Binder2

Passport office P2 opens in Linden

... land identified for construction of permanent office – Minister Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyana-times.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 2950

Wednesday, August 17, 2016

PRICE

Van West Charles gets fuel import/ wholesale licence

$80 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Vehicles P9 older than 8 years will be disposed of – GRA

Page 3

Walter Roth Museum being moved without consultation – former Culture Ministers P5

Van West Charles

P16 AFC’s opposition on parking meter contracts holds no merit – Mayor The Lot 16 Sublot ‘A’Mudlot Kingston Georgetown property which has no fuel storage bonds, neither any signage for Atlantic Fuels Inc. It however has a sign for another company, Adamantium Mining

Ramayya resigns as Region 6 REO Page 9

SOCU leaks worry Central Bank

Drop-in Centre fire was a tragedy waiting to happen – CoI report P13

Page 7

… brings sector in disrepute, undermines public trust – Governor

Minibus passenger found with illegal gun, ammo Page 2

CSEC, CAPE results to be announced P16 today

2 NEWS Passport office opens in Linden WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

... land identified for construction of permanent office – Minister

By Utamu Belle

P

ersons wishing to access passport renewal services in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) can now do so without the hassle of having to travel to the capital city, Georgetown; as the passport office in Linden officially opened its doors to serve the community on Tuesday.

Present to witness the opening was Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Valerie Patterson, who declared that the move is only the beginning of a number of services that will be decentralised to the community.

While those seeking to acquire a passport for the first time will still have to do so at the main office in Georgetown, Patterson explained that services, such as renewals, as well as lost and damaged passports, can be accessed through the newly opened office at Linden, with the minimum of three waiting days. The Minister explained further that the people of Linden have welcomed the initiative.

Plans are already in the pipeline for the construction of a building which will house a permanent passport office in Linden. “What we’re doing now, he’s (Minister Winston Felix) asked us

Wedding house brawl

Police seeking advice for suspects in BV teen’s murder

I

A security guard stands at the entrance at the new passport office in Linden

to identify land so that they can actually build the building to offer full fledged services. The land was already identified... but this is going to really give the people of Linden a boost, in Region 10, where they don’t have to spend money to travel to Georgetown to get a passport, with the exception of the first time applicants...” she said.

Regional Member of Parliament, Jermaine Figueira, also hailed the move as a much welcomed and needed one,

noting that it eliminates the burden of having to travel long distances, noting that other avenues which will bring relief to the people, are presently being explored.

The passport office is located on the bottom flat of the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) office situated at Mackenzie, Linden. Immigration staff was present at the office on Tuesday to officially commence duties of providing the necessary services to the community.

nvestigators probing the death of 13-year-old Devanand Sanichar, who was chopped and beaten to death on Sunday, are seeking advice on the way forward with the three suspects.

Sanichar of Lot 83-84 Plantain Walk West Half, Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was at a wedding with his family a few houses away from his home when the incident occurred sometime around 23:30h.

It was reported that the teenager got into a fight with a group of men over a young lady and left the wedding house, only to return with a cutlass. An argument ensued resulting in one of the men relieving him of the cutlass and dealing him a chop to his head.

Sanichar reportedly fell to the ground and was severely beaten with pieces of wood by several persons. The Police arrested three suspects, who were taken in for questioning.

Acting Crime Chief Hugh Jessemy, told Guyana Times on Tuesday that the men are still in custody and Police are seeking advice on who to institute charges against for the teenager’s death.

“By tomorrow (Thursday) we will know who should be charged and taken to court,” the Deputy Head of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) stated.

On Monday, when this newspaper visited the home of the dead teenager, his distraught mother, Sukhdhai Sanichar, told this publication that the prime suspect was a friend of her now dead son.

“He come and call for meh son on Sunday… he

Dead: Devanand Sanichar

did drunk, drunk… so I tell he that meh son wasn’t at home. We went at the wedding house and the same boy come to meh son and tell he to reach he outside,” the woman stated.

She noted that her son left the wedding house and after a short time, she recalled her brother-in-law waving to her from the gate and she suspected something was amiss. The woman said as she reached the gate, she was told that her son was lying on the roadway in a pool of blood.

In tears, Sanichar recounted that she ran to the area where her son was lying and attempted to hold him but was told that he was dead and she could not touch the body. “He had a chop to he head and like a nail mark to he neck… blood went all ova,” she recalled.

However, the family later received information that another friend of the now dead teen was among the gang that beat and killed him.

That friend has since been taken into custody. He also led the Police to the others who were involved in the incident.

Minibus passenger found with illegal gun, ammo

P

olice in C Division (East Coast Demerara) have arrested a male occupant of a Route 44 minibus, who was found in possession of an illegal gun and matching ammunition.

According to Police reports, sometime around 00:30h on Tuesday, ranks on mobile patrol acting on information received, intercepted the Route 44 minibus on the Ogle Public Road, ECD. They then conducted a search, during which a .38 revolver along with three matching rounds were found

on a male occupant. He was arrested and taken into Police custody to assist with investigations.

Only last Tuesday, ranks in Georgetown arrested another man who was found with an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

Police reports revealed that around 12:00h, ranks on patrol stopped and searched a male on Duncan Street, Campbellville, during which a .32 pistol and four matching rounds were found in his possession.

3 Van West Charles gets fuel import/wholesale Licence C NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, August 17 –14:30h-16:00h and Thursday, August 18 – 05:00h-06:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, August 17 – 15:50h-17:20h and Thursday, August 18 – 16:35h-18:05h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Weather: Thundery showers can be expected in the morning, while heavy rain showers are expected to dominate in the afternoon. Partly cloudy conditions are expected in the evening with temperatures ranging between 24 degrees and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North easterly to East North-easterly between 1.34 metres and 2.68 metres.

High Tide: 03:37h and 16:04 reaching a maximum height of 2.61 metres and 2.60 metres respectively.

hief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Water Inc (GWI), Dr Richard Van West Charles, has been granted a licence to import/wholesale and store fuel.

The prominent supporter of the coalition A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Administration, son-in-law of the late Forbes Burnham, and former Health Minister was handed the fuel licence by the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) in November last year and is valid until 2025.

storage bond for fuel at that location, neither any signage for Atlantic Fuels Inc. In fact, the Kingston address houses, in addition to an office for Atlantic Fuel Inc, another company Adamantium Mining.

A missive posted outside of the Adamantium Mining’s operation has listed a notice purportedly from management.

That notice identifies Ronaldo Alphonso — one of Atlantic Fuels Inc’s Directors — as Adamantium Mining’s management.

When Guyana Times visited the location on Tuesday,

GWI’s CEO, Dr Richard Van West Charles

Low Tide: 09:37h and 21:54h reaching minimum heights of 0.57 metres and 0.59 metres respectively.

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The bond Lot 16 Sublot ‘A’ Mudlot Kingston Georgetown

The licence has been issued in the name of Atlantic Fuels Inc. Checks with the Deed Registry Department on Tuesday revealed that Atlantic Fuels Inc was registered as a company in February 2015 and was issued with its Fuel Import licence in November 2015.

Directors of the Company are Dr Richard Alexander Van West Charles, Lear Solomon Goring, Andron Alphonso and Ronaldo Alphonso.

The Company Secretary is listed as Andron Alphonso and its address listed as Lot 16 Sublot ‘A’ Mudlot, Kingston, Georgetown.

Checks at the listed Kingston address however, revealed that there is no

employees were cagey with their answers, save to say that “the boss is busy at a board meeting.”

This publication was told that he would be unable to attend to the media at the time.

Asked about Atlantic Fuels Inc’s storage facility for its imported fuel, one of the employees suggest-

ed that fuel was not in fact stored at the Kingston location, since most of the fuel imported is used for the company’s mining operation in addition to its fleet of vehicles.

According to a copy of the licence seen by Guyana Times, the document is valid for 10 years and was inked on November 5, 2015

by GEA’s Chief Executive

Officer, Mahender Sharma.

The Licence #: IL/0055 of 2015 grants to Atlantic Fuels Inc, permission for the importing/wholesaling of diesel in Guyana during the period November 5, 2015, to November 4, 2025 – a total of 10 years.

Permission was also granted to Atlantic Fuels Inc subject to the conditions of its licence, for the storage of diesel for the purpose of import/wholesale at 16 Sublot ‘A’ Mudlot, Kingston, Georgetown.

In June this year, Government scrapped a similar licence that was granted to China Zhonghao Inc under the previous Administration. That licence was dated to expire in January 2025 but was cancelled after Government alleged that an audit showed that the company only had a conditional licence.

4

guyana-times.com

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016

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

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

Editorial

Neoliberalism

N

eoliberalism, the 20th century construct that advances the proliferation of capitalism over the measured policies and social provisions of the State, is for the most part the ideology that influences how we as a country define the way we trade, conduct business, strategise our growth and establish our foreign policy.

This ideology, the West’s answer to socialism, was foisted on developing countries by international bodies, such as the Intentional Monetary Fund (IMF) among others, as a precondition for the struggling economies to receive funding, as was the case with Guyana during Hoyte’s Administration in the 1990’s. The funding, however, came with austerity measures that the donor countries would have to implement. Measures such as trade liberalisation that saw the reduction of tariffs and non-tariff barriers, the removal of foreign exchange restrictions and the removal of import monopolies, in addition to a host of other measures aimed at promulgating neoliberalism.

The neoliberalist ideology is premised on quantifying human interactions from a Capitalist perspective. As Monbiot asserts “it redefines citizens as consumers, whose democratic choices are best exercised by buying and selling, a process that rewards merit and punishes inefficiency. It maintains that “the market” delivers benefits that could never be achieved by planning…

Attempts to limit competition are treated as inimical to liberty.

Tax and regulation should be minimised, public services should be privatised. The organisation of labour and collective bargaining by trade unions are portrayed as market distortions that impede the formation of a natural hierarchy of winners and losers.”

It is against this backdrop that the recent upheaval – when information came to the fore – of Guyana’s manufacturing sector not being able to effectively compete against the flurry of imports lining our market shelves has to be analysed.

While there are many additional militating factors that can be argued for the apparent disparity of imports against local produce, paramount among them was an ideology that we were forced to adopt, essentially relinquishing ourrequisite control over the types of products lining our shelves.

Burnham, who many agree did more harm than he did good, was on to something when he banned the importation of certain staple commodities in favour of utilising local alternatives. He was in essence incorporating import substitution as a model that would see the utilisation of local produce, the aim of which was to develop and possibly export,as a value added product.

However, his execution of this idea was tyrannical, hence it never succeeded.

Ironically, when Guyana incorporated IMF’s austerity measures within its framework for growth, it had to relinquish import substitution as a model in favour of trade liberalisation.

There is no questioning the benefits that countries accrued from liberalising trade, but the ideology was always stacked in favour of those countries that were already industrialised and wealthy, as opposed to poor and developing countries that were primarily subsistent agricultural economies, like Guyana for example.

As many scholars would rightly posit, neoliberalism was premised on allowing those who were entrusted with wealth the opportunity to maintain it through polices that allowed for unfair competition. How else could a poor country with no industrial prowess, hence no streamlined value added manufacturing sector compete, efficiently, on a global scale, with industrialised countries be explained.

What this predicament highlights is the need for developing countries to be unified. And is therefore, a subsequent justification for the Caribbean Community (Caricom) Single Market and Economy (CSME) to be fully implemented.

As a unified single market economy, apart from being able to be heard more effectively on the international stage, local markets would become more resilient and efficient in competing against foreign imports because of the comparative advantage that the different countries would benefit from once unified.

Neoliberalism, by its nature economists posit, has played a major role in a remarkable variety of crises. Crises such as the global financial recession of 2008, in addition the offshoring of wealth and power, a classic example of which would be the Panama Papers scandal. They also posit that it is responsible for the concentration of the world’s wealth into five per cent of the global population and it will continue with the proliferation of globalisation.

It therefore begs that question, isn’t it time for us to adopt a different ideology that would fix the disequilibrium between the haves and the have not’s?

These proud youths displayed their dolls with bridal dresses made from tissue and artificial rose petals and leaves at the opening of the annual Police Youth Camp which kicked off on Monday at Camp Madewini on the Soesdyke/Linden Highway (Dexter Ceres photo)

Appointment of Deputy Registrar of Deeds fiasco Dear Editor, Article 199 (1) and (3) and Article 226 (1) of the Constitution provide as follows: ART 199 (1) “the power to make appointments to the offices to which this Article applies and to remove and exercise disciplinary control over persons holding or acting in such offices shall vest in the Judicial Service Commission…”

ART 199 (3) “this article applies to the office of Commissioner of Title, Magistrate, Director of Public Prosecution, Deputy Director of Public Prosecution, Registrar of the High Court, Deputy Registrar of the High Court, Registrar of Deeds, Deputy Registrar of Deeds…”

ART 226 (1) “…in its exercise of its functions under this Constitution, a Commission shall not be subjected to the direction or control of any other person or authority.”

I wish to congratulate the Deputy Registrar of Deeds, Zanna Frank, for challenging the unlawful interference by the Attorney General (AG) in attempting to frustrate and prevent her from discharging the duties of her office. This young woman has demonstrated that she possesses the courage and fortitude to challenge authoritarianism and defend the Constitution and the rule of law. She has done her profession and gender proud.

The response of the AG has been characteristically untutored. It is obvious that,

initially, he was unaware of the provisions of Article 199 of the Constitution.

This is evident by the fact that he purported to appoint someone to function in that office. This by itself speaks volumes. Upon learning that the power to make this appointment resides with the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), the learned AG proceeded to make a series of wild and reckless allegations.

Firstly, the AG claims that he was not consulted by the JSC. This may be true. There is no obligation placed upon the JSC to consult with the AG or any other person in respect of this appointment. Secondly, he alleges that “the JSC was acting excessively and out of their jurisdiction”. This contention is incomprehensible. A tribunal acts in excess of and without jurisdiction if it makes a decision that it has no lawful power to make. Article 199, clearly vests in the JSC the power to appoint a Deputy Registrar of Deeds. The JSC has done so. How can it be said to be acting without and in excess of the jurisdiction?

Thirdly, the Attorney General describes Frank as a “pawn”, “hapless” and “inexperienced” and contends that she was “set up as a sacrificial lamb, knowing fully well that she would not be accepted, because she simply does not have the qualifications”.

One must ask, “accepted” by whom? Based upon the aforesaid consti-

tutional provision, a decision of the Judicial Service Commission requires no one’s “acceptance”. Frank possesses a Certificate in Industrial and Social Science; a Diploma in Public Management; a Bachelors Degree in Law; and a Legal Education Certificate.

In fact, Frank may have been overqualified for that position. In any event, it is the JSC and no one else, who is empowered to assess her suitability for the job. They have done so.

One is left to wonder whose “pawn” and “sacrificial lamb” is miss Frank? In the end, this outburst by the Attorney General amounts to a most uncouth, unethical and unprofessional onslaught upon a young female Attorney-at-Law by a person considered to be the head of the Bar. The learned AG demonstrates no regard for the sub judice principle, publicly, expressing his views on the merits of a case that is pending in the Court.

I note the silence of the Guyana Bar Association and the Guyana Women’s Lawyers Association on these gross transgressions.

According to press reports, the AG finds the power vested in the JSC to make this appointment objectionable. He wants these powers taken away from the JSC.This is an expression of the authoritarian’s intolerance of a divergence of power by the Constitution away from the Executive into an independent commission over which the Executive

has no influence.

The AG professes his unawareness of the origin of this authority of the JSC. I believe him. For his information, this new measure was introduced among the nearly 200 odd recommendations generated by the 1999/2001 Constitutional Reform Commission, which were all unanimously incorporated by Parliament into the Constitution. Therefore, the Attorney General’s contention that it “was introduced by the previous Administration” is indeed correct, but the addendum, that it was supported by the PNC at the time, is necessary for one to get the full picture.

Finally, for the record, the AG’s rantings that he inherited a “mess” at the Deeds Registry is hereby rejected. I will furnish the details on another occasion. Suffice it so say, that he inherited a modern, well-equipped and properly staffed Commercial and Deeds Registries consolidated into a singular unit, the Deeds and Commercial Registry Authority, a statutory body corporate managed by a competent Board of Directors nominated by important stakeholders, along with an additional and renovated building which formerly housed the New Building Society Limited on Avenue of the Republic, Georgetown.

Sincerely, Anil Nandlall, MP Former Attorney General

NEWS

Walter Roth Museum being moved without consultation – former Culture Ministers

Former Cultural Minister Frank Anthony

T

wo former Culture Ministers have come out with a petition to stop the eviction of the Walter Roth Museum from its home at Main Street, Georgetown, to the Guyana National Museum, criticising the government for not holding any consultations.

The relocation of the museum – which is the oldest museum of anthropology in the English-speaking Caribbean, is ill conceived and wrong. This is according to former Culture Ministers Gail Teixeira and Dr Frank Anthony, who stated that the decision by Government was made without any consultation with the Amerindian peoples and anthropological and archaeological experts.

“Removing the Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology to the crowded National Museum is a grievous act and the greatest insult in modern times to all Amerindian people. The reason for the removal to allow for its usage by the Ministry of the Presidency is even more appalling and outrageous,” the petition stated, while pleading with the public to sign against the relocation of the museum and its staffs.

President David Granger on Monday justified the Government’s decision for the removal of the Walter Roth Museum. He insisted that the move was not “whimsical” but was made on the basis of organisational changes in the Administration.

He assured that there will be no damage to the artefacts or documents that are housed in the building. “It is an administrative decision which was made because of organisational changes in Government,” he said, adding that the establishment of the Ministry of Presidency’s Department of Environment has brought on the need for more space.

He stated that there is no need for worry since the new housing arrangement will be up to international standards.

“It is not tumbling out. It is an improvement… if it could have been avoided we would have avoided it but we need to deploy staff from the Ministry of the Presidency,” he noted, explaining that the merge of the two museums would improve access to the exhibits.

Nevertheless, the petition argued that the removal is in violation of article 149 G under “The Protection of Fundamental Rights” in the Guyana Constitution which provides that “indigenous peo-

Former Minister Gail Teixeira

ples shall have the right to the protection, preservation and promulgation of their languages, cultural heritage and way of life”.

It noted that it is also a violation of the UNESCO Conventions on Cultural Diversity and Intangible Heritage which Guyana has signed on to, adding that it will disrupt the archaeological

Street, Georgetown. It is famous for its journals in some of the leading universities of the world.

It was founded with the collections of Guyanese Archaeologist, Dr Denis Williams and in 1980, the ethnographic collections of Dr Walter Roth, JJ Quelch and Sir Everard im Thurn were transferred to the museum from the National Museum.

The museum’s collections also include subterranean artefacts from all 10 administrative regions.

Calls for government to reconsider the move was also made by Jennifer Wishart, who was one of the co-founders of the museum along with Dr Williams.

She noted that the collections stored and displayed apart from being very fragile would be destroyed if moved.

Wishart in a letter said that “we do not as yet have the expertise required for the re-

The current location of the Walter Roth Museum

and anthropological research that the institution currently conducts, displace the Denis Williams Field School, disrupt the Junior Archaeology programme, disband the library and research facilities housed there and disrupt and dilute the current efforts to sustain indigenous languages.

“Removing the Walter Roth Museum is an affront to the memory and the work of those dedicated to the maintenance and elevation of our cultural heritage and poses a great threat to the integrity and safety of priceless and delicate archaeological samples which are thousands of years old,” the petition stated.

Meanwhile, Anthony argued that the relocation of the museum to a section of an already crowded National Museum will compromise the safe storage and access to the artefacts and dissipate the programmes offered to the public and researchers.

He stated that it the dismantling of the museum is a clear example that it was not discussed properly. He stated that the correct step would have been to budget for the construction of a new building, erect it and then remove the artefacts. “This is backward,” he posited.

However, President Granger assured that there will be no damage to the pieces in the museum but it will be moved to the other building which will meet international standards.

The Walter Roth Museum was established in 1974 but did not open to the public until 1982. It is located on Main

moval of such delicate and very ancient artifacts dating back to some 7,200 years ago…I therefore appeal to the authorities concerned to please reconsider this move. I have learnt over the years that in order to change something we need to build something. Let us preserve what we have and build on it.”

5

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

City Hall’s hidden bank accounts

Town Clerk to take action against PPP Councillor – Mayor

M

ayor of Georgetown Patricia Chase Green has signalled that the Town Clerk will be taking “necessary” actions against People’s Progressive Party Councillor Bishram Kuppen for stirring up allegations of corruption and four hidden bank accounts.

Chase Green stated that Council has expressed its annoyance about Kuppen’s claims that there were four hidden bank accounts at City Hall. At the first statutory meeting, Kuppen had revealed that he had perused a report and found the discrepancy of four hidden accounts.

He related that when he questioned the City Treasurer on the matter, he confirmed the existence of the accounts.

He stated that the City Treasurer blurted out that there were additional accounts but whenever he pushed for it to be entered into the reconciliation of the financial statement it was pushed aside.

“I am not aware that there are any hidden accounts.

There are special accounts for salaries and special projects but there are no hidden accounts. I’m here and I have nothing to hide at City Hall,” she said in a telephone interview.

She indicated that the law gives provision for the Council to have special accounts, asserting that neither the Mayor nor the Town Clerk handles the purse strings.

Recently, the Council has been accused of shrouding corruption and not being accountable, thus prompting calls for an audit to be conducted into the financial affairs of the Mayor and City Council, since there has not been any audit reports submitted for the past 10 years.

According to the Municipal

PPP Councillor Bishram Kuppen

and District Councils Act, within four months of the close of the financial year, the City Treasurer is required to prepare and submit to the auditor, financial statements for that year for audit. If the treasurer fails to comply, he/she will be guilty of an offence.

It has been over a decade that the M&CC – dominated by the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), a main partner in the governing coalition – has failed to make any public presentation of its financial position.

Former Auditor General Anand Goolsarran had insisted that 10 years of arrears in terms of financial reporting and auditing was not only a “disturbing trend” but also showed that the Council had no interest in bringing the accounts to order.

He stated that as of August 2013, the last set of audited accounts of the Council was for 2004 and the Audit Office had received financial statements for the years 2005 and 2007. There is no evidence to suggest that any financial

Mayor Patricia Chase Green

statements were produced for 2006.

However, Chase Green stated that she will not deter any auditor from probing the financial affairs of the Council.

She affirmed that Kuppen has shown “disrespect” to the Council by making statements without any evidence.

“The Councillor must apologise to Council and the Town Clerk. He is making allegations and he has no evidence to prove what he is saying,” she said.

When Guyana Times had first approached Mayor Chase Green on the issue and questioned her on where the accounts were, she had laughed and said “they are at a bank”.

However, shortly after she redirected the question to her Town Clerk.

But, when attempts were made to contact Town Clerk Royston King, the newspaper was told that he could not pronounce on the issue.

In fact, this publication was told that authorities within the Council were warned not to communicate to the media on this particular matter.

6

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016

Page

guyana-times.com

Foundation

Dealing with cyberbullying

- tips for children and parents to prevent and stop cyberbullying (PART TWO)

Instead, respond to cyberbullying by

* Saving the evidence of the cyberbullying, keep abusive text messages or a screenshot of a webpage, for example, and then report them to a trusted adult, such as a family member, teacher, or school counsellor. If you don’t report incidents, the cyberbully will often become more aggressive. * Reporting threats of harm and inappropriate sexual messages to the Police. In many cases, the cyberbully’s actions can be prosecuted by law. * Being relentless.

Cyberbullying is rarely limited to one or two incidents.

It’s far more likely to be a sustained attack on you over a period of time. So, like the cyberbully, you may have to be relentless and keep reporting each and every bullying incident until it stops. There is no reason for you to ever put up with cyberbullying. * Preventing communication from the cyberbully, by blocking their email address, cellphone number, and deleting them from social media contacts.

Report their activities to their internet service provider (ISP) or to any social media or other web sites they use to target you. The cyberbully’s actions may constitute a violation of the website’s terms of service or, depending on the laws in your area, may even warrant criminal charges.

If you are being cyberbullied, remember

Don’t blame yourself.

It is not your fault. No matter what a cyberbully says or does, you should not be ashamed of who you are or what you feel. The cyberbully is the person with the problem, not you.

Try to view cyberbullying from a different perspective. The cyberbully is an unhappy, frustrated person who wants to have control over your feelings so that you feel as badly as they do. Don’t give them the satisfaction.

Don’t beat yourself up. Don’t make a cyberbullying incident worse by dwelling on it or reading

muscle relaxation, and breathing exercises are all good ways to manage the stress from cyberbullying.

Spend time doing things you enjoy. The more time you spend with activities that bring you pleasure – sports, hobbies, hanging out with friends who don’t participate in cyberbullying, for example – the less significance cyber-

or cell phone activities. * Withdraws from family, friends, and activities they previously enjoyed. * Suffers an unexplained drop in grades. * Refuses to go to school or to specific classes, or avoids group activities. * Shows changes in mood, behaviour, sleep, appetite, or shows signs of depression or anxiety.

Monitor your child’s technology use

the message over and over.

Instead, delete any cyberbullying messages and focus on positive experiences.

There are many wonderful things about you so be proud of who you are.

Get help. Talk to a parent,

teacher, counsellor, or other trusted adult. Seeing a counsellor does not mean there is something wrong with you.

Learn to deal with stress. Finding ways to relieve stress can make you more resilient so you won’t feel overwhelmed by cyberbullying. Exercise, meditation, positive self-talk,

bullying will have on your life.

Tips for parents and teachers to stop cyberbullying

No matter how much pain it causes, children are often reluctant to tell parents or teachers about cyberbullying because they fear that doing so may result in losing their computer or cell phone privileges.

While parents should always monitor a child’s use of technology, it’s important not to threaten to withdraw access or otherwise punish a child who’s been the victim of cyberbullying.

Spot the warning signs of cyberbullying

Your child may be the victim of cyberbullying if he or she: * Becomes sad, angry, or distressed during or after using the Internet or cell phone. * Appears anxious when receiving a text, IM, or email. * Avoids discussions or is secretive about computer

Regardless of how much your child resents it, you can only protect him or her by monitoring what they do online. * Keep the computer in a busy area of your house so you can easily monitor its use, rather than allowing your child use a laptop or tablet in his or her bedroom, for example. * Limit data access to your child’s smart phone if he or she uses it to surf the web. Some wireless providers allow you to turn off text messaging services during certain hours. * Set up filters on your child’s computer. Tracking software can block inappropriate web content and help you check up on your child’s online activities. * Insist on knowing your child’s passwords and learn the common acronyms kids use online and in text messages. * Know who your child communicates with online.

Go over your child’s address book and instant messenger “buddy list” with them. Ask who each person is and how your child knows them. * Encourage your child to tell you or another trusted adult if they receive threatening messages or are otherwise targeted by cyberbullies, while reassuring them that doing so will not result in their loss of computer or cell phone privileges. (www.helpguide.org)

Extra-curricular activities vs extra subjects?

W

ith the Ministry of Education primed to release the results for this year’s CSEC and CAPE examinations today, there is one question that will inevitably arise; are students in Guyana writing too many subjects?

As the years go by, we are seeing an increase in the number subjects that students are choosing to sit.

This phenomenon has sparked many to comment on the personal lives of such students, voicing that Ashley Anthony it must be impossible for them to have a ‘balanced’ education. It is as though we believe the two are mutually exclusive. Once you write a large number of subjects, you have to forget any of your hobbies, sports or volunteer work. In the eyes of the public, all you do is study. Can you see how unfair such a presumption is?

The notion that there should be a cap on the number of subjects that students can write, backed by this idea that they need a more rounded education is infuriating. Think about it like this, what if we told our athletes that they should only run five races a year, or should only do one kind of sport- because in college, you’re only going to focus on one anywaysand should instead take that free time, and develop their skills in art. Yes, athletes do have to maintain minimum grades, but no one seems to be concerned about how much they tax themselves out, how many hours per week they spend training, how much of their “childhood experience” they are losing. Yet everyone is preoccupied with if the ‘top’ student even had a life. Did they go out, how long did they study for each night, how much did they sleep?

In my opinion, everyone should have to reach certain minimum requirements, such as grades, physical activities per week, join at least one school club, and yes, even have to explore music, art and culture. However, none of us should dictate how far any of us decides to further anything once those minimums are met. And while, I do agree in some cases subjects may ‘seem’ unnecessary, and yes the numbers are becoming increasingly higher, I do not believe that it is any of our business. Everyone has their own reasons for doing what they do. Whether it is for fame, to increase their chances of getting a Government scholarship, or just for the pure love of studying, it’s their decision. There is no specific ‘normal’ childhood.

There is no one way that we should all live.

And just to clarify, yes those of us, for example myself who wrote seventeen subjects, do have a life. Like any teenager, I frequent the movies on the weekends, I spend way too much time on Netflix, and I procrastinate whilst voraciously utilizing social media any chance I get. In terms of extra-curricular activities, I can definitely say that I haven’t sacrificed any. I’m part of many clubs in school, I volunteer, and I even swim and practice art in my free time. And I’m not alone. Fellow colleague Victoria Najab, earlier this year, explained that she was able to sit her twentyone subjects whilst also maintaining a healthy sleep cycle, playing table tennis, swimming, dancing and participating in a beauty contest.

So yes, while it may seem like students are writing more and more subjects, many times we’re doing it of our own free will. It’s our choice if we want to write both business and science subjects- maybe we just haven’t decided between the two? Stop assuming that people sacrifice extra-curricular activities for ‘extra’ subjects and open up to the idea that maybe it’s possible to do both.

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

SOCU leaks worry Central Bank … brings sector in disrepute, undermines public trust – Governor

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he Bank of Guyana (BoG) is extremely concerned over revelations this past weekend that confidential banking information had been leaked to the press and was widely published.

Bank of Guyana Governor, Dr Gobin Ganga, made this disclosure on Tuesday during an exclusive interview with Guyana Times.

Over the weekend sections of the media had published the bank account numbers of embattled Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of the Presidency, Omar Shariff.

Included in that publication of Shariff’s banking information, are the bank account numbers for 14 accounts, along with a summary of its balances and withdrawals. The published information also pointed to several asset holdings for Shariff, including shares in a number of local organisations, including shares

owned in two local banks and Banks DIH Limited.

Speaking to Guyana Times, Dr Ganga said that while the Bankers Association is likely to make a formal pronouncement on the matter shortly, as Central Bank Governor he is “very worried” since the divulged information can only serve to bring the entire banking sector into disrepute.

Dr Ganga reiterated earlier concerns articulated by sections of the banking community with respect to the sharing of its information with State agencies such as the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU).

The matter was raised during recent consultations held on the draft State Asset Recovery Bill when representatives of the banking industry had questioned the security of the confidential information being passed onto agencies such as SOCU and State Assets Recovery Unit (SARU).

BoG Governor, Dr Gobin Ganga

This past week, Shariff, in breaking his silence in relation to the allegations that he had somehow laundered, embezzled or stole public monies for personal gain, accused SOCU of leaking confidential information to the media.

He lamented that the information which had been passed on to SOCU was obtained through a judicial warrant.

SOCU head, Dr Clive Thomas

Public trust

According to the BoG Governor, the leakage of such confidential information can only serve to undermine the public trust in the local banking sector.

He told Guyana Times too that the sharing of such information will hurt Guyana’s credibility on the international scene since such developments point to its weakened integrity.

Dr Ganga pointed to the recent pull out from Guyana by correspondent Bank of America. He recalled that among the reasons that the institution pulled out of Guyana was as a result of its de-risking measures.

According to the Central Bank Governor, when it is that sensitive, banking information, which is supposed to be kept confidential, leaked into the public domain and more so published in widely circulated news outlets can only serve to hurt the integrity of the

local system.

The international banking community is paying attention to what obtains locally, according to Dr Ganga, who stressed that the BoG is deeply concerned over the revelations.

He said that the BoG is currently monitoring the developments very closely and is in fact looking to see what recourse is available to it.

The matter of leaked confidential information has generated heated public debate in the past and again came to the fore with the publication of the scores of accounts owned by Shariff.

Shariff was recently sent on leave by Minister of State Joseph Harmon, pending an investigation by SOCU into his financial affairs.

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

IN THE COURTS

Brazilian woman remanded on illegal ammo charge

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26-year-old Brazilian woman was remanded to prison when she appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged for illegal possession of ammunition.

Mikanny Meres pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on August 11, 2016, at Aishalton Village, South Rupununi, she had one live .32 round of ammunition without being the holder of a firearm licence.

The prosecution’s case stated that

on the day in question, the defendant was intercepted at the Aishalton check point where she was attempting to enter Marudi Backdam. The ammunition was concealed in a black handbag belonging to the defendant.

In court on Tuesday, the Magistrate spoke to the defendant through an immigration translator who experienced much difficulties communicating with her as she was crying uncontrollably.

Meres was refused bail and will return to court on September 8, before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

Mikanny Meres

Prison Service’s steel pan instructor slapped with narco trafficking charge

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41-year-old steel pan instructor of the Guyana Prison Service was on Tuesday remanded to prison when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Shawn Koulen pleaded not guilty to a drug trafficking charge when it was read to him by Magistrate Fabayo Azore.

The charge stated that on August 11, at the Camp Street Prison, he had in his possession 400 grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.

Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones disclosed to the court that on the day in questioned, the defendant was

about to teach steel pan lessons to inmates when he was intercepted by Police ranks who, acting upon information, conducted a search on him. The search revealed a quantity of stems, leaves and seeds in three yellow bags in a haversack.

The unrepresented defendant, who resides at Lot 144 Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara, made an application for bail on the grounds that he has two minor children, noting that his wife is pregnant with their third child.

Koulen was nonetheless remanded to prison.

The case will continue on September 12.

Robbery suspect released on $75,000 bail

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20-year-old man was granted $75,000 bail when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Fabayo Azore on a robbery charge.

Jason Howard pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on

August 10, in the vicinity Georgetown, he robbed Charmaine Charles of one gold chain valued $75,000.

It was also alleged that he made use of personal violence before, after or during the robbery.

The case will continue on September 12.

Eyew tness Taking care...

Y

...of the boys

our Eyewitness is worried about the implications of all those military types being parachuted into top policymaking positions in this Administration – headed by an ex-Brigadier. The PPP sounded an early warning in the elections campaign when several military big wigs suddenly shed their epaulets and hopped onto the political platforms of APNU/AFC. "A militarised government" was what they worried about.

After the elections the warnings were intensified when the floodgates opened even wider for the "army boys" in all kinds of official positions. President Granger brushed off their criticisms. Aren't Army veterans not Guyanese? Don't they have skills that can be utilised?

And more to the point, didn't the PPP also employ some of veterans?

Well, while Prezzie's points are well taken, your Eyewitness humbly suggests he missed the point of the concerns expressed. While the PPP did hire a few veterans, Prezzie doesn't have to be a statistician to appreciate that "the quantitative can alter the qualitative". You start out with a green solution but you keep on adding red dye to it...what happens after a while? Go to the head of the class, dear reader...that's right!! The green solution becomes red.

And that's what lots of folks fear. Sure ex-military people are Guyanese. But they're Guyanese of a special type – they've each spent more than 20 years of indoctrination into a "military way of thinking. So when we hear they can "manage" organisations"...they'll manage them the way they were trained by the MILITARY to do so. And now the majority of the President's inner core of advisors are all ex-military types, one begins to appreciate the PPP's worry about what kind of democracy we may have when all these fellas were used to only hearing "Yes Sir!!!" when they gave ORDERS. Or worry about of advice they'll give to distribute the scarce resources of the State. Look at this scenario.

All sorts of people have worked for the State and drawn their salaries and after retirement, collect their old age pensions like the rest of the country when that time arrived. This is what public servants get. This is what nurses get. This is what firemen get. But if the Commission of Inquiry the President just commissioned has its way...it won't be what ex-soldiers, ex-national service and ex-Peoples Militia will get.

The CoI will be recommending "legislation to provide for the welfare of veterans and their dept's" and 20 other line items – including counselling for PTSD! Now in some countries, military types gets special benefits because of their "battle experience".

But in Guyana, haven't Policemen faced more battles?

...of procurement

Even some of those who saw through the venality in the ongoing "Pharma-ware-housegate" misunderstood the difference between "sole sourcing" and the "prequalification" procedure previously used to bid for the bulk of our pharmaceutical supplies and other medical essentials. The latter was recommended by the World Health Organisation and World Bank (WHO/WB). No government in the world can place individual orders on a piecemeal, day to day basis. There's a need for consolidation, reliability of supply and quality that must be considered. So companies that can handle the supply so chain requirements WHICH INCLUDE APPROPRIATE WAREHOUSING, are "pre-qualified.

It's absolutely not "sole sourcing" where you just give a particular company the order. Cause even after pre-selection of the vendor, the MoH compares the prices of the pharmaceuticals against those of the INTERNATIONALLY vetted AND AUTOMATICALLY qualified suppliers such as PAHO, IPA etc. Guyanese are now learning why the pre-qualification criteria insisted on including "warehousing".

Now that the APNU /AFC Government threw it out – their Minister felt he had to "facilitate" a ware "house"!!

...of broadcasting

The Prime Minister says he reposes confidence in the Chairman of Guyana National Broadcasting Agency's Board but the latter has "problems".

No. It has Tony Vieira!!

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

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

older than 8 years Ramayya resigns Vehicles will be disposed of – GRA as Region 6 REO T … 3 candidates shortlisted for position

By Vahnu Manickchand

A

fter months of finding himself constantly buried in controversies, the embattled Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), Dr Veerasammy Ramayya, has resigned from the post.

Ramayya tendered his resignation on August 10 to Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan, giving notice up to September 15, according to a statement from the Ministry on Tuesday.

“Consequent to his resignation, the Ministry acknowledged receipt of the notice and expressed heartfelt gratitude to Dr Ramayya for his service to the Regional Democratic Council and the people of Region Six,” the Ministry stated.

Since his appointment, calls have been mounting for the embattled REO to be removed from his post over his apparent incompetence. In fact, a no-confidence motion was set against the REO last year at the Council’s statutory meeting and was passed in November with a 16:8 majority vote.

Moreover, Ramayya was said to be at loggerheads with several officials within the regional administration. He was accused of poor performance and not attending the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) meetings. Additionally, the regional Councillors have complained of not being paid their travelling allowanc-

Region Six REO, Dr Veerasammy Ramayya

es, while contractors have been waiting on payments for months.

To add fuel to the fire, the REO, back in May, imposed a limit on the amount of fuel to be issued to Regional Vice Chairman, Dennis DeRoop, who also heads the Regional Works Committee. A few weeks later, he had a standoff with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the New Amsterdam Hospital, Colin Bynoe, whom he had accused of assaulting him when he visited the hospital.

The situation had gotten so out of hand that even the A Partnership for National Unity’s (APNU’s) lead RDC Councillor, Samuel Fraser, was very vocal at the May statutory meeting and made no hesitation in joining calls for Ramayya to be removed from the position of REO. “The previous REO, I understand used to remain in the office in the afternoon to get his work done and even on weekends. We cannot

have our administration on TV discussing politics. The President (David Granger) said that the election period is over. We need the REO to be in his office doing his work… I support all that you have been saying,” Fraser stated.

More recently, Ramayya was accused of abandoning his post last month and travelling to the United States without informing the regional authorities. However the Communities Ministry had clarified that he was on leave.

Ramayya had resigned from the Alliance For Change after the APNU/AFC coalition won the May 2015 General and Regional Elections and was not given any position within the new administration. However, he subsequently rescinded his resignation after he was offered the REO job in Region Six. In the meanwhile, the Communities Ministry assures the people of Region Six that no effort will be spared in ensuring the replacement REO possesses administrative skills to deliver effective leadership to the region in the provision of services.

To this end, the Ministry announced that three prospective candidates have since been shortlisted and the process of selection will commence shortly. Guyana Times understands that one of the candidates being considered for the position is Deputy REO, Claude Henry, who is also the former Mayor of the New Amsterdam municipality.

he Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) is reminding auto dealers of the new law restricting the importation of vehicles older than eight years.

Government earlier this year announced legislative changes to the Customs Act that restricts the importation of vehicles that are eight years and older, from the date of manufacture to the date of importation, from entering Guyana. This new law took effect from May 1.

However, despite notices to this effect already issued in the media, importers are still bringing the restricted vehicles.

“The GRA therefore urges vehicle importers to desist from purchasing such vehicles and attempting to import same, since vehicles in contravention will be forfeited and disposed, thereof, in accordance with the provisions of the Customs Laws.

Other fines and penalties may also be imposed,” stated a release from the taxation body on Tuesday.

M e a n w h i l e , Commissioner General of the GRA, Godfrey Statia, told Guyana Times that the Authority wanted to remind the public of the restriction, hence the release.

“A few importers and individuals are still (importing such vehicles) and claiming ignorance so we just wanted to be pellucid that this is the law,” he remarked.

Moreover, Statia explained that those importers who would have already purchased or had vehicles eight years and older at the wharf when the May 1 enforcement took effect, are given a “special concession”.

The vehicle restriction does not apply to heavy-duty vehicles such as trucks, lorries, vehicles used in the agricultural and industrial sector and special purpose vehicles.

The highly-unpopular measure was announced by Finance Minister Winston Jordan, during the presentation of the 2016 National Budget in January, which

he said was part of the coalition Government’s programme of ‘greening’ the economy and protecting the environment.

The ban, seen by many as anti-poor and anti-business, covers cars, vans, busses, Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs), and pickups. The Government in the same vein had moved to remove the taxes on vehicles less than four years old as a cushion. The excise tax on 1500cc vehicles less than four years old was removed, while there was a 50 per cent reduction of the excise tax to 10 per cent on vehicles less than four years old between 1500cc and 2000cc.

Several auto dealers had spoken to Guyana Times back when the announcement was made and noted that the ban will only benefit the upper-middle class and described the move as “jumbie economics” being implemented at a time when the Guyanese economy was struggling to “keep its head above water”.

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News

Retired NIS General Manager passes on

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The late Patrick Martinborough

etired General Manager of the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), Patrick Martinborough, has passed away.

Martinborough had served the NIS from 1988 to 2007. As the General Manager in 1992 – when the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) took office – he worked assiduously with the Board, headed then by Dr Roger Luncheon, to sustain steps to bring NIS policy and Administration into the modern era.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Office of the Leader of the Opposition said it regrets the passing of Martinborough.

“The Office of the Leader of the Opposition extends its deepest

condolences to the grieving survivors’ of the Martinborough family at this time of his passing. May his gentle soul rest in peace.”

According to the statement, Martinborough will always be remembered for his strong support for the PPP/C Government’s successful efforts to transform the financial sector, particularly budgetary control and fiscal considerations during the early years of economic recovery in Guyana.

The statement went on to say that Martinborough will also be long remembered for his leadership qualities of integrity, humility, servility and loyalty in public office, inspiring generations of NIS staffer.

A moveable tableau

S

atiricus was astounded. And as usua,l he was muttering under his breath as he stewed over the source of his shocked surprise. And just as usual, his friend Cappo, who'd joined him at the Back Street Bar for their daily libation to their unquenchable thirst, shook his head and asked, "Wha' wraang dis time, Sato?"

Satiricus, who was always surprised Cappo could "divine" his thoughts, answered in a wounded tone, "Cappo, look how so many people are criticising the government for deciding to move the Amerindian museum."

"Well me na su'prise. Fram wha' me hear, de guvnment jus' want fuh put wan affice deh beca'se Prezzie live in de nex' yard," said Cappo wid some heat.

"So you think Pressie would do that just to have his office next door?" said Satiricus in a wounded voice.

"Budday...me does always glad w'en dem bu'n cane near me house!" said Cappo. "Me wife does mo' glad, beca'se she na gat fuh get up early! " "Well, it's a good thing you're not President," Satiricus said heatedly. "Cappo, Prezzie used to go to work hundred of miles in the jungle when he was in the army. You think he's bothered to drive to work one mile from Main Street to Vlissengen Road?"

"Suh wha mek de guvment wan' fuh move de Amerindian Muse-yam?" Cappo asked with genuine interest.

"Cappo, the Amerindian Museum is not just a regular "museum"," said Satiricus in a learned tone. "It is an Amerindian Anthropological Museum."

"Bai, da wan big word!" said Cappo. "Wha 'e mean?"

"It means that the museum is really to show how the Amerindians peoples used to live long ago," said Satiricus. "Not just some statues and stuff."

"Yes...But wha' da gat fuh do fuh mek dem move de "AntrapaLagical" muse-yam?" Cappo asked in a puzzled voice.

"Well, Cappo my friend," said Satiricus said with a smirk.

"The Amerindians were "nomadic". That means they used to move from place to place."

"Oh!" exclaimed Cappo with understanding dawning in his eyes. "Yes!" concluded Satiricus as he slammed the table with his open palm as if he was playing his winning domino ticket. "The government had to move the stuff in the museum to show other Guyanese how the Amerindians lived long ago!"

"Le' abee drink to dat!" smiled Cappo as he clinked his bottle with Satiricus'. "Nomadic muse-yam!"

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12 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

UG, US students benefit from oil and gas capacity training

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The participating students outside of the University of Guyana’s compound

cience students from the University of Guyana (UG) and Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, United States (US) were exposed to a unique opportunity to learn about enhancing capacities to support the oil and gas sector.

This exercise was funded by a grant from the through ExxonMobil President Barrack Obama’s 100,000 Strong in the Americas Programme. In mid-July, UG students travelled to Lubbock to attend classes at the university and conduct experiments in stateof-the-art laboratories.

The students gained a general understanding of the petroleum exploration process, introductory knowledge

of the value chain associated with exploration and production of hydrocarbons. They also gained experience with Petrel software suite and utility in viewing seismic and petrophysical data.

Outside of class, they visited the picturesque Caprock Canyons State Park to witness firsthand some of the sedimentary wonders that fascinate geologists today.

Meanwhile, from July 24 to August 3, Texas Tech students travelled to Guyana where they were joined by their UG classmates to listen directly to the Natural Resources Minister on the steps Guyana is taking to ensure that the country is prepared for the production of petroleum that is set to begin

in the next five years.

ExxonMobil geologist, Richard McKenzie also spoke to the group and expressed the corporation’s delight in sponsoring such a worthwhile experience for the students. He encouraged students to continue their studies in the sciences and to be a part of making a positive difference in their countries – both in Guyana and the United States.

Students travelled to Linden to see the bauxite mining areas and were briefed by the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) Chief Executive Officer on the history of bauxite in Guyana.

Texas Tech students and

faculty also went to Kaieteur Falls to experience the power and majesty of one of Guyana’s most impressive natural wonders.

US Ambassador Perry Holloway expressed his strong support for the programme and confirmed to Texas Tech Professors Gad Perry and Dustin Sweet, as well as UG Professor Calvin Bernard, the willingness of the US Government to help Guyana transition into an oil-producing nation.

The goal of 100,000 Strong in the Americas Programme – President Obama’s signature education initiative in the Western Hemisphere – is to increase the number of US students studying in the Western Hemisphere to 100,000 and the number of Western Hemisphere students studying in the United States to 100,000 by the year 2020. The initiative is aimed at enhancing hemispheric competitiveness, increasing prosperity, and preparing a more globally competent workforce.

Keeping it real African Reparations and the Indian security dilemma

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s I wrote in my last piece, the issue of reparations for Africans is a major issue being debated in Guyana and the Caribbean community, particularly since Caricom is keeping the issue on top of its agenda. In Guyana, reparations are closely tied to Eric Phillips, who as the leader of the Guyana Reparations Committee, has made a serious commitment Dr Baytoram Ramharack to seeking reparations from European countries which committed “crimes against humanity” in their pursuit of chattel slavery, resulting in the forceful removal of Africans from their homeland and distribution to plantation economies around the world. It was the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, under the PPP government, which established the Guyana Reparations Committee in 2013. Mr Phillips has since served as its Chairperson.

For the record, I have no problem with demands for reparations by African leaders in Guyana, as long as reparation claims do not brand the Amerindians and Indians as perpetrators of this crime against humanity, overtly or covertly. A civilized world owes it to humanity to correct past injustices against its fellow citizens. Social justice and correcting historical wrongs should not create additional strains in our already racially divided society.

No doubt, Phillips, who is quite capable of leading this charge, is determined to seek out justice for his fellow Africans.

According to his resume, Phillips is listed as a consultant and a former White House Fellow. He is a lecturer at the Business and Management Department at the University of Guyana and a Director of the African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA). Needless to say, Eric is well grounded in the African tradition, and his role in the Reparations Committee makes him a central leader of Africans in Guyana. Additionally, his current position as a Presidential advisor puts him in a position where he can effectively influence the Guyana government on this issue. Not surprisingly, President Granger, in a recent presentation at the Cuffy 250 symposium, made it clear that the Guyana Government is interested in more than an apology from the guilty party, and that his government will pursue the call for reparations with a sense of urgency.

Whether Africans like it or not, Phillips is speaking on behalf of the over 200,000 or more Persons of African Descent living in Guyana and their ancestors who have made Guyana their home for over three hundred and fifty years, following the TransAtlantic Slave Trade. Phillips is not alone in this struggle. There is a silent majority, represented by a wide ranging number of African organisations in Guyana that have accepted the reality of reparations as a compensatory act towards the injustice of slavery. If most African organisations are not on board yet, they will probably join the calls for reparations at some point. As Granger reminded us, these African organisations, with those formed over the last 25 years, include, but are not limited to: the African Cultural Development Association (ACDA); African Heritage Foundation (AHF); African Welfare Convention (AWC); All African-Guyanese Council (AAGC); Forum for the Liberation of African-Guyanese (FLAG); National Emancipation Trust (NET); Movement for Economic Empowerment (MEE); Pan-African Movement (PAM); and Revival of Awareness and Promotion of African Culture (RAPAC).

History has recorded that Africans “had driven back the sea and had cleared, drained and reclaimed 15,000 square miles of forest and swamps” [equivalent to 9,000,000 acres of land]… installed “2,580,000 miles of drainage canals, trenches and inter-bed drains…3,500 miles of dams, roads and footpaths, and 2,176 miles of sea and river defence” and the Venn Commission has noted that “a value of 100,000,000 tons of earth” was moved by African slaves to humanize the Guyanese physical landscape. This is no small accomplishment, but the labour that went into this turning point in Guyana’s early history, converted a wasteland into a habitable environment for future generations.

In his quest to convince the naysayers that justice for Africans will be achieved through reparations, Eric Phillips has eagerly over-extended his reach and has taken antagonistic positions against his opponents. While he has been criticized for downplaying the Amerindians’ case for reparations, he now seems to have placed Indians as perpetrators of the injustice against Africans. Here is what he said: “…denying the descendants of Africans in Guyana their just reparations in terms of lands is simply another ‘crime against humanity’ by those who came after them”. He left us dangling by saying that his comments on these issues “will have to wait”. Is there any doubt as to what he meant?

To be continued.

Send comments to BRamharack60@gmail.com

NEWS

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Drop-in Centre fire was a tragedy waiting to happen – CoI report deaths of the brothers, whilst in the care, control and custody of the State and to report on whether there was failure

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Siblings Antonio and Joshua George perished in the fire on July 8

he deadly fire at the Hadfield Street Dropin Centre on July 8, which claimed the lives of siblings, Antonio and Joshua George, was a tragedy waiting to happen.

Commission of The Inquiry (CoI) into the incident found it was a tragedy waiting to happen and that there was a collective responsibility for the tragic event, which claimed the lives of the George brothers. The report found the system to protect the children failed and therefore all players are collectively responsible. Six-year-old Antonio and his two-yearold brother, Joshua George, along with three other siblings were taken into the care at the Centre two days prior to their demise.

The findings of the inquiry conducted by Retired Colonel Windee Algernon found that the children/staffer ratio was not adhered to and that on the morning of the fire, there were not enough staff members on duty to meet the needs of children. Additionally, the house service supervisor, while she had the authority to call out more staff, failed to do so.

The CoI also found that

there were written guidelines for the management of crisis situations, including fires; however, the house manager and other senior staff seemed unfamiliar with them. And so when the fire occurred, there was confusion and panic resulting in the tragedy.

It also found that the staff on duty at the time cannot be entirely absolved, the two children died in her care.

It pointed out that the administration of the Drop-in Centre in collaboration with the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA) failed to ensure that she possessed the skill set to perform her responsibilities adequately.

The CoI found that the fire was caused by a defective electrical point fitted with exposed wires on the eastern wall of the girl’s dormitory. This, the report said, played a role in the ignition of the fire by subsequent heat transfer.

Along with the findings, the CoI made some recommendations, including that the Social Protection Ministry and the CPA continue to focus on overhauling child protection, cutting red tape and improving the skills and knowledge of social workers so that they could

adequately protect children in the State’s care.

It also recommends that the emergency evacuation plans be developed and practiced at all child care facilities, and that in house training, including rehearsals, be conducted for staff in crises management and child care centres. Recommendations were also made for an inspector to the homes and this appointment should be done immediately to ensure compliance with the Social Protection Ministry. It also recommended that the childcare workers be given additional time away from the working environment to allow them to relax after a period of work or tension and also that suitably satisfied staff be recruited to meet the increasing demands of child care responsibilities. Revealing the scope of the inquiry, the CoI report said it visited the Sophia Care Centre where children of the Drop-in Centre are now housed. Some 26 persons from the CPA, the Dropin Centre, civilians and Red Thread were interviewed.

The CoI was required to ascertain the causes, condition and surrounding circumstances which led to the

on the part of State officials to deal appropriately or adequately with matters which gave rise to the loss of lives

and whether there were any unsafe or improper arrangements for the care, custody and welfare of the children.

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News

AFC’s opposition on parking meter CSEC, CAPE results contracts holds no merit – Mayor to be announced today

By Ramona Luthi

I

n face of strong condemnation from the Alliance For Change’s (AFC) political party about the implementation of the controversial parking meter project in the city, Mayor Patricia Chase Green has signalled a go-ahead for the project.

Chase Green told Guyana Times on Tuesday that though democratic power is given to everyone, and members of the AFC are allowed to oppose the contracts, their disagreement holds no merit.

AFC Leader, Khemraj Ramjattan, had told the media that the party does not plan on giving up on its quest to have the contentious parking meter contract rescinded.

Chase Green expressed frustration towards the stance taken by the AFC representatives, explaining that “the Council had difficulties with the previous Administration politically inferring with the Council’s work and now here it is, we’re having political interference.

I don’t know for what reason.”

The AFC’s opposition to the contract is evidence that the City Council is divided, since the party is a key partner in the coalition Government which won the majority of the seats on the Council.

And although the AFC has openly disagreed with the contract, Attorney General Basil Williams and Finance Minister Winston Jordan have both given the green light.

“There are recommendations from the Attorney General and the Ministry of Finance, of which I said, a meeting will be called and they will discuss it, and we will be moving forward,” Chase Greene said.

On the other hand, she said that the decision for the installation of the parking meters along the streets of Georgetown was the Mayor and City Council’s (M&CC) decision to make, and it was already agreed upon, indicating that the view of the AFC does not matter at this point.

“They have a right to agree and not to agree. What I have is a Council’s decision, of which I have to carry through. Every member has a right to agree or not to agree, but the Council has the decision before it,” she said.

The AFC’s representatives on the Council, along with several other city Councillors, including the People’s Progressive Party’s Bishram Kuppen, have rejected the contract which they say is shrouded in secrecy.

In fact, Kuppen along with several others, including transparency advocates have called for the scrapping of the contract and for there to be an open public tender of the

project. But the Government has reassured stakeholders that it has found nothing illegal in the contract which was signed with Smart City Solutions Inc. However the Finance Ministry which was also tasked with reviewing the contract and providing Cabinet with a report, had outlined with respect to the financial implications of the contract that “Government procurement practices may have been violated, in that a tender was not advertised and bids reviewed for acceptance based on certain criteria, and as such, justifies a revoking of the contract by Government and the re-tendering.”

According to the report from the Finance Ministry, “there are grounds for the contract to be withdrawn and the related damages assessed and paid subject to M&CC producing a feasibility study that provides the Government a clear picture of the demand analysis, financial analysis, socio-economic cost benefit analysis, risk analysis, technological alternatives and production plan, human resources, location plan and implementation.”

The Ministry’s report also unearthed that the concessions granted under the contract were monopolistic in nature since it blocked any form of local competition for the duration of the 49 years of the contract life.

T r a n s p a r e n c y International Guyana Inc (TIGI) is of the opinion that the deal is shrouded in unaccountability and ambiguity.

“TIGI is of the view that the handling of the parking meter project by the Georgetown municipality and its response to relevant queries exhibit a dearth of dem-

ocratic principles and disdain for citizens that would lead to a feeling of exclusion, and alienation from the decisionmaking process. These failures serve as a strong contradiction to the purpose of local government,” TIGI President Troy Thomas had said in recent statement.

He said there was no open tendering for the project and there was “handpicking” of a contractor and Councillors to conduct due diligence in Mexico. “This was perhaps necessary as it was a fool’s errand from the onset against the backdrop of an already signed contract, which positioned it in the interest of the Mayor to find the firm suitable or even exceeding the requirements,” he added.

Thomas stated that there ought to be transparency and accountability in the operations of local government and the views of the people must be respected. He contended that the project being allowed to continue in its current state despite a legal basis for enacting a new and transparent process was a telling blow to “transparency, accountability and good governance”.

Private Sector Commission Chairman Eddie Boyer had also stated that if the parking meter contract was not transparent, it should be disregarded.

W

eeks of waiting in anticipation will end today for hundreds of students and their parents as the Education Ministry is expected to announce the results of the 2016 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE).

The announcement will be made at a news conference scheduled for 10:00h by Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine.

The press conference will be held in the auditorium of the National Centre for Education Resource Development (NCERD) and will be streamed live on the Ministry’s website www.education.gov.gy.

CSEC uses a six-point grading scheme, which is used to report on the performance of the candidates under six overall and profile grades as follows: Overall grades – I, II, III, IV, V, VI; and Profile grades – A, B, C, D, E, F.

CSEC subjects are examined for certification at the General and Technical Proficiencies, which provides students with the foundation for further studies and entry into the workplace.

Guyanese students have been performing exceptionally well at these examinations over the years, having produced the top student for the past few years. Last year, 17-year-old Victoria Najab of Saraswati Vidya Niketan (SVN) topped the country with a whopping 20 Grade Ones.

The second spot was taken by another SVN student, Vamanadev Hiralall, who obtained 19 Grade Ones and one Grade Two. He was followed in the third spot by Aliyah Rasheed from Queenstown Village on the Essequibo Coast, who secured 19 Grade Ones.

Meanwhile, CAPE is designed to provide certification of the academic, vocational and technical achievement of students in the Caribbean who, having completed a minimum of five years of secondary education, wish to further their studies.

Last year CAPE toppers included Cecil Cox, Larissa Whiltshire and Sasha Woodroffe, all of Queen’s College and Shonta Noel of St Rose’s High, who all secured Grade One passes in six units.

ChildLink report is “substandard” research – CPA

T

he Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA) is outraged by the findings of a ChildLink report which pointed out that the Agency has no established criteria to determine which facility children are placed in once they are taken into the State’s care and that children are abused while in the care of the State.

“We have criteria and we follow it. We do not operate haphazardly,” a CPA official stated, highlighting that there is a Childcare Agency Act which the outfit is guided by in determining how a child is placed into a home.

The report “An Analysis of the Nature and Extent of Institutionalisation of Children in Guyana” stated that the Agency reported that based on “informal determination” of the facilities’ strengths, as well as the care facilities’ preferences with regards to age and sex, a child is placed.

It emphasised that the consultants at the Agency were not in an informed position to indicate clearly where, for instance, an abused child – whether physical, sexual, neglected or otherwise ? would be placed, as against a child whose family could not adequately provide food and shelter for them.

The official at the Agency asserted that ChildLink is aware that there are standard operating procedures that the organisation adheres to and said they were shocked by its findings. “We are still trying to come to grips with the presentation of the research,” the official said.

The official added that there are special homes for children who have been abused, stated that “we just don’t drop them into one place.”

Child Counsellor Abbigale Loncke had stated that Guyana does not have separate facilities to cater for children who have either been abused or taken in because of wandering or poverty. She stated that while children enter alternative care for various reasons, they are all put in one type of facility ? there is no distinctive facility.

According to the ChildLink report, caregivers were not considerate with respect to the circumstances faced by a child, which gave rise to their admission to the facility before the placement was made. “Rather, they were informed that the child would be assigned there and the facility was required to make the necessary arrangements for his or her admission,” it said, adding

that this posed many challenges, since the caregivers did not know what to expect and therefore were unprepared for the circumstances presented by each child.

“Some form of dialogue is, therefore, necessary between the residential facility and CPA before a child’s admission so that an informed response based on the particular needs of the child could be provided,” the report recommended.

The official, however, contended that the report was “poorly” done since there are a number of discrepancies in it.

“It is unethical to use what one child says and say it is the same for the rest,” the official stated, adding that the interviewer is unaware of what is going on in the child’s mind at that moment. “Some of them just want to go home and they would say anything to get them to leave,” the official added.

As of March 2016, the CPA recorded that 803 children were in alternative care (foster and residential), of which 624 of these children are in residential care, while 179 are in foster care.

These children were placed in alternative care because of various forms of abuse, poverty, disasters, disability of a parent, and the death of a parent.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016

guyana-times.com

15

News

Merging of LBI/Enmore Estates

Sugar workers protest President’s office Union – no dialogue, no discussion,” Chand postulated.

The veteran sugar representative further explained that he is hopeful that GuySuCo will meet with GAWU to discuss the matters at hand.

“We cannot allow this situation go on like this…we are

looking forward to immediate discussions between the Union and GuySuCo to address the issues where they are violating even the law, not only the agreement, in the forceful nature of the merger of LBI with Enmore,” Chand pointed out.

Meanwhile, some work-

ers said they feel “embarrassed” that the Minister doesn’t want to meet with them. GAWU in a statement claimed that in “recent months”, there has been an erosion of their “gains and benefits” which were secured by workers after “hard and bitter struggles”.

GPHC dispatcher’s murder

Preliminary Inquiry begins

T Sugar workers and union representatives want more dialogue with GuySuCo

GAWU President Komal Chand standing on the picket line

W

“

e want wages!” and “No merging!” were the echoing sounds of sugar workers as they took their protest action to the Ministry of the Presidency on Tuesday.

This action comes in light of their frustrations over the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) finalising its decision to merge the La Bonne Intention (LBI) and Enmore estates. About 100 workers and their union representatives braved the morning rains, and continued to denounce what they described as “bullyism” and “hostility” meted out to them by GuySuCo. According to the protesters, La Bonne Intention (LBI) workers are being “treated like footballs” by management and they are calling on Government to ensure that the Sugar Corporation engages in more dialogue with its workers. It was related that the workers are concerned with how some of their fellow colleagues have been transferred and it was noted that their rates of pay at Enmore are lower than what they currently receive at LBI. This publication was told that this figure moved from $2100 per day to $700 per day.

Many of the protesters, who have not performed duties in over one week, exclaimed that they are not prepared to move to the Enmore estate.

“It got over 2700 hectares cane plant in LBI and LBI people (workers) must remain at LBI. It got fertiliser, spraying and cane cutting; it got all work over at LBI,” expressed Balkissoon Ramdasoon.

He also decried the

Sugar Corporation’s treatment of workers and noted that the entity is trying to “cripple” their representative, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU).

“Them seh you [have to work] at Enmore but when you go over, no [work is

“Me want de President fo call on GuySuCo to come out and talk to the people [so that they] could go back to work,” the Enmore worker expressed.

However, some LBI workers said that moving to Enmore signals that they would have to spend more time travelling and stated that GuySuCo ought to pay out severance packages.

“Leh deh close it down and pay people they lil money!” a female sugar worker expressed. A male nearby exclaimed: “To go to Enmore you have to wake up one hour in front of time, one hour late, you meet back home and more time for you waste,” the protester stressed.

Meanwhile, GAWU President, Komal Chand,

The protesters outside the Ministry of the Presidency on Tuesday

there]…dem only frustrating de workers,” Ramdasoon stressed, noting that eight months into 2016, workers have not seen any increase in wages.

“You claim yo mek 247,000 tonnes sugar last year, you pass the target… eight months [we] deh in; GuySuCo is trying to cripple the union but we standing up with our union [and] we gonna stand up until betterment reach,” the frustrated man pointed out.

One Enmore worker who joined the picket line claimed that the current wages workers are receiving, cannot meet their needs.

who stood in solidarity with the sugar workers, claimed that Noel Holder is the first Agriculture Minister who has not engaged the Union and by extension, sugar workers, in open dialogue since the sector was nationalised in 1976.

“I personally asked the Minister to engage us [but] he has never…we had been able to meet all the Ministers in the PNC (People’s National Congress) Government, under President Hoyte and President Burnham and all the other Presidents but this Minister is behaving in a queer way, in that he is not wanting to meet with the

he Preliminary Inquiry (PI) into the murder of Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) employee Mellisa Skeete, commenced on Tuesday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, before Magistrate Fabayo Azore.

The 55-year-old accused, Alan Sim, of Lot 860 Paradise Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara (ECD), who worked as a taxi driver, is charged for the November 23, 2015, murder of Skeete.

In court on Tuesday, Police Sergeant Raul Nedd, attached to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters, took the stand to give evidence about his qualifications which have made him an expert in criminal investigations and management – and skilled to execute his duties in this matter.

Defence Attorney Latchmie Rahamat, made it clear in court that the Sergeant has not proven to the court that he is quali-

fied. She highlighted that although the Sergeant is in receipt of multiple certificates, none of them provide any details of his specialty.

Sergeant Nedd provided the court with several certificates of training completed in Trinidad and Tobago, the United States of America, Russia and many others locally.

Rahamat contended that the Sergeant is not an expert in Criminal Investigation, but a mere crime scene technician, who collects evidence, tags it and hands it over to the forensic laboratory.

Sergeant Nedd will take the stand for the continuation of his testimony on September 28 when the PI continues.

Late last year, Police Prosecutor Steven Telford told the court that Sim and the 33-year-old woman were in a common-law relationship, which produced a child.

According to Telford, the now dead woman worked at

the GPHC as an ambulance dispatcher and on the day in question, the accused picked her up after work about 15:00h in his motorcar, PRR 6801.

Telford also related that 30 minutes later, the woman was found in the vicinity of Carmichael Street bleeding profusely as a result of several stab wounds about her body. She was picked up by public spirited citizens and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where she succumbed while undergoing emergency treatment.

The Prosecutor told the court that the man reportedly confessed to the murder, and his car was recovered.

The Police have reported that the passenger seat had been replaced, presumably in an attempt to cover up the crime, the Court heard. In his alleged confession, Sim reportedly told investigators that Skeete attacked him and in self-defence, he killed her.

16 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Annual Police Youth Camp opens T

he annual Police Youth Camp kicked off on Monday at Camp Madewini on the Soesdyke/Linden Highway, with more than 150 youths between the ages of nine and 14 participating.

Under the theme “Developing youths through community projects, discipline and team work,” the Youth Camp serves to bring about discipline among youths and teach them to become involved in team work; this is according to Deputy Superintendent of the camp, Grace Davis.

According to Davis, the camp facilitated 117 children, 30 care givers, 34 scouts, and seven leaders.

The Deputy Superintendent highlighted that the campers are required to follow a daily routine beginning at 05:00h.

Davis also related that the activities the children were involved in included craft work, educational talks, road safety exercises, religious teachings, games, and an exhibition to show-

Ramsammy’s Ruminations The public health sector is a running away cash cow - risking Guyanese lives

U

Some of the children during one of the many activities at the Youth Camp

case their acquired skills.

“We have activities such as sewing; if you notice the children, they did dolls, bridal dolls, they did fruit bowls. Some of them did paintings and construction work where they built benches and shoe racks,” she explained.

Children at the camp expressed joy at being able to participate in the camping

experience and were eager to display their handmade craft, including lamps, bridal dolls, crochets and wood work.

On conclusion of the camp on August 19, the children will be given their own creations as tokens of remembrance of their camping experience.

This Youth Camp is an annual event which is organ-

ised by the Guyana Police Force in collaboration with the Guyana Association of Women Police.

It is managed by Senior Superintendent of Police, Maxine Graham, with assistance from a number of other Police ranks, including members of the Guyana Association of Women Police and Divisional Commanders.

nder the APNU/AFC, the public health sector has become a cash cow, milked to create jobs for activists of the APNU/AFC and to give lucrative procurement contracts to donors and friends of the APNU/AFC. In 2016, the $28B budget is being milked for political pay-offs and for Dr Leslie Ramsammy buying political loyalty, rather than to improve people's lives.

The latest scandal to rock Guyana is a house bought by a businessman for $25M and then rented out to the Ministry of Public Health as a medical warehouse for $12.5M per month.

Clearly this sweetheart deal is a political farce that smells like some people are lining their pockets. The so-called ‘warehouse’ is still under construction even though the Minister clearly pronounced that they were forced into a non-tender, sole sourcing devise to rent the building because of the urgency of storage space for medicines which are sitting at the wharf. The Minister lied and, in the meantime, the scandal of drugs and medical supplies shortages at every hospital and every health centre in all ten regions continue.

The smell of such a blatant, corrupt, rotten deal even shocked some of the most ardent supporters and apologists for the APNU/ AFC. In response to the shock and the uproar, the President pretended to be surprised and established a Cabinet Review Team, headed by Raphael Trotman, the Minister of Natural Resources and the resident governance czar. Within days, he reported that the team had completed the review and that they found nothing wrong with the contract, even while admitting that the Minister of Public Health may have misrepresented some of the facts. Trotman simply recommended that the Minister apologise.

One detail in this warehouse scandal that deserves highlighting is that the Minister of Public Health reported that the make-believe warehouse met all of the PAHO/WHO requirements, a pronouncement that was reiterated by Trotman. But how could PAHO/WHO, or anyone, else certify that a building has met PAHO/WHO requirements, when it is still a house being reconfigured as a warehouse? Trotman himself insisted that the Cabinet Review Team had visited the building and they themselves have determined that the building has met all the requirements.

Truth is, someone should ask them to produce any certificate that any expert team has visited and certified that the building has indeed met all the requirements. The owners who rented the building also need to provide such a statement. No matter what anyone says, the truth is pellucid - both Norton and Trotman are lying about the building meeting PAHO/WHO requirements.

But the hypocrisy is even starker - Cabinet appoints a Review Team to look at a contract that shocks the whole country by its shamelessness and sheer audacity. This, however, was another hoax because Cabinet had to approve this contract. Did they approve the contract without knowing about it? Renting a house that the owners bought for just $25M, just within the last few months, for more than $450M over three years and renting it as a medical warehouse which has certain rigid requirements, must have raised urgent red flags. Red flags had to be raised further because the Ministry could have rented space for less than 25% this cost, space that was utilized by the Ministry for free for the last decade and which is certified as an internationally certified warehouse.

The truth is, all of this is symptomatic of the health sector being viewed as a place to stash large sums of money to maintain a political cash machine or a cash cow to allow the APNU/AFC to build political loyalties. For example, a person shows up at the GPHC as the new Deputy CEO. The Ministry of Public Health is unaware of his appointment. This is not a rare example of people being appointed to big jobs in the public health sector without the requisite qualifications and without the knowledge and input of the Public health Ministry. It happens every day somewhere in the sector. In one instance, the supervising doctor at one hospital went to work one day and was met by another doctor who had just graduated and was informed that he was no longer in charge.

In the meantime, medicines and medical supplies are absent, and often patients are told that medicines must be obtained through the private sector. Operating theatres are closed because there are no supplies. Dentists cannot do their job because they have no anaesthetic. Children are put at risk because there are shortages of vaccines. Diabetic, heart and high blood pressure patients risk their lives because they cannot get medicines from their hospitals or health centres. There are serious shortages of laboratory supplies and often the blood bank runs out of blood bags, etc. These have become common, everyday occurrence in the public health sector. Throughout it all, Granger and his merry band of APNU/AFC Ministers only see the cash cow to be used for buying political favours.

(Send comments to doc_ram@hotmail.com)

17

NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Embattled Linden Town Clerk speaks out – says "there is no way that a human being can make bread out of stone"

BY UTAMU BELLE

E

mbattled Town Clerk (TC) of the Linden Mayor and Town Council (LM&TC) Jenella Bowen has spoken out for the first time on several issues, following the passing of a No-Confidence Motion against her by Councillors of the municipality last month.

During an interview on Tuesday, Bowen sought to set the record straight regarding allegations of tardiness on her part, which according to the Mayor Carwyn Holland and Councillors, resulted in the motion.

However, Bowen stated in defence, that the fact that there are limited resources at the already cash strapped municipality, makes it difficult for her to perform her duties, further explaining that the township can do a lot better.

She noted too that the Council, and more so, Mayor Holland, keeps impeding in her administrative duties, although she has made it clear on several occasions that those duties are not the Council's remit. According to the Bowen, the roles and responsibilities of the Town Clerk are different from those of the Mayor and there is contradiction when the lines are crossed.

Bowen stated that she has written to Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan on several issues, but to date,

LM&TC Jenella Bowen has not received any acknowledgement from him or his Permanent Secretary (PS). She said that she has been reporting to the PS, who is the person she is required to report to; however, there has been no response to the recent issue. During the interview, the TC pointed to several letters which she was in receipt of and which she noted demonstrated that the Mayor was getting into administrative matters.

"I have my administrative duties to do and the Council is getting into the way of me functioning effectively. In addition to all of that, the fact that there are no equipment and tools and instruments to perform my duties.. .I don't even have a filing Cabinet... these boxes here (pointing to the floor), this is where I file. There is no way that a human being can make bread out of stone,"

Bowen said.

She explained further that if the Council makes a decision, she abides by it and carries out the mandate as expected. "Let the Council show me policies that have been made that I have not carried out... I'm being judged for a period that we did not have tools, equipment to work with," she said.

Bowen added that prior to the motion against her, she wrote several letters to Minister Bulkan and raised several issues with him in person. Bowen added that she also wrote the Chairman of the municipality’s administrative committee, Lennox Gasper, explaining the troubles she encountered while performing her duties effectively.

"I have done nothing consciously to burn any bridges as it relates to this Council.

I have only tried to build bridges", Bowen declared.

She added that even persons outside of the Council have intervened, to the point of meeting and being verbally abusive to her junior staff and she has written the Mayor on such issues.

Issue of reprimand

Speaking on the issue of reprimand, Bowen said she was reprimanded by the Mayor for not attending a meeting, but claims she was unaware of the meeting and had in fact attended one with

the Mayor on the particular date. According to her, she was forced to leave a meeting she was engaged in to attend the Mayor’s meeting and it was then she was informed that she was expected at another meeting which she had no knowledge of. This matter, she noted, was reported to the PS.

Leaked fuel bill

Speaking on accusations of leaking alleged fuel bills of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor, Bowen said it is very rare that she would involve the attention of the media, since she believes much can be solved in house. She, however admitted that she did raise concerns regarding the bill during discussions at a Finance Committee meeting since it is her responsibility. Bowen further explained that the meeting had come to a premature end, and at its conclusion, no decision was made regarding the actual spending figures.

"I want to make it clear, from my reading it would have been said that I leaked information to the media on the matter of fuel... I maintain that I have never gone to the media, if I have concerns, the requisite thing for me to do is to raise it at the appropriate meeting and that is what I did... there is nothing here that I need to hide or seek from".

The TC added that the

The boxes the Town Clerk uses to file her documentation

minutes of the Finance Committee meeting which was prepared by her was also signed by the Deputy Mayor, Waneka Arindell, who is Head of the Finance Committee, as being true and correct.

Locked out

Bowen said she feels as though there is a conscious effort to tarnish her image, competence, and work, while confirming allegations that she was indeed prevented from entering her office the day after the passing of the motion.

"I was told by the security that they were instructed by the Deputy (Mayor) not to let me in the building", she declared. She said she proceeded to a shed in the compound after signing in but noted that during a conversation with the Deputy Mayor some time later, the Deputy Mayor denied giving the in-

structions, while noting that it was a misunderstanding.

"The mere fact that you went to my security and you give them an instruction, is beyond your remit... the mere fact that someone sees it fit to give instructions that they should not be giving is an issue... please note, I have documents from all of the security indicating what was said to them".

No confidence motion

Bowen went on to state that she was asked to leave the meeting during deliberations of the no confidence motion at last month's statutory meeting, to which she obliged; however, she noted that it is known that once the Clerk of Council leaves the meeting, it signals an end to that meeting, but she was later called back in. During the meeting she said she was also asked to proceed on administrative leave.

18

guyana-times.com

wednesday, august 17, 2016

ARCHIE

You can make personal changes that will help you pres(March 21- ent and promote your agenda in April 19) a winning fashion. Your ability to wheel and deal will help you get ahead financially.

ARIES

Don’t feel obliged to take on

dilbert

TAURUS someone else’s problems or re(April 20- sponsibilities. Stick to your own May 20) ventures and the people you can

count on to contribute. Love is in the stars.

Too much of anything will GEMINI lead to problems. Don’t make (May 21promises you cannot keep or June 20) overspend on people trying to buy love and favors. A selfhelp program will pay off.

You’ll find comfort in pursuCANCER ing a creative hobby or getting (June 21- involved in a project or course July 22) that will help you gain insight into what you want to do next.

Peanuts

Personal change will allow LEO you greater freedom. Handle (July 23situations responsibly, but Aug. 22) don’t lose sight of what’s best for you. Let your intuition guide you and your emotions speak for you.

Get to know the people VIRGO you are working with better.

(Aug. 23Sept. 22) There is power in understanding those you are dealing with.

Share little about yourself, but ask many questions and listen attentively.

Calvin and Hobbes

Networking will bring LIBRA (Sept. 23- about positive changes in Oct. 23) partnerships and the way you handle others. Confidence will give you an advantage over those who challenge you.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

If you think about how SCORPIO you earn your living or han(Oct. 24dle your cash, you will come Nov. 22) up with a plan that will help you stabilize your personal and financial situations.

With a little finagling and SAGITTARIUS enthusiasm you will excel, but (Nov. 23- don’t be surprised if someone Dec. 21) pressures you or challenges your ideas. Have an alternative plan in place to avoid delays.

solution for Last Published Puzzle

Don’t hide facts, but don’t CAPRICORN offer information that will in(Dec. 22Jan. 19) criminate you. If you use unusual tactics to get what you want, you will discover interesting resources to complement your efforts.

Don’t back down. Share AQUARIUS your opinion and honor your (Jan. 20beliefs. Once you bring about Feb. 19) changes that ease your stress, your emotional outlook will improve. Give others a chance to show their true colors.

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

Copyright 2015, Distributed by Universal Uclick for UFS

PISCES Get hidden agendas out in (Feb. 20- the open so you can make a March 20) good decision based on facts, not on hearsay. Challenge and resolve any misconception you have about a loved one.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016

19

Simone Biles Ends Rio Olympics With Four Gold Medals

Rio 2016…

Usain Bolt strolls to A victory in 200m heats Q

ualification for the semi-finals of the men’s 200 metres proved as easy as you would expect for the three 100m medallists in Rio. Usain Bolt and Justin Gatlin predictably sauntered into the semi-finals of the men’s 200 metres at Rio 2016 on Tuesday.

Sprint great Bolt retained his 100m crown on Sunday and is seeking to complete a ‘triple-triple’ by also claiming gold medals in the 200m and 4x100m relay for the third successive Games.

The Jamaican could hardly have looked more relaxed in his opening 200m

Usain Bolt

race, essentially jogging round to win heat nine in a time of 20.28 seconds.

Gatlin - second to Bolt in the 100m final - was also able to conserve plenty of energy as he clocked 20.42secs to come first in the fifth heat.

The fastest qualifier was 100m bronze medallist Andre De Grasse of Canada, who ran 20.09 in the 10th and final heat.

Yohan Blake (20.13) and LaShawn Merritt (20.15) were among others to qualify with ease.

The semi-finals take place on Wednesday, with the final rounding off Thursday’s programme at the Olympic Stadium.(Sportsmax)

Trinidad’s coaches say it’s time for athletes to train at ‘home’

F

ollowing the failure of many of their athletes to make an impression at the Olympic Games currently under-way in Rio, Brazil, several coaches from Trinidad and Tobago are making the call for their athletes to begin training at home.

So far in Rio only Machel Cedenio, who set a new national record of 44.01s for fourth place in the 400 metres final and Michelle LeeAhye, who was sixth in the final of the women’s 100-metre final, Trinidad’s athletes have failed to make an impression at the 31st Olympiad. The country is also so far without a medal on the track or in the field as Richard Thompson, Kelly-Ann Baptiste, Lalonde Gordon are among several who have been unable to break into the top three or even make the finals of their respective disciplines.

Colin Mark, coach of the Mason Hall Police Youth Club, believes if the twinisland republic is to enjoy a reversal of fortunes, setting up an academy for the country’s athletes at home may be the answer to the country’s medal drought.

Mark said the dependency on American training for TT athletes must stop and an academy set up to offer training locally.

Noting that many athletes were extended various courtesies when leaving on sports scholarships and

day after a wobbly performance on the balance beam ended the American’s hopes of leaving Rio with a record haul of five golds for a female gymnast, she was back on form to capture the floor title with 15.966 points.

Defending Olympic champion Aly Raisman completed a one-two for the United States by earning 15.500, while Briton Amy Tinkler burst into tears after a crowd-pleasing floor display to Kenny G’s version of the song Oh, Pretty Woman earned her the bronze.

However, there was no doubting who was the star of the show.

A sultry routine full of hip-swinging moves to samba music had the Brazilian crowd on their feet as she flew high into the air to execute her trademark element, a soaring double layout with half-twist at the end.

Cries of “oohs” and “aahs” accompanied each of her complex tumbling passes, she drew gasps of admiration as she balanced her

Simone Biles ends her Olympic run with four gold medals

entire body weight on her right toes while spinning around twice and had the audience roaring their approval as she bounced her bottom off the floor to strike her final pose.

The ear-to-ear grin, which had disappeared yesterday when she ended up with bronze on the beam, was back on show again and Biles gave the crowd a thumbs up as she waited for her score.

The mark that did flash up not only earned her a fifth medal at her debut Games, but it was also the

highest score of her four floor performances over the past 10 days.

The 19-year-old team, all around, vault and floor exercise champion became the first woman in 32 years, and fifth overall, to win four golds at a single Games.

The Soviet Union’s Larisa Latynina (Melbourne 1956), Hungary’s Agnes Keleti (Melbourne 1956), Czech Vera Caslavska (Mexico City 1968) and Romania’s Ecaterina Szabo (Los Angeles 1984) were the only other women to have four golds at a single Games

Brazil suffer shoot-out heartbreak, Sweden to face Germany

S

So far in Rio only Machel Cedenio, who set a new national record of 44.01s for fourth place in the 400 metres final

that some do not return the favour, he said that a local academy would ensure that Olympic athletes train at home as a team.

He cited the success of fellow Caribbean island Jamaica that has already won two gold medals in Rio and 12 in the previous three Olympiads.

Mark noted not even the country’s 4x400m relay team times were good and that the country’s only remaining hope for a medal was 2012 Olympic champion Keshorn Walcott’s campaign in the javelin.

Mark’s sentiments were echoed by Coach Arlon Morrison of the Kaiser Panthers Athletic Club, who believes that the showing

by TT athletes in Rio was

reflective of what the athletes were capable of based on their current abilities.

He said the country now has to support those who have made progress while ensuring that appropriate facilities, systems and structures are put in place to ensure a better level of predictability.

Meanwhile, sprint coach Reyon John questioned whether the weather conditions in Brazil were affecting his country’s athletes’ ability to perform.

John noted though that Cedeno and Lee Ahye were able to reach finals running under the same conditions, saying that it was disappointing that some athletes did not make it out of the preliminary rounds and into the semi-finals.(Sportsmax)

weden will face Germany in the women's football final at Rio 2016, the former having knocked out Brazil on penalties at the Maracana.

Hosts Brazil were agonisingly denied a place in the final of the women's football tournament at Rio 2016, courtesy of a penalty shootout defeat to Sweden.

Despite being on the front foot for the vast majority of Tuesday's match at the Maracana, Brazil were unable to break the deadlock against a team they beat 5-1 in the group stage.

After 120 minutes of goalless action, Sweden ran out 4-3 winners on penalties. Pia Sundhage's team will now face Germany, 2-0 winners over Canada, in Friday's final.

Silver medallists at the 2004 and 2008 Olympics, Brazil had high hopes of going one better on home soil, particularly after Sweden eliminated two-time reigning champions the United States in the last eight.

That win also came in a shoot-out, the approach of Sundhage's side bringing condemnation from USA goalkeeper Hope Solo, who branded Sweden "a bunch of

Hosts Brazil were denied a place in the final of the women’s football tournament

cowards".

Sweden were again content to sit deep and get bodies behind the ball on Tuesday and their defensive solidity was ultimately rewarded.

Cristiane of Brazil and Sweden's Kosovare Asllani saw penalties saved in the shoot-out, before the fifth round of kicks proved decisive.

Hedvig Lindahl dived to her right to deny Andressa Alves, meaning Lisa Dahlkvist's subsequent conversion was enough to

knock Brazil out.

A penalty put Germany on course for victory the day's second semi, Melanie Behringer powering home from 12 yards in the 21st minute after Kadeisha Buchanan had been penalised for a foul on Alexandra Popp.

Sara Dabritz doubled Germany's lead just before the hour mark, taking a touch with her left foot before firing home a low rightfooted shot from the edge of the box.(Sportsmax)

20

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016

Sri Lanka vs Australia, 3rd Test, SSC, 4th Day…

Silva century gives Sri Lanka 288-run lead

F

our, 7, 5, 2 and 0 were his scores for this series. Remember that Silva is an opening batsman. For an opening batsman, such numbers are not good. They are not even good enough to be called "not bad". In his final innings of the series, Silva again did not make a double-figure score.

The 115 that Silva compiled on the penultimate day of this campaign was as valuable as it was unexpected. Sri Lanka began the day one wicket down, still trailing by two runs. The morning session would be critical. Within ten overs, another wicket had fallen, the sharp-eyed Peter Nevill pouncing on Dimuth Karunaratne's lifted foot like an Olympic walking judge. Nevill's stumping was legal, if a little provocative, and Sri Lanka still had much work to do.

The trophy is theirs, but to complete a historic whitewash Sri Lanka had to set Australia a target that gave their bowlers a chance.

When two more wickets fell before lunch, Australia were dreaming of a quick demolition of the lower order and a face-saving chase.

And yet by stumps they had still not dismissed Sri Lanka, who were 312 for 8 - Dhananjaya de Silva was on 44 and Suranga Lakmal yet to score - and leading by 288.

Australia scored more than that in the fourth innings of a Test in Asia. The only time that has happened - win, lose or draw - was in 2006 in Fatullah, when they made 307 in a successful chase. But that was against Bangladesh, with an Australia team full of champions, and even

Kaushal Silva waited until the penultimate day of the series to provide a contribution of not

then they made hard work of it, losing seven wickets along the way.

Australia’s victory chances were harmed mostly by Silva. His defence was sound early, and he gradually became more expansive with his strokeplay. He was strong square of the wicket, punishing Australia's spinners if they dropped short or gave him width. His work was all the more impressive given he had stitches in his hand after being injured while fielding earlier in the game.

Silva's century came from his 251st delivery with a cover drive for four off the spin of Adam Voges, and the emotion was evident from the way Silva ripped off his helmet and roared in celebration. Another failure in this innings and his place in the side might have been in jeopardy. Instead, he registered the third hundred of his Test career, and his first

for more than a year.

Eventually, just like in the women's quadruple sculls last week, Jon Holland claimed Silva. On 115, Silva was lured forward by Holland's flight, beaten by the dip and his edge was snapped up by Steven Smith at slip. His innings was over, but he had done enough. In any case, wickets had to fall or a declaration arrive from Angelo Mathews in order to make the final day interesting. After Silva fell, Rangana Herath was taken at slip off Lyon, leaving two wickets in hand.

Silva had received assistance throughout the innings from a series of teammates who did what he has not all series - got out in double figures. Dinesh Chandimal reached 43 before he was lbw to Lyon from around the wicket, everyone on field seemingly surprised that Australia's

review was upheld, that Lyon's delivery had pitched in line and straightened the required amount.

Lyon finished the day with four wickets. He made the only breakthrough of the middle session when Mathews, on 26, tried to sweep but succeeded only in top-edging a catch that lobbed up to Smith at slip.

But the middle session was quiet by comparison with the first.

The most fascinating moment was Nevill's stumping of Karunaratne.

Lyon's delivery turned past the edge and rested in the gloves of Nevill. That, you might expect, would be that. But Nevill was alert to Karunaratne's tendency to lift his foot. He didn't take his eyes off the batsman's leg, and whipped the bails off at just the right time when Karunaratne momentarily lifted his foot off the ground.

The Laws of Cricket

state that the ball is dead "when it is finally settled in the hands of the wicketkeeper or of the bowler", but "whether the ball is finally settled or not is a matter for the umpire alone to decide".

Law 23 also states that "the ball shall be considered to be dead when it is clear to the bowler's end umpire that the fielding side and both batsmen at the wicket have ceased to regard it as in play".

If the batsman had regarded the ball as no longer in play, Nevill clearly had not, for he watched assiduously for Karunaratne's movement. Like a motorist given a parking fine for staying one minute too long, Karunaratne was entitled to feel frustrated that a tiny lapse had cost him.

But the lapse was his own, and if an eagle-eyed inspector had caught him out, Karunaratne had nobody to blame but himself.

Nevill even tried the ploy again in Lyon's next over, but on this occasion Silva's foot stayed grounded. It was a busy morning

for the third umpire: Silva survived an Australian lbw review, and again on his own review when given out lbw, but there was no such positive outcome for Sri Lanka when Kusal Perera was given not out to an appeal for caught behind off Holland.

Perera was attempting a reverse sweep and the ball clearly sailed close to his top edge before bouncing off his body and lobbing up for Nevill to run forward and take. But with no Hot Spot or Snicko available to the TV umpire, Richard Kettleborough, could he overturn the decision?

Kettleborough decided that a combination of audio and raw vision was enough - he felt the ball had hit the bat, and Perera was out.

The session ended with a more conventional dismissal, Kusal Mendis lbw to a fast, straight ball from Mitchell Starc that was not reviewed. At 98 for 4, Sri Lanka still had plenty to do. Fortunately for them, Silva was starting to look polished. (Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD Sri Lanka 1st innings 355 Australia 1st Innings 379 Sri Lanka 2nd Innings ( 22/1 overnight score) MDK Perera lbw b Starc 8 FDM Karunaratne st †Nevill b Ly on 22 JK Silva c Smith b Holland 115 MDKJ Perera c †Nevill b Holland 24 BKG Mendis lbw b Starc 18 AD Mathews* c Smith b Lyon 26 LD Chandimal† lbw b Lyon 43 DM de Silva not out 44 HMRKB Herath c Smith b Lyon 5 0 RAS Lakmal not out Extras (b 4, lb 3) 7

Total (8 wickets; 95 overs) 312 To bat: PADLR Sandakan Fall of wickets 1-8 (MDK Perera, 0.4 ov), 2-44 (Karunaratne, 13.3 ov), 3-69 (MDKJ Perera, 20.5 ov), 4-98 (Mendis, 27.2 ov), 5-156 (Mathews, 45.5 ov), 6-246 (Chandimal, 79.3 ov), 7-276 (Silva, 86.5 ov), 8-297 (Herath, 91.1 ov) Bowling: MA Starc 17-458-2, NM Lyon 37-7-1234, JM Holland 20-4-72-2, JR Hazlewood 12-2-16-0, SPD Smith 2-0-13-0, MR Marsh 3-13-0, MC Henriques 2-0-9-0

Doris' 7th- best Guyanese performance since 1980 T roy Doris, the overseas based Guyanese triple jumper, finished seventh overall in the finals of the event on Tuesday, at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Doris hopped, skipped and jumped to a distance of 16.90m, which bettered his qualifying time of 16.81m.

American, Christian Taylor, retained his Olympic triple jump title with a season’s best leap of 17.86m.

Taylor jumped 18.21m in winning the world title last year, but did not threaten Jonathan Edwards’ 1995 world record of 18.29m on this occasion.

Fellow American, Will Claye, took silver with a personal best jump of 17.76m, while China’s Bin Dong, secured bronze with 17.58m.

Doris’ exit means that all Guyanese contenders are now out of the 2016 Rio Olympics, extending

Troy Doris as he makes one of his jumps(photo courtesy of newsroom.gy)

the already 36-year wait for a medal at the Olympic Games.

Doris, now 27, was born to Guyanese immigrant parents in Chicago, where he’s lived for most of his life and is the first male athlete from Guyana to qualify for an Olympic final in athletics.

Doris was congratulated by the entire nation, in-

cluding Director of Sport, Christopher Jones, who highlighted that the young man has made his country proud.

Guyana last won a medal back in 1980, when the event was staged in Moscow.

Bantamweight boxer, Michael Paris, won Guyana a bronze medal.

YELLOW PAGES WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016 | WWW.GUYANA-TIMES.COM

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21

SPORTS

WIndies chairman of selectors responds to Gonsalves on Sammy sacking

W

est Indies Cricket Board's Chairman of Selectors, Courtney Browne, has responded to a letter from Prime Minister of St Vincent and Grenadines, Dr Gonsalves, accusing him of meting out ‘shabby treatment’ to former West Indies T20 captain and twotime T20 World Cup winner Darren Sammy.

Sammy, who won the ICC T20 World Cup in India in April, announced on his Facebook page last week that he received a 30-second phone call from Brown informing him that he was being sacked as West Indies captain and that his general performance did not merit his selection to the team.

“I find this shabby treatment of Mr. Sammy to be unacceptable; indeed I am sure that all right-thinking persons are extremely dissatisfied at your unceremonious and summary dismissal of Mr. Sammy as Captain and player,” Dr. Gonsalves stated in the letter dated August 10, 2016.

“You simply cannot treat a former captain of the West Indies cricket team and a success of two World Cup T-20 championships with such disdain.”

Dr. Gonsalves also questioned the timing of Sammy’s dismissal which came just prior to the start of the third Test being played at the recently renamed Darren Sammy National Stadium between the West Indies and India.

The Prime Minister called on Browne to make amends, suggesting that he and the president of the West Indies Cricket Board Dave Cameron apologise

West Indies Cricket Board’s Chairman of Selectors, Courtney Browne

to Darren Sammy and the people of the Caribbean for their handling of the matter.

However, Browne in a measured response, acknowledged that Sammy had indeed served the West Indies well, but indicated that as the West Indies looked to the future, the former captain’s form was not up to par.

“As we look forward to the next World Cup and begin to develop a team to our defense of the title, the selectors had to assess the suitability of the captain to take the team forward. The fact is Mr. Sammy’s personal performance as a bowling all-rounder has been lagging for a year.”

He highlighted that the West Indies captain has, in 11 matches, only bowled 10 overs between January 2015 and April 2016 and has a batting average of 10.20 runs per innings for the same period.

“The captain of any West Indies team must have solid performances and Mr.

Sammy did not meet such a standard, and therefore could not make the squad of 13 as a player at this time,” Browne said.

Browne also denied having a 30-second conversation with Sammy, but revealed that he had made several efforts to get in touch with the player and finally reached him to convey the selectors’ recommendation.

Browne stated that it was Mr. Sammy who broke the news of his removal on social media before the Board met to review the recommendation and make a final decision.

Dr Gonsalves also recommended, in his letter, that the Board appoint Sammy to assist in the team’s preparation for the matches coming up against India on August 27 and 28 in Florida and that he be “accorded a role in shaping and massaging the transition to the new leadership and in facilitating renewal.”

The chairman of selectors responded saying that such roles would suggest that Sammy’s international career had ended.

“The role would suggest that Mr. Sammy had retired from T20 cricket and we have received no such official notification,” Browne stated.

“I would urge Mr. Sammy to take advantage of the regional competitions and put in strong performances and attempt to regain his position in the One Day International and T20 teams. Note, many cricketers and even great cricketers, have been dropped, have reestablished themselves, and have returned to West Indies teams.” (Sportsmax)

Former FIFA president Havelange dies at 100 J oao Havelange, who served as president of FIFA between 1974 and 1998, has died in his native Rio. Former FIFA president Joao Havelange has died in Rio de Janeiro at the age of 100 Havelange was the first non-European chief of world football's governing body between 1974 and 1998, when he was succeeded by Sepp Blatter and received the title of honorary president.

He resigned from the latter largely ceremonial role in 2013 after a report

by FIFA's ethics chairman Hans-Joachim Eckert ruled he had taken bribes as part of a scandal involving the now-defunct International Sports and Leisure (ISL) sports marketing agency.

Havelange competed as an Olympic swimmer for Brazil at Berlin in 1936 and was a member of their 1952 water polo team in Helsinki.

Joao Havelange, who served as president of FIFA between 1974 and 1998 has died in Rio de Janeiro at the age of 100

At the Melbourne 1956 Games he was Brazil's chef de mission before joining the International Olympic Committee in 1963.

As the IOC's longestserving member, Havelange stood down in 2011 with an ethics hearing pending over

the ISL affair.

The Olympic Stadium at the on-going Rio Games, which began three months on from his 100th birthday, is named in his honour.

After serving as president of Brazil's swimming federation, Havelange was the president of the Brazilian Sports Confederation from 1958-1973.

He resigned to accept the position as FIFA president the next year after defeating Stanley Rous in an election.

During Havelange's tenure FIFA considerably increase its financial power.

He secured Coca-Cola and Adidas to be the primary sponsors for the 1978 World Cup in Argentina.

Havelange was hospitalized in 2012 for an ankle infection and again in 2014 and 2015 due to respiratory problems for a lung infection before being struck down with pneumonia last month.

(Sportsmax)

22

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016

WICB Regional Under-19

Guyana defeat Windwards by 38 runs

Gonsalves sets sight on Conquering Corley

—Remains in contention to reach finals

G

uyana ended the Windward Islands unbeaten streak with a 38 run victory as action continued yesterday in the West Indies Cricket Board’s (WICB) Regional Under-19 Limited overs tournament at Arnos Vale Playing Field in St. Vincent.

Opting to bat first, the reigning champions, Guyana, propelled to 2389 in their allotted 50 overs.

Keemo Paul was Guyana’s principal scorer with 58 from 64 balls, an innings that contained two fours and five sixes. The right handed batsman shared in a 96 run fourth wicket partnership with 16 year old Bhaskar Yadram (35), after Guyana slipped to 41-3 at the start of the 16th over.

Raymond Perez (21) and skipper Travis Persaud (20) also chipped in at the latter part of Guyana’s innings to ensure a competitive total was set. West Indies youth player Ryan John, Alick Anthanaze and Kassim Peltier claimed two wickets each for the Windwards.

Bhaskar Yadram

In response Windwards were off to a good start as openers Johann Jeremiah (32) and Anil Matthews (39) put together 68 for the first wicket. Emmanuel Stewart (14) then joined force with Matthews and the two took the score to 94 before the former departed. Shortly after Stewart’s demise, Matthews followed with the score on 102.

However, Alick Anthanaze (33) and Johnel Eugene (31 not out) start-

ed a recovery as they added 54 for the fourth wicket. Afterwards it was a catastrophic ending to the Windwards’ innings, as the last six wickets fell for 44 runs.

Paul, along with left arm spinners Kheshram Seyhodan and Akenie Adams were the pick of the Guyanese bowlers, picking up three wickets apiece.

Guyana now moves to Kheshram Seyhodan

Keemo Paul

three wins from four matches and remains in contention to make it to the finals with two preliminary matches remaining against Jamaica and Barbados.

At Park Hill, Jamaica hammered ICC Americas by nine wickets. Deciding to bat first, the ICC Americas made 133 all out in 41.1 overs, with only Sagar Patel (41) and Arjun Patel (32) making it past 30. Tyrone Daley led Jamaica’s bowling department with four wickets while Miguel Smith a n d Javor Harrison

claimed three wickets each.

In reply Jamaica raced to 139-1 in 11.5 overs as the three batsmen who batted scored at fast strike rates.

West Indies youth player Michael Frew made a whirlwind 40 from 14 deliveries before he was caught off the bowling of Keifer Phill to be the only casualty for Jamaica.

Jordane Hill who made 42 from 31 balls and Orande Pearson, who made 43 from 26 deliveries, combined for an unbroken second wicket partnership of 85 runs in 7.5 overs.

At Stubbs, Trinidad and Tobago rebounded from their 38 runs loss to Guyana in their previous match to defeat Leeward Islands in a high scoring encounter. Batting first Leewards made 280-6 in their 50 overs, with Tyrone Williams leading the way with 132 while Kofi James recorded an even fifty. Negus Smith claimed two wickets.

In reply Trinidad made 2826 in 45.2 overs, winning with 4.4 overs to spare. Keagan Simmons smashed 12 fours and two sixes in his top score of 99, while Brandon Maharaj (51) and Kirstan Kallicharan (43) assisted. James grabbed three wickets for the Leewards.

Action will continue on Thursday with Guyana set to face Jamaica, the Leewards will play Windwards, and Barbados will take on ICC Americas.

Dexter Gonsalves

By Romario Samaroo

A

t one of the most highly anticipated night of boxing for 2016, Dexter Gonsalves will be looking to demolish DeMarcus ‘Chop Chop’ Corley when the two square up in the ring for 12 rounds, battling for the Fecarbox Lightweight Title when they meet at ‘Bad Intentions’ on August 27 at the Giftland Office Max Mall, Lilliendaal, East Coast Demerara.

Gonsalves, who is a Guyanese national, is already the junior lightweight champion and his opponent, Corley is no amateur with the gloves, having been in the ring with Floyd Mayweather Jr, Darryl Tyson, Javier Garcia, Gabriel Bracero and Felix Flores, among others.

But Gonsalves is not intimidated by Corley, who on the other hand, has had much more exposure in the international circuit with 44 wins, including 26 knockouts and 26 losses, his latest victim being Guyanese, Iwan Azore and has been putting in a lot of work to be ready for one of the biggest, if not the biggest match of his career.

Guyana Times Sport sat down with Gonsalves’ manager, Aleem Hussain, who spoke well of the young boxer and his confidence heading into the match.

“This kid is not taking this fight lightly, he is

training very hard. His goal in this preparation is to be ready for a world title shot.

Dexter is one of the most promising young talents in the sport. Since signing with NexGen Promotions six months ago, the boxer was introduced to a world rated scheme of both physical and physiological training that will better his game,” Hussain said.

Hussain added that Gonsalves is now on a strict diet and is training every day and is supported by his employer who gave him time of to prepare for this match, and as a result he is now in top physical form, adding on body mass and speed.

Gonsalves was recently involved in a match against Clive ‘the Punisher’ Atwell, where he emerged victorious and Atwell suffered a serious head injury that required surgery.

Dexter Gonsalves currently has eight knockouts to his name, one loss and two draws, which in the mind of many were questionable.

Hussain noted that Gonsalves will not underestimate his opponent, but will be looking to use his brains as well as his strength to dominate the older Corley.

“Dexter has phenomenal talent, he has power in both hands and in this fight he will measure his opponent and stay on Corley who has a colourful record.” Hussain said.

However, fans will also be treated to some serious matches with reputations and pride on the line.

In the middleweight category, Mark Austin will look to stop the mighty Jamaican, Michael Gardener in his boots.

One of the most favoured clashes of the night will be in the lightweight category where Imran Khan will look to redeem himself against Quincy Gomes.

Gomes had emerged victorious against Khan the last time they met, but Khan has identified his mistakes from the last fight and has already started to correct them. However, Gomes does not intend to go the full six rounds with Khan, and wants to finish the fight in round one.

Another lightweight bout for the night will see Anthony Narine making his debut when he shares the square with Keeve Allicock for four rounds.

The first fight slated for the night will have the crowd on their toes to witness Kelsey George, a young Berbician, looking to defeat Barbadian Chadwin Estwick.

Estwick, who is on a winning streak, is looking to extend it, while George will be aiming to gain some momentum for his future.

Admission cost $3000 (ringside) and $1000 (general admission).

West Indies Under-15s tour Lords Cricket Ground O

n Monday the 14-member West Indies Under-15 invitational squad that is on tour in the United Kingdom took time off to explore the world’s renowned Lord’s Cricket Ground.

The team is on a 13 day tour and commenced competing against Hertfordshire at the Woollams Cricket Grounds on Sunday, August 14. The tour includes a series with six 50 overs matches.

Former West Indies opener Robert Samuels is the head coach. He is being assisted by former West Indies bowler Corey

West Indies Under 15 At Lords

Collymore. Courtney Walsh is team manager.

Following their opening match, the Under 15 team played against South West England at the Banbury Club on August 15; Hampshire at the Aeges Bowl on August 16. Their next encounter is against London Schools EPP at the Shenley Cricket Centre on August 18.

August 19 will see them take on England’s Barmy Army Colts at the Stanmore Cricket Club before wrapping up their match schedule on August 20 against London and East Region Under-15 at the

Merchant Taylors School.

The squad includes Ashmead Nedd (Guyana), Bodgenarine Sharma (Leeward Islands), Geordae Seymour (Jamaica), Jahseon Alexander (Windward Islands), Jayden Seales (Trinidad and Tobago), Kimani Mellius (Windward Islands), Kirk McKenzie (Jamaica), Naeem Young (Barbados), Nico Reifer (Barbados), Qumar Torrington (Guyana), Sachin Singh (Guyana), Sameer Ali (Trinidad and Tobago), Tahj Tavernier (Windward Islands) and Zawandi White (Leeward Islands).

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016

Wolf’s Challenge Softball Cup

23

Superior Woods slaughters Savage Masters —Regal Masters, Fisherman XI, Parika Defenders, Wellwoman, Lioness win

A

s the excitement continues in the Wolf’s Challenge Softball Cup, the action unfolded on Sunday at the Ghandi Youth Organisation ground, Woolford Avenue, Georgetown, with Superior Woods mauling Savage Masters by 106 runs.

Mohamed Rafeek lead the Superior Woods team as he crafted an entertaining 106 not out, as his team posted 234-1 from their 20 overs. Rafeek was well supported by Surujlall Kumar who piled up 60 runs and Baiju Persaud who contributed a composed 48 not out.

In reply, Savage Masters were blown away in just 16 overs on their way to 128. B Ramsaywak showed to have any intention of going for the win but could only manage 29. Rudolph Johnson was the chief destroyer, bagging 6-38.

The action then switched locations and moved over to the Malteenoes Sports Club, Thomas Lands, where Regal Masters squeezed in a nine-run victory over Mike’s Wellman. The Regal Masters batted first and posted a challenging 147-9.

Mahase Chunilall was once again among the runs, blasting boundaries on his way to 41 while Samuel Kingston scored 23.

Sheldon Adams was the pick of the bowlers for the

Mahase Chunilall blasted a match winning 41 for Regal Masters

Wellman team, claiming four scalps for just 24 runs.

Greg De Franca chipped in with figures 2-22.

Chasing 148 for victory, the overs ran out on the Wellman guys who could only score 138-7 from their 20 overs after some tidy bowling by Mahendra Hardyal and Fazleem Mohamed. Lloyd Rooplall was the main contributor who looked like he would be taking the game away from the Masters but got out for 44 runs. Nandram Samlall batted his way onto a solid 38 and Latchman Kallicharran was left not out on 21. By the end of the match, Hardyal claimed three wickets for 27 runs while Mohamed collected 2-26.

The Floodlight team

Malteenoes to host Cricket programme

I

Mark Harper

n an effort to reintroduce its youth academy, the Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC) will be hosting a sports programme for children 17 years and under from August 22 through to September 2.

The event will take place on weekdays at the entity’s premises at Thomas Lands.

The camp will be facilitated by former national player and coach, Mark Harper; along with other established coaches. The aims of the programme are: to provide a variety of fun and enjoyable activities which are expected to provide immense pleasure and satisfaction, while teaching the basic skills of the game; to develop hand eye co-ordination, sharpen reflexes, agility and flexibility, balance and speed; to teach the rules of the game by step-bystep instructions; to develop life skills, such as self-confi-

dence and self-discipline; to build and improve skills and athletic capabilities.

Children will also learn the basics of the game through playing a variety of games that cover all facets of cricket. Games will be designed for small groups to ensure that all children get a go, and that they can test, learn and practice skills as they go. There will also be matches during the programme to test the skills, confidence and mental capabilities of players.

Apart from the qualified coaches, Guyana Amazon Warriors player, Steven Jacobs, who is a member of the club, along with several of his Warriors teammates, will be on hand to deliver motivational lectures during the course of the camp.

The programme aims to attract 60 participants.

Registration forms can be picked up at MSC from 15:00h Monday-Saturday.

The fee for children 13 and under is $1500, while 17 and under will pay $2000.

Children coming in groups of five will get a special package. Guidelines for the programme will be available when uplifting the registration form.

For more information, interested persons can contact 225-6509 or call the club’s treasurer, Troy Lewis on 6132575.

found it difficult to get through the solid batting line-up of Fisherman XI. Floodlight clawed their way to 143-6 from their 20 overs with Anil Beharry stroking 40 not out. Patrick Khan and Richard Persaud were among the runs, striking 29 and 20 respectively. Pooran Singh was the stand out bowler claiming 2-21.

Fisherman XI made light work of the Floodlight bowling line-up, ending the game inside 17 overs and only losing four wickets. Ishwar Persaud and S Rampersaud missed out on half centuries as they both contributed 49 runs. Tanko Persaud slammed 31 and Robin Persaud got to 26 which anchored the Fisherman XI to a six wicket victory.

Parika Defenders got into the winner’s circle with a comfortable four wicket conquest over Albion Masters. Chasing just 144 for victory, the Defenders obtained their target with

13 deliveries to spare and only losing six wickets. Ucil Armstrong struck 34 not out while Mahendra Balgobin and Ramesh Rambharose struck 29 and 19 respectively. R Mangalie looked like he would restrict the Parika team from gunning down the total posted by the Berbice based team as he claimed 2-25. Randolph Latcha was the main reason Albion got the 143-8 after he smoked 49 runs and Jaga Bojh assisted with 47, but it was the quality of bowling by Beesham Singh (4-22) and Devanand Kannan (2-23) that restricted the Albion Masters.

The females also provided some entertaining cricket with Mike’s Wellwoman taking revenge for their male counterparts as they trumped Trophy Stall Angels by 17 runs.

Wellwoman clobbered an astonishing 197-2 in just 15 overs. Zola Telford was the master-blaster who smashed the Angels to all parts of the

Latoya Smith made 69 and took three wickets for Mike’s Wellwoman

ground on her way to 89.

She was well supported by a solid 69 from Latoya Smith and Joan Vansertima’s 28.

Amanda Roberts and Alicia Allen share one wicket a piece.

Trophy Stall Angels fought valiantly but only managed 180-6 in their allotted overs. Latoya Smith

would then return with the ball to take three wickets while Telford took two.

Akilah Castello top scored with 61 while Roxanne Dominique blasted a fine half century. Heema Singh also got on the scoreboard with 36.

4R Lioness managed to beat the Blue Divas by four wickets in the last contest of the day. Blue Divas were the first team to bat, gathering 140-7 from their allotted overs. Mickelly Taitt top scored with 39 while Sherry Ann Fraser got 30. Kaysia Schultz and Shyon Goodluck copped two wickets each.

In reply, 4R Lioness gunned down the 141 target in the 13th over, only losing six wickets in the process.

Abigale Scott was the architect of the innings, stroking 71 being supported by a solid 20 from Akaze Thompson.

Blue Divas’ Sangeeta Shaw showed the only real threat to the 4R Lioness’ innings bagging two wickets.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2016

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

Pg 19

Usain Bolt strolls to victory in 200m heats Gonsalves sets sight on conquering Corley

Pg 20

Pg 22

Flashback! Gonsalves emerges victorious at the Giftland Mall againts Clive Atwell

Doris’ 7thbest Guyanese performance since 1980

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