Guyana Times

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Issue No. 2751

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Friday, January 29, 2016

PRICE

NEW GPC dividends being siphoned off to benefit Glenn Lall/Guyana Stores

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

CELAC summit

Granger pushes for small States' security

Page 3

– workers upset over NICIL’s tax payment to City Hall

P13 – wants hemispheric peace

Budget 2016 to be presented today Page 7

– expectations run high as economy reaches new low

Wedding Expo 2016 launched with renewed focus, vigour Page 12

Pastor fined for causing death by dangerous driving P11 GPL gets new governing P11 Board – Chairman Badal absent as other members installed Alpha goalkeeper’s abduction

“Gary Talk out” wanted

by Police

P7

Public Telecommunications and Tourism Minister Cathy Hughes on Thursday joined officials at the Roraima Duke Lodge to officially launch Wedding Expo 2016 with renewed focus and vigour on promoting wedding tourism and Destination Guyana

Man busted with cocaine Region 3 RDC passes in underwear motion against move ...GAWU will not accept closure – Head insists at Ogle Wales Estate factory closure

Page 13

Page 15

17 children P9 nabbed during Region 2 truancy campaigns – financial constraints biggest problem

2 news

friday, january 29, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Fight against suicide

Work being done at grass-roots level in Berbice S

isters Policing Network (SPN) held a suicide awareness walk on the East Bank of Berbice (EBB) to bring to the fore the need for troubled persons to seek help.

More than 100 suicideconscious adults and children joined the SPN last Saturday to rally against the scourge which in recent times has rocked the EBB. The anti-suicide advocates marched from Edinburgh to the Sisters Police Station carrying placards and chanting anti-suicide slogans during the three-mile walk.

The relatively small communities along the EBB have been rocked by suicide on many occasions creating cause for action.

On January 6 this year, the bodies of a 20-year-old man and a 14-year-old girl were found hanging from the rafters of a bedroom in a house at Launsdale, EBB. They were discovered about 07:00h by relatives with ropes

suicide by hanging himself.

Speaking to the anti-suicide event after Saturday’s march, coordinator of the event, Janice Carmichael noted that the youths were the future of the country and took the opportunity to encourage them to stay alive as long as God permitted.

Station Sergeant of the Sisters Police Station, Margo Grosvenor, in a brief address, noted that all in the community were affected when people harmed them-

selves. “If you are having a problem, seek help; talk to a teacher or a friend or even your pastor. Suicide is not the answer.”

Pastor Wilbur Daniels, who was also part of the march, noted that many families in Guyana have been affected by suicide in one way or the other. “As a matter of fact, we have realised that suicide is one of the plagues of our society, and, as a nation, we are known to have the highest

suicide rate in the world.”

Noting that life was precious, Pastor Daniels said in life persons could not face their many problems and issues that confronted them without divine connections.

Coordinator Carmichael said the SPN would continue the fight against suicide at the grass-roots level. Following the march, a brief session was also held with youths who were being trained to be advocates for life.

Youths led some sections of the anti-suicide march organised by the SPN

around their necks. The couple were in a relationship which was not approved by the girl’s parents and flouted the law. She was two months pregnant.

On June 21, 2015, a 48-year-old man, of Krotheraadt, EBB, was found hanging from a tree after attempting to kill his wife and setting her house ablaze.

On June 5, 2014, a

23-year-old man of Sisters Village was found hanging from a mango tree in the back of his yard moments after he had stabbed a 14-year-old schoolgirl to death and left the knife in her neck.

On February 14, 2011, a nine-year-old boy committed suicide by hanging himself at Gangoo Creek, EBB; the following day, another person from the area also committed

A part of the early-morning march

Abolishment of corporal punishment

Let’s love, not abuse our children – Dr Vindhya Persaud

H

ead of Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha (GHDS), Dr Vindhya Persaud has agreed with President Granger’s call for an end of corporal punishment in schools.

Dr Persaud during a telephone interview with Guyana Times said that while she is in support of the President’s position, there is still a need for more consultations with citizens on the need to abolish corporal punishment.

“I don’t think in this day and age we should be having corporal punishment in our homes or at school... We have to know what we’re exposing children to from an early age and if we’re telling people don’t be violent to adults then why would we be violent to children, I believe that young people require counselling and rehabilitation... and if there is a young person that is led astray and their conduct is not what it should be, then there should be ways in dealing with them like dialogue and communication,” she emphasised.

The religious leader also posited that there should be at least two counsellors present at every school.

“The amount of children misbehave because they are seeking attention or maybe they don’t have the kind of mentoring and role model exposure that would lead them in a positive way… Also if we have more engagement of young minds in terms of values, good conduct, start-

Dr Vindhya Persaud

ing from the home, the religious community… and every day in schoo,l then it would lead to better behaviour,” she said.

“If you just keep hitting a child and you’ve not gotten to the root cause of whatever the reason is, then you’re not fully solving a problem”, she insisted.

The GHDS leader who is also the founder of the Bal Nivas Children’s Home located in Ankerville, Port Mourant, Corentyne, stated that her institution is totally alienated from corporal punishment as she urged parents and guardians to look at alternative methods of discipline that exist in other developed countries.

news

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friday, january 29, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, January 29 – 08:30h-10:00h and Saturday, January 30 – 09:00h-10:30h.

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, January 29 – 07:25h-08:55h and Saturday, January 30 – 08:00h-09:30h.

NEW GPC dividends being siphoned off to benefit Glenn Lall/Guyana Stores – workers upset over NICIL’s tax payment to City Hall

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Weather: Light rain showers with cloudy weather can be expected throughout the most part of the day, while sunny weather is expected in the late afternoon. Partly cloudy conditions are expected in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius.

W

orkers of the NEW GPC INC are up in arms that the Government has been collecting dividends on the 10 per cent of the Corporation’s shares held in trust for them by the Government-owned National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), as part of the privatisation transaction in 2000.

In every instance that

clared, was the fact that last year NICIL had used their money to pay off $40 million of Guyana Stores’ debt to City Hall, as part of an overall payment of $208 million.

At the time, many businessmen expressed outrage that the Government would use the funds of NICIL to pay off the taxes for one company and not others.

Last October, this newspaper uncovered that NICIL

Winds: East North-easterly between 3.57 metres and 4.91 metres per second.

High Tide: 07:40h and 20:00h reaching maximum heights of 2.49 metres and 2.47 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 01:15h and 13:33h reaching minimum heights of 0.69 metre and 0.74 metre respectively.

NEW GPC INC

NEW GPC has declared dividends, the workers’ 10 per cent was remitted to NICIL, but according to a workers’ representative, they have never seen “a blind cent”.

Rubbing salt into their wounds, the worker de-

has paid some $40 million in taxes to the Georgetown Mayor and City Council on behalf of the Guyana Stores Limited, owned primarily by Glenn Lall, Publisher of the Kaieteur News, and his best friend, Tony Yassin of New

York. This is against the background of Government claiming there are no monies to raise the salaries of public servants, teachers, law enforcement and nurses.

It was not immediately clear why the Government would direct NICIL to make the multimillion-dollar payment to the City Council on behalf of the private company which it currently has several court actions for hundreds of millions in outstanding monies owed to the Government. Lall and Yassin, now Directors of Guyana Stores, owe US$2 million of the US$6 million the property was sold for back in 2000 by the Government via NICIL. Past due interest on the outstanding balance would amount almost to another US$2 million. The matter is sub judice as the Government-owned company has moved to the courts to recover its monies. In the meantime, the profits of the company are collected by the two owners.

The NEW GPC worker indicated that he and his fellow workers would be speaking to their union to petition

Kaieteur News Publisher Glenn Lall

the Government to pay their dividends along with the accumulated interest over the years.

According to a Stabroek News Business Report of 2004, “The 1561 shareholders of Guyana Stores Ltd (GSL), which has yet to turn a profit in the four years since it was privatised and has not been issuing annual reports or holding Annual General Meetings, are unable to trade their stocks.”

It is understood that those shareholders include workers of Guyana Stores.

Former First Lady appointed to PAC Board – Trotman appoints board members for natural resources entities

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ormer First Lady Varshnie Singh has been appointed to serve on the Protected Areas Commission (PAC) Board along with Dr Raquel Thomas-Caesar.

On Thursday, Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman inducted a number of new faces to State boards under his remit at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre (ACCC).

Head of Conservation International, Dr David Singh will be the Chairperson for the PAC and will serve as a member on the Wildlife Scientific Authority (WSA).

Former Parliamentarian Vanessa Kissoon will serve on the board of the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), which will be chaired by businesswoman Jocelyn Dow, and former Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana Phillip Da Silva will chair the board of the Wildlife Management Authority (WMA).

Appointees for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Environmental Assessment Board (EAB) were also inducted at the simple ceremony. The EPA’s Board will now be headed Dr Allyson Stoll; the WSA by Calvin Bernard and the EAB will be chaired

by Marcel Gaskin.

Minister Trotman challenged the new board members to assume a ‘one team’ approach in the conduct of their duties, as they are all bound by a common mandate to protect the environment and to protect the national patrimony.

“We expect that high eth-

Members of the six Boards that Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman installed on Thursday

ical standards will be applied and all Guyanese will be treated fairly and equitably. We are not here to serve a party but to serve a purpose. We must all do the best for our country,” Minister Trotman said.

He added that the ultimate goal is to ensure that the different agencies would operate in a way that reduced some of the tensions of the past. “When I became Minister, the synergies we expected to see were just not present and there were tensions between miners and agencies. There were so many conflicts and matters to be addressed... As Board members, you are to be guided by Government policies and… the legislation,” Minister Trotman said.

With regard to their semi-autonomous function, the Ministers will not intervene in the way the board’s conduct their work, he said.

However, he added, if they fail to adhere to and promote Government policies, changes may well be made.

“These boards are semiautonomous, but at the end

of the day, you are extensions of the Government… It is not our place to interfere, but if we find that the policies of the Government are not being respected [or] promoted, then we are going to let you know.

GFC Chairperson Jocelyn Dow, who spoke on behalf of the boards, expressed gratitude to the Government for the confidence reposed in them and pledged to ensure that the rights of all Guyanese are upheld.

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friday, january 29, 2016

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

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

Editorial

Budget 2016 As the APNU/AFC Government presents its second budget since taking office, in an economy that is almost stagnant, the optimism of the populace has once again risen, with the expectation that the coalition will finally offer a major stimulus package that will cause the thriving economy it inherited to bounce back.

Expectations are high that Budget 2016 includes crucial measures to safeguard Guyanese from the current recession by boosting consumer spending power in order to stimulate the underperforming economy.

Since the coalition took office, because of the ambitious campaign promises, there was anticipation of a burst of exuberance of economic hopefulnessby the populace, who were obviously disappointed.

Guyana’s economy dipped significantly in 2015, with the prices of most commodities produced by this country – rice, sugar, timber, bauxite, and gold – all continuing to fall and this systemic factor, along with the lack of a stimulus programme, makes recovery problematical in the near term.

According to the Mid-Year Report released by the Finance Ministry, the country’s economy declined some 2.5 per cent. The Report outlined that Guyana’s half-year growth was estimated to be a mere 0.9 per cent. This led to much frustration for Guyanese, who unequivocally expressed their plight in various sections of the local and international media about what was termed the “irresponsible manner” in which the David Grangerled coalition Government was managing the nation’s economic affairs.

Rice and sugar – two of the major economic and employment sectors – are in deep, deep trouble. The collapse of the Venezuelan rice deal, which in previous years accounted for US$130 million of Guyana’s US$250 million total rice exports, has led to farmers lobbying to no avail for subsidies to help them back into the fields.

The sloth in Government’s intervention –with respect to subsidies, negotiation of new markets, and failure to act judiciously to rescue the sector – has left uncertainty in the rice industry, which when inherited was a flourishing one.

The future of the sugar industry in Guyana remains gloomy as Government moves to close the Wales sugar factory, which came as a surprise to Guyanese considering that the Commission of Inquiry into the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) had not recommended the closure of any estates.

What was more shocking was the fact that Government subsequently announced that the decision to close the Estate was made prior to the CoI’s report. This mindboggling decision led one’s thinking back to 2014 when the People’s National Congress aspect of APNU called for the closure of GuySuCo. Today, we will be holding our breaths, waiting patiently to hear from Government on its plans to resuscitate our economy. Among the country’s expectations are wage increases, major tax reductions and significant support for the productive sectors – rice, sugar, timber, bauxite, and gold.

To improve the welfare and lives of our citizens, it is expected that the much-desired water and electricity subsidies to pensioners will be reinstated and increased.

In addition, the “Because We Care” cash grant is expected to be reinstated as this offers significant relief to parents across the country.

While it is disappointing that the Opposition was not consulted on Budget 2016, this Budget offers the APNU/ AFC Government a chance to really demonstrate to the populace that the Government has concrete measures to create jobs and major revenue-generating avenues for a booming economy.

It is obvious that the “good life” Budget 2015 failed to stimulate a “good life” for Guyanese and also failed miserably to pursue a competent economy.

Budget 2016 also offers Government a chance to comfort the populace’s minds that 2015’s economic hardships are something of the past.

Mechanic and welder Sergei Kulagin (right), 33, and his colleagues work on the “Alien Aggressor”, an electro-mechanical robot measuring three metres (nine feet) and approximately 600 kilograms (1323 lbs) made by Kulagin with used car components, inside an automobile repair workshop in the Siberian town of Divnogorsk outside Krasnoyarsk, Russia, January 27, 2016. Kulagin has created more than a hundred sculptures with used car parts and components during his non-working hours. The “Alien Aggressor” robot will be shown to the public for the first time at an annual welding and metal working international exhibition in Krasnoyarsk in February, according to Kulagin (Reuters/Ilya Naymushin)

Latin American and Caribbean economies face slower growth this year Dear Editor, Latin American and Caribbean economies will grow just 0.2 per cent in 2016, according to new projections made in early January by the Chile-based Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC). In its annual report, “Preliminary Overview of the Economies of Latin America and the Caribbean 2015,” the commission reiterated its call to the countries of the region to involve more investment and productivity in order to stimulate growth.

As in previous years, external conditions have variable effects in the region, which will again show marked differences in 2016. ECLAC predicts that Central America is expected to grow around 4.3 per cent; South America’s GDP will shrink by minus 0.8 per cent, mainly due to the expected contractions in Brazil (minus 2.0 per cent) and Venezuela (minus 7.0 per cent); while the Englishspeaking Caribbean will grow 1.6 per cent.

The report indicates that in 2016 Latin American and Caribbean countries will encounter “diverse scenarios and risks” associated with the global economy, all of which will affect their economic performance. Global growth, it forecasts, will remain slow at 2.9 per cent, while China – one of the region’s top trading partners – will slow down to 6.4 per cent.

Further, the report states, the region will face uncertainty in its international trade since the prices of the region’s export commodities will remain low. This obviously means that the region – especially those countries that export hydrocarbons and min-

erals – will, as in 2015, again experience a deterioration in its terms of trade in 2016.

ECLAC also explains that the financial volatility and uncertainty observed in 2015 will persist this year, meaning that some emerging economies will continue to face difficulty obtaining resources in international markets. Added to this will be the impacts from the steady appreciation of the dollar and the rise in United States interest rates.

According to ECLAC’s forecast, percentage-wise Panama will lead regional growth with 6.2; followed by Dominica and the Dominican Republic (5.2); Saint Kitts and Nevis (4.7); Bolivia (4.5); Nicaragua 4.3; Cuba 4.2; and Guatemala 4.0.

Among others, GDP growth in Guyana as well as in Peru is expected to reach 3.4; Costa Rica and Honduras 3.3; Colombia and Paraguay 3.0; Belize 2.7; Mexico 2.6; Haiti 2.5; Bahamas, El Salvador and Suriname 2.4; Chile 2.1; Jamaica and Uruguay 1.5; Argentina 0.8; Trinidad and Tobago 0.6; Barbados 0.5; and Ecuador 0.3.

In contrast with these figures, the US-based Stratfor Global Intelligence, in its October 2015 analysis, said Ecuador and Argentina would face negligible and potentially negative growth for 2016. It explained that like Venezuela, Ecuador, extremely dependent on oil revenues for its economic survival, would have a marginal 0.1 per cent growth in 2016. Argentina’s growth, it said, would be similarly negligible, at 0.4 per cent growth in 2015 and 0.7 per cent contraction in 2016.

A recent report of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) goes further in stating that Venezuela’s economy will

contract by 18 per cent, the third sharpest decline in the world.

The preliminary overview provides details of ECLAC’s forecast for each country in the region. For Guyana, it says that economic growth slowed to 0.7 per cent in the first half of 2015, which it attributes largely to declines in bauxite and gold output and in construction activity, owing to an appreciable fall in public sector spending. It adds that the country currently faces the challenge of maintaining the high levels of economic growth achieved in recent years, in the face of low commodity prices. However, it predicts GDP growth to rise to 3.4 per cent in 2016 as a result of expected increased public sector investment and what it feels will be greater output in mining, agriculture, manufacturing and services sectors. How this expected growth will impact on real economic development, no doubt, will be determined as the year progresses.

For Trinidad and Tobago, ECLAC explains that the rapid fall in oil prices has severely affected the real, fiscal and external sectors of the economy with the result that the economy is expected to grow by 0.6 per cent in 2016.

The report also touches on the impact of inflation on some South American economies.

Indeed, high inflation levels in some countries, such as Venezuela, Brazil and Haiti, have severely undermined household disposable income.

Actually, inflation poses a grave concern for Venezuela where the IMF says the rate will escalate to 700 per cent this year following an estimated rise of 275 per cent last year. The Venezuelan government disputes these IMF fig-

ures and insists that inflation was 142 per cent at the end of September 2015.

Climatic factors such as heavy flooding and drought conditions will also raise the prices of agricultural produce, while at the same time influence a population shift from rural areas to urban centres in some of the higher populated countries.

As the title of the ECLAC report indicates, its forecast is “preliminary” and it is possible that the commission’s midyear assessment will show some variations. The current report does not take into full consideration the continued freefall of oil prices at the beginning of 2016, which obviously is forcing the larger oil and gas producing countries like Venezuela, Brazil, Bolivia, Ecuador and Trinidad and Tobago to restructure their national budgets and economic planning for 2016 and beyond, unless they experience a boon of an upward trend in oil prices—a situation which remains unpredictable at this time.

Smaller regional economies as well continue to face a decline in prices for their agricultural and mineral exports and the effects could mean a scale back in some industries which can lead to redeployment of workers and even more unemployment. On the other hand, public and private investment in the building industry, manufacturing and infrastructure may help to offset some of these negative aspects.

All of these factors, along with any continuation of climatic setbacks can have, one way or the other, an immense influence on GDP growth in the region.

Regards, Odeen Ishmael

guyanatimesgy.com

friday, january 29, 2016

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Reforming the PPP What Tony Vieira said

Dear Editor, Has the leadership of the PPP learnt anything from the 2011 and 2015 elections? I think not. In 2011 thousands (some say 11 per cent) of their supporters voted AFC. They tried to recapture those votes by embarking on infrastructure projects – streets, drains etc, but in 2015 those supporters voted APNU/AFC. It is clear that the leadership misread the cause of the disaffection; their analysis, if done was poor. Post 2015 elections actions by the leadership reflect no change.

Everybody, even their worst critics, accept the country developed tremendously under the PPP. So progress is not the cause.

What is?

Supporters felt neglected. Ministers, Regional officials and other party officials became aloof from their members and supporters. To have audience with them was a nightmare, and if you did meet with them they treated you as a nuisance.

The perception of corruption did not help and the Party did nothing to change that perception.

Throughout the 2015 campaign the focus was on the opposition budget cuts, blocking the Hydro, the Specialty Hospital, the Airport projects and Money Laundering Bill. The popu-

lation knew that and that should not have been the main platform.

The list of candidates for the 2015 election did not generate any hope of change and the selection of MPs after the elections will ensure the Party remains the opposition.

Some of the persons who currently serve in the PPP MPs fold must be replaced because they are arrogant and bad for the party.

If these persons are not replaced as Members of Parliament, the Party will continue to warm the opposition benches come 2020 and beyond. Zulfikar and Jafarally are not respected in Berbice.

I am not a member of the Party but my family has always supported the PPP and this letter is written with the Party’s interest at heart.

The Party should canvass the views of its members and supporters and select a team to lead it into the next elections.

Dr Frank Anthony, although collecting the 3rd highest votes at the Party congresses, seems to have been sidelined. He didn’t speak at the major rally or meeting in 2011—2015, and the claim of corruption has not touched him.

Young Charles Ramson comes from a political family, his grandfather PNC and his father a Justice

and former AG, stoutly PPP, Anil Nandlall are just three names to be considered.

Bharrat Jagdeo should not be the presidential candidate, even if the Law allows him.

I want to suggest that persons within the Party and influential supporters who want to see the Party return to power form a committee for the reformation and re-election of the party. President Ramotar, Hydar Ally, Nokta, Collymore, Faroze, to spearhead the committee. Dialogue must be held with the central committee to effect change.

If by the next election the status quo remains, the leadership being adamant, the Committee should evolve into a political party to contest the next election.

The AFC is now dead and the new party can attract the disgruntled PPP supporters who voted AFC and others who see no change in the PPP; it can also attract PNC votes as the government stumbles.

The new party must not operate like the AFC seeking vendetta and vengeance and personal power and wealth.

This party must only be formed if the leadership of the PPP stubbornly refuses to reunite with the masses.

Safraz Bacchus

More dialogue needed on corporal punishment Dear Editor, I feel that we Guyanese, at this vital juncture of our history, should adopt an attitude of listening to the views of others whom we perceive to be against some measure we are proposing or opposing, and not just attempting to discredit whatever the other side is putting forward.

This is the only way we can get the best answer to whatever problem we are considering at any one time which would satisfy the majority of our people.

I would like to submit that this should be the approach to our discussions on how we should deal with corporal punishment, even

though I strongly believe that the time is now right to abolish this form of violence to achieve right behaviour in our students and our children.

I take issue with the statements in today’s newspaper by two letter-writers.

Firstly, one writer claims that because he himself has not had any violent tendencies later in life resulting from being beaten in school means that this should be accepted universally.

I do not think that one example is enough to illustrate his point when so many others may have reacted differently.

Another writer uses the

quote from the Bible: “the rod of correction will drive it far from him” to support this practice. I believe that this may not be taken literally, and can refer to any form of correction that may be found to be successful to achieve better behaviour.

I am of the opinion that we need much more dialogue on this crucial matter, as we all know that violence breeds more violence, and we now have the benefit of modern psychological theory and research to help us to form the correct approach to this worrisome practice.

Yours sincerely, Roy Paul

Dear Editor, I make reference to article by Tony Vieira captioned “A little more time is needed to disclose a plan for the sugar industry” that was carried on January 27 in another section of the media. I am delighted to learn from the missive that Vieira and his fellow directors of GuySuCo board are working on a plan that will “make the combination of sugar cane and other crops an economic success for GuySuCo so that the workers will not be displaced”.

Editor, those sugar workers who are still in employ and who would have worked in the era of the late 1980s will shudder with fear and apprehension on hearing the term “other crops” when the sugar company pursued diversification from the core business - sugar. The misfortunes of the company at the time were attributed to an ill-conceived plan for “other crops”. One hopes that Vieira and his team get it right this time, because if they don’t it will be the end of the sugar industry.

Vieira needs to understand that he having left sugar for many years, the sugar workers are not what they were in the 1980s and 1990s. They now think and act for themselves as indispensables do, and not even management, unions and politicians have command and control over them. It’s the other way round. So, I would suggest to Vieira that whatever plans he and his team develops; unless it is accepted by the workers, it will be a no go for a start.

Workers at Wales, whose fate on their estate’s closure

is seemingly sealed, will certainly be left unrelieved and distressed when they read that “there is a promise that by October we MAY (pun is mine) be able to offer a plan which will make the loss of the Wales estate just a memory of bad time”.

Why wasn’t there a definite plan when the decision to close was communicated, which would have assuaged the workers’ concern that there is a way of life ahead for them, rather than saying that “we may be able to offer a plan”? It means therefore that despite deciding to close the estate, no thought was given on the future of the workers.

Vieira stated that, “in 1992 the sugar industry had 24,000 employees and without paying a cent in compensation it dwindled to 18,000 by 2000. But in the same period the wage bill rose from 4.6 billion dollars in 1992 to over 12 billion in 2000”. Vieira needs to clarify the part “without paying a cent in compensation” and its relationship to the workforce dwindling to 18,000 in 2000. Is it that Vieira was expecting that the wage rates in 1992 to be same as in 2000? In 1992, the minimum wage was $237.80 and in 2000 it was $712.28, an increase of 300% over the period.

Aggregately, Booker Tate awarded 95% increase in wages between 1992 and 1995, an average of 24% each year. The compounded rate of inflation for the period 1992 - 2000 was 88%, so was Vieira expecting that the minimum wage of $237.80 should subsist to 2000 despite an 88% dimi-

nution of workers’ purchasing power?

I wish to highlight to Vieira that in the same period, sugar production moved from 246,898 tonnes sugar in 1992 to an average of 272,392 tonnes for the period 1993 to 2000, an increase of approximately 25,500 tonnes per year, despite the workforce ‘dwindling’ from 24,000 to 18,000. Isn’t this better management of an optimum workforce?

On his own estate, Houston, Vieira stated that “the workforce died on us”, since the estate used to load 40 punts per day, but by 2006 we were loading 3 punts a day”. There are a range of factors that may have contributed to Houston’s dwindling workforce; from cultivation sanitation, wage rates, worker/management relationship, cane yield, so without any input from Vieira as to why the workers withdrew from their estate, it is difficult to offer a comment. However, Vieira may wish to comment on the state of their estate in 2006 when “the workforce died” on them compared to the era of 1960 – 1975 when the average annual sugar production was 4,896 tonnes sugar, tonnes cane per hectare 82.49 and TC/TS of 10.71, and the workforce was alive and kicking then.

Editor, the sugar industry is in a parlous state like never before, as such there should be no room for vitriol and arrogance. It needs all hands on board, and not handed down boardroom decisions.

Yours faithfully, Rajendra Parmanand

Dishonesty and the visa process Dear Editor, I want the public to know what all the officers at the US Embassy are doing to our Guyanese people.

When you go there for an interview, you’re paying just to watch their faces for one or two seconds no more. No visa.

When they refuse you the visa, they collect your $36,000 and then sell it to someone else for three hundred and something thousand dollars.

There are other Carrolls in the embassy. A lot of people from the Essequibo Coast are buying visas.

There is a boat man that

has contact at the embassy.

You give him the money and everything, and he does the rest.

This is not fair to us who are honest and paying our money. Young people especially are given no visas.

They just want to visit their school friends or family and come back. The ones that are buying visas are the ones that are going and not coming back.

I know of a family whose parents are citizens over there and they are trying to get their children over as well. Sponsoring them will take too long so they are buying their visas. The rest

of the family will be going soon.

This is not fair to others; why are they such cheats?

What a shame. America, your officers are stooping low, and it is more than one of them that are doing this.

I hope the Ambassador here can read this and do something about his officers.

Do an honest job, please.

Yours sincerely, Rehana Sultan Editor’s note: A copy of this letter has been sent to the US Embassy in Guyana for a response.

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Foundation

Part 2: Parenting and stress: Developing your own coping strategies S

econd, seek the help you need.

You don’t have to just wait around for people to make offers.

Be proactive in arranging to have extra help. Those who can afford to have a cleaning service or cook should do research and interviews in advance, so when the need hits, they are ready.

Because full-time help can be pricey, consider a short-term or temporary arrangement. For example, you might employ a cleaner once a week for the first month postpartum, or budget to have takeout once a week for the same period. This can take some of the load off your new family. Those small time savings can be a big stress relief, without having to take on an additional long-term expense.

If paying for outside help is out of the question, look to friends and family. They may not realise you are open to receiving help, but once they do, people often jump at the chance. There are also several professional organisations that can provide free or inexpensive support in a variety of ways. For example, lactation specialists can help new mothers navigate common breastfeeding issues. They can give advice over the phone or even come to the hospital or house to provide hands-on training. Having a knowledgeable and willing source of information reduces stress and increases the chance of successful nursing. As the child grows, other sources of support can be found in schools, parenting groups and places of worship. Remember that you are not the first person to attempt this parenting thing, and the help you need is out there.

Step two: Take the time to do fun things One of the best parts of being a parent is getting to have fun with your children. Unfortunately, this message sometimes gets lost in today’s atmosphere of academic competition and strategically chosen extracurricular activities. It is no longer enough for a school to have a caring staff or broad curriculum. There are preschools conducting interviews while the child is still in utero, and listing the institu-

tions that their five-year-old graduates progress to. It seems naïve to choose an after-school activity just for the exercise or simple enrichment. Instead, every waking moment has to be scheduled with the specific goal of guaranteeing adult achievement.

It is important to remember that not everything you do with your child has to be resume-worthy. Simply spending time with them, running around at a park or doing something around the house is immensely valuable. It doesn’t have to cost anything, and doesn’t require a huge time commitment. Even just 20 minutes a week can give you both a well-needed respite from the stresses of everyday

open line of communication is a major source of stress relief because parents don’t need to guess what’s going on in their child’s life. Listen to what they say without pressing them, resist the urge to turn it into an interrogation, and offer your thoughts in a nonthreatening way to keep the communication going. The positive memories you build during these no-pressure, fun times will serve as buffers when more stressful times inevitably come around.

life. Playing catch, colouring, or dancing around to music in the living room are all great examples. You may not find the perfect activity right away, and that does not matter. Once you’ve established that these times are set aside for pure enjoyment, free of criticisms or judgments, your children will start to suggest activities that interest them more.

Children who are used to doing enjoyable things with their parents are more likely to open up about their lives, fears and challenges as they grow. It’s an almost magical two-for-one experience. Without the pressure to perform or the fear of being corrected, children can become extremely chatty when having fun. They naturally will bring up things from their day, their friends or their inner thoughts. Having this

eryday environment. If you are constantly late getting out the door in the morning because socks can’t be found or lunch hasn’t been arranged, you are starting off each day with an unnecessarily elevated stress level.

Establishing systems for yourself and your children will make everyday routines run more smoothly. In the mornings, this reduces the anxiety and stress of getting out of the house, and it makes for a much healthier start to the day. In the evenings, a more orderly environment will keep you from adding to the stress you’ve accumulated at work or throughout the day.

It’s easy to establish routines and systems customised to your families’ needs. This is not a bid to win ‘housekeeper of the year’ or to be featured

Step three: Corral the chaos A chaotic space contributes to a chaotic mind. An unbelievable amount of parenting stress comes from the ev-

in a design magazine. This is about what functions best for your situation. Think about the biggest challenges you face on a daily basis and address those. You can worry about the cosmetic aspects later, or not at all!

Household stress with children falls into two major categories: Location And Time. Location is having things where they can be found when needed. Time is being able to get where you need to be by a certain deadline. Location problems often lead to time problems. By making things easier to find, you will make it easier to be on time, and everyone will be less stressed out.

Common examples of location issues are backpacks, extracurricular supplies and school lunches.

Backpacks should go in the same spot: baskets or heavy-duty hooks by the door can eliminate the mad dash.

Extra-curricular items like sports uniforms or art supplies should likewise be kept together in a basket or large bag so they are easy to find. Once you’ve established where things go, get in the routine of placing them there every day. Finding socks is also a surprisingly common problem. Solve this by buying all the same style and colour so children can always make a match.

If school lunch is the problem, make it a routine to hand out lunch money in the car or put it in backpacks the night before. Home lunches can be packed the night before so they are easy to grab on the way out.

Other time management techniques can reduce parental stress.

Daily occurrences like meals, baths and going to bed should take place at the same time every day. Be sure to set time limits for each activity to keep things moving along. For example: bath time will be at 19:00h for a maximum of 30 minutes. Routines create a sense of familiarity and comfort for children. If everyone knows what is expected and when, it is easier to enforce the rules. (Excerpt from adrenalfatiguesolution.com)

to be continued

Proven stress reducers

*D

on’t rely on your memory.

Write down appointment times, when to pick up the laundry, when library books are due, etc. (“The palest ink is better than the most retentive memory.” – Old Chinese Proverb) *Doing nothing which, after being done, leads you to tell a lie. *Make duplicates of all keys. Bury a house key in a secret spot in the garden and carry a duplicate car key in your wallet, apart from your key ring. *Practise preventive maintenance: your car, appliances, home and relationships will be less likely to break down/fall apart “at the worst possible moment”. *Be prepared to wait. A paperback can make a wait in a line almost pleasant. *Procrastination is stressful. Whatever you want to do tomorrow, do today; whatever you want to do today, do it now. *Plan ahead. Don’t let the gas tank get below onequarter full. Keep a wellstocked emergency shelf of home staples. Don’t wait until you’re down to your last bus token or postage stamp to buy more, etc. *Don’t put up with something that doesn’t work right. If your alarm clock, wallet, shoe laces, windshield wipers, whatever are a constant aggravation, get them fixed or get new ones. *Allow 15 minutes of extra time to get to appointments. Plan to arrive at an airport one hour before domestic departures. *Eliminate (or restrict) the amount of caffeine in your diet. *Always set up contingency plans, “just in case.” (“If for some reason either of us is delayed, here’s what we’ll do...” Or, “If we get split up in the shopping centre, here’s where we’ll meet.”) *Relax your standards.

The world will not end if the grass doesn’t get mowed this weekend. *Pollyanna-Power! For every one thing that goes wrong, there are probably 10 or 50 or 100 blessings.

Count’em! *Ask questions. Taking a few moments to repeat back directions, what someone expects of you, etc., can save hours. (The old “the hurrieder I go, the behinder I get,” idea). (Excerpt from childdevelopmentinfo.com)

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friday, january 29, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Budget 2016 to be Wanted man shot by Police in Berbice presented today P – expectations run high as economy reaches new low

By Edward Layne

A

s the eight-monthold A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/ AFC) coalition Government prepares to present its second National Budget, through Minister of Finance Winston Jordan later today, stakeholders are calling for tax reductions, a stimulus to jumpstart the economy and the creation of employment opportunities, especially for youths.

Speaking with Guyana Times ahead of the budget presentation, Economist and Political Commentator Ramon Gaskin said tax reform, job creation and economic stimulus must underpin the 2016 National Budget.

“I would like to see him do some serious tax reform. Tax rates in this counter are far too high. I would like to see him put in a stimulus package to jumpstart the economy to get it going again and to create jobs; I would like to see him do that. But I don’t know if that is the direction in which he is heading,” Gaskin said.

However, the commentator said that he rather suspects the budget will be loaded with goodies, with Local Government Elections (LGE) less than two months away.

“I expect that the Minister will try to put in some goodies because we are on the eve of the Local Government Elections, that’s what I expect he will do…in terms of the overall economy of Guyana, I don’t see a plan of the minister to stimulate this economy and to create jobs. As you know rice is not doing well on the export side, sugar is a bad state with the bankrupt GuySuCo, the bauxite production has been down and prices are down and so is the revenue from logging, the economy is not performing well as I am aware, so I was hoping to hear from him some kind of master plan but I haven’t heard it,” Gaskin said.

Meanwhile, Executive of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) Komal Chand said that he looks forward to a budget that is people-centered and brings the much needed interventions to jumpstart the ailing economy, as well as tax reforms.

“The promised reduction of VAT (Value-Added Tax),

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

the increase of the Income Tax Threshold significantly. The threshold is $50,000 per month we asked for the threshold to go to I think $72,000 a month. We asked for the tax allowance not to be only restricted to the salary earner but also the spouse and children under 16….we are looking forward to the promise increase in wages and salaries that was made during the elections time to government employees. Of course old age pension, “ Chand said.

Private Sector Commission (PSC) member and tourism stakeholder Captain Gerald Gouveia told the Guyana Times that the PSC does not endorse calls for a reduction in the VAT. “We believe that the mitigating taxes need to be adjusted, that is the lowering of PAYE (Pay As You Earn), the corporation tax. So in fact what we are talking about we believe the holistic tax reform needs to be done, we don’t subscribe lowering of the VAT. We also want to see that tax reform completed,” Gouveia said.

He added that the budget should also place heavy emphasis on tourism, specifically the marketing of Destination Guyana, as well as the promotion of investment opportunities in Guyana.

“I would like to see a lot more money put into the marketing of Guyana through Go-Invest and the Guyana Tourism Authority. I am looking somewhere between US$4M and US$5M. So I hope the government will demonstrate a very serious commitment to promote Guyana,” the businessman said.

Gouveia also called for in-

creased public sector spending, which he cited as important to move the economy forward.

“Government needs to spend, Government need to go on a spending spree. We have too much money going back to the treasury at the end of reporting periods. I think that is extremely important,” he noted.

He also wants to see the Specialty Hospital and Hydropower featured prominently in the budget.

On Wednesday, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo indicated that Budget 2016 should include key measures to resolve a host of major issues currently affecting the economy, particularly satisfactory measures to boost consumer spending powers in order to stimulate the underperforming economy.

Jagdeo posited that Budget 2016 must feature major tax reductions, given that this is an outstanding campaign promise the Government is yet to fulfill and also because a significant drop in taxes can jumpstart to ailing economy.

Specifically, he suggested that the Value Added Tax (VAT) be reduced to as low as 12 per cent, as well as the lowering of excise taxes on foreign -used vehicles in face of the government’s announced plans to lower the excise tax on the importation of new vehicles.

Jagdeo also emphasised the need for substantial pay increases for Public Sector workers and advocated for a 35% increase for pensioners to cushion the government’s removal of the water and electricity subsidies for the country’s senior citizens.

He also advocated the reinstatement of the ‘Because We Care’ cash grant for public school students, support for the productive sectors like mining and agriculture.

Last August the government presented a $221 billion dollar three-month budget, even larger than what was presented in the past by the previous administration for the entire year.

However, a significant part of last year’s allocations were unspent as at December 31, 2045 and were returned to the treasury. Many anticipate this year’s budget to be even larger.

olice in Berbice have shot and captured wanted man Delroy Joseph, 26, called Barney of Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam, and also Norton Street, Georgetown.

The fugitive was captured in a house at Nicolay Street, NA, Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne).

Reports are that he was shot on his left upper leg when police officers visited the house. A man and two women were also arrested during the raid.

Residents in the area told this newspaper that policemen entered the house after which they heard a single gunshot. This was followed by screams.

As the shot man was taken from the house, an officer was seen leaving with his shirt torn and a blood-

Delroy Joseph

stained knife in a plastic bag. This suggested that the man might have attacked the police following which he was shot.

Reports are that the wanted man had gone to visit a girlfriend at Nicolay Street. Joseph who had

several brushes with the law was taken to the New Amsterdam Hospital where he was admitted and is under police guard.

On March 11, 2011, Acting Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry remanded Joseph on a simple larceny charge. He was accused of stealing $220,000 from Courtney Grimmond.

In November 2014, he was arrested in Georgetown and taken to Berbice where a Magistrate remanded him on six robberies allegedly committed between September and November.

Last November police had gone to the said house in search of Joseph but he escaped when the law officers arrived.

Police are investigating Thursday’s shooting.

Alpha goalkeeper’s abduction

“Gary Talk out” wanted by Police

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he Guyana Police Force (GPF) is seeking the public’s assistance in locating an East Bank Demerara (EBD) man who is wanted for questioning in an ongoing investigation into an abduction.

Wanted is 40-year-old Gary Mervin Primo called “Gary Talkout” of Lot 44 King Street, Republic Park, EBD. According to the Police, he is wanted in relation

to the investigation into the abduction of Ronson Anthony Williams and Carlos Anderson.

Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Primo is asked to contact the Police on telephone numbers 227-2128, 227-1149, 225-6411 2267065, 911 or the nearest police station. The Police have advised that all information received will be treated with strict confidence.

Wanted: Gary Mervin Primo aka “Gary Talkout”

8 news

friday, january 29, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

18-year-old fined for stealing iPhone

A

n 18-year-old was on Thursday fined

by Magistrate Ann McLennan when she appeared in Court One of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Cynthia Persaud pleaded guilty to the charge which stated that on January 22, in Georgetown, she stole one iPhone valued at $100,000 property of Rasheed Morgan.

Prosecutor Deniro Jones told the court that on the day in question, the Virtual Complainant (VC) who was at a hotel at Robb Street, Georgetown was on duty at the counter of the hotel when the defendant came to the hotel as a client.

He explained that some-

Cynthia Persaud

time later when the defendant was leaving the counter, she picked up the VC’s phone and left while the VC was attending to other duties.

Upon returning to the counter, the VC saw that his phone was missing, checked the surveillance camera and saw the defendant picking up his phone.

The VC reported the matter to the Albertstown Police Station and the defendant was subsequently arrested.

The Prosecutor said that the defendant under a caution statement at the Police station admitted to the offence.

When asked by the Magistrate why she stole the phone, the defendant stated that on the day in question she was drinking and had consumed a couple shots of high wine.

As the phone was never recovered, the Magistrate

asked the defendant what she did with the phone and she explained that she took the phone to be unlocked but was told that it could not be unlocked.

She added that she then proceeded to a bar to have some more shots of high wine and the phone was stolen from her there.

The Magistrate asked the defendant if she would be able to repay the VC for the phone and she stated that she would repay $80,000 as she had to pay her station bail with the other $20,000.

Magistrate McLennan fined her $10,000 or an alternative of two weeks in prison if she failed to repay the VC and her fine.

Man jailed for narcotics trafficking

A

man who appeared before Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Thursday, was sentenced to three years in prison for possession of narcotics.

Davanand Hedgehill, a car washer, of 196 Cummings Street, Bourda, Georgetown, pleaded guilty to the charge which read that on

January 27, at Alberttown, Georgetown, he had in his possession 20 grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.

Prosecutor Deniro Jones told the court that on the day in question, Police Officers acting on information received, arrested the defendant at Orange Walk, Bourda and took him to the Alberttown

Police Station.

He explained that the Police Officers saw that the defendant had in his possession one bag of Karibee Rice and a quantity of glass bottles in a bag.

They proceeded to search the rice and found a transparent plastic parcel which contained leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis.

The officers told the defendant of their suspicion and under a caution statement, the defendant admitted to the offence and was subsequently arrested.

Magistrate McLennan after hearing the Prosecutor’s statements fined the defendant $30,000 and sentenced him to three years imprisonment.

Fisherman slapped with larceny charge

A

fisherman of Prospect, East Bank Demerara was on Thursday granted bail when he appeared before Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer a charge of simple larceny.

Shaheed Bassier, 47, pleaded guilty with explanation to the charge which stated that on January 26, 2016 at Queenstown, Georgetown, he stole one air conditioning unit valued at $30,000, property of Lisa Insanally.

The defendant, when given an opportunity to speak

Shaheed Bassier

in court, said that he did not steal the AC unit. He explained that he was picking

up bottles to sell when someone asked him to “monitor” the AC unit.

He added that as he was “monitoring” the unit, someone came and accused him of stealing it.

The Police Prosecutor, in response, told the Court that on the day in question, the Virtual Complainant (VC) received a call from one of her employees informing her that the defendant was caught stealing the AC unit.

He added that the VC contacted the Police, who subsequently arrested the defen-

dant.

The Prosecutor stated that the defendant admitted to the crime.

The Prosecutor objected to bail, telling the Court that the defendant had no community or family ties and posed a flight risk. However, the Prosecutor’s submissions were overruled and the defendant was placed on $25,000 bail on the condition that he report to the Providence Police Station every Monday at 05:00h.

The case will continue on February 26.

Eyew tness Where’s the stimulus... ...in Budget? ack in the old PNC days, Budget Day was a day of trepidation as everyone waited for the foot they knew would fall - more taxes, more goods banned and more controls on businesses. Well, today once again the PNC is in power (you don’t think the emasculated Nagamootoo and the supine Ramjattan have even any INFLUENCE, do you?) and once again trepidation stalks the land.

This time however, it’s for a different reason - even though no less stressful. What the new government claimed was a temporary “glitch” when the last (mid-year) Budget was presented, has now turned into a full-fledged recession. Even President Granger admitted months ago that the “six sisters” of the economy - rice, sugar, bauxite, gold, forestry, diamond - were “ailing”. Since then, their ailments have become chronic and the patient’s dying.

So what do governments do in such parlous times? The orthodoxy from the free world since the world recession started in 2008, is “Stimulus! Stimulus! Stimulus!” The US stimulated itself as did Britain, the rest of Europe and every other economy that had economic “ailments.” So we wouldn’t be unreasonable to expect some “stimulation” today at the Public Buildings, would we?

But from some early signs it does appear like we’ll be just getting more of the “same ole, same ole”. For instance the standard tactic from government’s monetary policy options kit, was to buy short term Treasury Bills to keep Banks’ Interest rates at some targeted value. Didn’t work for us ever - save to give banks a failsafe way to make money hand over fist without taking the slightest risk. Yet a couple of days ago, the Bank of Guyana offered another $5 billion in 1-year T-Bills!

Even those of us who start reading the papers backwards - at the sports pages! - heard about this innovative Qualitative Easing (QE) America tried. Your Eyewitness will spare you the details but hopes this afternoon, the phrase may drop from the lips of Minister Jordan.

Then there’s the fiscal (spending) measure the government can take. This could mean launching projects that could employ thousands and thus pump money directly into the economy as these workers plunk down the loot for food, clothing and housing. But what signal has the government sent? Announced the CLOSING of Wales Estate, that’s what! 183 workers immediately without any wages - and the remaining 1500+ halting spending immediately since they’ll be out in the streets by yearend.

All in all, your Eyewitness really hopes Minister Jordan will surprise us all. But he isn’t holding his breath.

B

...to return Ramjattan’s returns Your Eyewitness is launching a “Free Ramjattan’s Tax Return” movement. From the reports he’s been reading in the other papers (Ramjattan doesn’t speak to GTimes!) it seems the fella’s stuck between a rock and a hard place. Sattaur, the once seemingly GRA Commissioner General for life, is evidently his “friend”. But hasn’t told him (Ramjattan) who was the “big one” who copied and marched out with the Tax Return of the Vice President and Minister of NATIONAL Security.

Poor Ramjattan, even with all those overweening powers, is poignantly still human. He figures Sattaur might be “angry” with him for not revealing (when asked) that he (Sattaur) had been given the boot. Doesn’t Sattaur know about the “collective responsibility” of Cabinet?

But there’s still the matter of the “Purloined Return”.

For a man in Ramjattan’s position, this is a matter for the entire country to be het up. Suppose the purloiner is a foreign agent? Our entire NATIONAL SECURITY COULD BE AT RISK!!

Blackmail, most foul! ...for rice farmers?

Once again, with his hands upraised to the gods, this Eyewitness asks: could this Minister of Agriculture just get serious about the plight of the rice farmers? The Venezuelan market’s water under the bridge, but what about water for this crop?

Couldn’t he just pass on tax-free diesel to farmers to pump some into their fields?

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

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friday, january 29, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Methodist Church 17 children nabbed during Region 2 truancy campaigns promoting – financial constraints biggest problem social cohesion

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Social Cohesion Minister Amna Ally

he Methodist Church on Wednesday held its annual district conference aimed at discussing means by which the various religious organisations can come together to promote social cohesion in Guyana.

Under the theme ‘Out of many we are one: Ensuring Cohesion within our Nation,’ the conference saw many highly esteemed individuals putting forth ideas and strategies that can be taken to ensure that Guyana become a social cohesive country.

Present at the event was Chairman of the Inter Religious Organisation, Pastor Ronald McGarrell, who spoke passionately about what it would mean for the country if religions were to work together; something he says is “close to my heart”.

The inter Religious Organisation of Guyana has been calling on Guyanese citizens and religious leaders to promote a culture of peace and harmony over the 10 years that they have been in existence.

McGarrell stated that “for many years, we have seen a continuous increase in division, each time a new religion is adopted or a new regime comes to power, conflict escalates. It is imperative that we address this”.

He added that for the sake of our children, it is very important that we

become one people by increasing the frequency of our exchanges, especially among religions.

Bishop Glenna Spenser, District President of the Methodist Church also spoke about the need for social cohesion to be promoted.

“As I think of the question of social cohesion, I think of us recognising that we are all real in our uniqueness in our diversity. Sometimes we seem to define everyone as the same and for cohesion it is about how we recognise everyone for what they are and celebrate them,” she explained.

She added that as a nation, we need to evolve, saying “we cannot stay at one level of existence all the time, we cannot operate the way it always used to be, so the Methodist Church wants to promote Social Cohesion by putting forth the idea of all religious organisations come together to fight for this”.

In her remark, Social Cohesion Minister Amna Ally commended the Methodist Church for the initiative that they have undertaken, stating that the church is setting out to provide information on social cohesion which is very useful.

She added that as a Government, they are talking about social cohesion and the need for it and it is the belief of her Ministry that the various religious organisations countrywide and the citizens of the

country could imitate what the Methodist Church is doing, so as to make the task less arduous for her Ministry.

“Many people in today’s society think that social cohesion is about race and ethnicity, I want you to know that it is more than that. Social cohesion is the willingness of members of a society to cooperate with each other in order to survive and prosper”.

She added that all of us are entitled to a say in our lives, everyone should be allowed to participate in what is happening in Guyana and that is what her Ministry is promoting.

In concluding, Minister Ally encouraged all to strive for a more socially cohesive society which will bring forth better lives for all Guyanese.

S

eventeen children were nabbed by the Welfare Officers in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) during a series of truancy campaigns conducted at West Bury and Akawini Amerindian communities.

According to Senior Schools Welfare Officer Hamandeo Haimraj, campaigns were conducted within the Region and in the riverine areas of Pomeroon.

Hamandeo said during the campaign at Akawini, it was observed that the majority of students was found loitering in the village as opposed to being in school.

When these children were approached, they told officials that they had intentions to continue their schooling, but their parents could not afford it.

The parents of the children confirmed that they were facing serious financial issues, the Senior Welfare Officer said.

Senior Schools Welfare Officer Haimraj Hamandeo

Haimraj said that it was recommended that students be placed at Wakapao Secondary Dormitory in an effort to enable them to access education.

The Department of Education within the Region, he said, will assist in providing the transportation to take them from the community to Wakapao since it is very expensive. The Village Councillors from the

Fisherman refused bail after stealing shoes

A

West Coast Demerara (WCD) man was on Thursday refused bail when he appeared before Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Dundas Joseph, 35, of Lot 121 Zeeburg Old Road, WCD pleaded not guilty to the charges which states that on January 26, at Lot 47 Bruster Street, Georgetown, he stole one pair of Kenneth Cole shoes valued $35,000

and one Puma shoes valued $25,000 property of Akeem Josiah.

The Prosecutor objected to bail stating that the defendant is a flight risk as he has no fixed place of abode and continues to give conflicting information as to his home address.

Bail was denied and the defendant was remanded to prison.

The matter will return to court on February 26.

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various communities were tasked with the responsibility of ensuring arrangements were put in place so that students could start school as soon as possible.

During the exercises, parents were also informed about the benefits of sending their children to school and the positive impact that good attendance could have on their children’s lives.

They were also informed about the Education Ministry’s policy on attendance and punctuality in schools and also about their duty as parents. The Senior Schools Welfare Officer also said that parents needed to understand that if their children missed one day at school, they missed out on an important skill.

“We are trying to build the foundation for children to continue their education through their schooling career so that they can graduate successfully,” Haimraj said.

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guyanatimesgy.com

friday, january 29, 2016

News Daycare hair clipping saga

Investigations continuing, facility padlocked

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DesNoel Daycare and Playgroup

s investigations continue into the clipping of several children’s hair at DesNoel Daycare and Playgroup, Guyana Times visited the facility on Thursday.

On arrival, the gate was padlocked but employees were seen sitting in the building, with the absence of children.

Meanwhile, speaking with this publication, Director of the Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA), Ann Greene said that on Wednesday the agency along with the Police meet with parents, whose children were left at the daycare facility.

Greene noted that closure of the facility cannot be done

immediately by the CCPA since that aspect is a procedure, which requires thorough investigation over a continuous period.

In the case of immediate closure, that would have to be decided on by the Guyana Police Force. She said that at the meeting on Wednesday, the Administrator of the school, Sandra Straker, noted her concerns over the issue and has agreed to have a thorough investigation carried out into the incidents.

Greene added that at this point, the CCPA is more concerned about the safety of the children attending the daycare. Additionally, she said that an officer from CCPA will visit the facility.

Late last week, two parents whose children were left in the care of the facility, reported that their child’s hair was clipped off by someone at the school. The father of one of the children, Keon Adams, said that he dropped his daughter off at the day care about 07:00h and when he went to pick her up at 17:00h, he realised that something seemed different about his child.

“A relative asked me if something looked wrong with Kiara’s head, and I said of course, since I was the one who plait it the night before, the part I put as a bang was completely missing,” Lowanda King, the child’s cousin, told Guyana Times.

According to King, when the child’s head was examined, it was confirmed that the hair had been cut and they immediately returned to the school to query the incident. However, the principal was nowhere to be found and the teachers denied being involved.

“They told me that they were unaware of what happened and I would have to contact the principal. They even said that she might have been responsible for this act, but then I learnt she was at the Police station,” she related.

Last Wednesday, an angry parent was seeking answers in relation to a similar problem when her daughter’s hair was clipped off under the same mysterious circumstances.

PAHO opens play park at NA Hospital

The new play park for the Paediatric Ward of the New Amsterdam Hospital

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he New Amsterdam Hospital’s Paediatric Ward now has a play park for children who are hospitalised at the institution.

The project, which was commissioned by Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) Country Representative, Dr William Adu-Krow on Monday, is a collaborative effort of the Hospital and PAHO. Apart from the play park, PAHO is to further enhance the project by building a walkway and a shed for the park.

Speaking at the simple commissioning ceremony, Dr Adu-Krow noted that in Guyana the organisation has been working with the health department in Berbice to better improve the delivery of health care and it was a work in progress.

Director of Health Services, Jevaughn Stephens, in thanking PAHO and endorsing the department’s support for the project, said it was the beginning of a partnership with the health body. He said the play park would give children who were hospitalised a space to play together. This, he added, will assist in making them wellrounded persons.

According to Region Six (East Berbice-Canje) Executive Officer, Dr

Veerasammy Ramayya, the play park should also be used as a centre for therapy.

Addressing several health officials, hospital staff and patients during the commissioning ceremony, Dr Ramayya said the healing process was not only realised with the aid of tablets and injections but through exercise.

“The initiative that PAHO took, and one which should be implemented at all medical facilities in Guyana, must be applauded and is one which can build a Third World country such as Guyana.”

Regional Chairman David Armogan said PAHO’s support was another initiative which sought to improve the general conditions and service delivery in the health sector. He said PAHO had been very generous to the Guyana Government.

“PAHO has collaborated with the Government, has always been there for the Government and has also been a major partner in the health sector reform in our country and has been instrumental in the reforms that have taken place in our country in the health sector over the years,” he said.

Referring to the New Amsterdam Hospital, the Regional Chairman noted that its mission should be to try to make the stay of anyone who went there as com-

fortable as possible.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the New Amsterdam Hospital, Colin Bynoe explained how important play was for children by noting that some children from the Paediatric Ward would go to the fence which bordered a nearby school and attempt to engage the children at play.

“Not all of them might be able to do a swing or go on the see-saw or the slide, but their parents can at least aid them in doing things. So the coming into being of this play pen as we call it is important for us at the Hospital. It not only helps to lift the aesthetics of the Hospital, but also we are showing to the public that we can also create in this hospital environment, what we call child-friendly spaces.”

In giving an over view of the project, Medical Superintendent of the hospital, Dr Vishayla Sharma said it started three years ago when PAHO, through Dr Adu-Krow, committed to assist with efficiency in healthcare delivery and enhanced appearance of the institution.

This, she explained, was done in three phases. The first being the beautification of the Paediatric Ward; a play pen for some paediatric patients was created under phase two, with the final phase being that of the play park.

friday, january 29, 2016

guyanatimesgy.com

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News GPL gets new governing Board – Chairman Badal absent as other members installed

By Alexis Rodney

I

n the absence of its chairman city businessman Robert Badal, a new governing board for the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) was Thursday installed by Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson.

Over the next two years they will be making decisions that will affect both company and consumers of this most useful commodity.

Patterson encouraged the new members to make the interest of every consumer a priority.

“I will like the board to work along with me so that the consumers are seen as consumers and not just simply persons who are receiving the product, because some of the complaints that we receive from them is that persons feel that whenever they approach the agency they may be assumed to be stealers of electricity. So that is one of our primary areas I hope the board will address”.

The board will also be tasked with delivering on the major policies of government, which includes the quest for renewable energy. It will also be tasked with addressing the commercial and technical losses the company is experiencing.

“You are tasked with ensuring that there is a transition from our current 100 per cent petroleum based generation to allow the access to alternative energy within the system. It is anticipated that we are in negotiation with an independent power provider which will provide at least 26 megawatts in accordance with regulations and what is best for GPL. He spoke of the technical and commercial losses which from a recent report showed around 28 per cent.

“Divided equally, it is in your remit to look at that in a manner that is fair and equitable to all”, he told the new members. With regard to the technical losses,

GPL Chairman Robert Badal

Patterson said there is an IDB/ EU project currently ongoing.

However, that has unfortunately slipped: “We are trying to get in

back on track.”

Other issues the board may have to address includes the allegation of fraud against the now acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Colin Welch who has been accused of interfering in a multimillion contract, a claim he has denied. The acting CEO had come under fire after reports surfaced that he had interfered with the tendering process of a contract for the supply of 28,000 prepaid meters to GPL. Patterson said matters of advertising and appointing a substantive CEO, DCEO and the several executive vacancies that currently exist, lie in the hands of the new board.

While the issue involving former board member Carvil Duncan and former Deputy CEO Aeshwar Deonarine are in the hands of the police, it may be an item for discussion among board members.

“There are several administrative issues … I have dispatched to

the chairman on several administrative issues within the management of GPL. I hope that you would deal with these expeditiously”, he urged Junior Minister Annette Ferguson also congratulated the new members, urging them to put forward their new ideas that would help in the best interest of the company, encouraging them also to work along with herself and Minister Patterson. She was particular pleased that for the first time there is a 95 per cent presence of women on the board.

The new board sees a composition of representatives of Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), through its head Dr Mahendar Sharma, the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU), the Guyana Private Sector Commission (GPSC), among others.

Other members include Tara Singh, Leslie Romalho, Abiola Wong, Marsha Johnson Francis, and Dawn Gardner.

Pastor fined for causing death by dangerous driving A

Pastor was on Thursday sentenced to a fine of $100,000 for causing death by dangerous driving by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

Winston Cramer, 51, of Lot 162 Go Slow Avenue, Tucville, Georgetown, was on January 13 found guilty of a charge which read that on April 10, 2014, Cramer drove his car PKK 7096 on Camp and Quamina streets in a dangerous manner, thereby causing the death of Lennox Allicock.

During the trial, the Court heard that on the day in question, Cramer was driving his car east along Quamina Street, and as he approached the junction with Camp Street, he failed to stop, resulting in a collision with car PNN 3718.

As a result of the collision, Cramer’s car spun and struck Allicock, who had been stationary on the eastern side of Quamina Street. Allicock suffered injuries and was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he subsequently died.

During her ruling, Chief Magistrate McLennan had stated that she was satisfied that the prosecution has successfully made out a pri-

Pastor Winston Cramer was sentenced to a fine of $100,000 for causing death by dangerous driving

ma facie case against the defendant. She further stated that the defence failed to cast doubt on the prosecution’s case.

The Chief Magistrate said it was evident that Cramer was almost halfway into the intersection when his vehicle was hit and that it was Cramer’s vehicle that spun and hit the cycle that the deceased was on at the time.

Magistrate McLennan further stated that it was her findings that the defendant had driven his vehicle without due care and he drove in a dangerous manner, which resulted in Allicock’s death.

On Thursday, the Magistrate delivered the sentencing after reviewing the probation report as well as the defence’s mitigation which was made by Attorneys Nigel Hughes and Adrian Thompson.

Hughes related to the Court that the defendant, who is a pastor, is the sole breadwinner of his family. He explained that the defendant’s wife is medically disabled and has been rendered immobile.

As such, removal of the defendant from the home in order to imprison him would have devastating effects on his wife and daughter.

He argued that no useful purpose will be served if the defendant is put away due to a moment of poor judgment which he accepts resulted in the death of an individual. He added that the defendant is fully committed to compensating the family in any way possible.

Attorney Thompson also related to the Court that the defendant lectures at the University of Guyana and is useful to society.

The Magistrate then called on Pauline Simon, the common-law wife of the deceased, to relate her position on the offer of compensation.

Simon explained that her 12-year-old daughter was

Lindener freed of assault, damage to property charges

A

resident of Third Alley, Wismar, Linden was found not guilty of the charges of assault and damage to property when he appeared before Magistrate Clive Nurse at the Linden Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.

Aubrey Fredericks, 42, of Lot 32 Third Alley, was

initially charged with unlawfully assaulting Altia Fredericks, the Virtual Complainant (VC). It was alleged that on August 17, 2015, Fredericks unlawfully assaulted Altia Fredericks.

The second offence for which he was charged alleged that he unlawfully and maliciously damaged four

plates valued $4000 and four teacups valued $1000, property of the said VC. He was previously granted bail in the sum of $50,000 for the offences; however, when the case was called on Wednesday, Magistrate Nurse dismissed both charges against the defendant.

also injured in the accident and the defendant had offered her $500,000 in compensation. This, she stated, is insufficient to cover the loss of her husband who was their sole breadwinner and the medical bills of her daughter who has undergone two surgeries thus far.

She requested a minimum sum of $1,500,000. However, after discussion, an agree-

ment was reached whereby Simon would be compensated $500,000 to cover the medical bills and the defendant would pay her an additional sum for the loss of her husband.

The Magistrate also advised that the woman file a lawsuit at the High Court to ensure that she is fully compensated by the defendant.

Chief Magistrate McLennan then handed

down her sentence, telling the Court that she had considered both the probation report as well as the mitigation plea.

She thereby sentenced Cramer to a fine of $100,000 or in default 18 months in prison.

Additionally, the defendant was ordered to pay the $500,000 compensation immediately.

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news

friday, january 29, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Echillibar murder Wedding Expo 2016 launched with Accused freed, court cites renewed focus, vigour insufficient evidence

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Sponsors and competitors of the event

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nder the theme ‘Magnificent Beginnings’, Roraima Airways on Thursday launched its eighth annual Wedding Expo, in collaboration with the Public Telecommunications and Tourism Ministry.

The event, which was initiated by the Roraima Airways, is aimed at contributing to the tourism sector in Guyana, while offering an all expenses paid wedding package to one providential couple.

Speaking at the launch, Chief Executive of the airline, Captain Gerry Gouveia, stressed the importance of the event as it coincides with the development and advance-

ment of the tourism sector in Guyana.

In addition, he informed that the expo allows for small businesses to exhibit their products during the competition period.

“Over the years, this expo has become a magnificent tourism event, so it is on our calendar of events as part of the tourism activities that are happening in Guyana. What is also significant of the expo is the whole concept of supporting small businesses.

Wedding expo is about small businesses,” he told the meeting.

Public Telecommunications and Tourism Minister Cathy Hughes ap-

plauded the idea of the expo and commended the Roraima Airways for being efficient in keeping the event alive and expanding to provide exemplary services to Guyanese.

She urged the company to “go forward” and continue building tourism in Guyana.

Hughes further went on to highlight the opportunities that the wedding expo is offering small businesses and encouraged them to get involved in the event.

The event which is slated for April 1 to 3 will see five couples participating in a number of activities to determine the winner of the three million dollars wedding bundle.

he case against Sharkir Mohamed, the man accused of murdering Shewraney Doobay, was on Thursday discharged after a 12-member jury delivered a unanimous verdict of not guilty.

Shewraney Doobay, the 58-year-old wife of prominent physician Dr Ramsundar Doobay, was found dead in her Echillibar Villas, Campbellville, Georgetown, home almost five years ago.

The woman’s bludgeoned body was discovered in a pool of blood in the kitchen. It was reported that her death was linked to a family dispute over a piece of land. Her nephew, Mark Singh, of Prince William Street, Plaisance, East Coast Demerara, was arrested and charged for her murder along with Mohamed, 33, of Lot 127 Latchmi Street, Better Hope, East Coast Demerara. Singh died in January 2014 at the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was taken after suffering an acute asthma attack while in prison. The case was previously tried in 2015; however, due to the jury’s inability to arrive at a unanimous decision, a retrial was ordered.

During the retrial, which commenced on Tuesday before Justice Navindra Singh, the court heard the evidence of three witnesses – two Police Officers and the sister of the deceased. Assistant Superintendent of Police Julius Wright who was stationed at the Alberttown Police Station in 2011, testified to arresting the defendant and conducting a search of his car, which bore registration plates HB 9260, and which was allegedly used as the getaway vehicle.

In his testimony, Wright disclosed that the search did not result in the discovery of any evidence. He stated that the defendant denied any knowledge of the murder when arrested. The officer also explained that he took the defendant and the car to the Police station where the car was lodged.

Meanwhile, Officer P Harris who was stationed at the Brickdam Police Station testified that he was taken by the defendant and Singh to a drain close to the murder scene where he retrieved a hammer, which was the alleged murder weapon. He recalled that the hammer was wrapped in a black plastic bag and submerged in the drain. He gave testimony that the two men confirmed that the hammer in the bag was the weapon which they were searching for, adding that after the item was retrieved, it was photographed for the purpose of evidence. The final testimony in the trial was given by the sister of the deceased, Indranie Singh, who

Freed murder accused Sharkir Mohamed

resides in London.

Singh testified via Skype, and in her testimony she related that on the day of her sister’s demise, she spoke to her via telephone.

Singh recalled her sister telling her that at the time of the conversation, she was entertaining two guests – Mark Singh and his friend – for lunch. She stated that sometime later that day, she received word that her sister had died, which resulted in her travelling to Guyana. Under cross-examination

by Defence Attorney Maxwell McKay, Singh admitted that she could not identify who the “friend” was and had never seen Mohamed before the court matter. Throughout the trial, McKay had argued that there was not sufficient evidence to convict his client.

When the jury returned from deliberations, they informed Justice Singh that they were unable to arrive at a verdict. However, Justice Singh advised them that in order for a conviction to be made, the Prosecution would have to prove the elements of the crime; murder in this case. These elements, he explained, were that a person died as a result of injuries; that a person died as a result of injuries within a year of the incident and that the accused was part and parcel of the murder.

He stated that there was no evidence that the defendant inflicted the injuries, and based on his caution statement, he did not know that Singh was planning to murder his aunt. After a short deliberation, a formal verdict of not guilty was delivered.

PPP a no-show on governing Boards

T

he parliamentary Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has been failing to send representations for governing boards of public organisations; however, Government says it remains willing to accept whenever Opposition does decide in this regard.

This information was disclosed by Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson who was at the time giving a charge to new members of the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Board.

According to the Minster, the Opposition failed to respond to his Ministry’s request for a nominee to sit on the board.

“It is Government’s policy that we must always have a representative of the parliamentary Opposition on the board, that is an unwritten rule, we have writ-

ten to the Leader of the Opposition to nominate a person. Unfortunately that is not so,” the Minister said.

Patterson said the Opposition was informed of this earlier this week, just like every other agency represented, but has not made an effort to send a representative.

This, he said, is nothing new as he has been experiencing this with the few boards he has already installed. In fact, according to Minister Patterson, as far as he is aware, none of the other Ministries has been getting cooperation from the Opposition.

The Minister said he would think as an efficient Opposition, they would have their nominees for the various agencies.

“This is the third or fourth board that I am appointing and I have not received a response and I

don’t think any of the other Ministries have had a response for a nominee any of the boards.” Under his Ministry, he is still to receive a nominee for the GCA board, and the Sea Defence Nominee is still to be filled.

He further stated that he will continue pressing in this regard and will make way for appointments whenever the nominees are made available.

The Minister added that the Opposition is free to appoint anyone.

“This is a commitment, not just from me, but from the President. I would think that as an efficient Opposition that they claim to be, they would have their nominees for the various agencies... The space is opened,” he said.

Efforts to contact the Party’s General Secretary Clement Rohee for a comment have been futile.

news

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friday, january 29, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

CELAC Summit

More bikes received under President’s "Three Bs" initiative

Granger pushes for small States' security T – wants hemispheric peace

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President David Granger

resident David Granger is advocating for special focus to be placed on promoting peace and security of Small States within Latin America and the Caribbean.

His calls were made during remarks at the 4th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), being held in Quito, Ecuador, under the theme “Reduction of inequalities and Sustainable Development of the region”.

President David Granger pointed out that Small States have special concerns arising from the differences of their historical experiences, geographical vulnerabilities, demographic and social composition and political systems.

“The small, geographically scattered, economically vulnerable and environmentally-fragile islands and lowlying coastal states of this community are susceptible to the adverse effects of climate change, natural disasters and security threats including transnational crime, territorial threats and trafficking in narcotics, persons and illegal migration,” Granger stated.

On this note, he reminded the delegations of a commitment made when the ‘Special Declaration on Small-Island Developing States’ (SIDS) was issued CELAC’s second summit back in 2014.

The declaration pledges to: “Consider the importance of giving priority to SIDS in CELAC’s

cooperation plans and programmes” and President Granger said Guyana is looking forward to this commitment being manifested.

According to the Guyanese Head of State, Small States have only limited capacity to independently and decisively respond to the threats against Small States, noting that even the European Union has unjustly blacklisted certain small Caribbean states on account of their international financial transactions.

“The solutions to the challenges facing us are beyond the individual capabilities even of the strongest states amongst us. Common problems demand a common approach. Present-day transnational challenges demand coordinated multi-national action. It is only through collective action that we can uphold the principles embraced in our founding charter,” he added.

The Head of State noted that CELAC is unique as it brings together the large states of mainland South and Central America with the mainly small-island states of the Caribbean with Cuba, Haiti and the Dominican Republic. He also pointed out that Guyana forms a bridge between the two Communities since it houses the headquarters of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) and is also a part of the Continental system.

President Granger went on to emphasise that Guyana seeks only international peace and national economic growth: “We propose, therefore, that we establish a permanent mechanism to translate our intentions into implementation and action. We have talked for more than two decades... It is time for action. It is time to look to the future. Guyana is confident that CELAC is the vehicle to translate our intentions into action.”

Zone of Peace

On the other hand, the Guyanese President emphasised on the need for peace to prevail amongst

member states of CELAC. He referred to the Caracas Declaration of 3rd December, 2011, which obliges the Community to have “respect for International Law, the peaceful settlement of disputes and the prohibition of the use of and threat of use of force, the respect for self-determination, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity…”

The Guyanese Head of State noted that CELAC pledged to develop instruments that would ensure compliance with those values and principles. He pointed out that such a commitment envisages an end to provocations and use of force.

“It precludes gunboat diplomacy. Any violation of this commitment by members of CELAC to resolve territorial conflicts in a peaceful manner can throw our hemispheric solidarity into jeopardy. The 21st century must be a century of peace for the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States,” President Granger declared.

Granger further highlighted that CELAC, of which half its membership are Small States, provides a vehicle for Latin American and Caribbean States to combine their energies in order to build a community of nations committed to peace and integration.

He outlined that CELAC can play a role in promoting reconciliation and preserving this hemisphere as a ‘zone of peace’ and remain engaged in encouraging the pursuit of peaceful settlements of international controversies and to discourage the use or threat of force everywhere in this hemisphere.

On this note, the President commended the Community for demonstrating its continental peace-making capability in the Colombian conflict.

Moreover, Granger urged the Summit to give effect to its pledge to ensure compliance with the principles of peaceful settlement of disputes enunciated in the Caracas Declaration of December 2011.

Man busted with cocaine in underwear at Ogle

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anks of the Police Narcotics Branch on Thursday arrested a Guyanese national as he was about to board a LIAT flight with a quantity of cocaine concealed in his under garments.

The name of the passenger was withheld but according to information re-

ceived, at about 05:30h, at the Ogle International Airport, ranks of the Police Narcotics Branch saw the man acting in a suspicious manner and conducted a search on his person.

During the search, the Police unearthed 518 grams of cocaine hidden in his underpants. Further interro-

gation led ranks to believe that he had ingested several cocaine pellets.

He was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was admitted and has so far excreted a number of pellets weighing 62 grams. He remains a patient under guard at the medical institution.

he Ministry of the Presidency on Wednesday disclosed that support continues to pour in for President David Granger’s “Boats, Buses and Bicycles” (‘Three Bs’) programme, following the donation of 10 bicycles from Universal Group of Companies.

The company’s Administrative Manager, Nevica Wray and Operations Officer, Toanna Greene, presented the bicycles to First Lady, Mrs Sandra Granger, at a simple ceremony, held at State House.

As she accepted the bicycles, the First Lady expressed gratitude to the donors and noted how beneficial the gift will be to the recipients.

Though she could not say definitively in which area the bicycles will be distributed, Mrs Granger assured the company that they would be given to those most in need.

In an invited comment, Ian Edwards, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, said he was compelled to make a donation after seeing the initiative publicised on numerous occasions, and knowing the bene-

First Lady Sandra Granger with Ms Yvonne Smith from the Ministry of the Presidency (left), and to the right is Universal Group of Companies’ Administrative Manager Nevica Wray; Operations Officer Toanna Greene, at the presentation ceremony (Ministry of the

Presidency photo)

fits that would accrue.

“An initiative like this is very near and dear to me, being able to help a child get to school; and coming from a teaching background, I think assisting children to get an education is very important,” Mr Edwards said.

Since the launch of the ‘Three Bs’ initiative, which is administered via the Ministry of Social Cohesion, with support from the Office of the First Lady, corporate Guyana and private citizens

have thrown their weight behind the initiative to ensure that school aged children are given assistance to access education.

Last weekend, at the commissioning of a boat donated for the children of Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), President Granger announced plans to add breakfast and books to the initiative, which are seen as other vital components to ensuring that children have the basics for a sound education.

Alleged wife beater on $25,000 bail

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orty-two-year-old Mortimer McLean was granted bail in the sum of $25,000

by Magistrate Clive Nurse when he appeared at the Linden Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday on an assault charge.

The defendant, who pleaded not guilty to the charge, is a resident of Lot 53 Self Help Housing Scheme, Amelia’s Ward, Mackenzie,

Linden. The charge brought against the unemployed father of four read that he unlawfully assaulted his reputed wife Kean Etienne, with whom he resides, on January 26.

He was instructed by Magistrate Nurse to find an alternative place of abode until the conclusion of the trial to which he agreed. The case will continue on March 8.

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friday, January 29, 2016

News

Employment training for Florida conference to examine “at-risk youths” discussed Caricom, Cuba business links

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A section of the gathering at the workshop on Thursday

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he Public Security Ministry and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) hosted a workshop aimed at improving employment and self-employment skills training offered to Guyanese youths.

During the workshop, local providers of technical, vocational and entrepreneurial skills training were brought together to share knowledge and map current training efforts taking place in Guyana so that the country’s financial and human resources can be utilised effectively.

At the opening ceremony on Thursday, Youth Workforce Development Consultant Branka Minic outlined that the workshop provided a forum to address key challenges faced in providing effective skills training to youth, as well as identify ways in which stakeholders can collaborate and look at best practices that relate to Guyana’s local environment.

Additionally, the work-

shop also provides an opportunity to discuss psychosocial support, counselling and personal development skills training for youths in relevant organisations and allow for effective and practical coordination so that vulnerable communities are better served.

Specifically, the outputs of this workshop will serve to inform activities of the US$15 million Citizen Security Strengthening Programme (CSSP), which was launched on Monday. These activities include initiatives in various Guyanese communities that specifically address risks associated with interpersonal violence, social and gender norms, and parenting; and specific activities to improve behaviours for non-violent conflict resolution in target communities.

As well as community needs assessment that will be conducted to further guide interventions tailored to community needs and the labour market needs assessment that will guide actions

on vocational and remedial education, job-readiness, job seeking and job placement, entrepreneurship, mentoring and literacy programmes.

The workshop forms part of a Technical Cooperation Agreement, which supports the implementation of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)-funded Citizens Security Strategy. According to the IDB, it represents the Bank’s commitment to reducing crime and violence in Guyana and the Region through community-based activities focused on youths.

The Citizen Security Programme (CSP), which predates the CSSP, resulted in some 1377 youths being trained in technical, vocational and entrepreneurial skills in Regions Four (DemeraraMahaica) and Six (East Berbice-Corentyne). The endof-project evaluation report indicated that 75 per cent of youths trained by the programme gained employment.

Under this grant agreement, a total of 800 youths will receive training.

Corentyne murder accused for court today

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Dead: Fizal Mahmood Baksh

hileman Boodhoo, called “Kevin”, 19, of Number 63 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, who was wanted by Police for questioning into the murder of money changer Fizal Mahmood Baksh was arrested on Wednesday and has since confessed to the murder.

He will make his court appearance today at the Springland Magistrate’s Court, where he will answer to the charge of murder, according to Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum.

Guyana Times understands that after committing the act last December,

Phileman Boodhoo called “Kevin”

the young man travelled to Trinidad and Tobago but upon his return to Guyana on Wednesday, he was arrested.

The deceased’s battered body was found along the Number 63 Village, Corentyne foreshore, three days after he went missing without a trace.

The suspect reportedly told investigators that he lured the money changer to the beach with the sole intention of robbing him, to take care of personal debts he had racked up over a period.

The 56-Year-old man

of Crabwood Creek, Corentyne, was reported missing on December 21 last and was found four days later. Following the discovery, a post-mortem examination was performed by Pathologist, Dr Vivekanand Brijmohan which proved he suffered a fractured skull.

The money changer was last seen by relatives at around 08:05h when he left the house after receiving a call indicating that some elderly people wanted to change some foreign currency. He had indicated that he would be back in two hours and left home. He would have received the call from the suspect who also went missing on the same day.

After time elapsed and the deceased did not return home, his relatives attempted to contact him via hone but the calls went unanswered. They subsequently made a report to the Springlands Police Station.

The body was subsequently discovered by passersby in a bushy area along the foreshore.

trategic business links between the Caribbean Community (Caricom) member states, Cuba and the US state of Florida will be examined at an Outreach Aid to the Americas (OAA) conference slated to be held on February 10.

According to an OAA release, specific emphasis will be placed on “examining trade and investment opportunities in agriculture, agribusiness, green energy and related sectors.”

It was further related that a special session on

Bayney Karran

doing business with Cuba will focus on “recent initiatives taken by United States President Barack Obama to ease trade restrictions with Cuba.”

OAA Caricom Outreach Director Wesley Kirton said that the mission of the conference is to “Identify strategies which would lead to expand business relations among Florida, Caricom and Cuba [to enable an] environment for trade and investment.”

Dean of the Caricom Diplomatic Corps in the US, Bayney Karran who is Guyanese will open the conference.

Attorney appointed Chairman of CJIA

− AFC campaigners among other members

From left: CEO Ramesh Ghir, Sherwood Clarke, Gerhard Ramsaroop, Minister David Patterson, CJIA Chairman Stephen Fraser, Minister Annette Ferguson, Gillian Pollard, Nadia Jaikaran, Stuart Hughes, and Public Infrastructure Ministry Permanent Secretary Balraj Balram

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rominent Attorney Stephen Fraser was appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) on Thursday afternoon,

by Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson.

Attorney Fraser was appointed to the Board along with eight other persons.

In his remarks, Fraser thanked the Public Infrastructure Minister for trusting him to perform this duty. He told media operatives that he is very comfortable with the persons who he has been juxtaposed, along with the management thus far. He expressed hope that together they can develop a synergy that will truly develop CJIA. The new Chairman shared that the new board is particularly excited about the ongoing project of the airport’s runway and the opportunities it offers for development.

The other board members include former AFC Executive Gerhard Ramsaroop; Nadia Jaikaran; Stuart Hughes, brother of AFC Chairman Nigel Hughes; Gillian Pollard and President of the Clerical and Commercial Workers Union (CCWU), Sherwood Clarke. Balraj Balram has been appoint-

ed the position of ex-officio member while the Chief Executive Officer of CJIA Ramesh Ghir, was appointed Vice Chairman.

A ninth position on the Board is still vacant as Minister Patterson explained that the Opposition party is yet to send their representative to take up the vacant position.

Patterson added however that the position will remain vacant until the People’s Progressive Party take up their place.

The Public Infrastructure Minister challenged the group to be “visionaries and creative” in their mandates for the airport’s operation.

He told the individuals that the airport sector is complex and vibrant and reminded them that they are now in a position to make meaningful contributions.

Minister Patterson mentioned that for 2015, the airport saw in increase of six per cent in growth of incoming passengers, as well as cargo.

This year, it is anticipated to be even higher, particularly because of Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations, to which he cautioned, may be the first challenge for the new board.

Minister Patterson urged that fostering economic development should be the key focus of the new board, and

added that their role is significant in seeing that the airport expansion project and economic drive comes into fruition by providing expert guidance on key issues pertaining to its execution. “I see this board as an investment partner and a think tank for CJIA operations and I am optimistic that under the direction of the new Chairman Stephen Fraser, it will achieve its mandate through accountability and integrity,” the Minister explained.

He expressed hope that the airport expansion project will be completed and the airport’s capacity be increased tremendously by increasing the number of airline carriers in the country.

The airport expansion project was conceptualised under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration and a contract was inked with China Harbour Engineering in 2011. Key components of the expansion project include the extension of the runway from 7500 to 10,800 feet, to accommodate the BOEING 747-400 aircraft; doubling of aircraft position from four to eight; installation of eight passenger boarding bridges; and the fortification of the CCTV system with approximately 300 cameras.

friday, January 29, 2016

guyanatimesgy.com

15

News

Wales Estate factory closure

Govt committed to continuing Region 3 RDC passes climate agreement with Norway

motion against move

...GAWU will not accept closure – Head insists

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he Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara) has unanimously passed a motion, challenging Government’s decision to close the Wales Sugar Estate.

At its monthly meeting on Wednesday, the RDC resolved to “register its opposition to the decision to close the Wales Sugar Estate (and) calls upon the Government to reverse its decision to close Wales,” the document seen by Guyana Times stated.

The council outlined that the closure of the Wales Estate will result in some 1700 workers being made to face unimaginable hardship and thousands of their family will indeed confront a bleak and gloomy future.

Moreover, the RDC outlined that approximately 770 farmers who supply about half of the canes of the estate’ annual output, will face devastation arising from the added costs of transporting their canes to Uitvlugt Estate vis-a-vis the current low prices.

It was also highlighted that many of the businesses, including hundreds of small vendors, who depend largely on the circulation of the wages and salaries amounting to about $2 billion to workers at Wales, will face ruination.

The RDC, furthermore, underscored that the shutdown of the estate will result in increased flooding among the Estate communities as a result of poor maintenance of the drainage system.

“The closure of the Estate will increase impoverishment in our Region as well as fuel a rise in crime, suicides, destitution, depression and other social ills…

The decision was made in the absence of a Social Impact Study and consultations with workers,” the motion stated.

The RDC further pointed out that closure of the Estate will herald the emergence of many ghost-like communities along West Bank Demerara and will have a significant social and economic impact.

It was further resolved: “That the Regional Democratic Council as a representative and elected body of the 120,000 residents calls upon the stakeholders to gather and address the vital issues to ensure that Wales (Estate) remains in operation in the ensuing years”.

Meanwhile, the General and Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) is holding steadfast to its position of opposing the shutdown. Union president Komal Chand reiterated to Guyana Times

that he will not be engaging the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) or the Government in any discussions pertaining to the process forward on the closure of the estate.

According to Chand, the union wants a detailed justification of the decision to shut down the factory and also a representation of plans it has for the transfer of staff, such as the number of staff who will be heading to the Uitvlugt on the West Coast, the category and amount of staff who will be let go and what exact arrangements are in place for them.

He said a request to this nature was made to the management of GuySuCo during a meeting with the union last week. Chand further pointed out that no study was done that would have sought to explain or support the rationale behind the closure.

“They have to tell us a number of things like why they must close. We are taking about a decision that was taken without consulting. You need to consult the workers, you need to engage them and the union,” Chand stated.

The GAWU head further posited that engaging the sugar corporation on the process forward would suggest the union is confirming with the decision to shutdown the factory.

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inister of State Joseph Harmon and Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman on Thursday met with a delegation from the Kingdom of Norway to discuss the way forward with regard to the Guyana-Norway agreement for avoided deforestation.

The Norwegian delegation was led by Norway’s Ambassador to Guyana, Aud Maritt Wiig.

Minister Harmon explained that the Government has only been in office for eight months after being in Opposition for 23 years, and as such, there are issues that need to be ironed out, particularly as it relates to agreements that were made by the previous Administration.

However, he noted that the

tion to a follow-up meeting with his counterpart in Norway later in the year, with a view to negotiating a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

With regard to Guyana’s efforts to maintain its pristine forests, Minister Trotman said that while the Government does not intend to abolish logging and mining, it is committed to ensuring that these activities are done sustainably.

“We are not going to open new lands, we have a set acreage and as miners relinquish [them], we reassign [them]. We will ensure that there is a healthy balance between protection of the environment and sustainable mining. We do a fairly good job of maintaining

important for Guyana, it is important for the region and certainly it is important for the world…” she said.

The Ambassador also inquired about the Government’s position on the Amaila Falls hydropower project, which was a large component of the GuyanaNorway agreement.

Minister Trotman informed the Norwegian envoy that the Amaila project was never taken off the agenda. “Amaila Falls can and should produce energy for Guyana, but at the cost of US$1 billion for 160 megawatts, we didn’t believe that we were getting the best deal. We are committed to hydro, we are committed to Amaila, but we were not committed to that financial

From left: Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman; Minister of State Joseph Harmon; Honorary Consul of Norway in Guyana Desmond Sears; Senior Adviser in the Department of Climate, Energy and Environment in Norway, Hege Ragnhildstveit; Forest and Climate Counsellor Anahita Yousefi; Ambassador Aud Maritt Wiig; and Deputy Director of Development Policy in the Norwegian Climate and Environment Ministry, Simon Rye

Administration is interested in continuing the climate agreement between Guyana and Norway, which was signed in 2009 by the previous Government.

Minister Trotman expressed similar sentiments, while pointing out that Guyana is committed to continuing its partnership with Norway because it is a model that will allow the country to develop renewable energy technologies, while sustainably exploiting Guyana’s natural resources.

In this regard, the Minister is expected to lead a Guyanese delega-

the forest cover… we have clamped down heavily on logging by Chinese companies. This has come to a minimum and I did put a ban on the export of logs, [which] was sufficient to curtail the large-scale cutting of logs that was previously taking place,” Minister Trotman said.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Wiig said that Norway commended the country for preserving its forests.

“You are one of the countries in the world with one of the best preserved forest and I hope that is a status you would maintain. It is

model that Sithe Global and China Railway had presented,” he explained.

Meanwhile, Senior Adviser in the Department of Climate, Energy and Environment in Norway, Hege Ragnhildstveit, said that Norway is fine-tuning the details for a consultancy firm to commence a new feasibility study with regard to the Amaila project.

The prospects of oil and the establishment of a comprehensive land commission before the end of the first quarter of 2016 were also discussed during the meeting.

Up to 4 million Zika cases predicted this year Disneyland Paris: Man

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hree to four million people could be infected with Zika Virus in the Americas this year, the World Health Organisation predicts.

Most will not develop symptoms, but the infection has been linked to brain defects in babies.

Meanwhile, the United States says it hopes to start vaccine trials in people by the end of the year.

WHO Director General, Dr Margaret Chan said Zika had gone "from a mild threat to one of alarming proportions".

She has set up a Zika "emergency team" after the "explosive" spread of the virus.

It will meet on Monday to decide whether Zika should be treated as a global emergency.

There has been a steep rise in levels of microcephaly – babies born with abnormally small heads which scientists believe is linked to infection with Zika

The last time an international emergency was declared was for the Ebola outbreak in West Africa which has killed more than 11,000 people.

Zika was first detected in Uganda in 1947, but has never caused an outbreak on this scale.

Brazil reported the first cases of Zika in South America in May 2015. Most cases result in no symptoms and it is hard to test for, but WHO officials said between 500,000 and 1.5 million people had been infected in the country.

The virus, which is spread by mosquitoes, has since spread to more than 20 countries in the region. (Excerpt from BBC News)

arrested carrying two guns

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rench Police have arrested a man carrying two guns at an entrance to a hotel at Disneyland Paris.

The man, reportedly aged 28 and not known to security services, was also discovered with a copy of the Quran and a box of ammunition, Police said.

His bag reportedly triggered metal detectors as he entered the hotel at the much-visited theme park.

France remains in a state of emergency following the deadly Islamist attacks in Paris in November last year.

The so-called Islamic State

said it carried out the coordinated assaults that left 130 people dead.

A woman believed to be a companion of the man has also been arrested, but was unarmed, according to French media.

Disneyland Paris is among Europe's most popular tourist destinations. About 10 million people visited in 2014, according to the Global Attractions Attendance Report.

French President Francois Hollande is seeking to extend the three-month state of emergency for another three months, despite opposition from rights groups.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

16 news

friday, january 29, 2016| guyanatimesGY.com

Berbice minibus fares reduction Stranded Dynamic Airways passengers Public Infrastructure Ministry finally return home mulls consulting operators

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ore than 100 Dynamic Airways passengers, who were left at the John F. Kennedy (JFK) Airport for almost two days returned to Guyana safely.

It is reported that the passengers, who were scheduled to leave the airport on Tuesday morning, were told that the flight was cancelled until that evening.

However, they were later informed that they would not be leaving the airport until Wednesday night due to complications with the aircraft.

Local representative of the airline, Captain Gerry Gouveia told the media that

Captain Gerry Gouveia

the flight was postponed due to the stormy weather, and

in addition the aircraft had encountered mechanical issues.

Questioned about whether the airways had compensated the passengers for the inconvenience, Gouveia responded that there was no need to do so.

“Compensated for what?

They went on the flight.

They were delayed but the plane came in last night with all the passengers, so there are no issues,” he informed.

“Dynamic stumbled, but all airlines face challenges.

So we’re back on schedule and now ramping up for the 50th anniversary” Gouveia told this publication.

Case dismissed against larceny, threatening behaviour accused

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Lindener, who was accused of larceny and making use of threatening behaviour, walked out the Linden Magistrate’s Court a free man on Thursday after the case was dismissed.

Magistrate Clive Nurse dismissed that case against Wayne Semple, 36, of Lot

364 Wisroc Housing Scheme, Wismar, Linden. The man had pleaded not guilty to both charges which stated that on June 14, 2015, he stole a shocks bicycle valued $30,000 at One Mile, Wismar. The stolen item was the property of Brentnol McPherson.

It was also alleged that he made use of threatening lan-

guage to the Brentnol on the same date while at the same place.

He was previously granted bail in the sum of $40,000 by magistrate Nurse. However, based on evidence provided to the court, the magistrate dismissed the charges against Semple after finding him not guilty.

Community service for possession of cannabis, larceny accused

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wo men were Thursday sentenced to 30 hours of community service each by Magistrate Alex Moore when they appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on separate charges.

Trevor Daly, 24, father of one of Lot 118 Golden Grove, East Bank Demerara, accepted the allegation which read that on December 9 at Croal Street, Georgetown, he was found in possession of 1.5

grams of cannabis.

The details surrounding the charges were not revealed in Court. Attorney Paul Fung-A-Fat in making the mitigation plea explained that he had it in his possession for personal consumption. He also related that Daly is the sole breadwinner to his family and that he has two young children, ages three years, and four months.

The Magistrate took

these factors into consideration and sentenced Daly to serve 30 hours of community service.

Meanwhile, Jewan Persaud accepted the allegation which stated that on January 5 at Georgetown, he stole two bottles of body lotion and one bottle of shampoo, all to a value of $5741.

He was also sentenced to 30 hours community service.

Farmer harvests bunch of plantains weighing 175 lbs

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cash crop farmer from Aurora Village in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) was on Sunday very astonished after reaping a wonder bunch of plantains weighing 175 lbs.

Farmer Abdool Jaleel, also called “Blackie”, said it was indeed a great achievement. The bunch of plantains was reaped from his backyard at Lot 19 Aurora Estate.

According to the farmer, the plantain plant did not receive any special form of growing agent or fertiliser.

Residents in the area were also shocked to see the abnormal size of the bunch of plantains that measured over five and a half feet in length.

Farmer Jaleel to mark this rare occurrence dis-

Farmer Abdool Jaleel with his family as they display the rare bunch of plantains on Sunday

tributed the plantains to residents of his community, family and friends. He hopes that this particu-

lar plant can be multiplied throughout the Essequibo Coast for greater returns by cash crop famers.

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he Public Infrastructure Ministry may be moving to have consultations with minibus and taxi operators traversing the Georgetown to Berbice route over reduction of fares.

With the reduction in tolls for the Berbice River Bridge, passengers themselves may also be looking forward to a reduction in the price they pay to travel.

Minibus and car drivers have not yet moved to reduce their fares and there is no guarantee that they would.

Questioned about this on Thursday, Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson said it was something that Government would be considering and would be moving to hold talks with the drivers.

“Government may be moving to hold consultation with private taxi drivers and minibus operators who traverse the Georgetown to New Amsterdam route; it is something that the Ministry can explore to help solve the problem…. A compromise can be worked out … We would, first of all, have to hold consultation with these taxi operators, for us to see how best a solution can be found,” the Minister told Journalists.

Government has subsi-

dised the reduction of the tolls for the Berbice River Bridge which were finally reduced at the beginning of this year after much clamouring and back and forth between the new Government and the Bridge Company.

Minibus and car operators who were paying $2200 per crossing now pay $1900.

Other vehicles were given a 10 per cent reduction on their tolls.

The Ministry is, however, still to address the cries of the Route 50 minibus drivers, who said they are still being short-changed by the continued operation of the river taxis, although the bridge tolls have been reduced.

The drivers of Route 50 minibuses recently met with Ministers of Public Infrastructure David Patterson and Annette Ferguson about the hardships they face with the continued operation of the river taxis.

The Ministers said while they understood the complaints of the drivers, they could not simply discontinue the operations of the river taxi service, since it still benefited a wide cross-section of Guyanese, including the elderly and schoolchildren.

The Route 50 association has presented a few propos-

als for the Government’s consideration. Among the proposals were reduced hours of operation for the water taxis and the removal of the service on weekends. With regard to the reduction of hours, the association suggested a new schedule of 06:00h to 09:00h followed by 15:00h to 17:00h.

These hours, the association said, would cater for schoolchildren and workers who travel during weekdays.

These proposals were noted by the Public Infrastructure Ministers. However, Minister Patterson emphasised that “decisions must not be made in a vacuum”. He noted the benefits of the service, including improved school attendance and improved business in New Amsterdam, and said that these benefits have gone a long way in bettering the lives of the public.

Minister Patterson further said that while he understood the bus drivers’ concerns, it would not be fair to serve only one section of the populace while neglecting another.

Both Ministers said they were committed to giving serious consideration to the proposals and indicated that they would confer with technical personnel to determine their feasibility.

El Niño conditions

Rice crop lost at Crane, WCD

By Shemuel Fanfair

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he El Niño weather phenomenon has continued to threaten the livelihoods of farmers and residents in most parts of country and the Agriculture Ministry has said that its sub-agencies have been monitoring water levels in the conservancies and canals, as well as ensuring that pumps are fully operational.

In Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), these efforts have not been fully successful as an estimated eight acres of rice lands have been tarnished at Crane, West Coast Demerara.

However in other instances, the grievance of most farmers in the region was the loss of return on investment. Many would have invested significant sums of money to prepare lands for rice cultivation.

Regional Chairman Julius Faerber in an interview with Guyana Times related that the Regional Democratic Council has been assisting farmers as much as possible.

“Under agriculture, we utilise some of the funding to assist in clearing canals, excavating canals, repairing structures that needs repair so that we would be able to control the water as it goes into the various areas.”

The Regional Chairman,

Regional Chairman Julius Faerber standing on a parched rice field at Crane

who is also a Director on the National Drainage and Irrigation Board said that he has been in communication with officials from the Agriculture Ministry on this issue.

“We discussed El Niño and other problems relating to Agriculture – drainage and irrigation, so we have that communication at the national level but at the regional level, there is no communication because the Regional Executive Officer [does] not communicate matters pertaining to these issues,” Faerber stressed.

When Guyana Times contacted Regional Executive Officer Dennis Jaikarran to clarify the Chairman’s concerns, he declined a telephone interview but was however willing to meet

sometime in the future.

The Regional Chairman is calling on central Government to fully approve Region Three’s Budgetary Estimates in today’s 2016 Budget presentation. This, he said, will allow the region to render assistance in curbing the plight of farmers.

A high-level meeting on El Niño was held at the Agriculture Ministry on Thursday with the aim of bringing relief to farmers countrywide.

Guyana Rice Development Board General Manager Nizam Hassan said that of the 177,734 acres sown thus far, 39,601 acres have been affected by the El Niño situation. A further 27,800 acres have also been affected by salt water intrusion.

Friday, January 29, 2016

guyanatimesgy.com

Tickets for “Clash of Soca Construction Party – the Titans” available Damaged Clothing Edition from February 15 H

KI

Sexy Vanessa

s time passes, chutney lovers anxiously await the release of tickets for the biggest chutney shows in the town and from all indications, they will have to wait just a little longer. Yes, tickets for “Clash of the Titans” will be available on February 15 at various locations, countrywide.

General Admission tickets will cost $1500 while

VIP tickets will cost $5000.

The event is set for March 12 at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara. It will feature some of the best in the business, including Raymond Ramnarine and the Dil-e-Nadan; Ravi B and the Karma Band; and KI and the band, featuring Kris Persad, Neval Chatelal and Nishard M. Rick Ramoutar, Sexy

A

Rick Ramoutar

Vanessa and Mahendra Ramkellawan are also slated to perform along with the Karma Dolls out of Trinidad and Tobago.

The Dax New Generation Band and the Shakti Strings Band will also add some flavour for the evening which promises to be exciting. The Fire Fest Dancers and others will also be there to add to the excitement.

its and Jams Entertainment will host its first fashion concept party of the year called The Soca Construction Party – Damaged Clothing Edition!

The event is billed for tonight at the Original Palm Court, which will be designated the main construction site. It is time to roll out in those stylish damaged jeans, tops, short pants, construction hats and boots, and party to Soca music at Guyana’s premier night spot.

The Boom DJs will be there to spice things up, as they are ready to put you in the carnival mode with the best in Soca music.

Admission is only $2000 at the gate and no tickets will be needed.

All ladies will be admitted FREE before 22:00h.

Nishard M

HJ Rewind cameras will be there. The sixth annual edition of the Soca Construction

Jumo Primo

Party is brought to you by Sky Vodka and HJ Water World.

Saleem Beharry

Watch Super Bowl 50 at 704 Sport Bar

Nishard M, Saleem Beharry for Digicel’s “Triple Treat” on March 20

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t is Super Bowl time and football fans are rooting for their favourite teams with the hope of it winning Super Bowl 50, slated for February 7 at the Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, USA. The clash will be intense between The National Football Conference (NFC) champions Carolina Panthers and the American Football Conference (AFC) champions Denver Broncos.

At the end, the winners will emerge league champi-

ons for the 2015 NFL season.

In a departure from the NFL tradition of using Roman numerals, this game is marketed in Arabic numerals as Super Bowl 50 instead of Super Bowl L (the Roman numeral for 50).

The game will start at 18:30h. This will be the first Super Bowl being held in the San Francisco Bay Area since Super Bowl XIX in 1985. The CBS Television Network will broadcast the game live. However,

Guyanese fans can choose to watch the game at various sports bars around the town.

This year, 704 Sports Bar, located at Lamaha and Albert Streets, Georgetown, is the place to be to watch the action with your friends and other football fanatics.

Apart from the drink specials and the game, there will be deejay Energy to select the best music to make the evening a lot spicier.

Admission will be absolutely free of cost.

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irst runner-up at the recently-concluded International Chutney Soca Monarch competition, Nishard M will be the headlining act when Digicel Guyana hosts its first major evening on the Essequibo Coast on March 20. The event is titled “Triple Treat” and will feature a 10/10 softball cricket competition, a Curried Duck Competition and a Stage Show and Family Fun Day. The first to go down is the 10/10 cricket tournament finals, which will see

the best teams vying for over $600,000 in cash and other prizes at stake. Registration forms for the competition are available at Digicel stores in Anna Regina and Charity.

Registration ends on February 13, while the competition bowls off on February 21. The grounds that will be used for the competition are Bacchus Ground, Affiance Ground and the Anna Regina Community Centre Ground.

Next is the Curried Duck Competition with over $850,000 at stake. The reg-

istration form and rules of the competition can be uplifted at the above-mentioned stores. Registration ends on March 5.

The main event of the evening will be the stage show, which will feature Nishard M and Saleem Beharry out of Trinidad and Tobago. The local line-up will be headlined by Jumo “Rubber Waist” Primo.

Remember to add this date to your calendar of activities. Admission to the event is absolutely free.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

friday, january 29, 2016

“Friction Friday” at Gravity Lounge

Houston modates a population of 80 students, and the secondary school, which comprises students from the community and other areas.

There are two religious institutions: the Houston Methodist Church located on the Public Road, which draws its congregation from Houston and wider afield and the Hindu Society, which is locat-

H

Houston Estate

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he cricketers have arrived for the much anticipated Unity Cricket at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara, billed for this Saturday featuring some of the best in the sport.

However, as a norm, there will be a meet and greet event which allows fans of the cricketers to take photos and get autographs.

This time around, the

activity will be held at the Gravity Lounge, Camp and Regent Streets, Georgetown, and is called “Friction Friday”. Come mix and mingle with the likes of Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo, Dwayne Smith, Darren Sammy, Suileman Benn and Lendl Simmons, among others.

Everyone will be admitted free before 22:00h but $3000 after.

Apart from meeting and greeting the cricketers, there will be Heineken Bucket Specials from 20:00h to 22:00h. Patrons can also purchase one bottle of Eldorado 12-year-old and get another free from 22:00h to midnight.

Patrons can then party the night away to the sounds from the Boom deejays, including Deejay Blaxbee, Gully Ras and Selector Diamond.

ouston is a small village located on the eastern bank of the Demerara River within the limits of Greater Georgetown.

It is approximately two miles from the city centre just past Thirst Park and forms part of Estate Houston, once a flourishing sugar estate, situated just outside the suburbs of Georgetown. Estate Houston was owned by the prominent Vieira family and was well-known for its large

A fruit vendor in Houston

ed at the back of the village. A fruit vendor sells her brightly coloured produce to villagers and passersby just at the corner of the First Street, while villagers stop frequently at the popular M&M Snackette to munch on a tasty treat.

On the western side of the village, Gafoors Houston Shopping Complex can be found, giving villagers and

Junior Calypso competition

shifted to February 6 − 10 to compete for title

Reigning Junior Calypso Monarch William Prowell

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leven young calyposians, including the reigning Calypso Monarch, William Prowell of the mining town of Linden, in Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) will be clashing head on for the title of Junior Calypso Monarch when the

competition is hosted on February 6 at the National Cultural Centre.

Last year, Prowell created a whirlwind with “The Truth” to win the competition and this time around, he is coming harder with his tune “No Mo Licks”. He is full of optimism and is confident in retaining the title in February.

Nevertheless, those who are expected to compete in the competition are Ryan Jagnarine, who will perform “Champion of the Earth”; Sheaba Moses with “Beast Treatment”; Niomi Alsopp with “Choose Life”; Akeem Adams will perform “Regrets”, while T’Shanna Cort will do her rendition of “I Have Hope”.

Faith Corrica will take the stage with “50 Years” (Independent and Free); while Michael Small will sing “Racial Politics” and Nevalena will perform “Look Out for Wolf in Sheep Clothing”. Finally, Dominique Haywood will be performing his tune “No Access Mode”.

The first, second and third place winners will walk away with cash prizes and trophies. In addition, the winner of the competition will automatically enter the senior calypso competition slated for February 19 at Demerara Park, Thirst Park, Georgetown.

Reggae Fever for February 7 @ the Pegasus

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s Guyana prepares for its 50th Independence Anniversary, The Carib Feedback Production will host Reggae Fever, an annual event to commemorate the birth anniversary of the King of Reggae, Bob Marley and more so, the 50th year of Guyanese music.

The event is set for February 7 at the Pegasus Poolside commencing at 19:00h, and will feature several prominent Guyanese performers.

Those expected to perform are the

Yoruba Singers, Royal Band, Charmaine Blackman, Prince Ally from Canada, Killa Milla, Dowie Man out of Suriname, Mario Kein, Negusi Silenci from Brazil, and Cyanide.

There will be a special guest appearance by journalist and politician Ras Leon Saul. Music will be provided by the Sparty Sound.

Tickets for Reggae Fever cost $2000 and will be available at the Pegasus Front Desk.

The centre of Hindu life in the village, the Hindu Society

agricultural lands.

The Estate, the first to be owned by an indigenous Guyanese, the late Manoel Vieira, opened in 1926 and closed 29 years later in 1955.

After the Estate’s closure, the land was still used for sugar cane cultivation, before be-

Gafoors Houston Shopping Complex

other customers access to items at affordable prices.

Fishing activities are carried out in the lush extensive backlands of the village.

The people

The population of the village is made up of persons from all our ethnic groups,

The Methodist Church

coming a community.

Community life

A typical day in this small community is noiseless. It encompasses two streets, First and Second Street, which are lined with flat houses built in different styles and colours.

Persons prefer to be indoors rather than outside. This community hosts two schools: the nursery school, which was built in 1976 and now accom-

The nursery school

most of them working-class Guyanese. They live in unity. The typical day for housewives is spent cleaning, cooking and completing other household chores. Most of the men in the community engage in fishing activities to provide for their families. During the weekends, children enjoy a game of cricket on the dam close to the backlands.

Prince Ally

Houston Backlands

friday, january 29, 2016

French FA chief insults Champagne as FIFA race heats up

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erome Champagne, the French FIFA presidential candidate, and Noel Le Graet, the French Football Federation (FFF) chief, had a heated exchange in public on Thursday, with Le Graet hurling insults at Champagne before storming out of a restaurant.

Champagne, one of five men bidding to become the next FIFA president, confirmed the details of the row to Reuters.

He said he was meeting Le Graet to gain his vote in next month’s FIFA election in Zurich, when the FFF president will be one of the 209 national presidents deciding the outcome.

Instead of backing his compatriot, the FFF president said he was supporting Swiss UEFA general secretary Gianni Infantino in the race to lead world soccer’s scandal-hit governing body.

Champagne said that after he told Le Graet he would protest his decision at the highest political level, the FFF chief stood up, hurled a series of expletives at him, threw money down for the bill and stormed out of the bistro in the centre of Paris.

Jerome Champagne

Champagne told Reuters by telephone on Thursday: “I am confirming that is exactly what happened as reported in the French media today. It happened, people saw it happen.”

Le Graet, who was not immediately available to comment, faces opposition from the French League, clubs and players for his decision to support Infantino.

Following the row, Le Graet sent an email to members of the executive committee of the French FA informing them of his intention to back Infantino, according to FFF sources.

However, his decision to support Infnatino has not met with the approval of other senior sports officials.

Thierry Braillard, the Secretary of State for Sports, and Frederic Thiriez, the president of the French Players’ Union (LFP), have given Champagne their backing, he told Reuters.

Prince Ali bin Al-Hussein of Jordan, Tokyo Sexwale of South Africa and Sheikh Salman Bin Ibrahim AlKhalifa of Bahrain are the other candidates vying for election on Feb. 26.

The FIFA vote follows the end of the mandate of Swiss Sepp Blatter, who has been caught up in the scandal that has engulfed the world body since last May and which has seen the arrests of 41 associated personnel accused of bribery and corruption. (Reuters Sport)

NBA Roundup

LeBron leads Cavs past the Suns L

eBron James scored 21 points before sitting out — and dancing — in the fourth quarter, Kevin Love added 21 points and 11 rebounds, and the Cleveland Cavaliers stormed away in the second half for a 11593 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night.

Sluggish for the first 24 minutes, the Cavs opened the second half with a 12-0 run and sent Phoenix to its 17th loss in 19 games.

Cleveland improved to 2-1 under new coach Tyronn Lue, who took over last week when David Blatt was fired halfway through his second season. The win means Lue and the Cavs’ coaching staff will represent the Eastern Conference at the All-Star Game on Feb. 14 in Toronto.

Rookie Devin Booker paced the Suns with 16

points and P.J. Tucker and Markieff Morris had 13 apiece.

James Harden had 20 points and Dwight Howard added 13 for Houston.

Spurs 130, Rockets 99

Jamal Crawford scored 21 points and Los Angeles won again without Blake

LaMarcus Aldridge had 25 points and 10 rebounds, and San Antonio rebounded from its worst loss in three years to bash Houston and remain undefeated at home.

San Antonio (39-7) has won 25 straight at home to open the season and 34 consecutive dating back to last season.

Aldridge bounced back — as did the rest of the Spurs — after he was held to five points and three rebounds in a 30-point loss to Golden State on Monday.

San Antonio had 32 assists and shot 56 percent from the field in snapping Houston’s three-game winning streak and handing the Rockets their worst loss of the season.

Clippers 85, Hawks 83

IOC to issue Zika guidance as virus spreads before Rio Games

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he International Olympic Committee will issue guidelines this week aimed at protecting athletes and visitors from Zika, a mosquito-borne virus spreading rapidly across South America months before the Rio de Janeiro Games in August.

IOC President Thomas Bach said on Thursday a note would be sent to National Olympic Committees (NOCs) “today or tomorrow at the latest,” as Rio prepares to host the world’s biggest sporting event on South American soil for the first time.

“We will do everything to ensure the health of the athletes and all the visitors,” Bach told reporters during a visit to Athens.

“We are in close contact with the World Health Organisation (WHO) as well as with the organising committee and the Brazilian authorities.”

The WHO warned on Thursday that the disease, linked to birth defects in thousands of babies, was spreading “explosively” and could affect as many as four million people in the Americas.

Zika has been clinically linked to a foetal deformation known as microcephaly, in which infants are born with abnormally small heads and brains.

The virus, a close cousin of dengue and chikungunya, causes rash, mild fever and red eyes. Some 80 percent of those infected times but still had a chance to force overtime when Chris Paul lost the handle on an inbounds pass after Al Horford’s free throw.

Atlanta got it back with 6.7

LeBron James

Griffin, holding off mistake-prone Atlanta.

The Hawks turned it over a season-high 23

19

seconds left and inbounded to Paul Millsap, who drove against Luc Mbah a Moute and got a good look at the

typically do not have symptoms, making it difficult for pregnant women to determine if they have the virus.

No vaccine or treatment is currently available.

Low-season for mosquitoes

Rio 2016 organisers said the Games, from Aug. 5-21, will be during Brazil’s winter months when a “dryer, cooler climate significant-

Thomas Bach

ly reduces the presence of mosquitoes”.

They added Zika will be discussed at a meeting with NOCs at IOC headquarters in Lausanne from Feb 1-2.

“The Olympic and Paralympic venues will be inspected on a daily basis during the Rio 2016 Games to ensure there are no puddles of stagnant water and therefore minimise the risk of coming into contact with mosquitoes,” organisers said.

Several countries are already warning their athletes about the virus.

Russia’s Sports Minister basket but came up short on a running one-hander.

The horn sounded as the Clippers celebrated their 14th win in 17 games.

Los Angeles won for the second straight night after word leaked that Griffin would be out 4-to-6 weeks, having broken his shooting hand by punching a staff member. He apologized for the incident on Twitter late Tuesday, and his teammates kept on winning.

DeAndre Jordan scored 13 points and grabbed 19 rebounds, foiling the Hawks’ strategy to keep sending him to line by making 6 of 8 free throws in the fourth quarter.

Jeff Teague led Atlanta with 16 points.

Thunder 126, Timberwolves 123

Kevin Durant had 27

Vitaly Mutko told local broadcaster Life News TV that athletes were particularly vulnerable to infectious diseases as heavy training reduces their immune system. “We are employing all protective measures,” he said.

In Australia, officials are warning athletes of childbearing age they need to be aware of the specific risks of microcephaly and team members are being advised to wear long sleeves around stagnant water and heavy vegetation.

The Australian team also recommended team members not leave windows or doors open when staying in Rio and use air conditioning instead.

“The health and wellbeing of all our team members is paramount, especially those females in the team of child bearing age,” said Australia’s Chef de Mission Kitty Chiller.

A British Olympic Association spokesperson said: “As part of Team GB’s overall planning, our medical team has been liaising with specialists at the London School of Tropical Medicine, to ensure that team members are given the most up-to-date travel medicine advice, which includes information on bite prevention strategies.

“This information has already been shared with all sports and it will be continually updated prior to departure for the Olympic Games.” (Reuters Sport) points, nine rebounds and five assists, and hit two huge shots in the final two minutes to help Oklahoma City win a second-straight, fast-paced thriller.

Russell Westbrook had 24 points, 15 assists and eight rebounds, while Enes Kanter had 23 points and 10 boards for the Thunder, who beat the Knicks in overtime the night before. Oklahoma City outrebounded Minnesota 47-31 to go home from a four-game road trip at 3-1.

Zach LaVine scored 35 points on 14-for-17 shooting, Andrew Wiggins added 20 points and KarlAnthony Towns had 19 points, 13 boards and five assists for the Timberwolves. Minnesota shot 55.6 percent and had 31 assists, but missed 10 free throws. (Oakland Press)

20

guyanatimesGY.com

friday, january 29, 2016

Banks set to host evening Under-19 Cricket World Cup Roundup of sports today India win, Nepal upset Kiwis

B

anks DIH Sports Club will kick off its 2016 programme with an evening of sporting events at the Club on Friday at Thirst Park.

Edward B. Beharry Company, Georgetown Football Club (GFC), Police and Parika Cricket Club (PCC) have been invited to compete against teams from Banks Sports Club.

The sports disciplines to be played are Dominoes, Billiards, Table Tennis, Football and Cricket.

Banks DIH will square with Edward B. Beharry at Dominoes, Tapeball Cricket and Table Tennis; Police will join the two companies in the Dominoes match.

Banks Billiards players will oppose GFC at Billiards, while their Softball crick-

et team will play PCC in a 12-a-side game.

Inter-Department football champions, Stores will battle arch-rivals in a five-aside football showdown.

Meanwhile, Banks DIH Dominoes team will be Orin Sandy, Owen Grannum, Shon Butters, Dwain Bristol and Matthew Glen while Anthony Xavier, Roland Williams and Quincy Bailey will be featured in the Billiards line up.

Dave Singh and Anthony Boodhna will lead the Pools challenge while Mubiana King, Lennox Cordis and Seon Gonsalves will spearhead the Table Tennis team.

The cricket team will be captained by Jermaine Martins and will feature Terry Liverpool, Jailall Uban and Eustace Hinds.

The action starts at 17:30h.

FIFA candidates head to Qatar as Sexwale says ‘time for alliances’

Tokyo Sexwale

F

our of the candidates for president of FIFA are heading to Qatar for meetings on Saturday, with one of them, South African Tokyo Sexwale, saying “the time for alliances is coming”.

The development suggests that electoral horsetrading might be about to begin in the battle to replace Sepp Blatter as head of football’s world governing body.

Spokesmen for the frontrunners, Sheikh Salman Bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa and Gianni Infantino, and for Sexwale confirmed to Reuters that they will be in Doha for a game on Saturday and to meet with Asian member associations of FIFA. A spokesman for Jordanian Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein, also a candidate, later confirmed he would be travelling to Qatar for Saturday’s game - the final of the Asian Football Confederation Under-23 Championship between South Korea and Japan.

The other candidates, Jerome Champagne, a former FIFA deputy general secretary, declined to comment on whether he would also be in Qatar.

Speaking on South

Africa’s Metro FM radio on Thursday, Sexwale confirmed that he would also be in Qatar as a “guest of Sheikh Salman” and hinted at eventual support for an Asian candidate.

“The time for alliances is coming. This is the new thing that I am saying. It is healthy, democratic and it is good.

“If I see that Tokyo’s chances are not good ... I am still FIFA, but which president would I want?

The time for alliances will come,” he said. That time would be before the Feb. 26 vote, he said.

“We are now talking, this one is talking to me, that one is talking to me.

But who is talking? We are brothers, we are colleagues, we are comrades in arms,” Sexwale said.

One of the key power brokers in world sport, Kuwaiti Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fadah Al-Sabah, told Reuters in October that he hoped his ally Sheikh Salman, the Asian football chief, and Infantino, the general secretary of the European football body, UEFA, would strike a deal before the vote.

“I hope there will not be a difficult situation, I hope there will be a coordination and we will find

a solution,” he said. Both Salman and Infantino have denied any deal is in place.

Sexwale declined to discuss directly whether he would withdraw from the election but said he wanted to see an African or an Asian become the next president.

“There is this desperation of ‘withdraw’, ‘withdraw’. In whose interest?” he asked.

“Let me tell you my strategy ... what is the bottom line? It is not Tokyo Sexwale,” he said. “The bottom line for me, and I am appealing to Europe, to European voters, with the support of Europe let’s have an Asian or African president. That is the bottom line.”

Sexwale’s campaign has been criticised by his own South African Football Federation.

Although it stated its support for him this week, the group said his bid had been “low key” and asked him to “come and explain himself”.

The South African, who was imprisoned in Robben Island during apartheid and was a close friend of Nelson Mandela, suggested Infantino would not be the right choice, as another Swiss following Blatter, who has been president since 1998.

“He is my friend, he is a buddy, but I would say maybe we should not replace Blatter with another Swiss,” he said.

Blatter and Michel Platini, who had been a strong favourite to succeed him, were banned over a payment of two million Swiss francs ($2 million) FIFA made to Platini with Blatter’s approval in 2011 for work done a decade earlier. (Reuters Sport)

N

epal U-19 pulled off a dramatic 32run win over New Zealand U-19 in a thrilling encounter in Fatullah.

Nepal posted a total of 238 and then defended it by bowling New Zealand out for 206. Nepal have a winloss record of 11-3 while defending totals of 150 or more. Five of those wins have come against Full Members.

Things had looked dicey for Nepal when they were 68 for 3 after winning the toss and batting first.

Captain Raju Rijal (48) and Aarif Sheikh (39) added 61 to bring the innings back on track. Some handy middle-order contributions, including a 23-ball 35 from Kushal Bhurtel helped Nepal to a competitive total. In fact, Nepal’s 238 for 7 is their highest in Youth ODIs. Fast bowler Nathan Smith picked up three wickets but went for 58 runs in his 10 overs.

After a middling start in the chase - New Zealand were 32 for 2 in the ninth over - Glenn Phillips (52) and Josh Finnie (37) strung

Joshua Little, who earned praise from his captain Jack Tector for the amount of pace he generated, picked up 3 for 52 and fellow seamer Rory Anders with 3 for 35 had dragged India down to 55 for 4. Ireland had opted to bowl and would have felt that decision was vindicated until Sarfaraz and Washington put on 110 runs in 104 balls to swing the momentum back in India’s favour.

Sarfaraz struck 74 runs off 70 balls with seven fours, but his skill was in manipulating the field and securing ones and twos. Washington, who now has six fifties in seven matches, pushed India past 200 and Zeeshan Ansari’s run-a-ball 36 took the total to a formidable 268.

Ireland’s chase was bogged down by too many dot balls and not enough urgency from their batsmen. The times when they did try to make something out of nothing, India’s fielders made them pay. Ishan Kishan, who bagged a duck earlier, hit the stumps direct to run Stephen Doheny

big shots, but they weren’t able to sustain their hitting. They put on the highest partnership of the match - 113 off 151 balls - but faced a required rate of 8.89, which had to be maintained over 18 overs. Both men fell in the final 10 overs and Ireland were all out in the 50th overs.

Group B

Pakistan U-19 cruised to a six-wicket win with 111 balls to spare in their tournament opener against Afghanistan U-19 in Sylhet.

Pakistan opted to bowl and it proved an excellent decision as legspinner Shadab Khan and seamer Hasan Mohsin ran through Afghanistan.

Shadab picked up 4 for 9 in five overs and Mohsin returned figures of 3 for 24. Only Tariq Stanikzai, who complied a 76-ball 53, was able to resist them as Afghanistan fell from 98 for 3 to 126 all out.

Pakistan lost captain Gauhar Hafeez for 1 in the chase, but Zeeshan Malik (29) and Mohammad Umar

Washington Sundar punches through the off side during his 62

together a 72-run stand.

However, both men fell in quick succession and soon the innings itself threatened to fall apart.

Dale Phillips, at No. 7, did his best with 41 off 50 balls, and along with Smith brought the equation down from 95 off 60 to 41 off 24.

Medium-pacer Dipendra Singh Airee then swung the game decisively in Nepal’s favour with a double strike.

They now have a win-loss record of 20-17 in all Youth ODIs and their win-loss ratio of 1.176 is by far the best among non Full-Member teams.

India win

A couple of half-centuries from Sarfaraz Khanand Washington Sundar helped India U-19overcome a dodgy start and beat Ireland U-19by 79 runs and record their 11th win on the trot.

out in the third over and 10 balls later Armaan Jaffer followed suit and had Tector short of his ground.

Fast bowler Avesh Khan (10-1-24-2) hustled the batsmen with his pace and bounce while left-arm quick Khaleel Ahmed (91-36-1) was maintained a steadfast line of attack on off stump to lend proof to their captain’s Kishan’s words that India hand’t been nervous when their middle order collapsed because they had a skillful bowling attack. Among them was 16-year old legspinner Ansari, who has a googly and a flipper in his repertoire. Medium pacer Rahul Batham took the most wickets with 3 for 15.

Ireland were anchored by fifties from William McClintock (58 off 86) and Lorcan Tucker (57 off 89). Both batsmen displayed the aptitude for the

(25) helped them recover.

Mohsin struck 28 off 36 as well to be named Man of the Match. Zia-ur-Rehman picked up two wickets while Rashid Khan, who has already represented Afghanistan on the international stage, claimed one victim.

Sri Lanka U19 produced a dominant display with both bat and ball to beat Canada U19 by 196 runs in Sylhet.

After choosing to bat, Sri Lanka piled on 315 on the back of fifties fromKaveen Bandara, captain Charith Asalanka, Shammu Ashan and Vishad Randika.

Wanidu Hasaranga struck three fours and two sixes in his 13-ball 28 to provide the impetus to the end of the innings on a high. In response, only Arslan Khan manged to score more than 22 for Canada as they were bowled out for 119 in the 40th over. (Cricinfo)

sports

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T20s harder than Tests, claims Lara W

est Indies batting legend Brian Lara claims the Twenty20 format of the game has proven to be the most challenging he has encountered.

The batsman, who retired from the game before the game was in full flight, is taking part in the ongoing Masters Champions League in Abu Dhabi.

Lara Test cricket’s record run scorer in an innings, believes the lack of time given to settle at the crease in a 20-over innings has taken some getting used to.

“For me, Twenty20 is more challenging because in a Test, as a batsman, I was going out there and taking my time and getting set and then exploding, whichever way you want to put it,”

Brian Lara

Lara said.

“This form of the game for me is little more challenging because the game is shaped very early, you have limited time out there and you’ve got to get things going, maybe a couple balls to get settled in and that is not the way I batted. For me, Twenty20 is more challeng-

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Sunil Narine

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ing than it was in Test cricket.”

Lara, who quit international cricket in 2007, leads a Lions side that includes former West Indies fast bowler Fidel Edwards, South African Herschelle Gibbs and England’s Darren Gough. (Digicel Sportsmax)

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21

was reported for a suspect action in three years. The crafty spinner, however, insists he has not being left downcast by the situation.

“I’m mentally strong, so I try to take everything and soak it in and make the best of it,” Narine told the Trinidad and Tobago Newsday.

“It’s a learning process, a process that any individual don’t want to go through, but it’s something that, if you have to, just take it as a stepping stone in your career and make sure you

make the best use of it and never let it get you down,” he added.

Narine has, however, received plenty support during the troublesome patch the latest coming from the Trinidad and Tobago Sports Ministry who presented him with a cheque of US$5,412 (TT$35,000) on Wednesday, to assist him during the period of rehabilitation. He has been encouraged by the support. “…Knowing that you are down and in a spot of bother, and you still have the same support like you are on top, it says a lot to the country and to the people around; the encouragement is the best thing you could ask for in your time of need.”

Narine is expected to face another test of his bowling action next month at Loughborough University in England. The results of that test will determine whether the spinner is able to take his place in the West Indies T20 squad. (Digicel Sportsmax)

Coe denies knowledge of 2017 world championship ‘bribes’- IAAF

I

AAF president Sebastian Coe has denied knowing of “bribes being offered or received” in the awarding of the 2017 world athletics championships, a spokesman for the crisishit governing body said on Thursday.

Earlier this month, UK Athletics chairman Ed Warner said he had been told by IAAF officials that representatives of the Qatar bid had been giving “brown envelopes” to members of the IAAF Council, which decided on the hosts.

Warner appeared before a British parliamentary committee on Tuesday but declined to identify who had told him about the alleged

bribes, saying it would be inappropriate to do so before speaking to the IAAF’s ethics commission.

On Thursday, Britain’s Daily Mail reported that two witnesses linked to the London 2017 bid team had told the paper that ahead of the vote in Monaco in November 2011 they heard Coe warn UK Athletics officials of rumours of corruption by the Doha bid, which was immediately denied by an IAAF spokesman.

“Sebastian Coe had no actual knowledge of bribes being offered or received linked to the 2017 World Championship,” the spokesman told Reuters.

“As he and Ed Warner

discussed on (BBC Radio’s) 5 Live Sportsweek there was rumour piled upon rumour in the days leading up to the bid as is often the case on these occasions,” the spokesman added.

The 2017 world championships were awarded to London, and Doha were handed the 2019 event.

Qatar has denied any wrongdoing in its bids for either championship and an IAAF spokesman confirmed on Tuesday that, at the request of the Qatari federation, Coe had referred the 2017 bidding process to the ethics commission, currently being rebranded as the ethics board. (Reuters Sport)

22

guyanatimesGY.com

friday, january 29, 2016

ANSA McAL launches “Crown Your Part 3: The final chapter/ Community” promotion perfect role model The untold story of Shiv Chanderpaul

S

ince then, Chanderpaul has grown in stature and is seen as a shining example to many who have shared a dressing room with him, including Tony Palladino, an all-rounder who played alongside him for Derbyshire last year.

“Shiv is a real student of the game, one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet and one hell of a player. At first hand, I saw Shiv’s open stance and his superb handeye coordination.

Even at this latter stage of his career he trains harder than most,” said Palladino. “On match days he follows the same routine: setting the bowling machine to its maximum, serving up 90 mph inswingers, taking them on wearing no helmet – not recommended.

“Roughly 250 balls later, he walks out ready to play.”

“I love chatting to Shiv about his career and experiences. He’s seen it all, so to be able to tap into that wealth of experience is brilliant for a cricket badger like myself. He never tires when talking about the game.

Shiv is a real student of the game, one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet and one hell of a player.”

Kraigg Brathwaite, the young West Indies opener, noted: “I model myself on Shiv. I look to see what he does – how he prepares, how he gets going, how he builds an innings – and try my best to learn from him. I have batted with him a few times in Test cricket and the great thing about him is, he always talks, he always shares information, he always tries to help you to relax and that helps to take some of the pressure off.

He’s a great example to any young cricketer like myself.”

Away from the cut and thrust of the game, Shiv always tries to find time for

By Treiston Joseph

Shiv Chanderpaul; brilliant both on and off the field, a hero in his own right

his family. He is especially grateful to his father for all the love and support throughout his career. Now a third generation of the family has emerged. Shiv’s son Tagenarine, known affectionately as Brandon, like his father, is a determined left-hander.

He played alongside his father during the WICB Four- Day tournament and was one of the leading batsmen for West Indies at the ICC Under-19 World Cup in Dubai two years ago.

“My dad has done so very much for me throughout. In the beginning a lot of times?he would go to work and then come back and still bowl at me and get the other guys to come and bowl at me as well. He dedicated?a lot of time to me and my development and helped to prepare me and make me who I am today,” Shiv said.

“He has now dedicated a lot of time to?my son to try and get him into cricket also.

Brandon is now playing and is doing okay. He is still very young and has a few things to learn, but he is enjoying his cricket and wants to do well.

“The first thing is, everyone out there will want to

compare him with me but I told him not to worry about that, to just be himself and do what he knows he can do.

I told him ‘you can only be you . . . whenever you step out there, play your way, express yourself and be yourself’. He’s got the talent but he needs to work hard on his game. If you want something as your profession, you have to make sure you prepare yourself and be ready to face the challenges.”

Shiv is a very private person but, unknown to many, he is one of the most funloving members of the West Indies team. He would often crack a joke to ease the tension during a tense moment or cheer-up his teammate after a long, energy-sapping battle of attrition out in the middle. He may not always demonstrate that side, as he often carries stern, stonefaced look while on the field, but off the field he enjoys a good laugh.

Shiv has always used television sitcoms to help him wind down after a long day in the field. “In the beginning I used to like Sanford & Son [the 1970s series featuring Redd Foxx] and when that finished, I enjoyed watching Will Smith in The Fresh Prince Of BelAir. Now I like The Big Bang Theory. This helps me to relax a lot, especially when you have a long day which has left you mentally and physically tired. I would look at these shows on the TV and that always helps me to relax and get some laughter. The next day you feel revived and you are able to get up the next day and go out and do your work again.”

Shiv signed off with a boyish grin and said: “… back then, more than 20 years ago I would never have expected this ... I love my job and I’ve enjoyed it all.” (Windies Cricket)

B

everage giants ANSA McAL under is Stag Beer brand launched its second “Crown Your Community” promotion on Thursday at the 704 Sports Lounge.

The promotion which is geared towards the renovation of community grounds was inspired by the recent surge of football activities that ANSA McAL has been a part of especially under its Stag Beer brand. The promotion will see $3,000,000 going to the winning community.

The beverage giants will have boxes at various bars where consumers can place their Stag Beer crowns, the community that sees the heaviest weighed boxes will be deemed the winners at the end of a two month period that began at the launching.

There will also be a social media aspect to the promotion where the ground with the most likes at the end of each week will see ANSA McAL doing a promotion

at a handpicked bar by the community in an effort to raise the count of crowns in the community.

Once won, the winning community will be able to use the $3,000,000 to fund any project related to the ground.

In addition, it was also noted that ANSA McAL is hoping that the winning community will also be able to point out contractor within their communities as well as workers in order to allow the money tp circulate within the community while developing the ground.

Public Relations Officer of ANSA McAL, Darshanie Yussuf labelled the promotion as ground breaking and aimed at the development of football.

“While these are community grounds there are also football grounds and being part of the development process of football, a sport that we have been heavily involved in is something that we are happy about, it is our way for giving back to the community and to sport in a major way,” Yussuf noted.

Corona partners with GBFA to launch Beach Soccer League op Brandz under their Corona Beer banner has joined forces with the Guyana Beach Football Association (GBFA) in an effort to host Guyana’s first beach football league starting on Sunday in Linden.

Guyana will get its first official taste of beach

working with the community to ensure that there is response that there is camaraderie within everything that they do.

“Of course they have a product which they market, distribute and they sell and they want to be able to give back to the community,” Vieira stated.

President of the GBFA

football action when the tournament kicks off on Sunday from 16:00h with Corona Beer being the official sponsor of the league.

At the launching on Thursday at Palm Court, Spokesperson of Top Brandz, Bobby Vieira gave some insight as to why the world renowned beer joined forces with the GBFA. “Top Brandz Promotions continues to be engaged in all aspects of Guyanese culture; sport and to some extent information… they feel that it is important that they place some emphasis in

Rollin Tappin while thanking Corona was confident that beach football will spark interest in Guyana’s football fraternity.

“We want to really cement this sport in a way that is going to breathe consistent development and by extension will lead to Guyana putting out a very good team out there to represent it.

“So we are quite happy for partnering with Corona beer and to really launch this tournament and we want all to embrace this new philosophy of beach soccer… beach soccer is a sport that gives multiple

B y T reiston J oseph

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Raffik and Sons 2nd Division 20-Over Cricket

Bristol, Gibson power Courtland All Stars through to final

D

efending champions, Clourtland All Stars is through to the final of the Raffik and Sons Construction Second Division 20-Over Cricket Competition which was specifically organised for teams in the Lower/ Central Corentyne Area.

The defending champs defeated Rose Hall Town Bakewell by 30 runs in their semi-final played recently.

In the match which was played at Fyrish, Courtland All Stars took first strike and lost two early wickets to be 15 for 2 in the third over.

Former Guyana Under-19 all-rounder Leroy Bristol then took charge, firstly putting on 70 for the third wicket with Keon Sinclair (27) and then 60 for the fourth wicket with former Berbice cricketer

Eon Gibson, before falling for 69 (10x4 and 2x6).

Bristol’s performance was the catalyst for Courtland to make a score of 214-7 in their 20 overs.

Gibson continued the big hitting with 42 (3x4s; 4x6s) along with Troy Mathieson 22.

Bowling for Rose Hall Town saw former Berbice Under-19 off spinner Khemraj Mahadeo taking 3 for 25 from three overs. Collis Butts took 3 for 35 from four overs and Berbice Under-17 pacer Cylus Tyndall 2 for 43 from four overs.

When Rose Hall Town Bakewell started their response, they lost their first wicket in the second over at 12 for 1. Khemraj Mahadeo came in and he successful-

ly attacked the bowling taking the score to 55 for 1 after six overs. However, he fell at that point to off-spinner John Percival for 39 (4x4s; 3x6s).

Percival soon struck again along with off spinner Mathieson to have them at 63 for 3.

All along, former Berbice batsman James Fraser moved the score along nicely allowing Rose Hall to threaten Courtland’s peace of mind.

But with Fraser eventually falling for 56 (4x4; 4x6) and Brandon Prashad 21, Rose Hall Town could only muster 174 for 7 in their 20 overs.

Bowling for Courtland All Stars, Percival ended with 2 for 21 from four overs and Mathieson 2 for 31 from four overs.

Stag Beer brand coordinator, Linden Henry noted that he believes the promotion will be a successful one for the next two months.

Meanwhile President of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), Wayne Forde was pleased to see ANSA McAL taking such an interest in the sport of football.

“The state of the grounds is an indictment, it is one thing to want to see quality football being played but it is another thing to help get to that point and we must commend ANSA McAL for their effort and we hope to see more promotions like these a bit more frequent,” Forde stated.

The last time the tournament was held was in 2011 where the wining ground was the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) ground in Linden.

Resurfacing the ground was the focus where $2,400,000 was spent to resurface the ground while $600,000 was spent on lawn mower for the venue.

attributes, it builds your fitness, it builds your athletic ability and all these different facets and of course you various skill sets going into the larger version of the game,” Tappin highlighted.

President of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Wayne Forde noted that is federation will work along with the GBFA in developing the sport.

“The Guyana Football Federation will continue to bring support to this undertaking in every way that we can, we anticipate that given the fact that it is a new brand of football that there will be some amount of interest and we will do everything in our power to promote that interest and hopefully that interest can translate into revenue for the association.

“The GBFA is a new institution under us and therefore they will be able to access funding from FIFA that comes to deal with that aspect of football as we grow and develop this sport,” Forde noted.

The tournament will feature 10 teams with five being from Linden and the other being from various parts of Georgetown.

Each team will play 18 matches in a round robin format as each game will last for 36 minutes with three periods of 12 minutes each.

The winner of the tournament will walk away with $200,000 while the second, third and fourth place finishers will receive $150,000, $100,000 and $75,000.

guyanatimesGY.com

friday, january 29, 2016

$700,000 up for grabs in Unity Cricket Softball − Trophy Stall donates President’s Trophy

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he first major softball event to be held at the Stadium will see $700,000 being up for grabs in the Unity Cricket Softball matches at the Providence Stadium on Saturday.

There will be five exciting games from 10:00h and in the Open 10/10 semi-finals involving Berbice Karibee Rice Boyz, Essequibo, Regals and Wolf Warriors, $200,000 will be the top prize while the runnersup will get $100,000, third place $50,000 and fourth place $50,000.

The winners of the semi-finals will clash in the final at 16:30h.

Berbice Masters and their Demerara counterparts will compete for a winner’s prize of $100,000 while the runners-up get $50,000.

Berbice Karibee Rice Girls face-off with Demerara girls where the winner will take home $100,000 and the loser collecting $50,000 in what should be a riveting affair.

A fun day for children will also be held on the tarmac while the feature event pits the top West Indies T20 players in a match for $1Million and the President’s trophy.

This game includes West Indies T20 Captain Darren Sammy, Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo, Jason Holder, Lendl Simmons, Dwayne Smith, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Devendra Bishoo, Veerasammy Permaul, Rajendra Chandrika

Ramesh Sunich of Trophy Stall (right) hands over the President’s Trophy to James Bond of 007 Promotions

among others.

Tickets for all three events cost $3,000 and will allow you entry into any stand while children under-12 get into ground free but cannot take up a seat in the stands.

Tickets can be bought at Gizmos and Gadgets, E-Networks, GCC Pavilion, Tiyo’s Future Store (Anna Catherina

& Parika), Shopper’s Pharmacy (Giftland Mall), Lenny’s (Mon Repos East Coast), Debbie’s Bar (E/C), Andrew’s Supermarket (South Ruimveldt), Kester D Music (Charlotte St GT), Big Bs (Rosignol West Berbice), Little Rock Hotel (N/Amsterdam), Poonai’s Pharmacy (Rose Hall Town Corentyne Berbice), M&Ms (Harbor Bridge)

Meanwhile, Trophy Stall has contributed the President’s trophy for the T20 along with the Man-of-the-Match trophy 20/20 trophy; the Winner’s Trophy for the Demerara against Berbice trophy masters and Man-of-theMatch in that game.

Trophy Stall is also providing the Championship trophy for the female game and for the player of the match in that game In addition, Trophy Stall is also is sponsoring the uniforms of the Demerara female team and will also provide all of the soft balls.

Regal and Berbice are the latest teams to announce their squads.

Regal: Chien Gittens (Captain) Richard Latiff, Kawson Joseph, Navin Singh, Safraz Esau, Roohit Dutchin, Delroy Rerreira, Sewchand Budhu, Fazal Rafee, Shachin Singh, Ameer Nizamudin, Ricky Sergeant, Pritvinath Motielall, Balram Roopnaraine, Tyrone Sanasie, Clive Grimmond (Coach), Mahendra Arjune (Manager) Berbice Karibee Rice boyz: Jason Sinclair, Rajiv Ivan, Keon Sinclair, David Looknauth, John Percival, Balram Samaroo, Ray Jaferally, Krishnanand Balgobin, Darshan Challitar, Seon Hetmeyer , Seeindra Marimutoo, Anthony Ramoutar, Heetar Gobin, Oliver Giddings, Chandrashakker Arjune, Javed Mohamed,Manager/ Coach Delbert Hicks.

23

Unity Cricket

Trinidadian trio eager to perform for Guyanese fans on Saturday

By Akeem Greene

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endl Simmons, Rayad Emrit and Nicholas Pooran have arrived in Guyana ahead of the highly anticipated Unity Cricket T20 match at the National Stadium on Saturday.

Dashing West Indies opener Lendl Simmons is raring to go and believes the concept is good one for cricket.

Speaking to Guyana Times Sport who was present at the arrival, Simmons said “I always like playing cricket in Guyana; after Guyana, I go on to the Pakistan Cricket League, so I’m looking forward to get a good a knock”.

He further added “it’s a good thing [Unity Cricket] whether in Guyana or Trinidad, having all the players come together to play a game like this , is for a good cause, and I know it will have a good turnout in Guyana; people in Guyana love cricket and hopefully we can put on a show”.

All-rounder Rayad Emrit who is fresh off of wining the WICB/NAGICO Super50 with the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force is happy to be here for this tournament.

“It’s always nice to be back in Guyana; hopefully we can come show our skills for the fans”, Emrit said.

Despite the fun entertaining nature of the event, the right-arm seamer will still be putting his best foot forward.

“It’s all about enjoying it, it is for a good cause; having

fun is an integral part of it but I still wish to get some wickets and hopefully get some runs as well”. Emrit disclosed.

Fans will remember Nicholas Pooran who smoked a 54 from 24 balls inclusive of six sixes and one four in the first edition of the Caribbean Premier League at the National Stadium against the Guyana Amazon Warriors.

The pugnacious wicketkeeper/batsman has recovered from his leg injury and is looking to resurrect his big hitting “It’s a nice feeling to be back in Guyana, I like playing in Guyana especially in this unity cricket with so much of stars playing”, Pooran said.

The teams will be captained by Ramnaresh Sarwan and Christopher Barnwell.

Legacy All Stars: Ramnaresh Sarwan (Captain), Chris Gayle, Rajendra Chandrika, Andre Fletcher, Narsingh Deonarine, Jonathon Foo, Nicholas Pooran, Dwayne Bravo, Devendra Bishoo, Sulieman Benn, Assad Fudadin, Robin Bacchus, Gajanand Singh and Royston Crandon.

007 Warriors: Chris Barnwell (Captain), Dwayne Smith, Lendl Simmons, Anthony Bramble, Shemroy Barrington, Jason Holder, Darren Sammy, Steven Jacobs, Sherfane Rutherford, Reyad Emrit, Veerasammy Permaul, Ronsford Beaton, Samuel Badree and Gudakesh Motie.

Create more avenues for cricketers to showcase talents – Mentore C

By Akeem Greene

ricket, a game which dates back centuries saw its first recorded intercounty match: Kent v Surrey in 1709 and now in 2016, it is a game loved by an extremely large audience.

The large fan base, correlates to a large surplus of players of the game which means competition is always high for a chance to showcase talents.

For an area like the Caribbean, where there is an abundance of young and seemingly talented cricketers, there is a need for more avenues to expose these talents.

President of the Demerara Cricket Club Alfred Mentore is of the opinion that there should be some ‘middle ground’ between West Indies International cricket and the Regional level

to give way to more talents being recognised.

In an interview with Guyana Times Sport on Wednesday, Mentore said “I would really want to believe, that they should be some other level between the West Indies Cricket Board or the Regional level where people [cricketers] could advertise themselves and scouts and other persons who are looking to pick people for franchises, either for West Indies First-class franchise or the CPL [Caribbean Premier League] franchise; they can level somewhere where these guys can advertise their skills”.

The rationale behind Mentore’s belief is that sometimes there are many players who may not earn national selection due to being overshadowed by more senior players but are still valuable assets.

“If you have not made it to play for Guyana or make it to play CPL, how will you really see these talents?”

“If you have not made it to play for Guyana or make it to play CPL, how will you really see these talents”, Mentore questioned.

The Former Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) President asserted that “I feel there is a vacuum where persons are missing talents, or people are not able to see the exact talents that are truly available to Guyana and West Indies Cricket”.

Both Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) and the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) have adopted a structured construct of cricket, with the advent of the Professional Cricket League (PCL) 4-day Competition; the NAGICO Super 50; the Caribbean Premier League and domestically, the Local Franchise League. There is even a Guyana Cricket Inc (GCI)

Academy to nurture young upcoming talents in Guyana.

In the case of Guyana, idea behind the local franchise league is an effort to widen the pool of players and to provide greater opportunities for local players; as eight league teams have been set up across the country where all the teams are assigned a professional guest player.

At the regional level, the PCL keeps players engaged more in competitive cricket while allowing players to be rewarded financially.

Guyana again are reaping rewards since after the first five rounds of the 2015-16 season, the Guyana Jaguars have surged to the top of the table with 85 points, by virtue of plying unbeaten in their five games thus far. (akeemg@guyanatimesgy.com)

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

friday, January 29, 2016

Unity Cricket

Trinidadian trio eager to perform for Guyanese fans on Saturday Pg 23

From left: Rayad Emrit, Nicholas Pooran and Lendl Simmons at their arrival at the CJIA (Paul Vanvield Photo)

Corona partners with GBFA to ANSA McAL launches “Crown launch Beach Soccer League Your Community” promotion

Pg 22 Pg 22 Members of the GBFA, the GFF and representatives of the various teams pose for a photo at the press conference

Members of the various football associations in Guyana along with the President of the GFF Wayne Forde and ANSA McAL representatives including PRO Darshanie Yussuf pose for a photo opportunity at the launching (Marceano Narine photo)

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