Guyanatime 23 february 2018

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

Issue No. 3483

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Friday, February 23, 2018

PRICE

$15B for Estates' reopening

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Taxpayers could foot bill as “handpicked” investors reap profits – Jagdeo Page 3

Imam re- Page 7 committed to stand trial on multiple child rape charges

$80 vat included

Cocaine in handbag

Mother takes rap for daughter Page 8

Integrity Commission fully constituted, appointed by President P6&10 …Ethnic Relations, Teaching Service Commissions sworn in

Security guard who fatally stabbed handyman P15 freed …after jury delivers unanimous notguilty verdict

…jailed for 4 years, fined $7.1M after pleading guilty

We will defend our territorial integrity at all costs – President Granger Page 11

P13 Govt still deducting monies from hinterland teachers’ salaries

Digicel, GTT wrap up Mash fitness camps P19 Ethno-political crime wave

P9

PPP concerned about Lindo Creek CoI ‘behind the scenes’ scheme

…as Guyana celebrates 48th Republic Anniversary Guyana welcomed her 48th year as a republic today with a flag-raising ceremony at D’Urban Park, Georgetown. The celebration continues with the Mashramani Float and Costume Parade

Atlantic Gardens Cellphones, man shot, robbed weapons found ... during Mazaruni Prison raid by bandits Page 17

Page 16

Controversial "Go Invest Elsewhere" ad

Bel Air businessman ‘apologises’ for damage done – P9 Govt

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FRIDAY, February 23, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

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FRIDAY, February 23, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

$15B for Estates' reopening

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, February 23 – 10:00h-11:30h and Saturday, February 24 – 11:00h-12:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, February 23 – 09:10h-10:40h and Saturday, February 24 – 10:30h-12:00h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

By Samuel Sukhnandan

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

WEATHER TODAY

Lightly cloudy skies can be expected throughout most of the day, with sunny intervals expected late in the afternoon. Partly cloudy skies are expected in the evening with overall temperatures ranging between 20 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-easterly to North North-easterly between 1.34 metres and 5.81 metres.

High Tide: 09:55h and 22:40h reaching maximum heights of 2.39 metres and 2.26 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 03:24h and 16:04h reaching minimum heights of 0.89 metre and 0.83 metre respectively.

WEDNESDAY, february 21, 2018

LOTTERY NUMBERS F

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06 Bonus Ball

FREE TICKET

THURSDAY, February 22,2018

DAILY MILLIONS 07 11 15 22 LUCKY 3 8 7 9 Afternoon Draw DRAW DE LINE 01

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Evening Draw 15

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Taxpayers could foot bill as “handpicked” investors reap profits – Jagdeo

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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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he Government of Guyana may use the $15 billion loan it is seeking from a leading commercial bank here to clear the multi-billion-dollar liabilities the Guyana Sugar Corporation has accrued over the past few days, in order to give its “handpicked” investors a clean slate and better opportunities to maximise their profitability when they purchase estates.

This is the position of Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, who on Thursday warned the nation through the media that Guyanese taxpayers may ultimately foot the bill for the repayment of this loan while the “handpicked” investors would reap the gains and maximise their profitability.

Jagdeo has said he is not buying the economic and financial arguments put forward by the Ministry of Finance and the Government to justify this move.

He has said it defies logic that Government wants to borrow $15 billion to keep these estates open for a few months, when that sum could have assisted the reopening for close to one year.

Addressing journalists gathered for a press conference at the Opposition People's Progressive Party headquarters, Freedom

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

House on Robb Street in Georgetown, Jagdeo declared: “…my worry is that they need the $10 to $15 billion to clear off liabilities for GuySuCo…maybe the short term liabilities; so that the people they already identified to take over these estates will come in with a clean slate, so they will have a big prize: they will take over these estates without any liability.”

He reasoned that once this happens, the new owners will have the option to cherry pick the top, take how many workers they want, refashion things, and even sell out some of the assets.

“So I think that is their idea here, because their explanation does not make financial sense,” he opined.

In response to the former president’s argument, the Government issued a state-

ment late Thursday explaining that the money it plans to borrow would be used by the Special Purposes Unit (SPU), not only for the reopening of the estates, but to help to finance current and capital programmes.

The Opposition Leader also reiterated calls to investigate whether $32 billion were indeed given to GuySuCo. “So it’s very murky, the $32 billion; murky. And I suspect (that) if you start tracing it, you would see that maybe some of it was loans that were already taken by GuySuCo that they considered part of the transfer, and some of it came and might not have gone directly to GuySuCo, or (has) gone for other purposes apart from what they were intended; so we still have to go after the $32 billion,” he explained.

Finance Minister Winston Jordan said on Wednesday that the money Government hopes to acquire as a loan to fund the operations of these two estates should be acquired before mid-March.

He also declared that revenues generated from the sale of estates and other assets would be used to repay the loan.

The Government will be turning to commercials banks for this syndicated bond.

“These estates potentially are not going to be producing

sugar per se, or the kind of volumes that you know. It’s going to do some molasses.

There is an interesting model for Enmore prior to its complete diversification, and that will be involving, hopefully, DDL (Demerara Distillers Limited),” Jordan explained.

Jordan has again defended Government’s closing of the estates and its intention to temporarily reopen them.

He said it would have been a difficult task to keep them opened because of the day-today expenses involved while still meeting other obligations, including a huge wage bill.

He explained that the reopened estate would operate on a smaller scale when compared to the previous years.

According to him, this also sends a good signal to potential buyers.

It was reported in sections of the media last week that the Skeldon and Enmore sugar factories are expected to be reopened by the end of March to reap more than 300,000 tonnes of sugar cane.

The Special Purposes Unit (SPU) would also use the reopening of these estates as an opportunity to prove to potential investors that all of the estates are viable.

But Jagdeo has said this now proves that Government’s move to close the sugar estates was purely political.

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friDAY, February 23, 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

y y p p a H c Da i l b u p e R

City Hall’s noncooperation

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he Georgetown City Council has come under fire recently for its non-cooperative attitude as it relates to providing answers to the relevant authorities tasked with ensuring that public finances are spent in an efficient, effective and transparent manner. Just a few days ago, Auditor General Deodat Sharma was forced to send a strong message to city officials that approaches would be made to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) if the level of cooperation that is needed to conduct such an exercise is not forthcoming from those mandated to provide same.

It was reported in the media that Sharma became frustrated after the accounting officer who was acting in place of the absent Treasurer of the Georgetown municipality was unable to provide the necessary answers with regard to City Hall’s monies during a recent hearing of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). Even the Permanent Secretary attached to the Ministry of Communities complained of City Hall’s lack of cooperation when certain information was requested.

It was reported that the PAC met in the National Assembly last Monday, when McGarrell and accounting officers from various municipalities were made to give account for some $401 million in capital subventions. The Audit Office had found that as at December 31, 2016, $396.5 million was expended. It was revealed that from the start, City Hall’s financial status, how it spent almost $175 million and its failure to submit documentation posed a challenge to the PAC. It could be recalled too that last year, the AG’s attempts to conduct an audit were stymied by documents not being provided. According to AG Sharma, at the time, there were a number of gaps that remained unfilled in the investigation.

As is currently happening, during the final phase of the audit, the probe was stalled due to this lack of cooperation.

Several letter writers, commentators and politicians have been calling for the Government to commission a forensic audit regarding the operations of the Council in the interest of ensuring transparency and accountability. In addition to the parking meters scheme, there were several other projects which the city undertook which had caused stakeholders to ask questions.

For example, not long after the coalition Government took office, the M&CC, in collaboration with the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government, embarked on a massive citywide clean-up campaign in Georgetown and its environs.

While these efforts produced fairly good results regarding the general appearance of the city and its environs, the political Opposition and other stakeholders had raised several questions in relation to the contracts awarded to carry out the works, as the perception was that friends and party supporters were the main beneficiaries. To date, the relevant officials have not been very forthcoming regarding questions from the media in relation to the sums expended and the beneficiaries of the contracts.

Also, the mere fact that millions of taxpayers’ dollars are regularly used to bailout the city from its financial woes is another reason for a forensic audit to be carried out. The Government certainly cannot keep pumping public monies into the operations of City Hall without putting the necessary safeguards in place to ensure there are accountability and transparency at all levels of its operations.

We had stated before that there was much to be explained by past officials who were tasked with managing the affairs of the Council. For example, it is believed that millions of dollars in taxes for certain individuals were written off by the previous Council. There are also claims being made of breaches of the Environmental and City Bylaws resulting in serious drainage, sewerage and parking problems. Then, there is the issue of the failure of the City Treasurer to collect millions of dollars in outstanding taxes and so on.

It is indeed encouraging to see that the AG’s Office has taken a firm position that it would no longer tolerate a noncooperative attitude of city officials. Our hope is that this time around, those tasked with running the affairs of the city would work along with the auditors to ensure they have access to the necessary documents, etc, to carry out their duties unimpeded.

Scores turned out for the Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) flag raising ceremony at the regional State House lawns, and they were treated to a rich cultural and patriotic showcase. In photo, one group of performers strike a pose with Guyana flags

Rickford Burke owes the GBA an apology Dear Editor, As a proud member of the Guyana Bar Association, I took grave offence when I read a letter written to the Editor by Rickford Burke and published in the press on February 21, 2018, seeking to denigrate an association of some of the most distinguished professionals in Guyana.

Though I must admit at the outset that I am unfamiliar with Burke’s vast work of distinction (or the large mass of members of the Caribbean Guyana Institute for Democracy) that licences him to arrogated to himself the liberty of such a public statement, let alone a public written statement, I am duty bound to defend not only the association I am a member of but the proud profession I represent.

Allow me to dissect Burke’s statement by identifying the falsehoods and providing a response based on facts: Falsehood number one: Burke states that Granger “affirmed a desire to appoint substantive office holders as the country cannot be without a Chancellor and Chief Justice.

Since 2005, the nation has been without a substantive Chancellor and Chief Justice.

Unless the GBA is clairvoyant, these comments by the President constitute the established record and the only basis upon which the GBA can objectively comment or premise legal opinion… caused the Association’s statement to be

without merit.”

Fact response: The President’s very own Minister of State Joseph Harmon is quoted in an article published on February 8, 2018, on Demerarawaves.com as saying, “(t)here is a constitutional position which we’ll look at and if in fact, there is no agreement for them to be appointed in the substantive position, then, as I said, there is constitutional provision for them to be appointed otherwise.” The article went on further to say that “Harmon declined to say whether, using other constitutional provisions, they would be appointed to act or substantively.” The President’s Minister of the Presidency refused to put paid to any speculation that there would be a move by President Granger to make the substantive appointment of the respective positions. Furthermore, recent history has proven that even when President Granger was quoted in the press as saying that he would not unilaterally appoint the Chairman of GECOM, this was shortly thereafter proven to be false.

Falsehood number two: Burke states “(i)f the GBA has a genuine concern about the President’s fidelity to the Constitution, it should have met with or written the President and Opposition Leader and conveyed its opinion on Article 127, as well as the corrosive impact of the political “acting” game on the Judiciary.

Fact response: Teni Housty as Vice President of the GBA made a public statement which was published in Guyana Times on December 20, 2017, doing exactly that which Burke suggests should have been done. Further, the GBA held its annual Bar dinner in November of 2017 when none other than the President of the Caribbean Court of Justice, Justice Denis Byron, was invited to give the feature address where he spoke almost singularly on the “corrosive impact” of acting appointments on the Judiciary.

Justice Byron’s statements were carried by almost all of the media houses in Guyana (see eg November 15, 2017, Stabroek News).

Falsehood number three: Burke says the GBA “can raise hell and sue the President to overturn his action” should President Granger make substantive appointments without the agreement of the Leader of the Opposition for the positions of Chancellor and/or Chief Justice.

Fact response: After almost three years the elections petition is yet to receive a hearing let alone go through the appeal process despite the fact that we are a mere two years away from another election. The case seeking to quash President Granger’s unilateral appointment of Justice Paterson as GECOM’s Chairman has not even had its first ruling as yet. So, in theo-

ry it is true that the GBA can seek to overturn such an action by President Granger but, in reality, the sloth of the justice sector denies an effective resolution of such an exercise.

Falsehood number four: Burke says that the “GBA’s silence then and sudden voice now demonstrates a worrying pattern”.

Fact response: On the issue of acting appointments, the GBA has spoken out against such for close to a decade and reference for evidence of such can be sought in a letter dated November 12, 2012, published by the Kaieteur News by Brynmor TI Pollard, CCH, SC, where he cites Teni Housty and Nigel Hughes for making public statements against the acting appointments. On the issue of the GBA having some kind of newly found voice, maybe Burke may want to ask Ronald Burchsmith or Timothy Jonas about the numerous critical statements made on behalf of the GBA under their respective recent tenures as President of the GBA. In light of the refutation of the flagrant falsehoods, Burke owes the GBA an apology failing which members of the GBA will be left with a Hobson’s choice to rebuke or “ri-burke” his totally uninformed and rather embarrassing statement.

Sincerely, Charles S Ramson Attorney-at-Law

GuySuCo needs to return to the drawing board Dear Editor, The Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc (GuySuCo) in an advertisement that appeared in the February 21, 2018 Guyana Chronicle invited persons desirous of becoming farmers at Uitvlugt Estate to submit their application. In the ad, the Corporation indicated that redundant workers would be given first preference.

On the surface, the GuySuCo ad seems to be positive but as experience has taught me, the devil always

lies in the details. For many workers it is a daunting, if not impossible task to be engaged in cane farming. Many simply lack the wherewithal to undertake the several operations to engender a healthy cane crop.

Also, bearing in mind that cane has a one-year growth cycle and then it takes another year, after the farmers cane has been harvested before they are fully paid for the sugar that is had from the canes they produce.

Clearly cane farming is out of the ordinary workers reach.

Literally, the workers would be starving while the cane is growing and even after too.

The Corporation, for some time now, has been seeking to expand the cane farmer population at Uitvlugt as it reduces the size of the cultivation it is managing. Its thrust in this direction has been generally unsuccessful. In fact, as far as I am aware, many farmers, some who have capital, have done little, if any, work to prepare their plots for canes. This is due largely to the

depressed prices the farmers are receiving. However, if the canes farmed are used to produce several products besides sugar and farmers benefit also from the income realised from those activities, the attractiveness of farming would increase and yield the interest the Corporation desires.

I believe the Corporation needs to return to the drawing board.

Yours sincerely, Liebert Alleyne

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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

There was favouritism at Repeal classification of the Panorama competition industrial hemp Dear Editor, What were the judges looking for in deciding the winner of the Senior Panorama Competition 2018?

It was observed that favouritism and disregard for the judging rules of the competition were on full display at the annual Panorama Competition. The judges, apart from being officials of the Department of Culture, were biased in their rulings and approach to judging.

The rules and guidelines of the competition clearly state, in section (5), that during the process of judging the event, all officials are expected to conduct themselves in a proper manner. Judges should not communicate with any of the competitors and/or their sponsors, supporters, or members of the media for the entire duration of the competition. This was not the case on the night of the competition.

The coordinator was supposed to be Mr. Xavier, but Mr. Tyndall, who works

for the same office, being the coordinator of the Mash Committee and past leader of the band that won, was seen mingling with the judges, bringing the results into disrepute; which brings a clear case of conflict of interest because the National School of Music Band is owned by the Department of Culture.

Now if I owned that band, and all the judging officials came from me, what would people think and assume?

It can also be noted that the outcome in judging for the past few years has been the same. This is disgusting, because the outcome seems to always be in favour of the National Band.

No way, in my music knowledge, or listening to steel pan music and soliciting the views of others, could the National Band have emerged winners in front of the Guyana Police Force Band, which were the definite crowd pleasers -- playing well with a clean sound, good balance, and with proper melody and audio coming from all sections

of the band.

At no time did they break the rules of the competition, unlike the National Band, whose members gyrated in front of the judges in clear violation of the rules and standing orders of the competition and still emerged victorious.

Where are we going with competitions and judging in Guyana if injustices like this one keeps occurring?

There were other bands that were eliminated for violating competition rules, but this was not the issue with the National Band. It was a great act of favouritism.

Not only was this attitude deemed bad for pan music lovers, but also for the players, who try desperately to keep the art alive. If this is allowed to continue, sad to say, steel band competition is heading for a doomsday.

Please, Mr. Tyndall and others, fair and neutral judges are what we need to avoid conflict of interest and to keep the art alive and well.

Neil Cort Steel Pan Lover

The Govt could have done better when negotiating Dear Editor, I have observed from the various articles and publications in the press that the executive branch of the Government solely participated in the fashioning of a contract which was duly executed by the executive branch of Government with the world's giant oil company, ExxonMobil.

One of the terms of the contract as I understand it is that the Parliament of Guyana, the highest lawmaking body of the land, cannot alter the terms of the contract. Parliament, whose members were duly elected by the people and represents the entire population of Guyana had no say or contribution to the terms and conditions of the document that was arbitrarily and unilaterally signed by the executive branch of the Government.

The Guyana Parliament was never a party to the contract nor were they consulted on the terms of the contract. My question is, how can any institution or legal persona that is not a party to a contract, be fettered by the terms of such a contract?

It appears the other branch of Government, the Judiciary, is also muzzled by the oppressive terms of this contract which are inimical to the people of Guyana

whose resources are now contracted to be plundered

by Exxon.

What is the remedy? In a country of peasants and hard-working marginalised people – of which over 33 per cent are unemployed – it appears to me if the contract cannot be renegotiated by the parties thereto, the very executive branch of Government that agreed to the terms and Exxon, to give equitable terms to the people of Guyana – the only remedy that will be left is that a new generation of incensed and deprived Guyanese, like the

people of Ghana, will have no alternative but to agitate, oppose and demand that the plunderer be nationalised.

The patriot, Burnham, whose policy the President and Government espoused to embrace always proclaimed to foreign investors, if the terms are not favourable to the Government and people of Guyana then its resources shall remain intact for another generation of Guyanese.

Yours respectfully, Jailall Kissoon Attorney-at-Law

Dear Editor, Guyana’s farmers, manufacturers, students and other citizens are demanding the repeal of the classification of industrial hemp as “a controlled substance”.

The ban has been heavily criticized by the residents of Linden in Region 10, Mahaicony Branch Road in Region 5, and Mon Repos in Region 4, at meetings held last weekend by the United Republican Party (URP).

According to an official of the URP, “We’ve got to get to President David Granger and his APNU/ AFC administration that hemp is an agricultural commodity, but not a controlled substance”.

Jaipaul, a farmer of Wash Clothes, Mahaicony Branch Road, said hemp would give farmers a chance to diversify their operations and share in a new market opportunity.

Farmers countrywide are coming forward with formal support for policy change in favour of hemp legalization. This is a huge step forward, and President Granger should follow their lead and pass the legislation to allow hemp cultivation and processing.

Hempchand, a small rice farmer, has expressed that most farmers want to cultivate hemp; for it’s a cash crop that is easy to cultivate, it does not need

that much water, it grows in all soil types, and can be used to make over 25,000 products -- from food and clothing to car composites and airplane parts, and even dietary supplements.

When hemp is legalized, we can truly make Guyana great, he declared.

The Leader of the Healing the Nation Theocracy Party, Alfred Parks, has said hemp has boundless potential, and can be a sustainable alternative to plastics and other environmentally harmful products. It can be used in everything -- from construction materials to paper, to lotion and even icecream.

It’s past time that the Guyana Government eliminate the absurd barriers and allow the farmers and producers to get to work, create jobs, and grow this promising and historically important crop.

That’s why I’m going to be the horn with my Parliamentarians to make sure that our hemp legislation becomes a reality. I would continue to hammer home the message that industrial hemp is an agricultural commodity, and not a controlled substance.

Chairman of the Region 10 Industrial Hemp and Agricultural Farmers Group, Aaron Gardener, has said that for Guyana to prosper, we first need to decolonize our minds and be truly independent.

For instance, the laws barring the cultivation of all forms of cannabis, of which industrial hemp is part, is of colonial rule.

The resistance we are facing today by the APNU/ AFC Government to repeal such laws is stemming from the colonial minds, so decolonizing the minds is a step in the right direction for our Government and leaders to make laws which are not a hindrance to development, he added.

Mr. Gardener has stressed that our leaders should be independent, and be free to make informed decisions based on facts, which we are presenting to them on industrial hemp, rather than just accepting that the colonials said it is bad, hence it’s bad.

We should be able to determine that for ourselves, he added.

Yours sincerely, The Guyana Hemp Association

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friDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

New Integrity Commission Mechanic accused of fully constituted, appointed causing teen’s death freed Mandela Avenue accident

…after PNC paralysed its performance for …alcohol found on breath was as a result of mouthwash use several years

By Shemuel Fanfair

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Minister of State, Joseph Harmon along with the new members of the Integrity Commission and Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan

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fter years of being inactive, the Integrity Commission was given new life on Thursday when its members were sworn in.

The oath of office was administered by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the presence of Minister of State Joseph Harmon, who handed over the Instrument of Appointments to three of four members.

The new members of the Commission are Chairman Kumar Doraisami, Rabindranauth Persaud and Rosemary BenjaminNobel. The fourth member, Thandi McAllister, was unable to attend and would be sworn in at a later date.

Speaking with reporters following the simple ceremony at the Ministry of the Presidency, the newly appointed Chairman of the Integrity Commission said the focus of the newly reconstituted body would be enforcement.

“We will be looking at enforcement of the (Integrity) Act because I don’t think it was fully enforced before, I can’t say because I wasn’t around then. But I do know that with the combination of people we have in the Commission, we will be able to put the Act into

force,” Doraisami, a former Magistrate noted.

Meanwhile, in congratulating the newly appointed Commissioners, Minister Harmon informed them that their task will be especially challenging.

“I wish to remind the new Commissioners that their assignment will be especially challenging as you seek to accomplish the aims and requirements of the Act and the expectations of our citizens to demand the integrity of person in public office,” he stated.

The Integrity Commission is responsible for accountability of persons holding public office. The body has been without a Chairman for some time and was reportedly functioning with a skeletal staff since the 2006 resignation of the Commission’s Chairman, Bishop Randolph George.

As such, President David Granger a few weeks ago obtained the approval of the four nominees from Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo following consultations.

From the beginning of the Integrity Commission’s mission, the People’s National Congress has stymied its effectiveness when it refused to accept Bishop

George as Chairman. The party refused to submit information on assets and other personal financial transactions. The Alliance For Change followed their lead after it was formed. In the meantime, the People’s Progressive Party and other smaller parties made submissions.

In fact, the PPP/Civic Opposition had tabled a motion that would have provided for all Members of Parliament (MPs) to make public declarations of taxable income and all assets over the last 10 years to the Integrity Commission, which would then be released to the public.

However, the coalition Government used its one-seat majority to vote against the motion, saying it was not in favour of the public declaration, and would prefer to make such disclosures to the Integrity Commission instead. It had said that such a move would violate the privacy of members.

To this end, Government passed the motion after amending it to support the enforcement of the legal requirement for all MPs to file their Income Tax returns and make declarations only to the Integrity Commission.

hief Magistrate Ann McLennan has found that Lennox De Nobrega did not drive dangerously when the vehicle he was driving collided with 17-yearold Jhamallie Niles on October 14, 2017 on Mandela Avenue, Georgetown.

The decision regarding the 36-year-old father of three was handed down in that Georgetown Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.

Magistrate McLennan indicated that the Prosecution failed beyond reasonable doubt to prove the case against De Nobrega, a mechanic of Church Street Cummingsburg, Georgetown.

The court considered that no evidence was provided that there were skid marks observed on the road, which would have been consistent with speeding. The court also found that the lighting conditions were poor. The Chief Magistrate, moreover, considered the vehicle inspection, and that no witness had suggested that the defendant was driving at a fast rate of speed.

She also recalled the testimony of De Nobrega, who admitted that he was the driver of PRR 7624, the motorcar that collided with the deceased person, whom he claimed had

Dead teen: Jhamallie Niles

Lennox De Nobrega

run into the vehicle. The court also found that the former accused had applied his brakes upon colliding with the deceased teenager.

The court’s decision to free De Nobrega comes despite the fact that alcohol was found on his breath when a breathalyzer test was conducted after the accident. After the decision was announced, an obviously relieved De Nobrega simply exited the court room.

During his trial earlier this week, De Nobrega, represented by Defence Counsel Dexter Todd, had claimed that the positive test for alcohol on his breath had been due to mouthwash he had used earlier on the day in question.

De Nobrega had been released on $ 500,000 bail by the

Chief Magistrate in December last. His then lawyer, Charles Ramson Jr, had told the court that the deceased had dashed out of a carwash. Media reports had indicated that the teen had ventured onto the roadway to sell bottled water to help maintain himself and his family. After the accident, Niles had been rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His cause of death was given as cerebral hemorrhage due to blunt trauma to the head. On January 31, Magistrate Allan Wilson had dismissed the matter against Attorney-at-law Keisha Chase, who was on trial for causing death by dangerous driving. The prosecution had been ordered to close its case due to missing testimony.

Several areas to get intermittent power outages

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he Guyana Power Light (GPL) Inc will be conducting line maintenance from February 27 to March 1 and several communities may experience power outages according to a statement from the company.

The maintenance will commence on Wednesday, February 27, at Cove and John

on the East Coast of Demerara from 08:00h to 17:00h.

On Wednesday, February 28, it will continue in Zeeburg on the West Coast of Demerara from 08:00h to 17:00h.

The maintenance process will conclude on Thursday, March 1, in Georgetown in areas including North and South Ruimveldt, Lamaha Park and

Springs, Tucville, Festival City, Roxanne Burnham Gardens, Shirley Field Ridley Square, Alexander Village and River View, Ruimveldt, also from 08:00h to 17:00h.

GPL advises persons residing in these areas to be on the lookout when these activities are being conducted.

New E Division Commander pledges to reduce crime, boost youth development

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ewly-appointed Commander of E Division (LindenKwakwani), Anthony Vanderyden has pledged to continue to keep the crime rate at a minimum and to improve the Division's ongoing youth development programme as a means of reducing and preventing juvenile delinquency.

Vanderyden, who took up the post from Senior Superintendent Fazil Karimbaksh, commenced his time in office on Monday.

According to the Police Commander, one of his aims is to work along with members of the public in solving crimes. He alluded that he has an opendoor policy where anyone is welcomed to meet with him on policing matters. Vanderyden said there were other major plans which would later be revealed; however, he noted that mobile and vehicular patrols would continue as Police

New E Division Commander Anthony Vanderyden

in the Division continued to work towards crime prevention. On Wednesday, the newly-appointed Commander met with outgoing Linden Mayor Carwyn Holland and Mayorelect Waneka Arindell. He is expected to meet with other stakeholders within Region 10 (Upper Demerara- Berbice).

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FRIDAY, February 23, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Imam re-committed to stand trial on multiple child rape charges

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ne year after the Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) issued orders to re-open the case involving Muslim scholar Nezaam Ali, who is accused of sexually abusing nine minor boys, the defendant was on Thursday recommitted to stand trial in the High Court for his alleged crimes.

This comes five years after the alleged abuser was committed to stand trial for multiple charges.

Thursday’s decision was handed down at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court by East Demerara

Magistrate Alex Moore who recommitted Ali the stand trial at the next practicable sitting of the Demerara Assizes. In early 2017, documents were discovered missing in the rape case, but then Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum had told the press in March of last year that the Police would have reinstituted multiple charges.

After the documents vanished during the first Preliminary Inquiry (PI), the DPP took note and looked into the matter. In a letter dated February 13, 2017, Director of Public

Accused Muslim Scholar, Nezaam Ali

Prosecutions Shalimar AliHack remitted the matter to Magistrate Moore to reopen the paper committals.

On that same date, the DPP had also issued a directive to the Guyana Police Force to obtain certified copies of the original documents before the re-opening of the paper committals which was carried out in May. The mother of three of the alleged rape victims had told sections of the media that persons have been taking photographs of her sons and she regarded this act as bullying. The parents and relatives of some of the

alleged victims had publicly expressed their frustration at the situation, with one even claiming that there has been a deliberate attempt to drag out the matter.

Ali was charged in 2012 with raping nine boys between December 2011 and January 2012, and was committed to stand trial the following year. Shortly after the committal, his lawyer, Nigel Hughes, had filed in the High Court an action to have the committal overturned. This was rejected by the court and it was ruled that the committal

would remain.

The mother of three of the boys and an official from the Child Care and Protection Agency (CC&PA) discovered in January 2017 that the birth certificates and medicals for the boys had gone missing from each of the nine files. A group of child rights advocates in the aftermath called for an investigation into the disappearance of the documents from the case files. It was reported that the DPP had forwarded a position report on the matter to Social Protection Minister Amna Ali.

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FRIDAY, February 23, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Cocaine in handbag

Mother takes rap for daughter

…jailed for 4 years, fined $7.1M after pleading guilty

D

ays after being held for cocaine possession, 19-year-old Rachael Narine was earlier Thursday relieved of charges laid against her, since her mother, Kavita Persaud, 40, took responsibility for the crime.

The case was re-read and Persaud pleaded guilty to all charges.

The duo made their second appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

It was alleged that on February 14, 2018, ranks attached to the Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) working at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA)

Rachael Narine (right) and her mother, Kavita Persaud

conducted a search of a female passenger, who was scheduled to travel to the USA and found a quantity of suspected cocaine amounting to 2.660 kilograms concealed in her handbag.

CANU Prosecutor Konyo Sandiford told the court that after being intercepted and searched at the CJIA, Narine, along with her mother, was escorted to CANU headquarters, where they gave oral

and written confession statements, including the name of the person who hired Narine to carry the illicit substance overseas.

The investigators were also provided with information surrounding the amount of money Narine was paid and the location she collected the parcel containing the drug among other details.

The tearful Persaud in her defence told the court that she was a single mother of three children and was desperate at the time and in need of shelter, so she needed the money.

She was fined $7.182 million and sentenced to four years and six months in prison.

Construction of new solar farm ongoing at Mabaruma

T

he community of Mabaruma in Region One (Barima-Waini) will see the construction of the first-ever solar farm within the area in the coming months.

According to the Department of Public Information (DPI), the project is budgeted at $264 million with the intention of reducing the amount of fossil fuels being burnt for electricity and to prevent carbon emissions.

Presently, 10 communities across the Mabaruma sub-district are supplied with electricity by the Mabaruma

Power Company for only nine hours daily. However, with the completion of the solar farm, three-quarters of the district will be powered with the clean harnessed electricity. The other quarter will receive electricity that is generated from fossil fuels.

Residents will also benefit from extended hours of service.

The project is divided into three phases commencing with the extension of the distribution network, then the preparation of the site and finally, the actual construction of the solar farm. So far, the land has already been cleared

and the fencing is scheduled to be completed by the end of February.

Once the solar farm is completed, it will be commissioned under the Mabaruma Power Company. There are plans to construct other solar farms in the future in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo); Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) among other areas.

In recent times, Mabaruma has been subjected to many rehabilitative works and construction.

There are plans to construct a heritage benab at the

Mabaruma Green Park in order to boost the Region’s tourism sector.

Additionally, the roads, which were in a deplorable state for a number of years, are finally being rehabilitated. The bridge that connects to the Kumaka road will also be improved in the latter part of this year.

The landscape is predominantly hilly, which makes it difficult to allocate drainage in some cases. Sometimes, the availability of construction materials also causes delay in works, but despite these challenges, Region One will notice significant improvements in the coming months.

Craftsman remanded for armed robbery

A

Kitty, Georgetown resident was on Thursday remanded to prison after he appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer to an armed robbery charge.

Colin Bryan, 31, who has previously faced charges, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and denied the charge.

The charge against Bryan alleged that on February 15, 2018, at Pere Street Kitty, while in company of another man and armed with a gun, he robbed Andrea Marerah of a BLU cellphone and earphones. The stolen items were valued at $25,000.

The Police Prosecutor who told the court that none of the stolen items were recovered, objected to Bryan being granted bail, citing the seriousness and prevalence of the crimes, as well as the fact that a gun was used in the commissioning of the robbery.

The craftsman was then remanded to prison by the Chief Magistrate and the matter was adjourned until March 10. Bryan has other matters of a similar nature currently before the courts.

Evans also said that additional charges were likely to be brought against the accused.

2-23 Second class…

A

…in Guyana letter writer who, from his name, is probably an Indigenous person from Reg 9 (Allicock), wrote a letter to report on the abominable treatment meted out to over 87 students from the Region when they were brought to Georgetown to participate in the Children’s Mashramani competition. He called the treatment “second class”.

He’s being kind to the Government of the day!! Does he not realise that the whole reason for bringing the kids was to have “photo ops”, to show the world that all Guyana’s “six peoples” are involved in what they claim to be our NATIONAL festival!! The first tip-off about this tokenism was there from the very beginning, when the festival was launched in Linden in 1970.

We’ve always been told that the name “Mashramani” was from an “Amerindian” language – Arawak – and means “celebration after a hard day’s work”. And we took this for gospel. The truth is much grimier. Seems the Lindeners – whose three areas of Wismar, Christianburg and Mackenzie had just been made into a township – on Hamilton Green’s suggestion, chose “Linden” (Burnham’s first name) as the town’s name. They then decided to have a “sport” to celebrate Republic Day. Not so coincidentally, it happened to fall three days after Burnham’s birthday!!

They decided on the name “Mashraman”, it is claimed, because one Alan Fieldlow, an Amerindian, claimed his grandfather told him that “Muster Many” was actually the Arawak word Mashramani, meaning celebration after hard work!! The organisers of the Republic Day – all Georgetowners – pronounced that since no one could say that Mashramani was NOT an Amerindian word…that was good enough to dub it Amerindian!! Imagine they couldn’t even consult the Arawak chiefs!!

But even more insulting to our First Peoples, was the “celebration” was organized along the lines of the Trinidad carnival!! With absolutely NOTHING Amerindian – much less Indigenous – about it!! If there was even a shred of respect for the First Peoples, whom the PNC claimed they wanted to honour, they could’ve built the celebrations around Amerindian themes. But don’t forget that, only the year before, the PNC had violently suppressed a rebellion in the Rupununi, and had launched their pacification programme – which is going to be launched anew. Just look at all the GDF boys that’ll be stationed on our borders!!

And so it was that from that time on, we’ve all been told that wining down to (at first) calypso, and now Soca, is honouring our Amerindian heritage!!

And that’s why, apart from being treated like second class citizens in a country that Chronnix pointed out is “Capture Land”, the Reg 9 kids didn’t win a single prize!!!

Ain’t it a shame? …Presidential legal advice?

The Government is miffed the Bar Association weighed in on the controversy the President created when he received the Opposition Leader’s rejection of his two candidates for Chancellor and Chief Justice. It’s a “controversy” – like Venezuela’s -because there’s no “issue” or “two sides” to consider. As the Bar Association pointed out, Art 127 is pellucid on this point – and the intent of the framers of the Amendment introduced in 2000 is there to prove this.

To maintain the widest legitimacy of the guardians of the Constitution, the two top judicial officials must have the agreement of the Opposition Leader. Barring that, the President can only make ACTING appointments. Yet, he says he’ll seek “legal advice”. What’s there to be advised on? It’s clear we’re back to the President’s “perception”.

Legal luminary Roscoe Pound once said a Bar Association is supposed “to promote and maintain the Practice of Law as a profession…in the spirit of a service of furthering the administration of justice through and according to law.”

The Bar Association was acting in its noblest tradition!!

…policing This phenomenon of robbing persons who’ve made large withdrawals from commercial banks has to be rooted in insider information.

Once is “happenstance”; twice is “coincidence”; but thrice and more is “insider enemy action”!

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

News

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FRIDAY, February 23, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Ethno-political crime wave

PPP concerned about Lindo Creek CoI ‘behind the scenes’ scheme

G

eneral Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Bharrat Jagdeo has raised concerns over the sudden move taken by the Lindo Creek Commission of Inquiry (CoI) to act “behind the scenes.”

Jagdeo said his party is paying close attention to the matter, especially when the CoI was intended to operate in a public space, instead of conducting pre-interviews with potential witnesses.

“Working behind the scenes with witnesses creates a huge cause for worry because they could be

Commissioner, Justice (ret’d) Donald Trotman

really preparing people to come and lie at the CoI,” he opined.

The PPP Executive reminded that his party always felt that the inquiry was ill-advised from the beginning especially since it was the Army that conducted the operation into the Lindo creek matter.

“And the first act of (President) Granger was not to investigate the massacres and all the others things and how this gang escaped and almost conducted a reel of terror, but goes to Lindo creek,” he noted.

Meanwhile, in defending the work of the CoI, Minister of State Joseph Harmon told media opera-

Controversial “Go Invest Elsewhere” ad

Bel Air businessman ‘apologises’ for damage done – Govt

A

Bel Air Gardens, Georgetown, businessman has apologised for the controversial “Go Invest Elsewhere” ad that was published in two local newspapers two weeks ago, Minister of State Joseph Harmon said on Thursday.

He told reporters at the post-Cabinet press briefing that businessman Siri Persaud, General Manager of GuyGas located at Lot 9 Bel Air Gardens, took responsibility for the advertisement, which urged investors in Guyana to go elsewhere.

In a letter addressed to President David Granger, the businessman expressed his “deep regret, saying that he was only trying to highlight his “sheer frustration” with the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest), whom he noted failed to fairly and equally represent him as an investor in Guyana.

“It was never meant to dissuade any investor, lo-

cal or foreign, from investing in Guyana but rather to highlight shortcomings and encourage public discussion concerning improvements to that important investment agency,” the letter stated.

The businessman went on to apologise for the “corresponding effect including any embarrassment” the ad would have caused.

The half-page ad was published on the opening of the inaugural petroleum summit GIPEX which had scores of local and foreign investors attending to explore local investment opportunities.

The ad, which read “INVESTORS BEWARE, GO INVEST ELSEWHERE”, was carried in the Kaieteur News and Stabroek News on February 7 and 8, 2018 and had no attributions as to whom the author was.

Nevertheless, it had caught the attention of Government and several of

its members had condemned the ad, especially at a time when Guyana is trying to create an investor-friendly environment.

Meanwhile, Business Minister Dominic Gaskin on Thursday condemned the actions by the businessman, saying he is both “disappointed” and “deeply disturbed”.

“It is my view that the Guyanese public in general and the business community in particular view this as a despicable and distasteful attempt to scare away investors and embarrass our country,” Gaskin said.

The Business Minister went on to disclosed that one week prior to the publication of the ad, he received an email from Persaud who indicated his intent to release the ad during the petroleum expo but added that it could have been avoided had a certain matter been resolved before the weekend.

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon

tives on Thursday that there is no shortage of witnesses, but rather they have already started hearings. “…in camera hearings (are taking place) so there is already a body of evidence before the Commission...

Last week of course there

were some issues with respect to witnesses that are out of town,” he explained.

Nevertheless, Harmon assured the media that these witnesses will be assisted with transportation expenses to get to the Commission.

He said provisions for this are made in local laws.

The CoI into the Lindo Creek massacre was postponed for a second time on Monday, February 19.

The initial public hearing was postponed two Thursdays ago when Commissioner, Justice (ret’d) Donald Trotman reported that there were some internal prerequisites and logistical issues that caused the postponement.

When reporters turned up at the Ministry of the Presidency’s Department

of Citizenship in Waterloo Street, Georgetown, they were informed that all public hearings were “postponed until further notice.”

When asked why, the Commission’s Public Relations Department related that the initial reason remains valid.

The media was further informed that the lack of willingness on the part of witnesses to come forward is being blamed for the delay to commence the public hearing.

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

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FRIDAY, February 23, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

President appoints new ERC, TSC Commissioners

H

aving received much criticism over the delay in appointing constitutional bodies, the Government has finally moved to appoint members to form the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) and the Teaching Service Commission (TSC).

Commissioners for both

bodies took the oath of office before President David Granger at State House, and their appointments have become effective from Thursday.

Members appointed to serve on the Ethnic Relations Commission are: Barrington Braithwaite, Ruth Howard, Roshan Khan, Major General

Newly appointed ERC Commissioners with President David Granger

to “discharge their duties without cowardice, without malice, and without prejudice”.

Persons appointed to serve on the Teaching Service Commission are: Chief Education Officer Marcel Hutson (ex-officio), Avril Crawford, Alan Munroe, Elizabeth Ramlall, Amjad Ali Shaw, Debra Thomas, and Barbara Thomas-Holder.

Teachers were last appoint-

was to avoid a situation where its members were political.

Under Article 212 of the Constitution, the ERC advocates equality of opportunity among persons of different ethnic groups; promotes the elimination of all forms of ethnic-based discrimination; and discourages persons, institutions, political parties and associations from indulging in discriminatory practices.

The ERC is also required to recommend to the National Assembly criteria to be considered for the purposes of deciding whether any person has committed acts of discrimination on the ground of ethnicity; investigate complaints of racial discrimination, and make recommendations on the measures to be taken if such complaints are valid; and where there is justification, refer matters to the Human Rights Commission or other relevant authorities.

The ERC was derived from recommendations of the

ed and promoted for 2015 after the High Court had ruled that the TSC had used the wrong procedure in determining who had been eligible then. With the appointment of this new commission, promotions of both junior and senior teachers will begin.

President Granger has said the TSC is tasked with ensuring there is a corps of qualified, trained, and highly motivated teachers in the local education system. He urged them to ensure fairness in their appointments.

(retd) Norman McLean, Pandit Deodat Sharma, Ashton Simon, Rajkumarie Singh, Bishop John Smith, Neaz Subhan and Norris Witter.

Chairman of Parliament’s Appointments Committee, Dr. George Norton, told the media that the delay in appointing members to serve on the ERC

Newly appointed TSC Commissioners with President David Granger

Herdmanston Accord, signed on January 17, 1998 between then President Janet Jagan and Opposition Leader Desmond Hoyte. Brokered by a Caricom mission, the Accord sought to provide a peaceful solution to the political impasse that had gripped the country after the contentious December 1997 Regional and General Elections.

The first ERC was established in 2002 and expired in 2006.

President Granger has urged the ERC Commissioners

S RAIGHT How oil can place our democracy at grave risk

G

uyanese should understand the goal of the oil and gas contractors: drill, extract and burn all the oil and gas resources it can acquire whenever it can in a game to balance the demand and supply globally. Guyana is just a small fish in this big pond and this is why we must always put our best foot forward in these relations with the oil contractors. But unfortunately, rather than looking after Guyana’s interest, Minister Raphael Trotman has proven himself to be one who is more interested in being the greatest helper for the contractors rather than his country. This very act is anti-national and anti-patriotic and in some countries is tantamount to treason.

It is no accident that in 2016, Trotman’s negotiated contract was designed for the contractors with its two per cent royalty, no tax payments and all sorts of “giveaways” of the people’s patrimony. With vast resources at its disposal, the contractors have strategically spent their funds to garner, and maintain favourable political treatment locally, even if it means paying a local politician US$2 million into his personal slush funds as sweetener fees. The fact remains these oil and gas resources belong to the people; not the politicians. While the oil and gas fever is high in Guyana, none of that heat will benefit the people. Only a selected few that are closely connected to the Granger Government are in for Granger’s “good life”.

The nightmares Some 80 countries of the world have their countries driven by natural resources like oil and gas, but from their experience many of them have ended up worst off than they were before the discovery of the oil and gas. Sierra Leone, Chad, Angola and Nigeria easily come to mind.

With oil and gas come many risks that Guyana is not capable of managing unless it puts independent systems in a place, managed by professionals like Dr Jan Mangal, who are free of political interference. For example, God forbade, if we are to have an oil spill in the Stabroek Block off the Coast of Guyana, it would annihilate the fisheries industry, all the mangroves that form Guyana’s natural sea defence and our entire marine eco-system with implode. Does the Granger Government or the developer have a system in place to protect Guyana from an oil spill? Not yet, but which developer will run into a loss on a project to clean up an oil spill? Never happened in the history of the oil and gas industry. Big chunks of the burden usually fall on the local governments who are usually too poor to do justice by the affected people.

Then let us explore the economic curse. Do you want to put Raphael Trotman in charge of the Sovereign Wealth Fund? Seriously? Observing him in the 2011 campaign, I am convinced in my conviction that he is prepared to take reckless short-term decisions that can be the ruination of the nation in the long-run (case in point the 2016 oil contract).

I am advised; he is one of the strongest voices today to spend today, future unearned oil money as a means to an end when it comes to the 2020 elections campaign. This is the political buffoonery that created states like Zimbabwe.

All we have now is production estimates and models that can change materially when real production starts and then what?

But the biggest nightmare for Guyana is the political curse where oil companies are prepared to finance political slush funds for corrupt politicians who believe they are the best presidential candidate the nation has ever seen because they did a six-week course at Harvard University.

We all know that political corruption in Guyana has been endemic for decades and we must not fool ourselves that it has declined since 2015. The observed facts are corruption has actually expanded since Granger came to office; so much so that many are saying that our democracy is at its weakest since 1988 when Hoyte made the decision to return a system of free and fair elections.

So what does this all means in conclusion? All the fundamental problems we are facing in the country in 2018 can and will get much worse if we do not take some critical steps to bring the necessary checks and balance to this oil and gas development. I shall expand on those critical steps in the column next week. Please share your feedback at sasesin1@yahoo.com.

Please share your thoughts at sasesin1@yahoo.com.

NEWS

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friDAY, February 23, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

We will defend our territorial integrity at all costs – President Granger

…as Guyana celebrates 48th Republic Anniversary

I

n the face of increasing security and sovereignty concerns as a result of threats from neighbouring Venezuela, President David Granger has reaffirmed our resolve to defend Guyana’s territorial integrity, which has been under threat since before the country obtained Republic status.

In his message to the nation on the country’s 48th Republic Day anniversary, the Head of State said that Guyana severed vestigial constitutional bonds with Britain, becoming a fully sovereign state which was no longer subjected to external authority when it gained republican status.

“The Republic vested sovereignty in our people. It charged Guyanese with exercising this sovereignty by assuming responsibility for defending their motherland and developing the economy,” he said.

President Granger noted that while efforts to defend the homeland have not been in vain, Guyanese have been living under the shadow of threats to its territory since Independence in 1966.

However, he posited that

the country would now move closer towards a juridical settlement of the territorial controversy following the decision of the United Nations Secretary General António Guterres in January to use the International Court of Justice (ICJ) as the means to resolve the decades-old controversy.

“We Guyanese intend to pursue our case before the ICJ in coming months with the same determination as we rejected the unwarranted claim to our territory in past years. We are confident that our cause is just and our case is sound. We are committed to defending our motherland,” the Head of State assured citizens.

Citing Guyana’s Constitution, which states “The State’s defence and security policy shall be to defend national independence, preserve the country’s sovereignty and integrity, and guarantee the normal functioning of institutions and the security of citizens against any armed aggression”, the President posited that citizens’ safety was the State’s paramount objective.

He said the people of the country must be safe in their homes, villages and places of work while their property must be protected against crime. On this note, he outlined that his Administration was enhancing the delivery of services to the most distant communities, both on the coastland and in the hinterland, in good times and bad.

“Guyana’s Government is augmenting its resources to render assistance to regional administrations and villages in times of flood, drought, threats to public order and other emergencies,” he stated.

The Head of State also went on to recognise external support, saying that Guyana looked forward to the intensification of cooperation with friendly foreign States, especially in building capacity for the Guyana Defence Force’s technical corps to improve the national infrastructure in every part of the country, to defend its territorial integrity, to protect citizens, and to respond to emergencies.

“International cooperation is essential to preserving this

continent as a zone of peace; to preventing and interdicting transnational threats such as drug, gun and human trafficking; the spread of contagious diseases, terrorism and to mitigating the adverse effects of climate change and natural hazards,” he asserted.

Moreover, President Granger said Guyana’s green grandeur – its grasslands, highlands, islands, wetlands, lakes, coastal mudflats, rainforests, rivers, and waterfalls – must be protected.

“We Guyanese, in the exercise of our sovereignty, are defending the Republic. We are protecting our patrimony. We are ensuring that future generations will be able to inherit this beautiful country, to live in peace and to enjoy the good life and prosperity which this bountiful country has to offer,” he declared.

The Head of State concluded by saying Guyanese were proud of the country, as he extended greetings on the occasion of the 48th anniversary of the Republic. “Happy Republic Day! Happy Mashramani!

May God bless the Republic!”

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friDAY, february 23, 2018 | guya

PPP/C

P

eople’s Pr Civic (PPP Parliament Manickchand ha ed the decision m Leader Bharrat the two nominee President David substantive vacan of the Chief Just of the Judiciary re Manickchand, at-Law and for Minister, also de David Granger’s the Opposition tr the judicial syste approval of the to ments as “unfair” truth”. She spare tising the coalitio attempting to por the Opposition, as the President had agree to substanti ments in the past “For all the tim National Congres in Opposition, wh new constitution t them to confirm nees of the People (PPP/C) presiden we are talking ab stated. She made Television Guyan Microscope progr issues surroundin

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y 23, 2018 | guyanatimesGY.com

PPP/C MP defends Jagdeo’s decision on judicial appointments Govt still deducting monies from

P

eople’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Member of Parliament (MP) Priya Manickchand has strongly defended the decision made by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo to reject the two nominees put forward by President David Granger to fill the substantive vacancies in the offices of the Chief Justice and Chancellor of the Judiciary respectively.

Manickchand, an Attorneyat-Law and former Government Minister, also described President David Granger’s assertions about the Opposition trying to undermine the judicial system due to its nonapproval of the top judicial appointments as “unfair” and “far from the truth”. She spared no effort in chastising the coalition Government for attempting to portray a bad image of the Opposition, as she explained that the President had his opportunity to agree to substantive judicial appointments in the past, but never did.

“For all the time that the Peoples National Congress (PNC) has been in Opposition, whenever under the new constitution the chance arose for them to confirm or reject the nominees of the Peoples Progressive Party (PPP/C) presidents, they refuse. So we are talking about 12 years,” she stated. She made this comment on Television Guyana (TVG) Under the Microscope programme, where the issues surrounding these top judicial

Opposition MP, Attorney-at-Law Priya Manickchand

appointments were discussed and debated at length.

Manickchand also called into question the direct statements made by the country’s head of state in regard to this issue, explaining that the president was leader of the Opposition from 2011 to 2015. “He refused to agree to the nominations put up by the president of this country for chancellor and chief justice.

And for all the time that he has been president, he took three years, almost, to come and give a name. So (there has been) a month of nothing, considering the stalling up they have done in this process,” she opined.

The Opposition MP said while

everyone would like to see that these appointments are made quickly, it would be reckless of the Opposition Leader to agree or fail to give his agreement without checking on the information that is available for the suggested candidates.

While there have been criticisms about Jagdeo’s silence on his reasons for rejecting the nominees, the former minister said Jagdeo may have good reasons for so doing.

Manickchand said, “I think it’s not a bad practice. I think I heard Mr. Jagdeo saying he wouldn’t like to drag people’s names through the mud. And I think that might be an almost bashful thing, because he doesn’t want to do damage to a person who, through no fault of his own, is placed on a national stage. But of course with the exception of accepting it.”

Justice Kenneth Benjamin was nominated for the position of Chancellor of the Judiciary, while Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards, the current acting chancellor, has been nominated for the position of Chief Justice.

Concerns have been raised by the Bar Association in Belize about Benjamin’s failure, up to recently, to clear a backlog of writing his decisions.

Two weeks ago, Jagdeo, in a letter addressed to the President, said that after having duly considered the nominations of Justice Benjamin and

Justice Cummings-Edwards under Article 127 (2) of the Constitution, he is unable to offer his agreement for their appointments.

However, the Opposition Leader has since indicated his willingness to further engage the President on substantive appointments to the top judicial positions.

To this end, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, subsequently said Government will be going ahead with “meaningful consultations” between the two sides, as provided for in the Constitution.

“Mr Jagdeo’s rejection is constitutional, the President’s powers are also constitutional; and there is a provision in the law which provides that in the event there cannot be agreement…then there is a second level which now requires meaningful consultations. So I believe that is the next step we will go to,” Minister Harmon had said.

According to Article 127 (2) of the Constitution, “If the office of Chancellor or Chief Justice is vacant…then, until a person has been appointed…, those functions shall be performed by such other of the Judges as may be appointed by the President”.

Guyana’s Constitution requires the Opposition Leader’s approval before the President’s nominees can be appointed to those two top judicial positions.

hinterland teachers’ salaries

D

espite Minister of State Joseph Harmon claiming otherwise, teachers in some parts of Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara) and the hinterland are still being forced to pay 10 per cent of their salaries for housing, despite being seconded to those areas.

According to information reaching this publication, monies were deducted from the salaries of head teachers at several schools in Region Three, particularly at Upper Bonasika Primary, Sandhill Primary, Santa Mission Primary, Great Trollie Primary, Caria Caria Primary and San Souci Primary.

A source close to the teachers indicated that since the year started, monies were deducted from them for housing despite them being told otherwise.

“Once they come from the coast to the hinterland, there is supposed to be State accommodation provided unless teachers refuse the accommodation provided, they will have to pay the cost for wherever they choose to stay,” Harmon

previously stated.

In a letter previously published by Guyana Times, it is alleged that the head teacher of Saxacalli Primary School was required to pay 10 per cent of his salary as rent for the teacher’s living quarters that he is temporarily occupying.

It was also highlighted that hinterland teachers would use their own computers and printers to complete tasks for the school without getting a stipend from the Government for using same. In some instances, the Parent Teachers’ Association (PTA) is concerned that the aforementioned situation could lead to some teachers returning to the coastland.

As such, the PTA has called for the matter to be investigated and dealt with at once since it believes if teachers return to the coastland, it will add to the already fragile situation where the hinterland schools lack teachers.

Efforts to contact Region Three Regional Executive Officer, Dennis Jaikaran proved futile.

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FRIDAY, February 23, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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FRIDAY, February 23, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Linden taxi driver’s murder probe

DPP recommends no charges against “Alpha Dan”

T

he office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has recommended that no charges be laid against 22-year-old Delon Fraser, also known as “Alpha Dan”, who was accused of murdering 24-year-old Linden taxi driver Orlando Flatts, also known as “Orandy” or “Rango” of Blue Berry Hill, Wismar, Linden.

The incident occurred at approximate-

ly 00:30h on the morning of Friday, February 9 at Lot 74 Amelia’s Ward, Linden; when the deceased, allegedly whilst armed with a piece of metal, violently forced his way into the apartment of his ex-reputed wife and was stabbed once in the left region of his abdomen by Fraser whom the woman now shares a relationship.

Fraser, also a local music artiste, received injuries

to his left elbow and left palm and was arrested in connection with the incident while the knife and a piece of metal (wheel spanner extension) were retrieved and lodged as evidence.

A Police official has confirmed that a file which was prepared and sent to the DPP for advice on the matter has since returned with the no charge recommendation.

A neighbour who resides in

Security guard who fatally stabbed handyman freed …after jury delivers unanimous not-guilty verdict

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elvin Chisholm who was accused of fatally stabbing a handyman to death for stealing two items, walked out of court a free man after he was acquitted by a 12-member jury at the High Court in Georgetown on Thursday. Chisholm, a security guard, was reported to have confessed that the deceased, Nigel Lawson, stole his cellphone and I-pod and that he rode his bicycle, pursed and stabbed him after they had a scuffle on Quamina Street, Georgetown on the evening of May 1, 2014.

However, when the matter was handed over to the jury for deliberation, after two hours of discussion, Chisholm was unanimously found not guilty of both murder and manslaughter. Presiding Judge, Justice Navindra Singh encouraged the former accused to inform the Police in the future when such matters arise before telling him that he was free to go. After he departed the Judge’s court room, Chisholm told Guyana

Freed: Kelvin Chisholm

Times that he was grateful to be acquitted and attributed his freedom to much prayer.

It was on Wednesday that main witness, Rollin Sarrabo testified via Skype from the United States, that he saw the two men arguing loudly in front of his Quamina Street home.

He had also said that he saw Chisholm make a motion towards Lawson but did not see what the accused used to stab Lawson with.

Police Detective, Inspector Herbet Henry had testified to

witnessing the caution statement of Chishlom and that he took him back to the scene on Quamina Street. Henry told the court that the accused man said that the deceased “thief me thing and I went behind he and he cuff me; we had a scuffle and ah tek me knife and bore he.”

Henry had also told the jury that he went to the place where Chishlom said he was guarding and recovered the cellphone, I-pod and bicycle. Similarly, Police Lance Corporal Quinn Sandy testified that the accused told him that the now deceased man went into his yard and stole his cellphone and I-pod.

Sandy claimed that Chisholm told him that the two men had a “fine scuffle”.

Lawson, who did odd jobs around the area, died from perforation to the heart and lungs via a stab wound. Chisholm was represented by lawyers Hewley Griffith and Compton Richardson while Prosecutors Abigail Gibbs and Tiffini Lyken represented the State.

Orlando Flatts and Delon Fraser

the lower flat of the home had recalled being awakened by a tumbling noise coming from the upper flat and seeing the accused with a bloody knife in his hand on the morning of the incident.

According to the woman, the suspect then stated that a thief had broken into his house and he stabbed him after a scuffle ensued. Flatts was laid to rest on February 16.

16 news

FRIDAY, February 23, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Atlantic Gardens man shot by bandits ...relieved of bag of money after leaving ECD bank

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ess than one day after an Enmore, East Coast Demerara (ECD) businessman was shot to his head during the commissioning of a robbery, another man, this time of Atlantic Gardens, ECD was shot to his leg by armed bandits who relieved him of a bag containing an undisclosed sum of cash.

Lionel Persaud, 59, of Atlantic Gardens, was admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital in a stable condition.

Based on reports received, Persaud who is employed as a Deputy Programme Manager, withdrew the cash from Republic Bank at Triumph, East Coast Demerara and headed home.

Upon his arrival at home, a car suddenly appeared and blocked him from entering his yard. At this time, one man exited the car, brandished a handgun, and walked up to Persaud demanding that he had over the bag containing the money.

Persaud reportedly held onto the bag and in retaliation, the gunman discharged one round hitting him to the up-

per right leg. The armed gunman took away the bag and re-joined the waiting motorcar which fled the scene.

The Police were immediately summoned and as they arrived at the scene, the injured man was picked up and taken to hospital where he was treated and admitted. The Police have since retrieved a spent shell at the scene.

Police are making every effort to trace the vehicle and apprehend the suspect.

On Wednesday, 38-year-old Terry Chand of Hope West Enmore, ECD, was shot to his head shortly after leaving the Republic Bank branch at Triumph.

It was reported that the now injured man was just entering his Foulis worksite after visiting the bank when a man armed with a handgun held him at gunpoint while another kept watch. The gunman ordered Chand to hand over his bag containing $600,000 cash but he refused and it was at this time that he was shot.

No arrests have been made as Police continue their investigations.

GTT promises unforgettable display at float parade

Two of the Trinidadian artistes flanked by GTT officials with Pulse CEO Robbie Singh (second right)

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elecommunications giant GTT, in collaboration with Pulse, has made the necessary provisions to put on a memorable show at this year’s Mashramani float parade competition.

The annual parade, which twists and turns through the streets of Georgetown, is a celebration of Guyana’s Republic status and is usually graced by performances from local Soca superstars.

GTT and Pulse have raised the bar with the announcement of a star-studded lineup of Trinidadian artistes who are sure to electrify the massive crowds. Performers such as Blaxx, Olatunji, Chiney and Five Star Akil are all part of the cast.

The feature performance

will be delivered by Blaxx, who is most popular for his 2018 hit “Hulk”. The singer could hardly contain his excitement at being in Guyana, noting that he particularly enjoyed Guyanese cuisine. Performance wise, the artiste promised high energy and entertainment at the event.

Blaxx later visited the Christ Church Secondary School’s culture day event where he gave the students a taste of what was in store for the Mashramani costume and float parade.

The artistes will perform on GTT/Pulse’s “Amazon Gems” Mash band, entertaining revellers as they make their way from Thomas Lands to D’Urban Park before heading to Everest Cricket Club Ground for their after-party.

NEWS

17

FRIDAY, February 23, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

International medical ties to Rang Rasiya Mela to kick be strengthened start Phagwah celebrations

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inister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings, has disclosed that the Public Health Ministry plans this year to intensify collaborative works with international partners, in order to meet critical needs in the health sector.

This announcement has come following a discourse

between the Public Health Ministry and the Flying Doctors of America, represented by Dr. John Arledge, its Chief Medical Officer (CMO).

In the meeting that was held on Wednesday, Minister Cummings stressed the importance of collaborative works with such organisations in order to meet the medical needs of Guyanese

citizens -- especially those in remote areas, who may not have access to the specialist care that they need.

“We want to work with you as much as you want to work with us as well, so it’s a real partnership. We want our needs to be met. We need to clarify logistics so both parties can gain,” the minister stated.

She also touched on the

dire need for foreign specialist treatment, as she noted the need for capacity building is high on the ministry’s agenda. Also in attendance at the meeting were Deputy Chief Medical Officer (DCMO) Dr Karen Boyle; Deputy Director of Regional Health Services, Dr Ineka McKenzie; and Coordinator of the International Desk, Mr Denroy Tudor.

Cellphones, improvised weapons among items found during Mazaruni Prison raid

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Joint Services operation at the Mazaruni Prison on Thursday morning unearthed several cellular phones and improvised weapons, among other contraband items.

The six-hour search exercise resulted in the discovery of four cellphones, five phone chargers, three USB cables, a memory card, 30 lighters, 15 smoking utensils, six improvised weap-

The items found at the Mazaruni Prison during a search operation

ons and several other items, the Guyana Police Force said in a brief statement on Thursday evening.

There were no reports of arrests.

Only last week, a 26-yearold Prison Officer attached to the New Amsterdam Prison was arrested after he was caught with 528 grams of cannabis and 20 packs of cigarettes at the facility.

These dancers are among those who would be performing at the mela

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he Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha is all set to commence its Phagwah celebrations with its annual Phagwah mela, ‘Rang Rasiya’, being staged at the Dharmic Kendra in Prashad Nagar, Georgetown on February 24.

Persons attending the event can expect to be entertained by performances from some of Guyana’s finest artistes, which include Mona Gowkaran, Ganindra, Shivanand Singh, Vidya Singh, Varun Samlall, Celia Samaroo and Roopchand.

Members of the very popular Dhamic Nritya Sangh will also be performing var-

ious dance numbers, along with dramatic pieces by Travez Piaralall.

There will be a feast of many sweet and savory delicacies, such as Indian curries, samosas, and sweet meats to excite both the young and old.

The gates will be opened at 16:00h in the afternoon, and tickets are priced at $800. However, children under 10 years of age will be admitted free of cost.

The sabha hereby advises the public that no alcoholic beverages would be allowed on the premises, and all are encouraged to grace the event with their presence.

18 News

friDAY, February 23, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Region 4 highlights successes at annual flag-raising ceremony

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uyana’s administrative Region Four, Demerara-Mahaica, held a flag-raising ceremony earlier today to mark Guyana’s 48th anniversary as a Republic. Proceedings were held in the compound of the Region 4 Regional Democratic Council (RDC) at Triumph, East Coast Demerara. In brief remarks, Regional Chairperson Genevieve Allen said the observances come at a time when the region has much to celebrate. “Today we reflect on our achievements, and we celebrate. As a region, we have been able to have great achievements in all of our sectors: in the field of education, in the field of health, in the field of our infrastructure, in our administration… We have been successful. At the

close of the year, we achieved a 97% overall expenditure of the funds that were given to us by Central Government to run the affairs of the region, and I feel that is a great achievement,” she declared.

Chairperson Allen has challenged the regional officials to improve the delivery of services in keeping with their mandate.

“I want to challenge us, the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) and the Regional Administration of the Demerara-Mahaica Region, that, at the end of December this year, we should work towards achieving a 100% expenditure of the funds that are given to us, so that we can truly celebrate the development within our region, DemeraraMahaica. We were given a

Minister within the Public Health Ministry, Dr Karen Cummings, flanked by Regional Chairperson Genevieve Allen (left) and Regional Executive Officer Pauline Lucas (right)

task, and I would like to appeal that we take our mandate (seriously) and execute what was given to us,” she said. The regional chairperson called on students to take full advantage of opportunities created by the installation of ICT hubs in communi-

ties within the region. “These hubs are especially to facilitate the persons in the various communities, and I’d like also to ask our students to take full advantage of these facilities, where you can do assignments and research, so that our education sector can continue to

achieve the successes that we have been achieving,” she appealed. The regional chairperson also called on Guyanese to put aside partisan differences and celebrate as one people truly working toward a socially cohesive society. Allen said citizens should reflect on the country’s achievements from that period to present day.

“We need to reflect on our achievements: where are we, what were our challenges; and it is those challenges and experiences that would have paved the path for us to sit here today as Guyanese to celebrate this 48thRepublican Anniversary,” she said. Minister within the Ministry of Health, Dr. Karen Cummings, said that, after almost 50 years of struggles, the country is poised for success, and its citizens can look forward to enjoying the good life.

“Guyana is firmly set on an undeviating course to prosperity and development that will significantly enhance the quality of life of all Guyanese.

Through a series of transformational programmes, bold efforts are being made at poverty alleviation and the creation of a broader middle-income bracket that will flourish under the establishment of a green economy.

While Government will continue to put measures in place to achieve the Good Life for ALL Guyanese, you must do your part at engineering your own success, while carefully managing your expectations,” she advised.

Minister Cummings also encouraged those gathered to embrace the Green Agenda, as touted by President David Granger.

NEWS

friDAY, February 23, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana-Venezuela controversy

Threat to Guyana’s sovereignty real – Opposition Leader …calls on Govt to be more open, honest with citizens on key developments

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he threat to Guyana’s territorial sovereignty from its neighbour, Venezuela is very real and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday called on the David Granger Administration to demonstrate more openness, honesty and transparency when divulging information to the citizenry about key developments related to the Guyana/ Venezuela border controversy.

Jadgeo, still to date Guyana’s longest serving former Head of State and President, told reporters on Thursday that he has received very credible information from a source which justifies his position.

He said he strongly feels that Government is also aware of this potential treat and is urging the Administration to keep Guyanese abreast with these developments.

“The last time I pointed out the need to balance out confidentiality with the need to keep the public informed. As a former President of Guyana I am always conscious of that balance,” he said.

However, Jagdeo reiterated that there has been an enhanced threat at the borders and the Government has not been forthcoming on the issue, even though they have information about it.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

“Somehow many people misinterpreted what I said to mean that I was talking about the gangs and I was speaking about an enhanced threat from the state of Venezuela,” he explained.

The former Commanderin-Chief of the Armed Forces continued, “And whilst we have to ensure that our communities are protected from gangs, I think the Government has available all the analysis.

“I don’t want to speak about it, but I have received some of the information from other sources that lead me to believe that there is a real enhanced to our nation and its sovereignty.”

Jagdeo said the matter should not just be discussed among Cabinet member

and the Government should threat this matter as one that “belongs to them.”

Rather, he said that if Guyana is to suffer from an act of aggression then it will be the people of the country not just the military, even though in his opinion, the military is not strong enough.

President David Granger recently visited villages in Region One (BarimaWaini) that are bordered by Venezuela, where 24-hour security posts were established by the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).

During his visit to Kaikan, which the President described as a “frontline” village, he said “I have come here with a promise to ensure that Kaikan is fully integrated into Guyana.

Have no fear, if we are united, we will prevail. We will be able to live in a strong, secure and stable country…

Frontier communities are guardians of Guyana’s territorial integrity and national security. They are our first line of defence against any attempt at incursions and invasions.”

The President, according to a release from the Department of Public Information, told the villagers that while the Army and the Police will intensify their efforts to ensure their safety,

they have a significant role to play as they are the eyes and ears on the ground.

“In weeks and months to come, I am asking you to join the People’s Militia, we are not making war with anyone but I want you to be prepared…

My brothers and sisters, we have to protect ourselves…

People bring illegal guns into the country and they commit crimes with those illegal guns, unregistered guns. These crimes make us feel very unsafe… We can’t only rely on the Police; we have to look after our own families, our own communities,” the President said. Prior to this meeting, the President met with villagers of Whitewater which is also bordering Venezuela and made similar sentiments.

Whitewater is also benefiting from 24-hour security from the GDF. The Guyana/ Venezuela border controversy was recently referred to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) by the United Nations after relations between the two countries reached an alltime low when US oil giant ExxonMobil discovered oil on Guyana’s shores.

Venezuela, which is going through a political and economic crisis, is laying claim to the County of Essequibo that covers about two-thirds of Guyana’s territory and the waters off its coast.

Digicel, GTT wrap up Mash fitness camps ended on Thursday, and there were a number of trainers present at the camp to engage the participants in energizing workouts. Some also featured dance routines to popu-

ture in the future, the coordinator noted, “Once the response is like this, we’re going to continue. There is a need for it.”

Customers also got a

Some of the participants practising their dance routines

T

he two major telecommunication companies in Guyana have each wrapped up their fitness camp which was aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles among Guyanese while getting them fit in time for today’s Mashramani celebrations.

Digicel’s annual Mash Fit Campaign ended on Thursday at the Guyana Cricket Club Ground, and present at the event was the second place contestant in this year’s Soca Monarch competition, Melissa ‘Vanilla’ Roberts, who worked with the trainers to hype the participants.

There were approximately 300 persons present at the fitness programme. The event commenced with a warm-up routine that was followed by some intense dancing, and lastly by the team challenge.

Digicel Marketing

Manager Ramesh Rupchand explained that the aim of the programme was to encourage persons to engage in fitness exercises while preparing them for the much-anticipated Mashramani Day. “It’s basically to promote health and fitness through the Mash period,” he explained.

For the last event, the team challenge, participants were placed into various groups. Prizes were awarded to members of the winning team, along with other persons.

Meanwhile, the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) continued its Fitness Camp at the Everest Ground. The event, which has been ongoing for a number of weeks, aims at preparing persons for our Republic Day celebrations on February 23.

This event also officially

Some of the participants engaging in a dance routine

lar soca and dancehall tracks of today’s generation.

Present at the event was the coordinator, who explained that this initiative was a good way of introducing different ways in which Guyanese can keep fit while being given a chance to experience an electrifying atmosphere. So far, there has been a substantial amount of persons attending the Fitness Camp, and the support has been tremendous.

“I would say the response is great. People want something like this, and it’s great to have different people mingling together in one and getting experience on the different types of fitness,” he stated.

When asked if the company would continue this ven-

19

chance to win costumes for the company’s Mash band, titled “Amazon Gems”. Further, the previous winners can also uplift their bedazzling costumes at the Everest Ground.

The coordinators are urging the Guyanese public to support this band, explaining, “We’ll be having the biggest and best Mash band on the road. There is no dispute about that.”

GTT is collaborating with Pulse Entertainment this year, and will be featuring approximately 300 revellers in its Mash band. The participants are asked to collect their costumes early, and to be assembled on February 23 at 09:00h at their respective places.

48th

Republic Day A

Messages

s Guyana celebrates its 48th Republic Anniversary under the theme “Let’s Cooperate and Celebrate Republic 48”, wishes for prosperity were extended to the country and its people.

PPP urges reflection on journey to becoming republic

In expressing its best wishes to those here and in the Diaspora, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) said that jubilant celebrations through vibrant music and a multitude of colours reflect not just revelling after hard work as the name of our national holiday, Mashramani, connotes, but our rich diversity that define us as a nation.

“Our nation’s journey to becoming a republic was fraught with many challenges. However, its attainment is testimony to the patriotism, fortitude and resilience of all of our people who remained steadfast to their commitment to nationhood.”

The Party fervently hopes that all will take the opportunity to reflect on Guyana’s journey as a nation and be imbued with a profound sense of pride as the occasion of Mashramani 2018 is being observed and celebrated.

PNCR urges Guyanese to redouble efforts to foster trust, cooperation

On the other hand, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) also extended good wishes to citizens, saying that the occasion was one for reflection and assessment of the state of the nation 48 years after being declared a republic. “… It must be evident to all that we, as Guyanese, need to redouble our efforts to achieve greater trust and cooperation between our communities. We want happy families and households. We want better inter-personal relations. We must strengthen national unity, expand national infrastructure, fortify national institutions, ensure national security and extend public services.”

GAWU wants Guyanese to work to find solution to current socioeconomic challenges

Also joining in extending Republic anniversary wishes is the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), who is also soberly cognisant of current affairs such as the economic struggle for a reasonable standard of living, disunity, crime, carnage on the roads, home invasions, corruption and unemployment.

“We urge our leaders, at this time, to recognise their deficit in our society and to consider in a matured, responsible way how to forge unity, which is generally recognised as desirable.”

The Union went on to highlight the plight of the thousands who have joined the breadline from the sugar industry.

“This is a blemish on our national leadership and is an act that surely will not ease social tensions nor aid, in any way, our economic growth.” Nevertheless, GAWU calls on Guyanese not to abandon hope and unite and struggle for genuine change.

IAC calls for reflection, inclusion and unity as Guyana moves ahead

The Indian Action Committee (IAC) also joined the call for “inclusion, genuine and lasting national unity in the drive towards economic development and prosperity”.

President Trump congratulates Guyana

Meanwhile, United States President Donald Trump congratulated both the country and its people, saying that the North American nation took pride in its partnership with its South American neighbour.

“We value your ongoing contributions to regional security and look forward to working with you on the development of your natural resources for the benefit of the Guyanese people.”

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friDAY, february 23, 2018

DCB/U-17 Inter-Association Tournament 2018

Dindyal, Boele

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Sanjay’s Golf Classic resumes Saturday

lead East Bank to title

terling contributions from Mavindra Dindyal and Marlon Boele helped East Bank win the 2018 Demerara Cricket Board under-17 inter association tournament by defeating West Demerara by 61 runs in the final match on Thursday at the Georgetown Cricket Club ground, Bourda.

They were declared the winners on a Net Run Rate basis by having +0.52 ahead of Georgetown’s -0.36.

East Bank opting to take first strike posted 181 for 8 in 50 overs on the backbone of controlled 51 from Dindyal. After losing an early wicket, opener Mahindar Persaud stayed and battled with confident before he was run out on 38.

LGC President Aleem Hussain (left) accepts the sponsorship cheque from Sanjay Persaud (right)

A The winning East Bank team after their game against West Demerara at Bourda on Thursday

In came Sachin Singh who looked as if he would have taken the match out of the opposition’s grasp until he was stump off Rajesh Budhram for 17 as

they slipped to 82- 3. Andre Seepersaud led with the ball with 2- 19 while Joshua Reddy and Rajesh Budhram took one wicket a piece.

In reply West Demerara struggled to get to their total

but still managed to get to 120 all out in 42 overs with Seepersaud top scoring with 28 while Nicholas Rajpat scored 22 and Avinash Khemraj chipped in with 17.

Boele was the most destructive bowler by grabbing 4-27 while Mohamed Jameer and Zakary Jodah supported him with 3-15 and 2-19 respectively.

fter rescheduling twice, the Open tourney with $100, 000 at stake for the player who sinks a Hole-in-one, will finally tee this Saturday at 12:30hs at the Lusignan Golf Course.

Inclement weather on February 11 and 12 forced the intended pre-Valentine’s Day tourney to be postponed to a more weather-conducive date. A good turnout hampered the local bevy of golfers, who merely managed a few holes during Sunday’s attempt before being undone by the rain.

Sanjay Persaud, owner of the jewelry Store located on Sheriff St, Campbelville, has been a part of the Lusignan

Golf Club (LGC), for the past six years. Persaud, a part-time golf player indicated that a variety of spoils ranging from prizes for the top four Best Net scores, Nearest to Pin and Longest Drive, will be up for grabs this Saturday.

Also, for the first time ever, any golfer who makes a Hole-in-One will be awarded $100,000 for charity compliments of the sponsors.

Meanwhile, Persaud who has been sponsoring one tournament a year for the LGC has stayed committed to continuing his efforts which began last year; which is sponsoring two tournaments for 2018 going forward.

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Ramnaresh Sarwan’s father, Kishan Sarwan hands over the sponsorship cheque to BCB President Hilbert Foster at the Fitness 53 Gym

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he newly elected Executives of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) have already started to make an impact on the sport with the launching of two cricket tournaments for the 2018 season.

The launching took place less than 48 hours after the Executives were elected and represent the first major cricket sponsorship to Berbice Cricket over the last eighteen months.

The Tournaments are anUnder-17 Inter-Club and a 40-Overs Cricket League for teams in the Upper Corentyne Area; both of the tournaments would be sponsored by former West Indies Cricket Captain Ramnaresh Sarwan and friends.

The fitness 53 Gym Under-17 tournament would be for players born on or after September 1, 2001 and would be opened to any club in the Ancient County. The

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uyana Amateur S w i m m i n g Association (GASA) has selected Andrew Fowler and Jamila Sanmoogan as their representatives for Commonwealth Games being held in Gold Coast, Australia from April 4-15.

According to senior national head coach Sean Baksh, the selection was made based on the duo having the highest (International Swimming Federation) FINA points which is based on the faster times swimmers achieve which in-turn gives them higher points.

Regarding, the readiness of the swimmers, the coach explained they will continue to work on improving the speed on Fowler who is based locally while he has heard promising results about Sanmoogan who is

the 50m Freestyle.

On the international arena he donned national colours at the Islamic Solidarity Games held in May 2017 in Azerbaijan where he qualified for the semi-finals of the 50m Freestyle. In the chilly weather, the 22 year-old swam a new Personal Best of 25.32s in the semi-final but did not qualify for the final; he had qualified for the semi-final in a time of 25.51s.

Meanwhile, the 20 yearold Sanmoogan represent the country at the RIO 2016 Olympics in the 50m Freestyle but failed to progressed from the heats after finishing sixth in a time of 28.88s.

An improved performance beckons for the swimmer who is being trained under one of Colombia lead-

Jamila Sanmoogan

Colombia on a scholarship studying Physiotherapy at the University of Sports in Cali.

Fowler’s most recent stint in the pool was at the association’s Mashramani meet over the weekend held at the National Aquatic Centre where swam three races. In the 18 & over category, he clocked 28.19 in the 50m Butterfly, 58.15 in the 100m Freestyle and 25.64 in

ing coaches Fabo Toro as according to Baksh, “ She is doing quite well, her 50m freestyle is now 27 [seconds] and I am hoping the coach can push her to get a lower 27”.

Baksh explained they will be heading ‘Down under’ a week prior to the start of the event to become acclimatised with conditions and do more intense training. (Akeem Greene)

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main objectives would be to identify players for the BCB coaching programmes, to assist players to successfully transit to the Under-19 level and to inspire players to stay involve in the game.

The top two teams would receive financial prizes while top players would receive educational materials in an effort to assist their development in Schools.

The 40-Over League would be open to teams in the Upper Corentyne area and would be administered by the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association under the leadership of Dennis De Andrade.

BCB President Hilbert Foster expressed delight that cricket would once again be played between clubs as over the last two years, cricket was only played by junior cricketers at the Inter-zone levels.

Teams would be divid-

ed into at least eight groups with the winner advancing to the Quarter-finals.

Interested teams are urged to register with the board as early as possible and to make sure that they start preparation to play at the Under-15, Under-19, Under-21, Female, Intermediate, Second Division and First Division levels.

The newly elected President stated that his board would be working beyond the call of duty to ensure that every cricketer in Berbice fulfills his/her true potentials. Foster hailed the support of Ramnaresh Sarwan, who he stated is a positive role model and friend of Berbice Cricket.

The former West Indies batting icon benefitted a lot from playing cricket and was committed to giving back.

Foster also issued an appeal to former Berbice, Guyana and West Indies players to assist the board to return the sport to its rightful place by offering their skills and experience. He assured Sarwan and friends that both tournaments would be well organised and expressed confidence that the relationship would be strengthened in the future.

Sarwan who was absent from the launching, in a invited comment stated that he was pleased to assist Berbice cricket as he had full confidence in its newly elected management. He pledged his support in the future and disclosed that he would be seeking the support of others.

21

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ll systems are going to plan for Sunday’s McDonald Promotions Patrick Ford Memorial boxing card being held at the National Gymnasium, this is according to Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) President Steve Ninvalle in an interview with <<Guyana Times Sport>> on Thursday.

Ninvalle highlighted that Lucia’s Nathan Ferrari is set to arrive today and the Surinamese and Trinidadians coming Saturday.

Ferrari’s bout with Guyana’s Colin ‘Superman’ is one which the GBA head is eager to witness given the history between the two fighters. The boiling water stems from Lewis flooring Ferrari at home on his way to gold at the Caribbean Boxing

– Lewis/Ferrari bout touted as one not to miss

Championship in 2017.

Guyana’s marque youth fighter and Commonwealth Youth Games silver medallist, Keevin Allicock will touch gloves with Trinidad’s Christopher de Freitas in the bantamweight bash.

The GBA boss is of the contention the fourteen bouts, two of which are female fights will be showcasing a mixture of talent, some experienced, some inexperience and elite.

Eyes will be on Savannah Boxing Gym (Region Nine) who will be represented by its `Golden Girl’ Julicia Rodney and Troy Nero; fighters will also be coming from Mabaruma (Region One) Regarding honour Ford who died in 2011 after won sixteen consecutive professional bouts including the

Neilson McKenzie, Beverage, Food and Events Manager of Tower Suites (second from left) hands over the cheque for sponsorship to Alford Mc Donald, head of McDonald Promotions. GBA President Steve Ninvalle is at right while Tower Suites Operations Manager Shivani Sawh is at left

Commonwealth featherweight title in a career which spanned from 1978-1980, Ninvalle plans to do more just engrave a plaque but develop academies named after Ford along with other standout performers.

It is also understood that only the third time in five years will a computerized scoring system be used for a boxing card in the country. The show begins at 19:00h and tickets for ringside cost $1500 and $1000 elsewhere.

Meanwhile, on Thursday, Tower Suits added a late boost to the card via sponsorship. Ninvalle thanked the entity for their support and pledge that it will go a long way in helping to stage what he expects to be fierce competition all night long.

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GUYANATIMESgy.COM

friDAY, february 23, 2018

Florida Cricketers on 7-day Cuba tour

A

delegation of some 50 GuyaneseAmericans is destined for Cuba this week as part of the celebrations there to mark Guyana’s

48th Republic Anniversary on today.

The visits which spans from February 22 to 28; will see three Cuban cities, Holguin, Santiago

de Cuba and Havana being visited by the players.

Members will be involved in sports, cultural and educational activities as well as attend receptions to cel-

A section of the contingent travelling to Cuba

ebrate Guyana’s Republic Anniversary.

The visit is organized

by Guyana’s Ambassador to Cuba Halim Majeed in conjunction with Guyana’s Honorary Consul in Florida, Ramzan Roshanali and President of the Guyanese American Chamber of Commerce (GACC) Wesley Kirton.

The visiting delegation comprises members of the Sunshine State Softball Cricket Association (SSSCA) and the Guyanese American Chamber of

Commerce.

During the visit a number of softball cricket matches will be played in Santiago de Cuba and Havana in addition to a number of meetings and interaction with various Cuban organizations focused on education and to enhance the relationship with the Cuban people.

Meanwhile, a special magazine has been produced by the Guyana Consulate in Florida to commemorate the visit.

South Florida Caribbean

news is the media partner for the visit and will bring readers daily reports on the activities, complements of Suriname Airways and DMC Travel of Miami The main sponsors of the visit are Surinam Airways, DMC Travel of Miami, Laparkan, Jamaica Tallawahs Cricket Team, Cricket Council USA, Limacol, Tropics Restaurant, Lucky City Restaurant, Demerara Distillers Ltd. (DDL), JetBlue and Roraima Airways/Aruba Air.

friDAY, february 23, 2018

guyanatimesgy.com

23

Feeble batting ends Jaguars’ Super50 campaign – Theopile, Hodge help Volcanoes advance to final

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uyana Jaguars reached the semi-finals after three years but could not progress after a meek showing with the bat against Windward Volcanoes which ended their 2018 campaign in Cricket West Indies (CWI) Super50 Cup on Thursday evening at the Coolidge Cricket ground, Antigua.

Chasing 287 for victory Jaguars continuously found themselves in all sorts of trouble and crashed to a 52-run defeat vial DLS method which meant Volcanoes advanced to Saturday’s final against defending champions Barbados Pride.

Only nineteen yearold Sherfane Rutherford showed any guts and application for a top score of 49 (4x4s; 1x6) in which himself and Veersammy Permaul staged 71-run partnership in the late hour.

Proceedings began well as Chandrapaul Hemraj started played a crunching cut forward of point in the first over but next ball he was not so fortunate producing a thick edge; Tagenarine Chanderpaul also showed urgency with some audacious drives. It came to end when his father Shivnarine Chanderpaul straight-drive Ryan John who managed to get a thin deflection.

Shivnarine showed some vintage signs smashing 18 runs off a John over which led to Jaguars reaching 50 in just seven overs but he too soon departed as did captain Leon Johnson and they slumped to 63-4.

Anthony Bramble made a quick-fire 27 (3x6s) but gifted his wicket away while

Christopher Barnwell’s resistance came to an end in another clatter of wickets which signalled the culmination of the abysmal batting performance.

Earlier, Volcanoes began steadily Devon Smith along with another Windies discard, Kirk Edwards took the total pass the 50 mark in the ninth until the 36 year-old became adventurous, advancing to pacer Paul Wintz only to top-edge for Shivnarine to take a diving catch at mid-off.

Tyrone Theophile was in imperious form especially against Permaul whom he hit for some towering sixes and reached his half-century from just 56 balls after being dropped b y

Sherfane Rutherford top scored with 49 for Guyana Jaguars

SCOREBOARD Scoreboard Windward Volcanoes innings (50 overs maximum) D Smith c S Chanderpaul b Wintz 25 J Charles+ b Shepherd 8 T Theopile b Hemraj 107 K Edwards c&b Lewis 27 K Hodge c Permaul b Lewis 57 K Mayers not out 18 R Cato c Permaul b Lewis 9 R John run out (Lewis) 0 S Shillingford* not out 16 Extras (b 0, lb 5, w 13, nb 1) 19 Total (7 wickets; 50 overs) 286 DnB: L Edward, O McCoy FoW: 1 - 25(Charles, 3.5 Ov), 2 - 50(Smith, 8.4 Ov), 3 - 123(K Edwards, 24.4 Ov), 4 - 230(Theophile, 41.6 Ov), 5 - 238(Hodge, 43.4 Ov), 6 - 248(Cato, 45.2 Ov), 7 – 249(John, 45.4 Ov) Bowling: Wintz 10-0-53-1, Shepherd 5-0-38-1, Lewis 9-054-3, Rutherford 7-1-27-0, Permaul 10-0-53-0, Hemraj 6-0-35-1, Barnwell 3-0-21-0 Guyana Jaguars (target 284 from 47 overs)

T Chanderpaul run out (John) 12 C Hemraj c Chalres+ b John 4 S Chanderpaul c Smith b Hod ge 34 L Johnson* c&b Hodge 4 C Barnwell c Edwards b Edward 25 A Bramble+ c McCoy b Hodge 27 S Rutherford run out (McCoy) 49 R Shepherd b Edward 0 V Permaul c Hodge b McCoy 37 P Wintz c sub b Mayers 9 R Lewis not out 17 Extras (13 b 0, lb 7, w 6, nb 0) 13 Total (all out; 44.2 Overs) 231 FoW: 1-7 (Hemraj, 0.5 Ov), 2-20 (T Chanderpaul 4.4 Ov), 3-50 (Johnson, 9.2 Ov), 4-63 (S Chanderpaul, 11.6 Ov), 5-102 (Bramble, 19.4 Ov), 6-108 (Barnwell 21.1 Ov), 7-108 (Shepherd 21.2 Ov), 8-179 (Permaul 35.1 Ov), 9-204 (Rutherford 39.4 Ov), 10-231 (Wintz, 44.2 Ov) Bowling: John 4-037-1, Hodge 10-1-49-3, Shillingford 9-1-300, Mayers 9.2-0-55-1, Edward 7-1-37-2, McCoy 5-0-16-1

Romario Shepherd early in his innings.

Off-spinner Ramaal Lewis retuned to the attack and got Edwards and they were 1263 at the halfway stage.

Kavem Hodge played a brisk knock in the innings defining partnership with Theopile as they added 107 in 17.3 overs which saw Volcanoes reach 201-3 in 37 overs.

After Theophile reached his maiden List A ton inclusive of nine fours and four sixes, Hodge was followed after reaching his landmark from 58 balls which was inclusive of four balls reaching the ropes.

Those two quick wickets quelled the late surge attempted and brought Jaguars back into contest as Lewis chipped away from one end and the seamers bowling well at the ‘death’.

FRIDAY, february 23, 2018

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Pg 23

Tyrone Theopile scored his maiden List A century for Windward Volcanoes

Feeble batting ends Jaguars’ Super50 campaign – Theopile, Hodge help Volcanoes advance to final Windward Volcanoes surged to a 52-run victory over Guyana Jaguars to book a spot in Saturday’s final against Barbados Pride

Patrick Ford Memorial boxing card

Preparations on stream for nonstop action

Pg 21

– Lewis/Ferrari bout touted as one not to miss Guyana’s Collin Lewis

St Lucia’s Nathan Ferrari

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