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Public Health Ministry appeals for blood P14 THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyana-times.com

Issue No. 2908

Thursday, July 7, 2016

PRICE

AML/CFT concerns

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Bank of America severs ties with Guyana

Teixeira raps Govt over Old Age Pension restriction P7

…flays APNU/AFC for assaulting poor, vulnerable groups …Govt insists it’s the law

Page 3

Goolsarran scolds Govt over denial of sinking economy

US, Guyana pledge greater partnership Page 9

... as US celebrates 240th Independence

– plugs need for Economics Ministry over Social Cohesion, Business

$80 vat included

Page 7

Essequibians facing P17 constant blackouts − residents call for new power plant

Pregnant P8 woman jailed for cocaine trafficking

210 new P14 recruits for Police Force, 28% female Eid Mubarak! Muslim brothers and sisters all across Guyana came together on Wednesday to celebrate this auspicious holiday which marked the end of 30 days of Ramadan. In this photo, Muslim brothers join in the observance at the Leonora Masjid

Jagdeo condemns removal of tax waiver on manufacturing calls for immediate reversal of inputs –“anti-manufacturing policy” Page 10

Local Government Commission

Sooba, Whittaker, Collymore nominated

by PPP/C Page 2

Westford's trial postponed P5

2 news Police charge duo for 2012 Mahaica murder F thursDAY, july 7, 2016 | guyana-times.com

ollowing advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), detectives have instituted charges against two men who confessed to the murder of Jagdish Dass, 31, of Chelsea Park, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara (ECD) on April 17, 2012.

The suspects – Nankumar Ganesh, 30, of Hill Street, Albouystown, Georgetown and Amarnauth Gopaul, 47, of Section C Chelsea Park, ECD – are expected to make an appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts today.

Based on information gathered, Gopaul reportedly contracted Ganesh and a second person to kill Dass since he was having an affair with his brother’s wife. The third suspect, Guyana Times understands, is presently in prison for allegedly killing his wife a few years ago.

A Police source explained that Gopaul paid over $200,000 to the two men and another $300,000 after the job was completed. The Police however, after four years cracked the case after they stumbled upon new evidence which led to the arrest of Gopaul’s sister-in-law. The woman’s husband was also questioned but denied having any

Slain trucker Jagdish Dass

involvement in the cold-blooded murder.

It was reported that on April 17, 2012, the gunman and others parked a truck on Mahaica New Road with its hazard lights flashing and pretended that the vehicle had broken down.

The perpetrators were aware that Dass, also a trucker, would pass that route around the same time on his way to Soesdyke/Linden Highway for sand.

Upon seeing the truck, Dass reportedly stopped to render assistance since he knew the men. As he exited his truck, he was shot twice to the head.

The men then made good their escape and the man’s body was discovered on the parapet of the Mahaica New Road a few hours later. After the discovery, the dead man’s relatives were holding out that he was killed as a result of the relationship he shared with a woman in the village.

Back then, the woman’s husband and two others were arrested but were released on $100,000 bail each. Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum when contacted told Guyana Times that the file was set to the DPP who stated that there was enough evidence to charge the duo for murder.

The Crime Chief added that although the murder occurred four years ago, detectives would have examined all angles and kept the case alive.

Blanhum praised the Police ranks who were instrumental in solving yet another cold case. (Bhisham Mohamed)

Local Government Commission

Sooba, Whittaker, Collymore nominated by PPP/C

Former Local Government Minister Norman Whittaker

Former Acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba

ormer Acting Town Clerk Carol Sooba and former Local Government Ministers Norman Whittaker and Clinton Collymore have been nominated as the People’s Progressive Party/Civic’s representatives to the Local Government Commission (LGC).

This was disclosed by Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira, during a press conference on Wednesday at the Party’s headquarters, Freedom House, Robb Street.

She noted that the names have already been dispatched to Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan.

Minister Bulkan had complained in the past of the delay in the establishment of the Commission, blaming the PPP/C Opposition for holding up the process by not naming their nominees.

However, Teixeira had lambasted the Minister for

being misleading, explaining that he never followed the correct procedures to formally request that the names be submitted by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo.

Last month, Bulkan disclosed only one member from the Government’s side has been confirmed to serve on the commission, while other nominees are yet to be confirmed.

The Commission will consist of eight members: four Government nominees, three from the parliamentary Opposition and one from a parliamentary process.

Following the historic return of Local Government Elections, tensions and controversy have surrounded the establishment of some of the local democratic organs.

As such, calls were made for the establishment of the LGC, which will have oversight over the various local authorities in the country.

F

news

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THURSDAY, july 7, 2016 | guyana-times.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, July 7 – 05:50h-07:20h and Friday, July 8 – 06:30h-08:00h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Light to heavy rain showers with chances of sunshine can be expected in the morning while light rain showers and sunny weather is expected in the afternoon. Clear skies are expected in the evening with temperatures ranging between 24 degrees and 30 degrees Celsius.

Wind: Easterly to East North-easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.02 metres per hour.

High Tide: 06:14h and 18:40h reaching maximum heights of 2.67 metres and 2.54 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 12:14h reaching a minimum height of 0.57 metre.

Saturday, july 6, 2016

LOTTERY NUMBERS J

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Tuesday, July 5, 2016

Daily Millions

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AML/CFT concerns

Bank of America severs ties with Guyana

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, July 7 – 05:00h-06:30h and Friday, July 8 – 05:00h-06:30h.

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

s foreign banks, particularly those in the United States continue to sever ties with financial institutions in the Caribbean over money laundering concerns, the Bank of America has ended its relationship with “indigenous banks” in Guyana.

Guyana Times understands that the Bank of America sent a notice indicating that it was severing its corresponding relationship with “indigenous banks” in Guyana. The notice was sent about a month ago.

However, Governor General of the Bank of Guyana, Dr Gobind Ganga, has assured that there was no need to panic about the situation, since Guyana’s economy would not be impacted in any way. He clarified too that contrary to reports, the Bank of America was the only corresponding bank that has cut ties with Guyana to date.

He explained that Guyana was currently in talks with several other banks that were willing to form new corresponding banking relationships with local financial institutions.

“We have had other foreign banks that have shown interest in providing the kind of corresponding banking relationship to fill the void that the Bank of America is causing… These are banks from Europe and North America,” Dr Ganga stated.

When asked how far along were the discussions with these banks, Dr Ganga told this newspaper that the talks were ongoing and projected that the negotiations should come to fruition shortly.

“So, at this time, there is no cause for concern, because the banks do have cor-

Bank of Guyana Governor, Dr Gobind Ganga

responding relationships and they are seeking others. The Bank of Guyana is assisting these banks in finding new corresponding banking relationships,” Dr Ganga reassured.

This matter was on the agenda for discussion at the 37th Caricom Heads of Government Meeting held in Guyana July 4 to 6, as Caribbean leaders try to tackle the cut-off of regional indigenous banks, referred to as de-risking – a situation that poses dire consequences for the Region, including crushing impacts on the wider economy.

De-risking is when international banks withdraw from their relationships with indigenous banks because of fears of money laundering and questionable sources of funds which would cause the international banks to receive heavy fines from their regulators.

Caribbean banking institutions rely on such relationships in order to allow residents to conduct international financial transactions. However, since last year, the Region has been facing the impact of de-risking and the issue has been

occupying the attention of regional policy-makers, following signals by international banks that they were unwilling to continue carrying the business of regional banks.

De-risking in the Caribbean came into the limelight last year when the Belize Bank was cut off by the Bank of America and one of the two banks in Montserrat shared the same fate. Some of the areas that are affected because of derisking are: transfers of remittances, cheque payments, international trade and the facilitation of credit card settlements for local clients.

The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) quoted a November World Bank survey saying that about 75 per cent of inter-

national banks have experienced a reduction in correspondent banking services with the Caribbean being the worst affected.

However, Prime Minister of St Lucia, Allen Chastanet, believes that a collective and broad effort is needed to address the situation. At the opening ceremony of the Caricom Heads of Government Conference on Monday, Prime Minister Chastanet said the Region must stop thinking that it has to solve this problem alone.

He pointed out that there were a number of multinational companies in the US such as airlines, cruise companies, and suppliers as well as individuals who own their homes – that have a vested interest in the Region and know exactly how to lobby their Government.

In this vein, the St Lucian Head of State posited that the Caribbean should get more persons from abroad, especially those who would be affected, involved in efforts to address the Regionwide problem that threaten their economies.

“The idea of us going to Washington, DC by ourselves is a tried and tested failure. We must be able to bring more people to the argument and we must do it urgently,” Chastanet remarked.

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guyana-times.com

thursdAY, july 7, 2016

Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 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

NGSA and standards

T

hat barometer of educational resources in our country – national media coverage of the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) results – once again confirmed the tremendous importance given to being accepted by the “top” secondary schools. These are all located in Georgetown, just as they were 50 years ago when we were granted independence. This elitism that is confined to the “city schools” is not coincidental.

The British launched Queen's College and Bishops' in Georgetown back in the mid 19th century to educate the scions of the expatriate and local upper class and Berbice High followed two decades later. The schools received whatever funding they desired from the public purse, filled from taxes on locals, who could not enter the schools. A County Scholarship Examination was later introduced, permitting a select few such as Sam Hinds, to enter the schools in the 20th century. When this was changed to the “Common Entrance” in the early 1960 under “internal self government” by the People’s Progressive Party, there was great celebration at the “opening up” of the elite schools.

However, even though several new secondary schools were constructed in rural areas, no one insisted these schools be equipped and staffed to match Queens and Bishops. It should not be surprising that more than 50 years later, the “top schools” are still in Georgetown and Berbice High has fallen to rural standards. While one of the Ministers of Education in the past Administration did commit to ensuring an equalisation of rural and urban schools, there have been no concrete plans even drafted to achieve it.

But the focus on the top one per cent hides another, just as debilitating defect in the educational system – the overall abysmal failure of the primary schools to even pass on the basic skills of reading and writing at a Grade Four level to the majority of the 14,000-16,000 children between the ages of 10 to 12 that write the Assessment annually. The main reason why this fact is not widely known is that the scores that are announced are not “Raw Scores” but “Standardised Scores” used simply to rank the students while disguising how abysmal is the overall performance.

So for instance, while the two top students this year tied at 568 marks and the last one in the top one per cent came in at 537, a child scoring 420 only scored about 50 per cent of the actual raw scores. This means that most of the children entering rural secondary schools with marks in the mid 400’s have a tremendous amount of remedial work that should be done with them if they are to get the best of a secondary school education. The children scoring in the bottom 20 percentile really ought to be held over, but this is never done.

As a matter of fact, in 2006, the Common Entrance Examination was changed to the NGSA – with the crucial emphasis on “Assessment” rather than “Examination” to assist in early remedial interventions in identified subject areas. The children would be “assessed” at Grades Two and Four, and the scores at these levels – respectively five per cent and 10 per cent would be added to the Grade Six marks achieved for a final score. The theory was the assessments would be used at each point to assist the teachers in the succeeding level to perform the necessary remedial work with the children. Presumably, this would also hold for children entering into Grade Seven of the secondary schools, since all of the latter are guaranteed places. These assessments were never used by teachers for their designated purpose.

This year, the scores for Grades Two and Four were not added into the final marking pool, so that the NGSA comes full circle back to the old Common Entrance Examination.

Before the Ministry embarks on another threatened round of innovations – this time by the Caribbean Examination Council – it should consider raising the standards of all schools at the primary and secondary levels.

Cheers to the Fourth of July. US Ambassador Perry Holloway and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, flanked by his wife Seeta Nagamootoo, US Ambassador’s wife Rosaura Holloway, First Lady Sandra Granger and outgoing US Charge΄ D’Affaires Brian Hunt, share a toast to greater bilateral collaboration in the future

Stop denigrating the reputation of others Dear Editor, In other sections of the media, Tacuma Ogunseye attacked Dr Jagan’s character with unsubstantiated claims. I believe Tacuma is mixing up Jagan’s offers (Prime Ministerial, Finance, Planning all of which were declined) or deliberately obfuscating issues to denigrate characters.

Tacuma wrote that he was privy to “the report” (pertaining to Tacuma’s claimed withdrawal of a Ministerial offer to Dr Clive Thomas) from the WPA delegation that met Dr Roger Luncheon. It is not known when this meeting took place or the report given. Tacuma is now stating unambiguously that there was in fact “no written report” and presumably no memo from Luncheon. It is therefore, nearly impossible, to verify if and when a Ministerial offer (which one) was withdrawn. The timeline of the “withdrawal of the offer” is critical. Thomas and the WPA declined three offers (Prime Minister, Finance Minister, Planning Minister). Jagan could not wait forever for Dr. Thomas to make up his mind on any one of them; he had to move on at some point in time. Thus, a withdrawn offer could be justified. It is not clear if WPA declined the Jagan’s

offers because the WPA had rejected Jagan as the PCD Presidential nominee claiming Africans would not vote for him; WPA also rejected Jagan’s compromise for Roger Luncheon or Bishop Randolph George to be the Presidential candidate.

Tacuma claims that President Jagan withdrew the offer of a Ministry to Clive “after the ruling PPP obtained a majority of seats in parliament with the help of the WPA”. There was no connection between the Thomas Ministerial offer and support to win two NCLDO seats – nothing to do with political arithmetic – this is an erroneous allegation not supported by evidence.

It is deceptive to claim that “after Jagan got his political arithmetic (meaning a parliamentary majority), he withdrew the Ministerial offer to Thomas”. Manzoor Nadir and TUF were not offered a cabinet berth for their support. So contrary to what Tacuma alleges, the Ministerial offer to Clive was not for Jagan to obtain a parliamentary majority. Offers were made to Clive and WPA long before the 1992 elections and right after and all were rejected.

Is there a hidden motif from Tacuma? The

Planning Ministry remained on the table for months.Dr. Thomas “redeclined” the offer around February 1993 when I visited him at UG. Surely, Tacuma did (does) not expect the Thomas offer to remain for eternity.

Jagan must have felt compelled to move on.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, who is now a colleague of Tacuma in government, was Information Minister at the time. Nagamootoo and Moses Bhagan as well as Wazir Mohammed could also help to clarify the timeline of any withdrawal of a position and which one.

Tacuma interpreted my magnanimous act (to promote multi-party governance in seeking to get WPA to join the PPP administration) as a defense of the PPP. His shortsightedness causes him to fail to see my involvement as promoting multi-racial governance and power sharing, which he had once advocated but has now shunned.

Tacuma incorrectly restated what I penned regarding my relationship with Jagan. I never penned that PPP elements conveyed politically sensitive information to me. What I stated was Dr Jagan (not the PPP or its elements) asked me to speak with Thomas to ac-

cept various offers (PM, Finance, Planning).

On Tacuma’s machination and parsing of language regarding his allegation of “my defense of the PPP”, what I penned was having won free and fair elections, I defended PPP’s right to rule when there was an onslaught of racially tinged violence against it. Tacuma, if he believes in democracy, should have done the same. And “my defense” was in the context of violent elements that sought to overturn the will of the electorate right after democratic elections.

The PNC never won a free and fair election; but had it won a democratic election, I would also have defended its right to govern.

Tacuma says “it is exploiting the ethnic card” and “defending the PPP” when writing “there were individuals who threatened … violence against the PPP”. How can those conclusions be logically formed? Was there not violence against the PPP administration?

My advice to Tacuma is to stop denigrating the reputation of others or discrediting Jagan with false information by loosely engaging in polemics and defending the indefensible.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

thursDAY, july 7, 2016

guyana-times.com

News

Non-adherence to building codes affecting fire-fighting – Sparman

I

n the wake of two recent fires in which persons perished and a string of blazes over the last several months, calls for adherence to building codes are once again being reiterated.

In an interview with Guyana Times on Wednesday, Operations Officer of the Guyana Fire Service, Compton Sparman revealed that the non-enforcement of building codes was “tremendously” hampering the department’s effective execution of its duties.

Sparman noted that building codes “should be part” of the normal process during construction to ensure that businesses and home owners comply with the fire safety requirements as is the case in many other nations.

He has long contended that the building codes were stronger as they had “more meat than the Fire Prevention Act”.

The National Building Code of Guyana recommends various loads and resistance factors to ensure safety in structural designs and construction of buildings. While the Fire Prevention Act provides for the inspection of the premises in Guyana for the purpose of eliminating fire hazards and for purposes connected therewith.

The Operations Officer also told this newspaper that the Fire Service has already taken steps to ensure that the code is enforced.

“We have already made contributions in relation to the building codes; it is now up to consideration of other agencies, like the Bureau of Standards and Ministries [Ministry of Public Security, & Public Health] to ensure that the building codes are implemented,” he pointed out.

“Building codes have a lot of areas – you got the Fire and Occupancy and medical aspects.”

When asked about penalties for persons who do

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Operations Officer Guyana Fire Service, Compton Sparman

of

the

not follow the guidelines, Sparman outlined that the codes were not legally binding.

“There is nothing legal, the only thing that we have operating is the Fire Prevention Act. The building code is not being enforced yet so you cannot penalise persons for something that is not legally binding,” observed the Operations Officer, who further related that nonenforcement of the codes poses dangers in fire situations.

“Gafoors fire was the example of the danger non-adherence poses, because once you have the building codes, people have to implement rules and regulations by the Fire Service…once it’s not

there, it exposes to fire situations,” he noted.

Sparman also stated that he was hopeful that Fire Service operations would soon be governed by the codes.

“We hoping that it comes shortly on stream, the sooner the better,” he expressed.

When Gafoors Houston Complex was gutted by flames in early May, Sparman had pointed out that the building codes were established for “enforcement”, whereas the Fire Prevention Act was designed on a goodwill basis.

“You don’t have to adhere to it, the only thing that we can do is to prevent you from certifying the place…If you have the building codes which consist of strong laws that say you have to follow its obligations, then it is going to be better for both parties, the business people, the Fire Service and the community at large,” Sparman had noted.

Sparman had also told this publication that most local businesses were “negligent” in observing the building codes due to the associated cost.

“The data would show that most buildings, most times you recommend certain fire safety requirements, some put quarter, some put half and some none at all because … there is a cost attached,” the Operations Officer had disclosed.

Westford's trial postponed

T

he commencement of the $600 million fraud trial of former Public Service Minister, Dr Jennifer Westford and her former Personnel Officer, Margaret Cummings had to be postponed shortly after the first witness took the stand before Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Andre Dazzle, the former Chief Accountant to the Public Service Ministry, took the stand, but was interrupted after Defence Attorney Neil Boston alleged that the statements he was making differed from what he orally submitted.

As Dazzle was being questioned by Police Prosecutor Neville Jeffers, Boston objected claiming that the statements given by the witness were not made available to the defence team.

As such, he claimed that his team would not be able to effectively function in their capacity to defend the accused.

Following Boston’s objections, Magistrate Latchman gave Police Prosecutor Jeffers until July 26, 2016 at 09:00h to present to the court copies of the files in proper order before the first witness continues his testimony.

Jeffers promised to put together a single file “so there will be no confusion” and copy those statements in that order.

“That is a sensible approach or we will all perish… let us sail on even keel,” responded Boston.

Former Public Service Minister, Dr Jennifer Westford

However, before the interruption, Dazzle had already testified that Cummings held many positions, including one associated with running the accounts department. He stated that she was the person he reported to.

The first set of charges stated that between July 17, 2014 and June 23, 2015, Westford attempted to transfer eight State vehicles to her spouse, Gary Beaton; Osbert McPherson;

Former Public Service Ministry Personnel Officer Margaret Cummings

Wayne Walker and Delroy Lewis.

The other charges stated that between August 23, 2011 and April 28, 2015, at Georgetown, while being employed as public servants by the Government of Guyana, they stole $639,420,000, monies that they received in virtue of their employment.

In total, 24 charges have been brought against the duo.

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THURSDAY, JULY 7, 2016

Page

By Joe DeProspero

w

e spend countless hours as parents trying to make sure our children are behaving, eating their dinner, and doing their homework. But how often do we take the time to focus on building their selfconfidence? Here are 10 simple ways to do just that "Let me help you," I said to my son, as I bent over to tie his shoes for him...or the first time he tried pouring his own drink...or when my crawling, infant daughter struggled to reach a toy, even though it was within her reach.

I used to help my children all the time before they even asked for any sort of assistance. And I'm not alone.

I know many parents whose instinct is to "help" their children. But at what point is an outstretched hand holding them back rather than letting them move forward on their own?

When I analysed my approach with my children, I worried that I was failing to lay the groundwork for them to be independent and capable adults. And I realised what I really needed to help them with was building their confidence. So I came up with these strategies to instil confidence in my young children that will hopefully yield confident, secure adults:

Never laugh at their ideas, no matter how outlandish they are

Like adults, children want to be taken serious-

guyana-times.com

Foundation ly. When they get the sense they're being mocked (or laughed at, to their face), their instinct is to get angry, shut down, and not share more ideas for fear of more of the same treatment.

After all, children naturally see the world through a different lens than we do. You might be surprised what you hear once you show your child that you're listening and that you take their ideas seriously.

learning to play an instrument not only relieves stress (yes, children have stress, too) but it can also boost selfesteem in a major way.

Include them in the kitchen

Yes, most children are far more interested in the eating rather than the preparing of foods, but you'll be surprised by how much one experience can turn things around. One morning we

Celebrate their successes

I'm not talking about giving them a gold star every time they eat a carrot. I'm not an "every kid gets a trophy" believer. But in my experience, children react favourably to receiving praise for going above and beyond – naturally, anyone does.

However, it's even more important to show children that extra effort will yield

Enable their creativity

I've found that most people don't think they're creative because they were never encouraged to be.

I once overheard my wife reading to my son, and she stopped turning the pages and simply asked him, "What do you think should happen next?" His eyes lit up. Simple questions like this are what awaken a part of the brain that might otherwise sit dormant.

Put them in unfamiliar social situations

My six-year-old expressed a legitimate interest in football, so I invited him to come with me to a friend's football party. No other children were coming, and I made him aware of that.

He hesitated for a moment, but then agreed to join me.

At the party, it was clear he wasn't completely comfortable and was unsure how to act, especially since he only knew me and the host. But after a while, he was talking about "Star Wars" and lounging on the couch like one of the guys. The only way to establish a level of comfort is to first experience discomfort.

Show confidence in your own actions

Have them learn to play a musical instrument

While I don't believe in forcing your own personal interests or hobbies on your children, playing an instrument yields too many positive results for it to be ignored. Once they've reached an age where they're dextrally and mentally capable,

Very little empowers a child more than having them believe they know something you don't. A beginner's card trick, a scale on the piano, or anything that positions them as the subject matter expert will work. Encourage them to share their knowledge (without bragging) with you and others. Odds are they'll be brimming with confidence with their head held high.

asked our son to be the "assistant chef" when we were preparing blueberry pancakes. Many mornings later, he now often insists on being involved in the kitchen, and he's always incredibly proud of the end product.

benefits in order to instil the idea within them that they're capable of greatness and that hard work pays dividends.

Have them teach you something

This one seems intuitive, but often gets overlooked. Whether we know it or not, we're our child's most pronounced role model. So, how can we expect our children to have confidence when we're the ones they look up to and we don't even have it?

B

eing shy isn't a bad thing in itself – but if shyness is keeping your daughter from fully enjoying and appreciating the joys that go along with being young, there are some things she can do.

One of the best ways children can let go of some shyness is to think of a few sim-

Make them talk about their problem

If you have a sevenyear-old who recently started throwing a fit every time you make eye contact with her, odds are it's for a reason. The easy, instinctive thing to do is to punish her and be done with it. The more forward-thinking approach also includes sitting down afterward to talk and figuring out the exact reason for the anger (or what I like to call "The Danny Tanner Method," you know, from "Full House"?). It lets them know you'll actually listen to them, which provides a certain stability within a household that children need in order to feel secure.

Let them fail

While success is pretty easy to deal with, learning to cope with failure is no easy task, especially when you're not used to it. And in order to get used to it, you simply have to experience it, time and time again. It doesn't come naturally to me, but I let my children fail sometimes – while trying to build Legos or attempting to ride a bike without training wheels. It may anger them at first, but as Ann Landers said, "It's not what you do for your children, but what you have taught them to do for themselves that will make them successful human beings." (parenting.com)

ple behaviours they would like to improve, then practice them. Let's say your daughter wants to work on talking to a friend. She can practise thinking of how she'd do it if she weren't so shy. Just working on smiling and saying "hello" is a good start. Complimenting a schoolmate on a job well done in class, a play, or a sports competition is another icebreaker.

Some children find it helps to practise in front of a mirror, like they might practise lines for a play.

This might help your daughter feel more comfortable with a new approach. Then she can practise smiling and saying "hello" in real life. It often helps to start with one or two people she likes.

She also could join some activities that she's interested in – whether it's the school newspaper or a sports team. She may feel nervous at first –that's perfectly normal. More practice will help the butterflies go away, so encourage your daughter not to give up. (kidshealth)

news

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thursday, july 7, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Teixeira raps Govt over Old Goolsarran scolds Govt over denial of sinking economy Age Pension restriction … flays APNU/AFC for assaulting poor, vulnerable groups – plugs need for Economics Ministry over Social Cohesion, Business …Govt insists it’s the law

Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira

T

hough the Government insists that they are only upholding the law, the parliamentary Opposition People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) and a significant portion of the public have erupted into ferocity over the move to ban overseas-based Guyanese from accessing the Old Age Pension fund locally.

During a press conference on Wednesday, Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira lambasted the Government for taking steps to implement the restriction which will negatively impact a large number of persons who traditionally depend on the assistance.

Teixeira accentuated that the rationale provided by the Government for this decision is far from sound, noting that it is utterly unfair that Guyanese living abroad are being denied their entitlement.

“If a Guyanese earns their pension in another country, it cannot be considered as double dipping if they apply and are approved for noncontributing pension in Guyana which is provided for under the poor relief law. This is the same Government that is encouraging people from the Diaspora and yet now is creating further disincentives. Isn’t the Minister aware that many Guyanese return here to live in Guyana after many years of cold weather and hardships to live here on the pensions that are duly earned in anoth-

er country,” she emphasised.

The parliamentarian also noted that the move is an assault on the indigenous people of the country who generally reside along the Suriname, Brazil and Venezuela borders and is believed to collect pensions from both States.

Teixeira argued that the majority of people who depend on these old age benefits belong to the underprivileged population of Guyana and therefore, by placing limitations on its access, individuals will likely suffer.

“Why would you want to trouble these people? They have served in their countries and they have served us,” she stated.

New system coming soon

However, Social Protection Minister Volda Lawrence announced that the new system will come into effect soon.

Lawrence said the current system opens doors for ‘double dipping’, meaning when persons not living in Guyana access pension from both the Guyanese Government and the country in which they live.

The new system stipulates that persons desirous of accessing Old Age Pension will have to be living in Guyana for a minimum of two years.

Government officials have explained Guyanese 65 years and older are eligible for Old Age Pension which is different from National Insurance Scheme (NIS) pension, retirement pension and social assistance.

Amid public outcry, the Social Protection Ministry clarified that Old Age Pension is not an entitlement from employment, as in the case of Government Pension and National Insurance Scheme Pension, but rather Old Age Pension is a monthly payment ($18,200 at present) available to eligible Guyanese aged 65 or older.

In this regard, the Government argued that the

Social Protection Minister Volda Lawrence

laws of Guyana stipulate that the old age benefit can be suspended or forfeited if any person is absent from Guyana or undergoing imprisonment or detention in legal custody.

According to Old Age Pension Act (Chapter 36:03), applicants must meet certain statutory conditions to qualify for Old Age Pension.

These statutory conditions are that the person must have attained the age of 65 years; the person must satisfy the appropriate authority that she/he has been a citizen of Guyana for at least 10 years immediately preceding his [her] claim for a pension; the person must have been ordinarily resident in Guyana during the 20 years immediately preceding his [her] claim for pension.

In the event that the person is temporarily absent from Guyana, the applicant or pensioner must satisfy the Authority, usually through the provision of the person’s passport and an immigration check conducted by the Ministry, that the period of absence from Guyana has not exceeded two years during the past 20 years, according to law.

Persons receiving Old Age Pension may become ineligible if that person is a resident in a charitable institution that provides board and lodging; is in prison or has migrated. (Devina Samaroo)

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

Former Auditor General Anand Goolsarran

ormer Auditor General Anand Goolsarran has scolded the 13-month-old A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government for its denial of the current ailing state of the country’s economy.

Goolsarran said that three per cent growth in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) did not mean that all was well with the economy.

“The Government is in denial that the economy is slowing down, but it is evident,” he stated.

Goolsarran indicated that 40 per cent of the youths was unemployed, there was evidence of under-employment, businesses were struggling and there was also the existence of parallel economies.

Finance Minister Winston Jordan had affirmed, however, that the economy was in good shape by presenting statistics and explanations in support of the Government’s defence. He had cited the commendation of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Guyana’s economic growth, which is projected to be four per cent this year.

Jordan also contended that the IMF report should not be doubted or challenged, since it was already established that the body was neutral. “IMF economists would visit a country and scrutinise its economic and financial de-

velopments before discussing policies within the two areas with the Government and the Central Bank officials,” he noted.

He also stated that the Government was not idle in delivering since its coming into office and presently was engaging the attention of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) to acquire loans for the 2016-2017 period, particularly in the areas of agricultural diversification, infrastructural development and commerce.

Cabinet?” he asked.

Although, he was aware that the Finance Ministry had some responsibility for economics, Goolsarran stated that the Finance Minister portfolio was already weighty and the country’s economics would require more attention.

F

Ministry of Economics

The former Auditor General said the answer to the country’s economic woes could be found, but a number of things must be done, chief among them the establishment of a ministry of economic development and planning.

Goolsarran , a transparency advocate, told Guyana Times that economic planning was a prerequisite for any country’s development and given Guyana’s economic status, it made sense for the country to have a ministry of economics.

“I don’t see the need for a Ministry of Social Cohesion, or why we should have separated Ministries for Business and Tourism. The question is why a Ministry of Economics was left out by this new

Economic plan

The former Auditor General emphasised the need for an economic plan to take the country forward.

“Guyana urgently needs an economic plan especially in our current economic situation,” Goolsarran remarked.

He noted that this could be achieved with an economic planning entity such as the ministry of economics, providing that the body was separate and distinct.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo had called on the Government to produce an economic plan, while lambasting it for not having any plans to develop the economy.

Jagdeo, reflecting on the coalition Government’s first anniversary back in May, had said that after one year of the APNU/AFC in office, Guyanese were worse off.

He had stated that he noticed a “lack of direction” from the Government, arguing that the economy was “fixable”, but the Government had no vision about where it was heading.

8 news

thursDAY, july 7, 2016 | guyana-times.com

IN THE COURTS

Pregnant woman jailed for cocaine trafficking

A

pregnant woman who was caught with a quantity of cocaine in her bag strap and a sanitary pad at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport on July 3, 2016, will spend the next three years behind bars, after she pleaded guilty during an appearance before Magistrate Leron Daly in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Wednesday.

The charge stated that on July 3, Patrima Isaacs, 26, was an outgoing passenger on Caribbean Airlines flight BW 526, destined for the John F Kennedy (JFK) Airport, in New York, when she was found to be in possession of 698 grams of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.

Patrima Isaacs was sentenced to three years' imprisonment for trafficking narcotics

The facts of the matter stated that on the day in question, the defendant was

stopped at the scanning area at the airport where she was searched.

Upon inspection, it was observed by the officers that the defendant’s carryon bag strap seemed bulky. When it was checked, the substance was found.

A further search was carried out and a plastic parcel was found tapped on the defendant’s abdomen in the form of sanitary pads suspected to conceal the cocaine.

She was taken to the CID Headquarters where she was told of the offence and arrested.

When given a chance to speak, the defendant, who is pregnant, expressed remorse for her actions. She was jailed for three years and fined $1.8 million; the estimated street value of the drugs.

Linden drug trafficker jailed for 3 years

A

Wismar Housing Scheme, Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) man was on Wednesday jailed for three years after he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, charged with trafficking narcotics.

Nessa Singh, 57, of Lot 875 Wismar Housing Scheme, pleaded guilty to the charge with stated that on July 4, at Stabroek

Market, Georgetown, he was found to be in possession of five grams of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.

The prosecution’s facts stated that on the day in question, at around 19:00h, Police Officers were on patrol duty at the Stabroek Market area where the defendant was observed acting suspiciously.

A search was carried out on his person and sev-

eral paper parcels with a whitish rock-like substance, suspected to be cocaine, were found in his left pants pocket.

He was told of the offence, cautioned and arrested. At the Brickdam Police Station, he told Police Officers that he was doing a “lil hussle”.

Apart from jail time, Singh was also fined $30,000, equivalent to the approximate street value of the drugs.

Nessa Singh

Gold band thief sentenced to community service

A

South Ruimveldt G a r d e n s , Georgetown man was on Wednesday sentenced to six months of community service by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts after pleading guilty to a simple larceny charge.

It was alleged that on July 2, 2016, Jason Thomas, 22, stole a gold band valued $130,000 from Manifa Persaud on Regent Street, Georgetown.

The Virtual Complainant told the Court that on the day in question, she was walking along Regent

Street when the defendant snatched her gold band.

She then raised an alarm, the Police were summoned and the accused was apprehended.

Thomas pleaded guilty to the charge and begged Magistrate McLennan for mercy. He asked the

Magistrate to sentence him to community service instead of jail time.

The Magistrate sentenced Thomas to six months of community service or six months’ imprisonment if in default.

He was also placed on a bond for a year.

Eyew tness Rum shop gyaaf...

A

...on Caricom

t least it wasn't only your humble Eyewitness who couldn't believe what these Caricom leaders were carrying on about. He's still fuming about one of them having the nerve to tell us Caribbean citizens we "should be thankful" to the organisation! As if it's doing us a favour! Yesterday, Lincoln Lewis took the bull by the horns and called out the leaders of Caricom for acting as if they were having a gyaaf in a rum shop.

You know...by the time the "large" is down to the last quarter, the fellas around the table start complaining about the Government not doing this or doing that. Now that's OK for fellas in a rum shop: it's their taxes that're paying the salaries of the said Government officials. But where do the leaders of Caricom get off to complain that "inactive organs" and "sluggish systems" have prevented Caricom from doing its job. To wit – improving our welfare!

What's this crap about "inactive organs" – like the regional Attorney Generals – not meeting frequently enough to take care of legal hurdles facing the Region.

Sounds to this Eyewitness, that just as fishes start smelling at the head – the most "inactive organ" of Caricom Governments has been their "heads", where the rot began.

If the Attorney Generals aren't meeting like they're supposed to...pray tell who the heck they report to?

Go to the head of the class, Dear Reader....the Heads of Government! As Lewis wrote, the leaders are elected to accomplish whatever they're mandated to do...The buck stops with them. They can't point to anyone else for the failures of Caricom.

Fundamentally, leaders just don't want to cede some of the prerogatives they exercise as big fishes in their little ponds, to a Caricom governing body. They want to have their cake and eat it too. Take the comment of the Caricom Secretary General at the close of this meeting – that unless we go ahead with the "Common Single Economy" of the "Common Single Market and Economy" (CSME), we ain't going anywhere.

Why does this have to be repeated forty odd (VERY odd!) years after Caricom was founded. Does anyone really believe that Guyana with its 700,000-man market can make it on its own in this globalised world? And what say the PMs of those little islands with less than 100,000 persons?

This Eyewitness has no delusions that this lot of leopards for leaders are changing their predatory ways much less their spots. The bureaucrats at the Caricom Secretariat don't mind – they draw their big bucks, regardless. For Guyana, our continental destiny's the way to go.

At least we'll have bigger markets.

...about parking meters

The Gang of Four at City Hall're expecting the storm over their parking meter money grab to blow over. So much for the AG's rum shop gyaaf "examination"!! After all, so many of their previous pernicious predations have been commented on...outrage expressed and then.... on to the next outrage. With years of experience under their (expanding) belts, the Gang of Four obviously have concluded most folks can only be outraged by one thing at a time.

Have you noted, Dear Readers, no one mentions the Vendors of Stabroek Market any longer? Even after the fella who owns the lot into which they were dumped said he ain't extending no time of occupancy. We all moved onto the parking lot outrage!! And by this weekend, there will be another finger stuck into our eyes to ensure we don't bring THAT up, no more. So once again, we salute Sherod Duncan for holding their feet to the fire.

But it's like someone trying to hold back the tide, nuh?

...on NGSA

After a year at the helm, and one NGSA already under his belt, the Education Minister feels there's too much "teaching to the test" for the NGSA. Where's the institutional memory?

How many times are we gonna reinvent the wheel?

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

news

9

thurSday, july 7, 2016 | guyana-times.com

US, Guyana pledge Caricom agrees on an greater partnership ‘Arrest Warrant Treaty’ … as US celebrates 240th Independence

US Ambassador to Guyana Perry Holloway pledges commitment to Guyana before a roomful of attendees in observance of the USA Independence Day. The packed-to-capacity reception ceremony was hosted at the Marriott Hotel Guyana (Marceano Narine photo)

T

he Guyana Government joined the United States Embassy in Georgetown to celebrate the country’s 240th Independence Day, which was observed on July 4.

Red, white and blue decorated the halls of one of the largest ballrooms of the Marriott Hotel Guyana to welcome the gargantuan crowd of esteemed guests who turned out in their brightest attire to take part in the celebrations.

Delivering remarks at the reception, US Ambassador to Guyana, Perry Holloway reflected the advancements made between the two countries over the years.

He noted that in 1966, the US turned over the lease of the Atkinson Airfield to the new country of Guyana. This airfield is now known as the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, the country’s main international airport.

He emphasised too that during 18 years of the worst economic times Guyana had seen, the United States provided significant assistance so there could be food in the country.

Holloway outlined too

that US President Jimmy Carter and others have participated in a number of national elections as observers, providing support and advice at key moments.

He reflected on the efforts made in creating a better environment of equal rights for all people, including women, children and members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community.

He also highlighted the tremendous support the US has provided to Guyana in terms of educational development, security, health, social issues, and environmental matters. The Ambassador noted that the two States have shared turbulent times, as he spoke of the unfortunate Jonestown massacre.

Nonetheless, he noted that through the good times and the bad, the two countries will continue to work together for the betterment of all citizens.

“You will agree when I say that even the best of relationships have their ups and downs. For 50 years we have been friends. I like to think that most of the time our interests have coincided and

we have worked together, but like in all relationships, we have had our moments,” he stated.

In closing, Ambassador Holloway toasted to a prosperous and inclusive Guyana that will be good for its population, the region and the USA. Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, in delivering President David Granger’s remarks, underscored how grateful Guyana has been over the years for the assistance received from the USA in all areas of development.

President Granger was otherwise engaged at the Caribbean Community Heads of Government forum and could not attend the event. “Guyana and the United States must continue to model cooperation agreements that address the respective interests of all our countries,” he stated, alluding to problems such as drug trafficking and the fight against HIV/AIDS. In closing, Nagamootoo toasted to the good health of USA President Barrack Obama as he wished the country a happy fourth of July.

W

ith security being the fourth pillar of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) and one of the major challenges the Region faces, leaders in the region have agreed upon an ‘Arrest Warrant Treaty’ that will see persons in the Region who commit crimes in one member country and flees to another, being arrested and handed over to authorities in the State country where the crime was committed.

This was one of the many conclusions coming out of the three-day 37th Caricom Heads of Government Meeting, which wrapped up late Wednesday night.

Speaking at a press conference where the media was briefed on the discussions held during the two days of meetings, Chairman of the Conference, Dominican Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, said discussions on security in the Region took up a big chunk of the time allotted during the meetings.

He noted they were brought up to date with major issues in relation to security throughout the Caribbean region and agreed on ways to deepen and strengthen cooperation in this area. One such agreement is the ‘Arrest Warrant Treaty’.

This is a matter, the Chairman said, that Caricom has been discussing for some time now and the Heads are resolved to have this particularly Treaty entered into before the end of 2016.

“This we believe will enhance the security of our Region and is a matter which the Heads are fully in support of,” he remarked.

Moreover, Prime Minister Skerrit explained that the ‘Arrest Warrant Treaty’ would enhance the Region’s law enforcement ability to address matters of cross-bor-

Chairman of the Conference of Caricom Heads, Dominican Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit and President David Granger

der crimes. He stressed that if entered into, this pact will see, for instance, if someone from Dominica commits a crime there and moved to St Vincent then the St Vincentian authorities would be able to arrest that person and have them repatriated to Dominic to face charges.

“So certainly, there will be enhanced cooperation and collaboration between and among law enforcement authorities. It will give you another ability to be able to apprehend those who are of interest to law authorities and judicial systems,” he emphasised.

However there is a particular challenge with this Treaty as it relates to Suriname, whose Constitution currently allows that if someone from Suriname commits a crime in Jamaica and flees back to his native country, then he could be prosecuted for that crime right in Suriname.

In this regard, Chairman of the 37th Conference disclosed that they have asked the legal advisors to engage the Surinamese authorities to better appreciate the constitutional provisions and the limitations of the Constitution with respect to Suriname’s ability to engage

in the Treaty.

“So once they have studied this, they will get back to us and advise on how best Suriname could benefit from its participation, if at all, from the Arrest Warrant Treaty,” he declared, while maintaining that the Arrest Warrant Treaty is a critical aspect of the Mutual Legal Assistance Agreement among Member States which caters for the sharing intelligence and joint training of personnel, which will enhance the collaboration and cooperation among law enforcement entities.

On the other hand, the Dominican Prime Minister went on to say that during the Heads of Government Conference, the Member States approved a review of the Caricom Crime Security Strategy (CSS) and also discussed ways of ensuring that there was coordination between national security plans and the strategy.

“Significantly, we agreed that certain steps should be taken for completion of a number of critical regional security agreements. We have placed as a priority on the completion of Caricom Arrest Warrant Treaty,” Prime Minister Skerrit remarked.

10

guyana-times.com

thursDAY, july 7, 2016

News

Jagdeo condemns removal of tax Diamond hospital’s maternal death waiver on manufacturing inputs Father holds hospital culpable

– calls for immediate reversal of “anti-manufacturing policy”

O

pposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo on Wednesday criticised the Government’s move to remove the tax waiver on inputs previously enjoyed by the local manufacturing sector.

“The Government has gone completely insane,” Jagdeo declared in a statement. He posited that this was a desperate measure to bolster dwindling tax revenues.

“Rather than address the core reasons for the revenue shortfall, which is the precipitous drop in economic activities in the country and the ineptitude in defining a way forward, the Government has resorted to targeting the productive sectors of our economy,” he said.

The former President asserted that the Government appeared to be ill-advised on policy matters.“[The change] … will have dire consequences for those companies and may result in the closure of some of them and the loss of thousands of jobs,” he predicted.

In this regard, Jagdeo is calling on the Government to immediately reverse what he deemed an anti-manufacturing policy.

Efforts to contact Finance Minister Winston Jordan for a comment proved futile.

In May, President David

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

Granger stated that the Government was moving to reduce concessions to foreign investors in order to create a level playing field for local investors.

“We want to ensure that foreigners are not given concessions, waivers and rebates, to which other people are not entitled. In fact, we want to reduce the amount of these concessions so that we become more competitive,” he stated.

The President had said he was concerned that businesses would become too reliant on concessions and not do enough to develop their enterprises and resources.

At that time, Jagdeo pointed out that it was ab-

surd that the Head of State would make such a comment, adding that the move was “most counterproductive and anti-investment”. He said, “The President views the investment regime, which is currently in place intending to attract direct foreign investments, as too generous and promised that his Government will reduce these concessions.”

Jagdeo had in the past lambasted the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Administration for initiating anti-Private Sector measures.

He had highlighted that prominent among the measures was the political contamination of the Guyana Revenue Authority. Jagdeo explained that “sweetheart” deals were being offered to those who have been identified as making “political investments”, thereby creating an uneven playing field for their competitors.

He also mentioned the fact that policies were being formulated and implemented without any studies and understanding of the technical nature of the issues, for example, the announcement of policies regarding high levels of remission without an appreciation of a related incentive regime.

– Health Minister says incident regrettable

T

he father of Carol Chuniram, who died at the Diamond Diagnostic Centre (East Demerara Regional Hospital) on Tuesday, during surgery to remove a dead foetus that she was carrying inside her womb for five days, is holding the hospital responsible for

ed complaining about pains in her chest and numbness in her feet. “These were all signs that something was wrong, but they did nothing…when she asked if she could go to the Georgetown hospital, the doctor told her they would send her back right here… they are lying,” he lamented.

Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton

Deceased: Carol Chuniram

her death.

“Which hospital would send home a woman with a dead baby inside her for five days…that is unacceptable.

I don’t trust what the doctor is telling us,” Chuniram’s grieving father, Danraj Beharry told Guyana Times on Wednesday.

He remarked that over the weekend his daughter start-

Chuniram, of Cinema Street, Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, had suffered a miscarriage last Friday and was prescribed pills by a doctor at the hospital to pass out the foetus.

On Wednesday, Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton stated that Chuniram, who was a mother of four,

had 10 pregnancies. He stated that when she went to the hospital on Friday, the doctor noticed that the foetus was dead and so he ordered medication for her to force a delivery.

Dr Norton stated that she was asked to return to the hospital on Tuesday for surgery. “During the procedure, she had a cardiac arrest… they might have succeeded in resuscitating her once, but she eventually died,” he related.

The Health Minister stated that Chuniram’s death was regrettable. “Our goal is to reduce maternal deaths from last year’s figure. But we are into half of the year…and with an extra death reaching that goal does not appear favourable,” he said, adding that the sector is worried about the September-October period when the maternity wards would be filled.

Only on Monday, the Minister had said Guyana’s maternal mortality rate was declining. Recently, a United Nations report disclosed that Guyana was among five countries in the Region with the highest maternal mortality rate, and among six nations where the incidence had amplified notably between 1990 and 2013.

Chuniram’s death would mark Guyana’s seventh maternal mortality for the year.

Policeman charged for bribery

A

serving member of the Guyana Police Force was on Wednesday granted bail when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan to answer a bribery charge He pleaded not guilty to the offence.

It is alleged that on February 25, 2016, at

Eureka Backdam, while being an officer of the State, Rondell Fraser, a policeman of 24 years, unlawfully obtained from Mark Williamson one ounce of raw gold, 9 pennyweights of gold valued $90,000 and 3 pennyweights of gold valued $30,000.

The prosecution’s facts were not complete; howev-

er, it was noted in court that the defendant was being investigated by the Office of Professional Responsibility for some time now.

He was granted $75,000 bail. The defendant will make his next appearance at the Kamarang Magistrate’s Court on September 19, 2016.

nEWS

11

thursDAY, july 7, 2016 | guyana-times.com

GCCI wants discussion with M&CC on parking meter debacle Suspect still hospitalised Crane WCD double murder

A

By: Lorraine Ince-Carvalhal

Is it OK to be angry?

I

t actually is okay to be angry. If things are unfair, if we are treated badly, if we see others treated badly, anger is a natural emotion that we all feel and it is often necessary to incite us to action. If we witness injustice or we are hurt, either physically or emotionally, anger is the human response.

The problem with anger is how we manage and express it.

Anger has fuelled change over the years; it has been the catalyst for revolution, the power behind human rights changes and the force that fought the battles of inequality.

Those who took their anger and channelled it productively saw some positive outcomes.

However, if anger is having a negative impact on your life and those around you, it is destructive anger and it is time to look at how you are managing it.

Increasingly, anger is the root of unhappiness because it is not being accepted, understood and controlled. We use it to override painful feelings and can emit unacceptable behaviours, then use it as an excuse for failure to take responsibility and as a defence for culpability. It can be used in an attempt to take control of a situation we may not have any power over. This does not provide us with a solution to a problem; in fact, it only serves to add to the problem becoming a social or health issue.

Your anger can be like a firework with your triggers lighting the match, the anger building like the fuse burning and finally the explosion happens.

If you change the way you think about something, you can change the way you feel about it and so in turn change the way you react to it. There are almost always other emotions that come before the anger and it is usually a perception about what has transpired, often a misinterpreted one; one that can be side stepped by a new interpretation to lead to an outcome you can control.

Recognising what can be changed by understanding causes and triggers and avoiding them when possible can reduce the instances of becoming angry. Moderating the intensity of emotional reaction to anger and using self talk or reframing perspectives to lessen over-reacting to situations also helps anger management.

Anger has physical symptoms alongside the emotional rollercoaster it may set in motion. Reducing or controlling physical reactions to situations that evoke anger by relaxation techniques can calm and slow the reactions down, averting focus from the cause of the response. Practising being calm by imagining places and situations where you feel most tranquil and using these images to slow down a fuse burning can eventually put out the flame.

Being able to express feelings; putting words to those feelings and understanding them, gives an alternative outlet for your emotions. It also allows us to be reflective and honest about the reasons behind the feelings and whether they are warranted. Often, it is our perceived view of an action that causes a negative response and it is not always an intended action with negative connotations.

You have a choice of three responses when you are angry or upset. You can be aggressive, passive or assertive.

Being passive usually involves you being quiet and allowing the situation to ‘just be’ when you are angry. This may be advantageous for the person you are angry with, but it is not healthy if you leave the situation with your anger unresolved; you will carry that with you.

Acting aggressively, or unfavourably overpowering, can be just as unhealthy as it damages relationships. It is unfair, unproductive in most cases and can be a form of bullying.

The healthiest and usually most successful way to deal with anger is by being assertive. This is when you are clear about your feelings and express them in a way that respects the feelings of others. In this way, you are able to get across your point, achieve the outcome you desire and minimise upsetting others.

So don’t be afraid to get angry, that’s not what you need to control. Be sure you have justification to be angry and if you do, then channel it into a positive, fair outcome. Accept that no matter how badly you are being treated or how unfair a situation is, your response can make it better or worse for both you and the people around you. If you display uncontrollable anger, it will continue to damage relationships, isolate you, affect your social standing, harm your physical and mental health, and hamper any hopes of us becoming a better society with stronger relationships and productivity.

s the controversy continues over a parking meter project announced by the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC), the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) on Wednesday called for a discussion to be held between the Council and members of the Private Sector, as was promised.

In a statement, the GCCI said that prior to an irrevocable agreement regarding the parking meter installation, a comprehensive appraisal must be undertaken and include a thorough discussion with the Private Sector so that the body could make “appropriate suggestions. “ The GCCI also lambasted the M&CC for its “failure to follow proper public procurement procedures in the form of an open tender process to attract various proposals that will be best for Guyana”, adding that the rates being suggested for use of the service were “unjust”.

Asserting its expecta-

tions for the M&CC to act on the moralities of “democracy”, “accountability” and “transparency”, the GCCI said it has already dispatched a request for the meeting to Mayor Patricia Chase Green and was anticipating a prompt response.

The parking meter initiative has been shrouded in secrecy as a majority of City Councillors complaining of not being aware of the details of the deal, as they were not furnished with copies of the contract.

There have also been complaints from a number of stakeholders about the proposed rates.

Recently, former Auditor General Anand Goolsarran called for a scrapping of the contract. Similar calls were already made by others, including the Opposition People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C).

The contract is currently being reviewed by the Communities Ministry and Attorney General’s Chambers for any “illegalities”.

S

uresh Ganesh, 29, who was shot moments after killing his wife and son at Crane Village, West Bank Demerara (WBD), remains under Police guard at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

He was reportedly shot to his hip after he attacked a group of Police Officers as they attempted to arrest him.

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum told Guyana Times that once the suspect is discharged from the medical facility, he will be slapped with two counts of murder, as well as two counts of attempted murder. He nevertheless stated that the suspect is recuperating and is out of danger. The alleged drug addict carried out the brutal attack on his wife, Vanessa Sookram, 32; and their son, Christopher Ganesh, age three, after he would have read a text message which suggested that his wife was having an affair with the man who supplied him with marijuana.

It was this message that led to the brutal attack, in which the perpetrator’s mother, Jennifer Montizore, was also injured.

Her right hand as well as the fingers on her left hand was severed. Reports are that the

Dead: Vanessa Sookram and her son Christopher Ganesh

child was found on the bed while his mother was covered in blood on the floor in the shack in which they lived. The child was chopped in his abdomen while his mother was chopped some 20 times about the body.

After committing the act, the suspect escaped from the scene and went to another relative at Pouderoyen, WBD, where he related what occurred. The relative then attempted to get Ganesh to surrender but he too was attacked and injured.

The Police were summoned and upon approaching the suspect, they were attacked by the man who was carrying a cutlass. In response, the Police discharged a round hitting him to the hip.

12

NEWS

THURSDAY, JULY 7, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Suddie Primary School shines at Region 10 NGSA top Grade 6 Assessment examination students express – top 3 performers attribute success to extra lessons excitement at success

BY INDRAWATTIE NATRAM

By Utamu Belle

Y

ovendra Singh of Suddie Primary School, in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) has copped the top spot of the region in the 2016 National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA).

Singh, 11, attained 553 marks at the examination which earned his a place at Queens College.

The aspiring civil engineer said he was elated after hearing the exciting news and expressed gratitude to God, his parents and teachers. The resident Onderneeming credited his success to the extra lessons he attended during the week and on weekends.

During an interview, the lad encouraged those sitting the examination next year to remain fo-

E

Yovendra Singh

Yogita Sookra

Devanjali Ramkellwan

cused and to set their goals and priorities.

Headmistress for Suddie Primary School, Cheryl Peters, could not hold back her excitement and expressed gratitude to the hard working teachers of the school. Peters said while she was happy that the school topped the region, the aim now is to move onto grabbing the top

spot in the country.

Meanwhile, Yogita Sookra from Queenstown Primary came in second with 546 marks, while Taymouth Manor Primary student, Devanjali Ramkellwan copped the third spot with 542 marks.

Sookra and Ramkellwan credited their success to dedication and hard work, as well as the extra lessons

they attended.

Sookra, who intends to pursue a career in law enforcement, expressed gratitude to her parents and teachers, who exercised patience during her studies.

Ramkellwan, 11, an aspiring artist, encouraged other students to continue to study hard and remain focused.

renilda DeSouza is ecstatic about her results at the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA).

Having attained the number one spot in Region 10 (Upper Demerara- Berbice) with 551 marks, the Regma Primary school student is heading off to Queen’s College (QC) come September.

Alongside her will be other top performers Jaheim Joseph of Linden private school Royal Halls of Learning, who attained 548 marks and was also awarded a place at QC and Tieanna Croal of Watooka Day Primary, who gained 544 marks and was also awarded QC. The other top perform-

Erenilda DeSouza

Day Primary, 536 – Bishops’ High; Stephanna Wilson, Royal Halls of Learning, 535 – Bishops’ High and Zabeda Rodrigues, One Mile Primary,

Jaheim Joseph (right) who placed 2nd and Danica Wilson who placed 6th of Royal Halls of Learning

ers include Tyrell Davis, Watooka Day Primary, 541 – QC; Antwan Michael, Watooka

534 – Bishops’ High.

In an interview with Guyana Times, DeSouza, from Amelia’s Ward, Mackenzie,

Miss Rohler with Jaheim Joseph and Stephanna Wilson who placed 9th in the Region

Day, 540 – Bishops’ High; Danica Wilson, Royal Halls

Tieanna Croal of Watooka Day Primary placed 3rd in the Region

of Learning, 537 – Bishops’ High; Emily McKenzie, One Mile Primary, 536 – Bishops’ High; Carl Bovell, Watooka

Linden, expressed gratitude to her parents, relatives and teachers. The aspiring doctor said that she was taught to aim high, and her sacrifices were many, as she related games and other fun activities were put on the back burner during her study time.

“It was hard, but nothing is hard once you study...I would like to thank my mother for making sacrifices,” she stated. Her advice to future NGSA students is to study in order to be prepared.

“They have to be prepared…study hard and burn the midnight oil, make a lot of sacrifices. It would be a hard road, but with lots of encouragement they’re going to get there, once their parents are guiding them and the teachers are there for them.”

DeSouza does not expect an easy journey at Queen’s CONTINUE ON PAGE 13

NEWS

13

THURSDAY, JULY 7, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Region 6 students shine at NGSA I

am very happy to be the top student of the Region. I studied very hard, prayed to God, listened to my classmates and teachers,” says Region Six top National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) student, Omesh Dyal of Port Mourant Primary, who amassed 555 marks and gained a place at Queen’s College.

With authority, the aspiring doctor gives sound advice to Grade Five students: “Put away all games and pick up your books now and pay attention to your parents and teachers.”

Meanwhile, the Head Teacher of Port Mourant Primary told this publication that she was elated that the school had two students in the top 100 in the country.

“This is the class I taught when I came here in 2012 and to know that they did so excellent, I am so proud of them… the sky is the limit and I know that they will go on to great things, because they have encouraging parents who will push them.

I know Omesh will go to QC. It is not like some parents who don’t want their children to go to schools in Georgetown; his brother goes to Bishops’, so he will go to QC.” Fariah Hafiz of Rose Hall Primary is the number two student in the Region.

She told this publication that it was an exciting feeling to be in the top 10, and noted that it took a lot of hard work for her to suc-

OmeshDyal

Fariah Hafiz

Omesh Dyal and his Headteacher Aneta Peter along with Rachel Williams

Jonathan Raghobar

Angelina Tahal

Farad Ali Baskh

ceed.

“I used to stay up late and also take extra lessons. Science was a bit tough… I am satisfied with the results.”

The smiling young lady noted that she was inspired by her teacher and would like to become a teacher.

She too has secured a spot at Queen’s College.

The number three spot was taken by Jonathan Raghobar of Corriverton Primary with 546 marks, while the fourth position

went to Angelina Tahal of All Saints Primary and Farad Ali Baksh of Skeldon Primary, each with 541 marks.

The number six spot was taken by Natannie Schultz of St Therese Primary with 540 marks. She gained a place at Bishops’ High. She said she was disappointed because she missed Queen’s College by one mark. It was her expectation to be within the top 10 for the country.

Falling one space below

her was Vettorie Lathman of Massiah Primary with 537 marks. According to Latchman, who lives at Number 73 Village, he was fortunate to have his father as his class teacher.

The only child also has a mother who teaches Grade Two in the same school, so when they said no games there was no way that he could sneak in a game of cricket, his favourite sport.

Region 10 NGSA top students...

FROM PAGE 12

College, but plans on remaining focused.

Meanwhile, Joseph was “excited and overjoyed”, since it was one thing he had always dreamed: making it into the top 10. The aspiring mechanical engineer, who hails from Amelia’s Ward, hopes to continue his studies at the University of Guyana following his studies at Queen’s College.

“I expected it. I have worked very hard to maintain good grades throughout my primary school life and going into the exams I felt very confident about what I can do,” he noted.

He admits that it was challenging since he had to give up play time, but he soon realised that the sacrifice would assist him as he approached another chapter of his life. He also had some advice for future students.

“I would advise them to listen to their parents, study hard because you only got to put away the games and so for a little while, but eventually it will all pay off.” He thanked his parents and other relatives, as well as his Grade Six teacher, who all played a major role in his success.

Croal, who placed third in the Region, said her journey

Natannie Schultz

was tough, but she was thankful to have pulled through.

Asked if it was something she expected, she replied, “Yes, I always got first in school. I must say thanks to Almighty God, my parents, brothers especially Tramani and my relatives especially Samantha.

Also, my teacher Whitney Pellew.”

Croal related that she had to give up certain privileges in order to be successful. She aspires to become a gynaecologist and future President.

Following her journey at QC, she hopes to attend Harvard University.

Danica Wilson, the number six student, was “pretty confident” that she would place in the top 10. The future doctor admitted that it was not an easy road, but she persevered nevertheless.

“You have to do hard things to get the good out of it…I like to watch television a lot, so I had to put that aside so I can study,” she related. Since she aspires to become a doctor, she noted that after Bishops’ High school, she hopes to migrate to Cuba to further her studies and fulfil her dream.

Wilson thanked her teachers from Grade One through Six for their encouragement.

Her future schoolmate,

Stephanna Wilson is excited to attend the Bishops’ High School. The future obstetrician and gynaecologist revealed that she did not revise much, but attained her success through God and her natural ability. Her mother, she noted, however, played a major role in her academic performance.

Wilson attributes her success also to the hardworking teachers of the Royal Halls of Learning. And she’s also got some advice for students writing the examinations next year: “Keep studying and if they do their best, they will be able to be where I am and even better.” After her journey through Bishops’ High School, she hopes to attend Harvard University in the United States.

The class teacher of the top Royal Halls students, Desirian Rohler stated that she was overwhelmed to have contributed to their success. She said they got through with prayers, as was customary every day in class. Rohler explained that while the road was bumpy, it ended in success. The top performers of her class, she said, were always high achievers.

Of 17 students who wrote the NGSA at that school, 13 gained places at top secondary schools across the country.

Sadiyya Chinapen

Boyonce France

Boyonce France is the second student of All Saints Primary to be in the top 10 as she occupied the number eight position with 534 marks. She said she did not expect to be in the regional top 10.

Rounding out the top 10 for the Region were Rachel Williams of Port Mourant Primary and Sadiyya Chinapen of Cropper Primary, who tied for ninth place with 531 points.

14

guyana-times.com

THURSDAY, JULY 7, 2016

News Public Health Ministry appeals for blood I

n light of a shortage of the requisite blood supply at the National Blood Transfusion Services (NBTS), the Public Health Ministry is calling on members of the public, regardless of blood type, to donate blood.

The Ministry, in a release on Wednesday, said the NBTS was “in dire need of blood” to satisfy demand for all blood types. It was, however, observed that there was special need for O Negative and O Positive blood.

“Every day, pregnant women, children, youths, adults and the elderly need blood in both our public and private hospitals. If you are 17 years or older, in generally good health, free from any blood borne disease and weigh at least 110 pounds, you can become a Voluntary Blood Donor,” the release stated.

A person who fits the criteria can donate blood “every two months” and the entire blood donation process

NBTS at East and Lamaha Streets, Georgetown or its blood donation facilities in New Amsterdam, West

takes 20 minutes.

According to the Ministry, the donor will need to register, after which a “mini health check” will be conducted to ascertain body weight, pulse, blood pressure, temperature and HB (Iron) level. It was also pointed out that the blood type of the donor would also be checked during this process.

The NBTS will also stage a brief “private and confidential” interview to determine if the donor’s sexual lifestyle and medical history permits them to donate

blood.

“Blood donation allows the body to produce new red blood cells which carry oxygen around the body. Once these new cells are replicated, it allows the individual to feel more rejuvenated and healthier. Blood cannot be stored for long periods. One unit can be processed into three component parts, each of which has the potential of saving a life when used to treat separate medical conditions,” the release continued.

Voluntary donors and new donors can visit the

210 new recruits for Police Force, 28% female

A

s part of efforts by the Guyana Police Force to boost its complement, a batch of 210 recruits will be inducted.

The new recruits have been in training for approximately four months.

Speaking with Guyana Times, one of the training officers disclosed that the recruits have had months of theoretical training, but to better prepare them, the theoretical training was coupled

with firsthand experience of law enforcement.

As part of the training, over several days, the recruits were taken to the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to witness the operations inside the courts as well as inside the Georgetown Public Hospital morgue to become familiar with the protocols of handling fatalities.

Some of the recruits who were at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts ex-

pressed their readiness to serve and protect the nation. One of the female recruits told this publication, “At first, the training was difficult to cope with, but after a few weeks when we got into the training, we understood it and here we are now. “ Another female added that it was intimidating at the beginning of the training, but later the recruits all bonded and it was a good experience.

Girls continue to shine in TT exam

Caitlin Brooker and her parents

“A

lifelong dream come true.”

This is how Caitlin Brooker, the top performing Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA) student for 2016, described her accomplishment moments after being given the good news Tuesday.

She beat out 18,179 other students from 543 primary schools across T&T for the top spot, making it the fifth consecutive year a girl has topped the nation in the an-

nual exam.

Caitlin, who celebrated her 12th birthday last Saturday, said she had been dreaming of being number one in the exam since she first entered the San Fernando TML School seven years ago. She passed for her first choice school, Naparima Girls’ College.

“I am really, really, really thankful and I am so ecstatic. I’m really, really happy, it was all I ever wanted, it was my lifelong goal,” she

said moments after being given the information by Education Minister Anthony Garcia, who was among those on hand to congratulate her.

“It’s one of the biggest moments of my life and I will cherish it forever. I was really, really praying since before SEA... since First Year...

I wanted to be the top (student). I am really happy to perform this well. I am really, really happy... it was all I ever wanted.”

Caitlin did not shy away from the cameras as the media surrounded her and proudly declared her career goals, saying: “I want to be a politician, a lawyer, a historian, an actress, a detective, a mythologist, a teacher, a dancer and an interior designer.”

Also present were Attorney General Faris AlRawi who said: “Whatever school you go to is a good school, it is up to you to work hard to determine your success. Your failures in life are sometimes your best lessons.” (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Demerara, Suddie and Linden hospitals or one of its mobile units to “give a pint” of blood. The NBTS will be

open from 08:00h to 18:00h from Monday to Friday and on Saturdays from 09:00h15:00h.

thursday, july 7, 2016

guyana-times.com

15

Around the World

British inquiry slams ex- Obama to slow pace of Afghanistan troop withdrawal PM Blair for catalogue of failures over Iraq war U

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair with servicemen [BBC News]

F

ormer British Prime Minister Tony Blair's justification, planning and handling of the Iraq War involved a catalogue of failures, a seven-year inquiry concluded on Wednesday in a scathing verdict on Britain's role in the conflict.

Eight months before the 2003 invasion, Blair told US President George W Bush "I will be with you, whatever", eventually sending 45,000 British troops into battle when peace options had not been exhausted, the longawaited British public inquiry said.

More than 13 years since the invasion, Iraq remains in chaos, with large areas under the control of Islamic State militants who have claimed responsibility for attacks on Western cities.

Many Britons want Blair to face criminal action over his decision to take military action that led to the deaths of 179 British soldiers and more than 150,000 Iraqi civilians over the following six years.

Critics also say it fuelled a deep distrust in politicians and the ruling establishment. The report was issued

13 days after Britons delivered a stunning blow to their political leaders by voting to leave the European Union.

The inquiry, which was given unprecedented access to confidential Government documents and took longer to complete than British military involvement in the conflict itself, said Blair had relied on flawed intelligence and determined the way the war was legally authorised was unsatisfactory.

The threat posed by Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein's supposed weapons of mass destruction – the original justification for war – had been over-hyped and the planning for the aftermath of war had been inadequate, it found.

"It is an account of an intervention which went badly wrong, with consequences to this day," said the inquiry chairman, former civil servant John Chilcot.

In a lengthy and passionate defence lasting almost two hours, Blair explained his decision to back Bush and go to war alongside the United States in March 2003, at a time when the inquiry said Saddam posed no imminent threat. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Venezuelan women push past border controls for food

A

bout 500 Venezuelan women in search of food have broken through border controls separating the western state of Tachira from neighbouring Colombia.

The women said their families were going hungry because of severe food shortages in Venezuela.

Hours later, they crossed back into Venezuela carrying basic goods and singing the Venezuelan anthem.

Venezuela is going through an economic crisis and many Venezuelans say they struggle to feed their families.

The women said they had organised to meet at the

border via the instant messaging service WhatsApp. Dressed in white, they gathered on the bridge linking the cities of Urena in Venezuela and Cucuta in Colombia.

Hundreds of them pushed past the Venezuelan National Guard and walked across the border, which has been closed for almost a year.

One of the women told Colombian media: "We're desperate, we have nothing: no cooking oil, no sugar, no rice."

After buying food and other goods which are scarce in Venezuela, they again gathered at the

border post asking the Colombian guards to let them pass.

They crossed back into Venezuela singing the national anthem.

Others shouted "yes, we can" and thanked the Colombian security forces for letting them through.

Venezuela closed large parts of its border with Colombia in August 2015 to prevent subsidised goods from being smuggled from Venezuela into Colombia.

Venezuelans who want to cross into Colombia in states where the border has been closed need a special permit to do so. (Excerpt from BBC

News)

nited States President Barack Obama has announced that he plans to leave 8400 American troops in Afghanistan when he finishes his term – an increase from his previous plan, reflecting the difficulty of drawing down the US presence in the war in the country.

"Maintaining our forces at this specific level ... will allow us to continue to provide tailored support to help Afghan forces continue to improve," Obama said on Wednesday from the White House.

"I will not allow

Afghanistan to be used as safe haven for terrorists to attack our nation again."

Obama had planned to drop troop levels down from 9800 to 5500 troops by the end of 2016. But a Taliban resurgence has forced Washington to rethink its exit strategy.

"I strongly believe that it is in our national security interest, especially after all the blood and treasure we have invested in Afghanistan over the years, that we give our Afghan partners the very best opportunity to succeed," said Obama, speaking next to Ash Carter, the US Defence

Chief, and General Joseph Dunford, the top US military commander.

Obama said "the narrow missions" assigned to US forces will not change, and that they will remain focused on "training" Afghan forces and "supporting" operations against al-Qaeda and other armed groups, including the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS).

When Obama first ran for office, he had campaigned for a complete withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan, as well as in Iraq. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Zimbabwe ''shut down'' over economic collapse

T

he streets of Zimbabwe's main cities are deserted during a nationwide stay-away to protest at the lack of jobs and unpaid wages.

The protests were organised through the messaging site WhatsApp, but it is not clear which group is behind it.

The Internet was often unavailable on Wednesday morning, but the Government has denied blocking it.

The BBC's Brian Hungwe in the capital Harare says it is one of the biggest protests in many years.

Protesters also set up burning barricades in Harare.

Some of the messages calling for a stay-away also urged President Robert Mugabe to step down.

The 92-year-old has governed the country since independence in 1980.

Some protesters set up burning barricades in Harare

On Twitter, activists have been using the hashtag #ShutDownZimbabwe2016 to mobilise support.

Many civil servants have not been paid in more than a month – they went on strike on Tuesday.

On Monday, taxi drivers complaining about Police extortion clashed with the security forces in parts of Harare.

The economy has also been hit by currency shortages and a severe drought.

"I can't go to work when the rest of the country is not going to work," Sybert Marumo, who works for an electrical shop, told the AFP news agency.

"Life is tough and we need to show the Government that we have been stretched to the limit." (BBC News)

Brazil's Rousseff gives impassioned defence against impeachment

B

razilian President Dilma Rousseff presented her written defence to a Senate impeachment trial on Wednesday, denouncing the proceedings as a farce and saying her alleged crimes were no more than "routine acts of budgetary management".

"Everybody knows that you are judging an honest woman, a public servant dedicated to just causes," the suspended leftist leader said in a document read aloud by her lawyer and former Attorney General Jose Eduardo Cardozo. "I've honoured those who voted for me."

Rousseff's removal would mark an end to 13 years of leftist rule over Latin America's largest economy by the Workers Party that began in 2003 under her mentor, former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

Her defence made clear she was sticking to the strategy of refuting the impeachment process as a soft "coup" led by her onetime Vice President Michel Temer, a conservative who has taken over since midMay when the Senate voted to try Rousseff.

Rousseff has repeatedly said her impeachment was an attempt by Temer and other right-leaning members of her one-time governing coalition partner, the Brazilian Democratic Movement Party (PMDB), to remove her because she did not impede a sweeping probe of corruption at Staterun oil company Petrobras.

That investigation has ensnared dozens of top politicians, including the former Speaker of the Lower House of Brazil's Congress, who led the impeachment campaign against Rousseff.

Suspended Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff attends a news conference with foreign media in Brasilia, Brazil, June 14, 2016

Rousseff herself is not directly accused of corruption. But Brazil's Chief Prosecutor has asked for her to be investigated for obstructing justice in the Petrobras case. She has denied any wrongdoing. (Excerpt

from Reuters)

16

thursday, july 7, 2016

guyanatimesgy.com

Leisa Gibson – hair is her business L

eisa Gibson of the eponymous Leisa Salon n Beauty Supplies is not your average beauty salon owner. The registered business owner has moved beyond utilising and selling beauty products to inventing her own – Leisa Hair n Scalp Conditioner, which her clients swear by, so much so that they have spread the news of its effectiveness to friends and loved ones, here and abroad, who have snapped up the product.

Made of all-natural coconut oil, beeswax and a few secret ingredients she would not disclose – “I am sorry I cannot tell you the other ingredients,” she said solemnly – the conditioner is said to increase hair growth, relieve itching and control dan-

druff while making hair soft and manageable. Now that sounds like a recipe for luscious locks, which Gibson hopes to one day market to the world. But with a dream mentor like Oprah Winfrey, how could her vision for her business not be global. Currently, she is working to market her hair secret to all Guyanese; back in March 2016, she showcased the conditioner at the Women in Business Expo at the Pegasus Hotel.

A former student of North Georgetown Secondary School, Gibson started her business of making hair beautiful in 2007 at her home. She says the impetus was a desire to help “women having hair problems and to have time for family”. Along

Business News

UK shares slide as Brexit fears take hold

U

nited Kingdom and European stock markets fell and the pound hit a fresh 31-year low as worries over the UK’s vote to leave the European Union continue to rattle markets.

The UK’s FTSE 100 share index closed 1.3 per cent lower. US shares initially followed suit, but closed higher.

Earlier, the pound fell to US$1.2798, its lowest since 1985, before rebounding.

Analysts blamed warnings from the Bank of England that Brexit risks were “crystallising” and fears about the UK commer-

cial property market.

In late trading, the pound was at about US$1.29. The Sterling has dropped by about 14 per cent against the dollar since hitting US$1.50 ahead of the referendum result.

Against the euro, the pound was down 0.9 per cent at €1.1656, having earlier hit its lowest level since 2013.

“Pessimistic predictions for sterling are coming true,” said Andrew Edwards, chief executive of ETX Capital.

“The pound is the chief proxy for the post-Brexit mood in the markets.”

Shares in domestic com-

the way in response to her customers’ needs, she developed Leisa Hair n Scalp Conditioner.

The Pattensen-Turkeyen resident says she sees a great future ahead for her product as more and more people are starting to rediscover the great benefits of coconut oil and coconut oil-based prod-

A

major recall of hoverboards is under way in the US. The callback affects China-made models sold under a variety of brands and affects about 501,000 units.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission said it followed at least 99 incidents where battery packs had overheated.

In some cases, they

Cur

Buying

T

he first T&T Starbucks is expected to open by the end of the third quarter of this year, with another two by the end of the financial year.

Plans for the establishment of outlets of the American coffee company

Fixed as at July 5, 2016 Calculated at 94% purity Selling

GBP

$267.18

$270.57

CAN

$158.28

$160.12

USD

$205.98

$208.44

EURO

$ 227.78

$230.70

USD

$1344.75

Gross

$259,664

Net

$241,488

Indicators as on July 6, 2016 Indicators

US$ per barrel

Crude Oil

$50.61

Price

USD

Rough Rice

4.07 Change %

0.00

$532.30/ton

-0.64

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1314.60

$1315.60

Low/High

$1313.70

$1328.00

Business Concept – Paradigm

I

Change %

$234.19/ton London Sugar

Change

Section 2B, PattensenTurkeyen, Greater Georgetown I Leisagibson@ yahoo.com I 668-4709/2193515

caught fire leading to burn injuries and property damage. Owners are being told to contact the companies responsible, which should fix the problem or issue a full refund.

Models involved include: 267,000 Swagway X1s, 84,000 iMotos, 70,000 Powerboards, 28,000 Hovertraxs, 25,000 Hype Roams and 16,000 Hover-

Ways.

A spokeswoman for Swagway told the BBC that it would be retrofitting the X1s it received with new “UL-certified” battery packs.

“UL-Certification means that the product has been tested by Underwriters Laboratories, one of the largest consumer products testing labs in the world,” she explained.

“Please note that this does not affect any of the other models made by Swagway.”

The Consumer Product Safety Commission said that the Chinese retailer Alibaba had given it a commitment that in the future it would require sellers to have safety check certificates for the hoverboards they sell via its sites. (BBC News)

1st T&T Starbucks in 3rd quarter

Gold Prices – Guyana Gold Board

Bank of Guyana

wife and “being at peace with God” have helped her overcome the hurdles. As a married mother of two, her clear priority – “family comes first” has made it possible for her to successfully juggle business and family life which she admits is no easy task.

“The one hobby that I could do for the rest of my life is going to the creek and just sitting and looking at my children having fun in the water, because just looking at them having fun in the water I would also be relaxing,” Gibson, who was once so overworked she fell ill, added.

“I define success as having a very good retirement plan in place.”

Contact: Mitchell Street,

Half a million hoverboards recalled in US

Market statistics Cambio Rates

ucts.

She cited help developing business plans and easier access to financing as musthaves for entrepreneurs who are starting up businesses – something she would like to see more young people do. The small business owner believes the importance of a business plan cannot be overestimated, as that and staying focused were the essential tools of any budding entrepreneur.

“The lesson I have learnt throughout this process [of starting and running Leisa Salon n Beauty Supplies] is to believe in yourself… not everyone is your friend,” Gibson, who described herself as a friendly person, warned in reflecting on her experience. But her pastor’s

-3.70

-0.28%

ntellectual perception or view, accepted by an individual or a society as a clear example, model, or pattern of how things work in the world. This term was used first by the US science theorist and historian Thomas Kuhn (1922-96) in his 1962 book The Structure Of Scientific Revolution to refer to theoretical frameworks within which all scientific thinking and practices operate. (Business Dictionary)

and coffeehouse chain were announced by chairman of Prestige Holdings Limited Christian Mouttet when the restaurant management chain published its financial results for the first half of 2016.

Starbucks, which was founded in Seattle, Washington in 1971, currently operates 23,768 locations worldwide.

“Significant work is underway for the establishment of this brand in the Trinidad and Tobago market,” Mouttet said.

The latest financial results for Prestige Holdings, which were posted to the T&T Stock Exchange Tuesday, show that for the first half of 2016, group revenue increased by two per cent to TT$478 million. However,

profit attributable to shareholders decreased by four per cent to TT$23 million, from TT$23.9 million in 2015.

Earnings per share were 37 cents, five per cent what was earned for the same period in 2015.

Mouttet said the results were generated from an average number of 113 restaurants. (Trinidad Guardian)

Investors’ Guide

Wall Street up on cautious Fed, upbeat data

U

S stocks rose on Wednesday as the Federal Reserve was seen refraining from raising US interest rates soon, even as economic data showed the world’s largest economy regained speed in the second quarter.

The minutes for the June 14-15 meeting of the US central bank, which took place before Britons voted to leave the European Union, showed widespread unease over the “Brexit” vote, as well as a severe slowdown in hiring by US employers.

Fed policymakers also said rate hikes should stay on hold until they have a handle on the consequences of Brexit. Since the vote, stocks have been volatile on Wall Street, while investors have driven up safe-haven assets such as gold and yields on long-term US debt

have fallen to record lows.

“The money that you’re seeing deployed in the US in my view is a repercussion of people looking to buy the oasis of growth and safe havens in the world, and that is the US,” said Nate Thooft, USbased co-head of global asset allocation at Manulife Asset Management in Boston.

Adding to the view of persisting lower rates, Fed Governor Daniel Tarullo said on Wednesday no rate hikes are needed until inflation is more solid.

The Dow Jones industrial average rose 78 points, or 0.44 per cent, to 17,918.62, the S&P 500 gained 11.18 points, or 0.54 per cent, to 2099.73 and the Nasdaq Composite added 36.26 points, or 0.75 per cent, to 4859.16.

Most of the major S&P 500 indexes were higher,

led by a 1.2 per cent rise in healthcare. Merck’s 2.0 per cent rise and Celgene’s 4.3 per cent rise were its biggest boosts.

Facebook rose 2.4 per cent to US$116.70 and provided the biggest boost to the Nasdaq and the S&P 500.

The S&P energy index gained 0.6 per cent as oil prices rose more than two per cent on the back of robust US economic data.

About half of the 22 US companies expected to top 2016 consensus earnings per share estimates by at least 10 per cent are energy names, according to Goldman Sachs research.

US services industry activity hit a seven-month high in June as new orders surged and companies hired more workers, suggesting the economy regained speed in the second quarter. (Reuters)

17

news

thursDAY, july 7, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Criminal probe launched Essequibians facing into fatal Wales fire constant blackouts T R

he fire at Wales, West Bank Demerara which claimed the life of an unidentified male last week is now being treated as a homicide, with law enforcement officials launching a criminal investigation.

According to information reaching Guyana Times, Police are trying to put the pieces together with special emphasis placed on the manner in which the body was found. At the time of the fatal blaze, the house was unoccupied.

Operations Officer of the Guyana Fire Service, Compton Sparman on Wednesday explained that fire investigators were placed at a disadvantage since the building was completely destroyed.

“The place was completely destroyed and that in itself is a disadvantage,” Sparman observed, while noting that investigations were continuing.

It was reported last Thursday that the man’s charred remains were found in the bathroom of the upper flat of the two storeywooden and concrete building located at Lot 1 “Area

– residents call for new power plants

BY INDRAWATTIE NATRAM

The ruins of the house where the unidentified man was found

A” Goedverwagting, Wales.

Since the discovery, the relatives of the owner of the house have remained tight-lipped.

When this newspaper visited the scene on Thursday morning, relatives of the owner did not comment on the details of the fire, while officials of the Guyana Fire Service conducted their investigation into the fatal blaze.

An eyewitness who rushed to the scene after an alarm was raised had noted that the fire started around 01:30h.

The man had also explained that since the gate had been padlocked, Police ranks scaled

the fence to give fire officers better access to the premises.

The body was retrieved in daylight hours later that Thursday.

“De body bun so badly, yo can’t know is who,” the witness noted.

In the past, the property housed the Prince of Wales Cinema but was sold to the now deceased Abdool Khan and his daughter Elisabeth Sattaur, who has been a businesswoman for a number of years. This newspaper was told last week that the businesswoman would sometimes visit the house.

Imported food must have free sale certificate – Food and Drug Dept

I

n an effort to guarantee the protection of consumers from poor quality food being imported into the country, the Government Analyst -Food and Drug Department (GAFDD) has reiterated the need for imported consumable items to be accompanied by a free sale or health certificate from the country of origin, a Certificate of Analysis and a Commercial

Invoice.

This requirement, the GA-FDD said, is not only in keeping with the legislative requisites stated in the laws of Guyana – Food and Drug Act, Chapter 34:03, Section (32) II and the Food and Drug Regulation #13, but also the World Trade Organisation (WTO) ruling in 1985 on Sanitary and Phytosanitary measures to secure consumers from

low-grade food items traded across borders.

The GA-FDD also stressed that it would only be acknowledging original copies of processing documents.

Additionally, the Department said that waiver letters for future shipments would no longer be accepted nor used to make the release of food items possible on the local market.

esidents of Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) are calling on the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Inc to proffer an explanation as to why the region has been experiencing constant power outages over the past month. Residents living in Queenstown, Affiance, Anna Regina, Walton Hall and Charity to the extreme South are significantly affected and according to them, they have been experiencing close to eight hours of power outages daily.

Businesses, including salons, small shops and restaurants, as well as cricket lovers in those areas are complaining bitterly.

Only recently, the region’s only power plant at Anna Regina burst into flames resulting in damages to several high-powered cables and other equipment.

Following that fire, residents began experiencing constant power outages.

Many businessmen expressed frustration at the frequency in which these outages have been occurring and scolded the power company for its failure to publish a schedule or inform them when electricity will be supplied. One gas station owner who asked to remain anonymous told Guyana Times he is forced to use his own generator to provide power to his business, leading to additional overhead expenses for

his already struggling business.

A female restaurant operator at Queenstown Village complained that most of the perishable items she had in stock spoilt and had to be thrown out, coupled with the fact that they were also affected in the month of June with frequent blackouts as

Like Darchville, housewives have spoke out also about not being able to store their perishables. Residents are therefore calling for a new engine to be installed at the Anna Regina Power station since the present one is obsolete. They are also calling on President David Granger to pay special at-

well.

Meanwhile, Francis Darchville, a resident of Affiance, related that on a daily basis the region has been experiencing blackouts and severe power fluctuation (low voltage).

Darchville said that the company should at least inform the public of the schedule and the reason behind the outages. He described the outages as “fairy lights” and said the company needs to be more responsible and release information to the public.

He and many others have complained about the impact the power outages were having on cricket lovers in the region, especially with the ongoing Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

tention to the unreliable power supply being provided to the region, since during the election campaign, the Granger-led coalition promised to bring an end to blackouts, as well as to install a new Wärstillä plant.

Regional Chairman Devanand Ramdatt in a telephone interview with Guyana Times confirmed that the region was facing severe power problems.

Ramdatt said while he is still to receive an update from the regional Manager for GPL, he was concerned that the utility was failing to clearly inform residents of the prevailing situation.

“GPL should by way of an advisory, inform residents as to what is the situation,” Ramdatt stated.

18

guyana-times.com

thursday, july 7, 2016

ARCHIE

Take a closer look at a contract or financial investment (March 21- and you'll find a way to make April 19) your life easier. A personal partnership requires and deserves more time and nurturing.

ARIES

Travel will be enlightenTAURUS ing. Involvement in a group (April 20- effort will be successful and May 20) lead to an unusual opportunity. Attend or plan a reunion with friends or peers from your past.

dilbert

Protect against someGEMINI one who is trying to take ad(May 21June 20) vantage of you. Work hard to stabilise an important partnership. Don't let a past relationship interfere with your current emotional situation.

You'll have a unique idea CANCER that will help improve your do(June 21- mestic situation. Make changes July 22) without letting your emotions take over. A practical approach will result in improvements.

Romance is encouraged.

Peanuts

Get your house in order.

LEO A slight alteration will make (July 23your life easier. Get out and Aug. 22) enjoy life. Do something that will bring you closer to someone you love.

Calvin and Hobbes

Family fun, engaging VIRGO in children's activities and (Aug. 23Sept. 22) physical pursuits that challenge you are all favoured. A domestic situation is best left alone until emotions settle down.

Don't jump to conclusions LIBRA regarding issues at home or (Sept. 23within a personal relationOct. 23) ship. Get involved in something that encourages growth or personal awareness. A retreat would do you good.

WORD GAME TODAY'S WORD – DEPORT

SUDOKU

Keep a close watch over SAGITTARIUS what's being said and done.

(Nov. 23- Trusting someone to make Dec. 21) decisions or changes that will affect the way you live will end in your favour.

(DEPORT: dih-POHRT: Expel from a country.)

Average mark 16 words Time limit 30 minutes Can you find 23 or more words in DEPORT? The list will be published tomorrow.

LAST PUBLISHED WORD – CAPYBARAS

carb carp casaba crab paca pray bray racy rasp raspy sabra

scab scar scarab scarp scary scrap spar spay spray spry

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

Copyright 2015, Distributed by Universal Uclick for UFS

Getting involved in plans SCORPIO or projects that will affect (Oct. 24your reputation or ability to Nov. 22) excel should be your intent.

An interesting proposal will take you in an intriguing and unexpected direction.

solution for Last Published Puzzle

Depending on others CAPRICORN to take care of your affairs (Dec. 22- could prove costly. Don't disJan. 19) regard an opportunity because you're having trouble understanding the premise.

Research and you'll find a way to make it work for you.

A family matter will put AQUARIUS you in a key position to bring (Jan. 20about a lifestyle change. Take Feb. 19) on greater responsibility and rewards will come your way.

Gear up and get moving.

Older and younger people PISCES (Feb. 20- in your life will try your paMarch 20) tience. Don't get angry when all that's required is delegating odd jobs to those making complaints. Romance is highlighted.

THURSDAY, JULY 7, 2016

Wimbledon 2016…

Serena & Venus target another Williams’ final S

even-time champion Roger Federer came back from two sets down to win a classic against Marin Cilic and advance to the Wimbledon semi-finals.

The 34-year-old Swiss saved three match points in the fourth before breaking Cilic's resistance 6-7 4-6 6-3 7-6 6-3.

Federer initially struggled against Cilic's big serve and heavy groundstrokes, but reignited the magic of old in the final three sets.

The third seed will play another big server Milos Raonic in the semi-finals Raonic, the sixth seed and 2014 semi-finalist, sealed a 6-4 7-5 5-7 6-4 win over Sam Querrey, the man who defeated Novak Djokovic.

Andy Murray withstood a dramatic fightback from French 12th seed JoWilfried Tsonga to win in five sets and reach his seventh Wimbledon semi-final.

The Briton, seeded second, let slip a two-set lead before coming through a tense contest 7-6 (12-10) 6-1 3-6 4-6 6-1 on Centre Court.

Murray will play Czech 10th seed Tomas Berdych in the last four on Friday.

Meanwhile, Defending champion Serena Williams

19

Dawson and Buttler ensure England thump hapless Sri Lanka

Angelo Mathews missed his sweep at Liam Dawson

S

Serena and Venus Williams are competing together in the doubles competition at Wimbledon

says elder sister Venus is "super inspiring for me" as they attempt to set up a fifth all-Williams Wimbledon final.

Serena plays unseeded Russian Elena Vesnina, 29, in Thursday's first semi-final on Centre Court at 13:00 BST. Eighth seed Venus, 36, faces Australian Open champion Angelique Kerber, 28.

"With everything she's been through, I think it's built a ton of character in her, and in me by just being around her," said 34-yearold Serena.

"She has a lot of perseverance, she's a real fighter."

Six-time champion Serena has won three of the four all-Williams' finals, with the last coming in 2009.

cores; England 144-2 (17.3 overs): Buttler 73* (49), Morgan 47* (39) beat Sri Lanka 140 (20 overs): Dawson 3-27, Jordan 3-29 by eight wickets with 15 balls to spare.

The sun duly set on Sri Lanka's tour of England, but the literal setting on a sunkissed day in Hampshire proved infinitely more impressive than the figurative version. As a packed house at the Ageas Bowl revelled in another show of force from an increasingly impressive England white-ball team, the visitors prepared to exit stage left - trampled underfoot at the end of a long and arduous tour from which the positives will only be visible if their talented young players can learn

from the experience and turn it to their country's advantage in the future.

England’s star with the bat, Jos Buttler hit 73 not out after an excellent England bowling and fielding display as Sri Lanka were beaten by eight wickets in the sole Twenty20.

Buttler, promoted to open, was joined by Eoin Morgan (47 not out) to get the hosts to a target of 141 in 17.3 overs.

Sri Lanka earlier slipped from 51-1 to 140 all out in Southampton.

Left-arm spinner Liam Dawson, on debut on his home ground, took 3-27, Chris Jordan 3-29, and England's electric fielding scored two run-outs.

For Sri Lanka, the defeat

completes a miserable tour where they have failed to beat England in any of the nine international matches - the home side have won the inaugural 'Super Series' 20-4.

England, in their first T20 match since the agonising defeat in the World Twenty20 final in April, have now won 10 of their past 15 matches in the shortest form.

Where the white-ball game is concerned, however, such thoughts can be shelved until September.

For now, England's attention turns back to Test cricket and the rapidly approaching Lord's Test against Pakistan. For Sri Lanka, a long flight home awaits. It's been a bruising visit.

Barcelona’s Messi gets 21 months for tax fraud, unlikely to serve time B arcelona’s Argentine soccer star Lionel Messi was sentenced on Wednesday to 21 months in prison and fined 2 million euros ($2.2 million) after being found guilty of three counts of tax fraud, although it is unlikely he will serve time.

The Barcelona court handed the same sentence to the player’s father, Jorge, with a 1.5 million euro fine. Both defendants have around five days to appeal to the supreme court, the Barcelona court said in its statement.

Spanish law is such that any sentence under two years for a non-violent crime rarely requires a defendant without previous convictions to serve jail time. A spokes-

woman for the court confirmed Messi was unlikely to be imprisoned.

Messi, 29, and his father defrauded the Spanish tax office of almost 4.2 million euros between 2007 and 2009 by using a web of shell companies to evade taxes on income from the player’s image rights, the court said in a written ruling.

The companies - with names such as Sport Consultants and Sport Enterprises - were based in tax havens such as Belize, Uruguay and Switzerland where legislation kept the identities of their owners secret, according to the ruling.

Messi, five-times World Player of the Year, admitted during the trial to signing contracts protecting his im-

age rights but said he had no knowledge he was partaking in any wrongdoing or defrauding the Spanish state.

He said his father had control over his financial affairs, but the court said on Wednesday that this was not enough to avoid charges. “(His) avoidable ignorance, which was derived from indifference, is not an error, and it does not remove responsibility,” the presiding judge, Mercedes Armas Galve, wrote in the statement.

“The information that the accused avoided having was, in reality, within his reach via trustworthy and accessible sources.”

Messi, who has held Spanish nationality since 2005, and his father had al-

Lionel Messi (L) sits in court with his father Jorge Horacio Messi in Barcelona, Spain, June 2, 2016

ready paid 5 million euros to the tax authorities as a “corrective” measure after formal investigations were opened.

The footballer is 10th on Forbes Magazine’s list of the

world’s highest-earning athletes over the past decade, with an estimated income of $350 million during this period.

Barcelona football club, of which Messi is the lead-

ing goal scorer of all time in all competitions, said in a statement on its website following the ruling that it considers the player to be free of criminal liability .

“The Club ... considers that the player, who has corrected his position with the Spanish tax office, is in no way criminally responsible with regards to the facts underlined in this case,” the club said.

Messi, who has won eight La Liga titles, four King’s Cups and four Champions League crowns with Barcelona, said last month he was quitting international soccer after the Argentine national side, of which he was captain, lost on penalties to Chile in the Copa America tournament. (Reuters)

20

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

THURSDAY, JULY 7, 2016

WICB Regional Women’s 50 Overs Tournament 2016…

Leewards’ entry, single Windwards unit highlight historic Regional Women’s Tournament

mulating the most points qualifying for the Final to determine the winner on Sunday, July 17, at Everest.

The T20 tournament follows four days later with three matches being contested each match-day at the Guyana National Stadium before a final round of playoffs for positions one to six on Monday, July 25.

SQUADS BARBADOS: Shaquana Quintyne (captain), Aaliyah Alleyne, Shamilia Connell, Dean dra Dottin, Keila Elliott , Allison Gordon,Reshell e Griffih, Malissa Howar d, Kycia Knight, Hayley Matthews, Shakera Selman, Charlene Taitt, Shanna Thompson, Tiffany Thorpe

Sitting from L-R: Director of Sport Christopher Jones, GCB President Drubahadur and GCB Secretary Anand Sanasie. Standing are the captains of the six regional teams from: L-R Leeward Islands — Shawnisha Hector; Guyana — Tremayne Smartt; Barbados — Shaquana Quintyne; Jamaica — Stafanie Taylor; Windward Islands — Afy Fletcher and Trinidad and Tobago Merissa Aguilleira

H

istory will be created, when all six territorial boards of the West Indies Cricket Board will be represented for the first time ever in the Regional Women’s Tournament which opens at various venues in Guyana today.

For the first time ever, Leeward Islands will field a squad in a regional women’s tournament and Windward Islands will play as a single unit alongside defending champions Barbados, five-time winners Jamaica, multi-time champions Trinidad & Tobago and hosts Guyana.

This will be the second change to the format for the Regional Women’s Tournament in as many seasons, having moved from an eight-team league with no Leewards and the four nations that form the Windwards playing as individual teams to last year when the Windwards played in two groups, North and South, along with the Barbadians, Jamaicans, T&T and Guyanese.

“We want to welcome Leewards Women into the fold and are looking forward to them playing a valuable role in the expansion of the women’s game in the region,” said Josina Luke, WICB project officer for women’s cricket.

“We have spent the last year working with the Leewards in the development of this squad, following a decision by our directors to have them involved this year, so this is another step towards strengthening the base of the women’s game in the region and ex-

panding our talent pool.

“The banding together of the talents of the Windwards Women helps us to streamline our tournaments and bring greater competitiveness to the overall women’s game, as the ultimate aim is to create a stronger West Indies Women’s team with a view to winning more global titles.”

Leewards will be led by Antiguan pacer Shawnisha Hector and their squad includes Saneldo Willett, daughter of former West Indies off-spinner Elquemedo Willett, whose sons Tonito and Akito have also played at the regional level.

Windwards will be captained by West Indies Women’s leg-spinner Afy Fletcher and her deputy is opener Juliana Nero, who has played for the Windies Women, heads a list of regulars like Yasm ine St. Ange, Akeira Peters and Roylin Cooper that form the core of the squad.

The Windwards squad also includes 15-yearolds Holly Charles and Qiana Joseph. They were involved in a WICB Emerging Women’s Players camp a few weeks ago in Barbados, and helped the Windwards Under-19 girls’ team reach the Final of their regional age group tournament, where they lost to hosts Trinidad & Tobago.

This year, the Tournament will comprise Super50, which takes centre stage over the next 10 days, and Twenty20 competitions against the backdrop of strong performanc-

es from the West Indies Women’s team over the past

year in both formats, culminating in the lifting of the

MATCH SCHEDULE

Regional Women’s Super50 Tournament (All matches start at 9:30 am) Round 1 – Thursday, July 7 Barbados vs Trinidad & Tobago – Enmore Leeward Islands vs Jamaica – Everest Guyana vs Windward Islands – Enterprise Round 2 – Saturday, July 9 Windward Islands vs Leeward Islands – Everest Trinidad & Tobago vs Guyana – Enterprise Jamaica vs Barbados – Enmore Round 3 – Monday, July 11 Guyana vs Barbados – Enmore Jamaica vs Windward Islands – Everest Leeward Islands vs Trinidad & Tobago – Enterprise Round 4 – Wednesday, July 13 Guyana vs Leeward Islands – Everest Barbados vs Windward Islands – Enterprise Trinidad & Tobago vs Jamaica – Enmore Round 5 – Friday, July 15 Windward Islands vs Trinidad & Tobago – Enmore Barbados vs Leeward Islands – Enterprise Guyana vs Jamaica – Everest The Final – Sunday, July 17 1st vs 2nd – Everest Regional Women’s Twenty20 Tournament (All matches to be contested at the Guyana National Stadium) Zone A – Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, Guyana Zone B – Jamaica, Windward Islands, Leeward Islands Round 1 – Thursday, July 21 Barbados vs Trinidad & Tobago – 9 am start Jamaica vs Windward Islands – 2 pm start Guyana vs Leeward Islands – 7 pm start Round 2 – Friday, July 22 Leeward Islands vs Jamaica – 9 am start Barbados vs Guyana – 2 pm start Trinidad & Tobago vs Windward Islands – 7 pm start Round 3 – Sunday, July 24 Windward Islands vs Leeward Islands – 9 am start Trinidad & Tobago vs Guyana – 2 pm start Jamaica vs Barbados – 7 pm start Playoffs – Monday, July 25 Minor Final 3rd Zone A vs 3rd Zone B Consolation Final 2nd Zone A vs 2nd Zone B Grand Final 1st Zone A vs 1st Zone B

ICC Women’s World T20 title earlier this year in India.

“We want to broaden the pool of players for the West Indies Women’s team, bearing in mind two important things,” said Luke.

“First, we are well placed for automatic qualification for the ICC Women’s (50 overs) World Cup next year in England and want to remain on that trajectory with important series in the ICC Women’s Championship later this year against England at home and India on the road.

“Also, we want to fortify our squad in the T20 format, so we can continue to put forward the kind of performances that enhance our position as World champions.”

In the opening round of the Super50, Barbados, again led by West Indies Women’s leg-spin all-rounder Shaquana Quintyne, open their title defence against sporting arch-rivals Trinidad & Tobago, under the leadership of former West Indies Women’s captain Merissa Aguilleira, at Enmore.

Leewards will have a rough baptism against Jamaica, led by West Indies Women’s World T20-winning captain and World-rated all-rounder Stafanie Taylor, at Everest, and Windwards meet Guyana, captained by Windies Women’s fast-medium bowlerTremayne Smartt, at Enterprise.

Each of the teams will play the other once in a round-robin competition, featuring five rounds of 50 overs-a-side matches – with the two teams accu-

GUYANA: Tremayne Smartt (captain), Shemaine Campb elle, Shabika Gajnabi, Erva Giddings, Melanie Henry, MandyMangru, Plaffiana Millington, Subrina Munroe, Kaysia Shultz, Heema Singh, Latoya Smith, Akaze Thompson, LashunaToussaint, Kavita Yadram JAMAICA: Stafanie Taylor (captain), Alecia Bookal, Shanel Daley, Kenesh ia Ferron, Chinelle H enry, Corrine, Howell, Natasha McLean, Jodian Morgan, Chedean Nation , Roshana Outar, Tameka Sanford, Jerona Walcott, Vanessa Watts, RashadaWilliam LEEWARDISLANDS: Shawnisha Hector (captain), Jasmine Clarke, Me licia Clarke, Davanna Cla xton, Kimberly Dookhan, Amanda Edwards, Sherm a Jackson, Rozel Liburd , Terez Parker, Grace Pe rsaud, Kerisha Powell, J enisen Richards, Eldora Sylvester, Saneldo Willett TRINIDAD & TOBAGO: Merissa Aguilleira(captain ), Kirbyina Alexander, Ren iece Boyce, Britney Cooper, RosalieDolabaille, Stacy Ann King, Lee Ann Kirby, S henelle Lord, Anisa Moham med, Selene O’Neil, Kamar a Ragoobar, KarishmaRam harack, Amanda Samaroo, Rachael Vincent WINDWARD ISLANDS: Afy Fletcher (captain), Stacy Ann Adams, Holly Charles, Ro ylyn Cooper, Nerissa Cra fton, KrisaniIrish, Qiana Joseph, Juliana Nero, Ak eira Peters, Rosilia Regis te, Yasmine St. Ange, Gle ndeen Turtin, Rackel Wil liams,Swayline Williams

YELLOW PAGES THURSDAY, JULY 7, 2016 | WWW.GUYANA-TIMES.COM

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O

ntario Softball Cricket League (OSCL) Jaguars X1 carted off the Guyana Independence Cup trophy after beating Berbice Vipers of the Canadian Softball Cricket Association (CSCA) by 26 runs on Saturday at St. Bedes venue, Scarborough.

On a sun-drenched day of the four-team event which was organised by the OSCL in collaboration with the Guyana Consulate in Toronto, saw Jaguars X1 tallying up a sufficient 74-6 off the 10-overs while Berbice Vipers were skittled out for 48 in the final over when they replied.

Both finalists notched up comfortable victories in the preceding semi-final encounters. At Littles, Jaguars X1 roared to an emphatic eightwicket win over Masters X1 while at St. Bedes, Berbice Vipers trounced OSCL Kaieteur X1 by 28 runs. Both games were 10-over per side.

Kaieteur X1 participated after a side from the Ontario Round-arm Softball Cricket Association failed to show up. However, in the championship fixture, OSCL X1’s innings was built around a steady 25 from

Kumar Doodnauth and 13 from Avinash Sukdeo. Eyon Arsula grabbed two wickets for 12 runs from his maximum two overs.

When Berbice Vipers appeared at the crease, no batsman was able to make an impression as wickets fell with a great degree of regularity, thanks to some penetrative bowling performances from the Jaguars’ combination.

Sukdeo returned with the ball to claim two wickets for 9 runs from his two overs while Doodnauth produced a fine all-round display to be named man-of-the-match.

He finished with one for 8 off his two overs while he took a brilliant catch. Skipper Navin Singh and Mahesh Richards supported admirably with the ball to pick up a wicket apiece.

Doodnauth was given a free flight to Guyana and back, compliments of Fly Jamaica while Arsula also received the same award for his Most Valuable Player performance. Arsula, in the semifinal, got a hat-trick, which was very instrumental for his team advancing to the final.

Manager of the victorious team, Kim Sue, expressed elation and praised the side to exhibit such wonder-

ful performances. She stated that from the first round, the guys bowled and batted fantastically and was very optimistic they would have continued with the same momentum.

Presenting at the softball extravaganza was the Acting Consul General for the Guyana Consulate in Toronto Mischelle Butters and she spoke enthusiastically about the event which can be seen as an occasion that brings great unity.

She also emphasized the importance of having the Guyanese Diaspora at a function of this nature and declared that Sports is the key to togetherness among other elements in life.

Butters mentioned that her Consulate was more than pleased to be associated with the day’s event and she expressed her gratitude to the coordinators: Albert Ramcharran, Victor Yacoom and David Adams for their commitment and organisation. He thanked the teams for their participation too.

Meanwhile, the event also marked the celebration of Guyana’s 50th Independence in which Butters echoed similar sentiments from Guyanese dignitaries as well.

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Skipper Navin Singh of the victorious OSCL Jaguars XI team, right, receives the champion trophy from Consul General for the Guyana Consulate in Toronto, Mischelle Butters while other representatives from the softball associations look on [Photo by: Bobby Ramlagan]

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ountless cricket lovers flocked the Caribbean Premier league (CPL) ticketing offices across the country to get their hands on tickets for the biggest party in sports.

People from all walks of life braved the weather to grab their ticket to join the fun in the biggest party in sport where they waited in the line for as much as one hour.

After purchasing tickets, the cricket crazy fans took the opportunity to shop in the Guyana Amazon Warriors Merchandise store which is located in the central ticket location at lot 238 Camp and Quamina Streets, Georgetown.

With a capacity of 15,000 the early prediction pits Guyana as having the largest turnout of specta-

Cricket lovers rush to get tickets at CPL offices

tors and the loudest party of the tournament.

Already tickets for Sunday’s match has been sold out.

Tickets are available across all three counties.

The Guyana leg begins tonight with the Amazon Warriors facing the Jamaica Tallawahs at 19:00 hrs.

Saturday July 7, the Amazon Warriors play the St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots at 12:00 hrs Sunday July 9, the Amazon Warriors renew their rivalry with Trinbago Knight Riders at 19:00 hrs The Guyana leg closes on Tuesday when the Amazon Warriors face the St. Lucia Zouks at 19:00hrs

22

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

THURSDAY, JULY 7, 2016

Guptill wary of “Gayle Force”

By Akeem Greene

G

uyana Amazon Warriors is wary of the threat of Jamaica Tallawahs opening batsman Chris Gayle when they two sides clash today at Providence. Gayle is in good form thus in the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2016, with scores of a 38-ball 52 and then a brutal knock of 108 off 54 balls, smashing 11 sixes against the Trinbago Knight Riders.

In respect to those performances, Guptill said, “We look at how Trinidad bowl to him and try and do the opposite really, we got a couple of plans we will put in practice today [Wednesday] and try execute tomorrow [today].”

The New Zealander failed to disclose whether off-spinner Steven Jacobs

Hero Caribbean Premier League, Points table

Teams Jamaica Tallawahs Guyana Amazon Warriors St Kitts and Nevis Patriots Barbados Tridents Trinbago Knight Riders St Lucia Zouks

Martin Guptill

would be drafted into the final to the final eleven to stem the tide of the Gayle force.

Quizzed on how much the two victories on the

trot has helped the team, the batsman said, “it’s a good mood in the camp at the moment, the guys have played some really good cricket, for the first two games, we are expecting a tough game, Jamaica are a quality side and they got some world class players in their ranks.”

The wicket at Providence is known for is slow nature

Mat 2 2 4 2 4 2

Won 2 2 1 1 1 1

Lost 0 0 3 1 3 1

Tied 0 0 0 0 0 0

and the opening batsman who spent two years with the Warriors previously believes application by the batsmen is vital.

“Just take your time and enjoy your atmosphere out there, it’s a tough wicket to bat on and bowl as well, so we going to execute our plans to be best of our ability, most of the guys have played here before, there is only one of two that have not played so we are looking forward to it”, Guptill stated.

On the other side of the coin, Tallawahs all-rounder

N/R 0 0 0 0 0 0

Pts 4 4 2 2 2 2

Net RR +0.525 +0.301 +0.450 +0.105 -0.301 -1.236

Ravmon Powell expressed that his team can withstand the test of the Warriors even if Gayle does not fire.

“To be h o n e s t there is no pressure, if Gayle f i r e s , G a y l e fires, you got to look at the line up and realise there is a Kumar Sangakkara, there is Shakib Al Hasan, there is a Imad Wasim, there is also a Ravmon

Ravmon Powell

Powell, there are a lot of batters than have done well on a slow tract in Guyana, we [do]not feel pressured a s a batting unit”, Powell asserted.

Corona is the official beer Leewards to debut against Jamaica at Providence for CPL W C WICB 2016 Regional Women’s 50 Overs Tournament

ith the HERO C a r i b b e a n Premier League 2016 bowling off tonight in Guyana, fans will be able to enjoy Corona Extra at all the matches at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

Guyana Amazon Warriors representative, Trevor Bassoo welcomed the efforts made by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Top Brandz Distributors, Wayne James for making this the fourth consecutive year that Corona Beer is the official pour beer at Providence for the biggest party in sport.

Bassoo, in looking to

the future, pointed out his optimism in future partnerships with the Amazon Warriors and Corona beer.

He noted that “the Amazon Warriors are in this year’s edition of the CPL as crowd favourites, we missed the opportunity to bring home the cup three times but this year we have a well-rounded team, management and good support from our sponsors.”

“We have Xcite, El dorado, the Guyana Tourism Authority and today Corona Extra.” Bassoo said The Guyana Amazon Warriors have won their opening two matches in the competition so far and

are looking to capitalize on their home advantage beginning against the destructive and powerful Tallawahs.

Guyana Amazon Warriors goes up against the Jamaica based franchise tonight at 19:00 hrs while on Saturday, the Amazon Warriors will face St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots at 12:00 hrs. Action Continues on Sunday with the Amazon Warriors renewing rivalry with Trinbago Knight Riders at 19:00hrs and the last match in Guyana, the Amazon Warriors battle with St. Lucia Zouks at 19:00hrs.

Ramdin tweets of exclusion from Test squad

W

icketkeeper Denesh Ramdin has indicated he will not be part of West Indies' squad in the upcoming series against India, which begins in Antigua on July 21. West Indies have not announced their squad yet, but Ramdin gave his fans a "heads up" on Twitter, suggesting the "new chairman" had spoken to him of his sacking.

The former West Indies captain tweeted “ What a rainy day,lil heads up for shotta 80 fans wouldn't be playin in test series vs http://india.new chairman says my avg isn't Gud” Courtney Browne, the former West Indies wicketkeeper, had replaced Clive Lloyd as West Indies' chairman of selectors in June.

Ramdin has played 74 Tests and has scored 2898 runs at an average of 25.87.

He captained West Indies in 13 Tests before Jason Holder replaced him in September

Denesh Ramdin has scored half-centuries in his two most recent Test innings

2015. Ramdin scored 59 and 62 in his most recent Test innings, during West Indies' 2015-16 tour of Australia, and alluded to those scores while voicing his frustration.

In a subsequent tweet, the Trinidadian gloveman stated “Last 2 innings over 60 vs Australia down un-

der but not good to play anymore.”

West Indies have not played any Tests since that tour. In their last international assignment, the ODI tri-series last month, Ramdin scored 197 runs at 28.14, with a highest of 91 against Australia in Bridgetown.

— team here to compete rather than participate — Coach Daniels

oach of the Leeward Islands women’s team, Percy Daniels, says his team is here to compete rather than participate as he looks forward to a competitive tournament starting today. His side will play their first match of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) women’s tournament against Jamaica at the Everest Cricket Club ground.

“We will want to compete rather than to participate, but one must be cognizant of the fact that the Leeward Island in terms of the women is now embarking on hard ball cricket” said the former Leeward Island batsman.

In previous tournament the Leeward Islands territories played as separate teams, however, they have been integrated for this event, so the coach as well as his team is inexperience at this level and will debut in this tournament against Jamaica. Following their debut match, they will play Windward Islands, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, and finally defending champions Barbados.

“Prior to the communication to the Leeward Islands that they have to present or have a team in this women competition most of the girls were playing softball or wind ball cricket. As a result of the information they decided that they would start playing some hard ball competition. Subsequently there was an organized Leewards premier competition and the three territory in that tournament was Antigua, Nevis and St. Kitts, they played about three T20 games along with three 50 over games and from that the team was selected.”

According to Daniels, af-

Percy Daniels

ter the six matches were played a training squad was named to participate in a five day training camp and finally the fourteen member squad was announced.

Relating to the area where he expects his team to excel at, Daniels was keen to state the bowling, but is uncertain of the other areas.”Excel? I don’t think we will excel in most of the areas. What I think will happen; in terms of the bowling most of the players in my opinion show a degree of confidence in that area more than the other areas as it relates to cricket. The batting department would not be as expected because the transformation from softball to this particular game, it does something to even men more so women, especially play-

ing for the first time.”

Nevertheless, Daniels who is also the Leeward Island Hurricanes assistant coach said it is a learning experience for himself and his team, but because of his players’ eagerness he reiterated to what he had earlier said about his team coming here to compete and not to merely participate.

When questioned about the predicted level of competition the tournament is expected to bring due to it being the first regional tournament since the West Indies women won the World T20 and the contrasting pitches in Guyana to those in the Leewards. Daniel said, “I do expect the tournament to be competitive…..

Well, in Guyana it will suit us because if you get in on a wicket that is relatively fast it would be a disadvantage to our batters; the slower the ball comes onto them, because of that lack of experience the better is it they would play. So playing in Guyana is a plus in terms of our batting. Again as it relates to our bowling, because we are not fast bowler, as a batsman when you are expecting the ball to be coming fast and it comes slow, it can cause batsmen to misjudge and miss-hook, giving us wickets”, he detailed.

Leeward Islands: Shawnisha Hector (C), Saneldo Willett (VC), Amanda Edwards, Jenisen Richards, Terez Barker, Eldora Sylvester, Sherma Jackson, Grace Persaud, Melicia Clarke, Jasmine Clarke, Davanna Claxton, RozelLiburd, Kimberly Dookhan, and Kerisha Powell. The Manager is Kattian Baltimore and the Coach is Percy Daniel.

The game is scheduled to start at 9:45 hours.

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

THURSDAY, JULY 7, 2016

Hero Caribbean Premier League 2016…

23

Warriors, Tallawahs top of table clash P

oints leaders Jamaica Tallawahs and Guyana Amazon Warriors will play on Providence’s bowler friend-

not be an option for slower bowlers but for batsmen or players who are familiar with the track and can play the spinners well.

Dwayne Smith

ly pitch when they clash for the first time in this year’s Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) here in Guyana. In CPL match nine, it will be a case of the powerhouse Tallawahs which is led by power hitting batsman Chris Gayle against the consistent and purposeful Amazon Warriors.

Both teams have gotten off to good starts, playing smart cricket prior to this match to remain unbeaten. Gayle’s specials in the first two matches gave the Tallawahs the tempo they needed. While a collective effort by the Warriors has given them two important wins to be joined on points atop the table with the Tallawahs.

However, this time around the pitch is to be of some worry as would Gayle or Kumar Sangakkara Russell for the Tallawahs or Dwayne Smith or Martin Guptill for the Warriors. On previous occasions, matches played here turned out to be low scorers in bowler dominated encounters.

As a result, team selection is very important to this match and both teams are expected to make changes because the pitch at Providence is well known for its slow and low nature. It also aids the spinners somewhat. In that case the changes might

As with any team he plays for, Gayle is expected to lead with the bat along with Chadwick Walton and Shakib Al Hassan, who are expected to play key roles. Guyanese batsman Jonathan Foo who is in the Tallawahs line up but yet to play a game, could get his first game because of his familiarity with the pitch. Foo’s inclusion may be further justified with the Tallawahs resting Andre Russell for this match. Andre McCarthy or all-rounder Rovman Powell could make way for left arm spinner Gary Mathurin.

Meanwhile, the Warriors may go for off-spinner Steven Jacobs instead of VeerasammyPermaul.

His selection can add to the Warriors’ cause, especially since the aforementioned Tallawahs’ top order includes three left-handers.

West Indies U-19 captain ShimronHetmyer can also make his CPL debut to prop up the Warriors batting which look feeble in the middle and lower orders. If Hetmyer and Jacobs were to play it would more than likely be at the expense of Paul Wintz and Permaul or even big hitting all-rounder Christopher Barnwell.

However, if the Providence pitch plays differently and the teams remain unchanged, then the spectators will be in for an exhilarating

match with key players like Gayle, Sangakkara, Shakib and Dale Steyn for the Tallawahs and Smith, Guptill, Chris Lynn and SohairTanvir for the host.

The toss will be important with teams traditionally opting to bowl and most cases they are successful in their run chase.

There is rain in the air and that can be a concern as well where Duckworth Lewis may come in to play.

Not to forget the ever present dew which will make gripping the ball in the night a tedious task.

In last year’s encounter at Providence between these teams not a ball was bowled in a complete washout, the first such instance at Providence in CPL. The Warriors are looking to press home the advantage and to defend their home territory while the Tallawahs will look to reign on their parade to maintain their pole position.

Chris Gayle

Jamaica- Chris Gayle (captain), Shakib Al Hasan, Andre Russell, Kumar Sangakkara, ImadWasim, Dale Steyn, Rovman Powell, Chadwick Walton, Jon-Russ Jaggesar, Andre McCarthy, Jonathan Foo, Alex Ross, Keswick Williams, Nkrumah

Bonner, GareyMathurin, Timroy Allen and Oshane Thomas.

Guyana- Martin Guptill (captain), SohailTanvir, Dwayne Smith, Chris Lynn, RayadEmrit, Adam Zampa, Jason Mohammad, Christopher Barnwell, VeerasammyPermaul,

Orlando Peters, Assad Fudadin, Shimron Hetmyer, Anthony Bramble, Paul Wintz, Steven Jacobs, Steven Katwaroo, Muhammad Ahsan Ali Khan.

The match is scheduled to start at 19:00 hrs.

THURSDAY, JULY 7, 2016

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

Warriors, Tallawahs top of table clash

Corona is the official beer at Providence for CPL

Pg 23

Pg 22

Top Brandz CEO Wayne James and Amazon Warriors Representative Trevor Bassoo

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