Guyana times october 27 ,2017 new

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

Issue No. 3374

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Friday, October 27, 2017

Teachers to go on STRIKE! Page 3

PRICE

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

GECOM Chair sleight of P14 hand masks pay increase deception

...walk out of salary talks with Govt

Int’l community eyes GECOM fallout Page 2

56 girls from Mae’s receive HPV vaccine Page 9

Police hunting Tuschen youth who escaped from custody P14

Recaptured prison escapee jailed for trafficking P8 narcotics

SOCU swoops down on GEA …as part of fuel purchase probe

P7

‘Don’t be scared’: A father supports his daughter while she receives her HPV vaccine at the Mae’s school in Georgetown on Thursday (Carl Croker photo)

Man found guilty of sexually assaulting 7-year-old boy

Page 8

Moblissa man sentenced to 30 years for killing stepsister, P5 nephew

2 news

friDAY, october 27, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Int’l community eyes GECOM fallout T

he international community is paying keen attention to the public furore that has erupted over the unilateral appointment of retired Justice James Patterson by Head of State, President David

Granger, who, in the process, snubbed the 18 persons nominated by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo.

The unpopular decision by the President has led to widespread condemnation from sections of civil soci-

ety, including the religious and business communities.

US Ambassador to Guyana, Perry Holloway, in brief remarks earlier this week, told Guyana Times he would reserve full comments after completely re-

viewing the process, but remarked that it was a process that must be owned by Guyanese.

“I will have some comments on that [the appointment] when I understand it better,” he noted.

Indian High Commissioner Venkatachalam Mahalingam

US Ambassador Perry Holloway

When questioned over his assessment of the democratic process surrounding the appointment, the US Ambassador suggested that locals should be the ones to assess what was transpiring.

“I’m watching it in action; Guyanese should be assessing it,” Holloway stated.

Another key bilateral partner is India, whose High Commissioner V e n k a t a c h a l a m Mahalingam, while also being cautious in his disclo-

sures, noted that his country too was observing the activities that were following the controversial appointment.

“We are seeing the process that is taking place, and we are closely observing what is happening and what kind of debate is going on regarding the appointment of the GECOM (Chairman),” High Commissioner Mahalingam told this publication on Tuesday during the United Nations Day activity in Guyana.

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

3 Teachers to go on STRIKE!

Tuesday, October 24 – 05:00h-06:30h and Wednesday, October 25 – 08:30h-10:30h.

...walk out of salary talks with Govt

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

By Jarryl Bryan

news

friDAY, october 27, 2017 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

Tuesday, October 24 – 06:30h-08:00h and Wednesday, October 25 – 07:00h-08:30h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunny intervals in the early morning hours are expected to give way to thundery to heavy rain showers throughout the remainder of the day. Thundery showers can be expected in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 25 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Ranging from Easterly to East North-easterly between 1.34 metres and 3.02 metres.

High Tide: 06:47h and 18:57h reaching maximum heights of 2.49 metres and 2.53 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 00:21h and 12:33h reaching minimum heights of 0.49 metre and 0.53 metre respectively.

ers of certain categories. A lot of teachers are retiring now, and they can’t get the benefits there. So I would urge that the Government meet urgently with those teachers and continue to have the discussions surrounding an agreement that would look at all those benefits the teachers enjoyed,” he stated.

I

n a new twist, an unsatisfied delegation from the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) staged a walk out on officials of the Education Ministry during a meeting on Thursday to discuss a proposed multi-year agreement.

Present at the meeting were Education Minister Nicolette Henry, Chief Education Officer Marcel Hutson and team, while the Union had its President, Mark Lyte; General Secretary Coretta McDonald and other union members.

According to the Ministry in a statement after the meeting, the walkout was prompted

by Minister Henry informing the Union that Government could only offer teachers the same increases it offered all public servants.

“Teachers being public servants, therefore, will also benefit from the proposed wage increases,” the Ministry said.

“Dissatisfied with the response, the GTU President decided that the meeting should not continue and together with his colleagues left the boardroom thereby leading to

Frustrated

GTU members as they walked out of the meeting with the Education Ministry

aspect of the agreement, but those pleas were not heeded.”

“Following the meeting, Minister Henry reiterated that at this point in time, the Government of Guyana is proposing to all of its public servants, including teachers, increases which have been made public,” the Ministry noted.

Strike

When contacted by Guyana Times, Lyte stated that the walkout resulted from the Government not addressing the Union’s substantive proposal. While noting that they remained open to talks with the Government, Lyte re-

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The two sides as they sat down for the meeting

a premature end of the discourse.”

According to the Ministry, the GTU had informed them it had no problem with the Government’s approach to non-financial issues, based on the last meeting the Union had with officials. The problems reportedly arose from the financial aspect of discussions which included salary increases, debunching, allowances and duty-free concessions.

“What should be noted is the fact that even as the GTU President Mr Lyte stood up to truncate the meeting, all other members of the Union remained seated, including the General Secretary of the Union, Ms Coretta McDonald.

McDonald suggested to Mr Lyte to sign the non-financial

vealed that the Union would be commencing countrywide strike action from next week.

“The talks were specific to proposals from the Union two and a half years ago. The Minister, in her chairing of the meeting, subsequently tried to treat with matters outside of the purpose of the meeting.”

“Also, the Minister bluntly indicated during the five minutes or so the meeting lasted that the teachers would get the same that was offered (to) public servants, without even talking about what we proposed,” Lyte claimed, adding that the Government’s “imposition” would not be accepted this time around.

That being said, Lyte stated that a countrywide strike was expected to commence by next Friday. This, according

to the GTU President, is to allow enough time to ensure the membership is properly notified.

“Even in that interim, we are still open for something definitive to be put before us in terms of our proposal. (But) I take having the Minister trying to sideline the discussion this afternoon as an indication that the Administration was not prepared to treat with the proposal put forward.”

Agreement

It was only on Wednesday that Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo had thrown his support behind the GTU and called for Government to have a sitdown with the Union. The Union had recently threatened strike action over frustrated efforts to negotiate salary increases.

Jagdeo had expressed his support for a new agreement and had lauded the previous agreement which he noted gave teachers a number of benefits. In light of this, Jagdeo had urged that the Government make meeting with the teachers a priority.

“Teachers have been calling for two and a half years now to have another agreement similar to the five-year agreement that they had with us that had many benefits, for example money set aside for housing for teachers and duty-free concessions for teach-

At a press conference last week, Lyte had been critical of Government refusing to act on proposals for salary increases and benefits. In retaliation for this inaction, he had said the GTU would be calling out its members to engage in strike action.

Lyte said that after more than two years, officials at the Education Ministry remain reluctant to have a sitdown with the Union and discuss debunching payments. He had noted that the teachers were becoming more frustrated by the day, and warned of the consequences if the teachers decided to down tools to make their voices heard.

“Another budget would be presented, and we have not come to an agreement for the proposal. We believe that this is disrespectful and comes in direct contravention to the labour agreement (in effect) between the Ministry and the Union, and it is a clear fact that this Administration is not seeking to properly remunerate our teachers,” Lyte had said.

The issues of concern to the Union include the stagnated negotiations between the GTU and the Education Ministry. The negotiations focused on, among other things, increased teachers’ remuneration and outstanding payments.

Additionally, the Union had expressed concern about a memorandum that could see teachers having to work during their designated lunch period.

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guyanatimesgy.com

friDAY, october 27, 2017

Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, sales@guyanatimesgy.com

The looming shadow of dictatorship

A

ttorney-at-Law and former Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall, is contending that “not unacceptable”, as per the constitutional requirements for guiding the choice of chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), means that Presidents of Guyana are not required to find a person on a list, presented to him/her by the Leader of the Opposition, who is ‘acceptable’ as an individual acceptance, but has to make a choice of someone whom he considers fit the requirements of Article 161 of the Constitution of Guyana.

This opens the door for compromises in the national interest. It is quite possible that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Presidents, and even former President Desmond Hoyte, when faced with having to make that choice, even if reluctant and not fully comfortable with the list of names presented to them, they did not digress from the Carter Centre formula, which paved the way for a smooth appointment of Chairmen of GECOM since elections of 1992.

The current imbroglio over the choice of a GECOM chairman could have been avoided if President David Granger had acted in good faith and chosen a chairman from the nominees submitted by the Opposition Leader, all of whom were well-respected Guyanese who have served in various capacities that required the stamina – mental and physical, for the arduous responsibilities mandated to the GECOM Chairman.

Obviously, his unilateral pick, after rejecting 18 eminent Guyanese, has been found wanting of many qualities required of a person who is chosen to lead Guyana into initially Local Government Elections, then General Elections that are due in 2020.

Clearly defined in the Constitution is the onus to find someone who is “not unacceptable” to him. The fact of his rejecting so many well-respected, highly-accomplished, eminently suitable members of Guyanese society as ‘not acceptable’ is a direct assault on the professional integrity of the persons whose names were proffered on the three lists submitted by former President and current Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo.

No President, or anyone for that matter, can violate a country’s Constitution without serious consequences; and the President’s mandate to appoint a GECOM chairperson is circumscribed by Article 161 of the Constitution of Guyana. President Granger is, therefore, bound to make that choice from the list – ideally the first list, presented to him by the Opposition Leader.

When the President requested the Opposition Leader to submit a list of names suitable for the position of chairman of GECOM, he was binding himself to submission to Article 161 of the Constitution of Guyana. However, his subsequent actions and rhetoric, culminating in the high-handed unilateral imposition of a chairman of his choice on the nation, drew the ire of Guyanese across all the divides, including some prominent members of his own party, which has precipitated a legal challenge to the appointment of Justice Patterson, clandestinely done at a time and on a day that pre-empted any legal action to forestall this indisputable assault on Guyana’s Constitution.

It is highly likely that this battle will reach the Caribbean Court of Justice, and this time it will be a battle between the nation and the State, because only a holistic approach by the widest stakeholder aggregate can achieve the sustained sacred bastion of democracy in our nation. This assault on the highest level representing our fledgling democracy has to be repelled; and this is not a political issue, but a national dilemma.

Only those au fait with the decades when our freedoms were held hostage can recognise the gravity of this looming national disaster.

Our freedoms were hard fought for and dearly won, even at the cost of the lives of freedom-fighters. Our freedom-fighters today need to engage in battle on every front – especially in the streets, at international and national fora and in the courts. Without a victory over this dire threat to Guyana’s democracy, our nation is doomed forever to live under the shadow of dictatorship.

While photographing in Tanzania's Serengeti National Park, National Geographic Your Shot photographer Sonalini Khetrapal came across a group of cheetahs feasting on a springbok. "It was fascinating to watch the brothers intermittently embrace each other and lick the blood off each other’s faces while the mother kept guard," she says. "This photograph captures the harshness of the wild, and yet softens us to witness the strong bond between the brothers."

Guyanese are not stupid, Mr President Dear Editor, As a sure sign and certainty, the handwriting is on the wall for Guyana; that is: the death knell for democracy in this country. President Granger, by his installation of an almost 85-year-old retired judge to the post of GECOM Chairman, has finally put another nail in the proverbial coffin of this fair country. He has highhandedly, and in a flagrant disregard for the Constitution, installed a puppet in the position of GECOM Chairman.

With the selection of Mr Patterson, the President has violated the tenets of the Carter Formula in its entirety. And here's my point: though Mr Patterson has fulfilled the requirement of the law in being a judge who has practised in another jurisdiction within the Commonwealth, he is

still unfit by a preponderance of evidence to the contrary.

In the first place, he is very close to the party in power; too close for my liking. Having been an ‘old PNC boy’, there is nothing left to imagine where we are going with this appointment.

In other circumstances, this man is in failing health, coupled with the fact that he is at present an employee of the Government (Advisor to the Attorney General).

These and other yet-tobe-unearthed facts make Mr Patterson not a fit and proper person. You cannot convince me that this man's judgment would not be compromised. That is a definite certainty! It behooves us to believe also that the upcoming general elections would see massive rigging if he is

at the helm of the electoral body. But I shall return to that statement a little later.

In all the flurry of discussion on the "most suitable" candidate for the job, most writers have forgotten one key factor: Would that person be fair in all their handling of the business of the Commission? That's the million-dollar question that the Opposition is fearful of, and to which most writers are not facing up to.

Would he be fair?

Absolutely not! And no amount of rhetoric coming from the Government side can erase that from our thoughts. Common sense dictates that Granger's rejection of 18 names only to handpick a known party loyal erodes every doubt that Patterson would be fair.

Having rejected 18 names in favour of an almost 85-year-

old man, Granger is solidifying his position that this man would be there to seek out his interests and ensure that things turn out the way he wants them to be. The President wants someone in whom he can trust.

And this brings me back to the point I raised earlier, an election is looming on the horizon. Sure enough, that is his next move. With the hasty putting together of a Chairman, there is every indication that Mr Granger is planning a snap election, to catch the Opposition off guard. So Guyana, prepare for another bombshell in a snap election.

But I must tell you this, Mr President: Guyanese are not stupid, we are watching and judging your every move.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

These signs of unfair competition unhealthy, very disturbing Dear Editor, The PPP/C continues to express its grave concerns about the unfair and unhealthy developments as it relates to the procurement process to identify the contractor for the new Demerara River crossing. We have expressed concern as it relates to the decision made and publicly announced that the extended deadline for the submission of bids for the pre-qualification of contractors had moved from a date in October to a new date in November.

We continue to express our concern as it relates to this model of “Finance, Build, Operate and Maintain”, as

against the “Build, Own, Operate and Transfer” (BOOT). Enough is still not known as it relates to this new model where the contractor is also expected to be the investor. Our concerns are currently heightened with our recent access to reliable information of the “backroom wheeling and dealing” that involves Ministers and senior political operatives in the APNU/AFC coalition Administration and potential investors/contractors to ensure a pre-determined outcome.

These signs of unfair competition are unhealthy and very disturbing; this is the foundation of corrupt

transactions. Our sources have indicated that there is sufficient traceable evidence of frequent and unhealthy engagements between Ministers and APNU/ AFC political operatives and certain companies long before the closing date for submission of bids for pre-qualification. It is clear that the contract will be awarded to either a known Chinese company with a strong presence in Jamaica or a Dutch consortium that has done work in Suriname. As a result, we shall be closely monitoring the results of this process.

The PPP/C urges the project management team to be steadfast in their profes-

sionalism during the evaluation process and not allow their integrity to be compromised by political decisions.

The evaluators also must have the strength of character to rebuff political interference or direction.

We promise to continue to fulfil our responsibilities to expose corruption in the Government sector and to protect the Guyanese people’s interest and prevent the rape of our country by such “sweetheart deals”.

APNU+AFC, we will hold your feet to the fire.

Sincerely yours, Bishop Juan Edghill, MP

friDAY, october 27, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

5

News

Masked cutlass bandits rob Moblissa man sentenced to 30 years for killing stepsister, nephew Chinese supermarket at Canje – duo slaughtered after accusing him of rape

T

wo Chinese nationals were on Wednesday evening terrorised after masked and armed bandits carried out a brazen robbery on a supermarket at Canje, Berbice.

The men carrying cutlasses stormed the establishment located at Lot 109 Number 2 Village, East Canje, Berbice.

At the time, Zhou Chunmine, 26, was about to close the supermarket, which he operates with another Chinese national.

According to reports received, the two armed men walked into the supermarket and upon entry, one went straight to the cash register, stretched his hand over and removed what is believed to have been the day’s sales.

The bandits also managed to cart off a bag containing $210,000. One of the men demanded more money, while the other stood guard. During the ordeal,

By Shemuel Fanfair

A The Chinese supermarket where the robbery took place

the bandit who was keeping guard collected in excess of $100,000 in phone cards.

Guyana Times understands that Zhou and his uncle China Sang, 43, had earlier placed the bag with cash and phone cards under a quantity of wood in a storeroom.

One of the owners was still in the storeroom, and was on a ladder when the store was attacked.

After committing the

robbery, the bandits escaped on foot.

This publication was informed that one of the men received several chops during the robbery and was taken to the New Amsterdam Hospital, where he was treated and sent away.

Meanwhile, Police have since been able to obtain surveillance footage of the robbery and several persons have been questioned.

lmost four years after he stabbed his stepsister and her son to death while they were asleep, 21-year-old Orin Rodrigues was handed two 30-year prison sentences on Thursday by Justice Brassington Reynolds at the Demerara High Court for the heinous crimes. The stabbing incident stemmed from an accusation that he had sexually assaulted a female relative at Moblissa, Linden/Soesdyke Highway.

Earlier this month, Rodrigues pleaded guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter and admitted that on November 30, 2013, he killed Molly James and her 15-year-old son, Aaron James. At the sentencing, Rodrigues incessantly begged for mercy, claiming that he was sorry for what he had done.

“I sorry sir for what happened; I wish I could bring back the family, I’d like you to have mercy on me. In prison, I does pray to God and I

Self-confessed double-killer Orin Rodrigues will spend the next 30 years behind bars (Carl Croker photo)

normally pray for the [victims’] family. I got love for everyone,” Rodrigues told the court.

His probation report, which was presented by Senior Probation Officer Michelle Small, detailed the difficult circumstances under which the killer was raised, which was underscored by his parents’ separation. The court heard that Rodrigues left school at Primary Three

(Grade Five) and was deprived of basic welfare needs. He was born in North West District, Region One (Barima-Waini) but relocated to Moblissa at age 10 with his mother and stepfather, who were farmers.

Rodrigues, who was just 17 years old at the time of the killings, was described as quiet, anti-social and would imbibe with relatives. Probation Officer Small reported that heavy alcohol use affected his family and the wider community. The officer’s research also revealed that since the death of Molly and Aaron, the boy’s father drank even more heavily and was eventually killed in a motor vehicular accident, which put a strain on the couple’s other children.

Rodrigues’ Attorney, Maxwell McKay said his client has been taking remedial classes to learn to read and write. He had also asked for a reasonable sentence for the young man to better himself and add to society.

Turn to page 8

Burnham’s policies had plunged Guyana into an economic abyss Dear Editor, As of late, laudable exhortations portraying Forbes Burnham as a prophet of so-called social cohesion in Guyana are risible, to say the least.

Burnham was a megalomaniac whose policy plunged the country into an economic abyss. Aversion to everything British, and lacking thoughtfulness; large scale nationalisation, and replacement of qualified and able personnel with lackeys whose only qualification was their card-bearing membership of the PNC was more visceral than gravitas. During Burnham’s dictatorship, the economic, social and moral conditions of the Guyanese people can rationally be encapsulat-

ed as the darkest period of post-independence Guyana.

This argument is supported by the following incontrovertible facts: The blatant rigging of elections for two decades was well documented by the British Granada Television. In this expose, non-existent Guyanese voters were deemed to be domiciled in cemeteries in Britain and other non-verifiable addresses.

During Burnham’s time, systemic kicking down of doors of East Indian family dwellings was the norm, and this scourge led to mass migration of these hapless people. Far from being a person of social cohesion, Burnham and his ilk nurtured the concept of racial primacy based on the

authoritarian idea of party paramountcy. This vile doctrine was so entrenched that it accelerated racial fear rather than racial harmony. Assault on the Rule of Law and coercion of judges made the independence of the judiciary a mockery to the point that one of the pre-eminent jurists, Akbar Khan, found it necessary to migrate.

Dishonesty, manipulation, intimidation, and boldness in his opportunistic utterances prompted Sir Nigel Fisher (Duncan Sandy’s deputy) to characterise Burnham as “twisted as a cork-screw”. To intimidate the populace, Burnham harboured the crime fugitive Rabbi Washington, whose reign of terror was

all-pervasive.

In one of his pre-independence talks in London, Burnham used increasingly stringent language in his denunciation of the East Indian entrepreneurial community. Cheddi Jagan, when asked informally to comment on Burnham’s chutzpa, resisted with evasion and sophistry.

All in all, the PNC under Burnham was the apotheosis of racial and social strife: and this perception remains haunted in the collective consciousness of the people. So much for social cohesion!

The sycophants and apologists of Burnham cannot honestly palliate the wrongs of the Burnham regime. With cunning, they

We are witnessing a carnival of hate Dear Editor, As someone who studies race, ethnicity and politics, I am aware of the insidiousness of ethno-racial feelings, particularly in relation to politics and political power.

I know how deep those feelings run among Guyanese; but I am afraid that, as a collective, we Guyanese allow ourselves to be so consumed by these feelings that we have become blind to reason and human decency.

The blatant unreason that I have read and heard from both sides of the political divide in relation to President Granger’s recent

appointment of the GECOM Chairperson has led me to the conclusion that Guyana has lost its mind. The vitriol and hate that have been heaped on President Granger, Bharrat Jagdeo, Joe Singh, Christopher Ram, Henry Jeffery, Ralph Ramkarran, Freddie Kissoon, PM Moses Nagamootoo and others are way beyond the pale. This is not how sane people disagree and debate; we have lost it.

There is no debate over issues; we are witnessing a carnival of hate. Just listen to Mr. Jagdeo carrying on at his press conference,

and then read the AFC's response to him, and you see how depraved our public discourse has become. Or read the vicious comments on the blogs and on Facebook, and you realise that we are becoming a sick society.

Because a lot of the socalled defence of, and opposition to, President Granger’s action is based on pure ignorance of the law and politics, the proponents end up trading race hate and unreason. It is clear that we have learned nothing from our own recent history; or we are ignorant of it, or don’t care about how it has disfigured

our country.

It seems that half of our nation doesn’t care where the present Government takes us, so long as we keep Jagdeo and the PPP out of power, while the other half doesn’t care what the PPP does to our psyche, so long as that party returns to power at the next election.

And dictatorial governance thrives on the blindness and unreason of citizens. We are committing Guyana to becoming the saddest county on earth.

Respectfully, David Hinds

devise dubious claims of Burnham’s place in Guyana’s history. It is worthy to note that the present state of lawlessness, corruption, bribery, suicide, domestic violence, day-time robbery and violation of the Constitution is a continuum of an inherited past; and such moral squalor is

only fascinating for its repugnance. Editor, to write of Burnham’s legacy would occupy volumes, and no effort to glorify the period of Burnham’s rule would find sanction in an informed and elevated mind.

Respectfully, Albert Khan

6

friDAY, october 27, 2017

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guyanatimesgy.com

Foundation Diet and physical activity:

what’s the cancer connection?

H

ow much do daily habits like diet and exercise affect your risk for cancer? Much more than you might think.

Research has shown that poor diet and not being active are two key factors that can increase a person’s cancer risk. The good news is that you do something about this.

Besides quitting smoking, some of the most important things you can do to help reduce your cancer risk are: Get to and stay at a healthy weight throughout life.

Be physically active on a regular basis.

Make healthy food choices with a focus on plantbased foods.

The evidence for this is strong. The World Cancer Research Fund estimates that about 20 per cent of all cancers diagnosed in the US are related to body fatness, physical inactivity, excess alcohol consumption, and/ or poor nutrition, and thus could be prevented.

Control your weight

Getting to and staying at a healthy weight is important to reduce the risk of cancer and other chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes. Being overweight or obese increases the risk of several cancers, including those of the breast (in women past menopause), colon and rectum, endometrium (the lining of the uterus), oesophagus, pancreas, and kidney, among others.

Being overweight can increase cancer risk in many ways. One of the main ways is that excess weight causes the body to produce and circulate more oestrogen and insulin, hormones that can stimulate cancer growth.

What’s a healthy weight?

One of the best ways to get an idea if you are at a healthy weight is to check your Body Mass Index (BMI), a score based on the relationship between your height and weight. Use our easy online BMI calculator to find out your score.

To reduce cancer risk, most people need to keep their BMIs below 25. Ask your doctor what your BMI number means and what action (if any) you should take.

If you are trying to control your weight, a good first step is to watch portion sizes, especially of foods high in calories, fat, and added sugars. Also try to limit your intake of high-calorie foods and drinks. Try writing down what and how much you eat and drink for a week, then see where you can cut down on portion sizes, cut back on some not-sohealthy foods and drinks, or both!

For those who are overweight or obese, losing even a small amount of weight has health benefits and is a good place to start.

Be more active

Watching how much you eat will help you control your weight. The other key is to be more physically ac-

tive. Being active helps reduce your cancer risk by helping with weight control. It can also help improve your hormone levels and the way your immune system works.

More good news – physical activity helps you reduce your risk of heart disease and diabetes, too! So grab your athletic shoes and head out the door!

The latest recommenda-

vigorous intensity activity each day, with vigorous intensity activity occurring at least 3 days each week.

Moderate activities are those that make you breathe as hard as you would during a brisk walk. This includes things like walking, biking, even housework and gardening. Vigorous activities make you use large muscle groups and make your heart beat faster, make you

tions for adults call for at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity each week, or an equivalent combination, preferably spread throughout the week. This is over and above usual daily activities like using the stairs instead of the elevator at your office or doing housework. For kids, the recommendation is at least 60 minutes of moderate or

breathe faster and deeper, and also make you sweat.

It’s also important to limit sedentary behaviour such as sitting, lying down, watching television, or other forms of screen-based entertainment.

Being more physically active than usual, no matter what your level of activity, can have many health benefits.

Eat healthy foods

Eating well is an important part of improving your health and reducing your cancer risk. Take a good hard look at what you typically eat each day and try these tips to build a healthy diet plan for yourself and your family: Choose foods and drinks in amounts that help you get to and maintain a healthy weight.

Read food labels to become more aware of portion sizes and calories. Be aware that “low-fat” or “non-fat” does not necessarily mean “low-calorie.”

Eat smaller portions when eating high-calorie foods.

Choose vegetables, whole fruit, legumes such as peas and beans, and other low-calorie foods instead of calorie-dense foods such as French fries, potato and other chips, ice cream, donuts, and other sweets.

Limit your intake of sugar-sweetened beverages such as soft drinks, sports drinks, and fruit-flavoured drinks.

When you eat away from home, be especially mindful to choose food low in calories, fat, and added sugar, and avoid eating large portion sizes.

Limit how much processed meat and red meat you eat.

Minimise your intake of processed meats such as bacon, sausage, lunch meats, and hot dogs.

Choose fish, poultry, or beans instead of red meat (beef, pork, and lamb).

If you eat red meat, choose lean cuts and eat smaller portions.

Prepare meat, poultry, and fish by baking, broiling, or poaching rather than by frying or charbroiling.

Eat at least 2½ cups of vegetables and fruits each day.

Include vegetables and fruits at every meal and snack.

Eat a variety of vegeta-

bles and fruits each day.

Emphasize whole fruits and vegetables; choose 100 per cent juice if you drink vegetable or fruit juices.

Limit your use of creamy sauces, dressings, and dips with fruits and vegetables.

Choose whole grains instead of refined grain products.

Choose whole-grain breads, pasta, and cereals (such as barley and oats) instead of breads, cereals, and pasta made from refined grains, and brown rice instead of white rice.

Limit your intake of refined carbohydrate foods, including pastries, candy, sugar-sweetened breakfast cereals, and other high-sugar foods.

If you drink alcohol, limit how much People who drink alcohol should limit their intake to no more than 2 drinks per day for men and 1 drink per day for women. The recommended limit is lower for women because of their smaller body size and slower breakdown of alcohol.

A drink of alcohol is defined as 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1½ ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits (hard liquor). In terms of cancer risk, it is the amount of alcohol, not the type of alcoholic drink that is important.

These daily limits do not mean it’s safe to drink larger amounts on fewer days of the week, since this can lead to health, social, and other problems.

Reducing cancer risk in our communities

Adopting a healthier lifestyle is easier for people who live, work, play, or go to school in an environment that supports healthy behaviours. Working together, communities can create the type of environment where healthy choices are easy to make.

We all can be part of these changes: Let’s ask for healthier food choices at our workplaces and schools. For every junk food item in the vending machine, ask for a healthy option, too. Support restaurants that help you to eat well by offering options like smaller portions, lower-calorie items, and wholegrain products. And let’s help make our communities safer and more appealing places to walk, bike, and be active.

The bottom line

Let’s challenge ourselves to lose some extra pounds, increase our physical activity, make healthy food choices, limit alcohol, and look for ways to make our communities healthier places to live, work, and play. (cancer.org)

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friDAY, october 27, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

SOCU swoops down on GEA …as part of fuel purchase probe

R

anks of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) on Thursday morning swooped down on the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) Head Office at Quamina Street as the probe continues into financial crimes allegedly committed at the agency relative to fuel purchases.

Updating media operatives outside the GEA, Head of SOCU, Assistant Police Commissioner Sydney James, explained that his team’s presence at the agency was in relation to two investigations which SOCU had been mandated to investigate.

“One relates to the forensic audit of the Guyana Energy Agency, and the second one relates to an investigation which was done by the Ministry of the Presidency with respect to malpractices and mismanagement in the purchase of fuel by the Guyana Oil (Company) and the Guyana Energy Agency,” James detailed.

Led by ACP James, the SOCU team arrived at the

SOCU Head Sydney James updating the media on the probe

Quamina Street, Georgetown destination at sometime after 10:00h, moments after obtaining warrants from the court.

“We have a search warrant signed by a magistrate…this morning,” James revealed.

According to the SOCU Head, the unit had previously requested the relevant documents from the Energy Agency to facilitate its probe, but there were “challenges” that forced SOCU personnel

to turn up at the office.

“We did ask, but there were some challenges; that’s all I care to comment on,” James indicated to reporters.

While ACP James did not reveal whether his officers had taken with them any documents from the building, he did note that both GEA Head Dr Mahender Sharma and the staff were cooperating and assisting with the probe.

Government had, back in March 2016, set up a three-member Board of Inquiry (BoI) led by Assistant Commissioner Winston Cosbert to investigate allegations of wrong doing, malpractices, and mismanagement in the purchase of fuel

by GUYOIL and GEA. The Board was commissioned following several allegations of misconduct levelled against staff within both fuel agencies. The aim of the inquiry is to advise the state on the veracity of those allegations, to report findings and conclusions to the Government, and to make recommendations on

actions to be taken if individuals are found culpable.

GEA has been under the spotlight for its management of fuel purchases for the country. A forensic audit done on the agency highlighted a number of issues.

Then, in January of this year, Natural Resources

Minister Raphael Trotman told media operatives at a post-Cabinet briefing that Government would be moving to take action against persons found culpable of mismanagement at the GEA and other State agencies, after the forensic audits into those entities have revealed a num-

ber of financial irregularities and had recommended that reports be handed over to the police for further investigations.

The following month, several forensic audit reports, including GEA along with the BoI report, were handed over to the Police Force.

8 NEWS

friDAY, october 27, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Man found guilty of sexually assaulting 7-year-old boy … gets life imprisonment, chance for parole in 2047

A

12-member jury on Thursday afternoon unanimously found Mark Campbell guilty of two counts of sexual activity with a child that was left in his care by a mother who was working at nights. The type of sexual activity in which he engaged with the male under the age of 12 was penetrative in nature.

The first incident occurred sometime during the month of September 2011 when the lad was just seven years old while the second sexual act with the same young boy took place on July 20, 2013, when the child was eight. Both of the crimes occurred at a community in West Demerara.

The jury returned the ver-

al.

It will be 30 years before Mark Campbell could see the light of the outside world

dict after some two hours of deliberations, and Campbell begged the court for mercy after having claimed that he did not receive a fair tri-

“Since the day I enter this court and see how everything was going, I knew I couldn’t get a fair trial,” the now convicted man expressed.

Unrepresented during the course of his trial, Campbell said that his family did not assist him in obtaining legal counsel, adding that it was “very hard to know” that the jury found him guilty.

Presiding Judge Simone Morris-Ramlall responded to his comments, saying that the court was not inclined to grant him mercy given that he violated the boy in the worst possible way and did not even show “one ounce of love” when the victim testified on the stand

earlier this week.

“It was as if you were talking to a stranger. This court must send a strong message to others who may want to carry out such acts,” the Judge noted.

After the sentencing was over, Campbell was escorted by Police out of the courtroom and he attempted to hide his face from the public. He will not see the outside world for at least 30 years after which he will be eligible for parole.

A total of six witnesses were called by the prosecution to testify in the trial.

The case was led by State Counsel Seeta Bisundial in association with fellow Prosecutor Narissa Leander.

Recaptured prison escapee jailed for trafficking narcotics

By Paula Gomes

C

ornelius Thomas stood silently in the prisoner’s dock while Magistrate Dylan Bess summed up the evidence before handing down sentence.

He held that narcotics were found in a room which the accused occupied and had care and control of; and further, the defendant’s knowledge of the illicit substance was to be inferred from both oral and written caution statements in which he admitted to same.

He ruled that the court was satisfied that the alleged substance was indeed cannabis, and this was proven by the analyst’s report.

He said the prosecution had proven beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant had full care and control of the narcotics which were found inside his apartment, and this was evidenced by caution statements given during the investigation process -- an in-

Cornelius Thomas

ference to which the accused did not object when it was read in court during trial.

Magistrate Bess then concluded that the prosecution had successfully proven all elements of the offence, and he said the witnesses were not discredited under cross examination.

Considering that the accused is a first time offender with no prior convictions, the magistrate passed a sen-

tence of three years and six months’ incarceration, along with a fine of $566,000. Nonpayment of the fine will see Thomas spending an additional six months in prison.

Thomas accepted his fate, but petitioned the magistrate to allow him to serve time in his home country, Trinidad, for safety purposes, citing the situation in Guyana as “unpredictable” following the recent prison unrest and fire.

And while acknowledging that prisons are not meant to be “comfortable” places, Magistrate Bess responded to the effect that he had no power to grant the defendant’s request.

The accused was insistent in wanting at all costs to avoid incarceration in the Camp Street Prison, and Magistrate Bess assured that he would include in the order a request for the defendant to serve the time at either Lusignan (East Coast Demerara) or Mazaruni (Region Seven).

Moblissa man sentenced...

Before handing down the sentence, Justice Reynolds termed the entire case a “tragedy” given the lack of social services offered to the remote community.

“It is clear that when you speak, you did not benefit from an adequate education.

Your circumstances could have been different if you had an education,” Justice Reynolds surmised.

The Judge however noted that the imposition of the sentence was a matter of justice; highlighting that two lives were lost when Rodrigues reverted to violence. In arriving at a computation, Justice Reynolds observed that the World Health Organisation’s 2015 report on life expectancy for males in Guyana reflected 63 years. As such, he calcu-

lated that Rodrigues probably has 42 more years to live and started the sentence from that point.

A cumulative total of 12 years was deducted from the overall sentence. Five years were deducted for his guilty plea; four years for time spent awaiting trial while three years were subtracted for other mitigating factors. Justice Reynolds maintained that a strong message must be sent to deter others from carrying out such crimes. The 30-year sentences will run concurrently.

According to the particulars of the matter, on November 29, 2013, a relative was washing clothes at the Moblissa residence when Rodrigues had gone up and placed a knife to her neck

Recap

The 32-year-old Trinidadian gospel promoter was first arraigned in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts in May 2017, when he was charged and remanded to prison for trafficking in 834 grams of cannabis.

Then residing in Guyhoc Gardens, Georgetown, Thomas had denied possession of the illicit drug, alleging in court that on the day in question (May 28), before calling the police, his landlord had called him and held him at gunpoint, informing him that a black bag was found in his apartment.

Thomas was one of the six inmates who escaped from the Camp Street Prison on July 9, following the fire and subsequent unrest. He was recaptured weeks later in ‘C’ Field, South Sophia.

It remains unclear at this point whether he was charged with escaping from lawful custody.

from page 5

and had sexual intercourse with her, without her consent. After the ordeal, the young woman told James what occurred and the family had reported the matter to the Police. However, this angered Rodrigues who was said to have engaged in intercourse with the child, one day prior.

It was contended that the self-confessed double killer made open promises to kill his stepsister and “her pickney” with a knife. He carried out the acts just after midnight on November 30, after which he made good his escape. He was found on December 1, 2013, about two and half miles away from where the incident had taken place.

In his caution statement to Police, Rodrigues

said that he killed the mother and her teen son due to the report which was made to Police about him raping the teenager. During preliminary proceedings at the Magistrate’s Court, he claimed that Police beat him, held his hand and forced him to sign to statement but it was upheld that the statement was freely given.

Prosecutors Tiffini Lyken, Shawnette Austin and Lisa Cave presented the State’s case, while the self-confessed double killer was represented by defence counsel Maxwell McKay. Rodrigues has taken up boxing whilse being incarcerated. After receiving his 30-year sentence, he told Guyana Times he preferred to have freedom.

Toeing the line…

M

…for survival oses Nagamootoo’s been described as an “experienced” politician. We’ve for decades been regularly regaled about his “50 years in politics”. He must’ve plunged into politics directly from the womb! But it’s clear he hit his head in that plunge!

How else do you explain his political behaviour after those fifty years?

After all, in all those years, he was facing the SAME political opponent -- the PNC. Didn’t he study them?

Doesn’t he have a frame of reference to base his judgments about them? What was it that convinced him the PNC had changed their stripes when he went into a coalition with them -- the five one-man parties? His weight? Surely Nagamootoo, literary man that he is, had read of the elephant and the mosquito? But just in case you, dear reader, mightn’t, here it is: “A mosquito saw an elephant crossing a bridge and asked for a ride. The mosquito said, "Hello, mate! What if I sit on your back and give you some company as you cross the bridge?" The elephant said nothing. The mosquito sat on the elephant's back. He felt very proud that he could persuade the elephant to let him be a co-rider.

As they were crossing the bridge, the mosquito cried out, "Watch out brother, two of us are very heavy, make sure the bridge does not collapse!" The elephant said nothing. As they crossed over through the bridge, the mosquito said, "See, how I guided you safely through?"

The elephant said nothing.

Finally, the mosquito got off the elephant's back and buzzed, "Here is my business card. If you need any help in the future, just call me on my cell phone." The elephant thought that he heard some whisper somewhere. But he dismissed this as a daydream and marched on…”

The PNC wouldn’t have given any credence to Nagamootoo and Ramjattan if they were the last persons on Earth. In case they hadn’t read the sorry tale above, wasn’t Nagamootoo there when Burnham and the PNC dumped the UF like a used tissue full of snot? Seems not… he must’ve been daydreaming about being Jagan’s heir!!

So here it is, he now has to sing for his supper (and sirens) - and doesn’t even get consulted on the lyrics!! Oh, what a shame!

All his life, Nagamootoo’s been struggling for respectability: you just have to read his thinly-disguised biography, “Henree’s Cure,” to know how deep the wounds were.

To get that law degree at his advanced age couldn’t have been easy. Is he going to make a mockery of that by going along with the travesty of the unilateral GECOM appointment?

It’s a shad, shad situation!! …of the dictatorship One of the features of the Burnhamite PNC dictatorship was Burnham’s insistence on covering his excesses with legal fig leaves. Unlike most of the Latin American banana republic types that surrounded him, Burnham harked to the lessons gleaned from his up-close observations of the British mode of rule: You do whatever the heck you want, but you pass legislation to cover your actions. That’s what “positivist” law is all about, isn’t it?

So followers of Burnham, like Trotman (and Pressie, his fellow Nassau Accord signatory), insist on observing “the forms” - and to hell with the spirit of the laws!! Understand what’s going down with the GECOM Chair now? Anyhow, the Trini former Energy Minister (and our former Speaker) both expressed alarm at the powers kept in the hands of Minister Trotman in the LEGISLATION governing the new Petroleum Commission.

Well, sirs, welcome to the world of realpolitik, PNC style!! The world -- and EITI -- expects a Petroleum Commission; and by golly, Guyana now has one.

Who reads the (controlling) fine print??

…on principles The action of Joe Singh and Chris Ram to cut links with the Government to signal their disgust with the GECOM farce must be commended.

But after all they’ve done to show they’re unhyphenated “Guyanese”, the racially directed attacks must hurt.

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

News

9

friDAY, october 27, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

56 girls from Mae’s Armed bandits raid Guyreceive HPV vaccine America store, beat owner

D

espite the doubts and tears, 56 girls from Mae’s Schools took their Human papillomavirus (HPV) shots on Thursday at the institution.

T

he owner of a popular business at Zeeburg, West Coast Demerara (WCD) was on Wednesday evening assaulted by armed bandits just before his entity was robbed of approximately $2.3 million in cash.

According to information received from Police “D” Division Commander Leslie James, the robbery took place at about 20:30hrs.

Reports are that the owner of the popular business Guy-America, 61-yearold Mohamed Ali of Zeeburg, was in the process of clos-

nied the girls.

Howard-Mohabir noted that the Ministry intended to extend the age group so that more girls could access the vaccine.

Medex Carleen Howard-Mohabir

A mother shares a moment with her daughter who bravely took the vaccine

Parents and teachers were there to support the 10 to 13-year-old girls.

A few of the students – Alyssa Singh, 11; Sara Singh, 10; Ciara Bathya, 10, and Maninesha Alli – all described the inoculation feeling “as a mosquito bite and a little pinch”, according to the Department of Public Information (DPI).

Parents Debbie Singh, Natasha Ally and Matignol Saint-Lot all expressed satisfaction that their children have been immunised. They also encouraged more parents from the school to fill out the necessary forms so their children could be vaccinated.

Carleen HowardMohabir, the Medex, said the nurses have been trained to calm and reassure the girls who may be scared. She added that support was vital for the girls and expressed satisfaction that parents had accompa-

The HPV campaign is part of the Public Health Ministry’s plan to control the number of cervical cancer cases. Upon the recommendation of a technical group, the campaign will target girls nine to 16 years of age. The end goal is to achieve 90 per cent coverage of the target population.

ing his business when two bandits, one of whom was armed with a “long gun”, entered the store.

The suspects reportedly began to threaten Ali while demanding that he turn over his cash and valuables. When the entrepreneur hesitated, the bandit holding the gun hit Ali several times over the head, causing the elderly man to bleed.

This newspaper was informed that the ordeal lasted approximately 15 minutes, and the bandits stole

$2.3million as well as other valuables, including Ali’s mobile phone.

They then fled the scene in a silver grey Toyota Premio car that was waiting outside of the business premises.

The Police “D” Division Commander noted that according to the reports received, the perpetrators fled the scene in a westerly direction, heading to Parika.

So far, no one has been arrested, but investigations into the crime continue.

(Ramona Luthi)

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friDAY, october 27, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

news

S RAIGHT Horrible times and worst days are ahead

I

t is most disturbing to observe the statements drip-fed out of the GANG of eight that controls the Alliance For Change (AFC).

Firstly, from Khemraj Ramjattan. Then, the immoral outpouring from AFC leadership cabal (the so-called GANG of eight generals who have no supporting soldiers). Then finally, the submission

by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo with his weekly diatribe attempting to spinelessly spin untruths for his supper.

Why am I disturbed? Because that party was destined to be the balance of power to “rebuild the moral fabric of our society for the sake of future generations” (see the 2011 AFC Action Plan). Rather, they have lost the ethical plot and are today on a mission to exclusively use public office to create a whole new economic platform for themselves and their families, while doing everything possible to neglect the masses. Isn’t this what Ramjattan, Nagamootoo, Cathy Hughes and the others accused the People’s Progressive Party of when they were in Opposition? What do you call such kind?

Unfortunately, those who have been bequeathed with the task of bringing rationality to the political thought set have now morphed into a cabal of hypocrites. Their sole mission is to play their role as loyal bag boys and girls for the People’s National Congress (PNC) with a clear mandate of explaining away, albeit poorly, the catastrophic decisions made in Congress Place. One thing the AFC is not able to hide these days is how crippled they have become mentally on the big issues. Their attempt at explaining away the transgressions of the PNC is become more and more unintelligent every day, to the point one ponders if they are literally “XM or El Dorado enhanced” when they make such idiotic statements.

But let us focus on the statement made by Nagamootoo.

I would not insult what little is left of his intelligence by suggesting that he believe any of it. Maybe his PNC masters wrote that statement for him since history has proven that he is nothing but a half-baked pretender at grasping the big issues and has always been a stooge of the groupthink. Using his name, his masters dabbled in everything in that debauched outpouring but the issue at hand.

What is the issue at hand?

The Constitution provides that “if the Leader of the Opposition fails to submit a list as provided for,” only then can the President proceed unilaterally to make an appointment of a Judge, former Judge or person qualified to be a Judge.” Let us be clear about this – unilateralism is only given life constitutionally if the Leader of the Opposition fails to have a list of six names on the desk of the President. The facts will show that there were six names on the desk of the President but he chooses to violate the Constitution and walk the path of unilateralism.

Unfortunately, this entire crisis has nothing to do with Jagdeo. It was self-created by none other than David Granger and he and only he has to bear full responsibility for the outcome. History and time will be very unkind to him for playing with the future of the Guyanese people. There is no doubt that the period of “non-cooperation” will bite. In a struggle, all will feel the pain but struggle we must unless we want to become slaves of Grangerism that is shown itself to be much worse than Burnhamism.

As Mandela cautioned us “if you want the humans around you to cooperate, you must make them feel as important by being genuine and humble”. Granger has lost a golden opportunity to leverage a period of cooperation by deliberately sewing seeds of mistrust in the society. How reckless and irresponsible of him!

Because of his tenure in office, many are today feeling bullied. And this intimidating continued with deceptive swiftness when he “lick down” all the laws by swearing in an 84-year-old unfit person into such a high office. And yes, Patterson is unfit on many fronts.

First off, where is his experience at managing a big organisation like GECOM? ZERO! Then there is the political hot potato of his age. The State runs the risk of the drama of constant medical emergencies. We have real evidence in the agriculture portfolio with Noel Holder whose disruptive medical tragedies have brought great harm to that sector. Should we not expect the same from an even more aged 84-year-old?

The highest levels of the “Grangite” political establishment bear an uncomfortable resemblance to a gerontocracy.

Unfortunately, in such a situation, economic, political and social progress shall be delayed. Therefore frankness is key and it is the time that more people in and out of Guyana, who love our country speak the truth, unlike the AFC Gang of eight who have betrayed themselves and their now permanently lost supporters.

Please share your thoughts at sasesin1@yahoo.com.

11

friDAY, october 27, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

DHBC records close to 50% increase in revenue – GM I

n an attempt to transform the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation (DHBC) into a self-sustainable facility, Government last year reduced the subsidy allocated to the entity from $150 million to a mere $2 million. As a result of the cuts in the budget allocation, the facility increased its toll charges from in some cases 50% to as much as 200% in other cases, implementing those increases at the beginning of this year.

Following implementation of those toll increases, forcing commuters to pay double the cost in most of the charges, the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation (DHBC) has reported generating close to 50% increase in revenue.

DHBC General Manager Rawlston Adams, while addressing media operatives at a press conference on Tuesday, made this disclosure. He said that with that system in place, the DHBC is now highly dependent on money deriving from the public charges to offset the necessary maintenance and rehabilitation works to be done on the bridge.

Adams explained, “Going forward for next year, all capital works will be funded from revenues generated from toll collections. These works are not catered for in Government’s budgetary allocations.”

Given that the onus has now been placed on the DHBC to garner

Existing toll booths at the Demerara Harbour Bridge

its own funds, the General Manager highlighted that the DHBC management is currently assessing possible avenues to improve the toll collection system currently existing at the Demerara Harbour Bridge.

In so doing, he pointed out, “We are engaging some consultants to relook at our toll collection system and devise a software that we can use.”

The company currently utilises the Point of Sale system, which has in the past resulted in a backup of traffic, with the lengthy procedures posing a challenge during peak hours. As such, DHBC management is looking forward to an update of the system so as to increase the efficiency of toll collection operation; but, more impor-

tantly, to ensure that it be conducted in a safer and timelier manner.

Among the features being pursued is a collaboration with the Guyana Revenue Authority to allow for the toll collection officers to be able to access pertinent information regarding each commuter.

This will complement the already existing partnership with the Guyana Police Force which saw the installation of cameras at the Demerara Habour Bridge to be used as a crime fighting tool.

However, these enhancements are still in the consultation phases, and it is unclear whether or not these upgrades would be implemented.

2400+ emergency calls responded to – since EMS launched in Nov 2016

W

ithin a ten-month period, more than 2,400 emergency calls have been responded to in Region Four by the Emergency Medical Service (EMS) in Guyana. Director of the EMS in Guyana, Dr Zulfikar Bux, explained that Region Four -- being the pilot area -- constitutes a significant percentage of the population, hence the necessity of the service.

“As it stands right now, we have managed to respond to 2,400 calls.

Some of the cases would have been accident victims (and) fire victims; some of (the calls) included prisoners who were injured. Also, (there were calls) along the line of maternal and child health cases. So we have had the spectrum of emergencies, and the EMTs (Emergency Medical Technicians) have done a good job in actually delivering the patients to the hospitals in a timely manner,” Dr. Bux clarified.

In his report of the EMS’ performance as at September 2017, Dr.

Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Guyana Medical Director, Dr Zulfikar Bux

Bux told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that the service, initially launched in November 2016, is expected to expand countrywide within a five-year period.

“Our plan is to expand by the end

of the year (2017) to two more ambulances, so we will have five ambulances covering the Georgetown area.

Next year, we plan to expand to the West (Coast) of Berbice (Region Five) and West (Coast) of Demerara (Region Three).”

The importance of this service has been emphasised by the effective and efficient pre-hospital care being offered to persons in the event of medical emergencies. Sharing his thoughts on the report, Dr. Bux added, “It’s working well, so far. I think we have proven with the model given that, with just three ambulances within the past months, we have managed to respond to 2,400 calls.”

With this data, Dr Bux explained that the EMS in Guyana would continue to collaborate with the Vanderbilt Medical Centre in the USA to ensure that the model is improved and a quality standard is achieved and maintained moving forward.

2 in custody after ammo find …in Essequibo

T

wo Essequibians from the Good Hope/Dry Shore community of Region Two (E/bo Coast) are currently in custody of ‘G’ Division Police, assisting with investigations into a quantity of ammunition Police unearthed at the home of 64-year-old George Couchman.

According to information reaching Guyana Times, at some time between10:00 hrs and noon on October 25, a party of policemen went to

Couchman’s home and conducted a search in his bedroom in his presence. They unearthed one box containing fifty (50) live rounds of .32 Armscor ammunition and four (4) live cartridges of 20-gauge ammunition.

The elderly man, a security guard, claimed he had received the ammunition from someone by the name of ‘Shahab’.

Contact was made with Shahabuddin Mohamed Raffee, a 47-year-old farm-

er of Dryshore, Essequibo Coast, who declared he was a licensed firearm holder.

A search was carried out at his home in his presence, and one Taurus .32 pistol and one box containing 50 live rounds of Armscor ammunition with two (2) extra magazines were unearthed.

There were 11 live rounds of .32 ammunition in one magazine.

The firearm and armmunition were taken to the Anna Regina Police

Station, where a confrontation was held between Shahab and Couchman.

Couchman repeated his story and Shahab denied knowledge of what Couchman said. The ammunition was sealed, marked and lodged in the presence of both men. The licence of Shahab was produced, photocopied and lodged. Both Shahab and Couchman remain in police custody assisting with investigations.

(Indra Natram)

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14 news

friDAY, october 27, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

GECOM Chair sleight of hand masks pay increase deception

T

he coalition APNU/ AFC Administration has again given with one hand and with the other will now take considerably more. In the process, Government will deliver possibly its most lethal blow to the Guyanese people and the country’s economy.

This assessment was made by Economic Advisor to the Opposition Leader, Peter Ramsaroop, who this week weighed in on the recent debacle engulfing the country over the unilateral swearing in of 84-yearold retired Justice James Patterson as Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

Ramsaroop said the ruse is now being covered up in the collective face of the entire citizenry by the notso-clever “sleight-of-hand game” being employed by the President, the Finance Minister, and his spin doctors under the hand of the Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo.

In an interview with this newspaper, Ramsaroop was adamant that while the GECOM development is deeply disturbing, there is an even wider and more sinister strategy at play.

He told this publication that Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo and his lawyers Anil Nandlall and others will be dealing in de-

tail with the impact of the President’s actions, but as a Financial Analyst to the People’s Progressive Party, he is compelled to respond to this blatant and contemptuous action, which not only damages the much touted but hollow concept of social cohesiveness, but will also seriously affect the confidence of those who wish to invest in the country.

“Always follow the money,” Dr Ramsaroop quipped as he reminded this publication that on the very day that the President decided to swear in Justice (rtd) Patterson as GECOM Chairman, the Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, had announced a final offer to public servants.

This Government has, in the face of a pleading private sector and an ailing public sector, refused to give the economy a stimulus shot, but has instead widened yet another of its revenue sources, Dr Ramsaroop said.

Dr Ramsaroop reminded of the announcement made

by Minister Harmon hours before the controversial and widely criticised action in the hasty swearing in of the GECOM Chairman, which immediately triggered a nationwide furor and genuine fears of a return to rigged elections.

According to Dr Ramsaroop, Minister

Dr Peter Ramsaroop

Harmon’s announcement was just a formality, since the Guyana Public Service Union -- the union negotiating under the Collective Labour Agreement for public servants -- has “no ability to tell this Government anything.”

He was adamant that the GPSU has no kind of clout, and cannot go to President Granger or Minister Jordan to make any kind of demands.

Speaking to the actual impact of the pay increase, Dr Ramsaroop said that what in fact will happen is that the pittance of an increase will not be felt in any meaningful way by individual public servants, whose increases will barely amount to “Chinese food money.”

He reminded, however, “Increases in salary, however small, will mean

increased taxes for the Government; and so, taken together, this means that whatever increases the clerk, typist or technician gets on his or her payslip means the Government gets a bigger share.”

This, he said, “When taken in its totality, simply means the state will be pulling in more revenue from an already economically crippled people.”

The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), by its own admission, is not functioning at full capacity. And with a system that employs people, mistakes will be made -mistakes that in some cases take years to fix, years the typist of the clerk will not have, said Dr Ramsaroop.

On the matter of the minimum wage, Dr Ramsaroop said the amount is ridiculous in the first place, and while any increase is welcome, “unless the Government gets a hold of its management of the nation’s finances pretty soon, even the Ministry of the Presidency might have trouble to pay its light and electricity bills.”

Perhaps Major General (retd.) Joseph Singh has seen the light before he is pushed out in the apparent ethnic cleansing that is taking place, according to Dr Ramsaroop; who insists that the GECOM development also has to be

Budget 2018

GGDMA makes request for review of taxes

A

head of Budget 2018, the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) has made a request to have Government review the current tax system for miners with the hope that this could be somehow restructured to lessen the financial burden on all miners, whether small or large.

This is not something new as the GGDMA has, over the past year, been lobbying the Government on numerous tax issues, including the tributor’s tax, tax rate and outcomes.

However, they were never able to get anywhere with this request, but hopefully this could change.

At the GGDMA’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on Friday, it was revealed that submissions were made to Finance Minister Winston Jordan on September 20, 2017. This was followed by a meeting with the Minister and team on Thursday, September 28, 2017.

Subsequently, a letter of justification, along with an analysis, was sent to the Minister on October 10, 2017 as to why the gold and diamond mining sector should be treated differently than the other sectors when it comes to taxes. While dis-

cussions are ongoing, the GGDMA hopes to have a favourable response.

On February 1, 2017, tributors or persons engaged in the gold or diamond mining industry who are rewarded for their labour under the tribute system, which includes persons engaged in the site operation became subject to a 20 per cent withholding tax, instead of 10 per cent which was previously deducted.

The 20 per cent withholding tax, in addition to the additional filing of income tax at the end of the year, the mandate to keep daily records of all transactions or face sanctions for failing to do so and other outlined changes did not sit well with the members of the mining industry, hence the submission.

Meanwhile, members of the GGDMA were also told that the Association was able to negotiate a better package for all miners, whether they be small, medium, or large. This happened after lengthy negotiations with the Guyana Gold Board (GCB) on a new fee structure.

A processing fee of $1300 per ounce from one ounce and up to and including 100 ounces will be charged, while a processing fee of $1400 per

ounce for every ounce starting from 101 ounces up to 200 ounces.

Therefore, a downward sliding scale of $1300 per ounce from 201 ounces to 300 ounces; and then $1200 per ounce for all additional ounces between 301 ounces and 500 ounces will be charged.

There will also be a ceiling or maximum of $400,000 for all sales up to 1000 ounces and for sales greater than 1000 ounces, the processing fee will be $400 per ounce, for every ounce above 1000 ounces.

Gold Board processing fee

Following the announcement by the GGB made on Friday, June 23, 2017, that all miners/dealers selling gold to the GGB will be charged a processing fee of $4000 per ounce of gold, this was immediately rejected by the GGDMA in a number of media statements, since miners/dealers were only paying a processing fee of $1000 per ounce of gold. This $3000 proposed increase by the GGB was strongly opposed at all levels by the GGDMA. It was revealed at the AGM that the Association met with Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman and the GGB on this mat-

ter to represent the miners’ interest. This meeting was held on Tuesday, July 4, 2017 at the Natural Resources Ministry. Coming out of this meeting, the Minister had proposed a processing fee of $3000. The GGDMA again felt that this was too much for the miners to bear and rejected that amount.

However, the GGDMA would have received a letter from the Natural Resources Minister that the new processing fee was $2500 and would take effect on September 1, 2017. This new fee, however, did not go down well with the GGDMA and miners as a whole, since the GGDMA Secretariat would have received many complaints and grievances on this matter.

At a meeting on September 7, 2017 with the Minister in the presence of the Chairman of the GGB, members were reminded that the GGDMA again lobbied hard to the Government, sharing the plight of miners and the burdensome effect the increase was having on them. The Minister and the Chairman of the Gold Board after hearing the arguments did give a commitment to review the processing fee.

seen in the context of the coalition Government being a shackled administration that has gotten a taste for power but has already left in its wake a trail of mismanagement and an inability to act decisively against ministerial lack of responsibility for such serious catastrophies as the fire and escapes in our prisons.

“I do not want to speak ill of the elderly, and Justice Patterson is of course an eminent legal luminary; but let’s face reality: he is 84 years of age, pushing 85, and would be 87 by the time of the next general elections.

The President knows fully well that this choice for GECOM (Chairman) would not have been popular, but decided to go ahead and ride rough-shod over the majority of opinions in the country, and one would expect the international community. The fact that the announcement was made during Diwali period also makes nonsense of the concept to promote light over darkness.”

Dr Ramsaroop posited, “It is for this very reason (that) the President made his announcement on the very day he swore in Justice Patterson. It was a sleight of hand to try to avoid any public scrutiny of an eight per cent increase on a $55,000 salary in an economy that has been contracting while taxes and inflation continue to increase.”

Dr Ramsaroop questioned, “Why else would the President want to hide from his people the generosity of his administration in giving a pay increase?

Everyone loves to hear that they are getting a pay increase… The answer is simple: (Government) intend to take a little bit more out of your salary.”

Dr Ramsaroop said the

effect of such a policy being carried out by the administration is already being felt across the country and more particularly among businesses.

“The new taxes alone last year took more than $10billion out of the pockets of the ordinary man. Those increases in fees, those increases that even the donkey cart man had to pay, amounted to over $10 billion going into the Government’s coffers,” Dr Ramsaroop explained.

The financial analyst said he is sure the Minister of Finance or some Government spinner at the Department of Public Information would want to point out that the increases take public servants wages to the highest it has even been, but he said that person would fail to say that the amount of taxes being collected by Government are also the highest ever collected.

Dr. Ramsaroop told this publication, “The undemocratic and seriously divisive nature of the administration’s financial strategies eclipse (those) of Dictator Forbes Burnham.”

He cautioned, “Burnham’s protégé is now displaying even more sinister dictatorial tendencies, and the rumblings surrounding GECOM can only mean a contentious, if not outright rigged, elections in 2020.”

According to Jagdeo’s advisor, “The business community is already in outright revolt. We have religious leaders coming out against this too; but bear in mind, as troubling as it is, the Government will now be taking a little more out of your pockets every month….and the oil has not even started to flow.”

Police hunting Tuschen youth who escaped from custody

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olice in ‘D’ Division (West Coast Demerara/East Bank Essequibo) are on the hunt for a suspect who escaped from the Leonora Police Station.

According to the Police Force, 24-year-old Leon Allister of Lot 2494 Tuschen Housing Scheme, EBE is wanted for questioning in relation to the offence of simple larceny, and for escaping from lawful custody at the Leonora Police Station on October 7.

The Force is asking anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Leon Allister to contact the Police on telephone numbers 225-6411, 2261389, 227-2128, 226-7065,

Wanted: Leon Allister

225-2227, 225-0575; 911, or the nearest police station.

The Force is assuring that all information supplied would be treated with the strictest confidence.

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friDAY, october 27, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

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friday, october 27, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

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t’s Halloween and Pulse Entertainment is at it once again as patrons can expect the sexiest costume party on October 28 at two separate locations.

The parties titled “Seven Kingdoms and the Iron Throne” will be held at Palm Court, Main Street, Georgetown and District Ultra Lounge, Giftland Mall.

Patrons can dress in outfits depicting the characters of the “Seven Kingdom or Iron Throne”.

It is all about bowing to the ll roads will lead to the telephone giant – the Gage Almighty and oth- including, Fusion, Stereo Night King beyond the wall, partying the National Park other is set for November ers will take to the stage. Sonic, Determine, Deejay with the giants, the living dead and the on Saturday eve- 3 and will feature interna- Since it will be a dance- Puffy, One Voice and Team wildlings, as patrons’ journey through ning for an epic event ti- tionally renowned gospel hall concert, a Dancehall Hard Ball. Lighting will be the Seven Kingdoms and ultimately tled “Night with the Stars”, singer, Travis Green. The Queen Competition is a provided by the Cloud 9 sitting on the Iron Throne. featuring some of the best last is billed for November must and GTT is putting Company.

In addition, patrons can meet dancehall artistes in the 18 with Jamaican reggae up $100,000 in cash prizes Regular tickets for the the high powers of the kingdom, show cost $2000 while music industry. The event artiste, Chronixx headlin- for the winners. take pictures with their favourwhich is sponsored by GTT ing the show.

The artistes are expect- the VIP tickets are availite characters and get lost in this is held in celebration of However, the “Night ed to take to the stage af- able for $5000. Part of medieval fantasy land filled with Breast Cancer Awareness of the Stars” will feature ter 21:00h but before that, the proceedings will go todragons, warriors, wolves, The Month.

Jamaican artistes QQ, the patrons will be enter- wards the Guyana Cancer Unsullied, Knights and much This is one of three mas- Pamputae and Razor B. tained by a list of deejays Foundation. more. sive shows put together by In addition, Lil Million, and music sound systems However, all costumes will be allowed. Early bird tickets for the parties cost $3000 and more at the venues, while the VIP experience will cost $8000. With the VIP tickets, patrons will get access to the wall, free cocktails, finger foods, photos, and a free ticket to the Chronixx Show.

T i c k e t holders can club hop… The event is powered

by Hits and Jams, GTT DO MORE, P u l s e E n t e r tainment he village of Rockstone, located for Saturday. competitions. will determine the biggest catch. As the and 93.1. on the outskirts of Region Ten These include a bike race, volleyball The most exciting, however, is the day’s events wind down, there will be (Upper Demerara-Berbice), will competition, bonfire and folk singing, stage show which will see local artistes the canoe and boat race competitions. definitely come alive on Sunday for the karaoke and a cross country road race. performing live. This, however, will The day’s event will culminate with 12th annual Fish Festival.

On Sunday, the Fish Festival be followed by a swimming and a fish the grand stage performance including, The festival is expected to attract officially gets underway at 10:00h cooking competition. Prizes will be Diana Chapman, Flame of the Heart, thousands since it is one of the with the opening ceremony, followed awarded for best roasted fish, best Little Colwyn and Baby Marley among most anticipated events of all times. by the cassava grating and rafting smoked fish and fish deboning. others. Admission for Sunday’s event Although the main events are planned competitions. This will be followed Another exciting event will be the cost $500 for adults and $300 for for Sunday, several events are planned by the archery and watermelon fish catching competition where judges children.

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guyanatimesgy.com

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he 17th edition of the Miss Guyana Talented Teen Pageant is expected to be more hyped, energetic and exciting, as several activities are planned to be executed before the coronation night, slated for November 5.

In addition, for the first time, Simpli Royal will be hosting the Princesses Pageant and on the day of the pageant, it will be a display of talent and grace when the contestants from both pageants meet in what has been

friday, october 27, 2017

dubbed ‘Flowers in Bloom’.

The pageant caters to preteen and teen participants and, this year, there will be a line-up of six smart, talented, focused beauty ambassadors vying for the crown and a chance to represent Guyana at the Caribbean Talented Teen. In addition, six charming princesses are ready to showcase their talents, intellect and charm at the Promenade Gardens, commencing at

the delegates experience the dynamism and excitement that surround the plans for this event.

The pageant and activities planned are designed to provide each participant with the opportunity to promote their sponsors, schools, communities and culture and at the same time learn more about the other participants, while encouraging networking, integration and the promotion of social cohesion and fami ly values among o u r chil-

16:00h.

The pageant will spare no effort in ensuring that

dren.

The main focus is a social etiquette programme that in-

cludes modules in skincare and personal hygiene for girls, dining, talent development, ballroom dancing, oral presentation and charitable activities which culminated into the cotillion which was held on October 22.

There was also a spa party for the Princesses sponsored by Nayelli’s Salon and Spa and a “Daddy Day” Brunch sponsored by Aricari Resort which was geared toward having the girls spend quality time with their fathers.

At the event o n

November 5, there will be many fun games and activities including bouncy castle, trampoline, face painting, food and beverage bars, and possibly a popular ice cream brand.

The winners are in for a treat as they will walk away with fabulous prizes includ-

F

for this evening at PC

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’Ouvert lovers, get ready for one of the most thrilling parties to observe Halloween 2017, titled “Blood Rain” to be held at Guyana’s premiere entertainment spot, Palm Court, Main Street, Georgetown.

The first ever Halloween J’Ouvert party, which is expected to be epic, is promoted by Pulse Entertainment and GMR&SC. As the sun goes down, the vampires will come out to play at the parking lot with lots of red painting to depict blood.

Upon entry into the venue, patrons will be given free fangs and other party props. It will be a wild night with the best music selected by the master mixers – Energy, Deejay Ryan, Anisha and Deejay Shizzle.

Early-bird tickets for the Halloween J’Ouvert cost $1500 but more at the door. J’Ouvert Halloween is powered by Hits and Jams, GTT DO MORE, Pulse Entertainment and GMR&SC.

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ing a laptop computer, educational awards, starter savings accounts, a work station and others.

Tickets cost $2000 are sold at Fab Kids 592 in the Ashmin’s Mall; or at Wilo’s Fabrics, Big Apple Mall, 48 Robb Street, next to Stabroek News.

ollowing a successful competition in 2016 which saw Bombay Masala mixing its way to the winning 6th annual Digicel’s Duck Curry Competition; this year, the telephone giant has planned another competition with more excitement, fun and entertainment.

The 7th annual Digicel’s Duck Curry Competition is billed for this Sunday, October 29 at the Number 63 Beach, Corentyne, Berbice, and will see the winning carting off with more than $1 million in cash and other prizes.

Last year, the Bombay Masala team, led by Bramha Persaud of the National Television Network (NTN), walked away with the top prize of $275,000. The last competition also saw 20 teams from Georgetown, Demerara and Berbice participating.

The participants are to take to the venue a minimum of 1.5 kilograms (3.3 pounds) of duck meat which must be marinated and cooked at the venue. They are also required to take along their cooking utensils and ingredients.

The organisers of the event will be given a ready-touse stove. The cooking kicks off at 11:00h but the judging will commence at 14:30h.

However, as the sun sets, the party will commence with the stage show featuring Trinidadian Chutney singer, Sally Sagram and Guyana’s own Jumo “Rubber Waist” Primo. Music will be provided by Crown Vibes.

There will also be several other attractions for the entire family. Admission to the event is absolutely free.

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guyanatimesgy.com

friDAY, october 27, 2017

ARCHIE

Spend time and energy on your relationships with (March 21others.

Love, romance and April 19) personal alterations that improve your emotional attitude and appearance should be priorities.

ARIES

Listen carefully.

TAURUS Emotional matters will esca(April 20- late if you or someone else reMay 20) fuses to consider all aspects of a situation. The help you offer a stranger or a cause will be rewarding.

dilbert

A day trip or business GEMINI (May 21- meeting will allow you to June 20) show off what you have to offer. Socialising with peers will open doors. Romance will improve your life.

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Peanuts

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Put your energy into making home improvements and dealing with matters that will help you get along better with your neighbours, roommates or family. Arguing will only make matters worse.

Organise your time. If you neglect friends or family, the complaints will start rolling in. Socialising will help you release stress and promote unique ideas that will boost your prospects.

Situations may not be as VIRGO they appear. Go over con(Aug. 23tracts, settlements or joint Sept. 22) ventures carefully. Don’t overreact when you should size up the situation and make the necessary changes instead.

Calvin and Hobbes

A lifestyle or partnerLIBRA (Sept. 23- ship change can be expectOct. 23) ed. Think matters through instead of letting your emotions take control. Don’t be afraid of the unfamiliar.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

You’ll learn a lot if you lisSCORPIO ten to complaints as well as (Oct. 24suggestions. Use the informaNov. 22) tion you are given to help resolve an emotional situation that crops up unexpectedly.

Don’t let what others do SAGITTARIUS or say influence you. You are (Nov. 23- best off being cautious when Dec. 21) someone tempts you. A moderate attitude will help ward off anyone trying to take advantage of you.

solution for LAST PUBLISHED Puzzle

Situations will swell up CAPRICORN quickly. Controlled emotions (Dec. 22- and a practical attitude will Jan. 19) help you avoid a blowout with someone you care about.

Don’t make changes that aren’t necessary.

Take action and make AQUARIUS things happen. An energetic (Jan. 20- approach to life, love and hapFeb. 19) piness will help you win favors. Less talk and more action will bring peaceful and progressive results.

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

Be careful when dealing PISCES (Feb. 20- with partnerships, joint venMarch 20) tures or other people’s assets or property. Sensitive issues will surface that could cause someone to overreact if you aren’t careful.

FRIDAY, october 27, 2017

19

Stokes' strong character ingrained in England squad, says Broad Ben Stokes' strong character has become so ingrained in the England squad that his potential absence from the Ashes campaign in Australia may not be too sorely felt, says Stuart Broad.

A final decision on Stokes' involvement in Australia has yet to be taken, after he was arrested in Bristol last month on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm.

England's Ben Stokes The all-rounder was released tuart Broad believes England without charge, but will feel like Ben Stokes is will not be considered for selection present in Australia even if while a police investigation continhe misses out, such is his strong ues, meaning he is set to remain at personality.

S

home on Saturday when England fly out to begin their tour.

Speaking to Omnisport, Broad suggested the positive impact Stokes has had on England's dressing-room dynamic will help the team even if the 26-year-old misses out.

"I don't think anyone knows what Stokes' situation will be.

Obviously we are hoping to have him in Australia, but in my opinion he has been a leader in the changing room in the last 18 months, so his characteristics are instilled in the team anyway whether he is on the pitch or not," Broad, an ambassador for The Belfry Hotel & Resort, said at its PGA Golf Academy, where he was being custom-fitted for a new driver ahead of his trip to the Ashes.

"His competitive side, the way

Hasan, Malik thump weakened Sri Lanka

Shoaib Malik hit four boundaries in his top score of 42 not out

I

f an experienced heavy weight boxer steps into the ring to face an inexperienced lightweight the instinct will immediately say ‘mismatch’. This was the case in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, where a fullstrength Pakistan swept past a depleted Sri Lankan side by seven wickets with nearly three overs to spare to begin the threematch T20 series.

The result felt like a foregone conclusion from very early on. Sri Lanka were clearly out of their depth and Pakistan's bowlers, good enough to discomfit the best teams in the world, were far too good for a visiting side that is still searching for a win in the limited-overs leg of the tour. Sri Lanka were bundled out for 102 - Hasan Ali the standout

bowler with three wickets - and Pakistan strolled to the target as if it were a practice session against net bowlers.

Pakistan opted to bowl and Imad Wasim obliged by removing opener Dilshan Munaweera with his third delivery. But the visitors looked to attack nevertheless. It was a ploy that wouldn't last as Pakistan's fearsome bowling attack chipped away. Sri Lanka still persisted with risky, aggressive shots when rotating the strike in the middle overs could have served them better. That eventually pushed the run rate down under six.

The Sri Lankan side had an uncomfortably domestic feel to it; this, therefore, did not feel like a fair fight for the most part.

Both spinners and fast bowlers filled their boots, with easy wickets on offer. Thisara Perera, strangely, pushed himself down the order, coming in at 68 for 7 when the game already looked as good as gone. He didn't last long either, though, top edging Usman Khan when he was on 6.

From there on, it was just the tailenders - not that the difference was always easy to tell. The last wicket fell in the 19th over, with Pakistan needing a straightforward 103 to take a series lead.

They lost Fakhar Zaman early but with such a low target, the pressure was never really on them. They were unperturbed about having scored just 21 runs for two wickets in the Powerplay. Shoaib Malik and Ahmed Shehzad simply rotated the strike and ease towards the target. Shehzad fell to a loose shot midway but it barely mattered at that point, Hafeez effortlessly taking his place.

After the demoralising ODI whitewash, Sri Lanka's full side would have struggled to compete with the hosts. But as Sarfraz Ahmed's men put the finishing touches on the most routine of wins, it was impossible not to feel Sri Lanka may face a similar fate in the shortest format.

The second match is on (ESPN Cricinfo)

he puts his arm around players, the way he encourages players, that will still be there if Ben Stokes the cricketer isn't. What he has given to the team will stay with the team and that will stand us in good stead in Australia.

"I don't think Ashes series are won and lost on one player and you always need players to stand up at different times and Alastair Cook did it in 10-11, scored a record number of runs, Jimmy Anderson did it in 10-11, got some awesome wickets, and Ashes series are won in those little key moments and we have enough players who can step up in those key times."

Broad is confident England have a squad capable of mounting a strong Ashes defence in Australia, despite questions about the strength of their middle order

after multiple changes in personnel.

He said: "I think we are a free spirit of a team so it makes us relatively unpredictable. We can do wonderful things, we can have players score hundreds off 90 balls, but then we can also lose three wickets quickly and that hurts us.

"Rooty [Joe Root] as captain is trying to bring a little bit more responsibility into that - can we stand up and calm our bad moments down, so let's not lose a Test match in a session, let's stay in the game longer.

"I think we are really nicely equipped to go to Australia. We have got good experience but we have also got some young players who are completely fearless and we are going to need that."(SPORTSMAX)

de Kock shines as Proteas go 1-0

Q

uinton de Kock scored his highest Twenty20 international score of 59 to lead South Africa to a 20-run victory over Bangladesh on Thursday in the first game of the series at Bloemfontein. De Kock scored his runs off 44 balls and shared a 79-run partnership with AB de Villiers as South Africa piled up a total of 195 for four after winning the toss.

Bangladesh fell short in their reply, finishing on 175-9 despite a bludgeoning start in which Soumya Sarkar struck 47 off 31 balls before a review had him trapped lbw to Andile Phehlukwayo, who finished with figures of 2-25 off his four overs.

There were two wickets on his international debut for Robbie Frylinck after a surprise call-up by South Africa for the 33-year-old bowler, including removing Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan for 13.

The home triumph was built on the second-wicket partnership between De Kock and De Villiers, who added 49 off 27 balls.

Bangladesh threatened to make full use of perfect batting conditions as they started with purpose

and were averaging more than 10 runs an over before wickets began to tumble and their run rate was pulled back.

Bangladesh complete their five-week tour with a

second T20 international in Potchefstroom on Sunday.

They were comprehensively beaten in two tests and hammered by South Africa in the three one-day internationals. (Reuters)

SCOREBOARD South Africa Innings (20 overs maximum) Q de Kock† lbw b Rubel Hossain 59 HM Amla b Mehidy Hasan Mir az 3 AB de Villiers c Mahmudullah b Mehidy Hasan Miraz 49 JP Duminy* c Imrul Kayes b Shakib Al Hasan 13 DA Miller not out 25 F Behardien not out 36 Extras (b-4, lb-1, nb-1, w-4) 10 Total (For 4 wickets, 20 Overs) 195 Did not bat: AL Phehlukwayo, R Frylinck, AM Phangiso, D Paterson, BE Hendricks Fall of wickets: 1-18, 2-97, 3-122, 4-133 Bowling Shakib Al Hasan 3-0-281, Mehidy Hasan Miraz 4-0-312, Rubel Hossain 4-0-34-1 (w-3, nb-1), Taskin Ahmed 2-0-21-0, Shafiul Islam 2-0-33-0 (w-1), Mohammad Saifuddin 2-0-20-0, Mahmudullah 3-0-23-0 Bangladesh Innings (target: 196 runs from 20 overs) Imrul Kayes c Miller b Hendricks 10 Soumya Sarkar lbw b

Phehlukwayo 47 Shakib Al Hasan* c de Villiers b Frylinck 13 Mushfiqur Rahim† c de Villiers b Phangiso 13 Sabbir Rahman c Phehlukwayo b Hendricks 19 Mahmudullah c Amla b Phehlukwayo 3 Mohammad Saifuddin not ou t 39 Mehidy Hasan Miraz b Paterson 14 Shafiul Islam c Miller b Frylinck 1 Rubel Hossain not out 2 Extras (lb-1, w-13) 14 Total (For 9 wickets, 20 Overs) 175 Fall of wickets: 1-43, 2-64, 3-92, 4-98, 5-101, 6-124, 7-147, 8-147, 9-150 Bowling Paterson 4-0-292 (w-1), Hendricks 4-0-42-2 (w-1), Frylinck 4-0-33-2 (w1), Phehlukwayo 4-0-25-2 (w-2), Duminy 1-0-15-0 (w1), Phangiso 3-0-30-1 (w-1) Result: South Africa won by 20 runs Series result: South Africa lead the 2-match series 1-0 Player of the Match: AB de Villiers (South Africa)

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GUYANATIMESgy.COM

friDAY, october 27, 2017

“Guyana Open keeps golf on the sports radar” – Minister Norton

– Minister happy to see schools participating

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inister of Social Cohesion with responsibility for Sport, Dr. George Norton said the upcoming Guyana Cup Golf tournament set for November 4 and 5, should be hailed for keeping the sport on the radar; both locally and internationally.

The honorable Minister, who was speaking at the tournament’s launch on Thursday at the Marriott International Hotel, lauded the executives of the Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) for marinating the competition’s caliber after so many years of promoting the sport and the golfers alike.

“This could not have been done without lots of commitment and hard work.

The Guyana Open Golf tournament keeps golf on the sports radar of Guyanese and greatly contributes to

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he Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation Senior Men's National Team has received a historic FIBA ranking for the first time in the nation’s history of the sport. Guyana is now ranked 110th out of 213 national teams. Guyana was never ranked before and was considered to be one of the unranked countries within FIBA for the past 56 years.

On October 11, FIBA officially launched the new FIBA World Ranking Men, presented by Nike. This is an innovative game - based wranking that factors in all official games ranging from regional pre-qualifiers all the way to the FIBA Basketball World Cup Final and includes the Olympic Basketball Tournament as well as the Continental Cups. As a result, it can more accurately reflect the performances of 153 national teams over an eight year period, compared to 91 national teams under the previous system which was competition - based and only took into account the final standings of tournaments.

The basic principle is simple: 1,000 basis points are awarded in each game, with the two teams earning a share of these according to the margin of victory or defeat. Weightings are added on a round basis meaning that, when a team progresses through a top official FIBA competition, its wins are worth more with every round it plays. The ranking has re-

Happy faces say it all. From left: Social Cohesion Minister, Dr George Norton; LGC President Hilbert Shields and CEO of Ganesh Parts, Chatram Persaud flanked by other LGC executives and Guyana’s top male and female golfers

the development of Golf in Guyana”, said the Minister.

Minister Norton said he was also pleased with the initiative of the organizers to include schools in

the tourney this year as it’s a great move to marry academics with golf. “There is a need for great involvement in sports, in and out of schools; it’s something

I’ve been very vocal about since taking responsibility of sports in Guyana. I believe that we’ve got to start at the level of schools,” declared the Minister.

National B/Ball team earns ranking for the 1st time

The Guyana Men’s National Basketball team is now ranked at 112 out of 213 countries

vised weightings of the competitions. For the first time, it sees the implementation of a time decay rewarding teams for their most recent performances. This replaces the system in place under the previous ranking, where all games over the 8-year period received the exact same value.

It also recognizes the value of away wins and rewards facing and beating opponents that are higher in the ranking. The new ranking was devised with the new calendar clearly in mind.

FIBA is pleased to offer more national teams - 149 of them, a ranking that can be updated after every window of the Qualifiers so that national teams, fans and their national federations can follow their progress on a more regular basis.

For now, the new FIBA World Ranking Men, presented by Nike, only ap-

plies to senior men's national teams and competitions.

FIBA will work towards drawing up and implementing similar systems for the women's and youth (boys and girls) rankings at a later stage.

Both GABF President Nigel Hinds and GABF International General Secretary and CBC Vice President Patrick Haynes are quite pleased that the National Senior Men’s Team was able to capture such a high worldwide ranking, and are very optimistic that the team will be ranked even higher, after next year’s FIBA AmeriCup Caribbean Pre-Qualifier which will be hosted by Suriname in June 2018. The Guyana Men's National team was placed 5th in the 2014 CBC Championships in Tortola, BVI which was its best performance in this decade.

Caribbean countries

ranked higher in the list includes: Puerto Rico (15), Dominican Republic (17), Virgin Islands (51), Bahamas (59), Cuba (60), Jamaica (68), Antigua and Barbuda (76), British Virgin Islands (92), Barbados (97), St. Vincent and the Grenadines (100), Bermuda (109), while Guyana (110) outranked Suriname (118), Cayman Islands (121) and Trinidad and Tobago (143). Now is the time that the Government of Guyana through the Ministry of Sport dedicate funding for the promotion and growth of basketball through-out the nation. The Nigel Hinds lead administration was able to source the required funds to get Guyana's overseas athletes to these important qualifying championships which allowed them to be ranked for the first time ever in 56 years of Guyana basketball is a significant accomplishment.

LGC President Hilbert Shields said that the event will continue to produce a number of top golfers as it has been doing in the past while creating a system where persons can come and learn the sport from pro golfers; whether it is for fun or competition.

Shields said that he was happy to have the support of the government along with other sponsors who have been on board the Cup over the years. He added that the competition has allowed the sport to reach all facets of society while playing a role in the continued growth of the Tourism sector of Guyana.

Meanwhile, tournament sponsor Ganesh Parts and General Store, CEO Chatram Persaud said his company, who is an official distributor of the world-fa-

mous Bridgestone Tires, is delighted to have jump onboard the Guyana Cup as it has been one of the premier sport events held annually in Guyana.

Persaud said just as the Bridgestone brand has been a reliable brand over the years, so too was he looking to be a part of the Cup in the future, saying Ganesh Parts fully supports the tournament and will continue to work along with others in the fraternity to ensure that Guyana takes golf to the next stage.

The Guyana Cup Golf tournament will feature golfers, both amateur and pros from across the country as well as different parts of the world, duking it out in two days of intense competition on November 4 and 5 at the Lusignan Golf Course.

Gayle’s Attorney accuses masseuse of plotting against his client

T

he attorney representing Windies batsman, Chris Gayle, accused massage therapist Leanne Russell of collusion with the team’s physiotherapist to embarrass his client and have him thrown off the West Indies squad.

The case is before Judge Lucy McCallum and a jury of three women and a man.

The big-hitting batsman was accused of exposing his penis to Russell, who worked as a massage therapist for the West Indies during the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2015.

Gayle has denied the allegations and is seeking damages, aggravated damages and special damages over the articles published

by Fairfax Media.

According to the Guardian, in the New South Wales Supreme Court, Bruce McClintock SC, Gayle’s attorney, accused Russell of colluding with the team’s physiotherapist, Christopher Clark, to have the Jamaican opener removed from the West Indies team.

“Mr Clark encouraged you to go to The Age on the 15th of January 2015 … He rejoiced with you about what you had done, didn’t he?” Mr McClintock said.

“He was proud of me,” Russell replied. “You were celebrating the attack on my client,” Mr McClintock said.

“We were not celebrating the attack on your client,” Russell replied.

“You knew, in February 2015 and January 2016, that Mr Clark wanted Mr Gayle out of the West Indies team, didn’t you?” Mr McClintock asked.

“I don’t agree that’s a correct statement,” Russell replied.

“You and he hatched up a plot to fabricate an allegation to achieve that end,” Mr McClintock asked.

“Absolutely untrue,” Russell replied.

Russell said she decided to go to the media with the story after the now infamous interview Gayle gave to Big Bash sideline reporter Mel McLaughlin in which he told her “don’t blush, baby”.

Russell gave testimony that in February 2015, she walked into a change room at Drummoyne Oval to find Gayle, dressed in a shirt and towel, and his teammate Dwayne Smith. Gayle, she said, asked her what she was looking for, before moving his towel, “flashing me” and saying, “are you looking for this?”

However, it came to light that Russell had sent messages to a friend days after the incident in which she described the Jamaican as a “lazy-arsed motherf..ker” who “does no prep”.

“Big drama the last few days because I told them to f..k off their late night texts,” Ms Russell sent to a friend. “Stick your penis in any woman outside the bus, not me.”(SPORTSMAX)

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No funds may see WI blind team missing World Cup

P

ublic Relations Officer of the West Indies Cricket Council for the Blind and Visually Impaired (WICCBVI) Leroy Phillips said a lack of funding could likely dampen the team’s proposed trip to the fourth edition 40-over World Cup slated for January 7-21 2018 in Dubai.

Phillips told Guyana Times Sport on Thursday that the lack of financial support which has made things difficult for the association over the years, has yet again come back to hurt the team which has already been selected for the soon approaching World Cup, adding that the current position is likely to affect the trip.

“The position for the West Indies team is the lack of funding; the team has already been picked but is facing the challenge of participating in the World Cup. We are looking at US$80,000 to $100,000 in funds to send them to Dubai in January and the team

has to bring themselves in Guyana then travel to Suriname, Amsterdam then Dubai. That is the route and it’s very expensive,” Philips confessed.

Phillips, who is one of five Guyanese in the West Indies team, further admitted that there were no other impending setbacks or hurdles at the moment, but stressed on how the lack of support is and has been limiting the team over the years.

He also pointed out that once the team acquires sponsorship in the days to come, it will help them offset numerous debts. Also, once adequate sponsorship is provided for the team to commence their week-long training camp in December, they can better direct funds towards ensuring their trip to Dubai is a success.

“There are no challenges with the team other than just trying to get sponsorship because Guyana has agreed to the hosting of a training camp in December

for one week and if we can get any facilities at a low cost or no cost at all, then it would significantly help reduce the cost we need for the trip in January”, said Phillips.

Meanwhile, the PRO confirmed two new Guyanese faces in the side with; Douglas Tika of Enterprise, East Coast Demerara and Ceon Mitchell of Linden joining Phillips along with Ganesh Singh and Kevin Douglas as the other local players in the side.

West Indies blind 20-man squad: (B1) Leroy Phillips, Ganesh Singh, Douglas Tika (Guyana), Jason Ricketts, Marlon Cole (Jamaica) and Shawn Straker (Barbados). B2s: Gregory Stewart, Alvin James (Jamaica), Ricardo Manning, Kci WardRyan (Barbados) and Seon Mitchell (Guyana).

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West Indies Blind Cricket Council PRO Leroy Phillips is fearful of the team not going to Dubai if funds are not raised

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Regal Sports supports Wakenaam U-19 cricket

‘Nationals’ will begin on November 26 at Leonora

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21

The National Schools Championships have been officially moved to the National Track and Field Facility at Leonora, West Demerara

O

n Wednesday, the Minister of Education, Nicolette Henry and Minister of Social Cohesion Dr. George Norton; met with senior officials from the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) to address the planning of the 57th MOE and GTU National Schools Championships to be held at the National Track and Field Centre (NTFC) at Leonora.

The meeting took place in the MOE Boardroom on Brickdam and was also attended by the Director of Sport Christopher Jones.

At the meeting, it was agreed that the opening ceremony of the championship will be held on Sunday November 26 at 16:00h at the (NTFC). However, the first official event which is the cycling championships will run off the very next day from 06:00h in the national park while the swimming championships will take place a few hours later at the National Aquatic Centre in Liliendaal from 10:00h.

The highlight of the championship, the Track and Field events, will commence on

Tuesday November 28 and will run until December 1 at the NFTC. The final day will also feature the closing ceremony.

Speaking to Guyana Times Sport exclusively via telephone, Minister Norton noted that the decision to move the Championship to the synthetic track at Leonora was made some time ago but due to a couple of factors, it is only now that the move was confirmed.

Among those factors that delayed the move was the trepidation of athletes not being prepared to compete on the synthetic track and lack of proper athletic footwear; it was thought that if the athletes competed bare-footed on the track there would be injuries. However schools in the region close to the facility have all been utilizing it for some time now and no injuries have been reported; thus the decision to move the Nationals to the synthetic track was confirmed.

The meeting also addressed issues such as security, accommodation, meals and other championship related issues. A number of other meetings are planned to ensure that this year’s championship is a successful one.

(Michelangelo Jacobus)

ith the cricket fever as hot as possible on the island of Wakenaam the Wakenaam Cricket Committee (WCC) has gained the much needed support of Regal Sports for the staging of an U19 40-over tournament.

The competition which is set to commence on Saturday November 4 at the Wakenaam Community Centre ground in Good Success will see four teams in action with lots of trophies at stake for teams and individuals alike.

In an invited comment Purnanand Boodhoo of Regal Sports said they are pleased to be part of the WCC development programme since it is at this level where stars are born. In response, Secretary of the WCC Zaheer Mohamed thanked Regal Sports for their support and said the tournament will involve players from across the island.

Mohamed explained that in order to have well balanced sides, the players from the seven clubs on the island and aspiring cricketers, who may not be members of clubs, will be placed in the participating teams, adding that this will bring the best out of the players.

Players from Good Success, Sans Souci and Sans Souci Jaguars will be placed into one team while G Square Cavaliers will field another with players from Belle Plaine, Sarah and surrounding areas. The third team will consists of players from Zeelandia to Maria’s Pleasure while the fourth team will include players from Noitgedacht and other villages in Eastern Wakenaam.

Among the players that will participate are Beesham Moses, Reon Venture, Romario Steven, Matthew Cheong, Bumeshwar Ramkissoon, Marlon Dindyal, Mahase Ramnarine, Sachin Dindyal, Nkosie Dazzel and David Chalitar.

Regal Sports is a member of Regal Stationery and Computer Centre of 69 Seaforth Street, Campbellville.

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

friDAY, october 27, 2017

LGC/Guyana Open Cup Golf Tournament 2017…

Deo, Persaud hunting for title repeat

plans to bring her A-game to the fairways, adding that due to a few changes in the rules over the year has made it a bit difficult for her.

“Since the past two years they have decided to change the format so it’s been very challenging for me, so I guess I have to step up more, its tough but I’m positive so I think this year I’ll go out and do my best,” said Sookram.

As for Deo, she too echoed similar views as that of Persaud who stressed on the importance of being a champion and practicing hard in order to keep on top of one’s

all takes practice. The past couple weeks I’ve been going to the golf course and basically putting chipping and playing around a few holes.”

“Golf is a mental game so you need to also have a good mental standpoint. Coming in this year to defend my title has a lot of pros and cons to it, because you have the advantage of coming in as champ and that comes with a lot of pressure in defending it, but I think we’re all very prepared,” ended Deo. The two-day event sponsored by Ganesh Spare Parts and endorsed by the Ministry of Social Cohesion

Winners all the way; from left: Avindra Kishore, Christine Sookram, Guyana Cup defending champs Avinash Persaud and Joaan Deo at the launch on Thursday

R

eigning Male and Female champs Avinash Persaud and Joaan Deo said they’ve been pushing in a lot of practice to ensure they reclaim their titles in the 2017 Guyana Open Golf Cup tournament set for November 4 and 5 at the Lusignan Golf Course East Coast Demerara.

Persaud, a seven-time Cup winner said during Thursday’s launching at the Marriott International Hotel that he was not doing anything special but rather he was focusing more on just

rehearsing his skills which has turned him into the top guy to beat come next weekend.

Speaking on his training regimes leading up to the tournament, Persaud said, “My strategy is just to keep on practicing and doing what I’ve been doing all the time and that’s to go out and do my best, keep the championship alive and keep the title in Guyana.”

With competition coming from not only around Guyana, but other parts of the world, Persaud who

is the head grounds-man at Lusignan, is aware that the competition will be gunning for his crown. To make things even harder for the champ, his younger brother Avinda Kishore will be looking to wrest the title from his sibling.

Kishore, who shot to popularity during the 2013 Guyana Cup after dethroning his brother to claim the title, said he was eager to compete not only against the vast number of golfers but also his brother. “My strategy is just to focus, I don’t

need any practice, I just need to focus as long as I’m focused I’ll take home everything,” said a humorous Kishore.

While the brothers shared their views on what could possibly be the outcome at the end of the Cup, the ladies; Christina Sookram and Deo also got verbally involved as they outlined their plans heading into the tourney.

Sookram, a former champ and touted as the best female golfer in Guyana over the last six years, said she

The attractive Guyana Open trophies that are up for grabs next weekend

game. “First of all I would like to say practice is a must, so in terms of the strategy to defend my title this year it

with responsibility to Sport, is set for November 4 and 5 at the Lusignan Golf Course.

‘Oasis 5K Fun Run’ gets $1.1M boost T

– registration deadline is November 10

he Guyana Beverage Inc (GBI) through its Oasis Water brand has handed over $1, 197,400 to the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) on

Thursday at the company’s Head Office, Diamond, East Bank Demerara. That sum will be used for the inaugural Oasis 5K Road Race and Fun Walk to be

held on November 12 in the National Park, Georgetown.

Speaking at the launch of the event, GBI Commercial Manager, Samuel Arjoon stated that the compa-

ny has a vested interest in the development of sport in Guyana.

“Through the Oasis brand we are very happy to be a part of this because we see

Synthetic track on track in Berbice T

he Burnham Park Sporting Facilities situated in New Amsterdam, East Berbice is getting a much-needed facelift. The venue is earmarked to accommodate a synthetic track which will be the third of its kind in the country.

Through the of Minister of Social Cohesion with responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sports Dr. George Norton, massive infrastructure work including de-bushing, excavation of the drains, land filling and fencing is set to done at the venue.

During a recent visit, Minister Norton explained that $500M has been earmarked for the construction of two synthetic tracks. One of which is earmarked for the Burnham Park while the other is currently under way in Linden. He expressed the belief that the venue is the best location to plant a synthetic track for Region Six. The Synthetic track is an initiative for the development of sports in the community and region, the Minister added. He urged all stakeholders to get on board as quickly as possible so to ensure the project’s resounding success.

Mayor of New Amsterdam, Winifred Haywood, in an impassioned speech, described her elation at receiving information about developmental works in New Amsterdam. She spoke of her days of at-

tending, participating and viewing many sporting, cultural and other events at the famous venue. She assured the minister that work would commence immediately.

Also present was Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Six, Kim Stephen, who guaranteed that the necessary funds will be made available in a timely manner. The REO assured that, “Residents of Region Six are indeed proud and happy that the region is not forgotten. That you have taken the opportunity to enlighten us of the things that are in store for Burnham Park.”

A bleacher, costing $7M, was constructed by the previous administration.

The bleacher measuring 63ft x26 ft with eight platforms has begun to sink. The toilet facility with a reservoir which was also built is in a low area that floods easily.

Minister Norton revealed to Guyana Times Sport that the construction will be done in four phases; the first two of those phases should be completed by the end of this year. The final two phases are going to be done in early 2018, among the final phases; the actual laying of the synthetic track will be done.

– 1st phase set to be completed by year end

Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr George Norton

GBI Commercial Manager Samuel Arjoon hands over the cheque to AAG President Aubrey Hutson as other officials look on

sports development in young people as critical to the development of themselves, their community and by extension for national development. We know that sport is a big industry that can transform the country and we at Guyana Beverage Inc, we believe in the holistic development of people through sport and education. This is a perfect opportunity for us to partner with the athletics association through the Oasis brand to help develop our young athletes, to be exposed to more opportunity so in time to come, they will be able to put Guyana and their sportsmen on the map,” Arjoon explained.

Meanwhile AAG President, Aubrey Hutson revealed that “it was like a dream come through for the Athletics Association of Guyana to start receiving calls from potential sponsors who would like to partner with us.” He pointed out that the AAG has been hard at work to develop the product of athletics in Guyana, to make the athletes marketable. He maintained that now athletics is at a stage where corporate Guyana

can partner with the association to advance development even further.

“We see it as a worthy partner and we hope that the launch of this first event is not just the launch of Oasis Water in Guyana but an annual event that we can look forward to every year” Hutson declared.

It was revealed that registration began some two weeks back and is currently ongoing daily at the National Park as well as AAG’s Head Office at 125 Light Street, Georgetown.

Registration deadline for the event is November 10.

The prizes are cash and accompanying accolades; in the Golden Juniors category prizes are $10,000 for first to third place while fourth and fifth will walk away with a $5000 voucher. In the Senior Category first to third place will win $35000, $25000 and $20000 in that order. First to third placed Master athletes will pocket $15000, $10000 and $5000 respectively.

The event will begin at the National Park on November 12 at 15:30h.

(Michelangelo Jacobus)

guyanatimesgy.com

friDAY, october 27, 2017

23

CWI/Digicel Regional 4-Day Championships 2017-18…

Hemraj, Bramble help Jaguars claw to 258-8

By Akeem Greene

O

n a day where numerous batsmen got starts but none managed to build on their innings, solid half-centuries

by Anthony Bramble (62) and Chandrapaul Hemraj (60) shepherded the Jaguars to 258 for 8 at stumps on the first day (Thursday) of their Cricket West Indies (CWI) Digicel 4-day match against the Scorpions at the National Stadium, Providence.

Despite the overcast conditions for the majority of the day, the pitch produced no ‘demons’ for batting but yet the locals gifted many of wickets cheaply and will be desperately hoping unbeaten batsmen Romario Shepherd on 18 and Veerasammy Permaul whose yet to score can take them close as possible to 300 runs today for a second batting bonus point.

Being inserted with the threat of rain lingering, Rajendra Chandrika and Tagenarine Chanderpaul weathered the new-ball burst from Jason Dawes and Derval Green, though both bowlers were guilty of not forcing the batsmen to play too often.

Chanderpaul got his first boundary with a clip over square-leg against Green while Chandrika played a crisp cover-drive which left the fielders unmoved.

Green changed ends and errored in length and line to which Chandrika wasted no time in capitalising with two boundaries through point.

Captain Paul Palmer persisted with the diminu-

tive pacer for another over in which drew the Test batman into shot outside his off-stump for a soft edge. He fell in the 17th over after hitting four boundaries to end the opening resistance.

Hemraj came to the crease and immediately showed urgency with some sweetly timed strokes both sides of the wicket.

Left-arm wrist spinner Dennis Bulli introduction immediately brought virtue since he had Chanderpaul edging to first slip just two

against the spinners.

Johnson continued to be positive striking fours boundaries on his way to 20.

Off-spinner Damani Sewell returned to the attack and got the wicket of the Test batsman with a deliver which scythed through his defence.

West Indies under-19 batsman Bhaskar Yadram was clueless Bulli in his seven-ball duck, leaving Jaguars in a spot of bother at 101 for 4 in the 40th over.

Wicket keeper Bramble

off for a well-played knock which had seven boundaries and one six, spanning just one minute short of three hours.

Keemo Paul trudged to the crease and smashed his first ball form Sewell for a huge six over mid-wicket.

Tea was taken at 151-6 with Bramble and Rutherford on 17 and one respectively and after the interval they took the home side over the 200-run mark.

Bramble began to look busy at the crease on his way to Left-arm wrist spinner Dennis Bulli troubled the batsmen with his guile and spin

to carry on, he skied a delivery to mid-off, ending the innings rebuilding partnership of 83 for the seventh wicket.

It was now up to the 19 year-old Rutherford in his second game at this level to bat Jaguars to safety as he looked set to reach his maiden half-century.

However, Sewell had other ideas as the arm-ball once Young Sherfane Rutherford looked to be in full control

overs before lunch for a painstaking 14 in which he occupied the crease for 105 minutes.

Captain Leon Johnson unbeaten on two and Hemraj on 22 carried the host to lunch at 66 without any more causalities.

The second session began in the most positive note with Johnson delightfully driving Bulli through cover while Hemraj continued to grow in stature, using the crease to his advantage in the counter-attack

was given a promotion of which himself and Hemraj steadied the proceedings.

Bramble had early life when he was dropped on nine by Gareth Garvey off the bowling of Sewell. At the other end Hemarj pulled Bulli for six to reach second First-Class half-century from 89 balls inclusive of six fours and one six.

The lanky off-spinner soon had his man, getting Hemraj to prod at delivery outside his off-stump and into the hands of silly mid-

his sixth First-Class half century. For that milestone he faced 95 balls and caressed six fours to the ropes.

The land-mark brought even more confidence as he became wristy, stylishly effecting late cuts and flicks backward of square.

Rutherford, who showcased an abundance of patience early in his innings began opening his shoulders and crashing left-arm spinner Fabian Allen through the cover region.

Just when he looked set

again caught the batsman napping in an uncharacteristic innings which spanned 150 minutes, 105 balls and six fours.

The off-spinner could have had his fourth victim when Palmer floored a diving chance at first slip offthe final ball of the day.

The second day’s play is slated to start at 09:30h today.

SCOREBOARD Jaguars 1st innings T Chanderpaul c Palmer b Bulli 14 R Chandrika b Green c Morrison+ 25 C Hemraj c Garvey 60 L Johnson* b Sewell 20 B Yadram b Bulli 0 A Bramble+ c Fudadin b Daw es 62 K Paul c Morrison+ b Green 12 S Rutherford b Sewell 45 R Shepherd not out 18

V Permaul not out 0 Extras: (1b, 1w) 2 Total (258 for 8; 90 overs) To Bat: G Motie FoW: 1-38, 2-51, 3-96, 4-101, 5-132, 6-150, 7-233, 8-251 Bowling: Dawes 13-6-32-1, Green 18-1-60-2, Sewell 28-969-3, Bulli 18.4-2-52-2, Allen 12-0-41-0, Fudadin 0.2-0-3-0 Scorpions XI: G Garvey, T Griffith, A Fudadin, B King, P Palmer*, F Allen, R Morrison+, D Bulli, D Sewell, D Green, J Dawes

GSCL Inc/PM T20 Softball Cup…

A

fter months of planning and build up, the inaugural Prime Minister’s T20 Softball Cup bowls off today at five venues across Georgetown.

On Thursday evening at the GNIC Sports Club ground on Woolford avenue, Banks DIH and tournament organizers the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc. hosted a welcome reception for the 16 participating teams and match officials that came from Canada, Florida and New York to rub shoulders with the best local players.

The three-day tournament which promises to be nothing short of excitement and competition will have 12 teams in the All-Star category and six Masters teams going head to head to see who will be left standing when the finals come off on Sunday at the Everest Cricket Club ground.

At the grand finale, the lighted stumps and the zing bails will be used which will to add to the oc-

Teams in action are:

Executive of the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc, Mahendra Hardyal inspects the preparation of the YMCA Ground

casion that will also see the dancing girls strutting their stuff to the sounds of the Caribbean Hot Shots band. After an inspection of the venues, the organizers are confident that lots of runs will be scored on the well prepared tracks and fast outfields. The Police Sports Club

ground at Eve Leary, YMCA and Malteenoes Cricket Club ground on Thomas Lands, Demerara Cricket Club ground in Queenstown and Everest are the battle grounds where the fireworks will go off from 09:00h this morning.

All-Stars: Dutch 4 Warriors, Success All Stars, Regal All Stars, Spartans All Stars, Queens Cricket League All Stars, Spartans, Hill Foot Warriors, Speed Boat, SVC All Stars, De Hoop All Stars, Ross Kill All Stars, Boots All Stars and Farm XI. Masters: Regal Masters, Amazon Warriors, NY Hustlers, Enterprise Masters, HS Masters and Tropical Springs.

Teams were not required to pay entrance fees and have lots to win. In the All-Star category, the winning team will get $600,000, a trophy and medals while the losing finalist will pocket $100,000, a trophy and medals. The Most Valuable Player (MVP) will ride away with a Hero motorcycle while in the Masters category the champions will get $500,000, a trophy and medals and $100,000 will go to the second placed team. The MVP will get a 55-inch television set compliments of Regal Stationery

and Computer Centre.

The tournament sponsors will have lots of novelties and other giveaways for spectators across the venues including the finals. Admission is free to all venues. The competition is being sponsored by Banks DIH, Hero Motorcycles, Regal Stationery and Computer, Regal Sports, C. Mohan General Contracting Inc., Crown Mining Supplies, Elegance Jewellery and Pawn Shop, Ink Plus, Industrial Supplies and Services, P and P Insurance Brokers and Consultants Ltd, Starr Party Rentals, Pyeo General Store, Clear Waters, Chung’s Global Enterprise, Gafson’s Industries Ltd., WJ Enterprise, Lucky Star, Ryan and Reuben General Store of Bartica, Massy industries, Guysons Engineering, Dino Enterprise of Bartica, Scott Service Station of Bartica, Swiss Machinery Establishment, Fly Jamaica Airways, Express International, Office of the Prime Minister and Jap Restoration Inc of New York.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2017

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

guyanatimesgy.com

CWI/Digicel Regional 4-Day Championships 2017-18…

Hemraj, Bramble

Chandrapaul Hemraj used the crease to his advantage against the spinners

Pg 23

help Jaguars claw to 258-8

Anthony Bramble stroked some fours down the ground

GSCL Inc/ PM T20 Softball Cup…

Pg 23

Georgetown Softball Cricket League President Ian John receives the tournament trophies from Banks Beer Brand Manager Raul Nedd at the GNIC Sports Club Ground in the presence of the teams’ Captains

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