Guyanatimes 22 december 2017

LOOK INSIDE !

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

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Friday, December 22, 2017

Issue No. 3430

PRICE

No money to pay ‘redundant’ sugar workers

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Guyanese freed after 30 years of wrongful P16 conviction …heads home for Christmas

Page 3

…as GAWU reveals GuySuCo cannot pay workers until 2018 …PPP demands immediate severance payments for workers

President calls for peace, security on South American continent Page 2

25 graduate from P14 Caribbean Leadership Project

“Animalistic” carjackers P10 causing fear among business community – Dookhoo

– at 51st MERCOSUR Summit in Brazil

Suspect in Craig murder confesses P16

President David Granger (far right) among the leaders at the 51st Summit of the Heads of State of MERCOSUR and Associated States at the Itamaraty Palace, Brasilia

Jagdeo disappointed over Govt’s nonpayment of year-end bonuses Page 7

…says Disciplined Services, public servants deserved the courtesy

Guyana rejects US recognition of Jerusalem Page 17

Crane seaman charged with assaulting P8 female neighbours

2 News

friDAY, december 22, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

President calls for peace, security on South American continent – at 51st MERCOSUR Summit in Brazil

President David Granger and President Michel Temer led their respective delegations in discussions on improving bilateral cooperation

I

n light of the ongoing border controversy between Guyana and neighbouring Venezuela, President David Granger told the 51st Summit of the Heads of State of the Common Market of the South (MERCOSUR) and Associate States that the occasion was an opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to the principles of respect for the inviolability of

treaties and other international agreements, respect for the peaceful settlement of disputes, and rejection of the use of threats and force as a means of settling disputes.

Referencing the 1999 Political Declaration of MERCOSUR, Bolivia and Chile as a Zone of Peace, the Guyanese Head of State said, “Peace is essential for

President Granger (far right) among the leaders at the 51st Summit of the Heads of State of MERCOSUR and Associated States at the Itamaraty Palace, Brasilia

economic development and trade to take place. Peace is a dividend for enhanced competitiveness. Peace must be promoted in MERCOSUR, its associated states and throughout the continent.”

Noting that common markets flourish in conditions of peace and security

and falter when there are instability and uncertainty, President Granger said that Guyana remained committed to the principles of mutual respect for each other’s territory, mutual non-aggression between States, mutual non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, and mutual cooperation for peaceful coexistence among States.

“Guyana repeats its invocation for MERCOSUR to continue its vigilance to safeguard the sovereignty and security of its small states on this continent and to eliminate the economic inequalities and political controversies that separate them. This continent must be a zone of peace… Guyana, as a small state, with fewer than one million people, seeks cordial relations with all States,” he said.

President Granger also told the Summit that Guyana looked towards infrastructural cooperation with the countries on the South American continent

American counterparts in MERCOSUR to take more concerted actions to address global warming and climate change, which could harm production and impair trade.

He noted, too, that climate change and other natural hazards were degrading the continent’s productive assets.

The President, who is currently on an official State Visit to Brazil, is accompanied by Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge, Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman, Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson and senior officers from the Foreign Affairs Ministry.

Additionally, the Head of State and his delegation on Thursday morning inked two agreements with the Federative Republic of Brazil on the sidelines of the Summit.

The first agreement is a Complementary Agreement to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Cooperative

President Granger greeting Brazil’s President, Michel Temer

to establish highways, railways and bridges from the south to the north to enable the movement of goods and people.

“Guyana’s continental destiny is tied to integration of the continent. Guyana has a role to play as the gateway for South America to the markets of the Caribbean, Central America and North America,” he said.

Given Guyana’s firm global stance on environmental protection, the President used the opportunity to appeal to his South

Republic of Guyana and the Federative Republic of Brazil, which creates the “Guyana-Brazil Joint Commission to Develop Infrastructure Projects” .

The second Complementary Agreement is to the Basic Agreement on Technical Cooperation between the Government of the Republic of Guyana and the Federative Republic of Brazil for the Implementation of the Project – “Technologies to Reduce the Effects of the Drought in Region 9 of Guyana”.

news

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friDAY, december 22, 2017 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, December 22 – 05:00h-06:30h and Saturday, December 23 – 05:30h-07:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, December 22 – 06:25h-07:55h and Saturday, December 23 – 07:00h-08:30h.

No money to pay ‘redundant’ sugar workers …as GAWU reveals GuySuCo cannot pay workers until 2018 …PPP demands immediate severance payments for workers

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Thundery to heavy rain showers can be expected during the day, with thundery showers returning in the evening. Temperatures should range between 24 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North Easterly ranging between 3.12 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 06:45h and 18:58h reaching maximum heights of 2.46 metres and 2.54 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 00:19h and 12:32h reaching minimum heights of 0.63 metre and 0.78 metre respectively.

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

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

By Jarryl Bryan

W

ith thousands of sugar workers out of work and facing financial hardships, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo is demanding that they receive their rightful severance payments immediately.

Jagdeo voiced this demand at a press conference on Thursday, during which he maintained he had little faith on the Government reversing its decision to close sugar estates. He stressed, however, that the workers were entitled to their severance payment by law and revealed that many of those who were already paid felt cheated.

“I pointed out, even when I spoke at Wales, about how it would affect people from both parties, of every race. Those workers don’t know what will happen next year. And therefore, (since) Government has taken this irreversible decision, we are demanding that they pay the workers their severance immediately, urgently, that this is the law and the calculations be accurate.”

“I was in the sugar belt last weekend and I had a meeting with many workers from Canje and Skeldon and I’ll be meeting with workers from Wales and Enmore and the other factories in the New Year. But their biggest concern seems to be about what they are told about how they will get their severance

and many of them are dissatisfied with the calculations.”

Jagdeo related that he has since asked a legal team and labour unions to visit the estates and advise the workers on their rights under the labour laws. He revealed that this legal team will be composed of former Attorney General Anil Nandlall, as well as other Opposition Members of Parliament who happen to be lawyers.

“So they’ll be holding meetings in the sugar belt, at which workers can come with their agreements and calculations; many of them have major issues about the applicability of different aspects of the union agreement being managed by GuySuCo on how it will be respected or honoured.”

“So I want the sugar workers who did not get to come to my meeting to know that in January I intend to meet with all of them to talk about a way forward for sugar workers and their families, as I’ve done many times when I was President. I met directly with the Bauxite workers in Burmine when they lost their markets and worked with them. In the meantime, if they have legal issues they can attend these workshops.”

According to Jagdeo, Government has an obligation to provide subsidies to displaced sugar workers in the sugar belt, in the same way subsidies were given in Linden when problems with Bauxite arose. Jagdeo also urged the Government to embark on a massive training programme that will be determined based upon the

One of the many protests by workers for their severance payments

workers’ desires and not on a predetermined feasibility analysis.

“I don’t have any faith that this Government knows its head from its foot, so I don’t want it to determine the feasibility of anything.

Look at the rice project they started in Wales and wanted to push some of the workers there. It’s a failure. So you train people in what they see opportunities in.”

“Secondly, I’m hearing the Government will make some land available but they can’t get their severance. That has nothing to do with severance.

We would like lands be given to all the workers, (but) first of all they have to receive their severance.”

No severance

Jagdeo’s comments come on the same day as an announcement from the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) that the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) cannot provide severance payments until next year. According

to GAWU in a statement, GuySuCo informed them during a meeting on Wednesday that redundant workers at Skeldon, Rose Hall and East Demerara estates would be affected.

The statement relates that while GuySuCo was allocated $6.3 billion, this is to maintain operations at the remaining estates, rather than for the workers. A $2.5 billion loan GuySuCo recently obtained is also for the same purpose.

GAWU related that while they were told another sum for payments is in the pipelines, Government would have to consider the request and possibly seek supplemental financing. As such, GAWU was apprehensive that payments would only be made until February next year.

Turn to page 7

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guyanatimesgy.com

friDAY, december 22, 2017

Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

Traffic congestion

W

e are in the height of the Christmas season, and based on the level of traffic congestion and perhaps confusion on our roads, it has become clearer that there is an urgent need to expand the country’s road network.

Both drivers and passengers have expressed frustration regarding the long time it takes to reach their destinations, especially if they are getting in and out of the city centre, as there is a huge build-up of traffic, resulting in a lot of time being wasted.

Even when we are out of the holiday season, the traffic congestion during rush hours in the mornings and evenings is almost unbearable for citizens to cope with. It is normal to spend more than half hour in the traffic when going or coming from work or school, especially in areas along the East Bank and East Coast corridors, where there is a huge buildup of traffic almost daily.

The situation at the Demerara Harbour Bridge is even worse. In addition to the bridge no longer being adequate to accommodate the large volume of traffic on a daily basis, many have complained that the traffic is badly managed. There is no sense of order and decency at the bridge, and the officers stationed there seem helpless. In fact, many drivers have complained that it is highly stressful to be caught up in heavy traffic at the bridge. During rush hours, there is bumper-tobumper traffic, with some drivers bullying their way through.

Within the last five years or so, traffic congestion in the city and other main thoroughfares has gotten worse, and there could be a number of factors responsible for this. What we have noticed is that although there has been significant improvement to the road network recently, the continued establishment of new housing schemes across the country and the increasing numbers of vehicles being imported into the country are contributing to the traffic-related problems we are currently experiencing.

Thousands of persons have now been relocated from the city to other suburban and rural areas, where they were allocated house lots by the Government to build their homes.

Most of these persons have to travel back to the city, where they work or attend school. Also, due to the fact that thousands of persons have entered into the middle and upper middle class, where they have more disposable income, many are opting to purchase their own vehicles. So within the last five years or so, there has been a five-fold increase in the number of vehicles driving on the roads.

The road network expansion programme, even though improving, still cannot accommodate this massive increase in vehicles driving on the roads.

As we have stated before, there are a number of steps which could be taken immediately to minimize the impact the problem is having on citizens and their ability to get to their destination with minimal delays. For example, the authorities could seek to ensure that there is more police presence in certain areas, so there can be a smooth flow of traffic, as drivers are known to break the rules and bully their way when there is no police presence.

Also, the authorities could designate more routes for traffic diversions, especially in areas where there is a heavy traffic build-up, etc.

However, these are more short-term solutions. An effective way to address the problem is to continue expanding the road network in the country, especially in areas that are heavily populated. The East Bank and East Coast road expansion projects, once completed, will bring much relief to the travelling public.

We urge the authorities to continue to look at ways in which the road network in Guyana could be further expanded, improved, rehabilitated, and maintained. This would certainly bring great relief to citizens’ frustrations, and would also help to reduce the number of road fatalities in the country.

A scene from Regent Street in Georgetown on Thursday, showing the usual hustle and bustle as persons go about their business, especially as it relates to shopping for the Christmas season (Carl Croker photo)

A case for SARA

Dear Editor, A few weeks ago, the Guyana Government announced that it was selling its share in the Guyana Stockfeed Inc. Those shares are held by the National Industrial & Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL). The portion of shares which the current regime acknowledged as belonging to it on behalf of the Guyanese people amounts to seven per cent of the company.

In the minds of the public, that must raise a lot of suspicions as to the nature of this transaction. The history of the company since privatisation has been quite messy and suspicious.

When the company was privatised, it was an entity with 700,000 shares. The Government of Guyana had 38 per cent of those shares or some 266,000 shares. The main shareholder, Robert Badal, held more than 50 per cent of these shares.

Shortly after the privatisation process, the main shareholder made a move to take over the whole company. The method he used was to increase the amount of shareholding from 700,000 to 100,000,000 shares. This was done without the consent of the second largest shareholder of the company,

the Government of Guyana.

The Government shares were diluted from 38 per cent to just seven per cent of the company. The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government objected to this move, which was indeed a complete takeover, via this manoeuvre.

The PPP/C Administration objected on many grounds. The main contention was that the other shareholders, particularly the second largest shareholder, was not consulted nor did they give any approval for the dilution of shares.

Having failed to resolve the issue with the main shareholder, the PPP/C Government took the matter to court.

In the year 2008, the court ruled that the actions of the main shareholder, and the Directors he appointed, were wrong and contrary to the Company Act among other issues.

The court ruled that the Government of Guyana portion of 38 per cent of the company be restored.

The main shareholder, Robert Badal, appealed the case. The case is still pending at the Guyana Court of Appeal.

This is a classic case to show the sloth of hearing

cases and writing decisions

by Judges leads to the perpetuation of injustice and wrongs. It is how business people think: “put it in the courts and let it languish”.

It is a tool of frustrating, particularly poor people, but not confined to them. Here is the Government that was being frustrated.

While all of this was taking place and the delay caused by the Appeal Court not hearing the case, the main shareholder has been abusing the company, using it at the expense of the other shareholders.

Some examples of this include the payment to a Trinidad company (owned

by Badal and called Guyana Stockfeeds Ltd) of billions of dollars for procurement, questionable transfer pricing from overseas companies to Guyana Stockfeeds Inc. The main shareholder also used Guyana Stockfeeds Inc to bailout poor investments in other companies to name a few.

While the appeal by Badal was still pending, the Government changed. The People’s National Congress (PNC)-led A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) took power.

Instead of pursuing the course set by the PPP/C ad-

ministration to prevent the loss of billions of dollars, this PNC-led APNU/AFC regime is selling its share.

Not 38 per cent but SEVEN per cent of those shares.

This implies that this regime is not awaiting the results of the appeal. It has accepted the illegality that was done and the taxpayers of this country stand to lose more than one billion dollars. It appears our Attorney General has agreed to settle this case in favour of the main shareholder.

This must raise serious concerns about corruption in high places in Government. It raises suspicions of millions of dollars in the kickbacks going to persons in top positions in the regime.

If this is the standard of this Administration, then how can it be relied on to deal with huge investors, with deep pockets? Will they fall into those pockets?

Since the regime has paid some lip service to getting back State property, here is a good case to prove its seriousness.

SARA should investigate this now!

Sincerely, Donald Ramotar Former President

Re-evaluating Guyana’s social, economic, political well-being Dear Editor, Every end of year many people take stock of their lives and make resolutions to do better in the New Year. What we also need to do is to take stock of the Guyanese nation over the last 50 years and see where

we can do better.

In this regard, I call for a re-evaluation of Guyana’s social, economic and political well-being over the last 50 years.

Instead of just analysing the performance of a People’s National

Congress Government vs a People’s Progressive Party Government, we need to evaluate the years in terms of every 10-year period.

Our starting point could be the years 2010 to present until we encapsulate all the years since 1966. In

this way we will be developing a narrative of our history without casting blame.

Objectively analysing your performance can lead you to do better.

Yours faithfully, Sean Ori

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friDAY, december 22, 2017

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

Constitutional agencies ought to be autonomous, impartial Dear Editor, This A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition Government has been most sinister, deceptive and vindictive, as it relates to their blatant default regarding promised and expected performance of constitutional obligations. President Granger and his Ministers continue to employ manipulative tactics, which consistently politically interfere in the functionality of constitutional agencies which ought to be autonomous and impartial.

The deliberate manipulations by APNU/AFC cohorts are being effected not only through delays in establishment, but also efforts to contaminate and suppress by: restraining resources, placement of political stooges and outright defiance of independent decisions made by the agencies.

Consequent to the foregoing, Guyana has become a dark place lacking of buoyancy and luster. There is no one-off anomaly as the cyclical intolerable behaviour continues to be repeated, reducing the effectiveness of the agencies’ insulation of citizens while perpetuating the opportunities for fraud by those in Government.

Notably, the efforts to intensify this contaminated infusion by this disappointing Government are on the rise. The existence of numerous recent occurrences gives testimony. Among the many examples, a few instances for the purpose of highlight are as follow: * First, the Guyana Elections Commission is now pauperised in terms of the need to balance the staffing under its employ; and its transparency outlook based on the unilateral appointment of a Government ad-

visor, to its helm. As such, opposing parties are now forced to be extremely vigilant in ensuring that the Voters List is one that is thoroughly updated and verified, and no sort of bullish nonsense is accepted in this regard. Also, that counting in the place of Polls thoroughly attended to, and that very early rejection of sub-optimal approaches are made definitive and public. There is also a need for strong advocacy towards the prioritisation by the Judiciary of related dispute matters, as ones of national security to be heard and pronounced on immediately. * Second, the Public Procurement Commission is another agency made into a toothless poodle that is moving at a snail’s pace. This occurs, even as the APNU/ AFC Cabinet continues to pronounce on procurement matters, in breach of

the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board approved legislation and procedures. * Third, the Police Service Commission is another institution which has been illegally and personally targeted by President Granger; when he ordered that the organisation must halt its constitutional mandate, of considering and recommending Police promotions.

The APNU/AFC clan first moved to de-mobilise the constitutional agency by removing its head (which is still to be replaced), with the infamous introduction of ‘not fit and proper’ due to Granger’s view, that the Chairman was unsuitable because of his age. The diabolical hypocrisy has become a public spectacle as the rightful challenge to Granger’s dictatorial pronouncement, has been recently ruled illegal in the High Court.

* While not least by any specific purpose of design, the Local Government Commission (LGC) seems to be another targeted agency which efficacy and expected deliverables, the APNU/AFC is stealthily moving to keep in the starting blocks after all the fight and advocacy. * Although monies were previously budgeted for the LGC, it was brought to light during the 2018 Budget debates that the Commissioners still do not have an office.

Minister Bulkhan said the Commissioners are having meetings at the Parliament Buildings.

Investigations have revealed that the LGC is being deliberately pushed around. The Commission held one meeting at the National Library where they had to pay for the venue.

Why is it that such an important constitutional ‘body’ cannot have a fit and proper office?

More serious is the fact

that after several months, the Commissioners are still to receive salaries.

The Minister of Communities during the scrutiny of the Estimates accepted that he did not budget enough money for the administering of the LGC in 2018. Simply put, this serious limitation of resources serves to reduce the entity to the toothless and voiceless poodle that the APNU/AFC wants in place.

Why was a carefully organised and proper plan with all the necessary finance support, not prepared for the 2018 Budget? It seems as if the Communities Minister wants to starve the Commission and prevent them from doing their work effectively. We demand that the Government fully equipped the LGC office.

Seasons greeting and a Merry Christmas to all.

Dear Editor, So, another life was lost to crazy driving on Vlissengen Road on Monday last. The driver and conductor were interested only in saving the speaker boxes from the overturned bus lying in the trench.

Meanwhile, a motorist was pinned underneath in the trench and screaming passengers were hurt. The driver ran away.

Familiar ending, we read of so many times.

Every day we read

about senseless taking of lives in accidents involving minibuses, taxis or errant drunkards on the roadways.

Everyone seems in such a hurry.

Imagine you’re at a stoplight and two seconds before the counter gets to zero to change from red to green, horns are honking at the driver at the head to move.

Vehicles come to stoplights and can’t wait so they do the craziest about turns

on major roadways – especially at Homestretch and Vlissengen – right by the Ministry of the Presidency!

One recommendation on curbing this problem goes to the root of the issue: jointly charge and punish each offending driver ALONG with the certifying officer that bestowed a license to them.

I say collateral punishment for collateral damage.

Sincerely, Neil Kumar

GPSU’s dereliction of Road carnage continues unabated duty in the public service Dear Editor, The Guyana Public Service Union’s (GPSU) President, Patrick Yarde, and another GPSU Executive have been members of the outgoing Public Service Commission (PSC).

Patrick Yarde also served in the last few months in the life of the PSC, (which ended in August 2017) as its Chairman. There have been obvious and manifest conflicts of interest in the functions of GPSU Executives and membership in the PSC – two conflicting positions.

Is it any wonder that the Union is silent and inactive in relation to its responsibly to negotiate in good faith to finality in accordance with its legally recognised status as sole bargaining agent for public servants?

Public servants would like to know why there are no active negotiations and bargaining by the GPSU for more realistic remuneration for public servants.

The GPSU has been accepting the imposition of annual increases in wages and salaries over the years without successfully exercising fully its legal collective bargaining rights. Are the GPSU leaders muzzled by their positions in the PSC? Failure to bargain in good

faith is an offence under the Trade Union Recognition Act. Members of the Union should take the GPSU and the Public Service Department/Ministry to court for failure/refusal to bargain in good faith.

The A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change Government on assumption of office announced the restoration of collective bargaining in the public service, which is recommended by the 2015 Commission of Inquiry into the Public Service. No agreement between the GPSU and the Public Service/Ministry was achieved. Within its first weeks in Government in May 2015, it immediately established the standard for more realistic remuneration increases when it awarded 50 per cent increase in salaries for Ministers, in addition to enhanced packages of their perks, fringe benefits and allowances. This is an excellent bench mark and a negotiating mandate.

The salary relativity between the Ministers and the permanent secretaries was a long-established reality and must be maintained by a 50 per cent increase to permanent secretaries and for public servants to maintain the relativity. The Government

gave the GPSU a good basis for negotiations for the public servants. That opportunity should not be lost: Negotiations, Conciliation, and Arbitration are the agreed means to resolve these matters to finality.

The GPSU would be negligent in its duties if it fails to negotiate to finality, and to maintain the salary relativity between Ministers and Public Service staff.

Yours sincerely, Joshua Singh

Sincerely, Stan Gouveia

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friDAY, december 22, 2017

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By Goal Auzeen Saedi, PhD

R

unning out of time to pick out that perfect present? No need to fret!

The holidays are officially upon us and for those celebrating Christmas, the days left in the shopping season are quickly dwindling. Some of us may be cursing ourselves for not getting with the programme in a more timely manner and others are still debating between the plethora of options out there. It is no wonder why the holidays quickly become stressful, expensive and an all-around headache – basically the complete opposite of what holidays are meant to be about.

However, with a few simple rules and focusing the holiday back on what matters most, gift-giving can be truly about a small thoughtful gesture and not about the latest and greatest gizmo out there.

Consider going homemade There is nothing like a homemade treat and sweet card to show you care. In these days of Pinterest and lifestyle bloggers galore, there is an abundance of ideas for simple gifts you can create in your own home. Granola, breads, cookies, and all sorts of mason jar treats can be easy, quick and cost-effective, not to mention far healthier than other alternatives. If you want to step it up a notch, you can actually make homemade candles; or if you have some facility with knitting needles or crochet hooks, you might whip up some scarves and mittens for friends and family. Think about what comes naturally to you and go from there. Although I love the idea of learning to knit one day, it is exceed-

guyanatimesgy.com

Foundation

ingly unlikely I will master the art in enough time to make scarves for all – so keep it reasonable! I know granola comes easily to me, so spoiler-alert to friends and family – this might be on your doorstep soon.

Treasured books I’ll be the first to admit I’m a sucker for a good book. While I lean toward inspirational non-fiction reads, fun light-hearted fiction is also a nice change of pace. Whatever the read though, a book that is meaningful to you can be a simple gift to pay forward to others. This season I’m gifting three of the books I’ve personally read and

loved and am looking forward to sharing these reads with loved ones. You can also peruse a bookstore and find a book that speaks to someone’s special hobbies or interests. They will undoubtedly appreciate the thoughtful gesture. One of the best things about books (and homemade gifts) is also their sustainability; they are not another knickknack to collect dust or end up in a donation pile later on. They fit snugly on your bookshelf (or can be eaten!) and show you care.

Donations Although not as popular as they could be, donations made in someone’s name can be a powerful way of transforming holiday gift-giving. So many of us are fortunate to have more than we need in our lives. The latest gadget truly won’t change our lives the way a donation to the less fortunate can.

Maybe you donate to protect our forests, or perhaps children. But take a moment and count your blessings and see if you can resist the urge to frivolously spend on trinkets when so many in the world possess so little.

Annual traditions (PJs, ornaments, etc) For those who may genuinely struggle to wrap their head around not purchasing anything, small annual gifts can also be meaningful. Many families have traditions of Christmas PJs, socks, or a special ornament. One family once told me about a tradition of chocolate-covered cherries which was very sweet. It doesn’t have to be big! In fact, when I talk to therapy clients about gift-giving traditions, many look forward to grandma’s annual gift of pjs to wear on Christmas morning. They aren’t talking about the new phone or gizmo they need.

So keep it simple this holiday season and focus on what truly matters – expressing your love and gratitude to family and friends. Add a thoughtful card where you can really share your feelings. Instead of running around panicked and tapped out emotionally and financially this year, bask in the holiday warmth of the season knowing you have given the gifts that matter the most. (psychologytoday.com)

Ryan M Niemiec, Psy D

S

cience is showing that we can build happiness with small changes in our behaviour.

You can turn to your best qualities, many of which can be viewed as "spiritual strengths", such as humility and gratitude.

Below are five research-based activities – character strengths interventions – centred on different spiritual strengths.

Each activity has been shown to boost happiness (studies below), so what might happen if you engage all five?!

The strengths are nicely aligned with the celebration of most holidays. And, with four days left before Christmas, you can manage your stress and slowly build your well-being by doing one activity per day. Start today!

Day 1: Hope

Set a short-term goal for your holiday season. What is something new you’d like to accomplish by Day 5 (or by the end of the season)?

List a few pathways you can use to reach your goal so that you aren't stuck with only one approach.

I am setting a goal to do creative writing each day of my break. There are many ways I can reach this goal – and I do need as many ways as possible as I have three children that will be competing for my attention!

One pathway is to wake up early and write. Another pathway is to write during the children’ quiet time or nap time. Another pathway is for my wife and I to mutually arrange alone-time where one of us watches the children and the other has alone-time. Another pathway is to write in the evening after my children go to sleep. The last one is my default strategy.

Day 2: Humility

To use humility, researchers suggest we lower our self-focus and value others and “all things” more.

Make a list of five experiences, people, or things that you realise you should value more and describe why.

I will use this strength by not focusing on my own accomplishments and bring all of my focus to other people and what I value about each person I meet. The famous

quote of the late, prominent research scientist, Chris Peterson was “Other people matter,” which summed up the field of positive psychology. Perhaps this was actually a call for humanity to improve this strength?

Day 3: Kindness

Give the “gift of time” to a person in your life that is in need. This might be a family member, friend, neighbour, or stranger. Offer yourself to help and support them with their needs.

I can use this strength by making a phone call to a person whom I know is suffering physically. I can offer loving support and compassion during the call.

Day 4: Spirituality (the sacred)

Be observant throughout the day for what is particularly special, sacred, or holy to you. It might be a view out your window, a funny moment with a friend, or a pleasant feeling that comes over you. Pause when you notice this moment. Prolong the moment by savouring the feelings and allowing yourself to take in the fullness of the experience.

I will create opportunities for myself to notice the sacred, re-discovering it. I will pause at many points during the day to shift myself from mind-chatter to simply breathing and experiencing the present moment. I will spend more time looking at the trees and pond in my backyard. I will spend more time carefully and mindfully observing my family in action. These will increase the likelihood that I’ll be aware of the many sacred moments that are unfolding in front me.

Day 5: Gratitude

Every time you receive a gift, after you say your obligatory “thank you”, take a moment to internally count one of your blessings in life.

If you get 12 gifts, count 12 blessings. Be specific and nuanced with each blessing and don’t repeat yourself!

Examples of a few blessings I might count include: gratefulness for the colourful vibrancy of the beautiful decorations in our house, gratefulness for each unique smile on my children’s faces, and gratefulness that I have a mother and father I can call to talk to. (Excerpt from psychologytoday.com)

7 Jagdeo disappointed over Govt’s non-payment of year-end bonuses news

friDAY, december 22, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

…says Disciplined Services, public servants deserved the courtesy in implementation, poor inter-agency coordination and cooperation, and a deficit of strategic planning and management.

The Minister instead

By Michael Younge

O

pposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday severely criticised the People’s National Congress-led A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition Government’s decision to deny public servants and serving members of the Disciplined Services the traditional year-end bonus in addition to their salaries.

Jagdeo, speaking at a press conference held at his Church Street office, said the fact that Government did not “see it fit” to grant these bonuses was appalling and would no doubt have an impact on not only the mood of these hard-working people but also buoyancy of the economy.

He said traditionally over $2 billion was set aside to fund the expenditure associated with year-end bonuses.

Arguing that “that makes a huge difference to people out there”, the Opposition Leader opined that the non-payment, therefore, would contribute to the rise in uncertainty among people about their financial security in the future as he referenced the thousands of people who were expected to be laid off from the East Demerara Sugar Estates later this month. “…Spending patterns in the sugar belt have also changed, because people are concerned about their ability to earn next year … And so that is a contributory factor to the bleak situation out there (in the country),” he

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

warned.

He held fast to the view that people’s disposable incomes and their ability to earn revenue during the busy Christmas season could in part be affected adversely.

“As a result of this, we are seeing some sloth in the season and I do hope that the parade picks up later for the sake of vendors and others who are having a hard time…in relation to their ability to earn. And it seems to me that the issue of disposable income is affecting large groups of people who traditionally had more money to spend.”

He dismissed the Government’s argument that it was unable to grant the bonuses because of a lack of fiscal space. Jagdeo, however, told reporters that there were multimillion variances created because of the Finance Minister’s fascination with the presentation of early budgets.

“The one-month variance alone in 2016 showed an $8 billion improvement in the fiscal accounts by January

No money to pay...

“The admission by GuySuCo only serves to make matters worse as the beleaguered workers are now being told that they have no job and will not receive their legally entitled severance payments when the Corporation kicks them out on to the road on December 29, this year.”

“This for the GAWU is

most upsetting and only serves to rub salt in the wound. Our Union, in view of the Corporation’s depressing information, has requested that GuySuCo retains the workers in suitable employment until it is in a position to honour the workers severance payments,” GAWU said.

It is a bitter turn even

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

1, 2017, because they had underestimated revenue and overestimated expenditure. And there is no doubt that 2017 will have a similar situation…and so next year when the Budget is presented, you will see a massive fiscal space that the Government could have used had they been more realistic with the finances to give people their bonuses,” he remarked.

Last year, the two groups were also snubbed

by Government as they benefited from no bonuses. Back in November 2016, Finance Minister Winston Jordan, while announcing marginal adjustments to the taxes paid by workers, lashed out at the public service, calling it lethargic and inept.

He later told reporters that Government simply did not have the monies available to make the one-month tax-free payment to members of the public service.

Expanding on his position then, the Minister told the House that all across the Public Sector, we are faced with issues of sluggishness

From page 3

as thousands of sugar workers have already been made redundant and have spent months protesting for their severance. GAWU’s statement was confirmed by Agriculture Minister Noel Holder, who admitted during a press conference on Friday that monies were budgeted to pay workers in January of 2018.

promised in 2016 that Government would continue to engage the unions in negotiations to find common ground to issues pertaining to wage and salary adjust-

ment, de-bunching and allowances, taking into consideration the state of the economy and the desire to maintain macroeconomic stability.

8 NEWS

friDAY, december 22, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

IN THE COURTS Claiming mental illness

Man charged for impersonating First Lady in scholarship scam ...prosecution bashed for illogical reasoning

O

ne day after he was hauled before Magistrate Leron Daly, slapped with a string of fraud charges in connection with sums of money allegedly obtained from victims while purporting to be the First Lady (Sandra Granger), Mohammed Ali returned on Thursday last to face Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, before whom he claimed to be suffering from a mental illness for which he is undergoing treatment at the “Berbice mad house”.

Ali has been convicted on several fraud and simple larceny charges, and was serving time at the New Amsterdam Prisons when the allegations were made. Between April 1 and April 30, 2017, by falsely pretending to be the First Lady and being in a position to offer scholarships to his victims, he allegedly obtained twelve pennyweight of gold (valued at $139,000) from Beverly Harris at Mahaica, East Coast Demerara; $30,000 worth of phone cards from a person at Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo; and some $30,000 in cash from another victim.

These transactions were reportedly executed over the telephone.

The accused had initially denied the charges laid against

Mohammed Ali

him. However, he admitted to inducing several persons to send sums of money to his phone, but not to the extent to which he was charged. In what seemed to be an acceptance of fate, the accused then expressed his desire to meet the First Lady in the face of a possibly lengthy penalty sentence.

On Thursday, the Chief Magistrate had cause to admonish Prosecutor Arvin Moore because of the incomplete status of the file, and questioned why the charge was initiated in the manner it was.

“Don’t file charges unless you are ready to proceed… You do not bring convicted prison-

ers out of prison willy-nilly, unless you are ready to bring them out! You’re not about logistics!” she said in rebutting the prosecution’s position that charges were initiated following advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

McLennan opined that the charges should not have been pressed in such a rushed manner. She advanced that the police should rather have waited until completion of investigation, as the accused was “not going anywhere”, being confined within the walls of the prison.

As part of her reasoning, the magistrate bemoaned the issue of accessibility (of convicted prisoners) who had to be transported from their place of holding to the courts for every hearing.

When given a chance to speak, Ali contended that he was undergoing counselling and treatment for an illness which he did not wish to discuss in public hearing, while further alleging that he was denied medication for three days, which he said provoked his condition, causing him to slit his wrists.

Again the prosecution came under fire for failing to ascertain the health status of the accused, which inevitably

led to the violation of a fundamental constitutional right.

The Prosecution requested to be granted one month to complete the file, and the case was adjourned to January 22, 2018.

Mohamed Ali is also an artist, who had studied at the Burrowes School of Art. He brought with him to court several pieces of his work, one of which he presented to the Chief Magistrate.

“This one is for you ma’am…I have others, you can have a look if you like,” he was heard saying as an officer escorted him out of the courtroom.

An obviously intrigued Magistrate McLennan read the poetic quote to the court, ending with the words, ‘Dear Lord, thank You for another chance”.

In August last, amidst several allegations, the First Lady had cautioned the public against entertaining telephone calls and email messages which sought to exhort sums of money from persons under the promise of scholarship opportunities offered by her. She reminded that no such offer exists under her office, but rather under the remit of the Public Service Ministry.

(Paula Gomes)

Crane seaman charged with assaulting female neighbours

A

zad Mohamed, a seaman by profession and resident of Crane, West Coast Demerara, appeared on Thursday before Wales Magistrate Rochelle Liverpool to answer charges of assaulting his female nighbours.

Unrepresented by legal counsel, the 41-year-old denied that on December 18, 2017 at

Crane, he assaulted Babita Vishnu to the extent of inflicting on her actual bodily harm.

Mohamed was also charged with the unlawful assault of Sabita Apiah, which allegedly occurred on the same day.

One of the virtual complainants (VCs) was seemingly unable to walk properly, and limped into the courtroom as

a result of an injury sustained from the alleged attack.

Police Prosecutor Sergeant Campbell asked that bail for Mohamed be substantial because the accused has no fixed place of abode, and works in Suriname.

Magistrate Liverpool placed the accused on $30,000 bail on each charge, and or-

dered that he lodge his passport at the Vreed-en-Hoop Police Station. He was also ordered to stay at least 30 feet away from the two VCs until completion of the matter.

Mohamed, who is staying with his brother-in-law at Crane, will make his next court appearance on January 25, 2018.

Confessing…

I

…Police failure t says a lot about the status of the Guyana Police Force when the “Best Cop Award” was snagged by a member of the Police band! And to rub salt into THAT particular wound, it’s not as if OUR Police band gets hired by anyone to play on festive public occasions, like the foreign ones do. Much less than being like the English pop group Police that produced Sting!

Now your Eyewitness has nothing against marching bands and such like. It’s just that when, out of the THREE THOUSAND, FIVE HUNDRED or so members of our Police Force who’re supposed to “Serve and Protect” us, we can’t find even ONE that did some ‘serving and protecting”, you know something stinks to high heavens. It’s like you’re supposed to be honouring the cricketer of the year and you hand the trophy over to the water boy!! Hey!! Water’s critical and all that… but it ain’t what cricket’s all about, is it??

But seriously, folks, in the case of the Police, when you think about Guyana’s murder rate being at least FIVE TIMES THAT OF NY CITY; robberies being rampant; car-jackings taking off as a new cottage (body-shop?) industry; woman-hacking becoming a tag-team sport, it does tell you something about what our REAL cops are doing. And it has very little to do with going after criminals!!

Some say it’s because the Police are underpaid.

Really? Remember that just last week, SIXTY-FIVE CARS OWNED BY POLICEMEN had to be stripped of tint?? And that’s only the tip of that dark iceberg! Can you imagine how many of them didn’t tint their cars? If the Police are making such lousy salaries, hasn’t it crossed the mind of any of their superior officers to at least ask the Policeowners of their illegally tinted cars how they were able to purchase them?

And have the bosses checked out how many Policemen own minibuses -- that just so incidentally can do whatever they want on the roads? But hold it!! Word is that the bosses themselves are the biggest owners of buses!

But shakedowns aren’t the only source of low performance of Policemen. Have you noticed how many serving and ex-policemen are involved in crimes? How can you solve crimes if you’re busy planning and executing them??

But the rot starts at the very top…the VERY top.

Based on the game of musical chairs the President just played with the top brass of the GPF, every cop knows that efficiency in solving crimes ain’t the criteria by which they’re being evaluated. It’s loyalty to the layer above you - and closing your eyes to their transgressions.

The Police Band probably plays the tune to which the Police have to dance!! …to paedophilia One convicted child rapist was just given a life sentence. He was a “devout” member of a Church in which that nasty crime reached such epidemic proportions it became a world scandal. But paedophilia is rampant in all levels and sections of society -- as the news reminds us, ever so often. And one of our challenges is that we as a society don’t take it as seriously as we ought to.

Even those whose children have been violated. Can any of us imagine what happens to these children for the rest of their lives? They become damaged, that’s what. Damaged physically, mentally and emotionally.

Very few of them can have stable relationships later… trust issues abound, since invariably their trust was violated. The men (and paedophiles are generally men) who sexually abuse children are not only sick to want to inflict violence on a helpless child -- and it’s the violence more than anything -- they’re psychopaths who have deeply embedded impulses.

They must be chemically castrated. …control uber alles The President’s bypassing of the JSC to recruit a Chancellor or CJ is another signal -- in case anyone needed it -- of his Burnhamite drive to become paramount over the state.

That person, after all, will be called to pronounce on elections rigging!!

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

News

9

friDAY, december 22, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Wauna CDC official urges Govt to deliver on promises – says roads still deplorable, youth unemployment high

By Samuel Sukhnandan

R

esidents of the quiet village of Wauna in Barima/Waini (Region One) are faced with several issues which they hope Government would soon address. Deplorable roads and the lack of jobs seem to be the two major concerns which continue to affect these residents.

During a recent visit to the village, residents told Guyana Times that during the campaign for the 2015 elections, the APNU/AFC (A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change) coalition had promised to have these issues addressed, but nothing has to date been done to improve the situation.

Vice Chairperson for the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), Sheleen Thom, told this newspaper she thinks those promises were made only for political purposes, because nothing has been done to improve the road infrastructure, and very few jobs have been created for the people in that village.

“We are facing a lot of problems (in) regard to our roads, which are in a deplorable condition. We have asked for the Government to come and look into it many times, and they are not doing anything towards fixing the roads; and it is difficult for children to travel to and fro, due to the road situation,” she stated.

Thom said bus fares have been raised for both adults and children.

Whereas adults were required to pay $300, they are now required to pay $500; and children, who paid $100, now have to pay $300.

“And that is difficult for us, because we are not in a

Wauna CDC Vice Chairperson Sheleen Thom

position -- where people are in jobs -- to get this kind of money to support our children and people in this community,” the NDC ViceChair complained bitterly.

These fare increases have not been occasioned by an increase in the cost for vehicle spare parts, nor do they have anything to do with an increase in the cost for fuel.

These increases were introduced mainly because of the deplorable condition of the roads in Wauna. This publication was told that passengers travelling from Wauna to Kumaka have to pay $1,000, and those desirous of travelling to White Water, a bit further, have to pay $2,000.

“We spoke many times about it, and when the Government officials come in, their pay a blind eye to the road. When they were on the campaign trail, they promised us, the people in Region One, what they will do and that they will build good road for us, and they are yet to fulfill their promise…This is not what we want; we want them to fulfill their promises, because that is what they promised us,” Thom asserted.

The NDC Vice-Chair

claimed that whenever Government officials visit the village, they always tend to divert from the issues, and instead of engaging the residents in critical matters of concern, they often try to dictate what they want to say; and quite often they leave no room for residents to speak.

She said, “They are there (in Government) now, so they forget about us. And the Amerindian people, they are suffering a lot. Some of them -- who don’t have money -- they have to walk from here (Wauna) to the hospital or the post office. The pensioners have to pay the same passage too. They are charged the same bus fare.”

Guyana Times understands that the Regional Administration had written the Communities Ministry requesting some assistance for pensioners in this regard, but there has as yet been no response. Aside from that, Thom complained that whenever engineers from

about the needed changes that Wauna deserves. She also hinted that operatives or party supporters of the coalition Government who hold high positions have, on some occasions attempted to ‘flex their muscles’. “If we are not strong enough, they will want to push us out and do their own thing,” she added.

Employment

The main track leading into Wauna is in a deplorable state

the Central Government visit the region, particularly Wauna, they never visit the CDC or consult with the leadership as to what they are there for.

“People in the community, they look on us to represent them, and we have to look into all of these things.

They can’t come to our village and do what they want to do. We have some people in authority, especially in Government, that (are)

trying to bring back dictatorship in our village,” she opined.

Despite these challenges, Thom has made a commitment to work hard to bring

The CDC official pointed to another situation which she thinks is deliberately being neglected by the coalition Government. According to Thom, while there have been initiatives to create employment for some persons in Wauna, enough is not being done to find employment for the youths.

TURN on page 16

10 news

friDAY, december 22, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

“Animalistic” carjackers causing fear among business community – Dookhoo

W

ith just three clear shopping days remaining before Christmas, Police are increasing their presence on the nation’s roads, especially at strategic points in the capital city. However, with increasing reports of carjackings, many Guyanese,

especially those in the business sector, are showing signs of apprehension, which could reduce confidence in the economy.

This was according to Private Sector stakeholder, Ramesh Dookhoo, who in a recent interview with Guyana Times, condemned

the ever-increasing practice, saying many locals and even some foreigners have reason to be fearful.

“There’s a huge state of apprehension in the business community; people are afraid for their lives and that apprehension has moved to normal middle-class owners

of vehicles,” he noted.

Just recently, ex-Policeman Rawle Alexander was promptly detained after he attempted to steal a Toyota Carina 212 car belonging to a Police Constable but failed when he crashed the vehicle a short distance away.

In another attack, armed hijackers drove off in a motorcar carrying a sleeping child and tossed the young girl after they realised she was in the vehicle. Dookhoo deemed these acts as “animalistic”.

“The girl was thrown out of the vehicle in a very callous and ruthless manner and I am not sure what is driving and causing this level of animalistic behaviour that has suddenly taken over,” he stated.

Commenting on the increased spate of robberies, Dookhoo, a former Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC),

Private Sector stakeholder Ramesh Dookhoo

observed that shoppers should be more cautions, go out in pairs and try to be more careful when returning home. Police last week disclosed that there have been 25 cases of carjackings in the past seven months.

Police A Division (Georgetown-East Bank Demerara) Commander Marlon Chapman on Tuesday announced that the Police Force has record-

ed some success in cracking down on such cases.

Chapman said “One of major concerns in the Division is the offence of robbery under arms where vehicles are being stolen and I am pleased to inform you that we have made some success thus far.”

He gave all assurances that the gang will be dismantled. Earlier this year, the Guyana Police Force had issued a warning, particularly to taxi drivers operating Toyota Premio and Allion motorcars, signalling that there is a plan to attack and relive the motorists of their vehicles. The Force has said a multi-agency approach is being ironed out to allow for investigators to be armed with the necessary tools and information on specifications so as to narrow in on suspects and ultimately recover the stolen cars. (Shemuel Fanfair)

2am curfew on pause for Christmas season

I

n response to a bombardment of requests from the private sector, and even senior public officials, the Public Security Ministry (PSM), in conjunction with the Guyana Police Force, on Thursday announced that the 2:00am curfew enforced against bars, night clubs and other places of entertainment would be placed on a pause.

This is in keeping with the Spirit of Christmas, so as to allow for the staging of events and other festivities without limiting such occasions to a specific cut-off time, the PSM said in an advisory.

This pause in the nationwide curfew is to take effect from today: Friday, December 22, 2017, and will last until Friday, January 12, 2018. From January 13,

2018, the aforementioned stipulated closing time will be back in effect.

A similar arrangement was put in place to relax the curfew last Christmas, following calls from the Private Sector Commission.

Meanwhile, the PSM has taken the opportunity to remind the public that all other laws -- especially those prohibiting drinking and driving, and noise nuisance -- will be thoroughly enforced, with heightened vehicular patrols and police presence stationed at popular party spots.

Party-goers have been advised and admonished to get a designated driver and to ensure noise levels at partying spots are not excessive.

Shortly after taking office in 2015, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan had moved to im-

plement a 2:00am nationwide curfew, debarring business entities and events from extending their nocturnal activities into the early hours of the following morning.

This decision was met with much opposition, and in some cases it has even been disregarded. In fact citizens, and even high placed officials, were advancing the argument that such a move would have a negative effect on the development of the budding tourism industry in Guyana.

Nevertheless, it is customary for the PSM to put special arrangements in place to halt this restriction during specific peak seasons, such as Christmas and Mashramani, among other local highlights throughout the year.

news

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friDAY, december 22, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

S RAIGHT A

Ex-convict gets bail for allegedly abusing, threatening cousin

Granger failed to fix the roof while sun was shining

T

he Minister of Finance, Mr Winston Jordan, loves to compare the Guyanese growth rate with the Caricom fraternity. But as I proved in a previous column, a 1.6% growth in the Barbadian economy puts twice as much cash into the pockets of the ordinary Barbadian compared to his Guyanese brother, who can boast about a growth rate of 2.9%.

It continues to defy logic why the good minister would want to engage in this game of massaging the numbers to distort the economic facts. But to each his own delusion.

Today I want to prove that the Guyanese economy is in the “dog pen” under President David Granger, using an age- old ratio – Consumption/GDP. GDP measures the total final value of goods and services produced within a country’s borders. So GDP measures all consumption in the economy, all investments, all purchases by the Government, plus the exports less the imports. It is the most popular measure of the size of an economy.

However, I want to zero in on one aspect of this entire formula – consumption. You see, consumption is normally the largest component of GDP. A quick indicator of the growth potential of the economy is the consumption performance of the nation.

The graph below illustrates that Guyana’s consumption level is way below that of our main Caricom neighbours, a clear sign that we are under-performing compared to the main Caricom nations. For instance, as a percentage of GDP, Barbados had a consumption performance of 95.3% in 2016 compared to Guyana’s 79.1%. And the same trend is proven for all these identified Caricom economies in the graph. By inference in his Budget 2018 statement, the minister classified these economies as underperforming compared to Guyana’s.

Like our Caricom sister nations, the main driver in the growth of GDP is consumption. If one looks at the annual consumption rate as a percentage of GDP for Guyana across years, we were up there with the rest of Caricom in a previous life. So what has really happen in 2016 and 2017? In 2013, the consumption to GDP ratio for Guyana was 109.2%, so why is it forecasted at 83.6% in 2017? Even this 83% is unachievable if one is to factor-in that some 4,000 sugar workers were ambushed out of their jobs. Who really will be spending in rural Guyana for Christmas 2017? Consumption will be flat across large swats of rural Guyana for the next 12 months, and that will feed directly into the GDP performance.

Can we now understand why the entire hullabaloo had to be created by the Speaker to restrict the interrogation of the estimate? There are much facts to hide in the 2018 Budget. It is a sham document stuffed with political goodies for the Granger elites, but has very little for the real people of Guyana.

How more wild and reckless can a national Government be?

You are literally planning for 2018 on a pack of guess-estimate (a pack of cards) and hot air, and you expect to be in control of the outcome? Delusional! Where are the concrete initiatives to drive investment, consumption, and exports -- the three legs of a strong economy?

Rather, it is all designed to feed a STATE machinery that is there to serve a small cabal of septuagenarians and octogenarians in power, who clearly will not be around when the children of Guyana will be called upon to pay back the debt that they are incurring to feed this greed machine. The servicing cost of the domestic and external debt is expected to reach almost 10% of the current revenue by the end of 2018, according to the 2018 Budget. This is against a backdrop of 6.5% in 2013, as revealed by the IMF Debt Sustainability Analysis on Guyana. Is this the plan -- to spend on selfaggrandisement projects that will take the nation right back to the Burnham days, when over 90 cents of every dollar earned were used to pay the national debt?

I am calling on the Granger regime to review its policies and do some intelligent introspection; and have a heart for the poor and the vulnerable. Taking the nation down this road of uncertainty is not an option, and we should cease all these silly projects of arches and stone monuments and invest in the people. As Pericles said in 495BC “What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives ofshare others”.

Wake up, Mr.at Granger, and fix the roof.

Please your thoughts sasesin1@yahoo.com.

former West Bank Demerara (WBD) convict is once again before the court, but this time on allegations that he verbally abused and threatened his cousin.

Thirty-four-year-old Junior Forester, called “Banga” of Lot 156, Patentia East, WBD, appeared before Magistrate Rochelle Liverpool at the Wales Magistrate’s Court on Thursday when he was arraigned for using abusive language against James Forester, at Lot 2 Stanleytown on December 18, 2017.

The Police further stated that on that same date, he also used threatening language towards his cousin at the same premises. The defendant initially entered a plea of guilty with explanation, but based on his account

In August 2016, Junior Forester called “Banga” was sentenced to serve 18 months in jail for possession of stolen items

of what transpired; the court entered a not-guilty plea on his behalf. Forrester, who says he now works at a wash bay in Stanleytown, admitted that he had spent 18 months in prison for a robbery charge.

As the prosecution had no objections to him being granted his pre-trial liberty, “Banga” was released by Magistrate Liverpool on $10,000 bail. He will return to court on March

15 for report and fixtures.

During August 2016, “Banga” was found guilty of possession of stolen items.

The particulars of the previous charge had stated that on August 12, 2016, between 06:30h and 08:15h, he had broken and entered the dwelling house of David Ambedkar at Lot 47 Area L, Patentia Housing Scheme, WBD, and stolen a quantity of jewel-

lery, $80,000 in cash, two wristwatches and an iPhone, amounting to $500,000.

During his trial for that matter last year, Forrester denied that he had entered Ambedkar’s house. However, he did admit that he bought the watches from a man called “Todd” for $10,000, and thereby entered a guilty plea to a possession of stolen property charge. It was on these grounds and other surrounding factors such as a previous conviction that he went to jail for 18 months.

The prosecution’s case for the robbery matter had stated that Forrester was seen leaving Ambedkar’s home on the morning of the robbery.

Acting on this lead, the Police had carried out a search of his home where the two watches were discovered.

Mazaruni Prison expansion moving apace

…facility to get 24-hr electricity

T

he (acting) Director of Prisons, Mr Gladwin Samuels, has said the expansion of the Mazaruni Prison is moving apace.

In the 2018 National Budget, the sum of $1.5 billion has been allocated to the Guyana Prison Service, a sizeable amount of which will go towards continuing the expansion of the prison with construction of a new brick wing to house an additional 400 inmates. The penitentiary currently houses 452.

According to the Department of Public Information, Samuels ex-

Director of Prisons (ag), Gladwin Samuels

plained that in keeping with the expansion, twelve new family quarters have recently been constructed on

the compound of the prison.

These quarters are a prerequisite to the construction of the new brick penitentiary. They will house the additional prison officers that would be needed to manage the expected increase in prison population.

“Most people (prison officers have) expressed concerns as it relates to being transferred, because they have to leave their families behind; and taking that into consideration, the need for additional housing -- and appropriate housing for persons who would have to leave the comfort of their

homes -- has been considered, and that resulted in the initial construction of 12 houses; and we will be doing eight additional houses in 2018,” Samuels stated.

The Director of Prisons (acting) also disclosed that, come 2018, the facility will also benefit from 24 hours’ electricity.

According to Samuels, the move to have 24 hours of electricity is one that will prove to have multiple benefits, especially to the inmates who are part of the skills training programme that is being offered by the prison.

12

friday, december 22, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

Vershon

T

he place to be on Christmas night is definitely the National Park for one of the biggest parties of the season, featuring Jamaican Dancehall artiste, Christopher Martin. After a few years hiatus, the artiste returns to Guyana and is all excited

L

Christopher Martin

Bugle

to perform for his Guyanese fans.

The event titled “Reggae in the Park”, promoted by ICulture, will also feature dancehall artistes Bugle and Vershon also of Jamaica.

The headlining act will however be that of Christopher Martin who is known for his sassiness.

ast weekend, Palm Court was invaded by two well-known artistes – soca queen Destra and Skinny Fabulous – who entertained to the max. This week, the holiday bacchanal continues and patrons are in for a treat with a live performance by Trinidad’s soca artiste, Nailah Blackman.

The event is called “Christmas on the Main” and is billed for Saturday evening at the same location. The artiste was expected to arrive on Thursday evening ahead of the show. She is known for her classic moves on the dance floor but more so, her hits that have taken the airwaves by storm.

Nailah Blackman is the granddaugh-

Martin is popularly known for his tunes, “I’m a Big Deal”; “Under the Influence”; “Cheaters Prayer” and “Sweet, Sweet Love” among others. The three artistes will be backed by several Guyanese artistes, including Natural Black and Fusion International Boom Deejays includ-

ter of “Shorty”, a prominent member of the music industry. The young lady performed “Workout” at this year’s International Soca Monarch.

This young entertainer knows exactly what she wants and puts the work in to achieve it, literally taking things as they come and rolling with the punches.

However, on Saturday night, the man himself, Kerwin Bollers out of Boom FM will be on the console.

Advance tickets for the evening cost $2000 but on the night of the show, admission will cost $3000. Gate opens at 20:00h but show time is 22:00h.

W

ing the versatile Selector Diamond.

The other artistes are also eager and ready to hit the stage on Monday evening.

General Admission tickets cost $3000, while stage front will cost $10,000. Tickets are available at White Castle Fish Shop, Hadfield

Natural Black

Street; Tower Hotel, Main Street; Gizmos and Gadgets, Wellington Street; Footsteps on Camp Street; Nigel’s Supermarket, Robb Street and That Look Boutique, South Road, Georgetown.

Gates open at 20:00h, with show time set for 22:00h.

ith less than three days to Christmas, Santa and his team are checking the naughty or nice list twice with the hope of finishing it off by this evening. The list will be revealed at Palm Court, Main Street, Georgetown, this evening and partyholics are encouraged to be available to ensure their names are on the nice list.

Those on the naughty list might be barred from special treats and those on the nice list will be treated royally.

But wait! This year, Santa is making sure everyone who attends the party gets to take a photo with him and also they will be served jolly shots by his little elves. In addition to those two exciting activities, the party continues with some juggling and selecting by Deejay Ryan and Deejay Energy.

Also, there will be a special treat as GTT Pulse Mash Band 2018 models will be on display. Santa will reveal the lists at 22:00h. Advance tickets cost $2000 and more at the gate. Come and experience the warmth of the festive season.

guyanatimesgy.com

friday, december 22, 2017

T

wenty-nine-year-old Gregory Ayuen is a born Trinidadian who is undoubtedly one of the most energetic performers on stage. Known for his swag and killer good looks, he is loved by many around the world. He was born on November 28, 1988, to Barry and Denise and has one younger sibling,

Jeniece.

Gregory, as he is commonly called, completed his primary school education in Trinidad after which he migrated to Barbados where he wrote the Caribbean Secondary Examination Certificate (CSEC) with exceptional performance in five subject areas.

As an individual growing up, he was always active, fun to be around, adventurous and had a passion for music and musical instruments. At the age of 12, during secondary school, he was eager to assist in setting up

the school’s Public Address System for General Assembly.

After some time, he found himself in the school’s music room playing piano. In Form One; he had the opportunity to compete in the Digicel Rising Start Competition and the Richard Stuart Talent show where he secured second position in both competitions.

It was after that, his passion for music grew stronger. After completing his secondary education, he returned to Trinidad and Tobago. He then started his musical career with Imij and Co. He spent four years with the band and it was during a show in Grenada that he met Ravi B of Karma Band.

Eventually, he joined Karma in 2011 – a decision he has not regretted. The experience was overwhelming and his singing career took off like a rocket.

Touring with Trinidad’s number one cross-over band in the Caribbean and further afield, his energy on stage has made him one of the artistes people look forward to seeing wherever Karma performs.

Although, Gregory performs dancehall and soca on stage, his

W

preference is R&B Pop. As a matter of fact, the father of one has several solo hits under his belt, with the latest being “Connect” which was recorded on the Body Talk Rhythm with Mr Vegas, Demarco and Kees. The song was produced

by Travis World on Walshy Fire and was released in the First week in November.

Ever since the release of that song, it has been creating quite a stir on the local and international airwaves.

However, after spending a few years with Karma Band, he took an 18-month hiatus to concentrate on his career. “I wanted to focus on me… to develop my own skills… I wanted to be me and perform as me and not clash with Karma”, he told Guyana Times Entertainment during a telephone interview.

After that break, he re-joined Karma Band in November and has been preforming almost every weekend since. He is due to perform in Guyana on Old Year’s Night.

As a gym fanatic, he believes in fitness and those same vibes are taken on stage whenever he performs. Upon appearing on stage,

hile some will be doing their final shopping and some will be making sure that the pepperpot and black cake are tasty for Christmas morning, some will be ringing in Christmas morning at the Christmas Eve fete at Kingston Seawall in close proximity to the Marriott Hotel.

The party pro-

S

o much has happened during this year and what better way to close off the year than with Uncensored. On December 29 and 30, the show will be pushing comedy beyond the boundaries. It is the only one of its kind in Guyana.

It’s comedy in its purest form; there is no holding back. All the pertinent issues, all the hot topics, the comedians get an opportunity to express themselves while at the same time feeling comfortable doing so. Of course it’s an adult only show.

Uncensored has been an eagerly anticipated event triggering overwhelming responses from the public. This annual show has earned a high place as the foremost event in stand-up comedy with overwhelming box office pull.

The show is an attempt at removing certain

limitations and allowing comedians the liberty of expressing themselves, and making the kind of jokes they would not otherwise be allowed to make anywhere else.

The show will be staged at the National Cultural Centre and will see comedians competing for over $1 million in cash and prizes.

The line-up of comedians includes defending champion Chris Gopaul, Lyndon “Jumbie” Jones, Michael Ignatius, Kirwyn Mars, Mark Luke Edwards, Mark Kazim, Kirk “Chow Pow” Jardine, Kirt “Chubby” Williams, Kwasi “Ace” Edmondson, Jermaine Grimmond, Malcolm “Wickedee” Ferreira and many more.

Newcomers are Marlon Jacobs and Paul Burnette. The show is billed to start precisely at 20:00h. Tickets are $1000, $1500 and $2500 and are available at the National Cultural Centre.

13

he assesses the vibes on the ground and particularly that coming from his fans. That, he noted, gives him the zest and energy to perform the way he does.

“Guyanese fans are amazing and whether I am performing at a stadium or a club, I take the same energy and vibes”, the talented young man stated.

In five years, he hopes to own his own real estate business.

While, marriage is must, he prefers to focus on his goals and career before taking that leap of fate.

As of now, he is still single.

He advises young people to honour and respect their parents but more importantly, keep a small circle of people around them. “If you have a goal, put your best foot forward… don’t waste time since it cannot be taken for granted… finally, respect the people close to you and those who give advice”.

On a lighter note, Gregory’s favourite colour is black and he loves seafood and curry. During his leisure time, he plays football, goes to the gym and and swims. Actually, he represented his school at swimming competitions when he was 15 years old.

moted by Freedom Family is titled “Drinks Ice Soca” and is expected to get underway about 12:00h and with the relaxation of the 2am curfew, it is more reason to party until morning. This highly anticipated and talked-about party will feature some of the best mix masters and DJs who are sure to set the tone for the wonderful season.

Music will be provided by Gully Ras and Selector Diamond; Selector Face and Seen Up; FATHER Moey; DJ Akelo; Mix Master Tony; DJ Zaud; Dellon and Charley; Deron and Magnum; DJ Energy; Alridge and Biggs and Sticky One Man Band.

Adding some flavour to the event will be the hosts Gordon Mosley, Casual and Trini Wallz. Tickets will be available at the venue.

14 news

friDAY, december 22, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

25 graduate from Caribbean Leadership Project T

wenty-five high-level public servants are now better equipped to lead the various departments they manage, following completion of training through the Caribbean Leadership Project.

A small presentation ceremony for the participants was held on Thursday at the Department of the Public Service on Waterloo Street, Georgetown. The programme, held under the theme ‘Leading for Results”, was geared towards training of level-three managers and focused on the improvement of leadership efficiency in the Public Service.

Public Service Department Permanent Secretary, Reginald Brotherson, said that “public servants attitude and the way the public service is viewed, must be changed”.

According to Brotherson, the “nonsense” that occurs within the public service can no longer be tolerated if change is to happen.

“The whole issue of service, service delivery and people taking their own time to do things but not taking their time to get acquainted with public service rules, the FMA Act. They are not getting acquainted with the de-

Participants of the Caribbean Leadership Project

bates that are happening in Parliament, that are going to change our lives and the trajectory that Guyana is on for level-three managers…”, Brotherson said.

Public Service Ministerial Advisor, Vincent Alexander, noted that the public service is at a point where change is crucial and the training provided, indicates that the Government has signalled its commitment to ensuring this happens.

According to Alexander, “change has to be brought about based on new ideas, implementation of those ideas, so you are challenged not to be routine. Leaders cannot be routine. They cannot just go to work and do

what has to be done. They have to be thinkers and doers.”

Introspection as a leader, Alexander pointed out, is a very critical element when dealing with others.

“One must see the work place and its human resource as a jigsaw puzzle.

Every piece of that puzzle has its place… the challenge really is to find the correct place for each and every piece of that puzzle and if you do that then you would be able to complete the objective of putting that puzzle together and that is what the challenge is for the leaders of today,” Alexander was quoted as saying by the Department of Public Information.

Participants described the training as timely and said it forced them to make

changes in the way they managed departments.

Chief Probation and Service Officer from the Social Protection Ministry, Oslyn Smith, stated, “The skills that I would have learnt from the training, has forced me to examine myself because as a leader it is necessary for me to be in order before I try to impose or make any special request or give any instruction. My way of thinking, the way I go about doing business, the Ministry’s work and so on, that has to be in order.”

Principal Regional Development Officer of the

Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Ministry, Anil Roberts pointed out that “What our facilitators have taught us will last forever in our life as public servants and also help upkeep the standard of the public service as well.”

The seven-year Caribbean Leadership Project which is funded by Canada, focuses on the areas of service delivery, leadership, administration transitions and team building, in keeping with its policy to ensure efficient public service.

The programme commenced on September 12, 2016.

South Pakaraimas residents call for roads to be rehabilitated

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esidents of Karasabai, Paipang, Tiger Pond, Kakshebai and Taushida turned out at the Community Benab at Karasabai on Wednesday to raise concerns and interact with Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock.

Among the issues highlighted was the need for rehabilitation of the roads linking Karasabai to Taushida and Karasabai to Lethem, more access to skills training programmes for the youths; and they raised issues regarding land.

Minister Allicock disclosed that, prior to his visit to the community, he had neither seen a report on the state of the roads nor a request for them to be re-

Minister Sydney Allicock distributed toys and gifts to the children of Karasabai and surrounding communities

paired. He urged the Village Council to report the issues to the regional administration and the Community Development Officer (CDO), in order for representation to be made on their behalf.

Minister Allicock also outlined some of the skills training programmes that

the youths in the district can access through the MoIPA and Government.

He highlighted that training is offered through the Hinterland Employment and Youth Service (HEYS) programme and the Bina Hill Institute. continued on page 15

news

15

friDAY, december 22, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Rift develops as member defects Karasabai receives $1.5M to furnish Amerindian Hostel from civil society group

– Heal Guyana founders accused of lack of transparency in war of words she raised her concerns, and decided to leave when she was told that “we, the members, would have to abide by whatever information the board decides to trickle down to us.”

Usurpation

Heal Guyana founder Sharon Lalljee-Richard

J

ust days after a release from the group heralded its launch, civil society group Heal Guyana is again in the spotlight, but for the wrong reasons. This time, the recent desertion of a prominent social activist from the group has resulted in a war of words.

In a social media post announcing her departure from the group, social activist Akola Thompson had accused the group of shutting down the input of other members like herself.

Juxtaposing the fact that the group was marketed as one for change, she had been critical of certain autocratic tendencies of its leaders.

“I am no longer a part of the Heal Guyana Network...

Be wary of people who call for youth inclusion and then stand on their backs.

Be wary of people who claim they care about your work but are using you for political mileage.

Be wary of those who speak ‘change’ and ‘healing’ but who abide by the same rigid structures of the very things they say they are against.”

She also urged that the public “be wary of people who ask for your opinions, but then override all suggestions. Be wary of people who pander to everyone. Be wary of people who have no clear set structure or goals.

Be wary of people who ask you to trust them when you make clear your concerns.”

She went on to relate that she became concerned about the direction of the group before its launch.

According to Thompson,

In a statement of her own, Heal Guyana’s founder, Sharon Lalljee-Richard, related that after engaging a group of “objective thinkers”, it was decided that they must have access to objective information.

The owner of Tactical Branding-Guyana related that Thompson was engaged from the beginning as a “content contributing member” who would supply articles and not be involved in management.

Lalljee-Richard noted that to ensure accountability, run efficiently, and manage the day-to-day operations, a board was installed.

“A board must be in place, and we regret that we could not accommodate your suggestions to usurp the body and its purpose.

We wish you well, and do not plan to respond to your obvious provocations any further,” Lalljee-Richard directed to Thompson in a post.

Accusing Thompson of not knowing her role in the group, Lalljee-Richard noted that the activist’s push to have all decisions be made by herself and a fellow member cannot be accommodated. She also accused Thompson of going public for “likes”.

Secrets

In her expose, Thompson has complained that suggestions from other members of the group are not considered, as the board overseeing the group’s operations would have already made its decisions. She noted that information regarding the specific goals of the group are not disseminated.

“I recall another member also commenting upon the autocratic way issues in the group were dealt with.

Didn’t they also leave the group? It is unfortunate that autocratic rule and big egos came into the way of a platform that I was excited to work on.

“You keep stating that

Social activist Akola Thompson

I tried to usurp the powers of the board, and that is the furthest from the truth. When I told you that you just can’t filter down completed information to us, your response ran the course of: What do you want me to do, get rid of the board? All I was asking for was a bit more transparency and some inclusion of thoughts of members.”

When the group was launched on December 14, a release from the group had declared that it would provide an inclusive platform for Guyanese to offer positive insights and solutions for racial unity, political impartiality, gender balance, sexual inclusivity, and public accountability, among other urgent national concerns.

The release had also mentioned that the platform would initially be in the form of an online forum that would seek the participation of the youths.

“Our beautiful Guyana has become an ugly place for too many of our people,” Lalljee-Richard had said.

“With issues ranging from high levels of migration, suicide and general disenchantment in our nation’s ability to deliver on promises, too many Guyanese are checking out. This has to change if we are to reach our true potential as a collective.”

In addition to LalljeeRichard, the group’s board of directors is composed of former Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) nominee Lawrence Latchmansingh; Egbert Carter and Alexis Stephens.

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he South Pakaraimas’ community of Karasabai in Region Nine has received the sum of $1.5 million under the Government’s Presidential Grant Fund programme to furnish the sub-district’s Amerindian Hostel.

The money was handed over to the Karasabai toshao in the form of a cheque delivered by the Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Vice President Sydney Allicock, during his visit to the region on Wednesday.

The Presidential Grant programme is an annual fund made available to communities engaging in green sustainable projects such as cash crop cultivation, community building, eco-tourism projects, village canteens and shops, general transportation, and village markets among other projects.

Additionally, an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) was

Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Minister Sydney Allicock handing over the cheque to the Toshao of Karasabai

Minister Allicock explained that his office recognises there is need for more

The ATV that was handed over to the Community Development Officer (CDO)

handed over to Community Development Officer (CDO) Shurland Davis.

communication between the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs (MoIPA)

and the South Pakaraimas’ peoples, hence the provision of the ATV to the CDO. The Department of Public Information pointed out that CDOs are deployed in the various sub-regions of regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine to monitor all village activities and projects.

They also facilitate visits of Government officials, provide logistical information to authorised representatives of governmental organisations, NGOs, and CBOs. They usually represent the MoIPA in village activities, and may help in identifying issues and lobbying on their communities’ behalf to get projects realised.

Floral tributes today to mark Hoyte’s 15th death anniversary

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oday (Friday) will mark the 15th anniversary of the death of late PNC Leader and President Mr Hugh Desmond Hoyte, S.C. The People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) has said it would be holding a ceremony of Floral Tributes in commemoration of Mr Hoyte’s death anniversary at his graveside, the Seven Ponds, Place of Heroes, in the Botanical Gardens.

This commemoration event is slated for 07:00h this morning. Mr. Hoyte was a former President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana (1985-1992); former Leader of the main Opposition Party, the People’s National Congress Reform; and former Leader of the Opposition in the Parliament of Guyana.

PNC Leader and President Hugh Desmond Hoyte

South Pakaraimas residents call for roads...

from page 14

Youths in the hinterland can also access Government scholarships to attend higher institutions of learning, which include the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA), the University of Guyana (UG), the Government Technical Institute (GTI), and the Carnegie School of Home Economics (CSHE).

On the issue of land, Minister Allicock said Government is firm on ensuring all Indigenous land issues are resolved.

Minister Allicock also commended the South Pakaraimas sub-district for leading in management and maintenance of community resources. The minis-

ter was impressed with the quality of public infrastructure (schools, health centre, village office and other public buildings) being made available to residents.

He noted that Karasabai and its surrounding communities have great potential for economic development.

There is, he pointed out, po-

tential for tourism and vast and fertile land for agriculture.

The minister has urged the residents to collaborate and create projects that would aid in sustainable community development, and he has promised that funds would be made available for rehabilitation

of internal roads, and for the communities’ tourism drive.

“You have a very great place here to engage in any activities. Come together and engage in farming; you shouldn’t go hungry in this area. You have good quality wood here, get the young people trained. Come up with projects and we will support

you”, Minister Allicock told the South Pakaraimas’ residents.

In keeping with the spirit of Christmas, Minister Allicock distributed toys and gifts to children from the villages. The toys and other gifts were donated by JR Ranch and Atlantic Marine.

(DPI)

16 news

friDAY, december 22, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Suspect in Craig murder confesses

Lock-ups breakout

Police still hunting A 2 escapees

Escapee Derrol James

A

cting Crime Chief Paul Williams has stated that two of the three suspects who broke out of an East Bank Demerara (EBD) Police Station on Tuesday afternoon, are still on the run.

He further told Guyana Times that, “investigations are ongoing both externally and departmentally.” It was reported that ranks at the Grove Police Station, located on the East Bank of Demerara, had taken a group of 13 inmates out from the lock-ups to the holding area for them to freshen up.

It was during this exercise that the three suspects made good their escape via an opening on the western wall of the lock-ups. A piece of metal, believed to have been broken off from the lock-ups door and used to break the wall, was subsequently found by the Police.

Just before midnight on Tuesday, one of the escapees, 25-year-old murder accused Wayne Gilbert of Lot 30 West

La Penitence, Georgetown, was handed over to the authorities at the Brickdam Police Station by his father.

He was scheduled to be arraigned before a city Magistrate on Wednesday for the murder of Rawle Rodrigues, which occurred on January 20, 2017, at Stabroek Square.

The other two escapees, who are still on the run, have been identified as armed robbery suspect Ivre Hooper, 25, of James Street, Albouystown, Georgetown; and Derrol

when such exercises are being carried out.

“The escape would have occurred because of poor supervision; there should have been more ranks present. At the time of bringing those persons into a certain area, there should have been more ranks present around there and because of that, it gave (the suspects) the opportunity to do what they did to make good their escape,” the acting Crime Chief asserted.

As a result of the breakout, the supervisor who was

in charge of the shift during which the incident occurred has been placed under close arrest as investigations are ongoing. Williams further told Guyana Times on Thursday that if any other officers are guilty of “neglect or is culpable” then they too will be dealt with.

The Police Force is asking anyone with information that would lead to the rearrests of Gilbert and James to make contact with the nearest Police Station or any of the Force’s emergency/hotline numbers.

Vendor granted bail on alleged ‘narco trafficking’ charge

W

hen Wesley Hinds, of Kitty, Georgetown, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on Thursday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, he was granted bail in the sum of $30,000 following a not-guilty plea to a charge of trafficking some 24 grams of cannabis.

The Police’s case is that the said narcotic was found

in the possession of the defendant after a search conducted on his person at Sandy Babb Street in Kitty, Georgetown on December 19, 2017.

Hinds sought to dispute the Police’s case by contending that he was never busted with any such drug. According to him, he was on a bench looking through a window when a police vehicle pulled up in front of the premises where some 15

persons were present at the time. However, he omitted details as to how he was arrested or what prompted his arrest.

The vendor, who sells on the Kitty Seawall, was ordered to return to court on January 22, 2018. Meanwhile, he is out on bail pending the outcome of the trial, the conditions of which require him to report to the Kitty Police Station every Friday.

Zeeburg fisherman gets 3 years for larceny

T

wenty-seven-year-old fisherman Vishal Jones of Zeeburg, West Coast Demerara was on Thursday sentenced to three years’ imprisonment by Georgetown Magistrate Faith McGusty after he was found guilty of break and enter and larceny committed a few weeks ago.

Jones was initially placed on $50,000 bail

by Georgetown Magistrate Fabayo Azore following a not-guilty plea. The police had alleged that Jones broke and entered the dwelling house of Michelle Michado, located in George Street, Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown, between October 25, 2017 and November 1, 2017, stealing therefrom building materials and clothing, among other items totalling $549,000 in value.

Wauna CDC official...

Although Government has replaced the Community Support Officer (CSO) initiative with the Hinterland Employment Youth Service (HEYS) programme, Thom is of the strong opinion that youths, especially in Wauna, are not being sufficiently encouraged and mentored to join the programme.

While youths from Hosororo, Bumbury Hill, Wauna and other nearby vil-

lages have been encouraged to get on board, they are tasked with creating business plans before their application is given approval. She claimed that some selective persons affiliated to Government have already received approval.

However, Thom said, “It’s really hard for these young people. Some of them are not only school drop-outs, but some of them haven’t even at-

Dead: Purcell Moore

parent’s house at Old Road, Craig.

Guyana Times was told that the clothes vendor arrived in the country two weeks ago to spend time with his parents.

His niece, Nicarla Lamazion, explained that her uncle left home at about 05:30h and by the time he reached the end of the concrete strip, she heard four gunshots.

She initially thought the sound of the bullets came from another direction but within minutes, a resident rushed to their home to inform them of the shooting. She noted that without hesitation, she rushed to the scene where she saw her uncle lying in a pool of blood.

“I tried to lift him up but he wasn’t responding… by then some boys come with a car and we took him to the Diamond Hospital but he was already dead,” she added. She however, noted that based on reports received, her uncle had a scuffle with two men prior to the shooting incident. The chain, which the men attempted to take away, was found lying next to his body.

A post-mortem examination is expected to be conducted on the body of Moore sometime today.

Meanwhile, the Police are in pursuit of the second suspect as investigations continue.

Guyanese freed after 30 years of wrongful conviction

The Grove Police Station

James, 22, of Lot 131 Middle Walk, Buxton, East Coast Demerara, who was arrested on a simple larceny charge.

On Wednesday, the acting Crime Chief had told reporters that efforts are afoot to recapture the duo who are of significant interest to the Police.

“We are checking… we have some information about where the second person is likely to be, so we are making checks,” he had stated.

Williams had noted too that there should be more ranks present at the station

21-year-old suspect who was held on Wednesday for the murder of an overseas-based Guyanese who was shot dead during an attempted robbery has since confessed to investigators.

This was confirmed by acting Crime Chief Paul Williams.

He told Guyana Times that more work will have to be done before the suspect, who resides at 14th Avenue, Diamond New Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara (EBD), is charged and placed before the courts.

This includes the case file being sent to the Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for advice.

Purcell Moore, a father of two, who was visiting Guyana from Cayenne, was shot at least four times at Old Road, Craig, EBD, by two pedal cycle bandits who attempted to relieve him of the gold chain he was wearing. The shooting incident occurred mere minutes after the 42-year-old left his

from page 9

tended school.”

The CDC official thinks the young people in these areas are being pressured to drop out, since many of them were asked to resubmit their plans.

Thom also raised concerns about the poor medical services that are offered by the health clinics and hospital, and the standard and conditions of classrooms at many of the schools.

…heads home for Christmas

A

Guyanese who spent three decades in prison in New York on a wrongful rape and robbery conviction is heading home to Brooklyn for Christmas.

On Wednesday, the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office said that it moved to vacate the conviction of Mark Denny, 47, and dismiss the indictment after an investigation revealed faulty witness identification.

Later in the day, Denny appeared before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Matthew D’Emic, who made his exoneration official.

After the decree, it was said Denny smiled and waved to his family and friends who filled the court gallery.

“I’m overwhelmed thinking of what I’ll do next to get my life back on track,” he said after walking out of the courthouse an innocent man.

“I have no ill feelings towards the victim,” he added.

“Going to prison was a traumatic experience mentally. There are a lot of people in my position. I appreciate everyone for all they have done for me.”

Denny was the 24th person to have his conviction vacated by the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Conviction Review Unit.

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said his review team examined evidence and interviewed witnesses, as well as Denny’s co-defendants in the case.

“After a lengthy and extensive investigation into this horrific case, I have concluded that the cause of justice requires that we vacate the conviction of Mr Denny,” Gonzalez said in a statement.

Denny was exonerated with the help of the Innocence Project, which had been working on his case since 2009.

“Mr Denny has been waiting for this day for a very long time,” said Nina Morrison, senior staff attorney for the Innocence Project.

“We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to District Attorney Eric Gonzalez and members of his Conviction Review Unit for recognising Mr Denny’s inno-

cence and taking extraordinary steps to right the wrongs that kept Mr Denny incarcerated for his entire adult life,” she added.

Denny was accused with three other defendants of a latenight gunpoint robbery and rape at a Burger King in the Kensington section of Brooklyn on December 20, 1987.

The four were accused of forcing their way into the restaurant after closing and holding two employees — an 18-year-old woman and a male — hostage.

They ordered the two employees to undress, took US$3000 from a safe, and then raped and sodomised the woman in a back room.

It was said the victim had a blindfold over her eyes during a portion of the attack and may have passed out.

Denny became a suspect in March 1988 after he was busted two months earlier for gun possession. According to reports, he was arrested in a car with the three other defendants, who were wanted for robbing a Manhattan Burger King.

But the problems in identifying Denny began right away as detectives reportedly showed the rape victim a picture of Denny, but she did not identify him. Two days later, she was able to identify him in a line-up.

But during Denny’s trial, the victim was vague in her description of him and his actions, the Daily News said.

Dr Jennifer Dysart, a John Jay College psychology professor whom the District Attorney hired as a consultant to examine the case, said the victim’s witness reliability was likely affected by her limited opportunity to see her attackers, the existence of a gun, the extreme stress from the attack and the time lapse between the incident and the identification process, according to the Daily News.

Gonzalez said he did not fault the Police investigators or the victim, noting that “little was known back then about memory retention and retrieval, and their effect on eyewitness identification”.

The District Attorney said other factors contributed to va-

Mark Denny

cating the conviction. He said Denny’s fingerprints were also not found at the crime scene, the Daily News said in its report.

However, it said two of his co-defendants’ prints were recovered at the Burger King.

One defendant, Raphael James, was convicted by a jury and was sentenced to 16 to 48 years in prison and the third co-defendant, Eddie Veira, admitted his involvement and pleaded guilty. Denny’s co-defendants all told the DA’s Conviction Review Unit that Denny was not involved. The defendant whose case was dismissed even admitted his culpability to the Conviction Review Unit, but maintained Denny was not there, Gonzalez said.

Denny was convicted in 1989 and sentenced to 19 to 57 years in prison. He always maintained his innocence throughout — even through parole hearings.

Gonzalez said Denny staying committed to his innocence and refusal to participate in a sex offender programme likely hurt his parole chances.

Even with his innocence established, Denny still faces some legal hurdles, the Daily News said. As a child, he came to the United States from Guyana as a lawful permanent resident.

While in prison, he was ordered to be deported due to his convictions, however, the Cardozo Law School’s Immigration Justice Clinic in Manhattan is working to reopen his case and prevent his removal from the country.

(Jamaica Observer)

friDAY, december 22, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

17

News Guyana rejects US recognition of Jerusalem – becomes 1 of 128 UN Member States to support resolution rejecting policy

By Jarryl Bryan

I

n a decisive response to the United States’ decision to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, Guyana has voted in favour of a resolution proposed at the 72nd United Nations General Assembly meeting to oppose this move, despite the US Government’s threat to cut aid to countries against it.

Guyana was among six Caribbean Community (Caricom) nations who voted for the UN resolution during an emergency special session. The other five were Barbados, Cuba, Grenada, Dominica, and St Vincent and the Grenadines.

There were other Caribbean countries that abstained from the vote. These were Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago. St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia were absent.

A total of 128 UN Member States voted in favour of the resolution, while just nine voted

against and 35 abstained.

In a statement prior to the vote, US President Donald Trump had warned that countries benefiting from US aid who vote in favour of the resolution could be cut off. It is a tone that was echoed by his representative to the UN, Nikki Haley.

“All of these nations that take our money and then they vote against us at the Security Council or they vote against us, potentially, at the Assembly, they take hundreds of millions of dollars and even billions of dollars and then they vote against us,” Trump had said. “Well, we're watching those votes. Let them vote against us; we'll save a lot. We don't care.”

Israel seized the largely-Arab eastern sector of Jerusalem during the 1967 Six-Day War and later annexed it, claiming both sides of the city as its “eternal and undivided capital”.

But the Palestinians want the eastern sector as the capital of their future state and fiercely oppose any Israeli attempt to extend sovereignty there. Several UN res-

A picture from inside the UN meeting, showing the vote tally (Picture credit: United Nations News Centre) olutions call on Israel to withdraw from territory seized in 1967 and the draft resolution contains the same language as past motions adopted by the Assembly.

Early in December of this year, Trump had declared that the US would recognise Jerusalem and that an embassy would be built there.

The resolution declares that “all States comply with Security Council resolutions regarding the Holy City of Jerusalem, and not recognise any actions or measures contrary to those resolutions”.

In the resolution, the General Assembly further affirmed that “any decisions and actions which purport to have altered the charac-

South Sudan Government, rebel groups sign ceasefire

S

outh Sudan’s Government and rebel groups signed a ceasefire on Thursday in the latest attempt to end a fouryear civil war and allow humanitarian groups access to civilians caught in the fighting.

The ceasefire aims to revive a 2015 peace deal that collapsed last year after heavy fighting broke out in South Sudan’s capital Juba.

It was agreed after talks in

the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa convened by regional bloc IGAD. A decision by President Salva Kiir to sack his deputy Riek Machar triggered the war in the world’s youngest country. The war has been fought largely along ethnic lines between forces loyal to Kiir, who is Dinka, and Machar, who is Nuer.

Tens of thousands have died and a third of the population of 12 million have

fled their homes. The conflict has since mutated from a two-way fight into one involving multiple parties and this has made it harder to find peace.

Representatives of Kiir and Machar were both present at the signing.

South Sudan’s Information Minister Michael Makuei Leuth told journalists: ”The cessation of hostilities will be effective 72 hours from now. As of now, we will send

messages to all the commands in the field to abide by this cessation of hostilities.

“From now onwards, there will be no more fighting,” he added. “Just talks.”

“I do hope in signing this agreement, you will try to put an end to this tragedy .... This is an encouraging first phase,” said Moussa Faki Mahamat, chairperson of the African Union Commission. (Excerpt from Reuters)

ter, status or demographic composition of the Holy City of Jerusalem have no legal effect, are null and void and must be rescinded in compliance with relevant resolutions of the Security Council”.

In that regard, it also called upon all States to refrain from the establishment of diplomatic missions in the “Holy City of Jerusalem, pursuant to Security Council resolution 478 adopted in 1980”.

Reiterating its call for the reversal of the negative trends that endanger the two-State solution, the Assembly urged greater international and regional efforts and support aimed at achieving, without delay, a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East.

Washington is a longtime ally of Guyana, with US Ambassador Perry Holloway and his predecessor, Charge d’Affaires Bryan Hunt, prominent commenters on national issues. Up to press time, it was unclear exactly who made up Guyana’s team at the General Assembly meeting.

UN Security Council to vote today on new N Korea sanctions

CDC issues measles watch for Britain, Greece

A

nyone travelling to Britain or Greece for the holidays should make sure they have been vaccinated against measles, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cautioned this week.

The CDC added England and Greece to a list of countries where measles is circulating.

The highly infectious virus has been causing outbreaks across Europe over recent months and travellers can spread it.

The CDC “… recommends that travellers to England

protect themselves by making sure they are vaccinated against measles with the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine,” the agency said in a travel watch.

“Before departure from the United States, infants (six through 11 months of age) should have one dose of MMR vaccine, and adults and children over one year of age should have two doses of MMR vaccine separated by at least 28 days,” the CDC added.

“Clinicians should keep measles in mind when treating patients with fever and

rash, especially if the patient has recently travelled internationally.”

English health authorities have reported more than 50 measles cases in Leeds, Liverpool and in Birmingham.

More than 500 cases have been reported in Greece.

Measles is so easily spread that it can be transmitted even after an infectious person leaves a room. About 90 per cent of people who are not vaccinated will become infected if they are exposed to measles. Symptoms include high fever, a distinctive rash and irritated eyes. It can cause se-

vere complications including blindness, encephalitis, severe diarrhea, pneumonia and even death.

There’s been a measles vaccine since the 1960s. Before mass vaccination began in the 1980s, measles killed nearly 2.6 million people a year, the World Health Organisation (WHO) says. Last year, the WHO says measles killed 89,780 people.

The US fought off an outbreak in 2014 and 2015 that started with an imported case in California’s Disneyland. At least 147 people were infected.

(NBC news)

South Korea fire at public gym and sauna kills 29

A

fire at a sports centre in South Korea has killed 29 people and left many others injured. The fire, which started in the basement of an eight-storey building, occurred in the southern city of Jecheon.

Footage showed dark plumes of smoke as the blaze,

which has now largely been extinguished, engulfed the property. Most of the victims were trapped in a sauna on the second floor. Officials say the death toll could rise as firefighters continue their search.

"The fire produced so much toxic smoke so quickly, leaving many people unable

to evacuate," a spokesman at the National Fire Agency said.

Some 20 people were rescued from the rooftop after taking refuge from the fire. Several of the survivors were taken hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation, officials said.

As many as 60 firefighters attended the scene on

Thursday in the city, 168km (104 miles) Eouth-east of Seoul, they added. Heavy smoke continues to hamper the search and rescue operation, the authorities said. The building houses a fitness centre, restaurants and a public sauna. (BBC News)

North Korean soldiers attend a mass rally in Pyongyang on December 1 to celebrate the North's declaration it had achieved full nuclear statehood

T

he United Nations Security Council is due to vote today on a USdrafted resolution that seeks to toughen sanctions on North Korea in response to its latest intercontinental ballistic missile launch, diplomats said.

The draft, seen by Reuters on Thursday, seeks to ban nearly 90 per cent of refined petroleum product exports to North Korea by capping them at 500,000 barrels a year and demand the repatriation of North Koreans working abroad within 12 months.

It would also cap crude oil supplies to North Korea at four million barrels a year.

The United States has been calling on China to limit its oil supply to its neighbour and ally.

The text was circulated to the 15-member council on Thursday. While it was not immediately clear how China would vote, traditionally a draft on North Korea is not given to all members until it is agreed by Beijing and Washington.

The United States has been negotiating with China on the draft resolution for the past week, diplomats said. If adopted, it would be the 10th resolution imposing new sanctions on North Korea over its missile and nuclear programs since 2006.

To pass, a resolution needs at least nine votes in favour and no vetoes by the United States, Britain, France, Russia and China. (Excerpt from

MSN)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

friDAY, december 22, 2017

ARCHIE

Mix business with pleasure to impress someone who (March 21can make a difference to your April 19) future. Conversations will lead to inside information that will help you make an important decision.

ARIES

Partnerships should take TAURUS priority. Do your best to get (April 20- along. Too much of anything May 20) will lead to consequences.

Make personal improvements instead of trying to change someone else.

dilbert

Make plans to get togethGEMINI er with an old friend or for(May 21mer co-worker.

You’ll be ofJune 20) fered interesting information that can lead to new beginnings. Romance is highlighted.

Problems with children, relatives or friends who don’t (June 21- see things your way will July 22) sprout. Compromise will be required if you wish to maintain peace. Avoid excessive behaviour.

CANCER

Peanuts

Set your emotions free.

LEO Speak up about your feelings (July 23- and disclose your personal inAug. 22) tentions and plans. Avoid indulgence, excessive expenditures and poor judgment regarding home and family.

Offering to help with any VIRGO preparations or responsibilities (Aug. 23will give others less to complain Sept. 22) about. Do your part and you’ll gain respect and will receive something unexpected.

Calvin and Hobbes

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

Make some positive changes at home or have a heart-to-heart talk with someone who can help make your life easier. Spend less money and choose not to be decadent.

Curb bad habits. Walk away SCORPIO from temptation or anyone try(Oct. 24ing to convince you to spend exNov. 22) cessively or go overboard. Use

your common sense and basic instincts.

Displaying charm while SAGITTARIUS offering peace and coopera(Nov. 23- tion will help you maintain Dec. 21) personal balance. Knowing where you fit in will encourage collaboration and closer ties with friends and relatives. Romance is encouraged.

YESTERDAY’S WORD

solution for LAST PUBLISHED Puzzle

A special gesture will CAPRICORN help you gain respect and (Dec. 22impress someone who can Jan. 19) assist you in reaching your goals. Personal information and planned changes should be kept secret.

Update your resume and AQUARIUS consider what you would like (Jan. 20to do next. Choices based on Feb. 19) reason and probability will be worth pursuing, as long as you don’t go overboard.

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

Overspending, indulging PISCES and avoiding personal mat(Feb. 20ters will leave you feeling reMarch 20)

gretful. Set a limit and stick to it. Discipline, exercise and patience are encouraged.

friDAY, december 22, 2017

19

Bassarath calls for Ramnarine's resignation in wake of failed World Cup bid P

resident of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) Azim Bassarath has called for the resignation of Sports Company of Trinidad and Tobago chairman Dinanath Ramnarine in the wake of the country’s failure to secure hosting rights for the Women’s World Cup. A late bid from the TTCB was rejected by Cricket West Indies (CWI) after the organisation was unable to guarantee US$75,000 or waivers that were to be put in place to host the world event next year.

Bassarath has put the blame squarely at the feet of Ramnarine, who recently admitted that he advised Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs Darryl Smith to not support the TTCB’s proposal to host any of the hosting packages up for grabs. As a result there were major delays in acquiring required governmental guarantees and waivers.

By virtue of the fact that Ramnarine is a board member of the TTCB based on his position as a National League Representative and also a principal claimant in High Court action against the TTCB seeking to overturn the organisation’s governance structure, Bassarath believes any involvement in advising the government amounted to a conflict of interest.

“The moral and ethical decision for Ramnarine was to have recused himself and not take part in the process.

He should have left it to others in the Sports Company to advise on the merits and demerits of the TTCB’s bid to host matches in the ICC T20 Women’s World Cup,” said Bassarath. (Sportsmax)

Drug claims just idle talk, claims agent linked to Gatlin

R

obert Wagner, the agent at the centre of the controversy surrounding the team of United States sprinter Justin Gatlin has claimed promises made to undercover reporters to supply performances enhancing drugs was “just talk”.

Wagner, who previously represented Gatlin, and the athlete’s coach Dennis Mitchell were secretly filmed by the Daily Telegraph at Gatlin's training base in Florida as they claimed they could supply human growth hormone and testosterone to an actor training for a film for US$250,000.

The paper reported that Mitchell claimed athletes could get away with doping undetected by tests and that Wagner cited Mitchell and Gatlin as being involved in doping.

In a recent statement, Wagner has backtracked on those claimed, dismissing the statements as idle talk and apologising to the sprinter.

"It was just big talk - I did not actually source or supply the substances the reporters asked for but stupidly claimed I could,” Wagner said.

"I apologise to Mr Gatlin, his management and family for saying completely false things about him and I apologise to other completely innocent athletes also wrongly implicated by my words."

According to the Guardian, Gatlin's long-term agent Renaldo Nehemiah said Wagner had worked for Gatlin on no more than two or three occasions. He said the sprinter was not present when banned substances were discussed with either the agent or coach.

(Sportsmax)

Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB) President Azim Bassarath

FA takes no PSG can beat action over Manchester Real Madrid – Neymar derby fracas N

E

ngland’s Football Association (FA) will not be taking any action against the Manchester clubs after looking into the reports of incidents following the derby earlier this month.

Manchester United and Manchester City were asked by the FA for their observations after reports that United boss Jose Mourinho had milk and water thrown at him

by City players after the Dec. 10 derby.

“Following a review of the evidence provided by the clubs and independent eyewitnesses, the FA will be taking no formal action,” said a spokesperson.

British media reported that Mourinho was upset by City’s excessive celebrations after their 2-1 victory at Old Trafford.

Mikel Arteta, part of City’s coaching team, was also reported to have suffered a cut in the alleged incidents.

Referee Michael Oliver did not witness any post-match incidents and made no reference to anything untoward in his match report. (Reuters)

eymar is adamant Paris Saint-Germain have what it takes to knock Real Madrid out of the Champions League when they meet in the last 16.

The Ligue 1 leaders were dealt a difficult draw against the reigning champions despite topping their group ahead of Bayern Munich as Madrid trailed Tottenham.

PSG were infamously dumped out in the round of 16 last season as they coughed up a 4-0 first-leg lead over Barcelona to lose 6-5 on aggregate.

But Neymar, who has been linked with a transfer to Los Blancos, believes his side will not fall at the same hurdle this time around.

"We know it will be a difficult game. Real Madrid's players have been playing together for many years and aspire to their third consecutive title," the Brazil star said at a press conference for PSG's Qatar Winter Tour. "But I know we can beat them.

"We want to make history and we will do everything possible to defeat them." First on Madrid's agenda is their clash with Barca in Saturday's El Clasico as they try to go about reeling in an 11-point deficit.

PSG boss Unai Emery, who will be in attendance, tipped Zinedine Zidane's men to make the most of their home advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

"They are many points behind, but on Saturday if one team is favourite to win then it should be Real Madrid as they are at home," Emery told Marca.

"When the most important matches come along, I am convinced they will be good. Real Madrid still have a really good team." (fourfourtwo)

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

friDAY, december 22, 2017

Gayle’s illness adds to

Windies woes ahead of series decider

Chris Gayle’s doubt adds pressure to an inexperienced top-order

Ronsford Beaton will hope he can be among the wickets

W

est Indies star batsman Chris Gayle is a doubtful start for

today’ second One Day International against New Zealand which is a must-win match for the visitors.

Cast in the role of the team’s saviour for better results in the ODI series the 38-year-old left-hander was dismissed for 22 when the regional team opened the batting against the Black Caps.

He was then conspicuously absent when the team fielded to defend its total of 248.

Windies head coach Stuart Law confirmed that the player had fallen sick ahead of the team’s return to the field, but claimed he could not elaborate further on the circumstances.

Sent in to bat, Gayle and Evin Lewis, posted 40 off the first 10.1 overs before the batsman was dismissed.

“He took ill,” Law said when asked why Gayle hadn't returned to the field.

"He's going to seek further medical advice once we arrive in Christchurch tomorrow. At this point in time I can't give you any further details of what's going on,” he added.

The coach went on to explain that he was not in a

position to comment further on the player’s future availability for the rest of the series.

"I'm not a doctor," he said. "I can't give you any more, so I apologise. We should get a full appraisal tomorrow.”

The team’s total of 248 for 9, was easily overhauled

by New Zealand with four overs to spare and five wickets still to come.

Regarding team news Fast bowler Seth Rance has been named replacement for Adam Milne, who injured his foot and is ruled out of the ODI series and the upcoming T20s .

Apart from Milne, New Zealand will also be without Kane Williamson and Southee, who were rested for the second and third ODIs. Today’s match is expected to commence at 06:00 hrs.

New Zealand Squad: Todd Astle, Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Adam Milne, Colin Munro, Henry Nicholls, Neil Broom, Mitchell Santner, Ross Taylor, George Worker.

West Indies Squad: Jason Holder (capt), Jason Mohammed, Sunil Ambris,

Sterling's attacker jailed for racially aggravated assault R

aheem Sterling was attacked near Manchester City’s training base and his assailant has now been jailed.

The man who launched a racially aggravated attack on Raheem Sterling has been jailed for 16 weeks.

Karl Anderson entered a guilty plea at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, having racially abused and kicked the

Manchester City star out- side the club’s training base prior to Saturday’s match against Tottenham.

It was disclosed during proceedings that 29-year-old Anderson, who must also pay £100 in compensation, had 25 prior convictions for 37 offences, which included football-related violence.

A victim impact statement from Sterling which was read to the court said that he “did not think this kind of behaviour happened in this country in this day and age”.

Anderson apologised for his actions, saying he had “lost his temper”. (Sportsmax)

Ronsford Beaton, Shannon Gabriel, Chris Gayle, Kyle Hope, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Evin Lewis, Nikita

Miller, Ashley Nurse, Rovman Powell, Marlon Samuels, Kesrick Williams.

Ross Taylor will carry the brunt of the batting in his captain’s absence

GT Beer Football in Berbice

Last 4 to be decided tonight Q uarter-final action in the GT BEER/ Berbice Football Association competition will occur tonight at the All Saints School Ground on Princess Elizabeth Road, in New Amsterdam.

Pre-tournament favourites Georgetown Police will take on Rosignol United and Edinburgh Gunners will come up against the Black Sharks of Fyrish in game two.

The Police could be in for a tough time against the improving Rosignol team which bounced back to win three games in the preliminary round after their opening game loss to Edinburgh.

Game two will see the last two Region Six teams to remain in the competition facing each other.

Edinburgh with a perfect record coming out of the preliminaries will start as favorites. The Black Sharks had only one win in the preliminary round.

The first game tonight is expected to kick off at 19:30h.

Meanwhile, semi-final action is scheduled for Christmas night at the same venue with Monedderlust and Beacon FC having already booked their spots.

The two teams won their quarterfinal matches on Sunday in convincing style.

Monedderlust brushed

aside Arsenal 2-nil in a one-sided affair. A 19-minute goal from Kelvin Joseph and another from Jamal Joseph seconds before the half-time whistle were enough to help their side progress.

Beacon won their game by a more convincing margin but by no means was it an easy win. The game which ended 4-nil was one of the more competitive seen in the tournament thus far.

It was a hat-trick by Deon Alfred scoring in the 19, 29 and 57 minutes, which led the way. Travis Lyken was once again on the scorer’s card after his 29-minute goal.

Monedderlust will take on the winner of the Edinburgh Gunners/Black Sharks game in the semi-final while Beacon FC and the winner of the Georgetown Police/Rosignol game. The final is slated for New Year’s day The winner of the competition will walk away with $500,000 while the second place team will receive $300,000. Monetary prizes will also be awarded to the third and fourth place finishers.

friDAY, december 22, 2017 | www.guyanatimesgy.com

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21

West Demerara top DCB Under-15

inter-association tournament W

est Demerara e m e r g e d Champions of the Demerara Cricket Board Under-15 Inter Association Tournament, when they edged out Georgetown Under-15 on a superior net run rate, after both claimed two wins each.

The matches in the Demerara Under-15 Inter Association Tournament, saw West Demerara and Georgetown ending on equal number of wins, with West Demerara emerging winners of the Tournament due to a superior net run rate 2.88 as against 1.55.

Played at the Enterprise ground, West Demerara won the toss and sent Georgetown in to bat first. An unbeaten 44 from Thaddes Lovell guided Georgetown to 149 all out off 36.1 overs.

Lovell was well supported by Jonathan Adams who was run out for 22. Bowling for West Demerara, Aaron Mohabir grabbed 2 for 30, while there were one wicket each to Daniel Roberts, Alex Ali, Vishal Persaud and Shaahid Viere.

In reply, West Demerara reached 29 for 2 off 12 overs, before unfavorable rainy weather caused an abandonment to the match. The not out batsmen were Mark Mohabir yet to score and Daniel Roberts on 1. Darius Andrews and Aryan Persaud had so far taken 1 for 5 and 1 for 2 respectively.

Over at Enterprise, East Coast Demerara Under-15 won the toss against East Bank Demerara Under-15 and decided to bat, compiling a competitive score of 185 all out off 46.1 overs.

Romel Datadin stroked a solid 50 before being caught off the bowling of Varun Mangal. Mangal also had Chanderpaul Ramraj caught for 45. The only other batsmen to reach double figures were Ajay Gainda and Sanjay Persaud. Bowling East Bank Demerara, Joshua Thomas, Saurav Singh, Krisna Singh and Varun Mangal two wickets for 40, 20, 22 and 20 respectively.

In reply, East Bank Demerara found themselves in spot of bother against the penetrative bowling of Romel Datadin, Chanderpaul Ramraj and Davindra Sukhu, who grabbed 4 for 20, 3 for 8 and 2 for 17 respectively. They got valuable support from bowlers Daniel Gulab, Rudranauth and Ajay Gainda, as East Bank Demerara folded for 74 all out off 24.1 overs. Batting for East Bank Demerara, only opening batsman Varun Mangal and number 9 batsman Saurav Singh reached double figures, with 16 runs

West Demerara Coach Dhanpaul (left) receiving the DCB U-15 Championship Trophy from newly-qualified umpire Flemroy Lambert

each. East Coast Demerara Under-15 won the match by 111 runs.

Over at the Enmore Community Centre ground, East Coast Demerara Under-15 came up against Georgetown Under-15. East Coast Demerara won the toss and sent Georgetown in to bat first. A brilliant 78 from Mavindra Dindyal took Georgetown to a commanding score of 164 all out off 38.3 overs. Number batsman Inderjert Nanan contributed 17. Bowling for East Coast Demerara shafeek Khan took 4 for 17 and Chanderpaul Ramraj 3 for 34.

In reply, East Coast Demerara could only manage a mere 110 all out 32 overs. only Chandrapaul Ramraj, Rudranauth Kissoon and Joshua Chandrika were able to reach double figures with 13, 11 and 11 respectively. Bowling for Georgetown, Inderjert Nanan took 4 for 7 and Darius Andrews 2 for 32.Georgetown Under-15 won by 54 runs.

In another match played at the Enmore Community Centre ground, East Coast Demerara Under-15 won the toss and decided to take first strike, a decision that proved unfavorable, as the East Coast batsmen for it difficult to gather runs against the West Demerara bowlers, eventually being bundled out for 82 from 32.2 overs.

Chandrapaul Ramaraj top scored with 26, while Shafeek Khan made 13 and Navindra Singh 11.

Vishaul Persaud captured 2-9 and Aron Mohabir 2-13. West Demerara re-

plied with 83-4 including 47 extras.

In reply, West Demerara Under-15 reached their winning target, 83 with the loss of just four wickets off 26.1 overs. Rezekiel Reny and Alex Ali were unbeaten on 15 and 12 respectively. Bowling for East Coast, Mark Sharma grabbed 2 for 6 and Shafeek Khan 1 for 14.

West Demerara Under-15 won by 6 wickets.

Over at the Zeeburg ground in West Demerara, West Demerara won the

toss against East Bank Demerara and decided to take first strike, posting a competitive score of 180 all out, off 34.3 of their allotted overs. Opening batsmen Mark Mohabir and Nicholas Rajpat made 38 and 25 respectively. They were supported by Alex Ali and Daniel Roberts who made 20 and 18 respectively. Bowling for East Bank Krishna Singh took 4 for 19 and Varun Mangal 2 for 17.

In reply, East Bank could only record 133 for 6 off their allotted 35 overs.

Rahul Singh notched 53, while Rinaldo Phillips made 26. Bowling for Wesrt Demerara, Alex Ali took 1 for 26 and Aaron Mohabir 1 for 19. West Demerara won by 47 runs.

Over at the GCC ground, in Bourda, Georgetown Under-15 won the toss and sent East Bank Demerara Under-15 in to bat first. The East Bank batsmen did not apply themselves well to the challenging bowling of Georgetown and were bundled out for a meager 41 off 22.3 overs. Only opener Varun Mangal reached double figures with 13. Lovell was the pick of the bowlers with 4 for 13, while Nanan supported well, to record the remarkable figures of 3 for 2.

In reply, Georgetown grafted their way to victory off 8.2 overs, reaching 42 for 2. Opening batsmen Dindyal and Nanan made 16 and 11 respectively. Bowling for East Bank, Varun Mangal took 1 for 10.Georgetown won by 8 wickets.

Bravo promises to take things slowly despite Renegades 5-for

W

indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo claims he will take to get back into the full swing of things despite an impressive five-wicket haul on his Big Bash League season debut for Melbourne Renegades.

The 34-year-old Bravo became the first player in T20 history to claim 400 wickets after starring for Melbourne Renegades in the Australia Big Bash League on Thursday.

Bravo claimed figures of 5-28, only the second 5-wicket haul in T20 cricket, as the Renegades secured a seven-wicket win over the Hobart Hurricanes at the Bellerive Oval.

A triumphant return to the Renegades after suffering a hamstring injury that kept him out of the game for months last season was

satisfactory for the West Indian, but he has vowed to continue to take things slowly.

“Fitness is good, a bit cautious because of what happened last season, so definitely I’ll be taking my time,” Bravo said.

“I think as the tournament progresses I’ll gain more confidence moving around.

“I have a good medical team with the Renegades so I feel comfortable with my body.”

Sent in to bat the Hurricanes managed to put up a competitive total of 164-8 on the board, despite Bravo’s heroics. In reply, Marcus Harris and Cameron White notched fifties to also ensure that the Renegades won the match comfortably. (Sportsmax)

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

friDAY, december 22, 2017

Road to Mecca IV

4 teams collide for semi-final spots meek response.

In the second and final game last Wednesday, the Royals managed a comfortable win over the Pacesetters netting 87 points to the latter’s 75 points.

Top scoring for the victors was Orlan Glasgow who netted 23 points, his teammate Harold Adams was a reliable deputy sink-

ing 21 points while Yannick Tappin pitched in with a valuable 12 points.

The top scorers for the losers were Joslyn Crawford with 14, Randy Richardson had 13 and Stephan Gillis managed 10 points.

The Prize Money for the 1st and 2nd placed teams amount to $600,000 and $400,000 respectively and

3rd place prize of $200,000.

There will be Trophies for teams placing 1st to 3rd.

Individual prizes totaling $200,000 will be shared between the MVP, Player scoring the most Points and Player with the Most Rebounds. Also, $100,000 of the Prize Money will go to Guyana Basketball Officials Council (GBOC)

Action resumes tonight with two intense clashes as four teams look to secure semi-final berths

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his weekend two of the top Basketball Clubs in Guyana will go toe to toe for bragging rights of the country’s best team as the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation’s (GABF) National Club Championships; “Road to Mecca IV” continues this evening.

Thus far two clubs have already booked their respective semi-final spots; defending Champions Bounty Colts and the Victory Valley Royals are assured of being in action in the semi-finals on Saturday.

However the Amelia Ward Jets, Rosehall

Jammers, Retrieve Raiders and Kobras will each be looking to do fierce battle tonight as they vie for the remaining two semi-final berths.

When action tips off at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) at 18:00h the Jets will face the Jammers, on paper the Jammers look set to go through but the Jets have a fearsome quality that should make for an intense and thrilling clash.

Meanwhile immediately after, the Retrieve Raiders will tackle the Kobras, this match is hard to call as both teams have had a “topsy turvy” tournament thus far.

It is sure to be yet another intriguing clash as both sides will be shooting for the final semi-final spot.

On the way to the semi-finals, the Colts were ruthless and impressive last Wednesday dispatching of the Jammers by 105-52.

Dave Causway was the standout player for the Colts in the paint managing a game high 30 points.

He was ably supported by Shelroy Thomas and Shane Webster who racked up 19 and 16 points respectively.

Meanwhile in reply for the Jammers Mickel Lewis and Michael King could only muster 16 and 10 points in a

These beautiful young ladies will be on show this weekend

New Head Coach possible for Golden

Jaguars

By Akeem Greene

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he senior National Men’s football team, commonly called Golden Jaguars could have a new appointed head coach in 2018 since the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) is expected to advertise for the position.

GFF President Wayne Forde in a media briefing on Thursday responding to questions whether current interim Head Coach Wayne Dover would see his appointment being confirmed stated, “we will advertise for a head coach and everyone will be eligible to apply including Mr [Wayne] Dover and that will be done very early next year”.

With the departure of Jamaal Shabazz in 2016 after a heart rendering 2-4 loss at home to Jamaica in the Gold Cup qualifiers, Dover, who was deputising Shabazz was appointed to the new role.

His first task came this year against Martinque where Jaguars played to an uninspiring goalless draw at the McKenzie Sports Club Ground in Linden. His other three results were a 1-1 score line against Trinidad and Tobago Soca Warriors and defeats to Grenada (1-0) and Indonesia (2-1).

Current Interim Head Coach Wayne Dover has adapted a hands-on approach during his tenure but the results of the team have been indifferent

According to Forde, the head coach and the Technical Director (Ian Greenwood) should coexist to the extent they bring progression to the team.

“What is important is that you have a national team coach and technical director that forms a working synergy.

The TD [Technical Director] prepares the nation’s programme, the head coach prepares the nation’s team but unless there is a synergy between those two key positions then you generally will have a disjointed approach”, the GFF head contended.

He added, “we don’t not view the national team set up from an individual frame, we look at what is necessary for the progression of team and the advancement of the executive committee vision on

how they want to see the national team develop”.

Though due diligence is expected to occur regarding the selection process, Forde voiced that the new position will be filled soonest since the CONCACAF League of Nations tournament commences in September.

The League of Nations tournament featuring all 41 CONCACAF teams and is set to replace most international friendlies for CONCACAF sides, will be split into three divisions based on the strength of the teams and will feature promotion and relegation.

The tournament will also serve as qualifying for the Gold Cup, as well as forming the basis for future World Cup qualifying seeding.

guyanatimesgy.com

friDAY, december 22, 2017

GCB rewards cricketers

23

for outstanding achievements – Hetmyer, Campbell cop highest individual awards

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himron Hetmyer headlined the 2017 Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Awards Ceremony, copping the coveted Male Cricketer-of-the-year award while West Indies star all-rounder Shemaine Campbell was deemed Female Cricketer of-the-year.

The ceremony which was staged at the Umana Yana on Wednesday evening saw the newest West Indies player Hetmyer, being rewarded for his strides from a Guyana Jaguars player to a West Indies Test batsman. Campbell who is no stranger to the award, continued to shine internationally with the senior women’s team and remains arguably Guyana’s best female cricketer.

Minister of Social Cohesion, with responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. George Norton who delivered one of the feature remarks, said the Ministry is playing is currently on a drive to restore venues while ensuring that other gear and playing equipment are distributed. Norton hailed the awardees as well as the GCB for keeping cricket alive locally and regionally.

Among the other top awardees were defending regional 4-day three time champs Guyana Jaguars senior team, who are inches from winning another title. The team received individual awards in the form of perfectly crafted plaques made from purple-heart wood.

Coaches Esuan Crandon and

Shemaine Campbell is all smiles while collecting her Female Cricketer-of-theYear award

Rayon Griffith were given awards for their outstanding works in coaching while other players like Sheldon Charles who swept numerous U15 regional awards including MVP, Kevlon Anderson who bagged a few awards in the U17 level.

Joshua Persaud, Sachin Singh, Ashmead Nedd, Bhaskar Yadram and Raymon Perez who were all selected to the West Indies U19 team, were also showered with awards for their incredible year.

The GCB also recognized numerous other entities including clubs, coaches, physiotherapists, journal-

ists and companies who were onboard as sponsors; were all exalted by the board.

Miscellaneous Awards: Shabeka Gajnabi (Most Promising Female Cricketer of the Year), Keemo Paul (Most Promising Male Cricketer of the Year), Bhaskar Yadram (Junior Cricketer of the Year), Shivnarine Chanderpaul (Senior Regional Cricketer of the Year), Sheldon Charles (Most runs, wickets and Most Valuable Player in the Regional Under 15 Tournament), Sachin Singh (Most runs in the Regional Under-17 Tournament), Kelvon Anderson

(Most wickets and Most Valuable Player in the Regional Under 17 Tournament), Raymond Perez (Most runs and Most Valuable Player in the Regional Under 19 Tournament), Ashmead Nedd Most wickets in the Regional Under 19 Tournament).

Special Service Awards: Bharrat Sookdeo, Tuschen Sports Club, Rayon Griffith, Esaun Crandon, Rajiv Bisnauth, Grantley Culbard and Daniel Richmond (Posthumously).

S p e c i a l Recognition Awards: Shimron Hetymer, Raymond Reifer, Joshua Persaud, B h a s k a r Y a d r a m , R o n a l d o Alimohamed, Ashmead Nedd and Raymond Perez.

Corporate awards:Handin-Hand Group of Companied, Scotiabank, Dave West Indian Exports, Sterling Products Limited and Demerara Mutual Group of Companies. The Club of the Year award was won by the Albion Sports Club. Team awards: the Guyana Jaguars, Guyana Male Under-19 team and the National Female Under-19 team.

“You represent us as ambassadors”– Cameron

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resident of Cricket West Indies (CWI) Dave Cameron during his feature address at the 2017 Guyana Cricket Board annual awards ceremony, hailed Guyana for its recent contribution to West Indies Cricket; while calling for more ambassadorship from its players.

Cameron made his voice heard during the gala held on Wednesday evening at the Umana Yana where he urged the cricketers in attendance while delivering his speech, to remember that they are all ambassadors for the West Indies.

“I want you to understand that as players, you are ambassadors for the region, and so when you go out to play I want you to understand that you represent us as ambassadors for this wonderful region we are all a part of”, said the CWI President.

He continued, “You the cricketers do not represent Guyana alone, but just remember you represent the

people of the West Indies and as a Guyanese you are a West India, if you are a Jamaican you are a West Indian’.

Veteran Guyana batsman and ex-West Indies captain Shiv Chanderpaul was deemed as invaluable

by Cameron who said the 43 year-old has been one of the main reasons behind Guyana’s success, crediting the left-hander’s brilliant stint in England as more reasons to celebrate his presence in the side.

Cameron hailed the state of Guyana cricket for being in safe hands with GCB Secretary and West Indies Director Anand Sanasie who he credited for taking Guyana’s cricket to the next level. He believed with Guyana producing a huge number of West Indies ‘A’ and West Indies senior players every season, it is safe to say Guyana has been playing their role in the redevelopment of West Indies cricket.

The CWI Head admitted

the West Indies have work cut out if they want to regain the status they once held as world champions in Test cricket. Formerly known as the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), CWI according to Cameron is in a good financial position compared to the past.

Cameron added that the accountability has made the board even more effective as they seek to work with players in order to keep Windies cricket in the right place.

“Our trust in our new strategic plan going forward is having our cricketers lead us, and if you lead us then we will follow and support”.

I n closing,

Cameron said the task to take cricket back to the pinnacle of excellence will be challenging but believed that once the determination and drive was channeled by the various entities, West Indies cricket can surpass that of old.

CWI President Dave Cameron during the 2017 GCB Award Ceremony

Shimron Hetmyer

GFF/Corona Super 16

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Quarter-final spots at stake this weekend

he remaining quarter-finalists will be confirmed when the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Corona Super 16 knockout tournament continues this weekend starting from today.

While Wednesday’s scheduled games were postponed because of the inclement weather, the action will continue this weekend with four matches in two days at the Buxton Community ground on the East Coast of Demerara.

This evening the Victoria Kings will clash with Police FC while home side Buxton United will do battle with NA United.

The postponed games between Western Tigers and Grove Hi-Tec along with Fruta Conquerors vs Ann’s Grove will take now take place on Saturday.

The feature clash will bring together powerhouse, Fruta Conquerors and Ann’s Grove in a tantalizing affair under lights.

The Tucville based side; Conquerors will seek to ex-

tend their good run this year by knocking out the East Coast Demerara side in their quest for a spot in the final eight. However, it will be no easy task for the men in orange as Ann’s Grove have proven recently that they can be formidable opponents on any given day.

Fruta’s front line will be led by the tenacious Jermain Junior while their defense will be buoyed by Jeremy Garrett, all in all the matchup should make for a thrilling 90 minutes of football as the underdogs clash with the big boys.

Action starts on both days from 18:00h.

The four teams that have already qualified for the quarter-final stage are Winners Connection, Mile Rock FC, GDF FC and Den Amstel.

The final is set for January 1 at the Guyana National Stadium with a grand after party with dancehall star Popcaan. The winning team is set to pocket $2,000,000 while the losing finalist will get $1,000,000.

FRIDAY, december 22, 2017

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

guyanatimesgy.com

New Head Coach possible for Golden

Jaguars

Pg 22 Guyana’s Golden Jaguars have endured a year of mixed fortunes on the field. The highlight would certainly be their 1-1 draw against powerhouses Trinidad and Tobago in November

Pg 23

GCB rewards cricketers for outstanding achievements – Hetmyer, Campbell cop highest individual awards The 2017 Guyana Cricket Board awardees along with Director of Sport, Christopher Jones and Social Cohesion Minister, Dr George Norton at the Umana Yana

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