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Father, son killed as boat capsizes guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 2674

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Lethem man killed in ATV crash at gas station Page 8

Page 7

As crime spirals out of control

Man shot at Agricola

PRICE

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE: Public Service CoI

REO testifies, calls for P17 full-time employees $46M toxic chemicals P14 storage facility commissioned

Page 7

...suspected execution attempt – Police

Rejected lover stabbing

Woman critical, P7 assailant on the run

Social P16 Cohesion Ministry, IAST partner to assist Region 9 farmers

Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha’s Annual Diwali Motorcade 2015 attracted thousands along the roadways of Georgetown and East Coast Demerara before cumulating at La Bonne Intention (LBI). On display is Palmyra Shri Krishna Mandir float

Page Page Govt President and 9 3 Page 9 GECOM Foreign Minister ignores becoming attend oil summit RPA on – expenses funded by Saudi Arabia “its own NDIA, GRDB worst enemy” boards – Rohee

Local Government Elections

Mahaicony fatal accident

Driver still on the run

P8

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wednesday, november 11, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

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wednesday, november 11, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, November 11 – 14:30h-16:00h and Thursday, November 12 – 05:30h-07:00h.

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, November 11 – 16:10h-17:40h and Thursday, November 12 – 16:40h-18:10h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Weather: Thundery and heavy rain showers can be expected throughout the day, with light to thundery showers in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 25 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-easterly between 3.57 metres and 4.47 metres per second.

High Tide: 04:01h and 16:12h reaching maximum heights of 2.60 metres and 2.70 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 09:48h and 22:10h reaching minimum heights of 0.60 metre and 0.49 metre respectively.

Saturday, November 7, 2015

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Monday, November 9, 2015 Daily Millions

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President and Foreign Minister attend oil summit

– expenses funded by Saudi Arabia

H

eads of State and leaders of Arab and South American countries gathered on Monday for the opening session of the two-day summit in Saudi Arabia, aimed at boosting trade, cultural exchange and economic partnerships.

Guyana is being represented at the Summit by President David Granger and Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge. However, prior to their departure, Guyana’s agenda at the meeting was not disclosed to the public. According to the Ministry of the Presidency, Guyana’s delegation was flown to the summit courtesy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A number of world leaders are attending the summit, but the all-expenses paid courtesy was not extended to them.

According to Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir, such a partnership “would not only benefit both sides, but also support the international sustainable development, within the framework of multilateral cooperation”.

In his remarks at the summit, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon noted that Latin America has the biggest Arab Diaspora in the world and that several Latin

Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir, along with other summit officials, attends a consultative meeting in Riyadh (Arab News photo)

American Presidents have been of Arab descent.

Saudi King Salman, who greeted several dignitaries at the airport in the capital Riyadh, opened the summit by commending Latin American countries for their foreign policy stances, particularly with regard to Palestine. Latin American countries recognise a state of Palestine and several have strongly condemned Israel’s actions in Palestinian territories, including last year’s bombardment of the Gaza Strip.

This is the fourth ArabSouth American summit to bring together top officials from the Arab League’s 22 member states and 12 countries from South America.

The meetings, held every

three years, began in Brazil in 2005, followed by summits in Qatar and Peru.

The summit of Heads of State was preceded by the Fourth Businessmen Forum of the Arab-South American Countries on Sunday.

ASPA, which began in 2006, comprises the 22 members of the Arab League and the 12 members of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR).

While the summit looks at means to bolster trade and cooperation, it also has a political component – such as jointly pushing for United Nations Security Council (UNSC) reform to expand the number of its permanent members.

Brazil, a UNASUR member and attending the

Riyadh Summit, has for years sought a permanent member seat at the UNSC. When the summits first began in 2006, trade between the two groups stood at $6 billion. In the eight years since, this has surged to $30 billion.

It is hoped that President David Granger and Venezuelan President Nicolás would meet at event.

This could make way for another opportunity for the two Heads of Government to engage in bilateral discussions aimed at resolving the decades old dispute surrounding Venezuela’s claim on two-thirds of Guyana’s landmass, and rebuilding a functional diplomatic relationship.

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wednesday, november 11, 2015

Views 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

Diwali’s evolution D

iwali 2015 is unique in the annals of the Hindu Festival, which would have been brought with the first batch of Indians on the Whitby and Hesperus on May 5, 1838. It is being commemorated on two separate days on account of a difference of opinion between two Hindu groups in the country. Because of this, the Hindu community is split down the middle, since very few of them have the expertise to evaluate the arguments and counter-arguments by the partisans of each “side”.

This has introduced not a small amount of discomfort in the practitioners of the Hindu way of life, since rather than greeting each other with “Happy Diwali” they have been forced to ask with a quizzical expression as to which day the other person may be observing the occasion. The rest of the populace, which had increasingly been participating in this benign festival that is supposed to represent the introduction of “light” to dispel “darkness”, can only look on with bemusement.

Today, more Guyanese know about the “phases” of the moon than they ever thought they would because of the extensive coverage afforded to the interlocutors of the “Diwali debate”. As far as most lay persons can follow, Diwali itself is celebrated over the course of five days, with the night of the third day – supposed to be the darkest night, called “Amaavas” – being the major one. This tradition was popularly observed in Guyana and was characterised by evening prayers to the goddess Lakshmi beginning at 6pm, followed by placing lights in and around the yard to “welcome” the Goddess into the home.

In Guyana, beginning in the late 1950s, the Festival started to take on a more commercial turn as “Diwali Fairs”’ were organised in Georgetown and various parts of the country by the then dominant Hindu organisation, the Guyana Sanataan Dharma Maha Sabha (GSDMS). The crowning of a “Diwali Queen” became a feature of these events and the community was excited when a number of these beauties placed in the Miss Guiana and then Miss World competition in the 1960s.

Through all of this, the Diwali commemorations in homes and Mandirs continued unabated on a common night. In 1974, after the formation of a new Hindu organisation, the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha (GHDS), that organisation launched “Diwali motorcades”. These were mass activities in which individual Mandirs participated for prizes for “Best Diwali Floats” that took as their theme the story of Sri Ram returning from banishment and also the central figure of Mother Lakshmi.

These motorcades attracted huge numbers of onlookers – especially from the other Guyanese communities. There were muted criticisms, however, that the central message of the commemoration – the need for darkness to be countered by light – was being lost on both the wider community and practising Hindus. The larger “lighting up” on the third night, however, continued unabated and without dispute.

The key question to be addressed is “When is the darkest (Amaavas) night at this time of the year?” And the answer would be that night when the moon cannot be seen from that part of the earth where one lives – in this case – Guyana.

And it is here that modern astronomy and ancient astrology appears to be clashing. Modern astronomy dubs the time when the moon is not seen, because it is in front of the Sun, as the “New Moon”, but which should be more accurately called the “Dark Moon”.

Unfortunately for a happy ending, this phase can last up to three days, so on the western calendars, the median dark period is called the “New Moon” day. Many of the present interlocutors do not seem to understand that the “New Moon” on their calendar is actually “no moon”. Astrology comes in because Hindus use calculations derived from ancient texts to compile “panchangs” that indicate phases of the moon through their tradition.

And here is where the disputations began. For next year we hope the experts will arrive at a consensus and allow all Guyana to celebrate ONE Diwali.

Employees of Bank of Baroda dressed in cultural wear as they celebrate Diwali 2015!

Misogynic and fascist attack on women on Diwali

Dear Editor, On the day before Diwali when we were preparing to welcome the Divine Mother Lakshmi into our homes, I was utterly taken aback to read a letter from Charandass Persaud, the APNU/AFC MP from Berbice, reviling a woman, the Hindu embodiment of Mother Lakshmi, for “daring” to state her opinion.

(SN, 11-10-15] “East Canje Motorcade was politicised”) In the letter that purported to call for reconciliation between the Hindu leaders who disagreed on whether Diwali falls this year on November 10th or 11th, the “full of himself” MP said, “Dr Vindhya Persaud so disgusted me that I felt like hauling (her) off the stage." And what did Dr Persaud, who is the President of the Guyana Hindu Dharma Sabha, do

to be threatened with assault and battery by the AFC Attorney? To simply say that those who agreed with her organisation that Diwali must be celebrated on November 11 should go ahead and do so.

Charandass claimed that Dr Persaud, “shouted to the people (at least 50 per cent non-Hindus) to light their diyas on November 11 and keep the children away from school and do not go to work and she will stand up for them. Against what or for what, may I ask?”

Well, against teachers at school and bosses at work who may want to sanction the persons who stay away on a day that is not a Public Day, for one.

Will the MP ask his colleagues Simona Broomes (Labour) and Rupert Roopnaraine (Education) to declare November 11

as a holiday for those who want to celebrate Diwali on that day?

But what was most troubling was that in writing his letter after his presumed “heat of passion” at the Canje Ground should have passed, Charandass is oblivious of his lack of respect for a woman – especially at a time when she is venerated. His behaviour is reminiscent of the power drunk Duryodhana in the Mahabharata who tries to humiliate the outspoken Drupattie by stripping her in public. He would “haul” Dr Vindhya Persaud off the stage!! Claiming to be a Hindu, Charandass should remember the fate of Duryodhana and that the good women are protected

by Sri Krishna himself.

But the MP’s threat is only the latest misogynic action against women

who are in authority. Back in 2013, he ridiculed Dr Vishalya “Artie” Sharma for being “so fat, she could probably not fit in the front seat of her jeep” when he was arguing she could not administer the New Amsterdam Hospital. His party leaders AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan and Moses Nagamootoo, who were present at that Canje outburst, just snickered.

However, sustained criticisms by women groups forced him to later apologise.

I urge all Guyanese men and women – including the leaders of his party – to condemn the APNU/AFC MP’s misogynic and fascist attack on Dr Vindhya for standing up for her religious belief.

Sincerely, Praem Ramsamooj

KN giving away free copies Dear Editor, They say “time longer than twine” so it had to happen sooner than later. I have lived to see the Kaieteur News itself admit that its circulation has dropped so low that it has resorted to giving it away free. It has been doing this to the vendors all across the country on the down low, but it is clear that this has not stopped the bleeding.

On Tuesday, it had to admit in muted headlines,

“Rubis rewarding customers with free copy of Kaieteur News”. Seems that KN will now be hitting the independent outlets with “promotions” to get rid of its rejected editions. We wonder how much they are paying Rubis to bend its business ethics to give away one of the several dailies it sells at its gas stations.

KN is now caught in a bind. When the PPP was in office, its owner Glenn Mohan Lall’s ha-

tred of Bharrat Jagdeo fuelled his naked and vitriolic attacks on the PPP, the PPP Government and anyone associated with the Government or its personnel.

All of this served to titillate the average Guyanese, who like most people, thrive on salacious gossip and sensational allegations. But with APNU and AFC, which Lall backed financially and otherwise, in Government, Lall has been forced to mod-

erate his tones. And most of all, even though the Government has launched more than two dozen “audits” and “inquiries”, no dirt has been found, giving Lall and his paper nothing to sensationalise.

And we arrive at Lall forcing Rubis to give away Kaieteur News for free. This is what is called poetic justice.

Sincerely, Benjamin Persaud

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

Battle for a Diwali Holiday in New York City Dear Editor, New York City officially celebrates Diwali today (November 11) with suspension of parking rules and an excused absence for public school students and staff who take the day off – no dispute among Hindu leaders on the date for city recognition. As in Guyana, some Hindus (and mandirs) celebrate Diwali on Tuesday, but the bulk of the mandirs (including South Asians) celebrate on Wednesday.

Diwali is not an official holiday in which Government offices or schools are closed although that was the demand from Hindu leaders and grassroots activists like myself and Vishnu Mahadeo, Shrad Kublall, Tara Singh, Ramesh Kalicharran, Dr Satish, Pandit Seeratan, among others. Guyanese have been in the forefront in the struggle to get Diwali recognition from the city.

The demand for school closure was (and still is) supported by most of the City Council as well as Members of Congress and the State Legislatures from among those lawmakers who represent the city. Several activists, myself included, lobbied for an official holiday, but the Mayor denied us a holiday saying it would be very costly to the city. It so happens that this year Diwali falls on Veterans’ Day, and, as such, schools are shut and all Government offices (nationally) are closed. But that has not prevented community leaders from fuming at the Mayor of NYC for refusing to include Diwali among the list of school closure holidays.

The Mayor (Bill de Blasio, an Italian) has found himself facing the ire of Hindus as well as many non-Hindus (in solidarity with the Hindu

community) and representatives from around the five boroughs of the city for refusing to include Diwali on the list of public holidays. Educators and city legislators say since Christianity, Judaism, and Islam (and the Chinese Lunar) have been recognised with holidays, Hinduism should be included on the list to grant religious equity and fairness. The Mayor included Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha on the list of school holidays for this academic year and going forward. He initially denied the Chinese Lunar New Year and the Hindu New Year of Diwali. He later backpedalled following pressure from the large Chinese (and other Asian) community and included Lunar Day as a holiday.

But he has refused to yield on Diwali saying students would miss out on important instruction; there are some 10 other religious days on which schools are closed.

Hindus and Indians in general (as well as Chinese and other Asians) voted for De Blasio two years ago to be Mayor. In refusing to include Diwali as a holiday, the Mayor denies recognition and respect to a large and growing community of over 600,000 Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists and others in the city who celebrate the festival. He forgot they voted for him and they have told him they will not forget in the next mayoral election two years hence.

Congresswoman Grace Meng, a Chinese, from the Sixth District in Queens (with tens of thousands of Hindus) was disappointed with the Mayor’s refusal to sign the law to recognise Diwali. Meng served in the New York State Assembly sponsoring a new law that required NYC to consider closing schools for Eid-ul-Adha, Eid-ul-Fitr,

Lunar New Year and Diwali.

Congressman Greg Meeks from the Seventh District with the largest Guyanese population in America numbering over 100,00K and an additional 50,000 Trinis plus 100,000 South Asians had also supported Diwali as a school holiday in the city.

A broad-based coalition of Indo-Caribbeans including myself, Ramesh Kalicharran, Vishnu Mahadeo and other Guyanese and South Asians (of over 40 organisations) joined together lobbying the Mayor to include Diwali in the list of public holidays. There were countless meetings with city officials and petitions urging the Mayor to reconsider his decision. But he would not budge similar to how his predecessor Mike Bloomberg refused to grant parking suspension for Diwali; the 51-member City Council eventually unanimously overrode his veto making it law.

Members of the IndoCaribbean community and Hindu American Foundation (HAF) expressed deep disappointment with De Blasio’s non-designation of Diwali as a public holiday. Uma Mysorekar, President of the South Asian Ganesh Temple in Flushing, was also critical of De Blasio saying “students should not have to worry about missing school work or exams in order to practise their faith” by absenting themselves from school on that day.

But the battle for a Diwali holiday in NY is not over. The activists plan to revisit this issue early next year petitioning the City Council legislature and the Mayor to reconsider his refusal not to recognise Diwali with a school holiday.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

MPs must be responsible in their statements Dear Editor, I couldn’t help but pen this letter in response to one in Monday’s edition of Kaieteur News by Harry Gill, MP, headlined ‘APNUAFC Ministers are spending taxpayers’ money to tour the world’.

I have no difficulty with the MP advancing an argument to suggest that the Government is up to some “games” in an effort to postpone parliamentary debate on an issue about which it is taking some “heat”. But in so doing, the MP must use credible information and evidence and not attempt to mislead the population about the importance of the meetings and events which the President and Ministers attend.

One of the criticisms I heard of the previous Administration from officials of some international agencies and officials of other Governments is that Guyana was not represented at several key meetings where the strength of the regional integration grouping Caricom needed to be clearly demonstrated in order to get the desired results that were in the best interest of the countries of the Region.

Another criticism of the former Administration was that there was a key Minister who attended critical negotiations alone, without even one aide, did not take notes and depend-

ed heavily on his colleague Ministers to submit their reports before Guyana presented its report and confirmed its position on certain issues. I have no reason to question the validity of the criticisms of my sources and, therefore, must conclude that such absences and lack of support staff at meetings are highly unacceptable.

While one accepts that Government spending must be prudent and cost-effective, Guyana cannot afford to absent itself from any meeting and/or event to which it is invited, especially in light of the efforts to frustrate our economic development by a neighbour who lays claim to our territory and maritime space and is aggressively pursuing that claim in every available fora.

What one hopes is that when our Ministers and other officials travel abroad, they make full use of the opportunity to promote and discuss all aspects of Guyana’s development needs.

The Health Minister, while dealing with the issues of his portfolio, must find a way to include information about the fact that Guyana is looking for new markets for its rice; the Tourism Minister must tout investment in the Essequibo region; the Agriculture Minister must highlight the

facts in favour of Guyana’s position on the controversy with Venezuela and the Attorney General must be on the lookout for contacts he might make with officials who are involved in organisations with expertise in dealing with suicides.

And they must not only attend the formal meetings.

They must go to the cocktail parties and engage in serious networking always on the lookout for someone or two they might meet who could be of assistance to Guyana. And yes they can have a drink or two.....it is not an offence for a Minister to have a drink on the job... it is an offence if s/he can’t “hold” their drinks on the job.

It is unfortunate that Mr Harry Gill would seek to mislead the population into believing that the overseas travel by the President and Ministers are merely junkets and by citing inaccurate information such as the size of the President’s delegation to the United Nations General Assembly and what it cost the Government for Carl Greenidge’s participation in the Florida Conference. Much better is expected of a MP and Mr Gill should know that.

We must all put Guyana first.

Regards, Wesley Kirton

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BY SANDRA FLEAR

W

hen we became parents, most of us had no idea that we would need to master the art of handling stress.

Nurturing children is a job that’s best done with ample and relaxed support – several committed people taking a variety of roles to see that each person in the family is able to thrive. But most of us find ourselves more or less alone as we care for our children.

This

isolation almost guarantees that we will encounter more stress in the work of parenting than in any other work we’ll ever do.

Our children’s behaviour isn’t the core reason parenting is stressful, although it almost always feels that way.

We’re stressed because we love our children deeply and are determined to make their lives good.

Couple this singular dedication with the lack of information, mentors, help, pay, respite, and daily encouragement,

guyanatimesgy.com

Foundation and you get – hard times!

With adequate support, we’d have the help we needed to enjoy our children so much more thoroughly. We would worry less and play more. We’d be freer to anticipate difficulties, and to solve them as they came along.

The things that most upset us are usually connected to “hot buttons” that were established when we were young. If, for instance, you are a parent who grew up in a very strict family, where you and your siblings were yelled at and punished when you roughhoused, then a “hot button” was set up for you

around physical play and laughter.

As much as you want your children to play freely, you’ll find it stressful when they romp through the house. It will be hard to join them in the fun. The buried

memories of punishment and blame will make you stiff or distant. You might be prone to anger, or, so as not to explode, you might isolate yourself, develop a headache, or reach for coffee or a cigarette to numb the edginess that bubbles up.

We call this triggering of stored hurt that landed on us in childhood “restimulation.” When you realise that your history as a child can set you up for bad feelings as a parent, even though nothing hurtful is happening, you’ve taken a big

step! This awareness helps you stop blaming yourself and your children for how you feel. You have more power to lower your daily level of upset and unhappiness, because you can figure out: • what events in your childhood planted that stress in you; • what triggers in your present life you want to disarm; • what reactions you have under stress that you want to change, so that you don’t pass the stress on to your children.

There are three basic strategies that can help you tackle hard times in parenting.

Move your mind away from the upset

• Change the scene.

There are many ways of doing this. You can gather up the children and take a walk, or if they’re fighting in the car, you can stop the car and all get out for a short walk or a drink of water. You can take a shower, fix a bath (for you or for them), or simply stop trying to do whatever you were trying to do when stress b u i l t u p .

Don’t fold the mountain of laundry, put on music and pick up the beat. Pour yourself a big glass of water, sit, sip, and pet the cat. Throw a pile of blankets and pillows on the floor, and watch the children make burrows and tunnels, instead of cooking a hot meal. Cottage cheese and carrots will do. If you feel the need to cry as you give yourself permission to take a break, it’s smart. Go ahead.

• Stop and concentrate on your breath.

Many people find that stopping for a few minutes to focus on their breath is a great tension-breaker. For some of us, taking a short time to do this at the beginning of the day or at some other regular time helps keep our tension load manageable. It’s a way of giving respect to yourself, which you richly deserve.

• Exercise. Many parents find that they feel more in charge of their lives when they manage to exercise.

Walk, jump rope, dance to your favourite music with your children, find an exercise video at Goodwill, do some stretches, give your children “airplane rides” or play tag around the house with them. Find some simple way to insert exercise into your busy life. Our bodies are meant to move!

• Cuddle. Even when you feel upset with your children’s behaviour, it’s a good idea to a break for a cud-

dle or to sit together on the sofa. Simple touch can remind you that you love them (and remind them that they love you). The feel of their skin, the curl of their hair, the warmth of their bodies in your lap can sometimes break the hold that stress has on them and on you, too.

• Lie down on the floor. Sometimes children get locked into opposing us at every turn. Sometimes we respond by trying to control their behaviour minute to minute. These power struggles temporarily rub out our feelings of love for our children. So when you notice that you’ve been issuing orders and they’ve been resisting, stop. Lie down on the floor. You don’t need any explanation. Just lie down.

This changes the power balance between you and your children, a set-up that is working against all of you.

You don’t have to know what to do next. Somehow, your children will find a way to come around and connect with you again. They may come and sit on your tummy, or ask you what you’re doing, or bring you a toy they want you to see. One of them might cry in frustration, which lets off some emotional steam that was causing trouble. Lying down allows for a fresh start to emerge, because the agendas that weren’t working have been scrapped. Simply lie down.

A reset will occur. You care, they care, and with you lying down, signs of that caring can emerge.

Release the feelings

Stress releases in dependable ways. Our children know this. They go for several episodes of stress release in the course of every day!

The way they release their bad feelings is to laugh long and hard, to cry, to have a tantrum, and to do “scared crying,” which is mostly trembling and perspiring in the middle of great protest.

Although most people aren’t aware of this yet, when you offer attentive, caring support while your child has a deep cry or a tantrum, your child can actually release the tight, upset feelings that make life hard. When you’ve listened all the way through, the problem resolves in their mind, and they feel close to you, and hopeful that life will be good today.

We parents release the hurt feelings we carry – the worries, the irritations, the deep misgivings we have about our goodness or the goodness of our children – in the same way. Here’s how you can build emotional support, so you can become less vulnerable to stress, and enjoy your children more fully.

(Handinhandparenting.org)

TO BE CONTINUED

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wednesday, november 11, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Man shot at Agricola Father, son ...suspected execution attempt – Police

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Diwali lime at Agricola, Greater Georgetown, tuned bloody after a man was shot to the forehead in what appeared to be an execution attempt.

Jermaine Roberts, called “Blacka”, 22, of Agricola, was rushed to the Diamond

Diagnostic Centre but was transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital and is said to be in critical condition.

According to information received, Roberts was at an “after Diwali lime” and around 20:00h, a man rode up on a bike and shot him at

close range to the forehead.

After the gunshot was heard, the crowd dispersed as persons scampered to safety. It was Roberts’ cousins who realised he was shot and picked him up and rushed him to the East Bank Demerara medical facility.

The Police have launched

an investigation into the shooting incident, nothing that from all indications, the shooting appears to be an execution attempt.

Hospital officials confirmed that Roberts’ chances of survival are slim.

The shooter made good his escape.

Rejected lover stabbing

Woman critical, assailant on the run S hondell Hernandez, the mother of one, who was attacked by her ex-lover is still in critical condition at a city hospital.

Guyana Times was reliably informed that the woman’s condition has remained critical and doctors in the Intensive Care Unit at the city hospital are closely monitoring her condition.

The perpetrator has been identified as 40-year-old Avendra Coonjah.

Hernandez, 22, of Lot 121 Courbane Park, Annandale, East Coast Demerara, was at home talking to her sister on the phone when she heard an unusual sound.

Upon investigating, she saw her former lover climbing though her window. Before she could have retreated, the man made his way into the house, whipped out a

house only to find her sister on the floor in a pool of blood.

This newspaper was told that Hernandez ended the relationship with Coonjah because of his abusive behaviour. The two were together for six years.

Although the relationship had ended, Hernandez had an arrangement with her assailant to visit their three-year-old child.

Shondell Hernandez

knife and dealt her several stabs to her neck and wrist.

Following the stabbing, he escaped.

The woman’s sister, who heard the commotion over the phone, went over to the

Energy Week 2015 launched

– GEA promoting behavioural changes on energy conservation

U

nder the theme “ E m p o w e r i n g our Sustainable Development”, Guyana has joined with other Caribbean Community (Caricom) countries in commemorating ‘Caricom Energy Week 2015’.

Energy week will conclude on November 14.

The Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) has slated several activities locally to commemorate CEW 2015, with students at the Bartica Secondary School, Region Seven, (CuyuniMazaruni) benefiting from a special presentation conducted by the GEA on Monday.

The presentation was aimed at having the students become more aware of energy issues and to encourage them to practice behavioural changes that will empower the country’s sustainable development.

These students had an opportunity to interact with officials of the GEA and were encouraged to form ‘Energy Champion’ clubs and meet regularly to discuss the implementation of energy conservation measures in both their school and homes.

Meanwhile, the GEA will be conducting presentations of a similar nature in Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara) today at the L’Aventure and Vreed-en-hoop secondary schools.

Guyana Times was told that on Thursday at the National Park in Georgetown, primary school students in Grades Four, Five and Six will be targeted by the GEA’s “Express Your Energy’ group.

This activity will see students and teachers from Graham’s Hall, St Ambrose, West Ruimveldt, North Georgetown and St Agnes Primary schools participating.

Students present will be engaged in various energythemed outdoor activities, such as relay race games, among others. It must be noted that while ‘Express your Energy’ is non-competitive, all participating students and teachers will each be given a token of participation.

According to the GEA, it will also be partnering with Courts Guyana on Thursday to host a demonstration exercise facilitated by the GEA’s engineers. This event will take place at the Courts’ main office, Main Street Georgetown.

Guyana Times understands that this exercise will focus on a display of 'inverter type' of appliances sold by Courts Guyana branches and there will also be a “handson demonstration” conducted to show the savings that can be garnered through the use of energy efficient technologies.

On Sunday, Police were still hunting for Coonjah.

This newspaper was reliably informed that Police searched the homes of several relatives as they sought the man.

When this newspaper contacted the man’s relatives, they declined to comment on the issue.

Investigations are continuing into the incident.

killed as boat capsizes

A

father and his son were on Monday killed after the boat in which they were travelling capsized in the vicinity of the Falls Top, Essequibo River, following mechanical problems.

Dead are Michael Dyal and his three-year-old son, Randolph Dyal.

According to reports, the lad’s body was recovered close to Mabura, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) while his 38-year-old father’s body was recovered at the bottom of the Falls, with his face badly disfigured.

Guyana Times understands that the man was taking his three children home after they spent the weekend with him when tragedy struck.

At the time of the incident, there were seven persons in the boat.

The eldest child reportedly held onto another sibling and made her way to safety, but Dyal went to the aid of his three-year-old son and both went under the water. The other family members managed to swim to shore.

Reports are that while in the vicinity of Falls Top, the 75-horsepower outboard engine of the boat encountered some mechanical problems and stopped working, causing the vessel to drift downstream and eventually capsize.

The Police in both E (Linden-Kwakwani) and F (Interior Locations) Divisions are assisting in the recovery mission. Both Commanders Ravindradat Budram and Calvin Brutus have confirmed that the accident occurred and they have launched an investigation.

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wednesday, november 11, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Lethem man killed in ATV crash at gas station

A

miner was on Monday evening killed after he lost control of the All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) that he was riding and slammed into a post at the Mani Gas Station at Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper

Essequibo).

Dead is Trevor Mannsingh, 34, of St Ignatius Village, Region Nine.

According to reports, the now dead man was riding at a fast pace about 20:30h when he allegedly lost con-

trol of the ATV which subsequently crashed into a section of the service station.

As a result of the impact, Mannsingh sustained severe head injuries. He was picked up and rushed to the Lethem Hospital by employees of the gas station.

However, on account of his severe injuries he was subsequently transferred to the Boa Vista Hospital where he later succumbed.

The Police are investigating the incident. The damaged ATV was impounded at the Lethem Police Station.

Driver in Mahaicony fatal accident still on the run

M

ore than three days after causing the death of a church member at Harmony Hall, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara in a vehicular accident, the driver of the vehicle is still evading Police ranks.

Altab Bacchus, the driver, who was reportedly under the influence of alcohol at the time of the accident, allegedly promised to turn himself in to Police on Monday with his lawyer, but later backpedalled on his word.

He reportedly claimed that he was not aware that

someone had died in the accident and had he known, he would have rendered assistance. According to reports, he told relatives that he could not recall what took place on the night of the accident.

It was reported that on Saturday evening, Bacchus lost control of the car he was driving, thus causing the death of Ireen Ramsay, 45, of Perth Village, Mahaicony.

Several other persons were also injured as a result of the accident. Two of them were transferred to the Georgetown Public

Dead: Ireen Ramsay

Hospital for further medical attention. They have since been discharged.

Once he surrenders,

Bacchus will be slapped with several charges including causing death by dangerous driving, driving under the influence of alcohol, failing to render assistance and failing to turn self in to law enforcement officers.

It was reported that the now dead woman and several church members were heading home from church after partaking in a birthday celebration when the accident occurred. They were picked up and taken to the Mahaicony Cottage Hospital where Ramsay was pronounced dead on arrival.

Eyew tness Removing darkness…

Y

…really?

our Eyewitness is a bit of a sceptic when it comes to these exhortations about “removal of darkness” that rush forth in torrents during these Divali holidays.

And it is “holidays”, no? Even if the boss doesn’t say so, this Eyewitness is playing it safe and not taking any chances this year: he’s taking TWO days off.

To be frank, yours truly had been exhorted all his life to “do things by the book” – he just never realised that it was the book of some astrologer who could actually divine when was the most propitious time for doing things. He’s been reading history and novels and such life to guess what MIGHT happen if such and such circumstances came into confluence. He’d been looking backwards when he could’ve been helped to look forward directly by looking at the stars.

You live and you learn. And what your Eyewitness’ learnt is “hedge your bets” about when to light up the lights. So by the time he reads this, your Eyewitness’ boss knows he’s ain’t going to be pushing his pen at the office today. But the whole “darkness night” business, set your Eyewitness to thinking about this moon and sun rotation thing that he’d put away with other “childish things”.

Not to mention being thoroughly confused during that juvenile state to keep in his mind the notion that as the earth was rotating on its axis, it was simultaneously revolving around the sun and taking the moon along with it, but at the same time the moon was revolving on its own axis and revolving around the earth. But the earth was spinning faster than the moon, which was constant against the stars but not against the sun. And are you as confused as your Eyewitness as he experiences Deja vu all over again?

Anything with more than two variables have always confused your dear, humble Eyewitness. So to remind his boss, once again…he’s taking this day off also since he just can’t figure out this astrology thing. But is it astrology or astronomy? Your Eyewitness suddenly remembers (Jeez!!

This must’ve been BEATEN into him!!) that what the astronomers call “New Moon” is actually “no Moon” or “Dark Moon”.

This is when, from where we’re looking on Earth, the Moon is directly in front of the sun and we can’t see it.

This “no-moon” can last for up to three days but of course during the day, it doesn’t matter to us. And if the timing is right it can also stretch into TWO nights. EUREKA!! So we can have TWO darkest nights!!

And your Eyewitness can take TWO days off –because you take off HoliDAYS not HoliNIGHTS.

…of conflict of interest

Your Eyewitness’ convinced the Government finally released its Code of Conduct in this Divali season because it wants to remove the darkness that’s surrounded its dealings up to now. While brushing up on light from the sun and moon – or the absence thereof – he was irresistibly drawn into the matter of Black Holes. From where, he was told, no light – and by definition – no information can escape.

And that describes this Administration and its information policy, no? What’s happening with the Sugar CoI’s report? Black Hole... How much was spent on the inauguration? Black Hole. How much was spent on flying overseas? Black Hole. What’s Greenidge doing about the promised “economic desks”? Black Hole. If Nagamootoo really happy being neutered? Black Hole.

But the thing about Black Holes is they gradually disappear along with everything that’s in it. Whether through Hawking’s Radiation or through the folks voting out wankers who say one thing and do another.

Especially when it comes to removing darkness and running a transparent government.

…on self interest

Minister of Local Government Ronald Bulkan just announced incentives in buying “local materials” when building houses. Trouble is, he’s the owner of “Bulkan Timbers” – claiming to be “the biggest” local supplier of woods!

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

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wednesday, november 11, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Local Government Elections...

Govt ignores RPA on NDIA, GRDB boards

GECOM becoming A “its own worst enemy” – Rohee

BY EDWARD LAYNE

T

he Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) says the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) will end up being “its own worst enemy” if it continues to shy away from “comprehensively and objectively” addressing the reservations and concerns of the Party.

A delegation led by PPP/ Civic General Secretary Clement Rohee, met with a delegation from GECOM, which included Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally and Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield early last week, where the Opposition Party outlined eight concerns it said it wants addressed before Local Government Elections (LGE) were held.

Following the meeting, GECOM in a statement, said it “completely addressed” the concerns of the Opposition Party. However, Rohee, during a news conference on Monday, reject-

GECOM Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally

ed GECOM’s claim that the meeting “completely addressed” the Party’s concerns and reservations in connection to the holding of LGE. Rohee instead argued that the meeting was only able to address one of the eight concerns listed by the PPP. Among some PPP’s concerns are the period for Claims and Objections versus a 9th cycle of continuous registration; non-availability of lists for each constituency for use during the Claims and Objections period; the listed number of registered voters in each constituency and municipality; the non-availability of sketch maps showing each constituency with clear lines of demarcation; voters education; status of preparation of NDC’s for Local Government Elections and voting by the Disciplined Services.

“The prevailing attitude of the Chairman and

PPP/Civic General Secretary Clement Rohee

the Chief Elections Officer throughout the meeting was characterised by indifference, being defensive and evasive in respect to questions and clarifications sought by the delegation,” Rohee said.

Moreover, Rohee added that whatever “clarifications” were offered by the Chairman and the CEO, the reality is that they were already in the public domain and consequently, did not add anything new to what was already known by the PPP insofar as the holding of LGE is concerned.

He said that the PPP delegation was disappointed with the answers provided, particularly as regards the demarcation of boundaries, and the possible “re-employment” of known activists of the ruling coalition.

The PPP delegation, according to Rohee, informed the Commission that it was leaving the meeting “dissatisfied with the attitude of non-cooperation and non-disclosure towards the delegation.”

The PPP and GECOM have been at loggerheads following the declaration of the results for the General and Regional Elections on May 11.

Following the election, the PPP/C called for a recount but was denied. The PPP’s concerns were further exacerbated when CEO Lowenfield declared at a live news conference following the election that there were a number of fake Statements of Poll that were used during the election.

Despite this admission, GECOM went ahead and declared results of the election, handing the coalition a slim one-seat win over the PPP/C which has been in power since October 1992.

The PPP has since mounted a campaign, calling for the replacement of Dr Surujbally, moving to the courts to challenge the results of the election.

lthough the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) Act stipulates that its Board of Directors shall include two nominees from the Guyana Rice Producers Association (RPA), the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Chance Government has failed to see this through.

RPA Secretary Dharamkumar Seeraj, recently told Guyana Times he is yet to receive word from the relevant authorities, as to the nomination of RPA members on the NDIA board.

At present, his organisation has no representation on the said board, despite having already submitted its list of nominees to the Government.

Meanwhile, with regards to the board appointments for the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), Seeraj stated that Agriculture Minister Noel

Agriculture Minister Noel Holder

Holder has not replied to the RPA regarding the three positions it is to have on the GRDB board.

“It must be noted that one person, who was on the RPA’s list of nominees for this board has been placed there, but he was not notified through the RPA. He simply received an invitation to attend a meeting.

It was through this invita-

tion he was aware that he was on the board,” the RPA Chairman explained.

“So the Minister is saying because the person is associated with the RPA, that he is the RPA representative but there is no document, no evidence to say that these people represent the RPA and a lot of people there on that board are there in their own private capacity. What I saw in the press, the Minister said he has people representing the RPA but those persons were not told that they are representing the RPA either was the RPA told that they have people representing them,” Seeraj argued.

Guyana Times was further told that while Minister Holder stated that there is representation for the RPA on the GRDB board, this is not the case. In fact, there is a member for the Rice Producers Association Action Committee on the said board; however, this committee is not a part of

RPA Secretary Dharamkumar Seeraj

the RPA, Seeraj explained.

According to the RPA Chairman, the Agriculture Minister is failing to do what the law says by ensuring that the RPA is represented by three individuals on the GRDB board and two on the NDIA board. He added that these issues need to be addressed urgently. (kristenm@guyanatimesgy.com)

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wednesday, november 11, 2015

News

Wrong date! East Canje residents send signal to Minister Ramjattan

– very few diyas lit

Parting the people S H

The Reliance Santan Dharm Mandir on Tuesday evening

indus in East Canje, Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) are sticking to observing the festival of Diwali today.

The villages of Canefield, Rose Hall and Adelphi, which traditionally are a spectacle on Diwali night had just visitors on Tuesday evening, many of whom were disappointed.

Traditionally, persons travel from

New Amsterdam, the Corentyne, and as far as the West Coast of Berbice, in Region Five (MahaicaBerbice) to witness the decorative lighting of Diyas in East Canje on Diwali night. However, on Tuesday night, there were less than 10 homes with lighted Diyas throughout the entire East Canje area. This could be considered a signal the Public Security Minister Khemraj

Ramjattan that he was wrong to declare Tuesday a national holiday and Diwali day.

On October 21, Minister Ramjattan announced that November 10 would be a public holiday to celebrate the Hindu festival of Deepavali. The Minister’s announcement came amid confusion among Hindu groups on the official date for the Festival of Lights.

Continues on page 11

atiricus was in a reflective mood during this Divali – the Festival of Lights. Other religions also invoked “light” at this time, he thought. “There was that time when God spoke to that fella Moses behind a burning bush,” he told his wife. That got him thinking about Moses.

In Judaism, which begat Christianity, Moses’ claim to fame was that he “parted the waters” of the Red Sea with his staff. Now that’s no mean feat, and even though the Red Sea’s sooo saturated with salts you float if you jump in. Through the ages, fellas named always played on the image of them being also capable of “doing the impossible”.

But some Moseses could actually do the impossible – and it didn’t have to be literally parting seas, did it? Like the one in Guyana who could put in his thumb and give public workers five per cent and then pull out the plum that was his $1.7 million salary and $90 million SUV. Such a parting of the public purse was almost on the scale of parting the Red Sea, no?

Or that time when he insisted that no…he wasn’t stripped of any promised power – for a man lusting for power over 50 year, that would be as impossible as parting the Red Sea!! He’d asked, he said, not to be bogged down with too many day to day responsibilities. Who cared about being a “Prime Minister”? He just wanted to be Prime Moocher! The $100 million SUV was just for starters!

But that kind of “power premise” just because of a name, can get your friends upset. Imagine visiting your “constituency” together every weekend and having the PRIME Moocher being asked to “part” the Duck Curry or part the Bush Rum. “It’s no fun being the bridesmaid and never the bride,” whined Rum Jhaat, the Prime Moocher’s sidekick.

And so he decided he would perform a miracle, greater than Moses’. For one hundred and seventy-seven years, the people of the land had all been Lighting their Lights on one day. Even though leaders before had succeeded in dividing them in all sorts of ways – like how to part their hair – none could part them on the Day of Lighting.

Until today. With just a stroke of his pen, Rum Jhaat showed his friend Moses that the pen was mightier that the staff. And rather than wishing each other “Happy Divali,” folks now greeted each other with, “Ah which day yuh a light yuh light?”

“That was power,” marveled Satiricus, as he parted his sweetmeats in two.

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Wednesday, november 11, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Wrong date! East Canje residents send signal...

from page 10

According to Ramjattan, his decision was arrived at following consultations with various authorities on the subject, both locally and abroad, but President of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, Dr Vindhiya Persaud said that she believes that their religion is being trampled, in a high handed, dictatorial manner by the

Government of Guyana. She further explained that the Sabha is very clear that Diwali is on November 11.

Meanwhile, in East Canje, villagers said they will be lighting their Diyas tonight. In New Amsterdam, only a few persons lit Diyas and the same was noted on the West Coast of Berbice.

According to Robin Sookraj, a resident of New Amsterdam, who is known for the most secular display of Diyas and rangoli designs in the town, he will also be lighting Diyas tonight.

Diwali, also called Deepavali, marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year according to the Lunar calendar. When trans-

lated, it literally means ‘Row of Lights’. It celebrates the victory of Goodness over Evil and Light over Darkness – it ushers in the New Year.

In observance of this auspicious day, persons can be seen cleaning their homes and wearing new clothing. Deepavali is a four-day festival.

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wednesDAY, november 11, 2015 | g

Guyana Hindu Dharmic Let’s re Sabha Diwali’s message threat D

iwali is a unique Hindu festival which is important in Guyanese cultural life. It occurs today on November 11 on the 15th day of the Hindu month of kartik. New Moon (no visible moon) occurs on the 11th making it the darkest night or amawasya.

A traditional period consisting of five consecutive days is observed by Hindus around the world. The five-day period consists of lighting a single diya or yam deep on Triyodasi (13th day) praying for longevity, which is followed by Narak Chaturdasi (the 14th day) when the destruction of Narkasur by Bhagwan Krishna is remembered and the liberation of thousands of women from his captivity celebrated; in fact, our own Hindu Womens’ Freedom Day. Diwali day on November 11 is followed by Goverdhan Puja and Bhai Dhuj on the 12th and 13th of November.

Fundamentally, Diwali is Lakshmi Puja. Maha Lakshmi is described in the Vedas as the eternal source of fortune and abundance. She emerged from the churning of the ocean (Sagar Manthan) seated on a pristine lotus. The epitome of beauty and material and spiritual prosperity, Maha Lakshmi is adored with reverence, love and humility. The inten-

tion of her devotees is not to simply seek material gains but equally spiritual exaltation and bliss. Every evening, when the Hindu turns the lights on in his home, he chants ‘Lakshmi karo tu kalyanam’. Lakshmi ma perpetually bestows the Vardan of self-sufficiency and plenty. Lakshmi Puja is primary during the celebration and rekindles hope, expectation and happiness.

Hinduism has as one of its cardinal principles, the prese n c e of the inner light within us.

It is mandatory to recognise its presence and to let it emerge as divine radiance which must be shared with all. Diwali is deeply spiritual and creates the environment which enables all to find that inner source of divinity. It urges us to recall the deeper message which is the triumph of all positivity, vanquishing

every tinge of darkness. As we light our diyas on November 11, let us also light that light within.

In a world susceptible to famine, war and other disasters, the devout Hindu believes that collective prayers to Lakshmi Mata can help to rid the earth of every iota of insufficiency. In fact, the Shukla Yajur Veda unequivocally places her as the mother who provides for her children.

With the passage of time, Diwali has grown into one of the most unifying of our festivals which transform society, removing every iota of darkness and strengthening our spiritual powers and our resolve to triumph over all obstacles.

As Guyanese, we ought to take keen interest in our country’s development.

We must steadfastly engage in puja to Lakshmi Ma seeking her blessings for the perpetual development and growth of our economy and the unity of all Guyanese so that they can continue to work harmoniously for our country’s progress.

Celebrate we must, but our work in transforming society must not cease. Our

drive to protect our women and children must feature prominently on our agendas. We must continue to rid our society of all traces of violence so that Guyana will be a country of harmony and peace.

Diwali in Guyana has transcended all barriers and indeed people of all walks of life share in the inspiration that comes with this festival. This is most visible during our motorcades and I would like to thank the thousands who participated in and attended those motorcades across the country for continuing a rich legacy.

Let the light of Diwali burn infinitely, eliminating darkness in all its forms to fuse us in bonds of love, respect and unity. As we all light our diyas let us light this light of hope, optimism and courage inspiring today’s generation and generations to follow with the beautiful messages of Diwali: the triumph of good over evil and the dispelling of darkness with the light of knowledge and wisdom.

I urge all Guyanese to celebrate the festival with respect and understanding for each other in an atmosphere devoid of rancour and discord, free from any degenerate behaviour and may this healthy and loving atmosphere live on forever.

Shubh Diwali from the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha.

T

he People’s P Party (PPP) take portunity to exte greetings to all Guyan cially the Hindu commu the Party’s fervent hop pertinent messages a with this sacred festiva ed for the benefit of all m The underlying t Diwali is the triumph of darkness which serves ignorance and hatred. O would like on this ausp casion to renew its call handedness to be meted Guyanese regardless of religion, gender, econom and political persuasion We urge that all b ened and be guided by and respect in the dis duties towards the Guya ple. During this festiva establish new accounts lationships are renewed tified. We, therefore, o urge a genuine effort wi

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ber 11, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

et’s remain cognisant of the reat of darkness – PPP

People’s Progressive arty (PPP) takes this oprtunity to extend Diwali s to all Guyanese, espee Hindu community. It is y’s fervent hope that the t messages associated s sacred festival be heede benefit of all mankind. underlying theme of s the triumph of light over s which serves to banish e and hatred. Our Party ke on this auspicious oco renew its call for eveness to be meted out to all e regardless of ethnicity, gender, economic status tical persuasion. rge that all be enlightd be guided by fairness pect in the discharge of wards the Guyanese peoing this festival, Hindus h new accounts and reips are renewed and forWe, therefore, once again enuine effort with the in-

volvement of all to help forge unity among our people.

As our Party is in another phase of its continuous struggle for the enhancement of the lives of Guyanese, we are cognisant of the stringent and sometimes deliberate attempts to derail these efforts and to vilify those involved.

These sustained attacks would only serve to strengthen our resolve in working to achieve equality for our people.

This commitment is rooted in our Party and manifested through the vastly improved and modernised country we all share. Our efforts over the years to enlighten Guyanese and to remove the veil of darkness that prevailed are evident through the freedoms that we restored exemplifying that light will eventually triumph over darkness.

However, there are renewed attempts to once again cast a shadow of darkness over our people and country. In this regard,

we stand resolute in our efforts to ensure that our country will not be engulfed in darkness again and call upon all Guyanese to be cognisant of the current threats faced. Our people must safeguard their hard won freedom and not to allow darkness to be forced upon them again.

As the earthen lamps (diyas) are lit to illuminate darkness, we hope that this would in many ways serve as an opportunity to reflect on the importance of light and the need for it to prevail. Such reflection would reaffirm beliefs regarding the threats and impositions pose by darkness.

May we all endeavour to remain enlightened and may the flickering lights be a reminder and a beacon guiding us to prosperity and for the preservation of our freedoms.

Once again we extend best wishes to all for this the Festival of Lights as which Diwali is known.

Deepavali is an inspirational and powerful force – President Granger

I

wish to extend happy Deepavali greetings to all Guyanese, but particularly to the members of our Hindu Community, on the holy occasion of this sacred festival.

Deepavali – the Festival of Lights – is recognised by all Guyanese as one of the most joyous festivals on our multireligious calendar. It has, over past decades, enlightened and enlivened us all, regardless of our place of origin, religious belief, occupation or ethnicity.

Deepavali is a timeless, inspirational and powerful force, which integrates communities, engenders goodwill and encourages friendship. It is the time each year when Hindus across the world celebrate the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness.

Deepavali, in its religious context, brings the blessings of the Goddess Maha Lakshmi – who is worshipped for spiritual enlightenment and wealth. In its wider

context in our country, all Guyanese can benefit from the messages of light, prosperity and wisdom. Hindus across the country light diyas to signify the strength of that inner light, which outshines all darkness.

Let the light of the diya illuminate our homes as a beacon of hope and peace for our communities and our country. Let our thoughts and actions reflect the values of compassion and love. Let our lives be guided by kindness and tolerance towards each other.

Deepavali is an auspicious occasion and opportunity to rededicate ourselves to service to each other and, ultimately, to the development of our great nation. Let us all enjoy the goodness that comes with knowledge over ignorance, love over hatred and hope over despair.

Happy Deepavali 2015!!!

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wednesday, november 11, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

$46M toxic chemicals storage facility commissioned

A

s part of the mandate to ensure that illegal toxic chemicals are stored properly before they are disposed of, the Chemicals Storage Facility was officially commissioned on Monday.

The facility is being housed in the compound of the National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute (NAREI). The Pesticide and Toxic Chemical Control Board (PTCCB) has been emphasising the need for a proper storage facility to house the many illegal pesticides entering Guyana.

The facility was completed in July of 2015 at a cost of $46 million. The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) currently has a project running to get rid of illegal chemicals across the region.

While delivering remarks at the ceremony, the FAO representative to Guyana, Rueben Robertson stated that the FAO continuously seeks to assist member countries of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) with the putting together and proper storage of obsolete chemicals, Government Information Agency report stated.

He also stressed the need for more education and promotion of the proper use of pesticides as this is only done during pesticides week. He stated that

Keeping it real Discourse and civility

W

Agriculture Minister Noel Holder and an official of the PTCCB unveil the plaque to the chemicals storage facility

“it is our moral responsibility to inform our fellow man on the harmful effects of toxic chemicals.”

Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Noel Holder stated that the use of toxic pesticides to manage pest problems has become a common practice around the world.

“Pesticides have been linked to a wide range of human health illnesses, ranging from short-term impacts such as headaches and nausea, to chronic impacts like cancer, cognitive disorders, reproductive harm, and en-

docrine disruption. It is important to note that these health impacts are inherently linked to use practices,” said Minister Holder.

The Minister mentioned that “using improper storage procedures is an open invitation for a disaster to happen. Nearly three-fourths of all pesticide accidents are non-use accidents, often involving children less than 10 years of age. Improper pesticide storage is therefore dangerous to your health, your family and can harm the environment.”

hen I wrote about civility, or lack thereof, in our fellow countrymen last week, I was hoping that we could move beyond the “cuss down” culture we see in everyday life in Guyana, particularly among political leaders. Sometimes it is not the words, but it is the gestures, the “funny” looks and the mannerisms that engender the spitefulness in what we convey to our Dr Baytoram Ramharack listeners that brings out the uncivility in others. Of recent, one can recall the coarse words used in Parliament or the harangue and heckling that took place in during the debates.

I had indicated before that I would address the uncivil accusations of “ethnic chauvinists/triumphalists” that Freddie Kissoon has levelled against a handful of writers; myself included.

Mr Kissoon, who has been writing in the Guyana dailies for decades had developed a following, and so his words have a definite effect on people. People either take him seriously or they don’t. For the record, I would say that Kissoon has opened up a lot of eyes on a number of issues. His writings exposing the so-called “Buxton Resistance” following the prison outbreak and the violent rampage during the crime wave that took place under the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) tenure is worth reading.

He exposed the fallacy of the “liberation” element associated with this criminal outfit. So too were his series exposing and debunking the unscholarly work of Kean Gibson’s “The Cycle of Racial Oppression in Guyana”; which was accepted in some quarters as legitimate academia. These journalistic pieces reveal Kissoon’s academic training as a social scientist. Of late, he has made constant references to a research paper of his, “Ethnic Power and Ideological Racism – Comparing Presidents in Guyana”, which was submitted as evidence in his libel suit against former President Bharrat Jagdeo. I cannot comment on its methodology or its validity because this research paper seems to be a hidden treasure, not to be found in the public domain.

I had argued before that Kissoon’s bullhorns and canons have been directed towards Indian writers with whom he disagreed.

There is a consistency here, and it leaves a trail that goes back to the 1980s. His initial writings attacked us as “expatriates”, who did not live in the country, and therefore could not understand the nuances of Guyanese life, as he did. At one point, he labelled Ravi Dev as the most “dangerous” person in Guyana. He condemned an opinion poll we conducted, the first of such kind, in 1991, after consultation with Trinidad’s pollster Selwyn Ryan – the data of which was published in an academic journal, Round Table (“National Opinion Polling and Surveys in Guyana”). Attacking the poll as a fiction and conjecture of our imagination, Kissoon asserted that the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) would receive more votes than the PPP. He criticised the findings which were published in the Stabroek News because they did not coincide with his unscientific prediction. As it happened, the actual results showed a less than two per cent electoral support for the WPA, even less than our scientific poll had predicted. Kissoon did admit his faux pas, while clinging to the fact that this was the first time he had ever been proven wrong.

At the time, Kissoon had carte blanche as a writer. No one could match his wits, and it goes back to the People’s National Congress (PNC) days when people were fearful about voicing their opinions publicly. To his credit, he weathered the storm. And few challenged his biases. His dominance in this area has allowed him to become selective in his target and anyone who did not share his world view came in for his tongue-lashing. However, the base is loaded now because there are more media outlets and there are several writers, inside and outside of the country, who share their own interpretation of reality in Guyana. The media business has become a crowded market place.

The comments in Kissoon’s letters before the May 11 General and Regional Election are well known. They ebbed and flowed from a familiar accusatory mantra. After his attacks on Swami Aksharananda, fired in rapid succession, within days of each other, he attached the term “triumphalist” and “chauvinists” to his picturesque description of anyone he viewed as Indian rights commentators. Perhaps, this is his way of gaining legitimacy among his followers.

It did not stop there. Kissoon continued to attack the “triumphalists”, linking them with the kind of rhetoric one would generally associate with the Hitlerian mindset, using selective historical information to buttress his arguments. What was worse, was that he was attacking a man of the cloth who had made a tremendous contribution towards saving lives and advance the level of education of Guyanese of all ethnic groups. We all know the result of the temper tantrums and verbal attacks he initiated in the press.

Mr Kissoon will no doubt continue with his attacks on others, especially if their reality contradicts his “truths”. One can only hope that Guyanese will see more of the analytical social scientist, and less of a person given to the momentary rants and name calling.

(Send comments to BRamharack60@gmail.com)

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesday, november 11, 2015

15

Scenes from Diwali Motorcade 2015

16 news

wednesday, November 11, 2015| guyanatimesGY.com

Ramsammy’s Ruminations Social Cohesion Ministry, IAST Squandering Guyana’s reputation in the fight partner to assist Region 9 farmers good against climate change T T he Social Cohesion Ministry over the weekend partnered with the Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST) to provide support for small- and medium-scale farmers and producers in Region Nine (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo), with the aim of enhancing their economic, social and financial capacities.

The partnership will see farmers and other producers being able to better develop and market their products; hence, improving their earning power.

An 11 member team, headed by Minister Amna Ally and Professor Suresh Narine, Director of the IAST, visited Bina Hill, North Rupununi, where they met with several women’s groups including the Macusi’s Research Unit (MRU), Medicine From Trees Women’s Group, Aranaputa Peanut Processors Friendly Society and small-scale farmers. The visit provided the team with the opportunity to examine the products made to see what could be done to improve the consistency of quality, texture and labelling and the development of marketing strategies.

According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) report, Minister Ally related to residents that the Ministry, in collaboration with IAST, will be visiting a number of communities across the region to assist in empowering not only women, but men as well.

“Since I am aware that you need help, the IAST will try as far as is practicable, to assist you. We will try as far as possible to see what help can be given because we would like the groups of this region to progress,” Minister Ally said.

Director of the IAST, Dr Suresh

One of the female staff of the Aranaputa Peanut Butter Factory, shows off the equipment used in the peanut butter making process to IAST Director, Dr Suresh Narine

Narine related to the residents thatIAST would like to assist small scale farmers so that they can derive maximum benefits from their products.

“Our job is to inject technology into various projects to try to make whatever it is that you are making, a little better, less labour intensive, to have more quality control and so on,” Dr. Narine told the residents.

He noted that through discussions with the Macusi’s Research Unit and Medicine from Trees Group, it has been agreed that the Institute will work with the group to put scents and flavours into their products; body lotions, oils and soaps. This will ensure that higher priced markets can be accessed. Additionally, the IAST will work with the Aranaputa Peanut Producers to increase and improve

their production of peanut butter for markets in Georgetown and overseas.

Dr Narine also committed to flying 15 members from the working groups to the IAST laboratories in Georgetown so that they can see firsthand, the enhancement methods that will be incorporated into the development of their products. Additionally, two elders will be given the chance to attend the Indigenous Elders Conference in Canada, where traditional medicines, indigenous culture and language and other related matters will be discussed.

The IAST will send a team within the next three weeks to Region Nine to commence work with the groups on the projects identified, while the Social Cohesion Ministry will be monitoring the progress made on these projects.

he Amaila Falls Hydroelectric Project is not only one of the most important economic and social development projects in our history and in the Caribbean Community, it is a significant statement on clean energy and the global fight against global warming and climate change. The A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change's (APNU/AFC) rejection of the Amaila is another example where the people of Guyana have become collateral damage, as APNU/AFC wages a silly war on Bharrat Jagdeo and Dr Leslie Ramsammy the People’s Progressive Party (PPP).

Amaila guarantees cleaner generation of adequate and affordable electricity for our country. APNU/AFC lied to the people, saying the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) would have to pay US$130 million annually to the private operator of Amaila for a loan. In fact, GPL would have bought about 150 million GW of energy which is 50 per cent higher than GPL presently generates for about US$100 annually. Amaila or not, GPL has to spend more money than this to generate energy and far from losing US$2.6 billion, GPL and Guyana would have saved US$2 billion in the next 20 years.

Besides households benefiting from lower electricity rates, businesses would have become more competitive and profitable.

Jobs would have been created and all of Guyana's industries would have grown. Furthermore, it would have established Guyana as a net carbon sink and not an emitter of carbon. With oil clearly on the horizon, we need a cleaner energy footprint to counteract the increase in the carbon footprint oil would bring.

Guyana did not cause climate change, but we are a victim of the tremendous damage climate change is causing around the world. Guyana has over the last decade developed a significant influence on the fight against global warming and climate change on the global platform. Our country is seen as a leader in the advocacy for actions to reduce global warming and climate change. We are seen as an influential spokes country for developing countries.

The PPP Government, particularly since 2000, propelled Guyana to the global platform where our country has played a leading role in promoting responsible actions to combat global warming and climate change. Bharrat Jagdeo was named by the UN as a Champion of the Earth. He has been retained by the UN Secretary General as an ambassador for climate change.

Guyana's leaders will be present at the end of November at COP 21 as world leaders gathered in Paris, France to discuss climate change. For the last several COPs, Guyana posited that regardless of who caused the moronic mess the world is in, we must all do something about the climate change disaster that is threatening our existence.

This past week, the World Meteorological Organisation announced that the three most important greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) have reached historical records never imagined before. CO2 is set to permanently surpass 400 parts per million in the atmosphere. This is enough to cause a permanent increase of one degree Celsius in the global temperature.

In the meanwhile, there has been a permanent increase in sea levels and the World Bank is reporting that as long as temperature continues to increase, far from reducing poverty, another 100 million people will sink into poverty in the next two decades and by 2050 at least one billion people would lose those homes as the seas move in. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has published a study to show that at least 19,000 die each day because of environmental pollution.

These are the same kind of catastrophic and apocalyptic consequences that President Lyndon Johnson was advised about in the USA 50 years ago. The world has been dithering over this knowledge for 50 years and have done precious little to combat greenhouse warming. In spite of many meetings, the big countries that brought us to the precipice haggled and did little to change the trajectory.

But the global advocacy from developing countries, based on their climate tragedies and threat from climate change, brought a different approach. Bharrat Jagdeo and the PPP Governments were leaders in this advocacy. We attended meetings not with a posture of blame, but with a passionate urging that we must all, big and small, weak and powerful, do something about the manmade calamity of climate change.

We were effective in our advocacy because rather than the posture of blame, we advocated from a posture of strength and moral authority because we had proof that Guyana was one of the countries taking steps to reduce our carbon footprint. This legitimacy and moral posture are being squandered by actions like rejecting Amaila. APNU/AFC must abandon its silly war with Jagdeo and embrace Guyana's international posture as a country willing to walk the walk when it comes to doing what is right for Guyana and the global fight against climate change.

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news

wednesday, November 11, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Public Service CoI

REO testifies, calls for full-time employees R

egional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), Dr Veersammy Ramayya on Monday told Commissioners probing the operations of the Public Service Ministry that workers attached to the Drainage and Irrigation (D&I) department should be employed on a full-time basis rather than of part-time employment.

The REO was testifying at the New Amsterdam leg of the Inquiry, established by government to examine the working conditions and quality of services offered by public servants among or things.

The inquiry is operating out of the capital city, but has extended its reach to other parts of the country, opening the door to anyone who wishes to testify.

At the Alboin Community Centre, Ramayya said that the workers who are employed on a three-day per week basis should be included as full-time employees. He said that the workers earn some $25,000 per

Region Six REO, Dr Veersammy Ramayya

month, noting that “many of them are too old for the job”.

“They are people who take on the job to subsidise their income. Many of them can barely walk,” Ramayya told the hearing. He said there is scope for the D&I workers to be involved in full-time work.

Asked for his view on public servants being appointed based on political affiliation, Ramayya said they may be capable of doing the job once given a chance.

Meanwhile, Chief

Swami Vidyanandji Maharaj death

Cove and John Ashram to host memorial service

Swami Vidyanandaji Maharaj

T

he Cove and John Ashram on the East Coast of Demerara will be hosting a memorial service on November 22 on the lawns of the Ashram, to reflect on the life of revered Swami Vidyanandaji Maharaj.

Renowned Guyanese Swami Vidyanandaji Maharaj who was the spiritual leader and Director of the Guyana and United States Bharat Sevashram Sangha, passed away peacefully in his sleep at Long Shore, New York on October 28.

The memorial service is specially set aside to reflect and commemorate the life and work of

the first Guyanese Swami.

The service will take the form of a “Bandara” (feeding) where Brahamins and Pandits nationwide will be invited.

Food, money and gifts will be given in honour of Swamiji. Such commemoration happens in India whenever a Swami or a spiritual leader dies, and as such, the Ashram will continue the trend.

Similar services will be held also in New York and Canada Harat Sevashram Sangha in memory of the spiritual leader.

Swami Vidyanandji died at the age of 79. He was a famous historian, theologian and strong believer in his spirituality.

He fashioned his lifestyle after Swami Pranavanandaji Maharaj who came to Guyana from India decades ago with the sole intention of opening a school.

Swami Vidyanandaji had influenced and steered the lives of thousands of Guyanese, more specifically the life of Guyana’s former President Bharrat Jagdeo.

Swamiji will be greatly missed by everyone who came into contact with him from Guyana and the Diaspora.

Executive Officer (CEO) of the New Amsterdam Hospital, Colin Bynoe, who also spoke at Albion, called for more training for nurses and other public servants.

Bynoe noted that at the New Amsterdam Hospital, housekeeping was poor and that it is impossible for the institution to discipline errant staff members because of the current policies governing the public service.

At the New Amsterdam Town Hall, where the second hearing was held, most of the presentations were made via writing.

However, one public servant Petal Burnette, told the Commission that she has been acting as an employee for the past 16 years at the Berbice High Court.

The “Justice for the Unjust Organisation” told the Commission that it was unfair to have Police Officers working for more than eight hours and not being paid overtime.

“They don’t pay the Police overtime but if a private man employs someone and don’t pay overtime after eight hours, the Government wants to take him to court.

That can’t be fair,” said one of its members.

Another presenter Winston Felix in his address to the Commission said one of the major factors contributing to efficiency in the Public Sector is competition.

In the case of Guyana, the lack of competition has been a major impediment to the development of the sector.

“After several years of conducting a study of the system of awarding contracts, major deficiencies were found in the current system run by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NP&TAB),” Felix said.

He added that the implementation of the provisions of contracts is when many of the problems are manifested, and the end result is that some of the work is compromised and defective products are used.

He added that attempts to diversify industries, such as the sugar industry, and add value to the raw sugar will increase the competitiveness of the industry.

The Commission was established to inquire into,

report on and make recommendations on the role, functions, recruitment process, remuneration, conditions and other matters pertaining to the personnel employed in the public service sector in Guyana.

It is also expected to determine measures to improve the efficiency of the public service, to review the methodology used in the classification and recruitment of public servants.

The inquiry is also slated to conduct a detailed examination of how the salaries and wages of public servants are determined and allocated; review the age of public servant retirement and make recommendations in this regard.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesday, november 11, 2015

ARCHIE

Let go of old, worn-out ideas, items or situations that (March 21- stand in your way. Start anew April 19) and pick the direction that will bring you the greatest satisfaction.

ARIES

Do what you can to help TAURUS an older friend or relative.

(April 20- Someone you want to get to May 20) know better will notice your kindness. Love is on the rise and romance is encouraged.

dilbert

Focus on one thing at a GEMINI (May 21- time. Taking on too much June 20) will not accomplish what you hope. Focus on detail, precision and getting things done.

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Peanuts

Discuss anything that is bothering you openly in order to resolve matters quickly. A chance to do something unusual should be taken advantage of. A change of scenery will do you good.

Check out what’s trendy LEO and see if you can turn what (July 23you have to offer into a monAug. 22) eymaking venture. Short trips and trade shows will encourage you to do things differently.

Calvin and Hobbes

Stop dreaming and start VIRGO producing, or someone else (Aug. 23will steal your ideas and Sept. 22) turn them into reality. Don’t miss an opportunity just because you are afraid to make a move.

Recognise your skills and LIBRA (Sept. 23- attributes, and look for a suitOct. 23) able position that will fully engage them. A different approach will result in greater interest and satisfaction.

SUDOKU

Pace yourself as you SCORPIO put your plans into motion.

(Oct. 24Express your ideas and presNov. 22) ent what you have to offer.

Improve your personal life by adding a little romance to the mix.

Raise your self-esteem by SAGITTARIUS learning all there is to know (Nov. 23about something that interDec. 21) ests you. A career change or the acquisition of new skills will help avert negativity and criticism.

solution for Last Published Puzzle

CAPRICORN Call the shots instead of (Dec. 22- letting someone else take Jan. 19) charge. You’ll gain respect and recognition if you offer suggestions and hands-on help. Love is on the rise.

AQUARIUS

Stick to what you know, and abide by the rules and (Jan. 20regulations. You may relish Feb. 19) change, but first you have to make a solid platform to build on.

You’ll attract a lot of attenPISCES (Feb. 20- tion no matter what you do.

March 20) Participate in events if you want something good to develop. A chance to work with someone you admire looks promising.

wednesday, November 11, 2015

Courts Pee Wee Football

St Angela’s win 1st title

Antonio McArthur celebrates scoring the game’s first goal. (Treiston Joseph photo)

By Treiston Joseph

S

t Angela’s Primary School, despite conceding its only goal of the tournament produced a sensational game of football to be crowned as the new Courts Pee Wee football champions when the tournament had its grand final on Tuesday at the Banks DIH, Thirst park ground.

St Angela’s played with great aggression to top Enterprise Primary 3-1 to finish the tournament as champions while receiving a desktop computer along with a printer and a computer desk.

From the get go, both teams came out with attacking intent, searching for goals with every possession.

Nevertheless with both teams on the attack and Enterprise looking in great form with better attacking build-up the first half ended nil all.

The second half was action packed with St Angela’s

finding themselves more in the attacking third of their opposition.

It would take a spectacular free kick from St Angela’s defender Antonio McArthur, who took a shot from about 15 yards out on the left side of the field and curled the shot into the top right hand corner of the net in the 29th minute of the game.

A few minutes later Keyon Douglas capitalized on Enterprises inability to clear the ball and easily scored a goal in the 33rd minute to give St Angela’s a comfortable 2-0 lead.

Enterprise who never stopped attacking made a run down the left side of the field with Seon Archibald dragging a shot across St Angela’s custodian into the right bottom of the net as St Angela’s conceded their first and only goal of the tournament.

Nevertheless, Douglas would double in the 40th minute with a powerful

shot from 10 yards put that rocked the left bottom of the net.

Douglas was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament as well as the highest goal scorer with 16 goals while Timeni Cort of St Angela’s was the best goal keeper of the tournament.

Meanwhile in the third place game, St Pius Primary came out victorious with 5-4 penalty win over West Ruimveldt Primary after regulation time ended 1-1.

It was definitely a physical encounter between the two sides as neither found it easy in creating chances at goal throughout the entire game.

However, Sherwyn Reid broke the deadlock early with a goal in the 10th minute while Mark Cameron answered for West Ruimveldt in the 19th minute to end the first half. The second half would eventually play out to a stalemate as St Pius would go onto win

Simmons reinstated as...

The WICB said it will, however, also investigate the allegations made by Simmons, and take action as required against any parties found guilty.

“I regret my public outburst during a press conference on the 25th of September 2015 in Barbados, called to announce the West Indies Cricket Board men’s senior team selected to tour Sri Lanka in October and November, and the revelation of the voting that took place at the team selection meeting,” Simmons said.

“I extend a public apology to all whom I may have offended, I have personally apologised to my fellow selectors and the West Indies Cricket Board and now do so again publicly. I am looking forward to putting this behind me and doing the job I enjoy with the West Indies senior men’s

teams, to continue heading towards the goal that we have in sight and towards which we have started working.”

Simmons had alleged outside interference in the selection of the ODI squad for the tour of Sri Lanka, saying he had not been given the best ODI squad. Before the squad was officially announced by the WICB, he said that even though he and the captain Jason Holder wanted allrounders Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard in the team, they were left out. He said that Bravo and Pollard also had the backing Clive Lloyd, the chairman of selectors, but he and Lloyd were outvoted 3-2 in the selection meeting.

Besides Lloyd, the other selectors on the panel are: Courtney Walsh, Courtney Browne and Eldine Baptiste -

from back page

the last of whom was asked to oversee the team temporarily after Simmons’ suspension.

Bravo and Pollard had not been considered for ODI selection since they were dropped for the series in South Africa in January this year, and their omission from the World Cup squad generated plenty of debate. At the time Lloyd had said he had spoken to the two players and explained to them that the selection panel wanted to move on and give youngsters more chances.

West Indies have been struggling in Sri Lanka, losing all six of the internationals they have played on the tour so far, across the three formats. The final match of the tour, the second of two T20s, will be played on Wednesday.

(Cricifo)

via penalties.

At the presentation ceremony held immediately after the conclusion of the final, Director of the Petra organisation thanked the sponsors for making the tournament a success.

Managing Director of Courts Furniture Inc, Clyde De Haas was pleased with the tournament and noted that the future of football “begins here”.

Also in attendance was Director of Sport,

19

Christopher Jones who noted that the government’s intention of developing such a nursery in hope of seeing the talented players on display Tuesday donning a Golden Jaguars kit in the future.

20 news

wednesday, November 11, 2015| guyanatimesGY.com

Belle Vue ground resuscitation Gayadin applying finishing touches provides hope for community ahead of Sunday’s race meet

N

ovember 1, 2015 will be a day, long remembered by the residents and especially the youths of the small community of Belle Vue on the West Bank of Demerara.

As time went by and hope diminished, the community of Belle Vue had much to be happy about when the resuscitation of the Belle Vue Sports Club was done in pomp and style.

Fifteen (15) years of dor-

Speaking with some of the younger residents of Belle Vue who are now in their 20s, they have expressed their delight to be part of the resuscitation and the benefits it will bring to the younger generation. One of the residents went on to say that had this opportunity avail itself while he was a teenager, he might have gone on to represent Guyana at the national level. Another resident opined that the youths

some talented cricketers had the best of the Belle Vue Sports Club.

The day’s event was solely sponsored by Mr and Mrs Haeez Ali of Rockaway Group out of New York, USA. Since the idea of the resuscitation of Belle Vue Sports Club, the contribution of the Ali family has been immeasurable. Mr and Mrs Ali have always gravitated towards youths with a passion for involvement in sports. Not only

continue his support for the youths of Belle Vue, he was adamant that his support will not be a one off contribution and trust that his investment will result in a life changing experience.

Many of the older folks present at the resuscitation, were elated and in praise of the change at Belle Vue. They are of the view that this change will make a profound and positive impact on individuals, the community and wider

By Akeem Greene

E

xperienced race car driver Gavin Gayadin is in the final stages of preparations ahead of the much anticipated 2015 Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championships at the South

ter of inevitability as he is not too worried about other drivers in the Group 3 category.

The former group 4 driver has been racing since 2003 and by all accounts seems the man to beat on Sunday. Gayadin will be using a BMW E-30M with

Gayadin’s BMW E-30M

Mr and Mrs Haeez Ali (sitting) pose with the youth and some of the cricketers in the Belle Vue Community

mancy have already made its mark on the lives of many youths who desired to be engaged in sports.

Many were not afforded the opportunity to realize their potential or make their dreams a reality. Belle Vue has witnessed the negative impact on the minds of those who did not benefit from the positive influence sports can contribute to their social and physical wellbeing. Over the years, many youths were forced to abandon sports and gravitate to unwholesome activities.

Today, the reality is different. Youths at Belle Vue, are now given an opportunity to be involved and capitalize on the advantages of sports. They have the resources that will place them on par and can make their aspirations a reality.

have much to be thankful for and trust that they will make good use of what is given to them.

The event witnessed a huge turn out as it was advertised and much looked forward to by the residents. It was an event that has transformed neglect into jubilation. The expression of joy was evident on the faces of kids as they were treated with gifts and sweets. Over two hundred residents were treated with lunch and drinks.

The treat was not over until the end of a T20 match which saw the Belle Vue Sports Club competes against Rockaway of USA. Professional commentary by one of New York finest cricket commentator and music at intervals made it exciting as the game went on.

Rockaway featuring

Belle Vue, but other communities have also benefitted from such positive input by the Ali family.

Having chatted with Mr Ali, he attributed his motivation to the inclination of the youths to be engaged in sports. Mr Ali is overwhelmed to be involved and to be part of the lives of the youths. He is optimistic that his investment will contribute to the youths realizing their significance and worth in society. He acknowledges discipline to be the key factor for personal success and emphasized on the lead role the community need to play in the youths excelling. He challenged the residents to make positive contributions in the form of guidance and to nurture the youths.

When asked if he will

society.

As it came down to the presentation, leaders of the community were presented with plaques and medals for their contribution in working with the youths, while the Belle Vue Sports Club received a quantity of cricket equipment. In celebrating the resuscitation, the club also benefitted from a newly constructed concrete bridge and ground upgrade which was financed by Mr. and Mrs. Ali of Rockaway Group of USA. Pastor Krishna Singh, Uncle Davo, Noel, Aaron, Denseh Singh, Deyal Rajpat, Ryan Seecharran, Safraz Baksh, just to name a few members of the community, and members from the Sisters Church of the Nazarene could not go unnoticed as their involvement is immeasurable.

Dakota Circuit this Sunday.

When the Guyana Times Sport caught up with the driver and his team at their work shop on Sheriff Street, Gayadain disclosed that an oil pump had blown earlier while testing but so far the damage seems minimal. The driver confidently stated that before the mishap, preparations were going great as the lap timings during testing were showing good signs.

The team Xtreme race car driver said that his main focus currently is on making sure that his team makes it to the line and that getting the checking would be mat-

a Suzuki engine and intends to push it to the maximum. Asked about whether changes, if it will affect his game plan, “what I can say is that it will make the races much more interesting and will certainly bring in a test of skills into play”. At the same time, Gayadin is urging all other competitors to drive clean and put on a show for fans.

Gayadin and his team manager David Bacchus are extremely for the support given by the corporate community especially by Royal Castle, Tourist Villa, Auto Stop, among others. (akeemg@guyanatimesgy. com)

GTT Round-Robin Knockout Tournament…

Topp XX, Victoria Kings grab wins

Action during the tournament’s opening night of games

By Treiston Joseph

L

inden’s Topp XX and Victoria Kings grabbed wins when action in the Guyana Telephone Telegraph Round-Robin Knockout Tournament continued on Monday at the Victoria Community Centre ground.

In the first game of the night, Topp XX walked away with a comfortable 2-0 win against Ann’s Grove to register their first win.

The game was a bit slow paced as both teams searched for openings that allowed the first half to end nil all.

In the second half both teams still found it difficult to break each other’s defence until Travis Whatterton scored

back-to-back goals in the 83rd and 88th minutes to win the game for Topp XX. Meanwhile in game two the action hosts, Victoria Kings topped Golden Grove 2-nil to send their home crowd away in a happy mood.

With the first half ending nil all, Winston Pompey brought the crowd to life with a goal in the 48th minute while Alden Lawrence sealed the deal in the 72nd minute.

Action in the tournament will continue tonight at the Victoria Community Centre ground with two matches featuring Golden Grove versus Rosignol United while New Amsterdam United will battle Ann’s grove. Action is set to start from 19:00h.

sports

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Ramnarine supports CARICOM report

wednesday, NOvember 11, 2015

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F

ormer President of the West Indies Players Association (WIPA), Dinanath Ramnarine, has described as spot on, the recent recommendations of the Review Panel of the CARICOM Cricket Governance Committee, which, among other things, has called for the dissolution of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB).

The panel, set-up in conjunction with the WICB, listed several shortcomings of the current board structure and management of the WICB, and its attendant territorial boards of Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, the Windward Islands, the Leeward Islands and Guyana.

This, the review panel said, has resulted in continued decline of West Indies cricket, which languish at the bottom of the premier International Cricket Council Test and one-day international rankings.

“I can see the thinking, and the train of thought of the review panel, and believe the recommendations hit a lot of nails on the head,” Ramnarine told The Gleaner.

“There is great urgency for restructuring, especially at the territorial board levels, which continue to operate at a level that does not support good governance.” urged Ramnarine.

“For example, when last has Guyana had a proper, democratically elected

Dinanath Ramnarine

board?

“The current structure of the WICB, and general structures of West Indies cricket, are weak, and has failed the people of the Caribbean, and I believe the time has come for serious change,” he added.

Chaired by University of The West Indies, Cave Hill Campus principal, Professor Eudine Barriteau, the review panel said the current structure of West Indies cricket was “incapable” of delivering desired results.

“The WICB and Territorial Boards have been able to ignore the extent to which their operations lack transparency and accountability, because the

current structures do not respect these basic tenets of good governance within their operations,” said the panel.

“Our main recommendation (therefore) is that the Board should be immediately dissolved, and, all current members resign, and an Interim Board selected.”

The Interim Board, the review panel recommended, should then work with a change management expert to install a new governance framework.

The panel also went on to explain that its suggestions are not too far from that of which Australia instituted in recent times, as a means of moving with a changed global business landscape.

Ramnarine, a former director of the WICB when he was head of WIPA, also commended the suggestion on an Interim Board.

“It is a good suggestion, and probably the best way forward at this time,” Ramnarine said. “The board currently lacks the requisite persons with the right expertise to chart the way forward.”

The five-member review panel also included former West Indies player, Deryck Murray, Sir Dennis Byron, president of the Caribbean Court of Justice, president of the Grenada Cricket Association, Dwain Gill, and president of the Caribbean Development Bank, Warren Smith. (Jamaica Gleaner)

22

guyanatimesGY.com

wednesday, November 11, 2015

Chandrika hungry Upper Corentyne/4R 20/20 cricket Number 70 ‘A’, Number 69 Vikings into final for more runs

By Rajiv Bisnauth

T

he Guyana Jaguars batting hero in the first round of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Professional Cricket League (PCL) Four-day game, Rajendra Chandrika is hopeful that Friday’s maiden First-class hundred will be the first of many.

The 26-year-old opener,

Rajendra Chandrika celebrates after reaching three figures for the first time in a First-class match

with 34 First-class games to his credit produced a really fabulous effort to register his first ton, finished on 146 in the Jaguars first inning total of 362 against the Windward Islands Volcanoes at the National Stadium, Providence.

The hosts are up against

it after they lost fellow opener Assad Fudadin at 28-1, but the Jaguars will be encouraged by the promise of Chandrika, who persevered well against a pretty impressive Volcanoes attack for the entire opening day.

Chandrika was dropped on 53, but other than that his innings was a study of patience and timing. He struck 21 fours off 333 balls in 425 minutes at the crease.

“It’s a good feeling, I am extremely happy to get my first century,” he said.

The right-handed batsman, who played one Test match had made eight halfcenturies in his previous games agreed that reaching a century was a significant step forward.

"It's a very big difference.

I will rate the innings one of the best, there was no panic, and the patience was there," he said.

Nobody is going to remember you for half centuries; people are going to remember you for hundreds, so I think it is a very important milestone for me.

“I am so happy and so proud, and this is just one. I am looking for many, many more.”

Meanwhile, Chandrika, who was a part of the West Indies line-up for the two Tests series recently in Sir Lanka, but didn’t feature in the final X1 in either Tests, is eyeing the Australia tour where the Regional side will play the hosts in three Tests from December 10 to January 7. (rajiv@guyanatimesgy.com)

his brother Naeem Yacoob and veteran second division player Alim Haniff batted with maturity in a partnership of 82. At the end, Number 70 ‘A’ got to 125-2 off 15 overs with Yaccob scoring 49 not out, Alim Haniff 33 and Omesh Kumar 15 not out. Bowling for Number 64 Fighting Marines, Devindra Balram

Latchman Roopchand

T

he semi-finals of the Upper Corentyne 4R Bearings 20/20 were full of action and drama, as Number 70 ‘A’ and Number 69 Vikings battled their way to this Sunday’s final at the Crabwood Creek Sports Complex.

In semi-final one, Number 70 ‘A’ defeated Number 64 Fighting Marines by eight wickets, while semi-final two saw Number 69 Vikings edging Skeldon by one run.

Bating first in semifinal one, Number 64 Fighting Marines were bowled out for 118 off 17.5 overs with Somdat Singh (43) and Devindra Balram (21) being the top scorers.

Bowling for Number 70 ‘A’, Naeem Yacoob took 3-25 off four overs, Tameshwar Ramoutar 2-8 off two overs and Omesh Khemraj 2-15 off 2.5 overs.

In reply, Number 70 ‘A’ lost opener Rayan Yacoob off the first ball, however,

54 (4x4s, 3x6s) and good support from Junior Blair (25).

Sherwin Murray (34*) and Juan Velloza (29) almost sealed the win for Skeldon, but managed just nine of the 11 that were needed in the final over.

Bowling for Number 69 Vikings, Imran Khan took 3-25 off three overs. In the exhibition game, Number 72 Select XI defeated Crabwood Creek Select XI. Meanwhile, Sunday’s final will be played with red ball and white clothing, due to the lack of proper lighting facility in the Upper Corentyne area for a night game. The final

Naeem Yacoob

took 1-17 off two overs.

In the second semi-final, Number 69 Vikings batted first after winning the toss and scored 172-6 off 20 overs. Vishwanauth Lallbeharry top scored with a brilliant 70 (8x4s, 1x6) and got good support from Latchman Roopchand (43) and Vivendra Gooniah (31).

Bowling for Skeldon, Sherwin Murray took 2-23 off four overs. In reply, the Skeldon lads were up to the chase after getting a brilliant start from Christopher Jaundoo with

grabs, starting at 09:30h.

The winner of the final will receive $100,000 and a trophy, while there will also be other prizes for the runner-up team, Man-of-the-Final and Most Valuable Player of the competition.

According to the organisers, “It is set to be an action packed day of cricket with lots to eat and drink on sale and music to entertain. Admission is $200, while children under 12 years will be admitted free.

There will also be gate prizes to be won. Proceeds will go towards the Upper Corentyne first division team.”

This competition is sponsored by Ricky Deonarain, the Managing Director of 4R Bearings of Georgetown, and is being organised by the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association (UCCA).

Vishwanauth Lallbeharry

will start at 13:30h and it is expected that the entire Number 69 and Number 70 will be there to witness this historic clash among neighbouring villages.

There will also be a clash between rivals, Number 48 Challengers and Crabwood Creek Sports Club, with trophies and cash up for

Ricky Deonarain

wednesday, november 11, 2015

guyanatimesGY.com

23

World Junior Badminton Championships… ECDCA/Tropical Springs Purified Water/GFSCA U-19 cricket…

Five wins for Guyana Comfortable wins for in Team events Enterprise and Lusignan id 77. He was supported by Afzal Rohoman, who struck 26, as Satesh Jainarine claimed 2-16 from six overs.

Fairfield, in reply, folded for 125 in 26.3 overs, despite a fight 60 from Richard Chatura and 20 from Vishwanauth Ramlakhan.

Rohoman returned with the

Timothy McCalmont

Narayan Ramdhani in action against Venezuela’s Ivan Elyouri Perozo in the Men’s Singles competition

G

uyana three-member badminton team secured five wins in the Team events at the World Junior Badminton Championships in Lima, Peru, thereby gaining a rating of 39th in the latest world team rankings.

After four days of Team competition at the Centro De Alto Rendimiento La Videna, Guyana, with 14 matches against six countries in Group C, was handed the ranking, which, according to word coming out of the Guyana Badminton Association (GBA), “is a great achievement as it’s the first time in Guyana’s badminton history that we have participated in a tournament of this magnitude and

received a ranking.”

Over 100 countries are listed in the world rankings.

The GBA added, “The three players- Sun Burst champion Narayan Ramdhani and Copa Airlines champions Priyanna Ramdhani and Ronald Chang Yuen- had a chance to play against the top ranking players in the world and have competed with determination, courage and talent.”

Narayan Ramdhani was Guyana’s top player on show, winning three games in the Men’s Singles. He defeated Chile’s Alonso Medel 21-13, 12-21, 21-19, Costa Rica’s Gianpiero Cavallotti Villalobos 21-9, 21-16, and Venezuela’s Ivan Elyouri

Perozo 21-9, 21-9.

Narayan also teamed up with Chang Yuen to beat the Costa Rican pair of Gianpiero Cavallotti Villalobos and Zhicong Zheng Chen 22-20, 15-21, 21-19 in the Men’s Doubles.

The other victory for Guyana came in the Mixed Doubles, as Priyanna Ramdhani and Chang Yuen defeated Matias Gompetz and Loreto Ponyigo of Chile 21-14, 11-21, 21-19.

The Guyanese will now switch focus to the Individual championships, which started last evening and will conclude on Saturday. Over 50 countries will compete in this aspect of the World Junior Championships.

GCC, Pepsi Hikers battle to thrilling draw in GTT opener

A

s the evening wound down for the opening night of the GTT National Indoor Championships on Monday, defending champs Pepsi Hikers and GCC took to the floor for the highly anticipated Men’s first division match-up at the National Gymnasium.

The perennial rivals have shared the success in recent years and have created more than a few memorable duels that went to the wire. The teams picked up just where they left off as it was apparent that the crowd was in for an entertaining treat from the opening whistle.

Though both teams stalked their opponent like a bull and matador, the Hikers won a penalty corner from their first major penetrating attack of the match and defender Shane Samuels tested the roof of the net with remarkable power and accuracy to give the Hikers a 1-0 lead.

The game settled into a cautious but exciting balance of threatening attacks at both ends until the elusive Robert France slipped by the GCC defender on the left wing to gain a good look

at goal. Although France’s shot was skilfully blocked by goalkeeper Rawl Davson, national and Hikers captain Devin Munroe fired back the rebound to give his side a 2-0 cushion three minutes before half-time.

With the half all but over, three minutes was all it took for national midfielder Orland Semple to put on a clinic on scoring by latching onto two passes in like manner in the 18th and 19th minutes, levelling the scores at 2-2 with a pair of diving finishes.

GCC’s Eric Hing seemed to have stolen the victory for his side deep into the second half when he slid a shot from the narrowest of angles to catch the Hikers keeper unprepared. With GCC up by one goal (3-2) and only three minutes remaining till full time, the Hikers chances of saving the game slipped further away when guest player Orlando Guirola of Cuba received a green card and a temporary suspension from the playing area.

Hikers’ striker Jamarj Assanah chose this moment to show his class as he received a pass from the left before carving his way

through three GCC defenders to fire a shot at goalkeeper Davson.

Davson parried the shot in fine fashion, but Munroe was there once again for the put back, and final goal of the match, drawing the score at 3-3.

Earlier in the evening in the other Men’s first division matches, Old Fort schooled the Jaguars 7-3, while the Pumas dispatched of Saints by a 5-2 margin.

The lone Ladies match saw a brilliant performance by Panthers’ striker Shebiki Baptiste en route to a 3-0 beating of the Hikers.

Baptiste scored the opening two goals for her side and put the game beyond doubt before Tiffany Solomon added the third and final goal from a penalty corner.

In the Men’s second division competition, Old Fort defeated Saints 3-0, while the battle of newcomers saw Phoenix edging past Saint Stanislaus College 1-0.

GCC then rounded out a solid evening of matches with a 1-0 victory over the Hikers.

Matches will continue for the rest of the week at the National Gymnasium with the finals being played from 17:00h on Sunday.

E

nterprise and Lusignan recorded comfortable victories last weekend when action continued in the East Coast Demerara Cricket Association (ECDCA)/ Tropical Springs Purified Water/Guyana Floodlight Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA) Under-19 cricket competition for East Coast teams.

The Enterprise youths humbled Fairfield by 44 runs, while Lusignan outplayed Better Hope by 23 runs.

Batting first against Fairfield, Enterprise posted a challenging 169-6 off the allotted 30 overs with Vivian Albert striking a sol-

ed six fours and three maximums.

Gavin Boodwah chipped in with 23 and Kedar Amsterdam made 18, while R. Mohamed and J. Mana took 3-27 and 2-40 respectively for Better Hope.

The talented Tameshwar Motiram then snared 4-34 off seven overs and Boodwah and McCalmont returned to snap up 3-10 and 2-41 respectively, as Better Hope responded with 174 all out in 26 overs.

R. Dhanraj led the way with 64 (8x4s, 3x6s), while Prakash Debidyal made 20.

The competition will continue this weekend with more games on the East Coast corridor.

Vivian Albert

ball to claim 4-12 from just 2.3 overs, while Bhaskar Deodat and Pradesh Balkissoon were also among the wickets, bagging 2-19 and 2-23 respectively.

In the other game, Lusignan racked up 197-8 from 35 overs with national youth player Timothy McCalmont top scoring with 85, an innings that includ-

Tameshwar Motiram

wednesday, November 11, 2015

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

Courts Pee Wee Football

St Angela’s win 1st title

Simmons reinstated as West Indies coach

P

Phil Simmons

Pg 19 St Angela’s Primary School celebrate their win in the presence of Courts’ top officials, the Petra Organisation along with representatives from Banks DIH, the Ministry of Education and the Guyana Football Federation’s Normalisation Committee

hil Simmons has been reinstated as West Indies’ coach by the WICB. Simmons was suspended as coach in September after he had expressed his unhappiness with the ODI squad selected for the Sri Lanka tour.

His reinstatement, the WICB said in a statement, was “conditioned upon” two criteria: “issuance to him of a letter of reprimand for his inappropriate public comments”, and his “making a public apology to the WICB and persons whom he may have offended”. see full story on page 19

GCC, Pepsi Hikers battle to thrilling draw in GTT opener Pg 23

Shebiki Baptiste scores the second goal for the Panthers

Keon McKenzie controls the ball for the Pumas

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