GuyanaTimes August 1, 2018

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

Issue No. 3642

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Wednesday, August 1, 2018

PRICE

180th Emancipation

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

PPP reiterates importance of governance mechanism for equal opportunity Page 3

…Guyanese must look back on sacrifices of foreparents – Govt

Animal Welfare Bill passed in spite of criticisms P12

…Opposition says little change made despite Special Committee review

Guyana gets US$4M from CDB to enhance transportation P20 sector … Parika Stelling, Wismar Bridge up for rehab

Body of missing engineer found at Land of Canaan P15

As a prelude to Emancipation Day on August 1 (today), a second night of libation celebrations was held at the 1763 Monument "Cuffy’s Square" on Monday evening.

A ceremonial tradition handed down from generation to generation within the African community, libation activities are intended to give recognition to the ancestors

CCJ dismisses GAWU, NAACIE appeal over sugar workers’ dismissals Page 9

Father of 5 slapped with attempted murder P8 charge Pension fund report laid in Parliament P7 – contributions on the rise; income hikes to $338M

…says meaningful consultations were held before estates’ closure

Teen killed after allegedly riding into minibus’s Page path 14

“No licencePage granted to 15 E-Networks to lay subsea cable” – Govt

Chairman calls for immigration office in Region 2 P25 Challenge to DPP's murder charges

P10

Appeal Court refuses Bisram's urgency request

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BRIDGE OPENINGS

180th Emancipation

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, August 1– 05:30h-07:00h and Thursday, August 2 – 05:00h-06:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Wednesday, August 1– 06:55h-08:25h and Thursday, August 2 – 07:25h-08:55h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Sunny intervals will prevail with light rain showers in the mid-morning hours. Thundery showers are expected in the early evening hours followed by light rain showers.

Temperatures are expected to range between 21 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: South South-easterly to North North-easterly between 1.34 metres and 4.91 metres.

High Tide: 07:09h and 19:31h reaching maximum heights of 2.59 metres and 2.52 metres.

Low Tide: 13:06h reaching a minimum height of 0.65 metre.

TUESDAY, July 31, 2018

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PPP reiterates importance of governance mechanism for equal opportunity …Guyanese must look back on sacrifices of foreparents – Govt

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n recognising the invaluable contributions that African ancestors and their descendants have made to the development of Guyana, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) in its Emancipation message to the nation noted the importance of a governance mechanism for equal opportunity.

The Party said the foundations of the Guyanese society and economy were firmly laid by them through hard work and commitment to their homeland. It noted that it is a historic 180th anniversary that provides yet another opportune moment to reflect on the sacrifices made by all Guyanese African ancestors.

“As our Party once again recognises the tremendous sacrifices and the selfless contributions African ancestors made to our modern society, it wishes to reiterate the importance of the principle of racial equality, and a governance mechanism where each and every citizen, regardless of race, colour or creed, be given an equal opportunity to contribute to advancement of our society,” the PPP stated.

The Party said too that it remained proud of the fact that it was the largest multi-ethnic political party and would continue to welcome all Guyanese into its ranks from all races and ethnicities. “…who, like our foreparents, share the vision of a society where the good life is enjoyed, not by a privileged few, but by the society as a whole,” as it sent Emancipation greetings to all Guyanese, in particular AfroGuyanese.

“Stripped of their humanity and dignity and forced to toil long hours, to say that our African ancestors suffered at the hands of the sugar planters would be a gross understatement. During that genocidal process, many were tortured and brutally killed for standing up for their rights. In the long march to freedom, many battles were fought, including the Berbice Slave Rebellion led by our National Hero, Cuffy.”

The PPP also stated that the resilient spirit of resistance, demonstrated by African ancestors, prevailed and freedom was attained in August 1838. “Freed and successful in forging a society, having purchased a number of

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

Social Cohesion Minister, Dr George Norton

villages, there were attempts by the sugar planters to sabotage the slaves’ newly-won independence. However, their determination for success and peace resulted in their triumph,” it added.

In Government’s Emancipation Day message, from Social Cohesion Minister with responsibility for culture, Dr George Norton, it was said that Guyanese must never forget about the sacrifices made

by African ancestors. “It is imperative that we reflect and honour the sacrifices of those who fought against the inhumane customs of slavery.

Men such as Cuffy, Damon and Quamina are the reasons why we are able to proudly sing that line in our National Anthem that reads “Land of the Free”,” Dr Norton said.

The Minister continued, “My fellow Guyanese, the year 1838 and the fight for freedom

shaped our destiny as a nation; it painted a clear picture of who we were going to be as a people. It was the abolition of slavery that triggered the influx of our foreparents from other continents. The arrival of our ancestors from Portugal, India and China, has added to the diversity and beauty of a more matured Guyana.”

Further, the Minister said he believed that the most meaningful way to observe this Emancipation was to embrace and celebrate the status of being “One People” of “One Nation”, following “One Destiny”. More importantly, Dr Norton said Guyana’s rich history has taught everyone that great achievements and betterment come from a united effort, and, as such, no one should squander the legacy of our ancestors.

“Let us embrace their traditions of cohesion, and exercise the spirit of resilience and courage in fighting against all forms of injustices and bigotry,” he added.

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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

Emancipation and development

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ast year, Head of State, David Granger, described the emancipation of enslaved Africans as the most “important calendar event of the country” as he expressed the view that it “marked the start of Guyanese nationhood”.

Mr Granger also expressed the view that the day should be celebrated by all Guyanese, because it not only marked the end of over 200 years of slavery, but it somehow paved the way for other watershed moments to be celebrated in Guyana, which in themselves ushered in a new wave of change and freedom.

Driving home his point, the Head of State remarked that the great ‘Village Movement’, which was started in 1839 eventually led to the ‘political movement’ for civil rights and constitutional change, and to the ‘labour movement’ for the improvement of conditions of work in urban and rural areas.

He insisted that “Emancipation Day, therefore, was indeed the start of the process by which the plantations became the foundation of one nation, and through which the various peoples began to live and work together in pursuit of a common destiny”.

The President’s viewpoint remains sound, and today the goal of creating a unified Guyana still remains the ideal ‘goal’.

While it can be argued that the lives of Africans in Guyana and further afield have improved tremendously because of the struggles overcome by this resilient group of people, enough is not being done to tackle the more serious challenges that are now threatening their peaceful and continued co-existence as well as development.

The truth is, as Guyana celebrates the 180th Anniversary of the end of Chattel Slavery in all of its forms, some African Guyanese are facing an identity crisis as a result of the failure of many of their elders to do more to safeguard their rich culture and heritage. As a result, there appears to be a growing distaste creeping up among African Guyanese for the basic things that make them African and set them apart from other groups of people.

As technology advances and the Western influence continues to create tidal waves within South America, the Caribbean and other parts of Western Africa, the numbers of Guyanese who lack an appreciation for the natural colour of their skin, the texture of their hair, and their ethnic make-up are vastly increasing. Advocacy organisations and lobbyists group are not doing enough to dispel the notion that black is representative of power, beauty and wisdom.

They continue to take a piecemeal approach to educating the younger generations on the importance of their history and culture, with every single Afro-Guyanese advocacy group painting a vastly different picture about what it means to be “African and proud”.

The country’s leaders must devise more strategies to promote entrepreneurship at the village economy level, especially within communities that are predominately AfroGuyanese. But they must ensure that such strategies do not lead to new inequalities between the various social groups.

Sadly, discussions about black empowerment and taking pride in one’s ancestral heritage only creep up on days like today, and then fade away as soon as night turns into day. All Guyanese, therefore, must look to the deeper meanings and underpinnings of emancipation, in order to achieve a new level of consciousness and freedom.

For African Guyanese, Emancipation must represent a convergence of the horrors of enslavement, overcoming enslavement, and confronting the sordid and persistent legacy of enslavement after it was the most dehumanising experience in our country and the world.

It should also be seen as a day of triumph over subjugation and domination, whereby the human spirit refused to give in and give up in future.

Guyanese can ill afford, as a result, to view this year’s Emancipation anniversary as just a token holiday to African Guyanese. It is not, and must be viewed as a recognition and affirmation of Black and African dignity and equal worth, and a reminder that all groups have a sacred duty to guard against domination.

This is a critical aspect of the Emancipation Story, as it explains the current disparity in development among countries. It was this theory that was so ably articulated by our own Dr. Walter Rodney in his famous book ‘How Europe underdeveloped Africa’.

Here in Guyana, the famous uprisings of 1763 and 1823 are inscribed in our consciousness. Emancipation eventually came not through the slave masters’ change of heart, but by the persistent resistance of the enslaved.

Members of staff of the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) decked in African prints in observance of Emancipation 2018

American Chamber of Commerce welcomed

Dear Editor, I am pleased to read in your media that an American Chamber of Commerce (Amcham) will be formed in Guyana sometime soon, as announced by US Ambassador Perry Holloway. I have long championed for the formation of such a commercial outfit, but could not get takers.

Business persons will listen to the Ambassador. And may I also suggest the formation of a US-Guyana Friendship Society that people of other nations set up between their countries and the US. Amcham and a USGuyana Friendship Society will help to bolster economic and strategic ties with the US while leading to a higher standard of living and level of security from threats from hostile neighbours.

Amcham will bring the

two countries closer together. It will also help Guyana to address challenges in priority areas, such as security, energy, economics, infrastructure, foreign investment, and manufacturing, among others. Amcham will create tremendous opportunities that would benefit both countries’ economies with job creation and growth. It could even lead to high-level dialogue with US Administration officials on geo-political and strategic interests. Amcham will provide a solid foundation from which to work to strengthen bilateral engagements and reinforce GuyanaUS strategic, economic, cultural, and people-to-people ties. One must also remember that more Guyanese live in the US than in Guyana.

It is noted that Guyana had strong ties with Washington

after the restoration of democracy under the Jagan and Jagdeo Administrations.

Unfortunately, post- Jagdeo, relations with Washington inexplicably strained, including a blast against the US Ambassador Brent Hardt during the Donald Ramotar Presidency. Since becoming de facto leader of PPP, Jagdeo has been mending relations with Washington.

The former President Jagdeo has signaled that he wants the next PPP Government to work closely with the US. There is need for a strong and collaborative partnership between Georgetown and Washington on a number of issues, not the least being: territorial security; trade; energy; attracting greater foreign investment, especially in manufacturing; and expanding access to skills training

and education in the US. If Guyana is to achieve its economic and strategic potential, it must work collaboratively with the US and other western countries, like Canada and Britain. It must also try to overcome the many ghosts that Ambassador Holloway mentioned in his speech at Marriott on July 11 at the reception for US Independence Day. The country must boldly face the myriad economic and governance challenges, including endemic corruption and violations of the constitution that slow growth, development, and foreign investment. Amcham will help in this endeavor, and businesses should welcome and join it.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

Coalition seems to be obsessed with early budgets Dear Editor, The former President of the USA, Barack Obama, had said, “A budget is more than just a series of numbers on a page; it is an embodiment of our values”. I guess ‘values’ will also include where we want to see ourselves in the year ahead.

Unfortunately, our budgets in Guyana, for that past three years, failed dismally to take our country forward in terms of economic growth and development. The budgets have been just a series of trials and errors, and complete failure in some cases.

This Coalition Government seems to be obsessed with early budgets, and the Finance Minister has already informed

us that this year’s budget will be the earliest. Every year, the economic performance gets worse, and the budget does nothing to stem this downward decline. So, in this case, the cliché of “the early bird catches the worm” is clearly inapplicable.

This early preparation of the budget is fraught with uncertainties and guesswork, since it is done under conditions of severe revenue and expenditure uncertainty as well as weak expenditure control, which have resulted in frequent changes in ceilings and appropriations.

We have seen that economic growth was 3.2 percent in 2015 and this was moved downward to 2.1 percent in 2017; and it

was projected in the 2017 Bank of Guyana Report to reach 1.5 percent in 2018. We have seen that forecasts are repeatedly revised, and this is because, as Dr Jagdeo puts it, the Finance needs actual figures to work with, and these are seriously lacking. Even the allocation of resources in the budget presents a serious disability.

When we look at the specifics, we can discern that adult unemployment rate increased by 12 percent. It is the role of Central Government to create opportunities for gainful employment, and this must be done through the budget; but, instead, we have seen that the Government’s brainless economic policies have catapulted

more than 7000 persons into the ranks of the unemployed and impoverished. It is estimated that 40 percent of our people live below the poverty line.

We have also witnessed a deteriorating health sector, with a multitude of complaints of widespread and frequent shortages of basic supplies of medications at health centres and public hospitals. This has further impoverished the people, since they have to find additional monies to buy medications. In 2018, the Public Health Budget increased by $3.4 billion to$32.6 billion, but there was a decrease in value for money through poor implementation.

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Raising the profile of CONSOC member organisations differently-abled students not receiving funding from the IDB

Dear Editor, Traditionally, Guyana, like the rest of the Caribbean, does not have a good track record in regard to how it treats its disabled people. This issue only affects you when you have a disabled person in your family. Besides the guilt that you feel, you realise very soon that your disabled child is exactly the same as any other child, and your love for them is just as urgent and unconditional as that for your able-bodied children.

However, you do worry about their future and how they would be able to navigate the modern world, especially as adults. This is not a sad story though, because I have noticed a real change in the education system, which will go a long way in providing disabled children an opportunity to learn and perform just as well as their contemporaries.

The Ministry of Education seems to be putting its money where its mouth is when it comes to their mantra “Quality Education for ALL”.

I have noticed three sig-

nificant changes: 1. The Ministry of Education's work for differently-abled: 1. The appointment of Special Education Needs officers in Regions 1, 2, 8, & 9.

2. The Assimilation Centre in the grounds of the Cyril Potter College. This is the Caribbean wide early childhood diagnostic headquarters for the training of special needs teachers.

3. Two nurseries opened recently, Eastville and Diamond No. 2 Nursery, which now include places for special needs children.

All of these efforts prove that, at last, we have a Government that sees disabled children and understands that they have the right to be educated, and therefore have the opportunity to work in the real world and contribute to our society. If Sudha Chandran, Ray Charles, Whoopie Goldberg and Stephen Hawking can overcome their disabilities, then, with the right support, so can my child.

Yours sincerely, Leon Persaud

Coalition seems...

We have also witnessed the deterioration of public security and safety, with the news headlines being replete with reports of murder, robbery and other crimes. This is despite more monies being expended in the Public Security Ministry.

The Budget increased by $1.3 billion to $34 million. Again, poor implementation.

On the other hand, the Agriculture Sector, which employs 21 percent of the country’s workforce, had its budget slashed by more than $1 billion to a paltry sum of $19 billion! Since 2015, the Government has been cutting the budgetary allocations for Agriculture, and it is evident that the performance of this sector has been progressively declining. This year, even the rice sector is projected to do badly, since the dams in the cultivated areas are impassable. This is sheer short-sightedness!

In this same vein, the Public Infrastructure Budget was cut by $3.4 billion to $40 billion. Public infrastructure is vitally important to improve our economy and our quality of life. In 2017 also, the capital expenditure budget was slashed by 20 percent. This has severely impacted on investment in the sector, resulting in accelerating the downward slide of the economy. This has exacerbated the unemployment crisis. More short-sightedness!

Thus there is clearly a disconnection between policies and expenditure. There needs to strengthen the link-

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ages between policy formulation and expenditure. The budget must take into account the macroeconomic realities; if not, it can result in poor economic planning, which has been manifested in the past three years.

Clearly, there has been little effort by the Coalition Government to make budgetary allocations to increase production and productivity, and to foster economic development. The treatment of the sugar industry is a prime example. Over 5,000 workers were heartlessly dismissed, no redundancy monies were budgeted for, and no alternative employment was provided. And to add insult to injury, until now, all the workers have not received their full severance pay. However, the wastage on pomp, celebrations and pageantry and the ballooning excesses on the military will pave the way for the economy’s downward decline. This is definitely the worst economic planning by any Government ever.

Therefore, the haste by this Government to prepare and present early budgets has failed to make evident the competence of this Government. I wish to agree with the Leader of the Opposition, Dr Jagdeo, that this Government and its Finance Minister have learnt nothing from the past! Will they ever?

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf RDC Councillor Region 6

Dear Editor, I am writing in response to a letter in your publication of July 31 captioned “APA clearly playing politics”. The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) would like to take the opportunity to inform the public that the IDB’s financing instruments (loans and technical assistance) are intended to fund public sector projects following a programming dialogue with the Government of the Cooperative Republic

of Guyana, and both parties are mutually in agreement with decisions.

The IDB Group also supports large-scale investment programmes that promote sustainable development of Guyana and its people.

Through IDBInvest, we support the private sector to bolster competitiveness and growth while ensuring sustainability. IDBInvest provides financial products and advisory services to large companies, financial in-

termediaries, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and partially or wholly-owned state enterprises.

The IDB supports the democratic processes of its member countries, and engages with civil society in these countries through its civil society consulting (CONSOC) mechanism.

In the case of Guyana, the CONSOC is comprised of a wide range of civil society groups, including academia

and other research institutions , the private sector, environmental groups, community groups and associations, including indigenous associations like NTC and APA. CONSOC member organisations and affiliated individuals are not receiving funding from the IDB. Sophie Makonnen Country Representative, Guyana

Let freedom reign in our hearts and minds

Dear Editor, Today, August 1, we celebrate 180 years of the abolition of slavery in Guyana.

This significant event is better known as the Emancipation, and is widely acknowledged for the celebrations and festivities that surround it. The abolition of slavery came centuries after our ancestors were ripped from their homeland in Africa, brought all those miles across the Atlantic Ocean to this part of the world, sold into a system called slavery, and thereafter worked and lived in the most inhumane conditions there ever were.

The achievement of emancipation came after decades of struggle, enduring hardships, privation, demoralisation, torture, and death at the hands of the slave masters. All of their freedoms were taken away.

Stripped of their identity, they were removed from the status of a human being to that of an animal. Hence it was with great jubilation that they welcomed the dawn of August 1, 1834.

It could be said that it was this sad and dark era of history that influenced the conceptualisation of the Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations in 1948, 114 years after Emancipation.

Enshrined in this declaration are 30 articles, five (5) of which speak to the right to various forms of free-

dom. Article 1 – Innate freedom and equality; Article 13 – Right of freedom of movement; Article 18 – Right of freedom of thought and religion; Article 19 – Right of freedom of opinion and expression; and Article 20 – Right of freedom of assembly and association. Of these five rights, Article 19 in particular states that everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression, and this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference, and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.

No one can dispute the fact that these rights were withheld from our ancestors, and it was for these very rights that they fought for on many occasions via uprisings and rebellions against the slave masters. In the early 1920s, it was one of their offsprings, Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow, who continued the struggle for these rights, which led in later years to the attaining of another right, as is enshrined in Article 20, which states: Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.

It is this particular right that helped to advance the work of the trade union movement.

The attainment of Independence and Republican status over the decades were all achieved by way of struggles in various forms. However, 184 years later, we, the descendants of

those noble men and women, are seemingly engaged in another form of struggle. This time around, we are fighting to maintain our democratic freedom at various levels of work and representation.

During this period of emancipation, there are many songs that are reflected upon as they point to the many injustices experienced by our ancestors. The most popular is “Redemption Song” by Bob Marley.

“Emancipate yourself from mental slavery, only we can free our minds”. At this point in time in our history, these words hold fast to present day experiences and outcomes. At times it would seem that we are still to remove from our minds the shackles which keep us in a subdued position. Time and again, we are psychologically whipped by present day massas, whose whips are their token positions and authority which are used to “keep us in our place”.

It is these present day plantocracy cabal that is

guilty of violating our fundamental rights to freedom of expression and opinion by seeking to muzzle us by driving fear using various tactics that do not augur well for our and the nation’s wellbeing.

Therefore, it is with much hope and expectation that, as the descendants of our distinguished fore-parents, we strive to emulate their values, hard work, sacrifices and togetherness, which paved the way for their removal from the harsh and inhumane conditions of slavery and into a world where freedom was opportune.

As we celebrate Emancipation 2018 with songs, dances and all the festivities relating to this auspicious occasion, let freedom reign in our hearts and minds. Let it become the mantra of nation building, a process that began 184 years ago. Happy Emancipation.

Sincerely, Gillian BurtonPersaud Member of Parliament

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By Erin Leonard, PhD

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chools are battling a bullying epidemic. The compilation of surveys completed since 1986 indicate an ever-growing trend of entitlement ingrained in America’s youth.

Why? It is the result of parents who continually confuse sympathy with empathy. When parents do this, they tend to engage in enabling behaviours.

Such behaviours instil a sense of entitlement in children, causing them to cry victim in order to excuse themselves from accountability. They readily blame or judge others, manipulating and bullying to get ahead, instead of working hard.

Empathy, on the other hand, rarely requires rules be changed, expectations be lowered, or concessions be made for a child. Empathy is healing, in and of itself. It fosters children who are secure, resilient, and encoded with a solid work ethic.

The difference between sympathy and empathy seems convoluted, but it isn’t. Regardless, clarification is absolutely necessary if America is going to survive. Sympathy is equivalent to feeling sorry for someone. When parents feel sorry for their child, they’re tempted to “save and rescue,” which does nothing but strip the child of their self-efficacy. Pity automatically puts

Foundation

the parent in a position of power in the interaction, disrupting any chance of emotional attunement.

Empathy is entirely different.

Empathy occurs when a parent allows themselves to feel their child’s hurt for a moment (emotional attunement).

When a parent thinks about how their child feels, allows themselves to feel it, too, and then honours the feeling, the child does not feel alone in their predicament. They feel understood and connected. This is the healing component of empathy, which creates resiliency and security in the child as well as closeness in the relationship. Bending the rules or shrinking expectations becomes unnecessary.

For example, a mom is driving her eight-year-old daughter home from tennis practice when her daughter says to her softly and sadly, “Mom, I was the worst one tonight. I was the first one out every time. I’m pretty sure I’m the worst one every night.”

Now, this is the last thing the mom wants to hear from her child after a long day. She realises she has three choices: 1 | Deny her daughter of her feelings (which is never okay) and say, “Oh no. You’re not the worst one. There are other kids worse than you.”

2 | Sympathise with her and say,

“You poor thing. I am going to talk to your coach tomorrow about this. He needs to change things. It doesn’t seem fair.”

3 | Empathise with her feelings and lovingly say, “That hurts…. It hurts to feel like the worst one. I get it.

I have felt like the worst one a lot in my life, and it stinks.” Then follow it with, “Stick with it, kiddo. It will get better.

You’ll get better.”

Of course, choice number three wins. The empathy prevented the little girl from feeling alone in her hurt.

She felt understood and connected to her mom, which immediately allowed her to metabolise the hurt feelings and begin to recover, stronger and more determined than before.

One additional caveat regarding empathy: if utilised, your child won’t be anxious. Studies in neurology have shown that when a child’s brain has good Vagal tone (the Vagus nerve originates in the Medulla, which controls the nervous system) she is calm, centred, and focused. Empathy creates good Vagal tone in a child’s brain, allowing them to settle down and learn.

In essence, if parents want to end bullying and raise children with a rugged work ethic and strong character, they must refrain from confusing sympathy and empathy. (psychologytoday.com)

A

ll living things – plants and animals – need energy to live. Flowers need energy to grow and bloom. Birds need energy to move their wings for flight.

People need energy for all kinds of things, from thinking to laughing to playing soccer to sleeping.

All living things get their

choose one card each and tape or pin it to the front of their shirts. (Be sure that someone is the "sun.") Form a circle, with the sun standing at the centre. Have every child introduce themselves as the plant or animal they represent. Ask the kids: • Who in the circle would I give my energy to? (Who might

energy from food. Green plants use energy from the sun to make their food. Animals get their energy by eating plants or other animals. The sun is at the beginning of every food chain.

A food web is more complex than a food chain. It is made of many interconnected food chains within a community. In this activity, kids (at least six) will be creating an active food web with a ball of yarn and their bodies!

Supplies • Photocopy of e plant and animal cards • Ball of yarn • Tape or safety pins to attach cards to kids' clothing

eat me?)

• Who in the circle could give me energy? (Whom could I eat?)

Explain that the ball of yarn represents energy from the sun. Ask the sun to hold onto the loose end of yarn and toss (or walk) the ball of yarn to someone who can use that energy (a green plant). When the kid representing the green plant has the ball of yarn, they toss the yarn to someone next in the food chain. Keep going until the yarn reaches the animal at the top of that food chain (a carnivore — an animal that eats other animals).

You've completed one food chain! Return the yarn to the sun and start a new chain, and continue making food chains until every kid is holding at least one piece of yarn. Ask the kids: • Have we made food chains? (Yes, many!)

• What do all of our food chains together look like? (A food web) • Who is holding the most pieces of yarn and why? (The sun, because every food chain starts with the sun) • What else is part of many food chains (Green plants) (Start

Get kids thinking ...

Start by asking a couple of questions: What happens to a houseplant if it doesn't get enough sun? Where do you get your energy? Let's say you are eating ice cream — how would you describe the food chain?

Where does it start and what's in the chain before the ice cream ends up in your mouth?

What happens to your "energy level" if you are out hiking or playing all day and you miss lunch?

Make plant and animal replica cards. Have the kids

with a book.com)

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Pension Fund report laid in Parliament – contributions on the rise; income hikes to $338M

By Jarryl Bryan

F

ar from being mired in financial trouble, the Ministry of Financemanaged Dependents Pension Fund has seen an increase in contributions, and thus a hike in revenue as of 2017. This is according to the latest report from the board of directors.

According to the report, which was laid in the National Assembly on Monday by Finance Minister Winston Jordan, the Fund has seen a hike in total income to $338.7 million. This is $169.6 million more, a feat that may have something to do with an increase in contributions.

Under restated income, the report notes that contributions from members increased from $111.7 million in 2016 to $277.6 million last year. According to the report, administrative and general expenses did increase.

“The investments held on behalf of the fund amounted to $27 million at the end of the year. The value of the securities of the Guyana Government and other investments, including mortgages, totalled $107.1 million, representing 5.3 per cent of the total assets of the Fund. In addition, the Accountant General held a

net sum of $1.561 billion at the end of 2017 on behalf of the Fund,” the report states.

The entity’s total assets stood at a total sum of $1.983 billion; an improvement from last year, when it was listed as $1.655 billion.

Excluding the amount held by the Accountant General, $146.6 million of this sum is in receivables and prepayments, and $159.1 million in non-current assets.

5 arrested after guns, drugs bust

The guns and ammunition recovered in two separate raids along Ekura Creek, Canje River

Comparison to SWF

The Chairperson of the Fund, Jennifer Chapman, also happens to be the Accountant General. The directors include Professor Harold Lutchman, Lance Baptiste, Patrick Yarde, Lincoln Lewis, Amanda Hermonstine and Gillian Rockliffe.

At the end of last year, there were 25,072 active contributors to the Fund.

On the other hand, there are 2,498 pensioners on the Fund’s Pension Status Report at the end of 2017.

Though it exists on a much smaller scale to what one expects from a Sovereign Wealth fund (SWF), there are similarities in their operations. And with the SWF green paper expected to be laid in Parliament shortly, sources have opined that lessons ought to be learnt from this Fund.

Both funds are financed by a primary revenue stream. In the case of the Dependents Pension Fund, the primary revenue stream is contributions. In the case of the SWF, it will be oil. In theory, both also make investments in order to maximise that revenue, with the Dependents Pension Fund making money off investments’ interest, including mortgages in practice.

Minister Jordan had informed reporters on Friday last that the Green Paper - a report on Government’s proposals - was presented to Cabinet to be reviewed.

According to Jordan, a second review will be done at the next Cabinet meeting on July 31.

“We will revise the paper in time for presentation to the last Parliament,

which is on or before August 10, 2018,” he explained, adding that the draft legislation for the Fund is with the Attorney General’s Chambers.

“Once the AG’s Chambers are finished with that bill, it will get its review at Cabinet, and then we will put it out for consultations.

We will take back whatever comments and then we will revise the bill and make it ready for Parliament,” he had explained, adding that the bill will be laid in the National Assembly by the year’s end.

F

ive males inclusive of a juvenile were arrested following a Joint Services operation at Ekura Creek, Canje River, Berbice on Tuesday which unearthed five shotguns, a pistol and three live rounds along with 12 kilograms of cannabis.

The almost 16-hour operation involved 14 ranks inclusive of two Senior Officers, one from the Guyana Police Force and the other from the Guyana Defence Force.

The team first went to a location at Ekura, where two camps with several occupants were seen, but on seeing the ranks, the men escaped into thick vegetation leaving behind three single-barrel shotguns.

Several miles further up the creek at Wakie, the ranks descended on two other camps with six males, one being a 15- year-old; however, one escaped.

A search of their camps revealed a 9mm pistol with three live rounds, two single-barrel shotguns and the processed cannabis along with a five-acre cannabis field with plants ranging from one inch to three inches in height.

The camps and the dried cannabis were destroyed by fire while the guns and ammunition were taken as evidence.

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wednesdAY, august 1, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Former murder accused charged for snatching gold chain

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Norton Street, Georgetown man, who was in 2011 found not guilty of murder in the High Court, found himself before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Tuesday charged for stealing his ex-girlfriend’s

gold chain.

Godfrey Thompson denied the allegation put to him by presiding Magistrate Fabayo Azore. It is alleged that the 28-year-old stole the gold chain valued $35,000 from Selena Charles on July

29, 2018 at Mandela Avenue, Georgetown. The defendant told the Court that he did not steal the chain, as he was the person who bought it for the Virtual Complainant (VC).

However, the Police Prosecutor objected to bail

being granted, stating that Thompson has a matter in the court. Thompson, however, denied this. Magistrate Azore remanded him to prison on the robbery charge and ordered him to reappear on August 15, 2018.

Man charged for snatching cell phone A

man who appeared to be in his 30s who claimed that he was only 16 years old was ordered by Magistrate Fabayo Azore to be mentally evaluated when he appeared before her on Tuesday charged for snatching a cellphone.

Kareem McKenzie, of Lot

136 Kingston, Georgetown, denied that he robbed Andrew Robertson of the phone valued $35,000 on July 25, 2018 at South Ruimveldt.

With an American accent, McKenzie told the Court that the charge against him has been fabricated. However, Police

Prosecutor Simone Payne revealed that the Virtual Complainant (VC), who is known to the accused, reported that he snatched his phone and fled. The man, who previously appeared before Azore earlier this year charged for a similar offence, was for the second

time ordered to be evaluated

by Government Psychiatrist, Dr Bhiro Harry. He was remanded to prison. The case will continue on August 15, 2018. As the defendant was being escorted from Court, he threatened a Police Officer that he would “cuff” him in his face.

Father of 5 slapped with attempted murder charge

A

Blueberry Hill, Wismar, Linden resident was on Tuesday before the Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan charged with the attempted murder of his cousin.

Collis Isaacs, 45, a father of five, was not allowed to

plead to the indictable charge brought against him.

It is alleged that he wounded Troy Semple on July 25, 2018 at Kumung Kumung Backdam, Puruni, Essequibo River with the intent of committing murder.

According to the prose-

cution’s case, the men were arguing, and the Virtual Complainant (VC) left and returned with a cutlass.

A fight ensued, but the defendant was able to overpower the VC and used the said cutlass to chop him to his body.

Police Prosecutor Gordon

Mansfield revealed that the VC was still hospitalised, but out of danger and as such, he had no objections to bail being granted.

Bail was granted in the sum of $75,000. Isaacs will reappear in court on August 16, 2018.

What is…

Y

…real emancipation? our Eyewitness is getting some not quite comfortable vibes about what “Emancipation” means to some people. Now, the word itself means “to free” or “to liberate”…and we all know Africans were enslaved for hundreds of years by Europeans to labour on plantations; and finally, they were “freed” on August 1, 1838 in the British Empire. Slavery continued elsewhere - like in the US, where they had to fight a civil war in 1863 to free their slaves. In Brazil, which took over 40% of the slaves brought into the New World, slavery wasn’t ended till 1888!!

In countries like Brazil and the US, where slaves were a minority, Emancipation might’ve given the ex-slaves formal freedom, but in so many ways, there were so many restrains on their rights as citizens, one would be hard-pressed to call them “free”. Imagine, it wasn’t until the 1960s that, in the US South, African Americans could even ENTER some restaurants. Dr Cheddi Jagan, who studied in the US between 1938 and 1943, observed these restrictions first hand, and was permanently scarred by the experience.

But the slave experience went far beyond the physical constraints on the slaves; there were the more insidious and damaging mental aspects. What Bob Marley was to call “mental slavery” – and which controls the minds of most, 180 years after “Emancipation” -- began with the insistence of the Europeans that Africans, at the very best, were not equal to them in their mental and cultural facilities; and at worse, weren’t even quite “human”. The rest of “coloured” humanity was then placed on a scale where the upper end was European and the lower end African. And that’s something still deeply embedded in so many aspects of the Western Education, which is our standard.

However, we can rail all we want about what goes on in the US or Britain…but what about right here in our neck of the woods? Back when Walter Rodney was around, he shook up our just-independent British territories by showing that most of the leaders who’d inherited the “British mantle” took the description VERY literally. In Jamaica, where he was teaching by 1968 (just 50 years ago!), he showed how PM Shearer was actually “antiAfrican” in his orientation by suppressing the efforts of the Rastafarian community to create a lifestyle more consonant with their African Heritage.

Today, we see the remnants of this kind of mental slavery when our governments go along with the sale of alcohol and tobacco under regulated conditions, but dig their heels in against the controlled sale of ganja, a sacramental herb used by the Rastafarians!

Only when we free ourselves from mental slavery will we be free!! …this duty-free giveaway?

Your Eyewitness is quite bemused by the episodic scandals involving “duty free” vehicles in this country.

That NYTimes reporter being pilloried right, left and centre after writing about our “shithole” country somehow missed this distinguishing feature of “shitholeness”! Imagine cheating to bring in USED cars!!

In your Eyewitness’s opinion, the entire scheme’s a recipe for encouraging corruption.

Imagine, you have a country where the average ANNUAL salary is charitably $1million. Now with the total “duty” on vehicles -- even with the “reconditioned” euphemism used to cover the “used car” tag – amounting to an average of $3 to $10 million, can you imagine the inducement for corruption? We’re talking about raking in 3-10 years of wages in one fell (corrupt) swoop!! But in this latest Nortonion caper, your Eyewitness thinks the corruption was made just a bit TOO OBVIOUS for even the jaded AFC Ministers Ramjattan and Gaskin.

To some folks, this might be a sign of some backbone developing in these invertebrates.

But, as Darwin said, that’ll take millions and millions of years!! …this Speaker’s power?

In England, their Parliament retained sovereignty -- unlike ours, where the PEOPLE are supposed to be sovereign. But a new principle’s being pushed by the PNC-Government – SOVEREIGNTY OF THE SPEAKER!!

The man certainly holds himself above the law!!

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

News

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wednesdAY, august 1, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

CCJ dismisses GAWU, NAACIE appeal over sugar workers’ dismissals …says meaningful consultations were held before estates’ closure

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he Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has ruled against an appeal made by the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) regarding the closure of the Rose Hall and Enmore sugar estates in 2017.

In handing down the ruling on Tuesday, the CCJ said workers were adequately consulted before the Government’s decision to close the Rose Hall and Enmore sugar estates on December 29, 2017. GAWU and NAACIE represented most of the workers employed by the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo).

The CCJ agreed with the High Court’s ruling that there was sufficient consultation, though it did not consider the Commission of Inquiry held in 2015 on the viability of GuySuCo to be part of the consultation process. The Court held that the subsequent stakeholder meetings were sufficient consultation.

The final court noted that there were three meetings prior to the announcement of the final decision, and at one of them, GAWU made a twohour presentation on the future of GuySuCo. The process, according to the Court, was not perfect but satisfied the legal duty to consult in the circumstances.

The Court also found that there was sufficient evi-

dence on record to show that the applicants (GAWU and NAACIE) had reasonable notice of GuySuCo’s intentions to close, the reasons for closure, and the number and categories of workers affected, as was legally required.

The Court declined to address whether the right to work, enshrined in the Constitution, was breached, as this allegation stemmed from the argument that there was a breach of the duty to consult.

Having found that there was no such breach, there was no need to make a determination on the constitutional issue.

The Court also considered if Attorney General (AG) Basil Williams could have represented the state-owned corporation, GuySuCo. The CCJ ruled that the AG cannot represent the interest of private and public entities which are not part of the state.

Therefore, he could not represent GuySuCo in this matter.

However, the Court did note that the AG could represent the State in the application which sought constitutional relief for the alleged breach of the applicants’ constitutional rights.

The Court made no order as to costs. The applicants were therefore represented by Devindra Kissoon and the respondents by Williams, Joycelin Kim Kyte-Thomas, Beverley Bishop-Cheddie and Judy Stuart-Adonis.

The appeal was determined by the President of the

CCJ, Sir Dennis Byron, and the Honourable Justices Jacob Wit, David Hayton, Winston Anderson and Maureen Rajnauth-Lee. In November 2017, Acting Chief Justice Roxane George denied the unions’ bid to prevent the closure of the East Demerara and Rose Hall sugar estates. The judge refused the nisi orders which were being sought against the GuySuCo and Cabinet’s decision to close the sugar estates.

In their application before the Chief Justice, the unions had argued that the decision to close the estates was improper, as there were insufficient consultations between the Government and GuySuCo on one hand, and the GAWU and the NAACIE on the other. It also was their contention that sufficient time had not been allocated for consultations on the future of the sugar industry.

According to the unions, the decision to close estates was clearly not informed by all factors to be considered, especially a socio-economic study which should have necessitated any such move. The application advanced, too, that the decision to close failed to conform to procedures clearly contained in the Trade Union Recognition Act and the Termination of Employment and Severance Pay Act. The unions were also seeking for the affected workers pension equivalent to what they would have received had

they been employed by the sugar corporation, arguing that they have a fair expectation to employment until they attain pensionable age. They had contended that sugar workers possess unique skills, and it would pose a grave difficulty for them to secure employment beyond the industry.

After Government’s announcement to close the estates on May 8, 2017, which would have resulted in the dismissal of thousands of sugar workers, Sattie Basdeo, Trustee of GAWU, and Roxanne St. Hill, Trustee of NAACIE, challenged the decision on the basis that the

unions were inadequately consulted.

They also contended that their constitutional right to work was breached. However, their action was dismissed by both the High Court and the Court of Appeal.

The applicants then turned to the CCJ, seeking special

leave to appeal, but the Court ordered the parties to include the arguments that would be raised as part of their appeal if the leave was granted.

The matter was then heard on July 10, 2018 before a panel of judges, who made a final decision that was handed down on Tuesday.

The decision by GAWU to mount a legal challenge was never welcomed by a large number of former GuySuCo employees, who felt their union was improperly representing their causes. As such, the disgruntled workers are of the view that new leadership is needed for the GAWU, as they feel they are being neglected.

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wednesdAY, august 1, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Challenge to DPP's murder charges

Appeal Court refuses Bisram's urgency request – applicant taking case to CCJ

I

n what is being viewed as an abuse of the court system, high profile murder suspect Marcus Bisram’s move to have the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) withdraw a murder case pressed against him was delayed owing to the Appeal Court dismissing an urgency application on Tuesday. This determination caused his mother, Sharmila Inderjali, the applicant, to pay the State over $250,000 in court costs.

Bisram, a wealthy Guyanese-born businessman based in New York, is accused of having arraigned Berbice carpenter Fiyazz Narinedatt’s death after he rejected his sexual advances two years ago. Attorney Siand Dhurjon appeared for the applicant, while Solicitor General Kym Kyte and Stacy Goodings appeared for the State. Goodings has been appearing for the DPP Chambers as the State Prosecutor in the preliminary inquiry (PI).

After the ruling, Kyte told Guyana Times that the court costs awarded could not compensate for resources the State has expended.

Meanwhile, attorney Dhurjon

confirmed that the applicant would be taking his case to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

The Appellate Court’s decision was read by acting Appellate Justice Dr. Arif Bulkan, who opined that the applicant’s filing repeated litigation amounted to an abuse of the court’s process. According to the case’s background as outlined in the judgment, High Court Judge Navindra Singh had already dismissed the case on November 24, 2017.

The appeal was mounted

by Bisram’s mother, Sharmila Inderjali. She was the applicant as ‘next friend’ of her son.

What the mother sought of the court was enshrined in two prerogative orders against the DPP. One was an Order Nisi or Rule Nisi of Prohibition prohibiting the DPP from further proceeding with the murder case on grounds that this would be “irrational, unreasonable and an abuse of power”. The second was an Order or Rule Nisi of Mandamus compelling the DPP to wholly withdraw and discontinue the case on the grounds as previously stated.

The Appellate judge highlighted that this most recent case was the third such application that sought similar reliefs – these being to compel the DPP not to continue prosecution against Bisram. It was indicated that a separate motion was brought another judge in a separate county.

“This troubling history raises issues (not to mention eyebrows) as to possible abuse of process and deception,” the judges outlined.

What the court refused was the application for an urgent hearing based on Bisram’s contention that his liberty was at stake and that the case against him was weak. After citing several decisions of case law, the court found that the documents exhibited by the applicant could not yield reason or submission that this case was deserving of an urgent hearing.

The court, however, opined that Bisram is “far from unique”, as his case is one of hundreds of similar matters before the court. Moreover, the Appellate judges stressed that there are multiple stages before a person is eventually sentenced. The judges fur-

Murder accused: Marcus Bisram

ther reminded that under law, murder is serious, perhaps second only to treason. This means that Bisram’s case will be heard like any other. “...what is at stake here is no trivial charge, but a matter of immense public concern.

There is thus a very strong public interest in all of the state’s criminal justice procedures being allowed to progress,” the court reasoned.

Referring to attorney Dhurjon’s submission that a witness offered contradictory statements during a separate PI under oath, the judges disagreed with his argument that it being under oath immediately rendered it stron-

ger. The judges stressed that evidence given in one trial is inadmissible at a different trial if is led to prove truth.

The Court highlighted that the applicant and attorney, Sanjeev Datadin, in written submissions accused various officers of the State of misconduct, and some by name.

“These are serious allegations against some of the highest constitutional offices in the country, and are not likely to go unchallenged. They should be given every opportunity to do so,” the Court said.

At the same time, however, recognising constitutional considerations, the court reasoned that contextual factors discussed should not be used as a shield against criticism or excuses for sloth. The judges have declared also that the time span of appeals should not differ too dramatically.

“Every person is entitled to access to the courts on the same terms; any preference afforded on the basis of one’s connections or ability to access the best lawyers is a violation of equality, and even the rule of law,” the Appellate judges outlined.

In handing down its decision, the court refused Inderjali’s application for relief as sought in her February

6, 2018 Motion appealing Justice Singh’s decision.

Further, the court determined that the challenge to the November 24, 2014 Fixed Date Application must take its normal course.

Meanwhile, Bisram’s legal team is in the US still fighting the extradition order which was signed in October last by US Judge Peggy Kuo. Bisram was charged in absentia in 2016 for the murder of 27-year-old Number 70 Village Corentyne Carpenter Fiyazz Narinedatt who was killed.

Radesh Motie, Diadatt Datt, Harri Paul Parsram, Orlando Dickie and Niran Yacoob, were all charged. Two of the accused had allegedly confessed to investigators that they were ordered by the overseas-based Guyanese businessman to dump the carpenter’s body on the Number 70 Public Road to make his death seem the result of a hit and run accident.

Additionally, the businessman’s mother and sister were accused of offering bribes to Police ranks to “duck the case”. Since the commencement of the preliminary inquiry in Berbice, several persons were accused of witness tampering.

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Draft design of Diamond-Ogle Bypass Road by September

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ssessment works on the design of the much anticipated bypass road linking the East Bank to the East Coast of Demerara are progressing well, and a draft design is expected to be submitted to Government by the end of September.

This is according to Technical Services Manager attached to the Public Infrastructure Ministry, Nigel Erskine, who is overseeing the project. India-based consultancy firm RITES Limited is carrying out the 10-month design consultancy project. Since their arrival back in April, RITES’ engineers have been meeting with stakeholders and looking at the alignment.

They have also conducted a series of analyses, including of the earmarked site for the bypass road, as well as submitted several reports of their findings thus far.

According to the Technical Services Manager, the engineers have already submitted their inception report, quality assurance plan, and feasibility report. He noted that they are currently working on the analysis of the pavement for construction, weight control studies and on environmental studies as well.

“So a lot of work is also going on, but designs are already in advanced stage… So we expect that they should submit a draft design report by the end of September, and then the final report will be in February next year [when the design consultancy contract would be up],” Erskine told the Guyana Times.

MPI’s Technical Services Manager Nigel Erskine

The Ministry’s Technical Services Manager went on to explain that because the road is going to be construction on new lands, it does create much obstacles for the alignment.

“It’s a green field project, so there isn’t really any major issues that you would encounter so far in terms of the design…

There (aren’t) any utilities [in the way], no need to acquire any lands. The elevation of the land is very stable, so there is not many issues that you would encounter [as opposed] to like a developing a design in an area where you have utilities and population,” he pointed out.

This EBD-ECD Bypass project will see some 26 kilometres of road constructed, linking two of the country’s main thoroughfares. This new road link will also be connected to key communities in Georgetown and along the East Bank of Demerara. Those include Diamond, Mocha, Eccles – all on the East Bank – and Aubrey Barker Road in Georgetown.

Meanwhile, Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson had disclosed back in April that Government is also looking at extending the bypass road from Diamond all the way up to the Linden/ Soesdyke Highway sometime in the future.

Back in 2016, Finance Minister Winston Jordan signed a US$50 million loan with the Export-Import (EXIM) Bank of India for the construction of a 20-kilometre road from Ogle on the East Coast of Demerara to Diamond, East Bank Demerara.

Since the Government of India is funding the project, it is required that the contracts be awarded to companies from that country, and as such, when RITES Limited completes the design consultancy, the bidding process for the construction of the road will be opened to Indian companies.

Erskine said that this process could take about six months before a contractor is selected, and that construction is likely to commence in the last quarter of 2019.

However, during an interview earlier this year, Minister Jordan had told the Guyana Times that he does not foresee this project being fully completed before 2020.

“I don’t see the road becoming a reality before 2020, if I were to hazard a guess. I would love it to be there before, but based on how things go and based on the difficulties of communication and tendering and so on, because everything has to come from India,

the consultants and contractors… so they have to do tendering there and tendering here, so it will take some time (before it’s completed),” he opined.

In an effort to reduce traffic

congestion for commuters on the East Bank of Demerara, which leads to the country’s main point of entry – the Cheddi Jagan International Airport -- the previous People’s Progressive Party Civic

(PPP/C) regime was working on constructing an ‘East Coast to East Bank’ bypass road, and sought funding from the Indian Government in 2015.

The following year, Minister Jordan signed off on the loan.

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wednesdAY, august 1, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Animal Welfare Bill passed in spite of criticisms …Opposition says little change made despite Special Committee review

By Jarryl Bryan

G

overnment on Monday used their parliamentary majority to push through the Animal Welfare Bill in the face of criticisms from the Opposition that no changes were made to the bill even after a sojourn at a special select committee.

As a precursor to the bill, a motion was moved by Parliamentarian Dr. George Norton, chairman of the very committee that reviewed the bill. The Social Cohesion Minister explained that the committee had already examined the Bill clause by clause.

According to Norton, technical support was also sought

for the submissions made by members of the public. He acknowledged the stated concerns of the Opposition party in a report from the special select committee that reviewed the bill.

“The bill refers to facilities that have not yet been built,” Norton read. “These facilities should be constructed before the implementation of the Act. Persons should not be made to incur additional costs as a result of the new legislation.

The bill was premature, according to them (Opposition), and could lead to subjectivity from instances when citizens could be targeted by persons who would have been identified to perform specific duties,”

be educated on specific clauses of the bill before it becomes law,” Norton continued reading.

Parliamentarians at Monday’s sitting of the National Assembly

Norton read.

“The other concern was (that) those persons qualified to operate certain animal facilities, as soon as the Act is assented to, could be penalised for non-compliance,” he continued.

“The sixth concern was there should be a systematic ad campaign with the farmers whom this legislation would affect, since persons would be ignorant of the law.

“Another concern was members of the public should

Committee When the bill was brought to the house early last year by Agriculture Minister Noel Holder, he had stated that the Guyana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA) had the bill expertly reviewed. He had also argued that the bill was a prerequisite before Guyana could export animals, and would improve trade.

But Opposition arguments, particularly those from Parliamentarians Dharamkumar Seeraj and Collin Croal, had eventually prevailed when the Government side agreed to have the bill sent to a special select committee.

On Monday, PPP Parliamentarian Zulficar Mustapha emphasised the Opposition’s sentiments towards the bill. Telling all, Mustapha said that despite the concerns the PPP had raised before, and the bill being sent to the committee, nothing was changed in the bill itself.

“At the first meeting of this select committee, I made a recommendation that we should have oral submissions from these farmers, we should visit locations in various parts of the country; but they said no, they want submissions from these organisations only. These are the things that when we go to special select committees we’re not going to make changes… We go there for formality sakes, and then we’re coming back here and say the bill went to a special select committee.

We raised all our concerns and issues and all those problems and points raised in the debates by all the members on the Opposition side; none of those points were changed in the bill. Those amendments made in the bill are minimal and will not affect anything.”

In spite of these and subsequent observations from other members, however, the bill was passed by the Government side.

The bill

The Bill is considered a follow-up to the Cruelty to Animals Bill passed under the previous Administration.

While there is legislation catering for the treatment and handling of animals, enforcement of these Acts has always been a matter of contention.

The GSPCA has been outspoken about the need for implementation and enforcement of legislation to specifically ensure that owners of dangerous dogs manage them responsibly. But even then, the Opposition had contended that the Bill’s focus is too limited to central locations, and does not address concerns in outlying areas among farmers.

Under Section Two, ‘Protection of Animals’, the bill had included provisions for prohibited acts, and protection of animals while kept or raised; obligations to render assistance; protection of animals during health care provision and zoo technical interventions; interventions to protect animals; protection of animals at the time of humane killing; humane killing without delay; protection of animals during transport; humane transportation of animals, and protection of wild animals.

Some provisions of the bill guard against animal owners giving animals food or substances of an unnatural nature, except scientifically justified; and restrict the movement of an animal in any way that causes it pain, suffering or injury.

The bill also provides for penalties against anyone who neglects an animal in terms of health, housing, nutrition and care; and use of unauthorised stimulants or substances to enhance growth and weight gain.

Guyana has long been flagged by different groups for the disregard shown by many to animals. There are several instances when dead animals are left on the roadside for prolonged periods. Some were the victims of a hit & run, while others were unceremoniously dumped there. The dumping of animal carcasses in rural trenches is also not unheard of.

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wednesdAY, august 1, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Teen killed after allegedly riding into minibus’s path

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17-year-old labourer is the latest road fatality after he allegedly rode into the path of a speeding minibus along the Good Faith Public Road, East Coast Demerara (ECD) on Monday evening.

Dead is Ricardo James of Lot 12 Recess Village, Mahaicony, ECD. According to reports, the minibus, PTT 5273, was proceeding West along the roadway while the teenage cyclist was heading East.

However, it is alleged that the young man suddenly swerved into the path of the bus and collided with the front left side. As a result, the front wheel of the pedal cycle was dislodged, resulting in the young man falling to the roadway where he sustained severe head injuries.

He was picked up in an unconscious state and rushed to the Mahaicony Cottage Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The driver of the minibus was taken into Police custody as traffic ranks con-

The minibus that was involved in the accident

duct their investigations.

When contacted, the teen’s mother, Donna Madray explained that her

family was originally from Moruca, North West District (NWD), but just over a year ago, they took up residency

at Recess.

She explained that her now dead son, Ricardo, left Moruca at the age of 14 and stayed with her brother on the Linden- Soesdyke Highway where he assisted him on a chicken farm. After spending some time there, he migrated to Suriname.

He, however, returned to Guyana two months ago. In tears, the grieving mother related that her son would have been celebrating his 18th birthday on Thursday.

She explained that James worked with her husband, who is a contractor, and on Monday they worked for half the day.

“He come home about 1pm (13:00h) and he helped do some work in the yard … then he left about 6pm (18:00h) to go meet his friend …that is the only friend he has since he came to live with us,” she posited.

Madray explained that although the accident occurred about 20:30h, she learnt of her son’s demise after 23:00h. She was informed of the accident by

Dead: Ricardo James

two Police ranks who visited her home. Upon receiving the news, she went to the Mahaicony Hospital, but was told that her son’s body was already in the mortuary.

As she enquired from her son’s friend what took place, he reportedly told her that after James arrived at his place, he left soon af-

dle of the road and after he find out, he was told that there was an accident,” the woman cried. She is, however, furious that the friend did not inform her earlier of the accident and ultimately the loss of her son’s life.

She described her son as a hard-working person who always looked out for his young siblings. He was the

The mangled bicycle after the accident

terwards to purchase cigarettes and after some time had elapsed and he did not see him return, he went to look for him.

“He tell me that as he was searching, he saw my son’s bicycle in the mid-

second of seven children.

The Police stated that a post-mortem would be performed on the teen’s body on Friday. He leaves to mourn his parents and six siblings.

(Bhisham Mohamed)

60-year-old man found floating in trench

T

he badly decomposed body of a mentally-ill man was found floating in a trench at Friendship, East Bank Demerara (EBD) on Monday.

Vernon Jackson, 60, who resided in a makeshift shack under a tree in the village, is suspected to have drowned.

His body pulled from the murky water about 10:30h.

Based on information received, Jackson was last seen about 08:00h on Friday last when he left the home of a cousin who he had gone to visit. The cousin, Guyana

Times understands, lives in the same village.

The body was discovered by a passerby in the trench a short distance from where the man lived. The Police were contacted, but, based on reports received, the ranks could not say if the body bore any marks of violence. The body was transported to the Lyken Funeral Home to await a post-mortem examination.

Several persons in the area were questioned as Police await the results of the post-mortem.

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wednesdAY, august 1, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

licence granted to E-Networks Ramsammy’s Ruminations “No APNU/AFC promised a more to lay subsea cable” – Govt stable, prosperous economy; the economy is now in crisis T

G

uyana's financial environment is in crisis, and this is surely a reflection that the economy is still spiralling downwards. In 2015, as APNU+AFC took control of the reins of Government, Guyana was one of the most, if not the most, stable economy in CARICOM and in the region of the Americas. Guyana's economy ranked far above the average for growth in the Americas, according to the World Bank and the IMF, for the decade between 2006 and 2015. What happened in just over three years since May 2015, causing the present financial crisis?

APNU/AFC sought to amend the Financial Institution Act (FIA) in Parliament last week, and in the process, the Dr Leslie Ramsammy financial environment that exists today in Guyana was exposed. The Speaker, doing his bidding for APNU/AFC, tried desperately to prevent the Opposition from speaking about the financial crisis that prevails in Guyana today. The Opposition's shadow Finance Minister, youthful Irfaan Ali, provided a frank, pellucid and frightening picture of the financial environment that threatens once again to bring poverty to thousands of families in our country. He calmly, expertly, without any ambiguity, demonstrated that the Guyanese economy is in crisis.

All the productive sectors recorded negative growth in the year before: sugar down 36.2 percent; rice, the one sector that is holding up this Government, fell 6.4 percent; forestry declined 29.2 percent; bauxite fell 29 percent. The only reason the GDP held a moribund 2.1 percent growth is because the Government expenditure keeps growing.

Increased Government expenditure was driven first by increased taxation of the people by 29 percent from introducing or increasing more than 200 taxes, and by introducing 14 percent VAT on water and electricity.

Second, from increasing cost of goods by exempting, rather than zero-rating, VAT on a large number of goods. Third, APNU+AFC increased Government's borrowing. More than 98 percent of the local loans given out by the banking sector were given to the Government of Guyana, with less than 2 percent of the local loans extended to the local private sector.

While the banks remain profitable, their profits have fallen significantly, a frightening proof that the economy has slowed. The Returns on their Equity have deteriorated for all banks in Guyana. Even the Bank of Guyana has not been able to sustain its profitability. The Bank of Guyana's profits declined 28 percent, from $5.4 billion at the end of 2014 to less than $3.7billion for the year ending May 2018.

The Republic Bank's profits declined from 22 percent to 4.6 percent; GBTI from 19.9 percent to 4 percent; Demerara Bank from 33 percent to 5.5 percent; Citizens Bank from 17 percent to 1.4 percent; and the Bank of Baroda went from an 18.6 percent profit to a loss of 1.6 percent.

In fact, the crisis in the financial environment is so severe that deposits in the Bank of Guyana have gone from $21.4 billion in 2014 to negative $54 billion in the year ending May 2018, astoundingly, an almost 300 percent decline. The gold reserves at the Bank of Guyana have similarly declined from $25 billion in 2014 to about $3.2 billion by May 2018, a decline of about 88 percent. The International Reserves at the Bank of Guyana have declined by 30 percent, from about US$700 million (G$140 billion) at the end of 2014 to less than US$485 million (G$97 billion). This situation has arisen because the APNU+AFC Government is borrowing more than it is depositing in the Bank of Guyana. APNU+AFC has also been borrowing more internationally, increasing the foreign debts from US$1.1 billion in 2014 to US$1.6 billion by May 2018, an increase in international borrowing of about 45 percent. Adding salt to the injury, the Minister of Finance claims that such massive borrowing is no problem.

The crisis is exemplified by the poor performance in loan repayments. Non-performing loans (failure to pay loans) have increased from $18 billion in May 2015 to $29 billion in the year ending May 2018, an increase in bad loans of 61 percent. The crisis is also underlined by a drop of $32 billion in private consumption for the year ended May 2018.

In terms of loans and advances made to the private sector, this has dropped by $8.9 billion in the last year. At the same time, APNU/AFC is taxing people more, increasing its tax collection by 29 percent. APNU+AFC promised a good life for ALL Guyanese. In just over three years, it has wrecked the economy, creating a financial environment in crisis, demanding people be patient and wait for OIL. Fact is, OIL will not rescue us; a change in Government will rescue us.

he Government through the Public Telecommunications Ministry on Tuesday stated that no licence was granted to E-Networks to lay subsea cable.

The Ministry in a statement said that it noted the publication of a Notice to Mariners –

Number 15 (2018) – by the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) indicating that maritime surveys shall be conducted by two vessels “on behalf of E-Networks Inc as preparatory works for subsea cable laying … within the Guyana Maritime Zone”.

“The Public

Telecommunications Ministry wishes to advise that while the interest of investors in the sector, in general, is welcome, no licence for the laying and landing of a subsea cable system has been granted to E-Networks Inc,” the Ministry stated.

The Ministry advised further that applications

for licences to lay and land subsea cable systems and/ or other major telecommunications operations by any entity that does not currently hold a telecommunications licence would be considered in accordance with the provisions of the Telecommunications Act, 2016.

Body of missing engineer found at Land of Canaan

O

ne day after an engineer attached to the JSB Investment Stone Yard and Wharf at Block R Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara (EBD) was reported missing, his body was retrieved from the Demerara River.

Dead is 34-year-old Neil Sookram, also called “Doujohn”, of Lot 18 Caines Street, Meadow Bank, Greater Georgetown. He was last seen at the work site about 00:30h on Monday last.

Dead: Neil Sookram

Guyana Times understands that he was last seen entering the boat, “Christopher B”, reportedly under the influence of alcohol. At the time, the boat was docked at the said location.

Preliminary investigations revealed that a colleague, Marcini Grosvenor of New Amsterdam, told investigators that the victim went onto the boat and requested that they go and have two more bottles of beer, but he refused.

As such, Sookram reportedly left the cabin and was not seen until his body was discovered on Tuesday morning at Land of Canaan, EBD. The body was examined by detectives, but there were no visible marks of violence seen on the body.

Attempts to contact his aunt, Annette Sookram, proved futile.

His body was taken to the Lyken Funeral Home to await a post-mortem examination. The Police are conducting their investigations.

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wednesDAY, august 1, 2018 | guya

“Freedom Day” is upon us once again.... People’s N E T mancipation 2018 commemorates 180 years of freedom from “slavery, the greatest crime ever committed against humanity” as defined by the United Nations.

But Emancipation 2018 finds Guyana on the verge of a third Emancipation.

The first Emancipation occurred in 1838 and centred on “Freedom” from chattel slavery.

The second Emancipation was called Independence in 1966. This, too, was “Freedom”, but freedom from colonisation and economic slavery.

Emancipation and Freedom are not the same. It was Bob Marley who said, “Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery; none but ourselves can free our minds”.

Freedom and Independence are also not the same. It was Rabindranath Tagore who once said, “Emancipation from the soil is no freedom for the tree”. Without economic, political, cultural and social equity,

there is no Freedom, there is no Emancipation. Freedom is a basic human right, and above all, economic freedom, economic independence, is a basic human right. Let Emancipation 2018 be a catalyst for all Guyanese to work in the Spirt of Umoja, or Unity.

Let Emancipation 2018 help us to move beyond Emancipation and Independence to economic freedom, social justice, racial respect, and harmony.

Let Emancipation 2018 witness the beginning of us truly living our motto of “One People, One Nation, One destiny” To do this, we must honour the sacrifices of all of our ancestors. We must honour the 473,000 Africans who died to build Guyana during 200 years of enslavement. Honour them by providing reparations to their descendants.

We must honour our Indian indentured servants who, together with freed Africans in

the villages they bought, sacrificed to sustain Guyana after Emancipation.

Let us honour our trade unionists, who pioneered social justice.

Let us honour our Independence heroes, who gave us our second Emancipation in 1966.

The third Emancipation is for us to embrace.

Guyana will soon become an oil producing nation. Our political, cultural and economic environment will drastically change. This third Emancipation should be about equity, equal rights, equal access and equal opportunity for all Guyanese, regardless of race, creed, culture, religion or political affiliation.

As we read the daily media, there are many racial and political entrepreneurs who are spreading doom and gloom. For them, the cup is half empty. For us, the cup is half full. Sadly, as we focus on whether the cup is

half full or half empty, others from distant lands who see the massive opportunities in the Green Economy and our oil sector will sell the cup right before our eyes.

Emancipation 2018 should not be about doom and gloom; or sorrow, or blame or confusion. Emancipation 2018, our third Emancipation, is a time for unity, hope, peace, grace and redemption.

Guyana needs to become a moral, multi-racial, multi-cultural, multi-religious and just Guyana.

Guyana is a blessed nation.

We have been blessed with an overabundance of “Jewels”. We are a land of many waters, including the majestic Kaieteur Falls. We have breath-taking flora and fauna beyond our wildest imagination. We are a birdwatcher’s paradise with over 800 birds. We have the mighty jaguar, the noble eagle and the resplendent plumage of the macaw. We have 18 mil-

lion hectares of pristine forests, an integral part of the “Lungs of the Earth”. We are the “Land of many waters”. Guyana is the second richest country in the world with fresh water.

Guyana has been called the “Kingdom of Nature and the Land of Enchantment” .Yet, our greatest wealth lies in our people and our diverse cultures: Amerindian, African, Chinese, Indian, Portuguese, Mixed and European. Within this Canopy of Wealth, the greatest jewels are our youth.

Let us celebrate Emancipation 2018 by embracing our individuality and by forging a common culture based on shared values, shared expectations, a shared vision and shared benefits.

Let our third Emancipation be mission driven by Unity, Justice and Economic equity.

Eric Phillips Executive member ACDA

he People's National Congress Reform (PNCR) joins the Guyanese people in celebrating the 180th Anniversary of the Emancipation of enslaved Africans. The Party regards this event as the most significant in the foundation of our nation and the formation of our society. It was the first step in our country’s long march towards social equality, economic independence, and political freedom.

On the first of August 1838, descendants of Africans in Guyana regained their freedom after two centuries of enslave-

men that par com es o and free birt cons

port the grap Por

GAWU’s E

T

he final “full freedom” of Emancipation was won after decades of death, suffering, slavery, and exploitation from 1763 through 1823 to 1834, and finally 1838.

The spirit of yearning for freedom – that liberty of mind, body and soul from ownership by others -- never deserted the African slaves and the indentured contracted workers who followed them after full Emancipation in 1838. Numerous were

the strik or c

lute sacr of o hop true up a

17

ust 1, 2018 | guyanatimesGY.com

e’s National Congress Reform

Congress e Guyanese the 180th tion of enegards this the foundaation of our n our counal equality, olitical free-

38, descengained their of enslave-

ment. Every August, therefore, it is fitting that the entire Guyanese nation should participate in the public celebration to commemorate not only the bloody sacrifices of the Africans who struggled, suffered, and were slaughtered for the sake of the freedom we all enjoy today; but also the birth of the nation itself, which was the consequence of Emancipation.

Emancipation is Guyana’s most important national celebration. It marks the start of the most significant demographic change through the coming of the Portuguese, East Indians, West Africans

and Chinese, and the transformation of the coastal landscape through the creation of free villages and the diversification of the economy into the production of food crops, gold-mining and logging. It led, also, to the liberation of society through the popular movements for educational development, labour organisation and political mobilisation. In celebrating Emancipation, we celebrate the diversity of the Guyanese nation and the rich cultural heritage of all our people. Emancipation was not for few, but for all. It is true that the African foreparents of the Guyanese people fought for freedom

255 years ago in the Berbice Revolt led by Kofi; 195 years ago in the Demerara Revolt inspired by Kwamina; 184 years ago in the Essequibo Revolt led by Damon; and in so many other places at many other times.

Today, Guyanese of all races are the beneficiaries and heirs of our nation’s first freedom fighters.

Emancipation, after all, was not a finite event that occurred 180 years ago. It was the commencement of a continuing process which must aim at providing a "good life to all Guyanese."

Happy Emancipation!

U’s Emancipation Day message

mancipation death, suftation from finally 1838. freedom – d soul from eserted the ntured conthem after merous were

the uprisings, rebellions, protests, riots and strikes. Emancipation never came willingly or cheaply from the colonialists.

Against those sentiments, GAWU salutes the memory of those was struggled and sacrificed for freedom, and the descendants of our African forefathers who, today, have hopefully inherited their spirit of justice and true freedom from those who dared to stand up against the brutal, enslaving colonial sys-

tem.

It is now popular to repeat that “had there been no Emancipation, there would have been no Arrival”. But it is still a valid observation of our shared history. Both slaves “apprentices” and indentured labourers were integrally linked to the plantation.

Sugar historically cannot be separated from today’s demography we know as Guyanese society.

It is perhaps a curious but understandable fact of Guyana’s socio-economic history that sugar brought us together, often forged bonds of collective struggle against the plantocracy, and for independence.

GAWU feels that this Emancipation 2018 period should reinforce in us all the lessons of the post-1838 history. In unity, strength is most sustained. continued on page 18

Emancipation greetings 2018 from the ERC

T

he Chairman, Commissioners and staff of the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) do join with the rest of Guyana in the celebration of the 184th commemoration of the declaration of the abolition of slavery.

This historical landmark has changed the landscape of our nation forever, initiating the unfolding of modern Guyana, casting off the fetters of over two hundred years of chattel slavery to then commence the even greater struggle of spiritual, mental and economic bondage.

Emancipation heralded the coming of other Guyanese, enriching the landscape and compelling the need for answers from a new depth of clarification and fortitude towards an inevitable collective destiny beyond contentions, fears and fragmenting

dogmas. Emancipation is the stage that challenges all Guyana to evolve continuously.

The years of slavery were the eternal twilight that slipped into the darkest night of struggle, sacrifice and consuming hopelessness, to awake from that long night to the promise of a new dawn with Emancipation.

Through the eyes of the ERC, Emancipation is our human movement -- a process of cultural and mental awakening that must envelope us all as we contemplate ground covered; acknowledge causes and errors made; and finally, truly emancipate ourselves and commit a most significant positive posterity to the present and future Guyana.

The ERC extends best wishes to all Guyanese on the occasion of Emancipation.

18 News

wednesDAY, august 1, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Emancipation exhibition hosted at Stabroek Square

Some enthused persons browsing through the products on display and interacting with exhibitors

T

he New Guyana M a r k e t i n g Corporation (New GMC) hosted its fifth annual Emancipation Agroprocessors Street Fair and Exhibition at the Stabroek Market Square, Georgetown on Tuesday.

The aim of the annu-

al event is to bring local agro-processors together in a central location to promote the sale and use of locally-produced merchandises at affordable prices.

The public was invited and had a first-hand opportunity to sample all the local products that were on sale which included an array of herbal wines, tonic wines for males, coconut oil products, and spices.

More than 15 local manufacturers showcased their products made and packaged in Guyana.

According to GMC representative Shevon Nedd, the goal of the exhibition is to get local products on the shelves of local and interna-

wide array of achars, including her signature golden apple achar as well as peppers, tamarind balls, and carambola fruits for cakes.

“Most of these products have in ginger, turmeric, and cayenne pepper so most of these things that I'm promoting are for persons to start adaption to eating healthy. If you check up on the ingredients, you will see that most of them are healthy,” proprietor Yonette Mc Pherson explained.

Michael Moore, the owner of Da Real Products, showcased a variety of tonic wines made from different roots, including the

Some of the locally-made products displayed at the Stabroek Market Square

tional supermarkets.

Further, Nedd noted that the GMC was working along with several supermarkets throughout Guyana to showcase the locally-produced items.

One of the exhibitors who operates the East to Live company displayed a

“Devil Doer”. Moore says he has been in the business for more than 10 years, but notes that it is sometimes difficult to get sales up, since “money isn’t stirring for the customers”.

The exhibition will continue today, but at the National Park.

GAWU’s Emancipation... from page 17

Today, sugar workers are at a low ebb, facing painful trials and tribulations of unemployment as Government flounders to fashion a valid, structured, lasting plan to rescue an historic industry. Closure has affected thousands – both sugar workers and other members of the working class. As with the forced apprentices in 1838, today’s sugar workers face a bleak, hopeless future unless economic sense prevails and the workers’ representatives are listened to with serious intent. The descendants of Emancipation must all share in equal opportunity as our natural and human resources

become available to development for all. No group should be favoured or discriminated against because of political expediency. It is such approaches that would help preserve and give enduring meaning to achievements like emancipation and independence.

GAWU urges reflection at this time. Emancipation, Arrival and today’s Challenges are issues that hold lessons for us and guide us in our pursuit and future endeavours. Let us heed them on Emancipation Day and onwards.

A pleasant Emancipation Observance 2018 from GAWU.

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wednesdAY, august 1, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Guyana gets US$4M from CDB to enhance transportation sector

… Parika Stelling, Wismar Bridge up for rehab

Parika Stelling is among the facilities to be upgraded

G

uyana’s vision to bridge the disparity between its hinterland and coastal regions was given a significant boost from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), which has injected some US$4.4 million into enhancing the local transportation sector and supporting the development of interior com-

munities.

According to a release from the Bank on Tuesday, its Board of Directors approved the funding, which will be used to finance feasibility studies and designs for the upgrade of the Lethem aerodrome (Region Nine); and the construction of a new bridge at Wismar (Region 10) and a new riverine transport terminal at Parika (Region Three).

CDB’s Division Chief of the Economic Infrastructure Division, O’Reilly Lewis, underscored the importance of transportation infrastructure to a country’s development.

“An effective transportation sector is essential for sustainable growth and development, as it connects people to the supply and distribution of goods. The proposed enhancements to the transportation sector in Guyana will cover road, air, and river transport, providing opportunities for business development and enhanced employment,” he posited.

The selected sites are all considered to be priority areas for improvement by the Government of Guyana.

The Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge was constructed 51 years ago, and comprises just one lane. On average, approximately 3000 vehicles cross the bridge daily, which results in traffic congestion. It is a major connection point between Georgetown and Upper Demerara, as well as to several interior locations and Brazil.

Meanwhile, the Parika Stelling is the main hub for riverine transportation services between Parika and the neighbouring communities separated by the Essequibo River. It has deteriorated over time and is becoming a threat to public safety.

Back in May, Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson had said that the intention was to completely rehabilitate the Parika Stelling with similar features to those of the Bartica Stelling. “It will have commercial space, a shed so that persons can go there and sell their produce; persons can also open a restaurant or two. It just wouldn’t have the opening that the Bartica Stelling has,” the Minister had ex-

plained.

On the other hand, upgrading the Lethem aerodrome is expected to capitalise on current and future demand for travel between Northern Brazil, the Caribbean, Latin/South America and North America.

It is also expected to facilitate the development and expansion of businesses and other economic activities in Region 10 (Upper TakutuEssequibo).

The project, to be implemented through the Public Infrastructure Ministry, will complement other CDB interventions, including ongoing work to improve sections of the road link from Linden to Lethem.

In February of 2017, the Public Infrastructure Ministry had said it was gearing to commence construction of the first phase of the Linden-Lethem Road project, which will be funded with a $150 million grant from the United Kingdom Government through its £300 million Caribbean Infrastructure Partnership Fund (UKCIF) programme that was announced by former British Prime Minister David Cameron back in 2015. Guyana was named among nine Caribbean countries to benefit from the grant, and identified the Linden-Lethem Road project as the beneficiary.

The first phase of the project spans from Linden to Mabura, and covers approximately 122.5 kilometres of road and the construction of the bridge across the Essequibo River at Kurupukari ferry crossing.

Meanwhile, the remaining 331.5km of the laterite road will fall under other phases and work will be undertaken through funding from other sources.

Government is currently working with its Brazilian counterparts to source funding for the second phase.

This US$4.4 million project is consistent with the CDB’s strategic objective of supporting inclusive and sustainable growth and development within its Borrowing Member Countries, as well as its corporate priorities of strengthening and modernising social and economic infrastructure, and promoting environmental sustainability.

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22 news

wednesdAY, august 1, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Parents of 6-year-old drowning victim seeks justice

‌secure help from former AG who requested inquest

T

he relatives of a six-year-old child of Abrams Creek Primary School pupil who fell into the Pomeroon River, Region Two and drowned is calling for a thorough investigation into the incident.

The grieving parents of Ramesh Khanai, a Grade One is receiving legal assistance of former Attorney General Anil Nandlall.

The aggrieved father, Doodnauth Khanai, claimed that his son was at school when the incident occurred and as such, he received a message notifying him of the incident.

When he showed up, his

Dead: Ramesh Khanai

son was nowhere to be found but was told that someone

had made a few attempts to dive into the river to search for the missing lad. His body was recovered later.

But the father said he wants justice for his child, because he feels that the drowning may have resulted due to negligence on the part of the teachers at the school entrusted with his care. “My son was the first to down at the school, but before they had a few incidents...students at the school fell at the stelling but they would have parents who are close by would render assistance,� he explained. continued on page 25

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news

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wednesDAY, august 1, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Chairman calls for immigration office in Region 2

R

egional Chairman Devanand Ramdatt is calling for an immigration office to be set up in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam).

“Recently, I visited the Passport Office in Georgetown and was very impressed by the level of professionalism and timely response offered by the staff as they served the public …

The Regional Democratic Council of Region Two reiterates its call for the processing of machine readable passports in Region Two,” he posited.

According to Ramdatt, the burdens placed on Essequibians – travel expenses and time loss among other challenges – could not be overemphasised. He went on to point out that Region Two and its neighbouring regions contribute significantly to Guyana's economy and as such, should also be outfitted with these critical services.

“Our Minister of

Region Two Chairman Devanand Ramdatt

Citizenship had committed during a flag-raising ceremony in February 2017 to address this concern … Fifty-two years after Independence, it is only fair that there is equality in the services offered and we enjoy similar benefits given to other regions,” the Regional

Parents of 6-year-old...

The man claims that the teachers would often leave the children unattended and would also leave the gate open, even though the stelling is close by to the school building.

He said, “When I tell the teacher that they don’t have interest with the children at this time, they turn and crying and that’s all…they only thing they said was he was a good student.”

The distraught father visited the former AG’s office on Tuesday, who was able to get a letter dispatched to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Shalimar Ali-Hack seeking an inquest.

The letter was also copied to Acting Police Commissioner David Ramnarine, Crime Chief Paul Williams, ‘E’ Division Commander Khali Parshram, Education Minister Nicolette Henry, and Social Protection Minister Amna Ally to inform them and invite assistance or input they can give to the matter.

The attorney said that based on the facts that were presented to him, the incident happened as a result of negligence. He also noted that so far, the Education Ministry has not engaged in the matter, neither has the Social Protection Ministry, although this incident requires more attention.

“Both ministries should have gotten involved in the matter. And an investigation ought to have been launched. We have not heard from either of the ministries and the parents are completely dissatisfied with the pace at which the investigation is going at the level of the police,” Nandall added.

from page 22

Nandall told this newspaper that at a later stage, the possibility of suing the teachers for negligence could be explored. “When I say that suing the teachers’ I mean suing the state and that is not an option that I would be overruling at this time. But I’ll have to discuss that with the parents.” In relation to compensation for the parents, Nandall said that option could also be pursued with the parents’ permission.

Reports are that the lad fell into the river about 11:45h on Thursday, July 12, 2018 when he went to wash his feet in the company of another student. The river runs along the front of his school.

The boy and an eightyear-old female student were playing at the health post building, which is also housed in the school’s compound. The girl reported that about 11:40h she and the now-deceased student were playing when he told her that he was going to wash his feet. She told investigators that shortly afterwards she saw his upraised two hands in the water and she began to scream.

Guyana Times was told that upon hearing the child’s screams, teachers rushed out and ran to the landing, but the child was not seen.

Two men from the area then jumped overboard in search of the boy, but their efforts proved futile.

The Police were called, and an investigation has been launched. Meanwhile, another search party has been combing the area for the child’s body.

Efforts to contact officials from both ministries for a comment has proved futile.

Chairman asserted.

This call by Ramdatt comes on the heels of ongoing efforts by the coalition Government to decentralise key public services across all the regions of the country. It was reported that new immigration offices will be constructed in Regions Two, Seven and Eight.

Already, an immigration office was recently completed in Linden, Region 10. Construction of the 2000 square-foot building, which is located at Lot 43 Mackenzie, begun back in January following a sod-turning ceremony in December.

The office is expected to process other documents such as birth and death certificates.

Prior to this, there was another sod-turning exercise in Fort Ordnance, Canje, Berbice, Region Six, for the construction of a passport office at that location.

26

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesdAY, august 1, 2018

ARCHIE

ARIES

Emotions will rise to the

(March 21- surface. Use your energy wiseApril 19) ly and put your ideas in mo-

tion. Taking charge will help you surpass any competition.

Be careful when making

TAURUS personal or professional chang(April 20- es. Don't upset someone uninMay 20) tentionally, or you will face diffi-

dilbert

culties trying to finish what you start. Get the go-ahead before you begin a project.

Deal with matters conGEMINI (May 21- cerning a friend, relative or June 20) peer. Sending a clear message will help you avoid being emotionally manipulated or backed into a corner.

Feel your way through a sit-

CANCER uation that could disrupt your (June 21- job or domestic life. Knowing July 22) what you are up against will

Peanuts

help you make wise choices.

Romance is encouraged.

Look for unique ways to LEO improve your quality of life (July 23- without taking drastic meaAug. 22) sures or overspending. If you're willing to do the work yourself, you'll get good results.

Look for the most practical VIRGO way to move forward. Listen (Aug. 23to alternative ideas and conSept. 22) sider how to best use what you have at your disposal to add greater stability to your life.

Calvin and Hobbes

Emotional limitations will LIBRA (Sept. 23- stand in your way if you let your personal and professionOct. 23) al lives overlap. Don't fold under pressure. Size up situations and use your intelligence to overcome adversity.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

Don't worry about what SCORPIO others say. Use your skills, (Oct. 24knowledge and experience Nov. 22) to further a cause you believe in. Don't feel challenged when you should feel invincible.

Turn up the volume and SAGITTARIUS dance to the beat of your (Nov. 23own drum.

Propose what you Dec. 21) want to see happen, do your own thing and take credit where credit is due.

solution for last published puzzle

Develop the changes you CAPRICORN want to implement at home (Dec. 22- or work. Aim to boost your inJan. 19) come and raise your standard of living. Share your ideas and nurture an important relationship.

Take action, but don't go

AQUARIUS overboard. Keeping the peace (Jan. 20- and living within your means Feb. 19) will be key to getting what you want without going into battle.

Use your energy wisely.

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

PISCES (Feb. 20March 20)

Use your intuitive awareness to negotiate your way into a deal that will bring about positive financial change as well as improve an important partnership.

guyanatimesgy.com

wednesDAY, august 1, 2018

Mc Kinnon, Blake emerge top guns in Queensway Multi Gun Shoot

G

From left: David Dharry, Pravesh Harry, Ryan McKinnon, Michael Blake, Joshua Ramlakhan and Dallas Thomas

uyana Sports Shooting Federation (GSSF) President Ryan McKinnon shot himself to first place in last weekend’s Queensway Group of Companies-sponsored Multi Gun Practical Shoot.

The Timehri Rifle and Pistol Ranges at Yarrowkabra, on the Linden-Soesdyke Highway, came alive as a number of shooters sought to overthrow McKinnon, who has dominated 2018 with pistol in hand.

In a match where the top three category winners grabbed prizes in the form of cash and medals, McKinnon emerged winner in the limited category with an aggregate of 440.2476 points following his skills with the handgun, rifle and shotgun. The in-form Pravesh Harry with 377.5218 points copped second place while third place went to David Dharry, who shot 300.8722 points.

Former GSSF President

U-15 team ready for CONCACAF engagement

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fter weeks of encampment and training, a team of Guyanese girls are said to be ready to represent Guyana as they enter into their inaugural CONCACAF U-15 Girls Tournament.

The tournament will be hosted at the IMG Academy in Florida, USA from August 6 to 13 and Head Coach Akilah Castello is very confident about the Guyanese team’s chances at the international engagement.

As time winds down to the tournament, the coaching staff have revealed that they are focusing on position-specific preparation to emphasise key unit functions with the players as they continue to embed the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) national playing philosophy.

While pointing out that the squad had a successful period of encampment from July 8-16 with 25 members participating, Castello said the focus was both unit-specific phases of play and technical repetition.

“During the camp, we focused on developing tactical understanding among units of play with a real focus on positionspecific coaching. We developed and assessed physical literacy, as well as psycho-social skills and specific communication.

The girls would have proven to the coaching staff that they show a real desire to learn and understand the game, but ultimately their drive to wear the badge and represent their country.

“The girls are training consistently at their various Academy Training Centres [ATCs], so they came into the national camp with a far greater level of ability than any other previous squad and, most importantly, possess key

Coach Akilah Castello

knowledge of the game. They are exposed to the GFF playing and coaching philosophy on a weekly basis by the nationwide technical staff. This group has a lot of individual talents with the ability to change a game, and it is now our job as coaches to put these pieces together to form an attacking unit built on a rocksolid defensive foundation,” Castello added.

The Head Coach said preparations would continue with the Guyana-based squad until departure, which is scheduled for Saturday, August 4. “I'm very optimistic about the girls giving a true representation of themselves as a national team even though it’s their first major competition. The players and staff are continuing with the preparation period emphasising the fine detail in how we play,” he declared.

Guyana are scheduled to play their first match in the U-15 Championship against St Lucia on August 6 at 11:00h, followed

by Cayman Islands on August 7 at 09:00h, and The Bahamas on August 9 at 11:00h. The playoff will begin on August 10, following the group qualifiers, with the finals set for August 13 at 11:00h.

Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon, Rajiv Latchana and James Singh were forced to settle for fourth, fifth and sixth.

The production class was dominated by Michael Blake, who racked up 415.6330 points to take the top spot with Joshua Ramlakhan on 354.1800 points for second, Dallas Thomas third (329.0048) and Allemul Ali (307.2261) in fourth.

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sports

Football returns to Georgetown with Stag Beer Revival Cup T he Georgetown Football Association (GFA) could not have found a better name for its upcoming tournament as it re-enters the world of hosting competitions after a bout of difficulties.

The GFA will be collaborating with the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) and ANSA McAL, under its Stag brand, to stage the “GFA-Stag Beer Revival Cup”. The tournament will cater to football clubs within the Georgetown area, resuscitating the competitive spirit between the Georgetown clubs after a long time.

At the launch of the event, GFA Interim Management Committee Chairman Trevor Williams noted that the Association was taking small steps towards fully restoring the glory of football that Georgetown once possessed. As such, he said, “I wish to encourage the clubs to make the most of the opportunities given, to keep

their commitment to the game strong to ensure that together the GFA, the GFF and the football fraternity could take football to where we’ll be pleased in the city of Georgetown.”

Declaring that the ANSA McAL company was “overly excited” to be part of such an initiative, Stag representative Saekwon McGarrell noted that the company was anticipating a top-notch tournament. “At this tournament, we’ll be able to see top teams with top talents, top managers, top trainers and skilful strategists; this is definitely going to be a football fiesta. It is time for us to be proud of our talented young players who are eager to display their skills and talents,” McGarrell said.

GFA Competitions Committee Chairman Otis James shared the details of the tournament, stating that it was scheduled to begin on August 12 and run for 16 days. Within those 16 days,

Chairman of the Interim Management Committee for the GFA Trevor Williams

56 matches are expected to be played in a round-robin format and then eight teams will advance into the quarter-final stage. The competition will host 16 teams, inclusive of Fruta Conquerors, Western Tigers, the Guyana Defence Force and Buxton United.

However, with regard to the Elite League teams, players who are listed for the Elite League will not be eligible for this competition. As such, the teams are

being urged to allow their Under-20 players to garner some exposure during this tournament.

GFF President Wayne Forde has ecstatically welcomed the return of football to Georgetown. Additionally, he has expressed hope that this tournament would be a stepping stone towards development.

“Football in Georgetown has been long overdue, it is pointless for us to get into the reasons why, but what I think we should do is concentrate our energies in developing a sustainable programme, over the next couple of years,” Forde said.

The games will be hosted at the GFC Ground and the Tucville Football Ground (popularly known as the Fruta Conquerors Ground).

The grand prize for the competition is $500,000, while second place will receive $250,000, and $150,000 will be awarded to the third-place winner.

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wednesDAY, august 1, 2018

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Shemar’s Trucking Service on Hetmyer, Iqbal rise in ODI board “Jumbie” Emancipation rankings after WI-BAN series D Domino Competition

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Shemar’s Trucking Service Managing Director Duean Boston (right) hands over the sponsorship cheque to GDA Organising Secretary Mark Wiltshire on Tuesday

eorgetown Domino Association (GDA) Organising Secretary Mark “Jumbie” Wiltshire’s Emancipation Competition received a boost when Shemar’s Trucking Service and Boston Pawn Shop offered support to the event.

During a simple ceremony at the company’s location on Joseph Pollydore Street, Lodge, Managing Director Duean Boston handed over a cheque for an undisclosed sum to Wiltshire.

After receiving the sponsorship cheque and thanking

the company for its support, Wiltshire went on to reveal some important particulars about the upcoming competition. He noted that the tournament would be open to everyone and teams from all across the country are welcomed to take part in the highly-anticipated competition.

With the guarantee that all prizes will be given to the winners in a timely manner, the entrance fee is set at $10,000 per team. The fee is required to be paid on or before the start of play.

Persons who are interested

in the tournament can contact the organisers on 6655855.

Among the teams anticipated to participate are: Gold is Money, All Seasons, Mix Up, Spartans, Rage, Providence, Gangster, C7, C6, Thunder, Phantom, R&R, Turning Point, Masters, Gold Star, Angels, and OPKO. Double six time is 14:00h at GDA President Faye Joseph’s residence at 1223 Gaulding Place, South Ruimveldt. Food and drinks will be on sale throughout the day.

espite the West Indian boys recently third ODIs, both of which Bangladesh won, and suffering a disappointing series after hit 54 in a losing cause in the second game to Bangladesh managed to ease past them aggregate 287. That made him the Player of 2-1 in the One-Day International (ODI) series, the Series too, and gave him a career-high 737 the three matches played in Guyana and St points and the No 13 spot in the MRF Tyres ICC Men’s ODI Player Rankings for batsmen.

Kitts proved to be fruitful for the home team.

It’s a rise of four spots for Iqbal, who has West Indies’ new “breath of fresh air”, Shimron Hetmyer has registered a massive now taken his century tally in ODIs to 11.

“I think the patience that I showed in the leap in the ODI rankings, propelling himself to 59th on the list. Hetmyer hit 207 runs in total first, second and third match makes me happy, with knocks of 52, 125 and 30, and moved as it proved that my hard work paid off,” said up a stunning 77 positions to settle at the Iqbal after the series, referring to the 160, 85 59th spot. After the match-winning century and 124 balls he faced in the three innings – in in Providence, he had reached 528 points, his the first, he batted right through the innings.

Iqbal wasn’t the only Bangladeshi on the best in a short career so far, before losing some move. points following the series decider.

Shakib Al Hasan, the The young man, who made his Test debut talismanic all-rounder, had a in December last year during the West Indies good series too, with scores tour of New Zealand, has only played a total of 97, 56 and 37, and two of 12 matches, but his hard hitting and wickets in the second game. calculated string of innings have That helped him move up made it clear that he is well on his three places to 26th among way to the top. batsmen, and although he lost Chris Gayle and Rovman Powell three spots in the bowlers’ were the heroes of their chase, and table, he remained the topthe batsmen’s table put them at ranked ODI all-rounder.

No 66 (up 12 spots) and No 92 (up Of the other prominent 16 spots) respectively. Windies scorers in the series for Captain Jason Holder currently Bangladesh, Mahmudullah holds the highest West Indian gained four positions to get to position at 27th.

No 38 – his 49-ball 67* also gave Over on the bowlers’ side him a career-high 575 points – of things, off-spinner Ashley but, interestingly, Mushfiqur Rahim Nurse has propelled dropped a spot to 22nd despite a rapid himself to the 38th spot 30 in the first game and a 67-ball 68 in moving some 25 places, the second. while Guyanese Mashrafe Mortaza and Mustafizur Devendra Bishoo has Rahman were Bangladesh’s best now broken into the bowlers in the Caribbean. Mortaza top 100, in the 92nd was the series topper in terms of spot. wickets, with seven including 4-37 Meanwhile, in the first match, and rose eight Tamim Iqbal, the spots to be joint 19th with Matt star of Bangladesh’s Henry of New Zealand.

ODI series win over Rahman earned a the Windies, has career-best 610 points led the rise of the earlier in the series Bangladeshis in the before ending with latest rankings.

Left-hand Guyanese 609 points and the No Iqbal was batsman Shimron 17 spot, a gain of two outstanding. He scored Hetmyer spots.

130* and 103 in the first and

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GUYANATIMESgy.COM

wednesDAY, august 1, 2018

LeBron James opens school for underprivileged children

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BA superstar LeBron James has proved he is a role model both on and off the basketball court by opening a school for underprivileged children.

The I Promise School will house 240 at-risk third and fourthgrade students in James' hometown Akron, Ohio.

The school is a joint venture between the LeBron James Family Foundation and Akron Public Schools.

"We just want everything for them," the three-time NBA champion said. "Everything and more. So it's going to mean a lot to me."

A glimpse inside the school, which is a partnership between the LeBron James Family Foundation and the Akron Public Schools

James will serve as primary donor to help form the extracurricular goals of the school. The school's board will oversee the curriculum development.

The 33-year-old, who recently moved from the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Los Angeles Lakers on a four-year contract worth US$154 million, hopes the school will help kids who are falling behind in education and struggling at home.

The former Cavs star missed 83 days of school in the fourth grade because his family did not have a car.

Several other families offered care and support, and the following year he started playing basketball.

"School didn't mean anything to me," he said. "There were just a lot of empty days, empty nights and just kind of a no-future thought process.

"It was mentally challenging. No kid at eight, nine should have that stress... so I know exactly what a lot of these kids are going through."

James says having a bike was a huge factor in his childhood as it offered him an escape from dangerous parts of his neighbourhood and the freedom to explore. Because of that, every student will receive a bicycle when they arrive at the school.

Students will also be provided with meals during the day, as well as services to help them deal with stress, or parents who are struggling to make ends meet.

The school will also provide services to families, which include job placement assistance for parents and an on-site food bank from which parents can take food to prepare at home.

"We want to create an environment of family where you want to always be around your family," said James. "No matter the good and the bad, you always want to be around that support system.

In 2015, James announced an initiative that would pay for more than 1000 kids to attend college.

He has also funded the “Wheels for Education� programme, which started in 2011 and provides kids with school supplies, access to computers, and a bike as part of a system designed to keep kids motivated to complete their homework and get good grades.(BBC Sport)

wednesDAY, august 1, 2018

Guyana Amazon Warriors sign Green as cover for Delport T

he Guyana Amazon Warriors have at the Big Bash in Australia and the Lahore signed Australian all-rounder Chris Qalanders in the Pakistan Super League.

Green for the first four matches of the Guyana Amazon Warriors Head 2018 Hero Caribbean Premier League Coach Johan Botha said: “Chris (CPL).

Green is an exciting T20 talent and Green will be covering for the we are very pleased to welcome him hard-hitting South African Cameron as cover for Cameron Delport. As Delport, who will be unavailable until an effective top-order batsman August 17. Green will be available for and a canny off-spinner, he will the matches against St Kitts & Nevis add a great deal to our squad in the Patriots, St Lucia Stars, Barbados first half of the season.”

Tridents and Jamaica Tallawahs.

The Warriors will commence their The 24-year-old Green has hunt for the title come August 9 played 27 Twenty20 matches when they lock horns with the with 149 runs and 22 wickSt Kitts and Nevis Patriots at ets under his belt. He has the Guyana National Stadium, played for Sydney Thunder Providence.

Cameron Delport

Hero CPL playing conditions amended for 2018 season

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laying conditions for the 2018 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) have undergone two significant changes ahead of August 8 when the summer’s Biggest Party bowls off.

The opening game will see current champions Trinbago Knight Riders taking on St Lucia Stars. In the event of a tie between the two teams, there will be a Super Over as in previous seasons. In the past, the team that had batted second in the match would automatically bat first in the Super Over. This year, there will be another coin toss to decide which team will bat first in the Super Over.

There is also a change in the penalties that will be applied to teams that do not complete their overs withi n the allotted time. Each side has 85 minutes, plus any additional time that the umpires have deemed appropriate due to delays in play, to complete their overs.

If teams fail to bowl their overs within the allotted time, they will be given a Net Run Rate penalty as outlined below:

a. One (1) over down – Penalty of 0.05 deduction from their NRR b. Each additional over down – Penalty of 0.10 deduction from their NRR

Hero CPL Tournament Operations Director Michael Hall said: “We work hard each year to ensure that playing conditions are making the competition as fair as possible while also keeping the spectators and viewers at home entertained. We feel both of these changes will help with both of these goals.”

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wednesDAY, august 1, 2018

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Hero CPL playing conditions Guyana Amazon Warriors sign Green amended for 2018 season as cover for Delport Pg 31

Pg 31

The 2018 Hero CPL will feature modified playing conditions

Australian all-rounder Chris Green

Football returns to Georgetown with Stag Beer Revival Cup

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Representatives from the Georgetown football clubs take a photo opportunity as the GFA’s IMC Chairman Trevor Williams receives the sponsorship cheque from ANSA McAL’s Saekwon McGarrell

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