Guyana Times

01 Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana Issue No. 2811

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

GDF rank shot dead in Sussex Street guyanatimesgy.com

Page 3

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

P10 Saga continues between TSC and GTU

Crum-Ewing’s murder

Police still conducting P11 further investigations – Crime Chief

Illegal gun, ammo

Police to seek advice on P11 rogue cop Health Minister impressed with Texila American University P9 A section of the crowd gathered at the scene where a Guyan Defence Force (GDF) Lance Corporal Kevon Payne was shot dead outside his home in Sussex Street, Albouystown (Devina Samaroo photo)

Canje man shot

by Police during arrest Page 17

Govt cancels Tiwari’s Ministerial Advisor appointment

Page 13

Bandits continue to wreak havoc in Corentyne Page 7

– sisters robbed in home invasion

Major change looms for Police Force – Ramjattan Page 3

Linden rape accused on P8 $150,000 bail Eric Phillips accused of “naked insult” to Guyana’s indigenous P14 peoples

2 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, march 30, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Internet becoming key tool in money laundering, terrorism financing – Finance Secretary

A

s Guyana works to strengthen its AntiMoney Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) legislations and policies, stakeholders were told on Tuesday that these crimes are fast becoming less physical with the advancement of technology.

Finance Secretary within the Finance Ministry, Dr

Hector Butts, pointed out that money laundering is no longer a physical effort.

He was at the time addressing stakeholders at a Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism National Risk Assessment Workshop held at the Princess Hotel on Tuesday.

Dr Butts noted that the Internet is increasingly becoming a key tool for these

illegal activities, with the emergence of electronic modules such as credit cards, debit cards and online banking. However, the Finance Secretary noted that as these Internet services continue to proliferate, with efforts being made to implement the requisite measures to deter such illegal practices. He added that the Draft Cyber Crime Bill of 2016 is

From left: Financial Sector Specialist Stuart Yikona; Finance Secretary, Dr Hector Butts; Attorney General Basil Williams and Chairperson Eric Phillips at the opening of the workshop

A section of the gathering at the opening of the AML/CFT National Risk Assessment Workshop held at the Princess Hotel

one such measure that will address money laundering in Guyana.

“We are putting measures in place to have a more comprehensive and efficient Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism regime with appropriate controls. But we want to ensure that these

controls meet with the country’s goals of financial inclusion and do not exclude, intentionally, legitimate businesses and individuals for the formal financial system,” Dr Butts stated.

Moreover, it was outlined that considerations will also be given to other monetary services such as GTT’s Mobile Money, the sale of telephone cards and money changers on the streets, to combat these crimes given the fact that Guyana operates on a cash-based economy.

Meanwhile, Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams underscored the importance of having adequate regulations in place to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing activities in the country. He posited that the significance of such a strong regulatory framework cannot be underestimated, as perpetrators of these crimes gravitate towards jurisdictions with weak regulatory framework where money can be easily moved undetected.

“A strong Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism regulatory framework will contribute to the protection of the integrity and economic stability of our financial institutions. It could also strengthen governance and financial administration. This is important, not only at the national level, but international level,” Minister Williams remarked.

The Attorney General further stated that his office is continuously looking at ways to enhance and strengthen the country’s regulatory regime.

“The AG [Attorney General’s] Chambers is consistently working on our existing AntiMoney Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act along with other connecting legislations; for example, the laws that govern over supervisory bodies, financial institutions, law enforcement and foreign affairs,” the Minister added, referring to the recently passed Anti-Terrorism and Terrorist Related Activities Act 2015 which provides for certain offences incur-

ring fines up to $15 million together with death. This, he said, will deter money launderers and/or terrorists from practicing such crimes within Guyana’s territories.

Furthermore, Williams pointed out that through a thorough risk assessment, Guyana will be able to determine and better understand what problems exists, thus, more effectively target its resources to formulate plans and strategies aimed at mitigating money laundering and terrorism financial risks.

On this note, the Attorney General stressed the importance of having stakeholders onboard during the risk assessment.

“Each Stakeholder plays an integral role in exposing threats and vulnerabilities and their consequences. All of you bring to the table, various perspectives and solutions on how to deal with these crimes. Not only are you finding solutions throughout the entire process, you are building capacity which will enable us to obtain future risk assessments without support,” he noted.

Meanwhile, Financial Sector Specialist, Stuart Yikona – who along with a World Bank delegation is here to guide Guyana – explained that their role is to introduce the tools and methods to be used during the risk assessment.

“In the course of your work, in assessing your threats, vulnerabilities and risks, our role will be to provide guidance in terms of responding to some of the questions, issues and challenges that you will face, bearing in mind that we have been working in 40 countries and bring the lessons we have seen from the many jurisdictions,” Yikona stated.

The Financial Sector Specialist added that his team will also be questioning and challenging conclusions arrived at in order to ensure that they are “reasonable and justifiable” so that Guyana can defend them before the international community.

The National Risk Assessment is expected to continue over the coming months.

news

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WEDNESDAY, march 30, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, March 30 – 09:00h-10:30h and Thursday, March 31 – 10:30h-12:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, March 30 – 07:55h-09:25h and Thursday, March 31 – 09:15h-10:45h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Thundery to light rain showers can be expected throughout the better part of the day, while partly cloudy conditions and thundery showers are expected in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 25 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-easterly between 4.47 metres and 5.81 metres per second.

High Tide: 08:32h and 21:11h reaching a maximum height of 2.37 metres and 2.23 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 02:05h and 14:38h reaching minimum heights of 0.92 metre and 0.85 metre respectively.

Saturday, March 26, 2016

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GDF rank shot dead in Sussex Street

G

uyana Defence Force (GDF) Lance Corporal Kevon Payne was shot dead outside his home in Sussex Street, Albouystown on Tuesday evening around 22:00h.

The 22-year-old man was reportedly shot five times. When Guyana Times arrived at the scene, a huge crowd had already assembled outside of his home and several arguments erupted over the Police’s alleged involvement in the execution style murder of Payne.

Family members strongly believe Police Officers shot the young GDF Officer; however, they were unable to detail exactly what transpired.

“I just hear the Police them shoot he but me nah know is what happen exactly,” related one of the deceased’s aunts.

Other relatives lined the street, hurling insults

Ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) gathered at the crime scene on Tuesday night where GDF Lance Corporal Kevon Payne was shot dead

towards Police Officers who were also at the scene of the shooting, trying to gather information from uncooperative residents.

Another group of bystanders related that Payne was arguing with a man on a CG motorcycle when the incident occurred.

“I hear that he and some man was arguing and then

next you know, the man pull out a gun and start shooting. But I hear the Police was right there, like a corner away and they didn’t do nothing,” a neighbour stated.

While information on the matter remains sketchy, Guyana Times understands from reliable sources that Payne was in-

deed involved in a heated argument with an individual on a CG motorcycle, who then whipped out a gun and discharged several rounds in his direction.

The man on the motorcycle reportedly fled the scene immediately after the shooting. An investigation has been launched into the shooting.

Major change looms for Police Force – Ramjattan T he Guyana Police Force could undergo major transformation with a proposal to move from Divisional to Regional Commanders actively being considered.

Speaking to the Government Information Agency (GINA), Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan cited the example of Division F as a rationale for the proposed charge. The Commander of that Division is responsible for Regions One (Barima-Waini); Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

According to Ramjattan, the changes being considered would see that Commander being responsible for just one Region. “Each Region will have a Police Division. We’ll have a Commander for each of those Regions which is going to be synchronised with Divisions,” Ramjattan explained.

The exception, the Minister said, may be Region Four (DemeraraMahaica). He said this Region was so large it may need two Divisions.

“Though we have 10 Regions, we’ll

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan

have 11 Police Divisions, Region Four being divided into two Divisions…

For example, when they go to Lethem, there would be a Commander in that

Region to take care of all the problems security-wise in that Region,” Ramjattan explained.

He said the Commanders for the Regions would communicate with the Commissioner and Assistant Commissioners at Administration so as to get the assistance they need to execute the policies of the Government.

According to the Minister, such a move would not necessarily result in more Assistant Commissioners, as Senior Superintendents or Superintendents could hold the position of Commander.

The Government is implementing several measures to ensure that the Guyana Police Force can better serve and protect citizens.

These include more local and overseas training for ranks and having them better equipped so they can execute their duties. Police stations and other facilities are also being built or rehabilitated as part of the effort to improve conditions of service for ranks.

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WEDNESDAY, march 30, 2016

Views General Editor: Michael Younge News Hotliine: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544 223-7230,223-7231,231-0544, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707

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

Editorial

The TB battle W

orld TB Day was observed on March 24, 2016 and the World Health Organisation (WHO) used the opportunity to call on countries and partners to "Unite to End Tuberculosis". This call is very relevant and necessary considering the fact that countries are about to enter the era of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of which a key health target is ending tuberculosis (TB) by 2030.

As is customary, the focus of activities by various countries around the world for World TB Day is to build public awareness about the global epidemic and publicise the efforts that are being made to eliminate the disease. However, it is quite unfortunate that the day passed by very quietly here without the authorities (in this case the Public Health Ministry) capitalising on the opportunity to spread more awareness or perhaps even publicising the gains made so far with respect to local efforts being made to end TB. As is well-known, TB is one of the world's top health challenges with nine million new cases and nearly 1.5 million deaths each year. Over 95 per cent of TB deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, poor communities and vulnerable groups.

According to the WHO, while there has been significant progress in the fight against TB, with more than 43 million lives saved since 2000, the battle is only half-won as over 4000 people lose their lives each day to this leading infectious disease.

Even though, Guyana still has a far way to go, this country can boast of tremendous progress made in its fight against TB; and all efforts must be made to ensure these gains are not reversed.

It could be recalled that the actual number of new TB cases diagnosed by the National TB Programme (NTBP) rose steadily throughout the 90s. However, with some key interventions by the previous Administration; such as the implementation of the Directly Observed Treatment Short (DOTS) programme (20022007), annual cases declined from 2008 and stabilised for four years thereafter due to further DOTS expansion.

The DOTS System was successfully implemented in all the regions of the country and has been essential to ensuring case detection, standardised treatment, with supervision and patient support. This newspaper had reported some time ago that Guyana was already showing a good trajectory of declining TB incidence. For example, in 2014 only 12 new TB cases were detected; the lowest number of cases recorded in over 10 years. This is a positive indication that TB is on the decline in Guyana.

According to the most recent analysis by the WHO of the TB epidemic, “momentum is growing at country and community levels – including in the 30 countries with the highest TB burden (over 85 per cent of the global burden). A number of countries are strengthening the strategic agendas of their TB programmes, by adopting newer tools, extending access to care and linking with other parts of Government to reduce the financial costs borne by patients. Other countries are partnering with researchers to speed development of diagnostic tests, drugs and vaccines, and to improve delivery”.

However, despite these advances, formidable challenges remain including fragile health systems, human resource and financial constraints, and the serious co-epidemics with HIV, diabetes, and tobacco use.

Ending TB will only be achieved with greater collaboration within and across Governments, and with partners from civil society, communities, researchers, the Private Sector and development agencies. This means taking a whole-of-society and multidisciplinary approach, in the context of universal health coverage.

Further, as pointed out by WHO, MDR-TB is another critical challenge. Hence, urgent and effective action to address antimicrobial resistance is key to ending TB by 2030.

Funding also remains a crucial component. All partners can help take forward innovative approaches to ensure that everyone suffering from the disease has access to TB diagnosis, treatment and cure. Governments and NGOs may have the best ideas to tackle TB, but it makes very little sense if there is inadequate financial resources to ensure their effective implementation. This is where the International Development Partners and Governments will have to step up and do more to ensure that the necessary financing is available to carry out crucial TB programmes.

Lichfield’s latest centenarian, James Barrington Layne, Esq, was celebrated on Tuesday. Social Protection Minister Volda Lawrence presented him with a hamper to celebrate the occasion. Layne still reads without glasses and credits his long life to his motto of honouring your mother and father

Balram Singh Rai was first Education Minister from BV Dear Editor, The Stabroek News editorial of March 27, 2016 captioned “First-comers” states: “One has the impression that the public’s familiarity with the history of this country is not as great as it used to be – all except the period since the Second World War – that is. Those seven decades are subject to endless recitation, at least one version of which forms the premise on which a whole political creed has been constructed. In contrast, a certain degree of vagueness attends the period before that, and confrontational debates are on occasion prosecuted on the basis of some very dubious historical data”.

It seems to me that even with this post-Second World War period, familiarity with the country’s history certainly appears questionable; and I am not referring to anyone’s version of the history of that period, but to factual information which is easily verifiable.

In the March 26, 2016 edition of the State-owned Guyana Chronicle, embedded within the article “Local Gov’t Elections... BV – the community that has won the right to govern itself” are four bullet points of facts considered to be “Firsts for BV/Triumph”.

Unfortunately, the last of these which states “BV is the only village to have produced three ministers of education, namely Ceciline Baird, Vibert Mingo and Dr Henry Jeffrey” is inaccurate.

It is an indelible fact of history that BV has produced four Ministers of Education, the first being Balram Singh Rai. Mr Rai was born on February 8, 1921 at Beterverwagting Village. He attended Beterverwagting Government School (formerly Bethel Congregational School), after which he proceeded to Modern High School in Georgetown, from where he

matriculated. Now in his 96th year, he resides in London, England. He is a Barrister of the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple, England, where he passed the 1952 Hilary Term Bar Examination with honours and was placed first among all overseas students. Earlier, he had secured the LL.B Degree with Honours from London University in 1952, as an external student.

In fact, Mr Rai was the Minister of Community Development and Education in the PPP Government of British Guiana during the 1957-61 period. As Minister of Education, he abolished the system of “dual control of schools” by Government and Christian religious denominations thereby allowing Hindus and Muslims of the country to secure employment in teaching positions in Christian denominational church controlled schools, a barrier that prevented their employment under the earlier system of “dual control”. As a result, serving teachers of the Christian faith were also able to move laterally on appointment and promotion in and between Christian denominational schools. He was also responsible for building Government secondary schools in the countryside which were the first to provide free secondary education starting in 1963. Additionally, Mr Rai’s “History and Culture Week” policies and programmes for the Ministry of Education in regard to enhancing the latent potential of the liberal arts and sciences enabled the country to move progressively from a colonial state circumscribed by the motto “Damus Pettimusque Viccissim” (We Give and We Take in Return) to a higher state of independence and freedom, engendered in the new motto of “One People, One Nation with One Destiny”.

The foregoing is not all the accomplishments of BV and Mr Rai. Any proper, unbiased study of local history at the time would reveal that Balram Singh Rai also helped to secure independence and freedom for Guyana from the British Government. He was a PPP delegate at the British Guiana Independence Conference at Lancaster House, London, England, in March 1960; and through his erudite political, legal and diplomatic presentation, Her Majesty’s Government was persuaded to agree to vest responsibility for the Police in an elected Minister of the PPP Government to promulgate an internally self-governing Constitution for British Guiana, and to discontinue British rule in the colony soon after a general election in 1961. Mr Rai was the Minister in whom responsibility for the Police Force was then vested in April 1960, soon after the British Guiana delegation returned to Georgetown.

Thus Balram Singh Rai of BV became the first Minister of Home Affairs. Later in a PNC Government, Mr Vibert Mingo of BV was appointed Minister of Home Affairs.

Thus, another historically wonderful “first” for BV, being able to claim two Ministers of Home Affairs – Balram Rai and Vibert Mingo. It should be noted as well that the Geneva, Switzerland-based International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) on page 37 of its October 1965 Commission of Inquiry into Racial Problems in the Public Service endorsed the remarkable achievement in 1961 of the Minister of Home Affairs (Balram Singh Rai) in dealing with the sensitive matter of racial imbalance in the Police Force.

As Minister of Community Development, Mr Rai was a preeminent trailblazer in local government reforms as he took steps to give the people in the

rural areas a greater degree of responsibility in the management of their own affairs. This was done, among other things, by raising country districts to village district status and by such other means as the relaxation of Local Government Board control over the award of contracts. Previously, there were villages with partly nominated councils and country districts with wholly nominated councils. This hybrid system was abolished and all members of the re-constituted councils were elected to provide for wider representation to villagers. For additional information on the remarkable achievements of Balram Singh Rai in the history of BV, his native village, I would like to refer readers to “PATTERNS OF PROGRESS, The Story of Achievement in British Guiana 1957-1960”.

The booklet was published in May 1961 by the Government Information Services (GIS), then of 30 Hadfield Street, Georgetown, and printed by the BG Lithographic Company, La Penitence, East Bank Demerara. Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, under whose portfolio is responsibility for the Guyana Chronicle, may want to see that Mr Rai is not subjected to revisionist history in the State-owned newspaper which wipes him out from the picture of Guyana’s history. He may also wish to take steps to reverse the unjust denial of a parliamentary pension to Mr Rai. Surviving members of an older generation may remember Mr Nagamootoo as one of a number of young activists in the Letter Kenny/ Whim// Nigg/ Bloomfield area in Corentyne, Berbice who stood on the side of the 1964 Justice Party of Balram Singh Rai, Haji Ramjohn and Jai Narine Singh.

Sincerely, Harry Hergash

guyanatimesgy.com

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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

APNU/AFC Govt What’s going on at City Hall? dug its own hole Dear Editor, “The fear of the PPP’s cry of witch-hunt by the Government has backfired with the LGE [Local Government Elections] results. In what ways did the slow movement towards the prosecution of Jagdeo help the APNU/ AFC regime? PPP supporters went out and voted in a contest in which the PPP got 29,000 more ballots than the coalition in the total LGE. Did it occur to the coalition that if Jagdeo was in the court with all the sordid revelations laid bare, then maybe the voters would have been disgusted?

The longer the Government takes to haul Mr Jagdeo before the courts, the easier it will become for PPP supporters to think that the regime is bluffing and that they haven’t got evidence against Jagdeo and that they are trying to intimidate the PPP. It is possible that kind of thinking was a factor in the LGE results? In most countries of the world, charges would have been laid against Jagdeo in the Pradoville 2 scandal. What is the Government waiting for? After 10 months in power, the evidence is still not there? Now a new twist has entered the radio licence scam.”

The above is an extract from Freddie Kissoon’s column in Tuesday’s (yesterday’s) online edition

of Kaieteur News headlined “Charge Jagdeo with Abuse of Power”.

This is yet another call for the Government to pursue legal action to satisfy a political end. Why should bringing charges have anything to do with election results? Many of these calls have come from political scientists who have never yet produced a single job for any Guyanese but who wax poetic about their concern for the plight of the poor. How can these “opinion sharers” be allowed to continue publicly encouraging the Government to pursue legal action against persons in pursuit of political support rather than on the basis of strong evidence and sound legal advice. Let me make it clear. Those for whom there is solid evidence of corruption must be made to face the law.

But it is not for a few political scientists to decide on the evidence and the timing of charges, if any are to be brought. That is for the Police and the Director of Public Prosecutions to decide on. In fact, political operatives, including elected officials in Government, should and must have no say in who gets charged and when.

Rather than wax poetic continuously about charging “this and that body”, these opinion sharers should focus some attention on how the Guyana economy can be improved,

how we can create jobs for our young people, provide training in new and relevant skills for our workforce, attract investment and bring modern and appropriate technology to the country.

I am also tired of reading in the press what are apparently leaked reports of the findings of various audit reports, CoIs and SOCU and SARU investigations. The President needs to bring the hammer down on those suspected of leaking these reports to the media. It makes a mockery of the Government when you read in the press that a Vice President says he learnt of the appointment of a business adviser to Government, by reading it in the press, a day or two after that same adviser was named among persons who may have illegally and profitably disposed of land acquired from the former Government for housing development.

I am tired of all these leaked media reports of findings of wrongdoing. The only announcements there should be are those that inform that “today the DPP has advised that charges be brought against X, Y and Z for A, B and C”. Any reports of findings should be of jobs for our young people.

Regards, Wesley Kirton

Dear Editor, As we look on in amazement as the Georgetown Municipality careen from one foolish initiative to another we wonder if the officials there are answerable to no one but themselves?

The most recent fiasco was the hare-brained scheme to charge each and every kite flyer in Georgetown a fee to merely mount a kite in the sky on Easter Monday.

Thankfully, this idea was scrubbed.

Then there is the plan to establish petting zoos at the Promenade Gardens and at the Merriman Mall. Isn’t that just off the chain? Aren’t there enough stray animals roaming the streets of the capital that one can easily pet?

Then there was the idea to commandeer open spaces in exclusive residential neighbourhoods and convert them into municipal housing schemes for the workers of the Georgetown City Council?

Are there not enough housing schemes already under development that the Council’s workers could each acquire a house or house lot? Or they just prefer to become squatters on State land?

Now we are hearing of the development of a Presidential Park? Why does the City want to get involved in this? This should be a national and not a municipal undertaking? Why is it that City Hall wants to get involved in everything these days?

Are they looking for fame or fortune?

The real question I want answered is why the hierarchy at City Hall feel no need or obligation to have consultations with the citizens of Georgetown before implementing these grandiose plans. All over the world there are town hall meetings; there are surveys done; there are referendums undertaken before changes or new things are implemented.

But here in our capital one or two dreamers get an epiphany and that is all it takes. The next morning they begin implementing the most bizarre and lavish ideas unmindful of the concerns of others, the sustainability, relevance or the wisdom of the idea.

This madness must be stopped and stopped very soon. Georgetown is too significant to Guyanese and others from around the world to be the subject of an experiment by any one person or a small group of amateurs who obviously do not know what they are about.

One can only hope and pray that the new Council would stop this march of folly which was encouraged by the previous Council, which is intended to line the pockets of a few on the backs of the earnest taxpayers and at the expense of real development of the city.

Digging a few drains and repairing a few buildings do not secure or maintain the competitiveness of our capital and the livelihoods of the people who live here. We need to find more sustainable,

resource-efficient ways of managing Georgetown.

City Hall has to improve processes and services from urban planning to much better financial management. Georgetown as the President has said needs to be self-sustaining and managed like a corporation with a proper Chief Executive Officer who will secure all revenues due, explore investment partnerships, embrace technology, make organisational changes that eliminate overlapping roles, and manage expenses.

Also, if designed and executed well, privatepublic partnerships would be an essential element of smart growth, delivering lower-cost, higher-quality infrastructure and services.

Sincerely, Debra Gibson

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Foundation

How to face the challenges of coparenting with your own parents

More coparenting tips

– when I gave birth to my son, I never thought that I would be raising him with my mother. Although I’m very grateful for her help, some challenges exist

he challenges of coparenting sometimes take a toll on the relationship between the parent and the coparent, most especially if the coparent happens to be your own mother. The number tip to coparenting with your parents – never forget to be thankful.

Think of all the advantages of having your mother as a coparent and you will be glad you did. At the same time, try to imagine your child at the daycare where strangers would look after your child. You won’t even know whether your child would get the proper care and attention.

At the end of the day, when you come back from work and find your baby or toddler happily smiling, don’t forget to be thankful that your mom was there during your absence.

Remember, taking care of a child is harder than doing chores and you mom willingly made the sacrifice.

Other tips on co-parenting include Commit to making coparenting an open dialogue.

Rules should be consistent and agreed upon at both households. As much as they fight it, children need routine and structure. Issues like meal time, bed time, and completing chores need to consistent. The same goes for school work and projects.

Commit to positive talk around the house. Make it a rule to frown upon your children talking disrespectfully about your co-parent even though it may be music to your ears.

Agree on boundaries and behavioural guidelines for raising your children so that there’s consistency in their lives, regardless of whom they’re with at any given time. Research shows that children in homes with a unified parenting approach have greater well-being.

Create an extended family plan. Negotiate and agree on the role extended family members will play and the access they’ll be granted while your child is in each other’s charge.

Recognise that coparenting will challenge you – and the reason for making accommodations in your parenting style is NOT BECAUSE YOUR CO-PARENT WANTS THIS OR THAT, but for the needs of your children.

Be aware of slippery slopes.

Be aware that children will frequently test boundaries and rules, especially if there’s a chance to get something they may not ordinarily be able to obtain. This is why a united front in co-parenting is recommended.

Update often. Although it may be emotionally painful, make sure that you and your co-parent keep each other informed about all changes in your life, or circumstances that are challenging or difficult. It is important that your child is never, ever, ever the primary source of information.(Excerpts from

By Natalie Altieri

L

ike most parents, when I gave birth to my son more than three years ago, I never would’ve thought that I would be raising him with my mother. However, four short months after he was born, my husband passed away, and I was alone with my little boy and had to go back to work a week and a half later. I didn’t want to leave my newborn son solely in daycare. In fact, I couldn’t have afforded it even if I wanted to. Since my mother lived downstairs in my house, we both decided that she would help me raise my child.

But while I am ever so grateful that my mother sacrificed her freedom to help me with my son, some challenges exist. I must admit that my mother and I never had the easiest of relationships.

We argue like typical mothers and daughters do. Even today, with me at 40 years old and my mom at 73, we seem to have

some of the same arguments that we had when I was 17. We instantly revert back in time when an argument is triggered.

So, what did we do? We took this relationship between a stubborn mother and

daughter and put a little baby in the mix! I want some things done a certain way with my child so I make sure to tell my mom. “John shouldn’t eat a lollipop every day because it’s not good for his teeth,” I say.

Sounds reasonable, right? Not when I say this to my mother.

She’s the grandmother, and she doesn’t want to upset my son. She also feels that when I say something is being done incorrectly that I am criticising her as a parent.

For instance, six months ago, my mother and I were about a year into trying to potty train my son. He was being stubborn about it, and the more we tried, the more he wanted no part of it. I tried every trick in the book:

Cheerios in the toilet, blowing bubbles in the bathroom, and having him sit on the toilet and stand beside it. Nothing seemed to work. A friend suggested that I let him be naked all the time and put him on the potty when we noticed he had to go. I thought it was worth a shot.

My mother hated this idea.

She was convinced that he would pee on the floor and the laminate floor would buckle.

My position was, perhaps he might pee on the floor, but we had to try, at least. This was a back-and-forth argument that came up every week or so.

She would agree with me for a while and then revert back to her original opinion.

I tried my best to be as routine

oriented with the potty training technique when I was home, but I worked. So I wasn’t at home for about 10-12 hours a day. As strict as I am, I have to lean on my mother. I decided that I had to put my foot down. Eventually, after months of us going back and forth, she relented. I am glad to say that my son is mostly potty trained now, although he’s not a fan of underwear.

While not everyone can relate to having their parents being the actual second parent, many couples have their parents as their daycare providers because they don’t trust a stranger to take care of their children.

These same dilemmas come into play. Parents often want the grandparents to take their instructions when most grandparents think they know better. Sometimes that’s the case, and sometimes it’s not.

So what do we do then?

In my experience, it comes down to communication and compromise. Even though I do appreciate my mother’s help with my son, I don’t always tell her. I have to make sure I do or her feelings inevitably get hurt. I have to pick my battles. Not every difference in opinion is one that needs to be argued over. But when there’s something really important to me and my son’s well-being, I ensure that my way goes. I’m still learning, and I can’t say that I am expert in communication or compromise, but I know we’ll get there one way or another. (Parenting.com)

T

parentherald and psychologytoday )

news

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wednesDAY, march 30, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Bandits continue to wreak Local Government Commission in limbo – no official word on swearing in of havoc in Corentyne – sisters robbed in home invasion

B

The house in which the two sisters reside

andits continue to wreak havoc on the Corentyne, with their most recent attack being Monday evening when they forcefully entered the home of two sisters, robbing them of cash and jewellery before inflicting blows.

The attack took place at a house situated at the Estate Manager’s Quarters in Port Mourant, Corentyne. Reports are that about 19:30h, the two women, the only occupants of the house, returned home and had just entered the residence when four men forced their way inside. Three of the men were masked and one was armed with a gun. Another was armed with a knife.

According to one of the women, the wife of a prominent businessman who passed away three years ago, the robbers put both she and her sister to lie on the floor. The intruders then asked for a safe.

“They put my hand at

the back and ask ‘where is chest, where is the money, where is the money that Paul Singh left’, I say we don’t have a chest, we don’t have savings, I don’t work; my sister supports me from the States with a few dollars. I don’t have a business; it is three years now my husband died. They start hitting us and say this big mansion and I told them, my husband died and the business is closed,” the traumatised woman related.

She said the men then removed a quantity of gold jewellery that she and her sister were wearing at the time, valued in excess of $650,000, along with two cellular phones and two tablet devices, G$200,000 and US$40.

According to the widow’s sister, she was bitten by one of the bandits as he tried to get her ring off her finger.

“He bite me first and I holler and he give me one slap.

He put his hand on my eyes

and bend down my head and then start hitting and tell me to keep quiet,” the 51-year-old woman said.

The sisters further related that the men ransacked the entire house, thoroughly searching each of the three bedrooms.

“They pull us in one room as they searching. We had a knife; they gone with the knife and a brand new toolkit and they tie us before they left,” the 54-year-old widow told Guyana Times.

After the men left, one of the women made it to the veranda despite her hands being tied behind her back and her feet bound. She managed to get the attention of one of her neighbours.

Speaking with this newspaper, the neighbour said he heard the screams and saw the woman at her veranda. He related that he, along with two others, jumped over the gate and went into the house to free the sisters.

“When we cut the thing that tie their hand and foot and go on the landing, they lock the door like they ain’t want talk to we. Well, we go out the yard till the Police come,” the man recounted.

One of the sisters indicated that it was possible that the three masked men who entered the house were known to her.

“The thing is they have to know me before they ask for a safe. Because we actually had a safe in the shop, but that was long; since in the 80s we use to use it; the person knew that, that person know me that’s why they wear a mask,” she said.

newly-elected representatives

C

ommunities Minister Ronald Bulkan is yet to announce when the Local Government Commission will be operational.

Bulkan had announced previously that the body will be established and operational early in 2016.

The Local Government Commission would be tasked with oversight over all local authorities, rather than directives being issued by the Minister of Communities.

This independence will allow the Commission to monitor and assess the performance of the local government organs and implement policies such as tax collection.

On March 19, Bulkan had said that the operationalisation of the Commission was expected to be “fairly imminent”. He had further posited that the appropriate Government property to house the Commission was identified, and explained that a rental fee may have to be paid.

Meanwhile, it has been nearly two weeks since the historic Local Government Elections (LGE) have been held and successful candidates from the various political parties are yet to be sworn in. In a telephone interview with Guyana Times on Tuesday, the Public

Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan

Relations Officer (PRO) of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Tamara Rodney explained that swearing in of candidates fell within the responsibilities of the Communities Ministry.

“GECOM’s responsibility is the management of elections,” Rodney emphasised, adding that upon confirmation, the continuous registration process will resume.

“There are two things that we will be pursuing… the continuous registration and the door-to-door process; now that we com-

pleted the elections, [we are waiting] on the Guyana Elections Commissioners to determine when those will be started,” Rodney explained.

Meanwhile, Guyana Times made several attempts to contact Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan for a comment on this issue but to no avail.

On March 18, Guyanese headed to the polls in 62 Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and nine Municipalities. Voter turnout was said to be just over 47 per cent similar to that in 1994 when the polls were last held.

The ruling A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) coalition gained success in six of nine towns while the main Opposition People’s Progressive Party /Civic (PPP/C) has claimed 28,000 more overall votes than the ruling Administration.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo described this “massive win” as a “slaughter at the polls”.

Meanwhile, residents in the various communities are hopeful for the smooth functioning of the NDCs so that their needs are addressed as promised by the various political candidates.

8 news

WEDNESDAY, march 30, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

IN THE COURTS

Handyman to stand trial for attempted murder

By Kizzy Coleman

H

andyman Quincy Henry was on Tuesday committed to stand trial in the High Court on an attempted murder charge.

At the end of the Preliminary Inquiry (PI) on Tuesday, Magistrate Ann McLennan told the defendant that she is convinced that there is sufficient evidence for him to be tried before a judge and jury in the High Court.

It was alleged that on

Quincy Henry

September 20, 2015; Henry, 30, at Bourda, Georgetown, unlawfully and maliciously wounded the Virtual Complainant (VC) Troy Bacchus with the intent to commit murder.

The prosecution’s case stated that the accused, who is an alleged drug user, has the habit of approaching strangers requesting money and when they do not comply, he gets violent and lashes out at them.

According to the prosecution’s case, on the day in

question, the accused approached the VC and requested money and when he did not agree, the accused severely injured him.

When Henry was initially slapped with the charge, he was placed on $150,000 but requested reduced bail as he is also on bail in another court for a robbery under arms charge.

In that case, it is alleged that on October 12, 2015, at Orange Walk Bourda, he robbed a Chinese national of $100,000 cash while being armed with a knife.

Man fined for indecent exposure

A

34-year-old man was on Tuesday slapped with an indecent exposure charge when he appeared before Magistrate Dylan Best at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Andre Moore of East Street, Georgetown, pleaded guilty with explanation to

the charge when it was read to him.

It is alleged that on March 2, 2016, at the route 45 Minibus park, in a public place, he exposed his genetalia to Patricia Melville.

The defendant explained to the court that he was checking his private region as it was itching. He fur-

ther explained that he was not exposing himself to the Virtual Complainant (VC).

The VC told a very different story. She related that she was collecting revenue from the bus divers when she approached the defendant who is a bus driver.

She told the court that Moore repeatedly exposed

his genitals, telling her that his “beads is hurting”.

The matter was reported to the Police and the defendant was arrested and charged.

Magistrate Best asked the defendant what he had to say and the defendant apologised to the VC. As such, he was fined $10,000.

Linden rape accused on $150,000 bail

A

rape accused of Block 22, Wismar, Linden, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) was granted bail in the sum of $150,000 by

Magistrate Clive Nurse when he appeared at the Linden Magistrate’s Court on a statutory rape charge.

The accused, 24-year-

old Michael Franklin, is charged with the sexual penetration of a child under the age of 16 years. The incident is alleged to have occurred on November

10, 2015, at Phase One B, Wisroc, Wismar.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge and the case was adjourned until April 12.

Labourer slapped with break and enter charge

A

labourer was on Tuesday slapped with a break and enter and larceny charge when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate

Dylan Best.

Trevor McAllister, 20, of Albouystown, Georgetown, pleaded not guilty to the offence when the charge was read to him.

It is alleged that

on March 16, 2016, at Albouystown, he broke and entered the dwelling house of Chris Rodriguez and stole one computer valued $80,000, one E-Networks cable valued $18,000 and one

TV remote valued $5000; a total value of $103,000.

His Attorney made a successful bail application and it was granted at the sum of $80,000. The case will continue on April 11.

Eyew tness

Diplomatic...

B ...banishments

urnham was a slick political operator. In the PNC, he dealt with domestic political challengers not by sending them out to pasture – but through diplomatic postings which were really banishments "in style". In this way he didn't tee off the challengers' supporters but co-opted them inside his party. A good example is the case of John Carter. He was head of the League of Coloured Peoples and the United Democratic Party, and saw himself as a senior figure to Burnham, both socially and politically.

So after their defeat by the PPP (Jagan) at the 1957 elections when the UDP merged with the PNC, Carter was a politician with a following with his Werk-en-Rust seat. He was also a social leader in his own right and with his socialite wife at his side. He refused to genuflect to Burnham and so in 1966, he was promptly appointed as Guyana's rep to the UN. Made Ambassador to Washington the following year, the UK in 1970 and onto China, Japan and finally Jamaica by 1981, he was never allowed to resume his political career in Guyana. Even as Burnham decimated the LCP crowd by forcing them to work in the fields of Hope Estate!

Desmond Hoyte followed his example when he purged the party of first the Marxist pretenders and Burnhamites like Elvin Mc David. And we segue into the present where Prezzie's gone one better by banning his erstwhile challenger for leadership of the PNC – Carl Greenidge – as Foreign Minister. He couldn't get away with banishing him as, say, Ambassador to the Court of St James, could he? It would've been too obvious a dissing.

No...with the Foreign Ministry being a SENIOR ministry and allowing Greenidge to sit on the front bench with the bigwigs in Parliament, Prezzie can say with a straight face he's giving his opponent his due. But exactly what does Greenidge get to do? When he was made Foreign Minister rather than Finance Minister – where he has SOME expertise – the explanation was that he could focus on hocking our exports to foreign markets.

Well...quick now...tell this Eyewitness of one contract for one product Greenidge has snagged. Even while Nagamootoo boasts about opening rice markets in Mexico!! In the meantime, to rub salt into Greenidge's wounds, Jordan has stumbled so badly in the Finance Ministry, the fellas over at Forestry are carving some special crutches in greenheart for him!

But Prezzie should let Greenidge come in from the cold. Wandering about like some Ancient Mariner, he might just saddle Prezzie with that albatross

...banishment avoided

One fella who was banished from the PNC without courtesy of a diplomatic banishment or a Foreign Service quarantine is Hamilton Green. Desmond Hoyte just summarily kicked him out of the party when the old hatchet man tried to skewer him. And after 22 years of trying to bring Georgetown into the gutter, he's now been rewarded with the Chairmanship of the Central Housing & Planning Authority!

Where he immediately fell into his old ways. Who said you can teach an old dog new tricks? Inheriting the bustling "turnkey" housing schemes the previous Administration had bequeathed, he's just given them his "Green-slime touch". To allow the working poor – with salaries between $60-100K monthly – to finally own a home, the PPP Government contracted contractors to build 2-3 bedroom homes for almost half of what it'd cost folks separately. How? By supplying the contractors with materials bought cheaply because of bulk purchasing.

So Green's just thrown that arrangement out of the window and now have homeowners dealing directly with the contractors. His contractors!

Goodbye turnkey homes...welcome turkey homes!!

...posting

The Mook of Saffon Street's kicking up a storm: Cousin Brian was made "Business Advisor to the Government".

He'll probably jump off the roof when he hears Cousin Bri's getting a diplomatic passport!!

While he has to fly "backtrack"!

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

news

9

wednesDAY, march 30, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Health Minister impressed with New barrier system for hasslefree experience at CJIA Texila American University

Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton interacts with students in one of the Texila American University classrooms

P

ublic Health Minister, Dr George Norton has expressed his satisfaction with the work of the Texila American University (TAU) during a comprehensive tour of the tertiary institution on Tuesday.

Minister Norton was invited by officials from the institution to tour the University’s Campus at Goedverwagting, East Coast of Demerara, as well as the construction site of the University’s second campus at Providence, East Bank Demerara.

During the visit, Dr Norton was briefed on the

practical and theoretical work done by students studying at the University.

The Public Health Minister was highly impressed by the modern learning facilities at the Goedverwagting campus, which includes a digital library and an Information Technology centre, as well as modern and high-tech laboratories for healthcare education.

Minister Norton pointed out that with the Specialty Hospital coming on stream, the quality of training the University offers in Guyana will be improved, since that Hospital will have a teach-

ing aspect.

Meanwhile, Dr Norton was also given a tour of the construction site of the University’s new modern campus at Providence, which is expected to be completed by August 2016.

The new campus will have learning facilities on par with international standards, modern classrooms, laboratories and a library equipped with modern technology, among other facilities.

Minister Norton was particularly impressed by the plan to have the new campus powered solely by solar panels, and assured officials from the University of the Government of Guyana’s support as they improve and expand on the learning opportunities they provide.

Texila American University, which was established in Guyana in 2010, currently has 532 students from more than 35 countries studying at its Guyana campuses which are located at Goedverwagting, East Coast Demerara; and Woolford Avenue, Thomas Lands, Georgetown.

The programmes offered by Texila American University in Guyana are the Doctor of Medicine, Doctor of Dentistry, Bachelors in Nursing and Premedical Foundation Programme.

I

A diagram outlining the new arrangements under this initiative

n an effort to expand its customer service programme, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport Corporation (CJIA) has introduced a system which is designed to provide a hassle free experience for arriving passengers.

The new barrier system was implemented on March 12, 2016, and has received positive feedback from arriving passengers. According to the airport’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Andre Kellman, this new system prevent any harassment or security threats to arriving passengers as they would be secured behind the barrier.

“When passengers leave Customs and enter the Greeters Hall, they could choose to remain in the

enclosed area within the protection of the barriers and wait to be picked up.

Additionally, it would prevent any solicitation from illegal taxi operatives,” he pointed out.

Kellman further stated that with this arrangement in place, “passengers would not be subjected to the harassment of illegal baggage handlers in the car park”.

Meanwhile, commencing from today (March 30), CJIA’s Customer Service Representatives will be distributing flyers to airport users and passengers in an effort to sensitise persons on this new initiative.

The flyer outlines how the system works, that is, it depicts how motorists could now leave the parking lot, gain entry through the des-

ignated barrier and collect their relatives and friends at the Greeters Hall kerbside. This will also serve to ensure that the arriving passengers are not subjected to the elements of the weather.

In addition, airport security officers will be stationed at the barriers to assist with crowd control and direct the flow of traffic. According to the Deputy CEO, the retractable stanchions currently used would be replaced shortly with “a more solid structure”.

“Our engineers are currently preparing some designs for management’s review and approval. I anticipate before May 2016 a more permanent structure would be in place,” Kellman added.

10

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesDAY, march 30, 2016

News

Saga continues between TSC and GTU

A

s the ongoing conflict between the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) and the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) continues to intensify, a resolution seems to be far from reality.

Speaking with Guyana Times on Tuesday, General Secretary of the GTU, Coretta McDonald, said the Union still has not decided on the way forward, outside of the discussions with the President and the Education Ministry.

She disclosed that the Union is currently having its Fifth Biennial Congress, and through this conference, she said the Union will have discussions on further actions with regards to the way forward with the TSC. She added that the Union will “for now” engage in these discussions before de-

ciding on what can be done to effectively handle the situation.

Commenting on any further picketing actions by the Union, McDonald said that there might be such exercises but this is all dependent on what comes out from the conference.

Over the months, there has been tension existing between the TSC and GTU with regard to reports from the Union that the Commission had “blatantly” disregarded its injunction to halt the promotion of teachers.

Despite this, the Commission had promoted teachers, causing uproar within the Union.

As such, the GTU over the period of time had been doing everything in its power to have the matter resolved. This included filing

GTU General Secretary Coretta McDonald

a case in the court of law against the TSC which is still an ongoing matter.

The GTU has also been picketing in front of the TSC’s building over the past months, voicing its anguish at the actions.

In addition, letters had been sent to President David Granger to intervene in the matter and bring about justice, not for the Union but the teachers it represents across Guyana.

Earlier this month, President Granger had responded to the letters and promised to be active in discussions.

However, so far, the Union reported that they have not yet heard from the Ministry or the President on what these solutions would be.

The Union had been calling for the entire Commission to be removed or to abide by injunctions from the GTU. The Union indicated that this would not be for the benefit of the Union, but for the teachers who are facing adversities as a result of the Commissions’ decision.

President meets with 2 outgoing diplomats

L

ess than a month after they were appointed to diplomatic posts, President David Granger on Tuesday met with Hamley Case and Clarissa Riehl who have been appointed to head Guyana’s diplomatic missions in the United Kingdom (UK) and Canada respectively.

Riehl, who is scheduled to leave for Canada on April 1, said the Head of State has given clear guidelines of what he expects from this new cadre of diplomats, which essentially is to advance the country’s economic interests internationally.

“This is my first time as a diplomat, but I intend to give this position my best shot and use my office to help push Guyana in every sense,” Riehl said after the meeting.

Meanwhile, Case, who is scheduled to arrive in the United Kingdom in two weeks time, said the concept of economic diplomacy, which was lobbied by the President, is not new to him, since as a member of the Private Sector, he has al-

President David Granger in meeting with the two Ambassadors on Tuesday

ways worked to attract foreign direct investments to Guyana.

“I plan to extend on my efforts in terms of contacting and befriending potential investors, trying to increase Guyana’s potential as a good host for investment. This is what I have been doing for myself and to be doing it for the nation is much more fulfilling and gratifying than just doing it for oneself as a businessman,” Case said.

Government earlier this month released the names of six persons who would be appointed to the new posts. The Foreign Affairs Ministry confirmed that arrangements were being made to have the new appointees take up their

respective postings in various countries.

Among the new appointees are several high-ranking strong men and women from the bosom of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and close associates of the Alliance For Change (AFC).

The release stated that Frederick Hamley Case has been appointed Guyana’s new High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. Case, a renowned businessman has replaced Laleshwar Singh.

He is a former Executive Member of the PNC and held several high-ranking Opposition portfolios for the party.

Similarly, the Ministry

reported that prominent Attorney and former Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Clarissa Sabita Riehl had been appointed as High Commissioner to Canada.

Riehl, who had various squabbles with the leadership of the party after Preisdent David Granger was parachuted into the post of leader, spoke out during the last PNC congress about the unfairness of the process and the undemocratic pathway that was being followed.

It was long speculated that she would have been given such a post. The former Deputy Speaker of the House now replaces Rajnarine Singh.

Mook the Martyr S

atiricus was a sucker for sacrifice. Didn’t Easter just remind him about the greatest sacrifice ever made?

So he just had to bow his head at the sacrifice of Mook Lall, owner of the Muckraker. Satiricus promised himself the next time he saw the Mook he’d check if the man had stigmata marks in his palms. What a guy!!

Satiricus had just read the announcement that the Mook’s Cousin Brien has been appointed as “Adviser to the Government on Rocket Launching”. Now since Satiricus knew Guyana was right on the equator and could launch rockets into space on the cheap, Cousin Bri (as the Mook called him) would be making a killing. He’d be fetching money in wheelbarrows!

But Satiricus also knew Cousin Bri had done nothing to deserve this plum opportunity. It was the Mook who’d founded “Funding a United Candidacy for Opposition President” (FUCOP). He’d poured millions and millions of his hard-earned personal funds earned through backtracking. (The Americans insisted on calling it “human trafficking”, for some strange reason.)

The Mook had also turned over his entire Muckraker to the service of Pee-an-See and KFC. Not only giving them daily front page coverage, but making up dirty stories on their opponents – the PPCEE. Satiricus was an old-time newshound – and especially since he wasn’t the brightest bulb in the chandelier – he knew it wasn’t easy coming up with all that sleazy stuff. The Mook really had to get his mind into the gutter...and it was hell no hell to get it out after such prolonged sick thinking.

But the Mook had done it all for the Pee-an-See and the KFC. Satiricus had thought it was because the Mook wanted an award like the “O.R.” Green Ham had received, or something. But he’d judged the Mook wrong. The man wasn’t thinking about himself. He was thinking about family. Specifically about Cousin Bri becoming “Adviser to the Government on Rocket Launching”.

Satiricus stifled a sob as a tear rolled down his cheek when he thought about the sacrifice the Mook had made. “Imagine how much happier the Mook will be when he hears Cousin Bri will be getting an OR award on May 26!” beamed Satiricus through his tears. The Mook was such a Martyr.

Satiricus wondered when the Pope would be accepting nominations for sainthood after beatifying Mother Teresa.

wednesDay, march 30, 2016

guyanatimesgy.com

News

Illegal gun, ammo

Crum-Ewing’s murder

Police still conducting further investigations – Crime Chief

T

he Guyana Police Force’s Criminal Investigations Department (CID) is still conducting further investigations into the death of activist Courtney CrumEwing, as it relates to instituting charges against four new suspects.

Last month, CID ranks arrested People’s Progressive Party (PPP) employee Jason Abdulla, PPP Executive Member and former Press Officer Kwame McKoy, Okene Fraser and self-confessed death squad member Sean Hinds, whom Police believe had a role in the activist’s death, which occurred on March 10, 2015.

A file was prepared and sent to the Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for advice on whether charges should be instituted against the suspects. However, the DPP returned the files with instructions that further investigations be conducted.

The four suspects were subsequently recalled to CID Headquarters and further questioned immediately after.

However, when contacted on Tuesday, Head of the

11

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum

CID Wendell Blanhum told Guyana Times that these ‘further’ investigations are still ongoing. “Investigations are still ongoing,” he said, without divulging much detail.

The Crime Chief had previously stated that these suspects were arrested in light of new information that had surfaced in relation to Crum-Ewing’s murder.

However, he explained that investigators were unable to complete the probe.

“The investigation would have been triggered due to some new developments, where we would have received further information

and as a result of that, they arrested those guys. We had them in custody but because of the complex nature of that investigation, time did not permit us to complete that investigation,” he stated.

Following their arrests, the four suspects were released from Police custody on their own recognisance and have been reporting to the Police on a regular basis to assist with the investigation.

Crum-Ewing, a 40-yearold ex-soldier, was gunned down execution style on March 10, 2015, while urging residents of the Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara (EBD), to go out and cast their ballots during in the May 11, 2015 General and Regional Elections.

An autopsy revealed that Crum-Ewing was shot five times – three bullets to the head, one to the back of the neck, while the fifth bullet entered under one of his arms. All the bullets were fired from behind and at close range, except the one that hit under his arm and exited his shoulder.

It was also reported that the bullet wound to the back of the man’s neck was fired

Dead: Courtney Crum-Ewing

at point-blank range, since gunpowder residue was found on the back of the collar of the shirt he was wearing. Two .38 war heads were removed from the dead man’s head, reports revealed.

Following the death of Crum-Ewing who rose to popularity after picketing former Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall’s office, Reagan Rodrigues, also called “Grey Boy”, was arrested and charged. Nandlall’s former bodyguard Rajput Narine was also arrested and questioned in relation to CrumEwing’s death.

Police to seek advice on rogue cop I nvestigators are likely to seek advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) today on instituting charges against the Police Constable who was among five men found with an unlicensed firearm and matching ammunition over the weekend.

According to reports, on Saturday, ranks of a Police traffic patrol stopped a group of five men who were on three Honda CG motorcycles at Norton S t r e e t and Louisa Row, Georgetown. A search was carried out on the men during which an unlicensed 9mm pistol along with 15 rounds was found on one of the men, who was later identified as a Police Constable stationed in B

Division (Berbice).

The Constable was placed under close arrest while the other four men have been arrested and were taken into custody to assist with the investigations. The ranks had also seized the three motorcycles.

Investigators were scheduled to conduct ballistic tests on the weapon to ascertain whether it was used in any previous criminal activity.

This is not the first time a law enforcement member has been found with an illegal weapon or been fingered in illegal activities. Stakeholders have continually raise concerns about negative elements in society joining the Police Force to use it as a front to hide their illegal activities.

12 news

wednesDAY, march 30, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Wales Estate closure

Keeping it real NY-based support group calls for review of decision David Hinds is playing

A

New York movement on Tuesday called on Government to rescind its decision to close the Wales Sugar Estate, which it reminded, will have dire consequences for the people and the community.

The Guyana friends of sugar workers and the Guyanese Solidarity Movement-New York (GSMNY) said it remains alarmed at the reckless and undemocratic decisions taken by Government geared at ruining the sugar industries and the rural communities.

It said it deems the announcement by Government to close the Wales Sugar Factory by the end of 2016, without any specific viable alternative, and the eventual dismantling of the sugar industry, ‘mind boggling’.

The group reminded that as an employer, sugar is to Guyana what the John F Kennedy airport, the New York transit system and health aide and security employment agencies put together, are to South Queens, New York.

It said Guyana without

Wales Sugar Factory

sugar is a catastrophe of epic proportions. Extreme poverty will envelope the estates and villages. The communities in the sugar belt will die a slow, painful death.

According to the group, in spite of the challenges, sugar remains a major contributor to foreign exchange earnings; the largest employer in the country and provides vital services and linkages to rural communities and to other productive sectors. Moreover, it said, sugar has always been resilient and there is no doubt that it can and will make a comeback, given a chance and the support of the ad-

ministration.

“The sugar industry has produced some of Guyana’s greatest sons and daughters and we are convinced that dismantling of the industry is not in the best interest of Guyana. We believe too, that this golden jubilee year of Independence is not the time to announce the demise of the most important agricultural enterprise in the country. On this occasion, we should proclaim our determination to overcome our difficulties not to announce our surrender”.

The group is therefore appealing to Government to listen to the cries of workers

Gardens, Georgetown, pleaded not guilty to the charge which read that on March 22, at National Avenue, Georgetown, he was found to be in possession of 756 grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.

Police Prosecutor Simone Payne successful-

ly objected to bail based on the penalty attached to the offence. She told the court that on the day in question, when the defendant was found with the naracotics, he admitted ownership.

He was remanded and will next appear in court on April 15.

Contractor remanded on possession charge A contractor was remanded to prison on Tuesday when he appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, charged with possession of naracotics.

Steve McNeal, 53, of Lot 1718 South Ruimveldt

and the voice of reason and to commit to return the industry to its glory days for the benefit of all Guyanese.

“We urge Government to “scrap the closure plans of Wales and any other estates and adopt interim bailout measures; end the harassment of the unions and negotiate in good faith with them; stop the discrimination in wage increase and benefits for sugar workers.

If Ministers of Government and other public servants can get an increase, why not sugar workers; convene national dialogue with all the stakeholders in the industry; unions, civic society, experts and Government the situation in the industry and work for a consensus on the way forward for sugar”.

It said expresses solidarity and support for the struggle to save the sugar industry, the ongoing protest on the sugar estates, and the sugar workers and their unions defending their livelihoods. It has also suggested that May 26 be designated a ‘national day of solidarity with sugar’.

Steve McNeal

a dangerous game

O

ne of the more troublesome dispensations of the post-election reality in Guyana is the level of negativity with which people view the previous PPP regime. Let’s be clear. I am convinced PPP leaders took Guyana to a new low. They remain an untrustworthy and immoral lot. The PPP lacks the moral ground on which to condemn transgressions by the APNU/ Dr Baytoram Ramharack AFC coalition. Defenders of the coalition will dismiss criticisms of the Government by pointing to the PPP’s own wrongdoing while in office. However, the anti-PPP crowd would like us to believe that after 23 years in office, the PPP Government had nothing positive to show.

Dr David Hinds acknowledged that the Local Government Elections results reflected the racial divide between Indians and Africans. But it is no secret that every election since 1957 have been a racial referendum. The problem with both the PNC and PPP is that while the elections reflected racial bipolarity, the leadership of the two largest parties adamantly argued that they lead multi-racial organisations.

Both parties and their leadership have lived a lie since independence.

Former President Jagdeo’s recent acknowledgement that the PPP will work to consolidate its base should be seen as a step forward. Jagdeo did not say the PPP is an “Indian party” that will represent “Indians only”. There is a big difference.

In an ideal situation, a coalition that represents legitimate representatives from all ethnic groups would go a long way towards resolving our nagging racial problem.

Dr Hinds believes our history began with President Jagdeo, despite the fact that we are celebrating 50 years of independence. Hinds has accused the PPP of being a racist party which deliberately concocted a grand scheme to disenfranchise African Guyanese. He concluded that this racist “mindset” ensured that “resources are disproportionately in the hands of one group [Indians]”. Hinds was more direct in a letter to KN…“African Guyanese …dispossessed of ancestral lands will not take very lightly the transfer of State lands into the private hands of the East Indian elite”. The “mindset” Hinds accused the PPP Indians of possessing seems to have been bought hook, line and sinker by other Africans. Perhaps this is a pretext of things to come. His threat must be taken seriously.

Our history is not a tabula rasa. Guyanese history did not begin with Jagdeo, though this seems to be a fashionable acceptance today. Hinds conveniently ignores an important fact – Dr Clive Thomas reminded us the PNC controlled over 80 per cent of the economy. The PPP’s dismantling and privatisation of this stranglehold on the nation’s economy no doubt benefited a handful of its supporters. However, it should be emphasised that a small number of Indians benefited from this incestuous unofficial policy of the ruling PPP. The vast majority of Indians remain poor and powerless. The PPP did not seriously attempt to uplift this loyal constituency from its squalor, poverty and poor quality of life.

Either Dr Hinds is swayed by a nationalistic fervour or he is intentionally being intellectually dishonest. As a political scientist, he understands that the APNU/AFC Government can create a new supportive elite class or coopt members from this Indian elite class because they are economic opportunists. If Hinds is concerned about who controls real power, he can rest assured that even while a small group of Indians remained wealthy, their wealth can easily be stripped away, as Burnham has shown. He ignores the fact that throughout the PPP era, as is now, African dominance in the military and paramilitary forces, as well as the Civil Service, guarantees them a preponderance of national power and security. This dysfunction will not promote “balanced development” and “advance… joint nationhood in Guyana”.

Finally, given the nature of ethnic politics in Guyana, political leaders are selected by their own supporters, rather than being imposed from outside or lectured to by others outside their community. Hinds points to Freddie Kissoon as an Indian leader. Kissoon has been relentless in his attacks against Indian leaders who have shown a penchant for addressing issues that affect them.

Moving forward demands that the racial divide is addressed. I am not optimistic that President Granger and his Minister of Social Cohesion will bridge the racial gap.

Blaming the PPP for not doing so, while pretending that the APNU/AFC can bring us together only preserves the status quo. We need to get down to the nitty gritty of creating a programme that will allow us to move forward.

Send comments to BRamharack60@gmail.com

News

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wednesDAY, march 30, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Govt cancels Tiwari’s Jaguars prowling in Region 9 Ministerial Advisor A appointment

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Brian Tiwari’s instrument of appointment

ontractor/businessman Brian “BK” Tiwari seems to be unaware that Government has moved to cancel his appointment as Ministerial Advisor on Business Development.

Government on Tuesday announced the cancellation of his appointment as Ministerial Advisor on Business Development.

While no reason for the revocation was given, Tiwari, who is currently in China, said he was unaware of this development.

He related to Guyana Times that his appointment back in January this year was to serve specifically as

Contractor/businessman Brian “BK” Tiwari

an advisor to Minister of State Joseph Harmon.

The instrument of appointment which was dat-

ed January 19, 2016, was signed by Minister Harmon himself.

Criticisms mounted when news got out recently that Government had secretly appointed the businessman, who it is alleged, partly funded the election campaign for the A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition.

Tiwari, was also said to be closely affiliated with the previous People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Government, reining in some big contracts; one of which is the East Bank Demerara Four Lane extension project.

6th Zika case confirmed in Guyana

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here is confirmation that another person has contracted the Zika virus in Guyana. The patient is from the Soesdyke area on the East Bank of Demerara.

According to Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr Shamdeo Persaud, the other five persons who had contracted the virus have fully recovered.

On February 28, Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton announced that three cases of Zika have been confirmed in Guyana, after two cases were confirmed earlier in the month; bring the total to five confirmed cases.

Speaking with Guyana Times, Dr Norton had said that the three persons all live along the East Bank Demerara (EBD) and further explained that two of the individuals are Cuban doctors who reside in Guyana, while the third is a woman from Timehri.

Presently, the Vector Control Services Unit has been mandated to conduct fogging exercises within communities on the EBD, especially Grove and Diamond, as these areas are heavily infested by mosquitoes.

The Aedes Aegypti mosquito

Meanwhile, the first confirmed case was an EBD woman who had travelled to Berbice, while the other case was a teenage boy residing at Eccles.

The Zika virus is spread by the Aedes Aegypti mosquito. These mosquitoes also transmit the Chikungunya virus. They thrive in collections of water, such as open reservoirs, tyres, roof guttering, and plant containers around the home.

Persons who contract the virus may not manifest any signs or symptoms.

Health officials are urging individuals, especially preg-

nant women to use all precautionary methods to prevent themselves from being bitten, since the virus has been linked to birth defects.

It is advisable to wear lightly coloured clothing that covers the entire body.

Insect repellents, household insecticides, sprays and mosquito coils can also be used to ward off the insect.

The Public Health Ministry urges persons to check with the nearest health facility, once they develop a fever or any other Zika symptoms, including joint or muscle pains, or headaches.

s the dry weather persists in Region Nine (Upper TakatuUpper Essequibo), there has been an increase in jaguars sightings by residents in many areas of the region.

Due to the cycle of feeding within the community, residents believe this has led to the increase in the number of jaguars emerging from their habitats.

With the water levels in streams and rivers reduced significantly, the fish population has been decreasing, and as such, the endangered species are now hunting for food outside of their natural hunting grounds.

The jaguars are becoming frequent visitors in communities, with domesticated animals becoming prey as the big cats struggle to survival.

However, even the numbers of poultry are reduced since the dry weather conditions continue to plague their existence.

Fear attacks

This has now raised the concerns of residents who say the decrease in food options for the jaguars increases the chances of the animal preying on residents in the community, especially young children.

Since the El Niño phenomenon started, there have been multiple reports from residents about jaguar sightings, especially with

the animals lurking at the night.

Speaking with Guyana Times, Regional Chairman Brian Allicock confirmed that there has been increased jaguar sighting in the region. He added however, that residents expected this since the jaguars are in desperate need of water, as they are.

With there being no water in their natural habitat and water in the residential areas, the Regional Chairman said this has most likely influenced the animal’s relocation.

Protected species

However, Allicock said there is not much the region can do since the laws of Guyana prohibit the endangering of its national animal.

With that law in place, he said it is illegal to kill the animal, even if it is spotted in the region among the dwelling place of humans.

Allicock said residents have been taking precautions and because of this, there have been no reports of an incident or attacks by the animal.

The precautionary measures include securing domestic animals which have become the main prey for the jaguars, as well as staying indoors at night, when the animal come out.

These measures have been proving effective so far and the Chairman is hoping that the water levels can return to their natural levels so that residents as well as the animals can benefit.

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wednesDAY, march 30, 2016

News

Eric Phillips accused of “naked insult” to Guyana’s indigenous peoples

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hief Whip of the parliamentary Opposition, Gail Teixeira has taken Chairman of the Guyana Reparations Committee (GRC), Eric Phillips to task over what she described as a “naked insult directed at Guyana’s indigenous peoples”.

Phillips, in his letter published in the media on March 14, 2016 titled “We slaved for Guyana; we must have our lands”, said, among other things, that Africans in Guyana were not enjoying lands that they were entitled to like what “others” enjoyed.

But, Teixeira said Phillips’ letter was replete with inaccuracies and contrived “facts”.

She added that Phillips seemed to be undermining reparations needed for indigenous genocide in the Caribbean Community (Caricom) Region.

She reminded that reparation for indigenous genocide also formed part of the mandate of the Reparations Committee headed by Phillips, as outlined by “Caricom Heads”.

“Caricom Heads of Government made a decision in 2013 to pursue the former European colonial powers to make reparations for slavery and native (indigenous) genocide, since their economic advancement

Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira

and growth was predicated on indigenous genocide and more than 200 years of slavery,” Teixeira said in a sixpage letter to the press.

According to the former Governance adviser to the President, her People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) continues to support Caricom in opening up constructive dialogue with the former European colonisers and their presentday Governments on reparations and compensation for slavery, indigenous genocide and indentureship.

“He should be aware that the argument for reparation for slavery could stand on its own merit without denying the right of Amerindian peoples to their lands, or any other people in Guyana who have made this country

their home,” she stated.

Teixeira went on to say that, “It is absolutely disingenuous, dangerous and divisive to now use that very argument to opportunistically draw twisted conclusions in what appears to be an effort of dividing our country, and denying indigenous peoples what they rightfully deserve.”

She said that what was more disturbing about Phillips’ submission was that he chose to omit any aspect of the arguments being put forward on behalf of indigenous peoples by the Caricom Reparations Commission.

Teixeira reminded that the People’s National Congress (PNC), the major partner in the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU),

ruled for 28 years and failed to address the concerns over African land in the free villages/plantations purchased by the emancipated Africans.

She said as a matter of fact the PNC passed the worst piece of legislation which took away the last vestiges of these lands, especially the communal lands in those villages and placed them under the control of the newly-formed Regional Democratic Councils.

“Mr Phillips’ utterly outrageous claim that Amerindian Land Titling will be completed by October this year becomes even more sinister, when he is fully cognisant that one of the first ethno-political acts of this new Granger-led Administration was the dismissal of the UNDP accredited staff of the Amerindian GRIF Land Titling project as soon as it took office in May 2015,” she stated.

Teixeira added that with one swoop of his pen, Phillips denied that indigenous genocide occurred in

Guyana Reparations Committee (GRC) Chairman Eric Phillips

Guyana before the advent of slavery.

“Mr Phillips is disgustingly reckless by reducing to zero the contributions of indigenous peoples to Guyana – a country which they named. He is not only inaccurate, but worse, is basically saying Amerindians have not contributed anything to the development of Guyana and, as such, by implication that they should have noth-

ing,” she stated.

She said that the PPP/C made no apologies for ensuring that Amerindian lands were and continued to be legally recognised.

Today, Guyana is one of few countries in the world where indigenous peoples have title to 14 per cent of the country’s land mass.

Teixeira also lambasted the Government over its silence following Philips’ letter which appeared in the press close to two weeks ago.

“It is also pellucidly clear that Eric Phillips cannot represent the descendants of those who suffered indigenous genocide given his expressed opinions of negative bias against indigenous peoples. Further, he denigrates all ethnic groups in this multicultural and multiethnic nation with his jaundiced and prejudiced agenda to sow ethnic division and discord,” she stated.

Teixeira has since issued a call for President David Granger to remove Phillips “forthwith” from the Repatriation Committee.

Agricola accident causes power, telephone disruption

A crew from GPL removing the damaged vehicle

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n early morning vehicular accident in Agricola, Greater Georgetown, on Tuesday, has caused power and telephone service disruptions for many residents within the community.

Reports indicate that the accident occurred at about 01:00h after a Toyota Spacio motorcar was reportedly cornered by a minibus. This caused the driver of the car to slam into a utility pole, which resulted in electricity and telephone service disruptions in the area.

Eyewitnesses told Guyana Times that immedi-

ately after the accident, several men jumped out of the minibus and fled the scene.

This newspaper was further told that the two occupants of the car – a male and female – left the scene without major injuries, although the woman received cuts

about her face.

Around 11:30h, workmen from the Guyana Power and Light Inc were seen removing the car from the accident site so that works could be done to have power restored to the community. The car’s licence plates were removed.

wednesDAY, march 30, 2016

guyanatimesgy.com

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Around the World

Brazil’s PMDB party quits ruling coalition US election: Donald

Some Brazilians want President Dilma Rousseff to leave office

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he largest party in Brazil’s governing coalition, the PMDB – the Brazilian Democratic Movement Party – has voted to pull out.

The centrist party called for an “immediate exit” from President Dilma Rousseff’s Government.

The move could hasten impeachment proceedings against President Rousseff, correspondents say.

Opposition lawmakers want to remove Rousseff over claims that she manipulated accounts to hide a growing deficit.

The decision comes a day after Tourism Minister Henrique Eduardo Alves from the PMDB stood down.

At a leadership meeting on Tuesday, the PMDB decided that its six remaining Ministers in President Rousseff’s Cabinet must resign or face ethics pro-

ceedings.

The BBC’s Laura Bicker in Sao Paulo says President Rousseff could now be temporarily suspended from office by Congress as early as May. She would be replaced by Vice President Michel Temer, leader of the PMDB, while the Senate decides if she should permanently leave her post, our correspondent adds.

Speaking before the vote, Osmar Terra, a lawmaker from the PMDB, said he had little doubt which way it would go.

“It will be a goodbye to the Government,” he said.

Analysts say a considerable number of lawmakers from the PMDB have felt uneasy about their alliance with the left-wing Workers’ Party for a while.

Their unease has been compounded by calls for Rousseff’s impeachment and a widening corruption scandal involving senior members in the Workers’ Party.

The President needs one third of the members of the lower House of Congress to vote against her impeachment for the proceedings to be shelved.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Trump’s campaign manager charged with assault

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onald Trump’s campaign manager Corey Lewandowski has been charged with assaulting a journalist at a campaign event.

Lewandowski is charged with simple battery over his encounter with former Breitbart reporter Michelle Fields.

Police allege that on March 8 after a news conference in Florida, he grabbed her arm when she tried to ask Trump a question, leaving a bruise.

Lewandowski plans to plead not guilty, the Trump campaign said.

Police in Jupiter, Florida, where he was arrested, have released new footage of the alleged assault.

The security video appears to show him trying to pull Fields out of the way as she walks alongside Trump and tries to speak to him.

“Mr Lewandowksi is absolutely innocent of this charge,” the Trump statement said. “He is completely confident that he will be exonerated.”

Trump himself has defended Lewandowski on Twitter, saying the Police footage shows there was “nothing there”. (Excerpt from BBC News)

EgyptAir hijack: Man held New consensus Prime after using fake suicide belt Minister installed in Haiti

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The drama ended with all passengers released unhurt at Larnaca Airport and the man giving himself up

A

n Egyptian hijacker who forced a domestic flight to land in Cyprus used a fake suicide belt, officials said.

His motives remain unclear but the Cypriot President said the incident was not terrorism-related.

Footage released by Egypt’s Interior Ministry shows the man passing through several security checks at Alexandria’s Borg

El Arab airport.

The drama ended with all passengers released unhurt at Larnaca Airport and the man giving himself up.

Cypriot officials named the hijacker as Seif Eldin Mustafa and said he was “psychologically unstable”.

Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides said Mustafa had initially asked to speak with his Cypriot ex-wife, who Police brought to the

airport, before making a series of “incoherent” demands.

Police in Cairo were questioning Mustafa’s relatives, AP news agency reported.

Egypt’s Tourism Ministry insisted all airport security measures had been “fully implemented” before EgyptAir Flight MS181 began its flight earlier in the day. (Excerpt from BBC News)

FBI breaks into iPhone of dead San Bernadino shooter

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he FBI says it has successfully used a technique without Apple’s help to hack into the iPhone used by a gunman in a mass shooting in California.

Monday’s announcement effectively ended a pitched court battle between the Obama Administration and one of the world’s leading technology companies.

The Government asked a federal judge to vacate a disputed order forcing Apple to help the FBI break into the iPhone, saying it was no longer necessary.

The court filing in US District Court for

the Central District of California provided no details about how the FBI did it or who showed it how.

The FBI is reviewing the information on the iPhone, the Justice Department said in a statement.

The case drew international attention and highlighted a growing friction between Government authorities and the tech industry.

Apple and other tech companies have said they feel increasing need to protect their customers’ data from hackers and unfriendly intruders. But the Police and other Government au-

thorities have warned that encryption and other data-protection measures are making it more difficult for investigators to track criminals and dangerous extremists.

“From the beginning, we objected to the FBI’s demand that Apple build a back door into the iPhone because we believed it was wrong and would set a dangerous precedent,” Apple said in a statement.

“As a result of the government’s dismissal, neither of these occurred. This case should never have been brought.” (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

week after his first nominee for Prime Minister was voted down by legislators, interim President Jocelerme Privert saw his second choice, former presidential adviser Enex Jean-Charles, installed after getting the overwhelming support of Parliament.

Jean-Charles, a professor of administrative law, easily got the green light to serve as the country’s transitional prime minister with a 78-1 vote in the Chamber of Deputies. Two legislators abstained.

The 55-year-old JeanCharles and his new Cabinet have formed Haiti’s caretaker government pending presidential and legislative elections that have been set for April 24.

Enex Jean-Charles got the overwhelming support of Parliament

“We have a prime minister and a government, and later we will have a new [Provisional Electoral Council] that will work so that after a short while, we will have an elected President,” Privert said yes-

terday, as Jean-Charles was installed.

Last Sunday, lawmakers rejected economist and former Central Bank Governor Fritz Jean who was installed before the vote. (Excerpt

from Caribbean360)

Yoga guru rewrites consumer marketing rules in India

Swami “Baba” Ramdev

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ndia’s Swami “Baba” Ramdev — a yoga guru close to Prime Minister Narendra Modi — is not your typical Hindu holy man.

He achieved national fame through televised

yoga classes. Now he is trying to build up his brand by expanding into consumer goods, vying with global heavyweights for Indian shoppers’ hearts and wallets.

Patanjali Ayurved, a pri-

vately held company run by Ramdev’s long-time associate Acharya Balkrishna, sells nearly 500 items — from toothpastes, shampoos, and other personal care products derived from traditional herbal recipes, to modern convenience foods such as cornflakes and instant noodles.

Patanjali Ayurved is now India’s fastest-growing consumer goods company.

Patanjali’s sales, estimated at US$300 million in the 12 months to March 2015, are forecast to more than double to US$750 million this year, driven by perceptions that its wares are healthier and more natural than competing products, as well as cheaper. (Excerpt from Financial Times)

16 NEWS

WeDNESDAY, march 30, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Ramsammy’s Ruminations MPs take another vacation while APNU/ AFC ponder buying planes for personal use

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P N U / A F C announced that Parliament will go on hiatus for 56 days (eight weeks’ holiday).

This is on top of Members of Parliament vacationing in August and September. It means that in 2016, MPs will have four Dr Leslie Ramsammy months’ time off with pay. For MPs who are used to work just about one day per week and often with many weeks in between with no sitting, this is really grabbing money without working. Most of them work less than one month for 12 months’ pay.

MPs are going on another vacation at a time when sugar workers have been told they cannot get a wage increase for 2015 and with a hopeless 2016 before them and for public servants who have been told that they should not expect any meaningful salary increase. APNU/AFC stayed long enough in Parliament to impose 130 new taxes on the people. For struggling taxpayers, this is an unfair burden to ask them to carry, just so that APNU/AFC can jet-set around the world.

APNU/AFC gave themselves a huge pay increase and imposed a large increase for MPs last year, worth over a billion dollars for the 11th Parliament. Now they are also using the institution to suck blind Guyanese taxpayers by taking salaries and benefits they receive for "liming". While sugar workers, public servants and workers everywhere in Guyana will toil for wages and salaries that do not keep up with the rising standard of living, APNU/AFC is busy burdening Guyana with a jet-setting Government, intent on spending money while the country limps along.

Adding salt to the wound, they take time-off to consider buying a fleet of airplanes to take jet-setting Ministers wherever they want to go. Simultaneously, APNU/AFC has warned people that if the Government reduces VAT, as the coalition promised in its manifesto and on public platforms everywhere before the May 2015 General Elections, they would have to add VAT to water and electricity rates.

Worse yet, the Minister of Finance has told Guyanese that if they were to require the President and others to pay income tax which every worker in Guyana has to pay, then the Government will have to give the President and those others a heavy top-up of their salaries.

We have an obligation to end corporal punishment in schools, to stop the archaic practice of beating children in school and, instead of meeting to do this, we are going on a hiatus for 56 days. We have human rights obligations like updating the death penalty provision in our Constitution and laws, under national and global obligations to repeal the death penalty in Guyana. Instead of completing this assignment, and at a time when 18 prisoners lost their lives extra-judicially, we decided that our under-worked MPs must get another 56 days’ time-off.

We need to ensure that we stop criminalising our LGBT sisters and brothers among us; our Parliament needs to act with haste to stop denying them their human rights. We have shamelessly procrastinated for years to repeal punitive laws that deny innocent people their God-given rights and have often told them "we are working on it". How could we be working on it when we heap time-off on a bunch of MPs who already barely work?

APNU/AFC has made a total mockery of our Parliament, the voice of the people, carrying on as if it has no obligation to the people and shamefully taking their monthly salaries without showing up to work. Even when they work, they prevent the Opposition from bringing the people's concerns to Parliament. For example, it stopped a motion on behalf of rice farmers, insisting that rice is not the business of the Government, doing so at a time when it has signed a rice deal with Jamaica that stands as one of the most corrupt deals in our country. This is the same Parliament that has no time to discuss the crisis in the sugar industry, but has time to take an extended vacation, just after announcing closing Wales Sugar Estate and putting hundreds out of work.

The Parliament of every country must stand as a rock for democracy. The 11th Parliament of Guyana has descended into a prime example of authoritarianism. As Guyana catapults towards dictatorship and economic chaos, the Parliament is a good gauge of how rapid this descent into dictatorship is. It is shameless that APNU/AFC has completely morphed Parliament into a dictatorial tentacle.

news

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wednesDAY, march 30, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Canje man shot by Police during arrest

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n East Canje man was on Tuesday evening shot in the leg

by Police after he allegedly resisted arrest.

Reports reaching Guyana Times stated that 18-year-old Malcolm Henry of Lot 319 Welfare Street, Canefield, East Canje, Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) is nursing a gunshot wound to his leg at the New Amsterdam Hospital.

According to information received, the shooting took place at about 20:00h.

The injured man’s mother, Roxanne Prince, told this publication that several members of the family were sitting on the bridge outside

Injured, Malcolm Henry

their Canefield home when the Police arrived and attempted to arrest her son.

She said her son refused to allow the officers to search

his pockets and an argument ensued.

“They carry him by the vehicle and got his hands in the air and search him but when the one Police go to put he han in he pocket, he tell dem that they can’t put nothing in he pocket… and he start to resist them,” the mother related.

According to her, the Police might have been on a routine patrol and upon seeing Henry, they decided to search him. “The Police always targeting my son. Last year, is 13 charges they give my son and all the Magistrate discharge because they ent got no evidence against him.”

However, some residents

in the area gave a different story. According to one resident, Henry had not been around the community for a while and he was the reason Police were in the area on Tuesday evening.

The resident, who requested not to be named, explained that Henry and his girlfriend had an issue earlier in the day which escalated into assault. “He beat she bad. The girl deh hollering all the time. He pull she by she hair and get she on the road. Is that’s why we call the Police,” the resident said.

Up to press time, the Police had not made a statement regarding the shooting incident. Investigations are continuing.

GTU maintains 40% wage increase calls

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he 40 per cent increase which the Guyana Teachers Union has been calling for had been deemed as ‘absurd’ by a number of critics finding interest in the Union’s pleas.

However, the Union has indicated that this is just a proposal and they are open to compromise with regards to the increase.

If the Government decides that this increase is too high, the Union said it will settle for a moderate increase that suits the Union and teachers across the country.

So far, the Union has still not received any word on the salary increases but remains optimistic that it will see eye to eye with Government, since the matters concern teachers who play a major role evidently.

Since the proposal

was made in the Union’s Memorandum of Agreement (MoA), there has been much controversy on whether the Union is being unrealistic with the proposed increase.

Persons had classified the proposal as one which would never be approved since the increases were way above average. They had continued to argue additionally that the Union not only stop at 40 per cent but even proposed for an increase as the years go by, leading up to 2020 when the Agreement would end.

However, on the opposing side, some persons believe that the increase is owed to teachers as they have one of the most significant roles to play in Guyana.

The argument generally surrounded the points that teachers are considered the moulders of children at a very tender age, which

would influence the role they play in society.

As such, they believed that the increase should definitely be approved by Government, catering for the teachers and repaying them for their dedicated work.

The Union had shared the same thoughts, indicating that they are on a mission to ensure that its represented teachers are adequately repaid for their service.

In addition, the Union had indicated in the MoA a number of other proposals which would seek to reduce the financial strain on public school teachers across Guyana.

This included the duty-free concessions, housing programme, and a remuneration package for all teachers. In terms of the increase, the Union had

Guyanese-Canadian charged with terror group participation

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he 23-year-old Canadian former engineering student whose roots extend to Guyana was officially charged Tuesday with participating in the activities of a terrorist group.

Kevin Omar Mohamed, a former student of the University of Waterloo and the J Clarke Richardson Collegiate in Ajax in 2010, was formally charged three days after he was detained over fears he might commit a terrorist act. Mohamed appeared briefly in a Toronto area court to face the charge that he participated in, or contributed to, the activities of a terrorist group over a two-year period.

Mohamed, of no fixed address, was remanded until April 19 for a bail hearing that Prosecutor Sarah Shaikh said could last two or three days.

In a statement after the new charge was laid Tuesday, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said the arrest followed an “extensive” investigation dubbed “Project Swap” that began last August amid suspicion

that Mohamed had travelled to Turkey in April 2014 to join Jabhat Al-Nusra, a listed terrorist entity in Canada. Mohamed returned to Canada a month later, Police allege.

“We were able to not only disrupt this threat to our country’s national security, but also to bring this individual before the Canadian justice system,” the Mounties said in the statement.

“At no time during the course of this investigation was there any risk to public safety.”

Mohamed was arrested Friday in Waterloo, Ontario, under a recent law that essentially allows detention without charge. Police also charged him with two minor weapons offences related to his alleged possession of a hunting knife.

He watched closely but said little during the fiveminute appearance in which he appeared in handcuffs before being led back to jail.

His lawyer, Anser Farooq, said his client had been brought to court Tuesday expecting to sign a peace bond

and get released; his father had brought him fresh clothes. Instead Mohamed found himself charged with a crime that carries a maximum of 10 years in prison.

Farooq said he had little idea of what evidence Police might have to back up their allegations, but said he hoped to know more next week. He also said he saw little reason Mohamed should not be able to win bail.

Mohamed, on his Facebook page, listed himself as a Sunni Muslim. Back in 2014 on his Facebook page, he had insisted: “Misguided groups like ISIS don’t represent me,” while adding: “I can’t understand how some Muslims legitimize attacking innocent non-combatants. Where did they learn that is fine?”

About 60 Canadians who travelled abroad to join terror groups are now back in the country, and another 180 are estimated to be overseas engaged with extremists, Canada’s spy chief Michel Coulombe told a newspaper last month. (newsamericasnow.

com)

signed an agreement with the Education Ministry for the years 2016-2020.

For the year 2016, a 40 per cent increase had been proposed for teachers, which would then increase to 45 per cent the following year.

A 50 per cent increase was then proposed for the three remaining years of the agreement (2018-2020).

After the agreement comes to completion in 2020, many had questioned what the increased proposal would be like for the next five years where a new one would be signed on to.

New Security Sector Reform Plan being advanced

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he Security Sector Reform Action Plan is being advanced.

Following a meeting between President David Granger and Britain’s Prime Minister, David Cameron, an agreement was reached for the programme to finally go ahead. This was disclosed

by Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan during a recent interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA).

The Public Security Minister said that due to the objections raised by the previous People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government, the programme was shelved. “It would appear that the Government of Britain wants that thing to go on now because they see in the new Administration a different approach,” Ramjattan told GINA. He added that a new assessment of needs will be undertaken as several years have passed since the programme was due to be initiated some eight years ago.

The needs assessment is being undertaken by the Olive Group that has been contracted by the UK Government.

Ramjattan explained that interviews have already been conducted with him, several other Ministers and officials

in the sector, including the Police Commissioner, prison authorities, and key judiciary members. “They have even asked how we can have a better parole system,” Ramjattan said.

He said the process is to be completed soon and the Olive Group will advise on how the money allocated by the UK – over the five year duration (2017 to 2022) – should be spent.

The Security Sector Reform Action Plan is welcomed by the Government.

“We would really love to have that kind of support from the British and we know that we are getting support from others such as the Americans, the European Union, and Canada through the Justice Education Society – training our policemen and women and so on,” the Security Minister noted.

The Security Sector Reform Action Plan, a US$4.7 billion programme was scrapped by the UK some years ago after major disagreements with the then Bharrat Jagdeo PPP/C Government over some of the conditions of the plan.

Some of the conditions would have seen UK officers working closely with local counterparts and giving advice on critical issues.

18

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WEDNESday, march 30, 2016

ARCHIE

If you trust in yourself, you will make the right choic(March 21- es. Follow your heart. Don’t April 19) fold under pressure. Revive an old idea or goal and modify it to fit current trends.

ARIES

Speak with conviction in orTAURUS der to get what you want. A con(April 20- tract, interview or professionMay 20) al advancement is favoured.

Make a commitment and follow through on it. Make sure you have a good plan in place.

dilbert

Argument will be a waste GEMINI (May 21- of time. Take care of your June 20) needs and use discipline to bring about the changes in your life that will make you feel at ease.

CANCER

Peanuts

(June 21July 22)

Creative projects will bring you the most satisfaction. Be objective if asked for an explanation. How you present yourself and your beliefs will make a difference.

You will be tempted to LEO chase change, adventure (July 23and excitement. Take care of Aug. 22) your responsibilities before moving on to more pleasurable activities. Chase your dream.

Uncertainty will surface VIRGO regarding joint ventures.

(Aug. 23Take a moment to evaluate Sept. 22) your position, intentions and the probable outcome of your next move. Don’t give in to pressure.

Calvin and Hobbes

Listen and learn. Use your LIBRA (Sept. 23- life experience to help you Oct. 23) figure out your next move.

Don’t feel the need to take on too much or overspend.

Moderation will be your saving grace.

SUDOKU TODAY’S WORD – FIDGETED (FIDGETED: FIJ-it’d: Behaved nervously or restlessly.)

Average mark 13 words Time limit 25 minutes Can you find 18 or more words in FIDGETED? The list will be published tomorrow. obit oral orbit rail ratio rialto riot roil bail bailor bait biota

YESTERDAY’S WORD – ORBITAL brio tribal birl blat brit trio bloat broil aboil abort blot iota alit boar tabor tail alto boat boil tailor aril bola taro labor bolt tiro lair bort toil liar brail trail lira lobar brat trial

solution for Last Published Puzzle

A past acquaintance will SCORPIO tender you a tempting offer.

(Oct. 24Clear a space at home to alNov. 22) low you to turn this opportunity into something tangible.

Celebrate with a loved one.

Your feelings and emoSAGITTARIUS tions will be manipulated if (Nov. 23- you give in to someone’s perDec. 21) suasiveness. Protect your cash and possessions from theft. Avoid indulgence and anyone who is a bad influence.

Stick to what you know, CAPRICORN and formulate a plan that is (Dec. 22- easy to execute without interJan. 19) ference. Someone will create confusion if you work in conjunction with others.

Get together with old AQUARIUS friends.

The encouragement (Jan. 20you receive will push you in a Feb. 19) direction that will help solve a pending problem. It’s up to you to bring about positive change.

Keep an open mind, but PISCES (Feb. 20- don’t let anyone talk you into March 20) something you don’t want to do. Stick to projects that you find interesting and can work on alone.

wednesDAY, march 30, 2016

19

Williams' bid for Westbrook, Thunder win their 8th straight 9th Miami title ends R S NBA roundup…

erena Williams' bid for a ninth Miami Open title came to shock end when the world number one was beaten 6-7(3) 6-1 6-2 in the fourth round by 15thseeded Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova on Monday.

The loss on the Miami hardcourts was the first since 2012 for William, who had swept the last three titles in her unofficial home tournament.

"I'm really thrilled," said Kuznetsova after registering her first win over Williams since 2009. "I'm sorry fans, who are disappointed that Serena's not going to keep playing, but for sure she'll be at more events than here.

"I'm really happy with my performance. I tried to stay at a good level the whole game. I think I did that pretty well and I'm happy with the way I served today."

It was a day of dramatic upsets at Crandon Park, as Williams stepped onto the Stadium court for her Round of 16 match immediately after third-seeded world number two Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland was tripped up by 19th-seeded Swiss Timea Bacsinszky 2-6 6-4 6-2.

Radwanska was the winner on the Miami hardcourts in 2012 before Serena Williams embarked on her three title run.

Serena Williams

The upsets continued into the afternoon with fourth-seeded Spaniard Garbine Muguruza falling 7-6(6) 7-6(4) to 13thseeded Belarusian Victoria Azarenka, still in top form following her victory this month at Indian Wells.

A tight first set saw both Williams and Kuznetsova register a break but neither player could gain the upper hand, sending the opener to a tie-break which the topseeded American dominated 7-3 with the help of a pair of thundering aces.

A battling Kuznetsova controlled the second set from the start, breaking the 21-times grand slam winner to go up 3-1 then sweeping the next three games to level the contest at a set apiece.

The Russian upped the

pressure with a pair of breaks to start the third as she stormed through the opening three games before Williams finally stopped the bleeding with a break of her own at 3-1.

The relief was brief, however, as former U.S. and French Open champion Kuznetsova immediately hit back with yet another break and went on to finish off the upset in just over two hours.

In other action, fifthseeded Romanian Simona Halep eased into the quarters with a tidy 6-3 6-4 decision over British wildcard Heather Watson.

Britain, however, will be represented in the last eight as Johanna Konta tamed another Romanian, Monica Niculescu, 6-2 6-2. (Reuters Sport)

Football legend Pelé sues Samsung over image in newspaper ad

B

razilian football legend Pelé has sued Samsung Electronics Co (005930.KS) for at least $30 million, claiming that the Korean company improperly used a look-alike in an advertisement that ran in the New York Times without permission.

According to the complaint filed this month in federal court in Chicago, Samsung placed the October ad for ultra high-definition televisions after breaking off negotiations in 2013 to use Pelé's identity to promote its products.

Pelé, 75, is widely regarded as the greatest football player ever, and among the world's most famous athletes in any sport.

Though the ad does not mention Pelé, it includes a portrait-sized image of a man who "very closely resembles" him, and a small photo of a football player

making a "modified bicycle or scissors-kick, perfected and famously used by Pelé," the complaint said.

Pelé relies on endorsements for much of his income, and the ad will hurt the value of his endorsement rights and confuse consumers into believing he endorses Samsung products, the complaint added.

Samsung spokeswoman Danielle Meister Cohen declined to comment.

The lawsuit was filed

by Pele IP Ownership LLC, which owns Pelé's trademark and publicity rights.

It is dated March 16, and was reported earlier by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Pelé is represented by Frederick Sperling, a lawyer who helped former Chicago Bulls star Michael Jordan win a $8.9 million jury verdict last August against the former Dominick's Finer Foods over the grocer's un-

Pele

authorised use of the basketball Hall of Famer's identity in an ad in Sports Illustrated.

Jordan later settled for an undisclosed amount.

Sperling did not immediately respond on Tuesday to a request for comment.

Pelé's given name is Edson Arantes do Nascimento.

The case is Pele IP Ownership LLC v. Samsung Electronics Co Ltd et al, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois, No. 1603354. (Reuters Sport)

ussell Westbrook had 26 points, 12 assists and 11 rebounds in his 16th triple-double of the season, Kevin Durant scored 34 points and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Toronto Raptors 119-100 on Monday night for their eighth straight victory.

Westbrook has the most triple-doubles in a season since Magic Johnson had 17 in 1988-89.

Oklahoma City has the NBA’s longest current winning streak and the team’s longest since a 10-game run from Jan. 16-31, 2014.

DeMar DeRozan had 19 points and Norman Powell added 18 for the Raptors, who lost at home for just the fourth time in 2016.

SPURS 101, GRIZZLIES 87: LaMarcus Aldridge had 31 points and 13 rebounds to lead the San Antonio Spurs to a win in Memphis, Tennessee.

Aldridge connected on 11 of 16 shots and was 9 of 11 from the line as San Antonio won despite resting stars Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili, who did not make the trip.

HAWKS 102, BULLS 100: Jeff Teague scored 26 points, including two free throws with just over six seconds to play, and surging Atlanta fought off a furious Chicago rally to win on the road.

It was the fourth straight win for the Hawks. Though the Bulls mounted a dramatic late comeback, they con-

Russell Westbrook

tinued a late-season swoon, losing their fourth straight.

HEAT 110, NETS 99: Dwyane Wade had 30 points and nine assists, Hassan Whiteside scored a careerhigh 27 points off the bench and host Miami pulled away to beat the Brooklyn.

Josh Richardson finished with 16 points in a spot start and Justise Winslow added another 13 for Miami, which clamped down effectively on defense in the second half.

Mavericks 97, Nuggets 88: J.J. Barea scored 18 points and had 11 assists to help Dallas win in Denver.

JAZZ 123, LAKERS

75: Rodney Hood scored 30 points and the Jazz turned Kobe Bryant’s last visit to Utah into the worst loss of his career in a game that matched the Lakers’ largest defeat in franchise history.

PELICANS 99, KNICKS 91: Jrue Holiday scored 10 of his 22 points in the fourth quarter and New Orleans snapped a three-game slide with a win at New York.

TIMBERWOLVES 121, SUNS 116: Andrew Wiggins scored 32 points, KarlAnthony Towns added 27 points and 10 boards and Minnesota beat Phoenix in Minneapolis. (Portland Press Herald)

20

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wednesDAY, march 30, 2016

ICC T20 World Cup…

England face battle of wits against smart New Zealand

W

here other teams have looked upon surfaces and made vague guesses at how they might play, New Zealand have read pitches like a soothsayer would tea leaves.

Empowered by this clairvoyance they have picked boldly: three spinners to embarrass the hosts in turning Nagpur, Mitchell McClenaghan to rattle Australia in Dharamsala, Adam Milne proving handy in relatively quicker Mohali, before the trio of spinners were reunited for slow-andlow Kolkata.

New Zealand had not played in Asia since late 2014, but they are here at the semi-finals now; the only undefeated side. They have not just been clever with the ball. Batting first in each group match, competitive scores have been worked out and achieved.

Kane Williamson has been described by team-mates as a "great captain". Behind the scenes, Mike Hesson's wit has sharpened New

ready, and have a batting order that goes deeper than a Barry White "oh yeah".

England only lost four wickets in the victory against Sri Lanka, but the men at the top of the order appear to be more likely to take risks while so many hitters sit in the dugout. Their bowling appears to be the weaker discipline.

But then, New Zealand don't have daunting batting form coming into this game either - Martin Guptill has struck their only fifty in the tournament - and they have not yet been tested chasing.

In the spotlight

Kiwis will look to cause more upsets in an already unpredictable T20 World Cup

Zealand.

England, meanwhile, have been tempered in three scrapes, since losing their first match to West Indies.

The chase of 230 against South Africa was a triumph of the batsmen's making.

Then the bowlers held their

nerve as Afghanistan made a late charge at England's low total at the Feroz Shah Kotla.

Finally, just as Sri Lanka appeared to be stealing away the must-win match, Joe Root completed an outstanding take at mid-off to turn the match his team's way.

England haven't been pretty or dominant, but they have found ways to win. There is a spine to this campaign that hasn't always been the case with England's limited-overs teams.

They have also played two matches at the Kotla al-

With New Zealand sure to shake up their XI, and their strategy to suit the tournament, Eoin Morgan has the job of driving his side to adapt to the opposition's adaptations. What if New Zealand have decided 140 is a good total and are pushing the singles to get themselves there? Does Morgan bring in the field, and hope to force a mistake? And does he shake up his own top or-

der to spoil New Zealand's bowling plans? Also, as the most experienced man in that middle order, Morgan must also assess the pitch himself if England are batting first. His form has been moderate through the tournament, having produced two duds, as well as two decent finishes.

Mitchell Santner has a front arm like a T-Rex when he bowls, but in this tournament he has also been taking tyrannosaurus-sized bites out of the opposition top order with his left-arm spin. Of players who have only bowled in the Super 10s, he has the equal highest-wickets (nine), as well as an economy rate of 5.73. He might have floated into the tournament a little incognito, but he can be assured now that England will have spent time analysing videos of his bowling and working out a plan to him. Will he be able to adapt to England adapting to his own excellent adaptations to Indian surfaces? (Cricinfo)

Brazil court blocks Olympic funds West Indies set to host India for 4 Tests on suspicion of fraud – source

Carlos Braithwaite, who made his Test debut in Australia, will be among those to miss out on the CPL if he plays the India Tests (Getty Images)

I

An aerial view of the X-Park construction site at Deodoro Sports Complex in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Reuters photo)

A

federal court in Brazil has blocked funding for the construction of an Olympic venue on suspicion of corruption, a source involved in preparations said on Tuesday, throwing fresh scrutiny on the Rio de Janeiro Games four months before they start.

Financing from state lender Caixa Economica Federal was blocked from reaching one of the consortiums building the Olympic Deodoro complex where 11 sports, including Rugby Sevens, BMX biking and kayaking, will be held, the source said, confirming a report on Tuesday by the news site G1.

The suspended funds to-

talled 128.5 million reais (24.5 million pounds), G1 reported. According to the report, prosecutors in Rio say they found evidence of fraud in earthmoving services at the venue.

The Deodoro consortium is made up of builders Queiroz Galvão and OAS, a separate source told Reuters. The two companies are already deeply ensnared in the far-reaching investigation into corruption at state-run oil company Petrobras.

Queiroz Galvão and OAS did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The federal prosecutors' office in Rio and federal court officials declined to confirm

the blocking of the funds, saying the case was under seal. The mayor's office and Caixa would not comment, saying they had not yet been notified.

Deodoro is Rio's secondlargest Olympic cluster with nine venues being built at a cost of 800 million reais.

Seven have already been completed, with the shooting and equestrian venues still under construction.

Police and prosecutors previously said they suspect corruption in Olympic building projects because they were carried out by the same major construction and engineering firms that have already been charged with graft in the Petrobras case.

(Reuters Sport)

ndia will travel to the Caribbean later this summer to play a fourTest series, Dave Cameron, the WICB president, has confirmed. The announcement puts an end to the uncertainty that has surrounded the series - listed on the ICC's Future Tours Programme - ever since the BCCI suspended bilateral engagements as a penalty for West Indies' abandoning of their tour to India midway in late 2014.

Although no dates have been fixed, Cameron said the Test series would be spread over July and August. What that means, however, is that the tour would clash with, and disrupt, the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) which is likely to begin in late June, and finish in the first week of August. "The official word is that the tour is on," Cameron told Cricket Radio in Nagpur on Sunday.

"We are just awaiting confirmation of the venues now.

And once we have done that, we will send out a release with the dates, the venues and everything."

Cameron said it was unfortunate that the players featuring in the Test series will miss out on the CPL. According to Cameron,

there was no choice left for the WICB but to agree to the dates despite the clash. "Yes, it will [clash with the CPL].

The unfortunate thing is that the international calendar is packed. And the only window for this tour to come off is during that time. So, there will be a clash, but we are working with CPL to ensure there is no clash of venues so times of the matches won't be hampered."

In January the WICB had shortlisted 15 names for retainer contracts with the emphasis being on those players featuring in Tests. Some of the prominent names in that shortlist include Marlon Samuels, Jason Holder, Denesh Ramdin, Darren Bravo and Kemar Roach. Allrounder Carlos Braithwaite, who is not part of the contracted list but made his Test debut in Australia, the last bilateral long-format series West Indies played, will also miss out on the CPL along with the rest should he play India. "The [CPL] draft did not include the Test players simply because it was always anticipated it would clash with the Test series. So the players are already aware of that," Cameron told ESPNcricinfo

on Tuesday.

So far, the CPL, which is into its fourth edition, has already organised the player draft, and even announced that six matches will be played in the USA, but it is yet to announce the dates. Unofficially, it is understood that the CPL will begin in the last week of June and run till the first week of August. According to the FTP, the India tour is scheduled to be played between the months of July and August.

Cameron also took the opportunity to insist that the relations between the BCCI and WICB were absolutely cordial, and that he failed to understand where the reports of perceived differences came from. "You know, the truth is I am not sure where the talk of bad relations with the WICB and the BCCI have come from," Cameron said. "We have always maintained good relations. Fortunately or unfortunately, the leadership of the BCCI has changed, and as you know, Mr Shashank Manohar is now the president, BCCI, and chairman of the ICC, and he has made some changes there as well, and we've been able to move forward in an efficient way."

(Cricinfo)

21

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Simmons to replace Fletcher in Windies T20 squad

L

endl Simmons is set to replace injured batsman Andre Fletcher as the West Indies prepare for in-form hosts, India, in the semi-final of the ICC World Twenty20.

Fletcher injured his hamstring during the West Indies’ shock loss to Afghanistan on Sunday.

The Trinidadian had been initially selected to the squad but eventually withdrew citing an injured back.

However, it is believed he has recovered enough to

play if needed.

The 31-year-old opening batsman was already scheduled to fly to India for the Indian Premier League (IPL) which bowls off on April 9 and ends May 29.

He departed Trinidad on Sunday.

Simmons has played 34 T20 Internationals and has scored 761 runs at an average of 25.36. His top score in T20 Internationals is 77.

He has taken six wickets at an economy rate of 9.16. (Digicel Sportsmax)

Lendl Simmons

Gayle-Ashwin clash provides centrepiece for pivotal duel

A

duel that could ignite and excite the Thursday evening blockbuster between India and West Indies. Chris Gayle v Ravichandran Ashwin. Matchwinner v matchwinner. Aggressor v aggressive.

Evidence suggests Gayle respects Ashwin, who might hold the edge in contests till date. In all T20s so far, Ashwin has dismissed Gayle four times in nine innings.

Gayle has taken 57 runs from 71 balls. Ashwin has bowled 51 of those 71 deliveries in the Powerplay.

Bowled, caught, stumped, lbw - Ashwin has got Gayle in every possible way.

Gayle has managed to hit just three sixes and three fours, and an incredible 40 dot balls makes it clear who holds the top hand in the exchanges so far. So Gayle will not be surprised to see his old friend staring at him from the opposite end come Thursday.

In the past, Ashwin relied on slowing the pace against Gayle, aware of the lack of feet movement from the batsman. Gayle would also be aware of Ashwin wanting to stick to a straight line on off stump and surprising him with the carrom ball. What Gayle wants - length where he can utilise his reach - will possibly not be granted.

For a spectator, it would be a curse to see the back of Gayle or to sit back and watch him bludgeon India, like he did to England at the same ground a couple of weeks back. But, India would want to see the former. If it is not Ashwin, then there will be Ashish Nehra with his speed, swing, cutters and mind. MS Dhoni's ticking brain will make sure Gayle remains on his toes.

He might say any batsman can stand up if he fails, but Gayle knows if West Indies have to beat India, he has to stand strong and bat long. So far in the tournament, as feared, West Indies' middle order stands on a wobbly scaffolding comprising Dwayne Bravo, Denesh Ramdin, and Darren Sammy, amplifying Gayle's importance at the top.

However, Gayle needs support from his opening partner. Johnson Charles or Lendl Simmons will need to guard Gayle and play the attacking role in the Powerplay. Charles has been shaky throughout the tournament. So, West Indies would hope Simmons comes good and utilises his IPL experience - where he opens for Mumbai Indians in a positive way.

For Gayle, the challenge is as much about mental strength as it is about fig-

No names, just cricket ball, beat it as hard as possible."

There was also plenty of mutual respect for another of the key figures - perhaps the key figure - that West Indies will come up against.

Virat Kohli has been the stand-out batsman of the tournament, which comes as no surprise to Gayle and he doesn't even mind if he scores a few more in the semi-final - so long as West Indies still end up the winners.

"I have said it over

Ravichandran Ashwin

uring out what India are throwing at him. No doubt, he will have his own plans and play the waiting game.

Gayle is known for his muscle, but his cricketing brain makes him equally strong from the neck up.

Two days before the big match, Gayle was relaxed, blasting almost every ball out of the Brabourne stadium. Before walking into training, Gayle admitted he was aware of Dhoni making the first move through Ashwin. "We just have to keep our eyes open, play according to the situation.

Chris Gayle will always be positive. It doesn't matter which bowler is bowling against Chris Gayle.

Chris Gayle is looking to attack. That's the nature of T20 cricket. And that's the nature of Chris Gayle.

the years he is going to be the world beater he is today. He has been fantastic right through the year. He is in good form and it is a good wicket [in Mumbai] as well, so anything is possible. Hopefully he won't get runs against us. I am hoping, please don't fire, Virat.

He can still get runs but for a losing cause. We'll be happy with that as well," At 36, with a bad back, Gayle knows he will not get too many more chances of playing the final of a world tournament. As his captain Darren Sammy said at the outset of the tournament, this might be the last big tournament for many of the senior players. Gayle and West Indies are two steps away from touching glory, but Ashwin, Kohli and India are in the way. (Cricinfo)

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GUYANATIMESGY.COM

wednesDAY, march 30, 2016

Dorado Speed Swim Club… “Home of the Olympians”

Olympian Brittany Van Lange (left) and Stephanie Fraser (centre) and Soroya Simmons at a swim meet Shyka Gonsalves, certified lifeguard with swimming diploma from University of Hungary

By Akeem Greene

A

rguably, Guyana’s most decorated swimming club, having won every inter-club swimming competition, organised by the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) and producing all of the country’s Olympic Swimmers, the club undoubtedly sores above the rest.

The Dorado Speed Swim Club is one of the oldest and most popular swimming clubs in Guyana, having provided the majority of swim-

Their large numbers always make them a force to be reckoned with

mers to National teams and consistently collecting most of the medals and Annual Awards. Dorado has also provided an invaluable water-safety service for over twenty (20) years.

Dorado has a well-organised, documented programme to take youngsters from Learn-To-Swim, through the pre-competitive stage to being among Guyana’s best competitive

swimmers. The Technical Team includes the likes of Stephanie Fraser, Shyka Gonsalves, Jamie Skeete, Nicholas Fraser, Joanne Low, Ewin Enmore, Damien Pilgrim and Aritha Scott.

These personnel are considered, the most experienced and qualified Coaches and Instructors and the emphasis is on developing the younger technical personnel.

With a motto of “Winning is our Attitude”, the club certainly has a large pool of swimmers to choose from, since there are approximately 80 swimmers at the club.

Twenty-two of those are competitive swimmers (age ranging from 7 to 18) and these are the ones who train at the National Aquatic Center, Liliendaal; the remaining swimmers are being taught at Colgrain which

prepares them for the aquatic center.

Head Coach of the club Stephanie Fraser, stated that the goal of the club is “In the long term, to get at least two swimmers to qualify for the 2020 Olympic Games. She added “Short term to have our swimmers achieve "age-group" champion and be the record holder of all the respective age-groups that the GASA recognises and also increase our learn-to-swim and water safety programmes, providing get pool space is gotten.

Guyana has participated in the last three Olympic Games. In two of those three Games, the swimmers were members of the Dorado Speed Swim Club:

Beijing 2008 – Niall Roberts; London 2012 – Niall Roberts and Britany van Lange, who is currently on a full scholarship to one of the world’s top Engineering University, WEST Point Military University, USA. The future is bright, Hannibal Gaskin, who is tipped to represent Guyana at the Olympics in RIO is currently on a FINA Scholarship – High Performance Centre, Ohio, USA – in preparation for Rio. Soroya Simmons, Omar Adams, Athena Gaskin, Antonio Hussein, Daniel Scott, and Omari Dunn are just some of the regular faces on the National team who come from the club.

GBOC says ref made “right” call in Road to Mecca final – calls for apology from GABF boss

T

he Guyana Basketball Officials Council (GBOC) is of the firm belief that the call that caused the abandonment of the 2016 edition of the Road to Mecca National Basketball Club Championship was indeed the right call.

President of GBOC, Dexter Douglas who was

also the lead referee in the final in a letter highlighted that, “however as the lead Referee, twenty four hours later I had the opportunity of watching the same replay, this time in slow motion about five times, which gave me a better view from the previous replay. I was able to detect a foul from one of the players from Raiders

pushing off a player from Colts to gain possession of the ball therefore it was the correct call by the Referee,” Douglas’ letter stated.

Douglas also highlighted that the President of the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) Nigel Hinds was in the wrong for intervening according to FIBA rules.

“The GABF President intervened which should not have happened because the Referees’ decision is final. The President was informed of what happened by the lead Referee that once a team walks off the playing area automatically they lose the game which should have been rewarded to Colts.

The President was able to get the Raiders back on the floor, bearing in mind the fans really wanted to see the outcome of the game. At this point the Raiders and the President wanted the technical fouls to be withdrawn. But the Referees disagreed. The lead Referee and the President went to the monitor to review the play which caused the foul after watching the play in "real game time" about three times the lead Referee did not notice a foul.”

Further, Douglas called for an apology from Hinds for his comments towards the referees on March 19, “With reference to comments made by the GABF President, Mr Nigel Hinds, we the Referees of the Guyana Basketball Official Council (GBOC) would like an apology from him for

Nigel Hinds

the irresponsible comments made after the abrupt halt of game on the night of Saturday March 19, 2016,” the letter noted.

In addition, Douglas pinpointed that regardless of whether calls are bad or good, the referees’ call must be respected and player must keep their emotion in check.

“If you are playing for Five Hundred Thousand Dollars or Five Million Dollars you must respect the Referees call at all times even if it is a bad call, because we are all humans and at some time we will make the wrong call, in this

case it was the right one.

Players must learn to control their emotions in such situations. In this case the Referees were very lenient with the players.”

Editor’s note: According to FIBA Rules Article 20.1 A team shall lose the game by forfeit if: ? The team is not present or is unable to field 5 players ready to play 15 minutes after the scheduled time to begin ? Its actions prevent the game from being played ? It refuses to play after being instructed to do so by the referee.

wednesday, march 30, 2016

Guyana goes gold–less T at Carifta – bags 5 medals

Andrea Foster

Chantoba Bright

or the first time since 2009 Guyana walked away with not gold medals at the Carifta games that concluded on Monday in Grenada.

Barring last year’s non participation of Guyana it is seven years since the squad had a run without picking up gold, nevertheless, the squad manage to pick up five medals with Linden’s Chantoba Bright shining brightly.

Bright ended with two silver medals with her last coming on Monday in the female under-18 triple jump with a distance of 12.39 metres. Earlier in the meet Bright landed silver in the female under-18 long jump with a distance of 5.94 me-

tres.

Andrea Foster was also on the podium on the final day of action, claiming bronze in the girl’s under-20 800 metres with a time of 2:12.53s.

Foster also medaled earlier in the competition with a bronze medal in the under-20 1500 metres in a time of 4:45.53s.

The other medalist was Natricia Hooper with silver in the girl’s under-20 triple jump with a leap of 12.19 metres.

The team also failed to medal in their girl’s under18 and 20 4x400 metres relay events at the championships. The squad is expected to return this morning.

F

GCB U-17 Inter-County bowls off today

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he Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Under-17 InterCounty Championship is slated to bowl off today with two matches set for grounds across Guyana.

Essequibo will take on Berbice at Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) ground while a selected Under-15 team will go up against Demerara at Wales ground.

Round two which is slated for April 1, will see Essequibo and Demerara clashing at Enterprise ground while a Selected U-15 team will battle Berbice at Wales ground.

On April 3 in round three, there will be action between Essequibo and a Selected U-15 team at DCC ground and Demerara and Berbice at GCC ground.

The teams are as follows: Demerara: Bhaskar Yadram (captain), Joshua Persaud, Mark Ramsammy, Rajendra Singh, Alphius Bookie, Kurt Lovell, Ashmead Nedd, Pradesh Balkishun, Sagar Hatheramani, Tameshwar Motiram, Bhojnarine Singh, Anthony Antonio, Colin Barlow and Chandrapaul Mohabir. The Coach is Garvin Nedd and the Manager is Latchman Yadram.

Berbice: Kevin Sinclair (captain), Alex Algu, Junior Sinclair, Javid Karim, Steve Deonarine, Kevlon Anderson, Garfield Benjamin, Chandra Dat Veerasammy, Keith Simpson, Kevin Omroa, Karran Rajpaul, Brandon Stewart, Steven Kalamadeen, and Syaad Peerbaksh. The Coach is Andre Percival and the Manager is Rabindranauth Saywack.

Essequibo: Joshua Jones (captain), Orlando Jailall, Bomesh Ramdahin, Joel Fortune, Besham Moses, Rayon Venture, David Charitar, Kevin Christian, Chanderpaul Mohabir, Trevor Collins, Shamar Dusraj, Quintin Sampson, Ramnarine Chattergoon, and Randy Rooplall. The Coach is Forbes Daniels and the Manager is Nazeer Mohamed.

Selected U-15: Sachin Singh (captain), Mohamed Shaw, Jarron France, Seon Glasglow, Lance Roberts, Yeudistir Persaud, Gevon Schultz, Amos Sarwan, Dwaine Dick, Nickeem Noble, Sheldon Charles, Leon Swamy, Nigel Deodat, and Daniel Paul. The Coach is Julian Moore and the Manager is Andy Ramnarine.

guyanatimesGY.com

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Junior badminton squad bags 6 gold medals in Suriname

he Guyana National Badminton junior team had an excellent outing at the Suriname International Junior Easter Tournament which is was played at the Kwatta Sports Complex from March 25-27.

Local champion sponsored by Sunburst, Narayan Ramdhani was the top player for Guyana with three gold medals in the Under-19 Singles, Doubles and Mix Doubles.

Priyanna Ramdhani won gold in the Under-15 Singles, Under-19 Mix Doubles and bronze in the Under-15 Mix Doubles while Jonathan Mangra won gold in the Under-19 Doubles and Tyreese Richards won bronze in the Under-15 Mix Doubles.

The Guyana Badminton Association (GBA) is very proud of this achievement that our team received and very happy to be medaling for the last seven years to date showing a consistent upward climb in our goals.

Matches played on the Final Day were: Under-15 Girls Singles Semi-Finals: Priyanna Ramdhani defeated Faith Sariman (SUR): 21-5, 21-6 Under-15 Girls Finals: Priyanna Ramdhani defeated Abigael Hing (SUR): 215, 21-11 Under-15 Mix Doubles Semi-Finals: Priyanna Ramdhani and Tyreese Richards lost to Jair Naipal and Abigael Hing (SUR): 2114, 14-21, 16-21 in a trilling three setter.

Under-19 Boys Singles Semi-Finals: Narayan Ramdhani defeated Danny Chen (CHINA): 22-20, 21-14 Under-19 Boys Singles Finals: Naryan Ramdhani defeated Juan Delprado (SUR): 21-15, 21-16 Under-19 Boys Doubles Semi-Finals: Narayan Ramdhani and Jonathan Mangra defeated Danzel Sweet and Tariq Sweet (SUR): 21-14, 21-17 Under-19 Boys Doubles Finals: Narayan Ramdhani

Narayan Ramdhani

and Jonathan Mangra defeated Shawn Brandon and Juan Delprado (SUR): 2118, 21-12 Under-19 Mix Doubles Semi-Finals: Narayan Ramdhani and Priyanna Ramdhani defeated Danny Chen (CHI) and Stacy Cheung (SUR): 21-15, 21-16 Under-19 Mix Doubles

Finals: Narayan Ramdhani and Priyanna Ramdhani defeated Juan Delprado and Mary-Ann Zhong (SUR): 2115, 21-18 The GBA also thanked the National Sports Commission, C&V Shipping and Republic Bank for their assistance in making the tour possible.

wednesDAY, march 30, 2016

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

GBOC says ref made Guyana edge Puerto “right” call in Road Rico in Caribbean Cup to Mecca final Pg 22

– calls for apology from GABF boss

G Retrieve Raiders (in grey) walk off the court with the score on 54-51 in the fourth quarter

uyana will move on to the next round of the Scotiabank Men’s Caribbean Cup after their win against Puerto Rico on Tuesday. Guyana pulled off a 1-0 nil win with a goal from King Solomon Austin in the 64th minute

to win the match.

At press time the official score of the match was not posted. Nevertheless, Guyana with the away win grabbed a valuable victory against the host nation to advance to the next round.

Junior badminton Gayle-Ashwin clash provides centrepiece squad bags 6 gold for pivotal duel medals in Suriname Pg 23

Pg 21

The Guyana squad displays the medals after the conclusion of the tournament

Chris Gayle

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