Guyana times

07 Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyana-times.com

Issue No. 2893

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Wednesday, June 22, 2016

PRICE

Stabroek vendors decry M&CC’s $5000 fine for “hanging goods”

WHAT'S INSIDE: Sophia murder

Construction worker charged P9 for killing brother

Page 3

...“they have a vendetta against us!”

Teen shot in chest during brush cutter row Page 7

$80 vat included

APNU/AFC Councillor slapped with dangerous driving charge Page 8

Region 5 flooding

5 weeks later, communities remain under water

Woman who strapped P7 cocaine to body jailed, fined $8.2M

Baby-friendly P2 status given to 6 hospitals

Page 12

36 cases to be heard during June session of Berbice P16 Assizes

P9 GCCA investigating ASL aircraft accident

The livelihood of residents and farmers continued to be threatened as flooding persists affecting livestock and crops in communities in Region Five (Demerara-Mahaica)

Businessman denies fuel smuggling claims

Caribbean Airlines restrictions

Page 12

New systems in place for dutyfree purchases

…following high-level meeting

Page 5

PPP says P14 Govt failing Guyanese

2 news

wednesDAY, june 22, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Xcite raising the bar locally

Xcite

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EW GPC INC’s new Xcite tablets have been creating a buzz on the local market, with its users hailing its performance and overall benefits.

Xcite is NEW GPC’s brand of sildenafil citrate, which is used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). Xcite can be used by adult men of all ages once prescribed by a doctor.

Following the product’s launch at GuyExpo 2016 and the 2016 pharmacist convention, there has been a significant increase in its popularity.

Xcite is available in three strengths: 25mg, 50mg and 100mg, and should be taken as prescribed.

“Customer satisfaction

is vital. After all, as a pharmaceutical company, we are concerned about the total health and well-being of our customers and their overall happiness,” NEW GPC’s Marketing Manager, Trevor Bassoo remarked.

He said while NEW GPC was committed to making the product available and accessible, the company was equally promoting its safe use and adherence to prescriptions.

“Of course, we are always concerned about the safety of our consumers, and we have embarked upon a campaign aimed at not only highlighting what the benefits of the product are, but also how it should be used, as well as general precautions that should be taken,” he explained.

Wales Estate closure

GAWU in dark over conversion plans

S

ome six months after official confirmation that the sugar operations at Wales Estate will cease, Agriculture Minister Noel Holder has not given a definitive pronouncement on how the proposed conversion plans for the Estate will be implemented.

In February, the Minister told the National Assembly that the sugar factory would be converted into a business establishment that will see the rearing of poultry and other livestock.

While these plans will impact on the livelihoods of hundreds of sugar workers, there has been a lack of consultations with the relevant unions. This is the contention of President of the Guyana General and Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU), Komal Chand, who told Guyana Times on Tuesday that neither the Agriculture Minister nor the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) has given word on the future plans for the Estate.

GAWU President Komal Chand

“In January, they promised to inform us about the new venture, what they hoped to do with the land… we haven’t heard from them and GuySuCo hasn’t got back to us and neither have we heard from the Minister,” Chand noted.

He explained that while Government was not legally required to discuss the new venture as it was a policy position, the livelihood of workers at Wales was at stake; therefore, Government had to engage

in discussions with the Union.

With regard to cane planters who are reluctant to transfer their cane to the Uitvlugt Estate, citing transportation costs and implausibility, Chand noted that Government had “a political responsibility” to assist planters in having their canes transferred to the factory on the West Coast of Demerara.

“They [Government] said that, ‘look we are integrating the two estates’,” the GAWU President pointed out.

Chand further related that the 99 workers who have been denied severance pay continued to be unemployed, even though workers wrote GuySuCo earlier in June appealing for jobs while the High Court case on the matter was ongoing.

“GuySuCo has not yet responded to that letter in which the workers appealed to the Sugar Corporation to give them employment in the time which they are waiting to hear the severance case,” Chand said.

Meanwhile, this newspaper has learnt that the Sugar Corporation has filed an affidavit in response to the High Court litigation and GAWU’s legal team was working on its response.

This court action was first brought after GuySuCo began discussions with individual employees of the Wales Estate to negotiate severance packages without informing or involving the unions.

At one point, workers were given a three-day ultimatum to make their decision, but GuySuCo subsequently folded these plans as information got out.

On June 7, Justice Roxanne George had granted the Sugar Corporation time to respond to the legal action, which was brought

by GAWU and the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) on the deployment of Wales Estate workers. The case will continue in the High Court on June 28.

Baby-friendly status given to 6 hospitals

Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton among representatives of the newly accredited baby-friendly hospitals

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he Public Health Ministry, in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), on Monday continued its Baby-Friendly Initiative by accrediting six hospitals across the country.

The hospitals which

were accredited are: the West Demerara Regional Hospital, Davis Memorial Hospital, Mahaicony Cottage Hospital, Mahdia District Hospital, Lethem Regional Hospital and the Upper Demerara Hospital.

Among the criteria necessary to attain baby-friendly status, hospitals are to have a written breastfeeding policy that is routinely communicated to all healthcare staff, they must inform all pregnant women about the benefits and management of breast feeding, and give newborn infants no food or drink other than breast milk unless medically indicated.

The overall objective of the breastfeeding project, from its inception, was to improve the health of infants through the promotion, protection and support of breastfeeding, further aiming to ensure that there were babyfriendly hospitals in all the

regions of Guyana.

Speaking at the ceremony, Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton stressed the importance of breastfeeding.

“The Ministry of Public Health, and, by extension, the Government of Guyana, recognises that breastfeeding is a unique process that provides ideal nutrition for infants and contributes to their growth and development. For this reason, the Food Policy Division of the Ministry has collaborated with the WHO and UNICEF, to implement the Baby-friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) here in Guyana,” he said.

Dr Norton pointed out that in 1992, when the breastfeeding project was launched globally, “it was no coincidence that Guyana also had relatively high infant mortality and morbidity rates due to diarrheal diseases, acute respiratory tract infection and malnu-

trition.”

The BFHI External Assessment was coordinated during the period February to March 2015, and 12 out of the 19 hospitals in the BFHI programme had signalled their readiness to be assessed to determine their BFHI status.

“It is noteworthy that Guyana is the only country in the English-speaking Caribbean with hospitals accredited with the BabyFriendly Hospital status. I wish to take this opportunity to thank all of those persons who worked tirelessly to ensure that the necessary criteria were met and to urge you to maintain baby-friendly status in those six hospitals,” the Public Health Minister said.

In addition to the accreditation ceremony, a twoday follow-up workshop, which is in preparation for the next round of BFHI External Assessment, was also opened.

news

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wednesDAY, june 22, 2016 | guyana-times.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, June 22 – 05:00h-06:30h and Thursday, June 23– 05:00h-06:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, June 22 – 05:20h-06:50h and Thursday, June 23– 06:00h-07:30h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

WEATHER TODAY Light to heavy rain showers can be expected throughout the day, accompanied by thunder in the late morning hours. Light cloud cover and light rain showers can be expected in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to East North-easterly between 2.68 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 05:30h and 17:58h reaching maximum heights of 2.69 metres and 2.56 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 11:31h and 23:45h reaching minimum heights of 0.52 metre and 0.67 metre respectively.

Saturday, June 18, 2016

LOTTERY NUMBERS 06 13 19 22 25 26 17 Bonus Ball

FREE TICKET

tuesday, June 21, 2016 Daily Millions

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LUCKY 3 8

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Draw De Line 03

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08 11 13

...“they have a vendetta against us!”

By Ramona Luthi

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

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Stabroek vendors decry M&CC’s $5000 fine for “hanging goods”

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

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hile still coping with the disadvantage of being banned from displaying their items on the ground in front of their stalls, vendors operating outside the Stabroek Market are now faced with another hurdle, this time a hefty fine of $5000 and more imposed by the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC), for hanging goods on their stalls.

Vendors who spoke with Guyana Times on Tuesday described the fine as the “newest implementation to make our lives harder”, having to face the seizure of any goods found hanging on their stalls.

The vendors complained that they were not given any prior notice of the new fine and, as such, many of them had their goods confiscated by city officials.

One fruit vendor, who identified himself as “Tom Cruise”, complained that the new rule was another dent to his business as it restricted him from displaying what he had to offer his customers.

“Now you can’t display nothing. We got the oranges; you does hang up the oranges on the stand. People do want see things on display. People can’t know we got orange like this. They seize three bags of oranges the other day. Three bags. A bag a orange is $260.

They want you pay $5000 to collect it back. I left it right deh. It ain’t mek sense,” he complained.

Another vendor called “Carol” said employees of the market office confiscated a total of 97 pairs of slippers from her stall, on three different

Vendors display their items by hanging them on their stalls in front of the Stabroek Market

occasions.

She said she felt suffocated while plying her trade since this was her only means of earning a living.

She said the new rule was enforced to spite vendors who speak out against the authoritarian behaviour of some city officials, particularly those managing the markets.

“Ninety-seven pairs of slippers they seize. I real fed up. I’m running out of options to sell here, man. We can’t do anything. We losing sale fast.

We got bills to pay and they just doing this fuh take spite on me. They have a vendetta against us! Them same people just trying to bully we for their own gain,” the frustrated woman said.

Other vendors who ply their trade in front of the Stabroek Market called on the City Council to look into the matter and provide a solution whereby they would be allowed to earn a living without having to face unnecessary hassles.

When contacted, Deputy

Mayor Sherod Duncan said he had no information on the matter.

Early in May, despite opposition from vendors who ply their trade in the historic Stabroek Market Square, the M&CC moved in and dismantled some 130 stalls.

The Council had informed the vendors that they would be required to move and set up a temporary location south of Parliament Building on Hadfield Street for them. The Council said this move was part of its efforts to “clean up” the area and restore it to its former glory.

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guyana-times.com

WEDNESdAY, june 22, 2016

Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 231-0544, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707

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

Editorial

Liberal democracy

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emocracy at its core is intended to represent the interest of the many; it is an institutional configuration that allows the people of a given country the freedom to elect leaders of their choice. Leaders who are then expected to govern in the interest of the masses.

According to political scientist Robert Dahl, the democratic ideal is based on two principles: “political participation and political contestation”. Political participation, he posits, requires that all the people who are eligible to vote can vote. Elections must be free, fair, and competitive.

“Political contestation”, however, refers to the ability of people to express their discontent through freedom of speech and the press. People should have the ability to meet and discuss their views on political issues without fear of persecution from the state.

Democratic regimes that promulgate electoral freedoms and contestation are referred to as liberal democracies.

Scholars have articulated that for democracy to remain a credible mode of institutional governance, it has to be perceived to be proliferating the interest of the people and the country.

If it is perceived to be deleterious to the advancement of the populace and the development of the country, then eventually it will be discredited and another ideology of governance might take its place. One that might not necessarily promote the tenable rights and freedoms of free and fair elections and speech. One such ideology is “electoral dictatorship”, which some theorists have argued is exemplified in Russia.

In order for a liberal democracy to maintain in parlance and be the institutional mode of governance preferred, key provisions have to be met. Simply put, those include, but are certainly not limited to, the economic growth/wealth generation of the country and as one would surmise, good governance.

For liberal democracies to thrive good governance is an essential prerequisite for the maintenance of stability. While there is no exact definition that can be prescribed to good governance, as its connotations differ from country to country, it can be quantified as governance which promulgates human rights, economic prosperity for the masses and formidable provisions that ensure accountability through checks and balances.

Empirical research has proven that poor governance is often attributed to high instances of corruption. A practice which is no stranger to Guyana’s governance. Both the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) have been accused of corruption on multiple occasions.

In fact, corruption is seen as a deterrent to democracy, since the citizenry over time becomes disillusioned with a government that appropriates resources that would have otherwise been used to increase their standard of living. This leads to resentment, with the populace no longer trusting its government. The legitimacy of the Government and, more fundamentally, the legitimacy of democracy are then questioned.

Political scholars have outlined that once the Government loses the trust of the populace, especially in liberal democracies, chaos ensues as the masses no longer have any reason to respect and obey the decrees, laws and judicial decisions that emerge from these core institutions.

Guyana is a democratic country that utilises a mixture of the Parliamentary and Mixed Systems of Governance.

Research has shown that countries that were once colonised and transitioned to democracy through Independence tend to struggle before they find their equilibrium. Guyana just recently celebrated its 50th year as an independent country, but is still being plagued with pervasive instances of corruption from its governing bodies.

In fact, one can argue that the previous Administration, the PPP/C, which fared better with the economic and wealthgenerating aspects of governance, lost the trust of the masses through pervasive allegations of corruption, which were being levied on their modus of governance. This might have been a factor that contributed to their loss at the General Elections of 2015.

Serious allegations of corruption are now being levied at this one-year-old APNU Administration. Infractions on the awarding of contracts leading to the perception of cronyism, authoritarian dispositions and high-handed behaviour on the part of key governing figures; flagrant disregard for the tendering process and lack of perceivable transparency are some of the concerns being raised.

Let us hope that the masses do not lose trust in their elected government and become disillusioned to the point where our liberal democracy becomes “illiberal”.

A full moon rises behind Glastonbury Tor as people gather to celebrate the summer solstice in Somerset. The strawberry moon, a name given to the full moon in June by Native Americans because it marks the beginning of strawberry picking season, last occurred on the solstice on June 22, 1967 and it will not happen again on the summer solstice for another 46 years until June 21, 2062 (Telegraph)

Government needs to act now Dear Editor, The Jubilee celebration commemorating our 50th anniversary held in New York City (NYC) was marred by a lack of inclusiveness which ought to be highlighted and addressed if we are to move our country forward.

Such a problem handicapped the nine-day celebratory event.

Even a Mashramani style parade dubbed the “unity parade” which marked the conclusion of the celebration two Sundays ago turned out to be schismatic.

Indeed, a mere lack of inclusiveness at symposiums held as part of the celebration precludes answers to questions raised under the theme “Guyana at 50: “Who are we? What has been our journey? And what can we further become?” It is absolutely unrealistic to expect answers to such questions in the absence of our diverse people.

Organisers must take responsibility.

They have suppressed diversity by being narrowminded and by conflating politics with a historic celebration, spawning only an inhospitable atmosphere.

Undoubtedly, this is a throwback to the Burnham days which is sad and unfortunate for our country.

Members of the Diaspora who were not backers of the APNU/PNC/AFC coalition were largely kept in the dark about this event. I became aware of it when I stumbled upon a Facebook post originating from a coalition supporter. To make a long story short, I browsed the Internet to learn more and I eventually ran into a website showcasing the event.

I immediately discovered a severe lack of inclusiveness among organisers. This was an instant turnoff, particularly since we are multiethnic. Afro-Guyanese were overly represented with just a sprinkle of Indo-Guyanese.

My discovery shed light on the troubling fact that the event was organised by a racially and a politically closed group of people.

Organisers could have easily informed members of the Diaspora about the celebration if they had wanted. There were plenty of options available, including Facebook as a potent and costless medium.

However, organisers were hell-bent on shutting out a significant part of the population. The organisers could have only traversed one path to achieve near racial homogeneity – a path of discrimination. This is inexcusable, destructive and

should never be tolerated.

Every Guyanese needs to be vociferous on such dysfunction.

Even more appalling is the realisation that organisers largely reside in the USA and are people who have benefitted from American values which support and encourage diversity. Can the organisers be more hypocritical?

Overwhelming discrimination at the Jubilee celebration is not an isolated problem. In fact, it mirrors the rampant and widespread discrimination which has picked up steam under the coalition Government.

Indo-Guyanese are no doubt going through a rough time under the coalition Government. They are largely pushed out of the work force through discriminatory practices to the point that the workforce is heavily skewed in favour of the coalition supporters.

Such levels of discrimination have caused great suffering among IndoGuyanese.

Many IndoGuyanese acting out of desperation trudge through streets wheeling pushcarts selling anything and everything to barely scrape a livelihood. Yet, they still face discrimination as if they are not suffering enough. Life

in Guyana is much too painful to witness! Government needs to correct the racial disequilibrium in the workforce by phasing in IndoGuyanese and others.

This is feasible and can be accomplished without hurting a single human being.

Racial equilibration in the workforce will infuse growth into the “pie” and will make it bigger for the benefit of all Guyanese.

Government needs to act now.

I am highly concerned by the widespread discrimination, particularly among those managing our welfare.

We must realise that discrimination induces a wide range of effects, but none of them good: it strips human dignity, it creates rancour and it divides people. In short, discrimination is destructive.

We need to understand this and move away from such unconstructive practices and vest our energy in diversity. Diversity is our strength. We must take advantage of it to rise above poverty as a nation. This means that we must engage all. And last, but not least, we must etch into our brains that “no man is an island”.

Sincerely, Dr Annie Baliram

Union has done more harm than good

Dear Editor, Facebook reminds me today that one year ago dozens of teachers, including myself, were promoted to senior positions. Today, a year later, the Teachers Union has still blocked these promotions in the High Court and has stagnated the entire process, handicapping the Ministry of Education from its mandate and functions....for what? Greed, selfishness, and oh yeah...power

and ego. Why couldn’t they pick out those cases that deserved attention instead of preventing every single teacher who was promoted from taking up their positions?

The education sector has suffered so much because of this stagnation over the past academic year, it’s a shame and disgrace.

Schools are near to closing for the summer vacation and no promotion, no

debunching, no uniform money, no increases, and... still no vacation (Whitley Council) money. This is the worst the teaching sector has been since I joined 15 years ago.

I applaud the fortitude and courage shown by our Teaching Service Commission and the Ministry of Education to fight this matter. Frankly, I don’t know on whose side the Union is at this time;

clearly it’s not on the side of the teachers who were promoted, since its (the union’s) actions have not only hurt our professional career over the past year, but has demoralised us in the acting capacities of our functions.

Sincerely, Leon Suseran Graduate Senior Assistant Master Vrymans Erven High School

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wednesDAY, june 22, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Caribbean Airlines restrictions

New systems in place for duty-free purchases ... following high-level meeting

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fter days of unfriendly exchanges of correspondence and threats of service cancellation, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) and Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL) have managed to settle a row over the dumping of duty-free purchases from Guyana at the Piarco International Airport, Trinidad.

Following numerous complaints by Guyanese passengers and local dutyfree concessionaires that duty-free items were being dumped while transiting in Trinidad, the Trinidadbased airline was given an ultimatum by CJIA authorities to address the situation or face cancelation of its services here.

However, CAL responded in a statement earlier this week saying that it was complying with regulatory directives of the United States, which imposed a restriction on the entry of duty-free items in the sterile holding areas of all transit airports for flights to the US. This was put in place by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) which governs the security processes and conducts audits for all carriers flying into the United States of America.

However, a high-level meeting was held on Tuesday morning in Georgetown with officials from CJIA, the Chairman and Executive Management of CAL along with representatives from the Civil Aviation Authorities of Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago.

During the meeting, detailed discussions were had following which the parties

agreed on a way forward, which would allow passengers who would be in transit in Trinidad and Tobago, to recommence purchasing duty-free items in Guyana without fear of having them

that once the purchases were made, the passengers would be escorted by security personnel to the baggage area in order to place the items in their checked luggage.

“We expect that over time the process will be refined; however, the important thing is that we have found a workable solution which positively impacts travellers from Cheddi

able service since our start in 2007. Today’s meeting has enabled the CJIA and Caribbean Airlines to achieve a solution to this issue which ensures that Caribbean Airlines remains

Representatives from Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Caribbean Airlines, the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority and the Trinidad and Tobago Civil Aviation Authority following the meeting

dumped.

Effective today (Wednesday), a new system has been put in place that will see travellers now being required to place their duty-free items in their checked luggage. This procedure, however, will not apply to BW 526 flights, which operate non-stop from Georgetown to New York.

According to a joint statement from CAL and CJIA, “passengers will be required to indicate their intention to purchase duty-free items at the security checkpoint at the entrance to the Airport and again at the Caribbean Airlines check-in counter before making their way to the duty-free shops.”

It was further explained

“The process will be closely supervised by security and airport personnel and will be conducted in the full view of cameras,” the statement outlined, adding that the purchases would have to be done one hour before the scheduled departure time to ensure sufficient time for the new procedure.

Following the meeting, officials from CJIA indicated that they were pleased with the outcome of discussions, which have resulted in the immediate implementation of the new procedure.

Jagan International Airport who wish to purchase duty-free items, but who must transit other airports to get to their final destination,” they stated.

Caribbean Airlines Chairman Phillip Marshall stated that this issue was one of national and regional significance, adding that Guyana was an important destination for Caribbean Airlines.

“We remain committed to our loyal Guyanese customers whom we have consistently served with reli-

compliant with the TSA regulations and continues to provide quality service to our valued customers,” Marshall reaffirmed.

In light of this agreement, CJIA withdrew its ultimatum issued to the airline, which is Guyana’s designated carrier for the Toronto and New York destinations, flying some 35,000 passengers annually from this nation.

Moreover, the Civil Aviation Authorities of Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago also reaffirmed their commitment to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two authorities.

Under the MoU, passengers originating from Guyana and connecting to other Caribbean Airlines’ services will not be re-screened at Piarco International Airport.

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wednesday, june 22, 2016

Page

Foundation

4 secrets about being a modern grandparent – a personal experience story with tips for new grandparents

By Diana Raab, PhD

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ast month, my eldest daughter became a mother, I became a grandmother, and my mother became a great-grandmother. Our grandson, Jaxson Alexander, got his middle name from my father-in-law, who passed away last year. I love how one life ends and a new life begins. The circle of life always teaches us lessons.

Many of my friends are already grandmothers and have told me that that there’s nothing like it and that it’s a magical experience. Now I understand their words. There’s something about your kid hav-

ing a kid – aside from making you acknowledge the passage of time –that makes you feel an enormous shift in perspective and priorities.

I live on the West Coast, and my new grandson lives on the East Coast. Statistics indicate that more than 45 per cent of grandparents live more than 200 miles from their grandchildren, so moving forward, this might present challenges in our relationship.

When my daughter called to tell me I was a grandmother, I yelled with excitement, and an indescribable rush of joy ran through me. When I told her that I’d visit soon, she told me she was tired and that I

guyana-times.com

should wait before coming. It took all the willpower I had to wait 24 hours before travelling. How could I not see my first grandchild in person?

Jaxson was only hours old, but our eyes linked in a familiar way. It was as if we’d known each other before.

Although he weighed eight pounds, two ounces—four pounds more than my daughter had – he looked so much like his mother. It wasn’t easy returning home, but it gave me the opportunity to engage in some deep reflection.

As I reflected, I noticed a new shift in my perspective.

I’ve been a writer for as long as I can remember –having

written in journals since the age of ten. When my kids were infants, I took some time off writing, but viewed their naps as times when I could scribble a quick essay or craft a new poem. When they grew up and left home, I returned to writing books, articles, and poems, which helped fill the void of my empty nest.

When my grandson came into the world on June 3, I was in the midst of my seventh book, Writing for Bliss: A Seven-Step Plan for Telling Your Story and Transforming Your Life. It was a huge focus for me, but after returning home, my work became less important. I put every-

thing aside and began needlepointing a Raggedy Andy pillow for little Jaxson. This was a hobby I thought I’d put to rest more than 40 years ago, but suddenly, I had a strong desire to be an active part of my grandson’s life in the same way my grandparents were a part of my life, and my own parents were a part of their grandchildren’s lives.

However, I do realise that things are different now. The real challenge, as I see it now, is how I can create a lifelong bond with my grandson while living far away. What things should I keep in mind during this new and final phase of my life? Here’s what I’ve come up with: No situation is ideal I see that there are actually advantages to living in close proximity, as well as living far away, from grandchildren. While living nearby can provide regular access to them, grandparents are often called upon for regular babysitting. Right now, this sounds like a huge and welcome honour, but my friends who are already grandparents tell me that sometimes they feel as if they’re being taken for granted. Also, if grandparents are still working, this could turn into a situation involving a lot of juggling –that is, the desire to be with one’s grandchildren versus one’s need to work.

When living far away, there could be the feeling of missing the joy of watching the little ones grow up, but on the other hand, I’ve heard that one advantage of living far away is that the kids are on their best behaviour when they do see their grandparents.

All relationships need nourishment Whether living near or far, grandparents need to nurture the relationship with their grandchildren. It’s important

Tips to being a great grandparent

to be interested in the children’s lives and spend time with them when possible. Of course, modern applications such as FaceTime and Skype have made this much easier. You can talk to the grandkids “in person,” read or tell them stories, and basically allow them to get to know you in a more intimate way than is possible via telephone.

And If you’re lucky enough to live near your grandchildren, you’ll most likely be a part of their daily routine.

Kids love routine, but sometimes parents get tired of reading the same book or singing the same song over and over again. As a grandparent, you can be the one to do that. Also, you can be the one to prepare special meals if your children don’t have the time to do so.

Avail yourself of teaching opportunities The relationship between grandchildren and grandparents is usually a special one, and often memories with grandparents live far after a grandparent has passed away.

I gleaned a lot of wisdom from my grandparents, as my children did from theirs. Sharing hobbies and interests with your grandchildren not only strengthens your bond, but gives them something to remember you by.

Remember, we are no longer just defined by our families While having grandchildren is important and lifechanging, this generation of grandmothers is not solely defined by that role. We have professions, passions, and interests outside the family unit.

All this makes the grandparenting experience much richer and probably much more interesting for our grandkids than was the case in previous eras. (Excerpt from psychologytoday)

Don’t admit your fears

Whichever phrase of warning or concern springs to your lips, however, hold it in. Your child needs support, not dread.

Don’t project

Maybe your baby was a shocking sleeper, or refused to eat anything but peas for the first three years. None of this, however, means that your children will have the same experience of parenthood.

Avoid jealousy

Nobody wants to be juggling a new baby and your easily bruised feelings, so barbed remarks about the tastes or childcare practices of the Other Gran are unacceptable. It’s not a competition – it’s a family. Albeit there’s often a fine line.

Only offer what you can give

The general assumption is that grandparents are selfless. But, it’s vital to consider how much time you can offer. Be realistic about how much time you have, your levels of tiredness and confidence when it comes to baby-wrangling. It’s easier for everyone when you all know where you stand.

Brush up on your skills

While you may have been able to change a nappy with one hand and mash potatoes with the other 30 years ago, it’s likely that you have forgotten more than you ever knew.

Be clear about cash

After sweets and bedtimes, perhaps the thorniest issue of grandmother-hood is money. Nobody wants to quote a babycare price to their nearest and dearest, is it reasonable to do it all gratis or should you be demanding some recompense for your labour? There’s no rule.

Break the rules – a bit

As a child, one of the joys of staying with my grandparents was knowing that I could stay up to watch TV, and that my grandma would bring me breakfast in bed.

The danger comes when the spoiling isn’t just a little mild indulgence – you’re actively breaking clear rules set by the parents.

Don’t spend a fortune

Spoiling, of course, is often just another word for spending. Few parents like to feel that they can’t manage so if you want to buy a gift, consult them first.

Accept that you have no control

The hardest thing about parenting is being responsible for everything. And the hardest thing about grandparenting is accepting that you’re not.

(Excerpt from the Guardian)

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wednesday, june 22, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Teen shot in chest during Woman who strapped cocaine brush cutter row to body jailed, fined $8.2M

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ollowing the shooting of 15-year-old Jahmaul Lewis in his face during a brazen daylight robbery on Sunday, another teenager was shot on Monday in Kuru Kururu Squatting Area, Linden-Soesdyke Highway.

Injured is Kevin Batson, called “Kero”, 18, of Kuru Kururu Squatting Area, and also of Grove Squatting Area, East Bank Demerara. The incident occurred around 20:00h during which time the teenager was shot to the right side of his chest.

According to Police re-

ports, Batson was involved in an argument over with an individual known to him when he was shot. They were reportedly arguing over a brush cutter and spray can.

During the argument, the suspect, 25-year-old Andre Fields, also known as “Two Feet”, of Kuru Kururu Squatting Area, allegedly pulled out a firearm and discharged rounds at Batson, hitting him to his chest.

Reports revealed that there was a second suspect, who along with Fields rode away from the scene after

shooting the teenager.

An injured Batson was picked up and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was admitted. He is still hospitalised and is said to be in stable condition.

Police ranks in A Division (Georgetown/East Bank Demerara) have since launched an investigation into the incident. Guyana Times understands that Batson gave Police details about his attacker and a manhunt is on for him along with the second suspect.

Vacationing Corentyne couple’s home destroyed by fire

T

wo persons are now homeless following a fire which completely destroyed a two-storey house at Lot 102 Section G, Nigg, Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) on Monday evening.

Flames were seen coming from the upper flat of the house about 20:30h. The couple were not at home since they reportedly departed for their vacation on Saturday.

An eyewitness, who lives two houses away, Lucille Ayana explained that the

community was at the time experiencing a fluctuation in the power supply. “Me light keep blinking, and then me neighbour get up to see what going on with he appliances and he see the fire and start holla and then me see the fire coming from the house,” the woman said.

The fire spread quickly and engulfed the entire building, fuelled by combustible items which were in a storeroom, one resident reported.

The Rose Hall Town Fire

Service responded with one unit and was able to prevent the blaze from spreading to other buildings. At the time of the fire, there was a heavy rain which also contributed to the fire being contained to one building.

When this publication visited the community, the affected couple had not returned from their vacation.

The Fire Service is currently investigating the incident and has not confirmed that the fire was electrical in origin.

A

ngelica Forde, the woman who was intercepted at the Eugene F Correia International Airport with cocaine strapped to her body last week was on Tuesday jailed for four years and fined $8.2 million, the estimated street value of the illicit drug.

The sentence was handed down by Magistrate Zamina Ally-Seepaul at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court.

The woman, who pleaded guilty to the offence on Monday, was being charged along with her husband, James Forde who pleaded not guilty.

They were both charged for the offence which stated that on June 15, 2016, at the

Angelica Forde

Airport, Ogle, East Coast Demerara, they had in their possession three kilograms of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.

However, the husband told the Court on Monday that he was not involved.

His wife backed his claim, telling the Court on Monday: “I am really sorry. It’s my stuff. No one else was involved.”

However, he was denied bail and remanded to prison until July 15, 2016.

According to reports, the woman was scheduled to board a LIAT flight destined for Barbados and another to travel to the United States of America (USA).

The woman was seen acting in a suspicious manner and upon inspection was found with the narcotics on her person.

However, investigators believe that the woman’s husband, who is a taxi driver, was instrumental in encouraging her to carry the cocaine.

8 NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

IN THE COURTS

Eyew tness APNU/AFC Councillor slapped with dangerous driving charge Let’s get R it on... egion Two ( S u p e n a a m Pomeroon) Regional Democratic Council member Hardat Narine was on Tuesday taken before Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court charged for dangerous driving, failing to comply with Police direction and failing to produce a driver’s licence.

The 48-year-old A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change

(APNU/AFC) Councillor, also known as “Sham”, pleaded not guilty to the charges which stated that on May 28, 2016 about 18:45h on the Anna Regina Public Road, he drove motor car PLL 4784 in a dangerous manner.

The prosecution is contending that when Police approached Narine and told him of the offence, he failed to abide by their instructions.

When the case was called

Hardat Narine

on Tuesday, Narine was granted $10,000 bail for the dangerous driving charge and released on his own recognisance for the other two charges.

The case will continue on June 28, 2016.

Police have since submitted the case file on another charge of using threatening language to a Police Officer for advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

“Picture Boy” trial

2 witnesses testify, Judge admits voir dire evidence

T

he trial of double murder accused Cyon “Picture Boy” Collier continued on Tuesday before Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the High Court.

State witnesses, Superintendent Edmund Cooper and ballistic expert Eon Jackson took to the witness stand in the new week to give evidence about the deaths of Ray Walcott, called “Sugar”,

and his younger brother Carl Andrews, called “Alo”.

Justice SewnarineBeharry also allowed cautionary and oral statements given by a number of individuals and ruled that the voir dire (trial within a trial) evidence was admissible.

Superintendent Cooper, who is stationed at Brickdam Police Station, outlined his recollections to the jury of the investi-

Pork-knocker remanded on attempted murder charge

A

pork-knocker, who hails from Retrieve, Mackenzie, Linden, was on Tuesday remanded to prison by Magistrate Clive Nurse on an attempted murder charge.

Ernest Couchman, 60, who appeared at the Linden Magistrate’s Court, is accused of attempting to murder Victor Lustal. It is al-

leged that on August 31, 2015, at Co-op Crescent, Mackenzie, Linden, the defendant unlawfully and maliciously wounded the VC with intent to murder.

The Court heard that statements on the case were not ready to be presented.

The defendant is scheduled to make his next court appearance on July 19.

Dead: Ray Walcott

Dead: Carl Andrews

gation following the murders. At the time of the incident, he was serving as a Prosecutor in the Cove and John Court with Magistrate Sherdell Isaacs presiding.

On Monday, the other witness, Jackson, who is considered by the court to be an expert in ammunition, ballistics and firearms, gave his testimony.

State Prosecutor Narissa Leander led the witness in questions about the evidence he inspected in

2006.

Jackson identified all the evidence and confirmed examining the bul-

Cyon “Picture Boy” Collier

lets and AK-47 assault rifle submitted to him.

Collier is accused of murdering the two brothers in Victoria Village, East Coast Demerara on September 23, 2006.

Reports are a group of young men were playing dominoes at the Victoria four-corner when the two brothers were allegedly shot by the accused, who rode up on a motorcycle.

The brothers were rushed to hospital, where they were pronounced dead upon arrival.

The trial continues on Thursday.

...with selling Marriott our Eyewitness was surprised to hear the APNU/AFC coalition Government isn’t going to sell the Marriott right away. Obviously flushed and heady after raking in so much dough from the 85% occupancy rate it enjoyed during Jubilee 2016, the Chairman of the holding company AHI’s Board, Beverly Harper just announced they’ll be plunking more money into the facility – to finish off the “entertainment and casino” facility.

Why? To make it more attractive for buyers. But hey?

What about all the hysteria the coalition raised when they were in the Opposition about Brassington splurging Government funds – US$22 million – on a hotel, when there were so many other more worthwhile projects to be funded? Isn’t spending another US$20 million on a ...gasp!...casino, even more disreputable?

Remember all the objections made when the “Sleep In” fella wanted to build his casino on Church St? And don’t, Dear Reader, invoke “Churches in the vicinity”...

God is here, there and everywhere. And furthermore, your Eyewitness can attest to the fact he can see St George’s VERY clearly from the sixth floor window of the Marriott!

But there’s actually absolutely no need for Beverly to sweeten the deal to bring Marriott to market. Last year, just before the PPP lost office, Robert Badal, one of the Chief Financiers of the AFC, and owner of the Pegasus, made an unequivocal offer to purchase the hotel. He matched the investment to take over the 67 per cent equity in the hotel that had been offered to a group of Hong Kong investors. He pointed out he had experience with hotels.

Mr Badal declared: “The fact is that now that the Hotel is completed with funds which sources are yet to disclose, approved and audited, my offer is firm. Send the agreement to my attorney for review and uplift your US$8M cheque. Deal done.” The said attorney had been identified as no other than leader of the AFC – and now Vice President of the country – Khemraj Ramjattan.

AFC’s Vice Chairman – and now Prime Minister – Moses Nagamootoo was livid, Badal’s offer was rejected.

Said he, “In this game, money is the order of the day.

If I am ugly, or regardless of my status, the beauty is in the money.” Present Minister of Infrastructure David Patterson also weighed in huffily, “Some investors are more equal than others.”

This Eyewitness says APNU/AFC should forthwith cease the PPP’s blanking of Badal from taking over the Marriott. With Guyana Stockfeeds, the man has shown he has a way with (manipulating?) stocks.

Let him buy the Marriott’s 67%!!

Y

...with Parking?

Confounding all those who thought she’d be chastened, Mayor Pat Chase Green returned from Mexico crooning even more seductively than Marvin Gaye – “let’s get it on, with them parking meters!” Seemed she whipped out the contract to Minister Bulkan and he was immediately struck – like Saul on his way to Damascus – as he saw the light (glitter of big bucks?) on the case for meters.

So what if the issues of transparency and highhandedness remained like the proverbial manatee in the room? So what the Councillors must line up at her office door to get a peek of the aforementioned contract – even though it’s been signed in their name? But there are some more mundane questions that your Eyewitness hopes she’ll deign to answer.

Like who’ll pay the 100 persons who’ll presumably monitor the meters... (parking maids?). Or for towing deadbeat packers? Or for impounding the vehicles?

Let’s hope it isn’t deducted from Patricia’s 20%. ...with equal opportunity priests With the announcement our Anglican Church MAY permit female priests, those waiting for so long can croon Sam Cook’s “A change is gonna come”: “I go to the movie and I go downtown Somebody keep tellin’ me don’t hang around It’s been a long, a long time coming But I know a change gonna come, oh yes it will”

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

news

9

wednESday, june 22, 2016 | guyana-times.com

GCAA investigating Sophia murder Construction worker ASL aircraft accident charged for killing brother H T ours after the right wing of an aircraft exploded at the Eugene F Correia International Airport, the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has launched an investigation into another incident, this time involving an Air Services Limited (ASL) Cessna aircraft.

According to a statement from the management of ASL, the accident occurred around 17:45h on Monday at the Bath Aerodrome, West Coast Berbice.

“An Air Services Limited (ASL) Cessna 206 aircraft, registered as 8R-GMA, had an accident while taking off from Bath Aerodrome,” the company stated.

It was revealed that

there were five occupants onboard the aircraft, all of whom were ASL officers.

They were provided with immediate support and luckily did not sustain any injuries, ASL management reported.

Furthermore, it said, in accordance with protocol, the GCAA was informed about the accident and was conducting the requisite investigation. Notwithstanding this, ASL has launched its own internal investigation.

The management of ASL said it was awaiting the findings of the Investigative Report from the GCAA. This accident occurred mere hours after there were reports of an explosion at the Eugene F Correia International Airport, Ogle, East Coast Demerara.

Officials confirmed that the right wing of a Britten Norman Trislander aircraft exploded at the Roraima Airways hangar.

Head of the local airline, Captain Gerry Gouveia, disclosed that the incident resulted in the engineer suffering burns to the hand and fractured ankles. He was taken to a private medical institution where he was admitted for treatment. His condition is listed as stable.

Gouveia described the incident as a maintenance accident. He noted that the incident took place during a routine examination of the aircraft. The cause of the explosion is yet to be determined.

The GCAA is also probing this incident.

wenty-seven-yearold Orin Jules was on Tuesday remanded to prison by Magistrate Zamilla Ally-Seepaul at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court after he was arraigned for the murder of his younger brother.

Jules, of Lot 634 D Field, Sophia, Greater Georgetown, was not required to plead to the indictable charge which stated that on June 18, 2016 at Sophia, he murdered his brother, 23-year-old Dexter Jules.

The unrepresented man told the Magistrate that he had previously been charged with other criminal offences, including break and enter with larceny.

Dead: Dexter Jules

Prosecuting the case is Police Prosecutor David Goodridge, who told the Court that the defendant had a history of threatening to kill his family members.

Goodridge noted that 27-year-old Jules was recently convicted before the same court for threatening to mur-

der his mother and his siblings.

According to the Prosecution, on the day in question, the defendant and his younger brother were involved in a heated argument at their Sophia home.

As a result, Orin Jules picked up a knife and stabbed his brother several times in his chest. The younger Jules was pronounced dead on arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital. Following the incident, Orin Jules attempted to escape, but was apprehended by public-spirited persons who found him hiding in a clump of bushes nearby and handed over to the Police.

The case will continue on August 4.

10

guyana-times.com

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2016

News New Amsterdam rocked by a spate of robberies P

olice in Berbice are investigating a sevenman armed gang operating out of Mount Sinai, one of the suburbs of New Amsterdam, referred to as Angoy’s Avenue. One of the gang members was arrested on Friday 17 June.

On the morning of Sunday 18 June, the gang reportedly responded by attacking four homes, successfully entering two and terrorizing the families, as they took away cash and other valuables.

Divisional Commander, Assistant Commissioner Ian Amsterdam is of the view that Sunday’s attack was in retaliation of the arrest of a gang member on Friday.

Veronica Balak, 69, of Lot 5 Mount Sinai, was reportedly beaten and robbed by the said gang. According to Balak who lives alone, at about 03:00h on Sunday she heard banging on her door and then four men appeared in her bedroom: “When them come in me tell them me na go holla, an they ask fo money and gold but I tell them that I is a pensioner.”

The elderly woman noted that of the four men, one was armed with a gun, one with a cutlass and one with a crowbar. The defenceless woman related: “When me tell them that me na get gold, them start beat me up, dem knock me all up in me head….”

She said that they ransacked her home and took all of the money she had which was less than $20,000.

Within the hour, four

National Culture S

Veronica Balak was beaten and robbed of all her money

other places were attacked: Budhan’s Housing Scheme, Mount Sinai, including a grocery store, and three houses.

Oliver Ross says his wife was assaulted and a shot fired at him as bandits entered his home. He said it was after 04:30 on Father’s Day when three men entered his Lot 39 home while two remained under his house: “Two of them had guns and one was armed with a cutlass. By the time I heard strange sounds they were already in the house.

They put the guns to our head and said bring all the money and the gold and everything that you got.”

Ross said he appealed to the thieves saying that he and his pregnant wife were only middle class and not wealthy but it made no difference as there were threats made to rape his wife: “He grab my wife and pulled her by her hair and I tried to stop him and then he fired a shot at me.”

He said the men ransacked the home during

Budhan’s Housing Scheme

the five minutes they spent and took what they could. It was reported to Police that the bandits relieved Ross of $78,000, a cellular phone, a television set, a tablet and a laptop computer.

At Lot 31 Budhan’s Housing Scheme, Ingrid Soohan, 67, reported that bandits broke the padlock off of her gate and were attempting to get into the downstairs apartment. At the time, she was up already doing her morning chores and thought it was her downstairs tenant returning home. The elderly woman said she called out to her tenant, greeting him and that might have scared the bandits off.

Also at Lot 9 Budhan’s Housing Scheme, householders were alerted after two men with guns had wrenched open a kitchen window. They called out to a neighbour who reported that they were two others under the house.

After the alarm was raised the men jumped over a fence at the front yard and ran further into the scheme.

According to Amsterdam, during last week Police officers were on patrol and in the vicinity of the Berbice River Bridge they intercepted a car and took the driver into custody after not being convinced that he was waiting for a passenger to return with his $300 taxi fare.

However, the following day surveillance footage revealed that a car fitting the description of the one that was parked at D’Edward Village was the car which dropped the men off before the robbery at D’Edward Village earlier that night.

Based on information provided by the driver of the alleged getaway car, Police arrested a suspected gang member on Friday.

The gang is also linked to a robbery of a New Amsterdam Market vendor at his New Street, East Canje home three weeks ago when $1 million in cellular phone cards were stolen.

Meanwhile, two persons are in custody in connection with the Father’s Day robberies. Andrew Carmichael

atiricus was so happy he could barely contain himself.

After 50 years of Independence, his native land was finally getting “culture”. “Why couldn’t it have come just three weeks before on Independence Day?” he moaned to his friend Cappo as they bent their elbows at the Back Street Bar?” “A wha’ yuh ah talk about, Sato?” replied Cappo in muffled tones as he swallowed the mouthful of beer he’d just swigged. “ Wha’ shoulda come?”

“I’m talking about the Steinway Grand Piano the Government just bought for the National Cultural Centre!” replied Satiricus in reverential tones. “If this had come in during Jubilee Week, all those snotty Guyanese from foreign would’ve seen we have culture!”

“Me see de piana in de pay-pa,” said Cappo doubtfully.

“How da mek abee get cul-cha?”

“First of all, Cappo, that is THE top-of-the-line Steinway – and it cost more than US$200,000!!” replied Satiricus, with his eyes round like saucers. “$40 million fuh wan piana?” said Cappo, suitably impressed after doing a quick mental arithmetic. “But how da mek abee get cul-cha?” he repeated.

“Cappo...Cappo...Cappo,” said Satiricus as he ruefully shook his head. “A country only has REAL culture when you can play music like Beethoven Moonlight Sonata on a piano?”

“Beet who?” asked Cappo with a puzzled look. “Who mek dat law?”

“It’s not a LAW, Cappo,” said Satiricus in patient tones.

“It’s just the way high culture works in England, Europe and New York for the rich and famous.”

“Suh w’en Jones and ‘em bais play dem steel-band an me play me shak-shak, da na cul-cha?” asked Cappo.

“No, Cappo!” replied Satiricus firmly. “Now that we have one piano at the Music School and a Steinway Grand at the Cultural Centre, real culture will begin at last.”

“But me bin t’ink now abee independent, abee woulda mek abee own cul-cha,” said Cappo plaintively. “Me like fuh sing Sitira Gyaal and Bangalee Baboo and knock pan table!”

“That’s exactly the point, Cappo! Burnt Ham tried to encourage that kind of culture back in the day,” said Satiricus.

“But if his own successors buying $40 million Steinways, who are you to say otherwise?”

Larceny accused remanded B

reaking and entering and larceny accused Terrence Lowenfield was on Tuesday remanded to prison when he appeared before Magistrate Clive Nurse at the Linden Magistrate’s Court.

It is alleged that the 27-year-old excavator oper-

ator, of One Mile, Wismar, Linden, broke and entered the home of Jermain Maison, situated at 16 Dahlia Street, Wismar, between May 15 and May 16, 2016 and stole several items. The items included a 48-inch smart television set valued $230,000, an iPhone valued $40,000,

a Samsung Galaxy S3 cellphone valued $45,000 and a Blu cellphone valued $20,000. The items amounted to a total of $335,000.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the offence, and the prosecution objected to bail. The case will continue on June 28.

11

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

12 news Businessman denies fuel smuggling claims F wednesDay, june 22, 2016 | guyana-times.com

ormer Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) Chairman Vickram Oditt on Tuesday responded to the claims brought against him by another businessman, Augustine Jackson, and denied that he, along with his business partner, Pradeep Abdool, had ever persuaded Jackson to use his vessel to smuggle fuel from neighbouring Venezuela.

Oditt said the move by the businessman was simply a ploy to avoid paying the debts owed.

“Abdool and I have brought a civil action against Mr Augustine Jackson for monies advanced to him and for which he has signed two promissory notes, which are past due. The court has ruled that his vessel should not leave Guyana unless he lodges the monies owed, along with his passport and those of his wife and her mother, with the court,” Oditt said, in a letter to Guyana Times on Tuesday.

He added that in order to avoid paying his debts, Jackson has introduced the issue of an illegality, in “terms of accusing us of wanting to smuggle fuel into Guyana”. He maintained that any inquiry with any of the regulatory agencies – the Guyana Police Force; the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU); the Guyana Revenue Authority, and the Guyana Energy Agency would indicate that he and Abdool have never been implicated in any such illegal activity.

“We did enter into a Partnership Agreement with Mr Jackson, which would have entailed legally importing fuel from a refinery, but we terminated it shortly after when we learnt that his vessel, Pollux A, had forged paperwork and it was not qualified to enter into a

Businessman Vic Oditt

refinery, as Jackson had represented to us,” Oditt said.

Jackson has accused Oditt and his business partner of attempting to induce him to smuggle fuel from Venezuela, by pretending that they have the relevant licences to do so.

The office of Attorney Anil Nandlall, which is representing Jackson in the matter, on Tuesday said that Abdool and Oditt, trading as Potaro Fuel Supplies, on May 23, had filed a Writ of Summons against Jackson, June Elvin and AJ Marine Inc claiming that $17, 508, 487, the amount advanced to Augustine Jackson, for the purchase, transportation, repairs and crew expenses for the Vessel MT Pollux, or known and registered as MT Melissa J, and $347, 000 for purchase, transportation, repairs and crew expenses for the Vessel MT Pollux or known and registered as MT Melissa J. The injunction would restrain the defendants and, each and every one of them, whether by themselves, their servants and/or agents from causing, allowing or permitting the vessel to depart the jurisdiction of Guyana.

It said on the very day Abdool made an ex parte application for an interim injunc-

tion. The application was heard

by Justice Diane Insanally, who, on May 27, granted an injunction so restraining the defendants until the sum of the money had been lodged at the Supreme Court.

On June 6, Jackson made an ex-parte application by way of affidavit to discharge the injunctions granted by Justice Insanally.

He alleged that a criminal enterprise was afoot to smuggle fuel; serious and material information was withheld from the Court and the Court was grossly misled: among the non- disclosures was an Agreement between the parties that, should differences arise, then the parties should go to arbitration; the effect of this arbitration clause means that the Court has no jurisdiction in this matter and disputes should be resolved by arbitration and not litigation.

Nandlall’s office further said the application was heard ex- parte by Justice Insanally, who discharged the injunctions, which she granted on May 27.

All the parties and the respective lawyers appeared before the Court on June 10 and the plaintiffs were ordered to file their statement of claim before the Court.

Nandlall’s office said notwithstanding that, on June 16, Oditt and Abdool through their Attorney, Rajendra Poonai, approached the Court, ex-parte, (in the absence of the other parties) and managed to extract from Justice Insanally, another order restraining the vessel from leaving the jurisdiction until the sum of US$347, 700.00 and the sum of $17, 508, 487 were lodged with the Registrar of the Supreme Court.

Region 5 flooding

5 weeks later, communities remain under water – MMA, NDIA working to alleviate crisis

F

ollowing the protest action that residents in Region Five (Demerara-Mahaica) took on Monday to vent their frustration over the ongoing flood crisis, measures have since been taken by the authorities to alleviate

vators cleaning the canals and drains of debris.

Meanwhile, the Government Information Agency (GINA) on Tuesday quoted General Manager of the MMA/ADA, Aubrey Charles, as saying that pumps were “working con-

Mora Point because it is a fixed pump to bring water into the system, it can’t take water out, but right now we want to take water out,” he further told GINA. Agriculture Minister Noel Holder stated that the flooding in Trafalgar

Flooded homes in communities along the Mahaica River

the situation.

On Tuesday, Guyana Times was told that several communities continued to be affected by floodwaters, as many homes, notably in Union, were under water. Meanwhile, at Baiboo, along the Mahaicony River, farmers complained that

tinuously” to drain the land.

Charles, who was said to be on the ground engaging farmers and affected residents, explained that downpours of rain caused the floodwaters to rise.

“The water has risen in a couple of the villages so I’m

Farmers and residents suffering at Union, Region Five

they too were being affected by the floodwaters.

Farmers in riverine areas, along the Mahaicony River, are requesting relief from the Government.

While the situation at Blairmont was said to be “fairly good”, this publication was told that Bush Lot continued to be affected.

This is due to the reportedly weed-clogged drains Regional Chairman Vickchand Ramphal explained that the Mahaica/ Mahaicony/Abary Agricultural Development Authority (MMA/ADA), and National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) installed tractor-driven pumps in the Trafalgar and Union areas.

Acting NDIA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Frederick Flatts stated that these pumps combined have the capacity to drain approximately 1200 gallons of water per second. According to Flatts, there are four tractor-driven pumps draining the residential areas, and two exca-

out in the field here, now at Litchfield going down in the backdam. The pumps can’t deal with the amount of water,” the General Manager

and Union has been compounded by the non-working pumps which were vandalised some time ago.

It was pointed out that the damaged pumps, located at the Trafalgar pump station, have a combined capacity to drain “almost 3000 gallons of water per second”. Works to fix these pumps are expected to soon commence.

It was on Monday that over 200 angry residents from Number 30 Village, Trafalgar, Union and Bush Lot protested the flooding.

Reports stated that the residents gathered in Number 30 Village and with the use of trailers, blocked a major access road, which caused a 45-minute traffic delay.

Guyana Times was also told on Monday that the Region Five Chairman and the MMA/ADA General Manager had to rush to the area and explain to the angry crowd what measures were being implemented to alleviate the flooding. All of this took place with heavy Police presence.

Later that day, Police

Livestock under threat at Union

explained.

“The pump at Mora is an irrigation pump, that pump is not working, that is only to bring water into the system. The pump at Pine Ground is working.

We can’t use the pump at

were once again summoned as the situation flared up in Bush Lot, where the road was also blocked. Police ranks quickly removed the encumbrances. The flooding in Region Five has been ongoing for over a month.

news

13

wednesday, june 22, 2016 | guyana-times.com

GPSU not informed of situation at A&E Unit – GS

G

uyana Public Service Union (GPSU) General Secretary Kemton Alexander has disclosed that the Union was not informed of the unhealthy situation at the Accident and Emergency (A&E) Unit of the Georgetown Public Hospital.

His remarks came after he was questioned about concerns raised in sections of the media that patients with infectious diseases were being left in the A&E Unit for a numbers of days, as there was no space for them in the other wards.

According to the GPSU Secretary, while he was not informed of the current situation, he knows that in the past there were similar issues reported and those were dealt with. He also noted that the Union was going to look into the issue and take swift action where necessary.

The Hospital’s CEO, Alan Johnson told the media; however, that measures were already being put in place to facilitate the patients.

Johnson was shown photographs of a patient who was visibly sick lying on the floor of the A&E Unit with a respirator on.

Medical professionals have said that this is an issue that has been ongoing for the past three weeks.

They are fearful that some of the patients, especially those infected with Tuberculosis

(TB), that are left in the Unit for a number of days, will infect other patients.

uation was generally triggered by a breakdown of other health facilities across

General Secretary, Kemton Alexander

Sources have also said that the Hospital has been overcrowded with patients not being treated occupying the chairs, beds and floors in the ward.

Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton, in an invited comment, admitted that the Ministry was aware of the ongoing issue at the Unit and had already begun to initiate projects to address this.

Noting that a long-term solution would only be derived after discussions at the level of Government, he said the Ministry had started to implement its short-term projects, which have gotten positive reviews from the public.

Dr Norton said the sit-

the country. When patients visit these other health institutions and do not get the requisite medical treatment, they often end up at the country’s premier facility, the Georgetown Public Hospital. The patients are usually transferred to the hospital late at nights.

Norton said that this contributed to the build-up of persons thus causing overcrowding.

Additionally, with there being a lack of beds at the institution, the problem is amplified to an extent that has become unbearable for the medical personnel at the facility.

According to Norton, the Government is trying everything in its power to have

this issue addressed immediately.

While a feasible solution would be to extend the Unit, the Minister pointed out that there was little space to facilitate an extension. He did say, however, that a possible approach would be to create

an annex to the hospital.

In the interim, the Health Minister said doctors and nurses were being trained to become more advanced in their response to emergency cases so that overcrowding at the Unit was reduced.

Also, he noted that the

Government was currently assessing health facilities across the country so that they would be able to offer similar services as the Georgetown Public Hospital, thereby reducing the congestion of the premier health facility.

14

guyana-times.com

wednesday, june 22, 2016

News

PPP says Govt failing Guyanese

T

he People’s Progressive Party (PPP) on Monday said Government continued to fail the people of Guyana, as cries continued to be heard about the prevailing economic conditions under the coalition Administration.

The Party’s General Secretary, Clement Rohee said he has been visiting various parts of the country and has been listening to the concerns of residents.

He said many were speaking out, saying if this was the change they voted for, they did not want it.

“Hundreds of thousands are anxious to see the PPP/C back in Government knowing that with such an eventuality the economy will recover and there will be a resurgence of economic and financial activities in the country from which all Guyanese will benefit,” Rohee said.

He said those who voted for change have lost the little hope they had that that change would have brought them the much touted ‘good life’, rather he said what they were seeing was Government Ministers enjoying the ‘good life,’ which the common people should be enjoying.

Rohee said in this situa-

PPP General Secretary Clement Rohee

tion, the youths are the hardest hit, with unemployment spiralling upwards, reaching about 40 per cent according to the Caribbean Development Bank.

He said the coalition’s promises have all gone up in smoke and have left young people not only at risk but as ready and available prey for the criminal underworld.

“We are having some bad economic times and generally in times like these, there would be increased unemployment especially at the youth level.”

He said the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Manifesto had promised that the National Youth Policy

would focus on reducing risk factors such as crime, drug abuse, alcoholism, teen pregnancy, suicide, violence and illiteracy.

The current Administration, Rohee said, had also promised that its programmes would generate support and allocated resources to make recreation, the arts and sports hallmarks of excellence, while restoring the bond between young people and the communities.

“Study issues which lead to alienation of boys and young men from our education system, including: dropping out from schools, engaging in crime and violence, marginalisation, accessing the labour market, and poverty alleviation have become meaningless to many young people who see no future for themselves under the Granger coalition Administration.”

He said the PPP for its part in its 2015 manifesto expressed its commitment to: implementing national apprenticeship and special youth employment programmes; providing incentives and opportunities for employers to employ youths, and develop entrepreneurship and apprenticeship programmes.

Babita Sarjou murder

Husband, hitman further remanded

Babita Sarjou

S

haradananda Narine, called Anand, and his accomplice, Darel Pronton, called “Yankee”, both reappeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts for the murder of Narine’s reputed wife, Babita Sarjou.

Both men were further remanded until July 11 when the case was called on Tuesday. The men are represented by Attorneyat-Law Peter Hugh.

After disappearing without a trace on November 4, 2010, Babita Sarjou was found dead.

Her skeletal remains were unearthed by detectives in a shallow grave in her reputed husband’s backyard last month.

The gruesome discovery, played out before several shocked neighbours, brought an end to years of agony for Sarjou’s family, who had been wondering about her fate since she vanished.

In reportedly confessing to the crime, Narine

Alleged hitman: Darel Pronton

Husband: Sharadananda Narine

stated that he was furious because he suspected that Sarjou was having an affair with a man at her workplace. He was also angry that she had taken him to court on allegations that he had posted online nude pictures of her.

It is alleged that he hired the unemployed Pronton, whom he had befriended, to kill Sarjou.

Pronton was allegedly paid $50,000 and promised a trip to Trinidad. The trip to Trinidad never materialised.

It is alleged that on Diwali night, November 4, 2010, Sarjou left her mother’s home at Timehri, East Coast Demerara, after making arrangements to meet Narine, who would take her to see the motorcade at the Kitty seawall.

She was also reportedly to meet her four-year-old son.

Unbeknownst to Sarjou, Narine and Pronton had already dug her grave in Narine’s Seaforth Street, Campbellville backyard, two days before.

Sarjou reportedly met her husband outside the National Cultural Centre and entered his car.

Pronton, who was allegedly sitting in the back seat, then reportedly strangled Sarjou.

With the body covered with a blanket, the two men reportedly then drove to Narine’s residence. Narine reportedly reversed into the yard, and the men concealed the body in a section of the bottom house, and Pronton remained with the corpse. Around midnight, the two men then took the body to the backyard and threw it over a zinc fence and into the three-foot grave. It remained there for close to six years.

wednesday, june 22, 2016

guyana-times.com

15

News

Govt contradicts self on death penalty – Nandlall F ormer Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall said Government has found itself between a rock and hard place, with its position on the death penalty in Guyana, as the recent passage of the Anti Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Amendment Bill showed that it otherwise supported the penalty.

Nandlall argued that Government, through Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams, had inserted some 14 mandatory death penalty offences in the last AML/ CFT Bill, which, incidentally was rushed through all three readings in Parliament, recently.

President David Granger last Thursday said that he,

at this point, did not support the death penalty in Guyana. In fact, his words were that he had no intention of executing anyone.

Nandlall, a front bencher of the parliamentary Opposition, contends that the Government’s stance was rather contradictory.

During the debate, Nandlall argued that the death penalty was not a penal measure that the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) insisted upon. He argued too that many countries like France and the United Kingdom (that are FATF-compliant do not have the death penalty in their laws.

According to Nandlall, the 14 mandatory death penalty cases in a singular Bill will put Guyana in conflict with previous pos-

tures adopted at the United Nations and Organisation of American States.

He said he had enquired whether that was the posture the Government of Guyana wished to adopt on the death penalty in the year 2016, having regarded the

international climate on this issue.

“Of course, my presentation was ignored. The Bill was passed and assented to by the President.

On the 22nd of May, 2016, the Guyana Times newspaper carried a bold head-

DR Congo warlord jailed over war crimes

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ongolese ex-rebel leader Jean-Pierre Bemba has been jailed for 18 years following a landmark conviction at the International Criminal Court (ICC) for war crimes and sexual violence.

Bemba, a former Vice President of DR Congo, was convicted in March of crimes committed in the neighbouring Central African Republic (CAR) in 2002-2003.

He was accused of failing to stop his rebels from killing and raping people.

Bemba's lawyers have already said they will appeal

Jean-Pierre Bemba's lawyers say they will appeal

against his conviction.

Judges announced sen-

tences of between 16 and 18 years for five counts of rape, murder and pillaging, with the jail terms running concurrently. The eight years Bemba has already spent in custody will be deducted from his term.

His conviction was the first time the ICC had focused on rape as a weapon of war, and the first time a suspect had been convicted for crimes committed by others under his command.

Passing sentence at the ICC in The Hague, Judge Sylvia Steiner said Bemba had failed to exercise control

over his private militia sent into CAR, where they carried out "sadistic" rapes, murders and pillaging of "particular cruelty".

The BBC's Anna Holligan, who is in The Hague, says two key issues remain – where Bemba will serve his sentence and the amount of compensation to be awarded to his victims. (Excerpt from BBC News)

line which read “Guyana in a diplomatic dilemma over death penalty… FATF requirement vs UN commitment”. Exactly as I predicted. Today, the <<<Guyana Times>>> headline reads, “I have no intention of executing anyone” – President Granger”. “ This disclosure, he said, raises the following questions: whether the Attorney General did not consult with the President before he inserted 14 mandatory death penalty offences on this Bill, or whether the AG was “acting on a frolic of his own”, whether the President knew that he was assenting to a Bill that imposed mandatory death penalty for 14 different offences, and whether the Attorney General was not advised that it was not open to the President to assent to Bills, make them into laws and then publicly declare that he will abdicate the responsibilities which those laws impose upon him.

He said the situation is confusing.

Last week, the Head of State made his position clear on the death penalty in Guyana, noting that he has no intention of executing anyone.

Although the death penalty remained enshrined in Guyana’s laws, there has

not been any execution for decades. According to the President, the death penalty remains on the statute books, but Government is yet to pronounce on whether it will be abolished or not.

“I don’t have any intentions of executing anyone.

Some people feel that the death penalty is a deterrent; some feel that it is not, but I do not have any intentions of approving the execution of anyone.”

He said some people think that “it is best on the books as a last resort. There is a difference and there is no single statement out of the Government whether it will abolish the death penalty or not. In due course, we will arrive at a position…”

Guyana has committed to join the worldwide efforts to abolish capital punishment, which is deemed inhumane and completely ineffective in deterring crime. Guyana has not abolished the penalty, but there is a moratorium on its use, despite the fact that criminals are still being sentenced to death. Guyana’s last execution was in 1997.

One hundred and fourteen countries have abolished the death penalty, either by law or by practice, according to statistics from a report compiled by Amnesty International.

16 news 36 cases to be heard during Mexican oil and gas experts offer training June session of Berbice Assizes for emerging oil sector E wednesday, june 22, 2016 | guyana-times.com

xperts from the Mexican Petroleum Institute (IMP) on Monday met with Government officials to offer technical support in developing Guyana’s emerging oil and gas sector.

The team, comprising Deputy Director General

oil, gas and environment sectors in Guyana.

On Monday, the experts met with Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman to discuss the work of the IMP. During the meeting, a proposal for providing support was presented

ments for the establishment of the Petroleum Institute.

While here, the IMP officials will be meeting with Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine; heads of agencies under the purview of the Natural Resources Ministry; University of Guyana Vice

Experts from the Mexican Petroleum Institute (IMP) on Monday met with Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman

Rafael Ramos Palmeros, Senior Advisor to the Director General Gustavo Oficial Ramirez, Head of Innovation Zurisadday Enrique Plata Calderon and Manager Israel Alejandro Vigueras Gamas, is working in collaboration with the Mexican Embassy. It will be working with a technical team from the Natural Resources Ministry. This collaboration, it was said, will be aiding in the development of a Petroleum Regulatory Agency and Institute, tertiary and technical education and training in the mining,

which emphasised a pitch for country ownership and the development of an authentic Guyanese model. Minister Trotman, in expressing his gratitude for the offer and assistance, stated that Guyana was willing to work with Mexico, which has a long history in the oil and gas sector.

The experts are expected to develop three white papers for consideration by the Guyana Government in the areas of: production and consumption; framework for a regulatory agency and the development of ele-

Chancellor, Dr Ivelaw Griffith, and representatives from the university’s School of Earth and Environmental Sciences to discuss issues in relation to the proposals.

The Mexican Petroleum Institute has over 50 years of experience in Mexico’s petroleum industry and is the country’s leading research centre dedicated to technological research and development, provision of engineering and technical services, training, and awarding degrees, and participating in strategic and technological joint ventures.

Assistant Superintendent of Police, Keith Williams leading the parade along Esplanade Road for the opening of the session

M

oments after the February session of the 2016 Berbice Assizes was closed on Tuesday, the June session was opened.

The session will be presided over by Justice JoAnn Barlow, who will make her first sitting on July 6. However, in the interim, Justice Brassington Reynolds will preside.

The session was opened with the traditional parade and march past outside the High Court on Esplanade Road, New Amsterdam, Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

The parade was led by Assistant Superintendent of Police, Keith Williams, and included 30 trainees from the Felix Austin Police Training College in Berbice.

Senior Superintendent of Prisons, Paul James said that there were no females awaiting trial in the High Court.

However, of the 36 men, 30 are awaiting trial for the capital offence of murder, four for sexual penetration, one for sexual assault and one for unlawful and malicious wounding.

Senior Superintendent

James noted that two persons indicted for murder – Omar Bacchus, 23, and Navin Sugrim, 25, have indicated their willingness to plead guilty.

Attorney-at Law Stacy Goodings will represent the State at the Assizes.

Meanwhile, Justice Reynolds reminded the jurors that jury service was a civic responsibility.

He explained that Justice Jo-Ann Barlow will not be at the Berbice Assizes until July 6 and, as such, jurors will not be required at such time.

initiative was being funded by the ILO, and, as such, representatives from the Organisation will be present to offer technical support.

These officials include Social Protection and Occupational Safety Specialist Ariel Pino, and Dr Shal Gewurtz, a consultant on occupational safety and health from the body.

Speakers at the forum will include representatives from the Consultative Association of Guyanese Industry Limited; the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC); the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) and the ILO. A number of companies

and organisations within the manufacturing and public sectors are expected to participate in this vital consultation. This activity comes a week after labour unions lashed out at the Social Protection Ministry for its failure to make representation at the ILO’s Annual Conference. The ILO conference is where Governments, employers and workers’ organisations meet to discuss issues that impact the wellbeing of each group. These discussions guide the conceptualisation and development of conventions and programmes, especially as it relates to workers’ rights and safety.

ILO facilitating consultation for drafting Occupational Safety and Health Regulations

T

he Social Protection Ministry, in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation (ILO), will be holding a three-day national consultation with the aim of gaining consensus on the Manufacturing Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Regulation that should be made under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, Chapter 99:10, laws of Guyana.

The consultation will commence on Tuesday and end on Thursday, at the Herdmanston Lodge, 65 Anira Street, Queenstown, Georgetown.

It was revealed that the

Youths to benefit from $100M Sophia facility

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t-risk youths will be given the chance to take advantage of a new learning institution presently under construction in Sophia. This is according to Assistant Director of Youth in the Department of Culture, Youth and Sport of the Education Ministry, Leslyn Boyce.

Boyce highlighted that phase one of the $100 million facility, which had commenced in 2015, was allocated a cost of $15 million.

The second phase has been allocated $25 million and it should begin soon, she noted.

It was pointed out that the facility is being set up in

Assistant Director of Youth at Department of Culture, Youth and Sport of the Education Ministry, Leslyn Boyce

Sophia to allow for greater access to education for those who are more at risk and less fortunate.

The Assistant Director of Youth said the two-sto-

rey centre would develop the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) capacity of youths and would be equipped with revision tools and classroom equipment for four skill areas – catering, plumbing and sheet metal, masonry, and welding and fabrication.

The programmes will last for six months. As a further means of encouraging the youths and making them ready for the job market, the Youth Entrepreneurship Skills Training (YEST) programme has opted to provide a $4000 stipend monthly, along with a hot meal every day, Boyce informed.

17 ROC launches “Combating Sexual Violence” kit NEWS

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

in secondary schools.

“It creates a mechanism whereby conversations can be had on the issue of sexual harassment and sexual violence in indigenous communities,” the ROC said.

Speaking on behalf of the Education Minister, Cheryl Sampson expressed her appreciation for the launching of the training kit and the teachers who opted to participate in promoting the contents of the kit to students and members of the indigenous community. She also noted that alcohol played a major part in the sexual harassment of females.

“Congratulations on producing this kit that these young teachers, when they go back to their communi-

By Ramona Luthi

T

he Rights of Children (ROC) organisation on Monday launched a new “Combating Sexual Violence in Indigenous Communities” kit at the National Library.

The programme was hosted by ROC Coordinator Larry Carryl, in the presence of Education Ministry advisor Cheryl Sampson; senior social worker of the Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Ministry, Pauline Welch, and a group of teachers from the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE).

According to Carryl, ROC is currently focused on the issue of sexual harassment, primarily in secondary schools. He relayed that since the organisation’s establishment in 1998, the “Everyday Ordeals” kit had been created to educate persons on the common misconceptions of rape, and other initiatives have been undertaken to combat racial stigma and violence against women in general.

Carryl highlighted that the current project, “Combating Sexual Violence in Indigenous Communities” was initiated in 2015, with the assistance of the Australian Government through a programme titled, “The Direct Aid”.

In that programme, funding was provided for ROC to engage in a series of visits to

The “Combating Sexual Violence in Indigenous Communities” training kit

hinterland indigenous communities that were negatively affected by mining. Carryl remarked that the sole objective of the project was to investigate and get a direct understanding of the impact miners had on the residents, specifically “school aged” females.

“What we found during the course of the project was that Lethem is not so heavily affected by mining, but there are areas such as Barmita, Port Kaituma, Mahdia and Bartica, which really had adverse effects. So what we did – we went into these com-

munities and we engaged not only the schoolchildren, but also the residents in the community to get a sense of what was wrong. Interviews were held, workshop training programmes for children, all of that was geared to produce this kit,” the ROC Coordinator said.

It was pointed out that the purpose of the kit was to educate and develop responses towards the issue of sexual harassment in indigenous communities, since it contained numerous solutions which can be adopted by persons and shared by teachers

ties, can use to help younger children, because if we do it right at the beginning, I’m sure that they would become more mature adults and they would better understand,” she stated.

Adding to the discussion, Welch, on behalf of the Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Minister, voiced that sexual violence was not only a social issue but a public health problem that may have long and short-term consequences.

She pointed out that large-scale mining was one of the reasons the hinterland region was severely affected by sexual violence, domestic violence, alcohol abuse and suicide.

“With these activities,

all of the employment, all of the skills that are needed to conduct these activities are not adequately supplied by persons living in the hinterlands and so you would have an influx of persons from the coastal region, seeking employment and with them comes a different culture and behaviours. And, of course, a lot of them are men who are away from their family and so this is where the whole issue of sexual violence comes in,” Welch noted.

Teachers of the Training College welcomed the introduction of the “Combating Sexual Violence in Indigenous Communities” training kit and expressed enthusiasm about sharing the knowledge therein.

18

guyana-times.com

wednesday, june 22, 2016

ARCHIE

Keep life simple, and count on your ability in order (March 21- to get things done. Relying on April 19) others will lead to disappointment. A responsible attitude will help you avoid setbacks.

ARIES

Take business seriously TAURUS and leave no room for error.

(April 20- Financial gains look promMay 20) ising if you are thorough.

A partnership will give you greater momentum to achieve the success you desire.

dilbert

Stop dreaming and start GEMINI doing. Take the initiative to (May 21June 20) get your plans off the ground.

Dealing with rules and regulations first will save you time and money later.

With a little shove, you'll CANCER discover a new direction that (June 21- brings out your best qualiJuly 22) ties and skills. You should be proud of your accomplishments, and be sure to celebrate with someone special.

Peanuts

Your ability to bring peoLEO ple together and make deals (July 23happen will put you in a good Aug. 22) position. An interesting encounter with a loved one will lead to a better relationship.

Calvin and Hobbes

Don't wait for someone VIRGO else to make the first move.

(Aug. 23Take advantage of an opSept. 22) portunity before it's too late.

Make plans for the future with confidence and enthusiasm.

A competitive approach LIBRA (Sept. 23- will show you mean business.

Oct. 23) You may come up against negativity, but if you let your intuition lead the way, you'll be hard to beat.

WORD GAME TODAY'S WORD – SLOTHFUL

SUDOKU

Chase an adventure or SAGITTARIUS look for something exciting (Nov. 23- to do. Embrace change, and Dec. 21) don't worry if last-minute alterations are made. Follow your heart and live your dreams.

(SLOTHFUL: SLAWTH-ful: Disinclined to exertion or work.)

Average mark 17 words Time limit 30 minutes Can you find 26 or more words in SLOTHFUL? The list will be published tomorrow.

YESTERDAY'S WORD – ALLUDING algid align anil lading ladling laid lain land languid laud lauding

ling lingual lung ulna unlaid dial dill ding dual dull dung

nail null gain gall gild gill glad gland guan guild gull

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

Copyright 2015, Distributed by Universal Uclick for UFS

Check out what everyone SCORPIO (Oct. 24- around you is doing and adapt Nov. 22) their methods to fit your own needs. Your creative input will make others take notice.

A romantic gesture will be well received.

solution for Last Published Puzzle

Lead the way before someCAPRICORN one else takes charge. A pro(Dec. 22- fessional opportunity will enJan. 19) tice you. Consider all the pros and cons before you make a move. Negotiate on your own behalf.

Hard work, dedication and AQUARIUS a diverse application of your (Jan. 20skills will bring about positive Feb. 19) changes to the way you earn your living. A responsible attitude will win support and unexpected favors.

Sincerity and a firm offer PISCES (Feb. 20- will be appreciated and acMarch 20) cepted. If you take your time and make sure everything is perfect, you'll be respected and admired. Love is on the rise.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2016

19

Ballr Cup Tri-Nation Series...

Smith, Marsh lead Australia into final – Samuels smashes 10th ODI century

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itchell Marsh and Glenn Maxwell provided overdue contributions in the middle order to help Steven Smith guide Australia into the triangular series final with a six-wicket win over the West Indies at Bridgetown in Barbados.

Interim coach Justin Langer had been eager to see how his team responded under the pressure of possible tournament elimination, and Marlon Samuels’ fine hundred in partnership with Denesh Ramdin ensured Australia’s batsmen had little margin for error at Kensington Oval.

However, Smith produced the workmanlike innings of a leader and was able to coax Marsh into one of his best and most complete international innings, albeit on a surface that bore closer resemblance to Australian climes than any other in this series. Maxwell then came in with the game still in the balance - Australia needed 62 off 50 balls - and responded with a starburst of shots that will help his own sense of esteem enormously after a series in which he was dropped for two matches.

Even so, the Australians will still want to improve their fielding and bowling, two areas that were found wanting in the afternoon. On the fastest pitch of the tournament so far, three early wickets to the new ball gave Australia a fine start after Smith sent West Indies in.

However Samuels found a willing ally in Ramdin and the pair put on 192 together,

the best fourth wicket stand in all ODIs between the two teams.

After Samuels went on to his first ODI hundred against Australia, late-innings hitting left the visitors to question their choice of bowling first. The tour selectors again ignored spin, and another indifferent fielding display was emphasised

by Matthew Wade dropping Samuels on 66.

Early on it appeared that the pace in the pitch would be ideal for Aaron Finch and Usman Khawaja to set up Australia’s chase, but both were to be hurried up by deliveries skidding through and out in the teens. Shannon Gabriel, the debutant, generated significant pace from his muscular action, though his impact was offset by the withdrawal of Jason Holder due to injury after two overs.

Smith and George Bailey sought to stabilise the innings, conscious there was little in-form batting beneath them. They did well for a time, but Bailey was uncomfortable against the turn and lift gained by Sulieman Benn - amid a selection of loose balls - and skied a catch with 184 still required.

The Australians elected to send Marsh in ahead of Maxwell, and the gambit paid off richly. Marsh enjoyed the extra pace in the pitch and grew nicely into his innings in Smith’s company, using some of the cross bat shots he had learned at his home ground at the WACA in Perth. With Smith working the ball around sensibly they kept the target in sight,

and were able to generate the odd piece of slipshod West Indian fielding.

In the end, the efforts to stretch the fielders cost Smith his wicket as he was comfortably run out when the target was looming within sight. His exit though served a useful purpose by allowing Maxwell to enter the fray.

Earlier in the tournament he had looked completely at sea on slow Guyana surfaces, but now got past a nervy first few deliveries to accelerate in thrilling style.

Though these closing passages served mainly to change the margin of victory rather than preventing defeat, Maxwell’s fireworks - including one audacious switch-punch six off the spin of Sunil Narine - will make a major difference to his confidence heading into the final and beyond. Marsh, too, will benefit from a fine innings that showed the kind of maturity the selectors have been hoping to see from him for quite some time.

On a fine day in Bridgetown, West Indies replaced Jerome Taylor with Gabriel, while Australia named the same XI chosen for the washed out encounter with South Africa. This meant that the visitors again ignored the spin of Adam Zampa and Nathan Lyon, while the hosts went in with the dual spin of Sunil Narine and Sulieman Benn.

Starc had missed the previous encounter with the West Indies, and he immediately found pace and bounce to his liking. It was too much for Johnson Charles, who

Plunkett hits last ball for six to tie game L

iam Plunkett smashed the final ball of the match for six as England tied a remarkable first one-day international against Sri Lanka at Trent Bridge.

Chasing 287, Jos Buttler’s 93 and Chris Woakes’s unbeaten 95 helped the hosts recover from 30-4 and 82-6.

Their innings looked to have been in vain until number 10 Plunkett launched Nuwan Pradeep’s last ball down the ground and into the stand.

Angelo Mathews scored 73 and Seekkuge Prasanna

Liam Plunkett’s last-ball six at Trent Bridge salvaged a dramatic tie for England against Sri Lanka in the 1st ODI of the five-match series

59 in Sri Lanka’s 286-9.

The tourists remain without a victory against England on this tour, having lost the three-Test series

2-0.

The next match of this five-game ODI series is at Edgbaston on Friday. (BBC Sport)

Marlon Samuels celebrates reaching his first ODI century against Australia which is his 10th overall

edged a fast, full delivery in the very first over, and Andre Fletcher fared little better as he groped at a succession of balls whirring across him.

Hazlewood also generated plenty of lift, and it was with one such delivery that ended a promising Darren Bravo innings as Smith held a onehanded as he dived from a wide first slip. Fletcher was being battered verbally as well as technically by Starc, and it wasn’t long before he was taken off the shoulder of the bat at backward point.

Three wickets down with the ball still new, West Indies were in a most precarious position when Ramdin joined Samuels. Initially their response was obstinate defence, absorbing the bounce and speed of Starc and Hazlewood, then the early forays of James Faulkner, Scott Boland and Mitchell Marsh.

Nearly seven overs passed without a boundary, and it was 64 for 3 in the 20th over when Samuels decided Boland and Marsh had to go. In the space of two overs he clattered 27 runs from the support seamers, tilting momentum back towards the west Indies for the first time all innings.

Batting conditions had eased considerably, and Smith had no quality spin bowling option to change things up. He resorted to the part-timers of Aaron Finch before trying Maxwell, and neither man could procure a wicket. Samuels and Ramdin carried on with increasing authority, setting up the ideal platform for West Indies’ brute force further down the order.

Ultimately Ramdin would fall short of a centu-

ry, bowled having a swing at Starc, but critically Smith had been forced to use up his striker bowler’s overs well before the end of the in-

nings. Pollard arrived in ideal circumstances, but after a Maxwell attempt to catch him off Hazlewood became six when the fielder’s foot slipped onto the midwicket rope, he was unable to repeat the trick against Boland.

Australian frustration at the match situation was borne out in numerous verbal stoushes with Pollard and Samuels in particular - on the fringe of elimination, it was the most animated they had been all tournament.

The niggle was evidence of a team trying to assert themselves, but also of the heightened stakes in the match.

Smith, Marsh and Maxwell would rise suitably to the occasion. West Indies are left needing to beat South Africa to qualify for the decider. (ESPN

Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD West Indies innings (50 overs maximum) J Charlesc Smith b Starc0 ADS Fletcherc Marsh b St arc 9 DM Bravoc Smith b Hazlewood 15 MN Samuelsc Marsh b Faulkner1 25 D Ramdin†b Starc 91 KA Pollardc Marsh b Boland 20 CR Brathwaiteb Boland 7 JO Holder*c Marsh b Fa ulkner 1 SP Narinenot out 1 Extras: (lb-4, w-9)13 Total: (8 wickets; 50 ove rs) 282 Did not batSJ Benn, ST Gabriel Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Charles, 0.4 ov), 2-29 (Bravo, 7.2 ov), 3-31 (Fletcher, 8.1 ov), 4-223 (Ramdin, 42.4 ov), 5-247 (Pollard, 46.3 ov), 6-269 (Brathwaite, 48.4 ov), 7-274 (Holder, 49.1 ov), 8-282 (Samuels, 49.6 ov) Bowling: MA Starc 10-1-51-3 (w-3), JR Hazlewood 10-3-40-1, JP

Faulkner 10-0-56-2, SM Boland 10-0-69-2 (w-3), MR Marsh 5-0-36-0 (w1), AJ Finch 3-0-16-0, GJ Maxwell 2-0-10-0 (w-2) Australia innings (target: 283 runs from 50 overs) UT Khawajac †Ramdin b Gabriel 17 AJ Finchc Samuels b Brathwaite 16 SPD Smith*run out (Bravo/Benn) 78 GJ Baileyc Pollard b Ben n 34 MR Marshnot out 79 GJ Maxwellnot out46 Extras: (b-3, lb-4, w-6)13 Total:(4 wickets; 48.4 ov ers) 283 Did not batMS Wade†, JP Faulkner, MA Starc, JR Hazlewood, SM Boland Fall of wickets: 1-35 (Finch, 4.3 ov), 2-35 (Khawaja, 5.1 ov), 3-99 (Bailey, 18.3 ov), 4-221 (Smith, 4 1.4 ov) Bowling: JO Holder 2-020-0, ST Gabriel 9-1-431, CR Brathwaite 9-0-621, SJ Benn 10-0-47-1, SP Narine 10-0-49-0 (w-3), KA Pollard 5.4-0-42-0 (w3), ADS Fletcher 3-0-13-0

20

guyana-times.com

wednesDAY, june 22, 2016

National Track & Field facility gets Herdmanston Lodge to thumbs up from overseas athletes host Insurance Brokers

By Rene Stoby

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he recently concluded inaugural Aliann Pompey Invitational was deemed a success and one of the reasons for this can be attributed to the support of the fans who mostly journeyed to the event all the way from the city to the National Track & Field Facility, located at Leonora on the West Coast of Demerara.

The facility sits on acres of space between the West Coast Demerara Public Road and the Atlantic Ocean. Initially exposed to the full brunt of the ocean breeze, the facility has welcomed the addition of a new north stand which now directly serves as a wind breaker and ensures that sprints are not affected by the wind. Wind assistance is the benefit an athlete receives in a race and if a tail wind ex-

Aliann Pompey

the Women’s 100m and also won the 200m described the track as “really good”.

After winning his 200m, Guyana’s Olympic qualifier in the 400m Winston George spoke to the media and said, “The track is great and it feels good and having the home crowd here also feels good.”

Aliyah Abrams who is set to represent the land of many

today the crowd was amazing the track is amazing…the competition was good.”

United States sprinter Phil DeRosier, victorious in the 100m dash was also in full praises for the facility, “Incredible atmosphere, these are some beautiful people, the track is very nice, this can turn out to be a really world class meet…I’m very impressed with the track, I think it has a little push in it and I’m glad I came.”

Organizer of the meet, four times Olympian Aliann Pompey who also spoke to the media after the meet, was in full agreement that it met its objectives, “I think it did achieve its objective which is to prove that we have everything and this is small as it should be.” She went on to say, “after this it can’t be that small, there’s a lot of room for improvement and I think to-

Scrabble tournament

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nsurance Brokers Guyana Limited is giving word formers and opportunity to showcase their skill this Saturday in a highly anticipated scrabble tournament.

The event which is slated to get underway from 10:15 Hrs on the second flat of Herdmanston Lodge is expected to be a very competitive event featuring some of Guyana’s top and emerging word formers.

According to Guyana Association of Scrabble Players (GASP) guidelines registration will begin at 9:30 Hrs and members with boards and clocks are kindly asked to please walk with them. After the start of the first round, a player who is on the way has 15 minutes to get to his table.

If this time elapses, that player has to miss the first round. If a player is not registered before the start of the second round, he cannot enter the competition.

Participants are asked to please be early enough to register, pay, set up boards, and choose tiles for your

GASP in a practice session at Herdmanston Lodge

first pairing.

The entrance fee stands at $700 per person. However, players arriving at the venue before 9:45 benefit from a $200 discount.

There will be six games played, with a break for lunch after the first three games.

The first three finishers as well as the player making the most bingos will receive trophies compliments of Insurance Brokers Guyana Ltd. There will also be a fifth trophy for the person who makes the highest sin-

gle-play score.

Newbies are welcome to come and observe how competitive Scrabble is played.

Additionally, GASP meet on Thursdays at the new home of scrabble, Herdmanston Lodge. From 17:00 Hrs, the players practice their skills and exchange ideas to improve their overall game.

For more information on how to get started in Scrabble or to be part of the competition this Saturday persons may send e-mail to jameskrakowsky@gmail. com

GBTI Independence Golden Jubilee Open...

The North Stand which directly acts as a windbreaker for the homestretch of the track

ceeds 2 metres per second or 3.9 knots the result cannot be registered as a record at any level.

The tail wind recorded for the sprints at the AP Invitational fluctuated between 1.1 to 2.6 knots Guyanese Olympic qualifier in the 100 and 200m Brenessa Thompson who broke the National record in

waters in the women’s 400m at the upcoming Rio Games described the atmosphere last Saturday, “this is very lovely, it is very free and positive and the crowd and the facility was great and it was fun to be a part of this.”

Overseas Guyanese Kadecia Baird who won the 400m spoke positively of her experience at the meet, “It was great

day showed primarily to the people that are making the important decisions that we can do it and do it big” The Aliann Pompey Invitational is set to be an annual one and more events similar in this nature is needed to boost our local athletes as the lack of competitive events is surely not helping as was evident last Saturday.

Den Amstel hammer Jetty Gunners Stag Beer League

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en Amstel and Eagle Football Clubs recorded victories in the West Demerara Football Association (WDFA) Stag Beer senior league matches on Sunday.

Played at the Den Amstel Community Centre ground, Eagles got past Stewartville 2-1 while Den Amstel hammered Jetty Gunners 5-2.

Eagles registered an exciting come from behind victory as Orlanzo Henry scored a brace in the 57th and 75th minutes. Horace Caines 31’ was Stewartville’s lone scorer.

Akimbo Henry 38’ and 45’ and Gavin Graham 59’ 61’ registered doubles along with a strike from Paul Miggins for Den Amstel in an easy win. Leonard Wilson 14’ and 87’ was Gunners only scorer.

The action will continue this weekend with Eagles taking on Vegae Boyz while Stewartville play Uitvlugt on Saturday.

Downes, Panday crowned Men’s Doubles champions

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ew combination of Anthony Downes and Harry Panday on Monday put in an excellent performance to be crowned the Men’s Open Doubles champion of the Guana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) Jubilee tournament.

Played at the GBTI Recreational Facility at Bel Air, the newly form duo turn in a sterling performance over Leyland Leacock and Nicholas Fenty to win in two sets 6/1 7/5.

Starting as favourite, the duo of Downes and Panday won the toss and opt to serve, taking a 1-0 lead.

It was Leacock’s turn to serve at 0-1 and he and Fenty managed to attain a 40-0 lead in the game, but Downes/Panday shocked the pair by bringing the game to deuce and broke their serve to secure the break in set at 2-0. The eventual

champs again frustrated the Leacock/Fenty pair by holding service after being at a 0-40 deficit, dominating the set at 3-0.

The match saw Leyland/ Fenty rose to secure their first game of the set after facing two grueling deuce points. However, it was their only point for that set as Downes/Panday again held serve as their rivals pushed them to a triple deuce game to lead at 4-1. The set soon ended at 6-1.

The second set was no walk over as the pair of Leyland/ Fenty fought hard to force a third set, but unfortunately this was not to be.

Leacock/Fenty won the first point in the second set improved in the second set, by making a defining statement after leading at 40-0.

Downes/Panday held serve to even games at 1-1 due to two back to back aces on their rivals. The break in

set was earned by Leacock/ Fenty as they held serve at 2-1. Afterwards, Downes/ Panday fought to once again even the score at 2-2 by holding serve. As the match intensified, Fenty served for his team and came awfully close to losing his service at 15-40, but the pair’s tactics worked in their favor by bringing the game to deuce and ultimately holding serve.

The game was soon tied at 3-3 as both pairs fought tireless to move ahead, but Leacock/Fenty reclaimed the lead at 4-3 after coming treading dangerously close to a deuce point at 3040. At 4-3, Downes/Panday service was broken, increasing Leacock/Fenty’s lead to 5-3. However, that was to be Leycock and Fenty’s final point of the match as Downes/ Panday won three successive points to win the title.

Real Madrid have re-signed Juventus striker Alvaro Morata, exercising their buy-back clause Den Amstel’s double goal scorers Gavin Graham and Akimbo Henry

On Sunday, Jetty Gunners come up against Beavers and Pouderoyen face off with Golden Warriors.

Meanwhile, two matches in the Namilco/Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Thunderbolt Under-17 are

scheduled for the weekend; on Saturday Slingerz plays Beavers while Den Amstel clash with Wales United on Sunday.

All matches will be played at the Den Amstel Community Centre ground.

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orata, 23, who is playing for Spain at Euro 2016, joined Juventus in 2014, after four seasons with Real.

The terms of his move to Italy included an option for Real to buy him back, with the fee reported to be up to 30m euros (£23m).

Morata, previously reported to be a target for Arsenal

and Chelsea, has scored twice for Spain in France.

He scored 27 goals in two years for Juventus, winning two Series A titles and two Coppa Italias.

Morata played in back-toback Champions League finals, having appeared as a substitute in Real's 2014 win and scoring in Juventus' 3-1 defeat by Barcelona in

2015.

The 6ft 3in striker came through the ranks at Real, making his first team debut at 18, and scored 10 goals for the La Liga side.

Morata, who has 11 caps, scored twice during Spain's 3-0 Euro 2016 win against Turkey on Friday as they reached the last 16. (BBC.COM)

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sports CPL launches Official Tournament App to engage growing global audience

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he Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) are delighted to launch its official App in time for the start of the fourth instalment of the biggest party in sport, which will take place between 29 June – 7 August across the Caribbean and Florida.

The CPL App, which is available to download now across all IOS and Android devices, includes a host of new and exciting features to keep the millions of fans across the world engaged and informed.

The CPL App will include all of the latest news and information from across all of the competing teams – Barbados Tridents, Guyana Amazon Warriors, Jamaica Tallawahs, St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots, St. Lucia Zouks and Trinbago Knight Riders.

As the excitement builds, fans will have the opportunity to access exclusive Video footage and Highlights, as well as Fixtures, Results, a live Match Centre, Tickets,

The CPL App is available to download on all IOS and Android devices

Tournament statistics, Player and Team profiles as well as social Hub updates across Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

CPL COO Pete Russell commented: “We are delighted to launch the Official CPL App which will keep fans engaged and informed in the build-up to, and during, the CPL this summer. I know that fans of CPL across the Caribbean and beyond will enjoy the various fixtures, while

fans will also be able to purchase tickets across the seven territories, which of course includes the Central Broward Stadium in Lauderhill for the first time. So whether you’re at the matches, or watching from work, home or on the move, there’s no reason not to keep up with all the latest goings on in the CPL.” Tickets for CPL fixtures in the Caribbean and Fort Lauderdale are on sale now from www.cplt20.com

WICB Regional Girls’ Under-19 Invitational Twenty20 Championships

Guyana open against Barbados

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National Female U-19 team before their departure

he national female under-19 team yesterday departed to the twin island republic of Trinidad and Tobago to compete in the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Regional Under-19 Invitational Women’s Twenty20 Tournament which runs from July 22 to 25.

The team which was mainly selected from several Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) programmes as well as a six day training camp which ended Saturday last will face Barbados today at the National Cricket Centre in Couva.

Speaking to this publication via social media yesterday after his team landed in Trinidad, coach Julian Moore said his side has a good chance at winning but will have to execute in order to achieved that goal.

Guyana team is sponsored by Top Brandz Distributors and before their departure, Chief Executive Officer of Top Brandz Distributors, Wayne James, met with the girls to wish them success on the tour. He stated that he is privileged to be associated with the development of cricket, noting that development starts with the youths.

Territorial Development Officer of GCB, Colin Stuart, also spoke to the team. He

congratulated the girls on making the national squad, and reminded them that others would have loved to be in their shoes. He thanked them for their eagerness, keenness and willingness to learn and to grow during the encampment period, and indicated to them about the importance of performing when it matters.

Stuart stated, that the benefits of all the discipline and hard demonstrated prior to the regional tournament, will all come down to how you each play as individuals and as a part of the unit – the team, in every match. He further stated that how well you play on that given day, is what will matter most. As such, I will like to implore to give of your best as an individual and as a team in every match. Your best is what is required, and the GCB asked for nothing more than such, since we are convince that performing at your best will bring us regional success.

Stuart also specified that there are other incentives to performing well, such as gaining a structured career path in cricket. He stated that the professionalism of women cricket is growing, and that performing at high standards is likely to promote the women game and catapult it to a similar lucra-

tive level as male cricketer.

Prior to their departure, Secretary of the GCB, Anand Sanasie, visited the ladies during their practice sessions at GCC ground in Bourda and was highly impressed with their eagerness to compete. He wished them an injury free tournament and urged them to be professionals and represent their country well. He noted that this exposure would definitely boost their cricket development.

Six of the players selected have exposure at this level and are expected to use their experience to the team’s advantage. Those players are; captain Mandy Mangru, vice captain Plaffiana Millington, Amanda Persaud, Shabika Gajnabi, Deborah Vanderstoop and Sheneta Grimmond.

The full Guyana squad reads: Mandy Mangru (captain), Plaffiana Millington (vice-captain), Deborah Vanderstoop, ShenetaGrimmond, Amanda Persaud, ShabikaGajnabi, Kaysia Shultz, LafonaGilgeous, AleemaArokium (wicket-keeper), Marian Samaroo,YogeetaBalkishun, Tasleema Bacchus, Russhanna Lynch, and Dian Prahalad. The Manager is DevikaGobin and the Coach is Julian Moore.

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GUYANA-TIMES.COM

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2016

Darren Sammy gearing up for most competitive CPL to date...

Sammy hopes big crowds in Fort Lauderdale will “lift barriers” in USA W

est Indies ICC World T20 winning captain Darren Sammy believes that the HERO Caribbean Premier League (CPL) is shaping to be the strongest tournament ever.

In an exclusive interview with CPLT20, the St Lucia born all-rounder predicts that the success of the West Indies in lifting the ICC World T20, the arrival of world-class players of the calibre of AB de Villiers, Brendon McCullum and Shane Watson and the emerging talent across the Caribbean can elevate CPL to new levels across the Caribbean and in Fort Lauderdale this summer.

“The CPL is the biggest party in sport”, the 32-yearold said. “It’s not like any other tournament and when it comes to entertainment, there’s nothing like it. I have been lucky to have been a part of it for the last three years since its inception and CPL is renowned for its carnival atmosphere.

“But when you look across the squads and the recruitment across the board - with players like AB (de Villiers), Shakib (Al Hasan) and Brendon

(McCullum) joining up this year – you know that it’s becoming a tournament that the top world players want to be a part of.”

Sammy, who led the West Indies to its second ICC World T20 title in India last month, hopes that the performances in recent weeks can inspire a new generation of players.

“It has been amazing to travel around the various islands over the past few weeks and see the joy on the kids’ faces. We always talk in the dressing-room about creating a new legacy for West Indies cricket and if a child dreams of becoming the next (Kieron) Pollard, (Dwayne) Bravo, (Chris) Gayle or (Andre) Russell, then we know that we’ll be on the right track. There’s a whole new level of interest locally which is great news.

“I got a phone call from an old school-friend of mine who said her son always dreamed of becoming a doctor, like his father. But since the West Indies team won (in India), he now wants to be a professional cricketer. Thousands of children across the Caribbean will now dream again about playing for the West Indies,

like the older generations did in the past.

“It is a huge step in the right direction. If the CPL can continue to add to the excitement, and inspiring youngsters, then we know we’re going to be on to a winning formula.”

On the Zouks’ preparations for the forthcoming campaign, Sammy believes that the St Lucia based side can advance to the play-offs and will be aiming to clinch the title for the first time.

“I’m really pleased with the quality of players we have at the Zouks this year. We will have Johnson Charles and Fletch (Andre Fletcher) coming in at the top of the order. ‘Mr. Cricket’ Mike Hussey will add in a lot of international experience coming off winning the Big Bash last year, David Miller has been a strong performer for South Africa and in the all-round stakes Shane Watson has been in outstanding form of late.

“On the bowling front we are excited to have Morne Morkel and Fidel Edwards will add to our depth alongside some exciting local talent in Gidron Pope and Keddy Lesporis. I’m excit-

Matthews to feature in WICB U-19 Championships

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orld female T20 champion Hayley Matthews who plays for Barbados will headline the list of players taking part in the Regional Girls’ Under-19 Invitational Twenty20 Tournament, today in Trinidad and Tobago.

The 18-year-old West Indies Women’s opener was the Player-of-the-Match in the Final of the ICC Women’s World Twenty20 Tournament last April in India, where Stafanie Taylor’s side prevailed over Australia Women to clinch their first global title.

Matthews will captain the Barbados Girls’ Under-19 team that will be defending the title which they won in the previous edition of the Tournament two years ago.

SCHEDULE OF MATCHES

Wednesday, June 22 Round 1; Trinidad & Tobago vs Windwards Islands – Gilbert Park (9:30 am start) and Barbados vs Guyana – National Cricket Centre (9:30 am), Round 2; Barbados vs Windward Islands – National Cricket Centre (2:30 pm) Trinidad & Tobago vs Guyana – Gilbert Park (2:30 pm) Friday, June 24, Round 3; Trinidad & Tobago vs Barbados – National Cricket Centre (9:30 am), Windward Islands vs Guyana – Gilbert Park (9:30 am), Semi-finals First vs Fourth – Gilbert Park (2:30 pm), Second vs Third – National Cricket Centre (2:30 pm) Saturday, June 25,Grand Final; Winner Semi-final 1 vs Winner Semi-final 2 – National Cricket Centre (9:30 am); Consolation Final; Loser Semi-final 1 vs Loser Semifinal 2 – Gilbert Park (9:30 am).

The Barbadians will face competition from Guyana, Windward Islands and hosts

SQUADS BARBADOS: HayleyMatthew(captain), Aaliyah Alley ne, Isobella Burnham, Chante Carrington, Shai Carringt on, DashawnaCurrency, Haniesha Hoyte, Felicia Jarvis, Nikita Jones, Kennedy King, Jade Kirton, Daisha Murphy, Alisa Scantlebury, AaliyahWilliams GUYANA: Mandy Mangru (captain), Aleema Arokiu m, Tasleema Bacchus, Yogeeta Balkishun, Shabika Gajn abi, LafonaGilgeous, Sheneta Grimmond, Russhanna Ly nch, Amanda Persaud, Dian Prahalad, Plaffiana Millingt on, Marian Samaroo, KaysiaShultz, Deborah Vanderstoop TRINIDAD & TOBAGO: Reniece Boyce (captain), Sh ania Abdool, Kajol Dalgir, Renelle Dookie, Reanna Farro w, ArielGajadhar, Lashelle Hamilton, Mikaela Jodhan, A l ia Joseph, Anna Marie Perriera, Leandra Ramdeen, Sa mantha Ramgolam, Kamara Rogoobar, Patrina Walcott WINDWARD ISLANDS: Nerrisa Crafton (captain), Akita Alexander, Allyah Alfred, Samantha Cain, Holly Charles, SheneziaDaniel, Taylor Dickson, Kimone Homer, Crystal John, Jephenia Joseph, Qiana Joseph, Ronnette Sanford, Theresa Thomas, Cassie Williams

Trinidad & Tobago. Barbados will open their campaign today at Couva against Guyana.

Jamaica and Leeward Islands have indicated that they do not have Under-19 girls’ teams at present, but are actively developing squads in a bid to participate next year.

Three other players to watch are: Reniece Boyce of T&T, along with 15-year-olds Holly Charles and Qiana Joseph of Windwards. They were involved in a WICB Emerging Players camp last week in Barbados.

The Tournament, which is staged by the T&T Cricket Board, was made a part of the WICB official calendar earlier this year and is part sponsored by the regional governing body.

ed. After missing out to the (Jamaica) Tallawahs narrowly on net run rate last year, I think this could be the year when we reach the play-offs. And after that, who knows?”

Sammy is also excited about the opportunities that will see CPL make its inaugural foray into the mainland of USA when the Central Broward Stadium in Fort Lauderdale welcomes all six teams from 2831 July.

“Prior to the 2012 ICC WT20 trophy, the West Indies played New Zealand

twice in Fort Lauderdale and it was a brilliant experience at the time. There are lots of people of Caribbean descent who have never had the opportunity to see their team play, so it’s great that all six teams will be playing this year.

“It will be a huge honour to lead out the Zouks in the USA because there’s a massive Caribbean community around there. I know there has been huge interest in tickets already and will be a chance for people to experience the carnival atmosphere live.

“Hopefully we’ll have bumper crowds there for our back-to-back games when we battle against the Tallawahs. I think what CPL is doing, by bringing professional cricket to the USA, can help lift barriers and extend the carnival from the Caribbean.”

You can watch the leading up-and-coming and international talent this summer at #CPL16 across the Caribbean and in Florida, which takes place from 29 June – 7 August, by purchasing tickets from www. cplt20.com

Digicel Schools Football Championships 2016

Orealla beat Siparuta 4-0

By Andrew Caremichael

O

realla maintained their dominance over Siparuta in the Digicel National Annual Schools Knockout Football tournament on Sunday with a 4-nil victory at the Orealla Savannah Oval as action in zone six on the competition continued.

between the uprights.

The goal seemed to have alerted Siparuta, as their defense which was led by number Sylvester James became more alert and gave France and Edwards a difficult time. Combined with the expert goalkeeping by umber one, Siparuta were able to keep the score unchanged despite some excel-

In the first half, Orealla’s goalkeeper Delon Lowe had no work to do.

On the resumption, Siparuta being assisted with the wind got their act together after James made an excellent save for them, and tested Lowe six times before James was called on again.

However, after twenty minutes of dominance, Orealla

Orealla found the back of the net in their 4-nil drubbing of Siparuta at the Orealla Savannah Oval

Led by a double by Cameron Edwards, Orealla almost dominated the entire game to ensure that Siparuta were sent packing for their third year in the competition in the first round. Edwards registered his first goal in the 7th minute when he received a pass from number Donell France and dribbled past the defense and sent a shot flying

lent plays by number France and Edwards until the 32nd minute when Andrea France made a beautiful pass inside the 18-yard box across the goal and his brother Donell sent the shot to the far side of a sprawling Donnie James between the uprights.

Five minutes later, Miguel Devair scored off the penalty spot to give Orealla a 3-0 half-time lead.

were back on the attack and a combination of France and Edwards got pass the solid defense which Siparuta had created in the 85th minute allowing Edwards to register his second goal.

Orealla will now meet the winner of next Monday’s game between New Amsterdam Multilateral School and Lower Corentyne at the Burnham Park.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2016

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

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