Guyanatimes 2 april 2018

Chairman P7 of Sai Baba organisation on familiarisation visit to Guyana Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 3521

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Monday, April 2, 2018

PRICE

2018 World Bank report

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Women comprise 35% of total local workforce

Page 13

– Guyana lacks sexual harassment education

"I will be back in frontline politics" Page 11

– Vanessa Kissoon vows

$80 vat included

Businesswoman robbed of jewellery by gunman P18 Lindo Creek CoI

Jagdeo points to another glaring act of P8 nepotism

Over 1000 sugar workers re-employed Page 9

– GuySuCo Chairman

Fire almost guts former Linden TV station, dish Page 8

Annual Rupununi Ranchers’ Rodeo Page launched 18

Page 5

Rose Hall Security guard murdered Page 3

One of the young participants was quite excited to pose with the Easter Bunny at Kids Fest 592 on Sunday in the Promenade Gardens, Georgetown

– $1.5M removed from store

Bandit shot after robbing DeWillem P16 teen Elderly woman attempts suicide, pulled from trench by P7 PPP MP

Essequibo Coast GPL generator moved to Bartica for Regatta P18

P16 Guyana to attend IMF, World Bank Spring Meetings

2 news

monDAY, April 2, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

RUBIS, GPL urge more corporate investment in education

R

UBIS Guyana Inc and the Guyana Power and Light

(GPL) Limited have reiterated the importance of corporate companies support-

ing the Biennial Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics

(STEAM) Fair programme being undertaken by the Education Ministry.

They are urging other corporate entities to invest in education as an avenue of facilitating holistic development.

Leading the charge was Retail Accounts Executive Rhonda Johnson, who stressed that her company saw investment in education as investment in the country’s future leaders, thus it has made significant outlays wherever it could. She noted that this principle saw the company supporting the Region Four Education Department’s STEAM fair in a very significant way.

Johnson expressed satisfaction in the execution of the regional fair, but noted that in future fairs there were certainly some improvements that she would like to see. “The organisers and participants did a really remarkable job. However, there were some glitches which I trust can be rectified at the next competition if they are going to continue the growth and development of the science fair,” she said.

GPL PRO Shevion Sears presenting a cheque to Regional Education Officer (REDO) Tiffany Favourite-Harvey

Meanwhile, GPL Public Relations Officer Shevion Sears said she would like to see a more timely start to the STEAM competition. She also said that this year’s competition produced a significant number of brilliant ideas, which she passionately appealed to the Department of Education to ensure are explored thus further helping to bring them to reality.

“There were some interesting projects. I have seen some very fantastic work by the students and it speaks very well about the students’ talent and if we can support these endeavours, there is no doubt that Guyana can be a better place. Therefore, for

GPL we believe in supporting these initiatives as it plays a vital role in Guyana moving in the right direction and that we learn to be creators rather than accepting what is just there,” Sears said.

The GPL PRO expressed satisfaction at seeing that this year’s competition involved a number of nursery schools, stating that it was the right direction for the organisers to go. She commended them for what she said was a well-organised competition, and urged the Department to continue involving more schools and students.

The national finals for the STEAM fair are slated for April 3-6, 2018, at the St Joseph High School.

“Ivan Johnson” wing opened at Takutu Hotel

A

The Takutu Hotel in Rupununi, Region Eight

new wing, the” Ivan Johnson Snr floor”, was on Friday declared open at the Takutu Hotel in Lethem, Region Eight, in honour of the founder of the hotel, the late Ivan Johnson.

Johnson and a partner started the business in the 1960s, in time to accommodate the first Safari Expedition to the Rupununi through the cattle trail.

Indigenous People’s Affairs Minister Sydney Allicock, who had the hon-

our of being among the first to stay in the wing, expressed his satisfaction with the confidence that persons have in the region.

“This is a signal that things are happening here in the Rupununi, and that the rodeo is getting bigger and better,” Allicock said.

Prior to 2006, the owners of the Takutu Hotel entertained the patrons and other visitors to the Easter rodeo event with an evening of music and a candlelight dinner.

3 Rose Hall security guard murdered news

monDAY, april 2, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Friday, March 30 – at 04:00h and a day retraction from 14:30h-16:00h and Saturday, March 31 – 05:00h-06:30h.

– $1.5M removed from Corentyne store investigators probed the murder. Police also arrested the parents of the suspect.

It has been reported that the suspect’s parents were heard calling for the guard from the yard next door where they live. “Guardie, Guardie…. Guardie not

By Andrew Carmichael

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, March 30 – 15:40h-17:10h and Saturday, March 31 – 16:20h-17:50h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Light cloudy skies in the early morning will give way to light rain showers and thundery showers which will prevail throughout the day, with thundery showers expected in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 23 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-easterly to North-easterly between 1.34 metres and 5.36 metres.

High Tide: 05:36h and 17:57h reaching maximum heights of 2.81 metres and 2.75 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 11:31h and 23:45h reaching minimum heights of 0.39 metre and 0.52 metre respectively.

A

security guard was found dead in a store at Rose Hall Town, Corentyne, Berbice on Saturday night moments before it was discovered that the store had been burglarised and $1.5 million in cash was missing.

The dead man has been identified as Munisperen Iyasammy Monien, 53, of Lot 45 Clifton, Port Mourant, Corentyne, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne).

Monien’s body was discovered in a pool of blood in a storeroom at Sukhsram General Store at Lot 13 Public Road, Rose Hall Town.

Investigators estimate that Monien was murdered between 19:00h and 20:00h on Saturday.

Details are still sketchy as to what alerted investigators to visit the premises where the discovery was made. Guyana Times was told that when the store was closed on Saturday afternoon, between $1.5 million and $2 million in cash

Dead: Munisperen Iyasammy Monien

Investigators are working on the theory that the perpetrator gained entry to the yard, which is secured by the high concrete fence, by climbing through the opening.

However, in order to get there, one would have to jump over a neighbour’s fence and go to the back of that yard before climbing into the yard which houses the general store.

Meanwhile, Monien had reported on Wednesday evening, someone was at-

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The store where the incident took place

was locked in a drawer inside.

The owners of the store are overseas, and the manager who lives nearby has since been taken into custody.

Reports indicate that when the building was checked, several locks were open and it is believed that the locks were left open on Saturday as the business was closed.

This publication was shown a gap in the back fence of the otherwise well-secured premises.

covered that doors to the back of the upper flat of the building were not properly secured, all of the employees, including the store manager, were taken into custody.

The now dead man’s brother, Lloyd Arasammy, told Guyana Times that

tempting to use an old refrigerator which had been lying next to the building to gain entry. The now dead security guard had reported that he was able to identify the person who had placed the old refrigerator next to the fence and was in the process of climbing over the fence when an alarm was raised.

The following day, he gave a statement to the Police to that effect.

The suspect, who lives a street away, was arrested on Sunday morning as

The gap in the fence that it is suspected was used for entry and exit

answering, like Guardie dead,” this newspaper was told one neighbour overheard the parents saying.

As the investigation intensified and it was dis-

his brother’s throat was slashed. He said he was told of the incident shortly after midnight on Saturday and when he went to the scene, the Police allowed him to view the body but from a distance.

“I saw my brother’s left side head with a long burst on it and his throat slash but not too deep, and I was made to understand that his foot is broken, but I couldn’t tell when I saw him,” he explained.

This publication was informed by another source that one of the security guard’s hands was also broken and that there was blood splatter in the building, indicating that there might have been a struggle.

Police continue to investigate.

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guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, APRIL 2, 2018

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

Let opinions flourish H

eeding the UN call for this year to be observed as the “International Year for People of African Descent”, in Jan 2011, the then PPPC government launched what promised to be a year-long series of events.

From the reaction of some domestic African groups to the Government’s programme, however, it signalled it was going to be a year-long war of sniping and attrition. These groups, which surprisingly included the erstwhile “multiracial” opposition Peoples National Congress”, accused the Government of excluding them from the planning process.

The painstakingly detailed riposte of the Minister of Culture – under whose bailiwick the commemoration falls -- was of no avail. The groups boycotted the successful launch, which was, ironically, dominated by very credible AfricanGuyanese persons.

Now, in and of itself, there was not much untoward in that reaction. Even though the Minister was able to identify a host of individuals and groups from the African community that were integrally involved in the planning process, if the complaining organisations felt they were sidelined, it was their right – and indeed their duty -- to highlight their opinions. What we found troubling was the approach they took to those African organisations and individuals that did participate and confirmed that the planning process was broad-based. They were branded as somehow less authentically “African,” and in the end, betraying “the side”.

Seven years later, with the “slipper on the other foot”, these groups are now sidelined.

This proclivity to force individuals into a “group think” mentality, which is also behind the Chronicle’s firings, is one of the major obstacles towards the development of a democratic culture in our country. And it must be resisted.

The essence of democracy is that the individual must be permitted, nay encouraged, in placing his/her opinion in the public realm for the consideration of others. And those “others” in the public realm must give such opinions the respect that it deserves: there is, after all, the inalienable presumption of equality. The premise that some “know better” than others, and by which premise they arrogate the right to belittle and excoriate opposing views, is the sure sign of an anti-democratic mindset.

But the danger goes deeper. In his classic “On Liberty”, John Stuart Mills wrote: “Society can, and does, execute its own mandates: and if it issues wrong mandates instead of right, or any mandates at all in things with which it ought not to meddle, it practises a social tyranny more formidable than many kinds of political oppression, since, though not usually upheld by such extreme penalties, it leaves fewer means of escape, penetrating much more deeply into the details of life, and enslaving the soul itself.

Protection, therefore, against the tyranny of the magistrate is not enough; there needs to be protection also against the tyranny of the prevailing opinion and feeling; against the tendency of society to impose, by means other than civil penalties, its own ideas and practices as rules of conduct on those who dissent from them.”

It is purely a matter of contingency that we are born into the social group in which we have found ourselves. This is not to deny that the social conditions determined by that contingency have to a great extent shaped our identity, and indeed much of our circumstance. In fact, the declaration of the “International Year for People of African Descent” was in acknowledgement of that truth. But the declaration in based on the belief that such circumstances are not immutable; they can be transcended, and individuals must be left free to navigate their own way.

In the end, we are all part of one humanity. Those that practise the “social tyranny” of labels, insults and ostracism to bludgeon into conformity those that refuse to define their identity only by opposition to others in the society are ghettoising their group. In the multiracial, multicultural, multireligious community that was created by imperial happenstance, we cannot continue in perpetuity not to reach across our now self-imposed barriers.

Beloved characters from fairy tales and cartoons were part of the festivities at KidsFest 592 on Sunday at the Promenade Gardens (Carl Croker photo)

Anglican Diocese awards outstanding women Dear Editor, The Human Rights and Social Justice Commission of the Anglican Diocese of Guyana closed the month off with a bang, as they celebrated International Women’s Day (observed on March 8, 2018) with a march and awards’ presentation on Saturday, March 31, 2018.

The march began at the St George’s Cathedral and culminated at Austin House (the house of the Bishop).

The awards’ presentation followed shortly after.

The Commission believes it is important to speak to the commitment and contributions of women in the Diocese, and by extension Guyana; and to continue to press for the advancement of women in all spheres of life.

Delivering the keynote address was Mrs. Sheran Harper, member of St. Sidwell’s Parish Church and a Worldwide Trustee of the Mothers’ Union. Mrs. Harper, in her address, highlighted the contributions of outstanding women in the Diocese, and urged others to join the movement.

She noted her work, particularly with women in the hinterland areas, and called on members to be more sup-

portive to vulnerable groups within their parishes and communities.

The Commission awarded ten outstanding women for their sterling contributions to their parish and communities. These women were nominated because of their extraordinary performance and for going above and beyond their standard job requirements to ensure the comfort and happiness of parishioners and community members.

Eight women were nominated and awarded for their contributions; these were Cheril Collins (St Mark’s Parish), Monica Case (St James-the-Less), Beatrice Amsterdam (Church of the Transfiguration), Yvonne Barrow (St Mark’s Parish), Lena Edmondson (St. Mark’s Parish), Thelma Spencer (Christ the King), Mrs. Wendell Roberts, and Beverly Coppin (St Aidan’s).

The Bishop, the Right Reverend Charles Davidson, in his capacity as Bishop, awarded two other women for their offerings to the church. These were Rita Hunter, the first woman to be ordained deacon, and Schemel Patrick, Chairperson of the Human

Rights and Social Justice Commission, for her steadfast contributions to the Commission and the advancement of human rights.

Another part of the programme saw the Commission handing over its first donation to the Ministry of Social Protection, as part of a partnership with the two bodies. The Commission has committed to regularly donating much needed equipment and sanitary and food supplies to the Ministry of Social Protection’s safe houses.

In an effort to respond to the needs of women and children affected by gender-based violence, the Human Rights and Social Justice Commission has launched a “We Care” Campaign in all parishes to offset this partnership. The “We Care” campaign will remain as part of the church’s caring around the year.

Accepting the contributions on behalf of the Ministry of Social Protection was Manager of the GenderBased Violence Unit, Akilah Doris. She expressed the Ministry’s gratitude and welcomed what she described as a marriage between the Diocese of Guyana

and the Ministry of Social Protection. She also noted that this is the first time that a church group was contributing to the Ministry’s safe houses. Ms. Doris noted the difficulties faced by many women who find themselves in violent situations, and expressed the Ministry’s hope in building more safe houses across the country.

The local Human Rights and Social Justice Commission is a product of the Provincial Commission on Human Rights and Social Justice. It is the duty of the HRSJ Commission to keep under constant review all matters relating to social justice and human rights in the Diocese of Guyana, and to make recommendations to the Bishop on the development of strategies which will assist the Church in furthering its work on these issues. The Commission believes that the church has a voice and a role to play in educating and empowering its parishioners and communities.

Schemel Patrick Chairperson, Human Rights and Social Justice Commission Diocese of Guyana

Dr Cheddi Jagan deserved better Dear Editor, As our nation and people take a moment to pause and reflect on the massive contribution made by former President, Dr Cheddi Jagan on his centennial birthday, it is disturbing that the Government, by its actions or inactions, has sought to sully what should be a time of remembrance and celebration.

There is no argument regarding Dr Jagan’s role in Guyana’s and Guyanese advancements and development and he is rightly regarded as a foremost hero and patriot.

At this time when several celebratory activities are being held, the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change Government has chosen to renege on an arrangement, contractual I may add, to produce stamps in honour of a gentleman who is widely regarded as the Father of the Nation. I recall Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo writing in his March 17, 2018 column in the Guyana Chronicle, saying “I expected that as part of the national effort to remember the late President, that the Guyana

Post Office Corporation will issue a commemorative stamp”.

But Nagamootoo’s Government, in a futile explanation, says it seeks also to have national symbols commemorating Dr Jagan and other leaders, which while welcome, cannot erase the fact that apart from breaching its contractual undertaking, it has sought to cast a partisan light on the celebrations of such a great man. Certainly, if the Government was enthusiastic, as it appeared from its statement in the press, it would have ensured the symbols it

promised would have been in place already. But it seems, the Administration, in its usual self, has woken up from its deep slumber and maybe is upset by the rightful adulation and reverence being paid to Dr Jagan.

In pondering over this development which I consider a shameful act by this Grangerled Government, I also cannot see how such an act will contribute to national unity, which the country surely needs.

Yours sincerely, Patricia Persaud

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Time to place North Rupununi PPP can survive even if the CCJ Wetlands protection on front burner rules against the third term concept Dear Editor, Recent calls by North Rupununi communities for adjustments to the InterAmerican Development Bank-funded (IDB-funded) Sustainable Agricultural Development Programme must be heeded, and steps taken to address their concerns. On March 19, 2018, IDB representatives and high-level Government officials met with residents at Nappi, during which several issues were raised, including the construction of a massive reservoir in the middle of the portal that links the Essequibo and Amazon watersheds during the rainy season.

Understandably, residents are concerned about the impacts on the wetlands and the range of biodiversity they support, and upon which they depend.

It is encouraging that the IDB has undertaken to provide residents with more information, and has promised greater involvement of residents moving forward. However, it is worrying that it was only when residents passionately spoke up about their concerns at the Nappi meeting that the abovementioned decisions were made. It is noteworthy that since last year, the IDB recognised that consultations done during project preparation were ‘not meaningful’. In its own assessment, the IDB noted that one reason for this was that consultations for the agricultural research centre in Region 9 were done considering Manari as the project site.

However, the project site was subsequently shifted to Pirara, located approximately 40 km north of Manari. Because of this, main stakeholders such as the North Rupununi District Development Board (NRDDB) and the 20 communities it represents were not consulted.

The IDB also recognised that the construction of the reservoir might significantly convert and/or degrade a critical habitat, due to its extension. Even at the original proj-

ect site, the IDB recognised that the project is in the Rupununi wetlands, an area with high biodiversity value, and which provides a range of ecosystem services to the over 8000 indigenous residents who live in and around the area.

How project managers deal with the shift to an even more sensitive site remains unclear.

The value of the North Rupununi wetlands has been recognised by the people of the Region, who, for over two decades, have called for its special recognition and potential designation as a RAMSAR (Convention on water sites of international importance) site.

However, official pronouncements of support from successive governments notwithstanding, little has been done to make this a reality.

More recently, alarmed at proposed plans to expand large-scale agriculture and other land use activities in the North Rupununi, the communities of the North Rupununi, in February 2017, presented to the Government a position paper, making a case for its protection.

In June 2017, in a letter to President David Granger, the communities re-emphasized the urgent need to protect the wetlands. They have proposed that the wetlands be declared an Area of Conservation Interest, and there be imposition of an immediate moratorium on the granting of new concessions or land-use permits for mining, commercial logging, industrial agriculture, or any other activity incompatible with conservation in the said area. To date, despite expressions of support, little has been done to move this forward. The North Rupununi Wetlands has been shaped over millennia into the world-renowned, biodiverse-rich area it is today, and the importance of such areas is increasingly being recognised.

The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) recently

highlighted that human destruction of nature is rapidly eroding the world’s capacity to provide food, water and security to billions of people.

Wetlands have been particularly hard hit, with 87% of wetlands lost globally in the last 300 years.

Residents of the North Rupununi recognise well the role of wetlands as important sources of recharging, filtering and storage of freshwater, thereby ensuring water security for the 20 communities and over 8000 inhabitants of the North Rupununi.

Communities are dependent on this area for food, medicines, materials for building, cultural practices, and cash incomes. The Government has been making all the right noises on the international front regarding protection of water resources. President Granger has recognised that the world’s freshwater supplies are under threat, with water stress increasing in many parts of the world. At the World Water Forum in Brasilia, several days ago, the President called for conservation of water resources and the protection of the environment everywhere, in order to maintain the integrity of the earth’s rivers and lakes. Wetlands are important in this regard.

Extractive industries such as mining has created have already poisoned many of Guyana’s rivers with mining effluent, and already such activities are harming pristine areas in the Rupununi.

Should this continue, the rivers of the Rupununi could end up being destroyed, as has already happened in other regions of Guyana. It is time that the Government move beyond lip-service and implement the sustainable solutions proposed by the indigenous people of the area.

North Rupununi District Development Board (NRDDB) Guyana Policy Forum

Dear Editor, I must advise at the outset that even though the PPP is still run by an Executive Committee in between Congresses, it is my observed view that the post1992 PPP leaders have no desire to take Guyana to any communist or socialist system. So what is it that they are trying to promote? It is my observed view that they are hell bent on completing the hundreds of necessary deals to uplift the lives of the Guyanese people economically after failing under the Ramotar term.

Deals like completing the hydro-electric project (AFHP); the transportation link to Brazil, the deep water harbour; the restructuring of the productive sectors to take them up the value chain to the point where they can become more productive; creating greater value and more jobs for the people; and, of course, that specialty hospital, among other things.

This is what distinguishes them from the current PNC-led Granger government. This Granger government has exposed its stripes as the same old PNC that is focused on form rather than substance, and pageantry rather than human progress.

What this Granger government is focused on is reviving Burnham’s words as issued in the Sophia Declaration in the 1970s. This Granger government is a political force still stuck in the past, and does not know how to build the future.

The PPP losing power in 2015 was necessary, because it caused two things: 1. It created the memories of their political humil-

He should think of his political future

Dear Editor, The AFC, from all indications, is operating as a separate dictatorship faction within the Coalition Government.

This gets into the realm of promoting corruption when the current situation is analyzed.

The reinstatement of an NCN Berbice branch official is a glowing tribute to cronyism and corruption in the AFC, and its intolerance of transparency and accountability. This person was sent on administrative leave for 10 months, and was paid full salary with all benefits. Now the person is back on the job despite evidence surfacing during the investigation to warrant this person’s dismissal. According to statements given by the staff who were dismissed, this official instructed them to prepare ‘fake invoices’ and to make ‘fake log’ entries.

The reason for this person’s reinstatement would

have been because of a ‘good relationship’ with the same AFC Minister who is in charge of NCN. The CEO of NCN was apparently instructed by this high ranking Minister to reinstate this person.

The recent firing of Chronicle columnists David Hinds and Lincoln Lewis was allegedly done at the behest of this high ranking AFC Minister. In a letter to the press, Mr Hinds stated that, ‘a senior AFC Minister has, over time, been raising at the Cabinet level the issue of Hinds’ and Lewis’s columns. It was that same minister who gave instructions to the Editor-in-Chief to axe the columns’.

He added that, ‘the Chronicle and the rest of the State media are controlled by the AFC as part of the distribution of spoils after the election. The Prime Minister has direct oversight of this sector’. Even two top AFC

members who are members of the Board allegedly rubber-stamped the decision to fire the columnists, according to Hinds’s letter.

It can be seen from the two examples that the same Senior Minister gave instructions to reinstate the person spoken about at NCN, and to fire the reputable and independent columnists.

These two actions will not improve the already poor image of the AFC and its disappearing supporters. Apart from being silent on many important issues, what is clearly manifested is the AFC’s promotion of corruption and its dictatorship tendencies.

I also have compelling evidence to support the allegation that AFC’s most prominent and well-respected member in Berbice, Mr Gobin Harbhajan, is extremely disgruntled and disappointed with some of his AFC colleagues. This gentleman has been the only face of the AFC

in Berbice, and has been doing a fantastic job in the resolution of many problems facing Berbicians.

Berbice is vitally important for the survival of the AFC, but it seems that the AFC leaders are quite content with their ‘good life,’ and no longer care about continued existence of the AFC. At this point, there is only one person who is keeping the AFC alive in Region 6, and that is Mr Gobin Harbhajan, a man who is not corrupt, and is dedicating his energies to assist persons in various communities.

I am sure he has a large following, and should he decide to walk away from the AFC, then a lot of supporters will follow him.

Mr Harbhajan should seriously think about his political future and the need to be of continued service to his fellowmen.

Yours sincerely, Doodnauth Jagmohan

iation that took them back to their core – Jaganism, (lean, clean and mean administration).

2. It has created the opportunity for the great purge, where the party apparatchiks who served for generations but who are still stuck in the old world are moved out to create room for more youths who are living in the present moment.

The PPP in 2020 is expected to have almost all its candidates under 60 years of age, with the majority in their 30s and 40s. That said, history has taught us that the PPP has a natural political strength of about 190,000 solid votes come rain or storm. The PNC, on the other hand, has about 160,000 of those. But the winning force needs 205,000 votes.

The mathematics reveals that the PNC has to hunt for 45,000 votes for victory, which I believe is unachievable with a record like what they have today. The PNC leadership appears lethargic and incompetent, and logged off from the people’s problems. They seem more focused on self-enrichment, with two AFC ministers being reputed to have become billionaires already, and one PNC minister in the Ministry of the Presidency also in that elite group.

Additionally, the AFC and WPA are more focused today on fighting each other for the political crumbs, and thus are of no help to the PNC politically. The one thing that is driving the PPP today is “no more humiliation for the

PPP”, and thus they were forced by the people to clean up their act. But they cannot be seen to be clean with people like Donald Ramotar and Clement Rohee on the list, and this is their challenge. But where does this leave Bharrat Jagdeo? Well, he was the creator of Ramotar, and must share the blame for the mess the PPP is in today. But what we must never discount is that among the rank and file of that 190,000 voters who are considered at the natural strength of the PPP, he is almost like a demi-god.

These 190,000 people know only a Jagdeo can beat a Granger in 2020. Though he has much baggage, he is the most capable of the entire Executive Committee.

But that does not mean that if the CCJ rejects the third-term case, the PPP is finished. They have two other very capable members of the Executive Committee who have the talent and experience to do this job under the guidance of Jagdeo -- Gail Teixeira and Anil Nandlall. Frank Anthony is a nice fellow, but he is a political mook when it comes to the national stage. He is seen as a shallow politician who does not have a position on most matters, and that projects him as one with no charisma. Therefore he does not have what it takes to combat in the ring with candidate Granger. Maybe in 10 years’ time.

Respectfully, Albert Allen

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Foundation

2 simple rules for raising healthy eaters

…children mirror our own eating habits

By John D Rich Jr, PhD

C

onfession: I love French fries. I also love fried chicken, hot dogs, cookies, cake, and pie. I don’t like soda any more, but I do like beer.

In spite of my age and knowledge about how to eat well, I frequently find myself eating quantities of food that leave me feeling overly filled. And I perversely enjoy that feeling.

Throughout the fathering part of my life, I have tried to be intentional and purposeful about the kinds of behaviours, attitudes and values that I model for my children. My relationship with food is an area of weakness for me. My mother did a pretty good job of putting vegetables on my plate for dinner, but breakfast was often some kind of powdered drink in a pouch that was mixed with milk, or sugary cereal. Lunch was bread with meat and cheese. I don’t remember very much fruit consumption in our house at all.

the fact that I am eating much better than I would be if she hadn’t come into my life. I am also grateful for the way that she has taken charge of how my children eat. There’s hardly a day that goes by when I don’t hear one or both of my children announce that they are hungry (they’re 13 and 14 years old, and continuously ravenous) and then see them come out of the kitchen with some grapes, or an apple or a pear.

For dinner, we are often treated to delicious meals which include kale, broccoli, carrots, onions, and various salads that keep us vitamin-nourished.

When it’s my turn to cook, I’ve gotten progressive-

Dietary practices

One thing I will tell you, and this I know for sure: My wife has been a very positive influence on my dietary practices. Before I met her, my idea of a good meal was some boxed Cheeseburger Macaroni by Hamburger Helper, mixed with beef, that I would make and then feed off of for five days until it was gone. I would eat meat – not just every day, but every single meal. Fruits weren’t on my radar at all, unless I got myself a raspberry filled donut. Don’t judge me!

Those donuts are healthy; they have fruit in them.

My wife has raised my awareness about what I eat, and often serves up meals that are both healthy and tasty; or, if not tasty, at least healthy (lol).

This doesn’t mean that I don’t still have my failings, but I am grateful for

guyanatimesgy.com

ly better at serving up foods that are natural, and look like something you can find in nature.

How did my wife do it? Well, from reading a series of academic studies on how parents can raise children who are more likely to make healthy choices when they are independent, there are two practices that reverberate throughout – you might want to consider these two rules an easy-to-remember guideline for how to do this healthy eating thing right.

Rule #1 – Fill your house with the foods you want your children to eat.

Rule #2 – Eat those same foods yourself.

In my years as a parent, and now my time as a parenting counsellor, I’ve heard many variations of a similar complaint. “I just can’t get my child to stop eating potato chips!” My response?

“Stop buying potato chips!” Many psychologists who study food choices would discourage you from being too controlling (eg using shame or ridicule) with your child when talking about dietary matters. However, controlling the kinds of foods that are purchased and displayed in your house is entirely acceptable. If your child is hungry, and the easiest food to grab is inside a bowl of fruit, you increase the chances that your child will grab some fruit to satisfy his hunger. If, however, there’s a bowl of potato chips on the table, then this is the most convenient choice.

Some parents will respond that, if they stop buying a certain list of products (poptarts, Captain Crunch, Cheese doodles), their child will “go ballistic”. You may be concerned that your child will go on a hunger strike until his demands are met. I can see your son outside your house with a picket sign that reads, “Cheese doodles are a human right.”

I can assure you – even if you get some pushback at first, eventually, your child will have to adjust to eating what you have bought. If you are a new parent, take a cue from my wife. She began displaying and buying healthy foods from a very young age, and my children were too young to know that this might be unusual. You can help to set your child’s opinions about what a normal diet looks like from the start, and avoid any potential power struggles that could occur if you decide to change how you do things midstream.

(Excerpt from psychologytoday.com)

Easter facts including why it’s celebrated with eggs E

aster is usually celebrated on the first Sunday after the full moon, after the spring equinox.

According to the Bible, Jesus Christ's death and resurrection occurred around the time of the Jewish Passover, which was celebrated on the first full moon following the spring equinox. This led to Christians celebrating Easter on different dates each year.

For the Western churches, the earliest Easter can fall is on March 22, and the latest it is on April 25.

Eastern Christianity bases its calculations

on the Julian Calendar.

Because of the 13-day difference between the calendars, March 21 corresponds to April 3 in the Gregorian Calendar.

Easter, therefore, varies between April 4 and May 8 in the Gregorian calendar.

Easter 2018: This year, in the Gregorian calendar, Easter will fall on Sunday, April 1, and, in the Julian calendar, it will fall on Sunday, April 8.

Christians celebrate Easter on a Sunday as it was the day Jesus rose from the dead, after being cruc i -

fied on a Friday two days before.

Holy week

Holy Week in Christianity is the week just before Easter and includes Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday.

Why do we have Easter eggs?

Today, many associate Easter with Easter eggs. The egg has many interpretations, but it is known as an ancient symbol of new life, and it has been associated with festivals celebrating spring.

From a Christian perspective, it is believed

Easter eggs represent Jesus' resurrection. The outside of the egg looks dead, but inside there is new life, which is going to break out.

Orthodox Christians dye boiled eggs red to represent the blood of Christ, according to Anne Jordan's book, Christianity.

The tradition can be traced to early Christians of Mesopotamia, and from there it spread into Russia, and later into Europe through the churches.

Chocolate Easter eggs became popular because Easter is the end of the Lenten fast. (Al Jazeera)

7 Chairman of Sai Baba organisation on familiarisation visit to Guyana news

MonDAY, april 2, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

W

ith the aim of improving the work done by the Sathya Sai International Organisation (SSIO) of Guyana, a high-level delegation was recently in the country on a one-day visit.

Leading the team was Chairman of the Prasanthi Council of the Sri Sathya Sai International Organisation, Dr Narendranath Reddy.

The Prasanthi Council handles implementation and oversight of day-to-day functioning of the SSIO. During an interview in the studios of Television Guyana (TVG) on Saturday, Dr Reddy explained that his one-day visit here was part of a regional tour whereby he went to Trinidad and Tobago for five days and Suriname for two days before coming to Guyana.

He noted that his main purpose was to get a firsthand view and experience of the work being done on the ground by members of the SSIO. “So, the main purpose is to meet the devotees and officers of the Organisation to see the progress and enjoy being in their company,” he posited.

According to Dr Reddy, this visit to Guyana, which happens to be his first, is an important one. “I know, as the head of the organisation, what is happening here, but there is nothing like personally visiting the place, meeting the people, having dialogue with them; it gives me a better evaluation, a better assessment of what is going on. So that (if) there is any way we can support, from the senior leadership, the work that is

SSIO Prasanthi Council Chairman, Dr Narendranath Reddy

going on (we will do that),” the Chairman noted.

One of the main services provided by the SSIO in Guyana is medical services and, according to Dr Reddy, who also chairs the Sri

Elderly woman attempts suicide, pulled from trench by PPP MP

E

ighty-two-year old Bibi Zahora, called “Betty”, of Cotton Tree Village, West Berbice, attempted to take her own life at around 14:50hrs on Sunday, and had to be pulled from a trench in Cotton Tree Village by People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Member of Parliament(MP) Harry Gill.

Gill reportedly heard a loud splash in the Latino Canal at Cotton Tree, and upon investigating saw the elderly woman struggling and screaming in the wa-

Bibi Zahora

ter. He quickly ran over to the canal and pulled her to safety.

The distraught woman was heard repeating over and over, “Me a throw myself there to dead and me nah a dead to…God nah a tek me life. You nah know my punishment and my pain, night and day…my children don’t visit me…”

Ranks of the Blairmont Police Station were called, and the woman was taken into custody as officers began investigating the incident.

Sathya Sai International Medical Committee, they would have placed special emphasis on the work done in this area.

“For example in the medical work, we (got) to know what they need – like the gynaecological and urological surgery... (So now) we can support them from our overseas medical services in other countries,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the SSIO Prasanthi Council Chairman went on to talk about education, which he said is one of the pillars of the Organisation. He explained that their founder, Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba started providing education at the primary school level. That since blossomed to providing education at the PhD level. This, like any other service provided by the Organisation, is completely free. However, Dr Reddy pointed out that the emphasis was not only on academic excellence but the character development

of the individual.

“He wants a well-rounded personality, not just having a degree to eking out a livelihood, but to be able to serve the society. His students and people who work with him are his exemplars…even though this was started in India, we now have educational institutes all over the world and we also have Sai schools all around the world which teach this value-based education,” the Prasanthi Council Chairman stated.

Dr Reddy was joined during his tour by Zone 1 Chairman, for English and Dutch-speaking countries within the Western Hemisphere, Dr Philip Gosselin. According to Dr Gosselin, while they are generally pleased with the work being done by members (called devotees) here, particularly in the medical camps, they want to see more done to encourage and enlighten people about Sri Sathya Sai Baba and his work.

“What we would really like is if Sathya Sai Baba, our teacher – if more people knew about him and the human values that he espouses. The idea being that all people of goodwill, they can agree that there are certain characteristics, certain values that we all share such as love, peace, truth, non-violence and right conduct and if the world really became unified behind those values, this world could be quite a different place,” Dr Gosselin noted.

The Sathya Sai International Organisation, which is headquartered in India, is a free, non-denominational voluntary organisation based in 126 countries with about 2000 Sathya Sai Centres. Its members come from all faiths and share a common goal: to reach the ultimate goal of realisation of their innate divinity by practising the teachings of love and service taught by their spiritual teacher, Sathya Sai Baba.

8 NEWS

MonDAY, april 2, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Fire almost guts former Linden TV station, dish

By Utamu Bell

F

irefighters were on Sunday afternoon summoned to contain a fire, which quickly spread through the grassy area which houses a television station dish and the former National Communications Network (NCN) transmission department at Richmond Hill, Mackenzie, Linden, Region 10 (Upper

Demerara-Berbice).

Guyana Times understands that the fire, which was allegedly set to neighbouring bushes by a security guard attached to a nearby doctor’s quarters, spread uncontrollably and caught the wooden building and dish; however, the swift action of firefighters from the Linden Fire Station prevented these from being completely destroyed. An eyewitness

Deus ex machina… explained that the fire may have spread owing to the dryness of the ‘under grass’.

The building and equipment were used years ago under the former Linden Television (LTV) Station, which had been then taken over by NCN. However, under the NCN, the transmission office and other departments were moved to another location at Casaurina Drive, Mackenzie.

Firefighters extinguishing the fire

The dish was a gift to the Linden community by Greene Construction and was expected to be returned to the community under the recently-formed Region 10 Broadcasting Inc (RBI).

This publication understands that several pieces of high-tech equipment were being housed inside the former transmission office at Richmond Hill to facilitate the return of the television station.

Lindo Creek CoI

Jagdeo points to another glaring act of nepotism

T

he coalition Government has been accused of continuing a trend of blatant corruption and nepotism.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo made ref-

erence to the Lindo Creek Commission of Inquiry (CoI) as one example where the Government continued to take very inappropriate action on very important matters.

He pointed out that the Attorney representing the Government in that matter is Patrice Henry. Henry happens to be the brother of Education Minister Nicolette Henry.

Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo

Jagdeo also reminded that the sitting Commissioner of the CoI is Donald Trotman, the father of the Natural Resources Minister and Leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC), Raphael Trotman.

“Nowhere in the world where you have two Ministers of Government, one where the Minister of Education and Natural Resources and the head of a party having their relatives on that case,” he opined.

He said it reeked of blatant corruption which should not be accepted to continue.

Giving his views on the CoI, Jagdeo said he has never been confident about the manner in which the CoI was set up and even after following the proceedings, he was still not convinced that it was worth starting.

“I was looking at the proceedings and they all seem like really a total waste of time. I think they have written their conclusions already,” the Opposition Leader alleged.

Another important observation made by Jagdeo, is that the “lawyer seems to be cross examining”. turn to page 10

D

…in Guyanese elections eus ex machina – the god from the machine – was a device from ancient Greek theatre by which the god was lowered onto the stage by a crane to intervene in the goings-on there. Nowadays, it signals an author concocting an intervention to get him out of a contradiction in the plot, which is completely out of the blue. It can also happen in real life.

Recently, that data mining company, Cambridge Analytica (CA), has been in the news; more from the issue of Facebook – company from where data on 50,000 account holders in the US was collected – betraying its users who thought the data from their personal postings were safely sequestered away. CA is owned by SCL Elections, which hires itself out across the world to mine and manipulate social media for political and other interested organisations.

Back in February, when the story first broke, your jaded Eyewitness described how CA influenced the Kenyan elections, and asked, “And, dear reader, if data manipulation could affect the Kenyan elections, why should we be exempt??” Well, no newshound followed up here…but lo and behold…it was just announced that Guyana was one of the countries in which CA did its thing!! And immediately the three parties still standing -- the PNC, PPP and AFC – all followed Shaggy and shouted, “Wasn’t me!!”

So, if it wasn’t the usual suspects, who did the dirty?

Well, your Eyewitness will use the Sherlock Holmes test: “when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.” The question, then, is: apart from the political parties which other organisation used social media very heavily and got involved in elections??

And the answer, dear readers, is – the Guyana National Youth Council (GNYC)!! You remember them and the young persons who led the organisation to their remarkable intervention in 2015 that led to the PPP being ousted from office, don’t you?? Well, if you don’t, that’s the point, isn’t it? Who was the deus ex machina that intervened to make a completely unknown bunch of young people burn like a supernova and then became a black hole in executing their most CA-like “Vote like a boss” campaign??

After they PARTNERED with GECOM to “educate voters”, they claimed: “GNYC is a legally registered and independent youth-led NGO established in September 2014 after a series of broad-based consultations with youth and youth serving entities. While this was before the GNYC’s partnerships with its current donors (Cuso International and USAID LEAD project), the process was facilitated by the Commonwealth Youth Programme.”

Maybe it was a coincidence, but the group was formed just after the famous “feral blast” of July 4, 2014!!

…in seawall Police shootings Your Eyewitness must confess he’s of the “hang ‘em high” school when it comes to applying justice to wrongdoers. But he must confess also that the “justice” part must first be applied. The “shoot first and ask questions later” approach just can’t work – if for no other reason that Justice being blind, has to HEAR testimony, since she can’t see what goes down.

And that’s what’s been going through his mind with this seawall shooting that just won’t go away. At first he thought, “Good!! At last these withdrawal robberies will stop – just like the carjacking epidemic - now the gang’s been taken out.” But as details started to slowly trickle out, there were just too many gaps in the Police’s account. As is, it’s either there’s some kind of coverup going on – or a deus ex machina being invoked to explain the unresolved plot.

With Hughes bringing forward witnesses, there should be an impartial inquiry, so we can hear all the sides of the story. …on kite flying As a callow youth, your Eyewitness could never get the loop right for his home-made kite to stay up in the sky. Caused him no end of “tantalising”!

He’s happy for the deus ex machina keeping up his Chinese kites nowadays!!

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

News

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MonDAY, april 2, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Over 1000 sugar workers reEaster messages employed – GuySuCo Chairman A …says another 200 to be re-engaged, agreement with DDL for molasses implemented

By Samuel Sukhnandan

W

hile it remains impossible for everyone to be re-employed by the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), there are immediate plans to rehire some 1200 workers in various categories at the remaining estates.

This disclosure was made

by Head of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited's (NICIL’s) Special Purpose Unit (SPU), Colvin HeathLondon, who told this newspaper in an exclusive interview that this move is being made as the divestment plans continue to take shape.

“The SPU operations, in conjunction with GuySuCo, will be able to employ directly and indirectly in excess of 1000 people. In the following weeks, we will have additional employment at Enmore and SPU estates, around 200 factory workers, harvesting and agriculture staff,” he explained.

But what is also driving this re-employment initiative is that GuySuCo, through the SPU, now has to deliver on an agreement signed with Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) to produce molasses.

Heath-London explained that the alcohol industry in the entire Caribbean is in a predicament because of the hectic hurricane season experienced last year and previous years before that.

“A lot of plants in the region have been damaged, and also GuySuCo provided most of the molasses for these plants in the region. With us closing the three estates, we basically cut the raw material source for a lot of plants

GuySuCo Chairman, Colvin Heath-London

in the Caribbean. It also puts DDL in a crisis mode where it needed raw material,” he stated.

DDL and the SPU entered into an agreement wherein DDL is to advance the SPU in a collaborative effort to produce the molasses that it wants. DDL has a shortfall that exceeds 27,000 tonnes of molasses.

Heath-London said, “We are hoping, from our operations at both Enmore and Skeldon, that we will be able to fulfil this gap. DDL will be advancing the cost for the molasses production, which we collectively used to do the production.”

The SPU is also tasked with finding investors for the three estates closed last year, as well as Wales Estate, which stopped grinding at the end of 2016. There are over 70 expressions of interest for the three closed estates.

PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PwC), which is critically involved in the privatization and divestment process of the sugar industry, is mainly responsible for the valuation of

all GuySuCo assets.

The SPU head said that while PwC is a little ahead of its schedule, the unit is currently preparing the information memo to send out to prospective investors and ask them to send fixed proposals.

“We have already gone ahead and started to sell as real estate the staff compound at Wales Estate. I must say it was oversubscribed. We were heartened by the response that the market gave,” he said.

The privatization process, according to Heath-London, is well on stream, with several major agro- and agriculture-based companies showing serious interest in the Wales Estate.

It has been recently reported that, through the Chamber of Commerce in Delhi, India, several Indian companies have indicated interest in investing in the local sugar industry, or acquiring assets therein.

The SPU has also been able to secure a syndicated bond worth $30 billion to assist with the revitalisation of GuySuCo. Heath-London said the loan has been acquired at good rates, with several banks participating. The Trinidadowned Republic Bank is the major lender.

The idea behind the borrowing of this syndicated bond is to assist the SPU with the reopening of the estates, to facilitate providing proof to potential investors that the estates are viable.

Some 4000 sugar workers from Enmore, Rose Hall and Skeldon were dismissed from their jobs following the downsizing of the sugar industry, which began to take effect in late 2017.

s Guyanese join their Christian brothers and sisters to celebrate the most important event in the Christian calendar – Easter, they are being urged to reflect on the sacrifices of Jesus Christ and to uphold his values.

Inculcate spirit of brotherhood – Minister Norton

In this Easter message to the nation, Social Cohesion Minister Dr George Norton noted that this Christian observance of the death and celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ is a central part of Christianity, and its observances have become a unique and colourful part of Guyanese traditions.

Recognising that Easter is the most sacred season on the Christian church calendar, Dr Norton calls on citizens to embody the spirit of brotherhood as preached by Jesus Christ.

“As Minister of Social Cohesion, I urge you, amidst the camaraderie, to reflect on the lessons of the season.

The spirit of brotherhood and agape love preached

by Jesus Christ is alive and well in this ‘land of many waters’. I therefore urge you to inculcate these values, which are so clearly demonstrated during the holiday season, into your daily lives.”

Easter transcends religious boundaries – PPP

Having recognised that Easter, like many other holidays in Guyana, transcends religious boundaries, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) urges that safety be foremost as Guyanese from all walks of life participate in the traditional kite flying.

“Easter provides many pertinent lessons for all humanity; teaching tolerance, humility, love and respect for others, with an abundance of hope that one can rise to a brighter future de-

spite being confronted with insurmountable challenges. At this time, our Party urges reflection on the significance of this sacred occasion, given the importance it can play to realize universal peace and brotherhood among all mankind.”

Let us celebrate our diversity – PNC

The People's National Congress Reform, (PNCR) in its greetings, highlighted the symbolic significance and secular relevance of Easter, which is celebrated in Guyana by kite-flying, which is seen by many as a representation of the theme of the Resurrection.

“Whatever may have been its origins, kite flying attracts widespread participation of Guyanese from all walks of life, regardless of religion, ethnicity or culture. It therefore offers another opportunity for Guyanese to share common experiences and work towards a more socially cohesive society. This Easter, as our kites of many colours soar to the heavens, let us be inspired; let us celebrate our multi-religious, multi-cultural, multi-ethnic society. Let us be proud of this rich mosaic that is Guyana. Our diversity is an asset, not a liability.”

Contemplate bright future ahead – AFC

The Alliance For Change (AFC) said this Easter presents an opportunity to ponder on national renewal, and contemplate the bright future ahead, while urging that the season be used to reflect on the progress made.

“The AFC recalls the struggles and the tribulations, the hardships and the sacrifices endured by this and previous generations to get our beloved nation to be where it is today, just over half a century post-independence. Further, we must consider, too, what lies ahead, including the necessary sacrifices, as we continue to make gains and advances towards Guyana becoming a modern, technologically and infrastructurally advanced developing state committed to delivering world class social services to our people.”

Keep hope alive – GAWU

The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), in its Easter message, noted that religious faiths and their moral underpinnings continue to have an influencing role, offering guidance and helping so many to avoid or endure the pitfalls they find in life’s journey.

“On this occasion, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) is pleased to send special wishes to that substantial portion of its membership who are Christians… One of the abiding messages associated with Easter is that of hope. In our challenging times, that message strengthens the resolve of workers and those suffering from burdens: that their struggles and sacrifices for betterment will win out. Let the Easter period keep our hopes alive and undaunted by the adversities in our steady march to a satisfying future.”

10 NEWS

MonDAY, april 2, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana-Venezuela controversy

Venezuela calls for diplomatic talks to resume

N

ow that Guyana has taken a historic step in filing an application at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), requesting that it confirms the legal validity and binding effect of the 1899 Arbitral Award on the boundary with neighbouring Venezuela, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela is calling for diplomatic talks to resume.

Venezuela does not consider the ICJ’s resolutions

to be binding. It prefers instead to follow guidelines established in the Geneva Agreement of 1966, wherein it is stated that the dispute should be “solved amicably in a way that’s acceptable for both parties.”

According to the Venezuela Foreign Ministry, the Venezuela Government has officially proposed to the Guyana Government the re-establishment of diplomatic contacts that “allow

for a practical and satisfying solution of the controversy.”

However, Venezuela’s request comes months after the Good Offices Process came to an end. In fact, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on January 30, that meaningful progress in the controversy was not reached, and that is why the ICJ was chosen as the means to be used for the resolution.

Guyana has repeated-

ly argued that Venezuela had, for several decades, recognised the award and boundary. In its application to the Court, Guyana highlighted that Venezuela had, for more than 60 years, consistently recognized and respected the validity and binding force of the 1899 Award.

However, Guyana noted that Venezuela changed its mind in 1962, as Britain was preparing to grant Guyana independence.

Venezuela changed its posi-

tion formally in 1962, as the United Kingdom was making final preparations for the independence of British Guiana.

Government’s top legal adviser in the case, Sir Shridath Ramphal, has said that Venezuela had filibustered and tried to avoid the day when the matter would be sent to the ICJ. “But the day has come, and the application (petition) is in train.

When that is done, the case is in the hands of the ICJ,” he explained.

The former Commonwealth Secretary General has said it is for Guyana and its Government to establish to the world what has always been the case, which is why this country is sticking by the agreement that was signed.

The UN Secretary General’s authority to choose the ICJ as the means for resolving the controversy is rooted in the Geneva Agreement of 1966, negotiated just before Guyana attained independence.

New political party to be launched soon – challenges existing parties to 2020 showdown

A

new political party, the self-dubbed Democratic National Congress (DNC), has announced its presence on the national landscape).

On Sunday, it threw down the gauntlet to the existing political parties with general and regional elections slated for 2020.

DNC leader, Craig Sylvester, noted in a statement that he has always been an advocate of new political parties.

He noted that his DNC party will go toe-to-toe with the other parties in 2020 under the theme ‘Bringing Guyana into the 21st century’.

“As a preliminary estimate, we only require twenty persons to assume ministerial portfo-

Leader of the Democratic National Congress, Craig Sylvester

lios for a resounding victory at the polls,” Sylvester said. “The party’s official launch and public discussion forum is due to be held soon.”

“The Democratic National Congress will be committed to the principle (of) Guyana (being) governed as a democratic republic, where the authority of the state and its government is created and sustained by the consent of its people through their elected representatives,” Sylvester said, reeling off his party’s draft constitution.

He also promised that a sound, effective political system for choosing and replacing governments through free and fair elections will be sustained.

Jagdeo points to another glaring...

from page 8

He said, “I thought he supposed to illicit the truth from people, a lawyer to a commission. Not to take sides, but already in his line of questioning, he wants culpable parties,” he added.

Jagdeo said he won’t doubt if someone tells him that “they have already received their instructions.” He maintained that the COI is not a credible and people looking on from outside have also concluded that.

Moreover, Jagdeo maintained that he believes the decision to have a CoI into the Lindo Creek Massacre out of all the others that occurred prior to it, was “ill-advised from the very beginning.”

The Opposition has already stated that the lack of transparency and openness surrounding the operations of the controversial COI

could very well result in stories being concocted and falsified to accomplish a particular political outcome which in turn could support the wider political objectives of the Government.

The presidential CoI has been established to enquire into the circumstances surrounding the killings of Cecil Arokium, Dax Arokium, Horace Drakes, Bonny Harry, Lancelot Lee, Compton Speirs, Nigel Torres and Clifton Berry Wong, on or about June 21, 2008 and to report the findings and recommendations to President David Granger.

NEWS

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monDAY, April 2, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

“I will be back in frontline politics” – Vanessa Kissoon vows

...says taking step back from PNC to focus on women, youth

A

former Member of Parliament (MP) for the People’s National Congress (PNC), Lindener Vanessa Kissoon, was once part of the frontline party workers at the national and regional levels.

Now she has taken a step back from that frontline party work in an effort to focus on her educational career, family, and work with women and youth. She is, however, not ruling out a return to big politics.

“Sometimes I believe that in life we have to step back,” Kissoon related in an interview with this publication. “By God’s grace, I still have youth, and like I said, by God’s grace let’s say I have time, because you can’t determine what tomorrow brings. But I believe that by God’s grace I don’t think that my political career is finished. But sometimes you need to take a step back and watch from a distance.”

When it comes to the contemporary politics of the PNC, part of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Kissoon noted that there are some concerns from the people in her region. And she urged the administration to put its

Former parliamentarian Vanessa Kissoon

ear to the ground to listen.

“Persons on the ground, they have concerns with the way things are being managed in Region 10. Like the old adage rings, ‘there’s always room for improvement’. And I believe there is strength in some areas and, of course, like any other organisation, you have weaknesses,” she explained.

“Sometimes, though, you know, the buck might stop at the head. We have to be careful of the representation that we’re getting from the branches. So I think better is expected.

I know persons are looking forward for more, but things are happening.”

In the meantime,

Kissoon remains an educator at Mackenzie High School in Linden. She has also founded and coordinates the Linden Youth Corps, a non-governmental organisation (NGO). She has also founded a Virtuous Women on a Mission group.

“My women’s group would have had a domestic violence workshop. Coming out of that workshop, we had women benefitting from one-week-free internet classes at the LTI institute,” Kissoon explained.

“There’s now follow-up sessions; we’re now having 12 weeks, and some meet on Tuesday, some meeting on Wednesday, from seven to nine. We had them based

on their ability and knowledge. So I still have my plate full,” she remarked.

Kissoon became a PNC/R Parliamentarian back in 2006. During her time as a Parliamentarian, she took a leading role as a political and social activist. At one time during her stint, she was suspended from the party after a rift erupted following a Congress Place decision to appoint another politician as coordinator for the region. The appointment of Sandra Abrams was contested by persons from the region.

In a PNC/R statement issued in July of 2014, the declaration was, “It was evident from the outset that

certain persons resented the appointment and resisted attempts to allow the Coordinator to be given access to the Party’s office.”

“These differences culminated in the June 20th incident at Congress Place, where party general secretary Oscar Clarke demanded the keys to the par-

ty’s regional facilities from Kissoon, and an altercation occurred. This incident led to the suspension of Kissoon.”

After this incident, and having served for two terms in the National Assembly, Kissoon was not returned to the APNU/AFC roster in 2015.

12 news 1500 kites distributed by Better Hope/LBI NDC MonDAY, april 2, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

C

hildren of East Coast Demerara communities spanning from Better Hope to La Bonne Intention (LBI), particularly those from less fortunate homes, were presented with kites by the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC).

Chairman of the NDC, Zaman Shaw, said the annual event saw some 1500

kites being distributed over a one-week period with the kind support of friends and well-wishers. The previous year only 600 were distributed.

Shaw said the annual distribution always touches families, especially the recipients, the children.

Because of this, the distribution continues to get continuous support.

“Not only do we remember the children at Easter time, but also we have supported several parties at Christmas. We do regular bursaries for their outstanding performances at CSEC and the NGSA,” he added.

Shaw said the distribution of kites this year is just a mere reaffirmation of the Council’s willingness to

continue to be in good relations with the families and residents of the NDC. “The Chairman, Councillors and Staff wish to express greetings on the occasion of Easter, and urge that the togetherness and genuine appreciation for each other that is exhibited during the celebrations can remain with us throughout the year,” he ended.

Chairman of the NDC, Zaman Shaw, distributing kites

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MonDAY, april 2, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

2018 World Bank report

Women comprise 35% of total local workforce – Guyana lacks sexual harassment education

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World Bank report examining whether governments in Latin America and the Caribbean have succeeded in establishing an enabling environment for women was recently published. Titled ‘Women, business and the law 2018’, the report looks at the legal challenges that are faced by women in their day-to-day lives.

In the case of Guyana, this report acknowledged that Guyana has improved access to credit information by expanding the Credit Bureau’s coverage. This, it noted, has resulted in the bureau now covering more than five per cent of the population. However, the report makes mention of several shortfalls in Guyana when it comes to women and fostering gender equality. In a section of the report, comparisons were made between Guyana and Haiti. According to the report, Guyana, as an upper middle income country, has a female population of 384,262 and a female labour work force of 35 per cent. By comparison, Haiti, a low income country, has a female population of 5.4 million and a female labour work force of 48 per cent. When it comes to accessing services such as processing passport applications, the report documents that women have a harder chance of getting through this process than men.

There are also issues with women accessing paid parental leave. The report notes that while mothers are guaranteed equivalent positions on return from maternity leave in Haiti, this is not the case in Guyana. It also noted that the law does not mandate legal aid in civil and family matters, nor is there legislation on sexual harassment in education. On accessing institutions, Guyana scored 91 out of 189 economies. When it comes to equality in using property, Guyana was marked at 100.

Guyana scored significantly higher in terms of women on the job, at 78.

The World Bank Report

The signs were even better when Guyana was compared with others in incentivising women to work (60) and going to court (50). However, Guyana fell in building credit (100), as it was noted that there is gender-based discrimination in providing credit. When it comes to protecting women from violence, Guyana was ranked 80.

“No economy can grow to its full potential unless both women and men participate fully.

As half the world’s population, women have an equal role in driving economic growth. The analysis draws on newly-collected data across seven indicators: accessing institutions, using property, getting a job, providing incentives to work, going to court, building credit, and protecting women from violence,” the report stated.

14 NEWS

MonDAY, april 2, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Several Lindeners fined for DUI S

everal Region 10 drivers have appeared before Linden Magistrate Clive Nurse to answer the charge of driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol after police conducted a campaign last weekend. They were fined for their errant ways.

Twenty-nine-year-old Ruel Yangapatti of 1997 Central Amelia’s Ward pleaded guilty to the offence. The court heard that on March 26, while at Casaurina Drive Mackenzie, he drove PMM 9077 while he had 65 micrograms of alcohol in his system, which is over the prescribed limit.

Yangapatti told the court that he was experiencing “domestic problems,” which caused him to take a few drinks.

Magistrate Nurse told the accused there is no excuse to drink and drive. Asked if he was previously charged for a similar offence, Yangapatti replied in the affirmative.

He was then ordered to pay a fine of $10,000, and his licence was suspended for 12 months.

Jomel Reddock also faced the court and pleaded guilty to a similar charge. He was or-

Jomel Reddock

dered to pay a fine of $7,500, or face an alternative sentence of one week in prison.

The facts stated that 30-year-old Reddock, of 97 Cinderella City, Amelia’s Ward, had 46 micrograms of alcohol in his system, being over the prescribed limit, on March 26 at Casaurina Drive Mackenzie, while he was the driver of PJJ 1573.

Also appearing before Magistrate Nurse for the offence was Arthur Johnson. He pleaded guilty to the charge.

The court heard the

Johnson, 38, of 234 Hippani Oval, Retrieve, on March 26 at Casaurina Drive Mackenzie, while being the driver of HC 4664, had 68 micrograms of alcohol in his system, which is over the prescribed limit.

Johnson was ordered to pay a fine of $7,500 or face one week in prison. Additionally, 36-year-old Delon Williams of 2983 Central Amelia’s Ward pleaded guilty to the charge of driving under the influence of alcohol. He was ordered to pay a fine of $7,500 or face one week in prison. The facts stated that Williams, on March 26 on Casaurina Drive, while being the driver of PRR 6566, had 98 micrograms of alcohol in his system, which is over the prescribed limit. Thirtyyear-old Cleyon Davis of 641 Block 22, Wismar also pleaded guilty to the DUI charge and was ordered to pay a fine of $7,500 or face one week in prison. The facts stated that Davis, on March 26, on Casaurina Drive, while being the driver of PJJ 9720, had 123 micrograms of alcohol in his system, which is over the prescribed limit. Forty-yearold Kenyatta Fraser of 410 Wismar Housing Scheme also

pleaded guilty to the charge of driving under the influence of alcohol, and was ordered to pay a fine of $7,500 or face one week in prison. The facts stated that Fraser, on March 26 on Casaurina Drive, while being the driver of PJJ 1630, had

42 micrograms of alcohol in his system, which is over the prescribed limit. Forty-nineyear-old Shawn Nueinkirk of 1841 Central Amelia’s Ward pleaded guilty to the charge of driving under the influence of alcohol and was ordered to

pay a fine of $7,500 or face one week in prison. The facts state that Nueinkirk, on March 26 on Casaurina Drive, while being the driver of PWW 4905, had 46 micrograms of alcohol in his system, which is over the prescribed limit.

April Demerara Criminal Session opens Tuesday

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he opening of the April session of the Demerara Criminal Assizes is scheduled for Tuesday, April 3rd, 2018.

Much pomp and ceremony is slated to attend this occasion, with a Police procession marching along the streets of Georgetown and ending at South Road, before the Demerara High Court.

Guyana Times understands that Justice Sandil Kissoon, who was presiding over criminal matters in Berbice, is set to be placed on rotation in Demerara.

Justice Kissoon last week sentenced Hemwattie Abdulla and her friend Seerojini Permaul to death for the brutal murder of Hemwattie’s husband, Abdool Majid, in 2012.

High Court Judges Navindra Singh, Simone Morris-Ramlall and James Bovell-Drakes presided over the January session in Demerara. Justices Singh and Bovell-Drakes presided over murder, manslaughter and attempted murder cases, while Justice Ramlall presided over matters at the Sexual Offences Court. Justice Ramlall passed lengthy prison terms on several men who were found guilty of rape, especially those involving young children victims.

Notably, over 140 listed cases in Demerara relate to sexual offences.

One of those sentenced was Rohan Daniels, called Shine Buck, who was sentenced to life, with possibility of parole after

40 years, on two counts of child rape. Another case was that of Ganesh Chaitram, who was sentenced to life imprisonment in absentia after he was found guilty of child rape of a female relative in 2016.

Justice Singh’s court secured several convictions, including wife killer Miguel Barker, who was sentenced to 80 years’ imprisonment for murdering Donessa Barker in 2015, after he had accused her of infidelity. Additionally, Hofoswana Awena Rutherford was last month found guilty on two counts of manslaughter in relation to giving her children rat poison to consume in 2014.

She will be sentenced on April 9.

15 Give dismissed sugar workers lands to earn livelihood – Ram tells Govt A NEWS

MonDAY, april 2, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

s thousands of retrenched workers, who were put on the breadline following Government’s downsizing of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), continue to struggle to earn a livelihood, calls have been reiterated for these workers to be given sugar lands to sustain themselves and their families.

The most recent call was from social activist Christopher Ram last week as he addressed the opening of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana’s Sixth Triennial Conference.

Ram told the gathering that the Conference was being held against the backdrop of what he described as the “single largest layoff in the history of Guyana” in one of the major sectors of the economy.

He went on to blast the coalition Administration as well as GuySuCo for not putting in place “mechanisms to cushion the financial, social, economic and personal impact and consequences on lives and livelihoods of these people”.

To this end, Ram outlined several recommendations, which he believed are needed to ensure that the dis-

lands to carry out the trade and earn their livelihood in the activity in which they are most proficient. The value to the Government of some privatisation proceeds in the short term is simply not worth the long-term effects of deprivation of some safety net to the workers,” Ram outlined.

Among the other recommendations the social activist detailed were: the retraining and re-educating of workers; businesses being given incentives to employ workers; and

missed workers were able to adequately provide for themselves and their families.

“Workers must be given

direct and indirect contributions to the welfare of terminated GuySuCo employees, including scholarships to

Social activist Christopher Ram

the children of the workers, should be made tax deductible, especially for businesses.

Since Government’s announcement of the closure of several estates under GuySuCo, there have been widespread calls for the lands under GuySuCo to be distributed among the displaced workers in order for them to sustain themselves and their families.

However, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon had said back in January that plans to lease sugar cane lands to the retrenched workers have been put on hold, pending the completion of ongoing valuation of the Corporation’s assets that was being carried out by United Kingdom-based PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PWC).

Following Government’s announcement of plans to downsize the local sugar industry – leaving just the Uitvlugt, Albion and Blairmont Estates – in order to make it more viable, the Special Purpose Unit (SPU) was set up under the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) to manage the divestment of the Corporation’s assets.

These include “all the moveable and immovable property owned, used, leased, or licensed by GuySuCo or the State, save and except for Albion Estate, Blairmont Estate, and Utivlugt Estate”.

Also included in the takeover are all properties owned by, or leased to, the Skeldon, Rose Hall, Wales and Enmore Estates, and other properties in the Demerara and Berbice counties as well as 4700 acres of State land.

In order to bring in revenue to sustain its operations, GuySuCo had, in 2016, sold to the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) some 3000 acres of cane land reportedly between Sophia,

Greater Georgetown, and Ogle, East Coast Demerara.

Government previously communicated its intention to use acres of land owned by

GuySuCo for housing projects and other developments.

However, at a meeting of the parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in

February, it was revealed that the CH&PA paid over $1 billion for lands, but those lands have not yet been identified and handed over by GuySuCo.

16 NEWS

MonDAY, april 2, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Essequibo Coast GPL generator Bandit shot after robbing moved to Bartica for Regatta DeWillem teen

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generator placed at the Anna Regina Power Station, Essequibo by the Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) to supply the region with electricity has now been moved to Bartica for the Regatta.

Businesses and residents are reporting that the generator was removed by senior management.

According to reports, the remaining generators cannot supply the Coast, and as such, residents are now faced with constant blackouts.

A GPL source informed that the generator moved was currently the best generating set at the power plant.

Meanwhile, businesses, especially those in the ice, fish, and meat industries, are complaining of the extra

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The GPL power plant at Anna Regina, Essequibo, Region Two

dollars they have to spend on running their own generators.

Rice millers are also severely affected by this move.

As such, the fed-up residents are complaining bitterly about the service provided

by the power supply company.

They are calling on the Government to speed up the process of replacing the old Wärtsilä Plant at Anna Regina, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

wenty-four-year old Kevin Benn of John Street, Campbellville is now under Police supervision at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) after he was shot by a security guard following a robbery on a teen last night.

The bandit, in the company of two others teenagers, was apprehended after attempting to rob 18-year-old Navendra Rampersaud and his friend, Ramesh Sooklall.

The Inews understands that the incident occurred at around 21:15hrs on Hincks Street, where the two victims had just exited a taxi.

According to reports, the teens were pounced upon by the three men one, of which was armed with a knife, and Rampersaud was relieved of his cell phone.

However, when the second perpetrator attempted to rob Sooklall, an argument ensued, and this prompted the three men to flee the scene.

Ranks on patrol in the area at the time were informed, and promptly responded to the scene. They gave chase with the assistance of MMC security patrol, and were able to catch up with the three men on King and Regent Street.

One of the bandits attempted to relieve the security of his firearm but was, however, shot to his right side neck. The security guard received injured to his mouth.

Both men were taken to GPHC, where they were treated. The security guard was sent away while Benn remain under Police supervision at the medical facility.

His accomplices, a 19-year-old of Vryheid’s Lust, East Coast Demerara and an 18-year-old of Sophia, Greater Georgetown, were taken into Police custody pending charges.

Guyana to attend IMF, World Bank Spring Meetings

Corentyne house almost goes up in flames G

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wift response by the neighbours of Shanta Moonsammy prevented her Wellington Park, Corentyne building from going up in flames on Saturday evening.

Reports are that smoke was seen emanating from the building shortly after 21:00h on Saturday. The owner has been gone overseas for several years, and the caretaker had been away for the weekend.

According to Chanderdat Moonsammy, who lives two houses away, when he was alerted to the situation, he took an axe and chopped the grill door open, then kicked open the front door. “When the door open is sheer smoke pouring out; you can’t see anything inside,” he explained.

Moonsammy said he and several other villagers braved the smoke and went into the building.

However, from outside of the building, it was noticed that the windows in the sitting room were broken and flames were visible. They quickly formed a bucket brigade to combat the fire.

The chairs that were burnt

clear up. “Then we see that is two chairs burning.”

He said they were able to put out the blaze, but were forced to remove zinc sheets to throw water onto the ceiling.

“We had to throw water up there, because it started to catch; and when the water drip down from there, it boiling. So we had to open and throw water till it cool off, and when the Fire Service come, we already

The Wellington Park house where the fire took place

“We start throwing water right there, from through the window,” one eyewitness said.

Moonsammy said that as the bucket brigade went into operation, the smoke inside the house started to

finish,” he detailed.

Moonsammy noted that a unit from the Rose Hall Town Fire Service arrived shortly after the Police had arrived.

“By they get plenty people on the road, the Police

stop, and then the Fire Service come and they say is not for them, and they go away,” he detailed.

This publication was shown a window situated at the back of the building, where four bolts were removed and the grill tossed aside. One of the panes had a hole.

According to the caretaker, Latchmi Madramootoo, someone had broken into the building and set the fire. The strong smell of kerosene oil pervaded the building on Sunday when Guyana Times visited.

This publication was shown a dining table with burns on its surface. “They light the fire on this table and put the tablecloth to burn, but it out; is only the one in the chair catch,” Moonsammy related.

Madramootoo told this publication that when she left the building on Tuesday, she had secured it and everything was intact. She explained that all she had in the building were clothing, all of the household items belonged to her cousin. “We did not have anything like money of jewelry in the house,” she said.

The Fire Service has since launched an investigation.

uyana will be represented by Finance Minister Winston Jordan and Bank of Guyana Governor, Dr Gobind Ganga at this year’s Spring Meetings of the Boards of Governors of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (WBG) to be held in Washington, DC, United States of America (USA) April 16-22, 2018.

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, who made the announcement on Thursday, March 29, said these events would provide Guyana with opportunities to interact with leading personalities and organisations to discuss issues important to economic development and finance.

The meetings will bring together central bankers, Finance and Development Ministers, parliamentarians, private sector executives, representatives from civil society organisations, and academics to discuss issues of global concern, including the world economic outlook, poverty eradication, economic development, and aid effectiveness.

Seminars, regional briefings, press conferences, and many other events focused on the global economy, international development, and the world’s financial system are featured.

Acting CDC Director General, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig

The country will also be represented by Civil Defence Commission (CDC) Acting Director General, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig at the Ninth Technical Advisory Committee Meeting of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) to be held in Barbados from April 16 to April 20, 2018.

Guyana’s participation will ensure that the CDC is kept up to date with the recent developments related to Disaster Risk Management in the Caribbean.

The working sessions will review reports from the sub-committees of CDEMA, plan the annual work programme and make recommendations to its Council Meeting.

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

CDEMA is the regional facilitator, driver, coordinator, and motivating force for the promotion and engineering of Comprehensive Disaster Management (CDM) in all participating States.

Its functions include mobilising and coordinating disaster relief; mitigating or eliminating, as far as practicable, the immediate consequences of disasters in participating States; providing immediate and coordinated response by means of emergency disaster relief to any affected State and securing, coordinating, and providing to interested inter-governmental and Non-Governmental Organisations reliable and comprehensive information on disasters affecting any participating State.

Trump says DACA deal for young immigrants is off

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resident Donald Trump said on Sunday that there would be no deal to legalise the status of young adult immigrants called Dreamers, and he said the US-Mexico border was becoming more dangerous.

After tweeting a “Happy Easter” message on Twitter, he said: “Border Patrol Agents are not allowed to properly do their job at the Border because of ridiculous liberal (Democrat) laws like Catch & Release. Getting more dangerous. “‘Caravans’ coming.

Republicans must go to Nuclear Option to pass tough laws NOW. NO MORE DACA DEAL!” he

wrote, adding a threat to kill the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which is being renegotiated with Mexico and Canada.

DACA, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, is a programme created in 2012 under Democratic former President Barack Obama that Trump sought to rescind last autumn.

Designed for people brought to the United States as children by parents who were undocumented immigrants, the programme shielded them from deportation and gave them work permits.

Trump had said he was open to a deal with congressional Democrats who

want to protect DACA in exchange for funding to build a US-Mexico border wall, a campaign trail promise.

He insisted during his 2016 White House run that Mexico would pay for the wall, something the Mexican Government has repeatedly rejected.

Mexico’s presidential front-runner, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, launched his campaign close to the border on Sunday demanding respect for Mexicans and signalling he may take a harder line toward Trump if he won the July 1 election.

Whether Trump will stick to his guns on DACA is unclear. (Excerpt from Reuters)

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monDAY, april 2, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

These girls were all smiles as they showed off their colour kites while on a family picnic

On Saturday, PPP’s General Secretary and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo distributed kites at Cumberland, Berbice

Families attended Kids Fest 592 at the Promenade Gardens on Sunday

PPP’s General Secretary and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo on Saturday distributed kites to children in Cotton Tree, West Coast Berbice

Public Telecommunications Minister Catherine Hughes distributed kites to children of Free and Easy, West Bank Demerara, on Sunday

President David Granger and his daughter, Han Granger- Gaskin, at the sunrise Easter Service on Sunday morning at the St Matthew Anglican Church, Providence, East Bank Demerara.

Boys will always be boys!

Business Minister Dominic Gaskin having a chat with these youngsters while distributing kites in Culvert City, Region 9 on Sunday

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo during a kite distribution exercise in Georgetown

Some of the models at Kids Closet’s Kids Zone event that was held to raise funds for four foster homes

These two lads waiting for a gust of wind to get their kite up in the sky

On Sunday Kids Closet hosted a fashion show with children showcasing a vast line of children wear

Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan and APNU/AFC Member of Parliament Rajcoomarie Bancroft distributed kites to children in the Region 8 community of Mahdia on Saturday

The winners of the Kids Fest 592 pageant in the age categories of 4-6, 7-11 and 12-14

What is Easter without an Easter Bunny?

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guyanatimesgy.com

monDAY, april 2, 2018

News

New Miss Bartica Regatta crowned I

t was a clean sweep for Arian Dhalia Richmond at this year’s Miss Bartica Regatta Pageant. The 19-year-old Bartican dominated throughout the talent, swimsuit and evening gown segments on Saturday night.

Richmond was crowned the Regatta Queen in the early hours of Sunday morning, following a late start of the show which was held on the basketball court at the Community Centre Ground at Second Avenue.

Along with the crown, Richmond also copped the Miss Intelligence, Miss Body Beautiful, Miss Multimedia

was the best dancer of the night; however, Payne stood out with her spoken word piece.

The ladies stunned in their evening gowns, but it was Richmond who owned the stage with the display of her gown. At the end of the

that she would bring the country’s leaders together to address the issues affecting youth in the community of Bartica and across the country.

The Regatta Pageant, a staple in the Easter Regatta calendar of activities, was a

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams (second left) sashed the new Regatta Queen, Arian Dhalia Richmond, before she was crowned by former Miss Regatta, Gabriella Chapman (centre). Also in photo are first runner-up Kasherell Payne (third right) and second runner-up Takeisa Boston (second right) and Mayor of Bartica, Gifford Marshall

The judges table. Chief Judge was 1998 Miss Universe, Trinidadian Wendy Fitzwilliam (fourth left)

and Best Gown awards on pageant night.

Richmond, who was the crowd’s favourite throughout the competition, demonstrated the poise and elegance that a pageant stage demands.

Richmond crooned her way to the top in the talent segment with a song she dedicated to the victims of abuse.

Meanwhile, first runner-up, Kasherell Payne; and second runner-up, Takeisa Boston, were also impressive during the pageant. In a talent segment heavily favouring dance routines, Boston

Newly crowned Miss Regatta, Arian Dhalia Richmmond, also copped the Miss Body Beautiful award during pageant night

night, the three young ladies were left with the judges’ questions.

When asked what she would do if she had a day for herself, Richmond replied

night of elegance before the powerboat day. Chief Judge in the evening’s proceedings was 1998 Miss Universe, Wendy Fitzwilliam from Trinidad and Tobago.

Annual Rupununi Ranchers’ Rodeo launched C

ow milking, calf and sheep roping, bareback bronco (horse riding), and bull riding were just a few of the activities to which thousands of local and overseas patrons were treated at the 2018 Rupununi Ranchers’ Rodeo on Saturday at Lethem Town in Region Nine, Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo.

The Easter weekend event, held under the theme “Young Ranchers-Into the Future”, saw cowboys and girls dressed as vaqueros entertaining the crowd with dances and bullwhip cracking.

Present were Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, along with the Minister of Indigenous Peoples’

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, sitting astride a horse; and Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock, holding the reins, share a light moment

members of the diplomatic corps were also in attendance.

During his feature address at the opening cere-

gether not only the people from across the regions, but also persons from across the world, such as the United Kingdom (UK), United

an important festival in the Christian calendar that speaks of faith, resurrection and the promise of eternal life.

“It tells us that in order for us to succeed in life, we sometimes have to roll away the stone that locks us away. Once that is done, we can use this opportunity to rise up with new vigour and purpose with the full extent of our dreams, realise our goals, and attain self-actualization,” she advised.

The minister also noted that planning is crucial to moving the region forward.

“As we celebrate this Easter, and more particularly this rodeo, we must reflect on our achievements and shortcomings as a region, and also look to the future through new, far-reaching lenses…

The President often reminds us that this region is bigger than Costa Rica…We need to have discussions, planning, and by knowing exactly what is needed to move

A scene from the annual Rupununi Ranchers’ Rodeo

the region forward.”

Minister Allicock reminded of the huge potential the region possesses. He urged those gathered to utilise the resources without destroying the environment, to generate income, and create employment.

“Lethem is also the gateway to South America; soon we will have a new international airport that will serve

as a regional hub. We also have the trail that will be developed into a road. This will open opportunities for more industries… We, as a Government, must equip our young people with the necessary skills for these anticipated developments.” He said the Green Enterprise Development Centre at Bina Hill will assist in that regard.

Businesswoman robbed of jewellery by gunman

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A scene from the annual Rupununi Ranchers’ Rodeo

Affairs, Sydney Allicock, and Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin. Regional Chairman Brian Allicock and newly elected Mayor of Lethem, Kerry Jarvis, and

mony, held at the Rupununi Ranchers’ Rodeo (RRR) ground, Minister Allicock spoke of the importance of promoting such an annual event -- which brings to-

States (US), Canada and neighbouring Brazil and Venezuela.

Minister Allicock said it is no coincidence that the event is held during Easter,

est Ruimveldt businesswoman Alesha Baptiste is now counting her losses after she was robbed of her jewellery and other valuables by a lone gunman last night.

The 28-year-old was attacked at around 19:55hrs in front of her West Ruimveldt business place.

Information gathered revealed that the woman had just closed her boutique for the night when the lone man rode up on a motorcycle and stopped in front of her business place. He reportedly dismounted the cycle and held the woman at gunpoint, before reliving her of two gold chains valued

$300,000, one foot chain valued $100,000, along with her cell phone, valued $80,000.

The man then quickly made good his escape north on the front road.

The matter was reported, and the Police are presently hunting the suspect, who was riding a black CJ motorcycle.

MONDAY, APRIL 2, 2018

Pakistan tear apart jet-lagged Windies

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his might have been billed as the day international cricket came back to Karachi, but take that with a pinch of salt. A whole tablespoon, rather.

The team Pakistan played against - and beat by 143 runs was in no universe international standard. Thirteen individuals cobbled together whose only unifying characteristic was their willingness to travel to Pakistan, they were never a match for the top-ranked T20I side.

Especially not if you consider they had arrived in Pakistan from halfway around the world just 24 hours ago (the squad having only been announced late in the early hours of Friday morning), with barely enough time to shake off their jetlag before they were sped to the National Stadium to face off against Pakistan. In all senses of the phrase, this simply wasn’t cricket.

A wretched bowling performance from West Indies - if we must call the touring side that - began with Samuel Badree, Keemo Paul and Riyad Emrit well off their lines and lengths, Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam easily finding the gaps to take advantage of the fielding restrictions, as

Pakistan sped to 56 for 1 in the first six overs. You might be forgiven for not noticing the fielding restrictions had been lifted thereafter, as Pakisatn continued along their merry way, never encumbered by tricky bowling or intelligent field setting. The quality of fielding from the tourists was amateur, singles on several occasions turning into boundaries as fielders under no pressure whatsoever let balls slip through their fingers.

Even when West Indies managed to take wickets, it wasn’t down to the skill of the bowling. Until the 17th over, just three wickets and fallen, two of them to run-outs. Debutant Hussain Talat, who looked excellent as he top-scored with 41, was unfortunate enough to be involved in two mix-ups, the first one putting paid to Fakhar’s bright start, while a collision between Sarfraz Ahmed and Kesrick Williams meant Talat himself was left stranded midpitch.

After a rare spell around the death overs in which West Indies looked to be reining Pakistan in somewhat, the shackles broke again in the penultimate over.

What followed devastated West Indies and was arguably

responsible for taking the wind out of their sails, even for the second innings. As Faheem Ashraf and Shoaib Malik freed their arms for a final flourish, Emrit and Williams found themselves helpless to stop the carnage. A whopping 41 runs came off the last ten balls as Pakistan surged to their jointhighest T20I total, setting West Indies a target of 204.

It was like bringing a gun to a knife fight; they needn’t have bothered with such a vertigo-inducing total. The six that Chadwick Walton hit Mohammad Nawaz for off the first ball was a false dawn as West Indies quickly began to unravel. Other than Walton and Marlon Samuels, no one in the top five scored a single run. Andre Fletcher and Jason Mohammed looked to be giving Hussain Talat catching practice at cover, both falling in Mohammad Amir’s first over. Denesh Ramdin, underwhelming in the PSL, didn’t trouble the scorers either, holing out to midwicket, and when Samuels top-edged a big heave off Nawaz, the visitors had slumped to 33 for 6, and the contest was descending into farce.

West Indies would have

been thankful to get past 39, the lowest T20I total ever, but there was no denying the innings was headed towards an early finish. Shoaib Malik removed the next two off consecutive deliveries just after West Indies crossed 50, and 79 their previous lowest T20I score - was looking a long distance away. Particularly since West Indies were one man short; Veerasammy Permaul had injured his foot while bowling and would not bat.

And sure enough, with the score at 60, the last wicket fell, condemning West Indies to a slew of unwanted records: their lowest T20I score and the largest margin of defeat between two Full Members among the more ignominious ones.

It’s hard to read much into either side’s performance today, given the disparity between them. You could make a case that the touring side didn’t play as well as they could, but one can’t help feeling an improved performance may only win them respectability. To win cricket matches, they may need a number of players who, for all sorts of reasons, aren’t where West Indies would want them to be - in Karachi.

19

Hussain Talat top scored in the match

SCOREBOARD

Pakistan Innings (20 Overs Maximum) Fakhar Zaman run out (Permaul/Williams) 39 Babar Azam lbw b Emrit 17 Hussain Talat run out (Walton/†Ramdin) 41 Sarfraz Ahmed (c) † c Fletcher b Powell 38 Shoaib Malik not out 37 Asif Ali b Paul 1 Faheem Ashraf not out 16 Extras 14 (lb 6, nb 1, w 7) TOTAL (20Overs,RR:10.15) 203-5 Did not bat: Mohammad Nawaz(3), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Amir, Hasan Ali Fall of wickets: 1-46 (Babar Azam, 4.6 ov), 2-65 (Fakhar Zaman, 7.1 ov), 3-140 (Hussain Talat, 15.2 ov), 4-150 (Sarfraz Ahmed, 16.3 ov), 5-156 (Asif Ali, 17.1 ov) Bowling: S Badree (4-0-370), KMA Paul (4-0-26-1), RR Emrit (4-0-43-1), KOK Williams (4-0-42-0), V Permaul (0.30-8-0), MN Samuels (0.3-07-0), R Powell (3-0-34-1) West Indies Innings (target: 204 runs from 20 overs) CAK Walton c Asif Ali b Mohammad Nawaz 6 ADS Fletcher c Hussain Talat

b Mohammad Amir 0 MN Samuels c Faheem Ashraf b Mohammad Nawaz 18 JN Mohammed (c) c Hussain Talat b Mohammad Amir 0 D Ramdin † c Mohammad Nawaz b Hasan Ali 0 R Powell c & b Shadab Khan 5 KMA Paul not out 10 RR Emrit c Hussain Talat b Shoaib Malik 11 KOK Williams c Babar Azam b Shoaib Malik 0 S Badree c Shoaib Malik b Hussain Talat 7 Extras 3 (w 3) TOTAL: all out (13.4 Overs, RR: 4.39) 60 Yet to bat: V Permaul Fall of wickets: 1-6 (CAK Walton, 0.4 ov), 2-8 (ADS Fletcher, 1.3 ov), 3-8 (JN Mohammed, 1.5 ov), 4-15 (D Ramdin, 4.1 ov), 5-27 (R Powell, 6.4 ov), 6-33 (MN Samuels, 7.6 ov), 7-51 (RR Emrit, 12.2 ov), 8-51 (KOK Williams, 12.3 ov), 9-60 (S Badree, 13.4 ov) Bowling: Mohammad Nawaz (40-19-2), Mohammad Amir (2-03-2), Hasan Ali (1-1-0-1), Faheem Ashraf (1-0-9-0), Shadab Khan (3-0-13-1), Shoaib Malik (2-013-2), Hussain Talat (0.4-0-3-1)

Dele Alli scored his first Premier League double since January 2017, which was also against Chelsea

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Spurs end 28-year winless streak at Stamford Bridge

ottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino praised “fighter” Dele Alli for coming through a “tough period” to score two goals as Spurs won at Chelsea for the first time in 28 years.

After Alvaro Morata headed in Victor Moses’ cross to give the hosts the lead, Christian Eriksen hit a stunning equalis-

er on the stroke of half-time as his dipping effort from 25 yards dropped just under the bar and over a stranded Willy Caballero.

Chelsea 1-3 Tottenham: Mauricio Pochettino ‘very happy’ for Spurs fans after Chelsea win Alli then took centre stage in the second half, putting Tottenham ahead just

after the hour mark when he produced a sublime first touch to bring Eric Dier’s ball under control before slotting beyond Caballero.

The England midfielder was well-placed four minutes later to stab in following a goalmouth scramble and wrap up a win that moves fourth-placed Tottenham eight

points clear of Chelsea, who are fifth.

It was also the perfect response by Alli after a disappointing couple of weeks with England on international duty.

He failed to make an impact in a 22-minute substitute appearance in the 1-0 win against the Netherlands and was then left on the bench for the 1-1 draw with Italy.

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

monDAY, april 2, 2018

RHTY&SC Awards Ceremony for April 29

Joshua beats Parker to add WBO Heavyweight title

Joshua was taken the distance for the first time in his career

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nthony Joshua unified the WBA, IBF and WBO world heavyweight titles with a controlled performance in a unanimous points win over Joseph Parker at a tense Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

The Briton, 28, used his left hand to telling effect throughout an intriguing affair, in which New Zealand's Parker displayed swift hands, movement and impressive durability.

But his WBO title always looked like it would end up round Joshua's waist as a significant points gap opened up, with the favourite landing a hard left up-

percut in round eight and two stinging left hooks early in the 10th.

Parker tagged his rival to howls of concern in the 11th and he deserves immense respect for becoming the first man to take Joshua to the scorecards, which read 118-110 118-110 119-109.

Joshua becomes unified world champion - with three major belts, along with the IBO crown, and only the WBC title left to claim Joshua raised his right hand on ring announcer Michael Buffer's reading of the cards and he now holds three of the four recognised world titles. Parker looked to the sky.

But the 26-year-old New Zealander played his part in a compelling evening and brought colour to an intriguing build-up.

Never before had two world champions from the glamour division met to unify titles on British soil. For the away fighter this was a whole new level of scrutiny; for Joshua, it was a third consecutive stadium fight, with a cumulative 250,000 seats sold in the process.

Each fighter walked to the ring to an accompaniment of strobe lights, flames and fireworks, with the estimated 78,000 in attendance providing a glittering background as smart phones lit

up the tiers.

When the bell rang, Parker looked sharp, flicking his left jab to keep his opponent at bay and maintaining a guard with just his right hand, compared with two high hands from Joshua.

Afterwards, Joshua pointed to a bout he felt came down to "boxing finesse" and there is no doubt he used the jab and repeated left hooks tactically to stave off his opponent's threat.

It took until the halfway stage before either man truly began to load their shots, as early respect gave way.

Parker, stung early in the sixth, gave chase and landed his own left hand from a crouched position.

The beaten man admitted he lost to a "better champion" but he at least showed the "granite chin" his camp had built much of their hope on beforehand.

Unlike Joshua, Parker has never been dropped as an amateur or a professional and he showed his durability in sucking up two hard left hooks early in the 10th.

This was a more chesslike Joshua. The knockout artist Britain has grown to love was forced to show us poise over 36 minutes, although the result never really looked in doubt. (BBC Sport)

Isner beats Zverev to win 1st Masters 1,000 title A

merican John Isner won his first ever Masters 1,000 title with a 6-7 (4-7) 6-4 6-4 victory over German Alexander Zverev in the Miami Open final.

In a nervous opening, the first set went with serve before world number five Zverev edged the tiebreak.

But 32-year-old Isner twice broke Zverev in the following sets and held his serve throughout the match.

Zverev, 20, saved five break points in the decider but crowd favourite Isner served his 18th ace to seal the title.

The world number 17 will now move back into the top 10 next week after the biggest win of his career.

"I couldn't have scripted this. I came into this tournament, I had won one ATP [World Tour] match all year and was playing very poorly," Isner said.

"I won my first match in three sets and that's how tennis goes you start to gain a little confidence and next thing you know things start to roll your way."

Having produced a dominant straight-set victory over the in-

form Juan Martin del Potro in the semi-finals, the American's newfound confidence initially deserted him in the final.

After a nervy opening set the final burst into life when Isner squeezed a forehand winner down the line to claim the first break of the match to lead 5-4 in the second.

With the American on set point and serving for the match, Zverev showed tremendous defence to hit two passing shots and take the game back to deuce.

But Isner, backed by a partisan crowd, showed real character to close out the set with a big serve out wide and force a decider.

Zverev struggled on serve in the final set as Isner faced just three break points in the entire match.

The 32-year-old put his three previous major tour final defeats behind him to come back

from a set down to win in two hours 29 minutes.

After 32 years at Key Biscayne, the Miami Open will move to a new home next season and with Sloane Stephens having won the women's title on Saturday, America waves goodbye to the historic venue with two home champions.

Isner had lost three previous Masters 1,000 finals before winning in Miami

A representative from Farfan & Mendes Ltd hands over donation to Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster

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he Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club (RHTY&SC) 28th Annual Award Ceremony scheduled for April 29 promises to be the biggest ever in the history of Guyana’s most dynamic sport organisation.

A total of 60 Club members, teachers, students, retired teachers and law enforcement officers will be honoured at the event, which is to be held at the St Francis Community Developers Training Centre from 13:00h.

Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster, Vice President Mark Papannah and Assistant Secretary Simon Naidu are spearheading preparations for the prestigious event to which President David Granger has been invited to be the Guest Speaker.

Foster, the long-serving Secretary/CEO, has disclosed that preparations were well in advance and on Wednesday last, the organisers received donations from several donors. Those making contributions were the Office of the Prime Minister, Farfan & Mendes Ltd, Bakewell, Andrew’s Art, Guyana Water Inc, Sterling Products Ltd, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Starr Computer.

The Office of the Prime Minister, Farfan & Mendes Ltd, Andrew’s Art, Guyana Water Inc, Sterling Products Ltd, and Bakewell donated a combined $400,000 worth of trophies, medals, and framed certificates while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs donated a trophy.

Starr Computer, a longtime sponsor of RHTY&SC, donated a cellphone for the Cricketer-of-the-Year Award.

Additionally, the Club also received financial contributions from Farfan & Mendes Ltd, Bakewell and the National Milling Company towards the pub-

lication of its 2018 Youth Review Magazine.

Among the 40 Awards that would be shared out are Under-15 Player of the Year, Under-19 Player of the Year, Female Cricketer of the Year, Fielder of the Year, Most Disciplined Player, Most Promising Player and Cricketer of the Year. The Awards Committee has shortlisted National Youth Players Kelvin Sinclair and Kevlon Anderson for the prestigious Cricketer-of-the-Year Award, which carries a prize package of $350, 000. Other persons expected to be honoured are Clinton Pestano, Shemaine Campbelle, Erva Giddings, Junior Sinclair, Keith Simpson, Jonathan Rampersaud, Jeremy Sandia, and Mahendra Gopilall.

The RHTY&SC wishes to express gratitude to Rajin Ganga of Bakewell, Onai Vasconcellos of Farfan & Mendes Ltd, the Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Majeed of Starr Computer, Ramsey Ali of Sterling Products, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, Mrs Juman of Andrew’s Art, Dr Richard Van West-Charles of Guyana Water Inc and Mr Bert Sukhai of Namilco.

The Award Ceremony will include donations to several groups, the induction of honorary members into the RHTY&SC while several outstanding Guyanese would receive the RHTY&SC Highest Award “The Dolphin Award of Excellence”.

Also on the programme of events is hosting the Scotiabank Tribute of Teachers, Tribute to Retired Teachers, Tribute to Outstanding Students and Tribute to Law Enforcement Officers during the Award Ceremony. A total of over $2.5 million worth of trophies, medals, framed certificates, prizes, and gifts will be distributed.

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Bakewell-RHTY&SC partnership approaches 2 decades

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he longstanding relationship between Guyana’s leading bakery and Sports Club has been renewed for the 19th successive year. Bakery giant Bakewell last week renewed its sponsorship of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club (RHTY&SC), MS Under-17 and Second Division teams for 2018 at the cost of $250,000.

Bakewell became an official sponsor of the RHTY&SC in 2000 and, over the years, has deepened its relationship with the only Youth and Sports Club in Guyana to have ever received a National Award from the Government.

Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster at the presentation described Bakewell as one of the best friends of the RHTY&SC. Bakewell, he stated, has pumped millions of dollars into supporting the cricket teams, charity programmes, the Say No/ Say Yes Campaign and community projects.

The Rose Hall Town Bakewell Under-17 and Second Division teams have won several major titles while providing doz-

Bakewell Sales Manager Ray Vonthool hands over the sponsorship to RHTY&SC Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster

ens of players for Berbice, Guyana and the West Indies. These players include Shemaine Campbelle, Erva Giddings, Assad Fudadin, Royston Crandon, Esuan Crandon, Eon Hooper, Clinton Pestano, Kevlon Anderson, Kevin Sinclair, Junior Sinclair, Keith Simpson, Askay Homraj,

Shawn Pereira, Murphy La Rose, Shevon Marks, Abdel Fudadin, Delbert Hicks, and Renwick Batson.

The two teams together have been involved in over 800 personal development programmes under the sub-headings of Charity, Education, Sports, Anti-Alcohol, Anti-Crime,

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The long-serving Secretary/CEO, who was recently elected President of the Berbice Cricket Board, noted that over the last 19 years, Bakewell has increased its sponsorship to include the RHTY&SC’s Annual Magazine, Annual Award Ceremony, Monthly Pensioners Programme, Cricket Academy, Summer Camp, Christmas Village, Nassir Memorial Cricket Tournament, Christmas Charity Programme, Township Anniversary and Patron’s Cup. Foster disclosed that 2018 would be a very hectic year for both teams as the Berbice Cricket Board, under his leadership, is set to organise tournaments at all levels.

The Under-17 team in 2018 is captained by Chanderpaul Govindan while National Under-15 player Jonathan Rampersaud is his deputy. National Under-19 player Kevin Sinclair will lead the Second Division Team with Kevlon Anderson as his deputy. Cricket Managers

Ravindranauth Kissoonlall and Keith Hicks are responsible for both teams and would receive support from Vice President Mark Papannah and Assistant Secretary Simon Naidu.

Foster expressed gratitude to Managing Director of Bakewell, Rajin Ganga for his continued confidence in the RHTY&SC and for the company’s assistance over the years.

Ganga, in brief remarks, stated that Bakewell was very proud of its relationship with the RHTY&SC, MS and hailed the relationship between the two organisations as remarkable. The Bakewell boss expressed confidence that the relationship would be strengthened in the future as the RHTY&SC has always represented the company’s brand with pride, discipline, and passion. Bakewell, he stated, understands its corporate responsibilities and, as such, would continue to invest in education, culture and sports. He also congratulated the RHTY&SC on its outstanding work, and urged its executives to uphold the high standard they have set themselves.

Fans in Russia stay silent in tribute to victims of Kemerovo fire

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Odyssey’s Naseema Ralph hands over scorebooks to RHTY&SC Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster

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d y s s e y Transportation Services has assisted the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club Cricket (RHTY&SC) to continue covering bases for support, with over $100,000 worth of Cricket Scorebooks donated from the company based in Light Street, Bourda.

The company and its Chief Executive Officer, Feroze Barakat, over the past seven years, have been assisting the RHTY&SC with Scorebooks which are distributed to less-fortunate Cricket Clubs in Berbice under the Club’s Cricket Development Programme.

Over the past 20 years, the Club and its 10 cricket teams have assisted over 100 cricket clubs with millions of dollars in cricket gear, including bats, pads, stumps, gloves, scorebooks,

and wicket-keeping gloves while dozens of cricketers have also received assistance to further their cricketing careers.

The newly-elected Berbice Cricket Board President and RHTY&SC Secretary/CEO, Hilbert Foster stated that the Club, since its formation in 1990, had attained success through sheer hard work and dedication and it wanted other clubs to reach such success as it would allow them to serve youths better.

The better performance of clubs, Foster stated, would result in more youths rejecting Satan and his evil world of drugs, crime, suicide, alcohol and tobacco. With his election to the presidency of the Berbice Cricket Board, Foster disclosed that requests for assistance have doubled and

the RHTY&SC was struggling to respond to every request. Clubs are being reformed after being dormant for a period owing to the lack of cricket that was being placed in Berbice. With numerous tournaments being scheduled for 2018, clubs are preparing for the busiest year in the history of the Berbice Cricket Board.

Special thanks were extended to Barakat, Manager Troy Khan and the staff of Odyssey Transportation Services for the assistance.

Among the clubs expected to benefit are Tamarind Root, Kildonan Cricket Club, Mental Hospital, Whim National, Police Sports Club, No 73, Mount Sinai Cricket Club, Guymine Cricket Club, Rose Hall Canje and Bush Lot Rising Star.

Spartak Moscow's players during a minute's silence for the victims of the Kemerovo shopping centre fire

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ootball fans in Russia stayed silent during the first half of matches in tribute to victims of a fire at a shopping and entertainment complex.

At least 64 people died in the fire on 25 March in the Siberian coal-mining city of Kemerovo.

"It was difficult to play the first half," Spartak Moscow captain Denis Glushakov said after his team's 2-1 win over Tosno on Saturday.

"The stands were completely quiet and it was very unusual."

Matches in the Russian Premier League started with a minute's silence.

A message on Dynamo Moscow's Twitter feed before their home game with Arsenal Tula said: "In order to honour the memory of those who died, the fans of most clubs have agreed to spend the first halves of their matches in silence.

"We encourage you to support this action."

22 East Coast Guinness Shaw dominates BACIF “Greatest of the Streets” Open Golf tourney wraps up tonight GUYANATIMESgy.COM

MONDAY, APRIL 2, 2018

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he presence of popular Dancehall artiste Popcaan failed to affect the turnout of fans, who filled the interior and perimeter of the Haslington Tarmac to witness the penultimate night of the East Coast Guinness “Greatest of the Streets” Competition on Saturday evening.

The established street phenomenon, which has grown in popularity and stature, once again emphasised its unrivalled importance among community teams and fans that easily exceeded the opening night’s attendance.

At the end of the night, Buxton Diamond and defending champions Melanie B led the four teams into the semi-finals after playing unbeaten to top their respective groups.

They were joined by Paradise A and Uprising who finished in the runner-up spots after the completion of the group stage.

Tonight, the semi-final fixtures will see Buxton Diamond tackle Paradise A, while Melanie B take on Uprising in what is

undoubtedly anticipated to be two scorching encounters.

All four teams produced impressive performances to make it this far, but Buxton Diamond and the reigning champions have looked unbeatable throughout the competition and will have to be installed as favourites to contest the final set for tonight, at the same venue.

The champs have already shown that they are deadly accurate in penalty shootouts, having made it this far via that route, while Buxton Diamond, on the other hand, have demonstrated that they possess the skills necessary to beat a team in regulation time.

However, this is not to take away from the other two teams, whose comparative strengths are their determination and will to win.

Also carded to take place is the Plate final, which carries a winning prize of $50,000 and a trophy.

However, all eyes will be on the teams battling for the ultimate prize of $400,000, bragging rights, and a place in the national playoffs.

The losing finalist will take home $150,000, while the third and fourth place finishers will be given $100,000 and $75,000, respectively.

The organisers extended thanks to the Guyana Police Force, residents of the East Coast communities and even those from other areas for their support throughout the tournament.

Tonight’s fixtures Championship Final Winner (3) vs Winner (4)-23:15h Championship 3rd Place Play-off Loser (3) vs Loser (4)-22:45h Plate Final Winner (1) vs Winner (2)-22:00h Championship Semi-finals (4) Buxton Diamond vs Paradise-A-21:15h (3) Uprising vs Melanie-B-20:30h Plate Semi-finals (1) Belfield Warriors vs BV-A-20:00h (2) Victoria vs Mahaica-19:30h

BACIF Tourney winners pose outside the Golf Clubhouse with the sponsor and Club officials. From left: President Aleem Hussain, BACIF General Manager Peter Pompey, Aasrodeen Shaw, Mike Mangal, Lakeram Ramsundar, Patrick Prashad, Avinash Persaud and Captain Chen Deo

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or the second consecutive week, Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) Treasurer Aasrodeen Shaw outplayed the competition, as he added the Brass Aluminium & Cast Iron Foundry’s (BACIF) Inaugural Golf Tournament title to his collection.

With a near perfect Net Score of 65, Shaw displaced numerous top golfers as he continued his spanking form, as competition was so fierce, that after second place there was a tussle between three golfers for third place followed by another tussle between two golfers that would have been for seventh place. The third-place winner was determined from a count of the ‘back nine’ scores.

Saturday’s winners featured the likes of: Lakeram Ramsundar – Nearest The Pin; current and three-time Guyana Open Champion Avinash Persaud – Best Gross and Longest Drive and

3rd Best Net going to former Guyana Open Champion Mike Mangal (71/8), 3rd Best Net; Patrick Prashad (68/9), 2nd Best Net and Shaw (65/16) Best Net. The next close ten Net performances were done by (President) Aleem Hussain (71/12 – 4th place); Richard Haniff (71/12 – 5th place); Persaud (72/2); two-time former Guyana Open Champion Mohanlall Dinanauth (72/6); Gavin Todd (73/18); former Guyana Open Ladies Champion Shanella London (74/16); Clifford Reis (74/23); Kassim Khan (76/9); Lakeram Ramsundar (77/11); and Guillermo Escarraga (77/24).

Prior to tee-off, BACIF General Manager Peter Pompey, along with Commercial & Design Superintendent Yolanda Geddes-Kendall, Machine Shop Superintendent Kwesi Craig and Technical Assistant to the GM, Adrian Barkoye, indulged in some

golf action.

Pompey, in congratulating the winners and participants of the day’s tournament, thanked the Golf Club for the opportunity to contribute to its development and pledged to continue to offer support.

Club President Aleem Hussain praised Pompey for the initiative of coming on board to support the LGC at this time, and noted that committed support from Messrs Clifford Reis and Robert Hanoman indicated that in the near future, the projected swimming pool and a fine dining restaurant could be expected to be completed at the Golf Course.

Meanwhile, the public is reminded too that the course is available from 11:00h on Easter Monday (today) and Tuesday (April 2 and 3) for picnicking and kite flying at a minimal fee for pedestrians and low cost for vehicles. (Contact 220-5660 for any queries).

GFF moves to strengthen financial systems

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Participants of the GFF Financial Management Workshop

he Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has begun the process of strengthening its financial management with a workshop for its Heads of Department and field staff on Thursday last.

The session, held in the Boardroom of the GFF Secretariat, was facilitated by a representative of Vaughn Business Solutions, a financial company, and GFF’s Financial Consultant.

According to GFF President Wayne Forde,

this is a first step towards improved financial management of the GFF. He said, “The aim of the programme is to strengthen the internal financial systems and controls of the GFF. The programme will be rolled out to members in the very near future.”

The new FIFA Forward Regulations of 2016 stipulate all Member Associations must streamline their financial operations in order to meet the FIFA compliance requirements.

monDAY, April 2, 2018

guyanatimesgy.com

Milo School’s Football Competition…

Sir Leon’s schools Buxton!

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he Petra-organised Milo School’s Football competition has crowned a new champion, who hails from Greenheart Street, Georgetown. An ecstatic Sir Leon’s Lessons reigned supreme on Saturday evening after trouncing the Buxton Youth Development team with a final score of 5-1.

Viewed as one of the underdogs of the tournament, the disciplined Buxton team were expected to come out victorious, but Sir Leon’s team were confident and hungry for victory after defeating last year’s champions, Chase’s Academy in the semi-final round.

Operating under the Ministry of Health’s theme “Stop gender based violence”, both team captains expressed their solidarity with the mission before the players flooded the Ministry of Education’s pitch. The first goal came in just the second minute of the game from Sir Leon’s striker Zion Gray, who seized the opportunity after his team-mate’s penalty kick was foiled. The Sir Leon-dominated crowd erupted in cheers and celebrations, and even sprinted onto the field to congratulate their lessons counterparts.

However, their celebra-

Most Valuable Player of this year’s tournament, Zion Gray

tion was put on pause as Shamash London of Buxton found the back of the net in the 18th minute. The nail-biting match remained in deadlock for the remainder of the half as both goalkeepers managed to fend off a great many attempts which came at them from all directions.

In the second half, it seemed that only Sir Leon’s side could have executed their game plan. The highpaced game continued with

a flurry of goals from the victorious team; tournament favourite Zion Gray rounded off his hat-trick of goals with one in the 48th minute and another in the 63rd.

Ably assisting were Alwin Franklin and Teon Forde with one goal each. As easy as the goals seemed to flow for Sir Leon, the Buxton team were never able to regain their balance, yielding defeat even before the final whistle blew.

Speaking after the game,

Petra’s Co-Director Troy Mendonca stated that he was pleased with the high level of competitiveness that the players exhibited. “After the round-robin stage, at that point in time there wasn’t any clear-cut winner which speaks volumes for the level of competition that we witnessed in the tournament,” he remarked. Mendonca also praised the initiative, which saw the inclusion of schools from outside Georgetown, stating that the heightened competition added value to the tournament.

At the presentations, Zion Gray of Sir Leon’s was adjudged the most valuable player of the tournament and also walked away with the highest goalscorer’s prize; while his team-mate, was hailed as the best goalkeeper of the competition.

On the other hand, Buxton were declared the most disciplined team in the competition.

Sir Leon’s Lessons walked away with $500,000 while Buxton took home $300,000.

Annandale Secondary took the $200,000 third prize by way of a walkover and Lodge Secondary will receive $100,000. The monetary prizes are expected to be put towards a school project of their choosing.

23

CWI 2018 Regional U-15 Tournament…

Bowlers set up 32-run win for Guyana G

uyana completed a resounding 32-run win over Trinidad and Tobago thanks to their bowlers when round three of the Cricket West Indies (CWI) regional tournament continued.

The win was set up by the eight-wicket haul from Safeik Khan (4-11) and Chanderpaul Ramraj (4-18), which kept the Trinidadians to 73 all out inside 33 overs, chasing a meagre 105 for victory.

Batting first, Guyana were unable to post a big total after they were kept to around the 1 0 0 mark, with Z e y n u l Ramsammy and Ramraj top-scoring with 16 apiece.

Romel Datterdeen was the next best scorer with 15 as Ronillster Perreira (3-11); Avalon Clangour (2-10) and Nick Ramlal (2-16) had good returns.

Despite not making the most of their batting innings, Guyana wreaked havoc with the ball, as Ramraj and Khan rattled the Trini batting line-up, leaving Nickyle Jalim the top-scorer with nine, as no batsman could reach double figures.

In other round three matches: Windward Islands beat Leeward Islands by 7 wickets Barbados beat Jamaica by 6 wickets

MONDAY, arril 2, 2018

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Pg 23

Guinness Greatest of the Streets action at the Haslington Tarmac on Saturday evening

East Coast Guinness “Greatest of the Streets” wraps up tonight

Pg 22

Anthony Joshua becomes unified world champion - with three major belts, along with the IBO crown, and only the WBC title left to claim

Milo School’s Football Competition…

Sir Leon’s schools Buxton!

Pg 23

Joshua beats Parker to add WBO Heavyweight title Pg 20

The newly-crowned champions Sir Leon’s celebrating their victory

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