practices, it’s good to include an inhale and exhale with any type of movement.

The deep-dive breath

We inhale for four counts, hold for four, and exhale slowly for four counts.

You can increase the holding of breath by a few seconds once the students find the rhythm of the exercise.

Energising breath

We pant like a dog with our mouths open and our tongues out for 30 seconds, continuing for another 30 seconds with our mouths closed as we take short belly breaths with one hand on the belly. We typically take three energising pant breaths per second. After a full minute, the students re-

ogytoday)

Breathing

Use the breath as a focus point. Have students place one hand close to their nose (not touching) and one hand on their belly. As they breathe in, have them feel their bellies expand. As they exhale, they can feel the warm air hit their hand.

Students will focus on this breath for only one minute.

Let them know that it’s OK when thoughts sometimes come into the mind uninvited. Tell them to exhale that thought away.

Colours

Visualise colours while focusing on the breath.

Inhale a deep green, and exhale a smoky gray. Have the students imagine the colours as swirling and alive with each inhale. If a student is de-escalating from an angry moment, the colour red is a great color to exhale.

Movement

For younger children, direct students to stand and, as they inhale, lift an arm or

turn to four regular deep inhales and exhales.

Sound

The use of sound is very powerful for engaging a calm response. In the three classrooms where I teach, we use rain sticks, bells, chimes, and music. There are many websites that provide music for focus, relaxation, and visualization. Here is one of my favourites.

Rise and fall

As we breathe in and out through our noses, we can lie on the floor and place an object on our stomachs, enhancing our focus by watching the rising and falling of our bellies.

When we are focused and paying attention to our thoughts, feelings and choices, we have a much greater opportunity to change those thoughts and feelings that are not serving us well in life and in school. When we grasp this awareness, we see and feel the difference!

(Excerpt from edutopia)

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TUESDAY, APRIL 11, 2017| guyanatimesgy.com

Jagdeo challenges Phillips to Father burnt to death in Berbice fire fact-based debate on racism …son in custody

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pposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo is maintaining that African Guyanese benefited tremendously under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration and is prepared to engage in a factbased debate with anyone who contends otherwise.

He was at the time responding to Dr Eric Phillips, who serves as a Director of the State Assets Recovery Unit and Head of the African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA), for what he described as attempts to polarise Guyanese by peddling racism.

ACDA Head Eric Phillips

The Opposition Leader accused Phillips of being among other Governmentaligned persons who preach that Afro-Guyanese were

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

discriminated against under the previous Administration.

But the former President argued that any independent assessment would prove that Afro-Guyanese achieved more under the PPP than in any other period in Guyanese history.

“We’re prepared to engage on a fact-based analysis in terms of access to land, Afro-Guyanese owned in that period more land than ever before; in terms of vehicles purchased … in terms of black-owned businesses, the greatest part came out in that period,” he stated.

He noted too that a large number of Afro-Guyanese accumulated wealth under the PPP/C. “Look at Nigel’s Supermarket, which started under the PPP. It grew

to the pinnacle under the PPP and now it’s failing.

There are hundreds of similar businesses,” he stated.

Jagdeo said he was ready to challenge anyone on this matter as he has facts to debunk the allegations of racism against Afro-Guyanese, once and for all.

“But we are not going to win with people who have a racist agenda and who want to polarise the country,” he stated.

Jagdeo had previously recalled that the predominantly Afro-Guyanese Public Sector had been eventually pauperised owing to the devaluation of the Guyana dollar in the 1980s that had resulted in a decline in the minimum wage to US$25.00.

He had noted too that the predominantly AfroGuyanese town of Linden got a brand new hospital, two new secondary schools, new housing schemes at Amelia’s Ward and Block 22, a new potable water supply system and subsidised electricity.

Other achievements by Afro-Guyanese, he listed, were access to land, public service jobs and home ownership. “I am proud of our record, how we have moved this country forward and a lot of our people; in fact, all of our people, made progress,” he had stated.

E

ighty-two-year-old Rudolph Samuel Alphanso Ross, also called ‘Bruce’, was on Monday burnt to death in an early morning fire at Kildonan, Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice/ Corentyne). Police have since arrested the dead man’s son after he turned up at the scene carrying a bag containing his and his father’s important documents.

According to reports, the dead man and his son had occupied a two-storey concrete building, from which the elder Ross was heard screaming for help at about 03:00h. A neighbour told this publication that the elderly man was seen at a bedroom window appealing for assistance as a large portion of the upper flat of his home

ing building were futile, as the fire quickly engulfed the house.

“He was calling out to me for help because his son was not at home, so me and my cousin and her husband try to save him, but it was too much of heat and smoke, so we couldn’t have saved him,” one of the first responders told this publication.

Reports reaching Guyana Times indicate that a ladder was employed in rescuers’ efforts to get to the windows of the upper flat of the burning building, but when the windows were smashed open, a gush of heat made it too risky for anyone to attempt to rescue the elderly man.

“We couldn’t enter from the door, so we tried the bed-

The burnt house

became engulfed in flames.

Ross is said to have been in a bedroom in the front of the building while the blaze was initially seen in the back part of the house.

However, villagers’ efforts to get the man out of the burn-

room window where he was, but we couldn’t make it,” responders detailed.

The fire unit that arrived on the scene from the Rose Hall Fire Station had to focus its attention on preventing the fire from spreading.

Dead: Rudolph Samuel Alphanso Ross

Residents say the fire-fighters arrived close to one hour after the fire had initially started. “The fire spread so quickly that even if they had come from Rose Hall as soon as we see the fire, they would not have been able to save him,” one resident said.

Guyana Times understands that when the man’s body was eventually retrieved, all four limbs had been burnt to ash. The skull was, however, recognisable.

Ross had formerly been an executive officer of the Bush Lot/Adventure Village Council. He leaves to mourn six children. Six of his ten siblings are still alive. The eldest, Ivor, who celebrated his 85 birthday on Sunday, referred to the now dead man as being one whom persons looked up to in the community.

He referred to his brother as being an intelligent man in his younger days; one who had always been “well spoken.” Police are initially treating this incident as a fire of unknown origin, but await a report from the forensic fire investigators.

8 news

TUESDAY, APRIL 11, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

IN THE COURTS 4 charged for narco possession, other offences

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olice ranks in ‘E’ Division are sparing no effort in their continued enforcement exercises aimed at creating an atmosphere in which all citizens can feel safe.

On Saturday, April 1, Nickel Forde, 22, a labourer of Industrial Area Mackenzie, was arrested and charged with break and enter and larceny committed on the dwelling house of Omianna Britton on March 03, when articles valued $175,000 were stolen. He appeared before Magistrate Clive Nurse at the Linden Magistrate’s Court on April 4, pleaded not guilty to the offence and was remanded until May 2.

In addition, Tinesha Bowen, 25, of Central Amelia’s Ward, Linden and

Second Avenue, Bartica, was arrested at her Linden residence on March 30 and charged with possession of 2.2 grams of cannabis. She appeared before Magistrate Clive Nurse at the Linden Magistrate’s Court, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to fifty hours of commu-

nity service.

In another matter, police ranks acting on information searched the home of Jenifer Domingo, an unemployed 57-year-old of First Alley Wismar, Linden on April 4 and found 635 grams of cannabis. Later on the same day, another search was conducted at the home of Roylon Ferrier, aka Tallman, 37 and unemployed, of First Alley, Wismar, where 95 grams of cannabis were unearthed.

Ferrier and Domingo were charged with possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking. They appeared before Magistrate Clive Nurse at the Linden Magistrate’s Court and pleaded not guilty to the charges. They were remanded until May 9 and 10 respectively.

La Penitence man slapped with larceny charge

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ifty-year-old Terry Johnson was on Monday brought before city Magistrate Judy Latchman to answer a charge of simple larceny, alleging that between April 7 and 8, 2017 at La Penitence,

Georgetown, he unlawfully removed two car mirrors from the premises of David Singh.

According to the Prosecution’s case, on the evening of April 7, the VC parked motor car PEE 64 in his yard with everything intact, and

upon checking the following morning, he discovered that the mirrors were missing.

The suspect was identified and apprehended with the assistance of surveillance footage, which showed the thief in full action committing the

crime.

Johnson pleaded not guilty to the charge; and since there was no objection to his being granted bail, he was placed on $80,000 bail, while the case was adjourned to May 8.

Mother, daughter, vendor on bail for brawl

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43-year-old woman and her 24-yearold daughter found themselves before Magistrate Judy Latchman on Monday morning, follow-

ing a brawl during which they allegedly battered another woman with a rolling pin.

Alicia Adams and Ronella Williams were joint-

ly charged for unlawfully inflicting grievous bodily harm on Wendy Eastman on March 30, 2017. Other charges stated that the two women used abusive and

threatening language to Eastman on the same day, and even caused damage to her personal property, that is, her clothing.

The unrepresented women denied the charges read to them by the Magistrate.

Eastman was not exempted from being charged, as she had escalated the altercation, allegedly assaulting both women in addition to causing damage to personal property.

The court heard that Eastman was a vendor by trade, while her fellow brawlers were both housewives and they all resided in Campbellville, Georgetown.

Bail was set in the sum of $100,000 for Adams, while her daughter was released on $70,000 bail, and Eastman, on $180,000 bail.

According to the prosecution’s case, the vendor was walking along the road when she was approached by the women during which an argument ensued leading to a full-blown wrestling match. Adams allegedly took a rolling pin out of her bag and dealt Eastman several blows about the body, even handing over the object to her daughter who further battered the vendor, damaging her clothing in the process.

Eastman also sustained injuries to her left arm and fingers, which appeared to be in a cast.

The badly bruised woman was subsequently taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where her wounds were treated. She was later sent away.

The case will continue on April 24 at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Giving them…

N

…bread and circus

owadays, the IMF tends to be a tad more diplomatic than back in the day when that entity could just come into a country and take over its treasury, like the US did with Haiti back in the 19th century. Maybe it has to do with the fact that when the IMF was done with imposing its “conditionalities” on its loans, the countries all resembled Haiti!! Case in point, of course, being Guyana and its ERP. But today, the IMF’s become “kinder and gentler”, since it had to intervene in Europe in the last decade.

Its officials couldn’t very well treat Europeans like they did Third World natives, could they? And it’d be too obvious for the IMF to go back to its old ways now that China has a toe on its Board. Be that as it may, the IMF team that closed its eyes to gold propping up GDP purely nominally, without doing squat for the people of Guyana, at least had the grace to rap Guyana (and the rest of the Caribbean) for wasting its money on frivolities.

Team members cautioned these countries to spend “better”, not “more” -- more specifically on infrastructure, and not on boondoggles. But why should the PNC-led APNU/AFC government need a bevy of third-rate economists from the IMF (you think they send down fellas like Joseph Stiglitz down here??!) to tell them that? Hadn’t the World Bank pointed a decade ago to the need for countries that wanted to pull themselves out of poverty to “band their bellies” and develop infrastructure??

Hadn’t the World Bank given “chapter and verse” to illustrate its recommendation with the success of the Far East?? But why even go that far? Right here in Guyana, the PPP government had succeeded in fostering consistent, balanced growth rates by focusing on infrastructure. And the PPP had left a flurry of projects in the pipelines -- the CJIA expansion, the West Demerara Highway, the Brazil-Berbice Highway, etc, etc.

But what did this government do the moment it came in?? Why?? Bread and Circuses, of course!! If you can’t beat them in performance, dazzle them with BS!!

Big Independence bash followed by a bigger Jubilee bash complete with a billion-dollar circus stadium that’s already half-eaten by wood ants! Then a big Mash Bash!

The biggest infrastructural project of all - Amaila Falls Hydro - was dropped faster than a hot potato. Why? Well, the Govt said it was because GPL would’ve had to pay US$130 million annually for the electricity. They forgot to mention that in any case GPL pays this amount for oil for its generators -- which it wouldn’t have to run!!

But not to worry. When the country is bankrupt again by the PNC, the PPP will have to bail it out again!

…hogwash

If your Eyewitness wanted proof of the length the Government would go to mamaguy their supporters, it was delivered by the banner headline in their edition of yesterday: “GOLDFIELDS EXPANDING …scores of jobs to be created”. Imagine boasting about “scores” of jobs!!

Whatever happened to the 100,000 jobs that they would’ve created when they staunched the “siphoning of billions and billions” by the dastardly PPP?? Oh how low have the mighty (job creation) fallen!! Or has the “siphoning” intensified?

But it gets worse. The goldfield “expansion” is by Aurora Mines - the expatriate company that siphons off 95% of the foreign exchange it earns on its gold production. At this time, that amounts to 150,000 ozs, so we’re talking about more than US$150,000,000 “repatriated” to foreign climes. And what do we get? A measly 5% in royalties and “scores” of jobs!!

And yet this Government would boast about the economy “growing” from gold!!

What actually grew was the BS!!

…alternative facts

On the announcement in the Chronic mentioned above, your Eyewitness would like the PM’s shill to pronounce on whether Bulkan vetted it.

The shill reports to the PM, but Bulkan reports to Pressie himself! Stand down, water boy!!

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

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TUESDAY, APRIL 11, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

State media’s independence under siege … State media more heavily politicised – Opposition Leader

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overnment is being accused of now undermining the autonomy of the media entities funded by the State, when, during its days in the opposition, it had advocated for an independent State media, one that is free of political interference.

Lambasting Government for attempting to dictate the editorial direction of the state media and controlling its contents, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has condemned the Government for appointing associates of the Alliance For Change (AFC) to top positions within the State media sector.

His comments come in light of the Guyana

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

Press Association’s (GPA) statement reprimanding Communities Minister

Ronald Bulkan for attempting to drive fear into state media operatives, and they sanction President David Granger for condoning the minister’s actions. “When they have to send their articles to be cleared elsewhere, then that means that the content of the Chronicle and other state media is determined elsewhere, by the Executive,” Jagdeo declared.

He repeated allegations that a certain minister has mandated that particular stories be reviewed by his office before publication.

The Opposition Leader also reminded that this is not the first time the Government has come under fire for attempting to

Dead child dropped off at GPHC was electrocuted

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he dead child that was dropped off at the Georgetown Public Hospital on Tuesday evening last has been identified as three-year-old Stephan Glen of 7th Street, Paradise Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara; and it has been determined that his death was due to electrocution.

Based on what was reported to Guyana Times, the Nabaclis Nursery School student had come into contact with a live extension cord while seeking a hiding spot under his bed as he played “hide and seek” with his siblings. Beverly Glen, the toddler’s grandmother, related that her grandchildren were playing “hide and seek” inside the house while she was occupied in the kitchen preparing dinner when the incident occurred. Glen explained that she immediately became

Stephan Glen

alarmed when the sister of the now deceased child yelled, “Run nah, Stephan!

Like yuh dead!” She bolted into the room and discovered her grandson in a motionless position after he became entangled in the live cord while crawling under the bed.

Glen said the toddler was still breathing at the

time, and a decision was made to rush him to the Georgetown Public Hospital after attempts made to contact emergency medical assistance had proved futile, as no ambulance was available within the area.

Eventually, the child succumbed to his injuries.

Mitzy Campbell, Public Relations Officer of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, confirmed on Monday that Stephan Glen was actually the unidentified child who was dropped off dead at GPHC last week. This newspaper was informed that when the doctors who examined the dead child began looking for his mother, she had already left in search of the child’s father.

Given the complexity of the matter, an investigation has been launched to further determine the details.

President David Granger

influence the state media.

In fact, Jagdeo has charged that the state media is now more heavily politicised than when the Peoples Progressive Party (PPP) was in government.

He highlighted that the Director of the Government Information Agency (GINA) and the Chairman of the Board of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited – publishers of the Guyana Chronicle, is a cardholder of the AFC. “When we were in office, the last two chairper-

sons who chaired that Board were not members of our party,” he outlined.

In a letter published in the Guyana Chronicle, Bulkan chided that newspaper for not making an article of his preference its lead story. “Your front page is dominated by the headline: “More Oil” and was followed by a full-page story on page three. I wish to suggest that your emphasis and message are totally misplaced,” the minister penned in his missive.

Bulkan has also expressed concern that the article on mayors was “relegated” to page eight, while the oil story was featured on page three. “I suggest, therefore, that your public duty would have been better served by switching the aforementioned articles,” Bulkan stated.

Not dictating

Though President Granger did not declare that ministers can dictate the editorial position of the state newspaper, he has chosen not to condemn the minister’s actions. “I do not think

1 dead, 1 critical...

His wife, he said, was inconsolable, and he was left in a state of shock. As he lifted the sheet, he saw a wound to the back of his son’s neck, and realised that his son might have sustained a broken neck.

According to the grieving

Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan

he attempted to coerce or to use his ministerial influence to change what I regard as the editorial right to publish an article or to publish news stories. I don’t think there was any interference at all,” the Head of State said when asked by reporters on The Public Interest. He added, “As far as the matter you are raising is concerned, the minister did not decide what should or should not be published. He expressed an opinion on what had already been published.”

from page 2

father, the son’s friend who was driving the motorcar was already taken to the Leonora Hospital.

The now dead man used to build music systems, and the distraught father believes that he had gone to “check out a work”.

The father described his son as a helpful individual who was always pleasant and loving. His body is at the Ezekiel Funeral Home awaiting a post-mortem examination. The police are continuing their investigations into the accident.

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guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, april 11, 2017

News

Kwakwani residents bemoan non-use of President’s bus The Panchayat R T

esidents of K w a k w a n i , Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) recently complained to Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman that the bus gifted to them to transport children to school is not been utilised. The bus was donated to the Kwakwani community by the Head of State through his Three B’s Initiative, but it is not being operated.

According to the Government Information Agency (GINA), Region 10 Vice Chairman Elroy Adolph has said that advertisements for a driver to operate the school bus will begin this week. The Vice Chairman told irate Kwakwani residents that advertisements for drivers were done in the

community, and of the six applications that were submitted, none had contact information.

The Regional Council will, through the Neighbourhood Democratic Council, re-advertise for drivers during this week.

“So put your contact number so they could contact you,” Adolph urged.

Residents pointed out that a driver had already applied, but heard nothing from the regional authorities. Adolph explained that that applicant did not qualify because of his age. “The vacancy stated from 18 to 45 (years old). That is the basic Public Service rule,” the vice chairman explained.

Neighbourhood Democratic Councillor Charles Thom asked for res-

idents from the community to be given the opportunity to operate the vehicle.

“It is going to be wrong for a Linden man coming here to drive this bus and we got drivers,” Thom said to resounding support from residents.

The vice chairman assured the residents that this would not be the case.

“They say they will not employ anybody outside of Kwakwani. We will not do that, but to give Kwakwani people a chance,” Adolph said.

Minister Trotman apologised to the community for the non-use of the bus, and vowed to see that the vehicle functions as intended.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Kwakwani Secondary School PTA, Curt Simeon,

raised his concerns about electrical problems at the school. He explained that the electricity supplied to the school is more than what is required, and this results in light bulbs being destroyed.

While the Kwakwani Utilities Incorporated has been working on the supply of electricity to the school, Simeon said, the school is in need of materials such as bulbs and other electrical fittings to complete corrective works.

Minister Trotman pledged to supply some of the materials to ensure that the issue of electricity is rectified. “I am prepared to work with you on it, but I will still engage the Ministry of Education,” Trotman said.

he common perception of Indians in Guyana, before the emergence of Dr Cheddi Jagan in the 1940s, was that they were incapable of leadership roles beyond their own comfort zones. Indians were too clannish, too emotional, and too untrained and unprepared for political leadership in western environments.

Indian women were defined as domesticated husband-pleasers.

In some ways, these perceptions are unfortunately still around, especially in urban areas and among Indians themselves.

One perception is that an Indian man from Berbice holds the Guyana record for travelling from his village to New York barefoot, exemplifying how backward he was.

That said, I argue here that while some of these perceptions are accurate insofar as Indians have been locked in a low-wage plantation domain that has stifled personal and communal growth and development, Indians have always engaged in leadership roles that have not always been Dr Lomarsh Roopnarine western-oriented.

Western concepts of leadership tend to revolve around theories like trait, contingency, situational, behavioural, participative, transactional and transformative, and the list goes on. These theories have been useful in understanding leadership styles and roles, but they are inadequate when applied to Indian leadership before the 1940s.

Indian leadership roles emerged from their ancestral homeland customs, but were also as effective and efficient as westernoriented leadership styles in their own respective settings.

The Panchayat, a Council of five males, was a licensed adjudicating political system in which Indians showed enormous levels of leadership skills. The Council was made-up of five of the most reputable and respected male members of the community, who listened to complaints and cases and made decisions on them. The Panchayat handled mainly social issues (individually and collectively), but at times criminal cases. Penalties were generally based on giving back to the community. Physical punishment was rare. Interestingly, too, was that if someone did not believe that fair justice was administered, he or she had the right to take the same case to the western-oriented courts. The Panchayat was like the Supreme Court to Indians.

The Panchayat worked well for Indians in their homeland, but did not survive in British Guiana as in India. The western-oriented court system did not recognize the Panchayat, and considered it to be unlawful.

Indians spoke out against, and even challenged, the lack of recognition of their internal judicial system, but to no avail. The western-oriented court system was simply more powerful. The Panchayat was subsequently pushed underground in Indian communities, but who were involved and how it was conducted changed from being predominantly male to include women.

The inclusion of women was coterminous with the overall transformation and breakdown of the Indian strict social structure, which eventually led to the status of women being determined and dictated not by ascribed, but achieved, characteristics.

Some women also took advantage of their low sex ratio to men to have more than one male partner, and even bargained to be in important positions in their society, positions that were once secured for men. These semi-liberating plantation dynamics allowed women to realize their potential not only in their own circles, but also in male-dominated domains.

I understand that by the 1920s, soon after indentured emancipation, some women did accompany their husbands when the Panchayat was administered, especially to resolve neighbour disputes or quarrels that occurred “across the road” and “over the picket fence.” But how effective was women’s participation in the Panchayat is not precisely known. That women had made inroads into the Panchayat system, however, suggests that the system was more flexible than previously thought, even if the role of women was one of observation and subservience. The point is not that women could not participate, but rather if women were really interested in the politics of Panchayat. Plausible, too, is that in a society where men and women socialized separately on most occasions, one would suspect that men would have a difficult time settling disputes and providing solutions to women’s problems.

Therefore, it may not be farfetched to theorize that there was possibly a parallel but hidden female Panchayat during and after indenture that was geared towards dealing with women’s issues and challenges. I am thinking here about Matikor.

I think the Panchayat should be revived, especially since the current regime, through the Ministry of Social Cohesion, is seeking ways to bring the various ethnic groups into a national cultural dialogue. Indians can bring the Panchayat to the table for discussion in terms of moving this idea of social cohesion forward. I am convinced that political/cultural recovery is an inevitable condition of our times when the international as well as national systems are being transformed uncontrollably. We in the developing world, like Guyana, should find ways in which we can contribute to this unavoidable transformation that is unique to us, rather than simply be recipients of wider world movements. The recovery and revival of Panchayat may be that opportunity we have been waiting for. (lomarsh.roopnarine@ jsums.edu)

TUESDAY, april 11, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

11

News

VAT on private education

Finance Ministry denies having tax records …distances self from Roopnaraine’s comments

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he Finance Ministry has distanced itself from comments made

by Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine about the tax records of private schools, noting that the subject Minister could not have accessed such from the Finance Ministry.

In fact, the Ministry said it did not have any records of any such taxpayers in its system.

In a release to the media on Monday, the Finance Ministry, referring to an article carried in Guyana Times, said it did not have any such information on hand. The Ministry explained that during its efforts to broaden the tax base, in the context of reducing the Value Added Tax (VAT) rate and providing relief in other areas, it had, during the Budget 2017 exercise, required data on various sectors, activities and institutions, including private schools.

“The data in respect of the private schools were limited to the number of them registered in the system and their earnings. The clear intent was to examine the amount of additional revenue that could be garnered from the imposition of the VAT on this source,” the Ministry said in a statement.

It continued, “The Ministry of Finance wishes to reassure citizens that the confidentiality and integrity of their tax information are zealously guarded by the Guyana Revenue Authority,

that some private schools were not up-to-date with their taxes.

“The records from the Ministry of Finance demonstrate that the schools are able to absorb the VAT. Of

“The records from the Ministry of Finance demonstrate that the schools are able to absorb the VAT. Of the private schools that are operating in Guyana, 57 per cent of them are currently registered with the GRA” – Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine unlike a period not so long ago when taxpayers’ information was being shared with individuals associated with the Opposition party.”

Last Friday, during the consultation on VAT on private education between Government and stakeholders, Accountant and Attorney-at-law Christopher Ram had said that it was unprincipled for the GRA to be sharing information on tax records to anyone, whether to private or Government.

He was in fact responding to remarks made by the Education Minister, who relayed at the very consultation, that information at the Finance Ministry showed

the private schools that are operating in Guyana, 57 per cent of them are currently registered with the GRA,” Roopnaraine said, before providing more statistics on the taxation status of private institutions in the country.

But Ram challenged the Minister’s presentation and contended that neither he nor any Government official should be privy to tax records of taxpayers.

“I’m not aware that the Ministry of Finance is in any way a regulator of schools in Guyana and the situation was compounded when he said the Government has information on the schools

Sugar workers protest closure of East Demerara Estate

I

n protest at the possible closure of the Enmore sugar factory, workers attached to that East Demerara Estate on Monday marched four miles along the East Coast Demerara highway, close to the village of Enmore, in a move reportedly intended to register their strong opposition to any move to close that estate, and to highlight their plight if this intended action is carried out.

The Guyana Agriculture and General Workers Union (GAWU), which organised the march, said in a statement, “At this time, while the Government has not announced formally its position on closure, all indications are that the closure process has begun.

For some weeks now, cane planting at the estate has been stopped, which portends that no plans are being made for crops beyond this year.”

Enmore Estate, currently the only remaining estate on the East Coast of Demerara, employs some 2,222 persons and is a major source of livelihood for people living in many ru-

East Demerara Estate (Enmore Estate)

ral communities on the Demerara East Coast.

GAWU is therefore again calling on the Government to conduct an assessment, as recommended by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), to determine the social and economic consequences that would flow from the decision to close this estate.

“In replacing sugar cultivation, the Administration and the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc (GuySuCo) have identified the implementation of non-sugar ventures such as orchard crops, legumes, rice, livestock, dairy cat-

tle, aquaculture, among other things,” the union stated. Similar ventures were to be established at the recently-closed Wales Estate, the union has said, but they are nowhere close to being fructified at this time. “Our Union’s examination of the documentation produced by the Corporation in this regard has revealed there are more questions than answers.” The union feels that this new venture will not yield any success, and should not be pursued at this time. turn to page 13

Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine

that are not paying taxes.

That’s a very serious statement to make, only the GRA has that information and the GRA and its officers are under a statutory duty of secrecy and confidentiality when it comes to information on any taxpayer,” he stated.

Ram further told this publication the following day during a telephone interview that he found the statement “disturbing” and it would be best for the Minister to “clarify what he meant”.

“I think it’s in the inter-

est of the integrity of the GRA that that statement be clarified because the GRA has a rule that it ought not to be giving out information on taxpayers,” he posited.

The Education Minister had also disclosed that 10 per cent of private institutions were registered as non-profit organisations, and 14 per cent as profit-making entities.

He also revealed that most private schools make over $300,000 in tuition fees per year per person, depending on the level of studies.

Dr Roopnaraine said the revenues generated by the top private schools exceeded $2 billion annually.

According to the Education Minister, the estimate does not include extra charges by the institutions for additional services.

He further announced that there was a high level of non-compliance of the timely submission of the required income, property and corporation returns and the payment of taxes.

He said in some cases, teachers were treated as contract employees and employers were not deduct-

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

ing the appropriate NIS and PAYE from their salaries.

Dr Roopnaraine said too that there were incidents of under declaration and inflated expenditure so as to avoid paying taxes.

“Payments are made to individuals other than institutions to facilitate these under declarations,” he noted.

In this regard, the Minister had argued that “it is clear” that private institutions could absorb VAT without passing it on to the students.

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TUESDAY, APRIL 11, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Mahaica farmers decry losses, lack of concern from Govt

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ice farmers from the Mahaica Creek area, Region Five (MahaicaBerbice) have lambasted Government’s taxation measures on routine supplies needed to cultivate their crops.

These farmers from the DeHoop Branch Road, Handsome Tree and Byaboo areas turned out in their numbers to express their concerns when Guyana Times visited the area on Sunday.

According to the farmers, their main source of income was rice along with cash crops, and the recent taxation measures have been “harsh” to them.

The farmers said the Government has removed the list of exempted and zero-rated Value Added Tax (VAT) items, causing them to have to increase their cash crop prices, much to the dissatisfaction of their customers.

Additionally, the price of paddy has dropped drastically, while production costs continue to rise. The cost of production, this newspaper was told, counting fertiliser, insecticide, weedicide, etc, has increased. Given that spare parts and machinery all now attract VAT, that “makes it more difficult for us to make ends meet as a farmer”.

Farmers also noted that added to the production costs was their constant battle with paddy bug infestation.

One farmer explained, “If

Farmers using a combine to harvest rice in the fields

you take a truckload of paddy to the mill, a small truck would usually give you an average of 120 to 130 bags of paddy; however, currently with the paddy bug infestation, we barely make 80 bags from a small truck.”

He noted that some farmers would not be able to return to their fields as a result of the problems.

The farmers highlighted that the Government has not provided any subsidies to them, so the situation presently was “terrible”.

“When we take our paddy to millers, they usually do what they want. Say we take 100 per cent to them, they sometimes come back and tell us that 60 per cent is damaged and only pay us for the remaining 40 per cent; we can’t say anything because there is no one to say anything to.”

It was relayed to this newspaper that previously, the Guyana Rice and

Development Board (GRDB) would have a representative at each rice mill, to verify the paddy grade. However, this verification process ceased some time ago. As such, rice farmers are calling for the reimplementation of this system.

Flooding, MMA

The Mahaica-MahaiconyAbary Agricultural Development Authority (MMA/ADA) also came in for harsh criticism by the farmers, who clearly stated that “they don’t pay us any heed”.

Presently, the drainage and irrigation system in Mahaica is said to be very poor, and heavy rainfall causes flooding. To avoid this, pumps have to be used to drain excess water from the land which means major expenses for the farmers.

Previously, such drainage assistance was given by the MMA-ADA; however, such support now attracts a high

monetary charge.

Upper Mahaica River Farmers Development Group Chairman Haripaul Bhagwandeo told this publication that farmers could not afford the rates and rentals charged by the MMA-ADA, since “we are not getting value for our money”.

It was revealed that the MMA-ADA issued a statement which indicated that all cleaning works on canals in the area must be suspended, since it was without sufficient funds to finance such works.

Bhagwandeo said, “Farmers now have to get self-help to get the canals cleaned, so we are paying money but not getting services.”

The farmers in the Byaboo area disclosed that the land was flat and only when there was extreme dry weather for four months or more would the accumulated water completely recede.

If farmers are allocated 10 acres of land there, it was noted, only two would usu-

A farmer using a mist blower to apply insecticide to the dried paddy

ally be planted, as the land would usually have to be excavated and built up which costs millions of dollars.

Bhagwandeo added, “So seeing that, it is not fair to charge the people here high rates, because we have to find millions of dollars to do excavation works and bulldozer work to reap proper crops.”

The farmers are calling for the review of the land rental and Drainage and Irrigation (D&I) fees or the complete removal of such fees, as there is

no infrastructural work done by the MMA-ADA that the farmers could benefit from.

One farmer said, “You need to put in the infrastructure work first and then the charges afterwards, not the other way around.”

Both rice farmers and cash crop farmers are calling for the issues plaguing them in Mahaica to gain a listening ear, as the rice industry is even more important to Guyana, given that “the sugar industry is, at the moment, crumbling”.

UG fees hike

UGSS to consult with student body on way forward

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The fees’ hike, which took students completely by surprise, has already been greeted with protests

ollowing the decision to raise tuition fees at the University of Guyana over the next three years, the UG Student Society (UGSS) is rallying to the challenges that will be faced by students who will have to deal with the tuition fee increases.

In a phone interview with this publication, UGSS President Ron Glasgow revealed that the next three weeks would see the students’ representative body consulting and soliciting feedback from the student population on the best way forward.

He said the initial fee hike of 15 per cent would take effect in September of this year, so there was some leeway in terms of time.

UG’s Council had approved the 15 per cent increase in fees, as the first step in its move to see an overall 35 per cent tuition increase over a three-year period, at a March 30 extraordinary meeting of the Council. That meeting was picketed by students of the institution.

The meeting, which was chaired by Chancellor Eon Nigel Harris, made the decision following an examination of the University’s

projected budget deficit, the pressing needs of the institution, and projected alternative income streams.

The University had stated that even with the “unavoidable adjustments”, fees at the institution would still be comparatively lower than regional counterparts.

According to UG, the Council’s decision will be applied to tuition fees for all programmes and for both continuing students and new students in the 20172018 academic year.

However, it said input from the UGSS was considered, leading to an incremental rollout, where continuing students would now pay an increase of 15 per cent (about $2500 a month), and new students an increase of 18 per cent (about $3000 a month).

The decision to raise fees has not been a popular one, with several observers raising concerns about the financial challenges many students and their families already face. When asked about the increases on Friday, Finance Minister Winston Jordan had downplayed the concerns.

The Minister said it was irrelevant what the per capita income was (the aver-

age amount of money being earned per person). He also noted that if students wanted quality education, they would have to pay for it.

Meanwhile, while the decision to increase tuition has been made, the University is still battling with its senior staff with regard to negotiations for their salary increase.

At the same meeting, the Council also authorised the UG Administration to commence negotiations with the two unions at the tertiary institution for remuneration packages based on what the University could afford.

The Council said it also received clarification from the Finance Ministry that the claim by the unions that the Government of Guyana had provided a fixed sum of money for salaries, which would amount to a 15 per cent salary increase, was inaccurate.

In this context, the UG Administration will continue to analyse the University’s budget to determine the fullest possible extent of affordability. It also was stressed that staff performance would be a key factor in determining salaries and benefits, whether monetary or non-monetary.

news

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tuesDAY, APRIL 11, 2017| guyanatimesgy.com

Happy Acres woman killed in hit-and-run

Doctors’ gratuity to pension

Govt makes U-turn A on imposition M

edical doctors currently employed in the public health system on contracts will not be forced under the pension system, but will have the option of switching if they so desire.

This was the outcome of a consultation held at the National Cultural Centre on Monday that saw a large group of doctors in attendance.

Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence, who was present for that meeting, assured the medical doctors that the transition would not affect their current plans.

The Minister said while her portfolio was new, it was no excuse for her to not ensure that matters arising from the health sector were resolved amicably.

Lawrence also vowed to continue dialogue with doctors to ensure that their concerns were taken into consideration before any decision was made in the future.

She claimed that there were certain misconceptions about the pension plan for doctors, and blamed poor communication for the issue.

“I will have a meeting with the heads to ascertain how can you not share information of such important nature which affects people’s lives? I mean it’s unacceptable and so, as the Minister, the buck stops with me,” Lawrence said.

Doctors were initially told that their contracts would automatically end and they would be switched over to the permanent public service employment package, which also includes a pension scheme.

Leading most of the discussions was Permanent Secretary in the Public Health Ministry, Reginald Brotherson, who was criticised for most of his re-

Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence

sponses to the many questions he was asked.

The doctors believed that Brotherson was not clear and one doctor even labelled his response “political”.

However, he told the concerned medical practitioners that they would be able to decide whether they wanted to join the public service and the pension’s scheme at the end of their five-year contract.

He also took the opportunity to clarify with the doctors some of the advantages of joining the public service.

The Permanent Secretary admitted that several circulars detailing the changes were dispatched to all heads of department. But it was only realised after their release that the time frame was too limited.

While some of the doctors present at the meeting saw the circulars, others did not, but heard from their colleagues about the change and decided to raise their concerns with their seniors.

They spoke about the last circular which was issued on February 7, 2017, which indicated that they would have been placed in the pension scheme within a month.

One of the doctors who spoke out against the policy, Dr Adoni Benjamin told officials that he felt disrespected by the Government, because the change in his working arrangements would ultimately affect his family too.

“First of all, as human beings, some courtesy should have been extended to us,” he stated.

Another doctor, who spoke with Guyana Times on the sidelines of the meeting, expressed deep concern over the move, claiming that a proper explanation was not provided.

The young Cuba-trained doctor who requested anonymity claimed that when the first circular was issued, some of his colleagues decided to sign contracts to join the public service.

“They did so out of fear that their salary will be withheld, or they would have been sent home. Some of them were tricked to go over, because some of them did sign.”

The doctor said while he was happy that the Government has backpedalled on its decision, this issue could have been avoided if consultations were held first.

The affected doctors also raised concerns about the measly $1800 which they are paid for on-call duties, with no overtime or benefits such as time-and-a-half pay.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo had said that forcing doctors to accept the unpopular pension scheme meant the physicians would exit the public service.

The Government had made a commitment to meet with the doctors at another date, to discuss the finer details of the arrangement to have them transitioned to the public sector pension scheme.

Sugar workers protest...

GAWU is of the firm view that the East Demerara Estate occupies an important place in the sugar industry, especially since it possesses the larger of the industry’s two (2) sugar packaging plants. “It is recalled that the Corporation receives its highest return on packaged sugar. Moreover, the Estate’s mechanisation programme is far advanced, and many of its field operations can be done mechanically,” the GAWU statement outlines.

The operations of the LBI Estate were, in 2016, amalgamated with those of the Enmore Estate in a move

from page 11

which was slated to save the cane operations, according to GuySuCo. “Our Union stands in solidarity with the workers and residents (who would be affected by the closure) and is also strongly against the closure and sell-out of any sugar estates,” the GAWU statement read. The experiences at Wales “are fresh in our thoughts, as hundreds have been placed on the breadline and have fallen into a state of despair”, GAWU declares.

“Hundreds more again on East Demerara Estate seem to be destined also to go this way; and worse too, seem-

ingly at this time are being denied their severance entitlements,” GAWU had previously stressed. Workers attached to the now defunct Wales Estate are still waiting on full payment of outstanding severance package benefits.

Government has said the Wales Estate was closed after billions of dollars were accrued in losses over the years. At high-level sugar consultations held last year between GuySuCo, the Union and the Opposition, Government had disclosed that only three estates would be kept functional.

22-year-old woman of Happy Acres, East Coast Demerara (ECD) was pronounced dead at the Georgetown Public Hospital, moments after she was taken there by public-spirited citizens.

Cornelly Grimmond, who was originally from New Amsterdam, Berbice, was reportedly struck down and left on the Happy Acres Public Road.

Information reaching Guyana Times stated that around 23:00h on Sunday, Grimmond, called Nelle of 6 Happy Acres, had just disembarked a minibus and was crossing the Public Road when a speeding car hit her

Dead: Cornelly Grimmond, called Nelly

and drove away without ren-

dering assistance.

It was public-spirited citizens who were passing in a car moments later who found the young woman panting for breath, Police said on Monday. Grimmond was taken to the hospital, but subsequently succumbed to her injuries.

According to Police, there were signs of severe impact on her neck, legs and other parts of her body. Police reported too that they found pieces of broken mirror some 70 feet away from where the young woman was found.

Police have not yet arrested anyone for the fatal accident, but investigations are being conducted.

60 strong for CARIFESTA XIII E ven as efforts continue to showcase the Caribbean, plans are moving apace to make Guyana’s participation at CARIFESTA XIII as broad-based as possible.

CARIFESTA XIII is slated for staging in Barbados during August 17-27, under the theme “Asserting Our Culture, Celebrating Ourselves”, and Guyana’s Education Ministry’s Department of Culture, Youth and Sport proposes to field a 60-strong contingent.

Guyana has already registered to field a contingent to the event and to ensure the broad-based participation ideal is realised, Minister within the Education Ministry, Nicolette Henry will today chair a CARIFESTA planning meeting in the boardroom of the Department of Culture, Youth and Sport, Main Street.

At the meeting, members of the respective planning committees will be issued Terms of Reference on Guyana’s proposed plans.

Further, the gathering will feature participants’ presentations of their plans with specific reference to their area of expertise. Additionally, they are expected to share proposed plans for the commencement of national auditions and/or judging of works to shortlist what would be Guyana’s presentation for CARIFESTA XIII. The first local meeting of minds was hosted on Friday, January 13, 2017, where more than 25 officials and creative minds

were briefed by Minister Henry and Special Projects Officer Lennox Canterbury on the expectations and responsibilities at the local and regional levels.

At the last meeting, the group was tasked with charting a way forward to ensure Guyana’s active participation at the regional event in keeping with

the overarching theme of presenting the country as a ‘Green State’ to the Caribbean and the world.

That concept was articulated by Minister Henry to the creative minds present.

Initial reports indicate that Guyana will, more than likely, field a team of representatives to this major cultural, arts and entertainment event in more than 13 categories: craft, culinary arts, fashion, film festival, literary arts, performing arts, visual arts, symposia, animation, storytelling events, grand cultural market, trade

fair, youth focus and community festival.

At the last meeting, the group was also apprised of the additional activities for artists outside of the Government-sponsored delegations.

These include the Caribbean Rum Festival, Trade Fair and Market for producers/suppliers of artistic products; and Body and Soul Line (herbs, healthy lifestyles, massages, foods and animation).

As part of the Guyana delegation’s proposal, several persons were tentatively pinpointed as steering committee heads who were tasked with working on a blueprint for each category of participation.

They were informed

by Minister Henry that their ideas must be guided by the overarching theme of Guyana leading the way for a ‘greener world’ beyond the colour “green”, towards the green agenda.

Already, Guyana has named one representative to actively compete in Barbados in the person of Junior Calypso Monarch 2017 T’shanna Cort, who signed a contract to compete for the Caribbean Youth Calypso Monarch against other regional contenders.

It is proposed that before Guyana’s contingent wings out to Barbados that their presentation should be showcased locally.

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guyanatimesgy.com

tuesdAY, april 11, 2017

Regional

French Guiana facing Protests in Paramaribo against fuel hike, corruption total shutdown

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Members of the 500 Brothers group at a protest in Cayenne, French Guiana, last week

Demonstrators in the streets of Paramaribo, Suriname

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housands of people marched through the streets of Paramaribo, Suriname, calling on the Desi Bouterse Administration to reverse the recent fuel price hike.

Corruption, rising criminality, and increasing exchange rates were also concerns of protesters, with some calling on the President to resign.

The protest was a collaboration of different organisations such as WE ZIJN MOE (we are tired); unions including the Union of Teachers (BvL/ALS); and the Association of Small Companies (AKMOS). It was supported by the Opposition United Reform Party (VHP); National Party Suriname (NPS) and the Pertjajah Luhur (PL) and local companies and shops.

The protesters demanded new elections over the hike in fuel prices, which are now around 6 Surinamese dollars a litre, with 3 Surinamese dollars going to the Government.

Last month, car owners also saw an increase of 100 per cent in insurance fees.

In response to the protests, Minister for Education, Science and Culture, Robert Peneux said all school directors have to submit a copy of the teachers’ attendance sheet, as the Ministry would be using the “no work, no pay” rule.

The demonstrations started last Monday at Independence Square opposite the Presidential Palace. Trade unions took over the lead on Thursday and Friday, sending a strong signal to the

Fugitive Mexico exGovernor caught

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olice in Italy have arrested the former Governor of the Mexican state of Tamaulipas, Tomás Yarrington, 59.

Yarrington, who served as Governor from 1999 to 2005, had been on the run for almost five years.

The ex-Governor is accused of taking millions of dollars in bribes from drug cartels in return for turning a blind eye to their smuggling activities.

A reward of 15 million Mexican pesos (US$800,000) had been offered for information leading to his arrest.

The office of the Attorney General in Mexico offered a large reward for information about Yarrington’s whereabouts.

Officials did not reveal how they located Yarrington.

The Attorney General’s office in Mexico said Yarrington would be extradited to his homeland within days.

He is also wanted by the

United States on charges of money laundering.

According to the US indictment, Yarrington allegedly received large bribes from major drug traffickers operating in Tamaulipas, including the Gulf and the Zetas cartels.

In return, Yarrington allegedly allowed the cartels “to operate their largescale, multi-tonne enterprises freely, which included the smuggling of large quantities of drugs to the US for distribution”.

Prosecutors say the bribes started when Yarrington was running for governor and continued during his time in office, when he allegedly started investing the money in properties across the US border in Texas.

Before he went on the run, Yarrington, who was a member of the governing PRI party before being expelled, said the charges against him were politically motivated. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Government, with more than 10,000 people attending the rallies.

Suriname has been facing an economic crisis for the past two years. The former Dutch colony saw its highest inflation of 85 per cent at the end of 2016. A shortage of foreign currencies also caused the devaluation of the Surinamese Dollar (SRD). At the beginning of 2015, US$1 was equal to 3.35 SRD, but of April 2017 US$1 is equal to 7.80 SRD. Some $2 billion was then taken in credit from foreign companies by the Government.

Companies are shutting down, cutting jobs or sourcing cheaper foreign labour to survive.

President Bouterse, who first rose to power in 1980 through a military coup and was later democratically elected President, called the protesting groups to talks on Saturday. He also urged the members of his National Democratic Party (NDP) to remain focused and not to join the protests.

iscontent over living standards in French Guiana has led to a large-scale blockade on Monday.

The territory has regained control of its space station , but anger there is not going away.

Despite being in South America, French Guiana remains part of France and has been paralysed by protests against a lack of in-

vestment from the mainland.

Demonstrators, led by a masked group known as the 500 Brothers, have been fighting for US$2.5 billion in aid.

France has made an offer of £1 billion, which has been rejected.

French Guiana has been experiencing widespread protests for the past two weeks, following a gener-

al strike on March 27 and an occupation of the Guiana Space Station, which delayed a rocket launch.

The 500 Brothers, a collective of black-clad, masked people who say they are campaigning against crime and delinquency, called for a total shutdown on Monday, including road blocks after a Police Officer was injured in protests last week. (Excerpt from

BBC News)

Venezuelan Opposition protests again amid sustained anti-Maduro demonstrations

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enezuelan Opposition supporters took to the streets again on Monday to protest a grinding economic crisis and an erosion of democracy under leftist President Nicolás Maduro, in the first sustained wave of anti-Government demonstrations in three years.

A Supreme Court decision in late March to assume the functions of the Opposition-led Congress sparked outcry among a population already suffering from triple-digit inflation and widespread shortages of basic goods.

The Court quickly over-

turned the most controversial part of its decision, but the move triggered condemnation at home and abroad, as did Friday’s news that the national comptroller had banned politician Henrique Capriles – seen as the Opposition’s best hope in a presidential election scheduled for next year – from office for 15 years.

Brazilian Foreign Minister Aloysio Nunes and Organisation of American States (OAS) chief Luis Almagro called on Venezuela on Monday to restore full democracy and set a timeline for elections, increasing diplomatic pressure on Maduro.

Four nationwide protests in the last 10 days degenerated into clashes between security forces and youths throwing rocks.

Protesters led demonstrations in several cities on Monday, blocking the main highway through Caracas in the morning until they were dispersed by National Guard troops firing tear gas.

“It’s working, the Government is scared and making mistakes like banning Capriles, because that generates more support for him,” said homemaker Imelda Guerrero, 66, who said her three children have emigrated due to the crisis.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Former Minister calls for state of emergency in Trinidad and Tobago

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n an exclusive interview with Caribbean News Now, former Minister of the People and Social Development, Dr Glen Ramadarsingh expressed the view that the current Government has to consider imposing a state of emergency because there is too much violent crime and bloodshed.

“Now we have areas in Trinidad where there are daily killing zones… crime is on a rampage, it’s strangling the lifeline of the country, terror and bloodshed every day in the newspapers; it’s a very difficult time for our country,” Ramadarsingh said.

He also addressed the controversial reports of human trafficking and organ harvesting in Trinidad and Tobago.

“We have seen enough evidence of it; we have seen videos posted on social media with organs missing and a lot of ladies missing and no ransom was demanded, so this is a very frightening development,” Ramadarsingh said.

Ramadarsingh was appointed to a brand new ministerial portfolio in June 2010 and he was determined to change humanity and socialism in

Former Minister of the People and Social Development, Dr Glen Ramadarsingh, being interviewed by Caribbean News Now correspondent, Eve George

Trinidad and Tobago for the better because he knew he could make a difference.

Even after the People’s Partnership (PP) Government of which he was part lost the 2016 gen-

eral election to the People’s National Movement (PNM), residents in the south of Trinidad continue to praise the former Minister’s ongoing efforts for the community. (Excerpt from Caribbean News

Now)

tuesDAY, april 11, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

Around the World

Syria war: US missiles “took out 20% of aircraft”

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US air strike in response to a suspected chemical attack damaged or destroyed 20 per cent of Syria’s operational aircraft, the US has said.

Defence Secretary James Mattis said Syria would be “ill-advised ever again to use chemical weapons”.

Syria has denied a chemical attack on the rebel-held town of Khan Sheikhoun last week that left 89 people dead.

G7 nations are meeting in Italy to discuss policy and how to persuade Russia to abandon its Syrian ally.

The US fired 59 cruise missiles at Syria’s Shayrat airbase last Thursday, following the suspected chemical attack a day before.

Mattis said the “measured response” by the US had “resulted in the damage or destruction of fuel and ammunition sites, air defence capabilities and 20 per cent of Syria’s operational aircraft”.

The US fired 59 cruise missiles at the Shayrat airbase

He added: “The Syrian Government has lost the ability to refuel or rearm aircraft at Shayrat airfield and at this point, use of the runway is of idle military interest.”

The Syrian military admitted significant material damage, but a Russian Defence Ministry spokesman said only six Syrian

Air Force MiG-23s, plus a number of buildings, were destroyed and that only 23 of the missiles had reached Shayrat.

Mattis said the strike had shown the US would “not passively stand by while [Syrian President Bashar al-Assad] murders innocent people with chemical weapons”. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Pakistan Army sentences Indian ‘spy’ to death

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akistan’s military has sentenced an Indian naval officer to death on charges of espionage and sabotage.

In a statement, the Army said Kulbhushan Jadhav, who was arrested in March 2016, was an Indian intelligence official who aided and financed terrorist activities in the south-west-

ern Balochistan province and the southern port city of Karachi.

He had been convicted by a military tribunal.

“Today, [Army Chief] Gen Qamer Javed Bajwa has confirmed his death sentence,” a military statement said on Monday, without stating when the execution would take place.

Pakistan’s Army released a video shortly after his arrest in which he confessed to having spent years sowing unrest in Pakistan and being tasked by India’s intelligence service with planning, coordinating and organising espionage and sabotage activities in Balochistan “aiming to destabilise and wage war against Pakistan”. (Excerpt

from Al Jazeera)

Egypt mourns Coptic church attack victims

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unerals have been held in Alexandria for victims of one of the two bomb attacks on Coptic churches in Egypt.

The ceremony at the Monastery of St Mina took place under heavy security.

At least 45 people were killed in the bombings targeting St Mark’s Cathedral in Alexandria and St George’s Church in the Nile Delta city of Tanta on Sunday.

President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi declared a threemonth state of emergency across Egypt in response.

He ordered troops to be

Seventeen people were killed in the bombing in Alexandria, the historic seat of the Coptic pope

deployed to protect “vital infrastructure” and warned of a “long and painful” war against jihadists, who have

killed hundreds of people in the country in the past four years.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Trump celebrates Supreme Court pick’s swearing-in

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resident Donald Trump has said Neil Gorsuch will be “truly great”, as the Colorado Judge took the oath to become a justice on the US Supreme Court.

“And I got it done in the first 100 days,” Trump quipped at a ceremony in the

15

White House Rose Garden.

“You think that’s easy?”

Gorsuch, who was sworn in by Justice Anthony Kennedy, becomes the 113th justice to serve on the high court.

“I am humbled by the trust placed in me today,” he said after taking the oath.

“I will never forget that to whom much is given, much will be expected,” the 49-year-old continued.

“And I promise you to do all my powers permit to be a faithful servant of the Constitution and laws of this great nation.” (Excerpt from BBC News)

Tillerson faces tough talks in Moscow amid increased tensions

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S Secretary of State Rex Tillerson’s visit to Moscow this week will be an early test of whether the Trump Administration can use any momentum generated by a missile attack on a Syrian air base to craft and execute a strategy to end the Syrian war.

Even before Trump ordered last week’s strike in retaliation for a nerve gas attack, Tillerson’s visit was certain to be dominated by thorny issues, including Russian interference in the 2016 US election, an apparent violation of an important arms

control treaty, and seeing what cooperation, if any, is possible in the fight against Islamic State.

Now, Tillerson, a former oil executive with no diplomatic experience, is charged with avoiding a major US confrontation with Russia while exacting some concessions from Moscow. Those include getting rid of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s remaining chemical weapons and pressing Assad to negotiate Syria’s future.

The Kremlin said on Monday Tillerson was not scheduled to meet with Russian President

Vladimir Putin during his visit, a move that could point to tensions.

It may also suggest that Tillerson will instead follow strict diplomatic protocol and only meet his direct counterpart, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. The State Department said last week a meeting had not been confirmed with Putin, who met with Tillerson when the Texan headed ExxonMobil.

Russia, along with Iran, is Assad’s primary backer, and its intervention in Syria’s war has been crucial to ensuring his grip on power. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Malala receives highest UN honour to promote girls education

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nited Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres appointed Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai a UN Messenger of Peace on Monday to promote girls education, more than four years after a Taliban gunman shot her in the head on her school bus in 2012.

At 19, Yousafzai is the youngest Messenger of Peace, the highest honour given by the United Nations for an initial period of two years. She was also the youngest person to win the Nobel peace prize in 2014 when she was 17.

“You are not only a hero, but you are a very committed and generous person,” Guterres told Yousafzai.

Other current Messengers of Peace include actor Leonardo di Caprio, for climate change; actor Charlize Theron, whose focus is prevention of HIV and elimination of violence against women, and actor Michael Douglas, whose focus is disarmament.

Yousafzai has become a

Malala Yousafzai attends a ceremony with United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres after being selected a United Nations Messenger of Peace in New York, NY, April 10, 2017

regular speaker on the global stage and visited refugee camps in Rwanda and Kenya last July to highlight the plight of refugee girls from Burundi and Somalia.

The Pakistani education activist came to prominence when a Taliban gunman shot her in the head in 2012 as she was leaving school in Pakistan’s Swat Valley, northwest of the

country’s capital Islamabad.

She was targeted for her campaign against efforts by the Taliban to deny women education.

“The extremists tried all their best to stop me, they tried to kill me and they didn’t succeed,” Yousafzai said on Monday. “Now this is a new life, this is a second life and it is for the purpose of education.”

Passenger dragged off United Airlines flight

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ideos showing a man being violently removed from a United Airlines flight have provoked an outcry on social media.

The footage taken inside the airliner shows a man being violently pulled out of his seat and dragged down the aisle as passengers prepared to take off from Chicago to Louisville on Sunday evening.

The airline in question – United – has tweeted an apology for what happened and says it is investigating.

One 50-second clip of

the incident on Twitter was re-tweeted 16,000 times since it was posted that day.

Jayse D Anspach, who posted the footage, tweeted: “#United overbooked and wanted four of us to volunteer to give up our seats for personnel that needed to be at work the next day.”

“No one volunteered, so United decided to choose for us. They chose an Asian doctor and his wife.”

“The doctor needed to work at the hospital the next day, so he refused to volunteer,” Anspach added.

“Ten minutes later,

the doctor runs back into the plane with a bloody face, clings to a post in the back, chanting, “I need to go home.” One of the three security officers involved has been “placed on leave”, the Chicago Department of Aviation said, and his actions were “obviously not condoned by the Department”.

The Department also said it would carry out a review into the incident, which it said was “not in accordance with our standard operating procedure”. (Excerpt from BBC News)

16 News

tuesDAY, april 11, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

PAC recommends Pedal cyclist dies in swift action against Silver Hill accident Region 8 REO P …major discrepancies found in several Regions

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everal critical issues were discussed during the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) meeting in Parliament Chambers on Monday, including the overpayment of contractors and shortages of drugs.

Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) Regional Executive Officer (REO) Gavin Clarke told the PAC meeting that resources in the national budget for the procurement of drugs for the Region were not meant to be spent.

However, it was brought to the attention of the Committee, that there were severe shortages of drugs in the Region and the money set aside for drug purchases had already been utilised.

The REO was also cautioned about information he presented to the PAC, as he was in the habit of withdrawing answers when quizzed on occupation of Government quarters by members of the PAC. The REO was further cautioned by PAC Chairman Irfaan Ali about his responses.

Meanwhile, REO for Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni), Rafel Downes was questioned about overpayment to contractors and could not provide answers as to the measures being taken to address the situation.

PAC Chairman Irfaan Ali

Region 8 REO Rafel Downes

Ali said the Region was not only faced with that issue, highlighting that the office has also been faced with financial mismanagement over the past two years.

Downes was advised to issue the defaulting contractors with letters from the Region’s attorney in an effort to recover the monies owed.

One PAC member also highlighted the fact that at least five of the 11 delinquent contractors tendered and signed additional contract documents at the REO’s office, but did not repay what was owed.

Ali said it was unacceptable, because the Region continued to drag its feet on the issue.

The meeting was subsequently suspended, and the REO was advised to imple-

ment all outstanding recommendations.

The REO was then instructed to get the information requested and provide answers to the Finance Secretary of the Finance Ministry, the Accountant General and the Auditor General’s Office.

Recommendations were also made to have measures put in place to ensure that regional officials are fully equipped and prepared to appear before the PAC. The PAC will be making several recommendations for swift action when it submits a report to the National Assembly that includes taking action against the REO. A meeting between regional officials and the PAC is due in all 10 administrative regions.

Govt to examine opportunities for value-added lumber in Region 10

T

he Natural Resources Ministry is exploring the possibility of establishing a community sawmill for the logging communities of Kwakwani and Ituni as a means of promoting value-added production.

During a recent twoday outreach to the logging communities, the request for assistance in this area was raised with Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported.

In Kwakwani, some residents called for a review of taxes on timber products since they claimed they were “an extra burden to the forestry sector”. It was pointed out by other residents that the promotion of value-added production, such as sawmilling, was one way to reduce taxes.

“I think, and I believe and most persons will agree with me, that we need to start doing some more value-added to our forestry products,” Joslyn Morian told Minister

Trotman during a public meeting at the Kwakwani Primary School.

Minister Trotman said the suggestion would be examined. “The idea of maybe a community sawmill is not a bad one. It is something Government will explore as an incentive because we are taxing you at 14 per cent, we should be giving back something to compensate for that,” Minister Trotman said.

A similar request was made by members of the Ituni Logging Association

for infrastructure or equipment to promote value-added production. One member also requested assistance in boosting trade of such products. “It would impact the community so much that persons wouldn’t be underselling their produce to outside buyers,” the resident said.

The Natural Resources Ministry has been reviewing policies in the forestry sector with the aim of promoting value-added production of lumber.

edal cyclist Raymond Isaacs died on Monday at approximately 16:50h following a collision with a hire car along the Silver Hill Public Road, Linden-Soesdyke Highway.

Guyana Times understands that hire car H 7383, driven by 31-yearold Steven Pearson of West Watooka, Wismar, Linden, was reportedly proceeding north along the western carriageway of the Silver Hill Public Road at a fast rate when it collided with the 21-year-old Silver Hill resident, who allegedly turned on to its path while proceeding in the same direction. Isaacs was report-

edly flung on to the western parapet and sustained severe injuries. Rushed to the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC), he was pronounced

dead on arrival.

The driver of the hire car is presently in custody of the police at Linden, assisting with the investigations.

First Lady urges teens to seek counselling, other services

First Lady Sandra Granger poses with some Grade Nine students enrolled at the Agricola Practical Instruction Centre

F

irst Lady Sandra Granger encouraged teenage boys and girls and teenage parents to seek out the sexual health, reproductive and other services offered at the Agricola Health Centre Community Parenting Support Group, at the launch of the clinic at the Agricola Health Centre, Greater Georgetown.

The First Lady was invited to the launch because of her advocacy for education and support services for especially women and girls as well as youth.

At the opening ceremony, she said, “I do not think we can overemphasise how important maternal child health is, especially for our teen mothers and the support that we give them.”

The First Lady spoke about the importance of health and nutrition during pregnancy and encouraged the teenagers to capitalise on the opportunity to continue their education, both during and after their pregnancies as an educated mother would be better be able to meet her child’s needs.

“The second thing that I discovered, a few days ago, was the importance of early childhood development and the provision of a nurturing environment for better adults.

These are scientific studies – the British Medical Association launched a series, The Lancet Series … [which] have proven that if your baby has a nurturing environment from birth to three years, as an adult, that child will be 25 times more active mentally and more productive than a child who is subject to want, who is not properly fed, who is abused and beaten,” the First Lady said.

She then urged the teenagers, who have access to the Centre, to capitalise on the opportunity to seek sound medical advice, care and counselling about sex and sexuality, which would inform them about a wide range of topics in this regard, and preclude them from engaging in risky sexual behaviours.

Dr Travis Freeman, resident doctor at the Sophia Health Centre Teenage

Pregnancy Support Group, echoed this view. He said that the initiative, which was first launched several years ago to address the high incidence of teenage pregnancy, was revised and relaunched nationally in October at the Sophia Health Centre.

The programme, which is spearheaded by the Public Health Ministry, in collaboration with the Ministries of Social Protection and Education, now aims to provide more comprehensive care aimed at ensuring that young persons have access to health services. He too urged teenagers to access the services to become “educated, to learn more about your body, to learn more about your sexuality; that is what this initiative is about… we want to empower our young people, we want to empower our young ladies.”

The Centre is managed by two doctors, five nurses and a clinic attendant, and serves approximately 11,000 persons within the borders of Meadowbank and Providence, East Bank Demerara.

17 news

tuesDAY, APRIL 11, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

50 graduate from skills training programmes at Essequibo Sunrise Centre

Everything Makes Craft kick starts Easter celebrations

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ifty persons from the Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) are now better equipped with much-needed skills and knowledge in the field of fabric decoration, catering and electrical installation following a six-month programme.

The training was an initiative of the Guyana Foundation Sunrise Centre at Zorg en Vlygt in Region Two. The Centre’s main focus is to develop the skill-

Some of the men who completed the electrical course

Women displaying their designs following the six-month fabric decoration course

set of persons living along the Coast and to enhance their access to economic opportunities.

Thus far, those seeking the service were trained in hairdressing, photography, Information Technology, floral/craft making and wedding planning, music, leather craft, massage,

soap-making, catering, makeup artistry and other courses. Since the establishment of the Centre, it has also provided counselling sessions to persons and worked closely with hospitals, churches and various community groups, in an effort to assist depressed individuals contemplating suicide. The Centre currently

has a trained psychologist, Haimraj Hamandeo, on hand to offer his expertise.

Speaking at a simple graduation ceremony for the newly skilled persons, Guyana Foundation founder Supriya Singh-Bodden said the Centre made available an opportunity for many to come and develop a skill free of cost.

She said once the graduates completed their courses, they were encouraged to venture into their own businesses.

Singh-Bodden said the Guyana Foundation recognised that social problems were a major concern in Region Two and as such, the Foundation has developed a holistic approach to address the issues which included depression and hopelessness, unemployment and the need for empowerment of women and young people.

(Indrawattie Natram)

Some of the children at the Bunny Fun Day

E

verything Makes Craft kick started the Easter celebrations this year as it hosted its third annual Easter event, the Bunny Fun Day, on Sunday.

The family-oriented event, which was hosted at the Promenade Gardens, included exciting games and a series of activities to awaken the Easter spirit, especially for young enthusiasts.

The fun day attracted scores of families, particularly those with young adventurous minds. Scattered across the Gardens were stations for egg hunts, sack races, Easter hat designing and egg painting, along with various other games, exhibitions and refreshment stalls. Attracting the majori-

Region 5 Expo, Trade Fair picks up momentum joy musical entertainment from Crown Vibes Sounds Company, Shakti Strings Orchestra and the King Murphy One Man Orchestra alongside Guyana’s 20162017 Chutney King, Bunty Singh.

Council Member Ricky Moore and Arshad Gafoor receiving the sponsorship cheque from Republic Bank representative Chandanie Panday as other staff members look on

B

everage giant ANSA McAL Trading, Republic Bank Guyana Limited, Banks DIH Limited and Arshad’s Jewellery Establishment are the latest sponsors to come on board for the Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) Expo and Trade Fair billed for April 15 and 16.

The West Berbice Chamber of Industry and Commerce as part of the drive to promote commerce and trade in Region Five will be hosting the two-day Expo and Trade Fair, with the aim of showcasing the Region’s diversity and attracting potential investors to the Region.

It will be hosted un-

der the theme “Building a Diversified Economy” and will be held at Bath Settlement Community Centre Ground. President David Granger is expected to deliver the feature address and declare the event open.

The much-anticipated and fun-filled event is expected to attract Public and Private Sector entities, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and others who will exhibit their product and services.

The usual vending, children’s games and entertainment, including live bands and fireworks will be available to satisfy the needs of the public. Patrons can en-

The Expo will be open from 16:00h daily. For more information, please contact 328-7977, 612-1944, and 611-0055 or email wbcic2015@gmail.com or any member of the West Berbice Chamber.

ty of the attention, however, was the featured Arts and Craft Competition.

The main event catered for children in three categories, starting from the age of five, all the way to 16. The participants were provided with materials, which included cardboard, bottles, boxes, foam, glitter and paint, as well as other little bits and pieces to create imaginative upcycled works of art. Upon closure of the event, the creative pieces were all reviewed and assessed by a panel of judges, after which prizes were awarded to the best designs within each of the three categories. Among the prizes were trophies, hampers and gadgets, along with other eye-catching rewards.

The event also provided a marketing opportunity for businesses within the field of events planning and organising, as several party supplies entities and caterers were present to showcase their works.

Everything Makes Craft is an entrepreneurial movement to bring upcycling to the forefront of the minds of Guyanese. This event was one in the list of initiatives undertaken by this entity, to promote family-oriented innovative arts and craft while advocating for the proper use and protection of the environment. For the past three years, the business has been joining in the efforts to celebrate Easter, by hosting Bunny Fun Day in Guyana.

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TUESDAY, April 11, 2017

ARCHIE

Take pride in everything you do. Pay attention to detail (March 21- and be consistent. You have April 19) plenty to gain if you are confident and informative. Avoid bad influences.

ARIES

Take on the role of instigaTAURUS tor and get everyone around (April 20- you fired up about something May 20) you want to see happen. Your enthusiasm will be contagious and will bring about positive change.

dilbert

Deal with personal papers GEMINI and any problems you face (May 21with government agencies or June 20) institutions. Taking care of business will help ease uncertainty and ongoing stress.

Take time to evaluate and develop your ideas instead of (June 21- rushing into something you July 22) know little about. Be a leader, not a follower.

CANCER

Peanuts

You can bring about posiLEO tive change at work and home.

(July 23Taking responsibility and Aug. 22) sticking to your plans will help you avoid getting into a disagreement. Honor your word.

Calvin and Hobbes

A partnership that offers VIRGO mental stimulation and pro(Aug. 23Sept. 22) motes equality will encourage growth and invite responsible change. Travel and educational pursuits are favored. Live your dream.

Information you receive LIBRA will spark you to make a sud(Sept. 23den change in the way you Oct. 23) deal with others and how you view yourself and the things you stand for.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

An emotional plea will SCORPIO help you sort out differenc(Oct. 24es you have with someone.

Nov. 22) Expressing your thoughts will help you live up to your standards and implement personal improvements.

Question anyone who is askSAGITTARIUS ing for something that makes (Nov. 23- you feel uneasy. It’s importDec. 21) ant to avoid getting trapped by someone pressuring you to make a commitment that infringes on your integrity.

solution for Last Published Puzzle

Too much of anything will CAPRICORN turn into a bad thing. Keep (Dec. 22moderation in mind and avoid Jan. 19) anyone who is inconsistent or unreliable. Concentrate on home, family and accomplishing your goals.

Weigh the pros and cons AQUARIUS of any offer that comes your (Jan. 20way. Someone will try to take Feb. 19) advantage of you if you don’t ask questions and require changes that will suit your needs.

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

Copyright 2015, Distributed by Universal Uclick for UFS

Don’t take a chance or forPISCES (Feb. 20- get the past when it comes to March 20) dealing with expenses, money matters or people who have caused problems or cost you financially. Avoid being used.

tuesDAY, aPRIL 11, 2017

Vivo Indian Premier League 2017…

Super 4 Massive Easter Sunday Football

Kings XI overcome de Villiers’ one-man show

Arch-rivals go head to head at Den Amstel

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B de Villiers, re- ary. He then watched his turning from a back team-mates starve him of injury and replac- the strike, and fall into the ing Chris Gayle, made hole Kings XI had dug for a jaw-dropping 89 off 46 them. The pitch was quickballs, but the rest of Royal er than the one used for Challengers Bangalore the match against Rising was so woeful that Kings Pune. Varun Aaron, picked XI Punjab won with 33 in place of left-arm spinballs to spare. ner Swapnil Singh, Axar, De Villiers arrived in and Marcus Stoinis tucked the second over but by the RCB up, and ensured they end of the 15th, he had faced only 28 balls and scored 31 runs. Mandeep Singh and Stuart Binny had taken most of the strike and scored at less than a run a ball. In the last five overs, though, de Villiers faced 18 deliveries and scored 58 off them. He helped RCB double their 15-over score of 71 and was the sole reason they got 148.

A measure of how poor the rest of the RCB batsmen were, though, was how easily a collective effort from Kings XI overhauled the target. Manan Vohra, Hashim Amla and Glenn Maxwell timed the ball sublimely under lights AB de Villiers replaced Chris and took the RCB seamers Bangalore line-up for more than ten runs an over. Kings XI’s eight-wicket win was their second in did not score a boundary two games, while RCB suf- for 38 balls in the middle fered their second defeat in overs.

De Villiers then three. switched into super-batsRCB strangled in man mode: carving the Powerplay near-yorkers for fours and In their previous match launching length balls on against Rising Pune to the roof - or over the roof Supergiant at the same - of the stadium. He even venue on Saturday, Kings struck a six over cover deXI bowled 14 dots in the spite being off balance and Powerplay. Against RCB, having to reach far away Sandeep Sharma alone from his body. He hit eight bowled 14. In all Kings XI sixes and a four in the last sent down 22 dots, limiting RCB to 23 for 3; only four times in the past had RCB made a lower Royal Challengers Bangalore Powerplay score. innings (20 overs maximum) Before this match, SR Watson* b Patel 1 Axar Patel had dismissed Vishnu Vinod† c Maxwell b Shane Watson every time 7 Sandeep Sharma they had faced off in the AB de Villiers not out 89 IPL. So it made sense KM Jadhav lbw b Aaron 1 for Axar to take the new Mandeep Singh c †Saha b ball against Watson and Aaron 28 he maintained his perSTR Binny not out 18 fect record when Watson 4 Extras (lb-1, w-3) dragged an arm ball Total (4 wickets; 20 overs) 148 back onto the stumps.

Did not bat: P Negi, Sandeep sent down a volIqbal Abdulla, TS Mills, ley of swinging deliveries B Stanlake, YS Chahal but it was the short ball Fall of wickets 1-2 (Watson, that coaxed a top edge 0.6 ov), 2-18 (Vishnu Vinod, 3.3 ov), 3-22 (Jadhav, 4.6 ov), from Vishnu Vinod.

five overs of the innings.

Nailing the chase

Vohra likes pace on the ball. Before this match, he scored at 8.39 an over against pace in the IPL, and 6.78 against spin. He kick-started the chase with three fours in four balls off Watson. Amla also prospered, hitting on the up, as

Representatives of Den Amstel, Uitvlugt, Pouderoyen and Eagles FC pose with Sport Director Christopher Jones and EDFA President Orin Ferrier at the drawing

A

Gayle in the Royal Challengers

Kings XI shaved 50 off the target in five overs. Tymal Mills came into the attack next over and pinned Vohra lbw with a slower legcutter, but Amla progressed to a typically serene fifty. At the other end, Maxwell produced more unorthodox shots - ramps and golf-swings - and a chastening loss was inevitable for RCB. (Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

De Villiers repairs damage

De Villiers rusty?

You’ve got to be kidding. He guided his first ball to the point bound-

4-68 (Mandeep Singh, 13.1 ov) Bowling: AR Patel 4-0-121, Sandeep Sharma 4-0-261 (w-1), MM Sharma 4-047-0, VR Aaron 4-0-21-2, T

19

Natarajan 1-0-13-0 (w-1), MP Stoinis 3-0-28-0 (w-1) Kings XI Punjab innings (target: 149 runs from 20 overs) 34 M Vohra lbw b Mills 58 HM Amla not out AR Patel b Chahal 9 GJ Maxwell* not out 43 Extras (lb-4, w-2) 6 Total (2 wickets; 14.3 overs)150 Did not bat: WP Saha†, DA Miller, MP Stoinis, MM Sharma, Sandeep Sharma, VR Aaron, T Natarajan Fall of wickets 1-62 (Vohra, 5.6 ov), 2-78 (Patel, 8.1 ov) Bowling : B Stanlake 4-0-410 (w-1), Iqbal Abdulla 2-0-190 (w-1), SR Watson 2-0-28-0, TS Mills 2-0-22-1, YS Chahal 3.3-0-29-1, P Negi 1-0-7-0

rch rivals Den Amstel and Uitvlugt Warriors have booked a date in the second semi final of the Super 4 Massive Promotions annual football fest which is set for the Den Amstel ground this Sunday.

The teams along with Coordinator Franklin Wilson met on Sunday afternoon last at the Den Amstel Community Centre with the Director of Sports, Christopher Jones and West Demerara Football Association President and Secretary, Orin Ferrier and Adrian Giddings also present.

Prior to conducting the draw, the teams were further briefed on the one day fiesta which would see the

two semi finals being played for 40 minutes (20 minutes each half) with the third place match and final being played for 60 minutes and 80 minutes, respectively.

Being the #1 seeded club in the association, Den Amstel was given the privilege of drawing their opponent, Coach O’Neil Heywood pulled old rivals Uitvlugt from the bag which meant that Eagles and Pouderoyen will meet in the first match of the day at 17:00h.

All the clubs stated that they are happy to have been afforded the opportunity by the organizers, Super 4 Massive - Alex Greene, Akantunde Rudder aka Rigget, Roger Miller and Miles Miller who are from

the Village of Den Amstel but resides overseas.

The top team will walk away with $100,000 with the loser of the final pocketing $50,000 while the 3rd place winner will receive $20,000.

There would also be individual prizes Best Young Player, Best Goalkeeper and Highest Goal Scorer.

The organisers are extending thanks to the West Demerara Football Association, Management Committee of the Den Amstel Community Centre and the Commander of D Division of the Guyana Police Force, West Demerara, Leslie James for their support to date.

Dost catches Messi in European Golden Shoe race

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as Dost and Lionel Messi lead the race for the Golden Shoe with 54 points each following the Dutchman’s hat-trick on Saturday.

Sporting CP attacker Bas Dost netted a hat-trick in his side’s 4-0 win over Boavista on Saturday to go level with Barcelona star Lionel Messi in the race for the European Golden Shoe on 54 points.

The Netherlands international has been in sublime form for the Lisbon giants since joining them from Wolfsburg at the start of the 2016-17 campaign and recently netted four times in the 4-1 win over Tondela.

He was once more unstoppable for Sporting at the weekend and added three more goals to his tally to make it 27 goals from 25 league games this term.

Messi, meanwhile, remained stuck on 27 goals as he failed to find the net in Barcelona’s 2-0 shock defeat at the hands of Malaga at La Rosaleda.

Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski scored twice in his side’s 4-1 win over Borussia Dortmund to take his

Bas Dost

tally to 26 Bundesliga strikes and now sits third in the standings on 52 points.

Dortmund ace Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang sits fourth with 50 points (25 goals), with Torino’s Andrea Belotti and Roma striker Edin Dzeko in joint fifth position on 48 points (24 goals). (Sportsmax)

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

tuesDAY, april 11, 2017

Crystal Palace damage Arsenal’s top-4 hopes

MoPH/Milo Petra Schools' U-18 Football

Chase Academy complete 3-peat

C

rystal Palace continued their recent revival to boost their Premier League survival hopes

for manager Wenger, who has led Arsenal to top-four finishes in each of his previous 20 seasons at the helm, to

— Masters Academy whip Sir Leon’s Lessons for 3rd place

C

hase Academy won their third successive Petra Organised Milo School’s under-18 Football title on Sunday evening at the Ministry of Education Ground, Carifesta in front of massive crowd.

In the short history of the tournament, Chase is clearly the most successful team after winning the title on three occasions in five years.

In a rematch of last year, the victory was not as straight forward as compared to those of the past, having to win 3-2 on penalty kicks after the match was locked 1-1 after regulation and extra time.

Morgan’s Learning Centre took the lead in the 15th minute through a spectacular left-foot missile from Chris Macey from a tight angle on the left flank that raced into the roof of the net to ignite a massive uproar from the thousands in attendance.

The equalizer came from a corner taken on the right side which was sent in on the back post and Shomol

Yohan Cabaye has scored his first Premier League goal at Selhurst Park since December 2015

We are the champions again! Chase Academy celebrate their third championship on Sunday evening at the Ministry of Education Ground

Smith leaped high above the Morgan’s backline to deliver a cracking header past the goalkeeper in the 26th minute.

For the win, Chase Academy were rewarded $500,000 while, Morgan’s collected $300,000 – money that will go towards a school

USAGCA off to successful ̶ DCC, GCC, start Everest easily beaten

T

Sanjay Stanley

he United States of America Global Cricket Academy (USAGCA) started their tour of Guyana successfully, competing against three Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) member clubs in the Under-17 and Under-14 categories and have a 100 percent win record so far.

On Monday at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) ground the

project.

In the third place playoff, Masters Academy inflicted a 5-1 drubbing on Sir Leon’s Lessons.

Calvin Peters netted in the 4th, 75th and 88th minutes, while Tyrone Khan added a brace in the 73rd and 81st minutes to com-

plete their tally.

Omari James was the lone response for Sir Leon Lessons in the 20th; Masters won $200,000 while Sir Leon’s took home $100,000.

The tournament was also sponsored by the Ministry of Public Health under the Theme “Stop the Violence.

and leave Arsenal struggling to maintain their run of top-four finishes under Arsene Wenger.

Palace led through Andros Townsend’s close-range finish, doubling their lead when Yohan Cabaye’s shot looped in.

Luka Milivojevic clinched victory with a firm, low penalty as Palace moved six points clear of the relegation zone.

Sixth-placed Arsenal did not manage a shot on target in a poor second half.

Some travelling Gunners fans again called

leave the club.

The Frenchman’s side are seven points adrift of fourth-placed Manchester City with eight games remaining.

(BBC Sport)

The touring USAGCA team with captains, vice-captains, coaches and managers seated and the remainder of the squad standing

visitors defeated the host U-17 team by 123 runs to complete their fourth win since they tour opened on Sunday. Led by a commanding even century from their skipper Sanjay Stanley, USAGCA managed 208 all out. Stanley accounted for nine boundaries in an innings that lasted 118 balls. Adrian Hinds, one of the local players who are representing the touring unit was the next best batsman with 34. Fast bowler Shadrak Bacon picked up 5-26 from 7.5 overs.

In reply GCC were restricted under 100, falling for 85 in 25.1 overs, with skipper Stefan Wilson and Ricardo Phillips making 16 and 15 respectively. Dwayne Dick (another local player) with 4-12 and Atul Iyer 3-9 were principal wicket takers for the visiting side.

Across at Everest Cricket Club ground, USAGCA U-14 had a lighter task after bowling out Everest for 97 in 28.3 overs then returning to win by 10 wickets after Sai Mukkamalla and Rohan Phadke both ended unbeaten on 37 and 31 respectively.

Shadrak Bacon

When USAGCA was in the field, Druv Patel and Anirudh Immanuel took three wickets apiece as only Hemant Dalip with 19 showed fight.

Meanwhile, on Sunday USAGCA U-17 Team defeated hosts Everest by eight wickets, while their U-14 counterparts won against the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) by six wickets, thus

completing two comfortable victories to set their tour of Guyana off to an excellent start.

The touring U-17s scored 1242 in 18 overs in replying to 120 all out in 38.2 overs made by Everest.

Stanley made 55 not out for the visitors, whose team included several Guyanese to make up the remainder of their squad. Transport Sports Club (TSC) opening batsman Adrian Hinds is one who played for the visitors, and he contributed 26 runs, sharing in an opening stand of 66 with Stanley.

Christopher Baljit and Vishal Rampersaud took one wicket each for the hosts.

And at the Demerara Cricket Club Ground in Queenstown, the visiting U-14 team chased down 156 to complete a comfortable win, losing just four wickets in the process. Saiteja Mukkamalla top-scored with 46, while Isaiah Jaggernauth made 22 not out as that team won the match with 6.5 overs to spare in the 40-over affair.

DCC, batting, were restricted to 151-7 in 40 overs, with Kareem

Saiteja Mukkamalla

Whitney, who batted down the order at eight, hitting 33 not out and Ezekiel Wilson making 29.

Abhiram Bolisetty claimed figures of 3-20.

The USAGCA U-14 Team will play a combined Malteenoes and Transport team at MSC, while their U-17 counterparts will take on DCC. Both matches are set to start at 9:30h on Wednesday.

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sports

21

Hooper is new GABA President

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Newly-elected GABA President Adrian Hooper

By Romario Samaroo

T

he Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) held their Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Sunday at the Cara Lodge on Quamina Street, Georgetown. A number of reports were presented, but among the day’s most significant activities were the elections which saw Adrian Hooper ascended to the helm of the association.

Hooper, previously vice president of the association, was nominated by

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Pacesetters, seconded by Colts, and received the green light from five clubs. He defeated Clement Brusch, who was nominated by Eagles, to lead the Association for the next two years, Brusch receiving only one vote.

The clubs present at the AGM were Pepsi S o n i c s , E a g l e s , C o l t s , Guardians and Pacesetters.

After his election, Hooper said it is his hope to continue on the works of the previous administration. He promised to provide more youth tournaments, noting: “What I will be trying to do for the next two years in basketball is have it active, more active.”

He elaborated: “We play basketball every two months and have to wait for another competition. So I will try my best to have more competitions; probably every weekend, if not every other weekend.”

His plans as president

include “trying to introduce more youths to basketball, not just the Under-23 League, but we will go as far as the school level. Children going into fifth form we will teach the game and have some competitions for them, and let them get exposed to the game, because youths are the future of basketball right now.”

Hooper noted that, in terms of sponsorship, with the Association having just around $27,000, it will be an u p h i l l task to raise

spons o r ship, but he said he would nevertheless look to increase the comp a n i e s that are on board already.

This is expected to be accompanied by s o m e fund-raisers.

Former president and member of the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation, Michael Singh, pledged the full support of the federation, advising Hooper that his “phone is on 24 hours a day, and the Federation is there to lend support whenever needed.”

Also, outgoing president Junior Hercules, upon his demission of office, encouraged Hooper to promote basketball with integrity, and continue to lift the standards of the Association in an effort the better the sport nationally.

According to constitution, the new GABA president is expected to present, within five days, those expected to take up the executive roles of the Association.

However, he has promised to do so by Thursday.

22 MoE’s Easter Swimming Programme attracts

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

tuesdAY, april 11, 2017

200 youths

─ 4 Jaguars players included

S

A section of the parents with their children after registering for the swimming programme

S

chool is out and there is not a better time to get the children involved in extracurricular activities. For approximately 200 children, age 6-11 years old this will be the case for eight days within their Easter School break, at Colgrain and the National Aquatic Centre swimming pools.

Yesterday at the Colgrain Pool the Ministry of Education, Department of Culture Youth and Sport and the National Sports Commission launched its fifth annual Easter

Swimming Programme.

The programme was originally planned to cater for 180 children but due to the large turn out yesterday, provision was made for the expansion to accommodate 200. It will be held simultaneously at Colgrain for children 6-8 and at the Aquatic Centre for children 9-11, between the hours of 9:00 to 11:00.

Except for the two holidays, Good Friday and Easter Monday and the weekends, during the eight day period participants of the programme will learn

Fit-again Joseph to play against Pakistan

ubsequent to recovering from an injury picked up in Guyana Jaguars sixth round clash against Jamaica Scorpions, fast bowler and West Indies senior team prospect Keon Joseph will turn out for the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) President’s XI to play against the visiting Pakistanis in the three-day, tour match from Saturday, April 15 to Monday, April 17, at the Trelawny Multiplex in Florence Hall, Jamaica.

He will be joined

by three of his Guyana Jaguars teammates, batsmen Vishaul Singh and Shimron Hetmyer as well as all-rounder Raymon Reifer.

The Selection Panel of the WICB announced the squad, who will be led

by Barbados Pride player Shamarh Brooks, on Monday. Singh act as his deputy.

Joseph has been bowling well in recent times capturing 24 wickets in six successive matches for Jaguars in the Digicel Regional Four Day Tournament. It is the

to swim or enhance their swimming ability under the watchful eyes of several experience swimming coaches. The programme is in its fifth year and has produced swimmers who went on to represent Guyana.

Director of Sport, Christopher Jones said the programme is an introductory course to teach the children the basic of swimming while urging the parents to keep them involve after the conclusion of the eight days.

There will be another camp during the next school break in July and August.

Vishual Singh

ies in the top ten for bowlers this season.

An outstanding performance in this match by Joseph could see his elevation to the senior team for the Test version of the Pakistani tour of the Caribbean.

The squad is as follows; Shamarh Brooks

Shimron Hetmyer

Star-studded squads revealed for

Champion of Champions

A

number of big names across the local scene in masters’ softball cricket are set to take to the field as the Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA) brings back Inter-County Softball Cricket Tournament, the Champion of Champion, after an absence of over two decades.

In the tournament, Mike’s Pharmacy’s ‘Champion of Champions’ are set to ignite the Ogle Community Centre Ground this weekend (April 15-16).

Anyone who follows softball will know each and every player who has been shortlisted in the squads.

With three teams set to draw battle in the inter-county clash, Wellman’s Demerara will be captained by seasoned campaigner Wayne Jones, who will have at his disposal the big guns of Ramo Malone, Mahendra Arjune and Mahase Chunilall to use to great effect.

Richard Persaud, who will captain Valvoline Demerara, will be hoping the likes of Mahendra Hardyal, Danny Mohanram and Tony Singh get going in

Architect of the tournament, Mike Singh

their action.

Trophy Stall Essequibo will see Sahadeo Hardaiow captaining a side that includes the likes of Mohamed Rafeek, Roy Gonsalves and Anthony Persaud, all of whom are dangerous when in form.

Only three teams have been named so far; Permaul’s Trading Berbice is yet to be finalised.

The tournament, a 20-over-per-side competition, will be played on a round-robin basis, with the first two preliminary matches starting from 09:30h.

The structure of prizes

will see the successful team taking home $200,000, and the second place $100,000, both with trophies. The best batsman and best bowler in the preliminary rounds will receive $5,000 and a trophy, while “man of the finals” will also be $5,000 richer and will get a trophy for his efforts.

Additionally, fans will see an exhibition game between the Trophy Stall Angels and Mike’s Wellwoman in a gigantic female clash. The winner will be rewarded with $50,000 and a trophy, while the runner-up will receive $25,000. The “female of the match”, best bowler and best batter will all be rewarded.

Admission to the venue is not heavily priced. However, persons who hold tickets for the BBQ that will be on sale in the ground will be allowed to enter the ground at no additional cost.

The BBQ tickets are available at all the sponsors’ locations, and at members of the GFSCA at a cost of $1,000. Also, persons desirous of purchasing tickets can do so by calling 6618263 or 650-1790.

Squads: WELLMAN

DEMERARA: Wayne Jones (Captain), David Harper (Vice-Captain), Lloyd Rooplall, Jagdesh Persaud, Eric Thomas, Raymond Harper, Clive Canterbury, Ramo Malone, Mahendra Arjune, Rickey Persaud, Anil Rambarran, Diaram Hemraj, Mahase Chunilall.

V A L V O L I N E DEMERARA: Richard Persaud (Captain), Mahendra Hardyal (ViceCaptain), Danny Mohanram, Nandram Samilall, Fazleem Mohammed, Pooran Singh, Baldeo Muller, Tony Singh, Imtiaz Mohamed, Satrohan Seeraj, Robert Mohan, Yunus Yusuf, Rabindra Singh TROPHY STALL ESSEQUIBO: Sahadeo Hardaiow (Captain), Ramesh Rambarose (Vice-Captain), Beesham Seepersaud, Mohamed Rafeek, Davenand Madho, Roy Gonsalves, Roy Rampersaud, Raj Rambarak, Richie Bishop, Anthony Persaud, Fazil Baksh Davanan Kannan, Oswald Chandla, Kabesh Persaud and Kenrick Persaud

first time he played six matches on a trot in a first class season and it came on the back of an encouraging tour with the West Indies A to Sri Lanka, where he collected eight wickets from three four-day ‘Test’ matches.

He is second on the list for fast bowlers this season, only behind his teammate Reifer, who has taken 30 wickets from eight matches. They are the lone quick-

Raymon Reifer

Keon Joseph

(Captain), Vishaul Singh (Vice Captain), Rahkeem Cornwall, Jahmar Hamilton, Shimron Hetmyer, Kyle Hope, Damion Jacobs, Keon Joseph, Kieran Powell, Raymon Reifer and Kemar Roach.

Team management; Graeme West (Head Coach), Dwain Gill (Team Operations Manager), Corey Collymore (Assistant Coach), Andre Coley (Assistant Coach), Khevyn Williams (Physiotherapist), Shayne Cooper (Strength & Conditioning Coordinator) and Dexter Augustus (Data Video Analyst).

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesDAY, april 11, 2017

23

West Indies vs Pakistan, Brighto Paints presents Q Mobile ODI Series…

All to play for

P

akistan ended a run of four consecutive ODI defeats with a thumping win in the second ODI against the West Indies. In doing so, they ensured that whatever the outcome of the deciding contest, they will remain in the eighth and final automatic qualification place for the 2019 World Cup at the end of the series. However, this alone is unlikely to satisfy their legion of fans, many of whom had been expecting the series against a significantly weakened West Indies side to be a cakewalk.

Instead, it has become a bit of a dogfight, and anything less than a win for Pakistan to protect a proud 26-year unbeaten series record against their hosts would be seen as a failure.

West Indies will bemoan a failure to keep wickets in hand to give themselves a chance of chasing down Pakistan in the second ODI. Much of that was down to a tactically odd - poor, frankly - decision to take the attack to Pakistan’s bowlers right from the start, and continue to do so in spite of losing wickets in clumps. As such, they were well out of the game before their innings reached the halfway mark, and meant that Ashley Nurse and Jason Holder’s rearguards weren’t going to do any more than restore

– West Indies look to end 26-year drought – Permaul called up for decider

Junaid Khan bowled better than his figures suggested in the second ODI, and should keep his place for the decider

respectability in defeat. The good news for them is they have one more chance to seal a series win, and because of that, the decider can safely be billed as the biggest limited-overs home game they will play this season.

In the spotlight Evin Lewis has been riding the wave of his 51-ball 91 in the third T20I, but he has endured a frustrating lack of consistency around that knock.

He scored 29 runs in three ODIs against England earlier this season, and, aside from

that 91, has only managed one international score above 15 this year - 47 in the first ODI against Pakistan. The 25-year old’s talent is obvious to anyone who remembers his demolition of the Indian bowling attack in Florida last year, where a 49ball century set his side up for a one-run win. He could be due another explosive innings, and with the series on the line, the third ODI wouldn’t be a bad time to get going.

Sarfraz Ahmed got a fair bit of attention during the second ODI, despite a fairly quiet game

Williams lone Guyanese in Joe Martin 4-stage N ational cycling Champion, Geron Williams is the latest Guyanese to travel overseas and participate in a United States competition when he entered the Joe Martin four Stage meet, hosted in Fayetteville, Arkansas from March 30 to April 2.

The first stage, in the Devil’s Den State Park, Arkansas, a 4.8km route saw Williams finishing in 144th position as he settled himself into the conditions of the USA while the second stage saw the Foundation rider close in the gap and leap frog his competition into the 96th position. This time the track was the Fayetteville course of a distance of 176.8KM. However, in the third leg Williams unfortunately did not finish and consequently did not compete in the fourth leg.

The Joe Martin Stage Race is a 4-day, 4-stage professional men and women’s cycling race along with a 2-day, 3-stage amateur stage race held in early spring each year in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

The year 2017 marked the 40th anniversary of the amateur races; 15th anniversary on the USA Cycling

both with bat and behind the gloves. What caught people’s eyes (or more accurately, ears) were his bellowed instructions to fielders almost every single ball, and his hands-on approach with the bowlers, particularly Shadab Khan. Despite Pakistan looking set for a comfortable win, the skipper looked unhappy for most of the West Indies’ innings, and much of the body language appeared, at least to an outsider, to be damagingly negative. The third match is a pressure game, and there will be plenty of focus on the newly

appointed ODI captain to get the best out of his side, and whether he changes his approach in order to do that. It hasn’t helped that the 29-year old has had a quiet period with the bat that has carried on from the PSL, and though it has slipped under the radar so far, it is unlikely to remain that way for too much longer.

Permaul included in decider Meanwhile, Guyanese left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul has been added to the West Indies squad for today’s

Jeffrey stun

opponents at Bakers’ Memorial F

Geron Williams was the only Guyanese in the prestigious 4-stage race

Pro Racing Tour (PRT) and 3rd year to be on the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) America Tour calendar.

“Being able to celebrate 40 years of any event, especially this race, speaks a lot about the community, the racers, and the fans that come and support it”, said Bruce Dunn, Race director and owner of All Sports Productions, Inc. The Joe Martin Stage Race is part of both the USAC Pro Racing Tour (PRT) which is the pro and

Veerasammy Permaul last played in an ODI in November 2013

decider. The 27-year-old has so far played six ODIs, taking eight wickets (average 30.0; economy rate 4.69). His last ODI appearance was in November 2013 against India in Kanpur.

It was the final match of the series and India beat the West Indies by five runs to win 2-1.

Permaul bowled 4.1 overs but was wicketless while conceding 31 runs.

Head Coach Stuart Law outlined that Permaul was called up as cover for fast bowler Shannon Gabriel, who is undergoing treatment on his right hamstring and will have a fitness test on the morning of the match.

West Indies squad reads; Jason Holder (Captain), Devendra Bishoo, Jonathan Carter, Miguel Cummins, Shannon Gabriel, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Evin Lewis, Jason Mohammed, Ashley Nurse, Kieran Powell, Rovman Powell and Chadwick Walton.

Pakistan squad reads; Sarfraz Ahmed (c/wk)Ahmed Shehzad Asif Zakir Babar Azam Fahim AshrafFakhar Zaman Hasan AliImad Wasim Junaid Khan Kamran Akmal (wk)Mohammad Amir Mohammad Asghar Mohammad Hafeez Shadab Khan Shoaib Malik Wahab Riaz.

elite amateur cycling tour of USA Cycling and the UCI America Tour. USA Cycling is the national governing body of cycling operating under the United States Olympic Committee.

The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) is the world governing body for the sport of cycling recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Over 750 athletes and teams from 27 countries and all 50 states attended the race.

resh off his return from the United States, Pharmco’s Raynauth ‘Obeah Man’ Jeffrey stunned the crowd and his rivals in the 6th installment of the Bakers’ Memorial held in the mining town of Linden.

Having recently excelled in the Sunshine Grand Prix in Florida, Jeffrey finished the three-lap, 60-mile journey in a time of two hours, 25 minutes and 31 seconds.

The lap entailed a 20-mile distance beginning at the GTT junction in front of the Bakers’ residence and going through the town of Linden on to the highway and back.

Jeffrey was followed by Alanzo Ambrose, riding for Team Alanis and enjoying relatively good success for the 2017 season.

Team Coco’s Jamual John finished third, while We Stand United’s Andrew Hicks came in fourth position. Rounding off the top six were Coco’s Hamzah Eastman in fifth and Team Evolution’s Paul DeNobrega in sixth.

Speaking to Guyana Times Sport after the race, the Obeah Man said he was

Raynauth “Obeah Man” Jeffrey stunned the crowd in the 6th Bakers' Memorial race

unclear as to what to expect, having been out of the country and not knowing who was fit and who to look out for. But by about one mile out, he and five others had broken away from the pack and maintained that distance until the last of the three-lap race, when he crossed the finishing line solo.

In the female race, Nazeema Bharrat dominated the action, with Abigail Jeffrey finishing second and Bianka Barker completing the podium position.

Meanwhile, in the Juniors’ division, Briton John rode away from the pack to secure the win from Jason Cameron and Adealie Hodge, who took second and third respectively.

The veteran Over-50 race was won by Andrew Spencer, while G. Lorrimer and Andrew Kellman were second and third in that order.

In the Under-50 veterans’ race, Junior Niles once again took the honours, as Lear Nunes trailed in second and Warren McKay in third.

TUESDAY, APRIL 11, 2017

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

guyanatimesgy.com

West Indies vs Pakistan, Brighto Paints presents Q Mobile ODI Series…

All to play for Pg 23

– West Indies look to end 26-year drought – Permaul called up for decider

Sarfraz Ahmed took an excellent catch to remove Jason Mohammed, West Indies v Pakistan, 2nd ODI, Providence (AFP photo)

MoE’s Easter Swimming Programme attracts 200 youths

Pg 22

Director of Sport Christopher Jones at centre, with participants of the swimming programme on Monday at the Colgrain pool (Delvon Mc Ewan photo)

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