Guyana Times 16 April 2018

Albion fire P victim pleads for help 9

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

Issue No. 3535

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Monday, April 16, 2018

Govt admits Stateowned entities struggling to stay afloat – Guyoil to get new CEO soon

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Govt mulling establishment of gold refinery

– feasibility study to be conducted soon P10

Page 3

Speeding motorcyclist killed on Kitty Public Road Page 10

Bartica- Page 10 Mahdia road link nearing completion

LM&TC clamps P7 down on illegal dumpsites in Linden

Supply poultry P7 farmer robbery

Suspects to be placed on ID parades for other crimes

Caricom leaders hold wide-ranging Page discussions with US Vice President 8

…expected to face the courts today

SASOD to appeal crossdressing case P15 ruling Body found outside GDF headquarters still unidentified P16 Garden work: It was an afternoon of fun, relaxation, and what appeared to be homework for this duo in the Botanical Gardens on Sunday

Clogged Corentyne canal causing fish prices to skyrocket

Page 2

Cuyuni River camp invasion

Suspects remain in custody as Police continue Page probe 16

Exxon PSA

Govt advised not to change signed oil Page 9 contracts – Finance Minister

...US$20M World Bank loan to be used to develop oil & gas framework

APNU/AFC coalition P12 dubbed “most corrupt Govt” – PPP

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monDAY, april 16, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Clogged Corentyne canal causing fish prices to skyrocket

…prices up by 25%

F

isher folks of Number 43 Village, Corentyne, Berbice are facing a challenge to work, since the channel they use to access the sea is clogged by bushes and a mud bank, reportedly not having been cleaned and cleared for months.

The situation is having

an impact on the cost of fish on the Corentyne, as fishing crews are forced to wait for hours on high tide in order to get out to sea. There are also reports of boats having been grounded for days before the tied became high enough to refloat them.

Many of the fishermen -- who say they are dissatisfied with work being done to maintain the Number 43 channel -- also complained that they have had to change the propellers of their boats frequently. A propeller costs at least $80,000.

Over one hundred fisher folk are being affected,

However, Armogan explained that it has to be done that way.

“If you did before, then you will have to do it again three weeks after. This is what we have been constantly doing. Every time there is a rainy season and we find that there is a need for drainage, we have to dig the channel. What I have noticed at Number 43 is that even though we tried to provide temporary relief by pumping water through the canal into the sea, we find that there is heavy siltation way in front where it connects with the ocean.

including the catchers and sellers.

Recent efforts to clear the channel by way of pumping water out to sea resulted in temporary relief, but the fishermen are calling for a long term solution.

Regional Chairman David Armogan said siltation would occur once rain is not falling continually.

He explained that the mud comes from the sea, and once there is not a constant flow of water going outwards, siltation would occur.

Therein lies the problem, because outside there it is not easy to dig, because you would have to put a machine on a pontoon and that is pretty expensive. Even if we do that, when the dry weather comes again, we will have the same problem developing. I don’t think we can afford to do that all the time,” Armogan declared.

At the Port Mourant Market, the price for fresh has increased by about twenty-five percent. One vendor attributed this to the reduction of available

“That is one of the problems we have with all the river mouths in Berbice, where once there is a dry period there will be lots of siltation,” Armogan said.

fish, caused by the extra time being spent waiting at the head of the Number 43 outfall channel on the extra high tide.

With no long-term answers from the Government, the fishermen are now wondering whether the Government has turned its back on the industry.

The Chairman said one of the best remedies is for the fisher folk to have their boats traverse as frequently as possible so as to maintain some degree of accessibility.

Fisher folks are of the view that both the outfall channel and the siltation at the mouth of the channel where it meets the ocean should be dredged.

The Regional Chairman said the cost and frequency at which it will have to be done makes it almost impossible.

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BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, April 16 – 05:00h-06:30h and Tuesday, April 17 – 05:00h-06:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, April 16 – 16:45h-18:15h and Tuesday, April 17 – 05:00h-06:30h.

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

WEATHER TODAY Thundery and light rain showers can be expected during the morning hours with lightly cloudy skies in the evening. Temperatures will range between 21 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-easterly to North-easterly between 1.78 metres and 6.25 metres.

High Tide: 04:42h and 17:05 reaching maximum heights of 2.83 metres and 2.82 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 10:38h and 22:54h reaching minimum heights of 0.34 metre and 0.43 metre respectively.

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Govt admits State-owned entities struggling to stay afloat ... Guyoil to get new CEO soon

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he Government has admitted that a majority of State-owned entities like the Guyana Oil Company (Guyoil) were struggling to stay afloat last year in terms of profitability and earnings and a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) would be appointed to head the downsized company.

This disclosure was made by Finance Minister Winston Jordan, who was speaking during a recent press conference. Zeroing in on Guyoil, Jordan related that the performance left more to be desired.

Guyoil has been without a substantive CEO since Badrie Persaud was fired from the post in 2016 on the heels of a Nigel Hinds Financial Services’ conducted forensic audit.

“Guyoil kept within the realm of what they said they were doing, but they lost some market share.

The performance was up to standard, but it could have been better. But they did transfer a billion plus in dividends to us.”

“They have a new Chairman there, Mr Mark Bender, and they should get a new CEO there shortly,” Jordan related.

“They’re making some other personnel changes and hopefully, they’ll become a bit more aggressive, stem the fall in the market share and hopefully improve it.”

Jordan also noted that building on 2016, he had expected the company to do better than it actually did. In terms of other entities, Jordan painted a less-than-favourable picture of their returns.

“It was difficult last year to see any great success in any one of them.

GPL [Guyana Power and Light], I think, they came out saying they had shortfalls in certain areas.

GuySuCo [Guyana Sugar Corporation], of course, I don’t even have to say anything. Guyana National Shipping, small profits… (Guyana) National Newspapers (Limited re-

corded a) small profit (and is) struggling. So all in all, the performance for 2017 wasn’t as great as the performance of 2016.”

Mid-year performance In the last mid-year re-

ments. However, expenditure also increased, from $9.3 billion in 2016 to $12.6 billion. This was blamed on the higher cost of Heavy Fuel Oil. In the case of GuySuCo,

ar sales. Expenditure is forecasted to rise to $35.7 billion, putting the deficit at $8.6 billion.”

“The closure of Skeldon Energy Inc during the first crop, weather, strike action,

The Guyana Power and Light, Guyana Sugar Corporation and Guyana Oil Company Limited turned in performances leaving much to be desired, according to the Finance Minister

port, Guyoil had recorded a deficit of $247.3 million.

This is despite the fact it earned revenues of $18.0 billion in the first half of 2017, up 11.8 per cent from 2016. According to the report, the increase was primarily due to additional earnings from debtors which rose by 23.1 per cent to $9.2 billion.

“Expenditure also rose in the first half of 2017, and was 28.8 per cent higher than the first half of 2016.

This is primarily as a result of increased payments to creditors. As a result, Guyoil recorded an overall deficit.

“Anticipated declines in local sales put the revised forecast for revenue at $37.6 billion, down from an original budget of $38.9 billion for 2017 while expenditure is projected to decline marginally.

Altogether, Guyoil is expected to post a deficit of $328.4 million from an originally projected surplus of $813.1 million,” it had also stated.

Last year, GPL had earned $17 billion in revenue due to more timely pay-

the company had an operating deficit of $6.3 billion. The Finance Ministry had noted that the $7 billion given to GuySuCo by Central Government by the end of the first half reflected the Corporation’s “continued inability to reform its cost structure and improve its competitiveness” .

“The revised revenue forecast for 2017 is $27.1 billion, down from the budgeted $28.9 billion. GuySuCo expects to realise increased revenue from land sales, but lower revenue from sug-

and factory maintenance downtime were some of the factors that contributed to the lowering of sugar production targets and revenues,” the report had also said.

It remains to be seen exactly how far off their targets these entities were for 2017. But with the 2017 end-of-year economic report already completed and expected to be laid in the National Assembly shortly, it is only a matter of time before that is determined.

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monDAY, April 16, 2018

Views Leading healthy lifestyles

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, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

Whither the IMF? A

fter its heyday in the wake of the global liquidity crunch in the later seventies and eighties, the International Monetary Fund appears to be adrift.

Unlike its interventionist role during the Asian financial crisis of 1997, the even larger one in the western economies during 2007-2008 basically saw it once again facilitating recovery, rather than imposing controls.

The IMF, along with its “twin sister”, the World Bank, was created in the waning days of WWII as the US elbowed out Britain as the pre-eminent economic power. Whatever might have been their stated mission, their operations in the seven decades since have merely worked to facilitate the perpetuation of the exploitative relationships inherent with those imperial relations. Poor countries are basically underpaid for their work and goods by the powerful nations in control of the twin sisters, and when they run into trouble, they have to borrow from the very people that underpaid them in the first place.

The IMF works as the collections agency for the private banks of developed countries. Take the case of Guyana in the seventies. After the 1973 nationalisation of oil by the OPEC countries, the windfall had to be recycled through western banks. These encouraged even Third World decrepit dictatorships like Guyana to borrow beyond their means. When these countries could not repay, they were forced to accept loans from the IMF – the bank of last resort – to tide them over. And the famous IMF “conditionalities” kicked in. The stringency of these depended on the country’s posture to the West. Jamaica under Manley, for instance, got the cold shoulder, while his successor, Seaga, was granted much more favourable terms. By the 1980s, the IMF’s portfolio of prescriptions for troubled economies was dubbed the “Washington Consensus”, expressing its point of origin. Its remedies were grouped under three headings that should resonate with Guyanese for the simple reason that we went into an IMF programme in 1989: stabilisation, privatisation and liberalisation. Stabilisation meant, for instance, reining in inflation by cutting spending, even if it meant jettisoning desperately needed services like health and education. As with the recent Barbadian IMF loan, where 3000 lost their jobs, the public sector is also a favoured area for cutbacks.

The PPP government has never been given enough credit for resisting IMF pressures to reduce our public sector.

Hoyte had gone along with the IMF conditionalities in 1989 and cut thousands from the public payroll. Dr Jagan balked, just as he did with demands to privatise GuySuCo. But it would appear that the PNC-led coalition intended to out-IMF the IMF on sugar when it unilaterally closed three estates and threw 7700 sugar workers into the streets.

But in 1997 the IMF overplayed its hands. Several of the emerging economies in the Far East ran into liquidity problems (brought on not so incidentally by the IMF’s insistence on liberalisation of capital markets) and fell back on the IMF for relief. The conditions crafted by Geitner, who later became US Treasury Secretary, were so draconian that several of those economies nearly went belly up. Those economies (along with China that watched the debacle with close interest) then resolved to build up their own foreign reserves, so that they never had to return to the IMF. Apart from precipitating the present international imbalance in reserves and debt, the IMF was made almost irrelevant by its own wilful partiality.

It was given a life raft by US administrations after the 2007-08 financial meltdown when asked to intermediate the recovery-in-progress. The institution, still headed “by tradition” by a European, even after promised reforms to increase the role of China, worked hard to prevent a default by Greece in the wider EU crisis. The treatment was totally opposite to those still imposed on the Third World countries. The project of China to create a new world reserve currency, the rise of BRICS and their development bank, and the uncertainties in the recent US policies suggest maybe it is time for the IMF to be disbanded.

This was one of the exhibitions put on by the Public Health Ministry last weekend when the Government staged a series of activities to mark World Health Day 2018

Revoke Ministry of Education security tenders, restart bids Dear Editor, I was most appalled to read a letter written by Mr. Julius Williams and published in the Guyana Chronicle on Saturday, April 14, 2018 under the headline ‘Education Ministry should re-tender those bids’.

Williams’s letter exposed the flagrant and vulgar violation of proper procurement procedures by the Ministry of Education in the handling of tenders for security services.

It is clear to me that the tender process was deliberately manipulated to favour an obscure security firm with no track record in the business, while upstanding security firms were, and continue to be, sidelined.

In my opinion, this “smells to the high heavens” of illegal kickbacks and payoffs under the table. It is heartbreaking to know that the same atrocity happens over and over again when tenders are handled by other ministries and state agencies. That is why I fully support Williams's call for all reputable bidders to reject this highly flawed and questionable process by the Ministry of Education. I call on the ministry to throw out this corrupt tender pro-

cess, then restart a new one that is open, fair and transparent.

How does the ministry explain that other bidders were omitted from the process?

How come only Neville Spence and Inter Service Enterprise Security attend the bid opening, much to the surprise of other security company representatives, who only discovered that there was another open, competitive bidding when they went to witness the opening of sealed bids for the provision of security services for the Dependents Pension Fund?

RK’s Security Services was one of the security firms that discovered this irregularity at that same time. What justification can the ministry come up with to explain what happened? Like Williams, I am convinced that it was a deliberate act to rob bidders of the opportunity to get the contract. It looks like someone benefited from inside information about this tender.

RK’s Security has had its share of experience with the Ministry of Education. In 2017, we successfully bid for a contract with that ministry, and after being told we were successful, spent huge sums

of money preparing to fulfill our responsibilities. We engaged and recruited security officers, bought uniforms, provided quality training, and obtained a performance bond. But after all our expenditure, we were told that the contract had been terminated for ‘convenience’, with just a few hours’ notice given before we were to commence.

Utter and gross disrespect!

This matter is now before the Supreme Court. I am inviting all the other security companies affected to contact me, so that we can organise a class action lawsuit against the Ministry of Education and the Government of Guyana. I have a feeling that if we band together and present a united front, we can win this case.

Think of how interesting it would be to get the Education Ministry's Permanent Secretary, Mr. Vibert Welch, in the witness box.

Further, I would like to encourage all the aggrieved parties and members of the Guyana Association of Private Security Organizations (GAPSO) to join together and conduct picketing exercises at the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of the Presidency. I

am prepared to even lead the team for this cause, and assist with its mobilization.

I am not afraid to state openly that this incident and others like it indicate that there are certain people involved in the national tendering process who are corrupt, particularly at the Ministry of Education, which has the power to award contracts at schools all over Guyana. I also believe that there is some amount of political favouritism at play. Justice must not only be done, it must also be seen to be done. This is not the case with security tenders at the Ministry of Education.

This questionable tender should be revoked at once; and a new, clean bidding process must start immediately.

There must also be an official inquiry into how this absurd situation occurred in the first place. I will work with Mr. Williams and all other affected parties to make sure that justice is done, and the culprits are held accountable.

Enough is enough.

Yours sincerely, Roshan Khan Sr Founder & CEO RK’s Guyana Security Services

Bringing Guyana into the 21st century – failure is not an option

Dear Editor, I had previously dealt with capitalism and socialism as systems upon which managing countries’ economic activities are based, and had pointed out that socialism, upon which the policies of the PPP and PNCled coalition are based, sees private ownership and enterprise as a threat to its existence; is oppressive; inefficient in utilizing an economy’s resources; breeds corruption throughout the economy; and leads to sub-optimal outcomes in national welfare, often resulting in poverty.

The only true beneficiaries of socialism are in fact the ruling elite, their friends and families, and rogue elements.

These combined, the outcomes with which Guyanese are for the most part quite familiar, make socialism wholly unsuitable for responding to Guyana’s immediate needs.

It therefore becomes very difficult to explain support for political parties and governments which embrace socialism and its oppressive, anti-social elements as their basis for administering Guyana’s economic affairs.

Economies are generally subdivided into three main groups: 1. Households, which comprise workers; 2. Firms, and 3. Government. Workers constitute a significantly larger number of persons than those who own and represent firms.

As such, political parties generally shape their policies to capture the votes of this group, while ensuring that their proposals also cater to the needs of firms. In democratic societies without racial tensions, decisions are generally made based on the offerings and success or failure of the policies of the con-

testing political parties.

In Guyana, where racial tensions generally dominate decision-making, Guyanese have, in the past, been forced to choose among political parties whose socialist-based policies ultimately result in increased hardships for workers; and secondly, have been encouraged to vote along racial lines, a practice I refer to as tribal politics.

Worse than this is that our political parties also engage in tribal economics, or the embrace of policies which favour a particular ethnic group. continued on page 5

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You can send your letters with pictures to: Guyana Times, Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Guyana or letters@guyanatimesgy.com

Consequences of underdevelopment of a nation Dear Editor, A number of emerging countries’ economies have experienced a massive boom in wealth and investment over the past two decades. Yet, most ordinary people in those societies live in dire poverty, with stagnant life expectancy and high unemployment, and in societies with low levels of manufacturing and heavy industry. One only has to reflect on Guyana and one can observe that the GDP per capita expanded by almost 400% in the last two decades; yet, today, four out of every 10 Guyanese have serious challenges eating two proper meals and “surviving on an income of US$1.75 per day, or G$10,494 per month” (source: GBPI). For the roots of these conditions of “under-development,” the best

historical account of why these things are happening can be found in Walter Rodney’s "How Europe Underdeveloped Africa" (1972). This book is mandatory reading for anyone who wants to understand what is about to happen to Guyana because of this lopsided anti-Guyanese oil contract signed between the Granger cabal and the international developers.

The core of Rodney’s analysis rests on the assumption that Africa has been crucial to the growth of capitalism in Europe.

What he terms “underdevelopment” was in fact the product of centuries of exploitation.

Rodney conclusively shows that “Europe” – that is, the imperial powers – did not merely enrich their own empires, but actually reversed economic and social

development in Africa. Thus Rodney, in his book, showed how Europe built immense industrial and colonial empires on the backs of African labour, but in the process devastated African natural resources and African societies. As he emphasises throughout the book, “it would be an act of the most brazen fraud to weigh the social amenities provided during the colonial epoch against the exploitation and arrive at the conclusion that the good outweighed the bad.” Thus when Mr Raphael Trotman rolls out the trinkets, such as "UG will get G$100 million for training and development", he was clearly acting like a "slave agent".

As he imprisons a nation for the journey on this ship that will lead to full exploitation, in

his mind he is sprinkling a few trinkets here and there to settle the natives. What Mr Trotman has not told the nation is that the annual sales from this operation, when it peaks around 2024, would be close to G$2.2 trillion (G$2,200,000 million).

Multiplied over the life of the Stabroek Block of 20 years, UG will be getting 0.0002% of the total sales over the life of the investment. We can now understand why Mr Trotman can make such an infantile statement as “releasing the contract was not good for business”, as he was quoted by the Press in November 2017.

Then, a month after, he was quoted as saying, “We are satisfied with the oil contract bonus”. But when you review the details of the contract, Guyana

Troy Doris made history for Guyana Dear Editor, It was the last man standing for Guyana that just became king at the Australian Commonwealth Games 2018, and here I make reference to Mr Troy Doris, Gold Medalist. I believe he also just made history for Guyana.

On a forum with the GOA President, Mr Kalam. A. Juman-Yassin, via social media a few days ago, I penned a comment that I expected Troy Doris and Winston George to make the finals of their respective event, because they are way too experienced not to make it happen.

Unfortunately, Winston George’s timings in the semifinals did not allow him to make the finals, so it was now left for the last man standing (Troy Doris) to live up to expectations. And lo and behold, he earned the gold medal in the triple jump, and that sealed it for me. He saved the day for the entire Team Guyana.

Editor, all can attest to the fact that I have also penned commentaries in the respective dailies in the past, saying that Troy Doris is the only athlete currently on the international circuit who can actually make the podium any-

time soon. I was not wrong, was I? Troy Doris, you have just broken the ice, and the one thing I would like to share with you is that you have to be mentally focused for the bigger games which await you, especially the 2020 Olympic Games.

What to expect from Guyana as a rewarding gift to Troy Doris? Absolutely nothing to talk about. What did Guyana award Gold Medalist Aliann Pompey for her accomplishment with her win in the women’s 400m at the 2002 Commonwealth Games?

Perhaps for their re-

spect years of wins, the Government can consider two independent postage stamps with both Troy Doris and Aliann Pompey showcasing their gold medals.

I would not mind the honour of taking the photos of them both free of charge.

Loud applause go out to the other athletes of Team Guyana for their efforts.

And I say: keeping pushing the button and, who knows, Guyana can shine brighter at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Yours faithfully, T Pemberton

Disappointed Christians were not invited to National Indian Orchestra launch Dear Editor, I am delighted to read in your newspaper that Bhaskar Sharma will soon launch the ‘National Indian Orchestra’ (NIO) with the aim of encouraging the Indian arts, including classical music, playing Indian instruments, dance, etc.

Such a gesture has beckoned for a long time, considering that the only form of Indian music most local Guyanese are comfortable with is the commonplace “chatney” music.

This news is music to my ears. However, I am saddened and disappointed that Mr Sharma is inviting “all heads of the Hindu religious organisations in Guyana – including the Arya Samaj, and also

Islamic groups nationwide -- to participate and support this musical initiative,” but is not extending the invitation to the Christian community.

I do understand why Guyanese feel that Christians have no affinity to Indian music. Traditionally, Indian music has been perceived as a sinister entity that has no place in the Christian church, community or home. Many surmise that only music of the West or creole music would please God. However, times are changing, and Christians are recognizing the error of our past ways and coming to grips with the realisation that God could be worshipped with all kinds of music and all kinds of instruments.

At present, the Jeewan

Ki Roti programme is aired on Channel 28 (the first two Fridays of every month), and Guyanese are expressing great appreciation for the beautiful music accentuated in the (Christian) programme.

I am an ardent evangelical Christian, who happens to think that Indian music is perhaps the ‘sweetest’ in the whole world. I love the sounds of the sitar, tabla, dholak, harmonium and so on. The various genres with which Indian culture and music are expressed (including dance) are rich and beautiful.

I am also pleased to know that Mr Sharma’s planned NIO will promote the teaching and use of the Hindi and Urdu languages. A significant number of people in Guyana

have some affinity to those languages, so this is a welcome move.

I trust that the NIO will not be concentrated only in the Georgetown area.

(Unfortunately, though the Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) is playing a magnificent role equipping Guyanese with the Indian arts, the scope is limited, as only the elite or those with “transp” can access the ICC.) I hope the NIO will spread its wings to many parts of Guyana.

Thank you, Bhaskar, for this initiative. You have my support. And please remember to also extend your invitations to Christians.

Sincerely, Devanand Bhagwan

Bringing Guyana into the...

from page 4

Naturally, Guyanese whose ethnic political party is not in power generally face marginalization, which results in more acute depression in welfare compared with the general population. Both Indian and African Guyanese generally, and specific communities, can attest to this experience.

This has been the unfortunate dilemma of our country after fifty-two years of independence, which has seen Guyanese suffer under the socialist policies of our major political parties and the em-

brace of race politics. This is what obtains even now, and seems destined to become our future. I submit that this cannot go on. It is impossible for Guyanese to achieve any significant increase in their welfare and incomes under the politics and policies of these political parties. Guyana has had the benefit of the experience of both developing and developed economies from which to draw in crafting a sound framework to guide our politics and economic policies; upon which we can finally start to move Guyana for-

ward.

This has been crafted by me, with the benefit of public criticisms, and I intend to unveil same at the upcoming launch of our political party.

Interested persons may view them on social media.

Guyanese are encouraged to study our proposals, and make suggestions and recommendations on how they can be improved. As a new political party, we are also looking for Guyanese to take up the challenge of offering a better system of government than what currently obtains un-

der the PPP and PNC-led coalition. What we cannot and must not allow aare to have the politics and policies which have failed us in the past dominate our future. Let us put aside race and work together to bring Guyana into the 21st century. To borrow from American President Franklin D. Roosevelt during World War 2, “We Can, We Must, We Will!”

Because failure is not an option.

Yours faithfully, Craig Sylvester

is expected to walk away with 12.5% of the oil sales; but out of that 12.5%, Guyana has to pay the taxes, the transportation cost, and the marketing fee, which is projected to provide a net benefit to Guyana of under 8% of the oil sales until the initial investments are recovered.

This recovery process can last anywhere from 10 to 12 years. Guyana's share of all those trillions until the investment is recovered will be less than a billion Guyana dollars a year in the first 10 years.

Guyana has a G$250 billion budget in 2018, and that was

thrown in for context.

But is the Government satisfied to sell the nation this lopsided deal? I wonder why. Is the reason that a newly wedded wife of a minister is on the payroll of one of the developers at a price tag of G$30 million per year? Are we experiencing a situation where certain cabal has sold out the people of Guyana for personal enrichment, with the direct consequences being the underdevelopment of a nation?

Sincerely, Sasenarine Singh

Public procurement process is being manipulated by political directive Dear Editor, The public procurement system was established by PPP government in 2003. The procurement process was establish to maintain accountability, transparency, fairness, and equal access to opportunities.

While competition was an essential ingredient in achieving and promoting effectiveness in procurement, it also discouraged monopoly situations and avoided favouritism. Can we say that the APNU/AFC coalition government is upholding the procurement process?

Definitely not! I am confident that this Government is compromising or disregarding the procurement process and Act to ensure that their cronies, friends and families benefit.

There are various methods of procurement, tender boards can choose from open or restricted procedure wherein request for quotation can only be used in clearly defined circumstances. Also the single source procurement for particular supplier can be used. The most effective method should be used to ensure Government have the best value for money. The open

tendering method is the most effective, and should always be used in order to have maximum competition. It is deemed being able to offer the most economical results. Instructions are given through permanent secretaries to various ministerial and regional tender boards to use a method that the Government can manipulate in order to ensure activist supporters, friends and families benefit. The AFC/APNU coalition government do not have any system in place to promote transparency and accountability in public office, and have total disregard for the Public Procurement Act. There are many projects that fail the procurement process, eg Durban Park, rental or drugs bond, the East Bank Berbice public road etc. This Granger government is the worst Government when it comes to transparency and accountability. They ensure that the Government officials manipulate the public procurement process for personal and political gains.

Respectfully, Zamal Hussain

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laying video games socially with others can boost a child’s soft skills – those 21st-Century competencies that students should possess to be able to compete and innovate in today’s interconnected, global economy.

Soft skills include the so-called 4 Cs: creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and communication. For example, playing the popular block-building game Minecraft together with friends can put soft skills into practice, as children solve meaningful problems collaboratively.

But can the 4 Cs present in video game play also gird one’s ability to develop social and emotional learning (SEL) skills? In particular, can playing video games make children better aware of their own emotions?

Data reported by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) contradicts some popular opinions about who actually plays video games, and in what contexts. The ESA’s 2017 report found that 94 per cent of parents pay attention to the video games played by their children.

And many parents play games together with their children – 67 per cent do so at least once a week. Video games, it seems, are a medium that doesn’t make us less social – rather, they bind us together.

Games for Change, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to games for social impact and good, produced an 88-second tribute to the beauty in video games.

And in an article for Polygon, Games for Change President Susanna Pollack said, “Our organisation is built on the belief that video games can affect positive change by educating people, building awareness around an issue, or

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Foundation

bringing people together.”

Dr Karen Schrier and I recently coauthored a working paper for UNESCO’s Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development (MGIEP) titled “The Limits and Strengths of Using Digital Games as ‘Empathy Machines’.” In it, we explored how players can become immersed in game worlds by taking control (agency) of avatars (your digital on-screen representation), and how that affects people’s ability to be empathetic.

Unique opportunities for taking perspective As it turns out, when controlling one’s on-screen character there are unique opportunities for taking perspective, one of the components of SEL. For example, we looked at Way, a two-player game in which all communication is visual – no words are exchanged.

The game challenges players to collaborate to succeed at a common goal. In the paper, we also looked at the literature around the game Spent, a free, text-based poverty simulator. The game is overt in its messaging – making an argument that it is hard to dig oneself out of being poor – but we found a Yale University study that indicated that some people became less empathetic after playing. Because Spent offers players choices, the game seemed to indicate to some players that people are poor because poor people make bad choices.

But that doesn’t invalidate the game’s utility as a teaching tool.

Students can play it, write a critique of it, and then make a new version using free interactive fiction tools like Twine or inkleWriter.

We also analysed That Dragon, Cancer, an autobiographical game about

a family who lost a child to cancer. This game restricts player agency, thus indicating that in life, we sometimes don’t have control over what comes at us. In one vignette, players become Ryan, the father, who ineffectively tries to console a crying young Joel overnight in the hospital; however, none of the player’s interactions have consequences, and Joel persists in crying (the audio is actually Joel crying). I recently spoke to Ami Shah, the cofounder and CEO of Peekapak, a literacy-based platform that uses narrative in children’s books as a foundation to teach young children about empathy. Peekapak also uses self-regulation as a way to help children understand how to manage emotions.

Aside from the stories, there’s a suite of play-based activities, including games, to help parents and teachers reinforce concepts presented in the stories.

The game worlds of myPeekaville (which is in beta, or early pre-release version) bring the narratives of the characters to life. In myPeekaville, players must first create avatars, thus becoming Peekapak characters. They then go on quests to help characters overcome challenges and manage emotions. Through a series of mini-games, children practice SEL skills in an immersive setting.

Peekapak specifically leverages animal characters who live in their natural habitats. One example is Leo the Hedgehog, who lives in a burrow. “All of a sudden [students] have to think about life from [Leo’s] point of view, what his life is like and how things are different from his perspective,” Shah explained. Perspective-taking through player agency drives empathetic thinking. (Edutopia.org)

By Iben Sandahl

M

ommy, where do babies come from? Do you think I am fat?

Why are Auntie’s breasts bigger than mine? Do these sentences sound familiar?

They do to many, because having children means receiving questions that you are not always prepared to answer. However, being able to openly discuss our children’s enquiries about sexuality will lead to a better relationship and understanding of their own bodies for the remainder of their lives.

There is evidence that shows that good sexuality awareness is vital for the overall well-being of young people, and can increase their ability to make positive and health-enhancing decisions. These decisions can help them to feel positive about their bodies, feel good about being male or female, appreciate and accept individual differences, understand appropriate and inappropriate behaviour, as well as physical and emotional changes.

In Denmark, we are known for being very direct, honest and always speaking openly from our hearts when interacting with one another. This also carries over in the way we talk to our children about sexuality, the differences between boys and girls, how babies are made and personal boundaries.

This is made possible when we, as adults, do so calmly and authentically, showing that it is the most natural part of life. By doing so, our children will adopt the same mindset and approach these complicated topics as a part of their natural development.

My children were taught in school about the “flowers and bees” already at the young age of seven, because learning about sexuality also encompasses all the things that make us who we are. It was adjusted according to their age, and looking back it was such a gift, because at that age they don’t view these subjects as embarrassing and strange.

Some parents talk openly about this part of life naturally and undramatically, but there are also many of us who will end up brushing aside questions, or replying evasively when our children come to us with questions about sexuality.

Denmark may be different than many other places in regards to our communication style, and when uncomfortable topics arise it can be normal to avoid the questions altogether. Even though Danes can often seem overly open and honest, I also know of children who haven’t had any personal conversations with their parents about their bodily changes such as menstruation, contraception and protecting themselves against sexually transmitted infections.

Talking openly to our children about sexuality leads to them learning about the beauty of their own bodies, and to love every part of themselves.

Reflections of ourselves

How we feel about our own bodies and sexuality is reflected in the way our children will deal with these issues later in life. If we want them to have a positive body image and feel comfortable with their sexuality, we need to look inwardly at how we feel about ourselves.

(Excerpt from popularpsychologytoday)

news

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monDAY, april 16, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Central Bank has US$75M excess Suspects to be placed on ID foreign currency – Dr Ganga Supply poultry farmer robbery

parades for other crimes …expected to face the courts today

T

he six men who were all taken into Police custody after they attempted to carry out a daring robbery on a Supply poultry farmer on Tuesday night are to be placed in a number of identification parades for other crimes.

The men have been identified as Steve Hercules, 30, of Lot 2-3 Sisters Village, West Bank Demerara (WDB); Nabadinghi Gobin, 33, of Lot 181 Charlotte Street, Bourda, Georgetown; Renard Khan, 31, of Lot 147 Cooper Street, Albouystown; Mark Prince, 39, of Lot 52 Parfaite Harmonie, WBD; Edward Skeete, 30, of Lot 309 Independence Boulevard, Georgetown and Marvin Blackman, 27, of South Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

According to Crime Chief Paul Williams, their descriptions are similar to those previously reported to have been involved in similar crimes.He noted that as such, the men were to be placed in several identification parades before charges

were laid.

Charges are, however, expected to be laid today, or Tuesday at the latest, the Crime Chief revealed.

Swift action by Police ranks of the A Division (Georgetown-East Bank Demerara) saw the bandits being nabbed after they at-

tempted to rob the Supply, East Bank Demerara (EBD) poultry farmer, 69-year-old Michael Chang Yuen.

The men who escaped from the scene after the failed robbery at the Lot 13 Supply, EBD premises were apprehended in Grove, EBD. turn to page 8

LM&TC clamps down on illegal dumpsites in Linden

T

he Linden Mayor and Town Council (LM&TC) has partnered with Bosai Minerals Group Guyana Incorporated (BMGGI) to clear several illegal dumpsites across the Linden, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) community.

The clearing of the dumpsites commenced at Wismar on Saturday, and today, dumpsites at Mackenzie were expected to be cleared.

Areas in Wismar which were cleared include Wisroc, Block 22 and the One Mile back road.

Linden Mayor Waneka Arrindell also encouraged business owners at the Five Corner area at Mackenzie to improve sanitation of

Bosai vehicles clearing an illegal dumpsite

the area and to beautify the environs. The activities were spearheaded by Arrindell and Deputy Mayor Wainewright Bethune, who had since committed to the Council’s vow to deal with the issue of solid waste management in the community.

The issue of illegal dumpsites has been a major issue for the municipality over the years as it has struggled to deal with solid waste management. The municipality has also urged residents to report instances of illegal dumping in their area.

F

ollowing last year’s reported crisis regarding the availability of foreign currency in the local market, the Bank of Guyana (BoG) now has an excess of over US$75 million in foreign currency.

This was revealed by BoG Governor l, Dr Gobind Ganga during a recent interview with Guyana Times.

“Currently, we have almost US$75 million of excess supply of foreign currency in the market with commercial banks, and we are hoping that this excess supply will drag the rates down further than where it is. So, it is not in shortage; there is excess supply of 75 million or more US dollars in the market,” Dr Ganga asserted.

He went on to reiterate that there was, in fact, no shortage in the availability of foreign currency last year.

“There was never a situation where there was a shortage. Remember this was because of a number of factors that were impacting this expectation, which was really destabilising expectation, and we have come out of that all because of, once again, the expectations that were being purported out there…,” the BoG Governor posited.

While both the Central Bank and the Government had maintained that there was no foreign currency crisis, several commercial banks and cambio deal-

BoG Governor, Dr Gobind Ganga

ers had insisted otherwise, jacking up the exchange rate for US dollars.

In fact, business owners had also complained about the apparent foreign currency shortage, saying that they were unable to readily make overseas payments by draft or wire transfer for products and services from overseas. Even citizens had borne the backlash of the crisis by paying high exchange rates.

Both Dr Ganga and Finance Minister Winston Jordan had posited that businesses might be hoarding foreign currencies, and commercial banks and cambios were claiming shortages in order to cause customers to resort to paying exorbitant rates for foreign currencies.

“The Governor has assured me that he doesn’t know anything about [the shortage], because the banks haven’t approached him for foreign exchange,”

Minister Jordan had said on a radio programme during the contrived scarcity of foreign exchange.

Usually, when commercial banks experience a shortage, they turn to the Bank of Guyana to purchase the currency to meet demand. But no such approaches were made.

While the Central Bank’s Governor does not foresee a repeat of last year’s situation, financial experts had warned that there could be another such crisis.

In fact, former Junior Finance Minister Juan Edghill had said in October that if Government did not curb the excessive spending on international travel by its officials, then the foreign currency reserves at Central Bank would be depleted.

During his 2018 Budget presentation back in November, Minister Jordan had said that the Bank of Guyana’s exchange rate for the Guyana Dollar to the US Dollar is expected to remain stable at $206.5 throughout this year, while adding that the US Dollar had appreciated by 1.6 per cent against the Guyanese Dollar. He had noted too that earlier in 2017, the Central Bank had moved to implement countermeasures to prevent manipulation of the foreign exchange rate and to ensure a greater and smoother flow of receipts to the foreign currency market.

8 NEWS AG granted leave by High Court monDAY, April 16, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

…to file defence in extradition matter

A

ttorney General Basil Williams was on Friday granted leave by the High Court in order to file a defence in the extradition matter for Troy Anthony Thomas, also known as Mervin Williams.

This came one week after Thomas’s defence lawyers filed a fixed date application in the High Court to prevent the extradition proceedings at the Magistrates’ Courts.

Recently when the matter was called before Principal Magistrate Sherdel IsaacsMarcus at the Providence Magistrate’s Court, the law-

yers told the Magistrate about the application they filed on behalf of their client in the High Court.

Attorney-at-Law Stacy Goodings, who is representing the Government of the United States, told the court that the Magistrates’ Courts has the jurisdiction to continue the extradition proceedings, and that the State was ready to proceed with the matter.

After hearing both parties, the Magistrate gave the High Court an opportunity to rule on the matter. The case was adjourned and would

come up in the High Court on May 10 for reports before Justice Jo-Ann Barlow.

According to one of the defence lawyers, Nigel Hughes, the United States of America (extradition) order in council 1935 does not form part of the domestic laws of Guyana, hence the declaration that the provisions of the United States of America (extradition) order in council 1935 No 574 cannot be enforced by a Magistrate.

The lawyers are contending that Magistrate IsaacsMarcus possesses no authority at law or otherwise to

enforce the provisions of the treaty between the United Kingdom and the United States of America for the mutual extradition of fugitive criminals signed on December 22, 1931.

They added that the provisions were unconstitutional, null and void or have no legal effect.

Furthermore, the Attorneys submitted that their client is a citizen of Guyana and he is entitled to the protection of the provision of the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.

Caricom leaders hold wide-ranging discussions with US Vice President

C

aribbean Community (Caricom) leaders met with United States Vice President Mike Pence on the margins of the final day of the Summit of the Americas in Lima, Peru.

Second Vice President and Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge told the Department of Public Information (DPI), following the meeting, that Caribbean leaders “took advantage” of the opportunity to dialogue with Vice President Pence.

“It was a good opportunity to at least exchange ideas at practically the highest level in the United States,” Minister Greenidge said. Greenidge noted Vice President Pence confirmed that the US remained interested in the Caribbean and Latin America.

During the meeting, the Caricom Heads of State and delegations also had discussions with the Vice President’s team, including the new Head of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Caricom Heads of State and delegation meeting with members of the US Congress

“It was a wide-ranging discussion. The Caribbean raised many of the problems they would have raised before, but also looked at an ongoing framework of cooperation with the US and setting a scene for the types of discussions that may arise,” Minister Greenidge explained.

The discussions, in relation to Guyanese concerns, were along the lines of migration and crime and security. “We share, of course, some of the other things the

Caribbean would normally have,” Minister Greenidge added.

These include resilience, the problem of de-risking and the disappearance of correspondent banking. The regional leaders also raised concerns over the rigid formulation and enforcement of rules without reference to the so-called collateral damage that they may pose, especially on small States, Minister Greenidge noted.

The Caribbean Region is considered the “third

border” for the United States. The US State Department notes that the US’s Caribbean 2020 multiyear strategy seeks to engage the Caribbean Region “in the areas of security, diplomacy, prosperity, energy, education, and health”.

This will be coordinated by the State Department and USAID. Following the meeting with Vice President Pence, the Caricom leaders were also engaged by several members of the US Congress.

The Caricom Heads of State and delegations were participating in the eight Summit of the Americas, which was hosted by the Organisation of the American States under the theme “Democratic Governance against Corruption”.

World leaders from the Caribbean, Latin America, the US and Canada adopted the Lima Commitment in line with the theme and have pledged to do more to eradicate corruption in public office.

Suspects to be placed on ID parades...

At the time of the attempted robbery, Yuen was at home with his wife and his two sons relaxing when they heard a noise coming from outside their house about 19:30h. Upon checking, Yuen saw four men at the eastern door of his property.

As such, an alarm was raised, which prompted the men to quickly enter a waiting motor car, HC 4543, which was parked some distance away, and flee the scene.

However, the Police were alerted, and a roadblock was set up in the vicinity of the Grove Public Road, which saw the four men, along with two others in the said car, being captured.

A search carried out on the motor car saw the discovery of two 9 mm Glock Pistols, one with the serial number filed off, along with 22 live rounds; one Beretta Pistol with 11 live rounds, one .32 Taurus Pistol, with the serial number filed off with six live rounds; one sledgehammer, two pairs of latex

gloves, and trade plates.

Further investigations carried out revealed that the motor car in which they were found was stolen from a Princes Street, Georgetown resident on March 25, 2018.

When this publication visited Yuen’s home, his sons were hesitant to speak; he, however, revealed that this was the second time in the last two months that bandits attempted to rob his home.

They were unable to enter the property on that occasion as well. He noted that CCTV footage was handed over to the Police.

Yuen has been working in the poultry business for some 30 years.

Charged multiple times

Skeete, called “Pretty Boy”, first came under Police watch in 2008 when he was arrested and charged for carrying out an armed robbery at John Street, Werk-en-rust where his accomplice was shot and killed by Police Officers.

Then in 2011, Skeete was freed of the murder of Bedi Ramjewan, who was killed in April of 2011 during a robbery at Industry, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

And just two months ago, that is on February 8, 2018, he was again freed by Justice Navindra Singh for the July 14, 2015 Turning Point, Tucville murder of Ryan Clementson for which he was jointly charged with Gobin, called “Dangles”.

Prince, called “Fine Man”, was charged in several robbery-related issues. He was first charged in 2016 for attacking and robbing a woman of her cellphone.

He was then charged earlier this year with two robberies, one committed on Regan Singh and the other on Gobin Singh.

Both victims were robbed following a visit to a city bank.

Khan was detained in 2017 for robbing a pastor of some $1.8 million just as he left a city bank.

And Blackman was first charged, along with two oth-

from page 7

ers, for robbing a supervisor attached to the Wild Caught Fresh Fish Depot while being armed with a gun.

Then in August of 2017, he was charged with discharging a loaded firearm at Carl Welshman with intent to commit murder. He was also charged for carrying out an armed robbery on the said Welshman while in the company of two others. That same month, Blackman was also charged with the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.

In November of 2017, he was again charged with armed robbery, this time committed on Bramanand Chetramand and Danny Singh.

He was remanded in August 2017 on charges of illegal possession of a Glock 17 semi-automatic pistol and eight live rounds of 9mm ammunition.

He was also charged two months ago for robbing a Diamond Housing Scheme resident after she left a city bank.

Running out…

B

…of (2020) time asil Williams, Chairman of the PNC – who, not coincidentally, also just happens to be the “losingest” Attorney General in the history of Guyana – just concluded a “seminar” of SOCU and FIU hirelings by berating them they’d better get some convictions - by any means necessary! While Williams isn’t the brightest bulb in any room – much less one with lawyers! – it’s clear some of his cases thrown out were brought because of his PNC hat.

After three years in office, even the die-hard faithful are wondering what happened to the “billions and billions” the PNC and AFC swore the PPP had pilfered from the treasury. With 2020 looming perilously close, the PNC’s desperate that with no convictions those supporters will be convinced they were taken for a ride with the PNC just throwing shade! Or – which is worse – implicitly concede if the PPP did thief all that money, they’re so smart, the PNC’s left holding the bag!! The PPP ends up heroes - like Clooney and his gang in Oceans 11!!

Another problem iWilliamss he and his PNC cohorts are so desperate politically, they just can’t think straight.

Take the charge of “misconduct” SOCU’s filed against ex-Finance Minister Ashni Singh and ex-NICIL Head Brassington. Here it is, the PNC’s telling their supporters they want to get back the money the state of Guyana supposedly lost because the two officials sold the three plots of land waaaay below market value.

But why bring a CRIMINAL charge if you want Guyana to get back the money it supposedly lost? The penalty for “misconduct in public office” is a life sentence!! Wouldn’t it have been better to bring the charge as a CIVIL matter where the burden of proof is much lower AND THE MONEY LOST TO THE STATE CAN BE fully RECOVERED with a penality thrown in for good measure!!!!? If Williams were familiar with even first year law, he’d know just recently, in the Belizean case of “Marin’, the CCJ affirmed the standing of Attorney Generals to file the TORT of misfeasance in public officials. Here the facts also involved supposedely undervalued land.

But this has nothing to do with getting justice for Guyana, does it? It’s all about conducting a vendetta against the PPP - PNC’s political enemy by their reckoning.

If you can’t “Hang ‘em high” then jail them for life!! It’s of more than passing interest that the Court in Marin considered the possibility of political vendettas, knowing our local political climate. But we knew where the PNC was going from the beginning, didn’t we?

It’s why SARA - the State Assets Recovery Agency – wasn’t used but SOCU – Special ORGANISED CRIME Unit!! …of lipstick for Burnham Granger’s gone into overdrive to redeem the “legacy” of Burnham he’s sworn to continue. You have to give the man credit – he’s even given over his only begotten house to the “Burnham Foundation”- run by Vincent Alexander, who’s charge of that project. But with Burnham’s legacy in tatters by every possible measure, Alexander’s been forced to fudge history to find something redeeming.

So, after cussing out the PPP for the past sixty years, on behalf of the PNC, Alexander claims Burnham was a “co-founder” of the PPP!! Guess they can’t deny the PPP its historic role of being the party that fought for independence, so they might as well claim it. But if you’re going to lie, we can’t understand why Alexander doesn’t take a page from the Trump Playbook and tell some real whoppers. Like Burnham was the sole founder of the PPP!!

After all, at the age of 12 he’d already declared he was going to be the leader of an independent Guyana – so there!!

Jagan’s vow at Enmore was 16 years later!! …of (economic) wiggle room Just when Jordan promised the economy would “rebound” from its abysmal 2.1% 2017 growth grawl, comes news that Rusal has to curtail bauxite production.

He’s a real jinx!!

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

9 Albion fire victim pleads for help T News

monDAY, april 16, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Exxon PSA

Govt advised not to change signed oil contracts – Finance Minister …US$20M World Bank loan to be used to develop oil & gas framework

F

ar from renegotiating the contracts already signed with oil companies that leave more to be desired, Government appears to be following the advice it has received from multi-nationals that there is nothing they can do to correct prior contracts.

This was disclosed by Finance Minister Winston Jordan, during a press conference on Friday. According to the Minister, multinationals like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have done a range of studies.

“I think mostly the IMF have come up with the fact that (they) understand what (we) have and so on, (but) the template these days is not to go this route. But they made it very, very clear. There’s nothing you can do with those you’ve already signed.

“Whatever they are rec-

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

legislation. This includes the provision of a loan which will be turned towards capacity building.

“We have a loan coming up from the World Bank, I think about US$20 million, for oil and gas development.

One aspect of that is to look at the pieces of legislation we

The World Bank will be providing a US$20 million loan for Guyana to develop its oil and gas framework

ommending is going forward.

I have a petroleum fiscal regime that is supposed to be best practice international, which they would like to see us put in place. But it would not affect any contracts we have already signed. It is a blueprint going forward for any other arrangements we enter into.”

That being said, Jordan acknowledged the concerns being expressed from several sections of society. But he noted that the IMF and other organisations were helping the Government to formulate

have to put in place to improve the architecture of the sector.

“Right now, except for the existing piece of legislation, we have no direct legislation like the local content, the SWF [Sovereign Wealth Fund], the Petroleum Commission, the petroleum fiscal regime legislation.

Plus, we don’t have people to draft them, so with this loan, we have to bring people to help us draft these pieces of legislation.”

The contract

The contract between the coalition Government, ExxonMobil and its partners in the Stabroek block was signed in June 2016. Since its release last year, there has been resounding criticism of its terms.

For one thing, ExxonMobil and its partners in the Stabroek block were able to secure exemptions from paying Corporation, Excise or Value Added Tax on their earnings from petroleum.

Article 15.4 of the renegotiated contract also provides for the Government itself to pay the company’s income tax. To facilitate this, the oil company has to submit tax returns to the Government.

That is not all. Article 32 stipulates that Government cannot modify the contract or increase any fiscal obligation the company has.

This, therefore, puts a cap on the taxes, royalties, duties, fees, or charges outlined in the contract. Government also has to compensate the operator if a change to existing laws causes loss of revenue for the company.

Some have since suggested that Government avail itself of the services of international lawyers known for renegotiating contracts.

Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman had announced last month that the terms of the contract would be reviewed in four years.

he teacher who was pregnant when her Albion home went up in flames one month ago is now pleading with the public for assistance.

While support has been slow, the Fire Service has been pushing the family around to get a needed document.

“It has been hard, and it is though still -- the challenge right now,” the Guyana Times was told on Saturday afternoon.

The blaze that occurred at High Reef, Albion, Corentyne on March 13 had left seven persons homeless.

Shennisa Willie has since given birth to her sixth child.She says while a few persons have come forward to assist and get her children back in school, the family is still greatly in need.

Willie is now living at a house at Manchester, Corentyne with her husband and six children, but the building is not much more than a part-shelter with walls.

In fact, a few days after she moved into the building, she fell through the floor, landing thirteen feet below, and was picked up in the yard and rushed to hospital, where she also gave birth.

“I need a house to stay in. I need beds, I don’t have beds for them to sleep on; sheets… I have one stove that is punishing me to cook, especially in the morning when (it’s time) to go to school. I don’t even have pots; only one pot and

Shennisa Willie and five of her children

a canary… I don’t have accessories to use to cook with.”

According to the teacher, the Guyana Fire Service, which arrived after her building was flattened, has not been able to furnish her with documents she needs. According to Willie, it appears as though there is only one officer at that department who can do the work.

“The officers at the Rose Hall Fire Service told me that the officer gone on some course and they don’t know when he coming back.

Then I call New Amsterdam and they told me that I have to wait until Rose Hall send the report. I beg the New

Amsterdam officer to see how fast he can get it, and he said he will see what he can do,” Willie related on Saturday.

However, two weeks ago, she had informed this publication about the apparent slothfulness in the process of getting a fire report, and that there was not much help she was getting from the New Amsterdam Fire Service.

The couple is battling to make ends meet along with their children, ages 11, 10, 9, 5, and one month.

Anyone who wishes to make contact with the family can do so on telephone number 672-5363 and 6861289.

10 news Bartica-Mahdia road link Govt mulling establishment nearing completion of gold refinery – feasibility study to be conducted soon A T monDAY, april 16, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

team of officials from the ministries of Public Infrastructure and Finance, led by Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson, on Friday visited Cuyuni Mazaruni (Region Seven) to assess and inspect ongoing hinterland road projects in the area.

Minister Patterson explained that the team was in the region to get a firsthand look at the two main crossings which link both Mahdia and Bartica.

“We visited the furthest point in Region Seven, which is Cassandra Crossing. The works in that area are progressing satisfactorily and are expected to be completed by mid-2018. We have a contract from Mahdia to the Denham Bridge, and one for works from Mile 78 on the Bartica-Potaro trail to Mile

(From right) Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Kenneth Jordan; and Finance Secretary Dr Hector Butts assessing the Cassandra Crossing Bridge

wait. It will serve as an impetus to the fulfilment of Government’s vision to link the coast and the hinterland.

Finance Ministry officials were invited along re-

Part of the rehabilitated Bartica/Potaro road

96 (Cassandra Crossing),” Minister Patterson said.

When completed by the end of 2019, the project will create a direct link from Bartica to Mahdia after more than 30 years’

portedly so they could better appreciate how the resources for projects such as these are utilised.

“At the beginning of the year, I normally go to every region to assess and inspect

as many of the major projects as possible. Also (I go) to ensure that the contractors are not executing poor works, and this helps us to plan for our 2018/2019 budget. This time I walked with members of the Ministry of Finance, because I found that it is crucial that they be able to appreciate why we put in certain measures.

Sometimes it is difficult to explain to them at budget time the need for certain resources and what we are doing with it, especially for the hinterland works,” Minister Patterson underlined.

The works commenced in 2017, and have been progressing amidst challenges.

Hinterland Engineer Jeffrey Walcott explained that the contractors are working towards a 2019 deadline.

However, the biggest challenges remain the weather and sourcing of raw materials.

he Government of Guyana is looking to modernise the gold industry with the possible establishment of a gold refinery.

This was disclosed by Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman, during a recent press conference.

The Minister said that a South African company would be in Guyana shortly, to conduct a feasibility study on the possibility. Minister Trotman said that for years, the Guyana Gold Board (GGB) has been using the old method of refining gold and believed that the time has come to revolutionise the gold industry. He explained, “So, we are strongly looking at the possibility setting up a refinery, either through a public-private partnership or wholly through Government.”

Trotman highlighted that a team from South Africa is being facilitated by the Foreign Affairs Ministry, and disclosed that the GGB was already in receipt of a num-

Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman

ber of other plans for the refinery’s establishment.

“We had looked at similar facilities in Suriname. We have received proposals from local business persons as well as far as Dubai, India, the US and Canada, so we are moving in the direction of modernising this industry,” he stated.

Minister Trotman further stressed that the time has

come for the country to have its own refinery, noting that even if Guyana could not refine all of its gold; it must be in a position to refine a substantial amount.

The Minister announced that the GGB was also exploring the idea of producing commemorative coins and ingots, which would be up for sale, “people could come and buy Guyanese gold as a Guyanese or if you are a citizen of Canada or the United States.

It comes with a certificate and I believe this is where we are headed.”

For several years, Guyana has used the traditional method of smelting gold. This is, however, becoming worrying. Only recently, there was a spike in the level of mercury emissions in the air at the GGB laboratory. The issue was quickly brought under control. This has prompted the Government to take a number of steps to ensure that the issue does not reoccur in the future.

Speeding motorcyclist killed on Kitty Public Road

M

otorcyclist Suresh Kellowan of Enmore, East Coast Demerara lost his life while negotiating the Russian Embassy turn on the Kitty Public Road in Georgetown at about 03:00hrs on Sunday.

Reports are that the 22-year-old machine operator was proceeding west while attempting to negotiate the turn when the motorcycle slide and collided with the guard rail of the said Russian Embassy. Kellowan reportedly was not wearing a safety helmet at the time.

Rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC), he was pronounced dead on arrival.

When <<Guyana Times>> spoke with the

Suresh Kellowan

dead man’s mother, Patricia Budhram, she said she learnt of her son’s demise through a cousin who saw the accident on Facebook.

She said she rushed to the scene of the accident, where she saw Kellowan’s

lunch bowl, boots and motorcycle parts scattered on the roadway.

“Me also see a large pool of blood on the road and a sheet where they say he was lying,” the distraught woman revealed. Budhram said she rushed to the Lyken Funeral Home, where she positively identified her son.

The weeping woman said she was told that the impact of hitting the rail caused Kellowan’s neck to be broken, and this caused his demise.

She was uncertain where her son was headed, but said she had seen him the previous day, as she usually cooked for him. Kellowan leaves to mourn his mother, father and three siblings.

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NA prisoners graduate from anger management course

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hirty-three inmates of the New Amsterdam Prison were on Thursday recognised after successfully completing a three-month anger management and re-entry programme.

Among those who completed the course is a woman who was recently sentenced to a 98-year-jail term for poisoning her two children.

Participants were chosen based on their age and length of their prison term, and the programme was conducted by Solutions Training Consultancy and Counselling Services.

Among those who graced the stage all decked out in

their gowns were high profile and special watch inmates.

Both remand and convicted prisoners, including the recently sentenced mother who poisoned her children, were given opportunity to participate in the programme, which focused on imparting skills to prepare inmates to reintegrate into society capable of dealing with issues which would confront them, so that they would not have to be placed in such a facility again.

Officer-in-charge of the New Amsterdam Prisons, Superintendent Deoraj Gyandat, explained that the programme included such areas as self-worth, how to deal with emotions, and conflict

resolution. He noted that although this is only the second batch graduating from the course, he has seen a change in the prison population.

“I can see the impact it is having on the location. I can

Cabinet green lights new Payment System Bill – Williams

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s Guyanese law enforcement officials continue to grapple with frequent cases of ‘trailed’ bank robberies, Government is looking to move ahead with legislation that would not only increase the security of citizens, but modernise and boost the efficiency of the banking sector.

This is according to Legal Affairs Minister and Attorney General, Basil Williams, who said Cabinet last week approved the new piece of proposed legislation.

“At Cabinet on Tuesday, we dealt with, and approved, the Payment Systems Bill, which will really transform the way we deal with financial and cash transactions. So [it will] reduce cash transactions in the first place, and substitute (those) with electronic transactions,” the Legal Affairs Minister said at an event where he underscored the need for local state prosecutors to be educated on the various financial crimes, so as to improve their efficiency.

A National Payment System (NPS) is an infrastructure that provides the economy with the channels or circuits for processing the payments resulting from the many different types economic transactions that take place daily.

The Bank of Guyana (BoG) was tasked with leading the development and implementation of a strategic approach to advance the development of Guyana’s NPS, by establishing the parameters to guide policy and set priorities.

After widespread consultations with stakeholders, Central Bank, with assistance from the World Bank, last year commenced putting together a four-year comprehensive plan that would see the strategic transformation of the local payment sys-

Guyana’s national payment system

tem from paper-based mechanisms to electronic payments.

The National Payment System Strategy (20172021) was handed over to Government last month.

This is a developmental plan that envisions a “robust, sound, efficient and inclusive National Payment System (NPS) that meets the current and future needs of the economy, support financial activity and financial sector development, advances the use of electronic payments, contributes to financial risk mitigation, achieves compatibility with international systems, adheres to the relevant international standards, guidelines and codes.”

The 59-page strategy and action plan is centred around nine pillars of a conceptual framework developed by the Work Bank on National Payment System. These include: legal framework, large value payments, retail payments, government transactions, securities depository, clearing and settlement, money markets, international remittances, oversight and cooperation.

This strategy will aim to establish legal clarity and certainty to cover several areas, such as electronic funds

transfer, e-money and cheque truncation.

Additionally, steps will be made towards enhancing the efficiency of payment processing and the reduction of settlement times for both retail and large value transactions.

The strengthening of risk management and mitigation across the national payments system and the expansion of the accessibility of electronic payment access networks will also be under focus.

Central Bank will also seek to attract higher rates of electronic payment acceptance by vendors, merchants and other providers of goods and services, as well as advance the migration of Government to electronic payments for both the collection and disbursement of funds.

Further, the BoG will drive remittance costs down and enhance the accessibility of remittance services, and strengthen the oversight framework and capacity.

Back in 2016, Governor of the Bank of Guyana, Dr Gobind Ganga, had announced that Guyana could be saving as much as $6 million annually with a modernised payment system that makes optimum use of electronic payments.

Wash bay operators to pay maintenance fee

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epresentatives of the Mayor and City Council of Georgetown met with several wash bay operators on Wednesday last in an attempt to implement a charge for usage of their facilities, which fall under the maintenance of the municipality.

According to Public Relations Officer Debra Lewis, the M&CC will be enforcing a $10,000 fee on wash bay operators for the maintenance of the reserves.

She noted that owing to their activities sand and other materials were usually washed into the drains which in future may cause blockage of the pipelines “There is increase in the cost of maintenance to parapets, drains as a result of the sand and other materials washed into the waterways, and the inconvenience and discomfort to neighbours in communities where such activities are occurring, on a daily basis,” Lewis noted.

She further noted that the Council has met with owners and operators of car wash bays operating within the city of Georgetown to bring them in line with the required standards of the city as stipulated in the Municipal and District Councils Act, Chapter 28:01.

Last year, the Council had announced a move to have owners and operators be inspected and regularised in order to meet the requirements determined by the Council.

say (that), for this year, we have not had any major incidents at the New Amsterdam Prisons.”

Managing Director of Solutions Training Consultancy and Counselling Services, Wil Campbell, said there were noticeable changes in the attitudes of those who participated in the twelveweek programme. He noted that males and females were accommodated in separate sessions because some of the issues relating to male anger are different from those relating to female anger.

In reflecting on the anger management programme, one inmate, Randy Mars, urged parents to spend more time with their male children.

Meanwhile, Valentine’s Day murder accused Mandy Sukhdeo said the programme allowed her to identify and be in touch with her emotions.

According to the dentist, after completing the programme, she no longer considers herself an outcast.

“A lot of people see us as outcasts, lawbreakers, and say we have no future and are no-good elements in society. I have learnt a lot being in prison. I am from Parika, and many nights I would sit at my bed and I would cry and I will ask, ‘Lord, why me?’ But today I no longer have to ask ‘Lord, why me?’, rather I have the answer to my question.

“From being in this pro-

anger, and thereby learn how to deal with it,” Campbell told <<Guyana Times>>.

“Because it is not just about giving information about anger and how to deal with it, but helping them understand their own unique situation, their own circumstances, and to learn techniques that they can use that are specifically adapted to the individual.”

The programme was part of two pilot skills training programme, it has given me grammes being undertaken the power and the analytiby the Guyana Prison Service. cal skills to focus on what it The other was a similar prois that I want, and not what gram held for inmates of the persons might think of me.

Timehri Prison.

Ladies and gentlemen, I tell Meanwhile, a simiyou it is time to stand up for lar graduation took place yourself,” she told the gradu- at the Timehri Prison on ation class, while urging all to Wednesday. be ambassadors of peace.

During the three-month “If there is peace, then we programme, participants can conquer any situation. I were helped to understand stand as an inmate of this in- the nature of anger, and to stitution, and now I am not appreciate that it is someashamed to say that I am an thing normal and okay to be inmate of this institution…” angry. “We looked at some of Managing Director the causes of anger, things of Solutions Training like communication blocks, Consultancy and Counselling irrational thinking, the feelServices, Wil Campbell, said ing that you must get respect the programme which he from everyone, and this whole taught would have posed idea that respect must be many challenges did not seek earned or demanded. We also any difficulties. He noted that looked at the importance of the inmates were all happy forgiveness,” Campbell said. and willing to participate in He noted that many perthe anger management pro- sons are angry because they gramme. are holding on to past hurts, According to him, there and as a result their anger is were noticeable changes in misdirected to random people, the attitudes of those who or others who are not the real participated in the twelve- source of the anger. week programme.

“So we taught them how In the past, anger man- to let go of past hurts, how to agement programmes have forgive, and also how to apolbeen conducted in the pris- ogize and how to accept apoloons over the years. However, gies,” Campbell explained.

Campbell feels this one is difAccording to Campbell, ferent. “I think that ours is a who is also a Psychologist and bit different, in that we used a University of Guyana lecturtherapy approach rather that er in Psychology, next year, teaching approach; so what it is being hoped that the prowe help the participations do gramme will be run again and is to understand themselves, be extended to other facilities. understand the source of their

OSH month of observances

"We can bring accidents down to zero", Minister Scott tells Linden stakeholders

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arious stakeholders from across Linden, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) on Friday marched in observance of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Month 2018.

The month of observances aims at creating awareness of safety and health by improving the safety and health of young workers.

Stakeholders drawn

from the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), Linden Hospital Complex (LHC), Linden Mayor and Town Council (LMTC), Linden Electricity Company Inc (LECI), among others, marched from Casaurina Drive in Mackenzie to the Mackenzie Sports Club Ground, where the event culminated.

Addressing stakeholders, Minister within the Ministry of

Social Protection, Keith Scott, reminded stakeholders of the commitment towards implementing and promoting the United Nations 2017 Strategic Goal of the Decent Work Agenda, which reflects occupational health and safety in a meaningful way. The minister also pointed to the important role youths play in implementation of occupational health and safety.

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APNU/AFC coalition GWI discusses disinfectant dubbed “most methods with Region 2 residents corrupt Govt” – PPP Reports of typhoid

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he Guyana Water Inc (GWI) after visiting the residents of Tapakuma, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) to assist with the disinfection of the well, distributed brochures on how to disinfect water by boiling and the recommended dosage of liquid bleach to add to water for household use.

This came in light after reports from the Tapakuma Community Health Centre, which stated that there were a number of persons from the community who have displayed symptoms of typhoid, with the majority testing positive for the disease.

The GWI team interconnected the line from the well to the outlet line from the overhead tanks, which helped with increasing pressure to flush out the lines and ultimately improve the water quality.

“We have found that the

Workers cleaning iron from an encrusted line

distribution network is made up of inappropriately sized pipelines that were run improperly more than four years ago with no flush-out points,” the GWI said in a statement.

Furthermore, there were high levels of iron which compounded the situation, causing encrustation and a reduc-

tion in the diameter of the pipes. This also resulted in persons at the end of the network receiving a low level of service.

Connected to the well were eight tanks, four each on two trestles. GWI Region Two workers only managed to clean one set of tanks, owing to their inability to access

the other trestle. The photovoltaic system that powers the system was also incorrectly installed, standing in the way of the tanks.

GWI assured residents of Tapakuma that the entity would monitor the water supply system there so that they could continue to enjoy improved water quality and access.

The Toshao was advised to ensure the tanks were cleaned every two to three months to maintain the improved water quality they were now receiving.

The residents usually harvest rain water and dig their own ponds owing to their reluctance to use water supplied by the shallow community well.

The well, which was drilled by the Regional Administration, is supported by aged infrastructure and produces water with high iron content.

Arya Samaj celebrates 143rd anniversary

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he Guyana Central Arya Samaj and the Berbice Central Arya Samaj, along with all the affiliates and associates across Guyana, celebrated the anniversary of the Arya Samaj Foundation Day on April 10.

The Arya Samaj was established on April 10, 1875 in Bombay, India by its iconic spiritual founder, Maharishi Swami Dayanand Saraswati. Since then, Arya Samaj ideals and practices have spread all over the world and today, there are many temples and persons in numerous countries that preach and teach the Word of God because of the Arya Samaj and its zeal for truth and logic.

A primary objective of the Arya Samaj is to do good to and for the world in such a way as to promote physical, spiritual, and social upliftment for everyone. To achieve this, our conduct is always to be guided by unselfishness, love, righteousness, and justice.

These, among other core values, remain the focus of the Arya Samaj in a world that continues to be pulled into every conceivable realm of negative thoughts and emotions. It continues to look for the ultimate good of our children and parents; the advancement of our countries

and economic and social values and the overall cohesion of our peoples.

Over the short but impactful history of the Arya Samaj since its formation in 1875, there have been undeniable contributions to nationhood in many countries.

Humanity as a whole has benefited from the modernistic, logic-driven approach to Hinduism as practised by the Arya Samaj.

In a message, Guyana Central Arya Samaj President, Dr Yog Mahadeo noted that among its many appeals, the Arya Samaj was people-focused. “Our lifelong mission is to make the world a noble place. All of our actions and intent is supposed to be focused on helping others.”

He continued, “The bedrock to our growth and development as a nation is in education and healthy lifestyle.

One of our goals, therefore, is to learn, practise, teach and preach the word of God and to inculcate healthy living habits that focus on building and maintaining strong families. To preach and practise unity and love is ultimate.”

The President noted that all the temples across the country were celebrating this anniversary.

“In Berbice, Demerara, and Essequibo, across the mandirs, there

Arya Samaj

are a number of activities at various mandirs during the month of April. In Berbice, there is a multi-kunda havan at the 64-66 Vedic Mandir and a day of devotion and singing. In West Demerara, there will be a multi-kunda havan at the Windsor Forest Mandir, youth camp and a week of devotion and songs at all the mandirs. At East Coast Demerara and Georgetown, there will also be special services, and a youth activity on April 29 at the Georgetown Mandir.

General Secretary to the organisation, Bahen Renuka Lall said that the Arya Samaj movement taught everyone to be kind, courteous, and loving toward everyone.

“Our belief is that everyone is equal and that all are entitled to happiness and pros-

perity.” She reminds everyone to go to temple and to do good.

Berbice Central Arya Samaj President, Dr Vishwa Mahadeo noted that the Arya Samaj movement all across the world is observing the anniversary. “We are joining hands with many countries in a universal movement that believes in helping everyone and letting everyone grow and develop. We believe that our personal happiness lies in the happiness of everyone and our personal contentment is experienced when others are contented.”

The West Demerara Arya Samaj, under the leadership of Pandita Dolly of Windsor Forest, also launched a weeklong celebration across the mandirs of West Demerara, culminating with a grand celebration at the Windsor Forest and Central Mandirs.

East Coast Demerara’s head, Pandit Seu from Enmore also announced a week-long activity and participation in the grand celebrations on April 29 at the Central Mandir.

A member of the Essequibo group, Rakesh Ramballi called on all members to be reminded of special celebrations in Essequibo in June this year. “Krinvanto vishvam aryam – Make the world noble.”

“We can bring accidents down to...

from page 11

He noted that there were multiple deaths last year due to carelessness, moreso in the instance of mining pit collapses, as he stressed the importance of creating the right environment for safety at such workplaces, and the need to obey laws governing workplace safety.

“It will reduce accidents...and accidents can therefore be prevented. We can bring accidents down to zero. We need to have

respect for occupational health and the rules... Once we get that through, we will have no accidents; and if we have any, it will be miniscule”, he said.

The minister added that, more importantly, accidents go further than just causing injury and death, there is also suffering for the nation, as families’ lives can also be transformed. “We have to spend money on every single person that goes into the

hospital”, the minister added as he pointed out that while public hospitalization is free in Guyana, it comes at the expense of taxpayers’ money. The aim, he said, is to have the stakeholders involved as leaders for occupational health and safety, and he urged employees to become part of workplace safety committees.

He also congratulated stakeholders present at the function, noting that they

made a conscious effort to be there.

The minister urged employees to spread the word that Guyana is committed to the development of a greener and safer environment.

Meanwhile, the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC) was awarded for fielding the largest contingent, while the Guyana Forestry Commission was awarded “Best banner”.

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he People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has come out swinging at the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition, calling it the “most corrupt Government”, given some of the actions over the less than three years it has been in office.

“After being in office for only three years, this APNU+AFC Government can easily be classified as the most corrupt Government in the post-independent English-speaking Caribbean.

Indeed, its corruption is only surpassed by its incompetence,” the Opposition said in a statement on Saturday.

The Party said that the ruling Administration has the audacity to accuse others of corruption, when it “manipulates the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and directs the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) to institute fabricated and malicious charges” against political opponents and highly-qualified professional Guyanese, who have served their country and their people with distinction. It named the charges instituted against former Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh, and former Head of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), Winston Brassington, as the most recent.

The Opposition went on to say that corruption under this Government has reached to such alarming levels that the March 2018 US State Department Report titled, “International Narcotics Control Strategy Report - Volume II,” identifies Government corruption, for the first time in Guyana’s history, as one of the main source of money-laundering.

“In short, we have a Government of money-launders,” the Party said.

The PPP went on to point out several such actions by Government, which is said to be marred by corruption.

According to the Party, in just three short years, the coalition managed to completely by-pass the public procurement process, mandated by law, and has handed hundreds of contracts to the value of billions of dollars to its cronies and financiers.

“Whenever this Government resorts to the procurement process and it does not yield the contractor of their choice, they manufacture a reason to scrap the process and restart it until the desired contractor is awarded the contract.

At the level of the Regional Tender Boards, this practice is even worse. The Regional Executive Officers are allowed to manipulate the process so that cronies and party loyalists are awarded the contracts,” the Party said.

It further mentioned the fact that a sitting Minister has rented a building, which is situated in the heart of the

city, for a meagre $800,000 per month to a member of the People’s National Congress (PNC) – the largest party in the APNU. “This premises is a popular liming spot for Ministers and one of the preferred places where corrupt deals are brokered,” the Opposition alleged.

The Party continued by bringing up the over $2 billion in taxpayers’ dollars that was spent on the construction of the D’Urban Park facility. It said that a company comprising of a Minister and known members of the PNC was established and given the major construction works under this project.

“Again, there was no resort to any form of public procurement. Despite repeated demands, they cannot produce any credible records to the office of the Auditor General, in relation to this project,” the Party said.

The PPP also referred to the “surreptitiously” negotiated petroleum-sharing agreement between Government and ExxonMobil that, for over a year, it refused to make public despite thunderous public pressure. It noted that dozens of questions have been raised about this contract, but this Government has persistently refused to answer any of them.

“This is a Government that surreptitiously stashed in a secret bank account, US$18 million received from ExxonMobil as a signing bonus and uttered not a word about it to the public, for over a year, until the information was leaked to the press,” the Party added.

Another issue the Opposition raised is the 100 per cent retroactive salary increase that Government “secretly” give itself when it took office.

“This is a Government that refuses to submit itself to the Integrity Act, which requires the submission of their assets and earnings of Ministers and public officials. This is a Government that voted against a motion, tabled by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) in the National Assembly, which called upon all Members of Parliament (MPs) to disclose their Integrity Commission submissions as well as their income tax submissions for the past 10 years,” the Opposition noted.

Against this backdrop, the PPP is asking the public to observe the deafening silence of former crusaders against corruption, in the face of the massive corruption which permeates this Government. It pointed out that these “crusaders”, and others, whenever speaking out against the corruption now taking place, duplicitously make a comparison with the PPP/Civic Administration to create a “veneer of balance”.

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Teachers vital to development of athletes – Minister Norton

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inister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton, on Sunday morning reminded teachers from the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) of the major role they play in the development of athletes.

“It is so important, because we have had athletes where scholarships were offered to these athletes and they could not take it up because they were not academically qualified. So with the emphasis being placed on literacy and education in general, I think that would help our athletes to advance in life and make full use of their potential”, the minister stated.

The call was made at the culmination of an awareness walk held by the CPCE English and Spanish majors to raise awareness on

the importance of literacy. Held under the theme “Promoting literacy through quality education”, the walk began at the National Park on Thomas Lands at 6:30 am and culminated at CPCE, Turkeyen.

Minister Norton noted that while private athletic clubs promote sports in and around the country, it would be more impactful if Physical Education is taught in all schools across the country. He added, “We are hoping that we can work along with the teachers and the teachers can walk along with us, so that we can promote sports and athletics in particular at a higher level.”

CPCE English Major Eion Adams described literacy as the road on which everyone can realise his or her full potential. He called

Social Cohesion Minister, Dr George Norton, setting a brisk pace in the Literacy Awareness walk

on his colleagues to, “Let us continue to build our children holistically. Let us use literacy to develop the skills of our students, so in return they can contribute meaningfully to society. They are the children of our future, let us teach them well and

Linden to get new Literacy Hubs

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n an effort to tackle the low levels of literacy among students, the Linden Mayor and Town Council (LM&TC) is in the process of establishing Internet-ready Literacy Hubs in every community in the town in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

The Literacy Hubs are among a raft of initiatives, the newly-installed Council is hoping to complete by December 2018.

Mayor Waneka Arrindell explained that a number of persons have already come on board. These include the Education Ministry, which has given its approval to commence the project. The One Mile School and Linden Care Foundation have already indicated their willingness to allocate spaces for the Hubs. Mayor Arrindell, who has a passion for children, noted that while the

Linden Mayor Waneka Arrindell

project may not be able to be completed in every community before her eightmonth tenure was over, she was hoping that the majority would get started.

She explained, “As a teacher, I have found that the level of literacy among our children is very low.

There are children entering the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) class

and do not know how to read.

Children are in First Form and can’t read, and the teachers are not to be blamed. We don’t know the environment the children are living in, and so a curriculum is set for them to learn and so those who can, will and those who can’t, will not.”

This project will especially target those children who are in difficult circumstances and cannot afford extra lessons. Mayor Arrindell added that the Council was now at the stage where it was seeking sponsors willing to support a child at a cost of $1000 per week. However, she said that all proceeds from the Mayor’s Ball, a highlight of the upcoming Linden Town Week activities on April 27, will go towards this project.

The Mayor is encouraging businesses and other persons to get on board the initiative.

Expert team to review Guyana Gold Board Lab operations appointed

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ollowing grave concerns for the safety of workers and residents within the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) compound and its environs after recent incidents of elevated mercury emission in said compound, a team to review the operations of the company’s laboratory was recommended by Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman.

That team has now been appointed to examine and report on all aspects of the functionality of the Guyana Gold Board’s laboratory, and to make recommendations for its efficient, secure, and environmentally safe operations, including its relocation.

Headed by Dr David Singh, Executive Director of Conservation International, the appointed Committee, which includes a retired Assistant Police Commissioner and members from both the GGMC and Gold Board, has been also tasked with examining a secure site for the relocation of the said laboratory.

Dr David Singh

They will commence work on April 18 and are expected to give a detailed report of their findings within a onemonth period.

An Air Quality Monitoring study, which was conducted by Kaizen Environmental Service Limited, showed that the mercury level in GGMC’s compound was in keeping with the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards.

Despite the finding, however, Minister Trotman made the recommendation for the lab to be reviewed by an expert team.

This decision was made by the Minister, who said that the “health and safety of persons utilising the compound, primarily the workers, are of paramount importance”.

As such, he proposed “an expert’s review for the functions of the Gold Board’s lab to see how it could be made to better function, where it should be situated, what scientific and other methodology should be used and deployed to ensure that safety comes first for both the workers in the lab and those who are around the lab.”

Mercury is used to purify gold from ore in a process called amalgamation.

The laboratory is used to burn amalgam mixture to rid the gold of mercury.

This process can be very dangerous and lead to significant mercury exposure and health risks.

let them lead the way, and let us give them a sense of pride.”

First Lady Sandra

Granger, at a recent literacy conference, reminded, “Our children must be given the tools and the opportu-

nity to expand their minds and their horizons regardless of where they may live in Guyana, or their social or economic background…

The starting point of education – learning to speak, to understand, and to respond to data in all its shapes and forms -- and the development in each child (of) the capacity to express her or his thoughts and feelings begin with literacy, which for the purpose of this exercise encompasses literacy and numeracy.”

Early rain showers did not deter the participants, among whom were the 15 semi-finalists of the Miss Guyana World competition.

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Preparations underway for Tain Campus hosts career fair Youths in Business Summit T P

reparations for the first ever Youths in Business Summit, scheduled for this year, are being well handled, according to Director of Youth, Melissa Carmichael, during a press conference on Friday.

Carmichael noted that the Business Summit is important for youths, since the department in which she functions is cognizant of the fact that that there are numerous youths who are unable to access information they might need to spring up their own businesses.

In addition to this, she said the summit should address how youths manage and grow their businesses, once started, as well as all the other aspects of business management.

Carmichael announced that several key agencies, such as the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Commercial Registry, were contacted so that attendees at that summit would have first-hand experience of hear-

Youth Director Melissa Carmichael

ing from the professionals, as well as opportunity to ask questions.

The event is expected to complement Youth Week activities on May 23 /24, 2018.

Youths are being urged to register for the Summit online, or visit the Department of Youth at Middle Street, Georgetown to uplift registration forms.

Guyana Youths in

Business summit will also pose the opportunity for youths to receive funding for the “starting-up” of their businesses, according to Youth Director Carmichael.

Youths interested in this aspect will be shortlisted by a panel, of which 10 persons will be selected to receive funding, training and other materials, she said.

Carmichael added, “You must be registered to be a part of the activity. So young people have an opportunity now to come in a fill out the registration forms, and then to submit their proposals. Of course proposals must be submitted before the activity”.

Registration for the summit reportedly closes on April 16. The Youth Director informed that the summit is not restricted to young people in Georgetown, since the department will be catering for persons in far-flung areas; meals, accommodation, and transportation will be provided to those who are interested.

63 complete Youth Leadership Training Programme

Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson (fourth from right, front row) and Advisor on Youth Empowerment, Aubrey Norton fourth from left, (front row) with the graduating class

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ixty-three young people on Sunday successfully completed 20 contact hours in the areas of Youth Leadership training, Leadership and Management in Youth Work, Youth Organization, Organizational Development, Group Dynamics and Team Building, Communication and Effective Public Speaking, Meeting and Procedures, and Events Planning.

Training was provided by the Ministry of The Presidency under the Department of Social Cohesion – Culture, Youth and Sport -- via The Office of the Presidential Advisor on Youth Empowerment.

Senior Education and Training Officer on Youth Empowerment, Ronald Austin Jnr, expressed his pride in the students present, and mentioned that the basis for the programme was an observation of the need to strengthen youth skills.

“It was based on our observations made in numerous outreaches by this office, and based on our interaction with youth leaders and those with leadership potential. We discerned a need to strengthen their skills. We recognise that these youth leaders were teeming with potential to make the difference within the communities, and by an extension their country,” Austin noted,

He highlighted that the training programme is not competency-based, but is participatory, hence there are no examinations for applicants when training has been completed.

Austin also highlighted that, based on the structure, topics, and information disseminated, it is definite that skills were acquired.

He said, “We are satisfied that over the two-week period we have given you enough information, and we are certain that that information can be transformed into skills; and for that reason, we have satisfied our aims and objectives.”

The education and training officer said the department would continue to work diligently. He noted there is no battle between youth and senior leadership, thus it is a symbiotic relationship whereby they receive excellent guidance from the experienced Facilitator and Presidential Advisor under the Ministry of the Presidency’s Youth Empowerment Unit, Aubrey Norton.

In his remarks, Norton noted, “I hope this enables you to develop your abilities in your work. There is no doubt that our young people need leadership, and we are creating that corps of young people that can give that leadership. We hope that it enables you to develop tolerance. We believe if you take the skills

or the training we give to you and utilise them, you will contribute to the development of Guyana. I want to wish you all the best.”

Giving the charge to the graduates, Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson highlighted four key elements for success: leadership, education, challenges and hard work. The minister encouraged the students to live their lives, work hard, and be the change they wished to see in order to push Guyana forward. “Forge your own path, you know what is best for you. You’ve now started down a road of leadership, which means you should lead.

This is just the beginning, this has just opened the door to a greater, better future; but be humble on your return to your communities, because leadership means humility. The future belongs to you. Push the country forward, and I hope you will stay here and help make Guyana great, because the future of this country looks extremely bright.”

Conceived in 2016 pursuant to the Guyana National Youth Policy, the training programmes began on June 3rd 2016. To date, 14 youth leadership training programmes have been held. Ten from Module One and four from Module Two. Over six hundred youth leaders have participated and completed training.

he University of Guyana Berbice Campus (UGBC) on Thursday held its annual Career Fair to familiarize secondary school students with available opportunities with the aim of having those students qualify themselves in pursuance of those careers.

The event was held on the parking lots of the Tain and Johns campuses under the theme ‘Expanding Your Horizons: Exploring the Possibilities’. It featured some 40 booths from various companies across Guyana.

“If you are interested in just being a ‘B’ student or a ‘C’ student and just making it through, don’t come to the University of Guyana; we don’t want students who are interested in mediocrity. If you want to be an excellent student, if you want to be a change agent and want to achieve the high bar, then do well in your primary school and secondary school, so when you come to the university, you would be adequately prepared for excellence,” Professor Griffith expressed.

He also warned students against plagiarism, and urged those present to use the opportunity presented by the university through the career day to explore their options and work towards achieving their goals.

The UGBC mainly focused on giving its audience -- mainly comprised of secondary school students from across Region

Students visiting one of the booths

Six -- an idea of what careers are available after completion of their Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC).

The event began with Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Guyana, Dr Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith, giving brief background details and announcing that those who choose to attend the Berbice Campus after they would have completed their secondary education would benefit from a $50,000 tuition rebate.

The university partnered with several agencies, including ExxonMobil, El Dorado Offshore, the Department of Public Information, Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry, JSL International, Republic Bank, Guyana Forestry Commission, Guyana Water Inc. among many other businesses and organizations.

Communications Analyst for ExxonMobil, Nicholas Yearwood, said the compa-

ny has given out in excess of three hundred recruitment cards with detailed information, and is encouraging persons to submit CVs to be reviewed.

“So whenever opportunities arise, we will revisit them to become candidates for the opening.”

At the Tain Campus, the focus was on the operations carried out and the job opportunities offered in the different fields.

The John’s Campus, on the other hand, mainly focused on natural science, and the students were provided with information which could be useful for them in the chemistry and biology classes.

One of the well-received booths was the Guyana Water Inc’s, which showcased its new device that filters and purifies murky water from canals within a few seconds, making it safe for human consumption.

Copyright legislation to be reviewed

Panellists: Enrico Woolford, Ruel Johnson, Marian Williams, Vishu Dooerga, Dominique Hunter, and Gavin Medonca

G

uyanese artistes and business owners will soon be able to rest easy, as the Government embarks on updating and enforcing the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) legislation.

The IPR legislation allows creators to safeguard their work through patents, trademarks and copyrights, resulting in prevention of plagiarism, with the relevant laws as artillery should the need arise.

In an attempt to get the consultation process started, a panel discussion was held by the US Embassy on Friday, with the focus being the importance of the IPR

and how it would affect and benefit Guyanese artistes.

One of the key points of discussion was the need for Guyanese to appreciate and respect local music, productions and property. This issue was raised by local talent Gavin Mendonca.

“What’s lacking in Guyanese society as a whole, from the chambers of Parliament to homeless people, is we seem to lack respect and appreciation for each other and for ourselves.”

Another area up for discussion was the need for the general public to be educated about the particulars of the IPR legislation.

In addition to Mendonca, the remainder of the panel included Telecommunications Minister Catherine Hughes; Head of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Vishu Doerga; Executive Member of the Guyana Women Artists’ Association, Dominique Hunter; Cultural Advisor to the Social Cohesion Ministry, Ruel Johnson; and Chairman of the National Communication Board, Enrico Woolford.

Guyana’s Trademark Act and Patents and Design Act were tabled in 1973, whilst the Copyright Act is dated 1956.

15

monDAY, April 16, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

VOX POPULI

What the people say

I SAY...

What are your thoughts on the reintroduction of the Parking Meter Project?

Kester Whyte “Absolutely Not! This project was so poorly thought out and executed to the point where it negatively affected businesses. It united the country to speak up and enact real change. Getting parking is already a headache in town even without having to pay for it so if they absolutely must have parking meters, they have to really have to consider all factors, brainstorm and come up with the most efficient outcome: low but fair costs, incentives, and professional and COMPETENT staff.”

Benjamin Todd – Stabroek Market Vendor “I think it is a good idea to bring back this Parking Meter Project in the city, because at least it will bring

Jereme Ramrattan “It’s not a bad way to get revenue into the country while controlling parking and the amount of vehicles in Georgetown. However, they have to understand that their prices are ridiculous. I know this project was expensive, but you can’t want make back your profit right away. Additionally, we do NOT have alternate parking areas such as parking garages like in the US.”

lil’ order along the busy streets in Georgetown. I think it is something very good. I don’t know what the fee is at the moment, but I do not think it should be too heavy on drivers.

It’s supposed to be something like a $30 per hour or even $40 for parking. They need also to train some people to control this traffic and how these people parking all over around the place and blocking the traffic and so on. As a vendor right in front, I does see a lot of drivers doing a lot of madness as it relates to the parking, so it would be good if they can have some more people to manage it and not only the Police.”

Caesar McAlmont "While I think it would bring some order to parking in the city, I don't think Guyana is ready yet for parking meters.

The average person is still struggling to afford a vehicle, much less to pay for parking.

Let's see what the rates look like this time around though."

Shaunell Wilson “Since its introduction, I have said that Guyana is too poor a country for parking meters. I maintain my position on the issue. In the future, when this country is better developed, yes…but as of now, no to parking meters.”

Lalta Naraine – Georgetown businessman “I think the Parking Meter Project still has to change a few things, for example I believe it should only be placed in really busy areas, like Regent Street and so on,

Rawattie Seeraj “People will be seriously affected with this decision, because it’s expensive and unnecessary. It’s not fair to those who have to pay those charges on a daily basis. I think that parking should be free not only in Georgetown, but the entire Guyana.”

but to put the parking meters at schools and so on and like private businesses, I don’t think it is a good idea. This is because in Georgetown itself, it is very difficult for drivers to find parking spots and I believe it is because taxi drivers and minibus operators control all the area. If you have to pay for parking, especially in Regent Street, City Council can make money as well as provide a facility for drivers. Additionally, I suggest that they charge like a $100 per hour. The Mayor should also consider using the State land to build a three or maybe four storey parking lot at Big Market and charge a reasonable fee because those bus drivers and so on is use up most of the parking, making it difficult for shoppers.”

Alarick Hossein “I think that the project is a waste of money. The money that they are using to fuel it can go towards something that is more beneficial to Guyanese.”

Desa Chapman "Well, I feel there will be less carjacking and so on, once there is the parking meters system, because parking is something you will be paying for, so I think your cars and vehicles will be safer while you are not there."

LGC to address fraud at NDCs SASOD to appeal cross-dressing case

T

he Local Government Commission (LGC), which is mandated to oversee Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and municipalities across the country, is preparing to address a number of fraud allegations that have surfaced over the past few weeks.

Commissioner on the LGC and former Town Clerk, Carol Sooba told Guyana Times via telephone that when the body met on Tuesday, it was expected that it would discuss the revelations and formulate a plan of action on the way forward. Sooba disclosed that the first step towards effective action was to prioritise the numerous complaints.

“Our task is to prioritise these issues according to the seriousness,” she stated. Admitting that she

LGC Commissioner Carol Sooba

would not be able to disclose the exact method of how the Commission planned to deal with the issue, Sooba noted that a general system would have to be put in place.

“We have to set up a system by which we can deal with these things.” She went on to explain that owing to the large number of NDCs and municipalities around

the country, the system will have to be versatile enough to deal with such issues on a large basis and also prevent future issues of this kind.

Just this week, three NDCs within Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) have been accused of meddling in fraud. Substantial evidence has been provided to back up the claims. In the first case, Grove/Diamond NDC Chairman Bharrat Narine is calling for a probe into $21 million that has gone missing. The Enmore NDC is being investigated for missing monies that were allocated at a barbeque fundraiser.

Additionally, the Caledonia/ Good Success NDC has been accused of misappropriation of funds and implementing higher rates and taxes that were never officially approved by the Communities Ministry.

A

s the days draw closer to its appeal date, the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) has noted that it was confident of a successful hearing.

Owing to a recent ruling in favour of the LGBT community in neighbouring Trinidad and Tobago, the organisation has noticed and welcomed a changing tide in the Caribbean Region.

Although it is the aim of the organisation to have a similar ruling in Guyana, Managing Director Joel Simpson has disclosed that it was focusing on the cross-dressing appeal case that it currently had before the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), the highest appeal court in the Region.

“We are focused on our appeal before the CCJ, and we don’t want to have more

than one major constitution [al] suits in court,” he said.

If the CCJ rules in SASOD’s favour, the cross-dressing appeal case will allow for persons in the LGBT community to freely cross dress without fear of breaking the law. The case was initially brought to the local Appeal Court, however, the case was dismissed in February of 2017. This dismissal is what led to the CCJ appeal.

“We just got a tentative date for the hearing, that is June 28,” Simpson disclosed.

When questioned about any intention to follow in Trinidad’s footsteps, Simpson stated, “We think that given the court decision the Attorney General should move to wipe these laws off the books on the basis that similar jurisdictions – other Commonwealth countries

– have declared then unconstitutional.”

Throughout its CCJ hearing, SASOD will be assisted by the University of the West Indies Rights Advocacy Project (U-RAP), who provides the organisation with pro bono services.

The cross-dressing case was initially filed in February 2010, owing to highly publicised arrests and convictions of seven persons for the summary offence of “being a man and wearing female attire in a public way or public place, for an improper purpose” (1893 Act). Of the original seven, four of those persons collaborated with SASOD to file the action. SASOD then approached the U-RAP for legal assistance. The combined efforts of U-Rap and local counsel have brought the case to the level that it is currently at.

16

guyanatimesgy.com

monDAY, april 16, 2018

News

Toshao wants logging ban dropped

AML/CFT regime

New financial laws K to be introduced – moveable properties bill among those in pipeline

By Jarryl Bryan

G

overnment has several pieces of financial legislation it plans to introduce, including laws that will aim to cut down on large sums of money being carried, establish deposit insurance and make changes to existing legislation.

This was announced by Finance Minister Winston Jordan, during a recent press conference. One such law Government intends to introduce will bring into effect a new National Payment System, allowing for more

to be printed in the gazette.

The new, substantive legislation for insurance will then come into force.”

According to Jordan, new securities legislation is actually completed and presently sitting in the Attorney General’s chambers. But while Jordan admitted it has taken a back seat for now, he noted that the objective is to get it into the National Assembly before it goes into recess.

“Moveable properties legislation is also on the cards.

We already have the credit information legislation

A number of bills are slated to be introduced to the National Assembly

electronic payments to be made. This bill, he noted, is expected to be introduced to the National Assembly on April 26.

“We’re hoping at the same time that other legislation from the Ministry of Finance will go. These include deposit insurance that we said in our budget speech. We’ll be requiring banks to take out deposit insurance, so that if they go under you can get back at least some of your money.

“There’ll be changes to the Bank of Guyana Act and the Financial Institutions Act to accommodate these changes here. The regulations to the insurance law that was brought in in 2016 will be made effective this month. I’ve already signed off on them, so they have

(of 2016). This whole suite of legislation is intended to deepen the financial sector and create widespread intermediation,” the Minister said.

“With things like the Anti-Money Laundering Act, there’s some level of disintermediation that can take place, people getting frustrated over opening new accounts and getting frustrated and so on.”

But with these plans, Jordan acknowledged the need to balance financial inclusion with keeping Guyana within the Anti-Money Laundering/ Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) requirements.

Only recently, a United States Department of State report was released that

The Guyana Association of Securities Companies and Intermediaries is one organisation that plays a critical role in Guyana’s securities market

listed Guyana, among many other countries, as “major money laundering jurisdictions in 2017”.

The US International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR) Volume Two of March 2018 had declared that there was a lack of strong interagency cooperation among AML and drug-fighting agencies, adding that these departments did not have adequate human resources and the necessary training for complete effectiveness.

It had called for more training, education, and resources to improve the fight against money laundering. In its 2018 overview of Guyana, the INCSR posited that “narcotics trafficking and Government corruption are the primary sources of laundered funds”.

Moveable property

Earlier this year, Business Minister Dominic Gaskin had announced that they would be embarking on a Secure Transaction Regime project in collaboration with the Legal Affairs Ministry.

According to Gaskin, the project will allow for easier access to financing, using movable property as collateral. He noted that the

Ministries were still working on having the legislation passed some time this year.

He had explained that once the legislation was approved, persons would then be able to use movable properties such as fridges, televisions, and stereo sets as collateral for credit when accessing finance.

Securities

Guyana currently has a Securities Industry Act of 1998, which establishes the Guyana Securities Council.

Intended to regulate the trading of stocks in publicly traded companies, the Act provides for securities brokers and dealers to be registered, among other things.

The AML/CFT Act of 2009 also bestows powers on the Council as a supervisory authority with oversight over certain operational aspects of reporting entities such as banks.

Last year, Jordan had announced that the Act would be updated to address the establishment of a Central Securities Depository that would record transfers of securities’ ownership. It had also been reported that the Council, to be renamed the Securities Commission, would receive additional powers.

abakaburi Toshao and Region Two ( P o m e r o o n Supenaam) Regional Democratic Councillor Cleveland Simon is again appealing to Central Government to lift the logging ban imposed on several Amerindian communities in the region.

He is especially appealing to have the ban on Kabakaburi lifted.

Located along the Pomeroon River, Kabakaburi has been entirely dependent on logging for most of its economic existence. Simon explained that after the current Government took office, a ban was placed on logging in certain parts of the Pomeroon riverine communities because the Indigenous residents were operating on state land and were working illegally.

The toshao says it seems as though no one is doing anything to address or resolve the issue. He explained that his community is currently suffering from a ‘brain drain’ because there is a lack of jobs on the Mission, causing young persons to migrate to other parts of the country in search of employment and other opportunities. Some are even being abused in their quest for meaningful employment, he offered.

Logging has, for many years, been the main source of income in the Kabakaburi Mission, and residents are presently suffering tremendously. They are pleading with Government to also quickly resolve the almost

etectives attached to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters in Georgetown continue to question several suspects who have been arrested over the robbery/murder which resulted in the death of a Dominican Republic citizen at a mining camp in the Cuyuni region.

Crime Chief Paul Williams told Guyana Times on Sunday that the

suspects remain in custody and are still being interrogated as investigations are ongoing. The Police had obtained a 72-hour extension from the courts to hold some of the men who have been in custody since last Sunday.

Fiftyfive-year-old Pedro Pablo Rosario, a night supervisor at the mining camp located at Black Water Backdam, Cuyuni River, was shot and killed after three armed

and masked bandits invaded the camp at sometime around 02:00h.

It was reported that Rosario was relaxing in a hammock while four other workers were on duty some distance away when the bandits confronted the supervisor and fatally wounded him.

The three suspects then went to the dredge area, where they held the other workers at gunpoint and relieved the sluice box of

two gold mats containing 100 ounces of gold, before making good their escape.

Ranks of the Major Crimes Unit in Georgetown had flown to the area to assist officers on the ground with investigations. This led to the arrest of seven suspects on Sunday last.

They were brought out to the city the following day.

The Police have arrested another three suspects, who were brought to Georgetown on Thursday.

13-year-old land dispute.

Simon said Government’s claims that the residents are working illegally are inaccurate because they are working within their boundaries.

When contacted, Regional Chairman Devanand Ramdatt said the Region wasn't informed about the ban. It was a Central Government decision, and he hopes the matter can be resolved at the earliest possible time.

In 2017, Simon had complained about being given a ‘run around’ when he tried to verify the village’s demarcation and have the issue addressed.

“A Lands and Surveys officer told me that he gave our shape file to (the Guyana Forestry Commission) forestry. When I called the Commissioner of Forestry they told me that Lands and Surveys can’t find the map. So it’s a lot of confusion here,” Simon had said. The shape file is a map that indicates the territorial boundaries of the village.

Body found outside GDF headquarters still unidentified

Investigators at the scene where the still unidentified body was found last Monday

O Suspects remain in custody as Police continue probe D Cuyuni River camp invasion

Kabakaburi Toshao Cleveland Simon

ne week after being discovered by passers-by in the canal outside the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Headquarters on Carifesta Avenue, a body is yet to be identified.

The Police have said the body is that of a male of African descent who apparently had been in his late 30s. At time of the discovery, last Monday at about 06:00h, the body was shirtless and clad in black jeans.

‘A’ Division (Georgetown) Commander Leslie James said last Monday that the body bore marks of violence, which

suggest that foul play was involved in the man’s demise.

The Police had sent out a notice seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the dead man. The body remains at the Lyken Funeral Home awaiting identification and a post mortem examination.

Anyone with information that could lead to identification of the corpse is urged to contact the Guyana Police Force on telephone numbers ?227-1611?, ?2271149?, ?227-1270?, ?2276940-9?, ?226-6221?, ?2252694?, 911, or the nearest Police Station.

monDAY, april 16, 2018

guyanatimesgy.com

17

Around the World

Russia's Putin predicts global Mexico election front-runner “chaos” if West hits Syria again blames country’s graft for Trump’s negative view R ussian President Vladimir Putin warned on Sunday that further Western attacks on Syria would bring chaos to world affairs, as Washington prepared to increase pressure on Russia with new economic sanctions.

In a telephone conversation with his Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani, Putin and Rouhani agreed that the Western strikes had damaged the chances of achieving a political resolution in the seven-year Syria conflict, according to a Kremlin statement.

“Vladimir Putin, in particular, stressed that if such actions committed in violation of the UN Charter continue, then it will inevitably lead to chaos in international relations,” the Kremlin statement said.

Meanwhile, US Ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, told CBS’ “Face the Nation” programme that the United States would announce new economic sanctions today aimed at companies “that were dealing with equipment” related to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s alleged chemical weapons

M

Russian President Vladimir Putin

use.

On Saturday, the United States, France and Britain launched 105 missiles targeting what the Pentagon said were three chemical weapons facilities in Syria in retaliation for a suspected poison gas attack in Douma on April 7.

The Western countries blame Assad for the Douma attack that killed dozens of people. The Syrian Government and its ally Russia have denied involvement in any such attack.

The bombings marked the biggest intervention by Western countries against Assad and ally Russia.

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Sunday that he had convinced Trump, who has previously said he wanted to take US forces out of Syria, to stay for “the long term”.

The United States, France, and Britain have said the missile strikes were limited to Syria’s chemical weapons capabilities and not aimed at toppling Assad or intervening in the civil war.

Macron said in an interview broadcast by BFM TV, RMC radio and Mediapart online news that he had convinced Trump to focus on the chemical weapons sites. (Excerpt from

Reuters)

After Syria strikes, Britain's May to face critical Parliament

Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May attends a press conference in 10 Downing Street, London, April 14, 2018

B

ritish Prime Minister Theresa May will face criticism today for bypassing Parliament to join weekend air strikes against Syria, with some lawmakers calling for a potentially damaging vote on her future strategy.

May, who has regained

confidence after winning support for her tough stance on Syria and Russia, will make a statement to Parliament on her decision to join the United States and France in Saturday’s strikes in retaliation for a suspected gas attack.

She will repeat Saturday’s assertion that

Britain was “confident in our own assessment that the Syrian regime was highly likely responsible” and that it could not wait “to alleviate further humanitarian suffering caused by chemical weapons attacks”, according to excerpts of her speech.

But she will be grilled over why she broke with a convention to seek parliamentary approval for the action, a decision that she and her Ministers say was driven by the need to act quickly.

Much of the criticism will come from Opposition lawmakers, but the Prime Minister may also have to work hard to defend her speed of action to members of her own Conservative Party who had wanted Parliament recalled. (Excerpt from Reuters)

UAE plane blocked from leaving Somalia's Puntland region

S

omali officials are said to have stopped a plane from the United Arab Emirates from leaving the country after Emirati military trainers on board refused to hand over their luggage to be scanned and searched.

The local news website Mareeg reported on Saturday that Somali officials at Bosaso airport insisted that the "heavy bags" on the flight be checked, resulting in an hours-long standoff.

It added that talks were under way between Somali's semiautonomous Puntland region and the UAE to end the dispute.

The UAE Foreign Ministry has not commented on the matter.

The news comes just days after Somalia's Government seized several bags of money carrying almost US$10 million from a plane that arrived at Mogadishu airport from Abu Dhabi.

The money was found in three unmarked bags on a Royal Jet plane, the Somali Interior Ministry said, adding it was investigating where it came from, where it was going and the individuals involved.

Responding to the Somali action, the UAE had accused the security forces of holding those on the plane "at gunpoint", and said the cash had been allocated to support the Somali army and trainees.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

exico’s left-wing presidential front-runner said on Sunday that corrupt governments in the country were to blame for US President Donald Trump’s bad impression of Mexicans, promising to change Trump’s perception if elected.

Speaking from the tourist destination of Rosarito in the Baja California peninsula, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said Trump’s bad experiences investing in Mexico were the reason for his negative view of the country.

“He invested here in Rosarito and also in Cozumel, Quintana Roo, and because of Mexico’s corrupt governments he had to leave,” Lopez Obrador said.

“That’s why he got a bad impression of our country.”

Lopez Obrador, who has a double-digit lead in most major opinion polls for the July 1 election, said his message for Trump was that he was going to end corruption

Leftist front-runner Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador of the National Regeneration Movement (MORENA) greets supporters during his campaign rally in Cuautitlan Izcalli, Mexico, April 13, 2018

in Mexico.

Before he was President, Trump tried to develop real estate projects in Mexico, and later lambasted Mexico’s justice system for not helping him recoup money.

“The Mexican legal system is corrupt, as is much of Mexico. Pay me the money that is owed me now – and

stop sending criminals over our border,” he said in a tweet in February 2015.

Months later, Trump sparked fury in Mexico when he launched his campaign for the presidency with a pledge to build a massive border wall and accusations that Mexico sent rapists and drug runners across the border. (Excerpt from Reuters)

CHTA focuses on Caribbean unity, innovation as key industry forum nears

T

he fourth annual Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF), the premier educational forum for Caribbean hospitality and tourism professionals, is slated for June 22-24, 2018, at the Hyatt Regency in Miami.

The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) announced that plans are set for the top regional gathering where unity and innovation will be examined as central factors to fuel the growth of the Region’s bread and butter industry.

CHTA President Karolin

Troubetzkoy said after a challenging close to 2017 following the impact of September’s hurricanes, it was important for industry stakeholders to get together and share ideas to stimulate the growth of the hospitality sector for the remainder of 2018 and beyond.

“As we meet under the theme of “Unite and Innovate”, delegates will learn from each other, break the moulds and set a new normal for the industry,” she asserted, adding “you really need to be there to connect with people and ideas which simply can help

you to improve your bottom line while innovating and contributing to the competitiveness of the Region’s leading economic sector.”

CHIEF is a critical educational platform for regional hoteliers, industry professionals and allied partners where best practices are shared. “Professional development and connectivity with peers continues to be the number one reason why our members attend CHIEF,” said Troubetzkoy, who looks forward to benefiting from and contributing to the various sessions during the summer conference. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

Antigua: Acting Top Cop speaks after 2nd officer is suspended

T

he Acting Commissioner of Police, Atlee Rodney, is reassuring the public that the Police Force is still fully capable of doing its job.

His comment comes after a second controversial suspension of a high-ranking police officer, this time, Assistant Superintendent of Police, Ray John.

John, who headed the Rapid Response Unit, was suspended on Friday in connection with an ongoing investigation by St Vincent and the Grenadines police.

They are probing a possible passport racket there, involving the Antigua and Barbuda passports.

But Rodney says these things happen in any organisation and due process

Assistant Commissioner of Police Atlee Rodney (Photo contributed)

must take its course.

Ray John’s suspension comes after Commissioner Wendel Robinson was suspended over allegations of sexual harassment.

But Rodney has expressed confidence in the offices not to let the “chal-

lenges” affect them in the performance of their duty.

Special constables from the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force arrived in Antigua on Friday to join the ongoing investigation. (Excerpt from Antigua

Observer)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

monDAY, april 16, 2018

ARCHIE

Look for a creative outlet that will keep you occupied (March 21and ease your stress. Anger is April 19) not the way to respond to situations that could hurt your reputation or position.

ARIES

Put more effort into the TAURUS way you look and how you (April 20- present your skills and experMay 20) tise to others. A steady pace and a solid plan will lead to greater opportunities and success.

dilbert

Let your personality GEMINI (May 21- shine. Take charge and put a June 20) positive spin on whatever you pursue. Helping others will be rewarding and will encourage you to make new acquaintances.

Engage in worthwhile activities. Trying something dif(June 21- ferent will change your perJuly 22) spective on your career and cohorts.

CANCER

Peanuts

Look at your available opLEO tions and lean toward the (July 23- simplest and most cost-efAug. 22) ficient one. You can bring about change if you are practical and moderate.

Calvin and Hobbes

A business trip or meetVIRGO ing will result in new options (Aug. 23that can help you get ahead. A Sept. 22) chance to show off your expertise will impress someone special.

Nurture your relationships LIBRA with the people you live or reg(Sept. 23ularly deal with. It’s importOct. 23) ant to live within your means if you want to avoid discord with someone you share bills with or owe money to.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

TODAY’S WORD — SCEPTER (SCEPTER: SEP-ter: A staff held as an emblem of authority.)

Make a personal change SAGITTARIUS that will encourage a better (Nov. 23lifestyle and standard of livDec. 21) ing. Engage in healthy activities that will foster friendships with positive people.

Average mark 21 words Time limit 40 minutes Can you find 33 or more words in SCEPTER?

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

The list will be published tomorrow.

SATURDAY’S WORD — LEUKEMIA lake lame leak leek lieu like lime email

umiak kale kame keel mail make male maul

meal meek mile milk mule alee alike alum

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

Take care of personal SCORPIO business and nurture im(Oct. 24portant relationships.

A roNov. 22) mantic gesture will improve your love life.

solution AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Don’t mince words if someone pressures you. Be firm and back away from situations that are fraught with uncertainty, confusion or frustration. Focus on who and what are most important to you.

Be prepared and practical at all times. Setting a tight budget will help ward off the temptation to overspend. Listen to your body and take better care of your health.

Your efforts will not be in vain. Making personal or professional changes will help secure your financial future.

Greater opportunities are heading your way. Romance will improve your life.

monDAY, april 16, 2018

19

Inclusion is the future as sun goes down on the ‘Golden Games’ A

diverse and contemporary ceremony of music, lights and dance with the words and imagery of indigenous Australia very much at its heart brought an end to the XXI Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast on Sunday.

Organizers signed off with the uncontroversial assertion that they had delivered the best possible environment for the athletes from 71 mostly former British colonies to showcase their skills over 11 sunkissed days in the beachside city.

“You have delivered a truly Golden Games for the Commonwealth,” Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) President Louise Martin said.

“A Games of innovation, inspiration, color and vibrancy with an exuberant Gold Coast buzz - embracing us all with your warmth and friendship.”

For a CGF constantly fighting the perception that a multisport event which sprung from the British Empire is an anachronism, there was confidence that the movement was firmly on the path back to relevancy.

The Gold Coast Games were the first with an equal number of gold medals for men’s and women’s events, included 38 events in a fully integrated Paralympic program and welcomed a high-profile transgender athlete.

“Inclusion is the Commonwealth Games’ future, it’s what makes us extraordinary,” said organizing committee chairman Peter Beattie.

“From its beginnings ... the Games were always designed to be more than just a sporting spectacle. They are a way for us to come together and share what we have in common.”

As far as the sporting spectacle was concerned, the host nation

A general view of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Closing ceremony, Carrara Stadium, Gold Coast, Australia

came out as the biggest winners with 80 of the 275 gold medals, well clear of England on 45 and India (26) with Canada and New Zealand (both 15) rounding out the top five.

The CGF were keen to emphasize a greater diversity of medal winners with 43 nations taking at least one and the British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Cook Islands, Vanuatu and Solomon Islands all winning their first.

Of the nine world records set, the majority were in Paralympic events with the most prestigious coming in the pool in women’s 4x100m freestyle relay.

It was, almost inevitably, set by the Australian team, who put behind them their disappointing 2017 world championships by winning 28 swimming gold medals and 73 overall, well ahead of England’s nine (24).

Several high profile athletes like England’s Adam Peaty and Australia’s Kyle Chalmers ap-

peared to be down on performance, as is often the case at this stage in the Olympic cycle.

Taylor Ruck was arguably the swimmer of the meeting with eight medals in eight events, leading a resurgent Canadian swimming team along with backstroke world record holder Kylie Masse.

With the now retired Usain Bolt watching from the stands, Jamaica’s sprinters had a desperately disappointing time in the athletics, winning none of the six titles in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relays.

Bolt’s heir apparent Yohan Blake stumbled in the individual 100m and had to settle for bronze, while double Olympic sprint champion Elaine Thompson went home with just a relay silver.

Akani Simbine led a South African 1-2 to win the men’s 100m in 10.03 seconds, while Jereem Richards was handed the 200m after England’s Zharnel Hughes

was disqualified for hindering the Trinidadian as they raced across the line in 20.12 seconds.

Trinidad and Tobago also took the women’s 100m through Michelle-Lee Ahye (11.14), while 400m Olympic champion Shaunae Miller-Uibo showed her growing prowess in the half-lap sprint to win 200m gold.

South Africa’s Olympic champion Caster Semenya also highlighted her versatility with a commanding 800m-1,500m double at Carrara Stadium.

Kyron McMaster brought some well-needed joy to the British Virgin Islands by winning its first Commonwealth Games medal in the 400 meters hurdles just six months after Hurricane Irma devastated the tiny nation and killed his coach.

Australia also dominated the cycling by taking 14 of the 26 golds up for grabs in the velodrome, on the road and up the mountain with

their men’s 4000m team pursuit team setting a world record in the final.

The hosts might have matched their record of 84 golds at the 2006 Melbourne Games but for a few upsets in the team events, two in dramatic fashion on the final day of competition.

England’s Helen Housby held her nerve to land a penalty on the siren and stun the heavily favored Australians 52-51 in the netball.

A couple of hours later, Kelly Brazier made a lung-busting 60-metre dash six minutes into sudden-death extra time to upset Australia’s Olympic champion rugby sevens team and give New Zealand the inaugural women’s title.

Both events were played in front of passionate packed houses, reflecting a Games where empty seats were few and far between and crowds were noisy and partisan.

The Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Anne Underwood, accepted the movement’s flag ahead of their hosting of the next version of the Games in 2022 and their segment of the closing ceremony reflected the diversity of the industrial British city.

“While we can’t promise you the sun, sand and sea of the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, we can offer you youth, energy, creativity and a love of sport,” she said.

The closing ceremony came under immediate fire, not least from the presenters on Australian broadcasting rights holders Channel Seven, for sidelining the athletes and spending too much time on long-winded speeches.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate was among the dignitaries who might have cut his contribution shorter after his pithy opening line.

“Gold Coast – you were AWESOME,” he said. (Reuters)

Man City wins Premier League as Man Utd lose to West Brom

M

anchester City won the Premier League title as Manchester United’s shock 1-0 home defeat by West Brom confirmed their rivals as champions.

Second-place United are now 16 points behind Pep Guardiola’s side with only five games left to play.

It is City’s third title in seven seasons and a first under the Spaniard in his second campaign in charge.

They have dominated this year’s title race, scoring 93 goals and losing just twice so far.

It is Manchester City’s third title in seven years and fifth topflight title.

The Premier League title is the 24th trophy of the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss’ managerial career.

The 47-year-old has previ-

Manchester City tweeted this image after their title was confirmed

ously won league titles in Spain and Germany, as well as two Champions Leagues with Barca.

Since Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan took ownership of the club in 2008, City have won seven trophies, adding an FA

Cup, two League Cups and an FA Community Shield to their league titles.

Manchester City: How Pep Guardiola’s team wowed Match of the Day pundits City set a Premier League re-

cord of 18 consecutive wins on their way to the title, and have beaten every other side in the division this season at least once.

They looked on course to go the whole league season unbeaten before losing 4-3 to Liverpool at Anfield in January.

Their match at Everton saw them retain 82.13% possession, the highest recorded in the Premier League, and they broke passing records, completing over 900 against Chelsea.

They have only failed to score in a league match once this season and lead the stats in terms of possession, touches, passes, shots and goals.

City were knocked out of the Champions League on Tuesday after their quarter-final defeat

by Liverpool, and were beaten by League One side Wigan in the fifth round of the FA Cup in February.

However, Guardiola’s side did win the Carabao Cup by beating Arsenal at Wembley.

City could have made history and sealed the earliest Premier League title by beating United on 7 April at Etihad Stadium, but let slip a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2.

That defeat came in between two losses to Liverpool in the Champions League, which led to Guardiola claiming the side could still miss out on the title.

However, their 3-1 victory at Tottenham on Saturday put them on the brink of the title, and West Brom striker Jay Rodriguez’s header confirmed their status as champions on Sunday.

Guardiola said on Saturday that he would play golf, rather than watch the United game.

City’s next match is at home to Swansea on 22 April.

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GUYANATIMESgy.COM

monDAY, april 16, 2018

Dhoni falls short, Kings XI prevent a heist P

rior to the start of the IPL, Kings XI Punjab captain R Ashwin promised unpredictability. One of those unpredictable decisions was bringing in Chris Gayle against a team he has struggled against. That move paid rich dividends immediately: Gayle hammered a 33-ball

63, Kings XI blazed a 75run Powerplay and a total of 197 proved four runs beyond Chennai Super Kings in their third final-over finish this season.

A steady approach early in Super Kings’ chase left them with 67 runs to get off the final four overs. But that strategy also meant they

SCOREBOARD

Kings XI Punjab Innings (20 overs maximum) KL Rahul † c Bravo b Harbhajan Singh 37 CH Gayle c Imran Tahir b Watson 63 MA Agarwal c Jadeja b Imran Tahir 30 Yuvraj Singh c †Dhoni b Thakur 20 AJ Finch lbw b Imran Tahir 0 KK Nair c Jadeja b Bravo 29 R Ashwin (c) c †Dhoni b Thakur 14 AJ Tye not out 3 BB Sran not out 0 Extras (w 1) 1 TOTAL (20 Overs, RR: 9.85) 197-7 Did not bat: MM Sharma, Mujeeb Ur Rahman Fall of wickets: 1-96 (KL Rahul, 7.6 ov), 2-127 (CH Gayle, 11.3 ov), 3-149 (MA Agarwal, 14.1 ov), 4-149 (AJ Finch, 14.2 ov), 5-157 (Yuvraj Singh, 15.3 ov), 6-190 (R Ashwin, 18.5 ov), 7-195 (KK Nair, 19.4 ov) Bowling: DL Chahar (3-0-37-

0), Harbhajan Singh (4-0-41-1), SN Thakur (3-0-33-2), Imran Tahir (40342), SR Watson (20-15-1), DJ Bravo (4-0-37-1) Chennai Super Kings Innings (target: 198 runs from 20 overs) SR Watson c Sran b Sharma 11 M Vijay c Sran b Tye 12 AT Rayudu run out (Ashwin) 49 SW Billings lbw b Ashwin 9 MS Dhoni (c) † not out 79 RA Jadeja c Ashwin b Tye 19 DJ Bravo not out 1 Extras (lb 2, w 11) 13 TOTAL: (20 Overs, RR: 9.65) 193-5 Yet to bat: DL Chahar, Harbhajan Singh, SN Thakur, Imran Tahir Fall of wickets: 1-17 (SR Watson, 1.6 ov), 2-39 (M Vijay, 4.1 ov), 3-56 (SW Billings, 6.4 ov), 4-113 (AT Rayudu, 13.4 ov), 5-163 (RA Jadeja, 18.2 ov) Bowling: BB Sran (4-0-37-0), MM Sharma (4-0-47-1), AJ Tye (4-0-47-2), Mujeeb Ur Rahman (3-0-18-0), R Ashwin (4-0-321), Yuvraj Singh (1-0-10-0)

conserved resources for later, including MS Dhoni himself. Despite a stiff back, Dhoni turned back the clock to when he executed chases by putting himself in a head-to-head position with the bowler. Against Kings XI, it seemed like that scenario would never come. He was on 33 off 28 balls, with Super Kings requiring 65 off 21 balls. And then he began another assault, albeit a forced move, not a calculated one.

Dhoni hit three fours and three sixes from that position, and took Kings XI’s death-overs specialist Andrew Tye for 19 runs off the penultimate over. That left Super Kings with 17 required off the final over, the same equation they successfully achieved in their last game against Kolkata Knight Riders. Super Kings were satisfied with a single off the first ball off the final over because it left Dhoni with his preferred one-onone battle, against Mohit Sharma. Eventually, three well-executed wide yorkers meant Dhoni lost, narrowly.

Gayle’s hitting arc is in the arc between long-on and square leg. So, Super Kings’ tactics were clear: hang the ball wider to force Gayle to drag the ball into that

arc. Gayle’s strong shoulders, though, opens up areas on the off side. Super K i n g s ’ bowlers stuck to their plans and Gayle his. He bludgeoned three sixes and four fours through longoff and cover, scoring 39 of his 63 in that area and only venturing into legside heaves if the bowlers erred with their original plans.

I n T20s, with o n e batsman in terrific hitting form, o t h e r batsmen tend to bat cautiously, biding their time

to keep wickets. In recent T20s, though, teams maximise their score by attacking bowlers from both ends.

K L Rahul hit seven fours in a 22ball 37.

Mayank Agarwal scored 30 off 19 balls, a n d Yuvraj Singh struck 2 0 off 13 balls.

Effectively, those three batsmen combined to score 87 off 54 balls, which equates to close to 10 runs an over

Chris Gayle came out in a belligerent mood

over

nine overs.

Combined with Gayle’s innings, those three cameos ensured that even with a sub-par finish, Kings XI had an above-par total.

In stark contrast, Super Kings’ top-four batsmen had an entirely different approach: to accumulate against Kings XI’s best bowlers and capitalise on the errant deliveries in an attempt to take a tough chase to the end. In a chase of 198, that approach is arguably riskier than attacking from the outset.

Shane Watson, M Vijay, Ambati Rayudu and Sam Billings all had a strike rate of 140 or under. Together, they scored 81 runs off 62 balls. That equated to an effective run-rate of 7.83 in a period of 10.2 overs. Despite Gayle and Dhoni making roughly the same impact on their respective team’s score, it was that difference in approach that may have cost the Super Kings.

Ricciardo wins Chinese GP after series of overtakes

R

ed Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo took a sensational victory in the Chinese Grand Prix as a chaotic final 20 laps threw the championship wide open.

Ricciardo drove beautifully to pass five cars after Red Bull chose to pit for fresh tyres in a safety-car period.

Team-mate Max Verstappen stopped at the same time - but threw away his chances with two errors caused by over-optimistic driving.

Lewis Hamilton finished a frustrated fifth, but was promoted back ahead of Verstappen, who was penalised for causing a collision with Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel.

The result means Vettel’s lead over Hamilton in the championship has been cut to nine points.

Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas, who finished second, is only five behind the Briton, and Ricciardo a further three behind the Finn.

Bottas appeared on course for an excellent victory over Vettel before the safety-car period, having jumped Ferrari during their pit stops.

There will be a post-mortem at Ferrari as to how they let that happen, given Vettel was leading by more than three seconds before Bottas’ stop on lap 19 of 56. Vettel stopped a lap later.

But the safety car threw in a

Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo celebrates with a trophy on the podium after winning the race

curve ball and Red Bull grabbed their chance.

It was introduced so marshals could clear debris from the hairpin after a collision between Toro Rosso’s Pierre Gasly and Brendon Harley.

At the time, Bottas was leading from Vettel, Verstappen, Hamilton, Ricciardo and the second Ferrari of Kimi Raikkonen, whose race had been sacrificed to try in vain to help Vettel earlier in

his fight with Bottas.

Mercedes and Ferrari chose to leave their cars on medium-compound tyres that by then were about 10 laps old, but Red Bull decided to switch to fresh softs and that gave them a decisive pace advantage.

Verstappen was at this stage favourite to win, as the lead Red Bull driver, but he tried a move around the outside of Hamilton at the fast Turn Seven from too

far back on lap 39 and ran off the road, letting Ricciardo past.

The Australian, who had already passed Raikkonen, then picked off Hamilton, Vettel and Bottas to clinch a stunning win.

The moves on Hamilton and Bottas were made in his trademark style - making a hugely committed dive down the inside from a long way back, but always in total control on the edge of adhesion.

Ricciardo does it repeatedly, but it is something no other driver is consistently able to match.

“Sometimes you just have to lick the stamp and send it,” Ricciardo said. “I don’t seem to win boring races. They are all pretty fun but that was unexpected.”

As the Red Bulls charged, Hamilton pointed out to his team in the pits that they had been caught out by not stopping to change what was the slowest tyre which already had significant life on it.

It was not the first time Mercedes had been caught out on strategy this season - Hamilton lost the win in the first race in Australia because of a miscalculation in the pits.

In Mercedes’ defence, Ferrari also chose not to pit Raikkonen, but both teams suffered as a result. Bottas and Vettel had already passed the pit entry when the safety car was deployed so could not have pitted.

Vettel said he was anticipating an attack on lap 43 and left a little room on the inside in case Verstappen misjudged the corner “but obviously he misjudged more than I thought”.

Verstappen was too far back to try a realistic move but he threw his car down the inside at the apex, locked his rear wheels and slid into Vettel, earning a 10-second penalty from the stewards for causing a collision. He apologised to Vettel afterwards.

Before the race Verstappen’s team had reminded him of the importance of a clean weekend following a series of incidents in the first two races of the season.

Vettel dropped back to seventh - a position he then lost to McLaren’s Fernando Alonso with two laps to go when the Spaniard passed him around the outside of Turn One and into Turn Two. With Ricciardo now untouchable, Raikkonen began to pressure Bottas for second, but the younger Finn held on.

A frustrated Hamilton was passed by Verstappen with eight laps to go but the Red Bull driver did not manage to pull out enough of a lead over the Mercedes to keep the place once his penalty was applied.

Behind him, Renault’s Nico Hulkenberg drove a solid race for sixth, ahead of Alonso and an angry Vettel.

sports

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Queensway/GSSF Steel Challenge a success – Persaud

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Sport shooting competitors take a photo op following the conclusion of the Queensway Steel Challenge

he Guyana Sport Shooting Foundation (GSSF) hosted another successful Steel Challenge Tier 1 Shooting tournament at the GDF Timehri Range, sponsored by Queensway Group of Companies Inc; according to Match Director Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon.

The safely concluded competition consisted of three (3) different stages where competitors all shot at 5 individual steel targets per stage.

1 of the targets is designated as a “stop plate” which when hit stops the time: this plate should be shot last.

Shooters were scored using an electronic timing device, penalties of +3 seconds are applied for any misses after the stop plate is shot and the time taken is the score. The shooter with the lowest overall time wins.

Persaud-McKinnon opined that “Steel Challenge is the perfect way to introduce new shooters to sport shooting because of the easy to understand rules and scoring. The instant audible feedback (ping) is heard when the bullet hits the steel proves to be very encouraging and challenges shooters to return for more and better times.”

Competition was fierce between GSSFPresident Ryan McKinnon and Pravesh Harry in the first two stages with the two swapping lead positions. Also putting in fast times consistently was young shooter John Phang who seemed in good focus for a high finish.

Harry using a specialised scoring application. The striking glass plaques sponsored by Queensway Group

Corona Futsal Tournament…

Overzealous crowd puts final on hold T

he highly anticipated final of the Corona Futsal tournament was placed on hold after heated exchanges between fans on Saturday evening at the National Gymnasium.

In a release by the organisers on Sunday, they stated, “the finals between Sparta Boss and Bent Street was forced to stop at half time due to a ruckus between a male and his female counterpart.

The decision was taken to allow the police to conduct their duties and in consideration of the safety for the fans and players. The Petra Organisation will be meeting the different stake holders in the coming days and will advise on the status of the

game”.

The final billing towards being a thriller be curtailed at halftime with the champs ahead via goals from Gregory Richardson (4th) and Jermin Junior (6th). Leopold Street earned a walk-over from Alpha Warriors in the thirdp l a c e match.

of Companies were presented by GSSF Director and Asst. Secretary/Treasurer, Mr. Andrew Phang.

After the smoke cleared the local steel challenge McKinnon did enough to clinch the win and finished more than 8 seconds ahead of Harry who in turn fended off the blazing young Phang by a comfortable 5 seconds and change. Overall Match Results of the G.S.S.F. Steel Challenge Competition sponsored by After the competition, shooters were given a special treat and opportunity to participate in a Side-Match with a cash prize. This involved the shooting of 2 different firearms in the same stage, those being a CZ Shadow 2 and a Glock 17. This proved to be an exciting end to the day as shooters safely ne-

gotiated the stage. At the start both guns were unloaded and lay on either ends of the start table, the objective was to secure hits on 3 steel plates, using a limited round count of 5 the score would be the total time. Additionally, competitors had to use both guns independently at some point before completing the stage. The winning time was a sub 8 second run

by McKinnon who donated his cash winnings to the Foundation.

The GSSF would like to extend its sincerest gratitude to the GPF, Commissioner Ramnarine, the OC TSU and the ranks of the GPF Armoury and TSU. Additional thanks are extended to Brigadier Patrick West and the GDF for the use of their range facility at Timehri.

GCC congratulates all-rounder Jodah

A

fter sterling performances in the local and regional circuit, national youth all-rounder Zackary Jodah recently earned praises from the President and Members of the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC).

The12 year-old was one of the top performers in the recently concluded Cricket West Indies (CWI) Regional Under-15 tournament played in Jamaica; where he averaged 22.00 batting down the order.

Despite not ending with huge scores, he remained unbeaten four times; while taking four wickets with an economy of 2.8 runs per over. The executives further congratulated the entire U15 team for playing a phenomenal tournament; where they ended runners-up.

Jodah was the only GCC player who featured in the national U15 team this year. His father, Richard Jodah was also a national cricketer in his days, having played U19 cricket for Guyana A smiling Zackary Jodah displays in the 90’s. his medal

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

monDAY, april 16, 2018

GCB/Hand-in-Hand 3-Day Inter-county

Nedd keeps Demerara alive after Berbice onslaught B

Ashmead Nedd

erbice pulled out all the stops to help put Demerara u n d e r pressure following the end of day one in round two of the GCB/ Hand-inHand 3-Day inter-county tournament; despite some bravery from spinner Ashmead Nedd who kept them afloat.

At the Lusignan Ground,batting first, Demerara fresh off a massive win over the U17's in round one, failed to repeat their ruthless aggression against the Berbicians who mowed them down for a first innings 148 inside 50 overs. Defiance came from opener Adrian Hinds who made 35, 43 from triple centurion Bhaskar Yadram who were the top-scorers.

Dwain Dick and his spin twin partner Ashmead Nedd were the other top-scorers with 17 and 10 respectively thanks to the bowling assault led by Berbice Captain Kevlon Anderson (4-17) and Keith Simpson (2-38); who subdued their opponents.

Capitalizing on the advantage of routing their opponents for under 150 in the first innings, Berbice ended day on on 102-5 from 29 overs; trailing by 46-runs.

Their reply was led by Kevin Sinclair who smoked 58 off 45 balls while Anderson (16) and centurion from the previous round; Alex Algoo (15).

Despite a low total on the board, Demerara bravely de-

off 228 balls with just two fours.

Opener and skipper Sachin Singh fell for 26 while Ameer Singh was the next best scorer with 32.

Was it not for the iron-man innings played by Persaud, the U17 select would have been miserably routed for

Nominations for 2018 Gregory Gaskin Sports Award begins I

Kevin Sinclair

fied the odds to help even up the match as Windies youth spinner Nedd spun webs around their batters with 4-41 while the off-spinner Dick chipped in with 1-15; as the defending champs seek to regroup when day two continues.

Meanwhile, action at Everest saw Essequibo who resumed on 261-7, ending their first innings on 290 all out due to a number of starts by their players including top-scorer Kurt Lowell (49) and skipper Kevin Christian (45).

Joshua Jones and Joel

Eastman claims Powerade title

H

amzah Eastman continues his dominance with yet another victory among his top performances. After placing third on the inner circuit of the National Park on Saturday, Eastman rebounded with a sprint finish to claim the Powerade 46-mile Road Race in West Demerara.

He stopped the clock in one hour, 40 minutes and 15 seconds for race which started at Schoonord, proceeded to Parika and returned.

This took his wins for six for 2018.

Claiming the second position was Paul DeNobrega

while Curtis Dey was third and Jamal John finished fourth. Romello Crawford and Andrew Hick filled out the top six rewarding positions.

Other categorical winner’s yesterday included Briton John (junior), Junior Niles (veter-

a n under 50) and Ian Jackson (veteran over 50).

less than they had as they trail Essequibo by 149 runs with a day remaining.

At stumps, Christian and his partner Mark Ramsammy were both unbeaten on one each when play ended. Action continues from 9:00h at both venues; weather permitting.

Hamzah Eastman

Fortune, the overnight pair shared a good partnership as they scored 34 and 22 respectively as Marvin Prashad and Sylvian Williams ended with three wickets apiece. Essequibo then sliced through the hapless-looking U17 Xi team, who folded for 144.

Essequibo's bowling was led by the seamer Jones who grabbed 5-45 while his batting partner Fortune snapped up brilliant figures of 5-20 to headline a savage bowling outing. Navindra Persaud defied the onslaught to score a gritty 52

n its ongoing quest to make sure that all heroes in the Ancient County of Berbice is honoured, the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sorts Club (RHTY&SC) be hosting two major award ceremonies in July 2018.

The two Awards are the Annual Gregory Gaskin Memorial Berbice Sports Award and the Ansa Mcal Award of Excellence. Both are part of the twelve major Awards that Guyana’s most dynamic Youth and Sports Club host every year to recognise and honour outstanding Berbicians.

Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster stated that the Gregory Gaskin Memorial Sports Award is sponsored by Mrs. Noreen Gaskin, CEO of Sentinel Security in memory of her late husband while corporate giant Ansa Mcal (Guy) Ltd is the official sponsor of the Award of Excellence.

The Gaskin Memorial involves the sharing out of five Awards - The Berbice Sportsman of 2017, Berbice Sportswoman of the Year 2017, Berbice Sports Personality of 2017, Berbice Sports Organisation of 2017 and Lifetime Achievement Award.

Five Outstanding Berbicians will also be honoured under the Ansa Mcal Award of Excellence Programme for outstanding contribution to the development of Guyana in the fields of Sports, Education, Community Development, Health and Law Enforcement. The two Awards Ceremony will be held on Friday 27th July, 2018, at the St. Francis Community Developers Training Centre and will be hosted by the ten cricket teams of the RHTYSC, MS. The ten teams are Rose Hall Town King Solomon Logistics Under-12, Poonai Pharmacy Under-13, Farfan & Mendes Under-15, Bakewell Under-17 and Second Division, Pepsi Under-19 and Intermediate, Metro Females, Gismos & Gadgets Under-21 and First

RHTY&SC Secretary/ CEO Hilbert Foster

Division.

The ten teams have extended an invitation to the Berbice General public to submit nominations for both Awards. Nominations for the Ansa Mcal Award should be for persons above the age of 35 years who have served with excellence in their respective field for over fifteen years and most importantly be positive role models to the younger generation.

Nominations for the Gaskin Memorial Sports Award should be done by members of Sports Organisation in Berbice while no member of the RHTYSC is allowed to nominate anyone.

Nominations should be sent in writing to the RHTYSC, C/O Area ‘H’ Ground, Rose Hall Town or email to foster_ hilbert@yahoo.com. Names and contact information for the person making the nomination must also be included. The final decision on the Awardees shall be made by a panel of judges headed by veteran journalist Gregory Rambarran.

Each of the Awardees shall receive a trophy, framed Certificate of Excellence, Medal of Excellence and a Collection of Special Prizes.

They will also be inducted as a Honorary Member of the RHTYSC, MS. Persons are encouraged to call the Club Office on 337 4562 for more information Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster.

monDAY, april 16, 2018

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Bounty Paper Towels 2nd Div…

Old Fort tighten grip O

ld Fort tightened their grip on the Bounty Paper Towels men’s second division league on Saturday last, with a convincing 7-3 victory over Saints U19s.

The Sequel meanwhile maintained their second position in the pool standings with a similarly dominating win over Senior Saints by 7-2.

Saints U19 seemed destined to upset the equilibrium of the tournament when the speedy Troy Hodge managed to break the nilall deadlock of their math against pool leaders Old Fort in the 7th minute. A defensive scramble by Old Fort resulted in a penalty stroke for Saints U19s which Hodge easily converted. National striker Jael Gaskin evened the score f o r Old Fort seve n minutes later and the teams scored a goal each, through Gaskin for Old Fort and Shakeem Fausette for Saints, just before the half to make the halftime score 2-2.

Saints u19 would take the lead for the third time of the match with a Hilmar Chester strike but by now the confident Old Fort had received their full complement of players and took

control of the game from thereon. Jason Clarke drew the scores even in the 32nd minute of the 40-minute match through a penalty corner then Gaskin scored twice more to take his total to 4. Rafal Robertson and Warren Williams buried the Saints u19s further with a goal each to give Old Fort the 7-3 win.

T h e Sequel never

Saints U19s' Troy Hodge trying to evade the challenge of Warren Williams of Old Fort

seemed troubled by the opposition of Saints Seniors and were off to a flying start through two early goals from Medroy Scotland who was the outstanding finisher of the day.

Veteran defender Robert Fernandes entered the game

for Saints and brought a considerable measure of stability to the team and sparked their first goal through Kevin Edwards.

A long pass from Fernandes evaded the GCC deep defence and found the breaking Edwards who gave Saints its opening goal in the 14th minute.

GHB president Philip Fernandes resumed the momentum for GCC however with a solo effort and solid finish which was followed by a hattrick of goals from former national Devin Hooper before Fernandes added a final goal high in the Saints net to give GCC its seventh goal of the match. Yonnick Peters of Saints managed a penalty corner late in the

the efforts they are making to promote the game.

also mandated to select sixty youths between the ages of 12 to 18 years to be a part of the historic Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh Countywide Coaching Programme which would start in May, 2018, under the leadership of the Vice President Albert Smith.

Foster, told the gathering that he nor the Berbice Cricket Board has a monopoly on planning or ideas and as such he wanted to hear suggestions on the way forward. Representatives of the Clubs took advantage of the opportunities to discuss

second half but proved to be far from troubling for the Sequel who finished with a 7-2 victory.

As the first round of matches near completion, Old Fort find themselves unbeaten and in top position of the pool with 12 points with the Sequel in second place with 9 points. Saints U19s have 6 points, Bounty GCC – 3, Hikers Cadets – 0 and

Senior Saints -0.

In the ladies’ competition Pizza Hut GCC find themselves in the familiar top spot with 4 points and Bingo Spartans with 3 points while the other three teams, Old Fort, Saints and Woodpecker Hikers have a pint each.

Matches continue every weekend at Saints ground until May 20.

West Berbice Clubs' concerns raised

I

n his third Face the Clubs Meeting, Berbice Cricket Board President Hilbert Foster urged Cricket Clubs and Officials in the West Berbice Cricket Association to put their differences aside and adopt mature attitude to work as a collective unit for the development of the game.

Foster was at the time addressing a meeting at the Berbice River Bridge Company Administrative Office as he continued his Berbice wide consultations with Cricket Clubs. Stating his only interest was the development of the game, the Berbice Cricket Board President stated that he has no interest in the politics of the game and he urged the attentive cricket leaders to work along with his administration to return Berbice Cricket to its rightful place.

Clubs at the meeting were Achievers, Blairmont, D’Edward, Cotton Tree, Bush Lot Rising Star, Bush Lot United and Paradise.

Foster provided the Club Officials with a comprehensive update on the tournaments to be played in 2018, at the Under-15, Under-17, Under-19, Under-21, Intermediate, Second Division, Female, First Division and Internal Zone levels. Plans for the Award Ceremony, Cricket Academy, Countywide C o a c h i n g Programme,

Elite Training Programme were all unveiled as the Berbice Cricket Board President sought to get all Clubs to work together as a collective body in the Area. He praised the work of the West Berbice Cricket Association and its President David Black for

BCB President Hilbert Foster and representatives of the Clubs

Special mention was made of the Shabeer Baksh sponsored Tapeball Competition for Primary Schools in Region 5 while he also announced plans for a Berbice wide InterSecondary School Knock-out Cricket Tournament. The West Berbice Board was

a range of important topics including the level of umpiring, debarred players, uniform for matches, assistance with gears and tournaments for teams in Berbice.

President of the West Berbice Cricket Association expressed concerns over the hosting of several Berbice Cricket Board Tournaments in the area and the Berbice Cricket Board immediately mandated Black and his Sub-Association to organise all cricket in West Berbice in association with the Board’s Competition Committee.

Foster in closing remarks stated that he intends to be a President for all Clubs in Berbice and under his leadership there shall be no place for malice, vindictive, selfish behaviour and corruption.

Representatives of the Clubs and West Berbice Cricket Association President David Black expressed gratitude to the Berbice Cricket Board President for taking the time to visit them and to update them on plans for the future.

monDAY, april 16, 2018

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

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Bounty Paper Towels 2nd Div…

Old Fort tighten grip Pg 23

The Saints U19s goalkeeper clears the ball away from Old Fort striker #16

Inclusion is the future as sun goes down on the ‘Golden Games’ Pg 19

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