GuyanaTimes

Essequibo rice farmers want industry to be revamped

– RPA slams Government for mixing rice with politics

Amid the current problems facing the rice industry across Guyana, Chairman of the Essequibo Paddy Farmer’s Association Naithram is calling for a total revamp of the sector.

At the same time, General Secretary of the Guyana Rice Producers Association (RPA) Dharamkumar Seeraj, during an interview with Guyana Times, lambasted the A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Administration for making false promises to rice farmers as a political gimmick to win their votes, knowing

quite well that they would be unable to fulfill those promises.

The problem in the rice industry in Guyana is as a result of the Government’s outstanding debt to the millers and consequently, the millers’ extravagant debt to the farmers.

In total, the Government owes the millers some US$15 million, while the millers owe the farmers some G$6 billion.

Recently, the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) received a sum of $800 million which was paid to the millers. Guyana Times

was made to understand that some millers have paid off the farmers, but a significant portion of the millers have not.

A majority of the millers, reports indicate, opted to reinvest the money into their operations rather than settling their debts with the rice farmers.

But aside from the issue concerning the payment of rice farmers, Naithram noted that there are other problems facing the rice industry.

Particularly speaking about the situation in Essequibo, Naithram said the farmers are faced with

poor drainage. He explained that some 100 acres is currently under water.

He said those who are responsible for overseeing the industry and ensuring these problems are efficiently addressed are not performing as they should.

He said too that the pump attendants are not turning up on time to open the kokers and that the channels are often blocked with garbage.

Naithram explained that the Essequibo Paddy Farmer’s Association will soon be meeting with Agriculture Minister Noel Holder to discuss these concerns and during the meeting; he will make a suggestion for the revamping of the rice industry, including the riddance of several persons from the GRDB and Rice Producers Association (RPA).

Naithram went on to say that he believes the RPA should also be established in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) and in the West Demerara area, Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara) where there can be sound representation for the rice farmers in those areas. Further, Naithram said the GRDB should have a representative of each association on the committee.

Meanwhile, RPA General Secretary Seeraj is blaming the new Government for contributing the some of the problems in the rice industry.

Foremost, Seeraj said it was wrong of the coalition to make false promises to the rice farmers during the campaign trail, knowing very well that they cannot live up to the expectations that the farmers have of them.

During the campaign trail, the APNU/AFC had promised rice farmers $9000 per bag of paddy. However, to date, the Administration is yet to fulfil those promises.

In fact, the Government appears to be experiencing difficulties in settling the US$15 million debt that they have with the millers.

Following the initial payment of G$800 million, the GRDB is unsure of when again it will receive money to continue to pay off the millers. Even so, another problem arises when it comes to millers paying off monies due to the rice farmers.

According to the Rice Factory Amendment Act of 2007, millers are required by law to complete payment to the farmers for their produce within 42 days of receipt of product.

There are other provisions in the Act that should prevent rice farmers from being exploited, but lack of enforcement of the regulation has now resulted in this bundle of problems being cast upon the industry.

For years now, many have complained about rice farmers being squeezed by payment delays, which they blamed on the lax enforcement of the Rice Factory Act.

The Act stipulates that, if in the event a rice miller pays half of the monies owed for paddy on receipt of the rice and fails to complete the payment within the re-

quired timeframe, then the miller is bound by law to pay farmers an interest rate that is two per cent higher than the going interest rate of the Bank of Guyana. But again, the law is being blatantly ignored by some of the millers.

A rice farmer had previously told Guyana Times that these actions by millers are merely barefaced attempts to stymie the progress of rice farmers, who may have commitments such as bank loans and other financial responsibilities.

Seeraj believes that the GRDB needs to impose stricter penalties to millers so that they can stop exploiting the farmers. One such action, Seeraj suggested, would be the suspension of a licence to operate.

Meanwhile, millers have complained of the difficulties they face, explaining why sometimes they have to owe the farmers.

Businessman Beni Sankar pointed out that the millers are not exactly living a laidback life as the rice farmers suffer. He said people only recognise that monies are owed by millers to farmers, by GRDB to millers and also by farmers to input suppliers.

Sankar highlighted that the situation is much more complex because millers owe large sums of money to commercial banks, and are therefore under significant pressure to pay off the bank, and dispose of the paddy in a timely manner, so as to pay off the farmers.

The inadequacy of sustainable rice markets for Guyana’s rice production has always been a problem for the country.

Stakeholders have been calling on the new Administration to address this issue so that millers can then have enough markets for their rice. This in turn will facilitate millers receiving money in a timelier manner, so they can then settle outstanding debts with rice farmers who also have to make loan payments, pay labourers and earn a profit.

General Secretary of the RPA Dharamkumar Seeraj

Chairman of the Essequibo Paddy Farmer’s Association Naithram

FERRY SCHEDULE

WEATHER TODAY

metre respectively.

63 days to go… – Ramjattan claims coalition will deliver

Govt still to deliver on key promises in 100-day plan

By Michael younge

he A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) coalition is still to deliver on key aspects of its 100-day plan which was unveiled in the leadup to the 2015 General and Regional Elections, even though it has been occupying Government for some 37 days now.

In the 100 day plan, which was used to score political points before the elections, the new Government said it would reduce the Berbice River Bridge toll, significantly increase the salaries of Government and Public Sector employees, return the television station to Linden and set a date for Local Government Elections.

The coalition Government also promised that it would significantly increase old age pension and the establishment of a long term economic plan to realise the vast potential of the country.

The plan, which the now oppositional People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C)dubbed “unrealistic”, “fanciful” and “rooted in deceit”, also promises to reduction on the benefits and pension of Heads of States and former Presidents, wavering of taxes on duties and fuel for small scale miners and the liberalisation of the telecommunications and information communication technology sector.

Also, among things that have still not being implemented or appear to be at a standstill, are plans to establish a passport and birth certificate licensing office in Berbice, Essequibo and Linden.

The promised establishment of an investigative commission on corruption also appears to be in limbo, de-

spite countless pronouncements from Minister of State Joseph Harmon that there have been various audits and investigations ongoing into the alleged or perceived wrong doings by the PPP/C while in office.

When contacted, Vice President Khemraj Ramjattan would only say that progress is being made. “Write that Khremraj Ramjattan says plans are progressing very well,” the Vice President said before immediately hanging up his mobile phone on Saturday.

But another Vice President, Sydney Allicock, told the Guyana Times that the new Government is still “organising itself” to address the promises outlined

in the 100-day plan.

When asked if the new coalition Government will still have enough time to deliver on some of the huge and key promises contained in the 21 point plan, Allicock responded, “It is a challenge but nothing is impossible as long as we work together.” He then said he was busy and could not answer any more questions on this matter.

Efforts to contact Minister of State Harmon and President Granger on Saturday proved futile as calls to their mobile phone went unanswered.

A source close to the ruling APNU/ AFC Government told the Guyana Times that most of the Ministers have been busy getting up to scratch with their new portfolios and understanding how Government works. “I do not think they recognised that it is a ball game when you are in Government as opposed to being in Opposition. I think they now realise that with the limitations that exist in the Government and

the economic impact, some of the things they want to do will have...to take some time and analyse on how to move forward,” the source said.

The source also confirmed that no real meeting that has taken place to focus specifically on the implementation of the 100-day plan or some of the core

promises in the coalition’s 2015 manifesto, but decisions are being made at the Cabinet whenever the opportunity arises on others. “They need more time…100 days is not enough…,” the source said while insisting that he preferred not be identified.

The coalition’s 100-day also includes plans to axe the value added tax and to establish a public procurement commission, as well as pass the AntiMoney Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Amendment Bill. These appear more achievable as the subject ministers responsible have already indicated that attempts will be made as soon as next week to honour these commitments.

However, Political Commentator Dr Henry Jeffrey, during an invited comment, said that all of the things outlined in the plan could not be achieved in such a short time. He, however, remained optimistic that the new Government will deliver during the last half of the month of the entire 100-day time frame set out in the plan.

Dr Jeffrey appeared to understand the hold up in the delivery of core aspects of plan, stating that the new Government just got into office and is settling down, but that does not mean that it is not consciously working on implementing it.

Sydney Alllicock, Vice President

Khemraj Ramjattan, Vice President

Dr Henry Jeffrey, Political Commentator

Sunday Editor: Michael Younge

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

Mailing address: 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown

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Editorial

Fathers’ Day

As we commemorate “Fathers’ Day” today, we do so in the midst of a revolution in the conceptualisation of the role of family in “post-modern” society. Inevitably within that discourse, the role of the father is undergoing a metamorphosis.

It might be trite to remind readers of the fact that, like all social “facts”, what “being a father” means, is socially constructed. And this means it is always a work in progress with possibilities for positive change.

The problem is that our notion of fatherhood has been around from the dawn of civilisation - coinciding with man’s move from hunting and gathering to farming thousands of years ago - which placed the male as “breadwinner” and “head of the household.

That some of this might now sound quaint, and for some “nostalgic”, is a reflection of the changes that have been wrought in social relations as women began to enter the workforce en masse during and following World War II.

With women now also being “bread winners” it should not be surprising that there would be a reassessment of the roles of “father” and “mother” and inevitably even that of the “family”.

Within that broad movement in world historical development of the unit of society, in the Caribbean we have our own peculiarities passed on as a legacy of slavery. We cannot forget - because the consequences still haunt us - that the slave system broke up the family structure of the slaves brought from Africa.

Those families that were constituted and survived against all odds could however be broken up at will by the slave owners, leaving the mothers to be the guardians of the family.

Edith Clark’s 1957 book, “My mother who fathered me”, detailing the impact of absent fathers in the Caribbean family summarised that reality which has not been substantially changed in the present. But that does not mean that ALL Caribbean families have absent or negligent fathers.

Even in the 1950s that percentage was around 30 per cent for Black families and was much less in Indian families, brought in as indentured servants. Since then the figures have grown in the latter group while remaining stable in the former.

Unlike the stereotype, one study showed that in fact “men identified strongly with their father role and contributed more to parenting than they are generally credited with. Involvement in fathering was part of a developmental process for men and there were strong gender-differentiated socialization patterns for boys and girls. Most pertinently ‘outside’ children suffered if men were in a domestic union with new children.”

The point is that the positive role of fathers within the changing definition of the gems must be given more prominence. In the Caribbean, because of the historical structural fathers many fathers did not have the opportunity to even play the “breadwinner’s” role.

Yet the study cited above found that “fathers are more satisfied in their father role when they are able to provide financially for their families (54 per cent)”; “being there for their children” was also very important to their satisfaction as fathers.

Fewer feel satisfaction in their task to instill values, and on average only 16 per cent were satisfied that they had “been responsible” fathers.

“When fathers gave reasons for dissatisfaction with their father role performance, financial problems topped the list (70.3 per cent in the poorest community, less for the other two groups); other major reasons for dissatisfaction were unhappiness that their children did not live with them, or wishing they could spend more time with their children.”

On this Father’s Day it is incumbent for the new government to continue with the success of the previous administration to create jobs for fathers and not to create a dependency syndrome by giving handouts.

To do so would to further emasculate Guyanese fathers. But this effort must be in tandem with the empowerment of women in the creation of a caring post-modern family.

Happy Fathers Day!

The fight against hunger and malnutrition

Dear Editor,

Recently, the new Minister of Agriculture represented Guyana in Rome as Guyana was awarded a special recognition price for our country’s success in fighting against hunger and malnutrition.

In terms of halving the proportion of people who live in poverty and who go hungry on a daily basis, Guyana was one of the countries that achieved this MDG.

But Guyana also achieved a more ambitious goal of ensuring that our children have good nutrition and that less than 10 per centof our children suffer from under-nutrition, a goal established by the World Food Programme in 1996, Guyana was only one of a handful of countries that achieved this target.

In 1990, depending on

whose statistics you want to accept, Guyana’s poverty rates were estimated to be at the low end 67 per cent and at the high end 88 per cent. People genuinely starved in our country then. At the time, more than 20 per cent of our children suffered from undernutrition with almost 15 per cent suffering from severe malnutrition.

Today, poverty rates are below 20 per cent, hunger has been almost ended and severe under-nutrition is under five per cent. These are major success stories since 1990.

The acknowledgement by the FAO and the award that Guyana received are strong indicators of the social development that Guyana has experienced since 1990.

We are proud of this achievement. It resulted from hard work by many people.

Clearly, the PPP/C government must be commended for the difficult task, but the successful guiding of Guyana in its economic and social development.

The country had its economy grown by more than 1,000 per cent, from a GDP of less than US$300M in 1992 to more than $3.2B by the end of 2014. The GDP of Guyana grew in 19 of the 23 years the PPP/C was in Government.

The superb management of Guyana’s ugly debt situation in 1992 when the country’s debt was over 900 per cent of its GDP, one of the worst in the world to a situation where the debt ratio at the end of 2014 stood at less than 60 per cent is part of the success story that has enabled Guyana to achieve these remarkable progress in addressing poverty, hunger and malnutrition.

Moving from utilizing 94 per cent of revenues to service debt in 1992 to now using less than six per cent, allows Guyana to utilize its revenues for real social and economic progress of our people.

In addition, wages and salaries increased by more than 1,000 per cent and pension and other social safety nets, such as school feeding programs, enabled Guyana to dramatically reduced hunger and poverty.

Various nutrition support programs, such as voucher program for mothers with young children, the sprinkles micro-nutrient programs and other helped to considerably improved nutrition among our children, women of reproductive ages and people in general.

continued on page 5

Bonita Harris must be applauded for defending Swami Aksharnanda

Dear Editor, This letter was a response to Bonita Harris in another publication, but it was not published.

I applaud Bonita for mustering the courage, unlike colleagues in the WPA or friends in APNU/AFC, to pen a profound and enlightening testimonial on behalf of Swami Aksharnanda.

She praised the integrity, honesty, hard work, achievement and non-racial character of Swami.

I remember Bonita from my involvement in the freedom struggle in Guyana during the 1970s and during the 1980s when I used to visit Rodney House during my holidays as a teacher in New York.

I think it was Ravi Dev who introduced me to her when we visited the WPA office for political exchanges. Bonita was among a few

women in the forefront (of the WPA) in the movement for free and fair elections.

She was a non-racialist, and she was very forthcoming and courageous in supporting movement against oppression. She (along with Walter Rodney, Eusi Kwayana, Omowale, etc) backed our student struggle on the Corentyne against victimization for standing up to injustice.

She is worthy of accolades and it is most unfortunate that she was never recognized for her contribution to the freedom struggle. Bonita Harris should have been recognized for her decades of political activism and contribution to society.

Let me note that before he became a Swami, Dr Odaipal Singh was in the front line in the growth and development of the WPA.

I presume that is how

his association with Bonita began, as it was also with Kwayana, Dr Walter Rodney, Karen Desouza, Clive Thomas, Maurice Odle, Tacuma Ogunseye, and other stalwarts of the party.

Swami organized WPA meetings where Rodney and Kwayana spoke. Swami was targeted for physical abuse by the leadership of the PNC, a few of them are still alive. Many times, Swami was physically assaulted by thugs organized by the PNC and House of Israel.

Bonita, like Swami, is among a few who has consistently taken a “non-racial” position on issues and who has spoken her true mind in the struggle for political and racial fairness and justice.

Not surprisingly, Swami had developed an affinity towards Bonita for over 40 years when they were colleagues in the WPA opposing

the then dictatorship and being rewarded with victimized and physical brutality.

Although Bonita played a seminal role in the struggle for the restoration of democracy in Guyana, her contributions, as indeed those of several other prominent warriors, were never recognized by the PPPC which became a beneficiary of the struggle of Bonita, Kwayana, David Hinds, Nigel Westmaas, Ogunseye, myself and several others not affiliated with the party.

I take this opportunity to publicly thank Bonita (and others from WPA and CLAC) for the moral support rendered during the 1976 and 1977 student strikes (of which I was a student leader at Corentyne High School) on the Corentyne in response to violation of basic civil rights by the Forbes Burnham dictatorship.

Yoga enthusiasts have been practising months ahead of time for International Yoga Day 2015 in the Indian capital, Delhi (BBC News)

You can send your letters with pictures to: Guyana Times, 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown, Guyana or letters@guyanatimesgy.com

Guyana is steeped in fear

Dear Editor,

Prior to the May 11 farce, people who beat, burn, loot and shoot other people were given names of endearment. Some of the titles used to cover their vile and satanic acts were “the boys cannot get jobs” or “the people are angry,” among other names I cannot now remember.

One of the names of endearment that stands out above the rest was “freedom fighter”.

Those goals and objectives of that party when in opposition was to make life unbearable for the PPP/C and its members.

Their duty was to create fear and instability so that persons would be coerced into voting them into office and for them to take over; gun toting “freedom fighters’ were everywhere.

Even persons at our university - persons who should know better - were into that name zone, they called themselves “the revo-

lutionaries” when the strike was on there.

Up until recent times they were in “revolutionary readiness” willing and able to catapult the Ramotar administration out of power. This writer is on record that these vile statements would come back to haunt them and sure it did.

Persons of a particular ethnicity became automatic targets, as their existence in the business world became precarious. Once you were named (race) and a businessman you were under their radar - in your home, on the street, at or just coming from the bank - and the list goes on. Nowhere was safe for that group of persons. Now that the revolution has been achieved and there is no PPP/C Government to root out of office one would have thought that “the revolution” was over. But this is only a waste of thought, because those boys have

to live they have a right to earn a living, and that right entails earning a living the way they know best.

So, the guns and ammunition that they were given are still in active use. The present spate of gun related crimes and armed robberies still haunts us. Murders of the kind I have mentioned above are at an all time high.

Hardly a day passes and you are not inundated by another shooting and robbery incident. Our country is gripped with fear. This is an unnerving development. Try telling Jason Cort’s family members that this is just an isolated incident. I want you to convince them of that.

Guyanese must wake up to the fact that power hungry persons would say and use base methods to achieve their goals. What we see unfolding right before our very eyes is proof of that.

Neil Adams

Fathers are the foundation of the family

Dear Editor, Sonora Dodd, of Washington first had the idea of “Fathers’ Day”. She thought of the idea of Fathers’ Day while listening to a Mother’s Day sermon in 1909. President Calvin Coolidge,in 1924 supported the idea of a National Fathers’ Day.

Then in 1966, President Lyndon Johnson signed a presidential proclamation declaring the third Sunday of June as Fathers’ Day. President Richard Nixon signed the law which finally made it permanent in 1972.

Father’s Day has been a very old tradition since the beginning of time. About 4000 years ago a young boy named Elmusu wished his Babylonian father good health and long life by carving a father’s day message on a card made out of clay.

No one knows what happened to Elmusu or his father, but the tradition of having a special day honoring fathers has continued through the years in countries across the world. The fifth commandment in the Bible is: Honor thy Father

and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee’’ (Exodus 20:12).

The word father in the Hebrew is “abba”, meaning father, along with the following definitions in Hebrew for father: “source, sustainer, nourisher, supporter, foundation of that which comes out”.

From this Hebrew definition we can surely say that the Father is the source and foundation of the family. The family is something very sacred before the eyes of God and must not be taken for granted as many do today in live home and common law relationships.

We cannot separate the father from the mother or separate the husband from the wife. Marriage is a very sacred institution ordained by God since the beginning of time. God created marriage to be an expression of Himself.

When God created marriage, he created it absolutely perfect. Man failed God because of sin. Man is really and truly the spiritual foundation of the family. The first

man created by God Adam was fathered and mentored by God himself.

When Adam disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden, God came down in the Garden and called for Adam not the woman Eve. That was because God gave instructions to Adam and not his wife Eve.

Because of the sin of disobedience since the beginning of time man died spiritually, physically and eternally. Adam died spiritually because he was expelled from the presence of God, he died physically because of disobedience to God, and he died eternally by being separated from God eternally.

Today, we have seen a great moral breakdown in the home and family. We have seen domestic violence caused by so many drunken and immoral fathers. We have seen family separation where husbands and wives are going their separate ways.

Divorce and more divorce every day. Child abuse by parents, poverty and separation of children from parents.

The fight against hunger...

The APNU+AFC did not hesitate in going to Rome to receive the prestigious award. They did the right thing because all of Guyana should be proud of this achievement. We have overcome much to get to this stage. From an almost impossible situation in 1990, Guyana climbed out of the misery to reach a stage of one of not so many developing countries that have succeeded in reducing hunger and poverty and improving the nutritional status of our people.

The international award from FAO testifies to a country that has made considerable progress in the last twenty years. The challenge is now for the new government to sustain this trajectory of progress. There are other food and nutrition security challenges that are emerging. We hope that the APNU+AFC government will pay attention. They seem more comfortable making awkward charges and allegations. They seem more inclined to look for ghosts, rather than

The modern father

Dear Editor

In a decade from now, what will happen to the father? The traditional image of the father is one of lawgiver, moral arbiter, disciplinarian and boss and the controller of the home.

As the world changes from the different cycles, the role of the father and mother is diminishing, society is changing.

Today in America and the world over, people are taken care by the Country and the State. Forty-three per cent of American children are living without their father and 90 per cent of homeless and runway children are from fatherless homes.

Seventy-one per cent of pregnant teenagers lack a father. All these mothers and mothers to be are given full support for their children and babies from the State. I can go on and on.

More fathers than ever are participating in their children’s nurturing and upbringing, which is not a trend, but a permanent or natural shift in life. Fathers in the past have been expected to work and provide

financial support for their families.

More recently, many men are choosing to share in child rearing and participating in the running of the household.

A father alone cannot give to that child the cultural aspect of life, he must have the mother’s help.

Culture is the powerful human tool for the survival of a family, although, it can be easily change if not properly administered.

This can only be done by both the mother and father.

A mother and a father is the foundation of a child’s morals and values by their rules and regulations that build the family’s culture.

As time changes, today, the modern woman values her independence more than her family life. This changes the foundation of the family. Man’s happiness really lies in keeping his woman companion happy, so said Mahatma Gandhi.

Even in the Vedic age, women were neither neglected nor looked down upon. They were educated and they had high intellec-

tual attainment.

In modern times, however, things have changed. Women have adapted themselves marvelously to the new conditions.

Today, the traditional mothers have taken it upon themselves to help in supplementing their family by going out to work and doing small business. But this could be detrimental to the family values, when mother and father take their children to be cared for by someone else.

This definitely causes changes in everything in the family’s development, which changes the role of the father and mother. In certain circumstances, the mother is required to go out and work.

In today’s world, women are involved in highly skilled businesses, management and other professional positions. But remember, only a father and a mother, can be the parents of their child.

Happy father’s day to all fathers.

S N Singh Florida, USA

Bonita Harris must be applauded...

She, like her colleague, Karen DeSouza, who was also supportive of struggles against injustice, deserves accolades for her courage, in spite of intimidation and violence, to stand up to what came to be known as “Burnhamism”.

I remember Cheddi Jagan standing up in front of a BWIA aircraft around 1980 preventing it from taking off when Burnham had Karen DeSouza ejected from the aircraft as both were going to Grenada for an anniversary celebration of the New Jewel Movement in Grenada.

Burnham relented and DeSouza reboarded for the trip thanks to Jagan’s intervention.

The Corentyne strikes were undertaken to enforce our right to form religious and student organizations after our teacher mentors were victimized (for supporting the students’ rights) at the Corentyne High School where I was elected as head of the student organization.

trying to keep Guyana firmly on the trajectory of development that has seen our country moved from a bankrupt, least developing, highly indebted country to now a middle income country.

The PPP/C stands proud of these achievements. In spite of the shameless posture of APNU+AFC that the PPP/C has done nothing for Guyana, the evidence speaks louder and the evidence says that APNU+AFC is guilty of shamelessly lying to the people of Guyana.

Dr Leslie Ramsammy

This led to a student boycott of classes at CHS and spread throughout the Corentyne, expanding to West Berbice and Georgetown. I do not recollect all those who came to the Corentyne to support our student (and teachers’) strikes that lasted for some two months.

I remember Dr Rodney came with a huge contingent of activists from Georgetown that included Kwayana and Father Malcolm Rodrigues, both of whom, along with our lead teacher Dr Chaitram Singh and father Chirah, spoke at cottage meetings

and a massive rally in Miss Phoebe in February 1977.

While I cannot affirm if Bonita or Karen Desouza were with the contingent, I do remember several women from Georgetown walked the picket line with us. I was told that Bonita, DeSouza, Omowale, Maurice Odle, Rupert Roopnarain, etc from the CLAC did support our student strike and came to the Corentyne to offer support.

I have not seen Bonita in recent times, not since her husband was murdered, though I recall bouncing up with her in Georgetown at several public events. I do wish her good health and hope she becomes active again in furthering the goal of a non-racial society that she started with Walter Rodney, Swami and others.

I do vividly remember lengthy conversation we started at JFK airport and continued on a flight that evening to Guyana sometime close to the 2006 election campaign. I faintly recall WPA New York based activist Lincoln Van Sluytman was also at the airport and on the flight.

Then AFC Leader Rafael Trotman, returning from a visit to Washington, was also at JFK and on the flight to Guyana. Bonita, Rafael and me conversed quite a lot about Guyana’s politics. Rafael talked about the findings of a (second) poll he said (he had in his possession in a folder) that was conducted by Dick Morris and another Republican pollster.

Bonita was a battle hardened political warrior with one of the toughest politi-

from page 4

cal personalities and not one to easily cave in to political pressure. Fighting and surviving Burnhamism on the political front was no easy achievement as Rodney, Omowale and Dr Rupert Roopnarain learnt. She better understood Guyana’s electoral politics than most others because she lived through it. Bonita went through election campaigns in 1985 and 1992. She worked side by side with Rodney, Swami and others in the WPA and faced brutality.

She knew people voted on emotions and that it would not change easily. It was refreshing to read Bonita’s piece about the Swami and his total commitment to humanity, his work to help uplift depressed lives and those facing social issues and educate the young.

Others from the now defunct WPA (such as Kwayana, Desouza, Westmaas, Clive Thomas, Hinds, Ogunseye, etc) with whom Swami struggled against the PNC dictatorship during the 1970s and 1980s should join Bonita in condemning those misguided Black nationalist youngsters who engaged in the vitriolic racially abusive attacks on the swami at Vreen-en-Hoop Stelling several days after the new government was sworn in.

Their public condemnation of racism and racial attacks can help to bring racial healing as well as end racial animosity that is still on the surface more than a month after the racially divisive election campaign.

Vishnu Bisram

Page Foundation

Anu Dev

Today is Fathers’ Day, the day set aside to celebrate all of the fatherly figures in our lives. Kids all over the world will try to do whatever they can to make their fathers feel special.

Our Dads play a huge part in shaping the type of persons we eventually become. Apparently my brother and I used to want to drink tea just like our Dad and read the newspapers. Never mind we were so little, we'd hold the papers upside down. We were still ‘reading’.

Dad used to read stories to us every night before bed, even "doing" all of the funny voices for the different characters. So it’s no wonder that my brother and I grew up with a love of reading.

“My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person, he believed in me” – Jim Valvano

plain the concept to me in a way that I’d be able to understand. Even now in Med School I still ask Dad my questions whether over Skype or during the holidays.

For kids our Dad become a Superman-type figure who works, knows everything about anything, can fix our toys when they’re broken, fetch us off to bed when as toddlers we’d fall asleep on the couch and give us advice from experience at every step of our life.

But it shouldn’t take Father’s Day to remind you of how important your father is. Showing your dad that you care should be something that you do every day. It should come to you as naturally as breathing or as eating (after all, in many families, the father is the sole bread-winner of the family and is the

reason that you actually have something to eat in the first place).

So yes, of course you have to do something special for your dad today. But please don’t just post your gift in the mail, or make a quick phone call or send an e-mail to your father – that’s downright lazy! Take the gift in person, say “Happy Father’s Day” in person.

Or better yet, cook a special meal for your dad or just spend some quality time catching up with him. Today, we'll do that our Dad and then take him to the movies. He's a movie buff. And even though we suspect we're more enthusiastic about Jurrasic World more than him... because he's our Dad we know he'll enjoy it!

Happy Fathers’ Day!

Most persons know today as being Father’s Day. But today is also another very special day, i.e it being International Day of Yoga.

With that in mind, we expect to see a very large turnout at Everest Cricket Ground

from 10 Am. Fathers, bring the family out along with those yoga mats and lets have the best time bonding while stretching those muscles.

Hindus for Selfless Service save the most versatile yoga posture for last; Surya Namaskarwhich is also known as Sun Salutation is a combination of various yoga postures. Surya Namaskar is said to have benefits on body, mind and intellect.

ered as a complete workout because almost all muscles in the body gets worked out and switched to active mode.

In fact, it is believed that all muscles remain charged throughout the day and helps keep the body and

little bit. The two hands, two feet, two knees, chest and chin (eight parts of the body touch the floor).

7. Slide forward and raise the chest up into the Cobra posture. You may keep your elbows bent in

mind active throughout.

Steps:

If Surya Namaskar is practiced daily, it gives us physical and mental wellness along with sharp brain. This yogic asana is consid-

1. Stand at the edge of your mat, keep your feet together and balance your weight equally on both the feet. Expand your chest and relax your shoulders. As you breathe in, lift both arms up from the sides and as you exhale, bring your palms together in front of the chest in prayer position.

2. Breathing in, lift the arms up and back, keeping the biceps close to the ears. In this pose, the effort is to stretch the whole body up from the heels to the tips of the fingers

3. Breathing out, bend forward from the waist, keeping the spine erect. As you exhale completely, bring the hands down to the floor, beside the feet.

4. Breathing in, push your right leg back, as far back as possible. Bring the right knee to the floor and look up.

5. As you hold your breath, take the left leg back and bring the whole body in a straight line.

6. Gently bring your knees down to the floor and exhale. Take the hips back slightly, slide forward, rest your chest and chin on the floor. Raise your posterior a

this pose, the shoulders away from the ears. Look up.

8. Breathing out, lift the hips and the tail bone up, chest downwards in an 'inverted V' (/\) posture.

Throughout my schoollife whenever I had questions I’d ask Dad and invariably he’d have the answer and was able to exInternational Day for Yoga, June 21...

9. Breathing in, bring the right foot forward in between the two hands, left knee down to the floor, press the hips down and look up.

10. Breathing out, bring the left foot forward. Keep the palms on the floor. You may bend the knees, if necessary.

11. Breathing in, roll the spine up, hands go up and bend backwards a little bit, pushing the hips slightly outward.

12. Release and go back to the starting position.

HSS is expecting to see you at Everest Cricket Ground today. Come let’s do Yoga. Let’s get fit and eat health.

It was our pleasure doing these press releases over the past few weeks and we appreciate all the feedbacks from our readers and hope you continue to give us your support.

Don’t forget to like our Facebook Page-Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh Guyana or send us an email at kseenanan@yahoo.com.

Final sitting of Rodney CoI likely for July month-end

The final session of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the death of Guyanese historian and political leader, Dr Walter Rodney, is likely to be held in the latter part of July, depending of the availability of the Commissioners and the lawyers.

This was announced by Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams on Friday. Williams told reporters that the Commissioners and the lawyers, as well as the CoI’s secretariat will have to consult with each other to determine the date. He added that they will have to be given at least three weeks to a month’s notice before the commencement of the final sitting.

The Legal Affairs Minister explained that the last session will not be more than five days – two days will be for hearing of submissions and the remaining three days will be used to do administrative works, that is, for the Commissioners to put together all the evidence and all those witnesses’ statements together.

Williams further de -

paid journalist subsequently issued a statement saying that he was contracted by the then People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government to write a book on the proceedings of the inquiry.

In addition, the Minister also disclosed that thus far, the salaries for the threemember Commission that is carrying out the investigation amounted to $150 million.

made by Rodney’s widow, Patricia, and their three children. However, the People’s National Congress (PNC), the major player in the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) coalition, had maintained that the move was a political stunt taken to tarnish the reputation of the political unit.

Police investigating reports of fraud at Public Service Ministry

tailed that the final session is expected to rake up approximately $17 million.

Earlier this month, the Attorney General disclosed that that the CoI has so far exhausted some $325 million. That sum includes $16.8 million (US$80,300) that was paid to a journalist attached to a state-owned print media entity, who received a monthly fee of US$7300 to write on the proceedings of the Commission. The multimillion-dollar

The Commission, including its Chairman, Barbadian Queen’s Counsel Sir Richard Cheltenham; Jamaican Queen’s Counsel Jacqueline SamuelsBrown and Trinidad-based Guyanese Senior Counsel Seenath Jairam, was set up in February of 2014, by then Head of State, President Donald Ramotar to investigate who or what was responsible for the massive bomb blast that caused the instant death of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) Co-founder on the evening of June 13, 1980.

At that time, Ramotar had said that the establishment of the inquiry was due to a persistent request

Williams had previously told reporters “we had from the outset, complained about the manner in which this Commission was set up and we recognised that it was really largely for political purposes and a witchhunt. Obviously that failed because the Guyanese people turned out in their numbers and can vote.”

The Rodney CoI, which had initially received a $112 million allocation from Parliament, was originally expected to last for some three months.

However, after its first sitting came to an end, it was further extended for month duration in June. Since then, it has had several extensions and up until its last sitting in March of this year had not yet come to any conclusion.

Man granted $140,000 bail for illegal possession of ammo

Aman was on Thursday granted bail in the sum of $140,000 when he appeared before Magistrate Sherdel IsaacsMarcus in a New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court. Rawl Briggs, 42 of Lamaha Springs, Georgetown and Ithaca, West Coast Berbice, is accused of having in his possession 11 rounds ammunition of 0.22 calibre without being the holder of a fire arm license. He is also charged with resisting arrest and assaulting a Police Officer in the execution of his duty. Briggs pleaded not guilty to two counts of possession of cannabis.

Police Prosecutor Sergeant Phillip Sheriff told the court that on June 16, while on duty, a party of Police Officers went into Rainbow Generation Bar at Republic Road, New Amsterdam, Berbice, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) to ask the owner to turn down the music. He stated that while in the bar, the accused was seated in a corner and had a bag in his hand, which he threw on the ground.

It was picked up by an officer and found to contain seeds, leaves and stems of what appeared to be Cannabis. Sherriff said the

accused was told on the offence, but walked out of the bar and, in the process, assaulted Constable Emanuel Davison.

According to the Prosecutor, the Police followed Briggs to Pope Street, New Amsterdam, where he was arrested. Ammunition and more suspected cannabis were found on his person. Briggs was charged for having 5 grams of cannabis at Pope Street and another charge for having 2 grams of cannabis at Republic Road. He was released on $10,000 bail on each of those charges.

A similar amount for bail was also granted for resist-

ing arrest and assaulting a Police Officer charges.

In addition, Magistrate Isaacs-Marcus awarded Briggs $100,000 bail on the possession of ammunition charge. He will have to return to court on July 2.

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum on Saturday confirmed that the Guyana Police Force has initiated an investigation into reports of fraud at the Public Service Ministry, which was headed by Dr Jennifer Westford.

Reports indicate that the former Public Service Minister, her spouse and two senior officials from the Ministry have state assets being transferred to their names.

President David Granger had disclosed that his Government is in possession of evidence that shows several state vehicles being transferred to the former Minister and her spouse, who is a serving member of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).

The “evidence” also points to two senior officials from within the Ministry who are connected in the transfer of state assets.

When contacted by Guyana Times, Westford

hung up the phone after the reporter identified herself and the company trying to make contact with her.

Former President Donald Ramotar, when contacted, indicated that he is yet to make contact with the former Minister and preferred not to comment on the situation until he does so.

Minister of State Joseph Harmon had noted that irregularities were recognised on documents from the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) which indicated that vehicles were being transferred to the four persons.

Reports indicate that there are seven vehicles of high-end brands that form part of the investigation. The Crime Chief told this publication that several persons are being questioned and assisting with the investigations.

Permanent Secretary Hydar Ali brought the issue to the attention of the Minister of State who then launched an immediate investigation.

Legal Affairs Minister and Attorney General Basil Williams

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum

Permanent Secretary within the Public Service Ministry Hydar Ali

RHTY&SC to launch massive anti-drug/ anti-suicide campaign in Berbice

The Rosehall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC), in collaboration with Edward B Beharry Group of Companies, will be launching a massive Antidrug/Anti-suicide Campaign on June 26 in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne).

Berbice has, over the years, developed a reputation of being the “suicide region” in Guyana, owed to the prevalence of suicide cases recorded in the area. Statistics show that some 52 per cent of all suicide cases in Guyana occur in Berbice, where two of every three persons who commit suicide are young people (below age of 35).

Also in Region Six, 114 cases of attempted suicide were reported at the New Amsterdam Hospital in 2013 – 62 being females and 52 males. Of the total 114 persons, 10 died.

Berbice also has a high record of school dropouts, where, young men in particular, turn to the usage of drugs and alcohol, which can then escalate into instances of abuse in relationships. As such, this campaign is a part of the RHTY&SC’s effort to make sure young people stay in school, attain a sound secondary school education and develop a sense of self pride to

RHTY&SC Secretary/ CEO Hilbert Foster

want to strive for betterment.

The campaign is aimed to target some 25,000 young people from all the secondary and primary schools in the region. The launch of the campaign will begin with a march from Hampshire Village to Rose Hall Town, where participants will then assemble for a rally at the St Francis Community Developers Centre.

RHTY&SC Secretary/ Chief Executive Officer Hilbert Foster said that the Education Minister Dr Rupert Roopnaraine and Chief Education Officer Olato Sam have been invited to deliver feature addresses at the rally. Each participating school will receive a ‘Say No

to Drugs’ 5” x 3” banner, posters for each classroom and 12 youth information booklets which would be used by the schools to educate students on over 26 topics relevant to them. Some of these topics include suicide, drug abuse, classroom manners, personal hygiene, peer pressure, importance of discipline and importance of sports.

It is the hope of the club that teachers get onboard this initiative and incorporate these topics into the everyday teaching sessions. When school reopens in September, the club plans to host a series of sporting events so as to get young people otherwise engaged in healthy activities that will enhance themselves and boost their self-esteem.

In addition, there will also be a series of educational forums where positive role models will be invited to give lectures to students. The RHTY&SC is currently rated as one of the best-run clubs in Guyana, winning the national Club-Of-The-Year award in 2004, 2005, 2009 and 2010.

Meanwhile, earlier this year, the Berbice Regional Health Authority (BRHA) announced a 10-point plan to address the issue of suicide, not only in Berbice, but the entire nation. The BRHA said some features of the plan will

include training 25 persons including health personnel, teachers, Police Officers and religious leaders.

It is also the hope of the authority that, in the long run, there will be at least five trained persons in every school to detect students with suicidal tendencies. The establishment of an AntiSuicide Unit is also on the table. The unit will be responsible for conducting regular check-ups on persons who have previously attempted suicide.

The World Health Organisation rates Guyana’s suicide incidence as four times higher than the global average. The country is ranked fourth in suicides per capita worldwide, which is the highest rate among South American and Caribbean nations. About 40 per cent of people who commit suicide in Guyana poison themselves by consuming agricultural pesticides.

Meanwhile, the Pan-American Health Organisation estimates that, in Guyana, roughly 142,000 to 179,500 individuals are in need of mental health services. However, there are less than five full-time psychiatrists in the country and less than 300 beds in the National Psychiatric Hospital.

GPHC lab technician killed in ECD accident

Alab technician attached to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) was, on Saturday

morning, killed while another is in critical condition after the motorcycle they were driving crashed into a car along the La Bonne

Intention Public Road on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD).

The dead man has been identified as Beau Allison, 27 of Lot 49 Louisa Row, Georgetown. The injured man, 25-year-old Akeem Constancelly, is said to be

in a critical state at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

According to information received, the two men were on their way home from an East Coast village when Allison lost control of the motorcycle and slammed into a motor vehicle. Constancelly was the pillion rider.

Both men sustained severe injuries and were rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where Allison was pronounced dead on arrival and the other was admitted. The driver of the motor vehicle was reportedly taken into Police custody at the Beterverwagting Police Station, where he is assisting with investigations.

At the home of the dead man on Saturday morning, his mother, Joan Allison, was surrounded by member of her church and family.

continued on page 9

Eyew tness

Spiting faces...

...to play politics

Remember the old folk wisdom about people “cutting their noses to spite their faces”? In Guyana, it doesn’t just happen at the personal level. Politics is so deeply imbedded in our peoples’ psyche that it happens at every social level - street, village, city and nation. Take the case of our once fair, “Garden City”.

With the installation of the new government - riding into power on the strength of its support in Region Four, especially the city - Georgetown was spontaneously given a makeover.

It might even be an “extreme makeover”. Hamilton Greene had been Mayor of Georgetown for over 20 years during which he allowed the capital city to fall into an extreme state of decrepitude.

The excuse offered by the Mayor was that the City was being starved of funds by the Central Government. In addition to the Town Clerk, the de facto “REO” of the city, “persecuting” the Chief Citizen for absolutely no reason!

Not a “man Jack” questioned this claim - never mind taxes were being collected (even as some were given free passes) and blatant acts of corruption and squander mania by City Hall were legion.

The Mayor was surprisingly awarded the second highest award in the land - the Order of Roraima (OR) by the new President. It wasn’t mentioned whether the honour was meant to reward his stewardship of the City or his sterling contribution to the politics of Guyana.

Then the President announced he was moving the traditional raising of the Golden Arrowhead from the National Park to the Independence Arch, a stone’s throw from the Monument to the 1763 Rebellion. Pure serendipity.

There was a “spontaneous” outpouring of goodwill by the residents and businesses of the city to spruce up the Independence Arch and this spilled over to sprucing the entire city. All done by the same good burghers who were willing to live in the filth for the past two decades!

There were smiles on everyone’s face as they wallowed in the muck. The activity even appeared to create in the two constituencies a competitive spirit as to which group could do more to bring back the city to its old glory.

It all came to naught, of course, as Mother Nature decided to expose the hypocrisy of folks who’d put politics over their own health - not to mention aesthetics.

The June rains came with a vengeance again and again - as the city was flooded, bringing to the surface all the flotsam and jetsam that might have been secreted in blocked culverts and drains. But the bile of political bitterness remains.

Let’s see who they’ll elect as Mayor at the LGE.

...on hospitals

There can be no other reason for torpedoing the Speciality Hospital than spiting Guyana’s face by cutting what could’ve been the “face” of our health care system.

And the spite’s generated from an unwillingness to admit that the PPPC might’ve had some good ideas for developing the country. In the narrative of the present government, no good thought, much less idea, can originate from Freedom House.

But what caught this Eyewitness by surprise, was the intervention of the US local country representative into what’s essentially a local version of the “Hatfields versus the Mc Coys” saga. A blood feud.

And what was even more startling was that the hospital was being funded by another government - in this case the Indian Government.

Isn’t there more than a bit of chutzpah in the US telling Guyana how to spend money being given on preferential terms by India?

Then again, it might just be another signal of the new prevailing winds, no?

...on the Pres new clothes

Seems there a news blackout over the President’s US trip. He’s sick? No! He had problems about who purchased his tickets? No! He might’ve gone to buy some clothes. Really? Brooks Bros now makes black shirtjacks?

Beau Allison

Albouystown, Alexander Village floods

Poor clean-up practices, squatters blamed for flooding

By AhreefA BAcchus

Residents of the flood affected areas of the city have placed some blame on village squatters and the poor efforts of persons involved in the cleanup campaign for the increased flooding they are now facing.

Some residents of Albouystown have attributed the recent flooding in the area to poor practices by those persons who were involved in the cleanup campaign that was recently undertaken in the city. Speaking to the Guyana Times, several persons stated that the area is usually flooded however, on Friday, the water had risen far higher than it has in the past. This, they say, was as a result of the build up of mud in several drainage channels surrounding the area, caused by the negligence of the Government, residents, and other parties involved, to make the effort to clean the area.

“When the rain falls, this whole place does flood out but this time it far worse than the other floods we had. Since the big clean up they had around the city, this thing start. When the man dredge the drainers and canals…they just pack the mud up at some points in the trenches so the mud build up block the water from flowing off and the place flood out. And then at other points the water flowing in from other areas,” one distressed resident told Guyana Times. The road-

ways in the area were completely submerged by the water flowing out of the trenches and drainage channels. Occupants of the area were forced to place their home furnishings on higher ground, and take all precautions to avoid contact with the murky water.

Meanwhile over at Alexander Village, the residents are perturbed by the Government’s lack of interest in their well being. A resident of the village, Desiree

Government, but have refused to relocate. As such, she is calling on the relevant authority to have them removed. The woman also pointed out that, due to the water, their homes become infested with pests, which is a hazard to their health.

Another resident of the area, who identified himself as Mark (only name given), took the Guyana Times to what is supposed to be the main drainage channels. The drain was overgrown by

Persaud, stated that she has resided in the area for over 40 years and is constantly plagued by floods. She informed this publication that the Government’s reserve, intended for the construction of a proper drainage channel, is being occupied by squatters. This, she stated, has resulted in the water flow being obstructed, which causes the area to be submerged. She also revealed that the majority of the illegal occupants have received house lots from the

weeds and shrubs, while the mud build up made it possible to walk across the trench effortlessly. He stated that maintenance has never been done on the trench.

“There may be difficulties to get a hymac at the back there, but it is not impossible,” the young man stated.

“We would really appreciate it if the Government could dig the back trench, ‘cause if they do that it would relieve all of the water from the village when the rain falls,” he pleaded.

GPHC lab technician killed...

She told the Guyana Times that she was at home when she received a telephone call from her now dead son’s girlfriend informing her to visit the hospital. When she arrived at the hospital, she saw her son’s bloody body on a bed. It was reported by hospital sources that her son died as a result of head injuries.

The mother told this publication that after her son attended parties, he would be the last to reach home since he would first drop off his friends. She was not sure where the pillion rider lives.

The distressed woman added that she last saw her son at about 21:30h on the Friday, when he left home on his motorcycle to attend a “hang” with his friend. She recalled him putting his two children, ages five and two, to sleep before he left. In tears, she noted that her children were brought up to be responsible adults and was not sure the details of the accident. “I don’t normally find out from them where they are going in the nights, they are big people,” she stated. She described him as a very jovial and “nononsense” person. His colleagues at the GPHC are in a state of shock as they come to grips with

E-Day unrest in Sophia

Stolen articles found, 1 in custody

One unnamed resident of Sophia, Greater Georgetown, was arrested on Friday evening after several articles believed to have been stolen from the home of Narine Kooball during the May 2015 Election night’s unrest were found at his residence.

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum told the Guyana Times that the Police conducted a search on the man’s premises where the articles were discovered. The man reportedly claimed that he was keeping them for someone. He was arrested and is at the Turkeyen Police Station where he is assisting with investigations.

To date, at least three persons have been charged for looting and larceny, and have appeared at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court in relation the May 15 Sophia unrest.

They are 27-year-old Clive Baird and 16-yearold Lawrence Harris, both of ‘C’ Field, Sophia, along with 19-year-old Melroy Weekes of ‘D’ Field, Sophia. Baird was charged with two counts of simple larceny, while Harris and Weekes were jointly charged for the

same offence. The three men were arrested by the Police as they were found looting in a home in ‘C’ Field, which was later set alit after persons alleged that ballot boxes were stored there on Election night. A few days after, Lloyd Grant and Orlando Noel were also charges of larceny and attempted felony.

On the evening of May 11, minutes after Guyanese had cast their ballots, residents of ‘C’ Field, Sophia, erupted transforming the community into a virtual warzone over allegations of electoral impropriety by a political activist. In the ensuing battle, five cars, one minibus and a house, along

with a horse stable, were completely destroyed in the inferno.

The horse stable also belonged to the Kooball family. The animals escaped unhurt. The violence targeted People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) member Narine Kooblall.

Only on Monday last did the owners of the house claimed that they have lost over $27 million in damage. They are now appealing to kind hearted persons for assistance towards getting them back on their feet.

The family of ten is still trying to cope with the aftermath of the incident, which has definitely impacted their lives.

– amid attacks on Guyanese returning home Crime Chief to step up preventative measures

There has been a creeping upsurge in the number of incidents where United States (US) based Guyanese are being attacked, robbed or murdered upon their return to Guyana. These incidents, arguably, can be traced back to the laxity in the security system of the country.

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum, during a telephone interview with the Guyana Times, acknowledged that there appears to be a worrying increase in these occurrences.

seas as they were demanding US currency.

In April, there were two reports of US-based Guyanese being robbed. The first was 83-year-old Glendon Cadogon, who was robbed and shot just as the vehicle he was in pulled up at his sister’s home at Lot 10 Shirley FieldRidley Square, Mandela Avenue, Georgetown. Family members believed that the man was followed from the airport.

from page 8

his passing. He has been working at the medical institution for more than 10 years, starting right after completing his secondary school education. His sudden death is indeed a major blow to the department, a Senior Official related. The official extended her sincere condolences to the bereaved family on behalf of the hospital.

Allison’s body is at the Georgetown Public Hospital mortuary awaiting a postmortem examination. He leaves to mourn his mother, two children and two siblings.

Blanhum explained that there are normally Police roadblocks along the East Bank Corridor from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) in Timehri to Georgetown, and Police Officers would usually stop suspicious vehicles, make inquiries and take the necessary action if something seems amiss.

However, considering the progressive increase of these attacks on travellers, not only US-based Guyanese, en route from the airport to their destinations, Blanhum said the Police will definitely have to intensify their work to ensure the country is safer for tourists.

Reports indicate that in most of these incidents, the victims are tailed from the airport. In other instances, victims have alleged that airport security or taxi drivers may have colluded with criminals to plan the attack and

robbery.

Mostly recently, a 56year old woman, Seerajie Shivram was attacked and robbed hours after arriving at the CJIA. She was at the time making her way into her home at Lot 2 Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, when two gunmen pounced up her and her family, carting off with over US$3000, along with her passport, US driver’s licence, US identification card, travelling documents and her asthma medications.

Prior to that, 49-year-old Ramesh Puran had returned home to perform a religious function for his father, when he was robbed and murdered. In this case, two armed bandits rushed into his Corentyne home and robbed him and his family of a quantity of jewellery. It was during this ordeal in which he was killed.

Reports indicate that the perpetrators were aware that the man had returned from over-

The other incident is that of Frank Mangal, who was robbed at gunpoint, at around 04:00h at Success, East Coast Demerara, by a group of men who escaped in a white car. He was relieved of an undisclosed amount of US currency and his travelling documents. There have been concerns from sections of society regarding these attacks and the impact it has on the country’s image and its tourism potential. The recently appointed Crime Chief has vowed to review the crime fighting strategies and make the necessary adjustments with the aim of reducing the crime rate in Guyana.

Blanhum had also noted that the June/July period would normally see an increase in crime because of the abundance of commercial activities taking place. Therefore he is urging individuals to always be aware of their surroundings and try as best to avoid getting into situations that could be of risk to their safety.

An overflowing drain at Albouystown

The overgrown trench at Alexander Village

A property being destroyed on E-Day in Sophia

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum

Duncan Street businessman shot, robbed in broad daylight

By Bhisham mohammed

Less than a day after gunmen executed a brazen daylight robbery on wood exporter Reginald Manbodh, relieving him of $2 million, another businessman was shot during a robbery at his business place on Duncan Street, Campbellville, Georgetown on Saturday morning at about 10:20h.

The injured man, Gordon Nestor, 52 of Lot 32 Duncan Street, Georgetown was shot to his left foot by one of at least three gunmen who invaded the Western Union Outlet that he operates.

According to information received, the businessman was in the office when he heard a commotion and went outside to check on it. As he stepped out of his office, he was confronted by a gunman who held him at gunpoint and demanded money.

When Guyana Times visited the scene on Saturday afternoon, injured Nestor sat on a chair in another section of his business, flanked by several friends and family members, and related the ordeal. He explained that from

all indication, the men that robbed him posed as customers and upon reaching the counter; they pulled out the gun and ordered the cashier to hand over all the monies. The cashier, out of fear, hid behind the counter but one of the men smashed a glass door thus gaining entry into the restricted area.

Upon hearing the commotion, he related that he came out and was greeted with a gun to his face as the young bandit, who was not wearing a mask, requested that he hand over the business’s money. “I told them that we don’t keep money at the office on a Saturday and I even took him to the area where the money is normally kept. Suddenly I heard gunshot and, as I looked down, I saw blood dripping from my left leg,” Nestor stated. Guyana Times understands that the men then carted off with $400,000 and made good their escape in a waiting motor car, though Nestor was reluctant to reveal the amount of money taken. He told this publication that after reviewing the situation, they have found several breaches which will

be corrected as soon as possible. The location where the man operates his business also housed at a barber shop and bar.

The interior of the business place is equipped with surveillance camera but nevertheless, Nestor stated that they will have to source the footage from neighbouring buildings if they were to get any recordings. He stated that this was the first time the business was robbed, but admitted to seeing some strange movement around his business place over the past few days.

He noted that the Police arrived at scene within a jiffy and cordoned off the area as they conducted their investigations. They have since dusted the area for finger prints and taken statements from the injured man, who was treated at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Police, in a release, stated that at about 10:20h on Saturday, two men, one of whom was armed with a handgun, entered an Internet Café and Western Union Outlet at Duncan Street, Georgetown, and held up proprietor Nestor and cashier

Fernandes Ally, 18. They two men, and a third waiting outside of the establishment, took away over $400,000 and escaped in a waiting motor car. The release added that Nestor was shot to his left foot during the incident.

On Friday, Reginald Manbodh, 67 of 464 Kiskadee Drive, South Ruimveldt Gardens was shot to his arms and left foot, after which he was relieved of $2 million by two gunmen.

According to information received, the businessman had just returned home and was in his motor car on his bridge when he was attacked and held at gunpoint by two men, one of whom was armed with a handgun.

The gunman reportedly demanded the elderly man to handover the envelope that contained the money but instead he put up a fight.

The bandits retaliated by discharging three rounds at the man hitting him to his arms and foot before relieving him of the envelope.

The men then made good their escape on a motorcycle. Manbodh remains a patient at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Anna Regina Town Council acquires new mini excavator

The Anna Regina Town Council is expected to do more drainage and irrigation works within the township area in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), now that the Interim Management Committee has acquired a new mini excavator through the council subvention funds.

According to Town Clerk Diane Chritchlow, the council is preparing a full work plan for the machine.

She stated that the machine needs a special slush bucket and a steel grill to

protect the front glass before it is put into operation.

It was noted that the main problem within the municipality is the maintenance of drains and the network system.

Although the drains were cleaned under the previous Government’s cleanup campaign drive, the trenches have gotten back to a state where there are large brushes, weeds and overgrown vegetation in them due to the lack of maintenance.

The council is calling on all Essequibians to keep their surroundings clean.

Information man

Satiricus knew he might not be the brightest bulb in the world. But precisely because he didn’t cast a bright light, he told himself, he could always tell who were the bright lights.

And one of the brightest lights, Satiricus always thought was the Nagga Man. What else could he be, if the great Dreddi Hagan had chosen him as his anointed successor? It was just that those jealous pretenders in Dreddi’s party had cheated him of his inheritance. “But didn’t someone say ‘you can’t keep a good man down’?” wondered Satiricus. And so it was with the Naga Man. Here he was - a heartbeat away from the Presidency. And yet handling it so modestly.

How many men would not insist that a signed agreement which gave him power and dominion over “all domestic affairs” was “no big thing”. This paragon of virtue didn’t want what sounded suspiciously like “dominion over all men”.

Dominion over all animals was one thing, but over men? “Naaah!” said Naga Man.

“And chairing over meetings,” thought Satiricus. “What could be more boring than that?” Satiricus was happy that Naga Man had cleverly sloughed off that to the Commander in Chief.

But what made Satiricus happiest - because he knew it made his hero Naga Man happy - was the announcement that Naga Man was now in charge of “information”.

Back in the day when his dear leader Comrade Dreddi had won the elections against the dastardly Pee an’ See, the great man had called Nagga Man into his study. Alone.

“Comrade Naga,” intoned Dreddi, as he waved his hand to encompass his office. “You know that you will one day inherit all that is mine. But today let me ask you: what is it you want?”

“Most respected Comrade Dreddi,” replied Nagga Man with tears in his eyes. “You know I want nothing but to serve you and sit at your feet.”

“OK...OK...that you can do any time,” replied Dreddi Hagan somewhat sharply. “But what you want now?”

“I’ll take ‘information’ if you don’t mind, Comrade Dreddi,” replied with downcast eyes. “You know how I’m full of information.”

“You’re full of something, all right,” said Dreddi. “But ‘information’ it is.”

“And here it is,” thought Satiricus in amazement, “23 years later, Nagga Man manoeuvred to get the very job he wanted all along. To talk all day long.”

Those who said he was full of hot air or worse were just jealous.

Businessman ignores Magistrate’s order to close enterprise

B y a ndrew C armi C hael

Despite an order by a Berbice Magistrate for a fish glue producing business to cease operations, the business continues to violate of the court order.

On June 10 at the Alboin Magistrate’s Court, Magistrate Robindranauth Singh ordered that Sipram Singh of Lot 5A Managers Compound, Port Mourant, Berbice is prohibited from accumulating fish glue at the said address.

The order was made several months after the Port Mourant Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) took Singh to court.

The NDC had been acting

on complaints by residents of an unbearable stench that community including, an orphanage, has had to endure as a result of the fish glue operations. Public Health Inspector Marvin Dendyal represented the NDC on behalf of the residents.

Residents had in the past raised the issue with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

In September 2013, the EPA pronounced on the issue and, in a letter dated January 14, 2015 to the Port Mourant NDC, said that it had conducted a follow-up inspection at of Lot 5A Managers Compound, Port Mourant regarding odour

nuisance from a fish glue operation.

The EPA found that there was bad odour and had recommended that the business cease operations at its current location.

Fish glue comes from a part of the intestine of certain species of fish and is produced by sunning the intestine for several days.

Meanwhile, the day after the order was made by Magistrate Robindranauth Singh, Singh was seen drying sections of fish intestine in his yard and has continued the operation. Sipram Singh has been operation the business for a number of years at the said location.

The fish glue operation at Sipram Singh’s home after the order was given

The newly acquired mini excavator

Health Minister lauds staff for well-kept Fort Wellington Hospital –

disappointed with Mahaicony

ublic Health Minister

PDr George Norton has committed to ensuring minor improvements to the Fort Wellington Hospital, in terms of general health services and facilities. His commitment came during a recent visit to the hospital at West Coast Berbice, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice).

The Minister also paid a visit to the Mahaicony Hospital, where he expressed disappointment with the state of that facility. After listening to the complaints from the health care providers at the institution and having a firsthand tour of the facility, the Minister said that he was very disappointed to see that employees have to carry out their functions under such awful conditions.

The cleaners at the facility complained about inadequate cleaning products and the lack of protective gears. Meanwhile, the Sterilisation Department’s air conditioning unit is falling to pieces, and the X-ray Department has never had a processor for films since its establishment, thus patients are given the X-ray to dry, sometimes by a fan or in the sunlight.

Patients are also being given food that is bought from a cook shop, because the kitchen has not been functioning since 2006. Addressing the health workers, the Minister said that he “cannot understand why the staff endured the situation...I cannot imagine the male and female washrooms are to-

gether.” He added that “this facility is going backward not forward”, as he pointed out that a few years ago, there was a functioning theatre and today there is not.

Further, the Minister said there is a new Neonatal Unit, but it has no entrance; and to access the unit, one has to make his/her way through the male in-patient ward.

Minister Norton said he wished that the hospital can be run on a Board of Directors, or a committee made up of common people. He committed to visiting the facility more frequently and to ensure that the situation changes. “We will come and visit you more often, because I feel you have been neglected…let us look towards a better situation and work together,” he said.

Minister Norton also commended the staff for their dedication to their job, and for their efforts in continuing to work at the facility despite the conditions.

Fort Wellington

Meanwhile at Fort Wellington, the Minister said the issue of limited water resources is worrisome and one that will soon be addressed.

“The availability of water at this hospital is an issue which needs to be looked at as soon as possible, because this is a factor which is hindering the operations at the hospital,” Minister Norton stated.

He was also disappointed that the hospital’s theatre is

not functional, and he urged the Regional Health Officer (RHO), Dr Gavin Persaud, “to try his best to get the theatre up and running as soon as possible.” This will relieve the burden of having to transfer patients to the Georgetown Public Hospital for surgeries.

Further, the hospital’s Rehabilitation Department is in need of additional equipment to carry out its function more effectively. “While there are facilities here that are in need of more equipment, there are some which need to be used more, such as the Audiology Department,” he pointed out.

Minister Norton also informed the RHO that there is need for a permanent paediatrician at the hospital; one who will provide specialised care to the children in hospital’s catchment area.

The Minister also complimented the staff at the hospital, for promoting cleanliness, and also for utilising most of the services efficiently. Dr Norton mentioned that the institution was one of the best-kept ones that he has seen thus far in his inspections.

The Public Health Minister has also visited health care facilities in Regions Two, Three, Four, Six, Seven and 10, and will be continuing to so in other regions to assess their level of operations and determine what are required to ensure they function at a higher level. (GINA excerpt)

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has indicated its intention to file legal proceedings, challenging the dismissals of several public officials over the past few weeks.

General Secretary of the main Opposition, Clement Rohee, told the Guyana Times that while no definite decision was made, it is something that they will want to consider. “That may very well be the case. We haven’t decided but this may be done,” he stated.

According to the PPP/C General Secretary, before any legal proceedings can be filed they will need to look at certain formalities such as the acquiring the necessary documentations.

Over the past few weeks, the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change Government has laid off several officials in public offices. Only late last week, were three senior officials at the National Communications Network laid off.

Senior Editors Edward Layne and Adele Rampersaud

were sacked on Thursday over allegations that they had misappropriated some $68,000, while General Manager of the company’s Berbice operations, Fazil Jaffarally, was handed his dismissal letter on Friday.

Some of the public officials who were given the boot by the new Government includes: controversial Chief Executive of the Guyana Sugar Corporation Dr Raj Singh, along with all the members of the board excluding Paul Bhim and Errol Hanoman; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour, Human Services and Social Security was relieved of his duties, as well as the National Director of the Community Development Council Philomena SahoyeShury.

Meanwhile, longstanding adviser on local Government, Clinton Collymore, was dismissed from his post by the Ministry of Communities for not turning to work since May 12. Collymore had said, in his defence, that there

was no Minister to advise. In addition, adviser to the Indigenous Affairs Minister, Yvonne Pearson, was also let go.

Claire Singh, the former Executive Office of Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) was removed from office with claims that she was a political appointee. However she was replaced by a Regional Councillor, Carl Parker, who served under the People’s National Congress administration.

About a week ago, Press and Publicity Officer attached to the Office of the President now Ministry of the Presidency, Kwame McCoy was dismissed while on medical leave, after receiving serious injuries from an attack which occurred on Election Day, May 11, this year.

Additionally, shortly after the new Government took office, several Permanent Secretaries of various Ministries had resigned after they had participated in post elections campaigning activities.

Awareness walk to commemorate launch

Rehab Week 2015 PPP/C mulls court action against dismissals

of

The Disability and Rehabilitation Division of the Public Health Ministry will be hosting an awareness walk and brunch today to commemorate the launch of Rehab Week 2015, which is being celebrated under the theme “Accessible Rehab Services through partnership with Community”.

The walk will commence at 06:00h at the National Commission on Disability (NCD) Building at 49 Croal Street, Georgetown and will conclude at the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre on Carmichael Street.

Rehab Week is designed to promote the value and importance of rehabilitation while saluting the dedicated professionals who provide these ser-

vices. A series of activities are in the line up to celebrate this week, including an extensive media campaign involving newspaper, radio, and television broadcast; school screening at the Grove Nursery School; an Open Day at Open Doors Centre in Sophia, Greater Georgetown; donations of crocs to students in Moruca in Region One (Barima-Waini); donation of clothes to the New Amsterdam Psychiatric Hospital and donation of hygiene products to the East La Penitence Night Shelter.

The week long activities will culminate with a reception and award ceremony where professionals will be awarded for their assiduous

work in this field.

The Public Health Ministry in a release notes that it continues to accentuate rehabilitation services in Guyana, while at the same time, striving toward reducing all preventable disabilities. Also, it is the Ministry’s aim to ensure that all persons living with disabilities are receiving equitable and high quality services which will enable them to function as equal citizens.

The Ministry also noted that it has succeeded in offering rehabilitation services in the hinterland.

In observance of this week, there will be additional activities in all 10 administrative regions across Guyana.

Health Minister Dr George Norton observing a student undergoing some dental work at the Fort Wellington Hospital

President Granger joins in honouring outstanding scouts

By AhreefA BAcchus “

When we speak of a leader, we speak of a long, lonely road. A leader must make decisions; a leader must accept criticism and a leader must learn from their mistakes”.

These were sentiments uttered by His Excellency President David Granger on Saturday evening while delivering the feature address at the Scout Association of Guyana’s Annual Award Ceremony.

The President was at the time addressing the gathering of 54 awardees who were rewarded for their service to the Association. The ceremony was also held in light of the 106th anniversary of the establishment of the Scout Association of Guyana (SAG).

President Granger spoke to the gathering urging the younger awardees to better appreciate their country and all that it has to offer. He stated that while the largest per cent of Guyanese reside overseas, they never truly give Guyana its due credit when viewed comparatively on a continental scale.

“We are the envy of the Caribbean” Granger stated while highlighting the features that Guyana boasts about in terms of tourism attractions.

“Look at our fauna; we have the biggest eagle in the world, the harpy eagle… larger than the American bald eagle. We have the biggest fresh wa-

ter fish in the world, we have the biggest anteater in the world… the giant anteater” he reflected.

He went on to speak about Guyana’s education sector. He reflected that a large amount of the young people in Guyana do not have equal access to a proper education due to poverty.

“Poverty is not a lifestyle choice” Granger reiterated, “Seventy-five per cent of prison inmates are young people, people whose lives could have been changed by organisations such the scouting association of they had that opportunity. But they bent their whole life into the penal system. I took the decision to release five dozen young men and young women from prison within my first fortnight in office… they don’t belong in prison, they belong in colleges. Sometimes when I see young children in drop-in’s I think… we don’t need drop- ins, we need technical institutes.”

Reformation

The Head of State further said that under his Administration the education system will be properly reformed. “Every day we have about five hundred boys and girls dropping out of school, many of them are illiterate and many of them are innumerate. If you do not complete your education it will impede your chances at earning employment,” the President stated. In his closing remarks, he urged the younger persons to stay

focused on developing themselves as well as developing the country, while at the same time pledging to provide financial support to the scouts’ association.

The event which saw in excess of 60 scouts in attendance was chaired by the Vice President of the Scout’s Association Ron Robinson. Also present at the event was Ron Richardson who is the Operations Executive of the Scouts Association of the Caribbean and Inter-American Region who made the presentation of the Gidwell Beads and charge to the four awardees.

He urged the awardees to stay faithful to the development of their country and to ensure that they effectively train leaders so as to foster the growth of the country. Aileen Hintzen who is the former Assistant Deputy and Chief Commissioner of the Scout Association of Guyana received the “Bar to the Silver Acorn” which is in recognition to over 40 years of service to the SAG.

Additionally, Zaida Joaquin received the Chief Scout’s Personal Award for Service of an Exceptional Nature and devotion to duty. Also in attendance was the Senior Superintendent of Police, Commander of D Division Stephen Mansell and the Assistant Commissioner of Police and Commander of A Division who both received service awards in recognition for their contribution to scouting.

CANI focusing on youth development

By AhreefA BAcchus

Come Alive Network Inc

(CANI), one of Guyana’s largest and most prominent youth organisations, is making youth development its key point of focus.

The non-governmental organisation, which is also a non-profit entity, was established over two years ago with the aim to actively support youth development and enable youth through the use of applied global perspectives, to effectively contribute to genuine and progressive community and global development.

Spearheaded by Executive Director Ryan Hoppie, CANI currently has 50 young persons serving as volunteers for various programme initiatives undertaken by the group.

CANI is involved in a number of activities which are geared at getting young people more actively involved in the county’s development, as well as their own. Recently, the organisation hosted an activity dubbed the “Discover Yourself Programme”. The three-month activity saw youths from all walks of life congregating every weekend and participating in various activities aimed at helping them to discover their purpose in life, and how they could fulfil that purpose.

The organisation is currently embarking on its second annual shoe drive, which is aimed at providing school shoes for less fortunate youths of underserved communities in Georgetown. Over 300 chil-

dren benefited from this initiative last year, and this year the organisation is seeking the support of the general public to make this venture another successful one. Patrons can make donations of new black school shoes, or $2600, to cover the cost of purchasing a pair of shoes for a student.

Speaking to the Guyana Times, Dennis Glasgow, who is an active member of the organisation, spoke about the success of their shoe drives in the past. “Last year we went into Albouystown and several areas on the East Coast of Demerara, where our correspondents were mobilised in public building such as schools and churches, and distributed the shoes. It was extremely successful and we received good feedback from our donors, who could follow our activities due to the transparency of it all,” Glasgow related. The final date for donations is August 8, 2015, and those persons desirous of making contributions can contact the organization on its facebook page -CANI shoes 2015 - or email them at canishoes@gmail.com.

The organisation is also scheduled to host its second annual “Just Youth It” conference which is held in commemoration of International Youth Day. The event is slated for Saturday, August 15, at the Theatre Guild and will run from 09:00h to18:00h. The one day conference will be featuring local and international motivational speakers, as well as entertainers from across the

NA Chinese restaurant ordered closed

The sanitation department of the New Amsterdam Municipality has ordered that the Yun Yue Restaurant be closed after sewage was being empted through its kitchen and dining area on Friday.

Head of the Environmental Health Department, Ramsudh Akloo

made the order after finding a sewage disposal truck parked in front of the restaurant situated at Main Street and Shoe Lane, New Amsterdam.

The hose collection from the sewage truck was leading from the truck to the septic tank situated at the back of the building.

The hose went through

the front door of the restaurant and into the kitchen where the back door is situated. It also passed through the dining area and was joined at several parts.

Several alarmed residents called the sanitation department and reported the unhealthy situation. The restaurant was ordered closed for five days during which time the building is to be sanitised. Yun Yue Restaurant is the most modern in the town and has been a frequent eating house for persons visiting the town.

In an invited comment, Akloo told Guyana Times that a visit will be made to the restaurant on Monday when other sanitation aspects will be inspected before any decision can be made as to whether the restaurant will be permitted to reopen on Tuesday.

99-year-old man beaten, robbed in Litchfield

James Layne, 99 years old of Lot 9 Litchfield Village, West Coast Berbice was, on Friday, evening terrorised and robbed of an undisclosed sum of cash by a known character in the village.

The elderly man is currently nursing several bodily injuries which were inflicted by the bandit who gained entry into his house through a window on the upper flat. According to information received, the alleged bandit has been arrested and is at the Fort Wellington Police Station, where he is expected to be charged.

country.

There will also be an entertainment segment of the conference in the form of a concert. Ashraf Dabie, who is a current member of the organisation, stated that the conference focuses on empowering youths. “Everybody says that youths make up over 60 per cent of the population and that youths are the future leaders of the country, but what are they doing to ensure that they become effective leaders? The conference is aimed at training and equipping youths with the knowledge and skills that they need to be not just good but great leaders. It will open an opportunity for them to become effective members of society rather than just make up statistics in the country,” the young man stated.

In order to make the conference a successful initiative the organisers are calling on businesses and other organisations to provide sponsorship.

“As the conference will be for an entire day, we are hoping to provide lunch and snacks. Additionally, we do need stationary and supplies for the conference itself so if there are persons who wish to make contributions…we would be grateful.” Glasgow related. Anyone wishing to make contributions to the conference can email the organisers at comealivenetwork@gmail.com. Additionally, there will be a registration fee of $2000 and those persons that wish to attend the forum can apply at canijyic@gmail.com.

Layne, who was in pain on Saturday, told the Guyana Times during a telephone conversation that on the night of the incident, he was listening to the 20:00h newscast but nature called. He got up and went to the washroom. As he was heading back to his room, he was confronted by the bandit, who he claims was not wearing a mask.

The bandit, he noted had

already ransacked another room and was probably leaving the house when they met eye to eye. The elderly man stated that the burglar demanded that hand over his money, however after he told him that he did not have any, he received several blows to his body including his head. Layne was taken to the Fort Wellington Hospital where he was treated and sent away.

The 99-year-old man stated that the ordeal lasted for several minutes and, due to his fear, he was unable to alert his neighbours. During the incident, he was pushed to the floor and ordered not to move or he would be killed. The bandit then went into the man’s room where he searched and found several sets of monies stashed in various places.

The man recalled that after collecting his pension and the monies his daughter sends from overseas, he would hide them in familiar places so that he could remember. In a feeble voice,

the man stated, “Is till when I went and check for the money under my pillow, I know that it missing… I normally hide one set in a shirt which I keep under my pillow.”

As the bandit left, Layne raised an alarm which saw neighbours running to assist. This was not the first time the man’s house has been burglarised. He recalled that every month, whenever he collects his pension and NIS (National Insurance Scheme) benefits, his house would be invaded. “If they do not get money, they pick up what they can and leave,” he stated. The house has electricity and the windows are barred leaving investigators and members of the community puzzled as to how the man gained entry into the house, where Layne alone lives since the passing of his wife eight years ago. The Police have since dusted the man’s home for finger prints as they continue their investigations.

Essequibo power outages hurting small businesses

The constant power outages being experienced in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) is hurting many small businesses as they are forced to dump food items, perishable goods and poultry.

According to a businesswoman from New Road, Charity, Hema Madhu, her new venture is proving costly as there are more losses than profits as a result of the unscheduled power outages.

She explained that she is in the business of selling poultry products and, for days, the meat and chicken being storied at her place of business have been spoilt causing her to dump most of her goods. “I had to dump all the chicken, beef and sausages because they have started to get a stench,” Madhu explained.

Meanwhile, Eutace Alphonso, said he is not paying any bill this month because, despite the frequent power outages, his electricity bill remains high and no service is being provided. The Region Two resident stated that all the phones and water supply within his community also depend on electricity.

He explained the electricity supply is fluctuating daily and it has reached the point where business people are fed up and dissatisfied with the services offered by the Guyana Power and Light Company. He noted that

many of his appliances have also been damaged due to the fluctuation of the voltages. For the entire week, frequent power outages have been occurring in the area and several calls to Guyana Power and Light Company went unanswered, making residents frustrated and complaining about the situation.

The doors of the Yun Yue Restaurant remain closed

Hema Madhu counting her loses due to the power outages

Younge’s Take

Redefining the modern man

Every day, the halls of discussion are ripe with debates as to what it means to be a “real man” and what it means to be “male or masculine” in the modern world today. Depending on where you live, there is bound to be a different interpretation of those concepts, despite the fact that striking similarities remain.

Even today, men are still being defined by the way they dress, the way they speak, the way they socialise and the way they interact with other males.

Society to a large extent, on one hand, still holds the view that males must be strong, rough, removed from their emotions and feelings, the protectors of their families and the leaders within their communities.

Breakaway groups from this traditionalist view believe on the other hand, that males must be caregivers, they must be allowed to express their emotions in the same way that women do, they must not strive to be dominant at all times in their social interactions with their families and sexual partners, and they do not need to exhibit physical strength as a sign of being masculine.

In the developed world, males who live up to the expectations of the latter group of principles are praised and idolised for being male yet being different, while challenging the narrow traditionalist gender roles.

In these societies, men are allowed to dress as they likes and wear whatever clothing they feels comfortable with; as long as their masculinity is intact and they are attracted to the opposite sex.

They allow their males to study, break barriers and accept if they fall short. Those who conform to the second view are more likely to accept males who end up choosing a different gender role to pursue or attempting to change their gender altogether.

They argue that everyone has their own life to live and are responsible in the end for their own choices, so no human being is in a position to judge any other person but the Creator.

Closer to home in the Caribbean, they are frowned upon, marginalised, disrespected and treated as if they are less male than other males when they practice behavioural patterns in line with this thought pattern openly.

In fact, they are called “gays”, “homos” and “anti-men” to say the least. They are subjected to all sorts of physical and emotional forms of violence as societies here try to get them to the point of conformity with the first view outlined above. Ironically, the very same society that holds fast to the first definition of males, cry out when they demonstrate their dominance in various forms.

Domestic violence becomes an endemic characteristic of such societies because males feel they are lesser males when women challenge them or make a mockery of them for not living up to the expected roles.

Additionally, crime and criminality are key features of such societies as males are engaged in a power struggle among themselves and are constantly at war for the materialistic things that empower, them such as women, wealth and influence.

It is also worthy to note that the society in which these ‘alpha men’ live as conceptualised by the first view allows them to wear ‘skinny jeans’ and other apparel that are indistinguishable from those worn by women but it is perfectly okay once you act like a man and do not go overboard.

This very same society allows their males to pierce their ears; bodies and stamp (tattoo) other parts of their skin.

They allow males to bleach their skin and engage in all sorts of strange behavioural patterns, calling it “high fashion” and “style” as is the case in Jamaica, Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago.

The end result is a society, in the case of the Caribbean, where there are “real men”, weak and feminine men and fake ones (those with alternative lifestyles).

Sadly, boys are the ones who suffer the most as there is no clear definition of a modern male and what it means to be masculine. They have to now decide whether they will conform to the societal expectations as outlined in views number one and two or if they will prefer to be a mixture of the two.

It is time that Caribbean countries redefine these concepts in keeping with their own cultural views, the demands of globalisation and modernity and the expressed will of boys to be able to live life without fear of the consequences of nonconformity.

US urges PPP/C to take up seats in Parliament

Chargé d’Affaires of the United States Embassy in Guyana, Bryan Hunt, is calling on the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) to occupy their 32 allotted seats in the National Assembly.

Having already boycotted the first sitting of the 11th Parliament last week, the former ruling party has made no indication that it will be attending the second sitting of the 11th Parliament on Thursday, June 25.

The main Opposition party has posited that it will not participate in any parliamentary activities, as it continues to hold firm to the view that the May 11 General and Regional Elections were rigged.

However, commenting on this action by the former ruling party, Hunt expressed his concerns over its position, noting that they need to represent their electorates in Parliament.

“It’s very important in a democratic system to have

not just a Government but a very vibrant Opposition.

Forty nine per cent of the public spoke very clearly, that they want the PPP/C to represent them in Parliament. It is my hope, and I think it should be the hope of all Guyanese, that the PPP/C take up that challenge and represent those people who voted for them during the election,” the US Chargé d’Affaires stated.

Following the May 11 Election, the A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition secured a 4000 plus vote win over the PPP/C. The results of the 2015 General and Regional Elections show that the ruling APNU+AFC coalition acquiring a total of 207,200 votes, with the PPP/C running close behind with 202,694 votes.

On the other hand, the coalition also led the way in the Regional Election with a total of 205,001 votes – 2733 more votes than the PPP/C.

Based on the figures, the

winning party secured some 33 seats in the National Assembly, while the PPP/C acquired a total of 32 seats. This placed the former ruling party on the Opposite side of the House after more than 20 years.

The now main Opposition has since accused the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) of fraudulently tabulating the votes, among other issues.

However, several overseasbased and even local observer missions, including the US Embassy, have deemed the process free and fair. Still, this did not deter the Opposition party from sticking to his initial position resulting in it failing to even submit its list of Parliamentary representatives to GECOM for the names to be gazetted and declared.

According to the legal stipulations, the PPP/C will have to take up their Parliamentary seats sometime within the first six sittings, otherwise they cannot afterwards and will lose all the benefits that parliamentarians are given including salaries.

Nevertheless, the former ruling party has outlined that there is nothing wrong with any political party boycotting Parliament, as it is something that was done by the Desmond Hoyte-led People’s National Congress (PNC) back in 1992.

Chargé d’Affaires of the United States Embassy in Guyana, Bryan Hunt

Use Fathers’ Day to rebuild broken bonds – MAB Head

By DEVIna SaMaROO

Most father-child relationships are far from perfect. Most children grow up having “daddy issues” and they, in return, become a replica of their fathers, and so the cycle continues. These issues are stemmed from a whole host of things which progressively evolve, creating a drift between father and child.

Administrator of the Men’s Affairs Bureau (MAB) in Guyana, Diego Alphonso, attested to the prevalence of broken father-child relationships and thus believes that Father’s Day is the ideal moment to heal those opened wounds.

Alphonso noted that the Men’s Affairs Bureau deals with situations on a day-to-day basis where fathers, from all walks of life, pour their hearts out over broken relationships with their children. However, Alphonso underscored the importance of a father figure in a child’s life and stressed on the need for both parent and child to work on developing a stronger bond. “Father’s Day is a wonderful time for emotional healing and reconciliation. We encourage reconciliation and forgiveness between father and children,” he said.

There are many instances where, sometime along the lifeline, fathers realise their mistakes and try to make amends, but children, though longing for their fathers’ love, are not ready to forgive. Alphonso acknowledged that it can be a difficult task, but he assured that forgiveness is the right route to take because the feeling of love; that special bond between a father and his child that can conquer all obstacles.

He also encouraged fathers to never stop trying to make amends, no matter how reluctant their children may be to forgive them. “We want to encourage children to forgive fathers who are not there for you and to the fathers; it is never too late to reach out to your children. Don’t give up; keep being as persistent as you can. It is worth the effort to be persistent,” he urged.

Life can be much better to avoid arriving at a situation where there are broken bonds between father and child. Therefore, Alphonso is encouraging fathers to be the best they can

be and shower their children with love in whatever way they can, so as to avoid reaching at a stage where both father and child may have regrets.

He indicated that the key to making any relationship work is through effective communication. Alphonso encouraged fathers to encourage conversations with their children and, in the same breath, encourage children to unconditionally love their fathers.

Sometimes, children are too caught up in their own world that they fail to realise how much effort their fathers are putting in just to ensure that life is comfortable for them.

Children, because of their level of thinking, do not often recognise the father is always out working and trying to make ends meet simply to provide for their family. They appreciate those who are always physically around over those who love them from a distance; this is due to their limited ability to process things.

Alphonso acknowledged that fathers may live a hectic lifestyle where they are constantly trying to provide for the family - expressing their love in this way. However, he pointed out

that it is crucial that they find time to spend with their family. “While we are cognisant of the fact that fathers’ can be busy and trying to make ends meet and fulfil their roles of providing, we want to encourage them to create a space for family in their hectic lifestyles and ensure that they are there for at least the big moments, like their child’s graduation or a major sporting event,” he advised.

The MAB Head pointed out that every major religion and psychologists around the world have been emphasising the importance of a father in child’s life. “It has been discovering more and more, a child’s relationship with their father can influence their behaviour and lifestyle,” he said, noting that the role of a father is indispensible and, therefore, encouraged fathers to take their roles seriously.

Alphonso highlighted that, if a child is denied a positive father figure in his/her life, he/she will very well live with a vacuum in their heart, always longing and wondering what it would be like to have a dad to be proud of. As such, he is encouraging fathers, if they have not already, to start the process of reconciliation by spending quality time with their children. “You need to shower them with words of encouragement to build their self-esteem. You need to get physical; give them a pat, hug them, show they you care. Have conversations with them; ask them about their day. These little things will make a big difference,” he guaranteed.

Meanwhile, the Men’s Affairs Bureau would like to extend warmest Father’s Day greetings to all fathers in Guyana. Also, in observance of this special day, the Bureau has organised a delightful concert “My Father, My Friend” at the Impeccable Banquet Hall which starts at 17:00h.

The event will feature a blend of cultural items such as singing, dancing and poetry. The other segment feature a group of notable men who will be addressing issues of fatherhood and giving pointers for fathers to become the best they can be. “It’s really to create an atmosphere that would lend to the bonding between fathers and their children,” Alphonso guaranteed.

Guyana open for business

Guyana was among the Caricom countries represented at a Town Hall Meeting here on Wednesday, which marked the opening of a two-day business exposition mounted as part of the 10th anniversary celebrations of Caribbean American Heritage Month. Guyana’s Honorary Consul, Ramzan Roshanali, joined his colleagues from Trinidad and Tobago, Haiti and St Lucia in updating attendees about recent developments back home, as well as addressed issues affecting nationals residing in

Florida. In responding to questions about investment opportunities in Guyana, the Honorary Consul said that “Guyana is open for business” and pointed to investment opportunities in several sectors including mining, forestry, information technology, agribusiness, tourism, aquaculture and manufacturing. Roshanali also stated that a menu of incentives are in place for investors and that the Government has an agency in place, the Guyana Office for Investment, to assist in areas such as duty conces-

sion, taxes, business planning, etc.

He debunked a statement from a fellow Guyanese that Guyana was allowing Chinese companies “to rape the country’s forestry resources”. The Honorary Consul explained that regulations are in place to ensure that Guyana’s forestry resources are sustainably harvested, and informed the audience about the agreement in place between Norway and Guyana, where Norway compensates Guyana $250 million over a 5-year period for sustainable forestry practices.

“Guyana is open to serious investors including Guyanese residing abroad who are willing to bring their money, expertise and other resources to develop business in Guyana. Investment opportunities are not limited to large scale projects. There are opportunities for joint venture projects with local entrepreneurs in a variety of areas,” the Honorary Consul said.

The event, put on by the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida was chaired by Samuel Roberts.

Of mice and men

By Ryhaan Shah

For a developing country

such as ours, Father’s Day should be more than just a celebratory occasion for wishes and kisses.

Whereas the traditional family looks to the father as its head, as its guardian and protector, the family is also one of those cohesive units on which a nation is built, making the role of the father an essential component in nation building.

Guyanese Author, Ryhaan Shah

For most fathers, the well being of his family is of the utmost importance and they are the inspiration that drives his ambition and his work. In most cultures, his life’s work is dedicated to seeing his children grow, mature and prosper. A father’s greatest success is his children’s.

We might think that a father’s love derives from the human intellect, and from the emotional and spiritual intelligence which set us apart as superior beings in the animal kingdom. Not so.

Research shows that among the animal kingdom’s most devoted dads are mice, and Catherine Marler, a behavioral neuroendocrinologist at the University of Wisconsin –Madison, says that the nurturing behavior of father mice could prove a good model for humans.

When it comes to parenting, mice follow their fathers’ examples. Male mice with neglectful dads grow up to be less nurturing to their own babies, the research finds.

The offspring of less affectionate father mice give their own baby mice the same treatment suggesting that paternal behavior can be passed from fathers to sons across multiple generations.

Marler notes that it is more difficult for scientists to carry out this kind of study with people but suggests that there are “correlations in humans between parental behavior and the behavior of offspring.”

Princeton sociologist Sara McLanahan has studied what happens to sons and daughters when their fathers are absent. After controlling for demographics, she found that children in fatherless families are roughly twice more likely to drop out of high school than children from intact homes.

Even after controlling for student talent via standardized test scores, a sharp decline in grades and attendance persisted; and young men who grow up without a father are almost twice as likely to be idle – that is, are neither in the workplace nor in school – than those with a father in the home.

In Guyana, the problem of absentee “child fathers” is notable; so much so that it has become almost a boast and a pride for “child mothers” to present themselves as single parents, as women who struggle against great odds to bring up one or more children singlehandedly.

While it is admirable that the women are picking up the slack left by absentee fathers, there should be a serious look at this issue with an eye to finding solutions that would help instill the values that would result in more holistic family units and, thus, to a more progressive nation. Who better to teach responsibility and the value of work than a father and our various religions are replete with many such models of behavior. Jesus defended himself to the Pharisees for working on the Sabbath by saying, “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working.”

In Hinduism, there is a proverb that says: Work is worship. Because of the belief in reincarnation and the continuity of life, a father is seen as recreating himself through his children and has the responsibility for their wellbeing and financial security.

According to the Hadith of Ibn Majah, the Holy Prophet Mohammed once said, “Among the actions and good deeds for which a believer will continue to receive reward after his death … is a good son whom he left behind.”

Last February, Pope Francis encouraged fathers to be a daily example of love and integrity for their children. In addressing pilgrims gathered for the weekly General Audience, he spoke of the indispensable role of fathers in the family and in society as a whole. He referred to the Book of Proverbs and spoke of the joy and pride which fathers feel as they see their children mature in wisdom and decency.

The many joys of fatherhood should not be reduced to being a mere economic yardstick but there is no doubt of the importance of a father’s role in his children’s life, in being present and setting the example that shows them how to live well and productively. It is not a role that can be delegated to anyone else.

Happy Father’s Day to all our fathers, and most especially to mine.

MAB Administrator, Diego Alphonso

Venezuela’s provocation on border controversy Professor Pollard urges Guyana to be steadfast in resolution

Former Guyanese

Judge at the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Justice Duke Pollard, has extended support to his native country, urging Guyana to remain steadfast in its position that the May 26 Venezuelan decree is “baseless and shameless”.

In a letter penned to the Editor, Professor Pollard pointed out that the decree, which is claiming most of Guyana’s territorial waters in the Atlantic Ocean off of the Essequibo Coast, represents the culmination of a series of reprehensible acts that defined the scant respect of Venezuela for international law.

He highlighted several instances of this, such as the neighbouring country’s rejection of the validity of the Arbitral Tribunal 1899 award based on an unsubstantiated allegation of fraud; its failure to abide by the terms of the Geneva Agreement 1966 and the issuance of a decree by President Leoni egregiously claiming Guyana’s territorial waters; its refusal to sign and ratify the United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea 1982, and more recently, the infamous decree of President Nicolás Maduro purporting to claim sovereignty over Guyana’s maritime space.

“In short, the conduct of Venezuela today avails no plausible expectation of a peaceful settlement of the controversy and Guyana must, unfortunately, resign itself to living with this Amazonian monkey on its back for the rest of its existence. In the meantime, the present Administration must not only continue to protest Venezuela’s illegal occupation of Guyana’s part of Ankoko island but must enlist the support of all political groups in Guyana in defence of its national sovereignty over every inch of territory in the words of Dr Cheddi Jagan, and every blade of grass in the word of Mr Forbes Burnham, not to mention the felicitous, res-

onating incantations of the Tradewind,” the former CCJ judge outlined.

According to Pollard, who is the recipient of the Order of Roraima National Award, while such medium of communication does not allow for an exhaustive examination of the contempt for international law, it does underscore Guyana’s strongest armour in the struggle to secure its territorial sovereignty and political independence as a state and this can be found in its commitment to good governance and reliance on relevant rules of international law.

Furthermore, the Guyanese scholar highlighted the strengthening of Guyana’s continental relationships in this battle of sovereignty, specifically under the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR). He explained that diplomatic and political entanglement with UNASUR may isolate Guyana as it relates to Spanish-speaking, pseudoimperialist states, which are likely to empathise with Venezuela while oblivious to the legitimacy of Guyana’s sovereignty in respect of the Essequibo.

In the letter, Professor Pollard went on to mention Venezuela’s disfavour at what they called “interference” by the British High Commissioner to Guyana, Gregory Quinn’s, in supporting Guyana in the controversy between the two neighbouring countries.

“If this allegation is correct, it merely operates to substantiate the contempt or ignorance competent authorities of Venezuela display for the applicable rules of international law. Failure by such authorities to recognise the right of the United Kingdom’s duly appointed representatives to comment on an issue arising from the Geneva Agreement 1966, to which the United Kingdom is a principal party, ranks in ignominy with its refusal to recognise its obligation to abide in good faith with the award of the Arbitral Tribunal 1899 which was established pursuant to the Treaty of Washington between the United Kingdom and Venezuela in 1897.”

The former CCJ Judge posited that by attempting to confine the current controversy exclusively to the “sovereign” and “brotherly” states of Venezuela and Guyana, it must be seen as an attempt by the neighbouring country to exclude all other states of the international community which have a legitimate concern in this controversy.

He further mentioned the allegations by Venezuela of the United States being instrumental in coercing the United Kingdom to agree to arbitrate the relevant territorial dispute with Venezuela, is juridically misconceived. Pollard noted that had it been the case, the United States would have been more viscerally forthcoming on this issue of considerable juridical and political significance for the international community as a whole.

This latest action by Venezuela to extend its claim over Guyana’s territorial waters comes in the face of President Nicolás Maduro’s upset over oil exploration and concessions granted by Guyana to US oil and gas giant, ExxonMobil, to explore some 23,000 square kilometers of the Stabroek Block. The decree covers the area where ExxonMobil is conducting exploration activities.

Construction works on $191.5M Lima pump station continues

Region Two Chairman Parmanand Persaud during his inspection of remaining works on the construction of the $191.5 million Lima pump station in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) said he is very satisfied with the progress of the works. Persaud during his inspection said despite the rainy weather, the Contractor Doodnauth Samaroo and his work force are moving apace.

He said he is very impressed with the level of work and the amount of pile driving that has already done on the site. Persaud said when-

ever he visits the site; workers are always busy trying to complete the project which has another five months.

The purpose of the multimillion-dollar pump station is to assist farmers and residents living in communities from as far as La Belle, Alliance to Coffee Grove on the Essequibo Coast. Over 3000 rice farmers will benefit from the construction of the pump station and installation of the new pump at Lima.

In a recent interview, National Drainage and Irrigation Authority Chief Executive Officer Lionel

ETI acquires safety gear worth $500,000 from Aurora Gold Fields

By IndrawattIe natram

Students enrolled at the Essequibo Technical Institute (ETI) for upcoming electrical, mechanical and building courses would be better equipped and protected now that the Institute received a donation of safety gears and equipment worth $500,000, compliments of Aurora Gold Fields.

According to Principal of the Institute, Michael Turner, the provision of the safety equipment and safety gears came at an opportune time, since the Institute is recruiting students for various courses. He explained that safety is of paramount importance at the Institute and additional money is usually expended to ensure the

students are secure while at the premise.

He further explained that the donation is of great help for the Institute since the entity is able to save the money that would have been used to purchase the gear and equipment needed. Gears such as gloves, gowns, helmets, among other items were included in the package.

Turner further explained that the Institute has over the years enjoyed a strong relationship with various businesses such as MACROP, Barama and Caricom Rice Mill, though apprenticeship programmes.

He said he is happy to partner with the various companies in the delivery and development of technical and vocational education and training in Region Two

(Pomeroon-Supenaam).

He added that ETI will continue to work with communities in Essequibo and the riverain areas in an attempt to gain trust as well as to encourage persons to send young people to be trained in various technical areas. “ETI continues to work according to its motto – Skill is Wealth” the Principal noted.

Recruitment is currently ongoing at the Institute and applications can be done online. Persons desirous of applying can login to the Institute’s webpage www.eti. tvet.edu.gy and complete an application form.

Students who graduate also from the Institute will benefit from MARCROP recruiting. Thirty students will be gainfully employed by the company.

Minister Allicock hears about social issues affecting Baramita … as transition team continues outreach exercise

The new Indigenous People’s Affairs Ministry is determined to bring a new dimension towards understanding and addressing indigenous people’s development at the grass root level.

Community issues will be resolved with community engagements, Minister Sydney Allicock pledged on Saturday as he and his transition team met and engaged residents at Baramita, Region One (Barima-Waini), at the community’s primary school.

Ministry was going to address the issues of the communities, then the solutions must be arrived at in partnership with the residents.

sent the opportunity for the residents to choose stronger leaders to effectively manage their affairs.

Speaking specifically to those who were granted mining rights in the community and have been finding ways not to pay their royalties, the Minister suggested examining these, to see what benefits, they bring to the community. The Minister asked that those aspects be considered when determining whether they will continue with these ventures.

It was noted that indeed coastlanders should always be welcomed in the community, but they ought to conform to the communities’ rules and regulations.

Wordsworth said the pump has a capacity to discharge 200 cubic feet of water per second or 89,000 gallons per minute and will also clear sling mud that causes blockage. The Lima Sluice is constantly faced with accession problems.

The contractor is expected to finish the project within months as specified in the contract document.

Already, huge excavation works, dredging and pile driving have commenced. When the installation is complete, the Lima pump will be the largest drainage pump on the Essequibo Coast.

Accompanying Minister Allicock were Minister within the Ministry Valerie Garrido-Lowe, designated Ministerial Advisor on Indigenous People’s Affairs Mervyn Williams and designated Ministerial Advisor on Legal Affairs, David James. In moving forward in devising the plan of action for the new Ministry, the Ministers and team commenced a massive outreach to familarise themselves with the issues affecting hinterland communities and residents.

Baramita is the second community visited thus far in this exercise and Minister Allicock explained to the residents, that if the

“We would not want to come here to impose anything on you. We would want to have a position of working with you, rather than dictating to you,” he told the residents, as the team went on to listen to some of the social ills that have for too long plagued the community. These include issues pre-teen sex; teenage pregnancy; substance abuse including teenage drinking; rape and suicide.

Some residents laid the village problems at the feet of the ‘coastlanders.’ One resident noted that many of the issues now plaguing the village arose with the “uncontrolled, unabated influx,” of Guyanese of non-indigenous descent to Baramita. He explained that the community was against those within the community that were of no help to them. “Let us not seek to enrich those who are out to harm us, but help us, help ourselves,” another resident said.

In response, Minister Allicock pointed out that the incoming Toshao and village council elections pre-

Ministerial Advisor on Legal Affairs, David James noted that the village has at its disposal, the Amerindian Act that provides under Section 14- subsection 1, to the village and its council the right and power to make rules for the village. He suggested that the community look at rules to regulate the sale of alcohol.

Meanwhile, Minister Garrido-Lowe, who has responsibility within the new Ministry for women and children’s development and empowerment, explained that some of the issues that are affecting Baramita were first brought to the new Government’s attention when during the election campaign, a team visited and engaged residents.

Minister Garrido-Lowe noted that her concern is not only with teenage drinking, but with the children not attending school and being allowed to work in the mines. Of particular concern too for the Minister is the young girls, “who were being treated like adults,” by the miners.

Professor, Justice Duke Pollard

Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs Sydney Allicock addressing Baramita residents

The result of the audits would not be surprising

Dear Editor,

I was informed that the APNU+AFC Government is conducting forensic audits into 30 state agencies where political appointees have been contracted.

These political appointees are Christopher Ram and Anand Goolsarran, two known hostile critics of the former PPP/C Government. What deception on the part of the government where professionalism is concerned!

Christopher Ram is auditing the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and

the Guyana Gold Board (GGB), while Anand Goolsarran is auditing the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), which he criticized when the PPP/C was in government.

The results of the audits by these two political appointees will therefore be not surprising.

It seems apparent that President Granger, instead of ensuring that his government applies professionalism in the work it does, is engaging in political revenge against

the former PPP/C government.

So all this talk by President Granger about “professionalism” and “education” is mere deception and hypocrisy.

And what this Government is doing is simply finding something for the “boys” and “girls” to do for financial rewards.

But if Ram and Goolsarran were genuine professionals, they would have refused to do the forensic audits.

Joyce Smith

I hope Transparency International is looking on

Dear Sir,

Since Mr Christopher Ram and Mr Anand Goolsarran are taking up the jobs with the new government as auditors, I think Junior Minister Sharma should let the public know how much they will be paid and what their terms of reference are so that we, the public, can “tender” the jobs and find out how much other accounting firms would have

charged for these audits.

We might find out how much public money would have been saved if the government had done the right thing and tendered the jobs in the first place and hired independent auditors who have no axe to grind with the previous government.

Right now, these two auditors have every chance to cook the books and show us how right they were about

PPPC corruption.

The government and their hand-picked auditors are behaving in the same high-handed way that they always accused the PPPC of doing.

I hope Transparency International is looking on and will add this corruption to their Corruption Index.

Shanie Jagessar

Let the ERC start its work now

Dear Editor,

C Sampson’s letter in the Guyana Times about the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) is quite relevant and correct regarding Guyana’s current race relations.

“Please, Mr President! I beseech you to add the ERC to your government’s list of priorities. The nation is watching,” says the letter.

It is important to note that Sampson has recognised the importance of the ERC in relation to its constitutional mandate

to promote ethnic harmony in Guyana. And in this regard he is calling on the President of Guyana to quickly swear in the persons who were elected to serve on the commission so as to execute their constitutional mandate.

The President since his swearing in as Guyana’s new President has been speaking about national unity and social cohesion, but unfortunately these national goals cannot be achieved without firstly the application of actions to

create ethnic or racial harmony in Guyana. And this is where the ERC comes in. Therefore Mr President, there can be no national unity in Guyana without ethnic harmony. And there can be no ethnic harmony in Guyana without the ERC.

So Mr President, be the President for all the people of Guyana, as you rightly said, and let the ERC start its work now. The nation is indeed watching.

Ryan Tilbury

Fathers are the foundation...

Why all these social ills?

It’s because men have turned their backs on God; they have failed to take up their responsibility as a father who is the source and foundation of their family income.

A woman is not looking for a sex champion to be a husband; she is looking for a father in her husband the source and sustainer of her financial and emotional needs. A true father doesn’t only just produce, he sustains, protects, nourishes, loves and supports.

No marriage becomes great if either the husband or the wife is nothing but a taker. Great marriages are built by great givers. Both partners have to learn how to truly love one another according to holy scriptures.

When you get married you don’t automatically live happily ever after. In fact, if you and your spouse refuse to change wrong attitudes after you get married, you won’t live happily for two hours.

Marriage is supposes to be a covenant relationship in which two people learn how to complement each other. This kind of marriage is achieved when both marriage partners maintain a sense of love and compassion for one another.

Husbands need to show their wives that they are important, they must show them that they care and concern for them as well as their children. Wives need to be loved not beaten and abused. Our wives need to be loved. They need to be cared for. They need to be given security and closeness without sex. The driving force in

a marriage is not sex, that’s why most marriages fail. Love and affection and sex will work together.

Wives need conversation from their husbands. When a married couple is continually conversing with each other, they are forming a closer bond between them. That should always be their goal, because God did not call them to live two separate lives in one house.

The Father’s role as well as the wife is: “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 21:6). The word “train: in this verse of scripture means to instruct, educate, discipline etc.

Every father should remember that one day his children will follow his example. Parents are teachers of their children. When I see a child cussing, I realize he learned to cuss from his parents.

I read a quotation by Anne Geddes: “Any man can be a father but it takes a special person to be called dad.” That is quite an interesting quotation because there are so many running fathers in the world today. It takes a special person to be called dad.

William Shakespeare wrote: “It is a wise father that knows his own child.”

A father will only know his child when he takes on the responsibility to care for that child. Fathers’ day will be a very sad day for many fathers because they really don’t know their children.

They will not get love and affection from their children because they have de-

serted them from a very tender age. Some father’s will be blessed by their heavenly Father because they have taken up their responsibility to care for their family.

The true essence of fatherhood is for fathers to take up the leading role in their homes because they are the foundation of their families.

Bad fathers will produce bad children and bad children will create a bad society and bad societies will create a deplorable country all because of poor fathers who are the foundation of their families.

I am very happy when I stand on my church stage looking at fathers coming into the house of God with their wives and children.

If every father would attend church regularly and involve with their priests and religious leaders in church activities we would have a more morally upright society and stronger family values.

Modern psychologists have proven that children that came from good families are the brightest in schools; they also discovered that children that came from broken homes perform badly at schools.

It’s about time our fathers of this country start leading their families and become better role models for their children. I realize that I am getting old because I begin to look just like my father.

May God bless all our fathers in Guyana. My prayers are with you.

Rev Gideon Cecil

june 21, 2015

Sri Lanka v Pakistan, 1st Test, Galle, 4th day…

Sarfraz, Shafiq lead dramatic turnaround

Abrilliantly unorthodox 96 from Sarfraz Ahmed and a seventh Test century from Asad Shafiq turned the Galle Test around on a fourth day that exposed Sri Lanka's bowling limitations. Having been five down and 182 behind at the start of the fourth morning, Pakistan were bowled out 45 minutes into the final session, having taken a 117-run lead. Their bowlers then struck twice to leave Sri Lanka a tricky job to get through the final day unscathed.

Sri Lanka's openers saw out eight tight overs from Pakistan's new-ball pair before Wahab Riaz struck the first blow, angling one across at three-quarters pace and inducing Kaushal Silva to stretch out for a drive and edge to third slip. Dimuth Karunaratne and Kumar Sangakkara played vigilantly for the next eleven overs, and looked secure enough to confirm that the pitch, rather than deteriorating, had slowed down a touch. But the bowling was always probing, and the wicket-taking ball was always around the corner. Yasir Shah produced it, getting extra bounce to get Sangakkara to pop one to short leg off the glove as he stretched forward to defend.

At stumps, Karunaratne

simply took the singles on offer against the well-spread fields and let his partners do the bulk of the scoring. Shafiq scored 51 runs in the post-lunch session; between them, Wahab Riaz, Yasir Shah and Zulfiqar Babar made 88, profiting from some tired, unimaginative Sri Lankan bowling.

The seamers bounced the lower-order batsmen, and while there was one moment of acute discomfort - Dhammika Prasad smacking the back of Yasir Shah's helmet while he took his eyes off the ballthe tactic also leaked runs. Yasir pulled hooked to the square leg boundary, and Zulfiqar backed away from his stumps to shovel the short ball over midwicket and mid-on or carve the ball square on the off side. Zulfiqar grew in confidence as he spent more time at the crease, and soon brought up his maiden Test fifty by launching the offspinner Dilruwan over long on.

By the time Shafiq was stumped running out of his crease to Dilruwan, the last four wickets had stretched Pakistan's score by 182 runs. But they couldn't have done it without Sarfraz, who dramatically altered the state of the game with his thrilling attack in the morning

SCOREBOARD

Sri Lanka 1st innings 300 Pakistan 1st innings

Mohammad Hafeez c Karunaratne b Prasad 2

Ahmed Shehzad lbw b Prasad 9

Azhar Ali lbw b Herath 8

Younis Khan b Perera 47

Misbah-ul-Haq* c Sangakkara b Pradeep 20

Asad Shafiq st †Chandimal b Perera 131

Sarfraz Ahmed† b Prasad 96

Wahab Riaz b Perera 14

Yasir Shah c †Chandimal b Pradeep 23

Zulfiqar Babar c Vithanage b Perera 56

Junaid Khan not out 6

Extras (lb-1, w-1, nb 3) 5

Total (all out; 113.1 overs; 493 mins) 417

Fall of wickets: 1-2

(Mohammad Hafeez, 0.6 ov), 2-11 (Ahmed Shehzad, 2.4 ov), 3-35 (Azhar Ali, 9.1 ov), 4-86 (Younis Khan, 27.4 ov), 5-96 (Misbah-ul-Haq, 34.1 ov), 6-235

was batting on 36 with the nightwatchman Dilruwan Perera for company.

Sarfaraz struck 13 fours in his 86-ball blitz; the lofted drive that took Shafiq from 96 to 100 was only his fourth. Their contrasting methods proved equally effective during their 139run stand, and showed why they have already become Pakistan's most successful sixth-wicket pair. Shafiq's defence was impeccable, and he minimised Sri Lanka's hopes of inroads at his end even when Sarfraz was blazing away at the other.

Shafiq didn't change his game too much while batting with the lower order; he

work two balls later to get down the track and inside the line to drive inside-out through extra cover.

Sarfraz had a unique and effective response to all of Sri

Lanka's bowlers. He stood outside leg stump when the offspinner Dilruwan Perera bowled from around the wicket and took an off-stump guard when he bowled from

over the wicket, enabling him to get to the pitch of the ball easier when he tossed it up wide of off stump.

Against the fast bowlers, who hinted at reverse swing in the first hour, he took guard outside his creasesometimes six inches outside, sometimes so far ahead of it that his feet may have straddled a second crease twice the distance from the stumps. From this position he clipped Dhammika Prasad against the aroundthe-wicket angle, and then used the pace to dab the ball to the third man boundary when he changed angle and dug it in short.

The scoring was rapid, comfortably over four an over even though Shafiq relied almost entirely on his defence at the other end.

Sarfraz was on 15 and Shafiq on 14 when the day began. When Shafiq struck his first boundary of the day - a rasping square-cut off Nuwan Pradeep in the ninth over of the morning - he moved to

23. Sarfraz by that time had waltzed past 50. Both batsmen looked entirely secure in their methods, and Sri Lanka's bowling - as cause or consequence - seemed to lack bite. Sri Lanka's tactics were also a touch puzzling, particularly their use of their main weapon. Herath went out of the attack after only one full over (and the remainder of the third evening's incomplete final over), and by the time he returned, both batsmen were comfortably set, and the deficit had been cut down to 116.

The same method that had brought Sarfraz his runs also led to his downfall when he was within reach of his fourth Test hundred. Prasad sent down a full ball outside off and Sarfraz stretched out to try and sweep him. It would have been breathtakingly audacious had it come off, but he only managed to drag the ball off his inside edge onto off stump. (Cricinfo)

(Sarfraz Ahmed, 65.5 ov), 7-273 (Wahab Riaz, 79.3 ov), 8-302 (Yasir Shah, 86.4 ov), 9-403 (Zulfiqar Babar, 105.6 ov), 10417 (Asad Shafiq, 113.1 ov)

Bowling: KTGD Prasad 24-491-3, N Pradeep 19-1-71-2 (2nb), HMRKB Herath 30-4-991, MDK Perera 31.1-3-122-4, AD Mathews 6-1-12-0 (1-nb), KDK Vithanage 3-0-21-0 (1-w)

Sri Lanka 2nd innings JK Silva c Azhar Ali b Wahab Riaz 5

FDM Karunaratne not out 36 KC Sangakkara c Azhar Ali b Yasir Shah 18 MDK Perera not out 0

Extras (b-4) 4 Total (2 wickets; 21 overs) 63

Fall of wickets: 1-18 (Silva, 8.4 ov), 2-63 (Sangakkara, 19.1 ov)

Bowling: Wahab Riaz 6-311-1, Junaid Khan 4-019-0, Yasir Shah 7-1-21-1, Mohammad Hafeez 4-1-8-0

session.

Last year, Sarfraz was the only Pakistan batsman who got on top of Rangana Herath during their tour of Sri Lanka. Where his teammates were consumed by the thought of survival, he was constantly looking for runs, and challenging him with his unorthodoxy, often taking guard outside leg stump. He made three fifties and a hundred in the two Tests, and the confidence from all those runs was apparent right from the third over of the morning, when he took a big stride forward to sweep Herath to the backward square leg boundary and followed it up with nimble foot-

Asad Shafiq and Sarfraz Ahmed added 139 for the sixth wicket

CIBC First Caribbean reviewing policies following FIFA controversy

CIBC First Caribbean International Bank says it is carrying out an ongoing review of all its policies and processes associated with money laundering and fraud, after being

named among several regional financial institutions in investigations into fraud at the world football governing body, FIFA. According to allegations, one of the bank’s Bahamas-

based executives travelled to New York to pick up a $250,000 cheque from one of FIFA’s top officials, Chuck Blazer, and returned to Nassau to deposit the funds into Blazer’s CIBC First

Caribbean account.

Authorities investigating financial wrongdoing at FIFA claim the transaction was part of a $10 million bribe to influence which country would host the 2010

World Cup.

Blazer has pleaded guilty to charges of tax evasion and failing to declare ownership of the CIBC First Caribbean Bahamas account to US tax authorities.

Blazer, the former general secretary of the CONCACAF, the football governing body for North and Central America and the Caribbean, has also entered into a plea deal with US federal authorities investigating FIFA.

Last month US authorities indicted several FIFA officials, including CONCACAF President Jeffrey Webb and his predecessor Jack Warner on corruption charges. Webb was also among six FIFA officials arrested by Swiss police as part of a US investigation into allegations of bribery over football tournaments.

CIBC First Caribbean CEO Rik Parkhill told a news conference here the bank has made strides over the last three to four years in ensuring it has “the most robust regime possible” to tackle any form of financial wrongdoing.

“Certainly we’re concerned when any financial institution is linked to FIFA or any other organisation where there are allegations of misconduct. But we are doing a thorough review.

“But you know it does impact on not only our bank’s reputation but the FIFA issues are not just Caribbean issues. There are a huge

number of onshore banks that FIFA used as well outside of the Caribbean,” Parkhill said.

He added that while there were no fail-safe policies and processes, he was satisfied that CIBC First Caribbean has the right programme in place.

“We work closely with our regulators around the region and we cooperate with any investigations so when we look at our ‘know your client’ processes and policies… I think we’re reasonably satisfied.

“There’s always some room for improvement but we’re reasonably satisfied that our processes are being followed and they’re in place.”

Parkhill told reporters the US Department of Justice has not requested that CIBC First Caribbean cooperate with any investigation related to the indictment. (CMC)

Hamilton in Austrian GP pole position after spin

Lewis Hamilton headed a Mercedes one-two in qualifying at the Austrian Grand Prix despite both cars going off on their final laps of the session.

Hamilton did enough on his first lap in the top 10 shoot-out, lapping 0.2secs quicker than team-mate Nico Rosberg.

Hamilton then spun at Turn One on his final lap, leaving Rosberg the chance to beat him, only for the German to spin at the final corner on his lap.

Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel was third from Williams's Felipe Massa.

It was nip-and-tuck whether Rosberg would have beaten Hamilton - he was slower than the world champion in sector one, but quicker in sector two.

But then Rosberg ran wide on the exit of Turn Eight, got the car partly onto the kerb and then lost control as he went into the final corner.

"It was quite a difficult qualifying with the track conditions," said Hamilton. "I was grateful I got my third lap in on the first run in Q3. I was pushing that bit

extra on the next run and just locked the rears.

"I wasn't too concerned about losing pole at that time because I was trying to get the car going, but obviously afterwards I was thinking: 'I probably lost it there.'"

Rosberg said: "Definitely gutted, but Lewis was 0.2secs up on the previous lap and I was 0.2secs exactly up at that point so I knew I had to go for it."

The mistakes from both Mercedes drivers gave Vettel the chance to beat them, but he could only close to within 0.355secs of Hamilton with his final lap.

Vettel's team-mate Kimi Raikkonen messed up his runs in the first part of qualifying, which was held on a damp track, and failed to progress.

The Finn qualified 18th, although he will be promoted four places on the grid because of penalties for the Red Bull and McLaren drivers, and uttered an expletive when asking over the radio: "How is that possible?"

Hamilton's pole was his seventh in eight races this year. (BBC Sport)

CONCACAF President Jeffrey Webb saved as Webb

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Jonathon Jagdeo shines at olympic day cycling

Local riders took advantage of the early morning sunshine on Saturday to observe the annual World Olympic Day at the inner circuit of the National Park. The day’s event, which comprised five BMX races, was coordinated by national cycling coach Hassan Mohamed in observance of World Olympic Day, celebrated globally on June 23.

Jonathon Jagdeo was the star performer of the day, carting off two first place finishes and the runner-up spot in the other race he competed in.

Jagdeo, of the Carlton Wheelers Cycle Club, won

the BMX 9-12 and 12-14 races, and finished second in the BMX Boys Open, which was won by Adrian Sharma.

In the 9-12 race, Christopher Goring and Esau Jaisingh were second and third respectively, while in the 12-14 event, Thuran Garbarran brought second and Alexander Leung third. Little Alexander Leung, riding out of the United Bike Shop, won the BMX 6-9 race, beating off the challenge from Goring and Jaisingh. Team Coco’s Jamal John was the winner of the 12-14 Junior/Juvenile race, leaving Raphael Leung to settle for second and Brighton John third. The top performers were presented with trophies, compliments of the Guyana Olympic Association.

Shabazz names U-23 squad for Olympic Qualifier

HThe team will depart on Monday from the Ogle International Airport and is set to play their first game on Wednesday at 15:30h against Cuba, followed by a clash with Antigua on Friday, and will wrap up the tournament on Sunday when they play Aruba.

All matches will be played at the Antigua Recreation Ground in St John’s. With only one team making it out the group, Shabazz is high on optimism of moving on in Guyana’s attempt to feature at the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil.

ead Coach Jamaal Shabazz, on Saturday, named his 20man Under-23 squad for next week’s Olympic Qualifier in Antigua and Barbuda. Guyana will play in Group Two of the Caribbean Football Union leg of the tournament and will be joined by Aruba and Cuba, along with host Antigua. Anthony Whyte and Jason Cromwell were named as the goalkeepers in the squad that also includes Daniel Whyte, Less Charles Critchlow, Joshua Brown, Clive Williams, William Europe, Sherwin Skeete, Stephan Ramsey, Jermaine Junior, Trayon Bobb, Kadell Daniel, Daniel Wilson, Leo Lovell, Kareem Knights, Delon Lanferman, Jamaal Harvey, Shaquel Agard, Domini Garnett and Pernell Schultz.

Jonathon Jagdeo

The young riders strike a pose with national Coach Hassan Mohamed (right) and race official Joseph Britton (extreme left)

Trayon Bobb

Pernell Shultz

CBC Men’s Championship… Guyana atrocious in final group game against Suriname

he score line read

T81-48 at the end of the 40-minute encounter in Guyana’s final group game against Suriname at the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Championships currently ongoing in the British Virgin Islands.

With no Gordon James on the floor for the entire game for reasons still unknown, Guyana put on their worse performance of the

tournament.

They say that numbers don’t lie; Guyana shot the ball a total of 75 times and only drained 17 of those attempts for a measly percentage of 23 percent.

Added to that, Guyana had 17 turnovers while just having a meager six assists in their final group game.

Guyana will play for the ninth or 10th spot in the tournament against the Cayman Islands.

steve cram condemns witchhunt against British runner

Double Olympic champion Mo Farah is the victim of a 'witch-hunt', says former world champion Steve Cram.

Farah released a statement on Friday saying he had never taken performanceenhancing drugs.

It follows a BBC investigation which alleged that his coach Alberto Salazar had practised doping techniques with US athlete Galen Rupp.

"It has begun to look like a bit of a witch-hunt against Mo," said Cram.

"It seems as if some people are deliberately going after him and that is a shame."

It was revealed on Thursday that Farah had missed two drugs tests before he went on to win gold in both the 5,000m and 10,000m at the 2012 Olympics.

The BBC documentary made no suggestion that Farah had been involved in doping, while Salazar also denies the claims levelled against him.

But speaking on BBC Sport, Cram said he believed that the whole issue has become complicated.

"We have gone off on a couple of different tangents from the original set of allegations," said the BBC athletics commentator.

"The allegations were against his coach. Now Mo has also had to come out give an explanation about the two missed tests. We need clarification on that.

"Some sections of the media seem keen to make out that a missed test means avoiding a test, which it does not.

"There is an individual here being targeted around his credibility as an athlete. In some quarters people are now saying he is a cheat.

"I can understand why Mo is annoyed and frustrated and all the other words he used in his statement."

Cram - who won the world 1500m title in 1983 - says he is disappointed Farah's two missed tests became public knowledge because they are supposed to be confidential.

In his statement, Farah said he had explained the missed tests - in 2010 and 2011 - without saying what his explanation was.

The athlete has been training in the south of France ahead of a scheduled return to the track at the Diamond League meeting in Monaco on July 17.

"Running is the one thing Mo can control at the moment and the one place where he can be Mo Farah and get away from this to some extent," said Cram. (BBC Sport)

Horace Burrowes elected new head of cycling Federation

United States-based Guyanese Horace Burrowes was on Saturday afternoon elected president of the Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) at the Annual General Meeting at the Guyana Olympic Association headquarters in Kingston.

Burrowes unseated Cheryl Thompson, who was nominated on a slate put forward by Carlton Wheelers Cycle Club.

Eleven clubs affiliated to the GCF were represented by one delegate each and they voted 6-5 in favour of Burrowes, who will now steer the federation for the next three years.

Three Vice-president positions and the posts of General Secretary, Treasurer and Racing Secretary were also filled.

Veteran cycling Paul Choo Wee Nam pipped Malcolm Sonaram 6-5 in

the second round of voting for the 1st Vice-president post. Choo Wee Nam and Sonaram gained five votes each in the first round with Mark Conway securing the other vote.

The 2nd Vice-president position has been filled by Andrew Arjoon, who secured six votes to Okel Arthur's five.

Jerry Allicock of Team Coco's was voted in as the 3rd Vice-president, capturing six votes, while Sonaram got five.

Maria Leung, Rosanna Sookoo and Hassan Mohamed were elected unopposed to the positions General Secretary, Treasurer and Racing Secretary respectively.

Notably, Mohamed was the only person from the previous executive who was re-elected.

Moments after being elected to the helm,

Burrowes addressed the congress, stating that alot of positive changes are in store for cycling.

He promised to work along with the clubs to ensure the growth and development of the sport locally. Burrowes also extended an invitation to the previous executives to work in partnership with the new GCF administrators to move the sport forward.

Prior to the election of office bearers, the President, Secretary and Treasurer reports were presented.

Members of congress raised several concerns, key among the financial records of the GCF since 2011.

Past Treasurer William Howard recommended that a forensic audit be conducted, and Burrowes has recognised the need to put the federation's finances in order.

New GCF President Horace Burrowes (seated centre) with Rosanna Sookoo (seated left) and Maria Leung. Standing from left are Jerry Allicock, Paul Choo Wee Nam, Hassan Mohamed and Andrew Arjoon

Keron McKenzie

RHTY&SC anti-drugs campaign gaining momentum

– Guyana Beverage Company, Southland International embrace initiative

The Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club’s (RHTY&SC) much-anticipated Region Six “Say No to Drugs/Suicide and Say Yes to Education/ Sports” Campaign for primary and secondary schools will be launched on Friday with a massive march and rally.

“The campaign, which will target all 17 secondary schools in Region Six, along with primary schools, technical institutes and Berbice sport organisations, seeks to get youths to reject Satan and his ways of drugs and suicide, and getting them to stay in schools to obtain an educational background,” the RHTY&SC said in a release.

The campaign will also encourage youths to get involved in sport as an alternative to a life on the road.

aims of the anti-drugs programme.

B cB’s

The Guyana Beverage Company provided the soft drinks, while Southland International contributed the water.

Secretary/Chief

Plans for the successful hosting of the official launch were boosted when the Guyana Beverage Company of Diamond, East Bank Demerara and Southland International of Brickdam, Georgetown, handed over a large donation of water and soft drinks to the cricket teams of the RHTY&SC, who are the organisers.

Executive Officer (CEO) of the RHTY&SC, Hilbert Foster, in receiving the donations from the two companies, stated that the items will be used to provide refreshments to the students after the march, He praised both companies for investing in the welfare of youths, and specially mentioned Guyana

caricom championship attracts more corporate support

Palace Taxi Service, Restaurant and Bar, owned by Jagdeshwar Sarran, popularly known as “Rocky”, and located at Public Road, Number 78 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, has joined the long list of sponsors for the Berbice Cricket Board’s (BCB) fundraising activity, the Caricom Championship. The event is fixed for July 5 at the Albion Sports Complex.

Sarran said he is delighted to be part of this very important fundraiser and will always assist the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association and the BCB.

in the Upper Corentyne area, and the support have helped the progress of the game in that area, Berbice, and Guyana as a whole.

He called on the young cricketers to take full advantage of the opportunities provided by the BCB, for the game provides lots of financial gains these days.

Meanwhile, the combined Blairmont/ West Berbice team has been named and is as follows: Krishandat Ramoo (Captain), Nick Ramsaroop (Vice-captain), Quacey McPherson, Rafael Estriado, Kevon Jawahir, Keith Fraser, Mahendra Singh, Steffon Adams, Parmanand Ramdhan, Andrew Dutchin, Avishkar Sewkarran, Carlston Nurse, Derrick Cadogan and Waqar Hassan. The manager is Shabeer Baksh and the coach, Adrian Amsterdam.

The BCB is also calling on other sponsors to come onboard. Proceeds from the event will be used mainly to organise a threeday cricket competition in Berbice.

Beverage Company General Manager, Robert Selman, and Southland International CEO, Irzad Zamal.

Selman expressed his delight at once again being able to work along with the RHTY&SC, an organisation he described as a role model, while Zamal stated that his company was happy with the

assuria

Under the programme, which is being sponsored by the Edward B Beharry Company Limited, schools will receive banners and posters for every classroom and copies of a 40-page youth information booklet. The programme will also include the hosting of several educational and sport competitions for the schools. The “Say No to Drugs/ Suicide and Yes to Education/ Sport” Campaign is being organised by the Farfan and Mendes Under-15, Bakewell Under-17 and Second Division, Pepsi Under-19 and Intermediate, Gizmos and Gadgets Under-21 and First Division and Metro Females Cricket teams of the RHTY&SC.

onboard with RtHy&sc 5-over tourney

The Assuria Insurance Company, on Friday last, handed over a sponsorship cheque worth $170,000 to the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) for the club’s Assuria Insurance 5-over Cricket Tournament, scheduled for June 28 at the historic Albion Sports Complex.

D’Edward, Blairmont, Young Warriors, Albion, Tamarind Root, Port Mourant, Yakusari, Whim, Courtland and Block Four Tain.

He added that his business gets support from the residents and it is only fitting that he gives back to the community. Sarran also mentioned that, being a cricketer himself, this sponsorship is the best way he can do so.

Speaking on behalf of the BCB, Board Executive Vicky Bharosay thanked Sarran for his kind contribution to cricket over the years and promised him that the tournament will be professionally-run with transparency and accountability being top priority.

Bharosay said that both the BCB and the UCCA are pleased with the support from businesses and private individuals

The Caricom Championship will see the top eight T20 first division teams in Berbice competing in a 10-over knockout competition, with the final of 20 overs to be played under lights for a top prize of $80,000 and trophy. The runner-up will receive $40,000 and trophy with the losing semi-finalists getting $15,000 each.

The participating teams are: Upper Corentyne/Skeldon, Port Mourant, Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, Albion, Young Warriors/Edinburg/Rose Hall Centre, Police/Bermine, Blairmont/ West Berbice and Bush Lot/D'Edward. Admission is $300 per person and action will bowl off at 10:00h.

The simple presentation ceremony was held at the Suriname-based company’s newly opened sub-office in Williamsburg, Rose Hall Town, in the presence of General Manager Yogindra Arjune and RHTY&SC Secretary/Chief Executive Officer, Hilbert Foster.

The RHTYSC/Assuria 5-over Tournament will be contested by 12 teams, namely Rose Hall Town ‘A’, Rose Hall Town ‘B’,

The winner will receive $70,000 and a trophy, the runner-up $30,000 and a trophy, and the losing semi-finalists $20,000 each. The main aims of the tournament are to promote the game across Berbice at the second division level, to promote the club’s “Say No to Drugs and Yes to Education” message, and to inform the general public about the work of the newly established Berbice branch of Assuria Insurance.

Foster, the long-serving RHTY&SC Secretary, also disclosed that the tournament would be dedicated to the memory of the club’s

late Assistant Organising Secretary, Simon Budhoo, who died recently at the age of 41. Foster stated that the RHTY&SC is unmatched in its promotion of cricket in Guyana and even does more work than some other cricket boards.

He expressed confidence that the relationship between the club and the insurance company will grow stronger and, most importantly, would make a positive difference in the lives of the less fortunate and youths.

The tournament will bowl off at 09:00h sharp and teams are only allowed two first division players in their squad. Players debarred by the Berbice Cricket Board and other county boards in Guyana will not be allowed to play.

Assuria Rose Hall Town Branch Manager, Jullie Fraser, hands over cheque to RHTY&SC Secretary/

CEO Hilbert Foster in presence of General Manager, Yogindra Arjune

Maria Chin of the Guyana Beverage Company hands over the company’s donation to Secretary/CEO

RHTY&SC Hilbert Foster

Southland International CEO Irzad Zamal makes the presentation to Foster

BCB Executive Vicky Bharosay (left) receives the sponsorship from Jagdeshwar Sarran, owner of Palace Taxi Service and Bar

Guyana Amazon Warriors fall to Barbados Tridents in opening match

The Hero Caribbean Premier League 2015 got under way with a rematch of last year’s final as the current champions Barbados Tridents took on the Guyana Amazon Warriors. The Tridents ran out winners thanks primarily to a brilliant all round performance from their captain, Kieron Pollard. His innings of 48 and two wickets were

the difference between the sides and even a stunning spell of bowling from Sunil Narine was not enough to stop the current holders of the CPL title getting off to a winning start.

The Amazon Warriors began the game brilliantly. Having lost the toss and being asked to field Marchant De Lange got the game underway with a maiden. This was followed

SCOREBOARD

Barbados Tridents innings (20 overs maximum)

DR Smith run out

(Chanderpaul) 13

EMDY Munaweera b Permaul 6

Shoaib Malik st †Ramdin b Narine 39

JL Carter† c Barnwell b Narine 25

KA Pollard* run out

(Permaul/†Ramdin) 48

JO Holder run out (Beaton) 1

ND Stewart not out 13 AJ Hosein not out 3 Extras (b 1, lb 1, w 8) 10 Total (6 wickets; 20 overs; 99 mins) 158

Did not bat: RJ Peterson, RR Emrit, R Rampaul Fall of wickets: 1-20, 2-23, 3-67, 4-123, 5-142, 6-154 Bowling: M de Lange 4-129-0, V Permaul 4-0-22-1, RR Beaton 4-0-27-0, TM Dilshan

1-0-16-0, SP Narine 4-0-222, LMP Simmons 2-0-18-0, CD Barnwell 1-0-22-0

Guyana Amazon Warriors innings (target: 159 runs from 20 overs)

LMP Simmons run out (Holder) 1

TM Dilshan c Hosein b Pollard 24

S Chanderpaul c Emrit b Holder 4

D Ramdin*† c Holder b Rampaul 0

BJ Hodge lbw b Peterson 26

AB Fudadin b Pollard 12

CD Barnwell b Peterson 6

SP Narine c Holder b Peterson 7 V Permaul c Shoaib Malik b Rampaul 14

M de Lange c Emrit b Rampaul 9

RR Beaton not out 0 Extras (lb 2, w 4) 6

Total (all out; 18 overs; 88 mins) 109

Fall of wickets: 1-12, 2-21, 3-21, 4-56, 5-61, 6-77, 7-85, 8-89, 9-105, 10-109 Bowling: JO Holder 4-0-211, R Rampaul 3-1-16-3, RR Emrit 2-0-9-0, ND Stewart 1-0-10-0, KA Pollard 4-0-20-2, RJ Peterson 4-0-31-3.

by another tight over from Veerasammy Permaul who conceded just three runs off the second over.

The big hitting began at the start of the third over when Dwayne Smith pulled a glorious six off a short ball from de Lange. Dilshan Munaweera also went aerial off de Lange, hitting a lofted drive for four. The Sri Lankan opener did not last much longer, bowled by Permaul for just six when he tried to cut a ball that was too close to his body for the shot.

Smith looked to be well set and looking to accelerate when he edged the ball to fine leg and set off for a single that was always risky. It looked an even worse decision to set off for the run when Smith slipped and fell in the middle of the pitch and Shivnarine Chanderpaul threw down the stumps to run him out.

Those two early wickets really slowed the Tridents down as they made it to just 30 off the six over Powerplay. Jonathan Carter got the innings moving again with two sixes in the seventh over which was bowled by Tillakaratne Dilshan. Carter could have been caught off the first of those Hero maximums, de Lange making a valiant effort to take a diving catch at long off.

Carter’s aggressive in-

National Youth and Junior Championships…

By TreisTon Joseph

Carifta bronze medalist, Andrea Foster continued her rich form with yet top notch performances on Saturday when the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) held their National Youth and Junior Athletics Championships at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora. Foster copped a double in the girl’s 18-19 800 and 1500 metres clocking 2:12.30s and 4:57.60s respectively to win both events.

Former School’s Nationals champ Arinze Chance who dedicated his wins to his father ahead of

nings got him to 25 off 20 balls before he attempted to hit Narine straight down the ground only to be well caught at long off by Christopher Barnwell. While the wicket was cause for celebration it brought Kieron Pollard to the crease.

Pollard was brutal against every Guyana bowler apart from Narine who once again put together a parsimonious spell, conceding 22 runs off his four overs. While Pollard was drawing all the attention with his aggression at the other end Shoaib Malik carried on where he had left off last season for the Tridents. His 39 off 35 balls held this Barbados batting performance together after the early wickets.

Pollard was going brilliantly until he was run out attempting a second run that always looked optimistic. His 48 runs came in just 26 balls and was full of the powerful strokes that we have come to expect from the Tridents captain.

The Tridents could have had the best possible start to their defence of 158 when Lendl Simmons skied a ball from Jason Holder but was dropped by Robin Peterson. Simmons had yet to get off the mark at that point and as the leading run scoring in last year’s event his dismissal could have been vital. As it was

Caesar

with the boy’s 18-19 100 metres.

it did not prove too costly because he was brilliantly run out in the second over thanks to a direct hit from Holder.

Holder could not be kept out of the game as he played a part in the dismissals of both Chanderpaul and Denesh Ramdin, picking up the wicket of the former and catching the latter.

At the end of the Amazon Warriors Powerplay they were 29-3 but the hugely experienced pair of Dilshan and Brad Hodge were at the crease but neither man could get going. The required rate had reached 10 an over at the half way stage of the Guyana innings and eventually the pressure told when Dilshan

pulled a Pollard slower ball to Akeal Hosein at deep midwicket.

When Hodge was dismissed LBW by Peterson it was the beginning of the end for the visitors. At 61-5 with just over 10 overs left it was always going to be hard to keep the rate under control. When Peterson went on to pick up the wickets of Barnwell and Narine in the same over the Amazon Warriors were left needing 74 runs to win off 30 balls with only tail end batsmen left. Some decent late order hitting from de Lange and Permaul got the Amazon Warriors past 100 but the Tridents were worthy winners. (CPL Release)

Father’s Day, today won doubles in the boy’s 18-19 200 and 400 metres clocking 21.60s and 49.40s respectively.

Rising sprint ace, Kenisha Phillips dominated the 14-17 female sprints winning the 100 and 200 metres in times of 11.70s and 24.40s.

Meanwhile, Compton Caesar captured a double in the boy’s 14-17 100 and 200 metres with times of 10.80s and 21.80s respectively.

Winning the girl’s 1819 100 metres was Aniqah Powley in 11.90s while Tirana Mitchell won the 200 metres in the same categroy with a time of 25.40s. Natricia Hooper was the

winner of the girl’s 18-19 400 metres in time of 56.40s. Linton Mentis won the boy’s18-19 100 metres in 10.70s while outstanding jumper, Chantoba Bright leaped away with the girl’s 19-19 triple jump with a winning mark of 11.44 metres.

Damon Williams won the boy’s 18-19 triple jump while Ornesto Thomas was the winner of the boy’s 800 metres of the same category in a time of 1:55.70s Meanwhile Carifta triple gold medalist Cassey George also captured a double with wins in the girl’s 14-17 800 and 1500 metres with times of 2:20,10s and 4:52.80s.

Compton

runs away

Guyana Amazon Warriors’ Captain Denesh Ramdin watches as Kieron Pollard smashes a huge six in his match winning innings of 48