Guyana times november 7,2017

Farmers App to be launched P2

Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana Issue No. 3385

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THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Tuesday, November 7, 2017

Opposition alarmed by balance of payments deficit Page 3

GPF receives US$2.6M crimefighting boost

PRICE

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Queenstown, Essequibo residents P2 calling for Police outpost

NIS employee slapped with causing death charge P8

Page 12

Attack on teacher

Police intensify probe, review CCTV footage P10

…victim remains unresponsive at GPHC

…as Chinese Govt donates vehicles, equipment President David Granger gets a feel of one of the All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) that were donated by the Chinese Government on Monday. Also in photo are acting Police Commissioner David Ramnarine; Minister of State, Joseph Harmon and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo

TIGI calls for new formula to select GECOM Chair Page 7

…slams President’s move to unilaterally appoint Patterson

Auditor General's Report

$209M unaccounted for by UG

Govt hints at possibility P11 of female as next Top Cop

Page 9

Couple charged for illegally exporting P8 raw gold

2 news Queenstown, Essequibo residents calling for Police outpost tuesDAY, november 7, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

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esidents of the Region Two community of Queenstown, Essequibo Coast are calling on the Public Security Ministry to establish a Police outpost there.

During a Police outreach

held in the village, Deputy Commander of ‘G’ Division, Marlon Taylor, was present, and he reminded residents about their legal rights and explained the procedures in reporting and observing illegal activities within their

area.

Extending a hand of friendship to the residents, Taylor added that the Guyana Police Force is seeking to build partnerships in all communities throughout Guyana.

Deputy Commander of G Division, Marlon Taylor, speaking with residents during the outreach

Residents thus used the opportunity to request the establishment of a Police outpost in the community.

Many persons declared at the outreach that there has been an increase in drug trafficking in the community, and they claim this development is a direct result

of unemployment.

Residents also requested increased Police patrols and truancy campaigns in the area.

Head of the Region Two Traffic Department, Sergeant Alfred Parks, spoke to residents about road safety. He reminded

residents about safe road usage, and their rights as passengers when travelling in hire cars.

The outreach was one of several planned by ‘G’ Division Police to connect with residents in Region Two.

Farmers App to be launched

Founder of Innovative Systems, Julius Simon

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he Chairperson of Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Ms Genevieve Allen, has revealed that the Public Telecommunications Ministry, in collaboration with the technological entity Innovative Systems, will be launching an app to address the issues facing farmers within Guyana.

Founder of Innovative Systems, Julius Simon, told the media on Monday that the app would be launched on November 24th, when the Region 4 Democratic Council opens the Regional Agriculture and Commercial Exhibition (RACE).

“We’ve developed an agricultural trading platform which stemmed from an earlier initiative of the Ministry of Public Telecommunications to build a solution to alleviate and address some of the concerns farmers in Guyana face. We’ve built this platform so that the farming or agriculture sector in Guyana can be taken further in the 21st century by using technology,” he explained.

Simon said the app combines traditional agriculture with modern software that can easily connect farmers to their consumers. He added

that Innovative Systems is currently in discussion with the Telecommunications Ministry and other agencies to further refine and develop their technology.

“It (the App) combines traditional agriculture with modern software. We built a platform that can easily connect the producers of agricultural items (with) the consumers. We are mainly focusing on the local market; but, because of the technology, it could be expanded to regional and further afield.

At the exhibition, we are hoping to showcase what we have done so far, and get the input, because we are still in the prototype stage, so we can get reviews,” he explained.

Regional Chairperson Allen has said that the idea of RACE is to explore, establish, and expand new and existing ways to enhance trade at the various levels of business in the region. She said the RDC thought that it would be wise to exhibit the region’s existing production and manufacturing capabilities while providing a meeting place for producers, manufacturers and consumers to engage each other.

“Creating food security, sustainable development through trade, and establishing healthy village economies can no longer be achieved using the same old methods when science and technology continue how business is done,” she said.

The event is celebrated under the theme “Region 4 -- Advancing Sustainable Development through Trade”. It opens at the Lusignan Community Centre Ground, East Coast Demerara on November 24, and runs until November 26.

Region 4 (Demerara-Mahaica) Chairperson, Genevieve Allen

RACE would feature over 100 exhibitors from both the private and public sectors, along with live entertainment.

Allen also said the RDC has taken note that the country is being propelled in a direction that demands fresh and innovative ideas that would guarantee sustainable development. She added that RACE has been launched for this reason, as it creates an opportunity for bold and unique ideas that would allow for citizens to be more competitive in the provision of their goods and services. She said that, so far, applications have been received for 90 per cent of the booths, and exhibitors would be displaying in the areas of science, technology, agriculture, manufacturing, and production.

RACE was launched at the Ramada Princess Hotel on September 8. The Lusignan Community Centre Ground will be transformed into a commercial hub as the RDC creates a platform for the farmers, producers, manufacturers, and innovators of the region to display and promote their businesses while connecting with local and international investors.

3 Opposition alarmed by balance of payments deficit news

tuesDAY, november 7, 2017 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, November 7 – 05:00h-06:30h and Wednesday, November 8 – 08:30h-10:00h.

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Tuesday, November 7 – 06:35h-08:05h and Wednesday, November 8 – 07:30h-09:00h.

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High Tide: 06:28h and 18:42h reaching maximum heights of 2.70 metres and 2.77 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 12:15h reaching a minimum height of 0.58 metre.

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he Parliamentary Opposition has noted, with deep concern, the increasing deficit in the country’s balance of payments, which it says will continue to have serious implications for the local economy.

Opposition Member of Parliament Irfaan Ali has said these rising deficits are mainly due to lower export receipts, resulting from lower revenue from export earnings.

As a result of this unprecedented increase, the Government still has to finance these deficits. As such, the Government has been tapping into the Gross International Reserves to finance these deficits.

“Our overall balance of payments moved to a deficit of US$46 million from a surplus of US$12.1 million, and this was mainly as a result of the deficit of the Current Account of US$101.1,” Ali revealed.

Ali went on to state that if one were to look at the local forestry sector as well, one would recognise that that sector has seen a decline of over 80 per cent. And this decline from 2014 to date has cost the country US$5.8 million. The Opposition MP said this same crisis exists in other key sectors.

“The deficit in sugar, for example, is $6.3 billion, and you can add this up and at the end you will imagine not having this amount of revenue in the economy circulating, what it means to the ordinary people and the various industries,” he said.

The former housing minister also highlighted that there has been an increase in non-performing loans, which tells a very sad story that things are not right. Ali believes the economy is now reeling from the damage imposed on it by Government since assuming office over two years ago.

“We have increases in essential goods and services.

We have decline in the productive and financial sectors and services sector, and declining revenues coming in,” he added.

Even with increased production in the key traditional sectors, data compiled in the recent mid-year Finance Ministry Report has clearly shown that the economy is eroding at a fast rate.

In light of this, Ali pointed out, as foreign exchange tanks, imports will become relatively expensive.

“Overall, imported goods would become relatively expensive, hence stoking inflation in the process,” he contended.

Ali noted that net foreign reserve plummeted from US$633 million in June 2016 to US$574 mil-

Opposition MP Irfaan Ali

lion in mid-2017; the lowest ever recorded in over seven years.

“In other words, the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government destroyed in two years what the PPP/C [People’s Progressive Party] took to amass in seven years. Even more worrisome, external debt increased by US$53 million to US$1,200 million,” he added.

The Opposition Member of Parliament said it is also worthwhile to mention that net foreign revenue to external debt ratio had increased from 172 per cent in mid2016.

He added that under the PPP/C Administration, Guyana had the fastest growing economy in the region. He said that from 2006 to 2014, Guyana’s economy experienced continuous positive growth. This was the longest period of uninterrupted growth in the history of Guyana. The average growth rate was 4.5 per cent per annum.

In 2014, the last full year of the PPP/C in office,

Guyana’s GDP was US$3.1 billion. That was up from US$1.4 billion in 2006, an increase of 121.4 per cent.

The country’s Gross International Reserve held at the Bank of Guyana at the end of 2014 was US$665.6 million, which was equivalent to 3.6 months of imports.

It was up from US$251.4

million in 2005, an increase of 164.76 per cent.

The PPP/C Administration, Ali said, had drastically reduced the huge debt it had inherited from a previous PNC regime, and educed the external debt to just 39.5% of GDP. In this year’s mid-year report, it was stated that the overall balance of payments recorded a deficit of US$46 million during the first half of 2017. According to the report, key traditional products such as sugar, timber, rice, and even gold, have all recorded a decline in export earnings. The Opposition is urging Government to rethink its economic policies so as to bring about greater levels of development and opportunities.

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tuesDAY, november 7, 2017

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

Suicide and depression

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hen life has become a burden too heavy to bear, some persons do not have the courage, or strength, or spiritual fortitude to overcome an urge to seek a place they think may offer escape from their pain or problems.

They think -- that is if they are thinking at all, and not merely acting on primal emotion – that the place they have in mind would provide a final solution to all that are ailing them. Suicide is one of the most selfish and cruel acts that any human being can commit, because the lifelong burden of pain and blame that relatives and loved ones carry to their graves robs them also of their lives, or diminishes the quality of their lives.

The link between suicide and depression indicates that intervention in the lives of those who display suicidal tendencies is a dire necessity, because depression is a disease that predisposes suicidal tendencies. Sometimes someone who decides to end his/her life is saved and has a second chance at living their life to the full and natural end. They discover that so many challenges lead to higher places in life that they come to the realisation that their initial response to pain had not been a solution -- final or otherwise – but merely a precipitator of problems and a source of unending pain for loved ones.

Persons who had opted for this apparent resolution to their problems, whether they died the same time or many days afterwards, had committed the most selfish act; because they had paid no heed to their obligations to parents and other relatives who loved them, or are dependent on them for anything.

Mainly of recent times, there has been a spate of actual and attempted suicide in the youth population in Guyana, especially in rural areas; and the authorities seem perplexed on how to deal with what is emerging as an epidemic, because mental health issues seem to have taken a backseat in the health sector.

There often is need for merely a listening ear to diffuse unbearable emotions, and a caring person to advise that this final act of taking one’s own life leaves many unresolved problems for others. The agony of the moment that precipitates that momentous and tragic act that writes the final episode of one’s life by one’s own actions could be gradually reduced to manageable proportions if there is a confidante or someone to whom the afflicted can relate and in whom they can confide.

Several research have determine suicide in Guyana is a serious social problem, as Guyana is ranked first in suicides per capita worldwide.

Statistics have revealed that about 40% of people who commit suicide in Guyana ingest agricultural pesticides and thus poison themselves. The most famous case of suicide in Guyana was the mass suicide of over 900 members of Jim Jones’ Peoples Temple in 1978, although some sources regard the events as a mass murder. Jim Jones, the leader of this cult, and his followers were all Americans who had created a commune in Guyana’s jungles.

Ethnic Indians have been seen to make up the vast majority of suicide victims in Guyana. The ethnic groups categorised as “other” were seen to make up most of the difference. Indians accounted for 48% of all deaths in both years, which is 4% higher than their population share.

A World Bank report stated that the political process in Guyana is often fought with so much time and energy that “little [is] left to undertake the many policies necessary to facilitate growth and development. Poor governance on the national level, according to an IMF report, has led to inefficiencies and has strained the abilities of local and regional authorities to provide basic services and guarantee rule of law. Distribution of land and water rights, payment of taxes, court cases, and the issuance of gun and driver’s licences are all frequently found to be fraudulent. This basic ill-governance has fed a sense of mistrust and frustration among the population, reduced investments in constructive economic projects, and has led to the growth of a shadow economy. The report posits that the role of economic insecurity as a leading factor in suicide rates remains a controversial issue in Guyana.

Zoo keepers catch a pelican to move it to its winter enclosure at Liberec Zoo in Liberec, Czech Republic (Reuters/David W Cerny)

Guyana must not become another Kenya (Pt 1) Dear Editor, The history of electoral politics in Kenya before and after it won its independence from the British in 1963 has all the hallmarks of Guyanese electoral politics.

Moreover, the recent elections held on October 26 in the East African state is a blueprint for what can very well happen in Guyana’s 2020 elections.

Just as the British used the divide-and-rule policy in the then British Guiana to split the country and the national movement along racial lines, in the same way, similar practices were carried out in Kenya, save and except along tribal lines.

Before Kenya gained its independence, two major political leaders had emerged on the political landscape, Jomo Kenyatta and Oginga Odinga. They were the two foremost leaders of the national movement at the time.

After independence Kenyatta became first, Prime Minister and lat-

er, President of Kenya with Odinga Vice President.

Kenyatta emerged as Leader of the Kenyan African National Union (KANU) while Odinga led the Kenyan African Democratic Union (KADU).

Differences soon emerged between the two leaders on the ideological and the political fronts.

Odinga, a progressive democrat, wanted closer relations with China and the Soviet Union while Kenyatta, a conservative African nationalist, pushed for closer relations with the United States and the Western countries.

On the home front, Kenyatta quietly supported a wave of brutal repression and suppression against Opposition forces and individuals. Odinga was unsupportive.

Notice the close similarities as regards the ideological differences and political praxis between Burnham and Jagan in Guyana and

between Kenyatta and Odinga in Kenya.

Odinga opposed publicly Kenyatta’s pro-Western foreign policy and his repressive actions on the domestic front.

He quit the Government after serving for just three years.

Since then the animosity between the two camps has never subsided. Through the annals of history Kenya’s politics, like Guyana’s, has been characterised by years of entrenched adversarial politics.

The significance of the break-up of the respective national movements in Guyana and Kenya, although under different conditions, marked a turning point in the political history of both countries.

Both history and time have demonstrated that the splits in the two countries’ national movements were to have a lasting and devastating impact on future electoral politics.

It is an undisputed fact that tribal politics in the case of Kenya and ethnic politics in the case of Guyana have been decisive factors in determining the outcome of elections in the two countries.

Kenya was a de facto one-party state for almost 22 years up until 1992 when, under national and international pressure, President Daniel Arap Moi, a mandarin of Kenyatta’s ruling KANU party, was forced to re-introduce multi-party democracy and elections, after an absence of almost 40 years and eight years after Kenyatta’s passing.

In Guyana’s case, free and fair elections were held once again seven years after Burnham died.

Of noteworthy coincidence was the year 1992, which saw dramatic changes in the Kenyan electoral process while in Guyana it saw an end to PNC dominance.

Sincerely, Clement J Rohee

Cart has clearly been put before the horse Dear Editor, The head of the Sugar Special Purpose Unit (SPU), through a press statement, advised that the body was seeking to engage a reputable firm to value the sugar industry’s assets. That valuation, he went on to say, would form the basis of a prospectus that would allow investors to know what’s available and what it is valued at. But what is amiss about this whole convolution is that expressions of interest have already been invited. In fact, the SPU head in the press statement said that the request for proposals has been extended by about three weeks. So then

how is it that a valuation is yet to be done, but interested parties are asked to show their desire to acquire assets? From a layman’s perspective, the cart has clearly been put before the horse.

But the hiring of a reputable firm to value sugar’s assets is a faux pas. The GuySuCo top leadership has irresponsibly allowed the running down of its assets.

Thus, whenever the valuators are identified and would have completed their task, they will naturally come up with a value that is really not reflective of the realistic value of the asset. We cannot fail to miss that it is these valuations which will

determine the final prices and strengthen suspicions that the people’s assets will be sold cheaply.

And, too, the SPU head made a telling admission.

We are told that the sugar company has foregone profits as it provides several services which benefit the country. The SPU may want to say how is it that these services will be provided in the circumstances of changed ownership? It seems to me that the Treasury will have to pick up the tab meaning further pressures will be placed on the backs of the working people.

The SPU mandate, in my view, is gravely misplaced.

Rather than looking at the prospect of selling, quite possibly at dirt cheap prices, the sugar industry’s assets, GuySuCo should convince the Government to have the Unit adopt another course that is to package projects to diversify and sustain the sugar industry and to seek private capital to realise those initiatives. Sugar, I believe like many other Guyanese, has a future but political spite, as many believe too, rather than economic prudence has been the sad approach adopted towards the industry.

Yours faithfully, Patricia Persaud

tuesDAY, november 7, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

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News

GEA takes solar street lighting Security guards owed in Region 2 technology to Bartica S ecurity guards attached to the Integrated Security firm’s operations in Region Two (Essequibo Coast) have disclosed that they have not been paid for their services for now some three months.

They, however, continue to work with the hope of soon receiving their outstanding payments.

Speaking with the media, several frustrated guards related that despite making contact with the firm’s Georgetown offices, no positive answer was given them. The guards related that they have families to maintain, and are therefore calling on Government to intervene and have the firm

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he Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), in keeping with its mandate to carry out research into all sources of energy, has recently installed as part of a demonstration project, 20 integrated 80W solar-powered Light Emitting Diode (LED) street lights in Agatash Village, Bartica, along the left bank of the Essequibo River and about two miles from Bartica’s centre.

The integrated solar-powered street lights use renewable energy from the sun to charge the batteries which provide lighting at nights using energy-efficient LED lights. The lights are controlled by a light sensitive circuit to switch the lights on in the evenings and turn them off at dawn. As part of their energy conservation features, the lights are dimmed by 50 per cent when motion is not detected and return to 100 per cent brightness when motion is detected. One advantage of these systems is that they are not powered by the utility, thereby avoiding the use of fossil-based energy from the grid and the associated costs.

As part of the Green Bartica Initiative, the GEA conducted the relevant evaluations in 2016 and budgeted for the demonstration project in 2017. Solar-powered street lights are not appropriate for deployment at all locations. Locations for the use of solar-powered street lights have to be carefully reviewed to ensure that they are not shaded and have sufficient space on the existing poles to accommodate the structures. Otherwise, sep-

pay them.

One guard who is stationed at the Agriculture Ministry’s Fisheries Pond at Anna Regina told this newspaper that he has not received any payment for the past three months.

The guards say that every time they call the firm, they are given different answers; and as such, they have reported the matter at the Department of Labour in Region Two. The Labour Officer within the Region is reportedly not getting on to the firm, and this is causing the guards more frustration.

Several guards explained that the issue of their not being paid commenced with the resignation of a supervi-

sor in June. There now is no one to record their time or to bring their payments on the Essequibo Coast.

One guard, Deonarine Lilman, explained that the supervisor would usually ensure that they are paid.

When contacted, Jhalle Khan, a representative of the security firm, told this newspaper that, from his understanding, the real issue is not the guards not receiving their payments, but rather the difficulty of transferring the cash to the workers. He explained that the firm has the money to pay the guards, but arrangements have to be made to get same to the Essequibo Coast.

GuyOil to give away $3M in Christmas promotion

Solar-powered street lights in Agatash, Bartica

arate poles have to be installed to accommodate the lights which can add to the cost and clutter of structures lining the roadways.

This demonstration project, financed by the Government of Guyana, was completed at a cost of $3.97 million, translating into a unit cost of $198,500 installed. Based on the existing street lights tariff, the 20 solar-powered street lights will result in annual energy savings of about 7008 kilowatt hours (kWhs), with resultant annual cost savings of about $350,400 and associated environmental benefits. The computed simple payback when compared to a similar installation using utility-powered 80W LED lamps is six years. The GEA will continue to monitor the installations and provide technical support and main-

tenance.

Bartica was officially declared a town on May 7, 2016. The installation of the solar-powered street lights in Agatash is one small step in the Government of Guyana’s Green initiative, which involves a holistic approach to sustainable economic growth in the new township. The main objectives of the plan are to create a climate-resilient economy and to establish a green pathway, which will result in reducing the overall carbon footprint in the electricity, agriculture, fisheries, water, forestry, waste, manufacturing, transport, construction, tourism and other sectors.

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he Guyana Oil Company (Guyoil) on Monday launched its exciting annual Christmas promotion at its Kitty Service Centre on the outskirts of Georgetown.

There are in excess of $3 million in cash and other prizes to be won in this promotion, among which are $1 million in free fuel, 20 massive Christmas hampers, and free fuel fill for 20 lucky shoppers.

Some 240 persons are expected to benefit from this winning spree.

Speaking at the launch of this promo, Marketing and Sales Manager Eric Whaul said the promotion is about Guyoil giving back to its customers, whose support it had enjoyed throughout the year.

To enter this promotion,

Marketing and Sales Manager Eric Whaul speaking about the promotion

customers must spend five thousand dollars on gasoline and/or diesel and Castrol lubricants at any GuyOil Service Station.

Each customer participating in this promo will re-

ceive a coupon to enter into the draw. The major draw will be held on December 22nd, when ten lucky customers will win 1 million dollars cash. Promotions end on December 6.

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tuesDAY, november 7, 2017

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By Debbie Pincus

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he documentary “Bully” follows the lives of five children who are the victims of verbal and physical cruelty at the hands of their fellow students – and it’s getting people to sit up and take notice of a problem that just seems to get more pervasive and toxic as the years go by. In spite of all of the debate and awareness around the issue, many children are still being bullied by other children at school. What can we do as parents to help our children when they find themselves the target of another child’s cruelty or physical aggression? Debbie Pincus, creator of the Calm Parent AM & PM, gives tips on how you can address the situation effectively (and without over-personalising it) as a parent.

One of the most difficult things to do when your child is being bullied is to stay in your box and avoid over-personalising what’s happening.

Bullying is really just another form of abuse: it’s about children using power to control other children, sometimes with the intention to cause harm. Being bullied is hurtful and humiliating. It’s not an accident or joke – it’s a repetitive action that happens to a designated person or group over a period of time. Social networking and cell phones allow children to be bullied 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and their humiliation is often widespread and long-lasting. The difference between the bullying that happened during our childhoods and what’s going on now? Today’s children can’t get away from it.

guyanatimesgy.com

Foundation

Is your child being bullied? Know the signs Most children aren’t going to come home and tell you that they’re being bullied – in fact, many won’t say anything. Your child might feel ashamed or worried that they are to blame somehow, and they become experts at keeping it all inside. What are the signs you need to know as a parent?

Reluctance to go to school or to get on the computer.

Your child’s mood changes after looking at their cell phone or going on

Facebook.

Your child may not want to get on the school bus; begs you for rides to school every day.

Is frequently sick, with headaches and sleeping problems – and often wants to stay home from school.

You might notice damaged or missing belongings, or that your child keeps losing money or other valuable items.

Unexplained injuries or bruises.

Your child doesn’t seem to be eating his lunch – he comes home unusually hungry, or his lunch comes back home with him.

He might be moody, anxious, depressed, or withdrawn.

While exhibiting one or more of these signs might not necessarily mean that your child is being bullied (or cyberbullied), these are important things to pay attention to if you suspect something is going on.

What should parents do?

What can – or should – you do if your child is being bullied? Whether your child tells you outright that he’s being bullied at school or you simply suspect it, you need to listen to what he has to say around this subject, take him seriously, and empathise calmly. Support him by assuring him that what’s happening is wrong, and let him know he has a legitimate right and a responsibility to put a stop to any kind of harmful behaviour that goes on – and that you will get him some help with the problem.

When you find out your child is being bullied, you naturally feel anxious, upset, and angry.

Your first reaction is not always going to be the most effective way to handle the situation, though, because it’s probably coming from emotion and not from a calm, objective place – which is where you want to be when you talk with your child. Here are some good rules of thumb for parents to follow when dealing with this difficult situation: Don’t over-personalise it: One of the most difficult things to do when your child is being bullied is to stay in your box and avoid over-personalising what’s happening. After all, when our children are hurting, we often feel the pain

as well. Many of us remember being bullied as children ourselves, and so our child’s situation drags up feelings of pain, shame and humiliation. But make no mistake, if you’re not listening calmly and objectively to your child, you’re probably not going to be helpful. You don’t want to over-personalise and overreact. Instead, you want to listen well and help them problem solve to find ways to deal with the situation at hand. When you overreact, you’re going to overstep your bounds – it’s unavoidable.

Don’t swoop in immediately and take over: You might feel angry and anxious and want to rush in and fix everything, but that’s not going to help your child most in the long-run. If you do this, she will feel powerless not only from the bully but also

from you, because she sees you worried, falling apart or charging in. It’s really important to calm down so you can listen and make a plan together.

Ask, “How can I be most helpful to you?” Don’t forget to strategise with your child—this is where the life lesson will come in, because this will enable her to learn how to deal with this situation in the future.

Don’t minimise: Keep in mind that you don’t want to underreact either, by minimising the problem or telling your child he’s being “too sensitive.” This is not a time to leave your child alone. He needs someone more powerful than the bullies to advocate for him and help him handle the situation. (Excerpt from empoweringparents.com)

To be continued

Continued from Monday

By Vicki Davis Experiential knowledge During the year, I touch on each of the points above with lessons and class discussions, but just talking is not enough. Students need experience to become effective digital citizens. Here’s how I give them that experience.

Truth or fiction: To protect us from disease, we are inoculated with dead viruses and germs. To protect students from viruses and scams, I do the same thing. Using current scams and cons from Snopes, Truth or Fiction, Threat Encyclopedia, or the Federal Trade Commission website, I’m always looking for things that sound crazy but are true, or sound true but are false or a scam. I’ll give them to students as they enter class and ask them to be detectives. This opens up conversations on all kinds of scams and tips.

Turn students into teachers: You can have students create tutorials or presentations exposing common scams and how people can protect themselves. By dissecting cons and scams, students become more vigilant themselves. I encourage them to share how a person could detect that something is a scam or con.

Collaborative learning communities: For the most powerful learning experienc-

es, students should participate in collaborative learning (like the experiences shared in Flattening Classrooms, Engaging Minds). My students collaborate with others on projects like Gamifi-ed or the AIC Conflict Simulation.

Students need experience sharing and connecting online with others in a variety of environments. We have a classroom Ning where students blog together, and public blogs and a wiki for sharing our work with the world.

You can talk about other countries, but when students connect, that’s when they learn. You can talk about how students need to type in proper case and not use IM shorthand, but when their collaborative partner from Germany says they’re struggling to understand what’s being typed in your classroom, your students really understand this point.

Digital citizenship or just citizens?

There are people, like expert Anne Collier, who think we should drop the word digital in contexts like this one because we’re really just teaching citizenship—these are the skills and knowledge that students need to navigate the world today. We must teach these skills and guide students to experience situations where they apply knowledge. (Excerpt from edutopia.org)

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tuesDAY, november 7, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

TIGI calls for new formula to select GECOM Chair …slams President’s move to unilaterally appoint Patterson

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ocal transparency watchdog Transparency Institute of Guyana Inc (TIGI) has said that the time has come for a new formula to be crafted for the appointment of a Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) chairperson, something it believes should have been done long before now.

Speaking about the highly-contentious issue, the organisation said on Monday that this call has existed for many years since the formula was first applied and replaced. The TIGI reminded

his decision. “It is not a progressive step for Guyana, both with respect to democratic principles and accountability, and it has created a precedent that will be convenient when it is and inconvenient when it is not,” TIGI said.

The organisation firmly stated that there should be no room for the unilateral appointment of the GECOM Chair. However, while acknowledging that the Constitution caters for this, the TIGI said it was unfortunate and it was something that should be changed. The

“It is not a progressive step for Guyana, both with respect to democratic principles and accountability, and it has created a precedent that will be convenient when it is and inconvenient when it is not” – TIGI that the formula was agreed for single use only and noted that it now required all parties to work together.

However, the TIGI did not spare the Government from the heavy criticism it continues to get on the unilateral appointment of retired Justice James Patterson as Chairman of GECOM. The organisation believes President David Granger should justify his rejection of the nominees in the three lists submitted by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo and give reasons for

body believes when there is a disagreement over the unilateral appointment of a GECOM chair, recourse to the court ought to be sought.

“The decision by the President to proceed with his particular interpretation of the Constitution opens his decision to the charge that he has rejected a list or lists in order to make a unilateral appointment,” the TIGI statement added, noting that having no explanation set a dangerous precedent.

Fit and proper Touching on one of the

most burning issues in the entire debate, the TIGI said the “fit and proper” requirement or the eligibility criteria for the GECOM Chair is important for transparency.

The question as to whether or not only a judge can be chair of GECOM should be clarified.

In attempting to interpret the law, the TIGI pointed out that the Constitution overemphasises on the need for the appointment of someone who is a judge or former judge to the post. “It may seem that judges are exhausted by the first two categories. One can, therefore, argue that the ejusdem generis rule is unnecessary and conclude that “any other fit and proper” was meant to expand eligibility.”

The ruling of the court supports expansion of the eligibility criteria, the TIGI said. Therefore, the organisation is of the firm view that this must be the binding interpretation for everyone, unless it is successfully appealed. The interpretation by which the President, according to the organisation, appears to be on “shaky grounds”, However, it was noted that the President’s interpretation enabled rejection of the lists and ultimately the unilateral appointment of the Chair.

The TIGI said that although many legal experts have voiced their views on the matter, their opinions

Post mortem confirms De Willem man died by drowning

Dead: Rajendra Persaud

J

ust hours after the body of 26-year-old Rajendra Persaud was fished out of the Atlantic Ocean, Police were able to confirm that the young man died from drowning, ruling out any suspicion of foul play.

Reports are that Persaud, who resided of Lot 16 De Willem South, West Coast Demerara, went missing after we was swept away by waves during an early morning swim on Sunday.

According to information reaching Guyana Times, the 26-year-old had spent Saturday night by a friend,

and was joined by two other counterparts as they made their way to Cinderella Dam, Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo the following morning.

While swimming, the young man went into the deep and never resurfaced alive. His friends reportedly left him to drown without making attempts to rush to his rescue. His body was retrieved later that afternoon at the said location.

This publication under-

stands that the friends panicked, and did not inform the dead man’s parents about what had transpired until after a report was made to the police.

The three men were taken into custody, at the Leonora Police Station, but were subsequently released after the post mortem proved that Persaud died as a result of drowning. His body is expected to be cremated on Wednesday.

TIGI President, Dr Troy Thomas

have differed and some of them have political linkages. “These individuals should understand the sway they hold over citizens and act responsibly, especially given that the stakes are high…the court is the final authority on the interpretation of the law,” the body in

its statement added.

Nevertheless, the TIGI said that some areas of the law seem grey. As such, it believes that there is still room for the meaning and intent of the law to be fully clarified by the court, even though a ruling was handed down on the matter by the acting Chief Justice, Roxane George a few months ago.

The Opposition People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) had filed an injunction in the High Court to rescind the appointment on the grounds of unconstitutionality. The injunction is seeking a declaration that Justice Patterson is not qualified to be appointed in provision with Article 161-2 of the Constitution of Guyana.

The injunction is also seeking an order to have the appointment of Justice

Retired Justice James Patterson

Patterson as Chairman of GECOM quashed and direct the President to choose a person from the 18 names submitted to him.

The matter will be heard before the Chief Justice on November 16.

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tuesDAY, november 7, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

NIS employee slapped with causing death charge

A

47-year-old father of four appeared before the court of Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on Monday where he denied a charge of causing death by dangerous driving.

It is alleged that Dwayne Gonsalves, on November 3, 2017, at Barr and James Streets, Albouystown, Georgetown, drove motor pickup GVV 8249 in a manner dangerous to the public thereby causing the death of Ronaldo Jaundoo.

The court was told in a bail application that

Dead: Ronaldo Jaundoo

Gonsalves, who is an employee of the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), suffers from hypertension and high blood pressure.

Meanwhile, Police Prosecutor Neville Jeffers told the court that on the day in question, Gonsalves was proceeding north along Barr Street approaching James Street when he failed to adhere to a stop light and subsequently collided with a motorcycle, which was at the time proceeding east on the northern side of James Street. The motor-

cyclist suffered severe injuries to the head and various parts of his person and was pronounced dead on arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

A breathalyser test on the defendant proved negative.

The Prosecutor objected to bail on the basis that a life was lost as a result of the defendant’s recklessness; however, the Magistrate was inclined to grant bail in the sum of $600,000.

Gonsalves will return to court on November 27.

Bus conductor charged for death of elderly chef

A

lmost four months after he was involved in an accident which claimed the life of 61-yearold Francis Persaud, a 21-year-old of Dowding Street, Kitty, Georgetown was on Monday brought before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer to charges pressed by the State.

The Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan, read that on July 30, 2017, at Craig Public Road on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD), Jason Dorsett allegedly rode motorcycle CH532 in a manner dangerous to the public, resulting in the death of Persaud.

The unrepresented minibus conductor denied the allegation when it was read to him by the presiding Magistrate.

Police Prosecutor Neville

Jeffers did not object to bail, but requested that it be substantial considering the gravity of the offence.

The prosecution is contending that on the day of the accident, Dorsett was proceeding north along the Craig Public Road when he struck the chef, who was in the process of crossing the road, from the western side to the eastern.

Persaud was picked up in an unconscious state and rushed to the Diamond hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The Prosecutor indicated that an investigation was launched, and the matter was sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) which resulted in the defendant being charged.

Prosecutor Jeffers further disclosed that Dorsett has pending matters be-

Deceased: Francis Persaud

fore the court in relation to the motorcycle, for which he was required to report to the Kitty Police Station in Georgetown. Though it is unclear what the specifics of the traffic charges are, reports indicate that Dorsett was charged for driving without a licence and fail-

ing to render assistance to the victim. Dorsett allegedly fled following the accident, but left his helmet on the scene. The defendant upon his arrest sported minor injuries consistent with those gained in a vehicular accident and the breathalyser test administered found him to be slightly below the legal limit of alcohol.

Prosecutor Jeffers also revealed to the court that the case file was complete and he was ready to proceed to trial.

Bail was set in the sum of $500,000 and the conditions stipulate that Dorsett is to lodge his passport at the registry and report to the Kitty Police Station every Saturday until the completion of the trial.

The case will continue on November 13.

Couple charged for illegally exporting raw gold

B

ibi Zubida Famuda Khan and Shazam Khan, both of

Peters Hall, East Bank Demerara (EBD), were released on self-bail by

Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on Monday after denying a charge of ex-

porting raw gold without a licence, in contravention with sections 7 and 8 of the Gold Board Act, Chapter 66:01.

The charge read that the 47-year-old man and his 45-year-old wife on September 20, 2017, at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri, EBD, while not being a producer and without an export licence, were found in possession of raw gold weighing 1907.2 grams worth $14,611,375.

Attorneys-at-Law Glen Hanoman and Mark Waldron appeared on behalf of the couple, and indicated that they were parents to five children and residents of Peters Hall.

According to the lawyers, their clients were arrested over a month ago and placed on bail.

Moreover, they have since been cooperating with Police by reporting to the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) as requested.

The court heard that the testimony of 11 witnesses will be heard during trial.

Questions…

Y

…of Prezzie our Eyewitness was intrigued to discover Prezzie had evidently taken that “midnight plane to Georgia” to deliver an address to the PNC group in the “Peach State”. Why did Prezzie have Georgia on his mind? Was it because his unilateralism on placing Patterson in the GECOM Chair had exploded like a rotten sore? Was this trip connected to the PPP’s vigorous reaction in the House? Was a war chest already being created for the great battle of 2020?

But Prezzie posed three questions to his audience of ex-pat Guyanese that ironically provided answers to your Eyewitness’ questions. Right off the bat after giving a hagiographical account of the birth of the PNC, Prezzie asked, “You have to ask yourself ‘how the PNC gained office in 1964?’” How indeed?!! Well, it had everything to do with that elephant in the room Prezzie studiously avoids even though he’s a trained historian – the CIA’s campaign to remove the PPP and install the PNC to protect their (the US’s) strategic interests!

Your Eyewitness isn’t sure why Prezzie skirts around the issue…the US itself has released the declassified files that are there for anyone with a keyboard (or smartphone) to download. So is Prezzie hinting that once again the PNC has been chosen to protect US interests – this time in oil? Food for thought.

The second question Prezzie posed was, “Ask yourself ‘how did the PNC remain in office and what did it do during that year?’” Now that’s simple. The answer, of course, is the British passed the “Emergency Detention Bill”, which saw 15 members of the PPP arrested and detained under the suspension of Habeas Corpus! The PPP became mute since the least resistance would result in being thrown into Sibley Hall at the Mazaruni Prison.

The PNC extended this totalitarian law as the “National Security Act”.

The third question was “Ask yourself how the PNC (regained office) in 2015 and ask yourself how the PNC would retain office after 2020.” And this brings us to the (fetid) present. The PNC disguised itself as APNU under the fig leaf of the WPA and a number of one-man parties, by promising them Ministries. We know from the treatment of Roopnaraine they got Larwah, but the WPA had come home.

APNU, of course, suckered the AFC with the Cummingsburg Accord and they pipped the PPP with their 11% and the random 10,000 who were in the States via US issued visas – and not the “backtrack” at US$10,000 a pop!

And we arrive at (Chief?) Justice Patterson. To “retain office after 2020”, the PNC is following the Burnhamite stride in 1968.

Rigging with the connivance of the GECOM Chair! …on travails and travels The travails of Nagamootoo are too well known to be regurgitated. Suffice to say, he’s not only been neutralised but effectively neutered. That means no cojones…not even a wind ball! But your Eyewitness just discovered another (sordid) reason why he has accepted his eunuchlike state that impelled him to utter inanities like dubbing protesting Parliamentarians as “domestic terrorists”!!

Seems, in addition to his demands for the increased salary, ($1.5M), refurbishing and air conditioning at Main Street, new SUV with outriders, etc, he’s allowed unlimited travel allowances. Last year, he frittered TWENTY MILLION DOLLARS in jetting to foreign destinations – quite a feat for a fella who’s supposed to be in charge of DOMESTIC AFFAIRS! With the Cummingsburg Accord just “a cord” to muzzle Nagamootoo’s mouth, he has nothing to do but twiddle his thumb, utter inanities, cut ribbons and drop symbolic donations to the Salvation Army Christmas Kettle. He might as well fly away!

But after clocking in all those frequent flyer miles, what’s left for Foreign Minister Greenidge?

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

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tuesDAY, november 7, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Auditor General’s Report

$209M unaccounted for by UG

…over $600M unaccounted for from Special Projects Account

I

n his 2016 report, Auditor General (AG) Deodat Sharma has found that $209 million have been unaccounted for from the University of Guyana’s Science and Technology Support Project, funded by the Government of Guyana (GoG) and the International Development Association (IDA) under Credit Agreement No. 4969-GY. In 2016, the sum of $906 million was allocated this project for curriculum reform; infrastructural design and research; infrastructure rehabilitation; equipping of science laboratories; drainage; internet network; multimedia equipment; and institutional capacity building at the University of Guyana. A supplementary provision totalling $411 million was approved, bringing the total allocation to one thousand, three hundred and seventeen million dollars ($1.317 billion).

“According to the Appropriation Accounts, amounts totalling one thousand, three hundred and eleven million dollars ($1.311 billion) were expended during the period under review. However, the records of the project reflected expenditure totalling one thousand, one hundred and two million ($1.102 billion), giving a difference of $209 million,” Sharma wrote in his report.

Security Grants The sum of three hundred and two million, eight hundred and nineteen thousand dollars ($302.819 million) was expended on security services for nursery, primary, secondary and post-secondary/tertiary education, but the auditors examined eighteen schools and found that the bank accounts were not reconciled; security services were paid for in advance by the schools; there were no contractual agreements; and the cash books were not properly maintained by schools.

“In addition, amounts totalling three hundred and twenty-two million, eight hundred and twenty-nine thousand dollars ($322.829 million) were paid to eight private security firms for security services provided to 34 locations.

Auditor General Deodat Sharma

However, contract documents and Tender Board awards were not presented for audit examination. Therefore, it could not be determined whether tender procedures were followed to select the security firms, and also whether payments were made in accordance with the conditions of the contract,” the report stated.

The Head of the Budget Agency has since stated that corrective measures would be taken, while the Auditor General has recommended that the Education Minister comply with the Financial Regulations.

Inappropriate spending

The AG has said that the Education Ministry operated a Special Projects bank account, into which funds from various sources -- such as Guyana Lotteries Commission, Digicel, and refunds from the Permanent Secretary -- were placed. At the end of the review period, that account had forty-six million, six hundred and twenty-one thousand dollars ($46.621 million).

However, the report found that one hundred and seventy-three million, seven hundred and three thousand dollars ($173.703 million) were inappropriately spent from the account for furniture, anniversary celebrations, salaries and overtime, vehicle parts, and other expenses.

“An analysis of the expenditure revealed that a significant portion was related to the normal activities of the Ministry.

This expenditure should have been met from budgetary allocations, and approved by the National Assembly. In addition, the Ministry breached Section 8 of the Procurement Act, as there was no evidence that Tender Board procedures were adhered to in the procurement process. Further, payment vouchers and relevant supporting documents were not presented for audit examination,” the report stated.

A further inspection of payments made from the Special Projects bank account revealed that four payments totalling one million, five hundred and ninety-five thousand dollars ($1.595 million) were made to meet expenditure of the Ministry for national celebrations, and the payment vouchers were not presented for audit examination. And two payments totaling five hundred and twenty-five million, three hundred thousand dollars ($525.3million) were expended on salaries and overtime for staff at the National Stadium, National Cultural Centre, Sophia Training Centre, and Kuru Kuru Training College without payment vouchers being presented to the auditors.

The Head of the Budget Agency has indicated that the payment vouchers would be

UG Vice Chancellor, Professor Ivelaw Griffith

made available for examination, and that corrective action would be taken to prevent possibly recurrence in relation to the purchases. However, the Audit Office has recommended that the MoE take immediate steps to ensure all unspent sums of money are refunded to the Consolidated Fund, and that all necessary measures to locate missing payments are taken.

Discrepancies

The report has also revealed serious administrative discrepancies with the Dietary Programme undertaken by the Education Ministry. For the period un-

der review, twenty-one million, three hundred and seventy-nine thousand dollars ($21.379 million) were expended for the provision of hot meals to some 21,379 students of nursery and primary schools in several regions.

However, Sharma’s auditors discovered that nine students of the Karasabai Primary had stolen one million, eight hundred and two thousand dollars ($1.802 million) in 2017.

“In September, seven hundred thousand dollars ($700,000) were repaid, leaving one million, one hundred and two thousand dollars ($1.102 million) to be recovered. The parents of the children entered into an agreement to repay the amount stolen on a monthly basis commencing from April 2017... The matter in relation to the stolen money is presently engaging the attention of the court,” the report stated.

Meanwhile, at the Marauranau Primary School

in Region Nine, the former headmaster misappropriated the sum of one million, five hundred and twenty-four thousand dollars ($1.524 million) in 2012, and the sum of two hundred and thirty thousand two hundred dollars ($230, 200) has thus far been recovered, leaving one million, two hundred and ninety-four thousand dollars ($1.294 million) outstanding.

The Finance Ministry has been informed of the incident, and action has been taken to have deductions made from the headmaster’s gratuity.

Additionally, the Auditor General’s report found that, for all the schools visited, there was no proper record maintenance; no records of inspection by the management committee of the school; no meetings were held by committee; treasurers kept unpaid balances in their personal possession, and bank accounts were not reconciled for the period under review.

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tuesDAY, november 7, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

PPP/C tax reform motion

Opposition calls for debate before budget presentation

T

he parliamentary Opposition is calling for a motion submitted in their name to be debated before the 2018 Budget is presented to the National Assembly by Finance Minister Winston Jordan.

The motion, submitted by Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Irfaan Ali, calls for the removal of the Value Added Tax on zero-rated items, new fees and licences, and a revocation of the increase in taxes.

“We are urging the Government to have a debate on this motion…to implement what we would have recommended, or if you need clarification, or you need us to argue our position,” he said.

Ali told a press conference on Monday that many of the 120 suggestions made by the Opposition Party to Government were “aligned with the manifesto of the APNU/AFC”.

The Opposition MP explained that there was an entire section designated to recommendations made to stimulate the economy and increase job creation.

He again stated that the removal of these taxes would

help to restore the purchasing power of the people that existed before 2015.

“If you want improvement, you can’t just come and say no new taxes, you have to go back and remove some of those taxes that were imposed, remove some of those fees that were imposed in the 2015 and 2016 budget and put it back to the pre-2015 position,” he posited.

“Remove the zero-rated items that you now have VAT on so that it will help the mother who

gotta take her children to school, a single parent or a family. It will help [with] medical supplies; it will help the conductors and the bus owners who have to pay new fees on their licences because all of the cost is not kept at the primary level, it’s passed down to the consumer at the end of the day,” Ali explained.

In addition, he highlighted that the motion also called for the revocation of VAT on essential food items, water, electricity,

household solar plants, education, goods and services, pharmaceuticals and medical supplies, and importation of inputs – raw materials for local manufacturers.

“We are saying that let us go back to the removal of VAT on these items. This will help us stimulate the economy. It will bring in investment, it will encourage the manufacturing sector to expand their portfolio,” he asserted.

Among many other recommendations for various sectors, the motion is also requesting the tax on locally-produced construction materials be removed since according to the former Minister, this sector could stimulate the economy in the fastest possible way.

Meanwhile, when probed as to why a motion was necessary since the Opposition could have participated in the Budget 2018 consultations, Ali explained that in 2015, the PPP/C’s efforts to do so proved futile.

“In 2015, we were invited to the Budget consultations and we asked for a number of documents, none of it was submitted to us… To prepare the National Budget, you have to have a number of statis-

tical documents, reports…

You have to have those base documents from which you study. We did not get those documents requested…So you can’t go to a futile effort so we thought, ‘listen, the best thing here to have a national engagement’,” he explained.

In addition to the recommendations for improve-

ments to the tax framework, the Opposition is calling for an improvement in the financial, business, health, energy, agricultural, rice, mining, transportation, communication, and security sectors; infrastructural development; education social services; Amerindian welfare, and the sugar industry.

The Opposition said the implementation of the recommended policies was critical to the creation of an environment more conducive to the growth and expansion of the economy, the creation of jobs – sending the right signals to the Private Sector and improving the welfare of the people.

Attack on teacher

Police intensify probe, review CCTV footage … victim remains unresponsive at GPHC

A

s the probe continues into the brutal beating of 22-yearold Richard Ishmael Secondary School teacher Kescia Branche, A Division (Georgetown-East Bank Demerara) Commander Marlon Chapman confirmed that investigators were, up to late Monday afternoon, following several leads with the aim of finding the perpetrators.

Branche suffered a broken left leg and multiple head injuries.

A source close to the investigation revealed that detectives were on Monday reviewing the CCTV footage at a popular Newtown night club where the woman was seen partying. She was later found unconscious in the vicinity of Princes Street and Louisa Row, Georgetown on Sunday morning. Other sources indicated that investigators took statements from family members and the friends who were with Branche in the moments prior to her

Kescia Branche

attack. It was reported that she was in the company of a male, but Police were yet to hold any suspect for the crime.

Meanwhile, Commander Chapman related to Guyana Times that Police were seeking the assistance of the public to provide the authorities with any information they may have on the events that led to the young woman’s beating.

“It was a young woman and she didn’t deserve to be brutalised like that, so we are appealing to members of the public to come for-

ward with any information they have,” he stressed.

This publication was told on Monday evening that Branche remained unresponsive and on life support at the Georgetown Public Hospital. Her father, Alfred Branche noted that family members were banding together in ‘hopes and prayers’ that his daughter’s situation would improve despite doctors reportedly indicating that there was “no improvement” in the school teacher’s condition. This newspaper was also told that, in fact, her condition may be deteriorating.

The mother of one, who resides in Cummings Lodge, Greater Georgetown, was last seen by family members on Saturday evening, when she left for a night out with her friends. Her relatives are still in shock after receiving a phone call on Sunday morning informing them that the young teacher was unconscious at the medical facility.

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tuesDAY, november 7, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Harmon hints at possibility of female as next Top Cop A

s discussions begin on the appointment of a new Commissioner of Police to replace Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud who is slated to retire next year, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, on Monday hinted at the possibility of a female assuming the position of Top Cop, although he has indi-

cated that there is no final word on who is set to replace CoP Persaud.

This was after Harmon was cornered with questions at a Police event on Monday. Those questions were initially in regard to who would be stepping up to fill the CoP post, as now acting Police Commissioner David Ramnarine will soon em-

bark on pre-retirement leave.

Responding, Harmon told the media, “There is a structure in the Force that will facilitate officers who go on leave, that officers are identified to act in their place. The Force has a structure that will allow for the next senior rank to act up in the capacity as the Commissioner of

Region 1 to get mini wharf

T

he Region One community of Mabaruma will benefit from the erection of a mini wharf which will bring relief to residents and boat operators using the current wharf -- expected to undergo rehabilitation shortly.

Region One Regional Engineer Rawle Boyer has said the mini-wharf project is being implemented by the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), and will be located at the Mabaruma Waterfront.

A $6.8million contract was awarded in August for construction of the wharf, which was slated to be completed by mid-November. The works are 40 per cent complete.

“The mini wharf’s foundation is done, so it’s just the actual wharf and the shed (that are left to be constructed), because it caters for decking of the wharf, small walkway with 10×70 feet-length

Top Cop Seelall Persaud

Region 1 Regional Engineer Rawle Boyer

shed,” Boyer underlined to the Department of Public Information (DPI).

Boyer noted that the current high tide is hindering the progress of the project, since the rising water covers most of the structure. However, he has assured that the wharf will be completed as per schedule.

According to Boyer,

the region is currently wrapping up 208 projects, which include construction of Government buildings such as schools and nurses’ living quarters, among others. In 2018, works will commence on doctor’s living quarters.

In the 2017 National Budget, the sum of $2.6 billion was approved for Region One, Barima Waini.

Police.”

Asked whether Assistant Police Commissioner Paul Williams is likely to take up the mantle, the Minister of State, currently acting in the capacity of Public Security Minister, offered no direct reply.

However, he did let on that while there is a line of succession in the Guyana Police Force, female officers are also to be considered when deciding on a police commissioner.

In so doing, he noted, “You don’t just look at the male ranks in the Police Force, we have female officers as well. And therefore, if it is that a female officer is to be the person,

then so be it.”

He added, “All things are possible in the Force.

Every Police officer who joins the Force hopes to one day become the commissioner. Every senior officer, once they are within the age range for that, would have the expectation that at the appropriate time, he/she will become the Commissioner of Police.”

This development comes just months after the launch of a Commission of Inquiry into the investigations done in regard to the alleged assassination plot against President David Granger.

Emanating from the findings were calls for the removal of Persaud as the Commissioner of Police; and shortly after, he proceeded on leave.

In fact, the CoI report stated, “Commissioner Persaud’s ability to continue in the office of Commissioner of Police has become untenable.”

The findings further outlined that, “Persaud should be made to resign his position as the Commissioner of Police for the Guyana Police Force under such terms and conditions that His Excellency considers appropriate.”

Harmon related on

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon

Monday that Government has taken into consideration the recommendations of the CoI, but is yet to make a final move.

Even with that being said, he contended, “We are always in touch with Mr Seelall Persaud. Mr Seelall Persaud is still a member of the Guyana Police Force. I personally have met with Mr Seelall Persaud a few weeks ago in relation to what he considers to be important matters in relation to his own welfare.”

Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud would have attained the age for retirement in the first quarter of 2018.

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tuesDAY, november 7, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

GPF receives US$2.6M crime-fighting boost

Self-reliance workshop to be scaled up countrywide

…as Chinese Govt donates vehicles, equipment

T

he crime-fighting capabilities of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Monday received a massive boost as the Chinese Government handed over a hefty donation of vehicles and equipment

Cop. Ramnarine further noted that through the Foreign Affairs Ministry, a list of much-needed items was submitted to the donor country with the hope of increasing the crime-fighting

against local and transnational offenders, particularly as it related to traversing difficult terrain in responding promptly to reports emanating from remote regions.

With that in mind, the First Lady Sandra Granger gives brief remarks to the participants of the first Training of Trainers Self-Reliance and Success in Business Workshop, held at the Regency Suites in Georgetown

F

A portion of the fleet of vehicles handed over by the Chinese Government to the Guyana Police Force

worth US$2.6 million.

Added to the existing Police fleet were 56 pickup trucks, 44 motorcycles, 35 ATVs as well as five buses, carrying the signature blue and white finish and sirens.

Accompanying these was a total of 550 items of protective gear, 70 computers (both desktops and laptops) along with other technical equipment, all aimed at improving the efficiency of the country’s crime-fighting force.

On the receiving end was acting Police Commissioner David Ramnarine, who underlined the significance of this contribution in enhancing the Force’s operations.

In doing so, he attributed the materialisation of this venture to arrangements put in place by Top

capacity of the Police Force.

In his presentation of the donation, Chinese Ambassador Cui Jianchun pledged continued commitment to social security in Guyana. In continuing, he underlined that this venture exemplified the strong relationship shared by the two countries.

“We are setting a new goal, a new tone. Most importantly, we can work together because we believe that independence of development is critical for every nation. So, I hope we can do more to serve Guyana,” the Ambassador said.

The Chinese diplomat went on to pave the way for further collaboration, indicating that his country was willing to go beyond tangible donations and offer ex-

Head of State underscored the importance of the vehicles and communication equipment donated by the Chinese Government.

“The equipment being presented today by the People’s Republic of China to the Guyana Police Force recognises the need to enhance the spatial deployment of the Guyana Police Force to every region,” posited Granger.

The Commander of the Armed Forces expressed appreciation for the longstanding friendship between the two countries.

The handing-over of the vehicles comes just days after the Police Force was faced with a debacle as ranks of the Alberttown Police Station were unable to rush to a crime scene ow-

irst Lady Sandra Granger on Monday launched the first Training of Trainers workshop for 33 selected graduates of the Self-Reliance and Success in Business Workshop, who will now be certified to facilitate such sessions countrywide.

This is aimed at scaling up the reach of the successful programme, which has seen more than 790 small business owners and prospective entrepreneurs benefiting from its empowerment curriculum.

The opening ceremony was held at the Regency Suites in Georgetown.

Granger noted that the programme, which is mainly aimed at women but has attracted the participation of some men, was designed to empower communities.

“We felt it was necessary to have the Training of Trainers workshop because

you are really in the communities… If your peers… know that you have additional training, you should be able to help and give guidance when they encounter some problems while they…set up and manage their businesses.

The main focus of this exercise is to put the power in the communities,” the First Lady is quoted by the Ministry of the Presidency as saying.

She also encouraged the participants to invest themselves fully into the programme.

Senior Facilitator at Interweave Solutions (Guyana) Incorporated, Wayne Barrow told the participants that the programme was a long-term investment.

Barrow urged the participants to avoid lecturing excessively, during their future workshops, and to

instead, create an environment for open interaction and brainstorming.

The Training of Trainers programme, which is funded by the Social Protection Ministry, will train a total of 66 women, during two one-week sessions.

This session, the first of its kind, hosted participants from Mabaruma; Matthews Ridge; and Baramita, Region One (Barima-Waini); Anna Regina, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); Vreed-en-Hoop, Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara); Kuru Kururu, Timehri North, Mocha-Arcadia, Sophia, Region Four (DemeraraMahaica); Mahdia, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni); and Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo). The second session will be held from November 13 to 17.

Tourism prospects at Bartica

$40M Golden Beach Boulevard project gets underway

ing moves to relocate vendors from the market extension at First Avenue. Mayor Marshall said that construction works to the municipality would cost approximate-

The Golden Beach Boulevard project, Bartica

T

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon and China’s Ambassador to Guyana, Cui Jianchun signing the documentation to conclude the formal handing-over of vehicles and equipment

Cop Seelall Persaud.

“What we are witnessing has its conceptualisation in an engagement that the Commissioner of Police had with officials of the Chinese Government here in Guyana, some time in 2014 and since then the process was kick-started,” outlined the acting Top

pertise through training in China as well.

Meanwhile, President David Granger, in welcoming the venture, highlighted the need for the massive upgrade to the crime-fighting system in Guyana.

He alluded to the recent challenges of the GPF in protecting the country

ing to the lack of transportation.

This initiative, which will significantly enhance the capacity of the crime-fighting Force, also coincides with the reinstallation of the 911 emergency call system, which is back up and running as of last week.

he recently-commissioned town of Bartica is slated to see improvements in the community’s tourism sector with the construction of the Golden Beach Boulevard project.

Bartica Mayor Gifford Marshall told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that the project provides investment opportunities for young people. The contract for this project was one of seven that were signed earlier this year under the Communities Ministry’s Community Infrastructural Improvement Project (CIIP).

The works for the Golden Beach Boulevard was awarded to contractor Ivor

Allen at a cost of $40.8 million.

The Bartica Mayor was quoted by the DPI as saying that the project was 40 per cent complete, highlighting that five mini-marts were constructed and that works commenced on the walkway.

Marshall observed that the walkway would be powered by photovoltaic (solar) panels, noting that there would be solar lighting in place.

“We have a number of applications for the marts, but that process will be completed in two weeks and we are looking forward for the completion of this project,” Marshall said.

It was reported that the town was also mak-

Bartica Mayor Gifford Marshall

ly $10 million, and he noted that the entire project was expected to be completed before the end of the year.

The Beach Boulevard is a collaborative effort between the municipality and stakeholders, and is part of a wider waterfront development project, which is being undertaken by the Bartica municipality. The Bartica Golden Beach Boulevard project commenced last month.

news

13

tuesDAY, november 7, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Guyana Medical Mission’s FIHAV 2017 opens business opportunities for Guyana annual outreach commences in Berbice T

Members of the public waiting to be attended to at the medical outreach

M

ore than a dozen healthcare professionals attached to the Caribbean Medical Mission (CMM) arrived in Guyana on November 3, to conduct a week of medical outreaches.

The programme, which commenced on Sunday, was hosted at the Fyrish Village Health Centre on the Corentyne and saw more than 200 persons from Fyrish and surrounding communities being treated for diabetes, kidney disease, and arthritis. Persons also received blood pressure, cholesterol,

and eye testing. The team also provided three months’ worth of free medications for their patients.

The group of 30 health professionals from the Guyana Medical Mission in conjunction with the CMM comprises 17 doctors and 13 professional nurses.

According to the Head of the Guyana Medical Mission, Dr James Cort, although the group was established in 2005, they began work in early 2007 and has since been visiting Guyana twice a year to conduct medical outreaches.

The Mission’s spokesperson, Sharon London, who is also a nurse attached to the Medical Mission, disclosed that this year’s outreach is expected to provide services to six communities in Guyana. They will be visiting Liverpool on the Corentyne, Belladrum on the West Coast of Berbice and Mahaica, Buxton, and Enmore on the East Coast of Demerara.

Last year, the Medical Mission attended to approximately 3500 patients and previously, conducted 800 successful surgeries.

EU denounces “shocking” Paradise Papers revelations

T

he European Union (EU) on Monday denounced the “shocking” revelations on the way top companies and dignitaries, including Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II, avoid taxes using offshore wealth hubs.

EU Finance Ministers meeting for regular talks in Brussels will discuss tax avoidance today after a trove of leaked documents exposed the great lengths to which the global elite will go to avert paying a fair tax.

The findings have emerged as part of the Paradise Papers released late Sunday by the US-based International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), which was behind the similar Panama Papers made public last year.

“This new scandal shows once again that some companies and rich individuals are ready to do anything to not pay tax,” said European Economics Affairs Commissioner Pierre Moscovici.

“In light of these shocking revelations, I call on member states to rapidly adopt a European tax haven blacklist, as well as oth-

he Havana International Fair of 2017 (FIHAV), which concluded last Friday in Havana, Cuba, saw participation of some 63 countries and more than 1,000 companies exhibiting their products and services. The expo provided several benefits to Guyana and other Caribbean countries.

Cuba is a country with immense market potential, and competition is quickly increasing. The absence of American competition from many sectors of the Cuban economy is not expected to last much longer, and other countries from South America, Europe, and Asia are aggressively pursuing Cuba’s unique market opportunities. Therefore, participation at FIHAV allows organisations to ‘get their foot in the door’ and begin developing key relationships

er dissuasive measures,” he said.

Much as with the Panama Papers report and LuxLeaks, the latest documents also expose the secret ways the rich and multinationals, with the help of accountancy firms, shift profits across the globe to drastically cut tax.

The LuxLeaks scandal revealed in 2014 that Luxembourg gave companies huge tax breaks while European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker was Prime Minister.

Perfectly legal, these methods helped divert billions in profit from the

tax man, using well-established wealth hubs such as Luxembourg, the British Virgin Islands and Switzerland.

EU competition chief Margrethe Vestager, who has cracked down on EU countries making illegal tax breaks to Apple and Amazon, lauded the journalists who made the latest revelations.

In its revelations, the ICIJ showed that Apple used Bermuda-based law firm Appleby to transfer the company’s headquarters from Dublin to Jersey once Ireland changed policy. (Excerpt

from AFP)

tial interest in the Cuban business community,” he disclosed.

Deputy Chief Executive Officer for GO-Invest, Natalia Seepersaud, expressed similar sentiments.

“We had a lot of persons finding out about the process in establishing a business in Guyana, and what are the procedures one must go through in establishing a business in Guyana. The Guyana delegation also visited other pavilions and interacted with companies, so that possible business ventures can begin in the shortest possible time”.

The Havana International Fair (FIHAV) is the largest annual multi-sector trade fair in Cuba. This year’s expo ran from October 30 to November 3, at the ExpoCuba fairground located on the outskirts of Havana.

New detergent hits local market

The launch event included music, face painting, free samples and free gifts for anyone who purchased Surf laundry detergent

A

new detergent has entered the local market as Massy Trading on Monday introduced Surf laundry detergent at the Bounty Water Street Supermarket.

The detergent is said to be offering the best fragrance experience to users. The detergent comes in two scents – Sun fresh and Rose Fresh, and is available at leading

The Queen Victoria Memorial statue is pictured in front of Buckingham Palace, the official residence of Queen Elizabeth II, in central London on November 6, 2017

with Cuban buyers.

The Guyana delegation to this fair comprised members of the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest). In his synopsis of FIHAV 2017, Guyana’s Ambassador to Cuba, Abdool Halim Majeed, said the Expo was a success and highlighted that the Guyana Embassy and delegation to the expo this year intensified their interface with Cuban businessmen and trade sector.

Ambassador Majeed said the attention garnered by the Guyana booth during the five-day expo has burnished the country’s image.

“We have been very active in the Cuban political, diplomatic and business environment. People want to know more about what is happening in Guyana, and when we announced that we were going to participate in the 35th FIHAV, it evoked substan-

supermarkets and stores.

The laundry detergent will be sold at an affordable price and according to Director, Troy Beharry, it will brighten up your day and consumers will definitely have a wonderful laundry experience.

The Director added: “Surf’s burst of fragrance is irresistible, cleans great and very affordable. We at Massy

Trading are very happy to add Surf laundry detergent, manufactured by Unilever, to our home care portfolio.

Consumers can be assured of its great fragrance, cleaning powers, and good value once they try Surf”.

The launch event included music, face painting, free samples and free gifts for anyone who purchased Surf laundry detergent.

Trump: Japan could shoot down North Korean missiles

U

S President Donald Trump has said Japan could shoot North Korean missiles “out of the sky” with military equipment bought from the US. Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe followed up by saying his country could intercept missiles “if necessary”, and added that he was looking into the deal.

The two leaders were speaking to reporters at the close of Trump’s first State visit to Japan.

North Korea has fired missiles over Japan twice in

recent months.

On Monday, while answering questions at a press conference, Trump said Abe was “going to purchase massive amounts of military equipment” from the US. Referencing North Korea’s missiles, he said Abe could “shoot them out of the sky” when he completed the purchase, which Trump said would provide jobs to Americans as well as “safety for Japan”.

Abe said he was considering such a deal, adding that Japan had to “qualitatively and quantitatively”

enhance its defence capability, given the “very tough” North Korea situation.

He stressed that missile defence was based on “legal cooperation” between Japan and the US, and as for shooting down missiles, “if necessary of course we can do that”.

It is not clear whether a military deal has been signed during Trump’s trip, but the two countries are close military allies, with the US maintaining several military bases in Japan.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

14

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesDAY, november 7, 2017

Around the World

Texas shooting: Gunman “had Zimbabwe: Mugabe row with mother-in-law” sacks ‘disloyal’ Vice President T

exas church gunman Devin Patrick Kelley was armed with three guns and had argued with his mother-in-law before the rampage, officials say.

The attack on the small church outside San Antonio during Sunday services left 26 people dead and 20 injured.

Kelley called his father after he was shot by an armed bystander and said he did not think he would survive.

He was not legally permitted to own the weapons, which included a semi-automatic rifle and two handguns.

Freeman Martin, the regional director for the Texas Department of Public Safety, told reporters it appeared that Kelley died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after first being shot by a “good Samaritan”.

“This was not racially motivated, it wasn’t over religious beliefs,” Martin said.

“There was a domestic situation going on with the family and in-laws,” he said, adding that Kelley had sent threatening texts to his mother-in-law.

“We know that he expressed anger towards his mother-in-law, who attends this church,” Martin said.

Wilson County Sheriff Joe Tackitt said that the family members had not been present at the time of attack.

Z

Devin Kelley is believed to have been in a family row with his ex-wife and in-laws, Police say

Kelley fled the scene after exchanging gunfire with a local resident who heard gunshots from coming from across the road, Martin said on Monday.

Johnnie Langendorff told local media that he picked up the Texas man, identified by US media as Stephen Willeford, and the pair pursued Kelley in a car chase.

He said they drove at speeds of up to 95mph (153km/h) until the gunman lost control of his car and crashed.

Kelley was later found dead inside

his vehicle with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound, police said.

Officials have not yet identified the victims who were killed at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, a small town in Wilson County, which lies about 30 miles (50km) south-east of the city of San Antonio.

Of the 20 wounded, 10 are in hospital in a critical condition, four are in a serious condition and six are stable, officials say. (Excerpt from BBC News)

imbabwe’s Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa has been removed from his post, the country’s Government has announced.

Mnangagwa, 75, had displayed “traits of disloyalty”, Information Minister Simon Khaya Moyo said.

His removal makes it more likely that President Robert Mugabe’s wife Grace will follow in her husband’s footsteps as leader of Zimbabwe.

She had earlier called on her husband to remove his vice president.

“Mr Mnangagwa’s conduct in discharge of his duties is inconsistent with the responsibilities,” the Information Minister said.

“The Vice President has exhibited traits of disloyalty.”

Mnangagwa, a former intelligence chief, had been a leading candidate to succeed

Zimbabwean Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa

President Mugabe, 93.

His sacking means Grace Mugabe is expected to be appointed Vice President at a special congress of the ruling Zanu-PF party next month.

Mrs Mugabe had earlier called for the party to expel Mnangagwa, according to the State-run Herald newspaper. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Colombian President says he left firm UN General Assembly again calls listed in leaked tax haven papers for lifting US embargo against Cuba

C

olombian President Juan Manuel Santos, in response to his name appearing in a trove of leaked documents about offshore investments, said he left a company registered in tax haven Barbados before taking a ministerial post with a previous government.

The so-called Paradise Papers published on Sunday showed the investments of wealthy people and institutions ranging from United States Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross to Britain’s Queen Elizabeth. Reuters has not independently veri-

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos

fied the documents.

Santos was listed

in

the leaked documents as a board member of insurance company Nova Holding in April and May 2000 and also Global Tuition, an insurance firm focused on education, from April 1999 to May 2001.

Santos said in a statement on Sunday that he left Global Tuition before taking up his duties as Finance Minister in the Government of then-President Andres Pastrana in August 2000.

He said he was not a partner, did not invest any money and was not paid for serving on the Board. (Excerpt from

Reuters)

Airport video shows North Korean Embassy official with Kim Jong Nam murder suspects

A

North Korean embassy official and a manager of Air Koryo, the national airline, met suspects wanted for the killing of Kim Jong Nam shortly after the murder, according to video recordings shown at the trial

in Kuala Lumpur on Monday.

Two women, Indonesian Siti Aisyah and Doan Thi Huong from Vietnam, and four men who are still at large, have been charged in the murder of the half-brother of the country’s leader, us-

ing banned chemical weapon VX at Kuala Lumpur airport on February 13.

Defence lawyers have said Siti Aisyah and Huong were duped into thinking they were playing a prank for a reality TV show. (Reuters)

Wide view of the General Assembly meeting to consider the necessity of ending the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America against Cuba (UN/Cia Pak

T

photo)

he United Nations General Assembly last week adopted a resolution underlining the need to end the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States against Cuba.

In the resolution, the Assembly reiterated its call to all UN Member States to refrain from promulgating and applying laws and mea-

sures not conforming with their obligations under the UN Charter and international law, which reaffirm freedom of trade and navigation.

The Assembly “once again urges States that have and continue to apply such laws and measures to take the necessary steps to repeal or invalidate them as soon as possible,” the resolu-

tion added.

The resolution enjoyed favourable votes from 191 of the 193 UN Member States.

The United States and Israel opposed the text.

Last year, these two countries, for the first time in the 25-year history of the annual review of the issue, abstained in the vote rather than rejecting the text.

(Caribbean360)

Iran rejects ‘malicious’ Saudi Woman fired for showing Trump motorcade the finger accusations after attack

I

ran has rejected accusations by a Saudi-led coalition fighting Houthi rebels in Yemen that it was involved in the firing of a missile that was intercepted north of Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh.

In a statement on Monday, Bahram Qassemi, spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, said the claim of Iranian responsibility for

the missile launch late on Saturday, which was claimed by the Houthi rebels, was “malicious, irresponsible, destructive and provocative”.

“Yemeni response is an independent one and a result of Saudi Arabia’s aggression, one which is not carried out or provoked by any other country,” said Qassemi.

“The Saudis, who have

failed to achieve their evil goals during long-term military aggression against Yemen, are making more problems for their defeated coalition with a clumsy psychological operation to make baseless and totally false accusations,” he added, before calling for talks between rival Yemeni factions to end the conflict. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

A

woman pictured raising her middle finger toward US President Donald Trump’s motorcade has reportedly been fired from her job over the photograph.

The image went viral after it was taken on October 28 in Virginia, close to a Trump golf resort.

Juli Briskman, who was

identified as the cyclist in the image, alleges she was fired by employers Akima LLC after she posted it to her online profiles.

The company did not respond to the BBC’s request for comment.

Briskman told US media the firm had called her into a meeting a day after she informed their HR depart-

ment she was the subject of the widely circulated image.

She told the Huffington Post news website that executives had told her they classified the image as “lewd” or “obscene”, and therefore deemed that it violated their social media policies after she had posted it to her Twitter and Facebook accounts. (Excerpt from BBC News)

15 TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2017 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

change your thinking about buying your next car

W

ith over 15 years of experience in the

automobile industry, Carian Guyana takes pride in providing our valued customers with quality cars at reasonable prices. As such, our high standards and superior car care services have become the standard expected from companies and individuals alike.

Our company is ambitiously progressive and eager to expand its operations through a committed approach to customer satisfaction and value for money. Our platform is simple: exceptional customer service by well-trained friendly staff and high-quality vehicles.

We have a wide selection of models – from Toyota Allions, Axios, and Premios to the now popular Nissan Juke and a host of other models. If we don’t have it, you can order it.

Come check us out!

Visit them at Unit A Regency Strip, La Bonne Intention (LBI), East Coast Demerara or call them on 6087733 or 601-1234.

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magine what life would be like if you had a food delivery service that’s prompt, reliable and affordable! Wouldn’t that be great!?

Well, imagine no more! Hero Cart food delivery is here to save the day!

With just the dial of a number, you can choose your restaurant and place your order. Call into Hero’s customer friendly operators, and they will send one of their super-fast riders right to your chosen destination!

So don’t forget for ALL YOU CAN EAT; from where you want it to when you WANT IT, call Hero Cart at 623-3500 OR 608-3500 Now! Visit their Facebook page to like and learn more @Herocartgy.

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

SBT, GLOBAL CAR EXPORTER

S

BT CO LTD was established in 1993 to export vehicles worldwide.

We are committed to providing excellent customer satisfaction with high integrity, and aim to build long-term relationships for the success of our business.

Global Leader in Used Car Exportation

Founded in 1993 with used car export as our core business, SBT has been operating for more than two decades with over 8 offices in Japan, over 38 branches in other countries, and has exported vehicles to more than 120 countries worldwide.

Surpassing sales figures of 92 billion yen, SBT has become the

leading used car exporter as of September 2017.

Over 20 years of Trusted Service and Performance

SBT is highly trusted by many domestic and international business partners. This is due to its professional and highly experienced staff throughout the entire operation in terms of: Adjusting to import regulations of each country, such as inspection, maintenance, export, documentation, shipment,

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Proper pricing in accordance with market quotations.

As a potential vehicle buyer, you want the best you can possibly get when it comes to your vehicle and after-service.

Look no further, SBT offers you this plus more. Visit the local office at the Giftland Mall today or check its website at www. sbtjapan.com for more details.

JAPARTS

J

aparts, located on Lot 38 Croal Street, Stabroek, is on your side with all your auto demands for this Christmas! Get ahead of the hustle and bustle that usually signal this season by dropping in at Japarts for your bolts and nuts & safety products!

It also sells heavy-duty equipment for your farming, mining or construction needs so if your business needs Caterpillar, Toyota or Costex tractor parts, Japarts is just the place for you!

Feel free to visit their facebook page @Japarts or call 225-1840 today!

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2017

SKF Authorised Distributor

WORLD CLASS SERVICE W

hen you purchase your bearings from an SKF Authorised Distributor, you can do so with con?dence, knowing that you have access to expert advice, plus the assurance that you will avoid the problems associated with counterfeit bearings. In addition to supplying genuine SKF bearings, ISG can provide you with seals, lubrication, and related products.

PREMIER OIL/LUBRICANT

S

ince its establishment in 2003, ISG has grown to become one of the premier oil/lubricant companies and an organisation known for its technical and entrepreneurial expertise. This achievement stems not only from the quality of its products, but also from its sustained business success as a reliable supplier to the local market.

ISG enjoys an outstanding reputation as a leader in the field of technology, for its character as a company committed to protecting the natural environment as well as for promoting the interests of its stakeholders, its employees, its customers and the local communities it serves.

Though we are, of course, proud of our glorious past and present, yet we envisage an even brighter future, which make us better prepared to continue to be the world’s mainstay of life for many long decades to come. The company’s future trend will focus on supplying environmentally friendly fuel and building service stations. The company will

also continue the development and upgrading of its production capacity; realisation of value-added activities through the building of complementary refining, marketing and petrochemical industries’ networks and systems; and by boosting corporate efforts in the development of the Private Sector to achieve the company’s commercial objectives in support of the national economy.

The future will hinge on our speed in the development of creative minds that are capable of planning, implementation, production of knowledge, and proactive interaction with the quick-paced changes being witnessed by the world today. We are certain that the future promises great things!

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2017

AUTO SUPPLIES COMPANY

A

uto Supplies Company, the authorised distributors of GR Radial tyres, offer you a world-class tyre that is safe and durable, dependable and at a cost that is much lower than other brand-name tyres on the local market.

GT Radial tyres have proven themselves on all surfaces in Guyana. Whether asphalt roads, rough trails or mud, GT Radial provides the perfect and safe tyre for any situation.

Our Automotive Spares department stocks genuine Suzuki replacement parts for the Escudo, Swift, Samurai, Grand Vitara, Super Carry and APV. Parts include oil and air filters, brake pads, ignition coils, windscreens, lights, body parts and much more.

We also offer service and repairs at our auto workshop, oil change, tune-up, and replacement of defective parts. Call 225-3860 now and make an appointment.

DRIVE NEW Rudisa Motor Company Guyana Inc

K

IA Motors Corporation is a quality vehicle maker for the young-at-heart, founded in 1944 as Korea’s first manufacturer of motor vehicles.

Rudisa Motor Company Guyana Inc is the local reseller for all KIA vehicles. It is the agent for KIA Motors Guyana and also imports brand-new KIA vehicles.

The office is located at 31-32 High and Drysdale, Streets, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Visit them today to take advantage of the ongoing promotion where customers can take advantage of reduced prices on all vehicles, including 2018 models. Free vehicle service up to 15,000km, 3 years warranty or 75,000km on all vehicles. All vehicles are fully loaded.

The company also stocks a line of spare parts and accessories.

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Contact them on 226-2767, 226-2768 or visit their Facebook page at Rudisa Motor Company Guyana Incorporated.

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tuesDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

19

ARCHIE

Anger solves nothing, but positive action does. Rely on (March 21your intelligence and disciApril 19) pline to see matters through to the end. Don’t give up on someone you care about.

ARIES

Take care of personal and TAURUS relationship matters. Your (April 20- attentive behavior will enMay 20) courage optimum support and a display of affection in return. Physical improvements will turn out well.

dilbert

Incorporate your experiGEMINI (May 21- ence, connections and knowlJune 20) edge into your plans to reach your goal. Negotiate terms and ask for an agreement in writing. Protect against distortion and loss.

Take pride in your appearance. Get together with peo(June 21- ple you find emotionally and July 22) mentally stimulating. Personal changes will make you happy.

Romance is in the stars.

CANCER

Peanuts

Fix up your surroundings.

LEO Updates that will help you cut (July 23- your overhead should be conAug. 22) sidered. An offer, gift or money will come from an unusual or unexpected source.

Demands will be made VIRGO that will make it difficult (Aug. 23for you to get the job done to Sept. 22) the best of your ability. Don’t take on more than you can handle.

Calvin and Hobbes

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Self-improvement and personal growth will give you the push you need to make changes to your lifestyle. A change in an important relationship will help stabilize your future.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Negotiate for what you want. Use your intuitive insight to drive home your desires without being unrealistic. You can come out on top.

Do something nice for SAGITTARIUS someone you love, but don’t (Nov. 23- go into debt trying to prove Dec. 21) how much you care. Offering time and assistance will mean more than any gift you can offer.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

solution for LAST PUBLISHED Puzzle

Show a little passion, whether dealing with work or personal issues. Speak directly to those involved in any situation that touches you deeply. Love and romance are in the stars.

Do something that will AQUARIUS make you happy. Take better (Jan. 20- care of your health, and imFeb. 19) plement moderation into your everyday routine. Proper diet and exercise will improve your looks and confidence.

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

Copyright 2015, Distributed by Universal Uclick for UFS

Home improvements will PISCES help to cut your costs. A phys(Feb. 20- ical move or alteration to your March 20) living arrangements will save you money and ease your stress. Physical improvements are encouraged, along with love and romance.

20

tuesDAY, november 7, 2017

L

ocal Group Three driver Stefan Jeffrey is fully prepared to shift all gears and go full throttle of his way to the podium at Sunday’s final leg of the Caribbean Motor Racing Championships at South Dakota.

The competition is expected to be stiff for Jeffrey since the group three competition is one which is non-stop on race day.

“Preparation for the car has been coming along nicely. It has been about a month straight we have been working on this car since I have been back. A lot of upgrades have been done to the car, air dynamics, new gear box and some other stuff which a lot of stuff that maybe not be seen psychically but a lot of work has been done. It is just now to test and hope everything runs well”.

The likes of locals Danny Persaud, Ravi Singh and

Trinidadian party led by Guyanese-born Paul Vieira, Ronald Worthman are all seasoned campaigners, which ac-

ing sure the car is set right and is on point and that I am on point.

Getting good seat time will be key to success.”

He added, “Competition is al-

cording to him means he has to be consistent.

“Consistency and makStefan Jeffrey and his Honda Civic

CWI/Digicel Regional 4-Day 2017/2018 Championships…

G

uyana Jaguars two successive victories in the 2017/2018 Cricket West Indies (CWI) Digicel 4-day Championship has seen them extending a healthy lead in the points standing ahead of their third round clash against Leeward Hurricanes.

Jaguars have a 9.8-point lead of second place Hurricanes who are the only team to defeat the threetime champions twice in one season over the last three years which makes the contest starting on Thursday one that might be keenly contested at Warner Park.

Shivnarine Chanderpaul

ways good, you can only grow so much when you are racing against a local driver or rider, so when you start to bring in international talent it raises the bar all-round which will help grow the sport.”

The meet this year has been extended to two-days due to added activities of radicals. More so three international riders are expected to a t -

tend in addition to top regional campaigners all of which Jeffrey says augers well for the sport.

“It always great to see the growing, track prep has been going for three weeks and looks good and fans would witness a two-day good days of fantastic racing.”

Despite who comes or the power of their machines, Jeffrey plans on doing his best to defend home turf despite the country already conceding the overall title.

“Home turf for us is more fun, we will be putting up a fight, even though the Trinidadians are bringing a lot of cars, we will put up a solid fight.”

Jeffrey who will be sporting his Automotive Art sponsored Honda Civic EG also has chance of becoming the local champion since he is just 12 points behind leader Vishok Persaud on 80 points.

(Akeem Greene)

South American 10K 2017…

Based on reports, Shivnarine Chanderpaul has replaced Akshaya Persaud in the squad that won against Windward Islands Volcanoes on Saturday in St Lucia.

The full squad reads: Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Rajendra Chandrika, Chandrapaul Hemraj, Leon Johnson (captain), Vishaul Singh, Anthony Bramble (wicketkeeper), Keemo Paul, Romario Shepherd, Veerasammy Permaul (vice-captain) Gudakesh Motie, Keon Joesph, Sherfane Rutherford and Shivnarine Chanderpaul

FRANCHISES

Pts

M

W

L

I

T

A

DP

MR Bat Bowl PB

1. Guyana Jaguars

40.4

2

2

0

0

0

0

0

0

6

6

4.4

2. Leewards Hurricanes

30.6

2

1

0

1

0

0

0

0

4

6

5.6

3. T&T Red Force

19.4

2

0

0

2

0

0

0

0

6

5

2.4

4. Barbados Pride

14

2

0

1

1

0

0

0

0

3

6

2

5. Jamaica Scorpions

12.4

2

0

1

1

0

0

0

0

3

4

2.4

6. Windwards Volcanoes

10.6

2

0

1

1

0

0

0

0

1

4

2.6

The AAG is looking to send at least two athletes to Panama for the third leg of the South American 10K. Cleveland Forde has won the first two legs

T

he third and final leg of the South American 10K Classic Road Race is set for Panama on Sunday November 12 and it is unclear whether or not Guyana will be represented.

However, on Monday a well-placed source at the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) indicated to Guyana Times Sport that they (AAG) are looking at the possibility of sending two athletes to Panama. That decision is scheduled to be made official today with the two athletes yet to be identified.

The front runners for those two spots will no doubt be among the trio of Cleveland Forde, Cleveland Thomas and Winston Missigher who made

a clean sweep of the first two legs in Suriname last week and in Guyana on Sunday.

The “Little Kenyan” as Forde is called took first place on both occasions finishing with times of 34 minutes 5.08 seconds and 33 minutes 42 seconds respectively.

Meanwhile Thomas finished second consecutively with times of 33 minutes 51 seconds and 34 minutes nine seconds while Missigher came in third on both occasions with 34 minutes 21 seconds and 34 minutes five seconds.

There is a chance for Guyana and Forde to create history by winning all three legs and one can only hope that Forde gets that chance to etch his name in the annals of athletics. With

one spot almost certain for Forde the AAG will have to decide between Thomas and Missigher as both athletes have been performing creditably over the past year or so.

Missigher who spoke to Guyana Times Sport on Monday afternoon indicated that he would like the opportunity to represent the “Golden Arrowhead” in Panama but cited that if the AAG does not select him the trip will be “near impossible>> as the travel expenses to Panama is very high. However should a sponsor or sponsors back the young athlete; he pointed out that he would give his all to ensure that his country is well-represented.

(Michelangelo Jacobus)

tuesDAY, november 7, 2017 www.guyanatimesgy.com

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Over $3M at stake in Jumbo Jet’s 8-race programme T

he Jumbo-Jet Thoroughbred Race Committee (JJTRC) has planned a one-day mega horse race meet for the Rising-Sun Turf Club on December 3.

As the year-end horse race season heats up, horse owners and turfites alike will be licking their lips for this 8-race programme with lots of cash and other incentives up for grabs.

The feature event is for the “C” Class and Lower covering a distance of 1200M and fetching a top purse of $1,000,000. The second place finisher will ride away with $500,000 while the third place prize is $250,000.

Then there will be the “E and F” Class and Lower with

Rising Sun Turf Club is usually a hive of activity on race day

$400,000 going to the winner and $200,000 to the runnerup and $100,000 for third.

This event is open to all nonearners in the “E” Class for 2017 as they will have another chance of winning before the year is over.

The “H 1” and Lower has a total of $581,240 at stake with

$300,000 going to the winner.

The race for the three-year old Guyana bred horses and for horses classified “H” and Lower who have not earned in their last two races and also to “I 1 and Lower.” The winner will pocket $250,000.

The other events are for the two-year old Guyana bred and

the “J 3” horses who did not earn in their last two events, the “K” Class, “L and Lower” and the “L” Class non-earners since Guyana Cup 2017.

All eight races will cover the same distance and will be run according to the Guyana Horse Racing Authority rules but must meet the requirements of the Jumbo-Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee.

Registration closes on November 25 and may be done by contacting Chandu Ramkissoon on 624-9063, 608-9063 or 232-0633, Alan Padmore on 232-9115, Rajin (Lion) on 608-4050 or Nikita Ross on 662-4668. No late entries will be accepted.

GFSCA/Guyana Softball Cup VII…

Speedboat power past Boots for back to back titles – defending champions Floodlights win again

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Unis Yusuf receives his silverware after a match-winning knock

S

peedboat XI pulled off a brazen heist on Sunday night as they clinched the Open Category title after beating Boots All-Stars by 4-runs in the finals of the Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association’s (GFSCA) Guyana Cup 7.

Played in front a huge crowd at the Demerara Cricket Club Ground (DCC) under lights, the Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA) celebrated their seventh edition of the event with much success and support from a large number of teams; both local and international.

What started off with 14 teams on Friday, ended with the two finalists; one a seasoned unit the other the tournament dark horse, battling for bragging rights and spoils.

Led by a fine spell from

Ejaz Mohamed collects the runners-up trophy after Boots All-Stars made their impressive Guyana Softball Cup debut

MVP awardee Mark Harold who snatched 4-22 from his 4 overs, Speedboat kept their opponents to 124-9 in their 20 overs in pursuit of their 128 run target.

Not much was done by the All-Stars batters with the exception of Ejaz Mohamed who hit a single four in his topscore of 27 which stood out compared to the scores of his teammates.

Support from Christopher Seenarine who chipped in with 22; also failed to change the complexion of the game as Harold and Greg Singh (213) strangled the rest of the batting order.

Earlier, it looked like Speedboat were about to sink after they were shot down for 128 in 17.1 overs with only Vickash Dhaniram flexing his muscles by smoking two fours and two sixes in his score of 27; which was the only significant

Man with the golden arm, Mark “Rambo” Harold did it for the champs

innings for his team.

Boots All-Stars were sloppy in the field as their bowlers leaked 30 extras to help boost Speedboat’s pitiful total. Despite their flaws, C. Ramdhani (3-31), Y. Sooklall (2-7) and R. Persaud (2-34); had good returns.

After coming back to successfully defend a low score Speedboat for their massive effort, sped away with the winning trophy as well as the $800,000 grand prize check to be the first Open team in the tournament’s history to win back to back titles.

Defending champions Floodlights win again Veteran batsman Unis Yusuf for yet another year ensured that the Floodlights Masters kept their title after crushing longtime rivals Regal Masters by 9 wickets in the final of Sunday’s Guyana

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21

Two-time champions Floodlights after receiving their towering winner’s trophy

Softball Cup 7.

Played under lights, in front a usual sold out crowd at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) Ground, the season opener stroked six fours and a pair of sixes in his unbeaten knock of 61 as Floodlights Masters shot to 102-1 in 12.3 overs; chasing Regal’s paltry 101-9.

Batting first, Regal suffered early blows when both Mahase Chunilall and Mahendra Hardyal were bowled and run out for respective ducks and never recovered.

At the end of the second over, it had become a nightmare for Regal who were further reduced to 4-3 due to a mix up between Captain and top-scorer Mahendra Arjune (30) and David Harper who was sadly run out for nought.

Eon Abel resisted with 18 and shared a resurgent 4th wicket partnership of 45 with Arjune. However, when the Captain was stumped it was a decent attempt by Raymond Harper (15) and Eric Thomas (11) who saw their team to the end of their 20 overs.

Chasing a meager target, Floodlights Masters’ only blemish was the departure of their other opener Ravi Lutchman (05) but it was Yusuf and Ramesh Narine (12*) who saw their team effortlessly to their target and a repeat of the Masters’ title.

The Floodlights Masters then received their first place check of $600,000 while Yusuf was named Man of the Match.

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

tuesDAY, november 7, 2017

Man of the Match Sewchand Budhu goes the aerial route

A

13-ball unbeaten 50 and a tidy spell of bowling from Sewchand Budhu hand Regal All-Stars the first ever SVC International Softball Cup when the finals were played on Sunday November 5, at the Hydronie Sports Club ground, East Bank Essequibo.

The inaugural International Softball Cup which was organized by Sawh Volt Comm (SVC) of New York City, started on Friday November 3 with eight teams and saw Regal All-Stars beating SVC in the final by 35 runs to win the majestic trophy and $700,000 first prize.

In the final which was also played at the Hydronie ground, Regal All-Stars won the toss and batted and rattled up 204 for 6 from thier 20 overs. They city side

found the bowling and fielding of the overseas team challenging and lost wickets regularly early up. In the 17th over, Budhu made his appearance after Regal lost Patrick Rooplall via the run out route for 24 (3x6; 1x4) and Navin Singh (0) who was sent back next ball without facing a ball with the score on 143 for 5.

Budhu then hit five sixes and three fours on his way to an even half century and along with Safraz Esau was also run out in the 20th over added 60 runs for the sixth wicket in just over three overs. Esau made a rapid 36 (5x6) to push the champions past the 200-run mark.

Earlier, Regal were 76 for three when Fazal Rafeek (11) was caught at the wicket off the economical Travis Drakes who finished with figures 4-0-14-1 while open-

Regal All Stars with their winnings on Sunday at the Hydronie Sports Club Ground

ers Sachin Singh (13) and Richard Latif (21) tried their best to get things going. Azad Azeez was expensive in picking up two for 53.

In the run chase, crowd favourite SVC were never allowed to free their arms on the small ground thanks to superb bowling which was backed up by excellent fielding. Anil Beharry blasted the top score of 28 (2x6; 1x4) at number nine but it was a little too late. Only number 11, Jake Wessel with an unbeaten 15 (1x6; 1x4) offered any resistance to

Ameer Nizamudain (3-37), Budhu (2-26) and Delroy Perreira (2-40). SVC fell 35 runs short finishing on 1699 when their overs ran out.

The final day of a wonderful tournament started with Hydronie Masters beating Essequibo Masters to take the Masters’ title with Dubraj Singh being adjudged the Man of the Match and best bowler with 3 for 10 from three overs while Dalip Singh who made 56 for Essequibo was the best batsman.

In the All-Stars’ catego-

ry, the champions made a clean sweep of the individual prizes with Delroy Perriera who had 11 victims winning the prize for the bowler with the most wickets and Safraz Esau with 192 runs won the batsman with the most runs prize.

Esau who also picked up five wickets was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player while Budhu quite deservedly was the Man of the Match in the final.

SVC’s President, Sureain Sawh who is also the president of Enforcers Care, a

charitable foundation said he was pleased with the level of competition and the skill displayed by all of the teams and promised a bigger and better tournament next year. Sawh who said that the tournament was planned in just two weeks was grateful for the assistance of all and to the weather for the success.

Children of the area were treated to free sweets, popcorn, snow cones, cotton candy and bouncy castle and school hampers while five elders received hampers.

CAC Qualifiers, 2017 Jamaica…

Guyanese Women held, remain in contention

G

A Guatemalan player shields the ball from the Panamanian players

uyana’s Female hockey team was held to a goalless draw by Puerto Rico on Monday as the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) qualifiers continue in Jamaica. It was the second straight draw for Puerto Rico.

However, the Guyanese ladies remain in strong contention for a spot at the Games in Columbia slated

for next year. A finish in either first or second place at the Qualifiers is required for the team to book a spot.

The game on Monday against Puerto Rico was the first real test for the Guyanese women but they failed to make any real impact. First touches were sloppy and the Puerto Ricans to their credit defended stoutly, however their attack was almost

non-existent and the game was a constant back and forth with either side failing to take the few chances that fell their way.

In their opening game of the qualifiers on Sunday, Guyana beat Panama 6-0 and will next match skills against home team Jamaica.

The Jamaican ladies won both of their games to date. As such the Guyanese will have to improve their

Minsodia Culpepper battles with a Puerto Rican player for possession on day two of the qualifiers in Jamaica

game if they’re going to finish in one of the top two places and secure a place in Columbia.

Meanwhile, earlier in the day Guatemala’s male team handed Panama their second successive 6-0 defeat. Augustin Depaz netted a hat-trick for the Guatemalans and received valuable back up from teammates Adrian Medina, Jorge Ramirez and Leonidas Leiva

who scored a goal apiece.

Also in the male competition, hosts Jamaica dispatched Puerto Rico 3-0 to move on to six points after two games. The scorers for the Jamaican men were Brandon Clarke, Oshane Haseley and Kemar Mitchell who scored a goal each.

In the other women’s fixture Bermuda dispatched of Guatemala with a comfortable 3-0 victory, the

victors’ goals came courtesy of Jasmine Patterson, Selina Whitter and Keishae Robinson who snared a goal each.

Up to press time there was one other female game to be played; Jamaica was set to take on Panama.

The Guyanese ladies will next face Jamaica today at 13:30h while the men face Guatemala at 15:30h.

(Michelangelo Jacobus)

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesDAY, november 7, 2017

23

World Archery Barbados successfully complete 3-day coaching stint – local archers better equipped for competitions

World Archery Barbados Archers' Ron Field with whistle, and shooting from left Thomas Field, Rebecca Wiltshire and Dwayne Grovesnor at Friday’s evening session at the National Gymnasium

A

rchery Guyana broke new grounds last weekend when four Level 2 Archery coaches from Barbados provided local archers with three days of Olympic Archery coaching intended to raise their skill levels and prepare them for indoor and outdoor competitions, both nationally and internationally.

Father and son Duo, Thomas and Ronald Field, Rebecca Wiltshire and Guyanese-born Dwayne Grovesnor arrived on Friday, November 3, and immediately got down to business. They opened with

an afternoon session at the National Gymnasium on Friday then had a follow-up session the next day at the same venue. Sunday afternoon, the coaches took to the outdoors with a powerful session at the Carifesta Sports Complex Ground on Carifesta Avenue.

The sessions at the National Gymnasium were intended to prepare archers to practice and compete in the Indoor Archery arena, while the Carifesta Ground session was intended to prepare for Outdoor Archery training and competition, adjusting to

distance, wind, rain, temperature and other such conditions.

The coaches, Thomas and Ronald Field, and Grovesnor were also presented with Archery Guyana’s Shirts as a small token of gratitude and appreciation at the end of Sunday’s training session, at which they demonstrated shooting at the 70-meter distance with their Olympic equipment. Seventy meters is the official Olympic distance shot by all archers in the Olympics.

All of Archery Guyana’s archers who participated in the 3-day training course

Nicholas Hing (left) presents Ronald Field with gifts on behalf of Archery Guyana. Also in picture are (from left) Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon, Thomas Field and Dwayne Grovesnor

conducted by the expert coaches are now richer in the knowledge of preparation and participation in the sport of Olympic Archery, especially with emphasis on Safety with regard to the rules of the World Archery Federation.

Archery Guyana wishes to express their gratitude to Director of Sport Christopher Jones and the National Sports Commission (NSC) for making the National Gymnasium available for use on Friday and Saturday.

Special thanks are also ex-

tended again to the Ministry of Education, Department of Culture, Youth and Sport (CY&S) for their continued support of Archery and use of the Carifesta Sports Club Ground for the usual practice and training sessions.

Packed weekend of cycling anticipated

– gruelling 70-Mile Road Race set for Sunday

A Guyana’s top cyclists will once again take on the road, this time it is a 70-mile race on Sunday

s the cycling season winds down, United We Stand Cycling Club has organized a packed weekend of meets beginning with the “Dash for Cash” cycling meet set for the inner circuit of the National Park on Saturday.

The action will begin at 08:00h on Saturday with at least seven races slated for the day; the main event will be the 30-Lap “Dash for Cash” race where cyclists will have the opportunity to win cash prizes in every lap of the race. Among the cyclists slated to compete will be the red hot Jamual John, Geron Williams, Paul DeNobrega and other top cyclists.

Meanwhile, on Sunday the cyclists will take to the road ways in a 70-mile road race from Homestretch ave-

nue to Long Creek on the Linden/Soesdyke Highway before returning to the point of origin for the finish.

John will head into that race on the back of a comprehensive victory over his rivals Williams and DeNobrega just two weeks back in Powerade’s 50-Miler. However Williams will be looking for revenge while DeNobrega is seeking to show that he can match his rivals.

The race will begin at 8:00h at the National Sports Commission (NSC) Headquarters on Homestretch Avenue.

The presentation for the Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) Points race will be held on Saturday afternoon at 17:00h at a venue to be announced however, the Windjammer International Hotel is a potential venue.

South Dakota totally ready for CMRC – Ramez Mohamed

P

It is set to be an action-packed weekend at South Dakota

resident of the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMR&SC) Ramez Mohamed has given the green light towards the readiness

of South Dakota to host this weekend’s final leg of the 2017 Caribbean Motor Racing Championships (CMRC).

For the first time, radicals

will be driven at the marquee event as such concerns grew over the suitability of the track, of which the president said everything is in order.

“Everything is fully in place. We had some major construction on the, run ways by compacting it. Everything is in place for the event.”

The three top rated international riders in Moto America champions Bryce Prince, Jason Aguilar and British rider Matt Truelove are expected to participate under the Mohamed’s Enterprise banner.

“It will be very competitive, the riders that Mohamed’s are brining are top ranked. It is a good thing since many of the locals to get that opportunity to ride against those guys who if not here they would have to travel to the USA or Canada.

Now they have it here, this is there chance to compete and do well.”

Mohamed further stated that he expects everyone to do

GMR&SC's Ramez Mohamed

well since they want to perform at their best for the home fans.

The championship action will be largely different this year after the GMR&SC unveiled a 27-race programme which will encompass racing this Saturday

and Sunday.

The club has confirmed the participation of two professional drift cars from Trinidad and Tobago, as well as, four SR-3 Radicals from Barbados, in addition to the (CMRC) competitors that are expected.

Saturday, will be treated as just another race day, with adults being charged $1000 per entry and children 12 -18 being charged $500. On Sunday, adults will be charged $2000 and children 12-18, $1000.

Qualification will also be held on Saturday morning from 10:00h, with races beginning from 14:00h. Scrutineering will take place on Thursday and Friday, and before the qualification on Saturday.

There are weekend passes and VIP passes available for those patrons desirous of viewing both days of action.

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

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

World Archery Barbados successfully complete 3-day coaching stint Pg 23

– local archers better equipped for competitions After an afternoon of knowledge sharing and fun at the Carifesta Sports Complex, (from left standing) Samira Duncan, Nicholas Hing, Dwayne Grovesnor, Michael Abrams, Ronald Field, Randy Arjune, Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon, Thomas Field and Narda Mohamed and Anand Mangra (sitting at left) and Sean Duncan capture the moment

Esau, Budhu Speedboat power past Boots give Regal for back-to-back titles big win GFSCA/Guyana Softball Cup VII…

Pg 22

– defending champions Floodlights win again Safraz Esau was severe on anything down the leg side

Pg 20

Two-time Guyana Softball Cup All-Star Champions Speedboat with their prized possessions on Sunday night at the DCC Ground

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