Guyana Times Daily - February 13, 2016

Govt still to appoint key, new mission Heads P7 ...8 months after taking up office Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 2735

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

PRICE

PPP/C, APNU/AFC Govts dropped ball on suicide fight ...intervention not talk needed now

Caribbean Airlines partners with Govt Page 16

WHAT'S INSIDE: NCN’s management shake-up

CEO, 2 other managers P3 resign

Page 9

4-year-old critical after motorcycle accident

50th Anniversary celebrations

$80 vat included

Page 7

Region 5 farmers suffering

Page 7

Public Health Ministry monitoring Gastro outbreak P17 patients

– PPP/C MP says climbing cases ‘alarming’

Fogging of Georgetown areas P17 commences

Decomposed body at Rainbow City

Man died from tuberculosis P7 – PM

...as El Niño drought-like conditions continue

Berbice medical supplies

Dry farmland in Region Five as El Niño conditions continue. Efforts are being made to save over 17,000 acres of rice under threat

Fire guts Plaisance Furniture factory Page 14

Man hangs self at Better Hope Page 17

NA Hospital shortage climbing to crisis level P11 – Armogan

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BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, January 13 – 05:00h-06:30h and Thursday, January 14 – 08:30h-06:30h.

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, January 13 – 06:25h-07:55h30h and Thursday, January 14 – 07:05h-08:35h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Weather: Light to heavy showers with some thunder can be expected throughout most of the day, with sunny weather prevailing in the late afternoon. Clear to cloudy skies can be expected in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 25 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-easterly between 2.68 metres and 4.02 metres per second.

High Tide: 07:33h and 19:54h reaching maximum heights of 2.64 metres and 2.65 metres.

Low Tide: 13:26h reaching a minimum height of 0.60 metre.

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NCN’s management shake-up

CEO, 2 other managers resign

T

he first female Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the state-owned National Communications Network (NCN) Molly Hassan on Tuesday tendered her resignation along with Human Resource Manager Daren Khan.

Guyana Times on Tuesday spoke with Hassan who confirmed she had resigned and gave the requisite notice as stipulated in her contract.

Hassan expressed gratitude to the Board of Directors (BoD) and government for giving her the opportunity to serve but did not state what led her to make such a decision.

However, it has been widely speculated that the present administration would have requested Hassan to resign from NCN. Sources close to Hassan told Guyana Times that the CEO was being targeted by communication officials close to the government and this was confirmed when confidential information about her salary and benefits were leaked to the state-owned Guyana Chronicle during a public debate on the controversial salary increases that government had unilaterally approved for its ministers back in 2014.

“She was embarrassed and shocked that such misinformation could be leaked to the press with the aim of making her a scapegoat and bringing her into ridicule”, a source explained.

The source said Hassan also took note of the ongoing restructuring and media reports that journalist Enrico Woolford was being tipped for the post.

“She did not feel that she had job security and even though she worked hard and was making steps to reform NCN, not having that security in the end would affect the

NCN CEO Molly Hassan

NCN Chairman Bish Panday

psyche of anybody”, the source related.

ICT, Engineering and Programming “ have been rationalised” at the company.

It said that between Monday and Tuesday the positions of the CEO, Human Resources Manager and ICT have been voluntarily vacated.

“As a consequence, advertisements will soon appear for suitably qualified persons to fill various posts within the entity,” the board also stated.

According to the board, after reviewing the strategic direction, operations and conditions at NCN, it commenced a vitalisation project at the beginning of 2016.

It is said that NCN’s vitalisation project has four main pillars with the first entailing the identification of a clear strategic direction based on national imperatives.

Guyana Times understands that a comprehensive document has been produced by the board which provides the basis for the second, third and fourth pillars.

Meanwhile pillar two entails the restructuring of management so as to meet the new strategic

Board’s justification

Chairman of the NCN Bish Panday told this publication that he along with other members on the newly appointed board were in receipt of the resignations and had accepted them.

He posited that he is fine-tuning the advertisement for the new CEO and Human Resource Manager and that it will be out soon.

While it is said that these resignations were voluntary, many believe it cannot be coincidental for two top managers to resign within 24 hours.

There are reports of massive interference of the day-to-day operations of the state broadcaster from some members of the BoD and it is believed this may have been part of the reason for the resignations.

Ever since the APNU/ AFC administration gained power in May last year, many individuals not only in the State media but across the spectrum of the Public Service and other governmental agencies have lost their jobs by either being sent on leave, being forced to resign, or by dismissal.

That aside, the NCN board Tuesday in an official statement declared that several positions including those of CEO, Human Resources,

direction. The direction now set has necessitated several changes and include changes at the administrative level of the organisation based on revised terms of reference and competencies for the new structure.

The board has also announced that “several positions including those of CEO, Human Resources, ICT, Engineering and Programming have been rationalised”.

This publication was told that pillar three entails the rebranding and vitalising the programming on NCN’s radio and television stations.

According to the board there has been an “intense and ongoing review” of both the current programmes, systems, staff and technical facilities.

A nationwide call is currently out for announcers, producers and fresh programme ideas in addition to internal work being done on rebranding, reprogramming, training and creating a new content culture.

It was also noted that pillar four entails vitalising plant and infrastructure.

After months of extensive tours to NCN’s national substations, as well as equipment audits and technical consultations with local and international experts, several urgent needs in the area of physical space, telecommunications infrastructure, training, management and equipment have been identified, the board posited.

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

Editorial

Declare war against Aedes aegypti

T

he Zika Virus is on the prowl and concerns about the threat posed to global health security by Zika are escalating, with new outbreaks reported in Central and South America. It has been identified in 15 countries and territories in the Americas already since it first entered the Region of the Americas and was identified in March 2015 on Easter Island, in Chile. Several Caricom countries, including Barbados and Jamaica, and Venezuela, Brazil and Suriname, neighbouring countries, have now diagnosed Zika cases. Indeed, there is panic in Brazil as Zika surges past 1.5 million cases.

Guyana is especially vulnerable to a Zika outbreak and for Zika endemicity in our country. Like Dengue and Chikungunya, Zika is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito which is prevalent and ever present in our country, particularly in the most populated parts of Guyana. Dengue is endemic for a long time now and Chikungunya which first entered Guyana in 2014 is already endemic. Aedes aegypti mosquito now stands as a triple threat perfect storm which can further be amplified by climate change.

There is little evidence that Guyana is prepared for the fight against Zika. Dengue continues to be a concern and Chikungunya continues to entrench itself in our country. Once Zika enters it is definitely going to become endemic with its dengue cousins.

The response has to be a comprehensive response, but Guyana continues to have a tepid response to any of these public health outbreaks. In part, Guyana’s response to mosquito-borne diseases is tepid because while we sometimes implement aggressive treatment response, we have been reluctant to develop and implement an aggressive continuous anti-mosquito response.

The fight to STOP Zika and against dengue and chikungunya must include the elimination of the Aedes aegypti mosquito. An occasional spraying and stop-and-go mosquito education and awareness programmes will continue to fail. Guyana needs an aggressive, continuous fight to reduce and eliminate the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Whether we are fighting against dengue, chikungunya or now Zika, we need a long-term, continuous, aggressive mosquito-elimination programme.

It does not mean that an anti-mosquito elimination programme must represent the sum total of our efforts to combat these mosquito-borne diseases, but our previous efforts to control vector borne diseases have been characterised by a too comfortable, stop-and-go, anaemic response to fighting the mosquito vector. We simply have become too comfortable taking mosquito for granted.

We commend PAHO for its early response to Zika in the Region of the Americas. While PAHO has come out with advisories and has articulated a desire to help countries in any response to prevent and control Zika, national programmes must not wait for PAHO to come to their rescue.

Guyana Times is urging the Ministry of Public Health to come forward with a strong education and awareness programme and a programme to tangibly ensure we stop these vector-borne diseases.

It is not encouraging that with Zika at our doorsteps, we continue to act with sloth, hoping it would not come. Zika is threatening and we must not sit idly waiting to see what will happen.

The Ministry of Health’s slow and nonchalant approach to possible Zika outbreak in Guyana is inconsistent with the alarming public health threat that Zika poses. Beside mild symptoms of fever, rash, and arthralgia, similar to dengue and chikungunya, Zika is linked to some alarming health concerns.

Last month, the Ministry of Health in Brazil reported more than 3000 cases, a twentyfold annual increase in cases of newborn babies with microcephaly, a brain disease, in the northeastern region of the country, where Zika outbreaks have been confirmed.

Scientists have indicated that there could be a link between the increased number of Zika cases and the surge in the number of microcephaly in infants in Brazil. Brazil usually recorded less than 150 cases annually before 2015. Microcephaly is a condition in which the infants have abnormally tiny heads. Other congenital neurological anomalies, auto-immune diseases and an increased frequency of Guillain-Barré syndrome linked to Zika have also been reported.

These are troubling health concerns and with a high presence of the vector in Guyana, we must ensure that we reduce any chance of Zika entering and becoming endemic in our country. A Zika awareness and education programme and an intensified and longterm continuous mosquito control programme are imperatives now.

We urge the Ministry of Health not to wait for Zika, but to declare that Zika is persona non grata in Guyana. While we fight Zika or chikungunya or dengue or any other new mosquito-borne disease, NOW is the time to declare total war against Aedes aegypti.

A young lad hitches a ride on the bales of tissue his father had just purchased as he could not keep up with the busyness of Bourda Market on his own (Marceano Narine photo)

Questions about the credibility of earnings in GuySuCo’s CoI report Dear Editor, There has been a barrage of comments in the media after the Report of the CoI into GuySuCo was made public recently. Many of these focused on the issue of privatisation of the industry while others concerned the veracity or credibility of the data presented to show the relative earnings of rank-and-file sugar workers. As the Commissioner responsible for the Human Resource Management & Industrial Relations aspects of the work of the COI, I am naturally concerned about the latter and anxious to set the record straight.

The Chairman of the CoI has now authorized me to re-

centives introduced over the recent years to achieve a higher level of attendance.

I think these are clear examples of several outdated perceptions which plague the thinking and beliefs of those who might be bent on projecting anachronistic images of the industry for reasons other than the true benefit of the industry and the sustainable welfare of its employees.

The conditions of employment and certainly the earnings of sugar workers have been increased substantially relative to workers in other sectors of the economy between the time I last worked in the industry some 16 years ago and now; I have no

Comparative annualised Salary Scales vis-à-vis annualised Earnings of Piece Workers (2014) Annualised Salary Scales for Time Workers

Band (Category)

GAWU – Weekly Scales x 52 Daily Scales x 5 x 52

NAACIE Monthly Scales x 12

1 2 3 4 5

$ 516 K –$ 1.0 M $ 594 K – $1.2 M $ 683 K– $1.4 M $ 785 K – $1.6 M $ 903 K –$ 1.8 M

$660 K – $1.1 M $696 K – $1.4 M $852 K –$ 1.7 M $1.0 M – $2.0 M $1.3 M –$ 2.5 M

Annualised High and Mid-Level Earnings in Various Field Operations (2014) (Average of Seven Estates)

Field Operations Harvesting (Cane Cutters) Cane Transport Mechanical Tillage Field Workshop Planting Fertilising Pest Control Weeding

High Earners $ 2,470,339 $ 2,972,976 $ 2,911,193 $ 2,672,569 $ 1,833,487 $ 1,973,438 $ 1,890,380 $ 870,771

spond to the comments and issues raised regarding the HR/ IR aspects and I have no doubt that responses to the other issues will be appropriately dealt with in due course.

I beg readers’ indulgence in prefacing that I was personally surprised when the earnings and attendance data were presented to me. Despite my antecedents in the industry (‘weh me navel string chuk’) and my long experience therein both as a rank-and-file worker and a professional staff in the Human Resource Management function, I never would have guessed that the actual and potential earnings power of sugar workers had been improved to such an extent; I was similarly amazed at the relatively poor attendance at work, despite the plethora of in-

Mid-Level Earners $ 1,205,810 $ 1,531,664 $ 1,448,120 $ 1,220,785 $ 955,066 $ 943,029 $ 954,196 $ 497,190

reason to begrudge them; all of us would certainly like that trend to continue but we know it cannot if the goose that lays the golden egg’ dies because we failed to feed it and maintain its own health. In other words, if we allow employment costs in GuySuCo to continue to run away beyond affordability within and relatively outside, the industry.

The majority of GuySuCo workers are piece- or task-rated such as cane-harvesters who are paid on the basis of the amount of work done as opposed to others who are time-rated ie paid by the hour or day or week or month, irrespective of the amount of work done.

The ‘preamble’ to the presentation of the earnings data is titled: “Myths about earnings

of Field Workers” and it goes on to acknowledge that “It is generally felt that Field Workers, especially piece workers, are not doing as well, earnings wise, as their counterpart time workers, Foremen and Supervisors especially because they do not get full year-round employment or because they have to haggle over ‘extras’ etc”. The Report then compares the 2014 Annual Gross Salaries earned by time workers, charge hands, foremen and supervisors with the 2014 Annual Gross Earnings of various categories of piece workers who typically work less than a full year, given the in-crop and out-of-crop realities of GuySuCo field operations.

The Report goes on to state that the most revealing conclusion that can be drawn from the statistical data is “the fact that Field piece workers can earn more than their counterparts doing time work and even their foremen and supervisors”. These assertions are derived from the following statistics: (a) Comparative annualised Salary Scales vis-à-vis annualised Earnings of Piece Workers (2014) As a double-check on the data supplied by GuySuCo, the CoI independently and directly ap-

gible (as measured by the number of employees on roll vis-à-vis GuySuCo’s budgeted establishment). The problem is with the attendance which suffers because the formula for ‘qualifying’ to remain on roll and enjoy all the benefits of a regular worker is overly liberal and augmented by several premia available for week-end work as detailed in the CoI Report. Furthermore, many employees attend the barest minimum to ‘qualify’ for GuySuCo benefits then they opt to work elsewhere (rice, cash crops, construction and goldfields where income tax and NIS deductions are not made as is done at GuySuCo). * GuySuCo has not done as good a job as they might have to publicise that it is a good employer (despite the extraordinarily high incidence of strikes and apparent strife in the industry); its communication and PR have not been as good as it could have been and the CoI Report does say so quite unequivocally.

It is my fervent hope and prayer, and I know I also speak for my colleagues in the CoI, that readers and especially compatriots who have sensed and/ or expressed doubts about the credibility /authenticity of the data presented will reflect fairly

Re earnings: (a) 35% earn up to $4000 per day (b) 60% earn from $4000 to $8000 per day (c) 5% earn above $8000 per day Re attendance at work: (d) 20% attend work for less than 100 days per year (e) 15% ,, ,, ,, 100-150 days per year (f) 22% ,, ,, ,, 50-200 ,, ,, ,, (g) 22% ,, ,, ,, 200-250 ,, ,, ,, (h) 21% ,, ,, ,, over 250 ,, ,, ,, proached the ISD (Information Systems Dept of GuySuCo) for corroborative data on the average daily gross pay of rankand-file workers. Clarification of statistics shows the following observations are made regarding Field/Factory workers’ earnings and attendance at work: Questions have been raised in the media as to the reason for the chronic ‘shortage of workers’ in the fields, given the relatively good earnings potential in GuySuCo as presented above.

In this context it is necessary to emphasize the following: * The ‘vacancy rate’ is negli-

on the foregoing attempt to put things in perspective and to allay any doubts or fears that the data were manipulated or misrepresented in any way for any ulterior motive.

And if I may end on a personal note as I began, I have too much at stake with my family, friends and fellow Guyanese to tolerate any iota of dishonesty, deceit or manipulation of the facts and realities of employment conditions in my alma mater, the sugar industry of Guyana.

Sincerely, Nowrang Persaud

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Suicide prevention Commissioner of Police, nepotism, Dear Editor, With suicide becoming more prevalent in our society, it must be clear that we need to do much more towards its prevention. I now think that, because teenagers form the largest group of victims of this terrible scourge, it is time for all our young people to ask themselves what they can do to stop their fellow teens from even considering it as a solution to any problem they may encounter.

It is a fact that every problem, no matter how unsolvable it may appear on the surface, has a solution that will not only improve the condition of the person involved, but will actually make him stronger to deal

with even greater problems in the future.. I believe that if every person contemplating ending his life is convinced of this one fact, then they will stop and search for a real way out of their troubles, either by themselves or by seeking help from those who are qualified to offer such.

I am, therefore, suggesting that we should start a movement among the senior students of our schools to come together and form groups that can meet and discuss how they can spread the word of this to as many of their colleagues as possible. Along with this, students can be advised on what to look for in those with whom they come into

contact who may be contemplating suicide, and also what help they can offer to these unfortunates to get the necessary counselling to prevent them from proceeding further in their self-destructive thinking.

Such a movement, to my mind, can be formed either in every school or within a group of schools in a community.

I hope that those in authority, either in the schools, communities, or in the Ministry of Education, can see the wisdom of this strategy and move to get it implemented soon.

Yours sincerely, Roy Paul

It is important to recognise and appreciate the ethnic mosaic in Guyana Dear Editor, I appreciate sentiments expressed in EB John’s letter, “Kanhai was a great Guyanese – not IndoGuyanese ? cricketer”, (SN 07-01-15). Mr John was responding to Prof Clem Seecharran’s SN news item, “Rohan Kanhai: IndoGuyanese Hero Turns 80” (25-12-15).

Mr John was correct in stating that when Guyanese like Kanhai and Lloyd played cricket for the country or the WI team, we did not see their ethnicity we saw them as Guyanese cricketers. Mr John, however, fails to garner that one’s ethnic background is an important frame of reference in many spheres, including sports.

I remember the time when Arthur Ashe was playing for the Wimbledon Cup in the finals in 1975. That was an elated moment for me. For my black office colleague who hardly had any interest in tennis before, she was literally jumping for joy – because Ashe was black! Google any major article on Arthur Ashe and one of the first notables is the reference of being the “first black man” or “first African-American” to win a Grand Slam. Ashe did not play tennis as a Black person, but his race was a significant factor in the back of the minds of many.

After reading Prof Seecharran’s article, I feel that the reference to Kanhai’s ethnicity is appropriate and important in the context of the rhetoric. Seecharran rightly observed, “For Indo-Guyanese, the mastery and international recognition of Rohan Kanhai became central to their identity, fortify-

ing their self-esteem even as their political fortunes slumped from the mid-60s.

His perceived genius would be refracted through the political, necessarily an ethnic Guyanese prism.”

I shall never forget an incident in 1968. My classmate at Annandale High School, Laquat Ali, proudly brought Kanhai’s book, Blasting For Runs, to our class. He related that he was the first person to borrow that prized book from the Lusignan Community Centre. Laquat (who tragically became a fatal road statistic about a year later) was the most popular student as fellow students virtually swarmed him to get a peek at the book. For us, Rohan Kanhai was more than a hero; he was an inspiration, a symbol of hope of ordinary Indian boys in the country. Like my Black office colleague who was ecstatic for Ashe because he was black, young IndoGuyanese boys were euphoric not only for what Kanhai did and how he did it, but also for who he was.

Even more than Kanhai, Alvin Kallicharran’s achievements were monumental for the Indian people of Guyana. The latter was playing for the West Indies team at a time when Indians in Guyana were blatantly discriminated against by the government - led by the authoritarian Forbes Burnham.

When Kallicharran was selected to play in the higher leagues, some Indians could not believe it. The discrimination and injustice they felt (rightly or wrongly) contributed to a psychological malaise that made them think Kallicharran’s inclusion was an anomaly.

It was truly a dark time in the history of our country politically, as well as for the sport that all Guyanese love.

However, Indians sensed so much discrimination that they felt the West Indies team did not represent them – that they were a non-entity in the political, racial and cultural fabric in the country. Therefore, the unbelievable happened – many Indian fans were publicly clapping and supporting other teams that came to play the WI, instead of the home team. It was a difficult era for many, and some would like to hide it and pretend it did not happen. But I surely could have understood their quandary.

Shivnarine Chanderpaul, arguably a more accomplished cricketer than both Kansai and Kallicharran, does not have the same aura and significance for Indian Guyanese as Kanhai and Kallicharran did.

It is vogue to celebrate and highlight “African-ness” but when Indo-Guyanese entities are honoured, they are seen as “un-Guyanese”.

Indians in Guyana are castigated when they express appreciation for their music, sports and other spheres of accomplishment.

Instead of retreating, Guyanese should be resolved to affirm the varied aspects of the mosaic; instead of castigation, there should be appreciation and celebration with the other!

It is important to recognise and appreciate the ethnic mosaic that is Guyana, and not smother attempts to highlight aspects of this montage.

Yours truly, Devanand Bhagwan

ineptitude and confusion Dear Editor, Reference is being made to an article appearing in KN (2016-01-06) purportedly crafted by a Senior Officer of the Guyana Police Force.

On reading the article, a few words come to mind immediately – cunning, disgruntled, petty-mindedness, bitterness, someone with a beef to barbeque – all in the guise of professionalism.

The probability of that someone being a Senior Police Officer or a Police rank is very marginal, hence the usage of words at caption. Maybe referencing seniority in the GPF is an attempt to lend credence to his/her take on organisational issues in a decision making environment beyond his/her comprehension.

Let us focus the microscope on the choice of words as a way of deconstructing the writer. Nepotism – “patronage bestowed or favouritism shown on the basis of family relationship as in business and politics...”

Question to be asked? Who in the GFP is related by blood, marriage or adoption to the Commissioner?

Ineptitude – “ineptitude (and incompetence are synonyms) - a lack of skill, ability, or competence,” descriptive of people who have absolutely no idea what they are doing. Confusion – “the state of being bewildered or unclear in one’s mind about something.”

Can this person – civilian or police – really qualify this in the context of the GPF from an objective, and not an irrational, personalised approach? Bitterness, you see, has a way of contaminating objectivity; the

rational mind is invariably subsumed by the irrational.

Once framed within that context, the outcome will be reflective of the negative emotive findings/intended outcomes.

Professionalising language to camouflage real intentions and push individual agendas is not uncommon. Resorting to the usage of terms like – Human Resources Management, Democracy, square-pegsin round-hole, succession planning, command structure, morale, etc is extremely laudable when objectively contextualised, not by a pseudo appeal to issues that are normal in any military, paramilitary organisational command and control structure and which are generally blown out of proportion.

Maybe this civilian or Police Officer should inform himself/herself about management cultures with command and control systems.

Democracy has to be contextualised. It is not a panacea for all organisational ills.

Reading from what has been written the appeal to democracy with a daub of nepotism, ineptitude and incompetence thrown in, seems to be the Trojan Horse for undermining the management style and integrity of Commissioner Seelall Persaud.

Whatever the intention, this civilian or policeman or woman is maligning the entire hierarchy of the Guyana Police Force. He or she, having established a dictatorial setting where the Commissioner’s words are the words of Hitler or is running a one-man show, is deliberately minimising the

contributions, professionalism and intelligence of ALL senior and junior officers of the force. He has rendered them all voiceless, even Assistant Commissioners, Administration and Operations, Persaud and Ramnarine who together with the Commissioner superintends the Force. This is a far cry from many of the officers with whom I interface with.

Supposing I play the role of the Devil’s advocate and ask: Is this a race thing? Where was this civilian or police under the tenure of Commissioners Green, Felix and Brummel?

Are the issues highlighted new, or are they the dying symptoms of an archaic system Commissioner Seelall is grappling with tooth and nail together with his team of Officers to deconstruct and rebuild, while still responding to the demands as enshrined in the GPF’s mandate of service and protection?

The assumption to knowledge when not in the driver’s seat is a universal reaction of most underlings – and civilians with an agenda. They always seem to know better.

Yes! The Guyana Police Force has an uphill task to deliver a quality service. And I dare say that has been the pivotal objective of ALL Commissioners, even though I am biting my tongue in regards to a particular one.

Sincerely, Jonathan Parsuram Externally trained former Military Officer

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hildren learn how to feel about their bodies, abilities, everything – from what you say and do.

They are likely to imitate your actions. The most powerful way to teach your children healthy habits is not by rewarding or punishing them. Instead, act in a positive way and model healthy behaviours.

Setting a good example will help them be happy and maintain a healthy weight.

Have changes to make yourself?

That’s OK. You can do it together.

Foundation Too much texting, emailing, talking

It’s not fair to tell the children not to text at the dinner table if you’re there on your phone.

What you do sends a stronger message than what you say. Set family rules about electronics and everyone, including parents, needs to stick to them.

Children who spend too much time in front of screens often have problems with sleepiness, school performance,

Drinking to perk up or feel better

If you come home after a bad day at work and say, “I need a drink,” you show your child that alcohol is a good way to relieve stress and feel better about yourself. The same goes for relying on tonnes of coffee for energy.

Instead, find healthier ways to get stress relief or get energised. Try exercise, meditation, or a relaxing hobby

Criticising yourself

Criticising the way you look sends the message that selfesteem should be based on how your jeans fit or how much you weigh.

Children – especially girls – can be influenced by what they hear their mothers say. It can make them not like what they see in the mirror – leading to a lifetime of self-esteem issues and poor body image. Both can push her toward unhealthy habits like yo-yo dieting or increase her risk of dangerous eating disorders.

Emotional eating

If you use food to feel better when you’re sad or disappointed, you could be passing on unhealthy messages to your children. You’re showing them that food is the way to feel good about yourself.

Instead, work on other ways to get an emotional boost when you’re low. Let them see you talking to friends or going for a walk to feel better. They’ll pick up on healthy and unhealthy habits alike.

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Always bickering, arguing

If you and your spouse constantly snipe at each other, your children are learning that it’s OK to act that way. Stress is often a trigger for arguments.

Handling your stress well?

If not, try researching some stress management techniques.

Arguing may make you feel better at first but worse later.

Plus, stress from arguments has a negative effect on children.

Negative stress has been shown to increase the risk of obesity.

Gossiping

and weight issues. But children who eat dinner with the family have a lower risk of obesity.

and get the whole family involved. Those are all are good ways to relax or recharge.

Emphasising the superficial and material

Making everything a competition

Most little girls play dressup. But experts say be careful about making pedi parties more important than other quality time.

Use “girl time” to make healthy habits attractive – go for walks, teach her a sport. She’ll learn that she can be strong, powerful, and a girl. Plus, she’ll see that being active is a great stress reliever. Also be sure to tell her she’s smart or kind as often as you compliment her beauty.

Pointing out to your child that other children (neighbours, classmates, siblings) are more athletic is rarely a good motivator.

Instead, try positive reinforcement. Praise him for doing his best. Help him focus on the fun of being outside or competing against himself and seeing improvements. You can also offer to help find an activity he’s passionate about and help him practise. Talk about how you need to move every day and how it makes you feel good.

Criticising the way someone looks or acts can be a sign of poor self-esteem. About to blab?

Stop. Ask yourself if there’s good reason. Chances are it’s out of habit, so opt not to.

The same goes for indulging in a lot of Hollywood gossip TV shows and magazines for a pickme-up. Instead, turn off the TV, put down the mags, and show your children how to unwind and re-energise in healthy ways.

Get everyone outside for a bike ride or game of hopscotch.

Catching yourself

If you find yourself behaving in a negative way around your children, don’t ignore it and hope they didn’t notice. Point out your mistake. Use it as a teachable moment.

Get the children involved by asking them to help you stop.

They’ll probably be more than happy to point it out if you do it again and you’ll all be more aware. Studies suggest, families are more likely to find success if they support each other in their healthy choices. (wwwwebmd.com)

– these key tactics come in handy when you’re raising children

By Gina Shaw

P

arenting advice changes so often that it’s easy to feel like you’re doing it wrong no matter what.

But Laura Markham, PhD, author of Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids, has her own tips that have nothing to do with choosing between grounding and the time-out chair. Instead, they’re all about your relationship with your child.

Connect

Set aside “10 minutes of special time with you every day for each child. Call it “Hannah time” or “Ethan time”, so they know it’s all about them. One day, they pick what to do. The next day, you pick. But focus all your attention on your child, with all your heart.

“Make sure any siblings are occupied elsewhere – and put your phone away!

Ninety per cent of your interactions with your child should be about connecting so she can accept the 10 per cent about correcting.”

Control your own emotions first

“No matter what the issue – bad grades at school, temper tantrums, refusal to eat dinner – before you intervene with your child, always start by calming yourself. Most of the time, an issue with your child may feel like an emergency, but it isn’t. You can take a deep breath and step away in order to calm yourself and be the parent you want to be.”

Reconnect when you set limits

“Don’t yell, ‘Clean up your Legos, it’s time for bed,’ from the kitchen. Go to where he is, get down on his level, and take a look at what he’s doing. We’re always rushing kids through the schedule. Take a minute to sit down and admire what he’s made – then talk about bedtime. If you set your limit with empathy, he’s more likely to cooperate.”

Don’t shut down the conversation

“If your child says, ‘I hate math! I’m never going to school again!’ he’s probably not just being difficult.

Heightened emotions mean something’s going on. If you just say, ‘Of course you’re going to school, now do your homework,’ you’ve closed the door on finding out what he’s really feeling.

“Instead, open the door by saying something like, ‘It sounds like you really don’t like math. Can you tell me about it?’ That helps the child feel safe opening up to you.”

Welcome tears

“Part of your job as a parent is helping your child manage his or her emotions, and sometimes we all need to cry. Parents think that when kids cry you have to quickly calm them down, but it’s the opposite. Teach them that those big emotions, like hurt and anger, aren’t dangerous. If you see your child getting cranky or aggressive, take a minute to acknowledge your own irritation (see tip number two) and then shift to compassion and empathy.

“Your job is to help your child feel safe enough to express the big, scary feelings – and yes, even let him have a meltdown in the safety of your arms. If he can’t articulate them, you can help him show you by setting kind limits, saying something like ‘Oh sweetie, I see you’re upset. I’m sorry this is so hard.’”

(Excerpt from WebMD)

to be continued

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wednesday, january 13, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Region 5 farmers suffering

...as El Niño drought-like conditions continue

C

hairman of Region Five (MahaicaBerbice) Vickchand Ramphal is calling on Agriculture Minister Noel Holder to deploy two excavators to the region in order to save 17,000 acres of rice under threat of being destroyed as El Niño droughtlike conditions.

Ramphal says if the minister does not act now, there will be total destruction of cultivated rice specifically situated in the Mahaicony/Mahaica area.

Ramphal speaking with Guyana Times said the situation is very serious and came about as a result of

Region Five Chairman Vickchand Ramphal

the current weather conditions.

“Fresh water is becoming scarce in the area and the only alternative to access fresh water is through the Kaliserabo canal which was dug during the previous El Niño weather condition. However, the canal is clogged with weeds.”

The chairman noted that an excavator was deployed however at its pace it will likely take several months to complete the cleaning. “By then all the crop will be lost. At present approximately 4000 acres of cultivated rice is been affected,” Ramphal lamented.

Agriculture Minister Noel Holder

“Two more excavators need to be deployed to the area so the cleaning can be completed in a matter of days. I am calling on the Ministry of Agriculture, and the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority [NDIA] to make an early intervention so farmers in the area can save their crop,” he appealed.

In Region Five rice cultivation is the main economic activity and in the Mahaicony/Mahaica area, it is almost the only economic activity. Farmers would have already expended millions to bring their crop to the present

stage. Of the17,000 acres under threat, more that 8000 would already have a second application of fertilizer, and a great portion of that would have already received a third application.

Ramphal said taking into consideration the present price for paddy, if government does not make the necessary interventions, rice farmers in that community will incur tremendous financial losses and many of them might not be able to return to their lands if subsidies [fuel, fertilizers and seed paddy] are not provided.

Govt still to appoint key, 4-year-old critical after new mission Heads ...8 months after taking up office

I

t is now eight months since the new A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change coalition was elected to office and a number of key Heads of Missions are still to be announced after Government terminated the services of several longstanding diplomats who served under the previous Administration.

Although some announcements were made about steps being taken to replace these diplomats, the slothfulness surrounding the process remained a concern.

Foreign Affairs Minister and Second Vice President Carl Greenidge speaking to the Government Information Agency (GINA) explained that the delay in announcing the new Heads of Mission, including Consuls General, was as a result of the various processes that must obtain.

Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge

He said the first step was to identify eligible candidates and get clearance for such appointments locally and simultaneously notify the host country of eligible candidates, so as to initiate a further series of processes which the host country must undertake.

“While Guyana itself may not have a thorough a process as a country like the United States

with many interests, many threats, many dangers facing it, we recognise that there is a protocol and a right on the part of those countries to examine the names that they receive carefully,” Minister Greenidge explained.

The process of scrutiny undertaken by host countries can take up to three months just to vet the candidates; hence, the delay in making such changes.

Consuls General have community obligations to attend, participate in a number of events involving Guyana and interfacing with opinion forming elements within the community such as universities, research institutes, as well as various Guyanese and Caribbean associations.

“In New York also, there is an ambassador who is the permanent representative to the United Nations … this is a specialised area as multilat-

eral diplomacy is different from bilateral diplomacy… it requires special skills,” Minister Greenidge said.

The Ambassador based in Washington who deals with relations between Guyana and the United States also has an obligation for the Organisation of American States, which is a forum that calls for highly skilled diplomats versed in other languages.

“You’re looking for persons with the capacity as they are required to multitask, dealing with a range of countries, languages, cultural and protocol practices,” Minister Greenidge said.

Upon assuming office, the coalition Government stressed the need to have highly trained diplomats to represent Guyana at varying diplomatic postings, as having such directly affects Guyana’s image internationally. (Adapted from GINA)

motorcycle accident

A

young child and her father are in critical condition after the motorcycle they were riding on ran into an electrical pole on Mandela Avenue, Georgetown. The accident occurred sometime around 13:00h on Tuesday.

Injured are Paula Waterman, 4, and her father Paul Waterman, 42, both of Lot 53 Norton Street, Lodge, Georgetown. The man is said to have sustained a broken leg while the injuries of the toddler, though critical, are unknown.

Details surrounding the accident were sketchy but Guyana Times understands that Waterman had picked up his daughter from school and was riding along Mandela

Avenue, when the motorcycle suffered a blow-out.

This resulted in the man losing control and slamming into a nearby post. It is unclear whether the child was wearing a helmet at the time.

The father and child duo were rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where they remain hospitalised in critical conditions.

When this newspaper visited the hospital the child was still unconscious but the father was conscious. The man’s wife was also at the hospital but was too distraught to talk.

At the time all she could say was she is unsure as to what transpired but noted that after receiving a call, she rushed to the hospital.

8 news

wednesday, january 13, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Miner jailed for gun, ammunition possession A miner was on Tuesday found guilty and jailed for two years after he was found guilty of having an unlicensed firearm along with matching ammunition.

Godfrey Williams, of Lot 3744 Stevedore Housing Scheme, Georgetown, was jailed by Magistrate Annette Singh at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts after she found him guilty of having the firearm and ammunition in his possession on February 19, 2014 at Light

Street, Georgetown.

The prosecution stated that on the day in question, the Police received information that a white Tundra was seen lurking on Light Street and responded. When the Police arrived, they found Williams in the vehicle and conducted a search during which the gun and ammunition were found.

According to the prosecution’s case, Williams was asked to provide his licence and he stated that he did not have one.

Godfrey Williams

He was subsequently arrested and charged for the offence.

When given the opportunity to speak to the court before his sentencing, Williams explained that he owned a business and was the sole provider for his family. He expressed that if he went to jail, his business would suffer.

The Magistrate then sentenced him to two years’ imprisonment along with a $50,000 fine for the offence.

Food thief fined $100,000 A

42-year-old man on Tuesday changed his not-guilty plea to guilty when he appeared before Magistrate Annette Singh at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged for breaking and entering.

Rafeek Alli, a labourer, was placed before the Court

to answer charges which stated that on December 10, 2015 in Georgetown, he broke and entered the dwelling place of Michael Lynch and stole a bowl of food, one kitchen knife valued at $450 and one shirt valued at $7500.

The Court heard that

around 12:05h, the Virtual Complainant (VC) went home to eat lunch and saw Alli coming out of his home.

Upon closer inspection, the VC stated, he saw Alli carrying a bowl of food that his wife had cooked along with a kitchen knife from his kitchen and a shirt,

which was in his back pants pocket. As such, Alli was arrested and the items recovered. The Court was told that Alli was previously convicted in 2011 for a similar offence.

After pleading guilty to the offence, Alli was fined $100,000.

Unlawful wounding accused on self-bail

T

wenty-eight-yearold Floyd Beckles was on Tuesday placed on self-bail when he appeared before Magistrate Annette Singh at the Georgetown

Magistrates’ Courts on charges of unlawful wounding.

The Court heard that on December 6, 2015, Beckles attacked Britney Trotman and wounded her

in the process. However, the prosecution did not reveal the details of the offence.

He pleaded not guilty to the offence, and was initially placed on $5000

bail. However, he told the Magistrate that he could not afford to pay the bail and was subsequently placed on self-bail.

The case will continue on January 25.

Lindener charged with unlawful wounding

A

Lindener slapped with an unlawful wounding charge on Tuesday appeared before Magistrate Clive Nurse at the Christiansburg Magistrate’s Court.

Twenty-two-year-old Tooan Fraser of Lot 255 Block 22, Wismar, Linden pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that he unlawfully and maliciously wounded Trevor Williams on April 14, 2015. The incident is alleged to have occurred at the Wisroc/Amelia's Ward Bus Park.

Williams told the court that on the day in question, Fraser, who was driving at the time, hit Williams’ car from the back, after which he dealt him a lash to the head, causing injuries to his eyes. He further told the court that he subsequently visited the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC) where he was treated for the injuries.

The case was adjourned to January 19.

Eyew tness Silent…

O

…or dumb?

ne heard of the three monkeys who individually could hear no evil, see no evil, or speak no evil. Seems we have an analogous case with the SOCU caper, which, contrary to the fervent hope of this administration – will not be swept under a rug. Here, the “evil” isn’t just killing innocent civilians and scaring the living daylight out of others. It’s also shameless coverup that’s forcing the auditory, ocular and labial challenges.

We have the Minister of National Security under whose portfolio, falls the Guyana Police Force. Ain’t no “ifs” and “buts” about it – he’s the civilian controller of the GPF. He can’t get involved with operational matters – even he wasn’t physically challenged - but he sure as hell HAS to get involved if the Police are exceeding their remit.

So how can we make such a statement and yet we have three deaf, dumb and blind fellas who’re supposed to be in charge? You be the judge your Eyewitness’ overreaching. A SPECIAL ORGANISED CRIME UNIT (SOCU) was established to counter money laundering and financing of terrorism and made part and parcel of the Police Force. Its head was even made into a Police Deputy Commissioner who reports directly to the Commissioner of Police. (COP) During the holidays, the said head of SOCU makes contact directly with the head of the GDF requesting an operative from their Intelligence Unit. Now the Police Force has its own Intelligence Unit… but the Deputy Commissioner bypasses his COP. Could be as an ex-GDF officer he was more comfortable with his old squaddies? But that’s not the point, is it?

It’s not how things work in the Disciplined Forces.

Army people just can’t tell hot shot Airforce pilots to give them covering fire. They have to go through the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s). Without these SOP’s it’s anarchy, and the next thing you know, we’re overrun by some bush fighters from Suriname.

So why can’t the head of SOCU HEAR the calls to explain why an army intelligence officer was conducting a surveillance operation having nothing to do with money laundering or financing of terrorism? The press hasn’t seen head nor hair of him. And why can’t the COP SEE he was cuckolded during the entire operation and demand an explanation?

And finally why can’t the Minister of National Security Ramjattan, SPEAK about SOCU’s bypassing his chain of command? Why does he need a “police investigation” before he can SPEAK? Why does he need a lamp to see in broad daylight?

The answer, my friend, is blowing in the wind. It’s because the mouth is muzzled, the eye is covered and the ear is “corked” by the hand that feeds them.

…AND dumb

The Berbice Chamber of Commerce joined the long line of organisations demanding to be told why an army intelligence officer was deployed on a POLICE operation without knowledge of the police. This time Ramjattan found his voice but he just revealed how hopeless he is.

He had the gall to say since the BCC had earlier called for the army to assist the police in quelling the spiralling crime wave (which, he’d denied, by the way) how could they complain now!!! Can you believe this arrant nonsense from a Vice President and Senior Minister?

No one’s denying the Joint Services can’t run “joint” operations. We were all educated on this during the Buxton “uprising”. In such operations among civilians, the Army fellas (and felines) are ALWAYS under the command of the police. When the police aren’t around, the army people won’t even pursue bandits who’ve just robbed civilians in front of their eyes!

So, Ramjattan, who was the police officer from SOCU directing Sergeant Pyle in hot pursuit?

…and deadly

The stench of the coverup’s so strong we do suspect it’ll reach the highest rungs of government. We do hope good sense will prevail and a CoI will be established forthwith.

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

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wednesday, january 13, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Escalating suicide rates

PPP/C, APNU/AFC Govts dropped ball on suicide fight ...intervention not talk needed now

By: Tusika Martin, Edward Layne, Alexis Rodney, and Indrawattie Natram

G

uyana’s suicide rate continues to escalate out of control and many are of the view that Government in spite of its promises to tackle the scourge head-on has so far done very little in this regard.

The sudden upsurge in suicide on the Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) within the past 30 days, coupled with the recent tragic incident in Berbice where a 14-year-old girl and her 20-year-old male paramour hung themselves, has become cause for concern.

Additionally, on Sunday alone, four other persons attempted to take their own lives in Region Two, prompting many to intensify the call for greater action on a national level to comprehensively and holistically address this social bane, particularly for the Government to act swiftly.

Gatekeepers Programme

Many social activists are calling for the Government to revert to the widely-regarded Gatekeepers Programme initiated by former Health Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy, which during its

Akel Shurland

Since 2011, under the stewardship of former Minister Dr Bheri Ramsarran, the Programme was not fully developed although there was much discussion about tackling the societal scourge by boosting its mental health capacity to deal effectively with patients and victims.

Dr Ramsarran had committed to bringing professionals to conduct training sessions so that there was a diffusion of the best mental health practices offered to the public.

Roshinee Pagwah

existence was able to put a dent in the scourge.

The Gatekeepers Programme broadened the suicide prevention approach beyond the counselling centres, which were established on the premise that the potential victim would reach out and seek help.

It entailed training of Gatekeepers who were taught to recognise the signs and signals in a person’s life that they were at risk of taking their own lives.

However, although the Programme was launched, it was not followed through by the former Administration.

Only recently, The Caribbean Voice (TCV), a Non-Governmental Organisation renewed its calls for Government to bring back the Gatekeepers Programme and use it as a mechanism to train first responders in every community.

Ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day, in September 2015, Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr Karen Cummings had promised that strong attention would be placed on helping families, caregivers, schools, colleges, universities and faith-based institutions to develop strategies to tackle suicide.

target the youth.

“I think since Government came on board, there have not been any programmes to deal with these issues. These need to come into play. The Government can, at the regional level , have programmes put together to assist the youth in various areas.” he said.

Region Five (MahaicaBerbice) Chairman Vickchand Ramphal said the Social Protection Ministry needed to play an important role in curbing this issue.

“They need to be more proactive and have an “everpresence” in the communi-

Deeraj Persaud

Kaimwattie Persaud

Government. He said unless these three factors work together coherently, there would always be a recurrence of these incidents.

Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) Chairman Devanand Ramdatt said the current rate of suicide within his Region was quite worrying and the RDC needed to do more to address the issue.

The Chairman, during his address to Councillors at the first statutory meeting for the year on Tuesday, said that he recently visited the Suddie Public Hospital and was shocked to find out that five persons attempted sui-

ties to educate the youth.

Whenever they are in a situation they cannot handle, they must have somewhere where they can access help and the Ministry needs to play a major

Chairman David Armogan told Guyana Times that for the year 2015, 49 persons in the Region attempted suicide while 24 actually died. He said apart from Government and the Social Protection Ministry working on the ground to address the issue, they must consider banning gramoxone, which is proven to be the number one poison used by persons.

Records at the New Amsterdam Hospital show that there has been a 10.25 per cent increase in suicide attempts.

For 2016, there have already been four attempted suicides recorded at the New Amsterdam Hospital.

However in Region Six, three deaths have been recorded so far for the year.

Armogan said: “It is becoming a very serious problem for us in the Region. Noting that Region Six reportedly has the highest suicide rate, the Chairman said it was not a record to boast about. “This is something to be ashamed of.”

He said the Administration would have to do something to ensure that more was done to address the issue which he said was both a social and public health issue.

He said suicide has become a public health issue because of the high number of persons who die as a result.

Also, Region Nine (Upper Essequibo-Upper Takutu) Chairman Bryan Allicock

Ramesh Beharry

Kavita Akloo

role in that.”

He said it was proven that whenever there was an economic depression, coupled with high rates in criminal activities, it was found that the rate of suicide would also go up. Much more can still be done by the Ministry, he opined.

Meanwhile, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne)

said: “We need programmes to be reintroduced to communities to deal with the issues.”

He said the RDC has always been lobbying for more trained counsellors to be spread out in the wide expanse of the Region. According to him, while suicide was not quite prevalent there, there is high consumption of alcohol by especially the youth.

Kaimwattie Persaud

Guyana has made this scourge a public health threat, and has been treating it as such. “Whilst it is a public health problem, it cannot be resolved and cannot be solved simply by public health personnel; it must be an effort that we all make, a multi-sectoral approach,” the Minister declared.

President David Granger recently convened an emergency meeting with the aim of charting a course to address the prevailing epidemic and to develop an action plan to get all stakeholders involved in a centralised approach to suicide prevention.

Regional Chairmen cry out

Laleta Sivanand

“Suicide is something that is thought through,” he told Guyana Times on Tuesday, “it does not just happen haphazardly, because it is something that persons would be contemplating given the circumstance they face, especially young people. I would like to see the Social Protection Ministry try its utmost to add officers who are competent in working with the residents of the various communities.”

He listed three important elements as being critical to helping to curb this issue, including homes with parents present, the community, and

Meanwhile, Regional Chairmen across the country have urged Government, through the Social Protection Ministry, to restructure its programme and most of all, work towards reaching the youths, particularly those who are inclined to suicidal tendencies.

While Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) is said to be the “suicide capital” of the country, other regions are seeing stark increases in its incidence.

Regional Chairmen across

Region Six Chairman David Armogan told Guyana Times that for the year 2015, 49 persons in the Region attempted suicide while 24 actually died. the country had much to say, as each year the numbers seem to climb higher.

Region One (Barima-Waini) Chairman Brentnol Ashley said Government could do more at the grassroots level through detection and even offering services to persons who have these suicidal tendencies.

cide. He said during his visit, he discovered that most of the persons who were currently at Hospital were very young individuals. Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara) Chairman Julius Faerber said the Social Protection Ministry needed to have unified programmes to

10

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesday, january 13, 2016

News

Emergency works division renamed Special Projects Unit

T

he Public Infrastructure Ministry’s Force Account Unit (emergency works division) has been renamed the Special Projects Unit.

The new name recently took effect after a decision was made in December.

According to Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson, the name change was a much needed one since the unit was initially created to conduct minor and emergency works but over the years has evolved and took on greater responsibilities.

“The unit moved from simply being for emergency works and it took on some special projects. Due to this expanding role, we decided to find a more suitable name,” the minister explained.

He further said that

The Special Projects Unit conducting repair works on a section of a badly damaged road in Tucville

the rebranding will allow the unit to play an active role in the ministry’s annual workload. The Special Projects Unit still falls under the ministry’s works services group.

The former Force Account Unit is the arm of the ministry which ex-

ecutes maintenance works for roads, bridges and other infrastructures. During the course of 2015, this unit had executed several projects.

The unit for this period had maintained approximately 359km of roads.

The total expenditure for

this period included wages and salaries; and the purchasing of asphalt, crusher run, paint, tools and supplies, among other items.

Monies had been warranted to Regions Two, Three, Five and Six for the administration and supervision of the roads that were approved by Ministry of Finance.

Some of the works carried out last year include: minor rehabilitation of local failure, pothole patching, crack fill longitudinal/ transverse/edge cracks, levelling and application of thin overlay to rutting, surface seal block cracking, road safety maintenance (road marking and signs), cleaning or clearing of existing drains, grading and shaping of road shoulders and revetment installation.

Several Lindeners fined for traffic offences

A

number of traffic offenders were taken before Magistrate Clive Nurse on Tuesday at the Linden Magistrate’s Court.

Felix Mercurius was fined $75,000 after he was charged for being an unli-

censed driver, in addition to a breach of insurance. The court heard Mercurius, who pleaded guilty, rode motorcycle CF 3894 along the Kara Kara Public Road on January 7, 2016 without being the holder of a driver’s licence.

He was fined $25,000 for being an unlicensed driver with an alternative sentence of four months’ imprisonment. He also pleaded guilty to breach of insurance and was fined $50,000 with an alternative of sentence six months in jail.

Meanwhile, 37-yearold Cornelius Roberts was charged with breach of insurance and using his handheld cellular phone while driving. The Court heard that the supervisor and father of three drove the uninsured vehicle, motor car PHH 2931, along Independence Avenue, Mackenzie, Linden on Wednesday, January 6.

He pleaded not guilty to the offence and was granted bail in the sum of $15,000.

However, Roberts pleaded guilty to using a handheld cellular phone while driving for which he was fined $7500.

He will return to Court on February 9 for the continuation of the ‘breach of insurance’ matter.

Additionally, a firsttime traffic offender was fined $7500 for failing to wear a seat belt, while driving.

Twenty-five-year-old Lennox Fortune pleaded guilty to the offence which took place on January 5 while he drove motor car HC 3085.

Fast and furious S

atiricus was bemused. Not “amused”, you understand.

Bemused…bewildered. Why would so many people stand in the way of progress? Back in school the young and callow Satiricus had learnt about the “Luddites”. Those troglodytes who’d gone around smashing machines in 19th century England since they were fearful about losing their jobs. They didn't appreciate with “progress” there’s always “collateral damage”.

But Rum Jaat knew all about progress and collateral damage. Why! Hadn't he predicted his KFC party would become ”dead meat” if it coalesced with the Pee-an-See? But for progress sake (or duty free allowances – same difference!) he had taken the plunge. Now seven months later the stench confirmed his worst fears! “The things the Jhaat would do for progress!” marvelled Satiricus.

And it was in the same spirit that the Jhaat had authorised the SOCOO high speed chase. Well…maybe not “authorised” since he’d only been told about things AFTER three persons had died, two persons had their hair permanently styled (standing straight up!) and two vehicles totalled! “Gone along” might better describe his situation.

But what the heck! He’d gone along because of the progress the operation brought to his police force. He was a man of progress. And why was the high-speed chase progress? Before SOCOO and the Jhaat, all the police did was put up roadblocks to shake down unsuspecting motorists for a fried rice or a chow mein. Rum Jhaat had been looking at police movies ever since he’d been made into the Police Boss Man - to learn about policing.

Did he ever see police shakedowns at roadblocks? No siree Bob! All he saw were high-speed chases in which dozens of cars crashed and burst into flames and otherwise totalled, men, women and children maimed and general mayhem committed as the police went after the bad guys. He’d been speaking to his Police Chief See All again and again for his police to “modernise” and get with the programme.

“What did you think we bought all those police cars for?” he’d screamed at See All. “To send out for fried rice and chow mein?”

To be “modern” he’d explained patiently to the quivering mass of flesh into which his screech had reduced the Police Chief, was to launch fast and furious high speed chases.

And finally now that Guyana had witnessed its first “modern” police op (including “collateral damage”!) Rum Jhaat’s chest swelled with pride.

“You can't make omelettes without breaking some shells, can you?” he smirked.

wednesday, january 13, 2016

guyanatimesgy.com

11

News

Berbice medical supplies

NA Hospital shortage Mabaruma hospital without water – huge debt being incurred for water supply climbing to crisis level – Armogan

By Kristen Macklingam

L

Chairman of Region Six David Armogan

By Kristen Macklingam

T

he shortage of medical supplies at the New Amsterdam Hospital, Berbice, is climbing to a crisis level as Doctors are lacking essential necessities to properly and efficiently diagnose patients.

This is according to Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) Chairman David Armogan, who told Guyana Times that despite being notified of the situation at the New Amsterdam Hospital, the Public Health Ministry was yet to respond or provide the much-needed assistance to the medical facility.

Armogan told Guyana Times, in a telephone interview on Tuesday, that the situation at the NA Hospital was a serious and pressing issue that has been ongoing for almost a month.

“They don’t have any reagents to test cholesterol, to test liver functioning, kidney functions, and so Doctors find it very difficult to make proper diagnosis, because they don’t have the backup services. We used to get the reagents, but over the last month or so, I don’t know what has been happening. So if you can’t get the reagents, you can’t do the proper testing,” he stated.

Armogan said he wrote the Public Health Ministry on January 6 on the matter after officials at the Hospital notified him of the situation, which posed a threat to public health care in the Region.

However, he is yet to receive a reply confirming that the letter has been received

and action will be taken to address the issue at hand.

“The Health Ministry would normally supply all the drugs, the reagents, and films for the x-rays and so on … The New Amsterdam Hospital is also short of x-ray films too so we can’t even do proper x-rays. We have a big hospital and we can’t get basic treatments,” the Region Six Chairman pointed out.

He explained that at present the only options of patients and others seeking medical attention were spending large sums of money at private health facilities or waiting until the Hospital could treat them.

“Either people wait and there will be a backlog or spend a lot of money and go to private hospitals to do these tests, but this hospital caters especially for older folks and poor people. This is a hospital that takes care of the poorer class of people. Asking them to go to private and paying all the money; they can’t afford it,” Armogan posited.

He further noted that some of the Doctors stationed at the New Amsterdam Hospital were also complaining, because they were unable to perform their duties as they should owing to the lack of testing and diagnosis procedures.

“The Hospital is also short on drugs which are used every day, specifically for pregnant women; those drugs for them are not there,” the Regional Chairman added. (kristenm@guyanatimesgy.com)

arge sums of monies are being spent by the Region 1 (Barima-Waini) administration to have water delivered to the Mabaruma Regional Hospital after its well and pump stopped functioning sometime midDecember.

In an effort to ensure that everyday tasks at the facility were not affected, the regional authorities sought to have water brought in by ‘black tanks’.

However, this is proving to be a very costly method which could have been avoided had the well and pump be repaired initially.

Reports are that the pump began to experience problems and eventually the well (along with the pump) broke down.

At the time of this occurrence, an individual living in the area is said to have offered to fix the well and have it functional at a cost of just over $300,000.

However, this newspaper was told the offer was not accepted by officials, with them citing that the regional office did not have the monies.

Guyana Times understands that following this, a decision was made to source water from elsewhere which is said to cost an average of $15,000 per trip to the health facility.

Several trips have to be made on a weekly basis since one trip can only facilitate two black tanks being transported to the hospital.

As a result of this, hundreds of thousands of dollars have already been expended for the supply of the much needed water and the cost continues to mount.

When contacted on Tuesday Regional Chairman Brentnol Ashley told this publication that he could not confirm if the well and pump at the hospital has not been working for almost a month now.

“I am not sure of the accuracy of the time factor of the one-month span with no water supply but I know it was brought to my attention that the hospital well has been giving some problems. I would want to say that maybe the pump was not suitable for the well… you know the spring, when the water comes and when it is finished it eventually start to pump things like slush and so forth which would cause the pump to have some problems,” he

Chairman of Region 1 Brentnol Ashley

explained.

Ashley noted that in the interim it was decided water would have to be sourced for there to be a continuity of service at the hospital.

This newspaper was also told that the regional office and the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI)

have reached an agreement whereby the utility company would facilitate ‘extra pumping hours’ to the hospital to assist in the situation.

“So that besides the well, which we are working currently to have corrected, we will get extra water to the hospital so that it can be supplied… There is a normal pumping schedule by the GWI and we would have written to ask them to give extra pumping schedule to give water to the hospital. Also we would have engaged persons who have been providing services to look at the well,” the regional chairman posited.

However, he did say that until these plans can materialise, water being continuously transported to the Mabaruma Regional Hospital will prove to be a costly venture.

“It is going to be costly for that to be done. We are working assiduously to have the matter rectified.

Currently water is not being sourced through black tanks to my knowledge and if it was done the sourcing of water was not on a daily basis if it was happening,” Ashley added.

Meanwhile, concerns continue to be aired about the ‘day-to-day’ management of the region since persons have noticed more of the absence of the Regional Executive Officer (REO) Leslie Wilberg.

“The REO has been out of the region within recent months of his appointment very frequently and so there are concerns about the day-to-day management of the region since the deputy REO was sent on leave,” one person said. (kristenm@guyanatimesgy.com)

12 news Guyana among 12 destinations Keeping it real to visit in 2016 Granger must answer wednesday, january 13, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

questions surrounding the SOCU fiasco

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Guyana’s unspoiled beauty, unique cultural heritage and natural attractions make it an ideal destination for tourists.

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n the cusp of the 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations Guyana has been accorded yet another distinction, having been featured in the Business Insider UK’s ‘ 12 Emerging destinations you have to visit in 2016’.

In this most recent feature, Broadcast journalist and photojournalist, Anisha Shah explains that 2016 is all about emerging destinations.

“Wilderness, wildlife and culture; these themes will illuminate the year’s travel itineraries. Escapism and authenticity are key and nowhere offers them quite like fledgling and far-flung nations,” she said.

In sharing her perception of the destination, Shah, who is now a freelance journalist for CNN, BBC Travel and Huffington Post wrote, “Dripping in rainforests, Guyana’s untouched pristine interior is sparsely populated, home only to few Amerindian villages.

Wildlife far outnumbers the people, with jaguars, pumas and sloths the real locals.

The majority of people inhabit the Northeastern narrow Atlantic Ocean coastline of blonde castaway beaches backed by dense forest, home to endangered sea turtles. Kaieteur Falls, one of the grandest falls you’ve never heard of, is the world’s widest singledrop waterfall, peaking at 76m and encased in virgin ancient jungle. Seeing it by tiny charter flight is unforgettable.”

“Why Now? You’ve heard of Iguazu and Angel Falls, read about Galapagos wildlife and Brazil’s rainforest

but Guyana is a small nation with all of the above, where you won’t come across another tourist…just yet.”

Also making the list of the 12 Emerging Travel Destinations to visit in 2016 were, Glacier Bay National Park: Alaska, Japan, Gabon, Uganda, Iran, Taiwan, Madagascar, the Arctic: Iceland, Greenland, and Norway, Mongolia, Papua New Guinea and Kyrgyzstan.

These recent accolade augurs well for Guyana, as the destination prepares to celebrate its Golden Jubilee

Guyana’s National Animal – the Jaguar at peace in a beautiful forest

with great fanfare and welcomes any opportunity to promote the vibrancy, raw authentic adventure, stunning scenery and rich culture that is unique to this South American country.

According to the Hon. Tourism Minister, Catherine Hughes, Guyana’s unique blend of tourism products is as rich and as attractive as those found in any part of the world.

She noted too that the Destination has the potential to attract a wide cross section of travelers with varying interests , and the ability to lure those looking for unique adventures in ‘off the beaten path’ destinations .

Over the years, Guyana has cemented its position as a leading Sustainable Tourism Destination, and has gained international recognition as ‘National Geographic Traveler 2014’s must-see places on planet earth. Guyana earned a coveted spot on this exclusive, very short list for the very first time in 2014’ and BBC Travel’s ‘Five destinations you should know more about’, among many others.

“The tourism sector is very important for showcasing a country’s cultural diversity, as well as its socio-economic potential.

With the attention that ‘Guyana- South America Undiscovered’ is receiving, there is no doubt that the sector will be propelled to greater heights in 2016. We have made great strides in promoting Guyana, and the country is now internationally recognised as a viable eco-tourism destination.

We have much more to offer through our many niche products,” the Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority, Mr. Indranauth Haralsingh explained.

The Destination features an irresistible combination of captivating natural beauty; pristine Amazonian rainforests; immense waterfalls; amazing wildlife, blended with a vibrant indigenous culture, rich heritage and the most hospitable and friendly people in the world; niche products include Bird Watching, Sport Fishing, Community Based Tourism, Wildlife Spotting and Yachting. (GINA excerpt)

resident David Granger may be a decent person. He probably means well and wants to do good by the Guyanese people. But his recent comments regarding the high-speed fiasco involving Sergeant Robert Pyle and Alana Seebarran may be misguided and leave many scratching their heads. It makes Granger appear unpresidential.

Robert Pyle, after picking up his wife from a local hospital, was engaged in a high-speed chase on a busy city street with Ms Seebarran, wife of Charles Ramson Jr, an attorney and a Member of Parliament. It was reported in the press that Mr Dr Baytoram Ramharack Ramson was apparently out of the country at the time, and so was Mr Brassington, who was being investigated by the Government. From what we know, Sergeant Pyle was a GDF Intelligence Officer who worked for the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), but was on vacation at the time of the chase. The high-speed chase resulted in the death of three Guyanese, two of whom were civilians. The head of SOCU, at the time of writing, remained mum, merely confirming that Pyle was a GDF officer engaged in intelligence work. President Granger said that no probe was necessary given the “unfortunate” incident, that the joint forces were engaged in “legitimate operation”, further arguing that such joint operations between Army and Police were conducted over the last 60 years. Really?

What this incident amounts to is a Government official, directed to do a task by the Government, resulting in the death of himself and his wife, as well as an innocent citizen and the intimidation of innocent civilians. In the face of a lack of transparency from the Government, there are many questions, which if remain unanswered, will spin a number of conspiracy theories. And, we have had many of these in our 50 years of existence.

The first question that should be answered is why would an army personnel, and not Police intelligence officials, be engaged in conducting such investigations, presumably relating to an audit of officials associated with the former PPP Administration? If SOCU made the decision to collect incriminating evidence on Brassington (including his children) or Ramson's children, the public needs to know about the powers of SOCU, and the protocols for calling on SOCU to assist with its investigative capabilities, as audit investigations are not within SOCU’s mandate. SOCU was established as a civilian based intelligence gathering unit with policing powers to investigate money laundering and terrorist activities. It was supposed to work with the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) as a civilian law enforcement agency, with policing powers. SOCU needs to be revamped and staffed with professional people, including Police personnel, with an oversight committee that seeks to review its activities.

Two, if this was an intelligence operation, why was the wife of the Army Officer in the car? Surveillance is normally conducted by professionally trained people with a special set of skills. The fact that the Officer’s wife was in the car, unless she was also an intelligence officer, is troubling. Aside from having trained professionals, there are sophisticated mechanisms, like devices for bugging telephones, high powered scopes for tracking movements, etc, that can be used within a legal framework to ascertain information. When the British High Commissioner, Andrew Ayre signed an MoU with the PPP/C Government establishing SOCU, the British had agreed to provide specialised training for the locals to be engaged in suspected anti-money laundering operations, terrorism and financial crimes. This botched debacle smacks of unprofessional behaviour on the part of Pyle and the other officers involved in this operation. The head of SOCU, Lieutenant Colonel Sydney James has 34 years of experience with the Army. When James was appointed to the post, he was also made an Assistant Commissioner of Police (but no police experience), presumably because SOCU technically falls under the purview of the GPF. Given James’ military background, one has to ask whether his Army credentials have facilitated a more formal relationship with his Army boss, rather than the Police.

Three, this operation reveals a lot about the secretive nature of Government investigations and the power of this eight-month-old Government. It raises serious questions about the role of the Army in civilian society and how Granger wants to define the future role of the Army.

It does not bode well for the President, particularly when a large section of the population remains sceptical about his intentions. Surrounding himself with Army Officers and the reintroduction of the Militia raise additional questions about his motives among some people. Are we witnessing a remilitarisation of Guyanese society run by the generals themselves? These kinds of operations bring back dreaded memories of the unprofessional role of the Army in strengthening the Burnham dictatorship.

Four, are the victims going to be compensated? Compensation, of course, implies wrongdoing. The families of the victims, as well as Alana and her brother are entitled to a formal public apology and restitution (for the victims) from the Government. Will that apology be forthcoming, particularly since Granger has said that the Army was engaged in legitimate investigations, but this incident was “unfortunate”?

Five, how do we know that the Army was not really targeting the young Mr Ramson and his family? Reading the chilling statement given to the Police by Ms Seebarran, one cannot fail to notice the compelling and detailed description of a level of brazenness and determined behaviour shown by the officers who approached her car. If this is the case, then there is more to this story. Shades of memory from the Burnhamite era, I guess.

Finally, since this action was directed by the Army, and SOCU has a Police component, was Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud aware of this operation? I am curious to know if the Police Commissioner was kept apprised of the operation or was he kept in the dark, because it was an Army-run operation. Granger’s use of the term “joint” implies a working relationship between the two security agencies. Will the Minister of Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, shed some light on this incident or is he too busy fighting crime?

We would like to believe that Bharrat Jagdeo’s ominous warning about ‘who will save you when the GDF comes for you?’ was simply campaign rhetoric and has no basis in reality. Granger is President of the country and Commander-in-Chief of the Army. The PPP, PSC, GBA and other individuals have already called for a probe. Had this incident taken place in the US (or any democratic country), a Congressional Committee would have already made plans for an Inquiry. The buck stops with President Granger.

A comprehensive inquiry into this incident will put the civilian population at ease. (Send comments to BRamharack60@gmail.com)

news

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wednesday, january 13, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Scotiabank’s business competition intensifies T

he four finalists in the Scotia Bank LivePitch Business Plan competition will be vying for the top prize of $500,000 and bragging rights as the first winner when the competition culminates with the television segment and Facebook voting component next week.

The LivePitch competition is a collaborative effort between Scotia Bank and the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) launched in September for Scotia Bank’s Small Business Week celebrations.

It required existing and potential small business owners to use Scotia Bank’s free online plan writer tool to prepare a business plan and submit it.

The four finalists of the competition are Extravagant Celebrations, Wafugee Inc., The Solution Centre, and Robbie’s Weedcutting, Landscaping and Building

The finalists of the Scotia Bank LivePitch Business Plan competition with Action Coach’s Vishnu Doerga and Scotiabank Marketing Manager Jennifer Cipriani

Maintenance Services.

Deslyn Griffith (Extravagant Celebrations); Ryon Persaud (The Solution Centre); Justin Roberts (Robbie’s Weedcutting,

Landscaping and Building Maintenance Services); and Michael Williams and Valmiki Bankay (Wafugee Inc.) were coached for the LivePitch television seg-

ment by Action Coach’s Vishnu Doerga.

According to a statement from Scotiabank, the finalists will pitch their business ideas to a panel of judg-

The Halfway House

Decomposed body at Rainbow City

Man died from tuberculosis – PM

A path to independence for abused youths A

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epairing broken homes for victims of abuse is often a huge task for the Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA). It is not an undertaking they can accomplish over short periods, especially when dealing with vulnerable and impressionable young children.

Director of CCPA Ann Greene in a recent interview with Guyana Times, stated that as much as they would like to, children are not often able to return to their own homes. She noted that in some cases children remain in foster care for a number of years, since biological parents refuse to cooperate with the agency, refuse to acknowledge that a problem exists, or disregard the child’s sufferings or feelings, often calling them liars.

“Fixing the crisis in some homes will take a lifetime because of the level of dysfunction.

There is a prevalence of substance abuse, mental health issues and domestic abuse in the homes” Greene noted. “When we take a child into our care, it’s not to keep them, but to get them back home as quickly as possible… If the parents don’t cooperate, we can’t help them to fix the problem, or whatever it was that created the vulnerability in the child/children in the first place. And in most cases, the time it takes to fix the problem in the home, the child reaches early adulthood”.

Children, under the

CCPA Director, Ann Greene

age of 16, who were unable to return to their homes, are often placed into a foster care system.

However, it must be noted that children age out of that programme at the age of consent and are left to fend for themselves.

The CCPA believes that at the age of 16, children is not ready to look after themselves so suddenly and at such a young age so the Independent Living Skills programme was formed. Under the ILSP, the CCPA, Labour, and Social Protection ministries created a “Halfway House”.

This initiative was created for youths in residential and foster care programmes who will soon attain the age of majority, but are without family linkages or support.

The mission of this establishment is to provide basic housing, life skills and support for youths as they transition to adulthood.

Greene told this newspaper that the idea for the establishment came when it was realised that

no matter how hard they try, some parents remain adamant in their ways and refuse to change.

Giving an example, Greene reported that the CCPA had in custody a child who was sexually abused by her stepfather.

However, the mother remained committed to her spouse and claimed that her daughter was telling tales. Even after the child had spent years in the foster care system, the mother stuck to her story.

“We can’t put that child back into situations as such”, the CCPA head noted, “so we had to find a way that the child wouldn’t end up back into that situation for lack of dependency. If we teach her life skills and assist in furthering that child’s education or finding them a job, then they can become independent and not have to be in such situations again”.

The young adults currently in the “house” have already completed high school. A few of them have been employed, while a few have moved

on to higher education.

The CCPA director added that the core values of the live-in situation involve discipline, ability to commit to tasks, reliability, honesty, respect and consistency in progress.

Greene added that youths need to know that there is always a way out of abusive situations, and the programme is just one of the agency’s ways of lending a hand. (jpinder@guyanatimesgy. com)

es and this segment will be aired on NCN on January 17.

After the airing the public will be able to vote for their favourite business idea on Facebook or at scotiabankgy.com between January 18 and 22.

The judges’ scores will be added to the public votes to determine the winner.

Judges for the event are GCCI President and CEO of Brainstreet Group Lance Hinds; CEO of Credit Info Judy Semple-Joseph; and Scotiabank Branch Manager Brian Hackett.

The competition was open to Guyanese, who were interested in starting a business; as well as existing small business owners who were desirous of expanding their business.

post-mortem examination has revealed that 53-year-old Francis Peters of Old Kara Kara, Linden, died as a result of illness associated with tuberculosis. The partially decomposed body of Peters was discovered on an abandoned plot of land on January 1, in the vicinity of Rainbow City, Mackenzie, Linden.

He was a resident of 43 Lower Kara Kara, Mackenzie. Peters’ body was found in a forested area situated in close proximity to the Guyana Forestry Commission building. Based on reports, the body was estimated to have been at the location for several days. E Division (Linden-

Kwakwani) Commander Calvin Brutus, when contacted, had stated that Peters appeared to have been dead for approximately four to five days; however, he had not been reported missing by family members or anyone else. Murder had been ruled out since the body reportedly bore no marks of violence.

Guyana Times understands that Peters lived alone and was said to have been ailing for some time now. The E Division Commander stated that he was informed by a sister of the now deceased man that prior to his death, he had been suffering from tuberculosis and hypertension.

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guyanatimesgy.com

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

News

Fire guts Plaisance CLICO Guyana still awaits day in court furniture factory

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The remains of the eco-friendly furniture factory in Plaisance

fire of unknown origin early Tuesday morning completely gutted a Plaisance, East Coast Demerara, eco-friendly furniture shop - Liana Cane Factory.

According to reports, the blaze, suspected to be of electrical origin, started sometime around 03:45h at the furniture factory’s Lot 1-5 Victoria Road, Plaisance, E.C.D. Reports reaching the Guyana Times revealed that security guards at the business place were alerted by flames building up inside the factory and began to raise an alarm. However by this time, nearby residents said they were already up as a result of heavy smoke coming from the building.

Neighbours rushed out and immediately formed a bucket brigade to help put the inferno out but it quickly spread throughout the building before completely engulfing it, thus rendering the residents helpless.

Even the fire tenders from the Guyana Fire Service, which arrived sometime after, could not have done much to save the building as they battled the

early morning blaze to no avail. This newspaper understands that the fire tenders quickly ran out of water in the tank and experienced difficulties in sourcing water in the community.

One person related that the three trucks on scene had to take turns in leaving to refill and return to the scene with full tanks of water. Furthermore, it was reported that the Fire Service also deployed the water cannon.

Despite having all these on hand, the fire tenders could not save furniture factory but, nevertheless, they came in for high praises from residents in preventing the flames from spreading onto to nearby homes.

Founder of the Company, Joycelyn Bow, could not give an exact estimate of her losses but noted that it was millions of dollars since new machinery was also destroyed.

The businesswoman recalled that she was awoken by a phone call from one of guards, informing her of the fire. The woman said she rushed to the location and by that time, the entire building was in flames.

She noted too that the fire fighters were already on sight battling, though unsuccessfully, to put out the blaze despite not being properly equipped at the time. The businesswoman commended the firemen for their bravery.

Bow is now awaiting the reports from investigations being conducted by the Guyana Fire Service before she can approach her insurance company, as she contemplates rebuilding.

Liana Cane Factory is an eco-friendly entity that utilizes non-timber forest products (NTFP) to allow for harvesting of rainforest products in a sustainable manner. The factory uses vines found in Guyana’s interior, rather than lumber, to make good quality, durable furniture. The resulting products contribute to community development by using the forest for economic and social benefits without disturbing old-growth forests.

The company usually exports its products but was looking at opening a local line. The factory currently employs approximately 35 persons.

ven as the fiasco with the Colonial Life Insurance Company Limited (CLICO) continues in neighboring Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana is nowhere close to having its own issue resolved.

Guyana is yet to have its case heard in court, following the collapse of CLICO Bahamas back in 2009.

Guyana’s Central Bank Governor, Dr Gobind Ganga, had told Guyana Times that given the current financial status of the collapsed insurance company, there was a possibility that Guyanese policyholders may not get back their life savings which were transferred to the company’s Bahamian office. That situation remains the same.

Over in Trinidad and Tobago, policyholders’ legal adviser Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj has urged CLICO there to pay its 350 policyholders their $500 million claim since it has some $17 billion in cash.

He also said the matter was expected to be heard before the Privy Council in London, England, by July or August.

According to Maharaj, CLICO has $17 billion in cash from the sales of its methanol plant. He said the total liability claim is about $500 million and thought it was wise for the financial body to want to know pay the

Central Bank Governor, Dr Gobind Ganga

policyholders.

Before the major collapse of CLICO in 2009, CLICO Guyana had invested close to US$40 million in CLICO Bahamas. And while the investments were said to be “liquid on paper”, investigations carried out revealed that the sum had been tied up in several investments, including real estate which CLICO Bahamas had in Florida through subsidiaries. When CLICO Bahamas was ordered liquidated on February 24, 2009, the local company was subsequently placed under judicial management.

Guyana was then forced to retain lawyers to help recover its money, some 53 per cent of the assets of CLICO Guyana. That matter was filed in the Bahamas court after the CLICO Bahamas’ liquidator “rejected” Guyana’s claims.

According to Ganga, it is obvious that Guyana’s case has been “put for last”, on the list of cases filed by other Caribbean countries against the group. Suriname is one such country, claiming a US$15.5 million from CLICO Bahamas. Guyana’s case is being represented by an esteemed lawyer, John Wilson of McKinney Bancroft & Hughes.

CL Financial collapsed in January 2009, following the global financial crisis in 2008. The global recession exposed the company’s inability to meet its commitments to pay maturing investments at CLICO and CLICO Investment Bank (CIB).

The insolvent insurer’s policyholders and pensioners have been left in ‘financial limbo’ since early 2009, unable to access their life savings and long-term investments until they are acquired by another underwriter.

But the transfer/acquisition of CLICO Bahamas policy portfolio will not happen until the Government there delivers on its long-promised US$30 million guarantee to underwrite such a deal, as all potential buyers have said they will not conclude a purchase without it. As a result, the 13,000-plus long-suffering policyholders are unable to move on with their lives.

Cash for climate change please, Caribbean leaders plead

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unding to address the financial flows needed for adaptation and mitigation of climate change remains an issue of concern for the Caribbean.

The region’s leaders say developed countries should continue to take the lead in mobilising climate finance from a wide variety of sources to prevent disaster to these vulnerable island states.

Additionally, the Secretary General of the Caribbean Community and Common Market, (Caricom), Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, said there ought to be transparency in terms of the commitments countries make.

“And I would hope that the commitments that the developed countries have made to provide financing are commitments that they will honour,” LaRocque told IPS. “And I dare add that such commitments to provide financing should not be tied up in all the bureaucratic maneuverings to access these finances.”

“We also feel very, very strongly that the vulnerability that our countries exhibit should be a major criteria for accessing those resources and not per capita income,” LaRocque added.

The climate change

Secretary General of Caricom, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque (left) and Jimmy Fletcher, Minister of the Environment and Sustainable Development in St Lucia

agreement signed in Paris in December recognised the importance of averting, minimizing and addressing loss and damage associated with the adverse effects of climate change, including extreme weather events.

With climate change already affecting the region, St. Lucia’s Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony is concerned that there is still a gap between what the politicians are saying on the issue and what the region’s people believe.

“There are a lot of people in the Caribbean who have not understood the danger that these islands face. It is true that they have experienced adverse weather systems but they have not translated that experience into understanding

that there is a change in the weather systems, the weather patterns because of climatic factors, so we have to translate that to out ordinary people,” Anthony said.

“There is one hopeful sign though, and that is to say the way the young people and the artists of the Caribbean have come together to help us to consolidate our position and to shape our views. Never before have I seen such a great partnership between civil society and the governments. This is an issue that has united us.

Ambassador Albert Ramdin, the Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs in Suriname said better communication is needed to address the gap spoken of

by Prime Minister Anthony.

(Caribbean360)

wednesday, January 13, 2016

guyanatimesgy.com

Around the world

Suicide bomber linked to ISIL kills 10 in Istanbul

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Saudi-born suicide bomber affiliated with the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) group has detonated a bomb in a historic district of Istanbul killing at least 10 people, including at least eight Germans, officials say.

Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said the bomber who carried out the attack in Istanbul’s Sultanahmet district on Tuesday was a member of ISIL, and the Government would step up its operation against the armed group until it no longer “remains a threat” to Turkey or the world.

“Turkey won’t backtrack in its struggle against Daesh

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Police were conducting searches outside the cordonedoff area in case a second bomber is involved [IHA via AP]

by even one step,” Davutoglu said, referring to ISIL by its Arabic acronym.

“This terror organisation, the assailants and all of their connections will be found and they will receive

the punishments they deserve.”

In a national address on Tuesday evening, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said at least eight Germans had been killed, while

nine were “badly wounded”. Earlier, Turkish officials said there were nine Germans killed.

“The terrorists are the enemies of all free people, indeed, the enemies of all humanity, whether in Syria or Turkey, in France or Germany,” Merkel said.

Meanwhile, Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus was quoted as saying the attacker, whom he identified as Nabeel Fadel, was a Saudi-born ISIL member.

Kurtumulus said Fadel was not listed on the country’s security watch list, and was allowed entry into Turkey from Syria recently. (Excerpt from

UN urges sustained aid access to besieged Syrians

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he UN humanitarian chief has called for the delivery of aid to three besieged towns in Syria to be the first of many and welcomed a Syrian statement that such deliveries should be repeated and sustained.

Stephen O’Brien said – after briefing the UN Security Council behind closed doors – that the arrival on Monday of convoys to help civilians in the three towns cut off for months by the war in Syria must not be “either one-off or exceptional”.

The UN says 4.5 million Syrians are living in besieged or hard-to-reach areas and desperately need humanitarian aid, with civilians being prevented from leaving and aid workers blocked from bringing in food, medicine, fuel and other supplies.

Reports of starvation and images of emaciated children have raised global concerns and underscored the urgency for new peace talks that the UN is hoping to host in Geneva, Switzerland, on January 25. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Indian woman arrested Putin does not rule China charges human after mother-in-law assault video goes viral out granting Syria’s rights lawyers with Assad asylum

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ussian President Vladimir Putin has not ruled out granting political asylum to Syrian President Bashar alAssad, a long-time ally.

When asked by a German magazine if he would shelter Assad, he said it was premature to discuss the issue.

But he added that Russia had granted asylum to US whistleblower Edward Snowden, “which was far more difficult than to do the same for Mr Assad”.

Putin said Syria first needed political reform.

He said the aim in Syria would be to work towards a new Constitution: “It is a

complicated process.

“Then, early presidential and parliamentary elections should be held, based on the new Constitution. It is the Syrian people themselves who must decide who should run their country and how.

“This is the only way to achieve stability and security, to create conditions for economic growth and prosperity, so that people can live in their own homes, in their homeland, rather than flee to Europe.”

Putin launched a bombing campaign in the wartorn country in September to support President Assad’s army. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Al Jazeera)

“subversion”

T

he Chinese authorities have arrested and charged at least seven human rights lawyers and associates with “subversion”, friends and family say.

The employees of Fengrui law firm in Beijing, including founder Zhou Shifeng, have been held in secret since last summer.

If put on trial, they may face sentences of between 15 years and life in jail.

China has been conducting a widespread crackdown on activists, including scores of lawyers and their staff.

Zhou came to prominence representing families caught up in China’s poison

baby milk scandal in 2008.

He was detained in July last year – a week later State media reported he had confessed to unspecified crimes.

His colleague, Liu Xiaoyuan, confirmed with the BBC that Zhou, lawyer Wang Quanzhang and intern Li Shuyun had been formally arrested by Police under suspicion of “State subversion”.

Four others, lawyers Xie Yanyi, Xie Yang and Sui Muqing, and legal assistant Zhao Wei, had been arrested and accused of “incitement to State subversion”, AFP news agency reported, citing their friends and relatives.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

British Doctors go on strike over changes to contracts ress in talks ... everything apart from weekend pay. We have now asked ACAS [the arbitration service] to reconvene talks in the hope the BMA will return to sensible

negotiations,” Hunt said.

The BMA said that it had been left with no option but to take industrial action despite “constructive” talks with the Government. (Excerpt

from Al Jazeera)

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The graphic footage has sparked outrage in India

olice in India have arrested a woman for beating her motherin-the law after CCTV footage of the assault went viral.

Sangeeta Jain was held on Tuesday in connection with the attack on 70-yearold Raj Rani Jain in Uttar Pradesh.

The footage is apparently from last week after Jain’s husband installed a CCTV camera in their house in Bijnore district to “expose” his wife.

Police said there was a “lot of infighting in the family between the husband, wife and mother-in-law”.

Sandeep Jain said his

wife “used to attack” his family ever since their marriage seven years ago.

However, the motive of the attack and why it took so long for Mr Jain to report the matter to the Police is not clear.

Sangeeta Jain, who has been accused of attempting to murder her mother-inlaw, has not yet commented on the footage.

The graphic footage, which has sparked outrage in India, shows a woman slapping and dragging an elderly woman wrapped in a quilt in her bed. At times, it appears, she is trying to strangle the older woman.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Venezuelan Assembly defies Supreme Court but fails to get quorum The BMA said that it had been left with no option but to take industrial action despite “constructive” talks

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ens of thousands of junior Doctors have gone on strike in England over Government plans to amend their contracts, the first walkout of its kind in 40 years.

The move on Tuesday follows months of negotiations to avert industrial action between the British Medical Association (BMA), which represents the Doctors, and the Department of Health.

British Secretary of State for Health, Jeremy Hunt says the proposed

changes to the contracts of junior Doctors are needed to help modernise the country’s National Health Service (NHS), but the BMA says the changes will penalise doctors who work unsociable hours and put further strain on resources.

In a statement published by the Department of Health on Tuesday, Hunt said a pay offer made to junior Doctors was fair, and he was “disappointed” the BMA proceeded with the walkout.

“We had made good prog-

V

e n e z u e l a ’ s Opposition-held National Assembly has failed to meet for the first session since a controversial Supreme Court ruling on Monday.

National Assembly Speaker Henry Ramos Allup said there was no quorum. He has scheduled a new session for Wednesday.

The Supreme Court has said all actions of the Assembly were void until three banned members were removed from office.

President Nicolas Maduro and Assembly Speaker Henry Ramos Allup are old political rivals

The three members had been suspended for alleged electoral irregularities dur-

ing the December 6 polls.

But the majority in the National Assembly defied

the ruling and swore them in last week.

Government legislators say the lack of quorum shows that the opposition to President Nicolas Maduro is divided.

“The Opposition bloc is made up of many factions and they are facing a dilemma,” said Socialist Party MP and Venezuela’s First Lady Cilia Flores.

“Some of them want to abide by the ruling, others have different views,” she told Telesur television.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

16 news

wednesday, january 13, 2016| guyanatimesGY.com

Berbice economy at its lowest Ramsammy’s Ruminations Guyana on the road to point – Region 6 Chairman – business community on ‘standby’ for 2016 budget

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or many months to date the private sector in Guyana has faced devastating ‘blows’ and hardships due to a stagnant economy where there is little or limited spending power by citizens.

Businessmen in Regions Five and Six, Berbice, are some of those who have been affected the worst where the economy at present is at its lowest point.

This is according to Chairman of Region Six David Armogan who stated that since mid 2015 many persons have been “crying out” as they continue to suffer major losses.

Some have been operating at losses while others have been forced to ‘let go’ of staff due to the inability to secure profits and pay their workers as well as continue the operation of their businesses.

Armogan pointed out over the last six months

Region Six Chairman David Armogan

business operations (sales and profits included) in Berbice has been reduced to 50 per cent and is expected to plummet even further unless there is a ‘drastic change’.

“It is as bad as that and some businesses once they are not getting sales they have to send off people and still doing that. A lot of businesses now are on standby waiting for the budget. The

thing is government spending has always been a major part of propelling the economy and as long as government is not spending money the whole economy is stifled,” he posited.

To further compound the plight of the affected businessmen in Regions Five and Six is the fact that the work force in the county of Berbice is that of sugar workers and they do not have the spending power to push the economy at this point in time, he said.

“You know every year the sugar workers would have had an increase and they get their API and so on.

For 2015 they got zero and that would have impacted a lot of businesses too because if they have no money and they can’t spend any money …then the rice farmers took a licking with prices,” the Region Six Chairman further stated.

According to Armogan,

many rice farmers in his region have reduced the amount that they would usually plant during this crop and thus far it is about 5000 acres or rice lands that have not been used.

This is a direct result of the low prices for produce last year, the unavailability of high paying markets for paddy and the economic crisis which the country has been enduring to date, he explained.

“We are hoping that the government will make some intervention and representation to the banks to reschedule some of these people’s loans and so on you know. The government has not made any intervention into the rice industry until now. Farmers are pleading for assistance in the form of fuel, fertilizers and chemicals or even government to ask the bank to look at their loans and so,” Armogan added.

50th Anniversary celebrations

Caribbean Airlines partners with Govt

A

s Guyana continues preparations for its 50th Golden jubilee celebration, Caribbean Airlines has launched a package deal, which will see special travel rates being offered to persons who are travelling home to observe the Golden Jubilee celebrations.

This was according to Sales Executive of Caribbean Airlines, Dion Innis, who told the media on Tuesday that the airline has already given thought to reducing the airfares for persons travelling during that period.

“The discussion for reducing the cost has already been made since September.

We have been trying to keep fares at an affordable rate. I

urge persons to start making arrangements early,” Innis disclosed.

In addition to the branding of the aircrafts and the reduction of fares for travellers, the Caribbean Airline’s package deal” comprises of other components which will be enforced during the period leading up to the celebration.

“There are other gestures which the airline will be providing. This includes the airlifting of items which are

Sales Executive Dion Innis and Minister Nicolette Henry during media briefing

needed for the celebration but needs to be purchased overseas, so we’ll have the airline shipping these for free. They’ve also agreed to take representatives from the ministry to related functions overseas at a reduced price or at no cost. This will reduce the expense of the government,” Minister Nicolette Henry who was also present at the briefing informed.

Henry expressed her gratitude to the Caribbean

Airlines for taking the first step in proposing the idea of collaboration to the government and including a “package deal” which will offset the expenses of the Government of Guyana. . This, she says, was a “welcomed gestured”.

More organisation and companies were urged to get “on board” in planning and executing the celebrations.

“We definitely need other companies and organisations to come on board with us; it doesn’t have to be an airline.

Depending on the nature of the business, we’re happy for you to be a part of the planning c to move this forward” Henry encouraged.”

She further emphasised

on how little time the coalition government had had in planning the anniversary since they had only been elected seven months ago.

As such, she encouraged all Guyanese to be in full support and contribute in whatever they can towards the advancement of the celebrations.

The 50th anniversary marks the progression of Guyana from 1996 from 2016. The minister highlighted this time as one where Guyanese should be reflective on the journey that Guyana has made over the years, and celebrate achievements, culture and history. This time, she said, is also one of inspiration, especially to the youths of Guyana to “dream bigger”

dictatorship - we must not allow it to happen

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he People’s National Congress between 1964 and 1992 plundered Guyana during a brutal dictatorship. Even after more than twentythree years of democracy and economic growth, Guyana is unable to catch up, still socially and economically far behind other Caricom nations.

Now in just eight months, APNU+AFC is marching down that same idiotic path the PNC took. Having been down that disastrous road before, we must not go down that path again, no matter what.

Dr Leslie Ramsammy The recent shocking story of GDF officers spying on ordinary citizens brings back chilling memories of citizens being hounded by a brutal army in a vicious police state before 1992. It was a time when ordinary Guyanese in their churches, mandirs, mosques, homes, clubs, rum shops, and their jobs had to look over their shoulders and be careful what they say. They did not know who to trust as family, friends and colleagues were all suspected of spying on each other. Now with the re-establishment of the People’s Militia, Guyanese are shaking their heads in deep suspicion about the role of this paramilitary organisation.

We can be reasonably certain that others are being spied on, not just the Brassington family. The President has admitted that much, saying the GDF is merely carrying out security mandates beyond public scrutiny. This is the same GDF that was instrumental in the assassination of Walter Rodney and in rigging elections between 1968 and 1992. APNU+AFC is using the GDF to carry out its dirty work, just as the PNC did between 1968 and 1992.

Under the PPP/C between 1992 and 2015, in spite of the criticisms by APNU+AFC in Opposition, Parliament evolved into a good example of participatory democracy. It allowed open debates and the Opposition had its own day every fourth sitting when business advanced by the Opposition took precedence. A year on with APNU+AFC controlling Parliament, the Opposition is yet to have its own day.

Before 1992, bills were read for the first time and passed with its second and third readings at the same sitting. This stultifying practice was ended by the PPP/C and not used in Parliament between 1997 and 2015. In just eight months in the 11th Parliament, APNU+AFC has suspended the standing orders eight different times and read bills through its first, second and third readings at the same sitting, muzzling the PPP. This undemocratic practice is a well travelled path as government march towards dictatorship.

APNU+AFC was vociferous in opposition in demanding that budgets of statutory agencies, particularly parliament, judiciary and rights commissions must be passed as presented. In the past week, they have cut the budgets of twelve of the fifteen statutory agencies and refused to allow debates on those budgets. These are stark signals of a creeping dictatorship.

Sending people on leave, replacing them, terminating contracts and demoting people are troubling elements of emerging dictatorship. People are so fearful today that they would not be seen talking to people they have known for many years and with whom they share family and other close relationships. So many relationships today have been placed on hiatus because of political intimidation. One person sent me a note that she wanted to call me but is fearful should her bosses know she spoke with me. This is the reality of Guyana today and it brings us full circle to the days of PNC dictatorship.

APNU+AFC has dismissed many people they accused of corruption during the PPP/C tenure without any evidence. Yet, the APNU+AFC-appointed GPL CEO has awarded billion-dollar contracts without tendering and Guyanese are told to stop poking their noses in the business of GPL when the evidence of corruption stinks the whole country.

Such arrogance best exemplifies APNU+AFC and is an important element of dictatorship. Poor people’s homes have been confiscated and the Housing Minister tells them to go to court when they appealed to him. Ramjattan often tells people to go to hell when they question his decisions. Trotman tells people they should thank God the ministers did not take a bigger salary increase. Harmon says he will not apologise when the Cabinet took hefty increases while lying that the treasury is empty. The President says we should not question the use of the GDF in spying.

Such arrogance is only possible in a dictatorship.

APNU+AFC is comfortable “living Cadillac lifetsyles” on the backs of sugar workers who are told to behave themselves with no wage increase; rice farmers who are paid low prices for paddy and who are owed billions of dollars; pensioners and school children and Amerindians deprived of benefits they have come to expect under their governments over the last two decades.

But this is what happens in a dictatorship.

(Send comments to doc_ram@hotmail.com)

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news

wednesday, january 13, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Man hangs self M&CC denies garbage at Better Hope disposal at Le Repentir A 35-year-old father of one on Monday took his life leaving relatives and family members in shock along the East Coast of Demerara.

Dead is Vincent Sukhdeo called “Leon” of Lot 105 Dwarka Street, Better Hope, ECD. According to reports, the Construction Worker was found hanging from the ceiling over his bed by his elderly mother early Monday morning.

Guyana Times was told that on Sunday night the man, who frequently consumes alcohol, went to an house-event at a resident in the village, where he was seen imbibing with his friends. Sukhdeo reportedly took his life later evening that into early Monday morning.

Speaking with the Guyana Times on Tuesday, Daphanie Sukhdeo, said that she lived alone with her son. The woman, who is a diabetes patient, took her medication and went to bed as customary.

“My son wasn’t home, he was out, but when he came home – I can’t say what time – I got up and open the door for him and went back to sleep,” she recounted, noting that apart from being intox-

Suicide victim: Vincent Sukhdeo called Leon

icated, her son seemed fine.

The elderly woman went onto say that early Monday morning, she got up to use the washroom and as customary, she glanced into her son’s room and saw him hanging from the roof. She raised an alarm, causing neighbours to rush over.

The woman told this newspaper that she cannot say what could have triggered her son to commit such an act, since she is not aware of any problems he may have. “Me and he aint have any problems and he don’t cause problem with

noboby ‘round here… I don’t know why he do this, he was my only son. I really can’t answer that,” the woman lamented.

However, the mother did say that her only son may have had some problems that she was not aware off.

The woman ruled out female-related troubles, especially with his child mother. She stated that the two separated a while back and both have happily moved on.

The two shared a daughter, who is now 12-years-old.

Meanwhile, neighbours and residents in the area expressed their shock at the 35-year-old’s action, recounting seeing him Sunday night consuming alcohol with his friends.

The remembered the man as a jovial person who was friendly.

Sukdeo’s suicide comes days after two persons ended their lives on the Essequibo Coast. Both Akel Shurland, 23, of Adventure and Kaimwattie Persaud, 27, of Anna Regina died after consuming poisonous substances. Several other persons are currently hospitalised in the Region after attempting to take their lives.

Public Health Ministry monitoring Gastro outbreak patients

− PPP/C MP says climbing cases "alarming"

M

any questions have arisen since the reported outbreak of gastroenteritis in Baramita, Region One (Barima-Waini) in the North West District. It has been revealed that the Ministry of Public Health is currently being updated on the situation which has already taken the life of one.

Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shamdeo Persaud related that he had no further updates to be issue publicly. Guyana Times however understands that Dr Persaud is in contact with the affected persons to garner updates on their status.

Acting Director of Regional Heath, Dr Shanti Singh was unavailable to respond to the Disease Control department’s response relayed to the media on efforts aimed at containing the gastroenteritis outbreak.

Sixty persons being affected has been reported in the media. However, this newspaper is yet to attain a more accurate figure from Minister of Public Health Dr George Norton as he was unavailable due to his attendance in a cabinet meeting. Dr Norton was reported to have the situation under control.

On the other hand, former Health Minister Dr Bheri Ramsarran related to Guyana Times that the re-

Minister of Public Health Dr George Norton

ported number of cases is cause for concern.

“60 would be alarming because it means there would be some back-peddling.” He said that to solve this crisis, there must be a multi-stakeholder approach. Dr Ramsarran assessed Government’s current response to what was being done in the previous administration.

“The PPP/C left good infrastructure in the ministry of health. We left a very strong office of the chief medical officer and a strong surveillance team… these systems were very much assisted by PAHO [Pan-American Health Organisation]”, the former health minister said.

He also believes that the ‘strong’ systems which

were put in place have resulted in quick mobilisation to areas like Kaituma, Mathew’s Ridge or Baramita whenever outbreaks occur. However Dr Ramsarran believes this outbreak can only be contained if the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) is actively involved.

“It is time that Baramita be given a special attention as we had intended to do and were starting to do, by having its own modern health centre with… possibly two resident doctors because they’re many doctors… the Jagdeo scholars,” posited Dr Ramsarran “The elements for solution [are] there. If we were still in power, we would have built the health centre. There are many doctors who are trained, some should be deployed out of Georgetown to go urgently to deal with that problem,” the former minister strongly stressed. He also called for the ‘requisite drugs’ to be carried into the area.

Oxford lists Gastroenteritis as the ‘inflammation of the stomach and intestines, typically resulting from bacterial toxins or viral infection and causing vomiting and diarrhoea.’

In Guyana, outbreaks mostly occur in interior locations.

T

Garbage at Le Repentir Cemetery

he health hazardous situation at the Haags Bosch Landfill coupled with the recent fire there, the Georgetown Mayor & Council were reportedly compelled to resume garbage disposal at the back of the Le Repentir Cemetery, much to the chagrin of residents in the surrounding environs.

Though North East Le Penitence residents had stressed that on-going disposal has continued, the city council’s Public Relations Officer Debra Lewis related to Guyana Times on Tuesday that she was “not aware” of any garbage disposal in the cemetery. “Garbage dumping is not continuing at the Le Repentir Cemetery,” she reaffirmed.

However on Friday last Guyana Times witnessed otherwise which led an official later admitting that sludge and other particles were being trucked from the Princes Street Canal and dumped at Le Repentir.

The residents in the surrounding environs of Le Repentir have continued to voice concerns over disposal at the back of the cemetery.

One resident had claimed that disposal has been ongoing for “over a year.”

Others contended that it is burning which has affected them mostly.

However in denying this situation, Lewis on Tuesday said the “council is not aware of any burning in the area.” The PRO

conceded that it is probable that contractors who are tasked with grass removal may be at fault for burning not authorised by the council. It was further stated that unscrupulous contractors could have their services terminated and they can also be “blacklisted.”

“The Council [does] not want to put residents through what they would have experienced in the past.” This she said was in relation to “spontaneous combustion” which had occurred on quite a frequent basis.

On Tuesday, however, a resident Lavern, offered differing views as she said garbage disposal in the cemetery is continuing. The North East La Penitence woman complained of having to contend with flies.

“You sprinkling thing and them going away,” the woman stated. It remains to be seen if residents will in fact concur with city council’s view that garbage disposal in Le Repentir has “discontinued.”

A truck emptying contents in cemetery

Fogging of Georgetown areas commences

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he Public Health Ministry’s Vector Control Services (VCS) on Monday commenced fogging in several city areas as a means of killing adult mosquitoes which transmit vector-borne diseases.

The target areas are Kingston, Cummingsburg, Lacytown, Bourda, Alberttown, Queenstown, Bel Air Park, Lamaha Gardens, Newtown, Campbellville, Kitty, Subryanville, Bel Air Gardens, Prashad Nagar, Bel Air, Bel Air Springs, Croal Street, Werk-enRust, Wortmanville, Lodge, Meadow Brook, Guyhoc, Guyhoc Park, Tucville, North East La Penitence, East La Penitence, East Ruimveldt, West Ruimveldt, Castello Housing Scheme, Albouystown, Alexander Village, Charlestown, North Sophia, South Sophia, Turkeyen, Cummings Lodge, Industry, Ogle, Meadow Bank, Rahaman’s Park, Mc Doom, and Agricola, as well as Eccles, Mocha, Timehri and Soesdyke. Several other areas along the East Bank

Demerara have also been targeted for fogging.

To ensure that this exercise is most effective, residents in the targeted communities are asked to open their windows to allow the fog into their homes and buildings to kill the vectors.

In addition, residents are reminded to cover all drinking water and secure all food items, both cooked and uncooked, to prevent possible contamination and avoid any health problems.

All domestic animals and poultry should be secured, while persons who suffer from asthma, along with young children and the elderly, should be kept away

from the direct flow of the fog.

This exercise is expected to be completed on January 30, 2016. It will be carried out from 17:30h daily.

Residents are also asked to keep their surroundings clean by removing all empty containers that can serve as mosquito breeding grounds and to always utilise mosquito nets and repellent to prevent mosquito-borne diseases.

This undertaking is part of the Health Ministry’s efforts to put in place preventative measures for vectorborne diseases including Zika, Chikungunya, Ebola and Malaria.

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wednesday, January 13, 2016

ARCHIE

Actions will speak louder than words. Put your (March 21- thoughts in motion and be adApril 19) amant about making things happen. Do something that makes you feel good about the way you look.

ARIES

If you present your ideas TAURUS to someone in charge, you (April 20- will get a good response. Your May 20) imaginative plan will bring you greater recognition as well as more responsibility and cash.

dilbert

Helping others is honourGEMINI (May 21- able, but if you give too much June 20) without getting something in return, you will feel used. Set a time limit and a budget, and stick to them.

CANCER

Peanuts

(June 21July 22)

Take an alternate route and see where it leads you. An investment or home improvement project will turn out surprisingly well. Participate in physical activities that challenge and exhilarate you.

Your ability to stir up exLEO citement and be the life of the (July 23party will draw unusual peoAug. 22) ple to your side. Take a moment to confirm your adoration for someone you love.

Participate in a social VIRGO event that promotes collabo(Aug. 23rations with people who share Sept. 22) your concerns and interests.

The end result will be a worthwhile partnership. Don’t let a personal matter depress you.

Calvin and Hobbes

A personal change won’t LIBRA (Sept. 23- be welcome by everyone, but Oct. 23) it’s time to do what pleases you. Don’t let anyone guilt you into abandoning your plans.

SUDOKU

Time spent alone or with SCORPIO (Oct. 24- the person you enjoy being Nov. 22) with most will lead to an interesting lifestyle change.

Don’t expect everyone to SAGITTARIUS do things your way. Make a (Nov. 23- point to avoid people who are Dec. 21) not supportive or set a poor example. Make positive personal changes.

solution for Last Published Puzzle

Your energetic approach CAPRICORN and can-do attitude will (Dec. 22- make you the go-to person for Jan. 19) consultations. Your suggestions will be readily accepted.

Unexpected rewards and opportunities will be yours.

You should energetically AQUARIUS (Jan. 20- seek out creative endeavours Feb. 19) that will allow you to use your skills to get ahead or improve your lifestyle. Romance is on the rise.

Don’t alter your appearPISCES (Feb. 20- ance or make changes to an March 20) important relationship. You are best off focusing on helping others and making money.

Put a price on your time and services.

wednesday, january 13, 2016

19

NBA Roundup

Villa win at last, Rooney-inspired Spurs win 8th straight United held L A

aMarcus Aldridge had 25 points and 11 rebounds as the San Antonio Spurs extended their winning streak to eight with a 106-79 victory Monday night over Brooklyn in the Nets’ first game since an organizational shake-up.

A day after coach Lionel Hollins was fired and general manager Billy King reassigned, the Nets dropped their 10th straight at home and fifth in a row overall.

Kawhi Leonard added 17 points for the Spurs, who go to Detroit on Tuesday before putting their 31-game home winning streak on the line Thursday in a showdown with Cleveland.

The Spurs (33-6) were up seven at halftime before dominating the second half, just as they did in their 10275 victory over the Nets on Oct. 30. Those are two of their 14 wins by 20 or more points this season.

Brook Lopez scored 18 points and Joe Johnson had 16 in the Nets’ first game under interim coach Tony Brown. Brown moved guards Wayne Ellington and Donald Sloan into the starting lineup, but they combined for just 10 points on 4-of-12 shooting.

Warriors 111, Heat 103

Stephen Curry scored 31 points and Draymond Green added 22 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Warriors to their 36th straight regu-

LaMarcus Aldridge

lar-season home win, over the Heat.

Klay Thompson added 17 points to help the Warriors (36-2) get halfway to Chicago’s record win total of 72 set in 1996-97 three games before the midpoint of the season.

Dwyane Wade scored 20 points and Chris Bosh and Gerald Green added 15 apiece for the Heat, who had won eight of their past 11 games here.

But these Warriors teams are far different and that showed against a resilient Heat team that battled all night but was unable to handle the depth of the Warriors despite the rare off-shooting night from Curry.

Wizards 114, Bulls 100

John Wall had 17 points and 10 assists to help the banged-up Wizards pull away from the Bulls.

Washington had seven players score in double figures in its second straight win after a stretch of five losses in six games. Ramon Sessions had 16 points, and Garrett Temple, Otto Porter Jr. and Nene scored 14 apiece.

The Wizards led by as many as 18 points while playing without key performers Marcin Gortat, Kris Humphries and Bradley Beal. Gortat was scratched with a sore left knee, Humphries missed his fourth straight game with a sore right knee and Beal remains out due to a stress reaction in his lower right leg.

Derrick Rose scored 23 points in the first of four games in five nights for the Bulls. Jimmy Butler had 19 points and seven assists, and Pau Gasol added 15 points and 10 rebounds. (Herald Sports)

Froome targets incredible treble as Tour and Rio loom

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our de France champion Chris Froome mapped out lofty goals for the year on Tuesday, setting his sights on a remarkable treble of double Olympic gold and another triumphant ride into Paris.

The 30-year-old Briton, who claimed his second Tour de France victory last year, having also won it in 2013, will be favourite for a third in July, before heading to Rio de Janeiro’s lush coastline to contest the Olympic road race and time trial.

It sounds a tall order, but having completed a recce of Rio’s 256.4km road race route, which is littered with steep climbs and cobbles, he liked what he saw.

For Froome, the ultimate Grand Tour rider, the more difficult the terrain the better.

The road race takes place on Aug. 6 with the time trial, a hilly 60km dash, four days later and Froome said the quick turnaround will be no problem.

“When I rode Rio and looked at the TT (time trial) course, I thought ‘this is fantastic, I’d love the chance to get stuck into this TT’”, Froome told reporters at Team Sky’s media day in Puerto de Alcudia, Mallorca on Tuesday.

“I went and rode the road course the next day and just felt ‘if there’s a one-day course I could win, it would look something like this’.

“Having said that, it’s such a complicated thing, the Olympic road race.

Teams of maximum five rid-

ston Villa beat Crystal Palace 1-0 to win a Premier League match for the first time since August while a late goal from Paul Dummett earned a 3-3 draw for Newcastle United against Manchester United on Tuesday.

Joleon Lescott’s secondhalf header, fumbled in by keeper Wayne Hennessey, handed Villa manager Remi Garde a first victory in charge, the bottom club’s first in the league at home this season, and ended a run of 19 games without a win.

Wayne Rooney’s 79thminute strike, his second goal of the game, put United 3-2 up at Newcastle but Dummett struck in the last minute for the relegationthreatened hosts who had battled back from 2-0 down.

West Ham United moved above Manchester United into fifth place after coming from a goal down to win 3-1 at Bournemouth, Enner Valencia netting twice for the London side.

Villa, still eight points from safety, were gifted victory when Hennessey allowed defender Lescott’s 58th-minute effort to squirm through his hands.

The home team had appeared to be in for another 90 minutes of struggle when Palace’s Wilfried Zaha struck Villa’s post inside the opening minute but Garde’s men held firm.

The Villa players, abused by their fans after drawing with fourth-tier Wycombe Wanderers in the FA Cup at the weekend, this time received a standing ovation as they left the pitch.

“We suffered so much

“It was a nice feeling to feel the crowd behind the players, it’s very important.

We cannot be happy too long -- we have to build on this one.”

Newcastle remain in the relegation zone, one point behind 17th-placed Swansea City, but manager Steve McClaren was delighted his side had shown “what we are about”.

McClaren’s side trailed 2-0 after Rooney converted a ninth-minute penalty and laid on the second for Jesse Lingard following a swift counter attack.

Aleksandar Mitrovic nodded down for Georginio Wijnaldum to pull a goal back just before halftime.

Serb Mitrovic then levelled from the spot after 67 minutes when Chris Smalling was penalised for pushing.

Rooney’s neat finish put

with four team mates.

“That amount of climbing. It’s almost every man for himself, almost like a

look at the route. People are going to be on their hands and knees by the last two laps.”

Wayne Rooney celebrates with team mates after scoring the third goal for Manchester United (Reuters photo)

in the previous weeks and today we are very happy. Definitely the players showed pride and we deserved to win,” Garde told Sky Sports.

Nice Feeling

Better Shape

Chris Froome

ers, 260km. You can’t rely on too much team work

junior race. It’s going to be a dramatic race when you

Froome won a bronze medal in the time trial at London 2012, when former Team Sky colleague Bradley Wiggins took gold, having become Britain’s first Tour de France champion 10 days earlier.

“It would be lovely (to win gold),” Froome, who became a father for the first time just before Christmas, told reporters in the lobby of the seaside hotel commandeered by Team Sky for their daily training rides in the Tramuntana mountains.

United back in front but Dummett lashed the ball in from the edge of the box to earn his side a point.

“People said Manchester United were boring and we lacked character but we kept fighting until the end and we have got a goal that feels like a winner,” McClaren said.

“People thought it would be a 0-0 and it was a classic at 3-3.”

Dimitri Payet kickstarted West Ham’s comeback at Bournemouth after they had trailed to a fine first-half strike from Harry Arter.

West Ham lost striker Andy Carroll to injury early on but Payet levelled midway through the second half with a sublime free kick.

The French midfielder then set up Valencia to make it 2-1 in the 75th minute and the Ecuadorean striker thumped in a free kick to seal victory nine minutes later.

Leaders Arsenal visit Liverpool on Wednesday while second-placed Leicester City travel to Tottenham Hotspur. (Reuters

Sport)

“I was fortunate to get Olympic bronze in London.

It felt massive even on the back of the Tour we’d had.

“It felt enormous. You almost can’t believe how overwhelming the Olympics are, bigger than just your sport.”

Froome says his first priority, however, is the Tour de France and trying to become the first person since Spain’s Miguel Indurain (winner from 1991-95) to retain the title, not counting disgraced American Lance Armstrong.

He says he is in a far better shape than in 2014, when his hopes of winning back-to-back Tours ended early in a painful crash on a rainy day in northern France. (Reuters Sport)

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wednesday, january 13, 2016

Smith, Bailey brush off India’s 309 I

f this is summer’s main course, then Steven Smith and George Bailey wasted no time at all tucking in. A batsmen’s battle unfolded between Australia and India at the WACA, with the hosts seeing a 207run stand between Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli before raising it through the match-defining union between Smith and Bailey, worth 242.

Things could have been very different had Bailey been given out caught behind when, sporting a new closed batting stance, he swivelled to pull the debutant Barinder Sran and gloved to MS Dhoni in the fifth over. India’s appeal was not altogether convincing, Richard Kettleborough gave the benefit of the doubt, and as Bailey said afterwards: “Would’ve been interesting to see on DRS, but we’re not the team that doesn’t want it.” Already the series has some spice.

From that point, Bailey and Smith took impressive control to counter the early losses of Aaron Finch and David Warner, both victims of the tall left-armer Sran’s decidedly useful opening spell. Bailey, and then Smith, chose to target the spin of R Ashwin and Ravi

George Bailey and Steven Smith put Australia’s chase back on track (Getty Images)

Jadeja, hitting cleanly and straight, before the captain put on afterburners, rarely seen previously, to take Australia comfortably home.

Rohit’s unbeaten 171 - which surpassed Viv Richards’ 153* as the highest ODI score against Australia in Australia - added to a growing library of monumental limited-overs innings, confirming his mastery of a format where if he gets through the first few overs he is able to hit through the line of the ball with something like impunity. Kohli provided ideal support after the early loss of Shikhar Dhawan.

India heaped together 61

from the final five overs of the innings, as Rohit cleared the fence three times. Up to that point the hosts appeared to be reasonably happy with events, but as Rohit punished debutant Scott Boland for a trio of missed yorkers, by depositing him in the arc between midwicket and mid-on, they were forced to re-evaluate the dimensions of the chase that confronted them.

Certainly Finch and Warner appeared to be in something of a hurry, both perishing to Sran when trying to force the pace. Finch was the victim of a superb, reflex return catch, before Warner shovelled to mid-off.

After Bailey’s first-ball escape, he and Smith did not panic, using their knowledge of how WACA tallies can be gobbled up in later overs provided that at first a partnership is established.

They sat calmly behind the progress India had made until the 18th over, when greater liberties were taken with Ashwin and Jadeja.

This reached a crescendo in the 26th over when Bailey then Smith sallied forth to dump Ashwin into the stands; the over cost 19 and forced a double change from Dhoni. From that point the chase always looked well in hand, as Bailey and Smith posted their hundreds.

While Bailey fell for 112, Glenn Maxwell was perhaps too hasty in swinging for the fences and even Smith was pouched at cover with two runs still required from the final over. However, the stand between two of the Australian ODI team’s most recent three captains was the decisive episode in the match.

Joel Paris, who lacks the pace of his left-arm forebears, Mitchell Johnson and Mitchell Starc, had found some new-ball swing in his first two overs as an international cricketer. But that was the extent of the questions asked of India’s bats-

men, before Smith’s bowlers were reduced more or less to battening down the hatches and hoping for the best.

Josh Hazlewood bowled tidily for the hosts, and James Faulkner was a welcome recall to the team after his suspension last year for a drink driving offence while playing Twenty20 matches for Lancashire in the northern summer last year. But there was a certain lack of speed to Australia’s bowling line-up that allowed Rohit and Kohli to get comfort-

able.

The hosts had lost Michael Clarke, Shane Watson, Brad Haddin, Mitchell Johnson and Mitchell Starc from the team that faced India in the World Cup semi-final in March last year, and much was expected of Paris in his first match.

His first ball swerved dangerously into Rohit, but the batsman managed to get the toe of his bat onto it, and thereafter was able to find his rhythm. (Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD India innings (50 overs maximum) RG Sharma not out 171 S Dhawan c Marsh b Hazlewood 9 V Kohli c Finch b Faulkner 91 MS Dhoni*† c Boland b Faulkner 18 RA Jadeja not out 10 Extras (lb 6, w 4) 10 Total (3 wickets; 50 overs) 309 Did not bat: AM Rahane, MK Pandey, R Ashwin, UT Yadav, B Kumar, BB Sran Fall of wickets: 1-36, 2-243, 3-286 Bowling: JR Hazlewood 100-41-1, JS Paris 8-0-53-0, MR Marsh 9-0-53-0, SM Boland 100-74-0, JP Faulkner 10-0-60-2, GJ Maxwell 3-0-22-0.

Australia innings (target: 310 runs from 50 overs) AJ Finch c & b Sran 8 DA Warner c Kohli b Sran 5 SPD Smith* c Kohli b Sran 149 GJ Bailey c Kumar b Ashwin 112 GJ Maxwell c Dhawan b Ashwin 6 MR Marsh not out 12 JP Faulkner not out 1 Extras (lb 5, w 12) 17 Total (5 wickets; 49.2 overs) 310 (6.28 runs per over) Did not bat: MS Wade†, SM Boland, JR Hazlewood, JS Paris Fall of wickets: 1-9, 2-21, 3-263, 4-273, 5-308 Bowling: BB Sran 9.2-0-56-3, B Kumar 9-0-42-0, RG Sharma 1-0-11-0, UT Yadav 10-0-54-0, RA Jadeja 9-0-61-0, R Ashwin 9-0-68-2, V Kohli 2-0-13-0.

Barca looking to strengthen Zimbabwe rope in Ntini, Atapattu as forward line, coach says coaches – reports B arcelona are looking to reinforce their formidable attack in the January transfer window, the Spanish and European champions’ coach Luis Enrique said on Tuesday.

Barca have one of the

Munir el Haddadi and Sandro Ramirez are the only other recognised forwards in the squad but have failed to impress since their promotion from the B team.

“Right now our greatest need is to strengthen the

in the winter market because nobody wants to let important players go,” added the former Barca and Spain midfielder.

“We will try right up until the final day.”

One option for Barca could be bringing back for-

Barcelona’s (L-R) Neymar, Lionel Messi, and Luis Suarez (Reuters photo)

most potent forward lines in world football in FIFA Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez but lack a reliable replacement if any of the prolific South Americans are sidelined.

Academy graduates

attacking line but I would like bring in reinforcements across the board,” Luis Enrique told a news conference previewing Wednesday’s King’s Cup last 16, second leg at city rivals Espanyol.

“Negotiations are tough

mer Manchester City winger Denis Suarez.

A jewel in Celta Vigo’s youth ranks, Suarez was chased by a number of top European clubs before he decided to join City in 2011 aged 17.

Opportunities for young

players were slim and after a couple of seasons in which he made only a handful of first-team appearances he signed for Barca.

The 22-year-old performed well on loan at Sevilla in 2014-15 and has become an integral part of a Villarreal side who are riding high in fourth in La Liga.

Holders and record winners Barca take a 4-1 lead over Espanyol into Wednesday’s Cup clash.

Recent meetings between the bitter local rivals have been brutal affairs and both Luis Enrique and Espanyol counterpart Constantin Galca have urged the players and fans to focus on playing football.

Barca’s Uruguay forward Luis Suarez is banned for the game at Cornella-El Prat after he became involved in a fracas after the end of last week’s first leg at the Nou Camp, during which Espanyol had two players sent off.

“Beyond the fact that we have an advantage, our goal remains to be superior to our opponent during the 90 minutes we are playing tomorrow,” Luis Enrique said.

“We need to approach the match as if it was a single game (and not a two-legged tie). Playing Espanyol is always stimulating.” (Reuters Sport)

Z

imbabwe have recruited Makhaya Ntini and Marvan Atapattu to be assistant coach and batting consultant respectively, accord-

years. ZC says he will begin work from February 16, while former bowling coach Douglas Hondo has been reassigned to the Zimbabwe A team.

Makhaya Ntini

ing to a report published today on the Zimbabwe Cricket website. The report says Ntini has been given a two-year contract, while Atapattu has been roped in for the duration of Zimbabwe’s tour to Bangladesh starting from January 15.

Ntini, 38, has played 101 Tests, 173 ODIs and 10 T20Is for South Africa over a period of 13

Atapattu, a former Sri Lanka captain and coach, may succeed Andy Waller as Zimbabwe’s batting coach. Currently, he is only a consultant but his “contract will be reviewed after the Zimbabwe tour of Bangladesh, with a view to entering into a longer relationship,” the Zimbabwe Cricket report said. (Cricinfo)

sports

YELLOW PAGES

Holder disallowed from playing PSL

wednesday, january 13, 2016

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Jason Holder (Associated Press photo)

W

est Indies Cricket Board has withheld the no-objection certificate (NOC) that Jason Holder needed to participate in the inaugu-

ral Pakistan Super League (PSL) on the grounds that he is a contracted player and his primary objective is to serve West Indies cricket.

Holder, who is the cap-

tain of West Indies in Tests and ODIs, was picked

by Quetta Gladiators in the player draft held on December 21. It became clear he won’t be able to play for them via a post from his twitter account that indicated such.

According to WICB chief executive Michael Muirhead, Holder had just signed a fresh retainer contract, which allowed the board to hold the rights to grant or deny him permission to play in overseas domestic leagues.

“He is a retained player.

So it gives us a right to say to a retained player, if you request a NOC in a time, that we have something geared towards the develop-

ment of West Indies cricket, and then we have the right to say no to him,” Muirhead told ESPNcricinfo.

Muirhead also pointed out that Holder had the responsibility to captain the Barbados team, which is currently competing in the Nagico Super-50, West Indies’ List A competition.

“We have our premier 50over competition going on now and it is going to be played at the same time as the league (PSL). He is the captain of the Barbados team, which wants him to play. We need him in the region. It promotes cricket.

It sends a sense of unity. It sends the right message.”

(Cricinfo)

Stanford has 1st interview since 2009 indictment A

llen Stanford has claimed that it “breaks his heart” to hear of the embarrassment that his notorious partnership with the ECB caused to English cricket.

Speaking to the BBC in his first interview since 2009, when he was indicted for the second-largest investment fraud in US history and ultimately sentenced to 110 years in prison, Stanford continued to protest his innocence of the charges, and vowed that he would walk out of the doors of the maximumsecurity Coleman II prison in Florida “a free man”.

However, his name will forever be synonyous with his brief but ill-fated involvement with English cricket in 2008, which began when he landed his helicopter on the Nursery Ground at Lord’s and challenged the England team to a $20 million winner-takes-all contest on his private ground in Antigua.

England duly lost the first of what was meant to be a series of five such matches against their West Indian opponents, the Stanford Superstars, but soon afterwards the ECB severed all ties as the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) charged Stanford with a $7bn fraud.

The fiasco was a huge em-

barrassment to the ECB, in particular the then-chairman, Giles Clarke, who brokered the deal in a bid to head off the financial threat posed by the nascent Indian Premier League, and David Collier, the then-chief executive. Both men survived

Clarke is still the head person now, but he and I got along well,” he added. “And I think the world of David Collier.

“My dealings with the ECB was one of professionalism and one of mutual respect and I love cricket.”

The so-called Stanford

Allen Stanford

in their jobs, however, with Clarke last year stepping up to the role of ECB president.

“It makes me very, very sad. I’m very sorry,” Stanford said of the embarrassment caused to the ECB. “It breaks my heart and there’s nothing I can say other than that was not caused by Allen Stanford.

That was caused by the wrongful prosecution ... an over zealous and a wrongful prosecution.

“I’m not sure if Giles

20/20 for 20 had been the culmination of an involvement in cricket that had begun with his inter-island Caribbean competition, the Stanford 20/20, in 2006.

That tournament, underpinned by a million-dollar prize pool, had been credited with a genuine revival in interest in cricket in the Caribbean. His second staging of the competition, in 2008, was watched by a reported global audience of 300

million.

Stanford agreed with the assertion that he had been trying to exploit the game of cricket for his own interests, but maintains that his involvement in the sport had created significant spin-off benefits for the Caribbean.

“I was trying to grow the Stanford brand globally,” he said. “I spent about $30-odd million on cricket in the West Indies in addition to what I spent on the 20/20 for 20 tournament. But I certainly did want a return on that investment in terms of a business sense. But what nobody understood is that I anticipated this new generation of players that we were going to uncover.

“In the West Indies we have the greatest physical athletic talent for cricket anywhere in the world. They were just being diverted into other sports, whether it’s basketball or soccer. There just wasn’t that real incentive for them to stay and play in a sport that had not kept track with the 21st Century and the modernisation of the sport.”

Stanford admitted that he had had little opportunity to stay in touch with the sport since his conviction. “Cricket is not a very big sport in prison,” he said. (Cricinfo)

Spieth matches Tiger Woods with Hawaii win W orld number one Jordan Spieth matched Tiger Woods by winning his seventh PGA Tour event before the age of 23 with a dominant victory at Hawaii’s Tournament of Champions.

The 22 year old cruised to an eight-shot win over Patrick Reed after a six-under-par 67 at the Kapalua Resort on the island of Maui.

Spieth won the Masters and the US Open in 2015 and wants more success.

He said: “I’ll try and continue exactly what we were doing last year.”

Spieth held a five-shot lead going into Sunday’s fi-

nal round and was never troubled, hitting seven birdies to post a 30-under total of 262.

He became only the second player to finish a 72-hole event on the PGA Tour at 30-under par or lower, emulating South African Ernie Els who won the 2003 Tournament of Champions with a 31-under score.

Asked how he felt after matching 14-times major winner Woods with a seventh PGA Tour victory, Spieth said: “I don’t think there’s any reason to compare. What Tiger’s done, I can’t imagine ever being done again, but it’s nice to be in that company.” (BBC Sport)

Jordan Spieth

22 Restaurant GTTA Senior Championships German’s supports National Beach set for Friday Soccer Championship guyanatimesGY.com

wednesday, january 13, 2016

The event will pit some of the biggest table tennis stars against each other with the likes of Shemar Britton who has been dominant against the likes of remerging defending champion Nigel Bryan who won the last men’s tourney against

On the distaff side defending women’s champion Trenace lowe is currently in Guyana preparing for the games as well as defending Junior champion and Junior Olympian Chelsea Edghill who is currently playing on the US intercollegiate circuit.

The improving Natalie Cummings along with former Caribbean junior champion Jody Blake, Delcia Cummings, Neveah Clarkston Priscillia Greaves Selenas Jackman all

Shemar Britton

T

he Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) will host their National Senior Championships from Friday after a four year hiatus of the event.

The event which will serve off at the National Gymnasium will last until the January 18 and will be the first calendar event for the GTTA’s season.

Nine categories are slated for the event, namely; Men’s Singles, Women Singles, B Class Open Singles, 21 and Under Male Singles, 21 and Under Female Singles, C Class Open Singles, Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles.

mension to the national championships but is part of the association’s plan to establish a system ranking for all levels and tiers of players.

The events are also expected to provide a system for measuring players’ development as well as an opportunity for players outside of the top tier to be able to win.

This format also allows juniors to participate Meanwhile prizes will be awarded to the first three places in each division, the awards includes trophies and cash incentives Players are asked to register with the General Secretary of the GTTA, Linden Johnson with the deadline for registration set for Thursday at 17:00h.

Chelsea Edghill

each other.

Names such as Joel Alleyne Edinho Lewis Elsihaba Johnson Kyle Edghill, Orin Hickerson Stefan Corlette and the ageless Colin France are also expected to bring their talents to the tournament in what is shaping up to be a thrilling tournament.

Nigel Bryan

expected to put on a show in the female category.

B and C Class events The B Class and C Class events will offer a new di-

Trenace Lowe

Shiwnandan elected President of G Square Cavalier Sports Club D ayawant Shiwnandan was elected as President for the recently formed G. Square Cavaliers Sports Club located in Wakenaam.

The multipurpose club is one of a kind in the region as it aims to contribute to the growth of the community

through sport.

Chandrika Ragnauth was elected to serve as VicePresident while Tameshwar Persaud was elected as Secretary/Treasurer. Besham Bhagpatti was named as the Assistant Secretary/ Treasurer while Somenauth Prasad and Satnarine

Sahadeo were named as committee members.

The club’s main sport which is cricket will see Sahadeo being the team’s Captain while Bhumeshwar Ramkission was named as the club’s junior cricket team Captain.

The executive committee

will serve for a year before elections is held again.

Persaud in an invited comment by Guyana Times Sport highlighted that the executive committee will be meeting later this week in order to map out the club’s goals and objectives for the 2016 year.

Proprietor of German’s Restaurant Clinton Urling (left) presents the sponsorship to Rolland Tappin, president of the GBSA

G

erman’s Restaurant, one of the oldest fast-food outlets in Guyana, on Tuesday handed over a $100,000 cheque to the Guyana Beach Soccer Association (GBSA) towards the hosting of the National Beach Soccer Championships, which gets on the way on January 31 in Linden.

The tournament will feature 10 teams, with six hailing from Linden, two from Georgetown, while the East Coast and East Bank of Demerara will have one representative each.

“German’s Restaurant is more than happy to be associated with this Championship,” said proprietor Clinton Urling at the simple but significant presentation.

Urling, who once sat at the helm of Guyana’s football under the Normalisation Committee as Chairman, expressed his personal delight at being able to give back to football from a corporate standpoint and said that while this is German’s first sponsorship support, it certainly wouldn’t be the last.

Beach soccer, according to Urling, will be the eyecandy of Guyana’s football

in the near future, owing such to the sport’s enormous possibilities if administered properly.

Apart from the monetary contribution, German’s Restaurant will also sponsor the champion’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) prize.

Rolland Tappin, President of the GBSA, thanked Urling for his contribution, which he said was timely.

Tappin pointed out that the GBSA, which became a member of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) last October, will be using the National Championship, to kick-start their programme for 2016.

The championships will be played in two rounds, over an 18-day period. Matches will be played every Sunday at the Bayroc Community Centre Beach Soccer facility and at Kuru Kururu on the Linden Soesdyke Highway.

First place finishers will pocket $250,000, second place $100,000, while third and fourth place will take home $75,000 and $50,000 respectively.

Corona Beer, E-Networks and 104.3 FM (Linden) are the other sponsors on board.

Missenger wins Linden cross country

FIFA ethics panel chamber to – Foster continues to rule the roost appeal bans for Platini, Blatter R

F

IFA ethics investigators said on Tuesday they planned an appeal that could extend eight-year bans on world football body president Joseph “Sepp” Blatter and European football boss Michel Platini, raising the possibility of lifelong exclusion.

Blatter and Platini were both banned from football last month for ethics violations, leaving the global game leaderless as it seeks to dig itself out from beneath a slew of corruption cases.

Both have denied wrongdoing.

The two escaped potential lifetime bans demanded by the commit-

tee’s investigatory arm when the panel’s adjudicatory chamber found no evidence of bribery linked to a 2 million Swiss franc ($2 million) payment FIFA made to Platini in 2011, with Blatter’s approval.

“We have announced we plan to appeal the 8-year bans against Platini and Blatter,” investigatory panel spokesman Andreas Bantel told reporters in Zurich, where FIFA has its headquarters.

While Blatter and Platini have said the panel was seeking a lifetime ban from the sport, Bantel said he declined to comment on the content of its appeal.

Blatter has said he feels “abandoned” by the global football body and will now focus on clearing his name through his own appeal.

Platini, who was the strong favourite to succeed Blatter until becoming mired in allegations that led to his ban, has also said he will appeal.

The crisis gripping the football world began with arrests of a group of FIFA officials at a luxury Zurich hotel in May. Since then Switzerland’s Federal Office of Justice has frozen around $80 million in assets in 13 bank accounts and the United States has charged 41 people and entities in a probe of corruption that spans football

bodies around the globe.

There is precedent for extending bans on appeal.

Vernon Manilal Fernando, a former FIFA executive committee member from Sri Lanka, was banned for eight years by the ethics committee in April 2013. The investigatory chamber appealed against this, saying the ban was too short, while Fernando fought the ban that he said was too long.

In October 2013 FIFA’s Appeal Committee increased the ban to life.

This decision was upheld by the Court for Arbitration in Sport in March 2015. (Reuters Sport)

unning Brave Athletics Club athlete Winston Missenger won the Athletics Association of Guyana’s (AAG) first event of the year when the association held their first cross country of the New Year in Linden on Sunday.

Missenger clocked a time of 38:31.64s to win the event ahead of Devon Barrington who ran 41:03.34s for second.

Meanwhile Andrea Foster continued her brilliant form by winning the female under-20 event in time of 27:03.87s.

Matthew McKenzie won the male under-20 event in a time of 39:49.99s while Samuel Lynch won the under-18 male event which was less distance in a time of 25:32.59s.

Claudrice McKoy also looked in top shape in the

Winston Missenger finishes strong

female under-18 version of the race, winning the event in a time of 22:10.53s. Sasha James won the female open event in a time of 31:27.66s.

guyanatimesGY.com

wednesday, january 13, 2016

23

DCUSA head outlines plans Jaguars, Volcanoes square off to move association forward WICB/NAGICO Super 50

today in return clash

By Akeem Greene

T

Members of the DCUSA executive pose for a photo. Sitting from left are Gyananand Sookdeo, President Shannon Crawford, Nolan Hawke and Edward Nicholls. Standing from left are Javed Persaud, Joseph Jeffery, Arleigh Rutherford and Zaheer Mohamed

P

resident of the Demerara Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association (DCUSA), Shannon Crawford, has outlined his areas of focus for the new term, following his re-election to the post last weekend.

Addressing the gathering at the association’s Annual General Meeting in the auditorium of the Lusignan Community Centre ground, East Coast Demerara, Crawford stressed the need for fund-raising activities to support the work of the DCUSA. Moments after thanking the sub-associations for their confidence in re-electing him to the helm, Crawford stated that the DCUSA will as-

sist the Upper Demerara Association in strengthening their association and will conduct training for umpires in the area.

He stated that the DCUSA will advise the Guyana Cricket Umpires Council to apply to the National Sports Commission for funding through subvention, and the issue of umpires being released to officiate is looked at in the National Sports Policy.

The president explained that training sessions will continue and he will host a workshop for umpires on Friday at 14:00h at the Mayor and City Council’s union building at Woolford Avenue.

The seminar is open to all umpires.

Crawford also took the opportunity to congratulate umpire Nigel Duguid on his selection to officiate in the ICC Under-19 World Cup in Bangladesh.

He thanked Director of Sport Christopher Jones for his assistance in 2015, and said he looks forward to his continued support going forward.

Meanwhile, Duguid returned unopposed as the Vice-president, Nolan Hawke Secretary, Edward Nicholls Treasurer, Arleigh Rutherford Assistant Secretary Treasurer and Zaheer Mohamed Public Relations Officer. The committee members are Gyananand Sookdeo, Nandkumar Shivsankar, Javed Persaud and Joseph Jeffery.

he Guyana Jaguars and the Windward Islands Volcanoes will battle today in the WICB/NAGICO Super 50 tournament in their day/ night game at Warner Park, St Kitts.

The ultimate aim of both teams will be to cement their place at the top of the table since both are tied on points but the Jaguars are ahead due to a superior net run rate.

The Jaguars will be pleased with their performances thus far, despite rain playing a part in hampering what could have been an unbeaten run thus far as they lost to this very team in their tournament opener by one run via the Duckworth-Lewis method.

Guyana’s batting will rest in the hands of the inform opener Assad Fudadin who has scored 120 runs from three games at an average of 60. Fudadin has gotten Guyana off to some solid starts, and will want to continue in the same vein today.

Vishaul Singh who hit a six in the last game against the Combined Campuses and Colleges Marooners to seal the victory, has gotten off to some decent starts but has failed to carry on to a substantial score. Captain Leon Johnson will be hoping he can contribute significantly with the bat as well.

Spinner Veerasammy Permaul (seven wickets) and seamer Paul Wintz (five wickets) will spare head the bowling on a surface which seems to have some amount of life in it, as in Guyana’s previous game their Wintz got the ball swing both ways late in the evening.

Combined, the two bowlers have taken 12 wickets in the three matches and are competently supported by the likes of Gudakesh Motie and Steven Jacobs; which has seen Guyana bowl out all their opponents in the completed matches.

On the other hand Windward Islands Volcanoes are growing in strength, especially with their batting. West Indies player Johnson Charles made a run-a-ball 72 in their last game against Leeward Islands Hurricanes. Allrounder Kyle Mayers made a quick-fire 55 from 38 balls which helped the Volcanoes gun down the target of 239 with three balls to spare.

The Jaguars will also be mindful of Devon Smith who made 91 against them in the opening game.

Their bowling is in good hands with the likes of offspinner Shane Shillingford, left-arm seamer Delorn Johnson and Mervyn Matthew who picked up 4 wickets in their last game with his handy medium pace.

The match promis-

es to be an exciting one as the Jaguars will certainly be looking to rectify their opening round loss against this team but one cannot count out the Volcanoes who can spring a surprise on the day. Match time is 13:30 hrs.

Guyana Jaguars (from): Leon Johnson (captain), Christopher Barnwell, Kevon Boodie, Anthony Bramble, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Royston Crandon, Assad Fudadin, Steven Jacobs, Gudakesh Motie, Veerasammy Permaul, Raymon Reifer, Vishaul Singh, Romario Shepherd, Paul Wintz Windward Islands Volcanoes (from): Liam Sebastien (captain), Sunil Ambris, Miles Bascombe, Johnson Charles, Keron Cottoy, Andre Fletcher, Kavem Hodge, Delorn Johnson, Vincent Lewis, Mervyn Matthew, Kyle Mayers, Devon Smith, Shane Shillingford, Tyrone Theophile The other games that will be played are Trinidad Tobago Red Force v Jamaica Scorpions at Shaw Park, Tobago from 09:00hrs.

Barbados Pride v ICC Americas at the Queen’s Park Oval from 13:30h and Leeward Islands Hurricanes v Combined Campuses and Colleges Marooners at St. Paul’s. St Kitts from 09:00h.

PUMA planning massive sendoff for Bolt at 2016 Olympics

Mohamed’s cycling programme S rides off on January 23 C oming off a solid 2015 when he organised an amazing 43 cycling races, national cycling coach Hassan Mohamed will commence the 2016 season on January 23 with an 11race programme at the inner circuit of the National Park.

As has been the norm over the past decades, the first race on Mohamed’s calendar will once again be the Ricks and Sari Agro Industries 11-race programme at the inner circuit of the National Park, starting at 09:00h.

This will be the 23rd year that the company has committed to sponsoring the race, aptly demonstrating its commitment to the sport.

As usual, the day’s activities will roll off with the young riders competing in

the various BMX categories, before the ‘big boys’ take centre stage in the senior races.

The youngsters will compete in the BMX Open, 6-9, 9-12, 12-14 and Boys and Girls Open divisions, followed by the Veterans Under-50 and Over-50, the Juveniles and Mountain Bikes, and the feature event, the gruelling 35lap School Boys and Invitational.

Team Gillette Evolution’s rider Marlon Williams is the defending champion of the main race, having won last year’s event in a time of one hour, 20 minutes, 11 seconds (01h: 20m: 11s).

He will however, face stiff competition in the defence of his title, with the likes of Orville Hinds, Hamzah Eastman, Paul DeNobrega, Romello

Crawford and others vying for supremacy.

Crawford was also the winner of the Juveniles race last year, while Junior Niles won the Veterans Under-50; Sean Budhan won the Mountain Bikes, and Rakheem Blair was the top rider in the BMX Boys and Girls Open.

Top officials of Ricks and Sari Agro Industries will be on hand to witness the day’s activities and also assist in the presentation of prizes at the conclusion.

During 2015, Mohamed organised 18 races in the National Park, 15 road races, eight stages races and two for the Guyana Teachers Union. He is aiming to surpass last year’s total during this season. (aramzan@guyanatimesgy.com)

ports Apparel giants, PUMA, are planning to give Usain Bolt a massive sendoff during what is expected to be his last time on the Olympic stage in Rio de Janiero, Brazil this summer.

According to Pascal Rolling, PUMA’s international head of sports marketing – running, while Jamaica and his organisation have a special relationship, the 2016 Olympics is all about Bolt.

“He is already a living legend, but he can really enter the history books being the first man to win three gold medals consecutively in the 100m. So most of our efforts will be around Usain Bolt advertisement and communication,” Rolling told the Jamaica Observer.

Rolling was speaking from Jamaica where PUMA is in the middle of shooting commercials with Bolt, Asafa Powell and Andre De Grasse, double bronze medallist at the 2015 World Championships for Canada.

As for Jamaica, Rolling says there will be special purks for the Jamaicans

Usain Bolt

who have brought much visibility to the brand during major championships.

“You can expect great things in Rio for sure. We have a new philosophy, new strategy at PUMA, going back to performance with a new ‘Forever Faster’ motto,” said Rolling.

“We will be doing different stuff and trying to surprise the public. There will be different outfits, and for certain events there might be certain designs,” said Rolling.

PUMA do have a history of surprising at Olympics.

On a number of occasions they have displayed a new pair of shoes for Bolt, just for a final, though possibly the most memorable, was the 4x100-metre women’s final in Athens, 2004, where the gold-medal-winning team of Veronica CampbellBrown, Sherone Simpson, Tayna Lawrence and Aleen Bailey donned unique outfits that made the front page of newspapers and online magazines the world over.

(Digicel Sportsmax)

wednesday, January 13, 2016

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

WICB/NAGICO Super50

Jaguars, Volcanoes square off today in return clash

Pg 23

The Jaguars are in high spirits and will want to continue their winning ways

Mohamed’s cycling programme rides off on January 23

Stanford has 1st interview since 2009 indictment Pg 21

Pg 23 Flashback! The top performers of the 2015 activity pose with representatives of the company and organiser Hassan Mohamed (Avenash Ramzan file photo)

Allen Stanford arrives at Lord’s in 2008, flanked by Giles Clarke, the then-ECB chairman, and Julian Hunte (Getty Images)

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