Guyanatime 16 march 2018

Toddlers' reading programme P20 launched in Linden

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

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Friday, March 16, 2018

Issue No. 3504

PRICE

3 bandits shot while attempting to rob bank customer

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Junior Policeman found with P7 stolen motorcycle under arrest

Page 9

– passports, pistol, handcuffs and other items found in car

"AFC no longer has a voice at City Hall" – Jaikaran

Page 17

...says the party was kicked to the curb …as Chase Green re-elected Mayor and Akeem Peter Deputy

$80 vat included

Former Bishops' teacher P2 secures $300,000 bail

Attack on US Ambassador’s SWF comments

Govt too thin-skinned, ramblings ‘‘petulant’’ – Opposition Page 3

Embattled Region 5 REO attempts to muzzle Guyana Times Journalist Page …official complaints filed with GPA

Juvenile Justice Reform Bill laid in P12 Parliament

17

Further investigation delaying P20 “Otisha’s” arraignment

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo calms distressed minibus operators

Controversial Lindo Creek CoI

More hearsay evidence P16 presented

…as Police ramp up campaign against traffic violations

Bartica boat accident Appointments Page victims stable 11 for AML/CFT Page Mother

Children’s poisoning

Authority further delayed 20

– investigations still ongoing

collapses after being found guilty

Page 7

...as victim’s daughter collapses during hearing forcing adjournment

Jagdeo to Govt: Accept blame for US P15 fish ban

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news

friDAY, march 16, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Former Bishops’ teacher Calls mounting for the removal of Georgetown Mayor, Town Clerk secures $300,000 bail M

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oen Jackson, the former Bishops’ High School teacher who was last week charged and remanded for rape, managed to secure bail in the sum of $300,000 when he appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Thursday.

He appeared before Senior City Magistrate Leron Daly and was represented by Attorneys Sanjeev Datadin and Siand Dhurjon.

Jackson, who has been a teacher for the past 15 years, is being accused of abusing his position of trust as a teacher after he began grooming female students for sexual activity after they would have attained the age of 16; the legal age of consent in Guyana.

He has vehemently denied the accusations but did admit to having sexual relations with two former students who are now both in their early 20s.

The embattled teacher recently got married to one

Coen Jackson, former Bishops’ High School teacher

of his former students.

The Police claim that between December 2010 and May 2011 at D’Urban Street, Lodge, Jackson raped one of his students. The Education Ministry had launched a full-fledged investigation into the allegations and upon completion, authorised the Police to begin conducting a criminal investigation.

The Police’s investigation resulted in Jackson being arrested in December and subsequently released on $100,000 bail.

embers of the Movement Against Parking Meters (MAPM) took the streets on Thursday to observe a silent protest, in light of the NoConfidence Motion that was disallowed by Mayor Patricia Chase Green earlier this week.

Initially, the motion which was filed by former Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan against Town Clerk Royston King, was disallowed by Mayor Chase Green at a statutory meeting held on Monday, although it was scheduled to be discussed.

Evidently, this had raised some concerns of members of the MAPM who questioned the ability of the Town Clerk to perform his duties and their disapproval of some of the decisions taken by Mayor Chase Green.

As such, the citizens have decided to raise their voices in support of the Duncan’s motion. The protest was an hour long, conducted on Regent Street, opposite City Hall and saw approximately 30 persons holding placards with slogans calling for the removal of the Mayor and Town Clerk.

One of the protesters, Alana King stated, “The bottom line is we have no con-

Some of the protesters holding placards calling for the removal of Mayor Patricia Chase Green and Town Clerk Royston King

fidence in the Mayor or the Town Clerk. We would like to have the Town Clerk removed from his position.”

She later stated that the behaviour displayed at City Hall by the Mayor and the Town Clerk is very disturbing to the citizens and those in attendance. There are cases when decisions taken by King were not consulted with the Council. As such, she believes that there must be accountability and the Mayor should be held responsible, adding “She [the Mayor] is condoning his actions.”

“The evidence is before us that the Town Clerk’s actions in the recent months…I’m floored as a citizen by his actions,” King added.

While majority of the council has approved of Royston King as the Town Clerk, the

MAPM members still believe that King is incapable of performing his said duties and disapprove some of the decisions that were taken by him and Mayor Chase Green.

Another member of the MAPM, Don Singh, who also spoke to Guyana Times, stated the duo must be removed because of the mismanagement of monies that the Council obtains and the use of the revenues for personal objectives.

“If you were here on Monday, you would’ve seen them [the Councillors] orchestrate the Town Clerk’s defence and was then adapted by the Council within about 10 seconds,” he stated.

Singh highlighted that despite the fact that the City Hall building needs to be renovated, $57 million worth of office equipment was purchased for the Town Clerk’s office. Fees for various services are constantly being raised by the Council.

“They use Georgetown as their personal piggy-bank.

They take what they want.

Last week’s budget was passed with 10 Councillors and not even a proper quorum,” he stated.

Meanwhile, later that day was the election at City Hall, which they believe was pre-determined and the Mayor will win again. Singh presumed that Lionel Jaikaran, who is in favour of the motion, will not be elected but Akeem Peter will.

“We don’t have democracy.

Everything is preordained and set-up from the get-go,” he added.

As expected, Mayor Chase Green won the elections and Akeem Peter was appointed as the Deputy Mayor. However, they have pledged “to do their best to have her removed” from City Hall.

Nevertheless, when asked if the protest will continue, the protesters noted that with the upcoming Local Government Elections in a few months, they will not stop until results are evident calling the leadership at City Hall “an undeniable fracas being unleashed on the poor citizens of Georgetown.”

news

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friDAY, march 16, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

Attack on US Ambassador’s SWF comments

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

Friday, March 16 – a night-time retraction at 04:30h and a day-time retraction from 14:30h-16:00h and Saturday, March 17 – 05:00h-06:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, March 16 – 16:05h-17:35h and Saturday, March 17 – 16:40h-18:10h.

Govt too thin-skinned, ramblings "petulant" – Opposition

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Sunny intervals with lightly cloudy skies can be expected throughout the day, with partly cloudy to clear skies expected in the evening. Overall temperatures are expected to range between 21 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 04:02h and 16:17h reaching maximum heights of 2.55 metres and 2.65 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 09:53h and 10:12h reaching minimum heights of 0.63 metres and 0.55 metre respectively.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14, 2018

LOTTERY NUMBERS N

14

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08 Bonus Ball

FREE TICKET

thursday, MARCH 15, 2018

DAILY MILLIONS 08 11 15 17

24

LUCKY 3 6 1 9

6

Afternoon Draw DRAW DE LINE

01

04

10

12

5

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Evening Draw

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

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

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iting Government’s recent attack, made through the Finance Ministry, on United States (U.S.) Ambassador Perry Holloway, who had offered some advice to Government in regard to oil, the Opposition has described the ruling administration as being too thin-skinned, especially when it comes to taking advice on matters of national importance; and, more particularly, as it relates to the oil and gas sector.

Ambassador Holloway had called for Guyana to redouble its efforts to ensure the establishment of a strong and independent fund similar to a Sovereign Wealth Fund, (SWF) to ensure that the country’s development is safeguarded as it continues to benefit from the emerging oil and gas sector.

“The Government’s response to the Ambassador can only be described as ‘petulant’ ramblings. Minister (Winston) Jordan, like his colleagues, continues to be impervious to suggestions, a disposition that does not bode well for our nation,” the Opposition said in a statement in response to the attack on Thursday.

The Opposition also feels that, given the state of affairs, the response by Government is reflective of how ‘thinskinned’ the Coalition is, and how reluctant it is to consider any view that is not its own.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo reminded that he has, for months, witnessed the Coalition Government fail on its promise to deliver on the establishment of a SWF. The administration, he said, has neglected

to work on a solid and apolitical management architecture for the emerging oil and gas sector.

“On the establishment of the Sovereign Wealth Fund, I have, on multiple occasions, urged that Government take cognizance of the Santiago Principles and a model similar to the principles on which the Norwegian model was developed. The establishment of a Sovereign Wealth Fund is only one element of a management framework for the sector,” Jagdeo explained.

He said there should be no ministerial involvement in the Petroleum Commission; that the remaining oil blocks should be subject to a competitive auction or be kept for future generations; and that the work on the Local Content framework should be completed. “There have been no substantive moves in any of these directions. As I have said before, there is no clear management framework for the oil and gas sector,” Jagdeo declared. Ambassador Holloway on Wednesday insisted that the establishment of a revenue and investment fund was necessary if Guyana is interested in effectively managing the windfall and monies that will flow from the oil and gas sector. He said those monies should be utilised to boost the country’s overall growth and development. His comment was made via an OpEd that was published on the US Embassy’s website and social media pages. Explaining that Guyanese will ultimately have to decide on the type of development model they wish to have in place, the diplomat warned that a “rainy day fund” was simply not enough to secure the country’s future transformation.

Ambassador Holloway also expressed the view that as conversations and discussions continue about what needs to be done to properly manage the oil and gas sector, it was important that the SWF being proposed by the David Granger Administration remain “independent, nonpartisan, transparent, and inviolable”.

He also explained that the fund would realise investments in education, health, infrastructure, agriculture,

and security, as he stressed that its urgency cannot be understated.

According to the ambassador, difficult decisions are ahead; whether that involves identifying the right talent to manage the fund, or even making the difficult decision to borrow at concessional rates that will not be available tomorrow, to develop the present. However, the investment today will pay off tomorrow. But while Government has taken offense at the top foreign diplomat’s statement, the Opposition has said it

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

feels the ambassador’s views represent a mild urging of the Coalition Government to pay attention to an important issue, and take substantive action to establish a Sovereign Wealth Fund.

“The Ambassador has repeat-

US Ambassador Perry Holloway

ed what I and other Guyanese have already said: the establishment of a Sovereign Wealth Fund is quintessential to the future prosperity of our nation,” Jagdeo added.

The Government has claimed that suggestions contained in the Op-Ed may have given the impression that it -and by extension the Finance Ministry, under whose remit the drafting of the legislation for the SWF falls -- has not made significant progress on this important piece of legislation.

In developing the draft SWF legislation, the Finance Ministry has receiving support from the Commonwealth Secretariat. A green paper on the subject will be published in 2018, and consultations will occur subsequently. The legislation is intended to be laid in Parliament by the end of 2018.

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guyanatimesgy.com

friDAY, march 16, 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

Fighting the culture of bullyism in schools

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ullying is defined as the “repeated oppression, psychological or physical, of a less powerful person by a more powerful person or group of persons.”

There have been many letters to the press and editorials written regarding this very troubling issue of bullying in schools. Talk show hosts on radio and television and their enthusiastic followers express outrage and offer suggestions to resolve this problem. Many propose zero tolerance as the answer. This makes for a powerful sound bite, inspiring false confidence in Government's or school officials' determination and ability to curb school violence. But the indisputable evidence from numerous studies shows such a policy and its concomitant twins – suspension and expulsion – leads to numerous negative outcomes, including later entry into the criminal justice system.

The American Psychological Association Zero Tolerance Task Force reported in 2008 that severe punishment at schools neither reduces violence nor promotes learning. The United Nations Panel of Experts Report on School Discipline recommended in 2016 that “the US Government develop guidelines on how to ensure school discipline policies and practices comply with international human rights standards.” These experts recommended that “positive behaviour intervention and support and restorative practices in school discipline should be used for reducing disciplinary incidents and improving learning in schools.” Bullying, as well as other aspects of school misbehaviour, is not peculiar to Trinidad and Tobago. Research by Morrison presented at the International Conference on Violence in Schools and Public Policies in 2002, revealed that “bullying in schools is a worldwide phenomenon and that statistics from Australia mirror that of countries such as Canada, Scandinavia, Ireland, and England and show that 50 per cent of children have been bullied at school at least once.” So what is the solution to this problem which has been described as a social justice as well as a public health problem?

A study of behaviour management in schools in Australia revealed that the abolition of corporal punishment in schools did not lead to a re-evaluation of the nature and exercise of power and authority in schools and suspensions and expulsions became the substitute. When this failed to bring about the desired result, schools began to look to other solutions. Restorative approaches have been proven to be the successful solution to school violence and misbehaviour.

A parliamentary inquiry into bullying in Australia schools recommended the Rozelle School as a centre of excellence. The school had been “suffering significant behavioural problems among students, and the staff felt disempowered, until they decided to embed a whole-school philosophy of restorative practices, based on building, maintaining and repairing healthy relationships, with positive results.”

Restorative practices which teach principles of respect, accountability, and strengthening or repair of relationships, have been adopted in many schools in Australia. Research from Hong Kong and Hungary show that bullying behaviour dropped significantly where a restorative approach was adopted.

In Hull, described as the worst place to live in the UK by the BBC in 2005, restorative practices achieved outstanding results and in the United States, a number of high schools reported dramatic reductions in student suspensions and disciplinary referrals after instituting restorative practices. Restorative practices are now in schools and justice systems on every continent.

In the Caribbean, principals, deputy principals, guidance counsellors and education officers from eight Caricom countries were recently trained in restorative practices. Jamaica was the first to mandate training for staff in their justice and education systems.

Last year, probation officers, social workers, Magistrates, correction officers and other juvenile justice practitioners from Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda, and St Vincent and the Grenadines came to Trinidad to be trained in restorative practices

by Epiphany Consultancy Services. Their staff is licensed by the International Institute of Restorative Practices, a graduate school in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and have been conducting training since 2013. School guidance officers used to attend the training, until this was discontinued in 2014. Bullying is regarded by psychologists as a behavioural problem, to be treated as such and not as criminal conduct.

Solving the problem of bullying needs to be a multifaceted approach.

One Hong Kong study included the following recommendations: 1. The school must have a long-term anti-bullying policy, that includes peace-education; 2. The entire staff (including cafeteria attendants, security and janitors) should be trained in restorative practices, that is, circles to build relationships, and including restorative justice to repair harm when an incident of wrong-doing occurs; 3. The victim should receive training in how to face bullies assertively; 4. Since several studies prove that bullies lack empathy, they need training that builds empathy. They should also be trained in anger management, emotional control and rational problem-solving, to seek attention in socially- acceptable ways.

5. Workshops should be organised for parents to learn restorative practices. None of the three dozen or so studies on bullying in schools, which I have at hand, and which in turn discuss several mega-studies, recommend suspension of a principal after an incident of bullying, alleged or proven, in a school.

A child sleeps in a bag in the village of Beit Sawa, eastern Ghouta, Syria from where thousands of civilians have fled (Reuters/Omar Sanadiki)

Should peoples return to their motherlands?

Dear Editor, I am always on the lookout for interesting ideas, observations, and insights from my fellow travellers on the road of life and I could not help reflecting deeply on an intriguing statement, widely circulated on social media by music icon Akon that African Americans should “go back to Africa”.

In an interview with Al Jazeera reporter Folly Bah Thibault, that is available on YouTube and elsewhere, Akon stated that African Americans were never meant to be in America and Black people need to give Africa a chance and go back to the continent that is their ancestral home.

Akon, who is Americanborn of Senegalese descent, explained: “I always felt like Africa was for Africans. So, when I see African Americans in America dealing with all these issues, my first question is: ‘Why don’t they just go back home? Back to Africa. . . they’ll be treated fair. . . they’ll actually be praised for who they are because of the fact that they’re American. They’ll get way better treatment.”

He also commented that Africans who migrate to the US tend to “alienate their origins and personalities”, and end up conforming to the value system they meet in America. He contended that the way Africans integrate into the American lifestyle is self-destructive. He pointed out. “There’s no way you can move forward when you’re not you.”

He also mentioned that African Americans tend to shy away from their heritage of “the motherland”, commenting that they rarely even see Africa as a vacation destina-

tion. This, he contended, is because of the uninviting portrayal of Africa by the media, which focuses heavily on all the negatives of the continent without featuring the positives.

Akon is thought of as a controversial figure with a criminal past. Yet he has a charity for underprivileged children in Africa called Konfidence Foundation and a project called Akon Lighting Africa to provide solar electricity to 600 million underprivileged Africans. He might be good or bad; I do not know. I give him the benefit of the doubt. My point is: his statement gives us food for thought.

First, let me make it clear that I love all people created by the Creator regardless of their colour, creed, or class. After much prayerful meditation, I believe that the Creator created different races with various cultural and social groups as the indigenous fruits of different continents and countries. I think such differences among people are a blessing that springs directly from the Divine Creative Force.

I further believe that the Creator created all humans in His own image as equals, and with wide variety in their manifestations of beauty, and also with differences in appearance and the ways they think and act, according to their roles as indigenous fruits in the garden of life. That is the Creator’s plan, but it was corrupted by wicked people and replaced by racism, ethnic discrimination, and other evils.

Man's rejection of the Creator’s divine plan is behind domination, hatred, inhumanity, and all forms of wickedness among humans.

Mankind’s conquests, mur-

ders, conspiracies, enslavement, and usurpation are responsible for the world mess today. Racism is an abomination in the sight of the Creator and it brings multiple curses to the nations where people accept it.

We have seen this ungodly exploitation of human racial and other differences for national, tribal, or personal aggrandisement and wealth throughout history. We have seen it in the ancient civilisations, the Roman Empire, the empires of the European colonial powers; and we still see it today from the biggest neo-colonial superpower States to the pettiest dictatorships.

I respect the viewpoint of Akon about African descendants returning to Africa. This idea can be interpreted even more broadly in Guyana’s context to include all the races that came here from other continents. But I think his perspective should not be taken at face value. To me, it requires more careful thought with due consideration of the answers to the hard questions that logically arise.

For example, one can ask: If Guyanese of African, Indian or Chinese origin go back to Africa, India or China, will they be accepted? Do all Indians respect all Indians in and out of India? Do all Africans respect all Africans in or out of Africa? Do all Chinese respect all Chinese inside and outside China? What about mixed people? To which continent do they return?

Logic tells me that shared racial characteristics do not add up to shared culture nor do they automatically lead to mutual respect and bonds of friendship. During the “Back to Africa” movement in the 1960s-1970s, I re-

member hearing that many African descendants who went back there were disillusioned at being called “sons of slaves” by persons born in Africa.

I also recall hearing that many members of the Indian Diaspora who went back to India to trace their roots, or work or study were made aware of their position in the caste system, based on their names. I do not know about any Chinese going back to China, but I believe there would be similar settling-in issues arising from the remigrants’ assimilation of alien cultures.

It is clear to me that centuries of greed and domination have created deep wounds in the psyche of displaced peoples and the effects of their displacement has also fostered negative mindsets among those who remained after they left. Look at what the Europeans brought on Africa by greed and domination; and the wealthy “developed world” still wants the wealth and blood of Africa. . . by divide and rule! Akon’s charitable work, despite his record of criminality, displays a true positive in human nature; that is, man is inherently good. His nature is to serve Man and God. Akon has won my respect and that of teeming millions around the world. We cannot just encircle a human because of an evil past. He has become a unique role model not only for Africans, but for all humanity. I believe Akon has introduced a topic that is worthy of a healthy debate with persons making points for or against mine. Let opposing views contend for the nation’s information and guidance.

Sincerely, Haji Roshan Khan Sr

guyanatimesgy.com

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

The Junior Finance Minister cannot be serious

Dear Editor, My attention was drawn to an article captioned “Nothing wrong with ‘inexperienced’ GuySuCo Board – Junior Finance Minister”, which was carried in your March 15, 2018 edition; and another, captioned “Cabinet members annoyed at NICIL ad on new GuySuCo board – says final decision still to be taken”, which was carried on the same day in another section of the media.

I don’t think the Junior Minister of Finance could be serious that nothing is wrong with inexperienced people being appointed on the GuySuCo Board. As a senior official in the Ministry of Finance, he ought to have known that since his government came into office, it has provided more than $36 billion in subsidies to the sugar industry, and there is no improvement whatsoever in the affairs of the company to convince the taxpayers of this country that their hardearned money has been meaningfully spent.

All that the management and the previous board could show is a significant diminution of sugar production, closure of 4 estates, and putting almost 7,000 workers out of work. When the previous board was appointed, it boasted of the expertise

and experience in the sugar industry that it would bring to the boardroom. As is well known, that same experienced board has left a legacy of an industry being halved, production last year having slumped to the lowest in 27 years, and this year’s production most likely being lowest since 1871, when 92,000 tonnes sugar were made. This is the record that an experienced board has left. So it is unimaginable what an “inexperienced” board will leave when its term comes to an end.

Editor, there was a fullpage ad that was carried in every local daily newspaper on March 14. I am pretty sure that it costs quite a lot to publish, but who paid for this ad? It is unprecedented for a government-appointed board to be given such level of publicity, with a brief biography for each board member; and to cream it off, GuySuCo, financially-beleaguered at the moment, placed a paid ad in March 15 newspapers where management welcomes and endorses the newly-appointed board. Ironically, the same management did not place an ad welcoming and endorsing the previous board.

It is unbelievable that a full page ad is placed an-

nouncing the appointment of a board, and a “final decision is still to be taken” by Cabinet for such appointment. Someone with authority in the right place must have given approval for the placement of such an ad; if not, then it is expected that the nation will be informed who usurped the authority of Cabinet. A perusal of each board member’s shortened biography supports the Junior Finance Minister’s contention that not only are they inexperienced, but, except for one member, they have no knowledge of the sugar industry. GuySuCo is already faced with a cadre of managers who have shown over the last couple of years that they are incapable of moving the industry forward. Having an inexperienced board will only serve to exacerbate an already weak establishment.

Editor, each of the board members is knowledgeable and experienced in a particular field, but what will that person bring to the sugar industry to cause a significant turn-around in the right direction? I ask what will those skills, without knowledge and experience in the sugar industry, bring to GuySuCo to make a positive impact? What meaningful contribution will the pi-

lot/conservationist, digital marketing strategist, a tried and proven failed diversification specialist, a legal officer, a former senior manager/former board member in a previously failed board bring to the boardroom to cause a change of fortunes in the sugar industry?

The Junior Finance Minister opined that a nine-member board, inclusive of a Chairman, is not oversized relative to 3 operating estates; for, as he postulated, provision has to be made for absenteeism to form a quorum. Provision for absenteeism in a highly paid board? Editor, if the Government really wants to cause a turnaround of the sugar company, it has to critically look at appointing people to sit on the board who have the required skills, knowledge and experience in the complex nature that is involved in every aspect of the growing and processing of sugar cane, not recycling tried and proven failed personnel, not bringing on board party supporters and the crème de le crème of civil society; if not, in a short while, the 3 remaining estates will be driven into oblivion.

Yours faithfully, Selwyn Narinedatt

GuySuCo’s new Board, fresh ideas and decades of experience Dear Editor, I was elated to see the full-page advertisement on March 14, 2018, showcasing GuySuCo’s new Board of Directors. The Cabinet did well in the selection of this new Board. From the information on the Directors shown in the advertisement, one can gather that this new Board is filled with years of experience in the sugar industry, as well as experience managing companies and finances.

Moreover, I was heartened to see that the new Chairman of the Board is Colvin Heath-London.

As an avid reader, I have seen Heath-London’s name pop up many times over the years, and it is always something positive about the work that he has done on the international scene, or at home in Guyana. To paraphrase the full-page advertisement, the new Chairman is a man with a wealth of experience in consultancy/advisory positions and is no novice in the world of sugar, and business turnarounds. He has worked on multibillion-dollar projects in the Region, and across the world, and was instrumental in putting together the US$150 million CJIA expansion project.

I also gathered from the advertisement that the Board is well balanced in age. This should enable a balance of fresh ideas with the knowledge from decades of experience. In addition to this, I also took note that three former Directors of the Board are on this new Board. These veterans, in retrospection, should be able to show the new blood where things have gone bad and where the Board was able to have success in the past. As with every important thing that we do in life, striking a balance is vital to being successful.

As a proud citizen of Guyana, I implore all of my fellow Guyanese, especially those in powerful and influential positions, to give this new Board a chance.

Our sugar industry is important to our economy and livelihood of thousands of Guyanese, and anything other than working together would be counterproductive to reviving the sugar industry. With the balance, experience and knowledge of the new Board, we should be optimistic about the future of the sugar industry.

Sincerely, Tony Morgan

Chronicle’s Editor took political directives (Part 1) Dear Editor, The Guyana Chronicle Board has now endorsed the decision by the Editorin-Chief to stop the columns written by me and Lincoln Lewis. I am not surprised at the decision by some Board members. Not many people in high places in Guyana have the courage these days to stand up for principle, especially when it involves decisions sanctioned by the political overlords. Maybe some day those members would come to the realisation that principle is bigger that political expediency and other such considerations. My heart goes out to them.

I have become known for both my strong support for the present Government and my criticism when I feel it has not acted properly. That kind of independence is not tolerated in our elite political culture which demands uncritical loyalty from supporters. As such, some Government leaders have privately and not so privately expressed discomfort and outrage at my criticisms. They have been particularly outraged that my critical comments are carried in the State-owned

newspaper, which they view as a medium for only the views of Government members and supporters.

I am aware that there has always been lots of pressure on the Editor from higher-up to stop the column and that feeble attempts in this direction have been made in the past.

I suppose they have now decided to make a definitive move. I strongly believe that the Editor of the Chronicle would not make such a decision on his own – it is a political decision and he would have to get such directive from above. That much I am convinced of until evidence is produced to the contrary.

I understand the situation that the Editor finds himself in and he has my sympathy. That is why I think those who gave him the directive should come out into the open and let the public know that they are the real authors of the move.

I have no personal stake in this matter. Doing this column was not my bread and butter job, but it was part of my political activism – my giving back to my country in the form of public education and advocacy.

I have no entitlement to a

column in the Chronicle or any other newspaper. But I feel very strongly that a State-owned entity should not summarily deny me or any other citizen the right to express our views solely because of our partisan political views. That amounts to a clear human rights violation of a sacred civil liberty.

There is no evidence that Lewis and I have exposed the newspaper to libel, have undermined the country’s sovereignty, have

ridiculed anyone personally or brought the paper into disrepute. They say the columns are discontinued to facilitate the rebranding of the paper but have not shown how the columns will hinder this rebranding. The major rebranding that needs to happen at the Chronicle is the freeing up of the paper from the partisan control of the Government. The paper should stop being an uncritical propaganda sheet of the Government and become a

normal newspaper that reflects the face and dignity of Guyana and the variety of political and other views

that reside in our country.

Yours truly, David Hinds

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friDAY, march 16, 2018

News

Corentyne fire leaves one homeless A fire on Thursday ravaged the home of 72-year-old Norbee Khan at Lot 633 Number 1 Village Corentyne, completely destroying most, if not all, of her belongings, and leaving her homeless.

The septuagenarian, who is also a pensioner, used to operate a small business on the premises. She says she will now have to start anew following the incident.

Norbee Khan recalled being alerted to the fire by a neighbour, and managing to save only a bag with a few important items.

The house that was destroyed by the fire on Thursday

Her son Wasir Khan, who moved out of the house a few months ago, said when he arrived on scene the building was already engulfed.

“I saw the fire was upstairs and I try to save the downstairs, but I couldn’t save the downstairs, because the fire was too much,” he lamented.

He blames the Guyana

Power and Light for the disaster, which he believes was electrical in nature.

“There was a blackout, and when the current come on there was a sparking at the front, and then it run through and went to the back where all the fuses and everything (are) and then (the fire) start from the back room,” the man related.

Residents have been very critical of the reaction time of the Guyana Fire Service (GFS), saying that when the GFS arrived on scene, the building was almost destroyed.

Station Officer Clive McDonald, who is in charge on the New Amsterdam Fire Station and is the second in command of the GFS Berbice Division, explained that his officers had been misdirected. McDonald said that when the GFS had received new direction, a unit from the Rose Hall Town Fire Department was dispatched, and when it arrived on scene, the build-

72-year-old Norbee Khan

ing was already engulfed.

“Immediately the crew went into operation to stop fire spread and control the fire, working from the tank supply”, he said. He acknowledged the presence of a unit from the Albion Sugar Estate when his men would have arrived on the scene, and noted that the initial crew had been able to prevent the blaze from spreading.

Make-up Artist granted bail on assault charge

M

ake-up artiste Lolita Callendar was on Monday granted bail after she appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates Court to answer an assault charge.

She denied assaulting Malika Holder and therefore pled not guilty to the charge.

“Lola” as she is popularly known was granted bail in the sum of $30, 000.

However, she was taken back into custody by the Police who are still probing an allegation that she harboured her Guyanese American fugitive boyfriend, Troy Thomas.

Police related that it is likely that she could face additional charges in that re-

Lolita Callendar

spect today.

She was arrested early Wednesday morning along

with her boyfriend during a Police operation at the man’s Lilliendaal home.

news

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FRIDAY, march 16, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Children’s poisoning

Mother collapses after being found guilty

H

igh drama and tension reigned supreme at the High Court on Thursday afternoon when children poisoning defendant Hofosawa Awena Rutherford was found guilty of killing her children by feeding them rat poison nearly four years ago.

At 14:00hrs, the verdict was announced to a packed courtroom of relatives and curious onlookers: guilty on both counts of manslaughter. The jury’s unanimous verdict followed two hours of deliberation.

It meant that the panel believed the evidence presented over the last few days -- that Rutherford had given half a carbon tablet to each of her deceased children: one-yearold Jabari Cadogan and fouryear-old Odascia Cadogan.

It was established that the children died from pesticide poisoning via a highly toxic chemical called aluminum phosphide, known as carbon tablet, which is used to kills

tives had provided.

Justice Navindra Singh, who presided over the case, nevertheless seemed ready to pass sentence. He, however, adjourned the matter to this afternoon at 13:00hrs, after Rutherford’s attorney, Adrian Thompson, requested medical intervention.

The defendant was eventually revived after a 20-minute repose on the floor, and was escorted out of court and into an ambulance.

A crying Hofosawa Awena Rutherford being escorted from court

rats.

It also meant that the jury had disbelieved Rutherford’s story: that she had bought cold tablets from a man at the Plaisance bus park who sells rat poison.

When, at 14:10h, the implications of the jury’s verdict hit home to Rutherford, who was in the prisoners’ dock, she emitted a loud scream and crashed to the floor -- unfortu-

nately on the feet of female prison officers -- her sudden and dramatic fall causing her to hit her head solidly.

A deathly silence occasioned by utter shock then pervaded the courtroom; and the jury foreman, made speechless by these sudden developments, was left standing for 5 minutes as 3 female officers attempted to revive Rutherford using Limacol that her rela-

Committee on Social Services recommendations adopted – to help improve healthcare delivery

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he motion on the adoption of the Third Special Report of the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Social Services, on the visit to the New Amsterdam Hospital on Thursday, March 2, 2017, was today carried in the National Assembly. The motion was moved in the name of Committee’s Chairperson and Opposition Member of Parliament (MP), Dr. Vindhya Persaud, who urged that healthcare be continuously made a priority in Guyana.

MP, John Adams assured that the Government has begun to implement many of the recommendations of the Committee. He noted that the doctor’s quarters have been renovated, all air conditioning units functional, the laboratory almost completed, all telephones and theatres operational, among other improvements. MP Adams informed the House that when completed, the Maternity Unit will boast a separate theatre bringing the total number of theatres at the Hospital

to four. Meantime, Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings reminded that when this Administration assumed office in 2015, it recognised the deplorable state of the health sector.

She noted that the state of the healthcare was “beyond our imaginations,” however, steps were and continue to be taken to address the shortcomings. Minister Cummings said Government identified and sought to address the gaps.

Junior Policeman found with stolen motorcycle under arrest

A

n intelligence-led operation by ranks of the Guyana Police Force has resulted in the detention of one of their junior ranks on Wednesday after he was found to be in possession of a stolen motorcycle belonging to another member of the Force.

The 21-year-old Constable of Friendship, East Bank Demerara, who is stationed at A Division (Georgetown-East Bank Demerara) claimed ownership of the motorcycle but produced no documentation. The motorcycle was reportedly fitted with a pair of false registration plates.

Based on information received, the engine and chassis numbers of the motorcycle corresponded with that of a registration produced by another member of the Force who is also stationed in A Division and who alleged that his motorcycle bearing registration number CH 8132 was stolen from his yard in July 2017 at Dennis Street,

Campbellville.

A case file is being pre-

pared and forwarded for legal advice.

Lodge man wanted for causing death by dangerous driving

P

olice are seeking 25-year-old Jamaul John for questioning in relation to the death of Desmond Grandsoult, allegedly caused by dangerous driving on December 18, 2017 on Vlissengen Road, Bel Air Park Georgetown.

John’s last known address is 53 Joseph Pollydore (D’Urban) Street, Lodge Georgetown.

The Police are asking anyone with information that may lead to the apprehension of Jamaul John to kindly make contact on telephone numbers 226-2870, 229-2655, 229-2289, 2271149, 226-7065, 911; or at the nearest Police station.

Wanted: Jamaul John

Recap

Several witnesses had testified that the children never had cold-like symptoms on the day of their demise. Police witnesses had stated that, when interviewed moments after the children’s deaths, Rutherford had repeatedly complained of stress and problems.

Rutherford had said that

she had drunk two tablets herself, after administering similar tablets to her children, Odasica and Jabari; and had been hospitalised for seven days after the poisoning incident.

In an unsworn statement from the prisoner’s dock on Wednesday, the defendant, in a bout of tears and excessive shaking, had claimed that she loved her children; that she was still traumatised from losing them; that she had never bought rat poison to poison her children, and that the Police had treated her unfairly.

At court on Thursday, several persons questioned whether she had really loved her children, since she had given them rat poison to ingest.

State Prosecutor Tiffini Lyken had opined that Rutherford had strayed from her recollection of events

when she said she had bought the tablets from a pharmacy in her statement on Wednesday.

During Wednesday’s hearing, father of the two deceased children, Jabari Cadogan, Sr, had testified via Skype from Brooklyn, New York, USA that he used to support his children even after he had separated from Rutherford, and that he used to communicate with them every day.

The senior Cadogan told the court he had never been told that the children were suffering from a cold.

Rutherford and the children were staying with her sister, Monica Sealey, and her husband Curt, who both testified before the jury that they had not noticed any cold symptoms on the fateful day of the children’s demise.

In this trial, Prosecutors Shawnette Austin and Abigail Gibbs had also appeared for the State.

8 NEWS

FRIDAY, march 16, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

65-year-old Linden woman granted bail on narcotics charge

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ixty-five-year-old Bernadette Robertson was on Tuesday granted bail in the sum of $150,000 and asked to lodge her passport with the Police until the completion of her trial.

Robertson is before the

court on a possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking charge. The facts in the matter state that Robertson on February 15 at Lot 90 North Blueberry Hill had in her possession 94.2 grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.

The application for bail was made on the grounds that the elderly woman was not in the best of health and the constant travelling to and from the women’s penitentiary in Berbice would soon take its toll on her.

The prosecution did not

object to bail, but asked that the accused report to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at the Wismar Police Station every Friday at 09:00h for the duration of the trial.

The matter was adjourned until April 16, 2018.

Miner remanded on firearm and ammunition charges

A

33-year-old gold miner of Mabura Landing, Upper Demerara River, was on Monday remanded to prison

by Magistrate Clive Nurse on charges of unlawful possession of firearm and ammunition.

The defendant, Klaus

Pearce, made his first appearance at the Linden Magistrate’s Courts, where he pleaded not guilty to the charges. The first charge alleged that on Saturday, March 10, 2018, he had 22 rounds of .380 live ammunition at Seaballi Backdam, Upper Demerara River,

without being the holder of a firearm licence at the time.

The second charge stated that on the same date while at the same location, he had a matching .380 semi-automatic pistol in his possession without a firearm licence being in force at the said time.

According to Police information, the defendant was arrested by ranks at approximately 09:45h on the day in question at Seaballi Backdam, Upper Demerara River with the unlawful weapon and matching ammunition. He was remanded to prison until April 5, 2018.

East Ruimveldt man fined by Linden Magistrate for DUI

A

6 2 - y e a r - o l d Pineapple Street, East Ruimveldt, Georgetown man was ordered to pay $7500 or face a week in prison for driving under the influence of alcohol.

Morris Maricano appeared before Magistrate Clive Nurse at the Linden Magistrate’s Court to answer to the charge.

The court heard that on March 5, 2018, he drove motor car PPP 6022 on

the Washer Pond Road, Mackenzie, Linden, while under the influence of alcohol which made him incapable of controlling the said vehicle.

The facts stated that the accused was observed

driving in a zigzag manner and was stopped by ranks on patrol and subjected to a breathalyser test, which proved that he had 112 micrograms of alcohol in his system. Maricano pleaded guilty and was fined $7500.

Feral blast…

W

…by Jordan to US Ambassador ell! Well! Well!! It’s like “the mouse that roared” all over again! Your amazed Eyewitness is, of course, referring to Finance Minister Winston Jordan’s feral blast at US Ambassador Perry Holloway!!

What gives?? From a governmental perspective, the US has been the chief backer of this Administration from the word, “GO!” And some insist even before…starting from the time that PPP functionary delivered what the verbally prolix Dr Luncheon called a “feral blast” at the then US Ambassador.

Why would Jordan want to repeat that faux pas?? All the Ambassador said was the Guyana Government should take special care to involve the widest possible participation of civil society in drafting what the proposed “Sovereign Wealth Fund” ought to be used for. He took special care to compliment the Government on the drafting of the SWF. At one level, it would appear Jordan was upset because the drafting of the SWF falls under his Ministry.

Did he just take this a tad too personally? Maybe. He is, after all, way over his head in the Finance Ministry, and at best can only be described as “treading water”. As a technocrat, all he did in those years in the Budget Dept was to fill in numbers that were generated by others who understood the politico-economic imperatives demanding those numbers. Of the latter framework, Jordan might as well be in one of those black holes the recentlydeparted Stephen Hawking wrote so copiously about!!

No information has been proven to exit a black hole, even though Hawking theorised it may be POSSIBLE!!

But is it possible that Jordan might’ve been encouraged to utter his feral blast on behalf of his PNC Government?

After all, the Ambassador’s opinion was published on Tuesday – the day Cabinet meets – and Jordan delivered his feral blast the very next day!! So your Eyewitness asks again, “What gives?” Does the PNC-led coalition Government think that because Tillerson was fired by Trump and left a totally degutted State Department, the US will let this insult go unpunished?

Or is it that Granger, who’s vowed to follow in the footsteps of his mentor, Burnham, believes the US has no alternative than backing them, like in the days of Jagan, and he can afford to be “mannish”?? But another, more plausible reason might be the Ambassador has seen the Government’s unwillingness to use the SWF for development, as was agreed to for backing them in 2015.

Knowing Guyana would then slide even deeper into its hole – as with Burnham – the US might not want to keep giving handouts.

Either way…look out for the US’ riposte!! Payback’s a bitch!! …needed on GuySuCo’s Board It’s clear this PNC Government is rubbing salt into the open wound it created in sugar workers by unilaterally closing down four estates and firing some 5700 of them – more than one-third of GuySuCo’s entire force! What other explanation is there for appointing such a Board for the Corporation as was announced in full-page ads??

It’s as good as telling the remaining 11,000 sugar workers their goose is cooked!! Imagine the Government telling them the bitter medicine of “severing” (how metaphorically appropriate!!) 5700 workers was necessary to save the rest of the industry, but is now placing the amputated-rump industry in the hands of folks who, in the main, may not “know their asses from their elbows” about sugar.

Just look at the asininity of placing a fella with absolutely no knowledge of sugar – and charged with disposing of the severed estates – to resuscitate it with these novices?? It’s the blind leading the blinder!!

Guyanese need to develop the cojones to let loose a feral blast on this spiteful PNC Government. …for invisibility shield over IDPAD After the Government of Guyana spent $68 million to host the world-spanning “International Decade of People of African Descent”, it seems it has deployed the Wakadan force-shield to keep it invisible to the world.

What gives?

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

News

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FRIDAY, march 16, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

3 bandits shot while attempting to rob bank customer – passports, pistol, handcuffs and other items found in car

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hree suspected “trunkers” (those who break into vehicle trunks) were on Thursday killed in a shootout with Police ranks at the Kingston Seawall opposite the Guyana National Service Ground in Georgetown, reportedly after lunch, although the Police have claimed that the incident occurred at about 10:30h.

The dead men have been identified as 46-year-old Dextroy Cordis, also known as “Dutty,” a resident of

torcar with two suspicious looking characters prowling the area. Ranks of an anti-crime patrol were informed, and turned up in an unmarked vehicle. Those ranks followed the black Toyota IST motorcar, PTT 9034, which at the time was observed following a customer who had just exited the bank.

This car reportedly drove up to the customer’s vehicle and two men exited, one brandishing a small firearm at the customer. At the same time,

Dead: Dextroy Cordis

The scene at the Seawall on Thursday

Grove, East Bank Demerara; Kwame Assanah of Buxton, East Coast Demerara; and 57-year-old Errol Adams, also known as “Dynamite”, of Dartmouth, Essequibo Coast

the Police anti-crime patrol pulled up and challenged the would-be bandits.

The one brandishing the firearm discharged several rounds at the Police, who re-

compliment, shooting Adams dead while his accomplice sped away on the motorcycle.

The Police have reported retrieving a 9mm pistol and a magazine containing seven live rounds and four spent shells next to the body of Cordis.

Police, in a statement, revealed that Assanah and Adams had previously been arrested in connection with several offences; while Cordis had previously been granted bail on a simple larceny charge, to wit, ‘trunking’.

The items found in the car used by the bandits

and of Buxton, East Coast Demerara.

Based on reports received, Police ranks performing duties in the vicinity of Scotiabank on Robb Street, Georgetown observed a mo-

turned fire, fatally wounding Cordis and Assanah. Seconds after this exchange of gunfire, two males on a CG motorcycle pulled up at the scene and discharged several rounds at the Police; who returned the

The motor car, which had been driven by Assanah, was searched, and a supernumerary precept, one driver’s licence, 10 passports belonging to him and family members, a key used by trunkers, two

Man charged for dangerous driving

R

ayon Wilson is facing three counts of causing death by dangerous driving.

The matter is set to com-

mence on April 12, 2018 at the Linden Magistrate’s Court.

It is alleged that Wilson on July 14, 2017 drove mo-

tor car gerous death Valen Ross.

PHH 9398 in a danmanner causing the of Keston Bollers, Bowen and Melroy

handcuff keys, a bandana, and several pieces of clothing were found therein.

However, while the Police claimed that their vehicle was damaged as a result of the exchange of gunfire, the car used by the bandits had no visible bullet holes.

When Guyana Times arrived on scene at the Kingston Seawall, the area was cordoned off, and the bloodied bodies of the three men were seen in the distance sprawled on the roadway as crime scene experts conducted their investigations.

Several persons in the area recalled hearing gunshots and seeing, soon after, the lifeless bodies of the men from a distance. There were no signs of a pursuit, one man has started.

A couple who were on the seawall at the time were reportedly seen scampering to safety.

After hours of combing the scene for evidence, a senior member of the Force confirmed that the men were “trunkers” and that they were trailed from a commercial bank.

As the undertakers were taking away the bodies, two women, accompanied by a young man, arrived on scene and claimed to be relatives of Cordis. One woman screamed, “He was never a part of any illegal activities! Dem murder he!” However, without saying anything further, she boarded

The vehicles used by the alleged bandits

a car and sped away from the scene.

It is unclear how she was informed of the shooting incident, and even more unclear how she became so quickly aware that her “nephew” was killed in the shootout.

Detectives are of the belief that the lone bandit who escaped from the scene might

The Police have confirmed that this shooting incident has resulted from a strategic plan to put a dent in the number of robberies being committed on civilians as they leave commercial banks after transacting their business.

Of recent, several persons were shot and robbed after being trailed from

The bullet holes in the unmarked Police car

have contacted the relatives of the dead man and informed them of his demise; hence some of them turned up at the scene. Based on photos seen, the men had sustained fatal gunshot wounds to their heads.

banks along the East Bank/ East Coast Demerara. Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, at a recent press conference, had warned that the Police would derive a plan to curb this type of banditry.

(Bhisham Mohamed)

10 NEWS

FRIDAY, march 16, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana’s unemployment pegged at 12% during 3rd quarter in 2017

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quarterly Labour Force Survey done during the period July to September 2017 has revealed that the unemployment rate for persons aged 15 and above was 12%, with the situation for women being substantially worse than that for men.

The survey was done from a total population of 550,831 persons 15 years and above, with some 72.2% living in urban areas. From this figure, only 271,068 comprised the total employed population during the time of the quarterly survey, with males accounting for 166,873 and females 104,195. Urban workers totalled 188,774, while the rural area had 82,294 workers.

The labour force participation rate for all persons aged 15 and above is 56%, roughly equal to the corresponding 2012 value of 55.7%. All other data gathered were compared to information continued in the 2012 census.

According to the findings of the survey, unemployment among women was 15.3% and among men 9.9%.

The youth unemployment rate among 15 to 24-yearolds was almost twice that

of adults, with 21.6%. Young women continued to face severe hardship, with 28% of them being unemployed.

“The worrisome labour market situation of youth is confirmed by the proportion of youth not in education, employment, or training (NEET). It is recorded at 35.2%, and is higher for young women (63% of the total number of NEETs) and young urban dwellers (76.4% of the total NEETs). The general picture pointing to a marked disadvantage for women in the labour market is confirmed by the indicator regarding the proportion of women in managerial positions, which in the third quarter of 2017 was recorded at 37.8%,” the survey found.

Meanwhile, the employment rate for persons 15 and above was 49.2%, with 62.1% being males and a mere 36.9% being females.

It was noted that the percentage of employed people in time- related underemployment was 4.2%, with 72.2% of the underemployed being based in urban areas.

The survey also found that 28.4% of the labour force is underutilized, while between 48.3% and 52.6% of the persons employed hold

informal jobs.

“The percentage of male workers holding informal jobs is higher than that of female workers (57.6 percent for males as against 44.6 percent for females),” the survey detailed.

Further, it was found during the surveyed quarter that the average salary per month for employed workers is $82,636 while the figure decreases to $67,064 for self-employed workers.

Meanwhile, the average weekly hours of work for all workers was 46.8 hours, with males working more at an average of 50.6 hours.

These figures were revealed on Wednesday morning by the Bureau of Statistics (BoS). At the launching of the survey findings, Chief Statistician Ian Manifold outlined that in the absence of such regular surveys, there was no mechanism to track labour market dynamics such as unemployment, job creation, job destruction and workforce size, among other things.

With introduction of a continuous Labour Force Survey (LFS), Manifold noted, the relevant data on the performance of the labour market will now be avail-

At least 4 dead in Florida university bridge collapse R escue teams were still searching the rubble on Thursday night for victims trapped beneath the buckled footbridge. The structure toppled over an eight-lane motorway on Thursday afternoon, crushing at least eight vehicles, according to police. It is still unclear how many people were under the bridge at the time.

Miami-Dade Fire Chief Dave Downey said on Thursday night he could confirm at least four people were killed. "This is going to be a long incident. We are going to have rescuers here through the night, if not longer," Chief Downey said.

At least 10 people were treated for injuries at theKendall Regional Medical

In this frame from video, emergency personnel work at the scene of a collapsed bridge in the Miami area

Center, including two who were in "extremely critical condition", according to Dr Mark McKenney, director of general surgery.

The 950-ton (862-tonne),

174-foot (53m) bridge was erected on Saturday in just six hours over the highway, according to a story posted on the college website. (BBC News)

Chief Statistician Ian Manifold handing over a copy of the quarterly Guyana Labour Force Survey to Finance Secretary Hector Butts on Thursday at the Marriott Hotel

able quarterly, instead of every 10 years or any unspecified period. The information gathered in the surveys will provide sound market indicators to boost the growth of a thriving financial sector.

“With the coming of oil production and the result of spin-off businesses, there would be a greater need for market planning indicators such as those that the LFS would provide. So it is very strategic at this point to make available to policy makers in the private sector the indicators of the LFS, so that they would be better able to plan their investments as (those relate) to the expansion or contraction of

their businesses,” the Chief Statistician stated.

The July-September 2017 quarterly survey was the first of its kind, and was funded by the Inter-American Development Bank to the tune of almost US$1 million.

IDB Country Representative Sophie Makonnen said that given current economic activities in the country, the information gathered from the survey will be useful in tracking the labour market to prevent a skills-gap trap.

“Recent, new and future investments in Guyana will generate increase in manpower needs. More than ever, I think Guyana needs

to match the supply of their labour with the current and future demands for labour, ensuring that the population has the skills for the jobs that are going to be out there. Skills are a major driving force of growth through their effect on labour productivity,” Makonnen posited.

Meanwhile, Finance Secretary Hector Butts has noted that Government has committed to continuous support of the project, to get critical data on the local labour market.

“It is critical for governments to establish systems which are capable of generating data that will inform planning and development functions, and promote the implementation of policies that would promote efficiency and sustainable development,” the Finance Secretary noted.

The survey was done by consulting firm Sistemas Integrales Ltd, in collaboration with the Bureau of Statistic and the International Labour Organisation. A similar survey was done for the period October to December 2017, and regular quarterly reports are expected going forward, with Government taking over the financing of the project.

11 Bartica boat accident victims stable NEWS

S RAIGHT T

FRIDAY, march 16, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

– investigations still ongoing

When will Guyana move from malaise to hope and opportunity?

U

nfortunately, a few key players in the Guyana Private Sector are advising me privately if they can reflect on the last decade, today more Guyanese business people feel marginalised and cannot benefit from the fruits of the economy.

My immediate reaction to that group was, what fruits? Is a 2.2 per cent growth rate in 2017 tangible adequate fruits? Some 10 years ago, the economy was growing at seven per cent. That was something to consider. Today, in 2018, the economy is expected to grow by some 1.9 per cent so there is nothing to look forward to tangibly. This is a hard guava season; compliments of the Granger regime.

The political class must recognise if they want to hog all the fruits for their friends and family, there will be consequences. And those consequences shall be grave as more people come to the realisation that there is little in their rice pots while the fat cats in Team Granger are eating all the meat. People are observing how the members of the Granger Cabinet are living Cadillac lifestyles today which does not reconcile to what is happing to the farming families, the hinterland families, the families of ordinary public servants, teachers, and so many other hard-working families.

From that observation, people are slowly admitting that “THE BEAR” on this Guyanese economy has been let loose and they will hold Granger for this economic destruction. In such a situation, conservation of one’s cash, moving your money into the black market (off the books) and shipping one’s savings overseas will accelerate and this will complicate the process economic expansion. Such a reality will result in aggregate demand being stifled, consumer spending stagnating, investment plummeting, and productivity flattening.

Does President Granger really know what he is doing when he exhibits such grave indifference to reality? His lack of action on a menu of progressive public policies is causing the engine of growth to stutter. There is nothing in the 2018 Budget that I can find that represent any measure to stimulate an expansion in aggregate demand or enhance productivity in the those six sisters – rice, sugar, bauxite, gold, forestry, and fisheries. His philosophy is one grounded in spending on non-productive activities that do not enhance the nation’s value creation efforts; executive travel – GY$1 billion; GDF – GY$11 billion; and so on. One might say the President is lost.

President Granger is so far out to sea on the process of transforming Guyana, it is becoming even more clear that there is no way he will be able to swim back before 2020. This is the major dilemma this nation faces today in 2018. Over the next two years, all sources of assets and cash shall be raided and plundered. A classic example is the state of the ACTUAL GOLD RESERVES under the control of the Bank of Guyana. (see graph below)

The evidence revealed that since May 2015 when the Team Granger arrived in office, the value of the gold bars under the control of the Bank of Guyana deteriorated by some 85 per cent to GY$2.2 billion. If you notice, this destruction only started to happen from May 2016. Some might want to assign this asset destruction issue to the price of gold, but the gold prices actually increased between May 2016 to January 2018. So that cannot be the reason. This steep plunge in the value of gold under the control of the Central Bank begs the question, is the Granger regime selling off the nation’s gold assets to finance their wild spending?

Why a government should not raid the Central Bank Any Central Bank functions in a world of uncertainty. As a safeguard, its asset base used to conduct monetary policy and promote internal financial stability. Guyana is facing a creeping increase in oil prices, and there is a real danger of an incoming oil shock becoming a reality. This is where the asset side of the Bank of Guyana balance sheet becomes key and vital. Deterioration of the balance sheet of any Central Bank cripples the ability of a nation to stabilise the external sector, preserve value internally and meet international financial obligations. In plain terms, the weaker the balance sheet of the Central Bank, the higher the chances the nation will become uncreditworthy. Guyana having evolved from such a history under Burnham and thus we cannot claim ignorance of the consequences of a weak balance sheet at the Central Bank.

These are elementary stuff, so I am deeply concerned that the Minister of Finance is not considering alternative options on how he deals with this issue. But clearly, he seems to be not getting it!

Please share your thoughts at sasesin1@yahoo.com.

hree children and the operator who sustained injuries in the boat accident at Goshen, Riverview, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) were reportedly in stable condition at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) on Wednesday, after being flown there for emergency treatment.

Chairman of the Region Seven Regional Democratic Council (RDC), Gordon Bradford, who spoke to this publication, revealed that the children: Sheniele Machette, Cleaveloyd Edmonds and Iola Thornhill, are from Riverview, a small Amerindian community in Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice), but would cross the river daily to Bartica, to receive their schooling at the Bartica Secondary School. Persons would also visit Region 7 for

other reasons, such as accessing health facilities.

Police ‘G’ Division Commander, Superintendent Kevin Adonis, noted that the operator of the vessel, 21-yearold Akiem Williams, had encountered some mechanical difficulties while crossing the river with the “David G” vessel, which led to the accident.

After the accident, an aircraft from Roraima Airways was immediately made avail-

able, and the injured persons were air-dashed to the Eugene F. Correia Airport at Ogle, ECD, from whence they were taken to the GPHC for treatment.

One of the students has sustained a spinal surgery, but, like the others, was considered stable on Thursday.

This student was scheduled to write an examination in the coming months, but officials of the Education Department,

paying her a visit, have advised that arrangements have been made for her to sit the exam at a suitable date after recovery. President David Granger has also visited the injured at the Accident and Emergency Unit of the GPHC, and has instructed that an investigation be launched into the accident. Bradford noted that the “David G” vessel was inspected by the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) after the accident, and another vessel was used to transport the other students to school on Thursday morning. Chairman Bradford has commended the Roraima flight crew and persons within the area for their quick response in ensuring that the accident victims receive timely treatment at the GPHC. Investigations into this accident are ongoing.

Minibus tout freed of rape charge tions at the Sexual Offences Court in Demerara. The particulars of charge detailed that Sulker had allegedly engaged in sexual penetration with a 16-year female without her consent on September 7, 2014.

Guyana Times understands that the former accused man who reportedly works as a minibus tout was a family friend of the

Curtis Sulker shielded his face before he gained his freedom

C

urtis Sulker, called “Red Man”, was on Thursday afternoon acquitted of a rape charge by a 12-member jury.

The unanimous notguilty verdict was returned after two hours of delibera-

Ganja, shotguns, ammo found during eradication exercise

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12-hour-long operation along the Ebini River in Berbice has led to six fields with an estimated 600,000 cannabis plants measuring four inches to five feet in height being unearthed and destroyed by members of the Police Narcotics Branch.

In addition, a total of 200kgs of dried cannabis was also discovered. During the eradication exercise on Wednesday, two unlicensed shotguns and 55 live cartridges were also found. The police also destroyed four camps that were at the location.

No arrests were made but the Police are attempting to locate the owner of the marijuana farm.

then teenager. The allegations detailed that the man had taken the girl to the Botanical Gardens and carried out the act. However, the jury did not find the evidence pertaining to her story as credible and determined that the defendant was innocent of the alleged crime.

Justice Simone MorrisRamlall announced that he

was free to go but Sulker who seemed surprised, sat down on the prisoner’s bench which prompted the Judge to re-state that he was freed. The former accused was represented by Attorney Clyde Forde, while Prosecutors Seeta Bishundial and Natasha Backer presented the State’s case.

12 news Juvenile Justice Reform Bill laid in Parliament T FRIDAY, march 16, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

he Juvenile Justice Reform Bill was tabled in the National Assembly on Thursday which now officially paves the way for a major overhaul of the juvenile justice system in Guyana.

The Bill was read for the first time by Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan in the National Assembly after months of consultations, reviews and fine-tuning.

In presenting the Bill, Ramjattan said the Act is expected to amend and consolidate the law in relation to criminal justice for juveniles and make provision for proceedings with respect to juvenile offenders.

Also, the Minister said the Bill will provide for the establishment of facilities for the custody, education and rehabilitation of juvenile offenders, and to repeal the Juvenile Offenders Act and the Training Schools Act. Ramjattan said previously that a cost analysis done by the United Nations

Children Fund (UNICEF) is another reason for the delay.

However, it was necessary to have information on expenditure needed to provide supporting mechanisms for the Bill in place, such as recreational and training centres.

The Bill, among other things, provides to the juvenile justice system to further the wellbeing of juveniles, and encourage and facilitate juveniles having a meaningful life in the community by rehabilitation, education, reintegration, and proportionate and appropriate accountability to victims and society.

According to the criminal capacity aspect of the Act, “no child shall be capable of or guilty of committing an offence unless the presumption is rebutted pursuant to an evaluation done in accordance with subsection.”

In addition to other factors, it was also stated that “where a child is charged, the Director of Public Prosecutions or the Prosecutor or the Attorney-

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan

at-law representing the child shall request of the court and the court shall order an evaluation of the child by a suitably qualified person to be conducted at the expense of the State.”

If a teenager has been found guilty of a crime, it was plainly stated that the Juvenile Justice System will be separate from that for adults, and place emphasis on the rehabilitation, education and reintegration of

youths.

As such, it seeks to ensure that a juvenile is subject to meaningful consequences proportionate to the offence and circumstances, recognising his or her greater dependency and reduced level of maturity, while providing procedural protection to ensure that adolescents are treated fairly and humanely and their rights are protected.

The Bill will provide timely intervention that reinforces the link between the offending behaviour and its consequences; inform and involve parents of juveniles of and in measures or proceedings, and ensure that victims are provided with information about the proceedings and are given an opportunity to participate and be heard and wherever possible contribute to the rehabilitation and reintegration of the juveniles.

Moreover, in accordance to the Act, the application of measures taken against juveniles who commit offences will reinforce respect for societal values; ensure fair

and proportionate accountability; encourage the repair of harm done to victims and the community; and where appropriate, involve the parents, the extended family, the community and social or other agencies in the juvenile’s rehabilitation, education and reintegration, and 12 criminal capacity be prompt given a juvenile’s perception of time.

Depending on the nature of the offence, the Juvenile Justice Bill 2018 provides “Diversions” which is considered to “often [be] the most appropriate and effective way to address juvenile crime and it allows “for effective and timely interventions focused on correcting offending behaviour.

Diversion measures shall not be exploitative, harmful or hazardous to the physical or mental health of the juvenile; shall be appropriate to the age and maturity of the juvenile; and shall not interfere with the education of the juvenile.

Some of the examples of “Diversion measures” provided by the Bill may in-

clude “an oral or written apology to a specified person or institution”, “placement by the court under the supervision and guidance of the Chief Probation Officer” or “referral by the court to counselling or therapy for a specified period” among others. Over the past two years, a number of consultations throughout Guyana had been held to familiarise members of the public with the Bill. These consultations also served the dual purpose of getting feedback from the public on what the Bill ought and ought not contain.

It is expected that the Bill will seek to make sweeping changes to existing legislation, including removing status offences such as wandering. There were even proposals to raise the age of criminal responsibility from 10 years. Some of the measures the Bill is expected to contain are an emphasis on alternatives to detaining delinquents. More alternative sentencing has for some time been advocated by rights groups and international organisations.

Porter released on $100,000 bail for wounding at Pouderoyen

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wenty-four-year-old Fred Trimeon, a porter of Plantation Best, West Coast Demerara, was on Thursday granted $100,000 bail at the Wales Magistrate’s Court by Magistrate Rushell Liverpool for the unlawful wounding of Stephan Johnson at Middle Street,

Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara. The father of two, who said he was never previously charged, denied the allegation which Police said occurred on March 5, 2018.

The Police prosecution objected to bail based on the grounds of the seriousness of the offence but the

Magistrate overruled this application and granted the man his pre-trial liberty. She however ordered that Trimeon stay 50 feet away from Johnson for the duration of the matter. The case was transferred to the Vreed-en-Hoop Magistrate’s Court for April 3.

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FRIDAY, march 16, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

14 news

FRIDAY, march 16, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Integrated Security Service workers likely to be paid today

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mid a succession of negative publicity, the embattled Integrated Security Service has finally broken its silence on the reasons behind the non-payment of scores of workers.

The company says it is aware of the issues that were raised by the desperate security guards and shared with Guyana Times via telephone the reason for the company’s shortcomings in the past few months.

A representative close to the company explained that when they were acquiring the contract, they received it ‘as was’ and as such, no changes were made to the contracts or the way the system was functioning. They noted that it was until after the first month that they noticed the discrepancies.

“There was a number of extensive staffing on locations that was not supposed to be,” the representative stated.

They further explained that

there were supposed to be two guards working at a location, but it was discovered that there were up to five guards working at the same location.

“That’s how the additional payments that they are claiming is coming up,” they explained.

Additionally, the company noted that they were unaware of the issue initially, stating that the worker’s schedules and reports had a fixed number of employees and it was until they received the payment sheets that they noticed the additional number of workers. They noted that in December they had 256 employees on file, but ended up paying some 389 employees.

In January, the on-record employees climbed to 294, while in February the number was 290. “The first month we could have understood the mistake, the second month it was fixed a little, but the third month was too much,” they stated.

The company admitted

Several of the security officers during a picket action

that it was not in a position to tell workers that it could not pay them because of the inconsistencies and as such, it tried to resolve the matter in a timely fashion. “We have gone above and beyond to provide a good working relationship with our staff; however, our efforts are being undermined by persons within our organisation who we depend on for correct information.”

In relation to finding a

permanent solution to the problem, the representative stated that, “We have some serious decisions to make, we didn’t want to make those decisions, but they will have to be made.” Alluding to the possibility that the company will have to lay off some of the excess employees, the representative pleaded “Are we just going to pay 500 people when we are supposed to have 200 people?”

When asked about how

the company planned on moving forward, it was highlighted that the company will have to figure out a way to ‘bounce back’ from this issue. The representative also sought to clarify that the company has no intention of ‘robbing’ staff of their monies. “That is a blatant lie,” the rep stated.

It was disclosed that the outstanding salaries will be paid to the aggrieved workers by today.

Over the past few months, security guards attached to the company have made cries for help, stating that they are not being paid or are receiving short salaries. Many of the guards are mothers or breadwinners of their families and highlighted that it was difficult for them to provide for their families if they are receiving little to no salaries.

On numerous occasions, the security officers have hosted picketing exercises with the main topic being the non-payment of salaries and ill-treat-

ment by senior officials of the company. The distraught workers have accused their bosses of victimisation, stating that whenever they publically voiced their concerns, they were either suspended or fired from the job.

Integrated Security provides services for the Government offices and buildings in the Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) areas. The company took over this contract from Homesafe Security. When the complaints were raised, Government officials had distanced themselves from the issue stating that all monies for payment had already been handed over to the security company in a timely manner. To date, Harry Gill of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and Abel Seetaram of the Alliance For Change (AFC) have vowed to do whatever they could to assist the workers.

news

Jagdeo to Gov’t: Accept blame for U.S. fish ban A mid calls for Government to speedily rectify the issues involving the recent imposition of a ban on exports of Guyana’s catfish species, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has said the first thing that must be done is for the administration to accept full responsibility for the plight created for local fishermen.

Jagdeo said he has noted the coalition Government’s silence on the matter, and the arguments from Government quarters that this is somehow a ‘protectionist move’ by the United States (U.S.). However, he said these arguments have since been exposed as shallow and disingenuous.

The Opposition Leader has said that had it not been for the statement from the local U.S. Embassy in Guyana, stakeholders would have maintained a misguided view.

“I am of the firm view that the Coalition Government is fully responsible for the plight of local fishermen, given that they were notified of the USA’s pending changes to export regulations since November 2015,” he stated.

He noted that despite having received notice of these changes, the Government failed to communicate effectively with the stakeholders of the fisheries sector, many of whom have invested heavily in this area.

“To make matters worse, the Coalition Government received an extension until February 3, 2018, to bring Guyana into compliance with the new export regulations, and failed again,” he pointed out.

This failure, Jagdeo believes, is further evidence

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

of the ineptitude that continues under the current Government, and it seems to be the defining characteristic of the current Administration.

The former President said he has noted the offer made by the U.S. to provide technical assistance to the Government to help Guyana’s fishermen and women to comply with the new export regulations.

He is therefore calling on Government to immediately take measures to support compliance with the new regulations, and also take measures to support the local fisheries sector in the meantime.

“The fisheries sector cannot be allowed to suffer irreparable losses, as we have seen in other productive sectors since the APNU+AFC Coalition Government took office,” he added.

Veterinary Public Health Unit Director Dr Ozaye Dodson has said the imposition from the US export market was just a temporary technical barrier to trade. Dr Dodson said the move by the USDA was a “protectionist measure” by that country’s

public health system, lobbied for by the catfish farmers.

The US Food Safety Inspection Services (FSIS) asked Guyana to provide the relevant documentation to verify this country’s inspection system equivalence to the US standards, or its equivalent public health system. Dr Dodson claimed Guyana complied with the request. However, the country fell short of the US standards in three areas: firstly, on the issue of the presence of inspectors; secondly, there was insufficient documentation detailing verification of each step in the sanitation and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) process; and thirdly, there was insufficient documentation specifying how the industry manages adulterated catfish products.

PSC President Eddie Boyer told this publication on Tuesday that the ban is nothing new, but could be lifted if Government and private companies that are exporting work together to comply with the new requirements. He said it is not an impossible task, but advised that both parties work diligently so as to lessen the economic impact this ban will have on the trade of these specific fish species.

New US standards for import of catfish species demand the presence of inspectors at plants for one hour during an eight-hour shift.

Dr Dodson explained that Guyana’s inspection system utilised a “risk-based approach”, which is a European Union (EU) standard.

Guyana was among several countries banned recently from participating in the US catfish export sector.

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FRIDAY, march 16, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Minibus operators protest crackdown on multi-coloured designs

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inibus operators plying Georgetown routes on Thursday morning protested the Guyana Police Force Traffic Department’s recent crackdown on multi-coloured designs on their vehicles.

But acting Traffic Chief Ramesh Ashram has explained that the crackdown is on the wrap on the buses, and not on the spray paint designs. Operators have been given time to regulate their vehicles, but dozens of aggrieved operators have decried the move as unfair.

Operators lined their buses on the tarmac of the Square of the Revolution in protest at the sudden crackdown by the Police. The vibrantly coloured buses were registered to the following routes: Kitty-Campbellville (40), Stabroek-South (41), Georgetown-Timehri (42), Georgetown-Mahaica (44), Stabroek-Albert (45) and Stabroek-Sophia (48).

One bus operator, Jermaine, explained that operators needed more than just one week to get off the wraps from their buses, which he ex-

plained is way more difficult get off than the regular spraypaint.

“There is a clear coat (plastic) wrap over the design, so nothing can’t pull off here. It (has to be dug off), which will damage the bus… Even if you want these things to come off of these buses, you need to give the drivers a timing – at least six to eight months, because it’s not no easy thing,” he noted.

The protesting operators have all had their road fitness revoked by the Police, so they are unable to work. However, the men have claimed that at the time of their obtaining registration from the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and road fitness from the Police, there was never any issue with the wraps.

“Since Monday we ain’t work, because they said the bus gotta go back and certified, when it already certified before you’re granted a fitness. It’s not a case where you get the fitness and then go and put on the wraps,” another bus operator, Jose, stated.

The Route 41 driver pointed out that, for the past two

years, operators have been “wrapping” their buses and never had any issue with the authorities. He added that operators spend a lot of money to maintain and keep their buses in good condition, having recognised it as public transportation.

The frustrated operators went on to lament that since the crackdown and cancellation of their fitness, they are unable to work, and it is putting them under financial strain.

“I is a man with seven children and I have to pay $50,000 rent, so I have to work every day; and this is day two I’m not working,” one driver, John, related.

The men further claimed that they have spent over $200,000 to design their buses, and to now remove those designs would incur additional expenses. As such, these operators are calling for more time.

But the acting Traffic Chief has insisted that only those who comply with the regulations will be allowed to continue plying their respective routes.

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news

friDAY, march 16, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Controversial Lindo Creek CoI

More hearsay evidence presented …as victim’s daughter collapses during hearing, forcing adjournment

Courtney Wong during his testimony.

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n Thursday, Courtney Wong, brother of Lindo Creek Massacre victim Clifton Wong, took to the stand and told the Commission of Inquiry it was related to him by Leonard Arokium, owner of the mining camp at which the massacre had occurred, that then Police Commissioner Henry Greene, accompanied by a former Prime Minister and the then Home Affairs Minister, had visited the Arokium home and attempted to convince its occupants that the eight employees were murdered by Rondell “Fine Man” Rawlins and his gang, who subsequently burnt their remains.

Wong added that Arokium said he told them he “doesn’t believe in that”, and had rejected the suggestion.

Sometime between June 12, 2008 and June 24, 2008, miners Cecil Arokium, Dax Arokium, Compton Speirs, Horace Drakes, Clifton Wong, Lancelot Lee, Bonny Harry and Nigel Torres were shot and killed, and their

bodies burnt at the Upper Berbice River mining camp which was being operated by Leonard Arokium.

Courtney Wong alleges that he was the mechanic responsible for maintaining all the Arokium mining equipment, and that he was supposed to be at Lindo Creek, but because of his workload, his younger brother was sent.

He explained that he would have been to Lindo Creek approximately 5 times prior to the incident, and on the last occasion there, he had helped to move the Arokium mining camp from the bottom of a hill to a place further up.

The CoI also heard that Courtney Wong was contacted in June 21, informed of his brother’s death, and immediately called his brothers and sisters overseas and informed them of Clifton’s death.

“Mr. Arokium called me and tell me that something serious happened. That they shoot, kill and bun up all the bodies. I know how he does speak fast, and I asked what

he said, and he say, ‘Man, them kill all them bai, man; them kill all them bai!’

“I left and went to his son’s residence, where I get more knowledge of what transpired, and he said, ‘Yes, all them guys dead,” Courtney Wong related.

Courtney Wong said he was subsequently asked to lead a team of investigators to the Lindo Creek Mining Camp the following day.

He recounted that the team comprised senior Police officers, Guyana Defence Force ranks, and Government Pathologist Dr. Nehaul Singh with his team. He added that the left Georgetown at around 06:00hrs, and arrived at Lindo Creek sometime in the late afternoon hours.

Courtney Wong said he thought it strange that soldiers’ presence had dominated the area leading to the Lindo Creek Trail area.

He further explained that that trail was physically challenging, and had resulted in him suggesting to Dr. Singh that he rest at the abandoned camp while the others take the 45-minute trek to the camp.

He said all of the senior officers also remained at the abandoned camp, and the junior members of the teams went up to the camp.

Wong said that when they arrived on scene, they first entered through the kitchen, which was in disarray.

He added that they observed no hammocks, tarpaulin or clothes in the sleeping area, giving the impression that the camp was deserted.

Lindo Creek victims

“We walked one side of the camp, that is where we discovered a heap with some bones… It (the heap of bones) was at the tail, the outside of the sleeping area…from observation they were packed (one on the other). When we discovered the remains, from some section of the Police, (we were) asked us to form a line, and that was the purpose -- to comb the area,” he said.

The man explained that following their discovery, they combed the area for spent shells and initially found none, but as they were bagging the remains, a particular Police officer found two spent shells in separate locations. Additionally, Wong said they also found pieces of passports, ID cards and birth certificates.

“In sorting out the remains, we realised that we had to take them, they (law

enforcement officials) had to remove them from there; so we went to the kitchen and we took off the tarpaulin from the kitchen and fold the tarpaulin in half, and we placed it next to the heap and we started to take out all the big bones that the fire could not have burned to ash,” Courtney recalled.

“There were skulls that was totally burnt to the extent where a next few minutes they would start crumbing, that’s where we found a skull with a hole. Not too far from the scene, we found two hammers, the first hammer we found could not have fit (in the hole) but the other hammer fit right inside. We come to the point that we say this person was kill by the hammer,” the man added.

The man explained that because of the time, they had to wrap up as fast as possible. Additionally, he said

that they did not find any precious metal among the remains. It was during his testimony that Alicia Wong, eldest daughter of victim Clifton, lost consciousness and had to immediately be rushed to the hospital. Based on that Commissioner, Donald Trotman adjourned Wong’s testimony until next Thursday. This publication would also like to issue an apology for an article published in the Wednesday edition under the headline “Top Cop denies Police involvement in killings…maintains men were executed by ‘Fine Man’ gang.” The article stated that Commissioner Seelall Persaud had explicitly placed blame on the Fine Man gang; rather, the Top Cop testified that he was satisfied with the findings of the investigations, and subsequent recommendation by the DPP to close the file.

Opposition wants reintroduction of Amaila Falls project

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pposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira has proposed the reintroduction of the Amaila Falls project as a means of combating climate change.

Speaking at a Commonwealth Day event hosted by the Parliament office, Teixeira made the proposition, noting that the project was still a viable one and was relevant to the Sustainable Development Goals.

In her address, Teixeira noted, “One issue that all of us, every single human being can stand together with is the survival of Planet Earth, our home.”

She used this statement to allude to the need for less fossil fuels and cutting-back on the use of detrimental gases. As such, the Chief Whip posited that there needed to be alternative ways to get the work done.

She noted that while oil and gas were lucrative finds and profitable economic opportunities, Guyanese must keep in mind that it was undeniably a finite resource.

“We must understand that

PPP’s point of view, the viability of the Amaila Falls Hydro Power project remains incontrovertible,” she posited.

Additionally, Teixeira also called for measures to be implemented so that the ordinary man can actively be a part of the battle against climate change. One such suggestion was the need for easy accessibility to solar powered equipment; the Chief Whip noted that it not only needed to be accessible but also affordable. “I’d like to ask that we restore the VAT exempt

Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira delivering her address at the Commonwealth celebration

gas as an interim fuel is a finite and will run out whether in 20 years or 30 years or 40 years.”

“So we need to always keep our sights on harnessing renewable energy,” she added.

The Chief Whip then went on to propose that Guyana looked for the solution in the form of hydropower. Hydropower is an alterna-

tive that has been sought by numerous countries over the years.

“In Guyana in particular, with its land of many waters, hydropower is the only one with the potential to be transformational,” she stated.

Teixeira backed up her statements by highlighting that the members of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) are of the same belief. “In the

status on individual household solar systems so we don’t use up so much fossil fuel,” she stated.

Speaking a few minutes later at the same event, State Minister Joseph Harmon assured Teixeira and her political counterparts that the necessary measures would be taken to deal with climate change.

“Let me assure Madam Teixeira and as well as the PPP and all members of society that the vision and political will to deal with issues of

climate change resides in us all,” Harmon stated.

The Amaila Falls project was first revealed in 2012 by the PPP/Civic Government.

The governing party had noted that it would receive part of the funding from the Government of Norway under the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund (GRIF) as part of the Low Carbon Development Strategy plan. However, the proposal was shot down by the then Opposition, who are currently in the governing seat.

Teenage conductor granted bail for stealing cellphone

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Route 42 minibus conductor was on Thursday released on bail after he appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer to a simple larceny charge.

Amid Atkinson, 18, of Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara (EBD) is accused

of stealing a cellular phone on January 23, 2018 valued $15,000, property of Abiola Kindle. Atkinson pleaded not guilty to the charge and was released on $30,000 bail. On the day in question, the Virtual Complainant (VC) was a passenger in a minibus in which Atkinson was the conductor and she allegedly left her cellphone

in the said minibus. The VC after realising that her phone was left in the minibus later contacted the teenager, who denied having knowledge of the cellphone’s whereabouts. Kindle later found the cellphone in his possession. The matter was then reported and investigated. The case was adjourned to March 26, 2018.

NEWS

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friDAY, march 16, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

"AFC no longer has a voice at City Hall" – Jaikaran ...says the party was kicked to the curb

…as Chase Green re-elected Mayor and Akeem Peter Deputy

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eorgetown's outgoing Deputy Mayor and Alliance For Change (AFC) Councillor, Lionel Jaikaran says that his party has now been kicked to the curb at City Hall following the re-election of Mayor Patricia Chase Green and subsequent election of Councillor Akeem Peter as Deputy Mayor.

The Deputy Mayor made the comment after his AFC colleague, Councillor Sherod Duncan, was denied the opportunity to nominate him for the position of Deputy Mayor.

Following the Mayoral Election, Chase Green took her place at the head of the horseshoe table and opened the floor for nominations for the position of Deputy Mayor and both Duncan and Chase Green’s People’s National Congress (PNC) colleague, Councillor Oscar Clarke, rose to nominate their candidates.

However, Clarke was allowed to nominate his choice, which was Councillor Akeem Peter, and Duncan had to take his seat. Immediately after, Councillor Ivelaw Henry rose to second the nomination after which both Duncan and

motion calling for Duncan to be disciplined after he accused him of unethical behaviour.

The motion had to be amended to strike out Duncan’s name and substitute it with all Councillors.

When asked about what he thought of the Mayor’s refusal to acknowledge him, Duncan said Chase Green’s decision was final and she made one she saw fit.

The election

Mayor Patricia Chase Green with newly-elected Deputy Mayor Akeem Peter Councillor Tricia Richards both stood up resulting in the Mayor asking one of them to be seated.

When they both remained standing, she was asked to recognise one Councillor and she chose to listen to her other PNC colleague, Richards, who then successfully moved a motion for nominations to be closed resulting in Duncan being denied the opportunity to speak.

It was that scenario that prompted Jaikaran’s com-

ment, signalling some amount of bad blood between the coalition partners.

“In the process, Local Government democracy at City Hall represents that the AFC was kicked to the curb.

In other words, the AFC no longer has a voice at City Hall. I think Sherod [Duncan] would concur with me. Strong words for a strong afternoon,” Jaikaran told reporters immediately after the elections.

On Monday, Councillor Heston Bostwick brought a

Govt distances self from pulling of Hinds, Lewis columns from State paper

Dr David Hinds

Trade unionist Lincoln Lewis

n the face of widespread criticism of the stateowned Guyana National Newspapers Limited’s (GNNL’s) decision to discontinue publication of articles from columnists Dr. David Hinds and Trade Unionist Lincoln Lewis, Government Spokesperson, State Minister Joseph Harmon, on Thursday denied that any directive had been issued from the Executive level of Government to discontinue the columns of the two commentators, who have been outspokenly critical of the Coalition Administration.

He has directed questions regarding the source of the decision to the Board of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited (GNNL).

That board held a meeting on Saturday, and in a statement issued thereafter, said a decision was taken to refer the issue to a fully constituted board, which was scheduled to meet last Tuesday, during which a policy decision on the general di-

rection of the content of the paper would be determined.

However, asked whether there was, in regard to these columnists’ writings, any political discomfort on part of Government or sections of the administration, Minister Harmon said, “I won’t be able to say. You know we’ve always encouraged freedom of the press, free expressions and so on. So, certainly, from my part, I‘ve never had a discomfort. In fact, I welcome those types of criticisms, because (they make) you better and stronger; and I’ve, on so many occasions, responded to them.”

Further probed as to whether there was any discomfort from his colleagues in the Executive, the State Minister added, “I can’t say about that, because it was never a matter of policy discussed. There may have been some persons who might have been uncomfortable, but I cannot say specifically whether there’re persons who were actually at discomfort about it.”

I

Questioned as to whether the Executive would, without interfering with the autonomy of the newspaper, suggest that the publication of articles from the columnists be restored, the Government’s spokesman outlined that that decision is a matter for the Board and Management of the Chronicle newspapers.

The Guyana Press Association (GPA) had, last week, also expressed concerns over the Chronicle’s decision to end its relationship with the two columnists.

“The GPA finds it puzzling that after two and a half years of featuring columns and editorials by the two experts in their own right…, the newspaper decided to discontinue publishing their columns,” a statement from the body said.

That statement went on to outline that the right to freedom of expression is enshrined in the Constitution of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, Article 146:1, which states: “Except with his own consent, no person shall be hindered in the enjoyment of his freedom of expression; that is to say, freedom to hold opinions without interference, freedom to receive ideas and information without interference, and freedom from interference with his correspondence.”

The GPA has accordingly called on the Chronicle’s Editor-in-Chief, the Board of Directors, and by extension the Government, to revisit the decision with the aim of reinstating the views of these columnists, in keeping with the Guyana Chronicle’s motto “the Nation’s Newspaper”.

Additionally, the Georgetown municipality held its election for the post of Mayor and Deputy Mayor resulting in Chase Green being re-elected and young Councillor Akeem Peter elected as her Deputy.

The duo, both from the PNC, received an overwhelming amount of support from their fellow Councillors.

As opposed to secret ballot, the majority of the Councillors decided on a show of hands as the voting process.

Following the election, Chase Green stressed that the Councillors must work together to further develop the city of Georgetown.

“I know that the road going into the Local Government Elections will be especially

Outgoing Deputy Mayor Lionel Jaikaran

hard. Councillor Akeem Peter and others would have asked that we work together and we all would sit here and shake our heads, but when we get out there we all know the negativity that comes from all of us if we don’t have our way,” she said.

“Councillors again, in my speech, I will ask all of you, it’s not about your ego, it’s not about you, it is about your service that you give to the people that elected you and if you could only think about them then this Council and this city of Georgetown would move to better development,” the newly re-elected Mayor added.

Additionally, Peter said

he intended to work alongside Chase Green and be her eyes and ears over the next year.

He said he would be there to support her, as he believed that was his function, while bringing a fresh outlook because of his youth.

He told the media that the new position would be a challenge, but it was one he was ready to accept.

“It’s a good feeling but a feeling that comes with a lot of controversy, a feeling that comes with a lot of work that has to be done. City Hall has caught itself in a place where it’s not favourable and it’s not a favourable entity to even work at. That’s one of the things for the first half of the year for my tenure that we will have to work on assiduously to correct the image of the organisation,” he noted.

The duo will officially take up their posts on April 1 when the tenure of the current Deputy ends.

A number of the other Councillors expressed best wishes to the duo, urging them to work cohesively to better the outlook of the capital city. Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson was in the public gallery to observe the election process.

Embattled Region 5 REO attempts to muzzle Guyana Times Journalist

…official complaints filed with GPA

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uyana Times Berbice Correspondent Andrew Carmichael has said he is being targeted for harassment by the Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region 5 (Mahaica-Berbice), Ovid Morrison, over his reportage of issues emanating within that Region.

Carmichael has said the latest attack came on Thursday, as he was in the Boardroom of the Regional Democratic Council Building at Fort Wellington to cover the RDC’s statutory meeting. He explained that as the meeting commenced, Morrison requested that Regional Chairman Vickchand Ramphal have him (Carmichael) removed.

Morrison’s request was denied, and he was told that he is not allowed to address any issue prior to the examination and adoption of the minutes from the previous meeting.

This was not well received by the REO, who then proceeded to use his cell phone to call one “Inspector Kelly” to come and remove Carmichael.

The female Police Sergeant arrived, but was promptly informed by Region 5 Chairman Vickchand Ramphal that the REO is not allowed to give any instructions at the RDC meeting; thus the Officer departed the premises.

Morrison then left the Boardroom, resulting in the premature adjournment of the RDC Meeting. Guyana Times reporter Andrew Carmichael

Guyana Times Berbice Correspondent Andrew Carmichael

Regional Executive Officer of Region Five (MahaicaBerbice), Ovid Morrison

has noted that this is not the first time the Region 5 REO has attempted to harass and intimidate him. “Several months prior, while I was at the said boardroom covering an RDC meeting, the REO walked over to me just before the meeting was called to order and told me that I would have to leave, and could not stay in the meeting. I then told him that he was making an illegal request, since if the RDC did not want to have me there, someone would first have to table a duly constituted motion to the house, and it would have to be voted on before any decision can be taken.

“I further told him that since his request was unconstitutional, I was not going to support that illegal request in any way. He then asked the Regional Chairman

to ask me to leave the room.

However, the Chairman told the REO that he could not do that, and that he should only act on the orders of the RDC,” Carmichael explained. “I feel that my rights as a journalist to be free to inform the public of issues and events as they unfold and occur are being violated. I am also of the opinion that the REO is trampling on press freedom. My concern in this regard is even more pronounced because I seem to be his target,” Carmichael explained.

Management of the Guyana Times has since written the Guyana Press Association to lodge an official complaint detailing Carmichael’s experiences, and has called on the GPA to condemn the behaviour of Region 5 REO Ovid Morrison.

18

friDAY, march 16, 2018

guyanatimesgy.com

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Some of the participants already enlisted for Drum Fest 2018

rganisers of the much anticipated “Drum Fest 2018” have now opened their doors to drummers of every ethnic division as they gear for the massive June 23 event.

This event is slated for the National Park, Thomas Lands, Georgetown.

Public Relations Officer Alex Williams explained that the first

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initiative was more focused on African drumming but recently, the organisers decided to make it a fusion of the different ethnicities and are therefore encouraging drummers in the tassa, masquerade, Chinese and even to Portuguese drummers if they are so desirous.

With a whopping $1.5 million

up for grabs in cash and prizes, the event has already attracted drummers from Victoria and Buxton, East Coast Demerara; Stewartville and Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara; Belladrum, West Coast Berbice; and from the Mining Town of Linden, Region 10.

Starting in the new week, Drum

Treasurer of the MMP Foundation, David Brigbhukan handing over the electronic tablets to a teacher of New Amsterdam Special Needs School

he MMP Foundation for Excellence continues to make tangible donations to organisation as part of its social mandate.

The Foundation through its founder, Mohabir M Persaud, has donated two electronic tables to the New Amsterdam Special Needs School as prizes for the institution’s pageant.

The pageant is slated for Wednesday, March 21 at the school’s auditorium located at Vrymens Erven, New Amsterdam.

The pageant will see six boys and six girls competing for the title of Mr and Miss New Amsterdam Special Needs. Presently, the contestants are being trained by beauties out of the “I’m a big Deal Pageant” and the children are all excited.

The children participating in the pageant will be introducing themselves by way of sign language. They will also be competing in evening wear among other

segments. The pageant is set for 16:00h on Wednesday and the public is encouraged to support.

The MMP Foundation for Excellence is a non-profit organisation that was officially launched at the JC Chandisingh Secondary School located in Rose Hall, Corentyne, Berbice where its first scholarship was presented and 10 students were given a certificate of commitment to receive financial assistance for their Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations.

Now the Foundation has extended its assistance to students of Corentyne Comprehensive High, Lower Corentyne Secondary and Port Mourant Secondary.

The Foundation is in the process of planning its first major fund-raising activity in the form of a T-20 cricket competition on April 28 at the Albion Community Centre Ground.

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Fest committee members will be visiting these locations to stage auditions with drummers from which the final contenders in the Individual and Group Categories will be selected and shortlisted.

Come June 3, this phenomenal event will also see spectacular dance presentations from some of most

n the heels of a successful inaugural Kidsfest 592, local event planning and decoration company, AOne Events will host its second annual Kidsfest 592 fair and fun day on Sunday April 1, at the Promenade Gardens, in Georgetown.

The venue is expected to be transformed into a wonderland of fun and excitement.

The Alice in Wonderland themed event will feature attractions such as candyland, bouncy castles, magic shows, Disney characters, clowns and the signature activity – the Miss Kidsfest Pageant and Talent Show – which aims to nurture character and build confidence in children. Winners of the various pageant catego-

popular ethnic dance groups in Guyana, as the stage is set for this festive event which will be made an annual initiative.

While the door is still open for a few more competitors, interested persons are asked to call Public Relations Officer, Alex Williams on telephone numbers 647-4086 or 691-0963 for registration and/or more information.

ries will receive attractive prizes.

The organizer, Natalya Thomas, emphasised that Kidsfest 592 appeals to the entire family and she encouraged parents to bring out their children to enjoy the magical experience of wonderland.

Gates to the venue open at 11:00h and patrons are encouraged to use the Middle Street entrance.

Tickets cost $600 and are available at Party Castle, Candy Express, Giftland Mall and Gizmos and Gadgets.

AOne Events is an event planning company that caters to all events, including weddings, anniversaries, corporate events, private parties, etc. Their services include sales, marketing and decor.

guyanatimesgy.com

friDAY, march 16, 2018

19

Miss World Guyana auditions kick-off in Berbice, Linden

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s the Miss World Guyana (MWG) organisation commences its auditions to select the best candidate to compete in the pageant, this year, the organisation is changing the standards to ensure that every eligible young woman, with the requisite talent and skill has a chance to represent Guyana.

Major changes are underway at Miss World Guyana as it intends to increase the pool of participants, making it easier for potential candidates to audition for their spot, lowering the fees to make it affordable for anyone to enter, and the MWG organisation will seek corporate sponsorship so that the young women are not burdened

by this task and can fully focus on their dream!

For the first time open auditions will be held in Rose Hall, Berbice on Saturday, March 17 at 13:00h, at the Alex Foster Hall. Then on Sunday, March 18 at 13:00h, the auditions will be taken to Linden at Watooka House. The final auditions will take place on March 24 at 13:00h at the Pegasus Hotel.

Judging will be done by internationally recognised standards and Tally Genie which allows for full transparency and quality.

Family members are urged to come out and learn about this unique opportunity

that does not only promote beauty but focuses on talent, growth and purpose.

A major part of the over $5 million prize package is made up of university scholarships, travel, an annual stipend and much more.

If for some reason you cannot attend the open auditions, those interested are asked to visit the Miss World Guyana website or the Miss World Guyana Facebook page and register online before March 28.

Eligible contestants must pre-register for the auditions by sending contact information and a photo to Nadia on telephone number 648-8806 or by email to marketing@missworldguyana.gy.

Guyanese songbird "Shelly G" switches to unique art and craft – now co-owner of Divas Art and Craft Store

Star studded line-up for

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ot, tantalising, s e x y , electrifying, dynamic, explosive, and numerous other words can be used to describe the stage performance of this young and oh-so-talented Guyanese-born-and-bred singer, songwriter Shelon “Shelly G” Garraway.

Guyanese are accustomed to her customarily saucy and outright provocative and raunchy performances and that would have been the main contributor to her remarkably large fan base.

However just recently, fans have been clambering with even more excitement, now that the talented song bird has opened the Divas Art and Craft Store at Avinash Complex, Water Street, Georgetown.

Garraway co-owns this business with her life partner, Corwyn Williams of CFW Family Entertainment Inc. While she is not giving up on her music by any chance, the songstress wanted to do something different, and as such, ventured out to make a fashion statement and do something classy that stands out on in the fashion arena.

She is of the belief that for ages women have battled with the unpleasant experience of having to deal with fading jewellery and accessories and it is with this in mind, she opened the Divas Art and Craft Store.

“Using authentic stones and beads, we are continuing to wow our customers with our clean finish, and intricate styles we add to their pieces. To guarantee ultimate customer satisfaction, we inculcate the use of ‘nonfade’ materials to ensure jewellery does not fade or change colour,” she told Guyana Times Entertainment.

U p o n entering the store, one’s mind is transformed into a colourful world of clashing colours and brilliant hues and shades, as the very attractive pieces are displayed at strategic points in the store.

There are pieces there to suit any aspect of society, and practically persons of any descent can be assured they will find something there to meet

their needs.

The pieces assure sophisticated evening allure, bubbly fashion statements, outdoor free-spiritedness, sensual captivations and so much more. In addition, cultivated beads and precious stones are transformed into breathtaking jewellery in shades of jade, turquoise, topaz, hazel, and hues associated with different moods.

The sea shell necklaces and bracelets are astounding, and the earrings are certainly items to die for.

Management is offering to have interested persons trained in the art of making jewellery.

They can be contacted on telephone number 698-6530, and can be followed on their Facebook page – Divas Art and Craft.

Garraway has been singing since the age of six, starting in the church and continuing in her school dorms. She eventually auditioned on a talent exclusive show, and earned herself a lead recording roll at Dynamix Recording Studios.

She does it all, being versatile in everything, including soca, dancehall, reggae, chutney, R&B and soul. To get a taste of her ‘intoxicating flava’, just check the music on her albums, available at http://www.shellygonline.com.

Woman-in-Law Part 2

@ NCC on March 23-25

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h e National Cultural Centre (NCC) is the place to be next weekend for the most anticipated comedy, Woman-in-Law Part 2.

The explosive comedy runs from March 2325 and patrons are guaranteed to witness all their favourite actors and comedians in action like never before.

Sonia Yarde, Clemencio Goddette, Odessa Primus, Kirwyn Mars, Michael Ignatius, Nathaya Whaul and Abigail Brower are the featured names that will provide three nights of bellyful, feet-stomping laughter at the NCC. Woman-in-Law Part 2 continues the story of the highly raved about production from last year where two women are pitted against each other in eager pursuit of one man’s heart and money while living under the same roof.

The storyline is one that keeps on giving; with lots of plot twists and jaw-dropping elements as the lead performer keeps stirring the pot to bring the play to its climax, and a resolution that will leave the audience in a temporary state shock.

The buzz surrounding Darren Mc

Almont’s “Woman-In-Law Part 2” has been great as the brand new show is set to open at Guyana’s premier performance venue, the National Cultural Centre.

Woman-In-Law Part 2 is poised to raise the roof with laughter next weekend, giving the audience complete satisfaction. The production is directed by veteran thespian, Jennifer Thomas who has been working hard to pull the best possible out of the cast.

The production team of this show is imploring the general public to secure their tickets early since Woman-in-Law 2 is definitely not the show to be missed.

Tickets cost $2000, $1500 and $1000 and are available at the National Cultural Centre, Giftland Mall, Gizmos and Gadgets, Nigel’s Supermarket, Andrews’ Supermarket and Kirwyn Mars (Sir Mars). This explosive comedy comes with the kind compliments of Giftland Mall.

20 news

friDAY, march 16, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Appointments for AML/CFT Toddlers' reading programme Authority further delayed launched in Linden

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motion tabled in the National Assembly on Thursday, which was centred on the adoption of the sixth report of the Standing Committee on Appointments to address the appointment of members to the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Authority, was shut down by the Government in a vote that saw it being deferred to another sitting.

The motion was moved by Chairman of the Appointments Committee of the National Assembly, Social Cohesion Minister, Dr George Norton, who asked for it to be deferred to another date. Dr Norton did not provide any explanation or give any reasons for the said deferral. But this did not go down too well with the Opposition, who argued that the continuous deferral does not bode well for Government.

Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira was the first to bring this issue to the attention of Speaker Dr Barton Scotland. Teixeira described the request as highly irregular and demanded that Dr Norton provide an explanation for the request to members of the House, especially since this matter has been repeatedly put off by the Government nearing 10 months now.

“I have to be suspicious, Sir, as to why this is being deferred at this time. Is it that the 10 names of the Committee with civil society to bring to this House, are they no longer considered fit and proper?

Because the Minister of Legal Affairs (Basil Williams) stated in his latter that CFATF (Caribbean Financial Action Task Force recommended that the Act need to be amended,” she added.

The Committee had recommended: Captain Gerald Gouveia and Nicholas Deygoo for the Private Sector Commission; Wayne Fordyce of the Guyana Association of Bankers; Thomas Bissessar Singh and Frederick Collins for Transparency Institute of Guyana Inc; Mohamed Alli and Christopher Ram of Bar Association of Guyana; and

Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira Melissa Jessica DeSantos for Insurance Institute of Guyana.

The Member of Parliament (MP) also pointed out that there was no reference in 100 pages in four reports that CFATF was recommending that the Authority did not comply with the AML/ CFT. She said this pointed to the fact that the Authority to which the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) was made responsible would undermine the independence of the FIU and this would render Guyana’s AML/CFT structure defective.

Like her colleague Anil Nandlall had stated before, Teixeira told the National Assembly that the Government must state exactly what it intended to do. She said if the Government have to repeal the Section of the Act which creates the Authority, then they must come out straight and say that.

She reminded that the creation of this Authority was part of the amendments which the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) used their majority to impose upon the AML/CFT (Amendment) Bill 2014, which the previous Government had tabled in the 10th Parliament. The Opposition has maintained that it was unnecessary and not part of the recommendations of CFATF. The Authority’s specific responsibilities according to the Act are to ensure that the work of the FIU is conducted in an efficient, fair and cost-ef-

fective manner, in accordance with policy guidelines determined by the Assembly and the Finance Minister, ensuring, in the national interest, the performance of the FIU accords with international obligations and commitments, among others.

During Teixeira’s contribution, Attorney General Basil Williams rose on a point of order and sought a clarification on the MP’s statement.

Williams defended the reason for the deferral stating that the matter regarding the AML/CFT was one that was self-explanatory and could not be further debated. The Speaker then intervened and asked the AG to stay focused after he began to stray away from the argument at hand.

This was met with Opposition by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) MPs, who prompted the Speaker of the House to take the matter to a vote.

Twenty-nine MPs voted in favour of the deferral and 28 MPs against. The motion for deferral was then carried.

Despite this, the Opposition has indicated that the process by which members of this Authority were to be appointed was also deeply flawed, since the members of this Authority were to be appointed by MPs, who are “politically exposed persons” and are liable to be investigated by the persons whom they are to appoint. This argument, the Opposition said, also applies to the FIU Director, Deputy Director and other senior functionaries of the FIU who are appointed by the National Assembly.

The establishment of this Authority is in keeping with the AML/CFT (Amendment) Act No 1 of 2015, Section 7A (1), which states that, “the National Assembly shall by a simple majority and on the recommendation of the Parliamentary Committee on Appointments, after the Committee may deem necessary to consult, appoint a body comprising 10 members to be known as the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering of Financing of Terrorism Authority.”

Further investigation delaying “Otisha’s” arraignment

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he much anticipated court appearance of Otis “Otisha” Pearson is said to have been delayed due to the need for further investigations.

This statement has come from Guyana Police Force (GPF) Public Relations Officer Jairam Ramlakhan.

In a brief telephone interview, Ramlakhan explained, “The Police were supposed to carry out further investigations and then return the file.”

Pearson was expected to make a court appearance on Monday, March 12, but that appearance was delayed. However, it is rumoured that the wait may be over, as Police ranks have disclosed that Pearson will appear at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts today. He is likely to be charged for sexual acts committed against a child.

The issue unravelled when Pearson attempted to publically clear his name of murder allegations. The popular

Otis “Otisha” Pearson

cross-dresser was implicated in the murder of Hemchand Dalchand, also called “Rakesh”, of Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara (ECD) whose body was discovered in the vicinity of Oleander Gardens, ECD. In the redemption interview, Pearson stated that he has “a little boy for everyday of the week”. The statement received high amounts of criticism from citizens.

Subsequently, Pearson took

to another interview to clear his name. The embattled sex worker stated that “little boys” was a term he frequently uses to address his colleagues in the LGBTcommunity. The following week, photos of Pearson and a young man who appeared to be under aged surfaced on social media site Facebook.

Reports were that the young man is 15 years old; the age of consent in Guyana being 16.

Following public outcry, Guyana Times had reached out to the Childcare and Protection Agency (CC&PA) Director Ann Greene who divulged that the Agency was carrying out an investigation into the allegations against Pearson. The CC&PA is said to have spoken with the young man in question and his family, which lead to the suggestion for arrests to be made. Pearson was arrested on Monday of last week and has since been in lock-ups undergoing questioning.

Parents and toddlers at the launch of the toddlers’ reading programme

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he Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA) of the Ministry of Social Protection has launched a ‘Back to Basics’ early childhood development toddlers’ reading programme; and at the One Mile Health Centre in Wismar, Linden on Tuesday, parents of toddlers were reminded that reading forms a fundamental part of a child’s learning process.

Launch of the initiative is the product of close collaboration between the Ministry of Public Health’s Maternal and

Child Health Unit and the National Library.

In attendance at the launch were officials of both entities responsible for the programme’s genesis, Registration and Licence Officer Duanne McFarane, outgoing Linden Mayor Carwyn Holland, and Regional Chairman Renis Morian. Children and parents were well represented.

An attractive toddlers’ bookshelf was unveiled. It is to be utilized when parents and children attend postnatal

clinic.

Director of Child Services, Ann Greene, delivering remarks at the occasion, encouraged mothers to support the initiative, and noted that reading plays an important role in a child’s development.

She also urged fathers to get involved in the initiative, and challenged the clinic to establish a “Baby Father’s Day”, when fathers can teach their children to read.

Greene further called on parents to go “back to basics” by teaching children to read on their laps.

The Region 10 Chairman, as well as the outgoing Mayor and the Registration and Licence Officer also delivered remarks at the launch.

The One Mile Health Centre was chosen as the pilot for the programme, but the programme is expected to be established at 361 health centres across the country. Book donations are also encouraged.

Govt takes issue with ad on new GuySuCo Board – Harmon

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon

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here seems to be an upset at the executive level of Government over the publication of the new Board of the Directors of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo).

Government holding company, the National Industrial and Commercial Investment Limited (NICIL) on Wednesday published in the local newspapers, the members of the new GuySuCo Board of Directors.

However this move seemed to have not gone down well with members of Cabinet, with Minister of State Joseph Harmon telling reporters on Thursday that, “There is some issue with respect to the timings of certain publications in the newspapers but I think that is all that there is, a matter of timing of the publication.”

According to the ad which was also placed in Guyana Times on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, the new Board was approved by Cabinet on February 26, 2018 and the appointments took effect on March 1.

However, this revelation comes on the heels of the State Minister telling reporters at the post Cabinet press briefing last Friday that Cabinet was still deliberating on the new GuySuCo Board members.

In fact, the Government’s spokesman reiterated on Thursday that the matter

is still being considered by Cabinet.

“As I said the last time I spoke to the media, this is a matter that was engaging the Cabinet and it still is,” he said.

Further probed on whether there will be any chances to the names published in the ad, Minister Harmon said, “I’m not saying that, it is being dealt with at Cabinet.”

According to the published ad, Head of the Special Purpose Unit Colvin Heath-London was named Chairman of the new Board while the other members include Fritz McLean, Komal Singh, Verna Adrian, Vishnu Panday, Annette ArjoonMartins, Arianne McLean, Roshan Khan (Jr) and George Jervis.

The other two names to be added to the list of the 11-member Board will be GuySuCo executives. Their names will be announced when the appointments are confirmed.

The revelation of the new Board comes over two weeks since Guyana Times reported that former Chairman, Dr Clive Thomas, was “booted” from the post in favour of Heath-London. The SPU falls under NICIL, which in itself falls under the Finance Ministry.

A leaked supposedly secret Cabinet document, seen by this newspaper, had contained the nine named nominees and two unnamed GuySuCo executives, while reports surfaced that some members of the Alliance For Change (AFC) arm of the coalition Government were not in favour of removing the last Chairman.

Nevertheless, one of the main stakeholders had called for more industry insiders to sit on the decision-making body. A senior Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) official related that the Board should have included multiple persons with actual firsthand knowledge in the sugar

SPU Head and proposed GuySuCo Board Chairman, Colvin Heath-London industry.

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

Meanwhile, following the publication of the new Board members on Wednesday, Junior Finance Minister Jaipaul Sharman brushed aside criticisms that the new members lack the skills to manage the sugar industry efficiently, given the crisis facing the heavily indebted and cash-strapped Corporation.

Sharma went on to defended the competence of the individuals who have been handpicked by the Government as he believes they bring a wide cross-section of skills and new ideas.

“Once you have the skillset to manage, I don’t see any problem with that… If you told me that the management doesn’t have experience in sugar then that would have been a different story but a Board is a set people with different skills set that could add to and contribute to the industry and the company’s improved performance,” Sharma contended.

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Afghanistan stay alive after spinners' brilliance sets up narrow win A

fghanistan nearly bottled what should have been a straightforward chase of 198, but the insurance provided by the brilliance of their spinners just about bailed them out in their SuperSixes clash against West Indies. Throughout the 47.4 overs that the chase lasted, it always seemed like Afghanistan would pull this off one way or the other.

And yet, they never managed to eliminate the apprehension that accompanied as one batsman after the other perished in their dash towards an early finish.

Where a cool head and common sense were the demand of the hour – the asking rate was always in control – rash judgement and impulsive strokeplay took over. In the end, they managed to hang in there, scraping through by three wickets, to hand West Indies their first defeat of the tournament, and keep their own campaign alive.

The second-innings indiscretions were a far cry from the top-class performance that their spinners put in. Facing a must-win situation in every remaining match, Afghanistan presented their best selves yet in the tournament to rein in a powerful West Indies lineup.

The circumstances couldn't be seemingly any more averse to bowling.

These were pristine batting conditions, with the sun beating down on the Harare Sports Club, and a surface that came with a thin lay-

er of sheen. To add to that, West Indies were coming into the game with an average first-innings score of 307 in the tournament. But Afghanistan's opening pair of pacer Dawlat Zadran and offspinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman demonstrated the old adage: well-begun is half-done.

Having seized the early advantage with the wicket of Chris Gayle, Afghanistan were relentless. Mujeeb's 3 for 33 underpinned what ended up being a spin-dominated innings, with as many as 39 overs coming from the slow bowlers.

Mohammad Nabi became the first Afghanistan bowler to 100 ODI wickets, as West Indies limped to an underwhelming 197 for 8.

Mujeeb and Dawlat complemented each other perfectly. While Dawlat had the West Indies batsmen on a leash by continually probing away in the channel outside off, Mujeeb flummoxed them with a whole array of variants. Inside his first two overs, West Indies had been subjected to conventional offbreaks, carrom balls, topspinners, and a googly that smashed the top of an unsuspecting Gayle's off stump.

It wasn't until the eighth over, when Evin Lewis swept Mujeeb hard through fine leg for the first of four fours in nine balls, that West Indies began to find momentum.

That was, however, immediately snuffed out

by Nabi, who struck with

his first ball. Nabi's delivery came on with the arm and hit Shimron Hetmyer's pad, but not before it had brushed the inside edge that the umpire had failed to spot.

Lewis' misjudgment in calling for a suicidal single in the next over had him run out to a direct throw from Najibullah Zadran as

Afghanistan survived a shaky finish to successfully chase 198 and beat West Indies

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leg before shout against Rashid on 18, barely made Afghanistan feel the pinch.

He alone ate up 55 dots, and picked an inopportune moment to get out – in the 43rd over, with West Indies searching for acceleration, when he was the set batsman.

Like Afghanistan, West Indies' bowlers were sharp and accurate to begin with.

Keemo Paul, the debutant, struck with his first legal delivery, getting Javed Ahmadi to play all around a length ball that straightened, and trapped him leg before. But the rash strokes began costing them soon after, Mohammad Shahzad slashing a wide delivery to cover.

Rahmat Shah then played the most important knock of Afghanistan's innings. His trio of boundaries off Carlos Brathwaite in the 14th over signalled that Afghanistan were getting a move on. He found two able partners – first in Samiullah Shenwari, with whom he added 66 for the third wicket, and then in Mohammad Nabi, who helped him add 49 for the fourth wicket.

West Indies were culpable of their own share of lapses. They dropped catches of Rahmat, Shenwari, Nabi and Rashid. In all, the reprieves cost them 58 runs: damage that is irreversible when you're defending 197.

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Afghanistan further established their ascendancy – reinforced by the fact that Rashid Khan, the team's best bowler, made his first appearance as late as the 23rd over.

Marlon Samuels and Shai Hope arrested the slide with a 55-run fourth-wicket stand, but it was an association where a lack of strike-rotation was all too evident. With the duo progressing at three to the over, Rashid could afford to hold Mujeeb back for a third spell.

West Indies' o n l y bright p a s s a g e c a m e

during Jason Holder's burst of 28, but he fell to a sharp catch

by Najibullah at long-on off Mujeeb that sent them right back into their shell.

Hope, who survived an extremely close

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21

N

epal have claimed ODI status for the first time with their six-wicket win over Papua New Guinea. Dipendra Singh Airee was front and centre on this historic occasion, claiming 4 for 14 to knock the opposition over for 114 and then leading the chase with a 58-ball half-century. Paras Khadka's men had to thank Netherlands though, whose defeat of Hong Kong, meant that they will now be playing with the big boys.

There were several notable events that studded this triumph for Nepal, not least of which is the fact that their cricket board is currently suspended by the ICC. Their arrival to the World Cup qualifier was also a spectacular story, with the team claiming several nail-biting last-over finishes. A team that was in Division Five in 2008, alongside Afghanistan, have now risen to the top-tier

of international cricket.

Papua New Guinea, who lost all four of their group games in the tournament prior to the consolation bracket loss to Nepal, have lost their ODI status along with Hong Kong. Both teams have now been demoted to WCL Division Two, but they do have one final chance to play an ODI (at least until 2020) - the ninth-place play-off on Saturday.

There was very little that Nepal could do wrong in this match. They won the toss and put the opposition in. Their 17-year old legspinner Sandeep Lamichhane took 4 for 28 in eight overs to break the PNG middle order and Airee knocked over the tail. With only 115 need to win, all Nepal needed was one batsman to bat around and Airee took on that responsibility, coming in at No. 4 and sealing the game with a six with 27 overs to spare. (ESPNcricinfo)

West Indies Innings (50 overs maximum) CH Gayle b Mujeeb Ur Rahman 1 E Lewis run out (Najibullah Zadran) 27 SO Hetmyer lbw b Mohammad Nab i 15 MN Samuels c Gulbadin Naib b Mohammad Nabi 36 SD Hope † c Najibullah Zadran b Mujeeb Ur Rahman 43 JO Holder (c) c Najibullah Zadran b Mujeeb Ur Rahman 28 R Powell c Mujeeb Ur Rahman b Rashid Kha n 3 CR Brathwaite c Rahmat Shah b Sharafuddin Ashraf 4 AR Nurse not out 10 KMA Paul not out 16 Extras: (b 1, lb 3, nb 2, w 8) 14 TOTAL: (8 wickets, 50 Overs, RR: 3.94) 197 Did not bat: NO Miller Fall of wickets: 1-12 (CH Gayle, 3.2 ov), 2-46 (SO Hetmyer, 11.1 ov), 3-53 (E Lewis, 12.5 ov), 4-108 (MN Samuels, 30.5 ov), 5-158 (JO Holder, 40.3 ov), 6-161 (SD Hope, 42.3 ov), 7-166 (CR Brathwaite, 43.3 ov), 8-169 (R Powell, 44.5 ov) Bowling: Dawlat Zadran 8-144-0, Mujeeb Ur Rahman 10-133-3, Gulbadin Naib 3-0-11-0, Mohammad Nabi 10-1-43-2,

Sharafuddin Ashraf 9-1-311, Rashid Khan 10-1-31-1 Afghanistan Innings (target: 198 runs from 50 overs) Mohammad Shahzad † c Powell b Holder 8 Javed Ahmadi lbw b Paul 1 Rahmat Shah c Paul b Nurse 68 Samiullah Shenwari c Gayle b Miller 27 Mohammad Nabi c Hetmyer b Holder 31 Najibullah Zadran c Miller b Pau l 19 Gulbadin Naib c Powell b Holder 10 Rashid Khan (c) not out 13 Sharafuddin Ashraf not out 7 Extras: (b 4, lb 1, w 9) 14 TOTAL: (7 wickets, 47.4 Overs, RR: 4.15) 198 Did not bat: Dawlat Zadran, Mujeeb Ur Rahman Fall of wickets: 1-9 (Javed Ahmadi, 1.1 ov), 2-17 (Mohammad Shahzad, 4.1 ov), 3-83 (Samiullah Shenwari, 20.3 ov), 4-132 (Mohammad Nabi, 35.6 ov), 5-152 (Rahmat Shah, 40.3 ov), 6-168 (Najibullah Zadran, 43.2 ov), 7-190 (Gulbadin Naib, 46.3 ov) Bowling : JO Holder 10-039-3, KMA Paul 8.4-1-292, NO Miller 9-0-41-1, CR Brathwaite 9-0-39-0, AR Nurse 9-0-39-1, R Powell 2-0-6-0

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

friDAY, march 15, 2018

Roger Federer beats Jeremy Chardy to reach quarter-finals

Volleyballers commence trials for May’s Bolivia tourney B

erbice Volleyball Association (BVA) President Levi Nedd confirmed that his association as well as their counterparts; Demerara Volleyball Association (DVA) will be commencing trials for an upcoming senior event set to spike off in

Bolivia from May 26, 2018.

Nedd told Guyana Times Sport on Thursday that the trials, which get underway from Saturday, March 17th at the Guysuco Port Mourant hostel, will see the county’s top male and female players going up against the best from

Demerara.

The return event will then see the teams concluding trials on March 24 on Demerara’s turf;the National Gymnasium.

Following the trials, Nedd said that the next step was to select the senior teams who will then represent

Guyana during the MayJune competition.

Also, the BVA head indicated that the association is currently carrying out registration for a oneday tourney set for March 25. According to Nedd, the competition will be hosted at the Kendall Union Sports Club at #19 Berbice and is expected to be sponsored by Busta.

The BVA is also recruiting players for the U12 and boys/girls U15 teams for a tournament set for August 2018 in Suriname.

Male Berbice team– Luen David, Davendra Latchman, Samuel Fraser, Ranaldo Bobb, Shemroy Ross, Joel Cort, Tyrone Farley, Jahred Jhingree, Samuel Seecharan, Marcellious Hector, Adriel Moore Female team– Telissa Williams, Fazeena Alpine, Amisha Mohabir, Aaliyah Mohabir, Philana Simpson, Candacy Mentore, Allison Haynes, Keisha Rodrigues, Amanda Mohan, Krystal Paddy

Roger Federer, who beat compatriot Stan Wawrinka in the 2017 final, has won five titles at Indian Wells

D

efending champion Federer, who is aiming for a record sixth title at Indian Wells, won 7-5 6-4.

The Swiss is unbeaten in 2018, having won 15 matches and claimed titles at the Australian Open and Rotterdam Open.

He faces South Korea's Chung Hyeon next after his 6-1 6-3 win over Uruguayan Pablo Cuevas.

The two last met in the Australian Open semi-finals, where Federer led 6-1 5-2 before his opponent retired with blisters.

This is the 20-time Grand Slam champion's best start to a season since 2006, when he went on to win 33 of his first 34 matches.

He needed just 82 minutes to wrap up victory against Chardy, winning 100% of his first serves and breaking him just once in each set.

Elsewhere in the men's draw, Argentine sixth seed Juan Martin del Potro beat compatriot Leonardo Mayer 3-6 7-6 (7-2) 6-3.

He will face Philipp Kohlschreiber next after the German beat France's Pierre-Hugues Herbert 6-4 7-6 (7-1).

America's Sam Querrey also reached the quarter-finals with a 6-3 6-4 win over Spaniard Feliciano Lopez, but compatriot Taylor Fritz was beaten 6-2 6-7 (6-8) 6-4

by Croatia's Borna Coric.

Coric will play world number nine Kevin Anderson next, after the South African beat Pablo Carreno Busta of Spain 4-6 6-3 7-6 (8-6). ( BBC Sport)

friDAY, march 16, 2018

23

Shepherd guyanatimesgy.com

credits strong regional season for CPL selection

All-rounder Romario Shepherd is looking to continue his progress in this year’s Hero CPL

By Clifton Ross

G

uyana/West Indies A all-rounder Romario Shepherd believes his solid performances in the 2017-18 Cricket West Indies (CWI) Regional tournaments played a huge role in him being drafted to the Guyana Amazon Warriors franchise, ahead of Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 6.

Shepherd, the 23-yearold burly fast-bowling all-rounder, was snapped up by the local franchise a few weeks ago during the official player draft held in London.

Part of the record-winning Guyana Jaguars 4-Day team and 50 over side, Shepherd told Guyana Times Sport that he thinks his good work this season was the reason for another chapter opening in his career.

“I feel the Super50 played a big factor in my selection to the Guyana Amazon Warriors team, so I just want to go out there and I want express myself by putting in my all and hopefully win some games for the team” said Shepherd.

A good worker in all departments, Shepherd along with his newbie Warriors mate Sherfane Rutherford and West Indies newest addition Keemo Paul formed a lethal pace attack which proved too much for the opposition throughout the regional season.

While the former Guyana Under-19 player believes it was his Super 50 acts which yielded 11 wicket at an average of 28 that played a key role in his CPL selection; his 15 wickets including a 5-fer from just five games in the 4-dayers also buffed his credentials.

Although Shepherd has not quite scratched the surface with the bat, his ability to strike the ball fiercely and find the boundary was recognised during the regional tournaments; as he played a few important cameos for his team.

When asked about his approach for the upcoming

GCA weekend action continues T

he Georgetown Cricket Association’s weekend fixtures continue this week with a number of exciting matches billed for venues across the city.

In the GISE/Star Party Rentals 1st Division (2-Day) Cricket Competition, Everest will tackle Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) at DCC Ground while Georgetown Crickets Club (GCC) tackles Malteenoes at Bourda Ground and Gandhi Youth Organisation (GYO) square off against GNIC at Malteenoes Ground. All matches bowl off from 9:30hrs.

In the Noble House Seafood’s 2nd Division (2-Day) Cricket Competition, Guyana Defence Force (GDF) battle Sophia CC at MYO Ground while Ace Warriors tackle the University of Guyana (UG) at GYO Ground. Both games bowl off from 11:00hrs.

Lastly, in the New Building Society2nd Division (40-Over) Cricket Competition which will be played on Sunday March 18 will see GCC playing 3rd Class at Eve Leary Ground and GNIC doing battle against Malteenoes at GNIC Ground. Both games are scheduled to start from 11:00hrs.

T20 spectacle, which bowls off in Guyana this August, the Berbician said, “In T20 cricket everything is fast, so if I can adjust and adapt to the format as fast as possible and get some performances in, it will boost my career.

The Warriors have been

amongst the top franchises since the tourney bowled off back in 2013, making the finals twice. Shepherd admitted that he was moved by his s e l e c t i o n as he’s happy to see more youngsters like himself getting opportunities to perform on the big stages. “Well it is a good thing for us knowing the franchises have confidence in us and are backing us 100%, so we can relax and feel free to play our normal game.

As Guyana continues to break barriers by feeding more and more players into the West Indies arena, the right-arm pacer recently had his taste of international cricket after he was selected to the West Indies A team for their unofficial series

versus the England Lions in Antigua last week.

Shepherd said the opportunity itself was golden as it increased his confidence tenfold going forward. “It was a good experience being in that side (Windies A team).

It did my confidence a whole lot of good so I just need to continue working hard”.

He concluded by saying that his goal, given his selection to the Warriors camp was to now prepare for the upcoming campaign as he seeks to further bolster his budding international career.

“I’m just looking to improve on my start with the ball and if I get to bat finish the innings well because momentum is a big thing in T20 cricket. I feel it is a good thing for me at this age and stage of my career, so I’m just looking forward to do well and make the most out of this tournament” ended Shepherd.

friDAY, march 16, 2018

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Shepherd

credits strong regional season for CPL selection Pg 23

Afghanistan stay alive

after spinners' brilliance sets up narrow win Pg 21

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