Guyana Times Daily

“$23B for oil not rice” – Finance Minister finally confesses

says Govt values PPPs

tuesday, september 22, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

Berbice Bridge tolls

BBCI awaits response from NIS to lower its interest rate …amid immense pressure from Govt

The Berbice Bridge Company Inc (BBCI) is currently awaiting a response from its preferential shareholder National Insurance Scheme (NIS), on whether or not it should comply with the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Administration’s request for a reduction in the bridge tolls.

BBCI Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Omadatt Samaroo confirmed to Guyana Times that following the prolonged stalemate between Government and the company on the way forward, the Bridge Company decided to seek the opinion of NIS on the issue – to which NIS was asked to reply by today.

Based on the position taken by the NIS, the Company will then decide whether or not it will reduce the bridge tolls without further negotiations with Government.

According to reports, the Company issued a letter to NIS claiming it was under immense pressure from Government to lower the tolls. From all indications, it appears government is refusing to adhere to the legally binding agreement relative to the Toll Formula, Concession Period which stipulates a periodic increase in bridge toll, so as to service the contracted debt and the timeframe for concessions allowed to the bridge respectively.

At this time the principal on bonds that were issued to private investors that include the who’s who of the Guyanese investment community have become due and necessitated a higher payout since last year. However, as the principal is paid off in a few years, the funds needed to service the debt would drop precipitously and at that time tolls would also drop correspondingly.

However, given

Government’s unyielding position during negotiations, the Bridge Company is asking NIS to indicate if it should accept the proposed reductions in interest in the absence of a position on the Toll Formula/Concession Period or if the Company should maintain its grounds and continue with negotiations.

Government had proposed a toll structure which saw cars having to pay $1,900 instead of $2,000 to cross the Berbice Bridge while the toll for all other types of vehicles would be reduced by 10 per cent.

Government had expected this new structure to take effect on September 1, however BBCI argued that its current financial position is impinging the implementation of the reduction.

The Company pointed out that the subsidy being offered by government to facilitate the reduction is insufficient to offset its debts, asserting that an immediate reduction without an extension to the concession period from 21 to 50 years or an increase in the bridge tolls to 55 per cent could plunge it into bankruptcy.

BBCI also contended the Company already lost $1,228,523,720 in revenue owing to the failure to adhere to the Toll Formula in 2014. Because of the then Opposition’s successful move to lower the tolls in the 10th Parliament, the Company is already heavily indebted due to revenues lost.

The Company stated that it had begun to repay the principal on its bonds and this increase in demand for cash was supposed to have been met by increases in tolls. However, such an increase was deemed untenable, particularly after the then Opposition passed a motion in the National Assembly on May 15, 2014 to reduce tolls by more than half.

The National Insurance Scheme

Vehicles lined up to cross the Berbice River Bridge

tuesday, september 22, 2015 |

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Monday, September 21 – 10:00h-11:30h and Tuesday, September 22 – 11:30h-13:00h

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Monday, September 21 – 09:05h-10:35h and Tuesday, September 22 – 10:30h-12:00h

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Unsolved murders

Govt “will open cold, warm and hot cases” – Harmon

Glenn Lall’s vigilante killing should be reopened – sources

closely at the terms of reference, time span and things like that to understand how serious and genuine the Government is about the investigation,” he remarked.

High Tide: 09:43h and 22:08h reaching maximum heights of 2.21 metres and 2.24 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 15:36h reaching a minimum height of 1.06 metres. Winds: Easterly between 4.02 and 4.91 metres per second.

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon on Monday indicated that there was a possibility that Government may reopen cold cases as well as launch investigations into the numerous unsolved murders that occurred over a particular period of time.

Harmon said he could not recall the exact period into which Government intended to initiate the probe, but he explained that Commissions of Inquiry (CoIs) would be established to deal with “all” uncertain matters.

During a brief telephone interview with the Guyana Times, Harmon said families needed closure and, therefore, the CoIs would seek to provide answers to “all” the questions left unanswered.

Kaieteur News Publisher Glenn Lall, who was implicated in one of the high-profile murder cases in the 1990s, could find himself facing the courts in relation to the death of Kerry France. There is no statute of limitations on murder.

When contacted on Monday, former President Donald Ramotar said that he has no problems with any investigation into the spate of extrajudicial killings, but there must not be limitations.

“If the Government is serious about this probe, they must go as far back as the 1970s and they must probe all of the high-profile and ordinary extrajudicial killings”, he insisted.

He also wanted the Government to look at the evidence that emanated from the Rodney Commission of Inquiry as there were still so many questions that could be answered.

Asked about the cases related to the death of Monica Reece and the vigilante killing involving Lall, Ramotar insisted that “all cases must be revisited” whether they were investigated or not.

The former President pointed out strongly that politics aside, Government was duty bound to be professional and fair as many have lost their lives as a result of these killings which in his opinion were a normal feature under the People’s National Congress (PNC) regime.

“I don’t think the PPP will have any problems with a probe, but the Party will look

The Stabroek News had reported that on January 20, 1994, in Mc Doom, Lall, the ‘vigilante’, now the owner and publisher of the Kaieteur News, “shot and killed 30-year-old resident Kenny France”. Lall was never arrested nor were charges ever brought against him. The killing was condemned by the Guyana Human Rights Association.

Facts related to the case stated that Lall and three friends were driving on the East Bank Public Road when he “spotted” one Oclive Marshall in a yard.

According to reports, Lall felt that Marshall was one of the individuals who had attempted a burglary at his home. He stopped his car and demanded that Marshall accompany him to the police station – the nearest one was at Ruimveldt, five minutes away.

Fearing that Marshall would be beaten by Lall and his cohorts, his aunt Pamela France, demanded that she be allowed to accompany him to the station.

By this time, a number of villagers had gathered and the aunt demanded identification, which Lall could not provide.

At this point, Lall reportedly whipped out his .38 weapon and demanded Marshall enter the vehicle. Lall spoke roughly to the aunt who remonstrated with him and her husband Kenny France protested that he could not speak to his wife like that.

At this point, Lall shot France in the chest and the man fell to the ground dead. Lall and his friends then drove off and he later said that the shooting was “an accident”.

This account was disputed by Pamela Marshall and the dozens of villagers on the scene. The Stabroek News reported that the Police took a statement from Lall, but this was never released to the press.

Similarly, the Police never released their findings from their investigation into how far Lall was from France when the fatal shot was fired.

Haunted President Granger, speaking during the televised “Public Interest Programme” on Friday, confirmed that the new A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government was in the process of launching an in-depth investigation into the killings which have haunted

the minds of thousands of Guyanese.

Granger said that currently moves are afoot to launch an investigation into the “extrajudicial killings” which plagued the country during the period 2000 to 2008.

According to President Granger, Government is in the process of ensuring there is a proper Coroner Department to efficiently and effectively investigate the respective cases.

“We are looking at that right now to ensure that once we get going, every death that is reported we get to investigate,” he stated, noting the Government was taking its “time” on the matter to ensure everything ran smoothly.

When President Granger was asked what cases in particular he would be opening investigations into, his response was “all of them”. He later explained that Government did not intend to make as its priority the high-profile murders or the “spectacular deaths”.

“We want normal people,” he stated.

Concerns But the Government’s call for an investigation into the unsolved killings during that particular period of time raised some concerns for the PPP/C Opposition which questioned why the Government did not launch comprehensive investigations into all of the deaths dating as far back as the killing of Walter Rodney in 1980.

The PPP/C Opposition is maintaining that any such inquiries should be broadened and lengthened to encompass such killings that go back to the 1970s.

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon

Former President Donald Ramotar

Editor(ag): Michael Younge

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

Mailing address: 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown

Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, sales@guyanatimesgy.com

Editorial

Jobs for youths

Back in May, just after the elections a Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) report claimed that 40% of Guyanese youths were "unemployed". Considering that "youths" comprise some 65% of the population, this translated to a whopping overall unemployment rate of 26% just from this demographic alone. Whatever the actual numbers are (and how they were arrived at - "unemployment" rates are usually gathered from the numbers of those "actively" seeking employment) something obviously has to be done.

During the Budget Debate last month, the Junior Minister of Education pledged to confront youth unemployment: "Government’s approach to youth development would include the development, modification and implementation of youth empowerment policies; development of programmes to economically empower youths; conduct developmental programmes for young people; and create a platform that fosters consultation on youth related issues, recognition and youth participation in social and economic development."

All very ambitious and laudable and the country, in particular youths have been waiting with bated breath to have the other foot fall - the one that would detail concrete initiatives with the number of jobs created or to be created highlighted. After all, even the outlined strategy was quite silent on "job creation" as the Junior Minister seamlessly segued from "unemployment" to "youth development". Unfortunately compounding the evident tone deafness on youth unemployment, one of the first actions of the Government was for the Government to fire 1972 Amerindian youths - the segment of the population with the absolutely highest level of unemployment. After that "mass firing", the youth employment rate definitely had to have been ratcheted up two or three percentage points.

The Junior Minister also mentioned the upgrading of the facilities at the Sophia Training Centre and collaboration with the Private Sector to create job opportunities for the trainees.

She promised that the Government “will go a step further and design tracer studies to effectively monitor the employment of all trainees under national youth programmes”. Unfortunately, what the Minister and her Government has missed completely is that there can be training programmes and programmes for youths to remain in the school system, but if jobs are not created, those trained youths will only become more frustrated and increase the social and personal problems that are already clearly manifested in that demographic.

At the recent meeting of the People's National Congress (PNC), President David Granger reiterated his Government's commitment to attacking youth unemployment, showing that the problem had clearly reached his desk. It was therefore quite disappointing that he also was unable to give any details as to what exactly was being done or contemplated in this area. The fact of the matter is that youth unemployment cannot be disjunctured from the economic ennui that is presently gripping the nation. Sugar, rice, gold, bauxite all employ youths and are all in the doldrums.

The Government will have to craft a stimulus programme immediately that can first staunch he bleeding in these traditional industries, which then stifles the service sector of the economy. Take the case of rice, which employs thousands of youths ranging from "kicking paddy" (on drying floors) to operating tractors and combines. The Government has played a cruel hoax on the industry by claiming that $23B had been allocated to the sector when in fact this was just a "paper transaction" that had to do with the bookkeeping for oil shipments from Venezuela. The Government must get off its high horse in sticking to the "forms" to insist that markets for the product cannot be secured by the GRDB, because "it's not their job". This is akin to fiddling while Guyana burns. It has to be the job of some department of Government to find markets for rice since they collect over $600M in their levy on exports.

It is time that the Government cease its laudatory aspirations for "youth unemployment" and start saving and creating jobs. The road to recessions and depressions is paved with good intentions.

Congratulations to Trans Guyana Airways

Dear Editor, I wish to, publically, congratulate Trans Guyana Airways on the successful commissioning of its Raytheon Beechcraft 190D aircraft recently at the Ogle Airport.

The entrance of this aircraft into the domestic and regional air services market will represent another leading, and welcome, upgrade of the industry’s air transport assets by Trans Guyana, which led the way in introducing the Cessna Caravans in domestic flight operations in the country.

It is apt to note that the progress in Guyanese led air transport activities, exemplified by growth in service providers, fleet numbers, type additions, route activity, increases in aerodrome numbers and upgrades have come about because of a policy driven approach, by the previous PPP/C administration to open up the sector to full private sector participation and to further, pursue the publicprivate participation model to help develop the country’s transport infrastructure.

The direct support of the government and of the European Union along with the resources and hard work of the private sector’s owners group, AOAG, resulted in the wonderful developments and convenience of Ogle International Airport.

The advent of the Beechcraft 190D is welcome too because of the need to fill

the gap created by the end of previous Brazil-GuyanaSuriname regional service, the opportunities created by the upcoming 2016 Olympiad in Brazil, and the need for cost competitive, right-sized air services from Guyana to the South Caribbean islands. These were opportunities which I had always raised with aviation administrators and the industry.

At the commissioning, an issue was noted with respect to a US$ 7.5 million private sector proposal for the development of interior aerodromes over three years and of being “ignored” by the previous minister. As the minister of record at the time I regret that an impression is being created of a slight to the industry.

My recollection of the matter being under technical and administrative review in the ministry and government, and of overlaps of locations already budgeted for upgrades. The opportunity of the formal meeting between the Ministry of Public Works and Aircraft Owners Group did not then present itself too, in light of budget cuts, specifically of interior aerodromes for indigenous, mining and administrative communities, perpetrated by the then combined APNU/AFC in the 10th Parliament. Some of the lead perpetrators of this act were present, and spoke, at the Beechcraft commissioning ceremony!

The then, there now,

much vaunted Automatic Dependence Surveillance Based System, ADSB, was conceived, and initiated under the previous administration to improve flight safety and efficiency in the Guyana flight information region and the insistence that all aircraft flying in the region be outfitted with compatible transponders or on appropriately sampling “Spot tracker” type arrangements were steps in the right direction.

Further, the acquisition, by the then Ministry of Public Works, of a mobile asphalt plant, also recently commissioned, was intended not only to improve and upgrade roads in the major hinterland communities of Madhia, Bartica, Port Kaituma, Mabaruma, Moruca and Lethem, but also to play a significant role in the upgrades to the aerodromes of those communities.

The Feasibility Studies for the upgrade of the Lethem Aerodrome to an international facility were initiated and underway during the, regrettably, short life of the Ramotar administration. A business plan was prepared for a new Guyana national airline...recently spoken of in the press.

There have always been calls to from various interest groups for the asphalting of a large number of aerodromes... particularly associated with mining shouts...and not necessarily out of considerations of class of aerodrome based on longer term frequency of use,

population serviced, complementary logistical interface, and the overarching questions of costs and budget prioritisations. These questions are universal ones with the situation being no different for Guyana than that which obtains in the Brazillian Amazon, the interior of Alaska, USA, or in Canadian Yukon, Nunavut or Ontario’s or Quebec’s wilderness areas. In all of these areas unimproved aerodromes, of different staged developmental classes exist.

What is noteworthy in Guyana is that private aerodromes were facilitated by the previous government, (and in one notable case illegally started) and in spite of having landing fees, complained of regularly as being exorbitant, no improvement to the level of a bituminous surface has been done!!!

In presenting the above facts of the matter, with respect to the previous minister’s engagement on behalf of the aviation sector, there is no intention to deflect from Trans Guyana’s admirable record of service in developing its business and its valuable contribution to the domestic aviation industry. My congratulations on their significant achievement, after more than a year of working at this effort are, again, offered.

Yours sincerely, Robeson

Benn Former Minister of Public Works

Indian PM pressing for UN reforms

Dear Editor, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is pressing ahead with India’s advocacy of reform of the United Nations. The Prime Minister told reporters in India on the eve of his departure for Ireland and New York that his country attaches great importance to the U.N., and he reiterated India’s vision for U.N. reforms.

Modi said India would host a summit of G-4 leaders from India, Brazil, Japan and Germany who support the expansion of the U.N. Security

Council and demand permanent positions for themselves, in New York where the main agenda would be the U.N. Security Council reforms. The PM told reporters in India: “The 70th anniversary of the U.N. is an appropriate moment for reform discussions to be accelerated now that the UN General Assembly adopted a document after over 20 years that would form the basis of formal discussions on this matter”.

The Big 5 (US, Russia, China, UK, and France) op-

pose reform of the Security Council though they made a public commitment to Germany, Japan and India that they will be included as permanent members of the UN Security Council. Modi plans to meet several other world leaders on the sidelines of the General Assembly which gets under way this week. Modi will also address a Renewable Energy Roundtable with USDOC and Stanford University and interact with the Indian community in San Jose, California on

September 27. Modi would address the U.N. Sustainable Development Summit for formal adoption of the post-2015 new sustainable development agenda. He would also attend the summit on U.N. peacekeeping hosted by President Obama; this is separate from the one on one meeting planned between the two for Monday. President Granger will also address the UN though no meetings have been scheduled with world leaders.

Cooling off on a hot day over the weekend at the pool (Carl Croker photo)

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

CJIA meets international standards Mohammed Khan must end bitter attacks on Amerindian leaders

Dear Editor,

In a Guyana Times letter of September 18, Leon Suseran expressed the view that the Cheddi Jagan International Airport is an embarrassment to Guyanese national pride.

It is apparent from his remarks and observations that he lacks international travel experience as he claimed, "that nationals of the USA and Canada and other world class airports do not have to join any line upon arrival at immigration". This statement is far from reality as my experience and that of many Guyanese arriving at the JFK International Airport in New York illustrate.

Most flights from Guyana arriving at JFK normally disgorge their passengers at the farthest end of one of the wings of the International Terminal Building and from there they have to walk indoor over 2000 feet with their hand luggage to the Immigration Hall. On arrival at the Hall, Guyanese passengers join other international passengers who are directed to visitors and residents immigration booths both usually with long winding lines of passengers leading to them. After clearing Immigration,

passengers head for their respective carousel to pick up their luggage. After collecting their luggage some 30-60 minutes later they head for the shortest customs counter line for examination of their belongings after which they are free to exit the airport and head for their destinations.

The immigration and custom experiences at Heathrow airport, London, Pearson International, Toronto and elsewhere are not much different than that of the USA.

The departure experience from the USA and many other countries are much more exacting than in Guyana. Here again Suseran is 'off the rail'. The USA has no departure check by immigration and Boarding an aircraft is security oriented as checking is done by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and this exercise could be an unforgettable and trying experience.

Guyana is a small and poor country. Its international airport - CJIA is as good or even better than many in its class. Its terminal building is clean, functional and as comfortable as could be expected. Its employees are generally polite, competent and efficient

as those found in any developing country. The departure terminal sidewalk at CJIA is comparatively not cramped and small as claimed. In fact it is slightly bigger than that of International Terminal: 4 at JFK. The non-passengers and vehicles which crowd the sidewalk entry area at CJIA should not be there nor should families be allowed to accompany passengers in restricted areas as is the case with most airports of the world. People elsewhere do not use their airports for excursions and picnics outings and that is why security guards are there at CJIA to check passengers' credentials from wanderers before they enter the Terminal Building for check in.

During my many trips to Guyana I have never seen immigration lines extending to the tarmac. Therefore Suseran's claim is no more than an imaginary 'stretch'. The five immigration officers who are usually on duty are more than adequate to check in a timely manner and with due diligence the status of Shiv Chanderpaul and all those passengers arriving on a Boeing 767. Shiv Chanderpaul who is Guyanese born and was travelling on a foreign

passport may have alerted the immigration authorities who have regulatory responsibilities to check his credentials in greater detail and detained him for further questioning if he had looked suspicious and satisfactory answers were not given to them at the Port of entry. After all it is well known that foreigners as well as Guyanese of all shades and status entering the country usually engage in hanky - panky activities of one sort or another.

Evidently there is room to make CJIA a modern, efficient and tourism attractive airport but it will not come cheap and contrary to Suseran's claims Guyana does not have the resources for such extensive improvements. CJIA is providing a service as good as any other developing country's international airport and with incremental improvements such as extending the runway to accommodate larger aircrafts and providing a few buses to ferry passengers from plane to terminal building and vice versa during inclement weather would be worthwhile improvements for a start.

Sincerely,

Charles Sohan

Guyana in need of a specialty hospital

Dear Editor, Having been in Grant Medical Foundation Ruby Hall Clinic, Super Speciality Hospital and Cancer Care Centre hospital,Pune,Maha rashtra,India, I experienced particular care and comfort while receiving medical treatment. Pune has a historical heritage of more than 500 years. So far an important cultural, educational and industry centre, it’s the preferred destination for medical treatment.

I have seen people from all over the world in this hospital, especially from the Middle East and the African States who were there for medical treatment. This hospital has built a reputation for excellence unsurpassed by any health care institution in Guyana. It has 550 beds with ultra modern diagnostic facilities with MR scan, 64 Slice CT Scans, Cathlab, 140 ICU beds and 14 operation theatres

Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) which is the main hospital in the country will never, for generations, be able to reach this stage. We are a far way behind India in terms of technology and medical treatment or medicare, and although we are a developing country, there are other Caribbean countries that surpass us in this domain.

This new seven story building state-of-the-art radiotherapy department has image guided radio therapy IGRT –first in Asia –Pacific, brachy therapy, six modern operation theatres, medical oncology day care centre and consulting rooms. It boasts of a state-of-the-art, sophisticated cardiac centre which provides comprehensive cardiac care, the latest on the cutting edge of medical science in the field of diagnostic and therapeuric cardiology.

Apart from having all the

sophisticated equipment and highly trained staff to handle any acute medical or surgical emergency, it has already gained an all –India reputation for its expertise in all area in medicine. I have heard 2 former minister of health boasting that we have the best medical care in Guyana and I was wondering, if they ever had the chance to know or see what is a super speciality hospital looks like inside?

When I first look at the design of the super specialty hospital which was supposed to be built at Liliendaal, I realised right away that there was corruption in building of this hospital, and APNU/ AFC then in the Opposition had a right to object to it. Personally, I feel that we need a super specialty hospital in Guyana, but it should begin at ground zero with this new coalition Government.

It can emerge as one of the first such facilities in Guyana

Indian PM pressing for...

Separately, shunned by the US less than two years ago, 50 CEOs of Fortune 500 companies are jostling to meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he visits the US from Wednesday to Monday. The Indian PM is hosting dinner for the Captains of leading American businesses on Thursday. President Obama has also

scheduled a meeting with the Prime Minister on Monday. This will be the third meeting in the US between the two leaders in two visits by the PM. Modi said the latest visit seeks “to build on the substantial ground covered” during his visit last September.

The US is keen in improving diplomatic and trade relations with India. Modi is

to foresee the requirements for quality health care. The coalition government can use this opportunity to provide better health care to the common man. It can evolve as a leading multi- specialty hospital in the Caribbean to provide comprehensive facilities in preventive, curative and rehabilitative care to the patients.

People from all over the country and overseas will come to the hospital if it is cheap with advance treatment and facilities. It must have round-the-clock services such as accommodation for attendant, local sightseeing, doorto-door services which include picking up the patient and relatives from the airport and hotel. Also, it could provide the patients with the type of food they need and look after all the cultural needs.

Sincerely,

Mohamed Khan

from page 4

courting investments in India and the US wants India to buy more American products.

Modi will also host another dinner for CEOs of digital companies in the Silicon Valley when he visits the West Coast of the U.S. on September 26 and 27. There, he will host a Townhall Q&A at the Facebook headquarters along with its founder Mark Zuckerberg.

Mr Modi said he and Mr Zuckerberg would “discuss some global issues and issues relating to India, particularly on the economy and society.”

He will also meet with CEOs of some 30 Indian startup ICT companies and 17 Silicon Valley start-ups.

Yours truly, Vishnu

Bisram

Dear Editor, I respond to a letter written by Mr Mohammed Khan, in which he claimed that the Capoey Toshaos’ Election was rigged, and that the policies of the recently elected Toshao are suppressing the villagers’ democratic rights, and are likely to stymie their future development.

It’s surprising that the media would carry such rubbish before actually verifying the veracity of the serious and scandalous allegations which could not only tarnish the reputation of Amerindian leaders, but also cause division in their communities.

It’s no secret that Khan, once a stalwart of the PPP/C, has had a nasty fall out with the party some years ago following matters of a rather personal nature. Ever since, besides adhering to another political party, he bitterly launches attacks against supporters of the very party he practically grew up in. He also extends these attacks to Amerindian leaders from Essequibo, although he is unfit to represent or speak on their behalf.

One such example of his verbal assaults began several months ago against renowned indigenous activist Mrs Yvonne Pearson from Mainstay Whyaka, and didn’t end until she assured him in the media of her intention to take legal action for defamation should he chose to continue. Khan on the social media misled the public into believing that Pearson is a corrupt leader who owns over 200 acres of village land, and who ensured that electrical cables to the village ended at her residence. Mohammed Khan’s ignorance shows that he is in no position to even attempt to speak on behalf of Amerindians as he has no knowledge of the Amerindian Act no. 6-2006. If he did, he’d know that Pearson’s residence is located on Mainstay Whyaka’s communal land which cannot be privately owned. If he, like most Essequibians, has visited Mainstay, then he would know that no resident lives on land of such extent within the village. He would also know that the electrical cables go past Pearson’s house, and right into the Mainstay Lake Resort, its deck being the last edifice sitting at the edge of the lake. Additionally, the village bus which he claims has been appropriated by the Toshao, is

driven by a paid designated driver from the village, who is a strong APNU supporter. It appears as though Khan has forgotten that Pearson under the PNC has struggled just like himself, or perhaps more than many strong men in Essequibo, and has earned the respect of Amerindian leaders nationwide. Pearson however, has remained true to herself and maintained her integrity, by remembering the struggles that she survived and which turned her into the respected leader she is today, quite unlike Mr Khan, who supports a coalition that has betrayed the Essequibo rice farmers and the county’s economy.

Regarding Capoey, Khan should inform readers among the lies he spreads, that Toshao Melrose Henry, has served as a Community Development Officer for the entire region for several years, risked her life on duty, gave birth on duty, damaged her health on duty and still managed a job that most women cannot endure. She is known to be resourceful, amiable and never belligerent. The Toshaos’ Election in Capoey resulted in a tie between two leaders and in a democratic manner, unlike the falsity carried by Khan, villagers voted one week later and elected Ms Henry.

The question is, was Khan an observer during the election or does he, as all evidence points to, rely on the misinformation and lies spewed by the PNC supporters of Mainstay and Capoey who are constantly searching to overthrow democratically elected Village Councillors and leaders?

I strongly urge Amerindian leaders from Essequibo to act against the efforts of Khan, a man who has little credibility and legitimacy in speaking on their behalf, to corrupt their communities. His disrespect should not be tolerated and his acts of defamation should be dealt with legally. Finally, if he truly believes in the values of the new party he supports, then Mr Khan should try to comply with the Government’s efforts in promoting national “unity”. Additionally, he should start speaking on behalf of the betrayed Essequibo rice farmers who are the first victims of this coalition’s regressing democracy.

Sincerely, De Sà

Page Foundation

By Sean Slade

Why do we assume that learning only occurs when kids are serious and quiet?

This anti-fun vein evident in education editorials and discussion boards highlights a fundamental issue in education today and, in fact, has been with us for centuries.

The belief remains strong that learning can only take place when kids are quiet and the work laborious, that any activities where engaged kids seem to be enjoying themselves must be superfluous, and that teachers who make learning fun run the risk of being declared unprofessional.

This thinking is having an adverse effect on what kids learn and how they are taught.

Let’s look at the responses of readers to recent education articles and blogs:

...you made an interesting point about students learning physics by visiting nuclear power plants. The custodial staff at these plants gets a tour every day, yet do they turn into physicists? Engineers? Or even Technicians? Hardly. They remain custodians.

Authentic Learning, Washington Post, 03/26/10

More touchy feely nonsense that gives kids a FALSE sense of the real world. This is just like NOT keeping score in kiddie soccer and giving everyone a trophy.

Comfortable Students Leads to Engaged Students, Whole Child Blog (http://blog.wholechildeducation.org), 03/09/10

Almost everything a school assigns these days requires the internet— don’t teachers and administrators understand that kids cannot stay focused with the world (literally) at their fingertips?

TV, games, iPods vs. school, Washington Post, 01/21/10

Is there any evidence to back up the notion that learning can and should be fun, or is this a deviation of our Protestant and Puritan heritage that declares that fun is the work of the devil and so anything worthwhile cannot be also fun?

Brain research suggests that fun is not just beneficial to learning but, by many reports, required for authentic learning and long-term memory.

Neurologist and educator Judy Willis’s book Research-Based Strategies to Ignite Student Learning: Insights from a Neurologist and Classroom Teacher (ASCD, 2006) is one of many that have highlighted the learning benefits of fun. Here are just a few excerpts:

to occur in an atmosphere of “exuberant discovery”, where students of all ages retain that kindergarten enthusiasm of embracing each day with the joy of learning.

So fun actually seems to promote learning. It increases dopamine, endorphins, and oxygen!

The human brain and body respond positively to laughter with the release of endorphin, epinephrine (adrenaline), and dopamine, and with increased breathing volume (more oxygen). When a lesson starts with humour, there is more alerting, and the subsequent information is attached to the positive emotional event as an event or flashbulb memory.

More excerpts on the brain and

The truth is that when the joy and comfort are scrubbed from the classroom and replaced with homogeneity, and when spontaneity is replaced with conformity, students’ brains are distanced from effective information processing and longterm memory storage.

The highest-level executive thinking, making of connections, and “aha” moments are more likely

knowledge or positive emotional experience, new information passage through the limbic system will be enhanced. The thalamus will then “decide” to pay attention to the information.

What happens if students aren’t just bored, but afraid or hungry or in pain? They are not only ‘not having fun, but they are in varying states of discomfort and anxiety.’ Laura Erlauer, in her book The Compatible Classroom (ASCD, 2003), explains that stress affects student attention as well and their learning:

High levels of cortisol produced by long-term stress caused shrinkage of the hippocampus, resulting in memory impairment.

Eric Jensen, another noted author in the field of brain-based learning, echoed this link between engagement, dopamine, and learning, but stressed that learning worked best when the activity was intrinsically meaningful to the individual. He notes in his book Teaching with the Brain in Mind (ASCD, 2005): The task has to be behaviourally relevant to the learner, which is why the brain will not adapt to senseless tasks.

So if fun actually leads to engagement, meaning and purpose, and, yes, learning, what is the answer for education? Should we create courses based only around what is deemed enjoyable by today’s generation?

engagement:

Optimal brain activation occurs when subjects are in positive emotional states or when the material holds personal meaning, connects to their interests, is presented with elements of novelty, or evokes wonder. This is why attentiveness is so closely linked to positive emotional cueing and personal meaning. When there is connection to prior

No, but we should look at the process of how current courses are taught and delivered. Ultimately, we should resist the knee-jerk urge to declare something that is fun to be educationally inferior.

Fun means engagement, doing and learning what has meaning and purpose, and it means being challenged. Embracing this belief should have a profound effect on what and how we teach. (Washington Post)

Keeping students engaged and motivated can be a challenge, even for the best teachers. It’s easy to teach the same lessons year after year simply because they have worked in the past, without giving much thought to students’ current interest level. But even the strongest curriculum still needs some variety once in a while to make learning fun. Likewise it’s important for students to be aware of learning strategies that are both effective and fun for them. If teachers and students can stay conscious of improving the learning process on a regular basis, it’s much easier to work together to keep lessons engaging and motivating. Here are five strategies that can assist teachers and students with this process to make learning fun. Offer choices. Kids go through much of their daily routine without a lot of choices, both at home and at school. To offer kids the control they desire, it’s important to incorporate choices into lessons as often as possible. Keep in mind that offering choices is not a method for kids to get out of doing work, though! For example, giving a choice of doing homework or playing a game is not a productive choice. However, letting students pick the order of homework assignments they will work on may help. Make it a game. It may seem silly, but turning any lesson into a game will almost always make learning fun! And turning review activities or rote memorisation drills into games doesn’t require a lot of prep time or expense. There is nothing wrong with purchasing pre-made games once in a while, but many of the most popular, effective games are the simplest. For example, turn learning musical symbols and terminology (eg quarter notes, half notes, and whole notes) into a memory game.

Tailor your lessons to your students. It’s easy to expect all children to have the same attention span and to structure your lessons accordingly. However, this simply isn’t the case. While it may not seem unreasonable to expect a sixyear-old to sit through a half-hour lesson, this is a very long period of structured time for most six-yearolds. Consider how you can break down lessons to keep kids engaged and make learning fun. Even a thirty-second break every six minutes to do a round of jumping jacks or get a drink of water can make a big difference. Make learning practical. Most people agree that it’s difficult to stay engaged in a lesson when you don’t understand the purpose of the knowledge. Instead of simply telling students that there is a practical purpose for the lesson at hand, give them some concrete examples. As a student, don’t ever be afraid to question a teacher about the practicality of a particular lesson. A good teacher will make the effort to give you a concrete answer, even if it takes a couple days to do some research. Pay attention to students’ interests. Take the time to ask your students about their hobbies and interests. While some interests are easier to incorporate than others, it’s important to take note of them and maximise their potential. If you can’t find a game or assignment to fit a passion, think about other ways to use it in a lesson, such as train stickers as rewards. As students, don’t be afraid to bring in books you like or suggest subjects that you would like to learn. Teachers may say no, but you never know until you ask.

(Takelessons)

“$23B for oil not rice”

– Finance Minister finally confesses

In finally coming clean about Government’s real intentions for the $23 billion which was initially promised for rice farmers, Finance Minister Winston Jordan, in a startling disclosure, clarified once and for all that the money was utilised to settle Guyana’s outstanding oil debt to Venezuela and ultimately was never really going towards the rice industry and the desperate farmers.

In debatably its biggest act of subterfuge since ascension to Executive Office, the Government misled and manipulated the entire population into believing that the money would have been utilised to bring some form of relief to the more than 7000 rice farmers who are currently crying out over late payments from millers and other issues plaguing this critical industry.

According to the Government Information Agency (GINA), Minister Jordan, in providing a long overdue explanation, stated that Guyana was indebted to Venezuela for oil it had previously purchased under the PetroCaribe arrangement.

Under the rice-for-oil deal, Guyana was required to pay upfront a percentage of the cost of fuel acquired from Venezuela, with the balance, which was being placed in the PetroCaribe Fund at the Bank of Guyana, being treated as a loan repayable over 23 years, with a two-year grace period and two per cent interest. Each deposit into the Fund was treated as a loan to the country on the same concessionary terms. This resulted in Guyana being able to defer its payments, which were at concessionary rates, over a longer period of time.

Therefore, some of the money in the Fund was utilised to facilitate payment to farmers, via millers, for rice purchased by Government for shipment to Venezuela. In simpler terms, this arrangement saw payments for the rice shipments being used to write off Guyana’s debts to Venezuela. Since

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

the new Government declared that the Fund became depleted owing to alleged mismanagement of the money by the previous Administration, it announced that it was forced to find an alternative source of money to pay the rice millers (for rice to be shipped to Venezuela as the outstanding payment for the fuel acquired).

According to Minister Jordan, upon recognising the “gravity of the situation” of an empty PetroCaribe Fund, the Government agreed to meet future payments to the farmers for rice shipped to Venezuela under the existing agreement through the Consolidated Fund rather than the PetroCaribe Fund which was deemed empty.

The Minister added that since the $23 billion was set aside under “Statutory Expenditure”, it did not need the approval of the National Assembly.

Betrayal

During his budget presentation, Minister Jordan gave the impression that the $23 billion would be allocated to support payments to the rice farmers who were owed billions of dollars altogether for the supplies made to the millers or would go towards addressing some of the issues like drainage or irrigation affecting the rice industry.

Even amid numerous calls by those in the rice industry, including a desperate plea by over 400 rice farmers who travelled

from afar to stage a protest in front of the Ministry of the Presidency demanding the release of the money, Government did not find the need to provide any clarity on the issue of the $23 billion.

Subsequently, in an invited comment to Guyana Times, Jordan admitted that the money was never intended for the farmers but for “rice shipment”. This clarified that the monies had no connection to rice but rather to oil, which Guyana continues to receive under the PetroCaribe facility.

Following this revelation, stakeholders have argued that the A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government blatantly betrayed the rice farmers.

Former President Donald Ramotar, in an invited comment, lashed out at the Administration for being short-sighted and not taking the issues of this vital industry seriously.

“The rice industry is extremely important to the economy of the country and it is very clear that they try to mislead the rice farmers…the government seems to want his hands off the problems of rice industry and this is extremely unfortunate, because the rice industry is vital to the economy and it needs the support of the Government so it can continue to make a significant contribution to this country,” he stated.

Even APNU/AFC allies Dr Turhane Doerga and Jinnah Rahman registered their grave disappointment over Government’s position.

Further, both individuals had slammed the Administration for not uttering a single word on the matter all throughout the initial stages of chaos and turmoil affecting the industry.

“They are not explaining things even though they have access to the State media and the communication system…They are not explaining to the people,” Rahman had stated.

Granger says Govt values PPPs for infrastructure

– reaction to BBCI not "typical"

Although investors may beg to differ, based on the Administration’s posture regarding the Public Private Partnership (PPP) financing model for the Berbice Bridge Company Inc (BBCI), President David Granger is contending that the Government of Guyana actually encourages Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), particularly for projects that can develop the hinterland areas.

President Granger, in response to a question posed by a Guyana Times/Evening News reporter during the televised programme “Public Interest”, made it clear that Government was not against PPPs per se, and the situation with the Bridge Company should not be used as a “typical” example of Government’s stance towards arrangements similar in nature.

“We want to encourage Public-Private Partnerships…We want proper bridges, proper roads, proper stellings in the hinterland,” he stated.

In the case of the Berbice Bridge, President Granger explained that

the arrangement of that particular deal was “very opaque” and it was crafted in such a way to favour one party.

“The power to make decisions is not in the hand of the biggest investor so we are opposed to the use of State funds in that particular way, the way it is used with the Berbice Bridge Company,” the President stated, referring to the contention being touted by allies of the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition that the previous Administration crafted the business agreement in such a way that the private shareholders would “get rich” off taxpayers’ money.

While at this point the largest investor is the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), it holds preferential shares which collect dividends ahead of common shareholders. At this time, the Directors from the NEW GPC and the Queens Atlantic have resigned so that the NIS and National Industrial and Commercial Investments Inc (NICIL), both controlled by the Government, have a majority on the now six-member Board and can make whatever decision they believe is within their fiduciary responsibilities.

However, in all the eight years of the Bridge’s operations, the only shareholder that ever received a return on its investment was the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) which is the owner of preferential shares and even it did not receive its dividends in 2014 owing to cash flow problems experienced by the Company. None of the common stock shareholders, which “own” the Bridge, have ever received any dividends.

In essence, the Government has taken a verbal stance to encourage PPPs in the future; however, judging from its attitude towards the Berbice Bridge Company with respect to the legally binding agreement between the two entities, opinions in the business and investment community may differ.

The Government, through its Finance Minister Winston Jordan, questioned the concession agreement, which regulated the tolls in the Bridge crossing, claiming that it was unreasonable and government would not tolerate the contents of that bargain. However, the tolls were set at a rate to generate revenues that would service the debt incurred.

Nonetheless, President Granger said the Government wanted to encourage partnerships especially in the hinterland where public and private entities could work together to build road and crossings to facilitate easier transportation for the residents there.

“These are areas where private citizens and Government can combine their energies to develop proper infrastructure in the country,” he envisioned.

The new Demerara Harbour Bridge is also another possible initiative where Government is considering building via a PPP.

This was according to Junior Public Infrastructure Minister Annette Ferguson, who had told Guyana Times that Government was currently deliberating on this.

(devinas@guyanatimesgy.com)

President David Granger

tuesday, september 22, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

“Hitman” charged for Herstelling joiner’s murder

– to be charged jointly with victim’s wife

The hitman who was hired to kill Herstelling joiner Nathan Persaud was brought before Magistrate Ann McLennan in Court Two of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Monday to face the indictable charge of murder.

Oswald Junior Yaw, also known as Jason, 21, of Back Circle, East Ruimveldt, Georgetown, was not re-

quired to plead to the indictable charge which stated that on Thursday, September 10 at Herstelling, East Bank Demerara, he murdered Persaud by way of an arrangement whereby money was promised to him by Beverly Persaud, the deceased’s ex-wife, for his death.

Yaw admitted that he was offered $1.7 million to kill the 42-year old joiner by Persaud. Yaw’s confession came moments after he was arrested by Police ranks attached to the Major Crime Unit last Tuesday evening as he was about to enter his home.

The Police said they were staking out the man’s house for several days, but relatives of the dead man provided the information to the Police about the man’s whereabouts after conducting their own investigation.

During the interrogation, Yaw confessed that on the day of the gruesome murder, he lured Persaud into

the house under the pretext of wanting to use the washroom. While in the house, he told investigators, he attacked Persaud from behind, but a fight ensured during which he collected a piece of clay brick and struck the man to his head.

He then took a knife and stabbed the man at least twice which caused him to fall to the ground. He then used the hammer to bash in

Persaud’s head, reportedly striking him 20 times.

Yaw reportedly said that the murder was planned by the now dead man’s exwife who offered to pay him $100,000 weekly until the full amount of $1.7 million was paid off. He took up the offer, claiming that he would have finally had enough money to visit his girlfriend in Antigua.

The 36-year-old alleged mastermind, a shopkeeper of 56 Diamond New Scheme, EBD, was arraigned last week for the murder. She had succumbed to pressure while being interrogated at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) at Eve Leary, Georgetown, and confessed to paying the hitman a huge amount of money to get rid of her husband. The woman reportedly told investigators that her now dead ex-husband was planning to kill her, but she took ‘first jump’. She also admitted that the murder stemmed from a property dispute which is presently engaging the attention of the courts.

Pomeroon

man charged with attempted murder

A21-year-old Pomeroon resident was on Monday remanded to prison by Magistrate Ann McLennan after he appeared before her in Court Two of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged with attempted murder.

Vandal (only name given) was not required to plead to the indictable charge which read that on Wednesday, September 16 at Granny Backbone, Cuyuni River, he unlawfully and maliciously wounded Lionel Benny, with intent to commit murder.

Police Prosecutor, Corporal Deniro Jones did not reveal the full particulars of the charge to the court. He said the file was incomplete and the investigation was still ongoing.

Vandal was remanded to prison and the matter was transferred to the Bartica Magistrate’s Court for October 7.

Eyew tness Haircut...

...for Bridge Investors?

The saga of the Berbice Bridge continues...all brought about, let us not forget because some politicians (the AFC to be precise) wanted to scrape up some votes from Berbice. This is a point that everyone conveniently overlooks nowadays. They look at the nominal charge on the Demerara Harbour Bridge...and exclaim - "Hey!! The folks in Berbice deserve a break!"

But the Demerara Bridge - even though it has twice the traffic of the Berbice Bridge at least - is tremendously subsidised to the tune of at least $150M annually. Back in 2013, Moses Nagamootoo pleaded for this subsidy to be removed (implying that the tolls should be increased) and transferred to the Berbice Bridge. But as the elections rolled by in 2015, they all became mum on the Demerara Bridge and jumped on the Berbice Bridge toll reduction gambit.

But they never figured other citizens would see through their scheme. The folks in Essequibo pay more than double what the Berbicians pay...don't they need a break, they've asked? And what about the people of the North West District? Do they not also bleed like other Guyanese? So when does it stop? The folks in Linden are being subsidised to the tune of $3B annually on their electricity - even as the subsidy to PENSIONERS was removed. And not a dog barked!!

As the economy continues to implode, expect to hear some hounds howling. Things are getting brown and since this Government is hellbent on spending and not worrying where the money'll come from, when that brown stuff hits the fan, it'll get real messy. But what is terrifying is that the Government hasn't stopped at just going on a spending binge to reward its "constituents - by unilaterally and impetuously handled the Berbice Toll reduction as a populist fait accompli, it has set into motion actions that will kill investment in this country for decades.

Word is that in attempting to sleep on the Procustean Bed laid by the Government (OK..OK...the fella Procrustes cut the legs of his guests to fit his bed!) the BBCI has evidently asked the investors in the Bridge - starting with the NIS - to take what is known in financial circles as a "haircut". That is they've been asked to reduce the interest rate on their loans or bonds they negotiated back in 2007.

Now we know that haircuts are taken by investors when Governments go bankrupt like in Greece right now. But such decisions aren't taken just to squeeze out a few more votes at elections.

Once a Government gets a reputation for using populist rhetoric to force financial haircuts, that country becomes an outcast in the financial community - domestic and foreign.

This Government's playing with fire!

...for Ramaya?

One thing about this Ghoulsarran fella is he literally regurgitates - wholesale! - the "book" on whatever topic he covers in his Stabber pieces. And since his "books" invariably have to do with the staid and proper world of accountancy and its allied bureaucratic fields, hole you're not titillated , at least you're informed!! So this week he offered us all you (might've) wanted to know about REO's - but were afraid to ask.

Now we really hope that the newly-appointed "quasipolitical" REO of Reg 6 Ramaya - and his sponsor pm Nagamootoo - reads Ghoulsarran's piece. This Eyewitness will just mention a sample from the reams of requirements REO's - the "head of a budget agancy" - are supposed to comply with: Fiscal Management and Accountability (FMA) and Public Procurement Act and report to the Public Accounts Committee .

Last but not least, Ramaya will have to "implement appropriate processes and procedures to prevent the incidence of fraud, embezzlement or misappropriation of public moneys."

What was that Haseef Yussuf said about millions spent on Baigan during the campaign?

How close will be the haircut for Ramaya?

...for Agri Bank

We hope - without much hope - the proposed Agri Bank won't go the way of the first.

Just doling out money for the boys.

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

Oswald Junior Yaw was remanded to prison

Murdered, Nathan Persaud

september 22, 2015 |

We were heading to the Police Station to hand in ammo – defendants tell court

Two men who were intercepted with a cache of ammunition at Black Water Trail, Mahdia, Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni) were on Monday released on self-bail by Magistrate Ann McLennan in Court Two of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Alex Coral, 46, a porkknocker of Lot 604 One Mile, Wismar, Linden and Hutus Wilson, 50, a shopkeeper of 755 One Mile, Wismar, both pleaded not guilty to the charge which read that on

Friday, September 18, they were found in possession of 150 live rounds of .32 ammunition, 14 12-gauge shotgun cartridges, 76 .38 rounds, 100 .9mm. rounds and other rounds of ammunition without being the holders of a firearm licence.

Based on information received by Guyana Times, Police ranks were conducting a routine road stop-andsearch exercise along the Black Water Trail when they stopped two men riding two All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs). During a search of

the men, the ranks found the ammunition in bags the miners had in their possession. From reports received, the men are known gun smugglers in the area. They reportedly provide guns and ammunition to the camps in Black Water.

However, Defence Attorney Clyde Forde, who represented both defendants, argued that his clients were en route to the Police Station to participate in the gun amnesty programme. “My clients were on their way to hand over the ammo

Canje woman in custody after stabbing abusive husband

After enduring years of abuse, an East Canje, Berbice woman decided to put an end to it, a decision which landed her in Police custody and left her husband hospitalised in a critical condition. The incident occurred something around 20:00h on Saturday.

Daniel Persaud, 35, a fisherman of Lot 99 Sheet Anchor Village, East Canje, is currently a patient in the Intensive Care Unit of the New Amsterdam Hospital nursing a stab wound to his chest. He is said to be in a stable but critical condition. Meanwhile, his 31-year-old wife Dianne Mc Calmon has been arrested and is assisting Police with their investigations.

According to information reaching Guyana Times, the couple has been married for 14 years and shared an abusive relationship. They have four children ages: 13, 10, nine and six. On the day in question, Persaud allegedly attacked his wife causing her to retaliate by stabbing him.

Neighbours told this newspaper that on Saturday, the couple were drinking all day and later that night an argument ensued over a man called “Pumpkin”.

The neighbours pointed out that they heard screaming and when they ran over to the house, they saw the man with a knife in his chest and his wife over him about to pull it out. However, they stopped her in order to prevent further injuries.

This publication was informed that about five inches of the knife had penetrated the man’s body.

The neighbours attempted to apprehend the woman

but she manage to escape. She was captured by Police on Sunday at a relative’s home a few houses away.

The couple’s 13-year-old son related to this newspaper that whenever his parents drank, they would often fight mostly about “Pumpkin”. He noted that Saturday was not different. According to the teenager, his mother was in the kitchen breaking ice when his father went and began chok-

to understand that the abuse was to such an extent that one of the woman’s fingers is paralysed. Additionally, her thumb was strained earlier this month after Persaud reportedly kicked her down the stairs.

Moreover, Mc Calmon lost three babies after receiving severe beatings at the hands of her husband, a recent one being in July. This newspaper was told that after receiving a bout of beating, the woman went to the hospital, where for the third time she delivered a still born baby. She was seven months pregnant at the time.

Speaking to this publication, relatives indicated that Persaud would go out to sea and when he returns, he would give his wife just $2000 and would use the rest of the money to consume alcohol. The family noted that the situation forced the woman to do domestic work around the community. They further claimed she started having a relationship with “Pumpkin”.

ing her.

The young man recalled that his mother’s tongue was out of her mouth and it appeared as though she was about to faint, when she took the knife that was in her hand and stabbed the father in his chest. He said he and his siblings were pleading with their father to let go of their mother but he did not adhere.

Guyana Times was made

to the Police, which was given to them by a Brazilian employer and they were only taking advantage of the amnesty period to get the illegal items off their hands,” Forde explained. He further said that the Police Officers offered to escort them to the Police Station when told of the reason for their journey.

Furthermore, the relatives related that whenever the woman reported the abuse to Police, she would later go and withdraw her complaint. They further noted this was the case back in July when she reported the beating that caused her to lose the baby.

The 31-year-old woman is expected to be charged and placed before the courts.

However, the ranks charged the men for possession of the ammunition, despite the fact that the amnesty programme was established to allow people with illegal guns and ammunition to hand them over to the authorities without facing prosecution.

Magistrate McLennan released the men and transferred that matter to the Mahdia Magistrate’s Court for October 20.

Diane Mc Calmon

The house where the couple and their four children live in East Canje

Following teen’s suicide Family members storm school, assault headteacher

The Department of Education in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) has expressed concern over the verbal abuse being meted out to the headteacher and other staff members of the Lower Corentyne Secondary School.

Speaking at a media conference on the issue, Regional Chairman David Armogan said relatives of the student who recently took his own life, went to the school last Friday and issued threatening remarks to the staff. “A few carloads of them went to the school to intimidate the headteacher and other teachers and used foul language.”

The headteacher was also assaulted.

On September 10, 14-year-old Joshua Beepat of Rose Hall Town, Corentyne, was found hanging by a rope from the neck in the garage at his home. His father Ramnauth Beepat later accused the class teacher of causing the teenager to harm himself.

Young Beepat was accused of touching a female student in an inappropriate manner and was disciplined by his class teacher. The incident was mentioned to the class and also at a Parent-

Teachers Association (PTA) meeting.

The boy’s father is of the view that the way the matter was treated resulted in Joshua turning to suicide. Armogan said that after the incident the teacher met with both students and asked Joshua if he liked the girl and he said yes but when she asked the girl the same question, the girl said no. “So the teacher told him not to trouble the girl anymore, because she does not like you.”

However, the Beepats are holding the teacher accountable and have vented their outrage publicly.

“We understand how difficult it is to cope with the

loss of their child, but some level of responsibility must be shown. We cannot allow them to come into the school and make threats. We will have to take appropriate action if this continues. We cannot allow parents and other relatives to go into the school and take action against these teachers as a result of this incident,” the Chairman said.

According to him, the teacher cannot be blamed for the boy committing suicide. He said a thorough investigation was done by the Department of Education.”There is a law to deal with that and the penalty is very severe if you going to school and try to fight with teachers. In this instance, we will want to call in the Police and let good sense prevail, because if the Police intervenes into the matter, it can become worse.”

Armogan said the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) has promised to take the necessary action if the situation was allowed to continue. Action, he explained, could result in several schools closing in solidarity with the Lower Corentyne Secondary School teachers.

Infant killed, driver hospitalised in Highway accident

ASunday afternoon drive ended tragically with a 10-month-old infant losing his life, while another relative is in the hospital after the vehicle they were travelling in suffered a blowout before turning turtle on the Soesdyke/ Linden Highway.

The dead infant was identified as Aiden Anderson of Lot 612 Section A Block Y, Golden Grove New Scheme, East Bank Demerara, while the injured driver is 26-year-old Mohamed Awaaz Ali, called “Boy” of Bush Lot, Berbice. At the time of the accident, there were four occupants in the vehicle including the infant’s mother Allana Hackett, 27, and her nephew Ameer Mohamed, 22, also of Golden Grove. These two sustained minor injuries.

Hackett told Guyana Times she and her son, along wither nephew and cousin, were on their way to Long Creek on the Highway to visit her sister, when the vehicle started to pull on one side and then toppled. “He wasn’t driving that speed, like about 70, and then I feel the vehicle make a lil’ slant and then it topple over,” she recalled.

The distraught woman noted that she and her son were in the back seat at the time; however, after the vehicle came to a halt and she got out, she could not find the infant.

“When I come out the vehicle, I see the wheels in the air. Then I screamed for my baby because when the vehicle toppled, I didn’t know where he went,” the grieving mother recounted, adding “then my neph -

ew come and give me my baby”.

Hackett recalled that her son was unconscious when she collected him but there were no injuries visible. She went on to say that she started screaming for help and a Tundra passing at the time stopped to render assistance. The woman stated they were taken to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre where she confronted her worst fears.

On Monday Guyana Times visited the infant’s home where his mother was inconsolable. Aiden was Hackett’s and her husband’s only child. The woman wept as she looked at her son’s toys and other belongings, while her mother and sister could not hold back their tears. The grieving mother said that Aiden was very playful, friendly and loved smiling.

Meanwhile, the injured Ali remains a patient at the Georgetown Public Hospital, to where he was transferred. The man’s father, Nazir Ali, told this newspaper that he was informed about the accident by his 22-year-old relative

who was also in the vehicle. The man noted that he was a short distance away and rushed to the scene.

Ali said that his son was conscious but was experiencing pain about his body, including to his head. Furthermore, he said the young man is having severe back pain and his left hand cramps up frequently.

Joshua Beepat

Dead: 10-month-old Aiden Anderson

A distraught Ann Hackett

Berbice water taxis commence service

– to provide competition to minibuses across Bridge

The highly-anticipated water taxis went into operation across the Berbice River from New Amsterdam to Rosignol on Monday morning without any hiccups.

At 06:00h, MV Nicholas left the New Amsterdam Stelling, while MV Shanit departed the Rosignol

gers from New Amsterdam and 347 from Rosignol. According to one of the boat operators, Basil Budram, Government has agreed to pay the boat operators $1500 for each trip they make.

The reintroduction of the boat service across the Berbice River has seen hire car operators on the New

Stelling.

The two boats worked all day transporting persons across the Berbice River for $120 each either way, with teachers, nurses, pensioners and schoolchildren crossing free of charge. The two vessels previously plied the Georgetown/Vreed-en-Hoop route.

The move to reintroduce water taxis to cross the Berbice River was made after Government was unsuccessful in getting the Berbice Bridge Company Inc (BBCI) to reduce the toll to cross the Berbice River Bridge by $300.

By 09:00h, each vessel had completed nine trips taking a total of 41 passen-

Amsterdam side of the river re-establishing a service from the New Amsterdam Ferry Stelling, which is considered a lucrative route to operate. Hire car operators around New Amsterdam charge $100 per drop but those operating from the Stelling charge $140.

Some had anticipated that the reintroduction of the boat service would bring to a standstill minibus operations along the Number 56 route (New AmsterdamRosignol). That was not evident on Monday. At New Amsterdam, business had slowed down by approximately 30 per cent. The drivers have expressed concern over this, saying that all of

the 49 buses that are registered to operate along that route cannot work each day since the association took a decision to allow operators to work only five days per week to enable all of the drivers to make a day’s pay when they work.

“With the boat operation now it gon became harder for us. The Prime Minister [Moses Nagamootoo] said that the water taxis will come so that they can put pressure on the Bridge Company, but the only people that feeling the pressure is we who operate the 56 route,” one driver said.

Asked why they preferred to use the minibus service which cost $300 to cross the river and takes longer as against the water taxis which are also cheaper, some commuters said they were afraid of water. Others said it was safer.

Some of those interviewed noted that when the Bridge came into being it signalled progress and they did not wish to go backward.

In the afternoon, as

Pedal cyclist struck down on Corentyne Road

A65-year-old pedal cyclist was killed on Sunday evening while trying to cross the No 1 Public Road, Corentyne, Berbice. The accident occurred sometime around 18:45h.

The dead man has been identified as Shanty Delana, a farmer of Lot 317 No 55 Village, Corentyne.

According to reports, the driver of car HC 5768 was proceeding along the roadway when he collided with the pedal cyclist. Investigations revealed that Delana allegedly swerved into the path of the vehicle.

The farmer sustained severe injuries and was rushed to the Skeldon Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

A visit to the scene on Monday showed the skid marks from the vehicle’s tires. It was pointed out to this newspaper that after

the pensioner was hit, he was tossed some five feet away. Eyewitnesses said the man was almost across the road, but the fast approaching car struck him after being unable to swerve out of his path.

Meanwhile, Chandrawattie Bhola, daughter of the dead pensioner, related that she was at a wedding two villages

away when she got the news about the accident. She explained her father was on his way home after he had gone to her house to turn on the lights, as she was not home.

According to the grieving woman, after receiving the news, she rushed to the scene, but her father had already been taken to the hospital. She, along with other family members, went there, where they confirmed their worst fears.

Bhola disclosed that when they saw her father’s body, he had several lacerations and also a wound on his forehead.

Delana leaves to mourn his wife, two daughters and five grandchildren. He was described as an easy-going individual.

The driver was arrested and taken into Police custody to assist with the investigation.

averaging

The dead Shanty Delana

persons started leaving school and work, the water taxi traffic picked up after

four passengers per trip in the non-peak hours. Government had said that four water taxis would be put into operation. Public

Infrastructure Minister David Patterson said the service would be withdrawn once the Private Sector takes hold of the business opportunity.

MV Nicholas

Boarding one of the water taxis

MV Shanit on one of its trips

tuesday, september 22, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

PPP has no formal invite for “unity talks”

...but APNU/AFC must first settle own differences

The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) said while it has not received any formal invitation by government to participate in its proposed unity talks, such an invitation might be premature since the APNU/ AFC alliance must first settle its own obvious internal differences.

The Party’s General Secretary Clement Rohee on Monday said that Government, which is ostensibly seeking to hold talks on inclusionary government with the Opposition, has its own internal issues to deal with. He however did not say what those issues are, but noted that they needed to be trashed out before any talks on unity could be had.

He said too that

Government is making the assertion that “things are in the pipeline,” when they actually are not. He said his Party has not received any formal invitation for this and is not looking forward to any.

“Mr Harmon spoke as though there is already agreement between the two sides to engage formally and that the process should begin with an exchange of correspondence on the modalities for talks when there is none.

For Mr Harmon’s information and guidance there is no such agreement. The PPP has not received any formal communication on the matter nor are we requesting any”, he told journalists.

Rohee said there is actually much confusion in

the APNU+AFC camp on this matter and it seems best that the alliance settle their internal differences and put their house in order before any attempt is made to engage the PPP.

The PPP had earlier shot down the move by Government to have its Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo lead the talks, when it was first announced by the latter in a meeting at Whim in Berbice. Opposition leader Bharat Jagdeo had said that if it were to be, the PPP would rather have President Granger in such talks than Nagamootoo.

Minister of State Joseph Harmon on Friday however told Journalists that if the PPP has an issue with Nagamootoo, they should express this through a for-

mal written statement rather than playing it down through the press.

This however did not sit well with the PPP.

Rohee said the Granger administration has persistently sought to frame the political agenda for the PPP. He referred to the recently held General and Regional Elections, the PPP’s re-entry to the 11th Parliament and its current attempt to adopt what he described as a twin track approach by creating and fostering the extant psychological environment by racial and political intimidation and victimization.

“They attempted this in respect to elections, both General and Regional and now Local Government, the PPP/C’s re-entry into the 11th Parliament and they

are currently attempting to do so by adopting a twin track approach. First, by creating and fostering the extant psychological environment which is fraught with racial and political intimidation and victimization, threats and persistent harassment of the PPP, its members and supporters”.

“The enemies of the PPP, the supporters of APNU+AFC and apologists of recent vintage are oblivious to these areas of concerns that have been raised time and again by the PPP. However by the time they come to realize what has crept up on them, too late, too late! would be the cry”.

He said the APNU+AFC scarecrow politics will “get us nowhere” save to return us to the days prior to the 1992 period when the lack

of democracy at the political and social levels and the ruination of the economy was the “order of the day”.

He said the call for “unity talks” therefore has to be contextualized and framed within this backdrop. He noted too that history is replete with examples attesting to the contrary and on every occasion there was a context in which such talks took place.

“In the case of the sixties, the PPP’s political unity objective was to save the Nation from further ruination as a result of CIA fomented disturbances but Burnham was not interested because he was already assured by the foreign powers that he was the chosen one to take Guyana to independence and not Jagan”.

Men remanded for stealing and receiving stolen articles valued in excess of $17M

Three men were on Monday remanded to prison by Magistrate Ann McLennan after they appeared before her in Court Two of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged with stealing and receiving stolen articles valued in excess of $17 million.

Dharmendra Mohan, 47, a labourer employed by GuySuco of 134 Zorg-enhoop, Blairmont, West Bank Berbice pleaded not guilty to the charge which read that between Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 September at Blairmont, he received two rolls of rubber tiles; three rolls of vinyl; three rolls of plastic; four rolls of Tetrex; 30 rolls of brocade; one roll of polyester, all to a total value of $389,240, belonging to Malcom Panday.

Heeralall David,36, a manager employed by the Avenash Complex, Berbice of 134 Zorg en Hoop, Blairmont, West Bank Berbice pleaded not guilty to the charge

which read that between September 5 and 6 at New Amsterdam, while being employed by Avenash Complex, he stole 110 rolls of rubber tiles; 160 rolls of vinyl; 80 rolls of plastic; 160 rolls of tetrex; 110 rolls of brocade; 160 rolls of sheeting, among other items, all to a total value of $17,419,600, property of Malcolm Panday.

Finally, Rafeek Mursalin, 58, a store owner of 272 Rosignol, West Bank Berbice, pleaded not guilty to the charge which read that between September 5 and 6 at Rosignol, he received 23 rolls of rubber tiles; 43 rolls of vinyl; 14 rolls of plastic; 11 rolls of tetrex; 32 rolls of brocade; 44 rolls of sheeting; 20 rolls of polyester and 1 roll of checkered polyester, all to a total value of $1,835,880, property of Malcolm Panday. Mohan and David were represented by Attorney-atlaw Bernard DaSilva who

made allegations that the families of the defendants are being threatened by the Virtual Complainant (VC), Malcolm Panday. He also claimed the VC had several Police associates go to his clients’ homes and remove valuables as compensation, adding that thus far the value of the alleged stolen goods has been altered thrice. He thereby presented an application for bail, stating that his clients are not flight risks and would be attending trial. Bail was objected to by Prosecutor Deniro Jones who cited the gravity of the offence as well as the quantity involved. He stated that given the penalty the offence attracts, the defendants are unlikely to return to court if granted bail. The Magistrate refused bail and remanded the men to prison. The matter was transferred to Blairmont Magistrate’s Court for September 29.

Remanded, Dharmendra Mohan

Remanded, Heeralall David

Remanded, Rafeek Mursalin

Essequibo, North West fare reduction calls Govt

wants residents to make “official” call – Minister Patterson

...Berbice not forced to jump hurdles – residents

Amid the media highlighted hue and cry from residents of Essequibo and the North West district who have been bitterly complaining of the blatant neglect from the Government regarding the onerous transportation costs they too pay to journey from their hometown to Georgetown, Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson indicated that his Ministry would only look into those concerns if those residents make a formal complaint to the relevant authorities.

He added too that the Ministry was not in receipt of any formal complaints from residents concerning these transportation woes and gave the impression that Government would not address the matter unless it was “formally” reported at the level of the Ministry. Residents, when contacted however, said that Berbicians had not been asked to make such calls.

Following the immense attention being paid to the people of Berbice and their burdensome transportation expenses, residents of other far-flung regions like the Essequibo Coast and those from the Mabaruma area decided it best they publicly raise their concerns over the pricey fee structure they are confronted with.

Regional authorities, in-

cluding Region One (BarimaWaini) Regional Chairman Brentol Ashley and Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam)

Regional Vice Chairman Nandranie Coonjah, have also voiced their support for the calls being sounded by disgruntled residents. Even Berbice officials including President of the Corentyne Chamber of Commerce, Abraham Sooknauth and the President of the Berbice Chamber of Commerce, Rajnauth Ramroop admitted that the fees the other citizens have to endure were extremely costly and urged the Government to address the matter with an equal approach.

In relation to the Berbicians, Government already introduced a heavi-

Ex-GDF Officer tipped to head Govt’s Public Service College

One of the many military colleagues of the top tier of the A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition Government is likely to be chosen to manage the soonto-be established Public Service Training College –a move that will increase already existing suspicions and fears that Guyana will soon return to the authoritarian People’s National Congress (PNC)-type rule known to be practised in the past. The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) had sounded its alarm bells prior to the elections that should the coalition win, it would commit to ensuring military or former military personnel would occupy most of the key and strategic positions in the hierarchy of the governing system.

State Minister Joseph Harmon confirmed to the Guyana Times that one Colonel Paul was currently overseeing the paperwork concerning the establishment and managing system of the college, but no decision has been taken on whether

ly subsidised state operated river taxi service which sees pensioners, schoolchildren and nurses travelling for free, while others pay a low price of $120 to get from New Amsterdam to Rosignol. In addition, Government is still pushing the Berbice River Bridge Company to reduce its tolls to bring further relief to the residents there.

Those residing in the Essequibo region have to pay $380 per person and $1140 for a person with an empty vehicle (one-way) to reach Georgetown via the ferry service. Therefore, a journey back and forth for a vehicle owner would amount to $2280 plus an additional $1900 for five passengers – a total of $4180 to travel from and to Region Two. A minibus with 15 passengers would have to pay the $2280 plus $5400 for the passengers for a total of $7680 for a trip to Parika. Businesses pay twice that amount when their vehicles are weighed.

In the North West, residents of Port Kaituma have to pay a total of $17,800 to get to Georgetown if they utilise the North WestCharity- Supenaam-ParikaGeorgetown route (from Port Kaituma to Charity $15,000;

from Moruca, which is closer to Charity, have to pay $6300 to get to Georgetown ($12,600 return) since the cost from Moruca to Charity is $3500.

However, one alternative is the ferry system

from Charity to Supenaam $1000; from Supenaam to Parika $1300 and from Parika to Georgetown $500). A return trip would, therefore, cost one person $35,600. Residents

which takes residents directly from Port Kaituma to Georgetown at a cost of $2000. But this mode takes about 34 hours whereas the other route takes just about five hours. The other alter-

native is travelling via aeroplane which costs about $15,000 per person from Port Kaituma to Ogle. The residents are contending that the fees they pay drastically exceed the cost being endured by the people of Berbice and they, therefore, cannot understand the preferential treatment being given to that region. The residents are demanding that Government administer equal treatment to citizens all across Guyana and insisted that their regions also get some form of relief in relation to the transportation expenses.

After the Minister’s comment, residents bemoaned that once again they were being treated like Cinderella and asked to do more than Berbice. “This is not fair,” said a passenger on the Parika-Supenaam ferry, “Berbice was not forced to jump through such hurdles. We are still being treated like Cinderella.”

or not he would be appointed manager of the college. Meanwhile, the fear of being once again governed by a militarised Government has its origins in the long days of the PNC tenure. Leader of the PNC, Forbes Burnham had made the officer corps of the Disciplined Forces swear personal loyalty to him. His successor Desmond Hoyte had once spoken of his party’s “kith and kin” in the Disciplined Forces. During that period also, serving members of the Disciplined Forces actively engaged in politics such as seizing ballot boxes and sequestering them at Camp Ayanganna.

These concerns were repeatedly raised by PPP/C Executive Member Dr Roger Luncheon on many occasions in the lead-up to the recently concluded elections. In fact, Dr Luncheon had reminded that those same military personnel who had violated their oaths as officers and the Constitution of Guyana to politically serve their President of the day are the same men who were contesting to be leaders of Guyana. His warning has proven to be prophetic.

Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson

Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson stated that the Ministry was not in receipt of any formal complaints from residents concerning these transportation woes

Trinidad approves Warner’s extradition

US extradition proceedings against Jack Warner, a former Vice President of football’s world governing body Fifa, are to go ahead after being approved by Trinidad’s Attorney General.

The US wants to try Warner, 72, a Trinidadian national, on corruption charges. He is accused of accepting millions of dollars in bribes.

He and 13 other current or former Fifa officials were indicted in May.

He denies the charges and is currently fighting the extradition attempt.

Last week, Switzerland approved the extradition of ex-Fifa Vice President Eugenio Figueredo to the US.

Figueredo, from Uruguay, was arrested in May while in Switzerland for a Fifa Congress.

So far, only one arrested official – former Fifa Vice President Jeffrey Webb, from the Cayman Islands –has agreed to be extradited.

After being extradited

from Switzerland to the US, Webb pleaded not guilty to accepting bribes worth millions of dollars in connection with the sale of marketing rights.

He was placed under house arrest on US$10 million bail by a New York judge.

As the head of Caribbean and North and Central American football (Concacaf), Warner was one of the most powerful men in world football.

His support was seen as

essential for any World Cup host bid. However, he has been dogged by allegations of corruption.

The US alleges that Warner has been involved in corrupt practices for over two decades.

Warner’s case has been adjourned until Friday due to a legal dispute over a technicality.

In June 2015, a BBC investigation found evidence of bribes paid to Warner. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Aftershock quake of 6.5 magnitude shakes Chile, no damage reported

Afresh 6.5 magnitude aftershock struck central Chile on Monday, rattling buildings in Chile’s capital city Santiago, but there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries.

An 8.3 magnitude earthquake and a tsunami hit Chile’s port city of Coquimbo last Wednesday, killing 13 people.

Since then, a series of aftershocks has unnerved Chileans. The US Geological Survey said the latest tremor had a magnitude of 6.5, with an epicentre 46 kilometres (28 miles) west of Illapel, close to that of last week’s quake.

The Onemi emergency service said Monday’s tremor had not generated conditions necessary to create a

tsunami and that there were no initial reports of damage or injuries.

Chile is one of the most seismically active countries in the world and strict building rules limit damage caused by quakes.

There was no immediate news of any effect on copper mining, a key component of Chile’s economy. (Reuters)

T&T Judge grants leave to file six election petitions

The United National Congress (UNC), ousted from Government in the September 7 General Election in Trinidad and Tobago, was on Friday granted leave to file election petitions to challenge the validity of the election process in six constituencies, namely: La Horquetta/Talparo, Tunapuna, St Joseph, Toco/Sangre Grande, San Fernando West, and Moruga/Tableland.

Senior High Court Judge Mira Dean-Amourer made the order granting leave, certifying there was prima facie merit in the petitions and that there was a serious issue to be tried, namely, whether the Elections and

Boundaries Commission (EBC) acted illegally and in breach of the Constitution when it extended the voting time from 18:00h-19:00h on Election Day.

According to the UNC, the sudden decision of the EBC to extend the voting time caught many by surprise and led to chaos and confusion. Letters were written to notify the EBC that candidates were receiving numerous complaints from voters who were turned away from the polls when they went after 18:00h to cast their vote because the EBC officials were themselves unaware of the EBC’s decision to extend the voting time.

According to local media, the then Opposition People’s National Movement (PNM) had asked the EBC to extend the voting time. The EBC has neither confirmed nor denied the accuracy of this report. The UNC said it was never informed that such a request was made and the party was never officially informed by the EBC of its decision to extend the time for voting.

The EBC has defended its position, claiming that section 71 of the Constitution gave it autonomy to manage the registration of voters and the conduct of the election in an unfettered manner. (Excerpt from Caribbean News Now)

Brazil’s ruling party exTreasurer receives sentence

The former Treasurer of Brazil’s ruling party has been sentenced to more than 15 years in prison for his role in a massive corruption scandal at State oil giant Petrobras.

The Judge investigating the scandal found Joao Vaccari, who was the Workers Party Treasurer until April, guilty of “corruption, money-laundering and conspiracy”, and sentenced him to 15 years and four months.

Vaccari was accused of receiving bribes from Petrobras contractors and distributing them to members of the ruling party.

The contractors are alleged to have paid off certain Petrobras Directors in return for inflated contracts, which they divided up among themselves.

Some of the kickbacks were alleged to have been paid to prominent politi-

cians, most of them members of President Dilma Rousseff’s governing centreleft coalition in the Brazilian Congress.

Petrobras estimates it lost about US$2 billion in the scheme.

Operation “Car Wash,” which began more than a year ago as an investigation into a bribes-for-contracts scheme at Petrobras, has exposed how widely corruption permeates Brazilian society, catching top members of the Workers’ and other political parties, as well as executives of powerful construction companies. (Al Jazeera)

St Lucian economy on the way to recovery – Prime Minister UWI Vice Chancellor receives humanitarian award

St Lucia’s Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Economic Affairs, Planning and Social Security, Dr Kenny Anthony, said that the island’s economy was on the rebound.

At a recent press conference, Dr Anthony reported on the current state of the St Lucian economy.

“I am pleased to report that St Lucia’s economy is on the way to recovery after three consecutive years of contraction,” he said.

“You may recall that in the past three years the rate of negative growth had decelerated steadily. Preliminary data for the period January to June 2015 suggest increases in output for most sectors of the economy, led principally by the tourism industry.”

He attributes the rebound in St Lucia’s economy to the recovery of the economies of other more developed countries – countries that St Lucia’s own economy was inextricably linked to, as they repre-

St Lucia’s Prime Minister, Dr Kenny Anthony

sent the main source markets for tourist arrivals.

“During the first half of 2015, total stay-over arrivals increased by 5.3 per cent to 185,424 representing a record level of arrivals over the last five years for the first six months of the year,” Dr Anthony continued. “This performance was mainly attributed to a 12.3 per cent growth in arrivals from the United States, our largest source market and highest spending market per person. The performance of the US market was largely influenced by a steady improvement in the US economy supported by additional airlifts in the latter part of 2014.” (Excerpt from

Vice Chancellor of the University of the West Indies, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles has received the Global Community Healer Award, a humanitarian award from the Community Healing Network (CHN), for his tireless work in trying to secure reparations for people of African descent.

He is the second recipient of the award, the first being American author, poet, dancer, actress, and singer Maya Angelou who was also the founding chairperson of the Board of Advisers of the CHN, a global grassroots movement aimed at uplifting black communities.

Sir Hilary, who is Chairman of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) Reparations Committee, received the humanitarian award during the Network’s First Annual Global Emotional Emancipation Summit hosted as part of the 45th Annual Legislative Conference of

the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation.

The summit, held under the theme “Taking Control of Our Destiny: Confronting the Deadly Mindset at the Root of the Devaluing of Black Lives” brought together leaders of African ancestry from around the world to focus on valuing black lives.

Sir Hilary said he felt honoured to participate in the summit and commended the organisers for “focusing on the root causes of anti-black racism around the world and on the institutional and systemic structures of white supremacy”.

“Now is the time for an honest and open public discourse on the social, economic, and psychological legacies of racism, slavery, colonialism and segregation. The time has come to repair the damage and heal the historical wounds that have been inflicted on people of African ancestry across the globe,” he said.

(Excerpt from Caribbean360)

Jack Warner, one of football’s most influential powerbrokers – now accused of decades of corruption

Joao Vaccari was accused of receiving bribes from Petrobras contractors and distributing them to members of the ruling party [EPA]

Around the world

Protests in Burkina Faso as Army moves to disarm junta

Demonstrators have taken to the streets of Burkina Faso’s capital, burning tires to protest a proposed compromise solution to the country’s deepening political crisis following a coup last week.

The protesters, who think the plan is too lenient on the military Government, come as Burkina Faso’s Army Chiefs issued a statement ordering coup soldiers to lay down their arms.

The statement signed by several military chiefs called on members of the presidential guard, who staged the coup against the country’s interim Government ahead of October 11 polls, to hand in their arms to barracks in exchange for safety guarantees.

“All the national armed forces are converging on [capital] Ouagadougou with the sole aim of disarming the presidential guard without any bloodshed,” it said.

Hungarian PM Orban: Europe borders threatened by migrants

Hungary’s Prime Minister has said Europe’s borders are threatened by migration, at the start of a week of intense diplomatic activity on the crisis.

Viktor Orban said migrants were “breaking the doors” and that a united stance was required.

Ministers from Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia met to discuss a European Union proposal for quotas, which they oppose.

Some EU countries want migrants shared out more evenly across the EU.

fore Hungary’s Parliament agreed to hand more powers to the Army.

“They’re not just banging on the door, they’re breaking the doors down on top of us. Our borders are under threat. Hungary is under threat and so is the whole of Europe.”

The new law allows Hungary’s Army to use rubber bullets, tear gas and net guns to control migrants at its border.

Agence France-Presse reported that Police would also now be allowed to enter private homes to carry out search for people they believed had entered the country illegally.

“The Army say their goal is to protect the public from the presidential guard. The presidential guard last week shot at the population injuring dozens,” Al Jazeera’s Nicolas Haque, reporting from Ouagadougou, said.

Several people have been killed and dozens others injured during the subsequent demonstrations against the coup.

Interim President Michel Kafando voiced reservations about the proposal in a radio interview on Monday , saying: “I have reservations about this draft agreement” which leaves “deep-rooted problems” without solutions”.

General Gilbert Diendere, who has been in

China protests by Fanya Metal Exchange investors

Hundreds of Chinese mineral investors have protested in Beijing, alleging they have been defrauded.

They claim to have lost money after investing in the Fanya Metal Exchange in the city of Kunming.

Hundreds of thousands of people have invested billions in products offered by the exchange as the values of rare

metals rose in recent years.

China’s recent stock market collapse has caused prices to fall and investors to demand their money back.

However, the exchange’s funds have been frozen because of a liquidity issue. Many of the investors are ordinary people, who believed the company’s promise of big returns on investments.

An unidentified employee

told the Reuters news agency that there had been “a run” on the exchange. However, they claimed it was still operating normally.

Protests on this scale are unusual in Beijing. Police quickly broke up this demonstration, but it can be seen as a symptom of China’s economic slowdown.

On its website, Fanya claims to have a turnover of 325 billion yuan (US$51 billion).

Protesters claim that they were not adequately warned of the risks involved.

“We were protesting today because we have no other option and no one has responded to our complaints,” one investor turned protester told Reuters.

There have already been demonstrations against Fanya in other Chinese cities. (BBC News)

Israeli PM visits Russia over army build-up in Syria

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow to express concerns about an ongoing expansion of the Russian military’s presence in Syria.

Accompanied by military and intelligence chiefs, Netanyahu told the Russian leader that Israel was determined to stop the delivery of arms to Hezbollah, the Lebanese political organisation fighting along Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s forces in Syria.

Speaking on Russian television, Putin dismissed Netanyahu’s claim that Syria and Iran are attempting to open a “second front” against Israel.

“We know and understand that the Syrian Army and Syria in general is in such a state that it isn’t up to opening a second front – it is trying to maintain its own statehood,” the Russian president said.

Russia has been a staunch backer of the Syrian Government throughout the more than four-year conflict

with rebel groups that has claimed more than 250,000 lives.

Russian officials have claimed that providing Syria with surface-to-air missiles and combat aircraft, as well as building up a Governmentcontrolled military base near Latakia, is for the purpose of fighting the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant group.

US Secretary of State John Kerry has also said that the Obama Administration is “disturbed” by the growing Russian military presence in Syria. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

charge of Burkina Faso after the coup, said that the security situation in the country could lead to “chaos, civil war and the mass violation of human rights”.

Germany and France are among those who back plans to share the burden of relocating 120,000 migrants from Greece, Italy and Hungary.

“They are over-running us,” said Orban, shortly be-

Orban, whose stance on immigration has drawn heavy criticism from European colleagues, made the comments at the start of a week of critical talks. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Triumphant Tsipras returns to fight for Greek economy, debt relief

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said on Monday he would revive Greece’s banks and its crippled economy, while demanding debt relief from creditors in his “first big battle” following an unexpectedly clear election victory that returned him to office.

He set those priorities at the top of a dauntingly long “to do” list that also includes implementing austerity policies and dealing with waves of migrants landing on Greek shores.

In Sunday’s election, voters

gave Tsipras and his Syriza party a second chance to tackle Greece’s problems, and with it the benefit of the doubt over a dramatic summer U-turn, when he ditched his anti-austerity platform to secure a new bailout and avert ‘Grexit’ – a Greek exit from the euro zone.

His immediate objective would be the full restoration of stability in the economy and Greek banks, a Syriza official quoted Tsipras as telling party officials on Monday.

The banks were shut for three weeks and the wider economy set back sharply in July be-

fore Tsipras caved in to accept austerity terms and an 86 billion euro bailout.

The official said Tsipras had also announced that his “first crucial battle” would be securing debt relief.

Tsipras has promised to implement the tax increases, spending cuts and market reforms mandated by creditors under the bailout programme, which restrains much of his ability to set policy. But his party says there is still enough flexibility to cushion the impact on the most vulnerable Greeks. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Singapore the hot favourite among Indian tourists

Singapore has apparently replaced Dubai as the most preferred international destination for Indian travellers in the first half of 2015, said a report released by an online travel portal. In the first half of 2014, Dubai had led the list of most preferred foreign destinations. Bangkok came at number three. The US and UK continued to charm Indian travellers as London and New York retained their fourth and fifth spot respectively in the Hotel Price Index report released by Hotels.com.

“Destinations such as Paris which ranked the eighth position in the first half of 2014 moved upwards to the seventh position, dropping Hong Kong, Las Vegas to the eighth and ninth position respectively. Kuala Lumpur which held rank ten in the first half of 2014 was replaced by the new entrant, Bali in the first six months of 2015,” said the report.

For foreign tourists, Delhi and Mumbai continued to top two destinations in India followed by IT-hub Bengaluru which swapped positions with Goa to bag the third position. Destinations such as Chennai, Hyderabad, Jaipur and Kolkata retained their fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth position respectively. Once the bastion of the Maratha Empire Pune, having acquired a reputation as an educational centre, was the new entrant at number nine moving Cochin to the number ten spot. Thiruvananthapuram which was at the tenth position in the first half of 2014 did not make it to the top 10 destinations for travellers from overseas this time. (Excerpt from Times of India)

The protesters believe the plan is too lenient on the military government [Getty Images]

Syriza supporters in central Athens

Chinese Police quickly broke up the protest

tuesday, september 22, 2015| guyanatimesgy.com

Farmers rejecting price for rice

Even as rice harvesting commenced in Region Two (Pomeroon/ Supenaam), rice farmers are not receiving the right price for paddy and several millers along the Essequibo Coast are rejecting farmers’ Grade C paddy.

Farmers with much dissatisfaction said the price for rice is not right and they are facing serious “blows” this autumn crop. One disappointed rice farmer said he took his harvest to a mill at Vilvorden and his paddy was rejected because it was C grade. The farmer who is living at Reliance Village on the Cost said that although he travelled some 10 miles he had to journey to another mill at another location that

is purchasing Grade C.

Like that farmer, other farmers are very disappointed as most of the paddy harvested after often not of Grade A. This newspaper understands that a miller in Vilvorden Village is paying $1,900 for Extra A, $1,700 for A and $1,600 for Grade B paddy. That miller is not accepting Grade C which is of a lesser quality.

At Paradise Village, a miller is paying $1,820 for a bag of Extra A, $1,620 for Grade A and $1,520 for Grade B. That miller too is not accepting Grade C paddy.

At Affiance, the miller there is paying $1,800, $1,700 and $1,600 respectively. That miller is howev-

Cattle farmer charged with trafficking in narcotics

Acattle farmer was on Monday remanded to prison after he appeared before Magistrate Ann McLennan in Court Two of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged with trafficking in narcotics.

Kenneth Hazel, 45, of 10 Crabwood Creek, Berbice, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) pleaded not guilty to the charge which read that on Friday, September 18 at Crabwood Creek, he was found in possession of 1.6 grams of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.

er accepting Grade C but is not buying in large quantity. That miller is only buying for the purpose of consumption and not for export due to the lack of markets.

Another miller at Anna Regina is paying $2,200 for a bag of Grade A. Many rice farmers are seen in front of that mill since it has the best price offered.

Many rice farmers have taken their paddy to millers without even knowing what price will be offered to them. This is mainly because of the lack of storage bonds within the Region.

Bumper harvest Farmers further explained that although they have harvested more paddy

as compared to last crop, the price still cannot compensate. The cost for producing a bag of paddy is approximately $2,700. Currently rice farmers can be seen using the dry weather condition to harvest their fields.

Harvesting has commenced in villages in the South, namely,

averaged at 35.4 bags. In relation to access dams, Regional Vice Chairman Nandranie Coonjah said the Regional Administration is currently assisting in chipping and levelling those dams in rice growing areas.

Coonjah, who has responsibility for drainage and ir-

Granger-led Administration about the lack of representation and markets. They have also questioned where is the $23 billion that was allocated to the rice industry.

Recently also the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) Councillor Samad Baksh at the Regional

Golden Fleece, Hibernia, Riverstown, Coffee Grove and Windsor Castle. Over 38,283 acres are under rice cultivation within the Region.

According to information from the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) at Anna Regina, some 1,464 acres are already harvested and production per acre is

rigation, said the Regional Administration along with assistance from the two Water Users Associations (WUA) are working together to get the dams done thus providing better access from farm to market.

Rice farmers during a recent protest at Anna Regina have voiced their concerns, questioning the new

Democratic Council meeting said that the rice industry in Guyana is a difficult one, suggesting that farmers need better prices.

Rice farmers are calling on Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder for answers as to what is really going on in the rice industry and specifically what is his Ministry doing to assist them.

Retired GuySuCo worker charged with illegal possession of shotgun and ammo, trafficking in narcotics

AOn the day in question, the ranks approached the defendant, who was seen leaving the house, to conduct a search and observed him throwing a small packet of the suspected drug on the ground. He was taken to the spot and the substance was recovered in his presence.

The man denied the allegation telling the court that he was a single parent to a sixyear-old girl. He claimed that on the day in question he had just taken his child to school and was on his way to sell milk when the Police approached him and picked up a packet of drugs from the ground and tried to get him to accept ownership of it. He broke into tears as he begged the Magistrate to locate his young daughter who was left in the care of teachers as he explained that he has no next of kin to care for her. “See what yuh could do fuh me, Ma’am…ah beggin yuh,” he pleaded. Bail was denied and the matter was transferred to the Springlands Magistrate’s Court for September 29.

Police Prosecutor, Corporal Deniro Jones told the court that ranks of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) were engaged in a twoweek sting operation, whereby a well-known “drug house” placed under surveillance.

retired GuySuCo employee was on Monday remanded to prison after he appeared before Magistrate Ann McLennan in Court Two of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged with illegal possession of a shotgun and ammunition as well as trafficking in narcotics.

Seekumar Rambarran, 56, of 805 Crabwood Creek, Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne) pleaded not guilty to the charge which read that on Friday 18 September at Crabwood Creek he was found in possession of one 12 gauge shotgun without being the holder of a firearm license. He also denied the charge which stated that on the said occasion he was found in possession of 51 live rounds of matching ammunition.

Additionally, the man pleaded not guilty to a charge which read that on the same occasion he was found in possession of 26 grams of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. Finally, the accused pleaded not guilty to the charge which read that on the same day, he was found in

possession of 36 grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.

Police Prosecutor Corporal Deniro Jones told the Court that ranks of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) received information that the accused was involved in the sale of narcotics and as such engaged in a two- week sting operation, whereby the accused was placed under surveillance. On the day in question, the ranks entered the home of the accused to conduct a search and observed him throwing several small packets of the suspected drugs into an ad-

jacent empty lot. He was taken to the spot and the drugs were recovered in his presence where he admitted ownership of the narcotics. A subsequent search of his garden resulted in the discovery of the shotgun and ammunition. The accused then allegedly offered the ranks a bribe of $1 million.

The man’s Attorney James Bond related to the Court that his client does not have any knowledge of the items and did not admit ownership of any of the narcotics or guns. He explained that the accused is a shopkeeper and is sickly

as a result of years of exposure to pesticides while working at GuySuco as a pest controller. He stated that the drugs were found over 200 feet from his client’s residence and as such his client was neither in custody nor control of the illicit substance. He further revealed that on the day in question, both his client and his client’s reputed wife were taken into custody but by some “special logic”, the wife was released and all charges dropped. He state that the prosecution cannot impute knowledge and custody of the items on the accused and not his wife, given the logic being used for the arrest of the accused. He challenged the Prosecutor’s allegation of his client’s attempt to bribe ranks, stating that he visited the Police Station and spoke to the ranks and no such report was given. He therefore made an application for bail citing his argument as a special reason.

The Magistrate refused bail and remanded the accused to prison. The matter was transferred to the Springlands Magistrate’s Court for October 5.

Ripe fields ready to be harvested at Golden Fleece

Rice Harvesting commenced in Region Two

Kenneth Hazel was on Monday remanded to prison after he was charged with trafficking in narcotics

Retired GuySuco employee Seekumar Rambarran who was on Monday remanded to prison

tuesday, september 22, 2015 |

Charity Plant Nursery gearing up for national tree planting exercise

The Charity Plant Nursery, a sub-office of the National Agriculture Research

of NAREI, Dr Oudho Homenauth, the tree planting exercise is a countrywide effort and will

and Extension Institute (NAREI), in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) is gearing up for the national tree planting exercise slated for October 3. According to Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

be launched officially in Bartica on October 3.

Charity Plant Nursery will be the main centre of distribution in Region Two, with officers from NAREI supervising the process. Many persons are

anticipating the exercise, as they look forward to the free plants.

Dr Homenauth said the launch would be done at Bartica and similar exercises would be done in the 10 Administrative Regions simultaneously. He explained that the aim of the exercises was to promote a greener economy.

He said it was important for persons to plant and reap, thus creating a green and healthy environment. The plants will be distributed free of cost to persons who are desirous of planting.

At Charity, more than 15,000 plants among them various fruits including citrus will be distributed to the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs), religious bodies and the Regional Democratic Council. The plants, being taken care of by the Nursery staff at Charity, will be distributed by the NDC chairmen.

Bauxite shipment

Govt commits to long-term relationship with Oldendorff Carriers

The Government of Guyana has pledged its commitment to maintaining a long-term relationship with international cargo company Oldendorff Carriers (Guyana) Inc.

Oldendorff Carriers, a company located in the Berbice River, is involved in shipping logistics for the Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc (BCGI) and RUSAL.

On Monday, Oldendorff’s General Manager Paul Mohn, and Director of Projects Scott Jones, met with Minister of State, Joseph Harmon at his office at the Ministry of the Presidency. Director Jones explained that his company has had an extremely good experience in Guyana and was keen on continuing its operations here. He additionally lobbied for Government’s support in his company’s continued servicing of BCGI, RUSAL and the bauxite industry.

Minister Harmon told the company executives that Oldendorff has Government’s full support in the continuation of its operations here.

He said: “I am giving you the assurance and the satisfaction that this Government would be happy to continue working with your company, because we know your investment is long term.”

The Minister added that the Government of Guyana respected that Oldendorff’s operations have provided employment for a large number of Guyanese; and those employees can be assured that Government would not take any measures that would place them on the breadline

or compromise their livelihoods.

Minister Harmon believes that support must be given to facilities like Oldendorff – a move that will ensure continued employment opportunities for this nation’s people.

In January 2006, Oldendorff Carriers commenced operations in Guyana under an 11-year contract with one of the carrier’s long-term customers, RUSAL, via its affiliate Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc. The contract consists of a one-year period, in which an intermediate transloading solution was in place, and a 10-year period, where the operation forms a complete logistics solution facilitating barging, offshore loading and ocean transportation of around 2.0-2.5 million tonnes per annum of bauxite from the mine located some 131 nautical miles up the Berbice River in Guyana. The Minister of State is expected to tour the facilities soon.

Miss Global Int’l Pageant underway in T&T

– Guyana’s representative to arrive Wednesday

several segments, including swimsuit, national costume, evening gown and intellect. The Pageant starts at 20:00h. Some of the sponsors who have made the event possible are Mukesh Ramsingh of Metro Hotel, TZar Night Club, Syam Ramnarine, JCD and Associates, CGC Photography and Videography, RS Photography, Central Audio and Multi Media Rentals and Passion Carnival Band among others. (bhisham@guyanatimesgy.com)

As the Miss Global International Pageant competition heats up in the twin-island republic of Trinidad and Tobago, 18 of the delegates from around the world were officially sashed on Sunday evening at the Metro Hotel in Couva.

Miss Guyana Alicia Bess will be arriving in Trinidad on Wednesday, and, from reports received, she is ready and eager to join the rest of the delegates.

However, at a simple ceremony, Chairman of the Miss Global International, Latchu Ramchandani gave a brief overview of the Pageant. He added that it was the first year that the Pageant was being held in Trinidad and Tobago, and he was pleased with the hospitality thus far.

The 11th edition of the

international pageant, he added had been challenging but wished all the delegates best of luck.

He further stated that at the end of the competition, only one girl would be crowned and registered his satisfaction with the quality of delegates in the contest this year.

He is optimistic that the delegates will have a grand time in Trinidad and Tobago and will take back lasting memories to their respective countries after the hosting of the pageant.

He assured the delegates that the pageant remained one of integrity and would continue to blossom.

On this note, Public Relations Director of the pageant, Bhisham Mohamed announced that the pageant would be taken to Mauritius in 2016.

The competition will see at least 22 delegates converging on the carnival city as they vie for the coveted title.

The delegates who came from as far as the continents of Australia and Africa are ready to impress the judges with the hope of securing a spot in the top 10.

The Pageant commenced with the swimsuit segment on Monday evening which would be followed by the talent segment on Thursday evening.

The interview segment will be conducted on the morning of September 25 followed by the grand coronation in the evening.

On pageant night, which will be held at the Couva Chamber of Commerce convention centre, the delegates will be judged on

“will open...

Opposition Leader

Bharrat Jagdeo had accused the APNU/AFC coalition of being selective in its calls for investigations and suggested instead that the probe be done into all the murders and all the missing weaponry.

“We should have an inquiry into everything, maybe the mother of all inquiries,” he stated during a previous media conference at the Party’s Headquarters at Freedom House.

Jagdeo had highlighted some of the cases in particular that should be investigated.

He pointed out that there were still unanswered questions regarding the 155 missing Guyana Defence Force (GDF) weapons.

ness stand, testified and submitted documentation that the GDF loaned high-powered military weapons to the PNC’s Ministry of National Development.

The records that Lieutenant Colonel James tendered as evidence to the Commission showed the GDF had loaned 200-odd weapons to the Ministry, as well as paramilitary organisations and other agencies. Of those 200-odd weapons, 155 are still missing.

The work of the Rodney CoI was curtailed by APNU/ AFC after it came to office.

“Let’s start with how the guns were given to the PNC and how they ended up in the hands of criminals in 2004.

[President Brigadier (ret’d) David] Granger still doesn’t want to help us get back those guns,” Jagdeo had posited.

to Buxton during the 20022008 crime wave, the murders of Police Officers, the massacres in Lusignan and Bartica in January and February 2008 and “every single” charge of extrajudicial killings by the ‘phantom’ squads, among other issues, are areas that needed to be looked into. Meanwhile, the probe’s time frame has been expanded, as an investigation into Monica Reece’s death could also be reopened.

Last August, Lieutenant Colonel Sydney James, who spent three days at the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry (CoI) on the wit-

He added that the smuggling of guns from Suriname

Reece, who was a 19-yearold security guard, became known to all Guyanese after her body was dumped from a speeding pickup vehicle in the vicinity of the Geddes Grant building (now Courts) on Main Street, Georgetown on April 9, 1993.

More than a decade after the incident, the crime remains unsolved. (devinas@ guyanatimesgy.com) Govt

Plants at the Charity Plant Nursery which are slated for the tree planting exercise

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon

Delegates strike a pose on one of T&T’s many beaches

tuesday, september 22, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

Guyana’s upstream Oil and Gas Policy to be upgraded – Minister Trotman

By Kristen MacKlingaM

Work is expected to begin soon on the upgrading of the Upstream Gas and Oil Policy which was developed two years ago following discussions between Governance Minister Raphael Trotman and members of the Oceans and Natural Resources Division of the Commonwealth Secretariat.

Guyana Times understands that the Commonwealth representatives, Dr Daniel Wilde and Dr Ekpen Omonbude on Monday met with Minister Trotman who is responsible for the Natural Resources and Environment Sector in Guyana.

The A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Administration earlier this month had announced that an invitation was extended to Commonwealth to return to Guyana to assist in updating and upgrading the old document. This is in light of the recent discovery of oil by the US oil giant ExxonMobil.

It should be noted that the Commonwealth team was expected to visit Guyana in November so that the new document could be drafted, however, given to the fact that Minister Trotman would be unavailable during that time the visit was brought forward.

It was reported that Dr

Omonbude explained that the upgrade to the policy would involve an analysis of the legislative, contractual and regulatory frameworks presently in place in order to determine how best they can be improved. This is essential in benefitting Guyana. He stated that the team will be reviewing the fiscal arrangements for upstream petroleum activities for two purposes: to assess its strengths and weaknesses, and to strike the balance to obtain revenue. In cases where weaknesses are found, recommendations would be made as to what should be done so as to move forward. It is expected that there will also be the examination of the existing petroleum legislation and contracts as well as comments and recommendations will be made by

Commonwealth.

Meanwhile, Dr Wilde divulged that the team will also examine the resource management plan of Guyana as well as offer advice and make suggestions relating to the establishment of the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF).

According to the Commonwealth representative, the setting up of the SWF is very crucial and presently a number of countries are now pursuing this in the initial stages. He noted that as such it is commendable to see that Guyana was interested in pursuing this; hence the Commonwealth was ready to offer its assistance in this area.

Guyana Times was told that while the work executed on the previous policy was extensive, the government maintained that this

policy should be “upgraded to suit modern-day changes” so that it can be implemented and enforced properly.

Should there be a need for legislative measures coming out of the recommendations to the Guyana government, then these will be addressed, Minister Trotman noted.

The Guyana Government has assured that the team will immediately commence its work and will be joined by a Legal Adviser from the Commonwealth Secretariat today.

According to the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, the policy envisions a “strong, vibrant, and sustainable Private Sectordriven oil and gas industry.”

This is expected to contribute significantly to the country’s social-economic development.

Guyana Times further understands that the policy document represents Guyana’s attempt at setting out specific policy objectives and implementation measures for the exploration and potential development of upstream oil and gas resources found in the country.

Work on the Upstream Oil and Gas Policy began in 2012 under the former Administration and was finalised and approved in the third quarter of 2014 by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government. (kristenm@guyanatimesgy.com)

Decomposed bodies of Brazilians found in swamp

The Guyana Police Force on Monday reported that investigations have been launched into the circumstances surrounding the death of two miners whose bodies were discovered in a swamp.

The bodies were discovered around 14:30h on Sunday at Aramau Backdam, Cuyuni River, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni).

The miners have been identified as Brazilian nationals Jose Carlos Barbosa Araujo, 45, and Adonias Ferreira, 37.

The bodies are at the Bartica Hospital Mortuary. The Police are awaiting the results of the autopsy as the investigations continue.

The incident occurred even as investigators are still probing the circumstances surrounding the death of

a Brazilian national, whose body was discovered back in August in Mahdia, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).

The dead man had been identified as 40-yearold Domingo Rodgrigues Santos of Quamina Street, Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara.

Over the past few months, there has been an increase in the number of Brazilian nationals – mostly miners – who are being violently attacked and robbed. In most cases, these incidents resulted in fatalities.

Last month, another Brazilian national, 57-yearold Antonio Rodriguez Da Silva of Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, was chopped to death during an argument with another man. The incident occurred at Chinese Creek, Puruni, Region Seven.

President hands over laptop to visually impaired UG student

President David Granger on Monday handed over a laptop complete with a printer, headphones, a DVD writer and a flash drive to Ceion Rollox, an 18-year old, visually-impaired first-year student of the University of Guyana.

Rollox, who resides at Sophia, lost his sight at the age of 14. However, this did not prevent him from achieving academic success at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) exams, through the Guyana

Institute for the Blind. He wrote to President Granger seeking assistance to acquire a laptop, which would enable him to use special software with speech synthesisers as he pursues a Degree in Communications.

The President, while handing over the items, said that as a matter of policy, he was committed to supporting all forms of education. He said, “We do not regard the loss of sight as an impediment but as an opportunity for you to fulfil your educational objectives by different means.”

PPP willing to participate in Public Service CoI

The People’s Progressive Party on Monday said that it was interested in participating in the

place. The Party’s General Secretary, Clement Rohee said that while it has an interest in participat-

PPP General Secretary, Clement

Government-sponsored Commission of Inquiry into the Public Service, however, there were systems that must be put in

ing, it is of the strong belief that the CoI was an unsuitable tool by which the terms of reference that were published can

be achieved. He said the Party has recommended the recruitment of a suitable and qualified consultant to prepare a report on the matters identified in the terms of reference. When that is done, Rohee said, the PPP would be in a better position to provide its views on matters.

He said the Party has received an invitation to participate in the hear-

ing, but the modus operandi which government has chosen differs from the Party’s understanding of how it should be done

The CoI, which commences today, has been established to inquire into, report on, and make recommendations on the role, functions, recruitment process, remuneration and conditions of ser-

vice for public servants.

It is also expected to determine measures to improve the efficiency of the public service. Also, there is to be a detailed examination of how salaries and wages are determined and allocated.

The Commission is expected to have a life of three to five months with the possibility of a renewal should the

Commissioners feel the need for more time. The public hearings, which are open to the general public for oral presentations, will be conducted at the Secretariat Building of the Public Service Ministry on Waterloo Street, Georgetown.

The Commissioners include Professor Harold Lutchman, Sandra Jones and Samuel Goolsaran.

Governance Minister Raphael Trotman

Rohee

The Public Service CoI Commissioners from left are Sandra Jones Professor Harold Lutchman, and Samuel Goolsaran

Chelsea striker charged with violent conduct by FA

Chelsea striker Diego Costa has been charged with violent conduct by the Football Association after his side’s 2-0 win over Arsenal on Saturday.

Costa, 26, put his hands in the face of Arsenal centre-back Laurent Koscielny prior to clashing with Gunners’ defender Gabriel, who was sent off.

The FA has also charged Gabriel with improper conduct and both clubs with failing to control their players.

Arsenal are to appeal Gabriel’s dismissal and three-match ban.

Costa has until 18:00 BST on Tuesday, 22 September to respond to the charge, which is for the incident with Koscielny as it was missed by match officials but caught on video.

“Off the ball incidents which are not seen at the time by the match officials

Forde, Josiah-Tanner will be ready for South American 10k

By TreisTon Joseph

are referred to a panel of three former elite referees,” said an FA statement.

“Each referee panel member will review the video footage independently of one another to determine whether they consider it a sending-off offence.

“For retrospective ac -

tion to be taken, and an FA charge to follow, the decision by the panel must be unanimous.”

Referee Mike Dean booked both Costa and Gabriel for their spat, before the latter was dismissed for kicking out at the Blues forward.

Gabriel and both clubs

have until 18:00 BST on Thursday, 24 September to reply to their charges.

Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla was sent off in the match for two bookable offences and has been warned about his behaviour. (BBC Sport)

Day wins BMW, becomes world number one

Jason Day claimed his fourth victory in six starts and surged to the world number one ranking after going wire-towire to win the BMW Championship by six shots on Sunday.

The Australian closed out his tournament with a two-under-par 69 to finish at 22-under 262 at Conway Farms, six clear of American rookie Daniel Berger (69) in the third of the PGA Tour’s four FedExCup playoff events.

American Scott Piercy (70) was third at 15-under with Rickie Fowler (69), Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland (70) and JB Holmes (68) sharing fourth at 14-under.

“The way I feel about my game, confidence level has been the highest I’ve ever had in my entire life,” Day said.

“Its been an amazing kind of run for me, and now it just tops it off even better to get to number one in the world.

“I felt a lot of pressure over the last two days, especially today just knowing I had a six shot lead.

“Yesterday and today were probably the toughest rounds I’ve ever had to play in my entire life.”

It is the seventh tour win for Day, the fifth of the season after winning the Farmers Insurance Open, the Canadian Open, his maiden major at the PGA Championship and the opening playoff event, The Barclays, prior to this triumph.

He led by as many as seven and by no less than

four in the final round and faced no serious challenge as he played conservatively throughout.

Day becomes the third Australian to reach world number one, following Greg Norman and Adam Scott.

“Knowing that right now there’s no one on this planet that’s better than me, that’s pretty cool,” Day said.

“That out of all the golfers that are in the world playing right now, that I’m the best.

“It’s such a good feeling.”

He now heads to the 30man, season-ending Tour Championship in top spot on the FedExCup points list, ensuring a win at East Lake Golf Club would see him claim a $10 million bonus. (Reuters)

Guyana’s two top distance runners in Cleveland Forde and Euleen Josiah-Tanner will stay focused for the South American 10k Guyana leg set for November 8.

Forde and JosiahTanner, both of whom won the male and female Courts 10k titles respectively on Sunday indicated they will zone in on the event in the coming weeks.

Forde in his post-race interview with Guyana Times Sport on Sunday revealed his plans for the South American 10k despite a few hamstring niggles during the Courts 10k: “My plan is about winning, I’m not looking at time or any sort of thing like that,” the man known as “Guyana’s little Kenyan” stated.

While not giving away

what his preparation will be like leading up to the event, Forde did give a hint at what the master class tactician runner will do.

“My preparation will be what I usually do; I’m not going to say exactly but my normal stuff… I think I will focus more on intervals, more track intervals,” Forde noted.

Josiah-Tanner on the other hand who is overseasbased, noted she will make every attempt to represent Guyana at the event.

“I will try my utmost best to be here and I will try to continue to be dominant all the time. I know the first leg is in Suriname so we will see,” she stated.

The first leg of the South American 10k will be held in Suriname on October 31 while the second will be in Guyana on November 8 and the third leg in Panama on November 15.

Sammy eager to suit up for Relief charity game

West Indies Twenty20 captain

Darren Sammy says he is looking forward to participating to the Dominica Relief celebrity charity game set for next Saturday in Barbados.

The 31-year-old Sammy, who led the regional side to the capture of the 2012 ICC Twenty20 World Cup, said it was important the region threw its support behind the venture.

“Obviously, as former captain of the Windward Islands, I have close ties with a number of cricketers, administrators and fans from Dominica,” said Sammy.

“What has happened to that country, an island I know so well, a country I love – the worst disaster in recent history in the Caribbean, over 30 people dead, still more missing, and hundreds of Dominicans having to evacuate their homes … it’s heartbreaking, and it

is a call to all of us in this region to work more closely with one other.”

Sammy captained West Indies in 30 of his 38 Tests before retiring from the longer version of the game last year.

He also led the regional side in 51 of his 126 One-Day Internationals, and has also played 58 Twenty20s throughout his career.

Sammy said playing in the upcoming game was important to him and hoped the venture would be a successful one.

“I have always dedicated my career to the people of the Caribbean, and it would be my privilege to be able to give back with my participation in this upcoming game. God willing, the game will be a great success.”

The T20 game will be played at Kensington Oval at 7 pm and will see

Chelsea striker Diego Costa has been charged with violent conduct by the FA after his side’s 2-0 win over Arsenal on Saturday

Cleveland Forde

Euleen Josiah-Tanner

the likes of Test captain Jason Holder, legendary former batsman Brian Lara and ex-Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke also turning out. Monies collected will go towards the Dominica Relief Fund. (CMC)

Darren Sammy

Jason Day

No pressure, says Ramdin

GDF gearing up for Joint Services sport

As the West Indies players assemble in Barbados for a pretour camp, former Test captain Denesh Ramdin says that he is not under any pressure.

Ramdin, the solid wicketkeeper/batsman said: “I am looking forward to the camp and getting in some work before the tough Sri Lankan series comes up. It is going to be a very tough tour because the conditions are tough and we have to do as much work going into the series, if we stand a chance of doing well.”

Ramdin was removed as West Indies Test captain after 14 matches and 15 months in charge and has been replaced by Jason Holder, who is also ODI captain. The West Indies will play two Test matches, three ODIs and two T20s on the tour which officially opens with the first Test match on October 14 at the Galle International Stadium.

Ramdin was told by the West Indies selectors that they wanted him to concentrate on his batting. Ramdin believes he can deliver with the willow in Sri Lanka. “I feel good at the moment, looking to hit some balls and get my game going. It will be important to spend time at the crease and forge part-

Denesh Ramdin

nerships with whoever is batting with me.”

Asked whether he is feeling pressured by the presence of two other wicketkeeper/batsmen in the form of Shane Dowrich and Shai Hope in the squad, Ramdin responded: “I am not feeling any pressure at all. They might be under more pressure than me because they have less experience and they will be batting higher up the order.”

He added that he will extend his fullest support to Holder and looks forward to the challenge ahead. “Jason is a good guy, I advised him on many things during the World Cup and I intend to do my part in this series. He

is a young captain and needs all the support he can get in order to make a difference.

“The senior men on the team have to make their experience count for him and people like Darren Bravo, Marlon Samuels, Kraigg Brathwaite and myself have to make sure we have good totals. Then the bowlers like Devendra Bishoo must lead the charge.

“Bishoo is a key man in those conditions for us and he has been bowling very well, so we need to back him up and look to take the fight to the home team.

“I think we have the all round strength to beat this team and we are going to give it our best efforts.” (windiescricket)

sir Richie to become icc match referee

Former West Indies captain Richie Richardson will join the ICC’s elite panel of match referees as a replacement for the retiring Roshan Mahanama.

However, Richardson will not take up his new position until early next year, when he completes his current tenure as manager of the West Indies team. Mahanama last week announced his intention to step down from the ICC’s elite panel at the end of the year after more than a decade in the role.

The appointment means Richardson will become the first West Indian to serve as a match referee in Tests since Clive Lloyd, who retired in 2007. He also follows fellow West Indians Jackie Hendriks, Cammie Smith, Everton Weekes and Clyde Walcott, who all served as match referees in the past.

“I am excited and honoured to have been selected for one of the most important jobs in cricket,” Richardson said. “Having been on either side of the fence, first as a player and then as an administrator, I think I have the experience and insight to help me contribute positively alongside some of the finest and most experienced match officials.”

Richardson played 86 Tests from 1983 to 1995, as well as 224 one-day internationals. He was appointed team manager of West Indies in January 2011 and will continue to serve in the role until the end of the Test tour of Australia, which concludes with the Sydney Test from January 3 to 7 next year.

“Until the end of the Australia tour, I will remain fully committed and focused on my current assignment as the West Indies cricket team manager and I would like to thank the West Indies Cricket Board for its support over years as well

as the encouragement it provided to me in taking up this new role,” he said.

The ICC’s elite panel of match referees is made up of seven former cricketers who officiate in Test matches, and Richardson will join Ranjan Madugalle, Chris Broad, David Boon, Andy Pycroft, Javagal Srinath and Jeff Crowe. The ICC’s general manager of cricket, Geoff Allardice, said Richardson would be a valuable addition to the panel.

“Richie is one of the greats of the game, who is admired for not only his accomplishments as a batsman but also the way he captained the West Indies when he embodied traits such as integrity, leadership and sportsmanship in his dealings both on and off the field,” Allardice said.

“He is very familiar with the demands of international cricket through his experiences as a player, captain and now team manager, and he will bring a fresh perspective to the role. On behalf of the ICC, I congratulate Richie on his appointment and look forward to working with him. We have no doubt that he will make a strong and important contribution to ensuring the game continues to be played in the right spirit.” (Cricinfo)

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) will be aiming to win the 2015 Inter- Services Athletics Championships (ISAC) better known as Joint Services Sports when the event runs off in mid October at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora, West Coast Demerara.

With Guyana Police Force (GPF) being the dominant of the two powerhouse organisations over the last decade, GDF will aim to dethrone the GPF when the event is held for the first time on a synthetic surface.

Coach of the GDF squad, Robert Chisholm, relayed to Guyana Times Sport that preparations for the event are going “good”.

Chisholm noted that

with little over two weeks left, the army men and women are taking it “easy” in terms of not stressing about their competitors but

revealed that the team is working hard to accomplish their goals.

In addition Chisholm also noted he believes his squad has enough “fire power” to topple the Police Force for another ISAC title. Boasting the likes of Cleveland Forde, Rupert Perry, Davin Fraser, Akeem Stewart, Patrick King and Guyana’s national javelin record holder Leslain Baird on the male side of things, GDF hopes to carry a full attack to the Police Force.

In addition, with female athletes such as Letitia Myles, Natrena Hooper, Carifta bronze medalist

Andrea Foster, Alicia Jack and Aniqua Powely leading the way, GDF will hope to give the Police women some problems come race week.

PCB unveils PSL plans

– Pietersen video hints at participation

The Pakistan Cricket Board unveiled its preliminary plans for the Pakistan Super League on Sunday, including announcing Kevin Pietersen, Shakib Al Hasan and Dwayne Bravo as headline stars who had confirmed their commitment. In a glitzy event at the Lahore Expo center on Sunday, the board said the five-team T20 event would be held in February 2016 but did not, however, announce the venue of the inaugural edition.

Last week, the PCB confirmed it was in talks with the Emirates Cricket Board over the possibility of hosting the tournament in the UAE, despite confirming earlier that Doha, Qatar would serve as a venue.

Although Pietersen featured on the promotional video, it is understood no deal has been finalised yet. According to those privy to the talks, Pietersen has not signed on any paper yet but is likely to play in the inaugural season of the PSL.

Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja briefly addressed the gathering. The launch of the tournament logo, with an image of a left-arm bowler, was followed by a video message in which the players, who also included Grant Elliott, Tim Bresnan, Kieron Pollard and Darren Sammy confirmed their participation in the league.

There were, however, no announcements related to franchise names, broadcasters and the player draft. Younis Khan, who led Pakistan to the World

T20 title in 2009, was absent from the event.

The PSL, ESPNcricinfo understands, had initially contacted top agencies handling over 100 international players to consider playing in Pakistan. The response was overwhelmingly negative, which forced the PSL to be held outside Pakistan. The PCB has promised financial packages greater or equal to those offered in the Bangladesh Premier League, Sri Lanka Premier League and the Big Bash League.

The PSL will feature franchise-based teams from the provincial capitalsLahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta and Islamabadwith prize money of $1 million. The full schedule is yet to be announced but the window between February 4 and 24 has been reserved for the 24-match event. It is expected that all the matches will be played at a single venue.

If the tournament takes place in Doha, it will be the

first major cricket series hosted by the Qatar capital, which will also host the 2022 edition of the football World Cup.

The PCB had initially planned on conducting the PSL in the UAE, where Pakistan have been playing their international matches, but they were forced to look for an alternative venue after being told by the Emirates Cricket Board that it was hosting the Masters Champions League (Twenty20 tournament featuring retired cricketers) on the same dates. The PCB and the ECB, however, are looking at hosting the PSL in the UAE if an appropriate scheduling window is available.

Popular Pakistani singer and actor Ali Zafar unveiled the official PSL song at the end of the show, which also featured popular actors like Mahirah Khan, Ayesha Omer, Nadia Hussain and several other Pakistani TV and movie stars. (Cricinfo)

Robert Chisholm

Richie Richardson has experience as both player and administrator

Kevin Pietersen has confirmed his commitment to the PSL

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India pick Gurkeerat for ODIs, Aravind for T20Is

Uncapped Punjab allrounder Gurkeerat

Singh has been included in India’s ODI squad for the first three matches against South Africa in October, while uncapped Karnataka seamer S Aravind was picked for the T20 internationals.

The players left out from the full-strength ODI squad that had toured Bangladesh were all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and seamer Dhawal Kulkarni. Gurkeerat, who bowls off-spin took Jadeja’s spot in the squad while legspinner Amit Mishra came in for Kulkarni.

Gurkeerat, 25, had two impressive outings for India A recently. He had taken 2 for 42 and scored an unbeaten 87 in the triseries final victory against Australia A in August, and then he made 65 and took 5 for 29 against a Bangladesh A team comprising several international players in the first one-day game in Bangalore.

“Gurkeerat was picked looking at his all-round capabilities,” Sandeep Patil, the chairman of selectors, said. “The demands of the game are such that we need more allrounders.”

The selectors, who met in Bangalore on Sunday afternoon, said they had not contemplated any change in the captaincy, with MS Dhoni returning to lead the ODI and T20I squads after Virat Kohli had captained India to a Test series win

in Sri Lanka. Dhoni had retired from Test cricket during the tour of Australia last year.

“We have not discussed anything regarding the ODI captaincy,” Patil said. “We are very happy the way Dhoni has led. We have total backing for Dhoni during this series.”

Fast bowler Mohammed Shami was not included in either squad because he is still undergoing rehabilitation for the knee injury he suffered during the tour of Australia in 2014-15. Shami last played for India during the 2015 World Cup and been sidelined from all competitive cricket since.

India did not pick any of their fastest bowlers - Umesh Yadav, Varun Aaron or Ishant Sharmafor the T20 internationals, preferring the medium pace offered by Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohit Sharma, Aravind, and Stuart Binny.

“We have picked this side looking at the wickets,”

Patil said. “We have not lost faith in our [fast] bowlers. There is still a lot of time to go to World Twenty20. We did discuss Ishant Sharma also. Not like we have earmarked him only for Tests.”

South Africa arrive in India in the last week of September and play three T20Is, five ODIs and four Tests during a tour that ends on December 7.

ODI squad: MS Dhoni (captain), R Ashwin, Stuart Binny, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Axar Patel, Ajinkya Rahane, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, Mohit Sharma, Rohit Sharma, Umesh Yadav, Gurkeerat Singh, Amit Mishra.

T20I squad: MS Dhoni (captain), R Ashwin, Stuart Binny, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Axar Patel, Ajinkya Rahane, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, Mohit Sharma, Rohit Sharma, S Aravind, Harbhajan Singh, Amit Mishra. (Cricinfo)

holder lays out ambitious plan

West Indies’ captain wants to be the best all-rounder in the world.

Speaking at a presentation and interactive session at Cooperators General Insurance for the St. Catherine’s Junior cricket team, Holder said that “I would like to be the number one all-rounder in the world in the next two years.”

He said that he has been critiqued and he has a plan in order to get where he wants to be.

“I have a process how to get there. I set goals, how many runs and how many wickets.”

Newly appointed to the post of Test captain, and many captains’ own games have suffered, Holder said that when he looks back on his career he has always performed better as a leader.

But his goals are not only personal as he hopes to make a difference in the West Indies team.

“I would say I am mature enough to handle this post and I have a vision where I want to take cricket, but more than personally, it is about getting everyone together.”

“When one looks at the past teams, they looked like a family and this modern cricket team doesn’t look like a family.”

He wants to build a relationship with the players, one with respect and trust. However, he knows that bringing everyone together and getting everyone ‘singing from the same page’ will be his biggest challenge.

Holder who said his love for the game started when he was watching the Ashes in 2005 as well as seeing players such as Curtly Ambrose, Courtney Walsh and Brian Lara playing, said that one thing that he has learnt is to never give up.

Holder mentioned that preparation is key and often times while many cricketers, after maintaining their fitness and preparation at home, when they travel on tours is when they tend to neglect it as they are often tired from games. However, he believes that this is when it is most important to maintain the training regime as players often breakdown on tour because their fitness level falls when one is away from home.

Holder said to the young cricketers that the harder you work outside [the field] then the easier it is on the field. (windiescricket)

Gurkeerat Singh

Jason Holder

Persaud deems Amerindian Heritage swim meet a success – says it was bitter/sweet

By TReisTon Joseph

President of the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) Ivan Persaud believes that the first ever Amerindian Heritage Month swim meet last Sunday at the National Aquatic Centre was a success. The meet which was a collaborative effort among the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs, GASA and Digicel saw swimmers from all the regions taking part.

“I thought it was a success. We had a lot of swimmers from regions coming in and we at GASA must thank the Ministry and Digicel for their effort,” Persaud stated.

However, despite the

talent on display, Persaud shared the downside of the situation with Guyana Times Sport.

“The downside is that

they can only do the freestyle and the backstroke. We have to get more coaches in there but then there is nowhere to practice; you can’t do turns in a river… we have to find a way to resolve it but I really can’t think of any way at the moment,” Persaud noted.

Nevertheless, Persaud stressed that where there are pools they must be “rehabilitated” in order to give the swimmers a chance to practice.

Persaud highlighted that GASA hopes to bring coaches from the regions out in order to educate them but still noted that the lack of pools in those regions would prove a major problem. (josepht@guyanatimesgy.com)

Amerindian Heritage Month sport… Four teams repeat as category champions

By AvenAsh RAmzAn

Four teams displayed dominance by retaining their titles when action concluded in the threeday Amerindian Heritage Month sport activities on Sunday at Everest Cricket Club Ground, Camp Road, Georgetown.

Central Rupununi of Region Nine maintained their hold on the male football title; Georgetown of Region Four retained the female football trophy; Orealla/ Siparuta of Region Six successfully defended the male volleyball competition; and Laluni of Region Four extended their dominance in tapeball cricket by lifting the title for the second successive year.

New champions were crowned in female volleyball, which was won by Region One, while Region Two United emerged as new winners of female cricket.

In male football, Central Rupununi retained their title with a 4-1 whipping of Port Kaituma of Region One in the final. Emrick Williams of Central Rupununi was

named Most Valuable Player of the final.

In the semi-finals, Central Rupununi beat Georgetown 3-0, while Port Kaituma and North Rupununi played to a stalemate at the end of regulation time. Crowd favourite Port Kaituma emerged victors with a 4-3 scoreline after kicks from the penalty spot.

Since the boys from Central Rupununi have won the title for three consecutive years, they have taken home the lien trophy. The lien trophy was introduced in 2013 and since then the Ballweavers from the south of Guyana have been in the winner’s row.

In female football, the Georgetown lasses retained their title as well with victory over Parima of Region Seven in an exciting game of skill and class. After full time, both teams failed to find the back of the net.

However, at the penalty spot the defending champions showed their superior ability and power with three consecutive successful attempts, while the Parima ladies missed three successive attempts, which made the

Laparkan Holding cycling set for Saturday – Persaud aiming for triple crown

By AvenAsh RAmzAn

Carlton Wheelers Cycle

Club’s top wheelsman Robin Persaud will look to keep a firm grip on the Laparkan cycling title when the company stages its 11th annual 11-race programme on the inner circuit of the National Park.

Persaud, who also competes in the Veteran Under-50 category, has won the main race of the Laparkan programme for the past two years on trot, and he would no doubt be eager to complete a hat-trick of victories.

In 2014 Persaud won from a small field of riders, outsprinting three other competitors to win the feature 35-lap School Boys and Invitational race in a time of 01: 17m: 53.82s.

Persaud was bunched with Christopher Holder, Paul Choo Wee Nam and Mark Harris for most of the second half of the race, after they lapped almost the entire field. It came down to a straight fight among the four, and in the end it was Persaud’s superior sprinting ability that proved the difference, as he crossed the finish line mere metres ahead of Holder, who was left to

Flashback! Top riders of the 2014 programme display their trophies (Avenash Ramzan file photo)

occupy second. In other results from last year, the indomitable Sherwin Sampson, who has made his age group events virtually his own, won both the BMX 9-12 and 12-14 races. In the 9-12, Jeremiah Harrison brought second, followed by Alexander Leung, while Thuran Garbarran took second spot in the 12-14. Adrian Sharma was the other

rider to win two races, copping the top podium position in the BMX Open and Mountain Bike races. Other winners of the day included Amonika Gomes (BMX Boys and Girls 12-14), Jaikarran Sukhai (Veterans Under-50), Linden Blackman (Veterans Over50), Monty Parris (Veterans Over60), Jamal John (Juveniles) and Jeremiah Harrison (BMX 6-9).

As has been the case over the past decade, representatives of Laparkan will be on hand to witness the riders in action and later assist in the presentation of prizes. The day’s activities, which will pedal off at 09:00h, are being organised by National Cycling Coach, Hassan Mohamed. (aramzan@guyanatimesgy.com)

final two kicks more of academic interest and were not taken.

Earlier, in the semi-finals, Region Four beat Annai of North Rupununi, while Parima defeated Central Rupununi. Ruth George of Georgetown was adjudged Most Valuable Player of the final.

Defending male volleyball champions Orella/Siparuta retained their title when they beat off eight other teams on their way to championship glory. In the final, they were pushed by Central Rupununi, but showed resilience, winning 2-1. Damien Daw of Orella/Siparuta was named Most Valuable Player. After dominating the preliminaries, Region One made light work of St Cuthbert’s Mission in the female volleyball final to pocket $50,000 and a beautiful trophy. Annalisa Vincente of Region One was this year’s Most Valuable Player. Laluni continued their dominance in male tapeball cricket at heritage sport with an easy demolition of Region Two United from Mainstay/ Whyaka.

The six-time champions won by 29 runs with Sunil Sarjoo making 46 not out and taking home the Man-ofthe-Match prize. Laluni had defeated Madhia of Region Eight in the semi-final, while Region Two United overcame a good challenge from Campbelltown, also of Region Eight, at the semi-final stage. In female cricket, new champions were crowned when Region Two United beat Wiruni of Region 10 by eight wickets in the final. The Wiruni players were restricted to 40 from their six overs and in reply Cassie James, Player-of-the-Match, took the attack to the Wiruni bowlers and belted the soft ball to all parts of the ground in taking her team to 41-2 in the fifth over.

The victory meant that Region Two United walked away with the first place trophy and $50,000. At the presentation ceremony that followed, all teams that made it to the final of their respective sport were handsomely rewarded with cash and trophies, compliments of the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs and main sponsor Digicel. (aramzan@guyanatimesgy.com)

Part of the male volleyball action on Sunday at Everest

Some of the action during the swim meet on Sunday

Ivan Persaud

Floodlights name strong squad to face Media XI

BCB/Tenelec Inc 50-over cricket... 5 teams victorious in latest round

Veteran softball player Ricky Deonarain will lead a strong Floodlights team against the Guyana Media XI in a feature 20-over ‘hardball’ cricket match on October 2 at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) Ground, Queenstown.

This will be the third time the two teams will be meeting, and it is seen as a winner-take-all game after the results were shared in the first two encounters.

The first game – a ‘hardball’ encounter – was easily won by the Guyana Media XI, while the return match – a ‘softball’ showdown –was won by the Floodlights team.

At the conclusion of game two, a coin toss was held at the DCC Ground to determine which version of the game will be played during the ‘final’, and the Guyana Media XI won the right to have a ‘hardball’ match to break the deadlock.

The highly anticipated

game will bowl off at 19:00h, and trophies for the game will be provided by Ramesh Sunich of the Trophy Stall. Guyana Media XI will be led by opener John Ramsingh of NCN.

Floodlights squad: Ricky Deonarain (Captain), Dharam Persaud, Steve Naraine, Surendra Nauth, Rakesh Goverdan Arjune, Reaz Hussein, Richard Persaud, Anil Beharry, Lalta Gainda, Khalid Baksh, Loyd Rooplall, Nafjohn Samlall, Wayne Jones and Romeo Deonarain. The Manager is Rohan Boj-raj. Guyana Media XI squad: John Ramsingh (Captain), Shahrukh Imran, Ishaka Jackman, Rajiv Bisnauth, Daniel Singh, Avenash Ramzan, Treiston Joseph, Akeem Greene, Zaheer Mohamed, Kizan Brummel, Clifton Ross, Orlando Charles, Ravi Persaud, Diquan Murray, Rawle Toney, Jermaine Neblett, Travis Dowlin and Merthel Sammy.

GCA T20 Cricket…

GDF beat MSC by 24 runs

osts Malteenoes

HSport Club suffered a shocking 24 runs defeat at the hands of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) on Sunday in the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) Carib Beer T20 first division cricket tournament,. Batting first GDF managed 135-6, a total which proved beyond the reach of the hosts.

Kevin Ramdeen led the way with an unbeaten 38 with three fours and a six. He shared a 48-run stand with fellow Berbician Neil Smith 21 to spearhead the Army total. Hakeem Hinds 11 and left-handed opener Leon Andrews 25 were the other batsmen to reached double figures.

Deon Ferrier who captured 2-11 was the most successful bowler of MSC. In re-

Kevin Ramdeen

ply, MSC were 112-7 when the overs expired.

Skipper Steven Jacobs made a fighting 42 towards the end in a losing effort.

Pacer Jeremiah Harris claimed 3-33, Smith 2-19 and Gilford Moore 2-17 were the successful bowlers for the winners.

The Berbice Cricket Board (BCB)-sponsored Tenelec Inc 50-over cricket for first division teams in the Ancient County continued recently with five matches.

Below are the summerized scores from the matches:

At Port Mourant, the home team won the toss and took first strike. They made a respectable 189. Lloydel Lewis top scored with 45. He was supported by skipper Arif Chan with 32, Ameer Khan 26 and Berbice junior pacer Dimitri Cameron 21.

Bowling for Tucker Park

Joemal LaFleur took 3-37 and Kevin Pellew 2-43. In reply, the visitors reached home com-

fortably at 189-2 in 37.3 overs. Anthony D'Andrade made 73, Joemal LaFleur 63 and Devon Clements 24 not out.

At Cumberland in East Canje, Police won the toss and batted first. They rattled up an imposing 269 all out in 42 overs. Young and promising all-rounder Kwesi Mickle made 58. He was sup-

ported by Brentnol Woolford with 42, Albert Sinclair 35, Norwayne Fredericks 28 and Curt Griffith 27.

Bowling for Bush Lot Rising Stars, Troy McKenzie took 3-51. National Under-15 off-spinner Nivindra Prashad took 3-41 and Javed Saywack 2-32 provided support.

In reply, Bush Lot Rising Stars were bowled out for 110. Javed Saywack with 42 and Esric Fordyce 22 provided the only resistance.

Bowling for Police, Mickle returned to take 2 wickets, while National Under-17 allrounder Kevin Sinclair and Albert Sinclair also took two wickets each.

At Edinburgh, Young Warriors won the toss and made a challenging 205 all out in 44.4 overs.

Former Berbice youth batsman Sasenarine Sukhdeo returned to form with a commanding 57. He was supported by former Berbice senior opener Maxie Dejonge with 31, Waheid Edwards 29 and Kassim Khan 28.

Bowling for the host, Shafiq Khan took 3-32 and David Denny 2-29.

In reply, Edinburgh crumbled to 88 all out in 27.2 overs. Pacer Suresh Dhanai led the rout with 4-23. Roydel Phil supported with 3-18 and Kevin Ramdeen 2-1.

Over at Blairmont, the host won the toss and inserted West Berbice to bat. They struggled to 151 all out in 34.5 overs. National pacer Keon Joseph topscored with 32, and was support by another fast bowler, Keyron Fraser with 23 not out.

Shabeer Baksh was almost unplayable with 5-43. Derek Cadogan and Waqar Hassan both took two wickets apiece to

provide support.

In reply, the pace of Joseph was too hot to handle and Blairmont were bundled out for an embarrassing 59 off 14 overs. Joseph ended up with 5-11 off three overs. Offspinner Krishendat Ramoo took 3-7.

At Skeldon, the home team won the toss and batted. They made a respectable 161 all out in 43 overs. Veteran Sherwin Murray made an attacking 68, and was supported by Trishan Ramdass with 24. Bowling for Upper Corentyne, skipper Lakeram Latchman took 3-36, Devanand Chatterpaul 2-24 and Totaram Persaud 2-33.

The visitors raced to victory by making 162-5 in 35 overs. The skipper returned

with the bat to score a responsible 49. Balram Samaroo supported with 28 and former Berbice youth batsman Viendra Gooniah 23. Totaram Rajaram took 3-26.

The match between neigh-

of

The third and final round of the preliminary

Ricky Deonarain John Ramsingh

Anthony D’Andrade

Joemal LaFleur

Sasenarine Sukdeo

Shabeer Baksh

Keon Joseph

Kwesi Mickle

bours and arch rivals Albion Community Centre and Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets did not play because

unavailability of the Albion ground due to Berbice Expo. That match will be played at a later date.

matches will be played on Sunday 27.

Four teams repeat as category champions

Ramroop wins Demerara Mutual Life golf tournament

Twelve-year-old Laksmana Ramroop stunned Guyana’s golfing world on Saturday to win the Demerara Mutual Life golf tournament at the Lusignan Golf Course, East Coast Demerara.

The talented Ramroop ended with Net 63 and Gross 91 to win ahead of Patanjalee “Pur” Persaud and Parmanand Persaud.

Patanjalee “Pur” Persaud in second place chalked up Net 67 and Gross 85, while Parmanand Persaud finished third with Net 67 and Gross 87.

Nearest-to-the-Pin was Gavin

Todd, while Best Gross of the day was won by Patrick Prashad.

Leslie Kellman was adjudged the most honest golfer.

At the presentation ceremony

Marketing Manager Clarence Perry expressed delight at the company’s partnership with the Lusignan Golf Club.

Director of Sports Christopher Jones who visited the Club for the first time, assured that the Club can look forward to support from the Department of Sports.

Club President Oncar Ramroop

conveyed heartfelt gratitude to the Insurance Company, Director of Sports and all competitors and spectators. Ramroop indicated that for its 50 years of operation, the Golf Club has received no material support for maintenance from Government. However, he hoped the presence of the Director of Sports would establish some kind of material assistance – whether financial, machinery or otherwise – that would contribute some relief to the club in the significant burden of maintaining the sport and especially the grounds.

Intense rivalry during one of the football games (Carl Croker photos) The two-day event was well attended

From left Gavin Todd,Christopher Jones, Pur Persaud, (in front) Laksmana Ramroop, Clarence Perry, Parmanand Persaud, President Oncar Ramroop, and Patrick Prashad

Pg 22