Guyanatimes 7 october 2017

GPHC service delivery P7 boosted with ECG Machine

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

Issue No. 3354

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

President honours 69 awardees

Saturday, October 7, 2017

PRICE

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Several P14 students stung by bees during school tour

Page 13

at 2017 investiture ceremony

President David Granger confers the Cacique Crown of Honour on acting Chief Justice Roxane George

“Police Force probably most distrusted institution” – Ramjattan

Missing Page 2 Berbice man chopped to pieces, burnt in cemetery

Lusignan P11 Prison escapee recaptured at Soesdyke

– Police say killers confessed to brutal murder

Jagdeo to write IDB over Govt’s corrupt practices

Minibus driver charged for engaging P2 underage girl in sexual activity 4 arrested for Albert Street double murder; 2 confess P14

Couple charged for defrauding church P8

Journalists Adam Harris, Julia Johnson and Enrico Woolford receiving their medals from the President

Page 14

$80 vat included

Page 3

...calls public spending programme “an abysmal failure”

Raise Joint Services age of retirement, UG Vice Chancellor P9 urges

2 news

saturDAY, october 7, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Missing Berbice man chopped to pieces, burnt in cemetery – Police say killers confessed to brutal murder

By Bhisham Mohamed

R

emains suspected to be those of a farmer who went missing on Monday last were discovered in a cemetery at No. 55 Village, Corentyne Berbice.

It is believed that 21-year-old Mahendra Ghanie, also known as “Azad,” of Lot 198 Bloomfield Village, Corentyne, Berbice, was hacked before being set on fire.

The dismembered burnt bones were discovered on Friday afternoon after relatives of the missing man went in search of him. It was reported that Ghanie left home on Monday to visit his employer at No. 55 Village with the intention of collecting a large sum of money owed to him. His employer, a block maker, is reportedly in the habit of hiring people without paying them for weeks.

After days had passed and the young man did not return home, his relatives searched frantically for him but came up empty-handed.

A missing person’s report was subsequently lodged at

Murdered labourer, Mahendra Ghanie

the police station.

However, on Friday, Guyana Times was made to understand that the relatives of the young man went back to No. 55 Village, and upon enquiring from residents about any unusual movements they might have seen, they were told that the employer was seen burning “something” in the burial ground during the week.

Without hesitation, the

family members went to the burial ground, and found pieces of human bones being burnt in a pit two feet by six feet. They immediately contacted the police, who arrived at the scene promptly.

The detectives believe that the young man was burnt at one spot and the remains were dragged into the newly dug hole and set alight for the second time. Part of the missing man’s mobile phone and jersey were also found at the burn site.

Farina Ghanie, a sister of the suspected dead man, told media operatives that her brother went missing for the past five days, after he left home claiming that he was going to collect money from his boss.

The aggrieved woman noted that after he did not call or return home after a few days, they suspected something was amiss, since he never stayed away from home without informing them.

The family, she explained, went to the No. 51 Police Station where they lodged a report. Whilst at the police station, the rel-

The pieces of bone that were found at the burn site

atives related their suspicions to the Police, and as such, they were accompanied to the employer’s premises to enquire about her brother’s whereabouts.

“At the house, they called out de one bhai they does call ‘Razor Blade’; he run and he gone go hide, but meh buddy tell he don’t be afraid, he just want ask where meh brother deh, and he still nah come out”, the devastated sister noted.

She further stated that they came into contact with her brother’s employer, but he denied knowing the young man, claiming that Ghanie never worked with him, although several pieces of her brother’s clothing, including his hammock, were seen in the back yard.

Guyana Times understands that Ghanie usually stayed at his boss’s house

The hole in which pieces of bone were found

and immediately took the employer and another worker into custody. The employer’s son was subsequently arrested and is being questioned about the young

ly confessed to killing the missing man and burning his body after he was chopped to pieces. This was confirmed by Police ‘B’ Division Commander,

Relatives of Mahendra Ghanie moments after finding what appeared to be his remains

and return home on weekends.

Upon hearing this on Thursday, Police thought that something was amiss

man’s disappearance.

Meanwhile, following the discovery on Friday, the block maker and his teenage son, along with another worker, have reported-

Senior Superintendent Edmond Cooper.

The men are expected to be charged with the capital offence in the new week.

peared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The charge against him stated that during the month of February 2017 at Sheriff Street in Georgetown, he engaged in sexual activity with a child under the age of 16.

The facts of the case were not revealed to the court. However, the defendant was granted bail in the sum of $200,000.

He is expected to return to court on October 9, before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

Minibus driver charged for engaging underage girl in sexual activity

A

minibus driver accused of engaging a schoolgirl in sexual activity found himself before Magistrate Judy Latchman on Friday.

Quincy Sealey, aka “Cayenne”, denied the allegation when he ap-

news

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saturDAY, october 7, 2017 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, October 7 – 05:30h-07:00h and Sunday, October 8 – 05:30h-07:00h.

...calls public spending programme "an abysmal failure"

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, October 7 – 05:15h-06:45h and Sunday, October 8 – 05:45h-07:15h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunny intervals followed by heavy to light rain showers can be expected during the day. Lightly cloudy skies are expected in the evening, with temperatures expected to range between 24 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to East North-easterly between 0.89 metre and 2.68 metres.

High Tide: 05:21h and 17:36h reaching maximum heights of 2.87 metres and 2.91 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 11:11h and 23:39h reaching minimum heights of 0.34 metre and 0.28 metre respectively.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOber 4, 2017

LOTTERY NUMBERS D

02

11

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15

18

22

09 Bonus Ball

FREE TICKET

FRIDAY, OCTOber 6, 2017

DAILY MILLIONS 05 06 07 09

16

LUCKY 3 2 6 7

6

Afternoon Draw

8

2

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

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Jagdeo to write IDB over Govt’s corrupt practices

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

By Gary Eleazar

O

pposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has promised to write the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) in Washington DC over the alleged corrupt practices of the David Granger Administration -- practices which he said have led to a stagnation of the Public Sector Investment Programme.

The former President was at the time addressing members of the media at his Church Street office, where he rejected claims that instructions were given to regional officers to not sign off on the award of contracts. Rubbishing this claim, Jagdeo noted that contracts are awarded

by APNU+AFC appointed Regional Executive Officers (REO). He further pointed out that even in the APNU+AFCcontrolled regions, the implementation is low.

Further, at the national level, under ministerial control, he said, the Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP) is being under-implemented.

“If you look at the PSIP, it is an abysmal failure. Now we are seeing that the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is working with the Government to improve the performance of the PSIP, and this could see the possible setting up of a ‘delivery unit’….the IDB needs to know that the lack of delivery under the PSIP is because of corruption. The IDB ought not to be entangled with this. And I will be writing Washington (the IDB head office) on this matter. We are currently compiling a file,” Jagdeo disclosed.

A statement from the IDB local office on

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo Wednesday indicated that, in an effort to support Government’s endeavours to improve effectiveness and accountability in the delivery of public services to citizens through the implementation of the PSIP, the international financial institution has engaged the services of a top consulting firm specialised in this area to provide necessary support.

According to the IDB missive, most Governments placed too much emphasis on policy and less on the importance of effective project implementation. As such, it was noted, the delivery unit model was a simple but rigorous approach, in which there is a systematic process through which system leaders drive progress and achieve results – in this case specifically of capital projects carried out by the Government.

The IDB said this model was characterised by its emphasis on defining a set of limited clear priorities and goals focused on outcomes for citizens, and rigorous data-based monitoring of progress and coordination

among involved parties.

Through implementation of these principles, the model aims to clarify what success means for the Government, and thereby increase the speed of delivery of benefits to citi-

zens.

The objective of this unit, according to the organisation, is to help Government agencies to deliver concrete results in priority goals through planning, performance in-

sights, problem solving, capacity building and coordination. It is a lean structure meant to support ministries, and not to take over their roles or to add additional layers to the Government’s bureaucratic structure.

In the case of Guyana, delivery associates has completed a diagnostic analysis of how Guyana’s PSIP works, including an analysis of its delivery chain. This study has identified several opportunities for improvements, for which the delivery management model could be useful. The firm is currently coordinating with the IDB’s team to finalise the diagnosis report, so that it can be shared with Guyanese authorities.

In the interim, the IDB has been actively coordinating this initiative with senior Guyanese officials, including

President David Granger; Minister of State, Joseph Harmon; Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan; and Minister of Public Affairs in the Ministry of the Presidency, Dawn Hastings-Williams.

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guyanatimesgy.com

saturday, october 7, 2017

Views River Crossing

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, sales@guyanatimesgy.com

Rebuilding to withstand

D

isasters, and how they are managed, have become the subject of increasing research and debate in recent years. This heightened interest signifies that the world has become a more dangerous place for its inhabitants, who are becoming more vulnerable to disasters. Natural disasters often result in years of developmental efforts being wiped out in days, or even minutes.

We recently saw the massive destruction to the Caribbean islands, and even the United States, caused by Hurricanes Irma and Maria. As Hurricane Irma barreled toward Barbuda, all of the 1,800 residents were evacuated to neighbouring Antigua, but the storm destroyed most of Barbuda’s buildings and agriculture. In Dominica, Hurricane Maria claimed the lives of 15 people and affected most of the small island’s population of 73,000 people.

The devastation is unimaginable, and in the coming months, much effort will be placed on rebuilding houses and public infrastructure that were destroyed by the hurricanes.

However, it is crucial that, in their efforts to rebuild, countries should rebuild better; meaning buildings and infrastructure should be able to withstand the force of natural disasters, or minimize the effects as much as possible.

With reconstruction costs for the Caribbean nations estimated in the billions of dollars, the UN has said that their economies -- often highly indebted and dependent on tourism, fishing and agriculture -- need help in setting up a regional emergency insurance fund to soften the impact of disasters.

Experts have predicted that more frequent and extreme weather linked to climate change, like hurricanes and severe flooding, will occur more often. While we cannot prevent natural disasters from occurring, we can certainly prepare better, so that the impact is reduced.

Here, in Guyana, we are seeing a dramatic rise in the construction of buildings and other infrastructure, with most of it occurring in the coastal areas of the country. This is so despite the fact that our entire coastland is threatened whenever it rains excessively or in cases of extreme high tides.

The effects of the 2005 floods are still very fresh in the minds of people. It could be recalled that the majority of our coastlands was under water for several days, resulting in the tragic loss of lives, large scale damage to agricultural crops and livestock, and citizens being severely affected from carrying on with their daily activities.

Also, just recently, sections of our hinterland and Linden experienced a few freak storms which resulted in damage to several homes and public buildings etc. These effects are inevitable, and one can only imagine how our economy and our lives in general would be affected should global warming continue at the pace it is currently going.

Surely, the decisions we make today will determine our long-term resilience to natural hazards and be critical to people’s well-being in the short and long terms. When we build in hazard-prone areas, or fail to apply the appropriate building codes, people’s lives and assets are put at risk. For this reason, it is very important that the authorities step up their enforcement and monitoring of the national building codes across the country.

It is also necessary that there be put in place systems aimed at strengthening the country’s capacity to respond to natural disasters in a timely and effective manner. Important, too, is the need to ensure that the financial mechanisms are in place to finance response and recovery in the quickest possible time.

Disasters require complex responses, drawing on a wide range of skills and capacities. Responses require the cooperation of various stakeholders, including multilateral development agencies, and national and local governments, non-governmental organizations, private sector, natural and social scientists, technical specialists and citizens as a whole.

There were several calls made before for a more effective National Disaster Preparedness Plan to be put in place so that the country would be in a better position to respond to any major disaster. We are not certain at what stage this is at the moment.

Hurricanes Maria and Irma, including the recent earthquakes in Mexico, should cause the authorities here to pause and analyse our own capacity, not only to respond in a timely and efficient manner in the event of a natural disaster, but also to build our buildings and public infrastructure in such a way that they could withstand the powers of such disasters.

In Indonesia’s Tanjung Puting National Park, a male orangutan crosses a river. National Geographic’s Your Shot photographer Jayaprakash Joghee Bojan stood in chest-high water to take this picture. He explains that orangutans typically avoid water, especially in situations like this one, where crocodiles may be present. But, he says, “Rapid palm oil farming has depleted their habitat; and when pushed to the edge, these intelligent creatures have learnt to adapt to the changing landscape”

Poor sugar performance due to gross mismanagement of GuySuCo Dear Editor, The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) refers to an article titled “Sugar sliding to worst performance in years as workers stay away” appearing in another section of the media on October 05, 2017. The article confirms, in some way, the Union’s conclusion that sugar production this year will be the lowest since 1990 when 129,920 tonnes was produced.

For the GAWU, this is indeed troubling especially when the industry would have received billions from the Treasury since June, 2015 and a further $2B through the sale of lands to the State. It speaks a lot to the efficiency of the Corporation’s IMC. The article however, posits that the reason for the poor output is related to workers turnout which is stated to be around 60 per cent for the second crop thus far. We see this sordid conclusion as another stop along the ignomin-

ious road being taken by the GuySuCo hierarchy and its cheerleaders to shift blame for their poor stewardship to the hard-working sugar workers. This is most obscene and derisive.

The lamentations about workers turnout are a complete 180 degree reversal from what GuySuCo was saying a few weeks ago. We recall that the Corporation’s Senior Communications Officer spoke ecstatically about improved turnout during the second crop. In reflecting on turnout too, it would be remiss if we failed to take account of improvements of workers’ productivity through mechanisation. Through the use of the semi-mechanical cane loaders, more commonly called Bell loaders, workers’ productivity is doubled.

And at Skeldon the mechanical cane harvesters have been very helpful in augmenting production and productivity.

It seems that the story should

end with popular saying ‘talk half and lef half’.

In speaking to workers turnout too, it must not be forgotten that field workers are not offered work 52-weeks per year. In fact, now-a-days, crop weeks may be just around 30 weeks per annum. It, therefore, means for just about half of the year they are not gainfully employed and have to seek alternative employment whenever and wherever it is practicable to take up. This notion cannot be disconnected from workers commitment and resolve. Also, we should not fail to consider that when taken together that workers must now confront an unfriendly and arrogant management and purchase in the market at 2017 prices with 2014 wages, it doesn’t take an expert to imagine what that would do to workers morale.

The aforementioned article also, for whatever reason,

does not take into account the state of the industry’s cultivation. Cane yields are very poor and not in keeping with budgeted figures and far from the potential of GuySuCo. This is the real and primary reason, GAWU contends, for the poor production that will be realized this year, not poor labour turnout as the article wants everyone to believe. An examination of the data would be revealing and would serve as an eye opener for many.

We see the excuse of workers turnout as nothing less than a mere smokescreen meant to distract, deceive, and dupe many unwitting Guyanese. The anticipated low sugar production this year will, undoubtedly, be as a result of poor cane yield caused by gross mismanagement of the Company.

Yours faithfully, Seepaul Narine GAWU General Secretary

More programmes needed to sensitise citizens about gender-based violence Dear Editor, Over the past week, many highly-charged conversations and articles, as well as social actions, have been rooted in denunciations of misogyny and sexism, culminating as a result of increased reports of abuse, and in some cases resulting in murder of women. Yet, in the midst of the outcry, we have unintentionally diverted the nation’s attention from the tragedy of violence against women.

Notwithstanding all that has been said, the Youth For Change (YFC) deplores what continues to occur, and believes such heinous crimes provide the catalyst for a deeper dis-

course on women’s rights and on violence against women.

Discussions at a national level have been intermittent at best, whilst popular culture has encouraged disrespect for women in a society where such matters are too often covered up, unnoticed, or ignored.

Much has already been said about the response, the nature and scope of the reaction (locally) to the pronouncement signals not only an awareness of the danger of this viral social trend, but also a readiness to take action to save the society from its persistence. In order to move towards transforming our current laissez-faire approach

to women’s rights into one of full respect for women, we must seek to understand and make known the extent of the problem, and treat with the root causes of the proliferation of an ideology that holds a woman responsible for being a victim of violence. It is the same ideology that permits men and boys to make to women unwanted comments that are on the verge of sexual harassment.

YFC recommends that more be done at a national level through offering programmes in community centres, schools and workplaces, to sensitize citizens about gender-based violence. Much more needs to be

done in educating our boys and men to respect humanity with regard to women. Both men and women need to be involved in encouraging an institutional configuration that purposefully and systematically addresses the problem of gender-based violence and disrespect.

YFC, through its chapters, will continue to make itself available to assist and provide support to find lasting solutions to a recurring problem, as we stand in solidarity with other NGOs and organizations in the bid to eradicate violence against women.

Youth for Change (YFC)

guyanatimesgy.com

saturDAY, october 7, 2017

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

Spending of public money must be rules-based Dear Editor, I have noted the puerile comments from the Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, on the issue of the current procurement process being “Fip-proof”.

I can understand that Jordan, acting on instructions, must have sacrificed professional ethics to utter the words he did, as published in an article (in another section of the media) under the headline ‘Procurement system has been made “Fipproof”, on Friday (October 6, 2017). The reservoir of professional ethics must now be almost depleted.

The facts speak for themselves.

‘Fip’ Motilall was awarded a contract as a result of a process. There was public advertisement, no secrecy. Bids were submitted and evaluated. Based on the evaluation report, an award was made and a contract was signed

which allowed the imposition of sanction in the event of non-performance.

While Jordan seeks to make sensational headlines with yet another sound-byte, aided by the Kaieteur News, he is still to respond to the political Opposition’s call for the evaluation report of the ‘Fip’ Motilall contract to be made public – a fact that Kaieteur News also ignored.

If there is one thing that the people of Guyana do know, it is that the APNU+AFC Government has practised, demonstratively so, a lack of transparency, and has destroyed any sense of trust in the procurement process.

Contractors and suppliers, fearing they become targets and are denied jobs if they speak up, are some of the most fatigued and frustrated citizens because of what presently obtains – the uncertainties, the lack

of fairness, and of course the preference for sole-sourcing and annulment of tender to guarantee desired outcomes.

While Jordan claims that the APNU+AFC Administration has a procurement process aligned with transparency and accountability, the Guyanese people have been witnesses to: 1. An individual close to the Government, who never owned a pharmaceutical bond, without responding to a public advertisement, had his services sole-sourced. It is a contract that costs over $14million monthly; 2. $1.4billion spent on D’Urban Park, where even the Auditor General cannot have access to the paper trail that documents spending; 3. The sole-sourcing of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies to the tune of $605million, which was done with the knowledge of senior

Government officials – a matter investigated by the Public Procurement Commission, whose report we await on the resumption of Parliament, and a matter that saw a Cabinet paper being presented by Minister Jordan in an effort to facilitate the cover-up of this transgression.

Are these cases, which do not in the least represent the only breaches of the Procurement Act, aligned with transparency and accountability? Did Government go through a process ‘as transparent as possible’ before these undertakings were advanced?

It is being intellectually dishonest for APNU+AFC to claim credit for establishing the Public Procurement Commission (PPC). There is a PPC today because of the magnanimous concessions of the Parliamentary Opposition, since the PPC needed a two-thirds ma-

jority vote in the National Assembly. When APNU and AFC were in Opposition, they used the requirement of the two-thirds majority for the establishment of this Commission to extract all kinds of concessions from the Government, and it was used as a political football.

How can Minister Jordan claim that the APNU+AFC Administration created a ‘transparent environment’ for procurement when there is not even information on Government websites, including that of the National Procurement and Tender Administration, which is required by law.

If you terminate the services of experienced professionals because of their perceived political affiliation, if you annul procurement process because you see that your favoured contractors are not going to win the bids, if you delay proj-

ects to await the availability of your favoured contractor, your Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP) implementation rate will be dismal. This is a self-created problem that is directly linked to the lack of accountability and transparency in the procurement process under this Coalition Administration.

Spending of public money must be rules-based, must be done in a manner that inspires public confidence, and the public’s interest must be safeguarded. No amount of rhetoric on the issue of transparency and accountability would ‘pull wool’ over the eyes of the Guyanese people.

After all is said and done, the fact is that under this Coalition Administration, more is always said than done.

Sincerely, Bishop Juan Edghill

GRA does not GWI apologises to Essequibo make but only residents for ‘low level’ of service administers the law Dear Editor, The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has made note of a letter (in the September 28, 2017 edition of another newspaper) titled “Why does GRA no longer give mortgage interest relief to first-time home owners if they don’t have taxable income?” by Jorge Bowen Forbes, in which the writer expresses concern about one of the criteria for acquiring Mortgage Interest Relief (MIR) from the GRA. In response, the Agency hereby steers the writer to the Income Tax (Mortgage Interest Relief) Amendment Regulations 2015 Section 6 (1) which states “In ascertaining the chargeable income of a person who is eligible for mortgage interest relief, there shall be allowed a deduction against his chargeable income, the amount of the interest paid to the Financial Institution in the year preceding the year of assessment.”

Additionally, Section 6 (2) indicates that “In ascertaining the amount of the refund payable on the eligible relief under section 20 (A) of the Act, the Commissioner General shall first ascertain the chargeable income of the

taxpayer and if it is determined that the chargeable income is not sufficient and will result in reducing the chargeable income below zero, then the refunds paid on the mortgage interest relief to the taxpayer will be reduced accordingly and he shall not be eligible for the full relief.”

The GRA does not make but only administers the law. The Authority wishes to advise the writer that at no time will age be a determining factor when dealing with taxpayers. MIR is a form of refund and, as can be observed, it is processed through GRA’s Refund section. Consequently, with a refund being that of a tax payment, there can be no refund when no tax is paid in the first place.

We trust that this adequately answers the writer’s question. However, should he have further queries, he is welcome to call the agency on 227-6060 extensions 1201-1204.

Regards, Public Relations Unit Communication and Tax Advisory Services Division Guyana Revenue Authority

Dear Editor, The Guyana Water Incorporated wishes to thank Mr Thakechand Ramnauth, Chairman of the Community Development Council at Anna Regina, for his letter published in the Kaieteur newspaper on October 6, 2017 captioned “Citizens of Anna Regina make desperate plea to GWI".

Firstly, GWI apologises to the residents of Essequibo for the low level of service they have been receiving. Nevertheless, the company wishes to assure

residents that its Regional Office has been undertaking remedial works to bring relief.

The Regional Office has completed the interconnection of two mains between Henrietta and Anna Regina, aimed at improving water supply and increasing pressure. Additionally, the Regional Office recently detected and repaired major leakages, and continues to inspect villages for other existing leaks. Residents are also encouraged to report leaks.

In an effort to main-

tain adequate pressure for all residents across the Essequibo Coast, GWI is urging all customers to desist from pumping water directly from their water service connection to an elevated tank, as this is against best practices allowed by GWI and prevents nearby residents from accessing a sufficient level of service.

Alternatively, customers can store water in a ground level tank via gravity flow.

After this is done, only then can customers pump water from their ground-level

tank to their elevated tank.

GWI thanks you for your kind cooperation.

Persons wishing to report a leak or make a query can contact our Customer Call Centre on 2278701/03/04, or our Anna Regina office on 771-4162; or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @ guyanawaterinc.com for more information.

Regards, Leana Bradshaw Public Relations Officer GWI

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I

t’s easy to feel disconnected, as many parents juggle work, school, children, and activity after activity.

But some simple things can bring a family closer – playing a game, going for a hike, or cooking a meal together.

One of the most satisfying, fun, and productive ways to unite is volunteering for

community service projects.

Volunteerism also sets a good example for your children and helps the community.

Reasons to get involved

guyanatimesgy.com

Foundation

What children can learn from volunteering If volunteering begins at an early age, it can become part of children’ lives — something they might just expect and want to do.

It can teach them: A sense of responsibility. Children and teens learn what it means to make and

keep a commitment. They learn how to be on time for a job, do their best, and be proud of the results. But they also learn that, ultimately, we’re all responsible for the

well-being of our communities.

That one person can make a difference. A wonderful, empowering message for children is that they’re important enough to have an impact on someone or something else.

The benefit of sacrifice.

By giving up a toy to a less

fortunate child, a child learns that sometimes it’s good to sacrifice and that there are important things besides ourselves and our immediate needs.

Tolerance. Working in community service can bring children and teens in touch with people of different backgrounds, abilities, ethnicities, ages, and education and income levels. They’ll learn that even the most diverse individuals can be united by common values.

Job skills. Community service can help young people decide on their future careers.

Are they interested in the medical field? Hospitals and clinics often have teenage volunteer programmes. Do they love politics? Children can work on the real campaigns of local political candidates.

Learning to work as a team member, taking on leadership roles, setting project goals — these are all skills that can be gained by volunteering and

will serve children well in any future career.

How to fill idle time wisely. If children aren’t involved in traditional after-school activities, community service can be a wonderful alternative.

Getting your family involved

The Internet offers lots of

Families can do many volunteer jobs. Even the smallest child (with adult supervision) can pick up garbage at the park, playground, or beach. You don’t even have to be part of a big effort to do this. Get your family together, find some garbage bags, and head out.

Or become involved in re-

Why should your family lend a helping hand?

It feels good. The satisfaction and pride that come from helping others are important reasons to volunteer. When you commit your time and effort to an organisation or a cause you feel strongly about, the feeling of fulfilment can be endless.

It strengthens your community.

Organisations and agencies that use volunteers are providing important services at low or no cost to those who need them. When a community is doing well as a whole, its individuals are better off, too.

It can strengthen your family. Volunteering is a great way for families to have fun and feel closer. But it can be hard to find the time to volunteer. So try rethinking some of your free time as a family. You could select just one or two projects a year and make them a family tradition (for example, making and donating gift baskets to care facilities for the elderly around the holidays). sites with information about volunteer opportunities. You can also call a favourite charity, hospital, or church directly to see if they have any needs.

Or contact a local volunteer clearinghouse, which matches up volunteers and community organisations and can help you find openings at nonprofit organisations in your area.

When looking for a volunteer position, remember that it may be difficult to find the perfect volunteer slot. Be flexible, and keep looking if the agency you were referred to doesn’t meet your needs. It may take a while to find a perfect fit, but once you do, it will be worth it.

Good volunteer jobs for families and children

pair and renovation efforts for low-income residents.

Younger children might not be able to do the big jobs, but helping out by fetching a paintbrush or holding the nails involves them just the same.

Work at a community food bank or soup kitchen as a family. Find an organisation that serves the elderly. Take food to people who are homebound and visit with them.

Your children can brighten a lonely senior’s day instantly. Offer your family’s help at the local animal shelter. Help plant flowers or trees. The possibilities are endless.

Whatever you choose to do, volunteering and community service can benefit both the community and your family. Get involved today! (kidshealth.org)

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saturDAY, october 7, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Broadcasters forced to comply Drug shortages in Region 2 with 11th hour applications – which PPP dubs as ‘blundering incompetence’ by GNBA

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roadcasters were this past week given four days to comply with the new broadcast legislation and to re-apply for licences as a result of blunders by the Guyana National Broadcast Authority (GNBA).

The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has said that, despite calls from the Guyana Press Association, Caribbean Association of Media Workers, Reporters without Borders, and other major organisations representing the cause of journalism and freedom of the press, and despite the PPP/C’s call to the Government to withdraw the Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill 2017, “the Government ignored

all these calls, passed the Bill in the National Assembly, the President assented to it, and upon the directions of the Prime Minister, the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) has begun to enforce its provisions.”

According to the party, “We reiterate that this Act unduly restricts press freedom, expropriate private proprietary interest, and is oppressive and unconstitutional. We intend to lead the constitutional challenge against it in the Courts.”

The party documented that as a result of blundering incompetence, the Government has made the enforcement of the Act as

draconian as the provisions themselves.

“Although the Bill was assented to, and came into force since the 7th September 2017, this information was only made public on the 24th September 2017...Then, only on the 1st October 2017 did the GNBA inform broadcasters that they have seven days to submit their applications for a licence under the Act. Even then, the incompetence continued: only late on the evening of the 3rd October 2017 were application forms for the licences made available.”

Broadcasters are now being forced to complete application forms which require a massive amount of financial and other tech-

nical information before the deadline of Saturday, October 7th, 2017. “If they fail to do so, then they would be forced to close down their operations, or expose themselves to be charged with a criminal offence which carries a fine of $1million and imprisonment for one year, and their broadcasting equipment is liable to be forfeited by the Government under the provisions of this law.”

According to the PPP, “This oppressive regime of requirements is another reminder of the harsh reality that we are careening down the road to political dictatorship...We say to the Government that is it not too late to withdraw this oppressive piece of law.”

GPHC service delivery boosted with ECG machine

H

ealth service delivery at the Accident and Emergency Unit of the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) has been boosted with the addition of a new electrocardiography (ECG) machine. This was handed over on Friday

by Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr Karen Cummings, to the Accident and Emergency Unit of the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC).

Minister Cummings noted that non-communicable diseases are high on the list of major diseases that cause death, specifically cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks. She added that the ECG machine would aid in the diagnosis of cardiovascular disease, which would allow for timely lifesaving intervention.

She underscored that the GPHC is the country’s national referral hospital, and offers high-facility health care services not only to residents in the capital, but also to persons in all ten administrative re-

Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr Karen Cummings hands over the ECG Machine to a nurse in the Accident and Emergency Unit of the GPHC. Also in photo are Medical Director of GPHC’s Accident and Emergency Unit, Dr Zulfkar Bux and other staff

for, to provide service to the people for a long period of time,” Minister Cummings said.

Receiving the machine was Medical Director of the Accident and Emergency Unit of the GPHC, Dr.

ing that the machine will aid in the improved delivery of health services of the hospital.

Also in attendance were former Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Brigadier George

Zulfikar Bux. He expressed gratitude to the Ministry for the timely donation, not-

Lewis, and nurses of the Accident and Emergency Unit.

The ECG Machine

gions.

“I do expect that the machine will be properly cared

…patients complain of being asked to purchase basic medication

R

Regional Chairman Devanand Ramdatt

esidents in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) are complaining of having to purchase basic medication owing to the lack of drugs and medical supplies at the two public hospitals and health posts there.

Many of the residents related that often they were given prescriptions to purchase medication from pharmacies which most of them cannot afford.

When contact was made with Regional Chairman Devanand Ramdatt on the shortages of drugs, he acknowledged same to be true.

Ramdatt said that an analysis of the Region's Budgetary Allocations and Expenditures for 2017 shows that Region Two was given $186, 099,000 in its 2017 Budget. Of this amount, Ramdatt said, only $2,000,000 were released up to the end of September 2017.

He said it must be made clear that the regional health officials have done all that was necessary to secure the much-needed financial re-

sources to procure drugs and medical supplies.

At a recent meeting held at the Finance Ministry, the matter was discussed and a commitment was given that available funds from the Region's allocation would be released.

Ramdatt said while he was pleased with such a decision, his major concern was for the authorities to closely review the systems that were in place so that Region Two could have adequate medical supplies.

"Our people in Region Two are faced with the burden of having to spend their own cash to purchase medications. Patient care providers/staff in the health sector are finding it difficult to work without basic medical supplies," Ramdatt further explained.

“We are already in October, the final quarter of this year, and approximately $184,000,000 remain unspent under this budgetary line and patients/residents are suffering," Ramdatt added.

8 NEWS

saturDAY, october 7, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

IN THE COURTS

Couple charged for defrauding church The beat A

couple were made answerable to the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Friday after they defraud a place of worship – a Full Gospel church.

Kevin Smith, 34, and Tamika Times, 25, both of 76 Duncan Street, Kitty, Georgetown, denied the allegation made against them.

City Magistrate Judy Latchman read the charges to the two which stated that on September 30, 2017, in Georgetown, they robbed Naz Ramit and Claire Thomas of $1000 each by pretending that they were

collecting funds on behalf of the children feeding programme of the Full Gospel Church.

According to Prosecutor

Shawn Gonsalves, the defendants were on Cummings Street, Georgetown handing out donation forms when the two Virtual

Complainants (VCs) made their donations.

However, when the defendants attempted to do the same to another person, it was observed by him that the forms were without stamps.

This was reported to the Police who arrested the couple, and investigations revealed that they were committing fraud. As such, the man and pregnant woman were both charged with the offence.

They were granted $20,000 bail on each charge and were expected to reappear in court on October 20, 2017.

Stabroek Market vendor remanded for cannabis possession

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cigarette vendor operating in Stabroek Market, Georgetown, was refused bail by Magistrate Judy Latchman on Friday for allegedly being in possession of cannabis.

Wilton Beckles, 46, of Lot 45 Friendship, Govindam, East Bank Demerara (EBD), denied that the illicit drug belonged to him when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

That charge stated that on October 3, 2017 at Stabroek Market, Georgetown, he had in his possession 110 grams of cannabis for the purpose of traf-

ficking.

Police Prosecutor Shawn

Gonsalves objected to bail being granted owing to the

seriousness of the crime, the prevalence and the penalty attached.

He revealed that ranks from the Brickdam Police Station were on patrol duty in the said area when the defendant was observed pushing a wheelchair.

However, it was observed that the wheelchair contained transparent plastic.

As such, ranks stopped the defendant and carried out a search that unearthed the drug.

Magistrate Latchman remanded Beckles to prison.

He is scheduled to reappear in court on October 27, 2017.

Labourer accused Linden man charged for stealing electronics of stealing alcoholic

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resident of Wismar, Linden found himself before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Friday for stealing a long list of electronic items after he broke into the home of a fellow Lindener.

Lester Drakes, 20, of 161 Half Mile, Wismar, had the charge of break and enter read to him by Magistrate Judy Latchman.

The charge stated that between September 24 and September 25, 2017, at Lot 1675 Central Amelia’s Ward, Mackenzie, Linden, he broke and entered the dwelling house of Laurence Fidook and stole one Samsung cellphone, two iPhones, one Azami phone, one Lodging cell phone, one Bluetooth headset, one Smart watch, two laptops and one backpack, a total value of $453,000.

According to the facts

of the matter, the joiner by profession, who had a similar matter before the court, was caught after one of the stolen phones was traced and found in his possession.

Prosecutor Shawn Gonsalves reported that the Virtual Complainant (VC) secured his premises, but the following morning, he noticed a window of his house was open.

An inspection revealed that the items mentioned in the charge were missing and following the discovery of the phone on the person of the defendant, he was arrested and charged with the crime.

The prosecution had no objections to bail being granted.

Drakes was granted bail in the sum of $150,000. The defendant is scheduled to make his next court appearance on October 20, 2017.

beverages granted $150,000 bail

A

labourer who broke and entered a stall and carted off a large quantity of stocks, including many beverages, was on Friday granted bail in the sum of $150,000.

Twenty-six-yearold Junior Kristy of South Cummingsburg, Georgetown, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts and denied the charge read to him.

Magistrate Judy Latchman read the charge which stated that on September 29, 2017, at the Kingston Seawall, Kristy broke and entered the stall of Traylon Charles and stole several alcoholic beverages, including Guinness,

beer and Vita Malt, a total value of $156,580.

According to Police Prosecutor Shawn Gonsalves, the Virtual Complainant (VC) secured her stall, but arrived the following day to discover that her stock was missing.

She reportedly made enquiries around the area and was told that the defendant was seen lurking.

As such, the matter was reported and the defendant was apprehended. He was told of the offence, cautioned, and charged.

However, Kristy is adamant that he did not carry out the act. He was placed on bail and scheduled to return to court on October 27, 2017 for reports.

goes on…

Y

…with the PNC

our Eyewitness has to fess up. He’d never realised all these past 25 years the date of the birth of the PNC - which killed democracy in Guyana - was to the birth of democracy on Oct 5th: the day after! The Big Guy up there does have a sense of humour. But then HE did arrange “birth and death” as one of those “pair of opposites” some folks are always carrying on about!!

So, the PNC leaders raised their party’s flag yesterday, and your Eyewitness breathed a sigh of relief when he saw it wasn’t over the Court of Appeal. This, of course, was what their Founder Leader Burnham had done after he declared the PNC was “paramount” over the government and the state. Just as Burnham had done when he was squeezed into office with the UF in 1964, the APNU isn’t showing all its cards just yet.

That will come after 2020 - which might just stretch into 2021 - when we’ll have our defining elections for the next three decades. That defining moment for Burnham’s PNC came in 1968 when - as the US classified files show he came up with several stratagems to “fix” the elections scheduled for that year. He was allowed to get away with his dirty deed cause the US had a bee in their bonnet about Cheddi and the Commies.

Since the latter has disappeared, is it the oil this time?

Ah well, politics and economics were always joined at the hip. Even Marx referred to “political economy”. But 1968 brings up that PNC leader who Pressie studiously avoids mentioning in his panegyrics - Desmond Hoyte.

Was it because Hoyte bypassed him for the Chief of Staff position in favour of Joe Singh?

Anyhow Hoyte was critical to our first electoral rigging in 1968 - which led to the neutering of the PPP as well as the expulsion of the UF. Hoyte was a young lawyer in Burnham’s law firm of Martin and Clark - and he was seconded to the then Guyana Elections Commission. He piloted the approval of the electoral list being extracted from the General Registration rolls - which allowed to any number of PNC’s supporters being “created” and enfranchised.

The rest, as they say, is history. A sordid history, but history nevertheless - and one that almost certainly, is about to be repeated. In the upcoming “farce”, the AFC will be discarded like a used condom even though it provided protection for the dirty deed about to be consummated on the Guyanese people.

But who said politics is played by the Marquis of Queensbury Rules? Not the PNC!!

…with preferential politics

Well, Pressie did advise the gathered African organisations during their August soiree to make their demands. Ask, he said, and it will be given unto them.

ACDA just stepped up to the crease - and boy did they hit some big shots!!

It seems “the APNU+AFC government (is) fearful and hesitant to work towards economic parity for AfricanGuyanese (because) the PPP, its agents, supporters, some media houses and persons, have started a vicious and rabid propaganda campaign against any effort to level the economic playing field.” Evidently, the government had budgeted spending for the African community but the “fear” has paralysed the government from spending its allocated budget. Now we know the reason for this anomalous state of spending!

Seems the procurement system is also “skewed”!!

And there needs to be more firings by the government since there’s “the retaining of persons who have and continue to work at sabotaging every effort that would bring economic justice to African-Guyanese.”

There goes that that last Indian PS left standing!!!

…with army takeover

The 10th UG VC - who made a career of consulting with the US Military - just made the 50 year old GDF Officer Cadets’ Course equivalent into a UG Diploma.

Facilitates GDF Officers’ qualifications for civilian govt posts!!

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

News

9

saturDAY, october 7, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Police's indiscipline causing him Raise Joint Services age of retirement, “very bad month” – Ramjattan UG Vice Chancellor urges

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M

inister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, on Friday castigated members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) for offences such as late night drinking. He rated the last month as a “very bad” one when the slipups and behaviour of some members of the Force are considered.

During a side interview with members of the media on Friday, Ramjattan acknowledged that emergency Police response has been lagging in some cases. According to Ramjattan, the situation has progressed to the point where victims have had to telephone him personally, since they could not rouse the Police.

The Minister linked this to indiscipline in some Police ranks. This indiscipline, Ramjattan said, includes late night drinking and dereliction of duty; culminating in a month he described as a very bad one.

“That leaves a lot to be desired. I have been having a real bad month, in relation to my Police Force. They have been drinking late at the seawall, doing all manner of things on desks, and it’s being stolen; it has been a bad month,” the Minister said.

However, the Minister praised members of the public who have come forward to report cases such as domestic abuse.

Ramjattan also noted that his Ministry has been endeavouring to provide appropriate training for police.

“We are trying; we are (giving) the Police more resources. We are giving them as much training (as possible). But anger management is going to be a big part of (the remedy), and some more (training) in relation to how you deal with domestic violence.”

“But I am glad that people have been coming forward now, because there was an underlying silence that created a lot of violence.

ice Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Professor Ivelaw Griffith said there should be a revision of the age of retirement for Joint Services ranks since the age-old British system has outlived its usefulness.

“There ought to be revision of the time that allows the nation to benefit from the skills. The 55, 57, 60 (years old) thing is not in the context of modern society…

Flashback: Retired Colonel Desmond Roberts handing the report over to Minister of State, Joseph Harmon Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan

As you know, silence is violence, and I am glad that people are now coming out to report and making (direct) calls to the Ministry,” he continued.

It was only recently that close to two kilogrammes of cocaine disappeared from the Property Room of the Police Narcotics Unit. The unit’s head, Superintendent Wayne De Harte, was subsequently transferred to Berbice with effect from Monday, October 2. Several members of the unit were also questioned.

The cocaine had been tendered as evidence against 31-year-old Travis Mendonca, who was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to a trafficking in narcotics charge.

After the news broke of the missing cocaine, acting Police Commissioner David Ramnarine confirmed that an investigation has been launched by the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR).

It was reported that while the State won the case against Mendonca, investigators had issued a wanted bulletin for 27-year-old Delvor Bunbury of Lot 37 Victoria Road, Plaisance, East Coast Demerara as the alleged mastermind in the incident. He has since been charged.

Two Mondays ago, Police had intercepted Mendonca, who was travelling to the

United States. Police stated that during a search of the suitcase belonging to Mendonca, 1828 grams of cocaine were unearthed.

During interrogation, Bunbury’s name was called.

He, along with another, was charged for narco-possession in March of this year. A police officer, Louie Dublin, was also charged in connection with the matter.

Then a SWAT Team Commander was dismissed days ago, following a robbery which resulted in him being relieved of his service weapon, sixteen live rounds of ammunition, and his motorcar.

All this occurred while he was reportedly in the company of a female friend in the vicinity of the seawall. The officer reported that the robbery occurred at around 22:00hrs on Monday in the vicinity of the Kitty Seawall.

He allegedly was pounced on by three men, one of whom discharged two rounds at him before relieving him of the items before the men made good their escape. However, moments after the robbery, the vehicle was found abandoned in the vicinity of Ogle Airstrip, East Coast Demerara (ECD) by members of the Police Force.

Investigations are currently ongoing to bring to justice the perpetrators involved in the robbery attack.

Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Professor Ivelaw Griffith

Within the Commonwealth, the sad reality is the age of retirement; that does not allow for the nation to benefit from the skills, assets and capabilities of our defence officers, our Police Officers.

This old British rationale has outlived its usefulness,” he said.

Griffith made the comments at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to improve officers’ education on Thursday.

He also reiterated his recommendation for the Guyana Defence Force to collaborate with the University to implement a programme to train officers who are transitioning from the pre-retirement to post-retirement phase.

He explained that the programme could be one that taught the officers how to improve their skills so that they could become assets after retiring.

“Not only for your economic remuneration and value, but for gainful employment and utilisation of those skills. I would recommend one of the things with-

in a year of the transition of moving to retirement how might the Defence Force help its officers to be better positioned for gainful economic employment and for the leveraging of the scales,” he said.

Last year, President David Granger commissioned a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) headed by retired Colonel Desmond Roberts with the aim of ensuring a comfortable and dignified retirement for serving ranks. The report was handed over to the Minister of State, Joseph Harmon and was yet to be acted upon.

One of the aims of the Commission was to recommend ways in which the condition of retired ranks, most of whom are retired by 40

following their service to the country, could be improved.

Additionally, the Commission examined ways to improve the Veteran’s Home and other issues, including benefits provided to the families of deceased ranks and displaced records of veterans’ contributions to the National Insurance Scheme (NIS).

The Commission visited Regions One, Two, Five and Six and the main military bases (Seweyo, Stevenson and Ayanganna) to interact with and get the views of current officers. The Commission also worked closely with the Guyana Veterans Legion and the Regional Offices to reach out to as many veterans as possible, including those in the hinterland and overseas.

10 news

saturDAY, october 7, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

41st anniversary

Tributes flow for Cubana Air bombing victims …as Granger urges respect for territorial integrity, international law

By Jarryl Bryan

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special commemorative ceremony, attended by an entourage of Government and diplomatic officials, was held at the University of Guyana on Friday, paying tribute to those who lost their lives 41 years ago in the Cubana airline bombing.

At the ceremony, which saw wreaths being laid at the ‘Cubana 455’ monument that was unveiled in 2012 on the campus grounds, President David Granger lauded the memory of the 73 passengers.

“Guyana remembers today the victims of the Cubana terror attack. We assemble annually before this monument to memorialise the human cost of international terrorism. Guyana honours the memory of the martyrs,” he said.

Cuban Ambassador to Guyana, Julio Cesar Marchante also laid a wreath

He also noted that the only way to ensure the Caribbean remained a zone of peace was to maintain respect for international law. Granger reinforced Guyana’s opposition to terrorism and paid tribute to those who lost their lives in the bombing.

“The Caribbean must be-

come a zone of peace, but this objective can only be realised if international law and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of small states are respected.

“Guyana rejects totally the use of force to settle international controversies.

Guyana abhors the crime

Some of the victims of the 1976 Cubana bombing

of international terrorism, whenever and wherever it occurs. Guyana reassures the world of its commitment to (make) the Caribbean a zone of peace.”

Also addressing the gathering was Cuban Ambassador to Guyana, Julio Cesar Marchante. Expressing regret for the overall loss of

lives, the diplomat noted that aspiring medical students were part of the group.

He also expressed thanks for those responsible for the erection of the monument.

The Ambassador said that the act of terrorism perpetrated against Cuba was responsible for the mourning and pain of numerous families, as well as the destruction of property. Giving statistics, he reminded that terror attacks in Cuba resulted in the death of 3478 people and over 2099 were maimed and/or disabled.

“Cuba rejects double standards and unilateral actions contrary to the Charter of the United Nations and to the principles and norms of international law,” the diplomat said.

“May it serve this commemoration, to reiterate Cuba’s unwavering will to fight against terrorism and to state its firm rejection and condemnation of all terrorist acts, methods and practices in all its forms and manifestations regardless of their motivation,” he added.

On October 6, 1976, Cubana de Aviación flight CU 455 exploded just 11 minutes after take-off from the Grantley Adams International Airport, Barbados.

Those who perished were 57 Cubans, five North Koreans, and 11 Guyanese --- Ann Nelson, Jacqueline Williams, Sabrina Harripaul, Rita Thomas, Margaret Bradshaw, Violet Thomas, Rawle Thomas, Raymond Persaud, Harold Norton, Gordon Sobha and Seshnarine Kumar.

Four men were subsequently arrested for the bombing. Two men, Freddy Lugo and Herman Lozano, were later sentenced to 20 years in prison in a trial held in neighbouring Venezuela.

Another accused, Orlando Bosch, was acquitted.

Territorial integrity

Granger’s comments on respecting sovereignty are opportune, as they come at a time when the GuyanaVenezuela border controversy has very much been in the news. The controversy cen-

President David Granger as he laid a wreath at the base of the monument

tres on Venezuela’s claim to Guyana’s territory, despite international rulings reinforcing Guyana’s sovereignty.

Venezuela has staunchly been against oil exploration in Guyana’s Stabroek Block, where multiple oil discoveries have been made by ExxonMobil. In fact, Venezuela’s National Assembly had approved an agreement to reject the oil exploration activities earlier this year.

Back in 2015, the Spanishspeaking country had purported to claim more than half of Guyana’s territorial waters off the Essequibo Coast, and has steadfastly maintained that it did not recognise the 1899 Tribunal Award – which it agreed to respect – that settled its border with Guyana.

It has a territory that is several times bigger than Guyana’s, and a population that is almost 40 times that of Guyana’s. But Venezuela, in 1968, claimed the entire territorial sea of Guyana by means of the Leoni Decree, which has never been with-

drawn.

For decades Venezuela has occupied the Guyana side of Ankoko Island, objected to the development of hydropower stations in Essequibo, and has been staunchly opposed to Guyana exploring for oil offshore and onshore its Essequibo territory.

The Venezuelan Navy had, in 2013, intercepted and detained a Malaysian seismic vessel that had been conducting surveys in an offshore concession granted by Guyana to the United Statesbased Anadarko Petroleum Corporation, causing that company to leave and never return.

There have also been incidents inland Guyana, with Venezuelan aircraft attacking vessels operating on the portion of the Cuyuní River that the arbitration court has awarded Guyana.

Guyana has sought relief through one of the options in Article 33 of the United Nations Charter – arbitration and juridical settlement of the issue.

Man charged for discharging firearm …friend charged for hiding spent shells

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wo men appeared separately before Magistrate Judy Latchman on Friday after one of them reportedly fired shots at a popular night spot and the other obstructed Police investigations by hiding the spent shells.

Reaz Alli, 35, of Lot 9 CC Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara (ECD) and Anthony Akoo, 29, of Lot 107 National Walk, Triumph, ECD, both rep-

resented by Attorney-atLaw Bernard Da Silva, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Alli denied that on September 30, 2017 at Sandy Babb Street, Kitty, Georgetown, he discharged a loaded firearm from within 100 yards in a public place.

Meanwhile, Akoo also denied that on the same day at the same location, he wilfully attempted to obstruct the course of justice by throw-

ing away spent shells after a shooting.

According to Da Silva, Alli was reportedly attacked by four men and in an attempt to save himself, he fired two shots into the air.

The Attorney added that Akoo was not attempting to destroy evidence, but was actually picking up the spent shells for the Police.

However, the Police Prosecutor told the court that ranks were in the said

area when the incident occurred. Following the sound of gunshots, the ranks went to the location and arrested the two accused, while Akoo was reportedly in the process of throwing away the spent shells.

However, Magistrate Latchman granted bail to both defendants in the sum of $100, 000 each. They are expected to make their next appearance on October 20, 2017 for reports.

news

11

saturDAY, october 7, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Lusignan Prison escapee Emergency D&I works recaptured at Soesdyke in city almost complete T wo days after a rape-accused had managed to escape from the Lusignan Prison, police have confirmed, he was re-apprehended along the Soesdyke/Linden Highway on Friday morning.

Police, in a statement, noted that the prompt and spirited actions of a resident in the area have led to the recapture of 35-year-old Delon Blake, who had escaped from the Lusignan penitentiary in full view of police ranks on Wednesday last.

It was reported that Blake used his bed sheet and wooden pallets to climb over the fence on the northern side of the facility in full view of Police ranks performing duties in the tower. That area, according to Police, is well illuminated.

In light of this occurrence, ranks who were on duty at the time were removed from the location, and a Detective Superintendent of Police has been delegated to investigate the matter.

The fugitive was admitted to the prison on July 24, 2017. He was on remand for raping a relative. However, commenting on the incident, Public Security Minister Ramjattan bashed the officers on duty at the time for negligence, and dubbed the

Recaptured prisoner Delon Blake

behaviour of the ranks irresponsible.

“It is shocking when prison wardens, under their noses, people could escape like that. You are so embarrassed by certain staff members within these units, and that is why sometimes you sack them, you terminate them, they gon come pleading that they left unemployed”, he told reporters at an event on Friday.

The minister noted that after visiting the facility following the escape, he was told that Blake had placed a few pieces of wood under a platform where the police officers were stationed, and scaled the barbwire fence.

“It is horrific, the irresponsibility of our policemen”, Ramjattan added.

Back in July, 13 hardcore criminals escaped from the holding area at the said correctional facility. Twelve of the 13 were recaptured over a two-day period, while one remains on the run.

The one still at large is Paul Goriah, who was charged for murder. He is reportedly from Timehri, East Bank Demerara.

It was reported that the men escaped from the swampy pasture of the Lusignan Prison by digging a hole under the perimeter fence. The hole is about five feet in length and another five feet in depth.

While there are three layers of security at the penitentiary, the men were able to escape presumably during the downpour in the wee hour of the morning in question.

The first layer of security, as was reported, is the actual prison security. Then there are the Police ranks who were overlooking the criminals, and outside the parameter are members of the Guyana Defence Force.

The 13 escapees were transferred from the Camp Street Prison after it was reduced to ashes by inmates who set the place on fire.

Construction of $118M prison boat nears completion

Members of the team cleaning the drain at Main and New Market Streets

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team employed by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure is wrapping up the final stage of emergency drainage works in the City in the vicinity of Main and New Market Streets.

Community Coordinator Neilson McKenzie explained that in preparation for the May/June rains, $150million have been approved to effect rehabilitative works to the drainage and irrigation channels in and around Georgetown.

According to the Department of Public Information, he said seven broad areas were identified for the drainage works to be carried out, and the section between Church and Main Streets was one of those areas.

“It is a busy and thoroughly congested commercial block that was prone to flood and hadn’t any drainage works done in years.

This phase has a two-part approach; one is the cleaning and desilting of roadside drains, which is currently ongoing, and the second one is some underground works on culverts general-

Public Infrastructure Ministry Community Coordinator Neilson McKenzie

ly. It involves desilting of the entire underground system, and will run simultaneously with the first phase,” McKenzie explained. The drainage works, which will make the area almost flood free, commenced on October 1st and will run for the next six weeks.

McKenzie pointed out that regular maintenance will be undertaken. “We want to ensure that the input made will be effective,

and to have that made effective, it means the initial work has to be followed up with a maintenance phase. So we’re putting together a maintenance package which will support the initial work that was done,” the Community Coordinator said.

The team of workers has one supervisor and 12 staff, who work just over six hours daily. Contractor Joseph Williams explained that the scope of works includes weeding and clearing of the parapets, cleaning of drains and the bridges, clearing of the tunnels, and proper disposal of the debris.

“It’s long now I doing this work, but I am happy to be working for Government and clearing up the area. At the end of the day, the aim is to alleviate flooding in the area,” Williams said.

The project initially began in South Ruimveldt, where remedial works are still ongoing; then expanded to include areas such as North Ruimveldt, Albouystown and Queenstown, among others.

According to McKenzie, no additional funding will be used to execute the works.

Action plan for Sophia squatter containment reviewed

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P

The vessel under construction at the GNIC Shipyard

risoners are soon to be transported to the Mazaruni high-level security prison via a spanking new motor boat.

The $118 million passenger-cargo vessel for the Guyana Prison Service is under construction at the Guyana National Industrial Company (GNIC) Shipyard on Lombard Street, Georgetown and is slated to be completed by November month end.

Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, on a visit to the shipyard, told media operatives that, “GNIC was awarded the contract in May 2017 to ensure that we have proper transporta-

tion for prisoners and produce for the prisoners on the Essequibo river.”

Previously, prisoners were transported to the riverine prison location by private vessels contracted by the Government.

Expressing satisfaction at the quality of work being done and the rate at which the vessel is being completed, Minister Ramjattan said, “I am no expert, but having gone in there, it does appear that the GNIC is doing a good job it. I’m pleased that local people can be employed to ensure that the assets get completed on time.”

The twin-screw passenger-cargo vessel has been designed for har-

he Central Housing & Planning Authority (CH&PA) and a six-member AntiSquatting Task Force from Constituencies 5 and 6 met bour and riverine service on Wednesday and mulled in Guyana. According to over an action plan for the Department of Public squatter containment in the Information, it has accom- Sophia area.

Regarding squatting, modation for 80 passengers above the main deck, Minister within the Ministry as well as for 60 tons of car- of Communities, Valerie go below the main deck, Patterson-Yearwood, said it ahead of the engine room. is her intention to replicate It contains three water- the action plan in the admintight bulkheads which di- istrative regions, in an efvide the hull into four com- fort to regularise areas and to identify those that do not partments.

The vessel will be de- qualify for such due to envisigned with a free running ronmental issues.

She noted that though speed of not less than 12 knots, and will be fitted with the Government does not two Perkins diesel engines have all of the answers or resources to address the squatdeveloping about 500hp.

Additionally, the vessel ting matters, the agency is will be steel welded in con- currently partnering with struction, and will be of ABS the Inter-American Bank (IDB) to obtain funding for classification standard.

Minister within the Ministry of Communities Valerie Patterson-Yearwood

housing.

Earlier this year, CH&PA engaged several financial agencies, including IDB, to secure funding for low-cost housing to assist persons squatting on Government reserves. From data collected, the agency reviewed the relocation of approximately 12,000 persons from communities such as East and

West Ruimveldt, Sophia, and Diamond on the East Bank Demerara.

The key stakeholder agencies engaged in the discussions were: Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Ministry of Public Security, Mayor and City Council (M&CC), National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), Guyana Power and Light (GPL), and Guyana Lands and Surveys.

According to the Department of Public Information, it is the view of the Central Housing & Planning Authority (CH&PA) that the public standard of living must be elevated, and provided with all the necessary amenities in keeping with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of ensuring access to safe and affordable housing,

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saturDAY, october 7, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Int’l experts to gather in Guyana for Internet Week 2017 T

he business community in Guyana, along with other stakeholders, will benefit from a networking opportunity next week.

Internet and Information Communications Technology (ICT) experts from around the world will gather in Georgetown to participate in the annual high-level technology conference to mark International Internet Week 2017.

The seminar will feature five days of technical capacity building discussions at the Guyana Pegasus Hotel, from October 9 th to 13th, 2017.

At a press conference on Friday, Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes, revealed that the aim of the forum is to provide a baseline and an opportunity to garner information on a number of cur-

Public Telecommunications Minister Cathy Hughes

rent issues and activities that are ongoing in the telecommunications and ICT industries.

Lance Hinds, Ministerial Advisor and Head of the Industry and Innovation Unit of the Ministry, added that the week of activities will provide information on

Lance Hinds, Ministerial Advisor and Head of the Industry and Innovation Unit of the Ministry

how the Internet works, the way it is governed, and the policies for daily governance.

He also disclosed that cyber-security will be one of the major topics, given the constant evolution of the growing inventory of

web-connected gadgets utilised in routine business transactions and critical services.

While the Ministry of Public Telecommunications will host this year’s conference, the event is being organised jointly with the Latin America and Caribbean Internet Addresses Registry (LACNIC), which distributes and manages Internet number resources in the region. Other bodies participating include the Internet Society (ISOC), Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU), and the Caribbean Network Operators Group (CaribNOG).

The Department of Public Information said that the opening day, which has been designated ICT Awareness Day, will introduce discussions on cyber-security, social networking, and digital responsibility, among other topics. ISOC and ICANN are expected to lead the discussion on Internet governance on day two. The final day has been reserved for youths and budding ICT specialists, and is open to secondary and tertiary level students, youths utilising community ICT hubs, and other young people interested in carving out a career in IT.

New Amsterdam Hospital to get new maternity unit to enhance service

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onstruction will soon begin on a new maternity unit, valued at more than $23million, at the New Amsterdam Hospital compound, Region Six. Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, said the unit will include private birthing rooms so fathers can be present, an operational theatre, neonatal unit, as well as a ward of 50 beds.

“It is expected that this project, when completed, will enable the Region Six Health authorities to better take care of the approximately 3,000 maternal deliveries that are done in the region every year,” Minister Harmon noted.

This new maternal unit will be a model that will be followed in the upgrade of other health facilities across the country. “His Excellency’s vision is to have a maternal hospital…these steps that are being taken now are preliminary steps,” Minister Harmon noted.

The Ministry of Public Health has been upgrading

health facilities across the country.

The maternal unit at the Leonora Cottage Hospital is set to be commissioned soon.

It is expected to house 50 beds, two operating rooms, the birthing room, and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) on the top floor. Additionally, the new wing is intended to decrease the number of referrals to the GPHC. There was also an expansion of the facility at the West Demerara Regional Hospital to adequately address maternal cases. Hospitals in Bartica and Essequibo were also upgraded.

According to the Department of Public Information, there are also plans to upgrade the hospitals in the hinterland to provide better maternal services to women. More importantly, these upgrades are intended to reduce the number of maternal fatalities as well as referrals being made to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC).

Board installed for Linden Utility Company

Minister David Patterson (fourth right); Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Kenneth Jordan (far right); Linden Mayor Carwyn Holland (second right) with the new members of the Linden Utility Company Board

T

he board of the Linden Utility Company was sworn in on Friday, with Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, calling for an improvement in the quality of electricity supplied to the mining town.

The new board members are: Chairman, Tracy Johnson; Members Elwyn Marshall, Mortimer Mingo, Horace Williams, Leslie Gonsalves, and Renford Homer -- who is serving as a representative of the Guyana Power and Light Company Inc. A member representing the Parliamentary Opposition is yet to be appointed.

In brief remarks to the board, Minister Patterson

encouraged the new members to dedicate their time diligently and to work with a unified agenda. He stressed the importance of innovation, and suggested that the board undertake new, feasible avenues, such as implementing renewable energy projects, where necessary.

"Overall, I want you to provide a higher level of service to the residents of Linden," he said.

Representatives of the utility company were also praised for successes, such as relatively low technical and commercial losses, and an impressive revenue collection rate that is higher than 90 per cent. While Minister Patterson noted that there was room for im-

provement, he applauded the company for its efforts, and encouraged the board to aim for greater achievements.

Representatives also shared that the company has plans to upgrade its decades-old network through the rehabilitation or replacement of equipment.

Mayor of Linden, Mr Carwyn Holland, who was present at the ceremony, shared with Minister Patterson some areas that would need assistance from the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, such as the provision of electricity to unserved areas in Linden.

Insufficient drainage within communities was also raised as an area of concern.

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saturDAY, october 7, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

President honours 69 awardees at 2017 investiture ceremony “I will continue to serve my country”, Chancellor pledges as she receives Order of Roraima

By S hemuel F anfair

I

t was an evening of reflective dance pieces and patriotic songs that mirrored the devotion of the 69 persons who were honoured on Friday eve-

moving forward, she would continue to work for, and be of service to, her country.

In a brief address to the gathering, President Granger noted that his Administration would

maintain the tradition of bestowing awards yearly, and that the names of the honourees would continue to be announced on May 26, Independence Day. He stressed that a national honour system

is about highlighting and rewarding a person’s service, which he noted can increase the country’s wealth in science and technology and can safeguard the nation’s interests.

“Awards are not ornamental; they are not bestowed capriciously, awards celebrate the common good,” he noted.

He stated further that such symbols embody the high values of citizens’ successes, and added that the younger generation can take their example from their older counterparts who were bestowed with the honours.

Of the ceremony’s 69 honourees, 1 received the Order of Roriama; 5, the

Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Yonette Cummings-Edwards, was humbled to receive the Order of Roraima, and stressed that she would continue to serve her country

Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana’s Education Director, Moeenul Hack received the CCH. In photo also is Director of Public Prosecutions, Shalimar Ali-Hack

ning for their outstanding contributions to service and to the advancement of Guyana over the course of their lives.

Receiving the night’s highest honour from President David Granger was acting Chancellor of the Judiciary Yonette Cummings-Edwards, who expressed much humility and appreciation for being adorned with the Order of Roraima (OR). She was honoured for her contributions to law and administration.

Established in 1976, the OR is the second highest possible honour that one can be invested from the nation, and is limited to only 35 living Guyanese persons.

Speaking after receiving the honour, Chancellor CummingsEdwards indicated that

The Military Service Medal was conferred on: Lieutenant Colonels Lawrence Fraser and Ramkarran Doodnauth of the Guyana Defence Force, while the Disciplined Services Medal for Meritorious Service were Assistant Commissioner of Police Nigel Hoppie, retired Deputy Chief Fire Officer Winston McGregor, and acting Director of Prisons Gladwin Samuels. In photo, Army Chief-of-Staff Brigadier Patrick West and Fire Chief Marlon Gentle pose with awardees

It took a few seconds for President Granger to attach acting Chief Justice George’s CCH, which prompted lighthearted laughter at Friday’s ceremony

Honourees at this year’s investiture

Cacique Crown of Honour (CCH); 44 the Golden Arrow of Achievement; and 14 the Medal of Service.

Additionally, 2 received the Military Service Medal (Lieutenant Colonels Lawrence Fraser and Ramkarran Doodnauth of the Guyana Defence Force), while 3 were honoured with the Disciplined Services Medal for Meritorious Service.

These were Assistant

Commissioner of Police Nigel Hoppie, retired Deputy Chief Fire Officer Winston McGregor, and acting Director of Prisons Gladwin Samuels.

Acting Chief Justice Roxanne George and Caricom Secretary General Irwin LaRocque received the CCH. Medal of Service honourees included Denise Dias, for her work in road safety and domestic violence awareness, and vet-

eran journalist George Barclay.

Golden Arrow of Achievement awardees were Environmentalist and aviation businesswoman Annette ArjoonMartins, journalists Enrico Woolford, Adam Harris and Julia Johnson, and businessmen Hemraj Kissoon, Jose Da Silva and Guyana Revenue Authority Commissioner General Godfrey Statia.

The dance and song items reflected the country’s culture and patriotism

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saturDAY, october 7, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

Several students stung by Brazilians claim aircraft bees during school tour Illegal aircraft seized in Region 9

was stolen, fail to produce evidence – Harmon

…says Police investigation completed, report with Ramjattan

The seized twin-engine Beechcraft Kingair aircraft

S

tate Minister Joseph Harmon said that Brazilian authorities are claiming ownership of the twin-engine Beechcraft Kingair aircraft that was discovered landed at an illegal airstrip in Region 9 over a month ago.

He added that the authorities told Guyanese investigators that the aircraft was stolen, but they are not forthcoming with the evidence to support their claim.

He said that following the claim, the investigators, through the Foreign Affairs Ministry in Guyana, requested additional information, but it was not forthcoming.

Harmon recently told the media that the investigators believe there may have been some collusion between some Police officers in the Region 9 area, who first discovered the aircraft, and the men who reportedly fled the scene as other officers moved in. However, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan said that several ranks have been transferred

from the area, but noted that that does not suggest that they are guilty of any wrongdoing.

At his post-Cabinet press briefing on Friday, Harmon said the investigators have wrapped up their investigation and Ramjattan is in possession of the report.

Ramjattan, when asked about the report, was unsure whether he was in possession of the document, but indicated that he may have it on his desk but is yet to look at the findings and recommendations.

Acting on information, a team from ‘F’ Division visited the area in Santa Fe Rupununi, and discovered a 5,400-foot long, 45-foot wide airstrip that appeared to have undergone recent repairs. This strip had been discovered and destroyed by the GDF only a few years ago. The aircraft landed while the ranks were making their way back to the airstrip. They reported that they saw some persons running into the bush.

A history of the air-

craft shows that it was owned by 11 companies in the past 27 years. The Beechcraft Kingair aircraft is currently registered to Banco Brandesco – one of Brazil’s third largest banks -- but a mining company named Riwa SA Incorporated Investments and Participants operates the aircraft.

Just last month, Wazim King, a 37-year-old driver, and Nathan Hamilton, 21-year-old excavator operator, both of Lethem, appeared before City Magistrate Judy Latchman, jointly charged with conspiracy. It is alleged that between August 10 and August 13, 2017 at Santa Fe, Rupununi, Region 9, they conspired with Hutshan Ramsingh, known as Ceon Singh, to facilitate the illegal landing of an aircraft suspected to be involved in the trafficking of narcotics and firearms’ smuggling at an illegal port of entry.

They were both remanded to prison, but Police are still searching for the businessman. (Lakhram Bhagirat)

E

ight students attached to the Academy of Excellence at Cornelia Ida, West Coast Demerara were treated at the Leonora Cottage Hospital after they were stung by a swarm of bees during a school tour at Hague Settlement Farm on Friday. The ages of the children are between 6 and 11.

Based on reports received, a total of 400 children travelled with their teachers and several parents to the Hague Farm owned by Ganga Persaud as part of a school tour.

Whilst at the farm, the children were put into groups and instructed not to pass certain boundaries and not to pick fruits from

particular trees, since the fruits were treated.

However, shortly after, several bees were observed

– post-mortem proves elderly women were strangled

F

Constance Fraser

Phyllis Caesar

Police confirmed that the house was ransacked, which suggested that the murders stemmed from a robbery.

In addition, detectives confirmed that the perpetrators may have gained entry to the home via the western door.

According to reports, Caesar failed to report to her place of worship as is customary, prompting several attempts to contact the duo, all of which were to no avail. A congregation member then alerted the Police and together, they ventured

flying around, and before Persaud could have alerted the students, he heard screams followed by children running out of the farm. The children were taken to safer grounds by the teachers and parents.

their parents were contacted.

“Unfortunately, we didn’t know the farm had bees. So with the big commotion, with the noise and whatever, apparently the bees were aggravated and

The section of the farm

4 arrested for Albert Street double murder; 2 confess our persons – three males and one female -- have been arrested in connection with the murder of 87-yearold Constance Fraser and 75-year-old Phyllis Caesar, whose bodies were discovered in their home at South Road and Albert Street, Georgetown.

Two of the four have since confessed to the heinous crime, while the Police have continued to grill the others.

It was reported that the bodies of Fraser, known as “Mother Fraser”, and Caesar, her niece, were found in the wee hours of Tuesday.

The women were found in the upper flat of the home, in their respective bedrooms, lying unconscious on their beds. Caesar’s hands and legs were bound, and a piece of cloth stuffed in her mouth.

Academy of Excellence

into the home and discovered the two dead women.

The elderly women were last seen alive while attending church on Monday evening.

Congregation members crowded the street after news of the discovery spread and they informed Guyana Times that on multiple occasions, bandits broke into the home of the two defenceless elderly women. During the most recent attack just about a month ago, the criminals took off with a cellular phone as well as a quantity of cash.

Meanwhile, the autopsy done on the bodies of the two women proved that they died as a result of asphyxiation due to suffocation and manual strangulation compounded with trauma to the head. The post-mortem was performed by local pathologist, Dr Nehaul Singh.

However, as a precaution, those who were stung were taken to the hospital, where they were examined, treated and sent away.

At the farm on Friday, Persaud told the Guyana Time that while he was surprised at the large number of children who had come to visit his farm, which comprises various fruit trees, he had still accommodated them.

“What I tried to do [before] was to put demarcation points that they should not go beyond; that wouldn’t be safe for them…It’s not dangerous, but they’re students. If they should venture and climb a tree and nobody sees them and those things,” Persaud explained.

He recalled that while explaining to a group of children about the history of the farm, he had spotted the bees flying around, and soon after, he heard screams coming from the children. Several of the children were stung, as well as teachers and parents.

Speaking with Guyana Times, Principal of the Academy of Excellence, Latchmin Gopaul, explained that the eight children who had been stung were accompanied to the hospital by a teacher, and

Farmer Ganga Persaud, aka Bobby

they started to come out,” she added.

Meanwhile, several parents lambasted the principal for her decision to take the children to the farm, highlighting that it was a reckless move. Many of them opted not to cast blame, especially since it was later reported to teachers by some other students that two mischievous pupils had tossed rocks at the bees’ hive at the farm, causing the bee attack.

The Leonora Police Station received reports of the incident from parents of some of the children, and the site was reportedly inspected and deemed safe.

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saturDAY, OCTOber 7, 2017 | guyanatimesgy.com

“Police Force probably most SOCU investigations distrusted institution” – Ramjattan hindered by some …Minister opts for disciplinary action rather than sacking reckless ranks

W

hile speaking at two separate events on Friday, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan went on a rampage, bombarding the Guyana Police Force (GPF) for their inexcusable acts of negligence, particularly those taking the country by storm in the past weeks.

According to the Minister, the country is seemingly becoming immunised to the malpractices of the GPF, especially given that such instances continued to persist on a regular basis. This is as Ramjattan alluded to the most recent incidents which saw a number of top-ranking officials being removed from their posts owing to indiscretions occurring under their watch.

Adding to that, just days ago, yet another criminal managed to sneak his way out of the Lusignan Prison, in the latest of more than three major breaches in public security for the year thus far.

In light of these alarming events, the Minister, during an address to the media, lashed out at the Police Force, saying, “When you do the [Latin American Public Opinion Project] LAPOP poll, apart from politicians, the Police Force is probably the

most distrusted institution in the country.”

However, when questioned as to what will be the approach taken in penalising the ranks who were involved in these incidents, the Minister appeared to be torn between placing the culprits under disciplinary action or removing them from the Force entirely.

Nevertheless, he opted for the more lenient method. “I am 400 Policemen short.

This year alone, nine senior officers retired and there is a tremendous shortage of quality people who got experience.

That is why sometimes, in moments l i k e these, you are cornered by the decision whether to knock off or whether to chastise and reprimand and tell them to come back and hope that they perform. It’s about giving people a second chance; I like second chances,” Ramjattan stated.

He further argued that sacking officers was not ex-

actly a smart move. “Knowing also the reality of so much Policemen short and also senior ranks who have retired, leaving a lot of vacuum; you go there and knock them off, sometimes it might not be in the interest of the Police Force. These are fellows we sent for training overseas and all kinds of thing and you might very well be wasting an asset, which, if given a second chance, might do better.”

With that being said, Ramjattan acknowledged his role in this matter as the head of the Public Security Ministry and, as s u c h , pledged that “we h a v e to recharge, rejuvenate and do some greater work”.

On that note, the Police Force has embarked on a leadership training programme, targeting a number of ranks with the aim of developing the capacity of the nation’s law enforcers, to reduce the incidents

which paint the Police Force in a negative light. Revisiting the first session of the project, which commenced on Thursday, Ramjattan related, “At the leadership meeting, I gave them a charge as to the kind of professionalism that I want from them and also the honesty that must come from leading members of the Police Force and not to make these embarrassments reoccur because they tarnish the whole Force.”

With the launch of this new initiative, the Public Security Minister looks forward to a reduction and eventual eradication of these damaging cases, altogether. Meanwhile, not overlooking the extent of defects existing within the GPF, Ramjattan indicated that investigations into the matters were still ongoing and based on the findings, necessary action would be taken, especially if the misconduct continued.

As such, Ramjattan pointed out, “There are lots of people who, if they were Ministers, would’ve done it differently.

I am going to deal with it the way that I know best and that is to talk to them, to urge them on and if their behaviour continues to be egregious, then we will have to do something.”

Cabinet approves establishment of Telecommunications Agency

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abinet has approved the establishment of the Guyana Telecommunications Agency and the commencement of the Telecommunication Act 2016.

The Agency will be responsible for a number of essential administrative and organisational activ-

ities, which will include: staffing of the agency, finalisation of licensing procedures in preparation for liberalisation, and issuance of new licences to telecommunication entities.

This was disclosed by Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, at a post-Cabinet press briefing on Friday at the Ministry of the

Presidency.

The establishment of the Agency is the first of two phases in the implementation of the Telecommunications Act 2016. The execution of phase one commenced from October 1 and will run until December 31.

It involves the formation of the Agency as a corporate

body, in accordance with the Act. Minister Harmon stated that at the end of this phase, the Agency is expected to be in a position to absorb the functions of the National Frequency Management Unit (NFMU), and have the capacity to deal with the additional regulatory functions mandated by the Act.

agencies – Harmon

M

inister of State, Joseph Harmon said that the non-cooperation of some commercial banks and Government officers were hindering the investigative capabilities of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), thus resulting in the sloth of prosecution.

Harmon made the statement while responding to questions about the pace of investigations by SOCU at his post-Cabinet press beefing on Friday. He said that there were some issues as it related to the valuation of properties, which would ultimately result in prosecution.

Harmon noted that he was also unaware of any issues with SOCU soliciting Special Prosecutors, adding that he would have to investigate further.

In addition, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan said he was aware of the complaints of non-cooperation and disobedience of the laws by a certain commercial bank. He added that the complaint has been passed to Finance Minister Winston Jordan and the Bank of Guyana, which was responsible for the licensing of banks in Guyana.

Ramjattan also said that banks were obligated to produce records once they receive an order from a judge.

The bank in question is the Guyana Bank for Trade and Investment (GBTI), which has reportedly refused to produce financial records to trace approximately US$500 mil-

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon

lion, which passed through the hands of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB).

SOCU, an arm of the Police which deals with financial crimes, had asked the bank for information on the accounts of a number of former officials of the GRDB. Information was also reportedly being sought for details of transfers involving the bank accounts of a prominent rice miller on the Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) as investigators believe that hundreds of millions of dollars were transferred to the miller.

However, the bank refused, so SOCU went to court to challenge the objection. GBTI’s legal team initially objected to what SOCU was asking for, resulting in back-and-forth submissions. However, in the end, the High Court ordered the bank to provide the requested documents.

MACORP extends technical support to UG I

n honouring their years-long commitment to the University of Guyana, Machinery Corporation of Guyana Limited (MACORP) on Thursday signed with UG a Memorandum of Understanding which seeks to continue the provision of technical support in developing the nation through enhanced tertiary education and training.

The agreement, penned by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MACORP, Jorge Medina, and UG Vice Chancellor Dr Ivelaw Griffith, will allow for students pursing technical fields at the University, such as engineering, to be deployed on a paid internship programme at the machinery company.

This initiative is aimed at developing the skills of the university students while affording them first hand opportunities to put into practice the knowledge gained during their time at the tertiary educational institution.

While addressing the gathering at the handing over ceremony held at the office of the VC on campus, MACORP CEO Jorge Medina expressed delight at the continuation of the longstanding relationship between his company and the university.

Adding to that, Medina highlighted the

ways in which this partnership would be of benefit, not only to the students, but the country at large.

In doing so, he noted, “With this type of programme, we perceive that when the students come to work with us, they will put their sword in the ground. In university most times, we think and have dreams without living with the reality of country.

With this programme, we bring the students and expose them to Guyana’s reality.”

Medina went on to outline the benefits this initiative holds for his company as well. “The best benefit that we get is at the end: we can hire good professionals to work with our company. Actually, we have about 4 engineers working in the interior mining sites, supporting and repairing big equipment. That is a benefit for everybody, because they are being exposed to international technology, and they can go to other countries with this most advanced training in mining. For us, we are proud to have local people doing the job today that in the past were being done by experts. So we prepare our people to work at the level of experts, but they are locals,” the CEO stated.

In welcoming the collaboration with MACORP, UG Vice Chancellor Dr Griffith

CEO of MACORP, Jorge Medina, presenting the signed MoU to UG Vice Chancellor, Dr Ivelaw Griffith

alluded to a philosophy of the famous Albert Einstein which underlines the significance of focusing on the things that truly matter the most. The VC relayed, “I think that signing this renewal of the relationship between UG and MACORP reflects our joint belief in things that matter and things that count. It matters that our students have an opportunity to get in the industry before

they graduate.”

Even as he acknowledged the importance of signing the agreement, Dr Griffith went on to say, “What is important is not just signing this (MoU); it’s living the terms of what we sign. And what counts as well is finding anything that presents obstacles, and resolve them quickly, so that we can accentuate the positive parts of what matters and minimise the stress and the frustrations.”

The University’s representative extended gratitude to MACORP for their timely investment in the development of the nation, especially given that it was emphasised that the future is highly dependent on using technology and expertise to anticipate and solve challenges in the major sectors of the society and economy.

Meanwhile, also featured in Thursday’s activity was the handing over of a cheque to the university, in which MACROP plugs $1M into improving the facilities and providing equipment for students pursuing education in the technical field.

The partnership between MACORP and the University of Guyana was established back in 1995, with the first Memorandum of Understanding being entered into years later in 2006.

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guyanatimesgy.com

saturDAY, october 7, 2017

Regional

Grenadian Storm Nate: At least 22 dead in Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Honduras investor taking advantage of CBI T ropical Storm Nate has killed at least 22 people in Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Honduras.

It caused heavy rains, landslides and floods which blocked roads, destroyed bridges and damaged houses.

In Costa Rica, nearly 400,000 people are without running water and thousands are sleeping in shelters.

The eye of the storm has since moved over the sea, heading towards Mexico and the United States, where it could become a hurricane.

At least eight people died in Costa Rica, while another 11 were killed when Nate moved north and reached Nicaragua, where as much as 15 inches (38 centimetres) of rain had been predicted to fall by the US National Hurricane Center.

Three people were killed in Honduras, including two

Heavy rain has swollen rivers and affected towns across Costa Rica

youths who drowned in a river, and several are reported missing.

One man was killed in a mudslide in El Salvador, according to emergency services.

Oil companies have been evacuating staff from platforms in the Gulf of Mexico that lie along the predicted path of the storm.

In Costa Rica, people

were trapped on a stretch of the Inter-American Highway known as the Mountain of Death, after the bus in which they were travelling got stuck between two landslides on Wednesday, according to La Nación newspaper.

There are also concerns crocodiles may be lurking around the overflowing Tárcoles river, and could ap-

pear in places where they are not normally expected.

“Please do not kill crocodiles,” said officials, according to news site CRHoy.com.

The advice was to avoid standing in overflowing water, to protect children and pets, and to call emergency services if one was spotted.

All train journeys were suspended in Costa Rica and dozens of flights cancelled on Thursday, when the weather worsened.

More than a dozen national parks popular with tourists have been closed as a precaution.

The storm also caused extensive damage to infrastructure in Nicaragua.

“Sometimes we think we think we can cross a river and the hardest thing to understand is that we must wait,” Vice-President Rosario Murillo said on state radio. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Hundreds of Dominicans in queues to buy food or leave the island

A

lmost three weeks after Hurricane Maria decimated their island, Dominicans were on Thursday queuing for hours for an opportunity to buy food or board a vessel leaving the island.

There were also long lines outside the gates to the deep water harbour at Woodbridge Bay, where persons had gathered in the hope of being able to sail out

of the island.

Among them was Sheba Belle of Giraudel, a community about 15 miles south of the capital.

“I am sending my grandson and my daughter to Guadeloupe because things are bad here. No water, no light and I want her to go to school. Most importantly, I want her to go to school,” she told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC).

Belle is hoping that the concession given by the French would work out for her 16-year-old daughter and her seven-year-old grandson so that they can continue their education in the French overseas department.

She, however, noted that she is hoping that they can stay there for a maximum of three months.

“There is no school, there

is no water, no light, and the children, I don’t think they can handle that too well. I will stay back to build but I am sending my kids to be a little better, a little more comfortable.”

Belle was fortunate in that the tickets on which the children would travel were bought in Guadeloupe, thereby guaranteeing them passage on the ferry. (Excerpt

T

he Grenada Government has welcomed a move by a local entrepreneur to invest an estimated EC$20 million (One EC dollar=US$0.37 cents) in a hotel utilising the country’s Citizenship

by Investment Programme (CBI).

“Projects like that benefits so many,” Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell said at the sod turning ceremony.

Grenada, like several other Caribbean Community (Caricom) countries conduct a CIP under which they provide citizenship to foreign investors who make a significant contribution to the socio-economic development of the island The countries also indicate that the CIP could benefit local investors as well.

Speaking at the ceremony on Thursday, Dr Richard Nixon said there is a lack of understanding among many Grenadians about the pro-

gramme because there is this belief that it is only targeting non-nationals.

“This is a programme also for Grenadians and not as perceived by many as being reserved for foreign investors,” he said at the ceremony for the start of construction of his “Hideaway Luxury Apartments” which will be located near the private international St George’s University, southwest of the capital.

“At this time, the Act does not discriminate on who can benefit from this programme, However, it would be instructive for a special set of incentives which should be afford for naturally born Grenadians as the intent of the legislation is targeted to the overall development of Grenada,” Nixon suggested to the audience that also included the Minister for International Business, Nicholas Steele and CBI chairman Kaisha Ince. (Excerpt from CMC)

Caricom to push for concessionary funding during meetings in US next week

from CMC)

Venezuela Opposition says ballot sheet unfair for Oct 15 vote

V

enezuela’s Opposition said on Friday the pro-Government election board was seeking to skew regional elections in favour of President Nicolás Maduro’s ruling socialists by including the names of candidates defeated in primaries on the ballot.

After street protests that led to at least 125 deaths and failed to dislodge Maduro earlier in the year, the Opposition has shifted its focus to October 15 elections for the governors of Venezuela’s 23 states.

The socialists currently hold 20 states, but a crushing economic crisis has dented their popularity and the Opposition now has majori-

ty support, polls show.

The Democratic Unity coalition is targeting winning 18 governorships, but fears a confusing electronic ballot sheet could hurt its vote.

Despite Opposition primaries to choose a single candidate per state from the several dozen parties in the coalition, the election board is keeping all the original aspirants’ names on.

So instead of seeing one opposition candidate versus one Socialist Party candidate, voters will see various faces of Opposition candidates, potentially causing confusion and diluting the vote to the benefit of the Government.

“That’s the fraud the

OECS Director General, Dr Didacus Jules (left); St Lucia Prime Minister Allan Chastanet and Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit listen to a hurricane survivor (Photo: CMC)

C Tomas Guanipa, deputy of the Venezuelan coalition of Opposition parties (MUD), attends a news conference in Caracas, Venezuela, October 6, 2017

Government wants to commit,” coalition official Tomas Guanipa told a news conference of the election board’s stance, which was ratified

by the similarly pro-Maduro Supreme Court on Thursday. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Trinidad: 3 killed in crash after birthday outing

T

hree families are in mourning after fatal accident which claimed the lives of birthday boy Alex Lalla, fireman Romel Rambally and Kareem Simon.

According to Police, the

men were heading South along the Uriah Butler Highway, Chaguanas in a blue Toyota Corolla driven by Lalla, a fitness coach at Raw Fitness Health Club.

Around 04:30h on Friday,

on nearing the Munroe Road Overpass, Charlieville they crashed into a pillar of a walkover. Passing motorists called for help and Chaguanas Police, the Highway Patrol Unit, Chaguanas firefighters and

ambulances responded.

However, Simon, 29, of Claxton Bay, Lalla, 27, of Couva and Rambally, 32, of Golconda had already died. Investigators are still trying to determine the cause of the accident (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

aribbean Community (Caricom) countries will use “important meetings” in the United States next week to push the international community to re-think its policies regarding regional countries that are no longer eligible for concessionary loans and other forms of preferential treatment, St Lucia’s Prime Minister Allan Chastanet said on Friday.

Chastanet, the chairman of the sub-regional Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), who led a delegation to the hurricane-battered island of Dominica and held talks with Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, said he also hoped the visit of the United Nations Secretary General António Guterres to the hurricane-affected countries this weekend, would

also help provide an impetus for a change in the policy.

“I am actually assured that he would be emotionally impacted by what he is going to see here and the level of vulnerability, the level of helplessness that we all suffer from because of what is taking place and the power of Mother Nature and what is left in its wrath.

“I believe as a new Secretary General, I am convinced and certainly in the discussions I had with him, that he would become a champion for our cause, and again I am sorry that it is the people of Dominica, who have had to suffer to this extent in order for us to make that message known to everybody”.

Chastanet said that it was important for the Region to make sure “it is not in vain”. (Excerpt from CMC)

saturDAY, october 7, 2017

guyanatimesgy.com

17

Around the World

Catalonia referendum: Spain Anti-nuclear weapons group apologises to injured Catalans Ican wins Nobel Peace Prize

T

T

he Spanish Government's representative in Catalonia has apologised to those injured during Police efforts to stop Sunday's independence referendum.

But Enric Millo blamed the Catalan Government for holding an illegal vote.

Meanwhile the Government in Madrid has issued a decree making it easier for companies to move their headquarters away from Catalonia.

A Catalan Minister told the BBC his Government would go ahead with an independence debate in Parliament.

"Parliament will discuss, Parliament will meet," said Catalan foreign affairs chief Raül Romeva.

"Every attempt the Spanish Government has used to impede things to happen, they have been demonstrated completely not only useless but counter-productive," he told the BBC in English.

In the first apology by a

Police moved in to prevent people voting in Sunday's disputed election

Spanish Government official over the violence on Sunday, which saw hundreds injured as Police, trying to enforce a Spanish court ban on the vote, attempted to seize ballot boxes and disperse voters, Millo said he could not help but "regret it and apologise on behalf of the officers that intervened".

Friday has seen a number of political, business and judicial developments in the unfolding crisis in Catalonia.

Catalan President Carles

Puigdemont now plans to address the Catalan Parliament on Tuesday at 18:00 local time (16:00 GMT), the Speaker of the Parliament says.

Spain's Constitutional Court had earlier suspended the Catalan Parliament session that had been planned for Monday.

There is speculation that the Parliament will declare independence unilaterally at its next sitting, based on last Sunday's disputed vote.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Trump rolls back access to free birth control

D

onald Trump's Government has issued a ruling that allows employers to opt out of providing free birth control to millions of Americans.

The rule allows employers and insurers to decline to provide birth control if doing so violates their "religious beliefs" or "moral convictions".

Fifty-five million women benefited from the Obamaera rule, which made companies provide free birth con-

trol. As a candidate, Trump had pledged to eliminate that requirement.

The mandate had been a key feature of so-called Obamacare President Obama's efforts to overhaul the US healthcare system.

It included a provision that permitted religious institutions to forego birth control coverage for their employees.

But the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) said on Friday it was

important to expand which organisations can opt out and deny free contraceptive coverage.

"We should have space for organisations to live out their religious ideas and not face discrimination because of their religious ideas," said one HHS official, who did not wish to be named.

The new rule, which is effective immediately, was criticised by women's rights groups and Democrats in Congress. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Sudan sanctions: US lifts most economic restrictions after 2 decades

T

he US is lifting most of the economic and trade sanctions it first imposed on Sudan two decades ago.

However, Sudan will remain listed as a state sponsor of terror.

US officials said Sudan had made progress in counter-terrorism and human rights issues.

Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir remains wanted by the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes.

Human rights groups have opposed the easing of sanctions.

Sanctions were first imposed on Khartoum in 1997, and a further round was put in place in 2006 in response to Sudanese forces' actions in the Darfur conflict.

Citizens of Sudan were removed from the US travel ban restrictions last month.

This move has been eager-

he Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (Ican).

Berit Reiss-Andersen, the Nobel committee chair, said it was due to the group's "groundbreaking efforts to achieve a treaty prohibition" on nuclear weapons.

"We live in a world where the risk of nuclear weapons being used is greater than it has been for a long time," she continued.

She cited the North Korea issue.

In July, after pressure

from Ican, 122 nations backed a UN treaty designed to ban and eventually eliminate all nuclear weapons. But none of the nine known nuclear powers in the world – including the UK and the US –- endorsed it.

Reiss-Andersen called on nuclear-armed states to initiate negotiations to gradually eliminate the weapons.

Ican, a coalition of hundreds of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), is 10 years old and is based in Geneva, Switzerland. The group will receive nine million Swedish kronor (US$1.1

million) along with a medal and a diploma at a ceremony in December.

Beatrice Fihn, executive director of the group, told reporters that the prize had come as a surprise but that it was "a huge signal" that the group's work was "needed and appreciated".

"The laws of war say that we can't target civilians.

Nuclear weapons are meant to target civilians; they're meant to wipe out entire cities," she said, adding: "That's unacceptable and nuclear weapons no longer get an excuse. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Indian Air Force helicopter crash kills 7

A

n Indian Air Force helicopter has crashed in the north-eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, killing seven military personnel.

The crash took place at around 06:00 local time (00:30 GMT) when the Russianmade helicopter was on a maintenance mission.

Five air force crew members and two personnel of the Indian army died in the crash, the army said.

Rescue teams are at the crash site in Tawang near the India-China border.

An inquiry has been ordered into the accident.

Tawang is a strategically important border district and came briefly under Chinese control during the 1962 war between the neighbouring countries.

File photo of an Mi-17 V5 helicopter, acquired by the Indian Air Force from Russia

While the Mi-17 V-5 is among the most sophisticated military transport helicopters, India's ageing Air Force fleet is often blamed for the high number of air crashes there.

More than 170 helicop-

ter and plane pilots have died over three decades, AFP reports.

The Air Force is investing billions of dollars to replace older aircraft, but the procurement process has suffered delays. (BBC News)

Iran open to talks over its ballistic missile programme – sources

I

ran has suggested to six world powers that it may be open to talks about its ballistic missile arsenal, seeking to reduce tension over the disputed programme, Iranian and Western officials familiar with the overtures told Reuters.

Tehran has repeatedly vowed to continue building up what it calls defensive missile capability in defiance of Western criticism, with Washington saying the Islamic Republic’s stance violates its 2015 nuclear deal with the powers.

But the sources said that

given US President Donald Trump’s threats to ditch the deal reached under his predecessor Barack Obama, Tehran had approached the powers recently about possible talks on some “dimensions” of its missile programme.

“During their meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly last month, Iran told members of the (world powers) that it could discuss the missile programme to remove concerns,” an Iranian source with knowledge of the meeting told Reuters on condition of anonymity. US and

Western officials did not confirm the matter was discussed at the Zarif-Tillerson meeting. But two US officials said Iran had recently been “keeping it alive” by feeding certain media reports and via third parties such as Oman.

A former US Defence Department official said Iran’s overtures had reached Washington in recent weeks.

“Iran has put feelers out saying it is willing to discuss its ballistic missile programme and is using contacts ... officials who were ‘holdovers’ from the Obama Administration,” the former official said. (Excerpt from Reuters)

North Korea preparing long-range missile test –RIA cites Russian lawmaker Sudan's President visited villages, such as this one in Darfur last month, ahead of the US announcement

ly anticipated in Khartoum since then President Barack Obama partially eased the punitive measures before he left office.

It is expected to boost sectors in the Sudanese economy that have suffered from the trade embargo these include aviation, agriculture, oil and technology.

The move will be cele-

brated by some as a victory for the ruling National Congress Party, but it remains to be seen how the average Sudanese will benefit.

For decades, Khartoum has blamed the sanctions for all sorts of ills that befell the Sudanese economy, rather than confronting the chronic mismanagement and the rampant corruption. (Excerpt

from BBC News)

N

orth Korea is preparing to test a longrange missile which it believes can reach the west coast of the United States, a Russian lawmaker just returned from a visit to Pyongyang was quoted as saying on Friday. Anton Morozov, a member of the Russian lower House of Parliament’s international affairs committee, and two other Russian lawmakers visited Pyongyang on October 2-6, Russia’s RIA news agency reported. “They are preparing for new tests of a long-range missile. They

even gave us mathematical calculations that they believe prove that their missile can hit the west coast of the United States,” RIA quoted Morozov as saying. “As far as we understand, they intend to launch one more long-range missile in the near future.

And in general, their mood is rather belligerent.” Tensions have risen in recent weeks over North Korea’s nuclear weapons and missile programmes as Pyongyang has test-fired several missiles and conducted what it said was a test explosion of a hydrogen

bomb as it advances toward its goal of developing a nuclear-tipped missile capable of hitting the US mainland.

Morozov’s comments drove up the price of US Treasury bonds, as investors, worried about the prospect of new North Korean missile tests, moved into assets the market views as a safe haven in times of uncertainty. Reuters was not able to independently verify Morozov’s account, and he did not specify which North Korean officials had given him the information about the planned test. (Excerpt from Reuters)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

saturDAY, october 7, 2017

ARCHIE

Personal improvements will add to your professional(March 21ism.

Changing your image or April 19) presenting what you have to offer in a slick new way is favored. Invest in yourself and your future.

ARIES

Learn something new.

TAURUS Engage in seminars, con(April 20- ferences or a group effort May 20) that will encourage personal growth and teach you new skills. Short trips will be enlightening.

dilbert

Make professional plans.

GEMINI (May 21- Consider new ways to use June 20) your experience and skills.

There is money to be made if you are smart with your investments. Take good care of your health.

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Peanuts

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Calvin and Hobbes

Open your doors and host a meeting or group function.

Your hospitality will give you the edge you need to get others to see things your way.

Romance is on the rise.

Keep your emotions and intentions well-hidden. Know exactly what you are going to do before you put your plan into play. Your intelligence and enthusiasm will lead to victory.

Learn from experience VIRGO when dealing with peers, sib(Aug. 23lings or a loved one. A physiSept. 22) cal makeover will boost your self-esteem. A little romance will improve your personal life.

The past serves as a reLIBRA (Sept. 23- minder of what could go Oct. 23) wrong if you make an impulsive move. Stay calm and aim to unify and stabilize your life and relationships.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

A personal partnership SCORPIO needs nurturing. Fixing up (Oct. 24your surroundings or just Nov. 22) spending a relaxing day with a loved one will improve your personal life and ease your stress.

Learn from your mistakes.

SAGITTARIUS Be careful when dealing with (Nov. 23- people who show too much inDec. 21) terest in what you are doing.

Emotional deception is apparent. Don’t reveal personal information.

solution for LAST PUBLISHED Puzzle

Protect against loss. Focus CAPRICORN on your home, assets and pos(Dec. 22- sessions. Don’t lend or borrow Jan. 19) money or belongings. Put your time and effort into building a secure, stable, comfortable and convenient place to live.

Do something creative. It’s AQUARIUS best not to address emotional (Jan. 20- issues that could affect your Feb. 19) relationship with a loved one.

Focus on inner growth and creative endeavors.

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

Copyright 2015, Distributed by Universal Uclick for UFS

You’ll come up with a crePISCES (Feb. 20- ative way to make your monMarch 20) ey go further. Trust in your ability to use your skills and services in unique ways that will help boost your income.

saturDAY, OCTOber 7, 2017

19

Gayle "committed to West Indies cause" – Law

W

est Indies coach Stuart Law is open to showing "leniency" towards selecting Chris Gayle as long as veteran opener can fulfil certain "guidelines". Law said he had seen enough during the limited-overs leg of the England tour last month to convince him that Gayle had earned the right for the management to relax certain selection norms. Gayle played his first ODIs since the 2015 World Cup, having also made a T20 comeback earlier this year. Two instances in particular, during the T20 international at Chester-le-Street and the fourth ODI, at The Oval, assured Law of Gayle's commitment.

"There are certain players you give leniency to," Law told ESPNcricinfo, during a wide-ranging interview. "Chris is one of our greatest-ever players. You have got to pay respect to that. Not saying it is an open draw, but there have got to be certain guidelines, which I am still trying to work out. What I saw in the T20 game in Durham and what I saw in the ODI at The Oval was a guy who was committed to the cause."

Gayle played the catalyst for the first time when he checked the emotions of his opening partner Evin Lewis in the T20I, which

West Indies won. "In Durham he slowed the play down for a bit while Evin was batting at the other end," Law said. "Evin was a bit twitchy facing Joe Root. Three dot balls. Chris realised Evin was going to try and hit the next ball for a six. Chris just stopped the play, walked down, had a quick chat and calmed Evin down."

During the Oval ODI, which West Indies lost on DLS in a rain-affected match, Gayle was busy helping his captain Jason Holder setting fields in addition to motivating the bowlers.

Law agreed that seniors like Gayle and fellow Jamaican Marlon Samuels were expected to perform, but the two most experienced players could also prove effective by mentoring team-mates during a match, which was the best form of coaching. Although Samuels has been struggling in the past few years, Law was certain he was committed to the job just like Gayle. "I have not spoken to them at any length about their involvement in the future, but as far as I am concerned, if they are not committed, why are they here? If they are just playing for the sake of playing, I don't think that is Marlon or Chris.

They are here to play because they want to be here. They have got

FIFA to discuss longer but fewer international breaks during season

to perform, yes. But imparting knowledge to the youngsters is invaluable.

It is tough to build a team w i l l without that experience tohave the services gether out on the ground, of the likes of Andre they talking through situations. alRussell, Sunil Narine, are We can send messages from Darren Bravo, Kieron ready conthe sideline, but those don't Pollard and Carlos t r a c t e d have the same impact." to, but it Brathwaite.

Law took over as West Law also agreed also gives Indies coach in January with the relaxed cri- t h e m and in the last eight months, teria put in place by time to the team has won 11 out of Adams and CWI c o m e 34 matches under his watch. chief executive, back and Among the victories were two Johnny Grave, play the Test wins: against Pakistan in order for the at Bridgetown and then the players to qualithriller at Headingley against fy for selection for England. Law, along with the the ODIs. "I want the quoselectors and director of crickbest players available," ta [of et, Jimmy Adams, have a lot domesLaw said. of trust in the young Test Chris Gayle and Evin Lewis have formed a dangerous partnership at the top unit, whose average age is 23.

However, Law's priority is to "I am not a selector, but yes, I tic cricket] they have to be eligible make sure West Indies reach the do sit in on the selection process. to play ODI cricket.

2019 World Cup. Having lost out on "The Pro50 finishes about There are some qualification critethe direct entry route, West Indies a week before the World Cup ria that the players have to adhere will need to finish among the top Qualifiers, so it would be good to. Now the number of games [in two at the World Cup Qualifiers domestic cricket] they have to play to have players play our domesnext March. With the amnesty put to qualify has been significantly tic tournament. They would be in place by Cricket West Indies rereduced. That gives them the best playing 50-over cricket before the cently opening up the potential for of both worlds: they can go out and World Cup Qualifiers, which is essome of the best limited-overs playplay certain [T20] tournaments sential”. (Cricinfo) ers to return, Law is optimistic he

Jamaica hope to go one better in ABCA Independence tourney

F

IFA is considering introducing longer but fewer international breaks during the domestic season.

World football's governing body, which wants to find a balance between club and national team competitions, is at the start of the consultation process.

There are currently four international breaks - each lasting two weeks - during a season.

The current break is the second of the 2017-18 campaign, with others scheduled in November and March.

The dates of the international breaks are fixed until 2024, unless stakeholders - including clubs, leagues and broadcasters - agree to a change.

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho and Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger have criticised the timing of the October break, which has coincided with impressive runs of form for their clubs.

In June, the International Football Association Board said it was considering shortening each half to 30 minutes and a proposal of allowing players to dribble the ball when taking a free-kick. (BBC)

A

Team Jamaica

Jamaica 15-man squad departed the island Thursday to participate in the Antigua & Barbuda Cricket Association’s 2nd Annual Independence Tri 20 Tournament from October 6 to 14, 2017.

The tournament is to be contested among three teams: Antigua & Barbuda, Guyana and Jamaica and will be played in the 20/20 format. All matches will be played at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground. Jamaica placed second in last year’s competition.

The winner walks away with US$8500.

The Jamaican team is comprised of Chadwick Walton – Captain, Andre McCarthy – Vice Captain, Fabian Allen, Peat Salmon, Jermaine Harrison, Jamie Merchant, Chris

Lamont, Chris Powell, Oraine Williams, Nicholson Gordon, Oshane Walters, Paul Harrison, Steven Taylor, Trevon Griffith and Odean Smith.

The team that will be coached by Andrew Richardson will be managed by Kerry Scott.

Jamaica opens its campaign on Friday, October 6 against Antigua & Barbuda before facing Guyana on Saturday, October 7.

Antigua and Barbuda go up against Guyana on Sunday, October 8 and face each other again on Tuesday, October 10.

Jamaica is back in action on Wednesday, October 11, against Guyana before taking on the hosts on Thursday, October 12. The finals are set for Friday, October 13. (Sportsmax)

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

saturDAY, october 7, 2017

Karunaratne leads the way for Sri Lanka S

ri Lanka made solid progress on the first day of the second Test, having won the opening match against Pakistan.

Dimuth Karunaratne scored an unbeaten 133 to help Sri Lanka make a strong start to the second Test with Pakistan in Dubai.

Having won the opening match on a dramatic final day to stop an abysmal run of form across all formats, Sri Lanka played with renewed confidence on Friday to post 254-3 after winning

the toss.

Opener Karunaratne was studious in compiling his innings, picking his shots carefully, but there were also moments of well-directed aggression in his 281-ball knock.

He tallied 15 fours and a maximum on a testing day in the field for Pakistan, for whom Yasir Shah took 2-90, while Mohammad Amir accounted for impressive debutant Sadeera Samarawickrama (38).

Left-hander Karunaratne

SCOREBOARD Sri Lanka 1st innings D Karunaratne not out 133 K Silva c S. Ahmed b Shah 27 S Samarawickreme c&b Amir 38 K Mendis c Shafiq b Shah 1 D Chandimal not out 9 Extras (lb-1 nb-4 w-1) 6 Total (for 3 wickets, 90 overs) 254 Fall of wickets: 1-63 K. Silva,2-131 S.

Samarawickreme,3-136 K. Mendis To bat: N. Dickwella, D. Perera, R. Herath, S. Lakmal, L. Gamage, N. Pradeep Bowling: Mohammad Amir 16.3 - 5 - 59 – 1, Mohammad Abbas 18 - 5 - 48 - 0(nb-1), Wahab Riaz 13 - 5 - 25 - 0(nb3), Yasir Shah 29.3 - 5 - 90 – 2, Asad Shafiq 8 - 1 - 16 - 0(w1), Haris Sohail 5 - 1 - 15 - 0

B

Dimuth Karunaratne made a sprightly start ©Getty Images

laid the foundations alongside Kaushal Silva, but his playing partner fell to Yasir on 27 after edging untidily to Sarfraz Ahmed with Sri Lanka on 63. Pakistan claimed wickets in consecutive overs to apply some pressure midway through their opponents' innings, with Kusal Mendis adding just one run before follow-

ing Samarawickrama back to the pavilion.

But Karunaratne was still there at the end of the final session, ably assisted by captain Dinesh Chandimal, who closed one run shy of a half-century. Pakistan will hope for more life in the pitch as they seek to secure a share of the spoils in the two-match series. (Sportsmax)

Elgar, Markram centuries help South Africa dominate again

The square cut, as demonstrated by Aiden Markram ©AFP

S

outh Africa are in position to claim an easy Test series win over Bangladesh after piling on 428 runs on day one in Bloemfontein.

Dean Elgar's magnificent 2017 continued while Aiden Markram made up for his missed opportunity in the first match as South Africa produced a dominant performance on the opening day of the second Test with Bangladesh.

The Proteas hammered the tourists in the series opener by 333 runs and their momentum carried into day one of the decider in Bloemfontein as

South Africa displayed utter disdain for a struggling Bangladesh attack.

And it was openers Elgar and Markram who did the majority of the damage as South Africa piled on 428 runs for the loss of just three wickets.

Elgar (113) racked up his fifth Test hundred of 2017 while Markram (143), dismissed for 97 on his Test debut, recorded his maiden century in the longest format as the pair piled on 243 for the first wicket.

Bangladesh managed to make some further inroads after Elgar's exit but added punishment on a trying

day came at the hands of Hashim Amla (89 not out) and captain Faf du Plessis (62 no), who reached the close with their stand unbroken at 140.

Elgar needed just 59 balls to reach his half-century as South Africa sped to 126-0 at lunch and they kept their foot down in the second session.

He converted his ninth 50-plus score of the year into a three-figure effort and Markram soon followed him by swatting a four between deep square and fine leg.

After surviving a testing spell from Mustafizur

Rahman, which saw Liton Das drop a tough chance when he was on 110, Elgar eventually fell to Subashis Roy (2-85) with just three more runs added to his tally, Mustafizur snagging a top-edged pull shot.

Elgar hit 17 fours in his innings and Markram kept the scoreboard ticking over at pace following his departure, pushing South Africa to 256-1 at tea, with Amla having survived an lbw review in the last over of the second session.

Markram's knock comprised of 22 boundaries but was finally brought to a conclusion when Rubel Hossain (1-91) speared an inswinger into his stumps.

Temba Bavuma fell for just seven runs, but any hopes Bangladesh had of redressing the balance were brutally extinguished by the combination of former captain Amla and incumbent skipper Du Plessis.

Amla and Du Plessis reached their fifties in 61 and 68 balls respectively, but it was the former who motored towards his 28th Test ton, which he stands just 11 runs shy of as South Africa move towards an easy series victory. (Sportsmax)

Stokes withdrawn from Ashes pending investigation

en Stokes has been withdrawn from England's Ashes squad, pending further investigation into his alleged street brawl in Bristol last month, with Steven Finn stepping into the squad for the full five-Test series.

Stokes has, however, retained his place on England's list of centrally contracted players for 2017-18, and could yet be recalled to the party if no further police action is taken. Alex Hales - who is also currently unavailable for selection in the wake of the events on September 25 - also keeps hold of his white-ball contract.

In a raft of announcements from the ECB, it was also confirmed that three other players who had been out drinking with Stokes and Hales on the night in question - namely Jonny Bairstow, Jake Ball and Liam Plunkett - have accepted a formal written warning and a fine for unprofessional conduct.

All three players have paid an undisclosed sum to to the Professional Cricketers' Association Benevolent Fund and the Hornsby Professional Cricketers' Fund. The ECB added that the internal investigation into that matter had been closed and that it will make no further comment.

The measures against Stokes and Hales, who were the only two England cricketers still present at the time of the alleged incident outside Mbargo nightclub, were last week referred to the Cricket Discipline Commission, headed by Tim O'Gorman, who will independently review any breach by the pair of the ECB's directives and regulations.

In a statement, Andrew Strauss, the director of England cricket, said that Stokes' retention on an ECB central contract should be taken as a sign that the board were not prejudging the police investigation, but rather were seeking a measure of clarity for the whole squad ahead of what is guaranteed to be their highest-profile series in recent memory.

"With the Ashes just around the corner, it's important to give the players, the coaching staff and supporters some clarity around a complex situation," Strauss said.

"This decision will help us in the weeks ahead and give every player and the whole England set-up the best chance to focus on the challenge ahead in Australia."

"We have spoken to Ben and assured him that our decision in no way prejudges the outcome of the ongoing Police investigation or Cricket Discipline Commission process, as can be seen by the award of Central Contracts."

Finn, who was overlooked in the original tour party in spite of a late burst of form for Middlesex in the County Championship, now steps in for what will be his third consecutive Ashes tour. In 2010-11 he claimed 14 wickets in the first three Tests, more than any other England bowler at the time, but four years later he was rendered "unselectable" after suffering a meltdown in his bowling action.

"Steven is a high-quality cricketer, with considerable experience of both international cricket and Australian conditions," said Strauss. "The selectors believe he will add to the range of options and the squad will be further supported by the arrival of the Lions in Australia in November."

The decision to replace Stokes, who would have been England's designated No. 6, with an extra fast bowler instead of reinforcing the batting is an indication of how England plan to fill such a huge hole in their first-choice XI. The three other allrounders in the middle-order - Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes and the wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow can be expected at this stage to move up a place in the order, to allow England to retain a four-man pace attack.

With James Anderson and Stuart Broad also sure to feature in the first Test at Brisbane on November 23, Finn will now be competing with Craig Overton and Jake Ball for the remaining place in the team. Ben Foakes, the reserve wicketkeeper, could also come into consideration if Bairstow one of England's most in-form players - is chosen as a specialist batsman. (Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD South Africa 1st innings D Elgar c Rahim b Roy 113 A Markram b R. Hossain 143 H Amla not out 89 T Bavuma c Das b Roy 7 F du Plessis not out62 Extras: (b-4 lb-2 nb-1 w-7)14 Total: (for 3 wickets, 90 overs) 428 Fall of wickets: 1-243 D. Elgar,2-276 A.

Markram,3-288 T. Bavuma To bat: Q. de Kock, A. Phehlukwayo, W. Parnell, K. Maharaj, K. Rabada, D. Olivier Bowling: M Rahim 18 - 3 78 - 0(nb-1 w-5), S Roy 20 2 - 85 - 2(w-1), R Hossain 18 - 1 - 91 - 1(w-1) S Sarkar 5 - 0 - 21 – 0, Islam 19 - 0 98 – 0, Mahmudullah 7 - 2 - 27 – 0, Haque 1 - 0 - 6 – 0, S Rahman 2 - 0 - 16 - 0

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21

Action between Leopold Street (white) and MBK All-Stars

S

parta Boss maintained their winning form on Thursday evening at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall when the National Futsal Cup continued.

In a highly-anticipated clash, Sparta Boss took on the new boys, the African Team and dominated them in fine style. With the talismanic Gregory “Jackie Chan” Richardson absent owing to national duty, Solomon Austin and Eusi Phillips stepped up and helped Sparta to a 5-1 drubbing of the Africans. Both had braces, with Austin netting in the 11th and 15th minutes while Phillips scored in the 13th and 16th minutes, with Courtney Britton helping himself to a single goal in the 3rd minute.

Benjamin Opara was the lone scorer for the African team netting in the 8th minute.

In what promised to be a high-octane encoun-

ter, MBK All-Stars were defeated by Leopold Street 4-1. Shalomo Hunte nabbed a brace in the 15th and 16th minutes while Desmond Cottan and Sheldon Profit scored a goal apiece in their side’s victory.

One of the favourites for the title, the Future Stars had a comfortable 3-1 win over the Hustlers. In the first minute of the game, Simon Emmanuel put the Hustlers ahead, but that would be the last sight of goal the Hustlers had.

Jermain Junior turned up the heat and notched up a hat-trick for the Future Stars, finding the back of the net in the 10th, 15th and 20th minutes respectively.

Broad Street’s miserable run of form continued when Swag Entertainment defeated them 3-1 on the night. Shane Luckie with two goals (5th and 7th minutes) and Reston Fraser with

Action-packed semi-finals anticipated on Sunday

T

ted first and scored 89 all out in 16.2 overs.

Reon Venture made 19, as teenage spinner Beesham Moses led a disciplined bowling performance by Sans Souci Jaguars with 3-10, while Nokta Moses and Derwin Daniels had 3-13 each.

In what should have been a simple task for the Jaguars, Sans Souci matched or even bettered their bowling performance, with Sukhram leading the attack. The Sans Souci Jaguars fell for 75 in 16.4 overs in reply. Daniels made 16, and Gladwyn Henry 14 as Sukhram finished with 5-13, while Cleon Venture had 2-9 and Devon Rambarran 2-16.

Satnarine Sahadeo struck a half century and

fixtures: Broad Street vs African Team – 19:00h North Ruimveldt vs Albouystown A – 19:30h Back Circle vs MBK All-Stars – 20:00h Dave and Celina’s vs Hustlers – 20:30h Gold is Money vs Silver Bullets – 21:00h Leopold Street vs Tucville – 21:30h Future Stars vs New Market Street – 22:00h Sparta Boss vs Swag Entertainment – 22:30h

Spain qualify for 11th consecutive World Cup

V-Net T20 Blast

he exciting V-Net Communications T20 Blast has boiled down to four teams who will clash in the semi-finals on Sunday at the Wakenaam Community Centre Ground.

Good Success will be playing G Square Cavaliers from 09:30h after which Sans Souci Jaguars clash with Maria’s Pleasure at 13:30h.

In the final preliminary rounds, a five-wicket haul by all-rounder Heera Sukhram handed Sans Souci a 14run victory over arch-rivals Sans Souci Jaguars when the latest round of the V-Net T20 Blast concluded in Wakenaam on Sunday last.

Despite the win, Sans Souci failed to land a spot in the final four.

In the first fixture at the Wakenaam Community Centre Ground in Good Success, Sans Souci bat-

one in the 13th minute blanked out Broad Street’s Daniel Favorite’s strike in the 6th minute.

After last weekend’s heroics, the Silver Bullets suffered a tame defeat 3-1 at the hands of North Ruimveldt. Eon Alleyne scored a double while Joshua Browne netted one goal in North Ruimveldt’s victory.

National Guinness in The Streets Champions, Dave and Celina’s All-Stars suffered an upset at the hands of New Market Street, losing 3-1.

Orlando Ricketts was the hero for New Market Street with a hat-trick of goals in the 7th, 21st and 25th minutes.

Meanwhile, Gold is Money continued their resurgence with a 4-0 drubbing of Albouystown A while arch-rivals Back-Circle and Tucville had an entertaining game, which Back Circle eventually won 4-2.

Action will continue tonight at the National Gymnasium, with games beginning at 19:00h.

Heera Sukram Dayawant Shiwnandan grabbed a four-wicket haul as G Square Cavaliers defeated Noitgedacht SC by 45 runs in the day’s second game at the said venue.

Sahadeo slammed 55 and got support from Jaggernauth Manbodh, 39, and Satrohan Shiwnandan, 25, helping G Square Cavaliers to 179-5, after taking first strike. Jamal Hartman captured 2-26.

Noitgedacht SC were restricted for 134-7 in response. Neil Ramalho hit 44, Matthew Cheong 36, and Hartman 30. Shiwnandan picked up 4-22.

V

ictory over Albania, coupled with a poor result by Italy against Macedonia, has ensured Spain will be at next year's World Cup in Russia.

Spain have become the fourth European team to qualify for the World Cup, reaching football's biggest competition for an 11th consecutive tournament.

La Roja ensured qualification for next year's event in Russia by winning 3-0 at home to Albania in Alicante.

Spain scored all their goals within 26 minutes, Rodrigo netting a fine close-range effort before Isco's fourth goal in three international matches and Thiago Alcantara's header made the game safe.

That victory for Spain, coupled with Italy's shock 1-1 home draw against Macedonia in Turin, assured Julen Lopetegui's men of top spot in Group G with a game to spare.

They will be looking to recover in the 2018 edition of the tournament proper after crashing out at the group stage at Brazil 2014 as they tried to defend their world title won in South Africa four years earlier.

Belgium were the first team to advance from the UEFA section of 2018 World Cup qualification prior to this international break, while Germany and England booked their ticket to the tournament on Thursday.

Russia are automatically in the competition as the host nation. (Sportsmax)

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

saturDAY, october 7, 2017

GCB/Jaguars 3-Day League

Lack of attitude, desire contributed to East Coast’s downfall – Chandrika

By Clifton Ross

C

aptain of the East Coast franchise, Rajendra Chandrika wants his team to finish off the remaining rounds of the Guyana Cricket Board /Jaguars 3-Day League on a high note following their winless run, citing a lack of hunger as the issue.

Speaking to Guyana Times Sport on the eve of their encounter against the number one team Essequibo at the Tuschen Ground from today, the opener highlighted numerous reasons behind East Coast’s poor run this season.

“The team hasn’t done well this year, because their fitness is a problem and the players haven’t played much cricket either. I can’t speak for everyone, because I don’t know how often they have been training, but I think they need to do a lot more work and change their attitude towards the game,” the skipper lamented.

He hopes the younger players in the franchise will model themselves off teammates Bhaskar Yadram and Chandrapaul Hemraj, both of whom used the League last year to successfully boost their careers.

He further stated that both Yadram and Hemraj have been prime examples of hard work, dedication and hunger to perform well on the field, traits he wants his younger, less experienced teammates to mirror as they go forward with hopes of playing for their country.

“Yadram and Hemraj are examples for everyone: they both played well last year in the League and Yadram even went onto play for West Indies, while they both received academy contracts for their hard work. So it’s just about the

younger players being hungry and serious about your cricket,” he concluded.

The out-of-favour West Indies Test opener said with just two rounds left, it was important for his team to end with a win or two.

“We have two games left and we’re looking to finish on a high, so if we can get the two wins it will be a plus, because we can’t finish on the bottom. You can’t take anything away from Essequibo, because they have been playing well, so we will have to go out and play hard cricket.”

On account of the ongoing second annual T20 invitational hosted by the Antigua and Barbuda Cricket Association (ABCA) which bowled off yesterday and would run until October 15, as well as upcoming international duties, franchises were forced to find replacements for those players possibly unavailable for the last two rounds, thus resulting in weaker, less experienced sides having to bear the burden of round six.

Addressing the loss of players, especially with their opponents Essequibo missing their big guns in Keemo Paul and Ricardo Adams, the 28-year-old said now was the ideal time to try and seize the chance to pounce on the slightly weakened champs, adding that he was still wary of their threat.

“It’s a good advantage for us; they’re missing two vital players in Keemo and Ricardo, so for us to work out the other players in the team, it will be a big plus for us, if we can go out and play some hard cricket, because they still have some good players in the team, so we will need to play good

cricket.”

Chandrika, who has played five Tests for the West Indies, has not featured in all the games for East Coast this season and said despite the team’s lean run, he was not deterred and knew it was very important for him as the Bhaskar Yadram most experienced player in the team to lead from the front, with hopes of salvaging a bit of pride before the tournament culminated.

“As a captain or a batsman, I don’t feel any pressure; it has been a short tournament for me so now I just have to try and score runs in the last two games and get centuries. As a team, we also have to go out and stick to the basics and get runs, because sometimes it goes your way and sometimes it doesn’t, so I’ll have to give 100 per cent,” he added.

In closing, Chandrika said the League was a great concept, especially for the younger players who have numerous chances to build a career with the Guyana team for the future. He also urged the upcoming batch of cricketers to take full advantage of the League as it provides a strong base for players to take their careers from strength to strength, adding that dedication and hard work would eventually pay off.

GCB/Jaguars 3-Day Franchise League round 6

Hetmyer shines for West Berbice

S

eon Hetmyer stroked a brisk ton as West Berbice gained the upper hand over Georgetown when Round Six of the GCB/Jaguars 3-Day League continued at the Bush Lot Ground.

After Raymond Perez

top-scored with 47, Georgetown then folded for 155 all out in 46.5 overs, compliments of the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, Gudakesh Motie, who snapped up 4-38 while former U-15 spinner Seon Glasgow chipped in with

4-47.

West Berbice, in reply, ended stumps on 226-8 after their skipper Hetmyer, the older brother of Test player Shimron Hetmyer, cracked a 131-ball 137 to help his team ease into a comfortable position fol-

lowing off-spinner Gajanan Suknannan’s 4-71 and pacer Kellon Carmichael’s 2-38.

Upper Corentyne vs East Bank at Port Mourant Ground

Upper

Corentyne

bat-

ting first made 262 all out in 62 overs, with Clinton Pestano top-scoring with 82 while off-spinner Eon Hooper chipped in with an even 50. Spinner Totaram Bishun led the bowling for East Bank with 4-50 as Dharshan Persaud and

South American Youth Games in Chile

Ershaad Ali ended with two scalps apiece.

At stumps, East Bank were 129-3 from 36 overs, with opener Sachin Singh on 40*and skipper Ronaldo Ali-Mohammed on 35*.

Matches continue today from 09:30h.

Phillips off to winning start in 100m O

n the first day of athletics at the South American Youth Games in Santiago, Chile on Friday, arguably Guyana’s best hope of a medal, Kenisha Phillips got off to a winning start in the female 100 metres eliminators.

She tied for first place with Colombian Sharry Quinonez in a time of 12.11s while Brazilian Vitoria Jardim was third in 12.29s running into a minus head wind of 2.1 per cent.

For the males, Guyana’s Jermain King was joint second in his eliminator as he tied with Mario Aguirre in a time of 11.01s while Paraguay’s Fabrizio Aquino was first in a time

of 10.96s.

Up to press time, the semi-finals of both the male and female 100m events were yet to be run off; those results will be published in a subsequent report.

Meanwhile, on Thursday, Guyana’s 3X3 basketball team were edged 13-11 by Ecuador in their opening game.

It was Guyana’s first time playing at an international 3X3 tournament, and the quartet of Nigel Bowen, Isaiah Hintzen, Akeem Crandon and Shamar France were hoping for a perfect start in their quest for gold.

Having lost to Venezuela 19-17 in their first

game, Ecuador came into the game knowing that the clash against Guyana was a ‘mustwin’.

Aaron Garcia, the team’s main marksman, who finished the game with five points, was a bother for the Guyanese and, along with his teammate Michael Toctaquiza (four), caused much trouble for the players from the Land of Many Waters.

Crandon, the team’s ‘big man’, kept Guyana in the game. Crandon finished with a teamhigh five points, while Bowen finished with four points. Hintzen and France scored a point each.

guyanatimesgy.com

saturDAY, october 7, 2017

23

tourism policy development gaining momentum – associations urged to fully participate

A

t the second forum of “Sports Tourism Planning”, various sports associations’ representatives were urged to participate and pitch their ideas by Director of Sport, Christopher Jones.

Speaking at the opening of the forum on Friday, the Director told the associations’ representatives that t h e

Government could not be responsible for the development of the policy alone, and highlighted that the associations have an integral role in the drafting of the Sports Tourism Policy.

He also urged them to participate to the fullest and noted that the ideas and guidelines of the policies would have to come from them.

The forum, which is aimed at the development of a Sports Tourism Policy, was held for the second time this year at the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) headquarters on Friday. Jones also noted that the Government, through the Social

Social Cohesion Minister, Dr George Norton

Cohesion Ministry and the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), remained committed to the development of sports tourism in Guyana.

He explained that the Government has taken notice of some of the country’s associations hosting international tournaments over the past couple of years. “We would have recognised within the last two years, many of the associations and federations would have hosted, sometimes for the first time, international tournaments, and, of course in other jurisdictions, those countries would have utilised those programmes to ensure that their tourism package is sold.”

He continued, “The Department of Tourism, like the Ministry of Social Cohesion, is committed to the development of sports tourism in Guyana.”

Jones revealed that plans were in the pipeline for Guyana to become a major sports tourism des-

tination in the future, thus the Sports Tourism Policy was essential.

Social Cohesion Minister with responsibility for sport, Dr George Norton also addressed the forum, stating: “Sports tourism is an industry with tremendous potential.”

He expressed pleasure that Guyana was taking steps to realise its potential, pointing out that the country needed to grow sports through tourism and increase tourism through sports.

The Minister charged all stakeholders with making contributions to the development of sports tourism.

Meanwhile, Director General of Tourism, Donald Sinclair told the participants that since their last meeting in April, sports tourism has moved “beyond talk to action” as he handed over a sports tourism guide to the Director of Sport.

Present at the forum were representatives from the Guyana Football

Courts/Malta Pee-Wee Football

Sophia-St Angela’s clash too close to call A

ction in the sixth annual Courts/Malta Pee-Wee Football will resume today at the Banks DIH, Thirst Park Ground, with the ‘highlight’ encounter being possibly between defending champions St Angela’s Primary and newcomers Sophia Primary.

On the opening day of the tournament, last Saturday, Sophia were in fine form as they trounced Winfer Gardens 8-0.

Ronaldo Wilson scored four goals while one goal each came from Shem Howard and David Weeks plus an own goal.

However, St Angela’s and inaugural winners

10/7/2017 10:00 hrs 10:00 hrs 10:45 hrs 10:45 hrs 11:30 hrs 11:30 hrs 12:15 hrs 12:15 hrs 13:00 hrs 13:00 hrs 13:45 hrs 13:45 hrs 14:30 hrs 14:30 hrs 15:15 hrs 15:15 hrs

Marian Academy played to a goalless stalemate.

It makes this match, a crucial one for the two-time defending champions since another defeat or a draw could put their title hopes in jeopardy.

The 2016 runner-ups, St Agnes will hope to continue on the winning path after they needled Grove Primary 1-0 thanks to Isaiah Chester, but they face a Redeemer unit who overcame North Georgetown 2-0, thanks to a double from Nicholas Watts.

Another match to which much attention will be paid is St Ambrose Primary against Den Amstel, given

that St Ambrose Primary routed Colaaco Primary 8-0 with four goals from Jacob Rodney and a brace from Rovin Henry. D’Andre Anderson and an own goal accounted for the other goals scored in the game.

Keilshon Humphrey was the star in Den Amstel Primary’s 3-0 win over Smith Memorial, scoring a hat-trick.

The tournament, which is catering for 32 primary school teams from Georgetown, E a s t Bank of

Round 2 Thirst Park Tucville Primary v/s F.E Pollard Primary

J.E Burnham Primary v/s Parfaite Harmonie Plaisance Orphanage v/s Goed Fortune Primary

St. Pius Primary v/s Soesdyke Primary

St. Margaret’s Primary v/s Enterprise Primary

West RVDLT Primary v/s Supply Primary

St Angeles Primary v/s Sophia Primary

North G / T Primary v/s Grove Primary South Ruimveldt Primary v/s Victoria Primary School of the Nationsv/s Mocha Primary St. Ambrose Primary v/s Den Amstel Primary Winfer Garden Primary v/s Marian Academy Smith Memorial v/s Colaaco Academy Stella Maris Primary v/s Timerhi Primary St. Stephens Primary v/s Maes Primary St Agnes Primary v/s Redeemer primary

Match # 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32

Demerara, East Coast of Demerara and West Demerara, is currently in its round-robin stage.

Federation (GFF); Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG); Draughts Association and many others. The forum was a collaboration between the GTA and the National Sports Commission through the Social Cohesion Ministry.

Director of Sport, Christopher Jones

Essequibo not taking winless East Coast lightly – Adams …says losing match could halt team’s progress

By Clifton Ross

A

nthony Adams, the Essequibo Captain, said he was warning his team not to take the out-of-sorts East Coast lightly, despite them not playing their best cricket this season, when the two face off in the GCB/Jaguars 3-Day League sixth-round match at Tuschen Ground.

Consistency was the term used by Adams during his interview with Guyana Times Sport on Friday, to describe the driving force behind his team’s success as they prepare to continue their impressive run when they battle a hapless East Coast team.

“We have learned consistency as a team, and we have been very consistent over the last five games and the most important thing we have learnt is playing every match by sessions. You need to make every session yours in order to take control of the match,” Adams pointed out.

The table leaders, who have 71.4 points, seized control of the competition following their drawn encounter with Georgetown in the fourth round. Adams is, however, aware that despite the East Coast’s lean run, they are still a very dangerous side with dangerous players and a loss to them could put his team on the back foot with one round left.

“We still need to put on good performances and play good cricket, not because we’re playing the bottom team, we will be taking them lightly, because they still have good players like Chandrika, Brian Sattaur and Bhaskar Yadram, who scored a century already,” Adams admitted. Most teams are missing key players on account of the ongoing independence T20 invitational tournament in Antigua. This coupled with upcoming international assignments dealt Essequibo a strong blow as Ricardo Adams, who has scored two tons thus far and Keemo Paul, who

Anthony Adams

slammed a mind-blowing 177 in the recent round, were both drafted to the Guyana T20 team.

The left-arm spinner said it was difficult to replace players of such calibre. “Replacing Paul and Adams is a very big thing.

Keemo has played for Guyana and West Indies, and Ricardo has been in great form this season. Tomorrow’s game is a big game for us and we need the other guys to step up, guys like Kevon Boodie, myself and Kemol Savory will need to score runs with the bat, while we have good players to support us like Mark Williams and Vijai Surujpaul.”

With 39 wickets from just 10 innings and a century under his belt, Adams wrapped up the last round with a 13-wicket haul and, as a result, has been quietly raising his stock not only as a spinner but as a capable lowerorder batsman. He credited the opportunity of bowling to some of Guyana’s best batsmen during the League as added factors to his rising success.

“Well, I have always tried to be positive in what I do; I have not been under any pressure bowling against the senior players, because the tournament has taught me to be patient. I have to play as a captain and a bowler, and I have to manage my own bowling as well as the team, so I have been learning a lot from the experience and I’m just looking to continue my all-round form,” he concluded.

The match starts at 09:30h.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2017

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Pg 23

Sports tourism policy development gaining momentum – associations urged to fully participate Courts/Malta Pee-Wee Football

Sophia-St Angela’s clash too close to call After the first day’s action, Sophia Primary players (yellow bib) looked one of the most compact teams, but they will possibly face their toughest test in St Angela’s Primary

GCB/Jaguars 3-Day League

Pg 23

Lack of attitude, desire contributed to East Coast’s downfall – Chandrika Rajendra Chandrika is optimistic that East Coast will finish this year’s 3-Day League with a win

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