Guyanatime 5 may 2018

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

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Saturday, May 5, 2018

Issue No. 3554

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Mentally challenged residents injured after being stripped, sprayed with cleaning detergent Page 13

Piracy massacre

2 more bodies of fishermen recovered

…all fishing activities halted …families still awaiting answers Page 3

Arrival Day

P10

Mattai’s: The Food Market From stall to grocery store to supermarket

CCJ orders NBS to pay a local P7 architectural firm outstanding $15M …for design of head office

Sister accused of killing P17 brother freed

Guyanese P9 among 6 most wanted women on Interpol’s list

13,189 students to sit CSEC, P17 CAPE exams Cyber Crimes Bill outrage

WPA demands removal of sedition clause

Surinamese officials wrapping the body of one of the fishermen, which was brought to shore on Friday, following the horrific pirate attack in Suriname

GPL slapped with fines by PUC over poor service Page 16

– service efficiency to remain under evaluation

…reminds APNU of election promise to preserve free speech …human rights body calls for removal of “repulsive” bill P14

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saturDAY, may 5, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

Piracy massacre

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, May 5 – 05:30h-07:00h and Sunday, May 6 – 08:30h-10:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

2 more bodies of fishermen recovered …all fishing activities halted …families still awaiting answers

Saturday, May 5 – 07:10h-08:40h and Sunday, May 6 – 07:50h-09:20h.

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

WEATHER TODAY Light to partly cloudy skies can be expected throughout the day and into the evening, with temperatures ranging between 22 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-easterly to North-easterly between 2.23 metres and 7.15 metres.

High Tide: 07:25h and 19:59h reaching maximum heights of 2.45 metres and 2.28 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 01:00h and 13:30h reaching minimum heights of 0.87 metre and 0.78 metre respectively.

Wednesday, MAY 2, 2018

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05 Bonus Ball

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FRIDAY, MAY 4, 2018

DAILY MILLIONS 02 07 09 23

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Surinamese law enforcement officials bringing one of the bodies to shore

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s Surinamese authorities continue to search for the missing fishermen from the two recent pirate attacks, two more bodies have been found.

Guyana Times understands that these bodies are the same ones that were spotted by the rescue team a few days ago, but they were unable to recover them due to the thick mud that were in the area. However, after returning to the area the following day, the authorities managed to retrieve the bodies, which were brought to shore on Friday morning.

This now brings the total body count to three, while five survivors have been accounted for. Between the two attacks offshore Suriname, 17 fishermen are still missing from last Saturday’s and Wednesday’s horrific attacks.

In the case of the first attack, sea bandits not only raided four boats, but brutally chopped and shot at the 20 crew members, before tying them up to heavy items such as batteries and the boat anchor and throwing them over board.

Meanwhile, authorities in the Dutch nation are having difficulty identifying the victims of last weekend’s attack, as well as the most recent one on Wednesday, which left a boat captain dead and his crew members missing.

To this end, the Surinamese Police are calling on families of the victims, most of whom are suspected to be Guyanese, to come forward and provide the Police with the necessary identification details of their missing relatives.

The Police note it is important for investigators to have a complete list of the correct details (name, first name, birth date, ID number or passport number) of the victims, and so the families are being urged to contact or visit the Department of Capital Crimes located at the Havenlaan Zuid number One, (Police Station New Haven, top floor). They are being asked to walk with relevant documents, such as copy ID card, passport and photo). The Capital Crimes Department can be reached at numbers 403645/403252.

Moreover, Secretary of the Fishermen Collective in Suriname, Mark Lall, told

Guyana Times during a brief interview on Friday that, in addition to contacting the Police with the correct identification information of their loved ones, they should also check with the boat operators to ensure that those

persons were indeed on the five boats that were attacked during the past week.

Asked why the boat operators have not provided this information on the identity of their workers, Lall explained that most of the fishermen go by ‘sea names’ and so their real identities are unknown to the boat owners.

“That is the problem, the boat owners know the fishermen mostly by their call name, which is a normal thing we noticed for Guyanese people. Your name can be, for example, Lall but the only name you’re known as is “Fatman” because that’s your calling name… So it’s important that the families make contact with the Police authorities and the owners whose boats and workers were victim of piracy, to find out if their loved one was on the trip,” he stated.

Lall noted that some boat owners have decided to halt operations at sea temporarily as fear of imminent attack

looms.

There have been reports that two fishermen who were believed to be out on the boats that were attacked, and listed amongst those missing, turning up safe and sound after not being able to make the trips.

Among those Guyanese who are missing from last weekend’s incidents are: Ramesh Sanchara; Ganesh Persaud, Vickey Persaud, Glenroy Jones, Bharat Heralall, Ralph Anthony, and Tiaknauth Mohabir.

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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

Marketing of local products

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quick glance at the shelves in most of the supermarkets in Georgetown and its environs will show that, in spite of several campaigns being carried out to encourage consumers to ‘buy local’, more foreign products are being offered to consumers, sometimes even at higher prices.

Just last weekend, “Buy local” was a prevailing theme of the ‘Uncapped’ agro processors expo held at the National Stadium. At the expo, there were several local exhibitors encouraging citizens to support locally-produced items.

Supermarkets were also urged to stock local products, so as to give consumers more choices.

This was indeed a good initiative, and efforts such as these must be continued on a more regular basis. Such initiative provides an opportunity for agro-processors to showcase what they can offer; and, more importantly, provides a platform to introduce consumers to top quality local products which could be had as against foreign ones.

In the past, supermarket managers, though not dismissing the quality of local products, claimed it was easier to stock foreign products, and that consumers have a preference for such products, and as such, there is a greater turnover. It should be noted, too, that many local producers have claimed that the supermarkets would buy only limited quantities of their products, despite the fact that their prices were competitive.

The Guyana Consumers Association (GCA) has also been pushing local products, and has even suggested that if the local product is of good quality and is being offered at a competitive price when compared to foreign ones, then it would be in the consumer’s own interest to support locally produced items. The GCA had stated that when consumers go into supermarkets, they should ask for local products; noting that if they keep buying foreign products, the supermarket owners would continue stocking foreign products.

Buying local products generates wealth and employment locally, and is of as much social as of economic benefit to communities and the country as a whole. Supporting local is something which all countries, even the wealthy ones such as the United States, advocate in one guise or another, despite talk about globalization and free trade.

Buying local is of ultimate benefit to the consumer himself; and it is easy to buy local if one analyses and compares the local product with its foreign equivalent. In doing such comparison, one should begin with food and drink. Food products produced locally are fresher and more nutritious, and in most cases are organically produced. Local vegetables are much less expensive than the foreign ones.

While we are not advocating that supermarkets or other retailers should limit the choices to consumers in any way, many consumers would agree that some local products are as good as, or even better than, the foreign ones; but yet, as a result of long indoctrination, they almost mechanistically buy the foreign ones.

That said, we just cannot assume that consumers would change their attitudes to local products overnight.

It requires much effort from both the Government and the mainstream private sector to encourage persons to support local products. While there have been campaigns in the past to encourage persons to buy local, such efforts were limited; they were basically ‘food fairs’ with minimal participation from local companies and citizens. Events such as ‘Uncapped’ should be held in all regions of Guyana, with a focus on showcasing the potential of local agro processors and creating a network of support for such companies.

Additionally, some analysts have pointed out that the vast majority of the local manufacturing initiatives have been undertaken on a small scale, with minimal financial investment. In most cases, there is hardly enough money allocated towards ensuring that those local products are effectively marketed.

We urge the Government, in particular the Business Ministry, to take the necessary steps that would really begin to see local products being pushed on the market. The Government must allocate the necessary financial resources that would ensure a suitable environment is created to support the development and marketing of local products.

These school girls were seen on the Bartica, Region Seven beach enjoying a game of hopscotch as they begin their holiday weekend (Lakhram Bhagirat photo)

Local governance is in trouble Dear Editor, The coalition Government’s approach to addressing local governance matters is one of disruption rather than problem-solving and developmental, when one considers the treatment of legitimately elected Councils in most Local Authority Areas (LAAs). The interference and disorder created by this line of attack is one of forceful suppression, instead of working to win the confidence of citizens and residents.

The Communities Ministry has been manipulative and busy, making all efforts to control the Administration at all levels of the Local Government system.

Numerous frauds taking place in the LAAs have been reported and these must be fully investigated.

The Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs) have full responsibility to monitor and over-look all financial transactions that are taking place at the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs), in the absence of the full activation of the Local Government Commission.

The overseers, tax collectors and the entire administrative staff at the NDCs are currently working under tremendous influence of the Communities Ministry .

It is indeed sad that the Minister has taken steps to

minimise the monitoring role of the Councils, by removing the Council’s capacity to discipline staff. Meanwhile, administrative officers are being directed to prioritise the Ministry’s agendas against that of the Councils. Under such conditions, many administrative staff has become ‘power drunk’. This is evidenced by the now numerous occurrences across LAAs. Recently, the Chairman of the Grove/ Diamond NDC’s Finance Committee, perused the financial records of the Council and discovered massive fraud. The seriousness of the matter cannot be understated since it is alleged that the Tax Collector and District Development Officer (DDO) from the Region Four office, are the persons who were involved in questionable transactions.

The fact that the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change sought it fit and proper to take an Overseer from Mocha to work in the office at Grove NDC’s office speaks volumes. Notwithstanding, it is the DDO from the RDC who conduct checks several times weekly at the Diamond Grove NDC’s office, to ensure that the receipts and expenditures of the NDC are properly validated. It is indeed disgusting to learn that both the DDO and the Tax collector resign abruptly and dis-

appeared.

Many questions are not being answered and although the Police were called in, there seems to be a measure of slothfulness in dealing with the matter.

However, the Police took action at the misappropriation for a much smaller sum and locked up the victim over in West Demerara and the money was re-paid. The Grove Diamond NDC’s Councilors are calling on the Auditor General Office and Local Government Commission to investigate the 21 million-dollar fraud at the NDC. Another massive fraud occurred at the Herstelling/ Little Diamond NDC and again the Overseer is the questionable person.

Further, the 2016 subvention from the Government is on hold and yet to be spent.

The 2017 subvention is in limbo as the region took over the tendering process for the works to be done. To date, the NDC is waiting the ‘crusher run’ to do the patching of the very bad streets and roads.

The battle over the use of subventions between NDCs and the RDC continues to lead to many frustrations as planned activities within LAAs are being influenced or stifled. The Caledonia/Good Success NDC is experiencing another glaring example of this shortcoming. This NDC use their 2016 subvention to

purchase heavy-duty equipment which was received in December 2017 after a keen struggle. It is sad to know that the NDC cannot get the permission to employ an operator to date.

Further, this NDC advanced to the RDC, plans to have four community projects completed with their 2017 subventions. However, the RDC administration’s reply, informed the NDC that the money can only do two of the projects. After months of discussions and deliberations, the NDC was given the opportunity to do the four projects which they completed to the community’s satisfaction; with the same amount of money that the NDC tendered for.

It is clear that the regional officers are keen on allocating work projects at very high cost to their friends and families. The NDCs are following this weekly-view and they are now engaging us with their numerous issues.

This column will continuously visit, investigate, engage the appropriate agencies; and follow-up in the interest of good governance of our Communities.

We would like to see the Local Government Commission investigating these matters.

Sincerely, Neil Kumar

Essequibo Cricket Board President owes Beaton a public apology

Dear Editor, It was with deep disappointment that I read an article in the May 3, 2018 edition of the State-owned newspaper under the headline “Bacchus defends Essequibo Cricket Board, Guyana Cricket Board on Beaton’s bowling ban”.

Disappointed because over 30 years as a club official at the St Francis Youth Club and the Rose Hall Town Youth and

Sports Club (RHTY&SC), I have learnt that leaders must be compassionate and respectful to those they represent.

It is simply unbelievable that acting President of the Guyana Cricket Board would push Ronsford Beaton further down the tunnel when all he needs is love, compassion and a helpful hand to overcome what is surely a temporary setback.

The million-dollar ques-

Fizul Bacchus

tion is why has Beaton being allowed to represent Essequibo, Guyana and the West Indies over the years if he is too indiscipline. Why has the Essequibo Cricket Board not provided the necessary counselling for this talented player, who was the first player from the county of play for the West Indies as Ramnaresh Sarwan is identified as a Demerara player. continued on page 5

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

Stark reminder of relegation by this coalition Govt Dear Editor, The commemoration of Arrival Day on May 5, 2018 has arrived again, and the wrecked monument site at Palmyra is a stark reminder and symbolic of what Indians and Guyanese as a whole have been relegated to by this coalition Government in just three years.

On March 15, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Venkatachalam Mahalingum unveiled the site for the Indian Arrival monument at Palmyra Village. The struc-

ture to be built was supposed to display six bronze figures of three men, two women and a child illustrating Indians in their daily lives.

However, from the inception the construction of this monument was shrouded in secrecy, even the Regional Democratic Council was not given the bills of quantities or informed about the name of the contractor so that the region can be an oversight body during the construction.

In addition, it was long after the collapse that it was then revealed that Alternative Contracting Enterprises

The collapsed structure at Palmyra Village

was given the contract even though he was not the lowest bidder. This also tells the corrupt nature of the award

Ulterior political motives to prejudice my reputation Dear Editor, The sacred text Exodus 20:16 states, “You should not bear false witness or testimony against your neighbour.”

It forbids speaking falsely in any way whatsoever, lying, equivocating and speaking unjustly to prejudice the reputation of another.

The letter appearing in the Kaieteur News on May 4, 2018, titled “A Bishop Edghill never seen before”, is a fabrication and is carefully designed with ulterior political motives to prejudice my reputation.

For the record, I, categori-

cally, deny ever having a conversation with Bishop Joseph G Fisher or anyone whatsoever about the alleged matters contained in this piece of mischievous narrative, in or out of Guyana.

The only two statements that are of some factual basis are publicly known, those are: 1. that I am indeed a member of the International Communion of Charismatic Churches (ICCC) since February 1995, and have travelled around the world attending conferences; 2. and that my mother re-

sides in the USA. Finally, this falsehood must be seen for what it is, that is, desperation on the part of political opponents on a smear campaign against me and the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C). My activism and political engagements are premised on positions of principle and morality.

My prayers are with those who admire me awkwardly.

Yours truly, Bishop Juan A Edghill PPP/C MP

Essequibo Cricket Board...

I am in total shock that a national cricket leader would attack a West Indies player and say you cannot talk to him. Respect is earned over a period of time, if a player has your full confidence and respects you, he would talk to you. In this modern world where youths have more independence than the past generations, leaders have to show love, compassion and most importantly, respect the opinions of youths.

We must show patience when they are quick to react, to show compassion when they need it and as a cricket administrator, we must always put their development ahead of our own agenda.

Our mission must be service to them and not the other way around. Cricket administrators when they leave their positions must be remembered for making positive differences and not for any selfish motives.

As President of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) and Secretary/CEO of the RHTY&SC, I have worked overtime to develop working relationships with each one of the players. I want them to view me as a big brother, a friend and their biggest supporter.

I would be there at any time of the day to offer love when it is needed, to lift up their spirits when it is down and to make sure that I do everything in my power to

assist them to fulfil their full potentials.

No amount of indiscipline would stop me or the BCB from reaching out to our players as we should always remember that even if a clock stops working, it still carries the correct time two times per day. Berbice players such as Devendra Bishoo, Veerasammy Permaul, Anthony Bramble, Keon Joseph, Romario Shepherd, Eon Hooper, Clinton Pestano, Gudakesh Motie, Shemaine Campbelle, Shabika Gajnabi, Tremayne Smartt and others know they have a friend who would defend them at all cost and they have the full confidence that there is always a shoulder to lean on.

Of course, if they exceed the discipline level, they also know that the book would be

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thrown at them to face full penalty. This would be done within chambers and not in any daily newspaper.

I would like to extend best wishes to Ronsford Beaton for the future and to reassure him that in the BCB and Hilbert Foster you have friends. We are willing to assist in any way possible and we would stand by your side in both bad and good times.

I personally think that the Essequibo Cricket Board President owes the young West Indies fast bowler a public apology. My simple advice is that love, compassion and loyalty do more than fear, disrespect or power.

Sincerely, Hilbert Foster, President, BCB

itself.

It must also be recalled that the designers had warned the contractor that the base of the monument was built too high and that it cannot accommodate the plans and designs and the placement of the figures among other things. Their warnings went unheeded.

After the collapse of the unfinished monument, an engineer confirmed that the contractor did substandard work. He said that, ‘They were backfilling the inside of the building, but they did not tie the structure to avoid what happened. The concrete is still not yet fully cured, and they should have used steel to tie the walls

from the insides to keep the structure in place. The other option would have been to secure it from the outside.’

Even workers on site had complained that they were not being paid and that they hardly saw the contractor. This alone would suggest gross negligence by the contractor. It is alleged that some of these workers are still to be paid.

But what has become of this contractor? Was he blacklisted? Was he paid for the substandard work?

This contractor continues to get contracts by the Government and at the RDC Statutory meeting on Thursday, it was revealed by the Vice Chairman that the contractor was already paid $80 million for the collapsed structure! The total contract sum was $97 million.

It is an insult to one’s sensibilities that 82 per cent of the contact sum would have been gifted to this contractor when a casual inspection by any engineer would have unearthed the grossly substandard work that was being done! Who certified the work at various stages to facilitate payments to this errant con-

tractor?

However, this collapsed monument probably was foretelling what lies ahead since we saw the descendants of these Indentured servants being treated with such rancor and disdain by this Government to the extent that their livelihoods are at stake, their children are starving and cannot afford the basic necessities of life while those in Government are enjoying the ‘good life’ including the ‘arkatis’ (professional recruiter of indentured servants) Indians who ‘sold’ them.

On this day there is need to do serious introspection as to whither are we going as a nation when there no longer exists equal employment opportunities and corruption is engulfing every facet of our lives. Our leaders must respect our people and give some relevance and credence to our motto: ONE PEOPLE ONE NATION ONE DESTINY! Guyana belongs to all of us!

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf RDC Councillor, Region Six

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Reflect on selfless, invaluable contributions of our ancestors – PPP

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he People’s Progressive Party (PPP) takes this opportunity to extend greetings to all Guyanese on the occasion of Arrival Day, observed on May 5. It is a day of much significance, and one that has been designated to commemorate the arrival of all Guyanese ancestors, who came to our nation’s shores at various points of our history.

Arrival Day also affords us the opportunity to be imbued with a tremendous sense of pride, and to reflect on the selfless and invaluable contributions our ancestors and their descendants made to the development of our nation.

Their untold sacrifices and resoluteness, which must not be allowed to be forgot-

ten, led to the building of a strong nation and to improved standards of living for future generations.

The determined efforts of our ancestors -- despite the hardships they faced -- to remain steadfast and to preserve their cultural traditions have led to the creation of a rich and colourful mosaic, which is our multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multi-cultural Guyana. This diversity has become our hallmark.

As we all observe this day, and pay homage to our ancestors who braved dark seas during their arduous journey, our Party urges reflection on their valiant efforts, so that we can all continue to be inspired and be better able to contextualize the value of our gains.

Inspired by the sacrifices and achievements of our ancestors, we must remain determined to build upon the gains that have been made: to ensure that our country remains a place for all of it sons and daughters; to safeguard our hard won freedoms; to ensure that peace is not compromised; and to ensure that the safety of our people is paramount.

Our Party would also like to commend all those who have worked steadfastly over the years, and those who continue to do so, in the promotion of activities designed to foster greater awareness, and preserve our history, values and cultural traditions.

Happy Arrival Day to all!

PNCR salutes contribution of East Indians

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he People’s National Congress Reform joins all like-minded groups here at home and in the diaspora in celebrating the 180th anniversary of the arrival of East Indians in Guyana.

This occasion offers opportunity for the nation as a whole to recognise the important role that our East Indian ancestors and fellow compatriots have played in the development of Guyana.

The Party also believes

that this is an opportunity for the nation to understand that we all share a common destiny, and that racial harmony, tolerance and understanding are essential to the further and overall development of this country. The development of Guyana can no longer be deferred. It is therefore essential that all stakeholders, especially political parties and all relevant social groups and organisations, make a firm

commitment to exercise honesty, maturity, and good judgement in order that this nation can put an end to racism, which has often stymied the development of our society and nation.

The PNCR therefore calls on all our citizens to reflect on the significance of this occasion, and to take to heart the lesson that racial harmony and understanding are the keys to our survival and long-term development.

IAC Arrival Day greetings T

he Indian Action Committee (IAC) wishes all Guyanese a Happy Arrival Day, and especially calls upon all citizens to remember the 180th Anniversary of the Arrival of East Indians to Guyana.

The IAC, an organization which promotes and preserves Indian culture and deals with the issues and concerns of persons of Indo-Guyanese origin, has, over the years, provided Guyanese with historical information regarding the arrival of just over 239,000 Indian immigrants, who came to this country aboard 245 coolie ships which made a total of 534 voyages across the Kaalaa Paanii between 1838 and 1917.

The IAC has also clarified and corrected statistical errors pertaining to the arrival of the first two coolie ships, the WHITBY and the HESPERUS, which between them landed a total of 423 persons, including 382 indentured males, 14 indentured females, 21 children and 6 Christian Anglo-Indian interpreters/ superintendents.

The IAC, as the organisation has done over the years, continues to recognize the endeavours by these Indian immigrants and their descendants, the persons of Indo- Guyanese origin, to develop this country.

The IAC, which has recognized important contributions by giving awards

to persons from Berbice, Demerara, and Essequibo, is aware that tens of thousands of East Indians have made valuable efforts in all fields of human activity in this country, including business and commerce; banking and finance; the sugar and rice industries; coconuts and other crops; fishery and livestock; mining and quarrying; forestry and sawmilling; education and academia; medicine and law; journalism and communications; accounting and insurance; private and national security; the hospitality and aviation sectors; the alcohol and beverage industries; sport and entertainment; culture and religion; and politics and governance.

As all Guyanese share in this commemoration, the IAC is cognizant of the sharp downturn in Guyana’s economy over the past few years, evidence being the steadily declining economic growth rate and the worrying fact that the country’s foreign currency reserves have dropped below US$500 million for the first time since 2009. And in combination with global economic events, hardships have fallen upon the poor classes of Guyanese, especially those dislocated in the sugar industry and those currently threatened by the planned downsizing of part of the bauxite industry.

The IAC is saddened by the surge in criminal activ-

ity in recent years, and is shocked and horrified that on the eve of this significant commemoration, in excess of a dozen Guyanese fishermen have been brutally murdered by pirates, believed to be other Guyanese fishermen.

The IAC is nauseated by the egregious sedition clause that was included in the proposed Cyber Crime Bill, and calls upon all Guyanese to oppose this deliberate act to deny the citizens of this country, including those of Indo-Guyanese origin, the democratic right to feely express themselves without fear, since it runs contrary to international norms and violates our supreme law, the Constitution of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana.

Today, when the IAC looks back, the organisation is amazed at how those groups of seemingly helpless Indians, many of whom were illiterate, speaking in different tongues, following different customs, belonging to different religions, belonging to different castes, over the generations, managed to fuse together while seamlessly merging into the wider environment to become the strong pillar of Guyana, a young nation born out of sweat and toil, along with similar endeavours of the other ethnic groups that comprise this nation.

A Happy Arrival Day to all.

GAWU urges reflection on past challenges A s our country once again observes Arrival Day, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) takes the opportunity to extend greetings and best wishes to the people of Guyana.

The observances always serve to remind us of the rich diversity and the unique multi-cultural composition of our nation. Indeed, it adds to the specialness of Guyana that people of different backgrounds can co-exist in har-

mony and unity as they all seek to improve their lives -a goal linked to building our country, which will surely augur well for the future generations.

Arrival Day – May 05 – though largely associat-

ed with the arrival of East Indians, reminds us of all indentured immigrants brought to our land. Our research advises us that outside of the East Indians, the Madeiran Portuguese came in May 1835, the Chinese in

1853, as well as a few other ethnicities during that phase of colonialism. We are aware that the colonialists also brought labourers from Malta, Ireland, Germany and England.

Arrival Day also reminds us of the reasons for the indentureship system. The then immigrants who replaced the emancipated slaves were made to toil in the fields of the sugar plantations to enrich the foreign owners of the plantations. Indentured labourers and their families were forced to exist in inhumane and atrocious conditions. And, like their compatriots, they were forced to engage in several struggles, which gave us several martyrs, in order to bring about small improvements and meagre benefits in their lives and working conditions.

Today, as we celebrate Arrival Day, the GAWU cannot fail to observe that the industry that occasioned our diversity is under severe threat.

We are disheartened to note that the sugar industry, a large source of sustenance for thousands of Guyanese, has been minimized. For the workers and their families, the cane farmers, the shop owners, the market vendors, the bus drivers and others, the Sword of Damocles hangs

over their heads as they are thrown into a state of great uncertainty and anxiety, as the Administration, without remorse, closed the doors of several estates.

It is disturbing that, at this time, the heirs of the labourers, along with other fellow workers, are forced to contend with harrowing circumstances arising from closure. It is especially disturbing for the Union that such thoughts are entertained, especially when they are unnecessary. Sugar, we reiterate, has all possibilities of success, but, among other things, requires the active and material support and confidence of the powers-that-be.

As we celebrate Arrival Day, the GAWU urges all Guyanese to spare a moment to reflect on how far, as a people, we have come; the challenges we overcame, and the successes we have recorded.

At this time, when we ought to be looking to reach new and higher plateaus, we see concerted efforts that would very likely reverse much of the progress we have made, and in which we can rightly take pride. Let us resist such efforts and get back on the development track.

GAWU joins with all Guyana to celebrate Arrival Day.

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CCJ orders NBS to pay a local architectural firm outstanding $15M …for design of head office

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ocal financial institution – New Building Society Ltd (NBS) – was on Friday ordered by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) to pay over $15 million to a local architect for works done on its new head office building located on Avenue of the Republic and North Road, Georgetown.

The CCJ discharged a stay of execution that had been granted in a lower court, thus enabling the company, Rodrigues Architects Ltd, to recover the balance of monies due.

In 2015, High Court Judge, Justice Rishi Persaud ordered the building society to pay Rodrigues Architects Ltd the sum of GY$15,897,625, plus six per cent interest per annum from November 27, 2008 to September 29, 2015, and thereafter at the rate of four per cent per annum until fully paid. Additionally, the court had ordered $100,000 for costs.

He further ordered that there be a stay of execution for a peri-

od of six months from the date of the order.

No judgment, however, has yet been delivered to provide reasons for the order.

New Building Society Ltd applied for a stay of execution of the judgement pending the appeal.

Justice of Appeal BS Roy granted the stay until the determination of the appeal but ordered that the judgement sum due to Rodrigues Architects Ltd be deposited with the Registrar to be put in an interest-bearing account to await the outcome of the appeal. Rodrigues Architects Ltd failed to get Guyana’s Court of Appeal to overturn Justice Roy’s decision. The company then applied to the CCJ to discharge the stay of execution and obtain the deposited sum.

The CCJ, after reviewing the affidavit evidence, found that Justice Roy had erred in making his orders and the Court of Appeal had erred in reviewing those orders and letting them stand.

2 more bodies...

From page 3

The missing men so far identified are: Tilaknauth Mohabir, 50, also known as ‘Kai’; Ganesh Beharry; Ralph Anthony Couchman, 19, also known as ‘Burnham’; Ramesh Sancharra, 48; Glenroy Jones, 21; Randy Burnette; Ramnarine Singh; Bharat Heeralall, also known as “Record”, 49; Bobby Ibrahim; Sunil, known as Poddock; Mahesh Sarjoo, 35 and Rajkumar Bissessar.

On the other hand, even as the Surinamese Police urge relatives to provide identification details, frustrated families in Guyana continue to lament the lack of information forthcoming from authorities both here and in the neighbouring Dutch-speaking country, while they are also awaiting an active response from the Guyana Government.

Many of those families have since travelled to Suriname with the hope of getting answers about their loved ones.

The brother of one of the missing fishermen, Ramnarine Singh, told this newspaper relatives want the Guyanese authorities to get involved with their Surinamese counterparts, so that the necessary information can be filtered down to anxious families, while assistance can also be given wherever needed.

“We just want to know something, if he dead or alive… and if he dead, then we want the body to come back home, and we would need help with that, and the Government should do something to help with this,” Kenrick told this newspaper.

Furthermore, calls are also being made for the Guyana Government to step up and work along with the Dutch authorities to ensure the safety of fishermen.

“This situation is a terrible one, and something has to be done. For a long time this will continue if somebody does not put their foot down and stop this… The Suriname and the Guyana governments have to do something,” another concerned relative, Gildarie Persaud, urged.

Thus far, Police in Suriname has seven suspects in custody, and they are being grilled on last weekend’s attack. Meanwhile, over in Guyana, ranks in ‘B’ Division (Berbice) have also arrested four persons over the past three days for questioning on the attack, which occurred in Surinamese waters.

Speaking with the <<Guyana Times>>, Divisional Commander Lyndon Alves explained that the men were arrested on intelligence information given by the Surinamese Police.

“Based on some information passed to us, they were arrested and are presently being questioned as it relates to the Suriname attack,” he said, while opting not to divulge any further details regarding local investigations.

Among those in custody is Nakool Manohar called ‘Fyah’, of Number 43 Village, Corentyne. The man’s family has invited the media to speak

New Building Society Ltd

“No stay should have been granted because it had not been shown that there was a good prospect of the appeal succeeding nor that there was no reasonable probability that the company would be able to repay the money received from the building society if the latter’s appeal succeeded,” the CCJ said in a statement on Friday.

Further to that, Rodrigues, a Director of the company who has been in business for over 35 years, had been prepared

with them to pronounce the innocence of the man in custody [Manohar], but refused on-camera interviews when the media arrived. However, they claim that one of the masterminds of the piracy attack resides on the East Coast of Demerara.

Meanwhile, <<Guyana Times>> understands that three of the five survivors of last Saturday’s piracy attack have returned to Guyana. However, they are all tight-lipped about the incident, saying they did not see or hear anything.

One is hospitalised locally after being discharged from a Paramaribo hospital. Another is at home after medical personnel in Suriname refused to remove a bullet from his foot.

Sources say the men were forced to come home after being unable to pay the high medical bills in the neighbouring country.

This publication on Friday tried to speak with survivors, but they have all asked not to be part of any media story on the piracy attack. (Vahnu Manikchand)

to guarantee that he would personally repay the judgement sum paid to Rodrigues Architects Ltd if the society’s appeal succeeded.

As security, he agreed that he would not encumber or dispose of a particular property of his worth over GY$50 million.

In explaining the principles to be considered when a stay of execution of a judgement

involving money is sought, the CCJ emphasised that a stay of execution is the exception rather than the rule and that the onus is on the applicant to make out a case for a stay which required the court to answer the “essential question whether, in all the circumstances, there was a risk of injustice to one party or the other of the parties if it grants or refuses a stay”.

In answering this question, the Court required four issues to be considered. First, whether the defendant applying for a stay can satisfy the court that the appeal has a good prospect of success. Second, whether the defendant could establish that he would be ruined or his appeal stifled if forced to pay out the judgement sum immediately, instead of after an unsuccessful appeal.

Third, whether there was no reasonable probability, if an appeal was successful, that the claimant would be in a position

to repay the monies paid by the defendant to satisfy the judgement. Fourth, as a last resort, whether there is a risk that the claimant will be unable to enforce the judgement if a stay is granted and the defendant’s appeal fails, when a payment of all or part of the judgement sum into court may be appropriate. For ease of reference, a checklist was added to the judgement which explained how the question about stay of execution should be dealt with where there is a money judgement.

The CCJ, with the consent of both parties at the end of the hearing, made various orders discharging the stay of execution, enabling the sum deposited with the court in Guyana to be released to Rodrigues Architects Ltd and enabling it to execute the judgement against New Building Society Ltd for the balance of monies remaining due under the judgement.

8 NEWS

saturDAY, may 5, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Chair, mattress thief remanded to prison

A

35-year-old man who stole a number of items, including a set of chairs and a mattress, was on Friday remanded to prison by Magistrate Leron Daly when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Seon Bert denied stealing the 24

chairs, mattress and air conditioning unit with a total value of $185,000, property of Nigel Pile. Police said the offence was committed on May 1, 2018 at North Road, Georgetown.

According to the facts of the matter, the virtual complainant (VC) secured his

business place on April 30, 2018, but upon his return the following day, he observed that the main access door was broken. As such, checks were made and it was revealed that the items mentioned in the charge were missing.

The matter was reported and an in-

vestigation was launched, thus leading to the arrest of Bert, after the stolen items were found in his possession. Police Prosecutor Sanj Singh objected to bail being granted the accused since he has no fixed place of abode.

He will make his next court appearance on May 25.

Man charged for refusing to give fingerprints to Police

A

man who refused to have his fingerprints taken by detectives after an allegation of break and enter and larceny was on Friday arraigned at the Georgetown Magistrates’

Courts. 32-year-old Davon Robert of Lot 91 Garnett Street, Georgetown denied the allegation when it was read to him. The allegation stated that on May 2, while being in custody at

the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), he refused to submit his finger to Constable Thompson for his prints to be taken. Police Prosecutor Sanj Singh, who did not disclose the facts of

the matter, had no objection to bail being granted, while noting that the case file is completed. Robert was granted $30,000 bail, and he is expected to return to Court on May 15.

Miner slapped with 3-year sentence for 25g of ganja

A

miner will now spend the next three years of his life behind bars after he was given a hefty sentence by City Magistrate Judy Latchman for having 25 grams of cannabis in his possession.

Twenty-five-year-

old Ravi Dev Mohan appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Friday and pleaded guilty to the charge of having the illegal substance in his possession on May 1 at 4 Miles, Port Kaituma, North West District (NWD).

Police facts state the accused was riding an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) when he was stopped and searched, during which the ganja was discovered in his possession.

The substance, according to the ranks, was dis-

covered hidden in a black plastic bag which contained several parcels in the defendant’s hoodie.

As such, he was arrested and charged with the offence. Mohan was also fined $30,000 by the Magistrate.

Sedition…

W

…in AFC ranks ell…well…well!! What’s going on here IN THE AFC’s top tier? Chairman Ramjattan says he’s FOR the sedition clause, and Leader Trotman says he ISN’T?? Ramjattan tried to pass off his retrograde stance by claiming some sort of misguided pragmatism: sedition’s already on the books, so Clause 18 in the Cybercrime Bill is just putting in in the “stratosphere” (sic) of the internet!! Can you believe this fella?

Well, your Eyewitness doesn’t!!” Ramjattan’s just playing to the PNC gallery – which is where the drive for the draconian law to silence the PPP is coming from. As Jagdeo pointed out, Clause 18 is the PNC’s 21st century version of the National Security Act, which it inherited from the British but extended after Independence to jail several PPP activists. Ramjattan fully well knows this, but, unlike Trotman, has to prove his loyalty to the PNC. More to the point, he has to sing for his supper!! Trotman’s already PNC, so he can play to the liberal gallery of the younger PNCites.

But coming back to Ramjattan: as a lawyer who presumably doesn’t leave all research to his legal clerks, he’d know there’re all kind of arcane common laws “received” from England at Independence. While maybe Guyana doesn’t have the resources to do a complete makeover of our laws to bring them up to date, surely when one of them comes up on his radar, he should recommend that Guyana be brought into the modern age?

Look what has happened to the common law on sedition in the land where it originated 700 years ago: THEY TOOK IT OFF THEIR BOOKS in 2009!! Then Under Secretary of State at the Ministry of Justice, Claire Ward, explained: “Sedition and seditious and defamatory libel are arcane offences - from a bygone era, when freedom of expression wasn’t seen as the right it is today…

Freedom of speech is now seen as the touchstone of democracy, and the ability of individuals to criticise the state is crucial to maintaining freedom”.

Why do you keep a law that was meant to prevent citizens from criticising their kings at a time when they were supposed to have been appointed by GOD??

To criticise the king was to criticise God – which was BLASPHEMY, and was punishable by death, if need be.

Sedition is the secular version of blasphemy against the king!! Imagine publication of Tom Paine’s “Rights of Man” was suppressed under the sedition laws? Is this where the PNC wants to take us back??

Ramjattan is once again shamelessly supporting the PNC Govt drive to fulfil the legacy of Burnham, as he promised.

In no uncertain terms, he should be told: Haul yuh ass!! …and PNC-Portuguese relations But it would appear in one area of national life that Granger’s striking out on a different path from both of his PNC Presidential predecessors (PPP???!!) –niceing up relations with our Portuguese citizens. Some may remember Hoyte’s outburst against “the Portuguese Mafia” when the Stabroek News – owned by the Portuguese David De Caires – was critical of some of his positions. Who knows…if he were in power then, maybe he’d have charged De Caires with seditious libel??!!

But Burnham was even more bitter against the Portuguese when he said D’Aguiar was trying to buy the PNC like a “case of used drink bottles”!! Before the CIA-arranged union, D’Aguiar had proposed funding the campaign if Burnham would concede half of the positions to the UF!! Burnham, whose motto was “tek first licks but not last licks”, actually dashed a “last lash” on D’Aguiar and his pretentions when he was effectively thrown out of the coalition before the 1968 elections and Burnham bought his MPs like used drinks bottles!!

What’s neutered Granger? Family? …against PPP supporters There’s a line which even a satirical column shouldn’t cross in a divided society like ours. And it’s up to the Press Association to monitor that line.

How come they haven’t pulled up Dem Boys for saying the murderous pirates are “Jagdeo’s supporters””??

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

News

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saturDAY, may 5, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyanese among 6 most wanted women on Interpol’s list aggravated assault, aggravated battery and possession of a knife during a felony.

Also on the list is Maria Eugênia Olmes Garcia, 74, a Cuban wanted by Brazilian authorities for criminal association money laundering.

Julie Avel

Patrica Bom

Elizebeth Marte

Maria Garcia

Nicole Russell

J

Niruka Silva

ulie Elizabeth Avel, 64, who has both Guyanese and German citizenship, is among six Caribbean women who have found themselves on Interpol’s wanted list, making them the Region’s most want-

ed women.

Avel is wanted by authorities in Uruguay for murder. The others on the list are Nicole Russell, 29, of The Bahamas. She is wanted by United States authorities for

Niurka Apolinar Pedro Silva, 53, of Guane Pinar Del Rio, Cuba is also wanted by Brazilian authorities for criminal association money laundering.

In addition, Elizabeth Cleydy Peralta Marte, 27,

of The Dominican Republic, is wanted by authorities in Argentina for counterfeiting money.

The sixth woman on the list was identified as Patrícia Terezinha Miguel Bom, 43, of Suriname. She is wanted by

authorities in Brazil for international drug trafficking.

Interpol is asking anyone with information that can lead to the arrests of the six women to make contact with the local Police or the Interpol Office in the respect countries.

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N&S Mattai original sign, which still hangs inside the store on 4A Water & Hope Streets

T

he name " " has long signified Indian spices in Guyana. In any culture, the food is the most persistent trait that survives: but it can only do so if the ingredients are made available. Mattai was one of those that identified this need and had the entrepreneurial drive to take the risk to become directly involved in importing the spices that distinguished Indian cuisine and also just as important, move to the Stabroek Market, which was the bazaar of Guyana.

savings into this venture.

Nuckshed worked with the family business for years until the passing of his parents.

This was one of the foundations of Indian entrepreneurship: the entire family supplied

Upheaval and migration

The beginning: sugar and rice

Founded by Nuckshed Liliah Mattai and Shamdayee Mattai, N&S Mattai started from very humble beginnings.

Nuckshed’s parents arrived in Guyana from India as indentured labourers. Starting out at the Uitvlugt Estate on the West Coast of Demerara, the family eventually moved to Hague Backdam where they started a rice mill to service the rice farmers who had bought plots of land on the ex-sugar estate. The father would have plugged all his hard-earned

greater opportunities. The risk was taken. Nuckshed and Shamdayee worked tirelessly to supply the public with basic groceries. This hard work paid off as the business steadily grew and the Mattai family moved from owning one stall at the market to owning seven.

In the early 1960s, Nuckshed was able to achieve his dream of owning a business in Water Street – the epitome of the Guyanese business community. He purchased the building and land at 4A Water & Hope Streets, where N&S Mattai and Company still exists today. But the couple still remained rooted in the market for a number of years.

Nuckshed often managed the seven stalls in Stabroek Market while Shamdayee managed the business in Water Street.

Harry Mattai

their labour to the enterprise.

N&S Mattai and Company was formed in 1949 with the opening of a stall in Stabroek Market. This was a bold and risky move, but the young couple appreciated that the greater number of shoppers meant

Shamdayee and Nuckshed, along with many Guyanese, faced incredible difficulty in the 1970s and 1980s, when most basic food items became banned. The business was hit especially hard since unavailability of these goods undermined the company’s survival and their family’s livelihood.

The couple made the decision to move with their children to Canada.

Continuing the inculcated commercial drive for success, the family ran a small convenience store in Mississauga for approximately five years,

which culminated in the opening of a supermarket in the heart of Toronto. During this time, the family also managed to run N&S Mattai & Company in Guyana, since the sons stayed in Guyana for months at a time with their families to run the store via a shift-like system. Nuckshed and Shamdayee regularly travelled to Guyana to oversee the business and to ensure that the company’s reputation in quality and service continued.

The return

Shortly after Nuckshed’s passing in 1994, Nuckshed and Shamdayee’s third son, Harry, returned to Guyana with his wife Bharati and their three children to run the business full time.

After Harry returned to Guyana, he was able to demolish the existing building in Water Street and construct a new building. Over the years, additional stories have been added to create the extensive building that sits on Water & Hope Streets, and today, Harry and Bharati are proud to add to the burgeoning success of the family business with the introduction of what currently stands as the largest supermarket in Guyana: Mattai’s – The Food Market, at 13-15A Water and Hope Streets, Georgetown.

Mattai’s, The Food Market, aptly named as a callback to its roots in Stabroek Market, was conceived as a means of expan-

Nuckshed Liliah Mattai and Shamdayee Mattai

sion to accommodate Guyana’s diversified dietary needs and desires, offering hundreds of products from around the world, while still preserving its core specialty of spices, dhalls and masalas.

N&S Mattai was the first company in Guyana to import Indian foods, spices, pickles, seasonings and snacks, catering to the growing Indian national community, as well as the wider Guyanese population, and Mattai’s continues to lead the market in this area today. In fact, on entering the new establishment, customers are met with the ‘Spice Market’, designed to resemble a time old market ‘souk’, brought to life by the aroma of various spices displayed against wooden shelves and jute bags. It is these touches that reaffirm the family’s claim over their history and inherent cultural pride. Anyone

who spends five minutes with Harry and Bharati can plainly witness the contentment they feel by living the legacy and carrying on the family’s name and traditions. As if mirroring family succession, Harry and Bharati’s son, Suraj, has joined the business full time, bringing a sense of modernity and current technological trends, while their daughters, Indira and Kiran, remain involved in an effort to market, create and build on their ingrained understanding of family pride.

Today, N&S Mattai and Company continues to stand proudly as a testament to the power of hard work, determination and prayer, while Mattai’s – The Food Market stands across from it as a nod to continuity, belief in progression and loyalty to a country that has provided a life for each of its generations.

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12 news

saturDAY, may 5, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

AML/CFT

Empower Judiciary to hold the corrupt accountable – SG

S

peaking of discussions for a continental free trade area in Africa that African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) states can benefit from, Commonwealth Secretary General, Baroness Patricia Scotland is calling on Guyana and other regional states to build their capacity.

She was at the time addressing a press conference at the National Communications Network (NCN) studios on Friday.

According to Scotland, her discussions with African leaders have revealed the potential for increased benefits to the Region.

But in order to benefit from this trade, she made it clear that systems in the Region must be made robust and the corrupt must be rooted out. Scotland noted the loss of revenue from public officials siphoning it off has serious implications.

According to the former Attorney General in the United Kingdom, a con-

a platform to come together.

All the Judges and the prosecutors are independent law officers and they discharge their duties without fear or favour. But we know they are being challenged. All of us are being challenged by the crooks,” she stressed.

The CFTA

Commonwealth Secretary General, Baroness Patricia Scotland as she addresses the media. On her far left are Shadrock Harouna, a legal advisor; and head of the Countering Violent Extremism division, Mark Albon

spiracy of organised crime threatens countries around the world. Debunking the myth that money laundering is a victimless crime, she noted the importance therefore of prosecutors building their capacity and holding the corrupt accountable.

“If we are to take advantage of that trade, we have to have fair and robust systems, but we also have to make sure that the cor-

rupt do not take advantage of this new delivery. And that’s part of what we’re doing here in this conference.”

“Because in the Sustainable Development Goals, if you look at the money we have and the money we need, it’s the same equivalent to that which is siphoned off around the world to corruption.”

Scotland acknowledged that while Judges and prose-

cutors try to discharge their duties without fear and favour, they are being pressured by the corrupt. She said that in order to boost anti-corruption efforts, the likelihood of crooks being caught and illicitly obtained assets being recovered must be increased.

“So what we have done, in the meetings we are having with the Judges and the prosecutors, is to give them

In March, the leaders of 44 African countries had signed a deal in Rwanda to create the African Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA). Among some of the much-touted benefits of this agreement is the removal of barriers such as tariffs and import quotas.

As part of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States and a signatory to the Cotonou Agreement, Guyana has a seat at the table when it comes to discussions about regional trade. And according to Scotland, big countries have an obligation to work in tandem with the smaller states.

As part of its mandate as chair of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF), Guyana had hosted a two-day workshop, which addressed pressing issues in the Region, including violent extremism and the financing of terrorism.

The seminar was held on May 3 and 4 at the Pegasus Hotel and was a collaborative effort of the Guyana Government, the Commonwealth Secretariat, Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). The financing of the event will be covered by these bodies.

Scotland had sounded a strong warning during her address at the opening of the CFTAF workshop for Judges and prosecutors on Thursday. She had noted that financial institutions of almost every country around the world are under threat of being exploited for criminal and terrorist purposes.

news

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saturDAY, may 5, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Hugo Chávez Centre

Mentally challenged residents injured after being stripped, sprayed with cleaning detergent

Three of the five residents who were affected by the alleged abuse

By Michael Younge

R

esidents of Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) are calling on the Government of Guyana to look into a scandal that has erupted at the Hugo Chávez Centre for Rehabilitation and Reintegration, after it was recently discovered that five residents of the Centre, allegedly fell ill after being doused and sprayed down with cleaning detergent and other chemicals because they reportedly missed a bathing session.

The incident is said to

have occurred on Tuesday and was witnessed by several staff members and others at the Centre.

An employee, who witnessed the mistreatment of the men, who requested anonymity, told Guyana Times on Friday evening that the men were stripped, placed to sit down and then showered with the cleaning detergent, which was mixed with other substances used to clean household areas.

“They did nothing wrong… they merely missed the bath and didn’t bathe for the day,”

the employee said, as it was related to this newspaper that the men, who were the victims of cruelty and mistreatment at the hands of the administrator, are mentally challenged in some cases and differently able in others.

The administrator of the Chávez Centre Carol Joseph.

The names of the victims of Tuesday’s mistreatment are Mark Kingston, Leroy Nedd, Peter Fredricks, Chris Hopkinson and Lelon Jackman.

Guyana Times also viewed video evidence of the injuries sustained by the men following the incident.

The whistleblower said no doctor or nurse was called in to aid the men who are experiencing continued discomfort. “This incident will remain internal until somebody exposes it,” the employee said.

Denial

When contacted on Friday, Joseph denied that any such incident occurred at the facility.

In fact, she questioned where the information was obtained before also vehemently rebuff-

Administrator of the Hugo Chávez Centre, Carol Joseph

ing claims that the men were doused with detergent and other substances.

“Not to my knowledge, Sir… no…That is not accurate at all…There was no incident on this centre…I am surprised”, she remarked.

“Well, what is this,” she quizzed, before saying “well your information is incorrect. I have not given any instruction like that and that is strange,” she stated during the interview.

Turn to page 15

14 News

saturDAY, may 5, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Cyber Crimes Bill outrage

WPA demands removal of sedition clause

…reminds APNU of election promise to preserve free speech …human rights body calls for scrapping of “repulsive” bill

T

he Working People’s Alliance (WPA), one of the coalition partners,

has stepped into the consternation resulting from the inclusion of the sedition clause in

the Cyber Crimes Bill of 2016, demanding that it be removed due to the threat it poses.

According to the party on Friday, the offence in fact goes against the current Government’s promise at the May 2015 General and Regional Elections campaign: that it would respect constitutional provisions to protect freedom of expression.

“Further, we affirm that censorial power is in the people over the Government and not the Government over the people. In our view, political discontent is the cornerstone of democracy, and to tamper with it is a denial of individual human rights,” the WPA said on Friday.

Any law, it noted, which seeks to criminalise free speech or to appear to tamper with it in any form is a blow to the will of the people. “A sedition law has no place in a modern democratic society. It is a historical legacy of colonialism, and should have been abolished at the time of polit-

ical independence”, the WPA has said.

According to the WPA, Guyana cannot truly call itself independent if the country still uses the “tools of the Crown” to silence or threaten dissidents. This, it noted, would be a betrayal of the anti-colonial, working class struggle.

At a post-Cabinet press conference last week, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, had insisted that the clause falls under national security.

However, according to the WPA, the clause is not only harmful, but wholly unnecessary. In view of previous cases, the party pointed to the Racial Hostility Act as one of the relevant pieces of legislation already in place to deal with threats originating from cyber space.

“We urge the Government to rescind the law of sedition, as it would signal that the state has no intention to resort to oppressive rule in the face of legitimate criticisms from the electorate, and note that there

are adequate provisions in other acts, such as the Racial Hostility Act, to treat with the relevant cases that may arise.”

Scrapping

While the “sedition clause” itself has produced an uproar, the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) on Friday noted that it is only one of the “many obnoxious features” of the bill.

The association noted that instead of protecting the principle and benefits of cyberspace users, the bill has dangerously been constructed with vague wording. It also conveys the impression, GHRA noted, of a cyberspace populated with dangerous people. “…this Bill suppresses the right to freedom of expression, encourages censorship and self-censorship, eliminates content, blocks internet sites, prompting parallels with role of morality police associated with the most repressive regimes.”

It quoted section 3, clause (1) of the bill, which states, “A person commits an offence if the person intentionally, without authorisation or in excess

of authorisation, or by infringing any security measure, accesses a computer system or any part of a computer system of another person.

It goes on to state that, “A person who commits an offence under subsection (1) is liable on summary conviction to a fine of three million dollars and to imprisonment for three years; or on conviction on indictment to a fine of five million dollars and to imprisonment for five years.”

“Cyberspace is not some form of disease that needs to be 'cauterized' lest it becomes rampant and destroy us all.

On the contrary, it is both an expression and a reflection of today's reality and that of the foreseeable future as well,” the GHRA added. It noted that draconian legislation of the kind being proposed in the Bill would have little, if any, impact on this reality, adding that a more enlightened approach “is required -- one which does not begin by seeking refuge in what will inevitably become a legislative quagmire in an already unstable criminal justice system,” The Association warned.

news

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saturDAY, may 5, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

ANSA McAL opens first Bartica branch I n celebration of 25 years of operation in Guyana, the ANSA McAL Group opened its first branch in Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), creating direct employment for 10 persons within the township with proposals for growth.

ANSA McAL’s Managing Director, Troy Cadogan said with the opening of the new store, they would be in a better position to serve Barticians who would have supported them over the years even in the absence of a local store. He noted that Bartica is the gateway to the interior that provides access to some of the fastest growing areas in the hinterland. Cadogan said the

the past two years have been a challenge, but they are committed towards moving Bartica forward and ensuring the people are developed.

“We also want to focus on the investment in our people and we have had a number of street parties… a lot of investment in party like events, but I think if you are

The new ANSA McAL Bartica branch

new branch would serve as a wholesale depot, offering all of the company’s products while providing a better service to the residents without competing with the company’s longtime customers. He further explained that the pricing structure

for the products would be the same as that offered in Georgetown.

Meanwhile, Bartica’s Mayor Gifford Marshall said the launching of the new branch is timely since it coincides with the town’s second anniversary. He said

Mentally challenged residents...

Joseph pointed this newspaper to the Public Relations Department for the Social Protection Ministry as she invited this newspaper for a tour of the facility. She also denied verbally abusing staff members and depriving residents of a well-balanced meal.

“I don’t know who is doing this but some of these residents eat way better than some peo-

ple on the road,” she stated, as he explained that “she is one of the nicest persons” to deal with.

The Centre was opened by former Social Security Minister, Dr Jenifer Webster back in 2013. It is fully self-sufficient, following the successful implementation of a programme launched in June 2017.

Named for the late Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez, the

From page 13

Centre which is one of the main food suppliers to State benevolent centres, produces organic vegetables, chicken and fish.

Homeless persons from across Guyana are housed at the Centre, which has separate dorms for males and females, a kitchen, recreational, medical, training and dining facilities and conference rooms.

going to build a community that our business community can benefit from then we have to invest in our people,” Marshall added. The Mayor urged the business community to embrace green practices that preserve the environment while keeping in line with the green agenda of the town. Additionally,

Regional Chairman Gordon Bradford lauded the company for their history with the town and urged them to continue to grow within the region.

As a part of giving back, the company launched a public servant competition with a $500,000 prize for the best teacher, nurse and Police Officer respectively.

16 news

saturDAY, may 5, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

GPL slapped with fines

by PUC over poor service – service efficiency to remain under evaluation

T

he Guyana Power and Light’s (GPL) inefficiency in service delivery has earned it a fine from the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), with a threat of more evaluations hanging over the company’s head like a proverbial sword of Damocles.

According to the order, dated April 25, 2018, GPL will have to forfeit five per cent of its total dividend payments for 2017. It noted that despite cautioning the power company in a previous order, certain expectations for service quality were not met.

It was found that one area GPL underperformed was in reaching its service interruption target. While they were supposed to limit their system Average Interruption Frequency during the year to 75, their average was actually 128. They also performed below par in the System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI).

“The intent of this standard is to limit the duration of outages that a consumer would have experienced during the year to no more than 85 hours. The average duration experienced by consumers during the year 2017 was 133.18 hours,” the Commission stated.

“The company's explanation in not meeting this target was similar to that for not attaining SAIDI; namely that the shortfall in generation together with the instability of the transmissions system resulted in longer than intended outages.”

While GPL’s explanations for not measuring its voltage regulation were accepted, the PUC did not buy its explanation for customer interruptions.

Therefore, the Commission noted, adequate measures to mitigate their generation shortfall should have been taken.

The Commission also issued a warning to the company; that its performance would continue to be monitored. It therefore urged GPL to implement incremental changes that the customers would actually feel.

“The Commission recognises that the operating standards are set within the framework of the company's existing infrastructure and cash flow limitations. However, some of the standards fall far short of what constitutes an efficient utility.”

It noted that in fulfilment of its obligations and having considered the extent to which GPL has failed to meet the Operating Standards and Performance Targets (OSPT), “together with the impact on the Licensees' consumers, hereby fines the company in the amount of five per cent of the total value of the dividend payable to the company's shareholder. It is the Commission's fervent hope that there will be incremental improvement in the quality of service to consumers in 2018 and beyond.”

In a bid to revamp its operations, GPL recently appointed Albert Gordon, a Jamaican, as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The appointment of this former Vice President of the Jamaican Water Commission took effect on February 1.

Gordon has replaced the former GPL acting CEO Renford Homer. His appointment came at a time when GPL is touting the use of renewable energy, such as wind, to power its national grid. For his part, he

has said that GPL would need US$110 million to fix its cascade of problems.

Back in March, GPL had attributed persistent service interruptions experienced in the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS) to a short circuit within a 13.8 kV breaker at Sophia, Greater Georgetown.

According to GPL, service restoration efforts began immediately and all the areas were subsequently re-powered, with the exception of Kitty, Subryanville, Alberttown, Newtown, Queenstown and Bel Air. These areas were repowered following the completion of remedial work to resolve a localised fault on Vlissengen Road.

Additionally, customers from Number 54 Village to Skeldon, Berbice who experienced similar outages as a result of burst conductors on the L23 transmission line were re-powered, said GPL. GPL has traditionally been the source of multiple complaints before the PUC. Just three months into last year, there was already over a hundred complaints to the Public Utilities Commission for at least two utility companies; Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GT&T) Company and Guyana Power and Light (GPL). According to the PUC, as of March 2017, there were 29 complaints from GPL customers, while for GT&T that number was 94.

News

17

saturDAY, may 5, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

13,189 students to sit CSEC, CAPE

S

tudents from across Guyana will begin their sitting of the 2018 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations CAPE, which are slated to commence on May 7.

According to the Superintendent of Examinations within the Education Ministry, Sauda Kadir, 12,266 candidates have been registered to sit the CSEC examinations this year, which shows a decrease when compared to 12,684 candidates in 2017.

She added that this year, 923 candidates will be writing the CAPE examinations, which records an increase when compared 851 in 2017. This brings the total of 13,189 students

writing the two examinations.

According to Kadir all systems have been put in place to ensure the smooth sitting of these examinations.

The CSEC subjects will commence with Visual Arts 2 (General), Music

2 (General), Electronic Document Preparation and Management 2 General, Chemistry 3/2 General and Textiles, Clothing and Fashion 2 Technical.

English A (Language) and Mathematics will be written on Tuesday and Wednesday respectively.

The CAPE subjects to be written on Monday are English B (Literature) in English Unit 1 Paper 2, Physics Unit 1 Paper 2 and Integrated Mathematics Paper 2.

Just a month ago, students at the primary level were engaged in the twoday National Grade Six Assessment which will determine their place at a secondary school in Guyana. They are currently awaiting results.

Teen granted bail after emptying woman’s bank account

A

n 18-year-old was on Friday granted bail in the sum of $40,000 when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged with gaining access to a bank account and withdrawing a large amount of cash.

Jolyon Veloza denied

that on April 18 and 21, 2018 in Georgetown, he gained access to Areka Forde’s Republic Bank account and withdrew $147,000.

According to the facts of the matter, the young lady left her wallet in which the bank card and other items were kept at her La Parfaite

Harmonie, West Bank Demerara (WBD) home and went to run an errand.

Upon her return, she found the wallet at the back of her home. As such, she visited the bank, and upon checking, she realized that all her money was withdrawn with the exception of $700.

A report was made at the Brickdam Police Station and an investigation was launched. After reviewing the CCTV footage, the accused was seen withdrawing the money on the day in question.

The matter was adjourned to May 11.

Man who chopped friend to face jailed

A

man who reportedly chopped his friend to the left side of his face when he was confronted about a stolen property was on Friday jailed for 24 months by City Magistrate Leron Daly.

Neville Haynes admitted to carrying out the act on Colin Moore on April 27, 2018 following a heated argument at Longden Street, Georgetown.

The court heard that on the day of the incident, the virtual complainant

(VC) and Haynes, who are known to each other, along with a third person whose name was given as “Red Man”, were all conversing at a stall in the vicinity of America Street, Georgetown.

The VC, who had his bicycle parked at the said stall, decided to take a nap, but upon waking noticed that his bicycle was missing along with Haynes and “Red Man”.

He was able to catch up with “Red Man”, who in-

formed him that Haynes had made off with his bicycle.

Moore later confronted Haynes, which led to a heated argument. Haynes reportedly armed himself with a knife, chopping the VC to his face, causing him to receive some 27 stitches.

When asked for an explanation by Magistrate Daly, Haynes simply replied, “That gon teach me not fuh thief from me friend.”

As such, he was jailed for 24 months.

Sister charged for killing brother freed

Freed: Debra Hansraj, sister of the deceased

D

ebra Hansraj, who was accused of stabbing her 21-year-old brother, Vishaul Hansraj to death in April 2017, on Friday walked free due to lack of evidence by the prosecution.

The matter was heard

by City Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, who informed the woman that she was free to go after the prosecution failed to provide evidence that she had indeed killed her brother.

On Easter Monday last year, the woman was accused of attacking her mother and brother while being under the influence of alcohol at their Covent Garden, East Bank Demerara home.

The alleged attack reportedly stemmed from a prior

Dead: Vishaul Hansraj

argument among the three family members.

The now dead man had allegedly confronted his sister after she had inflicted a wound to their mother.

The confrontation led to an argument during which, the now dead man grabbed a knife and attacked the murder suspect but in retaliation, she reportedly took away the knife and dealt him two blows to his chest.

He was picked up and taken to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre where he succumbed while receiving medical attention.

The young woman was subsequently arrested and charged. However, during the preliminary inquiry, the matter was thrown out due to insufficient evidence.

18

guyanatimesgy.com

saturDAY, May 5, 2018

ARCHIE

Focus inward and on how to best use your attributes to (March 21get things done. Refuse to let April 19) negativity take control and ruin your day.

ARIES

Learn from people offering TAURUS sage advice. Don’t leave any(April 20- thing to chance or let someMay 20) one else finish what you start.

If you see matters through to the end, you’ll have no regrets.

dilbert

Put on the brakes if you’ve GEMINI (May 21- been overspending or taking June 20) on too much. Be smart when asked to take part in something that sounds too good to be true.

Mull over situations before you respond. Having a (June 21- good understanding of how July 22) others feel will help you make a better choice for you and anyone your decision may affect.

CANCER

Peanuts

A change that could afLEO fect your position, reputation (July 23- or status should be thought Aug. 22) through carefully. Don’t let what someone else decides to do influence you if it’s not in your best interest.

Calvin and Hobbes

Make plans with friends or VIRGO build your relationships with (Aug. 23colleagues. Stepping outside Sept. 22) the workplace or spending time with people in unfamiliar settings will help you get to know them better.

You may feel the need for LIBRA (Sept. 23- change, but if you meet with Oct. 23) opposition, you are best off backing down and finding out why you are facing resistance. Keep the peace.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

TODAY’S WORD — LATENCY (LATENCY: LATE-’n-see: Dormancy.)

Discuss your concerns, SAGITTARIUS intentions and plans with (Nov. 23someone you want to work Dec. 21) alongside. Whether personal or professional, relationships will be a key factor when it comes to your success.

Average mark 19 words Time limit 30 minutes Can you find 27 or more words in LATENCY? The list will be published tomorrow.

YESTERDAY’S WORD — LIONIZED lend leno lied lien line lion lode loden loin lone idle

idol idolize iodine iodize ionize oiled olden oldie node noel noil

zein zone deli diel dine dole done doze dozen

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

Showing interest in what SCORPIO others do will give you food (Oct. 24for thought and ideas for Nov. 22) new beginnings. An open mind is the doorway to positive experiences that will encourage beneficial change.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

Don’t hide how you feel.

Be blunt and clear the air to distance yourself from anyone or anything you don’t agree with. Don’t be afraid to do your own thing.

solution AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Trust in what you know to be true, and refuse to let anyone lead you astray.

Moderation will help you avoid making bad choices. Romance is highlighted and personal improvements are favored.

Look at every angle and listen to suggestions before making a decision. Taking care of your health and being honest about a personal situation will be in your best interest.

saturDAY, may 5, 2018

19

FIFA to visit North Pakaraima F

IFA’s Director of Member Associations For Africa and the Caribbean, Véron MosengoOmba; Senior Manager, FIFA Development, Stacy Lewis-Daniels; and Guyana Football Federation President Wayne Forde on Friday paid a courtesy call on Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valarie Garrido-Lowe.

The meeting was held at the Thomas Street office of Minister Garrido-Lowe where she was informed of FIFA’s attendance at the North Pakaraima Football Tournament scheduled for August 19-26.

Following the visit, Mosengo-Omba commended the GFF President and the Minister for the work being done, stating “We had a very good meeting. GFF is doing a very good job. The objective of GFF is not to limit football but to take the football to the rural areas, in the rainforest.

The Minister is very

Stacy Lewis-Daniels, Véron Mosengo-Omba, Minister Valarie Garrido-Lowe and Wayne Forde

supportive of this initiative to promote football to the Indigenous people.

FIFA is also in support of this and, by extension; the FIFA President supports that too. Hence, I replied positively to the invitation of President Forde to at-

tend the North Pakaraimas Football Tournament and to play with the footballers of that region. This will be documented and shown to the world how football development is done.”

Forde said the FIFA team will visit the Pakaraimas re-

gion, in part, to afford FIFA a first-hand view of the unique challenges Guyana faces in football development and administration, especially in the hinterland communities. “Guyana will never realise its true potential as a football nation un-

til such time, that we make the game accessible to our Indigenous brothers and sisters. The GFF’s goal is to highlight the unique challenges we must confront in order to implement a sustainable hinterland football development programme

that will guide the investment strategy of the GFF,” GoG and FIFA. The Minister briefed the guests of the Ministry’s investment in sport and sport development among the Indigenous population and some of the unique experiences/challenges of the hinterland communities.

The North Pakaraima region is a densely forested area in Guyana, which is the home of some Indigenous tribes.

This tournament is the premier sporting event of this vastly uninhabited rain forest connected by miles of unforgiving trails and treacherous rivers.

The villagers journey for days at a time, some as much as five days, to experience the excitement and true spirit of the beautiful game. The GFF extended an invitation to FIFA, including their documentary team, in March 2018 to attend the North Pakaraima Football Tournament.

Beaton will need discipline to remodel action – Stephenson F

ormer Barbados player turned coach Franklyn Stephenson believes it could be tough but

not impossible for Windies pacer Ronsford Beaton to remodel his bowling action.

Beaton was suspend-

ed et an of

from international cricklast week after failing independent assessment his action, after being

called during a One Day International (ODI) against New Zealand in December.

In hopes of remedying

Female inter-county rivalry resumes Sunday

T

he Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) will bowl off its senior female Inter-County Cricket tournament on Sunday.

The tournament will be played under two formats: 50 overs and 20 overs, with the former being played first. The opening round will see Demerara tackling Essequibo at the Lusignan Community

Centre (LCC) on the East Coast.

Essequibo then tackles Berbice on Monday at the same venue, while Berbice will tackle Demerara on April 9.

The T20 format will be played on May 11, 12 and at the Everest Cricket Club Ground.

Berbice, in 2017, won the 50-Over title under the astute leadership of West

Indies player and tournament MVP, Shemaine Campbelle, who was instrumental in the victory as with an even unbeaten century against Demerara.

The win means that Berbice have won the title on four successive occasions. In their first match, they dismissed Essequibo for a record low 15 runs.

the situation, the 25-yearold Beaton has joined up with the ongoing Cricket West Indies (CWI) bowling camp in Antigua. Beaton, who made his debut for the Windies ODI team in New Zealand, has claimed one wicket in two matches. While admitting it will be tough for the player to remodel his action based on his age, Stephenson admits it will ultimately come down to the player’s attitude.

“It is an individual thing to work o n

something like that, it is going to take a lot of discipline. Obviously, he is going to have to rein himself back and still have the discipline to keep that change he is seeking to make even in pressure situations,” Stephenson told Barbados Today.

“Because he is not a youngster now that is just starting cricket, every time he bowls, somebody is trying to hit him somewhere to the boundary. So, he has got to be on top of his form, he is going to have to strive to produce that extra every time, so yes it can happen, but it is not going to be an easy thing.” (Sportsmax)

Ronsford Beaton

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

saturDAY, may 5, 2018

Indian Premier League 2018...

Mumbai clinch victory despite Gayle’s half-century Chris Gayle goes for the big one © BCCI

K

runal Pandya and Rohit Sharma put on a sensational batting display to snatch a six-wicket victory for Mumbai Indians at Kings XI Punjab on Friday.

D e f e a t to Sunrisers Hyderabad last time out broke a fourmatch winning run for Kings XI and they proved unable to defend their 174-6 total in Indore.

Chris Gayle top scored for the home side with 50 but it proved to be in vain, as Krunal and Rohit closed the

match i n style.

A f t e r Suryakumar Yadav laid solid foundations for the Indians' chase with a knock of 57, a stunning 18th over really put the visitors in the driving seat.

N e e d i n g 36 from the final three overs, Krunal and Rohit combined for 20 runs from the six deliveries, s e n d ing them into 19th over requiring only 16 for the win.

A n d Mumbai needed only six more balls to wipe out that target - a leg bye for four finishing the job with an over to spare.

The win is just the Indians' third of the season and lifts them off the foot of

the table.

playing, he feels pressure outside. When he's playing, I feel pressure outside. The brotherly bond is there.

"The last game, I was upset about not getting the

Gayle force

Gayle has been in fine form for Kings XI this season and had scored 252 runs across four innings prior to Friday's fixture.

The West Indies batsman put on another half-century for the home side, dismissed

by Ben Cutting after bringing up his 50.

However, Gayle's innings only included two six-

es - down on his average of six per stint in the middle this season - and his performance was not enough to earn victory for the Kings XI.

Not home sweet home

The defeat extends Kings XI's losing run at home to the Indians to five matches, having last beaten them on their own turf back in 2013.

(Sportsmax)

SCOREBOARD

Rohit Sharma and Krunal Pandya put up a matchwinning 56-run stand © BCCI

Siblings on song

In addition to Krunal's unbeaten 31, Hardik Pandya chipped in for the Indians with 23 from 13 deliveries.

Krunal said: "When I'm

team through. It was simple, anything is chaseable at this ground.

"You're a bit more confident with these short boundaries."

Kings XI Punjab Innings (20 overs maximum) K Rahul † c Duminy b Markande 24 C Gayle c Yadav b Cutting 50 Y Singh run out (Lewis/† Kishan) 14 K Nair c H Pandya b McClenaghan 23 A Patel c H Pandya b Bumrah 13 M Stoinis not out 29 M Agarwal c KH Pandya b H Pandya 11 R Ashwin (c) not out 0 Extras (lb 5, w 5) 10 Total (6 wickets;20 Overs) 174 Did not bat: A Tye, M Rahman, A Rajpoot Fall of wickets: 1-54 (Rahul, 6.4 ov), 2-88 (Gayle, 11.4 ov), 3-96 ( Singh, 12.3 ov), 4-132 (Nair, 15.6 ov), 5-135 (Patel, 16.5 ov), 6-164 (Agarwal, 19.4 ov)

Bowling: McClenaghan 4-0-31-1, Bumrah 4-0-19-1, H Pandya 4-0-44-1, Markande 3-029-1 JP Duminy 1-0-8-0, Cutting 3-0281, K Pandya 1-0-10-0 Mumbai Indians Innings (target: 175 runs from 20 overs) S Yadav c †Rahul b Stoinis 57 E Lewis c †Rahul b Rahman 10 I Kishan † b Rahman 25 H Pandya b Tye 23 R Sharma (c) not out 24 K Pandya not out 31 Extras (lb 4, w 2) 6 Total(4 wickets;19 Overs) 176 Did not bat: JP Duminy, B Cutting, M McClenaghan, M Markande, J Bumrah Fall of wickets: 1-38 (Lewis, 5.4 ov), 2-80 (Yadav, 11.4 ov), 3-100 ( Kishan, 12.6 ov), 4-120 (H Pandya, 15.3 ov)

Brighton beat United to ensure survival

S

ecuring Premier League survival "means everything" to Brighton said manager Chris Hughton after the Seagulls' 1-0 win over Manchester United ensure another season in the top flight.

Pascal Gross' header from Jose Izquierdo's cross was cleared by Marcos Rojo - but from just behind the line, with goalline technology awarding the only goal of the game.

"It is great for us to going into the last two games knowing. We have come a long way and through some tough periods," Hughton added.

Brighton's first top-flight campaign since 1983 concludes with away games against Manchester City and Liverpool.

Albion - who had not won in their previous seven games - had the better chances against United

Pascal Gross' effort was cleared by Marcos Rojo but it had already crossed the line

and David de Gea did well to deny Glenn Murray and Izquierdo.

Marcus Rashford forced a good save from Mat Ryan in the second half. The Seagulls were looking comfortable on 4 March when

they beat Arsenal 2-1 to move into the top half of the Premier League. But seven games without a win in all competitions since then had seen some doubt creep in.

However, after moving on to 41 points and into 11th place, they cannot be

caught by the bottom three - prompting a party atmosphere at the final whistle - and Chris Hughton can start getting ready for the club's second season in the top flight since 1983.

Anthony Knockaert and Izquierdo were fantas-

tic on the two wings - likewise Gross in the centre and caused United problems from start to finish.

Albion started brightly and Dale Stephens shot wide in the eighth minute. United keeper De Gea made two decent saves to

stop Gross - and two fantastic diving saves to keep out Murray's 25-yard shot on the bounce and Izquierdo's rising hit.

The Seagulls fully merited their goal when Gross beat Ashley Young in the air to send Izquierdo's cross past De Gea. The summer signing from Ingolstadt has been involved in 45% of Brighton's Premier League goals all season - seven goals and eight assists.

Brighton did not create many chances following that goal but showed good game management to see the game out.

Albion are now eight points above the relegation zone, but because Swansea and Southampton, who have three games left, play each other on Tuesday, it is impossible for both sides to get enough points to catch Brighton. (BBC)

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GCB confirms Lewis is new Ombudsman

T

he Guyana Cricket Board held an Extraordinary General Meeting on Thursday at their Board room, and appointing a Cricket Ombudsman was an important agenda item therein.

The filling of the vacant position was undertaken by a voting system which witnessed Attorneyat-Law Stephen Lewis and Cecil Kennard vying for the position. Attorney-atLaw Stephen Lewis was the most successful candidate, gaining most of the votes, and he was duly appointed Guyana’s Cricket Ombudsman.

Lewis began reading for an LLB law degree at the University of Guyana in 2002, after which he graduated from the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad in 2005. He is no stranger to the GCB, having served as a member of the GCB Disciplinary Committee for multiple years, through which he clearly became acquainted with the constitution governing the GCB. Not only was he affiliated with cricket, but he served on the electoral panel at the Guyana Football Federation. As a consequence, delegates at the recently held GCB’s extraor-

sports

21

Anna Regina beat Abram Zuil by 8 wickets

A

nna Regina S e c o n d a r y whipped Abram Zuil Secondary by 8 wickets following Tuesday’s round of the ongoing School’s Cricket competition played in Essequibo.

Playing on the Anna Regina Ground, Abram Zuil Secondary won the toss and elected to bat first, but were bowled out for a paltry 83 off 18.4 of their allotted 20 overs. V Stoll,

chipped in with 2-6 runs.

In reply, Anna Regina Secondary sped past this target, ending on 84 for 2 off just 9.5 overs, with Sheldon Charles (15), Lance Roberts (24) and Kamesh Lall (23) not out, leading the batting charge. Bowling for Abram Zuil, Secondary, S. Muniral grabbed 1 for 23 and S. Hakh 1 for 37 as the premier operators with the ball.

The action continues this week.

Attorney-at-Law Stephen Lewis

dinary meeting saw him qualified for the position of cricket ombudsman.

Lewis is expected to fulfill his duties using his knowledge and proficiency in law and legal operations of the GCB. He will be tasked with conducting the verification of cricket clubs across Guyana, and ensuring that elections are properly constituted. He will also act as returning officer where deemed necessary.

In addition, Mr. Lewis was recognized for his

previous designations as President and VicePresident of the Everest Cricket Club.

This appointment was due to a vacancy which existed since Dr. Winston McGowan’s resignation from the said position.

According to the release, “the appointment of the Ombudsman is another indication of GCB’s effort to professionally administer cricket across Guyana; it is expected to win favour with all cricket stakeholders”.

who stoked 40, was the only batsman to offer any resistance amidst a dismal batting performance.

Anna Regina Secondary’s bowling was led by Lance Roberts, who picked up 4 for 20 off his 4 overs; while Lanes Lall grabbed 3-24 off his 4 overs and Raj Ramballi

Laluni Football Club in the pipeline

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EBFA President Franklin Wilson hands over the balls to Laluni Primary School Headmaster Anthon Abrams in the presence of players who are displaying some of the donated items. EBFA TDO Devnon Winter is at left and at right are Orein Angoy and Amanda Angoy

T

he East Bank Football Association (EBFA) on Monday last made a visit to the village of Laluni, which is located approximately 25 minutes by road aback the village of Kuru Kururu on the Soesdyke/Linden Highway with the aim of establishing a football club.

This initial visit to the village which is well known as a farming community saw the Association presenting two balls and some football gear, including bibs, as a means of encouragement.

Receiving the donation on behalf

of the community was Headmaster of Laluni Primary School, Anthon Abrams.

Meeting with Thomas and some of the players from the community prior to a match between them and the Kuru Kururu Warriors Football Club, EBFA President Franklin Wilson told the players that the Association was very happy to visit them and is looking forward to working with them to establish the Laluni football club.

Laluni is an active sporting community which plays a lot of cricket; the school would have also partici-

pated for many years in the Digicel Schools Football Championships.

Accompanying Wilson on the visit were Coaching Staff of the EBFA/Scotiabank Academy Training Centre, led by Technical Development Officer (TDO) Devnon Winter; along with Coach Orein Angoy and Amanda Angoy.

Secretary of the Guyana Football Coaches Association, Dale Roberts was responsible for organising the visit.

The EBFA will be making another visit to the community shortly. Meanwhile, the village of Swan,

another neighbouring community to Kuru Kururu, was visited by the EBFA in January and was invited to participate in the just concluded GFF/Pele Alumni Frank Watson U-15 League; Swan ended third to Kuru Kururu Warriors and winners, Timehri Panthers. Twelve teams contested the league.

The Association is working with Swan to establish their club and new executive. The Timehri Panthers recently held their elections and is now the Timehri Panthers Sports Club.

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

6-member team for CMRC’s opening leg SATURDAY, may 5, 2018

(65) rounded off the table.

Regarding individual awards, CMRC Group 4 (AWD) champion was awarded to local and Andrew King, while the 2WD went to Barbadian Mark Maloney.

King also won the local 2WD class, while former CMRC champion Kristian

By Akeem Greene

G

uyana will be sending a six-member contingent to Jamaica for the opening leg of the Caribbean Motor Racing Championships (CMRC).

Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMR&SC) President Ramez Mohamed will once again be leading the Guyanese charge, since he is the lone motor car driver on the team for the May 12-13 event being held at the Jamwest Raceway Circuit in Negril.

Mohammed will be driving his Toyota Starlet which brought him great success in 2017, and a Honda Civic, as he competes in groups 2, 3 and 4.

The GMR&SC President explained that the high cost of travelling to Jamaica is a major factor in the small number of cars making the trip; but he assured that the next leg, slated for Trinidad and Tobago on June 24,

Jeffrey won the 4WD. Group three CMRC champion driver title went to Trinidad’s Paul Vieira, while Vishok Persaud, who was simply unstoppable on Sunday, wining all three of his races, was deemed the local champion for the group.

Over in Group Two,

Barbadian Mark Thomson retained his CMRC title, while Chet Singh led the locals.

Sports Tuner went to Azaad Hasan, while Street Tuner was awarded to Roopnarine Dasrat and the Starlet Cup champion has been Motilal Deodass.

Matt Truelove

should see approximately 16 cars attending.

On the two-wheel end, there are Paul Yearwood, Matthew Vieira, Raveiro Tucker, John Bennett and British rider Matt Truelove, who comes under the Team Mohamed’s Enterprise banner. Current CMRC cham-

pion rider Bryce Prince is currently competing in the United States.

In 2017, two-time defending champions Trinidad and Tobago scored a whopping 1267 points. Guyana amassed 648 points, while Barbados (580), Jamaica (330) and Cayman Island

Matthew Vieira

PMTC1, Galaxy Girls star in Corriverton Jets Fun Day

P

Winner’s row! Players pose with their spoils following the match

ort Mourant Training Centre (PMTC) 1 and Galaxy Girls emerged winners of May Day’s Corriverton Jets Fun Day Volleyball tournament.

Some of the ladies teams included Port Mourant Females, Corriverton Jets Females, Siparuta Females, Skeldon Line Path Secondary Females and the Galaxy Girls of Siparuta.

The males saw winners PMTC- 1, PMTC2, GTCPM, Corriverton Jets, Port Mourant Jaguars and Rollers competing. In the finals, Galaxy Girls defeated Corriverton Jets females 15-13.

First and second place trophies were awarded and Siparuta females received the third place trophy. In the male category, the dominant PMTC-1 whipped Corriverton Jets 25-14 to win the finals. First and second place trophies were awarded.

PMTC-2 was awarded the third place trophy. PMTC-1MVP was Shemroy Ross.

Other accolades – Junior libero-Reead

Asgarally; Junior Setter – Levi Nedd Jr; Most Disciplined Player – Oswald February.

Referee of the day – Levi Nedd Jr; Sterling contribution and support to the sport – National Coach Levi Nedd Senior.

There was also a five-a-side small goal football match was played consisting of GTCPM-1, GTCPM-2, Siparuta and Corriverton Jets. GTCPM-1 defeated GTCPM-2 in the finals 3-1.

First and second place trophies were awarded. Shaquan Spencer scored the most goals and was awarded, while Germain Pollard was awarded for best defence.

Softball cricket Corriverton Jets then defeated GTCPM in a cricket match.

GTCPM scored 98 in six overs, while the Corriverton Jets reached target with one wicket falling. First and second place trophies were awarded. Murray was awarded MVP. February was awarded the most wickets. Pollard awarded most runs.

guyanatimesgy.com

saturDAY, may 5, 2018

23

GCB, Hand-in-Hand U-19, 50-over…

Berbice complete clean sweep

K

eith Simpson delivered a spell worthy of man-of-thematch recognition when he bowled Berbice to an emphatic 4-wicket win over the National U-17 XI, causing the Ancient County side to be crowned champs of the

2018 GCB/Hand-in-Hand U-19 Inter-County 50-Overs competition, which adds to the Berbice side’s three-day success.

After a few cancellations due to rain, the finals got underway at the Guyana National Stadium at

The victorious Berbice Under-19 team pose with their accolades in the presence of officials of the Guyana Cricket Board and title sponsor, Hand-in-Hand Insurance

Providence, where the two sides met in a good cricket match.

Batting first, Seon Glasgow's classy 51, with eight fours and a six, coupled with Andre Seepersaud's 46 not-out, which also included 8 boundaries, kept the U17's afloat as they mustered a meagre 133 all out in 42.5 of the revised quota of 48 overs.

U-17 skipper Sachin

Kevlon Anderson was named the tournament’s most valuable player

Persaud fell for duck as spinner Keith Simpson's wizardry allowed him to return figures of 4-33, backed by 2-19 from skipper Kevlon Anderson, which capped off another good performance with the ball from Berbice.

Chasing a decent target on a lush Providence track, Berbice -- as they have been doing all tourney long -knocked off the target in 37.2 overs, ending on 137-6.

The batting charge was led

by Javed Karim batting at three, who made 38 while Kevin Sinclair chipped in with 28.

Starts from openers Alex Algoo (10), Junior Sinclair (13) and Anderson, who scored 13 as well, helped their side effortlessly run down an easy target with wickets and runs to spare.

Deodat, in a brave effort, returned to claim 3-23 in

vain.

Following the match, numerous awards were presented, some of which included, Most Runs (366) Bhaskar Yadram (Demerara); Most Wickets (22) Ashmead Nedd (Demerara); Most Dismissals (15) Junior Sinclair (Berbice); and Most Valuable Player (MVP) Kevlon Anderson (14 wickets 239 runs). (Clifton Ross)

GFSCA to host Silver Bullets to launch full Ramjeewan attack on defending champions Memorial cup Linden Guinness “Greatest of the Streets” Competition

W

ith the softball calendar gathering momentum, the Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA) has organised a nationwide tournament for male and female teams in the memory of former player, Bedi Ramjeewan.

The tournament which will be contested in four categories is being sponsored by Khans Trading Enterprise, Back To Eden, Permaul’s Trading and The Trophy Stall and will bowl off on May 13 at various venues, with handsome prizes up for grabs.

Teams desirous of playing in the Male Open category are asked to pay an entrance fee of $5000 while the winning team will pocket $50,000 and a trophy.

In the Masters’ Over 40 category, the entrance fee is $15,000 per team and the winning purse is $100,000 and a trophy, while the second placed team will receive $25,000 and a trophy.

The Masters’ Over 50 are asked to pay $10,000 entrance fee per team and the winning team will collect a beautiful trophy as their symbol of supremacy while there is no entrance

Bedi Ramjeewan

fee for the female teams.

However, the winning team will pocket $50,000 and a trophy and the losing finalist will get $25,000 and a trophy.

There are also individual incentives at stake which will see the Player of the Finals and the Most Valuable Player in each category receiving $5000 and a trophy each.

For further information, including registration, team representatives must contact Wayne Jones on telephone numbers 650-1790 or 685-6908, Anil Beharry on 623-6875 or Jailall Deodass on 6158644 or 672-3994.

Bedi Ramjeewan, an excellent softball cricketer, died in April 2011.

C

Part of the action in this year’s Linden segment of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Competition

ould Silver Bullets stop the defending champions, Dave & Celena’s All Stars, is the question reverberating around the mining town of Linden as preparations are being made to bring the curtains down on the highly popular Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Competition tonight at the Mackenzie Market Tarmac.

The reigning Linden and national champions have defied all the odds, and the critics, to make it to the final, and will no doubt start as firm favourites to retain the title in front of what is anticipated to be another sellout crowd.

The champs, who commenced this year’s competition with almost an entirely new unit, opened the defence of their title with a narrow loss on penalty kicks; but since that early set-

back, they’ve rattled off several wins en route to tonight’s final showdown against an in-form Silver Bullets side.

Mortimer Giddings, who fired in a brace to set up the penalty shootout in the Dave and Celina’s All Stars’ semi-final clash against Swag Entertainment, is expected to be supported by Alonzo Thorman and Rudy Halley, heroes in the defending champions’ 3-0 won over Quiet Storm in quarter-final action.

On the other hand, Silver Bullets showed no mercy in their 4-0 drubbing of High Rollers, with Jermaine Samuels hammering in all four goals.

Earlier, they sent the star-studded NK Ballers crashing out of the competition, courtesy of a solitary strike from Robin Adams.

Their form also is rich, and Dave & Celena should expect stiff competition

from a team that has shown no fear for opponents.

What is guaranteed is that the final will provide exhilarating action for the fans.

The third place playoff between High Rollers and Swag Entertainment is anticipated to supply the fireworks necessary to light up the night.

At stake for the winning team are $400,000, a trophy, and an automatic spot in the national playoffs; while second, third and fourth placed teams cart off respectively $150,000, $100,000 and $75,000 along with trophies.

The Plate section carries a top prize of $50,000.

The tournament is also being sponsored by Colours Boutique on Robb Street.

saturDAY, may 5, 2018

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

guyanatimesgy.com

GCB, Hand-in-Hand U-19 50-over…

Pg 23

Berbice complete clean sweep

6-member

team for CMRC’s opening leg

Pg 22 Guyana’s team to Jamaica will comprise of one car and five motorbikes (GT Ridez Photo)

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