Guyanatime 14 february 2018 new

Hindus observe Maha Shivaratri P16

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

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

Issue No. 3481

Declaring political affiliation for insurance Page 7

“unconstitutional, unlawful” – PPP/C

Scrap metal dealers accuse Govt of ignoring their plight Page 3

…say previous Govt treated them with respect

Warden caught smuggling ganja into Page prison 8

PRICE

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Nagamootoo completes P9 successful heart surgery

Cop dies in Lethem accident P5

Serious crime down by 19% – Police P11 …fatal accidents up by 20%

Money changer’s murder

La Penitence men slapped with murder P9 charge

…“it is absurd” – Ram

It’s Valentine’s Day today and the day will be made brighter for many with bouquets of flowers, especially fresh roses; oversized teddy bears and heart-shaped chocolates appearing on doorsteps, at workplaces and anywhere else you might be. In photo, a shopper at Nesha’s Flowerland seeks advice on finding that perfect gift

Housewife brutally stabbed by husband Page 9

Cops recover several cars during another chop shop raid

Page 11

Students robbed while P10 playing basketball

GA-FDD recalls unregistered blood pressure P5 drug

2

wednesDAY, February 14, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

news

3

wednesDAY, February 14, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

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

Wednesday, February 14 – a night retraction at 04:00h and a day retraction at 14:30h-16:00h and Thursday, February 15 – a night retraction at 04:30h and a day retraction at 14:30h-16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, February 14 – 15:50h-17:20h and Thursday, February 15 – 16:35h-18:05h.

Scrap metal dealers accuse Govt of ignoring their plight …say previous Govt treated them with respect

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Cloudy skies can be expected throughout the day and into the evening, with light rain showers expected in the mid-morning hours. Overall temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-easterly between 1.34 metres and 4.91 metres.

High Tide: 16:01h reaching a maximum height of 2.53 metres.

Low Tide: 09:36h and 21:59h reaching minimum heights of 0.80 metre and 0.66 metre respectively.

SATURDAY, february 10, 2018

LOTTERY NUMBERS N

03 10 12

16 18 20

17 Bonus Ball

FREE TICKET

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2018

DAILY MILLIONS 10 14 21 22 24 LUCKY 3 2 5 2

9

Afternoon Draw DRAW DE LINE

01

02

05

06

7

8

Evening Draw

07

08

19

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

President of the new association, Malek Cave

Randy Shepherd, employee of Den’s Trading

By Jarryl Bryan

during the PPP administration, he was able to sit with former President Bharrat Jagdeo and have dialogue in order to move the trade forward. He is now pointing to the difficulty in accessing ministers, much less the President.

“For those in authority to simply ignore us or any gathering that wants to formalise itself and engage in discussions with the authorities is disrespectful, and smacks of their unconcern for the poor, destitute, hungry, and the very small working people in the private sector,” he adumbrated.

Cave made a number of recommendations regarding how the scrap metal trade could be safely opened, including annual licensing with a register of dealers. He also urged that policing of the sector be strengthened,

A

t Tuesday’s official launch of the Guyana Metal Dealers and General Exporters Association (GMD&GEA), a new association formed to advocate for operatives in the scrap metal trade and for other exporters, executives took the Government to task for the continued ban on scrap metal and its turning a deaf ear to the plight of prospective traders.

This association is making it clear that the status quo of ‘Peter pay for all’ cannot continue.

Dozens of former traders were present at the Regency Suites hotel for the launch of this association, but conspicuously absent were any senior Government functionaries, de-

“I have never voted in my life for the PPP, but respect was given to me.

And respect, when it is given, must be recognised” – Malek Cave spite the association reportedly inviting Government to the launch.

President of the GMDGEA, Malek Cave, was heavily critical of the lack of interest paid by the Government to the plight of members of this association.

Cave readily admitted to having voted for the coalition, but he noted that the former administration was more willing than this current dispensation to work with traders.

“When (they) don’t show respect for the ordinary citizen, it shows volumes. It suggests to people like me that we have no value in this society. Not a single senior functionary from the Government (is present), despite the fact that they were notified. Don’t send low level officers alone, come out of your offices,” he challenged.

“We castigated the last Government, but I know (that), in many instances, we knocked on ministers’ doors and they opened them, without notice.

And it wasn’t because of curry-favouring, it’s not because I’m a PPP supporter, because I am not a PPP supporter, I have never voted in my life for the PPP. But respect was given to me. And respect, when it is given, must be recognised,” an emphatic Cave stressed.

According to Cave, since the ruling administration was elected to office, he has been trying to gain an audience with ministers of the Government, but in vain.

The Government’s attitude, he made clear, speaks volumes.

Cave made it clear that

and penalties for infractions toughened. Cave stressed that the association would not give up its advocacy and its drive to bring the authorities to the negotiating table.

Meanwhile, Bishop Edghill,

who appeared on behalf of Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, declared the PPP’s support for a regularised industry, and revealed his party’s willingness to either bring a motion to the National Assembly, or pose questions to the relevant ministers, regarding their trade.

Workers The workers themselves also pleaded for consideration to be given to their trade. Randy Shepherd, an employee of Den’s Trading, spoke of the hardships he is facing with the scrap metal industry not being operational.

“Since the closure of this trade, it’s been real damaging financially. I have a family, I have bills to pay, I have a son to take care of; it’s really a strain on my pockets. You’re not getting work to do; nobody is telling you anything about it. And it’s not only me, there’s the person that picks up the scrap at the dumpsite.

They’re feeling the squeeze too,” he explained.

“So I’m appealing to the President, who I think is family-oriented. I am pleading with you, as a young Guyanese with a family, with bills to pay, please look into this,” he said.

Maurice Primo is a former scrap metal trader who had

Maurice Primo, a veteran metal trader

spent 10 years in the industry.

He says his livelihood and earning abilities are now at a standstill at a time when he has a large family of children and grandchildren.

“It’s not easy, because you have bills to pay, you owe the bank. If they give us such a long period of time, they should assist us and hear our cries,” he declared.

The ban on the scrap metal trade came about following persistent complaints about vandalism. There were also issues regarding the management of the trade.

4

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesDAY, February 14, 2018

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

That Valentine’s Accord

T

oday marks the third anniversary of the Cummingsburg Accord, which was signed by the Alliance for Change (AFC) and the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) ahead of the May 11, 2015 elections at the Georgetown Club.

That Accord, which is popularly referred to as the “Valentine’s Day Agreement”, saw APNU’s Chairman David Granger promising to uphold the highest levels of transparency and accountability, and good governance the coalition was successful at those polls. At the launch, Mr Granger urged that Guyanese were being given a “second chance to be on the right side of history” as he said that the birth of the coalition marked a “watershed moment” in the history of the country.

Nothing that the period would usher in what he referred to as “national renewal”, Mr Granger said that the coalition as Government would adopt policies that would see “Guyanese being fully motivated to feel proud” of their country. Among other things, he promised then that AFC’s then Chairman Moses Nagamootoo would be appointed as Guyana’s Prime Minister boasting a heavy portfolio which would see him making recommendations for ministerial appointments, chairing cabinet, taking charge of domestic security and national affairs.

Mr Granger, who is the leader of the Peoples National Congress (PNC), went on record saying that the alliance marked the end of winner takes all politics in Guyana. He said “Winner takes all politics is finished in Guyana. What I am saying to you now is if this alliance wins 52 percent of the vote, we are not going to lock out 48 percent of the people…that is my promise to you.”

Also, Moses Nagamootoo, speaking the launch, said that the “dream” the two politicians who attended primary school together at Whim, Berbice had finally being realized as he insisted then that “Guyana deserves better”. He promised that if elected the coalition would ensure that there will be “no recrimination, no discrimination, no vendetta as no one had anything to fear and no one had anything to loose”. “In our father’s mansion, there is room for all,” Nagamootoo said.

Together they campaigned and as history would have it, the coalition won the 2015 General elections by a slim margin despite the protestation of the then ruling Peoples Progressive Party, which raised a list of legitimate concerns about fraudulent Statements of Polls and other irregularities.

Since coming to office, the coalition, which campaigned heavily on ending corruption, the reformation of Guyana’s Constitution, building national unity and running a lean and clean Government, has been less than able to accomplish key aspects of its manifesto. The past 36-months of its tenure in office has been marred by scandals and controversies.

There are countless incidents, which could be cited that can support the argument that Mr Granger’s promises, made at the signing of the Valentine’s Agreement, have already been broken.

Nagamootoo or the AFC has not been treated fairly as he continues to function as the chief minister in the Granger’s Government without a clear or serious gazette portfolio. The AFC, which had hoped to deliver change to Guyana, ended up three years later, being one of the most compromised and changed political entities. It has lost considerable political support because of its inability and ineffective to stop the implementation of highly unpopular and irrational Government and coalition policies, which has seen the return of PNC-ism including the dismissal of thousands of sugar workers, the repainting in yellow and green of State House and other buildings across the country, the implementation of a series of brut and harsh tax measures on the poor, the militarisation of the State/Government, and the dismissals of hundreds of young professionals and Amerindians from the public service and Government programmes in general.

What is most unfortunate too is that the APNU and AFC have not managed to formally meet to evaluate the state of the Accord they inked to date despite the public relations stunts being pulled by the AFC and supported by the President to conceal the cracks on their union. This seems to have been the coalition of convienence from the beginning and the AFC died just as Valentine did for a lesser worthy cause.

Indeed, today those who voted for the coalition, are now watching Guyana’s economy slide into a recessionary phase and with the coalition making a mockery of this country’s democracy and constitution time and time again.

Students gathered at the John Ashram on the East Coast of Demerara to offer their prayers to Lord Shiva as they celebrated the festival of Maha Shivaratri. Maha Shivaratri translates to “great night of Shiva”, and for 24 hours Hindu pilgrims offer special prayers to Lord Shiva at auspicious intervals

Today is Ash Wednesday A

sh Wednesday is the first day of Lent, a 40-day period of reflection and fasting for Christians leading up to Easter.

Ash Wednesday is considered a day to cleanse the soul and body as Lent begins. The actual date of Ash Wednesday is determined by the lunar calendar, which is why it changes every year. Ash Wednesday can fall as early as February 4 or as late as March 10. This year, Ash Wednesday is (today) February 14, coinciding with Valentine’s Day. Ash Wednesday derives its name from the blessing of ashes made from palm branches or crosses from the previous year’s Palm Sunday, which are burnt.

The ashes are usually placed on the foreheads of Christians in the sign of a cross during mass. The custom reminds parishioners that they are ultimately sinners and need to repent. It is also said to be a reminder that death comes to everyone.

Ashes have been used since ancient times to express grief. The gesture was also used to express sorrow for sins and faults.

In Job 42:3–6, Job says to God: “I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee. Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.” The prophet Jeremiah calls for repentance by saying: “O daugh-

ter of my people, gird on sackcloth, roll in the ashes” (Jer 6:26). The prophet Daniel recounted pleading to God: “I turned to the Lord God, pleading in earnest prayer, with fasting, sackcloth and ashes” (Daniel 9:3).

Priests will administer the ashes along with the words “Repent, and

Christ spent 40 days and nights alone in the Judean Desert being tempted by Satan. The penitential observance originated as a mirroring of this period.

Millions of Christians observe Lent. Most believers tend to give up something they enjoy until Lent ends to deny the needs of the flesh in order to focus

as Pancake Day. Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, comes from the practice of eating up all the rich fatty foods before fasting which subsequently lent itself to the all-out revelry of carnival which ensued before the solemn Lent period. The name Shrove Tuesday comes from the word “shrive”, meaning

A priest places ash on the forehead of a parishioner (file photo)

believe in the Gospel” or “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return”, signalling to people that they should start their period of fasting and introspection.

Lent symbolises the days which lead up to Jesus’s crucifixion and subsequent resurrection, when

on the needs of the spirit.

It is regarded as a period of spiritual preparation to grow closer to God in the run-up to Easter.

Lent is preceded by Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras in French – the final day of carnival around the world), also called Shrove Tuesday, otherwise known

absolution for sins by doing penance and the tradition of Christians trying to be ‘shriven’ before Lent.

Pancakes became associated with Shrove Tuesday as worshippers used up rich foods, including eggs, milk and sugar, before they began their fast during Lent.

wednesDAY, february 14, 2018

guyanatimesgy.com

5

News

GA-FDD recalls unregistered blood pressure drug T he Government Analyst-Food and Drug Department (GA-FDD) has ordered the recall of Ramipril, a drug for hypertension or conges-

tive heart failure that was found to be unregistered and circulating on the local market.

GA-FDD Director Marlon Cole told Guyana

Times at the sidelines of a workshop on Tuesday, that the move was taken following a complaint the Department received on Sunday.

Cole claimed that an immediate investigation was launched following the complaint and it was later found that the drug, which is highly used, was unregis-

How much is it really worth?

Dear Editor, There is much excitement around the wealth to be had in the oil industry.

However, if we take a closer look at the numbers it could be less income for those who had been working in the sugar industry and could range from approximately 640 to 9600 Guyanese dollars per day depending on the life of the contract, with the most probable outcome being approximately 3200 Guyanese dollars per day for each household given the following assumptions: 10 Billion Barrels discovered Price range in US$ of $18 to $120 2% of revenue 15% of revenue is operating income (positive assumption on historical data) 50% split of operating income between partners

50% of the resulting national income goes to the government for renewable energy projects, oil spill resolution and safe closure of wells at the end of the project An industry life of 20 years to 60 years A population of 1 million people A household size of 4 people Exchange rate of G $200 to US$1 50 weeks in a year 5 days in a week Given this possible outcome and the level of risk involved, the population of Guyana needs to resolve two important issues: 1) If we are willing to stick with the current contract that has been outlined with Exxon. Knowing that if renegotiated the possible wealth of the nation will in-

crease significantly.

2) We should be approaching the United Nations with what the value of the oil in the ground is worth, and a decision needs to be made as to what price the world (especially those signed onto the climate mitigation plan via the Kyoto Protocol) is willing to pay to maintain the strength of the Guyana Shield and to reduce the risk of furthering the negative impact on the Earth’s climate. A balance must be found as we are a Third World country, under sea level on the coast by the Atlantic Ocean and the adverse effects of climate change have started to impact us. As a good world citizen and assuming that the world after witnessing the destructive negative effects of climate change is more willing to ensure that

we all work together to prevent further destruction, it is my hope that the United Nations will be willing to support Guyana’s growth in such a way that our oil may remain in the ground while our economy and people may still benefit from its value.

As for the oil oligarchs, they too should be interested in reducing the supply of oil on the world market thus ensuring a higher price for the commodity while also helping to curtail its usage and negative impact on the environment. This would be a win-win outcome for the Earth, as all nations increase their usage of renewable, sustainable and environmentally friendly energy sources.

Best regards, Jamil Changlee

It’s the law: Pay retrenched sugar workers Dear Editor, Last year, the coalition Administration continued in the former People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration’s footsteps of imposing a basic 5.0 per cent wage increase, disregarding attempts by unions to address their members’ welfare. The teachers’ union held discussions with the President himself to address their members’ demands.

Instead, they were recruited to work for the Government’s Education Ministry assisting in the Ministry’s work of developing the education sector. This tack by the coalition Administration demonstrates its continued disdain for workers’ welfare.

Nothing was given in 2016 and a pittance was handed out last year. This is even as it is recognised that workers’ welfare took a drubbing since the implementation of the economic reform policies of the early 1990s.

I submit that we need to understand the coalition’s socialist mentality of ‘you and us’. ‘Us’ are Guyana’s new bourgeoisie (the capitalist class which owns most of the nation’s wealth and means of production), and ‘you,’ the workers, from whom are extracted the capitalists’ wealth by underpayment for labour services, who, under socialist ideology, will never get their just dues.

Just like under the PPP/C, Guyana’s workers

are being, and will be, hoodwinked every year under some scam or ploy while the socialist elite (primarily senior government functionaries) enjoy the ‘good life’.

Guyanese were duped in 2015, and there will be no end to their being fooled, because the wider policies of the coalition Administration and the PPP will never deliver economic growth to accommodate tax revenues, which will afford public servants their deserved living wage.

Both the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the AFC were up in arms against the PPP/C over its flagrant disregard for Guyana’s laws and regulations governing the decisions in Parliament while in Opposition. Yet today in government, it appears that they are continuing exactly where the PPP/C left off disregarding our nation’s laws. This is in regard to the Administration’s wilful violation of those laws which govern the payments of workers’ severance benefits.

From a moral perspective, the non-payment of severance to many retrenched Wales sugar workers and the coalition’s earlier attempt to what I can only describe as rob the recently retrenched sugar workers with non-provision of benefits for sugar workers slated to be retrenched in 2017, with the subsequent provision of the initial pittance in the 2018 Budget, smacks of the cruel

nature and intentions of the People’s National Congress (PNC)-led coalition for sugar workers. As I have said before, this is something all sections of society should denounce and actively seek to have address immediately by the current administration.

In respect of termination of employment due to redundancy, Section 12 (2) (b) of the Termination of Employment and Severance Pay Act (TESA) states that an employer may terminate the services of the employee because the employee has become redundant due to ‘the discontinuance by the employer of all or part of the business’.

Defining GuySuCo’s liability for Severance or Redundancy Allowance to retrenched sugar workers, Section 21 (1) of the Termination of Employment and Severance Pay Act (TESA) states that, “On termination of his employment, an employee who has completed one or more years of continuous employment with an employer shall be entitled to be paid such severance by such employer as severance or redundancy allowance…’

Defining the terms of notification of retrenchment, Section 15 (1) of the Termination of Employment and Severance Pay Act (TESA) further establishes that “Where a contract of employment for an unspecified period of time is being

terminated for any reason of redundancy under Section 12, such contract of employment shall except during the probationary period, be terminated by the employer upon giving the following minimum period of notice in writing – (a) Two weeks where the employee has been employed by the employer for less than one year; (b) One month, where the employee has been employed by the employer for one year or more.

Finally, in respect to severance payments in lieu of notice, Section 16 (1) reads: “In lieu of giving notice of termination under Section 15 (1), the employer shall pay the employee a sum equal to the remuneration and benefits due to the employee up to the expiry of any required period of notice”.

There, therefore, seems little room for argument regarding the conditions of retrenchment, terms of notification, and the amount and period of payment of severance to retrenched sugar workers. The Administration should, therefore, re-examine its position to withhold severance payments to sugar workers any longer, and all workers and the entire nations should examine these sections and encourage the coalition to honour its obligations to these workers immediately.

Yours faithfully, Craig Sylvester

GA-FDD Director Marlon Cole

tered.

“The reason for registration is to ensure that the drugs were assessed either by a competent and serious reference authority or by the Caribbean registration.

So, immediately as we recognised that the drug was not registered or no marketing authorisation was given

to it to be sold on our local market, we made a decision to have it recalled from circulation with immediate effect,” he explained.

Ramipril is used to treat mainly hypertension (high blood pressure). It is also used to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death. turn to page 9

Cop dies in Lethem accident

A

Police Officer died on Tuesday evening following an accident at Pirara Bridge, Lethem, Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo).

Dead is Inspector Ian Welch, who was stationed at the Lethem Police Station.

According to reports reaching Guyana Times, at least six other ranks were injured in the accident.

Details of the accident are sketchy, but this publication was told that it occurred about 17:15h as the ranks were returning from routine patrol duties. More details in the February 15 edition of Guyana Times.

6

wednesDAY, February 14, 2018

Page

guyanatimesgy.com

Foundation

How we communicate that we love our teens

And what they might hear…

By Kenneth Ginsburg, MD

W

hile February is long celebrated as a month recognising love, there’s no question love for those closest to us should be demonstrated all year long. Our love is perhaps the most protective, enduring force we offer our children. Why do we love? Because it makes our children know that they are worthy of being loved. This genuine sense that they are worth being cared for and about offers a foundation of self-regard that will affect their behaviours and emotional well-being during adolescence. It also generates the security from which they will launch into adulthood. Love is the basis from which they will enter meaningful friendships and romantic relationships far into the future.

Let me count the ways

There are so many ways we demonstrate love for our children. All of them are meaningful and protective. You likely show love using several of them.

We tell them. This is the simplest way to express our love. “I love you.”

Three small words that when put together, hold great power.

We see the best in them. The world is full of people who measure our value based on how we behave or what we produce. This can be particularly harmful to adolescents. It can also make them anxious, thinking that their worthiness is related primarily to the scores they earn or the grades they achieve.

They begin to see themselves as products. It’s knowing who our children are, and have always been, that can counteract these potentially destructive forces. Our knowledge of the essential good our tweens and teens possess is one of the surest ways of having teens rise to their best selves. Love is seeing someone as they deserve to be seen, as they really are, not through the lens of the behaviours they sometimes display, or what they produce.

We protect them. When we monitor our children’s behaviour and set clear boundaries around morality

and safety beyond which they cannot stray, we make them safer. Keeping our kids safe is one of the most meaningful things we do out of love.

We prepare them. We know that the world is complicated. It’s full of pushes and pulls and risks and opportunities. Preparation is protection for the future. When we prepare our children to navigate the world safely and wisely, we show them, lovingly, how much we care about them becoming their best selves.

We are there for them. Relationships come and go. Friendships can shift— especially during adolescence. School years pass. Sometimes we leave communities. The world can feel like an unsafe, unpredictable place. Our unwavering and reliable presence is a tangible expression of our love.

We do for them. We earn a living to provide for the needs o f our children as best as we can.

We help them with their homework.

We somet i m e s take them where

they need (and want) to go. We do those things both out of responsibility and an expression of our love.

We get out of their way. Sometimes we let them try things out on their own, even fail, because we love them. We celebrate their development; we know sometimes they grow strongest when they figure things out independently.

Make your love really count

Your love is protective of your child no matter how you show it. But for it to have the greatest effect, your children have to know how much they are loved.

Although they benefit from all of the expressions of love we mentioned, it is also possible some things we do because we love our children will be misinterpreted — or may even backfire.

For example, protection can be wrongly interpreted as “control".

Preparation can be misunderstood as lacking confidence in our children’s ability to learn to navigate the world on their own. Our doing for our children can be taken for granted or under-appreciated as being “just” our job.

Our giving them room to fail and recover can be misinterpreted as our not caring.

For these reasons, we want to always express our love verbally, using whatever words are most comfortable.

Remember, it is not what we feel, it is what they know we feel that offers the greatest protection. It is not what we do, it is their understanding of why we do what we do that frames our relationships and shapes their reactions.

So keep protecting, preparing, and doing for your children. Sometimes you can let go, but always remember to let them know why you do these things. Consider sharing your own version of one of the below statements to ensure that your tweens and teens understand your actions are rooted in love.

“I set rules for you because it is my job to protect you. I love you too much to see you being unsafe.”(psychologytoday.com)

Planning to study abroad?

H

aving just applied to university, there is one thing that I think I have learned from the entire process: Guyana needs more people giving educated guidance to young people attempting to kick-start their tertiary education.

Application to university is a nebulous, complex process, especially so if one is applying to schools abroad. Whilst it is wonderful that we have the option of studying at the University of Guyana, students should be aware that it is not their ONLY option. There are many brilliant Guyanese students who have the ability to get into highly ranked universities, but do not apply.

There are many reasons this might happen, but, personally, Ashley Anthony these are the few that I find: firstly, students are concerned about the source of funding.

They believe that going to university abroad is simply too expensive, and since there is no one to guide them, they do very little research, and opt for the more convenient option of attending the University of Guyana.

University is not cheap, there is no denying this; however, there are many ways in which one can acquire scholarships to offset the cost. Yet, like I said, many people do very little research. If there were guidance counsellors cognizant of a student’s academic ability, extra-curricular activities, transcripts, financial status, intended major, those counsellors would be in the position to advise students of what schools would be most likely to accept them; what steps they should take; and what financial options are available.

There are tonnes of schools that provide financial aid to international students, (provided the student is outstanding enough).

Secondly, I think there are a lot of students who have the idea of what they want to accomplish, but are unclear as to what steps they need to take to get there. These are the people who always say they want to study in the United States, but then miss the deadline for signing up for the SATs. Because there is no system in place for students who wish to pursue this option, it is easy for them to get lost in an abstract idea. There is no one who reminds you to sign up for your exams, no one who advises you on what exams are best for you to take, and no one who advises you on which dates are best to sit the exams. Whilst you might say if that is the goal of a student, the onus is upon them to make sure they take the requisite steps to see fruition of the goal, you can’t argue that the path to the University of Guyana isn’t much smoother. Our schools prepare us to write the Caribbean Examinations Council Exams (CSEC and CAPE), even though most schools in the United States do not recognize these examinations. I am not saying that the Guyanese curriculum should change to accommodate students who wish to pursue tertiary education abroad, but I am saying that students should be made aware of all of the possible options. They should know what they can use their examination results for, and shouldn’t write an exam just because everyone else is doing so. If their intention were to study in the US, they’d be better off studying for General and Subject SATs. If their intention were to study in the Caribbean or the UK, then they’d be better off doing CSEC and CAPE/A levels.

My point is that our students should be thoroughly educated, so that they can make educated decisions. This is in no way intended to bash the people who attend the University of Guyana; it is simply to say that our students could be attending schools which are much more established, have better resources, and could provide them with unique opportunities, such as internships in partnered companies, or research positions in labs. These experiences can add to a person’s education immensely, and could help them understand their chosen career much better.

Other reasons a person might opt to study abroad might be simply because the University does not offer their specific program. In my case, I am hoping to study either Biophysics or Biological Engineering. Is it fair that I should choose another major simply because those are not available at UG? Should I compromise on my dreams, or should students like myself be provided with information as to how we can still achieve our dreams? Whilst I think the latter is true, in the mean time, we have to do the work ourselves. We have to be relentless in the pursuit of our own education.

My advice to anyone thinking about studying abroad is: ask people who have done it. If possible, get someone who can guide you through the process; and finally, spend loads of time researching. Learn as much as you can about the process, the perquisites, and about financial aid and scholarships. It is still your education, after all.

news

7

wednesDAY, february 14, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Declaring political affiliation for insurance “unconstitutional, unlawful” – PPP/C …“it is absurd” – Ram

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

T

he People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) has described the move taken by some insurance companies to request applicants declare their political affiliation, as unconstitutional and unlawful.

The Opposition Party said that it has been recently informed of this new development, and it is urging the Government to take action to reverse what it described as a “retrograde move”.

It noted that while this new requirement has now been placed on almost all new insurance application forms, there is no reference to any law or regulation that

requires this information.

“Some applicants have been told by staff of these companies, that is a requirement under the [Anti-Money Laundering/Combating the Financing of Terrorism] AML/CFT regime for the purpose of State monitoring,” the Opposition said.

While there are provisions in the AML/CFT Amendment Act of 2015 for “Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs), the Party said this was a different case.

A PEP is defined by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) as an individual who is or has been entrusted with a prominent public function and due to their position, has some influence.

As a result of this, these individuals are viewed as those who can potentially abuse their influence for the purpose of committing money laundering offences and related predicate offences, including corruption and bribery, as well as conducting activities related to terrorist financing.

Arguing further, the Opposition said that it was unaware of any law passed in the National Assembly which authorises reporting agencies to engage in the collection of such information.

Attorney Christopher Ram

“In fact, any such law, were it to exist, would be in violation of Article 149 (1a) of the Guyana Constitution which unambiguously states that: “No law shall make any provision that is discriminatory either of itself or in its effect.” The Party further stated that any such law would, therefore, be null and void.

The PPP/C said that Article 149 (2) specifically protects all Guyanese citizens from discrimination on many grounds, including “political opinion, conscience and belief”. Article 147 also guarantees citizens’ right to freedom of association, the right to belong and form political parties.

“Therefore, any request for one’s political affiliation would be in violation of these Articles of the

Constitution. In addition, S18 of the 1998 Prevention of Discrimination Act, which specifically addresses ‘Application forms, etc’, states that it is unlawful for a person to request or require any other person to provide information relative to their political opinions.”

As such, the PPP/C has urged Government, the insurance companies in question, and related entities, to disclose if this was a new policy, under what statute has it been implemented, and why there has been no public announcement on this new requirement.

Absurd

Attorney and political analyst Christopher Ram has also described the move as unconstitutional. While not commenting specifically on the Opposition’s arguments, Ram told Guyana Times on Tuesday that it was absurd that any insurance company or banking institution should be given that authority.

“The thing about Politically Exposed Persons is a question of definition and it’s persons who hold positions in political parties and so on. A member of a political party isn’t automatically a PEP,” he said.

When asked whether there was need for a further amendment to the Act, the

Hand-In-Hand Insurance Compliance Officer Paul Braam

Attorney said that the question should be asked whether that was necessary or it was being badly applied.

The regulator under the AML/CFT Act is the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU).

Mandated

Meanwhile, Hand-InHand Trust Corporation Compliance Officer Paul Braam told this publication that insurance companies and all financial institutions were mandated by statute to fulfil these requirements.

“It is very clear in the Act and what is our guideline to determine what are the status of these persons and whether or not the companies have to do due diligence on them or not,” he explained.

Braam went on to state that it was not just limited to politicians or people with influence in society, but close relatives of those same individuals. He said the guideline was in relation to these persons.

The Hand-In-Hand Insurance official also took umbrage at the fact that specific focus has been placed on insurance companies asking for this information, especially since all financial institutions were covered.

“It’s a judgement call. It depends on how close these persons can be. Remember what the Administration is trying to do here is to rid the country of crime and when we talk AML/CFT, there is legislation that guides us and how we would treat with those things,” he added.

According to the AML/ CFT Act, the requirements are preventive (not criminal) in nature, and should not be interpreted as stigmatising PEPs as being involved in criminal activity or related activities.

Refusing a business relationship with a PEP simply based on the determination that the client is a PEP is contrary to the letter and spirit of Recommendation 12. The PPP/C contends that this definition does not refer to nor require any citizen to state their political party affiliation.

8 news

wednesDAY, February 14, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Money changer’s murder

La Penitence men slapped with murder charge

T

wo of the four men who were arrested

by Police in connection with the gunning down of America Street money changer Shawn Nurse earlier this month were on Tuesday arraigned before Georgetown Magistrate Judy Latchman, charged with murder.

The murder charge that Freeman Street, La Penitence, Georgetown residents Kerwin DeSantos and George Hope jointly face detail that the duo, on February 4, 2018, at America Street, while being in the company of each other and with others, murdered Shawn Nurse during the course of a robbery.

Both men appeared before the magistrate unrepresented by legal counsel, and were each remanded to prison. They are expected to make their next court appearance on February 21.

While plying his trade

B

George Hope (in black) and Kerwin DeSantos (in white)

as a money changer on February 4, 2018, forty-seven-year-old Shawn Nurse was shot to his face and left for dead on America Street, Georgetown. he reportedly was approached by a man wearing a red hoody and brown pants, who whipped out a handgun from his waist and demanded that Nurse hand over his cash.

Nurse, who just two months previously had been robbed, refused the bandit’s demand and was shot to his head.

As detectives probe the matter, four men were arrested after a red Honda CG motorcycle -- suspected to have been used in the commission of the crime, based on CCTV footage -- was

found in possession of one of the suspects.

Two of the men were reportedly the same persons who, back in December last, had robbed Nurse of some $500,000. However, that matter was dropped after the men had reportedly paid back the stolen money to the now dead man.

officers are in the process of preparing a case file which will be sent for legal advice.

In a separate matter, Police in New Amsterdam are hunting for two suspects after 3.665 kilograms of cannabis were found hidden in a clump of bushes in

Angoy’s Avenue.

According to information received, the drugs, wrapped in eight parcels, were discovered hidden in a five-gallon plastic bucket at about noon on Monday.

This matter is also being investigated.

Warden caught smuggling ganja into prison

Wounding incident lands 50-year-old in jail Some 3.6 kilograms of cannabis were also found in Angoy’s Avenue

A

26-year-old warden of the New Amsterdam Prison is now in hot water after he was on Monday evening busted with 528 grams of cannabis and 20 packs of

The good old days…

cigarettes inside the prison.

This Stanleytown, New Amsterdam resident is now being investigated by the Police for smuggling contraband into the N/A prison. According to the Police,

A

Middle Road, La Penitence man who attacked and wounded another at the Stabroek Market area in November 2017 was on Tuesday jailed for two years.

Fifty-year-old Shawn Griffith, of Lot 137 Middle Road, La Penitence Georgetown, had the sen-

Shawn Griffith

tence handed down to him

by Magistrate Annette Singh.

The Prosecution contended that Griffith, on November 18, 2017, wounded Kenton Vallet.

Griffith was jointly charged for the offence with his son who was visiting from the United States.

However, after the son had offered the virtual complainant (VC) a compensation of $10,000, which was accepted, the matter was dismissed against the son.

Griffith, however, had originally denied the allegation, and was granted $30,000 bail.

…of Leader uber alles ack in the day, Burnham used to prance around in an army General’s uniform! Yup!! That’s right!! He insisted it wasn’t because of any lingering insecurities precipitated by those beatings he received at the hands of his fellow students first at Central High… and then at Queens!! You didn’t know Burnham went to Central, Dear Reader?? Well, not many do, since Burnham wanted everyone to believe he was a real Queen’s man.

He insisted he wore the uniform because he was “Commander in Chief” of the Disciplined Forces, which he increased exponentially until Guyana had the highest army/civilian ratio in the world!! Another of his sterling achievements – in addition to presiding over the greatest mass suicide in the world at Jonestown!!

Anyhow, your Eyewitness was struck by the picture on the front page of three of the four dailies where President Granger’s briefing the top brass of the Disciplined Forces. It reminded him so much of the days when Burnham would summon the army biggies to PNC Headquarters at Sophia and have them swear an oath of loyalty to him. Granger, as an officer and Burnham loyalist, would’ve taken quite a few of those oaths!! As a genuine Brigadier (technically a “one-star” General – as opposed to the four stars Burnham sported) your Eyewitness wondered if any oaths were sworn in the PNC-green State House meeting.

The Disciplined Forces’ top brass, of course, were – not so incidentally being introduced into surroundings they’ll become quite familiar – since it’s expected they’ll follow the more than two dozen “civilian” top positions in the office of the presidency, filled by be-medalled chests!!

They would’ve realised they’ll be quite comfortable with old faces like Colonel Harmon in the role of the faithful adjutant and Captain Archer as aide de camp…

The topic under discussion, we’re told, was the Venezuelan border controversy. Of course that’s the same topic Burnham used to increase the armed forces by a factor of ten!! We even got a “naval wing” to ensure the Venezuelans couldn’t get even one Spring Cuirass, while the swollen army guarded our blades of grass! Never mind they took over our half of Ankoko Island and are still in possession. Are we going to insist they give it back in our case at the ICJ? Your Eyewitness hopes so, since it’s rather tedious to say Guyana has 282,199 square miles!!

Anyhow, the army brass would’ve been informed of the increase in their manpower…but to their relief, they’d heard they aren’t being posted to the western front to repel the Vennies.

Like in the Burnham days, they’ll be dispersed in “PPP areas” to live off the land!! …of the new Massa Another bit of nostalgia brought back into the news was Hope Estate. You young whippersnappers don’t know about Hope Estate?? What’s the world coming to?? Hope Estate was Burnham’s personal experiment to experience the days of the Massa. He nationalised the coconut estate from some Guyanese family and used it to send off scores of Civil Servants to clean the canals and perform other manual labour there.

He’d show up on a horse, in full country-squire garb – jodhpurs, whip and all!! Anyone on the paths better jump out of the way when Burnham came trotting by!! Some say it was one way of getting back at some of the “high colour” elite boys who’d have lorded over him at Queen’s and followed their fathers into the Civil Service. Burnham wasn’t one to forget slights!!

Anyhow, in the present, a slew of farmers are being evicted from the estate. It’s just a coincidence, they’re mostly all PPP supporters!

The real reason is to have our present PNC-Leader show who’s boss!! …and water supply In the Burnham years, it was a common sight to have kids “fetching water” from one village to the next. The PPP corrected that…but the CEO says “revenue stream low” and wants to raise rates.

He should know his water pressure’s also low!

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

News

9

wednesDAY, february 14, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Nagamootoo completes Housewife brutally stabbed by husband H successful heart surgery …to recover in US before returning to Guyana

P

rime Minister Moses Nagamootoo who underwent heart bypass surgery on Tuesday in a United States-based institution has pulled through his operation with expectations that he would make a full recovery.

According to information contained in a medical bulletin from Minister of State Joseph Harmon, the prime minister’s surgery was a success.

“Prime Minister Nagamootoo is expected to make a full and complete recovery in the coming weeks, before returning to Guyana.

Nagamootoo is resting and recovering with Mrs. Sita Nagamootoo, his children and other family members by his side,” the bulletin stated.

It was reported on Monday that Nagamootoo required urgent heart bypass surgery. He had recently undergone a routine medical examination in Guyana, and it was revealed that he was suffering from heart-related issues. As such, he was advised to seek further medical intervention, and he brought forward a planned private visit to the United States. He was accompanied on this travel by his wife, Mrs Sita Nagamootoo, and other members of his family.

In the Prime Minister’s absence, Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge is acting in the capacity of prime minister.

Overseas medical treatment The issue of Government officials seeking treatment overseas rather than at the Georgetown Public Hospital, (GPHC) or even local private hospitals has a long and contentious history.

When in the Opposition,

ousewife Shenella Marks of Westbury, Essequibo Coast, Region Two is now in serious condition at the Charity Hospital, after being stabbed multiple times about her body by her husband on Monday afternoon.

Police Superintendent Jairam Ramlakhan has said the incident reportedly occurred at about 16:00h on Monday, while the victim was in the vicinity of

the Charity Water Front, Essequibo Coast.

The 23-year-old Shenella Marks had reportedly moved out of her matrimonial home at Westbury about a month ago, because of domestic abuse allegedly being meted out to her by her 36-year-old husband. She had reportedly moved with her eightyear-old son to her parents’ home at Dredge Creek, Upper Pomeroon River.

After being stabbed, the

woman was rushed to the Charity Hospital, where she underwent emergency surgery. Her husband had initially fled the scene, but was quickly apprehended, and according to the Police, has since confessed to the crime.

Police say the suspect also has a criminal charge of assault committed on his wife pending against him at the Charity Magistrate’s Court. Investigations are ongoing.

GA-FDD recalls unregistered...

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and his wife, Sita Nagamootoo prior to the surgery

the coalition parties had heavily criticised members of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) for seeking medical treatment overseas, instead of utilising the national facilities.

However, Government

ministers have been flying to Ireland and other overseas territories in a bid to access medical treatment.

It has also been disclosed that a health insurance policy has been prepared for Government officials.

The Director said the owner of the unregistered drug is cooperating with the Department and had indicated that it would conduct a recall with immediate effect.

Given this recent discovery, Cole told this newspaper that the department would take stringent steps to ensure that other similar situations were reported and addressed.

“We will examine pharmaceuticals and specifically look for prescription drugs and ensure that they are on our list as registered drugs.

If that is not the case, and they are in circulation and have not been subjected to regulatory oversight, chanc-

es are that drug may be posing a public health risk,” he said.

The Director explained that in any regulatory system, there was always a need for a balance to be maintained between the availability of drugs that were safe and filtering out substandard drugs.

The assessment of these drugs looks at whether the bio-availability is sound, the active pharmaceuticals are indeed included, and the patient information is accurate, among other things.

“We also need to check if the drugs could be sold in our climate because it is possible that a drug could be mar-

From page 5

keted in a temperate climate and when it comes to a tropical zone, it loses its efficacy. So, those are some of the things that our officers have to be vigilant about,” he added.

Cole said that his team continued to work hard daily to ensure that everyone was compliant and that unregistered drugs did not reach consumers.

The GA-FDD Head addressed a workshop on Tuesday for drug importers which focused on strengthening function and regulatory capacity, with special emphasis on the Caribbean regulatory system in Guyana.

10 news Students robbed while playing basketball T wednesDAY, February 14, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

hree students of the St John’s College, Georgetown, who were playing basketball at the Burnham Basketball Court was on Tuesday attacked by a lone bandit and robbed of their belongings.

The three students, aged 14 and 15, were robbed about 12:45h.

According to reports, the teens, who were on their lunch break, were playing basketball when they were approached by a lone man with a knife.

Guyana Times understands that as the game between the students were in progress, the man strolled up to a fourth student, who

was observing the game, whipped out a knife and held him at knifepoint.

He then proceeded to demand that the teen hand over his cash; however, the frightened boy told the ban-

dit that he had no money.

The 14-year-old was then instructed to hand over his classmates’ school bags so he complied.

Observing what was occurring, the other three

boys ran towards the perpetrator and their classmate.

It was then that the perpetrator held all of them at knifepoint and robbed them of their cash, mobile phones, tablets, headsets, and phone chargers.

The suspect then fled the scene on a blue bicycle, south along the eastern carriageway of Carmichael Street, Georgetown.

The matter was reported to the administrative staff of the St John’s College, and the teens were accompanied to the Brickdam Police Station where a report was made.

Investigations are ongoing.

Kidnapped Tuschen child found with father’s relatives

…taken into State’s custody

E

ight-year-old Anellie Hoyte, who over a week ago was reportedly abducted from the Tuschen Primary School, East Bank Essequibo, has been found in the care of her father’s great-aunt at North East La Penitence, Georgetown, according to her mother, Alisha Marcus.

Alisha Marcus said she found her daughter on Monday at the elderly woman’s home, and Anellie has since been taken into state custody. She explained that the elderly woman related she was unaware that it was reported that Annelie Hoyte had been kidnapped, and decided to take the child into her care since she claimed that she was seen

Anellie Hoyte

wandering the streets of Georgetown.

Alisha Marcus said Annelie Hoyte told her that a male had taken her to the Vreed-en-Hoop junction in

a dark coloured car, and had left her there. The minor then boarded a route 32 minibus, travelled to Georgetown, and was seen by friends of relatives, who took her to the North East La Penitence area.

Marcus, however, noted that Annelie’s story is not adding up, hence she is still in state custody as an investigation has been launched.

The child was allegedly abducted at about 09:00h on Wednesday last, reportedly as she was about to enter the school’s compound. She was grabbed from behind by a male, and was placed in a parked, dark coloured car, which then sped away.

Students milling outside of the school witnessed

the incident and quickly reported what transpired to a teacher, who then made contact with the child’s mother, and the matter was reported at the Leonora Police Station.

Marcus related that her husband died just over two months ago, and she is alleging that his mother, who resides overseas, has since been attempting to take her daughter from her. In attempting to so do, this woman had allegedly made contact with the Welfare Office in Guyana, where she had accused Marcus of being an unfit mother. A group of welfare officers had carried out an investigation and had found this allegation untrue.

S

Sheddi’s Stamp

atiricus was quite upset with the initiative one Minister from his KFC party had taken. He’d hoped to bring up the matter to one of the big ones, but nowadays they didn’t even show up at the spanking new party HQ. Satiricus remembered fondly how his leader Rum Jhaat had bigged up the fella who’d built it for the party. But then Trot Man had to spoil it by mentioning it was a “political investment”. The memory just deepened his foul mood as he slouched to the back of the Back Street Bar. “I don’t know what we’ll do with some of these politicians!” Satiricus exploded as he slid into his seat and picked up the waiting bottle of beer.

“Ah who yuh talk ‘bout?” enquired Bungi. “Abee palatishan no gat none pawah...suh yuh cyan complain ‘bout dem!”

“Sad to say,” said Satiricus sourly. “I’m talking about one of my KFC Ministers.”

“Wha’ dem do?” asked Cappo, perking up. “Dem gi’e demself wan ‘nadda 50% raise??!”

“C’mon fellas,” said Hari. “Let’s give Sato a chance to get his gripe off his chest. Is it the Valentine Accord to be renegotiated by Trot Man?” “Let’s not even talk about THAT!” exploded Satiricus with even more vigour. “Once my leader Nagga Man returns, he’ll take care of that!”

“Leh abee drink to ‘e safe recovery,” said Cappo, as they all clinked bottles. “Po’ chap.”

“Suh wha’ really a badda yuh, Sato?” asked Bungi after they put their bottles down.

“Well, imagine my KFC Minister Katty announce she will issue a postage stamp for Sheddi!” exploded Satiricus.

“OK, Sato,” said Hari, “we know you’re KFC. But what’s wrong with honouring the man who’s the father of the nation?”

“And de Pee-an--ee and de KFC all come fram Sheddi Pee-Pee-Cee, yuh know,” said Cappo.

“I don’t mind honouring the old man,” said Satiricus.

“So wha’ wrang den?” demanded Bungi.

“With the stamp, we’ll all have to lick his behind now!!” complained Satiricus.

NEWS

11

WEDNesDAY, February 14, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Serious crime down by 19% – Police Cops recover several cars …fatal accidents up by 20% during another chop shop raid

T

he Guyana Police Force (GPF) is reporting that it has recorded a 19 per cent decrease in serious crime at the end of January 2018 when compared to the same period last year.

On Tuesday, the GPF revealed that there was a tie with respect to murders and robberies under arms committed with the use of a firearm for the corresponding periods in 2017 and 2018. Additionally, the Police said there was a 13

violence.

According to the Police’s statistics, they have seized some 19 firearms inclusive of one sub-machine gun and 12 pistols.

Increased fatal accidents

The statistics revealed that although there was a 20 per cent increase in fatal accidents, the number of deaths decreased by 14 per cent when compared to the same period last year. For January thus

“Our enforcement is continuous countrywide with special emphasis on driving under the influence of alcohol, speeding, music/breach of condition of road service licence, overloaded minibuses, use of cellular phones, using vehicle other than licensed for (private hire) and failing to wear safety helmet. The Traffic Department continues its lecture to schools programme, also visible patrols at school areas to ensure the

COMPARATIVE FIGURES A-G DIVISIONS 1st TO 31st JANUARY, 2017/2018 Ser#

Offences

2017

2018

1

MURDER

7

7

-

2

ROBBERY

8

7

-13%

3

ROBBERY UNDER ARMS (FIREARMS)

45

45

-

4

ROBBERY UNDER WEAPONS)

(OTHER 36

18

-50%

5

ROBBERY WITH VIOLENCE

11

16

+45%

6

ROBBERY WITH AGGRAVATION

12

6

-50%

7

LARCENY FROM PERSON

12

6

-50%

8

RAPE

25

19

-24%

9

BURGLARY

27

13

-52%

10

BREAK AND ENTER AND LARCENY

101

92

-9%

11

KIDNAPPING

0

0

-

TOTAL

284

229

per cent decrease in robberies with no weapon, a 50 per cent decrease in robbery with aggravation and robberies with weapons other than a firearm.

For the period of January comparatively, a 50 per cent decrease in larceny from person was recorded while rape, burglary, break and enter and larceny decreased by 24, 52 and nine per cent respectively.

However, there was a 45 per cent increase in the number of robberies coupled with

ARMS

far, some five fatal accidents have been reported, with six lives lost.

Meanwhile, it was reported that serious, minor and damage accidents have been decreased by 17, 15.3, and 13 per cent respectively.

“Speeding, speeding/driving under the influence of alcohol and pedestrian crossing in the path of approaching vehicles were the main causes of the fatal accidents,” the Police said in a statement.

%Increase/Decrease

-19% safety of schoolchildren,” the statement added.

Some 8201 persons were charged in the month of January for various offences, including more than 1600 for speeding.

However, even as the GPF is quoting a decrease in crime both the United States of America and the British Government have issued warnings to its citizens living and visiting Guyana.

Turn to page 14

A

s Police continue to make stringent efforts to put a dent in the carjacking ring, which has been attacking and robbing persons of their motor cars since last year, six more persons have been arrested.

According to A Division (Georgetown-East Bank Demerara) Police, several cars and canter trucks were on Monday night seized at Kuru Kururu, LindenSoesdyke Highway.

Additionally, about 03:00h, investigators swooped down on a workshop in Yarrowkabra, where two motor cars, along with a canter truck loaded with the shell of a silver Toyota Spacio vehicle and a quantity of vehicle parts, were found.

The truck is reportedly registered to a Barr Street, Kitty resident and all of the items are believed to have been stolen or unlawfully obtained. The items were seized and lodged.

The registration number found on the truck has been reportedly written off by an insurance company.

Meanwhile, on Sunday last, Police were able to recover the front of two silver Allion motor cars in an empty lot at Swan, LindenSoesdyke Highway.

The vehicles were reportedly cut in half and com-

One of the cars found during the Kuru Kururu, Linden-Soesdyke Highway raid

pletely stripped without their chassis number.

Moreover, the Police also recovered a crashed gold Spacio motor car without its licence plate and chassis number in the same lot.

Additionally, on Saturday last, Police in A Division received information and swooped down on a Monument Hill, Kuru Kururu property where a search conducted saw a quantity of vehicle parts and several vehicles suspected to have been stolen or unlawfully obtained being discovered.

Five persons – an ex-policeman and four females – have since been taken into

custody and have been said to be assisting with the investigation.

Ranks of the Force’s Major Crimes Unit also arrested a couple at their Vryheid’s Lust North, East Coast Demerara (ECD) home after a quantity of Allion, Premio and Spacio parts with engraved numbers were found on their premises.

As of December 2017, more than 30 vehicles were reported stolen to the Police over a seven-month period, including five Toyota Allion motor cars, 12 Toyota Premios, three Carina 212s and one Toyota Spacio.

12

wednesDAY, february 14, 2018 | g

ary 14, 2018 | guyanatimesGY.com

13

14 news

wednesDAY, february 14, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Banks DIH doubles Children’s Mash sponsorship B anks DIH has increased its sponsorship to the annual Children’s Mashramani Float Parade.

This announcement was made on Tuesday at the launch of the Children’s Mashramani Float Parade hosted at the

Education Ministry.

With the sponsorship falling under its Malta Supreme and Rainforest Waters brands, Banks representatives noted that the items were ideal for the upcoming activity. The sponsorship is said to be in excess of $2

million, which is double the amount that the company donated last year. Banks DIH’s contribution will be used to provide snacks, drinks, and any other items the children may need at the Float Parade.

The nation’s children will have a busy week as they pre-

pare to participate in a number of activities. There will be the dance and masquerade on February 15, Calypso and Dramatic Poetry on February 16, which will all lead up to the Float Parade on February 17. Aside from those activities, it was announced that the Physical Display competitions will not end at Mash.

The Education Ministry is planning to have a national competition for all of the firstplace winners of the Physical Display category in May. The competition will coincide with the country’s Independence celebrations.

The much-anticipated Float Parade, which is being organised by the Unit of Allied Arts within the Education Ministry, will see participation from over 2000 students in six categories: nursery, primary, secondary, other children’s organisations, regional and individual. Last year, the Education Ministry would have received 54 entries and it was hoping that that number would increase this year. In an effort to bring uniformity to

Allied Arts Unit Administrator Lorraine Barker-King, Banks DIH Public Relations Officer (PRO) Troy Peters, Banks DIH NonAlcoholic Brand Manager Clayton McKenzie and Education Ministry’s PRO, Mondale Smith

the parade, each category was assigned a sub theme which falls under the broad theme “Let’s cooperate and celebrate Republic 48”. The nursery level will focus on “Celebration of our People”; the primary level – “Celebration of our Flora and Fauna”; the secondary level – “Celebration of our Industries”; the regional – “Their Regions” and the individual category will be able to

select any sub theme of their choice.

Head of the Allied Arts Unit, Lorraine Barker-King urged the public to come out and witness the event and noted that the Children’s Float Parade would rival the grand float parade that is slated for February 23.

The parade will kick off at 10:00h on Saturday.

Serious crime down...

The US advisory, states that in Guyana, violent crimes such as armed robbery and murder is common, and the “local Police lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents.”

As such, Americans who plan to travel to the land of many waters have been warned to be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs, be aware of their surroundings, and to avoid walking or driving at night.

The US Advisory also encourages its citizens to refrain from physically resisting any robbery attempt, in addition

to not showing any “signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewellery.”

In addition to Guyana being categorised as in the same category as Brazil and Colombia.

Likewise, the British Government has warned its citizens about the crime situation in Guyana, as well as the “tough” conditions of the prison system, drug trafficking, the “poor road sense” of (other) road users and dangerously driven minibuses.

The advisory was issued by the Government Digital Service; part of the UK’s

from page 11

Cabinet Office. Citing the high crime levels and low Police capacity, the advisory warns citizens to take sensible precautions to protect themselves and their belongings.

“Muggings have taken place in broad daylight.

Burglary and theft from cars are commonplace. Take sensible precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Try to avoid showing obvious signs of wealth,” the authorities warned in the advisory.

Among the precautions the advisory proposes is for persons to “always drive with doors and windows locked”.

news

15

wednesDAY, February 14, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Ramsammy’s Ruminations Body of Golden Grove Even as sugar reels, APNU/AFC targets rice as it relentlessly assaults agriculture

T

he rice industry, like sugar, has been a victim of the venom of the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/ AFC). As part of its attack on agriculture, APNU/AFC has reduced the agriculture budget every year since it got into Government, by more than $3 billion since 2015, a reduction that affects rice significantly. In the past two weeks, several of its vile attacks on agriculture focused on rice. First, there is the story of 2000 acres of rice Dr Leslie Ramsammy crops threatened by Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) withholding irrigation water from rice farmers. Second, there is the story of millers being owed more than $2 billion since July 2017. Third, there is the story of rice farmers from Hope given notice to vacate their rice fields and, fourth, rice farmers are being threatened by the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) with withholding water for irrigation.

APNU/AFC’s relentless assault on agriculture is not a mindless assault – it is an assault targeting the stronghold for the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and Bharrat Jagdeo.

Sugar is a victim of the hatred for Jagan, Jagdeo and the PPP. Even though Jagan is long gone, his spirit and his inspiration live on in Guyanese of all walks of life, but particularly among sugar workers and farmers. It is this spirit and inspiration that APNU/AFC fears the most and that is behind its reprehensible assault on sugar and agriculture. As it continues its despicable effort to strangle agriculture, not satisfied with its almost fatal suffocation of sugar, rice has been a primary target.

This past week exposes prime examples of the quiet but vigorous effort to stifle rice. There is the scandal of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) owing rice millers more than $2 billion (about US$10 million) since last July for rice exported to Panama. The Panama rice arrangement was finalised by myself and the GRDB back in 2012. It is a government-to-government deal. Payments are made directly to the GRDB and then remitted to millers. Non-payment to millers creates a cash flow problem, with rice farmers as victims. Millers owe hundreds of millions of dollars to poor rice farmers. This problem is compounded, because the first crop harvesting is about to begin. The already beleaguered rice farmers, owed hundreds of millions of dollars, will face an uphill battle to be paid for their paddy. As if this is not enough stress, the farmers continue to suffer from low payments.

Payment to millers and farmers was a prominent issue during the 2015 election campaign. Not only did APNU/ AFC leaders promise farmers $9000 per bag of paddy, they also promised both farmers and millers that they would ensure prompt payment. There are tapes of their public meetings which are widely available in which they made such promises. Indeed, they also made these promises on television programmes. One of the hosts of these TV programmes, Dr Ramayya in Berbice, can attest to the many promises they made. It is repugnant that not only are they not keeping their promises, not only are they betraying the rice farmers and their families, they are shamelessly lying.

Not keeping promises is disappointing, but lying about it is reprehensible.

Another vicious attack on rice farmers came in the form of letters issued by APNU/AFC to many rice farmers in Hope demanding they vacate the land which they have occupied for many years. The reason is that the farmers are unable to comply with the more than 300 per cent increase in lease payments. These rice farmers are not the only ones who face the strong-arm tactics of seizing land, an attack on their constitutional rights. In West Berbice, APNU/AFC arbitrarily seized the land of legitimate farmers and the courts and the Chief Justice has told the President and APNU/AFC that they are acting illegally and unconstitutionally. At the same time, the NDIA which arbitrarily increased rates for water users has threatened farmers with withholding irrigation water unless they pay through the Water Users Association (WUA) the increased rates.

Make no mistake, agriculture is under attack from APNU/ AFC. Each day more examples are being seen as sugar and rice struggle to stay alive. Clearly, APNU/AFC is orphaning agriculture. With oil on the horizon, APNU/AFC believes that it could target agriculture to strangle the PPP. This is nothing but a stupid political hatchet job, trying to impoverish farmers as a way to put a knife into the heart of the PPP. It will not work. OIL is good for Guyana, but AGRICULTURE is the lifeblood of our country.

man found floating T

he body of a 53-yearold Golden Grove, East Coast Demerara (ECD) man was on Tuesday afternoon discovered floating in a trench at Nabaclis, ECD.

Dead is Terrence James of Lot 16 Sancho Street, Golden Grove, ECD. His body was found about 14:00h.

According to reports, the man, who was said to be in the habit of imbibing

alcohol, was last seen on Monday night at a bar at Nabaclis Public Road.

However, about 14:00h, a welder, who was exiting his yard, saw James’s body floating face down in a

trench.

The Police were summoned, and the body was examined. No marks of violence were found.

The Police are investigating.

2 in custody for NA home invasion

T

he two suspects wanted in connection with the robbery committed on an Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam, Berbice home on Wednesday last are now in Police custody.

Reports are three men armed with knives invaded the Mohabir family’s premises in the wee hours of Wednesday last while Jimmy Mohabir was asleep.

Guyana Times understands that Mohabir was awakened by the noise and confronted one of the bandits who were at the time ransacking the house.

A scuffle ensued between Mohabir and the bandit, who managed to cut Mohabir to his face in his effort to escape.

However, Mohabir raised an alarm, which

caused the bandits to immediately flee the scene.

The perpetrator who had been fighting with Mohabir was subsequently detained by public-spirited persons, who rushed to their neighbour’s assistance.

That bandit, McDonald Gobin, 39, a labourer of Angoy’s Avenue, has since been charged with the of-

fence and remanded to prison.

Following the incident, it was revealed that three gold chains and four gold bangles valued at $700,000 in addition to $350,000 in cash had been stolen.

Police were able to apprehend the two other suspects, who are both expected to be charged shortly.

16 news

wednesDAY, february 14, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Hindus observe Maha Shivaratri City Hall workers’ strike called off

T

housands of Hindu pilgrims gathered at the Guyana Sevashram Sangha, popularly known as the Cove and John Ashram on the East Coast of Demerara, to offer their prayers to Lord Shiva as they celebrate the festival of Maha Shivaratri.

Maha Shivaratri translates to “great night of Shiva,” and for 24 hours, Hindu pilgrims offer special prayers to Lord Shiva at auspicious intervals.

The celebrations at the Ashram began at 05:30h on Tuesday, and following the mass Havan ceremony, Administrator of the Cove and John Ashram, Swami Shivashankarananda, explained the meaning of Maha Shivaratri.

“Shivaratri means ‘the night of Shiva’, and is observed on the 13th or 14th day of every month; but once a year there is a Maha Shivaratri, or ‘great night of Shiva’ on the new moon in the month of February or March, before the arrival of spring,” he explained.

S w a m i Shivashankarananda, in addressing the gathering of students from the Cove and John Hindu School, invitees from the Indian High Commission, and pilgrims, noted that in different parts of India, the tale of how Shivaratri came about differs, but the celebration remains the same.

“It is on this day that

…as administration meets with GLU

I Devotees making holy offerings into the kundh

Shiva is said to have saved the world from destruction on the condition that people worship him with great enthusiasm. Another legend said that Shiva simply named this as his favourite day when asked by the Goddess Parvati; and a third story said that a hunter was unable to find any game, so decided to rest in a wood apple tree. He threw down leaves in the hope (they) would attract a deer, but was unaware that there was a sacred worship place to Shiva beneath the tree,” the Hindu scholar related.

He said religious texts explain that during the vigil night of Shiva, one is brought to the moment of internal interval between destruction and regeneration.

That process symbolizes the night when one must contemplate what to grow and what to eradicate.

“During Maha Shivaratri, we have to be alone with our souls, the Shiva in you; we have to

look behind and before to see what evil need we have to eradicate from our hearts, and what growth of virtue we have to encourage. Shiva is not only outside of us, but within us, to unite our soul with oneself to recognize the Shiva in us,” Swami Shivashankarananda noted.

The festival is solemn, and marks a remembrance of overcoming darkness and ignorance in life and the world. It is observed by remembering Shiva and chanting prayers, fasting, and meditating on ethics and virtues such as self-restraint, honesty, non-injury to others, forgiveness, and the discovery of Shiva.

The ardent devotees keep awake all night, and would visit one of the Shiva temples or go on pilgrimage, as it is believed that Shiva appears at certain intervals throughout the night. "Om Namah Shivaya", the sacred mantra of Shiva, is chanted throughout the day to invoke Shiva’s presence.

ndustrial action planned by workers of City Hall over the non-remittance of deductions in regard to the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), and the Public Service Credit Union was called off on Tuesday hours before it commenced.

According to the City Treasurer, the Municipality owes the Public Service Credit Union more than $26 million; the NIS is owed $127.4 million, and the GRA is owed $132 million. The administration would have made payments of $10.3 million and $10.4 million respectively to the NIS and the Credit Union.

These huge sums outstanding on their behalf, coupled with workers complaining about not being able to access NIS benefits, have led the Guyana Labour Union (GLU) to instruct workers to withdraw their services on Tuesday.

However, City Hall, in a statement, explained that the Town Clerk, the Human Resource Manager, the City Treasurer and the Social Welfare Officer, along with other officials of the Council, met with the leadership of the GLU to discuss matters of importance to the welfare of workers within the employ of the Council. This meeting reportedly occurred about one hour before the workers would have proceeded with their planned strike.

The statement related that Town Clerk Royston King explained to the Union that inso-

City Hall far as remittance of deductions to the National Insurance Scheme is concerned, the city’s administration has already addressed that issue with the management of that agency.

Additionally, similar arrangements are being put in place to deal with Council’s outstanding accounts at the Guyana Revenue Authority and the Public Service Credit Union.

In an attempt to defend the non-remittance of the workers’ statutory deductions, City Hall said that, over the last two years, they have been investing that money into the development of the city.

“Over the last two years, the Council intensified its campaign to sustainably restore and develop the city of Georgetown. This was done with the extremely limited resources of the Council. This included upgrading existing green open spaces and creating new ones, developing new recreational facilities for children, repairing and restoring bridges, desilting canals and other waterways in the city, (effecting) repairs to sluices and allied drainage equipment, and restoring municipal buildings. As a result, there

were some delays in remitting deductions to NIS, GRA and the Credit Union. However, these matters are being properly addressed,” the statement read.

At Monday’s statutory meeting, Councillor Andrea Marks declared it a “shame” that because of the administration’s ineptitude, workers were being denied their benefits when they go to NIS. Councillor Bishram Kuppen has called for a written report on the issue, and for the matter to be addressed urgently by the Finance Committee.

Finance Committee Chairman, Councillor Oscar Clarke, said the issue has been engaging the attention of the Committee, and noted that with the current financial position of the Municipality, had it gone ahead and made those payments, the workers would have been waiting longer periods for their wages and salaries.

Clarke has suggested that the municipality consider downsizing the number of staff members, since salaries account for 68 percent of the council’s revenue.

17

wednesDAY, February 14, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

18

wednesDAY, February 14, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesDAY, February 14, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

19

ARCHIE ARCHIE

Put greater emphasis on ARIES your relationships and how (March 21- much each one costs you April 19) mentally, emotionally and financially. It's time to rethink what you give and what you get in return.

Steer clear of people who TAURUS tend to overreact or someone (April 20- trying to goad you into an arMay 20) gument or a dicey situation.

You need to focus on getting things done.

dilbert

A change of position or GEMINI friendships is encouraged.

(May 21June 20) Consider what you have been doing, what you want to do and with whom you want to do it, and make the changes that suit you best.

You'll be forced to make a change to accommodate some(June 21- one. Don't put up a fuss; just July 22) take care of whatever responsibility you are given so you can get back to what's important.

CANCER

Peanuts

A change to the way you

LEO do your job or get along with (July 23- a partner will make a differAug. 22) ence to the outcome of a project or joint venture. Transparency will help keep the peace.

You may not approve of a VIRGO change someone makes, but (Aug. 23showing support and voicSept. 22) ing your concerns will have a greater influence than mere disapproval. Handle others with care.

Calvin and Hobbes

LIBRA A change of plans will (Sept. 23- add to an adventurous day.

Oct. 23) Taking short trips or doing things with a friend, colleague, a loved one or children will result in positive change and greater respect.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

(EDITIONS: eh-DISH-ens: Issues of a newspaper.)

Average mark 28 words Time limit 45 minutes Can you find 42 or more words in EDITIONS? The list will be published tomorrow.

Instead of adding to what CAPRICORN you have, consider heading in (Dec. 22- a minimalistic direction. The Jan. 19) less you have to account for, the more free time you will have to enjoy.

YESTERDAY’S WORD — VERANDAS rend area arena aver nares nave near dare

darn dean dear sand sander sane saner saran

sard save saver sear send snare

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

proach when dealing with others and you'll have better luck.

Share your ideas and SAGITTARIUS press forward to bring about (Nov. 23positive change. Look inDec. 21) ward to find out exactly what you need to do to make life-changing improvements.

TODAY’S WORD — EDITIONS

vane vase vend earn rase rave raven read

Situations will get out of SCORPIO hand if you let your emotions (Oct. 24take control and allow a fight to Nov. 22) break out. Take a positive ap-

solution for LAST PUBLISHED Puzzle Keep your talk precise AQUARIUS and easy for others to un(Jan. 20derstand. Life is simple; it's Feb. 19) people who make it complex.

Don't add to the confusion by using exaggerated facts.

PISCES Know your attributes and (Feb. 20- limitations, and set out in March 20) search of the unknown and unexpected. Live your dream and put your creative imagination to work. Don't ignore an opportunity.

20

wednesDAY, february 14, 2018

Bigger, better Digicel Triple Treat begins March 11

– more than $1M in prizes at stake

T

elecommunications giant Digicel, on Tuesday officially launched their third annual “Triple Treat” Duck Curry and softball cricket competition which is set to heat up the Essequibo coast from March 11 to April 22.

The official launch to the event was held at Digicel’s Barrack Street head office, where the company executives along with Guyana Floodlight Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA) President Ramchand Ragbeer and cricket coordinator Khalid Baksh gave insights regarding the cricket aspect of the event.

Digicel Communication Manager Vidya Sanichara said the “Triple Treat” which has been synonymous with the county of Essequibo, was one of the few events the company held close to its heart and as such they will be putting a lot into this year’s festivities.

Sanichara noted that the occasion was not a money-generating one for the company, but rather a more sentimental one as they have been bonding tremendously with the Essequibians.

She said that with the support they have been receiving, it was only fair to

Digicel’s Communication Manager Vidya Sanichara (second from right) making a point while (from left) Khalid Baksh; Ramchand Ragbeer; Digicel’s Retail Sales Manager Richard Das and Sales Retail executive Ceon Jackman pay keen attention

continue the event as it has been well-received over the

past two years. The executive further hinted at the possibility of an international artist who will perform at the stage show which culminates the entire event.

Richard Das, Digicel’s Retail Sales Manager said the entire event will not only touch the spread of Essequibo but it will help to possible unearth some cricketing talent as teams have been coming out in large numbers over the years.

Das admitted that it was Digicel’s main goal to attract roughly 30 teams for their 2018 event, adding that he expects the event to

live up to its hype of being a huge success.

Meanwhile, Baksh an executive of the GFSCA and coordinator of the 10/10 tourney confirmed that apart from the use of the bigger soft ball, there were no new additions to the competition this year.

He noted that the competition is open to all ages and will see the knockout rounds being played on the Perseverance Beach with the semis and finals set to light up the Anna Regina Community Ground on April 22.

The GFSCA President, Ramchand Ragbeer said he was happy to yet again

be on board with Digicel to help spread softball across Guyana. Ragbeer added that he was especially excited over the possibility of a bigger cricket event and thanked the company for their continued support of the sport.

Registration for all events are free while teams interested in playing in the 10/10 can uplift forms from the Digicel stores in Essequibo as matches are set to bowl off from March 11.

The triple treat comprises the cricket competition, the duck curry competition and the grand after-party (Clifton Ross)

Gunhogan sets up Man City victory at Basel

M

anchester City boss Pep Guardiola praised "extraordinary" Ilkay Gundogan as his side took a giant step towards the Champions League quarter-finals with a comfortable 0-4 win at Basel.

City took command of the last-16 firstleg tie within half an hour in Switzerland as Gundogan, Bernardo Silva and Sergio Aguero all scored within a nine-minute period.

German Gundogan, who returned from a nine-month injury lay-off in September, added his side's fourth - and his second - 10 minutes after the break.

"Ilkay Gundogan is an extraordinary player. Last season we missed him a lot with injury for six months and that's why we are so satisfied, not just the quality but personality to play," Guardiola told BT Sport.

Gundogan put City in front on 14 min-

utes, heading in Kevin de Bruyne's corner at the near post.

Four minutes later Silva doubled the lead, cushioning Raheem Sterling's cross on his chest before firing a volley at Basel keeper Tomas Vaclik, who could only tip the ball into his own net.

Aguero then scored his 29th of the season and his 198th for City in the 23rd minute, whipping a right-footed shot into the bottom corner from 20 yards with Vaclik rooted to the spot.

Gundogan curled City's fourth into the top corner 10 minutes after the break and was denied a hat-trick by Vaclik, who saved the German's shot from close range.

The return leg at the Etihad on 7 March should be routine for City, who lead the Premier League by 16 points and face Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final. (BBC Sport)

sports

CLASSIFIED ADS wednesDAY, february 14, 2018 | www.guyanatimesgy.com

ACCOMMODATIONS COSMETOLOGY – FULL COURSE $100,000. TECHNICIAN $40,000.

Aracari Salon & Spa, WBD 264-3312, 600-3927 Conferences & Retreats – Full Service: Hotel, Catering & Facilities. Aracari Resort WBD – 264-2946 Alex Wayne Weddings & Anniversaries: Rental or Full Service: Banquet Hall & Catering.

Aracari Resort WBD – 264-2946 Alex Wayne Aracari Hotel, WBD (Near Harbor Bridge) – All Modern Amenities – Rates from $25. Phone 264-2946-8

EDUCATION Jean offers courses in dress-making, curtain designs, floral arrangement, cake decorating 670-2653/ 638-8449

FOR SALE 1 Jialing 150cc motorcycle. CG series.

Price Negotiable. Contact Tel: 2682920, 276-3682 FOR SALE Money envelopes kit makes US500-1000 dollars. Contact 678-7377

JOB OPENING

Administrative Assistant for Pro business Builders, we are looking for a highly motivated person to assist a corporate executive and be a part of our team. Your spoken and written English are superb. Send resume to jannessa. kalloo@probusinessbuilders.com

property for sale Lot 15 Public Road, #2 Village, West Coast Berbice. 49ft x 10,314ft Length. $20M Neg. Contact # 6487109 or 686-4818

SERVICES FIRST AID/CPR AND HOME NURSING TRAINING COURSES. To enroll: St. John Ambulance Brigade. Call- 2259082 or visit 110 Cowan Street Computer Services. Brian Moe @642-3543. Computer technician: FB/Brian.Moe.165/Home and office visits are your comfort!!

A reputable businessman requests the sum of 5million dollars for the period of 6mths.better interest than the bank guarateed..safe and trustworthy..call or text 641 7074

spirituality & ASTROLOGY Spiritual healing: remove blockages, voodoo, excurse, black magic, spell, business, upliftment, pregnancy, love & marriage problems, clearance, etc. Contact: 694-9569 or 683-5228 Sri Guru Raghavendra Astrology.

Master: VEERA BHADRA. Specialized in: PALM, FACE, PATRA READING & HOROSCOPE BOOK OPENING. An expert in clearing negativity in life by using ancient prayer methods.

Gives complete solution to your problems like: love, children, finance, job, marriage, finance and education. Meet him once to get guidance. All religions are welcome.

Private and confidential. Tel: 6959805 & 652-6427.

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

VACANCIES VACANCIES. House Keeper 624-0033 - Cook 624-0033 - Customer Service Assistant 624-0033 - Porter 680-3863 - Pump Attendant 680-3863

WANTED One Bartender to work at a hotel and bar on the Essequibo Coast.

Accommodation provided. Contact# 500-5923 or 646-3676.

Hotel Manager to work at a hotel and bar on the Essequibo Coast.

Must have experience in hotel management. Accommodation provided. Contact# 500-5923 or 646-3676.

Classified Ads

$5+VAT per word Call: 226-9921

Guyanese Tremayne Smartt last represented the West Indies in November 2016

W

est Indies women have picked seamer Tremayne Smartt as a like-for-like replacement for the injured Shakera Selman, for the upcoming limited-overs tour of New Zealand. Smartt hasn't played international cricket since West Indies' tour of

India in 2016. Her inclusion is the only change from the squad that had been named for the home series against Sri Lanka.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) chairman Courtney Browne said continuing the momentum from the series win against Sri Lanka

Walton spurs Scorpions to crushing win

21

Smartt picked for New Zealand tour would be crucial in the leadup to the side's World T20 defence in November.

"We will be hosting the ICC Women's World T20 event later this year and as defending champions we will want to put on a good show in front of home supporters and win again," Browne

said. "This tour will help us assess where we are and tighten up on those areas that need close attention."

The squad will come together in Barbados for a preparatory camp before travelling to New Zealand where they will have another camp.

The three-match ODI series will get underway on March

4, followed by five T20Is. West Indies women squad: Stafanie Taylor (capt), Anisa Mohammed (vice-capt), Merissa Aguilleira, Britney Cooper, Reniece Boyce, Shamilia Connell, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Kycia Knight, Kyshona Knight, Hayley Matthews, Chedean Nation, Akeira Peters, Tremayne Smart.

Lord’s to host hurricane relief

T20 match

Chadwick Walton smoked his third List A century on Monday at the Coolidge Cricket Ground

J

amaica Scorpions Captain, Chadwick Walton scored 169 runs to lead his team to a 148-run victory over the Leeward Islands Hurricanes in Super50 Cup action at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua.

Winning the toss and electing to bat first, Steven Taylor was the first wicket to fall for 10 with the score on 27. Rovman Powell had a short stay at the crease, as he fell for 1.

Walton then had a several strong partnerships with the incoming batsmen. He and Andre McCarthy put on 99 runs together. Then Walton and Brandon King added 66, Fabian Allen and Walton added 40 and Andre Russell and Walton 45 runs.

Not to be outdone, Andre Russell had a burst late into the innings, smashing 51 from 27 balls, which included 6 sixes and a four.

Jamaica Scorpions finished their innings on 329/7.

Terrance Warde was the best bowler for the Hurricanes, taking 2/60.

Montcin Hodge, replacement captain of the Hurricanes was the first to fall in the run-chase, when

Rovman bowled him for 1.

Kofie James and Keacy Karty then started the rebuild with a 57-run partnership before James fell for 18.

Karty fell 3 balls later, for a hard-fought 33. Devon Thomas and Terrance Warde combined for the Hurricanes highest partnership of 68, with Warde being the aggressor.

Thomas was out for 20, followed by Warde for 43.

The only other Leewards batsman to fight back was Justin Athanaze who struck 26 from 19 balls.

After a brief rain-delay, the Leeward Islands Hurricanes were dismissed for 181 in 41.1 overs.

Thanks to a brilliant bowling spell by Andre McCarthy who took 5/26, while Odean Smith took 3/15.

Walton was adjudged Man of the Match for his robust match-winning innings.

The third placed Scorpions on 15 points will meet second placed Kent Spitfires (17 points) today at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground in North Sound in a day fixture beginning at 09:00h.

The Windsor Park Stadium after the passage of hurricane Maria

M

arylebone Cricket Club (MCC), in conjunction with Cricket West Indies (CWI) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), announced on Tuesday that a special fundraising T20 International match will be played at Lord’s on Thursday May 31, 2018.

West Indies, current ICC World T20 champions, will take on an ICC Rest of the World XI, in a one-off match which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed its full support by granting the match International status and asking Giles Clarke, ECB President and ICC Board Member, to assist in coordinating the match.

The Windsor Park Stadium in Dominica and the James Ronald Webster Park in Anguilla were damaged following the passage of Hurricanes Irma and Maria in September 2017. These essential grounds represent the heartbeat of cricket in each country and are important community facilities. The proceeds from the fundraising match will go towards their restoration.

CWI President, Dave Cameron, said: “Hurricanes Irma and Maria have devastated parts of the Eastern Caribbean and we have been considering how CWI can best show support for our region in the most impactful way. I would like personally to thank MCC for agreeing to host the match at

Lord’s, and ECB, especially their President Giles Clarke, for their kind and generous support of this initiative. I am sure the match will be highly entertaining and competitive, as well as a great platform for us to raise much-needed funds.”

The Chief Executive and Secretary of MCC, Guy Lavender, said: “MCC is delighted to be able to host this very special match. The last time that a match between West Indies and Rest of the World was held at Lord’s was in 1966. MCC has enjoyed a warm relationship with the people of the Caribbean for over a century, and is proud to be able to play a part in providing relief for the areas that were devastated by last year’s hurricanes. I am looking forward to seeing a capacity crowd to help raise funds to restore important cricket facilities.”

Colin Graves, Chairman of ECB, commented: “To have two category 5 hurricanes in the space of two weeks was unprecedented and everyone around the world was shocked by the destruction which was caused. The ECB and CWI have always enjoyed a fantastic relationship and we are keen to support them and the people of the Caribbean in this fundraising initiative. I would like to thank our partners, Sky Sports, for their immediate support by agreeing to broadcast this special International match, and MCC for agreeing to host it at Lord’s.”

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

wednesDAY, february 14, 2018

Khouri's reign as GKF President continues

Magnum "Mash Cup" Futsal

Quarter-final ties

hint at thrilling action L ooking at the teams marching on, tonight’s quarter-final clashes in the inaugural Magnum ‘Mash Cup’ Futsal tournament could be laced with non-stop action in the National Gymnasium.

The prediction is further compounded after the thrilling performances teams brought to the floor when the round-of-sixteen was played on Monday night.

Those results meant Showstoppers clash with Bent Street, Silver Bullets face Swag Entertainment while Gold is Money do battle with Leopold Street and Sparta Boss oppose Ol Skool Ballers making it difficult to pick which will advance.

On Monday, West Demerara’s Showstoppers and Back Circle produced an eight-goal crowd pleaser which could have gone in either team’s favour had it not been for Trayon Bobb with a helmet-trick in the 4th, 7th, 16th and 22nd minutes and Stephon Jupiter supporting with a goal in the 23rd. For the city team their marksmen were Jermaine Beckles (11th & 18th) along with Stephon McLean (24th).

Alexander Village and Swag Entertainment

played to an identical score line with the latter coming out as the victors.

On point for the Linden

Future Stars 2-1; Jermaine Samuels (8th) and Deshawn Freeman (19th) were the instrumental players while

Curtez Kellman in action for Future Stars in their clash with Silver Bullets on Monday evening

unit was Colwyn Drakes with a hat-trick following goals in the 11th, 13th and 14th while Deshwan (9th) and Romel Matthews (12th) also scored. For the Villagers Leon Yaw with a double (4th & 20th) and Alimad Stephens (15th) were not enough.

Another team from the Mining town in Silver Bullets won as they edged

Jamal Cozier had earlier produced the equalizer in the 10th.

Lennox Cort (15th) and Quason McAulay (20th) saw Ol Skool Ballers to a comfortable 2-1 win over NK Ballers despite Kennard Simon reducing the lead in the 22nd.

Bent Street played a perfect game to stun the star-studded Team

Extreme as Job Caesar (9th), Sheldon Profit (17th), Andrew Murray Jr (20th) and Travis Lyken (23rd) ran riot on the opposition.

So did Leopold Street over Albouystown ‘B’ easily winning 5-2 with Omallo Williams (2nd & 17th), Okeene Fraser (22nd and 24th) and Tyrese Forde (4th) netting in the route while Andrew Webber (1st) and Carl Tudor (9th) initially helped put their team ahead.

Sparta trounced ANSA McAL All-Stars 3-1 as Eusi Phillips starred with a double (2nd & 15th) along with Quincy Adams (22nd) while Delroy Dean scored for the opposition in the 3rd.

Additionally, Gold is Money showed their worth and sneaked ahead of North East La Penitence 3-2 with Collin Nelson (28th & 29th) along with Jamal Pedro (2nd) doing the trick after a Keifer Brandt brace via goals in the 17th and 23rd.

With the semi-finals and final slated for Friday and Sunday respectively, the winning team is poised to pocket $400,000 while first runner-up will collect $200,000, the third place finisher will pocket $100,000 and fourth place $50,000.

The newly-elected GKF executives: Bhagwandin Persaud; Bernice Irving; Ivor O'Brien (Returning Officer); Keith Beaton; Roger Peroune and President Amir Khouri

S

enior instructor Sensei Amir Khouri has returned as President of the Guyana Karate Federation (GKF) following their Biennial General Meeting (BGM) held last Sunday at Y.M.C.A Dojo, Thomas Lands.

Khouri, one of Guyana’s most senior karate instructors will continue as head of the Federation as elected by his peers for the next two-year term. National senior Karateka Roger Peroune will serve as Khouri’s first Vice-President with Keith Beaton being elected as VP number two.

Bernice Irving will serve as the GKF’s Secretary while the Treasurer is William Grant and Assistant Secretary/Treasurer, Bhagwandin Persaud. Ivor O’Brian, Honorable Member of the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) presided as Returning Officer for the BGM The Meeting was attended by members of the various affiliated Associations including; Association do Shotokan Karate – Guyana (Y.M.C.A. Dojo), Shotokan Karate-Do of Guyana (Shokoguy) (National Park Dojo), Berbice Shotokan Karate Dojo, National Martial Arts Association, National Shito-Ryu Karate Association and Ryu Karate Club.

wednesDAY, february 14, 2018

guyanatimesgy.com

23

CWI/Regional Super50 Cup 2018…

F

resh off a thundering win, a restored Guyana Jaguars and the seemingly off-course Leeward Islands Hurricanes meet for the second time, as Group B’s action continues at the Coolidge Cricket Ground, Antigua & Barbuda today.

After easily whipping the Americans for a second time in the tournament, this time by 7 wickets in a low-scoring affair on Monday, the Jaguars turn their attention to the Hurricanes who are currently fourth on the points table in Group B just above the USA. Veteran all-rounder Chris Barnwell, who seems to be making the most of his national recall, snapped up 4-35 and the MVP award as Guyana routed USA for 144 runs, regaining some momentum following consecutive defeats to Kent and Jamaica Scorpions.

Guyana opener Chandrapaul Hemraj, who racked up more than 600 runs in the recent Regional Four-Day tournament, finally broke the limited overs jinx with his maiden List A half-century, a

robust 64 piloted the Jaguars to 150-3 in 30.1 overs.

Now with the dream of achieving the elusive “Double” seemingly even closer, the reigning four-day champs will be keen on strongly disposing of the Hurricanes; taking further advantage of the wounds from the 148-run drubbing dished out to them by the Scorpions on Monday.

Meanwhile Leewards, with 9 points will desperately look to their replacements to fire following the departure of their top players; who are either with the Windies A team in Jamaica or are preparing for international duties.

Their batting will be tested against the Jaguars who have one of the most lethal combos of spin and pace at their disposal. Kacey Carty, Devon Thomas, Terrence Warde and Justin Athanaze who managed starts against the Scorpions will have to show a bit more responsibility today.

After being displaced by Kent in their fifth round match, the Jaguars are back on top of the

Keemo Paul has taken 12 wickets so far for the Jaguars

standings with 18 points, but will be mindful of a possible tussle from the Englishmen who are now in second place on 17 points and

the Scorpions who come in third with 15. While the two aforementioned sides will meet on Wednesday, Guyana in their penultimate group match will be looking for a clean kill to help bolster their chances of copping a finish in the top-two and a place in the playoffs.

While the Guyana batsmen have been ordinary with the exception of Shimron Hetmyer, their leading run-scorer and lone centurion; the bits and pieces for contributions seems to be enough to get their side over the line.

Barnwell and Leon Johnson who finished the previous game with 19 runs apiece, along with Shiv Chanderpaul, Hemraj and the handful of power-hitting all-rounders should be more than enough for a Rakeem Cornwallless Hurricanes.

The last times these two teams

Milo Schools Football Tournament 2018

T

hree-time defending champions Chase Academic Foundation along with Annandale Secondary who are having a dream debut, continue to showcase superiority over teams in the sixth annual Milo Schools Football tournament.

When action resumed on Monday due to the rain-affected weekend, nineteen goals were rocketed into the nets at the Ministry of Education ground, Carifesta Avenue.

The champs steamrolled Friendship Secondary 6-1 as captain Jeremy Garett (11th), Ronaldo Rodriquez with a double (29th & 30th), Stephan Reynolds (37th), Rondel Peters (55th) and Keane Lawrence (68th) cashed in against the inexperienced unit. Some respite for Friendship came when Jamal Scott caught the keeper napping and scored curler from mid-field in the 61st minute.

Likewise, Annandale’s demolition job of Carmel Secondary was led by national player Omari Glasgow with a stupendous hat-trick. He netted in the 14th, 31st, 42nd and 46th

Chase, Annandale continue to look solid

while fellow national player Troni Semple along with Jemar Robinson scored a brace each.

Semple made his mark in the 23rd and 25th while Robinson scored in the 11th

an Own goal in the 61st doing the trick.

The next set of matches that have rolled over from the weekend will be played today and will see St Roses High coming up

The under-18 tournament which is held in collaboration with the Ministry of Education under theme “there is no excuse for violence” provides intense competition as teams are hop-

Part of the action between the Business School and South Ruimveldt Secondary on Monday evening at the Ministry of Education Ground, Carifesta Avenue

and 59th; Marick Alli (5th) and Trevor Fifee (29th).

Darren Niles in the 63rd scored a consolidation goal.

The final match of the night saw Businesses School defeat South Ruimveldt 2-0 with Akeem Lewis (6th) and

against Uitvlugt Secondary at 16:00h then Buxton Youth Development facing Charlestown Secondary followed by former champions Lodge Secondary in a battle against Queenstown Secondary.

ing to secure the first place prize of $500,000 which goes towards a school project. Second to fourth, will receive $300,000, $200,000 and $100,000 respectively which also go towards school projects.

Shimron Hetmyer is the leading run-scorer for the Jaguars with 224 runs

collided at Coolidge, Keemo Paul bagged a 5-76, Johnson was run out for 99 and Hetmyer missed a fifty by three runs while Cornwall, who is currently with the West Indies A team, struck a century in vain for Leewards.

Today’s Group B Day/Night encounter at the Coolidge Cricket Ground, bowls off at 14:00h. (Clifton

Ross)

Crawford is new GCUC President

F

irst-Class Umpire, Shannon Crawford has been elected to head the Guyana Cricket Umpires Council (GCUC) following their Biennial General Meeting on Sunday at the Mayor and City Council Union Hall, Woolford Avenue.

With two lists submitted, Crawford was unopposed for the post after being serving as Vice President to former First Class Umpire D. Samwaru for the past two years ago.

While Crawford was not present at the meeting as he is in Barbados officiating in the Group B matches of the ongoing Cricket West Indies (CWI) Regional Super 50 tournament. The president sent a formal correspondence expressing his interest to serve the council and apologized for his absence as duty calls.

His deputy is the current president of the Demerara and Georgetown Umpires and Cricket Scorers Associations, Arleigh Rutherford.

Nolan Hawke replaced international Umpire Nigel Duguid as Secretary since Duguid did not seek re-election to the post while former international Umpire Edward Nicolls was returned as Treasurer. Up and coming local Umpire, Javid Persaud made his debut on the council as Assistant Secretary/

Newly-elected President of the Guyana Cricket Umpires Council is current First Class Umpire Shannon Crawford

Treasurer while local Umpire and international cricket commentator Matthew Kissoon is the new Public Relations Officer. The committee members are Zabier Zakeer, Moses Ramphal, Joseph Jeffrey and Mikoowanyah Yisrael.

Dawchand Nagassar was nominated by Berbice but did not turn up nor sent a letter expressing his interest or reason for absence.

In accordance to the rules of the council, the absence of a nominated person at the time of election shall not disqualify him /her from the election provided he / she has forwarded to the Secretary in writing his /her consent to accept office if elected.

wednesDAY, february 14, 2018

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Magnum "Mash Cup" Futsal

Quarter-final ties hint at thrilling action

Pg 22

Goal! Showstoppers' Trayon Bobb scores against Back Circle in their round of 16 clash on Monday evening at the National Gymnasium

Lord’s to host hurricane relief

T20 match

Pg 21

Windies T20 team will put it all on the line on May 31 for the victims of the devastating hurricanes that swept through Dominica and Anguilla

GUYANA TIMES - www.guyanatimesgy.com, email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, News Hotliine: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230,223-7231,231-0544, 225-7761 Sport: sport@guyanatimesgy.com Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 SALES AND MARKETING - lezas@guyanatimesgy.com - PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GUYANA TIMES INC.