Guyana times daily may 13

Drilling of Rupununi wells to P begin after rainy season 16

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

Issue No. 3209

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Saturday, May 13, 2017

PRICE

Draft legislation

Private broadcasters compelled to air free 1 hour Govt PSAs Page 7

Independence arch fiasco

Day 2: Commuters complain as ANSA McAL causes more delay Page 3

Former PNC Health Minister Page 3 jailed for 50 months

Govt warns of cybersecurity P17 threat

Lands CoI

NTC awaits meeting with President Granger P10

…feels Indigenous peoples were attacked

by Minister

Procurement issues cause delay for India-funded contracts – Jordan

Govt to seek parliamentary approval for more money Page 9

… several projects in limbo P16

… project set to meet December deadline As the expansion project at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport takes shape, the Public Infrastructure Ministry on Friday hosted a tour of the site. Pictured is the new terminal building under construction (Dexter Ceres photo)

Women plea for Rose Hall Estate to remain open Page 12

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Region 2 RDC objects to P13 funeral parlour fee increases Man charged for shooting at pregnant lover, sister P11

CJIA US$150M expansion

Closure of sugar estates

$80 vat included

Govt will have to account for shady drug procurement – PPP Page 2

... Party signals intention to go after Jordan for answers

Orealla residents protest for doctor at health centre

P17

Social cohesion plan now for Govt’s consideration P13

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news

saturDAY, may 13, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Govt will have to account for shady drug procurement – PPP … as Party signals intention to go after Jordan for answers

T

he People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has signalled that the questions on drug procurement which they fielded in the National Assembly are not the end of the road. The Opposition has undertaken to leave no stone unturned to pursue further information on shady drug procurement practices.

PPP Parliamentarian Juan Edghill gave this assurance during a press conference on Thursday. Edghill said while the answers the Party sought were not satisfactory, they would get the Finance Ministry, as well as the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) involved in the matter.

“I will tell you; these questions are not the end of this matter. There are a

Opposition Parliamentarian Juan Edghill

whole lot of other questions other people in Government will have to answer and I can put a notice here at today’s press conference (to) the Minister of Finance

(Winston Jordan) and the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board.”

“Because I will be moving in that direction, to get the National Procurement Board to make public every contract that has been awarded, the names of the evaluators, the date the contract was awarded, and for what amounts, because that information already needed to be made public on the NPTAB website.”

In fact, checks to NPTAB’s website shows that the last time information on tender awards was updated were in May of last year. This was for the D’Urban Park Project. In addition, the last updated minutes for tender openings in the board room were March 21, 2017.

“And all you’re getting

Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence

on the NPTAB website is the minutes of opening tenders. So you know who tendered, but you never knowing who it was awarded (to).

And (the website is) not even up to date. So this is not the

end of it. This Government’s feet will be kept to the fire; they will give an account and be transparent. And if they can’t comply the people of Guyana will decide what the next move is.”

Edghill stressed that public procurement of drugs was not a private enterprise but rather a multimillion-dollar process. He noted that since the Government was procuring the drugs, there are strict criteria and standards that should be followed so that the nation gets quality drugs for the right price.

This all comes in the wake of questions the Party fielded to the Ministers of Public Health and Communities in the National Assembly on Monday last.

When a response came from the Communities Minister, Ronald Bulkan it was revealed that nine out of 10 regions in Guyana did no public tendering for drugs and medical supplies between January 2016 and February 2017.

In addition, all regions indicated that no prequalification process was followed.

This was all done in the name of emergencies.

GPHC

In the case of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) In addition, Opposition Parliamentarian Edghill

had noted that 77 per cent of the total allocations for drugs for Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) have been expended.

He said that when the Public Health Minister was asked about the amount of money spend on drugs and medical supplies for the Georgetown Public Hospital for January and February 2017, it was revealed that some $2 billion has already been expended. This represents almost 77 per cent of the total allocations for the year. However, Edghill pointed out that among the questions to the Ministers was whether any of the companies were pre-qualified.

The former Junior Finance Minister noted that the answer was “no”.

Pre-qualification is an important part of ensuring quality assurance when works are done or goods supplied for the Government. In this instance, contractors are usually invited to apply to NPTAB so that they can be pre-qualified or placed on a shortlist for future projects according to World Health Organisation standards.

In the case of drugs and medical supplies, companies are expected to have adequate warehouse facilities, staff, security, in addition to appropriate certification and an emphasis on sanitation.

Narco trafficker remanded

A

lmost a week after he was arrested during a raid at Bourda Market, Georgetown, Kellon Albert was brought before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts and remanded for trafficking in narcotics on Friday.

Magistrate Leron Daly read that the accused had in his possession seven grams of cocaine on May 5, 2017, at

Bourda, Georgetown.

The accused denied any knowledge of the charge brought against him.

Reports are Albert resides in Charlestown, Georgetown, and is an electrician by profession.

The Prosecutor disclosed that the file is incomplete and the matter was adjourned to June 2.

news

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, May 12 – 05:00h-06:30h and Saturday, May 13 – 05:30h-07:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, May 12 – 05:00h-06:30h and Saturday, May 13 – 05:30h-07:00h.

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

WEATHER TODAY Weather: Thunderstorms with light to heavy rain showers can be expected throughout the day, while light cloud cover can be expected in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 25 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Ranging from Easterly to East Northeasterly between 2.68 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 05:06h and 17:29h reaching maximum heights of 2.70 metres and 2.59 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 11:04h and 23:15h reaching minimum heights of 0.51 metre and 0.66 metre respectively.

WEDNESDAY, May 10, 2017

LOTTERY NUMBERS A

03

04 06

09

13 18

27 Bonus Ball

FREE TICKET

FRIDAY, MAY 12, 2017

DAILY MILLIONS 04 06 08 10 15 LUCKY 3 0 5 4 Afternoon Draw

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8

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Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

03 04

10 13 14 16 20

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

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saturDAY, may 13, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Independence Arch fiasco

Day 2: Commuters complain as ANSA McAL causes more delays

C

ommuters traversing the East Coast Demerara carriageway, more specifically in the vicinity of the University of Guyana (UG) Access Road, complained bitterly again on Friday about the continuing traffic congestion, and consequent inconvenience in travel, that erection of an arch sponsored by ANSA McAL has been causing for a second day.

Traffic was again backed up for a considerable period as workers on the project undertook to have the arch erected in time for its official commissioning today.

Traffic was interrupted from 08:00hrs on Friday, but by late afternoon the bottleneck eased to facilitate works on the structure.

When Guyana Times visited the area on Friday, commuters were, for a second day, outraged at the inconvenience, and screams could be heard emanating from vehicles as insults were being hurled at the workers for causing the build-up of traffic.

Up to late Friday afternoon, when this pub-

Works being done on Friday morning to install the arch on the East Coast Highway

lication visited the area, workers could still be seen working on the roadways to have the arch ready.

The $19 million structure sponsored by ANSA McAL is being erected in time for an event that the Trinidad-based company is said to be hosting today. Its construction commenced on Thursday with apparently little regard for the great inconvenience visited on the commuting public, but a number of students who were sitting Social Studies paper 2 at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations reportedly arrived

late for their examination, with some even reportedly missing the exam.

Persons also reportedly missed their flights at the Eugene F Correia International Airport, and there are reports as well that some had missed the ferry to neighbouring Suriname. Following widespread criticism of the Government on social media, the Department of Public Information (DPI) explained in a release that the fabricator of the arch was late in its delivery, and this had resulted in the installation being set back to Thursday, and not last

weekend as was originally scheduled.

The release continued: “Every effort will be made to minimise the disruptions to traffic as the arch is installed”.

The Ministry of Public Infrastructure has pointed out that it had considered doing the arch installation works at night to avoid a situation such as the one that prevailed on Thursday, but “there was an issue of safety for motorists and the installation contractors during installation”.

However, as a result of the construction, commuters travelling on the East Coast were stuck in traffic for as long as four hours in some cases.

The arch at the UG Access Road in Turkeyen will demarcate the eastern entrance into Georgetown, and highlighting Greater Georgetown to the northern end. A similar arch was installed on the East Bank Highway at Agricola, Greater Georgetown last year. It was donated by Banks DIH Limited as a gift for Guyana’s 50th Independence anniversary.

Former PNC Health Minister jailed for 50 months

J

ust over a year after being arrested, former Health Minister Dr Noel Blackman has been sentenced to 50 months’ imprisonment for writing a number of prescriptions for the narcotics-based painkiller ‘Oxycodone’; and ordered to forfeit US$536,200 in illegal proceeds.

The sentence, handed down by a New York Court on Friday, will also see him being subjected to three years’ supervision after his release from prison.

A former Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and a

People’s National Congress (PNC) Executive member, Blackman, who became embroiled in the ‘Oxycodone’ conspiracy back in 2016, pleaded guilty to his indictments before Judge Joanna Seybery, before whom he stood following his arrest.

He was jointly charged with Wascar Castillo, the former office manager of a Queens pain management office where Blackman previously worked. The charges they faced related to conspiracy to distribute, and distribution of, oxycodone.

Castillo was also jailed for 36 months back in March 31, 2017.

Dr Noel Blackman

Blackman was set to be sentenced since February, but his lawyer had moved to the court to have sentencing

pushed back to a later date.

Federal authorities in the United States arrested the 68-year-old doctor in February of last year, shortly after he was appointed Chairman of the GPHC Board.

The former Health Minister under the PNC Administration was arrested for his alleged involvement in a prescription drug-dealing enterprise across three States. US federal authorities said he was illegally prescribing vast amounts of oxycodone – 365,000 pills in 2015 – in a drug-dealing enterprise spanning three States.

TURN TO PAGE 7

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saturDAY, may 13, 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

Sports tourism I

t is very encouraging to see that the concept of sports tourism is now being discussed on a wider scale in Guyana.

A primary function of a sporting event is to provide the host community with an opportunity to secure high prominence in the tourism marketplace. Therefore, the introduction of sports tourism as a major industry here is an excellent idea, and it would certainly be in the nation’s interest if the major players involved work seriously towards designing and implementing the necessary programmes and policies that would see Guyana taking advantage of the many opportunities available in the sector.

Analysts have pointed to the fact that sports tourism is a huge and growing industry, with important economic implications for both the sport, the event, and the impact of travel and tourism-related benefits on host destinations.

Many believe that sports tourism could become a viable and sustainable component of Guyana’s overall tourism product, and could make a tangible contribution to national development.

The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) games here is a good example of the tremendous benefits that could be derived from a sporting event of that magnitude. Guyana, through the CPL, has benefited significantly from sports tourism since the inception of the tournament. The games’ economic impact locally has been both direct and indirect. According to CPL, assessment reports compiled have shown that the economy received close to US$17 million last season. The net sum was calculated by looking at the influx of tourists to the country, hotel bookings, vending during the games, and the overall spending of persons during this period.

With the Guyana Amazon Warriors’ success at CPL, Guyana has, over the past four years, benefited from some US$80M from the tournament.

The League attracts some of the best international cricketers from across the globe, and this has set the stage for an abundance of thrilling T20 cricket for Caribbean fans and those in the diaspora. The six-franchise League gives territories such as Guyana, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, St Lucia, St Kitts and Nevis, and Antigua and Barbuda (2013) a great opportunity to reap tremendous economic benefits.

Each year, the National Stadium at Providence -- home ground of the Guyana Amazon Warriors -- attracts sold-out crowds. With tournaments such as these, it is not only the soldout stadiums that warrant the prestige, but also the chance to showcase one’s country on the global market, since television viewership would usually span each continent.

Guyana must therefore capitalise on the economic successes of CPL, and work towards further developing sports tourism in general. The tournament has provided stakeholders here with a perfect opportunity to create a sustained sports tourism initiative.

That said, for Guyana to fully benefit, there are a number of challenges which must be addressed urgently. These include ensuring adequate facilities are in place to host high-level games, and investing in training of personnel to ensure that we have the human resources necessary to organise and manage the activities, among other things.

Marketing sports tourism requires sport and the host destinations to be cross-leveraged, to optimise the quality of experiences that the sports tourist obtains. Hence the quality of infrastructure and services at the destination provide essential support for the overall sports tourism experience.

However, this is not a role only for the Government and sports associations; the private sector could become more involved by making the necessary investments, since they also stand to benefit.

That said, sport should not be seen only as competition, but as having the potential to attract persons, both from the diaspora and other countries, which in turn would create a major boost to the economy through hotel accommodation, transportation, retail shopping etc.

Caribbean countries such as Jamaica, Barbados and Grenada are regarded as good models of sports tourism. For these countries, it is a huge market, but they have made the bold decision by pumping the necessary investments into critical areas. Guyana could also do the same. In the words of veteran broadcaster Joseph “Reds” Perreria, “Guyana has tremendous possibilities for sports tourism”. CPL and the Amazon Warriors have provided a perfect start.

First Lady Sandra Granger on Friday encouraged the contestants of the annual Mother and Daughter Pageant to enjoy themselves even though it is a competition, as the most valuable lessons that they would have learnt would have been from the bonding and nurturing experiences shared during the preparatory process. In photo are the First Lady; the producer and creator of the pageant, Dr Sulan Fung (left) and her mother, Ingrid Fung and the Junior contestants at State House

Teachers who under-teach children Dear Editor, The report by the Commission of Inquiry requested by the Minister of Education is heartening and timely.

This is because it is a well-known fact that much needs to be done to correct the engineered deficiencies which are responsible for much of the failures and underachievement of students, which are generated annually at both the CSEC and NGSA levels in the public education system.

It also would be a pleasant surprise if the CoI did in fact deal with perhaps the greatest source of failures and underachievement within the public education system – teachers who give lessons; and who, wilfully and in dereliction of their duties -- it is probably now widely known – short-change children by under-teaching them in order to force them to attend lessons.

Any thorough evalua-

tion of this issue throughout the public education system would expose the entrenched nature of the problem. There very probably is no school along the coastland and in Linden which can boast that none of its teachers gives lessons.

We have all extended ourselves in considering the plight of teachers, and all public servants as a matter of fact. Yet, the conduct of these teachers wilfully violates the rights of children, and is culpable in the failures and underperformance of students whose parents cannot afford to send them to lessons.

There can, in the public education system, be little or no improvement in children’s performance through their entire academic years, until the problem brought about by these teachers is addressed with some finality.

Editor, we can complain all we want about the fail-

ing grades of our children, but we also have to admit this can never change until we actively move to address and disband the group of teachers who give lessons, and move as well to remove those who have even acceded to positions of authority.

These persons, instead of being stewards of success for our children, are in fact the engineers of their failures, both academically and in the subsequent underachievement in their lives. Meantime, they themselves indulge and engorge on the opulence facilitated by their lessons fees.

Any proposal to address this problem could include a substantial increase in teachers’ salaries, accompanied by the diktat that teachers giving lessons and perverting the system should be summarily dismissed.

These teachers have systematically degraded the lives and futures of our children throughout the

years, and will continue to do so once they remain in the public education system.

Asking teachers to give up their large lessons fees, which they very likely do not declare in their income tax files, can easily be considered a well-nigh impossible feat, and the task of supervising teachers who give lessons should not be entertained by the Ministry of Education.

It is an easy matter to investigate which teachers give lessons in schools: Ask them to sign to the statement that they do not give lessons, then proceed to investigate all of them.

The process may take some time, but it will most definitely result in an improvement in our children’s performance in the public education system throughout all the academic years.

And this is time well spent.

Yours faithfully, Lance Cumberbatch

Checking status of ‘astrologers’ Dear Editor, There are some persons advertising themselves in the press and elsewhere as astrologers from India, and they claim they could miraculously cure all kinds of physical and men-

tal ailments and make all wishes come true!

The Police had, some time ago, raided two similar fraudsters -- who had no permit to work in Guyana, and paid no income taxes.

They immediately fled the country.

In Trinidad, one similar fraudster was sued for failing to deliver, but got away before the case came up for trial.

Would the Police do

the necessary checks on the new ones who are advertising? It behooves the Police to protect citizens.

Yours truly, R Outar

guyanatimesgy.com

saturDAY, may 13, 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

A tribute to mothers Dear Editor, Mother's Day is this Sunday when children will give females “a time of their life” – a day off from work, flowers, breakfasts in bed, brunch, gifts, etc. Children's gratitude and affection for their mothers is concentrated on this special day to alleviate a feeling of guilt for neglecting her for the other days of the year. Lavish praises will be showered on mothers for their sacrifices, hard work, and love to raise their children and for helping to feed, clothe, educate and make us what (who) we are today. But is it enough?

Can the neglect of parents the entire year make up for it on one day. Shouldn’t every day be Mother’s Day. Being a mother is a difficult task, but mothers persevere and do a fantastic job.

Mothers consider it an un-

ending obligation to tend to their children's needs and they do not fail to meet expectations. They think about children perennially, not just for one day. Only mothers know the pain of bringing forth a child in the world.

They nurse their children and exercise patience and caution in raising them. As is well known, they are the first to wake up in the morning and the last to go to bed making every effort to meet the needs of children – giving them that cell phone or some other gadget and sending them to school with lunch box and money even when they can’t afford it.

They feed their kids before they eat. Their work is never finished. And yet they are not always appreciated for their sacrifices and responsibilities. Worse, the endearment children have in the

Caribbean for relatives and elders disappear in NYC. I note that in New York and other cities in North America, Guyanese families face many challenges of raising children in an alien cultural environment. The youths tend to lose aspects of their cultural upbringing of respect for elders, copying values in conflict with their heritage that tend to destroy the foundation of a tight knit family life. The strong endearment and kinship respect (aunty, uncle, mousie, mousa, dada, didi, etc) children have in Guyana or Trinidad for relatives and elders tend to disappear in NYC. Youngsters must be encouraged to reject the negative aspects of life (especially in NYC) and strive for family togetherness and respect for elders and cultural retention.It cannot be over

stressed that while their contributions to society are highly valued, women are also role models.

Thus, they must engage in respectable behavior conducting themselves properly because children take their cues from them. The children often emulate adults modeling their lives after their parents or elder folks. Thus, it is imperative that mothers live a moral, reputable life serving as ideal role models. They must be Durga, Latchmee, Sita, Radha, Urmilla, and other Goddesses. They must live a pure, respectable clean life that will make children proud.And kids should behave the same everyday as Mother's Day – respect and honor females. Happy Mothers Day! Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

NIS investigating treatment of pensioners

Dear Editor, With reference to a letter published in the Guyana Times of May 2, 2017 under the caption “Old people at the mercy of NIS Melanie office” and signed “pensioner”, please be advised that management is very concerned about the contents

stated therein, and hereby offers the following response: 1. Members of staff are trained to deal with the members of the public, and are expected to do so in a professional manner.

2. Employees are frequently reminded of their

responsibilities and management’s expectations.

3. This matter is currently being investigated; and once breaches are found, the necessary corrective measures will be put in place to avoid any recurrence of this untenable situation.

Please feel free to call 227-6851, or e-mail: nispublicrelations@yahoo.com ,or is_relations@nis.org.gy for further discussion on this matter.

Yours sincerely, National Insurance Scheme

Refuting BoG claims about foreign currency stability Dear Editor, In wake of reports from the Bank of Guyana to the effect that there is excess foreign currency in the system, the question arises: Who are we to believe? Finance Minister Winston Jordan?

Bank of Guyana Governor Dr Gobind Ganga? Top bank officials? Or the many concerned and frustrated businessmen who are not getting their requests for foreign currency fulfilled, based on the exchange rates being touted by the central bank?

Intensified calls from

several of the very concerned businessmen have been increasing, as their frustrations grow at not being satisfied with the responses they have been getting from their respective banks regarding their demands for foreign currency. The question is: Who is lying? Who is being deceptive? Is it the Bank of Guyana? Is it the Minister of Finance? Are the banks in Georgetown lying? Or is it the concerned and frustrated businessmen who are lying? The Bank of Guyana, on February 2, 2017, issued

a Cabinet-certified directive to licensed currency dealers -- which include commercial banks and non-bank cambios -- to limit the spread between the buying and selling rates for the US dollar to no more than $3, while instructing commercial banks to restrict credit card purchases in foreign currency to non-business purchases.The

Central Bank head has said he has the figures to prove that reserves at the Bank of Guyana have improved from approximately US$598 million at the end of 2015 to about US$625 million at the end of 2016, representing an increase of US$28M. Sincerely, Ras Leon Saul

Response to UG students

Dear Editor, A letter written by University of Guyana students on the feasibility of an on-shore base and other matters relating to the Government of Guyana's contractual arrangement with ExxonMobil -- published in your newspaper on May 12, 2017 -- is referred.

The Ministry of Natural Resources welcomes the interest displayed by this group of students and their lecturer, and avails itself to answer all questions and allay all concerns as best as possible.

Where the proposed onshore base is concerned, it must be stated that though the Ministry of Natural Resources has identified Crab Island in East Berbice as a very possible site, the necessary feasibility and environmental and social impact studies have not been completed; and for this reason, there is no sanctioned project.

The Government of Guyana and the private sector are firm in their shared commitment to work towards ensuring that all support services for the oil and gas industry take place in Guyana, to ensure investments and jobs for Guyanese. And to this end, they are in agreement that an on-shore supply base is an imperative.

ExxonMobil and the other international operators share this belief as well. The exact location has not yet been settled, and arrangements are being made to formally approach an international institution to conduct the necessary studies, to answer the questions of what type of onshore base Guyana will need, where it should best be locat-

ed, and how the corporate and financial structures should be configured.

The students and young people of Guyana are reminded of Government's promise to seek the best advice that is available locally and internationally to guide its decision-making.

On the wider issues of the contractual arrangements with ExxonMobil, it is reiterated that the APNU/AFC Government, on taking office, met an agreement that was signed in 1999; and, based on advice received, chose not to make any fundamental changes and disclosures to, and about, the agreement; and to respect its terms.

Further, since taking office, the Government has issued no new prospecting licences for the areas referred to in the letter, as these were pre-existing concessions to companies, and they remain in force.

The Minister of Natural Resources intends to meet with students again, and to continue to share perspectives on the developing oil and gas industry. The students who penned the letter will be contacted directly.

Further, the national outreach exercise which commenced at the University of Guyana's Turkeyen Campus is presently ongoing, and the University and other institutions will continue to receive special attention as we proceed to prepare for first oil in 2020.

Sincerely, N. Johann Earle Public Affairs and Communications Officer Ministry of Natural Resources

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Foundation (Part One)

BY SETH J GILLIHAN, PHD

M

any years ago when I was conducting research on memories I asked participants to write about any event from their lifetime.

When I reviewed their responses I was struck by how many people had chosen to write about the birth of a child.

Years later when our first child was born I understood: There is nothing quite so memorable and life changing as the arrival of a new person. The stress and joy of labour and delivery give way to the blur of the first few surreal days, as parents and baby work together to figure it out.

And at some point for countless parents, happiness takes a hit. The consensus for many years was that becoming parents was a net loss for happiness, whereas more recent studies have suggested that the effects of parenthood are mixed. Although becoming a parent can detract from some parts of life, it obviously can improve others.

Ask parents what’s hard about parenting and you’ll hear similar themes, as summarised in a recent meta-analysis: more opportunities for negative emotions like frustration and worry * a lack of sleep, especially when children are young * physical fatigue from the nonstop nature of the job * less quality time and more arguing with one’s partner * financial strain associated with paying for children’ clothes, food, childcare, activities, and sometimes moving to a bigger house in a better school district In short, being a parent is a taxing and unrelenting job with physical, emotional, and financial costs. Of course, these

difficulties always come with disclaimers that “I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” “it’s totally worth it,” etc., suggesting some guilt about possibly preferring parts of our preparenthood lifestyle.

So when and why does being a parent decrease our happiness? Findings that emerge from research studies confirm my clinical observations and my own experience as a dad: Parenting decreases well-being to the extent that it interferes with our fundamental psychological needs.

These needs, based on years of research by Richard Ryan and Edward Deci, are: Relatedness: having

positive and meaningful connections with other people Competence: having opportunities to exercise our abilities and feel like we’re good at what we do Autonomy: being free to choose our actions When we are able to satisfy these three needs, we tend to be happier, healthier, and more productive. How does parenthood affect our ability to satisfy these basic needs?

Relatedness Parenthood has complex effects on our relationships. The new relationship between parent and child can provide a deep connection that’s unlike any other, for

the rest of a parent’s life. Having children can also lead to new friendships, as we develop relationships with the parents of our children’ friends.

Balancing these positive effects of parenthood is the challenge of maintaining one’s prior relationships – first and foremost with one’s partner. The time and energy that were directed toward one another are now channelled into childcare, often with little left over for each other. Throw in poor sleep and financial strain and it’s easy for a couple to start experiencing not only less closeness but more irritability and conflict.It can also be a struggle to keep up with other friendships. Friends without children may have a hard time understanding why you’ve disappeared, or may tire of hearing about our child’s latest achievement (“She rolled over!”). Our sleep schedules also tend to change drastically with the arrival of a child, since they’re generally early risers with early bedtimes. When your friends without children are gearing up for dinner, you may be yawning and longing for bed.

Competence We all like to feel like we’re good at what we do, and parenthood can provide many opportunities to practice the new skills needed to keep a little person alive.

We might feel a sense of accomplishment after the first few days with our first child as we realise, “I can do this.” As our child develops we’ll have more opportunities to exert our competence: Helping children manage their emotions, navigating the complex world of elementary school relationships, dealing with sleep issues, and developing child-friendly meal plans, to name just a few.

At the same time, we might experience a drop in our sense of competence in other ways. We’ll have times when we can’t figure out why a child is crying inconsolably or how a child

could possibly still be awake.

We’ll realise in hindsight – or even in real time – that we haven’t handled a conflict with our child in the most productive way. We’ll lose patience. We’ll doubt our instincts about our child’s health.If these inherent challenges weren’t enough, we’ll receive direct or implied

criticism about our parenting style from our own parents, our friends, and the popular media. When it comes to raising children, everyone has an opinion about what’s best. It can be easy at times for parents to feel like maybe they aren’t cut out for parenting. (www.psychologytoday.com) TO BE CONTINUED

BY SUSAN ALBERS, PSYD

A

recent article in the New York Times discussed what new moms know all too well. Mothers with small children get less exercise and eat more calories from saturated fat and sweetened drinks than women without children according to a study in the journal of Paediatrics by Jerica M Berge the paper’s lead author. This exemplifies the pivotal question mothers everywhere ask themselves every single day: “How do I balance taking care of myself and my children at the same time?”

Here are seven common traps new moms fall into which often lead them right into mindless eating. See if these habits sound familiar.

1. The snack trap

Kids snack frequently during the day on crackers, fruit with peanut butter, cereal and the like. But keep in mind that they only eat a little bit at a time and expend a lot of energy toddling around. It’s tempting to join right in each time your child snacks.

The mindful mom: Gauge your hunger.

If you do have frequent snacks with your little ones, make sure it is a ba-

by-sized portion. Use the same dish each time you snack to help you measure it out and make the size consistent. Like setting your child’s sleep schedule, you can also strategically set your own snack schedule.

2. Comfort eating trap

Moms are stress experts. Think poopy diapers, sleepless nights, and kids who stubbornly refuse to nap.

Unfortunately, eating is a quick and easy way to obtain momentary pleasure.

The mindful mom: It’s tough to break the stress eating habit. Instead, find ways to calm and soothe yourself without food. For example, a cup of black tea has been clinically proven to reduce cortisol levels, your stress hormone. Buy a fun magazine to flip through during nap time or invest in calming music. While a personal masseuse would be ideal and well deserved, read up on self-massage techniques in ‘50 Ways to Soothe Yourself Without Food’.

3. Feeding trap

Trying to feed a toddler and yourself at the same time can feel like a real juggling act. It’s easy to lose track of what and how much you are eating when you are stuffing food in your mouth quickly between your child’s bites.

The mindful mom: As hard as it may be, try to eat before or after your child is done. Ideally, it would be nice to take turns feeling your child with your co-parent. However, this may not be possible if you are a stay-at-home mom, are a single parent or have a partner who is unwilling to take on this duty. Although waiting is tough, doing so will ensure that you will be more in charge of your portion sizes and give you the opportunity to taste and enjoy your meal. (psychologytoday.com)

TO BE CONTINUED

NEWS

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SATURDAY, MAY 13, 2017| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Draft legislation

Broadcasters compelled to air free 1 hour Govt PSAs …can lodge complaints with GNBA – Chairman

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ocal broadcasters – both private and public – will now be compelled to air, without charge, Government’s public service announcements (PSAs) during a certain timeframe according to the draft Broadcast legislation.

However, broadcast agencies which have issues with any PSA have recourse to the regulator, the Guyana National broadcasting Authority (GNBA).

GNBA Chairman Leslie Sobers has however dispelled any suggestion that, in arbitrating between private entities and the Government, the GNBA board may issue biased judgements. “I see no reason why it should be misconstrued that GNBA would be biased, because GNBA would not be.

The people who would have a problem would be the particular ministry and agency that was requesting that the broadcasting house air a particular thing that they consider a public service announcement,” he said.

Sobers said that, for example, should the Ministry of Public Infrastructure present something to a radio station or a studio for airing, and the thing involves the public interest but as far as the broadcaster is concerned it does not sound like a public service announcement nor does

it look like a public service announcement, that broadcaster can approach the GNBA with a complaint.

Sobers said that in arbitrating in cases of this nature, the GNBA would adhere to a strict understanding of what constitutes a public service announcement (PSA).

“We would now have to examine whether the content of the particular agency’s (broadcast request) really and truly falls under a public service announcement (PSA).

And if it does not, we will advise (the Ministry or agency) that they have to pay (to have the announcement broadcasted). And if (the PSA is really a PSA), then we will advise the studio that this really is a public service announcement.”

The GNBA is appointed by the President, but, by statute, one member of the board must be nominated by the political opposition.

According to the Broadcasting Act of 2011 Section 18, 1 (f), the GNBA can “require licensees to carry information on any programmes issued by the Civil Defence Commission, the Guyana Police Force, Guyana Fire Service and/or health services, and certain other programmes as public information deemed appropriate and necessary in terms of nation-

al security, emergency, and disaster, as a public service at no cost.”

The legislation also stipulates that the GNBA can “require licensees to carry a certain percentage of public service broadcast, or development support broadcast, as public information deemed appropriate as a public service at no cost.”

According to Sobers, this regulation would apply to radio and television stations, as well as cable service providers. This, he said, would basically mean anyone with a broadcasting licence.

Draft

According to reports in the state media, the new draft legislation being prepared would see broadcast agencies being mandated to broadcast public service programmes for a total of up to one hour daily.

Broadcast agencies will be airing these public service programmes free of cost and as requested by the Government between the hours of 06:00am and 10:00pm (6:00hrs and 22:00hrs).

It is also stated that the GNBA reserves the right to direct a broadcasting agency to broadcast emergency notices or disaster warnings for any length of time, and regularly during peak or prime adver-

GNBA Chairman Leslie Sobers

tising time periods, depending on the nature of the emergen-

cy and having regard to public safety.

A broadcaster has the right to file a complaint with the GNBA within 24 hours of being asked to broadcast a programme free of cost if, in the agency’s judgment, it is not considered a public service broadcast programme.

The GNBA, according to the draft provisos, “shall investigate and determine a complaint, and issue a ruling that the programme can be reasonably considered a public service broadcast programme, and direct the broadcasting agency to air the programme free of cost”.

Further, the broadcaster can “be granted an inter-

im order to broadcast the announcement as a public service broadcast programme; and where the programme is not so considered, as provided in Section 9 (a) above, the GNBA can order payment of regular programme cost for broadcasting the said programme.”

But there is also a warning: Provision is made for sanctions to be levied on any broadcaster the GNBA finds to have “arbitrarily refused” to broadcast a public service broadcast programme without lodging a complaint. The GNBA can, after deliberation, deem that broadcaster to be in breach of his/her licence.

Former Health Minister...

FROM PAGE 3

Agents took Blackman into custody after they ordered a Guyana-bound jet taxiing for take-off with him on board to return to the airport terminal. Under investigation for several weeks, Blackman was intent on permanently leaving the United States, according to a tip agents received before they headed him off at the airport.

After the plane returned to the terminal, he was arrested and later charged with conspiracy to distribute the narcotic.

Federal agents with Homeland Security Investigations also found $30,000 in cash stashed in his luggage, officials had said.

According to Blackman’s prescription records checked by federal authorities, the 365,000 oxycodone pills came from 2487 prescriptions – a marked increase from the 114 he wrote for 3800 pills in 2014, and the 63 he wrote in 2013 for 2100 pills.

Blackman, who is also co-owner of HBTV Channel 9 in Guyana, had offic-

es in Franklin Square; in Elmhurst, Queens, and in Brooklyn. Until his arrest, Blackman had practised surgery and pain management from offices in Franklin Square, Elmhurst and Brooklyn, and most recently lived in Far Rockaway, but was a long-time resident of Valley Stream.

Blackman’s arrest was said to be the latest in a string of cases involving Long Island doctors charged with illegally doling out highly addictive prescription painkillers.

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SATURDAY, MAY 13, 2017 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

SNAFU… A

…on East Coast bribe hhhh! What a tangled, knotted web of snarled traffic ANSA McAL wove when they once again practised to deceive!!! Did you see shots of that traffic jam, which stretched from the UG Junction on the East Coast all the way to Vlissengen Road?? And the jam wasn’t just on the four-lane highway; desperate commuters and buses trying to get their passengers into “town” were forced into the surrounding village streets, scaring the dickens out of locals, who had never witnessed such scenes before.

It was truly an illustration of “SNAFU”-- which came out of endemic mass muddles during the last great war: Situation Normal - All F***ed UP!!! And it kinda summarises the quotidian situation in Guyana nowadays, doesn’t it??

But yesterday’s traffic mess was special, not least because there was ABSOLUTELY no reason for it -except an opportunity for corporate bribery, which has come to typify almost every activity of this PNCled APNU/AFC Administration.

By now we all know the reason for the traffic jam: ANSA McAL wanted to erect an “Independence Arch” at the western approach to the city. Why? Well, as is the standard practice in this practice -- which in the US is called “lobbying”, ANSA was showing “corporate responsibility” on our upcoming “50+1” Independence celebration. But hold it! Isn’t that on the 26th of the month?? Two weeks away??

Well, as another aspect of its “corporate responsibility” -- this one a bit broader that a payback to the Guyanese State for getting business, like $300M pharma contracts for $605M!! -- it was hosting an event of its parent body in Trinidad THIS weekend at the Marriott. The Anthony N Sabga Caribbean Awards for Excellence, Arts & Letters, Science & Technology, Public & Civic Contributions and Entrepreneurship.

Sabga was the founder of ANSA. Well, so who cares about the commuting public on the busiest thoroughfare in Guyana?? Who cares about the loss in productivity of thousands of companies?

Who cares that CSEC students missed their exams??

Or UG students? Or folks missing flights? Hey!! ANSA has to show all those folks who came in for its Awards show how solid it is with the Guyanese Government.

After all, its local Chairwoman was made Chair of the Board of the Government-owned Marriott!!

Your Eyewitness wonders why the shill of the PM – the person in charge of “Public Information” -- claimed it was “a local company” that caused the SNAFU, without naming ANSA?? And since when did ANSA stop being a Trini company?? Afraid the public would connect the dots??

Hey!! Trotman, his AFC party leader, has already let the cat out of the bag about “political investments”!!! …on Govt “accomplishments” The PM’s shill -- otherwise known as “Water Boy”, from when he was shilling for the WICB -- wasn’t only in the news for his ANSA SNAFU coverup. He inserted a centerspread in three dailies -- skipping this newspaper of course (snivelling Fascist!!) -- bigging up “125 achievements” of the Government! It’s a shad, shad situation!! The fella just doesn’t get the first thing about PR. All he did was to remind folks about how far his Government’s fallen away from their promises!!

Imagine beginning with “INCREASED SALARIES FOR PUBLIC SERVANTS”!!! Has he forgotten public servants were promised “SUBSTANTIAL RAISES” and the only “raise” they got was their “raised eyebrows” accompanying their howls of protest at the 50% salary raises the Cabinet awarded themselves!!??

Next was “lower electricity rates”!! How lower was that after the 14% VAT the Govt imposed??!! Your Eyewitness is reminded of an old Paul Simon song, “50 ways to leave your lover”.

The PM’s shill just gave 125 reasons for Govt supporters to dump its sorry a55 come 2020!! …on scholarships The shill also boasted about “886 scholarships” awarded by the Government. We accidentally learnt that two of those scholarships -- @ $3.6M each! – were given to sitting Ministers.

Now that “mout’ open”, can we have the other names??

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

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saturDAY, may 13, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

CJIA US$150M expansion

Govt to seek parliamentary approval for more money …project set to meet December deadline

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he Public Infrastructure Ministry (MPI) on Friday hosted a tour of the expansion site at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) in an effort to provide the public with an update on the progress of the airport’s expansion project.

The MPI and project managers remain convinced that the expansion project would be completed within the stipulated December 2017 deadline, despite challenges.

Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson noted that the MPI had hosted the day’s exercise to advertise that the project is in “the final lap.” At the moment, he said, foundation for the expansion of the runway has already been laid, with 80 per cent completion achieved at the northeast-

with other construction works.

Those challenges include unexpected developments occasioned by the current rainy season; challenges being posed by the impending passenger peak season in July/August; and possible delays in the release of loans taken in regard to completing the project.

Financing

The Minister said the project is almost at the monetary limit catered for in the 2017 budget, thus further requests will have to be made to the project’s foreign-based sponsors for the release of additional loans.

While the initial overhead cost of the project remains at US$150M, the sum of US$85M has to date already been exhausted, and this consequent-

pany was previously contracted to supply the project with 20,000 tons of stone at a cost of US$28 per ton. However, a contract was on Friday signed between China Habour’s Project Manager Keliang Lui and Brian Tiwarie of BK Quarries, as well as Rajesh Persaud of Toolsie Persaud Quarries, for the supply of local aggregate. According to the contract, BK Stone Quarries will now be supplying some 50,000 tons at a contract price of US$1.8M, while Toolsie Persaud Quarries will supply 45,000 tons of stone for the contracted sum of US$1.7M. Necessary expansion Chief Executive Officer of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Ramesh Ghir, expressing delight at the works being done to enhance

A ministerial group along with members of the media, engineers and airport officals examining works on the expansion project at the CJIA

ern end, while 60 per cent of the southwestern end has been completed.

The new arrival terminal is also a visible structure although renovation works on the existing terminal are still ongoing. Other works, such as relocation of auxiliary buildings (generator rooms and fire pump stations) have been fast tracked, but boarding corridors and bridges are yet to materialise.

Patterson said challenges are to be expected, as is normal

ly means there is need for further funding by way of loans in a matter of months.

He said it is to Guyana’s advantage that the project be completed by its stipulated deadline, considering that a delay may incur additional expenses. He thus assured that the CJIA expansion will be completed on time, even with the need for supplementary grants.

New suppliers

He said a Surinamese com-

the facilities at the CJIA, said: “The airport expansion was well thought out, and it is necessary for the country as this is our main port of entry.”

Ghir said it is evident that the traffic numbers at the airport have increased since the recent developments involving the local oil and gas industry, and those numbers are anticipated to be further hiked in the near future. He is accordingly pleased that the CJIA can now cater for a larger number of traffic, especially with

Construction ongoing at the CJIA new terminal building

the state-of-the-art improvements coming on stream by December.

Ghir pointed out that the administration of the CJIA, as well as those of the Civil Aviation Authority and the Department of Tourism, is always in talks with new airline carriers to commence operating in Guyana. He said permission is currently being

considered for a few airlines to begin operating as carriers in Guyana and it is very likely that this will happen soon.

Tourism

Minister Catherine Hughes, who holds responsibility for tourism, indicated that the CJIA expansion project has tremendous potential to boost the tourism sector.

She said first impression is important, and having this new and improved facility would favourably impact first-time travellers to Guyana and simultaneously provide better amenities to those travelling long distances.

The restoration and expansion of CJIA commenced in 2013 under the People’s Progress Party Government.

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saturDAY, may 13, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Land CoI

NTC awaits meeting with President Granger … feels Indigenous people were attacked by Minister

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s they await a response to meet with President David Granger, Vice Chairman of the National Toshaos Council (NTC), Lenox Shuman, is calling on Government to revise the Terms of Reference (ToR) to better guide the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into lands.

“The sheer dynamics and complexities surrounding Indigenous lands issues spanning nine plus separate nations need a different commission with a different skillset and different expertise…it is further important to point out that the criterion for selection of the Commissioners needs to be understood, the ToRs must be better defined and the rules of operation needs more work to better guide the process,” Shuman said on Friday.

He added that the Council has already written the President requesting a meeting and are awaiting his response. However, they are still continuing with their advocacy to have the CoI scrapped, noting it does not address the issues they are concerned about.

The CoI was established in March by President Granger, to examine and make recommendations to resolve all issues and uncertainties surrounding the claims of Amerindian land titling, the individual, joint or communal ownership of lands acquired by freed Africans and any matters relating to land titling in Guyana.

However, since its es-

tablishment, the NTC has condemned the CoI noting that Amerindian land issues are much more complex and as such called on the Administration to have it revoked. The pleas of the Indigenous peoples representatives have fallen on deaf ears with the Indigenous Peoples Affairs Minister, Sydney Allicock, accusing its leadership of being politically aligned with the People’s Progressive Party (PPP).

“It is sad that the Minister would think that we are politically aligned and I have said that the NTC will never be politically affiliated to any Party… the fact that the opposition arguments matches the NTC proves that the Opposition is aligned with the NTC and not the other way round… we are an impartial group addressing the concerns of the Indigenous people,” Shuman explained.

Opposition Member of Parliament and former Amerindian Affairs Minister, Pauline Sukhai tabled a motion at the May 8 sitting of the National Assembly calling for the revocation of the CoI. However, Shuman said that it is very unfortunate that Minister Allicock, during his defence of the CoI, aligned his advocacy with the workings of Judas having full view and knowledge of his character. “… an attack on the President of Guyana must be viewed as an attack on the nation, and likewise, an attack on the democratical-

Chairman of the National Toshao Council, Joel Fredericks, along with Vice Chairman Lenox Shuman make their way into Parliament

ly elected leadership of the Indigenous peoples must be viewed as an attack on all of Guyana’s Indigenous peoples,” he said.

Sukhai’s motion stated that the Terms of Reference of the CoI were published in the Official Gazette on March 11, 2017, the day after six of the seven members of the Commission of Inquiry were sworn in. It added that in so doing the Government denied the NTC, Amerindian communities and Amerindian non-governmental organisations, of the right to be informed and consulted as to the rationale for, and the objectives of, the Commission and therefore called for its immediate revocation.

Shuman explained that he along with Chairman of the NTC, Joel Fredericks, attended the May 8 sitting of the National Assembly

to view how both the Government and Opposition would handle the debate of Sukhai’s motion. “We were there to observe the debate in a non-political way and both sides of the House missed the mark and the issues still re-

main the same,” he added.

He stated that the issues ought to be addressed separately since Amerindian land titling and ancestral lands are much more complex than the issue of addressing lands acquired by freed Africans.

He noted that prior to the establishment of the CoI, the NTC was not consulted and as such they feel that their rights, as prescribed in Article 19 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UN-DRIP) have been violated.

Article 19 of the of the UN-DRIP reads: “States shall consult and cooperate in good faith with the Indigenous peoples concerned through their own representative institutions in order to obtain their free, prior and informed consent before adopting and implementing legislative or administrative measures that

may affect them.”

The Commission is being chaired by Reverend George Chuck-A-Sang and includes David James, Carol KhanJames, Professor Rudolph James, Lennox Caleb, Paulette Henry and Belinda Persaud.

The final report of the Commission is expected to be handed over to the President, on or before November 1, unless and extension is granted.

Other organisations, including the Guyanese Organisation of Indigenous Peoples, The Amerindian Action Movement, South Central Peoples Development Association, and the National Amerindian Development Foundation, have all protested the merging of the two issues under one blanket CoI. Efforts to contact Minister Allicock proved futile. (Lakhram Bhagirat)

Alleged fraudster remanded

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lleged fraudster Ransfred Williams found himself before Magistrate Leron Daly on Friday and was remanded to prison following a series of fraud charges brought against him by a local hardware store.

The first of the charges read that Williams on November 24, 2016, at Water Street, Georgetown, obtained credit by fraud, allegedly uttering a forged $170,000

Bank of Baroda cheque to Virtual Complainant (VC) Glendon Forde, knowing that he did not have the funds to satisfy debt.

In addition, the accused on the following day, uttered to the VC another cheque to the effect of $70,519, under the pretense that he was in the position to grant same.

Moreover, Williams on another occasion with intent to defraud allegedly presented a $1500 cheque to the VC,

being aware that he did not have sufficient funds to satisfy the said amount.

The unrepresented man denied the charges read to him by the Magistrate.

Bail was objected to by Prosecutor Bharat Mangru on the grounds that the accused was charged and convicted for a similar felony a few years prior to the present offence.

The matter stands adjourned to June 2.

NEWS

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SATURDAY, MAY 13, 2017 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Man charged for shooting Mayor yet to be updated at pregnant lover, sister by negotiation committee Parking meter burden

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everal days after Police issued a wanted bulletin for the alleged assault of Trinidadian sensation Rodney LeBlanc, commonly known as “Benjai”, Maverick De Abreu was hauled before Magistrate Leron Daly for allegedly discharging a loaded firearm at his pregnant girlfriend and her sister.

De Abreu was however relieved of the charges as the women took to the witness box and made sworn statements to the effect that they no longer wished to pursue the matter against the accused, much to the amazement of the court.

It is alleged that the man on February 1, 2017, at Ruimveldt, Georgetown, discharged a loaded gun at reputed girlfriend Tiffany Herbert and her sister, Jonelle Herbert with intent to maim, disfigure, disable or cause grievous bodily harm to their person.

Reports are the women were parked in a car when they were approached by De Abreu. An argument reportedly ensued between the couple and he fired several shots at the vehicle. Luckily, no one was injured during the ordeal.

On Monday, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) issued a wanted bulletin for De Abreu for questioning in relation to an attack on the soca artiste which occurred outside a popular Main Street night spot on April 16, 2017.

The 27-year-old man is accused of hitting LeBlanc to the face with a glass bottle, causing him to suffer severe injuries during an argument moments after the artiste

G

Maverick De Abreu

wrapped up a concert.

While information remains sketchy about the circumstances surrounding the incident, Guyana Times understands there was a heated argument between the soca artiste, who was allegedly heavily intoxicated, and a taxi driver.

Reports are the driver came out of his car and LeBlanc reportedly advanced towards him. However, after seeing the commotionn outside, De Abreu allegedly rushed out and dealt the singer one blow to his face with a bottle. It was reported that earlier in the night, LeBlanc had allegedly misbehaved with De Abreu’s girlfriend.

Man jailed for smuggling ganja into prison A man who claimed to be homeless was on Friday afternoon slapped with a four-year jail term and ordered to pay a fine of $30,000 by city Magistrate Leron Daly, for smuggling contraband into the Camp Street Prison earlier this week.

Raymond Marks pleaded guilty at first instance to the offence which stated that on May 8, 2017, at the Camp Street Prison, Georgetown, he had in his possession 793 grams of cannabis for the

Raymond Marks

purpose of trafficking.

Prosecutor Bharat Mangru related that on the day in questioned, the 47-year-old man was seen hurling two bulky onion bags over the wall of the Camp Street Prison. These bags, he stated, were retrieved and found to contain leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis.

The man was then apprehended and charged with the offence, allegedly confessing to the crime in a caution statement.

eorgetown Mayor Patricia Chase-Green has said she is yet to be officially updated on consultations conducted by a negotiation committee set up by the City Council to deal with issues regarding the installation of parking meters around the city.

She, however, noted that the committee has been allowed the independence to work without interference, and does not have a timeline within which to report.

“I am aware that the committee is conducting consultations and working, so we (the City Council) are allowing them the independence to work unhindered, and not mandating them to report to us within a time frame,” Chase-Green declared on Friday.

Invited to comment in this regard, the mayor said the matter had been raised by councillors at the May 8 statutory meeting, and Chairman of the Committee, Councillor Malcolm Ferreira, informed that the committee is not prepared to report on what progress it has made.

“The Chairman said that they will be putting out a press release on the matter, and I am also awaiting it,” she explained.

Contacted by Guyana Times, Councillor Malcolm

A parking meter in Georgetown

Ferreira would only say, “(A) statement (is) to be released very soon”, being careful not to divulge any additional information. Paid parking was introduced in the city by the Mayor and City Council through Smart City Solutions in January of this year.

However, following mass protest by citizens, Government suspended implementation of the project for 90 days, that suspension being ordered

by Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan and coming into effect on March 17 last.

The Negotiation Committee, formed in April, has been tasked with consulting with

the relevant stakeholders to determine the terms of a new agreement to bring the contract in harmony with the desires of the Council, Central Government, Smart City Solutions and the citizenry.

It has been some 57 days since the parking meter project was suspended, yet there has been no word from either the Government or the M&CC on the fate of the project.

Members of the ‘Parking Meter Negotiation Committee’ are Roopnarine Persaud, Noelle Chow-Chee, Ivelaw Henry, Trichria Richards, Carlyle Goring, and Heston Bostwick.

12 news

saturDAY, may 13, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Closure of sugar estates

Women plea for Rose Hall Estate to remain open

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Some of the women of Rose Hall, Berbice protesting the closure of the estate

he women of Rose Hall and surrounding villages in Berbice, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) are calling on the Government to rethink its decision to close the sugar estate. The women joined the picket line on Thursday as workers attached to the Rose Hall Sugar Factory intensified their protest action against the impending closure of the estate.

Margret Persaud, a parent whose husband is bedridden, explained that her sales at the pay office market on Fridays are from the workers.

If the factory closes, so too will that market, and finding an alternative may prove difficult.

Persaud said she is begging for the factor to remain open so that workers can keep their jobs.

Meanwhile, another woman explained that as a domestic worker, there will be no need for her if the estate closes. She explained that persons who do domestic work will no longer be needed, as persons will no longer be able to pay them.

Women in mainstream business are also worried.

Sherry Beeepat, who operates a manufacturing store, also joined the protest on Thursday. She says the furniture manufacturing factory at Canefield, East Canje – which has been in existence for 31 years – will have to

close if the estate does. The business is sustained by the estate’s workers.

“The closure of the Rose Hall Estate means the closure of my business and I also head the East Canje Humanitarian which assists bedridden and disabled people. The closure of the estate means the closure of our organisation. We do out fundraising in the community… if the estate is closed, where would the people get money to support.”

The women who joined their menfolk on the protest line on Thursday are calling for management of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) and Government to meet and think of a better solution to the issues currently affecting the industry.

They say many families are indebted to lending agencies and also have instalments to pay for household appliances.

According to Tina Seepersaud, whose husband is likely to lose his job by year end, the family is indebted to a lending institution and the impending closure could be devastating for her family.

“My husband works at the estate and when the estate closes, the property will be taken and we will be on the street. Please, Government see what can be done for the people of Berbice,” she appealed.

The ‘white paper’ on sugar was presented to the National Assembly by Agriculture Minister Noel Holder on Monday.

Former Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy describes the document as a ‘non-paper’, saying it is another cruel and shameless attempt to change the narrative.

The white paper, he says, conveniently ignored real questions about consolidation of estates. “Already, Uitvlugt has demonstrated that transportation of canes from Wales to Uitvlugt is filled with problems – transportation of cane to the factory has increased cost of production. The same will be true for canes from most of the Rose Hall cultivation to Albion. In spite of GuSuCO’s denial, Providence cane cultivation which is part of the Rose Hall estate was closed since the end of 2015.

Albion which presently boasts the lowest cost of sugar production and the most efficient in terms of cane to sugar ratio will be transformed into a less efficient estate. It will be impossible to maintain Enmore/LBI cultivation since transport to any factory will be prohibitive.”

Last year Government closed the Wales factory on the West Bank of Demerara leaving hundreds of persons unemployed. The closure of the Wales Estate is not yet settled, as some workers are still protesting Government’s withholding of their severance pay.

Also, the operations of the La Bonne Intention Estate, on the East Coast of Demerara, were amalgamated last year with those of the Enmore Estate in order to make both estates more efficient, according to GuySuCo. The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union has noted that thousands of persons stand to be affected by the closure of these estates which employs persons in the field, factory, security, administrative and managerial sections. (Andrew Carmichael)

PNC’s Ethnic spoils

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n his article, “The Ethnic Trap Facing the Government”, Dr Hinds claimed, “The PNC, while in power, made ethnic gestures to African- Guyanese, but they were very timid about implementing policies that would fundamentally close the economic gap between the major ethnic groups or directly benefit African- Guyanese.”

I find this a very unfortunate assertion because, as suggested by Dr Henry Jeffrey, it flies in the face of the facts. But to state these facts precipitate another round of “who got what”, which is ultimately a no-win proposition unless it is part of an initiative to ensure equitable distribution of Guyanese resources. In an ethnically fractured, povertystricken polity like ours, unless genuine representatives of the various groups - read ethnic groups - are at the table, there will inevitably be not only the odious comparisons but the even more odious ethnically unequal distribution of “spoils”.

Take the PNC regime of Ravi Dev 1964-1992: it closed the gap between the two groups by unfortunately not only by directing resources towards the AfricanGuyanese sector but by implementing policies that immiserating broad swathes of Indians. While the PNC would justify their policies within the model of “Import Substitution Industrialization”, where funds is squeezed from the agricultural sector to finance industrialization, in the Guyanese context, this had negative ethnic implications.

In 1964, the PNC inherited an economy dominated by colonial interests, where Indians had created their major economic niche outside of sugar in rice and had followed the Portuguese and Chinese to gain a toehold in the retail trade. By 1964 rice production had reached 275,000 tons and was the largest employer of Indians.

However, the PNC after 1965 mandated all rice be bought and sold through the government. It fixed a low domestic price and then exported the rice at much high prices. They thus imposed a huge 118% implicit tax on rice farmers and destroyed the industry, which, by 1985, had shrunk to 95,000 tons. Examining the proposed spending in the PNC’s 1972-76 development plan, social scientist J.E. Greene concluded, “The crucial factor in terms of patronage is the shift in the proportion of government expenditure away from the Indian farmer into the pockets of the African wage earner.”

In the sugar industry, Indians formed the bulk of the low-paying field labour and were pitifully poor. But when profit sharing was arbitrated in 1968, they were able to have an average of a month’s salary as “back pay”. In 1974, however, when sugar prices spiked the PNC government imposed a levy on the profits that scooped off $256M by 1976. Neither the workers got their share of profits (60%) not the industry their 40% portion for reinvestment in field and factory. Sugar never really recovered from that period’s misguided policies.In terms of its expenditures, the Military and Militarised units such as GDF, GNS, Peoples Militia were boosted absorbed the bulk of the African youths. By 1976, according to Prof Ken Danns, Guyana had “Disciplined Forces” with a combined strength of 21,000 from 2631 in 1965 and its soldier to civilian ratio of 1:35, was one of the highest in the world. According to the Latin American Bureau, “The intake into all of the disciplined services is 90% black, reflecting the widespread violation of entrance requirements exercised by leaders of the ruling party.” To support this manpower the spending moved from $22M or 8% of the budget in 1966 to $113 or 14.2% of the budget in 1976.After its nationalisation programme, by 1977, the Government controlled over 80% of the economy. Between 1965 and 1981 the bureaucracy - including that for “regionalisation” and 7 new Ministries - grew by over 400% from approximately 27,000 to 124,000. The upper and middle class supporters of the PNC were empowered through jobs in the enlarged public sector, including the nationalized industries) and the boards, and Directorships of the Government Corporations. “State control …gave to the regime control of the lion’s share of the country’s economic resources to be used for the satisfaction of the patronage claims of its black and coloured supporters.” according to Prof Percy Hintzen.

Housing was another area to transfer wealth to its supporters.

The 1972-76 Feed, Clothe and House the Nation” plan called for the building of 65,000 “housing units”. According to Carl Greenidge, “Some 31 subsidised, low cost housing schemes were initiated between 1970 and 1980…The estimated costs were some $500M. In addition …several housing schemes including North Ruimveldt, Meadow Brook, and Lodge Backlands were developed by the CH&PA.” There were several schemes in rural areas for PNC supporters, such as De Kendren, Crane, Wisroc. However, Burnham admitted in his address to the nation on 14 December, 1976: “Our statistics show, however, . . . that we have built 33,000 units.”

The PNC instituted an External Trade Bureau (ETB), which took over all importation of goods into the country, distributed through the intriguingly named “Knowledge Sharing Institute” (KSI) - most located in African-Guyanese dominated areas. In Linden, there were 11 KSI while in the sugar belt stretching across the Coast, and with several times the population, there were five. These put most petty retailers – predominantly Indians – out of business.The co-op scheme was the vehicle for the “small” African man, to become a “real man”. The newly established Co-op Bank provided loans while the Ministry of Cooperatives provided land, implements, seeds and technical help and the Guyana Marketing Corporation (under the Chairmanship of Mr. Eusi Kwayana) provided a market. Co-ops paid no taxes on profits. Unlike what is being claimed today, the MMA which opened up some 54,000 acres for rice and other agricultural crops was opened up to both Africans and Indians from Region 5. Unfortunately, most Africans sub-leased their lands to Indian farmers.

NEWS

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SATURDAY, MAY 13, 2017| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Social cohesion plan now Govt Councillor chides poor for Govt’s consideration service at Suddie Hospital G

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ocial Cohesion Minister, Dr George Norton on Thursday presented a Five-Year Strategic Plan for the promotion of social cohesion in Guyana to Prime Minister Mosses Nagamootoo. The handing over ceremony coincided with the Ministry’s celebration of Social Cohesion Day, with this year being the second time the event was hosted.

Minister Norton noted the plan is to take effect starting this year and will continue to see enhancement to the Guyanese society up until 2021.

Norton indicated that the plan encompasses five significant areas that will be addressed under this new approach. These include ethnic and political relations, social security, economic equality, community safety and security and political participa-

tion and governance.

Speaking at the event, Norton noted the importance of this new initiative stating that, “We now have a strategic plan which will allow us to have a more structured and systematic approach in advancing the social cohesion agenda.” He further pointed out that the plan also comprises an implementation outline that provides the directions needed for the execution of this effort over the next five years. The Minister went on to say that a part from the five-year plan, the Ministry has also undertaken several other strides to advance the social cohesion agenda in Guyana. Among the list of other efforts are community sensitisation sessions, diversity education and inclusiveness workshop, community meetings and the Harmony Village staged earlier this year.

The celebration of Social Cohesion Day to mark the anniversary of the establishment of the Ministry is also one such initiative.

Social Cohesion Day was designed to bring together a wide cross-section of Guyanese in celebration of the multicultural society that exists across the country.

The event hosted at the National Cultural Centre provided an avenue to showcase the various social influences present in Guyana and more specifically celebrated the fusion of various aspects of the multiethnic societies that co-exists as one Guyanese culture. The staging of cultural performances which reflected the heritage of each ethnic and religious group accurately portrayed the picture of social cohesion.

overnment Councillor Naithram has spoken out about the poor service being offered at the Suddie Public Hospital, on the Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

Speaking at the statutory meeting in the boardroom of the Regional Democratic Council at Anna Regina for the month of May, Councillor Naithram said he is very dissatisfied at the kind of service offered at the public medical institution. He said the Hospital serves as a "monument" instead of a medical facility.

He reflected on a recent incident where he said his wife was admitted at the hospital and was treated poorly. He said first of all, there were insufficient drugs available and before his wife was admitted in the ward of the Hospital, she was taken to the Intensive Care Unit instead.

"This is what people are facing at the Hospital… no proper service, no drugs nothing. How can they say free medical ser-

Councillor Naithram

vice in Guyana when people are suffering," Naithram questioned.

The Government Councillor related that his wife was given a prescription to purchase medication at a private pharmacy. He said prior to that, his wife also complained that the doctor that was supervising the ward was under the influence and she was awoken by the stench of his alcoholic breath.

Like his wife, Naithram

said many other patients are experiencing the same situations at the medical institution. He alleged that persons are falling sick instead of recovering after visiting the hospital. "The poor are suffering, the Government needs to intervene, Suddie Hospital is getting worse," Naithram said.

During the discussion, head of the Health and Sanitation Committee and People’s Progressive Party Councillor, Arnold Adams, said recently there was a death in the Good Hope area and family members of the deceased claimed if the hospital had the necessary drugs to treat their mother, she would still be alive today.

Adams therefore called on Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence to launch an investigation into the operations at the Suddie Public Hospital, since there is an issue relating the services offered.

Most of the medical equipment is non-functional or malfunctioning and there is also the prevailing issue of a shortage of drugs.

Region 2 RDC objects to funeral parlour fee increases

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he Regional Democratic Council of Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) has objected to the increase in prices charged at the Suddie Funeral Parlour.

Regional Chairman Devanand Ramdatt at the last statutory meeting of the RDC questioned the increase of the fees at the parlour on the basis that no meaningful discussion was held to increase charges at the region's only funeral parlour.

The Regional Chairman

emphasised that any such increase in fees should not be charged, taking into consideration the region's struggling economy.

The Regional Chairman called on the Public Health Sub-committee to closely monitor the operations of the parlour, since there are numerous negative reviews regarding accountability at the facility.

A system will be implemented where persons with complaints and recommen-

dations regarding the operations and management of the parlour, can offer same in due course, Ramdatt said.

In addition to the Chairman's opinion, many families have complained of having to pay exorbitant fees to workers there. There are also instances where fake receipts were issued by staff to those seeking the service.

As such, an audit of the Suddie Funeral Parlour and its management committee was suggested.

14

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, MAY 13, 2017

Regional

Mexican mum who investigated Jamaicans urged to slow down, save a life daughter’s death is killed

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Mexican businesswoman who headed a group of 600 families searching for their disappeared relatives has been killed. Miriam Rodríguez Martínez was shot in her home in the town of San Fernando in Tamaulipas state.

She was known for successfully investigating the kidnap and murder of her daughter by a local drug cartel, the Zetas.

The information she gave the Police ensured the gang members were jailed.

But in March one of them escaped and her colleagues said she started to receive threats.

She was killed on Mexico’s mother’s day, May 10. Her colleagues said she had asked for Police protection but was ignored. State Prosecutor Irving Barrios told a news conference that

Miriam Rodríguez Martínez was shot in her home in the town of San Fernando in Tamaulipas state

security needs had been met and Police Officers made rounds three times a day.

Her family disputes this.

The Mexican human rights commission issued a statement saying it deplored her murder and called for a full investigation. Rodríguez founded the local group for families who were victims of violence after her daughter, Karen Alejandra, was kid-

napped in 2012.

She had managed to find her daughter’s body in a clandestine grave and put her murderers in jail.

She also foiled an attempted kidnapping by the Zetas of her husband, when she chased the gang in her car, at the same time notifying the army who then managed to arrest them. (Excerpt from

BBC News)

Ready to govern: New Bahamas PM promises new direction

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eclaring it was a new day in The Bahamas, Dr Hubert Minnis was sworn in as the country’s fourth Prime Minister last night, promising to chart a new course in the country.

“I again thank the Bahamian people for reposing their trust in my party,” the victorious Free National Movement (FNM) leader said in a brief maiden speech at Government House.

“We will honour this trust with an unwavering commitment to good gov-

ernance, the rule of law, transparency and accountability.” Dr Minnis, who faced two challenges to his leadership of the FNM and was ultimately removed as Opposition Leader last December, got the ultimate revenge on Wednesday after he decimated the Perry Christie-led Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) at the polls. Unofficial results show the FNM capturing 34 of the 39 seats in Parliament.

The new Prime Minister however signalled that with the General Election over,

he was ready to get down to the business of governing a country where all citizens “join hands and hearts” to chart a new direction.

“I pledge an unwavering commitment of congeniality, collaborative and collective responsibility. Ours is an extraordinary system of governance,” he said.

Dr Minnis has assured Bahamians there would be no victimization under his Administration, describing that practice as “unconstitutional and immoral.”(Excerpt from Caribbean360)

Protesting pensioners throw punches in latest Venezuela unrest

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lderly Venezuelan protesters on Friday threw punches and yelled curses at riot Police blocking the latest in six weeks of demonstrations against

sioners jostled against security lines to attempt a march from a Caracas square.

“Respect the elderly you sons of bitches!” shouted one bearded man, throw-

Elderly opposition supporters rally against President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas, Venezuela, May 12, 2017

President Nicolás Maduro’s socialist Government.

Riot Police with helmets and shields used pepper gas several times to control the crowd as hundreds of pen-

ing a punch at an officer on the front line. Since launching protests against Maduro in early April, Venezuela’s Opposition has sought to vary tactics by staging si-

lent and candle-lit marches, for instance, and rallies for women, musicians and medics.Each time, the ruling Socialist Party has tried to match them. On Friday, it organised its own rival old people’s march next to the Miraflores presidential palace.At least 39 people have died in the unrest since April, including protesters, government sympathisers, bystanders, and security forces. Hundreds have also been hurt and arrested.

Decrying Maduro as a dictator who has wrecked the OPEC nation’s economy, opponents are seeking elections, foreign humanitarian aid, freedom for hundreds of jailed activists, and autonomy for the Oppositioncontrolled legislature.

Maduro, a 54-year-old former bus driver and successor of Hugo Chávez, says his foes are seeking a coup with the support of the United States and encouragement of international media. (Excerpt from Reuters)

ean Todt, the UN special envoy for road safety, says if countries are to succeed in reducing traffic deaths and injuries, they have to tackle the issue of excessive and inappropriate speeding, which he said is the biggest factor in the cause and severity of collisions.

“We know that just a five per cent reduction in average speed can reduce the risk of fatal crashes by 30 per cent. Speed kills. If we slow down we save lives.

This is the message that we have to repeat again and again,” the UN special envoy told Wednesday’s function to mark the fourth United Nations Global Road Safety Week at Jamaica House in Kingston.

It was hosted by Prime Minister Andrew Holness and the National Road Safety Council (NRSC) in partnership with the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) Foundation. The event, staged to highlight the ongoing UN #SlowDown campaign, seeks to increase understanding of the dangers of speed and generate

(From left) Jamaican Olympian Yohan Blake; Prime Minister Andrew Holness; Ambassador, Global Initiative for Child Health and Mobility and road safety advocate, Zoleka Mandela; and United Nations special envoy for road safety, Jean Todt, pose Wednesday after signing the #SlowDown campaign board outside Jamaica House, where a special function was held to mark the fourth United Nations Global Road Safety Week

actions on measures to address speed.

Todt, who was accompanied by granddaughter of former South African leader Nelson Mandela, Zoleka Mandela, who serves as the ambassador for the Global Initiative for Child Health and Mobility, touted ‘slowing down’ as the vaccine needed

to combat road deaths.

He added that the message to obey the speed limit

by Olympian Yohan Blake, who is an ambassador for the FIA High Level Panel for Road Safety and ‘3500 Lives’ campaign, has already been launched in more than 30 countries and 600 cities around the world. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

T&T lawyers to debate resolution calling on Chief Justice to resign

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he Law Association in Trinidad and Tobago will debate a resolution calling for the resignation of the chief justice and members of the Judicial and Legal Service Commission (JLSC) at a special general meeting on June 1 over the appointment and subsequent resignation of former chief magistrate Marcia Ayers-Caesar as a High Court Judge.

The meeting was prompted by a petition signed by over 60 local attorneys expressing a loss of confidence in Chief Justice Ivor Archie and the JLSC over the situation that arose after Ayers-Caesar was appointed as a High Court Judge without due consideration being given to her extensive list of part-heard cases in the Magistrate’s Court.

The lawyers say that the

Chief Justice Ivor Archie

CJ and the JLSC should have had knowledge and access to any information on any partheard matters before the chief magistrate and was under an obligation to provide the infor-

mation to the JLSC before her appointment was made.

That view is shared by 11 senior counsel who met last Friday and subsequently issued a list of questions for the chief justice and the JLSC as well as Ayers-Caesar to answer, the Trinidad Guardian reported.

Local criminal lawyer Nizam Mohammed, who has been in practice for more than four decades, said the country had found itself in “the most unfortunate situation whereby all the part-heard matters left by Ayers-Caesar will have to be heard de novo – as new – and in such a development you cannot rule out a series of challenges on the basis of abuse of process by the court administration itself, meaning the judiciary and the magistracy.” (Excerpt from Caribbean News Now)

Barbados Health Ministry welcomes Caribbean’s first Type 1 Diabetes registry

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he Barbadian Ministry of Health has welcomed the launch of a Type 1 Diabetes Registry – the first of its kind in the Caribbean, which will enhance national surveillance of the disease, and inform evidence-based policy and programme development.

Acting Senior Medical Officer with responsibility for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), Dr Ingrid Cumberbatch says while Type 1 Diabetes affected roughly one per cent of the population, there were no ex-

act statistics pertaining to those affected.

“It is expected that this gap can be bridged by the implementation of the Ian Woosnam Type 1 Diabetes Registry for Barbados,” she said, adding that the registry would be a vital tool to empower, educate and support patients, as well as to improve standards of practice and care.

Cumberbatch was speaking at the launch of the registry at the Barbados Diabetes Foundation, earlier this week. An initiative of the

Foundation, the registry was established through sponsorship by professional golfer and long-time visitor to Barbados Ian Woosnam, who has two daughters with Type 1 Diabetes.

The Senior Medical Officer said its implementation as another important step in the fight against diabetes. Type 1 Diabetes, previously known as insulin-dependent, juvenile or childhood onset diabetes, is characterised by deficient insulin production and requires daily administration of insulin. (Excerpt from Antigua Observer)

saturDAY, may 13, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

15

Around the World

Trump threatens ex-FBI head Comey Ebola outbreak with possible ‘tapes’ of conversations declared in DR of the

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onald Trump threatened former FBI director James Comey on Twitter on Friday morning. Trump tweeted: “James Comey better hope that there are no ‘tapes’ of our conversations before he starts leaking to the press!”

The tweet, which if taken at face value would suggest Trump has been secretly taping White House meetings, came after the New York Times reported that he demanded “loyalty” from Comey in a private dinner held shortly after Trump took office.

At the White House press briefing on Friday afternoon, press secretary Sean Spicer repeatedly refused to deny that Trump was taping visitors to the

“As a very active President with lots of things happening, it is not possible for my surrogates to stand at podium with perfect accuracy!” Trump tweeted

White House.

Comey, who was overseeing an investigation into alleged links between Trump aides and Russia during the 2016 election, was fired on Tuesday in a surprise announcement.

The White House initially claimed Comey was fired by recommendation of deputy attorney general Rod Rosenstein, who was dissatisfied with Comey’s handling of the Clinton email scandal. But Trump later

said it was entirely his decision and said “this Russia thing” factored into it.

The White House’s constantly shifting story on Comey’s firing fueled controversy as administration officials who initially followed the Rosenstein line had to confront Trump’s statement in an interview with NBC. “I was going to fire Comey,” Trump said. “My decision. I was going to fire Comey.”The mention of tapes will only fuel further comparisons to Richard Nixon and the Watergate scandal. Nixon infamously taped meetings in the Oval Office and recordings of those meetings led to his resignation from office.

(Excerpt from The Guardian)

Hackers exploit stolen US spy agency tool to launch global cyberattack

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global cyberattack leveraging hacking tools widely believed by researchers to have been developed by the US National Security Agency hit international shipper FedEx, disrupted Britain’s health system and infected computers in nearly 100 countries on Friday.

Cyber extortionists tricked victims into opening malicious malware attachments to spam emails

that appeared to contain invoices, job offers, security warnings and other legitimate files.

The ransomware encrypted data on the computers, demanding payments of US$300 to US$600 to restore access. Security researchers said they observed some victims paying via the digital currency bitcoin, though they did not know what per cent had given in to the extortionists.

Researchers with security software maker Avast said they had observed 57,000 infections in 99 countries with Russia, Ukraine and Taiwan the top targets.

The most disruptive attacks were reported in Britain, where hospitals and clinics were forced to turn away patients after losing access to computers.

International shipper FedEx Corp said some of its

Windows computers were also infected. “We are implementing remediation steps as quickly as possible,” it said in a statement.

Still, only a small number of US-headquartered organizations were hit because the hackers appear to have begun the campaign by targeting organizations in Europe, said Vikram Thakur, research manager with security software maker Symantec. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Mauno Koivisto, Finland’s former President, dies at 93

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auno Koivisto, Finland’s first leftist President who led it along the path to EU membership, died on Friday at the age of 93, the President’s office said.

Koivisto was born in 1923, the son of a ship’s carpenter. He became the Nordic country’s ninth President in 1982 and spent two terms in the office until 1994.

He led his country through the collapse of the neighboring Soviet Union and the ensuing recession at home, and oversaw Finland’s application for membership of the European Union in 1992.

Finland joined the EU in 1995.

During his term, Koivisto also strengthened the role of the Parliament after his predecessor, Urho Kekkonen, had ruled the country for 26 years, partly in an autocratic style.

In his youth, Koivisto fought the Soviet Union during World War Two. He served the country as Prime Minister, Finance Minister and central bank governor before becoming President.

“With Mauno Koivisto, the generation that took part in wars and following rebuilding, and which guided Finland to the path of current success and wellbeing, has now definitively left Finland’s political life,” current President Sauli Niinisto said in a statement.

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causing a shipwreck and abandoning his passengers.

Friday’s ruling marked the end of the appeals process, with the court upholding the initial verdict.

Free pending the decision, Schettino, 56, reported to a Rome prison to start his sentence as soon as he was told of the verdict, his lawyer Saverio Senese said.

A health worker at an Ebola isolation centre in Kampungu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, during an outbreak in 2007

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n Ebola outbreak has been declared in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where three people have been confirmed dead and another six are suspected to be infected with the virus, the World Health OrganiSation has said.

Investigations are still being carried out into how the Ebola virus – which killed 49 people in DRC during a three-month outbreak in 2014 – suddenly occured in the equatorial forest region of Bas-Uele province, which borders Central African Republic (CAR).

In a televised address, DRC’s health minister, Oly Ilunga Kalenga, warned that the outbreak was a “national health emergency with international significance” but urged people “not to panic”.

“As this is the eighth epidemic [of Ebola] that we are facing as a nation, we should not be rattled,”

Kalenga said. “The ministry of health is taking all measures to respond quickly and efficiently to this new outbreak.”

The WHO’s in-country spokesperson, Eugene Kabambi, said regional health workers and protective equipment had already been rolled out to the remote area to contain the virus. A national team of personnel, along with experts and specialists from Médecins Sans Frontières, the US Centre for Disease Control, Unicef and WHO, will be following in the next few days.

“The DRC is a big country and the zone affected is quite difficult to access, but it is right on the border with Central African Republic,” said Kabambi.

“People are constantly coming and going across the border to visit friends and family, so we are taking very urgent preventative measures to contain the risk. (Excerpt from The Guardian)

US and China sign trade agreement Former Finnish President Mauno Koivisto is pictured in Helsinki, Finland on October 26, 2004

“His rise from humble home into a teacher, a banker and eventually to the top of the nation’s politics is an unparalleled Finnish success story.” “Koivisto was a

devoted democrat and a supporter of parliamentarism ...

As a president he left a legacy where it has been good for me and my predecessors to continue.”(Excerpt from Reuters)

Top Italian court upholds conviction over Costa Concordia shipwreck

he former captain of the Costa Concordia cruise liner was sentenced to 16 years in prison on Friday by Italy’s highest court for his role in the 2012 shipwreck, which killed 32 people off the Tuscan holiday island of Giglio.

Francesco Schettino was originally found guilty in 2015 of manslaughter,

Congo after 3 die

“As always, Italy needs to find a scapegoat,” Senese told reporters, adding that his client had waited for word of his fate alone outside the prison gates rather than stay at home with his family.

Schettino has always maintained that he was not solely responsible for the disaster. His lawyer

said he might appeal to the European Court of Human Rights. “I think there have been serious abuses here,” he said. “I never give up.”

The Costa Concordia was carrying more than 4200 passengers and crew, when it hit rocks off Giglio, tearing a hole in its side and eventually keeling over. (Excerpt from New Zealand Herald)

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he US and China have reached a 10-point trade deal that opens the Chinese market to US credit rating agencies and credit card companies.

Under the deal, China will also lift its ban on US beef imports and accept US shipments of liquefied natural gas.

In return, Chinese cooked chicken will be allowed into the US market and Chinese banks can enter the US market. US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said the deal should reduce China’s trade surplus with the US by the end of 2017.

Mr Ross told CNBC that the US had agreed to treat Chinese financial institutions in the same way as other foreign banks that wanted to open up activities

in the US. “Clearly China, whose banks are among the largest in the whole world, wants access to the US banking market,” he said.

“As long as they can comply with the normal rules, they will get access.”

The deal marks the first tangible results of trade talks that began last month.

The agreement is seen as an indication that US President Donald Trump is adopting a less confrontational approach with Beijing than he promised during last year’s election campaign.

Mr Trump had threatened to label China a “currency manipulator” and impose trade tariffs on its goods, but has since softened his position. (Excerpt from BBC News)

16 news

saturDAY, may 13, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Procurement issues cause delay for India-funded contracts – Jordan … several projects in limbo

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uyana is having a hard time securing contractors from Indian to carry out major projects that are being funded by the Asian country.

As part of the agreement for foreign funded projects, Guyana has to use contractors from those countries and with the Indian Government putting up monies for several major projects here, Finance Minister Winston Jordan said they are experiencing difficulties finding Indian contractors to execute the local projects.

“I think the problem that we are experiencing is that all of these projects have to have Indian-contractors and consultants, and we are experiencing grave problems in getting movement and traction, in getting these contractors on-board so to speak. That is why it is over a year since we signed the $50 million (bypass) road and nothing appears to have been done. It is not our fault and we’re trying desperately to get contractors out of Indian,” Jordan stated.

The Finance Minister went on to point out that this difficulty arises from the fact that new systems have been

put in place in India, with regards to the procurement and tendering procedures.

“According to (Indian) High Commissioner, everybody is still trying to get familiar with (the new systems),” he noted.

Moreover, Jordan added too that the insufficiency of the monies for the projects also pose challenges for Government to recruit contractors from the Asian nation.

“This is $50 million (for the bypass road); it’s big for Guyana but it’s very little for Indian. So to get contractors who are interested is a bit of an issue really. So that is part of the problems we would have been having,” the Minister explained.

Back in March, Indian High Commissioner, V e n k a t a c h a l a m Mahalingam, had told Guyana Times that efforts are currently on the way to procure the services of a Project Monitoring Consultant (PMC) for the road project.

The Export-Import (EXIM) Bank of India is providing the loan for the project via a Line of Credit (LoC).

The bypass road will link the

Drilling of Rupununi wells to begin after rainy season

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he Brazilian authorities are in the process of formulating the agreement to begin drilling a number of wells in the South Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo) following the end of the May/June rainy season, according to Guyana’s Ambassador to Brazil, George Talbot.

He informed that the Brazilian Army is currently in the process of scoping the area and the Complementary Agreement to the Technical Cooperation Agreement between the two countries are in the channel and will be ready very soon. He added that the project will commence before the end of 2017 once the agreement is signed.

Ambassador Talbot revealed that a third meeting of the administrative aspect of the Partial Scope Agreement is scheduled for July and under the agreement, Guyana will be able to export some 180 plus under-used items to Brazil. He noted the agreement includes St Kitts and Nevis as a third party serving as a boost for trade.

He said that after the drilling would have commenced on the Brazilian side, Guyanese counterparts would be trained in drilling of the wells, operational procedures and well maintenance.

“The element of capacity training is very important on this project which makes more than just a single intervention of drilling and

Guyana’s Ambassador Brazil, George Talbot

to

leaving and building of capacity so that in the future Guyanese will be able to perform the works,” he said.

The Ambassador said that Guyana is working assiduously to enforce the International Transport Agreement it has with Brazil; adding that they have been working closely with the Attorney General’s Chambers and is hopeful that the National Assembly will be able to take some decisive action soon. He noted that the agreement will strengthen trade ties and allow the easier movement of good and services.

He commended the Government for going ahead with works on the LindenLethem road and the bridge across Kurupukari.

Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson is expected to be in Brazil later this month to have discussions to determine a bi-lateral agreement on infrastructure.

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

East Coast and East Bank of Demerara at Ogle and Great Diamond respectively.

Nevertheless, Jordan went added that the Administration has written the Indian High Commissioner on several occasions in efforts to address the situation that has resulted in several major projects here being stalled.

“Maybe we’ll have to use other approaches to see how we can clear what appears to be a logjam,” Minster Jordan noted.

Among the India-funded projects that are on hold in Guyana are: the US$50 million East Coast-East Bank Demerara bypass Road;

US$4 million for pumps; US$10 million for the procurement of a ferry vessel for the North-West District and some US$17.5 million for the modernisation of three local health care facilities.

With respect to the upgrade of the medical facilities, the Finance Minister revealed that with the $17.5 million being approved by the Indian Government, Guyana is now in the process of meeting the necessary conditions prior to disbursement. Under this project, the Suddie Regional Hospital, the West Demerara Regional Hospital and the Bartica District Hospital will all undergo a modernised facelift.

This project was is an initiative of the Coalition Government, which wanted to use funds set aside for the Specialty Hospital Project for the modernisation of the three primary healthcare institutions.

However, the Indian Government had committed to provide a separate loan to make-over the three hospitals in exchange for the Specialty Hospital Project to continue.

When asked for an update on the construction of the Specialty Hospital at Thursday’s press conference, Minister Jordan declared that the project has been dead for some time now.

Health tourism

With an US$18 million LoC from the Indian Exim bank, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic Administration was hoping to create a thriving health tourism industry locally with the construction of a Specialty Hospital.

However, the project quickly found itself in a series of controversy causing the then Government to end a contract with the India-

based contractor Surendra Engineering in 2014, citing instances of alleged fraud and delays. The Donald Ramotar-led regime subsequently filed a lawsuit against the firm for failing to honour its obligations.

Guyana is yet to recover close to $1 billion from the company.

While in Opposition, both the A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance For Change had strongly opposed the Specialty Hospital and upon its assumption to office in 2015, it decided to scrap the project, which had already expended some US$4.2 million on certain preliminary works.

However after some convincing by the Indian Government, the coalition Administration hesitantly proceeded with the project, handing it over to another India-based contractor Fedders Lloyd to complete using the remaining US$13.8 million. But a few months later, that company was blacklisted by the World Bank until 2020, forcing the project to a standstill once again.

Crabwood Creek man remanded for wife's murder

E

ast Berbice pensioner Rishee Lakhraj of Grant 1803 Crabwood Creek, Upper Corentyne was on Thursday arraigned before Springlands Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh on the capital charge of murder.

Unrepresented by legal counsel, the 62-year-old was not required to plead to the charge, which detailed that between May 5 and 8, at Crabwood Creek, he murdered his 55-year-old wife Charmoney Charlie, called “Peelo”.

Lakhraj was subsequently remanded until his next court appearance, set for June 5 before the Chief Magistrate in Georgetown, who will reassign the case to the Upper Corentyne

Dead: Charmoney Charlie

Magisterial District.

Recap

Lakhraj and his wife were reportedly involved in a heated argument on May 5 at about 23:00h, and he is alleged to have inflicted

a stab wound to the woman’s abdomen. However, the woman reportedly told relatives and nurses at the Skeldon Hospital that her wound had been self-inflicted. Following her death three days later, Lakhraj was taken into custody.

He told investigators on Wednesday that he and Charlie had been imbibing alcohol in their bedroom when a misunderstanding arose and he collected a knife from the kitchen and stabbed her once to the abdomen. He said that after Charlie complained of experiencing pain, he was going to take his own life, but she convinced him not to so do. She then agreed to say that her wound was self-inflicted.

An autopsy performed

Murder accused: Rishee Lakhraj

on the woman’s remains last Friday by Government Pathologist Dr Vivekanand Bridgemohan gave the cause of her death as acute peritonitis and stab wound to the abdomen.

Contractors schooled on tendering process

S

everal small contractors on Friday were schooled on the tendering process by Communities Ministry’s Permanent Secretary and Procurement Manager following several mistakes that caused their bids to become non-responsive.

The contractors were among those who bid for nine projects and due to their errors, seven of those bids were categorised as

non-responsive and had to be retendered.

Errors ranged from forgetting to include the business registration; failing to submit a valid registration, National Insurance Scheme (NIS) and Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) compliance; not signing bid declaration forms and failure to provide a list of equipment.

The Ministry’s PS, Emil McGarrell and Procurement Manager, Michael

Blackman during the meeting urged the contractors to build their capacity to perform not only small contracts but much larger ones of high standards.

The PS stressed that there was no question as to the technical capabilities of the contractors but all the hiccups were avoidable and of an administrative nature.

He explained the tender process and answered ques-

tions from all of the contractors. He also informed them that the law requires the Ministry to give notification of the responsiveness of each bid and they also have a right to request the reason for their non-responsiveness.

The contractors were informed that they all will be allowed to re-tender and once compliant, seven of them, would each received a project.

news

17

saturDAY, may 13, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Govt warns of cybersecurity threat

Orealla residents protest for doctor at health centre

T

he Guyana National Cybersecurity Incident Response Team (GNCIRT) confirms that a global ransomware attack is currently in progress and is advising citizens to be cautious of what they access online, according to a statement from the Ministry of the Presidency.

The self-spreading ransomware, known as “Wanna Cry” or “Wanna Decryptor”, exploits vulnerability in Microsoft's Windows operating system. It is believed that this ransomware is spread through phishing emails, malicious adverts on websites, and questionable apps and programmes.

GNCIRT urges users not to open unsolicited or suspicious emails or links, attachments included in un-

solicited emails, links to unfamiliar or nefarious websites and download applications and programmes that have not been verified by an official store.

“In the event that your computer has been infected with the “Wanna Cry” ransomware, take the following steps; disconnect and quarantine the infected system by removing it from your

network and apply the latest Microsoft patch to all computer systems,” the statement advised.

For further information and support, please contact GNCIRT at telephone numbers 660-6074 or 2318820, extension 221 or 222; or info@cirt.gy. Future updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Pirates charged for killing 3 fishermen F

ive Corentyne, Berbice pirates were remanded to prison after they were charged with the murders of three fishermen. The incident took place one year ago and although two of the bodies have not been discovered, the Director of Public Prosecutions advised that the men be charged with murder.

Although only one body was discovered on June 5, 2016, the five accused were charged with the murders last year. On Thursday, the five accused appeared before Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh at the Number 51 Magistrate’s Court on three counts of murder.

The men are Ramchan Latchman, 23, of Number 65 Village; Ganesh Naidoo, 41, of Number 79 Village; Ramesh Singh, 53, of Liverpool; Stephon Leon Leacock, 19, of Number 77 Housing Scheme, Corriverton; and Leon Sammy, 29, of Number 75

Dhanpaul Rampaul of Number 67 Village; and Munish Churman, 26, also called “Boyo” of Number 60 Village.

The five are already charged for the capital offence committed for the death of Hemchand Sookedo.

It had been reported that five pirates hijacked three fishing boats and after taking away their catch, threw the captain of the first ves-

R

esidents of Orealla on Friday picketed the Skeldon Hospital, calling on the Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) Health Services Department to secure a doctor for the community.

Located in the Corentyne River, the Amerindian community has been without a medical doctor since November 2016. The protesters travelled some 50 miles to Skeldon on Friday to stage the picketing exercise with the hope that their voices are heard.

The protest followed the recent debate on the issue at the regional level. The Director of Regional Health Services, Jevaughn Stephens, last week stated that resi-

the residents of Orealla declared “enough is enough”, pointing out that the medical teams which visited the community did not provide the services that were needed.

Ivey Penuex, a mother of five, told Guyana Times during Friday’s protest that the medical teams do not reach out to most of the community members and visits are untimely.

“When doctors go in there, they go for a day and then they come out.

I live far in the savannah and sometimes I would hear when the doctors come and sometimes you don’t hear. Sometimes by the time I hear the doctors come, they only come for half day or they leave and go to Siparuta for the next

Ganesh Naidoo

The following morning, Persaud was brought ashore and reported what transpired while he was on board.

Police later arrested five men as suspects.

He swam for three hours and was rescued by other fishermen. The others were reportedly also thrown overboard; three of them anchored before.

The body of 45-year-old Leon Sammy

sel overboard. Seepersaud Persaud, 43, of Corriverton, was thrown into the water five miles offshore but was rescued by other fishermen after swimming for three hours.

Stephon Leon Leacock Ramchan Latchman captain of the alleged piracy

Village.

It is alleged that during the act of piracy, they murdered Dochan Sukra, 54, also called “Butcher” of Number 55 Village;

Residents of Orealla protesting for a doctor on Friday

Ramesh Singh

Hemchand Sookdeo, also called “Dread” of Number 55 Village was found dead trapped in a seine. The other bodies have never been recovered.

The matter comes up again on May 17. (Andrew Carmichael)

Orealla’s RDC representative Laddy Penuex

dents of Orealla and its neighbouring community, Siporuta, have not been neglected since the Health Department has put measures in place to ensure that they can access medical services. This he said, was by the way of scheduled medical team visits.

In April, Stephens had promised that a doctor was going to be sent to the Amerindian community. However, the doctor who was deployed there was granted permission to leave the country on annual leave but absconded, thus leaving the community without a doctor.

Measures were put in place for a replacement and the next person who was sent to the community had to return to Georgetown, citing medical reasons.

In light of these setbacks,

half day… We really need a doctor in there because if we have emergency, it is very difficult and we have to spend a lot of money if we have to spend overnight,” the woman said with a concerned look on her face.

Meanwhile, a more energetic Karen Lowe explained that they are desperate for full-time medical personnel in the community. She said on many occasions, there are emergency cases and travelling to Corriverton is very difficult especially for pregnant women who are in labour. “Sometimes when they do travel to go to the hospital, they end up getting the baby in the boat and that is not nice. That is one of the reasons for us coming out here,” she pointed out.

In recent times, three women – Velma Scott,

Stacey Miguel and Rose McIntosh – gave birth on the river while en route to the hospital. Lowe explained that even though some of these women are accompanied by nurses, in those cases where the delivery was done in the boats, the nurse don’t have the necessary medical materials and equipment to perform a safe delivery.

Meanwhile, in a separate instance, a boat sunk in the Corentyne River while attempting to get a patient to Corriverton. The woman was rescued and eventually made it to the hospital.

Laddy Penuex, who represents Orealla on the Regional Democratic Council, posited that medical care for Orealla is just as important as it is for any other community. Currently, to access medical services one must endure the five-hour boat ride to Corriverton or charter a boat for $10,000 to get there.

“Sickness is all around and we need health care.

Things like snake bites, childbirth and other diseases that a doctor will diagnose…,” he stated.

Moreover, Penuex rubbished excuses made by the Director of Regional Health Services that the accommodation for a resident doctor in the community is inadequate. Stephens had claimed that snakes crawl into the building from the roof because of the overgrown vegetation.

“He is actually making some flimsy excused about the accommodation at the health centre. There is a place for him to stay quite comfortable in the hospital,” the RDC representative declared.

The Health Services Director had reported that he had done all that he could, and had left the issue in the hands of the Permanent Secretary of the Public Health Ministry.

Together, Orealla and Siparuta which are situated five miles apart have a combined population of close to 2000 persons. (Andrew Carmichael)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, MAY 13, 2017

ARCHIE

Explore new possibilities.

Attend a trade show or take (March 21- a brief vacation with someone April 19) you love. The sights you see and the discussions you have will inspire personal change.

ARIES

A day trip or weekend getTAURUS away will help you find some (April 20- inner peace. Consider taking May 20) a hike in the woods or a walk through an art gallery, or connecting with someone you love.

DILBERT

Relationships are highGEMINI (May 21- lighted and should be your June 20) top priority. Address concerns you have with a friend, sibling, parent or loved one if you want to find a workable solution.

Try to help others in a positive way. Offer suggestions (June 21- and oversee what transpires, July 22) but don’t take the workload on all by yourself. Be a leader, not a martyr.

CANCER

PEANUTS

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

Engage in discussions that can bring about change.

Your part in building a brighter future in your community will make a difference to your environment and future.

Look at what you can do to VIRGO improve your home environ(Aug. 23ment and financial and emoSept. 22)

tional outlook. Making positive, affordable changes will ease stress and encourage better relationships with loved ones.

If you talk about your prosLIBRA pects, you will come up with (Sept. 23Oct. 23) a good way to move forward with your personal endeavors.

A change will do you good and help you make better choices.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

Getting together with a SCORPIO loved one, friends or rela(Oct. 24tives will convince you that Nov. 22) you need to alter the way you do things. Consider what you find stimulating and head in that direction.

Don’t limit what you can SAGITTARIUS do because you are afraid to (Nov. 23- speak up. Communication is Dec. 21) your ticket to bring about positive change. Being accommodating is honorable, but not realistic.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

Keep life simple, affordCAPRICORN able and moderate, and re(Dec. 22- fuse to let anyone entice you Jan. 19) to get into things that could dismantle your long-term financial or personal plans.

Look out for No. 1.

Honesty will be the best AQUARIUS way to get things done re(Jan. 20garding the changes you want Feb. 19) to make in your life. Mix old and new ideas.

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

Problems while traveling or PISCES discussing personal or money (Feb. 20March 20) matters will arise. Make sure you have all your documents in order before you take on institutions, government agencies or authority figures.

saturDAY, May 13, 2017

C

helsea secured the Premier League title for the second time in three seasons as substitute Michy Batshuayi scored late to supply a 1-0 win at West Brom on Friday night.

West Brom had frustrated Chelsea for 82 minutes before Batshuayi forced the ball over the line with a sliding shot to give Chelsea an insurmountable 10-point lead over Tottenham atop the table. Chelsea only needed three points from their final three games to clinch the championship, but manager Antonio Conte wanted to secure the trophy at the earliest opportunity and Batshuayi was an unlikely hero at The Hawthorns.

Batshuayi was not even among the substitutes in Chelsea's last game on Monday and is still waiting to make a Premier League start. The Belgium striker, a £33 million signing from Marseille last summer, made his 18th league appearance off the bench and

finally showed his poacher's instinct, seven minutes later, with his second league goal to send Chelsea and Conte delirious.

After West Brom's Salomon Rondon forced Chelsea keeper Thibaut Courtois to tip over his bar in the opening seconds, the game settled down into a sluggish first half. Chelsea had 71 percent possession before the break and took 14 shots, but they only managed to put a single attempt on goal -- a Cesar Azpilicueta shot from distance. The nearest the visitors came to taking the lead in the first half came in the 32nd minute when Cesc Fabregas flashed a shot inches wide of the post.

But Chelsea came out of the dressing room with renewed intent, and Victor Moses promptly forced West Brom keeper Ben Foster to make a diving save to preserve the deadlock. Fabregas again tried his luck from distance in the 51st minute, only to see it slice away from the target at the

Substitute Michy Batshuayi scores to seal the Premier league title for Chelsea.

last moment.

Moments later, West Brom were a bit fortunate when Eden Hazard's cross from the endline deflected toward goal by Chris Brunt, only to be cleared off the line. And Moses followed that by blasting a hard shot directly at Foster.

On the hour mark, Diego Costa had space to control the ball from

12 yards out, but West Brom closed him down before he could spin and shoot. West Brom had a rare moment of attack in the 70th minute when Rondon spun past David Luiz on the centre line to run in on goal, but Gary Cahill did extremely well to get back in time to force a corner.

And two minutes later Rondon

19

led another counter-attack, passing across to Jake Livermore, who spotted substitute Nacer Chadli entering the box, but the former Tottenham man pulled his shot agonisingly wide. Conte then quickly made a double substitution, bringing off Eden Hazard and Pedro in favour of Willian and Batshuayi.

And the move soon paid dividends as Chelsea found the breakthrough, even if it came with a bit of luck after Cahill sliced a shot horribly wide. But the ball stayed in play and was tracked down by Azpilicueta, who sent in a low cross that was met by a sliding Batshuayi, setting off wild celebrations on the Chelsea sideline and among the visiting supporters.

After securing their sixth English title -- fifth in the Premier League era -- Chelsea will seek to complete a double in Conte's first season by winning the FA Cup final against Arsenal on May 27.

(ESPNFC)

Olympic stars gather to salute the legend – Usain Bolt Usain Bolt

U

sain Bolt, who is undoubtedly the king of track and field and the most dominant male sprinter in the world since 2008, will hang up his spikes at the end of the season.While most people are urging the legend to continue, he has reiterated his intention to call it quits after the World Championships in London, England, in August.

Speculation is rife as to who will ascend to Bolt's throne, but before that, Jamaica and the world will get to see him perform one last time on Jamaican soil.

The three-time Olympic sprint champion over 100m and 200m bids farewell to his Jamaican fans at the second staging of the JN/Racers Grand Prix on Saturday, June 10.

Bolt will be joined by a number of local and international stars at this stellar event where a number of Olympic and world champions will also be on show.

When Bolt goes into the blocks around 9:30 pm Jamaica time, it is guaranteed that the entire track world, including those at the National Stadium, will be anticipat-

ing another glorious moment from the greatest sprinter of all time. Possibly challenging, the 'legend' lines up against sub-10 king Asafa Powell, Zharnel Hughes of Great Britain, Antigua and Barbuda sprint sens a tion Miguel Francis, a n d Trayvon Bromell of the USA, plus six other.

T h e women's 100m will also have a stellar line-up.

Olympic double sprint champion from the Rio Games Elaine Thompson, who became the first Jamaican woman to win gold in both the 100m and 200m at the Olympics, will do battle with Nigerian Blessings Okagabare and American English Gardener A legend in his own right, Britain's most successful Olympian, long distance star Mo Farah will grace the National Stadium in Kingston Jamaica for the very first time. Farah won the 5,000 and 10,000m at the 2012 Olympic Games and defended both titles in 2016.

There is a great deal of respect between Farah and Bolt, as was seen by the Farah-like celebrations performed by Bolt after anchoring Jamaica to gold in the 4x100m at the London Olympics in 2012.

Other international stars coming in for the event include Olympic and World 800m champion David Rudisha. The Kenyan won World

Championships gold in Daegu in 2011 before winning Olympic Gold in London in 2012. He won gold at the 2015 World Championships in Beijing after failing to defend his title in 2013 and then went on to Brazil in fine form where he defended his Olympic title.

South African Wayde van Niekerk, the world and Olympic champion and also the world record holder over 400m, returns to Jamaica's shores after his stunning victory in Brazil where he set the record of 43.03s. Local hero Javon Francis, along with the likes of the upcoming Demish Gaye, will run against van Niekerk.

Puerto Rican Javier Culson, who has won medals at the Olympic Games and World championships, is no stranger to running in Jamaica and he will have his hands full with local stars Annsert Whyte and World Youth Champion Jaheel Hyde in the 400m hurdles.

On the women's side, Ristananna Tracey has rediscovered her form over the 400m hurdles and will be looking to pick up where she left off last season when she qualified for her first Olympic Games. There is just a matter of taking on the Olympic champion Dalilah Muhammad of the USA who was impressive in winning gold in Brazil.

The women's sprint hurdles is building as something really special. World champion Danielle Williams will be looking to get over missing the Olympics after hitting

the hurdles and crashing out at the National Trials last year. She competes against Australian Sally Pearson, who is on the way back after a series of injures stymied her illustrious career, as well as American Skarika Nelvis, among others.

Hansle Parchment, who had to withdraw from the Rio Games through injury, is on the mend and he will be testing to see exactly where he is at. The Olympic bronze medallist from London is working his way back into form and full fitness and will no doubt want to impress the home fans.

Shericka Jackson can now claim the title as Jamaica's new 400m queen after back-to-back bronze medal performances at the World Championships in Beijing 2015 and the Olympic Games in Rio 2016. In just about a month's time, she can expect a fierce challenge from American veteran Francena McCorory who has won a number of relay gold medals for her country.

The night, however, will belong to Bolt — win, lose or draw. With eight Olympic gold medals and 11 World Championships gold medals spanning three Olympic Games and four World Championships, the 30-year-old is sure to be teary eyed when he takes off his spikes for the final time at the National Stadium.

This is the same venue when, as a precocious teenager, he performed that now famous salute when he became the youngest person to win the 200m at the World Junior

Championships in 2002.

The track and field world has not been the same since the arrival of the Bolt and will not be the same after his departure.

JN Racers Grand Prix takes place on Saturday, June 10, 2017 at the National Stadium.(Observer)

Mo Farah

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

saturDAY, may 13, 2017

Daredevils make Supergiant wait for play-off spot

Manoj Tiwary

S

teve

S m i t h and Ben Stokes both missed out on big scores as Rising Pune Supergiant were beaten by Delhi Daredevils.

Rising Pune Supergiant missed out on the chance to secure a place in the Indian Premier League play-offs as they suffered a seven-run defeat to Delhi Daredevils on Friday.

Karun Nair's 45-ball 64, as well as quickfire contributions from Rishabh Pant (36) and Marlon Samuels (27), helped Delhi to a total of 168-8.

Ajinkya Rahane went first ball in Supergiant's reply and the inability of Steve Smith (38) and Ben Stokes (33) to turn strong starts into big scores, proved costly for Pune, despite the efforts of Manoj Tiwary (60).

Mohammed Shami (2-37) claimed the pivotal wicket of the typically punchy Stokes and Pune were left with too much to do when MS Dhoni fell victim to a direct hit run out from the same man.

Pune stay third in the table but the defeat means their final game with fifth-placed Kings XI Punjab will effectively be a onegame play-off if Sunrisers book their spot with a win over Gujarat Lions on Saturday.

Sanju Samson was run out by Stokes for two in the first over of the match but - after Shreyas Iyer (3) had also fallen cheaply - Nair

and Pant formed a 74-run partnership to turn the tide.

Nair, who sent the ball to the rope nine times, found another willing partner in Samuels, but Pune checked Delhi's momentum in the final two overs to keep them below 170.

Stokes (2-31) accounted for Nair's wicket, his short delivery top-edged into the arms of Jaydev Unadkat (229), the same duo combining again to dismiss Shami as the England international took a stunning juggling catch at the rope.

Delhi captain Zaheer Khan (2-25) led by exam-

ple to immediately remove Rahane, but Smith steadied the Supergiant ship and looked in the mood to produce a big score until he was trapped plum lbw by Shahbaz Nadeem (1-21).

Stokes took on the mantle to hit three fours and two sixes, however, he failed to connect properly with a Shami full toss and was caught by Corey Anderson having earlier been dropped twice.

Dhoni's run out for five further tilted matters in Delhi's favour but Tiwary remained a constant and needing 25 off the last - he

Karun Nair backs away and opens the face of his bat during his top score of 64 for Delhi

GCA GDA/PAHO T20 U-17

MSC aiming for upset against TSC

– DCC favoured to win against GYO

Qumar Torrington

J

eremiah Scott led Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC) will have to turn in a superb display today if they are to defy the odds to get past Transport Sports Club (TSC) in the first seminal of the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) in collaboration with Guyana Diabetic Association / PAHO T20 Under-17 competition.

After two postponement due to rain, the match is expected to be played today at the Georgetown Cricket Club Ground, Bourda. The first ball is slated to bowl off at 9:30h and TSC will start as favourites.

The contest could be dubbed ‘Clash of the Neighbours’ or ‘Clash of the Thomas Land Sides’ but nevertheless it is a clash of two teams, who have played well to make it to the semifinals. TSC topped their group, finishing unbeaten and completing a win against the defend-

ing champions DCC while MSC lost to Gandhi Youth Organization (GYO) in their only mishap of the tournament.

National youth player and Berbice U-17 skipper Kevlon Anderson, Adrian Hinds and Joel Spooner are the big names in the TSC side while Scott, Wayne Bollers, Kester McAllister and Tuen Hicks are expected to provide inspiration for the rest of the MSC side.

In the second semifinal which is set for the said day from 13:30h, reigning champs DCC will take on GYO for a place in the final.

DCC are definitely the favourites, their team comprises of several talented players, who execute at most times beyond their age. Ashmead Nedd, Alphius Bookie, Qumar Torrington and Dequan Bamfield are just four of the many tal-

Joel Spooner

blasted successive sixes to offer hope of a late reversal in fortunes. A Pat Cummins wide on the next delivery

added fuel to that belief, but the Australian rediscovered his composure to quell the fight back. (sportsmax)

SCOREBOARD

Delhi Daredevils innings (20 overs maximum) SV Samson run out (Stokes) 2 KK Nair c Unadkat b Stokes 64 SS Iyer c †Dhoni b Unadkat 3 RR Pant† c Christian b Zampa 36 MN Samuels c †Dhoni b Christian 27 CJ Anderson st †Dhoni b Washington Sundar 3 PJ Cummins b Stokes 11 A Mishra not out 13 M Shami c Stokes b Unadkat 2 S Nadeem not out 0 Extras (lb 3, w 4) 7 Total (8 wickets; 20 overs) 168 Did not bat: Z Khan* Fall of wickets: 1-3 (Samson, 0.6 ov), 2-9 (Iyer, 2.1 ov), 3-83 (Pant, 8.5 ov), 4-117 (Samuels, 13.6 ov), 5-124 (Anderson, 15.2 ov), 6-140 (Cummins, 16.5 ov), 7-162 (Nair, 18.5 ov), 8-166 (Mohammed Shami, 19.5 ov) Bowling: JD Unadkat 4-0-29-2, SN Thakur 3-0-35-0, Washington Sundar 3-0-23-1, BA Stokes 4-0-31-2 (3w), A Zampa 4-0-291 (1w), DT Christian 2-0-18-1

Rising Pune Supergiant innings (target: 169 runs from 20 overs) AM Rahane b Khan 0 RA Tripathi c †Pant b Khan 7 SPD Smith* lbw b Nadeem 38 MK Tiwary b Cummins 60 BA Stokes c Anderson b Mohammed Shami 33 MS Dhoni† run out (Mohammed Shami) 5 DT Christian lbw b Mohammed Shami 3 Washington Sundar not out 5 Extras (lb 5, w 5) 10 Total (7 wickets; 20 overs) 161 Did not bat: SN Thakur, JD Unadkat, A Zampa Fall of wickets 1-0 (Rahane, 0.1 ov), 2-36 (Tripathi, 4.1 ov), 3-74 (Smith, 9.1 ov), 4-125 (Stokes, 15.4 ov), 5-134 (Dhoni, 17.3 ov), 6-138 (Christian, 18.2 ov), 7-161 (Tiwary, 19.6 ov) Bowling: Z Khan 4-0-252 (1w), Mohammed Shami 4-0-37-2 (2w), S Nadeem 3-0-21-1, A Mishra 3-0-260 (1w), PJ Cummins 4-0-311 (1w), MN Samuels 1-0-120, CJ Anderson 1-0-4 -0

Veteran Football tournament set to kickoff today

S

Jeremiah Scott

ents within the Queenstown unit.

Apart from their strong squad they will also have home advantage on their side but GYO who have played quality cricket to reach to this stage will also be hopeful. Yeudistir Persaud is a popular name and he along with his colleagues will be looking to create an upset.

Both teams have everything to play for and whoever loses will be exiting the tournament so who play the best on the day will progress.

Mikoowanyah Yisrael and Cyril Garnath are the umpires name to officiate the match.

Meanwhile the final is set for Monday May 1, Labour Day from 13:30h with Moses Ramnarine and Deon Feassal named to umpire the match while Andre Hurry is the reserve.

everal former national football players will be in action at the Tucville Community Centre ground, starting this weekend. The ‘Clash of Veterans’ tournament is being organised by the Alex Bunbury Sports and Academic Academy in partnership with the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) and main sponsor Banks DIH Limited.

The tournament dubbed ‘’The Super 10 Clash’’ will field veteran football teams from Georgetown, East Coast Demerara and West Bank Demerara.

The round-robin, knockout tournament will run for close to a month, and features clubs led by Dion Barnwell, Chris Barnwell, Anthony Stanton, Gordon Braithwaite, Mortimer Stewart, Floyd Cadogan, Rawle Jones and Terrence Lewis.

The Super 10 teams are Pele FC, Beacon FC, Santos FC, Wales FC, Western Tigers FC, Rastas FC, Thomas United FC, Newtown Masters, Park Rangers and Plaisance FC.

Gordon Brathwaite

Trophies and cash prizes are at stake, while the tournament has also received support from Star Party Rentals and Guyana all-rounder Christopher Barnwell.

Action will kick off at 13:00h today at Tucville Ground with a Women’s Mixed Team game, before the veteran games get underway at 15:00h.

The round-robin action will continue at Parade Ground on May 20, 21, 26, 27 and 28 with the semi-finals and final set for June 3 and 4.

Entry to all games is free.

21

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FOR SALE CLAY ROOF TILES 2500 SQ FT. NO REASONABLE OFFER WILL BE REFUSED. TELEPHONE: 686-7120 MX 2000, 1500, 1000 AMP, 4 BASS, 4 MID, 4 HORNS, 4 TWEETERS, MIXER, JUGGLER CABLES AND 1 JACCUZZI; ALL FOR SALE. CONTACT: 253-3070 OR 654-2732 Clean Garden Earth. Also excavating, grading and leveling done. Call 627-9977 Road to Belwasa and A Dip at the Sangam, Indentureship Novels at Austin’s Book Store and Lachmansingh Drug Store. Tel: 226-5053.

flowers Available: Fresh long-stemmed roses, fresh dried and silk floral arrangements, gift items, bridal boutiques and wreaths. Nesha’s Flowerland. 78 Church Street (opposite St George’s Cathedral). Tel: 227-3553/225-3315

immigration Immigration & Visa Services We handle all Canadian, USA and UK immigration and visa matters. Self sponsorships, holiday/ visitor’s visas, work permits, students visas, family, class, immigration forms, embassy enquiries, appeals for refused cases, US green card lottery, business class waivers, pardons, etc. Get your visa approved. High success rate. Balwant Persaud & Associates. Certified Immigration Consultants, 68 Sixth Street, Alberttown, Georgetown (Between Cummings & Lights Sts) Tel: 225-1540, 622-8308, 6553105. Email: balwantpersaud@yahoo.ca

IMMIGRATION SERVICES PROFESSIONALLY PREPARED BY IMMIGRATION CONSULTANT. PASSPORT AND VISA APPLICATIONS (PERMANENT/VISITOR) FOR USA, CANADA, UK, CHINA, INDIA, ETC. SABITA’S IMMIGRATION SERVICES. TEL: 225-6496/662-6045

health Healthworld Clinic – Providing professional psychological therapy for all mental and behavioral health problems. Call (592)-6901824 Mondays-Saturdays 9am3pm. Email; healthworldhc@ gmail.com FOR YOUR HEALTH AND BEAUTY: Natural Choice Chai (Tea) & Moringa Powder, keep yourself healthy and beautiful from the inside out! Add Natural Choice products to your health foods today! Ask for it at your local supermarket. Now available at Flambouyant Supermarkets in Diamond and Eccles, all DSL Cash & Carry branches, The Guyana Shop (GMC) at Robb & Alexander Sts, Bourda, Medi Care Pharmacy in South Ruimveldt, (Royal Castle Building), Ram’s Supermarket at Vreed-En-Hoop and Sangeeta Supermarket in Linden.

optician Da Silva’s Optical. For Your Eyes Only, Look Better See Better. Phillip A Da Silva OD, Shannon L Da Silva OD, Natalie Da Silva OD. 248 South Road, Bourda. Phone: 227-3529, Linden: 444-6376, Corriverton: 339-3536, Meten-Meer-Zorg: 275-0322, Grand Cayman Islands: (345) 943-1515 for the perfect trendy touch.

property for sale WOODEN BUILDING ONLY WITH ALL ACCESSORIES INCLUDING SLIDING DOORS AND GRILLS. IDEAL FOR VACANT HOUSE LOTS. CALL 227-4285 PROPERTY FOR SALE, COVENT GARDEN, E.B.D. LAND SIZE 120x40.

HOUSE SIZE 60X26. 4 BEDROOM, 1 SELF-CONTAINED ROOM, KITCHEN CUPBOARD, CONCRETE YARD AND FENCE. CONTACT: 612-4722/675-9093 TWO (2) PROPERTIES IN DOWDING STREET KITTY FRONT LOT – 2 STOREY 1 FAMILY WOODEN BUILDING, UPPER 3 BEDROOMS; LOWER - KITCHEN, DINING, LIVING, TOILET AND BATH, FULLY SECURED. BACKLOT – 2 STOREY 2 FAMILY CONCRETE AND WOODEN BUILDING, UPPER THREE BEDROOMS ( 1 FULLY SELF CONTAINED; LOWER – 3 BEDROOMS, FULLY SECURED, OPEN CONCEPT BATHS, OVERHEAD TANKS. VACANT POSSESSION GUARANTEED. CALL: 227-6769, SERIOUS INQUIRIES ONLY.

Professional Key Shop, 125 Carmichael Street, Georgetown.

Phone: 225-3923, mobile: 6213249. We cut any type of key, service and repair all types of locks.

Get your extra key today.

Property for sale at Patentia Housing Scheme Wales, West Bank Demerara.

A two flat building, well painted, upper flat 3 bedroom, 1 verandah, 1 inside step, 1 outside step, top flat greenheart, bottom flat concrete, 1 living room, dining room, kitchen, inside toilet and bathroom, inside sink with cupboard, place to sit, two tents outside, along with two black tanks.

Price Negotiable. Contact: 610-8963

LAND for sale

6 bedrooms Parfait Harmonie, $17M negotiable – 656-7590, 663-3602

KEY CUTTing

HOUSE AND LAND FOR SALE. LOCATED AT PARFAIT HARMONIE WEST BANK DEMERARA, 25X60 SQ FT. 6 ROOMS UPSTAIRS:4 BEDROOMS , 1 MASTER BEDROOM, 1 TOILET AND BATH, LAUNDRY ROOM, KITCHEN AND DINING ROOM UPSTAIRS AS WELL. HAS A BACK AND FRONT VERANDAH. 2 BEDROOMS DOWNSTAIRS, TOILET AND BATH, KITCHEN AND DINING ROOM AND AN ACTIVE GROCERY BUSINESS. LOCATED 5 MINUTES AWAY FROM THE DEMERARA HARBOUR BRIDGE, 14.5 NEGOTIABLE, CONTACT: 656-7590 Eccles – 5.5 million, Providence – $5.5 million, Farm - $3.5 million, Serious contacts only: 697-6769.

1.5 Acre for housing development W.B.D. Tel: 658-0115 Plot of land used to cultivate RICE, Plantation Better Hope, Essequibo Coast. Size 33.14 Acres. Tel: 6251514

NOTICE APPLICATION FOR MONEY LENDER’S CERTIFICATE, PURSUANT TO SECTION 4 OF THE MONEY LENDERS ACT. I, CEDRIC JOEL WEEKS OF LOT 8 DEN AMSTEL, WEST COAST DEMERARA, GUYANA IS HEREBY GIVEN NOTICE THAT I HAVE APPLIED TO THE MAGISTRATE OF THE GEORGETOWN MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT FOR A CERTIFICATE UNDER THE MONEY LENDERS ACT, AUTHORIZING THE GRANT TO ME OF A MONEY LENDER’S LICENCE TO CARRY ON THE BUSINESS OF A MONEY LENDER UNDER THE TITLE OF CEDRIC’S PAWNSHOP AT LOT Y PUBLIC ROAD, BLANKENBURG, WEST COAST DEMERARA, GUYANA. NOTICE OF ANY OBJECTIONS TO THE APPLICATION SHOULD BE SENT FORTHWITH TO THE CLERK OF COURT GEORGETOWN MAGISTERIAL DISTRICT AND A COPY OF SUCH NOTICE SHOULD BE SENT TO THE SUBSCRIBER. CEDRIC JOEL WEEKS (APPLICANT). DATED AT GEORGETOWN, DEMERARA, THIS DAY MAY 4, 2017.

Two storey building. Four bedrooms upstairs, Three downstairs.

Transported property. 27 Austin St. Campbellville. Call: 624-4668 Subryanville Property for Sale.

44 Fifth Avenue, Subryanville, Georgetown. $45m or best offer.

Contact - Mortimer: 625-7669 or Richard: 624-1154 PROPERTY FOR SALE IN ENTERPRISE SCHEME. 1 LARGE FAMILY HOME, 4 BEDROOM, FULLY GRILLED, 2-CAR GARAGE, RESERVOIR, OVERHEAD TANKS AND WATER FILTRATION, ETC. CALL/WHATSAPewwP NAVIN: 1-347-517-7432 Two buildings on lot at 180 Charlotte Street. L 20 x W 30. Contact Tel: 6247341, 227-6817, 226-5183. Price Neg. Eccles: $27M Neg. Enterprise Sec C: $20M Neg. Mon Repos: $30M Neg. South Ruimveldt Park: $20M Neg. Broad Street: $80M Neg. Charlotte Street between Camp & Alexander: $55M Neg. Providence (land): $6.5M Neg. Parfaite Harmonie (land): $4.5M Neg. Contact: 691-1521 GOOD HOPE AND OGLE. CONTACT: 673-5546, 222-3066, 682-7257, 6790987

services Technician – specializes in repairing and servicing to washing machines, pressure pumps, refridgerators, exercising machines, treadmills, stove/ranges, dryers, ovens, pressure washers, solar systems, water heaters.

Tel: 673-9283 Repairs and Spares, Air Conditioning, Car AC, Washers, Stoves. Call Nick: 683-1312, 627-3206

spirituality & ASTROLOGY TWO TIMES GOLD MEDALIST ASTROLOGER AND SPIRITUALIST FROM INDIA; IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS AND NOT GETTING SOLUTIONS FROM ANY ASTROLOGERS, ONCE MEET PANDIT GANESH TO GET ACCURATE REASONS, FOR ALL KINDS OF SPIRITUAL AND FAMILY PROBLEMS PANDIT SOLVES, ALSO PROBLEMS RELATED TO STRESS, LOVE OR FINANCIAL DIFFICULTY, FAMILY ARGUMENTS AND GETTING LOVED ONES BACK, HUSBAND AND WIFE PROBLEMS, HEALTH

PROBLEMS, REMOVAL OF BLACK MAGIC, EVIL SPIRITS, VOODOO, WITCH CRAFT, BLOCKAGES, SPELLS ETC. LOCATION: LIGHT STREET BETWEEN 2ND AND 3RD STREET, ALBERTTOWN OPPOSITE THE GTT TOWER 600-0926 1. STAR ASTROLOGY AND PSYCHIC READER FROM: INDIA. ARE YOU DISAPPOINTED MEETING ASTROLOGERS AND NOT GETTING SOLUTIONS? THEN ONCE MEET INDIAN MOST POWERFUL SPIRITUALIST. 2. MASTER GURU RAGHVENDRA. YOUR PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE IN CONNECTION WITH COURT CASE, LOVE, EDUCATION, SICKNESS, MONEY, EVIL PROBLEM, BLOCKAGES IN LIFE AND MUCH MORE. FOR ALL YOUR PROBLEMS HE HAS THE SOLUTIONS, HE SPECIALIZES IN REMOVING BLACK MAGIC, EVIL SPIRITS, VOODOO, OBEAH, WITCH CRAFT AND GIVES YOU LIFE LONG PROTECTION. 3. CONTACT: - 6305073, 600-4096, ADDRESS: LOT 62 MON REPOS (NEXT TO THE MALL) E.C.D 1. SHIVA PARAVATHI ASTROLOGER FROM: INDIA. ARE YOU DISAPPOINTED MEETING ASTROLOGERS AND NOT GETTING SOLUTIONS? THEN ONCE MEET INDIAN MOST POWERFUL SPIRITUALIST. 2.

PRIEST NARASIMHA. YOUR PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE IN CONNECTION WITH COURT CASE, LOVE, EDUCATION, SICKNESS, MONEY, EVIL PROBLEM, BLOCKAGES IN LIFE AND MUCH MORE. FOR ALL YOUR PROBLEMS HE HAS THE SOLUTIONS, HE SPECIALIZES IN REMOVING BLACK MAGIC, EVIL SPIRIT, VOODOO, OBEAH, WITCH CRAFT AND GIVES YOU LIFE LONG PROTECTION. 3. CONTACT: 6827439, 650-0700. ADDRESS: LOT 12 GT&T STREET ANNA REGINA ESSEQUIBO COAST (OPPOSITE GT&T OFFICE) WORLD FAMOUS INDIAN PALMIST AND SPIRITUALISTT ASTROLOGER, AT EAST BANK GROVE. MEET HIM ONCE FOR ACCURATE PREDICTIONS, FIXING PROBLEMS LIKE HEALTH AND STRESS, ENEMIES, JEALOUSY, RELATIONSHIPS, FININCIALS AND GET LOVED ONES BACK. HE CAN HANDLE AND REMOVE BLACK MAGIC, VOODOO, OBEAH, WITCHCRAFT. FOR BETTER RESULTS, CONTACT 664-2505 OR 609-4493. LOCATED AT 150 TIME SQUARE STREET, NORTHWEST GROVE, EAST BANK DEMERARA. THE MOST POWERFUL ASTROLOGER AND SPIRTUALIST FROM INDIA. If you are having problems, he has the solutions. He solves problems related to love, relationships, happiness, financial, family arguments, getting lover back, husband and wife problems, removal of black magic, evil spirits, voodoo, witchcraft, blockages. Location: Light Street, Alberttown, between 2nd and 3rd Streets, Opposite the GTT Tower. Telephone number: 652-4444 / 600-0926 Dutch spiritual healing in removing evil spirit, bad luck, evil sickness, spells, reuniting lovers and prosperity to business. Call: 612-6417, 687-5653 Surinamese spiritualist.

Resolving all problems. Money, love, blockage etc. Call 2236834/600-7719.

Suriname’s Astrology, Palmist and Hindustani Spiritual Healer, solve all purpose problems, 100% confidential guaranteed. Phone: 602-8997 HEPHZIBAH MINISTRIES 24 hrs Prayer Line 322-5081, 3225738, 337-4510, 337-4259, 337-3070, 337-5103. For healing, deliverance, financial difficulties, marriage issues call now. Jesus Cares.

Ifa Temple – Are you having serious problems and urgently need spiritual help? Call 6210552 now. Email: anew-life@ live.com SPIRITUAL HEALING: REMOVE BLOCKAGES, VOODOO, HEXCURSE, BLACK MAGIC, SPELL, BUSINESS, UPLIFTMENT, PREGNANCY, LOVE & MARRIAGE PROBLEMS, CLEARANCE, ETC. Contact: 612-1975, 683-5228

SALON / SPA “COSMETOLOGY – FULL COURSE $100,000. TECHNICIAN $40,000.

Aracari Salon & Spa, WBD 264-3312, 600-3927”

taxi services GR Taxi, 24 hours. Phone: 2257878, 219-5000 or 227-2100

TO LET 2 BEDROOM APARTMENT FOR RENT IN GROVE SECOND STREET, PRIVATE YARD. 648-5092, 669-9390 APARTMENT TO RENT. 2 BEDROOMS (APARTMENT B) LOCATED AT BEST LINE OPPOSITE THE BAKE SHOP. PRICE: - $ 40,000. 668-0032 – D.SINGH, 615-5646 NEVILLE OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT 12x12 SQUARE FEET, WELL GRILLED WINDOWS AND DOORS, LIGHT, WATER, WASHROOM AND PARKING FACILITIES AVAILABLE. LOT 60 BRICKDAM TELE: 226-1836 1 TWO-BEDROOM APARTMENT, FULLY AIR CONDITIONED, PARKING AVAILABLE LOCATED AT WILLIAM STREET, CAMPBELLVILLE , CONTACT 618-6623 FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES. Two-bedroom back house upper flat situated at at 64 Seaforth St. Campbellville $50,000 per month.

Telephone: 227-1293. No pets Three storey 75ft’ x 30 ft. building/bond, Open floors, 2 offices, 2 washrooms, driveways. 25 B Princess Street, Charlestown. Tel : 223-0654/225-0605 Three storey 75ft’ x 30 ft. building/bond, Open floors, 2 offices, 2 washrooms, driveways. 25 B Princess Street, Charlestown. Tel : 223-0654/225-0605 THREE STOREY 75 FT’X 30 FT BUILDING/BOND, OPEN FLOORS, 2 OFFICES, 2 WASHROOMS, DRIVEWAY. 25B PRINCESS ST, CHARLESTOWN. TEL: 223-0654, 225-0605 UNFURNISHED BOTTOM FLAT – 2 BEDROOMS, BATHROOM, KITCHENETTE, DINING/LIVING ROOM, PRE-PAID METER. QUIET NEIGHBOURHOOD – KITTY. NO CHILDREN. NO PETS. SUITABLE FOR STUDENTS OR SINGLE WORKING PERSONS. $55,000 PER MONTH. 2 MONTHS SECURITY DEPOSIT. RENT CONTRACT FOR 6 – 12 MONTHS. CONTACT 6930003 (DURING BUSINESS HOURS)

DISTRIBUTION COMPANY SEEKING A BOOK KEEPER / INVENTORY CLERK, EXPERIENCE AND POLICE CLEARANCE NEEDED. CALL FOR INTERVIEW 231-8344, 223-1027 OR 223103 CUSTOMER SERVICE ASSISTANT – 624- 0033 COOK – 624-0033 PUMP ATTENDANT – 624-0033 OR 680-3863

VEHICLES FOR SALE For sale:- 1 Toyota Fielder wagon for sale $1.6 negotiable. 656-7590 JUST ARRIVED: TOP QUALITY RECONDITIONED VEHICLES; TOYOTA NOAH; TOYOTA VOXY; TOYOTA IST (NEW SHAPE); SUZUKI SWIFT; DAIHATSU MOVE (660CC); MERCEDES BENZ C200 KOMPRESSOR; COROLLA AE100 WAGON; TOYOTA HIACE MINIBUS RZ; PITBULL-STYLE FREEZER VAN; LAND CRUISER (FULLY LOADED); MAZDA PROCEED 4WD EXTRACAB PICK-UP; TOYOTA HILUX 4WD EXTRA CAB PICKUPS - 3RZ, 5L, 3L SOLID DEFFERNTIAL; MITSUBISHI CANTER TRUCKS 4 TONS FREEZER; 3 TONS OPEN TRAY; 2 TONS 4WD; NISSAN ATLAS 2 TONS OPEN TRAY TRUCK. PRE-ORDER YOUR UNITS EARLY AND GET THE BEST PRICES. FULL AFTER SALES SERVICES AND FINANCING AVAILABLE. DEO MARAJ AUTO SALES, 2 CHIMNEY ROAD, CHATEAU MARGOT, ECD. 624-0762, 220-5177. A NAME AND SERVICE YOU CAN TRUST TOYOTA DYNA CANTER 612-1085/680-3863

WANTED WANTED. WAITRESS TO WORK IN A BAR. TEL 697-6769 Applications are invited for One Evening Tutor for Grade 9 Student.

• Must be a CPCE Graduate or currently attending University of Guyana. • Experienced in Science Subjects.

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Interested persons are advised to send applications to: jobrecruiter7860@gmail.com

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22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

saturdAY, may 13, 2017

South America U-20 Championship…

13 countries, 350 athletes to descend on Guyana I

t was announced on Friday that 13 countries have confirmed their participation in the upcoming South American U-20 Championship slated for June 3-4 in Guyana at

the Synthetic Track, Leonora.

This was revelation was made by Athletics Association Guyana (AAG) President Aubrey Hutson at a press conference on Friday where he also told media operatives that while some countries have submitted their initial lists of athletes scheduled to participate at the meet, those remaining have until May 15 to submit which will see some 350

athletes participating at the Championship.

Hutson maintained that Guyana is ready to host an event of this kind noting, “we know that there is always the question of whether we can do this, is Guyana ready for this? Guyana is going to be as ready as any other nation in South America”.

He continued that while most countries have already booked their tickets for the trip “we must make

AAG President Aubrey Hutson

Rugby Americas North 15s….

this happen, make this happen in a big way for Guyana, for our athletes. We must do this for national pride.

He added “we must convince the rest of the world that we are ready to hold not only this South American Championships, but we may go on to host CARIFTA, Pan Am and CAC Games.”

In terms of preparation for the event, Hutson noted that while the Leonora venue is not fully complete,

South America U-20 Championship…

IAAF gives AAG US$30,000 subvention

Director of Sport Christopher Jones

T

Despite the inclement weather surrounding their preparations, the local ruggers made the most of the conditions

By Akeem Greene

T

he senior National Rugby team, ‘Green Machine’ will face Barbados this afternoon at the Garrison Savannah, Bridgetown in the first match of the their 2017 Rugby Americas North (RAN) 15s campaign and according to Head Coach Kenneth Grant-Stuart the team is fired up for the encounter.

“Preparation is good going good, we are ironing out in terms of our strategies and our fitness, everything will come into place before the game; all the players are fired up and ready to go”, the head coach told << Guyana Times Sport>> prior to departing on Friday.

History does not favour the Bajans having lost to Guyana on the last two meetings, in fact the score was 48-17 when they played at the National Park last year. However, one thing they have in their favour is superior size and strength which Grant-Stuart has his plans to nullify.

“Barbados’ strength is there weight and we have designed our game to counter attack with speed and mobility”.

Regarding fitness, the coach is of

the view that since many of the players would have competed in an international tournament in April, they are close to being a well-oiled unit.

“Most of the guys that came back from the Hong Kong Sevens are fit and it is just about getting in to 15s mode; the others have been going through their paces and they have been standing up to it, they are looking pretty good”.

After this match, Trinidad and Tobago will visit on June 10 and victories in both matches are crucial in an illustrious bid to qualify for the Japan 2019 World Cup. Even though the road for that campaign has just begun, the experienced coach is advocating for support.

“We need everything, especially support, the ground situation is tough when it rains since we have to practice on smaller areas which makes it difficult to do technical drills”.

He added, “Hopefully we get more monetary support since guys have to go in their pockets to get this stuff done but we have the numbers and experience that can take us forward”.

More so, captain Ryan Gonsalves told this publication, “We are not taking Barbados for granted they have not

beaten us in years and we are working hard enough to ensure it remains that way”.

Meanwhile, newcomer Ahmed Issacs who plays for Lindenwood University in Missouri and the front row is enthusiastic about making a mark with the team.

“I am really enjoying playing with the guys I play at one of the top universities in America and I’m having fun with the guys here and really looking forward to the game against Barbados”, the front row stated.

The Green Machine is the current runner up to Mexico in the RAN XV Championships as well as Current RAN VII Caribbean Champions.

Scrum-off time is 15:30hrs and the team is expected to return on Monday.

Squad:: Ryan Gonsalves (captain), Richard Staglon (vice-captain), Avery Corbin, Peabo Hamilton, Ronald Mayers, Godfrey Broomes, Dwayne Schroeder, Sean Phillips, Vallon Adams, Ahmed Isaacs, Rondel McArthur, Jason Tyrell, Allain Crawford, Kevon David, Jamal Angus, Troyton Braithwaite, Patrick King, Joseph Rahaman, Cyon Kitt, Toby David, Osie Mckenzie, Rickford Cummings and Blaise Bailey.

the AAG has ordered cages (which are being locally manufactured) for the discus and hammer throw events, extra hurdles as a precaution of others being broken as well as the construction of Pole Vault pits.

Meanwhile, the AAG has currently shortlisted 65 athletes who being encamped every weekend which will see a final team of around 30 athletes to represent to the host.

Logistics Manager at the Guyana Tourism Authority Carla Chandra

he International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) has given the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) a grant of US$ 30,000 as they prepare to host the South American U-20 Championship next month.

This was disclosed by President of the AAG, Aubrey Hutson at the launching of the Games Friday at the National Racquet Centre, Woolford Avenue. Also present were representatives from Banks DIH, E-Governance Ministry and the Guyana Tourism Authority who are all sponsors of the event.

Michelle Payne, a representative of the ICT (Information Communications Technology) department in the E-Governance Ministry expressed happiness at being able to support the AAG as they embark on this historic venture.

She continued that as it is an international event, the ICT will be providing high speed internet for officials and members of the media as they want the Games to be internationally broadcast.

Meanwhile, Brand Manager of Banks DIH, Errol Nelson thanked Hutson for having the beverage giant as the main sponsor; he maintained that it is important that the AAG and Banks DIH have had a continued partnership. Nelson pointed out that an integral part of Banks DIH being a sponsor is supporting the integral development of athletics and sports as a whole in Guyana. The company will be supplying athletes and officials with beverages such as Rainforest Waters, Powerade and Malta.

Carla Chandra who is the Logistics Manager at the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) noted that the organization is pleased to be a sponsor and pointed out that as the event beckons, Sports Tourism is very important as it means more revenue for the country as a whole. She continued that the GTA will be working with local stakeholders to develop tour packages as there will be fans from the various countries coming to Guyana.

She urged the organizers and Guyanese as a whole to show their best, she also wished the athletes representing Guyana good luck and urged them to have fun.

The Director of Sports, Christopher Jones declared full support of the AAG as it makes preparations for the Games and said that first and foremost support must be given to them. Jones explained that it’s an opportunity for Guyana to showcase its talent, he also urged Guyanese to come out and show support for the athletes.

guyanatimesgy.com

friDAY, may 12, 2017

23

3rd Q Mobile Test West Indies versus Pakistan

J

Determine Chase fight off Yasir’s torment

ason Holder and Shane Dowrich kept West Indies from disintegrating in the last hour of an engrossing but slow-moving day, finishing up at 218 for five, still trailing Pakistan by 158 runs.

Things had looked bleak for Holder's men when their best batsman Roston Chase walked off midway after being struck on the elbow by a Mohammad Amir bouncer, but the others pulled their weight stoically enough to ensure they could claim a share of the spoils.

West Indies didn't lose any of their grit with Hope's dismissal at the stroke of tea. For little over an hour after the break, they frustrated Pakistan before Vishaul Singh, who has had a torrid first series, probably went a little too deep into his shell, especially against the faster bowlers. Even so, it was admirable to see the rookie fight it out on the pitch under considerable pressure although Misbah-ul-Haq was perhaps guilty of making it a little too easy for him, carrying on with the part-time

of Azhar Ali from one end.

With the hosts fighting so gamely, the moment that turned the session against them was an exceptionally cruel twist of fate. The new ball was just three overs old When Mohammad Amir hurried Roston Chase into a pull shot, the ball striking him flush on the elbow.

After lengthy treatment on the field, the series' highest run-scorer was forced to retire hurt.

For a Pakistan team that had been unable to penetrate in the session up till then, it would have seemed like a wicket. Vishaul succumbed two overs later to - predictably enough - pace.

Mohammad Abbas swung the new ball in sharply to trap him plumb in front.

Suddenly the West Indies looked vulnerable again, trailing as they did by 200 runs.

Fortunately for the West Indies, Holder and Dowrich showed the same determination to ensure they didn't go in to stumps having suffered any other blows in the face of a masterclass in discipline from the Pakistan

pacers. Amir, in particular, continued to carry menace with the sort of short delivery that had injured Chase, striking Holder in the chest area once, and cramping both batsmen with the bouncer time and again.

West Indies started the day in the sort of sedate fashion that has characterised much of this Test match, meandering along at a scoring rate well below two per over; only one boundary came in the first 25 overs. The day only came to life when Powell decided to take the attack to Yasir, but after shuffling across and sweeping him to the vacant square leg boundary once, he dragged a lofted hit to Azhar Ali at deep midwicket.

Shimron Hetmyer came out with the same plan of not allowing Yasir to settle. He drove Yasir for a boundary in the first over he faced him, and soon after, dispatched a short delivery for six over deep midwicket. But the wily leg spinner had the last laugh again, getting one to turn in sharply from the rough,

Homesafe/ Sheltez Independence Tennis…

kissing Hetmyer's gloves with Sarfraz Ahmed taking a sharp catch. Pakistan may have not had the wicket had Sarfraz not confidently signaled for a review almost the moment umpire Bruce Oxenford adjudged not out.

Even so, West Indies still looked for scoring opportunities off Yasir, who ended the day having conceded nearly half the runs of the entire innings. It wasn't that he was bowling poorly - a lot of his balls were perfect legspinners with sharp turn - but his consistency deserted him, prompting a rare reprimand from Misbah. Yet, it didn't seem like he was far away from a wicket either.

That duly arrived in the last over before lunch when Brathwaite, who looked fairly comfortable up until then, jabbed at a delivery that spun away sharply to take the edge through to the wicketkeeper. The deadlock of the first hour was well and truly broken by then.

As in the first session, it was impossible to ignore the feeling that that the game was moving on only

while Yasir was bowling.

Ironically, it was Azhar Ali who pulled things back for Pakistan during the afternoon, taking the only wicket in the session off its last ball, with Hope slicing to Misbah at short cover.

It was a game that could have been snatched away from the West Indies in every session today. That they managed to hold Pakistan off and ensure they go in to day four still able to claim parity must feel like a small win in itself. (Cricinfo)

Yasir Shah

SCOREBOARD Pakistan 1st innings 376 West Indies 1st innings KC Brathwaite c †Sarfraz Ahmed b Yasir Shah 29 KOA Powell c Azhar Ali b Yasir Sh ah 31 SO Hetmyer c †Sarfraz Ahmed b Yasir Shah 17 SD Hope c Misbah-ul-Haq b Azhar Ali 29 RL Chase retired hurt 60 VA Singh lbw b Mohammad Abbas 8 SO Dowrich† not out 20 JO Holder* not out 11

Extras (b 4, lb 2, w 4, nb 3) 13 Total (5 wickets; 100 overs) 218 To bat: D Bishoo, AS Joseph, ST Gabriel Fall of wickets: 1-43 (Powell, 26.6 ov), 2-69 (Hetmyer, 30.6 ov), 3-97 (Brathwaite, 43.1 ov), 4-152 (Hope, 71.6 ov), 4-183* (Chase, retired not out, 83.3 ov), 5-189 (Singh, 86.2 ov) Bowling: Mohammad Amir 23-11-24-0 (1w), Mohammad Abbas 21-6-43-1(1w), Yasir Shah 33-4-108-3, Hasan Ali 17-4-220(3nb, 2w), Azhar Ali 6-1-15-1

GCA Carib Beer T20

UG, TSC seek semifinal spot

Kalekyezi spectacular – Police fate depends on outcome of the clash S on day 2

J

o s h u a Kalekyezi won two games without dropping a set as action on day two of the Homesafe/ Sheltez 2017 Independence J u n i o r Tournament which served off last weekend.

Kalyca Fraser Playing at different venues on Sunday the 13 yearold proved too strong for his opponents in an almost perfect display in the under 14 and 18 categories. At the National Racquet Centre in the u-14 division, he dismissed any threats from Gabriel Thomas, trouncing him 6/0 6/0.

Subsequently the Queen’s College student defeated Dominic Skeete 6/0 6/0 in an under-18 battle to complete an outstanding day on the court.

Prior to his loss to Kalekyezi, Skeete won 6/2 6/3 against Daniel Kellman to set his campaign off to a positive start.

Joshua’s younger brother Jeremiah also had an impressive day on the court as he delivered a 4/1 4/1 blow over Wayne Baker, to end a triumphant day for the Kalekyezis.

In probably the most enthusiastic encounter on that day, Viraj Sharma re-

bounded to beat Vadeanand Persaud 2/4 4/0 (10/8) after dropping the first set and trailing 2-4 in the tie break in their U-14 bout.

In other results on day two: in the U-14 segment, Nigel Lowe defeated Adesh Khayyam 4/2 in each sets before he lost to Jeremiah Kalekyezi, Ridhwaan Kasim gained a walk over from Ricardo Ram absence. Akilah Jones dominated her counterpart Nandanee Ramdyhan 4/1 4/0 in the girls category.

Other day two U-18 results: Mark McDonald defeated Vijay Sharma 6/3 7/6 (3) and Tyrese Trim gained a walk over against Jordan Beaton while in the girls category Sarah Klautky lost to Nathalie Ramdyhan.

On the opening day on Saturday, Vijay Sharma defeated Ridhwaan Kasim 6/2 6/3 while Ariel Khan went down to Alexandre Almeida 6/1 6/0 and Margaret Subryan was defeated by Kalyca Fraser 6/4 6/2.

Action is slated to continue today at Harry Panday Court and the National Racquet Centre from 9:00h.

Meanwhile at the launch of the tournament, Homesafe Security Manager Maurisa Johnson said her entity is truly honoured to be involved for the third year and it is obvious that Homesafe and Sheltez have grown together.

Johnson noted she is proud of the grown she has seen in the club and with the tournament.

Finally, she urged the players to showcase their best because competitions are always an opportunity for them to be rewarded for their dedication to the game.

ubsequent to two postponements due to persistent rainfall in the city players are expected to grace the field on Saturday as Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) looks to move ahead with its activities for 2017.

In Carib Beer T20 action on Saturday the anticipated group A final round clash between University of Guyana (UG) and Transport Sports Club (TSC) is set to bowl off at 13:30 at the Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC) ground.

Group B semifinalists have already been decided with Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) topping the group followed by Everest Cricket club while reigning champions Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) have already top group A with the runners up expected to be Police or UG or TSC, who would have to await the outcome of this match to know their fate.

There are talks about who will emerge victors and gain a possible semifinal spot against GCC, group B winner or if Police, who are currently on 51 points from four matches will finish second in the group behind DCC. The results will determine the outcome in the group but the build up to the clash have proved why the tournament is deemed

Ryan Hemraj

as the best locally organized cricket event.

Except against DCC, UG bowling has been their weapon of destruction as they managed to restrict the other teams to scoring rates under 7.5, which is good in T20 cricket. Darnell Douglas is their marquee player, he strikes the ball powerfully and is an attacking medium fast bowler and quite a good fielder. Former junior national players Royston Alkins and Leon Williams were known for their batting exploits in their heydays; however, they have fallen away to some extent.

A return to form at this point could give their team a big boost. Alkins is arguably University’s best bowler and he has done much to contain the batsmen so far, especially in the match against inaugural champions Police SC. Meanwhile, TSC have

been playing competitive cricket at all levels in GCA competitions over the past year. Recently they won the New Building Society (NBS) 40 over second division tournament and less than a month ago finished as runners up in the Noble House Seafoods second division two day championship.

If they qualify for the semifinals in this competition it will add to their progress in recent years, especially for a team without a complete practice facility.

Recently off spinner Rafael Singh has become their leading bowler and a lot will be on his shoulders in today’s must win clash.

In the batting department Suresh Budhoo, Ryan Hemraj and all-rounder Oslyn Batson are expected to play key roles for their team. Here is a look of how the teams performed in their groups; Zone A-DCC 76 points from four matches, Police 51 points from four matches, UG 41 from three matches, GNIC 29points from four matches and TSC 28 points from three matches. Zone B-GCC 66 points from four matches, Everest 63 points from four matches, Malteenoes 61 points from four matches, GDF 31 points from four matches and GYO 24 points from four matches.

FRIDAY, MAY 12, 2017

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