Over 150 young APNU/AFC activists injected into the Army – Jagdeo
– invokes stark memories of the Burnham era
By Edward LaynE
The military-dominated A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) coalition government is accused of moves to take political control of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), by planting many
of its young activists into the army, Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo has claimed.
Jagdeo, during a televised interview Friday, said it was brought his attention that a significant number of the new army recruits were not admitted to the force
through the regular recruitment channel, but instead, the GDF was instructed by the government to admit them, an act he said, which brings back the dreaded memories of the Burnham era, when the GDF and the Guyana Police Force was hijacked by political elements
of the People’s National Congress (PNC).
“The three hundred new recruits into the army [and] I was told about half of those soldiers are coming not from the career stream, from a political stream,” Jagdeo said. Jagdeo, who served as Commander-in-Chief of the
Armed Forces, during his 12year presidency said reference was made to the 1970s when the then PNC government injected hundreds of its young political activists from its youth arm, the Young Student Movement (YSM) to the Army.
“Many of them got accelerated promotion to the top and then the professionalism of the army got subsumed by political leadership and Mr. Granger himself at that time, was reporting to the Office of the President… so that is being replicated once again, a significant number of new recruits, not all of them, some are coming in as regular soldiers, applying, getting their interviews, they are going in. But some are being put in, they are political people being planted once again into the army and this will subvert the professionalism of the army. Some we have fought to restore, the professionalism of the army and the police,” Jagdeo revealed.
Credibility of claim Jagdeo said this was brought to his attention by persons who, he said, will not mislead him in this regard, but vowed to investigate these reports and, if found to be true, expose them internationally.
“These have been brought to my attention. We have to explore them. Now if it turns out that I was misled, but I do not think the people who spoke with me would mislead me, then no harm is done to the country if it is not true, but if it is true, then there is a bigger sinister plot… given the nature of this government, the very partisan way in which it exercise power, I will not put it past them, because they have quite a few military people in there who may be tasked with this objective, to do this sort of thing. So we have to investigate and expose it and draw international attention to it if it turns out to be true,” the former president said.
The opposition leader believes this move is part of a sinister plot to subvert free and fair elections in Guyana.
Earlier, Jagdeo has spoken about efforts to reform the Guyana Elections
Commission (Gecom) so as to secure the integrity of future elections, but said now, with this new development in the military, those reforms alone may not be adequate.
“So even if you get the reforms at Gecom, you will have other influences that would lead to us not having free and fair elections in the future,” Jagdeo stated.
Military and elections
The issue of military involvement in elections in Guyana brings back vivid memories of that sordid moment in Guyana’s political history, when on the evening of July 16, 1973 at the close of polling members of the GDF stormed into the polling place at No 63 Village, Corentyne and attempted to cart away ballot boxes to an undisclosed location.
Scores of people, the vast majority who were known supporters of the PPP, had gathered in front of the polling station to protest against the removal of the ballot boxes by the military.
The soldiers fired live bullets at the protesters, killing Bholanauth Parmanand and 17-year-old Jagan Ramessar, who were later hailed as the Ballot Box Martyrs.
In that election, the PNC gave itself 77 per cent of the votes or 41 seats in Parliament while the PPP was given 19 per cent of the total or 10 Parliamentary seats.
The UF was given the rest and was allocated 2 seats.
Army ranks as they marched pass the Square of the Revolution shortly after giving the salute during the Army's 50th anniversary route march on Saturday
Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo
1558 graduated from University of Guyana
BY DEVINA SAMAROO
Amid pomp and ceremony 1558 students graduated from the University of Guyana (UG) on Saturday at the institution’s 49th convocation.
The students graduated from the faculties of Health Sciences, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, Agriculture and Forestry, Education and Humanities, Technology, and the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences.
Decked in their seamless graduation gowns, hundreds of students excitedly assembled on the University’s tarmac as the auspicious ceremony commenced.
Gleeful family and friends also flocked the compound, swollen with pride, as their loved ones made their way onto the stage to collect their certificates.
Sachin Ramsuran from the Faculty of Technology was this year’s valedictorian.
Ramsuran is the only son of a Patentia, West Bank Demerara cane-harvester and a seamstress, neither of whom were afforded the luxury of being educated beyond primary school. He gained 56 grade ‘A’ passes out of 57 subject areas and earned himself the President’s Medal for the best graduating Bachelor’s Degree student.
During his vigorous speech, Ramsuran charged to his fellow colleagues to stay and develop Guyana.
“I want to encourage you, as we enter into our 50 years of Independence, to revaluate your goals and make a personal sacrifice and think not of yourself, but think of your country and the less fortunate. They deserve to be happy, and we who have been blessed with the knowledge to make that happen should not fail to do so,” Ramsuran pleaded.
He underscored that, “We cannot predict the fu-
ture but by making decisions which give us the highest probability of being successful, we can create the future that we want...”
The valedictorian broadly reflected on the challenges he and his colleagues faced during their studies at University, concluding his reminiscence by thanking God they achieved their desired success.
Ramsuran told the media his parents motivated him to pursue his education, and during his valedictorian speech, the young scholar saluted his parents for the sacrifices they made to ensure he has a bright future.
Meanwhile, other excelling graduates are Ashley Bankay of the Faculty of Social Sciences, who received the Chancellor’s Medal for the second best graduating Bachelor’s Degree student; Tiffana Ross of the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, who received the Council of UG Prize for the graduating student who has attained at least a “Pass with Credit” and has made the greatest contribution in other areas of the university’s activities.
Also awarded were Ajay Persaud of the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, who received the UG Student Society Award for the graduating student who has attained at least a “Pass with Credit” and has made an outstanding
contribution in other areas of the university activities; Stephon Josiah of the Faculty of Education and Humanities who received the KA Juman Yassin Sport Award for graduating student who has participated at a consistently high standards in sports. Additionally, Sarashwattie Bharrat of Faculty of Education and Humanities received the Dennis Irvine Award for the student who has made the greatest contribution to the cultural life of the University; and Tristana Gouveia of Faculty of Social Sciences who received the Dr Harold Drayton Alumni Award of the UG Guild of Graduates for the graduating student who achieved the highest grade point average in three faculties.
Initiative, passion and persistence
Meanwhile, UG Chancellor Professor Eon Nigel Harris reminded students that good grades alone will not advance them in life’s tough journey as he underscored the importance of “initiative, passion and persistence”.
“Grades may be importance in landing your first job but they will probably not be enough to land your second job or third job,” he highlighted.
The Chancellor, who only occupied the post some two months ago, underlined the importance of a
University education.
“Getting a university education is an extremely valuable acquisition both for yourselves and the society or societies in which you live. Countless studies have shown that a university education provides graduates with increased life time earnings, greater chances of job mobility, a greater sense of fulfilment in life and the capacity to be better informed and socially involved citizens,” Professor Harris stated.
He highlighted too that the benefits of a university education extends to the children of graduates.
“Studies have shown that children of graduates are less subject to child abuse and neglect, have greater intellectual ability, lower failure rates and more likely to pursue higher education goals. Thus a university degree benefits not only graduates themselves but can extend to succeeding generations,” he noted.
Meanwhile, President David Granger, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and members of the diplomatic community were in attendance at the Convocation.
Graduating medical students taking their oath on Saturday
Sunday Editor: 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
Terrorism strikes
The news is still filtering out of Paris on the savage attack by eight heavily armed gunmen on civilian targets last Friday night, that left at least 120 persons dead. There were six separate attacks that were coordinated to occur simultaneously, to create the greatest terror impact, as well as to disperse the immediate response by French law enforcement units.
The most daring attack occurred at a football match that the President of France Francois Hollande was attending. That the terrorist chose this location demonstrated the level of confidence in their operation which must have taken months to plan. The French President’s presence would have elicited much heavier security than usual. Anti-terrorism organisations in all the major developed countries routinely collect and share information of terrorist activities gleaned from electronic and human interceptions. But this one literally slipped below the radar.
The highest number of casualties was in a concert hall where the revellers were mowed down like sitting ducks.
President Hollande claimed that the Islamic State (ISIS) that is fighting in Syria and Iraq is behind the terrorist; the latter has confirmed this. Survivors of the second largest massacre site, a nightclub, reported one of the gunmen shouting that the attack was because of “what France was doing in Syria”. In September, France, which is implacably opposed to President Bashar al Assad of Syria, started bombing operations against ISIS because of the atrocities the latter were committing against civilians not supporting their movement or their brand of Islam.
On the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly meeting in that month, President Hollande had declared ISIS also to be a threat against France. Ironically, this terror strike – which was the largest in Europe since a 2004 coordinated strike in Spain that killed 191 persons – proved Hollande’s claim. But the question has been raised as to whether these killings and the flood of millions of refugees entering Europe are not the direct result of the Western powers interventions in the affairs of the Middle East that are ultimately related to energy security more than the security of the citizens of those lands. President Bashar commented that France is now experiencing what ordinary Syrians have been facing in their country from ISIS, which is supported by Saudi Arabia and Quatar; places opposed to the non-Sunni regime of Assad.
Beyond the murky politics of the Middle East, with its shifting allegiances and betrayals, the terrorist attack on Paris brings to the fore once again, the use of violence against civilians to force political concessions from the State – which is the essence of terrorism. As Hollande noted, this is “war against France” but a war in which the “sides” are not so clearly drawn as in the “classic” wars.
Guyana experienced its version of terrorism between 2000-2008, when armed gunmen selected as their targets, the Police and purported supporters of the then People’s Progressive Party/Civic Administration and ruthlessly gunned them down. At one point, one band was ensconced in the village of Buxton and an Army platoon stationed there proved incapable of rooting them out. As with the ISIS terrorists, even though not openly admitted here, the Guyanese terrorists received tacit support from sections of the populace which then provided them with cover and material support. It was claimed by some leaders that such support was forthcoming because the group could channel their political aspirations through the legitimate political institutions.
In Guyana, however, this argument was proven to be invalid because after the gunmen were eliminated subsequently to committing several massacres comparable to the Paris killings drawn to our scale, we were able to effectuate political regime change through peaceful means. The lesson for Guyana is that once the genie of using violence to achieve political ends is out of the bottle, it is almost impossible to get it back in.
Our experience started with CIA-directed violence in the 1960’s and every decade since there have been eruptions of political violence. This option must be condemned wherever it occurs.
GuySuCo needs people who believe in sugar
Dear Editor,
The November 6, 2015 issue of the Kaieteur News carried a letter by Mr Anthony Vieira which was critical of what I said about the sugar industry in an earlier interview with Stabroek News.
I wish to correct some of the inaccuracies in Vieira’s letter.
Mr Vieira stated that Walchandnagar, an Indian company, had offered to sell GuySuCo parts for the Skeldon Estate. This must be a mistake, since we are talking about a new factory.
Vieira went on to say in his letter that the said company had the lowest bid, but the previous administration had given the contract to a Chinese company at a higher price.
These statements are absolutely incorrect; this was not the case.
When GuySuCo invited tenders for the construction of the new factory at Skeldon, there were three bidders – Chinese, Indian and Japanese companies.
The Japanese company placed a very high bid. The lowest bid was from the Chinese company.
Before an award was made, Booker Tate was awarded the contract to be the consulting engineers for GuySuCo. The Board felt that it needed to be advised by competent technical professionals.
The consulting engineers worked along with the Board at every stage in this process.
These consultants also visited both China and India where they held talks with both companies that tendered.
They reported to the
Board that all of the bidders were capable of building the new factory and that they were ready to work with whichever company was chosen to execute the work.
Clearly, with that advice from the consultants, price then became the most important issue to base the decision on. The Board went for the lowest bidder.
This project was awarded as a turnkey project. During the construction process, the Board was briefed at every meeting by its consultants. No payments were made to the company without clearance from the Booker Tate professionals.
I can even recall that at one point, the then government took a while to reappoint the Board and management, therefore, had to bear the responsibility to oversee the project.
The Booker Tate consultants were so confident about the success of the project that they allowed the company to send its workers home on holiday.
In passing, let me say that Mr Vieira, the APNU and the AFC, while they were in opposition were very antagonistic towards Chinese investors/stakeholders in Guyana. To date, they have never criticized the consultants, but used every opportunity to find fault with the Chinese company that was awarded the contract. It seems as though they were instructed by higher powers to do so.
Such an anti-Chinese stance must change. I hope they are seeing how the US, UK and EU have been courting Chinese investments. I urge them to stop the onslaught against the
Chinese if they want to attract investment in our country, so that the economy can grow.
These are the facts and I urge Mr Vieira and others to stop using gossip and rumours, as a basis for analysis.
Mr Vieira was particularly critical of my statement that GuySuCo was looking at more revenue streams, including production of ethanol. He was practically shouting that we should have gone to Brazil for this.
While it is true that Brazil is the biggest producers of ethanol, they do not have a monopoly on the technology (they started in the 1960s). Today, many other countries are in the business of producing ethanol. Indeed, there are some Indian companies engaged in such processes in Brazil as well as India. The US also, is a big producer as well as other sugar producing countries.
Therefore, where we procure such technology is not confined to one place. That would depend on where we could get the best deal, which may not necessarily mean from the inventor of the product.
However, the main focus is that we should continue to push in that direction as fast as possible.
I did not say that explicitly in the Stabroek News interview, but I suggested to both the government and GuySuCo to move as fast as possible in that direction. I was aware that in an earlier statement on behalf of the APNU, Mr Vieira had suggested the closing of estates and using the land to grow tilapia.
I want to urge him to abandon that notion, particularly now that he is a member of the Board. He also seems to have gone into a frenzy when I suggested that GuySuCo and GuyOil could create a joint venture to blend the gasoline with ethanol to use in motor vehicles.
The point I made then was that both those entities are state-owned and therefore, they could come to an agreement quickly. The negotiation process need not be prolonged. And yes, the ethanol has to be blended if it will be used in vehicles.
Like all those persons now trying to be critical of the PPP/C when in office, the financial crisis at GuySuCo is often referred to. But from that quarter, nothing is being said about the reasons for that situation.
Let me briefly recap this scenario for Mr Vieira’s benefit.
GuySuCo is experiencing this situation for two main reasons. One was the severe flooding in 2005 and 2006 and the second was the change in the trading with the EU and ACP countries.
What is needed now is investments and government assistance to overcome the obstacles during this period.
The sugar industry can prosper and make an even greater contribution to the livelihood of its workers and the country as a whole.
It needs people at the helm who believe in sugar –therein lies the key to success.
Sincerely,
Donald Ramotar
Launching of the Salvation Army Annual Kettle Appeal: A representative of China Trading, giving one of the first donations to the Salvation Army
Where are the women’s rights activists? Nagamootoo’s apologist should publish his name
Dear Editor, It would seem that it has now become the norm for political operatives of the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government to unleash verbal attacks on the female political operatives of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).
There is no other way to describe these unwelcomed and derogatory remarks which are levelled against our female leaders. There have been several of such incidents since April of this year.
The first was the unsavory attack on the PPP/C Prime Ministerial Candidate and former Director General of Foreign Affairs and Diplomat, Mrs Elisabeth Harper by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo in the way he referred to Mrs. Harper during his presentation at the Whim Rally.
Next was the young Dr Sharma, who Mr Charandass, a Member of Parliament spoke of wanting to haul off the stage during the elections campaign. The latest is the onslaught on Dr Vindhya Persaud, who apart from being a Member of Parliament is also the President of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha was treated in a disdainful and hostile manner by Mr Khemraj Ramjattan, Public Security Minister when she sought to express her concern for the changing of the date for Diwali this year.
As if this was not enough, this week Mr Charandass Persaud penned as letter to the Editor of Stabroek News to express with venom his unfulfilled desire to haul Dr Persaud off the stage in Berbice while she was addressing those attending the Diwali celebrations in that region.
Is it now custom and practice for male political leaders to seize every opportunity to express their desire to physically attack our women and at the same time verbally abusing them?
Is it alright for the men on the Government side to verbally attack and make public such desires without fear of arrest and prosecution but downright improper for men on the Opposition side to do this or else they will face the brunt of the law? Is this a case of do as I say but not as I do? Well in my case, what is good for one is good for all.
My further concern is that I have not heard a single word from the women’s rights organisations and activists who came out in full glory on the Bheri Ramsarran/Nageer incident or I am to believe that these organisations and individuals do not identify Dr Sharma and Dr Persaud as females.
Every year, Guyana joins the rest of the world to denounce violence against women and girls, as will be done later this month. The Government under the guid-
ance of the Social Protection Ministry will spend millions to observe this event as would the many other women’s organisation. However, failure to address this issue which is on the upswing right here in Guyana can only then be deemed a fallacy and another violation of our fundamental rights as Guyanese citizens and that of the UN Declaration on Human Rights Article 1 and in the case of Dr Persaud also Articles 18 and 19.
I therefore call upon all those who preach, seek, endure and participate in the upholding of these fundamental rights, on civil society, on all rights organisations and activists and more so, on the Government to denounce these unwarranted acts of verbal abuse on our female political and religious leaders and indeed all women in our society.
The demand for a public apology is not asking too much since these remarks were proudly laid in the public domain without reservation and remorse and the evidence is there to prove same.
Failure for us to do so and ensure it is a reality will render us as signatories and accomplices to the violations of women’s rights and gender based violence. It is time for a change in our attitudes towards our women in leadership.
Respectfully, Mrs Gillian BurtonPersaud, MP
Dear Editor, Honest letter writers should never hide their true identity and it is only then that readers will be in a strong position to judge the impartiality and objectiveness of what they are trying to convince the readers about.
I refer to a letter captioned, ‘Nagamootoo has a record of standing up for sugar workers’ in the Guyana Chronicle dated November 14, 2015. This ‘no name’ apologist for Nagamootoo made a few personal remarks which I will not respond to but will dispel his ignorance about the contents of Nagamootoo’s statement I made mentioned about in my letter.
Firstly, Nagamootoo’s statement attempted to confront two separate and distinct issues: one was the threat by the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) to derecognise GAWU and the second was to address the fact that the sugar workers were given ‘zero wage increase’. ‘No Name’ appears to be the ‘confused complainer’ when he deliberately tried to obliterate the second issue from Nagamootoo’s statement. In his state of ‘bazoodee’, he completely ignored the issue of wage increase!
Secondly, Nagamootoo’s
effort to ‘light a candle’ at Christmas was simply to highlight the fact that sugar workers will face a ‘black Christmas’ since they will not receive any retroactive wage increase of Annual Production bonus! It was not about the ‘sugar industry’ but the ‘sugar workers’ wage increase. This view is further strengthened by what Nagamootoo said at an Alliance For Change (AFC) rally on November 8, 2011 – one year after his ‘light a candle’ statement was published in the Stabroek News. He told the gathering there that sugar workers are being ‘screwed’ and attempted to malign the then President by saying that President Jagdeo should take the thee per cent wage increase given to sugar workers and ‘put it where the monkey puts the peanuts’!
In 2010 he had asked for a ‘nominal wage increase’ and then one year after that, he criticised what he had asked for. Furthermore, he never made any mention that sugar workers were made ‘scapegoats’ for political reasons as is now being claimed by this ‘ghost writer’. He emphasised that ‘sugar workers cannot be the only scapegoats for the failure’ of the industry.
Thirdly, the ‘ghost
writer’ claimed that Nagamootoo was threatened of being expelled from the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) because he supported the sugar workers for a wage increase in 2010! How can this be true when the President himself intervened on behalf of the sugar workers in 2010? This is a very feeble attempt to hide the truth of the matter. His growing dissatisfaction was simply because he knew that he will not be made the Presidential Candidate for the PPP/Civic in the 2011 General and Regional Election!
He resigned because of his own selfish agenda as is now seen. It was ‘President or nothing’! Furthermore, as a member of the AFC at that time we were all aware of this fact. His defection to the AFC was discussed by his friend Ramayya at meetings at Whim Village long before he eventually defected.
In conclusion, I will stand by every word I wrote in my letter to the press which I have supported by Nagamootoo’s own statement made in December 2010 and will ask his apologist to publish his name the next time he writes.
Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf
Page Foundation
Anu Dev
After some hesitation, last Wednesday, Trinidad’s Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh confirmed the deaths of two men due to Swine Flu. Swine Flu, not surprisingly, is associated with pigs; but the virus is a variant of the original one in pigs – so in reality direct transmission form pigs to humans is rather rare. And don’t worry you gourmets of the porcine, it’s not transmitted via pork.
The virus that hits us is more accurately called Influenza A/H1N1, because it’s caused by a strain of the Influenza A Virus called H1N1. I don’t think that designation raises many eyebrows but I am sure any mention of “Swine Flu” conjures up horrible memories of the pandemic of 2009. Between 151,000575,000 souls perished worldwide.
So I can imagine it’s quite alarming to Guyana that Trinidad, just a stone’s throw away, has had several cases of death due to the dreaded Swine Flu. Just last month, the Grant Memorial Presbyterian School in South Trinidad was closed for a week because three students there contracted the virus. But at least our local Guyanese health authorities have been put on high alert, according to a report in yesterday’s edition of this paper.
Normally, my urge to scoot home from Trinidad is always in high gear. Now tack on reported cases of swine flu here in Trinidad, and it’s testing all the resolve I’ve got to not jump on a flight back to Guyana. I think the fact that we’ve been covering a lot of Microbiology this semester has me especially paranoid about every sort of infection.
I keep imagining that at any moment, one of the millions of microorganisms around me is going to do me in. And just in time arrived Swine Flu and mosquito borne Zika. But anyway, back to Swine
Swine Flu
“Thanks to evolution, our bodies have powerful ways to ward off illness and infection and enable us to live long and healthy lives. Why, then, do health costs continue to climb at unsustainable and frightening rates?” –
David Suzuki
Flu, which falls hardest on children and the elderly. What are the symptoms? Look out for fever, cough, muscle aches, and headaches that almost always occur and sometimes runny nose, red eyes, nausea and vomiting also occur. You’ll notice these symptoms are very similar to those of the regular flu.
And as with the flu, the best strategy for managing your symptoms is to rest, try to keep yourself warm and drink lots of fluid. But if further treatment is needed, there are antivirals like Tamiflu and Zanamivir that work quite well. Our very own NEW GPC INC can also manufacture the cheaper generic version which is just as effective.
However, the best way of dealing with swine flu is to prevent it. The virus is spread through droplets that come out of the nose and mouth when someone coughs or sneezes. Not enough people are aware of the proper coughing and sneezing etiquette, unfortunately, and they end up coating door handles, food, money, their friends, and basically everything around them with their virus-laden droplets. So when you touch that door handle and then place your hands near your nose or mouth, the virus gets passed on to you. Sort of like a really gross game of “It”.
To prevent getting the virus that way, you need to make sure you’re washing your hands enough and maybe don’t sit quite so close to your coworker who’s been sneezing and coughing all day. You can still communicate with a bit of “social” distance between you. At least that’s what they tried to have us do in school.
So if you’ve noticed that your flu has been going on for longer than normal and a nice robust chicken soup isn’t doing the trick, it would be advisable to head on down to your doctor. Stay safe, Guyana.
Motorcyclist killed in Berbice accident Road Carnage continues
Another Berbice resident was killed on the Number 19 Highway, East Coast Berbice after he rode his motorcycle into a cow.
Dead is Romaine Behari, 18, Lot 679 Ordnance Fort Lands Housing Scheme, Canje.
Reports reaching this newspaper stated that Behari and his cousin Budram Rampertab also called ‘Ryan’, the pillion rider, were on their way home from work when the accident occurred.
Speaking with Guyana Times, the dead teen’s mother, Kamini Hardial said she received a call informing her about the accident. She said the caller informed her that her son and another male were in an accident and they were being taken to New Amsterdam Hospital.
The grieving mother said she and relatives rushed to the hospital where moments later a doctor informed them
Paris massacre
that Behari was pronounced dead on arrival.
Meanwhile, Rampertab, 17, who had received injuries to his head and elbow was admitted for observation.
Speaking with this publication, Rampertab said he had no recollection of the accident. “I had my face turned to the side so I did not see anything. But when they were taking me into the
hospital I caught myself.”
According to Rampertab he was later informed he and his cousin had hit a cow on the road. “I nev-
time of his death he was employed as an IT specialist at Nand Persaud Group of Companies while his cousin works with the same compa-
er expected him to die… is only Sunday he celebrated his birthday. We were very close,” the cousin said.
Behari had purchased the motorcycle for his 17th birthday last year. At the
ny as a telemarketer. He leaves to mourn a sister, brother and parents. The former New Amsterdam Multilateral School student will be laid to rest on Tuesday.
ISIS claims responsibility
– 350 wounded, 129 killed
Three teams of attackers were involved in the assault on Paris, in which 129 people have been killed and more than 350 injured, the Paris prosecutor says.
"We have to find out where they came from... and how they were financed," Francois Molins told reporters. He said seven attackers had been killed, and that all had been heavily armed and wearing explosive belts.
The attacks on Friday night hit a concert hall, a major sports stadium, restaurants and bars. Molins also said the arrests of three men in Belgium on Saturday were linked to the attacks.
Meanwhile, Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel announced that one of the suspects picked up near Brussels had been in Paris on Friday evening.
Speaking in Paris on Saturday evening, Molins
told reporters: "We can say at this stage of the investigation there were probably three coordinated teams of terrorists behind this barbaric act."
He also confirmed that one of the dead attackers had
been identified as a 30-yearold Frenchman who had a criminal record but had never spent time in jail. The man came from the town of Courcouronnes, 25km (15 miles) West of Paris. He had been identified by the secu-
rity services as having been radicalised but had never been implicated in a counterterrorism investigation.
Molins said all seven militants had used Kalashnikov assault rifles and the same type of explosive vests. (Excerpt from BBC News)
Dead: Romaine Behari
The world reacts to Paris attacks
The motorcycle Romaine Behari was riding
Correia proceeds with plan to rename Ogle Intl Airport
– despite objections of NATA operators
By Kristen MacKlingaM
Plans are already underway by management of the Ogle International Airport to
have it renamed the “Eugene F. Correia International Airport” in spite of objections from key stakeholders at the airport.
Chairman of the board of directors of Ogle Airport Inc
(OAI), Michael Correia Jr, told reporters on Friday that this name change requires a number of regulatory and administrative changes.
As such the airport’s
management team has already written to the Public Infrastructure Ministry as required by the lease agreement and is presently awaiting Minister David
Patterson’s endorsement of the process.
He reiterated that it was President David Granger who suggested that the name of the Ogle International Airport be changed to “Eugene F. Correia International Airport” while the Head of State was at the official launching ceremony of the TGA Beechcraft 1900D on September 17 last.
“Following the President’s announcement, the Secretary of the OAI Board wrote to all the shareholders on the matter with
2 shot as drunken man attempts to disarm Policeman
Aman and a woman are now nursing gunshot injuries after a Police rank’s service weapon accidently went off during an uproar at the R&B Sports Bar, Coverden, East Bank Demerara (EBD), on Saturday morning.
Injured are Linden Samuels, 33, of Soesdyke, EBD and Odessa Glasgow, 27, of Belle Alliance, Essequibo Coast.
According to reports, Police ranks responded to a report of disorderly behavior at the bar at about 01:30h. Information further revealed that when the ranks arrived at the bar, they observed a group of individuals behaving in an ob-
scene manner, and as such, requested that they desist from doing so. Samuels was reportedly among the group that was threatening patrons.
Guyana Times was told that Samuels, who was highly intoxicated, reportedly approached the Police rank and attempted to remove his service weapon. As such, a scuffle ensued and it was during the scuffle, that the Police Officer’s weapon went off hitting the drunken man to his abdomen and the waitress to the right thigh.
Both Samuels and the waitress were taken to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre where they were treated and referred to the Georgetown
Public Hospital for further medical attention.
Guyana Times understands that several patrons have since reported that Samuels is a nuisance in the neighbourhood, since he is int he habit of creating confrontations with persons whenever he is intoxicated.
This publication also understands that several eyewitnesses have given statements and corroborated the report given by the Police rank.
The Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) and the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) have since launched an investigation into the incident.
“no objection” responses being received from all of the shareholders who are not on the Board. When I then put the matter to the Board, two members initially expressed reservation before the Board unanimously agreed to the proposed name change. The Board subsequently advised the President of its decision, after which we received a letter from Air Services Limited with a reversal of their position,” Correia explained.
He posited the fact that a “Correia” was chosen for the Airport to be named after is not the important issue.
Meanwhile, Vice President of the new-
ly formed National Air Transport Association (NATA) during a media briefing on Wednesday stated that the President had made a suggestion but that it was declined, given the disadvantages it would present to other operators.
He also suggested that President Granger may not have taken into consideration such disadvantages when he made the proposal for the airport to be renamed.
“Every single operator around this tabled has written a letter against the renaming of the airport,” Captain Gouveia said.
He further noted that
NATA is “unanimously” against the idea of renaming the airport.
On Friday Michael Correia Jr announced that OAI is not owned by government but rather by a private company.
According to Correia, the airport is owned by Ogle Airport Inc by virtue of a lease issued by the Lands and Surveys Department for 441 acres for a period of 25 years, which commenced on July 17, 2003.
However according to legal opinion a “lease cannot transfer ownership”, so the government still owns the airport. (kristenm@guyanatimesgy.com)
President David Granger
Chairman of the Board of Directors of Ogle Airport Inc Michael Correia Jr
Ogle International Airport
Govt orders dredge operator to cease mining in Isseneru
– fact-finding mission to be conducted
Amid concerns and complaints from the Toshao and representatives of the village of Isseneru, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), Minister of Governance, with responsibility for natural resources and the environment, Raphael Trotman, has directed that mining
works by the operator of a water dredge in the area cease.
This order came into effective immediately, pending a fact-finding mission by the Ministry in the area on Wednesday, the Ministry of the Presidency said in a statement on Saturday.
The Department of Natural Resources and the Environment will be fielding a team of relevant authorities and stakeholders to assess the water quality and other issues and concerns related to pollution and adherence to boundary laws. This will allow for a final decision to be taken in
this matter.
Village leaders of Isseneru have publicly raised a number of concerns about the health and well-being of residents, especially the children, since a number of mining concessions are being operated in close proximity to the village.
CANU arrests cocaine mules in city hotel
Diligent work of the Customs Anti Narcotics Unit (CANU) has led to the interception of two Guyanese men in a city hotel attempting to swallow a quantity of cocaine pellets in the wee hours of Saturday.
Head of the drug enforcement unit James Singh confirmed that one of the men is a patient at a city hospital, where he is expected to excrete the pellets while the second is at CANU headquar-
ters. Both men are assisting with the investigations.
Singh told Guyana Times CANU had been monitoring the men, which lead ranks to a room in the hotel. As the ranks swooped down, one of the men attempted to dispose of the illicit substance through a window but it was retrieved by agents.
One of the men is known to CANU since he was implicated in an immigration matter but was asked to pay a fine when he appeared before
a city Magistrate.
Singh noted that once the cocaine mule has excreted all the pellets, an exact weight will be given. Singh noted that they will continue to work with the other law enforcement bodies to ensure there is a dent in the drug trade.
Meanwhile, this operation comes as the Public Security Ministry is gearing up to form another drug enforcement unit to be called the National Anti-Narcotics
Agency (NANA) to tackle the drug trade in Guyana.
This move has come in for some heavy criticisms since there is already the CANU which has without a doubt put a dent in the drug trade in Guyana despite the little resources at its disposal.
Over the past year, CANU along with other drug enforcement units have made several busts which saw hundreds of kilograms of cocaine intercepted and several people prosecuted.
Eyew tness
Getting it right
…on crime statistics
Afunny thing happened at the Annual Policing meet on combating crime which spirals upwards around Christmas, every year. Masses of the Police Force and the media were there to be enlightened. The Crime Chief, who is “young, educated and forward looking” rapped “a section of the media” that claimed that crime was REALLY spiralling out of control for months.
He didn’t name the “media” but even his police in attendance – who haven’t even solved 10% of the crimes in Guyana – could figure out he was talking about this newspaper. After all, every day in announcing the crimes de jour, does so with the strap-line “As crime spirals out of control”!! Even one cub reporter at the state owned newspaper (but not “state controlled” according to the PM, as he tongue-lashed a reporter) solved the mystery of the “newspaper which couldn’t be named”. Voldemort News?
The gist of his gripe was that crime wasn’t REALLY spiralling out of control. Since he confessed that “serious crimes” up to now is 8% over last year… we guess this is a “controlled” rise? You know, like he must’ve done in his science experiments at UG to figure out gunpowder residue presence or such like under “controlled conditions”? What’s the point of saying if we compare this year crime figures TO THE YEAR BEFORE its only 2%??
Hey… if we compare it to the 2002-2008 period of the Buxton Uprising, the present crime wave would seem like a ripple! And guess what? That’s exactly what the Crime Chief did!! Neither this newspaper nor any other paper ever made such a comparison – because that was a completely different scenario. There was an attack on the state and its perceived supporters by politically motivated bandits.
This is your regular crime – murder, rape, armed robbery and other such depravities – that’s thrown up in modern society. His boss – the National Security Minister had even told him the motive — “greed”. Only now he figured out he should keep monitor “known suspect”? He has to reinvent the wheel of crime fighting?
C’mon chief. Quit pouting and get on with your job of preventing and solving crimes. Let’s see those numbers go down and the “spiral out of control” tag will come off.
…on the Speciality Hospital
Ever since the Speciality Hospital plan was mooted, it faced virulent opposition by the Opposition. It started with Khemraj Ramjattan LEADER of the AFC who, totally COINCIDENTALLY, was the lawyer of the competing Indian firm, Fedders Lloyd, which lost out in the bid of the Indian-government funded hospital. But as the upstanding fella he is (he still stands at 2 am when all drinking has to stop!) Ramjattan swore he hadn’t taken any fees from the company – and will only do so when they get the contract. Contingency fees, eh?
Well, after vowing to cancel the deal because “Guyana didn’t need no Speciality Hospital”, the govt has somersaulted. Seems that we do in fact need that hospital – and even more! So reading between the lines, a new line of credit’s being negotiated – and, of course, new bidding.
Wanna bet Ramjattan’s client wins the bid this time? Totally coincidentally, of course. And the fee will be collected?
Not because of any pecuniary gain, but because it’s the honourable thing to do!
…on log exports
Ditto to the above on log exports by Bai Shan Lin. NEVER GONNA HAPPEN NO MO!! Oops! Sorry… just for another two years.
“A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds…”
Readers are invited to send their comments by email to eye@guyanatimesgy.com
Teenage pregnancy endangers your baby, your life – Dr Norton
By Devina Samaroo
The recent death of 17-year-old Nikacia Allen during childbirth sent shockwaves through the country, and as unfortunate as the case may have been, it played an important role in bringing to the fore the pressing issue that adolescent pregnancy is a serious threat to one’s life.
Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton explained that teenage pregnancy, as prevalent as the incidents may be across the globe, is an extremely risky procedure, especially when it is unplanned or unexpected.
“It endangers your baby and it endangers you,” Minister Norton stated.
Dr Norton highlighted that Guyana is not equipped with the latest technology to effectively monitor and control the risks involved in adolescents childbirths and very often, both mother and child are impaired with long-term complications. In some cases, situations are fatal.
The 17-year-old mother hailed from the North West District and she died after giving birth to her third child via caesarean section.
“She gave birth to her third child at 17. This means that she gave birth to her first child at age 13. At that age, she would have had to do a caesarean section and with each caesarean section, the uterus walls weaken and complications arise,” Dr Norton explained.
Dangers to the teen mother
When a woman is pregnant, the body is programmed to direct nutrients to the foetus to aid in its development. When a teenager is pregnant, the nutrients digested would have to be divided between the mother and the baby and as a result, the underdeveloped teen would suffer from anaemia (deficiency of red blood cells). Consequently, hypertension (high blood pressure) occurs. As a result of the hypertension, the young girl develops preeclampsia which is a condition during pregnancy often accompanied by fluid retention and kidney failure.
“The mother would then
Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton
become exhausted and by the time she comes to deliver, they do not have any force left to push the baby and they end up suffering. Most often, teenage mothers do not get a smooth physiological flow of birth… they suffer,” Dr Norton stated.
Teenage mothers – due to the fact that most still have under matured bodies – would have to resort to caesarean section procedures to deliver their baby.
“It is a high risk procedure,” Dr Norton warned.
He explained that when you cut the uterus to take out the baby, the tissues will now have to heal. Now, should the mother become pregnant again, it becomes more difficult to deliver without complications due to the wear and tear of the uterus walls.
“This is my advice, do not go for the third,” Dr Norton cautioned. He pointed out that by then, the uterus walls would become so battered from the three incisions that the pregnancy could very well be fatal.
“During pregnancy, the eggs come and insert itself in the walls of the uterus but because the walls will be scarred, the placenta will penetrate much deeper than normal, it would go through walls of the uterus and affects neighbouring organs like the rectum or the bladder,” he stated, noting that this will result in severe complications which Guyana is not highly equipped to address.
“While I am aware that persons have done more than three caesarean sections with no complications, it is high
risked… Sometimes, the mother will bleed profusely and result in deaths because you will start getting renal failures and heart failures,” he stated.
Baby suffers
The highest health risk to the newborn baby of a teenager mother is prematurity.
“... He is born before [his] time. This means that the baby will not be fully developed and the possibility of the baby suffering from infection and low development rate exists,” Dr Norton stated, noting if the complications are not addressed in time, the baby could die.
Sometimes, the baby will be placed in an incubator to assist in its respiratory functions or to be exposed to the correct temperature. But even this is risky, Dr Norton pointed out.
“The light might sometimes affect the baby’s eyes… or the concentration of oxygen the baby breathes in during its period in the incubator can be of such an intensity to cause vessels in the eye to overgrow its normal length and as a result it produces blindness – retinopathy of prematurity.
“Any form of new blood vessels in the retina area where they are not supposed to be can be considered as retinopathy of prematurity even though it can be treated, it is a highly sophisticated form of treatment done by a highly speacilised person,” he stated; noting again, that Guyana is yet to acquire such skills in its medical practice.
Additionally, the baby will be denied the necessary care she/he needs to fully develop.
“The premature baby might not be able to breastfeed and that will rob the baby of that opportunity to develop an immune system that will be able to fight against bacteria so you find that the baby also suffers from anaemia, meaning low blood count because the whole system has not been developed,” Dr Norton stated.
Stigma and discrimination
Dr Norton highlighted too that the social consequences of teenage pregnancy often lead to health complications.
Fire guts La Grange house
An early morning fire completely gutted a La Grange, West Bank Demerara (WBD) house, just a short distance away from the La Grange Police Station. Fortunately, the building was unoccupied at the time.
Guyana Times was told that when firefighters arrived on the scene, the building was already destroyed.
Concerns have been raised over the fact that the area, which is highly populated and surrounded by a number of developing housing schemes, is not equipped with a fire station. The closest fire station to the area is the Lenora Fire Station. The remnants of the house which was gutted by fire
He noted that due to the immensity of the discrimination and stigmatisation attached to teenage pregnancy, the expectant mother would try her best to hide the pregnancy or to unsafely terminate the pregnancy.
“The young lady living in Campbellville will not want to go to the health centre because everyone knows her and she will be ashamed and afraid that people will see her and start gossiping. Even the healthcare givers are often guilty of this and because of this, the child will not go to the clinic and she will not get the necessary care she needs leading up to childbirth,” Dr Norton said.
He noted too that teenage mothers will attempt to terminate their pregnancy by ingesting poisonous substances that could result in dire consequences for the mother.
Dr Norton emphasised that teenage pregnancy is a serious public health issue, as well as a serious social prob lem that Guyana needs to ad dress from all angles.
For starters, the Minister is urging Guyanese to recog nise that mistakes happen and instead of compounding the situation, do something that is helpful.
The Minister urged, “You do not know what these girls went through; you do not know their stories. This is not to say that teen age pregnancy is ac ceptable. We all have to play our part. We need for educational campaigns to prevent it from happening but when it does hap pen, we need to address the situation accordingly.” (devinas@guyanatimesgy. com)
One dead, six injured as truck topples at Itabali
Aminer was killed while six others in-
jured after the truck they were travelling in toppled at Itabali, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) on Saturday.
Dead is Jermaine Khan, 36, of One Mile, Pataro, Bartica. The names of the six injured people were not im-
mediately available. Of the six persons injured, four were rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital. The two others who sustained lacerations about their bodies are being treated at the Bartica Hospital.
F Division Commander, Senior Superintendent Ravindradat Budhram has
confirmed that the accident occurred late Saturday afternoon. He stated the truck was travelling down a slope when the driver reportedly lost control, resulting in it toppling several times before coming to a halt.
Those who were in the tray of the truck received severe injuries.
Guyana Times understands the driver was reportedly driving speeding in order to catch the pontoon at Winiperu Crossing when the accident occurred.
The injured people were rushed to the Bartica Hospital where Khan was pronounced dead on arrival. The police are investigating.
Bush Lot jeweller robbed at Rosignol Market
ABush Lot, Berbice jeweller who has been plying his trade for the past 15 years at the Rosignol Market, in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) was on Saturday morning relieved of a quantity of gold jewellery.
Brandat Singh, also called “Rakesh Singh”, of Public Road, Bush Lot, West Coast Berbice, arrived at the market at about 06:30h and was
about to display his jewellery in the glass case when a man came from behind and snatched several pairs of earrings and finger rings.
The man then escaped on foot but another man suspected to have been an accomplice to the robbery was arrested by Police in the vicinity of the market.
Speaking with Guyana Times , Singh explained that the two men were seen
at the market earlier purchasing watermelons.
From all indications, the two men were waiting for Singh to arrive.
The distraught businessman explained that the perpetrator came up from behind him and pushed his hand into the glass case and pulled out a handful of jewellery before escaping.
“After he pulled out the jewellery, he run up the road but I couldn’t go be-
hind him since it was me alone. I raised an alarm and then people come to my rescue,” he stated.
Upon checking, the businessman confirmed that the bandit escaped with more than 35 pennyweight of gold worth in excess of $260,000.
He immediately contacted the Blairmont Police Station, only to be told the there was only one Police rank on duty and he could not leave the station.
The businessman then drove to the Fort Wellington Police Station and made a report. He was accompanied by Police to the scene and it was at this time that the businessman noticed the accomplice. The man was arrested and is in Police custody assisting with investigation.
AIDS hit Guyana. Again.
Satiricus had all but bitten his fingernails to the quick. His buddy Cappo could tell he was anxious and worried. And why not?
Cappo had informed him that Guyana was suffering from its second attack of AIDS – the first being under Burnt Ham and the Pee-an-See.
“Look how much people bin dead den from AIDS under Burnt Ham!” said Cappo. “Imagine wha guh happen now!”
“Man Cappo, is what schupidness you telling me?” Satiricus complained. “AIDS didn't get to Guyana till 1987 and by the Burnt Ham was loong dead.”
“1987?! 1987?!” Cappo was practically screaming now. “Budday! Is na me and you bin livin’ right heah? AIDS hit Guyana when Burnt Ham nationalise all dem big business and ban dhaal and flour!”
“So without big business and dhaal and flour, we get AIDS?” asked Satiricus incredulously.
“Sato, old friend, yuh get stupid or yuh playin’ stupid?”replied Cappo with more than a touch of irritation. “Is when you cyaan get job and you na gat money fuh but food yuh does get AIDS. Dhaal and flour na CAUSE AIDS, but when you already gat AIDS, it does help fuh full yuh belly.”
Satiricus looked at Cappo closely to see if he was pulling an elaborate gag. His cane cutter buddy was known for that. But no. Cappo was actually getting upset with Satiricus.
“So tell me Cappo…and exactly how Burnt Ham give us AIDS after he took over all de businesses?” Satiricus phrased his words carefully and made sure he didn't roll his eyes.
“Geez, Saato,” said Cappo, who did roll his eyes, “How yuh could forget how all abee father lose they job and all abee get AIDS? We use fuh get white mouth.”
“WE – me and you – had AIDS?” Satiricus couldn't keep his voice from raising. “And how did we get rid of AIDS again?
“Bai, is na when PPCEE throw out the Pee-an-See and all abee get back wuk and we na gat AIDS na mo?” Said Cappo in a puzzled voice.
“And we getting back AIDS now?” asked Satiricus.
“Sayo, yuh na see de sign all around yuh?” said Cappo exasperatedly. “People losin’ deh job, no money, white mout, even dem office people. De Pee-an-See come back. Deh cyaan run nothin’!!!”
Satiricus thought he saw a light. “Cappo what is this AIDS you talking about?”
“AIDS, na! De manager tell abee about AIDS when he seh how dem gon close de sugar estate,” Cappo explained patiently and slowly. He wanted to say the big words correctly “A…I…D…S… APNU Income Deficiency Syndrome.”
“De Pee-an-See does spread it,” he concluded proudly.
A lack of quality
B y R yhaan S hah
It is an ignoble start to this administration that it has chosen to set itself apart from the people as an elevated elite. This is the behaviour of dictators and autocrats whose narcissism allows them to bestow all manner of grandiose ideas and behaviours on themselves.
Ryhaan Shah
Narcissistic leaders are interested only in themselves and their needs and Minister Joe Harmon’s remark that the APNU/AFC government comprises quality people deserving of “quality” pay also befits the image of the last PNC-led government.
As the supreme leader, Burnham set himself above and apart from the people and given that the Granger administration is bent on reviving his militarization of the country, and his failed economic policies and institutionalized racism, Harmon’s remark was, perhaps, a Freudian slip.
The writer Ernest Hemingway said, “There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self.”
Like its former time in power, this PNC-led administration has proceeded to place itself outside the norms of democratic governance which embody that equalizing, constitutional formula of “we, the people”.
That the cabinet defends its 50% pay hike on the grounds that they are quality people should have come as no surprise, since the administration was already displaying arrogance in every area of government and governance.
This, despite President David Granger’s use of the term “your government” in his addresses as if to emphasise his government’s understanding of their role of service. It is, however, pure form with no substance and the unapologetic declaration of his administration’s perceived superior status does still shock for its naked call to arrogance, elitism and unchecked power.
They feel no need for evasion or pretence on the matter of their “quality” which must mean that they are very sure of their support base. Perhaps, they have good reason.
Despite all that the PNC did in its near 30 years of mismanagement, Afro-Guyanese went to the polls in 1992 and voted solidly for their party. Race alone mattered so President David Granger and his quality cabinet, despite the rumblings coming even from among their supporters, must feel that their base will never abandon them.
But the PNC’s grandiosity goes against the grain of everything we know about greatness in leadership: that it is an attribute measured by humility and selflessness.
During the last Century we saw true greatness in leadership as exemplified by Mahatma Gandhi. His life was a lesson in humility and grace and his work was marked by his stand, shoulder to shoulder, with the people.
His life and work inspired the Black American civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr, and the South African stalwart Nelson Mandela. They all fought against injustice and did this by standing as one of the people. None of them ever thought to set themselves apart or saw their leadership as placing them on a pedestal.
None of these great leaders sought financial gain, either. In fact, Gandhi was famously poor, his poverty being a hallmark of his selfless dedication to the struggle.
Our own history is not devoid of selfless leaders. Burnham and Jagan both fought valiantly in the earliest days of their political careers against the colonial powers. They, too, stood with the people and Jagan never lost that attribute.
His humility was his most endearing and enduring quality. Burnham, on the other hand, gave in to his love of flamboyancy and showmanship and placed himself above everyone else.
None of us expect the greatness of Gandhi from our leaders and would be content with a healthy measure of goodness, honesty and dedication to duty especially since Guyana is still struggling to be truly independent of the many political and social ills inherited from our colonial past and which continue to mar our progress in these postindependence years.
Not rice or gold or bauxite has lifted us out of the quagmire and who knows that oil will. More than natural resources, we are in dire need of leaders who will place duty to country above financial remuneration and who will work with the people for that goal of a good life for all.
But we are to be denied even the basic attributes of decency from this administration. Their boast that they are quality people actually proves the opposite and shows them as lacking refinement, character, and any moral good.
In this context, a Code of Conduct is meaningless. “Quality people” will never be held to mundane standards set by us, the people, and their justification of their vulgar pay hike already proves that point.
Readers
“Haul off stage” statement
Women advocates chastise Charandass –
call for public apology
“Disrespectful”, “abusive” and “irresponsible” were some of the adjectives used to describe Alliance for Change (AFC) Member of Parliament (MP)
Charandass Persaud’s assault on fellow MP Dr Vindhya Persaud, when he expressed his desire to “haul her off” stage.
The AFC parliamentarian deemed it fit to write a Letter to the Editor, attacking and threatening the Hindu Leader for merely expressing her views regarding her religion.
“Dr Vindhya Persaud so disgusted me that I felt like hauling (her) off the stage,” penned the AFC leader under a letter which purported to be calling for a reconciliation of Hindu-Guyanese who were in disagreement over the Diwali date.
His well-thought-out sentiments generated much upheaval among women
rights activists and women leaders who demanded the AFC MP make a public apology to Dr Persaud and also to all Guyanese women.
Charandass’s statement prompted much disapproval and condemnation from a number of women’s rights supporters.
People’s Progressive Party Member of Parliament Priya Manickchand took to Facebook expressing her disgust over Charandass’s comments.
“This is outrageous and must be condemned by all, irrespective of how you voted. This is the kind of brutish thing that leads to the interpersonal and gender based violence we see. You don’t like what the woman said and your first reaction is that you should physically attack her…‘haul her off the stage’...by her hair maybe? By her sari? After you have kicked her a few times?”
Manickchand posted.
In further expressing her shock, Manickchand questioned, “How could a leader of the country and a representative of Government feel comfortable, not only entertaining such thoughts, but taking the time to send it to a newspaper for publication?”
Also
She further added she is ashamed to call him a friend. “Apologise Charran…now… and unreservedly,” she stated.
lashing out at the blatant attack on Dr Persaud is PPP/C MP Africo Selman, who also called on Charandass to publicly apologise for his insensitive attack.
Karen Desouza
Chairperson of the Gender and Equality Commission Indra Chanderpal
PPP/C MP Dr Vindhya Persaud
AFC MP Charandass Persaud
PPP/C MP Gillian Burton-Persaud
Ramjattan sued by former Legal Clerk
Public Security Minister and Attorney Khemraj Ramjattan has been sued by his former legal clerk.
Two weeks ago, Guyana Times broke the news about Minister Ramjattan’s arbitrary termination of his legal clerk Alex Hilken.
Now, in an attempt to seek justice the former employee has instructed his Attorney Charles Ramson Jr to institute legal proceedings, and a lawsuit was filed against the Minister.
On Hilken’s request, Ramson Jr wrote to the Chief Labour Officer demanding an investigation and the institution of criminal charges once the investigation determines the veracity of Hilken’s story.
Contacted for a comment on the matter, Ramson confirmed that indeed proceedings have been filed and served but said the matter is now sub judice so it would be improper and unlawful to reveal further details.
Nonetheless, Ramson Jr cautioned that he does not want the situation to become a political issue.
Hilken had told this newspaper that following the May 11 Elections, Ramjattan changed and had the employ-
ees attached to his private law firm hanging in hyperspace as uncertainty loomed about their continued employment, given his appointment to the Government as a Vice President and National Security Minister.
Hilken said another Attorney was pinpointed to take over and had agreed to look after the affairs of the Chambers following a meeting with Ramjattan but soon after experienced severe difficulty in meeting the overhead and other operating expenses of the Chambers.
The young man, who
worked as Ramjattan’s legal clerk and driver over a three-year period including throughout the elections campaign, said he turned up at the office one day to find a letter on his desk informing that as of August 3, 2015 his services were terminated as the Chambers could not afford to pay all staff, particularly him.
Hilken told this publication that his attempts to seek clarification on the matter only resulted in utter embarrassment and humiliation.
The young man had said that after much discussion he met with Ramjattan face to face to have the matter clarified as everyone was in disbelief over the status of their employment.
At that meeting he enquired about his severance pay and the reasons for his dismissal but was told he was not entitled to severance pay.
The young man is claiming that he is owed over $200,000 in severance.
Ramjattan denies Meanwhile, contacted for a comment on the matter, Ramjattan denied the allegations made by his former employee.
“When I handed over my Chambers, he was still fully employed,” Ramjattan declared, and made it clear he could not be responsible for the young man’s dismissal as it was the act of the new attorney.
“I cannot say if he did something and was summarily dismissed. I do not know”, Minister Ramjattan offered.
He said it was quite unfortunate that Hilkin was going around making accusations against him as the young man knows fully well that he was not the one to terminate his services.
Younge’s Take
Reforming the PPP
Over the next few months, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic must embark on a determined and genuine course of action that would see the party benefiting from long overdue structural and internal reforms that would improve its overall image and transform it into an enhanced modern political organism.
Michael Younge
The party, at this time in its history, cannot afford to allow its current machinery and political apparatus to continue to function without seeking to correct deficiencies that have, for decades, bedevilled its own support base and retarded its political integrity.
The PPP/C, under leadership of its General Secretary Clement Rohee, appears not to understand the need to commence an open and frank discussion on the path the party must traverse over the next few years if it is to remain relevant, politically attractive to the masses, and competent under the new opposition dispensation.
This discussion cannot be led by those within the party that have contributed to its downfall at the polls in one way or other. The discussion cannot happen at the level of its Executive and Central Committee only.
Also, it is not wise for the party to attempt to window-dress the process out of fear that it may not go down well in the end and some members who have given their entire careers to the party will be out-manoeuvred by newer talent and personalities.
The PPP/C has to ensure the discussion is led by its youths and those within the party who will shoulder the leadership after those who have already served wither and become unattractive to a new breed of voters and Guyanese.
Unfortunately, it appears that those with real power within the party’s fixed dinosauric structure are subtly fighting to have the current status quo remain and are not listening to the cries of the membership for real change.
This has resulted in the formation of cliques and gangs within the party who are willing to challenge each other in order to have their ideas and ideologies not only respected but acted upon.
While this is good for democracy, it is also dangerous because it points to the inability of those sitting at Freedom House on Robb Street to accept that the party needs to strengthen its image and keep its membership busy and interlocked with its programme of action and ideology until it regains the reins of Executive Government.
The PPP/C has had a rich tradition and culture under Cheddi and Janet Jagan for instilling discipline within its ranks and demanding that those who aspire to lead, follow first. They have always said that these would-be leaders have had to pass the confidence of test of not only the wider party membership but the general public.
The party, therefore, must understand the importance of its posture and public commentary on issues that affect the populace.
It must read the mood of the people properly and understand it has contributed largely to the public’s resentment for corruption, nepotism, dishonesty and make-shift brands of democracy.
Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo must insist too that the party works extremely hard with his office to expose the excesses of the current Government if it wants to be victorious at the Local Government Polls and another round of General Elections which may be eminent given the elections petition before the courts.
In short, Jagdeo must use his influence within the party’s hierarchy to ramrod those who continue to reject the will of the membership because they are entitled or next in line to benefit from well-paying jobs or positions within in its structure and Government. He and the General Secretary will have to work in tune to achieve a myriad of objections, (personalities aside) that would see the PPP/c cleansing itself from the divisive work of opportunists, trouble makers and place-holders within its system.
The party needs to occasion a congress soon for its youth, women and general membership so that new life can be breathed into the body of a party which is still badly wounded from the betrayal of some of its past soldiers and chief marksmen.
New youth leadership and a new brand of democracy as well as the involvement of the wider grassroots in the decision making process can lead to the commencement of the healing of the many internal wounds of the PPP and would result in its popularity rating soaring over the next few years.
Some in the party must bow out like Margaret Thatcher did in Britain, because sooner or later, the wider membership is bound to have its say and sway, and they will face the worse form of rejection at the internal polls because they have not listened.
Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan
Legal Clerk Alex Hilken
Restoring humanity in our hospitals
OGovt, EU, CIOG condemns attack on Paris
The Government of Guyana has joined the rest of the world in standing in solidarity with the people of France following the heinous acts of terrorism executed in Paris on Friday.
ver the last two weeks, we have witnessed two dramatic accidents for which public servants are responsible: the fractured skull of a one-hour-old baby who, based on the report of his mother, would have slipped from a nurse’s or doctor’s hands before he reached the warmth of the nursery, and the fractured arms of little baby Arveer who was denied his planned birth by caesarean section (C-section) as he was roughly ripped from his mother during delivery. The first occurred at the Georgetown Public Hospital while the second happened at the Suddie Public Hospital. In both cases, the babies belong to modest families who were forced to comply with the medical negligence of the hospital staff and deprived of accurate reports on the cause of their children’s suffering. The hospitals have failed to date, to respect basic principles of accountability and transparency, and in so doing, have demonstrated what could best be described as disrespect for people who have little or no means of action in face of such grave medical blunders.
What stood out from the reports of these parents is the alleged hostility and deliberate negligence of the hospital nurses, in particular at the Georgetown Public Hospital. The mothers appeared to be traumatized, not only by the injuries their babies suffered, but also by the attitude of nurses which they described to have been unwelcoming, uncaring and mean. Somehow, this was not surprising news, for we have been hearing for time untold about the alleged fractious, disrespectful and rude behaviour of which nurses are accused by patients, particularly in the maternity ward.
Similar accounts have been given by Amerindians forced to seek medical assistance at the Georgetown Public Hospital. There are cases where Amerindians are said to be ignored by nurses because they are unable to speak fluent English. In a recent report from an Amerindian mother who went to the hospital to deliver, she described a much more crude and insulting encounter where, the nurse upon hearing that she was already a mother of three boys and three girls, suggested that she had come to deliver “the anti-man of the family”. What could a mother in labour respond to that? In addition to being allegedly pushed around by the nurse who had little regard for her pains, the mother was alone and helpless, forced to endure what felt like chastisement from a public servant who is paid taxpayers’ dollars to guarantee the safety and well-being of patients.
This raises the issue of how Amerindians who travel long distances from the interior are treated upon reaching the hospitals on the coast. There is no proper reception for them, and those who do not speak English are at a severe disadvantage of not being prioritised, or given immediate or proper treatment and attention. It is not certain whether the hospitals, even in Georgetown, take special precautions to remain in constant communication with the Amerindian (now Indigenous) People’s Affairs Ministry, should its intervention become necessary.
A certain Damon Corrie over a month ago described the rudimentary treatment his adopted son and daughterin-law received from the Georgetown Public Hospital staff when their child died. In his open letter to the media, he emphasised that this indifference to their suffering was even dealt by one of the “biggest big shots in Government”, supposedly his adopted son’s uncle. Although one shouldn’t expect any preferential treatment based on relations in Government, Damon Corrie did mark a valid point, and that is, the neglect of our health care system starting by those at the very top.
Perhaps, now, after six months of assuming office, the coalition Government hopefully, has finally settled in and can place special focus on how to enhance our health care system, starting by rendering it more humane and accommodating to patients.
For those who argue that lack of financial incentives and small salaries are the cause of the alleged poor attitude of nurses and hospital staff, it should be noted that respect for humanity is at the very foundation of the medical professions, and nurses and other hospital staff might do well to remind themselves of it.
(Please send question and comments to sundayarrow@gmail.com)
In a statement issued on Saturday, the government stated it condemns, in the strongest possible terms, these coordinated despicable acts of “pure evil” perpetrated on innocent citizens, which resulted in the needless loss of life.
“Guyana sends condolences and prayerful thoughts to our friends in France and all French citizens throughout the world. These acts remind us that there still exists among us evil forces which use the cloak of a peace-loving religion as justification for their murderous agenda,” the statement said.
It added that the government recognises Islam as a religion of peace and that the vast majority of Muslims lead peaceful and law-abiding lives in their ummah.
“We reject those who use Islam or any other religion as a front to attack the people of any nation.”
Meanwhile, the European Union (EU) on Saturday stated that they are “deeply shocked” and in mourning after the act of mass terrorism, which they stated “is an attack against us all”.
The Union declared they would be offering all means of support to the French nation, saying they “will face this threat together with all necessary means and ruthless determination”. The EU opined that France is a great and strong nation which values liberty, equality and fraternity, and will remain a worldwide inspiration. This shameful act of terrorism, it stated, will only achieve the “opposite of its purpose, which was to divide, frighten, and sow hatred. Good is stronger than evil.”
Also joining in the condemnation of the massacre in Paris is the Central Islamic Organization of Guyana (CIOG), which on Saturday described that act by ISIS as “despicable atrocities that were visited upon the innocent civilians”.
CIOG further blasted the claims of the terrorist group, that they conducted the acts of terrorism in the name of Islam. “They cannot be deemed Muslims. They are very mistaken and no longer subscribe to the teachings of Islam and the laws that govern the lives of Muslims. Their dastardly acts further serve to contribute to the negativities that currently exist against our great and noble religion Islam,” CIOG said in its statement.
The CIOG stated that they are praying the perpetrators of these acts, who claim to be Muslims, would seek to bring an immediate cessation to their activities, pause and reflect on
the true and rich teachings of Islam and all its virtues. ISIS, an Islamic militant group, has claimed responsibility for the attacks which took place on Friday. The attackers targeted a concert hall, a stadium, restaurants and bars where they opened fire indiscriminately in Paris. In the nearly simultaneous attacks on Friday night, the assailants targeted six sites leaving 129 persons dead and 350 others injured.
Anna Correia
Attacks also took place at restaurants in the 10th and 11th arrondissements of the city
Bandit chopped during NA home invasion
One of three bandits who invaded the business place of Nicholas Harrynandan at Tucber Park, New Amsterdam, Berbice was in the wee hours of Saturday brutally chopped to the head, face, legs and arms by the businessman.
The bandit, identified as Brian Dhanphat, 26, of Smyth Field, New Amsterdam, is presently at the New Amsterdam hospital under Police guard.
The businessman, who also sustained serious injuries during the ordeal, was transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH).
According to reports, the businessman who operates the Bull’s Supermarket was asleep in his veranda when he was awakened by
a strange noise emanating from inside his home. As he ventured to investigate he was confronted by the three bandits. In retaliating, the businessman grabbed a cutlass that was nearby and began firing chops at the men. He
Women advocates...
“It’s an attack on all Guyanese women, you know, not only Guyanese women but all women in general,” Selman stated.
The former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) MP also demanded an explanation for the deafening silence from the government benches over this matter.
“Is he speaking as an AFC member or at the level of the coalition government? I wonder if this is the view of the coalition or the view of the Party. If it is the view of the coalition, I call on President David Granger to come out and make a statement condemning what was said by that MP,” Selman insisted.
She also called on Social
Protection Ministers Volda Lawrence and Simona Broomes to come out publicly and express their views on this assault on a fellow women rights advocate.
“All women should condemn it. His action, as a leader, is saying to the ordinary man that it is right to be an abuser, that it is right to abuse women,” she said.
Additionally, another PPP/C MP Gillian BurtonPersaud expressed her utter dissatisfaction with the comments made by the AFC leader. She lamented the fact that all the rights activities and women organisations have not uttered a single condemnation on his actions.
“I therefore call upon all those who preach, seek, en-
was however overpowered and beaten severely before two bandits escaped, leaving their injured accomplice behind.
The Police were called in and recovered a 16 gauge shotgun left by the bandits.
When Guyana Times visited the home later on Saturday, blood stains were evident on the floor and yard. A relative of the injured businessman told this newspaper that after gaining entry, the bandits attempted to lock the businessman in the veranda but he was awakened and the scuffle ensued.
This newspaper was told that the businessman’s wife was also awakened and upon seeing the men began throwing household items at them.
dure and participate in the upholding of these fundamental rights, on Civil Society, on all Rights Organizations and Activists and more so, on the government to denounce these unwarranted acts of verbal abuse on our female political and religious leaders and indeed all women in our society,” she stated.
Burton-Persaud pointed out that the demand for a public apology is not asking too much since these remarks were proudly laid in the public domain without reservation and remorse and the evidence is there to prove same.
Irresponsible
Moreover, Chairperson of the Gender and Equality Commission Indra
The men then retreated, having realised that neighbours were already altered by the screams of the businessman and his wife. One escaped through the veranda while the other ran through the
Chanderpaul said the AFC MP’s behaviour is totally irresponsible.
“He ought to have known better. His behaviour is uncalled for and it is disrespectful to Dr Persaud,” Chanderpaul expressed.
She highlighted that Dr Persaud is not only a leading advocate for women across Guyana, but is also President of one of the largest Hindu organisations in the country and the AFC MP’s attack was completely uncalled for.
“What he is seeking to do, he is denying her freedom to choose, her freedom to belief and freedom to express her beliefs, and he didn’t have to go to the function, he could have chosen not to be there,” she stated, expressing the ab-
surdity in the situation.
back door.
Meanwhile, a Police source has indicated that the injured bandit has identified his two accomplices and a manhunt for them has since been launched.
Not the most violent Karren Desouza, another women’s rights activist, expressed that the AFC parliamentarian’s behaviour is not the most “violent” or “agonizing” situation from leaders of Guyana.
“This is not the most disrespectful thing I find leaders of the country doing,” she stated.
Nonetheless, she agreed that his actions were irresponsible and offensive towards women.
“I agree that his expression is unfortunate; it is an unfortunate way to express his frustration,” Desouza stated. She added that Guyanese
should continue their efforts against all violence and work towards building a better country.
“We would like to be living in a world where frustrations do not lead to a certain kind of crisis… I think we should all keep on doing the work in building a nonviolent society,” she stated.
Meanwhile, it must be noted this incident is not the first time Charandass Persaud was publicly disrespectful towards women in Guyana. 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. (devinas@guyanatimesgy.com)
The injured Brian Dhanphat
The businessman’s home
SunDAY, november 15, 2015 | guYAnAtimeSgY.com
Forde is new GFF president
– Team Integrity pips Team Unity 12-10
By AvenAsh RAmzAn
Businessman Wayne
Forde has been voted in as president of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) following Team Integrity’s 12-10 victory over the Nigel Hughesled Team Unity at the GFF Congress on Saturday at the Marriott Hotel in Kingston, Georgetown.
All 22 Member Associations of the GFF participated in what has been dubbed in many quarters as one of the most significant elections in the history of the local governing body.
“On behalf of my executive body, I want to say thank you to the football fraternity, the Guyana football fraternity, for expressing their confidence and their faith in us to transform the landscape of football in Guyana,” Forde said moments after being elected to office.
He continued, “For many years we have been listening to the cry for change, and I think the members of the Guyana football fraternity have demonstrated their faithfulness in the possibility of that change. I can tell you with complete confidence that that change has come to
Guyana’s football.”
Forde, who is the current head of the Tucville-based Fruta Conquerors Football Club, envisages a “challenging task”, but said he is confident in his slate, which comprises Col. Bruce Lovell, Rawlston Adams, Thandi McAllister, Dion Inniss, Magazine Stewart, Rayan Farrias and Keith O’Jeer.
“This is a journey that we cannot take alone. We need all hands on deck, and throughout the campaign we’ve expressed at every opportunity, the importance of including all stakeholders… and I believe that that will be
the hallmark of this executive for the next four years,” Forde explained.
A model of inclusivity is what Forde is keen on pursuing during his tenure, and he has not ruled out calling on the expertise of members of the Team Unity slate.
“I’ve already extended a warm hand of friendship to the respected members of Team Unity, and we know that during any election process, there could be some hurt and I think that once of my first tasks will be to reach out to these guys, and to find a find a way to bring them immediately, because they all bring with them good talent, good experience and resources that we need at this point,” Forde divulged.
He added, “There is no other way to pursue success at this task that we have before us. We have to find a way to include every member of
the Guyana football fraternity- the government, business community- we have to have all hands on deck.”
On his most immediate plan as he assumes to the office the Clinton Urling-led Normalisation Committee occupied for the past year, Forde replied, “What I do know is that the newly elected body will have to do a complete assessment as to where we are. I’m happy that the NC [Normalisation Committee] is going to be part of the transitional arrangement.”
He stated that the audit report, which will have to be finished by February 2016, will be among the initial tasks to be completed by his body.
Lumumba U-turn
A source told this publication that before the voting process began, Normalisation Committee Chairman, Clinton Urling, had request-
ed of Team Unity’s candidate Odinga Lumumba to stand and withdraw from the contesting the elections after he indicated last week his desire to do so via a letter to the press. That letter was later sent to the Normalisation Committee, but it is understood that the deadline to seek a withdrawal had passed. The source informed that Lumumba did not accede to the request to withdraw from the Congress on Saturday, despite Team Unity members urging him otherwise.
Many at the venue felt that Lumumba’s posture may have had a significant impact on the outcome of the election.
Meanwhile, Guyana Times Sport also learnt that the Normalisation Committee was unanimously voted in as an Honourary Member of the GFF, without voting and decision-making rights.
Australia maintain stranglehold on NZ
Australia maintained their commanding position on day two of the second Test of their three-match series against New Zealand in Perth.
The hosts resumed on 416-2 and despite losing seven wickets while adding 143, they still declared on a massive 559-9.
David Warner edged to second slip after adding only nine to his overnight 244.
New Zealand soon lost openers Martin Guptill and Tom Latham, but Kane Williamson (70 not out) and Ross Taylor helped them to 140-2 at the close.
Taylor made an unbeaten 26 as the third-wicket pair shared an unbroken stand of 53, fending off the Australian attack with a stubborn rearguard action.
That partnership is expected to be key if their side are to make significant inroads into a deficit which still stands at 419. New Zealand are already 1-0 down in the series, having lost the opening Test in Brisbane.
wickets dec; 133 overs) 559
Fall of wickets: 1-101 (Burns, 22.4 ov), 2-403 (Khawaja, 86.2 ov), 3-427 (Warner, 95.4 ov), 4-462 (Smith, 107.5 ov), 5-512 (Voges, 122.3 ov), 6-539 (Marsh,
128.4 ov), 7-547 (Nevill, 131.1 ov), 8-547 (Starc, 131.4 ov), 9-547 (Johnson, 131.5 ov)
Bowling: TG Southee 29-688-0, TA Boult 26-2-123-2 (1w), MJ Henry 22-2-105-2, DAJ Bracewell 25-1-81-2 (4-nb), MD Craig 23-0-123-3, KS Williamson 3-0-11-0, MJ Guptill 3-0-70, BB McCullum 2-0-16-0
New Zealand 1st innings MJ Guptill lbw b Starc 1 TWM Latham c Smith b Lyon 36 KS Williamson not out 70 LRPL
Spinners, openers put India in control
AB de Villiers’ masterly knock of 85 in his 100th Test match could not gloss over South Africa’s spin frailty as India gained the upper hand in the second Test after dominating the opening day’s play at Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday.
Spin duo Ravindra Jadeja (4-50) and Ravichandran Ashwin (4-70) spun a web around the Proteas, who were bundled out for 214 in their first innings on a track that contained no demons.
In reply, India cruised to 80 for no loss at stumps with Shikhar Dhawan (45) and Murali Vijay (28) looking largely at ease against South Africa’s depleted pace attack. Vijay got a reprieve on 21, though, when Imran Tahir spilled a simple catch off Morne Morkel’s bowling at square leg.
The hosts, who lead the four-match series 1-0, will be particularly happy with Dhawan’s return to form af-
ter the southpaw scored a duck in both innings of the first Test in Mohali.
Earlier, South Africa crossed the 200 mark for the first time in the series before being bundled out for a below-par total with de Villiers exhibiting the kind of decisive footwork that was missing from his teammates.
Playing in the city he represents in the Indian Premier League (IPL), each of the 11 boundaries and the six de Villiers hit was heartily applauded by the large crowd who chanted “ABD, ABD” throughout his knock. (Hindustan Times)
58.6 ov) Bowling: I Sharma 13-3-40-0 (4nb), STR Binny 3-2-1-0, R Ashwin 18-2-70-4, VR Aaron 9-0-51-1 (2-nb), RA Jadeja 16-2-50-4
YELLOW PAGES
House plans & estimates, weeding of grass and spraying done within 48hrs. Call: 216-0671; 622-0267; 692-8464
Khemraj & Son -landscaping & plant nursery. Lot 77 Independence Street, La Grange, West Bank Demerara. Landscaping, planting grass, weeding, killing wood ants, killing roaches, rats & mealy bug, treat plants, coconut trees and flowers, cleaning ceiling, grafting coconut plants: 18 months bearing period, treating land, grass & spraying grass, grafted papaya plants: 6 months bearing, grafted cherry plant, sour sop & sapodilla, cutting big trees & removing, treated mould for sale & flower plants for sale. Tel 627-5969/ 603-1134.
License Custom Broker/Tax Consultant, assistance with Tax Compliance Certificate, Customs Documentation, and Tax Returns etc Call: 660-9478
K. LAKERAM - BUILDING CONTRACTOR, HOUSE PLAN, ESTIMATES, WEEDING & SPRAYING GRASS DONE WITHIN 48HRS. CARPENTRY, MASON, TILING, PAINTING, PLUMBING. PROMPT & AFFORDABLE GENERAL HOME MAINTENANCE. FREE ESTIMATES. TEL: 216-0671/622-0267/692-8464. EMAIL: klakeram.construction@ gmail.com
Surinamese spiritualist. Resolving all problems. Money, love, blockage etc. Call 223-6834/600-7719
Suriname’s Astrology, Palmist and Hindustani Spiritual Healer, solve all purpose problems, 100% confidential guaranteed. Phone: 602-8997
HEPHZIBAH MINISTRIES 24 hrs Prayer Line 322-5081,337-4510,337-4259,3374583,337-3070,337-5103. For healing, deliverance, financial difficulties, marriage issues call now.
USA and
immigration and
matters. Self sponsorships, holiday/ visitor’s visas, work permits, students
family, class, immigration forms, embassy enquiries, appeals for refused cases, US green card lottery, business class waivers, pardons, etc. Get your visa approved. High success rate. Balwant Persaud & Associates. Certified Immigration Consultants, 68 Sixth Street, Alberttown, Georgetown (Between Cummings & Lights Sts) Tel: 225-1540, 622-8308, 655-3105. Email: balwantpersaud@yahoo.ca
OD, Shannon
Da Silva
Natalie Da Silva OD. 248 South Road, Bourda. Phone: 227-3529, Linden: 444-6376, Corriverton: 3393536, Meten-Meer-Zorg: 275-0322, Grand Cayman Islands: (345) 9431515 for the perfect trendy touch.
GR Taxi, 24 hours. Phone: 2257878, 219-5000 or 227-2100
Suzuki (750 cc), Honda (92000 cc), Model M Truck (GRR Series) All in mint condition. Telephone # 662-6045
AA60 Carina Car, working condition. $330.000 (neg.) Call: 660-8404
One 212 Carina for sale. Excellent condition! Call #617-2370.
JUST ARRIVED: TOP QUALITY
RECONDITIONED VEHICLES; TOYOTA NOAH; TOYOTA VOXY; TOYOTA IST (NEW SHAPE); SUZUKI SWIFT; DAIHATSU MOVE (660CC); MERCEDES BENZ C200 KOMPRESSOR; COROLLA AE100 WAGON; TOYOTA HIACE MINIBUS RZ; PITBULL-STYLE FREEZER VAN; LAND CRUISER (FULLY LOADED); MAZDA PROCEED 4WD EXTRA-CAB PICK-UP; TOYOTA HILUX 4WD EXTRA CAB PICKUPS - 3RZ, 5L, 3L SOLID DEFFERNTIAL; MITSUBISHI CANTER TRUCKS 4 TONS FREEZER; 3 TONS OPEN TRAY; 2 TONS 4WD; NISSAN ATLAS 2 TONS OPEN TRAY TRUCK. PREORDER YOUR UNITS EARLY AND GET THE BEST PRICES. FULL AFTER SALES SERVICES AND FINANCING AVAILABLE. DEO MARAJ AUTO SALES, 2 CHIMNEY ROAD, CHATEAU MARGOT, ECD. 624-0762, 220-5177. A NAME AND SERVICE YOU CAN TRUST
WICB PCL 4-Day tournament…
Barnwell, Motie leave Hurricanes reeling
By Rajiv Bisnauth
The Guyana Jaguars took four late Leeward Islands
Hurricanes wickets to assume a commanding position going into the penultimate day of their second round West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Professional Cricket League (PCL) Four-day game at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.
At stumps on Saturday, the visitors were up against it after lethal late strikes from medium-pacer Christopher Barnwell (2-5) and left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie (2-7), left the Hurricanes reeling at 48-4, trailing by 371 runs on first innings.
Sherwin Peters and Steve Liburd kept their nerves to remain not out on 15 and 20 respectively, after the Jaguars piled up a huge first innings total of 419-9 declared.
The Jaguars then wasted no time in exposing an inexperienced and vulnerable Hurricanes batting order, with Barnwell removing Shane Jeffers (9) and Daron Cruickshank (0) in his third over, and Motie accounted for Nkrumah Bonner and Orlando Peters, both without scoring.
Earlier, despite a five-wicket haul from Alzarri Joseph (599), the Jaguars capitalised on a mediocre display from the visitors’ attack.
Vishual Singh, who was given a life on 143, went on from his overnight 111 to 150, while Steven Jacobs carved out an unbeaten 63, Christopher Barnwell 49, and Anthony Bramble 42, in a dominant bat-
ting display.
Singh’s masterclass, which began early on the opening day after the dismissal of Leon Johnson, spanned 450 minutes and 384 balls, and came to an end on the stroke of lunch, when he was bowled by Jacques Taylor.
Singh and Barnwell looked largely unperturbed, and with few alarms, the pair added 73
SCOREBOARD
Guyana Jaguars first innings (o/n 218-5)
A Fudadin lbw b Joseph 5
R Chandrika c Peters b Joseph 7
L Johnson c Liburd b Joseph 0
V Singh b Taylor 150
S Chanderpaul c Cruickshank b Taylor 65
R Reifer b Cornwall 0
C Barnwell c Liburd b Joseph 49
A Bramble c Taylor b Joseph 42
S Jacobs not out 63
R Beaton lbw b Taylor 18
Extras: (nb-2, w-3, lb-4, b-6) 15
Total: (for nine wickets; 150.1 overs) 419
Fall of wickets: 1-16, 2-16, 3-21, 4-192, 5-193, 6-266, 7-306, 8-365, 9-418
Bowling: Tonge 18-3-48-0, Joseph 27-1-99-5, O Peters 14-
3-47-0, Cornwall 43-14-79-1, Cruickshank 6-1-21-0, Taylor 24.1-9-70-3, Bonner 9-3-27-0, S Peters 2-1-8-0, Liburd 7-3-10-0
Leeward Islands
Hurricanes first innings
S Peters not out 15
S Jeffers c &b Barnwell 9
D Cruickshank lbw b Barnwell 0 N Bonner lbw b Motie 0 O Peters stp b Motie 0
S Liburd not out 20
Extras: (nb-2, b-2) 4
Total: (for four wickets; 31 overs) 48
Fall of wickets: 1-25, 2-25, 3-26- 4-26
Bowling: Beaton 5-3-7-0, Reifer 6-3-6-0, Jacobs 9-3-21-0, Barnwell 6-4-5-2, Motie 5-2-7-2
for the sixth-wicket, after the Jaguars continued from their bedtime total of 218-5.
However, Joseph, as he did on day one, took advantage of the second new ball to remove the right-handed Barnwell. Singh on the other hand, exploited the slowness of the Providence pitch, and was joined by Bramble, who offered sound support.
The pair added 40, before the 26-year-old reached his 150-mark, but seemed to lose concentration upon reaching the treasured landmark.
Bramble and Jacobs further consolidated the Jaguars position by added 59 runs for the eight-wicket, before Joseph dismissed Bramble to complete his five-wicket haul.
The talented 27-year-old right-hander Jacobs batted fluently to cross 50 for the fourth time in his career, and by the tea interval the Jaguars were 403-8.
The declaration came halfhour into the final session when Taylor trapped Ronsford Beaton (18) plumb in front, to finish with figures of 3-70. Play will continue today from 09:30h, and admission to the venue is free. (rajivb@guyanatimesgy.com)
Defending champs North Ruimveldt start with win
By tReiston joseph
The Georgetown leg of the Guinness Greatest of the Streets small goal competition got off to a brilliant start on Friday evening at the National Culture Centre Tarmac.
Goals were few and far between, but if the opening night is anything to judge by, the remainder of the tournament is set to produce a physical brand of football.
Defending champions North Ruimveldt started their campaign well with a 2-0 win over Island AllStar.
Although it was a physical and tough game between the two sides, the pace was a bit slow as both teams tried to bully their way in an effort to score goals.
Nickosie Barker would score backto back goals in the 12th and 13th minutes to win the game for the defending champs.
Popular street team, Sparta Boss, were in action and topped Broad Street Bullies 2-0 to get their campaign off to a good start.
Dennis Edwards dropped the game’s first goal in the 18th minute, while Sheldon Shepherd scored in the 19th minute to secure the win.
East Front Road were able to pull off a 2-0 win over Alexander Village in yet another physical match-up.
Dillon Kelly scored the game’s first goal in the seventh minute, while Shaka Jones dropped the sealer in the 12th minute.
North East La Penitence scored a tough 1-0 win over Queens Street Tigerbay with Calvin Moore scoring the game winner in the fifth minute.
Showdown at South...
Jeffery has an unassailable lead of 183 points after the first three rounds and the closest competitor is Trinidad’s Kristian Boodoosingh on 101 points. Jeffrey still qualified in first place after the time trials on Saturday, but Boodoosingh fell to third, as Mark Maloney will start second on the grid.
In Group 3, Ravi Singh leads the way as the fastest qualifier, with Paul Veira in second. Crowd favourite, television personality “WR” Reaz, is in 17th place after the time trials.
West Back Road also won 1-0 over South Sophia with Jamal Haynes putting in the game winner in the fourth minute.
Meanwhile, South Ruimveldt and Festival City Street Fighters finished in a nil-all draw, while Albouystown B and Holmes Street Tiger Bay also failed to score during their match-up. The tournament will continue on Tuesday at the same venue.
The Vieiras meanwhile are expected to produce an intriguing battle between themselves in the Superbike B class category, as only
a mere 14 points separate Stephen Vieira and Elliot Vieira.
However, after the time trials, Stephen is placed in 18th position; Matthew Vieira placed first place, while Elliot and Joel Neblette trail in second and third respectively.
The two female drivers are already becoming a crowd attraction as Guyana’s Sharima Khan will be putting her “pink beast” on the line against Natasha Chang. Another attraction will be the exhibition drive of Guyana’s first F4 driver, Calvin Ming. The first race will drive off at 09:00h.
Television personality “WR” Reaz will compete in the Group 3 category today
Guinness Brand Manager, Lee Baptiste, along with other officials of Banks DIH meet some of the players just before the start of the first match in the tournament (Treiston Joseph photo)
Leaders Old Fort suffer loss to Pepsi Hikers
Pool leaders Old Fort were toppled from their pedestal through a loss to the determined Pepsi Hikers as the GTT National Indoor Hockey Championships continued on Friday evening at the National
The second half saw a shift in balance from the outset as a Shane Samuels penalty corner goal was followed by two more goals, all within the first five minutes of resumption, by France to give the Hikers a 4-2
Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue.
The loss, Old Fort’s first of the competition, allowed GCC to slide into the lead from their victory over Phoenix. Also, the GCC Tigers chose the right moment to produce their best form in destroying the previously unbeaten Panthers by 6-2 to take control of the Ladies division.
While the Old Fort boys maintain the top spot in the Men’s second division competition, this division remains wide open as a number of key matches were scheduled for last evening.
Old Fort seemed headed for yet another dominant performance as they were first off the mark against the Pepsi Hikers through a Dwight Sullivan penalty corner goal eight minutes into their feature match of Friday evening.
While the Hikers threatened the Old Fort goal on several occasions for the remainder of the half, veteran goalkeeper Alan Newark rolled back the years to produce some outstanding reflex saves to keep his team competitive.
The pace of the game finally caught up with Newark as he failed to react to a hard pass that was deflected into goal by Hikers captain Robert France three minutes before the half. Old Fort’s John Abrahams would respond in the very next minute however, to slam home a shot and give his team the 2-1 lead at half-time.
Semi-finals set for today at DCC
The inaugural Petama Enterprise/ Motor Trend softball cricket competition will enter the businessend today when the semifinals are contested at the picturesque Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) ground, Queenstown.
Unlike much of the past months where floodlight softball had been a regular feature at the venue, today’s two highly anticipated games will be played in daylight with action starting at 09:30h in semi-final one, and 12:30h in semi-final two.
In the opening fixture, Regal Masters, the reigning Guyana Softball Cup Masters champions, will face Park Rangers, while Fisherman Masters and Parika Defenders will go head-to-head in the other game.
The four teams would have won their quarter-final games last weekend. Below are the summarised results from those matches.
Fishermen Masters defeated Enterprise Legends by nine wickets. Enterprise Legends 1538 in 20 overs (N. Roopdeo 24, S. Yadram 20, Jagdesh Persaud 4-24, David Harper 2-24) Fishermen Masters 159-1in 18 overs (Ramo Malone 63*, J. Persaud 55*).
Park Rangers defeated Floodlights Masters in the Super Over after the two teams played to a tie. Floodlights 188 all out (Imtiaz Mohamed 45, R.
Singh 22, A. Beharry 21, Talesh Ramoutar 2-24, R. Narine 2-20) Park Rangers 188 all out (Mohamed Rafeek 65, R. Narine 28, Richard Kellawan 5-28, Wayne Jones 2-19).
Parika Dedenders defeated Floodlights Legends. Parika 150 in 20 overs (D. Kannan 47, Kabesh Persaud 37, Hardat 3-15) Floodlights Legends 143 all out (Mohamed 4-24).
Regal Masters defeated Savage Masters by 80 runs. Regal Masters 1748 in 20 overs (Fazleem Mohamed 41, Rudolph Baker 66, M. Chunilall 22, Rudolph Perreira 2-14, Eon Lovell 3-19) Savage Masters 94 all out (T. Ramsayawak 26, E. Lovell 13, Fazleem Mohamed 3-22, A. Boodhoo 2-15).
Regal defeated: Farm by 10 wickets. Farm 78-9 in 12.4 overs (P. Khan 16, W. Yusuf 15, Rohit Dutchin 2-8, Fazal Rafeek 3-5, R. Latiff 1-19) Regal 83-0 in 8.1 overs (Navin Singh 34, K. Joseph 13).
Wolf’s Warriors defeated Young Guns by eight wickets. Young Guns 95 all out (Narine Bailey 3-15) Wolf’s Warriors 96-2 in 7 overs (Amrit Rai 43*, A. Karim 34). Wellwoman defeated 4R Lioness by 47 runs. Wellwoman 112-8 in 10 overs (RenekaIssacs 28, Susan Davanand 25, Latoya Smith 22, Gangadai Singh 3-24) 4R Lioness 65-9 in 10 overs (Amanda Semple 3-12, Joann Vansertima 2-2).
Young Ming hailed as Ambassador of Guyana
lead. Aderemi Simon scored the final goal of the game through a penalty stroke four minutes from full time to pull Old Fort back within one but the Hikers would celebrate a 4-3 victory in the end.
In the other first division matches, GCC predictably outplayed Phoenix 4-1, while the Panthers garnered the same winning score against Saints.
The Ladies competition saw a fired up Kerensa Fernandes chalk up her first hat-trick of the competition to lead her side to a 6-2 beating of the Panthers. Ashley DeGroot added a pair, while captain Sonia Jardine scored a penalty corner to round out the Tigers six-goal tally. Midfield dynamo Aliyah Gordon and veteran Ulrica Sutherland each scored one for the Panthers.
The Hikers Ladies were in a productive mood against Old Fort Shooting Stars as they dominated the match-up with a 5-1 full-time score. While ex-national Carol Caine managed to score one goal for Old Fort, the Hikers controlled the match, winning through goals from Nicole Eastman, Latacea Chung, Latoya Fordyce, Tekeisha Deleon and Marisha Rodrigues.
Phoenix surprised GCC with a 3-1 win in the Men’s second division competition, giving the Bourda boys their first loss of the competition. Old Fort meanwhile maintained their fine form with a 4-2 beating of the Hikers.
Guyana’s first Formula 4 driver Calvin Ming was on Friday evening hailed a young Ambassador of Guyana, given his recent achievements in the sport of motor-racing. Minister of Tourism, Cathy Hughes, who was at the time speaking at a reception at
the Pegasus Hotel in honour of young Calvin, said the 19-year-old has put Guyana on the map by virtue of his performances in the Formula 4 racing.
Calvin, who is the son of prominent businessman Stanley Ming, recently raced at the F4 championships in Mexico City and
brought fourth. Ming’s F4 car has the flag of Guyana on it, and the driving sensation said he enjoys representing his country.
Stanley Ming spoke of his son’s achievement and said he always knew once Calvin was pushed he could achieve anything. The event also saw the
launch of this year’s edition of Guyana’s Motor Racing magazine “Fast Lane.”
Several other Ministers of Government and members of the motor-racing fraternity were present to share the moment with Calvin Ming.
Guyadin wins MACORP golf tournament
Mike Guyadin blazed the golf course at Lusignan on Saturday to win the ninth annual MACORP Medal Play golf tournament, turning in an electrifying performance. Guyadin shot a net 63 and a gross of 78. Sam Harry took second
position with a net score of 64, while Patanjalee Persaud was third with net 66, while Guyana Open champion Avinash Persaud, with a net 66, rounded off the top four positions.
Nearest-to-the Pin was Mahendra Persaud, while Avinash Persaud recorded
the best gross of 68.
At the presentation ceremony, Vice-president of the Lusignan Golf Club, Patrick Prashad, expressed gratitude to MACORP for once again sponsoring the tournament and for maintaining their long-term commitment to the club.
MACORP’s representative, Guillermo Escarraga, said that his company was always willing to work closely with the Lusignan Golf Club and promised to sponsor the tournament again in 2016. A total of 47 golfers took the field, including one female.
Ramo Malone
Ramesh Narine
Misodia Culpepper of Old Fort is blocked by the Hikers defense
Old Fort’s Aderemi Simon tackles Jamarj Assanah of the Hikers
Calvin Ming (second left) and his father Stanley Ming (right) with well-wishers on Friday evening (Marceano Narine photo)
The respective winners strike a pose with MACORP representatives
Hicks wins Payless Variety Store cycling
By AvenAsh RAmzAn
Growing in stature with every passing race, Berbice’s top junior rider Andrew Hicks produced another outstanding performance on Saturday to cop victory in the main event of the fourth annual Payless Variety Store’s 11-race programme at the inner circuit of the National Park.
The searing midday heat proved no deterrent to the Trojan Cycle Club rider, who outgunned his most illustrious counterparts to win the final race meet at the venue for 2015.
With five laps to go, Hicks pulled away from the peloton and eventually lapped the field on his way to winning the feature 35-lap School Boys and Invitational race in a time of one hour, 26 minutes, 07 seconds (01h: 26m: 07s).
The Ancient County wheelsman and five other riders, who eventually filled the remaining top six positions, broke away from the pack on the 10th lap, and never relinquished their advantage until Hicks made the decisive move on lap 30.
Roraima Bikers Club’s top rider Alanzo Greaves finished second, followed by his Team Gillette Evolution rival Orville Hinds, Marlon Williams (Team Gillette Evolution), Paul Choo Wee Nam (Team Alanis) and
Paul DeNobrega (Team Alanis). A total of 21 riders started the race.
Earlier in the day, Ronaldo Narine out sprinted Adelia Hodge to win the 12-14 Boys and Girls race, while Ian Jackson, Jaikarran Sookhai and Shameer Baksh finished 1-23 in the Veterans Under-50, and Linden Blackman was the lone entrant for the Veterans Over-50. Nigel Duguid Jr., the son of international cricket umpire Nigel Duguid, won the Juveniles race, beating off the challenge of Hicks and Christopher Griffith, while John Niles, the offspring of senior rider Junior Niles, won the BMX 6-9, ahead of Shai Sue Hang and Anthon Vanderburg in that order.
GCB/BANKS DIH/DIGICEL NSSCL…
Chase Academy, St Stanislaus College book semi-final spots
Chase Academy and St Stanislaus College got past School of Nations and Christ Church Secondary respectively to book their semi-final places in the North Georgetown zone of the Guyana Cricket Board’s (GCB) National Secondary School Cricket League (NSSCL) sponsored by Banks DIH Limited’s Coca Cola and Rainforest Water, along with Digicel.
At the DCC ground, Chase Academy disposed of School of Nations after routing them for 77 in 19 overs, thanks to another fine spell by former national Under-15 left-arm spinner, Ashmead Nedd, who bagged 4-11. Supporting him in the
bowling department was offspinner Dwayne Dick, who took 2-12.
Chase Academy then raced to their target in just four overs, as Joshua Persaud struck 28 not out, while Nedd showed his batting ability by scoring 22 not out.
Over at Everest ground, St Stanislaus College beat Christ Church Secondary by four wickets. Christ Church won the toss and elected to bat, but they could only manage 149 all out in 26.1 overs with Aaron Beharry scoring 37, while Alphius Bookie made 35. In reply, St Stanislaus College got to their target in 24.4 overs, while losing six wickets in the process. Kennard Moonsammy and Terrence Singh led the run chase with 48 not out and 33 not out respectively. Bowling for Christ Church, Junior Phillips had 4-32.
Matches will continue on Monday in the South Georgetown zone with Freeburg Secondary playing Central High School at Everest and South Ruimveldt coming up against Lodge High School. In the West Bank Demarara zone, Goed Fortuin Secondary will take on Unique Academy at Wales.
Simeon Chee was the top BMX 9-12 rider on show, leaving Zab James to settle for second and Shai Sue Hang third, while Adelia Hodge got the better of Thuran Garbarran in the BMX 12-14 showdown.
The Mahaica pair of Seon Budhan and Nicholas Alphonso finished in that sequence in the Mountain Bike race.
At the presentation ceremony which followed, na-
tional cycling coach and organiser of the day’s activities, Hassan Mohamed, told the gathering of the unflinching support that Payless Variety Store has been offering to cycling since its initial sponsorship in 2012.
“And I want to say a special thank you to the company for this sponsorship, because it is companies like these that keep cycling going
in this country,” Mohamed said.
Payless Variety Store was represented by its Marketing and Public Relations personnel, Rajan Tiwari and Roger Hinds, who both assisted in the presentation of prizes. Tiwari, speaking on behalf of the entity, said Payless Variety Store is committed to the development of sport, and management will continue to invest in cycling.
Meanwhile, focus would switch to the roads today, with the 16th annual staging of the Diamond Mineral Water 50-miler, starting at Wales Police Station, proceed to Bushy Park and return to Schoonord for the finish.
The Veterans, Mountain Bikers and Female will turn at Uitvlugt on the upward journey and finish at Schoonord.
The 2014 winners were Hamzah Eastman (01h: 59m: 42.80s), Romallo Crawford (Juveniles), Talim Shaw (Veterans), Ozia McUally (Mountain Bikes), Ronella Samuels (Females), and Walter Isaacs (Veterans Over-60).
The first six finishers in the Open division, and the first three Junior, Veteran, Mountain Bike and Female riders will be rewarded, in addition to the first Over-60 rider to cross the line. Eight prime prizes will be up for grabs during the course of the race.
The top cyclists of Saturday’s race pose with their winnings at the National Park (Avenash Ramzan photo)
Ashmead Nedd
Forde is new GFF president
– Team Integrity pips Team Unity 12-10
Businessman Wayne Forde has been voted in as president of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) following Team Integrity’s 1210 victory over the Nigel Hughes-led Team Unity at the GFF Congress on Saturday at the Marriott Hotel in Kingston, Georgetown.
Nationals expected to be highly competitive Showdown at South Dakota today
The final day for the 2015 Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championship is here and the expectations for spectacular race meet are certainly high. Over 100 participants in the disciplines of motor-racing and super biking will take to the South Dakota circuit to showcase their skills in front of what is anticipated to be a sold out crowd.
While Team Guyana is in third place after three of the four rounds, all signs show that they have the drivers to help them catapult into the precious first place.
Trinidad leads the way with a total of 658 points; Barbados is in second with 533 points and Guyana third on 511 points. While the gap between first and second may seem large, Team Guyana cannot be ruled out.
Sectary of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club, Carey Griffith, revealed that team has the all the ability to take the prized crown on home turf.
Kristian Jeffrey
– event to be hosted over 5 days
By TreisTon Joseph
All systems are in place for the successful hosting of the 55th edition of the National Schools’ Championships, set to start on November 23. At a press conference on Saturday, the Organising Committee of the event is confident that the event will be highly competitive.
Chairman of the Region Four constituency, Genevieve Allen, wished the athletes well.
Griffith further stated that they organisers are making safety a top priority. The secretary further stated that this meet can used to nurture some young talents in the sport.
Jeffrey on the prize Win or lose today, Guyana’s Kristian Jeffery is bound to become Group 4 champion for the second year running.
please see full story on page 20 turn to page 21
“I do not doubt Guyana can take the title; we have riders and drivers who can bring it home for us,” he reckoned.
“I’m happy to be here; happy that the championships will be held within our constituency...We in Region Four should be very proud that the championships are being held in our constituency. The athletes will need your support in order to do well and we look forward to keen competition,” Allen noted.
President of the Guyana Teachers Union, Mark Lyte, stressed that investing in these athletes is key towards their development.
“The GTU and the Ministry of Education have worked assiduously to ensure this championship comes off...We expect keen competition as many of the regions have gotten support financially,” he said.
Lyte added, “Most teams will come in on Sunday and for the first time I think we will be able to have the five-day championships...I would like to implore on all Guyanese to support the 55th edition and we are ready and raring to see these championships take off. It’s worth well investing in these athletes and we expect in years to come that the championship will be given more of an impetus so it can be considered a very important event.”
Banks DIH Malta Supreme Brand Manager, Clayton McKenzie, was also keen in seeing a highly competitive event, especially with the Malta Supreme brand onboard.
“Banks is pleased to be onboard; over the years we have been supportive of this event because we believe that supporting kids both academically and athletically is something that can help foster them into better individuals,” he noted.
Chairman of the Organising Committee, Ceon Bristol, noted that everything is in place for the event; while it was revealed the cost to run the five-day championship is between 20-30 million dollars.
The swimming championships will be held on November 23 at the National Aquatic Centre at Liliendaal. In addition to the swimming competition, two field events- Long Jump
and Shot Putt- along with the 10k road race, 40km and 25km cycle road race will also take place on November 23.
The Games Village will be established on Woolford Avenue. Tutorial High, North Georgetown Primary and Secondary Schools and Richard Ishmael Secondary will house the 16 Districts from across Guyana that will compete at the Championships. The Games Secretariat has been officially opened at GTU Headquarters, Woolford Avenue, with Districts submitting their entries. The Opening Ceremony for the championship is scheduled for November 24 at 10:30h.
Vishual Singh collects runs square of the wicket
From left: Ceon Bristol, Clayton McKenzie, Mark Lyte, Genevieve Allen and PRO of the School Nationals event Edison Jefford during the press conference on Saturday
By Akeem Greene
GFF president Wayne Forde alongside Col. Bruce Lovell addressing the media moments after being elected
Wayne Forde (third right) and his team of executives who have been tasked with leading Guyana’s football for the next four years (Avenash Ramzan photos)