Guyana Times Daily

New land surveyors urged to maintain professionalism P9

Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 2680

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

PRICE

Robert Persaud removed from PPP/C’s Central Committee Page 3

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Brazilians P10 terrorised by gunmen in Puruni

Bandits P11 invade fmr Crime Chief's home

As crime spirals out of control

Businessman shot dead at Omai Page 10

$80 vat included

Tuschen resident shot to head during attempted robbery Page 9

...Ramotar says “no one is safe”

Renaming P2 of Ogle Airport just a suggestion – Patterson Berbice P11 Bridge tolls to be reduced from Dec 1

Foreign Affairs Officer wins Miss Guyana Universe title Page 16

From left: third runner-up Zena Althea Bland, first runner-up Diana Ahmad, newly crowned queen Shauna Ramdyhan and second runner-up Tricia Quail after the crowning on Sunday evening

6-yearold killed in Parfaite accident Page 13

Top diplomatic posts given to PNCR stalwarts

P7 UGSS proposes lowering UG’s facilities fees

Page 12

Page 17

Guyana,US sign pact to boost capacity, expertise in civil aviation security

GuySuCo P3 and GAWU to begin API talks on Wednesday

2 news

tuesday, november 17, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Renaming of Ogle Airport just a suggestion – Minister Patterson

BY KRISTEN MACKLINGAM

A

s controversy continues to stir between management of the Ogle International Airport (OIA) and the small aircraft operators with regards to renaming the facility, government has declared that the name change was simply a “suggestion”.

Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson during a media briefing on Monday maintained that the idea of having the Ogle Airport renamed the “Eugene F. Correia International Airport” was not an instruction or or-

der from President David Granger.

“It was a suggestion by the President, it was not a directive. Obviously you would know Eugene Correia is one of the very first early aviators and also a legislator in the early 1960s prior to independence. So that is a suggestion,” Minister Patterson stated.

He explained that while there are disputes on-going as to whether or not the airport should be renamed and what the name should be, it is expected that these debates will continue.

It must be noted that plans are already underway by management of OIA to have it renamed the “Eugene F. Correia International Airport” in spite of objections from key stakeholders at the airport.

Chairman of the board of directors of OAI Michael Correia Jr told reporters on Friday that this name change requires a number of regulatory and administrative changes.

As such the airport’s management has already written to the Public Infrastructure Ministry as required by the lease agreement, and is awaiting Minister David Patterson’s endorsement.

He reiterated that it was President David Granger who suggested that the name of the Ogle International Airport

Ogle International Airport

be changed to “Eugene F. Correia International Airport” while the Head of State was at the official launching ceremony of the TGA Beechcraft 1900D on September 17 last.

“Following the President’s announcement, the Secretary of the OAI board wrote to all the shareholders on the matter with “no objection” responses being received from all of the shareholders who are not on the Board. When I then put the matter to the Board, two members initially expressed reservation before the Board unanimously agreed to the proposed name change. The Board subsequently advised the President of its decision, after which we received a letter from Air Services Limited with a reversal of their position,” Correia explained.

He posited the fact that a “Correia” was chosen for the Airport to be named after is not the important issue.

Meanwhile, Vice President of the newly formed National Air Transport Association (NATA), Captain Gerald Gouveia during a media briefing had stated that the President had made a suggestion but that it was declined, given the disadvantages it would present to other operators.

He also suggested that President Granger may not have taken into consideration such disadvantages when he made the proposal for the airport to be renamed.

Meanwhile, in relation to the draft Memorandum of Understanding the OAI, the private company which presently runs the airport,

is reviewing and wishes to have its small aircraft operators sign, the administration is yet to have a copy of this document.

This Airport Operator Agreement has caused uproar among members of NATA which comprise of aircraft owners who are based at the Ogle Airport presently.

“I haven’t seen it… I do think during the course of the week we will get into it but I do think that it is a matter which can be resolved with discussion and consideration by both sides.

I don’t think it will escalate any further, the government is committed to assisting wherever necessary,” the Public Infrastructure Minister posited.

The Agreement, if signed by the operators would result in the company having an incessant right to pos-

sess the property belonging to all of the operators until their debts are completely paid, that from the start caused grave concerns for the domestic operators.

The Minister explained that the OIA is not a public company or one which falls under the government.

“The Ogle Airport Inc is a private company which has rules and regulations and things like that. They operate on a lease from the government…But they are an established company and I do think they have bylaws… The government will not and should not be trying to influence its way a private company’s regulation or the competition board,” he said.

However, Junior Public Infrastructure Minister Annette Ferguson noted that the administration is considering having a member on the Board of Directors of the Ogle Airport.

“Currently there is a lease agreement between the Ministry of Public Works (as it was then) and OIA operators. But there are a few things in that agreement which allows for the minister to identify someone to sit on the board of OIA. So I think during the whole review process government should consider having a representative sit on the board,” she added. (kristenm@guyanatimesgy.com)

news

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tuesday, november 17, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, November 17 – 08:30h-10:00h and Wednesday, November 18 – 09:30h-11:00h.

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, November 17 – 07:35h-09:05h and Wednesday, November 18 – 09:30h-11:00h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Weather: Thundery showers can be expected throughout the day, with heavy rain showers in the late afternoon and thundery showers in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East to East North-easterly between 2.23 metres and 4.47 metres per second.

High Tide: 08:01h and 20:19h reaching maximum heights of 2.39 metres and 2.44 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 13:57h reaching a minimum height of 0.88 metre.

Robert Persaud removed from PPP/C’s Central Committee F

ormer Natural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud is among those who have been removed from the leadership on the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).

The announcement was made Monday by PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee.

Rohee said the Party took a unanimous decision to replace several persons on its Central Committee.

According to Rohee, former Minister Persaud was replaced due to his nonattendance of CC meetings. Likewise, Office of the President Permanent Secretary, Omar Sharief was removed for similar reason.

Replacement was also made for Party stalwart Navin Chandarpal who died in October 2014 from cancer.

The members filling these vacancies are Bibi Shafora Shadick, Majeed Hussain and Harrinarine Baldeo.

Further, Rohee stated that the Central Committee has reserved for consideration at a later date, the status of the seats of Hydar Ally, Chitrekha Das and Gurdat Shivperaud.

Robert Persaud

Omar Sharief

Deceased: Navin Chandarpal

Also, there are vacant seats at the party’s Executive Committee (ExCo) with the passing of Chanderpal, the non-attendance by Persaud and the resignation of Ally.

These will also be considered at a later date by.

Meanwhile, Persaud served in several senior positions under the former PPP/C administration. He was once the Head of the Government Information Agency (GINA) and the Agriculture Minister. His last portfolio before the May 11 Elections was as Natural Resources and Environment Minister.

In the lead-up to the Elections, Persaud had hinted his desire to have a ‘political sabbatical’.

In a Facebook post, the former Minister stated: “I thanked all those who worked and supported me throughout my tenure. To those whom I might have missed, here are my words of appreciation as I look forward to a sabbatical from front-line politics.”

This was later confirmed by the Party which said Persaud had written them indicating his intention to go on a “sabbatical” from the politics of the PPP/C and con-

cerns over various positions, as well as decisions the party had taken.

Recently, reports surfaced indicating that Persaud was poised for a job under the new government however State Minister Joseph Harmon has since dismissed the indications.

“I cannot confirm any such employment,” Harmon stated.

In addition, Sharief holds his same post at the renamed Ministry of the Presidency under the A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) government.

GuySuCo and GAWU to begin API talks on Wednesday

BY KRISTEN MACKLINGAM

A Saturday, November 14, 2015

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

lthough the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) has not met with Unions to negotiate wage/salary increases it will meet with the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) tomorrow to begin discussions about the workers’ Annual Production Incentive (API) for 2015.

Sugar workers throughout the country will be delighted to hear that following this dialogue an API for this year will be decided upon.

According to reports, Chief Executive Officer of GuySuCo, Errol Hanoman stated that the sugar corporation “always had in mind” to meet and address the matter of workers’ API. In a Government Information Agency (GINA) report it said Hanoman detailed that the Second Crop Production to date stands at 126,198 tonnes. He opines that the set target of 146,300 tonnes will be achieved on time.

It was noted that the sugar entity’s CEO is ‘optimistic’ that GuySuCo will reach its overall target of 227,443 tonnes for this year in three weeks’ time since currently the production figure is recorded at 207,341.

Reports also stated that irrespective if targets are met, incentives were always given, even though in cases

of underachievement, the ‘pay-off’ had to be commensurate with the production and profit of GuySuCo. It was further said the CEO believes “everything is going reasonably well at the corporation” while noting that once targets are met this would ensure the sustainability of markets for the produce.

However, given the fluctuating prices for sugar on the international market, GuySuCo has to pay keen attention to this and operations at its estates and factories.

Last week, GuySuCo had announced its readiness to

commence discussions on the API with GAWU, however there is still no indication as to when the Corporation will be ready to discuss salary increases for workers.

In a statement to the media on Wednesday last, the Sugar Corporation stated that it has formally notified the Union that it is ready to begin talks about the workers’ API for 2015.

According to GuySuCo, the API is an entirely different matter from that of wages and salaries, and therefore the discussion of this cannot be in lieu of the Corporation’s “refusal to enter into discussions on wages.”

“The Corporation has never refused to enter into discussions on wages. Its position has always been that these negotiations would commence after a decision is taken on the way forward for the industry after consideration of the Commission of Inquiry report. This position will not change,” GuySuCo posited. (kristenm@guyanatimes. gy)

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guyanatimesgy.com

tuesday, november 17, 2015

Views Editor(ag): Michael Younge Tel: 225-5128, 231-0397, 226-9921, 226-2102, 223-7230 or 223-7231. Fax: 225-5134 Mailing address: 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, sales@guyanatimesgy.com

Editorial

Going backward on “race”

T

he state-owned Sunday Chronicle, presumably reflecting a perspective of the government now in charge of the state apparatus, carried a most confused editorial on the issue of “race” in Guyana. (“Race in a multiracial society”, 11-15-15) Firstly, it did not deign to define what was meant by “race”, so one can only assume it was using the popular definition as “a group of humans with common physical characteristics”. These physical characteristics are determined by the genetic makeup of the individuals.

This fact raises the initial problem with the editorial: studies show that genetic variation between members of the same so-called “race” might be greater than with that of other “races”. What criteria do we then use to define which “race” a member of, say, the various “mixed races” belong to? When it comes to African “mixtures” do we use the old, American “one drop of blood” rule? Are the “Douglas” of Guyana a separate race? Or do we use our census’ portmanteau classification, “Mixed” to cover all the possible “racial”’ combinations and permutations?

“Race”, as we know it in the modern world, has been socially constructed to make an invidious distinction between groups based on purely physical characteristics. As scholars such as Eric Williams and Walter Rodney have shown, its invention was coeval with “racism” since it was used to justify the enslavement of People of African Origin who were called “negroes”. By definition, as even an “enlightened” 18th Century European philosopher like Immanuel Kant could say about a “negro”, without the slightest touch of irony, “He is black, so he must be stupid”.

In the US, the “race” term “negro” was rejected for the ethnic term “African American”, because “race” as a category had no utility except opprobrium, while “place of origin” at least alluded to one's culture. The editorial cites to the preamble of the Guyana Constitution which extols “diversity” and combines it with Article 149 which protects citizens from discrimination on the grounds of race, to assert that race is a salutary category. This is using the referred Constitutional article as a sword when it was clearly intended to be a shield - against its invidious use.

This turning of the constitution on its head is clearly demonstrated on the editorial’s call that: “The time is now to move to embrace and accept race as a given and put structures in place to facilitate equality, dignity and respect for every group equally, as structures must be put in place to deal condignly with those who profit off racism, racial mischief and divisions.” The point is, there should be no discrimination based on any invidious classification including race, but certainly not to “embrace and accept” race. To what end?

The sad fact is that race as genetically determined, is immutable excepting thorough the creation of “mixed” races and as is clear from our historical reality, we are back with an invidious distinction.

The denouement of the “race” editorial not surprisingly ends with the political: “In political participation, voting along the lines of race is protected in one’s right to freedom of association (Article 147). And this is why, giving true meaning to inclusionary democracy which allows for all groups to be involved in the management and decision-making processes of the state on matters that impact their well-being (Article 13) is relevant and important.”

And what we arrive, via this bootstrapping and illogical argument, that government must be made up of the representatives of all the “races” sitting around a table.

Surpassing the “communal roll” that once characterised politics in Fiji, but which has been recently diluted, Guyana will now go to a “race roll”. Are all the various “Mixed” going to accept a common slate?

In pushing “race” as an aspirational category of classification and action, the Chronicle reifies an immutable category that will further divide and paralyse the body politic.

We all belong to the human race, with different cultural attributes because of origin, which form a mosaic called “Guyanese”

A girl lays a candle to commemorate victims of the attacks in Paris in front of the French Embassy in Warsaw, Poland on November 15, 2015. Card reads '13.11.2015 Paris (Reuters/Kacper Pempel)

Allicock’s prognosis of UNDP-partnered projects is a blow to UNDP Guyana Office Dear Editor, I stumbled upon an article in a section of the media captioned “Most Amerindian fund projects missed objectives – Allicock”, dated November 15.

It appears as though the Minister and his corps of advisors, despite their lengthy “transition”, have still not grasped the concept laid out in the Amerindian Development Fund (ADF) Project document. If they had, then Allicock would know that there are no “donors” to the ADF and ALT projects, simply because these are funded by the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) revenues, meaning Government of Guyana funds.

If by chance he was alluding to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), then he should be reminded that the UNDP is a Partner Entity, which in exchange for its managerial support, receives some 8% of the funds as well as Daily Subsistence Allowances (DSAs).

The UNDP makes absolutely no financial contribution to GRIF projects, but on the contrary, simply manages Government of Guyana funds. It is not a donor but is paid for its services.

This is a maladroit statement coming from the Minister, considering that the majority of the failed projects were implemented in a pilot phase by the UNDP in 2013, and involved 27 Amerindian villages. This was done through DIM (Direct Implementation Mechanism), where the Amerindian Affairs Ministry was responsible for providing technical and logistical support only. However, the UNDP received formal and informal protests from the Ministry in light of the lack of understanding of its staff for issues related to Amerindians and the nature of field work involved.

In 2014, both ADF and ALT were launched using NIM (National I m p l e m e n t a t i o n Mechanism), where the

Ministry became the implementing partner and the UNDP provided managerial support while unblocking disbursements of Government of Guyana funds. Allicock, in reference to ADF, stated that he saw a “good initiative but bad management”.

Surely he must be referring to the pilot phase of the project and thus to the UNDP. If however, he refers to the GRIF funded ADF project launched in October 2014, then Allicock has omitted to inform the public why he feels this was so.

P e r h a p s , had Allicock done his homework, he would have learnt that Imran Khan, the ADF Project Manager, despite his qualifications and experience, was never allowed to actually manage the project since he was forced to suffer the unruly opposition of his UNDP counterpart, Ronald Cumberbatch.

As head of the ALT Project, Imran Khan and I were both forced to work

with Cumberbatch who except for being extremely longwinded in his presentations, had little to contribute to the advancement of ADF. Instead, he spent his time contradicting the ADF Project Manager who remains a Government of Guyana contracted worker.

This is despite the conflict resolution mechanism for GRIF Projects which is supposed to be part of the support provided by the UNDP. Not only did Imran Khan not receive the managerial support from the UNDP, but he was also put under pressure by the Allicock administration shortly after it assumed office. Khan waw shunned by Permanent Secretary Welch, AFC Advisor Cheong, and was forced to suffer Allicock’s complacency every time he saught a hearing.

Additionally, Allicock’s “transition” lasted some two months, taking a toll on the productivity of ADF. continues on page 5

Don’t bend backwards, just open the 2015 ballot boxes, Surujbally

Dear Editor, Initially I was hoping that good journalism will help Guyana to follow a legal path. But I was completely wrong. The PNC never won an election in Guyana and there are still doubts about the recent elections because of the false SOPs (Statement of Polls). That is why the Gecom CEO, Dr Steve Surujbally, refused to open the ballot boxes for a recount in front of all the television stations.

Desmond Hoyte asked for

a recount in 1997 and got it. It does not matter who wins the elections but it must be the will of the majority of the people.

What took place at the Gecom office is a criminal act. In England, Canada and USA the Police would have intervened and charges laid on all the individuals involved in tampering with the votes and electoral processes.

And this brings me to the point because Burnham rigged all elections and the USA and the world did

not care a damned bit. It can be one or a combination of the following acts: False Overseas Voting (1968); GDF seizure of the ballot boxes (1973); referendum (1978); polling stations to be in PNC area only, and controlled

by PNC party members (1968-1985); false voters list (1968-1985); and use of the Internet to manipulate the count. And worst of all is the PPP can do nothing about it or lacks measures to counteract these illegal actions.

They will have to walk the streets as they did between 1964 -1992.

To prevent future rigged elections, I propose that United Nations be posted at all polling stations and in the Gecom office during counting. The counting should be done in front of TV Cameras.

Failure to implement these suggestions will allow the PNC to rig all future elections. Wake up PPP/C! Yours truly, P Singh

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesday, november 17, 2015

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

Subverting the professionalism of the GDF again Dear Editor, Guyanese below the age of 35 have little or no knowledge of the atrocities that took place under the dictatorial PNC regime prior to 1992.

Last Sunday, Stabroek News reported on leaked confidential diplomatic cables sent by the US Embassy in Georgetown to US Missions in Trinidad, Barbados and Jamaica, expressing amazement at the level of barefaced, blatant rigging that took place during the 1973 General Election.

Then, on April 28, 1975 a cable from the US embassy in Guyana to other US missions overseas, sent by US Ambassador Max V Krebs, commented on the breach of protocol as PNC officials took up positions ahead of Ministers of State and foreign diplomats at the Timehri Airport receiving line, while awaiting the arrival of Zambian President Kenneth Kaunda.

According to the Ambassador’s cable, this “illustrated the creeping de facto merger of party and state.

The predominance for the first time of PNC flags over Guyana flags on the fronts of all government ministries and even on the appeals court building gave added public evidence of that trend”.

This was a direct reference of a seminal document that was presented by the then Prime Minister and PNC Leader, Forbes Burnham during the 1974 Sophia Declaration setting out the paramountcy of the PNC over the State.

In his cable, Ambassador Krebs described how the Zambian President and his entourage were driven from the Timehri Airport to Georgetown in a “fleet of Cadillacs and other US-built cars which were purchased specially for visits of foreign dignitaries”.

Sadly, Guyana seems to be heading down the road of party paramountcy again, and it appears that efforts are once again being made to subvert the professionalism of the GDF to facilitate this doctrine.

In a recent televised interview, Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo, said it was brought to his attention that a significant number of the new army recruits were not admitted to the force through the regular recruitment channel, but instead, the GDF was instructed by the military-dominated APNU+AFC coalition government to admit them, an act he said, which brings back the dreaded memories of the Burnham era, when the GDF and Guyana Police Force were hijacked by political elements of the People’s National Congress (PNC). “If this is true,” the Opposition Leader added, “It will destroy professionalism in the army and career advancement based on merit, something we have worked hard to secure.”

Jagdeo also believes this is part of a sinister plot to subvert free and fair elections in Guyana.

Readers may recall that I had repeatedly demanded that David Granger account

Allicock’s prognosis of ...

Under this immensely biased and unjust treatment, it is no wonder that Khan has decided to resign, refusing the renewal of his contract.

The question is, why would the Allicock administration allow the undermining of one of their own in such a manner that he is forced to resign?

Concerning ALT, I have always managed the project in such a way so as to ensure the Government of Guyana remained fully responsible for its implementation, despite the persistent impositions of the UNDP. In the space of six months since the first disbursements, and despite the challenges faced due to UNDP incomprehension and inflexibility of the nature of the necessary groundwork, and the limited cooperation of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, our team was able to deliver at least six Absolute Grants and commence the demarcation of four villages. Demarcation however, was delayed due to UNDP financial inflexibility which was in conflict with the GLSC habitual requirements.

Despite the objections of the UNDP, I had even managed to cut the outrageous DSAs which were being granted so that villages might have enough funds to cover unforeseen expenses.

It is baffling thus, that Allicock can speak of “project staff … overspending” when

DSAs were reinstated under his administration. Why does he not inform the public that Martin Cheong, David James and his colleague’s daughter get copious DSAs under both projects, although none of them are “project staff”?

Does the public know that a six-day trip to Essequibo for instance, is worth some $165 000 in DSA per person? Do they know that the US$6 million allocated to ADF can barely cover such costs?

O n c e again, Allicock shows that besides what he is being fed by skewered political advisors, he knows nothing of the GRIF projects.

When my staff and I were dismissed in June 2015, despite our valid Government of Guyana contracts, and despite not being politically affiliated, the UNDP became the contractor for GLSC services, instead of the Ministry.

Yet, the ALT was still a Government of Guyana project. Perhaps Allicock should explain to the public the legal mechanism allowing for this modality.

Further, Allicock has failed in keeping his word to the ALT staff, when he stated that we “would be allowed an opportunity to continue” under ALT once the project would have been reviewed.

United Nations Resident Representative Khadija Musa has also left me perplexed when I crossed her

for his role in the 1973 seizure of ballot boxes by the GDF which gave the PNC a two-thirds majority in Parliament.

On Election Day 1973, GDF soldiers opened fire at No 63 Village, Corentyne, killing 45-year-old Parmanand Bholanauth and wounding several others.

Jagan Ramessar, a 17-year-old youth was seriously wounded during the shooting, but instead of taking him to hospital, the police and GDF soldier transported him to the No 51 Police Station where they refused to provide him with medical attention. He died there after being further physically brutalised by police and soldiers.

This is the same rigged elections referred to earlier in one of the leaked diplomatic cables sent by the US Embassy in Georgetown.

David Granger never fully explained his involvement or knowledge in the seizure of those ballot boxes although he was at the time a political liaison to Forbes Burnham.

In his capacity, how could he not have known of the PNC plans to rig the election? Surely Burnham would have relied on his support to subvert the army. He later defended the killings of those defenceless civilians by his GDF ‘squaddies’, which prompted the March 18,2011 article in the Guyana Chronicle, “Granger endorsed the soldiers’ actions on elections day 1973”.

The author wrote: “In 2003, in Chile, Mr Granger presented a paper entitled

from page 4

path in July, as I went begging for my outstanding salaries when the Ministry would not comply. She had warmly advised me to start looking for another job. Was she complicit in knowing that Allicock was perhaps lying?

Since the May 11 Elections, the ALT Project remains on stand-by, despite frequent visits to address land titling by the advisory corps of the Ministry.

The UNDP in November has commenced the recruitment of new staff for the project. However, it appears as though the Ministry will no longer be the Implementing Partner and that the impositions of the UNDP would have finally paid off, at least for ALT. Unless Allicock has been bullied, he is simply proving that his administration is incompetent in assuming the role of Implementing Partner, forcing him to concede a Government of Guyana initiative to an international organisation.

Allicock’s administration has won in its goal of removing Imran Khan from his position. Hopefully, this was not done so that politically motivated individuals such as APNU’s Mervyn Williams and AFC’s Martin Cheong would be installed in projects which are supposed to remain apolitical.

Sincerely, Anna Correia

“Civil Violence, Domestic Terrorism and Internal Security in Guyana, 1953 – 2003”, wherein he referred to the sinking of MV Sun Chapman when 40 AfroGuyanese were killed as “the most alarming slaughter of the ‘disturbances’ between the period 1953 – 2004.”

Yet, nowhere in this work were the beatings, rape and murder of hundreds of innocent Indo-Guyanese residing in Wismar ever mentioned.

Isn’t it ironic that on June 27, 1974, a US diplomatic cable on the Guyana National Service described the then GDF Major David Granger as having the reputation of being an ideologue and “antiEast Indian racist.”

The Chronicle article continued, “How can shooting and then allowing two men to bleed to death simply because they demanded that the ballots be counted at the place of polls rather than taken away

by the GDF be endorsed as “splendid” and “discretionary” behaviour?

Kaieteur News columnist Peeping Tom, whom I respect for his immense knowledge of history, recently made the following comment: “The Guyana Defence Force has a dirty and shameful past when it comes to politics in Guyana. It should use its 50th Anniversary to scrub clean some of those dirty stains.”

And he asks, “Elections are going to be held in the context of declining popularity of the new government.

Is the fear therefore, if as anticipated, the PPP dominates these Local Government Elections, that there is a risk of electoral fraud in the 2020 elections?”

Editor, it is precisely that fear that I appeal to our Chief of Staff, career officers, and all army professionals to resist any attempt by the

Granger administration to subvert and destroy the professionalism of the GDF as was done in the past.

But there is another fear that has the potential to threaten our democracy: The role of the Ministry of Citizenship, headed by Winston Felix must be closely monitored. For if the political moles who are now employed at this ministry are encouraged to tamper with the information on birth certificates, there can never be free and fair election even if Gecom complies with a transparent and fair process of registering voters.

Gecom depends on source documents such as birth certificates for the accurate registration of voters. Once that is flawed, the entire process will be compromised.

Sincerely, Harry Gill MP

Indian and Chinese students dominate college enrolment in America Dear Editor, A report says that the number of Indian foreign students in higher education in the US is 132,888, the highest ever in America’s history. Indian foreign students constitute 13.6 per cent of the total number of international students in the US, which is nearly a million. The Indian foreign students contributed an estimated US$3.6 billion in fees to the US economy last year, according to Open Doors, an annual report published by the Institute of International Education in association with the State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The foreign Indian students also spent billions more for housing, food, and transportation. Tens of thousands of Indian American students (and green card holders of Indian descent) are also enrolled in higher education contributing billions to the US economy.

The number of Guyanese or Caribbean students was not immediately available. But they were relatively small in the hundreds and contributing negligibly to the US economy.

Over a period of 15 years since 1999-2000, the number of Indian students doubled, according to the Open Doors report, which started in 1954-55. The report said there were 4583 US students studying in India last year, growing 4.7 per cent from the previous year’s number of 4377.

Chinese students constitute the largest group of foreign students in the US, with 304,040 students, nearly one/third of the total, but last year the number grew by 11 per cent, which is less than the growth rate of Indian students. Indian students increased by 30,215 last year, while the number of Chinese students increased by 29,601.

India had been the

leading place of origin for international students in the US for eight years from 2001-02 to 2008-09.

In 2009-10, China replaced India as the top sender.

In 2014/15, there were 88,874 more international students enrolled in US higher education compared to the previous year, and Brazilians grew the fastest, by 78 per cent. India, China and Brazil account for most of the growth.

India, China and South Korea together make 51 per cent of the total. Other South Asian countries also send large numbers of foreign students to America.

Leading American universities in the so called Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math subjects welcome students from India and China with scholarships and adjunct teaching positions because of their potential for discoveries.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

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tuesday, november 17, 2015

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Foundation

5 healthy nonlistening responses Suggesting

Examples of statements meant to solve: “A way to handle this is…”

“Have you thought about trying to…?”

“Well, a way to make the time go quickly would be for you to read for 20 minutes and then help Susan build a castle and then…” “ If you just stay near a teacher, you’ll be safe. The first thing you need to do when a fight is about to start is get away.”

If you can hold back and really listen first, then your children may become open to your ideas and suggestions.

You can test your children’s readiness by asking “Do you want to think about what you can do to resolve this situation?” Then, see if they have ideas for dealing with it on their own or if they need your assistance. But again, they can only move to the problem solving stage af- ter their emotions have been released and they feel they have been heard.

Sharing

Sometimes you want your children to know that you have been through the same thing that they are experiencing and that you survived. You want them to know that you understand how they feel. Your intentions are good; however, once again, if you share too early in the process, you take the focus off your children’s experience and onto yourself. Your children won’t feel heard. While you may be trying

guyanatimesgy.com

to say: “See how much I understand”, your sharing usually changes the direction of the conversation. It can be hard for your children to shift back to talking about themselves. Examples of statements meant to share: “I know just how you feel. Once that happened to me…”

“That happened to me when I

was little. It made me feel terrible too.”

“When I was a little girl, I got lost once too. I didn’t think I’d ever find my way back to Grandma. I was so scared.”

Questioning

Your children come in upset and you want to understand what is happening. Frequently the story being recounted is disjointed or is told in such detail that you have difficulty understanding what the problem is. It is tempting to jump in with your own questions to clarify the situation, to speed up the process, or to get to what you believe are the important facts.

This form of communication can interrupt the process in several ways:

Cont’d

it makes your children accountable to answer your questions; it can change the direction the conversation would have taken if your children were following their own train of thought; and it makes them move from a feeling mode to a thinking mode, from using their hearts to using their minds.

Examples of statements that ask questions: “Why did you do that?”

“How do you feel about that?”

“How often does it happen?”

“What happened first?”

“Why didn’t you walk away?”

You can actually learn a lot just by listening to what they do include. You can discover what information they value. Do they talk about feelings or facts? Do they talk about others’ perspectives or just their own? Can they see the big picture or do they get bogged down in the details?

There is definitely an important place for each of these five responses, depending on timing, the situation, and the needs of your children. There will be times when they need reassurance, when you will want to explain and teach them things so they can understand the world better, when they will need you to step in to help them solve problems they are facing, when you want to share parts of your life with them, and when you will question them in order to get more information about something they are experiencing. But remember, when you want your children to talk, when you sense they have strong feelings, the most effective way to help them is to use the skill of Active Listening first. You can employ these other techniques later. (Excerpt from centerforparentingeducation.org)

Parenting rules and expectations

Questions to ask before granting your child some additional freedom Part 2

By Janet Lehman

Here are four questions you can ask your child before you give them some additional freedom: 1. How will we know it’s working?

2. How will we know it’s not working?

3. What will we do if it’s working?

4. What will we do if it’s not working?

Those are powerful questions, whether you ask them in regard to your child staying up later, using the car, or going to a dance. Here’s how you can apply it. Imagine this scenario: Your teen wants to go to his first concert with some friends. Let’s say as a parent, you’re nervous, but open to the idea.

The conversation might go like this: “This is a pretty big step.

How will we know it’s working – that you’re able to handle it – if we let you go?”

Your child might say, “I’ll go to the concert and come straight home afterward.”

You might want to add the following: “That’s right, you’ll go straight to the concert and call or text me when you get there. Then you’ll text me when it’s over and let me know you’re coming home.”

The next question is, “How will we know it’s not working?” And the answer: “If I don’t hear from you all night. If I find out you drove

other kids in the car or were drinking. If you come home late.”

End the conversation with the last two “what” questions: “What will we do if it works out? I’ll be more likely to let you go next time.”

“What will we do if it doesn’t work out? We’ll take a break on concerts for awhile until you can show me that you can be more responsible.”

Those terms are the elements for any discussion around your child meeting responsibilities or doing new things. This is especially effective because it focuses your kids on the rules while giving you a structure to fall back on if your child can’t meet the expectations.

It’s also important to be aware of the fact that there are going to be missteps on your child’s part along the way when they don’t meet the expectations. Let’s say your child drives to the party safely, doesn’t drink, and doesn’t have friends in the car, but he comes home 30 minutes late. Along with the conversation listed above, talk with him about what was going on at the time and the choices he made. Ask, “What can you do differently next time so you don’t come home late again and get in trouble?”

With children of all ages, let them know that they’re not going to be given more freedom until they can meet the next step.

Believe me, I’m a mom myself and I know that none of this is easy. We worry, we agonise and we spend many sleepless nights hoping we’ve made the right decisions as parents. Behind much of our reluctance to reel out more freedom is our fear that we won’t be able to protect our children – that they’ll do something that’s unsafe or scary. If you realise you’re way out of sync with other parents in terms of your expectations, it’s worth looking at what’s behind it. Does it have to do with your child and the risks involved, or does it have more to do with you and your fears? Understand that as your child grows, you really do need to offer him the opportunity for age-appropriate independence. After all, how is your child going to learn to be independent on his own if he’s never given the chance to try new things? It’s difficult, but we need to make those leaps sometimes as parents so our children can learn to fly. (Excerpt from Empoweringparents.com)

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tuesday, november 17, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Absence of Board UGSS proposes lowering at Linden Hospital UG’s facilities fees – Health Committee Chairman cites “Corruption”

BY UTAMU BELLE

A

s calls continue for the reconstitution of a legitimate Board of Directors at the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC), Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) Health Committee Chairman Maurice Butters said its absence has proven to have given rise to “corrupt” practices surrounding the management of the health Institution.

Speaking with Guyana Times, on Monday, Butters, who had questioned the legitimacy of the previous Board, said a clear direction is lacking at the institution.

“Employees are enquiring about the re-establishment or the reconstitution of the Board of the LHC. We have not been informed as to whether there will be another Board at the Hospital or when it would be constituted. These concerns are raised because of some of the managerial malpractice going on at the Hospital and there is no oversight regarding what is happening”, Butters told Guyana Times. He said presently the responsibility of the board is in the hands of the institution’s management, which is “contradictory.”

Butters explained that the status and execution of contracts is being undertaken by the staff which has proven to bring about levels of “malpractice”. He said presently management is tasked with decisions it has no right of being tasked with, including the selection of contracts and con-

Linden Hospital Complex

tractors. “In that regard, the management has control over all situations... that is where corruption comes in... the board would have maintained that form of control,” he stated.

Under the board, the Health Committee Chairman established that such responsibility would lie within its Finance Committee. He continues to urge swift movement by government towards a legal body which will manage the overall affairs of the LHC. “Enquiries were made to the government and we were told that the matter was looked at, however there is no definite decision or no conclusion to it.

I was told that a document was signed to formulate the Board but nobody knows why it hasn’t been constituted “, he said Adding that management within the health institution is also tasked with making representation and submissions for the selection of members of the Board, Butters claimed there is a lev-

el of contradiction.

In the past, the LHC board was made up of individuals from various organisations, including the Guyana Trades Union, National Insurance Scheme, Bosai Minerals Group Guyana Incorporated, Region10 Regional Democratic Council, among others.

Butters also urges the establishment of a Regional Health Authority, noting that a draft legislation was already in place, however such has not been granted. Butters stated that to date employees continue to be employed on contract instead of being fulltime employees as a result of such issues.

“Corporatisation would have meant that the hospital would have been able to manage its own affairs and opportunities by international donor agencies ”, he stressed. Over the years, there have been numerous controversies surrounding management of the LHC, which had eventually established a board to regulate its affairs.

Health Ministry mum on mother, child deaths

T

he family of 33-yearold Liloutie Ramlall, who died three weeks ago following a Caesarean section is calling for justice, following what was claimed to be a lackadaisical approach to the maternal death case by the Public Health Ministry.

According to reports, Ramlall died from hypovolemic shock and a ruptured spleen following her C-section at a private city hospital while her baby died from neonatal respiratory distress, a condition which made it hard for the baby to breathe.

The dead woman’s sister, Parbattie Ramlall reflected on the moments before the tragedy occurred, revealing that prior to the operation, her sister was healthy.

She stated that following delivery of the baby the doctors informed her that

Liloutie Ramlall

the child was born from a ruptured placenta, which is when the placenta begins to peel away from the uterus too soon while the baby still needs the placenta to supply oxygen and nutrients. As such, they would

have to transfer him to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) for further care.

Parbattie revealed that she accompanied the newborn to the GPHC in the ambulance, and subsequently returned to check on her sister, only to be informed that she was dead.

The young woman stated that her family was still very much in shock and only wanted answers.

She further revealed that following Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton’s announcement that an investigation into the matter would be launched, the family attempted to make contact with him but that proved futile. They were later informed that the panel was established to investigate maternal deaths, but was yet to commence its investigations.

T

he University of Guyana Students Society (UGSS) is proposing to the institution’s council a comprehensive evaluation and constitutional reform of the University and an immediate reduction of facilities fees.

In a letter to the University’s council, UGSS stated that the students requested an immediate reduction of the facilities fee from $50,000 to $30,000 applicable from the academic year 2015-2016.

The letter additionally mentioned that the students call for a refund of not less than $15,000 per student enrolled during the academic year 2014-2015 payable immediately.

The Student Society stated to the council that this demand was as a result of the absence of a decision by the Learning Resource Committee on the allocation of the Learning Resource Fee; the inability to appropriately allocate spending of this fee to the benefit of every student in an environment of consultation and inclusion, and the failure to fulfil all promised allocations of the Facilities Fee inter alia. Also the prevailing deplorable conditions and facilities at the University of Guyana; the Administration’s evidently poor management of especially its financial resources; and the UGSS President‘s evaluation of the first year of the implementation of the facilities fee coupled with

feedback from student consultations.

The letter stated that this was the concrete opinion of the University of Guyana students, determined unanimously at the Society’s Historic General Meeting (Oct 6, 2015) and via circulated petitions.

The UGSS directly appealed to the council, reminding them they “are the directors of the affairs of our nation’s finest tertiary institution – the University of Guyana. Your mandate is set in two words – “Serve Guyana”. You are stalwarts, held in highest esteem within your respective portfolio”.

The Society also mentioned that for more than five decades, UG has provided opportunities for the highest level of educational attainment locally, adding that tens of thousands have

improved their knowledge, understanding and qualifications and for this, expressed much gratitude to the council.

It added also that for more than four decades, the Students Society has actively represented the interest and concrete concerns of students to the University’s council and noted that it has been responsive and considerate of the position of students’ issues.

The group further stated that as students, they were not seeking handouts, neither did they subscribe to irrational and unreasonable approaches. “We only ask to be treated fairly and respectfully as fellow academics; for the future of our dear land of Guyana, all we seek is respect and academic justice” the group concluded.

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tuesday, november 17, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Eyew tness Constable charged for accidentally shooting woman

S

ix months after the incident occurred, a young Police Constable has been charged for “accidentally” shooting a young woman while reportedly playing with the Police-issued firearm.

Constable Dwayne Charles, 23, of 139 Middle Street, Pouderoyen, West Coast Demerara, denied the charge, which read that on Wednesday, April 22 at Lot 31 Albouys Street, Albouystown, he unlawfully wounded Shaqueena Anderson causing her grievous bodily harm.

The particulars of the charge were not divulged in court. However, it was previously reported that the 18-year-old girl and the Police rank stationed

Constable Dwayne Charles

in the community were in the house when the .38 revolver suddenly went off.

Guyana Times understands that the Police rank and the teenager were playing with

the weapon, which went off.

The teen was shot to the right side of her abdomen.

After the gun went off, the Police rank reportedly panicked and fled the scene.

As he ran, he disposed of the firearm in a canal on Sussex Street, Georgetown.

The weapon was later recovered by other ranks who rushed to the scene upon hearing the gunshot.

The teenager was reportedly picked up by another rank, placed in a vehicle and whisked away to the Georgetown Public Hospital where she was admitted.

The Police Prosecutor, Kerry Bostwick, had no objections to bail, which was granted in the sum of $150,000 on the condition that the defendant report to the clerk of Court Three every Monday morning for the duration of the case.

The case will continue on November 30.

Handyman jailed for marijuana possession

A

handyman was on Monday jailed for three years for trafficking in narcotics by Magistrate Judy Latchman when he appeared in Court Three of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Thirty-two-yearold Festus Owenkirk of Diamond, East Bank Demerara, was accused of

trafficking the illicit substance on August 5, 2015 at Diamond. It was alleged that on that day, he had in his possession 15 grams of cannabis. During the trial, the court heard that on the day in question, Constable 19799 Seeram had approached the defendant, who was acting in a suspicious manner to conduct a search on him. During

the search, a black plastic bag was found in the man’s pocket. A check of the bag revealed leaves, seeds and stems of what was suspected to be cannabis. The suspected drug was then weighed in the defendant’s presence and it amounted to 15 grams, and he was taken into custody.

When questioned about the substance, he told the ofFestus Owenkirk

ficer that “meh does smoke ‘cause meh does get problem with meh motion”.

In presenting his defence, Owenkirk disputed the facts that he was found with 15 grams of cannabis, telling the Court that he was only caught with a ‘joint’ and that Constable Seeram had found the bag of narcotics but not on his person. Police Prosecutor Kerry Bostwick had produced an analysis certificate that confirmed that the leaves, seeds and stems were those of a cannabis sativa plant.

The Magistrate, in delivering her verdict on Monday, said that she had considered the Prosecutor’s evidence as well as the sworn statement of the defendant, who had not produced any witnesses. She declared that she believed the facts presented by Constable Seeram in relation to the weight of the narcotics as well as its origin. As such, based on her findings she found the man guilty as charged.

In mitigation, Defence Attorney Clive Forde requested leniency in sentencing. The Magistrate sentenced the defendant to pay a fine of $30,000, which is three times the street value of the narcotics, as well as three years in prison.

An eye for an eye… …and now everyone’s blind

“A

n eye for an eye will only end in making the entire world blind.” So said Gandhi way back in the last century. But it didn’t seem to have had much impact in reducing ocular extraction – or its impact. What’s been overlooked in Gandhi’s seemingly simple statement is a trenchant criticism of one of the foundations of law, Justice and jurisprudence in all the civilisational systems that evolved out of the Abrahamic religions – Christianity, Judaism and Islam.

The Book of Exodus in the Bible says: “The penalty shall be life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise.” The Book of Deuteronomy uses even stronger language: “Show no pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.” Even though in his Sermon on the Mount Jesus advised “turning the other cheek”, the principle of reciprocity in punishment has come down in modern law as the principle of lex talionis. And it just won’t go away.

Ask most people what should be done to folks who murder others and you’ll get the response, without skipping a beat – “hang him high!” And it is this principle writ large that spurred the attacks in Paris, which has the entire world up in arms in righteous indignation.

See? The Islamic State - ISIS - took credit for the attacks and stated explicitly they were in retaliation for French bombing runs against their positions in Syria. But will Hollande’s promise to wage “merciless war” against ISIS solve anything?

While the Middle East - where the principle of an “eye for an eye” originated - doesn’t have a monopoly on retaliatory violence, it’s something that needs looking into that the most prolonged modern, intractable conflict is centred in that region. So Israel was founded by displacing Arabs (Palestinians) way back in 1948 – and the “eye for an eye” has never stopped. Israel begat Suez in 1956 which begat the six-day 1967 war and the Yom Kippur 1973 war and so on and so forth.

And when the pitched battles became unsustainable, the combatants went into what is now defined as “terrorism” – justifying it all by saying the founders of Israel Len Menachim Begin were basically “terrorists” also. And he founded a state supported by the most powerful state on planet earth. And it’s been “an eye for an eye” all the way.

Now this Eyewitness doesn’t believe that the lion will ever lie down with the lamb – willingly, that is. But why can’t all the newer “big” powers insist that the UN control this blinding of eye, business?

…but what about logs

For years now Janet Bulkan – sister of Ronald Bulkan, the Minister of “Communities” – had been weeping and wailing and gnashing her teeth at the “rape” of our forests by the big, bad PPP/C Government. So what if Norway was monitoring the activities and vouched that everything was hunky dory… and doled out big bucks to boot? But if Janet said “rape” …rape it was.

And she bigged up APNU and AFC who, she promised, would clean up all the excesses of the PPP/C when they got into the seat of power. Well, six months down the road, Janet is broken hearted. Not only did APNU/AFC break their promise to her… they broke the promise in the Manifesto! Logs were still being shipped by Bai Shan Lin – and even given a two-year extension! Poor Janet was shocked - Imagine that!!

Never mind APNU/AFC broke the 21 promises for the first 100 days – they’re working through the entire Manifesto!

Join the real world, Janet.

…and no more!

Did you ever realise that “an eye for an eye” was actually a LIMITATION of the retaliatory act? If you lose one tooth, that’s all you can knock out from the other fella’s mouth!

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

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tuesday, november 17, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Tuschen resident shot to head during attempted robbery

Opposition parliamentarians’ salary increases go into PPP/C bank account – Rohee

Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo resident is now nursing a gunshot injury to his head following an attempted robbery on Sunday evening.

Ram Singh, 53, of Lot 1985 Light Street, was shot to his head by a lone gunman, while two accomplices were seen standing in front of the house.

According to information reaching this newspaper, Timothy Singh, the injured man’s son went to lock their gate when the gunman pounced on him.

This newspaper was told that a relative, who was in the yard, realise what was happening and raised an alarm. Singh reportedly went to his son’s rescue but instead was shot to the head by the gunman.

Reports are that after shooting Singh, the gunman dropped a haversack he was carrying made good his escape with two men who were waiting a short distance away.

Singh was picked up and rushed to the Leonora

pposition Members of Parliament (MPs) are expected to deposit their salary increases into a bank account belonging to the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C); however, there is no monitoring system established to ensure the parliamentarians comply.

This is according to PPP General Secretary Clement Rohee, during the Party’s weekly press conference on Monday at Freedom House, Robb Street, Georgetown.

Prompted by media operatives, Rohee revealed that the Party would not be monitoring to ensure the parliamentarians fulfil the policy.

A

Ram Singh

Cottage Hospital where he was treated and referred to the Georgetown Public Hospital for further medical attention.

The injured man’s son told his newspaper that at about 21:30h as he was locking the gate, the gunman walked up to him and placed the gun to his head.

The young Singh said the man was wearing a mask so he can not recognise him.

He said by this time, a relative began screaming and his father rushed to his assistance.

“My father tell he, ‘shoot nah, shoot, me nah frighten all yuh’, and the bandit then pulled the trigger and shot him”, the son stated.

He noted that his father fell to the ground and family and other residents rushed to his assistance.

According to the son, after the bandit escaped, they checked his bag which he had left behind but it was empty.

This is the fourth time the family has been attacked. Two months ago, they found a man in the house as he was attempting to pack valuables but he ran away.

He was subsequently arrested and handed over to the police.

Another time, bandits escaped with a quantity of cash. One man was arrested but was never charged.

Meanwhile, the police have launched an investigation.

New land surveyors urged to maintain professionalism

The five graduates who completed the 2015 Sworn Lands and Surveys Examination

F

ive new surveyors were recognised for passing the 2015 Sworn Land and Survey Examination in a simple graduation ceremony on Monday, when they were reminded of the importance of integrity and service with humility as they venture into their new careers.

This charge to the five, who took their oath of office at the ceremony, came from Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, as he delivered the charge.

The Sworn Lands and Survey Examination is administered under the Land Surveyors(Profession) Act No 4 of 2014.

Even as he congratulated the new surveyors, Minister Harmon pointed out that there was need for a review of this process, as the current 15 per cent pass rate for the Examination was not acceptable. A total of 32 persons wrote the Examination, but only five passed. Nonetheless, Minister Harmon told the graduates that while they have completed what he deemed a “serious process”, the real work has now be-

gun. He urged them to ensure that their work added to the credibility, which citizens expected from the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission.

Speaking of his experiences as a practising lawyer, Minister Harmon said it was important for surveyors to carry out their duties with a high level of “exactness”. “It is important that you do your work right. I have seen the amount of trouble that can be caused if a surveyor fails to do his or her job right,” he said.

The graduates were also called upon to observe the Standard Operating Procedures outlined by the Lands and Surveys Commission. “Every time you deviate from that, you create a problem.

Understand [the Standard Operating Procedures] and stick to them, as this is the only way the public will have confidence in the service,” Harmon added. Equally important, the Minister pointed out, is the need for individuals in this profession to conduct themselves with the highest lev-

el of professionalism.

“When you do your work, you are professionals, but you have to display a level of humility. We serve the public… Conduct yourselves honourably. Do not accept bribes. People will do that and when they do that, they are challenging your integrity and all that you have learnt and you have to rebuke them.

You have to show that you respect your oath,” Minister Harmon told the graduates.

Meanwhile, this year’s Valedictorian, Elton Prashad, who spoke on behalf of his fellow graduates, expressed gratitude for the patience exhibited by the trainers, leading up to the examination. Prashad said there were times he felt like quitting, like many of his fellow graduates, but the encouragement he received from tutors was always a motivating factor.

Prashad also vowed to carry out his duties with credibility and sound professionalism within the framework of the Commission so as to keep the good name of the Commission intact.

– no monitoring system established

O

“We have taken a policy decision on the matter; every PPP/C MP knows what our position on the matter is…

Therefore, they are morally obligated to do what the Party expects them to do,” he stated.

Nonetheless, Rohee assured that the Party would eventually find out which parliamentarians were adhering to the rule.

“At some point in time, the Party will know who did and who didn’t,” he said.

Since June 1976, the PPP/C has established a bank account at the Royal Bank of Canada now Republic Bank (Guyana) Ltd. This account was established to facilitate

PPP/C parliamentarians to make part of their parliamentary salaries available as a donation to the Party. However, this newspaper was told that parliamentarians hardly ever comply with the policy.

Guyana Times understands that during the PPP/C’s years in Government, only a few of its parliamentarians adhered to this policy.

With the recent salary increases for MPs, the Party took a unanimous decision to refuse the increases. The Party then decided to donate the money to charity. The PPP/C has not yet decided which charity it would donate the money to.

Teen on $100,000 bail for cellphone charge

A

bailiff was on Monday placed on $100,000 bail

by Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts after he appeared before her charged with stealing a cellular phone.

Seventeen-year-old Adrian Harry of Lot 44 Princes Street, Wortmanville is accused of stealing the phone on November 11. It is alleged that he stole the Blu cellular phone valued at $100,000, from Detroy Bacchus.

According to Police Prosecutor Kerry Bostwick, the Virtual Complainant and defendant have been known to each other for five years.

On the day in question, the VC was walking home when he was accosted by the defendant, who demanded $200. The Prosecutor told the

Adrian Harry

court that the VC informed Harry that he did not have any money and in retaliation the defendant snatched the young man’s phone. The Prosecutor said that the VC and his father subsequently went to Harry’s home and enquired about the phone and were informed that Harry had

sold the phone for $3000.

A report was made to the Police and Harry was arrested.

When asked if he had anything to say, Harry told the Court that he did not steal the phone, but the VC owed him some money and he was given the phone as compensation.

“Meh ain’t snatch he phone, me ask he fuh me money,” Harry stated. Based on this statement, the Magistrate recorded a not guilty plea for the defendant.

The Prosecutor made no objections to bail, which was granted on the condition that the defendant report to the clerk of Court Three every Monday morning for the duration of the case. Harry was released on $100,000 bail.

The case will continue on December 3.

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guyanatimesgy.com

tuesday, november 17, 2015

News

Brazilians terrorised by gunmen in Puruni S

ix armed men on Sunday carried out a brazen attack on a Brazilian mining camp at Puruni, Region Seven and terrorised the owner’s brother and several workers while demanding money and gold.

The injured man was identified as Raimundo Malhaeo.

He was reportedly struck to his head by one of the men with a gun after he refused to hand over the gold. Other miners were also gun-butted in the hope of them handing over the precious mineral.

After beating the men, the gunmen threatened to kill them if they remained on the camp grounds and told them

The injured Brazilians after the attack

they would return. A few of the men reportedly left in a

helicopter while the others did so by land.

Businessman shot dead at Omai

A

s crime continues to spiral out of control, another businessman was shot and killed in the wee hours of Monday at Bone Yard Backdam, Omai in what is believed to be a robbery.

Dead is Errol Bowen, 38 of Better Hope, East Coast Demerara.

While information remains sketchy, F Division Commander,

Senior Superintendent Ravindradat Budhram confirmed that the man was shot to the elbow, and head in the vicinity of his left ear.

He stated that a team of investigators is in the area trying to ascertain what transpired. However he said it was discovered that the shop was ransacked and two ounces, six pennyweights of gold was missing.

This newspaper was un-

able to ascertain just how the amount of gold was arrived at.

The commander added that from all indications, Bowen was alone at the shop at the time of the incident.

Police have since questioned several persons in relation to the incident.

Preparations are being made for the body to be transported to the Lyken’s Funeral Home, Georgetown.

Three of the men were subsequently identified by the miners as three wellknown businessmen in Bartica.

It is believed that the attack stemmed from the double purchase of the mining block that the Brazilians were occupying for the past three years. The mining block was reportedly sold to the Brazilians by Marcus Debareu.

Speaking with Guyana Times, an official of the mining company stated that at the time of the attack, the owner, Nide Carneiro Malhao was not on site.

She explained that a few years ago, the businessman would have purchased four blocks for a total of $60 million, but was only given the paperwork for one. To date, the legal paperwork for the remaining three blocks has not been handed over to the Brazilian.

The woman stated that from all indications, the raid on the camp is intended to motivate the Brazilians to pack up and leave. Guyana Times was further told that based on information gathered, the block that the Brazilian was occupying was resold to another businessman.

Guyana Times further understands that one of the men who were spotted in the helicopter was recently in hot water after he defrauded a businessman millions of dollars while another was about to have operations at his camp halted by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC).

The Police have since launched an investigation into the attack and a report was made to the GGMC on the issue.

Police nab man with cocaine, marijuana

A

man was on Sunday arrested by Police after he was found with a quantity of cocaine and marijuana during a search at Devil Hole, Cuyuni River, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni).

According to reports received, Police ranks stopped and searched the suspect during which 2013 grams of marijuana, along with 129 grams of cocaine, were found in a haversack he was carrying.

He was reportedly told of the offence, cautioned and arrested. He is expected to be slapped with possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking charges shortly.

Game Changer O

n September 25, 2015, I received an email from a UN correspondent based at the Secretariat in New York. I immediately thought the email was a hoax and should be deleted. However, I did respond and asked the person to call me using the number listed on my faculty web page. Twenty minutes later the phone rang and during the first two minutes of the conversation I realised that the email was not only Lomarsh Roopnarine legitimate but serious.

The reporter said he was a VICE News’ UN correspondent and would like to speak with me about Guyana’s ongoing border controversy with Venezuela. He said that he was scheduled to interview Guyana’s President David Granger, who was in New York for the UN General Assembly.

Foremost on his agenda was this controversy, which was brought to the attention of the Secretary General by both countries in recent months. I said yes I would speak.

From our lengthy conversation, one question from the reporter still resonates on my mind. He asked: Why is Guyana so determined to defend a territory that is practically a jungle? At first I thought this was a simple question but then realised that it needed some thinking. I told him that Guyana’s challenge to Venezuela’s claim has to do with two fundamental realities: The first is a matter of national pride. Guyana is a sovereign nation and has the right to defend its territory and that every Guyanese knows that all of Guyana as defined on a current map and taught in schools belongs to Guyana even though many have not visited the controversial region.

The second is that the controversial and surrounding regions are endowed with enormous natural resources, including oil. If Guyana can utilise these resources skilfully it would be a game changer, that is, the country would be better positioned to move away from the dependence on traditional exports – sugar and rice – which are in dire straits, to a more secured source of generating revenues to enhance growth and development.

The exploitation of oil can be the game changer Guyana has been waiting for since independence.

Guyana, of course, has to bring some solutions to the ongoing border controversy with Venezuela and ensure that profits from oil exploitation and other natural resources stay at home for further investment rather than siphoned off overseas. This is the predicament, if not one of the perpetuating paradoxes, the country faces on a daily basis. It is fortunate to have an abundance of natural resources, which are largely untapped, but does it seem to have the technological resources to exploit its natural resources to bring about desired results like a better standard of living for its citizens.

Having said that, the country should not be carried away by the thought that natural resources are infinite and are there to dominate and exploit willy-nilly. Economic benefits must not be achieved at social costs. There has to be a sustainable balance between these objectives, especially with regard to the thousands of Amerindians who occupy the rich sub-soil mineral interior region.

The current regime is desperate, based on its ambitious campaign promises, to use the game changer opportunity to bring the country and people out of one of the poorest positions in the developing world. Will the regime discover and deliver?

So far, the current pantheon of problems: crime, poor economic performance, gold smuggling, environmental recklessness, laggard environmental policies and regulations, can only suggest that they will stifle and impair the Government’s ability to carry out mandated responsibilities such as sustainable development.

Certainly, we do not want a situation like what goes in Nigeria and Southeast Asia where foreign investors have enormous control over oil and other forest resources. These countries are still trying to extricate themselves from the jaws of foreign investment. To be sure, foreign investment is good insofar as guided by sound procedures.

One of the ironies of irony on the talk of the discovery of oil and the promise and prospect of moving Guyana forward is that Ministers have received huge salary increases while environmental departments are poorly funded, poorly staffed, and under-trained, which eventually encourages unethical practices and impropriety.

What is going right now is a one-man show with the Minister of Governance (with responsibility for Natural Resources and the Environment Resources) appearing in the dailies proposing plans on how to generate revenues from natural resources.

This is forward-looking, but how concessions are made, how gold smuggling are controlled, how sanctions are enforced, how foreign investors are monitored in far flung areas, and who will benefit from the extraction of natural resources are worrying questions that can easily plunge the nation into another demoralized and acrimonious state.

We are waiting for the moment when actions match declared intentions and when policies match realities.

(Dr Lomarsh Roopnarine’s weekly column appears in the Tuesday edition of this newspaper.

Contact him at: lomarsh.roopnarine@jsums.edu)

tuesday, november 17, 2015

guyanatimesgy.com

11

News

Bandits invade fmr Crime Chief’s home ...Ramotar says “no one is safe”

barracks. The trend all over the world is for the Army to come out and work with the Police in combating crime, as in the case of Trinidad and Tobago, Mexico among others in the world. As the nature of crime evolves, the role of the disciplined forces must also evolve. The world over, the army is doing more to fight crime. I call on the regime to immediately take steps to have the Army assist the Police with joint patrols now,” Ramotar noted.

By Edward Layne

T

he current spiralling crime rate has now “hit close to home”, as armed bandits boldly invaded the home of an Assistant Police Commissioner, Leslie James, ironically, the man, who was up to May 2015, chief of criminal investigations for the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

Reports are about 03:00h on Sunday, three armed bandits entered James’ home through a window on the lower flat and were in the process of carting off several items, including electrical appliances, when they found some documents which revealed it was a senior Policeman’s home.

They reportedly abandoned the heist.

Commenting on the incident, former President Donald Ramotar said that the wanton invasion of the home of James tells the grim story of how crime is spiralling out of control in Guyana, adding that if James’ home was so wantonly invaded, no one was safe from the criminals Ramotar, in a brief statement, described the incident

Joint Services patrols

Former Crime Chief Leslie James

as a “blatant and brazen attack on one of our most senior Police Officers”.

He said it was a slap in the face of the Guyana Police Force and the Government as a whole, and expressed disappointment over the “casual way” in which the Government seemed to be handling the situation.

“I am extremely disappointed that the mentality in the APNU/AFC [A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change] regime is to keep the Army in

The former President reminded that during his People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) tenure in office, the Army was called out to do joint patrols with the Police in times of heightened criminal activities.

Ramotar added that during the holiday season, the PPP/C Administration had a programme where the Army and Police had joint patrols from November 15 to January 15, as part of the anti-crime initiative.

The attack on James’ home is just one in many bold moves by criminal elements.

Berbice Bridge tolls to be reduced from Dec 1

By Kristen Macklingam

C

ommuters utilising the Berbice River Bridge will be paying lower tolls as an agreement between the Government and the Berbice Bridge Company Inc (BBCI) is soon to be signed by both parties.

Once this agreement is finalised, the Administration is hoping to start the reduction in toll fees effective December 1, 2015. However, no announcement has been made about the $500 million bond principal debt repayment to investors, which has to be paid by the end of this year.

Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson, during a media briefing on Monday, stated that the agreement has “been dispatched or will be dispatched” and providing that the BBCI consent to the documentation, persons travelling to and from Berbice via the Bridge would benefit from lower fares.

This comes after many months of negotiation between the Government of Guyana and the BBCI with regard to subsidies and the reduction of the tolls.

The Bridge Company had previously rejected the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Administration’s proposal of a $36 million subsidy in exchange for lowering its tolls, citing that if it were to accept such a proposal, then it could lead to the BBCI filing for in-

The Berbice Bridge

solvency.

After such, the BBCI then proposed to Government that it should increase its tolls by a significant amount so as to avoid operating at a loss and becoming bankrupt.

In September, following BBCI’s refusal to lower the tolls in question, the APNU/ AFC Government resorted to setting up river taxis as a means of pressuring the Company to lower its tolls.

Even before negotiating with the BBCI, the APNU/ AFC governing coalition had announced that effective September 1, it would be reducing the bridge toll from $2200 to $1900 for passenger cars and buses, along with a 10 per cent reduction for other classes of vehicles.

However, the BBCI insisted its current financial position was impeding the implementation of the reduction. The Company had said it continuously pointed out to the Administration that the subsidy being offered to facilitate the reduction was insufficient to offset its debts.

Consequently, it requested that Government extended the concession period from

21 to 50 years or increase the bridge tolls by 55 per cent before it implemented the new fare structure. But Government refused.

In attempts to gain majority control of the Bridge Company in order to fulfil Government’s promise of toll reductions, Prime Minister/ First Vice President Moses Nagamootoo had announced that Cabinet has instructed the Finance Minister to buy out the shares the Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) has in the Bridge Company. DDL currently holds some 10 per cent of the shares.

While the decision was made to subsidise the Bridge, any change in the Concession Agreement and the Toll Order which is made by the Government requires the approval of the Trustee and the Shareholders.

In what has been the reason for BBCI directors requesting a meeting with its equity and debt investors, based on present cash flow projections including the subsidies, $500 million in bond principal debt repayment to investors must be paid by year-end.

Anti-crime plan

Meanwhile, PPP General Secretary Clement Rohee, at a news conference on Monday, chastised the APNU/AFC coalition for failing to put forward a comprehensive and workable anticrime plan.

Rohee, a former Minister with responsibility for the security sector, reminded that on the campaign trail, the coalition boasted of having all the expertise and solutions to address the crime situation, but scampered to put together a so-called crime plan months after assuming office.

On July 9, 2015, two brazen bandits attacked and robbed a married couple who live only a few houses away from Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan.

F i f t y - y e a r - o l d Nandkishore Lulla, who is the owner of the Price Rite Store on Regent Street, and his wife, had just arrived in front of their Lot 14 Delph Street, Campbellville home when the incident occurred about 18:30h.

Ramjattan, who lives at Lot 10 Delph Street, was in Parliament at the time of the incident.

Then, on August 5, 2015, eight heavily armed bandits violently entered the childhood home of Ramjattan at Number 48 Village, Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), using a power saw to cut their way through a wooden wall.

These daring robberies continue unabated daily.

Police in mid-October

Former President Donald Ramotar

reported a 10 per cent hike in the number of serious crimes recorded at the end of September when compared to the figures for the same period in 2014. Among the serious crimes policed by the Force were murder, robbery under arms, robbery with violence, robbery with aggravation, larceny from the person, break and enter and larceny, burglary, rape, and kidnapping.

As it relates to murder, the Police said a total of 114 cases were recorded at the end of September, in comparison to 109 murders during the same period in 2014.

This represents an increase of five per cent. However, as of October 12, three additional murders were recorded. A Division (GeorgetownEast Bank Demerara) saw the highest toll during this time, accounting for 41 of the 114 cases.

It was also reported that 45 of these murders were

disorderly; 21 were committed during robberies; 13, domestic-related; 26 of unknown nature and one case was filed under the “other” category.

On the other hand, the overall robbery under arms figures increased by three per cent, with 896 cases recorded for the year up to September 30, compared to 874 cases recorded during the same period last year.

According to the Police, robberies involving the use of firearms saw a four per cent increase, while there was a one per cent hike recorded in the number of armed robberies where instruments other than firearms were used by the perpetrators.

As it relates to break and enter and larceny and burglary, an overall increase of 14 per cent was recorded by the Police in comparison with the figures obtained from the same period in 2014.

Further, the Police have reported that at the end of September, a total of 89 illegal firearms were recovered.

These include one sub-machine gun, 47 pistols, 24 revolvers, 10 shotguns, six rifles and one pen-gun. These figures are compared to a total of 60 illegal firearms that were recovered up to this time last year.

Despite these figures issued by the Police themselves, Chief of Criminal Investigations of the Guyana Police Force, Wendell Blanhum last week denied that the country’s crime situation was spiralling out of control.

12 news PPP/C rejects national unity talks Top diplomatic posts – calls for scrapping of Social Cohesion Ministry given to PNCR stalwarts T tuesday, november 17, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

F

Clarissa Riehl

Halim Majeed

Brigadier Julian ‘Bruce’ Lovell

ormer Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Lieutenant Frederick Case has been identified as Guyana’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom while the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) member and attorney Clarissa Riehl has been tipped as High

Commissioner to Canada.

Guyana Times understands that Retired Brigadier Julian ‘Bruce’ Lovell is being considered as Ambassador to Brazil.

This newspaper understands that a former Political aide to President Forbes Burnham, Halim Majeed is also being considered as Guyana’s rep-

resentative to Cuba.

Case will be replacing Laleshwar Singh in the UK, while Riehl will be replacing Harry Narine Nawbatt in Canada.

Majeed will be replacing attorney, Mitra Devi Ali, who was once the Permanent Secretary at the Legal Affairs Ministry.

Lady Northcote expected back on Region One route by monthend – Minister Ferguson

he People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) has finally rejected the invitation for national unity talks with the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) and is now advocating for the scrapping of the Social Cohesion Ministry, which was established under the current administration.

During the party’s weekly media conference on Monday, PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee announced that the Central Committee, following ongoing consultations with its membership, concluded that, at this time, where there is continuous witchhunting, arbitrary dismissals and brazen termination of contracts of long-standing government employees and public servants, among other reasons; the Party’s membership is not in the mood nor supportive at this time, to engage in national unity talks with APNU/AFC. “In rejecting these overtures the Party wishes to make it clear that while it has always been open to talks with all stakeholders on the question of national unity, the current political atmosphere obtaining in Guyana at this time, is not conducive to engaging the APNU+AFC on such a highly politically sensitive matter,” Rohee stated.

He made it clear that the responsibility rests with government to end its campaign of vilification, stigmatizing and labelling of PPP

PPP/C General Clement Rohee

Secretary

leaders as “thieves”, and as “corrupt”; since only then will the Party participate in national unity talks.

“The coalition administration must end its campaign of witch-hunting and racial, economic and political discrimination against the PPP and its supporters.

Further, it must come clean with unaccounted government spending. After all, why would a “clean and lily white” APNU+AFC want to engage with a “corrupt and thieving PPP/C” unless the objective is self-serving and meaningless!” he declared.

In the same breath, Rohee announced that the PPP/C will be advocating for the scrapping of the Social Cohesion Ministry, which was established with responsibility to promote unity among Guyanese.

According to Rohee, the Party is of the view that the Ministry’s genuine role is to act as a smokescreen to pro-

mote racial and political discrimination in favour of the APNU/AFC coalition.

“The Party will continue to monitor these developments and to offer support where necessary, and whenever called upon by representative religious bodies to ensure that unity prevails and that the APNU+AFC’s so-called Ministry of Social Cohesion does not succeed in its divisive manipulative, deceitful and bribe-sharing efforts to divide Guyanese socially, politically along religious lines ostensibly for electoral purposes,” Rohee said.

Rohee defends

Rohee recently came in for harsh criticisms for allegedly promoting ethnic division in Guyana by asking the Guyana Elections Commission (Gecom) to reveal the ethnic composition its staff.

Both Social Cohesion Minister Amna Ally and Gecom Chairman Dr Steve Surujbally publicly condemned Rohee for making such an inquiry.

However, during the media conference, Rohee defended his position: “I don’t see anything with my asking as a member of the Guyanese society; born, grow in this country, for such information. I am entitled to such information… these people are being paid by public funds and what is wrong with me asking for such information, either personally or politically on behalf of the PPP/C,” he stated.

African bees invade Police Outpost

M

The Lady Northcote and the MV Barima docked at at the EC Vieira Dockyard Earlier this year

otor Vessel Lady Northcote will be back in service by the end of the month, after spending the past two months in dry dock for repairs and upgrades.

Minister within the Public Infrastructure Ministry Annette Ferguson told the media Monday that work on the vessel, docked at the EC Vieira Dockyard since September, for much needed rehabilitation works, is 95 per cent complete.

She explained that the vessel is off the block and undergoing final works before being handed over early next week.

According to the Minister, the media would be invited

Minister within the Public Infrastructure Ministry Annette Ferguson

for a tour of the vessel upon its completion, and before it

again commences plying the Georgetown-Port Kaituma route.

Minister Ferguson also explained that following this rehabilitation, the engineer was able to assess the Lady Northcote and determine that additional works were needed. According to her, a report in this regard was actually submitted by the contractor that is to be sent to Cabinet for further deliberation and approval.

Meanwhile, the Minister also reported that MV Kimbia would soon be docked to facilitate some level of emergency works. The Ministry’s engineers are currently in the process of conducting assessments.

Luis Manor Police Outpost

P

olice Officers attached to the Luis Manor Police Outpost, East Coast Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) have been deemed helpless after the Outpost was swarmed by African bees.

Residents in close proximity to the Outpost have expressed concern over the bees, which are now living at the Police Outpost.

According to one resident, while making a report at the Outpost recently, the

bees swarmed the Outpost forcing her to flee and leave unfinished business behind.

This publication understands that the bees moved to the Outpost two weeks ago and since then Police Officers attached to the Outpost were seen running to safety periodically. Residents have reported that Police Officers have had to flee the outpost to seek refuge from the bees.

Reports are that the bees are living in the ceiling of

the lower flat. According to one resident, bees can be seen flying around in the outpost during the day. “If you go to the Station is bees you seeing; not all the time but you see them flying at the back.”

According to a source close to the Police, senior officials have been made aware of the situation.

The Outpost is in close proximity to a nursery school, residents have noted.

news

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tuesday, november 17, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

6-year-old killed in Parfaite accident

M

oments after leaving his home for school, a six-yearold boy was struck and killed by an alleged speeding car in the vicinity of “four-corner”, Parfait Harmonie, West Bank Demerara.

Dead is Keith Adams formerly of Linden and of Lot 4241 West Minster, Parfait Harmonie, WBD. Reports are the child along with a resident and her two children were heading to Parfaith Primary School when the driver of a car bearing registration PRR 9325 swerved from hitting a heap of sand but instead lost control and struck the child, who was walking on the right-hand side of the road.

The child was reportedly caught under the car and dragged several metres before the car ran into a nearby canal.

This newspaper was told the child sustained severe head and other injuries and was taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH) where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Three other occupants of the car were also injured and taken to the WDHR but were treated and sent away.

Eyewitness Alicia Batson told this newspaper she and her two children along with the now dead child were walking towards that school when she heard a screeching sound.

As she looked round, she saw the car heading in her

Keith (left) and Tyrese (right) in happier times with their intended adopted parent Dr Nan Piggott

direction at a fast rate and decided to swerve to avoid hitting her but instead, he struck the child who was on the right hand side. In tears, the woman stated that every morning she would take the child to school since he stays opposite her.

‘All I see, Keith fly in the air and then land back down… the car tried to swerve again but this time as the child land on the

roadway, he ran over him and dragged him several feet… the car ended up in the trench’, she cried.

She related that a family friend picked up the child and took him to hospital.

Batson stated she went to the La Grange Police Station where she saw the driver.

Meanwhile, Holly Caesar, who takes care of little Adams and his 11-year-

old brother was in despair.

She noted that the child left home at about 7:15h to go to school and soon after she received a call informing that there was an accident.

She went to the WDRH only to be told the child was dead.

Caesar, who runs a children’s daycare stated that the children have been with her since October last year.

She said a family friend is in the process of adopting the two children and that legal proceedings have already commenced. Keith and his brother were supposed to leave for the US by this yearend.

In tears, she recounted that the now dead child was quiet, peaceful and jolly. She said he is one child anyone would want to have. Over the few weeks, she noted that she has grown attached to the two children and now to only have one in her eyesight is very sad.

She lashed out at drivers who speed along the roadway and thinks the roads are too narrow.

The police are continuing their investigations.

When Guyana Times visited the scene, preparations were being made to extract the car from the trench.

Owner of the car Devika Boodnarine told this newspaper she bought the car about two months ago and contracted Jermaine Dey as the driver. She claims she knew the man for quite some time and would let him visit his girlfriend with the

The car fitted neatly in the trench after the accident

car. She noted that at about 08:00h, she received a phone call from Dey who claimed he was involved in an accident and he was at the La Grange Police Station.

“I ask he where is the car? And he tell me that the car was also at the station… I left Kitty and when we reach the station, I didn’t see the car so I went and ask

the police ranks where is my car and he tell me that the car deh right where it kill the six year old child”.

It was at that time, she knew the accident was fatal.

She asked to see Dey and he reportedly admitted that he lost control and stuck the child. At the time, he was crying and regurgitating that he had killed a child.

Agro-processing facility recommissioned at Tapakuma

A section of the gathering at the recommissioning By: INDRAWATTIE NATRAM

R

ural Enterprise Agricultural Development (READ) in partnership with Inter-American Institute Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) on Monday partnered with the Tapakuma Village Council to recommission the village’s agro-processing facility.

The facility operating under the name ‘Organization of Rising Sun’ will provide employment and business opportunities for persons living in the farming

community, located off the Essequibo Coast.

Finished products including flavoured cassava biscuit, cassava casareep, farine and tapioca (porriage) will be produced at the facility and will be branded under Sterling Products Ltd. Speaking at the recommissioning, Agriculture Minister Noel Holder said the re-establishment of the facility was a good move by residents in the community.

He noted that the valueadded initiative is important, and it is admirable the village has partnered with

other organisations to resuscitate the factory. He called on the steering committee to sustain the project and not repeat the mistakes, which led to the factory’s closing.

The Minister said the cassava industry is becoming “viable day by day” as a result of the increase of demands on the international markets for cassava products.

Meanwhile, Region Two Chairman Davanand Ramdatt in delivering brief remarks said he too is pleased with the efforts being made by residents

through partnership to sustain the cassava industry.

Ramdatt called for extension officers attached to National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) to be more present and visible in communities.

He also commented that the regional administration will support the project with any necessary assistance possible, adding that the villagers had already asked the region to fence the facility, something currently under consideration by the RDC. Toshao James Scaddes said the community is aiming to become one of the leading agro-processing facilities in the Region. This facility, he added, will create employment for a number of villagers, thus improving their livelihoods.

He remarked that cassava cultivation is very dominant in the community, noting that hundreds of acres of land are under cultivation.

IICA Representative Wilmot Garnet during his address said the first interaction with IICA and the community of Tapakuma commenced in 1998. Garnet said in 1998, IICA had supported the Agriculture Ministry by providing planting materials to Tapakuma of plantain and cassava. He

said then over 250 farmers were trained in best practices as a response to the El Nino phenomenon.

Garnet said in 2014, the READ project allocated $3.378 million for the refurbishment of the Rising Sun Processing facility. These funds he said were disbursed through the partnership be-

ownership and leadership for the management and operation of the facility.

Supporting the opening of the facility were Government through the Agriculture Ministry, Management of IPED, Village Council of Tapakuma, Women Farmers Agriculture Diversification group, Women Agro-

Some of the products manufactured at the factory

tween IPED and the village council, with IICA providing technical oversight to assist in meeting factory compliance.

Garnett promised that IICA remains committed to the Tapakuma community and reminded the committee to show importance of

processors Development Network, Bounty Farms Ltd, and Demerara Oxygen Company Ltd. Attending the recommissioning also were representatives from Sterling Products Ltd and Bureau of Standards, Food and Drug Department.

14

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesday, november 17, 2015

Regional

Nicaragua turns back Cuban Brazil Ipanema: Rio de Janeiro mob beats man to death migrants to Costa Rica

P

N

icaragua has turned back hundreds of Cuban migrants which it accuses of “storming” its border crossing from neighbouring Costa Rica on Sunday.

The Cubans are travelling north, trying to reach the United States by land.

They fear that with ties between Cuba and the US improving, the US could stop granting Cubans who reach the US by land the right to stay.

Nicaragua accused Costa Rica of “hurling thousands of Cubans at Nicaragua’s southern border posts”.

The Cubans said they had flown to Ecuador from where they had made their way north through Colombia and Panama to Costa Rica.

They reported being stranded in Costa Rica after the trafficking ring which they had paid to get them to the US was broken up by the authorities.

On Saturday, Costa Rica issued seven-day tran-

More than 1000 Cuban migrants were sent back to Costa Rica

sit visas to more than 1700 Cubans detained after crossing illegally into Costa Rica from Panama.

Nicaragua’s left-wing Government, which has close ties to Cuba, said that move had “unleashed a humanitarian crisis with serious consequences for our Region”.

The Cubans told Nicaraguan media they had waited for hours to be granted Nicaraguan transit permits before getting impa-

tient and entering the Penas Blancas border post by force.

They continued on foot on the Panamerican Highway north, where they were met

by Nicaraguan security forces who took them back to Costa Rica.

Some migrants said Nicaraguan security forces had fired tear gas and rubber bullets.

Costa Rican Foreign Minister Manuel Gonzalez criticised Nicaragua’s response. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Granny of 7 dies in T&T crash

O

n her return home from a cousin’s wake at Carlsen Field in Chaguanas early Sunday, grandmother of seven, Una Belgrave, lost her life in a vehicular accident plunging the already bereaved family into further mourning.

Three other relatives also sustained injuries and were up to Sunday evening seeking medical treatment at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex at Mount Hope.

A 28-year-old businessman from St Augustine remained in Police custody up to Sunday evening and he is expected to be charged with driving under the influence of alcohol.

Reports are the accident occurred about 01:30h Sunday along the Solomon Hochoy Highway.

Belgrave, 68, of Church Street, St Thomas Village, Chaguanas, having attended the wake of a cousin, was returning home when tragedy struck. She was at the time a backseat passenger in a white Ford Laser car driven

by Gershwin Charles, 49. The other occupants of the vehicle were Nadre Albert, 32, and Lolita Francis, 63, who together with Charles, are from Lendore Village, Chaguanas.

Police reports are, while proceeding along the northbound lane of the highway, a Mercedes Benz driven by the

businessman crashed into the Laser car in the vicinity of Calvary Revival Centre.

On impact, Belgrave, a mother of three, was thrown out of the car and landed on the ground. She died at the scene.

The Mercedes Benz further crashed into a Toyota Fiedler along the highway causing its two occupants, a man and a woman, from Belmont to sustain injuries.

The businessman escaped unhurt. Corporal Martin, PC Gunness and Langlee and WPC Dabreo and other officers of the Chaguanas Police Station visited the scene and conducted enquires. (Excerpt from TT Newsday)

olice in Brazil are investigating a mob killing in one of Rio de Janeiro’s most exclusive neighbourhoods.

Witnesses say the man, a 33-year-old who sold ice in the area, was chased, kicked and punched by a group of about 10 people who were returning from an overnight party on Ipanema beach.

The motive for the attack on Fabiano Machado da Silva, which allegedly also involved passers-by, is unclear.

O Globo newspaper reports that he had harassed

one of the women at the party.

Passers-by, who were unaware of the circumstances, apparently joined in beating Silva in the early hours of Sunday.

He died on the spot next to the General Osorio square, where an arts and crafts market popular with tourists is held every Sunday.

Silva’s family says his five-year-old son has not been told of his father’s death and has been kept away from any news of the incident.

Relatives say they received a last voice message from him at 03:27 (05:27 GMT).

“We believe he was drunk,” said his sister, Hosana dos Santos Machado. “We could tell by his voice.”

“You could hear loud music and the sea breeze in the background,” she told O Globo. “He said there were many beautiful women at the party.”

Police in Rio de Janeiro are looking for CCTV images to try to identify the attackers. (BBC News)

Drought-affected sugarcane farmers in Jamaica get assistance

T

he Jamaican Government has announced measures to assist sugarcane farmers who have been severely affected by drought over the past two years.

Among the measures is a relief on loan repayment for farmers who accessed funds under the Cane Expansion Fund.

“Given the impact of the droughts of both 2014 and 2015 on farmer productivity as well as earnings, the Government has taken a decision to only recover 80 per cent of loan repayment due from farmers this year,” said Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Derrick Kellier as he addressed the recent 66th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the All-Island Cane Farmers’ Association. “[Where] that 80 per cent has not been recovered from the two tranches of second payments so far, I have directed that no further repayment is to be recovered from the third payment.”

Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Derrick Kellier (left) in discussion with Chairman of the All-Island Cane Farmers’ Association, Allan Rickards

That third payment was due to be paid last week.

Kellier said the move will allow farmers to finance the required inputs “to ensure that you can reap a good crop next year”.

He said the Cane Expansion Fund would engage affected farmers on an individual basis to reschedule the loan accordingly.

The Minister said the measures, aimed at increas-

ing sugarcane productivity and efficiency, and boosting the earnings of farmers, will also include engaging all the relevant stakeholders in the industry “to have another look” at the pricing of local molasses. This will enable farmers to earn more from the sugarcane by-product and for factories to pay a greater percentage of the cane price in the first payment. (Excerpt from Caribbean360.com)

Presidential hopefuls clash in Argentina debate Colombia’s FARC urges prisoners’ release on T health grounds

he two contenders for Argentina’s presidency have clashed in a TV debate in advance of a run-off election scheduled for Saturday.

Daniel Scioli and Mauricio Macri locked horns in the capital Buenos Aires on Sunday to discuss economic reform and other issues, after a debate on Saturday was cancelled out of respect for victims of the Paris attacks.

Scioli, who belongs to incumbent President Cristina Fernandez Kirchner’s leftleaning Front for Victory, gained 35 per cent of the ballot in the first-first round of voting, falling short of the 45 per cent needed to win outright.

His rival Macri, of the fiscally conservative Republican Proposal coalition, took 34 per cent of firstround votes after promising economic reforms to rejuve-

Daniel Scioli and Mauricio Macri locked horns in the capital Buenos Aires on Sunday

nate Argentina’s economy.

Al Jazeera’s Teresa Bo, reporting from Buenos Aires, said it was difficult to

say who came out on top.

“Mauricio Macri seemed relaxed, almost arrogant, some people here are say-

ing... On the other hand, Daniel Scioli seemed very tense,” she said.

Adrian Bono, a journalist, described the debate as “historic”, saying it would be remembered

by Argentineans for a long time.

“Millions of people at home were watching, tweeting about it, and commenting on Facebook, that’s one thing,” he told Al Jazeera.

“The other, we saw the candidates in positions we were not expecting them to see. Daniel Scioli was at some points uncomfortable even though we expected him to be feisty. He was very tired.

“Macri, who according to some polls is the leading candidate, who was expected to be very peaceful and not attacking very much, was very feisty.” (Excerpt from Al

Jazeera)

C

olombia’s FARC rebel group has urged the Government to release 81 of its jailed fighters on health grounds.

The FARC said in a statement that the lives of sick prisoners were at risk because medical attention was poor.

The left-wing rebel group has been engaged in peace talks with the Government for the past three years.

The talks have progressed well and both sides are expecting to sign a peace agreement by March 23, 2016 to put an end to decades of conflict.

The health situation of 11 of the 81 prisoners listed is particularly serious, according to the FARC. The left-wing rebel group says that prisoners

in grave condition are not receiving adequate care in prison.

“We expect a gesture of humanity, goodwill and hope for the sick prisoners and their families,” reads the statement.

The FARC said it had taken a number of measures over the past three years to try to scale down the conflict with the Colombian security forces.

Last week, FARC leader Rodrigo Londono Echeverri, known as Timochenko, said he had given orders in September for the FARC to stop buying guns and ammunition.

The rebels previously declared a unilateral ceasefire and urged the Government to follow its move. (Excerpt from BBC News)

tuesday, november 17, 2015

guyanatimesgy.com

15

Around the world

Vowing to destroy terrorism, France seeks US states halt taking Syrian refugees global coalition against Islamic State

F

rench President Francois Hollande called on the United States and Russia to join a global coalition to destroy Islamic State in the wake of the attacks across Paris, and announced a wave of measures to combat terror in France.

“France is at war,” Hollande told a joint session of Parliament at the Palace of Versailles, promising to increase funds for national security and strengthen anti-terror laws in response to the suicide bombings and shootings that killed 129.

“We’re not engaged in a war of civilisations, because these assassins do not represent any. We are in a war against jihadist terrorism which is threatening the whole world,” he told a packed, sombre chamber.

Parliamentarians gave

The Eiffel Tower was lit in the colours of the French flag in a tribute to the victims [BBC News]

Hollande a standing ovation before spontaneously singing the “Marseillaise” national anthem in a show of political unity following the worst atrocity France has seen since World War Two. Islamic State has claimed

Protests in Minneapolis after Police shooting

P

rotests are ongoing in Minneapolis over the Police shooting of a black man who witnesses say was unarmed and handcuffed at the time.

A state agency is investigating the incident, which happened on Sunday morning. Relatives of the man concerned say he is on life support.

Black Lives Matter protesters have been demonstrating in the city.

The group gained prominence after the Police shooting of a black teenager in Ferguson, Missouri, in 2014.

That sparked protests

nationwide about the Police use of excessive force against African Americans.

Jamar Clark, 24, was shot after Police were called to a reported assault, and Police say he “interfered” with the paramedics assisting the assault victim.

Police Officers have said “misinformation” is spreading about the Clark case, and some have told reporters he was not handcuffed.

On Sunday about 150 people gathered to demonstrate at the scene of the shooting and some camped out outside the Police Station. (Excerpt from BBC News)

responsibility for Friday’s coordinated attacks, saying they were in retaliation for France’s involvement in USbacked air strikes in Iraq and Syria.

Hollande pledged that French fighter jets would

M

yanmar’s Aung San Suu Kyi has returned to Parliament after her party’s landslide election victory in legislative elections held last week.

She was mobbed by journalists as she arrived at the Parliament on Monday, but declined

to make any comment as she takes a low-profile approach to victory.

Aung San Suu Kyi is constitutionally barred from top political office, but has vowed to rule “above” the next President, whom she will select following her National League for Democracy’s formidable

(Excerpt from Reuters)

M

ore than a dozen US states say Syrian refugees are no longer welcome due to security fears after the Paris attacks.

Governor Rick Snyder of Michigan said he was suspending the acceptance of new arrivals until after a review.

Alabama, Texas and several other states issued similar statements but a State Department spokesman said the legality of this action was still unclear.

President Barack Obama has urged the US to “step up and do its part” to help those fleeing the civil war.

“Slamming the door in their faces would be a betrayal of our values,” he said. “Our nations can welcome refugees who are desperately seeking safety and ensure our own security. We can and must do both.”

The Governors’ decisions come in the wake of the attacks in Paris which killed 129 people on Friday evening.

Seven of the perpetrators died in the attacks, and one of them is thought to have been a Syrian who entered Europe via Greece with migrants.

Millions of Syrians have fled to neighbouring countries and to Europe, and the US has promised to take about 10,000 Syrian refugees in the next 12 months.

In Michigan, where it has been reported that 200 Syrians have been resettled in the past year, Governor Snyder has said he will suspend the acceptance of new refugees until the US Department of Homeland Security “completes a full review of security clearances and procedures”. (Excerpt from

BBC News)

Society “to be hit by climate change” H uman societies will soon start to experience adverse effects from manmade climate change, a prominent economist has warned.

Professor Richard Tol predicts the downsides of warming will outweigh the advantages with a global warming of 1.1 Celsius – which has nearly been reached already.

Professor Tol is regarded by many campaigners as a climate “sceptic”.

He has previously highlighted the positive effects of CO2 in fertilising crops and forests.

His work is widely cited by climate contrarians.

“Most people would argue that slight warming is

Aung San Suu Kyi returns to Myanmar parliament

Aung San Suu Kyi’s NLD party swept the recently held parliamentary elections [Reuters]

intensify their assaults and said he would meet US President Barack Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin in the coming days to urge them to pool their resources.

“We must combine our forces to achieve a result that is already too late in coming,” the President said.

The US-led coalition has been bombing Islamic State for more than a year.

Russia joined the conflict in September, but Western officials say it has mainly hit foreign-backed fighters battling Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, not Islamic State.

Much of France came to a standstill at midday for a minute’s silence to remember the dead, many of whom were young people killed as they enjoyed a night out.

win in the November 8 polls.

The NLD defeated the current army-backed ruling party.

But it will be the legislators from the militarybacked Union Solidarity and Development Party who will continue to dominate Parliament as the pre-election legislature returns for a final session that will last until at least the end of January.

Aung San Suu Kyi, a Noble Peace laureate, is banned from becoming President by the junta-era constitution because she married and had children with a foreigner.

She has nevertheless pledged to rule an NLD Government through a puppet President, without revealing a candidate or setting out how the arrangement would work.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Society at the point where the consequences outweigh the benefits

probably beneficial for human welfare on net, if you measure it in dollars, but more pronounced warming is probably a net negative,” Professor Tol told the BBC Radio 4 series Changing Climate.

Asked whether societ-

ies were at the point where the benefits start to be outweighed by consequences, he replied: “Yes. In academic circles, this is actually an uncontroversial finding.”

But it is controversial for climate contrarians, who often cite Professor Tol’s work

to suggest that we shouldn’t worry about warming.

Matt Ridley, the influential Conservative science writer, said he believed the world would probably benefit from a temperature rise of up to 2C. Professor Ranga Myneni from Boston University, who Ridley quoted, said Lord Ridley had accurately quoted his research on the impacts of current CO2 levels, but was unduly complacent about future warming.

“I am worried about how this work is being interpreted, by Lord Ridley. In my opinion, [CO2 fertilisation] benefit of greening is not worth the price of all the negative changes,” he said.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Saeed Jaffrey, Indian actor and Bollywood veteran, dies

A

ctor Saeed Jaffrey, a veteran of dozens of Bollywood and international films, has died at the age of 86.

Tributes have poured in since Jaffrey suffered a brain haemorrhage in London.

Jaffrey starred in such acclaimed Indian films as Satyajit Ray’s “Shatranj ke Khiladi” (The Chess Players) and more than 100 Bollywood productions.

He also appeared in “A Passage To India”, “Gandhi” and “The Man Who Would Be King”, and earned a Bafta nomination for his role in 1985’s “My Beautiful Laundrette”.

The news of his death was announced on Sunday by his niece Shaheen Aggarwal on Facebook.

She wrote: “Today, a generation of Jaffreys has passed away. Saeed Jaffrey has joined his brothers and sister and is rejoicing in the lap of his

Saeed Jaffrey is remembered for his roles in films including A Passage To India and Gandhi

Heavenly Father, eternally.”

The actor collapsed at his London home from a brain haemorrhage and never regained consciousness, according to a statement from Jaffrey Associates.

Born in Punjab in India in 1929, Jaffrey began his career as a theatre actor and was the first Indian to tour Shakespeare across the United States and to star in a major Broadway role, accord-

ing to Jaffrey Associates.

He became a household name in the UK after appearing in numerous TV dramas including “Tandoori Nights”, “The Far Pavilions and Gangsters”.

His best-known roles included the Nawab of Mirat in the landmark 1980s series “The Jewel In The Crown” and Ravi Desai in the soap opera “Coronation Street”. (Excerpt from

BBC News)

16 news

tuesday, November 17, 2015| guyanatimesGY.com

Foreign Affairs Officer wins Miss Guyana Universe title

S

hauna Ramdyhan, 25, on Sunday evening outshone her eight other rivals to cop the title of Miss Guyana/ Universe at the pageant at the Princess Hotel, Providence, East Bank Demerara.

The newly-crowned queen is the holder of a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and is employed

the international pageant in December in La Vegas where she will be competing with 84 other delegates.

She also plans to undergo training in the US prior to the competition.

Ramdyhan won $4 million in prizes including a two-year tuition fee for studies at the University of Guyana. In the pack-

Najuma Nelson walking away with the prize for best smile and Malika Russell was named Miss Congeniality.

The pageant got underway a bit late but the delegates definitely put on a show for the packed to capacity audience.

This year’s edition of the Miss Guyana Universe pageant started with an

Miss Guyana Universe Niketa Barker hands over the title to Shauna Ramdyhan

with the Foreign Affairs Ministry.

She speaks fluent Mandarin, which she learnt while studying in China.

She grew up at Crane, West Coast Demerara and at Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara.

The queen who was somewhat surprised at capturing the title stated that she will represent Guyana confidently and to the best of her ability in

age, she also secured a round trip to the US as she participates in the Miss Universe competition.

Claiming the first runner-up spot was Diana Ahmad, 23, followed by Tricia Quail, 18, in second spot and copping the third runner-up position was 24-year-old Zena Althea Bland.

The newly crowned queen also received the body beautiful prize, with

opening dance by Classique Dance Company followed by the delegates in the enthralling gold and black outfits for the introduction segment.

This was followed by a fashion display by Sonia Noel which made way for the delegates in two-piece swimwear designed by Derek Moore. The crowd went wild when Ramdyhan made her appearance on the catwalk.

Also getting good reviews during the swimwear were Diana Ahmad and Kiswana Abimola Jefford.

The swimwear segment was followed by another display by Sonia Noel’s collection after which the delegates took to the stage in their evening gowns.

While some of the delegates looked stunning as their gowns hugged their bodies, some were too loose and did not have the spark as was expected.

Those who shone during the evening gown competition were Ahmad who wore a Derek Moore design, Bland sported a design from a London-based designer, Jefford looked stunning as so did Quail.

At this point, the judging panel which included Steve Ninvalle, Kerwin Bollers, Negla Brandis and others took some time to tabulate their scores and arrived at the top four which were announced in random order.

The four finalists were then asked the final question which stated, “If your house was on fire and you had the opportunity to save one thing, what would that be and why?”

The audience was not too please with the quality of the question since it did not suit a pageant of this stature. Nevertheless, the delegates answered to the best of their abilities.

The queen answered that if she had the opportunity, she would save photos of her family. “I love my family and once the memories are gone, they could not be regained.”

Miss Guyana/Universe Shauna Ramdyhan

Meanwhile, the announcement of the final results did not go down well with sections of the audience that stormed out of the ballroom. In addition, franchise holder of the pageant Odinga Lumumba also came in for some bashing as he singlehandedly selected a female from the audience as the best dressed woman.

The audience thought that she did not deserve the $50,000 cash prize announced.

The audience felt that there should have been a more transparent way of judging the best dresses female. All in all, a New Miss Guyana Universe was crowned and will represent Guyana in Las Vegas later in the year.

E-Networks launches ‘OrangeBox’

Staff of E-Networks Inc pose with the company’s newest product

C

able TV service provider E-Networks on Monday launched Guyana’s first free cable service called ‘OrangeBox’.

With a one-time retail cost of $19,500 (also payable in three monthly instalments) and the option to “do-

it-yourself” installations, ‘OrangeBox’ broadcasts 10 channels for free.

According to Managing Director Vishok Persaud, ‘OrangeBox’ was envisaged as a service to provide premium content to lower income subscribers, with clearer im-

age quality via digital transmission.

‘OrangeBox’s channels includes news, entertainment, kids and educational. The subscription will also include E-networks’ own channels, E1, E2, and E3, which airs movies, TV

shows, live sporting events and E-networks’ own original productions.

Marketing Manager Micaela Cameron said the inspiration for this launch was the current state of Guyana’s economy.

She noted that the company wanted to give Guyanese something they would enjoy and appreciate that was also affordable. She added that the service was created exclusively by E-Networks for their Guyanese consumers.

‘OrangeBox’ customers can also upgrade at anytime to E-Networks full suite of channels starting from $3500 monthly.

The service is available in Georgetown up to Soesdyke, Mahaica, Parika and Canal #2, with plans to expand to Berbice and Linden in 2016.

Guyanese owned and managed, E-Networks Inc started operations in 2003 and has focused on providing high quality, affordable data and television services

Managing Director Vishok Persaud

around Guyana.

In 2007, the company invested in Guyana‘s first digital cable television system, which uses state-of-the-art digital transmission. This IPTV service now offers 80 channels.

In 2010, they launched its WiMax Internet Service, which then revolutionised the information technology sphere. WiMax is a wireless broadband service, which allows Guyanese to access affordable internet access across a wide coverage area.

In 2013, E-Networks once again modernised information technology in Guyana by launching its fibre optic network. This network supports both a high-speed internet service, OnFibre, and a High Definition television service, Dream TV. In 2014, E-Networks, through a partnership with O3b high-speed satellite service, acquired the unique ability of a truly redundant internet connection to its existing services.

17

news

tuesday, November 17, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Guyana, US sign pact to boost capacity, 15-year-old Essequibo student pregnant, expertise in civil aviation security

T

he Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has secured an agreement with the United States of America Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to engage in cooperation on civil aviation issues.

The development and modernisation of the civil aviation security infrastructure of Guyana in managerial, operational, and technical areas are included in this agreement.

This agreement was signed on Monday in the boardroom of the Public Infrastructure Ministry by subject Minister David Patterson and US Ambassador to Guyana, Perry Holloway. Witnessing the signing was Minister within the Ministry, Annette Ferguson.

Minister Patterson explained that representation was made for technical assistance for regulatory oversight of Guyana’s aviation and maritime sectors from the TSA, after a meeting with the US Chargé d’ Affaires Bryan Hunt in June of this year.

According to Patterson, such representation was made after the Ministry was informed that the TSA, which conducted regular inspections of airport security at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), had expressed some reservations with the pace at which aviation security matters were being handled by the GCAA. Among the concerns raised by the TSA was the fact that there was only one security inspector.

Patterson noted that the Ministry and the Government saw aviation as a catalyst for Guyana’s economic and social growth, and to this end, the con-

alleges rape

A

1 5 - y e a r - o l d Secondary School student in Region Two has reported she has been raped and is now several months pregnant.

According to information reaching this newspaper, the parents took the teenager to the Anna Regina Police Station on Monday

CHOGM set to ratify declaration in support of Guyana – in light of controversy with Venezuela Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson and US Ambassador to Guyana Perry Holloway signing the agreement between the GCAA and TSA

tinued partnership between the US and Guyana Governments was necessary for the sector, particularly as it relates to the growth of Guyana’s international aviation activities, chiefly, connectivity between US destinations and Guyana.

Minister Patterson applauded Ambassador Holloway for securing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which he pointed out, would provide support in developing the capacities and expertise in civil aviation security. “It is needed not only for us to satisfy your requirements, but one that will also assist us significantly in meeting [International Civil Aviation Organisation] ICAO Standards and recommended practices,” he was quoted as saying by the Government Information Agency (GINA).

Holistic approach

Minister Patterson not-

ed that while the TSA has been working closely with the GCAA and the CJIA, the Ministry has now asked that it include Ogle International Airport in its assessment on its next visit.

“I believe we have to have a holistic approach to the security and safety oversight of our aviation sector,” he explained.

Ambassador Holloway said the signing would keep the skies of not only Guyana, but the Region and the US safe and secure. He explained that the agreement basically opened up the line “for us to be able to share technical assistance and equipment.”

He said when TSA conducted another assessment of airport security beginning in January 2016, only then would it be able to determine what further financial support was needed, and whether it would be in the form of specialised equipment.

The MoU as it stands now, Holloway explained, enhances both Guyana’s and TSA’s security capacity for passengers, employees and other stakeholders involved in the airport transportation industry. Specifically, the agreement will provide for technical and managerial expertise to assist the GCAA in the development, improvement, and operation of its civil aviation security infrastructure, standards, procedures, policies, training and equipment, he said.

The agreement also provides for training of GCAA personnel in the US or in Guyana and for the provision of resources, logistical support and equipment for facilities.

During his brief address, Holloway reaffirmed the US’s commitment to continuing to work with the Government of Guyana as “a friend and partner” on civil aviation security, and many other, critical areas.

Courts lights up Christmas tree in Essequibo BY: Indrawattie Natram

S

cores of persons gathered Monday evening at Courts’ Richmond Village branch in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) to witness the annual Courts Christmas Concert and treelighting ceremony.

The concert was held under the theme, “Feel like a kid again”.

The crowd was entertained with popular Christmas carols and songs.

The screams were heard from children when Santa made his grand appearance on a well-lit decorated truck. Other characters, including the popular Sponge Bob, Dora and Elf, brought goodies to the children.

Santa and his team brought along a huge amount of confetti, which contributed towards making the evening even more magical and “Christmassy”.

Courts Managing

and made the report. The teen reportedly told police she was raped by two boys.

Reports are the 15-yearold said that the two males offered her a drink and lured her in a secluded area and raped her.

As such police in G Division have since launched an investigation.

Santa and his team on stage performing at Richmond Branch

Director Clyde DeHaas thanked all Guyanese, particularly customers, for

their participation in the evening’s activities. DeHaas said that Courts continued

with daily promotions and there was still $1 million to be won.

T

he Commonwealth continues to stand behind Guyana in its border controversy with Venezuela.

In addition to stating its wholehearted support to Guyana in several communiqués since the resurgence of the issue by Venezuela, the body is set to consider and ratify a declaration in support of Guyana’s stance at its upcoming Heads of Government Meeting in Malta from November 27 to 29.

According to Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge, who would be attending the meeting alongside President David Granger, the declaration is one compiled by the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CHOMAG) comprising foreign ministers from nine member countries.

He explained that it was assembled after Guyana reached out in May of this year to the Commonwealth.

Guyana had reported to the group that Venezuela had made a decree which purported to annexe all of Guyana’s territorial sea, its exclusive economic zone and its continental shelf. “...these are illegalities and therefore, we drew it to their attention and the Commonwealth Secretary General condemned the action, he restated the Commonwealth support for borders of Guyana which is based on a treaty that Guyana itself was a party to, and which Venezuela falsely tells the public that it is a treaty that is null and void,” the Minister said.

He noted: “Nobody has decided that the treaty is null and void except for Venezuela, and till such time as a lawful body pronounces on it, Venezuela has no right to be making these claims.”

For its part, Greenidge noted that the Commonwealth, having been apprised of Guyana’s controversy with Venezuela, has over the years included on its Heads of Government meeting agenda as a matter of form, the issue of the controversy.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge

“We do not have to arrive each year and ask for it to be examined, it is on the agenda and, they have been reporting biennially,” he said through the Government Information Agency (GINA).

Minister Greenidge explained that this group looked at the matter and reported on it on the margins of the UN General Assembly. He said they then prepared a declaration that was approved and, this he said, is the declaration that is now to be presented at the Heads of Government Meeting for consideration.

He pointed out however that, on the basis of the events that would have taken place since September and October, when the report was compiled and reported on at the UN General Assembly, in considering the declaration at the Heads of Government meeting chances are that the declaration may be modified.

In addition to the Guyana-Venezuela controversy, the Commonwealth Heads meeting also has as part of its agenda the selection of a new Secretary General, discussion on climate actions, violent extremism and radicalisation, the unprecedented challenges presented by migration, and the implementation of the UN 2015-2030 sustainable development goals, among others.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesday, november 17, 2015

ARCHIE

Your helpful attitude is commendable, but don’t let (March 21- anyone take advantage of April 19) you. Take care of your responsibilities instead of taking on what someone else is supposed to do. Love is highlighted.

ARIES

Work hard, play hard and TAURUS enjoy life. Don’t let a friend, (April 20- loved one or peer hinder your May 20) progress or bring down your quality of life. Don’t trust anyone being emotionally manipulative.

dilbert

Be honest and charming GEMINI (May 21- when dealing with others.

June 20) Back away from anyone who appears to harbour ulterior motives or is a bad influence.

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Peanuts

You’ll have a way with words today. You will be able to convince others to see things your way. An interesting concept will grab your attention. Don’t be afraid to do things differently.

You’ll crave change and adLEO venture today. Don’t feel bad if (July 23- others fail to share your freeAug. 22) spirited approach to life. Say lit-

tle in order to avoid controversy and opposition. Focus on selfimprovement instead of trying to change others.

Calvin and Hobbes

If you embrace a chalVIRGO lenge, you will show every(Aug. 23one how competitive you can Sept. 22) be. Doing things in your own unique, practical manner will ensure that you are successful in your pursuits.

Put your plans in motion.

LIBRA (Sept. 23- Stop thinking and start takOct. 23) ing action. Don’t hesitate because of what someone else is doing or saying. Show off your skills and make them work for you.

SUDOKU

Open-mindedness will SCORPIO help resolve any emotional is(Oct. 24sues that arise with a friend Nov. 22) or relative. Your keen perception will ensure that you say and do the right thing.

Do whatever it takes to SAGITTARIUS strengthen your position (Nov. 23amongst your peers. Don’t Dec. 21) fold under pressure. If someone is being demanding, offer what you can and move on to more appealing projects.

solution for Last Published Puzzle

CAPRICORN Don’t let love or emotional (Dec. 22- matters stop you from makJan. 19) ing the decision that is best for you. A financial move will stabilise your position. Trust your own judgment.

AQUARIUS

Don’t be confused by what others do or say. Make a point (Jan. 20to do the things that make Feb. 19) you happy rather than trying to please someone who is negative or critical.

Don’t lose sight of your fiPISCES (Feb. 20- nancial goals, give in to tempMarch 20) tation or listen to a friend who tries to entangle you in a dubious scheme. A secret is being withheld.

tuesday, November 17, 2015

19

Australia v New Zealand, 2nd Test, Perth, 4th day…

Smith, Voges build lead after Taylor’s 290 T he fourth day at the WACA was a day of contrasts. Ross Taylor fell short of a one-year-old record, but broke a 111-yearold one. The captains shared a laugh on the pitch before play, but no Australian shook Taylor’s hand after his 290. And though a draw remained the most likely result throughout, New Zealand spent the first half of it with the best chance of winning, but by stumps Australia were in the better position.

The one thing that stayed constant was the amount of runs in the pitch. Two batsmen scored centuries in the first innings, two did in the second and by stumps, two more had joined them in the third. Steven Smith and Adam Voges, two batsmen who were hardly required for anything, but late hitting at the Gabba, both reached triple-figures late on the third day as Australia built their lead back up to 193 runs, setting up a fascinating day five.

Smith was the man who would likely decide the fate of the match, for unless New Zealand’s bowlers found a way to skittle Australia quickly, the declaration was in his hands. Australia hold the Trans-Tasman Trophy and a draw would be enough to retain it, and last summer against India, Smith at times showed himself to be more conservative than his predecessor Michael Clarke in playing for draws. And he will know that New Zealand

Voges, which by stumps had reached 212 runs. That it was only the third biggest stand of the match told a story.

Back in the No.3 position due to Usman Khawaja’s hamstring injury, Smith looked in sublime touch from the beginning of his innings.

He was especially strong through the off side, cover driving, off driving and using the pace of the ball to deflect to third man. Of his 18 boundaries, 15 came through the off side. He was dropped down leg side by BJ Watling on 96, and went on to raise his hundred from his

Ross Taylor’s 290 is now the highest score by a visiting batsman in Australia

can score very quickly.

They had done so throughout their first innings at the WACA, rattling along at more than four an over. Taylor finished with 290 at a strike-rate of 77.54; only Virender Sehwag, David Warner and Matthew Hayden have Test scores of 250-plus at a quicker tempo.

And Taylor did it with nothing but classic batting, picking gaps and striking the ball along the ground. He scored 43 fours, but not a single six.

With a single pushed down the ground off Nathan Lyon, Taylor moved to 288 and past a record that had stood since 1903. The previous highest score by a visiting Test batsman in Australia was Tip Foster’s 287, compiled at the SCG at a time when Alfred Deakin

was Australia’s prime minister, the WACA had hosted just one first-class match, and only three nations played Test cricket.

It was a remarkable record for Taylor to break, yet he fell 12 runs short of New Zealand’s all-time highest Test score, the 302 that Brendon McCullum struck against India in Wellington only last year. When he holed out to deep midwicket, caught by the substitute Jon Wells off Lyon’s bowling, Taylor had to settle for being third on New Zealand’s list, behind McCullum and the 299 scored by Taylor’s mentor Martin Crowe against Sri Lanka in Wellington.

New Zealand had added 114 to their overnight total for the loss of their final four wickets: Mark Craig was

caught at midwicket off Lyon for 15, Matt Henry had his stumps rattled by Mitchell Starc’s inswinger on 6, Tim Southee was caught and bowled by Starc for 23 after clubbing Mitchell Johnson for a monstrous six over midwicket, and Taylor was the final man to depart. When he walked off with New Zealand having scored 624, a lack of handshakes from the Australians was notable.

New Zealand had done enough to secure a 65-run lead on the first innings, and when Southee’s outswinger had Joe Burns caught at slip for a duck and then David Warner drove a catch on the up to cover off Boult for 24, they were dreaming of a stunning victory.

But then came the partnership between Smith and

140th delivery with a coverdriven four off Boult.

It was the 11th Test hundred Smith had scored in his career and, remarkably, the first he had ever made in the second innings of a Test.

He had barely been needed in Brisbane and in the first innings at the WACA, but this time there was clearly a job to do. Smith had strong support from Voges, who was playing his first Test in front of his home crowd in Perth and managed to avoid a nervous night in the nineties when he reached his century in the penultimate over. (Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

Australia 1st innings 559-9 declared New Zealand 1st innings MJ Guptill lbw b Starc 1 TWM Latham c Smith b Lyon 36 KS Williamson c Johnson b 166 Hazlewood LRPL Taylor c sub (JW Wells) b Lyon 290 BB McCullum* b Marsh 27 BJ Watling† c Lyon b Starc 1 DAJ Bracewell c †Nevill b Johnson 12 MD Craig c Johnson b Lyon 15 MJ Henry b Starc 6 TG Southee c & b Starc 21 TA Boult not out 23 Extras (b-7, lb-11, w-5, nb-3) 26 Total (all out; 153.5 overs) 624 Fall of wickets: 1-6 (Guptill, 2.1 ov), 2-87 (Latham, 25.5 ov), 3-352 (Williamson, 85.1 ov), 4-432 (McCullum, 103.4 ov),

5-447 (Watling, 108.6 ov), 6-485 (Bracewell, 120.6 ov), 7-525 (Craig, 133.4 ov), 8-554 (Henry, 138.1 ov), 9-587 (Southee, 143.2 ov), 10-624 (Taylor, 153.5 ov) Bowling: MA Starc 37-7-1194, JR Hazlewood 32-2-134-1 (1-nb), MG Johnson 28-2-1571 (1-w), NM Lyon 37.5-6-1073, MR Marsh 15-1-73-1 (2nb), SPD Smith 4-0-16-0 Australia 2nd innings JA Burns c Taylor b Southee 0 DA Warner c Latham b Boult 24 SPD Smith* not out 131 AC Voges not out 101 Total (2 wickets; 63 overs) 258 Fall of wickets: 1-8 (Burns, 2.1 ov), 2-46 (Warner, 7.2 ov) Bowling: TG Southee 133-40-1, TA Boult 10-0-501, DAJ Bracewell 10-3-34-0, MJ Henry 12-3-45-0 (1-w), MD Craig 17-0-81-0 (1-nb), KS Williamson 1-0-8-0

Red Force trio break contracts T

he three T&T Red Force players who were taken off the retainer contract programme by the T&T Cricket Board (TTCB) can be back on contract, but only after August 4, 2016.

Red Force captain Rayad Emrit, all-rounder Kevon Cooper and opener Evin Lewis all had their retainer with the Red Force discontinued after they decided to go to Bangladesh to play in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPLT20), which gets going next week. Emrit and Lewis are currently battling for the Red Force against the Barbados Pride in Bridgetown in the second round of the Regional Four-day tournament.

They, together with Cooper, leave for Bangladesh after this match. Guardian Media was able to get the relevant section of the players contract which deals with playing cricket overseas during

the term of their retainer.

A WICB official explained that the players broke their contracts with the Red Force Franchise by signing contracts before gaining a release.

The official pointed to Section 1.2 of the contract which reads that: “The Cricketer shall not enter into any Overseas Contract without first obtaining a release and NOC by the Franchise, which shall not be unreasonably withheld. If the Franchise does withhold its release and NOC it shall provide the Cricketer with reasons for such decision. It is acknowledged that the MOU seeks to provide for a standard NOC which shall be used by the Franchise and the Cricketer in these circumstances.”

The three players, according to the official, will get an opportunity to get back into the system when the new contracts for the new term is drawn up on August

will get ‘pay for play’ contracts.”

CONTRACTS

Kevon Cooper

4, 2016. “The selectors from the franchise will indicate to the players that they think has a contribution to make to the franchise and they will then be included.

“If the players are selected by the franchise during the term that they are not retained then they

1. Overseas Contracts 1.1. In the event that the Cricketer wishes to enter into any Overseas Contract during the Term, he shall be required to give the Franchise reasonable written notice of his wish to do so. In giving such notice the Cricketer shall disclose the following: (a) The overseas club or team for which the Cricketer wishes to play (b) The duration of the Overseas Contract and the dates on which the Cricketer wishes to depart from and return to the West Indies (c) Whether or not the Cricketer is, or will be, required to sign, or in any way give, any undertaking to the overseas club, or any overseas cricket or regulatory board relating to his current or future commitments to playing

cricket (or not playing cricket) in, or for, any particular country.

1.2. The Cricketer shall not enter into any Overseas Contract without first obtaining a release and NOC by the Franchise, which shall not be unreasonably withheld. If the Franchise does withhold its release and NOC it shall provide the Cricketer with reasons for such decision. It is acknowledged that the MOU seeks to provide for a standard NOC which shall be used by the Franchise and the Cricketer in these circumstances.

Under Duties there is this clause: (a) Being available to participate in all Domestic Competitions, including all matches forming part of those Domestic Competitions and any other club or practice match as the Franchise may require the Cricketer to participate in from time to time. (Trinidad Guardian)

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tuesday, November 17, 2015

Attacks will not influence Davis hopeful that Simmons can raise morale Paris 2024 Olympic F bid – IOC president

The hosts of the 2024 Olympic Games will be announced by the IOC in Peru in September 2017

L

ast week’s attacks on Paris will not influence the city’s chances of hosting the 2024 Olympic Games, IOC president Thomas Bach has said.

Multiple attacks in the French capital on Friday killed 129 people.

The 2024 Olympic hosts will be named in 2017 and Bach said: “IOC members know terrorism is not a French or a Parisian problem, it is a global challenge.”

On Sunday, Euro 2016 organiser Jacques Lambert said next year’s tournament in France should not be cancelled.

Rome, Hamburg, Budapest and Los Angeles

are also bidding for the 2024 Games.

Asked whether Friday’s attacks could influence the vote, Bach told French sports daily L’Equipe: “No, the IOC members have a lot of experience.

“We are talking about the Olympic Games that will be held in nine years and terrorism is global, it is not just about a country or a city.

“It does not only concern sports but all the big events and the whole society.”

He added: “You cannot concede victory to the terrorists.

“We must be united and firm, especially with the Olympic Games.” (BBC Sport)

Contador eyes TourOlympics double in 2016

T

inkoff team leader Alberto Contador is eyeing a Tour de FranceOlympic Games double to sign off his cycling career in style at the end of 2016.

The 32-year-old Spaniard

end happily.”

After his success at the 2015 Giro, Contador was tipped to do the double at the Tour, but he was unable to compete with the power of Chris Froome – Contador

Alberto Contador

has again hinted next season could be his last, however he wants to retire from the sport as a winner, so he could cycle on for another year.

Contador has won two Tour titles, the Giro d’Italia twice and the Vuelta a Espana on three occasions during his illustrious career. However, he wants more before stepping away from the sport.

“I want to finish my career at the top level – if possible winning the Tour,” he told The Guardian.

“I think 2016 will be my last year – but if I have an accident or something stops me being at my best level at the Tour then maybe I’ll continue another year.

“It would be perfect to win the Tour, do the Olympics and

eventually finishing fifth behind the Briton.

He expects to be competing with the Team Sky rider in next year’s race, and predicts Movistar’s Nairo Quintana will also be a contender.

He added: “If you look at the 2016 Tour route the flat time trial will be better for Froome.

“But the other time trial will be a climbing one and that’s better for me.

“This year Froome was at a higher level than anyone – but maybe Quintana will come to this level.

“His evolution is good and so, as my main rivals, I’d put Quintana and Froome at the same level for next year.” (Digicel Sportsmax)

ormer Trinidad and Tobago and West Indies opening batsman Bryan Davis is hopeful that reinstated WI coach Phil Simmons can raise the morale of the squad, who were trounced 2-0 in their recent two-Test series against Sri Lanka.

The West Indies team will partake in a three-Test series against Australia from December 10 to January 7 - the matches will take place in Hobart, Melbourne and Sydney.

Simmons was suspended from the Sri Lanka tour after comments he made about the selection of the One Day International (ODI) squad for Sri Lanka — notably the continued omission of deposed captain Dwayne Bravo and fellow all-rounder Kieron Pollard.

In a recent interview, Davis commented, “I think it was a sad moment for our cricket because of the suspending of the coach before a tour like that.

The coach did the preparation of the team and then couldn’t carry out his good work. And then, by having a make-shift coach (Eldine Baptiste), or someone (as) a replacement at that time, would never benefit a team.”

“Davis continued, “When a coach has prepared a team,

he has done certain work with them, which he is then expected to carry out.

They would understand him, he would understand them, so there would be a certain agreement on purpose and a certain motivation that he would have instilled in them, which he would continue as the

what he can criticise and what he can’t.

“I’m happy to see him back because I think he has the kind of personality that the West Indies team needs at this stage,” added the future TT Sports Hall of Famer. “What we learnt from his outburst was that the chairman of

Phil Simmons

games go on.

“I would say that we performed pretty badly and the reason for that is that we were a disorganised unit and, if I may say, an unhappy bunch.” Simmons was reinstated into his role as coach last Tuesday, and Davis pointed out, “I think he would adjust well to the situation.

He would then know where his parameters lie,

selectors (Clive Lloyd) and the captain (Jason Holder) were on his side, which is something that every coach would like to have.

“I believe that he would make a difference as the coach.

“It is a pity that he had to miss out because that Sri Lanka (tour) would have helped him for the Australia tour.

I believe that he would

get them to perform better now than they would have performed in Sri Lanka. I hope so anyway.” However, the entire 15-man Test squad from Sri Lanka will be involved in the threeTest series “Down Under”.

“I was really surprised that they could choose the same team that just lost badly in their two-Test series against Sri Lanka,” Davis noted.

“I was surprised because usually you’ll always get some changes to be made to strengthen a team because they would have exposed certain players.

Now you may have young players who may have to (get) another chance and I believe that’s what the selectors are thinking.

But to me, if you were selecting a team for Australia, you’ll have to think of the different conditions in Sri Lanka and Australia.

“There are varying conditions where you will play the cricket.

I would have thought that, seeing we’re playing three Test matches, they would have included one extra player, (preferably) a fast bowler. I could have seen that as a help.” (Trinidad Newsday)

Chris Cairns perjury trial

Cairns lawyer casts doubt on key witnesses

F

our of the nine key witnesses in the Chris Cairns perjury trial - including Brendon McCullum, Daniel Vettori and their disgraced former team-mate, Lou Vincent have been denounced as liars by Cairns’ defence lawyer, Orlando Pownall, QC, during his closing speech at Southwark Crown Court.

Responding to what the crown prosecutor, Sasha Wass, QC, had described as a “wall of evidence” against Cairns during her own closing speech last week, Pownall dismissed her remarks as the “unrestrained use of hyperbole”. Some of the witnesses, he conceded, may have been telling the truth, but not all of them.

“The Crown has said on more than one occasion that Mr Cairns’s case is that nine witnesses are lying,” Pownall told the jury.

“That is not the case on behalf of Mr Cairns.”

Instead, Pownall asked the jury rhetorically whether McCullum, Vettori, Vincent and Vincent’s exwife, Eleanor Riley, had all lied during their spells in the witness box. His response was “yes” on each occasion.

McCullum, who took time out of New Zealand’s preparations for the ongoing Test series with Australia to appear in per-

son in court, was taken to task by Mr Pownall for failing to mention the names of two other implicated players, Vincent and Daryl Tuffey, in his initial statements to the ICC about Cairns’ alleged match-fixing.

“It’s rather more than a little detail,” Pownall said.

Vincent, who was banned for life from cricket last year after admitting

pay back a penny piece.”

Vincent’s prime motivation, he added, was to drum up publicity for a book about Cairns, due for publication in the wake of the trial. “We submit the title won’t be ‘The Truth, The Whole Truth, and Nothing but the Truth’,” said Pownall. “We suggest a more apt title might be ‘The Great Escape’.

“He has lied, he has lied

Chris Cairns’ defence lawyer, Orlando Pownall, QC, is making his closing statement

taking money to influence matches, was accused by Pownall of “formulating a plan … to give the authorities a big name” so as to avoid “the consequences of his crime”.

“It’s not speculation, it’s acknowledgment of reality,” Pownall said. “He’s been successful. He’s never been arrested, or cautioned. He’s never been charged. He’s never had to

on countless occasions, pretending to tell the truth, and more significantly he has lied to you,” Pownall told the jury.

He also dismissed Riley, whose fears about Vincent’s activities had allegedly been raised with Cairns in a bar in Manchester in 2008, as a “half-witness”, claiming that her recollection of their conversation had been “in drink”.

He also warned the jury not to be influenced by the number of witnesses that the prosecution had succeeded in bringing to the trial.

“Don’t be over-impressed by a numbers game - it’s nine-one,” he said.

“Resist that temptation, we urge you. The fact that something was said does not make it true.”

Cricket’s authorities, Pownall added, were “determined to have the scalp of an innocent man”.

“Our case is that the ICC and the ACSU have had a mindset that Mr Cairns was guilty. That over the years and in the course of their examination and investigation they have been affected, with what they did and what they failed to do, by that.

“Although the trial is about sporting activity, the trial is not a game and unsportsmanlike observations should not be made.”

Cairns denies two counts of perjury and perverting the course of justice, relating to his successful libel action against Lalit Modi in 2012. His codefendant, Andrew FitchHolland, denies one count of perverting the course of justice.

The defence will continue its closing statement on Tuesday. (Cricinfo)

sports

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10-year FIFA ban for Nepal FA president

tuesday, NOvember 17, 2015

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G

anesh Thapa, an influential figure in Asian football, has been banned for 10 years by FIFA for bribery.

Nepal Football Association president and ex-Asian football vice-president Thapa, 55, was found guilty of “various acts of misconduct over several years”.

He is also under investigation by Nepalese authorities for allegedly embezzling millions of pounds of football development money.

Lao Football Federation chief Viphet Sihachakr was given a two-year ban.

FIFA said Sihachakr “solicited and accepted a payment from another foot-

FIFA’s president Sepp Blatter (left) with Ganesh Thapa, the Nepal FA head

ball official” in relation to the 2011 elections for the FIFA executive committee at the Asian Football Confederation congress.

Thapa, in the context of the 2009 and 2011 elections at the Asian Football Confederation congress, was accused by FIFA of “commit-

ting various acts of misconduct ...including the solicitation and acceptance of cash payments from another football official, for both personal and family gain”.

He told the BBC he would fight against the decision.

“I had been extending cooperation to their investigation for the last four years.

I will now appeal it at the Court of Arbitration for Sport,” said Thapa, who is also a member of the Nepal parliament.

Thapa’s ban will cover all football activities at both national and international level and comes into force with immediate effect. (BBC Sport)

NBA Roundup…

Warriors remain unbeaten at 11-0 O akland, Calif. - Draymond Green recorded his second career tripledouble with 16 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds as Golden State recorded a 107-99 victory over the Brooklyn Nets to become just the 11th team in NBA history to open a season 11-0.

Stephen Curry scored 34 points but was just 13-of-31 shooting as the Warriors had to fight off struggling Brooklyn (1-9).

Andre Iguodala sent the game to overtime with a game-tying 3-pointer with 5.9 seconds remaining in regulation and Golden State began the extra session with a 10-0 flurry.

Jarrett Jack led the Nets with 28 points, while Young had 26 points and 10 rebounds. Brook Lopez finished with 18 points, and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson pulled down a team-high 13 rebounds.

Brooklyn led 36-21 on 68 percent shooting after the first quarter before the Warriors recovered.

Bucks 108, Cavaliers 105 (2OT) Milwaukee - Greg Monroe had 16 points and 17 rebounds as Milwaukee halted Cleveland’s eight-game winning streak.

Michael Carter-Williams scored 17 points for Milwaukee in his return from an ankle injury. Jerryd Bayless also had 17 points and Giannis Antetokounmpo added 16 points and 11 rebounds.

LeBron James scored 37 points and tallied Cleveland’s last six points in regulation. He later missed a game-winning attempt as time expired in the first overtime.

Kevin Love added 24 points and 14 rebounds for the Cavaliers.

Clippers 101, Pistons 96 Los Angeles, Calif. -- Jamal Crawford scored a season-high 37 points and Blake Griffin had 34 points, nine assists and

Draymond Green

eight rebounds to lead shorthanded Los Angeles.

Crawford also eight assists and six rebounds as the Clippers defeated Detroit for the ninth consecutive time. Los Angeles played without its starting backcourt of Chris Paul (groin) and J.J. Redick (back).

Reggie Jackson and Ersan Ilyasova scored 20 points for the Pistons, who have dropped three in a row. Andre Drummond finished with 18 points and 19 rebounds.

Wizards 108, Magic 99 Washington -- Kris Humphries scored 23 points and sank three of his careerhigh five 3-pointers in the fourth quarter as Washington snapped a three-game losing streak.

Garrett Temple matched his career high with 18 points for the Wizards, who have won 10 straight over Orlando. John

Wall finished with 15 points and 11 assists for Washington, which played without leading scorer Bradley Beal.

Center Nikola Vucevic had 19 points and 13 rebounds for Orlando. Guard Evan Fournier scored 18 points and Elfrid Payton added 17.

Mavericks 110, Rockets 98 Houston - Raymond Felton scored 23 points and Charlie Villanueva added 19 as Dallas handed Houston its third straight loss.

Devin Harris scored 15 points as one of six Mavericks to reach double digits.

Dallas rested Dirk Nowitzki on the second night of a back-to-back.

James Harden had 25 points and 10 assists and Terrence Jones scored 23 points for the Rockets.

Spurs 92, 76ers 83 San Antonio - LaMarcus Aldridge had 17 points and 19 rebounds as San Antonio prevailed against winless Philadelphia.

Tony Parker scored 16 points and Tim Duncan added 15 points for the Spurs.

San Antonio was without Kawhi Leonard due to a respiratory infection.

Rookie center Jahlil Okafor led the 76ers (0-10) with 21 points and 12 rebounds.

Suns 105, Nuggets 81 Phoenix - Eric Bledsoe scored 30 points in three quarters of work as Phoenix had no trouble handling Denver.

Tyson Chandler added 11 points and eight rebounds and Mirza Teletovic scored 11 points for the Suns. Phoenix led by 34 points entering the fourth quarter while halting the Nuggets’ threegame winning streak.

Will Barton had 19 points and 12 rebounds and Emmanuel Mudiay added 13 points for Denver. (Covers)

UWI ready to help...

In all circumstances it is better when meaningful realignment and refinement are achieved so as to avoid public calls that they be dissolved.

Old institutions, furthermore, like the WICB and the UWI, are cultural treasures within our new and emerging societies and should be preserved for posterity, but change with the times they must. This is not an easy task.

Stakeholders have the right to demand their transformation but must facilitate their adaptation. As we enter this second phase of nation-building, a new management model for the WICB is required so that it may persist as fit for purpose. This is where we have reached. The report on cricket governance penned by the distinguished

P.J. Patterson has set the tone and texture for WICB’s financial and corporate reform, and systemic governance change. It sets out a new model that is now seen more clearly as compelling. Prime Minister of Grenada, Dr Keith Mitchell, a citizen with solid cricket credentials as a young man, in his capacity of the chair of the CARICOM sub-committee, invited the principal of his alma mater, the UWI, Cave Hill Campus, Eudine Barriteau to chair a task force intended to breathe the final chance of life into the campaign for urgent action. We are now faced with a crescendo of calls for reform. At the heart of the case is a demand for greater public accountability in an age of growing openness and transparency. Reform pro-

cess Established 21 years after the WICB in 1948, the University of the West Indies currently has a number of mutually beneficial agreements with the WICB. These contractual engagements are valuable to us. Both students and faculty members have benefited from these relationships. How pleased we were, for example, that the SagicorWICB High Performance Centre was located within the UWI, and that two of our students, also graduates of the High Performance Centre, are today the captain and vice-captain of our Test team. The university has an open communication channel to the leadership of the WICB and has reason to believe that they are ready for a dialogue with CARICOM in respect of review and reform. We pray,

from back page

however, that it is now seeing the way to implement the more far-reaching recommendations of the Patterson and Barriteau reports. The time has come. There is an opportunity for favourable result.

To this end, the UWI places itself officially at the disposal of CARICOM and the WICB, and joins with Patterson and chairman Mitchell, and all stakeholders, to participate in the formal reform process.

An important and noble outcome of the restructuring exercise must be to see the WICB emerge stronger, legitimate, and more respected, worthy of grand celebration in 2027, just 12 years from now, when it reaches the rare milestone of 100 years of service to cricket lovers and Caribbean nationhood. (Barbados

Nation)

22

guyanatimesGY.com

tuesday, November 17, 2015

Danram’s heroics help UG win Cricketers graduate from RHTY&SC’s 2nd Division two-day title scorers’ seminar

By Akeem Greene

A

composed performance by all-rounder Omesh Danram allowed the University of Guyana Team to win the Georgetown Cricket Association/Noble House Sea Foods Second-Division two-day title by virtue of defeating Transport Sports Club by one wicket on Sunday.

Playing at the Malteenoes Sports Club

Rayan Hemraj and were placed in a precarious position of 37-4. The experience of skipper Shawn Messiah 29 (2x4s) proved vital as he and Sunil Singh who made 55 (7x4s) had a valuable 68-run partnership. Leon Williams supported with 2-6 as well as Lloyd George 2-48.

UG, needing 236 to win from the last 45 overs of the match, created an intriguing battle. The students did not get off to the best

train a new batch of cricket scorers to serve as back-up to Millington, who is the official scorer of the RHTY&SC. Millington, a national female cricketer, has scored at the Under-19 Inter-County level and has been scoring for over five years.

Those graduating were Clement King, Joshua

ets in quick time and it seemed UG were having another batting collapse. But some composed batting by Darnell Douglas – 20 (2x6s) and Devon George (34) took the University to just within reach of their target. The drama in the match continued to unfold as two set batsmen were soon removed.

However, a gritty partnership with Mohammed (17) and Lloyd George (21*) gave new hope to UG. The drama in the game never died

Hilbert Foster

E

Omesh Danram receives his Man-of-the-Match Award from GCA President Roger Harper

Ground, Transport made 285 all out on the first day as Danram bowling his usual leg spin took 4 -74.

In response, the students were bowled out for 167 as Siddique Mohammed topscored with 34. Devaughn Nandan picked up 4-26 and young talented spinner Joel Spooner took 2-29.

The Woolford Avenue side had the option of enforcing the follow-on having a lead of 109, but chose to bat instead, which seemed to have been a huge mistake as the University’s bowlers had other plans.

Danram was again among the wickets picking up 3-15 as TSC were bundled out for 126 in 38 overs.

Transport lost the likes of their usual performers such as Charwayne McPherson (09); Joel Spooner (07) and

of starts as they were 16-2 and soon after 42-4. Melroy Stephenson made an enterprising 28 with three powerfully struck fours. Michael Shalim’s removal brought Danram to the crease as he and Mahendra Persaud undertook Operation Recovery and forged a vital fifth-wicket partnership of 105 runs.

Danram, a product of the Demerara Cricket Club and a former Guyana Under-15 player, had a fantastic time out in the middle. After setting aside his early let-off, the aggressive right-handed batsman punished the TSC bowlers to all parts of the Ground. His 87-run assault saw him cracking 10 fours and four towering sixes, three of which were hit consecutively off the bowling of young Spooner.

Danram and Persaud (17) both lost their wick-

as it went down to the final over, with three runs needed and two wickets in hand. Mohammed was involved in a needless run-out, leaving one run to win from two balls with one wicket in hand. George casually brought it home for the UG team with a single off a push through the cover region.

Danram was awarded Man of the Match for his 87 and match haul of 7-89.

Several other persons were awarded for their performances throughout the competition. Georgetown Cricket Association President Roger Harper was present at the award ceremony and commended the students for their performance, which he hoped could be used as inspiration for other persons who wish to study and play the game of cricket. (akeemg@ guyanatimesgy.com)

ight young cricketers drawn from the Rose Hall Town Farfan and Mendes Under-15, Bakewell Under-17, Pepsi Under-19 and Metro Female Teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) on Sunday last successfully completed a cricket scorers’ seminar at the Club’s Head Office at the Area H Ground.

The seminar was organised by the Cricket Development Committee of the RHTY&SC and was coordinated/hosted by Secretary/ CEO Hilbert Foster and experienced cricket scorer Plaffiana Millington.

The seminar was the first of its kind to be organised by the Cricket Development Committee, as the RHTY&SC strives to make sure that every one of its members can perform in several capacities. The main aim of the seminar was to

Plaffiana Millington

Wilson, Aniesa Hicks, Marian Samaroo, Shaeneeta Grimmond, Vijay Gopilall, Simon Naidu and Joel Pike.

Foster urged them to put into practice what they have learnt, and stated that they would be given opportunities to score at the Club matches and more follow-up seminars would be organised.

The long-serving Secretary/CEO also disclosed that another batch of 12 cricketers would be

trained shortly, while 24 of them would be involved in training to gain knowledge on umpiring.

These umpires would be used for internal club games, friendly matches and at Berbice Cricket Board matches where umpires are not provided. All junior and female cricketers of the RHTY&SC later this month would also be mandated to attend a one-day seminar on personal development. Among the topics to be covered are Suicide, Personal Hygiene, Table Manners, Choosing Friends, Importance of Religion, Teenage Pregnancy and Public Manners.

Meanwhile, the Cricket Development Committee of the RHTY&SC has also unveiled an incentive package for junior and female cricketers of the Club. Five major awards would be given out on a monthly basis: the Best Female Cricketer, Most Disciplined Member, Best Attendance at Practice, Most Committed Member and Most Improved Player.

Each of the awardees will receive a financial prize and would be in line to receive the RHTY&SC Youth Cricketer-of-the-Year Award of $100,000 and a supply of educational materials. Only registered RHTY&SC members, who have an attendance rate of 90 per cent and classroom average of 65 per cent, will be considered for the awards.

Contador eyes Tour-Olympics double in 2016 T inkoff team leader Alberto Contador is eyeing a Tour de France-Olympic Games double to sign off his cycling career in style at the end of 2016.

The 32-year-old Spaniard has again hinted next season could be his last, however he wants to retire from the sport as a winner, so he could cycle on for another year.

Contador has won two Tour titles, the Giro d’Italia twice and the Vuelta a Espana on three occasions during his illustrious career.

However, he wants more before stepping away from the sport.

“I want to finish my career at the top level – if possible winning the Tour,” he told The Guardian.

“I think 2016 will be my last year – but if I have an accident or something stops me being at my best level at the Tour then maybe I’ll continue another year.

“It would be perfect to win the Tour, do the Olympics and end happily.”

After his success at the 2015 Giro, Contador was tipped to do the double at the Tour, but he was unable to compete with the power of Chris Froome – Contador eventually finishing fifth behind the Briton.

He expects to be competing with the Team Sky rider in next year’s race, and predicts Movistar’s Nairo Quintana will also be a contender.

He added: “If you look at the 2016 Tour route the flat time trial will be better for Froome.

“But the other time trial will be a climbing one and that’s better for me.

“This year Froome was at a higher level than anyone – but maybe Quintana will come to this level.

“His evolution is good and so, as my main rivals, I’d put Quintana and Froome at the same level for next year.”

(Digicel Sportsmax)

Galle chief curator suspended for two years

S

ri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has suspended Galle chief curator Jayananda Warnaweera from all cricket activities for two years following his failure to attend two interviews with the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU). Warnaweera himself is understood to be the subject of the ACU investigation.

SLC had issued Warnaweera a show-cause notice after he missed meetings with ACU officials in Colombo last month.

His failure to respond to that notice prompted the suspension, though SLC had already unof-

ficially asked him to step back from his role at Galle in October.

“Following disciplinary proceedings taken by Sri Lanka Cricket arising from charges that Mr. Jayananda Warnaweera failed to attend two interviews scheduled to be held by the AntiCorruption Unit of the ICC, and failed to cooperate with and assist the investigation being carried out by the Anti-Corruption Unit and related charges of misconduct, the Interim Committee of SLC has suspended Mr. Warnaweera from cricket, cricket management and representa-

Jayananda Warnaweera

tion for a period of two years,” a board statement said.

The ACU had met SLC officials following Warnaweera’s failure to show up at meetings and is believed to have told the board that Warnaweera was under investigation. Specific details of that investigation were withheld, but the ICC revealed it had already built a substantial case against Warnaweera based on financial records and alleged contact with bookmakers.

Warnaweera stepped down from his position in the interim committee days before he missed

the meetings with the ACU staff. SLC officials have since described him as having “gone missing” and “very difficult to contact”.

Warnaweera’s original appointment to the interim committee in March had raised minor criticism, because he had also been an executive committee member in controversial previous administrations. At the time, then-sports minister Navin Dissanayake had postured the new board as a clean break from the past. (Cricinfo)

tuesday, november 17, 2015

guyanatimesGY.com

23

Goodluck reclaims national GTT Indoor Hockey Championships GCC Panthers, Hikers and Old rifle shooting title Fort crowned champions

Ransford Goodluck

V

eteran marksman Ransford Goodluck reclaimed the National Senior Rifle Shooting championships from archrival and reigning regional champion Lennox Braithwaite when the curtains came down on the championships on Sunday at the Timehri ranges.

Goodluck ended the three-day tournament with a grand aggregate of 387 points with 28 Vs to take championship honours after leading on the first two days of the competition.

However, the final day’s

top scorer was Dylan Fields, who ended the day on 142 points with nine Vs, followed by Braithwaite on 139 points with 10 Vs and Goodluck on 139 with nine Vs. Fields shot 47.4 at 300 yards, 48.4 at 600 yards and 47.9 at 1000 yards to finish on 142.10 and a grand aggregate of 384.22 to take third position overall.

Braithwaite was runner-up to Fields on Sunday with scores of 48.4, 48.5 and 43.1 to secure 139.10 and a grand aggregate of 384.30, while Goodluck recorded

scores of 46.3, 46.4 and 47.3 at the three ranges.

Sherwin Felicien was the top shooter in the ‘O’ Class with a grand aggregate of 362 points with 17 Vs, and also took top honours among the juniors on the final day with an overall score of 135.9. He shot 47.4 at 300 yards, 44.3 at 600 yards and 44.2 at 1000 yards.

Second position went to Peter Persaud, who shot a grand score of 361 with 21 Vs, and was second to Felicien on the final day with scores of 48.3, 48.1 and 35.0 to finish on 131.4.

Lieutenant Colonel (ret’d) Terrence Stuart placed third with 326 with 11 Vs and recorded 116.5 on the closing day. Ryan Sampson, who did not participate on the second day, recorded a grand total of 244.11 and had scores of 44.2, 43.0, and 33.1 (120.3).

Robert Tewari and Gordon Richards, who competed in the Tryo Class (Beginners), shot only two ranges. Tewari recorded 70 points with two Vs, while Richards secured 64 with one V.

Motie embarrasses...

from back page

T

he finals of the GTT National Indoor Hockey Championships produced some of the most exciting and entertaining hockey seen in a long time as the competition concluded on Sunday evening at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue.

A single goal separated the victors from the silver medalists in two of the three competitions, with matches being held in the balance until the very end.

The highly-anticipated Men’s First-Division matchup between GCC and the Pepsi Hikers was a repeat of many finals in recent years as the two clubs, both with vociferous cheering sections, squared off yet again for the chance to win gold. The teams had played to a tense 3-3 draw in their pool round clash on the opening night and now returned in the final where an outright winner would be crowned.

GCC got off the mark first in the seventh minute when pool round topscorer Orland Semple successfully executed a penalty corner shot into the Hikers’ net. The Hikers lifted their work rate over the next few minutes and were rewarded four minutes later when Jamarj Assanah and Robert France both replied within a minute of each other to give the Hikers a 2-1 lead.

Dwayne Scott drew the match even at 2-2 in the 13th minute, then Kevin Spencer produced a remarkable goal for GCC by skilfully outwitting a plethora of defenders before sending his shot past goalkeeper Jason Hoyte to take GCC into half-

time with a 3-2 lead.

GCC seemed to settle into a comfortable defensive position as they met every Hikers challenge with astute defence and composure.

The Hikers, however, would win a penalty corner three minutes into the second half and would have to rely on specialist Shane Samuels to break the deadlock. With the pressure of advancing goalkeeper Rawl Davson blocking most of the goal, Samuels produced a stunning finish that flew like a bullet into the top far corner of the GCC net.

Samuels’ goal seemed to once again awaken GCC, who enjoyed a dominant period where Dwayne Scott and Devin Hooper would swing the game 5-3 in GCC’s favour in the 26th and 28th minute with a pair of goals.

The Hikers refused to crumble to the pressure and Jamarj Assanah would respond just two minutes later to set up a crescendo by Samuels.

As the Hikers earned two penalty corners in the 34th and 37th minutes, Samuels reproduced his fine form and nailed both strikes to take his team into the lead for the final time at 6-5. GCC withdrew their goalkeeper in the dying minutes in favour of an extra field player to gain the attacking advantage, but the Hikers absorbed their attack and Devin Munroe’s counterattack saw the Hikers score their final goal just before the buzzer for the 7-5 win.

The Ladies final produced another thriller with the GCC Tigers opposing their counterparts the GCC Panthers. The match

soon became a duel between Tigers Captain Sonia Jardine, who finished on a hat-trick and energetic Panthers striker and eventual MVP Shebiki Baptiste, who scored all four of the Panthers goals for the win.

After scoring the opening goal in the seventh minute, the Tigers would see Baptiste level the score on three occasions throughout the match before scoring the winner four minutes from full-time, with each goal celebration eclipsing the previous one and the crowd responded in appreciation.

The Old Fort men outduelled the Hikers earlier in the evening for the Men’s Second-Division crown; while the Hikers were first on the board through overlapping defender Rayon Branford, Old Fort’s Jason Clarke and Jael Gaskin secured the victory in the 26th and 28th minutes to claim the gold.

At the end of the evening, several individual awards were presented along with the winner’s trophies and medals by Anjanie Hackett, GTT’s Manager of Marketing and Public Relations.

The two most promising players were Omar Hopkinson and Minsodia Culpepper, while the Most Valuable Players of the three categories were Jael Gaskin (Men’s Second Division); Shebiki Baptiste (Ladies) and Shane Samuels (Men’s First Division).

The most promising goalkeepers were Michael Hing (Men’s Second Division); Sarafina Phillips (Ladies) and Medroy Scotland (Men’s First Division).

National Schools’ Championship

Essequibo Coast/Pomeroon (District 2) aiming for better finish

Steven Jacobs

However, the Jaguars held the advantage without delay when Jacobs claimed Orlando Peters (25) off the first ball of the morning.

Jacobs found the edge of Peters’ bat, and wicketkeeper Anthony Bramble took a straightforward offering to end the 80-run fourth–wicket partnership with Bonner.

Bonner was given a lifeline on 65, when Bramble put him down, but apart from that blunder, he played freely in the time available, unfurling a couple of exquisite drives in the company of Steve Liburd.

However, the introduction of Motie broke the backbone of the Hurricanes’ middle and lower order.

Bonner lost the discipline that had characterised his innings when he offered Shivnarine Chanderpaul a simple catch at extra cover, after facing 168 balls and

counting 14 fours and a six.

Motie then removed Liburd and Rahkeem Cornwall to leave the Hurricanes floundering at 260-7.

Jacobs then removed Jacques Taylor before Motie dismissed Gavin Tonge to complete his second fivewicket haul in the game.

Jacobs performed the final rites when he trapped Jaison Peters leg before wicket for a fighting 25.

The Jaguars earned 17 points for the win, and moved to 35 points. They will now host Barbados Pride in round three from Friday. (rajivb@guyanatimesgy.com)

SCOREBOARD Leeward Islands Hurricanes second innings (F/O) S Peters lbw b Barnwell 39 S Jeffers b Beaton 31 D Cruickshank lbw b Motie 57 N Bonner c Chanderpaul b Motie 89 O Peters c wk Bramble b Jacobs 25 S Liburd c Fudadin b Motie 10 R Cornwall c Chandrika b Motie J Peters lbw b Jacobs 25

J Taylor c Hetymer b Jacobs 6 G Tonge c Beaton b Motie 10 A Joseph not out 2 Extras: (nb-1, b-4) 5 Total: all out; 110.5 overs) 299 Fall of wickets: 1-50, 2-115, 3-135, 4-215, 5-254, 6-257, 8-264, 9-293, 10-299 Bowling: Reifer 11-1-400, Barnwell 13-2-38-1, Motie 39-17-85-5, Beaton 14-5-29-1, Jacobs 30.5-897-3, Johnson 2-0-6-0

T

he Essequibo Coast/ Pomeroon (District Two) is hoping to finish higher than usual when the National Schools’ Championships are held from November 23-27 at the National Stadium and the National Aquatic Centre.

District Two is usually stuck in the middle of the pack, but its Sport Representative, Andy Ramnarine believes that the squad will be finishing a few places higher than their regular 6th-10th finish.

“For the past three to four years, we have been doing well finishing around sixth or seventh space, but we are hoping to move up a couple spaces at this year’s event,” Ramnarine noted.

When it comes to team preparation, while the District suffers from a lack of coaching, Ramnarine is

of the view that the athletes are usually gifted enough to represent themselves.

“As it stands right now, we don’t have coaching, but usually the athletes are naturally gifted and over the years they have proven that they can win medals,” he highlighted.

Ramnarine pointed out that everything has been streamlined for the team to be competitive.

“At present we have selected the team and they will be encamped from tomorrow (today) and then we will break camp on Friday, before travelling on Sunday.

“So far we have calculated our budget and everything seems to be ok so far,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the Swimming Championships will be held on Monday, November 23 at the

National Aquatic Centre at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown. In addition to the swimming competition, two field events, Long Jump and Shot Putt, along with the 10km road race, 40km and 25km cycle road races will also take place on November 23.

The Games Village will be established on Woolford Avenue. Tutorial High, North Georgetown Primary and Secondary Schools and Richard Ishmael Secondary will house the 16 Districts from across Guyana that will compete at the Championships.

The Games Secretariat has been officially opened at GTU Headquarters, Woolford Avenue, with Districts submitting their entries.

The Opening Ceremony for the championship is scheduled for November 24 at 10:30h.

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

tuesday, November 17, 2015

WICB PCL 4-Day Tournament

GTT Indoor Hockey Championships

Motie embarrasses GCC Panthers, Hikers and Old the Hurricanes Fort crowned champions – finishes with match figures of 11-105

– By Rajiv Bisnauth

T

he Guyana Jaguars needed less than three hours on day four to thrash the Leeward Islands Hurricanes by an innings and 35 runs in their second round West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Professional Cricket League (PCL) FourDay game, with left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie leading the victory charge by claiming his maiden career 10-wicket haul.

Scores in the match: Guyana Jaguars 419-9 declared; Leeward Islands Hurricanes 85 & 299.

The touring side were bundled out for 299 in their second innings in an extended first session after being asked to follow on, on the penultimate day.

Motie, playing in only his second game, ripped through the batsmen to pick up 5-85, after claiming six victims in the first innings to finish with match figures of 11-105. He was supported by off-spinner Steven Jacobs, who claimed 3-97.

Nkrumah Bonner, who started the day on 58, played some delightful shots during his knock of 89, and showed glimpses of quality, but the remaining batsmen buckled under the intense pressure generated by the hosts.

The Leeward Islands Hurricanes began the day on 215-3, still adrift by 119 runs to force their hosts to bat again. turn to page 23

Anjanie Hackett, GTT’s Manager of Marketing and Public Relations (centre), poses with the Pepsi Hikers Nkrumah Bonner

Pg 23

GCC Panthers are all smiles as they celebrate victory

Gudakesh Motie

UWI ready to help WICB with reform

By Sir Hilary Beckles

T

he University of the West Indies (UWI), as a sister regional institution, recognises and respects the long and mostly effective service of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) since its establishment in 1927. It gave oversight to our greatest cultural global achievement as a people in which we all rejoiced during the first stage of our nation-building.

But long established institutions are especially required to demonstrate their fitness to serve in changed circumstances. They are expected to make explicit provisions for both external review and internal self-assessment, leading generally to governance reform and operational restructuring. turn to page 21

Sir Hilary Beckles

Second division champs Old Fort with their trophies and medals

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