Guyana Times

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Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana Issue No. 3002 guyanatimesgy.com

October 9, 2016

ExxonMobil fined US$74B for underpaying royalties in Africa

Page 3

Page 7

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Guyanese shot dead in England

Miami Mayor gives Jagdeo ‘Key to the City’

East La Penitence man fatally stabbed by wife in US

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

President to address P18 opening of Parliament Taxi driver injured as car slams into P9 parked truck

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Independent institutions under siege – Nandlall P12 P10 Still no stipends for Region 9 HEYS participants …money promised since October 1

P10 Govt to budget for constitutional reform talks next year

Night court to start on Monday

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Receiving the key to the City: Former President and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo receiving the key to the city of Miami from former Chief of Protocol of Miami, Wallis Tinnie, on behalf of Mayor Thomas Regalado, at a special dinner in honour of his visit to Miami to deliver the prestigious 18th annual Eric E Williams Memorial Lecture at Florida International University

Venezuela does not deny illegal flights over Guyana Page 7

…but blasts Greenidge, Granger

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Duncan faces pressure by Govt to resign

Lone gunman P8 robs NA businessman

Another killed on Guyana’s roadways P14

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NEWS

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Sunday, October 9 – 10:30h-12:00h and Monday, October 10 – 12:00h-13:30h.

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Sunday, October 9 – 09:30h-11:00h and Monday, October 10 – 11:05h-12:35h.

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

WEATHER TODAY Weather: Light cloud cover with the possibility of a heavy rain shower can be expected in the morning, while light cloud cover is expected throughout the afternoon and into the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 26 degrees and 32 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to East South-easterly between 3.57 metres and 5.81 metres.

High Tide: 10:00h and 22:26h reaching maximum heights of 2.13 metres and 2.16 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 03:21h and 15:54h reaching minimum heights of 0.98 metre and 1.14 metres respectively.

LOTTERY NUMBERS 01 08 12 15 17 22 07 Bonus Ball

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Daily Millions

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xxonMobil Corp, the company which is currently intensifying exploration activities in Guyana after striking oil here recently, has been fined a whopping US$74 billion for underpaying royalties in the central African nation of Chad, where the company has been drilling for 15 years.

According to international reports on the mega fine

by Chad courts, the amount is about five times more than that country’s Gross Domestic Product, which the World Bank estimates at US$13 billion.

The High Court in the capital, N’Djamena, announced its ruling on October 5 in response to a complaint from the Chad Finance Ministry that a consortium led by ExxonMobil hadn’t met its tax obligations.

The court also demanded the Texas-based oil explorer pay $819 million in overdue royalties, according to the document.

The penalty exceeds the $61.6 billion financial blow BP Plc incurred after the Deepwater Horizon disaster in 2010 killed 11 rig workers and fouled the Gulf

of Mexico with crude for months, and is more than 70 times larger than the $977.5 million Exxon was ordered to pay fishermen and other victims of the 1989 Valdez oil spill in Alaska.

Exxon, the world’s biggest oil producer by market value, began exploring Chad for crude in 2001 and has been pumping oil there since 2003.

ExxonMobil recently announced a “world-class discovery” equivalent of 800 million to 1.4 billion bar-

rels of oil following the drilling of the Liza-2 well in the Stabroek Bloc offshore Guyana.

The discovery is the company’s second exploration offshore Guyana; the first was made in May 2015.

“We are excited by the results of a production test of the Liza-2 well, which confirms the presence of highquality oil from the same high-porosity sandstone reservoirs that we saw in the Liza-1 well completed in 2015.”

As it relates to its legal woes on the African continent, a spokesperson for the company has said, ““We disagree with the Chadian court’s ruling and are evaluating next steps.”

“This dispute relates to disagreement over commitments made by the Government to the consortium, not the Government’s ability to impose taxes,” he said.

The President of the court, Brahim Abbo Abakar, confirmed the ruling to Bloomberg Markets saying, “It’s correct, however, the provisional enforcement is lower than the amount demanded by the tribunal,” he said, referring to the sum of $669 million also cited in the document. He didn’t elaborate.

“Contract sanctity and respect for the rule of law are core principles used to manage our business over the long-term,” Exxon’s Spitler said.

“It is vital for all parties to honour the terms of a contract and abide by applicable law in order to achieve the desired long-term benefits envisioned when projects begin.”

Miami Mayor gives Jagdeo ‘Key to the City’

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2016

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ExxonMobil fined US$74B for underpaying royalties in Africa E

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ormer President Bharrat Jagdeo was given the Key to the City of Miami by Mayor Thomas Regalado.

It was presented by Wallis Tinnie, former Chief of Protocol of Miami at a special dinner in honour of his visit to Miami to deliver the prestigious 18th Annual Eric E Williams Memorial Lecture at Florida International University.

At the event, former President Jagdeo received proclamations and greetings from a number of Florida officials, including US Senator Bill Nelson, Mayor Carlos Gimenez of Miami-Dade County, Mayor Philip Stoddard of South Miami, Mayor Walter Campbell of Coral Springs, Mayor Jeri Muoio of West Palm Beach, Mayor Frank Ortis of the City of Pembroke Pines, and Commissioner Danielle Cava of Miami-Dade County.

The lecture titled; “The Caribbean and American Presidential Power: A Donald Trump Ascendancy” was delivered at Florida International University on Friday, September 30. It attracted a large audience including Foreign Minister Frederick Mitchell of The Bahamas, members of the Caribbean Consular Corps, local elected officials, members of the Miami-Dade and Broward County’s community, and professors, students, and administrators from Florida International University.

The function was co-sponsored by the African and African Diaspora Centre at FIU and the Eric Williams Memorial Collection Research Library, Archives and Museum located in Miami and at the St Augustine Campus of the University of the West Indies.

Former President Bharrat Jagdeo receives the Key to the city from Wallis Tinnie, former Chief of Protocol of Miami on behalf of Thomas Regalado

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2016

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Aid arrives Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544 223-7230,223-7231,231-0544, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, sales@guyanatimesgy.com

Editorial

Help Haitians; not aid vultures

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nce again Haiti has been hit with a disaster – this time by Hurricane Matthew – that has devastated its people and its housing stock. Commendably, Guyana has announced it will help and we hope Caricom, of which Haiti is a member, will follow suit and coordinate their assistance to ensure it reaches the people who have actually been affected.

We must learn from the experiences of this poor island on "aid", offered after the continuous stream of disasters that have befallen it after it followed the US as the second country in this Hemisphere to liberate itself from a colonial power. The latest disaster was in 2010 when a massive earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale hit the island, killing 220,640 persons; injuring 379,572 others; destroying more than 100,000 homes and leaving 1.5 million persons without any means of subsistence.

Through the power of television in the modern globalised world, the pathetic plight of Haitians created such an outpouring of empathy that over US$17 billion was donated by bilaterals, multilaterals and NGO's to alleviate the situation and rebuild the nation and its infrastructure.

In the end less than half of that money actually benefitted Haiti or its people. And this is what Caricom must play a role in preventing in the present scenario, especially when the country does not even have an elected Head of State.

A good example of what may occur is illustrated by the activities of the Bill Clinton Foundation following the earthquake when his wife Hillary, now the Democratic Party's candidate for the US Presidency, was US Secretary of State.

Bill Clinton quickly established a "Haiti Reconstruction Fund" and was made the UN's representative for aid to Haiti. With his wife directing the US flow of aid to Haiti, the Clintons were critical to Haiti's reconstruction.

Two examples might suffice to illustrate how there might be a "slip between the cup and the lip" of the aid money and its delivery. To address the housing crisis, the Clinton Foundation selected Clayton Homes, to build temporary shelters in Haiti. This company was owned by Berkshire Hathaway, itself owned by billionaire Warren Buffet who was a member of the Clinton Global Initiative and a large donator to the Clintons as well as the Clinton Foundation. The UN mandated bidding process was ignored and the “hurricaneproof trailers” built by Clayton Homes were structurally unsafe, with high levels of formaldehyde and insulation coming out of the walls. Most were abandoned by Haitians.

Hillary Clinton also directed $10 million in federal loans to a firm called InnoVida, headed by a Clinton and Democratic Party donor named Claudio Osorio. InnoVida's application was fast tracked and approved within six weeks but in the end, no homes were ever built. At Osorio's trial, however, it was shown that he did build a Mansion in Florida and was sentenced to twelve years in jail in 2013.

An interesting postscript to the Clintons' intervention is provided by the New York Times: "To many Haitians, the most significant moment of Mrs Clinton’s tenure as Secretary of State was in 2011, when she flew to Haiti to pressure President René Préval to admit Mr Martelly, a popular recording artist, into a two-person runoff for president. Mr Martelly was third in initial voting, but the Organization of American States believed that the man who was second, Mr Préval’s pick, had benefited from vote fraud.”

The night of the runoff, which Mr Martelly won, Mrs Clinton’s chief of staff, Cheryl D Mills, wrote a congratulatory note to top American diplomats in Haiti.

“You do great elections,” Ms Mills wrote in a message released by the State Department among a batch of Mrs Clinton’s emails. She wrote that she would buy dinner the next time she visited: “We can discuss how the counting is going! Just kidding. Kinda. :)” Martelly, also known as "Sweet Mickey", was forced to step down last February.

Men carry sacks of rice out from an airplane loaded with food at the airport in Jeremie, Haiti (Reuters)

More efficient system needed at GRO

Dear Editor, A few days ago I visited the General Registrar Office in Georgetown at 08:00h.

I told the security guard downstairs who checked my bag that I am a marriage officer and I am going to register a marriage. She asked if I had an ID card from the government stating that I am a marriage officer, I told her no but myself and many other Marriage Officers requested that card fifteen years ago from the Ministry of Home Affairs since the previous administration, but never received one until today in this current administration.

I showed her my Reverend Ordination Card from my church which she appreciated and examined carefully but still went on to say that she believes the Ministry of Citizenship should give all current Marriage Officers an ID Card bearing the government stamp for us to walk

with whenever we go to GRO. I fully agree with her but still wonder how, where and when will marriage officers be given that card. I then proceeded upstairs to the office. No one was there but a lady came out a room and told me to go outside and wait.

I went outside and sat down on the bench. More people were now sitting next to me grumbling why the office was not opening.

I started to talk to a gentleman who came from very far he told me he applied two months for his birth certificate but never got it.

I showed him the second door where he needed to go for his birth certificate. He went and spent about 25 minutes and came out very sad; he said he was told they will post it. What is so difficult for the staff to take his receipts find his name in the records and give him his birth certificates after two months of tedious wait-

ing and now wasted travel expenses?

I sat on the bench talking to other folks who told me that they have been waiting over 6 months now for birth, marriage and death certificates. The Marriage Section office took 75 minutes to open. As a legal marriage officer I am concern about the long tedious process the General Registrar Office is taking to process marriage certificates after I register a marriage and apply for certificates or when those whom I marry apply for it.

I believe as Marriage Officers, we should be given the privilege to register a marriage and apply for the certificates, and at the same time be given a slip to uplift the certificates in a few days for those whom we marry. Most marriage officers are religious leaders and they are disrespected by this office.

These people have no

respect for Ministers of Religion. Just a few years ago that service was offered to us as marriage officers but now we have to wait months for marriage certificates. I believe the GRO needs a very efficient system. I also believe they need to computerise births, marriages, and deaths and decentralise this office to the various regions.

I am calling on our present administration to upgrade the GRO system of administration, as too many people suffer daily to get these basic certificates.

I also believe marriage officers should be given an ID card from the Ministry of Citizenship and privileged to obtain marriage certificates when they register a marriage for those whom they marry. I am calling on Minister Winston Felix to look into these issues.

Yours faithfully, Rev Gideon Cecil

Unfulfilled pledges, promises Dear Editor, The operationalisation of the Local Government Commission remains yet another of the many unfulfilled pledges/promises of the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government.

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) established the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry and the Amerindian Affairs Ministry in order to guide and support the work of local democratic organs across our country; namely the Regional Democratic Councils, the municipalities, the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils and the Amerindian Village Councils.

In this regard, we at

the Ministry of Local and Regional Development were guided by existing legislation even as we worked with the then Opposition political parties now in Government to bring realisation to the Local Government Legislative Reforms agreed to by the PPP/C and the People’s National Congress Reform after the December 1997 General and Regional Elections.

Aware of the contentious issues and concerns of the Local Authorities and residents within the various Local Authority areas; we sought to train staff at the level of the Local Authorities and to work with them to realise the desired improvements. We were aware of the concerns/ criticisms emanating from

the political Opposition, some local authorities and residents even as we worked to (a) address challenges of local governance viz, allegations of incompetence, lethargy, corruption, over staffing, poor quality staff, discrimination in employment practices etc and (b) accusations to the effect that the Local Government and Regional Development Minister had too much ‘power’ and exercised too much authority and control over the operations of Local Authorities. We determined to address these concerns by way of Legislative Reform viz the Local Government Amendment Bill, the Municipal and District Councils Amendment Bill, the Fiscal Transfers Bill and the Local Government

Commission Bill.

Several months ago, the Opposition PPP/C submitted the names of its three Commissioners to sit on the Commission. The Communities Minister is yet to name ‘one member after consultations with Local Democratic Organs’; while His Excellency is required ‘acting in accordance with his own judgment to name and appoint three members’.

He is yet to do so.

What is preventing the Government from announcing its own members and activating the Commission?

The people want to know Mr Minister! The people want to know Mr President.

Can’t find a suitable building to accommodate the Commission?

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NEWS

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2016 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Van West-Charles admits breaching procurement protocols

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anaging Director of Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), Dr Richard Van West-Charles has admitted that he had indeed breached the procurement rules at the water utility company.

He made the admission on Saturday during an interview with Guyana Times whilst claiming that Chairman of the Board of Directors, Nigel Hinds, resigned since he could not get his own way.

Van West-Charles, said he has learnt of the resignation letter, which he understands was done voluntarily.

According to Dr Van WestCharles, he respects the decision of the now former GWI Chairman and wished him well in future, though he was at the time uncertain as to whether Hinds had also resigned as a Director on the Board or was simply relinquishing the Chairmanship.

Unilateral

Responding to allegations by Hinds that he, as Managing Director was in the habit of abusing his pow-

Managing Director of GWI, Dr Richard Van West-Charles

ers, Dr Van West-Charles admitted that he did in fact breached the procurement rules when he ordered the immediate obtaining of safety gear for staff members undertaking work on the sewerage network.

The Managing Director is claiming that he breached the rules for the “safety” implications of staff members undertaking such tasks.

Addressing the public debate about his attempts to overpower the Board of Directors, Van West-Charles claimed that Hinds’ unilat-

Former Chairman of the Board of Directors at the GWI, Nigel Hinds

eral actions is that prompted him to solicit legal advice on the powers reposed in not just himself, but the individual members of the Board and the Board as a collective.

Guyana Times was told that Hinds essentially could not get his own way, hence the resignation.

However, this newspaper has seen a copy of the legal opinion sought by Van WestCharles.

In that document prepared by Satram and Satram Law Firm, it was pointed out

that the Board’s power as a collective supersedes any individual Director and or managing director.

The Board members, he was informed, act and take decisions on behalf of the company’s shareholders – the owners of the company which in this case is the people of Guyana through the State.

The legal opinion sought has since advised that the GWI Board of Directors led by a Chairman are empowered to direct the management of the business and affairs of the company.”

Directors are generally appointed by the shareholders of the company, and once elected, they are under a duty to act in the best interest of the company when exercising their powers.

“Decisions made outside of meetings and by individual Directors are not properly decisions of the Board and may not be binding on the company,” the legal opinion supplied

by Satram and Satram Law Firm stated.

In fact the legal opinion, pointed out to Van West-

PNC applauded for bold policies on awards and UG Chair Dear Editor, I write to applaud the PNC led Government for boldly honouring its supporters and party financers at the recent national investiture ceremony. The party gave out 86 awards with just half a dozen to Indians who make up about 45 percent of the population. The party did the same last year and when it ruled between 1966 and 1992 primarily honouring its supporters and financiers; Indians, Chinese, Amerindians, and Portuguese were under-represented. When in office, the PPP largely failed to honour its supporters and activists who fought for the restoration of democracy and who displayed patriotism, as well as made significant contributions to the development of the nation. The PPP needs to learn from the PNC on how bestow recognitions on deserving supporters and financiers.

The PNC boldly makes decisions and implement policies to benefit its supporters unconcerned about what others say or how it's viewed (racially biased). The PPP lacked courage to make such decisions or implement policies to benefit its supporters.

I also wish to applaud the PNC led Government for boldly establishing Dr Clive Thomas Chair at UG. Dr Thomas served UG for several decades. But given Thomas' bias against the PPP and the racial, as well as political division of the nation, shouldn't the VC (Griffith) of UG make an effort for balance in establishing Chairs at the premiere institution? Besides Clive, several others like Prof Bishun, Father Malcolm Rodrigues, Paul Singh, First Vice Chancellor Prof Harold Drayton, Suresh Narine, etc, were institutions at UG. A chair for them should also

have been named to bring racial and political balance.

When the PPP was in office, suggestions and recommendations were made to party leaders to recognise the significant contributions of several prominent citizens by naming streets, parks and buildings after them and even establishing Chairs at UG (Tain and Turkeyen). Some of these outstanding personalities even worked tirelessly for the PPP helping the party and country in various endeavours. But the party was uninterested in recognising their work, often seeing some of its own dedicated supporters and activists as opportunistic and displaying kulak or bourgeois tendencies. But the PNC has no problem honouring its own or naming sites and chairs after those who back the party.

Since the PPP has not been interested in recognising the work of its own, Prof Griffith

Unfulfilled pledges...

To the contrary, many Guyanese have opined that the APNU/AFC Government have determined as a priority, to fulfil commitments and promises of positions in Government, jobs, contracts etc they made to voters in return for their votes at the May 2015 General and Regional Elections and the March 2016 Local Government Election. At the latter election, the Government was startled by the fact that the PPP/C enjoyed the support, confidence and trust of a significant number of the voting population. After all, the PPP/C won 48 of the 71 LAAs at the March 2016 Local Government Elections and in all likelihood, will win five of the six tied LAAs when

the By-elections are held.

Certainly not the type of controlled freakism the APNU/ AFC anticipated.

This is coming from the very politicians who while they were in Opposition would have Guyanese believe that they were keen and excited about local democracy prevailing. So much for genuine cries of transparency, accountability, good governance coming from the Government.

So much for their hue and cries of local democracy.

The Government has thrown these through the window. Many Local Authorities are obviously unaware of the Legislation/Bylaws, regulations, customs and practices which guide

should consider also establishing Chairs for others who made more significant contributions to UG and to the nation than Clive Thomas. How about Dr Jagan; he founded UG and many feel his economic vision is far more worthwhile and applicable to Guyana and the third world than Clive.

So how about a Dr Jagan Chair for Sustainable Development or a Dr Bharrat Jagdeo Chair for Climatic Studies, or a Dr Narine Chair for STEM, or Peter D'Aguiar Chair for Business, or a Dr Moses Nagamootoo Chair for Political Studies; Moses did struggle for 28 years for free and fair elections and subsequently for good governance.

Give the nation racial and political equity recognising the contributions of the various groups.

Yours truly, Dr Vishnu Bisram

FROM PAGE 4

what they do.

Let the Local Government Commission be established.

Sincerely, Norman Whittaker Former Local Government Minister

Charles that the Directors exercise their powers for the benefit of the company.

The legal opinion said too that the powers of the Board are not given to individual Directors but to the Board as a unit since the Board acts collectively.

Hinds on Friday confirmed that his resignation letter has been submitted to the Minister with responsibility for the sector, Ronald Bulkan.

Rubber stamp

Hinds in his letter – a copy of which was seen by this publication – to the Communities Minister, said “I cannot perform in the best interest of GWI, GWI staff, GWI shareholders and other stakeholders of GWI – as a rubber

stamp Chairman of GWI… thus, my resignation.”

According to Hinds in his resignation letter, “It is with a deep sense of regret that I resign as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Guyana Water Inc (GWI) with effect from October 26, 2016.”

During a brief interview with the newspaper, Hinds said Dr Van West-Charles currently lacks credibility and described the entity’s Managing Director as pernicious and a person who abuses his authority at the water utility.

Hinds told Guyana Times that by his actions, he has opted to give the Executive and management some leverage in their future dealings with the entity’s Managing Director.

Jagdeo to support all aid efforts for Haiti

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aiti is in crisis after Hurricane Matthew and the international community, over the last few days, is beginning to understand the extent of that crisis. The tally of deaths reported by local civil protection officials stands at 877, according to the latest reports.

The Political Opposition, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), expresses its sincerest condolences to all Haitians, as well as families of all who have lost lives, were injured and those grappling with the devastation of Hurricane Matthew.

The political Opposition will fully support the expressed intention of the Guyana Government to offer support to Haiti, which will aid humanitarian relief efforts, as well as longerterm relief and recovery operations.

The party said in a

Opposition leader Bharrat Jagdeo

statement on Saturday that it stands in support of the Haitian people and Government.

Hurricane Matthew hit Haiti on Tuesday (October 4). Hurricane Matthew's 235km per hour (kph) winds smashed concrete walls, flattened palm trees and tore roofs off homes, forcing thousands of Haitians to flee.

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Foundation “There is no need to request You, Oh Durga, To protect and save us.

For does the mother on whom children solely depend, Ever need such a request?

And so our salutations to You; So pray the Gods to You.”

Anu Dev

onight will be the ninth night of the NauRatri (literally "nine nights”) festival that we Hindus specifically set aside twice annually to worshipping God as "female". As a Hindu young woman, whose chosen form to worship God female in my case specifically Saraswati, in whom all knowledge reposes and emanates - I've sometimes wondered how some Hindu men who also worship the Divine in her various female forms and incarnations, can inflict violence on females. But of course, violence against women isn't confined to Guyana and certainly not only to Hindus.

It's just that since we Hindus are supposed to have elevated women to the ultimate Divinity I was kind of hoping our menfolk would've seen us as in a bit kinder light than those from other religions that insist that God is male. And who might need to use a "rod of correction" ever so often.

In Hinduism, by contrast, while God is ultimately beyond categories - including sex or gender - the conceived female aspects are actually endowed with the Shakti - or animating power. In other words, the male manifestations are posited as completely inert (Pakriti) without the female. Can't do a thing! So we have, for instance, the Creator Vishnu with his female counterpart Lakshmi.

She's the power behind whatever "creation" - or "projection" as we Hindus prefer - that's going on. One third of Hindus are "Shaktas" - whose major object of worship is the

Mother in her various manifestations. In Guyana, most Shaktas originated in South India and are lumped together as "Madrassis", since they left India from the port of Madras.

While Vishnu has incarnated first as fish, tortoise, boar and half-man/half-lion, in all his human incarnations - whether as Ram or Krishna - Vishnu is accompanied by his Shakti. As Ram, for instance, his double is Sita. Bringing matters to the human level then, supposedly to provide a model for us to imitate, when one marries, the women is said to be "the Lakshmi of the house".

In offering prayers to the Divine, the male householder is incomplete and the offerings aren't accepted if he's not accompanied by his "Lakshmi".

So what gives with all this wife beating and violence against females in our society??

Why hasn't our elevation of women among Hindus as Goddesses increased respect for women? Well for one, in the "modern" world, we have all accepted that "religion" is just one aspect of "life". Religion as a seamless, integral way of life as posited by Hinduism is "old fashioned" and "backward. Traditional Hinduism, we are convinced, can't be "modern".

So our menfolk worship the Mother of the temple in the temple and then knock around the "Mother of the House" in the house.

The view that the man is the owner of all he surveys - in reflection of the man with the grey beard who's floating in the sky above looking down at us - undergirds what is called "patriarchy".

In modern Hindu homes, unlike the original model of society in which the female was the boss in her own domain, boys and men are still socialised to see females as "their own". And in a capitalist society, this becomes translated as their "property". And more to the point "sexual property" which he "jealously" guards.

If we're ever going to get rid of this mind numbing violence that's inflicted daily on females, this structural power imbalance between males and females which starts in the home - ironically by mothers - must be eliminated.

What was it they said about "the hands that rock the cradle"? It can help to make "ruling the world" a bit more fair. All hail the Devi! Like a boss.

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things all children should be able to do by age

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he teen years are no joke.

Many parents of 15-yearold children are constantly hearing from them how their friends get to do so much more than they are allowed to do and how they are being treated like babies.

When it comes to their capabilities and maturity levels, all children are different. It's important to allow young teens to master these critical life skills in order to set them up for greater independence.

Manage money

Sure, they're still years away from investing in stocks and bonds, but the average 15-yearold should open up their own checking and savings accounts, Haynes says, and be taught how to check their balances and, when necessary, write a check to cover the cost of sporting equipment, classes or school trips. A healthy respect for money now will only help them in the future.

Do laundry

Both Haynes and Mendez agree: A 15-year-old can sort colors from whites, measure the appropriate amount of detergent so that the washing machine doesn't explode with suds and even fold their own laundry and put clothing back into drawers.

They may need to be shown how to do it (a few hundred times), but it shouldn't take long for them to become laundry pros.

Order food

If it's a late night for you at work or no one feels like cooking, your teen should be able to call the local pizzeria or take-out restaurant, place an order and handle the transaction when the food arrives at your door, Haynes says.

Ask for help

Whether they took a wrong turn at the mall or aren't feeling well at school, they should know how to ask for directions or help to get themselves out of a jam

Swallow pills/remember to take necessary medication

When your teen gets a headache or worse, they should be able swallow pills like antibiotics and Tylenol with a glass of water, without you having to crush them up or hide them in tastier beverages, Mendez says.

You may not be able to keep yourself from checking on

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him (just in case), but a teen should remember to take his medication each day, when necessary, Mendez says. A reminder posted on the fridge can also help.

Manage hygiene

From showering or bathing independently to using deodorant without any prompting, brushing and flossing their teeth and attending to their own nails and hair, Mendez says, a 15-year-old is perfectly capable of grooming themselves without help. The good news is this shouldn't be much of a struggle. Have you ever tried to even touch a 15-year-old boy's hair? Not a pretty reaction.

Follow a recipe

Time to put your feet up and let your teen cook dinner! Okay, maybe not quite, but Mendez says young teens can be trusted to read a recipe, know which items need to be purchased at the grocery store, can measure ingredients with accuracy and prepare a simple, basic meal.

Chicken and frozen waffles may not be your thing every night, but it's a great go-to when you're exhausted.

Stay home alone

Parents consider it a milestone when they can leave their child alone at home for a few hours without dragging them around town on errands. At 15, Mendez says, children should demonstrate a level of responsibility that makes you feel confident you can give them a set of keys to your home and allow them to stay by themselves.

Take responsibility for their own activities

They aren't asking you to set up their play dates or plan out their entire summers at 15, Mendez says. Instead, they are participating in community activities and beginning to understand time commitments so they can take possession of their daily schedules.

Use public transportation alone

If you live in an area where teens can take a bus to get to school or an event, Mendez says, 15 is the magic age when they should be able to pay their fare and ride without you. Isn't independence a wonderful thing?

(MSN)

NEWS

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Venezuela does not deny illegal flights over Guyana …but blasts Greenidge, Granger

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enezuela, while not denying that it is making illegal flights over Guyana, has reacted angrily to the statements made recently by Guyana’s Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge and has even accused President David Granger of peddling lies at the level of the United Nations.

The Foreign Ministry of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela has since expressed “our deepest concern because of the reiterated slandering, foolish behaviour of the Guyanese Government, to support the false and antihistorical thesis of presenting Venezuela as an aggressor.”

That country’s Government was at the time making reference to its territorial claims in Guyana which was settled in an 1899 International Tribunal.

According to reports emanating from that country’s Foreign Affairs Ministry, “the Venezuelan Government noticed that this type of accusation does not represent a new and beneficial behaviour in the current Guyanese Government, which authorities have recognised not to have the necessary technical gear to detect overflights in Essequibo.”

Minister Greenidge on Wednesday last told media operatives that the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) has been alerted to reports of illegal over flights being conducted by Venezuela over the Essequibo with a view to creating a map for that county which includes two thirds of Guyana.

Greenidge at the time had also conceded that the GDF did not have the capacity to efficiently undertake the exercise of substantiating the claims and as such had solicited international help.

The Venezuelan Government, through its Foreign Affairs Ministry, in taking a swipe at President Granger, said he lied to UN Secretary General Ban Kimoon when denouncing that a Venezuelan patrol (PC-23 Yecuana) entered Guyana’s territory.

“The supposed evidence is today the cover of its book Caribbean Geopolitics, underlines the document, also

respect for the rule of law among nations. It is a frenzied display of ill temper from forces with whom history has caught up, revealing the tangled web of falsehoods on which their specious claims to Guyana’s Essequibo were built,” the Ministry’s statement said.

“The Venezuelan statement of October 4, 2016 perpetuates the falsities that have marked its predatory campaign and have continued in relation to Guyana’s maritime space. Its greed for

territory has added a new dimension of Guyana’s maritime resources,” it said.

According to the Ministry, “Guyana continues to uphold and respect the Arbitral Award of 1899. It will defend its validity in the world’s highest courts and expose Venezuela’s sordid efforts to besmirch Guyana’s development agenda.” Outgoing United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has pledged to assess the border controversy between Guyana and Venezuela in November.

President David Granger

Venezuelan Foreign Minister, Delcy Rodríguez

Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge

published in the account in the social network TWITTER of the Venezuelan Foreign Minister, Delcy Rodríguez,” according to a report carried by the Latin American News Agency.

Venezuela has since rejected the Guyanese Government's “recurrent attempts to generate a climate of tension among the two nations.”

These actions, the official communication said, are in consonance with the intention of impeding the reactivation of the Good Officer according to the Agreement of Geneva (1966), valid for the friendly, practical and satisfactory resolution for both parts of the territorial controversy for Essequibo.

“The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela demands Guyana to adjust its behaviour according to the respect to international public rights, under the principle of the diplomacy of peace and of good vicinity, and it makes a call to build cooperation relationships, solidarity and friendship in benefit of our towns, it concludes.”

Greenidge told journalists on Wednesday last during an impromptu interaction that the actions on the part of the Venezuelans “irresponsible and dangerous” if substantiated.

According to Greenidge, there are currently unconfirmed reports emanating from our western neighbour that that country has been conducting flights over Guyana’s Essequibo “with a view to completing an atlas of Venezuela which will include two thirds of Guyana”.

Greenidge told the local

media that the information has since been passed on to the GDF with a view to investigate and substantiate whether the claims are in fact true.

He reminded too that the Guyana Government a week ago, as recent as last week, left with the Secretary General a document which “sets out our concerns about the escalating behaviour of Venezuela and the consequences of some of the steps taken”.

According to Vice President Greenidge, the entire affair is “something we view with the greatest concern”.

He told media operatives that Venezuela was reportedly also doing digital mapping of Guyana’s sovereign territory with the aim of getting details for its maps, “but the over flights themselves are illegal in international law”, should the report of them prove true.

The news of the illegal flyover came on the heels of a condemnatory statement issued by the Foreign Affairs Ministry in Guyana lambasting an earlier pronouncement by the Venezuelan Government on the 117th anniversary of the 1899 Arbitral Award handed down in Paris regarding the border controversy between Guyana and that country.

The missive from the Guyana Foreign Affairs Ministry said Venezuela marked the occasion with an insulting statement unworthy of a law-abiding member of the international community.

“Its statement is a reaffirmation of Venezuela’s dis-

Guyanese shot dead in England

A

father of three was on Friday evening killed while attending a house party in Craydon, London.

Akeem Moore, called “Tuggzy”, 24, of Craydon, London, and formerly of Kuru Kururu, Soesdyke/Linden Highway, was found lying in a pool of blood at a house at Eastney Road, Craydon.

It was reported that the young man was at a party and at about 23:25h gunshots rang out. He was shot once and was pronounced dead when Police and an ambulance service arrived at the scene.

Persons in the area reportedly told Police that the party atmosphere quickly transformed from laughter to screams. Homicide and Major Crime Command are investigating the shooting incident but no one was arrested.

Rockel Sinclair, a cousin of the dead man told Guyana Times that her family here in Guyana received the dreaded news on Saturday morning but was not told much about the shooting incident. She noted the circumstances that lead to the shooting incident were not immediately available to the family.

“We were only told that he was shot and killed but the details were not given to us”, she noted. The young man left Guyana about 13 years ago and was sent back to Guyana after some conflicts with relatives.

He however started school but after a few years, he travelled back to London where he lived up to the time of his death. He leaves to mourn his three children, parents and siblings.

Meanwhile, the UK Sun reported that Police believe they know the identity of the victim however they are awaiting formal identification.

Akeem Moore and one of his sons in happier times

According to the news agency, a number of tributes flowed in at the scene.

Detective Chief Inspector Lee Watling said: “I need to hear from anyone who saw anything suspicious in the Eastney Road area late on Friday night. I would urge any witnesses or anyone with information that may assist the investigation, to call [the] Police and tell us what they saw or what they know.”

One resident in the area said “all the women in the garden went from laughing to screaming.”

Police have cordoned off the area of the crime scene while forensic officers continue to investigate.

8

NEWS

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2016 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

East La Penitence man fatally stabbed by wife in US

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Guyanese man was stabbed to death in his home in Boston, United States, by his wife during an argument on Friday morning.

Dead is Collis Edwards of 88 Wensley Street, Roxbury, and formerly of East La Penitence, Georgetown.

Reports are that the Police were called to the man’s house by his mother who told detectives that her son was stabbed to the chest by his wife. The couple was reportedly engaged in a heated argument when the woman went into the kitchen, collected a knife

Dead: Collis Edwards

and dealt the man one blow to the chest.

Upon their arrival at the apartment, the Police saw the man lying on the floor

with a single stab wound to his chest. They immediately took him to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

The 32-year-old woman of Brooklyn, New York, has since been charged for the murder. The woman was examined and appeared to be suffering from very serious mental health issues.

She is due back in court on October 27.

Only late September, a Guyanese woman was fatally stabbed by her estranged husband whom she had cut

ties some two months ago.

Hannah Donald, 47, was rushed to the hospital with multiple stab wounds to her chest, arm and neck, following an argument with her husband at her E 17 Street near Dorchester Rd, Brooklyn home.

According to reports, the woman’s 58-year-old husband was taken into custody. It was also reported that the now dead woman had cut all ties with her husband following severe abuse.

Night court to start on Monday Lone gunman robs

NA businessman

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Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts

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gunman on a bicycle robbed the owner of La Caribe Diner of Main Street, New Amsterdam, on Friday evening. The incident occurred around 22:15h.

Businessman Albert DeNoberga was in his Vrymen’s Erven yard when the unmasked man appeared and dashed in, demanding he hand over valuables.

DeNoberga handed over $4000 and his bank card which he had on his person at the time. The man then

hurriedly fled the scene.

When contacted for a comment on the matter, Divisional Commander Kevin Adonis told Guyana Times that no shots were fired.

However, a source reported that three gunshots were heard. According to reports, when the shots were heard, several patrons dashed for safety.

“Some people had to jump over the fence and go into that empty land by Theatre Ally,” bystanders reported.

ight court at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts is set to begin on Monday, operating from 15:00h to 20:00h daily.

In a notice at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, it was stated that night court will commence in the evenings while daily sittings of court will be held from 09:00h to 14:30h. Both day and night court will be held from Monday to Friday.

However, a number of Police prosecutors at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts told Guyana Times that they are unaware of the persons who will be facilitating the night court.

One Police Prosecutor indicated to this publication that he is unsure if they will have to work double shifts or if a shift system will be implemented.

Earlier this year, Public

Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan told media operatives that approximately $25 million has been allocated to facilitate night court sessions.

He further stated that Government has set aside a huge sum of money to cover the expenses of this undertaking. Initial reports had suggested that there would be five temporary Magistrates appointed to man the night court. The Judicial Services Commission had to appoint the Magistrates.

This initiative is part of a package of prison reforms, following the deadly prison riot at the Camp Street Prison, which claimed the lives of 17 inmates.

Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Carl Singh had suggested that this initiative last for a period of six months.

Eyew tness Anomalies…

H

…in power

istory's replete with stories of small fellas who've brought "big ones" down low. We've all heard of Jack of "the Axe" fame… the kid who chopped down that Beanstalk and brought that fierce giant tumbling down. And then of course there's David of biblical renown who took on - and then took out the mighty Goliath. Well, it seems we've just discovered our own giant killer in Guyana - and he's another David: David Patterson.

Pressed at the latest AFC press conference as to what was the denouement on the pitched rear-guard action they'd fought after claiming that too much power was accreted into the person of Minister of State Joe Harmon, Patterson claimed they'd cut him down to size. Pressed further if he'd care to elaborate on exactly what "powers" had been "cut", Patterson coyly allowed he wasn't one to boast!! And that the evidence was there to see!

Now while your humble Eyewitness would love to have an addition into the ranks of the modest and unassuming, he does think Patterson's being more than a tad disingenuous. Right off the bat… the AFC's grouse wasn't just that Harmon was exercising too much power - but that these powers should've been more properly situated in that paragon of modesty, our recently selfconfessed Tamilian PM, Moses Nagamootoo.

Now this Eyewitness never really felt Harmon was encroaching on anyone's turf - least of all the PM. Like all good aide de camps, all he was doing was ensuring that his principal's instructions were carried out. When slackers - like so many from the AFC camp congenitally are - fell down on the job, Harmon was forced to step in. But because they were showed up for the slackers they were, it bred resentment in the AFC executive.

Rather than thanking Harmon for saving their a55es, they sulked, stamped their feet and finally had a retreat (beat a retreat?) to draw some line in the sand.

All the retreat did, however, was to precipitate the departure of their Chairman! But Patterson thinks he's being clever to ask reporters to show where Harmon's now overstepping his remit. Wouldn't a better proof of the AFC's and Patterson's giant killing skills be to show where the PM's powers have been restored?

What about their pet peeve about the PM not been allowed to coordinate all the other Ministers as far as it had to do with his remit of "governance". Which is where they griped Harmon was muscling in. For example, exactly what has the PM done to get Patterson to find out exactly what's going on with the blackouts?

And if Harmon had stepped it, they'd be bitching about "power grab"!! What wankers!!

…in responsibilities

In Guyana, very few in the government appreciate the role of the Board of Directors of government corporations. And it's really torpedoing their hopes of running this ship of state. A Board is responsible for setting policies for the corporation and then ensuring the management, headed by the CEO and his Executives, "execute" - as in "carrying out" - those policies. Not "execute" as in "killing" those policies which seems to be the understanding of some in this government.

Take GWI… where the Chairman of the Board just resigned because the CEO's doing whatever he damn well feels and - sensing where the winds’ blowing from above - some in the Board's not willing to bell the CEO. Chairman Hinds has done the right and honourable thing - since ultimately he has a fiduciary responsibility to the shareholders of his corporation - the people of Guyana. He doesn't want to be a "rubber stamp".

Unlike the Chairman of GuySuCo, who allowed the government to bypass him and his Board to close Wales Estate!

…in aid

In the aid game, he recipient's merely the conduit via which the aid's returned to the giver.

Like with the $62M the US donated to prepare us for joining the EITI. The money goes to the US based Carter Centre!

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

NEWS

9

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Taxi driver injured as car NPTAB accessing successful slams into parked truck bidder – Chief Works Officer New DHB feasibility study

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hief Works Officer of the Public Infrastructure Ministry, Geoffrey Vaughn, on Saturday stated that a company has been decided upon to conduct a feasibility study and design for the new Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB).

Vaughn disclosed that one of the 22 tenders was successful and is presently being assessed by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) to determine whether the contract should be awarded.

He stated that although the bidder might have met the financial criteria for the project, the NPTAB still conducts background checks to ascertain if the company has met the terms and reference of the project.

“They have to ensure that they are capable of taking on the project,” he said, but was unable to state if it was a local or international company which was successful during the tender.

Government had specified that the companies bidding must provide information indicating that they are qualified to perform the services with verification in brochures, reports of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions, and availability of appropriate skills, among other criteria. It was stipulated that the consultant can also associate with another company to enhance their qualification.

In December 2015, 22 companies from around the world submitted bids to conduct the study and furnish a design for the bridge. Thus far, three connections are being examined for the construction of the bridge – which are between

Chief Works Officer of the Public Infrastructure Ministry, Geoffrey Vaughn

Houston, East Bank Demerara (EBD) and Versailles, West Bank Demerara (WBD); between Peter’s Hall, EBD and Schoonord, on the WBD; and

Floating at 1.25 miles, the Demerara Harbour Bridge is a strategic link between the Eastern and Western Banks of the Demerara River.

The structure, which opened in July 1978 with the expectation of lasting only 10 years, has been floating for 37 years.

General Manager of the Demerara Harbour Bridge Company (DHBC), Rawlston Adams had said that the Public Infrastructure Ministry has already made the evaluations and recommendations for the consultancy.

“Those recommendations are with the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board, I think to forward to Cabinet,” he stated.

Adams said the Harbour

An artist’s impression of the new harbour bridge

between New Hope, EBD and at Laurentia Catherina, WBD. The bridge must have a navigational clearance of 100 metres wide, with navigational aids, an air draft of 50 metres, adequate marine collection protection at the navigating channels and an estimated length of 2250 meters.

Faced with constant mechanical problems and heavy traffic, calls were made for the construction of a new bridge across the Demerara River.

Bridge Company will be reviewing the process as it relates to the Terms of Reference and the evaluations.

Speaking about the feasibility study, Adams stated that it will “identify all the issues and costs involved in building the new bridge. The study will guide us in which direction – do we build a new bridge? Do we keep this one?

Do we have two and that’s why we do feasibility studies to identify all the issues and to have them address.”

A

taxi driver attached to Green Ice Taxi Service narrowly escaped death after the car he was driving crashed into a parked sand truck along the East Bank Demerara roadway.

The incident occurred on Saturday at around midday at Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, in the vicinity of National Hardware.

The driver reportedly suffered a fractured skull and was rushed to a city hospital for emergency medical attention.

The severely damaged car

The parked truck which the car slammed into

The vehicle’s shattered windshield was heavily stained with blood which trailed into a huge puddle

on the road.

Based on information received, the taxi bearing registration number HC 2656, which was with-

out passengers, was heading to Georgetown when it crashed into the truck.

Eyewitnesses believe that the driver of the car fell asleep at the wheel and skidded off the roadway into the parked motor lorry, bearing registration plates GRR 2445.

The truck driver was extremely annoyed, claiming that it will take millions of dollars to repair his vehicle. The chassis was severely damaged, the tyres burst and the lights broken.

The Police have launched an investigation into the accident. Both vehicles were towed to the Ruimveldt Police Station as investigations continue.

10

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2016

guyana-times.com

News

Govt to budget for constitutional reform talks next year G

eneral Secretary of the Alliance For Change (AFC), David Patterson, said on Friday that Government has not put the much anticipated constitutional reforms on the back burner.

In fact, he disclosed that efforts have been taken by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo to take the process forward but unfortunately, Cabinet could not have discussed the matter at its last meeting before the PM’s departure for his India tour.

“The Prime Minister, before his departure, had tabled a route forward to Cabinet but it has not been discussed because he is out. The route forward includes public consultations and funding to be included in the 2017 budget to kick start the constitutional reform process,” Patterson disclosed. According to the AFC General Secretary, the document tabled to Cabinet is a comprehensive paper, which addresses the parliamentary process, public consultation process and provides a timeline for the reforms to be executed.

“So (the reforms) are imminent but I don’t want to be the one to divulge all the details. I think that it’s something within the Prime Minister’s domain and when he gets back, I’m sure he will make the public disclosure,” Patterson posited.

In August last year, Government had established a Constitutional Reform Steering Committee, which completed and handed over its report to Prime Minister Nagamootoo back in April.

Constitutional reform was a hot topic during the 2015 General and Regional Elections campaign, with the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU)/AFC coalition promising to undertake the task.

“The Constitution, in its current form, does not serve the best interest of Guyana or its people. Within three months of taking up office, APNU/AFC will appoint a commission to amend the Constitution with the full participation of the people. The new Constitution will put the necessary checks and balances in place to consolidate our ethos of liberal democracy.

Freedom of speech, reduction of the power of the President and the Bill of Rights will be enshrined in the document,” read an excerpt from the coalition’s 2015 manifesto.

As part of the reform process, Government had touted major changes to the governance structure, including separate elections to elect a President and National Assembly members; the capping of presidential powers; and changes to the composition of service commissions, among others.

Moreover, the David Granger-led Administration had promised that it would have consultations with civil society and the Opposition People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) before making any constitutional reforms.

However, the AFC General Secretary posited on Friday that the decision will be left to the Opposition whether it wants to listen to the people of Guyana and support the coali-

AFC General Secretary David Patterson

tion in this process.

“From the AFC’s point of view, we want to convince the people, we want to hear from the people and if the PPP/C wants to ignore what the people have to say, they can do so at their own peril. It is no secret they have no appetite, never showed any appetite for constitutional reform but obviously they never showed any appetite for defeat either, and things have changed. Either they get up and join the bus for progress or they can stay behind shouting and crying wolf.

But we as a party want to engage the people because they are the stakeholders.

A small group of politicians should not hold back the entire country’s desire to have constitutional reform and change. So that is how we are approaching it,” Patterson remarked.

He continued that the AFC wants to get feedback and from the grass root level; and as such, would like to go into communities and hear differ-

ent opinions since any reform to the constitution will affect the people of the country.

The Constitutional Reform Steering Committee that was established will be responsible for effecting the changes to the Constitution when Government finialises its decision on the reforms.

The Committee, which comprises of former Director of Transparency International and Attorney Gino Persaud, Professor Harold Lutchman, former Magsitrate Geeta Chandan-Edmond, and is chaired by Attorney and AFC Executive Member Nigel Hughes, was established by the sub-committee on Parliamentary Affairs reportedly without consultation from the parliamentary Opposition.

In fact, General Secretary of the PPP Clement Rohee had explained shortly after the Commission was established that his party was not invited to field any representative to the committee. He noted that the party views the persons appointed as “APNU/AFC hacks” and “residents of Office of the President”.

“None of those persons are independent. They are all hacks and employees of the Office of the President in some shape or form. You do not have to even guess about which road they will venture down as it’s clear what their mandate is,” the PPP General Secretary said.

Nevertheless, Rohee maintained that the PPP was proud of its accomplishments as far as constitutional reforms piloted back in the 2000s were concerned.

Still no stipends for Region 9 HEYS participants … money promised since October 1

D

ouglas Casimero, Toshao of Aishalton, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), has indicated that participants of the Hinterland Employment Youth Service (HEYS), within the region have not been paid their stipends despite promises that the money would be distrib-

uted on October1.

He said participants of his village, along with other villages within the region, have not received their stipends. He noted that the Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Ministry had committed to pay them within seven days following the National Toshao Conference.

“These youths were supposed to be paid every two months but till now, the students and the facilitators are waiting,” he added.

Over 100 Indigenous villages and 2000 youths have been able to benefit from the programme since it began in 2015.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Toshao of Aishalton, Douglas Casimero

Soylent green S

atiricus was smiling. And this pleased his buddy Cappo as much as the information that September had been the hottest month in the history of the planet. He didn't have to argue too much with his wife about slipping out to the Back Street Bar to "cool off". A smiling Satiricus meant he didn't have to pay for the beers.

"Suh wha' mek yuh suh happy, Sato?" he asked as they took their first swig from their sweating bottles.

"You wouldn't believe this! "Satiricus exclaimed.

"Try me, na," replied Cappo laconically.

"I'm really green with envy," Satiricus continued.

"How come my Editor hadn't thought of it?"

"Ah wha' yuh talk about?"Cappo demanded. "Me nam?n' readahyuh know!"

"Well you know I read the Chronic on my computer in the morning, don't you?" Satiricus asked Cappo who nodded. "Well imagine my surprise when I saw that all the top headlines and picture borders were in green!"

"Suh wha special 'bout da?" Cappo wanted to know.

"My friend, that means the Editor understands the philosophy of the Government," said Satiricus who still couldn't contain his excitement. "And he is conveying it without words!"

"Me still na know wha' yuh talk bout," Cappo confessed.

"Sometime I wonder about you, Cappo," said Satiricus shaking his head. "THE CHRONIC'S GONE GREEN!! This is the philosophy of the Government!"

"An' 'e na gat nutten fuh do wid APANU collla green?" Cappo asked Satiricus in disbelief.

"Why do you always have to be so cynical," Satiricus demanded. "First of all, no self-respecting Editor would agree to use a party colour as his paper's colour."

"Really?" said Cappo with a snort.

"Yes, really! The paper is owned by the state and not the Government," insisted Satiricus. "And secondly, it's a coalition Government and the parties COLOURS are green and yellow!"

"An' yuh really t'ink yuh yella KFC party gat any say in dis?" Cappo wanted to know.

"Of course!"Satiricus assured his friend. "Even Nagga Man and the Jhaat gone green now!"

Cappo didn't say anything. He wanted to continue enjoying free beer.

guyana-times.com

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2016

11

News

US youth group, Social Protection Ministry engage in TIP talks

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he United States (US) Embassy’s Youth Action Network (YAN), in collaboration with the Anti–Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Unit of the Social Protection Ministry, sponsored its first public forum on TIP. The event, which was held at the Georgetown Club, attracted over 40 people and educated participants on the definition of TIP, and how all citizens can actively be involved in the fight against it.

Speakers included the Political/ Economic Chief of the US Embassy, James Bjorkman, as well as the Head of the Ministry’s Anti-TIP Unit, Tanisha Williams-Corbin.

Bjorkman spoke about human trafficking worldwide and further

A member of the US Embassy’s Youth Action Network making a presentation during TIP talks with the Social Protection Ministry

discussed Guyana’s positive strides over the years towards fighting this form of modern day slavery.

Meanwhile, Williams-Corbin provided a detailed overview of the

actions the Ministry is taking to inform the public, in particular primary and secondary school students, about the types of trafficking and how citizens can help to alleviate

the situation.

Methods were explained on how to identify plain and hidden cases of trafficking and actions that can be taken to have the relevant law enforcement and government authorities intercept. Both speakers emphatically made the points, “if you see something, say something,” and that anyone can be a victim of trafficking in persons.

Additionally, President of the US Embassy’s Youth Action Network, Kadeem Gordon, applauded the Guyanese Government’s efforts over the years, but strongly suggested there be an increased Police presence in rural areas where trafficking is often viewed as underreported and underinvestigated.

Gordon further encouraged the youth in the audience to pursue careers in human and social development and to be active in the design and implementation of more effective strategies in the fight against human trafficking.

The Youth Action Network, created in November 2013, under the theme of “Ready to Serve, Ready to Lead,” actively works in the community with Guyanese youths to enhance their leadership and advocacy skills, professionalism, and increase social awareness of issues including, but not limited to, Trafficking In Persons, suicide prevention, the environment, gender-based violence, and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) rights.

Still no stipends for Region 9 HEYS...

It replaced the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic’s (PPP/C) Youth Entrepreneurial and Apprenticeship Programme (YEAP). The programme is expected to utilise an integrated and user-friendly approach to learning, which seeks to give youth and young adults a sec-

ond chance to maximise their full potential, economically and socially.

According to the Government Information Agency, the HEYS Programme is the fulfilment of a commitment to Indigenous youths, made by the Government to positively contribute to im-

proving the lifestyle and standards of living for youth and young adults residing in the hinterland with an academic or non-academic need, irrespective of race, gender, religion or political persuasion.

But Casimero stated that no payments are contrary to what is being pushed by the

Ministry and the Government into the public domain.

A source close the programme, on the other hand, stated that two teams are presently in Region Nine and are distributing the cash. The source added that most of the

communities would have already received their monies.

“We will have the payments completed by Tuesday,” the source said, noting that payments to Regions Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Four (Demerara-

FROM PAGE 10

Mahaica), Five (MahaicaBerbice), Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) and 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) have already been completed.

Participants in the other regions will receive their payments before the week ends.

12 NEWS Independent institutions under siege – Nandlall G SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

overnment continues to blatantly practice authoritative leadership to the extent that independent institutions are now under siege, according to former Attorney General Anil Nandlall.

He said there is an increasing proclivity of the coalition Government, supported by demonstrable evidence, to interfere with and/ or usurp the functions of independent constitutional agencies, statutory bodies corporate and elected organs.

In a statement to the media, Nandlall outlined several instances where Government Ministers attempted and have succeeded in interfering in the affairs of independent bodies.

The parliamentarian alluded to the incident where Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan unlawfully attempted to select the Mayor of Mabaruma and the Chairpersons of the five tied Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) in Region One (Barima-Waini).

Similarly, he observed that Cabinet “arrogated onto itself a power” to deliberate upon the controversial parking meter contract being executed by the Georgetown Mayor and City Council.

“Unappreciative of how erroneous and legally repugnant the process is, the AttorneyGeneral (Basil Williams) blissfully completes his “review’’ and rendered his opinion,” he stated.

PPP/C MP Anil Nandlall

Nandlall noted too that the Wales Estate closure, from all indications, was a Cabinet decision.

“We have learnt that the decision to close Wales Estate did not emanate from GuySuCo’s Board, nor was it a recommendation of the Commission of Inquiry established to chart a course forward for GuySuCo. One must presume that the said decision either came from Cabinet or from the President acting in his own deliberate judgment,” he said.

He said the public also witnessed the uninitiated attempts by the Attorney General to “torpedo the appointment of the Deputy Registrar of Deeds by the Judicial Service Commission, an independent constitutional body, vested by the Constitution with the power to make that appointment.”

This matter is now in the High Court.

According to Nandlall, rather than accept his er-

Attorney General Basil Williams

ror and concede that he was wrong, the Attorney General opted to defend the proceedings, thereby “exposing himself to greater public embarrassment when the court eventually rules against him.”

He added that the removal of Olato Sam as the Chief Education Officer of the Education Ministry is another example of the Government’s wrongdoings, since he was an officer appointed by the Public Service Commission.

Nandlall noted too that the premature establishment of a tribunal by President David Granger to investigate the removal of Carvil Duncan from the positions of Chairman and a member of the Public Service Commission, must also be added to this line-up.

He pointed out that a similar trend of abuse and quest for power is discernable in respect of appointments to State Boards.

“Section 6 of the Drainage and Irrigation Authority Act 2004, establishes a body corporate to be known as The National Drainage and Irrigation Authority. Section 7 establishes a Board of Directors for this Authority and provides how this Board should be constituted,” he outlined.

Nandlall posited also that the Government has deliberately rejected the nominees from the Rice Producers Association for the Guyana Rice Development Board.

Most recently, he observed that Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo believes it is Government’s responsibility to establish a Secretariat for the Procurement Commission when the Constitution provides otherwise.

Nandlall said the most axiomatic exemplification of the lack of appreciation for the independence of these institutions is the belief by the Attorney General that he is the lawyer for them all.

“This is evident by the fact that lawyers attached to the Attorney General Chambers are now appearing in the High Court for GuySuCo, the Mahaica/Mahaicony/ Abary Developmental Authority, the Regional Democratic Councils and the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, all of which are statutory corporations, which are separate and apart from Central Government,” he stated.

Hope Canal Bridge

Solid casting required for repairs – Vaughn … as remedial works cost Govt $37.3M

R

epairs on the $350 million Hope Canal Bridge will cost the Government $37.3 million; a sum which critics are saying is way too high but Chief Works Officer at the Public Infrastructure Ministry, Geoffrey Vaughn, said the work would require heavy solid casting since the bridge should be a sturdy construction.

Vaughn stated that tenders were submitted and the relevant body is currently accessing theses to determine if the tenders will be awarded. When questioned on why the engineer estimated that price, he said there are talks that the construction of an entire nursery school costs less than repairing the bridge, “but what they are not seeing is that it would take hollow blocks to build a nursery school while the construction of a sturdy bridge would require much solid casting.” “It means more cement, more steels. It means more everything,” he said. The defective bridge has being posing a threat to those traversing, with commuters fearful that it will collapse. However, road users can breathe a sigh of relief because bids were opened last Tuesday at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) for its rehabilitation.

The Public Infrastructure Minister had stated that the Ministry was

considering seeking funding for its repairs in the 2017 Budget but the Finance Ministry insisted that the rehabilitation is a matter of urgency.

Therefore, Patterson had indicated that they have “made a case to reprogramme some of our funds to make this a priority”. Three companies have since submitted bids for the bridge project – KP Thomas and Sons Contracting Incorporated, BK International Incorporated and HNauth and Sons. The bridge, commissioned in 2014 by former President Donald Ramotar, was contracted to the tune of $349.6 million to DIPCON Engineering Company. It was highlighted that the company had voiced their concerns to the previous Administration about the design of the bridge but those reservations were ignored by the previous Board of Directors of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority.

Recently, Patterson said a team led by Minister within the Public Infrastructure Ministry, Annette Furguson, carried out an extensive report on the bridge and a decision was made to have the remedial works go to tender.

The bridge, which is one of three modules of the US$15 million Hope Canal Project, is 74.4 metres in length with a 47-metre sloped advance on both sides.

NEWS

13

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

A new American One Act Foundation hosts race group mental health awareness walk

By Ryhaan Shah

W

hile Guyana is desperately trying to erase racial differences to support the illconceived idea that this will create racial unity and harmony, the United States is considering adding a category to its official list of race groups in order to make sure that every citizen’s identity is respected and that there is equality and justice for every American.

The new racial category being proposed by the White Ryhaan Shah House Office of Management and Budget would be assigned to citizens from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) who feel that they are not properly represented by any of the categories in census data and other official records. They are currently considered “white”; a classification which they say does not reflect their ethnicity and heritage. The Arab American Institute has advocated for this change for over 30 years citing that the exclusion has made MENA groups virtually invisible.

The new classification would result in the proper compiling of data on MENA groups especially with regards to discrimination against them, whether it is in housing, employment, schools, etc. This would help right wrongs and produce better policies to ensure that they receive equal treatment under the law.

The proposal to create the MENA racial category points up the importance that the US Government gives to their citizens’ respective race, culture and heritage – a policy that exists in Guyana only in name.

Since independence, there has been a decided effort by the two race-based parties, the PPP and PNC, to erase the differences between the racial/ethnic groups and to create “oneness”. This advantages both parties which continue to claim that they represent all Guyanese.

The optics, of course, prove this a lie but if they can get every Guyanese citizen to stop seeing racial differences and to stop identifying themselves with ethnic/racial prefixes – Indian Guyanese, African Guyanese, etc. – they will manage to get away with the lie which negates any effort on their part to find solutions to the racial divide, the divide that is the main contributor to Guyana’s continuing underdevelopment.

To their credit, the parties have succeeded in large measure with their propaganda. Some Guyanese vigorously defend it while some are confused on the issue of identity. Most will tell you that they believe that sameness equals unity and that difference translates into divisiveness no matter all the examples of largely homogenous populations – ie, people who look alike – in India, Africa and the Middle East that are mired in tribal or religious conflict.

Most media houses promote the political parties’ agenda and while ethnic and cultural groups are tolerated, their representation is largely confined to cultural and religious compartments. Their displays of staged exotica allow politicians to praise the nation’s diversity even as they push “oneness” as the ideal. A forked tongue is an essential tool in local politics.

Ethnic cleavage does not have to be Guyana’s future but to get to a unified national position would require open and honest dialogue that would allow the nation as a whole to come to terms with the truths of our history – both pre- and post-independence – that have led to the ever-widening racial divide.

The USA, Canada and European countries are mainly homogenous and actively pursue policies of inclusion and cohesion for minorities in order to build stable and progressive societies. Guyana with its six minority groups present different challenges and the social cohesion framework, borrowed from Europe, is nothing but a costly and time-wasting distraction that serves as a cover for the Granger Government as it pursues what appears to be a racist policy that targets Indian Guyanese businesses and public servants.

Positive change will follow naturally when there is rigorous constitutional reform that acknowledges the racial/political divide and institutes laws and regulations that will create a fair, just and equitable political arrangement whether it is a shared Government or a coalition in which all the peoples of Guyana will be represented.

In the US, there are critics who fear that the new MENA racial classification, if approved, could lead to these groups being monitored and targeted especially given the Islamophobia that currently obtains and that many might not check the new box on census forms for fear of retribution especially if Donald Trump wins the presidency. However, most MENA groups welcome the move towards inclusion. Most see it as an example of America enriching its fabric of diversity. Their official inclusion, they feel, speaks to what it means to be American.

And, so, America continues to progress and Guyana, with its push for “oneness”, continues to check the box for failure.

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

O

ne Act Foundation in collaboration with Miss World Guyana, Nuriyyih Gerrard, on Saturday morning hosted a Mental Health Awareness Walk aimed at educating Guyanese on mental health issues.

Under the theme, “Thrive, Live without Stigma”, the walk was held at National Park, Georgetown, and culminated a short programme.

The walk saw a fair turnout with many persons pledging their support for the worthy cause.

All clothed in green, the walkers enthusiastically displayed their interest in spreading awareness of the issue of mental illness.

Speaking with Guyana Times, the Vice President of the Foundation, Randolph Critchlow said the event was planned as Guyana prepares to observe Mental Health Day on October 10.

“This was the first walk that we organised and there are much more, leading up to Mental Health Day. So hopefully people will be aware now of Mental Health Day and join the cause.”

He further talked of an app which is to be launched on Mental Health Day allowing persons to have access to mental health work-

ers.

“The App will be available for download after October 10 and will provide the public with information on Mental Health issues as well as provide assistance for those suffering with mental health issues.”

Miss World Guyana Nuriyyih Gerrard, who is an advocate on the topic, also spoke on the event.

“We are completely excited, humbled and privileged to be a part of this.

The aim of this walk is basically to promote mental awareness and we decided that to do it at the National Park on the fitness trail because we recognised that this is a really good environment for people who want to remain fit and when we talk about fitness.”

She noted that mental health is not just about your physical self but also your mental fitness, as the two go hand in hand.

“We really want people to begin to develop that understanding of the importance of fitness and basically that this simple activity, walking is known to boost your mood which is really good for your mental health because it reduces

feel good chemical which will enhance how you feel.”

Persons who are interested in joining the One Act Foundation are asked to contact the Public Health Ministry.

The public is also invited to come out and participate as this event and all leading up to and on October 10 are free to the public.

14 NEWS

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Another killed on Guyana’s roadways Younge’s Take − Police maintains “Operation Safeway” continues to yield success Reality check: A A youth perspective

motorcyclist succumbed to his injuries while receiving medical attention at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) after being struck by a minibus along Sheriff Street, Georgetown on Friday.

Oswy Crum-Ewing, 77, of Lot 79 North Sophia, Greater Georgetown, was riding his motorcycle on his way to work at Subryanville, Georgetown, but was attempting to cross the road to purchase fuel from the Guyoil Service Station when he was struck.

The now dead man received severe injuries due to the impact and was picked up and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he died a few hours later.

He suffered internal injuries, a broken foot, hand and lacerations to the head.

Samantha Duncan, a granddaughter of the dead man

Dead: Oswy Crum-Ewing

told Guyana Times that she was at home when she received the news at about 06:30h.

She was told that her grandfather was involved in an accident and was taken to the GPHC. Without hesitation, she along with other relatives rushed to the medical institution where she saw the elderly man lying on a bed.

Duncan recalled her grandfather attempting to tell her something but the words were not coming out of his mouth. She nevertheless enquired about the accident and was told that he was struck by a “greens bus” which was travelling South along Sheriff Street.

The driver of the bus, she noted, claimed that he was heading to the East Bank of Demerara to sell and did not see when her grandfather rode out of a street close to where the accident occurred.

He was subsequently taken into Police custody and is assisting with investigations. Duncan however, explained that her grandfather would leave home early and head to work. “He did maintenance work for some people in Subryanville,” the woman stated.

Crum-Ewing’s body is at the Georgetown Hospital Mortuary awaiting a postmortem examination. He

leaves to mourn his five children, grandchildren and other relatives. The Police are continuing their investigations into the accident.

However, although it seems as though fatal accidents are on the increase, the Police stated that “Operation Safeway” continues to yield positive results since its implementation in September.

Police in a release showed that road fatality is on the decrease. It stated that fatal accidents have decreased by 44.4 per cent, while serious accidents have decreased by 47 per cent and minor accidents by 21.4 per cent.

In addition, the Police stated that 4250 road offences have been reported, of which 1371 were charged for speeding and 1863 were tested for alcohol consumption, but only 274 were found to be over the legal limit.

T

he Education Ministry announced months ago that it has completed a modern National Youth Policy which aims to address several burning issues affecting Guyana’s youth population.

The policy, from all indications, sets out a bold and realistic framework for the advancement of the social, economic, cultural and academic upliftment of youths in all 10 administrative regions, with a heavy focus on those residing in the rural and hinterland areas.

As expected, the Government wasted no time in promoting the newly completed policy which it promised would be tabled in the National Michael Younge Assembly, made public and then implemented immediately so that youths who were the ultimate beneficiaries could begin to see results.

After all, it was always the intention of the new A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change coalition once it became Government (according to its 2011/15 manifesto) to reduce youth unemployment and haplessness; reduce youth crime and criminality; reduce the rates of suicide and teenage pregnancy; advance the socio-economic interests of youths by providing equitable access to opportunities and scholarships; cause the reformation of the public education sector through the establishment of more schools, higher standards, and the upgrade of quality education provided via tertiary intuitions and more specifically the University of Guyana.

There can be no doubt that over the past year and a half, senior politicians in the coalition have recommitted themselves to pursuing the ideals outlined in both the youth policy and there manifestos. They continue to make reference to the issues affecting youths at various forums with the aim of highlighting what should be done and what needs to be done.

Whenever they do this, especially in the presence of youths, they score political points and gain ground because their cunning linguistics and paradoxical oratory skills appear most pleasing, promising, honest and genuine to the gullible, the desperate and those youths who lack both the intellectual capacity/aptitude to think independently and the skill of common sense analysis.

But those who make it their duty to keep themselves informed and abreast with current affairs as well as knowledgeable of the policies and reforms being pursued by David Granger’s Government cannot be hoodwinked, fooled or silenced.

In fact, they are perturbed, concerned and frustrated by the lack of progress made in the full implementation of National Youth Policy, and the snail’s pace at which the other Government controlled agencies are addressing youth concerns.

Like me, they believe that the senior politicians are failing them daily when one looks at the ancient, piecemeal and most times ethnically discriminatory actions being taken by the Government under the guise of commencing the process of providing a “good life” for youths.

Over the last year and a half, statistics provided by the Social Protection Ministry and its Labour Department show that unemployment and joblessness have increased by at least six per cent. The suicide rate has doubled, with youths in rural communities being the largest category of victims. Youth crime has also increased which has resulted in the increase of persons on remand who are mostly between the ages of 17 and 35.

There is no realistic cultural programme being pursued to get young people involved in the development of the cultural arts or in the creation of newer forms of sub-cultures that could redefine Guyana’s image in this respect within the region and the competitive international arena.

Regrettably, youths are feeling isolated, deprived and put upon by adults especially politicians who they trusted because of their failure to deliver on the menu of initiatives that were promised at elections time. Now feeling used and betrayed, many young people are opting to migrate to other countries such as Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Jamaica, US and Canada where the pastures appear more greener, promising and pro-youth.

The truth is, all Guyanese youth aspire to achieve is the ownership of their own homes at affordable prices; an education on which they could secure opportunities to various career paths in order for them to make their mark and change the world in which they reside; a family that could thrive and lead a good life without fear of being discriminated on the basis of their skin colours, religion or social standing; and Government that respects the will of the electorate and that understands the importance of inclusionary democracy.

It’s just a year and a half into the tenure of the new Government and youths are already realising that the “more things change, the more they remain the same”. The Government cannot continue to live in its own bubble and neglect youths. It must act or history will not be kind to it because future generations will not lead “good lives” if the next Government come 2020 is still trying to play catch-up with the rest of the world.

Better must come!

NEWS

15

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Mother pleads for assistance to keep son alive By: Lorraine Ince-Carvalhal

The unfortunate reality of grieving

D

ealing with the loss of a loved one is unfortunately something that many of us inevitably will experience.

The support networks that rally shortly after the loss can be a life-line but that support can only do so much for so long.

When the door closes after the last funeral guest has left no matter how you have been coping thus far, there can be an overwhelming sense of finality and as support diminishes, coping with loss can seem insurmountable.

Up until that point, there has most likely been a focus on the preparations for the funeral; one of the key functions of this age old tradition. In fact, when we look at the purpose behind this ritual it is clear to see just how much of a useful grieving process a funeral is. During the first moments of learning of the death of a loved one the shock and numbness that may be experienced can leave a person in a daze and only the necessity of making arrangements can bring their focus back.

Having the opportunity to express the love and respect felt for the lost person in the form of a service and a final farewell serves to bring the reality of the loss home; the first step of the grieving process. The dignified and respectful care that can be shown is a last tribute that can be offered to demonstrate the depth of feeling we have allows an expression of love.

Of equal importance is the transition of taking grief from the inside and expressing it on the outside through mourning and the sharing of grief amongst family and friends. Often seeing the love, affection and sentiment that others feel can provide a great support network and a sense of togetherness, pride and kindred spirit.

However, the support network that has been in place up to this point can diminish rapidly as people return to their lives and it can be a lonely and difficult time for those closest to the person who has passed. Now the real grieving process may kick in.

It is generally recognised that despite each individual’s grief taking its own pattern, there are stages that most people go through. These are firstly accepting the reality of the loss, secondly experiencing the pain of grief before adjusting to life without the person who has passed away and finally putting less emotional energy into grieving and moving on by choosing to focus energy into something new.

These stages can over lap and become jumbled as grievers try to find their way through and the duration of moving through the stages differs from person to person.

During which time feelings of overwhelming sadness, crying, tiredness and exhaustion, along with anger and guilt can consume.

The thing to remember if you are grieving is that the feelings you are experiencing are normal. Each of us copes in our own way and good days and bad days can be mixed up.

A very fitting description is that one day you may feel you are standing in the sea with the water up to your shins and you feel able to cope and then suddenly a huge wave comes along and knocks you off your feet. The wave’s analogy is extremely apt as the feelings can often feel as though they come in waves.

Acceptance can be a very difficult stage as it means having to begin a very painful process. However the sooner we are able to accept, the sooner we can begin the necessary journey. Moving on can feel like a betrayal, but consider that the lost person would more than likely want the best for you and want to see you enjoying life again. Feeling angry is a natural reaction, whether its anger that the loved one has been taken or anger at ourselves if we are left feeling guilty for all the things we which we had said, done or shown that we will never be able to do now.

The finality of death is difficult to come to terms with but its inevitability means it is a part of life for all of us. Most of us have been through the grieving process and no matter how well we cope or how long it has been, the pain never quite dissipates. What we cannot change we have to learn to accept no matter how hard. Allow the process to unfold.

Do not try to rush it but equally try not to dwell in it. It is a natural process, a necessary process; experience it with the memory of your loved one burning bright.

A

mother is pleading for assistance for her dying son, who is currently in a critical condition at the St Joseph Mercy Hospital in need of AB+ blood.

Vishnu Singh, 24, of Tuschen New Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), has been lying at the hospital for the past three days.

According to his mother, Bibi Singh, the young man visited Bartica for a few days but returned with flu-like symptoms.

Vishnu Singh

On the third day of his illness, he was rushed to the private city hospital where a blood test was done; he was administered saline and then sent home.

The woman relayed that two days later, as his illness worsened, he was again rushed to the private city hospital where the first process was repeated.

However, Vishnu had to be rushed to the Leonora Cottage Hospital where according to Singh; he was given a Panadol and sent home.

He then had to be rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where a blood test was again done; he was given saline and sent home.

Singh told Guyana Times that her son’s body started to swell which prompt her to contact a pharmacist for advice.

She was advised to take Vishnu to the St Mercy Hospital which she immediately did.

TURN TO PAGE 16

16 NEWS

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Duncan faces pressure from Govt to resign … denies receiving letter from Prime Minister

E

mbattled trade unionist Carvil Duncan is insisting that he never received a letter from Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo asking him to justify why a tribunal should not be established to address his removal from his post as Chairman of the Public Service Commission (PSC). This removal would automatically mean his resignation from other constitutional service commissions.

In a statement to the media on Saturday, Duncan said a senior Government official working out of the Ministry of the Presidency contacted him in February, purportedly under the instructions of the President,

to discuss his resignation from the PSC, which would, by design, result in his resignation from the Judicial Service Commission and the Police Service Commission.

He claimed that during his meeting with the official, he was asked to consider a financial package that would accompany his resignation.

“My answer to him was that I had preferred to speak with the President on this matter and I then exited his office,” Duncan stated.

He detailed that shortly after, he received another call requesting his attendance at a meeting with the President that very day.

The official was once again

present, along with the President and another individual.

Duncan said the President insisted he tender his resignation from the constitutional service commissions.

“He then said to me as much as three times that “he does not want any blood on his carpet” forcing me to move in the direction of resigning by the deadline of March 15, 2016,” he recollected.

He said the President also offered him the financial package as was offered by the senior official if he succumbed to their desires for him to resign.

Duncan said he left the meeting with an under-

Carvil Duncan

standing that he would return a call confirming his agreement to resign but attempts to contact the official a few days later proved futile.

“I made numerous telephone calls and left several messages with his Secretary without any response to date,” he said.

Duncan said he subsequently read a shocking report which stated that he failed to respond to a letter dispatched by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo.

Reports indicate that

Nagamootoo wrote Duncan asking him to show cause why a tribunal should not be established to address the question of his removal from constitutional office.

“I had checked with both of my offices which were never in receipt of any letter sent by the Prime Minister. I also checked at the Post Office in my area which informed me that it had no outstanding mail for me. It may be opportune to note that I was also never contacted by the Prime Minister or any of his agents,” he stated.

With charges of fraud against him and a tribunal underway to determine his fate, Duncan maintained that he will not be stepping down from his posts.

“I will not resign!

Because I hold a constitutional office and my term in office is set out in my mandate, the instrument given to me,” he told reporters some two weeks after a three-member tribunal was sworn-in by President Granger to investigate and recommend whether

Duncan should be removed from his offices for his inability to discharge his function and/or misbehaviour.

The Commissioners comprise Chairperson Justice Roxanne George, Justice Winston Patterson and Attorney Robert Ramcharran.

Duncan was charged and placed before the courts over an alleged theft of monies from the Guyana Power and Light. He was placed on $1 million bail in February last, after he had appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged with larceny after he pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Police alleged that on March 31, 2015 at Georgetown, he stole $984,900, property of GPL. It is alleged that he conspired with GPL’s then Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Aeshwar Deonarine to steal $984,900, property of the power company and that he conspired with Deonarine to commit a felony, namely he conspired to steal $27,757,500, property of the utility company.

Mother pleads for assistance...

FROM PAGE 15

It was there that Vishnu was finally diagnosed with malaria. However, as much time was wasted, his condition had become critical.

She further added that according to the doctors, Vishnu’s blood is critically low.

He was however, given six portions of platelets which have moved his blood

range from a 10 to a 23.

However, this is not nearly enough to save his life.

Singh told Guyana Times that currently, Vishnu’s skin is yellowing and he is unable to eat.

The woman, who is a teacher, is calling for urgent assistance to save the life of her eldest child.

She noted that the hospi-

tal bill is $80,000 a day; one which she cannot afford to pay. As such, she is pleading for persons with AB+ blood to assist her by donating to the St Joseph Mercy Hospital.

For further contact with the family, persons are asked to contact Bibi Singh on telephone number 6668394.

NEWS

17

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2016 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

ANNA'S

Kuru Kururu residents benefit from $2M donation

The “mother of C crimes” is poverty, Sir Anna Correia

L

ast week, someone asked me if I thought that “Ramjattan has any idea what he’s about”. The truth is, I think that Ramjattan was neither given a fair chance to act in his full capacity as Public Security Minister, nor cared to assume full responsibility for the Government’s inefficiency Anna Correia to tackle crime. When it comes to criticizing Ramjattan these days, one has to bear in mind that he is without full control over the public security policies produced by the coalition, and that he’s being overshadowed by the Ministry of the Presidency. It appears as though the President himself is micro-managing and dictating the direction policy-making must take in addressing crime.

In a recent headline, President Granger expounded that narcotics is “the mother of crimes”, laying the basis for how crime will be tackled in Guyana as of now. This is perhaps the most inaccurate statement the President has made to the public so far.

Crime has woven itself into the social fabric of this country, not because those at the bottom prefer to sell drugs instead of making an honest earning, but rather because those at the bottom have for so long been unable to make that honest living which would immunize them from the grips of drug dealers.

Notorious narco-traffickers, such as Pablo Escobar, drew their power from the poverty stricken societies in which they thrived. In Guyana, poverty is also what dictates more than any other factor, the high crime rates which for so long defined our society. Therefore, the government has to tackle the problem at its source, proposing healthy alternatives for those most vulnerable to the drug trade.

Fighting crime requires durable transformational policies designed to enhance the quality of our human capital, therefore attacking poverty at its core. It requires a Government committed to the socioeconomic well-being of its people in a society built on equalitarian principles, geared at successful policy making.

Yet, the coalition has repeatedly taken the opposite direction.

Social policies aimed at supporting parents and pensioners were removed, taxes across social and professional categories were increased by hundreds of percentages, State guarantees were ripped from the agriculture sector and factories were closed. As if that weren’t enough, 1972 Amerindian CSOs and an undisclosed number of public servants of Indian descent were fired due to political and ethnic discrimination in the Public Service.

If the President was really committed to fighting crime, then he would focus more on materialising those promises he made to Guyanese during his presidential campaign, rather than reneging on them, while suggesting that Guyanese become criminals because of their love for the narco-trade. He would ensure his government worked toward building avenues for a reliable job market, creating employment and training skilled labour. He would provide guarantees to young professionals instead of killing the economy and forcing them to flee to Brazil, North America and anywhere else that offered better opportunities.

He would also constrain the Indigenous Affairs Ministry to re-hire as promised, the 1972 Amerindians who were fired under the YEAP. Instead, the HEYS programme which was intended to replace the YEAP, forfeited its responsibility to provide jobs for these individuals. Additionally, months of stipends are outstanding for participants who in the end are not guaranteed employment at the issue of the programme.

As a result, HEYS is another failed investment unfit to combat poverty in Amerindian communities.

Au finale the President’s charade wouldn’t get us far in fighting crime perpetrated mostly by those at the lower levels of society. Pardoning hundreds of criminals without implementing solid rehabilitating structures to prevent recidivism, raiding night spots to confiscate a few grammes of marijuana, apprehending prostitutes before releasing them back into business, have so far proven to be farcical.

In addition to sustainable policy-making, the President must put aside his penchant for self-righteous, radical, militarystyle leadership and intervention, and advocate for the rule of law in every layer of society, including in Government, where corruption currently reigns.

If President Granger refuses to muzzle the corruption of his own members of Government and continues to protect the political tyrants of his party, especially those in Region 9, then he is unqualified to sermon this nation on the rule of law.

Guyanese people do need change from the unnerving sense of insecurity which hovers over every child, woman and man daily. They need change from the whimsical and capricious policies devised by an untrustworthy Government. It is time.

Send comments to sundayarrow@gmail.com

entral Demerara Lions Club in collaboration with Central Georgetown Rotary Club and Humanitarian Assistance Programme (HAP) jointly donated over $2 million in medical supplies, footwear and clothing to residents of Kuru Kururu, on the Soesdyke/ Linden Highway.

Over 250 residents benefited from this medical outreach and warmly welcomed the initiative.

Guyana Times was told that eye screening was conducted on 110 persons that enabled 80 residents to be in receipt of eye glasses. A large quantity of clothing and over 250 pairs of footwear were do-

The recipient of the wheelchair along with members of the medical outreach

nated to the people of Kuru Kururu.

In addition, medical checkups were done on the residents and medical care was given to over 200 residents.

Over 250 residents received dental services, which included extraction and filling. Upon the group’s learning of a resident’s medical condition that required a

wheel chair, such was donated to the elderly man.

A medical bus was used to facilitate the dental services that featured a long line of persons waiting to access the service.

The medical outreach featured a number of members from each of the charity groups. President Dwarka Singh from the Central Demerara Lions Club expressed gratitude of being able to undergo such a massive project and pledges to continue the work of charity.

President Rajesh Seebaran of Central Georgetown Rotary Club and Mr Stephen of HAP, Director from the USA echoed similar sentiments.

18 NEWS

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Security Sector Reform Action Plan

President to address UK advisor to assist Govt opening of Parliament

with implementation

O

ne year after it was announced that the United Kingdom (UK) will revive the multimillion-dollar Security Sector Reform Action Plan (SSRAP) here, works to have the project rolled out are processing, as such, Guyana will be welcoming a security advisor from Great Britain to assist in its implementation.

British High Commissioner to Guyana, Greg Quinn, told Guyana Times on Friday that the process is currently ongoing to recruit the advisor who will be in Guyana for a oneyear programme.

“The programme will be guided by the President and what the President wants to do; but it will be focusing on the broader needs and security sector reforms,” the UK Diplomat explained.

The High Commissioner could not say exactly when the security advisor is expected here; however, a statement from the Ministry of the Presidency on Friday evening revealed that the expert would arrive in Guyana in November.

“As the Government continues to address the incidence of crime in Guyana, the country will be welcoming a security advisor from the United Kingdom (UK) next month, who will be working closely with the Administration on the implementation of the Security Sector Reform Action Plan

President David Granger

(SSRAP),” the release outlined.

Moreover, High Commissioner Quinn explained to this newspaper on Friday that over the past year, a lot of ground has been covered as it relates to restoring the Security Sector Reform Action Plan.

“There is a variety of other people who have been out working on various bits on the broader security sector reform. There is a team that has been looking at immigration, on Police… so there is a selection of different groups and different sort of people, who are working on specific areas of the security sector reform,” the top UK envoy stated. Since assuming office in May 2015, President David Granger had indicated that his Administration is intent on having the SSRAP reintroduced and has since met with former UK Prime Minister David Cameron and High Commissioner

British High Greg Quinn

Commissioner

Quinn on the matter. He believes every facet of the local security sector will be strengthened under the UKfunded action plan.

“I would say (that) in the last 16 months we have covered a lot of ground to restore the Security Sector (Reform) Action Plan as fast as we could; and within weeks it is going to be happening,” the President said in a previous interview.

The Security Sector Reform Programme (SSRP) was launched in 2007 but was scrapped two years later, after major disagreements between the then Bharrat Jagdeo Administration and the UK Government over some of the conditions of the plan.

Guyana virtually walked away from the programme, saying that aspects of the project threatened to encroach on this country’s sovereignty.

However, the British had contended then that the

Guyana Government proposed a “fundamentally different” programme, focused on Police modernisation rather than the holistic reform originally requested.

The UK’s proposed project had aimed to build a sustainable foundation for improving national security and reducing serious crime in Guyana by 2011.

However, after it was agreed last year that the programme will be revived, it was noted that before the process can kick into effect, a new assessment will have to be done on the security sector in Guyana as its dynamics would have changed significantly since the last assessment was done.

That assessment has been completed and the analysis handed over to Government back in May. The analysis focuses on the current state of the local security sector and contains an action plan going forward, as well as how the UK government can assist in executing the plan.

However, the British High Commissioner had pointed out that even though his Government took responsibility of the assessment, the final say as to the next step lies in the hands of the Guyanese Government. He noted that once Government would have considered the contents of the assessment, then they would say what they want the UK to help them with.

P

resident David Granger will on Thursday address the Parliament of Guyana, when the session opens after being in recess for two months. The Head of State said Government will be pushing a critically important legislative agenda which addresses good governance and national development. Additionally, the President’s address comes ahead of the reading of the 2017 National Budget.

“It… is a very good opportunity for us to let the nation know how we intend to govern the country during the financial year 2017 and so in broad outline, we are looking at the financial plan that is the Budget, which is going to be presented early December or late November.

That will have the effect of actually starting in January 2017, so that people would know what the figures are… but we also want to lay out our legislative agenda and our broad policy for governance in terms of our social and poverty alleviation programmes and most important our green agenda,” the Head of State said, during

an interview at State house on Friday.

Chief Whip for the Government and Social Cohesion Minister, Amna Ally, in an invited comment, said that the legislative agenda has been set based on the importance Government places on strong governance, security and youth development.

She added that the ultimate goal is a better life for all Guyanese.

She noted that several of the Bills have been exposed to public consultation. One of the items at the top of the agenda for this session, the Chief Whip said, is the adoption of the National Youth Policy, which she said has been hanging for quite some time and it is, therefore, imperative that this be given the necessary attention.

Among the bills Government is looking to give its attention to when Parliament reopens on Thursday are the Cybercrime Bill 2016 (currently at the Select Committee), the Tobacco Bill, the Whistle Blowers Bill and the Witness Protection Bill.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2016

19

Kohli, Rahane entertain in Indore debut Test

A

n unbroken partnership of 167 between Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane, the highest of the series so far, put India in control at the end of Indore’s first day of Test cricket, the third of the series. Kohli ended the day on 103, his 13th Test hundred. It was by no means his most enthralling innings, but it was utterly dominant in that he gave New Zealand no inch on a largely attritional day. Rahane, less certain, gutsed it out to stay unbeaten on 79 and India were

SCOREBOARD India 1st innings M Vijay c Latham b Patel 10 G Gambhir lbw b Boult 29 CA Pujara b Santner 41 V Kohli* not out 103 AM Rahane not out 79 5 Extras: (b-1, lb-2, nb-2) Total:(3 wickets; 90 overs) 267 To bat: RG Sharma, R Ashwin, WP Saha†, RA Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, UT Yadav Fall of wickets: 1-26 (Vijay, 4.5 ov), 2-60 (Gambhir, 19.5 ov), 3-100 (Pujara, 35.6 ov) Bowling: TA Boult 16-2-54-1, MJ Henry 20-3-65-0, JS Patel 24-365-1, MJ Santner 19-3-53-1, JDS Neesham 11-1-27-0 (nb-2) New Zealand team: TWM Latham, MJ Guptill, KS Williamson*, LRPL Taylor, L Ronchi, JDS Neesham, MJ Santner, BJ Watling†, JS Patel, MJ Henry, TA Boult

Ajinkya Rahane tries to evade a short ball

267 for 3.

Having come together at 100 for 3, with the match in the balance, Kohli and Rahane gradually asserted India’s dominance in front of an enthusiastic crowd numbering over 18,000. Having started watchfully - they added 48 in 20 overs before tea - they grew increasingly fluent, scoring 119 in the final session in 34 overs, at exactly three-and-a-half runs an over.

All five of New Zealand’s bowlers were disciplined and had wellthought-out plans, but there was little help for them off a pitch that wasn’t the greatest to look at, with cracks all over its surface, but played more or less true on the

England beat ...

FROM PAGE 21

SCOREBOARD

England Women innings (50 overs maximum) L Winfield b Fletcher 24 TT Beaumont c Campbelle 8 b Dottin GA Elwiss b Dottin 3 HC Knight* c †Aguilleira b Dottin 0 NR Sciver c Taylor b Mohammed 9 DN Wyatt c Dottin b Fletcher 44 AE Jones† c †Aguilleira b Taylor 20 KH Brunt c Campbelle b Quintyne 17 LA Marsh run out (Cooper) 1 S Ecclestone b Mohammed 3 A Hartley not out 2 Extras:(lb-3, w-15) 18 Total: (all out; 49.1 overs) 149 Fall of wickets 1-32 (Beaumont, 13.4 ov), 2-47 (Elwiss, 17.2 ov), 3-47 (Knight, 17.3 ov), 4-49 (Winfield, 18.1 ov), 5-62 (Sciver, 21.4 ov), 6-107 (Jones, 32.2 ov), 7-132 (Wyatt, 40.3 ov), 8-135 (Marsh, 42.4 ov), 9-143 (Ecclestone, 46.4 ov), 10-149 (Brunt, 49.1 ov) Bowling: SS Connell 10-028-0(w-4), EM Giddings 6-015-0(w-1), ASS Fletcher 101-21-2, DJS Dottin 5-0-21-3 (w-7), A Mohammed 6-017-2, SL Quintyne 7.1-0-25-

1, SR Taylor 5-1-19-1 (w-1) West Indies Women innings (target: 150 runs from 50 overs) HK Matthews c Elwiss b Ecclestone 26 SL Quintyne b Ecclestone 25 SR Taylor* lbw b Hartley 9 DJS Dottin c Elwiss b Brunt 27 MR Aguilleira† b Marsh 5 1 B Cooper b Hartley SA Campbelle not out 24 A Mohammed lbw b Hartley 0 ASS Fletcher lbw b Marsh 14 SS Connell lbw b Brunt 2 EM Giddings lbw b Brunt 3 Extras: (b-3, lb-2, w-2, nb-1) 8 Total: (all out; 44.2 overs) 144 Fall of wickets 1-53 (Matthews, 15.1 ov), 2-59 (Quintyne, 17.1 ov), 3-70 (Aguilleira, 21.5 ov), 4-81 (Cooper, 23.5 ov), 5-100 (Dottin, 30.5 ov), 6-100 (Taylor, 31.1 ov), 7-100 (Mohammed, 31.2 ov), 8-123 (Fletcher, 38.6 ov), 9-138 (Connell, 42.2 ov), 10-144 (Giddings, 44.2 ov) Bowling: KH Brunt 9.2-2-243 (w-1), NR Sciver 4-1-17-0, S Ecclestone 9-3-28-2 (nb-1), LA Marsh 10-0-36-2, A Hartley 9-0-26-3, HC Knight 3-1-8-0

first day, if a little slow. The off spinner Jeetan Patel was t h e i r best bowler, but his figures - 1 for 65 off 24 overs - told a story: he frequently beat the batsmen in the air, but they usually managed to adjust since it didn’t turn all that much or all that quickly once it landed.

Kohli came into the match with scores of 44, 3, 4, 9, 18, 9 and 45 in his last seven Test innings, but the last of them, in Kolkata, had been a superb display of footwork and judgment on a pitch with uneven bounce. It suggested he wasn’t really out of form.

Rahane endured a few nervous moments against the short ball. Twice - on 3 by Matt Henry and on 25 by Neesham - he lifted his hands instinctively to protect his face, and was lucky the ball hit his arm guard on both occasions rather than his glove. On 7, he top-edged a pull as Boult went around the wicket and angled a short ball into his body, and saw the ball fall inches wide of Henry rushing in from the square leg boundary. On 41, he kept his gloves and bat out of the way of a Henry bouncer, but couldn’t move his upper-body across quickly enough to evade it, and took a blow to the back.

There were a number of other times when he ducked or swayed awkwardly, with eyes off the ball, as well.

The crowd was treated to an entertaining start as M Vijay drove Boult on the up for two fours through the covers in the third over of the morning, and Gautam Gambhir, returning to the Test side after two years to replace the injured Shikhar Dhawan, pulled Henry for successive sixes in the fourth over. Kane Williamson, back in charge of New Zealand after missing the Kolkata Test with illness, brought Patel on in the fifth over, and he struck with his fifth ball, getting it to dip on Vijay, who looked to flick a long way in

At 100 for 7, England were suddenly favourites but Shemaine Campbelle and Afy Fletcher chipped together a stand of 23 before Fletcher was lbw to Marsh.

Campbelle then managed to clear the ropes with just the second six of the day before losing Shamilla Connell to a dubious lbw decision against Brunt.

That left Campelle with the No. 11, debutant Erva Giddings, for company and the pair whittled it down to six required when Giddings was also trapped lbw by Brunt.

Earlier, Brunt was last out for England having made what would end up being a vital 17 off 49 balls. The innings was tough going throughout with openers Lauren Winfield and Tammy Beaumont unable to find the tempo they did against the less challenging attack of Pakistan in the English season.

Dottin claimed the first wicket in the 14th over and soon had three to her name including captain Heather Knight first ball to put her on a hat-trick.

At 62 for 5, England were floundering but Wyatt and Amy Jones added 45. Wyatt was closing in on a maiden internationErva al fifty when she fell to Fletcher Giddings and the last four wickets could had a quite only muster 17. (ESPNcricinfo) debut

Virat Kohli scored his 13th Test century on day 1 at Indore

front of his body and gave Tom Latham the chance to pull off a juggling reflex catch at short leg.

There was little turn on offer for Patel and Santner, who bowled from both ends till the 11th over, and Cheteshwar Pujara and Gambhir settled down nicely before Boult and Henry came back into the attack. The quicks changed their lengths to Gambhir in their second spells, bowling noticeably fuller and trying to exploit the left-hander’s tendency to shuffle across his crease. He grew quieter against this mode of attack, scoring only two runs in 20 balls before he was lbw to Boult, bringing his bat down at an angle to a full one that nipped in slightly.

Rachael Etwaroo Memorial 20/20 bowls off Tuesday

T

he family members of the late Rachael Etwaroo, mother of Romain Etwaroo, former National Player will be keeping her memory alive this Tuesday, October 11, 2016 when they will engage the Port Mourant Cricket Club’s senior team in a feature 2 0 / 2 0 m a t c h starting at 13:00h.

The Etwaroo’s team will be a surprise team and will comprise players from New York and Port Mourant, while the Port Mourant Cricket Club will be fielding its 2016 senior Team.

The Port Mourant Cricket Club’s team will comprise of Joshua Ramsammy, Chanderpaul Hemraj, Avishkar Sewkarran,

Yudendra Harinarine, Veramootoo Senwasane, Omesh Mathura, Samuel Kishnasammy, Darmesh Seenarine, Andy Mohan, Totaram Rajaram, D e m e t r i Cameron and a few guest players from Demerara.

T h e E t w a r o o ’s have been an integral part of cricket in the Berbice area, particularly Port Mourant, and this is their way of keeping the relationship with the Port Mourant Cricket Club alive. The family intends to make this event, an annual one. Cash prizes, trophies and other incentives for players will be awarded after the game, compliments of the Etwaroo family.

20

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2016

s ’ a l e Eastman secures g n A t S s p m a h c g n i e d t o n g n Hand In Hand feature Defen i n n i w n o e c n e f e d open 35-lap race h

ys U-11 Sc

o Pee-Wee B

Team Cocos Hamza Eastman’s good cycling form continues with a convincing victory in the 35 lap feature

T

eam Coco’s Hamza Eastman won the 12th edition of the Hand-in-Hand’s School boys and invitational 35 lap feature at the national park’s inner circuit when the event was staged on Saturday morning in slightly overcast conditions.

Eastman continued his good form he had shown in Trinidad and on the open roads, completed the course in a time of one hour 17 minutes and two seconds (1H 17M 02Sec). He was followed by Christopher Griffith and Shaquel Aggard in second and third consecutively. Paul de Nobrega finished fourth while Micheal Anthony and Jamal John complgeted the top six.

In the Boys Open BMX category, Jeremiah Harrison was the first to complete the three laps, well ahead of Zab James and Shay Sue Hang in second and third respectively. Taran Graham won the aged 9-14 category while Marcus Mars placed second.

Alexander Leung once again won the 6-9 Years, two laps while Jared Barrington and Jose Rodriques in second and third consecutively.

Dwayne Gibbs won the 1- lap juniors as he was trailed by Adelaie Hodge and Mario Ellis completing podium. Gibbes finished the task in (24M 34Sec). In 9M,

T

he Inaugural Trinity Resources sponsored MultiGun Practical Shooting Match proved to be challenging and fun for local practical shooters competing under the USPSA Practical Shooting Handgun Rules at the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Yarrowkabra Range.

Every Guyana Sport Shooting Federation (GSSF) Practical Shooting Match is made up of stages that seek to measure a shooter’s ability in all three elements of the sport and are coordinated under strict safety guidelines marshaled by experienced Range Officials.

The Match was held on Saturday October 1, 2016 was no different as shooters competed in 5 stages, considering technical aspects and shooting positions to take based solely on target presentation.

The targets were some 25 yards away and each stage target array tested different skills for the shooters of different levels.

For the experienced multigun competitors, no task was too difficult, each however had to have been well executed to

Stephan Gobin edged Jason Herbert (2nd) and Ryan Canterbury (3rd) to win the Mountain Bike division.

In the over 50 five-lap sprint, Veteran Andrew Spencer piped Kennard Lovell for first place and Linden Blackman rode in third.

Jaikaran Sookhai, in a time of 11M 28Sec, won the under 50 five lap race, dethroning second placed, Junior Niles (2nd) and Warren McKay completed the podium. The 11-race programme was organized

by National Cycling Coach, Hassan Mohammed and sponsored by the one of Guyana’s leading insurance companies who kept their promise and provided cycles for the top junior riders.

Marketing Coordinator of the Hand-in-Hand Group of Insurance Companies, Andrea Jodhan-Khan spoke to Guyana Times Sport after the day’s activities and said that she was very pleased with the day’s event since Hassan Mohamed did an excellent job in executing once again. As a result the insurance powerhouse is committing to sponsoring the event for another year. Jodhan-Khan and Assistant Business Development Officer of Hand-in-Hand Group of Insurance Companies assisted with the presentation of prizes at the conclusion of the races.

be competitive. With the three elements of practical shooting on their mind – speed, accuracy and power, the competitors were judged based on their hit factor in the five stages. In the first stage called “15M Dash”, shooters had to do just as the name suggested and move the breadth of the range 15 M to engage various targets.

The second stage called ‘Bowling Alley’ was deemed a fun one which consisted of nine pepper poppers set out in a typical bowling alley design. Needless to say, a few extra shots were taken to make the poppers fall but it was a satisfying race against time to the pinging sound of the steel falling.

The third stage called ‘Hitting Rock Bottom’ required shooters to start in Box A with gun loaded and holstered. Upon start signal shooters were required to engage 3 classic targets and 2 poppers before racing downrange to Box B to engage the remaining 3 targets from under a screen. This second position saw various positions adopted by shooters from going prone to kneeling.

–

T

nship...

ll Champio ools footba

tive r o p p u s e e mor b o t J.E. Burnham by a 0-1 s t n e r a p e margin.

With Dominick Leacock scoring g r u s yo u n g ste rs r e s i the lone goal in the 12th minute. n a g for those of you who decided Or

he 5th annual Pee-Wee Boys Under-11 Schools football Championship kickedoff on Saturday at the Banks DIH ground and defending champions St. Angela’s Primary had a successful start to their title defence as they defeated St. Ambrose Primary 4-0 on the opening day where 33 goals scored from 12 exciting matches.

The Thomas Street based school was led by a superb hat-trick by Seon Cato who netted in the 6th, 14th and 21st; Antonio McArthur was in support of Cato with a goal in the 26th.

Meanwhile, before kick-off, the colourful march past off all 24 participating occurred after which Co- Director of Petra Organisation Troy Mendonca made an appeal to supporters especially parents to be supportive to the players since it is not just about winning.

Mendonca posited that “What we have observed over the years is that parents, supporters, teachers and coaches place a lot of emphasis on winning; over time it is a lot pressure being put on the youngsters.”

He further lamented that “we want to ask this year is for us to say more positive things to these youngsters instead of being harsh on them, let’s say something positive; yelling at them may cause them not wanting to play anymore and may tamper with their confidence and we want to see special effort being placed in this area.”

The organizer ended by stating that “our aim is to create the environment for you the

you wanted to be a footballer in life; this is environment where you can get involved to harness the skills”.

Similarly, Head of Department of Physical Education, Unit of Allied Arts of the Ministry of Education Nicholas Fraser explained that the players need to feel a part of the proceedings and that the sole purpose alone cannot be that of winning since they are other aspects of children development that can be addressed. “ Students feel apart and believe that they are getting better , it not just about, wining, it is about preparation, socialisation, stress reduction and the health benefits that the children will be receiving,” Fraser stated.

The competition will continue each Saturday until November 19 at the same venue with 24 teams battling for supremacy.

Summarized results of matches: Round 1 In game one, Winfer Gardens beat Mae's Primary 3-1 with Orlando Dickie(21st and 24thminutes) and Makhaya Munroe (12th) scoring for the winners. Mae's lone scorer was Joshua Bendtick (28th) While in game two, St.Pius won 4-0 over Smith’s Memorial. Deshale Humphrey (2nd), Tiquan Thompson (12th and 26th) and Tyrese Lyte (17th) were on target.

Game three saw West Ruimveldt trashing St. Margaret's 3-0 with Kevin Mentus (27th), Tafrel McAllister (31st) and Tyrese Jeffrey (38th) finding the back of the net.

In Game four, Enterprise went down to

A similar score line came up between Tucville and St. Gabrile’s in game five.

Jermaine DeRouche scored for Tucville in the 8th minute.

Defending champions St. Angela’s whipped St. Ambrose 4-0. Seon Cato (6th, 14th and 21st) and Antonio McArthur (26th) totally mesmerized the St. Ambrose boys.

Game seven never got off as Schhol of the Nations failed to show up handing Marian Academy the victory via walkover.

In Game eight, North Georgetown scored four goals while Success Elementary failed to reply. For North Georgetown, Shaquan Wallers scored a helmet trick with conversions in the 5th, 22nd, 25th and 26th minutes.

Game nine saw a drubbing for Stella Maris over Rama Krishna. When the final whistle was blown it was Stella Maris 6 and Rama Krishna nil. Fedel Norville (6th, 27th and 28th), Jevon Pluck (7th and 21st) and Jaden Wharton in the 24th minutes that scripted the demolition.

Redeemer needled St. Agnes in game 10 with Miguel Alexander shooting home in the 29th minute.

Game 11 was another one-sided affair which ended 5-0 in favour of South Ruimveldt over Comenius Primary. Nashawn Bristol opened the scoring in the 4th followed by Saleem Rameshwar (8th and 17th) and Antonio Leitch in the 21st and 24th minutes to crown a good game.

The final game of the day was a stalemate between St. Stephen’s Primary and F.E. Pollard. After full time the score line read nil all.

GSSF Multi-Gun Practical Shooting Match participants at the Yarrowkabra Range

The fourth stage ‘Speed Reload’ whilst seemingly a simple set up with 1 classic target and 3 plates, required a lot of concentration as shooters were required to start by standing relaxed facing uprange with handgun loaded but chamber empty and holstered. Upon the start signal, the classic target was to be engaged with minimum 2 rounds, then a mandatory reload had to be performed before engaging the plates. Final mandatory reload was required before shooters could engage the classic target with a minimum of 2 rounds, all within a designated box.

The afternoon culminated in the Final 5th Stage, all designed by the Match Director, David Dharry.

The stage called ‘Wing-Ding’

required shooters to stand relaxed on the start line, gun loaded with empty chamber is holstered. On start signal, competitors had to engage 4 clay targets with the shotgun. They were required to then clear the shotgun and engage the safety and place on a table before proceeding along a corridor to engage 4 paper targets with the handgun only. Further at the end of the corridor was another table with a rifle and shooters were required to engage the only 4 plates beyond with the rifle only. Thereafter the same safety rule applied with the rifle being cleared prior to handling of any other firearm. The remaining 3 plates and 2 paper targets were behind and under a screen forcing shooters to once

again adopt individual positions to engage the targets.

Scoring was tallied by an official scoring software for the sport and managed by Stats Officers Dr. Pravesh Harry. The top three in the two divisions received plaques for their efforts as follows; Overall Production 1st - Rajiv Latchana 226.1275 2nd - David Dharry 184.6844 3rd - Aleemul Ali 177.3635 Overall Limited Division 1st - Ryan McKinnon 295.0000 2nd Ray Beharry 175.5658 3rd - Pravesh Harry 122.8716 At the closing ceremony, President of the Federation, Ms Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon commended the Match Director, David Dharry, Range Master

Ryan McKinnon, Quarter Master, Romesh Latchana, Range officials and other Committee Members for the hard work in ensuring the efficiency and high safety standards with which the match was run. She went on to thank Trinity Resources and it’s Director Ray Beharry for unhesitatingly supporting the federation.

In his invited comment, Beharry, expressed his commitment to sport shooting and undertook to continue the annual sponsorship of this Match to make it an annual event on GSSF’s Calendar.

Ms Persaud-McKinnon also conveyed special thanks to Harold Hopkinson for the use of the props, steel target and other range equipment.

YELLOW

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21

England beat Windies by 5 runs in thriller

E

ngland’s bowlers produced a superb collective effort to lead a stirring fightback and secure a five-run victory in the first ODI against West Indies in Jamaica.

Katherine Brunt clinched the win to finish with 3 for 24 to follow Alex Hartley’s 3 for 26 and an impressive debut for Sophie Ecclestone.

On a slow pitch, the preparation of which had been effected by Hurricane Matthew, scoring was hard work throughout.

Danni Wyatt’s career-best 44 nudged England to 149, but when West Indies were 53 without loss they appeared well on course.

The openers, Hayley Matthews and Shaquana Quintyne, hit more boundaries between then

Lauren Whitfield is beaten by a delivery from Afy Fletcher as Merissa Aguilleira gathers

(eight) than England managed in total before spin changed the course of the innings. Ecclestone, the left-arm spinner, removed both openers in consecutive overs before fellow left-armer Hartley picked up

three and Laura Marsh also struck.

West Indies’ innings had also been set back when Stafanie Taylor had to retire hurt before facing a delivery. She left the field in an ambulance with a leg injury, before returning a short

while later at the fall of the fourth wicket. However, she fell lbw Hartley and was one of three wickets to fall on 100 including the key scalp of Deandra Dottin who was well caught at mid-off by Georgia Elwiss off Brunt.

TURN TO PAGE 19

West Indies legspinner Devendra Bishoo had a good warm up with a 5-wicket haul

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D

arren Bravo and Kraigg Brathwaite found some form with the bat on the second day of the West Indians’ tour game against the PCB Patrons XI. Both batsmen struck fifties and shared an 82-run partnership for the second wicket as the West Indians ended the day on 174 for 2 in response to the PCB Patrons XI’s score of 308.

Bravo was unbeaten at stumps on 73 off 178 deliveries, having anchored the side through his partnerships with Brathwaite and Shai Hope (58 for the third wicket). He struck 12 fours and two sixes, while Brathwaite, who scored 55 off 131 deliveries, struck four fours before he was dismissed. Leon Johnson was the only other West Indian batsman to be dismissed on the day, falling to Ahmed Jamal for 11.

Earlier, PCB Patrons XI resumed from an overnight score of 241 for 5 and went on to hit 67 runs off nearly 14 overs before being bowled out for 308. Adnan Akmal, who was unbeaten on 26 overnight, took the lead, scoring 69 off 67 balls with 10 fours. He had support from Asif Zakir 10-308 (Ahmed Jamal, 103.4 ov) Pakistan Cricket Board as the pair stretched Patron's XI 1st innings Bowling: ML Cummins their overnight 19-5-64-1, AS Joseph 3-1Mohammad Hafeez c Joseph partnership of 34 4-0 (w-1), JO Holder 16.4b Cummins 0 runs to 85 before the Shan Masood run out (†Dowrich 3-38- 3, D Bishoo 36-6-1075, RL Chase 17-2-59-0, KC stand was broken by /sub [CR Brathwaite]) 58 Brathwaite 12-1-34-0 Devendra Bishoo. The Ahmed Shehzad c Bravo pair scored at a rate of b Bishoo 52 West Indies 1st innings 4.81 and were eventuIftikhar Ahmed c sub KC Brathwaite c Fawad Alam ally dismissed in suc(CR Brathwaite) b Bishoo 63 b Shahzaib Ahmed 55 cessive overs with the Fawad Alam* c Blackwood LR Johnson c Asif Zakir total close to 300. b Bishoo 32 b Ahmed Jamal 11 Bishoo, who had Asif Zakir c & b Bishoo 17 DM Bravo not out 73 taken three wickAdnan Akmal† b Holder 69 SD Hope not out 24 ets on the first Junaid Khan lbw b Bishoo 9 Extras:(b-5, lb-1, pen 5) 11 day, completed Shahzaib Ahmed lbw b Holder 1 Total:(2 wickets; 74 overs) 174 his five-for and Imran Khan not out 0 To bat: D Bishoo, SO Dowrich†, conceded 107 Ahmed Jamal b Holder 4 J Blackwood, RL Chase, runs, while ML Cummins, AS Joseph, Extras: (b-1, lb-1, w-1) 3 Holder JO Holder* Total: (all out; 103.4 overs) 308 took the Fall of wickets: 1-34 Fall of wickets: 1-0 Mohammad remain(Johnson, 17.6 ov), 2-116 Hafeez, 2.1 ov), 2-101 (Ahmed i n g (Brathwaite, 42.1 ov) Shehzad, 46.1 ov), 3-143 t h r e e Bowling: Junaid Khan 12-3-16(Shan Masood, 63.3 ov), 4-206 wickets 0, Imran Khan 9-2-33-0, Fawad (Fawad Alam, 80.1 ov), 5-207 Alam 5-4-3-0, Ahmed Jamal 12(Iftikhar Ahmed, 80.4 ov), 6-292 on the Kraigg 4-23-1, Shahzaib Ahmed 20-6(Asif Zakir, 98.2 ov), 7-296 second Brathwaite 51-1, Iftikhar Ahmed 14-4-27(Adnan Akmal, 99.5 ov), 8-304 day. scored 55 off

SCOREBOARD

(Junaid Khan, 102.5 ov), 9-304 (Shahzaib Ahmed, 103.2 ov),

0, Ahmed Shehzad 2-0-10-0

131 deliveries

22

guyana-times.com

sundAY, october 9, 2016

Scotiabank Men’s Caribbean Cup...

Suriname tame Golden Jaguars

National Juniors Indoor Hockey Tournament…

GCC (purple) girls showed their skills to make a statement (Dexter Ceres photo)

Brandford’s heroics sink Old Fort T

Marcel Barrington

Kai McKenzie-Lyle

S

Action between Golden Jaguars and Suriname at the André Kamperveen Stadium

uriname ensured that history did not repeat itself, as they battled to 3-2 victory over the Golden Jaguars on Saturday in round three of the Scotiabank Men’s Caribbean Cup. Suriname would have lost to Guyana three of the last four occasions and the Jaguars departed these shores full of confidence with the aim of making it four wins but Mitchelle Kiscoor, Galgyto Talea and Ivanildo Rozenblad ensured that the home side came out victors.

Playing at the André Kamperveen Stadium, the match went into overtime to decide the winner, after the score line read 1-1 at the end of regulation time.

Jaguars’ forward Marcel Barrington hit the back of

the net in the 5th minute, a momentum in which the team carried until half time.

However, upon resumption, the home team looked extremely rejuvenated as Kiscoor found the equalizer in the 51st.

Extra time commenced and the home side were forcing the pace of the ball immediately and their pressure eventually paid virtue, as it brought a lapse in defending where mid-fielder Talea steered the ball into an empty goal in the 103rd.

One brought two and six minutes later, Rozenblad increased the lead for the Surinamese and essentially sealed the match for the home side.

The final minutes of the match were approaching and

with the Jaguars press to find two goals to carry the match into penalties, goal keeper Kai McKenzie-Lyle scored in the 116th, to give some consolidation for their efforts.

The loss have certainly dented the Golden Jaguars chances for qualifying for the prestigious CONCACAF Gold Cup and will now need an victory against the formidable Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz on Tuesday at the Leonora Stadium.

Jaguars have never beaten the Reggae Boyz in their last three encounters but will certainly need a change in fortunes if they seek to keep any hopes alive of progressing in the tournament.

Match time on Tuesday is 20:00h.

he National Juniors Indoor Hockey Tournament officially got underway on Friday evening at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue as rising star; Aroydy Brandford single handedly carried the Hikers U-21 team past rivals Old Fort, while Saints had a mixed outing.

The opening night of the event, which was designated to the Under-21 competition, was definitely of top quality but the class of Brandford was clearly above the other players on both Hikers and Old Fort.

Brandford scored twice in the 8th minute and three in the second half (14th, 15th and 20th).

In the Boys division, Saints once again failed to capitalize on a leading first half as they played

to a draw against GCC with the final score remained 2-2.

Saints entered the second half with a comfortable 2-0 lead but poor defending lead to GCC bouncing back with two goals in the 19th and 20th minute. Hilton Chester and Parmanand Dindial were the two architects of the first half destruction.

GCC made good of the draw to hand Old

Fort a so u n d trashing. The GCC men romped to 6-0 at the end of the game.

Saints redeemed themselves in their final contest,

Aroydy Brandford scored all five goals for Hikers

defeating Phoenix 3-NIL. The Chester boys, Hilton and Hilmar score two while Parmanand Dindial scored the third.

The GCC female counterparts followed up the males and handed Saints women a 6-1 drubbing.

Ace striker, Aliyah Gordon was the main destroyer for the GCC females, blasting four goals in the 6th, 12th minute with two in the 19th.

Today is the final day.

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2016

Jaguars Franchise League, Round 7

23

Sinclair, Fudadin inspire Upper – Doubles for Hetmyer Corentyne & Surujnarine

I

nspired by Keon Sinclair’s five wicket haul and Assad Fudadin’s century, Upper Corentyne dominated the second day of their final round encounter against Georgetown in the Jaguars Franchise League at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) ground Bourda.

First up Sinclair claimed four wickets in the morning session to add to his one wicket taken the previous day to ensure Georgetown fell short of his team’s first innings total. Due to his exploits, Georgetown managed to add 100 runs to their overnight 116-2, before they were eventually bowled out in the first session replying to 224 made

by Upper Corentyne on day one. The fast bowler finished with 5-62 and was supported by off spinner Eon Hooper, who claimed 4-61 to take his tournament tally to 38.

Christopher Barnwell (10) was the first wicket to drop on the morning, removed by Sinclair after Georgetown added just two to their overnight score. However, Georgetown top scorer Robin Bacchus added 32 to his overnight score to give his team’s innings some substance. Only Kellon Carmichael (36) and Sunil Singh (29) of the other batsmen chipped in.

In the post lunch session, the visitors commenced their second innings and scored 104 runs during the period while losing three wickets. They reached 99 before Jason Sinclair was caught at slip by Barnwell off the bowling of left arm spinner Lord. It was soon 104-3 as Barnwell struck twice to remove Joshua Ramsammy and Kelvon Anderson for ducks in the same over. Fudadin was not out on 54 at the tea break.

Subsequent to the tea interval, Fudadin increased his scoring rate as he reached triple figures to lift his team to 248-6 at the close. He scored 79 runs in that session to finish unbeaten on 133. He was supported by Clinton Pestano, who hit 34 runs in that session. Shawn Perreira is the other not out batsman on eight. Upper Corentyne now has an overall lead of 256 going into the final day of

Assad Fudadin gathers on the onside on his way to another 100

play tomorrow.

At Port Mourant, tournament winners Lower Corentyne amassed a mammoth 649/9 declared in reply to West Berbice’s 174 all out yesterday. There were two double centurions as Seon Hetmyer struck a brilliant 215 with 22 fours and a six and Kandasammy Surujnarine smashed 212 including 18 fours. The two batsmen featured in a 296 runs partnership. Kandasammy is now second highest run scorer for the tournament with 607. Avishnash Sewkarran took 4/118 while Sherwyn Mc Pherson had 2/45.

Faced with a first innings deficit of 475, West Berbice reached stumps on 122/2 still 353 runs adrift with Leon Andrews on 77 not out. Devon Clements has taken the two wickets to fall so far.

At Tuschen, Romario Shephard’s 8/49 rattled Essequibo as they folded for 134 all out after resuming on their overnight score of 87/3. Kemo Paul added eight runs to his overnight score of 43 before he was dismissed by Shephard for 51.

Ricardo Adams was the only other batsman to offer any resistance as Shepherd and Reifer bowled aggressively on a pitch was good pace and bounce, peppering the Essequibo batsmen with the short delivery. Reifer finished with 2/68. Shepherd

now has 34 wickets which is third for most wickets behind Gajanan Suknanan (36) and Eon Hooper (38).

West Demerara, with a first innings cushion of 212 runs after making 346 in their first knock, opted not to enforce the follow on and were batting 120/2 when heavy showers stopped play at 13:41h. Play was eventually called off without any further play. Tagenarine Chanderpaul is on 60 not out which now puts him top of the runs chart with 625 runs.

Kemol Savory is the other not out batsman on 19. West Demerara are ahead by 332 runs.

At Enterprise Community Development Centre ground, East Coast

Demerara resuming on their overnight score of 34/0 were dismissed for 217 with captain Kamesh Yadram playing a captain knock of 104 not out. He struck 10 fours and 3 sixes. Bhaskar Yadram supported with 33 while Paul Wintz (23), Keon Roberts (22) and Ameer Khan (20) were the other major scorers in the innings. Sherfane Rutherford took 4/39, Stephen Harris 2/58 and Totaram Bishun 2/62 were the main wicket takers for East Bank Demerara.

East Bank Demerara, closed the day on 113/5 chasing 178 for an outright victory. Tevin Imlach is on 52 not out.

Play resumes at 09:30h today.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2016

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

guyana-times.com

Jaguars Franchise League, Round 7

Sinclair, Fudadin inspire Upper Corentyne Page 23

Scotiabank Men’s Caribbean Cup...

Suriname tame Golden Jaguars

A fired up Christopher Barnwell bowls Joshua Ramsammy for nought

Page 22

Eastman secures Hand In Hand feature 35-lap race Page 20

Happy bunch! Winners in the various categories along with organiser Hassan Mohammed,(standing sixth from right) Savita Singh (extreme left) and Andrea Jodhan-Khan (second from right) at the presentation ceremony

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