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Issue No. 3131

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Tuesday, February 21, 2017

PRICE

Mayor moves to have city businesses closed by 16:30h

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Venezuela now poorest country in Western P15 Hemisphere Fire guts DJ Magnum’s P7 home

… arson suspected

… going by obsolete law – Labour Dept Page … accused of being anti-business 3

Woman ‘falls’ to death during drinking spree

Man stoned to death at Lethem Page 2

Estates closure

PPP fearful of massive unrest

… husband in Police custody P10

Timehri Prison set to undergo massive P11 renovation Red House fiasco

AG seeks strike out P7 proceedings

... urges Govt to carry out impact assessments … cane cutters call for President’s intervention

AFC Councillor, father, neighbour 9 charged for Page vigilante killing

… Nandlall accuses him of pressuring Judiciary

Pages 9&12

Parking meter challenge

Bulkan, King no-show in 9 court Page

GGMC to P12 crack down on mining along river banks

2 news

tuesDAY, february 21, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Man stoned to AFC Councillor calls for road maintenance in Region 2 death at Lethem

S

everal persons were detained following the stoning to death of a man at Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo) in the wee hours of Sunday morning.

Dead is 21-year-old Lee Antone, formerly of Kaicumby Village, Region Nine and of Bonfim, Brazil.

Reports are the now dead man and his brother were at a drinking spot in Lethem and after sometime they left for their home in Bonfim.

However, as they were heading towards to the Takatu Bridge, the duo was attacked by several men who threw pieces of stones at them.

The now dead man reportedly sustained severe injuries to his face

and started to bleed profusely. It is believed that he might have bled to death since his brother who was highly intoxicated was unable to get him to the hospital on time.

The two men were picked up by passersby and taken to the Lethem Hospital where Antone was pronounced dead on arrival and his injured brother was admitted.

Commander of F Division (Interior locations), Rabindranauth Budram, told Guyana Times several persons were questioned for the incident as Police continue their investigations.

He noted that once the suspects are identified, the Police will institute charges.

G

o v e r n m e n t Councillor Naithram is calling on the Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) administration to fix the countless potholes along the main public road in Region Two rather than depending on the Ministry of Public Infrastructure to act.

Naithram, who was at the time speaking at the region’s monthly statutory Regional Democratic Council (RDC) meeting last Monday, pointed to the situation which he said, is worsening daily.

“I am of the view that these holes can be fixed by the regional administration’s roads department.

Why wait till it get worst and then more money will be spending” the Councillor said.

He said too that drivers and commuters traversing the roads are complaining and there have been no improvements to date.

Government Councillor Naithram

Naithram also highlighted the deplorable conditions of the roads in the Charity Housing Scheme and other such schemes within the region.

In response, Head of the Region Two RDC, Devanand Ramdatt, explained that several emails were sent to the subject Minister, David Patterson, highlighting the issue. Ramdatt added that in August 2016, an email was written to Minister

The condition of one of the roads in need of repairs

Patterson for the upgrading of the Onderneeming access road and several other roads and to date, no positive response has been forthcoming. He reminded that residents on the Essequibo Coast have also recently protested over the deplorable road conditions.

During interviews conducted by Guyana Times,

many concerned residents from various villages called for the upgrading of their streets and access roads. Several streets in the communities of Golden Fleece, Johanna Cecila, Anna Regina, Perseverance, Lima, Charity, Suddie, Riverstown, and Zorg are in urgent need of maintenance.

Mentorship programme to be launched soon

Director of Youth, Melissa Carmichael

T

he Education Ministry, Department of Youth’s Mentorship programme is set to be rolled-out in March 2017, with its target being students in Georgetown.

The programme aims to address the social ills and challenges that the students face, according to Director of Youth, Melissa Carmichael.

Carmichael told the Government Information Agency (GINA), in a recent interview that the available mentors will be deployed to most of the schools in Georgetown.

Carmichael added that the Youth Department “would have made connection with the Sport Commission and the Director of Culture to recruit persons who are specialists in sport using their database, as well as the persons who are skilled and qualified in the arts areas to come on board as mentors.”

The mentors will be giv-

en a curriculum for the students to follow, which caters for career development, career guidance and social challenges that they face on a daily basis, Carmichael explained. She noted that the Ministry’s peer educators will also join the mentorship programme to assist with those recruited for the programme.

The Youth Director highlighted that the assigned peer educators will focus mainly on educating the students about sexuality, teenage pregnancy and the other social issues that they face.

“We don’t want the programme in the school system to be too excessive, so we want our mentors to multitask while the peer educators will speak to the students about the social ills and challenges they face, Carmichael added. The mentorship programme will aid the Education Ministry, Department of Culture, Youth and Sport in addressing the issues which the students face in the school system. This programme is part of the broader vision in the Ministry’s goal to provide a brighter future for the nation’s youths.

There is also another mentorship programme undertaken by the Office of the Presidential Advisor on Youth Empowerment which helps mentor and counsel youths across Guyana.

The programme aims to train over 25 trainee Social Workers who will work with youth organisations and youths.

news

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tuesDAY, february 21, 2017| guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Tuesday, February 21 – a night retraction at 01:00h and a day retraction at 14:00h-15:30h and Wednesday, February 22 – a night retraction at 02:00h and a day retraction at 14:30h-16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Tuesday, February 21 – 12:50h-14:20h and Wednesday, February 22 – 13:45h-15:15h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Heavy rain showers with sunny intervals can be expected throughout the day, while light cloudy skies can be expected in the evening.

Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to East South-easterly and East Northeasterly between 2.23 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tides: 00:09h and 12:37h reaching maximum heights of 2.07 metres and 2.15 metres respectively.

Low Tides: 06:04h and 18:47h reaching minimum heights of 1.16 metres and 1.03 metres respectively.

Mayor moves to have city businesses closed by 16:30h … going by obsolete law – Labour Dept … accused of being anti-business

BY DEVINA SAMAROO

I

n an announcement that sent shockwaves through the city, Georgetown Mayor Patricia Chase Green declared that city businesses have been operating beyond hours prescribed by the law and the practice must be immediately stopped.

However, the Shops Consolidation (Amendment) Act 2009 states otherwise.

Chase Green told a public meeting on Friday that businesses are forbidden from opening on public holidays, on Sundays and beyond 16:30h (4:30pm) daily; warning that efforts will be made to ensure law and order is restored.

the law is clear.

“They (businesses) open at 07:30h and at seven in the night (19:00h), they are still opened while the law says it’s from 7:00am to 4:30pm (16:30h), and Saturdays are supposed to be half day and there are supposed to be no openings on Sundays; but they are in violation and nobody is saying anything about it,” she argued.

Chase Green said the concerns were brought to her attention by concerned citizens and therefore she decided to take action to put an end to the violation.

The Mayor said she will be writing to the Labour Department about the violation and that it will be up to those in charge to take the

Mayor Patricia Chase Green

Chief Labour Officer, Charles Ogle

Chase Green posited, “It is the Ministry’s responsibility, not mine. I am responsible for the market and I make sure that the mar-

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2017

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The Shops Consolidation Act (Amendment) 2009

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

The announcement startled many business operators in Georgetown, some of whom contended that any such move will only further cripple the economy.

One business owner argued that the policy is anti-business and does not cater for working-class persons who usually do their shopping after working hours.

During an interview with Guyana Times on Monday, the Mayor maintained her position, emphasising that

necessary actions to correct the breach.

“What you have existing right now is that majority of businesses open after 12 on Saturdays until four or five in the afternoons or until seven in the night. And on Sundays they are also open and on public holidays; and they are in violation… So it is left for them (Labour Ministry) to take that information and do what is necessary,” she stressed.

ket is opened and closed on time.”

However, the Chief

Labour Officer (CLO) Charles Ogle said the Mayor is erroneous in her claims.

He pointed to the Shops Consolidation (Amendment) Act 2009 which extends the operating hours for regular shops from 07:30h to 22:00h; restaurants and cook shops for 24 hours per day; and parlour, barber and hairdresser establishments from 06:00h to midnight every day.

Ogle presumed that the Mayor is referring to the old Act, which indeed stipulated an early closure time for businesses.

Moreover, he posited that it is the responsibility of the Police Commissioner and not the Labour Department to ensure that the businesses are operating in accordance with the law. He posited that the Mayor may have blundered once again in this regard.

The Shops Act stipulates that “it shall be the duty of the Commissioner of Police to enforce or cause to be enforced the provisions of this Act relating to the hours of opening and closing of shops and prohibited sales.”

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guyanatimesgy.com

tuesday, February 21, 2017

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

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

Suicide prevention: strategies that work

O

ver the weekend, the public was privy to a startling piece of information concerning a very sensitive topic – suicide.

It was reported that over a period of two years, some 56 persons from Essequibo committed suicide. This is according to statistics from the Suddie Public Hospital statistical department in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam). Sadly, immediately following the release of these statistics, another young person from that very area, barely a teenager, tragically ended her life, becoming the country’s latest suicide victim.

Further analysis of the figures emanating from Essequibo show that suicide claimed 27 lives in 2015, and 29 in 2016, with 143 attempted cases in 2015 and 130 attempted cases in 2016.

Hospital records also indicated that the most prevalent method used was the consumption of poisonous substances and that most cases were as a result of domestic and/or abusive relationships.

These glaring numbers, according to experts, point to the need for more mental health workshops, counselling centres and the active involvement of the Private Sector in curbing the worrying issue of suicide in this particular area.

However, as the public is well aware, the issue has affected other areas in other regions across Guyana. And while there has been support in the past from religious organisations, Government agencies and non-governmental organistions (NGO), there has been no tangible proof that these intervention methods have been successful or have made much of an impact. In fact, officials believe that even counselling has proven ineffective, to some extent, in slowing the rate of suicide. This dire situation has prompted the call for an in-depth analysis of suicide and intensified guidance, along with community and family support.

It is no secret that Guyana has an unusually high rate of suicide, in fact, according to the World Health Organisation, the country’s suicide rate stood at 44.2 deaths per 100,000 in 2014.

This rate, according to the WHO, is way above the global average of 11.4 per 100,000 and the average rate in Latin America and the Caribbean of 6.1 deaths per 100,000.

In 2009, the Health Ministry in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) hosted a two-day workshop on the “Prevention and Control of Suicide Behaviour” in Georgetown. It included individuals from Trinidad, Guyana and Suriname that were working on the problem in their countries, which had similar demographics. The then Health Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy pointed out that even though suicide was accepted as an urgent public health issue in the mental health area, there was no significant budgetary support both domestically and from the international agencies such as PAHO. He pointed out in the past, there had been “a string of workshops” and the time had come for less talk and more action towards a solution.

After his prompting, for the first time, a programme that involved the community – the “Gatekeepers Programme” – was launched. The Gatekeepers Programme broadened the suicide prevention effort beyond the counselling centres which presumed the potential victim would reach out and seek help. Individuals in the community were to be trained by qualified Health Ministry personnel as “gatekeepers” who could recognise signs of individuals contemplating ending their lives. The “Gatekeepers” would be known in the community. As was highlighted in a previous editorial on this issue, studies have shown that once potential suicide victims have been dissuaded from the act, most of them do not attempt to repeat it. The “secret” of dealing with suicidal behaviour then, is to have the institutional capacity to counsel those that may be contemplating taking their lives.

Statistics in the immediate years following the introduction of the programme suggest that they may be having a helpful effect.

Quite recently, Government received heavy criticism from several stakeholders including The Caribbean Voice which has always called for the re-implementation of the Gatekeepers Programme. The organisation in a recent statement pointed out that of the programmes introduced to deal with suicide; this initiative holds the greatest potential for reducing the incidence of suicide.

Added to this, they emphasised too that the Government needs to intensify its efforts to ensure that existing laws and regulations regarding pesticide sale, use and storage, are being enforced, and are part of a concerted pesticide suicide prevention strategy, such as the Shri Lankan Hazard Reduction Model, which has been lobbied for by The Caribbean Voice since 2015, and which is, by far, the most successful pesticide suicide reduction plan ever. The model relating to agro-chemicals has proven to be highly successful in reducing suicide in that nation.

In fact, the total number of suicides in Sri Lanka fell by 50 per cent from 1996-2005 compared to 1986-1995 – a reduction of approximately 19,800 suicides, after this model was introduced.

It would therefore be logical for the Government to implement a suicide reduction model which has proven to be successful, particularly in light if the fact that the vast majority of suicides in Guyana result from ingestion of agro-chemicals.

Mash is in the air! The Ministry of the Presidency (MOTP) is not being left behind as they launched their Mashramani 2017 band under the theme “Renewable Energy to Achieve a Green Economy”. In photo are models in costumes designed by Carol Fraser. Melissa “Vanilla” Roberts will be leading the MOTP band and staff of the Ministry on the road on Mash Day

Circus continues at Lot 95 Carmichael Street Dear Editor, Judicial review is that area of the law which allows for a citizen who is aggrieved by the act or omission of any public officer, including Government Ministers, any public authority or any statutory tribunal to challenge the said act or omission on the ground that the act or omission is unlawful, illegal, or contrary to some written law, including the Constitution, arbitrary, capricious, discriminatory, in breach of natural justice, ultra-vires, and in breach of one’s legitimate expectations.

In short, it is that area of law which guards against the abuse of power. The

High Court is resided with a special jurisdiction to review the act or omission complained against and to strike it down or to compel the performance of a public or statutory duty in the face of a refusal or neglect to do so.

Expectedly, with the democratic breeze blowing across the free world, it has been the fastest growing area of the law in the Englishspeaking Commonwealth. It is pivotal to the attainment of good governance and public accountability. It is for this precise reason that a specialised Constitutional and Administrative Law Division was established in the High Court in 2011 to exclusively hear and deter-

mine these types of matters along with those in which Constitutional violations are alleged.

In Guyana, the judicial review found expression over the last century through the medium of the ancient Prerogative Remedies of the Writs of Certiorari, Prohibition and Mandamus. In this regard, Guyana lagged behind most of the Commonwealth who have long abolished these anachronistic prerogative orders and replaced them with a statutory regime of more efficacious remedies.

Although belatedly, Guyana followed suite in 2010, when Parliament, unanimously, enacted the Judicial Review

Act, Number 23 of 2010. As a result of its late arrival, it is one of the more modern legislative expressions of judicial review in the Commonwealth. However, the Judicial Review Act provides that the rules of procedure in respect of how the Court is to be approached by a litigant to access remedies under the said Act are contained in the “rules of court”. Any person familiar with this area of the law will know that the “rules of court” referred to thereof is the new Civil Procedure Rules, since the “rules of court” which were extant at the time, made no provisions whatsoever for judicial review applications. continues on page 5

Is the President speaking for real?

Dear Editor, What happened? Did President David Granger suddenly wake up and become Columbus number two, that he and his administration now discover that he “…believed the rates are high and that there should have been certain parking exemptions from the inception…”

Also, he said, “We do feel that the contract is burdensome…” Why only now?

What did he do with the reports from his two Ministers - Finance and Legal Affairs? He received those reports several months ago. Did he read them at all and note their recommendations?

Anyway, I’m positive that those reports and the

recommendations were discussed at Cabinet, but they took a gamble, relying on the loyalty of their own supporters, ie, the kit and kin, for them to remain quiet by all means possible with the rest of the population.

Note that the President said, “…pay your taxes and let the city run properly and WE won’t have to resort to these measures…”

Now, where did the ‘WE’ come from, especially if he and his Cabinet were not part of the entire process?

Anyone who believes that Minister Ronald Bulkan signed on for the parking meters to become operational on his own, needs his/her head examined.

How can any Minister sign on to something on be-

half of the government without the blessings of the President and his Cabinet?

Just like the Drug Bond, which Minister George Norton eventually confessed, was a Cabinet’s decision.

I do congratulate everyone who has and will continue to protest. The effectiveness of those demonstrations are the real reasons for the Government and the Mayor and City Council waking up and trying to cover up their blunders, with the Government mouth-pieces claiming they are now looking into the wellbeing of the citizens of this dear land.

What really jolted them into action is not just the size of the demonstrations, but the unity of all the dem-

onstrators. This is their real headache and President now telling us about the ‘Terror Clause.’

The parking meters have to be scrapped. We have to remain united, for in unity lies strength. This ‘Terror Clause’ has nothing to do with us. As citizens we were never informed or consulted.

Therefore, let those who were involved and signed on to it, let them pay, be it the Government of the ‘Gang of Four’. Those ‘green monsters’ have to go; we are already under too much financial burdens.

Let them go after those who are not paying taxes to raise revenues.

Yours sincerely, Chandra Shekar Azad

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesDAY, february 21, 2017

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

Garbage disposal and the future of Guyana Dear Editor, I am personally terrified about the future of Guyana with regards to its garbage disposal. While we have moved ahead with greater efforts to ensure better garbage collection, the disposal aspect is still lacking keen attention. The environmental effects of garbage on our environment are voluminous; the waste that ends up in our water will affect all ecosystems existing in the water. Sadly, this can go on to harm animals, including humans, who drink this polluted water and poison us as we drink and use this water daily and as we consume their flesh. Even further, the hazardous chemicals from the garbage that get into the soil can harm plants when they take up the contamination from their roots. Sad to say, we have continuously jeopardised our health by eating these plants that are from polluted soils.

I would like to advise the City and Central Government to consider investing in a biogas digester which would turn our garbage into energy. If not, a foreign investor or the private sector can be brought in to form a partnership.

I also strongly suggest a clampdown on all persons, even businesses that light fires to burn grass,

household material, vegetable waste, shrubs and trees.

This usually creates huge clouds of black smoke that poisons the atmosphere, affecting those with asthma.

There was a time where fires were lit at the La Repentir Cemetery dumpsite and tens of thousands of people, added to the thousands already affected, started to suffer from asthma, hypertension and mental ailments. This needs to be completely eliminated!

The laws of our country need to be enforced and the lawlessness must be end!

The Botanical Gardens can recycle its waste products of leaves and grass converting it into compost and then even package it and market it to our local market, Caribbean partners and international traders for sale. Then they can educate persons on how they can engage in personal use of compost. Our youths can become involved in this avenue and use it as a business venture.

Youth groups like the Youth Challenge and Come Alive Network can turn this into an activity for young people who have a vested interest in the environment. This will not only help to eliminate our garbage in a safe manner, but it will add to the economic viability of our youth and entrepreneurs. Waste products gathered at our market

Circus continues ...

Since the new Civil Procedure Rules were not in force in 2010 when the Judicial Review Act was passed and the then rules of Court were silent on the issue, a provision was inserted in the said Act to say that the Act shall come into operation on a date appointed by order of the Minister.

This was specifically done to await the promulgation of the new Civil Procedure Rules, which as I said, contained the procedure for judicial review applications.

The new Civil Procedure Rules only came into operation on February 6, 2017.

This was not as a result of any fault of the Executive.

However, to date, the Legal Affairs Minister has failed, refused or neglected to bring the Judicial Review Act into operation, despite being requested to do so.

As a result, although the new Civil Procedure Rules provide for it, judicial review is not available to a litigant in Guyana. In the circumstanc-

places such as vegetables, fruits and provisions can be gathered for compost; whether for personal use and/or marketing.

Again, as part of the Government’s ‘Go Green’ Campaign, awareness should be given to how we dispose of garbage which contains lead and other disastrous elements. The undersign recommends that a unity event be held where Guyanese from all sectors of society can come free of cost and dispose of these batteries and demonstrations can be given on how to do so. The Public Health Ministry, in collaboration with the Public Infrastructure Ministry, City Hall and the Opposition can do much good in alienating the improper disposal of garbage which have negative effects on us and the environment.

I am willing to give my support to any movement or group that is advocating for the sustainable future of Guyana; I advise you my fellow Guyanese once again, let us become conscious of the environment and the future we wish to leave for the generations that follow.

Yours sincerely, Roshan Khan Chairman RK’s Guyana Security Services

from page 4

es, lawyers have been forced to become creative by making applications for the old Prerogative Remedies under the new Civil Procedure Rules, since the old rules of court under which those remedies could have been applied for have been overtaken by the new Civil Procedure Rules. Legal proceedings filed under such dubious circumstances are fraught with unnecessary procedural hurdles and hiccups.

Since February 6, 2017, I wrote to the Legal Affairs Minister calling upon him to rectify this anomaly by issuing the requisite order to bring the Judicial Review Act into operation.

I have received no response to my letter. Subsequently, I drew this serious matter to the attention of the Chief Parliamentary Counsel and requested him to advise the Legal Affairs Minister to correct this lacuna, as is my responsibility as a Member of Parliament. Unfortunately, my efforts have been futile.

I have done my part.

In the meanwhile, the circus continues at Lot 95 Carmichael Street.

Sincerely, Mohabir Anil Nandlall Attorney-at-Law, MP

Let us celebrate Mash 2017 Dear Editor, As a patriotic Guyanese I am morally obligated to speak out against anything that is intended to distort the facts as they relate to Mashramani or against anyone who peddles mischief to discourage any participation in our Mashramani activities.

I have noted with deep concern that some people have descended so low that they will stop at nothing to try to prevent us from enjoying what is ours – Mashramani, which is our biggest celebration.

I have been attending cricket matches since in the late 60s when this popular game was being played at the famous Bourda Ground.

It was amazing to see people from all walks of life, age, sex, ethnicity, political affiliation or religious persuasion coming together in love and unity to support the West Indies team. The “oneness” could have been felt. Spectators put aside

their differences and together supported the team from the Caribbean. The atmosphere was indeed electrifying as the cricket fans shouted to the top of their voices in support of their team, the majority, of course for the West Indies.

That same unity and togetherness that was displayed during those cricket matches can and should be displayed during our Mashramani celebrations, for “Mash” is ours. Sad to say, however, this is not the case. Some people are bent on being not subtly, but blatantly mischievous.

They are trying desperately to dampen the spirit of those who are gullible. They are distorting the facts. Why dwell on the route for the costume and float parade when this has already been settled with the extension of the route.

Stakeholders have come on board and are all ready to make Mashramani 2017 a big success. The

Children’s Poetry and Dance competitions and Float Parade were dazzling, the calypso competition was terrific and a big success; the chutney competition was delightful and the steel pan competition was pulsating. The atmosphere is buzzing with excitement.

The Flag Raising ceremony that is scheduled to begin at 20:00h on Wednesday, February 22, and the Costume and Float Parade, set for the following day, promises to be very entertaining and will be unforgettable to many.

I am looking forward to these two events.

Do not listen to the naysayers, but instead, let us celebrate Mash 2017 with “Liberty, Dignity and Greater Unity.”

“Mash in Guyana.

People going crazy.” Crazy for a cause.

Sincerely, HF Meusa

Presenting in percentage

Dear Editor, Recently the Fire Chief commented that the number of fires increased only by seven from last year. The Chief was minimising a 22 per cent increase in fires year over year. For this reason, in my opinion, everything should be expressed in percentage change.

Politicians and leaders should refrain from saying numbers and get in the habit of presenting in percentage. For instance, hundreds or thousands having access to water or electricity for the first time is meaning less if

it is less than five per cent of the local population and 10 per cent of the national population. Similarly, report the percentage of population that is literate or is immunised.

Hundreds protesting parking meters is less than one per cent of total population and therefore should warrant the commensurate resources from a cost benefit analysis. Where is the mass protest against eight hours of electricity per day, ie, constant and sustainable blackouts for decades? If 90 per cent of the Guyanese peo-

ple protest against the lack of reliable electricity, then parking meter would look like an issue for the elite that can only afford cars.

Percentage matters, winning an election if only 40 per cent of eligible voters turned out is completely meaningless.

Reporting millions spent on public projects is not the same as saying those same millions only achieved 25 per cent completion, or accounted 110 per cent of budget.

Sincerely, Keith Bernard

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Foundation

Teaching financial literacy to children:

(Continued from Monday) Ages 11-13

The Lesson: The sooner you save, the faster your money can grow from compound interest.

At this age, you can shift from the idea of saving for short-term goals to long-term goals. Introduce the concept of compound interest, when you earn interest both on your savings as well as on past interest from your savings.

Activities for ages 11 to 13 1. Describe compound interest using specific numbers, because research shows this is more effective than describing it in the abstract, says Kobliner.

Explain, “If you set aside $100 every year starting at age 14, you’d have $23,000 by age 65, but if you start at age 35, you’ll only have $7000 by age 65.”

2. Have your child do some compound interest calculations on Investor.gov. Here, she can see how much money she’ll earn if she invests a certain amount and it grows by a certain interest rate. And have her read this inspiring example of someone who used compound interest to his advantage incredibly well.

3. Have your child set a longer-term goal for something more expensive than the toys she may have been saving for.

“Those sorts of tradeoffs, called opportunity costs – what are the things you’re giving up to save money – is a very useful thing to talk about. At this age, kids are trying to not save because they want to buy stuff, but thinking of what long-term goals are and what they’re having to give up shows that it’s a good decision,” says Kobliner. For example, she says, if your child has a habit of buying a snack after school every day, she may decide she’d rather put that money toward an iPod.

Ages 14-18

The Lesson: When comparing colleges, be sure

to consider how much each school would cost.

Search for the “net price calculator” on college websites to see how much each costs when including other expenses besides tuition. But don’t let the price tag discourage your child.

Explain how much more college grads earn than people without college degrees, making it a worthwhile investment.

Activities for ages 14 to 18 1. Discuss how much you can contribute to your child’s college education each year.

“Every parent should start the college cost conversation by ninth grade,” says Kobliner.

“Tackling the subject early and

being honest about what your family can afford will help kids be realistic about where they may apply.”

But remember that there are many ways to finance college other than with your own money. With your child, look into which private schools are generous with financial aid, how much of it is in “free money” such as grants and scholarships, how much in loans that your child will have to pay back, and what government programs can help pay back those loans, says Kobliner. Also, check out these eight tips on taking out student loans.

2. Have your child use this

College Scorecard to compare how much each college costs, what the employment prospects of graduates are, and how much student loan debt could affect your child’s lifestyle after graduation if he or she attended that college. As with any investment, analyze together whether the money put in will pay off in the end.

3. Estimate your financial aid using the FAFSA4caster tool at fafsa.ed.gov. Also research additional loans, scholarships, and grants – and use calculators to estimate monthly loan payments – on studentaid. ed.gov. Find out about loan repayment options such as Pay

As You Earn, which limits your monthly payments to just 10 per cent of your discretionary income. For more information, check out ibrinfo.org or finaid. org.

“Parents should absolutely make their college kids get a part-time job,” says Kobliner, adding that research by Dr Gary R Pike of Indiana UniversityPurdue University Indianapolis shows that students who work 20 hours a week or less at oncampus jobs get better grades because they’re more engaged in student life. “But limit those hours!” she says. “Working more than 20 hours per week can hurt kids’ academic

BY JEAN FOLGER

success.”

Ages 18+

The Lesson: You should use a credit card only if you can pay the balance off in full each month.

It is all too easy to slide into credit card debt, which could give your child the burden of paying off credit card debt at the same time as student loans.

Plus, it could affect his or her credit history, which could make it difficult to, say, buy a car or a home, or even to get a job. Sometimes, prospective employers check credit.

“The average household owes US$7084 in credit card debt. To reverse the trend of spending beyond our means and racking up hundreds of dollars a year in interest, it’s critical that parents teach their kids how to use credit cards responsibly (or better yet – not at all! – unless they can pay the total bill every month),” says Kobliner.

Activities for ages 18+ 1. Teach a child that if a parent cosigns on a credit card, any late payment could also affect the parent’s credit history.

2. Together, look for a credit card that offers a low interest rate and no annual fee using sites like Bankrate, Creditcards. com, Credit.com, or Cardratings. com.

3. Explain that it’s important not to charge everyday items so that way if you have a emergency expense that you can’t cover with savings, you can charge that. However, even better is building up at least three months’ worth of living expenses in emergency savings, though six to nine months’ worth is ideal. Learn here how to budget money in order to build up emergency savings.

(Forbes.com)

T

he relationship between needs and wants is an important concept for children to understand. Needs are things that we must have in order to survive – things we truly can’t be without. Wants, on the other hand, are things that we would like to have, but that are not necessary for survival. Some needs and wants don’t cost any money at all: we all need air but we don’t have to pay for it. Likewise, we all need exercise to be healthy and we can run around outside for free. Many needs and wants, however, cost money.

Needs = things that we need to survive Wants = things that we would like to have Needs include: * Clothing * Medical care * Nutritious food * Shelter * Transportation * Basic utilities (eg, heat, water) Examples of wants include: * Cellphones * Electronics (e.g., iPad, iPod) * Jewelry * Magazines * Movies * Television * Toys * Video games Most people have jobs to earn money so they can pay for the things they need and some of the things they want. Unless you have an unlimited amount of money (very few people do), you have to understand the difference between needs and wants so you can spend your money wisely. Start a conversation by asking your child what would happen if your family spent your entire paycheck on toys one week, with nothing left for food or to pay your other bills.

Explain that even though everyone really wants the toys, you have to pay for needs – things like food, shelter and heat – before you can buy items that are wants.

Needs and wants can get a bit tricky. Your family uses a car in order to drive the children to school, get to work, go to the grocery store, etc. In most cases, people need a car. But, in many cases, people like to have a car that is bigger or more expensive than what they really need. So even though a car is a need, the car that many people choose is actually a want. The extra money spent on the larger or more luxurious car is money that could have been saved or spent on something else.

Food is another example. We all need nutritious food in order to grow and be healthy. For example, we need to eat protein, fruits and vegetables to get the energy, vitamins and minerals that we need to survive. We also need to drink lots of liquids to stay alive.

But do we need ice cream? Do we need sodas? Even though we need food and water to survive, we do not need ice cream or Cokes or Mountain Dews, so these things are wants.

Needs and wants also vary from person to person, or family to family, and this can get confusing for children. A family with two adults and one child can get by with a small car, for example. The neighbor’s family, however, might have two adults and six children.

This family will need a larger, and possibly, more expensive, car just to fit everybody. Houses are the same: a family with more children will need a larger home.

You can help your child distinguish between needs and wants by discussing different items or looking through magazines and asking about whether things are needs or wants. Or when you are out shopping, ask your child to point out items that are needs or wants.

To illustrate that there is a finite amount of money to spend each week or month, draw a circle and divide it into sections, showing expenses such as housing, food and clothing, and how much is left over for optional items (wants). Your child might have fun coloring it in. Your chart might look something like this:

Housing Food Clothing Optional

At this stage, little children do not need to know everything that goes into the family budget (the pie chart above is overly simplified).

They just need to understand that there is a finite supply of money to pay for the goods and services that your family needs and wants. (www.investopedia.com)

news

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tuesDAY, february 21, 2017| guyanatimesgy.com

Red House fiasco

AG seeks strike out proceedings …Nandlall accuses him of pressuring Judiciary

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he Attorney General (AG) Basil Williams on Monday presented before acting Chief Justice Yonnette CummingsEdwards, reasons why the legal proceedings on the Red House dispute should be strike out.

The legal proceedings were filed by Attorneys Anil Nandlall and Priya Manickchand (applicants) on behalf of the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre Inc – challenging the State’s decision to revoke the Red House lease.

Following the brief in-court hearing in the Chief Justice’s Chambers on Monday, AG Williams told media operatives that he made submissions to show why the court should not hear the matter on the Red House issue.

Williams contended that the court has no jurisdiction on the matter since the Red House lease is invalid and therefore could not be pleaded in any court of justice.

“I informed the court that he (Nandlall) failed to disclose

that the lease, being a lease for 99 years and exceeding 21 years, he failed to show that it was executed in the manner of a transport as is required

by Section 13 of the Deeds Registry Act… If it wasn’t, then it is invalid and could not be pleaded in any court of justice. They (applicants) never indicated if the lease was filed as a matter of record in the registry; that again would mean that you could not plead it in any court,” the AG explained.

He argued that the lease should have been executed in the manner of a transport, whereby it is gazetted and anyone who wishes to oppose the transaction can file a notice of opposition.

According to the AG, the case should be thrown out because the applicants failed to make full and frank disclosures before the court.

“The application made

by Mr Nandlall on behalf of the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre Inc was a very bare affidavit and I submitted to

not institute any civil action for any decision made by the President in the functions of executing his Office as President,” Williams asserted.

The AG posited that these points should be valid enough to prevent the acting Chief Justice from proceeding further with the Red House matter.

The Cheddi Jagan Research Centre

the Chief Justice that he had failed to make full and frank disclosures to her about the contention in his claim in the affidavit that the lease was valid, binding and of legal effect,” AG Williams posited.

The AG claimed that, among the material non-disclosures Nandlall made in his affidavit are about the fee for rental of the Red House and the absence of presidential sanctioning of the lease.

“I submitted to her, when a lawyer or any applicant goes ex-parte to the court, that person is under an obligation, a duty, to be candid with the

court and to make material disclosures full and frank that are within his or her knowledge. In addition, they are required to make disclosure of additional material facts that could have been discovered if they made reasonable investigations in relation thereto,” he emphasised.

Moreover, the AG contended that no one can challenge the decision by the President, as recognised in the affidavit, to revoke the Red House lease.

“They cannot come to the court to sue the President, under Article 182, the President cannot be sued. You can-

Judicial pressure

On the other hand, Nandlall argued that the AG’s contentions are deeply flawed and that the points made do not relate to the jurisdiction of the court.

“They relate to whether the case has merits or not, and they are premature to be made at this stage of the proceedings,” he stated.

In any case, Nandlall posited that the points made are devoid of merit, deeply flawed and frivolous.

Furthermore, Nandlall has accused the AG of pressuring the Chief Justice by signifying on several occasions that the President has a special in-

terest in the Red House proceedings.

“The Attorney General continues to use the name of the President in his presentation to the court in a manner that is clearly intended to place pressure on the judge.

He said to the judge on more than two occasions, that the President is anxiously awaiting a determination of this case because the President wants to house the national trust in that building,” he explained.

The former Attorney General contended that this mannerism is highly improper.

“The Attorney General is using the President’s name in what I consider to be an overt attempt to sap the independence from the judge. All are equal before the law, the President is not entitled to a treatment superior to any other litigant in the eyes of the law,” Nandlall asserted.

The matter will be called up again in the High Court on March 2.

Fire guts DJ Magnum’s home …arson suspected T around 22:30h, but retired to bed some minutes after, opting not to call his neighbour’s mobile number.

he fire which gutted the home of a West Bank Demerara (WBD) Disc Jockey (DJ), Dorrel Romeo, popularly known as DJ Magnum, late Sunday night, may have been an act of arson.

The blaze started around 23:00h on Sunday night in the upper-section of the DJ’s home, located at Lot 238 Good Intent Village, WBD;

Persons gathered at the scene of the fire

Dorrel Romeo, popularly known as “DJ Magum”

the DJ was not home at the time.

Multiple eyewitnesses informed this publication and Police investigators that two females, one of whom was said to be of unsound mind, were seen lingering on the back step of the man’s property, moments before the fire started.

Guyana Times understands that the fire might have deliberately been set by a woman with whom Romeo shared a relationship. According to reports,

the individual entered the home and set fire to the curtains, after which the blaze then quickly spread.

The two women reportedly fled the yard and boarded a waiting motor car, said to be a Toyota 212. Several eyewitnesses explained that they were not alarmed by the waiting car and sight of visiting women, as several persons would frequent the popular DJ’s dwelling place.

One neighbour indicated that he too saw the women

He explained that it was around 23:05h that firefighters, who reside in the area, sounded the alarm

and they along with neighbours embarked on a bucket brigade to douse the fire.

TURN TO PAGE 17

8 news

tuesDAY, february 21, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

IN THE COURTS

AFC Councillor, father, neighbour charged for vigilante killing

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n Alliance For Change (AFC) Councillor along with her father and another man were on Monday arraigned for the vigilante killing of 22-year-old Shereffudeen Nazamudeen Mohamed, called “Sheriff”, of Lot 117 Ruby, East Bank Essequibo.

Mandy Sukhdeo, 29; her 48-year-old father, Surendra Sukhdeo; and a neighbour, Rean Ghani, were all remanded to prison by Magistrate Rochelle Liverpool when they made an appearance at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court.

It is alleged that the trio on February 14, 2017, at Hope, East Bank Essequibo, murdered Mohamed. As the charges were read, relatives of the dead man held a mini picketing exercise calling for justice to be served.

However, after the hearing, the AFC Councillor was whisked away to the New Amsterdam peniten-

Y

AFC Councillor, Mandy Sukhdeo

Dead: Shereffudeen Nazamudeen Mohamed

Murder Suspect, Rean Ghani

tiary while her father and neighbour were taken to Camp Street Prison.

The AFC Councillor reportedly claimed that she was cornered by “Sheriff”, who snatched her bag and attempted to escape. She raised an alarm and residents pursued him.

He was caught in the ruins of a house that was set alight just last year, result-

ing in the deaths of an elderly couple. Upon his apprehension, he was tied and beaten by the Councillor and her father along with the neighbour who initially claimed that he only filmed the incident.

Following the beating, the man suffered severe injuries about his body and was taken to the Leonora Cottage Hospital, where he

succumbed. Three pieces of wood, suspected to have been used in the fatal beating, were also recovered at the scene.

The Councillor and her father were immediately arrested but the third suspect was arrested a day later after Police revisited the scene. The trio will make their next court appearance on April 18.

Trio on $70,000 bail for larceny

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hree men attached to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) were on Monday jointly charged with larceny and released on $70,000 bail each by Magistrate Leron Daly.

It is alleged that Richard Charles, Kevin Fitz and Victor Logan between February 13 and 14, 2017, at Camp Ayanganna, Thomas Lands, Georgetown, stole eleven bags of milk valued $153,890 and several cases of Golden Cream butter valued $57,000; a total value of $211,290 and the property of the GDF. The trio pleaded not guilty to the charge read by the Magistrate.

Charles was unrepresented while Defence Council for Kevin Fitz, Attorney Fung-A-Fat, requested that his client be released on reasonable bail

Is we own…

Miner remanded for illegal firearm possession

A

explaining that he is 22 years old, married with two children and no previous brushes with the law.

Defence Counsel for Victor Logan also requested bail, relating to the court that the man has a five-year-old child and no

previous charges or convictions.

The Magistrate granted bail in the sum of $70,000 to each of the accused.

The trio will make their next appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on March 6.

gold miner from Port Kaituma, in Region One (Barima-Waini) was on Monday remanded to prison for unlawful possession of a firearm by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, after he pleaded not guilty to the charge.

It is alleged that on February 13, 2017 at 4 Mile Arakaka, Region One, Mark Anthony Chand, 24, was in possession of a 9.2 mm pistol without being a holder of a firearm licence.

Bail was denied and the matter was transferred to the Matthews Ridge Magistrate’s Court for May 9. Chand will remain on remand at the Camp Street penitentiary until the court date.

…Georgetown people

our Eyewitness was one of the first to kvetch about the Parking Meter Contract – not long after the ‘Gang of Four’ had returned from their all-expenses paid trip to Mexico, Panama and other exotic Latin locales.

The dead giveaway was the “all-expenses paid” info.

Your Eyewitness’d long ago figured out nothing was free – especially in the world of business. They didn’t contest their motto “Caveat Emptor” – “Buyers Beware”, for nothing!!

But he must acknowledge the yeoman work done by Mark Jacobs to rip the veil of secrecy off the deal when he unfrocked the so-called “owner” of Smart City Solutions as a bona fife conman. But nobody listened to the fella – possibly with the exception of Sherwood Duncan…who took a sharp right turn from his leaders in the AFC. Early in the day, he refused to go along with the charade – said he didn’t see the need for the Gang of Four’s secrecy!

Your Eyewitness raises these matters in the wake of great expectations raised because of the quiche-eating fashionistas joining the rabble in the streets to protest the meters. That there were also lawyers present who usually charge hourly rates that match the MONTHLY salaries of your average Government worker, sealed the deal. Even the billing deferred for one hour is nothing to scoff at.

The expectation is this protest will swell into “something big”. Bigger than GUARD, one prognosticator predicted as he came up for air from his messing around the entrails of dead chickens! Now the GUARD phenom – for those in the majority who weren’t around in 1990 – helped push the PPP over the tape against the PNC in 1992. “Will history repeat itself?” asks the pundits who’re paid to ask these things.

Well, if you ask your Eyewitness, dear readers, his quick answer is, “Ain’t no way in hell this is gonna happen!” And why, you ask, persistent reader? Because what’s playing out at City Hall will not change anything fundamentally, that’s why. Even if the Mayor and her crew are booted out – the very next day, the same people protesting under umbrellas will follow the party line and vote their party come 2020!! That’s just the way the pinetart crumbles, in Guyana!

What happens at the local level has no relationship to what happens when it comes to national leadership. With all the sturm and drang by GUARD back in 1992, the PNC got the exact percentage of the votes they received in 1964.

And imagine running against them was the WPA, pulling at the heartstrings by invoking the late, great Walter Rodney.

This time, even they’ve returned home!

…Mash?

With some of the big corporate sponsors of floats dropping out, there’s been some complaints that the celebration of Mash is being “downgraded”. But these folks should ponder why businesses that just LOOOOVE the publicity aren’t putting their hands up to wine down the streets of Georgetown. And the simple answer is business is so deep in the doldrums right now…they have to spend every dollar just trying to keep their heads above water.

Then there’s the symbolism about what they’re asked to do – celebrate. What’s to celebrate when the Government has declared war on the business community just for giving their opinion about the Government’s performance on the economy? And this is no hyperbole.

Imagine the Government calling the business community “stool pigeons”!! That is, tattlers for the Opposition.

But this Government – stacked as it is with persons who’ve never even run a sweetie stand – will see even this cost-cutting measure as an “attack”!

But they’ll find out there’s only so much you can do with smoke and mirrors.

…GuySuCo salaries

Seems the best GuySuCo’s shill can do is attack the messenger on the super salaries he revealed being shelled out – $14.1M/monthly! – to some geriatrics!!

Whatever happened to that “age” review for Government appointees?

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

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tuesDAY, february 21, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Estates closure

Parking meter challenge

PPP fearful of massive unrest Bulkan, King no-show in court – urges Govt to carry out impact assessments H T he People’s Progressive Party (PPP) is fearful of the social and economic impact Government’s proposed move to close several sugar estates across the country could have, and renewed its call for the administration to first carry out an impact assessment before venturing in this direction.

The Party has deemed Government’s plans as putting the “cart before the horse” and said that this will definitely open the door for confrontation.

The issue of Government’s handling of the sugar industry was raised at the PPP’s weekly press conference on Monday by executive member Irfaan Ali, but was taken on by senior Party Member, Dr Roger Luncheon, who said that the call for the non-closure of estates is not a policy, but a reminder to the Administration that it should not place the cart before the horse.

He said to close the estates before the studies, would undoubtedly leave much to be desired, as there still needs to be proper reasons and consideration before it moves in this direction.

Comparing the situation to the current parking meter fiasco, Dr Luncheon related to how citizens rose up in protest against the parking meters, saying the same could be expected from workers across the sugar belt.

“We are anticipating and hoping that wise heads will prevail whether at the Cabinet or some forum, somebody, even God from above got to talk to these people, because this proposed action will inevitably

PPP party member, Dr Roger Luncheon

will lead to confrontation,” he told the media.

He said his Party went into Office with the tradition of “salvaging those industries that have been wrecked, including sugar, rice and bauxite.”

“Since 1992 there has been a massive salvage operation in Guyana and we were supporting those studies that this Government has rejected. In the case of sugar, there was no reason with the support offered to sustain the economy since it is not Government’s fund that has been sustaining the industry.”

He said the investments made by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), Inter-American Development Bank and World Bank in the industry had strengthened the then Government’s resolve to save the sector.

“We are willing to have the studies done that can be used to buttress their positions, to strengthen their hands to either go this way or that,” he said

Meanwhile, Ali said the PPP believes in the sugar industry. “We believed that it is viable, sustainable and can survive and withstand the internal and external pressures. What we embarked on was a process of modernisation of improving the revenue stream of the industry.

That is why we did the packaging plant at Enmore… additional revenue stream that have tremendous value.”

Despite recommendations to privatise the local sugar industry and expressions of interest from foreign investors, the Opposition says no decision should be made on the future of GuySuCo without an impact assessment is carried out. To this end, Opposition Member of Parliament Irfaan Ali wrote to Second Vice President and Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan on the matter.

However at a meeting earlier this month, Government said there had been no social or economic assessments done before and that there was no need for such assessments.

In the letter to Ramjattan, Ali said the Opposition believes that no proper analysis, decision or recommendation on this industry could be derived without a complete social study and assessment of the impact on communities, regions and the country as a whole; a comprehensive economic study of the impact on communities, regions and the country as a whole, and full diversification study with feasibility study, market analysis and comprehensive assessment of each alternative area recommendTURN TO PAGE 10 ed.

igh Court Judge Brassington Reynolds has given Town Clerk, Royston King and Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan two weeks to file and serve affidavits in response to proceedings filed by New Building Society (NBS).

NBS filed a legal challenge last week against the City’s Parking Meter By-laws, which according to court documents, are illegal. As such, Justice Reynolds had ordered that Bulkan show cause why his decision to approve the By-laws should not be quashed.

In court on Monday, Bulkan and King were both no-shows. However, Attorney Roger Yearwood, who is representing the Town Clerk, filed an ex-parte application to discharge the Order Nisi made by the court on February 8. However, that application was refused by Justice Reynolds.

Also in court on Monday, Attorney Yearwood sought permission to have the matter stood down until he files an ex-parte appli-

Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan

Town Clerk Royston King

cation, but this was vehemently objected to by NBS Attorney Pauline Chase.

After much heated submissions by Chase and Yearwood, Justice Reynolds suggested that the parties, in the interest of time, consolidate their applications.

He pointed out to the parties that although there is “politics” involved, the good sense must prevail in a court of law. The case was adjourned to March 6.Bulkan, in January, signed-off the By-laws to govern the much controversial Parking Meter Project.

Despite immense public outcry, parking meters have been established throughout the capital city.

After a court halt, the Mayor and City Council restarted paid parking in the capital city on Monday.

When questioned about this decision to restart the project in light of the pending court action, the Mayor explained that legal advice was sought on the matter.

“My understanding of the matter before the court is one that doesn’t stop us; there’s not an injunction that stops us from operating,” she posited.

10 news Woman ‘falls’ to her death during drinking spree TUESDAY, February 19, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

… husband in Police custody

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man was arrested on Sunday after he reported to the Police that his wife had fallen to her death at their home at Shulinab, Region Nine.

Dead is Justil Leonard, 47, a farmer of Shulinab, Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo).

Reports are the man and his wife

were drinking Piwari (a traditional Amerindian beverage) and as the woman got up to use the washroom, she slipped and fell. The woman never regained consciousness but was picked up and rushed to the Lethem Hospital where she was pronounced dead.

F Division (Interior locations)

Commander, Rabindranauth Budram, when connected told Guyana Times that although the now dead woman’s husband was arrested; the Police are awaiting the results of a post-mortem examination to determine Leonard’s cause of death.

Investigations are ongoing.

Essequibo teen hangs self on birthday

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he community of Bush Lot, on the Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) was left in shock after a 19-yearold hung herself on Sunday – it was her birthday.

Dead is Verona Gowkharan. The teen left a note for her mother saying, “I’m disappointed and imperfect.”

Reports are that the teen was discovered hanging from her bedroom rafter by her mother. The incident occurred at about 22:00h on Sunday.

Verona Gowkharan

Reports are the teen and her family went on an outing to Capoey Lake to celebrate her birthday and upon returning home, she went into her room and locked the door.

A few hours later her mother went to check on her and it was then she discovered the teen hanging.

An alarm was raised and the Police were called. The Police subsequently found the suicide note.

Her parents were interviewed by detectives. They told the Police they had no

disagreement with the teenager and they did not know if she had any problems.

A memory card along with flash drive which was found with the suicide note was lodged with the Police as investigations continue.

A close relative however told this publication that the teen was involved in a relationship with another teen in her community but relatives had disapproved.

Gowkharan’s body was taken to the Suddie Hospital mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination.

PPP fearful of massive...

FROM PAGE 9

“At our last stakeholder forum, you advised that these studies were not done. We made it clear to

you that there is no way you can take an informed decision on this industry that will affect thousands

of families, hundreds of communities and businesses and the national economy as a whole without

these studies,” Ali outlined in the letter.

He went on to point out that moving forward without any of these analyses on the sugar industry would be like “shooting in the dark”. “We will never play with the livelihood of tens of thousands of Guyanese directly and indirectly and the health of Guyana’s economy in such manner.

I therefore propose that if these documents continue to be unavailable, the next meeting focuses on developing a plan of action to have these reports, studies, documents and assessment completed,” the Opposition Parliamentarian said in this letter to Ramjattan.

According to the CDB Mechanisation Report December 2014, “The sugar industry still contributes around five per cent of GDP; provides direct employment for approximately 16,000 (in 2013) (95 per cent male); supports over 300 services providers; and is the third largest contributor of foreign exchange.

It also plays a critical socio-economic and environmental role in the predominantly low-income coastal communities where cultivation and processing.”

Agriculture Minister Noel Holder had explained in a subsequent interview with Guyana Times that due to time constraints and the need to resolve the operating expenses at the Guyana Sugar Corporation, Government could not conduct a social and economic impact assessment before closing down estates.

What ought to be done to improve Indian indentured Caribbean historiography?

T

his is my final column on indentured immigration to Guyana. I do hope my write-ups on the topic over the preceding months have been informative and inspiring to readers. My larger hope is that the various symposiums planned during early March on addressing 100 years of indentured emancipation as well as how Indians have evolved since this time will be well-supported, wellattended and beneficial to Guyanese society at a time when ethnic divisiveness is at the deepest.

I am pleased to announce that there have been some determinations or new developing trends in Indian indentured historiography in the Caribbean. Most notable is a peasant rebellion and resistance discourse against plantation power and dominance, which has essentially analysed indenture from the position of the labourers or from a non-elite perspective.

This is an achievement we should be proud of since it underscores the urge of regaining the reins of Dr Lomarsh Roopnarine our history.

The general argument of the developing historiographical trends is that while Indians were abused by their overlords, they also used various forms of resistance techniques to improve their lives. They possessed the adaptive and adaxial capacity to deal with the throes of indenture, to speak back to the power holders of indenture, to look out for their unfortunate brothers and sisters of indenture, and to plan a better life beyond the institutionalisation of indenture.

Likewise, Devi Hardeen argues that there are significant studies on the Black Atlantic, White Atlantic, and other Atlantic Studies but practically nothing on the Brown Atlantic, or brown people from India in the Caribbean. Hardeen asks for more macro-level analyses of Indian indenture. Do I agree? Absolutely! But when this will happen appears to be, in my judgment, an exercise in waiting.

While the above new approaches are encouraging, the study of Indian indenture in the Caribbean must be supported by scholars and institutions in the field. One priority should be to tackle the problems of insularity and inconsistency not only within the discipline but also among writers of indentureship. The lack of comparative analyses of indenture, a concept common to other disciplines, should also be addressed. The spirit of community and cooperation in the study of indenture should be preferred rather than the preference for insular objectives.

Academic institutions within the Caribbean, especially in Guyana, Trinidad, and Suriname with large Indian populations, must go beyond their current support and participation in the study of indenture. More young individuals should be encouraged through promotion, advisement, and financial assistance to study indenture.

They should be encouraged to take field trips to various plantations as well as gravesites in these countries to reconstruct memories of indenture rather than relying solely on archival records. To be fair, the University of the West Indies in Trinidad, and to a lesser extent, the University of Suriname, has made some significant strides in the study of indenture under the leadership of most well-learned scholars in the field. The same cannot be said of the University of Guyana where the study of indenture has practically ceased.

I argue that a revised and forward-looking programme for the study of Indian indenture can only be practical when actions match declared intentions and when policies match realities. So in this regard, a journal on indenture should be developed to go beyond the current scattered attention given to indenture in a few journals.

Few individuals would argue against the thought that a journal of indenture based in the Caribbean would likely resolve the problems of indentured studies dispersed in various journals around the globe, which has become a nightmare for researchers and doctoral students to access even in the age of globalisation. Additionally, a clear focus of the journal will potentially relieve the burden of journal editors to reject submissions of articles on indenture on the basis that they are unsuitable for their journals. Moreover, it might also reduce the disappointment among writers on indenture who are unable to find a suitable place for their work.

By any measurement, until there is a journal for indenture studies in the Caribbean, the field of indenture studies will most likely remain loose and uncoordinated, searching for a home.

But more importantly, a journal of indenture studies will serve as a platform for rigorous debates, international engagement, openness, the introduction of new modes and models of thoughts and ideas, among other things. It might attract financial assistance through various international agencies and advertisements, which in turn can be used to set up an indenture fund for emerging students and scholars in the field. Of course, all of what has been discussed so far will not materialise without financial support. There must be first and foremost a radical approach of investigating what happened to the unclaimed remittances submitted to the colonial banks by deceased Indians during indenture. Retraction from this prerogative would reveal a shameful display, particularly from the perspective of our deceased ancestors, how little we have achieved and how far we still have to go. So far, the silence on this matter is frightening. These funds, if reclaimed, should be used wisely to study indentured servitude in the Caribbean, and hopefully, iron out some of the deficiencies in Indian indentured historiography. (lomarsh.roopnarine@jsums.edu).

tuesDAY, february 21, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

11

News

Govt not walking the talk on local democracy – Luncheon T he A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) is seemingly drifting away from the commitments made on the campaign trail, and its promise of a revitalisation of local democracy. This is according to former Cabinet Secretary, Dr Roger Luncheon, who was speaking to journalists at his party’s weekly media briefing, at Freedom House on Monday.

Dr Luncheon said the current Administration is moving away from its promise of local democracy and social cohesion; critical issues it promised before taking the helm of Government.

“Speaking about local government and the Granger Government and its emphasis publicly and repetitively on things like local democracy and social cohesion… there are a couple of instances that begs the question, how sincere is the Granger Government in its talk of local democracy and social cohesion and to remind you that for a po-

Former Cabinet Secretary, Dr Roger Luncheon

litical party, trust is fundamental; if it behooves the [People’s Progressive Party] PPP to view the Granger Government with the greatest distrust and to concede that nothing the Granger Government says publicly cannot be accepted as a fact until it is carried out, then we are in dire circumstances,” Luncheon said.

He pointed to a meeting between Government and the Mayors of three local authority areas that have controlling PPP presence, held at the Marriott Hotel. The issue discussed

was the National Regional Development Committee.

Luncheon said due process was not followed as the invitation to meet came a mere 24 hours before the actual appointment.

“This Administration speaks to social cohesion and local democracy and time after time examples are on the table to walk the walk and you all know what the stance of this Administration is,” he added.

Luncheon also addressed the issue of the tied Councils of the lo-

Timehri Prison set to undergo massive renovation

T

he Timehri Prison, on the East Bank of Demerara, will soon under massive renovations as the Public Security Ministry has begun to invite bids which will see renovations to several parts of the prison.

Interested bidders are being invited to bid for the renovation of the Officer-inCharge’s quarters, female quarters, and medex quarters, and for the tiling of dormitories at the Timehri prison.

Bids will be opened on

March 14, in the boardroom of the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board, Finance Ministry.

Only recently, it was announced that Cabinet approved the contract for the construction of six living quarters from Lots One to Two at the Mazaruni Prison. The contract of $41 million was awarded to N&A Construction for Lot One of the project, while AAV Ragobeer General Construction was awarded $35 million for Lot Two of

the project.

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon at a recent post-Cabinet press briefing said the two lots will include nine residences and a third lot was being considered.

The renovation of the prison comes on the heel of the visit that was made by President David Granger and a ministerial team in March 2016. During that visit, it was revealed that the living quarters of the prison officers was in a deplorable state.

cal Authority area, and reminded that Government wanted to resolve the issue, contrary to what the PPP had insisted was lawful.

That bickering had caused the matter to be taken to the court, now months later, there still has not been a resolution.

The PPP/Civic had moved to the courts to stop Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan from illegally appointing a Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Mabaruma in Region One (Barima-Waini), as well as

the Chairpersons and Vice Chairpersons in five other local authority areas in which the PPP/C and the APNU/AFC had the same number of seats, after the LGE. Bulkan had appointed officials of the GibraltarFyrish, Industry-Plaisance NDC; Malgre Tout-Meer Zorgen and Woodlands-Bel Air NDCs; and a Mayor of the municipality of Mabaruma.

However, the court quashed those appointments and ruled in fa-

vour of the PPP/C on the grounds that they were contrary to, and in violation of, Municipal and District Councils Act Chapter 28:01 and the Local Government Act Chapter 28:02.

Justice Diana Insanally said the decision “is in excess of and without jurisdiction, made in bad faith, is unreasonable, arbitrary, capricious, based upon irrelevant and improper considerations, mala fide, malicious, vindictive, unlawful, ultravires, null, void and of no legal effect”.

12news

tuesDAY, february 21, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Wales fallout

Cane cutters call for President’s intervention H

undreds of Wales, West Bank Demerara cane cutters continue to register their frustration against the Guyana Sugar Corporation’s (GuySuCo) non-payment of severance and have once again picketed the estate, this time calling for the intervention of President David Granger and his Cabinet members.

Monday’s protest is just one of several planned for this week as the workers continue their appeal for their severance packages.

On Monday, the workers noted that the Head of State and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo had committed their support to the sugar industry in the run-up to the 2015 General and Regional Elections. The workers once again complained that Agriculture Minister Noel Holder never met with them at the estate to address their concerns.

“No Minister never come and meet with we as yet, onto now,” the workers collectively expressed.

“The industry a bully we; but they want we to work but we [don’t want to work at Uitvlugt], we want money. We want the Agriculture Minister and Moses Nagamootoo, we want Granger – all ah

Enough is enough: Wales sugar workers who gathered on Monday morning were promised their severance payments since late December 2016

dem to intervene in this matter,” Neil Mosely explained, an estate employee who had 25 years of service in the industry.

“I would like the President to look into the sugar workers. We are the hardest working class of people… they in seat and they never look into the sugar workers and say they don’t have money – shame to de Government [for saying] they don’t have money to pay couple sugar workers,” exclaimed Titus Thomas, who said he served the industry for well over 30 years.

He further explained that he sees the sugar industry “heading nowhere”, explaining, “They take we for remote for TV that when they programme we that is there we must leff,”

he related.

The Agriculture Ministry, however, is contending that all workers who wanted severance payment were already paid but the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers (GAWU) had deemed the Ministry’s announcement as misleading. The workers are holding out that they must be paid.

“Since the second week in December, we nah work nowhere, and we nah get no money. We deserve we money now,” shouted a protester. Another claimed that several cane cutters were told by operatives at the Uitvlugt Estate that there is no work available.

The workers are demanding that they be paid severance on the basis that they cannot be compelled to

travel 22 miles from their point of origin. Guyana Times was recently informed that at last week Thursday’s meeting with the Sugar Corporation, employees and Union representatives, GuySuCo reportedly maintained that

the workers “have to go” to the Uitvlugt Estate. The Corporation had told the public that the Uitvlugt Estate was being upgraded to increase its production from 20,000 to 40,000 tonnes of sugar annually.

On that basis, GuySuCo

had reiterated its demand for labour.

Government confirmed the end of sugar operations at Wales Estate, citing cost as the main factor for closure. The workers will continue their protest throughout this week.

GGMC to crack down on mining along river banks

T

he Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) has zero tolerance against mining along the banks of rivers.

Acting Commissioner of the GGMC, Newell Dennison, in an interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA) on Monday, said the regulatory agency remains “very stringent” against breaches and mining of buffer zones.

Buffer zones are areas along the banks of a river where mining is prohibited, Dennison explained. “We want to certainly indicate to our miners that that should not be how they operate, and we are going to be coming after them with a ‘no tolerance approach’ where that continues to happen,” Dennison said.

The Acting Commissioner pointed out that the GGMC will be intensifying the monitoring of mining districts to

Commissioner of the GGMC (ag), Newell Dennison

curb this practice. Dennison said there has been an increase in reports of mining along river banks, and some of these activities have incurred breaches.

Dennison pointed out that the GGMC will impose restoration of damage on miners who are found in breach, once they are caught.

“It’s not going to be easy, but we’re not just going after you for mining, we want

to go after you for restoring, reclaiming, so breaching of the buffer zone, mining of the buffer zone, anything that would be disturbing the environment or the banks of the river, we’re coming after you,” Dennison stated.

Buffer zones help to maintain the integrity of the course of the river, and prevent erosion which in turn reduces instances of turbidity. “You want to maintain a rich vegetation cover along the banks so that you would preserve that particular environment,” Dennison further explained.

Dennison noted that there is increased awareness in the sector towards the need for safe and sustainable mining, but there are still those who violate the regulations. The GGMC has been increasing its efforts through enforcement and training to ensure that the industry practices safe and sustainable mining.

Trial date set for Omar Shariff, wife for breaching High Court order

O

mar Shariff, former Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of the Presidency, along with his reputed wife Savitri Hardeo are set to go to trial on March 6, 2017 for non-compliance of a production order issued by the High Court.

The court had issued an order in 2016, which required Shariff to provide certain documents to the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) which he had violated, and the couple was separately charged with the said offence earlier this year.

The duo was released

on self-bail after pleading not guilty to the charge, along with the condition that they report every other Monday to SOCU. Special Prosecutor, Patrice Henry, today filed statements and will present seven witnesses at the next hearing. An application for a joint charge was made by Shariff’s attorney, who requested that the couple be tried jointly as opposed to separately; this application will be ruled on come March 6, 2017.

The accused, between 2005 and 2015, had allegedly amassed some $20 billion in business funds

and were arrested in July 2016 in connection with allegations relating to one of the largest money laundering and tax evasion schemes in the history of Guyana.

Shariff was sent on annual leave on July 1, 2016 by Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, following investigations launched

by SOCU and his services were terminated with effect from December 31, 2016.

The trial date was set by Magistrate Fabayo Azore and the couple will appear before the courts on March 6, 2017.

13 Pan-o-Rama kick-starts Mashramani week of activities news

tuesDAY, February 21, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

T

he Pan-o-Rama Steel Band Competition was the perfect start to the Mashramani week ahead, as waves of celebrations vibrated through the sold-out crowd on Sunday evening.

Scores of steel pan lovers and supporters turned out at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall for the annual Mashramani Pan-o-Rama Steel Band Competition.

The opening night of the Pan-o-Rama Steel Band Competition 2017 was at the Theatre Guild Playhouse on Saturday. The events contested on that night were Junior Solo, Senior Solo, Pan Duet and Jazz Duet.

The competition is one in the line of highly anticipated Mashramani events, hosted by the Education Ministry, Department of Culture and given the festive nature,

with three deliveries in the small youth band category where Queen’s College, Lodge and Dolphin Secondary presented renditions of Guyanese musical pieces. Queen’s College emerged victorious with Dolphin Secondary following closely in second and Lodge trailing at third.

Competition intensified in the second segment with The Bishops’ High School

Difference” Initiative.

Michelle Johnson, Marketing and Communications Manager of Republic Bank, in her opening remarks, explained their focus is on providing avenues for the empowerment of the nation’s youths, while sustaining art and cultural forms such as steel pan music. She further indicated that steel pan development has proven to be the

GBTI Buxton Pride Steel Orchestra (Winners of Large Youth Bands)

Queen's College (Winners of Small School Band)

The second and final night of the competition saw performances by several bands from across the country in various categories, including small youth bands, large youth bands and large bands in general. Each of these groups keenly took to the stage to perform rousing pieces, as they vied for a placement within the top three for each category.

The event commenced

opening what was possibly the most competitive category on the programme.

Seven bands contended in the large youth bands grouping with each bringing its own unique flavour to the already raving steel pan lovers. Even with several noteworthy performances, last year’s champions, North Ruimveldt Secondary, was defeated by GBTI Buxton Pride Steel Orchestra and

PanWave Academy. Buxton Pride won the category with PanWave placing second and North Ruimveldt third.

The large band category consisted of more established and experienced groups. As such, they were each tasked with performing a 10-minute original piece, which attracted greater scrutiny from the judges. The National School

of Music Steel Orchestra emerged victorious in this segment.

The Guyana Police Force Steel Orchestra was able to move one space up from their previous position, gaining second in this year’s competition. However, the 2016 winners of the large band category, Parkside Steel Orchestra, placed third.

North Ruimveldt Secondary School

it sets the pace for the costume float parade which is to follow on February 23.

This competition was sponsored by Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited as they continue to significantly impact steel pan development in Guyana for nine years and counting. The event forms a part of the Bank’s “Power to Make a

Raving crowd at Pan-o-rama

most dynamic and rewarding of all the areas of their cultural involvement and they are satisfied with increase participation among school bands.

This year’s competition saw the largest participation. Bands have commuted long distances to participate in the Pan-o-Rama experience.

Chetwynd Learning Centre opened I

n honour of the 94th birth anniversary of former Guyanese leader, Forbes Burnham, the current Head of State, David Granger, opened the Chetwynd Learning Centre on Monday.

The new Centre, located at Lot 5 Thorn Drive, D’Urban Backlands, already accommodates three other institutes also established in Burnham’s name; these include the Burnham Educational Scholarship Trust, the

President David Granger and First Lady Sandra Granger unveiling the plaque on Monday

Forbes Burnham Research

Institute and the Burnham

Book Trust.

The Centre is aimed at providing equal access to educational tools to all Guyanese, which will make learning easier.

Chetwynd was the idea of President Granger who “reiterated the call of Burnham to make education a central plan.”

According to the Head of State, he is breathing life into the ideas of the former leader, who believed that education should be provided to everyone.

Granger reiterated that education is not an option but should be an entitlement for all.

He expressed the hope that similar centres like Chetwynd, would be built in each town, in the near future.

The President emphasised that the centre is being opened for the public good and not for political purposes.

Following his remarks, the President and First Lady Sandra Granger cut

the ribbon and unveiled the plaque, declaring the centre officially opened. They were then joined by other Government Ministers on a tour of the institution.

Chetwynd is equipped with educational tools such as books and computers. A total of 20 computers are currently at the Centre and more are to be added.

Photos depicting various points in Guyana’s history decorate the walls of the centre.

14

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesDAY, february 21, 2017

Regional

Ecuador poll: governing party’s Reid condemns murder of Charlemont High School teacher Lenin Moreno leads vote

E

P

artial official results in Ecuador’s Presidential election have put governing party candidate, Lenin Moreno, in the lead.

With 88 per cent of the votes counted, he has 39.10 per cent, just short of the 40 per cent needed to win outright in the first round.

If he fails to reach 40 per cent, he will face conservative candidate Guillermo Lasso in a run-off on April 2.

Third-place candidate Cynthia Viteri said she would support Lasso in the case of a second round.

Polls conducted before the election suggested that Lasso could win a second round if he got the backing of candidates eliminated in round one.

Moreno needs to both win 40 per cent of the votes and have a 10 per cent lead over the next candidate to stave-off a second round.

Guillermo Lasso (left) and Lenin Moreno (right) casting their votes on Sunday

He currently has a 10.8 per cent lead, but not the 40 per cent.

After 10 years in power and three election wins, incumbent left-wing President Rafael Correa was not running again, so change at the top was inevitable.

But a defeat for Moreno, who has the backing of Correa and his party, would signal a swing to the right after a decade of left-wing policies and could have

implications, not just for Ecuador, but the Region.

When Mr Correa was first elected in 2007, he was one of a group of leftwing leaders in power in Latin America, including Argentina’s Nestor Kirchner, Bolivia’s Evo Morales, Brazil’s Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Cuba’s Raul Castro, Nicaragua’s Daniel Ortega and Venezuela’s Hugo Chávez. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Commonwealth Secretariat calls for peaceful discourse in Dominica

I

n a press release on Saturday, the Commonwealth Secretariat said that it has been monitoring developments in Dominica and was saddened by the violence that occurred following a public rally on February 7, organised by opposition parties.

This is the same opposition in Dominica that Commonwealth Secretary General, British Baroness Patricia Scotland, famously told to “sousey sel” (“suck salt”), a deeply offensive Creole curse, for which she has never apologised.

Saturday’s expression of concern by the Commonwealth, coming 11 days after the incident in question, is therefore hardly

likely to carry much weight domestically, regionally or internationally.

The Commonwealth Charter provides that freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly, the rule of law and human rights are the foundations of a democratic society and accountable governance and, according to the Secretariat, it will work closely with regional partners such as the Caribbean Community (Caricom) to encourage Dominicans to continue to find ways for peaceful dialogue and discourse.

However, any attempt by the Commonwealth Secretariat and others to enlist the support of Caricom is likely to be an exercise in futility, since current chair-

man, Guyana’s President David Granger, said on Friday that concerns raised

by Dominica’s Opposition Leader are an “internal matter” – the customary response to any political turmoil within any member country.

The Secretariat said it is already supporting the efforts of Dominica to deepen democracy in the country, claiming that Scotland recently deployed a delegation to hold discussions with key stakeholders to strengthen and build trust in the country’s electoral systems and framework, a development that appears to have been conspicuous by its absence in recent media statements or reporting. (Excerpt from Caribbean

News Now)

CDB approved US$306M in loans, grants in 2016

CDB President, Dr William Warren Smith

I

n 2016, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) approved US$306 million in loans and grants, the highest approval total during the past five years. And of the countries for which funding was

approved, Belize, Saint Lucia and Suriname were the three largest beneficiaries of loans.

Dr William Warren Smith, CDB President, made this announcement during the bank’s annual

news conference on Friday in Barbados.

Smith pointed out that, in addition to the grants approved in 2016, the Bank began implementing the United Kingdom Caribbean Infrastructure Partnership Fund (UK CIF). UK CIF is a £300 million grant programme for transformational infrastructure projects in eight Caribbean countries and one British overseas territory, which CDB administers. £16.4 million in grants was approved for projects and technical assistance in Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Dominica and Grenada. (Excerpt from Caribbean News Now)

ducation, Youth and Information Minister, Senator Ruel Reid, has expressed “outrage” over the brutal killing of 35-year-old Tanijah Howell, a teacher at Charlemont High School in Linstead, St Catherine.

Howell’s body was found on Saturday morning in bushes in Barrett Hall, St Ann. Reid said the Ministry has offered condolences to the family of Howell, as well as his school family.

Tanijah Howell

He urged, “Wellthinking Jamaicans who have any knowledge of

this brutal killing to report to the authorities as soon as possible.”

The Education Minister stressed that that the country needs to work together to ensure that the scourge of crime and violence is removed from the nation by providing information in order to make Jamaica a safer place.

The teacher was allegedly killed while on a chartered transportation job in St Catherine, something he did in his spare time. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Bombing halts pumping on Colombia’s Cano-Limon oil pipeline

P

umping operations along Colombia’s second-most important oil pipeline, the CanoLimon Covenas, were halted due to a bomb attack by rebels from the Marxist ELN group, a Police and a military official said on Monday.

Neither gave further details on the attack - the second in a week against the pipeline.

The attack occurred on Sunday in a rural area of La Blanquita in central

Boyaca province, state oil company Ecopetrol said in a statement. Production and exports from the Cano Limon fields were not interrupted.

The 485-mile (780-kilometre) pipeline has the capacity to transport up to 210,000 barrels of crude daily from oil fields operated by US-based Occidental Petroleum to the Caribbean port of Covenas.

There were 43 attacks on the pipeline last year and 13 so far this year, ac-

cording to Ecopetrol, which owns the pipeline.

Attacks on oil installations by ELN, a group of about 1,500 combatants, have been a frequent occurrence during a conflict that has killed more than 220,000 people and displaced millions over the past 52 years.

The attack comes as Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos’ government engages in peace talks with the rebels in Ecuador.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Argentina coach crash: At least 19 killed near border with Chile

A

t least 19 people were killed when a coach overturned on a remote road in the Argentine Andes, near the border with Chile, officials say.

A survivor, who was not identified, said that the coach had been travelling too fast, despite the concerns of passengers.

The crash happened near Mount Aconcagua, the highest mountain outside of Asia.

The Chilean company that operated the vehicle says it is striving to ascertain the identities of the dead.

The Attorney General of Mendoza province, Alejandro Gulle, was quoted

by AFP news agency as saying that two Chilean coach drivers who survived the crash were being questioned in the town of Uspallata, a

The accident is reported to have happened in good weather, on a well-maintained road

tourist location near the 6,960-metre (22,835-feet) Mount Aconcagua.

The dead - including three children - are mostly from Argentina, but also from Chile, Colombia and Haiti, officials say. The accident happened in good weather, on a well-maintained road, but on a dan-

gerous curve.

The passenger said the bus had continued to travel at speed even though passengers volubly complained.

At least 41 people, most of them Police officers, were killed when a bus fell off a bridge in north-west Argentina in December 2015. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Venezuela takes over from Haiti as the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere

W

hile Haiti has been regarded for many years as the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, Venezuela has now taken over this unenviable position.

A national survey conducted in Venezuela in 2016 on the living conditions of Venezuelan households confirmed that Venezuela has

become one of the poorest countries in the world and the poorest in the Americas.

The figures show that 82 per cent of Venezuelan households live in a condition of poverty, of which 52 per cent are in extreme poverty and 18 per cent are close to entering this category. In 2014, 51 per cent of Venezuelan households

were considered poor, 24.8 per cent were in moderate poverty, and 23 per cent were in extreme poverty.

This ranking reflects the economic and political crisis currently affecting Venezuela as a result of the slump in oil prices and economic mismanagement by the Government. (Excerpt from Caribbean News Now)

tuesDAY, february 21, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

Around the World

Protests over teachers’ strike turn deadly in Guinea … 5 killed, 30 wounded

A

t least five people have been killed in Guinea’s capital, Conakry, in protests sparked by a teacher’s strike, according to the Government, reviving labour tensions in a country where previous strikes have led to dozens of deaths.

Guinea’s main teachers’ unions launched the strike on February 1 to protest the Government’s decision to dismiss or cut the salaries of many junior teachers after the latest civil service exams.

Beginning early on Monday morning, unidentified assailants attacked a Police Station and demonstrators clashed with security forces in several districts of Conakry.

“By midday, these demonstrations had unfortunately caused the deaths of at least five people,” the

Many students have taken to the streets in recent days to support their teachers

Government said in a statement, calling the protest “illegal and forbidden”.

The statement added that 30 people had been injured, including members of the security forces, and 12 arrested.

The two largest teacher trade unions have been on

strike for weeks, demanding higher salaries and the resumption of work by contracted teachers, who are not full-time. The Government, they say, is not meeting their demands.

The unions said their strike will continue until a pay rise of between 7.5 to

10.3 per cent is met.

Later on Monday, the Government said a deal had been struck to end the teachers’ strike, but that could not be immediately confirmed.

The subsequent crackdown by security forces led to the deaths of 135 people.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Russia’s UN envoy Churkin dies suddenly in New York

R

ussia’s combative Ambassador to the United Nations, Vitaly Churkin, died suddenly in New York on Monday after taking ill at work, the Russian Foreign Ministry said.

The Ministry gave no details on the circumstances of his death, but offered condo-

15

lences to his relatives and said the diplomat had died one day before his 65th birthday. It declined to comment on reports that Churkin had been taken to a hospital shortly before his death.

A United States government official, who was not authorised to speak publicly on the case, said that

Churkin had died of an apparent heart attack.

A federal law enforcement official said that there appeared to be nothing unusual about the Ambassador’s death.

The New York Post quoted unnamed sources as saying Churkin had been rushed to a Manhattan hospital

from the Russian Embassy after falling ill with a cardiac condition.

President Vladimir Putin was deeply upset by the news and had greatly valued Churkin’s professionalism and diplomatic talent, Russian news agencies quoted the Kremlin as saying.

Malayalam actress assault case: Women’s panel summons Kerala Police Chief

T

he National Commission for Women on Monday summoned Kerala Police Chief Loknath Behra over the alleged abduction and assault of a popular Malayalam actor, hours after three accused in the case moved the Kerala High Court seeking anticipatory bail.

Police were caught completely off-guard on Monday when the accused move the High Court amid a massive manhunt across the state to nab them.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan sought an action taken report over the incident after convening a meeting of the district collectors and top Police officials.

In the bail plea, the trio denied their role in the incident and claimed Police were “hounding them” without any reason.

The 30-year-old actor

was returning to Kochi from a film shoot in Thrissur on Friday night when a seven-member gang abducted and allegedly sexually assaulted her for nearly two hours in her car. She said they also took photographs of her.

The driver of the car and two others were nabbed by Police hours after the incident, but the main accused, including kingpin Pulsar Suni, are still at large. Suni is a known history-sheeter.

In Alapuzha, one person was arrested for helping Suni.

The actor said her car was hit from the rear by a van and as her driver stopped the car, an argument ensued, and occupants of the van forcibly boarded her car and took control of it.

After being dumped, she approached a film producer who in turn alerted Police.

(Excerpt from Hindustantimes)

Rs 80,000 crore plan in works to cut urban carbon footprint

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Trump names McMaster as National Security Adviser

U

nited States (US) President Donald Trump has named Lieutenant General HR McMaster as his national security adviser.

He will replace Lieutenant General Michael Flynn who was fired after just three weeks and three days in the job.

A Lieutenant General with the US Army, HR McMaster served in Iraq and Afghanistan, where he worked on a Government anti-corruption drive.

President Trump’s first choice, retired Vice Admiral Robert Harward, turned down the role, citing “personal reasons”.

Announcing the appointment at his Mar-a-Lago es-

President Trump announced the appointment of General McMaster at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida

tate in Florida, President Trump called General McMaster “a man of tremendous talent and tremendous experience”.

General Flynn stepped

down after misleading Vice President Mike Pence over his conversations with Russia’s Ambassador to the US. Keith Kellogg, who took

over as acting National Security Adviser after the resignation, will now serve as the National Security Council chief of staff.

Correspondents say General McMaster is known for expressing his views.

Time Magazine named him as one of its 100 most influential people in the world in 2014, saying he “might be the 21st Century Army’s pre-eminent warrior-thinker”.

Thanking the US President for the new position on Monday, he said, “I look forward to joining the National Security team and doing everything I can to advance and protect the interest of the American people.”

(Excerpt from BBC News)

China wields stick with North Korea, but is still pushing for talks

W

ith the suspension of all North Korean coal imports, China has wielded a big stick against its reclusive neighbour, but there is no sign it will cut off all critical links and Beijing is still promoting talks to solve the dispute over Pyongyang’s programme to develop nuclear weapons. China has been getting increasingly fed-up with what it sees as North Korean leader Kim Jong-

un’s recalcitrance and unwillingness to show any sign of wanting to seek a peaceful resolution to the nuclear weapons issue. It has also come under increasing pressure from the United States to get tough with Pyongyang.

The Global Times, a widely-read Chinese Staterun tabloid, said on Monday that the coal decision showed China’s determination to work with the international community to stop North

Korea’s nuclear schemes, but did not mean China’s policy toward its neighbour had or would fundamentally change. The fantasy reference related to speculation in the South Korean media that China may have halted the coal shipments to punish North Korea for the killing of leader Kim Jong-un’s half-brother, Kim Jong Nam, last week in Malaysia. South Korean officials say they believe that Kim Jong Nam

was assassinated by North Korean agents.

The economic impact of suspending coal imports would be severe and may force Pyongyang to the negotiating table, some of the Chinese experts said. China imported about $1.89 billion of coal from North Korea last year, a significant proportion of the $2.5 billion in total Chinese imports from North Korea that year.(Excerpt from Reuters)

T

There is an estimated 1.25 billion people living in India

he Government has started preparing a roadmap for building 8,000 kilometres of pavements and laying more cycle tracks in 106 cities in the next five years to promote walking and cycling and to reduce carbon footprint in urban areas.

The Urban Development Ministry targets building 1,300 kilometres of bus rapid transit corridors, with dedicated fast lanes for buses and setting up 500 new bus depots, as well as and promote use of electric and hybrid vehicles under Green Transport Scheme.

Sources said the scheme will involve investment worth nearly Rs 80,000 crore and will benefit about 22 crore (220 million) people

in the urban population.

Considering that the scheme won’t be successful, states are required to have and implement a parking policy, adopt street vendor regulation norms, have a policy to prevent encroachments and also have an urban transport fund.

The centre will set up National Green Urban Mobility Fund (NGUMF), which will channel 60 per cent of funds from Central Government and other agencies to cities covered under this scheme.

This entity will contribute to 60 per cent of the entire investment required for the mission, which is around 48,000 crore and the rest 32,000 crore will come from states. (Excerpt from Times of India)

16 news

tuesDAY, february 21, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Rupan crowned Miss MOTP launches ‘Go Green’ Mashramani band Mash Queen 2017

T

wenty-year-old Aqualia Rupan on Sunday evening outshone five other contestants vying for the title of Miss Mash Queen 2017, when the pageant was hosted at the National Cultural Centre, in Georgetown.

This was the first attempt at pageantry for the newly crowned queen, who is a Client Service Clerk at the St Joseph Mercy Hospital.

Although the North East La Penitence beauty did not offer the best answer to her question, she was the judges,’ as well as the crowd’s favourite, from the moment she stepped on stage.

She scored high in the various segments and for the first year, after a 10-year hiatus, the queen was crowned by accumulative scores and not based on the final question. The delegates would have competed in introduction, talent, swimwear and evening wear. Rupan was also rewarded with prizes for best introduction, best talent and best personality.

Overcome with joy and fighting back tears, the newly crowned queen explained that she was elated to have won the crown. She also said all the delegates walked away as queens since they were prepared by the Simpli Royal family, led by Pamela Dillon.

“I am no longer a shy girl and I am sure all the other

The costumes all designed by Carol Fraser along with the MOTP band leader Vanilla

T

Newly crowned Mash Queen 2017 Aqualia Rupan is flanked by first runner-up Gabrielle Chapman and second runner-up Younette Stephanie

delegates have taken away something to apply to their general lives moving forward from our training,” she added.

She advised those who wish to participate in pageantry to be beauty ambassadors which will afford

them the opportunity to be anything they wish, while noting that they must also work hard.

Gabrielle Chapman was crowned first runner-up and Younette Stephanie was bestowed with the second runner-up title.

Rupununi Music and Arts Festival presents “Georgetown Connection”

T

he Rupununi Music and Arts Festival will be coming to Georgetown and according to Festival Director, Dr Bob Ramdhanie, including Georgetown in the programming has been integral to the Festival’s strategic plan since its inception.

He said too that this will be the first of many events to be staged annually in

local team and will be amply supported by the popular, vibrant, rock band, Feed the Flames plus Collage, Nachgana Academy of Dance, “Chuckie & Gavin Mendonca”, Surama Cultural Group and many others.

Additionally, international Guyanese flautist Keith Waithe will make a special appearance at the event. The organisers have assured that

Georgetown.

The event, which promises to be exciting, entertaining, fun-filled and affordable, will be staged at Thirst Park, (Banks DIH) in Georgetown on Saturday, March 4.

According to a release from Banks DIH, artistes from Barbados, St Vincent and the United Kingdom will join forces with artistes from Guyana to share some ‘festival slices’ and celebrate life. The “Georgetown Connection” promises to be an exciting entertainment event with food and fun for the whole family.

The Mighty Gabby, the youngest ever and nine-time Calypso Monarch of Barbados will headline the weekend. His international hits include “The List”, “Jack”, “Boots”, “West Indian Politician”, “Emmerton” and many more. Dave Martins and Friends will spearhead the

“Georgetown Connection” will provide a slice of what patrons can expect in August, at the Rupununi Music and Arts Festival.

The Rupununi Music and Arts Festival which is a world-music, camping-based festival began in 2013 at Rock View, Annai and will be moving this year to a new location – Manari Ranch, Region Nine (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo) for this year’s festival from August 18-20.

The Festival, including the Georgetown Connection event, is supported by the Government, Private Sector and NGO partnership, including Banks DIH Ltd, Rent-a-Tent, Giftland Mall, Republic Bank, Cara Lodge, Silverbait Design Inc, Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), THAG, Air Services Ltd, NAMILCO Inc, Trans Guyana Airways (TGA) and others.

he Ministry of the Presidency (MOTP) on Monday morning launched its Mashramani 2017 Band under the theme “Renewable Energy to Achieve a Green Economy”.

Revelling to her 2017 Mash song “Mash up de place”, Melissa “Vanilla” Roberts will be leading the MOTP band on the road come Mashramani Day. It was a morning of great excitement and jubilance as the soca artiste hyped the crowd during the launch as the revellers arrived.

The creative costumes to be displayed were the handy work of designer Carol Fraser, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Miracle Designs.

The aim of MOTP on

Mash Day is to support the call for a greener economy, which will be depicted in the designs of the costumes.

According to Fraser, the entire world is excited about going green in 2017 and as such, she is promoting the same.

“The whole world is talking about going green, even the President is pushing the Go Green Initiative and this is not because it is a billion-dollar industry, but it is because of the positive impact it is creating in our economy… on Mash Day, the Office of the President will be using renewable energy as part of showing how we can reverse climate change and promote green innovation,” the designer explained.

Her individual piece to be displayed on Mash Day will promote the solar and the wind turbine; the other costumes are all created from the byproducts of same.

The band will be taking to the street with 50 revellers that will definitely put on a great show.

Speaking with the media following the launch, a much energised Roberts expressed her anticipation for Guyana’s Republic celebrations. “I am looking forward to Mash Day to ‘Mash up de place’ with lots of energy, I am telling you, it will be energy nonstop”.

Quite a number of bands hitting the road this Mashramani will be showing their support toward the Go Green Initiative.

GraceKennedy celebrates 24th anniversary in Guyana

G

raceKennedy (Guyana) Ltd celebrated 24 years of financial services in Guyana, last Tuesday.

Seventy-one years after the establishment of GraceKennedy and Company Limited, the international enterprise expanded its reach by commencing operations in Guyana.

In 1992, an office was registered at 65 Main Street, Cummingsburg, which later became the Head Office of Western Union Financial Services, an exclusive agent from the following year.

The Guyanese corporation is a subsidy of GraceKennedy and Company Ltd, Jamaica; one of the most successful groups of companies in the Caribbean. While Guyana is honouring its 24th anniversary, the Jamaican sister entity is celebrating 95 years of services.

GraceKennedy (Guyana) Ltd began its operations with one central location in Georgetown. A decade later, the local network has expanded to include 39 agent locations across

Guyana. The money services of GraceKennedy is now extending countrywide with outlets in Berbice, Essequibo, Linden and Lethem.

Even though the company is the provider of a wide array of services, their focus in Guyana is directed towards money services. Following the success of Western Union, GraceKennedy added the one-stop bill payment facility, Bill Express, to diversify the amenities offered here. Grace Foods was subsequently introduced but on a much smaller scale than that of the other Caribbean extensions.

Apart from the financial services offered, the company places significant emphasis on giving back to their customers and the less fortunate. Over the years, the company has imparted on numerous promotional and charitable projects including feeding programmes, donations to schools and underprivileged homes as well as sponsoring local events and development initiatives.

This is in keeping with the

company’s mission of putting service first.

During an interview with Guyana Times, the Marketing Manager of GraceKennedy (Guyana) Ltd, Christel VanSluytman, explained that the company has been focusing on staff in commemoration of their 24th anniversary.

She further indicated that while there may not be any grand activity to celebrate this milestone, there will be more community involvement and promotional activities factored into the strategic plans for the year. Their annual banquet will be the main attraction for the 24 year of existence. However, the company is highly anticipating their 25th anniversary and several grand gestures are proposed for next year’s celebrations.

Reflecting on their years in Guyana, GraceKennedy (Guyana) Ltd is proud of the entity’s accomplishments for offering noteworthy financial services throughout the country. The company also promises significant growth and expansion of services for the years ahead.

news

17

tuesDAY, February 21, 2017| guyanatimesgy.com

GBTI commissions new FITUG cites Mayor’s ATM at Anna Catherina “arrogance” T Parking meter burden

…as motorists continue “starvation”

A

s motor vehicle operators continue their widespread deprivation of parking meters fees, which were supposedly reinstituted on Monday, the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG), registered its rejection of the Parking Meter Project in Georgetown.

FITUG, in a statement issued on Monday, rejected the 50 per cent reduction in charges, noting that this is just a “compromise” to give City Hall and the Mexican Company time to “explore other schemes in pursuit of profits and revenues squeezed from the already hard-pressured population besieged today by heavy taxation, rising consumer costs and oppressive measures emanating from the Governmental bureaucracy.”

FITUG joined the long list of stakeholders who are calling for a complete cancelation of the project. The combined union bodies suggested that it would be unopposed if Government brokers the cancelation between the council and the company, Smart City Solutions (SCS).

“FITUG pledges its support for the cancellation of the current contract and offers its full support to Councillor and Deputy Mayor, Sherod Duncan for his principled stand against the absence of transparency in the negotiations from the outset,” the organisation noted.

FITUG also expressed stinging criticisms of how the Mayor executes her duties.

“We consider that the Mayor’s misguided arrogance against the young Deputy Mayor does no credit to their so-called ‘Coalition policies’.”

FITUG also expressed displeasure over Central Government’s handling of the project.

“We were extremely upset that in the context of the Granger Administration’s boast about transparency and accountability, the contract, being foisted with Smart City Solutions, was

The general populace refused paid parking on Monday

concluded between the Mayor and a selected cabal of Councillors before the whole Council and citizens got wind of them,” FITUG noted.

“We are despondent with the Central Government’s ambivalent approach to this bread and butter cost of living issue,” the organisation added, noting that all Government is doing is “pretending to respect City Hall’s autonomy” by taking a “non-intervention” stance.

“After limited scrutiny of the shady MCC/SCS contract, both the Attorney General’s Office and the Ministry of Finance were obliged to investigate. Both Government entities repudiated many sections of the ‘confidential’ agreement, forcing a few amendments, which, as we understand still favoured the company heavily,” FITUG added.

Meanwhile, acting Chief Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards’ approved an order bringing paid parking, penalties and the implementation of the Parking Meter Contract in Georgetown, to a halt. However, Attorneyat-Law Pauline Chase, on Saturday, explained that the action to reinstate penalties may warrant contempt of court and as such, the appropriate legal action would be filed. Chase who is a member of the Movement Against Parking Meters (MAPM) also explained that as the By-laws were only gazetted on February 3, citizens who were subjected to penalties

in the period from January 24 can seek redress from the courts to reimbursement and damages.

The court order prohibits the respondents, Mayor Chase Green and the Town Clerk from making “any amendments thereto for the establishment of parking meters in Georgetown with Smart City Solutions and all acts and things thereafter which flowed from that decision.”

A walk around of the city on Monday morning revealed that very few operators paid to park and many told this publication that are not paying on the grounds that there is a court injunction halting fines. Additionally, there were no signs of meter wardens or clamped vehicles on Camp Street, Main Street and sections of Carmichael and Waterloo Streets.

At a Town Hall meeting held at the Saint Stanislaus College on Saturday, many of those present signed MAPM’s petition which objects to the implementation of the meters on the grounds that there was a lack of transparency with the process, lack of adherence to the stipulations of the Public procurement process.

The petition also calls for the Georgetown Mayor and City Council to disclose documents related to Feasibility and Impact Studies and reports and minutes from meetings held before the parking meters were implemented.

Fire guts Dj...

FROM PAGE 7

DJ Magnum, who lived alone, was at one of his gigs on the Soesdyke/Linden Highway when he received a call from his mother in the United States, who reportedly owned the house. Romeo arrived at the scene moments after midnight with his current girlfriend but was unable to save any of his belongings. When asked whether or not he had enemies, the man said he has received threats in the past and confirmed that the fire might have been set by someone he knew.

“It does be indirect

threats… if a man got a family at GPL, he would probably ask them to cut off me light. As I was told that it was two females that were at my house, I would assume that it had to do with somebody heart that was broken and can’t control their emotions and misery needs company so whoever heart was broken probably get a friend to prompt her up, but nobody has evidence and I wouldn’t point fingers,” the man explained early Monday morning.

This newspaper was later informed that Romeo, who reportedly studied at

the Carnegie School of Home Economics, was planning to open a food establishment and had acquired several pieces of equipment to this end, which were reportedly destroyed in the blaze.

When the fire fighters arrived at the scene, they were forced to source water from a canal several feet away as some drains were clogged.

They were, however, able to contain the blaze to the one building. Both houses at the two sides were mildly scorched. An investigation has been launched.

he Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry Limited (GBTI) on Monday, commissioned their newest Automated Teller Machine (ATM) facility, located at Lot 12 Public Road, Anna Catherina, West Coast Demerara.

Delivering remarks on behalf of the bank, Administration Manager, Sean Noel, noted that the bank has been making inroads and leading the banking sector to higher standards. He also mentioned that GBTI will once again lead the way for the banking sector by introducing the new, more secured chip card. These cards will be launched soon and will see their card holders transacting businesses online, locally and overseas in a more secured way, protecting them from fraudulent activities.

The Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Three (Essequibo Islands-

The newest GBTI ATM facility commissioned at Anna Catherina

West Demerara), Dennis Jaikarran, lauded the bank’s move to establish an ATM in the Anna Catherina community, which he said is testament to the fact that the bank values its customers within this area.

He also expressed the hope that GBTI will expand its business in the community and country at large.

REO Dennis Jaikarran, GBTI’s Chief Executive

Officer, John Tracey, along with two students from the Cornelia Ida and the Leonora Secondary Schools cut the ribbon, officially declaring the ATM commissioned. Also in attendance were Region Three Chairman, Julius Faeber, representatives from the Neighbourhood Democratic Council, as well as Senior Managers and staff of the bank.

Minister Norton joins Barticians at Bartica Massacre memorial

S

ocial Cohesion Minister, Dr George Norton joined residents of Bartica, in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) at a memorial service last Friday, which was held in remembrance of the 12 persons who lost their lives in the Bartica Massacre of February 17, 2008, the Ministry of the Presidency said in a release.

Delivering the feature address, Minister Norton told the gathering that the horrific incident has made Bartica stronger as a community and shows that they can rise above any adversity. He also assured those gathered that the town has the support of his Ministry. “Grief is a natural response to loss and there is no right or wrong timeframe for this. The Ministry of Social Cohesion wants all of the residents of Bartica to know that they are not alone.

We are here to lend any support that we can to ensure that you continue to heal,” he stated.

The Minister acknowledged the strength and perseverance of the wives and mothers left behind by the victims, many of whom assumed the responsibility of providing for their families and holding them together.

Dr Norton emphasised that justice has prevailed in the courts, as the four gunmen have been convicted for the mass killing. He said too that there must never be a similar occurrence in this country.

“It is certainly my hope that Guyana will never experience another mass killing and the Government of Guyana continues to work to ensure the safety of all Guyanese. Let us all live in peace and harmony in all communities and be our brother’s keepers,” he said.

Meanwhile, Commander of the F Division (Interior locations) of the Guyana Police Force, Ravindradat Budhram,

Minister Norton lays a wreath at the Monument of Hope which was erected in remembrance of the victims of the Bartica massacre

said that several measures have been put in place to ensure safety and security in the town and surrounding areas, including the establishment of several committees for the sharing of information.

The Commander added that his Division has seen a lot of improvement, including the boosting of the capacity of the Bartica Police Station, which had 20 ranks in 2008 and now has over 50.

He urged the residents to be forthcoming with information so that the Force can take the necessary action. “If you see something, you can say something, if you say something, we should know something and therefore we can stop something,” he stressed.

Bartica Mayor Gifford Marshall used the opportunity to urge residents to launch a movement against violence in the community. “As we strive to lead Guyana as that model town, let us model it where violence is concerned and that is, start a movement against any and every sort of violence,” he said. The Mayor said the question which now lingers is whether or not the families of the deceased can forgive those who took their loved ones from them.

According to him, it is a process which they need to commence. He urged Barticians never to forget the date of the massacre and to continue to honour those who lost their lives.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesDAY, February 21, 2017

ARCHIE

Size up your professional position and consider how (March 21- to make gains. You can garApril 19) ner greater approval through your response to a volatile situation. Discipline and honesty will pay off.

ARIES

Try giving back to society TAURUS and see what happens. Getting (April 20- involved in a cause that you May 20) care about will bring you closer to a solution that serves you well. You can’t complain if you don’t take part.

dilbert

Concentrate on how you GEMINI can improve your assets in or(May 21June 20) der to get ahead. Don’t trust anyone to take care of your responsibilities. Use your intelligence and stamina to advance.

Short trips that offer insight into different ways of do(June 21- ing things will be beneficial.

July 22) Partnerships will face some hardships requiring unusual solutions. Be willing to compromise.

CANCER

Peanuts

Personal improvements will LEO give you the competitive edge (July 23and confidence you need to Aug. 22) forge ahead. Personal gratification will be yours if you work hard and believe in your abilities.

Listen to the people you enVIRGO (Aug. 23- counter at community events.

Sept. 22) Be a participant and make a difference. There are causes out there that need your help, and groups that could use your presence.

Calvin and Hobbes

You must take what others LIBRA are telling you seriously. You (Sept. 23stand to gain by the informaOct. 23) tion you receive. Don’t allow your emotions to take you in a direction that you’ll regret.

WORD GAME TODAY’S WORD — ANYTIME

SUDOKU

Look beyond familiarities SAGITTARIUS and delve into something that (Nov. 23- makes you more aware of the Dec. 21) changes you want to make to improve your life and personal situation.

(ANYTIME: EN-ee-time: Any time) Average mark 25 words Time limit 40 minutes Can you find 34 or more words in ANYTIME? The list will be published tomorrow.

YESTERDAY’S WORD — ENTICES nest nice nicest niece teen tense tine incest insect inset cense cent cist

cite scene scent sect seen seine sent since sine site snit stein

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

Changes you make at SCORPIO home will add to your comfort (Oct. 24and encourage you to indulge Nov. 22) in something you’ve wanted to pursue for some time. Your insight will be uncanny.

solution for Last Published Puzzle

If you think deeply about CAPRICORN what’s happened in the past, (Dec. 22you will discover a way to get Jan. 19) around a sticky situation that someone is pushing you toward.

An opportunity will develAQUARIUS op to make money or to invest (Jan. 20in something that will give Feb. 19) you greater freedom to explore your skills and talents.

Call in favors to ensure your success.

PISCES Helping others without (Feb. 20- taking on too much or overMarch 20) doing it will be difficult. Make suggestions, but don’t feel obliged to shirk your responsibilities to help someone else get ahead.

TUESDAY, february 21, 2017

Pooran, Powell, Bravo seal IPL deals D

arren Bravo, R o v m a n P o w e l l , Nicolas Pooran and

franchises.

The 28-year-old Bravo, who was axed from the West Indies team touring Zimbabwe in November 2016 after calling West Indies Cricket Board President Dave Cameron an idiot, was bought by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for 50 lakh (approximately US$75,000).

He will have for company fast-rising 23-year-old Jamaican all-rounder Rovman Powell, who was bought by the franchise for approximately US$45,000.

Meanwhile, discarded West Indies T20 captain Darren Sammy will be heading to the Kings XI Punjab, who paid US$45,000 for his services.

Trinidadian talent Nicholas Pooran will be going to the Mumbai Indians for a similar price.

But while, the aforementioned players will be celebrating new contracts, several others find themselves without a team in the IPL for the time being.

Evin Lewis, Rayad Emrit, Shannon Gabriel, Raymon Reifer, Marlon Samuels, Johnson Charles and West Indies captain Jason Holder remained unsold.

They are joined by Khrismar

Rovman Powell

Darren Sammy were all bought by IPL franchises

during the 2017 auction held in Bangalore on Monday.

However, several other West Indian players remained unsold while veterans like Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard, Sunil Narine and Dwayne Bravo were retained by their respective

Nicolas Pooran

Santokie, Jerome Taylor, Johnathan Carter, Kesrick Williams, Miguel Cummins and Shane Dowrich.

However, the West Indies players with established reputations have been retained by their respective franchises.

Carlos Braithwaite remains with the Delhi Daredevils while Chris Gayle and Samuel Badree with the Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Andre Russell, who is serving a one-year suspension for failing to file his whereabouts information on three occasions in 2015, has been retained by the Kolkata Knight Riders, as is mystery spinner Sunil Narine.

The Mumbai Indians have retained the services of Kieron Pollard and Lendl Simmons, while Dwayne Bravo, who is recovering from surgery on a torn hamstring has been retained by the Gujarat Lions.

Three hundred and fifty one players were up for bidding in the 2017 IPL auction in which only 77 player,s including 29 overseas based players could be bought. (Sportsmax)

19

FIFA gives GFF vote of confidence - predicts football will soon be Guyana’s no.1 sport

T

he new leadership of the Guyana Football Federation Inc. (GFF) has transformed the image and reputation of Guyana in the world of football governance, FIFA’s Director of Member Associations and Development for the Caribbean and Africa said in an interview at the end of a two-day visit to Guyana.

And, in a sign of confidence in the progress the GFF has made since November 2015, FIFA Director Veron MosengoOmba said FIFA President Gianni Infantino was likely to also visit Guyana.

“Since he (GFF President Wayne Forde) was elected, he gives a different image of the Guyana Football Association than in the past,” said Mosengo-Omba, who is responsible for overseeing the administration and growth of football in the region.

“I can say that the (FIFA) President, Gianni Infantino, I think, will visit soon Guyana,” MosengoOmba said. “We are confident in him (GFF President Forde) because of what he is doing now, when he started doing it – less than two years – this is giving us confidence.

That is why I am here also, because we are convinced of that. I met his Executive (Committee) yesterday – all of them, they are working like one single person: this, for me, is the mark of confidence.”

The GFF Executive Committee and administration is working to restore credibility and trust to football in Guyana through a programme of sustained

FIFA Director, Veron Mosengo-Omba (right) and GFF President Wayne Forde at the recent press conference hosted by the Guyana Football Federation at their headquarters

football development and governance reform.

This month, the GFF launched a nationwide network of 13 GFF-Scotiabank Academy Training Centres, managed by nine full-time GFF Technical Development Officers and 14 GFF Youth Development Coaches, in an effort to discover and better develop more talented boys and girls from different regions.

“I came to pay a courtesy visit to the GFF President and his Executive and to witness the good job that they start doing here,” he said.

“That is the impression that we have in FIFA, because I came here: the impression is good … They started a good job, and I have witnessed that they have restructured this administration because, don’t forget, the administration is the important tool to organise football.”

Mosengo-Omba said he had been impressed with the popularity of football in

Guyana, and that it could soon become the number one sport in the country.

“Everywhere we are crossing the city of Georgetown, even on the small pitch: people are playing football,” he said. “Even the roundabouts, they are playing football.”

The success of the Stag Elite League and the GFFNAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power National Under-17 League, and the establishment of a GFF women’s football development league have all contributed to growing interest in the sport. The GFF-Scotiabank Academy Training Centres will also boost interest in the sport through weekly grassroots sessions for young boys and girls aged 5-11.

“This is, for me, the impression I have to leave this country: that it is the country of football, and soon we will beat cricket,” MosengoOmba said. “Maybe it is already done, in terms of popularity, of course.” (GFF)

GFF-Scotiabank ATC begins in GT

P

Under-17 players practicing dribbling drills on the opening day at the Tucville ground, Georgetown

Darren Bravo

romising youth footballers from Georgetown took part in the city’s first GFF-Scotiabank Academy Training Centre session on Friday, 17th February with U-17 boys training at Tucville ground.

Technical Development Officer of the Guyana Football Federation Inc.

(GFF), Sampson Gilbert, who is in charge of scouting and developing the best talent in the Georgetown Football Association region, and GFF Youth Development Coach Challous McKinnon put the group through a range of structured drills and minigames on Friday evening.

The nationwide weekly

sessions cater for boys and girls between the ages of 5 and 17, and are designed to promote participation and more effectively prepare young players for elite level football and the national squads, as part of the national football philosophy and development plans of the GFF.

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

TUESDAY, february 21, 2017

Hornets

win Modern Optical Services 7s

P

epsi Hornets continue to have a merry year, as they added another trophy to the cabinet after winning the Modern Optical Service Sevens Tournament on Sunday at the National Park to go with their Guinness Sevens title that they took recently.

However, this time it was not a runa w a y victory since a t

the end of the round-robin quota of games, Hornets and Panthers were tied on points. In order to break the tie, game points for and against were tallied.

Hornets had scored 155 points while 34 points were scored against; for Panthers they scored 124 points with five bei n g

against.

This tally showed that Hornets had a larger difference (121:119) and were therefore declared the winners.

Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Police Falcons and Yamaha Caribs were finished in third to fifth respectively; Hornets’ Ryan Gonsalves was named the Most Valuable Player.

GT Motorsport Endurance…

Turbo Energy powering Team MMR I

n a timely gesture ahead Wednesday’s GT Motorsport Endurance meet at Albert street and Thomas Lands, Turbo Energy and Team MMR have joined forces to have to have the team powering at full throttle.

Team member WR Reaz in speaking to this publication, expressed great appreciation for the company in coming to his team’s aid and disclosed that the support will allow the three-man unit to have more fruitful practice time.

The Turbo Energy drink brand adds to the GuyTrack and Elegance Jellwery as other sponsors for the team.

In addition, the circuit racer was quizzed on his view of the impact new feature in motor racing may have in Guyana. In response, he expressed great optimism since its finding new talents in Guyana and raising the level of interest in the sport locally.

One in such is team member Louis Kumar, who prior to the first event last month had no professional race experience. Kumar was hyped about the event as it allowed him to race against those who would participate at South Dakota.

Meanwhile, today will be the launching of what is the most anticipated showdown for Teams and Individuals in the Georgetown Gran Prix on Friday, at the same venue.

Among the teams that have already confirmed participation are Team Gizmos & Gadgets, Team Heineken, Top Power, Team E-Racing,

League of Champions 2017…

Colts draw 1st blood over Ravens

T

he Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association organized League of Champions 2017 entered the final stage of competition with Bounty Colts’ senior and Under 23 sides recording resounding victories in the first round of the best of three finals.

Playing at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, Homestretch Avenue on Saturday, the Under-23 Colts took on the challenge from Dyna’s Ravens. Both teams entered the finals with only one defeat.

However, Colts showed why they were the table toppers at the end of the round robin stages as they thrashed Ravens 66-55. In the first quarter Ravens were on top of their game, gaining an early three

point lead with the score 11-14. That lead was further extended to five points with Colts trailing 24-29 by the half way stage.

Much did not change for Colts in the penultimate quarter even though they secured a one point advantage that ultimately reduced the defi-

cit to four.

But the g a m e changer was a massive 26 point final quarter that saw them bamboozle Ravens as the Dyna’s boys were strangled for an 11-point period that saw them lose the game 66-55.

Meanwhile, in the second match of the night, the Senior Ravens team shared the same faith as their Under-23 counterparts, going down to Colts 58-45.

In the first period of proceedings both teams were evenly poised showing their solid defensive work, only managing eight points each. The second period saw Colts take a marginal four point lead as the score stood at 24-20 by the half way mark.

The third quarter did not offer much justice to a Ravens side who looked to be slipping away slowly as the lead was lengthened to six with the score at 36-30.

Like the first game, the final quarter was also the last nail in the coffin and Ravens sunk further behind as Colts netted a 22 point period, seven more than Ravens to lose 58-45.

The action continues with the second of the best out of three contest tonight at the same venue from 19:00h.

Gladstone’s 31 points pushes Kwakwani into final 4 N

WR Reaz (red top) and another team member Rohindra Mahase (black top) at the previous Endurance meet

Team Nexus and Team Adrenaline Junkies.

In the inaugural event which was held last month a mammoth crowd turned up at the facility to witness some exciting races with Team Gizmos & Gadgets/Guinness and Team Heineken dominating the 500 and 600 lbs classes respectively.

Drivers such as Matthew Phang and Brian Ten Pow, who recorded the fastest lap times in the previous event will once again be aiming to go even faster this time, but the opposition has vowed to

take them on with full power.

Kevin and Kristian Jeffrey, Elliott Vieira, Matthew Vieira, Emma Vieira (the lone female so far), Kamal Seebarran and Steven Jeffrey are among those who will be hunting them down.

This segment of racing is an exciting one and the organisers are pulling out all the stops to make it an unforgettable one for fans and families.

The launch is set for 16:00h today.

ew comers Kwakwani won their second game in as many matches as Domar Gladstone hit in a joint tournament high 31 points when they made light work of Bankers Trust Falcons with a 84-32 whipping of the ward side while fourth seed Retrieve Raiders got their second win also with a smart 40-34 victory over Block 22 Falcons Sunday night when the Linden Amateur Basketball Association’s /Hamid Foundation Under 23 basketball championship continued at the Mackenzie Sports Club hard court.

In the first game tonight (Tuesday) top seed Half Mile Bulls will play Christianburg Pistons and the other pits Amelia’s Ward Jets the number two ranked side against third rated Victory Valley Royals in match-ups which were postponed last Friday due to rain.

Last Sunday, Kwakwani through Gladstone’s 31 point game which included six from three point territory in tandem with guard Shafeeq Thomas with 21 points as Leonard Primo added seven easily disposed of their opponents Falcons after leading at half time 40-13 with Stephen Duncan’s nine points being the best score from a Falcons player as Akeel Primo and Raphael Robertson each netted six points.

Kwakwani’s last game is against second seed Amelia’s Ward Jets on Saturday night as they prepare to enter the semifinals the following Saturday.

Raiders also won what was a close game as the Flames sparked at times but after trailing 15-23 at the half way mark.

Domar Gladstone

Coel Winter was the leading scorer for the winners with 13 points as Travis Sutton had another good game for the Raiders this time getting 10 points and Otis Williams contributing seven.

The Flames were led by their top scorer Selwyn Henry who again played well as Rondel Fraser got seven.

Meanwhile, the LABA has planned a 5-A-Side Inter schools tournament which will be played on Wednesday at the Mackenzie Sports Club hard court with several trophies and prizes will be at stake.

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West Indies announce squads for England tour - Bishoo, Reifer, Beaton included

T

he West Indies Cricket Board’s Selection Panel on Monday announced the 15-man training squad for the upcoming ODI Series against England.

The Panel also announced the West Indies Cricket Board’s President’s XI 12-man squad to face England in a 50-over match.

The 15-man squad will have a camp in the build-up to the three-match rubber against the visitors. The squad will arrive in Antigua later this week and will work under the guidance of new Head Coach, Stuart Law. The WICB President’s XI will play against England on Monday, February 27 at Warner Park in St Kitts.

Guyana Jaguars leg spinner, Devendra Bishoo has been included in the West Indies training squad while new ball partners Ronsford Beaton and Raymon Reifer are called to the President’s XI squad.

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21

West Indies Training Squad Jason Holder (Captain) Devendra Bishoo Carlos Brathwaite Kraigg Brathwaite Jonathan Carter Miguel Cummins Shane Dowrich Shannon Gabriel Shai Hope Alzarri Joseph Evin Lewis Jason Mohammed Ashley Nurse Kieran Powell Rovman Powell WICB President’s XI Squad Jahmar Hamilton (Captain) Sunil Ambris Ronsford Beaton Rahkeem Cornwall Raymon Reifer

Schedule of Matches Saturday, February 25: Vice Chancellor’s XI vs England – Warner Park Monday, February 27: WICB President’s XI vs England – Warner Park Friday, March 3: 2nd ODI – Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground Stadium

Montcin Hodge Kyle Hope Damion Jacobs Reynard Leveridge Kyle Mayers Andre McCarthy

Sunday, March 5: 2nd ODI – Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground Stadium

Raymon Reifer

Thursday, March 9: 3rd ODI – Kensington Oval

Kemar Roach

Rising Stars lift

South Essequibo T20 trophy

The victorious Rising Stars team strikes a pose just after the game

R

ising Stars defeated New Opportunity Corp (NOC) by 29 runs in the final of the South Essequibo T20 competition played recently at Pomona Sports Club ground, Essequibo Coast, Region Two. Rising Stars took first strike and rattled up a sufficient 141-8 from the allotment of 20-overs while NOC, in reply, struggled to 112-9 at the expiration of the 20-overs.

Man-of-the-match Kamal Lackhan hit a top-score of 42

for the winners laced with four fours and a six while Sachin Persaud made 37 also with four boundaries.

Fast-bowler Miguel Jones captured four wickets for 26 runs from three overs while off-spinner Akeeme Adams supported with three for 9 from his maximum four overs.

When the visitors appeared at the crease, Haresho Paul and Orin Heyliger scored 35 and 26 respectively. Ravindra Narine grabbed three wickets

for 19 runs from his four offspin overs and Anil Lackhan took two for 21 from four overs.

In the third-place play-off match, Hibernia beat Jaguars to take home that trophy.

The South Essequibo Cricket Committee awarded trophies to the players who were adjudged man-of thematch in all the preliminary round-robin stage and semifinal games at the presentation.

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

tuesDAY, february 21, 2017

Guyanese boxers

Ramdhani

dominate “Nuff Cuff” in Vancouver G

uyanese boxers dominated proceedings from the opening bell on Sunday evening when the Guyana Amateur Boxing Federation (GABF) held its first major event of 2017 at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue. “Nuff Cuff” as the event was called, featured boxers from neighbouring Suriname and the best of the best from local shores.

In the feature event, Desmond “Dynamite” Amsterdam and Dennis Thomas were engaged in a tight tussle but Amsterdam emerged victorious after the judges ruled 2-1.

In the first round, Amsterdam, who represents the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) gym, began with strong defence but started to exhilarate towards the end.

The second round, Thomas rebounded well sending several punches and landing a few. However, what had transpired in the first two rounds setup an intriguing third and final encounter.

Amsterdam started slowly in Desmond “Dynamite” Amsterdam the deciding three after his bout with Dennis Thomas minutes against Husband also came out the tired-looking triumphant against Thomas as he reStephon Van Ommeren ceived a large numwhen the contest was ber of punches, esstopped in the second and penultipecially mate round. towards the Only Tony Lin (Surinamese) end and fought to the end showing good with technique against Guyanese t h e Shaquille Wright. Wright was declared winner on a unanimous decision.

Other fighters chalked up victories were Travis Husband over Jamal Eastman while Colin Lewis got the better of Joel Williams. Richard Lanferman defeated Joshua Corbin all in the middleweight category.

In the lightweight division, Junior Hyman defeated Issia Moore while Sean Graham beat Seshoa Elcock.

Meanwhile, Seon Bristol of Colin Lewis BrisMac Promotions stated that he was delighted to pull off anraucous crowd on their feet, Amsterdam other successful event and promised to finished off things in style having Thomas continue to have more of these international boxing cards. He was very thankleaned on the ropes.

After the fight, Amsterdam expressed ful to the President of the GABF Steve ecstasy claiming that he had also wanted Ninvalle, who he mentioned had worked to beat Thomas and was happy with his tirelessly hard to have these talented boxers on show. achievement.

Guyana Times Sport also caught up “I [am] overwhelmed tonight; I approached the fight with my intimidating with President of the Suriname Boxing style and I was happy to come out on top Association Remie Burke who declared because he is a good fighter; my training that the event was a great learning expepaid off too,” the Caribbean Middleweight rience for his athletes and expressed profound gratitude to the Federation for their champion related.

In the other 14 fights, Guyanese made invitation.

Even though all four of the boxers sufa mess of their Surinamese counterparts and almost replicated their performances fered defeats, he believes that the experiwhen they travelled to the Dutch country ence was invaluable and promised to participate when the federation hosts more last year.

The four bouts saw, the powerful Jason events in the future.

The night’s was also possible due to Bakker defeated Fitzgerald King when the referee stopped the fight in the opening af- the support of several sponsors including Ansa McAl, Windjammer Hotel, White ter the visitor floored on two occasions.

Travis Subratte beat Marlon Leming Castle Fish Shop, Nigel Pile and Trophy with unanimous decision while Travis Stall of Bourda Market.

N

a r a y a n Ramdhani, local champion of Badminton has made another impressive showing in Vancouver, Canada where he is on scholarship.

Ramdhani played the two day event at the Badminton BC, Port Coquitlam during February 18-19.

The 18-year-old star dominated the day’s games in the Shuttlesport Badminton Academy’s Senior Open/Under 23 championships where he won first place in the Under-23 Mixed-doubles.

Ramdhani also earned himself two third place finishes in the Open Men’s singles and Under-23 Men’s Doubles.

In the Under-23 mixed doubles, Ramdhani, who is seeded number one, teamed up with Christina Jieun Woo as the pair defeated William Poon and Helen Cheung, 21-14 and 21-16 in the semi-finals before moving on to defeat Hayden Wai-Hon shiu and Yaqun (Jessy) Zheng 21-15, 14-21 and 21-10 in the finals to seal the victory.

Also, in the Open Men’s Singles, the 18 year old star disposed of Junpeng

Narayna Ramdhani (left) and his Men’s Doubles partner Zach Lu-Ming Fan

(James) Qui 21-16 and 2110 in the quarter finals but unfortunately surrendered a nail biting game in the semi-finals 21-16, 13-21 and 21-19 to Laurence Kao. Meanwhile, in the Under-23 Men’s Doubles, the Number two seeded player shared the same faith as in the Open Men’s

Singles as he joined forces with Zach Lu-Ming Fan to secure a victory over Nester Yang Ning Lin and David Luo 21-16, 17-21 and 21-17 in the quarter finals.

However, in the Senifinals the pair lost to Nabil Russell Bennett and Lennart Notni 21-12 and 21-9.

Barcelona forward to stand trial on corruption charges

B

Neymar has scored 95 goals in 171 games for Barca since joining from Santos in 2013

arcelona player Neymar and his club will stand trial on corruption charges over his transfer from Brazilian team Santos, after losing a final appeal.

The case relates to a complaint from Brazilian investment group DIS, which owned 40 percent of Neymar’s transfer rights.

It claims it received less money than it was entitled to when Neymar joined Barca from Santos for £49m in 2013.

Santos, Neymar’s mother and a company run by the 25-year-old footballer’s parents will also face charges.

“Santos FC, Barcelona FC, Neymar, his mother Nadine Goncalves and N&N, the family company, have lost their appeals to have charges of fraud and corruption dropped,” the Spanish High Court said in a statement.

They cannot appeal against the court’s decision.

Prosecutors are seeking a two-year prison sentence and a fine of nearly £8m for Neymar.

However, even if the Brazil international were found guilty he would be unlikely to go to jail. Under the Spanish legal system, prison terms of under two

years are typically suspended.

Prosecutors are also seeking a fine of about £7.2 million for Barcelona and £5.6 million for Santos.

Barca thought they had brought the affair to a close when a judge archived the case in June, but Spain’s public prosecutor successfully overturned the ruling in September, allowing the case to proceed.

Neymar’s Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi was sentenced to 21 months in prison for tax fraud in July of last year. He has appealed against the sentence. (BBC)

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesDAY, febRuary 21, 2017

23

Petra/Limacol Round-robin Knock-out Football

Semi-finalists decided

- Winners Connection face Police; Santos clash with Western Tigers

A

fter four intense quarter-final matches at the Victoria Ground and the McKenzie Sports Club Ground on Sunday evening, the final four teams in the Petra Organised Limacol Roundround Knock-out Football Tournament have been decided.

The victors of the closely competitive matches Western Tigers, Guyana Police Force FC, Winners Connection and Santos are

the teams to progressing closer to championship glory.

In the matches on East Coast of Demerara, the lawmen won 2-1 against Den Amstel via goals from Dwain Jacobs in the 5th and Quincy Holder in the 12th while Kester Jacobs scored in the 3rd for the losers.

In the next match, a spirited Santos came from behind to defeat Mahaica Determinations 2-1, with Dominique Bobb netting

in the 45+3 and followed

by Orin Yard in the 77th.

Ewart Abel scored in a losing cause in the 4th.

Mahaica, clearly had the support of the crowd when Abel scored a brilliant header but the joy only lasted for the first half as Bobb produced a similar header to level the scores in injury time.

The second half commenced at a fast pace as both teams went hard in an effort to take the lead but

Floodlights confident of Florida success

neither capitalized on the multiple chances created. It was until Yard slotted home what proved to be the winning goal that the “home side” were completely silenced.

Meanwhile, in the Mining town, defending champions Milerock went down to Western Tigers 1-0 via a goal from Joshua Britton in the 57 while and Eagles lost by and identical margin to Winners Connection, with Rene Gibbons goal in the 62nd making the difference.

The semi-finals will be played at Georgetown Football Club (GFC) Ground, Bourda this Friday with Winners Connection tackling Police from 19:00hrs followed by Santos against Western Tigers.

Police marksmen! Dwain Jacobs (left) and Quincy Holder

The final is billed for Saturday March 4 at the same venue with the winner of the event winner of the event pocketing $500,000 and a trophy while the second, third and fourth placed teams will receive $300,000, $200,000 and $100,000 re-

spectively and the corresponding accolade.

To date, Banks DIH Limited under the GT Beer Brand, Trophy Stall and Star Party Rentals are the other companies that have thrown their support behind the championship.

“Federation’s debt not a deterrent” - GABBFF President

Wellman team strikes a pose just after winning the final against Ariel XI

By Ravi Madholall

P

resident of the Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA) Ramchand Ragbeer has expressed strong optimism that both the GFSCA ‘A’ team and the GFSCA Legends will exceed expectations at the 2017 Florida Cup tournament which bowls off Friday.

Ragbeer was speaking exclusively with Guyana Times Sport on Sunday at the Malteenoes Sports Club ground Thomas Land where a large number of their players engaged in a final warmup before jetting off to North America.

In the organized warm up matches, Wellman XI emerged victorious beating Ariel XI by six runs in a thrilling encounter while Savage XI overwhelmed Arno XI by 15 runs for the third-place trophy.

According to the GFSCA boss, the teams are very much upbeat of dominating proceedings from the commencement and he is backing the ‘A’ side to retain the championship in the Masters Division as well.

He further stated that it was vitally important that some of the players were able to engage in practice matches and it certainly builds their confidence im-

mensely to feature at the Mini Softball World Cup event.

“I [am] very confident both the A and B (Legends) teams will do well in Florida from Friday; the guys have been preparing for the tournament over the past weeks and with these organized matches by the association today (Sunday) was a great opportunity for them to get themselves ready,” Ramchand declared.

He mentioned that the A side is high in confidence alluding to the fact they were champion at their own Guyana Cup 6 last year and also the Florida Cup in 2016.

Meanwhile, Wellman XI racked up a challenging 151-9 from the allotment of 20-overs after they were inserted by Ariel XI, who replied with 145 all out off 19.5 overs.

Skipper Wayne Jones and Nandram Samlall made 30 runs each while Eon Lovell chipped in with a steady 18. Erick Jeffrey snared two wickets for 23 runs from his allotted four overs.

In Ariel XI’s chase, Afeez Samad struck a cameo 25 which counted three sixes and a four and 22 unbeaten from Talesh Ramotar as Grey De-Franco claimed three wickets for 17 runs from four overs and Samall

picked two for 15 off three overs to complemented a fine all-round and man-ofthe-match performance.

In the third-place playoff match, Savage XI defeated Arno XI by 11 runs.

Savage XI scored a sufficient 145-2 from the allotted 15-overs while Arno XI left hanging at 131-8 when the overs expired.

Former senior Berbice Inter-county batsman Anil Beharry led the way with an aggressive 61 laced with five sixes and three fours. He received solid support from skipper Troy Ramsaywack, who hit 53 also with five sixes and two fours.

In Arno XI’s response, the veteran Dhanny Mohanram scored a combative 47 while 31 from Amarnauth Boodhoo.

Ram Malone grabbed three wickets for 20 runs from three overs and Ramsaywack returned to collect two wickets conceding 17 runs off his three overs.

At a simple presentation ceremony just after the final game, trophies were handed out to the winning, runners-up and thirdplace sides, compliments of Trophy Stall of Bourda Market while Samlall took home a hamper, thanks to Mike’s Pharmacy.

GABBFF President, Coel Marks

By Romario Samaroo

I

mmediately after assuming office on Saturday, newly elected president of the Guyana Amateur Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (GABBFF), Coel Marks has announced that he and his team will not be demotivated from the task at hand because of the Federation’s debt.

Marks won the presidency of the GABBFF as the Federation held their Annual General Meeting at Olympic House, High Street, Kingston where he defeated former president Keavon Bess 17-13.

In an exclusive interview with Guyana Times Sport the GABBFF boss confirmed that “the federation is broke, in debt, but that is not a deterrent to us.”

He highlighted that his body “undertook the task knowing fully well that this is not a rich man’s sport so .,

we are well prepared to put our shoulders to the wheel and grind to acquire funds and to promote the sport.”

The 30 year old businessman acknowledged that it will not be easy but, according to Marks, the Federation is trying to create a nexus between the business community and the bodybuilding Federation all year round not only in sponsorships but various fund raising activities.

Looking at the new faces elected into office, the President of the Federation informed this publication that there is a very good understanding of money; therefore it will be a plus for the body to increase funding.

“Starting off the bat what we have is strong economic ties so far with our vice-president, Sean Satrohan who has very good ties with the business community, we have a very strong treasurer who is a trained economist so he un-

derstands money, how to generate it, how it moves, how it operates, so right off the bat we have a firm economic standing,” Marks said.

Also, the General Secretary of the Federation, Lisa Ahmad is a ABE lecturer at the Nations University.

Moreover, Marks was inclined to say that the entire group of new executives are all self-motivated to perform well in their post even though most are first time office bearers.

With each of them bringing a different skill set, the GABBFF president mentioned that it is now possible for the federation to merge the different skills set and make the sport more formidable in the country.’

An issue that has placed the Federation under the spot light of recent was the revelation of the GABBFF being delinquent in their payments of affiliation fees to the International Bodybuilding Federation (IFBB), as such, the new president said it is the first order of business that this new executive will embark on to secure the waiver in its entirety, building on the progress already made by the past body.

The federation owes in excess of one million dollars to the IFBB and had barred Guyanese athletes from taking part in events sanctioned by the international body, but the past board had secured a deal to have the local Federation pay their fees from 2017 onwards and participate while having discussions to have the entire sum waived.

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

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

Petra/Limacol Round-robin Knock-out Football‌

Semi-finalists decided Pg 23

- Winners Connection face Police; Santos clash with Western Tigers Santos (white) and Mahaica Determinations had an engrossing contest with former coming out as the winner at the Victoria Community Centre Ground (Marceano Narine Photo)

Ramdhani shines in Vancouver

Hornets win Modern Optical Services 7s

Pg 22

Pg 20

Narayan Ramdhani continues his upward progression in Canada

The Pepsi Hornets team collecting their prize from a representative from Modern Optical Services

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