Guyanatime 26 may 2018

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

Issue No. 3575

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Saturday, May 26, 2018

PRICE

52nd Independence Anniversary

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

“Bequeath to future generations much more than we inherited” – President

Barbados elects Mia Mottley as 1st woman PM

P5

Taxi driver confesses to killing Guyana Goldfields P7 employee

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49 women receive national awards

P5

…as President announces 2018 awardees

Quashing of SOCU charges President David Granger, Government officials and members of the diplomatic corps on Friday afternoon attended a flag raising ceremony at D'Urban Park in observance of Guyana's 52nd anniversary of Independence

Political witch-hunting

More charges to come against former PPP officials – Ramjattan

High Court begins hearing Singh, P8 Brassington case

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Page 9

Opposition demands Farmer dies in answers on 2-year West Berbice Page 15 Amaila Falls study accident

…Govt’s flip-flop shows lack of knowledge – Jagdeo

…ex-Cop in custody

Abused woman stabbed to death by estranged lover …suspect commits suicide

Page 7

Student prohibited from participating in Culture Day P11 …school reportedly says traditional Indigenous wear “inappropriate”

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BRIDGE OPENINGS

52nd Independence Anniversary

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, May 26 – a night retraction at 03:00h and a day retraction from 14:30h-16:00h and Sunday, May 27 – a night retraction at 03:30h and a day retraction from 14:30h-16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, May 26 – 14:15h-15:45h and Sunday, May 27 – 15:00h-16:30h.

“Bequeath to future generations much more than we inherited” – President

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FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Early morning heavy rainfall is expected to give way to thundery rain showers that are expected to last throughout the day and into the evening.

Temperatures are expected to range between 22 degrees and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Ranging from East North-easterly to Northeasterly and Easterly between 1.78 metres and 5.81 metres.

High Tides: 02:09h and 14:35h reaching maximum heights of 2.48 metres and 2.46 metres respectively.

Low Tides: 08:08h and 20:25h reaching minimum heights of 0.72 metre and 0.74 metre respectively.

uyana’s 52nd Independence Anniversary is being observed with a focus on youths, and President David Granger has stated that much more should be given to the Guyanese children, who are the future of the country.

In his Independence Day address to the nation, the Head of State posited that the country’s fore-parents fought for freedom from colonial rule, but did not get to enjoy the labour of their efforts. To this end, he noted that future generations must get opportunities to enjoy the fruits of their labours.

“Independence has laid the foundation for a more inclusive and democratic society, which will guarantee the good life for the next generation. Independence

State noted.

He went to remind that the ancestors of the Guyanese people – Africans, Amerindians, Chinese, Europeans (including Portuguese), Indians and persons of mixed descent – fought against colonial rule, sacrifices of which their descendants today are the ben-

A section of the Guyana Defence Force on parade during the flag raising ceremony at D'Urban Park on Friday

FRIDAY, MAY 25, 2018

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is the best time to remember that children are our future. We need to bequeath to them much more than we inherited from our own parents,” he stated.

According to President Granger, Guyana’s 52nd Independence anniversary is an occasion for celebration, as it commemorates a departure from past degradation while articulating the nation’s aspiration for present and future generations.

“Independence was not the result of a single event; it was the culmination of three hundred and fifty years of resistance, revolt and struggle against conquest, degradation, enslavement, indentureship and exploitation – the most dehumanising characteristics of European colonial rule,” the Head of

eficiaries. This, he added, is captured in the National Anthem’s verse: “We are born of their sacrifice, heirs of their pains…”

The Guyanese leader continued that the struggles of ancestors, which were inspired by workers’ agitation, embraced all social classes, and gained political momentum with the introduction of constitutional change and the achievement of universal adult suffrage.

“Independence, once achieved, enabled the elimination of the worst forms of discrimination, the extension of universal primary and secondary education, and the emergence of local economic enterprises, among other changes.

Independence ushered in an era of national pride which has buoyed Guyanese soci-

ety. National symbols such as the national anthem, awards, coinage, flag, institutions, patriotic songs and stamps, helped to define our distinctive identity. Guyana took its place as a sovereign state in the international community,” the President stated.

In reflecting on the events that followed the freedom from colonial rule, President Granger noted that the country’s socio-economic fortunes begun taking a turn that would see development across all spheres.

He mentioned that public education at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels became more accessible with the introduction of new multilateral schools, technical institutes, teachers’ college of education and a university.

With regard to public infrastructure, the Head of State highlighted that the construction of new aero-

dromes, bridges and highways, and the extension of public utilities and services such as the supply of electricity, housing and water have all enhanced the quality of life for citizens.

He went on to outline that public health services through neighbourhood clinics, local health centres, and regional hospitals improved child care, reduced the incidence of child mortality, non-communicable and vector-borne diseases among the growing population of children.

“Guyana is a bountiful country. We are reminded daily about our potential. We are on the way to establishing a ‘green state’ in which the environment will be better protected, sustainable development of our natural resources will be pursued, cheaper and more abundant energy from renewable sources will be provided, and the well-being of present and future generations will be assured. Guyanese are a beautiful people. We, the children of the continents of Earth – Africa, Asia, the Americas and Europe – are on the way to creating a more cohesive society,” he posited.

After 500 years of being a colony to different countries, the last of which was the British, Guyana gained independence from the United Kingdom on May 26, 1966.

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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

Guyana at 52 T

oday thousands of citizens and well-wishers in the region and diaspora will join the country’s leaders to celebrate and mark Guyana’s 52nd Independence Anniversary.

The celebrations will no doubt be grand in certain parts of the country, despite the fact that the Government has abandoned the traditional and midnight flag raising ceremony which was the feature event for decades, since it was symbolic with the events which took place back in 1966.

Even as Guyanese celebrate, there is need for urgent introspection and reflection on the gains that have made on the country’s long road to independence, and the consistent strides that have been secured in Guyana’s turbulent and dynamic postIndependence history.

Recall, that upon attainment of Independence, Guyana became the only English-speaking country on the South American continent and the 24th member of the then British Commonwealth of Nations, despite the struggles faced in the early 1950s and its nationalist movement which birthed the original People’s Progressive Party under the leadership of the Late Presidents Dr Cheddi B. Jagan and Forbes Burnham.

At that time, both leaders pursued a menu of noble, democratic and visionary policies aimed at the attainment of national unity and internal self-government. As Dr Tota Mangar wrote in one of his literary pieces, “their resounding victory at the 1953 general elections under adult suffrage astounded many, including local reactionaries, the Colonial Office, and moreso the US State Department”. It was the crowning achievement of how a people could rally against oppression if they were hungry for the right to determine their own destinies.

Dr Mangar also notes in his writings that “the mass-based party’s tenure in office was only short-lived, as Great Britain, under considerable American pressure, suspended the Constitution and overthrew the legally elected Government under the guise of preventing the establishment of a communist state in the then British Guiana.

An interim Government was imposed, and it comprised of many individuals, who themselves suffered humiliating defeat at the hands of the toppled nationalist candidates. As if that setback was not enough, the nationalist movement itself became severely fractured in 1955 into Jaganite and Burnhamite factions of the PPP and the eventual emergence of the People’s National Congress two years later. This development paved the way for the subsequent intense political rivalry between our two foremost leaders - Dr Jagan and Mr Burnham.

It was no doubt at this point that Guyana’s history became even more interesting and intriguing in the lead up to Independence, because the split between the two leaders led to many of the problems which characterized Independent Guyana in her postIndependence years, which were also considered as the “dark years”.

As history would have it, Burnham would lead the first coalition Government in 1964 with the United Force, while Dr Jagan continued his activism and work in Opposition, notwithstanding the fact that he led the first national Government.

The ultimate movement of triumph of patriotism, unity and togetherness came when, in the presence of the Duke and Duchess of Kent; Sir Richard Luyt, the first Governor-General of Guyana; former Conservative Colonial Secretary Duncan Sandys, and Colonial Secretary Anthony Greenwood, and 62 delegates from 47 countries worldwide, Dr Jagan and Burnham embraced each other in what appeared to be an emotionally charged hug.

Fifty-two years after the event, Guyana is still facing some of the same challenges faced then. This country is toying and experimenting with various models of governance that could lead to inclusivity and the achievement of national unity. The country is still racially polarized and divided despite the advancement of legislation and other events that took place, which were aimed at creating national healing, consensus-building, and inclusivity.

Leaders are still locked in a heated debate about the kind of Guyana that is needed in order to transform the lives of the ordinary men and their standard of living. The same threats that existed in the pre- and post-colonial days appear to be resurfacing disguised as new wine, but many of those who lived through the fifties recognize the old bottles and know too well the dangers that may lie ahead if a decision is not paid to change course.

We must work together to accomplish a lot more by the time the country celebrates its next Independence Anniversary. Citizens must take pride in being Guyanese, and must understand that they are the only ones that could truly redefine this country’s destiny, but they must not barter their rights and freedoms in order to live a good life. They must defend those freedoms zealously, while demanding that those in power who have access to the public purse fulfill their mandate as promised.

Staff of Guyana Times, Television Guyana (TVG) and Radio Guyana Inc (RGI 89.5) celebrated Guyana’s 52nd Independence Anniversary with a cultural extravaganza. The employees of the company, decked out in unique cultural attire, prepared traditional dishes along with thrilling performances to showcase the diverse cultures of the six ethnic groups which encompass Guyana

Not everyone entering Guyana would be bad

Dear Editor, For quite a number of years, I’ve always gotten angry whenever illegal immigrants caught in Guyana are hauled before the courts.

Some get fined and deported, and I cannot recall any being jailed. I’ve always had the opinion that it is wrong, and reading Thursday’s papers, I felt a great relief when reading the article wherein our Minister of Foreign Affairs announced that steps would be in place to accommodate those desirous of entering Guyana.

There are many reasons that cause people to enter another country, especially illegally; either for better opportunities, and like how we are witnessing problems in

neighbouring countries that are causing people to migrate from their country all around.

I must applaud Mr Greenidge and say it’s a much welcome move.

However, Editor, I urge that even though we would be allowing immigrants, I hope that before this plan is executed, the authorities install proper mechanism in place to prevent lawlessness to occur. No doubt, once the floodgate is open, many would utilize the opportunity to enter, especially criminals/fugitives and drugs mules/dealers/barons.

Our whole country is being kept back from development by means of technology because of our dinosaur’s era internet service we are get-

ting for ages, and I hope that all ports of entry would be equipped with internet-ready computers and have network access with other countries, so that background checks could be made on those desirous of entering Guyana. And plans should be in place for monitoring of suspicious characters and the various offenders that would use the opportunity to enter here.

Over the years, I’ve witnessed many deportees returning to Guyana, and they would amass followers and boast of the country they got deported from, and compare Guyana with those countries.

Sadly, many would believe these disgraced criminals, unknown to them that sometimes the stories they are tell-

ing are not true; but it would motivate many of our ignorant youths, and they would end up looking at these deportees as some sort of saviour, and the deportees would encourage them to do all sorts of things, including crime and using illecit drugs.

I’ve personally witnessed more than one such incident, so I am just using that as an example so that the authorities would put mechanisms in place to protect our youths; because they are vulnerable, especially our girl children. Not everyone entering Guyana would be bad, and I am quite sure we would be getting a lot of talented people also.

Sincerely, Sahadeo Bates

Guyana’s greatest enemies are its zero-sum politics, political culture Dear Editor I refer to the GAWU General Secretary’s letter to the press which takes me to task for complimenting the Government for its decision to confront the sugar problem.

In the process, Mr Narine reiterated his union’s narrative of the sugar workers’ plight against the backdrop of the Government’s decisions in that regard. As the labour representative of the sugar workers, I expect nothing less from GAWU. But after reading Mr Narine’s letter, I am even more convinced that Guyana has a long way to go as far as political and ethnic reconciliation is concerned. The General Secretary isolates for denunciation the part of my comment that is favourable to the Government, but completely ignores the other part that

is consistent with his union’s perspective.

The truth is that I complimented the Government for its decision to tackle the problem, but criticized its implementation of the plan that GuySuCo put forward. Why can’t GAWU and the PPP acknowledge that this Government took the brave decision to confront the sugar problem that everybody knows could not continue forever -- a decision that made economic sense and that, if handled properly, would in the long run benefit the sugar industry, sugar workers and the rest of Guyana?

As soon as the Government came into office, it set up a commission of inquiry to investigate the problem. A “rightsizing” plan aimed at making the industry viable ensued. Compensation for affected workers was included.

While all of this is going on, the Government has pumped billions of dollars’ worth of subsidy in the industry, and recently committed another $30 billion towards upgrading the closed estates in preparation for their privatization. In fact, the Government’s action on the sugar industry is the closest it has come to a clear policy on anything.

Yet Mr Narine, his union, and by extension the PPP, say the Government lacks compassion for sugar workers.

Yes, the Government has done a terrible job at executing the plan, and in the process many workers have been negatively affected. But how does that amount to lack of compassion?

Since GAWU is an experienced union, it cannot be accused of ignorance. One is left to conclude that GAWU’s narrative is inspired less by

compassion for its members and more by the PPP’s project of demonization of the Government.

One of Guyana’s greatest enemies is its zero-sum politics and political culture. It is counterproductive and takes our country further and further to the edge. It is not my way; I try, as I did in the comments referred to by Mr. Narine, to be as evenhanded as I can.

Mr Narine and GAWU should know that the very comments for which they find me guilty of “showering plaudits” on the Government have been hammered by Government supporters, who have called me all the bad names usually set aside for Satan. Zero-sum politics and political conversation in Guyana are out of control.

Sincerely, David Hinds

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2018 National Awardees

49 women receive awards ...Komal Samaroo, Justice Oslen Ainsworth Fitzgerald Small, Alvin Oliver Thompson receive CCH

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orty-nine women from various fields are among those who will be conferred with national awards by President David Granger as part of the celebrations of Guyana’s 52nd Independence Anniversary.

These persons have been recognised for their outstanding service and sterling contributions toward national development. The awards will be presented at an Investiture ceremony slated to be held on October 6, 2018.

Leading the list of 96 awardees is founder of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics – STEM Guyana, Karen Abrams; medical practitioner, Dr Holly Patricia Alexander; veteran educator Donna Ann

Chapman; and Optometrist, Michelle Ming; all of whom will receive the Golden Arrowhead of Achievement and the Ministry of the Presidency’s very own Presidential Photographer, Sandra Helouise Prince; gender consultant at the Ministry of Social Protection, Hazel HalleyBurnett; and Coordinator of Women Across Differences (WAD), Colonel Wendella Samuels-Boston who will all be receiving the insignia of the Medal of Service.

Meanwhile the highest national award Cacique’s Crown of Honour (CCH) was conferred to Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) Chairman Komal Samaroo, Justice Oslen Ainsworth Fitzgerald Small, Alvin Oliver Thompson

President David Granger has said that the conferral of national awards is recognised as a mechanism, provided under the Constitution of Guyana to give due national recognition to outstanding citizens, and he has committed to ensuring that these national honours are conferred regularly.

In 2015, 19 women from a total of 53 received national awards. The Order of Roraima was received by one person; three received the Cacique’s Crown of Honour (CCH); seven received the Golden Arrow of Achievement (AA); five received the Medal of Service (MS) and three received the Disciplined Service Medal (DSM).

In October 2016, a to-

tal of 32 women received awards; four received the CCH; 14, the AA; 12, the MS; and two received the DSM. A total of 86 individuals were conferred with awards. Additionally, 12 groups were conferred with the MS insignia on the occasion of Guyana’s 46th Republic Anniversary in February, earlier in 2016. His Excellency the President and members of the Advisory Council for the Orders of Guyana offer sincere congratulations to all the persons who will be bestowed this national honour.

In 2017, 31 women were conferred with national awards with acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Madame Yonette Decina Cummings-Edwards, leading the list at that time.

Barbados elects Mia Mottley as 1st woman PM

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he Caribbean island of Barbados has elected its first woman prime minister since gaining inde-pendence from Britain in 1966.

Mia Mottley led her Barbados Labour Party (BLP) to a crushing victory over the Democratic La-bour Party (DLP).

Mottley, a 52-year-old lawyer, is reported to have once told a teacher at her secondary school that she would become the country's first female PM. The BLP won all 30 seats up for grabs in the House of Assembly.

The DLP has governed the popular tourist paradise for the past 10 years, most recently under Prime Minister Freundel Stuart.Mottley faced a barrage of personal and political attacks from the DLP during the election campaign, but also picked up an apparent endorsement from Barbadian pop star Rihanna.

Speaking shortly after it became apparent that the BLP would form the next government, Mott-ley said: "I want to thank you the people in particular. This victory is not mine, this victory is not the Labour Party's."

Stuart, her defeated opponent, said he "unhesitatingly and unequivocally and frankly" accepted responsibility for the DLP's wipeout.

He added that the election "demonstrates that Barbados's democracy is alive and well".

Mottley's new administration - like its predecessor, a broadly centre-left government - faces a host of problems in a country once seen as a byword for good governance in the Caribbean.

Mia Mottley

Despite the island's enduring popularity with tour-

ists from Western Europe and North America, and

growing arrivals from newer tourist markets like China and Russia, the Barbadian economy has failed to shrug off the effects of the global economic crisis of the late 2000s.

Sluggish economic growth, high levels of government debt and shrinking foreign currency re-serves have been compounded by the adverse publicity and cancelled bookings stemming from a collapsing sewage system.

The system serves part of the country's South Coast, a key tourist area. (BBC News)

Cacique’s Crown of Honour

1. Komal Samaroo 2. Justice Oslen Ainsworth Fitzgerald Small 3. Professor Alvin Oliver Thompson

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Karen Abrams Arnon Adriel Cornelius Adams Holly Patricia Alexander Valeska Austin Robert Jiteshvar Badal Claude Holmon Blackmore Jerome Bulkan John Goodridge Carpenter Donna Ann Chapman Eton McDonald Chester Michael Orlando Correia Pravinchandra Dave Rovin Deodat Denise Dawn DeSouza Maurice Rudranauth Gajadhar Sarah Julia Gordon Everett Nathaniel Harewood Noel Gordon Holder Alim Azad Hosein Mohamed Shabir Hussain Salmaa Naseebah Khan Monica Elizabeth La Bennett Geraldine Maison Halls Yvette Anita Martin Michelle Ming Hakeem Mohamed Haji Shaheed Mohamed Mohamod Zabeer Mujay Aleema Nasir Brian John O’Toole Kent Brentnol Phillips Berneita Louretta Primo Canon Thurston Riehl Viola Rowe Lennox Oliver Shuffler David Jaikarran Singh Angold Thompson Aiesha Unickie Williams Mathilda Saigo-Williams Bertram Wilkinson Norris Witter

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Loretta Brotherson-Alexander Morgan Allicock Baidwantie Balgobin Denise Yvonne Belgrave Clonel Wendella Samuels-Boston Basil Selwyn Bradshaw Hazel Halley-Burnett Yvonette Rhonda Chichester Renata Chuck-A-Sang Henry Clenkian Kawalpattie Dayaram Carlotta DeJesus Desiree Adele Edghill Trenetta Hollis Elliot Cleveland Leon Forde Deon Cherryl Gould Elaine Eugenie Grannum Laurie Rufus Greenidge Haimraj Dhanrajie Paul Harris Brenda Hastings Casey Hastings Wendy Ann Cleopatra Hermonstine Yvette Herod Ishwardai Leontina Maria Jose Darul Hakim Khan Vernon Eustace Lambert Barbara Angela Lawrence Julie Lewis Erol Kemal Makzume Syeada Manbodh Paula Erlena McAdam Stanley Ignatius McGarrell Pearl Gladys McLean Shirley Melville Barbara Pilgrim-Roberts Gail Primo Sandra Helouise Prince Paulette Elene Ragoobeer Nadia Ramdin Sharifah Razack Amanda Richards Gaitree Singh-Henry Ignatius Wilson Nicholas Andre Young

Medal of Service

Military Service Medal

1. Lt. Col Lester Sherwin Anderson 2. Lt. Col Godfrey Bess 3. Lt. Col. Julius Randolph Skeete

Disciplined Services Medal

1. Assistant Commissioner Leslie Albert James 2. Assistant Commissioner Paul Andrew Williams 3. Divisional Fire Officer (Retired ) Paul Egerton Carmichael

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ppp urges all Guyanese to remain motivated on the Celebrating our strong connections – US occasion of Guyana’s 52nd Independence Anniversary O

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n the occasion of our nation’s 52nd Independence anniversary, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) extends warmest greetings to all Guyanese, both at home and in the diaspora.

Our attainment of Independence resulted from a hard-fought process, evidenced in sustained struggles during which selfless sacrifices were made.

It was a moment of tremendous joy and pride for all Guyanese when the shackles of colonialism were cast off. As the Golden Arrowhead was first hoisted 52 years ago, not only did it mark the end of one era and the beginning

of another, but it heralded the rise to self-governance and a renewed sense of hope and expectation for the future.

Since Independence, our country has faced many challenges.

The continued struggles for democracy, and its return and preservation by the PPP also bolstered the conditions that supported unprecedented progress and prosperity for all our people.

Guyanese remained resolutely committed to nation-building, and the PPP recognizes and salutes their valuable efforts.

As we observe another anniversary of our Independence, our Party urges reflection on the valiant efforts

which made past successes possible. Looking ahead, our Party urges all Guyanese to remain motivated by a strong sense of patriotism, as well as steadfast and hopeful in the face of current challenges.

This year also marks the 100th birth anniversary of our Party’s Founder and its indomitable Leader, the late Dr Cheddi Jagan. As we reflect on the virtues of Independence and the freedom from colonialism, it offers another opportune moment to be inspired by his invaluable contributions through his relentless and unselfish struggles to free our nation.

Happy Independence to all Guyanese!

Freedom is never free…it requires eternal vigilance and sacrifice - GTUC

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he Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) joins with all Guyanese -- at home and in the diaspora -- in marking the 52nd year of our independence. As we commemorate this milestone, GTUC hopes that even as the occasion is deservedly being marked with ceremony and revelry, time is also taken to reflect on the purpose for, and real meaning of, independence As a people whose history has within struggles against inhumanity, oppression, discrimination, poor conditions of work and standard of living, let’s not take for granted the freedom we honour today, for freedom is never free! Freedom requires eternal vigilance and sacrifice; for where complacency exists, we risk not only losing

what has been achieved, but making ourselves compliant sheep for the slaughter.

Lest we forget: the workers, through the Trade Union Movement, laid the foundation for 20th century Guyana’s fight for Independence. The political movement, which came subsequently, not only found life and meaning in the workers’ struggles, but embraced same in shaping an indigenous developmental agenda as we pursue the journey for respect and self-determination. Where today workers feel they are being taken for granted, or their struggles and ideals deemed incidental, not foundational and worthy of respect, the freedom we achieved on 26th May 1966 must be evaluated for what it was meant to be, where we are,

and what is required of us.

Workers -- past, present and potential; unionised and nonunionised -- there is work to be done. We must move forward boldly in safeguarding the gains and ensuring every man, woman and child, consistent with the Constitution and Laws of Guyana, universal declarations, international charters and conventions, has the opportunity to realise his/her ideals as equal and participating members of society.

As Guyana’s Children“Onward, upward, may we ever go, Day by day in strength and beauty grow, Till at length we each of us will show What Guyana’s sons and daughters can be”.

‘A call for inclusion in social and economic development’ – IAC

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he Indian Action Committee (IAC) wishes to convey greetings to all Guyanese citizens on the occasion of the Independence of Guyana from British colonial rule on 26th May 1966, fifty-two years ago.

The IAC calls upon all Guyanese citizens to remember and recognize all those persons who contributed to the ending of British colonial rule in Guyana, including former Presidents Cheddi Jagan, Forbes Burnham and Janet Jagan; and stalwarts of the struggle for national liberation like Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow, Jocelyn Hubbard, Joseph Pollydore, Ramkarran, Ashton Chase SC, Jainarine Singh, E.M.G. Wilson, Cedric Vernon Nunes, Martin Carter, Rory Westmaas, Eusi Kwayana, Brindley Benn, Moses Bhagwan and Reepu Daman Persaud.

The IAC, in recognition of the challenging history of Guyana: during the past fifty-two years dominated by authoritarian rule (1968-1992), and especially the period from 1962 to 1964 when there was a state of undeclared civil war, which resulted in: 1. Over 200 persons losing their lives 2. Over 900 persons suffering physical injuries

3. About 2700 terrorized families being displaced from their homes as villages were engulfed in orgies of ethnic cleansing 4. Over 1700 cases of arson in which over 300 business places and houses were completely destroyed by fire during wanton acts of terror 5. Losses of over US$20 million in the local economy, as opposed to an investment of US$2.2 million used to destabilize pre- Independence British Guiana, according to U.S. declassified documents.

6. The destruction of the Indo-Guyanese community at the adjoining villages of Wismar and Christianburg, where all 87 business premises and 215 homes owned and occupied by Indo-Guyanese were deliberately destroyed by fire between 24th and 25th May 1964, followed by the evacuation of almost 3400 Indo-Guyanese persons under the protection of British military forces on 26th May 1964, exactly two years before Independence.

The IAC is of the view that the national economy is in rapid and serious decline, with only the rice industry showing any progress, and is calling upon all of the Parliamentarians to

work together to reverse this dangerous trend.

The IAC joins with the political parties, religious bodies, trade unions, and other civil society groups in the call for inclusion of Guyanese in the drive towards economic development and prosperity.

The IAC is cognizant of the upsurge in crime within the past year, and while recognizing that in Berbice there is a high amount of criminal activity perpetrated by persons of Indo-Guyanese origin against other persons of Indo-Guyanese origin, elsewhere there have been many brutal robberies on Indo-Guyanese business persons, who have been deprived by criminals of hundreds of millions of dollars in cash, jewellery, electronic devices, and vehicles.

The IAC also recognizes criminal activity impacting to a much lesser extent on other ethnicities.

Let us all resolve to realize the dream of our fore-parents and Independence heroes and heroines to make our 52nd Anniversary a truly national event. The IAC wishes all Guyanese citizens a Happy Independence Day.

n behalf of President Trump and the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana on 52 years of independence on May 26.

Today we celebrate our

strong connections. We look forward to advancing prosperity by helping Guyana develop its emerging oil sector in partnership with U.S. business.

We underscore our commitment to partnership via the Caribbean 2020 strategy.

We wish the people of Guyana, from the Corentyne to the Pakaraimas, from the Takutu to the Amakura, and across the entire “Land of Many Waters,” a happy Independence Day celebration, with peace and prosperity throughout the year to come.

GAWU’s Independence Day Message 2018

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he Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) is indeed especially pleased to join and extend best wishes as our country celebrates another milestone as an independent state. We need to recall, at this time, that there was near absolute consensus among our then leaders that we needed to shed the Constitutional and other chains with which we were then wrapped.

Independence brought us -- and we joyfully welcomed -- our new status as citizens of Guyana, no longer colonial subjects tied to a “mother” country. It also brought heavy responsibilities to safeguard and deepen our newly won freedom, and to ensure a prosperous future for our citizens. The onus was now ours to chart our own course, and it was recognized that our freedom could not be delinked from the need for economic independence, social justice, and democratic institutions and norms. Those objectives had to be our guide as a people. They had to be realised and sustained.

GAWU feels certain that the attainment of Independence,

which we fought for, motivated the social and economic progress of our country, and was a decisive turning point for our all-round development.

There are successes in several fields nationally, while at the regional and international levels, our country has earned recognition and respect in spite of certain deficits experienced in governance. Our democratic culture, which resurfaced over twenty (20) years ago, still today again faces new challenges.

Notwithstanding the trials and setbacks the nation experienced and most likely will face, we cannot deny the very many significant achievements as we steadily overcame the negative legacy of colonialism.

The GAWU is aware that several key objectives are yet to be reached. One of these is our economic sovereignty, which we see as crucial to safeguard our political independence, especially in the context and circumstances that we see unfolding in today’s world.

The prospects for our country to grow and develop, despite current setbacks, remain encouraging, and we need to

tackle the various tasks before us in a collective and united spirit. In this respect, our people, especially our working people, need to be encouraged and become involved in the decisionmaking levels of our society.

As we celebrate this historic anniversary, GAWU urges that we all recognize that we have a responsibility to let our democratic culture prevail. It is one of the strong strands that bind our nation and make it united and free. Additionally, we share the belief that our independence will be secured and strengthened over time when every citizen is given to enjoy the fruits, benefits and opportunities of our collective efforts and work.

It is unfortunate to observe that our 52nd Independence Anniversary finds us as a nation poised with further declining economic fortunes, with the sugar industry being an example of this reality. While this has certainly cast a pall over the nation, we must nevertheless lift high the banner of freedom and celebrate our Independence.

Happy Independence Anniversary to all Guyanese!

Let’s inculcate love for our compatriots – ERC

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he Chairman, Commissioners and Staff of the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) take this opportunity to extend greetings to all Guyanese on the occasion of our country’s 52nd Independence Anniversary.

As our brothers and sisters here on the mainland, and those based overseas, observe yet another national milestone, the pride and joy that was infused in all across our beloved nation at the time of its birth will, no doubt, be foremost.

While our history as a young nation has not been devoid of challenges, it has shown that our resilient people can unite for a common cause. The togetherness that was genuinely demonstrated by our leaders and our people when the Golden Arrowhead was raised for the first time on 26 May 1966, heralding our

Guyana, remains a rich source of inspiration for all of us to steadfastly endeavour for the realization of national unity.

This is most crucial as we work together to ensure our homeland is seen as a place which belongs to all, with none being of lesser importance.

The ERC encourages that inspiration for harmony and unity can also be drawn from the symbolic representation of our national flag which is comprised of five different colours coming together to create one beautiful mosaic.

It reminds of what can be achieved through togetherness despite differences, for the national good. Its rhythmic and unfettered fluttering not only speaks to our sense of belonging, but imbues a profound sense of nationalism.

The ERC also takes this opportunity to encourage each and every one of us to inculcate love for our fellow countrymen and women, and to harbour genuineness in our hearts for peace and national harmony.

Our diversity must never be seen as a means of polarization, but always be seen as our strength, with each coming together with what identifies them for a national common cause, like the beautiful colours of our flag.

This greatly increases our potential for our motto of one people, one nation, one destiny to be translated beyond words for the furtherance of national unity.

Once again, the ERC extends best wishes for our Independence anniversary, and trusts all will have a joyous celebration imbued with love and humanity.

Pncr Independence Message 2018

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he People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) salutes all Guyanese, both at home and abroad, as we celebrate our 52nd Anniversary as an independent nation.

The political stewardship provided by the Coalition Government over the last three years has opened new avenues for the forging of a new democratic culture, so necessary for the achievement of real independence and social progress in our country.

Our Party is confident that

if, as a nation, we can build a truly inclusive political culture, in which all stakeholders are allowed to play a meaningful role, and which can create an enabling environment for the orderly development of the nation, we can look forward to a future that is politically successful, economically selfsustaining, and culturally rewarding.

As we celebrate this 52nd anniversary of Independence, the PNCR pledges to work with all responsible and reliable

forces whose aim is to forge social cohesion and national unity. We believe that, working together, we can ameliorate the many known problems which have bedeviled our country and stymied our development.

The PNCR is proud of its record in Government and the important role that our Party and our Founder Leader, Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, played in our country’s struggle for independence.

Happy 52nd Independence, Guyana!

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saturdAY, may 26, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Abused woman stabbed to death by estranged lover …suspect commits suicide

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mother of one was on Friday stabbed at least 22 times by her estrange lover, who afterwards took his own life by consuming a poisonous substance.

Dead are 20-year-old Deorani Dyal, also called “Priya” of Lot 123 Low Land, Hope, East Coast Demerara (ECD) and 28-year-old Doodnauth Ramlall, also called “Naresh”.

Reports are Dyal and Ramlall shared a relationship but as a result of domestic violence, the woman made a decision to end the union.

According to relatives, about two months ago, the couple parted ways but the man would from time to time

visit the woman’s house. It was during one of those visits on Friday morning that events turned deadly.

Information reaching Guyana Times revealed Ramlall arrived at the victim’s house at about 09:30h but soon after, screams were heard emanating from the top flat of the wooden and concrete building.

The suspect was then seen running down the stairs with a blood-stained knife in his hands. Upon checking, the woman was found in a sitting position with blood oozing from her head, arm and face.

She was picked up and taken to the Dr Nicholas Hospital at Nabaclis, ECD

Dead: Deorani Priya Dyal

where she was pronounced dead.

At the home of the dead woman, a sister-in-law, Jennifer Dyal, who resides in the lower flat of the family

property, explained that she was attending to her chores when she heard, the woman screaming for help.

She said she ran towards the steps and it was then she saw the suspect running out with a knife in his hands. In fear that he might harm her, she stepped aside, and he ran out of the yard.

The distraught woman recalled that as she made her way into her sister-in-law’s apartment, she was confronted with her worst fears.

“Priya bin a sit down and pure blood all ova… by then I get more confused and I start scream for help… two neighbours rushed over, pick she up and put her in a taxi and tek her to the hospital,” the woman added.

Taxi driver confesses to killing Guyana Goldfields employee

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he 28-year-old taxi driver who was arrested on Thursday in connection with the murder of Neil Whyte has confessed to the heinous crime during interrogation by detectives.

After his confession, the East La Penitence man led a team of Police ranks to a taxi base at Fifth Street, Alberttown Georgetown, where he handed over several items belonging to the late Neil Whyte, along with a knife suspected to be the murder weapon.

A Police source close to the investigation told this publication that the motive for the murder was robbery. With the confession, Police are also now focusing their attention on the security guard, who might have intentionally let the suspect into the compound to carry out the robbery on Whyte, who had returned from the interior hours prior to his death.

Investigators believe that Whyte might have put up a fight with his attacker, thus the marks on his hands.

Meanwhile, the initial suspect, an ex-employee of the mining company, who was arrested at his Berbice home hours after the murder, was released from Police custody on Friday.

Guyana Times was told that the Berbician and the

Dead: Neil Whyte

late Neil Whyte had been friends, but on the Monday last, the young man indeed visited Georgetown, where he collected a friend at a popular beauty salon. Based on information received, after conducting business in the city, the young man drove back to Berbice.

This was confirmed by CCTV footage collected from the Berbice Bridge Company, this publication was told. In addition, the man provided his receipt, which also vindicated his claims that he was at home at the time Whyte was murdered.

The Police have stated that Whyte was found dead in his apartment at the Guyana Goldfields Inc headquarters between 22:22h and 23:45h.

Based on all the evidence, the first suspect was granted bail, the source said. “The timing did not march up,” a source close to the investigation told Guyana Times.

The initial suspect, who worked with Whyte at the mining company, was also in shock when he heard about the murder.

When Guyana Times contacted a family member of Whyte’s, he explained that the taxi driver is a complete stranger, and it is in that context that the family believes the security guard may have had a hand in the murder.

Meanwhile, the post mortem performed on the late Whyte’s body proved that he died from multiple stab wounds. Initially, it was reported that the man was stabbed at least seven times.

Whyte’s body was handed over to his family in order to facilitate funeral preparations. He is expected to be cremated on Monday at the Le Repentir Crematorium.

The nude and bloodied body of Neil Whyte was found on his bed on Monday evening last. At the time of the discovery, his hands and feet were bound, and several stab wounds were seen on his neck and other parts of his body.

Prior to the discovery, the security guard for the apart-

ment had told Police that Whyte escorted a friend into the apartment. He claimed the friend was seen shortly after, leaving the apartment with a haversack, claiming that he was going to collect an item. The guard also claimed that following protocol, he went to check on Whyte, and it was then the gruesome discovery was made. Whyte was expected to leave the country with his parents for Canada on Thursday evening last.

(Bhisham Mohamed)

Dead: Doodnauth Ramlall

The dead woman’s twoyear-old son was with her at the time she was brutally stabbed to death. “When I reach up the step, she son deh standing next to she with tears in he eyes,” she related.

The child would usually stay with his grandfather in the lower flat of the house but in the mornings when he leaves for the farm, his mother would collect him. Mukesh Dyal, the dead woman’s father told Guyana Times that about a week ago, the suspect had threatened to kill his daughter, but she refused to lodge a Police complaint against him. The father also noted that he was not aware that the suspect frequented his home when he attended to his farm. When questioned, the sister-in-law, who is always at home, explained

that she did not want to object to the man visiting the home since “Priya was a big girl and she did not want to intervene.”

This publication, however, leant that the now dead woman was married, and that union brought forth her son. After two years of marriage, the husband reportedly suspected that his wife was having an affair with the now dead man. The relationship turned sour and they separated. Dyal took her son with her and moved in with her father.

After some time passed, she moved in with Ramlall but after three months, she returned to her father’s home as a result of domestic violence.

Ramlall, according to the dead woman’s father, did not have a permanent job and as such, he took care of his daughter and grandson. The distressed father was in tears as he reminisced on the life of his youngest daughter, whom he described as very easy going.

Meanwhile, the killer, after committing the act, reportedly ingested several poisonous tablets before he was apprehended by the Police at Greenfield Village, ECD. He was taken to the GPHC where he was admitted under guard, but took his last breath at about 16:10h on Friday.

(Bhisham Mohamed)

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saturDAY, may 26, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Quashing of SOCU charges

High Court begins hearing Singh, Brassington case …lawyers given time to file submissions

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he first hearing of the High Court proceedings filed to quash the charges brought against former Finance Minister, Dr

Ashni Singh and former Head of National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) Winston Brassington for misconduct in

Independence…

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Former Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh (left) and former CEO of NICIL, Winston Brassington

public office, got underway on Friday morning before High Court Judge, Justice Roxane George.

Lawyers for the two former Government officials were given time to respond to the Affidavit in Answer submitted on behalf of Attorney General Basil Williams in response to their challenge of the charges.

The applicants will also have to file submissions with the court by June 29, to which the State was given up to July 9 to respond. The applicants will then have to reply to the State’s response by July 16.

As such, the next hearing of the matter is fixed for July 30 for report before Justice George.

During Friday’s in-Chamber hearing, the applicants were represented by Attorneys Anil Nandlall and Ronald Burch-Smith, while Solicitor General Kym Kyte along with State Counsel Oneka ArcherCaulder appeared on behalf of the Attorney General.

On April 12 last, the

Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) instituted legal proceedings against the former People’s Progressive Party/ Civic Government officials for what it said was “misconduct in public office: contrary to common law” as it pertains to the sale of three plots of State land located on the East Coast of Demerara. On May 8, 2018, Dr Singh and Brassington appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer to the charges and were released on $6 million bail each.

In the three charges that were advanced by SOCU, it was indicated that Singh, being the Chairman of NICIL and Brassington being the CEO in December of 2008 by way of Agreement of Sale and Purchase sold to Scady Business Corporation a tract of State land (4.7 acres) being a portion of Plantation Liliendaal, situated on the East Coast of Demerara for the sum of $150,000,000 “knowing that the said property was valued at $340,000,000 by Rodrigues Architects Associate, a competent valuation officer.”

Similarly, the other charge outlined that Singh and Brassington sold to Multicinemas Guyana Inc a plot of State land (10 acres) at Turkeyen for the sum of $185,037,000 “without first having procured a valuation of the said property from a competent valuation officer”.

Moreover, it was outlined that Singh and Brassington in 2009, by way of an agreement of sale and Purchase sold to the National Hardware Guyana Limited a tract of State land (103 acres), being a portion of Plantation Liliendaal and Turkeyen for the sum of $598,659,398 (VAT exclusive) “without first having procured a valuation of the said property from a competent valuation officer”.

In light of these charges brought on by SOCU, Nandlall had filed counter misconduct charges against five coalition Government Ministers, all of which were discontinued by the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Lawyers for the two former Government officials then moved to the High Court seeking to have the charges against them quashed.

Meanwhile, Singh and Brassington are no longer required to appear at the Magistrates’ Courts after High Court Judge, Justice Franklin Holder on Monday granted a stay on the lower court proceedings pending the outcome of matter before Justice George.

…and imitation f there was need for proof of the bankruptcy of this PNC-led Government to run the state in a manner to actually DEVELOP Guyana, it’s their facilitation of this monstrosity called “Guyana Carnival,” being dumped on us. Back in 1970, the Jaycees of Linden launched a poor man’s imitation of Trinidad’s carnival: they slapped on a made-up “Amerindian” name – Mashramani – and Bingo!!

The PNC decided that’s how we’d celebrate our Republic Day: “Tramping” behind floats and wining down to “hot music” in various states of undress.

Brought to Georgetown the following year, as the economy crumbled, it was left to the PNC Government – which had nationalised everything else! – to become the main sponsors of the “floats”. Since there was no “bread” for the “small man,” it appeared the PNC would give their supporters a “circus”!! Maybe it was also a genuflection to the sybaritic aftermath to the “revolution” by Cuffy and comrades back in 1763!!

When the PPP came into office in 1992, for a couple of years, it appeared Government’s support had waned.

The PPP’s riposte that they were focusing funds to fix the economy didn’t cut any ice: man couldn’t live on bread alone!! The PNC launched huge protests about the PPP suppressing “we kulcha”! The PPP then bigged-up Mash to the hilt from then on. Not that it earned them any goodwill!!

But with this Guyana Carnival, there isn’t even a nod to commemorating a NATIONAL event of supreme importance – Independence Day – with anything “indigenous”. While it’s billed as a “private” event – so was the original Mash – the PNC Government have gone all out since the Jubilee Bash in 2016 to shifting their priorities onto Carnival as the “thing” to celebrate Independence.

Folks were wondering why the hurry to create a huge roundabout at the intersection of Vlissengen Road and the East Coast Highway – at a humungous cost of over $100 million – when the traffic flow doesn’t demand one for another decade. Well, now we know!! The “Playing Mas” parade on Independence Day will start there and continue to the even more expensive Jubilee “Wood Ants” Stadium ($1.5 billion!) The night before was the J’Ouvert imitation held at the Marriott!! Do these people KNOW what is J’Ouvert??

The Playing Mas segment doesn’t even pretend to be something other than the Trinidadian Mas bands with their exotic, costumed members wining down to the beat of the band. The organisers invited the folks from Trinidad to teach us how to imitate them better!! Seems our local efforts at Mash didn’t measure up.

Then there are other parties like “Scorch Duck Work” – as if Guyanese need another excuse to “duck wuk”!!

It’s a “shad, shad situation”!! …and jealous spite The Muckraker published an editorial ode to “freedom of the press”. It must’ve twisted its arm patting itself on the back for helping to oust the previous PPP regime!

Nothing wrong with that. In the privately-owned media, publishers are free to pursue vendettas of their choosing while covering themselves in the cloak of “press freedom”.

It’s an open secret that the said publisher, Mohan “Glen” Lall, AKA “the Mook”, demanded favours of the PPP Government, which were denied, and that sent him into a hissy fit. Look how the PNC-awarded radio licence has now muzzled his mouth!!

The Muckraker’s suggesting it’s now being “evenhanded” in hounding this Government by attacking the Exxon contract. Now, two things: Firstly, the fella they’re attacking on the Exxon deal is Raphael Trotman, who was NEVER on their hit parade. Have they gone after Ramjattan in a comparable manner?

Secondly, they exposed their pique against Exxon when they attacked Carl Greenidge for revealing the Mook’s sonin-law’s failed bid to have the Exxon base!!

Would Exxon deal with a fella with a “shady past”?? …and acknowledgement Your Eyewitness wasn’t surprised the father of Guyana’s independence, Dr Cheddi Jagan, didn’t get much play in the Independence celebrations.

Maybe it’s for the best. He was too classy for such bawdy debauchery!

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

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saturDAY, may 26, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Opposition demands answers on 2-year Amaila Falls study …Govt’s flip-flop shows lack of knowledge – Jagdeo

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he parliamentary Opposition has taken note of the statements made by Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman, in relation to a two-year hydrology risk study being conducted on the Amaila Falls, but says there are still many unanswered questions.

While taking into account that studies were initially conducted on Amaila falls to test the feasibility of making it a hydro power station, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo told a media conference that there is limited information on the new study.

He was referring to a hydrology risk study being conducted for which the Government will be presented with a report by the end of this year, as revealed by Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman during a meeting with the

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

Parliamentary Committee on Natural Resources.

“I would like to know, who is doing this study. Who contracted the people to do the study and at what cost.

Because it’s the first time we’re hearing about this, after we’ve had last year an article where they had a headline Amaila hydro canned,

Minister Harmon said.”

Jagdeo said these are important details that the Government should seek to share with the Opposition especially since it is the first time his party has heard about this new study. The Opposition Leader noted that details of this study come just months after State Minister Joseph Harmon was quoted in the press as saying that the hydro project has been cancelled.

Harmon was quoted in sections of the media in October 2017 confirming the Government’s interest in natural gas, which will be brought up alongside oil by ExxonMobil. He had noted that because of the difficulty in soliciting an investor, a decision was taken to look at other energy alternatives.

“This, Harmon explained, that they couldn’t find an investor. And who

Fisherman jailed for possession of cocaine smoking utensil tioning in relation to a simple larceny matter that was being investigated when he was searched and the said pipe was found in his pants

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Ashrad Ally

hirty-year-old fisherman Ashrad Ally of Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara was on Friday arraigned before Georgetown Magistrate Leron Daly, before whom he admitted to having in his possession a utensil used for smoking cocaine.

He admitted that on May 24, 2018, at the Ruimveldt Police Station, he had in his possession the improvised pipe used for smoking cocaine.

The Court heard that Ally was arrested for ques-

pocket. As such, he was charged for the offence.

He has been sentenced to one year’s imprisonment for the offence.

will give them the money.

That model was a Private Sector led project,” Jagdeo explained.

“The only liabilities of the Government would have been to buy the power at a particular rate, which would have been half of the price we were generating power at that time, close to 10 cents per kilowatt. No debt and it was a Private Sector led project that would supply power.”

Political gridlock

According to the US State Department’s latest economic bureau, “political gridlock and infighting” is to blame for hampering Guyana’s development efforts in several instances. Relative to this, the report cites the example of the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project (AFHP), which the coalition Government has officially abandoned. “(AFHP), which would have been the largest capital project in the country’s history, fell apart after a decade of planning when the US developer and equity partner withdrew from the multinational development team in August 2013,” the report stated.

“The company expressed

The Amaila Falls project

concerns over political risk following objections to the venture by the then-Opposition party APNU,” the report continues. “The Norwegian Government subsequently conducted a new feasibility study on the AFHP and submitted the report to the Government.”

This is a reference to a report from Norwegian international consultant Norconsult. The new report had in fact concluded that the Amaila Falls hydro power project was the only realistic way for Guyana to achieve an emission free electricity sector. Norconsult had noted the merits of the project, such as its completed feasibility study and a higher plant load than the other alternatives.

However, the report had recommended the BOOT (Build, Own, Operate and Transfer) public private

partnership model is used.

The consultant had urged that an international investor specialising in hydro power be invited to take a majority stake in the project. It is unclear whether this advice has been acted upon by the Government.

The report states: “The only realistic path for Guyana towards an emission free electricity sector is by developing its hydropower potential. The fastest way forward is to maintain AFHP as the first major step for substituting its current oil-fired generation. AFHP was prioritised as the first hydropower plant because it was the only project with a full feasibility study completed; it has a higher plant load factor than the alternatives, a smaller reservoir and a unit cost in the same range as the most attractive alternatives.”

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saturDAY, may 26, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Soesdyke woman confesses to strangling drunken husband

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28-year-old mother of three has confessed to strangling to death her 32-year-old reputed husband on Mother’s Day. Dead is Julian Anthony, called “Yankee,” of Lot 14 Soesdyke, Back Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

He was pronounced dead on arrival at the Diamond Diagnostic Centre (DDC) in the wee hours of May 13, 2018 after Police found his body in a slumped position bearing marks of violence.

His wife, Melissa Silos, had initially told investigators that her reputed hus-

band had been imbibing, and at about 03:00h on the morning of his demise, had fallen down a flight of stairs.

She reported that she attempted to wake the now dead man, but he was unresponsive, and as such, she raised an alarm.

However, following a post mortem done on May 18, family members of Anthony began to cry foul play after the cause of his death was given as asphyxiation due to compression injuries to the neck.

Further inspections carried out showed marks of vi-

Dead: Julian Anthony

olence and redness around the man’s neck.

His mother, Shakeila Ally, who returned to Guyana on the day of her son’s death, said she had spoken to him on the previous day.

According to the woman, Ally and his reputed wife, both of whom she supported, had been encountering difficulties, and the man had requested that his wife move out.

Ally’s mother revealed that she had received a message at about 04:00hrs on the day of her son’s death,

informing her of what had transpired.

“He said, ‘Mommy, I’m happy that you are coming,’ after speaking to him that night, I got a message at 4am in the morning saying he had passed away. I needed to find out, and I needed to know who did it. This girl knows that I was coming, apparently my son told her that she needs to get out of the home,” the woman recalled last Thursday, as her son was being laid to rest.

She is calling for a thorough investigation to be carried out into the cir-

cumstances surrounding her son’s demise. As such, Division “A” Assistant Commander Leslie James disclosed that Silos was taken into Police custody for questioning in relation to the suspected murder.

The woman has reportedly recanted her previous story and told investigators that she and Anthony had had an altercation when she became annoyed and strangled him.

Charges are expected to be laid against the woman shortly.

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saturDAY, may 26, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Student prohibited from participating in Culture Day …school reportedly says traditional Indigenous wear “inappropriate”

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s students from all across Guyana decked out in their cultural wear to participate in the Independence celebrations, a student from Mae’s Schools was prohibited from entering the school’s compound after his Indigenous wear was considered “inappropriate”.

Fuming with anger that her child was unable to showcase his unique outfit after much hard work of putting it together, the child’s mother took to social media to express her disgust at the incident.

The parent explained that

the school had issued a letter to all parents encouraging that their children wear an ethnic outfit to depict one of Guyana’s six races.

“I decided to dress him like an Amerindian, and he was so happy when he left the house, as he was taught mostly by his father to be proud of his appearance and culture,” the child’s mother said on Facebook.

She stated that upon entering the gates of the school on Friday morning, her son was confronted by the security guard, who barred him from

entering and insisted that he wear a T-shirt because he was “inappropriately dressed”.

The disturbed mother related that the child was reduced to tears, and then expressed loathing for the costume, which he once admired.

She explained that if the school was skeptical about the type of costume, then a guideline should’ve been disseminated to provide information on what is acceptable.

She added that the guard’s position was supported by some of the teachers.

“All this is unfolding in

front of him, which of course brought him to tears, and later on went on (he went on) to say he hated the way he looks.

So it’s okay to dress like the other races, but inappropriate to dress like Amerindian?”

The woman’s post went viral, with hundreds of persons lashing out at the school for its position.

One popular Amerindian rights activist called for the complete banning of cultural day in schools if persons are not allowed to wear Indigenous outfits to depict Guyana’s diversity.

“It is discriminatory to subject a student to non-acceptance, non-recognition, and admittedly made to feel humiliated for wearing his traditional wear,” a former Amerindian Affairs Minister posted.

In several posts, the mother was urged to file a formal complaint at the Education National Toshaos Council.

When this newspaper reached out to the school for a comment on the matter, this publication was told that no senior staff was available to speak with the media.

The costume that was deemed “inappropriate”

12 News Golden Arrowhead hoisted as Guyana Guyana Ann rings in 52nd Independence Anniversary T

saturDAY, may 26, 2018 | guyan

The Golden Arrowhead being hoisted at the pre-Independence ceremony

he Golden Arrowhead fluttered in all its glory on Friday before thousands of Guyanese patrons gathered at the D’Urban Park in Georgetown to participate in the ceremonial flag-raising exercise that represented part of this country’s pre-Independence ceremony.

The event, Guyana’s historical 52 Independence Anniversary observance, was graced with the presence of President David Granger and First Lady Sandra Granger, along with several other ministers of the Government, members of the diplomatic corps, members of the disciplinary forces, students, and wellwishers.

This year saw performances by over 2000 students, who participated in the various cultural dances of Guyana’s six peoples, decked in the colours of the

Copies of the new edition of the Guyana Annual Ma

T A section of the performers who danced to the various cultural music

flag to represent social cohesion.

Meanwhile, a march past was collectively conducted by the National Cadet Corps, Hope Secondary, Kuru-Kuru College, Mackenzie High School and several other institutions.

The inclement weather

could not prevent the performers from showcasing their cultural pieces, done much to the enjoyment of the crowd. Then, as the skies gradually cleared, the honoured members of the Guyana Defence Force took up their positions to hoist the national flag.

he Guyana Annual Magazine 2018, dubbed the only magazine which offers a platform for emerging Guyanese writers and artists, was on Thursday evening launched in a ceremony that saw many versed and skilled writers and photographers being awarded for their contributions.

Prizes distributed to the winners of the various categories included essay, photography, poetry, short stories, visual art and drama.

Their works have been fea-

tured in the new of the magazine The keyno er, editor of the Danielle Swain, dress, revealed been two decade magazine was r that categories modified by rena after Guyanes These include Harris, Stephan Bertram Charle Caires, and Dr Singh.

She also note is a strong platfo

News

26, 2018 | guyanatimesGY.com

a Annual Magazine launched

Guyana Annual Magazine 2018

tured in the newest edition of the magazine.

The keynote speaker, editor of the magazine, Danielle Swain, in her address, revealed that it has been two decades since the magazine was revived, and that categories have been modified by renaming them after Guyanese artistes.

These included Hawley Harris, Stephanie Correia, Bertram Charles, David de Caires, and Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh.

She also noted that this is a strong platform for pro-

moting Guyanese talents, and the graduates from this programme have in the past ventured to win other highly recognised awards for their gift in the literary field.

Many past successful alumni have, through promotion by the magazine, gone on to win the Guyana Prize for Literature and competitions such as the Immersion Pitch Prize and the Code Burt Award.

“This edition is particularly important because not only does it mark 20 years since the magazine was resuscitated, it also marks the return of the competition aspect of the magazine. The Annual has come home. She has returned to her roots, which was and is to sustain and nurture emerging talents whilst honouring those who have come before,” Swain declared.

Chairman of the National Library, Petamber Persaud, in his opening remarks, highlighted that

Guyana Times senior journalist Jarryl Bryan receiving his award for his entry in the photography category

over the years, scores of literary pieces were published and regarded as wonderful art works. Additionally, the materialization of the magazine was made possible by the main benefactor, Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh.

“Within the last 15 issues, there are over 150 articles, 300 poems, 150 stories, and scores of wonderful artworks. This issue (relies) heavily on teamwork, and all of these things

were made possible through the indomitable share giver Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh.”

Some of the winners this year included Guyana Times journalist Jarryl Bryan, Amanda Richards, Scott Ting-A-Kee, Abike Barker, Jermana DeFrietas and Chabilall Persaud. The Guyana Annual Magazine is available at the cost of $1000 locally and also at the online shop Amazon.

13

Berbice security guards still seeking March, April salaries

G

uards of the Integrated Security Service, a firm contracted to provide security to Government buildings in Berbice, are calling for the service to be replaced.

The workers have shockingly revealed that some of them are yet to receive their March and April salaries, although the month of May is about to end.

They revealed that one month after that firm took over the contract to provide security to Government buildings, many of them became unhappy with the firm’s performance. They were not paid in time for Christmas, and have had to wait two more months before they were paid again. To date, some of the guards are still querying their December, January and February salaries, which they claim were inaccurately computed.

While some guards have been paid for the past two months, others continue to visit the office in New Amsterdam, Berbice on a weekly basis, seeking not only answers but payments which they should have received since March.

Some of the affected guards told this publication that are afraid to appear in the media to address the issue, having seen the fate of some of their colleagues who did so in the past. Moreover, they have been told to go wherever they want to go to lodge their complaints.

The guards say they now feel helpless, since they took their case to President David Granger on March 17, 2018 and

scores of guards in both Regions Five and Six are still owed salaries for previous months’ work.

Both the administrations of Regions Five and Six have officially distanced themselves from the plight confronting the guards, and each has claimed that it has paid the Integrated Security Service for services rendered.

The firm has been blaming the supervisors for incorrect submissions of guards’ particulars, saying that ghost names, incorrect calculations and omissions have resulted in the delay and late payment ever since it was given the contract from December 1.

The firm’s supervisory staff have denied these allegations, claiming they had supervised those same guards when they worked with another firm which had the same contract, and none of those allegations were ever made.

Meanwhile, telephones continue to be disconnected, electricity wires continue to be severed from buildings, and landlords continue to issue notices for tenants to vacate their buildings as the guards wait for the salaries due them, and desperately hope that someone would do something to assist them.

Banks and furniture stores are also issuing letters to the guards, many of whose situations are so dire they now have to borrow money from neighbours to travel to work.

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saturDAY, may 26, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

news

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saturDAY, may 26, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Political witch-hunting

More charges to come against former PPP officials – Ramjattan A

lliance For Change (AFC) Chairman, Khemraj Ramjattan on Friday insisted that there will be more prosecutions of former Peoples’ Progressive Party officials.

At a press conference, Ramjattan said the AFC is unmoved by reports stating that efforts to prosecute members of the previous Administration is motivated by political witch-hunting; making it clear that it will continue along the same path.

This position was articulated by the party’s Chairman, Khemraj Ramjattan, during a press conference at the party’s headquarters on Friday.

Ramjattan, who happens to be Public Security Minister, admitted he is well aware of the perception that they were victimising political opponents.

“I am aware that the prosecution of a predecessor who belongs to a competing political party, is likely to be

perceived as politically motivated…,” Ramjattan stated.

“We have evidence, it’s warranted and so it will move on,” he said, adding that “otherwise members of this Government may feel the need to practise selling State properties without the lawful procedures. We cannot allow that.”

In April, the State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA) had invited Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo to an anti-corruption walk.

The Opposition People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) had declined this invitation, citing several cases which SARA had failed to investigate.

The Party had noted that in the meantime, fabricated charges had been instituted against former Government officials. In declining the invitation, the Opposition Leader said he viewed the walk as it was – a mere “smokescreen” to detract from the grossest violations of the constitutional and statutory provisions

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan

regarding financial probity, transparency, and accountability ever witnessed since independence.

Further, he added that he would not participate in such a walk while members of successive PPP/C Governments and other public officials have been discriminated against, victimised, and targeted by a State-sponsored witch-hunt on frivolous, manufactured charges.

In a letter sent to SARA

Director, Professor Clive Thomas, Jagdeo stated that the parliamentary Opposition held firmly to this position, which was reflected in the PPP press release of April 14, 2018 that stated, among other things, “after being in office for only three years, the [A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change] APNU/AFC Government can easily be classified as the most corrupt Government in the post-in-

dependent English-speaking Caribbean. Indeed, its corruption is only surpassed by its incompetence.”

The letter to Dr Thomas added that “the passage of the SARA Act has given you, sir, enormous, in fact, super powers – something we abhor as it is in total contravention to human rights and due process – but sir, you have those powers, so why have you taken no action as a so-called anti-corruption champion to bring members of the present Government to book? As they say, clean your own house so that others can see the light and know you are serious about fighting corruption.”

SARA has also worked in tandem with the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU). In a highly criticised move last year, SOCU had arrested and questioned a number of top officials from the previous Government.

These arrests were in connection to property purchased at the Sparendaam sea-

wall area on the East Coast that is commonly known as “Pradoville 2”.

While the current Administration contends that the transaction is a criminal act because of the belief that the land was sold below market value, the PPP had argued that subsidised housing has always been a part of the legacy of the People’s Progressive Party.

The party had stated that countless Guyanese have benefited from lands sold below market value in the nation’s housing drive. No further action was ever pursued against these former officials and the arrests prompted resounding cries of ‘witch hunting’.

Last month, former Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh and former National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) Chief Executive Officer Winston Brassington were charged in relation to the sale of three lands to investors.

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saturDAY, may 26, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

news

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saturDAY, may 26, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Farmer dies in West Berbice accident

…ex-Cop in custody

Dead: Cleveland Fraser

A

farmer was on Thursday afternoon killed on the West Berbice Public Road, Region Six while riding home. Dead is Cleveland Fraser, also called “Dear Fish”, 73, of Weldaad Village, West Coast Berbice.

The vehicle involved in the accident is owned by the Guyana Revenue Authority and the driver is an ex-Police Officer.

Reports are the accident occurred at Washington, a short distance away from the Weldaad Police Station.

Police on Friday said the accident, which occurred at about 17:30h, involved minibus bearing registration plate PWW1865, driven by a 35-year-old resident of Golden

Grove East Coast Demerara and the pedal cyclist, Fraser.

According to the Police, investigations revealed that the minibus was proceeding West along the southern carriageway reportedly at a fast rate while the cyclist was proceeding East along the northern side of the road.

Reports are the driver is alleging that the cyclist suddenly veered South into his path and was struck down.

He was picked up in an unconscious state, taken to the Fort Wellington Public Hospital and was pronounced dead on arrival.

According to one of the now dead farmer’s daughters, Wonder Primo, her father who was a cash crop farmer, was dead when he was taken away from the scene.

“After we reach there, the hearse come like a half hour after and carry him away,” she related.

Another sister, Winifred Bentic, told this publication that she was able to speak with the driver and has a different account to that stated in the Police report.

The woman said she visited the scene of the accident on Friday morning when Police ranks took the driver, who is himself a former Police Officer, and now drives for the

The GRA minibus involved in the accident

Guyana Revenue Authority.

According to Bentic, the driver showed investigators a spot claiming that it was there the impact occurred but it was untrue. The mark was still on the road to show where he knock him,” she explained.

Her other sister noted that when she visited the scene on Thursday, while her father’s body was still lying on the roadway, it was some distance from where the bus was.

“I go to the driver and say, “you hit down this man but look how far you drag this man.” It was a far was so like he knock the man and drag him…”

Bentic, on the other hand, said she was able to speak with one of the eyewitnesses.

“He told me he saw the accident, but he is not going to say anything because he don’t want to be involved with the

Police. He say he see how the bus knock him from the back and pick him up and carry him and then pitch him off the bus.

When Guyana Times visited the scene there was a mark indicating where the bus had come to a halt. Eleven meters away another mark indicated when Fraser’s body was left and still a further eleven meters further a spot where the driver said he hit Fraser.

However, sixty-four meters from where the bus had stopped there was debris on the road indicating that the impact occurred there.

Fraser leaves to mourn five children.

The Police said a breathalyzer test was conducted on the driver, who is in Police custody assisting with the investigation and no alcohol was found in his breath.

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saturDAY, may 26, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

guyanatimesgy.com

saturDAY, may 26, 2018

19

ARCHIE

Work behind the scenes and take care of your respon(March 21- sibilities without complaining.

April 19) Structure and discipline will help you create a stable environment that will encourage you to excel.

ARIES

Socialise with peers, reTAURUS connect with old friends or (April 20- relatives, or take up an unMay 20) usual hobby that will stimulate your imagination. An opportunity to make new friends should not be ignored.

dilbert

A proposal should be looked GEMINI at carefully. Make sure you ful(May 21ly understand what’s expectJune 20) ed of you before you sign up for something that may restrict or jeopardise your progress.

If you put everything you’ve got into whatever task (June 21- or project you take on, your July 22) effort will not go unnoticed.

Expand your friendships and interests. A promising partnership is in the stars.

CANCER

Peanuts

Learn from an expert.

LEO How you go about your busi(July 23- ness and relate and react to Aug. 22) others will be the deciding factor when it comes to getting ahead or being given a unique opportunity.

Calvin and Hobbes

An open discussion with VIRGO a friend or relative will help (Aug. 23resolve an issue you’ve been Sept. 22) struggling with for some time.

If someone is being excessive, an intervention will help.

Look over your personal paLIBRA pers, pending settlements or (Sept. 23any health issues that interfere Oct. 23)

with physical activities you enjoy doing. Taking care of personal business will make you feel optimistic about the future.

WORD GAME TODAY’S WORD — PHONICS (PHONICS: FON-iks: A method of teaching elementary reading and spelling.)

SUDOKU

Open your doors and host SAGITTARIUS a get-together.

Sharing your (Nov. 23ideas is fine, but the inforDec. 21)

Average mark 16 words

mation you gather will put you in a better position when it comes time to make a decision.

Time limit 25 minutes Can you find 21 or more words in PHONICS? The list will be published tomorrow.

YESTERDAY’S WORD — INTAGLIO ingot into iota nail nilgai noil tail tailing talon tang

tango tigon tiling ting toga toil toiling tonal tong agon

ailing align alit along alto anil anti gain gait giant

gilt glint gloat gnat goal goat lain ling lingo lint

lion loan loin long loti oiling

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

Copyright 2015, Distributed by Universal Uclick for UFS

A chance to spend more SCORPIO time with a loved one is en(Oct. 24couraged.

Take a short trip, Nov. 22) engage in unusual activities and expand and explore your creative ideas and talents.

solution

Share your feelings and CAPRICORN (Dec. 22- discuss plans to make your Jan. 19) home a place of comfort. Love and romance should be high on your list, along with entertaining and self-improvement projects.

Helping others can be AQUARIUS fun, until someone takes ad(Jan. 20- vantage of you. Only offer Feb. 19) what’s warranted, and make suggestions to people who could put them to good use.

If you use your charm, PISCES good things will come to you.

(Feb. 20March 20) Reconnecting with an old crush will give you a different perspective on the past, present and future.

20

SATURDAY, may 26, 2018

Indian Premeir League 2018...

Rashid Khan gives Sunrisers another crack at CSK R ashid Khan starred with both bat and ball as Sunrisers Hyderabad secured a place in the Indian Premier League final with a 14-run victory over Kolkata Knight Riders.

Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid claimed 3-19 as the Sunrisers - who came into the second qualifier on a fourgame losing streak - success-

fully defended a total of 174-7 at Eden Gardens.

Yet the teenager's most telling contribution came earlier in the game when he smashed an unbeaten 34 off just 10 deliveries, reigniting his side's faltering innings with a flurry of late boundaries.

Rashid also had an impact in the field, playing a part in

the run out of Nitish Rana and taking a pair of catches in the deep, as Kolkata slumped from 93-2 at the halfway stage to finish on 160-9.

While they are left to lament a missed opportunity on home soil, Hyderabad move on to face Chennai Super Kings on Sunday to decide who will be crowned champions at the end of the

2018 season.

Sunrisers see the light

Openers Wriddhiman Saha and Shikhar Dhawan made 35 and 34 respectively, sharing a stand of 56 for the first wicket, as Hyderabad made steady - if unspectacular - progress before suffering a batting collapse.

The usually reliable Kane Williamson made just three and with Shakib Al Hasan unfortunately run out at the non-striker's end for 28, the Sunrisers slipped to 138-7 with just 11 balls remaining.

However, Rashid changed the complexion of the game after an early reprieve.

His second ball saw him slice a chance out to deep backward point, only for Piyush Chawla to let the ball slip through his hands and over the rope for six.

The drop proved costly as Rashid took a liking to Prasidh Krishna at the death, hitting the seamer for two more maximums as the final over of the innings went for 24 runs.

Caught in a spin

Despite suffering a disappointing finish with the ball, the Knight Riders appeared to be cruising to victory thanks to a fast start in their run chase.

Sunil Narine's 13-ball cameo plundered 26 runs and

while he perished in the powerplay, opening partner Chris Lynn kept Kolkata on course, the Australian right-hander hitting a pair of sixes to reach 48. Crucially, though, Lynn fell just two deliveries after the departure of captain Dinesh Karthik, trapped lbw as he attempted to sweep a straight delivery from the in-

fluential Rashid.

The same bowler also accounted for the dangerous Andre Russell in a hurry before holding on in the deep to dismiss Shubman Gill for 30 in the final over, in the process sealing a showdown between the top two in the regular season for the title. (Sportsmax)

SCOREBOARD Sunrisers Hyderabad Innings (20 overs maximum) W Saha † st †Karthik b Chawla 35 S Dhawan lbw b Yadav 34 K Williamson (c) c †Karthik b Yadav 3 S Al Hasan run out ( Yadav) 28 D Hooda c Chawla b Narine 19 Y Pathan c Chawla b S Mavi 3 C Brathwaite run out (Rana/†Kar thik) 8 R Khan not out 34 B Kumar not out 5 Extras (lb 1, w 4) 5 Total (7 wickets;20 Overs) 174 Did not bat: S Kaul, K Ahmed Fall of wickets: 1-56 (Dhawan, 7.1 ov), 2-60 (Williamson, 7.5 ov), 3-84 (Saha, 10.3 ov), 4-113 (Shakib Al Hasan, 15.1 ov), 5-124 (Hooda, 16.5 ov), 6-134 (Brathwaite, 17.5 ov), 7-138 (Pathan, 18.1 ov) Bowling: Mavi4-0-33-1, Krishna 4-0-56-0, Russell 1-0-9-0, Narine 4-0-24-1, Chawla 3-022-1, Yadav 4-0-29-2

Kolkata Knight Riders Innings (target: 175 runs from 20 overs) C Lynn lbw b Rashid Khan 48 S Narine c Brathwaite b Kaul 26 N Rana run out (Khan/†Saha) 22 R Uthappa b Khan 2 D Karthik (c) † b Shakib Al Has an 8 S Gill c Khan b Brathwaite 30 A Russell c Dhawan b Khan 3 P Chawla b Kaul 12 S Mavi c Khan b Brathwaite 6 K Yadav not out 0 M Krishna not out 0 Extras (lb 2, w 1) 3 Total (9 wickets; 20 Overs) 160 Fall of wickets: 1-40 (Narine, 3.2 ov), 2-87 (Rana, 8.3 ov), 3-93 (Uthappa, 10.1 ov), 4-108 (Karthik, 11.6 ov), 5-108 (Lynn, 12.2 ov), 6-118 (Russell, 14.4 ov), 7-145 (Chawla, 18.1 ov), 8-160 ( Mavi, 19.2 ov), 9-160 ( Gill, 19.3 ov) Bowling: B Kumar 4-0-38-0, Ahmed 3-0-38-0, Kaul 4-0-32-2, Khan 4-0-19-3, Brathwaite 2-015-2, Shakib Al Hasan3-0-16-1

sports

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21

Crandon honoured GCB to with encamp 14 Coach-of-the-Year females ahead Award of regional tournament

saturDAY, may 26, 2018 www.guyanatimesgy.com

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LAND for sale One transport land for sale 100x50ft at Hope Town village West Coast Berbice Price 1.2M Contact # 680-1009

property for sale Lot 15 Public Road #2 Village, West Coast Berbice 49ft x 10,314ft Length. $20M Neg. Contact # 648-7109 or 697-4818 PRIME LOCATION-PUBLIC ROAD, LOT 2 SARAH JOHANNA, EAST BANK DEMERARA. SIZE: 35*101 FT PRICE $6M NEGOTIABLE. TEL: 673-9231, 216-4063, 685-5476 LOT 38 BELLA DAM, WEST BANK DEMERARA, SIZE: 120*40 FT PRICE $4.5M NEGOTIABLE. TEL: 673-9231, 216-4063, 685-5476 Lot 15 Public Road, #2 Village, West Coast Berbice. 49ft x 10,314ft Length. $18M. Contact: 648-7109 or 686-4818

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T

he Female Senior Team will be encamped at the Chetram Singh Center of Excellence Hostel at LBI from Sunday.

They will engage in a number of preparatory exercises ahead of the Cricket West Indies Women’s Regional T20 and 50 over tournaments which are slated to take place in Jamaica from Thursday June 7-25.

Fourteen players have been selected, and six are on standby. The team Manager is Carol Nurse, and the Coach is Bharat Mangru.

The fourteen players are: Shemaine Campbell (Captain), Sheneta Grimmond, Mandy Mangru,

Esuan Crandon (right) receiving his award from Uttamkumar Isurdeen

By Clifton Ross

Shabika Gajnabi, Lashuna Toussaint, Melanie Henry, Tremayne Smartt, CherryAnn Fraser, Erva Giddings, Kaysia Shultz, Subrina Munroe, Akaze Thompson, Plaffiana Millington and Katana Mentore. The above players are asked to report to the Hostel on the above mentioned date from 16:00h.

The standby players are: Heema Singh, Shenika Campbell, Latoya Smith, Dian Prahalad, Althea Newark and Casey Charles.

Bishoo, Hetmyer

named in Windies squad for Sri Lanka D

evendra Bishoo and Shimron Hetmyer were recently named in the 13-man squad ahead of the home three Test series versus the visiting Sri Lankans.

The two Guyanese were among those selected for the upcoming home series. Bishoo, a leg-spinner, has been in good form over the past few months and recently took his Test tally past 100 wickets (102) from just 28 matches. His experience in the Caribbean as one of the leading wicket-takers in domestic cricket would have further helped cement his place in the side. With just five Tests under his belt and a best of 66; Hetmyer, the pugnacious top-order batsman, has also been in decent form following the World Cup qualifiers. The left-hander scored his maiden One Day International (ODI) ton versus the UAE and like Bishoo, his experience playing in the Caribbean could be a huge asset to the team.

A shocking but warranted selection saw veteran opener batsman, Devon Smith returning to Windies colours after a three-year absence.

Devendra Bishoo

Smith, 36, last played a Test match during England's 2015 visit to the Caribbean but a stellar run for the Windward Islands Volcanoes in the 2017-18 Regional Four-Day Tournament, where he scored 1095 runs at an average of 84.23, with six hundreds in ten matches; justified his recall.

Wicket-keeper, Jamar Hamilton has also earned selection in the elite squad for the first time, becoming the second Anguillan, behind Omari Banks to do so.

Among those left-out; batsmen Sunil Ambris and Jermaine Blackwood, Guyana Jaguars all-rounder Raymon Reifer and the fast bowler Alzarri Joseph; who is recovering from a stress fracture in his back.

The 13-man squad will start their busy summer schedule against Sri Lanka in the first Test which bowls off on Wednesday, June 6 at the Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad and Tobago. The complete summer schedule includes 5 Tests, 3 ODIs and 3 T20s, meanwhile the Sri Lanka series will also include the historic day/night Test, scheduled for the Kensington Oval, Barbados from June 23-27.

The period will also mark the 90th anniversary since the West Indies became a Test-playing nation. The 13man squad – Jason Holder (Captain), Devendra Bishoo, Kraigg Brathwaite, Roston Chase, Miguel Cummins, Shane Dowrich, Shannon Gabriel, Jamar Hamilton, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Kieran Powell, Kemar Roach and Devon Smith (Start time in brackets)

G

uyana Jaguars’ Head Coach Esuan Crandon has said he is thankful at being adjudged winner of the prestigious Coach-ofthe-Year Award following the National Sports Commission’s (NSC’s) Awards Ceremony held on Tuesday evening in the Savannah Suite of the Pegasus Hotel.

The former Guyana pacer has been among those honoured for their roles in sports during the year 2017.

Speaking with Guyana Times Sport on Thursday, Crandon said it was a privilege to win such a prestigious award.

“I’m excited that I won the Coach-of-the-Year Award, because I worked really hard over the years. So I just want to thank God for giving me the health and strength; as well, (I want to thank) my wife and kids, and the Guyana Cricket Board for giving me the opportunity to coach since 2012,” said the former pacer.

A 4-time record winning Regional 4-Day coach, Crandon has been a key figure in the team’s progress ever since taking up the role back in 2012. The Guyana Jaguars recently retained their 4-Day title for yet another season, after putting in a stellar performance in the 2017/18 season. They easily lifted the championship title which they reclaimed some three years ago.

Regarding the award, Crandon said it was a tribute to not only his hard work, but that of the team, and members of the coaching staff, who made the team’s success possible.

“I also want to give

Esuan Crandon

credit to all the players who helped to develop the team, (especially) Coaches like Rayon Griffith, Clive Grimmond, Colin Stuart, Julian Moore and Coach Hyles, along with our supporters,” he declared.

Guyana has dominated the Regional 4-Day scene, winning the Professional Cricket League 4-Day title every season since its inception back in 2013; and the Berbician has been responsible for blooding some of Guyana’s top tier players, who have been the core of the national senior teams.

Crandon says he’s “more motivated than before”, and “wants to work harder for even more success this season” as the Guyana team prepare to embark on their 5th consecutive title defence during the 2018/19 PCL Season.

Individual success has also come under Crandon’s tenure, as a number of senior and junior players who have been doing well for the Jaguars eventually went on to play for the West Indies at various levels and formats.

This was further realized when Guyana’s U-19 Team copped the Team-of-the-Year Award for winning both the 50 Over and the 3-Day titles, as well as churning out 5 Windies U-19 players.

The award-winning coach has said he is also very proud of the achievements of the U-19 Team, and hopes that members would go on to make more significant impacts as their careers progress.

“I’m happy for the U-19 Team. (The wins were) well-deserved, because they played well to win the 50 Overs and 3-Day tournaments.

Congratulations are in order for Julian Moore, and (for) the Board, who laid the structure for the team to do well; so it’s a good feat for them (U-19 Team),” he declared.

22 Archery Guyana brings disability into focus I GUYANATIMESgy.COM

SATURDAY, may 26, 2018

n an effort to further expand its following here, Archery Guyana, the local governing body affiliated to World Archery, has undertaken to launch a ParaArchery Programme in the country.

Archery is open to athletes with a physical impairment, who may shoot with assistive devices allowed under classification rules, if required. ParaArchery competition, which

includes specific competition categories for athletes with certain classifications, is an integral part of the Paralympic Games.

The first Archery competition for those with physical impairments took place at Stoke Mandeville Hospital for recovering veterans in 1948.

As participants from other nationalities became involved over the years, this event became the precursor

to the Paralympic Games.

When the first Paralympiad was held at Rome in 1960, Para-Archery was part of the programme, and it has remained there ever since.

International ParaArchery was organised by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) until 2009, when responsibility as the governing body for rules, regulations and promotion was transferred to World

Archery.

Still working closely with the IPC, World Archery promotes Para-Archery at the world, continental and national levels, including additional competition categories in tournaments outside of the Paralympic Games, to increase participation and the opportunity for medals.

During the recently held Level One Coaching Course conducted by world renowned Coach Phillip Graves, the Chair of the National Commission on Disability, Evelyn Hamilton, paid a visit to the National Resource Centre, accom-

panied by Commissioner Ganesh Singh. Also present was Vice-Chair of the Commission on Disability, Vidushi PersaudMcKinnon.

Coach Graves proceeded to run a presentation on persons with disabilities, and explained one of the sighting methods used by the visually impaired.

Participants of the course were able to witness Commissioner Ganesh Singh, who is visually impaired, utilise the tripod stand which is used as an assistive device, and after 15 minutes of tutoring, take his

first shot, n a t urall y applying t h e principles of biomechanics he was told. And he registered a score which challenged many participants into their fifth day of coaching.

Chair of the National Commission on Disability, Evelyn Hamilton, expressed her commitment to working with Archery Guyana to ensure that persons with disabilities can be involved in the sport of Archery.

Independence pool competition on today at Caribbean Beat

S

ome lucrative prizes are up for taking as Caribbean Beat, located at Pike Street & Stone Avenue, Campbellville, hosts a Banks Fest Independence Pool competition today from 14:00h. The winner is set to walk away with $50,000 and a trophy, while the person placing second will pocket $30,000 and the corresponding accolade. Third and fourth placers will be awarded $20,000 and $10,000 respectively. Several promotions on drinks will occur, and seasoned players are expected to compete.

SATURDAY, may 26, 2018

Standing alongside young Windies fast-bowler Alzarri Joseph, Torrington is aspiring to become the next fast rising player from the Caribbean

By Akeem Greene

P

romising fast-bowler Qumar Torrington is hopeful that,

once selected for national duties in the upcoming Cricket West Indies Regional Under-19 championships scheduled for July-

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Torrington wants to “bring the heat” for Guyana August in Barbados, he can push the throttle and unleash some menacing pace on pitches that should offer him support.

The inter-county under-19 tournament finished earlier this month, but there still has been no official release from the Guyana Cricket Board on who has made the final cut for the title defence.

However, it certainly will be a hard pill to swallow if the youngster, who was clearly the quickest seamer in the competition, does not make the cut.

“It would be a really good feeling to hear I would have been selected for Guyana to play in the upcoming regional U-19 tournament in Barbados. This is something I would look forward to, knowing the nature of

the pitches in Barbados -they have a lot of bounce, and one of my main wicket-taking deliveries is the bouncer, and I'm pretty sure it would be successful”, the 17-year-old told Guyana Times Sport in a recent interview.

The lanky seamer, has a smooth approach to the crease, with a slight jump before delivery. It is there that he generates an appreciable amount of pace.

While beating the bat on numerous occasions, the wicket column has not exploded, nor has he taken five wickets in three matches.

“On a scale of one to 10, I would say a 7, although I wasn't that consistent with wickets; but I gave it a 110 % effort in most games to try to put the team in a winning position”,

the Demerara Cricket Club player stated as he reflected on the inter-county tournament.

He added, “I tried to keep the ball on a good line and length, and just look for a little swing because of the pitches; so much bounce wasn't in my favour”.

This year’s tournament can see Guyana creating a dynasty in the one-day version if they can capture their fifth successive title, and the former Windies U-16 player knows that should he be in the squad, he has a vital role to play.

“In preparation, I would be working in the nets to further perfect my various skills, for example yorker, slow-ball bouncer; and try to keep my muscle memory working, so that when the tournament starts, this

would be something I would have possibly perfected, and could be successful in every attempt, so that the team can be successful in the tournament as defending champions,” he declared.

Given his ability and experience, it would not be much of a surprise if his captain sees him as one of his “go-to” bowlers, which for the Chase Academic Foundation student means no added pressure.

“Well, basically, for me pressure is something I don't really succumb to. I always back my ability to deliver for my team, and the only way that's possible is by getting early wickets for the team, to put them in a good position early on in the game”, the former national under-17 player confidently posited.

saturDAY, may 26, 2018

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Archery Guyana brings disability into focus

Pg 22

Ganesh Singh, visually impaired, preparing to take his first Archery shot under the guidance of Coach Phil Graves

Torrington wants to “bring the heat” for Guyana

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Qumar Torrington is a young fast-bowler who looks to have a promising future (Akeem Greene Photo)

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