Guyanatime 17 april 2018

Clifford P12 Reis honoured for service to business community Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 3536

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Tuesday, April 17, 2018

PRICE

Venezuelan refugees living under insanitary conditions in Lethem

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Page 9

Taxi driver abandons car with over 100lbs ganja Bank of Guyana to stop minting $1 coin P9 Convicted murderer gets additional 22 years P7

Minibus driver slapped with causing death charge P8 Alert neighbours save WBD house from burning P10 Opposition MP Irfaan Ali meeting with some of the refugees at Lethem, Region Nine where they are living on open land with no food, water or sanitary facilities.

The Opposition member took supplies to the Venezuelans after hearing about their plight and is urging Government to take steps to assist the refugees

Region 9 REO expelled from Public Accounts Committee meeting

“Lola”, model in court after P8 fight

Page 3

…unprepared to answer questions about Region Georgetown floods: Everything Page but City Hall blamed 11

Expired road licences

GRA to seek Police help to hunt 41,000 errant drivers

Page 13

...clogged drains, garbage, overgrown vegetation blamed

Mother dies, daughter injured in Corentyne accident Page 14

Hit-and-run accident

Pregnant woman loses baby P13 …suspect in custody

Flooding, P14 overcrowding plague Anna Regina primary

2

tuesDAY, april 17, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

news

3

tuesDAY, april 17, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, April 17 – 05:00h-06:30h and Wednesday, April 18 – 05:00h-06:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, April 17 – 05:00h-06:30h and Wednesday, April 18 – 05:30h-07:00h.

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

WEATHER TODAY Lightly cloudy skies can be expected during the day and evening. Temperatures will range between 21 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-easterly between 2.23 metres and 6.70 metres.

High Tide: 05:18h and 17:43 reaching maximum heights of 2.88 metres and 2.82 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 11:16h and 23:32h reaching minimum heights of 0.30 metre and 0.45 metre respectively.

saturDAY, April 14, 2018

LOTTERY NUMBERS G

07 08 13 16 23 24 20 Bonus Ball

FREE TICKET

MONDAY, APRIL 16, 2017

DAILY MILLIONS 12 13 15 23 24 LUCKY 3 2 0 0

1 5

Afternoon Draw

3

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

02

07

09

11

16 19 20

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

Region 9 REO expelled from Public Accounts Committee meeting …unprepared to answer questions about Region

T

he inability of Region Nine (Upper Takutu/ Upper Essequibo) officials to answer Public Accounts Committee (PAC) questions regarding issues raised in the Auditor General’s Report has seen them ultimately being asked to leave the chambers.

At the sitting, chaired

by Member of Parliament Pauline Sukhai in the absence of Chairman Irfaan Ali, Regional Executive Officer (REO) Kerwin Warde was questioned on the region’s procurement of drugs through inter- departmental warrants (IDWs). Warde could not even provide definitive details on the reconciliation from the Materials Management Unit (MMU) of the Public Health Ministry, as recommended by Auditor General Deodat Sharma in his 2016 report.

“The 2016 budget was one of those early budgets.

What caused you to only send an inter-departmental warrant in the sum of $48 million to the Ministry of Public Health for the supply of drugs and medical supplies?” PAC member Nigel Dharamlall asked.

In response, Warde indicated that he could not answer that question. At this point Sukhai upbraided the REO, noting that, on appearing before the committee, he had a duty to come prepared to answer whatever questions are put to him.

Describing Warde’s statement as unacceptable, Sukhai asked him to confer with his supporting staff to get the information. But even that failed to bring any results, resulting in PAC Member and Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence, getting involved.

“I know that the (former) REO (Karl Parker) was in the region for a very long time. So why is it that you’re before the PAC without the answers?” she asked. When Warde admitted that he was ill-prepared, Lawrence suggested the officials be sent away until they could provide answers.

“This is what I feared when the REO began answering questions. It appears he either doesn’t want to be helpful or he didn’t have the time to go through (the documents). I could immediately sense a lack of preparation. From the first question to where we are now, we have not had any clear-cut responses. I would want to recommend we terminate your session until you come prepared,” Sukhai said.

Audit report

According to the 2016 report, a sum of $73.871 million was budgeted for the procurement of drugs and medical supplies under the Health Services Programme for 2016. It stated that amounts totalling $63.871 million were expended as at

Performing the duties of PAC Chairperson was MP Pauline Sukhai

December 31, 2016.

“Included in the amount of $63.871 million are two inter-departmental warrants (IDW) valued $58 million (and) issued in August and November 2016 in the sums of $48 million and $10 million respectively to the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) to purchase drugs and medical supplies on behalf of the Regional Administration. With respect to the warrant of $48 million, the Regional Administration received a financial return indicating that the full amount was expended. However, although drugs and medical supplies were received by the Regional Administration, the cost was not stated on the documentation that accompanied the deliveries”, the report detailed.

“As a result, it could not be determined whether the full value was received for the sum warranted to MoPH. 902. With respect to the warrant of $10 million,

the Regional Administration received a ‘nil’ financial return indicating that the amount was unexpended, as such, the Appropriation Account was credited with the unspent amount of $10 million.”

The Audit Office had recommended that the Regional Administration put systems in place to reconcile supplies received by the respective health facilities with the drugs’ list initially submitted. It had also advised that the region obtain the cost of the drugs and medical supplies from the MoPH, so as to reconcile the value of the drugs and medical supplies received with that

REO Kerwin Warde

of the sum warranted to the Ministry.

4

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesDAY, April 17, 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

Fishermen fiasco

S

everal fishermen who operate by the Hope Canal on the East Coast of Demerara were recently banned from plying their trade there. According to reports, the Fisheries Department of the Agriculture Ministry issued the notices this week, and instructed the operators to relocate their vessels to the Hope koker.

Understandably, the fishermen were up in arms against the move, and pointed to the mounting threats to their livelihoods. Many of the affected were quick to point out that they utilise the canal to save their boats from the pounding waves of the Atlantic Ocean.

One man related that due to the closure of the sugar estate at which he previously worked, he had no other choice but to join the fishing industry to obtain an income.

However, when asked to pay monies unnecessarily, there isn’t much profit. At one point in the past, the fisher folks’ profit had been $2000 per day.

According to the affected men, they were told that they would no longer have access to the area in question, as they were contributing to “damages” there. They also contend that it would be impossible to take their boats to the other docking site in such a short period of time, since it would be occupied by other fishermen who also usually use the koker on a regular basis.

This is a worrisome development. If indeed the activities of the fishermen were contributing to damages to the nearby infrastructure, the relevant authorities -- in this case, the Fisheries Department of the Agriculture Ministry – could easily have met with the fishermen and, through dialogue, all parties concerned could have identified an alternative location (even if the only available alternative was the koker). Instead, the businessmen were faced with the ban, and were given, in their view, an unacceptable alternative.

Some of the men were also taken into custody by the Police for failure to possess a valid fishing licence. They were each subsequently released on bail.

While pleading with Government to review the decision, the fishermen explained that their only reason for utilising the canal was to harbour their boats and save the vessels from incurring losses when out at sea during inclement weather conditions. In the past, those whose fishing boats were openly left in the ocean suffered major losses, and sometimes their day’s earnings.

In addition, the fishermen related that when their vessels are left at the koker at night, there is a chance that engines and other parts might get stolen, thereby forcing them to spend the entire night watching over their boats.

The men are contending that even with these concerns highlighted, there is little care on behalf of the authorities.

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

Meanwhile, their fellow fisher folk in Number 43 Village, Corentyne, Berbice are facing their own challenge.

Reportedly, the channel they utilise has not been cleared for some time, and has become clogged. The situation is having an impact on the cost of fish on the Corentyne, as fishing crews are forced to wait for hours on high tide in order to get out to sea. There are also reports of boats having been grounded for days before the tide became high enough to refloat them. The impact of this is already being felt at the Port Mourant Market -- the price for fresh has increased by about twenty-five percent.

The situation is being attributed to the reduction of available fish, caused by the extra time being spent waiting at the head of the Number 43 outfall channel on the extra-high tide. With no immediate answers forthcoming from Government, like the fishermen at Hope, who are contemplating the future of their trade, the fisher folk in Number 43 Village, Corentyne, Berbice are now wondering whether the Government has indeed turned its back on the industry. The Government, moreso the Agriculture Minister, in prevailing good sense, should intervene to help these ordinary fisher folks sustain their livelihood.

People throw coloured powder as they celebrate finishing their five kilometres in the Color Run 2018 at the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France

(AFC photo)

Tens of billions invested in Guyana as a result of the work of Brassington, Singh

Dear Editor, Winston Brassington and Dr Ashni Singh are being charged not because they did their job poorly or recklessly or without due diligence. They are being charged because they did their work brilliantly. These gentlemen are not being charged because they broke Guyana’s law; they are being charged under English common law, with an application that has never been applied in Guyana. These gentlemen are not being charged for recent transactions.

The APNU/AFC politically-controlled SOCU is charging them for transactions completed almost a decade ago. And for transactions that were approved by a very experienced Privatisation Board (and then Cabinet) made up of seasoned representatives from the Private Sector, labour, and consumer bodies.

Brassington and Singh are being charged for transactions going back 7-10 years and which were fully approved by the Cabinet. The purchasers have invested billions of dollars into the Guyana economy.

As former President Jagdeo has said, these charges are frivolous.

As former President Ramotar also said last week: “The announcement in the Chronicle that Dr Ashni Singh and Mr Winston Brassington have been charged; ‘….for alleged misconduct in public office…’ reveals the vindictiveness of this APNU+AFC regime. This is clearly an attempt to destroy the professional lives of these two gentlemen. Their only ‘crime’ being that they worked dedicatedly to promote this country and our people’s interests while the PPP/Civic was in office. As a former President who worked with these two outstanding Guyanese men, I can vouch for their uprightness, professionalism and integrity while in public office.

This latest attack on Dr Singh

and Mr Brassington is a continuation of the witch-hunting and the racial and political discrimination that has characterised this APNU+AFC regime since it took office in May of 2015. Not content in forcing these outstanding gentlemen to seek employment outside of Guyana, they now seem determined to destroy their professional lives. We cannot build a country with such vindictiveness and spite.”

Apart from the vast privatisation and public-private partnerships that these gentlemen have worked on, that have generated tens of billions in investment, saved thousands of jobs, and generated revenue and taxes for the Treasury, Brassington and Singh have transparently sold many pieces of land that were never developed or underdeveloped. These land sales created tens of billions of dollars of investment.

In 2012, President Ramotar issued an 84-page report titled “Privatisation in Tables—Phase II (19932011).” This report was prepared by Winston Brassington.

Ashni Singh was Chairman of the Privatisation Board and the NICIL Board. This 2012 report is the most comprehensive report on privatisation transactions ever issued in the history of Guyana.

The charges. If we start with the 100 acres of land sold to National Hardware Limited. This land was publicly tendered in 2009, almost 10 years ago. NHL was the highest tender with a price of $516 million plus VAT. This transaction was approved by the Privatisation Board in November 2009 and the Cabinet in November 2009.

Title was conveyed the following year. Prior to the sale, the land was a cow pasture.

To date, NHL has spent billions of dollars to put in electricity, water, roads, bridges, drainage, and fencing. This is a gated community. Any

of the purchasers of land in this gated community would have spent tens of millions of dollars to build their homes.

This is major real estate development.

As such, this publicly advertised deal for an empty piece of land has created billions of dollars in investment. The value of the land is determined by market bidding. Everyone could have tendered. The tendered price works out at about $5 million per acre.

If we go to a piece of land in the same vicinity, west of the Convention Centre. This sale was negotiated and sold to Scady Business Corp, at a price substantially higher than the market price at the time at over G$25 million per acre. Scady is owned by the main shareholder of RUSAL. RUSAL has caused tens of billions to be invested in the Berbice bauxite industry and has saved hundreds of jobs.

One may recall in 2001 when ALCOA said it would close its Berbice bauxite mine and exit Guyana.

Government stepped in to keep the company open while searching for investors. RUSAL was the only investor. Today, despite very high production costs, RUSAL, with its partner Oldendorff, has invested over US$150 million (over G$30 billion) in the Berbice operations. So, such a land sale above market price, to a key shareholder of RUSAL, is not a giveaway. It is part of advancing relations and investment in Guyana. Again, this transaction was approved by the Privatisation Board and Cabinet.

The third transaction again deals with an empty piece of land on the opposite side of the railway embankment road to the abovementioned land transactions.

This land was previously sold by the PNC Government to Toolsie Persaud. After a long battle, the CCJ finally

ruled in Government’s favour and the land was returned to Government.

Government then sought to open up the land for development. The land was previously tendered, but was not sold as the Government then earmarked a portion of this land for the Specialty Hospital with funding committed by the Indian Government. Balancing the goals of getting good value for land, and promoting investment, after setting aside the land for the Specialty Hospital, 10 acres of the remaining land were sold to Multi Cinemas (Guyana) Inc, the owners of MovieTowne in Trinidad. The sale price was again a very good price, with the price per acre close to $16 million per acre. Again, this transaction was approved by the Privatisation Board and Cabinet in 2011, almost seven years ago. Since the sale, over US$30 million (over G$6 billion) has been committed to this project.

Even before the above transactions, Giftland leased from the PPP Government, a large piece of land at Liliendaal to build its mall and cinemas. This land was not tendered. Giftland has an option to buy its land, at US$12 million per acre a price that is lower than the sale prices to Scady and Multi-Cinemas.

After much delay, Giftland developed its land with substantial investments into the property. This was one of the first projects declared open by the APNU Government.

Under the PPP, the economy has seen its longest period of economic growth in the history of the country. This is no accident. Singh’s and Brassington’s contributions have been significant, under the leadership of Jagdeo and Ramotar.

Sincerely, Concerned citizen

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesDAY, April 17, 2018

5

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

Failed on promise of a good life

Dear Editor, The citizens of Guyana have had over two years to analyze and critically assess the performance of the Granger-led ruling Administration.

At every stratum of this society, there are ongoing cries and complaints from committed Guyanese who believe that their aspirations and goals have been shattered. This evidence suggests that the People’s National Congress-dominated coalition Government has failed on its promise of a good life.

It is now very clear to citizens throughout the length and breadth of this nation that we are dealing with an unfit administration, which is unapologetic about its overwhelming use of improp-

er practices.

President Granger has made it clear to the citizens of Guyana in both explicit and implicit terms that he is running an elitist government, of which he has employed an autocratic leadership style.

The President’s leadership directs the people of Guyana to the root cause of the nation’s rapid economic decline and social decay post-May 2015. Citizens have now witnessed the underwhelming performance of this administration through two budgetary cycles, and are convinced that economic growth and development are of little significance to this Government, as it seeks only to consolidate power.

With its actions, the

People’s Progressive Party Civic seems to show daily that it is listening keenly to the voices of the people of Guyana, and is sympathetic towards the citizens, since the hardship and despair being faced is not as a result of their lack of drive, but rather a lack of opportunities.

The good life in a green economy is a façade; it is nothing more than a loose tagline in form. There is no substance to the Administration’s ‘sales pitch’, as is evident in their elitist view of governance.

From a theoretical perspective, elitism does not augur well for the advancement of this nation and the citizenry. President Granger’s leadership style suggests that he is a classical elitist – as ar-

ticulated by leading philosophers such as Vilredo Pareto, Gaetano Mosca, and Robert Michels. Classical elites view democracy as no more than a foolish delusion, since they believe that political power is always exercised by a privileged minority. The Grangerled Administration’s elitist view conflicts with the view we have as a nation which believes in equality for all the peoples. In reality, President Granger’s elitist view has no place in Guyana’s future development. This coalition Government ideally should have continued efforts in promoting democratic principles and values in a free and inclusive society.

It is clear now that President Granger, through his actions, is not commit-

ted to delivering on the good life promise nor on promoting democratic principles in Guyana. Pointedly, the Government continues to pursue national policies which are irrational, resulting in further job cuts within every industry and sector.

This has further exacerbated the erosion of the socio-economic wellbeing of the people of Guyana. We will continue to lose comparative advantage in our traditional and attractive sectors, while growth will be stymied in our emerging sectors. Productivity will wane further, due to the decline in competitiveness of our industries and sectors. Moreover, Guyanese firms will find it increasingly hard to compete in

regional and international markets. Altogether, our livelihood will continue to worsen, with no prospects of a good life under Granger’s Administration.

Civic-minded Guyanese must continue to let their voices be heard, and remain informed. Our democratic rights are granted to us by our Constitution, and they remain our tool to hire and fire any administration. The Granger-led Administration must be held accountable for the collapse of our economy.

A ‘Good Life Commission’ would reveal that a good life was a promise made by the President to himself and the privileged minority.

Dear Editor, Now that Finance Minister Winston Jordan has confirmed information that both he and I knew since the end of February 2018, I say the Guyanese economy is in trouble. A growth rate of 2.1 per cent for 2017 was announced.

There is clearly a lesson this Granger regime refuses to learn from the rest of the world. But let us not even go to Asia, let us reflect on Africa. That continent failed in its lost decades, between 1970 and 2000. However, today the World Bank has projected that Africa would grow by some 3.6 per cent in 2019, and some 3.3 per cent in 2018; compared to 2.5 per cent in 2017.

Guyana, on the other hand, is projected to be moving in the opposite direction,

with a forecasted growth rate of 1.1 per cent in 2019, and 1.8 per cent in 2018; on the back of a 2.1 per cent growth in 2017. Guyana looks set to expect zero growth by 2020 if this policy paralysis of Mr Jordan’s continues.

What can Mr Jordan learn from Africa?

Managed the economies better. With policy stars like President Paul Kagame in Rwanda in power, their positive policy influence is infecting the continent. Every African leader wants to be the next Paul Kagame, who uses drones to deliver medical supplies and blood to remote hospitals in the mountains in hours, when in the past the same operation took days by land.

In Rwanda, which is growing by almost 7 per cent, the Government has actively

reduced the fiscal deficit as a percent of GDP in 2017, and it is set to reduce further in 2018.

Investors need stability. An increasing number of African leaders are becoming global dealmakers who offer international investors fiscal stability. The change in leadership in South Africa happened for a principled reason: to weed out the corrupt one, only to replace him with professional business magnate. Out went Zuma, in came Ramaphosa. The billionaire President Cyril Ramaphosa is a private sector man who is on a mission to grow his nation’s private sector as a means of putting his people to work.

Competent debt management. Africa is extremely careful in how it is managing its debt. Even a basket case

like Zimbabwe has signed on to this mission. President Mnangagwa was successful in getting China to write off all of Zimbabwe’s debt owed to that country in exchange for favoured access to some of the mineral wealth. What this transaction did was positively change the cash flow dynamics in that country with the stroke of a pen.

Africa is getting rid of loss-making non-exporting public enterprises. Notice I said non-exporting. Ethiopia is a clear example of this success story, where all loss-making non-exporting public enterprises were privatised. The immediate impact was that the economy took off at a growth rate which was 8.1 per cent in 2017.

Africa got on board with the telecoms revolution. In

2000, Africa had 11 million phone lines; today, it has over 800 million mobile lines, with a penetration rate of some 74 per cent. Kenya was a global trendsetter with a technology called mobile money. When the Americans were waking up to the payment of bills on smartphones, that technology was already 10 years old in Kenya by way of a platform called M-PESA (meaning money in Swahili).

In Kenya, there was a mobile phone penetration of almost 80% by 2017, creating some half a billion dollars in “person-to-person” transactions.

Africa is making a serious attempt to invest more in education, but the focus is on the people first, then buildings. The mission is to cultivate a cadre of teachers who are better remunerated and can own the system, rath-

er than leave it to the politicians.

Africa got serious at reducing conflicts. The African Union made it very clear that democracy must be respected, and this has resulted in some important democratic transitions happening across the continent.

It is a human development wonder to observe the operations of African leaders like Paul Kagame from Rwanda. He understands the concept of human development, and is making some serious moves at empowering and enriching his people at the mass level, unlike David Granger.

So what is Guyana doing wrong? That is for a follow-up letter.

Yours sincerely, Thomas Willams, PhD

What is Guyana doing wrong?

American Airlines will bring healthy competition Dear Editor, It is good that American Airlines (AA) will operate in Guyana from December, and break the stranglehold Caribbean Airways (CAL) has on our necks.

American Airlines’ flights will be a tremendous boost for local businesses.

More competition among airlines means we will get better service for our hardearned dollars.

For example, Caribbean Airlines allows passengers only one free suitcase of 50 lbs, and bills them US$30 for every additional suitcase. But AA’s baggage allowance will be two free pieces of checked luggage of 50 lbs each.

AA will be using modern Airbus A319 planes for Guyana flights. These planes have wide leather seats, in-flight entertainment, WIFI access and USB ports.

Make no mistake: American Airlines’ flying to Guyana will be a beautiful thing. I support it, I bless the thought. In fact, I hope

AA will soon start flying the Guyana-New York route, or from here to London and Europe via Barbados or some other Caribbean territory.

American Airlines’ flying here in December is a smart move, because that is when the new airport is slated to open. Our oil-and-gas industry will begin to accelerate, and obviously there will be more travellers to and from Guyana.

Some uninformed people are cursing the thought of AA flying to Guyana. They do not understand the airline business, and discuss it without understanding the issue at hand.

They are bawling that Caribbean Airlines served Guyana in good times and bad, and we should be grateful.

I have nothing personal against Caribbean Airlines.

I am a frequent flyer, and I have enjoyed the service of Caribbean Airlines’ cabin crews; but, for a long time now, the airline’s management has been treating us

with contempt, and it is good that AA will shake them up big time.

CAL stuck with us when other airlines left, but they also took advantage of us.

Don’t forget that Caribbean Airlines jacked up air fares and made us pay through our noses when our economy was almost dead; which affected our mentality, our self-esteem and our livelihoods.

I would like to compliment Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin; Minister of Tourism, Cathy Hughes; and Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, for working to get American Airlines to fly to Guyana. But why was American Airlines able to announce flights to Guyana before getting permission? It looks like AA is calling the shots. This makes Guyana look bad and weak. Guyana is an independent nation with sovereign rights over its airspace. We cannot accept any big company coming from outside to make policies for our country.

It was presumptuous of American Airlines to announce flights to Guyana before getting the go-ahead from Government. Guyanese have to get their act together and take control. No one has a right to make policies for the Government and people of Guyana without our involvement.

I am a maniac for Guyana’s development, regardless of which administration rules. We have to demand respect when we do business. That is the way we have to deal with American Airlines and any foreign corporation or airline. I don’t like the fact that American Airlines announced flights to Guyana before getting permission, but I still support AA flying here.

It is also good that Government is welcoming AA, whether or not it knew up front that the airline had decided to fly here. May this be the dawn of a bright new day for air travel in Guyana.

Sincerely, Roshan Khan Sr

Regards, Sasenarine Singh

6

TUESDAY, April 17, 2018

Page

guyanatimesgy.com

Foundation

Continued from Monday

By Iben Sandahl

I have created some helpful tips on how to get started – they might help to set the stage for some reflection on this topic, so we can all become better at helping our children feel confident and good about themselves, their self-image and their bodies.

I want to strongly emphasise, however, that talking honestly about these areas does not mean that you are required to go into every detail and explanation. Not at all! It only means that when questions arise from your children, you shouldn’t run away as fast as you can.

All development stages have limits, which means when a three year old asks you how babies are made, you can answer that it is when two people love each other very much, like mommy and daddy. When a seven year old asks the same question, you can go into more detail like saying: It is something that happens when a man and a woman are naked together and really love each other deeply.

However, when a 12 year old asks this same question it is important not to withhold details from them. At this age they will need us to teach them about their anatomy and explain how their bodies are changing. If we do not, they will search for information elsewhere, from places we do not have control over, and which do not necessarily capture the beauty and love that we hope our children will experience later in life.

This approach has

worked for families in Denmark, and as the happiest nation for more than 40 years there might be something important to learn from this country.

How to do

Reflect on your own situation at first. How do you feel about your own body?

Does it feel natural to talk about boundaries, love and sexuality? Does it feel em-

barrassing?

Comfortable?

Scary? You can write your negative and positive perspectives down and share it with your spouse. For instance, “I feel it’s embarrassing to talk about genitals.” Share this concern with your partner and agree on how you, in your family, can talk about uncomfortable subjects like this in the future. Remember that if you find it difficult to talk about this part of being hu-

man, you will predispose your child to feel the same way.

Consider the hopes you have for your children. How do you think they should feel about themselves, their bodies and sexuality? Write this down – it will help you to commit to change. Reflect on “why” you feel it is important that they develop a better relationship with these topics than you may have

had (if that’s the case).

Something has piqued your child’s interest and lead them to ask you questions. Always follow up on that and be happy they feel comfortable enough to ask you. Meet your child’s curiosity with attentiveness and honesty, and answer their particular question. We often have a tendency to overanalyse and respond to far more than really necessary.

Make it natural from

the beginning. Read stories to your children from a very early age about the differences about girls and boys, their development and so on. This is such a wonderful way to come around these topics without directly confronting them. When Emma became Emma – and How that Happened

by Peter Gotthard and For the Curious by Marie Christiansen are education-

al books with nice illustrations that children will love.

I am sure there are many more.

As a fundamental rule, you should only talk about or explain something when your child shows an interest in it and asks! This involves meeting your child on his or her level. Wait for other follow-up questions. If there are none – let the matter rest. They will ask questions if they feel they haven’t re-

ceived enough answers.

The most important thing to teach them is that they can come to you if they have questions and want to find answers. The trust that you build with them is essential for future communication.

Call things by their names! Don’t make up nicknames. It’s better to just talk about the genitals using words that are normally used. Doing this will avoid leading our children into some kind of fairytale life.

It’s better to reflect on life as it is.

Protect your children’s privacy and teach them to respect their own boundaries and those of others. Don’t frighten or shame them. We are all dif-

“W

hen you know you are going out with your girlfriends, leave your money at home. Suggest outings to the park or library, but if they insist on shopping, you won’t be tempted if you don’t have the cash! I’ve done a lot of window shopping in the

past, and I usually realised that I didn’t need the things I couldn’t afford anyway. If you need more motivation, tally up what you spent on your last few outings and get an average. Then when you go out sans money, you can remind yourself (and your husband) of how much you saved!” –ivegot4 “Save money on electricity by turning off lights and saving up laundry for big loads instead of multiple smaller ones. If you pay for water, it will help in that department as well.” –aseleen-

ferent and have different attitudes towards our bodies and sexualities. Teach your child about the underwear rule. All parts of the body, which are covered by underwear, nobody must touch.

Remember that teaching our children about sexuality is part of the responsibility given to us as parents.

Each time one of my children has asked me questions about their sexuality when they were younger, my heart melted a little because it was so obvious to me what stage they were at, and that made me smile inside. I felt so grateful that they didn’t go around all by themselves without getting the necessary answers. (Excerpt from psychology-

today.com)

er

“I called my phone company and asked them for a list of all of the features I was paying for. I found out I was paying for stuff I didn’t even use, so we cut back our phone bill...” – KilliansMommy “My husband and I do our big shopping trip at the beginning of the month. We get all of the pantry staples, non-perishables, and frozen items for the month, including meats that we freeze.

Then, I only go back to the grocery store maybe once a week if we need fresh produce or milk. Getting most of the grocery bill out of the way early really helps our monthly budget.” – darplocho “Buying cloth diapers whenever my daughter is at home, like on weekends, or evenings after daycare has saved a bunch.” – ra11en “We survive by rarely ever eating out. We pack lunches and cook everything at home.” – rallen “Babies usually like to play with boxes, pots and pans more than the toys we buy anyway. Of course, you’ll want to buy some toys, but don’t go overboard. They love your dishes!” – nursegina “Process your own pureed baby foods.” – nursegina (parenting.com)

news

7

tuesDAY, april 17, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Convicted murderer gets Taxi driver abandons car with over 100lbs additional 22 years

C

onvicted murderer Lakeraj Fredericks was on Monday handed an additional prison term of 22 years, for killing another individual just a few days after he had murdered his own relative.

In May last year, Fredericks was sentenced to a total of 65 years by Justice Navindra Singh for brutally executing his brother-inlaw Clifton Bonus on June

Fredericks, Romaldo’s brother and Romaldo were imbibing at the home of the sister of the deceased.

During the night, an argument ensued, and the woman admonished them to stop arguing.

After retiring to bed, she was awoken by her brother’s groaning, and she saw him lying in a chair. She did not see the accused, but noticed the back door open.

“A man who confesses his sins shall gain forgiveness” – offender tells court 3, 2011.

The 38-year-old farmer and father of two of La Grange, West Bank Demerara (WBD) on Monday admitted to unlawfully killing Vernon Romaldo, who was stabbed twice to the chest at Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara.

Attorney-at-law Maxwell McKay appeared for Fredericks. Counsels Lisa Cave and Mandell Moore appeared for the State. Fredericks agreed with the Prosecution’s facts that during a late-night drinking spree on June 10, 2011, he committed the act, which caused Romaldo to die the following day.

The court heard that

The Police were contacted, and her brother died on arrival at the hospital.

In pleading to the lesser count of manslaughter, Fredericks told the court that he and the two brothers were drinking rum that he had bought. He turned and apologised to Romaldo’s many relatives at court, telling them that he was not in his right frame of mind.

The murder convict begged for mercy, citing several scripture verses and noting that “a man who confesses his sins shall gain forgiveness”, but Justice Kissoon found that the actions of Fredericks were premeditated given that both the killings of Romaldo and Bonus had stemmed from

disputes over the farmer’s marijuana cultivation.

The judge said that while the matters were separately indicted, Fredericks’s actions could not be viewed as isolated incidents.

Justice Kissoon started the sentence at a base of 30 years, and subtracted a total of 14 years for his guilty plea, acceptance of his crime, time spent on remand, and for him “bearing his soul to the mercy of God”. Justice Kissoon, however, added six years for aggravating factors that stemmed from the offender’s premeditation.

Speaking to Guyana Times moments after being sentenced, the convict said he had expected leniency, but conceded that the prison term was not harsh.

The now baptized man added that he would continue to turn his life around, even claiming that he would stop using marijuana.

“Being behind bars, I will be going to church. I glad that God find me in prison, and I will live my life good in prison, because I already lived seven years there and I don’t get no problem,” the offender highlighted.

His past actions, however, caused Romaldo to die from perforation of the kidney and stomach via 2 stab wounds. Just days pri-

Construction worker on bail for assault charge

C

onstruction worker Darren Simpson of Sophia, Georgetown on Monday morning found himself before City Magistrate Judy Latchman,

charged with common assault committed on Morris Hinds at Lot 8 Plum Park, South Sophia on April 11, 2018.

Police Prosecutor Arvin

Moore did not object to the 26-year-old defendant being placed on bail, and same was set at $20,000.

This case is scheduled for recall on April 30.

ganja

A

Convicted murderer: Lakeraj Fredericks

or to this incident, he had shot his brother-in- law Clifton Bonus twice to the head with .32 calibre pistol at a marijuana field at Old England Backdam in Linden.

Fredericks was jointly charged with a then 16-year-old accomplice who had allegedly helped him to bury Bonus’s body, but the teenager was released after a no-case submission was upheld in the Magistrates’ Courts.

(Shemuel Fanfair)

gents of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) are on the hunt for a taxi driver identified as Anthony Carmichael, who abandoned his motor car on Sheriff Street, Georgetown with more than 45 kilograms (100 pounds) of compressed marijuana on Monday morning.

Based on reports received, the motor car bearing registration number PKK 1609 originated from New Amsterdam with the well-wrapped packages of marijuana in the back seat and trunk of the vehicle.

It was reported that the CANU ranks were tracking the vehicle as it made its rounds around the city.

The driver, however, realising that he was being monitored, drove to Sheriff Street, where he parked the car outside Royal Castle fast food restaurant and fled the scene before the drug enforcement officers arrived at the scene.

The agents subsequently unearthed a quantity of marijuana and questioned

how the driver passed several roadblocks in Berbice without being caught.

Investigations are ongoing.

The Berbice River area is one of the areas that have become a hotspot for the cultivation and drying of marijuana plants. There have been several raids by members of the Police Narcotics Branch resulting in the destructing of several hundred pounds of the illegal plant.

Only recently, the Guyana Police Force B Division (Berbice) conducted a drug eradication exercise at Ebini, Berbice River where a total of six fields of cultivated cannabis covering an estimated 30 acres were destroyed.

During the operation, 600,000 plants, ranging from four to five feet in height and weighing approximately 300,000kg, were destroyed. In addition, 200,000kg of dried cannabis were found and destroyed.

Two shotguns were also discovered along with several cartridges.

8 NEWS

TUESDAY, April 17, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

IN THE COURTS

Minibus driver slapped with causing death charge

T

wenty-four-year-old Ronald Balgobin, who on March 13 last reportedly drove minibus BWW 4542 in a manner dangerous to the public, thereby causing the death of 52-year-old Linden/ Soesdyke Highway resident Yvonne Mohan on the Land of Canaan Public Road, East Bank Demerara, appeared on Monday before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and pleaded not guilty to the offence. He has been remanded to prison on this causing death charge.

He was also taken before Georgetown Magistrate Renita Singh on the following charges: being an unlicensed driver, breach of insurance, and reportedly providing false information to the Police on the day of the accident.

He was granted $75,000 bail on those offences, and will return to Court on May 7th.

Recap

On the day of the fatal accident, Balgobin was reportedly proceeding south

Remanded: Ronald Balgobin

on the East Bank public road allegedly at a fast rate. He lost control of the vehicle while negotiating a turn, and it collided with an electrical pole before flipping upside down.

He and the passengers in the minibus were taken to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, where Mohan was pronounced dead on arrival.

Two other passengers were transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) and admitted for injuries they sustained.

“Lola”, model in court after fight

M

akeup artist Lolita Callender, popularly known as “Lola Doll”, found herself in the news yet again, this time being charged for fighting with a model, which caused her to lose three of her finger nails.

Callender, of East Ruimveldt, Georgetown, appeared before City Magistrate Judy Latchman and denied that on April 6, 2018 at Leopold Street, she assaulted Onika Pompey so as to inflict grievous bodily harm on her.

Onika Pompey, 28, of Lot 61 Barima Avenue, Bel Air Park Georgetown, was also charged. Pompey has been accused of unlawfully wounding Callender on the same day at the same loca-

Lolita Callender, called “Lola Doll”

tion.

According to the Prosecution, there was a misunderstanding between the two women, who are known to each other, and a scuffle ensued. Callender reportedly sustained lacerations about her body, as

she was reportedly bitten by Pompey.

Questioned about her injuries, Callender revealed that she had lost three of her finger nails when Pompey pulled her out of her vehicle.

She reportedly sustained bruises to her hands and feet, and received a wound above her eye when she was struck by Pompey.

Each woman was granted bail in the sum of $80,000, and are expected to return to court today.

Callender was previously before the court on March 15 of this year on a charge of assaulting Malika Holder.

Police have said Callendar was arrested for allegedly harbouring fugitive Troy Anthony Thomas,

Onika Pompey

wanted in the United States for murder of a 20-year-old, who was gunned down in front of a party.

An arrest warrant was issued for her on the same day, in connection with a threatening behaviour charge.

18 months jail for man who escaped from Police custody

T

wenty-seven-yearold Adrian Walters, who according to City

Magistrate Judy Latchman was “crafty” in his escape from the Prashad Nagar

Police Outpost, where he was being held for questioning on a break and enter and larce-

ny charge, was on Monday sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment.

According to Police Prosecutor Arvin Moore, Walters requested to use the toilet, and was escorted thereto by a Police Constable, whom he reportedly pushed aside as he ran out of the facility.

He proceeded to jump the fence of the Police outpost, and was pursued by a number of ranks, but managed to escape.

The Lot 350 West Ruimveldt, Georgetown resident admitted to escaping from the outpost on April 11, 2018. He was recaptured a number of days later, close to the Police Outpost in East Ruimveldt.

Walters told Magistrate Latchman he was unsure how a scuffle ensued between him and the Police Constable whom he pushed. However, he saw another rank approaching with a gun and, as such, he escaped.

Magistrate Latchman told the defendant he was very “crafty in escaping custody”. To deter anyone else who might attempt same, she sentenced Walters to 18 months in prison.

Hot potato…

A …or sacrificial lamb?

GAWU official claimed the Government was playing musical chairs with GuySuCo. The problem with that metaphor is: its elimination of a player at any given circle is by chance. With GuySuCo, there’s nothing random about its elimination of estates; this Government knows exactly what it wants to do with GuySuCo -- and it’s all about eventually throwing all 17,000 sugar workers into the streets.

You just wait and see! Think about it: why would anyone who wanted to have a go at saving GuySuCo put a fella like Noel Holder at its helm?? The guy wouldn’t know a “wild cane” from a “sugar cane” even if he was being whipped on the nether regions with either one!! Holder was placed at the head of GuySuCo as a fall guy, so no identifiable PNC character could be identified with its demise.

Don’t forget the AFC didn’t even nominate him for the position. The PNC let on that it was done out of respect for his wife, the departed Sheila Holder. Now, what cock-and-bull story is this: the AFC had demanded an outsized 40% of Cabinet seats, and the PNC, out of the generosity of its heart, gave them one seat extra?!!

Yeah, right!! And there is a tooth fairy!! Truth of the matter is: Noel Holder’s just the sacrificial lamb, to take the blame for the eventual closure of GuySuCo. Lots of people blamed him for not even visiting workers at Wales even months after it was closed.

Fact of the matter is: when the PNC unilaterally closed it, the poor fella was still digesting the voluminous CoI Report on GuySuCo, which mentioned esoteric concepts like “p.o.l” and “sugar cane” and such like!!

The closure was so unilateral Holder wasn’t even told!!

That’s why it was Cathy Hughes – who knows even less about sugar – who eventually visited Wales.

On this last squabble about who’s running GuySuCo, of course Holder’s in charge. Who else would want to be left holding the bag?? So what GuySuCo shares – meaning ownership -- are now with NICIL, and Jordan’s responsible for NICIL? But why would he want to say he’s captain of the Titanic of sugar? The $30 billion could’ve been borrowed by the SPU via owner, NICIL, and THEY’LL decide how it’s spent. Or, more pertinently, how it’s NOT spent!!

If they’d given the loan money to Holder, having just finished reading the CoI Report, he might have just thought the money was for saving the sugar estates, as the CoI had recommended!!

There was a glimmer of hope when he’d realised what was going on and had said he wasn’t in charge, some time ago. But the hot potato was just thrown back at the sacrificial lamb!! Baaah!!

…on Government funds

Article 216 of the Constitution of Guyana states pithily: “All revenues or other (sums of) money raised or received by Guyana (not being revenues or other sums of money payable by or under an Act of Parliament into some other fund established for any specific purpose; or that may, by or under such an Act, be retained by the authority that received them for the purpose of defraying the expenses of that authority) shall be paid into and from one Consolidated Fund.”

Notice that word “shall” near the end of that CONSTITUTIONAL article?? It means if it’s not complied with, the governmental transgressor’s facing some serious jail time! And, as your Eyewitness said sometime ago, the man in the crosshairs is Finance Minister Jordan, who’s been holding out on the Exxon bonus.

Former AG Nandlall has just announced that Jordan will be hauled before the Courts for, first, conceding the bonus was placed in a BoG account; and after Harmon said it would go into the Consolidated Funds, now saying it was invested into US T-Bills!!

Bun him!!

…on electronic payments

Isn’t Jordan putting the cart before the donkey?

He’s blithely initiated the “National Payment System” on international transfers of funds when the enabling legislation doesn’t exist.

What happens when some smooth operator hauls him to court?

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

News

9

tuesDAY, april 17, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Venezuelan refugees living under insanitary conditions in Lethem

The Venezuelan refugees stretching their hands to receive food and other items

S

ome 25 Venezuelans were recently discovered camping in the open air under very poor conditions in Lethem, Region Nine.

Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge had, during May last year, given full assurance that Guyana would continue to assist the people of Venezuela who continue to flee their country to escape its economic, social and political crises.

Responding to a statement made by Venezuelan Ambassador to Guyana, Reina Diaz, who had spoken about the crisis, Greenidge had pointed out: “Guyana, as a matter of routine, stands ready to assist or sup-

port all Caricom (Caribbean Community) states and immediate neighbours, where appropriate (and) when asked.”

The Foreign Affairs Minister noted that the Venezuelan Government had not approached Guyana for help with its current internal crisis. However, he said Guyana stands ready to assist in spite of the difficulties that the two countries have experienced in regard to the border controversy.

During a visit to Lethem over the weekend, Opposition Member of Parliament, former Government Minister Irfaan Ali, came into contact with

the Venezuelans who were seeking refuge in Guyana.

In a social media post, Ali said several children were among the 25 persons.

“Presently, they are living without any shelter in an open land, with no food, water or sanitary facilities.

It is a sad situation, but with 25 already finding their way here, we can never be sure if any, or how much more, will also cross the border seeking shelter, food and help,” he explained.

The MP appealed to Government to urgently look into the matter, as the people of Lethem were also very concerned and the health implications could, moreover, be serious. He said there is urgent need for a national policy position on this matter, and humanitarian intervention from the state.

“I urge us as Guyanese to help if we can. It is heart-wrenching to see this level of suffering,” he expressed.

Guyana had, in 2016, convened a meeting of non-governmental organisations and the private sector to consider the deteriorating conditions in Venezuela. The Venezuelan Government was, however, not open to receiving any

Opposition MP Irfaan Ali meets with Venezuelan refugees

material assistance being offered at the time.

Guyana is already providing medical assistance to many Venezuelans. It has been reported that Venezuelan nationals are crossing into Guyana, especially at Region One, to seek medical treatment for malaria. At least 368 cases of malaria were, in May 2017, reported to national health authorities in Region One, but Venezuelans seeking treatment were treated, according to Government.

Considering this to be part of Guyana’s international humanitarian contribution, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, related that instructions were giv-

Bank of Guyana to stop minting $1 coin

T

he Bank of Guyana (BoG) has decided to stop minting the $1 coin, and this could see this currency, first introduced during 1996, being removed from circulation in a few years’ time.

A notice from the BoG has said the decision to stop minting this coin is based on the general public’s reluctance to accept it, compounded by the low redemption rates and high production cost.

A senior BoG official told Guyana Times that it is costing the bank four times more than the normal cost to produce one coin. In other words, it currently costs the bank $5 to produce one dollar coin.

Although the BoG would no longer be minting the dol-

lar coin, this currency would continue to be a legal tender, and would continue to be accepted throughout Guyana.

The BoG notice has said that if, for some reason, the $1 coin is not available, payments may be rounded to the nearest $5.

The BoG has said it would continue to issue the $1 coin until the stock is de-

pleted, and it will exchange these coins for banknotes.

Stopping the dollar coin from circulation is nowhere close to happening, it has said.

A local expert in finance and economics told this newspaper that the decision taken by the BoG is a necessary one, and should have been made much earlier.

He confirmed what many

Guyanese have said over the years: that the $1 coin does not carry any value. In fact, the expert feels that not only should the BoG stop minting the $1 coin, but the $5 coin also.

To support his argument, the expert said that coins are also bad for the environment, especially since most of them are metal copper plated. So, reducing the production of metal would be beneficial.

Another point he raised is the fact that coins are cumbersome for people’s wallets.

And with the transition to credit and debit cards, it becomes even more irrelevant to have those coins around.

Guyana currently has one-dollar coins, five-dollar coins and 10-dollar coins in circulation.

en to the Public Health Ministry to assist all comers. This assistance encompassed both Venezuelans and Guyanese who are living in the Spanish-speaking country.

There have been persistent reports that, due to a troubled economy and unrest that has gripped that nation, shortages of basic services exist in Venezuela, and those include health services.Relations between Guyana and Venezuela have worsened ever since oil giant ExxonMobil announced

in 2015 that it had found oil in Guyana. Venezuela has staunchly been against oil exploration in Guyana’s Stabroek Block, where multiple oil deposits were found

by ExxonMobil.

In fact, Venezuela’s National Assembly had approved an agreement to reject the oil exploration activities in March 2017.

Venezuela, with almost 40 times the population of Guyana and a territory that is several times bigger, claimed, in 1968, the entire territorial sea of Guyana by means of the Leoni Decree, which has never been withdrawn. The matter is now before the Intentional Court of Justice.

10 news

tuesDAY, april 17, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Freak storm at Tuschen destroys roofs, power lines …Guyoil roof partially collapses

Some of the galvanised roofing sheets that were dislodged following Monday morning’s storm

S

ections of several houses in Tuschen New Housing Scheme on the East Bank of Essequibo were destroyed by a freak storm that struck early Monday morning.

Heavy rainfall was reportedly experienced on Sunday afternoon and into the evening hours; and on

Monday morning, a heavy gust of wind emerged from the northern side of the scheme and slowly engulfed the neighbouring areas.

Several galvanized roofing sheets were dislodged by the wind, and subsequently ended up in neighbouring yards and in some cases a few metres away. A resi-

dent of the area, Sunil (only name given), explained that as the gust of wind hit his home, his roofing went flying.

“I feel the breeze blowing, and by the time we lock up the windows, some of the zinc sheets fly off from in front of the house, and then the antenna come off as well. So I hear the noise and run out, and I see what happen. (The galvanized sheets) end up till in my neighbour backyard,” he recalled.

Guyana Times was told that electrical wires were torn from their utility supports, and several residences experienced power outages while others experienced power surges.

“Well, some of my things (electrical equipment) not working anymore, ‘cause like we getting 240 volts from the 110 [volts] output; so I had to take off the main breaker,” another villager explained.

The man said no one was injured in the incident, and

A section of the Guyoil roof that collapsed

the structures will be repaired soon.

The Guyana Oil Company (Guyoil) on Sheriff

Street, Georgetown was forced to temporarily cease its services after part of its roof collapsed following in-

clement weather conditions on Monday. The area was cordoned off and works were ongoing throughout the day, so as to resume operations at the earliest.

A few days ago, a freak storm hit the community of Lima on the Essequibo Coast in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaan), causing similar devastation.

However, following that incident, four persons were injured and four homes were damaged after being dealt with by harsh winds and heavy rainfall. (Rupadai Seenaraine)

Alert neighbours save WBD house from burning

Some of the damage that were caused by the fire

A

Recht-door-Zee house on the West Bank of Demerara (WBD) was saved from destruction on Monday following swift response from neighbours and firefighters of the Guyana Fire Service.

According to an occupant of the one-storey home (name withheld), he received a call from one of his neighbours at about 10:00h, informing that smoke was seen emanating from the building. At that time no one was home.

Residents of the area summoned the Guyana Fire Service, which arrived promptly. In that time, a

The damaged ceiling in the home

bucket brigade was also formed to tackle the blaze and prevent it from extending to other sections of the house.

“I got the call and rushed to come home; and when I came, I saw the fire brigade was here,” he stated.

When Guyana Times visited the scene, a window in front of the house had already been broken to facilitate firemen entry into the building.

Upon examination of the home, only one bedroom of the house had been damaged. The owner of the house related that damages were caused to the door, ceil-

ing, carpets and curtains.

“I have to replace the door. The ceiling was scorched, so that, too. And I have to repaint the walls,” the owner explained.

Meanwhile, he acknowledged the quick response from the Fire Service, and neighbours who prevented any major destruction to his home.

While the cause of the fire is still to be determined, Guyana Times was told that it might have been caused by an electrical malfunction from a fan which was left on in the building. A report was filed, and investigations are currently ongoing.

news

11

tuesDAY, april 17, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Georgetown floods: Clogged drains, garbage, overgrown vegetation blamed

One of the streets in Alberttown that were converted into a river following the heavy rainfall

A clogged, garbage-filled canal in Queenstown

fter a night of heavy rainfall and accompanying thunder, Georgetown was a sight of garbage floating in clogged drains, ubiquitous overgrown vegetation, and flooded streets inconveniencing residents, schoolchildren, workers, and everyone else who frequents the city.

This publication toured the city on Monday, and although the water had receded in some parts, Cummingsburg, particularly around Carmichael

When you trying to bail out the water, the vinolay does tear up and so, and you got to buy back vinolay all the time,” she said.

Like the other residents, she called for the Councillor, and by extension the Government, to remove squatters along the Front Road Canal, so that it could be better managed.

“The people them need to move on the Front Road (squatters). They need to move on the Front Road (Canal), because every time

A

Resident Alana Emmanuel

This schoolchild braved the flooded Oronoque Street to attend school

have to walk through this water. They getting sick!

We begging y’all to do something for us for this area! All over is being cleaned, but Mr Harding is wasting time; and every time you speak to Mr Harding, he say he going to some meeting. He never give you a proper answer yet. We begging y’all, the Front Road need to be cleared to get these trench to get desilted; if not, let the people clean behind them for a short while,” Stuart apThe situation in College Road, Werk-en-Rust

Street, and Queenstown and its contiguous areas were still under floodwater. In the Queenstown area, the drains were all clogged up by overgrown vegetation and garbage dumped alongside the parapets.

This situation renders moot the consideration of whether the Mayor and City Council has been doing enough to manage the drainage network within the city.

Meanwhile, over in West Ruimveldt, resident Floyd King Stuart said he has been living in the area for over 20 years, and instead of the flooding situation im-

proving, it is rapidly deteriorating. He explained that every time it rains, the water rises by more than two feet, since the Front Road Canal is silted up and overgrown with vegetation.

Stuart said that, in order for residents to get some relief from the flooding, that canal needs to be desilted and the area around the koker cleared out.

Incensed, he has accused Constituency Councillor Winston Harding of not meeting with West Ruimveldt residents to address issues they are facing.

“The septic tank water rise up and the children

A car manoeuvres through the floodwaters near GTT headquarters

The Thomas Street Avenue

Resident Floyd King Stuart

the rain fall, this is what we going through all the time.

Every time the rain fall, this is what we going through -this strain -- all the time!

The trench ain’t getting fuh clean, and we getting flood all the time,” the woman said.

Collectively, residents throughout the City have said constant flooding is something that affects both businesses and schoolchildren.

Clearing canals

pealed.

Meanwhile, another resident, Alana Emmanuel, called for better management of the drainage network within the area. She said every time it rains her house floods, and cleaning up after the flooding is very costly.

“Every time this rain fall here so, all inside the house does get one set ah water.

It don’t be healthy for these children, because this water get one set ah worm and all kind of thing. All inside me house full with water right now. My son slide down and knock he-self just now…

Georgetown Mayor, Patricia Chase-Green, has

said the rainy season is especially strenuous for the M&CC, since they have to deal with blocked drains and clogged canals. She urged business owners and residents to take the necessary precautions to minimize damages.

In relation to the Front Road Canal, the Mayor has said complete clearing of that major drainage canal is dependent on the squatters, since they prevent the equipment from accessing the canal.

City Engineer Colvern Venture explained that the M&CC is working with the

Cars at the junction of the flooded Foreshaw and Oronoque Streets

Department of Housing to have the squatting problem addressed. He added that the City Engineer’s Department was able to clean one section of drainage in February.

“Going further east, we are unable to clear that (section) using our equipment.

Putting men to work in that canal will be very difficult.

We have the challenge of persons having illegal electricity connection in that canal, and it is high-risk to put men there,” Venture explained.

“We are working with the Ministry of Housing to have those persons relocated. The ministry is working on a programme to regularize some persons within that area -- not along the Front Road -- but they are looking more to the Laing Avenue; and in doing so, they are giving us more space to walk our equipment to clear those canals,” he added.

Venture related that the City Engineer’s Department has the same issue in relation to the North Ruimveldt Canal.

(Lakhram Bhagirat)

12 news

TUESDAY, april 17, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Clifford Reis honoured $91.4M national statistics for service to programme launched business community

Finance Minister Winston Jordan (centre) and other guests at the launch of the National Strategy for the Development of Statistics programme

I Banks DIH Managing Director Clifford Barrington Reis receiving his award from PSC Executive Director Elizabeth Alleyne

I

n recognition of his unwavering support of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) for over the past 20 years, Banks DIH Chairman and Managing Director Clifford Barrington Reis was recently honoured.

A plaque was presented

by PSC Executive Director Elizabeth Alleyne during a corporate dinner hosted at Thirst Park in the company of the Minister of State, Joseph Harmon and corporate members of the PSC. During her remarks, Alleyne noted that Reis has been a loyal supporter of the work that the Private Sector

group has been doing locally and, as such, his contribution has been recognised.

Consequently, Reis expressed his gratitude in light of the recognition, and emphasised the need for more collaboration between the Government and the Private Sector.

The Managing Director is a veteran business executive, who has been entrusted with the responsibility of steering Banks DIH for the past 29 years, as the Chairman and Managing Director. He is also the Chairman of Citizens Bank Guyana Incorporated.

Lindo Creek CoI

n an effort to produce timely and quality statistics that would help stakeholders make more evidence-based policy decisions, Government, through the National Bureau of Statistics, on Monday launched the National Strategy for the Development of Statistics programme at the Tower Hotel.

The one-year programme, which is valued at $91.4 million, aims to increase the availability of statistics in relation to Guyana, the economy, poverty levels, employment, and other critical data necessary. The programme would also monitor various activities to provide accurate statistics.

In delivering the keynote address at launch of programme, Finance Minister Winston Jordan underscored the importance of

statistic to planning, policy formation, and decisionmaking.

“This Government recognises the importance of statistics, and information in general, for effective decision-making. Guyana is part of a globalized environment where the role of, and access to, timely, accurate information are being brought into sharp relief,” he added.

Statistics, he said, are important to Government, because they allow Government to create policy, promote development, and help reduce poverty.

Businesses also use statistics to decide where to invest and how to run their businesses, and to measure results, he said.

“Without good statistics that are fit for purpose, all of our lives would be much more difficult, and scarce national re-

sources will be inefficiently used,” he said.

The minister said Government recognises that an efficient and effective national statistical system is essential in order to meet certain development challenges of the 21st century.

“This launch involves the development of a medium term strategic plan to develop and improve statistics across the spectrum of public agencies. This will raise the bar tremendously in terms of availability, accuracy, and timeliness of information for decision-making,” he added.

Chairman of the National Bureau of Statistics, Dr Nelson Modeste, noted the importance of data relating to labour productivity, which he said could welcome investors.

“I think we need to have some idea as to the productivity in the economy and in

different sectors in the economy. It increases improvements in productivity, and it generally gives us an indication as to what is likely to happen towards the standard of living,” he stated.

The main goal of the ‘National Strategies for Development of Statistics’ is to address the coordination, production and information issues that burden the national statistical systems, and to achieve the implementation of credible and relevant statistical systems in each country.

The programme is being funded through a grant provided by the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB), and is being assisted by Paris21 – The Partnership in Statistics for Development in the 21st Century.

The launch will be followed by a one-week workshop.

GDF to make Prosecution closes case in “Big ranks available Foot” murder trial

F

ollowing the publishing of a public notice and subsequent dispatching of a correspondence, the Guyana Defence Force has indicated that it would make the ranks requested available for a preliminary interview at noon on Wednesday.

“The Guyana Defence Force has received correspondence from the Lindo Creek Commission of Inquiry, requesting that a number of ranks be made available to appear before the Commission. The Force has since responded, indicating the availability of the requested ranks, as some are no longer in its employ.

Further, an agreement has been reached for those available ranks to report to the Commission of Inquiry for a preliminary interview on Wednesday 18-04-18 at 11:30 hours,” the GDF said in a statement.

Last week, the CoI, through its public relations officer, published a public notice in all of the daily newspapers, urging former GDF Lieutenant

Ayodele Woolford; former Superintendent Dwand Cambridge; Colonel Lloyd Souvineer; Captain Sheldon Howell; Major Fitzroy Ward; Private Taylor; Private Quailo and Philbert Bobb to make urgent contact with the Commission.

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.

The Lindo Creek CoI is the first of what the coalition Government has said would be a series of inquiries into the hundreds of killings, which occurred during a crime wave that began in 2002.

The CoI was established to inquire into the circumstances surrounding the killings of eight miners, and to report its findings and recommendations to President David Granger.

…accused maintains innocence

T

he High Court murder trial of Bryan “Big Foot” Leitch is likely to conclude this afternoon following Prosecutors Mandell Moore and Lisa Cave closing the State’s case on Monday.

Justice Sandhill Kisson will this morning sum up the evidence presented during the course of the trial. The jury will then deliberate to determine the accused’s innocence or guilt.

The 12-member panel will consider that the accused man has maintained that he did not murder Joseph Jagdeo, the South Central hotelier whose body was found bound and gagged at his guesthouse on November 14, 2013 in Room 10.

In a brief unsworn statement from the prisoner’s dock, “Big Foot” affirmed his contention that he was innocent of the crime. “I don’t know anything about any murder; I did not kill any-

Dead: Joseph Jagdeo

body,” he declared.

This statement, which could not be cross-examined, contrasted with what Police contended, using the accused’s Caution Statement (CS) – in which Leitch allegedly said he was “sorry” for his actions – as corroboration. During one of last week’s court sessions, Police Sergeant Keith Conway,

who assisted with the murder investigation, had told the jury that he had taken the accused from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to the Brickdam Police Station on November 30, 2013 where he put the murder allegation to him.

Conway claimed that Leitch initially responded: “I don’t know anything about any murder” which was in keeping with his denial.

However, the next day, on December 1, retired Police Sergeant Phillip Bowman took the CS in Conway’s presence which differed.

According to the document which Conway read out in court, Leitch had stated that on the morning in question, Jagdeo came to his room and told him to leave which angered him. ‘“I was vexed and I tell he and I tie he hand and put a cloth around he mouth and tie it, I push he under the

bed and put the room key on the bed. I then go to the office and took out he cell phone; I sorry for what happen, I didn’t go to kill he’,” the excerpt from the CS had stated.

The jury will also consider the testimony of Kiana Garnett, who was staying at Pike Street, Kitty in November 2013.

Garnett, who was a friend of Leitch, told the court on Monday that she was present on November 13, 2013 when Leitch asked her and Shantel DeJonge, another friend, if they wanted to buy a cellphone. The witness stated that Leitch gave the phone to DeJonge. She noted that the phone was black in colour.

“He said don’t answer if anyone called,” she recalled.

Leitch is represented by Attorneys-at-Law Hewley Griffith and Lawrence Harris.

news

13

tuesDAY, april 17, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Region 2 RDC Chair wants Hit-and-run accident Pregnant woman truancy addressed …calls for multi-stakeholder approach to ongoing issue

G

iven the recent release of the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Social Services’ seventh report, which points to several social ills that continue to plague several communities in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), Regional Democratic Council (RDC) Chairman Devanand Ramdatt is calling for a multi-stakeholder approach to addressing these ongoing issues.

One of the most burning issues that were highlighted in the report is the fact that truancy remained a major issue. Ramdatt said having recognised that a number of students were not attending school regularly, the RDC had called for a stakeholder approach to address truancy, from the level of the RDC. “We recommended that the Department of Education through its welfare section, that officers engage the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs)…and have outreaches with parents and to have consultation to encourage them to send their children to school,” he explained.

Beyond that, Ramdatt explained that there were certain targeted communities that he believed required more attention than others, such as Charity, Lima Sands and Red Village. He said in any ideal situation, more social workers and welfare officers were needed to assist with these societal issues.

“But in the short term, I think based on these outreaches, when reports come in, we will have a better understanding as to what are the factors creating a situation that students cannot attend school and more so why they are not attending school regularly,” he explained.

An observation made by the Regional Chairman is the fact that several families are now returning from Venezuela and their children are also coming with them. Therefore, there is an immediate need to have them get birth certificates which will assist them in getting registered with local schools.

“My suggestion to the Department of Education is they can bring the social protection and child protection officers…These officers need to engage more families and have a clearer understanding as to what the situation is and how and why is it that these children are not going to school because most of these schools are there, so transportation may not be one of the major factors,” he added.

The regional official noted also that the aim is to work along with parents and to see whatever support they require and try as best as possible to find solutions to these major concerns.

Ramdatt said he had formally mentioned this in the presence of a regional education officer at the last statutory meeting of the RDC.

Region Two Chairman Devanand Ramdatt

The clerk is expected to follow up with these matters.

“So the decision was concertised 13th March since then we haven’t had a meeting to have the status,” he said.

A perusal of the 2018 Budget estimates reveals that under the heading “Educational delivery”, monies were only set aside for “Buildings”. A sum of $172.8 million was allocated for school provisions, sanitary blocks, and retention payments.

In its recommendations, the Committee urged that Counsellors be made available to all the schools. In addition, it was recommended that the welfare officers lobby for the protection of abused children.

And since there were complaints of children from far-

flung areas not having anything to eat, the Committee recommended that all the schools be made beneficiaries of the Government’s feeding programme.

“The school should have in-house staff – secretary, typist and accounts clerk – so that teachers can concentrate on their jobs – teaching. The school (in fact) should have more teachers.

The school should have separate room and washroom facilities for teachers,” the Committee added.

The Committee also recommended that the Police investigate reports of persons selling drugs and alcohol to schoolchildren. It also advised that a bus be assigned to Charity school to transport children.

According to the Committee, the school should have a parking lot for teachers’ vehicles and much-needed upgrades to the classrooms and the provision of essential supplies.

It was also recommended that space be made to house an additional 180 students.

The Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Social Services is chaired

by Dr Vindhya Persaud; the other Opposition Members of Parliament on the Committee are Alister Charlie, Vishwa Mahadeo and Indranie Chandarpal with sitting Government Ministers Raphael Trotman, Valerie Patterson, Dr Karen Cummings and Valerie Garrido-Lowe among the other members.

loses baby

…suspect in custody

T

The injured Natasia Smartt

he pregnant woman who was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital during the wee hours of Friday following a hit-and-run accident has suffered a miscarriage.

The woman, who was four months pregnant, also sustained broken legs, as well as loss of elasticity in her arms and possible brain damage.

Family members of the distraught 31-year old woman, Natasia Smartt, of Lot 8909 Critchlow Street, Tucville, Georgetown, on Monday told Guyana Times that a report of the accident was made on Sunday at the East La Penitence Police Station, where they learnt that someone had confessed to the act.

Smartt’s sister, Natalia McKenzie, said that the family was told that a man turned himself in and was also said to be the person who called for an ambulance following the incident.

A senior Police official confirmed to this newspaper that the 37-year-old suspect of Tucville, Georgetown was

the driver of the motor car that struck the woman on Jackson Street, Tucville at 03:30h.

The Police official said that he was expected to be charged shortly, since he was given a breathalyser test which indicated that he was above the legal limit. Investigations into the case are ongoing, given that Smartt is still hospitalised, the official revealed.

McKenzie said that the family was told that the driver said he did not see the woman. She said too that her sister, upon regaining consciousness, told her relatives a blue car had hit her. The relative who made the report said that he saw a blue car at another Police Outpost which looked damaged.

Smartt’s family was initially of the opinion that her injuries were inflicted by someone with whom she had a dispute.

Smartt, who is the mother of a seven-year-old child, resigned from her job as a security guard after she found out she was pregnant.

Barbadian man who killed Expired road licences Guyanese wife still at large GRA to seek Police help to hunt 41,000 errant drivers D

avid King, the man who killed his Guyanese wife in front of her two children on Saturday at her place of employment in Mandela Mall in Barbados, is still at large. Barbados Police are, however, encouraging the suspect to turn himself in.

King’s deceased wife had been 36-yearold Onica King of Leadvale, Christ Church, Barbados, a former resident of Belladrum, West Coast Berbice.

According to Nation News in Barbados, Social Care Minister Steve Blackett has confirmed that the two children who had witnessed the act will be counselled.

“I know that the Child Care Board has come on board and is offering services and is offering counselling. That is my principal aim, to have those children counselled,” Blackett told the CBC News Agency on Sunday evening.

As he decried acts of domestic violence, the minister said he hopes estranged parties could solve their issues “before they reach the point where a life is lost. It saddens me every time something like this happens”.

The Guyanese nail technician was on Saturday afternoon attacked and stabbed to death by her husband at her Swan Street, Barbados place of employment.

Based on reports gathered, the suspect reportedly turned up at the woman’s workplace and an argument ensued. The man, according to information, might have premeditated the murder, since he whipped out a knife that he was carrying and attacked the woman.

A

senior official within the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has confirmed that the tax agency is soon expected to make contact with the top brass of the Guyana Police Force in an effort to find some 41,000 drivers that

every year, drivers are expected to renew this licence, and we have found a number of drivers with expired licences,” the GRA official said.

While staff members of the GRA were running the usual checks on drivers,

Traffic Chief Ramesh Ashram

Onica and David King in happier times

The woman’s throat was slit, and she was stabbed several times before the suspect made good his escape.

After the stabbing incident, shocked onlookers contacted the emergency services, but by the time the ambulance arrived at the scene, Onica King had already passed away.

Barbados Police, in an official statement, said the Police received a report of a stabbing during an altercation between a man and a woman.

GRA headquarters

are holders of expired road service licences.

“We are having conversations with the Traffic Chief (Ramesh Ashram), because what happens is:

the discovery of numerous drivers with expired road service licences was reportedly made. Persons without road service licences, which expire yearly, would

be contacted via letter, but other measures would be taken if those drivers fail to adhere to the call.

The Traffic Chief said on Monday evening that he had not yet received word from the GRA. He noted that in such situations the Police Force would first serve notice to the drivers, and would then launch a campaign to find those drivers, using their motor vehicle registration numbers.

14 news

tUESDAY, april 17, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Mother dies, daughter injured in Corentyne accident

A

n accident in Corentyne, Berbice has left a mother of one dead as family members were returning from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) Monday morning.

Dead is Soorajine Surjraj, also called “Pammy”, of Lot 13 Grant 1805 Crabwood Creek, Corentyne.

Injured are Surjraj’s only child, Nesa Sukhra, 15, and her 70-year-old mother, Khemnie Surjraj. Fifty-two-year-old Surjraj, a gas station pump attendant, along with her daughter and mother, were returning home after taking her sister to the airport to board a flight back to the US. The car was being driven by a family friend, who works as a mechanic, but was moonlighting as a taxi driver. The group left Crabwood Creek on Sunday afternoon about 17:00h. However, the accident occurred at Number 58 Village, Corentyne about 07:30h on Monday. Reports are that the driver of the car, HC 2217, might have fallen asleep at the wheel, which resulted in him losing control of the vehicle and driving into a lorry, GMM 9207, which was parked on the eastern parapet.

The impact sent the lorry forward about two meters, causing it to hit another lorry

Soorajine Surjraj and her daughter Nesa Sukhra

Kumar Tulsi, who lives in close proximity to the scene of the accident, said he was at home when he heard the impact and rushed to the scene. According to him, by the time he reached the scene, the grandmother and daughter were already out of the car. He said the driver was sitting on the ground and seemed to be in some discomfort.

“Me see one auntie and a young girl and she bin ah cry… when I look in the back I see the next auntie lie down, she didn’t moving; like she did done dead already. I hear the driver tell the Policeman that he really can’t say how come this thing happen. Nothing did wrong wid he, but all what I hear he say is he stomach ah pain am and the Police carry him to the hospital,” the 57-year-old villager related.

Another villager, Sace Baddel was at

and moving that lorry about one metre.

As a result of the impact, the driver, Avenash Premnaught, 25, also of Crabwood Creek, sustained injuries and was taken to seek medical attention.

The impact also caused the dead woman’s mother to suffer a fractured leg and her daughter, minor injuries. The daughter was treated at the Skeldon Hospital and sent away.

Flooding, overcrowding plague Anna Regina primary

The car the dead woman was travelling in

The parked lorries at Number 58 Village

Regional executives in talks with staff of the CV Nunes Primary School

T

he issues which are affecting the staff and pupils of the C.V Nunes Primary School in Anna Regina, Region Two, are expected to be addressed soon, as the regional executives have made a commitment to make the matter a priority.

This commitment was made on Monday, when regional officials -- including Regional Chairman Davanand Ramdatt, Regional Vice Chairperson Nandranie Coonjah, councillors of the Regional Democratic Council, the Engineer, and the Regional Education Officer -- met with the headmistress, teachers, auxiliary staff and members of the parent/ teachers association (PTA) at the educational facility.

Among concerns raised at the meeting was that the school, which currently has a population of over 700 pupils, is one of the most populated in the region. It was also noted that recent rainfall has resulted in the facility being flooded. The flooding issue is being compounded by a poor drainage system due to clogged drainage pipes, the regional authorities were told.

The school also has several missing window panes, which teachers have complained cause rain water

to lodge in classrooms; and there are dysfunctional toilets, loose roofing sheets, and several other issues plaguing the institution.

Regional Chairman Davanand Ramdatt has said he was shocked to learn that there are so many issues affecting the school, and he was not informed prior to the meeting. PTA Chairperson Rasheeda Persaud said the PTA had written several letters to the Regional Executive Officer (REO) but no remedy has been forth-

coming. However, Regional Education Officer Nicole Matthews said she was not informed of the situation.

The PTA chairperson later announced during the meeting that the Anna Regina Fire Service would be assisting the school by pumping water into the drainage pipes in an effort to flush them. The regional engineer was instructed to fix the toilets and all matters concerning the buildings and compound.

Students walking in floodwaters at the primary school

a bus shed nearby at the time of the accident. He said he assisted in pulling the dead woman from the car, but she appeared dead.

He said after the impact he heard someone shouting for help and he pulled the teen out from the wreckage first, then her grandmother. He said he did not initially see the third passenger.

“She get a cut to she head and a cut

Taxi driver Avenash Premnaught

through she breast,” he related.

Meanwhile, the now dead woman’s sister, Savitry Persaud, 65, said the news quickly reached their home.

“Is very hard for us, because it is a shocking something,” she related.

Surjraj’s father died several years ago following a road accident and two of her siblings have suffered injuries as a result of road accidents.

The driver of the car is currently assisting the Police with the investigation.

In 2016, a man was killed at the same spot when a car swerved from an animal on

the road and in an attempt to avoid hitting a parked lorry, struck a villager.

Several villagers voiced their concerns over the dangers posed by parked lorries on the road shoulder.

At Number 58 Village, a lorry has been parked on the road shoulder for the past five years. It was the scene of a fatal accident in 2015, in which a man, who lived at Number 70 Village, was killed. (Andrew Carmichael)

GPL now blames weather, localised faults for recent power outages

A

ssistant Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL), Natalie Yearwood-Pindar, has said “localised faults” are why many areas across the country have been experiencing power outages over the past 48 hours.

Localised faults are basically issues which affect a small group of persons within a community, the Assistant PRO explained. “The faults that occurred would have been for a number of reasons, including loose connections, problems with transformers, and fallen poles, all due to inclement weather within the past week,” Yearwood-Pindar is quoted by the Department of Public Information as saying.

She added that once a report is received, a team is dispatched immediately to address the problem.

Questioned as to whether these areas would have undergone maintenance, Pindar said maintenance is ongoing, and the weather was the main cause of the blackouts.

The following areas are

GPL’s Assistant Public Relations Officer, Natalie Yearwood-Pindar

scheduled for maintenance between April 17 and 22, 2018: Unity Village, East Coast Demerara; Norton Street, Lodge and its environs; Shiv Chanderpaul Drive in Georgetown; the wards of Kitty, Campbellville, Newton, Subryanville, Prashad Nagar and Bel Air Park; and also Vlissengen Road.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the power utility company, Albert Gordon, announced earlier this month that US$110 million was

needed to address the issue of ‘blackouts’. He explained that the existing infrastructure in the country is the main reason for the constant power outages.

Though an official request has not been made to Cabinet, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, has said the Government would provide some necessary funds to ensure an improved supply of electricity to citizens.

However, the request for US$110 million has already brought up discussions about Government’s decision to scrap the Amaila Falls project.

Amaila Falls could have been almost operational by now, and consumers could have been close to seeing an end to expensive and unreliable electricity. Guyana would, moreover, have been entering into the ranks of the top 10 users of clean energy worldwide.

The project, which would have represented the largest foreign direct investment (FDI) in the country’s history, had the potential to reintegrate Guyana with the global capital markets for the first time in over 40 years.

NEWS

15

tuesDAY, april 17, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Region 7 officials put in hot seat over drug purchases – assure PAC expired drugs not being distributed

T

he Region Seven Administration was, during Monday’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) meeting, put under the microscope over the fact that with millions spent on drugs, the region could not provide satisfactory answers pertaining to their purchases.

Regional Executive Officer Rodrick Edinboro and Regional Health Officer Dr Edward Segala, appearing before the PAC, were questioned on several red flags that were raised in the Auditor General’s 2016 Report.

According to the report, “the sum of $64.496 million was budgeted for the procurement of drugs and medical supplies under the Health Services Programme for 2016. According to the Appropriation Account, the sum of $50 million was expended as at 31 December 2016.

“This amount was transferred by way of inter-de-

Region Seven officials appearing before the PAC on Monday

partmental warrant (IDW) 2504/2016 on 25th May 2016, to the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) (to) procure drugs and medical supplies for the region.

According to the financial return sent from the MoPH, the sum of $46.899 million was expended, and unspent balance, $3.101 million, was credited to the Appropriation Account.”

“The report noted that despite drugs and medical supplies being received by the

Regional Administration, the cost was not stated on the documentation that accompanied the deliveries.

As a result, the Audit Office could not determine whether the full value was received for the sum warranted to the MoPH.” That was in 2016. When the regional officials were asked whether they had received value for the monies spent on drugs, a value still could not be provided.

PAC member Juan

Edghill berated the regional officials for their inability to account for monies spent on these drugs. There were instances when drugs were procured directly.

Questioned, the REO noted that drugs were procured an on emergency basis, but when the Regional Health Officer explained that there are shortages of emergency drugs, Opposition Parliamentarian Nigel Dharamlall questioned the chronic disease medication

shortage when billions are spent on drug procurement each year.

Segala explained that because of Region Seven’s geographic location, it is difficult. Says they service more than Region Seven.

Expired drugs

The report also noted that audit checks had revealed there were, in the regional administration’s possession, 23 types of expired drugs which are still to be de-

stroyed. But since there was no value stated on the documents for the items, a total cost of all drugs destroyed could not be ascertained.

Edghill raised concerns over whether expired drugs were being distributed to hinterland residents. According to Segala, however, the expired drugs were not being distributed. Segala also noted that the drugs have been destroyed, but all is still not well with the system.

“The system is a challenging one. For example, at the level of a hospital, where you have a pharmacist…it is much easier to notice and to tell whether a particular medication is going to expire within a certain timeframe,” he explained.

“The challenge, though, would come from the farflung areas; in our case Upper Mazaruni and Middle Mazaruni, where there is no pharmacist…so supervision can be quite challenging,” he noted.

Hope fishermen charged for Linden pageant scandal being unlicensed Stringent measures being put in place to protect future delegates – Mayor S everal fishermen who were taken into custody last Friday has been charged, and will be taken before the court today.

Charged for failure to provide a valid fishing licence, the men are expected to appear at the Cove and John Magistrate’s Court.

Last Friday, a number of fishermen were arrested at the Hope Canal after searches conducted by the Police revealed they were operating without any legal documents which allow them to fish in Guyana’s waters.

They were each released on $20,000 station bail.

The fishermen, in their defence, noted they were unaware of any intention to

The men who were arrested last Friday

have them arrested, since they would usually receive a visit from the Fisheries Department in which $15,000 would be paid and valid licences would be supplied two weeks later.

In light of this incident, Global Seafood Distributors company has collaborated

with its suppliers so as assist the fishermen in obtaining licences for their boats.

The results of today’s proceedings would determine the outcome of the case as well as the consequences for not abiding by the laws and regulations.

“Parties derailing Marudi mediation process” – ministry

T

he Natural Resources Ministry (MNRE) has said it is disappointed with what seems to be a “reneging” by all parties concerned on the terms and understanding of the mediation process on mining in the Marudi Mountain area of Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo), which came into being in 2016.

The MNRE’s Director of Compliance, Derrick Lawrence, speaking on the issue yesterday, said the MNRE met last week with the parties – the Romanex Mining Company, Rupununi Miners Association, and eight South Rupununi Indigenous communities – but was disappointed with what seems to be “new positions coming from the parties, who appear not to want to act in good faith.”

According to Lawrence, the MNRE believes that

Romanex can do more to accommodate the small miners, and the Rupununi Miners Association should abide by the mediated agreement and take up lands set aside for them, as agreed. The company believes the South Rupununi Indigenous communities should not present any new positions after the agreement was inked, such as their new position that there should be no mining conducted in the area.

“It appears that persons are attempting to derail the mediation agreement to which all parties had committed, had endorsed, and (had) celebrated. This deviation seems driven by knowledge of the number of resources in the area,” Lawrence is quoted by the Department of Public Information as saying.

He said the MNRE has assured there are enough resources in the area to provide

for all the parties engaged, if good sense prevails; and still believes that mediation is the best way forward in resolving the issue.

The MNRE’s concern comes months after it was forced to call on miners to respect the Marudi Agreement.

Back in April 2016, the Government, through Minister Raphael Trotman, had intervened in a standoff between small miners from the Marudi Mountain area, representatives of Indigenous communities, and Romanex Guyana Exploration Limited, and had facilitated a historic mediation process with the help of Major-General (Rtd.) Joseph Singh.

The mediation resulted in all parties signing the ‘Mediation of the Marudi Mountain Dispute Agreement’, which would guide future engagements to finalise a solution.

From left: Deputy Mayor of Linden, Wainwright Bethune; Mayor Waneka Arrindell, Linden Town Clerk (ag) Orleena Obermuller, and LM&TC Public Relations Officer Tiffany Stoll at the recent press briefing

A

s investigations continue into allegations of sexual assault involving a Linden Town Week (LTW) pageant delegate and a Linden businessman, the Mayor and Town Council (LM&TC) has said it is already taking steps to protect future delegates.

According to the mayor, this will be done by the imposition of more stringent guidelines for fund-raising.

Following results of its preliminary internal investigation, the Council made a decision to cancel this year’s pageant, and crown delegates as “Linden Ambassadors”, to stand against all forms of abuse against women. The delegates are expected to lead a “Speak out, speak up” march on April 21.

The allegation of sexual assault reported last month involved a delegate while on a visit to the businessman’s premises to seek sponsorship for participation in the pageant.

During a recent media brief, Linden Mayor Waneka Arindell assured that the LMTC is working with law enforcement authorities to ensure no stone

is left unturned in this investigation. She noted that whoever is found culpable will be brought to justice, regardless of place or position.

“Furthermore, we call upon corporate Guyana to partner with us and help us to promote responsible behaviour in pageantry sponsorship...,” she said.

Arindell also called on major policy-makers; community stakeholders; social protection agencies; and non-governmental, community- based and religious organizations to participate in the march.

“These young women would have all changed their platforms to reflect the social issues that are affecting young women, and have pledged to speak on their individual platforms about their reasons for being a part of this movement... I take this personally, and I will not ask these courageous young women to cower and disappear from facing the harsh reality of this incident”, Arindell stated.

She has called on all to support the delegates and to allow justice to prevail.

The allegation of sexual assault went viral on so-

cial media after a post that a businessman from Amelia’s Ward, Linden had made sexual advances towards the delegates when they were at his premises to seek sponsorship during March 2018.

The post alleges that the LM&TC had tried to cover up the matter, and officials had tried to silence the victims.

An investigation found evidence that an incident did occur on March 3, 2018, and the said matter was settled between the parties involved on March 6, 2018.

The Alliance for Change (AFC) has said, in a statement on the matter, that it is aware of a social media post regarding an alleged incident which took place in Linden.

The party also admitted that the incident involved a member of the AFC’s Region 10 Regional Management Committee.

Based on information emanating from some sources, the AFC member was one of the persons who had accompanied the victim to the businessman’s premises to seek sponsorship, and that had led to her allegedly being assaulted.

16

guyanatimesgy.com

tuesDAY, april 17, 2018

Regional

Brazil: Top court ruling could Canada pulls families of diplomats free Lula, derail graft fight in Cuba amid unusual illnesses

O

A

decision looming before Brazil’s Supreme Court could free imprisoned former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva within days and deal the harshest blow yet to the South American country’s battle against corruption, prosecutors and judges say.

Several Justices on Brazil’s top court have already made clear they want to overturn a landmark 2016 ruling that allowed defendants to be jailed if their graft convictions were upheld on a first appeal – the sole reason that Lula and several senior politicians and businessmen are currently behind bars.

Critics say the decision denies defendants the constitutional right to exhaust the appeals process before being jailed and Supreme Court Justice Marco Aurelio Mello is expected to decide early this week whether to bring before the full tribunal a motion against the ruling.

But leaders of Brazil’s ground-breaking anti-corruption drive, including the crusading Judge Sergio

Supporters of former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva display a banner in front of the statue of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on April 14, 2018

Moro who jailed Lula this month, told Reuters that overturning the decision would seriously damage the country’s sweeping battle against graft.

Reversing the ruling would mean not just freedom for Lula, who leads polls for October’s presidential election, but also the release of many other leading politicians and businessmen serving time for corruption.

Other powerful fig-

ures, like President Michel Temer, who face graft trials or are under investigation, would also benefit from the change if eventually found guilty.

The high court’s ruling two years ago “expressed an understanding that impunity and corruption walk hand-in-hand”, Moro said by email. “I have great hope that the Supreme Court will not reverse its precedent.”

ttawa will remove families of diplomats posted at its embassy in Cuba as the cause of unusual health symptoms is still unknown, though information from medical specialists has raised concerns of a new type of brain injury, Canada said on Monday.

Canada is still investigating the cause of the symptoms that were first reported by Canadians connected to the Havana embassy in 2017 and have also affected US diplomats in Cuba.

The symptoms, which include dizziness, headaches and nausea, have been found in 10 of the 27 Canadian

personnel and family members that initially received medical testing, a senior Government official said.

While there have been no new incidents since the fall of 2017, diplomatic families that have returned to Canada have continued to experience symptoms. In some cases, the symptoms have lessened in intensity before returning, the official said.

Canada has also received information from Canadian and American medical specialists that raised concerns of a possible type of acquired brain injury, the official said, while initial theories

E

Artízala, who is better known by his alias, Guacho.

Guacho was a member of the left-wing Colombian rebel group, FARC, but split off from it when the FARC signed a peace deal with the Colombian Government in 2016.

Guacho’s group, which calls itself the Oliver Sinisterra Front, is estimated to have 70 to 80 members and is active in the ColombiaEcuador border region.

It is believed to control much of the drug trafficking in the area, which has one of the highest densities of coca plantations in Colombia.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Reporter Javier Ortega, 32; photographer Paúl Rivas, 45, and their 60-year-old driver Efraín Segarra were kidnapped when they were investigating a spike in violence in Mataje, just across the border in Ecuador.

The kidnapping and killing of the journalists and their driver caused outrage in Ecuador.

Two weeks after they had been seized, the Oliver Sinisterra Front released a statement saying the three had “died” when the army came close to where they were being held. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Reuters)

Bahamas seeks US assistance in dealing with illegal migration problem

Ecuador and Colombia hunt for reporters’ killers

cuador and Colombia have stepped up their hunt for members of a breakaway rebel group which killed two Ecuadorean journalists and their driver last week.

Ecuador said it had sent 550 Police Officers to Mataje, where the Journalists were kidnapped on March 26.

Ecuador’s President Lenín Moreno confirmed on Friday that the three had been killed, but their bodies have not yet been found.

A group of dissident FARC rebels said it was responsible for the killing.

The group is led by Walter

of a sonic attack first raised

by US officials last year or mass psychosomatic causes are now considered to be improbable.

Air and water quality tests of staff quarters in Havana did not indicate a cause for the health problems, the official told reporters.

Due to the uncertainty, Canada’s embassy in Cuba will be designated as an unaccompanied post, meaning diplomats will not be stationed with their families, the Government said in a separate statement. (Excerpt from

The Bahamas’ Prime Minister, Dr Hubert Minnis and US Vice President Mike Pence (not pictured) had discussions on the issue

T

he Bahamas is seeking assistance from the United States of America in stemming the tide of illegal migration into the island.

That was among issues further discussed in a meeting between The Bahamas’ Prime Minister, Dr Hubert Minnis and US Vice President Mike Pence on the margins of the Eighth Summit of the Americas held in Lima, Peru, last

weekend.

“I had a one-onone meeting with VicePresident Pence. We are more concerned about the problems we face with illegal migration and I pointed out that we need assistance in this matter,” Dr Minnis said, adding that he was very satisfied with the response from Pence who also acknowledged that he recognised the issues facing The Bahamas.

The Bahamas is “not looking for money, per se,” the Prime Minister said, but seeking assistance in improving its technology, skills, and its access to more supplies and equipment.

The Prime Minister said The Bahamas has also had this discussion with President Jovenel Moïse of Haiti, whom he said is aware of the problem and is willing to work with the government.

“They would allow us to take a ship ride into their waters so as to deal with this issue. But it would also help us with the problems we face with illegal fishing. Once our technology and manpower resources increase then we can deal not only with the migratory problem but also illegal fishing,” Dr Minnis said.

He said he also asked for assistance in dealing with the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development’s blacklisting of The Bahamas as a “tax haven.” (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

UK apologises to Caribbean immigrants T&T: Guardia Nacional threatened with deportation fail to deliver fishermen

T

he British Government on Monday apologised to Caribbean citizens who moved to Britain in the 1950s and 1960s and have been threatened with deportation, agreeing to meet 12 leaders of countries affected after initially turning them down.

Prime Minister Theresa May’s meeting today will come ahead of a summit of Commonwealth leaders this week, after more than 140 British Members of Parliament demanded her government stop treating members of the Windrush generation as illegal migrants.

“There is absolutely no question about their

UK Interior Minister Amber Rudd

right to remain and I am very sorry for any confusion or anxiety felt,” Interior Minister Amber Rudd told Parliament during an emergency debate.

After the arrival of the first group of West Indian immigrants on the ship Empire Windrush in 1948,

many more followed to help rebuild Britain in the wake of World War II. They were given indefinite leave to remain, a situation which changed with a 1971 law, but many who failed to get their papers in order are now being treated as undocumented or illegal

migrants.

An online petition to Parliament, calling for an “amnesty” for the Windrush generation, had almost 150,000 signatures on Monday.

Also facing fury from Opposition lawmakers, who condemned a “national shame”, Rudd announced a new taskforce to help those affected to regularise their immigration status swiftly and for free.

Pressed over the years-long clampdown on illegal immigration by the Conservative-led Government, she also admitted that her department could “sometimes lose sight of the individual”. (Excerpt from Reuters)

H

eermatie Sanker collapsed in grief on Sunday after getting disappointing news that Venezuela’s Guardia Nacional had failed to deliver her husband Awardnath Hajarie, son Nicholas Hajarie and friend Shammi Seepersad, as expected.

She was seen clutching her chest while running towards a Coast Guard boat at Cedros Bay on Sunday.

The three fishermen were detained by the Guardia Nacional on April 5 and were supposed to have been dropped off at Soldado Rock at 11:00 on Sunday into the custody of the T&T Coast Guard. This was the same area where they were chased and detained. The

incident was recorded by an oil worker on a nearby rig.

The three fishermen were charged with fishing in Venezuelan waters and reprimanded by a magistrate in Tucupita.

Public Relations Officer of the TT Coast Guard, Lt Sheron Manswell confirmed that the men were scheduled to be brought home Sunday, but when the TT Coast Guard left to make the pickup, they were informed that the Guardia Nacional could not make the delivery because they had no fuel.

Sanker, who has been waiting for 15 days to be reunited with her loved ones, said she did not know what to do. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

tuesDAY, april 17, 2018

guyanatimesgy.com

17

Around the World

Syria air strikes: Russia denies tampering PM May defends with suspected chemical attack site Syria strikes in

R

ussia has denied interfering with evidence at the site of the suspected Syrian chemical attack, which led to Western air strikes on Saturday.

In an interview for BBC's Hardtalk, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said: "I can guarantee that Russia has not tampered with the site."

The US raised concern at the international chemical weapons agency.

International inspectors will be allowed to visit the site on Wednesday, the Russian military has announced.

A nine-strong team from the agency, the Organisation for the Prohibition of

The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), which will inspect the site, is gathering at its headquarters in The Hague

Chemical Weapons (OPCW), has been waiting nearby in the Syrian capital Damascus

for the green light.

Douma was a rebel stronghold at the time of

the attack on April 7 and is now under the control of the Syrian Government and Russian military.

UK Prime Minister Theresa May has defended Britain's involvement in the air strikes, saying it was to prevent "further human suffering", as opposition parties said MPs should have been consulted in advance.

The suspected attack, denied by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's Government, reportedly killed dozens of people in Douma, in the Eastern Ghouta region.

Two bombs filled with chemicals were reportedly dropped several hours apart on the town. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Parliament

B

ritain's Prime Minister has defended the United Kingdom's decision to launch coordinated strikes with American and French forces, in an attempt to "further prevent the use of chemical weapons" in Syria.

Speaking at the House of Commons on Monday, PM Theresa May said the UK's involvement in Saturday's attacks on Syria's alleged chemical weapons sites was in the national interest.

"We have not done this because [US] President [Donald] Trump asked us to do so," she told Parliament.

"We have done it because we believe it was the right thing to do, and we are not alone."

Many Opposition MPs have questioned May's decision to join the attack without seeking parliamentary approval.

Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the Opposition Labour Party, reiterated his stance that May is "accountable to the Parliament – not to the whims of the US President".

He also questioned the legal justification for the attack, saying it was not in line with the UN Security Council's charter. (Excerpt from Al

Jazeera)

NYT and New Yorker South Carolina prison riot leaves 7 inmates dead win joint Pulitzer for S Weinstein exposé

T

he New York Times and New Yorker magazine have won a joint Pulitzer for their reporting on sexual harassment allegations in Hollywood.

The reports sparked the #MeToo movement, a broad pushback against sexual harassment in

many industries.

The New York Times also shared a second prize with The Washington Post for coverage on Russia's alleged meddling in the 2016 US presidential election.

Pulitzers are the most prestigious honour in American journalism. (BBC News)

even prisoners have been killed and at least 17 others injured in a riot at a maximum security prison in the US state of South Carolina, officials say.

Violence erupted at the prison facility on Sunday evening and was brought under control in the early hours of Monday.

There were "multiple altercations" at housing units at the Lee Correctional Institution, the South Carolina Department of Corrections said.

All prison guards and

law enforcement staff were said to be safe.

"The incident at Lee [Correctional Institution] resulted in 17 inmates requiring outside medical attention and seven inmates were killed," the South Carolina Department of Corrections tweeted on Monday.

Several inmates were stabbed or slashed with homemade knives, while the remainder appeared to have been beaten, Lee County Coroner Larry Logan told the Associated Press.

The deadly riot broke out at the Lee Correctional Institution in South Carolina

The department said that all staff at the institution in Bishopville were

later "accounted for" and that an investigation was under way. (Excerpt from BBC News)

electoral board commissioners India child gang rape trial Kenya resign over leadership fight begins in fast-track court H E

ight men accused of the rape, torture and murder of an eight-year-old Muslim girl in Indian-administered Kashmir have pleaded not guilty in a specially convened fast-track court.

The body of the victim, who belonged to a Muslim nomadic tribe, was found in a forest on January 17 near Kathua city of Indianadministered Kashmir.

Outrage over the case has been growing.

The trial began amid reports of another child being raped and murdered in the western state of Gujarat.

The victim in this case is yet to be identified, but a police report detailing the extent of the injuries inflicted on her has been making headlines in the

The trial began amid reports of another child being raped and murdered in the western state of Gujarat

country.

The Kathua rape case made headlines last week when Hindu right-wing groups protested over the

arrest of the eight men, whose community had been involved in a land dispute with the Muslim nomads.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

alf of Kenya's electoral board has resigned "with immediate effect", as the commissioners cited lack of faith in the organisation's leadership.

Vice Chair of Kenya's Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), Connie Nkatha Maina and two commissioners – Margaret Mwachanya and Paul Kurgat – said they left their posts because they have no faith in Chair Wafula Chebukati, adding that the organisation was dysfunctional.

"The institution has continued to be dysfunctional, with arbitrary decision-making, leaking of internal documents ... and pursuing of personal interests," the three officials said in a statement released at

The commissioners said they have no faith in the leadership of the electoral board [Baz Ratner/Reuters]

a news conference in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi.

"The Chairman has, in several instances, failed to be the steady and stable hand to steer the commission ship," the statement added.

Last week, the commission sent its chief executive on three months of compulsory leave pending an audit, it said, without giving a detailed reason for the move.

During the East African country's general election last year the commission was at the centre of controversy and was accused by the Opposition of tampering with the vote.

The country's Supreme Court annulled the August presidential poll result saying the electoral board committed "irregularities and illegalities", harming the integrity of the election. (Excerpt

from Al Jazeera)

Starbucks Philadelphia arrests “reprehensible”

S

tarbucks' CEO has apologised for the "reprehensible" arrest of two black men for trespassing while waiting for a friend at the cafe.

In an interview on Monday, Kevin Johnson

said the Philadelphia branch manager who called Police on the two men last week has now left the company.

The men were arrested when a manager complained that they had not

made a purchase.

A Starbucks spokeswoman says the pair have agreed to meet with Johnson.

"The circumstances surrounding the incident and the outcome in our store on Thursday were reprehen-

sible... they were wrong," Johnson told ABC News on Monday morning.

"Starbucks stands firmly against discrimination or racial profiling," he said in the blog post.

During his interview,

Johnson added that it was "completely inappropriate to engage the Police", and that Starbucks would conduct staff training to prevent "unconscious bias".

Both men, who have not been officially named, were

released shortly after their arrest.

Throughout the weekend, and on Monday, protesters disrupted business at the cafe where the incident occurred. (Excerpt from BBC

News)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

TUESDAY, april 17, 2018

ARCHIE

Slow down and consider the consequence of your ac(March 21tions. It’s important to look April 19) at all your options before you take on someone or something that could be more difficult than anticipated.

ARIES

You’ll have a chance to TAURUS make a unique contribu(April 20- tion to something that you May 20) feel strongly about. Put your physical ability to the test and take bold steps.

dilbert

Tidy up loose ends and go GEMINI (May 21- over financial documents. Pay June 20) close attention to contracts and settlements. Negotiate on your own behalf.

Get involved in projects or associations that you feel you (June 21- can help. What you offer will July 22) be appreciated and will bring about an unusual offer that can improve your life.

CANCER

Peanuts

You’ll be eager to make a LEO change, but consider the cost (July 23- involved and how loved ones Aug. 22) or your peers will be affected before you jump into something.

Calvin and Hobbes

Take a closer look at differVIRGO ent ways to look after children (Aug. 23or parents who need assisSept. 22) tance. Calling a family meeting or talking to an expert will help.

A purchase you want to LIBRA make will have hidden costs.

(Sept. 23Oct. 23) Find out what’s expected of you before committing to participate in a joint venture. Don’t make a change if it’s too costly.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

TODAY’S WORD — DYSPEPSIA (DYSPEPSIA: dis-PEP-seeuh: Disturbed digestion.)

Getting along with your SAGITTARIUS peers will help you avoid (Nov. 23a setback that could afDec. 21) fect your income. You’ll be tempted to make a spur-ofthe-moment decision that could lead to loss.

Average mark 24 words Time limit 35 minutes Can you find 32 or more words in DYSPEPSIA? The list will be published tomorrow.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

YESTERDAY’S WORD — SCEPTER scree secret sect seep seer sept sere specter spree steep steer

step stere strep creep crepe crept crest erect ester peer perse

pert pest pester peter preset terse tree resect reset respect rest

RULES OF THE GAME: 1. Words must be of four or more letters. 2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed. 3. Additional words made by adding a “d” or an “s” may not be used. For example, if “bake” is used, “baked” or “bakes” is not allowed, but “bake” and “baking” are admissible. 4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed. To contact Word Game creator Kathleen Saxe, write to Word Game, Kathleen Saxe, Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.

Copyright 2015, Distributed by Universal Uclick for UFS

Physical changes will SCORPIO give you the boost you (Oct. 24need to initiate your plans.

Nov. 22) Partnerships will lead to greater opportunities and the chance to use your skills in a gratifying way.

solution AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Concentrate on home, family and personal gains.

Taking time to rejuvenate or doing something that will improve your health or a relationship with a loved one should be a priority.

Don’t place too much importance on what others do.

Be your own boss and follow the path that suits you best.

If peer pressure is applied, opt to do your own thing.

The past will be a good barometer for how to best handle what’s heading your way. An investment opportunity could lead to a higher standard of living.

tuesDAY, april 17, 2018

Caricom duty-bound to intervene in Windies cricket – Sir Hilary

L

eading Caribbean academic Professor Sir Hilary Beckles has strongly endorsed Caricom's intervention in the running of West Indies cricket, warning the governance of the game in the region had reached a “perilous state”.

The University of the West Indies vice-chancellor and former Cave Hill Campus Principal Sir Hilary contended the region's political leaders were “duty-bound” in their current efforts at restructuring since “the current system of governance and accountability is not fit for purpose”.

He referenced regional governments as “honest brokers of last resort”, while asserting their right to “to rise to the responsibility of contributing to the restoration of public decency and sustainability in the affairs of our proud cricket nation”.

“It is impatient of debate that heads of governments have a duty to facilitate an enabling environment within which our greatest cultural achievement as a people — the honour and privilege of leading the world in the excellence

of Test cricket,” Sir Hilary said in a written statement.

“They are duty-bound by the imperative of political best practice to intervene in the affairs of this heritage with a view to protecting and promoting it for the benefit of future generations.

“It is obvious to all, at

where there was once universal respect is now riddled with ridicule.

“After two decades of performance decline, efforts to chart a path of resilience and recovery have failed. The evidence of obvious failure emanates from the system of governance and accountability that has

Cricket West Indies (formerly West Indies Cricket Board), Sir Hilary's intervention in the raging debate comes as Caricom said recently i t was pressing ahead with laying the groundwork for the re-

Two-time World Cup Champions Windies were forced to undergo a qualifier to play at the 2019 World Cup in England

home and abroad, that the governance of West Indian cricket has reached a perilous state, and that the place

let down the community of cricketers and the wider society.”

A former director of

structuring of the game's governance.

Speaking to the matter earlier this month, chair-

19

CWI President Dave Cameron

man of Caricom 's subcommittee on cricket, St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves said the framework was being prepared to guide the push towards ensuring a “legislative approach”.

CWI has continued to resist Caricom 's efforts at reform, but Sir Hilary said the need was even more glaring now since West Indies cricket in every aspect had “deteriorated in the eyes of the public and its stakeholders”.

Despite the more recent Caricom -commissioned Governance Report authored by UWI Cave Hill Principal Professor Eudine Barriteau, Sir Hilary said the 2007 Patterson Report remained the model for reform.

“The current system of governance and accountability is not fit for purpose. It is dysfunctional at the management and operational levels and is in urgent need of reform,” Sir

Hilary argued.

“Without an appropriate and urgent intervention, the culture of cricket will continue to wither on the vine and die as an element of excellence in Caribbean civilisation.

“The Patterson Report remains the place of necessary intervention. Cricket officials have consistently alluded to the general acceptance of its recommendation. This is in part correct.

“But where officials have rejected the core of the report, is with respect to the accountability of the president and the board to stakeholders.”

Controversial CWI President Dave Cameron has contended that the body's leadership must be “selected free of interference from governments”, but Sir Hilary said there was precedent for Caricom 's actions.

“Direct interventions by governments in their roles as honest brokers of last resort are consistent with approved principles of popular democracy. The situation today is one of last resort: it is now or never,” Hilary stressed. (CMC)

Saints, Pizza Hut GCC stay unbeaten

S

aints and Pizza Hut GCC both continued their unbeaten run in the Bounty Paper Towels Second Division League on Sunday, with victories over the Woodpecker Hikers and Old Fort respectively.

Meanwhile, in the Men’s division, the Sequel caught up with pool leaders Old Fort through their win against the Hikers Cadets, while Bounty GCC edged Senior Saints.

With Saints improving every time they take the field, the Woodpecker Hikers would have recognised they were in for a tough afternoon from the opening whistle. Just four minutes into the match, young speedster Charlia Webb outpaced the Hikers defence to score her team’s first goal.

Former national striker Tekeisha Deleon added a second with a powerful strike in the 13th minute

to give Saints a comfortable 2-0 lead at the half.

With Saints continuing to exact pressure on the Hikers, and capitalising on their superior speed, Webb slammed home a second in the 28th minute to take the Saints’ lead to 3-0 for the win.

Team Captain Carina Moller was all business in the other Ladies match of the afternoon. Although the GCC Ladies enjoyed the majority of possession, junior national Tamala Glenn made several runs up the right wing for Old Fort, but failed to penetrate the scoring circle.

Moller proved a menace for the Old Fort defence throughout the match with good support from young Sarah Klautky and Makeda Harding in midfield. After receiving a pass from the right to smash her shot past the Old Fort goalkeeper in the 13th minute, it was Moller again to seal

the deal with her second goal three minutes from full time. The 2-0 victory maintains Pizza Hut GCC’s position at the top of the Ladies division.

The Sequel seemed to

half, however, young Cadet Shomere Garnett capitalised on a defence error to slide his shot into the open Sequel goal.

Sequel midfielder Alan Fernandes would respond

ed the majority of chances in the match, their wayward shots produced no further goals while Colonel Heywood managed to score the game’s final goal four minutes from the end to

Pizza Hut GCC’s Carina Moller takes a shot at the Old Fort goal

be cruising to victory in the Men’s clash with the Hikers Cadets as striker Philip Fernandes put them up by two goals at the half. Five minutes into the second

immediately upon resumption with a solo run through the entire Hikers defence to score and maintain the two-goal margin for his side. While GCC creat-

move the score to 3-2 in favour of Sequel.

Bounty GCC managed to squeeze past the experienced Senior Saints 2-1 in the other Men’s Second

Division game of the afternoon. GCC would score first through Captain Kareem McKenzie, but Taise Seepaul evened the score at 1-1 four minutes later. The deciding goal came three minutes after the halftime through a Lennox Carrol field goal to give GCC the 2-1 win.

In the Men’s division, Old Fort are now tied with the Sequel on 12 points each. Saints Under-19s and Bounty GCC follow with six points each, while the Hikers Cadets and Senior Saints are yet to secure points. In the Ladies competition, Pizza Hut GCC lead the table with seven points, while Saints hold second position with four points. The Bingo Spartans have three points, while Old Fort and Woodpecker Hikers bring up in the cellar with one point each.

Matches continue every weekend at Saints Ground until May 20.

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

tuesDAY, april 17, 2018

Indian Premier League 2018…

Russell brutal in emphatic KKR win 47 and Rishabh Pant 43, but Kuldeep Yadav (3-32) also took three wickets as the Knight Riders secured a second victory and made it a miserable homecoming for Gautam Gambhir on Monday.

Andre Russell sends one into the stands during his 12-ball 41 © BCCI

S

u n i l Narine took his 100th Indian Premier League wicket and Andre Russell produced another blitz in Kolkata Knight Riders' 71-run drubbing of Delhi Daredevils at Eden Gardens.

Narine failed with the bat after being sent in to open, but the West Indies spinner more than made up for it with the ball, taking 3-18 to reach the century landmark and claim the purple cap as the Daredevils were bowled out for only 129.

Nitish Rana (59 from 35 balls) made a half-century and Russell smashed a brutal 41 from only 12 deliveries to get KKR up to 2009, Rahul Tewatia claiming impressive figures of 3-18.

Russell cuts loose, first for Rana

Glenn Maxwell made a brisk

Mavi snares Gambhir, Maxwell fumes

Former KKR captain Gambhir was given a warm welcome on his return, but his stay at the crease proved to be short.

Shivam Mavi snared the former India opener, who

Chris Morris misses an off-break from Sunil Narine © BCCI

Dafabet, the official betting partner of Hero CPL T

he Hero Caribbean Premier League is pleased to announce it has partnered with Dafabet as the official betting partner of the 2018 tournament. Dafabet is a socially responsible company and has always been committed to encouraging responsible gambling on its site.

This partnership will mean showing support for your favourite team has never been easier.

Dafabet will add the cricket tournament to its host of online gaming products at the start of the 2018 session which will allow fans innovative ways to get involved in the action.

Damien O’Donohoe, Chief Executive Officer of Hero CPL said, “Hero CPL

West Indies all-rounder Russell bludgeoned an unbeaten 88 from 36 balls in a defeat to Chennai Super Kings last week and cut loose again in Kolkata.

The big-hitting Russell smashed six sixes, Mohammed Shami in particular coming in for some treatment while Jason Roy was left to rue putting down a difficult chance to remove the dangerman

when he had only seven to his name.

Russell launched Shami for three maximums in an over before he was cleaned up by Trent Boult in the 18th and three wickets in the last over from Tewatia came too late in the day.

Rana made his first half-century for the Knight Riders, clearing the ropes four times and hitting another five boundaries in an excellent 35-ball knock.

chopped on from a short and wide delivery to give the teenager his first IPL wicket.

Pant and Maxwell flexed their muscles but failed to build on starts, the Australia all-rounder stomping off in a rage after slapping Yadav to Robin Uthappa at midwicket.

Narine bamboozles Daredevils

Narine took over as the leading wicket-taker in the

tournament, striking twice in his second over to leave KKR on the brink at 117-8.

The spin wizard joined the 100 club when Chris Morris attempted a big hit over extra cover but made no contact and heard the death rattle. Narine then flummoxed Vijay Shankar, who was trapped leg before two balls later, and also got rid of Shami as Delhi slumped to a third defeat out of four.

(Sportsmax)

SCOREBOARD Kolkata Knight Riders Innings (20 overs maximum) C Lynn c Roy b Shami 31 S Narine c Maxwell b Boult 1 R Uthappa c & b Nadeem 35 N Rana c Gambhir b Morris 59 K Karthik (c) † c Boult b Morris 19 A Russell b Boult 41 S Gill c Morris b Tewatia 6 T Curran c Maxwell b Tewatia 2 P Chawla c †Pant b Tewatia 0 S Mavi not out 0 Extras (lb 4, w 2) 6 Total (200/9 wickets 20 Overs) Did not bat: K Yadav Fall of wickets: 1-7 (Narine, 2.3 ov), 2-62 (Uthappa, 7.3 ov), 3-89 (Lynn, 10.5 ov), 4-117 (Karthik, 13.4 ov), 5-178 (Russell, 17.2 ov), 6-193 (Rana, 18.3 ov), 7-200 (Gill, 19.2 ov), 8-200 (Chawla, 19.5 ov), 9-200 ( Curran, 19.6 ov) Bowling: Boult 4-1-29-2, Morris 4-0-41-2, Nadeem 4-0-43-1, Tewatia 3-0-18-3, Shami 4-053-1, Shankar 1-0-12-0 Delhi Daredevils Innings (target:

201 runs from 20 overs) G Gambhir (c) b Shivam Mavi 8 J Roy st †Karthik b Chawla 1 S Iyer c Rana b Russell 4 R Pant † c Chawla b Kuldeep Yadav 43 G Maxwell c Uthappa b Kuldeep Yadav 47 R Tewatia c Russell b Curran 1 V Shankar lbw b Narine 2 C Morris b Narine 2 M Shami c Russell b Narine 7 S Nadeem not out 6 T Boult c & b Kuldeep Yadav 0 Extras (lb 3, w 5) 8 Total (129 all out; 14.2 Overs) Fall of wickets: 1-4 (Roy, 0.5 ov), 2-13 (Iyer, 1.5 ov), 3-24 (Gambhir, 2.6 ov), 4-86 (Pant, 8.3 ov), 5-97 (Tewatia, 9.3 ov), 6-113 (Maxwell, 10.5 ov), 7-116 (Morris, 11.3 ov), 8-117 (Shankar, 11.5 ov), 9-128 ( Shami, 13.5 ov), 10-129 (Boult, 14.2 ov) Bowling: Chawla 2-0-16-1, Russell 2-0-25-1, Mavi 2-0-14-1, Narine 3-0-18-3, Curran 2-0-211, K Yadav 3.2-0-32-3

Fraser-Pryce looks to lower national record

is all about passion, and this is just another way for our brilliant fans to get involved in the matches. A partnership with a fantastic company such as Dafabet is a natural synergy to enhance the

T 2 0 format is arguably the most entertaining to watch for all fans, especially newcomers to the sport. To partner up with the rapidly growing Caribbean Premier League

fan experience. We are excited to be able to present this as an option to the fans.”

John Cruces, Head of Sponsorships at Dafabet said, “Cricket is growing in coverage worldwide and the

we believe will help put our brand in-front of more eyes around the world. We look forward to what no doubt will be an exciting tournament this year.” (CPLT20)

D

ouble Olympic gold medalist, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce has done it all, or has she?

Fraser-Pryce, who has achieved everything there is to achieve in the world of sprinting, except for a world record, took some time off from the track to have a child. She is back and has found a new goal.

Now Fraser-Pryce wants to do something rarely ever achieved. She wants to join the three women in history who have run faster than 10.70, the national record she shares with Elaine Thompson.

Florence Griffith-Joyner, who holds the world record at 10.49, Carmelita Jeter, who has gone as quick as 10.64, and Marion Jones, who was a smidge slower at 10.65, are the only other women to have dipped below

the barrier.

"I have always said to myself that if they can do it, you can do it too," Fraser-Pryce said in an interview with the Sunday Gleaner in her home country of Jamaica.

"I haven't achieved every-

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce

thing. I just think, time-wise, I believe I can dip below the 10.70 barrier," she said.

Despite the obvious challenges of getting back to your best after a baby, FraserPryce still believes she can, even at 32 years old, beat the odds, especially because of the way she came of age in the sport she loves.

"I know I can do it. You just have to put your foot forward and commit yourself and just work hard towards it. A lot of persons may think that coming back from a baby is hard. Listen, every day is hard. Training itself is hard, so I am looking forward to the challenge,” she said.

While she has said her progress has been good and her body is where she expects it to be, Fraser-Pryce is still mum on when she will first take to the track. (Sportsmax)

sports

CLASSIFIED ADS

tuesDAY, april 17, 2018 | www.guyanatimesgy.com

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

Aracari Salon & Spa, WBD 2643312, 600-3927 Conferences & Retreats – Full Service: Hotel, Catering & Facilities.

Aracari Resort WBD – 264-2946 Alex Wayne Weddings & Anniversaries: Rental or Full Service: Banquet Hall & Catering. Aracari Resort WBD – 264-2946 Alex Wayne Aracari Hotel, WBD (Near Harbor Bridge) – All Modern Amenities – Rates from $25. Phone 264-2946-8

Driving School Shalom Enterprise. Lot 2 Croal Street, Stabroek. Obtain an international driving permit covering 131 countries. Tel: 227-3835- 6442052. Join us on Facebook

EDUCATION Electronic classes beginning 6th March. Register early, limited spaces. Abdul Electronics. Tel: 2266551/ 225-0391.

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

LAND for sale COMMERCIAL LAND FOR SALE. 17,990 SQ FT. NO 7 BELAIR, WOODLAND VILLAGE DISTRICT, BERBICE. $35 MILLION. CONTACT# 592 639-4644

NOTICE Application for money lender certificate. Pursuant to section 4 of the money lender Act. I Cedric Joel Weekes of lot 8 Den Amstel Old Road, West Coast Demerara, Guyana is hereby giving notice that I have applied to the magistrate of the Georgetown Magisterial District for a certificate under the Money Lenders Act, authorizing the grant to me of a Money Lender License to carry on the business of a money lender under the title ‘WEEKES FAST CASH PAWN SHOP’ at lot Y Blankenburg Public Road, West Coast Demerara, Guyana. Notice of any objection to the application should be sent forthwith to the clerk of the court of Georgetown Magisterial District and a copy of such notice and a copy of such notice should be sent to the subscriber Cedric Joel Weekes (applicant) dated at Georgetown Demerara this day April 9th, 2018

PEN PAL

Sri Guru Raghavendra Astrology.

Master: VEERA BHADRA. Specialized in: PALM, FACE, PATRA READING & HOROSCOPE BOOK OPENING. An expert in clearing negativity in life by using ancient prayer methods. Gives complete solution to your problems like: love, children, finance, job, marriage, finance and education. Meet him once to get guidance. All religions are welcome. Private and confidential. Tel: 695-9805 & 652-6427.

Tailoring Jimmy and Sons Tailor Shop (Herstelling). We specialize in sewing of Gents Pants, ladies suit etc. We also do quality alternations (Jeans, Zip, Dresses, Skirts, blouses, etc.)

Contact us on Telephone: 265-5033

taxi services GR Taxi, 24 hours. Phone: 225-7878, 219-5000 or 227-2100

TO LET 1 and 3 bedroom apartments in gated community Versailles West Bank Demerara. Tel: 2642946

tRAINING Private Customs Brokerage Training Course From 7th May 2018 Register now Space limited Call 694-8322/ 690-4225

VACANCIES Pump Attendant-Bel Air Rubis.

Call or Whatsapp: 680-3863.

Customer Service Assistant-Call or Whatsapp: 624-0033. One House Keeper: 624-0033 Security Guards, Waitress & Receptionist - Aracari Hotel, Versailles, West Bank Demerara.

Apply in person or phone 264 29468 for appointment

NOT RECEIVING

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

KK Warriors surge to

2nd place G

oals either side of play saw Kuru Kururu Warriors defeating Agricola Red Triangle to edge debutants Swan FC by a single point to end as the second-best team on the penultimate day of competition in the inaugural East Bank Football Association (EBFA) leg of the GFF/Pele Alumni Frank Watson U-15 Intra Association League.

Playing at the Timehri Red Ground on Monday, the Warriors, held to a draw by Herstelling Raiders FC on Saturday, knew that a win would have landed them in the runner-up spot to Timehri Panthers, who have already bagged the title with a game still in the bag.

Dwight Noble opened the proceedings in the 11th minute, and the icing was put on the cake in the 60th minute when Shaquille Agard found the back of the nets to cap a fine league for the Linden-Soesdyke Highway lads, their seventh win in 11 matches.

Agricola were left on 19 points from their full quota

of matches and had to settle for fourth place behind Swan FC. The other match on Monday saw Mocha Champs handing Diamond United their 11th loss in as many matches, the former winning 9-0. Shamar Alleyne landed a hat-trick, with goals in the 6th, 59th and 61st minute. There were a brace each for Adoni Rutherford (13th, 26th minute) and Kester Stewart (49th, 51st minute).

Yohance Douglas in the 25th minute and Jermaine Harry in the 45th were the other Mocha players to get on the score card.

The curtains on what has been a very exciting league which saw two new teams competing will be drawn on Saturday with the final match bringing together winners Timehri Panthers and Mocha Champs.

A win for Mocha can see them jumping from their current 10th place to sixth while a win for the Panthers would further consolidate their winning place at the top.

Dwight Noble (right) and Shaquille Agard of Kuru Kururu Warriors FC

YOUR

DAILY & SUNDAY COPIES OF THE

GUYANA TIMES in your area?

Contact our

Circulation Department

on Phone: 223-7230 EXT: 55

Linden Zone Guinness “Greatest of the Streets” Competition

Defending champs suffer opening round loss

Overseas based gentleman (mix-race) seeks female 38-50 call 663-7504

property for sale Lot 15 Public Road, #2 Village, West Coast Berbice. 49ft x 10,314ft Length. $20M Neg. Contact: 6487109 or 686-4818 2-flat bedroom wodden building situated at 154 “B” Shell Road Kitty.

2 Lots east of Kitty Market. Tel: 6979418/6702653/2269548

SERVICES GUYANA TRANING COLLEGE FOR INTERNATIONAL SKILLS. TELEPHONE 227-4881 DAY&EVENING CLASS. *Train to live & work in CANADA / CAREGIVER *Care for Elderly *Care for Children.

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

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

21

The defending champions Dave and Celina All-Stars suffered an opening round defeat (file photo)

C

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

hampions Dave & Celina commenced the defence of their title on a negative note after suffering a 2-1 defeat on penalty kicks to Amelia’s Ward Russians on the opening night of the Linden segment of the Guinness “Greatest of the Streets” Competition, which got started on Sunday, at the

Mackenzie Market Tarmac.

After playing to a goalless stalemate in regulation time, the new-look reigning champs, holders of the national title as well, went down in the penalty shootout to make Friday’s must-see clash against Amazings a must-win encounter.

Another impressive

turnout that braved the inclement weather saw NK Ballers, made up of players that defected from last year’s Dave & Celina lineup, narrowly escape with a 1-0 win over Assassin Ballers through a 15th minute strike from Jermaine Grandison.

Also in the winners’ row were Hard Knocks who

looked in fine form following a comfortable 2-0 triumph over Amazings, with Allon Alley in the 7th minute and Marley Major’s effort in the 14th proving enough to secure victory.

In the night’s opener, newcomers Quiet Storm kept Big Guns silent in their 2-0 win, while former champs Team 25 edged Young Guns 1-0 and Swag Entertainment who many fancy to go all the way offered the fans a glimpse of their ability with a 3-1 thumping of Cherokee Park.

The prolific duo of Shane Luckie, who netted a brace, and Colwyn Drakes were the players on target for the winners, while Nantanbu Arbar made the lone response for the losers.

The competition goes to the Silver City hard courts this Friday, with six more matches scheduled to be played, before returning Sunday to the Mackenzie Market Tarmac.

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

tuesDAY, april 17, 2018

Road to Mecca V…

Colts book semi-final spot The defending champions Dave and Celina All-Stars suffered an opening round defeat (file photo)

W

ith their fifth straight win, defending champions Bounty Colts looked well on track and amped to retain the Road to Mecca National Club Championships currently being contested at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall

(CASH).

On Sunday, Colts booked the first semi-final spot of the 2018 Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) event with a 99-45 thrashing of Canje Knights.

Kobras also defeated Pacesetters 82-79 to stay

in contention for a playoff spot while Republic Bank Nets eased past Amelia’s Ward Jets 86-80 and Ravens battled Bulls down to the wire to emerge victorious 76-73.

Saturday evening saw Plaisance Guardians defeat Canje Knights 87-68,

Colts record victory four with a - 87-63 triumph over Retrieve Raiders and Victory Valley Royals remain unbeaten after sinking Kobras 73-55.

Mecca V continues this Wednesday, April 18 before rolling into the weekend with the last set of

GFF Elite League III…

Ann’s Grove, Den Amstel record wins

A

nn’s Grove and Den Amstel both got a sweet taste of victory on Sunday evening when they outplayed New Amsterdam United and Milerock Football Clubs in the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Elite League III. The Den Amstel Ground was the venue for upsets as the home side treated their

supporters to a 4-0 whipping of the Linden-based side.

Den Amstel FC went ahead in the 14th minute when Delon Lanferman scored, but then Jamal Pereira doubled the lead in the 35th minute.

Already comfortably ahead, Gideon Payne made his presence felt for Den Amstel with a second half brace. He scored in the 51st

Ann’s Grove scorers: Dwight Peters, Maxton Adams and William Europe

and 68th minutes to put the victory beyond doubt.

In the other match of the double header, Ann’s Grove got sight of that long overdue win in the league as they inflicted a 5-2 drilling of the Berbician side.

Quincy Barry drew first blood in the eighth minute for the eventual vic-

tors, but Leonardo Adams equalised two minutes later. NA United briefly went ahead on the score sheet with Jamal Butts’ 39th minute goal, but William Europe pulled it level once again.

A goal by Dwight Peters, who led the charge for Ann’s Grove with a double, in the third minute of injury and stoppage time of the first half regained the lead for his side.

Maxton Adams accounted for the other Ann’s Grove goal as the side finished comfortably on Sunday in a tournament that they definitely have mixed emotions about.

Action continues on Friday at Camp Ayanganna Ground with an Inter Academy Match up, then the Guyana Defence Force take on Ann’s Grove, commencing at 18:00h.

preliminary games prior to the semi-final stage on April 22. Over $2 million in prize money is up for grabs with the grand cash prize of $600,000 to be claimed by the champions when the competition concludes on April 28. The runners-up will have to set-

tle for $400,000, while the third-place finisher will receive $200,000. In addition, the MVP will pocket $200,000, while the player with the most points, most rebounds and the most improved player will each receive $100,000.

(Kizan Brumell)

FIBA Regional Training Camp starts Thursday T

he International Basketball Federation (FIBA) has introduced a new Licensing System to select FIBA Referees and Commissioners, and it is scheduled to take flight in January 2019.

The Regional Training Camp was designed to improve the officiating team in the FIBA National Federations, and identify possible potential prospects at the national level to be future FIBA Referees in order to support licensing beyond 2019 and facilitate a span of two to six years planning to scout the national talent in time. Hence, increasing the standard and quality of national officiating.

Participants already signalling their intent to be a part of the Camp range from Referees, Commissioners, Table Officials, Coaches, and players to physical education teachers.

Instructors of the fiveday workshop which commences on April 19 are Bahamian Frederick Brow (FA National Instructor); Caymanian Ian Yearwood

(FA National Instructor) and Roberto Vázquez (FIBA Referee and a participant in the 2016 Olympic Games and 2014 World Cup).

Additional areas to be covered consist of FIBA Basketball Rules; Travel Violations; Unsportsmanlike Foul; Contact Criteria; FIBA Basketball Rules Official

Interpretations; Officiating: Diagnosis – Elaboration of the Plan of Action to improve the Officiating; and activities using the learning platform.

tuesDAY, april 17, 2018

guyanatimesgy.com

23

GMR&SC “King of the Strip”…

Trinidad, Suriname out to dethrone Team Mohamed’s

T

rinidad and Tobago and Suriname are headed to Guyana for the second edition of “King of the Strip” drag racing slated for Sunday at the South Dakota Circuit.

Organised by the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMR&SC), the event will see the visiting contingent pushing to dethrone the powerful Team Mohamed’s Enterprise in the unlimited category (7 seconds). This is according to GMR&SC President Ramez Mohamed.

Equipped with two Nissan GT-Rs, Team Mohammed’s own the local record with a time of 7.569s while their Nismo has a time of 8.906s.

The GMR&SC on Monday indicated that four cars and two bikes from the

Team Mohamed’s monster GT-Rs will have to come good on Sunday to maintain their unbeaten run

twin-island republic will be featured while eight cars from Suriname are making the trip.

One of the cars from Trinidad will be a rail car, which is owned and piloted

by Andy Bissessar. The purpose-built drag car has the ability to achieve sub 10-second times while the two bikes are engineered specifically for quarter-mile strips; all six of the machines are

in a container en route to Guyana.

In December 2016, at the Wallerfield Raceway in Trinidad and Tobago, Bissessar rocketed his way to a new track record of 7.29s at

180.57mph!

On the local side, the GMR&SC President revealed some 40 cars have already been registered, and he is anticipating 70-80 cars will take to the starting line.

Mohamed further expressed that they were working overtime to make sure the track was in the best possible condition to accommodate the increased influx of the fast-powered machines.

The meet in February was dampened by rain and meant the highly-anticipated clash between the GT-Rs and Sean Persaud’s dominant Toyota Caldina did not materialise.

With the Trinidadians and the Surinamese added to the mix, the unlimited category already spells pure excitement.

The event is sponsored by Tropical Shipping, JAPARTS, Mohamed’s Enterprise and ANSA McAL, with tickets being $1000 for adults and $500 for children. Start time is 09:00h. (Akeem Greene)

GCB/Hand-in-Hand Hero Caribbean Premier League 2018…

U-19 Inter-County…

Tahir bringing excitement to Amazon Warriors

Rain has final say in – upbeat about new challenge Essequibo- I Select U-17 clash

Joshua Jones

T

orrential rain on Monday morning forced both matches in the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB)/ Hand-inHand Insurance Under-19 Inter-county three-day tournament to have no play.

At the Everest Cricket Club Ground, it would have been the final day of action between Essequibo and the National Under-17 Select team, who both have suffered opening round defeats.

A result seemed possi-

ble with the boys from the Cinderella County leading by 148 and all of their second innings wickets intact.

Their ascendency came after they bundled out the U-17s for 146 in response to their 290. Joel Fortune took 5-20 and burly pacer Joshua Jones had 5-45. Over at Lusignan Community Centre Ground, in a match that will have its final day today should weather permit, Berbice were 102-5 in response to Demerara’s 148.

mran Tahir is currently playing for the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League, and was hugely successful for the Multan Sultans at the Pakistan Super League. Soon he will be appearing for the Guyana Amazon Warriors at the Hero Caribbean Premier League. He is looking forward to this new challenge.

“It’s very exciting for me and I guess it’s very challenging for me as well. I have been watching CPL on TV for the last couple of years and it looks a very good standard, and I just want to go and express myself and try do well and that’s what I am looking for.”

This will be the first time that Tahir has played at the Hero CPL, but he has had some success in the Caribbean in the past. In the 2016 One-Day International tri-series featuring South Africa, Australia and the Windies he finished with 13 wickets – the most by any bowler in the tournament.

He says that success two years ago means he is looking forward to his return and making the most of conditions that suit him.

“I have been there once and I really enjoyed it. It’s spinning friendly so no complaints.

Beautiful islands and people are very nice. I just had a really good time

and I’m really looking forward to my second trip.

“Whatever is thrown at you I think you just have to adjust to the conditions, sometimes you are lucky sometimes you aren’t. Most of the time wherever you play in the world you don’t get spinning friendly pitches. In Guyana you think that you’re going to get a spin friendly pitch, you’re going to do well.

But for me that’s part of the challenge because people’s expectations are high and they are looking for that.

As a spinner you have to do really well but for me it’s another great challenge. I think the conditions don’t really matter these days because guys are very smart and play a lot of different shots, but it will be a little bit helpful and as I said before it will be a challenge for me.”

Imran Tahir will bring his unique wicket-taking celebrations to the Hero CPL. His joy when he takes a wicket is very clear to see, and Hero CPL fans can look forward to watching his exuberance. He says his celebration is all about his passion for cricket.

“I think if I had to put it in a simple way, I just feel like it’s the passion for the game.

It’s been my dream since I was a kid that I wanted to be in that arena where I see

all the international players playing around me and I think that’s where I am today. Every wicket I take is very important for me and I think that’s probably built up inside me and it comes out when I take a wicket.

So look, it’s pure passion for the game, and I just want to carry on doing more celebrations – that means I am taking wickets.”

Those celebrations were p a r -

ticularly energetic when Tahir took a hattrick at the PSL. Did he think he would ever stop running when that third wicket in three balls fell?

“No, I don’t think so. I think I ended up in front of Mohammad Irfan and you are not going to cross that man! He’s one of the tallest guys.

Look, it was a great achievement for m e from a p e r sonal point of v i e w and what I did for the team.”

In recent year’s Tahir has been restricted to appearances for South Africa in whiteball cricket, and he is hopeful that he can contribute to South Africa doing well at the upcoming ICC global events.

“I always have a belief and I have been saying that for the last three or four World Cups I have been honoured to play. It was just my dream to play international

cricket but never thought I was going to play four World Cups so I am grateful to South Africa for giving me the opportunity. I always say that and that’s the belief I have [that we can win the World Cup] with the team we have and the players we have.” (CPL ) The leg spinner is a great wickettaking asset in the limited over version

tuesDAY, april 17, 2018

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Trinidad, Suriname out to dethrone Team Mohamed’s Pg 23 Trinidad’s Andy Bissessar and his rail car are expected to be a crowd attraction and can possibly threaten Team Mohamed’s GT-Rs

Tahir bringing excitement to Amazon Warriors

Pg 23

Caricom dutybound to intervene in Windies cricket – Sir Hilary Pg 19

Sir Hilary Beckles

Pg 23

Imran Tahir will be playing for the Guyana Amazon Warriors at this year’s Hero Caribbean Premier League

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