Guyanatime 14 april 2018

Shyam Nokta returns as GMSA President P 10

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

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Saturday, April 14, 2018

Issue No. 3533

PRICE

2017 economic outlook

Page 3

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Govt confirms economic growth lowest in 5 years

Fishermen banned from operating at Hope Canal

…lament hardship to livelihood

Page 13

$80 vat included

GECOM confirms fake ID card found in Berbice Page 8

Increased reports of P14 typhoid reported at Tapakuma …GWI assists in disinfecting village well

Linden maternal death Relatives P14

picket hospital …say family to file legal action

Ministry to P12 monitor use of grants to innovation project youths Reckless driving

P10

Police ranks pay for repairs to damaged GPF vehicles

P11 Sexual Offences Court adjudicated 14 cases since establishment – Judge

Freak storm hits Essequibo Coast Page 9

… 5 injured, 4 homes, power lines damaged New GuySuCo Board

Cabinet overturns subcommittee decision on new Board Page 9 …Clive Thomas still Chairman

South African team to explore prospect of local gold P15 refinery President commissions Victory Valley Play Park in P16 Linden

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BRIDGE OPENINGS

2017 economic outlook

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

Saturday, April 14 – 03:30h and a day-time retraction at 14:30h-16:00h and Sunday, April 15 – 04:00h and a day-time retraction at 14:30h-16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, April 14 – 15:40h-17:10h and Sunday, April 15 – 16:20h-17:50h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Light to thundery rain showers can be expected throughout the day and into the evening, with temperatures ranging between 22 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-easterly to North-easterly between 2.23 metres and 6.25 metres.

High Tide: 03:31h and 15:50 reaching maximum heights of 2.61 metres and 2.66 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 09:25h and 21:42h reaching minimum heights of 0.58 metres and 0.53 metres respectively.

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DAILY MILLIONS 09 15 16 18

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

Govt confirms economic growth lowest in 5 years

By Jarryl Bryan

O

n the heels of a report

by Guyana Times, the Government has admitted that Guyana’s macro-economic outlook for 2017 turned out to be worse than projected, with a 2.1 growth rate being recorded.

Finance Minister Winston Jordan made this admission during his first press conference for the year on Friday at his Ministry.

Revealing that the 2017 end of year economic report has been completed, he linked the dismal figures to sectors including sugar.

Guyana’s last best growth rate was 5.2 per cent in 2013. World Bank records show Guyana's growth rates in 2014 was 3.8 per cent, 2015 3.2 per cent, and 2016 3.3 per cent.

“The economy did not perform as robust as we expected during last year,” the Minister admitted. “Even at the half year we were predicting that the economy would not, given what we knew about sugar. At the end of the day, it was even worse than we predicted. So even though there was positive growth last year, the growth rate ended up being 2.1 per cent.”

“Sugar, we had budgeted at 208,000 tonnes, came in at only 137,307 tonnes.

Bauxite again did not do quite well. We had budgeted 1.7 million tonnes.

Bauxite came in at 1.4 million. Gold (was a) major disappointment. We budgeted at 694,000 ounces. It came in at 653,674 ounces.”

Rice did produce positive figures, with the Minister reporting that from a target of 600,000 tonnes, rice was recorded at 630,104 tonnes. Having budgeted for 318,000 cubic metres, forestry recorded 349,900 cubic metres. Jordan noted that this is better than previous years. And in terms of fiscal performance itself, the deficit to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has actually decreased; a positive indicator. According to Jordan, the

Finance Minister Winston Jordan holds up a copy of the report which confirmed low economic growth

overall state of the economy is nothing new.

“I think I’ve been quite open with you about this economy, in the sense that this economy has not changed much in over 50 years, depending on one or two products, which depends on what prices are. One day you’re up when gold is up, one day you’re down when bauxite is down.”

“Our critical sectors have always depended on some grandfather, that grandfather being some protectionist market. In the case of sugar, that grandfather being the [African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States] ACP markets. In the case

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

of rice, rice has always had some kind of grandfather market,” Jordan explained.

Previously, Jordan had said the economy was expected to grow by 2.9 per cent, failing to meet the revised growth projection of 3.1 per cent for 2017. The initial projected growth of the economy was 3.8 per cent. This was, however, revised by midyear to 3.1 per cent after the economy only grew by 2.2 per cent by July.

State of the economy

The Finance Ministry’s half year report was released in July of last year. It had showed contractions in certain sectors, when com-

pared to the corresponding period in 2016. The declining sectors had included sugar, livestock, forestry, mining and quarrying and even the bauxite industry.

It showed that sugar production was recorded at 49,606 tonnes at the half year and when compared to 56,645 tonnes during the first half of 2016, represented a decline of 12.4 per cent.

The livestock industry also contracted by 10.9 per cent in the first half of 2017, due to heavy rainfall severely affecting production, especially in the second quarter.

The forestry industry also showed an 18.2 per cent contraction in the first six months of 2017, compared to the same period in 2016.

Declining production within the forestry industry was due to structural changes in the industry.

The mining and quarrying sector contracted by 4.0 per cent, during the first half of 2017. Gold production fell by 1.7 per cent to 317,096 ounces, in the first half of 2017, compared to the same period in 2016. Also, it showed the bauxite industry declined by 11.5 per cent, as a result of reduced production of higher valued grades.

This was due to poor weather combined with mechanical issues at one of the mines. However, production of metal grade bauxite (MAZ) increased by 97,016 tonnes or 21.3 per cent, the report had stated.

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

Taking immunisation seriously

W

orld Immunisation Week – celebrated in the last week of April – aims to highlight the collective action needed to ensure that every person is protected from diseases that are preventable once they are properly vaccinated. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), this year’s theme: “Protected Together, #VaccinesWork”, encourages people at every level – from donors to the general public – to go further in their efforts to increase immunization coverage for the greater good.

Immunization is the process whereby a person is made immune or resistant to an infectious disease, typically by the administration of a vaccine. In essence, immunization is a proven tool for controlling and eliminating life-threatening, infectious diseases. It is also one of the most successful and cost-effective health interventions, and prevents between 2 and 3 million deaths annually from diseases such as diphtheria, measles, pertussis, pneumonia, polio, rotavirus diarrhoea, rubella and tetanus.

The goal of World Immunisation Week 2018 is to urge greater action on immunization around the world, with a particular focus on spotlighting the role that everyone can play in this effort, from donors to individuals.

During Vaccination Week, there are a number of activities usually planned in more than 180 countries across the world, including vaccination campaigns, training workshops, roundtable discussions, public information campaigns etc to raise awareness about the importance of being immunized.

Like many other countries, for us in Guyana, this special week provides an opportunity to remind families and communities in general how effective vaccines can be, and to encourage people to take action to ensure that more children, and increasingly people in other age groups, are immunized against deadly and debilitating diseases.

According to WHO, there are more than 19 million unvaccinated or under-vaccinated children in the world, putting them at serious risk of contracting these potentially fatal diseases. Of these children, 1 out of 10 never receive any vaccinations, and most likely has never been seen by the health system.

The Global Vaccine Action Plan (GVAP) – endorsed by 194 Member States of the World Health Assembly in May 2012 – aims to prevent millions of deaths from vaccine-preventable diseases by 2020 through universal access to immunization.

Despite improvements in individual countries and a strong global rate of new vaccine introduction, all of the GVAP targets for disease elimination—including measles, rubella, and maternal and neonatal tetanus—are behind schedule, according to the WHO. In order for everyone everywhere to survive and thrive, countries must make more concerted efforts to reach GVAP goals by 2020. Additionally, those countries that have achieved or made progress towards achieving the goals must work to sustain those efforts over time – so that no person goes without life-saving vaccines.

To achieve the kind of progress that is needed, the WHO has urged that governments invest more in immunization efforts, advocates must make vaccines a priority, and people must get themselves and their families vaccinated.

Countries are also being urged to reach more children missed by the routine delivery systems, especially those living in countries, districts or areas where less than 80 per cent of them are receiving vaccines, or those living in countries affected by conflicts or emergencies.

When a child or adult who is unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated visits a health facility for any reason, their vaccination record should be checked by healthcare workers, and they should be given all vaccines they are missing.

That said, Guyana’s immunisation programme has been largely successful, and has resulted in the eradication of illnesses such as polio, yellow fever, and measles among others diseases. We urge all stakeholders to utilize World Vaccination Week, which is dedicated to immunization, to spread the message of the need to be vaccinated; especially in Guyana’s remote areas, where health officials still seem to be facing some challenges.

Guyana will continue to make steady progress if every stakeholder -- including donors, health professionals, community leaders, school administrators and others -treats the issue of immunization more seriously.

Indigenous dancers performing on Thursday on Main Street, Georgetown during the second annual Harmony Village (Carl Croker photo)

Political harassment, intimidation narrative (Part 1) Dear Editor, This is Guyana today: sugar workers and their families continue their descent into poverty; rice farmers and cash crop farmers are at risk of losing their land because of unaffordable new lease and D&I rates; overtaxed working class Guyanese are faced with dispossession as various Government agencies move against them; bauxite workers employed by RUSAL face an uncertain and precarious future; business is under severe strain; the sustained decline of the economy continues unabated; corruption is rampant, and fear stalks the land; a milieu of despair and hopelessness spreads across the country.

This is the Guyana in which APNU/AFC are drowning in the misery they have created.

APNU/AFC are desperate to change this desperate narrative. But instead of trying to bring solutions and effect a transformation of the narrative, APNU/ AFC are trying to substitute the narrative with unfortunate drama. The truth, however, is that they can huff and puff all they want, the people of Guyana know their tricks, and are angry.

Their latest drama is to charge two former high-ranking professionals in the previous Government with misconduct in office, a charge that is not in the law books.

While the State media

and others screamed out the headline of charges being laid against Ashni Singh and Winston Brassington, implying they stole billions of dollars, the truth is that the charges are a travesty, truly whimsical, vulgar, and epitomizes the vindictiveness of this Government. The Leader of the Opposition is right that the charges are frivolous.

The charges, in fact, expose the absolute absence of any regard for ethics, morality, and the law. This is pure and simple political harassment and intimidation. These men are two of Guyana’s public servants who have served with competency, commitment and dedication; qualities that

many in APNU/AFC are totally lacking.

It is noteworthy that approval to sell these parcels of land was obtained from Cabinet, the highest decision-making body in the land. It is further noteworthy that these two men were part of a Board that included stakeholders from civil society, including the private sector.

When the Board finalised the sale, they obtained the permission of Cabinet.

Why, then, did SOCU not charge everyone? Why just these two men?

By now, however, everyone realizes these are merely trumped up charges.

Sincerely, Dr Leslie Ramsammy

GGMC misguided in its authority and functions Dear Editor, The Guyana Gold Board, under Chairman GHK Lall, has become an institution, and is misguided in its authority and functions. As a miner, I am convinced that Lall has bluffed his way to the reins of the Gold Board, and acts not in the interest of the gold miners and Government, but rather himself.

From the numerous press statements in the various newspapers about the board having no wiggle room under the guise of the conflict free gold is completely false.

This is utter nonsense, since the international reference countries for conflicts fold does not include Guyana. Furthermore, conflict-affected and high-risk areas are identified by the presence of armed conflicts, widespread violence, or other risk of harm to people.

Armed conflicts may take a variety of forms, such as conflict of international and non-international character, which may involve two or more states, or may consist of war of liberation, or insurgencies, civil war etc.

High-risk areas may include areas of political instability or repression, institutional weakness, insecurity, collapse of civil infrastructure, and widespread violence. Such areas are often characterised by widespread human rights abuses and violations of national and international law.

Guyana is not in any of the definition described above, and, as such, the chairman makes these false statements, contrary to the Gold Board Act, and requires from dealers and miners unnecessary documentation under the guise

of having to be complaint within international partners.

What is even more astounding is that Lall seems to be usurping the functions of the Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, and by his actions is killing the goose that lay the golden egg for Guyana.

Mr Lall should understand that it is us, the miners, who keep the wheel of the industry and sector turning; and being the largest foreign exchange earners, his continuous actions are causing unnecessary burden on simple miners.

This, in turn, has caused dealers to turn away miners, as they say it is the Gold Board requirement for compliance, all of which we have been using for years and no issue.

The Gold Board is being run like a cake shop, constantly changing their

minds when it comes to what they require from miners, all at the bequest of the chairman.

Lall seems to be speaking and making decisions as if he is the minister, realizing fully well that his actions will have detrimental impact on miners, dealers and the industry as a whole, as though the minister has no power.

I urge the President and the Minister of Natural Resources to seriously look into the mismanagement of the Gold Board, as it seems that under their Chairman the board is being treated like a personal guinea pig for Mr Lall’s infatuations with power, and in the process he is impeding the progress made with stakeholders, such as miners, dealers and associations.

With thanks, Miner

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

Another display of witch-hunting

Dear Editor, I will wholly agree with the Leader of the Opposition’s response to the unjustified charges of misconduct in public office. There is no basis for such a charge, since Dr Ashni Singh was carrying out the mandate of Cabinet.

According to reports, the three plots of land were sold for $31.9 million, $18.5 million and $5.8 million per acre. This is not a case where the buyers colluded with the minister or the Government to commit a fraud. There is no evidence to suggest that.

Chapter 73:05 Financial Management and Accountability Act, Section 85 clearly states the criminal liability of an official. It states that an official who falsifies any account, statement, receipt or other record issued or kept for the purposes of this Act, the Regulations, the Finance Circulars or any other instrument made under this Act, or conspires or colludes with any other person to defraud the State or make opportunity for any person to defraud the State, or knowingly permits any other person to do so, is guilty of an indictable offence.

It is clear that SOCU came up empty-handed but the political dictates must ensure that the previous Government faces public embarrassment in yet another display of witch-hunting. It must be recalled that they had made public utterances about corruption and stealing of public funds, which they abysmally failed to substantiate even though millions were spent on CoIs, so now they must appease their supporters.

But even among their diehard supporters, there are many who have realized that all of this is a drama into futility. These are just baseless and spurious allegations!

This is wasteful spending to enrich a few of their cronies.

Let me refresh and enlighten the public what took place in 1991 when there was

an insane haste by the PNC Government to privatize more than 40 state entities.

That was the time when our per capita income was just around US$370.

In February 1991, the PNC Government sold Demerara Woods Limited for 9.7 million pounds sterling to Lord Beaverbrook, and he obtained a 50-year lease of 1.1 million acres of rainforest. Two months later, he sold his interests for 61 million pounds sterling. In 1992 it was resold for 74 million pounds. It was estimated that the rainforest alone at that time was valued between US$160 million and $206 million.

Another similar case is Guyana Timbers Limited.

The book value of this entity was stated at US$130 million, but it was sold for a paltry US$23.2 million in 1991.

Registration and other fees amounting to US$1.6 million were waived.

The GRMMA complexes at Black Bush Polder and Corriverton were sold off in 1991 for US$3.8 million, but these complexes were valued at US$14.9. The Complexes at Ruimzeigt and Wakenaam and fertile lands were sold for US$2.5 million, the valuation was for US$8.5 million. At Anna Regina, the Complex valued at US$14.2 million was sold for US$4.2 million. In all these cases, local investors made higher bids, but the complexes were sold to foreigners. These are just a few.

When the PPP/C took office in 1992, they could have done a lot to embarrass the PNC, and even prosecute many of the ministers; but it was a time for healing, reconciliation and nation building. Instead, the PPP/C put their shoulders to the plough and started a Herculean effort to build this nation from scratch, since our economy was comprehensively bankrupted and the masses were literally starving. Our debts were so debilitating that only

5% of our GDP could be used to run the country! The remaining 95% went towards repayment of debts and interests! It was a crime to have certain food items!

Let us contrast with what this PNC-majority- controlled Government inherited. They inherited a booming economy that was on an upward trajectory. They inherited a full Treasury and a GDP per capita from US$370 to US$4,000. Yet this Government is bent on a collision course with the Opposition, although they preached about social cohesion and a good life for all Guyanese. Instead of continuing the nation building process, we find that this Government is now using the ‘red herring’ fallacy to divert attention away from the crumbling economy and the cancerous manifestation of corruption, mismanagement, cronyism, and unaccountability.

This Government should provide answers to the Auditor General on how nearly $1 billion was spent on the D’Urban Park project. There are missing financial records, and the company has since been liquidated.

The Government should provide answers to the lopsided oil contract, the many allegations of corrupt public procurement and cronyism, among many others. We need CoIs on these as well.

I am sure that all these vexatious and vengeful efforts by the Government will come to nothing. I fully support the conclusions of Dr Jagdeo. The approval to sell came from Cabinet having received recommendations from the Privatization Unit and the Board.

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf RDC Councillor, Region Six

“Massa day done” Dear Editor, “Massa day done” Over fifty-seven years ago, Trinidad’s Dr Eric Williams rocked the West Indian psyche with his speech at the ‘University of Woolford Square’ in Port of Spain. That iconic moment spawned a new consciousness among our peoples and political class. Independence would come to Guyana five years after that event. Guyana’s own master orator, Forbes Burnham, worked tirelessly to build the Guyanese identity, one of a people intelligent enough to make decisions to chart their own destiny without assistance from the imperial powers.

To the extent that I pen this letter, he was successful. I regard myself as a child of independent Guyana, born post-independence and educated in a time of revolutionary thinking. So one can imagine my dismay when I see my dear land subject to ‘advice’ on a daily basis from foreign emissaries of the United Kingdom and the United States of America, in clear violation of the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of States, a well-established and important part of international law enshrined in the Vienna Convention of Diplomatic Relations.

During the past year, High Commissioner Quinn has made pronouncements on corruption. At the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association’s (GMSA) 22nd Annual Presentation Awards Dinner, Quinn noted that Guyana’s score on Transparency International’s (TI) Corruption Index Report is “unacceptably low”, and he berated us for “failure to tackle corruption.” On the 10th April, he demanded that “corrupt law enforcement officials must be jailed.” Quinn also urged us to “have a clear plan

to spend oil money” (in sections of the media 2017/02/22).

Our Government has been shamefully quiet as the High Commissioner becomes bolder with his pronouncements, demands and advice.

I believe Mr Quinn needs to be reminded that Guyanese are citizens of an independent republic, and unlike his home country, Ireland, we are not subject to the whims of Her Majesty or her primitive form of Government. Surely the time has come when an accident of birth accords one divine status has passed. His intentions may be good, but the history our nation speaks volumes on exploitation and abuse. The situation in the United Kingdom vis-à-vis corruption is far from ideal, and I see no move to jail their corrupt politicians. Indeed, it would seem only a resignation is called for when found with a hand in the UK cookie jar.

To the Ambassador of the United States, I have also noticed your increased pronouncements on our possible oil revenues. I would advise

you share that advice with your home country. On what ground do you stand to give advice? We have not yet forgotten or forgiven your last interference in our affairs via the CIA in the sixties, as your declassified documents show.

To Guyana’s present administration, I beseech you not to forego all of our nation’s toil in achieving Independence and identity by your silence in the face of pronouncements on our internal affairs, which are demeaning and insulting to our collective intelligence.

We all celebrated our Golden Jubilee of independence, now is the time to give meaning and significance to that milestone. Dr Williams said, “With his backward ideas of aristocracy of the skin…Massa still has his stooges who prefer to crawl on their bellies to Massa … instead of holding their heads high and erect”. Let us not be that stooge, let us not fail to remember the past, lest we repeat it.

Sincerely, Robin Singh

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Foundation

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ind ways to read, write, and tell stories together with your child. Always applaud your young reader and beginning story writer! The tips below offer some fun ways you can help your child become a happy and confident reader. Try a new tip each week.

See what works best for your child.

By Jon Lasser

T

here’s simply not enough time to go through the mountains of parenting books that have been written, and many of them offer contradictory advice (eg, pick up your baby when she cries vs don’t pick up your baby when she cries). Add to these resources all of the blogs and websites that offer parenting tips (including this one) and one can see why many parents feel overwhelmed. Though I’m not sure anyone has bothered to collect data on the matter, I suspect that today’s parents of young children are exposed to far more parenting educational resources than past generations, though the parenting outcomes don’t seem to be any better.

As a professor and psychologist, I have the opportunity to review a lot of the parenting books that are published and observe the themes that emerge. Some offer a behaviourist approach that’s driven largely by rewards and punishments, whereas others offer a nurturing approach that focuses on relating to the child’s emotional world. In my experience, parents often seek out the books that align with their own philosophical orientation. After all, most of us enjoy reading that which matches our world view.

What stands out to me as a unique and powerful departure from the typical parenting books is found near the end of Kenneth Barish’s Pride and

Joy: A Guide to Understanding Your Child’s Emotions and Solving Family Problems (Oxford University Press, 2012). Barish shares his own personal philosophy, stating that, “what matters most in our children’s emotional development...is not how strict or permissive we are, but our children’s inner certainty of our interest, encouragement, and support.” This kind of parenting advice certainly for those who are looking for a quick fix for behavioural challenges, or for those who want to have a new kid by Friday (yes, there’s a book called Have a New Kid by Friday).

Rather, Barish is advocating for something that

takes time to cultivate, as well as authenticity. One can’t pretend to be supportive and interested, at least not in a way that will ring true with kids.

One must be deeply interested and invested such that a child is certain of it.

The what is always easier than the how. In other words, it’s much easier to tell parents what they should do rather than telling them how to do it.

In the case of communicating interest and support, parent-child relationships are most effective when we avoid criticism, sarcasm, negativity, punitive language, and scolding. Our relationships are enriched when we allow our genuine curiosity to drive authentic questions about our children’s lives and experiences, and when we acknowledge and validate their perspectives.

From my perspective, this parenting tip is hiding in plain sight, and perhaps that’s why it’s overlooked by so many parenting experts. Ultimately, it suggests that we treat children like people, which is to say that we honour their unique experiences, feelings, and values. We support them best when we hear them, see them and seek to understand them. Note that this approach isn’t about praise, rewards, or consequences. It’s all about connection. (psychologytoday.com)

Tell family tales

Children love to hear stories about their family.

Talk about a funny thing that happened when you were young.

Create a writing toolbox

Fill a box with drawing and writing materials. Find opportunities for your child to write, such as the shopping list, thank you notes, or birthday cards.

Be your child’s #1 fan

Ask your child to read aloud what he or she has written for school. Be an enthusiastic listener.

One more time with feeling

When your child has sounded out an unfamiliar word, have him or her re-read that sentence. Often kids are so busy figuring out a word they lose the meaning of what they’ve just read.

Invite an author to class

Ask an author to talk to your child’s class about the writing process. Young children often think they aren’t smart enough if they can’t sit down and write a perfect story on the first try.

Create a book together

Fold pieces of paper in half and staple them to make a book. Ask your child to write sentences on each page and add his or her own illustrations.

Do storytelling on the go

Take turns adding to a story the two of you make up while riding in a car or bus. Try making the story funny or spooky.

Point out the relationship between words

Explain how related words have similar spellings and meanings. Show how a word like knowledge, for example, relates to a word like know.

Use a writing checklist

Have your child create a writing checklist with reminders such as, “Do all of my sentences start with a capital? Yes/No.”

Quick, quick

Use new words your child has learnt in lively flash card or computer drills. Sometimes these help kids automatically recognise and read words, especially those that are used frequently.

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Toshaos Council takes umbrage at “vile and visceral attack” …accuses MoIPA of spreading falsehoods

T

he National Toshaos Council (NTC) on Friday said it is deeply dismayed and disappointed by “the vile and visceral attack” launched on it by the Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Ministry (MoIPA), and has accused MoIPA of publishing falsehoods.

The NTC has said it is beyond shocking that such a statement would emanate from a ministry that purports to represent the First Peoples of Guyana, and has maintained that it is uncertain

whether the statement is a reflection of MoIPA’s position, or that of rogue officer/s “with axes to grind with the NTC, and more specifically the Vice Chairman.”

Published by the Department of Information, the statement at issue has accused the NTC of disrespecting President David Granger, and has launched a scathing attack on several vocal Indigenous representatives who were not toeing the line but were exposing serious malpractices of the current

APNU/AFC Administration.

The MoIPA has accused the NTC and its Vice Chairman, Lenox Shuman, of being confrontational, demanding, and disrespectful in their writings to President Granger. MoIPA says it has also observed a trend of public posturing by NTC executives, and that the NTC has thus far not distanced itself from what MoIPA has described as rather divisive, disingenuous, and sometimes incoherent statements being made by these officials.

Scotiabank to introduce advanced banking services …lauded for continuous investments in Guyana

From left: UG’s Deputy Vice Chancellor, Dr Paloma Mohamed; Canadian High Commissioner Lilian Chatterjee; BoG Governor General, Dr Gobind Ganga; and Scotiabank’s Country Manager Raymond Smith at the bank’s 50th anniversary launch

A

s Scotiabank prepares to celebrate 50 years of operating in Guyana, the financial institution has rolled out a number of initiatives, including the introduction of technologically advanced banking services.

This was announced by the bank’s Country Manager, Raymond Smith, when the company launched its 50th anniversary, which will be in September.

According to Smith, Scotiabank had proudly blazed the trail for commercial banking in Guyana and now, it has to turned its attention to strategies that see the company doing the same over the next 50 years ahead.

He went on to quote the President and Chief Executive Officer of Scotiabank – headquartered in Canada – Brian Porter, who said the bank is “…a technology company offering financing services”.

To this end, Smith said Scotiabank is committed to providing customers with a “superior banking experience” and as such, will be implementing a suite of digital solutions to better serve and satisfy customers.

“In this regard, we anticipate that during the course of this year we will introduce the next generation of ABMs (Automated Banking Machine) or Intelligence Banking Machines “IMB” as they are also referred to. Also, we plan to introduce new card products and additional online solutions. The one that we are really excited about is the ability to transfer funds to third parties from the convenience of your laptop, tablet or smartphone,” the Country Manager announced.

He noted that Scotiabank will be using technology to build efficiency, cost savings and responsiveness into its operations, as it aims to be an agile organisation that can easily and quickly adjust to

changes in the industry and the markets in which it operates.

Furthermore, Smith also referred to new CSR-based initiatives that the bank is undertaking as part of its 50th anniversary celebrations.

Among these is Scotiabank’s signature CSR (customer service relation) project will be its new partnership with the University of Guyana to commission a “SMART” classroom within the Faculty of Natural Science.

“This project, which is in alignment with the bank’s digital focus, will cost $2 million, and will provide current and future students with the benefits of an international learning environment.

It is being funded through the Scotiabank Community Programme and hopefully, it’s the first of many more similar projects with the University of Guyana,” the Country Manager said.

He added that another such initiative for the bank’s jubilee anniversary is its annual Vision Achiever Programme Business Plan competition, which is an initiative intended to promote entrepreneurship and has a first prize of $1 million and a runner-up prize of $500,000.

“This year in celebration of our 50th anniversary, we have doubled the prize money. Former participants of this competition have gone on to start new businesses while others have expanded their existing businesses,” Smith noted.

This competition, which was also launched on Friday, is opened to Guyanese residents 18 years and older who are interested in starting a business or have an existing small business they want to expand.

Meanwhile, Scotiabank was lauded for its continuous investments in Guyana over the past 50 years by

Governor General of the Bank of Guyana, Dr Gobind Ganga, who said the company has participated in the transformation of the Guyanese economy, while at the same time, transforming its operations to meet the challenges that came with economic transformation.

“The Bank of Guyana has been heartened over the years by (Scotiabank’s) success and leadership in the industry.

The Bank of Guyana continues to support Scotia role as an important player and partner, not only because of its support to the nation’s development, but also because of the drive for efficiency, and diffusion of relevant international best practices in banking and accounting principles which contribute in enhancing stability and transparency of the financial system,” Dr Ganga posited.

He went on to note that the discovery of oil offshore Guyana not only has huge developmental potential for the country, but will also provide opportunities for the banking sector.

“The rapid development of technology also offers many opportunities which we are yet to tap into. While we are getting acquainted with new technologies and buzzwords such as retooling, reengineering, and smart solutions, newer buzz words are already here, artificial intelligence, big data, and virtual transactions… Our industry must continue to evolve to be abreast with these complexities and to grasp the opportunities,” the BoG Governor General stated.

Also making brief remarks at the bank’s 50th anniversary launch were Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Lilian Chatterjee, and Dr Paloma Mohamed, Deputy Vice Chancellor at the University of Guyana.

Chairman of the National Toshaos Council Joel Fredericks

The MoIPA statement singled out Shuman and said it has taken note of him issuing calls for mass public protest against the Government by the Indigenous citizenry. The MoIPA said it would allow the Guyanese public to judge Shuman’s intentions.

That aside, MoIPA has said it is aware of countless complaints of alleged disrespectful treatment of the residents of St Cuthbert’s Mission

by Shuman.

Now that the current NTC executive is nearing the end of its three-year term in office,

MoIPA has reminded that the Council is yet to explain to its membership and the Ministry why it continues to resist the legislative obligation of accounting for the finances placed at its disposal.

In response to the allegations, the NTC said there seems to have been a complete breach of protocol by officers working, who seem to have two very distinct intentions; firstly, to discredit the NTC, and secondly, to open the ministers to mass public attacks.

“The targeted nature of the attacks on Toshao Lenox Shuman is not new, and has become sort of an obsession that some of the staff of the Ministry, inclusive of one working out of the Ministry of the Presidency, seem to have with Vice Chair of the NTC,” the statement said.

As it relates to the allegations of financial misconduct, the NTC said Schuman was investigated last year, and no evidence of wrongdoing was found.

“The statement by the Department of Public Information is clearly bent on misleading the public…to the

extent of the finances of the NTC, where the law states: “43. (3) The National Toshaos Council shall: (c) publish an annual report of its activities and annual accounts, and provide a copy to the Minister and each Village.” This provision has consistently and continuously been satisfied.

As such, a report is presented at the National Toshaos Conference every year, and will once again be presented at the next NTC Conference of 2018,” the NTC noted.

The NTC accused the persons responsible for the statement of vying for the position of minister, hence their attack on the body. The Council has said it enjoys a healthy and collaborative relationship with both Ministers Sydney Allicock and Valarie GarridoLowe.

“The NTC is still awaiting a meeting that His Excellency had committed to having with the NTC before midMarch, to address the issues, but has not yet occurred. The Executive of the NTC meets April 16-18, 2018, at which point these and other issues will be further discussed,” the statement concluded.

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saturDAY, April 14, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GECOM confirms fake ID card found in Berbice

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ome three weeks after the Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) had initially reported the “troubling development”, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) on Friday confirmed that a fake Identification (ID) card has surfaced in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

According to Chairman of the elections regulations body, Justice James Patterson (ret’d), which has oversight for the distribution of national ID cards, this discovery may just be the “tip of the iceberg”.

“The public is warned that this may also just be the beginning of mischief that is afoot, a fifth column lurking and running about, abiding it’s time to come forth,” the Chairman said in a statement on Friday.

On this note, Justice Patterson is calling on citizens to inform authorities if they are aware of any other such case.

“Please, should any such misconduct come to your notice, as members of the public you have a civic duty to inform the nearest Police station as well as the GECOM Head Quarters at 41 High Street, Kingston Georgetown, or any of its offices countrywide for onward transmission to the investigating authorities,” the GECOM Chairman pleaded.

The issue of fake ID cards was first raised by the PPP last month when it reported

The fake ID sent by the PPP last month

that a man was caught with a fake identification card in Berbice. The Party said this confirmed its fear that persons are being issued with falsified documents.

At the time, Divisional Commander Lyndon Alves had denied knowledge of the report.

But the PPP had said that the man caught with the falsified document was taken to the GECOM Office at Springlands and the Returning Officer, at that office after doing the necessary checks, confirmed that the Guyana ID card was fake, fraudulent and a forged document.

The Party said this was “a most troubling development,” especially in light of widespread public suspicions that dishonesty is taking place at the Citizenship Ministry.

“It would be recalled that functions now being performed by that Ministry were former-

ly performed by the Ministry of Home Affairs and that they were, specifically, disengaged from that ministerial portfolio and transferred to this newly created unit, styled “Ministry of Citizenship,” the Opposition had noted.

The PPP went on to remind the nation about the shocking revelation in 2016, that the same Ministry was procuring a staggering 300,000 birth certificate forms.

“This incident confirms our fears that they are falsified Guyana Identification Cards and source documents, which are being published under a centrally directed electoral design,” the party said.

It added that in the circumstances, “we call upon the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to do a thorough and comprehensive investigation into this matter and to make its findings public. We call upon the general public to take note of

this very serious matter and to be alert for the circulation of similar falsified, fake and forged Guyana ID cards and other source documents.”

The party also vowed to monitor the situation carefully and to update the nation as more information becomes available.

Back in February, Region One (Barima-Waini), Chairman Brentnol Ashley had raised concerns over the active participation and involvement of Government Member of Parliament (MP), Richard Allen with the General Register’s Office (GRO) visiting team issuing birth certificates in the region.

In a letter to the editor, Ashley pointed out that this was happening although the A Partnership For National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) geographic parliamentarian was not employed by the GRO. “While I commend the work of the Register’s Office for reaching out to Region One with the objective of ensuring the people of the region are registered, I am questioning the transparency and equality of treatment due to MP Allen’s apparent “embedding” in the team’s day-to-day operations and process of the issuance of birth registration,” he had said.

Ashley went on to disclose that he has even received reports of Allen personally distributing birth certificates in bulk to people in various communities.

With Local Government Elections due this year, birth registration documents are critical for the registration of voters and in the past, the Toshaos and other community leaders had been the ones who worked with the GRO team, since they were knowledgeable about the eligibility of residents in their communities.

Trio on bail over stolen pump

A

ppearing before Principal Magistrate Leron Daly on Friday to answer a joint unlawful possession charge were Kenrick Charles, 25, of Lot 110 Eccles Park, East Bank Demerara; Michael Hores, 18, of Lot 103 Middle Road, La Penitence Georgetown; and Jermain McLeod of Lot 122 Meadow Brook, Georgetown.

The court heard that on April 10, 2018, they had in their possession a pressure washer, property of Darian La Rose, said to be stolen or unlawfully obtained.

The Prosecution’s case is that Police ranks on mobile patrol stopped and searched a motorcar in which the men were travelling, and the pressure washer was found in the trunk of the vehicle. The defendants were questioned about ownership of the item, but they all failed to give a proper explanation for being in possession of the item. As such, they were taken into custody, and an investigation was launched.

The men all denied the charge in court, and were released on $50,000 bail each.

The matter has been adjourned to April 27.

Conduct…

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…and misconduct of public officials our Eyewitness is still floored by the barefacedness of this PNC government. Three years after they had sneaked into office on the back of trumped up charges that the PPP government had ‘siphoned off” billions and billions from the Public Treasury, all they can do is bring a charge of “MISCONDUCT IN PUBLIC OFFICE” against Ashni Singh and Brassington?? Jeez!!! That’s pathetic.

Yesterday we spoke about the Government creating a scapegoat to take the heat off their exploding corrupt shenanigans…but this scapegoat just walked right back into their den of iniquity!! Just look at the charge they brought, which originated in 18th century Common Law in England, then went into hibernation during the last TWO hundred years!! If for nothing else than an indictable offence – carrying a life sentence penalty – should be worded very specifically to prevent abuse, specific statutes were created to deal with the multitude of sins that could railroad under the “Misconduct” umbrella…

In England, the “Committee on Standards in Public Life” (“CSPL”) has recommended since 1997 that a statutory offence be created. Even as we speak, the Law Commission will make a formal recommendation supporting. So what are the elements of the nebulous crime the Government expects to pin on Singh and Brassington?

As stated rather succinctly in a 2003 English case, these are: (1) a public officer acting as such; (2) wilfully neglects to perform his duty and/or wilfully misconducts himself; (3) to such a degree as to amount to an abuse of the public’s trust in the office holder; (4) without reasonable excuse or justification. Picking sense from nonsense, about the only element SOCU will be in a position to prove is the two fellas were PUBLIC OFFICIALS!! And we can now see why it took over two years after the much publicised audits to track the “case of the Purloined Billions and Billions” to pass muster from the DPP and the Police Legal Advisor!!

And, in fact, a pretty good case of railroading can be made just from the optics of the pic with the UK High Commissioner and his for-hire “crime experts” demanding the Government get tough on “corruption”!! Our legal prosecutorial whizz were nowhere to be seen. Massa Day come back?? Just look at the specifics to be proven: that Singh and Brassington wilfully neglected to perform their duty and/or wilfully misconducted themselves to such a degree as to amount to an abuse of the public’s trust in the office holder without reasonable excuse or justification on the sale of land that cost Guyana at most a few million US dollars.

So when are they going to charge Minister Trotman who cost us BILLIONS OF US greenbacks on the Exxon contract?? …and prohibited conduct Well, Trinidad took a massive step in broadening human rights in the Caribbean when their courts just legalised anal sex…officially dubbed “buggery”. For years, LGBTQ activists have been beating on the doors of justice for the right to express their same sex orientation physically without breaking the law. But to no avail – including here in Guyana.

The resistance came mostly from Christian and Muslim hardliners, who cited their texts to bootstrap their particular belief against homosexuality into state policy. As the court in TT announced its decision, there were tears of joy from the LGBTQ community, but also taunts and jeers from the Musilmeen group. Two years ago, the matter had been brought to the CCJ from another angle: TT’s prohibition against allowing homosexuals into the country.

But the CCJ weaseled out by saying the law hadn’t been applied and the point was therefore moot. Well, it is finally moot AND legal to engage in anal sex in TT. Guyana next? …and misconduct in Pharma Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence denied approving the purchase of some $605 million worth of emergency drugs by the GPHC. So who’s the public official to be charged with “misconduct in public office”??

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

News

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saturDAY, april 14, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Freak storm hits Essequibo Coast …5 injured, 4 homes, power lines damaged

The damaged home at Lima Village, Essequibo Coast

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freak storm hit residents in Lima on the Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) knocking out power as the winds raged.

Reports are residents living in Lima village were hit by heavy rain and wind about 08:30h, which caused damages to a number of homes in the area.

When Guyana Times visited the community, several galvanised roof sheets were seen flying violently as the winds swirled. The roofs of four homes were completely destroyed by the storm and five persons were injured.

At the Bissesar’s residence in Lima Housing Scheme, the entire roof of the house was ripped apart

and sent flying onto the neighbour’s house. Neetu Bissesar, one of the occupants living in the house, said she shares the home with her brother, his wife and children. She said they were all at home when disaster struck. Recalling the experience, she said her brother, Satyanand Bissaser, in an attempt to save some

items got hit in his head and other parts of his body and was taken by residents to get medical attention. The neighbour, Anette Persaud, said she and her family were living in neighbouring Venezuela but came home in January due to the failing economy in that country.

She said her husband was also injured to the head and

was sent to seek medical attention.

On the Lima Public Road, the Ally’s home was also damaged. Residents said they heard a loud sound and saw what appeared to be tornado looking winds coming their way.

A resident recalled seeing zinc sheets and other debris flying and he sought

shelter. Following the incident, Regional Chairman Devanand Ramdatt accompanied by Councillor Hardat Marine visited the affected families.

The Regional Chairman promised to lend assistance to the affected families.

Meanwhile, flooding is also reported in the Charity area. (Mohanlall Seulall)

New GuySuCo Board

Cabinet overturns subcommittee decision on new Board …Clive Thomas still Chairman

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ontrary to paid full page advertisements that were carried in the daily newspapers and a Cabinet subcommittee’s decision, there is no new Board for the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) and consequently, no new Chairman.

This was related by Finance Minister Winston Jordan during a press conference on Friday. Asked by members of the media whether Special Purpose Unit head Colvin Heath-London was Chairman of GuySuCo, Jordan replied in the negative.

“He is not the Chairman of GuySuCo. The Chairman of GuySuCo is still Dr (Clive) Thomas.

The Board of GuySuCo ends this month, in keeping with his responsibilities, Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder has to bring to the Cabinet a new Board to be in place when this old one is finished.”

He added that there was a subcommittee that met and

end and a new Board will be put in place headed by [Heath-] London.”

Overturned

SPU head Colvin Heath-London

discussed the issue of GuySuCo and its Board.

“That subcommittee was chaired by Vice President (Carl) Greenidge and it included me, Ministers Harmon and Holder,” he further clarified. “That committee decided, unanimously the life of the GuySuCo Board comes to an

Jordan denied there was a political split between the Alliance For Change (AFC) and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) on the issue. He acknowledged, however, that the subcommittee’s decision died a swift death when the full Cabinet overturned the proposed appointments.

Stressing that this was within the Cabinet’s right, Jordan related that the full Cabinet deferred the decision until it could get more information on the nominees and thus rendered the appointments null and void. “… all subcommittee decisions have to be carried to the full Cabinet. It is when it went to the full Cabinet that the full Cabinet said no, we need to look at this more closely. They want to be sure where GuySuCo is going and who are

Still GuySuCo Chairman, Clive Thomas

these people.”

Asked whether Holder, an AFC member, was part of the dissenting voices, Jordan said even if he knew, he would not say. He noted that there have been several instances where the subcommittee’s decisions are vetoed.

Advertisement

According to the advertise-

ment, which was published on March 14, 2018, the new Board was approved by Cabinet on February 26, 2018, and the appointments were supposed to take effect on March 1. There had long been rumours of a split at the executive level over the decision, however.

The old Board of Directors had comprised Economist, Dr Clive Thomas as the Chairman and Frederick Singh as the Secretary.

The Directors were Louise Bouyea, Fritz McLean, John Browman, Nigel Cumberbatch, Sharon Roopchand-Edwards, Nazim Ali and George Jervis.

A list of the newly proposed Board was circulated in sections of the media. On that list were Komal Singh, Verna Adrian, Fritz Mc Lean, Rosh Khan (Jr), George Jervis, Arianne McLean, Vishnu Panday, Annette ArjoonMartins and two GuySuCo executives.

One of the main stakeholders had called for more industry insiders to sit on the decision-making body. A senior Guyana Agricultural

and General Workers Union (GAWU) official related that the Board should have included multiple persons with actual first-hand knowledge in the sugar industry.

“We would like to see more people who understand sugar agriculture to be placed on the Board. Even from the last Board, it wasn’t so and from what it appears from this Board, it might not have enough people with that understanding but of course, Panday is very knowledgeable but he is just one person,” the GAWU official had told this publication.

(Jarryl Bryan)

10 news

saturDAY, april 14, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Shyam Nokta returns as GMSA President

Reckless driving

Police ranks pay for repairs to damaged GPF vehicles

Re-elected President of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association Shyam Nokta along with some of the members of the Board of Directors

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hief Executive Officer (CEO) of Environmental Management Consultants, Shyam Nokta, has been re-elected unopposed as President of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA).

The association’s annual general meeting (AGM) was held on March 28 but the election of the president and the other executives was done on April 12, 2018 when the newly selected Board of Directors held its first meeting.

Other executives elected during last month’s AGM were: CEO of Sterling Products Ltd., Ramsay Ali, who was re-elected 1st Vice President; Ramesh Dookhoo of Banks DIH Limited, who was elected as 2nd Vice President; and Glenis Hodge of Tropical Shipping, who was elected as the 3rd Vice President.

Additionally, Rafeek Khan of Woods Direct –

Durable Wood Products, was elected Chairman of the Forestry & Wood Products sub-sector; Carlos Mendonca of Ricks & Sari was elected Chairman of the Agro-Processing sub-sector; Mahadeo Panchu of KSM Investments was elected Chairman of the Construction & Engineering sub-sector; Brian James of Guyana Pawnbroking and Trading Company/ Royal Castle Restaurants, was elected Chairman of the Fast-Food sub-sector; and Major General (Ret’d) Norman McLean of Bosai Minerals Group was elected Chairman of the Extractive Industries sub-sector.

Meanwhile, Yonette Jeffers of Laparkan Freight Forwarding; Clement Duncan of Swansea Industrial Associates; Joycelyn Williams of JTW Associates Management Institute; Peter Pompey of Brass, Aluminum and Cast Iron Foundry (BACIF);

Raymond Ramsaroop of Edward B. Beharry & Sons Co. Ltd; Clinton Williams of Guyana National Industrial Company; Andre Cummings of Cummings Wood Products; Allison Butters-Grant of Global Seafood Distributors; and Carol Webster of O-Squared Consulting were all elected executive members of the new GMSA Board of Directors.

Nokta and the other board members will serve for the period 2018-2019. In his acceptance speech, the re-elected GMSA president indicated that his main objective over the next year will be to further expand the membership of the organisation.

He noted that an important area of focus will be facilitating the resolution of issues affecting members, principal among which are in relation to the tax regime and access to markets for locally manufactured products.

According to Nokta, em-

phasis will be placed on strengthening important sub-sector bodies covering agro-processing; services; chemical and pharmaceuticals; construction and engineering; forestry and wood products; fast foods; and minerals and related products.

He went on to express his strong interest in seeing the GMSA strengthen strategic partnerships with other business support organizations (BSO) to position the business community to maximize opportunities from new and emerging sectors such as the imminent hydrocarbon industry.

He further highlighted initiatives undertaken by the GMSA in the last year, such as the Ministerial Roundtables and UncappeD, which have had success and will continue in the next year.

The GMSA has over 100 member companies covering the manufacturing and services sectors.

The first vehicle that was damaged

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olice ranks, who were recently entrusted with the use and care of some US$2.6 million worth of crime-fighting vehicles granted to the Guyana Police Force (GPF) by the Chinese Government, were made to pay for damages caused to some the vehicles.

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan had cautioned the ranks against the careless use of the vehicles, warning that charges would be laid against them for the misuse of same.

However, when contacted, the acting Public Relations Officer of the GPF, Shivpersaud Bacchus, revealed that several ranks who were involved in accidents, which caused damages to the vehicles, were all made to pay for their repairs.

When questioned as to whether charges would be

laid as was made clear by Ramjattan, Bacchus stated “we cannot punish a man twice for one thing.”

Enquiries by Guyana Times for the specific number of vehicles that were damaged and repaired to date proved futile.

A Police rank of B Division in Berbice was the first to find himself in hot water after the vehicle which was entrusted to his care ended up in a nearby ditch mere days after the vehicles were rolled out.

It was reported in sections of the media that the said officer was expected to face charges. Another rank in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) was also in an accident with one of the GPF’s vehicles a day after the vehicles were handed over to that region.

Turn to page 12

news

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saturDAY, april 14, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Sexual Offences Court adjudicated 14 cases since establishment – Judge that even the trainer need some sort of assistance, some sort of help, some sort of guidance in that regard and even the Judges adjudicating may need some help in dealing with secondary trauma,” she said.

“Training, counselling,

Some of the Judges, Magistrates and stakeholders at the workshop

S

ince its establishment in November of 2017, the Sexual Offences Court have adjudicated 14 matters with over 75 per cent involving sexual activity and rape with a child, according to Justice Simone Morris-Ramlal.

Justice Morris-Ramlal made the disclosure on Friday at the opening of a two-day training session with stakeholders of the Sexual Offences Court, with the aim of enhancing capabilities and being more responsive to the issues that are relevant in the adjudication and interaction with vulnerable cases. The Judiciary in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) at the Georgetown Club hosts the training session.

“Since the Sexual [Offences] Court opened, it has met my expectations and one of the aims was to provide victims a comfortable environment to testify in and with facilities that would encourage them to give the very best evidence.

In keeping to that, I have at-

tempted to implement the sexual offence guidelines which support the timely resolution matters,” she said.

She noted that of the 14 completed matters, seven were for sexual activity with a child by a family member and four were for rape of a child under 16. Additionally, the victims’ ages range from three to 28; with most of the perpetrators being over the age of 35.

Justice Morris-Ramlal further explained that 12 of the victims were able to have their support persons with them during their testimony. Of the 14 matters, there were nine guilty verdicts, four not guilty and one hung jury, with the sentences ranging from nine years to life imprisonment.

Meanwhile, UNICEF’s Deputy Country Representative Paolo Marchi said UNICEF is pleased with the Chancellor and Chief Justice’s commitment to tackling violence.

He said the frequency and dreadful levels of violence is one to be concerned with

and lauded Guyana for taking tangible steps to address sexual violence.

“According to records in the past three years, over 1000 cases of violence and abuse have been reported, this is a very worrying number in a country like Guyana and this is just the reported cases. This is the tip of the iceberg,” he said.

“This year UNICEF in partnership with the Ministry of Social Protection is also supporting the drafting and finalisation of the national plan of action for the implementation of the Sexual Offences Court.

Through partnership, we hope we can support the prevention of violence,” March added.

Acting Chancellor, Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards said the establishment of a Sexual Offences Court is an important milestone in the Judiciary’s history, adding that testifying in court could be a traumatic experience and is especially difficult for persons who are victims of sexual offences.

“We need to understand

debriefing and the employment of psychological skills are needed for the improvement of the services we prove… the improvement of the court personnel and all persons providing services in the Sexual Offences Court,” she added.

The training workshop will conclude today and Dr Diane Douglas and Natalie O’Brady are facilitating it.

The training workshop is for officers of the court, governmental and non-governmental organisations, Judges and Magistrates.

12 news

saturDAY, april 14, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Ministry to monitor use of grants to innovative project youths

Executives from the Youth Innovation Programme of Guyana (YIPoG) flanked by mentors and a few of the participants from 2017

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he Social Cohesion Ministry will be taking the necessary steps to ensure that grants awarded to successful applicants of the Youth Innovation Project of Guyana (YIPoG) are being spent only on their project.

This was announced by the programme’s Project Officer, Germaine Watson, on Friday.

“What we are doing this

year is to allot those monies in tranches. So, as against last year, whereby persons got their full amount, we will be giving those monies according to our investigations, according to their proposals and the reports,” Watson explained.

To ensure that the necessary monitoring is being done, especially now that the Government has allotted $70

Police ranks pay...

Ramjattan, who was back in December speaking at the rolling out ceremony of the vehicles hosted at the Tactical Service Unit (TSU) has warned “these vehicles are going to give us use for many years ahead but please take care of them! Too many times I notice even senior ranks crashing and some even dying

million to the successful applicants, Watson told Guyana Times that at least 17 monitors have been employed.

Social Cohesion Minister with responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr George Norton, has reiterated the vitality of the programme to the Guyanese youths.

This year’s theme, like last year’s, is ‘Aspire, Inspire to Reach’.

From page 10

as a result of bad driving.”

The Minister had further warned that “standard operating procedures are now being implemented, one of which is if you drive badly and damage the vehicles, you will be charged.” The GPF was granted 56 pickup trucks, 44 motorcycles, 35 ATVs as well as five bus-

es, carrying the signature blue and white finish and sirens. Accompanying these was a total of 550 items of protective gear, 70 computers (both desktops and laptops) along with other technical equipment; all aimed at improving the efficiency of the country’s crime-fighting force.

Director of Youth, Melissa Carmichael, informed thus, “Each region, through the regional offices, toshaos and community development officers, will receive the Youth Innovation packages, while monitors will be assigned to the said regions to facilitate the channeling of the innovative ideas and pioneering spirit of young Guyanese so as to produce solutions…”

Persons between the ages of 14 and 35 are being urged to apply, as are teams comprising of less than 10 participants. The projects or programmes being submitted by these applicants should focus on social and environmental development issues using Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture, Antropology, Archaeology, Arts, Mathematics and Spirituality (STEAMS).

Application forms can be uplifted from the Department of Youth, as well as its Facebook page and The Ministry’s website.

Applicants have until June 30, 2018 to ensure their proposals are submitted.

Proposals for YIPoG will be shortlisted according to the clarity in goals, sensible budgeting, and long-term sustainability, among other criteria.

In a brief report, Carmichael informed that

A model of a planned community centre to be built from plastic bottles and tyres

21 groups and individuals from several different areas across Guyana were last year awarded grants to facilitate the implementation of their projects.

Some $40 million were spent on the YIPoG initiative. She related that the programme received 56 proposals, from which 21 received funding. “To date, approximately 60 per cent of the projects are in their implementation stage, while the others are securing relevant materials to begin work,” she said.

Region Four received the most grants, followed by Region Seven; while Regions One, Two, Three, Five, Six, Eight, Nine and Ten secured one each.

The projects that were

funded during last year are expected to improve the lives of students and citizens within the respective regions.

Some developers of programmes include Romel Putulall, Shamar Spencer, Berlinda Persaud and Christine DeCambraForrester.

Shamar Spencer, in brief remarks, said his major challenge during the development of ‘SWOOP’ was public awareness. Swoop is a mobile application (app) that Spencer created to allow persons to trade goods and services without the use of money. His project was awarded $1 million.

Last year’s participants also seized the opportunity to display models of their projects on Friday.

13 Fishermen banned from operating at Hope Canal news

saturDAY, april 14, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

… lament hardship to livelihood

By Rupadai Seenaraine

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everal fishermen who use the Hope Canal on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) to dock their boats were on Friday banned from operating at the canal.

Released by the Fisheries Department of the Agriculture Ministry, the notice states that the fishermen have been given until next Thursday to relocate their vessels to the Hope koker.

When Guyana Times visited the area on Friday, the fishermen were up in arms against the move, lamenting that their livelihoods will be affected.

“Them just say that they want the boat to move, that they don’t want fisherman to have access to this channel no more,” a disturbed fisherman related.

“What happen is that they tell us that we can’t bring we boats here, because they suffering from damages. I can’t see what damages we causing,” another declared.

Concerns were also raised by those who utilise the canal to save their boats from the pounding waves of the Atlantic Ocean that the

“This country [is] getting hard and everybody just trying to maintain their family” – fisherman koker does not possess sufficient space to facilitate all of the fishing boats.

The fishermen contend that it would be impossible to take their boats to the other docking site in such a short period of time, since it would be occupied by other fishermen, who would usu-

Government, the fishermen noted that their only reason for utilising the canal is to harbour their boats and save the vessels from incurring losses when out at sea during inclement weather conditions.

In the past, those whose fishing boats were left in the open ocean suffered major losses, and sometimes their day’s earnings. On Friday afternoon, one boat owner was seen removing an engine from his boat, and tending to the other damages the vessel received after being dealt a severe thrashing from the ocean waves.

Some of the boats which were banned from docking at the Hope Canal

ally use the koker on a daily basis.

In their pleas for the decision to be reviewed by

“We just use here as a lil rescue. You think (the Guyana) fisheries will come back and compensate any-

body for it? They don’t have interest in we! an aggravated fisherman stated.

The fishermen related that when their vessels are left at the koker at night,

will serve no benefit to them, since all the materials will be swept into the ocean in a few days’ time.

“The koker block up and no boat can’t moor there be-

Police arresting some of the fishermen

there is a chance that engines and other parts get stolen, thus persons are forced to spend the entire night watching over their boats.

“One of the boats that we does get here is around $7 million with everything (equipment). When you put it in the channel and it turn over and break up. What will happen to we?” he added.

Meanwhile, at the koker, works were being carried out to remove debris and create a channel for the fishing boats. This, they said,

cause the water rough. Now they send an excavator to dig a canal, but majority of the stuff will run back into the channel by end of the week. We know that. So where they expect us to go for harbour?” a member of the crowd highlighted.

During the day, some of the men were taken into custody by the Police for failure to possess a valid fishing licence. They were each subsequently released on $20,000 bail.

However, those who were

present stated that, in the past, fishermen were informed of the need to acquire a licence at the cost of $15,000, which would be issued them two weeks after they would have paid for same. They regard this as an unnecessary ways of squeezing monies out of their pockets.

One fisherman related that due to the closure of the sugar estate at which he previously worked, he had no other choice but to join the fishing industry to obtain an income. However, when asked to pay monies unnecessarily, there isn’t much profit. At one point in the past, their profit had been $2000 per day.

“This country [is] getting hard, and everybody just trying to maintain their family.

I get two children and just start to work this boat two weeks now,” he explained.

Others also agreed that their livelihoods are being hindered in light of this decision. The men are calling on the relevant authorities to revoke the ban in order for them to continue to ply their trade in the fishing industry.

14 news

saturDAY, april 14, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Linden maternal death

Relatives picket hospital …say family to file legal action

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elatives of Jennifer Gill, the 41-year-old Amelia’s Ward, Linden woman who died at the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC) after delivering her baby on March 19, held a picketing exercise on Friday outside the hospital, claiming she had been treated “poorly” at the medical institution.

Gill’s sister, Janice Singh, said the family intends to take legal action against the hospital.

Family and friends of the deceased, who held placards bearing various slogans claimed that they were kept in the dark regarding the woman’s condition prior to and after her death, and are alleging that the hospital was negligent.

Initial reports had indicated that Gill had required a caesarean (C-Section) owing to her age and size of the baby.

However, the hospital has refuted this assertion, saying she was eligible for a normal delivery, which it facilitated.

“We think she was treated unfairly, poorly; and we believe that the hospital and doctors

Dead: Jennifer Gill

were negligent. We’re hoping to get justice. We’re hoping that somebody come out and say something. Somebody should accept the responsibility. Everything happened and still nobody ain’t come and talk to we, nobody whosoever.

And if nothing happen from this, then we intend to take legal action. And we plan to go as far as possible, because we can’t just let my sister’s life just go down the drain like that. It’s just not fair! It won’t happen!” Singh lamented.

Singh’s husband also claimed that Public Health of-

ficials failed to meet with the family.

Another sister of Gill, Audrey Challenger, also blamed the medical institution for trying to cover up the matter.

“We know that she was treated unjustly inside there.

We know that they didn’t give her the attention that she should have gotten at the time, and based on what we learned during this whole process, is that the hospital is not equipped to deal with that kind of case. Those people just trying to cover. They did not explain anything to us. They did not sit with the family and say, ‘Okay, this is what happened,’ or anything…I think somebody should at least take accountability for that,” she said.

The Linden Hospital Complex had launched an investigation into the matter, and an official report was sent to the Chief Medical Officer and the Director of Regional Health Services. The medical institution’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr Farouk Riyasat, had noted that based

Jennifer Gill’s relatives picketing the Linden Hospital Complex

on his medical knowledge and facts of the report, he believed that Gill died after suffering a blood disorder referred to as Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC), which causes rapid blood loss and thinning, eventually leading to shock and kidney failure. The CEO made the revelation which he stated was his belief during a media brief which was also attended by

the hospital’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr Romesa McDonald, and Public Relations Officer Toshanna Alicock.

The hospital’s PRO had noted that according to facts from the report, on first assessment by the doctor on duty, Gill was in active labour when she arrived at the hospital, being dilated at 6 centimetres (cm), and did not require a C-section. The hospital CEO

also refuted claims by the family that a C-section was not performed since there was no doctor available, as he claimed that the hospital provides for doctors to be on call 24/7.

Officials have also claimed that the family had been kept up to date on the deceased woman’s condition, and that she was given the best possible care. The family has since denied all of these claims.

Increased reports of typhoid reported at Tapakuma …GWI assists in disinfecting Tapakuma well

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he Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has assisted residents of Tapakuma, Region Two, (Pomeroon-Supenaam) to sanitise the well in the community, which is used by most of the residents as their sole means of water supply.

According to reports from the Community Health Centre, some 10-15 persons have displayed symptoms of typhoid, with the majority testing positive for the infection.

GWI officials visited the region on Friday last, and assured residents of Tapakuma that all measures are being implemented to improve the quality of water supplied to the community “We have found that the distribution network is made up of lines that are more than four years old, with no flushout points, and (there is) incrustation caused by the high levels of iron,” the GWI said in a statement on Friday.

Efforts are also being

made to upgrade the current network by installing flushout valves, disinfecting lines, and reducing the iron content in the water.

Residents note that they practise rain water harvesting and dig their own ponds due to their reluctance to use water supplied by a shallow community well.

Drilled by the Regional Administration, the well, supported by aged infrastructure, produces water with high iron content.

NEWS

15

saturDAY, april 14, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

SWF for Cabinet next month …spending oil money to be guided by GSDS framework

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he much-anticipated draft Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) policy, which has been with the Finance Ministry since early 2017, is expected to be presented to cabinet early next month, setting into motion the official establishment of the fund.

This is according to Finance Minister Winston Jordan, who made this disclosure at a press conference on Friday. According to Jordan, the green paper (proposal) for the fund, renamed the Natural Resources Fund, is presently being finalised.

Jordan also noted that the green paper seeks to determine how monies from the fund will be guided by the Government’s Green

The policy has been with the Finance Ministry since 2017

State Development Strategy (GSDS).

The strategy, he said, contains 15 areas of development, in which context Government can conduct consultations.

“That debate can be accelerated in the context of the

Green State Development Strategy.

The coalition Government’s blueprint is going to be the Green State Development Strategy: trying to put in place resilient infrastructure, trying to bridge the gaps, create additional towns

and new spaces, and make Guyana green. That will require money,” he declared.

“We can end up with a blueprint of what we want to do. During the annual budget exercise, there are widespread consultations, but to suggest that we need to call people together and sit around the campfire and determine how to spend this money, I don’t think anyone seriously could believe that there would be a model to push this country forward. We cannot discuss what we want to do with the oil money outside of a framework,” Jordan declared.

GSDS

When the GSDS was introduced, it was billed as a frame-

Expert review to decide viability of GGB Laboratory – Trotman

…South African team to explore prospect of local gold refinery

N

atural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman announced that an expert review would be conducted on the Guyana Gold Board’s Laboratory to determine its viability and functioning, following the discovery of unusually high levels of mercury emission at its Brickdam, Georgetown Laboratory.

Since the discovery, the Guyana Gold Board (GGB) contracted the services of Trinidadbased Kaizen Environmental Services to conduct an independent investigation of the effect of the emission, which has proven that the mercury levels are back to normal.

According to the report, the study was conducted on March 28 at 10 locations primarily within the

ed that the mercury levels in the laboratory are normal.

However, he noted that out of over 130 staffers tested, it was discovered that more than 60 reported high levels of mercury in their system but said they are monitoring the situation in collaboration with the Public Health Ministry.

Turn to page 16

Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman with members of the Guyana Gold Board

Guyana Geology and Mines Commissions’ compound and surrounding areas.

“The Mercury (Hg) levels monitored at all 10 locations were within the United States Occupational Safety

and Health Administration (USOSHA) eight-hour Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL),” the report stated.

Trotman reiterated that the agency has conducted a number of tests and conclud-

work that would “build” on the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) designed by the previous administration to protect the environment while receiving financing.

According to the framework document, a critical element will be the sustainable management of natural resources. In fact, one of the strategy’s goals is the mandatory reforestation of mining sites.

The document stated that it will aim to “conserve an additional 2 million hectares through Guyana’s National Protected Area System, continuing to use its monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) system.”

It also plans on continuing promotion of the Iwokrama as a dedicated place for research “to develop, demonstrate, and make available to Guyana and the international community systems, methods and techniques for the sustainable management and utilisation of the multiple resources of the tropical forest and the conservation of biological diversity.”

In the document, it is stated that a combination of conservation and sustainable management of its forests will form the crux of the strategy.

It is noted that attracting additional international support for avoided deforestation through reforms in timber in-

dustries would include reduced impact logging.

It is also slated to include “reviewing compliance with agreed sustainability targets; and in the mining industry, including mapping of mining resources, improving mining efficiency, and mandatory reforestation of mining sites.

Some of these activities are already in the pilot phase. For example, sustainable land management and development – putting degraded and deforested lands to productive use.”

The framework document states that the elements of the strategy will be examined and consulted upon between April and December of 2017. Public consultations are yet to begin.

Within the framework, seven “central themes” are provided. They include promises to diversify the economy, “creating decent jobs for all”, transitioning to renewable energy, and “human development and wellbeing.”

The framework of the GSDS and financing mechanisms’ document was completed in March with financial and technical support from UN Environment. Initial consultations in regard to the development of the framework document began in December 2016 between the Government and other key stakeholders.

16 NEWS

saturDAY, april 14, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

President commissions Victory “Play with Thrill and Win” promotion launched Valley Play Park in Linden

C

P

resident David Granger on Friday commissioned the Victory Valley Play Park, situated at the Victory Valley Community Centre Ground in Wismar, Linden on Friday.

Equipped with several child-friendly amenities, the play park was delivered at the request of the Victory Valley Community Development Council. The grand opening was marked by a ceremony attended by scores of children and several Region 10 and Government officials.

Delivering the feature address, President Granger said the play park is a symbol of empowerment and the start of many more to come.

He said it was a signal of democratic freedom, and noted that Linden, like other towns, has come alive again.

“We are here for several reasons, and the most important reason is that this little park here symbolizes empowerment... I don’t want to see one play park, I want to see a thousand play parks... I see this play park as being the first step in opening more parks in more communities: in Kwakwani,

President David Granger along with a resident of Victory Valley, Linden cutting the ribbon on Friday to declare the park open

in Ituni, and in other parts of this great Region,” the President noted.

He added that it is a happy day for him, and noted that the handing over of the play park is a step towards the thought of what else can be done. The President said the event is not only refreshing, but would also enliven the community of Victory Valley to think of other beneficial development projects.

The President further encouraged residents of Victory Valley to develop the park and plant trees, so that the community would not just have a play park, but a place of relaxation as well as a tourist attraction.

“And let us make, not only Linden, not only

Wismar, but the whole of Region 10 a destination for tourists... So, in weeks and months and years to come, in addition to a play park, let us have a park with animals...” President Granger urged; adding that the park should also encourage the thought of economic activities which would make Linden a tourism hub.

The President also delivered exercise books to children of the community, and was awarded by Linden dance group ‘Is We’.

The play park was officially declared open by the ceremonial cutting of the ribbon, after which scores of delighted children flocked the area to sample the amenities. (Utamu Belle)

ostumers of two prominent products in Guyana can take advantage of some exciting prizes with the launch of two promotions by Caribbean International Distributions Incorporated (CIDI).

The promotions, “Play with Thrill and Win”, and “Pro-life Nutri Cereal Promotion” which was launched on Friday, features two flagship brands of the company, Thrill and Prolife, being displayed and featured simultaneously.

The promotion is expected to run until June 16, after which there will be two drawings.

The rewards being offered include an Aruwai Resort trip, a washing machine, bicycles, Thrillbranded premiums, hampers and newborn supplies.

The company explained that those who wish to win these prizes can purchase any of the Thrill beverages or Pro-life Nutri Cereal and submit the required section of the labels attached with valid contact information.

Some of the products and prizes that will be featured in the promotion

Meanwhile, a representative of the distribution company stated that, with this initiative, the company is preparing to introduce other high quality products into the local market, which will be priced at an affordable cost.

“From the inception, we have expanded in terms of products. From the inception of the Thrill soft drinks, we have managed to expand on our beverage (line), bringing you juices which you will find in the tetra-pack More juices. We would’ve embarked on milk and beer.

We are the sole distributor for Parbo beer,” she stated.

“Now in our eleventh year, we are now expanding on our product line. We’ve already made a name in the beverage industry, so we’re going into the household and dry foods line, so you’ll see more products in the coming months,” CIDI, a Surinamesebased distributor which has been in existence for approximately 11 years, will also be featuring other promotions throughout the year in respect to the Thrill and Pro-life brands.

Dharmic Sabha unveils calendar of events …as 180th Indian Arrival Anniversary commences

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he Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha on Friday revealed a list of activities that will be hosted in celebration of the arrival of Indians to Guyana.

As the list of activities kick off on May 1, Atif Aslam is said to perform alongside other Guyanese artistes, drummers and dancers in concert at the National Stadium.

During the monthlong celebration, a special Ramayan Festival will be held at the Oceanview Mandir Compound, West Coast Demerara, on May 5, celebrating the Ramayan tra-

ditions brought by foreparents to Guyana.

In addition, there will be cultural events featuring outstanding Guyanese artistes at the Tain Campus, Berbice, and Bath Community Centre Ground, West Berbice, on May 4; and at the Anna Regina Mandir, Essequibo and Better Hope Mandir, ECD on May 5.

In mid-May, the East Berbice Praant of the Sabha will host a special lecture and evening of Taan.

All proceeds from the concert will go towards the Dharmic Rama Krishna School Expansion project

Expert review to decide...

The Minister said they are working assiduously to implement long-term plans to ensure that there is not a reoccurrence of the situation.

To do this, he said he will be proposing an independent expert review of the functions of the Gold Board’s Laboratory to ensure that safety is paramount.

“I am going to speak to the Chairman to have an expert review with the recommendations for the future of the lab. If it should be continued, where it is to be housed if it to be and I do believe that perhaps a new facility is needed but that facility is to be protected,” he said.

“One of the advantages of having the lab and the HHMC in the same compound is the security.

We’re speaking about gold and we are speaking about safety and security of not just the people but also of the commodity. So we have to have a highly secured facility and so we need to find a place that could offer that,” Trotman added.

Meanwhile, Gold Board’s General Manager Eondrene Thompson said Kaizen conduct-

ed ambient air tests and just Thursday, the representatives revisited the laboratory and recommended a mercury analysis.

She added that they are expected to bring in their equipment to have that done soon.

So far, the GGB spent over $300,000 in tests.

Additionally, the Activation Lab on the East Coast Demerara has recommended that two monitors be installed to keep an eye on mercury emission levels.

“A representative came and done a walkthrough of the system and he recommended that we have two monitors, one to the port – when there is burning and also at the chimney and he will bring those two equipment in and this is what we have been doing to ensure the safety of our staff and GGMC’s also,” she stated.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Board, GHK Lall said the results are comforting and noted that the report submitted by Kaizen in conjunction with the Environmental Protection Agency would be made public soon.

“What we are doing is over-compensating. This is a

Atif Aslam

which will involve the construction of a new secondary school and additional primary facilities.

from page 15

continuous process for us and we want to give ourselves and the people outside there – everybody – that we are going above and beyond to put layers and layers of this inspection, of testing, results that we have got a comfort level to an extreme degree,” Lall said.

Refinery

Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman on Friday afternoon announced that representatives from South African Precious Metals are expected to arrive in Guyana shortly to explore the possibility of setting up a gold refinery here.

Trotman said Government has already received a number of proposals from both local and foreign companies to set up a processing plant in Guyana. He said the move towards a refinery is to modernise the sector, noting that it would be set us either through public private partnership or fully financed by the Government.

Guyana currently exports all of its raw gold, which amounts to roughly 600,000 ounces annually.

saturDAY, april 14, 2018

guyanatimesgy.com

Around the World

US and allies launch strikes on Syria chemical weapons sites

T

he US, UK and France have bombed multiple Government targets in Syria in an early morning operation targeting alleged chemical weapons sites.

The strikes are in response to a suspected chemical attack on the Syrian town of Douma last week.

"A combined operation with the armed forces of France and the United Kingdom is now underway," President Trump said in an address to the nation.

Syrian state television said Government forces had shot down more than a dozen missiles. The Government's main ally, Russia, issued a statement through its US Ambassador, saying "such actions will not be left without consequences".

US Secretary of Defence James Mattis told reporters

17

US prepared to "sustain" strikes until Syrian regime stops using chemical agents - Trump

there were no reports of losses in the operation. "Right now, this is a one-time shot, and I believe it has sent a very strong message," he said, saying the first wave of

strikes was over.

President Trump had earlier said: "We are prepared to sustain this response until the Syrian regime stops its use

of prohibited chemical agents."

UK Prime Minister Theresa May confirmed British involvement, saying there was "no practicable alternative to the use of force". But she also said the strikes were not about "regime change".

UK strikes carried out by four Tornado jets hit a military site near the city of Homs, which is believed to have housed precursor materials for chemical weapons, the ministry of defence said.

French President Emmanuel Macron also confirmed his country's participation in the operation.

The US President said the purpose was "to establish a strong deterrent against the production, spread and use of chemical weapons". (Excerpt from BBC News)

C’bean economies will grow by average 1.4% in 2018 – ECLAC

T

he Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) has updated its economic activity growth projections for the region this year, keeping its estimate for average regional expansion at 2.2 per cent, after growing 1.2 per cent last year.

It said that this regional projection is the same as what was published in December 2017, when ECLAC released its annual report Preliminary Overview of the Economies of Latin America and the Caribbean 2017.

As in previous years, during 2018 growth will show heterogeneous dynamics between countries and sub regions, ECLAC said noting that for the English and Dutch-speaking Caribbean, average growth is projected at 1.4 per cent for 2018, above the 0.1 per cent recorded in 2017.

According to ECLAC, economic activity projections for Latin America and the Caribbean are being made in a more favourable international context than that of the last few years, but significant uncertainties persist regarding protectionist trends, the financial dynamic and geopolitical risks. ECLAC said during 2018, greater dynamism in external demand is seen helping stimulate the economic activity of Latin America and the Caribbean.

Likewise, domestic demand will play an important role in the acceleration of growth, although with differences among components, ECLAC indicates. In particular, and even while continuing to be low, investment is expected to make a greater contribution than in previous years, while private consumption will remain a relevant driver of domestic demand, it said. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Rift among abductors of Chibok girls Indian court orders arrest of delays release talks: Nigerian President politician for gang rape

File photo: Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari addresses the 72nd United Nations General Assembly at UN headquarters in New York, US, September 19, 2017

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alks between the Nigerian Government and Boko Haram militants on the release of schoolgirls kidnapped from the North-eastern town of Chibok in 2014 have been set back by disagreements among their abductors, President Muhammadu Buhari said on Friday.

Buhari made the comments on the eve of the fourth anniversary of the abduction in which Islamist insurgents snatched 276

girls from their school, triggering a global outcry.

Many managed to escape or were released, including 82 girls who were freed in an exchange deal that included several imprisoned senior members of Boko Haram.

Despite pressure at home and abroad, government efforts to rescue around 100 of the girls still being held have so far failed.

“Unfortunately, the negotiations between the government and Boko Haram suffered some unexpected setbacks, owing mainly to a lack of agreement among their abductors, whose internal differences have led to a divergence of voices regarding the outcome of the talks,” he said in an emailed statement.

The President added that his administration was “doing its very best to free the girls from their captors”.

Boko Haram, which seeks to create an Islamic state in northeast Nigeria and split into two main factions in 2016, has killed more than 20,000 people since it launched its insurgency in 2009.

The United Nations children’s agency UNICEF, in a report published on Friday, said the group had abducted more than 1000 children since 2013. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Syria crisis: UN chief says Cold War is back

T

he UN’s Secretary General has said the Cold War is “back with a vengeance”.

Antonio Guterres also warned about the dangers of escalation over Syria.

The US and its allies are considering launching missile strikes against Syria after a suspected chemical attack, an action which Russia – whose forces are there supporting the Government – has said would risk starting a war.

Russia has accused the UK of faking an attack, an allegation Britain dismissed as a “grotesque, blatant lie”.

The Cold War, which fol-

lowed the Allied victory in World War Two, saw the US and its allies facing off for decades with the Soviet Union, of which Russia is the main successor state.

Guterres delivered his warnings at the opening of a bad-tempered UN Security Council meeting. “The Cold War is back with a vengeance, but with a difference,” he said. “The mechanisms and the safeguards to manage the risks of escalation that existed in the past no longer seem to be present.”

He urged countries to “act responsibly in these dangerous circumstances”.

The US and France have

both said they have proof the Syrian government attacked the Eastern Ghouta town of Douma last Saturday, but neither country has officially given further details.

The suspected attack, in which dozens of people reportedly died, was denied

by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s Government.

Rescue workers from the Syria Civil Defence and the Syrian American Medical Society, which supports hospitals in rebel-held areas, said victims were found with foam coming out of their mouths, blue skin and lips, and corneal burns. (Excerpt from

BBC News)

From left: A protest on Wednesday against the rape and murder of eight-year-old Asifa Bano (signs use an alternative spelling of the girl’s first name) in Kathua, India. Relatives of the older alleged victim remonstrate with officials in Lucknow on Tuesday

A

n Indian court has ordered the arrest of a ruling party politician accused of gang-raping a teenager and beating her father to death as protests spread over this case and another involving the gangrape and murder of an eightyear-old girl.

The high court in Allahabad city on Friday ordered the arrest of Kuldeep Singh Sengar, a member of the Uttar Pradesh state parliament with the Bharatiya Janata party (BJP), after days of public outrage over the alleged crime, his defiant response and the apparent apathy of police.

Singh Sengar and his brother Atul Singh Sengar have been accused of raping a 15-year-old girl last June in a town in his constitu-

ency near the state capital, Lucknow.

The family tried unsuccessfully for months to persuade Police to register a case against the powerful local official until last Tuesday, when the family alleges he and a group barged into their home, molested the girl again, tied her father to a tree and beat him.

The case came to national prominence this week when the teenager tried to burn herself alive outside the residence of the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister. The next day, her father, who had been detained by local Police after he was alleged assaulted, died in custody.

At the same time, details of the alleged rape and murder of Asifa Bano, eight,

in Kathua, in Jammu and Kashmir state, became national news after to stop Police from lodging charges.

The protesters, who were backed by state BJP Ministers, allege the investigation into the alleged attack on the girl, who is a member of a nomadic Muslim tribe, was biased because some of the officers involved were also Muslim.

Details of the crime – the child was allegedly confined in a Hindu temple in January, repeatedly raped for three days and then killed with a rock – as well as the sight of Hindu protesters advocating the release of the accused men sparked revulsion and protests across India on Friday.

(Excerpt from The Guardian)

Ecuador President confirms death of kidnapped reporters

E

cuadorean President Lenín Moreno has confirmed the death of two journalists and their driver who were reportedly abducted by Colombian rebels. Javier Ortega, Paul Rivas and Efraín Segarra are believed to have been

seized by a dissident faction of the disbanded FARC rebel group.

An emotional Moreno said in a televised address the country would not “let ourselves be intimidated”.

He promised to resume military operations on the bor-

der.

He also promised a reward for information about the rebel leader. Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos earlier said Ecuador could rely on his country’s armed forces for support.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

saturDAY, april 14, 2018

ARCHIE

Emotions will be difficult to control when dealing with (March 21peers or work-related situApril 19) ations. Do your best to control your temper and act rationally. Avoid impulsive behaviour.

ARIES

Avoid controversy with TAURUS people in a position of author(April 20- ity. Keep your opinions lowMay 20) key, and stick close to the people you know and trust to understand and support your choices.

dilbert

Listen to complaints, and GEMINI (May 21- address issues that may slow June 20) down your progress if you fail to understand what others are feeling or willing to do. Keep the peace and bring about favourable change.

Temper any emotional situations that arise. Instead (June 21- of engaging in a head-on colJuly 22) lision with someone, look for solutions and be willing to compromise. Don’t say something you’ll regret.

CANCER

Peanuts

Participation will allow LEO you to pick up valuable infor(July 23- mation that will lead to perAug. 22) sonal change. Attending a retreat or showing discipline when it comes to your health and fitness is favoured.

Calvin and Hobbes

Don’t pay for someone else’s VIRGO mistake. Protect your assets, (Aug. 23possessions and personal passSept. 22) words from anyone who might take liberties without your consent. Plan a romantic adventure for yourself and a loved one.

You’ll face emotionLIBRA al issues that should be ad(Sept. 23Oct. 23) dressed before they become too big to handle. Share your feelings, but also listen to the complaints or criticism offered in return.

WORD GAME TODAY’S WORD — LEUKEMIA

SUDOKU

Emotional distress will SAGITTARIUS surface if you can’t get along (Nov. 23with an old friend or family Dec. 21) member. Channel your energy into helping make home improvements, and avoid family discord.

(LEUKEMIA: loo-KEE-mee-uh: An acute or chronic disease of the bone marrow.)

Average mark 18 words Time limit 25 minutes Can you find 24 or more words in LEUKEMIA? The list will be published Monday.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

YESTERDAY’S WORD — PHONICS phon phonic pinch pish posh nosh icon

inch chin chino chip chop coin scion

shin ship shop siphon snip sonic spin

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 whom you SCORPIO trust.

Someone will try to (Oct. 24obtain personal information Nov. 22) for his or her use or profit.

Stick close to home with the people you know, trust and love.

solution AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Don’t get all worked up.

If someone is being difficult, leave him or her alone to rethink the suggestions you’ve offered. Make special plans to romance someone you love.

Taking on someone else’s responsibilities will weigh you down. Do what works for you, and concentrate on your own projects.

Spend more time primping and pampering. You deserve some downtime that will give you back that spark that makes you alluring.

Romance is highlighted.

saturDAY, april 14, 2018

19

Bolt believes “panicking” cost Blake Commonwealth gold

R

ecently retired sprint king Usain Bolt admits he was surprised to see compatriot and former training partner Yohan Blake beaten in the men’s 100m final but believes the athlete panicked after stumbling out of the blocks.

Blake, the 2011 World Champion, finished third in the final after being left behind by the South African duo of Akani Simbie and Henricho Bruintjies, who took the silver medal. Blake, who has the second-fastest time in the world over both the 100 and metres, never recovered from a poor start and finished in 10.19, a long way from his personal best of 9.69. Simbine took the ti-

tle in 10.03, while Bruintjies clocked 10.17.

"It was a little bit shocking Blake didn't win,” Bolt who arrived at the event earlier this week said told AFP. The two had joked that his former teammate could not return home without the gold medal, but things did not go quite as planned.

"I think Blake stumbled a little bit but probably panicked, that's always one of the toughest things,” he said of the race.

"When you stumble, the worst thing you can do is panic and I think that's what set him back. It's one of those things and now it's just about bouncing back."

Only six years ago Blake was readily identified as the man that was not only Bolt’s main competitor but also the man who would replace him at the pinnacle of track and field. Things have, however, taken a downturn following a major injury the athlete suffered in 2012, which has yet to see him hit those heights.

"We haven't really talked about it, but I think he understands because we've competed against each other," Bolt said.

"He understands the pressure. I will bring it up when I see him but I will make fun of him first."

(Sportsmax)

Akani Simbine finishes ahead of Yohan Blake

Hamilton fastest in China practice but Ferrari close

F

ormula One world champion Lewis Hamilton edged out Kimi Raikkonen at the top of the timesheets as Ferrari ended the opening day of practise for Sunday’s Chinese Grand Prix hot on pacesetter Mercedes’ heels.

The Briton lapped the 5.4 km Shanghai International Circuit in one minute, 33.482 seconds in the afternoon session, beating Raikkonen to the top spot by a mere 0.007 seconds.

Hamilton’s Mercedes

team-mate Valtteri Bottas was third and 0.033 seconds off the pace, with Ferrari’s championship leader Sebastian Vettel fourth, 0.108 seconds short of his rival’s best.

The top three finished the afternoon in the same order as they had ended the opening 90 minutes of practise.

“We got through all the laps that we needed and got some good feedback about the car,” said Hamilton after a cold afternoon.

“The balance of the car

is good but we have some fine-tuning to do on it tonight. Ferrari were quick and Red Bull looked really fast on the long run.

“It’s good to see all the times so close, but it means that we really need to bring our A game. We need everyone in the team to be on it throughout the weekend because it is a joint effort,” added the Briton.

The best Vettel had managed in the morning had been sixth, 0.862 seconds off Hamilton’s pace.

Hamilton has an im-

Clash of the armed forces highlights GCA’s weekend action T

he Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) continues its action this weekend with a number of intense matches billed for venues around the city.

GCA/VNET Champs Under-13 Cricket League continues today with Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) and Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) playing at MYO Ground from 9:30h. Bel Air Rubis will play Transport the same venue from 14:00h.

The Noble House Seafoods 2nd Division (2-Day) Cricket Competition commences today with GCC and GYO playing at the

Gandhi Youth Organisation (GYO); from 11:00h.

The University of Guyana (UG) will and the Guyana National Industrial Corporation (GNIC) caps off the second of two games at the Ground.

NBS (40-Over) 2nd Division Cricket Competition will see Diplomats and GDF locking horns on Saturday from 11:00h at Malteenoes Ground.

Meanwhile, GDF will collide against comrades, Police Sports Club at the Camp Ayangana Ground, from 11:00h.

pressive record in China and is determined to claw back at least some of his 17-point deficit to Vettel in the overall standings after the German powered to victory in the opening two races in Australia and Bahrain.

The Briton, like Vettel a four times world champion, has won in Shanghai an unprecedented five times.

The lap-times in the second session were a lot closer, however, after Hamilton went comfortably fastest in the morning,

Lewis Hamilton

raising hopes for a closely-fought race with Red Bull also showing flashes of speed.

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen was fifth quickest in both sessions, closing in to end the day 0.341 seconds off Hamilton’s pace.

Renault’s Nico Hulkenberg was sixth.

“We spent a bit of time during the first session today working on the setup of the car in order to un-

derstand it better,” explained Verstappen.

“By the end of the day the pace was looking good and I think we can be happy with the car’s performance.”

Kevin Magnussen was seventh for the U.S.-owned Haas team ahead of the other Renault of Spaniard Carlos Sainz.

Daniel Ricciardo, who was fourth in the first session for Red Bull, couldn’t quite string a clean lap together and finished the day only ninth, ahead of McLaren’s Fernando Alonso who rounded out the top 10.

There was little drama in the session, which was hit by rain in the closing stages. Stoffel Vandoorne stopped his McLaren out on track with a loose wheel, while a wing mirror fell off the Williams of Russian rookie Sergey Sirotkin.

Team-mate Lance Stroll, meanwhile, survived a spin.

The Canadian, having gone slowest in the opening session, continued to prop up the timesheets in the afternoon.

Several other drivers spun or went off the track as they tested the limits, with the cool and blustery conditions catching them out. (Reuters)

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

saturDAY, april 14, 2018

Corona Futsal Tournament…

It’s going to be …as Bent Street, Sparta clash for title

T

his evening will mark the end of the action-packed Corona Futsal Tournament but it is still a hard task to pick who will walk away with the title.

For the many fans this counts as a dream final as it pits Bent Street and Sparta Boss, the top two sides of what has been a riveting tournament.

Their passage to the final has certainly not been easy but they had to hold their nerves to still be standing.

With these reasons and many Co-Director of

epic!

Petra Organisation, Troy Mendonca contended it is going to be an epic night of futsal action. The support has been overwhelming for the tournament which has given Mendonca enthusiasm a massive crowd should be on its way to the National Gymnasium.

From a technical stand point, the organiser felt the new modus operandi regarding enforcing dress code and playing under the indoor futsal rules

An intense physical battle should ensue between the two teams

has been achieved.

The rematch of the inaugural tournament final, will see winners pocket $600,000 and championship accolade while second has to settle for $300,000.

The Most Valuable player (MVP) will ride off with a hero Motorcycle, one of which has already given a spectator.

That MVP prize has persons such as Bent Street’s Daniel Wilson, Ryan Hackett, Kelsey

Benjamin and Job Caesar as contenders while though Gregory Richardson continues to be a threat, new comers Jermin Junior and Jeremy Garrett have made most of the inroads for Sparta.

The third place match pits Leopold Street and Alpha Warriors; third and fourth will be awarded $150,000 and $75,000 respectively. Match time is 22:00h.

Indian Premier League 2018…

Umesh, de Villiers R

oyal Challengers Bangalore got off the mark in this year's Indian Premier League as AB de Villiers propelled them to a four-wicket win over Kings XI Punjab.

Having finished rock-bottom

AB de Villiers goes for the big one © BCCI

carry RCB past Kings XI

in 2017, RCB's new campaign started with a defeat at Kolkata Knight Riders, but two of their star-studded top four fired on Friday as the visitors' 155 all out was overhauled with three balls to spare.

KL Rahul – history maker for Kings XI last time out against Delhi Daredevils – made 47 from 30 balls and captain Ravichandran Ashwin added a useful 33 from 21 towards the end of the piece, but Umesh Yadav (3-23) was the star of the show for the hosts.

RCB's chase stuttered initially as Brendon McCullum fell to his

clipped the top of leg stump by the finest of margins – a tough start to married life for the 31-year-old.

Destructive de Villiers dials the number of the beast

After Ashwin (2-30) removed De Kock and Sarfaraz Khan with successive balls in the 12th other, RCB were still 69 shy of their target and were forced to consolidate.

The equation was down to 34 from 3.2 overs when De

SCOREBOARD

Umesh Yadav uprooted Yuvraj Singh's middle stump © BCCI

first ball while skipper Virat Kohli could only make 21, but South African duo De Villiers and Quinton de Kock (45 off 34) resurrected the reply to the delight of a typically raucous M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Yadav's triple strike curtails Kings XI's charge

In their season-opening victory on Sunday, Kings XI had been given a flying start by Rahul, who blasted his way to a fifty from just 14 balls – the fastest in IPL history.

A repeat looked on the cards when he took 16 from Chris Woakes' first over here and the visitors were 32-0 off three before Yadav struck a triple hammer blow.

Villiers took centre stage, launching three successive maximums from Mujeeb Ur Rahman before Mohit Sharma's slower ball was dispatched into the jubilant crowd at long-on to bring up his fifty.

De Villiers did fall in the next over, having hit two fours and four sixes in his 40-ball 57, but by that stage RCB needed less than a run a ball and got over the line with three to spare. (Sportsmax)

Mayank Agarwal edged behind before Aaron Finch was dismissed lbw. After two dots, Yuvraj Singh swatted the fifth ball to the boundary but Yadav had the last laugh by ripping one through the left-hander's gate.

The honeymoon's over for Finch Finch missed the first game of the season to marry his fiancee, Amy, with the Daredevils' Glenn Maxwell standing as best man.

And Finch may wish he had extended his honeymoon after falling first ball to Yadav.

Given out on the field, Finch quickly reviewed the decision but replays showed the ball would have just

Kings XI Punjab Innings (20 overs maximum) K Rahul † c Khan b Sundar 47 M Agarwal c †de Kock b Yadav 15 A Finch lbw b Yadav 0 Y Singh b Yadav 4 K Nair b Khejroliya 29 M Stoinis st †de Kock b Sundar 11 A Patel lbw b Khejroliya 2 R Ashwin (c) st †de Kock b Chahal 33 A Tye c Kohli b Woakes 7 M Sharma not out 1 M Ur Rahman c Khan b Woakes 0 Extras: (lb 3, w 3) 6 Total: (all out;19.2 Overs) 155 Fall of wickets: 1-32 (Agarwal, 3.1 ov), 2-32 (Finch, 3.2 ov), 3-36 (Singh, 3.6 ov), 4-94 (Rahul, 11.1 ov), 5-102 (Nair, 12.6 ov), 6-110 (Stoinis, 13.4 ov), 7-122 (Patel, 14.6 ov), 8-142 (Tye, 17.5 ov), 9-153 ( Ashwin, 18.5 ov), 10-155 ( Rahman, 19.2 ov) Bowling: Woakes 3.2-0-36-2, U Yadav 4-0-23-3, Khejroliya

4-0-33-2, Chahal 4-038-1, Sundar 4-0-22-2 Royal Challengers Bangalore Innings (target: 156 runs from 20 overs) Q de Kock † b Ashwin 45 B McCullum c Rahman b Patel 0 V Kohli (c) b Rahman 21 AB de Villiers c Nair b Tye 57 S Khan c Nair b Ashwin 0 M Singh run out (sub [Dagar]/†Rahul) 22 C Woakes not out 1 W Sundar not out 9 Extras: (lb 3, w 1) 4 Total: (6 wickets; 19.3 Overs) 159 Did not bat: U Yadav, K Khejroliya, Y Chahal Fall of wickets: 1-1 (McCullum, 0.2 ov), 2-33 (Kohli, 4.5 ov), 3-87 ( de Kock, 11.2 ov), 4-87 (Khan, 11.3 ov), 5-146 (de Villiers, 18.1 ov), 6-150 (M Singh, 18.4 ov) Bowling: Patel 4-0-25-1, Ashwin 4-0-30-2, Rahman 4-0-29-1, Tye 4-0-27-1, Sharma 3.3-0-45-0

sports

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GFF/Pele Alumni Frank Watson U-15 League – East Bank FA

Friendship, Diamond notch wins

D

iamond Upsetters FC and Friendship All Stars ended their campaign in the inaugural GFF/Pele Alumni Frank Watson U15 Intra Association League with contrasting wins on Saturday last at the Timehri Red Ground.

Upsetters, in their debut year of competition recorded their fourth win in 11 matches via a 3-1 margin over another debutant team, Samatta Point Kaneville FC. Friendship All Stars was in dismissive mood as they took strolled to their fourth win in 11 matches, a 5-0 whipping of Diamond United which has failed to record a win in 10 outings.

Upsetters dominated the early exchanges and were sent into the lead on 11 minutes when Jamal Thomas netted the first of his brace.

On the half hour however, that advantage was cancelled out when Samatta Point’s Kenyon Moe found the back of the nets, the half ended 1-1.

On resumption howev-

er, it was all Upsetters and minute. Friendship ended Champs and Swan FC. On Sunday Mocha Thomas’ second goal in the with 12 points from their 11 45th minute and Winston matches, 4 victories and 7 Champs will match skills Goodridge’s 55th effort went loses. with Diamond United from unanswered as the Diamond As the league winds 09:30hrs followed by a doubles head- clash between Agricola Red side romped to victory to end down, the league with a win and 14 ers would be played on Triangle and Kuru Kururu points from 11 matches in- Saturday and Sunday before Warriors. the final match of the league cluding two draws.

Samatta Point/Kaneville next week Saturday when also ended their debut sea- Timehri Panthers which is son at this level but did so assured of the title tackles Mocha Champs. with their fifth loss in 11 Today will see outings three draws Kuru Kururu and a similar amount of wins.

Warriors opposFriendship All ing Herstelling Raiders from Stars, like the oth09:30hrs with er teams have done, the feature match defeated Diamond between United, they did so by a 5-0 margin, led Mocha

by Marlon Dey who blasted a hat-trick in the17th, 45th and 51st minute. Shane Argyle accounted for the other Marlon Dey (left) and Shane Argyle of Friendship All Stars FC two goals in the 33rd and 36th

BV/Triumph Village Anniversary Celebrations…

Sideline edge Backdam 2-1 in U-17 football T

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21

223-7230-1 (Ext 55) Tyrice Dennis (left) and Jerome Robinson

he BV/Triumph 8th of May Movement Village Anniversary Celebration activities continued and Sideline emerged winners over Backdam in the 2018 Under-17 Inter Block football Competition.

The match was highly competitive between the two which have a rich history of fierce but fair rivalry in a variety of sport disciplines.

The match which was very intense throughout, saw striker Tyrice Dennis usher in the first goal with a right foot whirling kick from approximately 35 yards out from the goal on the right wing.

The high quality goal erupted the already upbeat Sideline supporters and sent the large Backdam followers into a moment stunning silence.

Backdam were keen to bounce back in the second half, however, in the 65th minute, Sideline’s Jerome Robinson took a cross which came from the right wing to produce a stunning and distain volley.

It would be Ian Dooker’s courageous effort that put some respectability to the

Backdam block.

Action continues on Sunday from 18:00h. The first match will feature Sideline opposing Ogle Street, while the second match will engage Central against Backdam.

Ian Dooker

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

saturDAY, april 14, 2018

I have to keep my standards high – Nedd

Ramesh Sunich T20 Softball…

Floodlights prevail over Savage masters in thriller F

…spinner still willing to absorb a wealth of knowledge

By Akeem Greene

L

ife coach Tony Robbins once stated, “If you want to change your life, you have to raise your standards.”

It is a concept Windies Under-19 player Ashmead Nedd is keeping close to his heart as he battles his way to the pinnacle of cricket, but first he must stamp his authority at the youth level, given the experience gained.

Having entered the ICC Youth World Cup in New Zealand earlier this year at just 16 years old, the spinner is plotting a course of upward mobility. His first step in this regard since his return from New Zealand has been towards registering “A” Grade performances is the ongoing Under-19 InterCounty tournament, wherein he starred for Demerara with a match haul of 8-61 against the National Under-17 Select Team.

“It was a great performance. I have been doing some work on my action by trying to keep my front arm as high as possible. As a senior player in this tournament, people are looking forward to getting great performances from me”, the orthodox left-arm spinner conveyed to <<Guyana Times Sport>> on Thursday after an innings-and-56 runs’ victory.

He added, “I have been around for quite some time in youth cricket, so I have to keep my standards as high as possible, and perform. Bad games will come, but I still have to look to be consistent”.

As the result showed, wickets came, but he was cognisant it was not his best day out with the ball. Too quickly he had switched to a defensive modus operandi, nullifying his menacing flight and drift. At times it was a reflection of his participation in an unsuccessful World Cup bid, where he had collected one wicket in five matches; which came as a surprise, since he was the Most Valuable Player (Three-Day) in the preceding regional tournament.

“I have the tapes, and what went wrong was my bio-mechanics. I have been talking to my father [Garvin Nedd] and he said my bi-mechanics have fallen off from where it started, and I have to keep working, doing more spot bowling and try to fix it as fast as possible”, the Demerara Cricket Club player revealed.

With this issue in mind, he plans on absorbing as much information as is possible from learned persons.

“I am still willing to learn more about the game. Every day is a learning process in life. The more information I gather from people will benefit me in the future,” he said.

More so, after stroking a responsible 62 in a recent club match, which piloted DCC to the title, the right-hand batsman is hopeful for more opportunities to show he is not “just a bowler”.

Eligible to play another World Cup in 2020, Nedd contends that the preparation starts now, from as low as the club level; and not just for him, but for all who are desirous of helping the Windies regain the title.

Conscious of areas he needs to tweak in his technique, Ashmead Nedd hopes the changes can continue to bring him success

loodlights defeated Savage Masters in a friendly T20 softball game in honour of the 64th birth anniversary of popular businessman Ramesh Sunich of Trophy Stall, Bourda Market, on Friday at the Demerara Cricket Club.

Savage Masters won the toss and took first strike and scored 176 for 6 off their allotted overs.

They lost two early wickets in Patrick Khan bowled by Reyaz Hussain for 13 and Troy Ramsaywack run out for 9.

N. Baksh also followed shortly for 1 leaving Savage Masters in some trouble at 47 for 3. R. Perriera then joined opener Seeraj Bheemsain and blasted the ball to all parts of the ground in a partnership of 77 before Perriera went run out for 27.

Bheemsain rallied with rest of the batting order to end on 94 not out and his team 176. Hussain, Rakesh Arjune and Petambar Maharaj took one wicket a piece.

In reply, Floodlights lost the prolific Uniss Yusuf early via the run out route for 2. Ramo Malone then joined Anil Beharry.

Beharry started with a flurry of boundaries but struggled in the latter part of his innings. Malone took over and

spanked the bowlers to all parts of the ground in making a robust 66 consisting of 3x6 and 7x4.

Floodlights lost Malone and Beharry in quick succession causing the run rate to drop. However, Ramesh Narine, possibly the best softball batsman around, teamed up with Imtiaz Mohamed and took their team to victory with one ball to spare in an unbroken partnership of 60. Narine clobbered 4 sixes and 2 fours in a rapid unbeaten 44.

Mohamed was not out on 15.

At the presentation ceremony, Steve Narine was voted

Ricky Deonarain

best bowler and Malone best batsman for Floodlights.

Bheemsain was the best batsman and Perriera best bowler for Savage Masters.

There were also trophies for best fielder and best catch on both teams. Malone was man of the match.

saturDAY, april 14, 2018

guyanatimesgy.com

Commonwealth Games 2018...

Doris in position to leap towards

23

GCB/Hand-in-Hand U19 3-Day inter- county

Winless teams looking to rebound - Berbice, Demerara pushed to Sunday at Lusignan

triple jump medal

All eyes will on Bhaskar Yadram to see if he can replicate another masterful innings

A

Leslain Baird had a best throw of 74.27m but was unable to progress to the final

O

lympian Troy Doris stands in good stead to leap towards the country’s first medal at the XXI Commonwealth Games being held in Australia.

Today, Doris will compete in the final of the Triple Jump and based on his season best leap of 16.80m he could find himself on the podium; he does have a personal best of 17.18m.

Only two other persons compet-

ing in the final has a greater season best and one with the same distance.

Dominica’s Yordanys Garcia (17.02m), Jamaica’s Clive Pullen (16.83m) and England’s Nathan Douglas (16.80m) are in the pole position.

However, Doris, qualifying with a leap of 16.33m, will certainly have go much further to deliver a medal.

Meanwhile, Javelin competitor Leslain Baird missed out on qualify-

ing for the final after finishing seventh in his group with a distance of 74.27m.

Baird is the country’s record holder with a distance of 74.71m set in February. His qualifying group was won by the host’s Hamish Peacock with a distance of 81.22m. More so, Natrena Hooper will be fifth in line when she takes-off in the High Jump final.

fter an exciting opening round of the 2018 Guyana Cricket Board/Hand-in-Hand Intercounty U-19 three-day, defending champs Demerara will tackle Berbice in a big match while Essequibo play the U17 Select in round two which bowls off today.

Originally scheduled for the Bourda Ground, Demerara who are fresh off an innings an 56-run win over the U17 XI, will tackle Berbice in a mouth-watering match which is now set for the Lusignan Community Centre Ground from Sunday .

Both teams played well in the opener with Demerara riding on the record 301 not out made by skipper Bhaskar Yadram. Opener Adrian Hinds missed a century by six runs but will have set on making amends.

Windies youth spinner Ashmead Nedd who ended

with 8 wickets from game one, could again play a crucial role as he did with fellow spinner Dwain Dick who bagged 6-110 to help brush the U17 side.

Berbice will rely on centurion Alex Algoo, Kevlon Anderson and others who showed good signs from the opener which they won by 9 wickets in just two days, brushing aside Essequibo with ease.

Match two which bowls off on Saturday April 14, will see the gutsy U17 guys tackling Essequibo at Everest as both sides look to rebound from heavy first round losses.

While the U17 XI managed to hold their nerves chasing nearly 500 runs, Essequibo were routed cheaply in both their innings as Berbice whipped them in just two days. Round two's action will bowl off from 9:00h.

GCB/Hand-in-Hand U19 Inter-county

Sarjoo confident Demerara can repeat against Berbice ex-Guyana player told Guyana Times Sport on the eve of round emerara Under-19 two that he was happy with how Coach Rohan his team handled their first asSarjoo said signment as they completely he is pleased by his outplayed the U17 Select at the team’s brilliance Everest Cricket Club (ECC) following their inGround. nings and 56He believed that with the run win over the momentum and form his playNational U17 ers showed in the first game, Select XI, addcoupled with his three nationing that he is not al players, Demerara can repeat worried by round against Berbice what they did to two opponents, the U17 team.

Berbice.

“Its basic crickT h e et we need to play, it’s just as we played against the Under17’s, you just have to stick to the basics and do what you have to do. You have to bowl the ball in the right areas and when Adrian Hinds has grabbed you get the the attention of his Coach opportunity

By Clifton Ross

D

to bat, you stand and bat as we did in the first round”, said Sarjoo.

Demerara chalked up 489-8 and were only required to bat once after Bhaskar Yadram slammed a record 301 not out and opener Adrian Hinds stroked a classy 94 but was unfortunate to miss out on a ton while Windies U19 spinner Ashmead Nedd ended with 8 wickets in the match.

Sarjoo said these performances were attributed to the high level of fitness the young player’s exhibit these days. “They have to be fit unless you are not going to get those types of performances, young Yadram is not 100 % fit but he still got out there and did what he had to do. So the key to success, if you don’t have discipline and you’re not fit then you will not get far in cricket”.

Coupled with marinating high levels of fitness and dedication to training, the coach pointed out that it all comes down to temperament and most times discipline; which plays a key role in overall team success.

“A player’s discipline and attitude will take them where they have to go, that is what I tell my players. You have to be disciplined

Demerara coach Rohan Sarjoo is backing his team to play similar cricket against Berbice as they did in the opening round

in this game and when you’re playing cricket, especially 3-Day it’s not a rush you have to take your time.

Obviously you will have some hiccups, but you have to be patient because we are dealing with youngsters”, added Sarjoo.

While the Coach said he was looking for more from his other batters, one of the players Sarjoo said he was impressed by was the

wicket-keeper Hinds whose batting skill and glove-work made a lasting impression. “I’m very surprised because this is the second time I’m seeing this youngster Adrian Hinds and he has impressed me a lot”.

Sarjoo continued “He’s a very good youngster and he has a far way to go if he keeps doing what he’s doing. He did well by keeping and I believe that is the next future star Guyana will find, because the young man takes his cricket serious”.

Although the champs have made a loud statement by easily whipping the U17 team, Berbice regardless of Demerara’s personal feelings towards the encounter will be in for a huge fight come Saturday and the Coach admitted that they will need to tighten up; especially with their bowling.

“We will be looking to improve on the bowling as we go along, the batting is good but I’m looking at the bowling. In the last game the fast-bowlers didn’t do anything so we will be looking to strengthen that area because it will help us with the points”. He ended.

saturDAY, april 14, 2018

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Commonwealth Games 2018...

Pg 23

Doris in position to leap towards triple jump medal

Troy Doris

Corona Futsal Tournament…

Pg 20

It’s going to be …as Bent Street, Sparta clash for title Job Ceasar will be a crucial player for Bent Street this evening at the National Gymnasium

epic!

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