Guyanatime 21 march 2018

World Social Work Day

Social workers still battling to be licensed – GAPSW P17 Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana Issue No. 3509

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Mother dies after giving birth at Linden hospital guyanatimesgy.com

PRICE

WHAT'S INSIDE:

GPHC records increase in abandoned patients P15

Page 3

Sugar woes

$80 vat included

Page 10

GAWU blasts Govt's failure to convert fields for rice

Mason P8 charged for threatening mom, brother Fly Jamaica cancels flight to JFK P17 …400 passengers affected

…says groundwork must be laid before workers can diversify

Lindo Creek CoI

10-year time lapse disadvantages Commission – Justice P17 Trotman Labour survey worrisome, P12 serves as eyeopener – FITUG

Legislative improvements needed to advance women’s equality – Opposition MP Page 7 Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo hugs People’s Progressive Party stalwart, Philomena “Fireball” Sahoye-Shury at Freedom House on Tuesday where the Women Progressive Organisation (WPO) hosted an event to honour women entitled, “Women Speak: The status of Women in Guyana 2018.” In photo (right), a section of the gathering during the presentation on women’s rights (Carl Croker photos)

NYC importer blames Govt for fish ban …local exporter urges quick compliance

Burnt body of fisherman found in boat at Rosignol

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Region 1 man remanded P9 for raping 12-year-old 8th World Water Forum

Former Minister cites reduced funding for developing P9 countries

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wednesDAY, march 21, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

NYC importer blames Govt for fish ban

…local exporter urges quick compliance

NY businessman Dave Narine

By Jarryl Bryan

U

rging Government to accept responsibility, a Guyanese born Queens, New York businessman, whose business enterprises include fish imports, has called on the coalition Administration to do whatever it takes – even if it means bringing in a consultant – to fix the issues that led to the ban on catfish import into the United States from Guyana.

In an interview with this publication, concerns were expressed by Dave Narine, owner of Dave’s Guyana Fish Market situated on Liberty Ave, New York.

The businessman stressed that since fish exports from Guyana are heavily dependent on the catfish family, the ban will have dramatic effects on business, both locally and in NYC. “The impact will start, first and foremost, with the fishermen,” he related.

“They would have the biggest impact. And then our market here will have a definite impact. About 70 per cent of the gross sale of fish coming out from Guyana is in the form of the Catfish family.”

“They should hire a consultant or a consultancy firm to address this matter.

Because it would take more than a regular staff to look after this (ban). I think they should hire a consultant or consultancy firm to fix it.”

As such, Narine noted that the ban would most certainly have a devastating impact on trade in the sector between Guyana and the US. According to the businessman, Government should accept full responsibility for the situation fishermen now find themselves in since they were informed of measures since 2015.

“The Government should accept full responsibility for this. I’ve tried to bring it to their attention. And every-

body always knows a lot. I was aware of this fact because it (emanated from the) United States Agriculture Department.”

“But I think what happened with them; they changed their Veterinary Public Officer. And I think they (may not be) equipped enough or experienced enough to handle this problem,” he related.

ic to our business,” Gopie related. “It does however prevent us from exporting any catfish to the USA however small the amounts were, which more than anything will be affecting our customers who supply many Guyanese in the Diaspora.”

“On the whole, catfish exports do represent an important part of our country’s export service and therefore the only way to fix this

The ban prohibits the import of catfish from Guyana

Compliant

Meanwhile, a representative of the locally-based Gopie Investments Incorporated also raised concerns about the ban.

According to Raoul Gopie, the Managing Director of the fisheries export business, catfish are an important part of Guyana’s export of fish.

“Had we been dependent on exports of catfish, the move by the USA surely would have been catastroph-

problem would be to have our Government departments address this problem quickly by becoming compliant with the new US regulations.”

Requirements

Veterinary Public Health Unit Director, Dr Ozaye Dodson had said previously that the imposition from the US export market was just a temporary technical barrier to trade. Dr Dodson said the move by the USDA was

a “protectionist measure” by that country’s public health system, lobbied for by the catfish farmers.

The US Food Safety Inspection Services (FSIS) asked Guyana to provide the relevant documentation to verify this country’s inspection system equivalence to the US standards, or its equivalent public health system.

Dr Dodson claimed Guyana complied with the request. However, the country fell short of the US standards in three areas: firstly, on the issue of the presence of inspectors; secondly, there was insufficient documentation detailing verification of each step in the sanitation and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) process; and thirdly, there was insufficient documentation specifying how the industry manages adulterated catfish products.

PSC President Eddie Boyer told Guyana Times previously that the ban is nothing new, but could be lifted if Government and private companies that are exporting work together to comply with the new requirements. He said it is not an impossible task, but advised that both parties

work diligently so as to lessen the economic impact this ban will have on the trade of these specific fish species.

New US standards for import of catfish species demand the presence of inspectors at plants for one hour during an eight-hour shift. Dr Dodson explained that Guyana’s inspection system utilised a “riskbased approach”, which is a European Union (EU) standard. Guyana was among several countries banned recently from participating in the US catfish export sector.

When interviewed by this publication recently, Agriculture Minister Noel Holder had promised that Government is trying to satisfy the requirements they had been warned they would be in default of.

“We’re putting things in place to satisfy the requirements. The requirements are stringent and it’s difficult to meet some of them easily because of the laboratories, the analyses of the water and a number of things.”

“But we’re working towards it. The ban applies to us, to Canada, the West Indies, everywhere. This is like them trying to protect their industry. That’s what they’re trying to do.”

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wednesDAY, march 21, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Wednesday, March 21– 05:00h-06:30h and Thursday, March 22 – 05:00h-06:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, March 21– 06:25h-07:55h and Thursday, March 22 – 07:05h-08:35h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Weather: Thundery showers are expected to give way to light cloudy skies during the day, while partly cloudy skies are expected in the evening. Overall temperatures are expected to range between 22 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Ranging from East North-easterly to Northeasterly between 2.68 metres and 6.70 metres.

High Tide: 06:57h and 19:24h reaching maximum heights of 2.77 metres and 2.67 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 00:32h and 12:55h reaching minimum heights of 0.51 metre and 0.43 metres respectively.

SATURDAY, MARCH 17, 2018

LOTTERY NUMBERS L

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09 Bonus Ball

FREE TICKET

TUESDAY, MARCH 20, 2018

DAILY MILLIONS 06 10 14 17

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

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Mother dies after giving birth at Linden Hospital …as GPHC CEO promises investigation into mistreatment allegations

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he family of 41-yearold Jennifer Gill of Amelia's Ward, Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), are calling for a full investigation into her death after the woman died following the delivery of a healthy baby boy at the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC).

According to reports, Gill died in the hospital's Intensive Care Unit (ICU) shortly after 20:00h on Monday.

However, the deceased woman's niece, Tashanna (only name given), said her aunt was scheduled to undergo a C-section due to her age and weight of her baby.

She explained that after her aunt’s “water broke” (rupture of membranes) she was admitted to the medical institution at about 07:00h on Saturday.

Her niece explained however, that the C-section was not performed but her baby boy was delivered vaginally on Saturday evening.

Tashanna further noted that she was informed that no doctor was available at the time for the C-section therefore it was not performed.

She went on to state that she visited the hospital on Sunday morning as her aunt was scheduled to undergo a hysterectomy operation; however, she noted that the now dead woman was unresponsive and appeared unconscious after leaving the theatre. She said cotton wool had been placed around her eyes and nose which appeared bloodied.

According to the woman's niece, the now dead woman was later admitted to the Intensive Care Unit.

She said relatives were sent away and were later told that the woman died on Monday evening.

Family members however believe that Gill had already died when they saw her inside the ICU. An investigation is reportedly underway as the medical institution is yet to make an official report.

Meanwhile, an official attached to the medical institution told Guyana Times on Tuesday that obstetricians were in the process of preparing an official report which was expected to

Corporation (GPHC), Brigadier (ret’d) George Lewis, said that the hospital would be investigating the mistreatment claims a 36-year-old woman, who accused the nurses and midwives in the maternity ward of grievously mistreating her before, during and after her delivery on Monday last.

On Saturday last, Jennifer Jagdeo’s baby girl died as a result of compliDead: Jennifer Gill

be forwarded to the Public Health Minister.

The official noted that until that was done, an official statement could not be made on behalf of the hospital. Another official noted that the institution is also awaiting the results of a post mortem-examination.

Gill is survived by two children.

Investigation

Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer of the Georgetown Public Hospital

cations during the pregnancy and the fact that she was delivered prematurely.

The Herstelling, East bank Demerara woman said that she felt degraded by the treatment she received at the GPHC and is seriously considering actions against the Hospital.

“I felt like worst than dog treatment at the Georgetown Hospital,” Jagdeo told this newspaper. turn to page 9

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guyanatimesgy.com

wednesDAY, march 21, 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

Traffic congestion

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he Guyana Police Force and key stakeholders, including the Government, must redouble their efforts in order to reduce the increasing levels of traffic congestion on our roadways while dealing with the concomitant challenges that arise as a direct result of the delays and frustration caused by the phenomenon.

While it is a fact that over the past decade, billions of dollars have been spent on upgrading and maintaining the country’s road network, it is also a fact that little planning continues to go into the process of restructuring existing road designs and layouts, especially in the commercial hubs in Georgetown.

Officials are neglecting the urgent need to create new road linkages, access routes and connecting roads so as to ensure the smooth and unhindered flow of traffic throughout the day.

Traffic congestion, therefore, continues to be a major challenge in Guyana; given the trend, it may even become worse in years to come when one considers the growth and development that are expected with the addition of the emerging oil and gas sector.

This is so because both the economy and school systems require that people work and go to school about the same time resulting in road transport systems being overloaded.

Traffic congestion in the city and its environs as a direct result is almost unbearable, especially during morning and evening rush-hour traffic. These days it is normal to spend more than half an hour in the traffic when going or coming from work or school, especially in areas along the East Bank and East Coast corridors where there is a huge build-up of traffic almost daily.

Not only is the traffic situation adding to people’s personal frustrations, it is certainly having a negative impact on the level of output of our citizens, both students and workers.

For example, production hours are lost by way of employees coming to work late or the fact that they are so tired and stressed the next day after spending long hours either waiting for transportation or stuck in traffic.

The establishment of new housing schemes across the country and the increasing number of vehicles being imported have contributed significantly to traffic congestion in and around the capital city. Thousands of persons have now been relocated from the city to suburban and rural areas where they were allocated houselots to build their homes. Most of these persons have to travel back to the city where they work or attend school.

Also, many persons are now opting to purchase their own vehicles. They use these vehicles to commute to work and conduct their daily errands. In fact, within the last seven years or so, there has been a five-fold increase in the number of vehicles traversing the roads. However, the road network expansion programme, even though improving, still cannot accommodate this massive increase in the number of vehicles using our roads.

That said, traffic congestion cannot be eliminated completely; it is the way modern societies operate. However, there are certain steps which could be taken to immediately minimise the impact traffic congestion has on citizens and their ability to get to their destination with minimal delays.

For example, the authorities could work to ensure that there is greater Police presence in certain areas to properly direct traffic in order to ensure a smooth flow. In some areas leading in and out of the city, there is hardly any Police presence, and some motorists use the opportunity to break the rules. There could also be more diversions where there is a heavy traffic build-up.

As a long-term solution, an effective way to address the challenge is to continue expanding the road network in the country, especially in areas that are heavily populated.

At present, there are too many vehicles, too few roads, and too little space, especially in the capital city. There is no doubt that, once completed, the East Bank-East Coast road expansion project will bring much relief to the travelling public.

It is expected that the new roadway will serve as a corridor for communities on the East Bank of Demerara, including Perseverance, Mocha, Providence, Eccles, Peters Hall and South Ruimveldt. The new road link will allow drivers the option to divert from the East Coast onto the bypass road to access the East Bank of Demerara instead of going through the hectic Georgetown traffic.

The authorities must continue to look at ways in which the road network in Guyana could be further expanded, improved, rehabilitated and maintained. In addition to easing traffic congestion, this could result in a reduction in the large number of road fatalities in the country.

The Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) Department of Education opened its biennial Regional Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) fair Tuesday morning at the Arapaima Primary School in Lethem. The theme for the 2018 STEAM fairs is "Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics, paving the way for a green and sustainable society".

The participating schools are St Ignatius Secondary School, Aishalton Secondary School, Parikwarnaua Primary School, Aishalton Primary School, Arapaima Primary School, Arapaima Nursery School and Parishara Nursery School

Corruption eating away at development in Region 6

Dear Editor, The Public Infrastructure Minister took umbrage at my letter to the press with regards to corruption in procurement which is eating away at development in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne). I do feel that his main contention was with the following paragraph: ‘What is also eating away the quality of work done is the deliberate under-bidding for contracts. Some contractors through inside information know exactly how low they should bid.

In doing so they effectively erode their profit margins and when this is compounded with the inevitable ‘kickback’ the result is substandard work which again will be subjected to bribery to ensure it passes certification. The Public Infrastructure [Ministry] is turning a blind eye to this since cronies and families are allegedly involved.’

The subject Minister on the Facebook page was quick to point out that the example I gave was related to contracts awarded by the RDC and NDIA but unfortunately what he failed to see and acknowledge was the fact that a general observation was made in that paragraph in relation to procurement as a whole and the fact that cronies and families were awarded contracts by the Public Infrastructure Ministry. This corrupt practice is compounded by the fact that bidding information is allegedly sold to contractors, thereby corrupting the bidding process. If he had paid attention to the sequence of the contents of my letter he would have seen this fact. I don’t really blame him since some people only see what they want to see!

The Minister went on to say that the Editor should have made ‘a footnote that his accusations were completely misplaced thus false’. How could the Editor draw such a conclusion? I reassured the Minister on the chat Group ‘Moving Guyana Forward’ that since he felt that my ‘accusations were misplaced’ I will provide him with some evidence that the accusations are not false.

At Palmyra (cannot help recalling the Indian Arrival Monument), the Percy Smith Street was constructed by the MOPI and it crumbled the next day after it was completed. It was reported that the reason why this happened was

substituted which makes more profit for the contractor. A case to point is the construction of a new road from the water treatment plant to the pumping station at Rose Hall. It is reported that this road was never constructed but an already existing road at JC Chandisingh School Street was resurfaced with asphalt. This road needed only some minor repairs. This was done in 2016 and cost approximately $20 million. Can you imagine the huge profits made by the contractor on this deal?

I humbly would request the Minister to pay heed to what his Government said in 2016, that ‘the reestablishment

because the foundation did not get any sand fill and crusher run.

Then there is the problem of substandard materials being used. The current painting of lines on the Corentyne Highway is supposed to be done with thermoplastic road marking paint but it is being done with cheap substandard yellow paint from China.

The contractor and some Government officials are laughing all the way to the bank. It can be seen that this paint is actually being erased off at a rapid rate and it contributes no night time reflectivity since the paint does not contain any reflective glass beads. It is evident that millions of dollars will go down the drains.

Then there is the case of buying materials, spares and capital items at sky-high prices. Let me direct the focus of the Minister, to the exorbitant purchase price of spares for the asphalt plant located at Garden of Eden on the East Bank of Demerara. It is reported that these spares are purchased at prices which are over 500 per cent the normal price. If these items are VAT free and cost that much then what conclusion can we draw? Furthermore, the Minister should question the profit margin of this entity since from all indications, it seems to be making a loss!

Is this entity subject to an audit?

There is also an instance where a contract is awarded for a particular work to be done but another work was

of public trust has been a key commitment of the current Administration.

Fundamental to that public trust is a transparent process for allocation of resources and spending from the public purse. This forms the basis of good governance and the first step in tackling corruption. In public procurement, transparency is about awarding contracts to qualified contractors, suppliers and service providers but after this the certification of works done according to the bills of quantities is equally important. This is where his Ministry comes in to play and this is not the time to defend the corruptors!

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf RDC Councillor Region Six

guyanatimesgy.com

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

Tacuma is mistaken if he believes he can scare the PNC-dominated Govt Dear Editor, I have seen an interesting letter written by Tacuma Ogunseye which was published in the Stabroek News on March 18, 2018. Two things emerge from that letter. First, Tacuma made it very clear that his practice of politics is race based and is focused on Guyana’ss Afro-Guyanese community. I commend Tacuma for his openness. In disclosing his efforts to collaborate with the PNC, as a necessary expedient, to find an Indian running mate for Mr Granger in 2015, Tacuma wrote that he was making the disclosure because he wanted the Stabroek News readership and particularly “APNU supporters and members of the African community , whose interests at the time were of paramount im-

portance to him” to know of his efforts. In making the disclosure of his African community interests, the question naturally arises, Why Tacuma was so concerned about finding an Indian running mate for Mr Granger? The answer is clear and simple. An Indian who ran with Granger, was likely and it was the expectation at the time, would draw Indian votes away from the PPP, thereby strengthening the chance of an African dominated party and an African leader being elected to Government. This, as revealed by Tacuma was the racial/ political consideration which was at the heart of the APNU political strategy in 2015. To secure Afro Guyanese dominance in Government, the Indian vote, as a matter of convenience, was necessary.

There could be no quarrel with APNU seeking to win Indian votes, if its overtures to the Indian community had a foundation of sincerity, dependability and trust. Tacuma’s explanation reveals a sickening focus on race. Sickening because, his strategy was not well- intentioned for the Indian community. His concerns were about the African community whose interests were and no doubt still is, his paramount concern. Simply put, the Indian vote was to be secured only for the purpose of ensuring a majority for the African dominated APNU/PNC/AFC. The 2015 elections show that the Indian vote was courted for APNU/ PNC/AFC success. When that success was achieved, it did not take long for Indians who were duped and supported the

Tacuma strategy to be dumped and forgotten. Four thousand Indians have been uncaringly thrown out of employment and they and their families face an extremely bleak future, and this is happening, even with an Indian in office as Granger’s No.2 man, the ailing, politically and administratively incapacitated and impotent Prime Minister Mose Nagamootoo.

Indians, who allowed themselves to be misled, misguided and fooled into voting for APNU/PNC/AFC now realize and understand , according to Tacuma that they were important only for their votes for APNU/PNC/AFC and that now, they are being “ kicked to the kerb” while two “ leading Indian sheep” in the AFC look on, bleating helplessly and fearfully, but knowingly deter-

mined to protect their offices, status, priveleges and perks.

They are not prepared to lose the good life provided for their silence and acquiescence. The occasional meaningless bleat is tolerated, those being seen as quite harmless. Secondly, Tacuma calls on the WPA to adopt a political agenda and to make a determination whether it made sense to remain in the APNU coalition government. Tacuma makes this call to manifest his displeasure at the way the rulers have treated his comrade David Hinds at the Chronicle. My personal view is that Tacuma is bluffing.

We are witnessing more political strategy from Tacuma. His call seems calculated to scare the rulers about the likelihood of a collapse of the kingdom, but he knows very well that

the WPA and its leaders have committed to the dominance of an Afrocentric government for Guyana. He knows that David Hinds has openly declared that he , Lincoln Lewis and Freddie Kissoon, three leading “African Guyanese” activists are committed to keeping the PPP and its Indian support base out of office. In relation to Tacuma,s call, David Hinds has openly stated that it was not one he would encourage or support. If Tacuma believes he can scare the leaders of this PNC dominated Government, he is mistaken. He appears to have forgotten the true nature of the beast which he in the past experienced and knows so very, very well.

Sincerely, Selwyn Persaud

Administration’s shifting goalpost approach to sugar industry

Dear Editor, The confusion that has emerged regarding the appointment of a new Board of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) has brought, once again, to the fore what could only be described as the Administration’s shifting goalpost approach to the sugar industry. It can well be argued that the coalition Government’s approach to many pressing matters of national importance is also incoherent and our policymakers are reactive rather than being proactive.

While I will refrain from commenting on the individuals supposedly named, though I have reservations, the bungling mess that has ensued is sadly symptomatic of our Administration. When one looks at the Administration’s changing positions regarding

sugar, it is not difficult to reach such conclusions.

Recall, the sugar Commission of Inquiry (CoI).

The A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) manifesto said the “APNU/AFC will convene a commission of inquiry into the operations of the Guyana Sugar Corporation… [to] review, analyse and recommend the way forward for the Guyana sugar industry, including options for infusing critical investments and the optimum utilisation of its valuable capital infrastructure”. The Government on appointing that Commission of Inquiry said in a [Government Information Agency] GINA report of June 26, 2015 that “… the 11-member Commission… will develop a 15-year plan which is expected to bring the industry back to profitability to

ensure long-term environmental and economic sustainability.” Then who can forget Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo saying at the National Cane Farmers Conference, according to the August 15, 2015 Kaieteur News, that “…there was no question of Government scaling down or abandoning the industry”.

After all of that and in spite the sugar commission saying no estate should be closed, the Government decided to close Wales Estate and President David Granger, in the January 26, 2016 sections of the media reported, “The CoI is not gospel”. Though from the previous statements, in the pre and post May, 2015 election, rationally one could conclude that the CoI would guide the Administration’s approach to sugar. The President went fur-

ther, saying “arrangements are going to be made over the next 11 months to ensure that the workers don’t get hurt, that they can be reemployed”. Well, we all know how that turned out and today the Wales workers, the cane farmers and their dependents have been hurt and remain jobless.

Then after all that, President Granger, in the February 5, 2016, in another section of the media saying “…it’s unlikely that (closure of another estate) is contemplated”. But just months after, the Government announced that Skeldon was to be sold and Rose Hall and Enmore closed.

The President also reportedly said “…the CoI report would be discussed in the National Assembly, after which there would be a national consultation on the state of the sug-

A tribute to a great Guyanese: Harold Drayton

Dear Editor, It was with deep sadness that I learnt of the passing of Dr Harold Drayton. His role in the creation of the University of Guyana was indeed significant.

Yet it is not widely known.

Harold Drayton, like many young professionals of his day, was captured by the vision of Cheddi Jagan and the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) for building a free, independent and progressive country based on the principles of peace, equality and social justice.

He became acquainted with Cheddi Jagan while still a student at the University of the West Indies. He shared most of Cheddi’s views.

After the 1961 General Elections, Cheddi Jagan began taking steps to prepare the country for independence. He began working to create the institutions that would be important to build the human and physical infrastructure of an independent nation. Cheddi’s concept of independence and sovereignty was not limited to merely a declaration of independence.

To defend that independence, he had to think about making the economy strong, viable and competitive.

He simultaneously needed to build the human capital for such a project.

It was then that he turned

to Harold Drayton, who by then, was an accomplished academic. At that time he was teaching in Ghana.

It was not accidental that Drayton chose Ghana to persue his work. Ghana was one of the leading countries in the National Liberation Movement; led by one of the most progressive intellectuals, Dr Nkuma. It was the first country in Africa to break the chains of colonialism. Ghana became independent in 1957 and Drayton went there to assist to build a free Ghana.

Cheedi Jagan realised that he needed a knowledgeable person, a person who understands all the ramifications of establishing a university. His mind turned to Drayton whom he felt was the man for the job.

He was not wrong.

Harold Drayton took up the challenge and returned home to get the job done.

It was a herculean task.

It was the first time in history that a colony was moving towards and eventually did establish a university. The University of Guyana (UG) has that distinction of being the only university ever established in a colony.

Moreover, the atmosphere at the time was extremely difficult. There was great opposition to the university’s formation from inside and outside

Guyana.

Locally, the main Opposition party, the People’s National Congress (PNC), was greatly opposed to it. Indeed, the then leader of the party labelled the UG, derogatorily as ‘Jagan Nigh School’.

He did so because Jagan saw the urgency of beginning UG and was not prepared to wait until new buildings were built. UG started its work at Queens College in October 1963.

In the meantime, a search was made to identity where the university would be established.

Consideration was given to many sites, including the National Park.

However, it was felt that the park was too small and eventually settled on the Turkeyen area.

Harold Drayton was the leading person implementing the decisions of the committee to establish UG, set up by Cheddi Jagan and CV Nunes.

The PNC even threatened to close UG if they were elected to office. That party eventually came to its senses when it recognised the political costs of doing so.

There were also opposition from the Region. Eric Williams, the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, came to the then British Guiana to dissuade

Cheddi Jagan from establishing UG. Needless to say he did not succeed.

At the same time there were politically instigated riots in the country. Just like in the last three years of the PPP/ Civic Government, the then Opposition tried everything to sabotage developmental projects. At that time, the PNC and the United Force became tools of outside forces and fomented racism and division of our people.

Drayton stood strong to see the UG project through. It was he who introduced Cheddi Jagan to professor Hogbury, the world renounced mathematician. The Professor became the first Vice Chancellor of the university. After the establishment of UG, Drayton took on added responsibilities and lectured in that institution.

Harold Drayton’s works now stands as a monument to him. He was part of a heroic group that stood by Cheddi Jagan in difficult times.

Whenever we reflect on UG, the names Cheddi Jagan, CV Nunes and Harold Drayton must always be remembered.

I extend deepest sympathies to his survivors.

Sincerely, Donald Ramotar Former President

ar industry”. Again, time has shown that the President’s undertaking was unfulfilled. It should not be forgotten that the Government earlier this year voted against a motion which called for the sugar CoI report to be discussed by the Economic Services Committee.

And, there was no national consultation as the President committed would be done. In fact, the sugar unions in spite of their efforts have contended that their engagements with the Administration remained wanting.

Now the Government, in an about-turn of sorts, has decided to divest Rose Hall and Enmore rather than close those estates and move into diversification activities as it initially decided. Nevertheless, nearly 5000 workers have been sent home and entire communities are now finding themselves in troubled waters. Furthermore, the diversification activities at Wales, it appears, have been shelved after millions of dol-

lars were spent and hundreds of man and machine hours expended. And we are now told that $30 billion is required for GuySuCo over the next four years.

When one looks at the totality of the Government’s confused, disjointed and not wellthought-out adventure in the sugar industry one reaches the sad conclusion that the Government was not and is not serious about the sugar industry and the people who depend on it for their livelihoods.

The ‘seat of your pants’ decision-making as we have seen playing out cannot be the modus operandi of any Government especially when the implications are so terrible. As the APNU/ AFC said during the 2015 campaign “IT IS TIME” that our leaders stop jetting off to exotic lands and take time to work in the interest of the people and our country.

Yours faithfully, Patricia Persaud

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wednesDAY, march 21, 2018

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By Lori Desautels

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here are many perspectives on the topic of discipline in our classrooms and schools, and I’d like to explore the idea of using brain-aligned discipline with students who have adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).

Traditional punishment with these students only escalates power struggles and conflict cycles, breeding an increased stress response in the brain and body.

Punishment is used to try to force compliance. The vast majority of school discipline procedures are forms of punishment that work best with the students who need them the least.

With our most difficult students, the current way schools try to discipline students does not change their behaviour, and often it escalates the problems.

Discipline, unlike punishment, is proactive and begins before there are problems. It means seeing conflict as an opportunity to problem solve. Discipline provides guidance, focuses on prevention, enhances communication, models respect, and embraces natural consequences. It teaches fairness, responsibility, life skills, and problem solving.

There are times when students need to be removed from the classroom and school for aggressive, volatile actions, but upon re-entry we should make a plan of action that begins to address these actions in these brain-aligned ways.

The neurobiological changes caused by chronic negative experiences and a history of adversity can trigger a fear response in the brain. As Pam Leo says, “A hurtful child is a hurt-filled child. Trying to change her behaviour with punishment is like trying to pull off only the top part of the weed. If we don’t get to the root, the hurtful behaviour pops up elsewhere.” In children the fear response often looks aggressive, defiant, and oppositional.

Young people with ACEs have brains that are in a constant state of alarm. In this alarm state, consequences don’t reg-

guyanatimesgy.com

Foundation

ister properly. Discipline can only be done when both the educator and the student are calm and self-regulated. If they aren’t, behavioural difficulties will escalate.

In a brain-aligned model of discipline, we must teach the behaviours we want to see, laying the groundwork for prevention systems and strategies.

Preventive brain-aligned strategies Preventive systems are taught as procedures and routines. They are collaborative and filled with choice. Their purpose is to create a sustainable behavioural change, not just compliance or obedience for a short period of time.

I teach students about their neuroanatomy, so they understand what happens in their brains when they become stressed, angry, or anxious. When we understand this, we feel relieved and empowered.

In morning meetings or whole class time, I discuss the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and neuroplasticity with students. We identify and make lists of our emotional triggers and coping strategies, and I teach students to use their breath and movement to calm their stress response systems.

Is there an adult in the school who connects with this student and has a space where the student can go if they need to regroup and calm their stress response systems? Are you teaching these procedures ahead of a time when a student needs to regulate away from the class?

Could your school create an area for both teachers and students to go to when they need to reset their emotional state?

This area could be stocked with paper, markers, crayons, water, soft music and lighting, a jump rope, a stationary bike, lavender scented cotton balls, jars for affirmations or worries, or a rocking chair.

Students will need to be taught ahead of time how to use this area, which they should need for just two to five minutes in order to feel refocused and ready to return to class.

Examples of natural, nonpunitive consequences Name-calling: Have the student create a book of positive affirmations for the class, or have them create a list of “kind words” and teach them to a younger class.

Low-level physical aggression (pushing, kicking, hitting): Some consequences could include giving the student a new learning space in the room or a new spot in line, or they could be tasked with performing an act of kindness or service for the hurt person.

If this occurs at recess, the student could be tasked with assisting a teacher on recess duty in monitoring the playground, noticing everything that is going well. They can roam around the playground, still getting the exercise they need. Or again they could perform an act of kindness toward the student who they hit.

Inappropriate language: This calls for a discussion when both student and teacher are in a calm brain state.

Sometimes words that are inappropriate at school are used at home, so we need to understand the cultural context and have a discussion with the student.

An older student could research the words they used and report to you on why they’re not school words; younger students could try to write out what they were trying to convey using school-friendly language or drawings.

Incomplete assignments: Have a oneon-one discussion to convey what this behaviour communicates to you. Ask if something has changed at home or school, or if the student doesn’t understand what is required. Make a plan with the student and possibly a parent for making up the work that has been missed. And consider assigning a student mentor to help the student.

The research is clear. Our brains learn best in a state of relaxed alertness. Our discipline systems must begin to shift toward creating this state in all the members of our school community. (Excerpt from edutopia.org)

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here are some secrets to good studying. These study tips can help you take tests with confidence.

Good study techniques begin with good notes. Notetaking is a way of remembering what you were taught or what you've read about. If you don’t have good notes, find a classmate that has good notes and get a copy Plan your study time When you sit down to study, think about how much time you want to devote to each topic. This will keep you from getting overwhelmed. If it's Monday, and you've got three tests on Friday, figure out how much time you need for studying between now and then. Then figure out how long each subject will take.

For example, a weekly Spanish verb test probably won't be as intense as a big history test.

So you won't need to set aside as much study time for the Spanish test – and if you break it up into a short amount every night, that's even better.

Another study technique is called "chunking" — breaking large topics down into chunks.

Let's say you have a history test on World War II. Instead of thinking about studying all of World War II (which could overwhelm even an expert), try breaking your study sessions into two-year chunks or studying the material by specific battles. Most people can concentrate well for about 45 minutes. After that you'll probably want to take a short break. If you find yourself getting distracted and thinking about other things as you study, pull your attention back. Remind yourself that when your 45 minutes of studying are up, you can take a 15-minute break.

Study based on the type of test you're taking Many teachers tell students ahead of time what the format of an exam will be. This can help you tailor how you study.

For example, if you know you're going to have multiplechoice questions on World War II, you'll know to focus on studying facts and details.

But if the exam will contain essay questions, you'll want to think about which topics are most likely to be covered.

Then come up with several possible essay topics and use your notes, books, and other reference sources to figure out how you might answer questions on those topics. As you study, review your notes

and any special information from your textbook. Read things over several times if you need to, and write down any phrases or thoughts that will help you remember main ideas or concepts. When trying to memorise dates, names, or other factual information, keep in mind that it usually takes a number of tries to remember something correctly. That's one reason why it's a good idea to start studying well in advance of a test. Use special memory triggers that the teacher may have suggested or ones that you invent yourself. In the case of Maths or science problems or equations, do some practice problems. Pay special attention to anything the teacher seemed to stress in class. Some people find it helps to teach what they're studying aloud to an imaginary student. Or work with a study partner and take turns teaching aloud. Another study technique is making flashcards that summarise some of the important facts or concepts.

You can then use these to review for a test.

Resist the urge to procrastinate It's tempting to put off studying until the last minute (also known as procrastination). If you're a procrastinator (and who isn't sometimes?), one of the best ways to overcome it is by staying organised. After you've written test dates and project due dates on a calendar, it's hard to ignore them. And sitting down to organise and plan your work really highlights how much time things take. Organisation makes it harder to procrastinate.

Sometimes people put off studying because they feel overwhelmed by the fact that they're behind on things or they just feel really disorganised. Don't let this happen to you. Keep your notes organised, stay on top of required readings, and follow the other study tips mentioned earlier to stay focused and in control. Your teachers will give you plenty of notice on important tests so you have enough time to study for the type of exam you'll be taking. Most of all, don't panic if you can't remember some facts the night before the test.

Even if you've spent all evening studying, the brain needs time to digest all that information.

You'll be surprised by what comes back to you after sleeping. (Excerpted from kidshealth.org)

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wednesDAY, march 21, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Legislative improvements needed to advance women’s equality – Opposition MP Support for CJ, Chancellor

Former Minister Priya Manickchand addressing the gathering at Freedom House on Tuesday evening

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pposition Member of Parliament (MP) and former Education Minister, Priya Manickchand on Tuesday underscored the recognition and equality that are enshrined in Guyana’s Constitution as it relates to women. However, she observed that even though much has been done to advance women’s rights, legislative changes are needed to ensure that women are treated equally to fully maximise their potential.

The MP made these comments at the hosting of an event to mark International Women’s Day 2018 at Freedom House organised by the Women Progressive Organisation (WPO) of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) entitled, “Women Speak: The status of Women in Guyana 2018.”

Manickchand pointed to several gaps that existed which affect the full realisation of female rights.

Reforms

She urged reforms to the divorce laws, noting that such separations require

“fault-based” reasoning. The former Minister also said that for division of property, a woman was entitled to half of what the couple acquired together if she was working, but was only entitled to one-third if she worked “inside the home”. This, Manickchand contends, puts women at a disadvantage since domestic chores can also be considered work.

She observed that while the country’s major political parties were able to come together and pass landmark legislation that favoured the advancement of both young and mature females, there are aspects within our laws that do not address the rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) females. The MP believes that there should be adjustments as these persons can contribute to society. Some of the other progressive advances, she noted, were the Sexual Offences Act, Family Court, Legal Aid and adjustments to Married Persons Act to give common-law spouses ownership rights after five years.

At the same time, she renewed calls for the confirmed appointments of Justice Roxane George, SC, and Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards to the posts of Chief Justice and Chancellor of the Judiciary. Manickchand said that these appointments reflected a situation where a female was being replaced by a man, noting that this was a good example of how women’s rights were “reflected on paper” only.

“Never hold back your talents and capabilities because they are saying, ‘she’s too pushy’,” the MP encouraged.

Tuesday evening’s event was hosted by fellow MP Gail Teixeira, who told the round table gathering that much of the rights women would have attained in the past were been eroded, especially with some 2000 working women being affected directly in the sugar industry. She also stressed that no bill in the National Assembly was passed to advance the rights of women.

Observing that there were still gaps in the areas of politics and health, Teixeira said women must stand up for rights if they want democracy, progress, and peace. Other speakers such as Coretta McDonald, President of Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC); Psychologist Dr Dawn Stewart and MP Gillian Burton-Persaud all gave resounding and moving speeches that urged women to demand their right places at the same level with men so that they could advance their causes.

They also encouraged female-folk to value themselves and to take note of their mental health. Other women speakers included rice farmer Bibi Mohamed,

who noted the challenges of rice cultivation, and Bibi Shareeda Ali, the wife of a dismissed Wales sugar worker. Ali said that most of all, she wanted her children to be educated and workers not having jobs meant that they would be subjected to a life of poverty.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo was the only male who addressed the audience of women from various walks of life. He noted Guyanese must work together to confront the challenges that women face and observed that programmes such as WoW (Women of

Worth) have done much to advance females.

He stressed that mothers have a role to play in reducing race-based stereotypes so that Guyana could be a more united society.

International Women’s Day was observed on March 8. (Shemuel Fanfair)

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wednesDAY, march 21, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

IN THE COURTS

Murder accused further remanded …extradition proceedings to begin on Friday

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uyanese fugitive Troy Anthony Thomas, who is wanted for the December 11, 2011 murder of Keith Frank in Richmond Hill, New York, USA, was on Tuesday further remanded to prison after he reappeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Magistrate Sherdel IsaacsMarcus.

According to United States Government representative Stacy Gooding, the US Government produced statement bundles with information relating to Thomas, which contained evidence as it relates to the murder of Frank. These documents were handed over to the court.

Gooding related that the statements were in favour of Armila Glasgow, who is re-

Guyanese fugitive Troy Anthony Thomas

sponsible for the tendering of documents on behalf of the US.

The court also heard that Simeon Reid and Eon Alanzo, two senior members of the Guyana Police Force gave statements regarding the case.

Thomas is represented

by Nigel Hughes, Bernard De Silva and Darren Wade.

Attorney Hughes asked that the court provide a printed document in relation to the extradition treaty and the methodology that will be used.

The matter was adjourned to March 22, 2018 to begin the extradition proceedings and March 23, 2018 for additional statements and to discuss statements on the matter.

Thomas was arrested after an intelligence-led operation by ranks of the Guyana Police Force, which

commenced on January 31, 2018, after an arrest warrant was issued by the US. Thomas was being hunted by the New York Police Department, and a wanted bulletin was issued for him in connection with the murder of 20-year-old Frank after an altercation outside a South Richmond Hill party.

It was then disclosed by US law enforcement agents that Thomas had fled the country to Canada within hours of his alleged crime.

Shortly after, the man reportedly travelled to Guyana before the wanted bulletin which was issued by the US had reached Interpol. He will likely be extradited to the US to face charges for the crime he is accused of committing.

Mason charged for threatening mom, brother

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31-year-old man was on Tuesday released on bail after he denied two counts of assault when he appeared before Magistrate Sherdel MarcusIsaacs at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Shaheed Murray of Lot 4610 Roxanne Burnham

Gardens, Rasville, Georgetown, is accused of verbally assaulting his mother and young sibling.

The court heard that on March 18, 2018, the father of three used threatening language against Ann De Ruche and Hassan Murray.

A second charge was

read to him which stated that Murray on the same day also threw stones at the Virtual Complaints while using threatening language.

He denied all the charges.

However, the Prosecutor did not object to bail and he was released on $20,000

bail.

Moreover, Magistrate Marcus-Isaacs ordered the man to seek counselling, which if he defaults, will cause him to spend three weeks in prison.

The man’s mother, Ann De Rushe, told the court that she wishes to discontinue with the charges against her son, citing that the court gave him a warning.

Murray is expected to return to court on March 23.

Bus operator, carpenter granted bail for brawl

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hirty-nine-yearold minibus operator Nigel Douglas and 30-year-old carpenter Sherlock Yaw were both released on $30,000 bail for assaulting each other during an alleged altercation at Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara (WBD).

The duo appeared before Magistrate Rushell Liverpool at the Wales Magistrate’s Court last week, where they both denied committing the offence, which Police said occurred on March 9, 2018.

Douglas, of Unity Street, La Grange, WBD, denied that he assaulted Yaw causing him actual bodily harm while Yaw, who resides in Schoonord, WBD, denied that he unlawfully wounded Douglas. As the prosecution had no objections to bail, the defendants were granted their pre-trial liberty. The case will continue on May 31, 2018.

Mout’ open…

C

…on firings oalition politics is once again under the microscope with the fallout from the ouster of WPA Executive Member David Hinds as a columnist from the State-owned Chronic. But the fallout has highlighted some rather interesting revelations, which might just be radioactive!! One fella by the name of Milton Bruce revealed what might be at the root of the hammer falling on Hinds – to wit, hardliners within the PNC have neither forgotten nor forgiven the WPA for skewering Forbes Burnham, just when he was consolidating his dictatorship.

Burnham’s principal weakness was his vanity – and boy did Rodney exploit that weakness. First and foremost, he did that by his very presence. Burnham’s claim to fame – and source of his support in the African community – was his “brilliance”. But what Rodney showed was that in that department, it was a case of being “a one-eyed man in blind man’s country”!!

There’s no question that Burnham qualified as a lawyer – but is there any case that any of his followers could point to where he created any precedent through his argumentation? NONE!!

In fact, the Luckhoos outshone him to such an extent in this department, he created the position of “Chancellor of the Judiciary” – which is giving us such fits today – just to place someone over CJ Sir Joseph Luckhoo to humiliate him. Luckhoo, of course, left for Jamaica and our loss was their gain in legal acuity.

Burnham was also lauded as an “orator” – but was nothing more than a cringing colonial hangover with his Churchillian pauses and lisping – totally bereft of the scholarship that typified Rodney’s speeches. He never saw the irony of imitating the racist, arch colonial Churchill!!

But there was also Rodney’s use of satire and ridicule that made Burnham a laughing stock to the PNC’s traditional Georgetown base. “Fat-boy” was the least of the barbs. Most famous was Rodney’s analysis of why Burnham had wrecked the economy, the society, and everything else in Guyana: he had the “reverse Midas Touch”. Everything Burnham touched was turned into sh*t!!! Come to think of it, Rodney was saying Burnham singlehandedly turned Guyana into a “sh*thole” country!!

Milton Bruce claimed the WPA destroyed “the most revolutionary thinker” in Guyana – Burnham!!

So, selling out Guyana to the CIA and leading Guyana into a civil war from which we’ve never recovered is “revolutionary””?? Well then, every tin-pot dictator from Trujillo to Papa Doc was also “revolutionary”!!

No…as your Eyewitness said before, the WPA’s usefulness to the PNC is over. But he believes the WPA will remain in the APNU coalition after their humiliations – just as their co-leader Roopnaraine did.

They’re “true-believers”, caught between the devil and the deep blue sea!! …on WPA’s coalition role Another fallout from the firings was the revelation of some of the background intrigues that led to the APNU slate in 2011, which turned around the fortunes of the PNC – and not so incidentally, confirmed what your (humble) Eyewitness had surmised earlier. WPA Executive Tacuma Ogunseye expanded on the pivotal role they and their party played to sanitise the PNC – all for the sake of “members of the African Community (sic) whose interest were of paramount importance to me”.

And why not?? Ogunseye was also an Executive Member of ACDA, who in 2006 had called for the army to stand down if that community rose up were the PPP to win the elections of that year. But what troubled your Eyewitness was Ogunseye admitting he and Desmond Trotman connived to have Roopnaraine become the running mate for Granger in 2011, because “the PNCR was having extreme difficulty finding an Indian candidate to be Granger’s running mate.”

So what if no “Indian” was involved in making the choice of their “leader”!! …on split of TUC Bruce also claimed the TUC wasn’t split during Burnham’s time. So what happened in 1984 when George Daniels pulled out the GPSU from the TUC…and was threatened with death by Burnham’s goons?

Surely, Burnham wasn’t yet dead?

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

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wednesDAY, march 21, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

8th World Water Forum

Former Minister cites reduced funding for developing countries

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aking water a fundamental right for people was emphasised by Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) and former Housing and Water Minister, Irfaan Ali who chaired three sessions on the role of parliamentarians and rights to water at the 8th World Water Forum in Brazil.

While addressing the audience on Tuesday, Ali stressed the importance of water being a fundamental and constitutional right.

“For this to occur we must address issues of equality and the issue of water as a source for growth verses an economic good,” the MP told a large gathering of MPs from across the globe.

Ali cited the high capital cost and investment made in water treatment plants and facilities by many developing countries. But he noted that the issue of increased access to concessional financing must be tackled,

Opposition MP and former Housing and Water Minister, Irfaan Ali

as more often international development agencies have been reducing funding.

“Continuously, the allocation in terms of concessional financing to water and this is severely affecting developing countries.

Issues of equality. We have to tackle the issue of whether a minimum limit in national budgets for water de-

velopment, production and conservation is needed,” he explained.

The former Minister said MPs should all look carefully at how to marry the issue of water as a fundamental human right versus water as an economic commodity. “What are the basis elements or framework MPs can follow in the push of water agenda. I think these are questions and issues we should tackle,” he said.

At the completion of the session of MPs, a draft Parliamentarians’ Manifesto was developed with certain clear strategies in helping to ensure water security, universal access to safe drinking water and sustainable development. The MPs will therefore be pressing for water security to be priority in the allocation of budgetary and non-budgetary, national and international for countries with difficulties, among others.

It was also decided and

Mother dies after giving birth...

In response to the woman’s allegations, Lewis has promised an investigation.

Lewis has since expressed the administration’s condolences to Jagdeo’s family while noting that the administration is aware of instances of staffers mistreating patients and at the same time explaining that mistreatment would not be condoned.

He also urged persons, who were mistreated by staffers to report it to the

Complaints Department.

Additionally, Lewis said that persons accessing services at the GPHC should also be respectful to the staffers at the institution.

He noted that over the last year the GPHC would have delivered over 7,000 babies and saw almost 18,000 pregnant women adding that persons should also take that into consideration when accessing services at the institution.

Meanwhile, Head of

From page 3

Obstetrics and Gynecology at the GPHC, Dr Lucio Pedro said that he would have spoken to his staff who all denied the accusations.

In a previous interview, Jagdeo said that her doctor had advised that the baby would not survive because of the complications during the pregnancy. The woman said that she had accepted that she would have lost her first child, but it is the treatment that she got from the GPHC that she could not accept.

Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman

included in the manifesto that MPs will work to make viable the legal changes and public policies that improve water governance, rational use of water, water efficiency in productive processes and research and innovation in the areas of water and sanitation; guarantee budgetary resources for public works and polices, as well as improved efficiency

in the use of water resources.

The MPs also agreed to adopt the actions established in the manifesto to strengthen their roles in the universalisation on the human right to water and sanitation; reinforce the need to prioritise measures to mitigate climate change that are related to water security, among others.

Meanwhile, Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman also addressed the forum affirming Government’s commitment to the development and preservation of the world’s water resources.

Trotman, who is part of a team accompanying President David Granger to Brazil, acknowledged the important role the forum plays in supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Climate Agreement and in also providing an avenue to engage

stakeholders in support of the management and preservation of the world’s water resources.

The Minister highlighted Guyana’s plans to advance management and development of water as a resource in context of the green development strategy that is the roadmap for the future development of Guyana’s resources. He also highlighted the establishment of a Water Catchment Area in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), Guyana as a local example of ongoing efforts to find long-term solutions for communities during periods of drought or who still experience limited access to water and assured the gathering that plans were underway to better understand the opportunities and threats involved.

Minister Trotman further affirmed Guyana’s commitment to the goals and ideals of the forum.

Region 1 man remanded for raping 12-year-old

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Region One (BarimaWaini) man was on Tuesday remanded to prison after he appeared before Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus slapped with

a rape charge.

It is alleged that during September 2017, Peter George, called “Paul”, raped the 12-year-old at Moruca, North West District.

Following the incident, the matter was reported to the Police. George was remanded to prison until March 27 when the case will continue.

10 NEWS

wednesDAY, march 21, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Sugar woes

GAWU blasts Govt’s failure to convert fields for rice …says groundwork must be laid before workers can diversify

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he Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) is dispelling speculation that sugar workers are unwilling to diversify, noting that Government has failed to establish the opportunities and factors to incentivise workers for the move.

A case in point is the lands at the Wales Sugar Estate, which were once earmarked for rice cultivation under the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo).

According to GAWU General Secretary Seepaul Narine, on Tuesday, the fields have instead been overtaken by weeds, indicative of an ambitious plan now abandoned.

“As recent history has shown at Wales, the planned and heavily-promoted diversification activities, like in the previous attempt by GuySuCo, turned out to be a miserable and utter failure.

We recall the Guyana Times recently reporting that the cane fields converted for seed paddy cultivation, at high costs, were being slowly overtaken by bushes,” Narine said.

He added that as far as the Union was aware there was nothing going on at Wales.

“We read recently that the houses that were used by the managerial personnel are up for sale. Bearing those factors in mind, one can understand workers’ apprehension. As they say once bitten, twice shy,” Narine related.

Referring to speeches at the recent Rose Hall Martyrs ceremony from Social Cohesion Minister, Dr George Norton and Region

GAWU General Secretary Seepaul Narine

Six Executive Officer Kim Williams-Stephens, GAWU blasted the Administration for its “hollow rhetoric”.

“While the Minister speaks about guarding against injustices, he must be reminded the Government he is a part of has committed probably the gravest in-

“As the sad situation in the communities of Skeldon, Rose Hall, East Demerara and Wales grows direr by the day, the hollow rhetoric brings little relief and reprieve to the suffering that has gripped the people.

Today, realistic and workable solutions are needed and moving in the reverse gear is the best remedy.”

Williams-Stephens, who was quoted on March 19, 2018 by sections of the media, saying that “severed sugar workers are timid and afraid of diversification”, also came in for flak from Narine.

According to Narine, the official’s comments were unfortunate when one considers all the prevailing factors.

“It is always easy to say something, but bringing it to reality is a completely different matter. The Wales experience is an excellent case in point. To move in the direc-

The land which Wales residents highlighted was being overtaken by weeds and bushes (Shemuel Fanfair photo)

justice against the people of Canje when they decided to shut down Rose Hall Estate and affected the well-being of thousands of ordinary Guyanese,” Narine related.

tion as being advocated by Ms Stephens is a substantial undertaking which has several and many important factors that must be addressed.”

“Simply to tell workers to take up lands and plant

as they see fit cannot be deemed, in any way, as a realistic solution.”

It has been almost two years since GuySuCo announced that it intended to convert some 485 acres of land at Wales Estate to rice cultivation. However, the plots in the area remain desolate, highlighting that the plan has been shelved.

During a visit to Wales in February, residents, many of them former workers, highlighted to this publication sections of the land that were being overtaken by weeds.

They expressed much dismay that, to date, no rice has been reaped.

GuySuCo’s Finance Director Paul Bhim had previously told reporters that some 100 of the 1000 Wales workers were identified for the rice conversion plans, including husbandry practices.

“The ploughing of the land has started. The 100 workers will be doing husbandry practices – weeding, cleaning the canals…,” Bhim had previously noted.

He had refuted claims of weed overgrowth at the land which was prepared when the Sugar Corporation was managing the entity. Now that a year has passed, Wales residents have stressed weeds were indeed taking over the supposedly converted plots.

However, the current conditions of the lands at Wales are a departure from what Agriculture Minister Noel Holder had expressed two years ago when he indicated that the first crop of rice at the Wales Sugar Estate was expected by March 2017.

Fishy story

S

atiricus was not one to gloat at the misfortunes of others, but this situation on the catfish trade was a real “SNAFU” for his government – “Situation Normal; All F**ked Up”!! How was he going to explain it away to the fellas down at the Back Street Bar, where he was headed? He smiled as a thought struck him just as he approached their usual table – already forested with beer bottles. He was late.

“Hey fellas!!” exclaimed Satiricus, with a wide grin.

“Happy days are here again!!”

“Really?” asked Cappo, doubtfully. “Yuh leada Nagga Man an’ Rum Jhaat open back all dem suga’ estate?”

“Well, not really,” continued Satiricus. “But something almost as good!”

“Well, tell abee na!” exclaimed Bungi. “Wha’ yuh wait fa?”

“You remember when America had their Great Depression?” asked Satiricus.

“Sure, Sato,” said Hari. “Unemployment was sky high and families were starving!!”

“Then you would remember the great American President Roosevelt promised his people, ‘a chicken in every pot’!!”

“Yeah,” admitted Cappo. “Me hear about da! But wha’ da gat fuh do wid abee?”

“My friends, Nagga Man and Rum Jhaat have done better than that!” exclaimed Satiricus. “They just arranged for a Gillbaka in every Guyanese pot!!!”

“Gillbaka?” said Bungi. “A wan whole year now me na taste Gillbaka! ‘E too dear!! How dem do da?”

“Well, two years ago, when they just got into Government, the US told them to improve the sanitary practices to ship Gillbaka,” said Satiricus.

“We know that, Sato,” said Hari curtly. “We read the papers!”

“Yes…but what you don’t know is Nagga Man and Rum Jhaat told our KFC Minister, not to do anything!” confided Satiricus.

“Wha’ de rass dem do da fa?” exploded Cappo. “Now all dem fisha-man guh lose dem US market!!”

“But they now have to sell all the Gillbaka here!” exclaimed Satiricus. “Cheaply!! A Gillbaka in every pot!!”

“An’ Nagga Man and Rum Jhaat do all dis?” asked Bungi sceptically.

“Just for us, fellas!!” exclaimed Satiricus with even more gusto. “My leaders are real strategic thinkers!!”

NEWS

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wednesDAY, march 21, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Stanleytown women get $4.6M fish processing facility will be actively involved in the project.

Regional Executive Officer (REO), Denis Jaikran commended the women for bringing the project to realisation and encouraged them to make full use of the fa-

The West Demerara Proactive Women Producers Cooperative Society salt fish processing facility, located at Stanleytown, Region Three

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he West Demerara Proactive Women P r o d u c e r s Cooperative Society, in Stanleytown, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), dedicated its $4.6 million salt fish processing facility on Tuesday.

The project, which was funded under the Sustainable Livelihood and Entrepreneurship Development (SLED) programme, saw the completion of the building, procurement of a dryer and other equipment. The women also

benefited from training and other support from the Cooperatives Department and the Region Three’s regional administration.

At the dedication ceremony, Chairperson of the West Demerara Proactive Women Producers Cooperatives Society, Loraine Hooper, explained that the group began with four members.

However, other women soon indicated their interest to join. Once fully operational, she anticipates that at least 40 women within the Stanleytown community

cility. “What is important is how we use this building hereafter; to make that decision of what training is going to take place here… so that we can train other persons. So, I want to commend all the persons of the group,”

Jaikran stated.

The West Demerara Proactive Women Producers Cooperative Society was formed in 2017, following a training exercise through the Office of the First Lady.

They were tasked with cre-

ating a project that will see them utilising their skills gained while creating employment for the women in the community.

The facility will be officially launched within a month.

12 news

wednesDAY, march 21, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Labour survey worrisome, serves as eye-opener – FITUG

G

overnment is being urged to take heed of the stark realities facing the country and to address in a pragmatic and comprehensive manner the terrible conditions revealed in the Guyana Labour Force Survey as at September 2017, which was produced by the Bureau of Statistics.

The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) said having reviewed the report, the organisation is convinced that the regular publication of such statistics is important but is critical for policymakers to come up with appropriate policies to address the day-to-day challenges people face.

For the FITUG, the survey was certainly an eye-opener and brought out several important concerns which policymakers should not lose sight of. FITUG said the statistics are not comforting, especially taking into account the developments since the conclusion of the survey.

It said while mention

was not made of the poverty rate, it was disclosed before that 53 per cent of Guyanese either live in poverty or are vulnerable to impoverishment.

Interestingly, the survey pointed out that less than half of the working-age population is actually employed. The Federation said it therefore begs the question what are the other half doing to get by.

Moreover, the survey noted a decrease in the male employment rate between the 2012 census and the end of September 2017 and an increase in the female employment rate in the same period.

While the coalition Government has been persistent in its appeal for Guyanese to become entrepreneurs as a means to achieving the ‘good life’ objective, the survey’s findings, on the other hand, has painted a very different picture, FITUG said. “We dismayingly learn that the self-employed, on average, earn about 23 per cent less

FITUG President Carvil Duncan

than their counterparts who are in salaried employment.

At this time, when the people are being pushed in this direction, is such a decision rational bearing in mind the realities that are prevailing?”

Based on the survey, the unemployment rate has remained relatively unchanged falling marginally from 12.5 per cent in 2012 census to 12 per cent at the end of September 2017.

FITUG said it would therefore be interesting to see

what the rate would be at the end of March 2018 following the implementation of the mass redundancy in the sugar industry, which began in late 2017.

According to the Federation, the survey also revealed that women represented more than half (50.7 per cent) of the unemployed though they account for 39.9 per cent of the labour force. This means that women have both a lower chance of getting a job and a higher possibility of being

unemployed. As for youth unemployment, that figure remains alarmingly high and stood at 21.6 per cent last year.

“For the thousands of graduates emerging from high school and university, this is not good news and belies the Government’s promise of jobs for youths. The situation of the youth is especially worrying considering that the survey advised that half the population is under 25 years and a quarter of those between 15 and 24 years are enrolled in educational institutions,” the FITUG added.

Based on this survey, the Federation said it is convinced that a vast num-

ber of young people are looking for work or have become fed up with job hunting and may be encouraged or forced to take another path.

The report also indicated that jobs are becoming more difficult to come by.

Notwithstanding a national 40-hour work week, workers are working beyond the stipulated time, the survey also concluded.

FITUG believes that the findings in this survey also serve to expose the fact that workers are forced to work beyond their normal time.

This indicates that low rates-of-pay are being offered and the workers must work the extra hours in order to make ends meet.

Burnt body of fisherman found in boat at Rosignol

T

he partially burnt body of a man was in the wee hours of Tuesday discovered in a boat on fire at the Rosignol Fisheries, West Bank Berbice.

The identity of the now dead man was given only as “Rajaul” of Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara.

While details surrounding the incident remain sketchy, B Division (Berbice) Commander Linden Alves confirmed that the discovery was made by two security officers, who saw smoke emanating from the boat about 02:00h and rushed to put

out the fire.

It is believed that the now deceased man, who was seen consuming alcohol on Monday evening, may have lit a stove on board the vessel and fell asleep. While foul play was not ruled out, the body suffered first-degree burns and there were reportedly no marks of violence evident.

N e v e r t h e l e s s , Commander Alves posited that a post-mortem examination was expected to be performed today to determine the cause of death.

Police are continuing their investigations.

news

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wednesDAY, march 21, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

“Aviation industry vital even Region 6 to pay Guyoil by Thursday – Chairman with budding oil and gas industry” – GCAA Chairman A

“A

ir connectivity is pivotal to unlocking Guyana’s potential for economic growth because of its capacity to attract business, invests and the influx of trained and qualified professionals.”

Chairman of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCCA), Retired Lieutenant Colonel Lawrence London made this pronouncement at the launch of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Air Transport Conference on Monday at the Umana Yana.

London advised that the vital role of the aviation industry should not be disregarded even as there is a burgeoning oil and gas industry. He contended that air transport must be sustained to keep the economy vibrant, even with the imminent wealth from oil and gas. “This industry (oil and gas) we feel will do well for this country; however, I feel strongly that we must not take our eyes off the prize.”

The GCAA Chairman further explained that air connectivity can help address some of the challenges facing the eco-tourism industry, by facilitating intercontinental trade, business, tourism, and invest-

GCAA Chairman, retired Lieutenant Colonel Lawrence London

ment.

According to London, the aviation sector is advancing and has been making notable achievements. However, the need for adequate infrastructure remains paramount to further boost the sector and better crystalise its rewards.

London highlighted that Government is aware of this need and commended them for their support over the past years. “For years we heard that if we had adequate infrastructure, it would have been easier for commerce between South America, Africa, and North America…money was put into the infrastructure at Cheddi Jagan International

Airport and I hope that the Government will see it fit to make it more robust so that more persons will be able to traverse.”

Director of Air Transport Management, Saheed Sulaman noted that the total value of goods transported by air represents 35 per cent off all international trade. Sulaman stated that airlines transport over three billion passengers annually, while nearly 50 million tonnes of freight is carried by air. Therefore, “aviation is indispensable for tourism which is a major engine for economic growth and air transport facilitates world trade,” Sulaman said.

fter the Guyana Oil Company (Guyoil) stopped issuing fuel to Government vehicles owing to non-payment, the regional administration of Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) is expected to pay the more than $5 million bill no later than Thursday, according to Regional Chairman David Armogan.

In a brief telephone interview on Wednesday, Armogan explained that the delay in payments to Guyoil was owed to the fact that the monies had to be approved by the Finance Ministry in Georgetown.

“We are trying to get Guyoil to be paid by Wednesday (today) or Thursday, because what happened is that the cheques had to be cut in Georgetown.

The cheques are not normally written up in Berbice here, because we have to request the money from the Ministry of Finance, then the cheque is being prepared by Finance then we collect it,” Armogan explained.

Region Six Vice Chairman Dennis DeRoop on Monday told Guyana Times that the administration has been recalcitrant in paying for fuel supplied, and the supplier has consequently pulled the plug. According to DeRoop, the administration has money to purchase fuel from Guyoil, but under the current arrangement, the fuel is supplied and then billed for, before payments are made.

DeRoop explained that the administration was normally given a month’s holdover, and was expected to make

payments for fuel in a timely manner; but has failed to so do, resulting in the company withholding fuel.

However, while some departments are made to suffer as a result of what the Vice Chairman calls negligence, some Government vehicles have been exempted from that type of treatment. He, however, noted that Guyoil continued to issue fuel to ambulances attached to Government hospitals.

“There is no fuel shortage, but Guyoil has stopped giving (Region Six) now, because they have a big outstanding bill. This started to happen last year, and the Oil Company (stopped supplying) fuel, so all the important work has stopped (because) the engineers cannot go out in the fields…,” DeRoop noted.

14

wednesDAY, march 21, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

15 Ramsammy’s Ruminations GPHC records increase in abandoned patients news

wednesDAY, march 21, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

APNU/AFC’s development blueprint – the stupidification of Guyana

E

ach day brings one or more stupid acts by this government and the people that they have placed in power. This is not by accident. APNU/AFC's development blueprint for Guyana is the absolute stupidification of Guyana.

They are clueless about how to move Guyana forward. They believe that if they succeed in making us all stupid, they can make us all believe that the naked emperor is indeed decked out in the most glorious outfits. Take the requirement that all Dr Leslie Ramsammy minibuses must be painted green because the APNU's colour is green. The joke is on them – we see the stupidity of their governance and we see it every time. Just in the last several days, we have some glaring examples.

In the last two weeks, President David Granger has been travelling – first to India for a solar conference and, second, to Brazil to attend a water conference. I have no reservation about the President attending these meetings. But days prior to travelling to India for the solar conference, the President announced he was foregoing a Caricom Heads meeting because of the border crisis with Venezuela. What happened? Has the problem with Venezuela been solved and there is no more threat at our borders?

The REO of Region Two flabbergasted us with the newest excuse for corruption – excitement to spend money. For almost three years now, the Region Two REO has ruled as if he is an emperor. He has committed one corrupt act after another and has spent taxpayers’ money as if it belongs to him. He has ignored warnings from the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament. Called to explain himself, he arrogantly offered the excuse that he was "too excited" about spending the people's money.

This absurdity is enough to fire him, but in the halls of APNU/AFC the Region Two REO is embraced as a hero. In APNU/AFC's stupidification posture, they expect we will overlook corruption and accept excitement as an excuse for abusing Guyana's treasury.

Over the last several weeks, we have looked with amazement at the incompetence of the Government as revealed by its handling of GuySuCo. Is there a new Board or not? We are told yes and then we are told no. There was even a whole-page advertisement announcing the new Board with the pictures of the new members. Then Minister of State, Joseph Harmon cautioned that this was not the case and the advertisement is a rogue one. Sheer incompetence, but they think we are too stupid to see it.

Last week, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan visited Canje where recently unemployed sugar workers are confronting tough times. This is the same Ramjattan, who, during the campaign for the May 2015 election, promised sugar workers that all estates will be kept open and that sugar workers will be given a 20 per cent annual increase in wages and benefits. Now in March 2018, Ramjattan looked the workers in their eyes and lied again, insisting that APNU/AFC gave the Region Six RDC money in the 2018 Budget to purchase a bus to provide free transportation for the children of sugar workers in Canje. The Regional Chairman immediately slammed the barefaced lie. Ramjattan fully expects people to believe the lie, because he thinks we stupid. In the meanwhile, his Region Six sidekick, Charandass Persaud, is demanding that sugar workers be jailed for not being able to send their children to school.

Agriculture Minister Noel Holder for more than two years ignored the US requirements for new fishery regulations, leading to America banning fish exports from Guyana. Hundreds of fishermen have already become unemployed because we lost one of the most important markets for fish. Instead of accepting blame and accelerating their efforts to resume the trade, the Minister demanded our sympathy because the loss of the market is simply a consequence of America's protectionist policy.

The truth is the Minister is derelict in his duty, AWOL, missing in action.

President Granger's favourite governance tool, the CoI, if enforced in this case, would reveal total, brazen and reckless incompetence on the part of one of the most inept Ministers in the Cabinet. Instead of President Granger holding him responsible, he is silent and expects us to blame America. The refusal for accountability is based on APNU/AFC's stupidification strategy.

…urges relatives to show compassion

W

ith the increased abandonment of patients at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC), the administration is urging relatives of these persons to contact the hospital and collect their family members.

This was announced by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the GPHC, George Lewis, during the celebration of Social Worker’s Day. At the event, Lewis used his time at the platform to address the issue of abandonment of patients at the medical facility.

“I would like to use this forum to ask relatives and family members of patients who have been abandoned at the Georgetown Hospital to please assist the administration by coming to the hospital and collecting your relatives and caring for them,”

GPHC CEO George Lewis

he stated.

The CEO further noted that while the GPHC primarily functions as a medium for patients to receive medical treatment, undue advantage is taken by persons who desert their family members that are suffering

from a communicable disease.

“The Georgetown Hospital is a medical institution. It is not an institution that deals with abandoned patients,” he noted.

The CEO highlighted that many persons are not aware of the circumstances surrounding patients with these communicable diseases, the most popular one being Tuberculosis (TB).

“I would also like to ask relatives and family members out there to not abandon your relatives because in your opinion, they’re suffering from a communicable disease such as tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis, while it may be a communicable disease, it’s also a treatable disease and many patients, when they come to this institution, after receiving medical attention, they’re cured.”

However, persons desert their loved ones because of the stigma attached, that other persons who are in close proximity to the patient can still contract the disease, but this is not the case, he added. Thus, Lewis is urging relatives of the patients to show some compassion and take their family members home.

“It is not fair to those children, who are abandoned in our wards. It is not fair to those aged persons.

So please, help the administration of the Georgetown Hospital by collecting your relatives,” Lewis explained.

These are steps that the organisation is taking towards achieving their vision of providing an efficient, well-managed hospital, comparable to the “best in care, education and research”.

Seawall shooting

Suspected bandits shot from a distance – PM …each shot at least 6 times

Suspected bandit: Kwame Assanah Suspected bandit: Dextroy Cordis

A

post-mortem examination conducted on the bodies of Kwame Assanah and Dextroy Cordis proved they were both shot six times each.

It is unclear how many times the third man, Errol Adams, was shot.

The Police on Tuesday said the autopsies were conducted by Dr Nehaul Singh at the Georgetown Public Hospital Mortuary, who disclosed that the men died as a result of multiple gunshot injuries.

The three men were shot dead during a shootout with the Police on Thursday last at the Kingston Seawall just behind the GNS ground.

However, based on the post-mortem report that was seen by relatives of Assanah, the bullets entered and exited the bodies of Assanah and Cordis.

Assanah was shot five times to the chest and once to the upper right arm, while Cordis was shot five times to the chest and upper body and once to the head.

Attempts to contact the relatives of Errol Adams of Essequibo proved futile.

The post-mortem also revealed that the men were shot from some distance away.

Nevertheless, the Police

in a statement said they were convinced the men were about to commit a robbery on a customer who had completed a transaction at Scotia Bank, Robb Street, Georgetown.

The Police alleged that the men in the black Toyota IST motorcar were following the customer and in an unmarked vehicle, the Police trailed the suspected bandits.

The men were cornered

on the Kingston seawall forcing them to open fire on the Police ranks and in retaliation, the Police returned fire mortally wounding the men.

The car belonging to the Police had at least two bullet holes on the windscreen.

Meanwhile, acting Police Commissioner David Ramnarine on Monday threw his support behind his ranks, claiming the shooting to death of the three men were justified.

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WednesDAY, march 21, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

NEWS

17

wednesDAY, march 21, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Fly Jamaica cancels flight to JFK Social workers still battling World Social Work Day

…400 passengers affected

F

ly Jamaica airlines has announced the cancellation of its non-stop flights coming out and going into the John F Kennedy International (JFK) Airport.

The airline on Tuesday said as a result of a snow storm, it was forced to make the cancellation.

In a notice posted on its website, the airlines said as a result of inclement weather it will waive the charge and airfare for passengers who are scheduled to travel today.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday

the New York Times reported that an unyielding winter is about to dump yet an-

other major snowfall on the New York region, with forecasters projecting more than

a foot of snow just as the calendar ticks toward spring.

Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Tuesday evening that all public schools in New York City would be closed today.

The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning, estimating that snowfall will likely begin early Wednesday and that total accumulations of 12 to 16 inches are expected.

“Travel will be very difficult to impossible, including during the evening commute on Wednesday,” the service wrote.

Lindo Creek CoI

10-year time lapse disadvantages Commission – Justice Trotman

C

hairman of the Commission of Inquiry into the 2008 Lindo Creek massacre, Justice (ret’d) Donald Trotman, said the 10-year time lapse poses a disadvantage to the Commission since some important persons may have died or emigrated.

“Some relevant persons who might have given important evidence have died, some have emigrated but there is a core of relevant persons who still remain with us and many of them are cooperating and giving information that will help the inquiry to arrive at the truth which is one of the main objective of the Commission,” he noted during an interview on Tuesday.

“For instance, the DNA evidence which would have been very important in giving the Commission more valuable information, valuable leads the time had long passed and some of the material which could have been subjective to DNA testing has been disposed of either by burial or otherwise,” Justice Trotman added.

The CoI head further explained that although the majority of the DNA evidence has been disposed of, the Commission has been furnished with the remaining

Lindo Creek CoI Chairman, Justice (ret’d) Donald Trotman which it intends to use “very importantly and valuably” to further the work of the inquiry. He also added that the results of the DNA evidence is not to worry about since “scientifically, time does not run very much against DNA testing.”

Political biasness

Responding to criticisms of political biasness from some sections of society, Justice Trotman unambiguously stated he nor the Commission takes any political directive or has any political agenda.

“We and I particularly in the Commission is in no way politically motivated, politically instructed, politically influenced or politically directed and has no political

agenda whatsoever. We are out to find the truth of the matter whichever the cards fall or the chips fall, that is it,” Trotman said.

He noted that the cooperation from various entities, particularly from the Guyana Police Force, and other persons have been very good since much of the documents and evidence are being presented with very little prompting from the Commission.

“There has been quite a lot of cooperation. I think it’s amazing to think that even people who may think that they are being targeted, they are cooperating because they too want to see the truth,” Trotman noted.

The retired Justice is the only Commissioner on the

Oil experts for high-level Cabinet Ministers caucus today

T

he Natural Resources Ministry late Tuesday evening announced that it has organised a high-level caucus for Cabinet Ministers to engage global thinkers and experts on natural resource management as part of the Government of Guyana's agenda to prepare for petroleum production in 2020, and beyond.

The event will be facilitated by Chatham House, the Royal Institute of International Affairs through its New Producers Group, and will feature world-renowned experts Sir Paul Collier, noted Professor

of Economics at Oxford University; Sir Shridath Ramphal, Caribbean statesman and advisor; Eric Parrado, former Manager of the Sovereign Wealth Fund of Chile; Ambassador Patrick Duddy, Lecturer, Duke University; Dr Valerie Marcel, Chatham House Fellow, Professor Matthew Andrews, Harvard, Kennedy School of Government; Professor Peter Harrington, Harvard, Kennedy School of Government and Natural Resource Governance Institute Advisor Patrick Heller.

The Government’s ob-

jective, according to the Ministry, is part of an ongoing effort to move preparations to a deeper level of engagement on issues such as prioritising spending on infrastructure, agriculture and social programmes; inter-generational savings; geo-political considerations; legal and institutional strengthening, benefit sharing and engagement and involvement of the people of Guyana, to name a few.

This caucus, which will be held today, is expected to lead to further similar engagements in a scheduled and programmatic way in the months ahead.

Inquiry and noted that it has been challenged in some ways but because of the nature of his work some of that burden is lifted.

“It is challenging because it places a heavy burden on my ability not just to function in a logistical way but to be able to not allow my own judgement to exclude the opinions of others or the suggestion of others. I am very conscious of that so I really bend over backwards to avoid that happening,” he noted during an interview.

With the April 30 deadline fast approaching, the Commissioner said the Commission of Inquiry Act gives the President the power to extend that deadline if necessary. He notes that the extension would also have to factor in his recommendation and added the fact that they had a late start would be one of the factors for a short extension.

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.

to be licensed – GAPSW

A

s the world observes World Social Work Day, President of the Guyana Association of Professional Social Workers (GAPSW), Arnold Mickle, said despite being agents of change, social work in Guyana has been battling to have the profession licensed, but to date, the situation remains the same.

“We are supposed to be change agents and from since the time I did my diploma (a number of years ago) we were trying to be licensed and until now we can’t change that position and we are change agents.

Other professions have done that, long time ago and where are we? The only way the social work profession can be professionalised is when we as individuals professionalise it,” Mickle said.

He added that despite hundreds of social workers graduating from the University of Guyana over the years, the GAPSW only has approximately 15 to 20 active members. He noted that number has to be changed while urging social workers to be proud of their profession.

He urged the social workers to do everything to change the perception of the profession. Mickle added that there is a great need for the professionalising of the social work profession.

“We would want to change the perception of those who graduate from UG. We need to change the mindset of our practitioners because many persons do not professionalise their practice. You must professionalise your service delivery so the rest of the world can know the magnitude and importance of the work you do,” Mickle urged.

In observance of World Social Work Day, the Social Protection Ministry hosted a morning of reflection and luncheon for social workers across the country at the Pegasus Hotel in Georgetown.

World Social Work Day is observed annually on March 20, and this year, the theme is “Promoting Community and Environmental Sustainability.”

While delivering the keynote address, Permanent Secretary of the Social Protection Ministry, Lorene Baird noted that the theme

Guyana Association of Professional Social Workers President Arnold Mickle

is in keeping with the United Nations Strategic Development Goals as well as President David Granger’s green state development strategy.

She, like others before her, noted that although social workers are highly trained and competent, their profession is quite often devalued owing to ignorance of the demands of their roles.

“Although highly trained and competent, the sad reality is that the role of social workers can be lightened to that of an unglorified humanitarian who is always helping and extending themselves sometimes even at the risk of neglecting other personal areas of their lives. We are often guilty of devaluing their worth because social work is something seen as not being evaluated profession and people often underestimate what the profession entails,” Baird noted.

“I would like to encourage social workers to continue being resilient and continue to fight for the change that you want to see as you endeavour to improve the wellbeing of society and the country as a whole,” she added.

Meanwhile, Deputy Director of Social Services, Abike Benjamin-Samuels, said all over the world, social workers stand up every day for human rights and social justice to help strengthen communities adding that it is the broadest profession out there.

Social Work Day is the key day in the year that social workers worldwide stand together to celebrate the achievements of the profession.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesDAY, March 21, 2018

ARCHIE

Don’t labor over what might have been. A good out(March 21look will help you recognize April 19) what’s possible. Take responsibility for your future.

Choose to be productive instead of complaining.

ARIES

Play to win. No matter TAURUS what you do, it’s important to (April 20- give your all and make your May 20) mark. You’ll be judged by your effort and your ability to get along with others.

dilbert

Matters pertaining to perGEMINI (May 21- sonal finance or legal or medJune 20) ical issues should not be ignored. A detailed look will reveal a noteworthy change that can save you time and money.

Strike up a dialogue that will help you bring matters (June 21- of concern to the forefront.

July 22) Setting up new guidelines will enrich a relationship that has been waning.

CANCER

Peanuts

An opportunity that some-

LEO one offers you will not turn out (July 23- to be as lavish as it appears.

Aug. 22) Don’t fall for hype when you

should be focused on your responsibilities.

Calvin and Hobbes

Making travel plans, atVIRGO tending business meetings and (Aug. 23- broadening your awareness reSept. 22) garding projects you want to pursue should be on your agenda.

Make your own arrangements to avoid being shortchanged.

Make sure you are on LIBRA (Sept. 23- the same page as the peoOct. 23) ple you are dealing with today. Overspending to please someone or to keep the peace will only make matters worse.

Make positive changes.

WORD GAME TODAY’S WORD — CERAMICS

SUDOKU

Don’t wait for someone to SAGITTARIUS complain.

If changes need to (Nov. 23be made at home or to a reDec. 21) lationship, make the effort.

Love and romance will improve your life.

(CERAMICS: suh-RAM-iks: The art of making objects from fired clay.)

Average mark 38 words Time limit 60 minutes Can you find 53 or more words in CERAMICS? The list will be published Monday.

YESTERDAY’S WORD — TORTILLA tail tailor tall taro tarot tart till tilt tiro toil toll

tort total trail trait trial trill trio troll trot olla oral

rail ratio rialto rill riot roil roll iota lair liar lilt

lira littoral alit allot alto aril atilt atoll

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

An opportunity to visit SCORPIO someone you find interesting (Oct. 24or informative will also help Nov. 22) you make a decision that can change how or where you live or what you pursue.

solution for Puzzle

Don’t feel you must share CAPRICORN (Dec. 22- your intentions with anyone Jan. 19) prying into your personal affairs. Preparation will help prevent a friend, relative or peer from trying to dismantle your plans.

Anyone trying to entice you

AQUARIUS into doing something that isn’t (Jan. 20- good for you should be pushed Feb. 19) aside. Be firm and spend time with friends who have better morals and standards.

Look for a solution that PISCES (Feb. 20- has worked in other situaMarch 20) tions. A couple of alterations to the way you have done things in the past will prove to be successful.

wednesDAY, march 21, 2018

19

Chandrika ready to battle his way back into Jaguars’ team

By Akeem Greene

R

ajendra Chandrika has played 58 FirstClass games, totalling 2669 runs at an average of 25.91 with one hundred and 13 fifties. In the last of two matches in the 201718 Regional season, he

Demerara Cricket Club (DCC), he commenced the first step in the battle by cracking an unbeaten 149 against the hosts for his Everest Cricket Club. Shot selection was immaculate and many wonder where was this style of batting last season.

batsman posited.

He further continued, “You have to realise that you have some good and bad seasons. Not every day you will get a good score and those must be taken into consideration. I just have to keep making runs and being up at the top so when the op-

Proud moment! Rajendra Chandrika collects his Test cap from legendary Windies fast bowler Sir Curtly Ambrose in 2015

came against Windward Volcanoes with scores of zero and seven.

More so, his highest First-Class score since March 2017 is 35. The result of this horrid run of form was him getting axed from the Guyana Jaguars.

However, the opening batsman has no plans whatsoever of rolling over and plans on fighting his way back onto the radar of selectors by being more consistent.

On Saturday at the

Jaguars have held fourday supremacy for four consecutive seasons and many youngsters have graduated to the senior brigade, but for the 28-year-old “there is no giving in”.

“It is good to get back some runs. I will use the First Division and get back some form and keeping fighting to get back in the Guyana team. There is plenty of guys doing well, so getting back into the team means I have to continue doing well,” the right-handed

portunity arises I am ready for it.”

The man from Enterprise on the East Coast of Demerara had a debut to forget in the second Test against Australia at Jamaica's Sabina Park in 2015. He became the 40th player in the history of Test cricket to score a pair on debut – recording ducks in both innings.

In the four Tests to follow, things did not improve by any significant margin, since he has a high score of

37 and an average of 14.00.

Certainly far from impressive, but the time away from the top has invoked a fighting desire to succeed.

“I have been in the situation where I have been dropped from Guyana team before and I have come back. I am more hungry to get back there and with Windies. As long as I have a good season for Guyana, I am giving myself a chance to get back into the maroons and it is a good challenge for me. I just need to put the scores on the board.”

If there was one noticeable flaw of the batsman, it was not being conscious of where his off-stump is.

He has been bowled while leaving alone a delivery or caught constantly edging to the slip cordon. Cognisant of the flaw, he admitted he has done work to rectify the issue and now it’s more of a mental challenge.

“This season I looked at it [the flaws] and sometimes the adjustment is mentally and so much technical. I looked at those areas for the past couple of months and going into the First-Class tournament, they were sorted out. The matches I played last season, my dismissals were mostly down to bad shot selection,” the former High Performance Centre player contended.

Supporting the future

Clubmates Chandrapaul Hemraj and Tagenarine Chanderpaul are Jaguars’ new-look opening pair, with Hemraj going on to gain

Windies A team selection and a place with the St Lucia Stars in the upcoming Hero Caribbean Premier League while Bhaskar Yadram and Akshaya Persaud have moved from the Windies Under-19 into the Jaguars unit.

“It is good to see Hemraj do well and Yadram is young and s t i l l h a s

The right-handed batsman was in fine form over the weekend, recording a score of 149* against Demerara Cricket Club

much to learn. I think Hemraj can do well and even represent West Indies. It is good to see your clubmates come out and perform. It is also good to be around and encourage them. Before Hemraj went to the A team, I had a few words with him; I am really happy for them.”

For the last four seasons, Cricket West Indies has adopted a professional cricket

structure w i t h the implementation of a franchise system, which means players can represent any territory. While representing Guyana remains Chandrika’s number one priority, playing for another team is an idea he has not thrown out the window.

Vieira out to regain champion rider title

M

atthew Vieira is plotting to produce one of this best performances yet this season to reclaim his Superbike national title and possibly the Caribbean Motor Racing Championships (CMRC) crown.

His first test will be producing a splendid showing at Sunday’s National Race of Champions being held at the South Dakota Circuit.

“I was Super stock champion in 2014, Superbike champion in 2015 and 2016 so I’m going to aim for the title in 2018”, he declared to Guyana Times Sport on Tuesday.

Regaining his championship title is the focus of Matthew Vieira this season (Mikey Spice Photo)

Finishing behind 2017 champion Kevin Persaud and Raverio Tucker was a tough nut to swallow for the former Caribbean champion after facing t bikes troubles throughout the season. Though preparation for Sunday has been late, he still plans on delivering the goods. “It was a last minute effort. The sport is dying so I’m doing my best to keep the crowd entertained and of course to retake my crown.

I’m using my Yamaha R6 and practice was okay. I think I’m ready to challenge any of the other Guyanese riders”.

He went unto say, “I

think I have a pretty good chance since I’m very hungry for the win”.

Regarding his overwhelming fan base, the twowheel daredevil gave assurances he will put on a show which means they have to come out and show support.

The first leg of the CMRC is in Jamaica from May 12-13 but the rider said he unsure if we will be touring since he has not managed to gather sponsors.

The event which is organised by the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club will commence from 09:00h with tickets being priced at $1,000.

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GUYANATIMESgy.COM

wednesDAY, march 21, 2018

OSCL/Orlando Cup II

Chess Windmill

A

windmill is a tactic where a series of checks is made repeating the position, but unlike a perpetual check (which leads to a draw) with each repetition of the position a material or positional advantage is obtained.

At first glance, it looks like white is losing very Jessica Clementson badly here, black is a Queen and two Rooks up!, however, things are not quite as they seem.1. Nxh6+ White has spotted a draw!, after Kh8 white can play Nf7+ again to repeat the position. 1... Kh8 2. Nf7+ Kg8 3. Nxg5+ with that said however, why play the draw when you have found a win! 3... Kh8 4. Nf7+ Kg8 5. Nxd8+ Qe6 Black is now hoping white makes an error...what is the correct way to capture the Queen?

6. Bxe6+ Kh8 7. Nf7+ Kg8

8. Nd6+ Kh8 9. Nxc8...and this position should be an easily won endgame for white. Elephant trap in the Queen's Gambit Declined.

1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6.

The Queen’s Gambit Decline is a solid choice.3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Bg5White pins the knight in the Tartakower variation. 4... Nbd7 This is the Cambridge springs defense, and it is the best reply to Bg5. 5. cxd5?If you think white can win a pawn after exd5 Nxd5... 5... exd5 6. Nxd5??Nxd5 7. Bxd8Black gives up the queen.7... Bb4+!But he gets whites in return. 8. Qd2Bxd2+ 9. Kxd2 Kxd8 Black ends up winning a piece for a pawn!

Esau leads Regal to coveted cup ...Narine shines for Floodlights Masters A

blistering knock of 53 off 23 balls from Sarfaz Esau saw Regal All Stars knocking over Assassins by seven wickets in the final of the Orlando Softball Cricket League (OSCL) Orlando Cup two on Sunday at the Hogshead Park in Florida.

In brilliant sunshine and in front of a huge crowd, the Regal skipper, Esau first won the toss and took the field.

In the preliminary rounds on Friday, Regal bowled out their finals opponents for just 69 runs and were on course for a repeat but some lower order resistance saw the New York based team rallying to 131 for 9 from 20 overs.

Roger Parsram hit one six and three fours in Assassins' top score of 29 and was supported by Prem Singh with 18 not out (1x6) and Pooran Beria with 17 (2x4).

Once again the Regal All Stars bowling was lead by Rohit "Beast" Dutchin with 2 for 20 with Fazal Rafeik with 2 for 36 supporting well as were the other bowlers and excellent fielders.

In reply, Regal All Stars lost the tournament's Most Valuable Player (MVP) Richard Latif with out scoring half way through the

opening over to a catch at the wicket off Prem Singh (2/41).

However, Esau came to the crease and immediately took the attack to the opposition on the relatively big outfield. In all, he hit three sixes and seven beautifully times fours in a quick 67-run second wicket partnership with opener Navin Singh. When he was dismissed at 68 for 2, Singh took over and dominated a 47-run stand with Rafeik who made 16 (1x6) before he was dismissed with just

talizing affair.

At 34 for 3 in the seventh over after winning the toss and batting, Floodlights needed a miracle and they got it through Narine.

The Essequibian featured in a 74-run fourth wicket partnership with Ravi Lutchman who made 31 (2x6; 2x4) that really rescued Floodlights. When Ravi Lutchman was bowled

by Fazleem Mohamed in the 14th over his brother, Akash joined Narine and continued the slog fest.

Akash made 14.

Rudolph Baker then joined his skipper, Hardyal at the crease and blasted 38 from 21 balls (3x6; 3x4) before he was run out. His cameo brought the contest back in the balance until Eon Abel (7) and Hardyal were dismissed in quick succession to hand the momentum back to their opponents.

The pendulum will swing in Regal's favour once again when Eric Thomas smashed 56 off 26 balls (4x6; 5x4) and shared in a 65-run partnership with Mohendra Arjune

After losing two wickets in the 15th over, Narine motored along to help Floodlights core 63 runs off the next five overs including 18 off the last over to bring up his hundred. Floodlights ended on 192 for 9.

Opening bowler, David Harper picked up 2 for 28 and his opening partner, Parsram Persaud 1/25.

Throy Kippins with 2 for 46 (4 overs) and Fazleem Mohamed 1/22 (2 overs) also got wickets but were not spared the assault.

Regal Masters captain, Mahendra Hardyal bowled impressive despite not picking up a wicket. His first three overs yielded 18 runs but was taken to the cleaners in his final over which went for 18 to finish wicketless for 36 runs.

In reply, the Regal Masters needed to score at just under 10 runs per over to win but were hot and cold in the chase and eventually ended on 181 for 8 falling short by 12 runs.

Opener Mahesh Chunilall with 147 runs in three innings before the final with two half centuries was first to go in the fourth over at 12 for 1.

who made 15.

When Thomas became another run out victim in the 19th over at 169 for 6, there were still 23 runs to get from almost two overs which turned out to be a tall task for the lower order and eventually Floodlights took the championship.

Akash Lutchman (2/18) and Ramesh Narine (2/20) were the pick of the Floodlights bowlers.

At the Presentation ceremony, Narine was named Man of the Match while Bhim George was the MVP and Masters Over 45 tournament's best batsman.

Hardyal won the best bowler prize and collected the purple cap and shirt and a trophy.

In the Master's Over 50-years old category, Orlando Masters were adjudged champions after a high scoring final with New York Maters Premier.

In all, the three-day tournament attracted 25 teams in the three categories and was held at two venues.

The next stop on the international softball calendar is New York for the Independence Cup in July.

The winning Regal All Stars

17 runs required for victory.

Singh continued to hit the ball sweetly and remained unbeaten on 45 (3x6; 2x4) as Regal reached 132 for 3 off 14.2 overs to win by 7 wickets with 5.4 overs remaining. Sewchand Budhu was not out on 1.

Regal took the winning Orlando Cup and US$4,000 while Esau was named Man of the Match in the final. Regal bowler, Delroy Perreira was adjudged the tournament's best bowler and Latif the best batsman as well.

In the Masters Over-54 years old, Ramesh Narine single handedly took Floodlights Masters to victory over nemesis Regal Masters.

Narine also fondly called the "Little Master" took six balls to get off the mark due to excellent bowling first up from the Regal opening bowlers.

However, after getting his eyes in, he then used his next 50 balls to reach a well compiled century in the final over of the innings. His heroics of 100 not out from 56 balls (9x6; 3x4) was really the difference in his side winning by 12 runs in a tan-

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21

sports

shortlisted for Lady Jags CFU Challenge series

– Guyana grouped with T&T, Suriname and Grenada

I

n a release on Tuesday, the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) communicated they have shortlisted 21 locally-based players as preparations begin for Guyana’s participation in the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Women’s Challenge Series Tournament, scheduled for April, 2018.

Among those selected are two Goalkeepers, six Defenders, nine Midfielders and four Forwards from five GFF-Scotiabank Academy Training Centres.

Squad: Goal Keppers: Natalie Nedd (Fruta Conquerors), Ruth George (Fruta Conquerors); Defenders Odessa Romeo (Guyana Defence Force), Shania Riley ( Fruta Conquerors), Veyansa Hope (Kuru Kuru Warriors), Samara Rodrigues (Kariburi Village), Cloetta Dublin (Guyana Defence Fore), Anastacia Horsham ( Fruta Conquerors); Midfielders: Jimmaica Hunte (Fruta Conquerors), Shennel Daniels ( F r u t a Conquerors), Lakeisha Pearson ( Fruta

Conquerors), Shamika Marcus (Foxy Ladies), Shontel Greene (Foxy Ladies), Siacy Adams (Foxy Ladies), Tiandi Smith (Foxy Ladies), Jalade Trim (Kwakwani Strikers), Izannah Rogers; Forwards: Sasha James (Fruta Conquerors), Annalisa Vincent (Port Kaituma), Kendra Thomas ( Guyana Defence Force), Sherrilyn Kingston (Demerara Queens).

Additionally, Tricia Munroe, GFF’s Women’s Development Officer, said Guyana is using this tournament as preparation for the CONCACAF Qualifiers, scheduled for May 2018, and the f i n a l squad will include over-

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

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Paul Beresford

seas-based players “In keeping with the Technical Development Strategy, the provisional Team Guyana has 21 locally-based females, many of whom were taken from the GFF-Scotiabank Academy Training Centres (ATCs).

To increase our competitiveness in the tournament, Guyana will put forward the best team possible so the final 18 will comprise the most-talented local and overseas-based players. Guyana will also use this tournament as preparation for the CONCACAF Qualifiers so ensuring match readiness is key at this moment.”

Meanwhile Women’s International Team Coordinator, Paul Beresford, said the international “Lady Jags” programme was relaunched last weekend and he is looking forward to have integration of the international players.

“This past weekend, as part of the “Lady Jags” relaunch, a mini camp was held in Toronto, which was attended by 19 internationally-based players. We are looking forward to integrating our internationally-based players with our Guyana-based players to produce a team that will not only be competitive and exciting to watch but will truly represent the diversity that is Guyana football.”

The locally-based squad will train twice weekly beginning tomorrow and will focus on technical and tactical skills and fitness.

Guyana has been placed in Group E of the five-group tournament with Suriname and Grenada and will have its first match against Grenada on April 25 at the Ato B o l d o n Stadium in Trinidad beginning at

Women’s Development Officer Tricia Munroe 16:00hrs.

Second match is scheduled for the April 27 at 16:00hrs against Suriname and willface host Trinidad and Tobago on the April 29 from 17:30hrs.

The format includes four teams placed in five groups.

The matches in each group will be played in Round Robin format, each team playing one match against each of the other teams in the same group.

The tournament will be

held from the April 18-29 and will be played in St. Kitts and Nevis, Jamaica, Haiti, Antigua and Barbuda and Trinidad and Tobago The other groups are: Group A: St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dominica, St. Lucia; Group B: Jamaica, Turks and Caicos, Barbados, Cuba; GROUP C: Haiti, Martinique, USVI, Dominican Republic and Group D: Antigua and Barbuda, Guadeloupe, Curacao, Montserrat.

“Speed Queen” coming with

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21

roup One driver Sharima Khan seems to have finally added the finishing touches to her new machine and is ready to go full throttle at Sunday’s National Race of Champions being staged at the

South Dakota Circuit.

Still with the Honda brand, her Pink beast is no more the Civic but rather a powerful ‘del Sol’, a design based on the Civic.

Last November, all

Circulation Department on

Phone: 223-7230 EXT: 55 Sharima Khan doing some testing at the South Dakota Circuit with her Honda del Sol

looked well to produce a top gear performance but engine failure curtailed the weekend on the big stage. With time to grease the parts and tighten the bolts, Khan is ready to have a productive outing on the second take.

“We didn’t get to complete the project we had in mind last met since we had engine mal-

function so we threw in the stock 1600cc just to run.

It was not as good as we thought it would have been so we have continued the project for this event and we had a lot of time on our hands. We basically are prepared and will be running six races and that’s better for me”, she stated in a recent interview.

Though Khan has been a delight to see in the Sports and Street Tuner categories at South Dakota, she has not taken the fight to other circuits, something she is considering in the future.

“Later we might look to improve and enter group two to start touring but for now all I can give my fans will be six races and that will be completely trilling and exciting all day”.

Number 213 will be blazing under the flagship of sponsors such as Palm Court, GuyOil, Rent-A-Tent, Bumper to Bumper and Trade Wind Tankers.

Sunday’s race meet commences at 09:00h with tickets priced at $1,000. Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club are expecting large turnout from drivers since it is the precursor for May 1213 Caribbean Motor Racing Championship opening leg at the Jamwest Raceway in Jamaica.

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

wednesDAY, march 21, 2018

GCA, Toucan Distributors partner for U-15 tournament Exciting – 8 teams to vie for honours action hits T opening night

Toucan Distributors Junior Skill Level Tournament

oucan Distributors in collaboration with the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) on Tuesday launched their U-15 100 overs Cricket Competition with the first round set of Zone A games bowling off on March 24.

After a two year absence, the competition returns with new sponsors and new energy as the GCA executives most notably President Roger Harper and Competition Chairman Shawn Massiah duly pointed out.

Lennox Shuffler, Toucan Industries long-time chief along with Managing Director Andrew King; the executives of the sponsors was present at the ceremony held at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) pavilion where Shuffler , a former Guyana Volleyball Federation President said he was happy to throw his weight behind the youth tournament.

He said that sports regardless of the genre was

T

Toucan Industries chief Lennox Shuffler hands over the sponsorship cheque to GCA President Roger Harper on Tuesday at the Demerara Cricket Club

crucial for the nurturing of youths and pointed out that since its existence the U15 has been doing well to churn out players who go on to play for Guyana and West Indies.

Harper during his brief remarks thanked the entity for backing them during this move, highlighting that the Easter holiday and after will

see an Under 17 and 19 tournaments being staged. The former West Indies player said that the foundation of youth cricket in Demerara is the U15 which has produced the likes of Keemo Paul, Joshua Persaud, Ashmead Nedd and others who have played for Guyana/Windies at the respective levels.

Played under 100 over format, the teams will do battle on three days with the semi-finals set for April 1s and finals April 4.

Massiah said that this competition as it has done before should help in identifying future stars for Guyana and West Indies. Meanwhile, long-serving National Youth coach Garvin Nedd thanked the sponsors for coming onboard at this time when cricket and talent in Guyana at the youth levels are flourishing. Nedd added that the U15 is a major event and a popular one which has been long awaited.

Meanwhile, the tournament bowls off on Saturday March 24 with defending champs from the last edition, DCC battling Everest in the opener while Saints and Bel Air will tackle in the second match of Zone A’s opener.

he Guyana Squash Association is holding the Toucan Distributors Junior Skill level tournament which is its first Junior tournament for 2018 at the Georgetown Club Inc. courts. Play commenced on Monday night with matches in six of the eight categories being contested.

In category B Demetrius De Abreu and Ethan Jonas played a thriller.

Ethan easily won the first game 11- 6 but Demetrius bounced back to win the s e c o n d game 11-

Demetrius De Abreu

7. The third game could have gone either way but Ethan held his nerve to win it 11 – 9. Demetrius showed his fighting qualities by winning the fourth game 11 – 7.

The fifth game went back and forth and at 10 – 8 match ball in favour of Demetrius it seemed all over for Ethan but he showed grit and won the next four points to claim the fifth game 12 – 10.

In category D Chad De Abreu had a competitive match when he came up against Osmond Mack.

Chad won the first game 12 – 10 but then lost the second game 8 – 11 to Osmond. Both the third and fourth games could have been won by either of the two players but Chad managed to win both of them 14 – 12, thus winning the match by three games to one.

Matches continue daily at the Georgetown Club courts starting at 18:00h with the finals being scheduled for Saturday from 17:00h.

wednesDAY, march 21, 2018

guyanatimesgy.com

23

Hero Caribbean Premier League 2018

Delport, a good acquisition for

Amazon Warriors Says Clifton Ross

A

s one o f the international players in the Guyana A m a z o n Warriors franchise, South African batsman Cameron Delport will have tons of responsibilities come August 8 when the sixth edition Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) bowls off in Guyana.

He is a batsman who has added a lot of impetus to the Warriors at the top of the order. It is left to be seen whether he will partner the inform Luke Ronchi. The Warriors have opted for a mixed team as per normal;

with a few power-hitting all-rounders and Delport’s addition could see him or Windies young prodigy Shimron Hetmyer partnering Ronchi.

A product of the famous Kwa-Zulu Natal county team in South Africa, a club which is famous for producing all-rounder legend Lance Klusener, Delport has counted among his club mates two South Africa current Test players – spinner Keshav Maharaj and fast-bowling all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo.

Delport has been somewhat of a T20 mercenary.

His aggressive nature was tailor-made for T20 and he has made full use of it by representing world-wide franchises such as: Lantau Galaxy Riders, Leicestershire, Royal Bengal

DCB U-19 Inter Association Tournament

East Bank, Georgetown secure opening round wins

Andre Seepersaud

E

ast Bank Demerara’s duo of Stephon Wilson and Sachin Singh dismantled East Coast to win by six wickets when the first round of the Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) Under 19 Inter Association Tournament got underway on Tuesday at Lusignan Community Centre Ground.

East Coast Demerara won the toss and elected to take first strike but their decision proved futile, as Wilson wreaked havoc with 4-19 from six overs to dis-

miss the opposition for 101.

The left-arm spinner was well supported by Dwain Dick and Sagar Hathirmani who both took two wickets a piece.

Rajendra Singh top scored with 25 not out while Robin Williams and Alvin Goriah scored 17 and 14 respectively as their team only batted 40 of their allotted 50 overs.

In reply East Bank raced to 103 for 4 in 25 overs with Singh hitting a top scored of 39 while Dick and Jeremiah

Diquan Bamfield

Scott scored 19 and 13 respectively.

Hathirmani was not out on 14 as Predesh Ballkishun took 2-26 while Damuka Nyqondo picked up 1-19 and Saddiq Khan grabbed 1-11.

Over at the Everest Cricket ground, Georgetown crush West Demerara with Adrian Hinds hitting 62 in the chase of 149 which they achieved with five down in 41 overs. Christopher Campbell and Nkosi Beaton had scored of 32 and 20 respectively with Kenard Moonsammy and Troy Persaud being the most successful with two wickets each.

When West Demerara batted their total was built on Andre Seepersaud who made an unbeaten 54 as his side was skittle out in 44.3 overs. Diquan Bamfield was the most instrumental grabbing 4 for 32 off 10 overs while Wayne Bollers took 2 for 21 off 6 overs.

Tigers, South Africa A, South Africa Emerging Players, Dhaka Dynamites, Dolphins, and Sydney Thunder among others.

With over 3000 T20 runs under his belt with three centuries to boast, the 28-yearold has also tasted

the CPL atmosphere before, having represented current champs Trinbago Knight Riders.

His impact was more significant as he hit a match-winning 50 in the 2015 finals to help the then named "Trinidad & Tobago Red Force" to their maiden title.

He should further bolster the franchise’s chances of capturing the elusive title. The batting all-rounder first made his name playing for Leicestershire in England’s NatWest T20 Blast tourn a ment as well a s

the Australian Big Bash League T20.

Only in last year’s edition, he spanked a career-best 109 from 59 balls against Nottinghamshire which took Leicestershire to the NatWest T20 Blast quarter-finals for only the second time in 11 seasons. His last recent piece of action was curtailed when then Lahore Qalandars were miserably knocked out of the 2018 Pakistan Super League (PSL), after losing seven of their 10 matches; thus finishing in last place.

A renowned six-hitter and a brilliant fielder, Delport played just two of those 10 games for Lahore scoring just eight and hitting two sixes in his other knock of 15. With his selection to the Guyana franchise a good one on paper, it will be left to the big Protea to deliver similar success and help win a title as he did three years ago.

wednesDAY, march 21, 2018

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Hero Caribbean Premier League 2018…

Chandrika ready to battle his way back into Jaguars’ team

Pg 23

Delport, a good acquisition for

Having had a taste of Test cricket, the opening batsman is ready to fight to get back into the Guyana Jaguars team and then Windies colours (Photo

by Robert Cianflone– CA/Cricket Australia/Getty Images)

Amazon Warriors

Pg 19

Cameron Delport is a dynamo with the bat at the top of the order

Pg 21

21

shortlisted for Lady Jags CFU Challenge series

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