Guyana times may 8

M&CC P17 looking to transform plastic waste into mats Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 3204

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Monday, May 8, 2017

PRICE

Sugar workers to protest at Parliament again Page 3

– as National Assembly hears ‘white paper’ proposals today

Father of 4 dies in Mazaruni River mishap Page 12

– body retrieved after boat capsizes

Uitvlugt man hacked to death

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Ex-soldier P8 arrested for impersonating Police Officer Local trade unionism in need of revamp – P11 Ramkarran ... as significant dearth of youth leaders obvious

Page 8

…was wanted by Police for series of petty crimes

Tribute to Mothers

GPSU elections

Process should P12 be more transparent – TIGI

Guyana/Venezuela border controversy

Govt gives P17 assurances to prospective UK investors With Mother’s Day just one week away, the Sonia Noel Foundation for Creative Arts on Saturday afternoon hosted a Tea Party and Fashion Show as a tribute to the scores of mothers in attendance and participating in the event. This Carl Croker photo captures mothers posing with designer Sonia Noel on the catwalk

Carvil Duncan trial

PM, AG engaging in “juvenile antics” – Nandlall Page 9

…accuses them of trying to convert Judge from “victim to villain”

Education tax

Govt accused of pressuring Parliament Office to revoke P7 motion

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news

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Monday, May 8 – a night retraction at 03:30h and a day retraction between 14:30h-16:00h and Tuesday, May 9 – a night retraction at 04:00h and a day retraction between 14:30h-16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Monday, May 8 – 14:55h-16:25h and Tuesday, May 9 – 15:35h-17:05h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Weather: Thundery to heavy rain showers can be expected for most of the day, with sunny conditions in the late afternoon, while clear skies can be expected in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 25 degrees and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to East North-easterly between 2.68 metres and 4.91 metres.

High Tide: 15:15h reaching a maximum height of 2.50 metres.

Low Tide: 08:50h and 21:04h reaching minimum heights of 0.69 metre and 0.70 metre respectively.

Sugar workers to protest at Parliament again – as National Assembly hears 'white paper' proposals today

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s much of the nation waits to see if negative and/or positive elements will be outlined, Government will officially disclose its plans on charting the way for the sugar industry as the relevant white paper is presented today in the National Assembly.

However, while Members of Parliament (MPs) will hear the proposals, Guyana Times has learnt that a large group of frustrated sugar workers are expected to protest outside Parliament this afternoon. This was confirmed by Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) President Komal Chand on Sunday in an interview with this newspaper.

This latest protest action comes nearly five months after the end of sugar operations at the Wales Sugar

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In March, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan said Government could not afford to pay $375 million in severance

Estate which left many employees formerly attached to the entity without their severance packages. Many of the retrenched employees were promised their severance package since December 2016, and several others by January and February of this year.

The workers had contended that they could not be compelled to travel to the Uitvlugt Estate on the West

Sugar workers protesting at Parliament Building earlier this year

Coast of Demerara, some 22 miles from Wales and staged multiple protests, but the Agriculture Ministry claimed that all workers who had requested severance were already paid.

However, at a public meeting with workers and several Government Ministers at Wales, West Bank Demerara (WBD) in March, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan had explained that Government could not afford to pay the then $375 million in severance pay.

“As far as I’m aware, those that were given that option during this period of transition – and opted to come out of the industry and not remain as workers to go to Uitvlugt – they were paid their severance. That option having been taken at the time, made those that remain still employees of the company,” Ramjattan explained to frustrated workers who bolted from the meeting moments after.

Government confirmed the closure of Wales, citing cost as the main factor and later confirmed that three estates would be kept, while two others would be closed and Skeldon would be priva-

tised. Apart from the shutting down of Wales, the other disclosures were made following consultations

GAWU President Komal Chand

with GAWU; the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) and the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) on December 31, 2016. Now, nearly five months after, the white paper will be presented but not debated, as per the National Assembly’s order papers for May 8. A white paper is an authoritative report about a complex issue which is meant to help persons understand the issue, solve a problem, or make a decision.

In giving his expecta-

tions for the white paper presentation, the GAWU President suggested to this publication that he was not expecting a departure to that which Government has already made known.

“We have to read and know what really they intend to do, but we already conclude that they’re going to close two other estates and privatise Skeldon…I haven’t been able to recognise that they have changed their position. When President [David] Granger went to the activity at Blairmont, he did say that they will close two estates; so in a way he confirmed that they’re going to close Enmore and Rose Hall,” Chand told Guyana Times on Sunday. turn to page 10

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

Rising above destruction: human resilience

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

Line on judicial Independence

T

he facts in the matter of the conduct of Attorney General Basil Williams in the Court of Justice Franklin Holder are undisputed: Williams questioned Justice Holder whether he had recorded an answer of the witness in the stand. After the judge had affirmed that he had, Williams continued with words, according to Justice Holder, “insinuating” that the court was being selective in recording the evidence. This was allegedly followed by a most egregious statement by Mr Williams: “I could say what I want to say and when I want to say it, I have always been like that…”

“Mr Williams’ behaviour was highly contemptuous and deserving of him being cited for contempt in the face of the court,” Justice Holder later wrote. “Instead of doing so at that moment, I chose to leave the Bench.”

Even Basil Williams, while denying his behaviour in the Court of Justice Holder was “contemptuous”, implicitly contradicted himself by afterwards claiming the Judge erred in not immediately citing him for contempt.

On this technicality, occasioned by Justice Holder’s attempt to maintain amiability between the Judiciary (of which he is a representative) and the Executive (of which Basil Williams, as Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, is a representative), Williams now seeks to avoid complying with Justice Holder’s suggestion on how the matter ought to be resolved.

“However, it does not mean that Mr Williams’ behaviour should go unattended. He is not only a Senior Counsel, he is also the Attorney General and leader of the Bar. His behaviour begs the question whether he is respectful and aware of the functions and duties that attend these offices.

I am not prepared to sit to hear Mr Williams as an Attorneyat-Law in any matter whatsoever, unless he makes a genuine and meaningful apology to my satisfaction in open Court; both to me and to the Members of the Bar, since they, too, were scandalized by his despicable conduct,” Justice Holder has stated.

Evidently believing that “offence was the best defence”, after insisting he had nothing to apologise for, Williams is now demanding that Justice Holder “recuse” himself from hearing the case. Under our tradition of the rule of law, a Judge can be asked to “recuse” or remove him/herself from hearing a case if he/she can be proven to have shown bias in dealing with the case in front of him/her.

Over the weekend, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, who is a party to the original case, also asked the Judge to recuse himself. “I am of the opinion that neither the State nor I will receive fair hearing in the matter…,” he wrote.

Unlike Williams, Nagamootoo offered grounds for his request: “The Judge had the power to handle the alleged incident between himself and the State’s Attorney General amicably in court…; the petition to Madam Chancellor requiring the State’s Attorney General to compulsorily apologise in open Court before continuation of the State’s matter; and forwarding by the Honourable Chancellor of the petition aforesaid to the President, who is also a party to the suit.”

None of these claims even suggest that Justice Holder showed “bias” in the case up to the point of Williams’s outburst. In Lesage v Mauritius Commercial Bank Ltd [2012] UKPC 41, the Privy Council ruled: “The actual conduct of the judges during the trial is to be examined therefore to see whether it supports or detracts from the suggestion that there WAS the appearance of possible prejudice.”

But all the PM is claiming is he prospectively “would be prejudiced in the suit because my attorney (Williams) is barred from being heard in the matter.”

However, he missed the opportunity to accept Justice Holder’s magnanimous offer of a face saving way out of the Executive’s crude attempts to pressure the Judiciary and violate the Separation of Powers doctrine that grounds our Constitution’s “basic structure”. Any other attorney in the AG’s Chambers – or all, including the recently appointed “advisory” panel of five eminent members of the bar – could represent him. Surely they can collectively match the AG’s legal acumen.

Today, the Judiciary must draw a line against Executive overreach.

Parkour Coach Ibrahim al-Kadiri (right), 19, and Muhannad al-Kadiri, 18, demonstrate their Parkour skills amid damaged buildings in the rebel-held city of Inkhil, west of Deraa, Syria, April 7, 2017. Ibrahim discovered Parkour in Jordan, where he had fled to escape the war. Back in his home town since 2015, he now leads a group of 15 practitioners (Reuters/Alaa Al-Faqir)

Proposal to establish an industrial tribunal

Dear Editor, After reviewing the labour legislation on Industrial Tribunals in Caricom member states, I wish to share some thoughts on the essential content of any legislation for an Industrial Tribunal, to determine individual disputes of rights based on statutory and/or contractual entitlements.

1.

An Industrial Tribunal Act The enactment of a new law is required for establishing an Industrial Tribunal with jurisdiction to hear and determine any unresolved individual labour dispute or complaint which constitutes an individual rights’ dispute relating to statutory entitlements, or entitlements flowing from individual contracts of employment.

Such an Industrial Tribunal, as in other CARICOM jurisdictions, shall not be subject to any other person or authority in the exercise of its powers.

2. Composition and appointment of the industrial tribunal Labour tribunals are tripartite in composition, comprising of an independent

chair and representatives of ILO-recognised employers’ organisations on labour and representatives of the trade unions, based on consultation with national trade union bodies. The chair and members of the industrial tribunal shall be appointed by the minister for a period not exceeding three years, and may be reappointed after the three years.

3. Procedures for the functioning of the industrial tribunal The minister may make regulations and provide the required resources to enable the industrial tribunal to function effectively. In the absence of such regulations, the industrial tribunal regulates its own procedures and proceedings. Procedures are designed to enable the industrial tribunal to obtain the facts of any case before it, and determine its merits in terms of statutory and contract obligations for the appropriate award(s).

4. Reference to the industrial tribunal by Department of Labour Any unresolved individual dispute or complaint (disputes of rights) at the

Department of Labour shall be referred to the industrial tribunal for determination within two months of receiving the complaint by the Chief Labour Officer or Acting Chief Labour Officer.

5. Hearings by the industrial tribunal The industrial tribunal hears and determines complaints, representations, and submissions for the concerned parties under oath.

The industrial tribunal may act without regard to technicalities and legal forms, and is not bound to follow the rules of evidence, having regard to its own regulations.

In cases of dismissal for valid reasons or for good and sufficient cause, the burden of proof rests with the employer. In cases of constructive dismissal, the employee must establish that the continuation of the employment relationship is unreasonable and makes it difficult to continue to function.

6. Binding order and appeal only on a point of law Any determination or order by the industrial tribunal is binding on all concerned parties. An appeal only on

a point of law may be made to the High Court within 21 days following the notification by the industrial tribunal of its decision to the concerned parties.

7. Remedies In relation to any individual dispute or complaint before it, the industrial tribunal is required to make such orders or awards as it considers fair and just, and based on the substantial merits of the case. The industrial tribunal may order an employer to take such action as may constitute full compliance, or to pay to an employee such amounts as may be determined by the industrial tribunal.

8. Offences and penalties The contemplated Industrial Tribunal Act must provide for penalty on refusal to accept and implement the award of the industrial tribunal, and this should be a fine representing not less than twice the award of the industrial tribunal, imposed on summary conviction in a court of law.

Sincerely, Samuel J Goolsarran

Persistent flooding and lack of remedies Dear Editor, As the second anniversary of the APNU+AFC Administration slowly approaches, one of the daunting problems faced by the populace -- prior to their assumption of office and evi-

dently continued until now -- is the plague of constant flooding.

This problem was blamed on a variety of issues, including garbage, poor drainage and dysfunctional pumps. However,

with billions being pumped into this area, there seems to be no recourse in sorting out this issue.

A casual drive around the capital city on Saturday last, after a not-so-heavy shower, simply saw the city

in a familiar state. Not only have I seen the yards of residents flooded, but also businesses and the compounds of Government ministries, such as the Ministry of Education on Brickdam. continues on page 5

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

More public sanitary facilities needed Dear Editor, In cities all over the world, public restrooms can be found near places of entertainment, near public transportation (bus terminals), near shopping centres, in parks and playfields, close to public buildings, and at large outdoor events, etc.

In Georgetown, it is a whole different story.

There is an inadequate amount of toilets available, resulting in many persons urinating and defecating in the open: in fields, bushes, or bodies of water; putting them-

selves, but more disturbingly children, in danger of contracting deadly faecal-oral diseases, like diarrhoea. nature calls When a visitor or shopper in downtown Georgetown, how quickly can he or she answer? How quickly can they do so legally? Most persons are forced to let loose – urinate -- in public.

However, there is always a City Constable waiting to harass such persons, as those constables see it as an opportunity for demanding a bribe.

Open urination, partic-

ularly by girls and women, is a challenge to their dignity, and is also a safety issue; as they quite often wait until dark to relieve themselves, putting themselves in danger of attack.

But what is the Georgetown City Council doing about it? They are glibly spending millions of dollars a month to rent a few portable toilets from private contractors, whilst the few permanent facilities owned by the Council have been contracted out to private individuals, and are so badly managed that the public prefers not to

Packed Brickdam Cathedral left astounded by recent youth musical show Dear Editor, We have admired the agile cast of Jesus Christ Superstar: persons such as Ted Neeley, Carl Anderson, Yvonne Elliman, Barry Dennen and so on. This melodious and inspiring musical play is directed by Norma Jewison, and has become the favourite of many Christians and non-Christians alike because of its soothing lyrics and music.

A group of amateur young persons brought this play to our shores when they performed at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception at Brickdam on Saturday last.

This was directed by Paul Budhna and Ron Robinson, and the cast comprised young persons from differ-

ent churches in Georgetown.

They performed to a packed Cathedral, their melodious little voices filling the hearts and minds of the audience.

They astounded us with a great show. I was thrilled and simultaneously inspired by the message of Jesus Christ. Some of the cast, such as Jesus Christ, Mary Magdala, Pontius Pilate, and Judas Iscariot, are still hovering in my heart.

I would like to commend the cast that performed, and would like them to continue to persevere. I want to stress the point that our youth are truly talented, but they need opportunities to exhibit their hidden talents.

Thanks to Ron and Paul

Persistent flooding...

My contention, however, rests on the simple fact that it has been too long and too serious an issue for us to continue to accept a mediocre approach from the administration to remedy the situation. In an already struggling economy, Guyanese have been given an extra burden to deal with the hardships of damaged appliances and household supplies.

A clean-up programme

for extracting the best from these young persons. This is the milestone they have achieved by making these young persons work hard for the last two months. We will surely see many more young persons with talents sitting quietly because of the lack of opportunities.

Let us encourage our youth to come forward to show their talents in our churches, mandirs, mosques, schools, outdoors, and so on. Our leaders must acknowledge and appreciate the young talents that are at our disposal, and tap same right on time.

Rev Fr Jerri Melwin Dias, SJ Diocese of Georgetown

from page 4

which was begun by the PPP Administration and extended into the Granger Administration has seen both administrations seemingly unprepared to deal with this situation; and it is shocking that there seems to be no talks of a solid fix.

Why is everyone tightlipped on this issue? Why isn’t there anyone calling out the Ministry of Public Infrastructure? Are we in a

state of being where the actions of this administration are swept under the mat or overlooked?

Yours sincerely, Romario Samaroo

use them.

This just shows how lazy the administration of the Council is. With a staff strength of close to 1000 employees, many of whom are sanitation workers, they prefer to divest themselves of the responsibility of managing and maintaining these sanitary facilities, opting instead to give them to private individuals and contractors from whom they could get fringe benefits, such as having some of these portable toilets placed at their residences for their security and other staff.

If the officials at City Hall had any common sense and integrity, they would have used the millions wasted each month on renting portable toilets to construct, around the city, public toilets consisting of small concrete buildings containing one or more toilets (and possibly also urinals). These facilities would also have been available for use by the general public, eliminating the common practice of urinating in public.

Those facilities should be accessible to people with disabilities.

If, however, the Council prefers to deploy portable restrooms, which conversely are better suited for camping, outdoor activities, wedding events, construction and large outdoor special events, then they should purchase their own, rather than continue renting; and that would save tens of millions a year. But, then again, who at City Hall cares about the squander of the rates paid by property owners?

Sincerely, Modi Sankar

Just another broken promise

Dear Editor, When I sent you my letter on Friday night, I thought that the motion in Parliament to rescind the 14% VAT on Private Education, tabled for (today), had simply been postponed. Now it appears to be "off the agenda" because of a technicality. Is this correct?

How can we avoid seeing this as anything other than just another broken promise?

With the clear announcement of the scheduled debate for (today), we saw the major political parties begin to jockey for position. ?On an individual level, it appeared that MPs would be asked to somehow balance the promptings of their conscience, their memories of promises made when looking for votes a short time ago, their clear pronouncements to others in private against the promptings, guidance and perhaps "demands" of party "whips".

If MPs are simply asked to look beyond their consciences and personal good judgment and ONLY vote along party lines, then what role does debate have, and what purpose does democracy hold?

Many persons on one side of the aisle will be saying, "Not another e-mail from him??" Or, "When is he going to get tired of all this?" Those very same persons would have welcomed such e-mails two years ago, if the similar e-mails had been directed to the other side of the aisle.

Again, I say I have no political agenda. For me and thousands of others, this is a fundamental issue that needs to be discussed, debated and resolved. If you feel it has been, why is it still such a contentious item in all of the non-aligned media? Does the democratic process not depend on such free, open and frank discus-

sions?

In this spirit, may we invite three members from the pool of MPs who are in support of the 14 % VAT to a live televised debate on this subject at a time, date & TV station of your choosing? To date, the only person on one side of the aisle to respond to my letters has been the President.

This offer is not done in anger or hope of scoring political points; it is suggested as a way to put the issue to bed (at least for some of us).

Sincerely, Dr Brian O'Toole Director Nations University

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Foundation

How to start tackling the biases that hold students back in STEM

By Cindy Hoisington

W

e all hold implicit biases about people that influence our behaviour and interactions in ways we don’t even realize. Teachers’ hidden attitudes and beliefs about students may be unwittingly causing them to communicate negative messages to their students about their abilities to tackle STEM (science, technology, engineering, and Maths) subjects. Pervasive stereotypical images of scientists and other STEM professionals (think Albert Einstein) may further reinforce to these students that STEM careers are important, but are not for them.

Neil deGrasse Tyson addressed how it feels to be on the receiving end of this type of bias when he was asked to make a speech at his elementary school. He responded, “I am where I am not because of what happened in school but in spite of it, and that is probably not what you want me to say. Call me back, and I will address your teachers and give them a piece of my mind.”

Uncover your implicit STEM biases. Try testing yourself for hidden bias.

Which students do you have high versus low expectations of when it comes to Maths and science? How do these students compare to the images that pop into your mind when you visualise a scientist or mathematician?

How might you be expressing these biases to your students? Try making a video of yourself during a science or maths lesson and view it later. Notice whom you call on,

guyanatimesgy.com

whom you ignore, and how you respond to individual students’ questions, ideas, and misconceptions. What patterns do you see?

Build supportive relationships with students.

When teachers communicate confidence in their students’ abilities to meet high expectations, they positively affect student learning. This is especially important in STEM, where students are asked to explore new things, tackle challenging problems, and take risks with their

ideas. Your time and positive attention are the most powerful teaching tools you have. Use them!

Take advantage of students’ “funds of knowledge.” All students have ideas about the world and how it works based on evidence from their experiences outside of school.

Motivate students to make connections between home and school STEM experiences by drawing out their ideas (including their misconceptions) and using them as launching pads for inquiry-based school explorations. Encourage students to express their ideas and thinking using demonstration, role-play, modelling,

drawings, visuals, and language.

Group children in a variety of ways for STEM activities. Although school culture tends to prize individual effort and achievement, many cultures (and increasingly 21st-century STEM careers) value cooperation and collaboration. Give students opportunities to work with girls and boys of different backgrounds, ethnicities, and languages.

Showcase STEM role models who look like your

students.

Display and talk about a variety of STEM careers.

Avoid stereotypical images of STEM professionals that portray scientists, for example, as men with thick glasses, pocket protectors, lab coats, and test tubes.

Instead look for a wider variety of images that show scientists, technology specialists, engineers, and mathematicians working in a variety of careers and settings.

Invite STEM professionals to visit the classroom. Host a STEM visitor (preferably one from an underrepresented group) who has a connection to a current exploration, unit of study, or

project students are working on. Help students plan some questions they might ask the visitor, including “What made you decide to become a ___?” and “What is your favourite part of your job and why?”

Evaluate the STEM books in your classroom library. Books give students powerful messages about who excels at STEM. Make sure your classroom library incorporates diversity.

Suggestions for elementary classrooms include Rosie Revere, Engineer and Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty. Provide children with notebooks in which to record their STEM documentation and encourage them to personalise the notebooks to make them their own.

Teachers alone cannot tackle systemic issues of racism, sexism, and ethnocentrism in STEM. For example, before they even enter classrooms, students from low-income communities face an opportunity gap that affords them unequal access to schools, curricula, and teachers that promote “deeper learning” experiences and STEM dispositions.

But addressing our own biases and enriching our repertoires of STEM teaching behaviours is a manageable goal that has the potential to dramatically benefit not only our individual students, but the STEM community as a whole. After all, exploration and innovation in the 21st century will depend on a diverse STEM workforce that brings a wealth of experiences, ideas, and perspectives to the table. (edutopia.com)

By Wilma Koutstaal, PhD

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sked which one is better for carrying your creativity forward: conjuring and imagining ideas in your mind’s eye, or physically sketching them on paper, it’s a fair bet that we’ll say sketching. Put your ideas on paper. Capture them. Put those representations out there – physically – in the

world. Grab a pen, a pencil, it doesn’t too much matter, but get those ideas on paper, out there, in the world, not just in your head.

We’ve read this, heard this, been told (and maybe even told ourselves) this many times. But why?

So that you can move forward with your ideas, by looking at them out there, on the page or screen in front of you, getting feedback on your idea by seeing it, starting a dialogue with it.

So that you start to concretely test the feasibility of what you’re imagining, spelling out the details of how it’d really look, or actually play out.

So that it frees up space in your short-term working memory for other ideas, for alternative possibilities. So that you can make room in your mind and mental working space for fresh takes and perspectives.

So that you don’t lose thoughts that emerge “on the fly”–– so that you don’t lose one idea as a new idea becomes prominent in your mind and the prior thought recedes from your awareness.

So that, so that...

There’s no shortage of sources and experts who will tell you to get your ideas on

paper, and no shortage of plausible-sounding reasons we can give for why sketching might propel our forward explorations. But is there anything more than “ready plausibility” and intuitive correctness to these reasons? Have they been empirically tested? Or are some of these proposed reasons (ironically) little more than mental conjuring

themselves?

A paradox

A team of researchers from Scotland and England recently turned to this question and discovered to their surprise that the assumption that sketching will enhance the creative performance of artists and designers is “supported by only patchy and contradictory evidence”.

But why, then, do artists and designers feel so strongly that sketching is essential to their performance? Could it be that sketching is not (always, uniformly) important to the outcome of the creative endeavour, that is, the product that is achieved, but is vital to the process – the way that the idea-making/idea-generating experience subjectively feels to the creator? To the subjective cognitive-emotional experience of making?

Might sketching help the artist feel that there is a good match between the daunting challenges of making, and their skills and competencies in meeting those challenges? Does sketching help the artist remain “in the zone” or to better enter into, and remain within, the experience of “flow”? (Excerpt from psychologytoday.com)

to be continued

news

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Education tax

Govt accused of pressuring Parliament Office to revoke motion …PPP warns of Executive attempting to control the Legislature

T

he People’s Progressive Party (PPP) is contending that political interference from the Executive is responsible for the Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Scotland, disallowing its motion calling for the 14 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) on private education to be removed.

The Speaker had, just days prior, approved the motion for debate today, and expectations regarding the outcome of that debate were high, as many persons were anticipating spirited exchanges between the Opposition and two major players in Government, particularly since minority group the Alliance For Change (AFC) had voiced its

Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine

support for removal of the tax on private education.

Amended and approved by the Speaker of the House, the motion was suddenly withdrawn on grounds which, according to the PPP, are “irregular, spurious and ludicrous.”

“The AFC, desperate to not be exposed for duplicity, having publicly called for the review of VAT on education; and the Government, desperate to impose unity on this issue within the shaky coalition, put pressure on the Parliament Office to remove the PPPC’s motion calling for the revocation of VAT on education, goods and services, and its reinstatement as zero rated,” the PPP posited in a media statement on Saturday.

The PPP has warned that this development exposes the Speaker as complicit in the Executive’s unfolding objective to seize control over the Legislature, and has called upon all stakeholders to con-

decision-making processes of the state, with particular emphasis on those areas of decision-making that directly affect their wellbeing.”

Disallowed

House Speaker, Dr Barton Scotland

tinue to speak out against these attempts to whittle away parliamentary democracy, human rights and the Constitution.

The PPP has also lambasted attempts to deny concerned citizens a right to be heard – a trend which it noted has developed significantly under this APNU/AFC Administration.

“Civil society, individuals and communities have been demonstrating peacefully their views on a wide range of concerns that impact on their daily lives – the sugar workers, rice farmers, the private sector, the Movement against the Parking Meters, the Movement against VAT on Education goods and services, the removal of the ban on used tyres, and thousands of individuals in their private capacity on the social media -- yet the Government’s only concern is to ensure that the people’s voices are not heard, even in the highest law making body of the country,” the PPP has stated.

The PPP has also lamented that, after months of weekly protests, a petition signed by 14,000 people, and growing hardships of parents and students as a result of the inhumane and onerous imposition of VAT on education goods and services, the Government has intervened and hammered another nail in Article 13 of the Constitution.

Article 13 of the Constitution of Guyana states: “The principal objective of the political system of the state is to establish an inclusionary democracy by providing increasing opportunities for the participation of citizens and their organisations in the management and

The PPP motion in regard to VAT on private education, which was to be moved by former Education Minister Priya Manickchand, states that the impact of the onerous budgetary measures has caused great consternation and anxiety for parents and students, and jeopardises the future of students’ rights to access education of their choice, inclusive of private education, as provided for in the Constitution.

Regrettably, mere days before the motion was scheduled for debate, the House Speaker has decided that it cannot be proceeded with in the National Assembly.

In a letter dated May 4, Dr Scotland has instructed

Director of Nations University, Dr Brian O’Toole

that the motion, if allowed, would be in contravention of Standing Order No 26(e), which states that for a motion to be admissible, it shall not revive discussion of a matter which has been discussed in the same session.

“I wish to reminded you that the revocation of Order No 18 of 2016 and the reinstatement of Schedules 1 and 11 which existed prior to Order No. 18 were discussed by the National Assembly at its Sitting on 30th January, 2017, during the consideration of Ms Gail Teixeira’s motion which was published on Notice Paper No. 82 of 2017 dated 15th January, 2017. That motion was defeated,” the letter outlined.

The Speaker has determined that the motion,

which was already published on Notice Paper No. 95 of 2017, can no longer be proceeded with in the National Assembly.

Director of Nations University, Dr Brian O’Toole – a very vocal player in the movement against the education tax – has expressed disappointment at the decision not to allow a debate on the issue in the National Assembly.

In a statement to the media on Friday, the educator pondered if it’s too much to ask for a national debate on the

issue.

“Is it impossible to have a simple list printed in the newspaper with a yes or no by the name of each of the MPs whether or not they, as an individual, support the 14 per cent? While we are waiting for the debate in Parliament to eventually take place, is it possible to have a TV debate on the matter, to help inform the public on the key issues?” he has asked.

Disgruntled stakeholders are expected to stage a picketing exercise outside of the Parliament today. (Devina Samaroo)

Former Education Minister Priya Manickchand

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Uitvlugt man hacked to death

…was wanted by Police for series of petty crimes

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esidents of Uitvlugt Access Road, West Coast Demerara, were shocked when they woke up on Sunday morning to find the lifeless body of 36-year-old Clinton Walks, called “Bongo”, lying in a pool of his own blood with several gashes about the body.

According to a Police report, the body of Walks, of Lot 3 Bus Shed Street, Uitvlugt, was discovered around 07:00h on Sunday with chop wounds to his back, left ear and abdomen. The report added that the now deceased, after he was found guilty of break and enter and larceny, was given 18 months in jail in 2015, and was wanted in relation to similar crimes being committed in the village.

The dead man’s sister, Junella Hall, told this publication that when she received the news of her brother’s death, she immediately rushed to the scene to identify him.

“I get a call this morning and they say that them find Clinton in the back street and he get chop up. When I went, I see he lying down at the side of the road with he guts out,” Hall related.

She added that the Police were summoned, and they conducted their inves-

The house in which the now deceased man lived

tigation and informed her that should there be any developments, she would be contacted.

Hall told Guyana Times that she last saw her brother alive on Saturday night cooking at his home. “We does live in the same yard and I see he in his house cooking last night and when I went to bed, he was still home in his house,” she added.

The woman said her brother once worked as a cane harvester at the Uitvlugt Estate, but then he discovered drugs and quickly became an addict; that was when his life fell apart. She said she tried to talk to him several times to change his ways, but he would never listen.

“He does live alone and when he smoke up, he was a different person; he used to cuss up and get on (bad) and we does talk to him and try to get he to change, but he doesn’t listen to anybody. The drugs get he so bad that he left his work at the estate and start doing all kinds of work for people in the village,” she said.

Hall related that her brother was in constant trouble with the law, since he would sometimes steal to feed his addiction. However, she believes he may have been murdered, because he witnessed a crime and gave evidence to the Police.

“There was a break-in by a house in the other street, and he see and he tell the Police what he see, so they

call he in court as an eyewitness and the matter is still in court, that is the only reason I think somebody might want to kill he,” she opined.

When this publication visited the scene, residents around the area expressed their shock and noted that this was the first time someone was discovered murdered in the area. They said Walks was known to the community and there were mixed reactions to the type of person he was. However, he was described as a pleasant person when he was sober and someone not to be messed with when he was either intoxicated or high from drugs.

The residents said he would be in the area doing odd jobs such as clearing the drains, cutting trees, fetching sand and sometimes masonry work and, as such, they were shocked when they woke up and saw him murdered.

Walks is the youngest of seven siblings and was never married. His body is being stored at the Ezekiel Funeral Home in Best Village awaiting a post-mortem examination scheduled for today. The Police investigation is ongoing and residents were questioned, but no arrests were made up to press time.

Ex-soldier arrested for impersonating Police Officer

A

20-year-old New Amsterdam man has been taken into police custody on Saturday evening for reportedly impersonation a police officer.

The man has reportedly been claiming that he is in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at the Springlands Police Station and was at the time off-duty in New

Amsterdam.

Asked his rank in the CID, the man allegedly said it was “CID”. The police were accordingly informed, and the suspect was arrested. He then allegedly stated that he was a soldier. Senior officers of the Guyana Defence Force were then summoned to the Central Police Station in New Amsterdam after

the suspect was not identified by officers of the army’s Second Infantry Battalion.

The man then claimed that he was employed with the Coast Guard. When officers from that division examined his identification, it was discovered that he had served as a reserve and was not at the time a serving member of the Guyana Defence Force.

The GDF has since distanced itself from this individual, and has said his name does not appear on its payroll. The GDF is also keeping out of police investigation of this individual because it will not encourage anyone to tarnish the image of the Force.

The suspect remains in custody as police investigations continue.

Set up…

I

…in Parliament

t was going to be like that shootout scene in the old Clint Eastwood spaghetti western between “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.” There, it was three gunslingers vying for a gold cache, but here in Guyana, it was going to be the AFC (the Ugly) teaming up with the PPP (the Good) versus the PNC/APNU (the Bad) to capture the government in 2020.

All three of them were going to shoot their wad in Parliament last Thursday on the hot topic of VAT on private education. Like in the movie, the Ugly, AFC, was acting purely out of self -interest. Ever since they sold out their constituency back in 2015, they’d gradually been exposed as the doormats they’d always been for the PNC/ APNU. As “dead meat”, they were beginning to smell.

Their supporters out in the boons had long gone back home to the PPP. They didn’t need the latter to “open their eyes” to anything. The Government’s hamhandedness took care of that: closing sugar estates right, left and centre; and promising and never delivering rice markets to Mexico didn’t exactly endear the 11% to the AFC’s leadership. But the middle-class ones in “town” were champing at the bit, and these were the ones who’s contributed both money and manpower.

They had to do something – and quickly. The latter group were getting their knickers all into knots over the Government’s imposition of VAT on private school education, and had a brainwave. It wasn’t just the money, the townies said. The fact that most of them were fat cats coming out was just a coincidence!! It was the PRINCIPLE!!

Education would set us free, and how dare it be taxed??

It was so “Developed World-ish”!!! From the looks of it, the brainwave probably came from Khemraj Ramjattan, who’d also come up with a 2am curfew to solve crime in Guyana!!

Anyhow, the AFC announced they were now against VAT on education – which the PPP had declared from the beginning, and in fact had introduced a motion in the National Assembly to abolish same. The AFC were signalling to their “town constituency” that they were going to follow Spike Lee’s advice and “do the right thing”.

So here it was that the entire country waited with bated breath: would the AFC vote with the PPP and defeat the big, bad PNC/APNU??

Alas!! A funny thing happened on the way to the debate on VAT on private education: it never happened!!

The Speaker disallowed the PPP motion, and the AFC dodged the VAT bullet. They didn’t have to put their votes where their mouths were, and risk their doormats’ status!!

What?? OF COURSE it was a set-up!!

…the monkey on the official’s back

There’s the old expression to “have a monkey on one’s back”, which means “to have an addiction”. Presumably, it brought home the burdens of being addicted – especially to drugs. We also have the expression “feeding the monkey” coming from the same situation. In Guyana – while there have been several nationwide programmes warning Guyanese of the dangers of drug addiction – somehow, recent events suggest that those efforts might’ve just rolled off officialdom’s backs.

What brings on this thought is the sad, sad story of that PNC Councillor being addicted to Pethidine. But even more alarming than a public official engaging in ridiculous behaviour that’s now explainable is the official complicity to have the lady feed her habit rather than getting her help. And help is there. By sheer coincidence, the Chronic’s article by the GPHC’s resident psychologist was about dealing with drug addiction.

Like Noel Blackman in the US, the doctor who’s been prescribing the drug for the Councillor should be charged, convicted and jailed.

…on Indian Monument

Why’s it so difficult for the Ministry of Education to explain what went DOWN on the Indian Monument being installed at Palmyra?

But hold it – they’re backed up! They’re still working to explain the $350M collected for Jubilee Park in 2015!

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

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monDAY, may 8, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Carvil Duncan trial

PM, AG engaging in “juvenile antics” – Nandlall …accuses them of trying to convert Judge from “victim to villain”

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ess than 24 hours after Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo requested that High Court Justice Franklyn Holder recuse himself from the Carvil Duncan case, former Attorney General (AG) Anil Nandlall has described the move as a plot that in effect “undermines” the tenets of democracy.

In a letter to the judge, the Prime Minister asked him to remove himself from the case in light of the brewing tension with current AG Basil Williams over an incident at the last hearing back in March. But Nandlall, in a social media post on Sunday afternoon, pondered if he was now living in a “surreal world”, and even categorised the Prime Minister's letter as a “scheme” formulated with the AG’s assistance to ensure that Williams does not apologise to the judge.

“This letter is nothing short of a most comical and clumsy conspiracy hatched between the AG and the Prime Minister to avoid the AG apologising to Justice Franklyn Holder. As a lawyer, he (the PM) should have never lent himself to such a sleazy and senseless scheme. Imagine, the PM is asking the judge to recuse himself from the case essentially because the judge did not cite and jail the AG for contempt… Only intellectu-

of the most senior functionaries of this Administration engaging in juvenile antics about a crucial state institution like the Judiciary… they now want to choose their own judge to hear their own case; [this is] a classic exhibition of authoritarianism. [It strikes] at the heart of the doctrine of separation of powers. Imagine if every litigant, on his own volition, decides to abuse the judge

Former AG Anil Nandlall

al giants like Williams and Nagamootoo can conceive such a "sophisticated" plot,” the former Legal Affairs Minister said is his strongly worded online post.

It has further been claimed that the PM’s letter seeks to villainise the judge who, according to Nandlall, has been a victim of abuse.

“It is that factual matrix which produces this bizarre letter which seeks to convert the judge, who is the victim of the abuse, into the villain!

This can happen in no civilized country where there is rule of law and a system of democracy,” Nandlall expressed.

Nandlall has also highlighted that the principle of separation of powers may be under threat. “These are two

like that… The last magistrate who (told me what to do) was later found dead.”

Justice Holder said in his complaint that he felt disrespected by the Attorney General’s behaviour, and he has called for an apology to be given him in open court before proceeding further with the case.

However, the State’s chief legal advisor is holding out that he is not to be

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo

Justice Franklyn Holder

hearing his case and then claim the judge is biased… the Judiciary may not be able to sanction anyone for disrespecting its officers and processes in the future without being accused of hypocrisy and bias,” the former Attorney General pointed out.

Duncan has moved to

the court to block the work of a presidential tribunal set up to determine whether he should be removed from his post as Chairman of the Public Service Commission (PSC) in light of criminal charges proffered against him, one of which has since been dismissed at the Magistrate’s Court.

Justice Holder complained to acting Chancellor, Yonette CummingsEdwards, that during the March 23rd hearing of that case, he abruptly walked out of the courtroom as a result of statements made by the Attorney General.

He quoted the AG as saying, “I could say what I want to say and however I want to say it, I have always been

AG Basil Williams

blamed for causing the High Court judge to walk out of the courtroom. He has also insisted that his comment was not a threat, even though Duncan’s defence lawyer, Anil Nandlall, has described it as such.

In a letter dated May 4, 2017 and addressed to the Attorney General, Prime

Minister Nagamootoo raised concerns about having a fair trial in light of the incident. “…due to an alleged incident between yourself and Justice Franklyn Holder in his Honour’s court on March 23, 2017 in the above mentioned suit, and His Honour's subsequent petition to the Honourable Chancellor against the Attorney General on the issue of the alleged incident, I am of the opinion that neither the State nor I will receive fair hearing in the matter…,” the Prime Minister had stated.

“Based on all the above mentioned grounds, I am of the opinion that I would be prejudiced in the suit because my attorney is barred from being heard in the matter. In view of the foregoing, therefore, I authorise you to request that the Honourable Mr Justice Holder recuse himself from further hearing the matter.”

A copy of the petition has been forwarded to both the Chancellor of the Judiciary and Chief Justice, as well as President David Granger.

However, the Office of the Chancellor had revealed that despite calling on AG Williams to officially explain his conduct, he is yet to respond.

The continuation of the Carvil Duncan trial is scheduled for today (May 8).

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News

Pervasive problems exist with hospital equipment – Dr Persaud after visits to hospitals

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hile there have been persistent reports of drug shortages across the country, the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Social Services has become aware of cases where medical equipment is also in short supply and defective.

In a recent interview with this publication, Chairperson of the Committee, Dr Vindhya Persaud revealed that during visits to several hospitals, the Committee encountered doctors who were so hindered in performing their duties.

She said machines required to perform essential tests were in need of servicing or repairs. Dr Persaud referenced the New Amsterdam Hospital that she visited, along with other members of the Committee, on March 2.

“There were shortages with equipment,” Dr Persaud said. “And also equipment that were in disrepair. When we were at New Amsterdam Hospital, there were a number of pieces of equipment that were down since last year.”

“One (machine) being

Members of the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Social Services during one of their hospital visits

the biochemistry analyser that is used in the lab and that equipment services the entire Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), not only the New Amsterdam Hospital. So critical lab tests to validate certain things; for instance, if someone has a heart attack you (have to) do an ECG if the machine is working. And they also had problems with those machines.”

The Opposition Member of Parliament said that doctors have complained of being at their wits’ end to treat patients to the optimum. Speaking of her visit to Diamond hospital, she

said that there was a problem with the ophthalmology machine.

“They had the department; they had all the doctors, but (they) can’t do any tests; (they) have to send them out, so they sent them for private testing. So what’s the point of having all these human resource skills available and equipment is down?”

At the Georgetown Public Hospital, there were reports of deficiencies at the biomedical department.

According to Dr Persaud, the equipment is sometimes not maintained and while replacements may be re-

quested, she queried what patients may be enduring in the interim.

Meanwhile, Dr Persaud was asked about pending visits to hospitals in the interior. She stated that while the Committee was supposed to

go to Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) in the third week of May, that trip has been delayed on account of expected inclement weather.

“So, we’ll be going to Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) instead so that the work of the Committee continues. We should be doing a lot more, but we have to wait on Government Ministers (who are members of the Committee) and their schedules.”

During the Committee’s New Amsterdam Hospital visit, they met and interacted with Hospital officials, staff and patients in an attempt to examine the institution’s operational procedures in relation to emergency health care.

Members of the

Committee who were part of this “fact-finding mission” included: Junior Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Minister Valerie GarridoLowe, MP and Junior Public Health Minister, Dr Karen Cummings, MP. Dr Persaud had explained that though hiccups were expected in any organisation, she was primarily concerned about the complaints of medication shortages and an inability to have tests done which were made by patients she met on arrival at the Hospital.

The Parliamentary Sectoral Committee also has the mandate to examine whether institutions are equipped to meet their responsibilities and make recommendations for improvements.

Sugar workers to protest...

Areas of discussion in the white paper could relate to the feasibility of merging some of the sugar estates and factories where appropriate, and selling off some facilities.

The draft white paper on the sugar industry’s future was submitted by Agriculture Minister Noel Holder to Cabinet for its consideration on Tuesday, April 18, 2017. Cabinet discussed the proposals in the draft white paper and subsequently granted its approval for the document to be laid

in the National Assembly.

The white paper follows a process of overhauling the industry which included a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) and the subsequent setting up of a special Task Force to look at options on the way forward for the sugar company.

Finance Minister Winston Jordan in his presentation of the 2017 Budget had said that the sugar industry would require Government’s support to the tune of $18.6 billion and

from page 3

$21.4 billion for the years 2017 and 2018, respectively. He had also explained that based on the CoI, it was concluded that any money injected into sugar, in its current state, was money wasted. However, at one of their many demonstrations, sugar workers had reminded that President Granger and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo had committed their support to the sugar industry in the run-up to the 2015 General and Regional Elections.

(Shemuel Fanfair)

monDAY, may 8, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

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News

Local trade unionism in need of revamp – Ramkarran ... as significant dearth of youth leaders obvious

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n wake of a very contentious elections campaign for the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) presidency, the obvious lack of youth and modernity reflected by the leadership was on full display. The elderly incumbent president has, after all, been in that seat for 30 years.

Former Speaker of the National Assembly, Ralph Ramkarran, has noted in his most recent column that the GPSU needs to modernise along with the changing dynamics in Guyana. According to Ramkarran, it is not just the GPSU which could do with a revamp, but trade unionism in its entirety in Guyana.

“Trade unionism in Guyana needs a dose of modernisation and a reorientation of both its goals and methods. Without a growing economy, workers’ rights and benefits cannot expand and be defended. Only new and mod-

Former Speaker of the House, Ralph Ramkarran

Public Service Union (GPSU), the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), and the Guyana Labour Union (GLU), all have leaders who have been entrenched in office for thirty years or more. The Trades Union Congress, he not-

ed for their commitment to trade unionism, workers’ rights, and members’ welfare, Ramkarran noted that except for GAWU General Secretary Seepaul Narine, there were few persons of a younger generation in leadership positions in these unions.

Yarde has been at the helm of the GPSU for a staggering 30 years, having weathered many attempts to unseat him from the presidential incumbency; but in the run-up to this year’s elections, members took a more determined stand against Yarde, with one area of contention being the accounts of the union.

GPSU members have, this year, protested against Yarde continuing to be president of the union, and have even moved to the High Court in this regard. An interim injunction granted them by Justice Nareshwar Harnanan sought to restrain

One of the protests against Patrick Yarde

ern leadership can raise the game of the trade union movement,” he explained.

He noted that the three large unions: the Guyana

ed, also has Lincoln Lewis as its longstanding General Secretary.

Acknowledging that these leaders cannot be fault-

the respondents or their servants or agents “from holding or attempting to hold an election for office bearers for the Executive Council of the

Incumbent GPSU President, Patrick Yarde

Guyana Public Service Union until the 3rd day of May, 2017 or sooner.”

This injunction had also stipulated that its respondents would not have been able to hold elections for office bearers unless there was “production by the respondents of the Auditor General’s report to the applicant (for the injunction) and members of the Guyana Public Service Union, and the audited treasurer’s report for the Guyana Public Service Union for the past 12 years to date.”

This injunction was applied for by Attorney-atLaw Nigel Hughes on behalf of Gregory Gaspar, who is

the Chairman of the GPSU Branch 72. It was dismissed on April 25, clearing the way for elections to be held for office bearers of the GPSU. Gaspar participated in those elections.

The entire elections affair was steeped in drama, and at one point Police had to be called in at the GPSU Headquarters because of the standoff resulting from the refusal of election officials to provide the voters list to supporters of Gaspar and other members.

In a strongly worded letter addressed to Elections Officer Herman De Souza, Gaspar also complained that he had requested the list of eligible voters on April 23, 26, 27, 28 and 29, but was never provided with same. He also complained about ballot boxes being delivered without elections officers or their assistants being present to receive them.

The letter also raised the issue of the absence of statements of poll for outlying regions such as Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Five (MahaicaBerbice), Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) and 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) being

GPSU Branch 72 head, Gregory Gaspar

made available to members.

Gaspar had also expressed concern about the condition in which some of the boxes arrived, and contended that a Region Three ballot box had been tampered with. He said also that allegations that votes from non-eligible voters were placed in the box should be reviewed before finalising the elections.

Contending that, in one case, four ballot boxes from Linden, Region 10, had arrived with three seals broken, Gaspar related that he had approached the elections officer earlier, but was told that they were given three seals for each box.

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monDAY, may 8, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

GPSU elections

Process should be more transparent – TIGI T

he length of time it took for the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) to finish counting ballots and declare an official winner has certainly not gone unnoticed.

One group which has observed the process with some worry is the Transparency Institute of Guyana Incorporated (TIGI), a vocal transparency advocate.

Union members have complained bitterly about the confusion surrounding the process and the non-disclosure of information, such as the voters list.

According to head of TIGI, Dr Troy Thomas, the

TIGI Head, Dr Troy Thomas

events do not inspire confidence. “The fact that it’s taking this long does not inspire confidence,” he said. “And I would urge them to do what needs to be done in a transparent manner, to get the official (declaration) out. I think it is unfortunate that the results took so long.”

On May 2, GPSU released what it referred to as the results of the General Elections for office bearers. It showed incumbent President Patrick Yarde as having received 1,024 votes, while Gregory Gaspar, Yarde’s election opponent, received a total of 1,318, having been named twice on the list.

The document was signed by Elections Officer Herman DeSouza, but there has been no indication or declaration in the

election results released that Yarde, or anyone, was the official winner. At a press conference held that very night, Gaspar and his supporters called on union members to reject Yarde’s re-election.

Considering the contention which has surrounded the elections and the integrity of the ballot boxes, Dr Thomas is of the opinion that the elections could have benefited from the presence of observer teams. This, he noted, was a safeguard against claims of elections being rigged.

“I think it’s a good practice to have (observer teams), so that different organisations can pronounce on whether the elections were free and fair, kind of similar to what you see happening with countries,” Dr Thomas said.

During the elections, Gaspar, in a strongly worded letter addressed to Elections Officer Herman De Souza, had complained that the voters list had been requested on April 23, 26, 27, 28 and 29, but was never provided.

In the letter, he also complained about ballot boxes being delivered without the elections or assistant elections officers being present to receive them.

The letter also raised the issue of the absence of statements of poll for outly-

The ballot boxes at GPSU headquarters

ing regions such as Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara), Five (Mahaica-Berbice), Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) being made available to members.

Gaspar has also expressed concern about the condition in which some of

the boxes arrived. In his letter, Gaspar also alleged that a Region Three ballot box had been tampered with.

He said the allegations that votes from non-eligible voters were placed in the box should be reviewed before finalising the elections.

Gaspar also stated that, in one case, four ballot boxes from Linden, Region 10, had arrived with three seals bro-

ken. He related that he approached the elections officer earlier, but was told that they were given three seals for each box.

These concerns are yet to be addressed to the satisfaction of the GPSU membership, some of whom have approached the court over the union’s accounts. Protests against Yarde have also been held earlier in the year.

Father of 4 dies in Mazaruni River mishap – body floats up after boat capsizes

T

he swollen body of 36-year-old Orson Gishard of Wismar, Linden, Region 10 was dragged out of the Mazaruni River in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) on Sunday morning. He died following a boat mishap on the river on Saturday.

Based on information Guyana Times received, three other persons were travelling in the boat at the time of the incident. It was windy, and the waters were rougher than usual, thus the boat, carrying the four individuals to another location, capsized.

Police are working on the theory that, in falling into the water, Gishard may have hit his head, lost consciousness and consequently drowned. The other persons in the boat were reportedly able to make it to shore safely.

Police Commander Ravindranauth Budhram has said the 36-year-old Gishard was among four passengers in the boat when it capsized while crossing the Kaburi Creek in the Mazaruni River, but the incident is being investigated by the Police in ‘F’ Division.

Dead: Orson Gishard

Gishard’s death comes one day after another boat capsized in the Upper Cuyuni River on Friday last. Fortunately, there were no casualties in that mishap, since all the passengers were able to make it back into the boat safely.

Gishard’s sister, Mellisa (only name given), said the father of four had been working with Brian & Ingrid Fung Mining and Trucking Service as a serviceman for only two months, and was making his way into the Issano mining district for work when tragedy struck.

“We were told that he was making his way up

to the Issano area when the boat capsize; and they weren’t finding a couple of them, but then, around 06:30 hrs, they call us and said that they found his body and the others was safe,” she related.

She described her brother as a good swimmer and said she is unaware of all the circumstances involved in his demise, but it is reported that Gishard may have hit his head when the vessel capsized and may have lost consciousness and drowned.

Mellisa told Guyana Times that not a lot of information has been afforded the family, and everything is being channelled through her brother’s employers. Efforts made by this publication to elicit a comment from the management of Brian & Ingrid Fung Mining and Trucking Service have been unsuccessful.

Gishard has been described as a jovial person with a kind heart. He had once been a member of the GDF Air Corps, and leaves to mourn his four children along with his parents and siblings. The investigations into his death are ongoing.

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Sovereignty belongs to the State and not to individual groups – Eric Phillips

T

he politicisation and racialisation of the Land Commission of Inquiry (CoI) have served to undermine and discredit the real importance of solving local land issues, Cultural activist Eric Phillips has said.

In a missive to the media, Phillips noted that ethnic fear of Amerindians losing their land is also a false claim, as the Amerindian Act of 2006 provides Amerindians with 13.8 percent of land in Guyana.

Phillips said there are many more important reasons why the Land CoI is very important to all Guyanese. He explained that sovereignty belongs to the State, and not to individual groups.

While many Amerindian lands lie closely with the sovereign borders of Brazil, a lot more of these lands lie in the Venezuelan claim of two-thirds of Guyana.

“Our Wai Wais have 1.5 million acres of land at the border with Brazil, and this complete area is a part of the Venezuelan claim…

If there was an invasion onto Wai Wai lands, it is the Government of Guyana that would have to defend Guyana’s sovereignty,” he stated.

Another important point raised by Phillips has been the need for national development planning as a precursor to national integrated planning, which in his considered view should be

Cultural activist Eric Phillips

done in a holistic manner.

The cultural activist has also emphasized the need for the Land CoI to be conscious of the commitments Guyana has to Norway and the United Nations in regard to sustainably managing forests and reverse land degradation.

“Critically, the Guyana Government funds national development out of the treasury, as seen in the last budget. It also has to fund the implementation of domestic and global commitments under the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) and the Green State Development Strategy (GSDS),” he stated.

Phillips said the task ahead is important, as the CoI not only deals with land titles and other issues associated with land management, but is also about providing a well-articulated

understanding of the various interests, commitments and developmental needs in Guyana.

Given the impending effects that climate change will have on Guyana and its capital city, Georgetown, Phillips said, it is equally important that the Land CoI discuss the creation of a new city.

He also highlighted many inconsistencies, including laws contradicting each other; groups with different mandates over the same area of land; multiple concessions for different purposes on the same land, among other things, and said: “As the Guyana Lands and Surveys (Commission) will certainly be the main source of land maps in Guyana, the CoI will also have to consider these legal anomalies in their deliberations.”

In a previous letter to the media, Phillips had said that Government’s move to set up a Lands CoI was creating disunity among Guyanese.

He had said it was strange that this regime had set up a whole ministry under the claim that it was to promote social cohesion, and had named it the Ministry of Social Cohesion; yet, almost every act the operators of this regime have executed is promoting disunity. His claim was that the CoI was so far the latest in a long list of measures.

“A Tribute to Mothers”

– SNFCA hosts Tea Party and Fashion Show

W

Some of the mothers at the Tea Party and Fashion Show

ith Mother’s Day just one week away, the Sonia Noel Foundation for Creative Arts collaborated with the New Thriving Restaurant to host a Tea Party and Fashion Show as a tribute to mothers.

The result has been last Saturday’s unforgettable evening of elegance experienced by the scores of mothers in attendance and participating at the event, held at the Restaurant’s new location on

the East Bank of Demerara.

The more than 200 persons present at the gala were duly entertained with an array of eye catching designs produced by Guyana’s fashion doyen and placed on display during the showcase.

A lineup of mothers accompanied by their children took to the catwalk to model designs which reflected their unique styles as they simultaneously relished the experience of being a mother in the

spotlight.

This Saturday fashion show and tea party is one in a line of monthly events that will be organised and hosted by the New Thriving Restaurant and the Sonia Noel Foundation as they embark on a partnership to merge food and fashion to produce a unique brand of entertainment. Similar events are accordingly expected to be staged at the New Thriving Restaurant at Providence.

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guyanatimesgy.com

mondAY, may 8, 2017

Regional

T&T: Cop kidnapped, Woman in love triangle drenched with bleach in Jamaica left on highway

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asping for breath with a plastic bag over his head, an off-duty police officer, who was the victim of robbers, wiggled his way to the edge of the Solomon Hochoy Highway on Saturday, before he was rescued by some of his colleagues.

PC Omar Ramroop, 33, was found around 3:30h.

His limbs were tied with straps and he was sweating profusely because of the bag over his head.

Ramroop told Police that he was walking along the Eastern Main Road in Curepe on Friday around 20:45h, when he was confronted by two men.

They shoved him into a white Nissan Tiida and snatched his wallet containing TT$300 in cash.

The men beat Ramroop and drove off with him.

woman who drenched her ‘matey’ with bleach when she arrived home and found her in the bed she shares with the father of her child was dragged before the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Friday. Yvette Newton of a Bull Bay address pleaded guilty with explanation to a charge of assault.

The court heard that on April 1, approximately 7:45h the complainant was lying

They then drove for a while and upon reaching the north bound carriageway of the Solomon Hochoy Highway, they threw him out.

Dazed and shaken, Ramroop tried to free himself. He spent more than five hours in the bushes before he managed to wiggle his way out. A team of officers

from the Highway Patrol Unit later saw Ramroop and rescued him near the Claxton Bay Flyover.

He was taken to the San Fernando General Hospital where he was medically examined. Ramroop worked with the Police Transit Unit in Port-of-Spain. St Joseph police are continuing investigations. (Trinidad Guardian)

New British Virgin Islands Governor to take office in August

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new Governor will take office in this British Overseas Territory in August.

Augustus ‘Gus’ Jaspert, who currently serves in the United Kingdom Cabinet Office as Director of Security and Intelligence, will succeed Governor John Duncan.

Jaspert is a former member of the Royal College of Defence Studies, as well as former head of Drugs and Alcohol, and Head of

Augustus ‘Gus’ Jaspert

Policing.

The newly-appointed Governor was Private Secretary to the Prime Minister from 2012 to 2014, and Delivery Manager in the Prime Minister’s Delivery Unit from 2007 to 2009.

He was also Lead Manager of Children’s Services (Surrey County Council).

Jaspert is married to Millie Jaspert and has two children. (CMC)

in bed at her boyfriend’s house while he was preparing breakfast, when she saw a woman unknown to her with a bottle in her hand.

Newton threw the substance in the complainant’s face and said: “Dutty gal, weh you a do in a mi bed.”

According to the complainant, the substance caught her eyes and she began screaming. The boyfriend ran to the room and held on to Newton and told

the complainant to run, which she did. The complainant also told the court that she had to seek refuge in the bathroom.

When the matter was called up, Parish Judge Chester Crooks asked Newton why she did it.

“I saw her at my house with my baby father,” Newton said, adding that the complainant threw a bedside lamp at her. (Jamaica

Observer)

Parents likely to outlive children – nutrition and obesity expert

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esearch has revealed that parents will outlive their children in the 21st Century.

This is according to Canadian dietitian and nutrition and obesity expert Helene Charlebois, who was speaking during a nutrition workshop held at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Barbados.

“For the first time in history, if you have a child, your chances of seeing your child die before you are higher,” she warned.

Charlebois noted that this was largely due to the fact that children were not consuming healthy foods, with junk food now a normal part of their diet.

Stating that this information should serve as a wake-up call for parents, Charlebois revealed that the child obesity bracket is rapidly growing and parents need to consider ways to reduce it.

“Children are confused. There’s junk food everywhere. There’s junk in schools and at home, so children are receiving mixed messages,” she

Helene Charlebois, registered dietitian, nutritionist and obesity expert, speaking during the nutrition workshop at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital

lamented.

Charlebois suggested that parents look to implement a few strategies that would help reduce the incidence of obesity in children. She explained that she would like to see an action plan introduced in Barbadian homes where parents completely ban the consumption of junk food within the household.

“If you want to get icecream, go out and get it, no problem. If you want chips, go to the movies; and only eat junk foods on special occasions,” she said.

She explained that by doing this, children become accustomed to consuming healthy food on a regular basis and link junk foods to special and rare occasions. (Barbados Advocate)

C’bean Govts urged to send factfinding mission to Venezuela New World Bank report

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he Caribbean Chapter of the International Network In Defense of Humanity has called on leaders within the Caribbean Community (Caricom) to send a fact-finding mission to “make an informed analysis” about the state of affairs in the “sister Caribbean nation”.

In a statement on Sunday, Coordinator of the Caribbean chapter of the International Network in Defense of Humanity, David A Commissiong said it was important that the Governments and people of Caricom acquire “an accurate understanding of precisely what is going on in Venezuela – a nation that the power United States of America has perversely designated as a “national security threat” to the USA.” “We will never achieve any such accurate understanding id we depend on Western media institutions

says PPPs vital to improve infrastructure quality

A David A Commissiong

for our information about Venezuela,” he added.

Commissiong also urged media houses in the English-speaking Caribbean to send an investigative team to the South American nation to “see for themselves and to deliver our people an independent and objective Caribbean assessment of the

situation in Venezuela”.

He said the calls are being made following his visits to Venezuela and “finding the reality that I witnessed with my own eyes significantly at odds with the impressions and images presented by the powerful western media corporations.” (Excerpt from CMC)

new World Bank report launched says that Latin America and the Caribbean have significant potential to increase Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to help close its infrastructure gap.

However, to achieve that, the Washington-based financial institution said the Region should move beyond the common perception that PPPs were mainly an instrument to tackle fiscal constraints, and maximise their potential impacts on infrastructure quality, spending efficiency and transparency.

“Private Financing of Public Infrastructure through PPPs in Latin America and the Caribbean” is an in-depth assessment

of the PPP scenario in the region, said the World Bank, adding that it analysed the challenges and policy options countries have to increase Private Sector financing in public infrastructure.

“Combining public and private capital and taking advantage of the efficiency and innovation of the Private Sector can make a huge difference,” said Jorge Familiar, World Bank Vice President for Latin America and the Caribbean.

“When well designed, PPPs bring greater efficiency and sustainability to public services,” he added. “As the Region emerges from six years of economic slowdown, PPPs can help it boost infra-

structure investments and strengthen the momentum for growth.”

The World Bank says most countries in the region have improved their legal and policy PPP frameworks in the last two decades, adding that 17 countries in the Region already have fully functional PPP units.

Currently, PPPs account for about 40 per cent of Latin America and the Caribbean’s yearly infrastructure commitments, although there is great variation across countries and in time, the Bank said.

Over the past 10 years, it said most PPPs in the Region have been greenfield investments, mainly in the energy sector. (Excerpt from CMC)

monDAY, may 8, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

15

Around the World

Macron wins French presidency, North Korea to sighs of relief in Europe detains US citizen

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mmanuel Macron was elected President of France on Sunday with a business-friendly vision of European integration, defeating Marine Le Pen, a far-right nationalist who threatened to take France out of the European Union.

The centrist’s emphatic victory, which also smashed the dominance of France’s mainstream parties, will bring huge relief to European allies who had feared another populist upheaval to follow Britain’s vote to quit the EU and Donald Trump’s election as U.S. president.

Pollsters’ projections gave Macron a winning margin of around 65 per cent to 35 – a gap wider than the 20 or so percentage points that pre-election surveys had suggested.

French President-elect Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Trogneux celebrate on the stage at his victory rally near the Louvre in Paris, France May 7, 2017 (Reuters/Christian Hartmann)

Even so, it was a record performance for the National Front, a party whose anti-immigrant policies once made it a pariah in French politics, and underlined the scale of the divisions that Macron must now try to heal.

“I know the divisions in our nation, which have led some to vote for the extremes. I respect them,” Macron said in an earnest address at his campaign headquarters, shown live on television.

“I know the anger, the

anxiety, the doubts that very many of you have also expressed. It’s my responsibility to hear them,” he said. “I will work to recreate the link between Europe and its peoples, between Europe and citizens.”

His immediate challenge will be to secure a majority in next month’s parliamentary election for En Marche! (Onwards!), a political movement that is barely a year old, in order to implement his programme.

President Francois Hollande, who first brought Macron into national politics, said the result “confirms that a very large majority of our fellow citizens wanted to unite around the values of the Republic and show their attachment to the European Union”. (Excerpt

from Reuters)

Kidnapped Frenchman freed in rescue mission in Sudan’s Darfur

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Frenchman who was kidnapped in Chad in March and taken to the Darfur area of Sudan has been rescued in a raid organised by France, Chad and Sudan and was handed over to French authorities on Sunday, Sudanese officials said.

They said the kidnappers had demanded an undisclosed ransom for Thierry Frezier, an employee of a French mining company operating in Chad.

He was abducted south of Abeche, a mining area about 800 kilometres (500 miles) east of Chad's capital, N'Djamena, and 150 kilometres from the border with Sudan.

Frezier arrived on Sunday morning in the Sudanese capital Khartoum, where he was handed over to French embassy officials at the airport.

"I was treated well during my kidnapping ... I thank the Sudanese civil

and military forces for my rescue operation," Frezier said.

The French President's office confirmed that he had been freed, without giving details of the rescue.

"The President of the Republic has learned with great satisfaction about the release of our compatriot who was abducted in eastern Chad and then taken by his captors to Sudan," it said in a statement.

Sudan has been working

City of Montreal declares state of emergency from flooding

with Chadian and French authorities for weeks to secure Frezier's release.

Mohamed Tabiedy, a spokesman for the Sudanese security and intelligence service, said the Frenchman had been freed in a rescue mission carried out in coordination with Chad and French intelligence. Five kidnappers were arrested in the raid and would be tried, he said, adding that no one was hurt. (Excerpt from Reuters)

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orth Korea says it has detained a US citizen on suspicion of "hostile acts" against the State.

Kim Hak-song worked at the Pyongyang University of Science and Technology (PUST) and was held on May 6, state-run news agency KCNA said.

Three other US citizens are currently held in North Korea, including Kim Sangduck, who had taught at PUST. The US has in the past accused North Korea of detaining its citizens to use them as pawns.

KCNA said that "a relevant institution" was "con-

Buhari vows support for freed Chibok girls

President Muhammadu Buhari (centre) pledging to ensure the girls’ “health, education, security and general well-being” [Stringer/

AFP]

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group of 82 girls held captive for three years by Nigeria’s Boko Haram have

Deadly attacks hit Indiaadministered Kashmir

Jean-Francois Perrault (centre) and Julie Theriault (left) move mattresses from a home in a flooded residential area in Gatineau, Quebec, Canada, May 7, 2017

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he city of Montreal declared a state of emergency on Sunday afternoon as floodwaters spread from torrential rains that have lashed the city since early on Friday, causing the worst flooding in decades, city officials said.

The state of emergency, which gives firefighters extra resources to battle the flooding, will be in place for 48 hours and the situation will be reviewed afterward. The city of Montreal said in a statement that it would take several days for the situation to get back to normal.

Across the Canadian province of

Quebec, 126 municipalities are now considered part of flood zones, and the number of homes hit by flooding is in the thousands, CBC News reported on Sunday.

In Montreal, the province's most populous city, 221 people have been flooded out of their homes, prompting Mayor Denis Coderre to urge residents to comply with evacuation orders, the officials said.

The Canadian military will deploy about 1200 troops to help deal with the flooding, CBC reported. Quebec Environment Minister David Heurtel described the rainfall as historic. (Reuters)

F

Protesters have increasingly clashed with Police in recent months [Farooq Khan/EPA]

ighters have carried out an attack in Indianadministered Kashmir that killed at least three civilians and a policeman, the latest violence to hit the valley, according to authorities.

They said one of the fighters was also killed while attacking Policemen clearing the site of a road accident late on Saturday near Kulgam district.

"A Police party was at the accident site when they were attacked.

In the crossfire, one Policeman

ducting [a] detailed investigation" into Kim Hak-song's alleged crimes.

It gave no further details.

A State Department official said Washington was "aware of reports that a US citizen was detained in North Korea", adding it would liaise with the Swedish Embassy in Pyongyang, which helps look after US interests in North Korea.

Kim Hak-song had previously described himself as a Christian missionary who intended to start an experimental farm at PUST, Reuters news agency reported, citing an online post by Kim. (Excerpt from BBC News)

and three civilians died. One of the attackers also died," a police source told the AFP news agency on Sunday.

Senior Police Officer SP Pani confirmed that a police unit came under fire on Saturday night as it reached a road accident site on a key highway connecting the valley with the rest of India.

In another Kashmir-related development, Pakistan's army said Indian troops shot and wounded at least four Pakistani villagers. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

met Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari in the capital Abuja on Sunday a day after they were released in a prisoner swap.

"I cannot express in a few words how happy I am to welcome our dear girls back to freedom," Buhari told the girls at his residence, a presidency statement said.

The girls were among a group of more than 200 schoolgirls kidnapped by the armed group Boko Haram, which has waged an eightyear insurgency against the Nigerian Government.

Buhari vowed help to the girls, pledging to "personally supervise" authorities charged with ensuring the girls' "health, education, security and general well-being".

The 45-meeting came shortly before Buhari left the country for London for a medical consultation amid concerns over his health, according to his spokesman Femi Adesina, who said the girls had now been "handed over to those who will supervise their rehabilitation".

Al Jazeera’s Ahmed Idris, reporting from Abuja, said: "A lot of people are happy, a lot of people are excited. But there is also anxiety... Everybody hopes that his or her daughter is part of the 82 who've come home now." (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

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monDAY, may 8, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

VOX POPULI

What the people say about

I SAY...

Raising teachers’ retirement age

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he recently-submitted findings and accompanying recommendations of the extensive Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the education sector were said to be “outside the parameters” of a key stakeholder, the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU). As such, the organisation has stated its outright condemnation of the proposal to increase teachers’ retirement age from 55 to 60, and possibly to 65. Guyana Times sought the views of several members of the public with regard to how they feel about the proposal.

Judy Gouveia, Teacher “I don’t think it is a good idea. I’ve been teaching for less than a year and I’m already tired, much less those teachers who’re patiently waiting to retire.

Teaching is a profession that gets more challenging by the minute with delivering the curriculum and dealing with the children, especially of this generation. I believe the Education Ministry’s expectations and wants are too much for teachers and retiring at 65 is not worth it.”

Orella Levans “I think that is preposterous. They did not work the Maths correctly; CPCE doles out almost 1500 teachers every two years.

How many teachers will retire during that period?

In addition, do you think a 60 or 65-year-old teacher would risk his or her life in a classroom contending with the indiscipline of the students of this generation?

Increasing the retirement age is absolutely a death warrant in the making for our invaluable teachers. And what will happen to those teachers who will graduate from college?

Gabrelle Cummings, Teacher-in-training

“As a teacher in training, I have learnt that being a teacher means you have to encompass many areas not only as an educator, but as a friend, counsellor and guide to the hundreds of students that we come into contact with.

This is taxing on the mental and physical health of not only myself, but on teachers from as long as I remember, even when I was a student. The idea to shift the retirement age from 55 to 60 or 65 is an act that means more years for young teachers to battle through the education system and mentally and physically worn teachers would have a negative impact on students, thus creating a cognitively distressed nation.”

Devi Manahru, Teacher at President’s College

“I think increasing the retirement age is preposterous.

Teachers already have so much headache with educating the students of today and they are expected to endure another five years? Teachers are already underpaid; now they have to work longer to enjoy their benefits? It should remain at 60, so that they can have an opportunity to enjoy the golden age of their lives. “

“They should retain them for as long as they can work as compared to letting the highly qualified teachers go to the private schools.”

Komal Chand, President of GAWU

Taneila Croal “Sixty to sixty-five? That’s a big no. Why should teaching be the only profession to have a retirement age from 60 to 65? Teaching is a very noble profession. The years served by any teacher are very much satisfying. Also, it is not likely for someone at that given age range – 60 to 65, to function too effective as if they were younger. So, the ideal age for retirement should stick at 55 to ensure effective learning takes place, [and] at the same time, allow for the flow of younger teachers to take over.

persons will be appointed, and this will definitely have implications when it comes to getting a promotion. It is also another way to reduce the benefits teachers are supposed to get. Currently, we haven’t received any uniform allowance and still we are expected to dress to suit the officials when they visit schools. Our salaries are small and instead of making sure teachers are paid a better salary, they are looking into our retirement age.

There are many other factors affecting the school and the children of the nation which need more urgent attention.

Life expectancy is also another aspect that should be considered before taking such a move. Increasing the retirement age has its pros and cons, but as a young teacher in the education system I don’t think it is a wise move.”

increasing the retirement age for teachers. However, what we actively fail to realise is that the teachers in those countries are happy, their voices are heard, amicable negotiations are made when problems arise and most importantly, they are paid a salary which, when compared to the pittance teachers in Guyana receive, is envy inducing. What incentive is there for a Guyanese teacher to work until 65 years of age?

What light is there at the end of the tunnel? Gratuity?

Which we receive after retirement? How about we focus on fixing the education system, rather than forcing a higher retirement age on teachers? What we currently have is workable. Colloquially put, “Doan push yuh luck. Yuh deh good, stay good.”

“The Commission that looked into matters concerning the public service recommended moving the retirement age to 60 for public servants, and I am in support of adjusting the retirement age [of teachers and public servants] to 60.

But 65 (should be based) on one’s fitness – this needs to be considered more, because fitness sometimes depend on subjective factors. Life expectancy has no doubt improved over the years and the stats have shown that. “

Ravin Sharma, Teacher “I think the retirement age should remain the same.

Increasing the age will cause a lot of unemployment, because the older persons will still be there in the workforce.

This will take jobs from the young population and stifle their career. Mostly, the senior

Leona Alexander “I think it is a good idea actually, because there are some teachers who would do well with the money earned in those five years. Yes, I agree, some teachers would not appreciate it…but I think it is a sound decision in the interest of those teachers who would benefit from the added five years.”

Nicolette Fredericks

Ronella Harris, Teacherin-training

“Sometimes as a nation, we must know when to draw the line. We oft compare our country to more developed places, and strive to replicate their doings such as

Caesar McAlmont “I think some teachers are very much effective even though they may attain the retirement age of 60. That has nothing to do with the amount of knowledge they possess. So, I see nothing wrong with moving the retirement age. But then again, it is up to that teacher if they want to go beyond age 65, because not everyone might be willing at that age.”

Vickeola Aaron, Teacher at Paramakatoi Secondary School

“Absolutely not! This should not be! Instead, it should be brought down to 50 from 55 as persons (more specifically teachers) as they age, tend to become forgetful,

agitated, sick. Thereby, I believe that the retirement age should be lowered, as I can directly relate to the stress that teachers endure on a daily basis. We should also note that teachers spend most of their teaching life trying to find new and effective methods of emitting information. The work is not done at the end of the school days, as there still needs to be lessons planned among other things. Teachers can be likened to the backbone of society, as they are the ones who strive towards moulding the nation’s children who determine the success of a country’s future. In that accord, I think they should be given off early so that they can be able to reap the benefits of their labour.”

news

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monDAY, may 8, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Guyana/Venezuela border controversy

Govt gives assurances to prospective UK investors

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wave of excitement has been started in the oil and gas industry following significant discoveries made in Guyana by US-based oil giant ExxonMobil in 2015.

However, some foreign investors are being deterred by Guyana’s ongoing border controversy with neighbouring Venezuela.

During a recent meeting with potential investors in the United Kingdom (UK), the Government of Guyana gave its assurance that the border issue would not impact the sector, and that issues currently facing the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela would not spill over the Guyanese border.

Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge, who along with President David Granger visited the UK and held several meetings with investors recently, said businesses sought information regarding the general framework and outlook for security in Guyana.

“We of course gave them the assurance, as we did with the other companies, that they can rest assured as far as (is) reasonable, (that) what is being experienced on the Guyana side of the border as regards the cross-border security, is stable. In other words, there is no reason to expect (that life) on the Guyana side of the border would be threatened in any way,” Greenidge told a recent media conference.

Venezuela has repeatedly claimed part of Guyana’s territory, in violation of internationally accepted treaties and international law. Their claims have always been rejected by Guyana, which holds that issues concerning its border with Venezuela have been settled by the arbitral award of 1899.

Vice-President Greenidge has reminded that the 1966 Geneva Agreement between Venezuela, Britain and Guyana has also provided for various mechanisms to resolve the controversy; one of which -- the United Nations Secretary General’s Good Officer Process -- has not yielded any progress for the past 25 years.

Guyana is now seeking relief through one of the options in Article 33 of the United Nations Charter. Those options include arbitration and juridical settlement of the issue.

Minister Greenidge has assured that Guyana will, under no circumstance, accept a simple bilateral agreement with Venezuela, which has broken the treaty that involved the United Kingdom and the United States.

Venezuela, with almost 40 times the population of Guyana and a territory that is

Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge

several times bigger, claimed, in 1968, the entire territorial sea of Guyana by means of the Leoni Decree, which has never been withdrawn.

For decades now, Venezuela has occupied the Guyana side of Ankoko Island, objected to the development of hydro power stations in Essequibo, and has been staunchly opposed to Guyana exploring for oil offshore and onshore its Essequibo territory.

The Venezuelan Navy had, in 2013, intercepted and detained a Malaysian seismic vessel that had been conducting surveys in an offshore concession granted by Guyana to the United Statesbased Anadarko Petroleum Corporation, causing that company to leave and never return.

There have also been incidents inland Guyana, with Venezuelan aircraft attacking vessels operating on the portion of the Cuyuní River that the arbitration court has awarded Guyana.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has recently appointed a new envoy to resolve the border controversy between Venezuela and Guyana. He has said he is ready to turn to the International Court of Justice to settle the issue if there is not substantial movement in that direction by end 2017.

Dag Halvor Nylander of Norway has been appointed to help broker a settlement until the end of 2017, with a strengthened mandate of mediation.

The controversy began heating up again in 2015 after a significant oil find was announced in an offshore concession granted by Guyana that Venezuela claims is in disputed waters.

If no progress is made toward a settlement by the end of 2017, Guterres will choose the International Court of Justice as the next means of settlement, unless the governments of Guyana and Venezuela jointly request that he refrain from doing so.

(Samuel Sukhnandan)

M&CC looking to transform plastic waste into mats

– in new initiative to target single mothers, unemployed women

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he Mayor and City Council (M&CC) plans to roll out a programme that will teach women to recycle plastic waste into mats, bags and other accessories, and encourage them to become entrepreneurs.

This initiative is one that will target single mothers, unemployed women, and women in general living in the city of Georgetown and surrounding communities.

M&CC Solid Waste Management Director Walter Narine told Guyana Times in a recent interview that the plan was to take the matter for debate at the Council to get final approval.

“Our hope at the municipality is that we have young single-parent mothers who are out of a job, we bring them in and teach them the technique. We will get the waste bags and have them serialised and give it to them, so they can make some money out of it,” he explained.

Narine said a demonstration was held at a recent health fair at the M&CC compound, and persons were impressed with the plans the Council has in place to assist unemployed

Director of Solid Waste Management at the Georgetown municipality, Walter Narine holding a mat made out of plastic bags during a recent demonstration exercise

women.

He said once approval was granted, he would take the idea to the Social Protection Ministry so that it could help to identify women in various communities in the city who could benefit from the initiative.

The M&CC official said Guyana was still struggling to find efficient ways of managing its waste problem and initiatives like this would help women find ways to earn an income and provide for their families.

Another initiative that will be launched soon by the M&CC is a composting drive that will see some 28 primary schools across the city in-

volved in recycling several waste products.

Narine told this publication that the objective of this initiative was to teach people, especially youths, how to make use of organic fertilisers using the composting mechanism.

He lamented that too often cooked food, fruits and vegetables waste were found around the city, explaining that these same items could be recycled into organic fertilisers.

“Placing food waste into a composting drum with some amount of moisture helps to break down the waste, and it will turn to soil or organic fertiliser which is high-

ly rich in nutrients,” he explained.

According to him, with this new initiative, importation of fertilisers could be reduced if more people become involved in this programme and produce fertilisers on a wide scale.

In many countries, particularly in Africa, wasteto-wealth programmes have been initiated to help create wealth, employment and help stimulate national consciousness of the power of science and technology.

Narine said both initiatives have the potential to create hundreds of jobs, but would require the collective effort of the M&CC and various Government Ministries to implement and maintain them.

He said they would not only help the State maintain a clean environment and a healthy citizenry, but also reduce waste in the landfills and create wealth among women.

They also have the potential to create a huge leap for wealth creation and environmental health in Guyana, as the authorities move from traditional landfill disposal to modes of waste management that are economically rewarding and socially responsible.

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guyanatimesgy.com

monDAY, may 8, 2017

ARCHIE

Keep a steady pace and an eye on what you must accom(March 21- plish. Letting personal matApril 19) ters deter you from taking care of your work responsibilities will leave you in an awkward position.

ARIES

Do your own thing and proTAURUS tect against anyone or any(April 20- thing that threatens you or May 20) your success. Subtle changes will help bolster your confidence and improve your position.

dilbert

Don’t wait for someone to GEMINI intervene in a situation or (May 21put pressure on you. Make up June 20) your mind and move in a direction that will help you live life your way.

Say little and do a lot.

Work quietly on your own and (June 21- accomplish your goals. Don’t July 22) let anyone meddle in your affairs or take advantage of your kindheartedness.

CANCER

Peanuts

An

open

mind

and

a

LEO warm-hearted approach to life (July 23- and the people you encounter Aug. 22) will help you keep bullies at arm’s length. Greater involvement in peace and environmental organisations is favoured.

Calvin and Hobbes

Contracts, agreements VIRGO and home improvements will (Aug. 23Sept. 22) spring up out of necessity. An unexpected expense should be dealt with smartly. Don’t overspend when you can find a way to cut corners and save.

Proceed with caution when LIBRA dealing with domestic prob(Sept. 23lems. Someone will be erratic Oct. 23) and will overreact without notice. Choose your words wisely, and exude diplomacy. Keep the peace and make love, not war.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

There will be plenty of unSCORPIO spoken words that will keep (Oct. 24you in the dark. When dealNov. 22) ing with contractual, financial and health issues, ask questions that are pertinent and will clear up confusion.

Get out and engage in SAGITTARIUS things you believe in and en(Nov. 23- joy doing. Set a schedule that Dec. 21) includes what motivates you, and start living life to its fullest.

When dealing with institu-

CAPRICORN tions or government agencies (Dec. 22- or traveling to foreign counJan. 19) tries, you should be cautious.

SATURDAY’S WORK

solution for Last Published Puzzle

Overreacting will not work out well. Sticking close to home and tidying up loose ends is a better alternative.

Make good and uphold an AQUARIUS old promise you made to your(Jan. 20self or someone from your Feb. 19) past. Attending a reunion or repaying an old debt will make you feel good. Romance is highlighted.

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

If you are honest about the PISCES past, it will be easier to face (Feb. 20the future.

Reconnecting with March 20) someone will have an impact on your life. A healthy sense of compromise will improve important relationships.

monDAY, May 8, 2017

19

India to participate in Champions Trophy I ndia confirmed their participation in next month’s Champions Trophy in England and Wales on Sunday after initially delaying the announcement of their squad over a revenue sharing disagreement with cricket’s governing body.

The dispute intensified when India failed to submit a squad for the one-day international tournament by an April 25 deadline after its cricket board (BCCI) was

authorised the acting honorary secretary of the BCCI to continue negotiations with the ICC in the best interest of the BCCI while keeping its legal options open,” the BCCI said after a special general meeting.

“The BCCI... unanimously decided that the Indian cricket team will participate in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy.

“The all-India senior selection meeting will be held tomorrow, May 8, in New Delhi

unable to stall a new income model being adopted by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

“The Board unanimously

to pick the team.”

At last month’s ICC meetings, the BCCI was outvoted 13-1 in its bid to halt the revised deal which

considerably slashes India’s share from global events in the 2015-23 cycle.

Unimpressed by the US$293 million forecast, down from the US$570 million it would have received under a 2014 arrangement, the BCCI responded by refusing to name a squad for the June 1-18 eight-team competition.

Acting BCCI secretary Amitabh Choudhary will now continue to negotiate with the world governing body to get a bigger share of ICC revenues during the next eight-year cycle.

“The ICC welcomes the unanimous decision from the BCCI special general meeting this morning to confirm the participation of defending champions India in next month’s Champions Trophy,” the ICC said in a statement to Reuters.

“The hundreds of millions of cricket fans around the

India had won the previous edition of the Champions Trophy, in June 2013 © AFP

world just want to see good cricket and now we can all look forward to a superb event in England and Wales starting on 1 June.”

The option to boycott the event by revoking the Members Participation Agreement (MPA) between the ICC and the BCCI had been gaining traction within the board prior to Sunday’s meeting despite a number of former players opposing any withdrawal.

The four Supreme Court-

Welbeck helps end United’s 25-match unbeaten run M anchester United’s 25-match unbeaten run was ended by Arsenal at Emirates Stadium as the hosts won 2-0 on Sunday.

Danny Welbeck helped end Manchester United’s 25-match unbeaten run in the Premier League, scoring Arsenal’s second in a 2-0 win over his former team which handed Arsene Wenger a first top-flight triumph over Jose Mourinho.

The Portuguese coach tempted fate by making eight changes from Thursday’s Europa League win over Celta Vigo and it ultimately backfired, with the hosts consigning them to their first league defeat since losing 4-0 to Chelsea in October.

After a particularly frenetic start which saw each side waste good opportunities, Arsenal looked the more purposeful going forward and spent long periods probing a stubborn United defence which included Premier League debutant Axel Tuanzebe.

But the best chance of the half fell to Wayne Rooney, who pounced on a defensive error before being denied by Petr Cech.

Arsenal ultimately took charge in the second half, though, with Granit Xhaka’s deflected strike breaking the deadlock, before Welbeck scored against his old club for the third time to effectively

“We wanted them to take a middle ground and strive for a negotiated outcome with the ICC,” a COA source told Reuters. “We are glad that we have achieved that and the team will play in the Champions Trophy.”

The top eight sides in the world rankings compete in the Champions Trophy with India winning the last edition in 2013. (Reuters)

RHTY&SC receives...

from page 23

Jaipaul Bharrat played his part with a timely donation

Danny Welbeck

wrap things up before the hour mark.

United rarely looked like battling back as Arsenal saw things out in professional fashion and gave their slender Champions League hopes a boost, while Mourinho and his men turn their attentions back to the Europa League semifinals after beating Celta 1-0 in Spain in the first leg.

The two sides produced a frenetic start and both went close inside the first eight minutes.

Arsenal were the first to be carved open, as Rooney fed Anthony Martial and the Frenchman saw his poked attempt turned around the post by Cech.

Alexis Sanchez then found Aaron Ramsey with an inchperfect pass a few moments later, only for David De Gea to brilliantly palm his effort past the right-hand post.

appointed administrators (COA), who currently supervise BCCI operations, however, instructed the board to ensure the team continued their preparations to defend their title.

The COA stepped in to try and end the dispute with the panel also meeting BCCI members on Saturday to remind them that a confrontational approach would not be in the board’s interests.

Things soon settled down and Arsenal became the dominant force, troubling United twice just before the half-hour mark.

Both chances fell to Welbeck, who first saw a sixyard effort crucially blocked

by Phil Jones following a corner, before Chris Smalling produced a similarly important intervention to get in the way of the striker’s first-time shot.

United should have made the breakthrough soon after, but Cech bailed out Rob Holding following a horribly misplaced backpass which was seized upon by Rooney.

Arsenal made the most of that let-off early in the second half and left United with a mountain to climb.

Xhaka broke the deadlock in fortuitous fashion in the 54th minute as his 30-yard drive took a wicked deflection off Ander Herrera and looped

over the helpless De Gea. And just three minutes later Welbeck put Arsenal two up, rising to meet Alex OxladeChamberlain’s right-wing cross with a fine header which found the net via the crossbar.

Mourinho attempted to claw United back into the contest by introducing Jesse Lingard and Marcus Rashford form the bench, but neither had a huge impact.

The visitors’ final throw of the dice saw 20-year-old attacker Scott McTominay thrown on for his Premier League debut six minutes from time.

Proceedings had long since lost any real tempo, though, and Arsenal comfortably held on to move to within two points of United and six of Manchester City, while the Gunners still have a game in hand on both. (Sportsmax)

The long serving RHTY&SC Secretary/CEO and the Speaker also discussed possible areas of cooperation including an article on Parliament in the Club’s 2017 Magazine, visit to Parliament by club members while the Speaker and his staffs were officially invited to visit the club in July.

Dr. Scotland in handing over the donation, praised the remarkable work of the RHTY&SC in making a difference in the lives of others and stated that he was pleased to assist in a small way. The Speaker then took the RHTY&SC delegation which also included Vice President Mark Papannah on a guided tour of Parliament Chambers.

Bharrat of Paul’s Importers disclosed that for years he has been an admirer of the outstanding work and achievements of the RHTY&SC, an organisation

he described as the best in Guyana. He congratulated the Management of the Club for their visionary leadership and also on the role they are playing in changing the lives of youths and less fortunate.

Speaking directly to the Club’s Secretary/CEO, he urged Foster to share his vast experience with Clubs across Guyana including Bharrat’s own Club, the Georgetown Cricket Club. Bharrat is one of several GCC members who are spearheading efforts to restore the historic Bourda Cricket Ground which has fallen into despair.

The Club Secretary/CEO readily accepted the invitation to share ideas with the Georgetown Cricket Club once a meeting can be arranged on a date suitable to both parties.

The combined donation of trophies and medals are valued at $100,000.00

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

monDAY, may 8, 2017

Royal Challengers Bangalore v Kolkata Knight Riders…

Narine demolishes RCB

K

with fastest IPL 50

o l k a t a K n i g h t Riders put lowly Royal Challengers Bangalore to the sword in thrilling fashion thanks to Sunil Narine on Sunday.

Sunil Narine equalled the record for the fastest half-century in the Indian Premier League as Kolkata Knight Riders romped to a record-breaking six-wicket win over rock-bottom Royal Challengers Bangalore.

The West Indies lefthander – not Sunil Narine previously Gayle’s noted for his d i s missal run-scoring prowset the tone ess – shone affor an underter internationwhelming inal team-mate nings from Chris Gayle had the hosts, flopped, racing to who were 50 off just 15 ded r a g ged liveries to mirror to a modest the feat of KKR colscore courleague Yusuf Pathan tesy of excelagainst Sunrisers lent contributions Hyderabad in from Mandeep 2014.

Singh (52) and I n Travis Head (75). s t a r k U m e s h contrast, Yadav’s 3-36 Gayle was included the out first ball scalps of Gayle in RCB’s total and skipper of 158-6, which Virat Kohli, the visitors – who while Narine climb to second – surpassed with 29 balls to had already made his mark spare, reaching numerous in the manner he is more milestones along the way in accustomed to by taking two wickets.

Bengaluru.

Kings XI Punjab v Gujarat Lions...

The real fireworks started once KKR went out to bat, with Narine suddenly looking every inch an opener, albeit against a bowling attack that lacked cohesion.

By the time Narine was dismissed with the first ball of the seventh over, he had bludgeoned six fours and four maximums to account for 54 of his side’s 106 runs, ably assisted by Chris Lynn (50).

Along the way KKR tallied the highest pow-

erplay score in IPL history, while also becoming the quickest to reach the 50 and 100 marks.

Of the RCB bowlers, Sreenath Aravind endured the greatest humiliation, conceding 26 runs off his solitary over.

Reflecting on his mantle as the unlikely dual holder of a batting record, Narine said: “I’m surprised too.

“Lynn just said keep your eyes on the ball, keep focused and swing at it. I try to keep it simple.

“I’ll hopefully get used to the expectations, but it really was a team effort.

Umesh’s wickets early especially were key and I’m thankful for it.” (Sportsmax)

SCOREBOARD Royal Challengers Bangalore innings (20 overs maximum) CH Gayle c Gambhir b Yadav 0 Mandeep Singh c Yadav b Narine 52 V Kohli* lbw b Yadav 5 AB de Villiers b Narine 10 TM Head not out 75 KM Jadhav† c Yadav b Woakes 8 P Negi c Lynn b Yadav 5 S Aravind not out 0 Extras (lb 1, w 2) 3 Total (6 wickets; 20 overs) 158 Did not bat: S Badree, A Choudhary, YS Chahal Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Gayle, 0.1 ov), 2-20 (Kohli, 2.5 ov), 3-34 (de Villiers, 4.4 ov), 4-105 (Mandeep Singh, 15.1 ov), 5-125 (Jadhav, 18.1 ov), 6-142 (Negi, 19.3 ov) Bowling: UT Yadav 4-036 -3 (1w), CR Woakes 4-0-39-1 (1w), SP Narine 4-0-29-2, AS Rajpoot 4-0-250, PP Chawla 2-0-13-0, C de 2-0-15-0 Grandhomme

Kolkata Knight Riders innings (target: 159 runs from 20 overs) CA Lynn b Negi 50 SP Narine c †Jadhav b Choudhary 54 C de Grandhomme st †Jadhav b Negi 31 G Gambhir* c Negi b Chahal 14 MK Pandey not out 4 not out 0 YK Pathan Extras (lb 3, w 3) 6 Total (4 wickets; 15.1 overs) 159 Did not bat: SP Jackson†, CR Woakes, UT Yadav, PP Chawla, AS Rajpoot Fall of wickets 1-105 (Narine, 6.1 ov), 2-107 (Lynn, 7.3 ov), 3-152 (de Grandhomme, 13.2 ov), 4-156 (Gambhir, 14.1 ov) Bowling: A Choudhary 2.5-1-19-1, S Badree 3-0-400, YS Chahal 4-0-39-1(1w), S Aravind 1-0-26-0 (2w), P 3.1-0-21-2, TM Head Negi 1.1-0-11-0

Sharapova to face Bouchard at Madrid Open

Five-time Grand Slam winner Maria Sharapova was banned for taking meldonium

M

aria Sharapova set up a match against Eugenie Bouchard with a first-round win at the Madrid Open on Sunday.

Canadian Bouchard called Sharapova “a cheater” prior to the Russian’s return to competitive action in April after a 15-month doping ban.

Bouchard, who beat Alize Cornet on Saturday, believes the five-time Grand Slam winner should be banned for life.

Sharapova beat Croat Mirjana Lucic-Baroni 4-6 6-4 6-0, which comes after reaching the semi-finals in Stuttgart.

The 30-year-old, who won this tournament in 2014, will take on world number 59 Bouchard on Monday. In October 2016, the Court of Arbitration for Sport said Sharapova was not an “intentional doper”.

“When you’re out of the game for a long time you just want to play as many games as possible,” said Sharapova.

World number two Angelique Kerber eased into round two with a convincing 6-4 6-2 win over Hungary’s Timea Babos. The German is

the top seed in the draw with world number one Serena Williams absent because the 23-time Grand Slam champion is expecting her first child.

Kerber’s form has been inconsistent this season, but she was rarely troubled in wrapping up victory in just over an hour on court. Caroline Wozniacki took nearly three-and-a-half hours on court to eventually overcome Monica Niculescu 7-5, 6-7, 6-4.

Sharapova’s conqueror in Stuttgart, Kristina Mladenovic, is also safely through after Croat Ana Konjuh retired when the French world number 17 levelled at one set all.

Russian eighth seed Svetlana Kuznetsova, a 2015 finalist in Madrid, cruised past compatriot Yaroslava Shvedova 6-4, 6-3.

Defending champion Simona Halep cruised past Kristyna Pliskova 6-1, 6-2.

However, home favourite and French Open champion Garbine Muguruza’s disappointing form this season continued as she was blown away 6-1, 6-3 by Switzerland’s Timea Bacsinszky.

(BBC)

Smith’s 74 dents Kings XI’s playoff chances H

ashim Amla has twice compiled scores of 104 for Kings XI Punjab in the IPL, but finished on the losing side on each occasion.

Kings XI Punjab once again failed to take advantage of a Hashim Amla century as their hopes of making the Indian Premier League play-offs were dented by a six-wicket defeat to Gujarat Lions in Mohali.

Amla struck 104 not out from 60 balls against Mumbai Indians on April 20, only to see his team beaten.

The South Africa batsman matched that score on Sunday before falling in the final over as the Kings XI posted a healthy total of 189-3.

Yet Punjab could not capitalise on Amla’s superb performance, a dismal showing in the field enabling Gujarat to make it home with two balls to spare.

Dwayne Smith was dropped twice on his way to 74 from 39 balls for the Lions, while there was also a let-off for skipper Suresh Raina (39) before Dinesh Karthik (31 not out) completed a successful chase in the company of Ravindra Jadeja.

The Kings XI therefore remain three

points outside the play-offs, with one game in hand on fourth-placed Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Amla could hardly have done more as he progressed serenely to his second hundred of the competition with the aid of eight fours and five maximums.

After Martin Guptill had fallen to Pradeep Sangwan in the first over, Amla put on 125 for the second wicket with Shaun Marsh (58) and continued to prosper after the Australian departed.

A flat six over cover in the final over took Amla to three figures, but he did not emerge for Gujarat’s chase after being hit on the toe by the next delivery from Basil Thampi, which trapped him lbw.

Smith gave the Lions a flying start in reply, taking advantage of reprieves on 42 and 51 as he dominated an opening stand of 91 with Ishan Kishan (29).

By the time Smith eventually fell to Glenn Maxwell, the Lions were in control and more sloppy fielding ultimately proved costly for the Kings XI despite Sandeep Sharma picking up two wickets in an economical 18th over. (Sportsmax)

SCOREBOARD Kings XI Punjab innings (20 overs maximum) M Guptill c Basil Thampi b Sangwan 2 H Amla lbw b Basil Thampi 104 S Marsh c Finch b 58 Kulkarni G Maxwell* not out 20 2 A Patel not out 3 Extras (w 3) Total (3 wickets; 20 overs) 189 Did not bat: WP Saha†, Gurkeerat Singh, MM Sharma, Sandeep Sharma, VR Aaron, T Natarajan Fall of wickets: 1-2 (Guptill, 0.5 ov), 2-127 (Marsh, 15.4 ov), 3-187 (Amla, 19.5 ov) Bowling: Sangwan 3-0-28-1, Kulkarni 4-0-24-1 (2w), Basil Thampi 4-0-48-1, Faulkner 4-0-43-0, Jadeja 2-0-19-0 (1w), Ankit Soni 3-0-27-0

Gujarat Lions innings (target: 190 runs from 20 overs) D Smith c Guptill b Maxwell 74 Ishan Kishan c sub (DA Miller) 29 b Natarajan S Raina* c Gurkeerat Singh b Sandeep Sharma 39 35 K Karthik† not out A Finch c †Saha b Sandeep Sharma 2 7 R Jadeja not out Extras (lb 3, w 2, nb 1) 6 Total(4 wickets; 19.4 overs) 192 Did not bat: JP Faulkner, DS Kulkarni, PJ Sangwan, Basil Thampi, Ankit Soni Fall of wickets: 1-91 (Ishan Kishan, 9.2 ov), 2-120 (Smith, 11.2 ov), 3-162 (Raina, 17.1 ov), 4-165 (Finch, 17.4 ov) Bowling: Sandeep Sharma 4-029-2 (1nb), M Sharma 4-035-0, Aaron 4-0-43-0, Patel 3-0-29-0, Maxwell 2-0-21-1, T Natarajan 2.4-0-32-1 (2w)

YELLOW PAGES

21

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GUYANATIMESgy.COM

mondAY, may 8, 2017

Guinness “Greatest of the Streets” Football Linden Zone…

Simon powers Dave and

A

Celina All-Stars to title

brilliant helmet-trick by Kenard Simon ensured crowd favourites Dave and Celina All-Stars empathically won the Linden Zone of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Football Championship in the wee hours of Sunday morning at the McKenzie Market Tarmac.

The All-Stars, who were arguably the top pick heading in the finale against Swag Entertainment inflicted a 5-0 thumping. Simon led the route by scoring in the 6th, 25th, 26th and 35th while Keon added the other in the 8th.

Swag Entertainment certainly lacked the style

It was a high- intensity final for the early stages until the All-Stars took a toll on Swag Entertainment

GFC settle score with Brazilian XI

and class to breach what was an air-tight defence by the All-Stars. From when Simon slipped the ball into the box from the right side, it became more of one-side show but still a treat for the sizable crowd in attendance.

For the win, the AllStars pocketed $400,000 and the championship trophy while Swag had to settle for $150,000 and their corresponding accolade; both teams are guaranteed a spot in the National Playoffs.

Meanwhile, in the third place fixture, Jermaine and Family Silver Bullets defeated 2016 Champions Team 25 by a 2-0 margin. It

ocal boxing referee/judge Richard Braithwaite and Ramona Agard on Sunday received official documentation which certified them as

By Michelangelo Jacobus

T

Guyana Boxing Association President Steve Ninvalle (left) hands over certificates to Richard Braithwaite (centre) and Ramona Agard. The two will don badges this weekend when the Caribbean Schoolboys and Juniors tournament is staged at the National Gymnasium

GFC marksmen Ralph Parris (left) and Mark Roache

ment his team’s grasp on the game. Despite trailing by two goals, the Brazilians tried to claw their way back into the game with a series of shots that were nonchalantly dealt with by the keeper.

Despite the soggy condition of the ground, the players still produced a worthy display in front of some 900 fans. Speaking to Guyana Times Sport after the match, Parris noted that his side had promised a win for the fans and a win for sponsor Copa Airlines. He thanked the fans for their support and noted that the team is coming along pretty well as they have developed chemistry.

Likewise, General Manager Faizal Khan noted Ralph Parris about to collect the ball to go on one of his many that it was a good game deattacking runs spite the weather and pointed out that while the team is still a young one, “it is all about development in bilant celebrations.

The Brazilian XI never seemed in the the sport as the players grow together as a game as they were almost lethargic in their unit”.

He also spoke of a possible third match motions failing to give the home team any scare. The second half resumed and it mir- between the two teams, adding that the rored the first with GFC continuing their next match would be for a trophy and possidominance with crisp passing and pressing. bly cash prizes. Khan said that this trophy Center back Mark Roache capitalized on a would be dubbed the “Copa Cup” in honour mistake by the opposition custodian to ce- of their sponsor.

Robin Adams (10th) and Jermaine Samuels (35th) who ensured they walked away with $75,000 while Silver Bullets secured $50,000 and their respective trophies.

With zones completed in Georgetown, West and East Bank Demerara, East Coast Demerara and Berbice, the championships will now move to Bartica in the second week of June, after which the National Play-offs will be held.

Braithwaite, Agard get AIBA accreditation L

‒ ease to 2-0 victory

he Georgetown Football Club (GFC) avenged their 3-0 defeat at the hands of the Brazilian XI by producing a dominant display to win 2-0 on home turf Saturday evening.

Still riding high from the sponsorship deal with Copa Airlines, GFC put on a classy display even though they were wasteful in front of goal, missing a plethora of chances.

The score-line should have been much bigger with at least five clear-cut opportunities not being converted.

In the opening minutes GFC’s wingers ran the Brazilian wingbacks ragged, as they produced attack after attack through the flanks. Hence it was no surprise that the first goal came from one such attack, a through ball over the top which striker, Ralph Parris showed remarkable skill and technique to take down, and then chip the goal keeper in the 30th minute to spark ju-

was

International Boxing Association (AIBA) One Star.

At a simple ceremony the two were presented with AIBA certificates, badges and referee books

by AIBA Executive Committee member and President of the Guyana Boxing Association Steve Ninvalle.

The pair was successful at exams held last year December in Barbados to become the only locals to be recognised One Star by AIBA.

Bolt gives NFL rookie“zero” chance of winning 40-yard race

W

orld’s fastest man Usain Bolt has given NFL Combine 40-yard dash recordholder John Ross “zero” chance of winning a race against him following the wide receiver’s bold comments two weeks ago.

Ross who clocked 4.22-seconds over the distance had claimed he could challenge the sprinter based on having faster foot contact with the ground, a metric often used to judge speed.

The Cincinnati Bengals first round pick already had that notion put under serious scrutiny a f t e r Te n n e s s e e s p r i nte r Christian Coleman

obliterated the mark with a 4.12-second 40yard dash of his own. Coleman’s personal best in the 100 metres is 9.95 seconds, a long way from Bolt’s personal best of 9.58. The sprinter was also skeptical of Ross’ challenge.

“Zero. Absolutely none,” Bolt told The Undefeated. “I think over the years people always aim to the top… I’ve learned something through the ranks.

It’s a ladder, but no one wants to climb the ladder.

Everybody just wants to get to the top of the ladder.”

“They always w a n t to beat me, but no.

No c h a n c e .”

John Ross and Usain Bolt

(Sportsmax)

guyanatimesgy.com

monDAY, may 8, 2017

Woodpecker Products Female 1st Division…

GCC ladies crowned

T

he Pizza Hut/GCC ladies were crowned champions of the Woodpecker Products Female 1st Division Outdoor Hockey league on Sunday evening as they drew their final game 1-1 against longtime rivals Woodpecker Hikers to win on points.

League MVP Sonia Jardine scored in the 13th minute of the game to give the GCC ladies the lead, however six minutes before fulltime, Hikers’ Nicolette Fernandes scored to bring the game level.

Earlier in the day GCC Spartans defeated Old Fort ladies 3-1 with Dominique de Groot scoring in the 10th minute, Sarah Klautky in 13th, Makeda Harding in the 30th while Minsodia Culpepper added her name to the scorers list in the 60th minute for Old Fort’s solitary goal.

Over in the Farfan & Mendes Males first Division Outdoor Hockey League, the Old Fort males edged out the Saints team 5-3 at fulltime. Jason Clarke only took 4 minutes to find the back of the net for Old Fort be-

FIFA Disciplinary Committee

amendment in spotlight

champions

T

Hikers (green) on the attack against GCC males at the National Stadium, Providence

fore scoring again in the 5th, Ascofu Simon added a third in the 7th and the 14th with Christopher Low Koon making it 5 in the 51st.

Scoring for the Saints were Hilton Chester in the 31st and Yonnick Peters in the 35th and the 57th minute.

In the final game of the day GCC males drew 3-3 with the Hikers men to go level on points. Jamarj Assanah opened his account for the hikers three minutes into the game while Dwayne Scott drew GCC level in the 15th minute with teammate

Kareem McKenzie scoring in the19th to put GCC in the lead. However, Andrew Stewart scored on the stroke of halftime (44th minute) to once again draw Hikers level. Shane Samuels would give Hikers a brief lead when he scored two minutes after half time (47th minute) Dwayne Scott would score in the last minute of the game (60th ) to draw the game for GCC. Hikers are now tied at the top with GCC, however a win or even a draw will ensure that they (Hikers) win the league.

hree members of the Executive Committee of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) will participate in the 67th FIFA Congress scheduled for Thursday at the Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre.

The team members are Wayne Forde, President of the GFF; Brigadier (ret.)

Bruce Lovell, First Vice President and Carmel Williams, Executive Committee Member who is also member of the Bartica Football Association (BFA).

Forde, in an invited comment, said that among the key agenda items are reporting on development projects and amendments to the FIFA Disciplinary Code.

“The FIFA Development Department will be reporting on the status of many of the development projects which they have. The GFF

West Indies

remain unchanged for series decider T

he Jason Holder led West Indies Test team are in search of a rare series win and the Selection Panel of Cricket West Indies have decided to stick with the 13-member squad ahead of the third and deciding Test against Pakistan at Windsor Park, Dominica, starting on Wednesday.

The squad remains the same from the initial match of the Brighto Paints hosted Q Mobile Cup Series which is currently tied 1-1.

Rebounding from a humiliating defeat by seven wickets in the first Test at Sabina Park, the lads from the Caribbean manage to pull off a stunner to win by 106 runs on a degrading fifth-day pitch at Kensington Oval on Thursday and will be aiming to prevent their Pakistani counterparts from creating history with a first series win in the West Indies.

The inexperience unit will have to shoulder a massive responsibility as they aim to keep history on their side.

If given another opportunity the Guyanese duo of Shimron Hetmyer and Vishaul Singh will have to up their games while Kieran Powell and Shai Hope should be able to prove why they are being selected to play at the highest level.

23

If given an opportunity to play in the Dominica Test, Shimron Hetmyer will have another chance to prove his worth

Vishaul Singh will want to show that he is made to play cricket at this level especially with the England tour coming up in July/ August

Kraigg Braithwaite has disappointed so far in the series with a mere 66 runs from four innings. If West Indies are to prevent a series defeat an important innings from him would be important.

West Indies bowling has been threatening throughout the series and is expected to play a significant role in this match. However, leg spinner Devendra Bishoo must be more consistent against the Pakistani batsmen.

The squad reads; Jason Holder (Captain), Devendra Bishoo, Jermaine Blackwood, Kraigg Brathwaite, Roston Chase , Miguel Cummins, Shane Dowrich, Shannon Gabriel, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Kieran Powell, Vishaul Singh Team Management Unit; Stuart Law (Head Coach), Joel Garner (Team Manager), Roddy Estwick (Assistant Coach), Toby Radford (Assistant Coach), Andre Coley (Assistant Coach), C.J. Clark (Physiotherapist), Ronald Rogers (Strength & Conditioning Coordinator), Jeffrey Gay (Massage Therapist), Dexter Augustus (Video Analyst), Philip Spooner (Media Manager)

Guyana Football Federation President Wayne Forde

National Training Centre is one such project even though it will not be reported on. It is scheduled to go before the Development Committee at the end of May. “ Meanwhile, this is the first time the BFA will be participating in the FIFA Congress and Williams has expressed her pleasure with this move: “I feel honoured to be selected to participate in the FIFA Congress and I hope I can do the football fraternity, including my Association, well.”

She added that it is her

Carmel Williams

hope that knowledge sharing in best-practices can be achieved to enable the development of football in her Association. As part of the programme of activities of the Congress will be a FIFA Football Tournament, which will be played on Wednesday, May 10 at 19:00hrs at the Bahrain National Stadium.

The Tournament will include the participation of teams from all six FIFA Confederations, the FIFA team and the Bahrain FA Team.

RHTY&SC receives boost from Speaker of National Assembly, Paul Importers

Speaker of National Assembly Dr Barton Scotland hands over his donation to Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster

T

he continuing effort of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, M.S to offer sports, culture and education as an alternative to a life on the road for youths recently received a major boost when Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Scotland and Jaipaul Bharrat of Paul’s Importers located in Garnett Street, Campbellville made major contributions.

Dr. Scotland donated two large trophies and a large collection of medals while Paul Importers donated a large carton of trophies.

Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster who received both donations disclosed that as part of the RHTY&SC highly

successful Say NO/Say Yes campaign, dozens of sporting, educational and cultural events would be held and the trophies along with the medals would be shared out as prizes.

The events would include public speaking, essays, debates, spelling bee, cricket, basketball and football tournaments.

The energetic Club official informed Dr. Scotland that the RHTY&SC is the only youth and sports organisation in the history of Guyana to have ever received a National Award and disclosed that to date a total of 206 have been successfully completed out of the proposed 500 programmes/activities the Club have set itself for 2017. continued on page 19

MONDAY, MAY 8, 2017

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Guinness "Greatest of the Streets" Linden Zone…

Pg 22

Simon powers Dave and Celina All-Stars to title The new champions! Dave and Celina All-Stars Captain Kenard Simon collects the championship trophy from Banks DIH Linden Branch Manager Shondel Easton in the presence of Guinness Brand Manager Lee Baptiste (right) and Banks DIH Outdoor Events Manager Mortimer Stewart (second from right) at the Mackenzie Market Tarmac

Woodpecker Products Female 1st Division…

GCC ladies crowned Pg 23

champions Champions! The Woodpecker Products Female 1st Division league winners Pizza Hut/GCC are all smiles at the National Stadium, Providence

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