Guyanatimes

03 Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana Issue No. 2897 guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

June 26, 2016

Planes disappear from Correia International Airport Page 8

Policeman killed Search continues for in highway outstanding US$5M accident for GTT shares Page 7

Page 7

PRICE

$120 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Production indicators P16 signal economic decline – Ali

Burning Haags Bosch landfill

Smoke P5 continues to affect Eccles residents President pledges 2M hectares P11 of land for conservation

Region 5 P14 rice farmers turning to cash crops …reduced earnings affecting livelihood – farmers Celebrating 50 years: Hand in Hand Mutual Life Assurance Company ended its week-long celebration to mark its 50th anniversary with a medical outreach at the Giftland Mall, Pattensen, Greater Georgetown on Saturday. The medical outreach was a collaborated effort of Hand in Hand, St Joseph Mercy Hospital and the Public Health Ministry

Residents say BBCI continues to run at Hope Canal is a...Govt-subsidised loss – annual report river taxis reduced a blessing minibus revenues

Page 3

...prevented flooding in Mahaica

Page 13

Land dispute leaves P12 Vreed-enHoop vendors frustrated

2

SunDAY, june 26, 2016 | guyana-times.com

NEWS

3

SunDAY, JUNE 26, 2016 | guyana-times.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Sunday, June 26 – 09:00h-10:30h and Monday, June 27 – 10:00h-11:30h.

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Sunday, June 26 – 08:15h-09:45h and Monday, June 27 – 09:20h-10:50h.

...Govt-subsidised river taxis reduced minibus revenues

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

WEATHER TODAY Heavy rain showers with sunny intervals can be expected in the morning, while heavy rain showers are expected throughout the afternoon. Clear skies with partly cloudy conditions can be expected in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius.

Wind: Easterly to East North-easterly between 2.23 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 08:40h and 21:15h reaching maximum heights of 2.51 metres and 2.45 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 02:11h and 14:43h reaching minimum heights of 0.76 metre ans 0.70 metre respectively.

Saturday, June 25, 2016

LOTTERY NUMBERS o

03 06 08 17 20 26 23 Bonus Ball

FREE TICKET

Daily Millions

11 18 20 21

05

LUCKY 3 0

1

4

Draw De Line 02

05 08 12 17

BBCI continues to run at a loss – annual report

18 21

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

T

he Berbice Bridge Company Incorporated (BBCI) is running at a loss with the company experiencing minimal growth in traffic and revenue, according to the directors in the 2015 Annual Report.

This has resulted in no dividends being declared for Common Shareholders that own the equity in the bridge, for the eighth successive year since operations of the Berbice Bridge was launched.

BBCI held its annual general meeting on Friday at the Guyana Cooperative Insurance Services (GCIS) building on Main Street, Georgetown. However, according to the annual report, which was seen by Guyana Times, even though the company recorded a loss of $167.4 million last year, this reflects a 30 per cent improvement when compared to the loss of $239.2 million in the previous year.

According to the Directors, this reduction in both traffic and revenue growth was significantly lower than projected at the planning stages of the Berbice Bridge project. It was outlined that revenues from tolls in 2015 had amounted to $1,343 million as against $1,342 million in 2014.

The report revealed that of the revenue generated, some 45.2 per cent were gained from cars, 16.16 per cent from freights, 9.29 per cent from minibuses, 10.73 per cent from medium trucks, 5.23 per cent from small trucks and 4.45 per cent from pick-ups, and remaining categories 8.89 per cent. The daily average revenue earned, the directors said, amounted to

$3,682,212, a minor increase of 0.14 per cent over 2014.

“This minimal increase of below one per cent over the previous year was primarily due to minor increases in traffic for cars, motorcycles and large trucks. Once again, a sharp decline was observed in traffic for minibuses and ocean-going vessels, along with a decline in all other categories, inclusive of freight,” the report stated.

However, it was explained that BBCI in December last year had entered an agreement with the Government, which saw the State paying a commuters’ subsidy to reduce the Bridge toll for passenger cars and mini-buses from $2200 to $1900 and for all other types of vehicles by 10 per cent, excluding vessels.

“This was done on the premise that both parties would engage shortly after implementation of the said agreement on January 1, 2016 in discussion on mutually beneficial arrangements in relation to tolls, since these

were to be increased as per the toll formula,” the report stated. It is uncertain if this meeting occurred.

Moreover, the BBCI directors pointed out that Government’s introduction of a “subsided” River Taxi System in September 2015 for passengers only from Rosignol Stelling to New Amsterdam, would have contributed to the significant decline in minibus traffic across the Bridge, which amounts to some six per cent over the period September 21 to December 31, 2015.

In addition, the report stated that the non-interest expenses before amortization and depreciation for 2015 was $276 million compared to $292 million in the previous year. This decrease of five per cent was as a result of no dredging operations being re-

quired last year.

The directors added too that BBCI’s earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) was $1.072 billion, an increase of two per cent from 2014. However, the company’s total assets decreased from $6.7 billion to $6.5 billion in 2015, reflecting a decrease of 2.60 per cent over 2014, which was due mainly to continued amortization of concession assets, increases in property, plant and equipment, inventory and cash and cash equivalents.

Additionally, the report outlined that capital expenditures for the year included the construction of a jackup barge, a new scale for the eastern end of the bridge and a standby generator set, which are work-in-progress. turn to page 5

4

guyana-times.com

SunDAY, JUNE 26, 2016

Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotliine: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544 223-7230,223-7231,231-0544, 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

Editorial

Brexit: an opportunity for our sugar?

T

he entire world, including Britain and the European Union (EU) are attempting to grapple with the implications of the British electorate mandating their Government that they must “leave” the EU (Brexit).

While there are some, like Guyana’s Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge who have already commented on whether our “handouts” from the EU will be affected, maybe it is time the Ministry of Agriculture and Greenidge consider whether there are any opportunities in the divorce that can be grasped by our beleaguered sugar industry.

As we all know, the EU began revising its sugar regime since 2006, including the Lome Protocol for purchasing sugar from us as a member of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) group that was supposed to exist in perpetuity. As a result, our sugar prices were slashed by 36% which forced several producers in the Caribbean to exit sugar production and our industry to fall into a tailspin in the wake of efforts to reduce production costs through the Skeldon Modernisation Project.

The focus of the EU in all the sugar regimes it crafted has been to protect its beet sugar industry by providing it with huge subsidies. In the meantime our sugar which had been shipped to Britain to the Tate & Lyle Sugar (TLS) on the Thames for refining was incorporated into the EU regime in 1973 and modified accordingly in the following years.

Cane Sugar has been treated as a stepchild and TLS has seen its refineries gradually decrease from six to one. And even that single refinery is only operating at 59% of its 1.1million tonnes capacity.

In 2012, TLS launched a “Save our Sugar” campaign and asserted: “If current and proposed EU policies continue to unfairly restrict access to raw sugar, cane refiners will not survive as part of the supply mix in Europe’s sugar sector”.

In the next two years according to Art 50 of the EU Charter, Britain and the EU will be negotiating the terms of the former’s exit. The EU’s entire sugar regime which address three main areas: quota management, a reference price and a minimum guaranteed price to growers, and trade measures, will have to be replaced by Britain with a new regime.

The quota management, which limits production to 13.5 tonnes of sugar is divided up between 19 member states and there are strict rules for overproduction would have ended as of 30 September, 2017.

Because beet farming in Britain has never been on a scale as say France and Germany, and British farmers never received subsidies on the scale of their European counterparts, the British Government will not be faced with the same level of pressure when they negotiate new Free Trade Agreements (FTA’s) in cane sugar.

This will be necessary even though the ACP countries have duty access under the extant agreement and since volume quotas can be continued, Guyana can increase shipment of its sugar what would still be higher prices than the residual world market prices.

TLS has been leading the charge for renegotiation of cane sugar trade arrangements before the old arrangement expired in 2017. It can be a potent ally with countries such as Guyana.

Guyana has another reason for securing the support of TLS with which it has been associated for the entire long history of the firm.

TLS is part of a growing evolution of cane sugar producers that have begun to integrate vertically to achieve efficiencies of scale. It was acquired by American Sugar Refiners (ASR) which had already bought over Belize Sugar Industries.

TLS is already intimately knowledgeable about the situation with Guyana’s sugar, where there does not appear to be the commitment towards reorganising it with the new corporate supply chain linkages developing.

Guyana should not be agonising about “aid”, which in the end simply exacerbates our dependency syndrome.

By seeking a strategic alliance with TLS, we may be able to provide employment to our citizens in sugar so they can live in dignity.

Kids at play: This brother takes his little sister on a joyride in a wheelbarrow at Ruimvledt Industrial site, Georgetown

The fall of the EU Dear Editor Nations and political unions can only succeed if the people are on board.

Government is by consent, not by assumption of consent, and not by assumption of superior expertise or knowledge. If the people are ignored, they will pull the plug.

The far right and far left may be loud, but may be ignored. The middle ground conservative, progressive, or whatever, whereon the majority stand, and maintain

fairness, may not be ignored.

These are the people who get on with it and keep the system working, it takes a lot to alienate them, but when that happens, they will respond. There is no deep wound inflicted, this was a referendum with no pitchforks, pikes, or guillotine involved. People spoke in the only way that they could.

This came as a surprise to those who had determined in their own minds that there was only one way forward, but not to the generality. The

European Union as constituted, and as it now operates, is the problem. The economic crash and the immigration crisis have shown not only that the EU couldn't cope, but also that it is unclear on the rights of its citizens, and how to protect those rights, and the welfare of its citizens.

It's dealings with Greece have been appalling. Germany was rebuilt after WW2, why not Greece? Why grind it down and allow it to be overburdened with immigrants?

Where is the long-term immigration policy, and controlling of the Mediterranean, that would have saved lives and prioritised refugees?

The economic union was successful, but the European Union has moved too quickly from an economic union to a political union. It can, and should be successful, but it needs to reinvent itself, and its philosophy.

Yours faithfully, Rooplall Dudhnath

City Hall turning a blind eye Dear Editor, Georgetown is the capital city of Guyana but it's in a very bad state because of the amount of vagrants, touts, beggars, thieves, and white collar crooks.

I wish to begin my discourse with the vagrants. The word vagrant can be defined as: “One who has no established residence and wanders idly from place to place without lawful or visible means of support.''

As I walked around the Guyana Post Office Corporation building I counted over 20 vagrants sleeping on cardboard. They eat, sleep, urinate and defecate there, which makes that place a living hell for shop owners, citizens and those who work at GPOC. But they don't stop there, they have extended their living quarters down to Fogarty's building doing their same filthiness but the administrators at City Hall puts a blind eye to all the filthiness from these vagrants.

It makes us look really bad when foreigners visit. We have a large number of new Ministries with competent educated ministers but none seem to see these vagrants, nor a need for a building to

house these vagrants.

If it's the Ministry of Social Protection or the Ministry of Social Cohesion or the Ministry of Human Services they need to build a living quarters for these vagrants to keep the city clean. They will clean them up, train them and put them in a rehab centre since most of them are young and can work before their lives are destroyed by drugs and alcohol.

City Hall is very busy with getting parking meters to suck every dollar out of citizens of Georgetown; they should now be busy to build a house for these vagrants who beg with children on the pave; so that we can have a good and green clean environment.

We have endless beggars all over Georgetown, most of whom are women with children. These same children from unwanted fathers and poor mothers grow up to be bandits and criminals.

Millions were wasted on the Jubilee celebrations, why not spend Taxpayers money on building homes for the poor and needy and help them and their children, to be a better citizen of this beautiful land of ours?

I hope the Minister of

Finance will put housing for vagrants in his next budget. Guyana is a nation dying slowly in poverty and human degradation while our leaders drive Hummers and Cadillacs.

Now I come to the touts who make the bus- and carparks a living hell while they rob people from time to time or set thieves to rob people, they need to be picked up by the police and be given jobs to clean the city.

These touts are all over from the Courts, GRA, Immigration, Banks and other Ministries, they always seem to be connected to a white collar criminal who can get you a document instantly for a nice fat price. So we can see corruption is still the order of the day, you are pushed around daily at offices for a document all because you have to ''grease somebody palm”. Is this the good and green economy we want for Guyana?

The thieves lurks all over from banks, courts, embassies, ministries watching like vultures for who to pounce on next. We now run out of jail space for young thieves who just want to live like parasites on innocent citizens who work hard for their money.

If we enforce more serious

laws in Guyana we will live in a better society. Drugs destroy people, it drives them to be thieves and makes them vagrants, yet many law-makers are calling for legalizing marijuana.

Guyana needs a new vision of honest political leadership that will take us into this new contemporary era for us to compete with the world. We must have a vision to eradicate poverty from our society, begging, stealing, corruption and crime.

Crime has plagued this nation for a very long time. What Guyana needs is a better economic policy, through implementing better salaries for our citizens of at least $140,000 per month for the average government worker. The police, teachers, public servant, and labourers will live in Guyana and not run out for better jobs and living standards. We have to learn to keep our people.

If the politicians can eat turkey and steak then we ought to be able to afford the same. A true leader will put others before himself because of his love and concern for his people.

Yours faithfully, Rev Gideon Cecil

NEWS

5

sunDAY, june 26, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

“Our relationship will not be Smoke continues to affect affected” – LaRocque on Brexit Eccles residents A Burning Haags Bosch Landfill

R

Eccles Landfill site

esidents of Eccles, East Bank Demerara living in proximity of the burning Haags Bosch Landfill have continued to express disgust over the smoke and fumes emanating from the fire there.

On Saturday, despite the rain the site continued to smoke. When Guyana Times visited the area residents expressed disgust over the situation, pointing out that their health are at risk.

One resident noted that her three children suffer from asthma and she is very worried over the situation: “I have three kids and this smoke just putting me in one set of trouble…because they coughing too much.”

Other persons living in the area related that due to the thick smoke stench, they are forced to wear clothes that smell burnt.

“All my clothes on the

line smelling burn, burn,” one man highlighted.

On Friday, residents complained of many other complications they experience due to this smoke predicament.

A resident highlighted to Guyana Times that during the hours of 19:00 and 05:00 the smoke is at its worst and does not clear up until 06:30h, adding that during the rainy weather the smoke would dissipate faster as compared to the dry weather.

Meanwhile on Saturday, the Communities Ministry in a statement by Government Information Agency said that spontaneously combusting fires continue to cause problems for residents of Eccles and nearby communities.

Project Director of the Georgetown Solid Waste Management Programme Gordon Gilkes said that sys-

tems have been put in place for a temporary operator at Haags Bosch to monitor the smoke fumes.

Contrary to the belief that the smoke is as a result of wood being continuously burnt at the location, Gilkes said it is as a result of fire to a section of the building that used to store the wood.

He explained that the fire which occurred earlier in the month at the landfill was controlled, except for instances when it rains, resulting in smoke and fumes.

During the late period of last year, this issue had been raised by residents and complaints had been made to the Communities Ministry and the Environmental Protection Agency on numerous occasions but in each instance, they were given the clichéd response “looking into the matter.”

BBCI continues to run at...

On the other hand, the company’s liabilities continue to decrease with a 0.01 per cent reduction from 2014. The third instalment of principal repayment of corporate bonds 1 was paid in June 2015, which amounted to $308 million. The fourth instalment, which was due in December 2015 was not paid until April 2016 after the company experienced a shortfall in cash resources.

In fact, Guyana Times understands that the company paid bond holders from an unsecured loan as the

company encountered difficulties in reining in funds to meet its commitments.

Nevertheless, according to the BBCI Directors, the company continued to discharge its corporate responsibilities by playing an integral part in the development of its nearby communities.

The company contributed significantly to the development of education and sport. It supported national events and made donations to charitable and community organisations in close proximity of the Bridge,

from page 3

both in Regions Five and Six. The company also sponsored events in other counties and as far as the hinterland.

s the eyes of the world continue to be fixed on the United Kingdom (UK) following its recent vote in a referendum to exit the European Union (EU), the Caribbean Community (Caricom) believes that its relationship with either will not be affected by that move.

Speaking at a roundtable discussion with the media on Saturday, ahead of the 37th Heads of Government Summit here in Guyana, Caricom Secretary General Irwin LaRoque pointed out that while the situation on the ground in the UK is evolving rapidly, he does not foresee anything happening overnight that will have a drastic impact on relations with Caribbean States.

He noted that there is definitely an anxiety over the UK’s exit and with the UK being a significant contributor to the European Development Fund (EDF), from which Caricom benefits, the community will be closely monitoring the situation as it evolves.

“I don’t anticipate that our relationship in terms of Europe to be directly affected… We don’t anticipate any diminishing of relationship of the EU and certainly not the UK, our relations are very strong,” he remarked.

Meanwhile, Guyana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge reiterated that the Brexit situation is complex and problematic. He noted that there is spectrum of things explained that EDF aid is a legal commitment from the UK and this arrangement cannot be altered until Cotonou expires in four

Caricom SG Irwin LaRocque

years’ time.

Greenidge had explained to reporters on Friday at a media conference that Guyana is a party to the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the Caribbean and EU, as well as the Cotonou Agreement between ACP and EU. These agreements, he asserted, are legally binding commitments to member States: “There is not likely to

be any short-term adverse consequences by way of a curtailing of resource or resource flows or curtailment of access of, let us say sugar or any other commodity into the European Union, whatever may be the case in relation to Britain,” Three days ago, 51.9 per cent of UK voted in a referendum to leave the EU trade bloc. This was despite 48.1 per cent vote from London, Scotland and Northern Ireland backing ‘stay’ in EU. Moreover, Greenidge had stressed that the future of market access for Guyana’s products will depend on new trade negotiations by the UK. “For specific products, you may have some hiccups but that may depend on exactly what Britain itself negotiates in relation to the European Union,” he explained.

According to the EU, the 11th EDF, which spans 2014 to 2020, has a budget of €30.5 billion. This is an increase from the €22.7 billion in the 10th EDF, which covered the period 2008 to 2013.

6

SunDAY, JUNE 26, 2016

Page

Foundation

Beloved actor/ comedian Henry Rodney in need of help

CPL 2016

"Rally, rally round the Guyana Amazon Warriors" Never say never Pretty soon the runs are going to flow like water” - Adapted from David Rudder, “Rally Round the West Indies”

I

Anu Dev

have to take time off from my ruminations on "medicining" to talk this week about cricket. We must have our priorities in order, don't we? And I'm a certified cricket tragic - just can't get enough of the game.

Cricket's always been one of the things that has brought us together as a Caribbean people - never mind it’s the source of some of the fiercest arguments you can imagine.

You know the most passionate arguments are with families!!

Now the West Indies in the ODI final against the Aussies and (more to the point) with the CPL starting next week, I’m sure the "words around cricket" will be flying faster and more furiously than ever before.

We Caribbean people, after all are acknowledged across the globe for "knowing their cricket". We have a reputation to maintain!!! And with CPL, we now have our own individual country's teams!!

One thing I really like

guyana-times.com

about this CPL tournament (apart from the fact that we have our own team and we're getting games in Guyana without begging anybody) is that many young, local cricketers are getting a chance to play. This opportunity will both give them a chance to experience what it’s like playing against International players and also a chance to shine and be recognised.

When the CPL was launched, I noted with the other tournaments like the IPL, CLT20, and Australia’s Big Bash, there were so many new players who impressed us and eventually made it onto their national teams. prayed, I "Hopefully the same will happen for the West Indies - we’ll discover some new talent to revive the current team." Well...look how our under-19 team did in the World Cup! Three Amazon Warriors incubated players!!

Guyanese have always supported the West Indies more than most, because we identify with the West Indies - we’re West Indians. We mightn’t strictly be a part of the West Indies geographically - we're smack on top of the AMAZON. But culturally and historically, we’re more West Indian that some of the islands. We’re cut from the same cloth, we all survived colonialism, we used cricket as our way of beating the rulers at their own game.

So we’ll support the West Indies they’re our team.

But with them sometimes snubbing our Guyanese players, it’s difficult not to feel a bit miffed.

But with the CPL, we’re rooting for something else entirely. We’re rooting for our country.

The Guyana Amazon Warriors are OUR TEAM!!! It’s Guyana versus Trinidad, or

Guyana vs Barbados - not West Indies against the rest of the world. It’s a powerful thing, this nationalistic feeling. It’s a whole new adrenaline rush when it’s your country’s team that wins. It’s your country’s flag that you’re waving; your country’s colours that the players are wearing; it’s you, the Guyanese people who are being represented.

All within the Caribbean family of course!!

In Guyana, we don’t have trouble having soldout matches, we're always starved for more cricket. I’m sure this set of matches in the CPL will be the same. It’s a wonderful opportunity for families or friends to hang out together to enjoy a sport that has brought together so many generations of sports enthusiasts. They scoffed at the new slam-bam format in the beginning - but now that T20 has brought is so many new fans, no one's scoffing any more.

The local games begin on next week's Thursday night; may the best team (Guyana Amazon Warriors) win. I may just sneak away from my books to be there!

Enjoy the view.

– health deteriorating due to unknown illness

B

Henry Rodney

eloved Comedian and Actor Henry Rodney, who is known for his quick wits and ability to have his audience rolling with laughter in their seats, has lately however been fighting an unknown illness that is threatening his career in theatre. Rodney has been an entertainer for over 30 years and has performed both locally and abroad.

Rodney has been searching for a breakthrough in an illness doctors have not yet identified and he says while he trusts in the Almighty to bring him through, he is concerned about his deteriorating health. He explained that he has been suffering for over a year and has visited a number of doctors, but thus far, none of them have been able to provide an accurate diagnosis.

“Over a year ago, I started to experience weakness in my legs and I decided to go check it out. So I went and saw Dr Roach, and Dr Roach questioned me thoroughly. He asked me to do some tests, and when I returned… he said he suspected Parkinson’s disease.

He referred me to the internal medicine clinic to meet with the specialist. I did meet that consultant named Dr Khan, he’s a Cuban doctor, and based on Dr Roach’s report, he gave me two months’ treatment. It wasn’t until I got back after the treatment, that I fortunately or unfortunately saw another doctor. I saw Dr Khan that morning and he told me it wasn’t Parkinson. He too questioned me and put me

on an exercise routine. He was adamant, he wanted a second opinion so I went across to Dr Doobay,” he explained.

He related that Dr Doobay ran several tests; however, the cause of his illness was still undetermined. He also explained that the doctor put him on medication to help boost his immune system, so as to alleviate some of the symptoms that he had been experiencing. “He asked me to redo some tests, and to do some additional tests. I did the same… I kept doing tests until he was satisfied.

And I was not treated but Dr Doobay continued with the builders – Iron, B Complex and multivitamins… and that’s what I have been using all the time,” the thespian explained.

However, despite this, Rodney related that lately the symptoms have become more intense, impeding his daily routines to an extent.

“Lately, I have been experiencing the weakness again,” he shared, adding that the change in his health was noticed by his fellow actors and comedians who were quick to offer their assistance.

“My colleagues observed that my movements slowed considerably… and I wasn’t worried ‘cause I am a believer and I know that there is a God… I know he is in charge of everything. I was a bit concerned though. I was concerned with the slowing of my movements as I was thinking of my acting career and they started to look out for me. And then suddenly I got this call from Desiree Edghill who spearheads everything and they’ve been doing a wonderful job. They were in a meeting with me and some others in the entertainment fraternity and they took it from there.

Everything set and organised was done by them… a group of concerned thespians,” he fondly related.

Edghill set up a GoFundMe page online in Rodney’s aid, and a benefit concert has also been organised for the comedian. The concert titled “ROKATUKS” was planned with the aim of raising funds to offset the medical expenses for the popular actor. turn to page 12

news

7

sunDAY, JUNE 26, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Search continues for outstanding US$5M for GTT shares N

o progress has been made as the search continues for the “missing” US$5 million for the sale of the 20 per cent shares in the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) in 2012.

During the recent broadcast of his weekly television podcast ‘The Public Interest’, President David Granger indicated that the matter is currently at a standstill.

He disclosed that there are no leads on where to locate the money, who could be responsible for its disappearance, or have knowledge of its whereabouts.

“We have not located the money and we have not identified any person who could be regarded as culpable,” the Head of State stated.

Nonetheless, President Granger said the search will continue, given that US$5 million is a significant amount of money.

Former Head of State Donald Ramotar

Minister of State Joseph Harmon

The National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) disposed of its 20 per cent shares in the sale to Hong Kong Golden Telecom Company Limited (HKGT) to the tune of US$30 million.

The Company made a down

payment of US$25 million and the outstanding US$5 million was to be paid on October 22, 2014 but it never did despite several written requests by NICIL. Minister of State Joseph Harmon and NICIL Legal

Counsel Natalia Seepersaud subsequently had travelled to China with the intention of collecting the money but were informed that the money was already paid.

Government spokesperson Raphael Trotman had announced that Harmon has been able to retrieve some documents which show that the monies were paid.

In light of the controversy this revelation sparked, NICIL released a statement rejecting the Government’s assertions.

While pointing out that the information is yet to be authen-

ticated, NICIL claimed that Guyana’s former Ambassador to China David Dabydeen facilitated a US$5 million debt waiver with the Chinese Company on the grounds that it was not granted the same minority protection rights enjoyed by NICIL (that is, two, instead of one, representatives on the GT&T Board of Directors). NICIL conceded that no payment of the outstanding US$5 million was ever received from the Chinese Company.

But former President Donald Ramotar contended that there was no side deal debt write-off.

“I am saying explicitly that there was no such agreement or transaction… It is absolutely untrue… It is not a question of whether or not I am aware of such an agreement, I am telling you that there was no such arrangement to write-off those monies,” he firmly posited.

Police Constable killed in highway accident

The car Caines was driving when he met his demise

A

Police Constable attached to the Mackenzie Police Station was on Saturday afternoon killed after he lost control of the car he was driving at Bamia Linden/ Soesdyke Highway, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

Dead is Constable Ishaan Caines, formerly of Lot 184 Coverden, EBD and of Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara.

The accident reportedly occurred at about 15:15h.

According to information received, the 26-year-old Policeman was driving a motorcar bearing registration number PPP 7936 and was heading along the roadway at a fast rate when he reportedly lost control of the vehicle. The car, Guyana Times

understands, toppled several times before coming to a stop with its four wheels in the air.

The young Policeman sustained severe injuries and was taken to the Linden Hospital Complex where he was pronounced dead on arrival. When contacted, his mother Carla Loncke told this publication that her son would normally return home on the weekend. She noted that on Saturday, he asked to use her motorcar claiming that he had to drop off a document at Police Headquarters, Eve Leary, in Georgetown.

“He left home at about 12:30h so I went back to bed… It was in my sleep when I hear the phone ring and I got the message of the accident,” she added. The

Dead: Ishaan Caines

woman claimed that at no point in time did her son tell her he was heading to Linden and could not say exactly what transpired.

She immediately travelled to Georgetown and boarded a route 43 minibus and travelled to Linden where she saw her son, who was already placed in the mortuary. The young man graduated last year and was transferred to the Mackenzie Police Station.

The Police have launched an investigation into the accident. He leaves to mourn his parents and three siblings.

8

news

SunDAY, JUNE 26, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Planes disappear from Correia International Airport

T

A Cessna 206 similar to the two that disappeared from Ogle International Airport

he Police have launched an investigation into the disappearance of two Cessna 206 aircraft from the Eugene F Correia International Airport without clearance from Customs, Immigration and Air Traffic Control on Saturday morning.

Guyana Times understands that the aircraft bearing registration numbers 8R-GTP and 8R-GMP are subject of a High Court litigation in Guyana and were not supposed to leave the country.

Acting Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority, Chitranie Heeralall confirmed that the aircraft left Guyana without authorisation while adding that the planes left Guyana between 04:00h and 04:30h.

The aircraft, which are worth US$110,000 each, are owned by Oxford Aviation

and were subjected to a court injunction by Phoenix Airways.

The planes were however, detained in Anguilla after flying through Trinidad airspace and landing in Grenada to refuel.

One of the pilots was identified as Munidat Persaud, a Guyanese who owns a flight school and charter service in the United States. The other pilot Guyana Times understands is not licensed to fly in Guyana’s airspace.

However, speaking on behalf of the Eugene F Correia International Airport, Kit Nascimento related that all security protocols were followed on the morning when the aircraft departed.

“At approximately 04:00h this morning (Saturday), two staff attached to Oxford Airways presented their air flight passes at the airport securi-

ty scanner and entered the airport. The men told the security staff at the scanner that they were going to their aircraft to put some stuff on board”, Nascimento explained.

In fact, he noted that the pilots took off without filing a flight plan and without notifying the airport security and immigration. “I want to stress that every licensed airport operator has access to their aircraft whether in hangers or on the tarmac… these aircraft were parked on the light aircraft parking facility that is available at the Airport”.

He stressed that all the airport security staff were on duty and would have allowed the men onto the airstirp because they had air flight passes.

The pilots, the official reiterated, did not notify the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). The air

traffic control tower was only aware of what was happening as the aircraft were taxing down the runway to take off.

“In a most sophisticated country, if an aircraft takes off from any airport improperly, the military would intervene but we don’t have an airforce that would go up and bring these planes back,” Nascimento highlighted.

He also confirmed that the aircraft were escaping a court injunction filed by Phoneix Airways while adding that the aircraft were intercepted in Anguilla.

The pilots Guyana Times understands will be brought back to Guyana where they will be handed over to the Police to assist in their investigations.

(Bhisham Mohamed)

Correction

I

n our article captioned “Cricket a key factor in Promoting Social Cohesion – Dr Hinds,” Guyana Times inadvertently described Dr David Hinds as an Executive Member of the Alliance For Change (AFC). Dr Hinds has never been a member of the AFC but rather an Executive Member of the Working People’s Alliance. This newspaper apologies for the inconvenience caused.

Eyew tness To be or not to be...

N

...European

ow we're done celebrating our Independence from Great Britain (Yep! That's what it was called back then!) your Eyewitness is revelling in the irony of Britain (to which was soon reduced) probably becoming further diminished to "England" in the wake of its "Brexit". The pundits pontificate...since 62% of Scotland voted to "Remain" they might very well vote to "leave" Britain and remain in Europe.

Why'd they want to "remain" and be dominated by England as they've been since 1601?? Over in Northern Ireland, 56% voted to "leave" ...but since they stand to lose the most with the "leave" decision, leaders have already called for a referendum to decide whether they should now unite with Ireland. It was interesting most Catholics in the North voted to "remain" and the Protestants voted the opposite.

Over in Wales, the numbers were about the same... almost evenly split. In the cold reappraisal of "the day after", they realise they have more to lose than gain. The main reason for the "leave" vote - immigration for Eastern Europe - doesn't affect Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland as much. The issue is then less emotional. So it does look like these parts of Britain will now choose to "leave". The Rump Britain will be reduced to England.

Ahhh...how low has the mighty fallen!

Now it's not considered good form to kick a chap when he's down. But the British never really practiced what they preached, did they? Even with those Scots, Welsh and Irish...they were asked to become "British" to do the dirty work in the colonies. Did you ever wonder why most of the Overseers on the sugar plantations were Irish and Scottish? They were always treated as second class. They had to drink in the "Clubs" on the Plantations where they lorded it over the natives, but never at the Georgetown Club with the chaps from England!! Tally Ho!!

The English had the same perspective on the rest of the Europeans and never ever called themselves by that moniker. Wot? England was England and Europe was Europe and never the twain shall meet!! We shouldn't forget Britain didn't JOIN the EU until 1973, more than a decade after efforts at unity had been in progress. And they never accepted the Euro as their currency.

So with them and Europe it was always a "hold me... loose me" relationship. Well they have two years to work out the terms of the divorce. France gave them a "hard card" when they finally sought to enter the EU. This Eyewitness thinks Germany will extract its pound of flesh now it wants to leave!

...mendicants

Did you notice all the Caribbean leaders who weighed in on Brexit talked about the aid they'd received, were receiving or was supposed to receive from Britain and the EU? And this after half a century after all of us were given "Independence"! But that's the point, isn't it? We were "given" independence. Power, it is said, is never conceded without a struggle. And when it is... Look out!

It's not real power.

In the wake of the anniversary of Rodney's murder, we were reminded he criticised the independence leaders for their "briefcase revolutions" which merely placed themselves into the shoes of the departed British.

It was simply a variation of the British old gambit of "indirect rule" where they called the shots from behind the scenes. He was thrown out of Jamaica for pointing this out!

The British wouldn't gamble with having men like Jagan or Rodney in office. These fellas had very firm ideas about real independence.

They didn't intend for us to beg for our supper.

...decentralised

On this parking meter scandal...we stand in danger of throwing out the baby with the bathwater. Municipalities and NDCs SHOULD make their own decisions - not Central Government.

Where IS the Local Government Commission?

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

news

9

SunDAY, JUNE 26, 2016 | guyana-times.com

D'Urban Park development

Govt cancels plan to dismantle, distribute stands

By Devina Samaroo

G

overnment has abandoned its plan to install modern seating arrangements at D’Urban Park, the venue projected to be a world-class arena for major public events.

The wooden bleachers that can accommodate 28,000 persons altogether, were initially slated to be dismantled and distributed after the 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations.

The announcement to dismantle the bleachers had come in light of strong criticisms about the quality of the work and the appropriateness of using wood to construct stands for a proposed state-of-the-art stadium.

But President David Granger during an interview on “The Public Interest” revealed that there were several requests for the wooden stands to remain at the facility and upon consideration, his Government decided it was a sound move.

“We had a second look at it, D’Urban Park is now an institution which people have started to use… It is very likely that D’Urban Park, which is the single largest stadium in the country, will be kept as a place of public purposes and the stands will not be dismantled,” he stated.

Concerns about the integrity of the stands were raised

Government has abandoned its plan to install modern seating arrangements at D’Urban Park, a venue projected to be a world-class arena for major public events

by a number of persons, even by the General Secretary of the General Contractors Association of Guyana, Neil Rogers, who concluded that the work was very “shabby”.

His assessment was made approximately one month before D’Urban Park was scheduled to accommodate a gargantuan crowd.

He had asserted that the inferiority of the work goes beyond what meets the eye, pointing out that he has a “contractor’s eye”, and explained that wood was jointed in places that are load bearing and that bolts were inserted where they ought not to have been.

Another concern he highlighted was the quality of the lumber supplied for the construction, which was a public-private partnership at that time.

Subsequently, manage-

ment of the project was pulled from the hands of private individuals and placed under the Public Infrastructure Ministry. It became solely a public project.

Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson had disclosed that the stands would be dismantled and distributed to community centre grounds across the country. The names of the centres at the time were withheld from the public.

Now that the stands will no longer be sent to community centres, alternative arrangements may be made to ensure those recreational venues are adequately equipped with proper seating facilities.

The Head-of-State also explained that Government is looking to develop additional recreational facilities in the towns across the coun-

try.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that the cost of construction of the D’Urban Park bleachers alone amounted to some $210 million. This is in addition to unknown sums which was spent by private businessman on the project.

When prompted, President Granger was unable to disclose the ratio of contribution from private and public sectors.

Government had explained that all private donations were made to a registered company, which is under a separate head outside of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure.

The D’Urban Park development initiative is being rolled out in three phases: Phase one, which entailed uprooting the overburden and replacing it with sand and loam to enable construc-

tion of drains and pathways and the installation of floodlights, was completed in time for the Jubilee Celebrations on May 26. According to reports, $150 million was allocated for those works.

An artist’s impression of the D’Urban Park facility shows that there will be nine ponds but Minister Patterson had told “Guyana Times” on Independence Day 2016 that assessments will have to be made before a concrete decision is made on the way forward: “It is supposed to be a green space for the benefit of

every Guyanese…everything is conceptual at the moment.

You would have probably seen the artistic designs. But the final decision will be representing the country about where we are and where we want to go,” he had stated.

It remains sure however, that D’Urban Park will be used for a variety of public events, including the Mashramani float parade; religious ceremonies; food fairs and educational exhibitions; musical concerts; medical outreaches; physical training and gymnastic displays, and public rallies.

10

sunDAY, JUNE 26, 2016

guyana-times.com

News

How an accident has change the life of a Goed Fortuin family

A

lmost one month after he was stuck down on the Goed Fortuin Public Road, 43-year-old amputee Wazir Ali is still hospitalised and his wife Gaitree Ali is finding it difficult to cope with the expenses of tending to him.

On May 29, Wazir Ali of Industry, East Coast Demerara (ECD) was standing on the roadway when he, along with a 14-yearold boy, was struck by a motorcar bearing registration plates PTT 1343 and driven

by Donald Downer. The driver had claimed that he lost control of the car and slammed into teenager, and then Ali before smashing into a parked motorcar bearing registration plates PLL 7857.

Ali recalled the day of the dreadful incident, telling Guyana Times that he was visiting his two children at Goed Fortuin when the acci-

Wazir Ali on his cot in the hospital

dent occurred. “I was at Goed Fortuin main road… opposite a place... a tire shop. A guy pull up in a black car and ask me fuh space fuh par. He went back into his car and pull into the shop. I saw two kids standing on the road and this car pass next to them so I holler on them. When I holler on them… I mek a left turn.

When I swing to my left, all I hear is ‘badang!’ and that’s all

I know. I wake up in the hospital,” he related.

He received severe injuries to his head, arms and legs, and due to the severity of the injuries to his left leg, it had to be amputated. He expressed his frustration with being hospitalised as he cannot support his children from a cot. “This gon mek three weeks since I in the hospital. I lost my leg, and it ain’t even heal yet. It ain’t easy… it ain’t easy,” he stated, adding that his children are minors who attend school. He related that the driver is yet to visit him or offer compensation. “I don’t know the name of the driver or nothing, I never see him on to a day like today,” he explained.

Meanwhile, Ali’s wife voiced her frustrations, tell-

ing this publication that it has been a gruelling and financially difficult period since her husband was hospitalised. “It’s been stressful cause it’s 25 days he’s been in here and every day I got to come in the morning, during lunch and in the afternoon. For the past two weeks my work place has been flexing with me but I have to work so I won’t be able to make it lunch time.

And it’s difficult because every day I have to take a taxi.

And the person that hit [him] never came to check on him or offer any sort of compensation or assistance… nothing at all,” the woman explained. The injured man’s wife further explained that her husband has to undergo another surgery on his leg.

She related that while the driver was charged, he is currently on bail and the court case is being impeded as Ali cannot make an appearance.

“The story is in court. I went two times but it’s calling and put off because he is in the hospital,” she stated.

The woman said that this accident has changed the family's life completely. She added that she is now the breadwinner of the family as her husband lies helpless in the hospital

Stabroek (Tiananmen) Square?

S

atiricus now knew his "gem like" native land was finally going to take off. It was not going to be an "unpolished" gem no more. It had certainly been long in coming. "But better late than never," he sighed to his friend Cappo. The Back Street Bar was slowly filling up with regulars who each had to shake the water from their clothes like dogs trying to get dry. The rain was really coming down.

"Suh wha mek yuh seh suh?" Cappo demanded. "All dem t'ing de guvment do fuh Jubilee an' da na impress you. Wha' happen now?"

"Is not one thing, Cappo," said Satiricus. "It's several things. Look at the Parking Meters we are going to get.

That is progress."

"Me a look at de Parking Meta Sato," replied Cappo ruefully. "An' all me see ah t'iefing!"

"But you see Cappo, the problem with you and most Guyanese is you never study history," said Satiricus as they touched their beer bottles before taking a swig. "Did you ever hear about the Robber Barons of America?"

"Na," said Cappo. "Dem a who?"

"My friend, after America was 50 years old it was a set of rascals and robbers who set the foundation for what you see today." pointed out Satiricus . "Fellas like Rockefeller and Vanderbilt."

"Wha' dem do?" queried Cappo" "Rockefeller thief to create the largest oil company in the world, and Vanderbilt thief to build the railroads," said Satiricus. "But they left America more developed.

That is what our Parking Meter thieves will do."

"Now me anda-staa," said Cappo. "Dem should gi'e de Mayah wan medal fuh bringin' de mos' advance parking meter in de worl'!"

"They should," said Satiricus with feeling. "But another thing clinched my certainty that no one can stop our development."

"Wha' da?" asked Cappo, signalling for another beer—Satiricus was buying.

"The news that twenty of our policemen were sent to China for training," said Satiricus. "In crowd control and disturbances."

"Wha' suh big 'bout da?" Cappo asked in surprise.

"Is de same thing I said before," said Satiricus exasperatedly. "Y'all don't know history!"

"Wha histry dis time," enquired Cappo.

"My friend, just before China became the big economic power it is today," said Satiricus, "There were demonstrations in 1989 to prevent it from happening.

The government had to use specially trained police to break it up."

"Really?"'said Cappo. "Where was that?"

"Tiananmen Square," replied Satiricus. "Just let those who want to stop our progress in Stabroek Square, try now!"

"Le' abee drink to dat, Sato, ole Budday!" said Cappo.

news

11

sunDAY, JUNE 26, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

President pledges 2M hectares of land for conservation

P

resident David Granger on Friday evening pledged to allocate two million more hectares of land and waterways for conservation.

During his address at the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana’s (THAG) President’s Awards Ceremony 2016, President Granger said Guyana has been abundantly blessed with natural resources and must utilise them for its economic development.

He reiterated his Administration’s fundamental commitment to the tourism sector and sustainable economic growth, even as Guyana transitions to a ‘green’ economy.

President Granger added that the benefits of equitable and sustainable development are too numerous and transformative to be ignored.

His plan to increase conservation areas was made in keeping with the Administration’s commitment to the development of a ‘green economy’, the Paris Agreement on climate change and growth in the tourism sector.

“What a country! What wildlife! What a waste to ignore the great gifts of nature.

Guyana’s abundant flora and fauna constitute a priceless national and natural treasure. Our animals are capable of generating more income alive than dead; in their natural state and habitats than in pepperpot or souse. They can contribute more to the development of a world-class and globally competitive, eco-tourism product than anything else,” President Granger said.

The President explained that allocating more space to the protected area system will ensure that these natural resources are used sustainably and preserved for

President David Granger and First Lady Sandra Granger are welcomed to the Dinner and Awards

by THAG President Shaun McGrath and his wife Monica, upon their arrival at the Marriott Hotel

future generations.

“These areas will be established in each of our 10 administrative regions to ensure that conservation is national in scale and covers all of our ecological zones in scope. Ecological parks, nature reserves and sanctuaries for our endangered species will be established to protect our flora and fauna and our natural habitats, ecosystems. Guyana’s ecotourism competitiveness will be enhanced by the fact that we are part of Caribbean and also the continent. We share borders with three South American countries. We are placed strategically to tap into the large tourist markets of our sister states of the Caribbean and the continent,” the President said.

He noted too that tourism is essential to the growth of the national economy. It is neither a hobby nor a sideshow. “Guyana must learn to manage the tourist industry with the same seriousness and thoughtfulness with which it manages the gold and rice industries,” he said. The President added that it is one of the main drivers in the world economy and that this is no different for our small, developing state.

“It was a couple of years

ago, the seventh fastest growing sector of the global economy. The rate of growth of the sector in 2015 outpaced the rate of growth of the global economy. The industry generated US$7.2 trillion annually or 9.8 per cent of global Gross Domestic Product. It accounted for one in every 11 jobs in the global economy. Tourism has established itself as an extremely resilient economic sector. Its prospects are bright. The industry is projected to enjoy sustained global economic growth over the next decade.

This growth is expected to be driven by emerging destinations,” the Head of State said.

Guyana is the next frontier for tourism, the President said, explaining that tourists have grown tired of the traditional lure of the sun, sand and sea that is offered by most of the Caribbean states.

He reiterated that promoting eco-tourism is vital to diversifying Guyana’s economy over the next two decades and beyond and the sustainable use of the environment is central to its ‘green’ strategy. In keeping with this, President Granger said Government will ensure that the eco-tourism sector accords with the principles

of sustainable development.

To this end, the President pledged that infrastructural

development will be done in keeping with the overall aim of linking communities via the erection of aerodromes, construction of highways, roads and stellings to facilitate the ingress and egress of persons for their livelihoods and to advance tourism.

Meanwhile, THAG President, Shuan McGrath praised the Government’s plan for sustainable economic growth. He extolled that the benefits are numerous and cross several categories.

He also spoke of the economic benefits that accrued from Guyana’s Golden Jubilee Independence Anniversary celebrations and pointed out that visitors

in May doubled and all hotels, guesthouses and inns were fully booked over that period.

At the close of the function, four organisations and one individual were honoured for their outstanding contributions to the tourism sector. The Hotel of the Year award went to the Marriott Hotel Guyana; Resort/Lodge of the Year was awarded to Arrowpoint Nature Resort; the Direct Tourism Services Award was presented to Trans Guyana Airways; the Tourism Supporting Services Award went to ANSA McAL Trading; and Hall of Fame Award 2016 to Tony Thorn.

12 news Land dispute leaves Vreed-en-Hoop vendors frustrated A SunDAY, june 26, 2016 | guyana-times.com

large plot of land located at Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara (WCD) where vendors were asked to occupy to ply their trade is being claimed by a former regional chairman who says the land is his and the vendors are occupying it illegally.

This is according to a number of hucksters who on Friday vented their frustrations to Guyana Times.

According to the vendors, the former chairman is making it difficult for them to make a living on a daily basis.

Reports received by Guyana Times states that the

man, who is a Commissioner to Oaths and Affidavits has blocked a section of the land where vendors have to occupy.

As a result of this, a section of the land is under water. Vendors complain that they were notified some weeks again by the former

chairman that they had to move but when they contacted regionally officials about their plight they were told that the claims were not true and they should continue to occupy the land.

Again the former regional chairman has given them an ultimatum to move.

The vendors are now uncertain as to what their next action should be as they are frustrated by the former chairman’s actions.

“I have been here for a number of years and now I do not know what to do. The man is still of the opinion that the land is his, even disclos-

ing the amount that he paid,” a vendor told this publication.

The vendors are hoping that Government can intervene in their plight.

This publication contacted the former Regional Chairman for a comment on the issue but those efforts proved futile.

Beloved actor/comedian Henry...

The theatrical production will be held tonight at the National Cultural Centre, Homestretch Avenue, Georgetown.

The concert under the directorship of veteran Journalist and Comedian Ron Robinson, was put together by friends of Rodney and will see performances by the “Nothing to Laugh About” crew, The Reactors, Simone Dowding, Kirk “Chow Pow” Jardine, the National School of Dance, Kwesi “Ace” Edmondson, Free Souls Dance Movement, Sheron Cadogan-Taylor, Leslyn Bobb-Semple, The National Drama Company, and many other local talents. Consequently, arrange-

ments are being made to fly Rodney to Trinidad for urgent medical prognosis and treatment. Tickets for the event cost $1500 and $1000 and are available at the National Culture Centre.

Rodney explained that when he heard of the efforts by his colleagues, he was overjoyed and deeply touched by the kind gesture.

“It brought a revival… because people think that people in this world are bad. I mean we know that there are wicked people… there are bad people and such, but there are still good people.

These are great people who were sent by God to do this,” he stated.

However, while the ef-

from page 6

forts of his friends are bringing him great joy, Rodney is still troubled by the unknown illness. “I did a CT Scan… I did an MRI… I did some blood tests. I’m to meet with a doctor from Woodlands Hospital. Right now, if I tell you what is wrong I would be lieing. I just don’t know…. and when you don’t know, you tend to worry but I’m not the worrisome kind but I am concerned to know what next to do,” he shared.

Persons interested in offering financial assistance to Rodney can visit the GoFundMe page online or make a deposit in account 267-318-4 at Republic Bank.

news

13

SunDAY, JUNE 26, 2016 | guyana-times.com

The politics of parking

By Ryhaan Shah

A

decision to install parking meters in a city would appear an innocuous issue except that ours in Georgetown has become mired in scandal, suspicions of fraud, and bears the hallmarks of highhandedness, all of which are signature elements of the Granger Government.

There was no public consultation on installing the meters and had there been one, the vital question would have been: Why? Parking meters are used in large, congested cities worldwide to dissuade drivers from using their vehicles. In these cities, there are ready alternatives. Besides fleets of taxis, there are good public transportation systems of buses, subways and trains.

In Guyana, besides taxis, the Ryhaan Shah only alternative are minibuses which are often overcrowded, rush about our roadways recklessly and put everyone’s lives at risk. It therefore makes sense for those who can to own and drive their own vehicles.

There are some parking issues in the city centre but empty lots can be leased by the M&CC and drivers charged a nominal fee for parking to cover the rental cost.

No Caribbean city uses parking meters and in a small city like Georgetown, creating cycling lanes would make better sense. Encouraging people to bicycle into and around the city would ease traffic congestion, fit in with our greening strategy, and make for a healthier and fitter citizenry which would translate into less sick days and less stress on our medical services. That’s a win-win-win-win-win situation. The benefits would far outweigh the initial cost.

Also, Government is thinking about raising bridge crossing fees, drivers licence fees and vehicle fitness fees so drivers are already paying more to use our roadways. These increased fees are already “burdensome” to use President David Granger’s word and since Guyana hardly tops the region as being economically progressive, the population is already hard pressed to make ends meet.

Investigations into the companies selected by the Mayor and City Council to install the meters reveals neither Smart City Solutions Inc nor National Parking Systems existed on the worldwide web before April last which, suspiciously, coincided with the time that there were fresh discussions on the meters’ installation.

Furthermore, there is absolutely no business sense in anyone signing a contract with a company before investigating their product as was done by the M&CC. Had they not done this, they said, their tour to Mexico would not have been paid for by the company! Duh! The signed contract, according to Mayor Patricia Chase Green, is a “private document of the administration”. How and when does the use of ratepayers’ monies ever become private business?

This reads like a Hollywood script for a comedy in a banana republic about greedy and corrupt politicians in which, swaggering back from their all-expenses-paid trip to Mexico, one official says to the media, “I have no apologies to make; I getting like Harmon.”

Except that this is not fiction but fact. Those words uttered

by Chairman of the M&CC’s Finance Committee and People’s National Congress (PNC) stalwart Oscar Clarke are chilling and return us to the days of Burnham’s excesses.

No one expects the review of the contract being undertaken

by Clarke’s PNC comrades Attorney General Basil Williams and Finance Minister Winston Jordan to amount to anything but a rubber stamp of approval.

It appears that the lack of accountability, transparency and responsibility with public finances is a policy of the Granger Government, including at the local government level where elected PNC/A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) officials are using their authority to push through decisions by whatever means necessary.

Deputy Mayor Sherrod Duncan of the Alliance For Change minced no words when he said of the M&CC’s behaviour that “such levels of arrogance are not only nauseating and sickening but places Guyana right back to the days of executive thuggery”.

The PNC has learned everything from its past of party paramountcy and thuggery, that very past that they wanted the electorate to put aside and forget when they cast their ballots at last year’s general elections.

Whereas this should be a straight case about the citizenry insisting on integrity and honesty from our public officials, it will descend into being just another example of partisan politics where PNC hardliners will continue to behave with arrogance because it is the party’s culture as learned from their maximum leader Forbes Burnham who they continue to praise and shower with awards.

It is from this point that tyranny arises. The disappointment with the Granger Government is absolute and the citizenry must support the Deputy Mayor and every right-minded City Councillor on this issue and reject the attempts to foist a project onto the city that reeks of corruption.

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

Residents say Hope Canal is a blessing ...prevented flooding in Mahaica

The Hope Canal outfall

I

n light of the ongoing flood situation in Mahaicony, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), residents and farmers of Baiboo and Number 10 Village in De Hoop Branch Road, Berbice, have noted that the construction of the Hope Canal has spared them from the heavy flooding they experienced in the past.

One of the eldest women in the community, Salika Hussein expressed that the project was a blessing to the community. It was explained that previously, excess water from the back dam was release into the farm lands of residents.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, who met with flood affected farmers and residents in Region Five last week opined that the project’s cost was justified.

“That Hope Canal made a major difference; it has paid back for itself. In two years that will probably pay back for all the crops that weren’t destroyed; it saved a lot of money for people,” the former Head of State noted.

Last week, reports had stated that homes and livestock in Baiboo were threatened but most of the flood waters have since receded, unlike many communities in the Mahaicony area.

Residents and farmers of Number 10 Village also noted that they have been largely spared from the flooding in the region.

The Hope Canal Project allows excess water from the East Coast Demerara Water Conservancy to be drained into the Atlantic Ocean via an eight-door sluice. The project cost some $3.6 billion.

The Project came into being after the 2005 floods, where excessive rainfall resulted in Regions Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and Five experiencing massive flooding. Robert Persaud who led the Agriculture Ministry at that time, through the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) had conducted exploration of the Northern Relief Channel with the intention of improving the standards to withstand the intensity of further hydrological disasters.

14 news

SunDAY, june 26, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Harmon meets with East Berbice- Region 5 rice farmers to cash crops Corentyne residents, contractors turning … reduced earnings

F

ollowing the award of $130 million in contracts for rehabilitation works in several communities in Region (Six East BerbiceCorentyne), Minister of State Joseph Harmon visited with community members and contractors in the selected areas to ensure that the community members are involved during the construction process.

At High Dam, Caracas, West Canje, Berbice, residents expressed relief that the road in that area would finally be paved. However, several took the opportunity to air other concerns that needed to be addressed in the area, including the need for a recreational centre for children, the installation of street lights, and the alleviation of flooding that occurs in the area.

Minister Harmon pledged to address matters of flooding as a priority as it affects residents’ livelihoods. He pledged that at a later date, efforts will be made to look into the installation of street lights, which he

Minister of State Joseph Harmon with Chairman of the Lancaster/ Hogstye NDC Forbes Moore (third from right) along with other members of the community during one of his visits to East Berbice-Corentyne

noted is a larger project – not just for a specific community – and paving other access roads to the area.

Regarding the paving of the High Dam Road, which is a 453-metre stretch into the community, the Minister said that after consulting with the contractor, once the weather clears, the project should take a month to complete. He also noted that the entire project should be completed in two months.

Minister Harmon then paid a visit to Lancaster, Middle

Walk Dam and Liverpool to assess the work to be done. At those locations, some residents were primarily concerned with obtaining some form of employment from the work that would soon begin on the roads.

Minister Harmon agreed that residents should have this benefit, stating that this was part of the reason for his visit.

“It is important that the community is involved in what is happening here. And you should also ensure that people from the community are employed. I want to make sure

that whatever work is done there is reflective of community involvement. These contracts were aimed to give a bit [of a] jumpstart to the communities so I hope the contractors will pay attention to that,” the Minister said.

In response to the work being done, Chairman of the Lancaster/Hogstye Neighbourhood Democratic Council, Forbes Moore said the planned works are a great help to the community. He noted, however, that there were some other needs communicated to him, including the establishment of a farmers market, better drainage and irrigation and better garbage collection.

Following these visits, Minister Harmon also visited the Independence Arch at Hogstye and met with more residents. Community visits were also scheduled at Second Street, 65 Village, Arjune Street, Hampshire and Koker Dam Fyrish North on Saturday.

affecting livelihood – farmers

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo addressing residents and farmers at Baiboo, Mahaica last week

T

he ongoing financial challenges in the rice industry have forced many farmers in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) to abandon the sector and resort to cash crop cultivation. During a recent meeting with Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, residents of Baiboo, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara explained that due to the current low prices for paddy, they are forced to plant cash crops. The farmers however noted that although they are resorting to cash crops, it has reduced the amount of money they can earn since there is a surplus on the market.

“De greens selling cheap… then the rice farmer dem getting hardship to get price for paddy,” one farmer expressed.

Some of the less lucrative crops identified were bora, tomatoes, pepper and ochros. Meanwhile, farmers of Mora’s Point, Mahaicony River, complained that they are finding it difficult going into the next crop since they are still owed millions by the miller in the area. After listening to their concerns, the Opposition Leader stated that Government has not done enough to assist rice farmers and to an extent, the industry.

“They have some resources that could still be spent on the rice industry; the first budget they passed, they put $23 billion for the rice industry, I was happy [but] it wasn’t a cent – it was a paper transaction. They just passed the PetroCaribe funds through the budget,” Jagdeo noted.

The Opposition Leader also deemed the transaction as “misleading” to the National Assembly.

Ever since the collapse of the PetroCaribe rice deal

with Venezuela in May 2015, farmers have been receiving between $1800 and $2500 per bag of paddy. Under the PetroCaribe agreement, farmers had received premium rates for their paddy, as much as triple what they are currently obtaining. Rice millers have reportedly claimed that they cannot pay the balances because they have not been able to sell the farmer’s paddy.

When Guyana Times interviewed several farmers in Branch Road, Mahaicony last month, they reiterated calls for the Venezuela-Guyana deal to return, saying that it would increase their earnings in price per bag of paddy. The farmers had noted that for the previous few crops, they were unable to achieve any substantial profits from the industry.

Family members of some farmers had also told this publication that Government subsidies on fertilisers and equipment were necessary for their survival.

“We need a better price, we need some help to go back into the field, because right now it very hard on farmers, right now the millers owe we a set of money and we can’t go back into the field,” Tajwantie Ramotar had noted.

Though the PetroCaribe deal was due for expiration in November 2015, Venezuela had axed the rice deal months before the official due date.

Under this deal, Guyana was required to pay upfront a percentage of the cost of fuel acquired from Venezuela, with the balance, which was placed in the PetroCaribe Fund at the Bank of Guyana, being treated as a loan repayable over 23 years, with a two-year grace period and two per cent interest.

Guyanese protest Nagamootoo in NYC

Overseas based Guyanese staged a protest against Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo as he attended GOPIO Biennial Convention in New York on Friday. Protesters were upset that Nagamootoo is participating in an Indian event, representing Indians when he proclaimed he is not Indian. The protesters were from International Center for Democracy (ICD), and Guyana Solidarity Movement

news

15

SunDAY, JUNE 26, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Guyana-Venezuela border controversy

By: Lorraine Ince-Carvalhal

Your future, your choice

W

ith opportunities for young people in Guyana extremely limited it can be understood when they say there are not many choices for them. The bottom line is, however limited they are, young people still have to make the most important choice about their future and that is whether they are going to work towards making it the best it can be or taking a less focused route to accepting less than they deserve.

Yes it is the responsibility of the wider society to create more opportunities but young people have to learn to work with what they have right now and find ways to make it in the circumstances they are in. It can be difficult to think and act positively in a tough climate but it is imperative to have the right attitude for success.

You need to have a goal and you need to have a plan to reach it. I’ve heard of some amazing dreams, some extravagant, some modest, some heart-warming, some over ambitious, but all to be encouraged. The fact children have a dream is promising. The problem is that as they grow and develop, too few devise realistic plans to achieve their goals and along the way many of these dreams get lost.

The focus seems to be very much on instant gratification, wanting to be satisfied now, rather than deferred gratification where someone makes sacrifices now to achieve a longerterm objective. In order to change this way of thinking and behaving, parents and teachers need to foster a climate of goal achievement from early in a child’s life. Let them experience the feeling of working towards and achieving goals. The earlier the better.

Lessons in setting and attaining goals can be orchestrated for the purpose of developing a child’s ability and motivation to succeed. To begin with a goal needs to be identified and a clear understanding of why it is being set established followed by the creation of a well-structured ,step by step plan.

Parents and caregivers can help with identification, outlining the benefits of the outcome and supporting a child through the most challenging stages. However, allowing them to develop self-efficacy; the belief in themselves and their ability to achieve, is a vital part of the process if a child is to develop their capacity to set and achieve goals.

Making young people aware that short-term goals lead to the attainment of longer-term goals allows them to see and appreciate the progress that is being made and understand that the pathways to their futures are being mapped out during their childhood, adolescence and beyond. Almost like a ladder with each rung a step closer to gratification but each with its own set of challenges and rewards necessary to reach the next one up.

It is essential that the goals set are realistic and achievable to build self-confidence upon accomplishment, but also important that they are challenging enough to develop resilience and perseverance. Directing a child to develop reflective practice so they learn how to assess what works and what doesn’t and adjust themselves accordingly will also have a positive effect on outcome and provide them with strategies and skills to approach many other aspects of their lives.

Acknowledging, reinforcing and rewarding a child’s progress and effort just as much as their successes and achievements is a vital element of support as behaviourism studies suggest that the more you validate and reinforce the smallest of improvements in a child’s behaviour, the faster they will create and sustain that change.

If we are to effect change in the lives, attitudes and motivations of our young people we can start by creating a positive mind set and helping them to develop key skills for goal setting and achieving from an early age. We can help foster a more positive, empowered youth culture by continually creating opportunities for children to succeed, encouraging them to challenge themselves and teaching them the necessity to work hard to overcome and accomplish.

It most certainly is tough out there for young and old, and undoubtedly there will be some failures along the way for even the hardest workers or the most motivated people.

Taking responsibility for your future, planning, facing the hardships, dealing with all the ups and downs and continuing to push forward is the only way young people are going to fulfil their potential to brighten their prospects. It’s your future, it’s your choice.

Issue still pending at UN SG’s office W

hile Guyana continues to press for action to be taken in relation to the ongoing Guyana-Venezuela border controversy, the matter is still pending in the office of the United Nations (UN) Secretary General where it is being further scrutinised.

Subsequent to these assessments, the full action plan will be put into effect and is believed to be a feasible approach to resolving the issue between the two countries.

This is according to Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge, who when prompted for an update on the matter during a conference on Friday, remarked that the case has not gone dormant.

The issue was first reported to the UN in September last year and since then, there had been frequent consultations between the UN and the involved parties on what can be done to improve

Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge

the situation.

While not pronouncing on the specifics, Greenidge reported that thus far, the proposals made by the Secretary General have all been agreed upon by both Guyana and Venezuela.

“We are waiting on the Secretary General to put into effect those ideas which arose out of the exchanges that started last year and which both parties were

called upon to embrace. It is our understanding that the parties had indicated no difficulties with the principles and process,” the Minister pointed out.

He added that in the case where either of the parties involved may have a difficulty with these proposals, the Secretary General’s job is to work on addressing these, so that it does not become a disadvantage to either of the two countries.

Although there has been no formal declaration made on what final action will be taken, the Government on Guyana maintains frequent contact with the Secretary General to have an update on the progress, the Foreign Affairs Minister said.

Alluding to the recent occurrence where it was reported that Venezuelan military personnel fired shots at officials of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, he said that this event had been raised by the Government

and related to the UN. With the mandate of the UN aimed at eliminating threats to peace in the region, the Minister said Guyana is resolute in its call to have this addressed immediately.

“As the situation continues, it poses a threat to stability and peace and we keep drawing this to the attention of the UN in addition to other international forums. Don’t be concerned that it is dormant, activities are still taking place.”

Question on where Guyana stands as it relates to a vote to have Venezuela suspended from the Organisation of American States (OAS), Greenidge remarked that it is the country’s preference that the parties be called upon to engage in dialogue as a means of resolving the challenges.

However, it is all dependent on the meeting held at the level of the UN where a particular outcome will be derived.

16 news Production indicators signal economic decline – Ali A SunDAY, JUNE 26, 2016 | guyana-times.com

s public outcry continues as a result of the stagnant state of Guyana’s economy, former Minister and Economist, Irfaan Ali, believes if nothing is done to halt the economic decline, then the A

Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government’s promise of a good life will be as elusive as the promise to ‘feed, clothes and house the nation’.

According to Ali, the

latest statistical bulletin published by the Bank of Guyana on the first quarter of 2016 is characterised by “sluggish activities in wholesale and retail trade, financial and insurance and other services industries”

and declining performance in sectoral output when compared with the corresponding period last year.

He noted that except for the mining sector – which registered commendable growth in the production of

gold, diamond and bauxite – all key production indicators suggest the economy is in a deep coma.

Ali pointed out that the figures from quarterly report confirmed that after one year under the coalition regime, almost every key production indicator is signalling that the economy is on the decline. This, he reasoned, does not reflect a growth forecast for rest of the year.

“Based on the downward trends observed in all the key production indicators, it also means that growth will be based largely on the expanded output of the large scale mines.

While on paper the growth in gold output may appear appealing, the sad reality is that the impact will be less pronounced than when the small and medium-scale miners were responsible for the unprecedented performance of the sector,” he stated.

The former Minister went on to say that unlike the large-scale miners, the small and medium-scale miners supported the small shop keepers, local operators in the transport sector, and suppliers of mining equipment and invest their earnings in Guyana.

These miners also provide employment opportunities to thousands, he added.

Nevertheless, Ali said that during the first quarter of 2016, the production of gold, diamond and bauxite increased by 124.8 per cent, 37.5 per cent and 13.9 per cent respectively. He noted that the increased output reported for the first quarter was due primarily to the output from the Guyana Goldfields and Troy Resources Inc; two large-scale mining companies that were established under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government.

Moreover, he posited that the notable contraction in sand output and stone output was not surprising, and if there were any doubts that the construction sector was slowing, then the marked reduction in these two key inputs is adequate evidence that the sector is slowly grinding to a halt. Sand output registered for the first quarter of 2016 was not only 68 per cent lower than the corresponding period last year, but the below the levels registered in corresponding periods of any year between 2011 and 2012.

The former Minister outlined that this particular development is of grave concern for the reason, among others, that sustained decline in the construction sector will compound the unemployment problem and misery contractors and suppliers of building materials have been faced with, since the change in Government last year.

Moreover, Ali highlighted that the agriculture sector too reported significant

Former Minister and Economist, Irfaan Ali

reduction in output for all major commodities during the first four months of the year. He stressed that the output of sugar during this period was 4.7 per cent or 1915 tonnes lower than the 2015 level.

On the other hand, he said that rice production, which increased continuously between the period 2011 and 2015, has declined sharply in the first quarter of 2016 with the output during the first three months being 56,593 tonnes. This was 37.3 per cent or 33,706 tonnes lower than the level recorded for the corresponding period last year.

“There is no need for any academic explanation of the impact of the decline.

Rice farmers are losing income and defaulting on their loans,” Ali remarked.

As it relates to poultry, the former Minister noted that there was a 7450 tonnes output recorded, which represents 6.6 per cent or 4450 tonnes lower than the period last year.

He went on to say that the manufacturing sector registered a decline in the production of several commodities, including rum, beer and stout, soft drinks, malta, ice cream, biscuits, flour, tablets, ointment, stock feeds, and paint.

More specifically, the production of rum and soft drinks during the first quarter of 2016 was lower than the output level for the corresponding quarter of any year since 2011.

The production of rum and soft drinks during the first quarter of this year was 47.3 per cent and 54.4 per cent lower than the corresponding period last year.

Meanwhile, pharmaceutical products, particularly tablets and ointments production for the first two months of 2016 was also below the 2015 level.

Other manufacturing commodities such as the production of flour were lower than the level reported in the first quarter of any year since 2011. Flour production slipped by 5.9 per cent; while paint production for the first two months also fell behind the level reported during 2015.

This reflected the notable decline in construction activities.

news

17

SunDAY, JUNE 26, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Anna’s

The EU FLEGT VPA in violation of FPIC?

L

ast week, I raised the issue of dissent within the NTC Executive body and the possibility that the IDB might be implicated in fuelling this fissure between Toshaos who are promoting an APA agenda and the others. If this is found to be true, then it can be interpreted as the Inter-American Development Bank’s (IDB) defence in light of Anna Correia its failure to efficiently disburse funds under the Forest and Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF), to Amerindian communities.

However, the IDB is not the only international organisation which has failed time and again to adapt to the needs of and challenges faced by indigenous communities. The United Nations offices in Guyana, in the different projects they have undertaken, have also demonstrated varying degrees of inflexibility and negligence for on-the-ground realities which collide with their international guidelines and practices.

While it is understood that international organisations function on the basis of mandatory financial and operational standards, one sometimes feel that these principles do not leave space for the specificities of the contexts in which partnerships with subject stakeholders are executed.

Such might again be the case of the European Union Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (EU FLEGT) Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA). The VPA is a bilateral agreement between the EU and the engaging country, in this case, Guyana, which comprises an export market for timber.

Most naturally, if stakeholder demands are not examined and negotiated into an agreement, there can be no partnership between the Government of Guyana and the EU. Well at least not legally.

Amerindians, being inhabitants of and depending directly on our rainforest for their livelihood, survival and cultural preservation, are stakeholders of this partnership, being represented through the Indigenous Peoples Affairs Ministry, the NTC and civil organisations.

Since 2012, conditions for implementing the VPA in keeping with indigenous rights were being discussed among stakeholders.

Yet, the draft VPA appears to omit most of these conditions, and subsequently presents significant inconsistencies with the Laws of Guyana. The NTC highlighted these concerns, reminding that despite having committed to observing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and FAO (Food and Agriculture Organisation of the UN) guidelines on indigenous livelihood, the draft VPA has fallen short of these frameworks.

Among these anomalies, is the possibility of lumber being removed from indigenous communities without their Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC). FPIC continues to be at the heart of rights violations regardless of the actor involved, and for the simple reason that information by itself is power.

Another objection cited was the short time frame allotted to the finalisation of the VPA, which is believed to be a deliberate move to limit stakeholder participation and input. If this is the case, then not only will the EU be disregarding international frameworks on indigenous rights, but so will the Government of Guyana.

The role of the Government is crucial in ensuring that the Constitutional and specific indigenous rights of Amerindians are respected by international organisations and all other stakeholders to Guyana’s development.

Failure to comply with procedural and qualitative requirements of legal and internationally frameworks on indigenous rights by international organisations, is conducive to deficiencies and other legal gaps in the establishment of partnerships, putting the minority indigenous population at risk. Here, both the Government and EU will be culpable of violating indigenous rights, especially if FPIC is not being adhered to in the VPA process.

In this particular case, where it is the sustainable economic development of Guyana that is at stake, several conventions protect indigenous peoples’ rights, including the International Convention on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), both of which were ratified by Guyana and consequently legally binding. Therefore, instead of rushing through the VPA process at the expense of Amerindians, it is recommended that the principle of FPIC guide the discussions among stakeholders.

Amidst the dissatisfaction expressed by Amerindians in light of the turn the VPA discussions have taken, as well as irregularities in the implementation of other projects under bilateral partnerships, we must question the level of commitment from international organisations to respect national legal structures, as well as the international frameworks which guarantee our rights, particularly indigenous rights, in Guyana. But au finale, the Government is to be held fully accountable for any rights violation committed by international organisations, as it is responsible for the security and well-being of its people.

Send questions & comments to sundayarrow@gmail.com

Successes, challenges and future plans of LHC highlighted

By Utamu Belle

M

inister within the Public Health Ministry, Dr Karen Cummings has urged Lindeners and the rest of Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) to be appreciative of the efforts of Government in forging towards improved public health services. The call was made at the second public consultation of the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC), held at the Egbert Benjamin Centre in Linden on Friday. Dr Cummings said the consultation was timely, stressing the Ministry’s mantra of ‘healthy people, healthy communities’ being enforced. Dr Cummings said it is Government’s national priority, through her Ministry, to deliver the best health services in Guyana with focus on strategic approaches, including accessibility to excellent care and healthcare practices.

Minister Cummings stated that the consultation was a timely one as the Ministry strives to embark on a health sector reform in delivering quality healthcare.

“The Ministry has began a paradigm shift in the efficient and effective delivery of healthcare… we have a lot of things to put in place… so that we can move smoothly… I must underscore that the Ministry of Public Health focuses strongly on quality management and quality standards with an aim to provide all Guyanese with equitable and acceptable quality healthcare,” she said.

CEO’s Report

In delivering a review of the LHC in 2015 and projections for 2016/2017, LHC Chief Executive Officer, Dr Farouk Riyasat said the Board and management are obligated to at least once a year sensitise communities on available healthcare services. He noted that the LHC, which has a workforce of 630, also comprises sister hospitals: the Upper Demerara Hospital (UDH) at Wismar and the Kwakwani Hospital. Due to increase in demand, the CEO said the general outpatient clinic at LHC was extended from five to seven days per week, while he stressed the need for training and additional staff. He said a proposal has been sent to the Board in looking at daily 24-hour pharmacy service, to include weekends and holidays.

This, he said, would require additional staff.

As at December 31, 2015, a total of 31,500 patients were seen at the LHC, including 26,000 outpatients and about 5500 inpatients.

This year, the CEO said close to 200 units of blood were donated, and a total of 900 surgical operations were conducted. The LHC has a delivery rate of 950 per annum, with 20 per cent being teenage pregnancies and 27

A section of the gathering at the consultation

per cent was attributed to caesarian sections and highrisk pregnancies. He added that 140 safe deliveries were conducted at UDH last year and 96 at the Kwakwani Hospital. Additionally, there were six stillbirths and two infant deaths recorded. Overall the hospital recorded zero maternal deaths for five consecutive years.

Dr Riyasat stressed that to make meaningful reduction in infant mortality, attention must be paid to warning signs.

Issues at Upper Demerara Hospital

The CEO said there is need for more utilisation of the services provided at the UDH. He said although services such as a pharmacy, in-patient and out-patient, antenatal and post-natal clinics, gynecology, rehabilitation, emergency and critical care, among others are offered, people are not utilising services the hospital as they should.

“Many persons within the

public domain are not utilising the services at UDH and I would like to encourage you to use that service”, he said.

The CEO stressed that with regards to the laboratory, there are some limitations with regards to training as well as issues with equipment. He noted that several infrastructural upgrades have been planned, while he urged health professionals to improve their attitudes and relationships with patients.

Dr Riyasat also stressed the need for improvement at the level of public relations.

Improvements

Registering her disappointment, stressing that much more was expected from members of the public with regard to attendance at the forum, LHC Vice Chairman Valerie SharpePatterson stated that the LHC is now in a better place as compared to a few years ago. She said the Board consists of concerned members, who are willing to ensure more efficient and effective

service to the region.

“Two years ago, we had serious issues with drug shortages, not to say we don’t have, we still do… We had serious issues of doctors being absent, not coming to work regularly and other medical officials which hampered the efficiency of the service we offer to the public. We had issues with emergency ward and we also had issues with staff attitude. These were some of the things we dealt with at the level of the Board and I can see that there has been tremendous improvement in some regards and in others, there is still need for much improvement,” she noted.

The Vice Chairman alluded that new services are constantly added to the LHC, while she hailed its zero maternity rate over the few past years. She also expressed her hope of the consultation providing a forum for future improvement at the general staff and management levels.

18

SunDAY, june 26, 2016 | guyana-times.com

SunDAY, june 26, 2016

Jeffrey fastest in GCF time trials

By Rene Stoby

T

ime trial for the juniors, veterans and cycling elites was hosted yesterday by the Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) at the Mahaicony circuit, East Coast of Demerara amidst some controversies.

The Juniors first took to the start line at 08:00 hrs and team Evolution’s Christopher Cornelius recorded the fastest time for the one lap ride which is

Christopher Cornelius

the equivalent of 5.3 miles.

The Linden cyclist who has been riding competitively for just over a year recorded a time of 13:44.31. We Stand United (WSU) rider Andrew Hicks was second in 13:46.85 and Deoraj Garbarran of team Alanis third in.14:10.50.

In the veterans category, team Evolution rid-

Raynauth Jeffrey

er Stephen Fernandes was able to turn the tables on Junior Niles of Team Coco after having to play second fiddle to him for much of the season. Fernandes was elated about his win and described the race as “the race of truth” as there is no wheel to follow, no draught to get and no bunch sprint to win.

He also said that he was confident coming into this type of race as it was his time to shine.

Fernandes finished in a time of 13:42.75 followed by Raymond Newton of Roraima Bikers in 13:46.72 and team Coco’s Junior Niles in 13:49.

Confusion was the order of the day in the Elites category as the ten cyclists that registered for the race had to first brave the wet conditions then deal with the frustration of awaiting the final results as the incompetence of the GCF was on full display.

Results were released

then retracted on two separate occasions and at the end of it all team Coco’s Raynauth Jeffery was deservedly declared strongest, finishing the two-lap race against the clock in 24 minutes and 7 seconds.

To the naked eye Jeffrey appeared to be the favourite for the race after narrowing the distance on the Inform Orville Hinds who started ahead of him.

Evolution rider Marlon “Fishy” Williams was second in 25:0:5 while Jamaul John of team Coco was third in 25:16.

Elite cyclists will now turn their attention to the national road race, scheduled for today around the outer circuit of the National Park for 30 laps covering an approximate distance of 72 miles. The race will start at 11:00 hrs with the finishing line at the entrance of the Guyana Defence Force.

The race undoubtedly promises to be a showdown between cyclists of team Evolution and team Coco with only overseas based Scott Savory being the likeliest of party crasher.

Cycling fans are encouraged to come out in their numbers support the event and cheer on their favourite cyclists.

The GCF will have a wellstocked drinks bar and bar-b-que chicken for patrons who are encouraged to support the federation with their purchases.

Joshua knocks out Breazeale in round seven

A

nthony Joshua defended his IBF heavyweight title for the first time with a seventh-round knockout of Dominic Breazeale in London.

The unbeaten American was incredibly game, standing up to some brutal assaults by the champion, who now has 17 knockouts from as many fights.

But after Breazeale was floored for a second time in the seventh, the referee waved the fight off.

Joshua’s mandatory challenger is New Zealand’s Joseph Parker.

Fellow Briton David Price is another viable option.

Joshua was taken past the third round for only the second time in his career

Joshua told Sky Sports: “It’s been tough. I only had two weeks off after my last fight and got straight back

in the gym. I can have a nice little break for once and come back with recharged batteries.”

19

Jamaican Olympic hopeful claims he has Zika virus

R

e i g n i n g Commonwealth 100m champion Kemar Bailey-Cole claims he has been diagnosed with the Zika virus.

The Jamaican, 24, says he only learned of his condition after his girlfriend found a bump on his neck.

“I didn’t know I had the virus and I have been training with it for three days now,” he told the Jamaica Gleaner.

Fears over Zika, which is linked to serious birth defects, have led to several golfers, including Rory McIlroy, withdrawing from Rio 2016.

The mosquito-borne virus has been declared a global public health emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO), although the body has said there is no need to move or

Kemar Bailey-Cole won 100m gold at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow

postpone the Games.

The outbreak began in Brazil a year ago, but now more than 60 countries and territories have been affected.

Bailey-Cole, who also won Olympic 4x100m gold

alongside Usain Bolt at London 2012, said his girlfriend noticed the bump on his neck after he had a haircut.

“I was experiencing back pains and muscle soreness, but I thought it was just soreness from the exercises I was doing,” the sprinter said.

“Recovering is not easy.

The rashes are still on my body, my eyes hurt, but the best thing is that I am not feeling any muscle pain at the moment.”

The discovery comes as Bailey-Cole is preparing for next week’s Jamaican Olympic trials, where he will face the likes of Bolt, Asafa Powell and Yohan Blake for a place in Rio. “[I am] going to trials with the mindset that I am healthy and ready,” he added. (Sportsmax)

20

guyana-times.com

sundAY, june 26, 2016

Busta taking CPL fun and excitement to another level

E

very year since the inception of the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) T20 tournament in 2013, Busta Soft Drinks has brought the flavour and colour to the crowds, harnessing and amplifying the full energetic vibrancy of the Caribbean and its people.

Busta Soft Drinks are in every corner of the Caribbean and is an indigenous Caribbean brand that represents the fun-loving playfulness that all our islanders identify with. We encourage people to show who they really are, to live in full colour, and to play in full colour. That really

Busta encourages you to get creative for CPL

is what the Caribbean is all about, full immersion in really being alive.

Over the last four years of sponsorship, Busta has earned a reputation at the

Hero CPL as the fun onesbringing the excitement, the drama, the over the top

energy and excitement- and this year is going to be bigger and better than ever before. Nobody escapes the frenetic energy that Busta brings to the Hero CPL, everyone gets into the celebration in true Caribbean style.

At the match venues enjoy the full Busta Experience, with the Busta Drinks Break led by our famous Busta Cart, get energized by the Busta-Move Dancers who always jumpstart the crowd from center stage, dance along in the stands with our entertainers and musicians and be wowed by the Busta Flamebreathers heating up the place. And while you’re there, we have lots and lots of giveaways for you and your crew including our newest Busta Fashion must-have accessories at every game.

Busta has even more going on in between games, giving our fans the opportunity to interact with their favourite players in venues across the Caribbean by taking part in our Busta Reach activities.

Additionally on the radio and on Facebook fans can win match tickets courtesy of Busta. You can also enter to win the Busta Grand Prize of two tickets to the Hero CPL T20 Finals, by showing your skills with the bat in “The Busta KeepUp The Ball Challenge” on the Busta Soft Drinks Facebook Page.

To take it to another level, Busta is holding its first ever Busta LIVE Concert in Jamaica, with live performances from popular artistes, headlined by our Busta Brand Ambassador, internationally renowned Jamaican recording artist and chart-topper, I-Octane!

Speaking for the brand, Anna Mohammed COO of Busta’s parent company, SM Jaleel & Company Ltd, “Busta and cricket go hand in hand, we have always been very active sponsors of sports throughout the region from the youth level all the way to the professional level at Hero CPL T20. We have seen the excitement grow every year, we have seen the crowds grow every year and we are very pleased for our fourth consecutive year to be a League Sponsor of this tremendously successful event.”

Jamie Stewart, Commercial Director of CPL, added: “Busta were one of the proud Caribbean brands who helped launch the Hero CPL in the first year, and it is great to see them continue the relationship into its fourth year.

We hope CPL fans will look to Busta when needing refreshment during this exciting summer of Cricket action. Thanks again to Busta and other CPL Partners for helping bring some of the best in World T20 action to the Caribbean.” The Hero CPL will take place between June 29 – August 7 at several venues across the Caribbean in Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados, St Lucia, St Kitts & Nevis and Jamaica, and also for the first time in Fort Lauderdale in Florida, USA. Last year’s tournament was seen by over 90 million people and this year more people are expected to tune in to be a part of the biggest party in sports. As always, Busta is going to turn up the volume on your experience of the Hero CPL, Cricket Played Louder.

Slingerz, Alpha in Champion of Champions battle tonight

The victorious Alpha United team after winning the Stag Elite League Finale at Leonora

F

ollowing Alpha united’s triumph in the the finals of the Stag Elite League Finale on Sunday, June 19 2016, a decider match to determine the League’s Champion of Champions will now be played.

Alpha United will clash with Slingerz FC who won the Genesis stage of the inaugural Guyana Football Federation’s Stag Elite League tonight at the National Track and Field facility at Leonora West Coast

Demerara from 21:00 Hrs. The games were initially scheduled for the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Ground at base Camp Ayangana but had to be shifted due to the inclement weather yesterday in Georgetown.

There will be a preliminary game between Western Tigers FC and Dem Amstel FC beginning at 18:30hrs to kick start the ‘Champion of Champions’ night.

Admission is $1,000

YELLOW PAGES

SPORTs

National Racquet Centre hosts Tennis Olympiad

sunDAY, june 26, 2016 | www.guyana-times.com

CAR RENTALS Need a car to rent? Then call 611-1018 for the best cars at great prices.

Progressive Auto Rental: Cars from $4000 and up. Tel: 219-3900, 643-5122

dentistry Dentures provided in 72 hours from as low as $4500. Contact Dr B Stuart, 209B Charlotte St, Lacytown. Tel: 225-5034

Driving School Shalom Enterprise Driving School 2 Croal Street, Stabroek. You can obtain an International Drivers Permit Covering 131 Countries. Tel: 2273869, 644-7052, 659-3381

EDUCATION Qualify Yourself in Computers •Earn a Diploma in Computers 9 Courses $35,000 •Computerized Accounting 4 Courses $30,000 •Computer Graphics 4 Courses $35,000 •PC repairs $30,000. Limited space, Register now.

Micrographics, Vreed En Hoop. 2643057 Cybertron Technology Now registering students for •Diploma in Computers 9 courses - $25000 (Discount only for June 2016) •Computerized Accounting $30,000 (4 Courses) •Summer Computer Classes for kids, Age 5-14 ($8500) •US and Canada Visa Applications. Bollywood building (Parika). 260-4850 REGISTER - learn to play drums, guitar, keyboard and train your voice NOW OR in the Summer. Call 225-1151/ 657-8404 Special Computer Package for 2016 CXC Students. 9 Courses in Computers $20,000 OFF. Computerized Accounting 4 Courses. Quickbooks, Peachtree, POS, Excel 2016.

MicroGraphics Technology, Vreed-EnHoop/Parika. Tel: 264-3057 Study in CANADA/USA $1,000US Processing Fee. Limited Offer.

MicroGraphics Technology, Vreed-EnHoop/Parika. Tel: 264-3057.

FOR SALE Powerline Battery Water/wholesale.

1 litre and 0.5 litre sizes. Tel: 6803863 Clean Garden Earth. Also excavating, grading and leveling done. Call 6279977 Road to Belwasa and A Dip at the Sangam, Indentureship Novels at Austin’s Book Store and Lachmansingh Drug Store. Tel: 2265053.

For sale by lot: Lot (1): 2 bath tubs, bathroom fittings and fixtures & toilet set; shower fittings - $150,000 and Lot (2): 1 Dell desktop computer & HP scanner - $25,000. Call 225-2676 or 601-5285.

One 6 inch dredge, one 4-cylinder MWM, one 3-cylinder MWM engine in working condition with all other complete equipment in good working condition. 679-3655 2-STOREY CONCRETE HOUSE 35x45 ENCLOSED DOWNSTAIRS, SIZE OF LAND 65x120, SECTION A DIAMOND HOUSING SCHEME, EAST BANK DEMERARA, CONTACT 6645052/617-0583

flowers Available: Fresh long-stemmed roses, fresh dried and silk floral arrangements, gift items, bridal boutiques and wreaths. Nesha’s Flowerland. 78 Church Street (opposite St George’s Cathedral). Tel: 227-3553/225-3315

immigration Immigration & Visa Services We handle all Canadian, USA and UK immigration and visa matters. Self sponsorships, holiday/visitor’s visas, work permits, students visas, family, class, immigration forms, embassy enquiries, appeals for refused cases, US green card lottery, business class waivers, pardons,

etc. Get your visa approved. High success rate. Balwant Persaud & Associates. Certified Immigration Consultants, 68 Sixth Street, Alberttown, Georgetown (Between Cummings & Lights Sts) Tel: 2251540, 622-8308, 655-3105. Email: balwantpersaud@yahoo.ca IMMIGRATION SERVICES PROFESSIONALLY PREPARED BY IMMIGRATION CONSULTANT. PASSPORT AND VISA APPLICATIONS (PERMANENT/ VISITOR) FOR USA, CANADA, UK, CHINA, INDIA, ETC. SABITA’S IMMIGRATION SERVICES. TEL: 225-6496/662-6045

KEY CUTTing Professional Key Shop, 125 Carmichael Street, Georgetown. Phone: 225-3923, mobile: 621-3249. We cut any type of key, service and repair all types of locks. Get your extra key today.

optician Da Silva’s Optical. For Your Eyes Only, Look Better See Better. Phillip A Da Silva OD, Shannon L Da Silva OD, Natalie Da Silva OD. 248 South Road, Bourda. Phone: 227-3529, Linden: 444-6376, Corriverton: 3393536, Meten-Meer-Zorg: 275-0322, Grand Cayman Islands: (345) 9431515 for the perfect trendy touch.

health Healthworld Clinic – Providing professional psychological therapy for all mental and behavioral health problems. Call (592)-690-1824 Mondays-Saturdays 9am-3pm.

Email; healthworldhc@gmail.com

lAND FOR SALE 1.5 Acre Land in W.B.D. Call #:6580115 Land at La Grange Public Road, Size 4 Acre, could be used for commercial or housing scheme. Tel#: 625-1514 Formerly Globe Cinema, Corner lot, Church and Waterloo Street Size 125 ft x 133 ft Tel: 610-2234 One land 100/50 at Good Hope Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara for sale. Priced six million dollars. For more information, kindly call 623-0156 or 695-3150 (serious inquires only)

HEPHZIBAH MINISTRIES 24 hrs Prayer Line 322-5081, 322-5738, 322-5788, 337-4510, 337-4259, 337-3070, 337-5103. For healing, deliverance, financial difficulties, marriage issues call now. Jesus Cares.

Ifa Temple – Are you having serious problems and urgently need spiritual help? Call 621-0552 now.

Email: anew-life@live.com

taxi services GR Taxi, 24 hours. Phone: 2257878, 219-5000 or 227-2100

TO let FOR RENT. DIAMOND SCHEME – 2 BEDROOM BOTTOM FLAT (NEW). 40,000 PER MONTH. SUITS FAMILIES. CONTACT: 611 - 3802 Leonora New Housing Scheme, W.C.D. Garage, Kitchen & Shower.

Tel: 675-5998/268-2277.

NO CHILDREN. Working Persons Only

VACANCIES FOOD WHOLESALE COMPANY LOOKING FOR SALESPERSON WITH EXPERIENCE AND VEHICLE. POLICE CLEARANCE A +. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 231-8529 / 231-8344 GIRLS TO WORK IN A (WAITRESSES). TEL: 612-2522

BAR

Cashier for Supermarket. Tel: 6240033 One (1) Cook. Tel: 624-0033 One (1) Maid. Tel: 624-0033 Driver for Water Truck. Tel: 6803863 Security In-store; Day Duty. Tel: 6803863

VEHICLES FOR SALE property for sale TRANSPORTED PROPERTY. Comprises of 14 house lots at lot 31 and 32 Mountsina. House on the premise 20x27. Contact Andrea on: 335-3661 / 625-2013 House Lot, Diamond New Scheme between 2nd & 3rd Avenue. Contact: 638-1529 Eccles: $27M Neg. Enterprise Sec C: $20M Neg. MonRepos: $30M Neg. South Ruimveldt Park:$20M Neg. Broad Street: $80M Neg. Charlotte Street between Camp and Alexander: $55M Neg. Providence(land): $6.5M Neg. Parfaite Harmony(land): $4.5M Neg. Contact: 691-1521 GOOD HOPE AND OGLE. CONTACT: 6735546, 222-3066, 682-7257, 679-0987

services House plans & estimates, weeding of grass and spraying done within 48hrs. Call: 216-0671; 622-0267; 692-8464 Repairs and Spares, Air Conditioning, Car AC, Washers, Stoves. Call Nick: 683-1312, 627-3206

spirituality Dutch spiritual healing in removing evil spirit, bad luck, evil sickness, spells, reuniting lovers and prosperity to business. Call: 612-6417, 6875653

21

518C Caterpillar Skidder. Tyres like NEW, Winch working. CF Hauler with 45 Ft. Triple Axel Trailer.

Bedfrod TL 500 Dumptruck. JCB 4 wheel drive forklift. Call Tel: 6260352 1 TOYOTA IPSUM (7-SEATER) IN EXCELLENT WORKING CONDITION WITH MUSIC (5800 W): CONTACT 653-1003 JUST ARRIVED: TOP QUALITY RECONDITIONED VEHICLES; TOYOTA NOAH; TOYOTA VOXY; TOYOTA IST (NEW SHAPE); SUZUKI SWIFT; DAIHATSU MOVE (660CC); MERCEDES BENZ C200 KOMPRESSOR; COROLLA AE100 WAGON; TOYOTA HIACE MINIBUS RZ; PITBULL-STYLE FREEZER VAN; LAND CRUISER (FULLY LOADED); MAZDA PROCEED 4WD EXTRACAB PICK-UP; TOYOTA HILUX 4WD EXTRA CAB PICKUPS - 3RZ, 5L, 3L SOLID DEFFERNTIAL; MITSUBISHI CANTER TRUCKS 4 TONS FREEZER; 3 TONS OPEN TRAY; 2 TONS 4WD; NISSAN ATLAS 2 TONS OPEN TRAY TRUCK. PRE-ORDER YOUR UNITS EARLY AND GET THE BEST PRICES. FULL AFTER SALES SERVICES AND FINANCING AVAILABLE. DEO MARAJ AUTO SALES, 2 CHIMNEY ROAD, CHATEAU MARGOT, ECD. 624-0762, 220-5177. A NAME AND SERVICE YOU CAN TRUST

WANTED

Surinamese spiritualist. Resolving all problems. Money, love, blockage etc. Call 223-6834/600-7719.

SALESGIRLS WITH EXPERIENCE PLEASE BRING WRITTEN APPLICATION AND CV TO TRISTAR ELECTRICAL BRASSONIC Bldg.

(MAIN ENTRANCE 42 WATER ST. G/ Town. 231-7101

Suriname’s Astrology, Palmist and Hindustani Spiritual Healer, solve all purpose problems, 100% confidential guaranteed. Phone: 602-8997

Vacancy exists for one part-time Pharmacist to work on the West Coast of Demerara in Meten-meerzorg. Telephone: 275-0733

Participants from last year’s tennis Olympiad.

T

oday the Guyana Tennis Association (GLTA) is inviting all members of the public to come out to gain firsthand experience at playing lawn tennis at the National Racquet Centre at Woolford Avenue, Georgetown.

The event; Tennis Olympiad and Fun Day is held in observance of World Olympic Day. There will be special tennis event which is geared for all ages and is funded by the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) in observance of World Olympic

Day which is celebrated June 23 annually.

Last year the promotional activity attracted over 30 participants with the feature exercise being cardio tennis which is a type of tennis highly recognized for fitness benefits rather than competitive gains. This year’s event will no doubt provide competitive tennis oriented activities, highlighting elements of tennis technique and tactic.

More emphasis will however be placed on fitness activities and competition designed for public

participation and to illustrate the physical demands of tennis.

Information will also be provided about The Olympic Movement and Tennis as an Olympic Sport.

The event is scheduled to run from 09:00am to 15:00 Hrs. All members of the public who wish to pursue tennis as a recreational sport will have an opportunity to try out the sport, watch advanced players, meet tennis coaches and join a club of their choice.

Unbeaten T&T lift Girl’s U-19 T20 title

H

ost Trinidad and Tobago won the Regional Under-19 Girls’ Twenty20 Invitational Tournament today with a comfortable win over the Windward Islands in the final at the National Cricket Centre in Couva.

The new champions defeated their opponents by

27 runs to finish the tournament unbeaten from a total of five matches.

T&T made a competitive 101-4 from 20 overs, the highest team score of the tournament, before returning to restrict Windwards to 74-8 at the end of 20 overs.

Guyana won its only game yesterday, winning the Consolation Final

against previous champions Barbados.

Guyana restricted Barbados to 61-9 in 20 overs, before replying with 62-3 from 15.5 overs.

The victory ensured that Guyana finish third behind winners T&T, and runners-up Windwards while Barbados finish in the cellar spot.

GCB donates Scotiabank Kiddy...

According to a press release from the GCB, the parties discussed a variety of cricket related matters surrounding club development and players’ empowerment, ranging from structured coaching education programmes that are similar in nature to first division clubs across the country, to club facility development with emphasis on pitch, ground, nets and facility enhancement and very importantly, the players’ technical, physical fitness, match preparation and readiness – the play-

ers’ mental toughness or mental application capacities, the value of nutrition and lifestyle and the importance of personal development programmes for club players.

The release further stated that the GCB found the meeting fruitful, in that both parties were able share concepts and ideas on the conduct of cricket development initiatives and programmes, and found the exercise to be mutual beneficial to both parties involved.

The kits donated to the

Rose Hall Town and Sports and Club is to assist in the development and promotion of its cricket nursery.

Both Sanasie and Foster expressed a willingness to further co-operate and facilitate cricket development initiatives in the Berbice area.

The Guyana Cricket Board recently donated brush cutters to all first division clubs in Berbice.

Last year the GCB also donated practice nets and $100,000 to these first division clubs.

Sparta Boss makes it...

With regards the regional champions, the hosts St. Lucia are the current defending champions and will receive stiff competition from Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Barbados, Dominica, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St.

Vincent, Trinidad and Tobago, and the newest country to join the lineup, Curaçao.

The eleven country teams will be vying for the chance to win an all expenses paid trip to Brazil, which is considered the mecca of football, with

from page 22

from page 23

tickets to a major game in Rio de Janeiro.

With this exciting grand prize to Brazil, Guinness has heightened the competitive stakes, setting the stage for a series of thrilling showdowns.

22

guyana-times.com

sundAY, june 26 , 2016

Hero Caribbean Premier League 2016

Guyana ready for glory T

eam Guyana is fully prepared for the commencement of the Hero Caribbean Premier League which bowls off in three days with the players ready for glory in 2016.

Guyana Amazon Warrior’s Manager Omar Khan indicated on Friday that “all plans are moving apace and are at an advanced stage” to ensure that there are no hiccups and patrons enjoy the best cricketing experience this year.

He said that already the players are in the country and are hyped about the entire tournament explaining that the “energy levels are high” because no effort will be spared to ensure the team’s overall victory this year.

“All of us including the players are working and training hard because we are dedicated to victory…six of our players also attended mass this morning in order to ready themselves for the event”, he remarked.

Khan said too that all other local systemic and logistical preparations are already in place for the Guyana Leg of the Hero CPL following the signing of the stadium agreement with the Ministry of Education on Thursday.

The Team’s Manager also made it clear that Guyana has invested a lot to ensure that the overall event is properly executed, incident free and focused on delivering good entertainment and service to those attending.

He encouraged fans at home and abroad not to waste any time in securing their tickets as sales con-

Guyana Amazon Warrior’s Manager Omar Khan

tinue to climb.

“We want full stands and the players want the full support of the Guyanese populace. I want to urge cricket lovers to go out early and purchase their respective tickets. Do not wait for the last moment and the rush to build up”, he advised.

Meanwhile, excitement is also high amongst those readying themselves to be part of biggest party in sport.

25-year-old Mandy Moore said, “While I do not know a lot about cricket, I am a patriotic Guyanese and I love the Amazon Warriors. I am going to support them all the way by turning up with my crew to most of the games”.

50-year old Rajendra Persaud who was happy to secure three tickets for the first game in Guyana

said that he missed the tournament last year but got up early and journeyed from Enmore to make sure he gets his share of the cake.

“I ain’t playing jokes. I nah want get disappointed so I come early. I tell them boys, we winning this tournament and I done bet my wife that when we win, I partying home for at least three days”, she said in an upbeat tone.

Many other fans and patrons were seen visiting various ticket locations across the country to secure not only their tickets but their t-shirts and other Warriors paraphernalia.

The excitement and hype is expected to climb over the weekend and spill into the new week when the tournament gets underway in Port of Spain, Trinidad.

The Guyana Amazon Warriors will play 10 games in the preliminary phase of the League, with four matches in Guyana, two in Florida, and one each in Trinidad and Tobago, St Kitts and Nevis, Jamaica and St Lucia.

The Guyana Amazon Warriors will begin their four exciting and high quality home matches on Thursday July 7 against the 2014 Champions the Jamaica Tallawahs at 19:00 Hrs, then on Saturday July 9 they will play the St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots from noon. The Martin Guptil led side will then turn their attention to the Trinbago Knight Riders on Sunday July 10 from 19:00 Hrs and will wrap up the leg of local matches on Tuesday July 12 against the St. Lucia Zouks at 19:00hrs.

GCB donates Scotiabank Kiddy Cricket Kits to RHTSYC ... GCB Officials Meet Club President on Fruitful Invitational Visit

GCB Secretary Anand Sanasie hands over cricket kits to CEO of RHTYSC Hilbert Foster

T

he Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) continues its drive to commit to cricket clubs around the country. This time it donates four Scotiabank kiddy cricket kits to Rose Hall Town Sports and youth Club in Berbice.

A contingent comprising GCB’s Secretary Anand Sanasie, Assistant Administrator Melinda Bishundyal-Chaitram and Territorial Development Officer (TDO), Colin Stuart, recently met with Hilbert Foster, the Secretary and CEO for Rose Hall

Town Sports and Youth Club and some club officials. The meeting stemmed from an invitational visit extended to the GCB by the Hilbert Foster.

The visit which envisaged high levels of expectations was synonymous with its prospects, as a number of mutual accepted views and positions were shared between the two entities – the GCB and Rose Hall Town Sports and Youth Club. turn to page 21

guyana-times.com

sundAY, june 26 , 2016

Ballr Cup Tri-Nation Series

23

Guinness “Greatest of the Streets” Football Tournament

World Champions take Sparta Boss makes it two in a row T on confident hosts he formidable Georgetown Unit, Sparta Boss overcame a spirited “Team 25” out of Linden to secure a 2-0 victory and with it the right to once again represent Guyana at the Guinness Greatest of the Streets Football Challenge Caribbean Championship.

Marlon Samuels with a big reputation for finals is expected to come good against Australia at Kensington

A

nd then there were two.

This tri-series, played across three Caribbean countries Guyana, St Kitts and Nevis, and Barbados - has spat out its bronze medallist, with South Africa heading home after failing to overcome West Indies on Friday. The final at Kensington Oval will be contested between Australia, the World Cup champions of last year, and West Indies, the hosts of this tournament and current World T20 champions, but a team that has had limited ODI success in recent years.

To lift this trophy would be yet another welcome boost for West Indies in a year that has gladdened the hearts of Caribbean cricket fans. So far, 2016 has brought triumphs for West Indies in the World T20, the Women’s World T20 and the Under-19 World Cup. By comparison, this tri-series is small beer, but small beer is better than no beer. It would also be an encouraging sign for the leadership of Jason Holder (it was Darren Sammy who led West Indies to the World T20 title).

For Australia, the No. 1 ODI side, winning a series such as this might be considered business as usual. But they still have much to play for. Only six of the XI who won the World Cup final are likely to play in this game, and stand-in coach Justin Langer noted that Steven Smith’s ODI side was now trying to make its own mark.

“We’ve had great success in the past, but that means nothing, besides the fact that we have a great history and high expectation,” Langer said. “Some of the guys have played in World Cup finals, and that experience is vital, but some of the guys are still finding their way.”

Mitchell Starc’s immense value to Australia in one-day cricket should not be underestimated. Since the start of 2015, Australia have won 90% of ODIs in which he has played (18 wins from 20 completed games) and only 45% of ODIs in which he has been missing (5 wins from 11 games).

He literally doubles

Australia’s victory chances. Only twice in that time has Starc played in losses - against New Zealand in Auckland during the World Cup, when he claimed 6 for 28 and could hardly have done any more, and against England in Manchester last September when he had a rare bad day and went for 79 off 10 overs. He is also two wickets shy of becoming the fastest player in history to claim 100 ODI victims.

Despite having made his ODI debut just two matches ago, Shannon Gabriel has already made an impact.

His pace and bounce rattled the South Africa top order in their knockout match on Friday, his three early wickets leaving them at 28 for 3.

Gabriel picked up a leg injury, though, and bowled only five overs before leaving the field for treatment. He did not bowl again in the game, and West Indies will hope Gabriel is fit for the final.

Australia’s batting order is settled and their main decision is whether to bring the young legspinner Adam Zampa back to add some variety to the attack. Zampa is Australia’s leading wickettaker in the series and yet has not played the previous two matches after leaking runs against West Indies in the game prior to that. Scott Boland would be the man most likely to make way if Zampa comes in.

West Indies team reads; Andre Fletcher, Johnson Charles, Darren Bravo, Marlon Samuels, Denesh Ramdin (wk), Kieron Pollard, Jason Holder (capt), Carlos Brathwaite, Sunil Narine, Sulieman Benn, Shannon Gabriel, Ashley Nurse and Jonathan Carter Australia team reads; Aaron Finch, Usman Khawaja, Steven Smith (capt), George Bailey, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Marsh, Matthew Wade (wk), James Faulkner, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Scott Boland, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Travis Head, Nathan Lyon, David Warner and John Hastings The first ball is at 13:00 Hrs.

Watched by boisterous crowd, Devon Millington and Gregory Richardson recorded goals in the 23rd and 59th minutes respectively to secure the win over the fighting Linden unit.

Millington’s goal came after a prolonged attack on the opposition’s defence, when he manoeuvred his way through the two defenders and slipped the ball in the from the left side.

Richardson’s goal on the other hand came after a series of close attempts, as he unleashed a powerful strike from the right which

Part of the intense battle between Sparta Boss (blue bibs) and “Team 25” on the National Cultural Centre Tarmac Friday night

sparked jubilant celebrations in the crowd.

The Sparta Boss Team collected the well-deserved $400,000 and the championship trophy but most importantly they will jet off to St. Lucia for the regional tournament which takes place on July 2 and 3.

“Team 25” walked away

with the second place prize of $150,000 and a trophy while the other Linden side, Wisroc, finished in third place ahead of Channel 9 Warriors.

In that third place play0ff, Wisroc defeated Channel 9 Warriors 3-1 on the back of a double by Clarence Huggins in the 3rd and

7th and a supporting goal from Michael Williams in the 11th. Kemo Lawrence was the lone scorer for the Georgetown unit in the 9th. Wisroc collected a hard fought $100,000 prize while Channel 9 had to settle for $50,000 and the fourth place trophy. turn to page 21

SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 2016

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

guyana-times.com

Hero Caribbean Premier League 2016

Guyana ready for glory

Page 22

Guinness “Greatest of the Streets” Football Tournament…

Ballr Cup Tri-Nation Series…

Sparta Boss makes World Champions take on confident hosts it two in a row Page 23

Page 22

Devon Millington (right) collecting the winning trophy from Director of Sport Christopher Jones in the presence of Banks DIH executives

The West Indies will use their momentum from their last match into today’s final in Barbados

GUYANA TIMES - www.guyanatimesgy.com, email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, News Hotliine: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230,223-7231,231-0544, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 SALES AND MARKETING - sales@guyanatimesgy.com - PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GUYANA TIMES INC.