Binder2

Guyana accredits Filipino non-resident Ambassador P13 Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyana-times.com

Issue No. 2972

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Thursday, September 8, 2016

SARA Bill deeply flawed, provides for harassment, political victimisation – Private Sector See story on page 3

BaiShanLin still controls 441,079 hectares of State forest Page 17

– has separate arrangements with 5 local logging companies

PRICE

$80 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Greenidge P7 investigates veracity of Ambassador’s conviction

NCN News Anchor saga

“Pregnancy natural, should be celebrated” – President ... CEO asked to apologise

Page 10

Vendors uprooted to make way for palm trees Page 9

Evicted P17 Robb Street vendors to return today – mull legal action against M&CC over spoilt perishables

Bandits beat, rob Black Bush Polder P7 family Trafficking in Persons fines

Govt Task Force condemns Chief Magistrate’s P5 ruling

…several out of business, project condemned Vendors who ply their trade on the Anna Regina road shoulders to earn a living were removed from the area to facilitate the planting of palm trees by the Region Two Administration. In photo, a painter is seen painting the barricade with palm trees in the background

Bedridden man perishes in Berbice fire Page 5

Farmer sues Region 4 Vice Chairman P14

2

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

news

3

thursDAY, september 8, 2016 | guyana-times.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, September 8 – 09:00h-10:30h and Friday, September 9 – 10:00h-11:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, September 8 – 07:55h-09:25h and Friday, September 9 – 08:50h-10:20h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Thundery to heavy rain showers with chances of sunshine are expected throughout the day while thundery showers with light cloud cover can be expected in the evening, with temperatures ranging between 24 degrees and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to East North-easterly between 1.34 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 08:33h and 20:51h reaching maximum heights of 2.32 metres and 2.31 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 02:23h reaching a minimum height of 0.95 metre

wednesday, september 7, 2016

LOTTERY NUMBERS I

02 06 13 19 22 23 17 Bonus Ball

FREE TICKET

Daily Millions

07

08 09 12 24

LUCKY 3 9

3 2

4

Afternoon Draw

7

2

Evening Draw

Draw De Line 03 05 06 09 10

11 13

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

SARA Bill deeply flawed, provides for harassment, political victimisation – Private Sector

T

he proposed State Asset Recovery Bill proposed by Government, is not only deeply flawed but is inconsistent with many of the fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution of Guyana, and as such, must be reviewed in that context.

This was the stern warning given by the Private Sector Commission (PSC) on Wednesday when that body for the first time formally objected to the provisions of the proposed SARA Bill.

The local Private Sector umbrella body in a strongly worded missive said it is of the view that all assets or resources belonging to State “that were unlawfully or criminally transferred to any beneficiary must be recovered and returned to the State once such unlawful

ly victimised,” the body also said.

In lambasting the draft SARA Bill, the Private Sector representative body drew reference to the fact that the Bill has been drafted from the perspective “that the Government of Guyana does not know what it owns or what the State has lost over the years and as such it provides all-encompassing investigative and surveillance

Judiciary and further questions the need for Ministers to designate to the Director and staff of SARA, “as they see fit, the power of a revenue or customs officer, of a Police Officer and immigration officer rather than requesting collaboration and coordination of efforts amongst these agencies.”

According to the PSC, it is of the view that that the SARA Bill is premature and redun-

“…the Government of Guyana does not know what it owns or what the State has lost over the years, and as such, it provides all-encompassing investigative and surveillance powers to the Director and staff of the Agency to snoop around into private accounts and financial records of citizens to determine what assets of the State were lost and need to be recovered.” transactions become known and criminal convictions obtained.”

This, however, has to be done within the confines of the Guyana Constitution.

The Private Sector body made its position known, having consulted with its legal representation and has since committed to making known its objections to the SARA Bill to the Attorney General and members of the legislature.

Political victimisation

“The SARA Bill 2016 is not a good signal to investors who will require access to State resources such as land, licences, access rights etc, as the Bill provides opportunities for legitimate investors to be harassed and political-

powers to the Director and staff of the Agency to snoop around into private accounts and financial records of citizens to determine what assets of the State were lost and need to be recovered.”

According to the Private Sector body, “this is a complete affront to the fundamental rights of citizens and if such powers are granted, they can be used to marginalise, suppress and take advantage of vulnerable members of the population through political intimidation.”

SARA Director

The PSC, said, it is extremely concerned that the powers provided to the Director of SARA will blur the lines of separation of functions of the Executive and the

dant since many of the intelligence gathering mechanism have already been enacted in the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Legislation and included in the mandate of the Integrity Commission, both of which have not been fully functional to date.

The PSC has since called on the Executive and members of the “legislature of

our country to completely reexamine the dangers to civil liberties modelled by this Bill in the context of the fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.”

The public stated position of the Private Sector body echoes that of many other civil society bodies, many of which have questioned not only the proposed powers of the SARA Director but the Bill in its entirety.

During a recent public consultation forum on the SARA Bill, organised by the parliamentary Opposition – the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) – stakeholders expressed grave concerns about the dangers of the passage of this piece of legislation. Former Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall were among those to question the provisions of the Bill since in its current construct, “creates an environment that encourages the violation of individuals’ constitutional rights and undermines the rule of law since it confers powers 10 times greater than those of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) on a sole individual – the Director of the Agency.

Currently, this post is occupied by Professor Clive Thomas who will, upon the passage of the SARA Bill, become the most powerful man in the country second to President David Granger.

The Bill is slated to be presented to the National Assembly for debate and possibly enactment when the House comes out of recess next month.

4

guyana-times.com

thursday, september 8, 2016

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

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

Editorial

The imperative of l iteracy in Guyana

B

y pure serendipity, the theme for this year's International Literacy Day (ILD) - the 50th since its inauguration - is "Reading the Past, Writing the Future”. It can just as truly be said: those that cannot read their past stand in danger of having others do the reading and then transmit a self-serving message driven by the latter's self-interest. In this way, the illiterate group's future can literally be "written" out of the arc of history.

While universal literacy was the goal of UNESCO from its formation in 1946, with an eye on the developmental needs of the Third World, the Teheran Conference that launched the ILD fifty years ago introduced a new term, "functional literacy". This went beyond mere "literacy" that allowed individuals to merely convert letters into phonics and, in the spirit of the times, was quite ideological. Functional literacy was seen as “as an essential element in overall development . . . closely linked to economic and social priorities and to present and future manpower needs”.

[The Conference] “accepted the new concept of functional literacy, which implied more than the rudimentary knowledge of reading and writing that is often inadequate and sometimes chimerical. Literacy instruction must enable illiterates, left behind by the course of events and producing too little, to become socially and economically integrated in a new world order where scientific and technological progress calls for ever more knowledge and specialization."

For years, the ideological debate continued within UNESCO as to what constituted "functional literacy".

Coincidentally however, just a year after Teheran, the author William Grey offered a definition of "functional literacy" that is quite close to what is commonly accepted today: “a person is functionally literate when he has acquired the knowledge and skills in reading and writing which enable him to engage effectively in all those activities in which literacy is normally assumed in his culture or group.”

The question arises by this measure, how literate are we in Guyana? According to the official statistics, Guyana has a literacy rate of 88.5%. But from the criteria above it should be clear to most readers that this measurement is related to the original measure of "literacy" - that is, to be able to make sounds that corresponds to letters. It certainly does not measure up to William Grey's definition of functional literacy, which at least offers some rationale as to why literacy should be valued and striven for.

But from this year's theme, it is clear that the world is now setting a much higher bar for "literacy"; one that is quite relevant for Guyana today. We are in the midst of a claim that has been made against England and a number of other European states for "Reparations" for the effects of slavery on descendants of Africans who were dragged across the Atlantic. The eradication of those effects have also prompted the UN to declare that countries take action during the ongoing "Decade for People of African Descent".

Citizens of this country must be literate at a level where they can "read the past" to understand the argument for Reparations and the reasons proffered by England for rejecting those claims.

Next year will also be the 100th Anniversary of the Abolition of Indentureship of - in order of arrival - freed West Indian ex-slaves, Portuguese, Africans rescued from European slave ships, Indians and Chinese. There have been several claims and counter claims by activists in the several ethnic communities that are grounded in historical circumstances which must also be "read" and evaluated.

Additionally, there are the lands that have been allocated to Indigenous Peoples based on a "reading of the past" that has been disputed by some.

All these matters and others that are in dispute can only be settled so we can collectively "write a future" if each citizen are literate enough to read and evaluate the evidence on their own. This is the "literacy" that Guyana needs.

Children wend their way through a flooded Quamina Street in Georgetown after school on Wednesday afternoon

Time to demonstrate seriousness of border controversy

Dear Editor, “The Secretary General praised the willingness of Presidents David Granger and Nicolás Maduro to uphold their countries’ tradition of dialogue, while a path toward resolution of the controversy is crafted that will be beneficial to both countries and their peoples. ”The foregoing is an excerpt from the statement by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon following his meeting with Presidents Granger and Maduro during last year's United Nations (UN) General Assembly.

At that time, and even now, it remains to me unclear what the Secretary General means by "while a path toward resolution of the controversy is crafted that will bebeneficial to both countries and its peoples". How would the resolution of the controversy be beneficial to the two countries and their peoples other than through some new arrangement(s) through which Venezuela gets something? The evidence which would be presented in the judicial process will certainly be in Guyana's favour since Guyana's position is firmly rooted in international law and therefore would have the current demarcations remain intact.

However, there continues

to be a school of thought in some circles that shared or joint exploitation of the resources of the Essequibo region including its maritime space would represent "a path toward resolution of the controversy that will bebeneficial to both countries and their peoples."

This path is unacceptable and such thinking must be countered in no uncertain terms.

At a press conference at the UN last year, President Granger said that it could not be lost on the Secretary General that the resources of the Essequibo region and the waters off its coast belong to Guyana and will be developed for the benefit ofGuyanese.

It will soon be one year since the UN Secretary General would have this issue before him to rule on a mechanism for resolving this controversy.

Wednesday, I was invited to be a part of a round table discussion on the Venezuelan controversy, with Guyana and again the suggestion of joint or shared exploitation of the resources, especially Guyana's oil and gas resources emerged as a popular school of thought, if not argument in support of ending the controversy. I posed the question whether one can expect Ban Ki-

moon to rule on a mechanism before he leaves office at year's end and the answer was a resounding no.

None of the participants expect him to do so and a majority was confident he wouldn't and perhaps is of the view he shouldn't. It is said that former US Vice President Dick Cheney's internal code name for the Iraq war was "Operation Iraqi Liberation"...oil.

Notwithstanding the movement toward green energy, oil and gas will remain critical commodities in the conduct of international relations and geo-politics.

So what does this mean for Guyana? In my view, Guyana must continue to push ahead with the development of our oil industry but we must be cognisant of the geo politics associated with this industry, particularly against the backdrop of what future governments of Venezuela and the United States may turn out to be. At yesterday's forum, there were maps of Guyana and Venezuela mounted. The Venezuelan map did not have the "Zona Reclamacion" wording. From my reading, it seemed that the word Venezuela was spread right across the map to include the area that previously would have been identified as the "zone to be

reclaimed". If my reading is accurate, this map suggests that Venezuela has "taken back" what is not theirs.

It is clear that Venezuela is relentless in maintaining its claim. It is also clear that the Opposition in Venezuela and the Venezuelan Diaspora is convinced that the claim is valid and must be pursued.

This was clear during yesterday's forum.

I must therefore once again point to the need for Guyana to intensify its public outreach efforts to help shape public opinion in its favour. It is time that President Granger meet with the editorial board of the New York Times, Washington Post and other influential dailies and that our embassies, consulates and Diaspora organisations reach out to various organisations such as the Council for the Americas not merely to inform and educate various audiences as to invalidity of the Venezuelan claim but to demonstrate the seriousness of this issue and the negative impact it potentially has for the future development of our country and the quality of life of Guyanese.

Regards, Wesley Kirton

Sports development

Dear Editor, In another section of the media under the headline, “GOA pledges $1m yearly for BAIRD… NSC to help UG scholarship athletes”, I believe this is Guyana's downfall with sports development. Why is it that I can't read a headline that say's that Guyanese athletes will receive fully pledged financial support from all stake holders, which in-

cludes the GOA, AAG, GTU, NSC, GDF, PS, GPF and the Ministry of Education/ Sports? I have preached it a million times over that Guyana is not prepared financially to undertake the full cost of the development of athletes to rub shoulders with elite athletes of the globe. Why is the GOA reaching out to the NSC to 'lend assistance?' Why is the GOA hoping that the GDF

will pitch in to help "BAIRD' who is employed/works by/ for that agency? The 2017 World Championships is slated for London, has Guyana identified which potential athletes they have currently in preparation for this meet? Or is it the usual that at the last minute, we will select persons and expect them to medal? On the other hand I am grateful to witness the financial help

pledged to athletes heading off overseas for training/preparation, but I honestly do not foresee myself jumping out my seat with Guyana qualifying for any finals with the locally based athletes anytime soon… triple-jumper and USA based athlete, Troy Doris, is an exception.

Yours faithfully, T Pemberton

news

5

thursday, september 8, 2016| guyana-times.com

Trafficking in Persons fines

Govt Task Force condemns Chief Magistrate’s ruling

Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan

T

he Ministerial Task Force on Trafficking in Persons (TIP) has registered its concern over the court ruling on Monday

by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan that Joyce Lawrence pay her 16-yearold female relative $884,000 in restitution or serve 12 months in prison.

Lawrence was additionally fined $50,000 with an alternative of eight weeks in prison for the TIP offence.

In a statement criticising the sentencing issued late Wednesday, the Task Force noted that it was “pleased” that a conviction was achieved as the prosecution was able to establish that Lawrence, of Lot 306 Tract ‘X’ Plantation, Grove, East Bank Demerara, was indeed the perpetrator of the crime.

However, the Task Force expressed anger that both sentences were non-custodial, noting that Guyana’s legislation includes specific “mandatory terms of imprisonment on summary conviction” for such offences.

“The Task Force acknowledges that Her Worship, the Chief Magistrate, would have considered the details of the case in a manner deemed as just and suitable for the crime committed. It is understood that the crime of Trafficking In Persons can be perpetrated in different ways, that no two cases are exactly the same, and that there are fundamen-

tal differences between labour exploitation and sexual exploitation.”

However, the concern of the Task Force is concentrated on the fact that the decision to not have the perpetrator serve mandatory jail time set a precedent, especially given that the survivor was a minor.

“It is of utmost importance that offenders are dealt with in such a manner that it will serve as a strong deterrent to other potential perpetrators, thus reducing incidence of these crimes in the future,” the Task Force’s statement noted.

Further, the Legal Issues Sub-Committee of the Task Force pointed to Section 3 (1) of the Combating Trafficking in Persons Act, No 2 of 2005, which states that, “Whoever engages in or conspires to engage in, or attempts to engage in, or assist another person to engage in or organises or directs other persons to engage in “Trafficking In Persons” shall – (i) on summary conviction (a) be sentenced to not less than three years, nor more than five years imprisonment; (b) be subject to forfeiture of property under section 7; and (c) be ordered to pay full restitution to the trafficked person or persons under section 6.”

The Unit, therefore, recommended that the sentence in Lawrence’s case should have included jail time.

“This case ought to have included a term of imprisonment in addition to the restitution ordered by the court,” the Task Force stated.

The Ministerial Task Force on Trafficking in Persons, however, cautioned that it “does not seek to criticise esteemed officials regarding the carrying out of

Bedridden man perishes in Berbice fire old mother, Sherry-Ann Mangroo was rescued by a grandson. According to the pensioner, she was awakened by heat and smoke.

She told this publication that she managed to run out to the veranda and shout for help.

Her 25-year-old grandson went to her rescue and lifted her to safety, but by the time he went back to the house for his uncle, the

er flat of building because his illness confined him to a bed.

The woman said she cooked once per day and had done so several hours prior to the blaze, which started in the lower flat of the building.

Meanwhile, firefighters were able to save a nearby building, which was threatened by the fire. After extinguishing the fire, Samaroo’s

A

Dead; Parsram Samaroo

TIP accused Joyce Lawrence

their functions”, and further expressed that it “recognises their commitment to the cause of eradicating Trafficking In Persons from our shores”.

The Task Force noted that it was committed to working with the judicial and prosecutorial authorities in Guyana to improve efforts in ensuring that penalties meted out to perpetrators of human trafficking are commensurate with the offence committed and act as effective deterrents to potential offenders.

The defendant had been on trial for the offence almost two years before she was found guilty on Monday. The charges stated that between December 12 and 14, 2014, at Samatta Point, Grove, the defendant transported her niece, who was at the time a minor, by means of threat.

It was further alleged that between December 1 and 28, 2014, at a night club in Aishalton, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), Lawrence again trafficked the minor by means of threat.

Lawrence, who was also the young female’s employer, was also accused of unlawfully withholding the girl’s identification card.

95-year-old woman was rescued from her burning home on Tuesday night, but her 64-year-old bedridden son perished in the fire.

Dead is Parsram Samaroo, also called Isaac.

His charred remains were removed from the Lot 19 Adelphi, East Berbice home shortly after, in the wee hours of Wednesday.

Samaroo was bedridden and was in the lower flat of the 10’x16’ two-storey wooden building.

The dead man’s 95-year-

The ruins of the house

lower flat was already engulfed.

According to the woman, she kept her son on the low-

remains were discovered.

Samaroo leaves to mourn his mother and three brothers.

Shot cambio dealer recovering

T

he cambio dealer, who was shot and robbed at the Georgetown/ Vreed-en-Hoop Stelling, is recovering well after undergoing surgery at the Woodlands Hospital.

Mahendra Deonarine was shot on Tuesday as he was returning home after transacting business in the city.

According to reports, Deonarine was travelling with a large sum of money

Recovering: Mahendra Deonarine

when the perpetrator approached him and attempted to relieve him of his bag.

After Deonarine refused to comply, the gunman fired one shot to his stomach, before fleeing with the bag of money.

Deonarine is a 40-yearold father of four, who resides in Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara with his wife.

No one has been arrested as investigations continue.

6

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

Page

Foundation

Setting up the family for a successful school year - 3 science-based strategies to help stay on track with family goals

BY SHIMI KANG MD

W

ith the official end of summer and start of school, come changes to routines, new schedules, and certain adjustments. This sudden change of pace for families can sometimes leave parents feeling like they are performing a difficult juggling act! While some children will be excited to see all their friends together again, others may groan at the thought of recess being their only time during the day to play. Still, each young person is hopefully commencing a school year filled with tremendous personal growth and learning. By considering the three researchbacked strategies below, parents and educators can help children succeed both inside and outside the classroom during this transition and throughout the school year.

sire to be home for mealtime with their children and prioritising this at the expense of not being able to progress on an important, but not necessarily pressing, work report. Another strategy is recognising when progress on a goal is falling short and then recruiting help. For example, parents may hire someone to help with household cleaning to free up time for goal-relevant activities with

their children are likely benefit too. Being a positive role model is likely to be more effective than attempts to convince adolescents to be physically active. These choices to be physically active may be life changing as well.

A longitudinal study suggests that a physically active lifestyle starts to develop in very early childhood and that the level of physical activity in youth is likely to

their children such as watching some of their sports games. Taking family goals seriously and taking steps to achieve them can go a long way towards reaching the right work-life balance.

persist into adulthood. Even just a regular family stroll around the neighbourhood after dinner, instead watching an extra episode of the latest and greatest television show, could be the extra daily movement you and your children engage in together.

Use control strategies to meet family goals

With the share of twoparent households in which both parents work full time at 46 per cent in the US, up from 31 per cent in 1970, time has become a limited resource. Indeed, more than half (56 per cent) of working parents say it is difficult for them to balance the responsibilities of their job with the responsibilities of their family. Just like companies set and monitor strategic goals for the year to position the organisation favourably for the future, there are benefits to setting and sticking to family goals. To reduce conflicts over lack of time, research shows that employing control strategies to meet family goals can reduce stress.

These strategies include parents reminding themselves of the importance of their family goal in relation to other goals, such as the de-

guyana-times.com

Fit in time to be fit

Modern life makes monitoring your child’s participation in physical activity necessary. With the pervasiveness of technology, less spontaneous and unstructured play, and less active transportation to school and other places, there is a need to prioritize being active. Research shows that when parents are exhibiting healthy exercise habits,

Foster resiliency

We know parental attachments are vital in developing resiliency for children in their early life. But schools and teachers also have a critical role to play in helping their students develop the resiliency to deal with day-to-day problems.

Implementing resiliency programmes, such as the Penn

Resiliency Programme, “promotes optimism by teaching students to think more realistically and flexibly about the problems they encounter”. There is a strong case to supplement existing school curriculum with these wellbeing programmes as an estimated 2.8 million adolescents aged 12 to 17 in the United States experienced at least one major depressive episode in the past year.

Fostering coping skills such as assertiveness, creative brainstorming, decision-making, and relaxation by focusing on young peoples’ strengths and promoting positive social relationships can be part of the solution. In one study, 191 preschool teachers generally agreed that developing children’s resiliency is important and that programmes are an effective way to develop preschool children’s resiliency. However, there was less agreement among the teachers that they were adequately prepared to implement resiliency programmes and were not confident in their school’s support for implementing these programmes.

Educators should consider designing and supplementing their core-subject lessons in ways that also teach children how to cope and manage what is bothering them.

While we strive to balance our own needs and interests as well as sharing our time with all those we are close with, it’s important to remember that it’s a marathon, not a sprint. There will always be those weeks that seem crazy busy. But, if we focus on what matters in our lives, elevate our heart rate habitually, and develop resiliency to deal with those tough times, a year of good physical and mental health is possible for us all! (psychologytoday.com)

Parents: 19 meaningful questions you should ask your child’s teacher

BY TERRY HEICK

B

interactions, but – well, that’s kind of the point.

Just don’t ask them all at once. In fact, maybe pick two and hope for the best.

ack-to-school content is usually focused on teachers and students, and as these two groups will have the largest workload ahead of them, that makes sense.

But for students, the ultimate support system is not an expert teacher, but an informed and supportive family. One of the most significant challenges facing formal education in the United States is the chasm separating schools and communities. The more informed a family is, the more seamlessly they’ll connect to so many other educonstructs, from extracurricular activities and tutoring to reading programmes and school-related events.

While schools (hopefully) work to update themselves and the way students learn

1. What academic standards do you use, and what do I need to know about them?

2. How will you respond if or when my child struggles in class?

3. What are the most important and complex (content-related) ideas my child needs to understand by the end of the year?

4. Do you focus on strengths or weaknesses?

5. How are creativity and innovative thinking used on a daily basis in your classroom?

6. How is critical thinking used on a daily basis in your classroom?

7. How are assessments

within them, many parents have to work with what’s available to them. With the exception of in-depth content like Edutopia’s guides, much of the “parent stuff” you’ll find through Googling is decent enough, but it can be surface level or otherwise completely unrelated to process of learning. Some common examples: * “Ask them what they did today.” * “Help them with homework.” * “Help them with separation anxiety.” * “Talk to them about their struggles.” * “Get them a tutor.”

But these kind of topical interactions aren’t always enough, nor do they do anything at all to create transparency between schools and communities.

So, in pursuit of that transparency, below are some questions to better clarify what’s happening in the classroom, and then help you decide on the kind of non-superficial actions you can perform at home to truly support the learning of your child. Many of the questions may seem a bit direct, but I don’t know any teachers who would take offense to them.

In fact, most of my colleagues would welcome the kind of added capacity that questions like these could lead to. Many of these questions are rarely the subject of parent-teacher

designed to promote learning rather than simple measurement?

8. What can I do to support literacy in my home?

9. What kinds of questions do you suggest that I ask my children on a daily basis about your class?

10. How exactly is learning personalised in your classroom? In the school?

11. How do you measure academic progress?

12. What are the most common instructional or literacy strategies you will use this year?

13. What learning models do you use (eg, project-based learning, mobile learning, game-based learning, etc), and what do you see as the primary benefits of that approach?

14. What are the best school or district resources that we should consider using as a family to support our child in the classroom?

15. Is there technology you’d recommend that can help support my child in selfdirected learning?

16. What are the most common barriers you see to academic progress in your classroom?

17. How is education changing?

18. How do you see the role of the teacher in the learning process?

19. What am I not asking but should be? (www.edutopia.org)

Questions your child’s teacher would (probably) love to answer

news

7

THURsday, september 8, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Bandits beat, rob Black Greenidge investigates veracity of Ambassador’s conviction Bush Polder family − to make recommendation

A

Black Bush Polder fisherman and his wife were on Tuesday evening attacked, beaten and robbed by several armed gunmen. The bandits carted off an undisclosed sum of money and a quantity of jewellery.

Reports are that 37-yearold Bibi Khundbux went to the washroom about 21:00h and was confronted by a man armed with a cutlass.

She reportedly raised an alarm, but as her husband, Amar Boodhoo, ran to her rescue, he was attacked by two other men who were already in the house.

He was reportedly chopped to the chest and dealt several lashes to the body by one of the men who demanded cash

and jewellery. Out of fear, the couple handed over a bag with cash and all the jewellery they had at home to the bandits who made good their escape.

The Police were summoned and as a result of their quick response, two of the men were apprehended. The suspects are now assisting with the investigations. Despite the increasing number of armed robberies, the Guyana Police Force has reported that serious crimes have declined by 17 per cent when compared to the previous year’s figures.

However, this robbery came hours after a woman was drugged and robbed in her Parika, East Bank Essequibo house.

It was reported that Bonita

Lallaram was on her bed when she was startled by a hand on her neck, but before she could react, a tissue was placed over her nose and she passed out.

The bandits then ransacked the entire house, carting off an undisclosed sum of money and a quantity of jewellery. The woman was later found in an unconscious state with tissue stuffed in her mouth by her nine-year-old son.

Also, on Monday, Farah Mohamed, 33, and her brother, Navin Mulidhar, were beaten and robbed by seven gunmen who carried out a brazen robbery on their Parfaite Harmonie business. They were relieved of an undisclosed sum of money and a quantity of jewellery.

Cummings Lodge murder

“Chucky” charged for aunt’s murder

P

olice have instituted charges against Azad Ally, 22, also called “Chucky” for the murder of his aunt, Anita Mohan, whose battered body was found in the kitchen of her Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara home on Sunday evening.

The charges were instituted based on recommendations by the Director of Public Prosecutions and more so, based on the fact that the young man has allegedly confessed to the murder. He is set to make his court appearance at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court today.

However, Police are still on the hunt for his accomplice.

In a recent twist to the murder, the nephew allegedly told detectives that his now dead aunt sold drugs at home apart from selling greens and vegetables during the day.

He revealed that on the day in question, a friend had purchased “drugs” from the woman and left.

He later returned and requested another package but on credit since he did not have money. He further stated that his now dead aunt refused to

Dead: Anita Mohan

give credit which led to an argument. It was during the argument, the suspect and his accomplice dealt the woman several blows to the head.

In an attempt to authenticate the statement, detectives revisited the scene to conduct additional searches but no illegal substance was found on the premises.

The body of the 48-year-old greens vendor was discovered by her son lying in a pool of blood after he returned home from work. He immediately raised an alarm and the Police were summoned. The woman’s head was bashed in and she had a single stab wound to

her chest.

A bloodied rolling pin suspected to be one of the murder weapons was found in close proximity of the body, as well as a broken beer bottle. A pair of wet three-quarter pants was found in the washing area which left investigators to believe that after committing the murder, the main suspect might have washed off the blood.

However, when contacted on Wednesday, Rosita Sarabjeet refuted the story given to the Police by Ally claiming that her sister was a greens vendor and was never involved in any illegal activities.

Meanwhile, an autopsy performed on Mohan’s body revealed that she sustained a chop to her head and one in the vicinity of her temple along with a stab wound to her chin and another in her mouth. The perpetrators also cut off a portion of her tongue and strangled her.

The sister noted that the body was handed over to the family and funeral arrangements are being made for Sunday. (Bhisham Mohamed)

to Cabinet on further action

T

he Foreign Affairs Ministry is currently reviewing the now public 2003 conviction of its Ambassador to Kuwait, Dr Shamir Ally, with a view of making recommendations to Cabinet as it regards the necessity of further action.

This was the expressed position of Vice President and Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge on Tuesday when confronted with recent reports that Dr Ally was in fact convicted in the United States for financial crimes.

Greenidge was at the time responding to members of the local media corps that sought clarification following an accreditation ceremony held at the Ministry of the Presidency.

“I have seen one of the publications and we are investigating – trying to establish the veracity and in determining the seriousness of the conviction,” Greenidge told the media.

The Foreign Affairs Minister did seek to assure media operatives “due diligence” had been undertaken for Dr Ally ahead of his ambassadorial appointment Speaking to his credentials, Vice President Greenidge reminded that, “Dr Ally was also a member of GoInvest; he had been on a number of other boards or bodies in Guyana.”

With regards to the current investigation by the Guyana Government into Dr Ally’s US conviction, Greenidge pointed to some of the hurdles in acquiring the necessary information through official channels.

“Sometimes, because the United States is a particularly big place and it operates not necessarily as a unitary Constitution, something may happen in one part and you can’t approach the US and get an answer, you have to approach the right state, the right courts and what have

Guyana’s Ambassador to Kuwait, Dr Shamir Ally

you… but we are looking at it.”

According to Greenidge, “we are looking at it and we will then make a recommendation to Cabinet as it regards the necessity for further actions.”

Guyana’s Kuwaiti Ambassador was in 2003 investigated and found guilty of dissemination of false financial information through a US registered company, Acrodyne Communications Inc. He had at the time copped a plea bargain agreement with the United States Government for a lesser sentence, and also paid a fine.

Dr Ally was appointed Guyana’s Ambassador to Switzerland under the current A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change Government, but was later seconded to Kuwait instead.

According to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr Ally was convicted of “the dissemination of false financial information” using his company, Acrodyne.

According to the SEC, Acrodyne’s former Finance Comptroller, Dr Ally and others “were aware of numerous and significant problems with Acrodyne’s accounting con-

trols, but failed to assure that Acrodyne’s financial transactions were accurately recorded”.

The SEC stated that as a result of Dr Ally and others, Acrodyne engaged in inaccurate and improper cost accounting and revenue recognition.

It also alleged that, starting in the second quarter of 1999 and continuing through the first quarter of 2000, Dr Ally directed that unsupported journal entries be made to the cost of sales and inventory accounts to bring Acrodyne’s financial statements in line with the gross margin percentage he had estimated for that period.

The SEC claimed that another of Dr Ally’s co-conspirators approved these fraudulent adjustments.

The US securities body had also claimed that another of Dr Ally’s co-conspirators recklessly provided false information to Acrodyne’s auditors relating to its guarantee of a customer’s debt.

In a related matter, in March 6, 2003, the SEC had also ordered Acrodyne to cease and desist from future violations of the anti-fraud, periodic reporting, and books and records provisions of the Exchange Act.

8 news

thursDAY, september 8, 2016 | guyana-times.com

IN THE COURTS

Grandfather, friend slapped with gun, ammo charges to prison and was scheduled to next appear before Magistrate Fabayo Azore on September 28, while Roberts

was also remanded to prison and scheduled to return to court on September 27.

Albouystown man charged with murder

T

Francis Roberts

Marlon King

wo men were remanded to prison when they appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer to charges of unlawful possession.

Francis Roberts, a 72-year-old grandfather, of Norton Street, Wortmanville and Marlon King, 50, also of Norton Street, Wortmanville both pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read separately to them.

It is alleged that on September 3, 2016, also at Norton Street, Roberts was found with one 12-gauge shotgun cartridge without being the holder of a firearm licence.

In addition, it is alleged that on September 3, 2016 at Norton Street, King had in his possession one .32 pistol and nine matching rounds of ammunition without being the holder of a firearm licence.

King was remanded

A

n Albouystown man was on Wednesday charged with the capital offence of murder when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Sherlon Mona, 44, of Lot 158 Nonpareil Street, Albouystown, was not required to plead to the indictable charge. It is alleged that on September 2, 2016 at White Creek Backdam, Essequibo, he murdered Ryan English called Arthur.

He is represented by Attorney-at-Law Sonia Parag.

Sherlon Mona

Magistrate McLennan remanded the father of six.

The case will continue at the Matthews Ridge Magistrate’s Court on October 31.

Eyew tness Bang for the...

Y ...buck in Cabinet?

our Eyewitness has been pretty harsh on ex-PPP turned AFC supporter, Sase Singh, over the last couple years. Like most new converts, he went over the top as he became a rabid critic of his old party and canonised his newfound friends. Your Eyewitness' point being that when it comes to politicians - who'll walk over their mother’s graves to get elected - you've got to take their pronouncements with a handful of salt.

Well… a year and a half down the road from the elections that squeezed Singh's buddies into office, he's singing a different tune; a very bitter and heartbroken tune. Your Eyewitness isn't one to say, "I told you so!"…

What's the point? But we have to give Singh a hat tip for at least making his disillusionment public. This will hopefully lead to a larger number of persons to appreciate why one of our earliest theorists on government called this entity a "Leviathan". And another to explain- "if men were angels we wouldn't need government…"

While Singh and any number of Guyanese may've become disillusioned with the PPP - for any number of reasons from not getting a big position, to not addressing abuses - eternal vigilance has to be the watchword when it comes to those to whom we confer power. It'd seem even back in the days of the bible this was the case - "the spirit may be winning" the good book advises, "but the flesh is weak"!

Anyhow, Singh pointed out a factoid that your Eyewitness doesn't think anyone realised - the total salary of the Cabinet is $1Billion annually! Can you believe that? Makes you remember the ironic comment of an American Legislator as he looked at the gargantuan expenditures of his government: "A billion here and a billion there and pretty soon you're talking about real money!"

This huge expenditure on the Cabinet, of course, came about because of the 50 percent pay raise they awarded themselves. Ain't that sweet - when you can literally write your own cheque! The explanation offered for the extraordinary salary bump was that it would stave off temptation for corruption. Well we now know the salary injection as immunisation against corruption certainly didn't work here in Guyana!

And why? Well the justifications for paying salaries above the norm in any field - like, say, in banks - is that the employees wouldn't want to lose their jobs. So they stick to the straight and narrow. But if the employees in this case the Cabinet Ministers - see that they can "do what they want" without any sanction from the boss, then the theory breaks down.

And this is where we are in Guyana, isn't it?

...the king

The Prince may be coming… but we already have the "King" - right here in Georgetown in the person of the Town Clerk; name’s Royston. And your Eyewitness already informed you that for good measure, the man's name "Roy" also means "King" in French. And Kings, you know, can do pretty much whatever the heck they feel like doing to those in their dominion.

So a couple of months ago, the vendors in front of Stabroek Market were herded off by the King from the square and shoehorned into the vacant lot of a private citizen, who said they had to vacate the place in three months. Which is just about NOW. Criticized for acting so high-handedly, the King promised he'd have a "permanent" spot for the vendors before their time was up.

Luckily, the vendors didn't hold their breath… because it was just announced there's NO alternate spot! The venders are on their own. Well not really. The King just evicted the vendors outside Bourda Market.

Misery loves company, nuh?

...bugs

A farmer asked an excellent question in our letters pages. When was the last time the Agri-chemicals importers applied for EPA permission to dump expired insect ideas?

Never! Meaning they dump the expired stuff of the farmers?

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

news

9

thursday, september 8, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Vendors uprooted to make way for palm trees …several out of business, project condemned

W

Palm trees planted where several roadside vendors once plied their trade

hile Region Two (PomeroonS u p e n a a m ) Regional Executive Officer Rupert Hopkinson and staff from the Region Two administration have seen it beneficial for the construction of wooden fences and the planting of Palm trees along the Anna Regina road shoulders, many residents have since criticised the move. The erection of the wooden fences on the road shoulders has since forced many Essequibo Coast vendors out of business. This is causing uproar in the region as vendors are very much dissatisfied that consultations were not held with them before the displacement and project commenced.

Vendors who usually occupy the area on Fridays have vented their disappointment, noting that the REO should have exercise his “conscience” given the state of the economy.

When Guyana Times

visited the area on Wednesday morning, the project of beautifying the surroundings in Anna Regina had commenced and persons were seen painting the fences. According to a worker that was on site, the project commenced a week ago and entailed the planting of palm trees. They said they were instructed by REO Hopkinson to execute the project. When contact was made with Regional Chairman Devanand Ramdatt, he said the Regional Democratic Council was never informed about the project.

“The Regional Executive Officer did not meaningfully engage the Anna Regina Town Council and other Local Authority Areas in his ill conceived tree planting exercise (Palm trees) and building of parks” Ramdatt said.

Ramdatt, who is the head of the RDC, said he categorically wishes to

state that the RDC rejects the fencing and illegal occupation of the reserve opposite the RDC building, since members of the public, the elderly and the differently able will have a longer distance to travel due to the parking area now being fenced off.

Ramdatt argued that the project is irrelevant at a time when several roads and bridges are waiting to be fixed. He said the RDC at its recent statutory meeting in the month of August, identified key development projects that needed urgent attention; however, these are yet to be addressed.

Vendors and residents are calling on Communities Minister Ronald Bulkhan to urgently intervene at a time when rice farmers are suffering from poor access dams, schools and dormitories are in deplorable conditions and several trenches need cleaning/desilting.

(Indrawattie Natram)

BaiShanLin concessions

Seizure will not affect Guyana/ China relations – Foreign Minister

F

oreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge dismissed concerns about the likelihood of a deterioration of diplomatic relations between China and Guyana in light of Government’s seizure of concessions from BaiShanLin, a Chineselogging company that has been at the centre of controversy for a number of years.

Just one day after the announcement was made, Greenidge told media operatives that Guyana acted in accordance to the relevant policies and regulations, a concept which is universally practiced by all governments.

Therefore, he said the Chinese Government would understand and appreciate the actions taken by the Guyana Government given the circumstances.

“The laws of Guyana are paramount in Guyana… let me just make it clear, China has rules and regulations which are supposed to govern its companies that operate in China and abroad.

Guyana has rules and regulations which govern those companies… Both governments adhere to the rule of law and would expect their officials and enterprises to live by the law,” he explained during a sideline interview at the Ministry of the Presidency on Wednesday.

Greenidge maintained that the actions taken against BaiShanLin were not discriminatory since it was the responsibility of the company to live within the confines of the relevant regulations, knowing fully well that failure to do so will result in repercussions.

“If a company had encountered financial difficulties, there are processes by which the company has to treat with in order to either change their status or to be re-accepted in order to establish their financial viability,” he explained.

The Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) announced that it repossessed conces-

Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge

sions currently being held by BaiShanLin International Forest Development Inc since it has continued to fail to produce to the Commission its proposed investors or a clear plan on how it intends to pay off an $80 million debt owed to the State.

BaiShanLin has repeatedly been accused of unscrupulous and sometimes illegal practices in Guyana’s forests and its export of logs.

When the company started up its operations locally, it had also committed under its investment agreement to establish a US$100 million wood processing plant in order to engage in value added exports – this too was never built by the Chinese logging company.The Chinese company was also accused of contravening local laws to get around logging quotas by purchasing from small loggers, exporting those logs to China under their (small loggers) names.

BaiShanLin has, over the

course of the years, been operating in Guyana and has benefited from hundreds of millions in concessions, including duty-free imports for vehicles, including heavy-duty trucks, luxury vehicles, cement, steel and fuel for its operations.

Over the years operating on Guyana, the Chinese logging company had also extended its business interest into gold mining, transporting sand and stone, barge construction for transport of logs and quarried stone, selling duty-free imported steel, real estate, construction of residential housing, a Government Ministry car park and a shopping mall – Sunset Lakes.

Minister of State Joseph Harmon had earlier in the year disclosed that Long Jiang Forest Industries Group, a Chinese state-owned company, had acquired 55 per cent of the shares in BaiShanLin and had intended to fully take over the company in 2016.

He reported that the company officials assured that the visit would have taken place

by May 2016 to complete due diligence for the takeover, and to satisfy and expand on the obligations of BaiShanLin to Guyana.

This is yet to occur, hence the decision by the GFC to immediately repossess the forestry concessions held by BaiShanLin.

10

NEWS

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

NCN News Anchor saga

4 months later

Bartica residents still “Pregnancy natural, should be celebrated” – President awaiting better roads …CEO asked to apologise A

mother and her twomonth-old baby stumbled to the ground after struggling to traverse a deplorable roadway leading to an Amerindian Hostel, located at Seventh Avenue (between First Street and Third Street), below the Telecoms’ Hill.

This is just one of the many painful and dangerous experiences residents have been enduring for months, as

L

A section of the road where the deep gully was formed

Another section of the deplorable road

the main access road continues to rapidly deteriorate as the relevant authorities take their time to address the issue.

The roadway has been in a terrible state for more than four years, and it was only recently that it was upgraded prior to the Local Government Elections (LGE) which was held on March 18.

Residents explained that the road was widened and a drain was dug, but it was not properly done.

“We asked them to redo the drain as that was sup-

posed to help drain the water so it would not affect the roadway but they didn’t,” one woman related to Guyana Times. Four months ago, residents began to complain of substandard work since the road started to erode significantly. “Don’t get me wrong.

We are grateful they did some work as we have been asking for better access for almost five years now and nothing was ever done. However, even though we don’t expect paved roads and concrete drains, time and care should be taken to do a little better job so

that the situation does not get worse,” a resident noted.

Today, the road has moved from bad to worse, with the formation a deep gully at the side of the trail.

And with the rainy season fast-approaching, residents are worried that the situation will only worsen.

“Well, like my taxpayers’ money not giving us good service or it ain’t got value. Or maybe we have to send for Uncle David to visit the hostel in this Heritage Month…

We need to get better than this, we voted for better, for change, not to exchange one lampy pampy bureaucrat for an even worse one. They probably are going to wait until someone injures themselves badly before any work is done,” one annoyed resident expressed in a Facebook post.

Guyana Times was told that a contract was awarded for the rehabilitation of the road and that works should commence within the next two to three weeks. (Devina Samaroo)

ess than 24 hours after senior management of the State broadcaster National Communications Network (NCN) was forced to rescind its decision to remove journalist and News Anchor Natasha Smith from her anchoring duties because of pregnancy, President David Granger has weighed in on the situation, saying that pregnancy should be celebrated and accepted in the workplace.

The Head of State told reporters on Wednesday that while Government was yet to articulate a position on the issue, he personally believed that pregnancy was natural and normal for women.

“How can you get children without being pregnant?

So, we should start to accept pregnancy as something as very normal and don’t regard it as something strange or a unusual occurrence,” President Granger said to reporters when asked for a comment on the ongoing controversy involving the NCN News Anchor, who was pulled from anchoring the newscast because of her pregnancy.

To this end, the Head of State is of the view that there is nothing wrong with having a pregnant woman anchoring the newscast. He said, “I don’t mind seeing a pregnant air stewardess or a waitress in the restaurant. Pregnancy is normal, so let’s celebrate it and let’s be grateful we have pregnant women. That’s my position, and I don’t mind if she is on the screen or on the radio. Why not?”

In a statement last week, Smith said last month (August 12) she was informed by a senior manager of the State-owned entity that she would be relieved of her duties as anchor. The broadcast journalist pointed out that it was shortly after this revelation that she was made aware that the reason for the decision was because she was unmarried and pregnant.

This issue has caused much public outrage, especially within the media fraternity and particularly from

President David Granger

NCN CEO Lennox Cornette

the Guyana Press Association (GPA). However, NCN has since denied claims that Smith was pulled from the set due to her pregnancy. In fact, it appears as though Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Lennox Cornette was misrepresented by management.

The GPA managed to procure a copy of the minutes from the August 8, 2016 management meeting, which centred on the production of a new montage. The document reads, “With regards to this, the CEO stated that the anchor and wardrobe should coincide with the montage.

However, given the present condition of Ms Natasha Smith, the CEO asked that a tight shot be done to remedy the view.”

According to all of the senior executives of NCN who spoke to the GPA, they understood the CEO to be speaking of Smith’s pregnancy, hence the decision was communicated to her.

Prior to the meeting with NCN’s management on Tuesday, executive members of the GPA, along with other members of the media fraternity, union representatives and rights activists, staged a protest in front of the State network’s Homestretch Avenue head office, calling on the company to reverse its decision on Smith.

At the meeting later on, the request was upheld.

In addition, Cornette was instructed by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, who has

responsibility for State media, to tender an unqualified apology to Smith.

According to the Prime Minister, he found the journalist’s removal from anchoring duties as an attack on her as a woman and as a professional journalist. Nagamootoo outlined that the coalition government stood for full equality of women; hence their right to work or association must not be denied or in any way trampled by their free choice to be married or to remain single, or to bear or not to bear children.

“I do not condone any such act and disassociate myself from the action in this matter by NCN…It agonises me to get involved in what is an NCN management matter, but, as a journalist and as a parent, I refuse to be silent on this occasion,” the Prime Minister said.

Of recent, the Staterun company has come under much criticism after it was also brought to light that Sports Editor Jocelle Archibald-Hawke was suspended for one month without pay after she took to Facebook to criticise another NCN employee for asking President Granger about Pokémon Go a trending mobile game.

However, NCN management maintained that its decision on the single mother of two was justified. These incidents have caused calls to be made for Cornette to be sent packing. (Vahnu Manikchand)

Berbice teen found hanging from verandah A

s the world prepares to observe World Suicide Prevention day on September 10, a Blairmont West Bank Berbice teenager was found hanging from the rafter of the verandah of his parents’ home on Tuesday evening. Dead is 17-yearold Yougram Baldesh of Blairmont WBB. According to reports, the now dead teenager reportedly had an argument with a relative prior to the discovery, which was made by his stepfather.

Guyana Times understands that the teenager went to work as usual and returned at about 17:00h but subsequently left home to visit friends at Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice. Sadit

Dead: Yougram Baldesh

Persaud, the young man’s mother told media operatives that her son returned home in a heavily intoxicated state.

While at home, she ex-

plained that he turned on the music system to the loudest and was looking at television at the same time. She reportedly requested that he turn down the volume of the music system but he refused.

However, after some time, his step-father went to check on him but it was then he made the gruesome discovery. He was found hanging in a motionless state. He was cut down and rushed to the Fort Wellington Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.

His mother admitted that her now dead son attempted suicide by consuming a poisonous substance on two separate occasions..

Meanwhile, a report was made to the Police and an investigation was launched.

news

11

thursday, september 8, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Leguan rice farmers court case

Miller requests time to pay farmers By: Lorraine Ince-Carvalhal

Friendship

W

hen we look back on our lives, no matter how young or old, depending on how lucky we are, we will have experienced the beauty of friendship and all that we are will be interlaced with those special people in our lives who we met by chance and stayed with by choice. It is said that no friendship is an accident and that surely is the truth as two people who share the true relationship that is friendship may meet by chance but they build something so strong that it cannot be a coincidence.

Of course, along the way there will have been people we called friends even though we knew they were not, and there will have also been people we thought were friends, then found were not.

The kind of friendship that I am referring to is in the true sense of the word.

It is the relationship you can rely on for support, joy and even occasional trouble! But the point is – you can rely on it. True friends never leave your life no matter where they go, how much time passes between conversations, or how long you do not see each other. It does not matter how often you see each other either; the substance is in how much you care and that you are willing to be there when needed.

Friendship, like love, can blossom between two very different people; different ages, lifestyles and backgrounds. The common ground is the mutual affection and regard for each other. Whether built over a lifetime or through an immediate sense of closeness, the benefits of being appreciated for all that you are and all that you are not, of feeling comfortable and able to express yourself without limits and of being supported under any circumstance, can give a person a real feeling of security not always found in other types of relationships.

Being understood without being judged is a rare experience but a friend will offer this naturally. There is no competition between you, only best wishes and genuine goodwill. The honesty with which a friend can tell you something is possible because you both know that the intention is always wanting what’s best for you and so can only be speaking for the right reasons. They can be relied on for advice, whether good or misguided, because your best interests are at the heart of anything they do.

The laughter and love along with the embarrassments shared with a friend create feelings of togetherness and gives the confidence that never having to feel alone brings. Experiencing joys and sorrows with another who understands and feels your emotions forms an almost indestructible bond. The memories created, the lives lived and supported and the stories shared, are the backbone of friendships and they are relived, re-loved and revived in each other’s daily thoughts.

We all need encouragement at some time in our lives and a good friend will always be sure to offer some, along with a large boost to our confidence and self-esteem.

By listening and communicating openly with each other, friends make us feel valued and needed. When we reciprocate, we also experience those emotions. The two-way street that is friendship ensures the benefits continually flow both ways.

Having someone pick up on your moods without conversation and knowing just what you need to feel better, whether that is talking or being quiet, being around or left alone, being cheered up or allowed to cry, is how in tune friends are. Often they know what we need even more than we do!

If you are one of the fortunate ones who has experienced true friendship, you probably tell each other often how thankful you are for each other. Still, take time out to let them know again. If you have not been so lucky in finding true friendship, it may still come to pass.

We are relational beings and no matter how many loners there are out there, no matter how many have been stung by a defective friendship in the past and are afraid to let anyone get too close, consider that having a friend to lean on and being that friend to someone else is an important part of our emotional wellbeing. Remember, you have to be a true friend to have the benefit of a true friend.

R

ice farmers living on the Essequibo Island of Leguan are expected to begin garnering earnings over the next several months, after almost two years of not receiving full payments for their paddy.

According to reports reaching Guyana Times, the proprietor of Leguan Rice Mill Inc has promised to pay the hundreds of thousands of dollars owed to rice farmers on the island.

The rice miller’s commitment comes in light of a High Court battle between him and the Leguan farmers; all parties involved have faced challenges since the collapse of the PetroCaribe Venezuela rice deal last year.

According to information reaching this publication, the miller, who is the defendant, asked to be granted a six-month period to pay off the farmers. <<<Guyana Times>>> was also told that the miller intends to pay $2000 per bag of paddy. However, rice farmers on the island have noted that their prior agreement with the miller was $3000 per bag.

The majority of farmers have rejected the $1000 decrease, while a few others are reportedly contemplating accepting the reduced offer.

This newspaper understands that failure to pay off the farmers will result in the proprietor of Leguan Rice Mill Inc being issued with a $2 million levy.

The miller had contended that farmers were not paid as a result of the difficulties rice millers were also facing.

On March 1, the rice miller had opined that if the Venezuela oil for rice deal had continued, the industry would have stood a better chance, as millers would have more funds in

Young rice farmer Mahendra Tularam had called for the enforcement of the Rice Producers Act

their coffers and farmers would have received their payments.

At that time, however, this publication was informed that despite the many complaints, millers did have some success in finding alternative markets for the rice to be sold.

The miller had, however, observed that more assistance should have come from Central Government.

Meanwhile, the Leguan rice farmers have been adamant that they must be paid for their produce.

They had appealed to the Rice Producers Association and the Agriculture Ministry, through its Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) sub-agency, but to no avail.

In fact, Agriculture Minister Noel Holder had suggested that the nonpayment issue is a matter that should be sorted out between rice farmers and their respective millers.

During an earlier visit to Leguan,<<<Guyana Times>>>was told that depleted rice acreage by the then existing El-Niño weather patterns, coupled with the non-payment by millers had forced many farmers to withdraw money from their savings, while others had no choice but to sell-off significant portions of their livestock.

Arjune Raghuber had noted that he was owed some $350,000 by the rice miller

One farmer, Arjune Raghuber, had revealed that the miller owed him $350,000, while 29-yearold MahendraTularam claimed that he was owed $730,000.

Tularam had called for the enforcement of the Rice Factory Act which he

opined was in place to compel millers to pay what was owed to farmers.

He further explained that millers should pay half of the money to farmers within two weeks, while the rest should be paid in 42 days.

Brazilian national wanted for Konawaruk murder

T

he Guyana Police Force on Wednesday issued a wanted bulletin for Antonio Do Nascimento Da Silva, also called “Matogrose”, for questioning in connection to the murder of Ana Maria Souza Da Silva.

The woman was allegedly stabbed to death on February 21, 2016, at Muruwa Backdam, Konawaruk, Potaro River.

The last known address of the wanted Brazilian was given as Muruwa Backdam, Konawaruk, Potaro River, and Boa Vista, Brazil.

Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Antonio Do Nascimento Da Silva is asked to contact the Police on telephone numbers

Wanted: Antonio Do Nascimento Da Silva

455-2238, 227-1149, 2252227, 225-0575, 911, or the nearest Police Station.

12 NEWS

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Trade unions lament GuySuCo’s discrimination strategy

GAWU President Komal Chand

GTUC President Lincoln Lewis

he Guyana Sugar Corporation’s recent refusal to release with pay several sugar workers to attend the 21st Delegates’ Congress of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) has been deemed as an attack on the Union’s constitutionality

and union democracy.

This is according to the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) and the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), both of which in a joint statement of protest on Wednesday, condemned

T

GuySuCo for its “discriminatory stance” regarding GAWU’s recently-concluded 21st Delegates’ Congress, an event which is held once every three years.

FITUG and GTUC posited that attending the Congress has been a tradition that has existed for decades, noting that it was in the interest of workers’ welfare. However, the Sugar Corporation had reportedly disallowed sugar workers from obtaining paid release to attend the Congress as delegates.

“GuySuCo decided to disrespect in denying the worker-delegates to the GAWU Congress paid release and transportation. In previous Congresses, the requisite number of workers who are members of GAWU and

Sugar sweetened beverages

were formally selected as Congress Delegates would receive paid release for the duration of the Union’s Congress and assistance with transportation to the Congress venue,” the trade union umbrella bodies pointed out.

The unions noted that GuySuCo’s approach was “vexatious” and “unhelpful to good industrial relations” and contemptuous of the institution of trade unionism”, adding that workers were allowed to attend the Congress, despite the Corporation’s financial difficulties, in the 1980s and 1990s.

“FITUG-GTUC, now having been alerted by this travesty, is duty-bound to ensure that such undermining of trade union democracy does not continue nor affect the trade union movement,” the bodies added.

On August 21, the Delegates Congress was held at the Bath Primary School, West Coast Berbice.

However, on August 20, GAWU had registered its concern, having sent a letter since July 7, 2016, to GuySuCo where it sought to discuss the release of workers to attend the observances. GAWU claimed that they were told that the Sugar Corporation would not do so.

Reports indicated that the Sugar Corporation’s cash-strapped financial status had reportedly restricted it from approving the release of the workers and assisting in transportation.

GAWU, however, accused GuySuCo of undermining the Union, pointing out that the refusal was “anti-sugar worker”.

GAWU had termed the entire situation a “travesty”, and posited that it has contributed to an “undermining” of the country’s “fragile democracy”, which has been making its way into the Union’s operations.

At the Congress, GAWU President Komal Chand had called for a united trade union movement. GTUC President Lincoln Lewis called on all trade unions to not allow politicians to deny the unions the right to fight for workers. Lewis had also echoed the sentiments of GAWU that the rights of workers were “under threat” by political leaders.

O

besity is a growing problem around the world. It is very pronounced in developed countries and it is becoming a major public health concern in many developing countries. One of the main contributors to obesity is the consumption sugar sweetened beverage (SSB).

In the United Dr Frank Anthony States (US), per capita consumption is 44 litres per year. This has sent alarm bells ringing, and many of the states are now trying to come up with various strategies of how to reduce the consumption of sugar sweetened beverages.

The American Heart Association has set a goal of improving the cardiovascular health of all Americans by 20 per cent by the year 2020. As part of that goal, they recommend reducing SSB consumption to less than 450 kcal (36 oz) per week. They have endorsed several strategies which include increase taxes, reduce cup sizes and the introduction of warning labels on sugar sweetened beverages. Some states have implemented some of these measures, while others are currently contemplating introducing legislation.

Several countries have introduced taxes on sugar sweetened beverages, including Chile, France and Hungary, which taxes food and drinks with high sugar, salt and caffeine content. More recently, the UK announced that it would introduce a tax on some sugar sweetened beverages by 2018.

The rationale behind these taxes is to increase the price of the product. When the price of the product increases, consumption declines. In many countries where these policies have been implemented, the evidence suggests that people are buying fewer sugar sweetened beverages.

So far, most of the taxes that have been implemented are point of sale taxes; for example in Mexico, taxes amount to one peso per litre.

The UK proposal is different; they plan to implement a tax on the sugar content of the drink. So for example, drinks that contain five to eight grams per 100 millilitres of liquid they will pay 18 pence (24 cents US) in taxes, while drinks with more than eight grams per 100 millilitres will pay 24 pence (31 cents US). It would be interesting to see if this proposal will achieve the intended goals when it is finally implemented in 2018.

In Guyana, obesity rates have been on the increase.

According to the World Bank in 2010, estimated obesity rates among females was 29.3 per cent by 2014 this rose to 31.6 per cent.

While in 2010, the estimated obesity rate in males was 12.1 per cent and by 2014 this has risen to 14.4 per cent. This upward trend in obesity in our population is multifactorial. One of those factors would certainly be the consumption of sugar sweetened beverages.

If we will like to live a healthier life, then we should consider how much sugar sweetened beverages we are consuming, whether it is normal or too high. If it is too high, then we should prudently reduce the amounts consumed.

Nationally, we should also examine whether we are consuming too much sugar sweetened beverages, and what effects this is having on our population’s health. If there is a consensus that it is too high, then we should explore options on how to reduce it. We should explore the experiences of other countries and see whether some of their measures can be adopted to work in our setting.

Changing our individual behaviour to sugar sweetened beverages are not going to easy, but if the government creates an enabling environment for healthier living, then it would be much easier to adopt. Let’s hope that this can be done soon, so that we can arrest the upward trend of obesity.

NEWS

13

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Guyana accredits Filipino Teenage pregnancy rampant in non-resident Ambassador Indigenous communities – Dr Norton

T

New Filipino Ambassador to Guyana Jose Dela Rosa Burgos handing over his accreditation documents to President David Granger in the presence of Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge and Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Audrey Waddell

I

n an effort to further strengthen ties with its Asian counterparts, Guyana has accredited a non-resident Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to Guyana.

Ambassador Jose Dela Rosa Burgos handed over his letters of credence to the Guyanese Head of State on Wednesday at the Ministry of the Presidency.

In brief remarks after receiving the accreditation documents, President David Granger noted that Guyana looks forward to deepening working cooperation and strengthening bilateral relations with the Philippines.

He noted that despite the short period of diplomatic relations between Guyana and the Philippines, the citizens from the two countries have been benefiting from each other for almost a quarter of a century.

“Guyana has benefited from the service of professionals from the Philippines who came here to work in a wide range of fields, including education and forestry… Many Filipinos still live

and work in Guyana, we are grateful for this expertise and service from these professionals,” he stated.

Moreover, President Granger pointed out that even though the two Republics are separated by over 18,000 kilometres, they are drawn together by their mutual interests and common objectives. He said that the two countries can work together to ensure that their developmental goals are achieved in an environment of peace and security.

“Guyana and the Philippines adhere to common principles of international relations. These include mutual respect for the integrity and sovereignty of states, mutual non-interference in other states’ affairs, cooperation for mutual benefit, respect for treaties and international law and the maintenance of peace and security,” the Head of State remarked, while adding that he looks forward to deeper cooperation with the Philippines at the international and bilateral levels, particularly in the areas of

sustainable development, climate change and the preservation of the environment.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Burgos thanked the Guyana Government for making Guyana a home away from home for the 100 or so Filipinos, living and working here. The non-resident diplomat further pointed out that Guyana is named as one of the three safe havens in the Caribbean for Filipinos.

He said that in 2011, Guyana was named as one of the three safe havens in the Caribbean for Filipino workers with adequate laws to protect migrant workers.

“Today we have Filipino forest workers, teachers and medical professionals in Guyana. Aside from protecting the rights of the migrant workers, both our countries are advocates for the rule of law, protection of the environment and preservation of cultural heritage, among others,” the Ambassador stated.

Guyana and the Philippines established formal diplomatic relations on September 25, 2008.

Teachers’ promotions still on hold – Mc Donald

A

fter eight long months into 2016, public school teachers are still without their requisite promotions due to age old dispute between the Guyana Teacher’s Union (GTU) and the Teaching Service Commission (TSC). In an interview with this publication on Wednesday, GTU General Secretary, Corretta Mc Donald related that promotion of public school teachers is still on hold even though she once again wrote President Granger and Attorney General, Basil Williams asking for urgent intervention into the matter.

However, GTU is still awaiting correspondence.

She added that the GTU is currently awaiting the Chief Justice’s ruling on the accusations by the union that the Teaching Service Commission had been in breach of the laws by not promoting the majority of teachers in over two years.

“After eight months, the Chief Justice is yet to pronounce on that ruling; all the arguments would have been had and were are still awaiting [the] decision on that matter. I’m not sure what it taking so long,” Mc Donald pondered.

The GTU General Secretary further accused the TSC of unlawful supersession.

“For the last 15 years we would have had major issues with promotions, we set a criteria out but when teachers follow that criteria, other teachers are being promoted outside of the criteria [and] every year they are saying ‘we’ll do it better next year’ but the same things keep happening,” she observed.

She also pointed out that GTU had letters from about 45 teachers asking for a review of their promotions.

Mc Donald claimed that the TSC was ‘using lots of favouritism’ in promoting teachers, and further indicated comments from Regional Education Officers, should not be the principle determinant when promotions are being considered.

“If you’re gonna use the REDO’s comments, should not be the main factor in promotion of teachers.”

Guyana Times understands that further actions by the union against the delayed promotions will be determined at the GTU’s General Council’s Meeting which will be held in two weeks’ time.

A few months ago, the Union had been staging months of picketing actions against the TSC. General Secretary McDonald had stated that “minimum efforts” were being taken in resolving the conflict.

The Union had filed an injunction in the High Court calling for the halt of the promotion sector of public school teachers.

Subsequent to the restriction, the TSC had allegedly gone ahead in promoting a Grade C teacher to a Grade B school and a Deputy Head Teacher to another school.

However the TSC had maintained that these allegations were false and has said that the appointments were not their doing. This led the GTU to file a case against TSC in the court, which at this point is still ongoing.

McDonald had previously said that that a letter had been sent to the President Granger on the issue who is response had told GTU that consultations would have taken place with the Education Ministry to bring resolution to the on-going conflict. However, nearly 5 months later, the matter remains unresolved.

eenage pregnancy is a growing issue in the hinterland regions, with more girls under the age of 15 mothering children. This is according to Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton.

Dr Norton indicated that he had visited an indigenous community, which has less than 300 persons, and was greeted with a situation where teens under the age of 15 were pregnant. He stated that he was alarmed because not only are the girls not psychologically prepared for motherhood but their bodies were not physically prepared to carry a child.

“It is not a situation that we can fix in a day or month but we have to fix it,” he said, adding that it is also important for persons to realise and acknowledge that these people have their culture that they abide by.

According to the Health Minister, teenage pregnancy in Indigenous communities is occurring rapidly and many of the teens are not registering their pregnancies or attending clinics. “They are already a high risk pregnancy case and not attending their clinics places them at greater risk,” he lamented.

The minister indicated that the ministry has deployed more doctors into indigenous communities in

Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton

an effort to provide better health coverage in the regions.

“Sending a few doctors is helpful but it will not end the problem. We need to learn their culture, their traditions and see how best we can educate them. It is not teenage pregnancy that is the problem, it is the path before that,” he said, adding that teenagers in the hinterland should be educated on safe sex and the use of condoms.

Social Protection Minister Volda Lawrence recently stated that concern is rising over the number of cases of sexual violence, incest and teenage pregnancy in Indigenous communities.

She stated that the people have adopted a passive ap-

proach in tackling issues of rape, incest and Trafficking In Persons (TIP) in their communities, with most of them remaining mum on the issues. She recalled visiting the community of Kwakwani and seeing a child mothering another child.

She said the child was 13 years old and the baby was one-year-old and it was accepted in the village. She said no one raised their voice against it. She pointed out that teenage pregnancy is one of the harsh realities that shadow child abuse and rape.

Lawrence pleaded that if they were going to prosecute perpetrators, the elders of the communities need to stand up and speak out instead of allowing them to continue living in the communities, and in their homes.

Earlier this year, the community of Annai complained of the growing number of cases of teenage pregnancy among girls at the village’s secondary school.

It was reported that there were five cases of teenage pregnancy at the school, all of which went underreported. It was reported that as soon as these girls become pregnant, they drop out of school and return to their villages, never benefiting from any counselling.

NAREI’s soil testing ability boosted

T

he soil testing ability of the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) is now enhanced, thanks to the Promotion of Regional Opportunities for Produce through Enterprises and Linkages (PROPEL) project.

For the first time, NAREI will be able to instantly provide farmers with recommendations followinga onthe-spot soil testing for liming requirements, nutrient levels and fertiliser content. Currently, farmers who submit soil samples for testing have to wait for NAREI to process the results.

NAREI Chief Executive Officer, Dr Oudho Homenauth, said that the institute is thankful to PROPEL for the donation, terming it a walking laboratory.

He emphasised that the soil kit will support the green initiatives that are currently being implemented, specifically in the area of sustainable soil management.

These sentiments were expressed at the handing over ceremony and inking of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the World University Service of Canada (PROPEL’s implementing agency) and the Agriculture Ministry, in the Ministry’s boardroom on Wednesday.

The MoU formalises the relationship between the Ministry’s technical agencies – NAREI, Guyana Marketing

Munish Persaud, Deputy Project Director of PROPEL Project and Dougles Graham, Director of WUSC Caribbean present Dr Oudho Homenauth, CEO of NAREI and George Jervis, Permanent Secretary of MoA with the soil kit

Corporation, and Guyana School of Agriculture – and the World University Service of Canada (WUSC).

It is expected that there will be enhanced coordinated collaboration between WUSC and the agencies.

WUSC Caribbean and NAREI plan to enhance their partnership with special emphasis on improving environmental restoration and climate change initiatives.

Specific areas of cooperation may include: plant diversity within farms; uptake of integrated plant health technology; restore the ability of soil to function as a natural reservoir of Carbon; and provision of extension support and research in climate smart agriculture.

According to Dr Homenauth, NAREI is looking forward to enhancing its partnership with PROPEL, noting that it was one of NAREI’s main partners in

spreading awareness on the Black Sigatoka disease among plantain farmers.

He underscored that the success of this partnership is evident in the markets, where tons of locally produced plantains are being sold.

PROPEL is a sustainable economic growth project which aims to increase the value of Caribbean fresh produce accessing high value markets in the Caribbean and internationally by CAD$100 million over the next six years.

Funded by the Canadian Government through Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and implemented by WUSA, the project is working with Private Sector buyers, producers, other market system actors and business service providers to facilitate the safe, effective and efficient movement of fresh produce from the farm level to high value markets.

14

guyana-times.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

News

Farmer sues Region Duo slapped with attempted 4 Vice Chairman murder charge T − teen remanded to juvenile centre Essequibo barber’s robbery

he Vice Chairman of the Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) Regional Democratic Council (RDC), Earl Lambert, has been slapped with a lawsuit by an aggrieved farmer whose cultivation was capriciously destroyed by the Council on Friday last.

The RDC is also being sued.

Hamekarran Narine of Strathavon/Cane Grove, East Coast Demerara, is claiming close to $10 mil-

Hamekarran Narine

The farmer’s crops were completely destroyed

lion in damages after labourers hired by the RDC allegedly under the direction of the Vice Chairman, uprooted and destroyed his crops which were planted on a nearby dam, without State consent.

Narine is claiming damages in excess of $2 million for malicious damage to property, $2 million for trespassing, $1.2 million for special damages, $2 million for

exemplary damages, $2 million for aggravated damages, as well as interests and costs.

The farmer was aware that he plied his trade on Government property, but he contended that the dam has been constantly and consistently under cultivation with cash-crop by residents over the last 40 years.

He asserted also that there were two other residents who had farms on the

dam at the time he commenced cultivation, which was sometime in January 2016.

The farmer is claiming that the Regional Vice Chairman instructed a group of men to destroy the crops which belonged to him, while leaving the other crops of the other farmers unharmed.

Narine said he pleaded with the men to allow him to reap his crops before they destroyed it, explaining that he has no other source of income to maintain and upkeep his family.

He alleged that in response, the Vice Chairman barked at him to “go and thief”.

In an emotional interview with the Guyana Times recently, the farmer explained that he was forced to start cultivation on the dam, as he was thrown into the unemployment bracket following the closure of Reasat Rice Industries last year.

The farmer cried that it is unfair and outright discriminatory that his crops were destroyed, while the others remained untouched.

Some 2000 roots of bora were destroyed, which would have amounted to $1,260,000, given that the vegetable is currently being sold at $1000 per bundle.

The 2000 roots of bora would have produced 70 bundles per picking, three times per week for six weeks.

T

The 16-year-old accused

wenty-three-year-old Mark Rafino and his 16-year-old accomplice, who were apprehended by Essequibo Police after allegedly shooting and robbing a popular Essequibo Coast barber, were both remanded when they appeared before Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court.

It is alleged that the two attempted to kill Troy Hercules, called “Akee”, on September 3 during a robbery.

At their arraignment, Police Prosecutor Haimraj Ramsewack objected to bail on the grounds that a gun was used during the incident and that the victim is

razilian President Michel Temer was booed as the 2016 Paralympic Games opened in Rio de Janeiro to a backdrop of colour, music and a powerful message of inclusivity.

Thousands of performers were involved either side of the two-hour procession of competing countries at the Maracana. Competition begins today, when Britain’s Dame Sarah Storey can become the most successful fe-

He went on to outline that many of the persons who come to Guyana from the Diaspora, are working people, and as such, do not want to be affected by flight delays and postponements.

“We’ve had some problems in the past and we want the best for our citizens but we have not had a specific discussion on a flag carrier or national airline,” the Head of State said.

In January, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo told members of the Diaspora in New York, that the coalition is looking to partner with a private airline to assist with reintroduction of a national airline.

“We are looking at a model that would be a part-

nership model…. We have started the process of soliciting (expressions of) interest from a number of airline companies that would want to partner with us,” the Prime Minister had stated.

Guyana’s first national airline, Guyana Airways, operated 1939 to 2001 travelling to destinations within the Caribbean, the US and Canada. However, the airline was declared insolvent back in 2001.

The APNU/AFC had said it is now aiming to achieve International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Category One status, but this can only be realised if the country pursues the establishment of a national airline.

Mark Rafino, age 23

still hospitalised.

The Prosecution contended that on September3, 2016, at Henrietta, Essequibo Coast, with intent to commit murder, they unlawfully and maliciously wounded Troy Hercules.

In addition to the attempted murder charge, the unrepresented Rafino is expected to be charged for unlawful possession of firearm and ammunition. The court also heard that Rafino, of Queenstown Village, was previously charged for possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.

Additionally, the court was told that the teenager, of Adventure Village, is also before the court on a larceny

charge.

Meanwhile, Troy Hercules, owner of “Future Cuts” barbershop, is still hospitalised and is in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Suddie Public Hospital. He was shot four times about his body in front of his Henrietta residence.

Reports are that the businessman was robbed of his jewellery (gold chains, rings and band) worth $3.5 million. Following the incident, swift actions by Police led to the duo. The jewellery was also recovered.

The teen was remanded to a juvenile centre, while Rafino was remanded to prison. The case will continue on September 27.

Rio Paralympics 2016: Brazil’s President booed at opening ceremony

Cabinet yet to discuss B national airline – Granger M onths after it was reported that the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) is looking at reintroducing a national airline, President David Granger has disclosed that the matter is yet to be discussed at Cabinet.

“It’s not something that has engaged Cabinet at this point in time,” the Head of State told reporters on Wednesday when asked whether such an application is before Government.

Nevertheless, he pointed out that this Administration would like to ensure that Guyanese can travel at economic rates and efficiently throughout the Caribbean and to North America, where a large part of the Diaspora is located.

“Of course, as a Government, we want to make sure that the rates are reasonable that there is no jeopardy to their safety and the condition of service, we want to see that they are courteous and that people get to work on time,” President Granger remarked.

Injured, Troy Hercules

male Paralympian.

The opening ceremony began with American Aaron “Wheelz” Fotheringham, in a wheelchair, jumping from a massive ramp from the Maracana stands and performing a back flip through a giant ring.

The Brazilian national anthem was played on the piano by Carlos Martin, whose right hand is severely disabled, before the parade of athletes, with the loudest cheer of the night

reserved for competitors from the host nation.

Each nation carried a piece of a jigsaw, which bore the name of their country on one side and faces of competing athletes on the other.

Once completed, the jigsaw was adorned by the faces of every competitor at the 2016 Games. All of the faces came together to form a beating heart, which began beating in time to the music. (Excerpt from BBC News)

T&T woman hacked to death

A

31-year-old woman was hacked to death in a cutlass attack which also left her teenage daughter injured early Wednesday.

Terisha Bridgelal, a doubles vendor, and her daughter were at their Piparo home when Bridgelal got into an argument with a relative over a cellphone.

The man took a cutlass out of his car and chopped Bridgelal to the face and chest. Bridgelal’s daughter tried to intervene and was chopped on her left hand. She also received cuts to her right ear and right hand.

The teen was treated and discharged from the Princes Town Health Facility.

Terisha Bridgelal was chopped to the face and chest

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

guyana-times.com

15

Around the world

Egypt: Outrage as MP Maldives newspaper raided after opposes tougher FGM laws corruption claims against President because of ‘impotent men’

A

A

n Egyptian MP has stirred controversy after rejecting tougher penalties for those who force women into genital mutilation (FGM), saying half of the country’s men “are impotent”.

Parliament last week approved longer jail terms for those carrying out FGM, following the death of a teenage girl. MP Ilhami Agina responded by saying FGM was needed in order to reduce women’s sexual appetite, to match Egypt’s men.

The procedure is still widespread in Egypt despite being illegal since 2008.

It involves the partial or full removal of the external sex organs, ostensibly to control women’s sexuality.

“This is a scientific fact based on research. Fifty per cent of Egyptian men are sexually impotent. This is a disease,” Agina said in a TV

interview.

“One proof is the spread of imported and local sexual stimulants in the market.

Egypt is one of the largest importing countries.”He was quoted by other Egyptian media as saying the procedure was needed so women would “reduce their sexual desires” to match that of Egypt’s “sex-

ually weak” men. “If we stop FGM, we will need strong men and we don’t have men of that sort.” Meanwhile, a number of MPs want Agina to be referred to the parliamentary ethics panel for “insulting Egyptians in general and men in particular”, website Al-Mesryoon reported.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

WHO now advises 6-month wait for unprotected sex to avoid Zika spread

T

he World Health Organisation has tripled the length of time it recommends that people either practise safe sex or stay away from sex altogether after visiting any area where the Zika virus is circulating – even if they don’t have any symptoms.

With mounting evidence that sexual transmission of Zika virus is not only possible, but more common than previously assumed, the WHO extended the recommended period to six months.

In June, it had said men only needed to use condoms or abstain from sex for eight weeks as a precaution against spreading Zika.

But in its updated guidance on the prevention of sexual transmission of the virus, published on Wednesday, the WHO said that also applies to females with or without symptoms.

The advice comes a few weeks after doctors discovered the virus in the sperm of an Italian man, six months after he first had Zika symptoms. The first

case of the presence of Zika virus in the genital tract of a female with Zika virus infection was also reported in July 2016, suggesting potential risk of female to male transmission.

Many people infected with Zika do not have symptoms or will only have mild ones – a fever, rash and muscle/joint aches. But Zika in pregnancy is the major concern because of the risk of the baby developing microcephaly, a condition in which their brains are not fully developed. (Excerpt from

Caribbean360)

Indian scientist develops GM cotton after success with mustard

A farmer harvests cotton in his field at Rangpurda village in the western state of Gujarat, India, October 20, 2015

A

n Indian scientist whose team has developed a genetically modified (GM) mustard variety that is inching toward a possible commercial launch said he could soon hand to a state agency a GM cotton variety that can rival Monsanto’s seeds.

Deepak Pental and his colleagues at the Delhi University worked on GM mustard for around a decade, and a government committee said on Monday it found the seeds to be safe for “food/feed and environment”. Reuters

reported the technical clearance last month for what could be the country’s first GM food crop.

“The Government has taken the right path and experts have looked at all the data,” Pental told Reuters on Tuesday, acknowledging that public Opposition to labaltered food remains fierce.

“Our scientists have the capability to do more, but you will have to strengthen research further, educate people.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s nationalist Government, keen to cut the

country’s heavy annual food import bill, will soon decide on the commercial launch of the high-yielding mustard and plans to indigenously develop other GM food to reduce reliance on multinationals such as Monsanto.

The move has been opposed by activists and politicians amid fears GM food could compromise food safety and biodiversity.

Some experts have also questioned claims that GM crops are more productive than normal varieties.(Excerpt from Reuters)

uthorities in the Maldives have raided the offices of a newspaper and a human rights NGO and cancelled the passports of fugitive opposition figures after an al-Jazeera documentary aired corruption allegations against the country’s President, Abdulla Yameen.

Local journalists involved with the documentary, broadcast by the Qatari news network on Wednesday evening, had already left the country in anticipation of a backlash, amid warnings by senior MPs that contributors risked jail under defamation laws.

Hours after the documentary was posted online on Wednesday, Police raided a building in the capital, Malé, housing the Maldivian Independent, a newspaper accused of links to the former president Mohamed

Maldives President Abdulla Yameen

Nasheed’s Maldivian Democratic party (MDP).

Nasheed was ousted in what supporters say was a coup in 2012 and is now living in exile in Britain, a 13-year jail sentence hanging over him at home. Also in the seven-floor building were offices belonging to

an MDP-linked law firm, a travel agency and a human rights NGO. The Guardian understands that two men, neither of them employed by the newspaper, were arrested and accused of terrorism and plotting to the topple the Government. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

Fresh protests against Venezuela’s Maduro draw lower turnout

Venezuelans living in Mexico take part in a protest to demand a referendum to remove Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro at Angel de la Independencia monument in Mexico City, Mexico, September 4, 2016

F

oes of President Nicolás Maduro protested across Venezuela on Wednesday to demand a referendum to end his socialist rule, but numbers were far smaller than a huge Opposition showing last week and matched by parallel pro-Government rallies.

As many as a million opponents flooded Caracas last Thursday to press for a plebiscite this year and decry an economic crisis that has left many struggling to feed themselves.

But the Opposition’s

new round of rallies, outside heavily-guarded national election board offices in provincial cities, drew just hundreds of supporters at each, according to Reuters reporters and witnesses.

The Government held rival demonstrations in most cities. Turnout on both sides appeared limited in part by rain and people’s need to stand in line to buy basic food and medicine.

“We must get rid of this oppressive, totalitarian Government,” said student Junior Rubio, 21, at a gathering in Venezuela’s second

city Maracaibo.

Amid hundreds of others chanting “this government will fall” and waving national colors, Rubio said he suffered from allergies but was unable to find the right food or medicines.

The election board has stretched out the process toward a referendum on Maduro with the next stage, collection of 20 percent of registered voters’ signatures, due later this year, meaning the actual plebiscite would almost certainly happen next year. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Japan to provide patrol ships to Vietnam amid maritime row with China

T

he Japanese Government said on Wednesday it is ready to provide Vietnam with new patrol ships, in its latest step to boost the maritime lawenforcement capabilities of countries locked in territorial rows with China.

On Tuesday, Japan agreed to provide two large patrol ships and lend up to five used surveillance aircraft to the Philippines, another country at odds with China over sovereignty issues in the South China Sea.

Japan itself has been at loggerheads with China over a group of tiny, uninhabited East China Sea islets.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told his Vietnamese counterpart, Nguyen Xuan Phuc, of Tokyo’s intention in their meeting on the sidelines of ASEAN-related meetings in Vientiane. Japan has already provided six patrol ships to Vietnam, but they were all used ones, a Japanese Foreign Ministry official said, adding that details such as the timing of the delivery and

the number of ships to be provided have yet to be fixed.

Japan plans to extend a low-interest loan under its official development assistance programme to Vietnam to facilitate the acquisition. China has laid claim to almost all of the South China Sea, where about US$5 trillion worth of seaborne trade passes every year. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have claims in the sea believed to have rich deposits of oil and gas. (Excerpt

from Reuters)

16

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

guyanatimesgy.com

The dreary painting on the wall says “Private businesses are not welcomed” – Irfaan Ali T

here is now general consensus the economy is backpedalling or in reverse gear. The contraction is felt by all and sundry and after a prolonged period of silence even some apologists are provoked by their conscience to admit the economy is on a slippery slope. At first, some of the apologists, aka spin doctors, were out arguing the economic slowdown was transitory and linked to the anxiety associated with the 2015 elections. However, since the elections ended 15 months ago and the economy is regressing at lightning speed, it is difficult for the spin doctors to sell the story that ‘elections jitters’ is stifling our economic performance.

The harsh reality is that every major economic sector recorded lower output except the mining and quarrying sector.

As I explained in my article entitled “A House Standing on One Post”, the production of gold by two foreign companies, which set up operations under the PPP/C Government, masked our economic decline. As a matter of fact, if we were to exclude the production of gold by these companies from the computation of the real growth rate we would be posting negative growth rather than the 2.0 per cent reported by the Minister of Finance.

Since the economic decline has touched all the major economic sectors as well as every Guyanese, it is not easy for the spin doctors to sell the story that the country is prospering.

Instead of denying the obvious truth that the economy is contracting, the spin doctors are now serving large dosages of outlandish excuses to obfuscate our economic decline. The excuses range from claims that our economic slowdown was due to contraction in the underground economy to the weather phenomenon commonly known as El Niño. When they can’t blame it on the rain they just blame the sun and dry weather or something which is not observable (underground economy).

However, the well-informed knows otherwise. Those who understand the workings of our economy would accept that the economic decline is due to factors such as: the general decline in domestic income and consumption caused by the notable collapse of the major economic sectors, lower foreign and domestic investments and slippages from the poor implementation of the Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP). The lower consumption is manifested in lower Value Added Tax collection, reduction in retail and wholesale trade and the 2.5 per cent reduction in currency in circulation reported by the Bank of Guyana for the first six months of 2016. It is for this very reason the ‘good life’ that the economic growth was supposed to deliver is simply considered a mirage by the average Guyanese.

Private Sector, also contracted by $1352 million due mainly to lower credit to the agriculture, construction and engineering, distribution and mining sectors (see Figure 1).

Figure 1: Sectoral Growth in Credit to the Private Sector: Domestic Investment

Source: Bank of Guyana Half Year Report 2016

The overall decline in foreign and domestic investments coincided with a deterioration in the business climate as reflected by our ranking on the Global Competitiveness Index which slipped from 117 (out of 144 countries) to 121 (out of 140 countries). According to the Global Competitiveness Report 201516, the lower ranking was caused by diminished scores and ranking for institutional environment (1st Pillar); macroeconomic environment (3rd Pillar); health and primary education (4th Pillar); goods market efficiency (6th Pillar); labour market efficiency (7th Pillar); financial market development (8th Pillar); business sophistication (11th Pillar), and innovation (12th Pillar). Simply put, the business climate deteriorated inter alia because of the poor performance of the economy and more bureaucratic bottlenecks created by the new government.

Table 1: Global Competitiveness Ranking and Score: 2015-16 and 2014-15

Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP)

In his half-year report for 2016, the Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan admitted that the implementation of the PSIP was slow for the first half of the year. In order to assuage our fears, the Minister promised to accelerate the implementation of the PSIP, which he claims would boost construction activities and stimulate the services sector. However, since the Government is sidelining some contractors and only channelling projects to close friends who lack the capacity to implement all the Government projects, we should brace ourselves for yet another broken promise by the APNU/AFC Government.

Investments

Everyone is aware that our country did not benefit from any investment of significance since the May 2015 elections. In fact, there was a decline in both foreign and domestic investments.

This is reflected in the official statistics which shows a 63.0 per cent reduction in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), which was US$29.2 million during the first half of 2016, compared with US$78.3 million during the corresponding period last year.

Meanwhile domestic investments, measured by credit to the

Source: Global Competitiveness Reports (various years)

While our economy is in “free-fall” due to deterioration in the business/investment climate and we should grab onto “hope”, we need to be realistic and prepare for more economic hardship in the future. Based on the unenlightened actions of the APNU/ AFC Government the business environment is more likely to worsen rather than improve.

Firstly, the Government continues to play the broken record it played during the election season that our economy is a haven for criminal activities. Unfortunately, this tune is not appealing

Market statistics Cur

Gold Prices – Guyana Gold Board

Bank of Guyana

Calculated at 94% purity, September 5, 2016

Selling

GBP

$275.32

$278.80

CAN

$160.34

$162.20

USD

$205.98

$208.44

EURO

$231.53

$234.49

Figure 2: The most problematic factors for doing business

Source: Global Competitiveness Report 2015-16 (page 188)

Thirdly, the hurriedness of the Government to set up parallel institutions such as SOCU and SARA with the mandate to go after members of the PPP and criminalise legitimate businesses will not only discourage investors from doing business in Guyana but also force the exit of investors from our country.

Apart from the fact that the mandate of these institutions collide with those of the Guyana Police Force, they are staffed with political hacks who have keen interest in destroying the PPP/C and selected businesses rather than going after money launderers, terrorists and persons who stole State assets. The establishment of these units is reminiscent of the dark days when the PNC practiced the doctrine of party paramountcy during their repressive and discriminatory reign that spanned more than two decades.

Finally, the announcement of President David Granger at the 19th Biennial Congress to keep Burnham’s vision alive is like putting private businesses on notice that they will not be tolerated. Anyone who is familiar with the Burnham era knows that he was never supportive of private enterprises.

Under Burnham’s rule, the State assumed control over 80 per cent of the productive assets of the country and private businesses were severely marginalised. When the announcement of the President is combined with the actions of this Government which include the militarisation of Guyana with the installation of former officers of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) in key positions, the creation of SOCU and SARA to undermine the Police Force, the decision of the Attorney General to override the decision of the Judicial Service Commission to appoint the Deputy Registrar, and the discriminatory practices of the Government to only offer Government contracts to a select few, we have a dreary painting on the wall which says “private businesses are not welcomed”.

Investors’ Guide

Cambio Rates Buying

to decent investors who are averse to the reputational and other business risks that are common in economies that are driven by criminal activities. The tune probably serves the narrow political agenda of the APNU/AFC Government, but it will make our country less attractive to investment.

Secondly, the recent announcement by the Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin to place more stumbling blocks under the guise of screening foreign investors can only harm the business environment further. According to the Global Competitiveness Report 2015-16, the number one deterrent to doing business Guyana is inefficient government bureaucracy (see Figure 2). Adding more layers will, therefore, discourage investors from doing business with our country. It is either the Minister of Business is ignorant of how Government bureaucracy impacts on doing business or is desirous of chasing investors away from Guyana.

USD

$1328.30

Gross

$256,488

Net

$238,534

Indicators as on September 7, 2016 Indicators Crude Oil

Price

US$ per barrel $47.26

USD

Change % +0.91

Change %

Rough Rice

$205.37/ton

+0.00

London Sugar

$539.20/ton

0.00

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1345.70

$1346.70

Low/High

$1342.00

$1353.30

Change

+1.70

+0.05%

Business Concept – Business Support Organisations Business Support Organisations (BSO) are those entities dedicated to supporting the creation and growth of businesses. BSOs come in many shapes and sizes and include: business incubators, innovation centres, accelerators, coworking spaces, living labs, chambers of commerce and industry, and business centres. (ebn.eu.com)

Wall Street ends flat as investors assess US rates outlook

U

S stocks ended little changed on Wednesday, though the Nasdaq eked out another record high close, as investors assessed the outlook for US interest rates.

A disappointing forecast from Sprouts Farmers Market weighed on grocers. Sprouts shares were down 13.7 per cent at US$19.68, while Whole Foods shares fell 5.3 per cent to US$29.08 and Kroger shares dropped 4.1 per cent to US$31.32.

Investors have been weighing the likelihood of a rate hike this month from the Federal Reserve, with recent economic data including last Friday’s weaker-than-expected jobs report suggesting the US Central Bank could hold off for now.

The Fed said on Wednesday afternoon in its Beige Book report of anecdotal information that the US economy expanded at a modest pace in July and August, but there was little sign that wage pressures are being felt beyond highly skilled jobs.

“Follow-through from last week’s OK-butnot-tremendous employment number is sending the lower-for-longer interest rate message out there to people coming back from vacation,” said Peter Tuz, President of Chase Investment Counsel in Charlottesville, Virginia.

European Central Bank policymakers meet on Thursday, when they are expected to keep policy unchanged.

The Dow Jones industrial average was down

11.98 points, or 0.06 per cent, to 18,526.14, the S&P 500 lost 0.33 points, or 0.02 per cent, to 2186.15 and the Nasdaq Composite added 8.02 points, or 0.15 per cent, to 5283.93, a record high close.

Apple shares were up 0.6 per cent at US$108.36, after the biggest company by market value unveiled its new iPhone.

Shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill, which is struggling to revive sales following a series of food-borne illness outbreaks, gained 5.9 per cent to US$438.45 after William Ackman’s Pershing Square Capital Management disclosed a 9.9 per cent stake in the chain. Ackman could shake up the company’s leadership.

Among other gainers, US airline stocks jumped after Delta Air said sales trends were improving and Southwest said it would slow its breakneck growth of flights in 2017. Delta’s stock rose 5.6 per cent while Southwest gained 4.7 per cent.

Advancing issues outnumbered declining ones on the NYSE by a 1.68-to-1 ratio; on Nasdaq, a 1.52-to-1 ratio favoured advancers.

The S&P 500 posted 28 new 52-week highs and 1 new low; the Nasdaq Composite recorded 153 new highs and 25 new lows.

About 6.5 billion shares changed hands on US exchanges, compared with the 6.0 billion daily average for the past 20 trading days, according to Thomson Reuters data. (Reuters)

17

NEWS

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Evicted Robb Street vendors to return today – mull legal action against M&CC over spoilt perishables

“The Office of the Leader of the Opposition notes that once again the Mayor and Town Clerk are taking bread out of peoples’ mouths, creating greater hardships and increasing the cost of living for all the citizens, not only in Georgetown, but across the country,” a statement from the Opposition Leader’s Office said.

Speaking with this newspaper after the meeting, one vendor said while President

O

Evicted vendors on Tuesday afternoon

ne day after they were evicted without notice, cash crop vendors plying their trade on Robb Street, Georgetown – between Alexander and Bourda Streets – will return to the vending area as of today, following a meeting with Town Clerk Royston King, on Wednesday.

King, however, threatened the vendors that should they fail to keep the area clean; a permanent ban will be imposed.

“In other words, there would be no going back, you have to keep the place clean,” King warned as he explained that it was the vendor’s failure to maintain the sanitation of the area that led to the eviction.

However, the vendors

since they are required to either pay $1000 monthly as sanitation fee to clean the area or assist with the cleaning, which they said they have been adhering to.

“When the new Government go in power last year, they tell we that we have to donate money to clean the city up and me and the people them who selling deh put together and give them forty something thousand dollars… we give wan constable and she tek it inside the constabulary,” one vendor stated, adding that they continue to pay the $1000 monthly.

When questioned if receipts are issued, the vendor answered in the negative, stating that, “them constables does come round with

Vendors protesting in front of the Communities Ministry

said that their garbage compactor, which City Hall had in the vicinity, was removed by the municipality. With no place to dump the garbage, the vendors said after cleaning the area, they are forced to pile the garbage in one location with the hope that the Council will remove it.

Sanitation fee

Further, they questioned King’s claims, arguing that shortly after the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) took office in May 2015, they were told by City Constables that they have to pool money to help clean up the city and ever

a book and does write down we name and the money abee give them, they add am up and tek it to the constab.”

However, People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Councillor on the City Council, Bishram Kuppen, said he was alarmed at this revelation, since the revenue department of the M&CC is the only body authorised to collect monies on behalf of the Council and for all revenues collected, a receipt must be issued.

Protest

Meanwhile, the vendors protested at the Communities Ministry in

Kingston, Georgetown, with placards bearing slogans such as, “Royston King must go” and “we need justice”.

In their chants, the protesters expressed complete dissatisfaction at the actions of the Town Clerk. “Weh we gon go? How we gon mek a living? This injustice got to stop!” one vendor asserted.

However, King was unmoved, stating that not even the GMVU could influence a decision made by the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) to stop vending.

Evicted vendors meeting with a delegation from the Office of the Leader of the Opposition

David Granger is on record urging persons to become entrepreneurs, because of his Government’s inability to provide jobs for the thousands of unemployed persons, City Hall, controlled

by Granger’s APNU/AFC coalition, is trying to destroy small businesses, referring to City Hall’s eviction.

“I saw the President on TV talking about we should become our own entrepreneurs, but on the other hand, look at what they are doing here to us.

If we can’t sell and make an honest living, then our only options are to go hungry, thief or beg,” the man stated. (Edward Layne)

BaiShanLin still controls 41,079 hectares of State forest – has separate arrangements with 5 local logging companies

Legal action

The merchants, many of whom travelled from as far as Region Five (MahaicaBerbice), have complained about millions in losses over the past two days due to spoilage of their produce and are seeking legal advice on a possible lawsuit against the M&CC to recover the revenue they lost.

They are contending that the municipality failed to give them any notice of the eviction and therefore is responsible for their loss.

“We lose a lot because of the Council, so yes we are going to take legal action because we still have to pay the farmers. We have family, I have children to send to school and I live in a renting house… they didn’t tell we in advance that we can’t sell,” one retail vendor stated.

Another man stated that he is fed up with the way City Hall treats vendors and is also backing his colleagues with any legal challenge.

“They must take responsibility and pay for we goods which spoil. Royston King like he doesn’t like vendors, so he punishing we all them time, first Stabroek now here. We gon sue them.

Somebody gotta pay for our goods, look how we lose money and them don’t care, none of them,” another irate woman stated.

Meanwhile, a group of the affected vendors met with a delegation from the Leader of the Opposition’s Office to voice their frustration about the removal, among other issues.

T

BaiShanLin trucks laden with logs

he Guyana Forestry Commission has moved to take back State forest concessions it had issued to BaiShanLin International Forest Development Inc (BIFDI), but the Chinese-owned logging company still enjoys access to in excess of 400,000 hectares of forests through Timber Sales Agreements (TSA) and other such relations with other companies it would have engaged over the years.

BaiShanLin in January 2011 entered into a TSA with Haimorakabra Logging Co Inc which gave the Chinese logging company access to 52,896 hectares of forest.

The company had also entered into a TSA with Kwebanna Wood Products Inc in April 2009. Under that arrangement, the company was made the majority shareholder and gained access to another 87,361 hectares of forested land.

Shortly after BaiShanLin started its operation in 2006,

the company then entered into a TSA with Puruni Woods.

That arrangement saw BaiShanLin also becoming the majority shareholding in Puruni Woods, giving it access to 107,671 hectares of land.

In February 2015 the company had also executed a TSA with Sherwood Forrest Inc, giving it access to that company’s concession of 167,075 hectares of State forests.

Another company that BaiShanLin had entered into a TSA with is Wood Association Industries Company for its 26,076 hectares of land.

This would bring the total area of lands for which BaiShanLin still has access to 441,079 hectares of land.

The GFC on Tuesday announced that it would be repossessing, “concessions currently being held by BaiShanLin International Forest Development Inc (BIFDI).”

According to a missive

issued by the Commission on Tuesday, “The decision came after the company failed to deliver on agreed actions to introduce investors to the Commission and having been given time to prove that it had an acceptable plan to clear an approximately GY$80 million debt.”

BIFDI was incorporated in September 2006 under the Guyana Companies Act 1991 with the main objective of timber harvesting and establishing downstream wood processing operations in Linden.

To date, the BIFDI has failed to fulfil any of its commitments to the Government of Guyana; effectively failing on the obligations it made, which were accepted in good faith.

According to GFC, “In keeping with Forest Governance Practices, the GFC will be formally repossessing the concessions owned by the company and accelerating efforts to recover the debt owed.”

18

guyana-times.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

ARCHIE

An opportunity will develop that will give you greater (March 21- job security. Negotiating and April 19) signing contracts are favored.

Positive changes are heading your way. Celebrate with a loved one.

ARIES

It’s a good time to travel for

DILBERT

TAURUS business or educational pur(April 20- poses. A retreat will open your May 20) mind to a host of information that will help you reduce your stress and change your way of living.

You should put more enerGEMINI gy into making personal gains, (May 21not into trying to change othJune 20) ers. Focus on your appearance and physical fitness, not on manipulating others into doing things for you.

Don’t take on someone CANCER else’s responsibilities. It’s not (June 21- up to you to make other peoJuly 22) ple look good. Do your best to get ahead by taking pride in what you do.

PEANUTS

Make a point to bring LEO about positive change. Don’t (July 23let the past hinder your adAug. 22) vancement. You can’t change what’s already transpired, but you can change the future.

Consider how to make VIRGO your life easier. Give people (Aug. 23Sept. 22) who are placing demands on you something to occupy their time and keep them out of your hair. Take control and learn to say no.

Take a chance and make a LIBRA point to do things differently.

(Sept. 23What you discover will make Oct. 23) a difference, not only to you, but to others with similar dilemmas.

CALVIN AND HOBBES

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

Refuse to take on too SCORPIO much.

Honing in on what’s (Oct. 24most important will make a Nov. 22) difference to the outcome of something you truly believe in.

Emotional matters will SAGITTARIUS escalate if you cannot keep a (Nov. 23- secret. Offering information Dec. 21) based only on hearsay will result in you being blamed for meddling. Focus on yourself, not on others.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

Ask for clarification if you CAPRICORN aren’t satisfied with the in(Dec. 22- formation you are given. If Jan. 19) you stay on top of your personal business, positive results will unfold. Don’t be afraid of change.

A chance to show what you AQUARIUS have to offer will be met with (Jan. 20encouragement and a chance Feb. 19) to take on a new project, but first you must take care of unfinished business.

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

PISCES When traveling or dealing (Feb. 20- with people who don’t share March 20) your views, you are best off being protective of your personal information.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

19

US Open 2016…

Djokovic eases into semis after another opponent retires ― Nishikori upsets Murray

N

ovak Djokovic’s strange U.S. Open took another bizarre turn as he advanced to the semi-finals on Tuesday when Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga retired at the start of the third set, trailing 6-3 6-2.

Tsonga took a medical timeout during the changeover at 5-2 of the second set and had the area below his left knee taped.

World number one Djokovic held serve to love to close out the set and the Frenchman walked off, giving the Serbian passage into the last four for a 10th consecutive time.

It has been an unusual tournament for Djokovic who has played only two full matches. He was gifted a walkover in the second round and a retirement after six games in the third before Tsonga.

“I’m in the semi-finals, so that’s what matters for me the most,” Djokovic told reporters after 83 minutes in Arthur Ashe Stadium.

“I know Jo for a long time, we grew up playing in the junior circuit as well. He’s a fighter, he’s somebody who loves the big stage. This is something I’m sure he didn’t wish for.”

The first five games progressed on serve to offer promise of a big-hitting battle.

But Tsonga wobbled in

cessive breaks that left the Serb with a 5-3 lead.

From that point, Djokovic dominated.

Tsonga said when he felt pain in his knee, he knew it was over. “It’s something I had already in the past,” he said.

“When I have my knee, of course, it’s already tough to play against one of the best

Kei Nishikori advances after a hard-fought five sets against second seed Andy Murray

Novak Djokovic won against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga to set up a semi-final meeting with Gael Monfils

the sixth game, committing three double faults to lose serve, the first of three suc-

tennis players.

“But when I don’t have my knee, I have no chance

to come back from two sets to love.”

Australian and French Open champion Djokovic came to New York with question marks, having lost in the third round at Wimbledon and the first at the Rio Olympics while battling a nagging left wrist injury.

He was unfazed by his sparse time on court.

“In this stage of the season, considering some phys-

ical issues I have had ... this was the scenario that I needed and I wished for,” he said.

“I got a lot of days off and recovered my body.

Right now I’m feeling very close to the peak.”

Djokovic will play for a place in the title decider against another Frenchman in 10th seed Gael Monfils, who beat compatriot Lucas Pouille in straight sets.

Monfils has yet to beat

Djokovic in 12 career meetings.

Nishikori vs Murray Japan’s Kei Nishikori overcame second seed Andy Murray for a grueling 1-6 6-4 4-6 6-1 7-5 victory on Wednesday to reach the U.S. Open semi-finals.

Nishikori, who became the first Asian man to reach a grand slam final when he finished runnerup at the 2014 U.S. Open, broke the Scotsman in the 11th game of the fifth set with a brilliant reflex volley and served out to complete the comeback triumph.The upset ended a stellar run

by Murray that had taken him to seven successive finals, including victories at Wimbledon, the Rio Olympics, Queen’s Club and Rome.

The sixth-seeded Nishikori will meet either double grand slam winner Stan Wawrinka or 2009 U.S. Open champion Juan Martin del Potro in the last four at Flushing Meadows.

Wozniacki drops wounded Sevastova to reach semi-finals ― Pliskova sends Konjuh packing

F

ormer world number one Caroline Wozniacki reached the semi-finals of the U.S. Open on Tuesday with a ruthless 6-0 6-2 win over wounded Latvian Anastasija Sevastova.

Sevastova, the first Latvian to reach a grand slam quarter-final, saw her U.S. Open hopes come to a painful end when she rolled her ankle chasing down a ball on Wozniacki’s opening serve.

“For sure it was affecting my play but I’m not a person that likes to retire during a match, so I just tried my best,” said the 48th ranked Sevastova, who fought bravely to the finish.

“It’s tough to end like that, but it’s tennis. I could have played amazing but still lost. It would hurt more, I think.”

After watching Sevastova crash to the court and then get up, Wozniacki said she had taken no chances with a spot in the semi-finals on the

Karolina Pliskova

line.

With her opponent hobbled, the Dane showed no mercy as she moved in for the kill, keeping Sevastova running from sideline to sideline.

“I’ve rolled my ankle several times so I feel real sorry for her,” said Wozniacki, twice a U.S. Open finalist. “But I was just extra focused.”I kept serving well and made her run.”

While there was no room for sympathy on Arthur Ashe Stadium court, Wozniacki

knows the damage a bad ankle can cause having been sidelined herself for three months this season.

The 26-year-old was forced to withdraw from the French Open due to a sore ankle and then had a first round exit at Wimbledon, sinking her world ranking to 74 by the time she arrived at Flushing Meadows.

But for Wozniacki, ranking like age, is just a number.

“Being 70-something doesn’t really mean much to me,” shrugged the Dane,

who next meets second seed Angelique Kerber, a 7-5 6-0 winner over Roberta Vinci.

Karolina Pliskova vs Ana Konjuh Karolina Pliskova, a grand slam underachiever, took a big step toward shedding that unwanted label by sweeping past Croatian teenager Ana Konjuh 6-2 6-2 on Wednesday to roar into the semi-finals of the U.S. Open.

Pliskova arrived at Flushing Meadows as the only player ranked inside the

top 20 yet to reach the fourth round at one of tennis’s four blue riband events but the 10th-seeded Czech made her trip to the semis look like nothing new as she overwhelmed 18-year-old Konjuh in 57 minutes.

“It’s an amazing feeling, I am so excited to be in my first semi-final especially in this tournament I very much love New York and hardcourt season,” said Pliskova, who will next face either world number one Serena

Caroline Wozniacki reached the semi-finals after beating Anastasija Sevastova in straight sets

Williams or Romanian fifth seed Simona Halep.

It was a ruthless and dominating performance from Pliskova, who did not face a break point while surrendering only five points on her serve.

The big-hitting Czech, who has fired more aces this season than any other player, opened the match with a bang, breaking the unsteady teen on her opening two serves en route to a 4-0 lead.

Pliskova lost only one point on serve in the opening set as she swept past the reeling Croatian in 28 minutes. Konjuh began to find some rhythm and confidence near the end of the first and start of the second but could not keep it going and again found herself down a break 3-2.

At that point there was no way back for the 92nd ranked Croatian as Pliskova steamrolled through four straight games finishing her opponent off with back-toback aces. (Reuters)

20

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

Pakistan end series with ruthless 9-wicket win N

ew captain, new Pakistan? It’s always dangerous to look too far ahead as far as their cricket is concerned, but after one night in Manchester Sarfraz Ahmed has a 100% record as T20 skipper.

It can be difficult at the end of a long tour to lift for a one-off T20 - the Super Series, of course, had already been decided lest anyone forget - but, amid the most frenzied atmosphere of the tour, which was marred by late pitch invasions, Pakistan secured a thumping nine-wicket victory with a massive 31 deliveries to spare.

They produced their most vibrant bowling and fielding display of the limited-overs leg of the trip to restrict England, who fielded the side which played the World T20 final in April, to 135 for 7: just 58 came off the final ten overs and only three boundaries were struck after the Powerplay.

The chase was a canter.

Neither Sharjeel Khan nor Khalid Latif needed to bother with much running, by the end of the fourth over they had equalled England’s paltry tally of 10 fours. Both reached their fifties with sixes, Sharjeel off 30 balls and Latif, who only flew in for this match, brought up his maiden half-century off 34 deliveries.

he can clear the rope from the outset, only come in with three deliveries remaining and end up not facing a ball.

Pakistan dealt exclusively in boundaries until the third ball of the third over when Latif, who had taken 20 off Chris Jordan’s first over, tapped a single off Plunkett. The bowler was so shocked, that two balls late he flung a bouncer for five wides down the leg side.

After the fours came the sixes. Sharjeel deposit-

SCOREBOARD Pakistan opener Khalid Latif finished unbeaten on 59 from 42 balls

With the ball Imad Wasim and Wahab Riaz, the latter smartly held back for the latter half of the innings as he bowled all his overs from the 11th onwards, produced the telling contributions. Imad, who bowled the first over then returned after the Powerplay (and a clonk on the head at point) did not concede a boundary and removed both England openers. Wahab generated fearsome speed, upwards of 95mph on occasion, mixed with smart changes of pace, to leave the middle order in a tangle.

After a couple of early overs of assessing conditions, England initially made good progress as

Jason Roy and Alex Hales took them to 53 without loss in the Powerplay. Then Roy was lbw trying to reverse sweep Imad and from there England almost went into reverse. Hales fell slogsweeping at Imad, as he did at Lord’s, and next ball Joe Root uppercut Hasan Ali to third man.

Jos Buttler, who missed the final two ODIs with a hamstring niggle, looked in the mood for a rebuilding job, but 9 off four balls became 16 off 14 after two tight overs by Wahab and Hasan. He then carved the first delivery of Wahab’s second over to deep point.

Neither Ben Stokes or Eoin Morgan could get going

and the harder England tried to hit the ball the worse off they became. England’s batting depth came to their aid in the World T20, most notably against Afghanistan, but there was no late charge on this occasion.

When David Willey clubbed Sohail Tanvir through the leg side it was the first boundary for 7.3 overs - and it would be the only one of the final 10 overs, an extraordinary statistic whether you are looking at from an England or Pakistan perspective.

Given England’s struggles to find the boundary after the first six overs, it felt a waste to see Liam Plunkett, who has shown this season

Morgan under pressure to commit to Bangladesh E oin Morgan, and any other players still uncertain over whether to tour Bangladesh, have until Saturday to make up their minds with Andrew Strauss, the team director, saying there can be no guarantees given to anyone who relinquishes their place.

Morgan has been among the players with the most reservations about the trip but Strauss, who had called for a full-strength squad to commit to the tour as soon as it was given the green light last week, reiterated that he would “absolutely” want both England’s captains to undertake the Test and ODI legs of the trip.

Alastair Cook has given private assurances that he will lead the Test side, but Morgan’s uncertainty seems set to linger into the weekend when England’s central- and incremental- contracted players gather for two days of end-of-season fitness assessments and appraisals.

Over the course of those two days, Strauss will ask for a ‘yes or no’ over a player’s willingness to be available for the Bangladesh tour, with the squad now due to be named at the end of next week. The announcement has been pushed back to give players more time after the conclusion of the series against Pakistan.

Though Strauss did not issue any ultimatums - the ECB’s stance continues to be that touring is an individual choice - he did acknowledge

ed Stokes, playing his first T20I since the World T20 final, over long leg then twice took Adil Rashid over the leg-side boundary. Rashid, at least, had a modicum of revenge when another attempted smite down the ground was skied to cover.

He should have had a second wicket, too, but Buttler missed a stumping chance off Babar Azam. It summed up England’s night, as their season ended with a whimper. (ESPN Cricinfo)

England ODI Captain Eoin Morgan

that being captain brings other responsibilities “Would I like both our captains to be on that tour?

Absolutely, definitely,” Strauss said. “The captain has certain roles and responsibilities that are greater than just looking after themselves. He obviously has a duty to the team. But they’re still human beings - and I think that’s an important point to make. They have their own thoughts, concerns, issues and views on life - and we’ve got to understand that.

“I can’t force anyone onto that plane. I cannot literally force people up the steps and say ‘you have to go to Bangladesh’. People have their own decisions to make.”

Though Strauss insisted he was not delivering any ultimatums, Morgan may nevertheless wish to con-

sider the subtext in his comments. Writing in the Daily Telegraph last week, Kevin Pietersen - who was faced with a similar situation during his time as England captain in India in 2008-09 warned that Morgan would “have a red cross against his name” in ECB circles if he refused to make the trip.

“When the going gets tough for him in the future, with the team losing, or a run of personal low scores, then he will find that the loyalty from his bosses will not be the same because he went against them,” Pietersen wrote. “That is just the way it is. In the end it will come back to haunt him.”

Alex Hales, another player reported to be uncertain about the tour, has previously said how it is a difficult decision because you are forgoing your place in

the side. This is especially true of someone such as Hales, who is struggling to cling to his Test berth, while there are an abundance of young players striving to get in the one-day side even if Hales has just become England’s individual record-holder in ODIs. “That’s just the same as if someone gets injured, you are out of possession of that spot in the team for a certain period of time, and if someone does really well then you can’t give any guarantees.

Strauss stopped short of saying that a player’s decision on the Bangladesh tour would affect their position for the India leg, a situation more relevant to the Test team where the seven matches in Bangladesh and India are being seen in their entirety, but again encouraged them to take heed of the security assessment put together which got the tour approved.

“I’m very assured by the report that Reg gave to me and translated to the players. But everyone will look at that and take their own observations,” Strauss said.

“I’m still very hopeful that everyone gets on that plane because I believe the security plan we have in place mitigates the risk to an acceptable level.

“I genuinely believe that and that is why I’m encouraging every player to use that incredibly detailed and experienced view point from Reg to make a judgement.”

(ESPN Cricinfo)

England innings (20 overs maximum) JJ Roy lbw b Imad Wasim 21 AD Hales b Imad Wasim 37 JE Root c Shoaib Malik b Hasan Ali 6 JC Buttler† c sub (Amad Butt) b Wahab Riaz 16 EJG Morgan* c †Sarfraz Ahmed b Wahab Riaz 14 BA Stokes c Babar Azam b Hasan Ali 4 MM Ali not out 13 DJ Willey c Shoaib Malik b Wahab Riaz 12 LE Plunkett not out 0 Extras (lb-8, w-4) 12 Total (7 wickets; 20 overs) 135 Did not bat; CJ Jordan, AU Rashid Fall of wickets; 1-56 (Roy, 6.4 ov), 2-67 (Hales, 8.6 ov), 3-67 (Root, 9.1 ov), 4-93 (Buttler, 13.1 ov), 5-104 (Stokes, 14.5 ov), 6-110 (Morgan, 15.5

ov), 7-132 (Willey, 19.3 ov) Bowling: Imad Wasim 4-017-2, Sohail Tanvir 4-0-350 (w-2), Mohammad Amir 4-0-33-0, Hasan Ali 4-0-24-2, Wahab Riaz 4-0-18-3 (w-2) Pakistan innings (target: 136 runs from 20 overs) Sharjeel Khan c Ali b Rashid 59 Khalid Latif not out 59 Babar Azam not out 15 Extras (w-6) 6 Did not bat; Mohammad Rizwan, Shoaib Malik, Sarfraz Ahmed*†, Imad Wasim, Wahab Riaz, Sohail Tanvir, Mohammad Amir, Hasan Ali Fall of wickets; 1-107 (Sharjeel Khan, 11.1 ov) Bowling: DJ Willey 2-0-160, CJ Jordan 1-0-16-0, LE Plunkett 1.5- 0-24-0 (w1), BA Stokes 2-0-20-0 (w-1), JE Root 1-0-10-0, AU Rashid 4-0-29-1, MM Ali 3-0-24-0

Fury-Klitschko rematch date finally confirmed

Tyson Fury’s sensational victory in November 2015 was Klitschko’s first defeat in 11 years

T

yson Fury’s world heavyweight title rematch with Wladimir Klitschko has been confirmed for 29 October.

British world champion Fury, 28, claimed the WBO, WBA and IBF belts from the 40-year-old Ukrainian in November 2015, but pulled out of a July rematch with an ankle injury.

The fight is at Manchester Arena.

“I’m delighted that we can finally get the fight back on. We can now focus on giving the fans what they deserve,” said Fury’s manager and uncle Peter.

Klitschko was undefeated for 11 years and had held the belts since 2006 before losing to Fury in Dusseldorf on a unanimous points decision.

He tweeted: “Finally the rematch is fixed. I’ll remedy my mistake on 29 October at Manchester Arena. See you there.”

Manchester fighter Fury

is unbeaten in 25 professional bouts, with 18 knockouts, while Klitschko is 644, with 54 knock-outs.

Fury had originally held three of the world belts, but his IBF title was stripped from him soon after he won it when he failed to face his mandatory challenger.

British heavyweight Anthony Joshua is the current holder.

Fury also has a doping suspension hanging over him after being charged by the UK’s anti-doping body (Ukad) in June, the same day he pulled out of the Klitschko rematch with injury.

Fury appealed and the provisional ban has been lifted pending a hearing in front of the independent National Anti-Doping Panel (NADP) at a later date.

The British fighter has said he will sue Ukad over its claims he used a banned drug. (BBC Sport)

YELLOW PAGES THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016 | WWW.GUYANA-TIMES.COM

CAR RENTALS Need a car to rent? Then call 611-1018 for the best cars at great prices.

Progressive Auto Rental: Cars from $4000 and up. Tel: 219-3900, 643-5122

DENTISTRY Dentures provided in 72 hours from as low as $4500. Contact Dr B Stuart, 209B Charlotte St, Lacytown. Tel: 225-5034

DRIVING SCHOOL Shalom Enterprise Driving School 2 Croal Street, Stabroek. You can obtain an International Drivers Permit Covering 131 Countries. Tel: 2273869, 644-7052, 659-3381

EDUCATION

Formerly Globe Cinema, Corner lot, Church and Waterloo Street Size 125 ft x 133 ft Tel: 610-2234 One land 100/50 at Good Hope Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara for sale. Priced six million dollars. For more information, kindly call 623-0156 or 695-3150 (serious inquires only) Transported Land for Sale at Logwood Enmore, ECD. Contact Tel: (592)-6225824 or (592)-671-5395.

PROPERTY FOR SALE Transported property in excellent condition. Recently renovated 2- storey property; Concrete and wooden structure with modern amenities. Each floor has 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom and 1 kitchen also concrete yard with 4 sides of fencing. Back lot, Dowding Street, Kitty. $ 30M negotiable. Call 614-2722 for viewing. Serious inquiries only.

REGISTER - learn to play drums, guitar, keyboard and train your voice NOW OR in the Summer. Call 225-1151/ 657-8404

House Lot, Diamond New Scheme between 2nd & 3rd Ave. Contact: 6381529

FOR SALE

Eccles: $27M Neg. Enterprise Sec C: $20M Neg. Mon Repos: $30M Neg. South Ruimveldt Park: $20M Neg. Broad Street: $80M Neg. Charlotte Street between Camp & Alexander: $55M Neg. Providence (land): $6.5M Neg. Parfaite Harmonie (land): $4.5M Neg. Contact: 691-1521

Powerline Battery Water/wholesale. 1 litre and 0.5 litre sizes. Tel: 680-3863 Clean Garden Earth. Also excavating, grading and leveling done. Call 627-9977 Road to Belwasa and A Dip at the Sangam, Indentureship Novels at Austin’s Book Store and Lachmansingh Drug Store. Tel: 226-5053.

For sale by lot: Lot (1): 2 bath tubs, bathroom fittings and fixtures & toilet set; shower fittings - $150,000 and Lot (2): 1 Dell desktop computer & HP scanner $25,000. Call 225-2676 or 601-5285.

FLOWERS Available: Fresh long-stemmed roses, fresh dried and silk floral arrangements, gift items, bridal boutiques and wreaths. Nesha’s Flowerland. 78 Church Street (opposite St George’s Cathedral). Tel: 227-3553/225-3315

IMMIGRATION Immigration & Visa Services We handle all Canadian, USA and UK immigration and visa matters. Self sponsorships, holiday/visitor’s visas, work permits, students visas, family, class, immigration forms, embassy enquiries, appeals for refused cases, US green card lottery, business class waivers, pardons, etc.

Get your visa approved. High success rate. Balwant Persaud & Associates.

Certified Immigration Consultants, 68 Sixth Street, Alberttown, Georgetown (Between Cummings & Lights Sts) Tel: 225-1540, 622-8308, 655-3105. Email: balwantpersaud@yahoo.ca IMMIGRATION SERVICES PROFESSIONALLY PREPARED BY IMMIGRATION CONSULTANT. PASSPORT AND VISA APPLICATIONS (PERMANENT/VISITOR) FOR USA, CANADA, UK, CHINA, INDIA, ETC. SABITA’S IMMIGRATION SERVICES. TEL: 225-6496/662-6045

KEY CUTTING Professional Key Shop, 125 Carmichael Street, Georgetown. Phone: 225-3923, mobile: 621-3249. We cut any type of key, service and repair all types of locks.

Get your extra key today.

OPTICIAN Da Silva’s Optical. For Your Eyes Only, Look Better See Better. Phillip A Da Silva OD, Shannon L Da Silva OD, Natalie Da Silva OD. 248 South Road, Bourda.

Phone: 227-3529, Linden: 444-6376, Corriverton: 339-3536, Meten-MeerZorg: 275-0322, Grand Cayman Islands: (345) 943-1515 for the perfect trendy touch.

HEALTH Healthworld Clinic – Providing professional psychological therapy for all mental and behavioral health problems. Call (592)-690-1824 MondaysSaturdays 9am-3pm. Email; healthworldhc@gmail.com

VEHICLES FOR SALE 1 TOYOTA IPSUM (7-SEATER) IN EXCELLENT WORKING CONDITION WITH MUSIC (5800 W): CONTACT 653-1003 JUST ARRIVED: TOP QUALITY RECONDITIONED VEHICLES; TOYOTA NOAH; TOYOTA VOXY; TOYOTA IST (NEW SHAPE); SUZUKI SWIFT; DAIHATSU MOVE (660CC); MERCEDES BENZ C200 KOMPRESSOR; COROLLA AE100 WAGON; TOYOTA HIACE MINIBUS RZ; PITBULL-STYLE FREEZER VAN; LAND CRUISER (FULLY LOADED); MAZDA PROCEED 4WD EXTRA-CAB PICK-UP; TOYOTA HILUX 4WD EXTRA CAB PICKUPS - 3RZ, 5L, 3L SOLID DEFFERNTIAL; MITSUBISHI CANTER TRUCKS 4 TONS FREEZER; 3 TONS OPEN TRAY; 2 TONS 4WD; NISSAN ATLAS 2 TONS OPEN TRAY TRUCK. PREORDER YOUR UNITS EARLY AND GET THE BEST PRICES. FULL AFTER SALES SERVICES AND FINANCING AVAILABLE. DEO MARAJ AUTO SALES, 2 CHIMNEY ROAD, CHATEAU MARGOT, ECD. 6240762, 220-5177. A NAME AND SERVICE YOU CAN TRUST

House plans & estimates, weeding of grass and spraying done within 48hrs.

Call: 216-0671; 622-0267; 692-8464 Repairs and Spares, Air Conditioning, Car AC, Washers, Stoves. Call Nick: 683-1312, 627-3206

WANTED SALES GIRLS WITH EXPERIENCE PLEASE BRING WRITTEN APPLICATION AND CV TO TRISTAR ELECTRICAL, BRASSONIC Bldg. (MAIN ENTRANCE 42 WATER ST. G/Town. 231-7101

TO LET House for rent, 2 bedrooms, fully furnished. Triumph Village, ECD. Contact: 697-3405 or 222-5549 FOR RENT. ONE THREE (3) BEDROOM TOP FLOOR APARTMENT. ONE TWO (2) BEDROOM BOTTOM FLOOR APARTMENT. LA GRANGE PUBLIC ROAD. TEL: 619-0673 SPACE TO RENT FOR BOOKSTORE/ FOOD COURT OR CLOTHING AND COSMETICS STORE, 15X30 FT. LOCATED SATRO BUILDING. CONTACT: 642-7743

Dutch spiritual healing in removing evil spirit, bad luck, evil sickness, spells, reuniting lovers and prosperity to business. Call: 612-6417, 6875653

Suriname’s Astrology, Palmist and Hindustani Spiritual Healer, solve all purpose problems, 100% confidential guaranteed. Phone: 602-8997 HEPHZIBAH MINISTRIES 24 hrs Prayer Line 322-5081, 322-5738, 322-5788, 337-4510, 337-4259, 337-3070, 337-5103. For healing, deliverance, financial difficulties, marriage issues call now. Jesus Cares.

Ifa Temple – Are you having serious problems and urgently need spiritual help? Call 621-0552 now.

Email: anew-life@live.com

TAXI SERVICES GR Taxi, 24 hours. Phone: 225-7878, 219-5000 or 227-2100

Cashier for Supermarket. Tel: 624-0033 One (1) Cook. Tel: 624-0033 One (1) Maid. Tel: 624-0033

C

they are afforded with the adequate training.

None of the players made it out of the consolation group to the main bout but they all managed wins which the coach said was due to their eagerness to perform.

Trinidad won the boys’ category while Jamaica dominated the girls’ competition.

Guyana was represented by two girls and two boys at the event which is ITF’s signature annual tournament for identification of emerging talent in the Region.

The players were selected based on their domestic performance; the two girls selected based on all year round performance locally and overseas, while the two boys were selected based on all year round performance – selection of five boys playoffs round robin Vadeanand Resaul, Wayne Baker, Adesh Khayyam, Nigel Lowe, Anish Sharma.

The national team comprised Girls – Sarah Klautky, 12 years old, and

Sekai Akilah Jones, 11; and the Boys – Vadeanand Resaul, 11 and Adesh Khayyam, 11 years old.

The Guyana Tennis Association received financial support from the ITF to ensure they prepare and field participants at the event.

However, Leacock believes the government should be more instrumental in ensuring that there are proper facilities to enable top results. “The Guyana Lawn Tennis Association cannot make this happen without government’s influence. They (government) should assist to build courts to facilitate players’ development,” urged Leacock.

According to Leacock, who travelled with the team, it is always a privilege to represent your country and he believes the players performed to the best and would have learnt from the event to help them in their growth for future tournament.

T

Surinamese spiritualist. Resolving all problems. Money, love, blockage etc. Call 223-6834/600-7719.

Vacancy exists for one (1) SALES CLERK-Age 18-28. - Sound Secondary Education - Experience in Sales.

Send applications to: 35 North Road, Georgetown. Telephone: 225-8831

National U-12 tennis team (from L-R) Sekai Akilah Jones, Vadeanand Resaul, Coach Leyland Leacock, Adesh Khayyam and Sarah Klautky prior to their departure

“Dragz War 2” slated for October 2

SPIRITUALITY

Land for Sale: 100x50 Sq Ft. Uitvulgt Housing Scheme, West Coast Demerara. $1.5 Million negotiable.

Contact Parveen on 680-4630.

Unpreparedness resulted in dull performances ― Coach Leacock

oach of the fourmember tennis squad which recently represented Guyana at the International Tennis Federation Under-12 Junior Development Tournament in Curacao, Leyland Leacock, says his team dull performance was due to unpreparedness.

Speaking to Guyana Times Sport, Leacock said due to limited facilities his team practice sessions were reduced to a mere two hours per day for a two-week period thus the results was poor. “In comparison with the other competing nations the necessary resources are afforded to them to develop their games to be quality competitors. However in our case there are limited resources (especially facility) to develop top players.”

Nevertheless he is of the view that the four players who represented Guyana are very talented and could match any opponent once their skills are nurtured and

SERVICES

VACANCIES

Land at La Grange Public Road, Size 4 Acre, could be used for commercial or housing scheme. Tel: 625-1514

Security In-store; Day Duty. Tel: 6803863

GOOD HOPE AND OGLE. CONTACT: 673-5546, 222-3066, 682-7257, 6790987

LAND FOR SALE

3.3 ACRES FARM LAND, LINDEN SOESDYKE HIGHWAY. TEL: 679-1151

Driver for Water Truck. Tel: 680-3863

21

SPORTS

Classified Ads

$5+VAT per word

Call: 226-9921

he smoke and tyre burn will return to the tracks at the South Dakota Circuit come October 2 for the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMR&SC) International Meet “Dragz War 2”.

Only recently, neighbouring Suriname hosted some of the local dragsters who preformed outstandingly, winning most of the titles on offer.

In May, at South Dakota, Azurdeen Mohammed stole the show in his Nissan Skyline GTR. Mohamed recorded the fastest time of the day, dipping below the nine second barrier in the A-class unlimited category, in the event that utilized the Time Bracket Elimination system.

In the B-class (9 seconds), Surinamese Ryan Chakwi was the most outstanding, while the C-Class (10 seconds) saw another Surinamese Ashian Cajaran being the top driver.

Rondell Daby’s powerful Toyota Supra revs at the start line at a previous meet

For the D-class (11 seconds), Raymond John of Suriname stood out but local boy Sachin Ramotor broke the Dutch dominance with top performance in the E-class category (12 seconds).

Parmand Ramchara of Suriname was deemed the was top driver in the F – Class (13 seconds) while the Guyanese duo of Steve Rayanauth and Issac Ramchaita finished above

the rest in the G-class (14 seconds) and H-class (15 seconds) respectively.

In the motor cycle category, Suriname sped-off with bragging rights in both divisions, as Giovanny Slayveer (600 cc) and Toin Gumperts (1000 cc) were the top riders.

The price of admission is children $500 and adults $1000 and the event is Sponsored by GTT, Fly Jamaica and Ansa Mcal.

22

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

ICC rules out 2-tier Test system THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

― new model to be implemented by 2019

T

he ICC has withdrawn the proposal for a twotier structure in Test cricket at the meeting of its chief executives’ committee (CEC) in Dubai on Wednesday, despite six Full Members reportedly being in favour of it. There was no vote at the meeting but the consensus was to take the proposal “off the table” for the moment.

“There was a significant compromise and it was subsequently decided to withdraw the two-tier proposal,” a chief executive who attended the meeting told ESPNcricinfo. He said the BCCI, Sri Lanka Cricket, the BCB and Zimbabwe Cricket had opposed the proposal, which had found support from the boards of Australia, England, South Africa, New Zealand, Pakistan and West Indies.

On Monday, the players’ global body FICA had revealed that 72% of players quizzed for the body’s annual survey were in favour of “the introduction of a divisional Test competition to add more meaning to each match”.

According to the proposal, the two-tier system would comprise seven teams in the top tier and five in the bottom, with promotion and relegation between the two based on performance.

To begin, Afghanistan

and Ireland, as the leading Associate teams, would join the three lowest-ranked Test playing nations in the bottom tier, with other Associates having a chance at promotion based on performance.

Reacting to the ICC’s decision, Tony Irish, FICA’s executive chairman, said it would be disappointing if the concept of a Test league was shelved so early in the process. He also urged the ICC to explore all options related to a new structure for international cricket, as bilateral international cricket increasingly seemed an “unattractive product”.

“Whilst we await full details of the outcomes of the meetings at the ICC, and the reasons for various proposals not being taken forward, it would be disappointing if the concept of Test leagues or other similar workable structures were shelved so early in this process,” Irish said in a media release.

“We look forward to confirmation of plans regarding the future of all three international formats, and continue to urge the ICC to explore all options in relation to a new structure for international cricket,” he added.

“We also look forward to that structure working alongside, and not competing with domestic T20 leagues.

“We remain concerned

Leading figures that will chart the way forward for the game globally, ICC Chairman Shasank Manohar (left) and Board of Control for Cricket In India President Anurag Thakur

about the rising trend towards free agency in the current system, and the impact it will have on the global game. The growth, success and expansion of domestic T20 leagues is good for the game and for players, but bilateral international cricket is not moving with the times and is increasingly becoming an unattractive product.”

The two-day CEC meeting was not part of the quarterly meetings held each year by the ICC but a special meeting where Member Board representatives convened to discuss international cricket structures in all three formats. The chief

GFF/Stag Elite League...

Lack of finance forcing players not to commit ― Thomas

By Akeem Greene

S

ecretary of the Fruta Conquerors Football Club Daniel Thomas firmly believes that the lack of finances by clubs in the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Stag Elite League is hampering the commitment of players to their clubs.

Thomas’ contention is that due to most clubs not having the financial manpower to lure and keep players, they cannot fully contract players.

He explained, “Because we don’t have contracts with players, clubs such as ours have no way of retaining players, we allow them to go on their own free will, but what should happen in a profession environment, the players should be under contract.”

He further stated, “either you [the club] break the contract with the players, as you release him or if a club requests a player, they would have to contact the club and then you say if you want to freely give him to the club or there is a fee attached; however our hands were tied since we were not able to put our players on a contract for a number of reasons.”

In revealing those some of those reasons, Thomas said, “the claim was that they

Fruta Conquerors Club Secretary Thomas

Football Daniel

[players] were being offered something substantial other than what our club could have afforded them “.

The club sectary statements come off the heels of the recent transfer window which saw some sweeping changes in the dynamics of teams in the league, with many players taking leaps to other clubs. Fruta Conquerors is one club, which faced the brunt of the transfer window, losing several quality players.

The league has been branded as a semi-professional league and the pillar in which the country’s football will be built but Thomas revealed a startling fact that for most of the clubs in the league and more so Guyana, the players are not on retainer contracts.

“Every player of a professional league should be

on contract, however I am quite certain almost all the clubs, maybe with the exception of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) where the players sign an employment contract, the players are not contracted and that includes Slingerz and Alpha; it may be done for the overseas players who have to come through the TMS [Transfer Matching System],” Thomas disclosed.

The club official was adamant that this is a flaw in the league, stating “the reality is that most clubs do not have sponsorship which will give them the ability to offer players suitable financial packages. Thomas revealed that some of their overseas signing such as Rafael dos Santos Melo and Shaquille Agard will not be returning since “we could not bring players and they don’t have the necessary resources to pay them.”

On that note he added, “That’s a problem the league is facing, and I don’t think the league will be able to sustain itself if clubs don’t find the necessary funding to pay or retain players and that is very critical”. The second instalment of the Elite League is tentatively slated to commence mid September, with Slingerz FC seeking to defend their championship title.(akeemg@guyanatimesgy.com)

executives discussed alternative models to invigorate the health of Test and ODI cricket, and provide more context to fixtures, while taking into account the danger of excessive Twenty20 cricket.

One proposal was to bring back the World Test Championship, but many board representatives including strong members like BCCI were not in favour of it. “They wanted a Test Championship. That cannot happen because there is not time enough for everybody to play everyone [in the current Future Tours Programme cycle],” a chief executive said.

Another proposal was for the top-two teams in the ICC rankings to have a play-off for the Test Championship.

It was decided that the chief executives would discuss that plan with their own boards before deliberating further.

The ICC statement following the meeting on Wednesday was vague. The ICC chief executive David Richardson said “significant progress” had been made at the two-day workshop where chief executives had discussed how to improve the quality of bilateral cricket. “Encouragingly there is an appetite from the ten Full Members for more

context around all three formats of the game and we have consensus on a range of areas,” Richardson said.

“This includes the details of ODI and T20 structures and principles around Test cricket schedules, which include the concept of a Test Champion play-off every two years, and the opportunity for more nations to be involved.”

Without saying the twotier proposal was off the table, Richardson said any new model would be put in place only from 2019, when broadcast deals are renewed by the Full Members. “There are some complexities, not least because of scheduling and existing structures, but we envisage the changes being implemented for 2019.

“Members will now revert to their boards to share the details of the proposed revised structures and principles. Work will continue to develop a clear structure and position for each format over the coming months as the ICC collectively focuses on improving bilateral cricket for fans and players in the long run.”

West Indies next Test series is against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates from October 13 to November later this year where the teams will meet for three matches. (ESPN Cricinfo)

Altidore fires US to 4-0 rout of Soca Warriors J

ozy Altidore scored a second half brace as the United States routed the Trinidad & Tobago Soca Warriors 4-0 at home on Tuesday to win Group C in World Cup qualifying.

With the Americans nursing a 1-0 lead in an initially tight contest, Altidore put the match away with a flurry, striking home in the 59th minute and adding a second just four minutes later in Jacksonville, Florida.

The 26-year-old striker reached 16 career goals in World Cup qualifying, moving two past Clint Dempsey to own the U.S. record.

The U.S., who blasted St. Vincent and the Grenadines 6-0 on Friday, will bring confidence into the next round of qualifying which begins with a match against Mexico in November.

“First in the group. Our goal achieved,” coach Jurgen Klinsmann told reporters.

“We’re now looking forward to an exciting November game. It’s a huge opportunity to start the hexagonal and send a message.”

Guatemala also thrashed St. Vincent 9-3 on Tuesday but finished third in Group C, a point behind the Soca Warriors.

Sacha Kljestan put the Americans on the score-

Jozy Altidore (left) is aggressively marked by a Trinidad and Tobago defender

board in the 44th minute while Paul Arriola added a late goal to cap the demolition.

The U.S. enjoyed timely performance from veterans and young players alike.

Captain Michael Bradley returned from his suspension with a solid effort.

Kljestan was active all night, and was praised by Klinsmann who noted the midfielder has been in form since entering training camp.

Seventeen-year-old playmaker Christian Pulisic became the youngest man ever to start a qualifier for the U.S. team, breaking the record of Altidore who was 18 when he started against

Cuba in 2008.

Pulisic proved worthy of the big stage and repeatedly created offensive chances but it was Altidore who took the spotlight to continue his roller coaster year.

In May, Altidore suffered his fourth hamstring injury in two years and was sidelined for two months.

Altidore, who missed most of the 2014 World Cup with a hamstring strain, has also endured a rocky relationship with Klinsmann and was sent home from last summer’s Gold Cup over fitness concerns.

After his latest display, it is safe to say Altidore is back in Klinsmann’s good graces.

(Reuters)

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

23

Jaguars Franchise League 2016…

Clash of the neighbours to heat up 3rd round ― 11 high-profile players to miss round

T

he third round of the Jaguars Premier League bowls off today and it is predicted to be a highly competitive round since the top three teams will be looking to extend their lead while the other five teams must aim for redemption to give themselves an opportunity to win the title.

The eagerly anticipated clashes in this round will see Essequibo coming up against Upper Demerara/ East Bank at the Everest Cricket Club ground, West Berbice competing against West Demerara at the Young Warriors Cricket Club ground at Cumberland, Upper Corentyne doing battle with Lower Corentyne at the Port Mourant Community Centre and Georgetown challenging East Coast Demerara at the Georgetown Cricket Club ground, Bourda.

However, the two main draws over the next three days are the battles of the neighbours with Upper Corentyne coming up against Lower Corentyne and East Coast challeng-

Jonathan Foo

Veerasammy Permaul

Kevon Boodie

Robin Bacchus

Amir Khan

ing Georgetown. Although the former encounter is between the leaders and the team in the cellar position, it is expected to have fierce competition since the players are acquainted with each others from playing most of their cricket in the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) sponsored competitions and pride and egos will ensure an aggressive battle.

In form discarded national player Jonathan Foo is expected to spearhead the batting for Lower Corentyne while Surujnarine Kandasammy, Gajanand Singh and Devon Clements are expected to provide valuable support.

The bowling department is

pugnacious with the likes of Raun Johnson, who along with Veerasamy Permaul has been responsible for dismantling the oppositions in the first two matches.

In the other match, second placed East Coast will take on Georgetown at the renowned Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) Ground, Bourda. East Coast has been up to standard to date with the likes of first class players Rajendra Chandrika, Chanderpaul Hemraj, Paul Wintz and Amir Khan holding their own and showing their worth with some good returns.

However, Georgetown, who is currently in fifth place, is not to be written off.

It is a team that comprises of Christopher Barnwell and Robin Bacchus; both national senior players among many other players who would have exceled at the junior level and continues to be in contention for senior selection.

The other two matches are also predicted to be tough clashes but Essequibo is expected to trump Upper Demerara/ East Bank while the game featuring West Demerara and West Berbice is set to be in the balance as any team could emerge the as victors.

Essequibo’s Kevon Boodie and Lower Corentyne’s Jonathan Foo are the only batsmen to score

centuries to date. Some other notable players to look for in this round are Robin Bacchus, Ovid Richardson, Kwame Crosse, Gajanand Singh, Sherfane Rutherford, Bhaskar Yadram, Ricardo Adams, Seon Hetmyer and Andre Stoll.

Notably 11 key players namely, Leon Johnson, Rajendra Chandrika, Vishal Singh, Shimron Hetmyer, Assad Fudadin, Keon Joseph, Ronsford Beaton, Gudakesh Motie, Veerasammy Permaul, Devendra Bishoo and Paul Wintz will miss the third round to participate in a West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) training camp in Barbados also taking place

over the weekend.

At the end of the second round which concluded on Sunday, Lower Corentyne remained in the lead on 36.5 points compliments of two outright victories.

Meanwhile, in second place on 31.5 points is East Coast Demerara with two wins, firstly against West Demerara then Upper Corentyne.

Trailing in a distant third place is West Demerara on 21.5 points after one win and a loss. While following are Essequibo, Georgetown 10.6, West Berbice 10.1, Upper Demerara/ East Bank 9.7 and Upper Corentyne 9.5 in that order

Given a fair chance at opening, Georgetown searching I will back my ability – Johnson for redemption

By Akeem Greene

G

uyana’s son of the soil and West Indies Test cricketer Leon Johnson, who has adopted the role as opening batsman in the game’s longest format, says that once he has given a fair chance in playing in the position, he firmly believes he will gradually improve.

In an exclusive interview with Guyana Times Sport on Wednesday at the player’s restaurant “Sticky Wicket” on Carmichael Street, the batman said “ Being asked to open the batting is not something I’m accustom to, when I say fair chance I mean a good run, a number of consecutive matches and I will back my ability to opening batting.”

He further stated, “Those persons who would be opening the batting in international cricket would not just have started doing it, they probably would have been doing it for some time now, it’s a specialist position; so once I’m a given a fair opportunity I think I can adapt to it.”

However, throughout his career, the stylish left-handed batsman has plied his trade in the middle-order position, a position in which he has been extremely successful. During the 2015/2016 West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Professional Cricket League (PCL) 4-day competition, the Guyana Jaguars captain rocketed to the top of the charts with an impressive 807 runs from ten

Leon Johnson

matches at an average of 57.64, scoring two centuries and five half-centuries, batting a number four.

Quizzed more on his new role in the regional side he explained, “Ideally if you going to open the batting in Test cricket, you will probably want to open the batting in four-day cricket but the way Guyana cricket is structured, we usually have seasoned openers, so probably asking these Guys who open the batting to drop in the order might be a bit difficult.”

He added, “I was leading run scorer in the regional tournament batting at four, so I don’t see a reason why I should play First-class cricket opening the batting and I have been successful at number four.”

On Test debut against Bangladesh in 2014, the batsmen stroked an eyecatching 66 after which he went on to make another half-century batting at number three however, in the recent series against India, he had to revert to the opening role, where he produced

scores of 23,0 and nine.

Though the Test squad for the three Test matches against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from October 13 to November 3 has not been named, it would to be a total surprise to see a batsman who played six Test matches, averaging 30.70 not be included. The possibility lies that once selected for the tour, Johnson will return to the opening slot, against the current number one ranked Test team.

“Looking at Pakistan playing against England, they have a really good attack so the initial thinking will be to be to assess the conditions and you won’t be able to tell until you reach there and knowing the opposition, it all comes down to planning,” the 29 year-old revealed. With a lean outing in his last three Test innings, Johnson is cognisant of the technical areas he needs to address if he is to have a lengthy and successful career in the oldest format of the game. He stated, “After my dismissals in the two Test matches against India, I have gone and look at the tapes and I have seen a couple things I need to improve.”

This weekend, Johnson along with 10 other Guyanese players and several other regional players will engage in preparatory camp in Barbados ahead of their trip to the U.A.E and the A-team tour to Sri Lanka. (akeemg@guyanatimesgy.com)

―Barnwell wants his players to back themselves

G

eorgetown looking to redeem itself ahead of their third round clash of the Jaguars Premier League against neighbours and second placed team East Coast, both the Manager/ Coach Colin Stuart and captain Christopher Barnwell shares similar sentiments regarding the team’s performances in the previous games and are hopeful of a transition from game three onwards.

Speaking to Guyana Times Sports Stuart said the team has fallen short in its first two matches but there are talents around, it is just for the players to execute. “Although the batsmen haven’t produced the goods they have batted confidently. Players like the skipper Barnwell, Robin Bacchus, Ovid Richardson and Dexter Solomon have all impressed but are yet to provide a big innings. They have batted confidently but have failed to carry on so if they continue to play positively and spend more time at the crease then they could achieve the team’s goal. The bowlers on the other hand have bowled well but haven’t received the support from the batsmen….Once the two departments work in tandem then we will be able to better oppositions,” detailed Stuart.

Christopher Barnwell

Fifth placed Georgetown lost first innings to Upper Demerara/ East Bank in the opening round before losing to Lower Corentyne by nine wickets at Albion Community Centre Ground in the second round. Today they will face second placed East Coast at world the former international venue Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) Ground, Bourda and it is expected to be a tall task for Georgetown against East Coast. However, the latter is without the service of two of its key players, Rajendra Chandrika and Paul Wintz, who are scheduled for a WICB training camp in Barbados at the weekend.

Although the Georgetown team is without its most senior player and original skipper Leon Johnson, stand in skipper Barnwell is very optimistic of his team’s ability. “I know we should be in a bet-

Colin Stuart

ter place currently, unfortunately we are not, so we will have to regroup and execute what we know to have better results.”

He said he will be urging his players to do what they know and what they have learnt to get the best out of them.”There are always bad patches as a sportsman, however, you just have to persevere through those periods and continue to work on what you know and have learnt to provide yourself with the best opportunities.”

When questioned on what to expect from Georgetown in this round, Barnwell was quick to say there will be better performance from now onwards.

The right handed batsman himself has not been in best of form, however, he plans to improve his game so the team could benefit and Georgetown could get on the winning track.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2016

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

Lack of finance forcing players not to commit ― Thomas

Jahaal Greaves (orange top) produced some exceptional performances for Fruta Conquerors in the League Finale, but has opted for a transfer to Alpha United Football Club

ICC rules out 2-tier Test system ― new model to be implemented by 2019

Given a fair chance at opening, I will back my ability – Johnson After a lean run opening the batting in the Test series against India, Leon Johnson believes he can produce the goods once given time to adapt to the position

David Richardson

GUYANA TIMES - www.guyana-times.com, email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, News Hotliine: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230,223-7231,231-0544, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 SALES AND MARKETING - lezas@guyanatimesgy.com - PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GUYANA TIMES INC.