...calls for stepped-up security Bar Association condemns attack on Judge, family
...hope that Granger may run for 2+ terms
Taxi driver nabbed with firearm, ammunition Blood Bank ‘bankrupt’
LIAT introduces night flights from Ogle
Goolsarran cashes in again: Signs contract with EU to prep Govt for budgetary support
New Regional Chairpersons, deputies sworn in Family wants swift justice against rape accused Pandit ...Dharmic Sabha condemns alleged action
saturday, july 11, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com
Excitement on possible new Jagdeo Presidency
...hope that Granger may run for 2+ terms
In light of the historic ruling abolishing the presidential two-term limit, members of the pubic have lauded the judgment as one that will go down well for the nation’s economic well-being and the overall well-being of the Guyanese people.
From the successful businessman to the ordinary layman, Guyanese from all walks of life are overly excited at the thought of the possible return of Bharrat Jagdeo as President of Guyana. On July 9, acting Chief Justice Ian Chang ruled that the presidential two-term limit was unconstitutional, paving the way for former Presidents who had already served two terms to become eligible to run again for presidency. Back in December, a Guyanese citizen, Cedric Richardson, had filed a motion challenging the eligibility rules as changed in 2001 to run for presidency, with one aspect being the constitutionality of the two-term limit. Meanwhile, with this ruling on the table, the elation and excitement are already inevitable versus what was deemed a sombre postelection atmosphere for a significant portion of the Guyanese population.
Over the last few years, thousands of Guyanese have called for Jagdeo’s return, with hundreds lobbying the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) at various levels for the Guyanese leader to
return to Parliament and be featured prominently on the List of Candidates. He was recently chosen to be the Opposition Leader in Parliament by the PPP/C.
One resident from the East Coast of Demerara, Sawan Jagnarain, could not hide his pleasure after learning that Jagdeo could become Guyana’s next President. “I believe the ruling is indicative of what we, the Guyanese people, wanted. Bharrat Jagdeo is loved by the people. He brought about lots of positive changes in the country. I can tell you people on the ground are elated just thinking of the fact that Jagdeo can return,” he expressed.
Guyana Times also spoke with several residents from the Essequibo Coast, the West Demerara area, the East Coast of Demerara and East Bank
of Demerara and everyone interviewed could not contain how ecstatic they were with the ruling.
“We wanted Bharrat Jagdeo to come back. We hope he comes back. Everyone whom I am talking to about this are on the edge of their seats waiting to see what will be the outcome of this. Guyana needs back a leader like Jagdeo,” said Shelly Bacchus, a resident of the Grove/ Diamond Housing Scheme, EBD. Even in areas that are known to be predominantly populated by A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) supporters, there is a significant number of people who are overjoyed with the ruling.
But while a screaming majority of Guyanese want Jagdeo to contest for the presidency at the next elections, there exists a considerable portion of the population who loathe the slightest thought of that possibility.
In an immediate reaction to the ruling, Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams admitted that he was completely taken aback by the ruling. Nevertheless, he said he still has to fully examine the contents of the ruling before pronouncing on the next appropriate action.
On the other hand, former Speaker of the National Assembly and current Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman insisted
that it was necessary for a higher court to review the Chief Justice’s ruling.
For some APNU+AFC supporters, there is burning anticipation that the new Government will appeal the matter all the way to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). However, a few APNU+AFC supporters actually believe the ruling could work in favour of President David Granger. “This ruling means that Granger could run for President for more than two terms. Who’s to say Jagdeo will win?” Malcolm Benn posited. “Well, if it means that a former President can run for more than two terms then President Granger can do the same. So it not only working in favour of the PPP/C and Jagdeo, it is working in favour for us as well,” Jonathan Forde stated.
Blood Bank ‘bankrupt’
Officials in Guyana’s Health Sector are scrambling to kick start blood drives in various parts of the country to accumulate sufficient units of blood for critical surgeries and other possible emergencies over the weekend after the National Blood Bank found itself without blood.
Guyana Times was reliably informed that the Georgetown location of the Bank was without blood after the stock ran down and sufficient measures were not implemented to attract more donors to deal with the shortage.
“I am aware that there is no blood in Georgetown at the moment. I am also aware that there was an emergency drive held and we were able to get about 22 units of blood,” a source said.
The source said that this blood drive was held on Friday and the blood has gone for screening and may not return in time for the weekend to service the emergencies that could occur.
“You know they have to do their tests on the units we got and anyways, all of the units may not return to us as some may fail the test because of various reasons,”
the source reiterated. This newspaper understands there was also a shortage of blood in Berbice as a result of various factors. Attempts are now being made to up the collections there over the weekend.
Last month, in honour of World Blood Donor Day 2015, which was on June 18, the World Health Organisation (WHO) issued a call for an increase in regular blood donations from voluntary, unpaid donors in order to save millions of lives globally each year. According to a statement from WHO, the theme of this year’s campaign is: “Thank you for saving my life”. It encourages donors all over the world to donate blood voluntarily and regularly with the slogan: “Give freely, give often. Blood donation matters”.
“The best way to guarantee a safe and adequate supply of blood and blood products for transfusion is to have a good supply of regular donations by voluntary, unpaid blood donors,” said Dr Margaret Chan, WHO Director General. WHO is also encouraging all Member States to obtain all their blood supplies from such donors.
Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha condemns Pandit’s alleged action
The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha on Friday said it strongly condemned the actions of the Berbician Pandit who allegedly raped a young woman as part of a “rite”.
The Sabha in media release said that Hinduism does not at all promote any of the activities alluded to in the news reports. “The perpetrator of this heinous act should face the full force of the law”, the statement read. The Dharmic Sabha
appealed to Hindus and others not to be duped by persons pretending to heal or cure ailments. “We advise, as we have done in the past, that persons who are ill should seek medical attention and not be prey to those who would exploit them under “religious” pretexts”, it urged. The Sabha also urged all pandits to conduct themselves in a dignified manner where their life and practices could withstand scrutiny and be above reproach.
Former President Bharrat Jagdeo
President David Granger
BRIDGE OPENINGS
The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Saturday, July 11 – 14:00h-15:30h and Sunday, July 12 – 14:30h-16:00h
The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:
Saturday, July 11 – 12:50h-14:20h and Sunday, July 12 – 13:55h-15:25h
FERRY SCHEDULE
Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 11:00h and 16:00h daily.
WEATHER TODAY
Thundery showers are expected throughout the morning, while heavy to light rain showers can be expected throughout the afternoon. Thundery showers are expected in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees and 29 degrees Celsius.
Winds: East to East North-easterly between 3.12 metres and 4.91 metres per second.
High Tide: 12:43h reaching a maximum height of 2.36 metres.
Low Tide: 06:12h and 18:36 reaching minimum heights of 0.83 metre and 0.91 metre respectively.
saturday, july 11, 2015 |
Govt reaffirms commitment to CPL …seeks legally-sound pact with league
The Guyana Government on Friday reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and the Guyana Amazon Warriors, and is seeking a legallysound Cabinet-approved agreement with the regional cricket league.
This announcement was made when Minister of State, Joseph Harmon met with CPL Chief Executive Officer Damien O’Donohoe at the Ministry of the Presidency.
An independent Economic Impact study on the tournament last year revealed that Guyana’s economy cashed in on some US$24.5 million from the overall US$166 million that was injected into the Region’s economy during the 2014 tournament – a significant increase of 58 per cent on 2013.
“ Guyana is not only a cricket-loving country but a cricket-crazy country so we have every reason to welcome the CPL back to Guyana and I want to reaffirm the Government’s full support for the CPL specifically, and crick-
et in general,” Minister Harmon told O’Donohoe in the meeting at the Ministry of the Presidency.
“ We are aware that the franchise owner of the Guyana Amazon Warriors is a close associate of the previous Administration; however, we can assure that that will not in any way, hamper how the current Administration treats with the CPL and the franchise owner in terms of facilitating the games being hosted in Guyana and our future engagement,” Minister
Harmon said.
Minister Harmon expressed regret at the ad hoc manner in which the previous Government engaged the CPL with regard to matches hosted
in Guyana and conveyed to O’Donohoe that the Government would be prepared to take the requisite steps to ensure that a structured and legally sound agreement, which was Cabinet-approved is in place. Minister Harmon further conveyed that the Government was prepared to commence negotiations in this regard, at the earliest opportunity, to ensure that the agreement was in place.
Minister Harmon assured O’Donohoe that the Government will commit to ensuring that all the usual exemptions and concessions for the hosting of international cricket in Guyana will be granted to the CPL for the hosting of the matches in the ongoing tournament.
Minister of State, Joseph Harmon briefing CPL CEO Damien O’Donohoe in the presence of Government and other CPL officials
A section of Amazon Warriors supporters at a previous CPL game
Editor: Nigel Williams
Tel: 225-5128, 231-0397, 226-9921, 226-2102, 223-7230 or 223-7231. Fax: 225-5134
Thursday, July 9 will be a red letter day in the annals of jurisprudence of Guyana and in the wider Commonwealth of over 1billion people. This is because Chief Justice (ag.) Ian Chang, deciding a case brought by a citizen claiming his democratic right to choose of a presidential candidate had been unduly burdened, emphasised the immanent foundational imperative of "normative democracy" in our Constitution, but which had never hitherto been given full expression.
Very simply, the issue boils down to answering the question, "What is the real, substantive purpose of our constitution?" And for a people descended from slaves and indentured servants, Justice Chang's insistence that the answer must lie in a widening and never a trenching of democracy n- founded on sovereignty being placed in the hands of the people - reverberates powerfully.
Act No. 17 of 2001 had introduced Clause 2 to Art 90, stating: "A person elected as President after the year 2000 is eligible for election only once". This was hereafter interpreted as imposing a "two term" limit on Presidents of Guyana. The plaintiff claimed that since this precluded twoterm presidents such as Bharat Jagdeo from running for the presidency, it restricted his democratic choice of presidential candidates. The plaintiff accepted that there can be changes to the constitution, but claimed that the constitution itself was sensitive to arbitrary tinkering with its democratic core values that it established a sliding scale of increasing difficulty for altering the more important principles of democracy.
This scale started with a simple majority vote in the House of Assembly for approving non-sensitive changes, a 2/3 majority for others deemed "entrenched" and finally a referendum or vote by the people for the most sensitive. All Justice Chang has proposed in his ruling, therefore, is that the right of a citizen to choose his president is a core principle that can only be abridged ("trenched on") and become legitimate only if it is approved via a referendum after its 2/3 approval by the Assembly.
The ultimate question, then, is how important is the protection of "democratic choice" to the Guyanese people. Nether the plaintiff nor Justice Chang is saying that there cannot be term limits: they are merely saying that the decision on such an issue must be made by the people. And it is here that Justice Chang is moving away from the old, letter-of-the-law and procedure-driven "constitutionalism", represented by Professor Duke Pollard and toward a modern view of constitutions that give substance to their normative principles. It is akin to the American Supreme Court creating their law on privacy from the "penumbra" of the Bill of Rights in their Constitution.
Professor Jurgen Habermas labels the distinction between the two views on democracy and constitutions as that between the new "republican" tradition represented by Chang and the older "liberal" tradition of Duke Pollard. "For republicans rights ultimately are nothing but determinations of the prevailing political will, while for liberals some rights are always grounded in a ‘higher law’ of (. . .) reason." In the present case Chief Justice Chang is insisting that the right to choose a presidential candidate in our democratic polity must be ratified by a referendum that measures "the prevailing political will".
To insist, as Professor Pollard does that the rule on interpretation of an Article of our Constitution to be by the "eiusdem generis" - by its surrounding words - is totally Procrustean. It is not even "grounded in a higher law of reason". Even outside the walls of academia, the latter view is nowadays considered to be of little, if any, value in statutes conferring discretionary powers on the judiciary or such like public functionaries. And it is our hope that neither Professor Pollard not anyone else are contending that the Chief Justice exceeded his powers to interpret the Constitution.
We understand the government will be challenging the decision of Justice Chang. May democracy continue to be expanded.
Justice Pollard’s Opinion on Richardson vs Attorney General and Raphael Trotman
O the 9th day of July, 2015 our learned Chief Justice delivered his judgment in Cedric Richardson vs. Attorney General and Raphael Trotman. The judgment is arguably tendentious, occasionally pleonastic, bereft of sustained rationality, strangely and curiously, not to mention inexcusably, eschewed the application of the required rule of statutory interpretation in construing the provisions of Article 1 of the Guyana Constitution, given the concatenation of genus-describing attributes employed therein. The gravamen of the issue falling to be determined in Cedric Richardson vs. Attorney General and Raphael Trotman was the extent and nature of the power of Parliament to amend the Constitution of Guyana.
In effect, was that power of amendment definitively and exhaustively prescribed in procedural Article 164 of the Guyana Constitution regulating its alteration? Compare in this context Article 69 of the Belize constitution and Article 368 of the Indian constitution. Or were there substantive articles of these constitutions imposing constraints, on the power of Parliament to amend them. Of equal relevance, where the constitution has been expressed to constitute the supreme law, was there peremptory preclusion of curial intervention to examine the limits to Parliament’s power of amendment, if the constitution so determines.
In Cedric Richardson vs. Attorney General and Raphael Trotman the complainant alleged that Act No.17 of 2001 purporting to amend Article 90 of the Guyana constitution and disqualifying a person from seeking election more than twice as President of Guyana, diminished and restricted his democratic right of choice, and, having not been approved by the electorate in a referendum as required by Article 164(2) of the Guyana constitution, was constitutionally invalid, void and of no legal effect.
However, the Proviso of Article 164(2) prescribed that there was no need for approval by referendum of the relevant bill passed by 2/3 majority vote and didn’t alter any provisions of Articles 1 or 9 of the Guyana Constitution. Act No.17 of 2001, therefore, didn’t require approval by referendum to establish its constitutional validity and efficacy.
Relevant common law jurisprudence, however, appears to advise that the limits of the power of Parliament to amend the national constitution are not prescribed exhaustively in the relevant provisions for amendment and that any such amendment to be valid may not compromise the “normative requirements” of the Constitution as opined by Conteh C.J of Belize in Bowen vs. Attorney General (B.Z. 2009 SC 2). Or in the characterisation of Sikri C.J of the Supreme Court of India, “does not enable Parliament to take away fundamental rights or to completely change the fundamental features of the constitution so as to destroy its identity” (Kesavada Bharati v State of Kerala).
However, such amendments in the opinion of Sikri C.J may abridge fundamental rights in the public interest (op. cit. para. 504).
In Cedric Richardson v Attorney General and Raphael Trotman our learned Chief Justice opined: “There can be no doubt that Parliament could have altered Article 90 by 2/3 majority of all the elected members of the National Assembly. But in so far as those alterations diminished and further restricted democratic sovereignty which, under Article 164(2) was procedurally protected by the requirement of a referendum for its legal validity and efficacy, the holding of a referendum was required”. However, this cannot be reasonably construed as constituting the compelling culmination of a process of informed and credible juridical analysis. Firstly, the term “democratic sovereignty” employed by our learned Chief Justice in terms of identifying the core values of the Guyana constitution is at worst undecipherable and at best a juridical oxymoron which defies rational analysis. Secondly, perusal of the originating summons filed by the complainant alleged that Act No.17 of 2001 which amended Article 90 of the 1980 constitution restricted and curtailed the democratic rights and freedoms of the electorate “by purporting to eliminate from the executive Presidential candidature a person who has been re-elected as executive President…” By ineluctable inference, therefore, Act No.17 of 2001 by allegedly infecting Article 1 of the Guyana Constitution, required the approval of the electorate by referendum for its constitutional validity; and this despite the proviso in Article 164(2) which reads “Provided that if the bill (containing the proposed Act No.17 of 2001) does not alter any of the provisions mentioned in subparagraph (a) and is supported at the final voting in the Assembly by the votes of not less than two thirds of all the elected members of the Assembly it shall not be necessary to submit the bill to the vote of the electors”.
It is important to note that the said bill didn’t purport to alter any of the provisions of Article 1 or 9 which were included in subparagraphs 164(2) (a) and it was approved by 2/3 majority vote of the Assembly. Consequently, on a literal interpretation of the proviso mentioned in Article 164(2) Act No.17 of 2001, having not altered any of the provisions of Article 1 or 9 and having been approved by 2/3 of the Assembly was not required to secure the approval of the electorate by referendum in order to establish its constitutional validity. Nor was it established or even alleged by the complainant that Act No.17 of 2001 abrogated or destroyed fundamental rights or normative requirements constituting the core of the Guyana Constitution as determined by Conteh C.J and Sikri C.J.
Our learned Chief Justice, however, appeared to have assimilated democratic voting rights of the Guyana electorate to normative requirements of the
Constitution articulated by Chief Justice Conteh of Belize and to fundamental features of the constitution exemplifying its core identity in the characterisation of Sikri C.J of the Supreme Court of India. If this assimilation of these terms were juridically feasible our learned Chief Justice might have been marginally exonerated in finding that Act No.17 of 2001 required approval by referendum for its constitutional validity and efficacy.
However, our learned Chief Justice’s attempt at assimilation of these semantically irreconcilable attributes was not juridically feasible because the “normative requirements” mentioned by Conteh C.J, to wit, the separation of powers, protection of fundamental rights and the rule of law, all of which, significantly in the present context, spoke to the attributes of a constitution of a legal and political collectivity and not, to the discrete political rights of citizens of a democracy. In the premises, reliance by our learned Chief Justice on the aforementioned dicta of Conteh and Sikri to find for the unconstitutionality of Act No.17 of 2001 was juridically misconceived. Our learned Chief Justice should have applied the eiusdem generis rule of statutory interpretation to construe democratic in Article 1 of the Guyana constitution (Francis Bennion, Statutory Interpretation, 2002, pp.1054 ff.).
More importantly, the democratic rights of the complainant which were diminished and restricted, may, in the informed opinion of Sikri C.J, be reasonably abridged in the public interest but not abrogated (op. cit para. 504). Equally relevant to note is the fact that although Act No.17 of 2001 was determined by our learned Chief Justice to have diminished and restricted the democratic rights of the electorate, it was not determined nor even alleged to have altered any of the provisions of Article 1 as required by the Proviso of Article 164(2) so as to preclude exemption from affirmation by referendum in establishing its constitutional validity.
Therefore, the determination of our learned Chief Justice is irretrievably flawed and is likely to be overturned on appeal, given an arguably perception of bias by reference to the relevant provisions of the Bangalore Draft Principles and the Latimer House Guidelines on judicial conduct. Finally, our constitution relieved Parliament of the need to secure approval of Act No.17 of 2001 by referendum. Where the constitution is the supreme law as in Guyana, and pronounces clearly, definitively and conclusively on an issue, no judge should dare to tread contrarily lest judicial determinations be unwittingly construed as trumping constitutional supremacy.
Professor Justice Duke Pollard BA (Hons) LLB (Hons)
School children on their way home in Wakapoa, Region 2
Minister Bulkan’s confusing position on the Haags Bosch case
Dear Editor,
An interesting scenario is emerging in relation to Minister Ronald Bulkan, B.K. International, Brian Tiwari and the Haags Bosch landfill site.
The Stabroek News on Saturday, June 27, quoted Minister Bulkan as having described the site as a “disaster and environmental time bomb” and that “B.K. International has failed in its management of the site and government wants it gone.”
B.K. International claims that the site is functional and that its operation processes in excess of 500 tons of refuse per day. A Leachate Treatment System it installed failed because of poor design claimed by B.K. International, which from its published statement says it is awaiting a resubmission of designs for Leachate Treatment from the government. Minister Bulkan
speaks about failed management and “non-compliance” but gives no details. What the public knows, however, is that BK continues to receive and process waste at the Haags Bosch site at a rate of 500 tons per day. This has not been denied by Minister Bulkan. How then can this be labelled a failed project?
Minister Bulkan according to the report, comes over as both contradictory and confusing. Bulkan stated that the government wants B.K. International out, but such disclosure cannot be made on behalf of the government considering that no Cabinet decision on the matter was issued.
Bulkan stated that the IDB wanted the company removed from the site yet he was further quoted saying that “the bank would not have expressed dissatisfaction with the contracting firm specifically, but rather with the
manner in which the site was being managed so their concern is not with the contractor, but it is with the performance and the fact that there has been non-compliance, the IDB did not single out BK.”
Such contradictions are not befitting of a Minister of the government.
Bulkan went on to say that “the government is seeking to have an out of court amicable settlement” with BK. However, when asked if the settlement would involve paying the firm monies owed to it by the government, Bulkan responded that the government wasn’t “actually looking to bring a counterclaim which might be greater than the claim that it has.” It is difficult to understand how the government could be pursuing an amicable out of court settlement with BK by pursuing an in court counterclaim procedure, which would be
contentious.
Most troubling of all, however, is that it is alleged that the Minister was involved and still may be with a company operating on the Linden highway, which was vehement in its stout objections to nearby sand mining by BK International.
The current popular perception is that the Minister as opposed to the government may have issues with BK and the operations of the Haags Bosch landfill site. Conflict of interest would cause the Minister to face serious accusations of the abuse of his Ministerial office and authority in relation to BK International. It is too early in the life of the present government for such an occurrence and the consequences of this should be avoided at all costs.
Yours truly.
Terry
Hernandez
Homosexuality is an insult against God
Dear Editor, I read with interest in the Guyana Times “US presses Guyana on same-sex marriage” published on July 4, 2015
It baffles me after this election with many curious speculations about who is the real winner we are now seeing the US Emissary to Guyana Mr.Bryan Hunt pressing Guyana to copy the US to legalise same sex marriage. Same sex marriage for this US dignitary maybe a human right, but it's an abomination and a violation of God's Laws from Holy Scriptures and we will face some severe consequences from God Himself just like Sodom & Gomorrah when God destroyed them completely because they broke his laws which were passed on to the prophet Moses.
Those who are clamouring to pass this evil gay rights bill are either gays and lesbians themselves or atheists who are trying to corrupt the morals of the world including our country. We must not forget that the Aids epidemic is an historical phenomenon of an American homosexual who carried this deadly virus into the world from Africa because of his evil practice. AIDS is also carried by lesbians, heterosexuals and bi-
sexuals all over the world. To press our country Guyana to legalize this abomination upon our Nation tells me clearly we may be an Independent Nation but we are still being controlled by modern American and British Colonialism. I see many smiles on our Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo’s face, but if he is a true Christian, then he should object to this US diplomat who wants to impose his laws of LGBT upon Guyana.
Everything in this nation seems to evolve around politics and it appears as though the Americans and British, giving us a change of Government in exchange for which we have to comply with their laws, whether good or evil.
Our society faces a tremendous moral breakdown where even heterosexuals and married couples are living in a style of 'free love', in all forms of sexual immorality that has destroyed family values and Christian moral principles.
If this ''Gay-Rights & Lesbian rights Bill'' should be made mandatory then it will re-define the laws of marriage between a man and a woman ordained by God our Creator. This means that persons in same sex relationships may
enter any church and legally be married just like a man and a woman. But marriage is sacred and God created the woman for the man so that a divine family union can be created to populate the world. Those in favour of these laws would not be here had their parents been of the same sex.
The Holy Scripture designed man and woman by God for each other and that’s why homosexuals and lesbians cannot birth children. We now have some impudent lawmakers who are trying to violate God's Laws and corrupt humans.
The Bible as well as many other scriptures classifies homosexual practice as sin. It is a violation of the will of God.A simple reading of Genesis chapter 19 (about the two angels who paid a visit to Sodom and stayed in Lot's home) indicates that sodomy is a great wickedness (Genesis 19:4-5). God points to Sodom and Gomorrah’s homosexuality and lesbianism as an example of sexual immorality and destroys them by the vengeance of eternal fire. We should ask ourselves many questions before even thinking to ever entertain such a Bill in parliament. Is the US High Court trying to be God or trying to change God's Laws to corrupt the
morals of this world.
Homosexuality is an insult against God. The Bible message offers hope to those who practice sodomy, but before one can be delivered-he/ she must acknowledge his/ her sin. They can be cured by prayer and counselling but must have an intense desire to change and be delivered from their vile lifestyles. Homosexuality is a learned/ inherited ancestral behaviour -what has been learned or inherited as a curse can be unlearned and broken by the power of prayer and divine guidance.
The greatest error a nation can ever make is to implement laws into their legal system that will violate the laws of God's Laws thus bring curses and God's judgement upon their nation.
It's my sincere hope that our President and members of Parliament discard this homosexual bill that's administered in Guyana by the honourable Bryan Hunt. I am calling upon The Guyana Evangelical Association and all other religious organizations to remove this corrupt possibility of LGBT law from our nation. May God open our eyes to his divine truth.
Yours truly, Rev
Gideon Cecil
Journalists should conduct more investigations
Dear Editor, The May 11th 2015 General and Regional Election brought upon the Guyanese people the uncertainty of a safe and secured nation this far. The result of this election was declared and Gazetted while the majority of Guyanese voters are still in the dark as what really happened to their constitutional
right to choose a government of their choice. This right was clearly snatched away by GECOM.
After realising that all allegations of fraudulent elections were made by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic, one question struck my mind: “Why is it that not a single journalist got down to bottom of the truth by carrying out a comprehensive investi-
gation to determine whether the PPP/C claims have any merit or not?
Such an investigation would have brought closure to the many questions left unanswered in the minds of my fellow Guyanese brothers and sisters. It is a good thesis to say “UNITY” but if it isn’t materialised into reality it is worthless. One can argue that GECOM is the official insti-
Guyanese Muslims observing Ramadan
Dear Editor,
Since the evening of June 18, New York-based Guyanese Muslims, joined by Muslims from other nationalities, have been attending mosques at dusk to pray and remember their God, Almighty Allah to break their daily fast in the month of Rojah (as known by Guyanese) or Ramadan throughout the city. The largest number of «Guyanese» oriented mosques is in Queens. Most Muslims fast during this holy period of sacrifice for spiritual and body renewal. Some Muslims come to the mosque several times a day as prescribed in the holy Koran and if not possible, they pray at a convenient location to adhere to this pillar of Islam. There are numerous Caribbean/Guyaneseoriented mosques in the greater Richmond Hill area and in Jamaica, Queens Village, and in other communities where Guyanese or Caribbean Muslims congregate for social activities and worshipping. Every nationality has its own jamaat and mosques for worshipping and Guyanese, like other nationalities, prefer to worship at their own masjids according to their customs and practices, while breaking the fast with their cultural diet. The mosques or masjids are packed with worshippers nightly during the Ramadan period; some individuals of other nationalities also come to the Guyanese masjids for worship while some Guyanese do worship at mosques of other nationalities where Guyanese mosques are not available. Before the advent of mosques in New York among the Guyanese/Caribbean commu-
nity, people used to gather at homes or community centers or schools to break the fast. It was most inconvenient for community worshipping . This led to the acquisition of buildings that were transformed into make shift mosques. Later, members donated funds and or received grants from wealthy donors locally and overseas to purchase land upon which masjids were constructed. The Al Abidin Masjid, in the heart of Liberty Avenue, is undergoing reconstruction following the tearing down of the not so old structure with its replacement by a massive building. During this period of Rojah, Muslims refrain from the consumption of food and water from sun-up to sundown and often give up other worldly habits for that period.
Since the start of Rojah, hundreds have been gathering at the Guyanese mosques in Queens to break their fast with consuming of dates, fruits and water or tea. The worshippers feast on delicious meals prepared by hard working groups of men and women. At some of the masjids, volunteers arrive early in the afternoon to begin preparation of meals or they bring meals prepared from home. Some congregations purchase foods. The dishes vary nightly, with vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals, all donated by members of the respective Islamic fraternity. Meals are sponsored by members of each mosque and generous Muslim families for each day of Ramadan. Rojah ends on July 18 with the celebrating of Eid which culminates the fasting period.
Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram
Is the 2 am curfew effective?
Dear Editor, Violent crimes have escalated in Guyana since the APNU+AFC coalition took Office. The Public Security Minister Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan, seems to be at sea in tackling this crime monster the Guyanese people are now faced with, and on this basis the Public Security Minister should therefore submit his resignation.
tution to declare such results but shouldn’t the Guyanese who felt cheated be given an explanation to their questions?
It is time for the Guyanese journalists to assume the investigative role of their profession and assist in bringing the truth to the population.
Yours truly, Raghunandan Singh.
What is laughable though, is that when Minister Ramjattan was in the Opposition he blasted the then Minister of Home Affairs Mr. Clement Rohee, accusing him of not knowing what he was doing in addressing the crime situation. Today Ramjattan is in the same position held by Rohee and it is only justified that greater blasting he should receive for not knowing what to do in addressing the crime spree which has sharply risen under his de facto government. However, there’s a common saying that “mouthar and guitar are two different things”, which rightly applies
to not only Ramjattan, but also to the other Ministers of Government. Ramjattan just to cover shame from his incompetence introduced by imposition the 2am curfew, which in my opinion will never solve neither control the violent and unending crime spree. But what is important to note is that while the 2am curfew targets the established entertainment night spots for crime control it fails to address or include the numerous roadside bars popularly known for their chicken and fish fries with the loud playing of music around the country. Many bars are also located in residences. What is important to note as well is that the 2am curfew is not a hindrance to criminals.
The question is, will the Public Security Minister conduct an evaluation of his 2am curfew to determine its effectiveness?
Yours sincerely, Paul Thomas
Page Foundation
Why parenting advice is so hard to take
BY KIM BROOKS
Late last summer I drove with my children and some extended family from Chicago to a lake house in South-western Michigan. The weather was lovely, mild and dry. The children enjoyed themselves on the beach and the tiny, gravelly roads leading to the house. They played, they wore themselves out, and they became quiet, which meant the grown-ups had a
adamant that we take just one car. Specifically, mine. Practically and ecologically this did not seem unreasonable, but there was a snag. If we took one car, I’d have to move my daughter from her usual booster to a smaller one in the way-back. This process, I knew from experience, would result in a thermonuclear meltdown. She was never capable of explaining why being in the rear was such a trauma. Was it a diminished view?
child, it was my parents who called the shots,” he said. His tone was a mixture of indignation and certitude.
“The children did as told. If my dad said to get in the trunk, I got in the trunk. If he said to shut up and enjoy the ride, we shut up and enjoyed the ride. End of story. That’s how it’s done. That’s my advice to you now.”
For about two minutes, nobody spoke. We stood in the driveway as though all of our cars had just van-
good time as well.
One afternoon toward the end of the trip we decided to go into town for lunch. We all gathered in the driveway and began the complicated human arithmetic of trying to apportion bodies and booster seats into cars. My uncle – my mother’s brother – was unusually
The preponderance of backs of heads in front of her? Who knew? Transportation flexibility is not her strong suit. Flexibility is not her strong suit. Also, she was four years old.
“It’s only a few miles,” I told my uncle. “Do you mind if we just follow you there?”
“You know, when I was a
ished. My mother tried to say something that reassured me and chastised her brother, but it was too late. Iris walked over to me and climbed into my arms. My heart was racing. I felt what must have been a cocktail of adrenaline, epinephrine, and cortisol flooding my brain. When I final-
ly answered, my own voice sounded faraway. “Thanks for telling me how to raise my own child,” I said.
I could tell that my uncle regretted his words. Whether it was what I said, Iris’s reaction, or the multiple sets of glaring eyes that made him feel that way, I don’t know. He put his hand to his forehead. “I’m sorry. It’s none of my business. Forgive me. I shouldn’t have said anything.”
I told him it was fine, not a big deal – the usual passive-aggressive shuffling.
“I think I’m going to pass on lunch,” I said. I didn’t go into town with everyone. I went back into the house with my daughter, packed our bag, got in the car, drove home, and didn’t speak to my uncle for six months.
When I share this story with friends, I’m embarrassed by my anger and my nearly anaphylactic reaction to my uncle’s comment. Indeed, most of my friends agree that I went overboard by a factor of many. At the same time, more than a few have their own stories of becoming infuriated by parenting advice offered by a friend or family member. They recall with rage that time their mother-inlaw tried to advise them on breast-feeding, or the friend who was sure she knew the best way to discourage tantrums or facilitate longer naps. (Yahoo! News)
Strategies for hard times in parenting (Part
BY SANDRA FLEAR
This changes the power balance between you and your children, a set-up that is working against all of you. You don’t have to know what to do next. Somehow, your children will find a way to come around and connect with you again. They may come and sit on your tummy, or ask you what you’re doing, or bring you a toy they want you to see. One of them might cry in frustration, which lets off some emotional steam that was causing trouble. Lying down allows for a fresh start to emerge, because the agendas that weren’t working have been scrapped. Simply lie down. A reset will occur. You care, they care, and with you lying down, signs of that caring can emerge.
Release the feelings
Stress releases in dependable ways. Our children know this. They go for several episodes of stress release in the
course of every day! The way they release their bad feelings is to laugh long and hard, to cry, to have a tantrum, and to do “scared crying,” which is mostly trembling and perspiring in the middle of great protest. Although most people aren’t aware of this yet, when you offer attentive, caring support while your child has a deep cry or a tantrum, your child can actually release the tight, upset feelings that make life hard. When you’ve listened all the way through, the problem resolves in their mind, and they feel close to you, and hopeful that life will be good today. We parents release the hurt feelings we carry – the worries, the irritations, the deep misgivings we have about our goodness or the goodness of our children – in the same way. Here’s how you can build emotional support, so you can become less vulnerable to stress, and enjoy your children more fully.
• Ask another adult to listen to you. Then, listen in return. Usually, when we talk to others, they have opinions, advice, or stresses of their own, similar to ours. They want to release upsets too, so they interrupt with their opinions or similar tales that have disturbed them. For dependable stress release, it’s a good idea to take turns, so that each person has 10 or 20 minutes to talk without interruption or advice. When you’re the listener, offer 100 per cent of your attention, respect, and warmth. Ask the same from them. Over time, a listening partnership like this becomes a safe place to cry, to laugh, to think, and to shed hurt feelings. The emotional burdens of parenting begin to lift.
• Phone a friend Sometimes, the sound of a friend’s voice on the phone is enough to help you out of the worst of your feelings. You can set up a “rescue plan” that involves an agreement between you and one friend or several that it’s okay to call for five minutes of listening time when things get hard. The simple chance to let someone know how hard it is and how hard you are trying can help break the isolation you feel. Sometimes you’ll curse. Sometimes you’ll cry. Sometimes you’ll laugh. Sometimes you’ll step into the laundry room, close the door, and stomp and pound on the wall. It will help! (handinhandparenting.org)
Education Ministry awards top NGSA performers
The Education Ministry on Friday presented awards to the top performers at this year’s National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA).
The award ceremony was held at the Princess Hotel and was well attended by parents, teachers, Regional Education Officers, and senior functionaries of the Ministry. The simple ceremony celebrated the achievements of the students and also brought recognition to the hard work of the parents and teachers for bringing students to this point in their lives.
Chief Education Officer
Olato Sam, in his opening remarks, encouraged parents to continue to support their children throughout their secondary education as they did for their nursery and primary education. He noted that the trend of parents allowing children to go through their secondary school life with little or no support needed to stop. “It needs to be reversed,” he said.
Sam encouraged parents
to be partners in this process. “We know that successful students at every level of this education system are successful because of the quality of the support they received not just from the institutions they attend but from their families,” he continued.
The Ministry will work and support the efforts of the other students who sat NGSA this year as they too have worked hard. Similar sentiments were echoed by Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine as he ad-
dressed the gathering of more than 160 students and their parents.
NGSA is an achievement for the school system as much as it is for the students who sat the exams. Dr Roopnaraine, in his address, acknowledged that the private schools have been putting out top performers, asserting that “we had become accustomed to a history of excellence from our public school system, but somewhere along the line, the primacy of public education at
the primary level has been challenged”.
In conceding that private institutions account for approximately half of the total showing in the top one per cent, he said that the rise of private primary education should be seen as a challenge for the public education sector to become more competitive in the delivery of core services.
The Education Minister reiterated his commitment to ensure that there was equity in education so that the dis-
tribution of excellence was no longer skewed towards coastal communities. He pointed out that at this year’s NGSA, Georgetown and the rest of Region Four account for 120 out of 166 students in the top one per cent, which, he said, showed that skills and resources in education are inequitably dispersed. “This is the challenge to which we must rise; we owe it to our hinterland students to end their deprivation. They must get their fair share of our investment in education,” he stated.
The Ministry wishes to thank Princess Hotel and Fun City for contributing to the celebration of excellence. In collaboration with the Ministry, Princess Fun City Entertainment Centre treated the awardees to games, movies and refreshments immediately following the award ceremony. The Ministry also wishes to thank Zena
and Fly Jamaica for being part of this significant ceremony.
A total 15,225 candidates wrote the NGSA this year. The highest possible standardised scores obtained were Mathematics – 138, English – 132, Social Studies – 132, and Science 133. This year, Region Nine was recognised as the most improved Region, attaining a six per cent increase in overall performance of candidates. Of the 2015 NGSA top performers, 94 were female and 72, male. Top NGSA performers will also be benefiting from the One Laptop Per Family Programme.
11 Coast Guard troops receive training from Brazilian Navy
As the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) continues to strengthen ties with its Brazilian counterpart, 11 members of its Coast Guard recently participated in a naval exercise, spearheaded by the neighbouring Navy.
The team departed Guyana on May 10 for “Exercise Caribex” which
was conducted on the Brazilian Naval Patrol Vessel Bracui. The training exercise was spearheaded by the Naval Patrol Group of the North 4th district.
According to Sub Lieutenant Welcome, the aim of the exercise was to familiarise the members of the Coast Guard with the various operational proce-
dures aboard the naval patrol vessel in several skilled areas such as navigation, communication, weaponry, engineering, and basic seamanship. He also highlighted that during the exercise, personnel had the opportunity to be involved in firefighting, damage control, and inland patrols in the Amazon River of Brazil.
“As professionals of the Coast Guard, this type of training will not only enhance their skills and knowledge in various areas, but will also allow the members to perform their immediate duties efficiently and effectively,” Sub Lieutenant Welcome pointed out.
Meanwhile, commenting on the success of the troops, acting Chief-of-Staff, Colonel Khemraj Persaud, stated that the training and
upgrading of the skills of all soldiers was of critical importance. He added that the exposure gained by these troops augured well, particularly in the context of the current threats to Guyana’s territorial integrity. “I urge the ratings to make full use of their training, especially at this time when there are threats to our territorial integrity,” Colonel Persaud declared.
This training exercise
comes on the heels of the recently concluded Exercise Tradewinds, which saw the GDF Flagship, the GDFS Essequibo and Coast Guard ranks participating in the maritime phase of the Exercise. During this exercise, there was participation from 17 different countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and those in the Caribbean.
Bland – 2015 Miss Guyana UK,
The 11-member GDF Coast Guard team that underwent training with the Brazilian Navy during the past weeks
CEO Olato Sam; Miss Guyana UK Zena Bland; Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine and Assistant CEO Primary Marcel Hutson with the 2015 NGSA top performers
saturday, july 11, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com
Clean-up fever running cold
...organisers to turn attention to sensitisation
Guyanese people have become less enthusiastic about “cleaning up” over the past few weeks. The “clean-up spirit” arose when the David Granger Administration took office in May.
The campaign went into full swing in the days leading up to the May 26th inauguration, but now efforts to restore Georgetown, and Guyana at large, to its “Garden City” status are slowly decreasing. Although there are a few cleanup efforts around Georgetown, the level of enthusiasm formerly seen has departed.
Speaking to Sherod Duncan, popularly known as “Captain Clean”, this publication was made to un-
derstand that his group had already anticipated that citizens would eventually lose interest in going out into the streets and cleaning, so they began putting systems in place to transition from “on-the-ground clean-ups to a sensitisation and awareness” project.
This project seeks to educate citizens (especially those who are school aged) about littering and its harmful effects. This collaborative effort will see participation from other organisations, businesses and Government Ministries.
The ultimate plan is to go into schools and educate students about littering so as to ensure that they will be able to make more in-
formed decisions as it relates to preserving the environment.
Duncan is currently partnering with entities like Scotiabank, De Sinco Trading and Aurora Gold Project to place garbage bins around specific locations in Georgetown. The main reason for starting the bin drive is because citizens have been complaining that there are not enough bins around the city and that is why it is dirty.
In an effort to limit the amount of garbage in the streets, the businesses see it fit to donate garbage bins.
As it relates to the future of the cleanup campaigns, Duncan explained that there will be a “Student
Mega Clean Up” that will see participation of students from the University of Guyana, Texila American University, local primary and secondary schools.
The activity will also see partnerships with businesses and not-for-profit organisations to ensure that the event will be well-attended. Initially, the project was to be completed in June, but owing to complications in financing the project it was postponed.
This mega clean-up will take place along the Georgetown seawalls from Kingston to UG Road in the near future and persons should look forward to a grand effort from Guyanese youth.
$1M bail for suspect in causing death case
The suspect in the Soesdyke Highway, East Bank Demerara (EBD) accident which claimed the life of Marlon Forde, was granted bail in the sum of an astonishing $1 million on Thursday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.
Magistrate Ann McLennan granted bail to Clarence Schwartz on Thursday after his Attorney made a bail application in her court.
Schwartz, 38, of Ice House Road, Timehri, EBD, first appeared before Magistrate McLennan last Tuesday to answer the charge of causing death by dangeroud driving after it was alleged that he drove a vehicle in a manner dangerous to the public on June 26, and which lead to the death of Forde.
He was slapped with two
additional charges; driving under the influence of alcohol and failing to render assistance. It is alleged that Schwartz was driving motor car HC 4030 in a dangerous manner when he collided with another vehicle in the same lane, killing his associate who was in the passenger seat and injuring a young woman, who was also at the back of the vehicle.
For his bail application, his Attorney argued that he was going up the Soesdyke Highway at the time of the accident when a vehicle crashed into him. However, his Attorney stated that his client was not even the driver of the car at the time, asking the court to grant bail in a reasonable amount.
Magistrate McLennan allowed this and ordered the accused to ensure he is present in court on July 14.
However, Guyana Times
understands that on the night of the accident, Forde was indeed the driver while Schwartz was in the back passenger seat with the female. After the accident, Forde reportedly told Schwartz that he was fine despite having a concussion. A source told Guyana Times that Schwartz was having an extramarital relationship unknown to his wife, so he made a decision to take the rap for the accident as he thought everyone involved in the accident was fine.
Schwartz reportedly took his female companion to the hospital to seek medical attention in another vehicle, leaving Forde in the back passenger seat. He informed the Police that he was at fault for the accident; however, by then his friend had died.
An autopsy performed on
Forde’s body indicates that Forde’s spine was fractured which caused a severed spinal cord. The autopsy was performed by Dr Nehaul Singh at the Georgetown Public Hospital. He had also confirmed that hemorrhaging contributed tremendously to Forde’s death. Others injured in the accident were Esther Meertins, 28, of Soesdyke Back Road, and Sheldon Mc Lennon, 41, of D’Anrade Street, Kitty, Georgetown.
Meertins sustained a fractured jaw and a laceration to the head, and was referred to the Georgetown Public Hospital, while Mc Lennon suffered a complete fracture of one of his knees.
According to information received, Forde, Meertins and Schwartz were heading home after partying at Bamboo Bar, Garden of Eden, EBD.
Two faced...
...on normative democracy
In every field of human endeavour - intellectual or otherwise - there are "turns", encompassing insights gleaned from some new concept or paradigm. So in the humanities, we had the "linguistic turn" and the "narrative turn". And now in politics - and even economics and of all things, epistemology - we're in the midst of the "normative turn". So what's the new insight? Just a reappreciation of the old saw: "you can't separate means from ends". Especially when people are involved.
It'll always get you in the end - figuratively and literally - so you might as well factor in the end game, of every endeavour right up front. So in international relations, it's not just an endless loop of "the shark and the sardines" mantra as espoused by the "realists". Today we hear of the "Right to Protect" (R2P) doctrine that states now invoke to protect against, say, genocide by governments of independent states. We're talking morality here, folks. What international actors "ought to do": normative IR. No more Rwanda... right?
For domestic politics, this process has played out in spades. After all it was always stipulated that the state was formed to protect the people, get it? So we have politicians, now in the government, talking about "power sharing" - because that would increase "participation of the people". We had citizens coming out in thousands to clean city streets and politicians saying "so what?" when political contracts are broken. Why make waves? Politics is all about "one love". Now you can't get more "normative" than this, can you?
So why is the government protesting when the Judicial Branch takes the "normative turn" and interprets the dry Constitution to increase the involvement of the people to formulate the rules that govern them? Just because the fella who said, "Democracy is rule BY the people, FOR the people and OF the people" came from the backwoods, does that mean the Chief Justice can't take his advice? Abe Lincoln was a lawyer, after all.
Insisting that - after you plough through all the big words and stilted phrases - the Constitution simply affirms that it's the people who must ultimately decide on the rules about really important things like "democracy" - the Chief Justice is in step with the gradual "humanisation" of this Leviathan we call "government".
So this Eyewitness tips his hat to him. No more can folks say, "the law is an ass" because some judge insists on just splitting the words in the Constitution rather than starting from the principle we all know what the Constitution was crafted for:
Power to the people!!
...on crime
Your Eyewitness was informed that the family of the business woman who was shot in the head over at Canje in Berbice, has decided to sell off all its assets and migrate. Then this morning came the report that another businessman was shot at literally three doors away from the home of the Minister of Security - KhemrajRamjattan, It doesn't get closer than this does it? But will it finally light a fire under that fella? That's the 64 million dollar question.
Imagine two months after the election in which Ramjattan specifically promised his constituents "security", he had to be summoned to OP....oops!...that should be "Ministry of the Presidency" l to be given a "security strategy" by the President! Strategy?? Guyana needs a new "crime strategy" like the sugar industry needs more rainfall! We've been swamped with crime strategies for two decades now. We need action!
Like when in 2005 an army squad travelled from Camp Ayanganna, Georgetown all the way to a Crabwood Creek fowl pen to seize an AK-47!
...on democratic opening
And while we celebrate the democratic expansion by the CJ, don't forget that you can now get to choose as Presidential candidates, Guyanese from "foreign" who have all the answers to our problems. Plus the US$400 million in remittances!
City Hall to get tough on litterbugs
…to target “bush trucks”, vagrants
Given the thousands of citizens who contributed to the cleanup activities that have been ongoing around Guyana, Georgetown Mayor Hamilton Green on Friday said that the City Council is seeking to enforce stricter penalties against persons who flout the littering laws.
Speaking at a news conference, Green stated that the Council has been in conversations with the Government to discuss resolution of issues that may hinder the development of Guyana.
He shared that the Council has seen young men and women, middle-aged, and even senior citizens all involved in this grand crusade to clean up Guyana. However, he said that “this grand adventure to restore the city after 23 years of being put under the gun will not be an easy task”. With help from the citizens of Guyana and the cooperation of officers who now understand their role as it relates to keeping Guyana clean, he said, it could become a reality.
Green stated that the Council has set itself certain deadlines, not only that of 100 days as was expressed by President David Granger, but its own prognosis to get things done. He said there were certain issues the City Council was now taking to the Government to seek its assistance. He shared that several drawbacks have been noticed as they seek to promote the well-being of Georgetown, and it was unacceptable for one group of persons to be trying to keep the city clean while another group kept undoing their work.
He stated that one of the issues the Council would focus on was the build-up of “bush trucks” in many areas of Georgetown. He further stated that these ve-
hicles were eyesores to society especially when seen in residential areas, blocking the pathway of everyday citizens and destroying parapets. He urged the owners of these vehicles to remove these vehicles from Georgetown post-haste, as the City Council will soon be taking appropriate action.
Green stated: “It is unacceptable that these bush trucks which come down with mud and asphalt and destroy the road should be parked gloriously in residential areas.”
Green also shared that there were proposals as it related to certain areas around Georgetown to reexamine the Georgetown Development Plan to see what changes and adjustments were necessary for 2015, 2016 and beyond. He added that although this was a thesis exercise, work has begun to see what changes needed to be made. Other plans for the betterment of Guyana include the introduction of cul-de-sacs and proper separation of the bus parks. Also, the Council is currently cooperating with the Guyana Water Inc (GWI) to deal with the inappropriate conditions of various sewer systems.
On a special note, the Mayor said as work was being done to help keep the city clean, there was still the
Taxi driver nabbed with firearm, ammunition
Aprivate taxi driver was on Thursday evening arrested after Police retrieved a 9mm pistol with 12 matching rounds that he allegedly threw into a trench at Laing Avenue, Georgetown.
According to information received, ranks of the Guyana Police Force were conducting a routine patrol in the area when they stopped a motor car bearing registration number PMM 6285 driven by Orin David to conduct a search.
The driver was spotted disposing of a shiny object through the window which went into the trench.
As the car came to a halt, the Police ranks enquired about the object thrown overboard by the driver, who initially denied the accusation. As the Police further interrogated the man, he reportedly confessed that it was a firearm.
A Police Constable, according to a senior Police rank, took off his clothes and went into the trench where the weapon was retrieved. Guyana Times understands that the serial number on the weapon was erased. The Police are continuing their investigation into the matter.
CRG number plates soon for all State-owned vehicles – Minister Harmon
Within the next two months, it is expected that all State-owned vehicles will be affixed with Cooperative Republic of Guyana (CRG) registration number plates, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon told the Government Information Agency during an interview on Thursday.
problem of “junkies” parading the streets and creating mayhem in various parts of the city. He added that members of the business community have identified a place in the country to house these individuals under appropriate medical supervision.
He explained that the CRG number plates would serve to easily identify vehicles which were registered to the State. “You will not have the situation where private number plates are on vehicles, and therefore they can be abused by persons,” he said.
Given the current challenges faced by the new Government in recovering some of the assets, including vehicles, misappropriated by officials linked to the previous Administration, Minister Harmon said, “as
soon as you see a CRG number plate, you know that it is a State vehicle, so it is going to be easing and aiding in the identification of Stateowned vehicles”. He added that the new system will also make obsolete the registration of those vehicles which belong to the State but which people were holding under private number plates. “We will assign
CRG numbers to those vehicles … Once you have a CRG registered vehicle, but you have a private number plate on it, then the Police can actually go and seize that vehicle from you, because it belongs to the State.”
All vehicles which will be purchased in the future for use by the State and state agencies will be fitted with the CRG registration. It was explained by Minister Harmon that following the presentation of a proposal to Cabinet, the move was approved. The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has also made a proposal as to how this will be accomplished. Minister Harmon said that once some minor adjustments to the motor vehicle regulations are completed to facilitate this change, “I think within a month or two, we will start doing that (affixing CRG number plates)”.
Georgetown Mayor Hamilton Green
Minister of State, Joseph Harmon
Sacked Magistrate appointed Legal Adviser of MoP
Former Magistrate
Geeta ChandanEdmond, who was sacked from her post earlier this year, has been appointed Legal Adviser in the Ministry of the Presidency (MoP).
Chandan-Edmond had found the former Prime Minister’s son, Samuel Hinds Jr guilty of assault on February 6, but had deferred sentencing until February 20, pending a probation report. A statement by her attorney, Nigel Hughes, said on January 16 last year, the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) had written ChandanEdmond in relation to the following allegations: absence from a Magistrate’s Association meeting to discuss the Sexual Offences Act, medical leave for two days between June 5 and 7, 2013, absence for sick leave, failure to report absence of work to the Chancellor, inability to deliver 19 decisions, failure to respond to queries from the Chief Magistrate and departure from Guyana on the 20th day of January 2013 without approval.
The Attorney alleged that at that time there was no allegation of misconduct levelled against his client nor was there any hearing or any invitation to any hearing on the allegations for the entire year of 2014. He went on to state that on February 18, 2015, the Magistrate attend-
ed the JSC where Counsel for the Magistrate enquired about the rules under which the Commission intended to deliberate and the procedure to be adopted particularly whether it was an adversarial or inquisitorial proceeding during which time it was pointed out to the JSC that there was no rule which required the Magistrate to notify the Chancellor and/or seek his permission prior to her departure from the country. Chandan-Edmond had challenged her dismissal in a motion which is before Justice Diane Insanally. Justice Insanally had instructed the JSC to show cause why its decision to terminate the services of Chandan-Edmond should not be quashed.
OLPF
Meanwhile, ChandanEdmond was part of a team led by Minister of State, Joseph Harmon which visited the One Laptop Per Family (OLPF) office earlier this week. In addition to the former Magistrate, the Minister’s entourage included Government Adviser on E-Governance Floyd Levi. A tour of the office was facilitated by the OLPF Project Manager Margo Boyce. Harmon’s visit to the Project’s Forshaw Street, Queenstown office is part of the process of understanding what is happening with E-Governance. It also comes on the heels of a visit
to the E-Government Unit headed by Alexei Ramotar, son of the former President. Harmon said the One Laptop Per Family unit was administered by the Ministry of the Presidency, and his visit was part of understanding what was taking place in that Ministry, and what was the status of this particular project.
During Wednesday’s visit, the Minister met with the Project Manager, but observed that there was “nothing much” happening with the OLPF, and there was a large number of unserviceable and defective laptops. This, he said, is as a result of bad sourcing of the equipment from the source country, China. He believes that the sourcing was done by persons who were independent of the
management of the OLPF, noting that the team at OLPF was basically managing and distributing equipment that were given to them, some of which were basically useless.
Minister Harmon concluded that Government would at this time review the operations of the Project, and the linkage between what was done
with computers and what was done with the entire E-Governance Project.
He said there was a gap between the OLPF, E-Governance Project and the delivery of Internet service to the rest of the country that needed to be properly explained. The Minister noted that nothing could be done with the laptops he has seen in stor-
age at the OLPF office. He added that the bulk of the laptops were a gift, and Guyana had no real say in what was received.
Minister Harmon believes that if the technical persons were given an opportunity to advise and choose, the decision would not have been made to accept some of these gifts that are now worthless.
LIAT introduces night flights from Ogle
Passengers will now be able to travel in the night as LIAT introduces its first scheduled evening flights to Trinidad and Tobago’s Piarco Airport and the Grantley Adams Airport in Barbados from Guyana, commencing July 15.
This new service will be available from the Ogle International Airport (OIA), which has agreed to facilitate commercial night operations by the Antigua-based airline as part of efforts to expand and advance its regional aviation services.
A statement from OIA on Friday stated that LIAT’s expanded schedule will now include night flights between Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago, departing Piarco Airport, Port of Spain, at 19:40h (7:40 pm) and arriving at OIA at 20:40h (8:40 pm) every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. The other flight between Guyana and Barbados will be departing OIA at 21:10h (9:10 pm) and arriving at Grantley Adams Airport, Barbados, at 23:10h (11:10 pm).
In addition, the regional airline said it would continue daily flights between Barbados and Guyana, departing Barbados’ Grantley Adams Airport at 12:20h and arriving at the OIA
at 14:20h and returning to Barbados from OIA at 14:50h and arriving at Grantley Adams, Barbados at 16:50h.
Furthermore, the release detailed that the Antiguabased airline’s schedule will also include flights departing Grantley Adams Airport, Barbados, at 06:00h and arriving the OIA at 08:00h, and departing OIA at 08:30h and arriving at Piarco Airport, Trinidad and Tobago, at 09:40h every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.
In July 2013, LIAT Airlines commenced operations from the OIA and landed its official inaugural flight
on a Monday in the mid-afternoon hours. The 50-seater Dash 8 ATR72 aircraft arrived from the Grantley Adams International Airport in Barbados fully booked.
The airline began with daily flights from Barbados to Ogle with a daily return service. At the time it was offering night flights from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) to Barbados. It was determined that the OIA’s proximity to Georgetown would give the airline a competitive advantage since flying into Ogle would mean reduced flying time and an annual fuel reduction for LIAT.
Legal Adviser in the Ministry of the Presidency, Geeta Chandan-Edmond
LIAT’s inaugural flight upon arrival at the Ogle International Airport in 2013
Goolsarran cashes in again:
Signs contract with EU to prep Govt for budgetary support
The European Union (EU) has signed a contract with former Auditor General and current Public Finance Management Consultant Anand Goolsarran to help the Guyana Government meet the eligibility criteria for EU’s budget support.
Head of the EU Delegation in Guyana, Ambassador Robert Kopecký on Thursday signed the contract with Goolsarran in order to assist the Government in assessing the country’s public finance management, as well as in the preparation of a Budget Transparency Action Plan. According to an EU release, the assignment will last until the end of this year and is intended to assist the Government in meeting the criteria for the EU’s budget support operations for the sugar and sea defence sectors.
Ambassador Kopecký highlighted that these efforts were in keeping with desired improvements in public finance management, accountability and transparency in Guyana.
Back in January, the European Union had disclosed that it was withholding millions of euros in budgetary support funding because the then Donald Ramotar Administration had not met “all eligibility criteria”. A release from the EU had said: “The latest partial payments related to these two programmes (sugar sec-
Anadarko to recommence oil operations
Amid the deepening border controversy between Guyana and Venezuela, Anadarko Petroleum Corporation is set to recommence its oil exploration operations in Guyana.
Guyana had awarded Anadarko Petroleum, one of the world’s largest independent oil and natural gas exploration and production companies, a deepwater exploration licence to search for hydrocarbons in a block named Roraima offshore Guyana.
However, in late 2013, a seismic vessel which was contracted by Anadarko to conduct a seabed survey was seized by Venezuelan authorities, the lasts salvo in a decades-old border issue between the two countries. Now after more than a year since the incident occurred, Anadarko Petroleum has pledged its commitment to finally recommence its operations offshore Guyana.
Only recently, company representatives met with Minister of Governance Raphael Trotman and other Government officials to update them on the proposed work programme for the development of hydrocarbons in Guyana.
During the meeting, the representatives reaffirmed their commitment to working with Guyana and pledged their support of the country’s efforts to have a peaceful resolution to the ongoing boundary dispute with its oil-rich neighbour.
The boundary controversy
with Venezuela flared to its highest level in years when Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro issued Decree 1787 claiming ownership of the waters off Essequibo shortly after US oil giant ExxonMobil struck oil in Guyana’s offshore waters in the Stabroek Block. Only recently, Maduro withdrew the initial decree and replaced it with another decree which supersedes the original one.
According to Venezuelan media, this new dictum does not have any defining coordinates. It poses no decision on land issues, but instead purports to support and justify the actions of the Bolivarian National Armed Force (FANB) in defending the newly-created Integrated Defence Maritime Zones and Island (Zodimain).
According to Venezuelan reports, the Ministries of Defence and Interior are empowered to implement the decree, which was published in the Official Gazette Number 40,696 on Tuesday. In light of these developments, Minister Trotman assured Anadarko that the Government of Guyana would continue to take relevant measures to preserve its sovereignty.
Anadarko Petroleum Corporation is one of the world’s largest publicly traded oil and gas exploration and production companies, with approximately 2.79 billion barrels of oil equivalent (BOE) of proved reserves and annual sales volumes of 274 million BOE as of December 31, 2013.
tor and sea defences) have been temporarily put on hold until all eligibility criteria, inter alia budget oversight,
are satisfactorily addressed.”
The previous Government had expressed concerns over the position taken by the EU Delegation since there were earlier commitments that the money would have been released. It was felt at the time that the prorogation of Parliament was the reason for the withholding of the funding since days before the announcement was made, the then British High Commissioner Andrew Ayre warned that Guyana could face serious financial sanctions if Parliament did not reconvene. When asked about funding for several projects underway in which the UK played the critical role of donor, the British High Commissioner noted that these projects may be in jeopardy as there were some “reluctance” to provide developmental funds to Guyana
from the UK. “Without the Parliament, there is no parliamentary oversight … clearly the appetite to send money to a country that has no parliamentary oversight is much reduced … there’s a reluctance to send development funds, how can we justify that to our own taxpayers?” Ayre had questioned.
The EU has a longstanding commitment to support development and poverty reduction in Guyana and some €34 million was allocated to the country under the 11th European Development Fund. The EU aid is channelled through different modalities, of which budget support is one. The two ongoing budget support programmes in Guyana are: one for the sugar sector totalling €28.9 million and the other for sea defence totalling €14.8 million.
Ambassador Robert Kopecký and Anand Goolsarran sign the contract while EU Programme Officer LaToya DeMendonca-Blair and EU Head of Cooperation Ewout Sandker look on
Constitutional Amendment Bill needed 2/3 majority – Nandlall
...says National Assembly fell into a trap
By Michael younge
The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) said it was ready to challenge the constitutionality of the Constitutional (Amendment) Bill No 1 of 2015 which was passed with a simple majority in the National Assembly on Thursday after being piloted by Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams.
The Party is arguing strongly that the National Assembly fell into error and committed an illegal act when it allowed the passage of the Bill without fulfilling the expressed principles and laws in Guyana’s Constitution. The Bill seeks to amend the Third Schedule of Article 222A of the Constitution by adding certain entities to the said Schedule. Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall said that there were many complex implications which arise from this innocuous amendment.
He argued that it was more common sense and logic than law that the Schedule to an Article in the Constitution is part of that Article explaining, therefore, that the Third Schedule is part of Article 222A. “By Article 164, the Constitution provides how it can be amended. Certain provisions in the Constitution can be amended by a simple majority, some by a two-thirds majority and some by referendum only. The device by which these Articles are protected from alteration except by certain required level of voting in the National Assembly or referendum is called “entrenchment”. The more important the particular Article, the more entrenched it is, meaning that it enjoys a higher level of protection which translates into a requirement of a greater number of votes for its lawful alteration,” Nandlall said in a letter to the press on behalf of the Party.
He advised that Article 164 lists Article 222 as one of the Articles which can only be changed by a 2/3 majority vote of Members of the National Assembly.
Nandlall went further in the missive and indicated that in the constitutional reform process of 2001, Article 222 was amended by a 2/3 majority by the addition of Article “222A”. “…And as I said earlier, the Third Schedule is part of Article 222A. Therefore, Article 222A is a part of 222 and can only be amended by a 2/3 majority. It would defy legal logic that Article 222A which required a 2/3 majority to come into existence can be altered and worse yet repealed altogether, by a simple majority,” he advised.
“Constitutional quandary”
He reasoned that it was the 1980 Constitution that was amended in 2001 which has 232 provisions, explaining that it came into being by virtue of a referendum and no new Article can be added to those 232 provisions without resort to a referendum. Saying that it was “common knowledge” that there was no referendum in 2001 and for this simple reason Article 222A is necessarily a part of Article 222, Nandlall argued that if it was a new and additional provision to the Constitution, it would mean that the 1980 Constitution would have been expanded to 233 provisions and that result could only have been lawfully achieved by a referendum.
He reminded that “faced with this constitutional quandary”, those who were engaged in the constitutional reform process utilised alphabetical capital letters and worked within the existing numerical provisions of the Constitution to achieve
their objectives. The former Attorney General argued that this quandary resulted in each amendment bearing a capital letter and being attached to an existing provision. They necessarily are and must remain part of that Article if it is to be valid, he said.
“Therefore, Article 222 and by extension 222A and the Third Schedule cannot be amended by a simple majority, but only be a 2/3 majority. The APNU+AFC do not have a 2/3 majority in the House and, therefore, they cannot lawfully pass that Bill without the support of votes from the Opposition. If they attempt to pass this Bill by a simple majority, they will be violating Article 164 of the Constitution if they do so and the Bill would accordingly be unconstitutional,” he noted.
No 2/3 majority needed
However, Williams explained that Article 164i provides for a simple majority, Article 164i 2a for a referendum and Article 164i 2b for a two-third majority. He said that the articles for the referendum are listed therein and the articles for the two-third majority are listed in 2B. “It means simply that if Article 222a is not listed under the referendum provision or under the two-third majority provision, it could only by virtue of not being listed therein that is required to be under 164i, which provides for the simple majority,” he said.
He pointed out that in the Ninth Parliament Article 61 was amended by the then Government, under the same basis. “When we believe that Article 61 provided that we could not exceed six months in determining the first sitting of Parliament after the elections, the Government pushed through that Bill on the same basis as this one, that is, if you have the course to Article 164 2A that is the referendum position, you would not find Article 164, and if you have the course to Article 164 2ab, the twothirds majority provision, you will not find Article 61 therein,” he explained.
Ramjattan to give CPGs vehicles to Police
– Rohee says it’s “digging
In light of recent complaints of a reported shortage of vehicles within the Guyana Police Force, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan has disclosed that he would be taking away the vehicles from the Community Policing Groups (CPGs) and handing them over to the Guyana Police Force.
The Police have constantly come in for criticism over the lengthy time officers take to respond to criminal activities. Persons complain that sometimes when they call Police
hole to fill hole”
Stations to get assistance they are often told that there are no vehicles available and in cases where vehicles are available, there are no drivers. Speaking to reporters, the Minister stated that there needed to be a more efficient response system in place. “I can’t even imagine a situation where, like in the La Jalousie (West Coast Demerara) situation, they took such a long time to come; even if they had to go there with bicycles or motorcycles. Why was it so long?” he questioned.
According to Ramjattan, in past budgetary allocations (2013 and 2014) much was not allocated to the actual Police Force but to CPGs. The Public Security Minister said that for this reason, he would be transferring the assets, particularly vehicles from the Policing Groups to the Force. He added that they would also wait on the 2015 budget to see how much more they can give to the Police in the last four five months.
“It’s a matter of resources … We have not touched any of the plans or discarded any of the plans from the previous Administration, we are
only adding to them, except, of course, taking away the policing community vehicles and giving them to the Police because we feel that’s a frontline thing,” Ramjattan noted. The Public Security Minister outlined that there needed to be more patrols and Police present especially in and around vulnerable areas. He said if more resources, such as cars, pickups and so on, are needed then necessary arrangements will be made to secure them. On this note, Ramjattan stated that they would be approaching bilateral supporting countries such as the United Kingdom for more resources to improve Police performance.
Major constraint Meanwhile, Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud has welcomed the idea of boosting the Force’s fleet of vehicles. He told reporters on Thursday that one of the major constraints the Police Force faced was shortage of transportation to respond to criminal activities in a timely manner.
Canadian woman stripped, beaten by City Constables
ACanadian citizen, who ironically was invited by the Social Protection Ministry to assist in crafting a social empowerment programme for girls and women, was reportedly assaulted by four female officers of the City Constabulary last Thursday during a visit to Mayor Hamilton Green.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday afternoon at the Parliament Building in the presence of Social Protection Minister Volda Lawrence, Suzanna Nichols, the President of JA Maxwell Global Corporation in Canada, recounted the episode with the marks of violence visible on her body.
Noting that the incident emphasised the need for the social empowerment and cohesion programme for the women of the country, Nichols related that she had visited the Mayor and City Council of Georgetown (M&CC) with her son for a meeting with the Mayor, but upon her arrival, the hostile behaviour was what she was first greeted with.
“I went to the City Hall to drop off my son Mark Junior.... to meet with the Mayor Hamilton Green. Upon our arrival at City Hall, we were greeted by a very hostile female security guard who seemed very agitated to be doing her job of greeting and directing individuals to where they need to go and to attend to their business,” she related to media operatives.
“She was very hostile about us parking and with me having to leave the compound to return a few minutes later because it was very hot and I needed to get a drink of water so I exit the compound with my vehicle. Upon my return, I was refused entrance into the compound then I proceed-
fice, half naked for more than 20 minutes. The doctor said I have two perforated discs, a hairline fracture to the hip, and bruises and lacerations about my body,” she disclosed.
After recounting her experience, the woman went on to question the training of the constables, noting that they did not portray a good image of the country to the international community and tourists.
ed that I would be going up to the Mayor’s office for him to direct to where I should park. I did so. And before I got to his front door, she grabbed me and swung me around and said I was pissing her off,” she further explained.
According to the woman, the situation escalated as she tried to resist the attacks. “I turned from her, backing up and ran up the stairs into his office where his Secretary allowed me to speak to him. He instructed an individual from his office to accompany me downstairs to park my vehicle. After doing so and parking it into his spot, as directed, the four constables attacked me as I came out the car,” Nichols recounted.
Shouting that she was being placed under arrest, the constables then proceeded to “aggressively assault me”, the Canadian citizen said. “By punching me in the face, kicking me on my body and dragging me half naked as they had already ripped my pants and underwear off. I ended up in the hospital. I ended up in the hospital after being unconscious apparently at their of-
“I question the lack of training the constables have which reflect the Chief Constable. I question the mob mentality of the organisation and why it has been fostering such behaviour. The brutality of the women who were easily prone to violence against another woman and this had happened the day before. The image of this reflects on the women in Guyana. Why no one stopped them? I questioned the image this portrays to the international community for business and tourism for Guyana?” she said.
In the meantime, Minister Lawrence told reporters that the incident had been brought to her attention and an investigation has been launched.
“Chief Constable M Foo has indicated that the ranks are under close arrest. The investigation should have been completed and we would have the report,” Lawrence said. The Minister said that violence especially against women is unacceptable and such heinous behaviours will be condemned and will not be condoned by her Ministry and the Government.
“Violence is an endemic in our society, a way of life but we cannot let it continue. We have to strive for another way other than violence,” the woman said. Pending the investigation, the Minister and the victim said, actions will then be taken accordingly.
Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall
Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan
The victim, Suzanna Nichols recounts her horrifying experience in the presence of Social Protection Minister Volda Lawrence
Bar Association condemns attack on Judge, family
...calls for stepped-up security
The Guyana Bar Association has condemned the robbery of a Judge and her family, and has called on the Government to ensure that law enforcement agencies are given the tools to fight the upsurge in criminal activities here.
Four bandits were Thursday morning captured shortly after they burglarised the home of the sitting Judge, beating her and her husband before attempting to escape with a money safe. Justice Nicola Pierre, 43, of Felicity, East Coast Demerara (ECD) and her husband Mohamed Chand, 40, were brutally attacked and robbed around 01:30h on Thursday in the presence of their 11-year-old son. Pierre and her husband have since been admitted to a private hospital for medical treatment. According to information received, the perpetrators forced their way into the home in a gated community, subduing and tying up the Special Constable who was on duty at the time.
In a statement, the Association said members were shocked and saddened at the brutal attack on Commissioner of Title Pierre and her husband.
“It is all the more shocking that the attack took place in their home on the East Coast of Demerara while the judicial officer and her husband and son were asleep. The thoughts of the members of the legal profession are with Ms Pierre and her family as we await the results of their treatment and pray for their full and speedy recovery.”
The Association said judicial officers played an invaluable role in the administration of justice and the rule of law, and every reasonable effort must be made to secure and protect them and their families.”While it is a mea-
Family wants swift justice against rape accused Pandit
The Corentyne Berbice Pandit who was caught having sex with a sick 23-year-old woman last Sunday has been placed on $100,000 station bail as family members call on Police to speed up their investigation into the matter.
The 50-year-old religious leader has been accused by family members of having forced sex with the woman, after they summoned him to “heal” her after she complained of feeling unwell. He was later caught in the act with the woman, who he reportedly subdued.
Police responded quickly after they were called to the woman’s home by her family and the man was apprehended. The Pandit was reportedly locked in the room with family, as they awaited the arrival of Police.
He was later taken to the Springlands Police Station where he was released on bail. The woman reportedly told family members that she was having a severe headache, upon which they called the Pandit to pray for (jaray) her. According to the woman’s mother, the Pandit came to her home some minutes to 10:00h during the day, accompanied by another person.
“He asked me if I have alcohol and I said “no” cause we don’t drink. I gave him some tequila that we had. He collected that with a sanitary cup,” the mother said. She said the Pandit then asked the family members to leave the room as he wanted to “pray” with the woman “alone”. “We all did and went on the back veranda. About 30 minutes after, he came out all soaked with perspiration and fanning. He said he needed to continue praying for her and if we can clear the upstairs and we all went downstairs.”
She said when he came out, his pants were off and he was wearing only his trunks.
“After he went in back to pray about 30 minutes we weren’t hearing no noise or anything. So I sent my husband to go in the other room and climb up to see what going on. He saw the Pandit with his pants down and my daughter clothes were off.”
The mother said she shouted for the door to be opened.
The young woman said that during the ordeal, she called out to her family repeatedly, but her mouth was covered by the man. Investigations are ongoing.
sure of some relief that the alleged perpetrators have been captured and are in custody, the Association notes that too many serious crimes remain unsolved. The Association has noted with increasing concern the escalating incidents of crimes committed on citizens, almost all of which involve the use of firearms, and many of which have resulted in the death of the victims.”
The body said the frequency and the serious nature of these attacks were desensitising our society to the rights of citizens to safety and security whether in or out of their homes, and the duty of the State to protect every citizen, of whatever station in life.
“The Association calls on the Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan and the Commissioner of Police,
Seelall Persaud to develop strategies and take action to combat the level of violence in our society.
Further, the Association calls on the Government to ensure that “our law enforcement agencies are provided with the necessary tools to adequately address crimes in all their manifestations in our country”.
In 2014, Pierre was sworn in as Commissioner of Title (Land Court Judge) by then Prime Minister Samuel Hinds. Pierre boasts a Certificate of Legal Education from Hugh Wooding Law School, a Bachelor of Law from the University of Guyana, and 16 years of work experience during which she served as, among others, legislative drafter, lecturer at the University of Guyana (UG) and Attorney-at-Law in the Chambers of Oliver Valz, SC.
Ramjattan to...
The Police Chief noted that he was constantly deploying resources to address this issue; hence, Ramjattan’s decision to transfer the vehicles from the policing groups over to the Police was a welcomed one. “It is certainly a good decision and will help to improve Police responses to criminal activities,” he added. According to Persaud, there are no patrol vehicles in West Demerara and similarly in West Berbice while Corentyne law enforcement has only two vehicles. “This is totally inadequate,” the Commissioner pointed out.
However, former subject Minister Clement Rohee has rubbished the idea, stating that the new Minister is “digging a hole to fill a hole”. He pointed out that both the Police Force and CPGs have their own budget allocations to finance their needs.
“They have to resource
both the Police Force and Policing Groups, they just can’t resource one and leave the other,” the former Minister posited. Rohee went on to say that there could not be any shortage of vehicles in the Force, because numerous vehicles were handed over to them.
“There was never any shortages so how come there is one now all of a sudden … the problem with the police is that they just keep asking for more and more vehicles, but are not taking care of them for it last longer,” he told this newspaper. According to the Minister, when the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) demitted office about two months ago, the Police Force had more vehicles than they have ever had in the past. “The Police have more vehicles now than what they had in 1992, which was basically nothing,” he stated.
Commissioner of Title, Nicola Pierre
Punt Trench baker shot, robbed
The owner of a bakery shop located at Independence Boulevard popularly known as Punt Trench Dam is now nursing a gunshot wound to his right hand after a robbery on Thursday about 22:30h.
Christopher Moonsammy, of Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, was reportedly in the bakery when three men entered under the pretext of purchasing bread. Within seconds of ordering the bread, one of the men pulled out a firearm and held the businessman at gunpoint.
The three bandits then
demanded that the man hand over the money made from sales for the day, but he reportedly told them that he did not have the money at the shop. Two of the men then ransacked the bakery and found a quantity of cash.
Moonsammy reportedly put up a fight with the lone gunman during which he was shot to his right hand. After the gunshot went off, the men made good their escape. Persons in close proximity of the bakery ran to render assistance. Moonsammy was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was treated and was sub-
sequently discharged.
The Police have since visited the scene and have launched an investigation into the incident.
Only on Tuesday, 39-year-old Angela Hussain of Lot 62 Palmyra Number Two Village, East Canje was shot in the head when five heavily-armed men entered her Palmyra grocery store as she was about to close for the day. It was reported that the five men entered the premises about 19:30h and ordered the woman to hand over the money she made during the day.
Hussain, out of fear for herself and her daughters
who were at home, handed over the money, but the bandits insisted that she had more money in the house.
She maintained that she did not have more money at home, but the men proceeded to ransack the premises and came up empty-handed.
In retaliation, one of the men discharged a round hitting the woman in her head. She is currently hospitalised. Guyana Times understands that investigators have several leads and are working hard to make an arrest in connection with the incident.
UG student on bail for ganja possession
Astudent of the University of Guyana (UG) was released on bail on Friday when he made his first court appearance for a nar-
cotics possession charge.
The 17-year-old, a past student of Queen’s College and a resident of Georgetown, was granted bail in the sum of
$15,000 when he appeared before Magistrate Ann McLennan to answer the charge.
Court Two of the Georgetown Magistrates’
Courts was told that the student was found on July 5 with 2.2 grams of cannabis sativa (marijuana) in his possession. He pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Police Prosecutor, Corporal Deniro Jones had no objections to his release. The defendant is expected back in court on July 16.
Security guard gets 3 years for trafficking cocaine, cannabis
Aself-confessed narcotics trafficker was sentenced to three years by Magistrate Ann McLennan when he made his first appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Friday.
The trafficker, Kevin Sandy, 30, of 37 West La Penitence Housing Scheme, Georgetown, pleaded guilty to the charge that he had 2.238 kilograms of cannabis sativa (marijuana) and 1.2 kilograms of cocaine for the purposes of trafficking.
Police Prosecutor, Corporal Deniro Jones detailed in court that Sandy was about to travel to Barbados at the Ogle International Airport on July 8 when they confronted him as he was acting suspiciously.
Ranks of the narcotics branch of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) searched Sandy and his suitcases and uncovered the illicit substances. The defendant was told of the offence and cautioned by the officers. Prosecutor Jones stated that Sandy was quite cooperative.
He told the officers that someone asked him to smuggle the narcotics out of the country, adding that they guided him to a garbage
bin and toilet at the airport where he found the narcotics. Thus Sandy was arrested and an investigation started.
On Friday, he admitted that he was guilty of trying to smuggle the illicit substances out of the country. He stated that everyone made mistakes and he was very thankful as his has at least enabled him to learn from it.
Magistrate McLennan considered his statements when she gave him the three years along with a fine of $6,156,900, which is about three times the market value of the narcotics.
Armed robber gets 9 months
Aknife-wielding robber will be spending nine months in jail from Friday after pleading guilty to robbing a woman in the presence of her child.
Rakesh Persaud, a homeless man who frequented Bourda Market, admitted in Court Two of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to running away with Virtual Complainant Aliya Griffith’s purse last Thursday.
Police Prosecutor, Corporal Deniro Jones told
the court that Persaud was with an accomplice when he used a knife to relieve the VC, who was taking her daughter to day-care, of her purse and only dropped the bag when she raised an alarm. However, Persaud denied this. He said the knife was at his waist when the Police found him. He then claimed that the ranks roughed him up, hurting his left eye. Magistrate Ann McLennan, who presides in Court Two, sentenced him to nine months for the offence.
Suspect in Sophia shopkeeper’s murder remanded
The 19-year-old suspect in the murder of Sophia shopkeeper Shawn Anys, Odel Roberts, appeared in court on Friday and was remanded.
The indictable charge stated that Roberts murdered the 37-year-old shopkeeper on May 1 at his D Field, Sophia, Georgetown residence.
No other information was given by the court. However, Guyana Times understands that Anys was murdered during the course of a robbery by two gunmen, and in the presence of his four children.
The two gunmen (one
was masked) invaded his home and threatened to shoot his children if he did not provide them with the valuables they had come for.
It has been reported that there was no money, which Anys tried to explain to the men, but this did not make them leave.
In the end, the men escaped with $50,000, a laptop and five mobile phones, leaving Anys bleeding from two gunshot wounds.
It was reported that one of Anys’ children tried to save his father’s life, attempting to stop the blood with pieces of cloth while constantly calling the Police,
but the blood continued to flow and the phone rang out. In the end, his mother came with the Police, but it was too late as his father had breathed his last.
Roberts will be tried by Magistrate Zamina Ally at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court where the matter was transferred by Magistrate Ann McLennan. He is expected to appear for July 15. This is the second charge for the accused, of 124 C Field, Sophia. He was charged in August 2013 with stealing a high-end cellular phone, but was not convicted.
Rakesh Persaud
Kevin Sandy expressed his regret for attempting to smuggle the illicit substances
Rice deal with Venezuela was not for the long haul – Ramsammy
Former Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy on Thursday said the oil for rice pact between Guyana and Venezuela was never meant to be a long-term deal, but was just in place until Venezuela was able to resuscitate its industry.
Venezuela has always had a rice industry of its own, but since 2010, it began experiencing difficulties. The PetroCaribe deal with Guyana began in 2009.
“When Venezuela started to buy rice from various countries, including Guyana, through a PetroCaribe arrangement, Venezuela had intimated its intention is to resuscitate its own rice industry. Each year during negotiation, we discussed Venezuela’s rice industry’s status.”
He said that that was the reason Guyana had never sought to increase the amount of rice it sold to the country. “We ensured that we diversified the market so that Guyana was not dependent on any single market. From less than 300,000 tonnes exported in 2011, we increased the export market to more than 500,000 by the end of 2014. From a handful of countries we were already exporting to more than 33 countries around the world,” he stated in a press statement,
“At no time did we agree that the 2015 rice deal was the last deal between our countries. It is true that each year, we discuss the possibility that Venezuela might not need to import
as much paddy and rice as they were doing at the time, because the Venezuelan rice industry might pick up again,” he explained, noting that as a backdrop to each negotiation, the assertion that Venezuelan rice was going to be successful again was always raised.
Ramsammy said the 2015 rice contract which was signed for approximately US$120 million and about 200,000 tonnes of rice and paddy also provided for the two countries to meet again later in the year to discuss the future arrangements, given that the oil price had reduced and that the PetroCaribe Account might not be sufficient to pay for the amount of rice and paddy Venezuela was importing from Guyana.
In 2012 and each year after, Venezuela approached the discussion as if it was not going to need to import as much paddy and rice as it was doing at the time, he said.
Important Ramsammy, who had served as Agriculture Minister under the previous People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration, which was also responsible for crafting the deal with the oil-rich nation, said that the rice arrangement has been an important one for Guyana. He said he was hoping that the markets he was developing as Minister would have allowed Guyana to sell more than 700,000 tonnes of rice.
Police following leads into Palmyra businesswoman’s shooting
Police in Berbice are following several leads which could lead to the arrest of five men who on Monday night shot Canje businesswoman Angela Hussain during a robbery at her Palmyra grocery. According to a source, several persons have been taken into custody as the investigation continues. The source noted that those in custody could provide vital information on the crime. Among those in custody are persons who were close to the Hussain family.
Police on Thursday met with the injured Hussain, who was shot in the head, at the New Amsterdam Hospital where she was able to provide investigators with the identities of the persons who may have committed the robbery.
Hussain is said to have recovered from the initial shock and was on Thursday able to talk and walk.
He said this could have been possible if the industry were to continue the work it was doing before the new Government took over.
The deal, Ramsammy stated, has been seeing major success, particularly after he became Minister after the 2011 elections.
“I negotiated deals for 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015. During those times, Guyana and Venezuela had some tense moments over the border issue. The Guyana
Government managed these tense moments and throughout it all, Guyana and Venezuela maintained the rice arrangement, for the mutual benefits of countries, our farmers and our people,” he revealed in the press statement.
Prior to that, in 2010, he said rice exports to Venezuela accounted for almost 70 per cent of the total production in Guyana. Because there was an increase in production since 2010 and because the export market increased dramatically, the export to Venezuela gradually accounted for less of the production and in 2015, would have accounted for only about 30 per cent.
“The 2015 arrangements called for Guyana to export approximately 200,000 tonnes of rice and paddy to Caracas, worth about US$120 million. For 2015, this would have been about 30 per cent of the total production for 2015,” Ramsammy stated “I suspect that it was not
different again this time. Guyana’s position with Venezuela throughout those discussions was always based on a very sensitive approach – we were supportive of Venezuela’s efforts to resuscitate its own rice industry and we fully appreciate that when that resuscitation occurred that Venezuela would not be able to continue buying Guyana’s rice and paddy.”
He said those sentiments were resuscitated during the 2015 discussions earlier in the year before the 2015 contract was signed.
The statement by Venezuela of its intention to resuscitate its own rice industry and Guyana’s understanding that when that time comes the Venezuelan market for Guyana’s rice and paddy would shrink were always part of the preliminary discussions in finalising the market.
The present situation with the collapse of the rice deal has to do with the present tense situation between the countries.
“The new Government had promised during the elections that they had markets that would pay farmers more than $9000 per bag of paddy. They had boasted that some of their people had in fact developed the Venezuelan market and had markets all over the world, but that the PPP/C Government was suffocating them from being able to export Guyana’s rice and paddy. Well, some rice farmers did listen to them. Now is APNU+AFC’s chance to put in place their markets, their price structures and to show the farmers that they were not lying to them during the elections campaign.”
He said this was not the time for Government to use Venezuela as an excuse. “This is not the time for them to cast blame on others. The industry needs good stewardship in order to continue to grow. That stewardship requires a strong Government support – a support that the PPP/C gave fully,” the former Minister said.
According to a close family member, she is expected to be released from hospital today.
Hussain was shot in the head when five heavily armed men entered her Palmyra grocery as Husain was about to close. Four of them had firearms and the other a cutlass. They demanded money and were given the day’s sales. They then walked out of the shop, but returned seconds later and demanded more money. An eight-year-old was taken hostage and they demanded that the child take them to the upper flat for more valuables. The bandits threatened to kill the child if they were not taken to the upper flat of the twostorey building. It was then that Hussain was shot in the head as she resisted the demands being made. The men were subsequently led to the upper flat and given an undisclosed amount of cash and jewellery.
Former Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy
New Regional Chairpersons, deputies sworn in
– President urges them to embrace a plan of action
President David Granger has called on the newly elected Regional Chairpersons and their deputies to be regional leaders and not “party chairmen”.
He made the comments shortly after swearing in the officials at the Ministry of the Presidency on Friday. Those sworn in as Regional Chairmen are: Brentnol Ashley, Region One; Devanand Ramdatt, Region Two; Julius A Faeber,
After taking their oath of Office, the President in his charge to the chairpersons and their deputies urged them to take their oath seriously. “I’d like to encourage you to pay close attention
you must take seriously, when I was sworn in as President of this country those were the words that I uttered on the 16 of May, I said I’m the President for all of Guyana.”
In this light, the President said all the people of Guyana must have access to him as President and to the good things that flow from his administration. “Similarly in your region, all the people in your region, regardless of
to the words that you uttered, the oath that you took, and the documents that you signed, in a flash you have decided to administer the 10 regions of Guyana, without fear or favour, affection or ill will.”
Pointing to the seriousness of the oath, the President told the officers that they are expected to administer those regions for the benefit of all the residents. “It is not an idle oath, it is something that
Three; Genevieve Allen, Region Four; Vickchand Ramphal, Region Five; David Armogan, Region Six; Gordon Bradford, Region Seven; Bonnaventure Fredricks, Region Eight; Bryan Allicock, Region Nine and Renis Morian, Region Ten. The Regional Vice-Chairpersons are; Sarah Browne, Region One; Juliet Coonjah, Region Two; Inshaan Ayube, Region Three; Earl Lambert, Region Four; Rion Peters, Region Five; Dennis DeRoop, Region Six; Olinda Griffith, Region Seven, Headley Pio, Region Eight; Carl Singh, Region Nine and Elroy Adolphus, Region Ten.
their religion or their ethnicity , regardless of what part of the region they are from, must get the benefits of your judgment, must get the benefits of your good will.”
Speaking of how important each administrative region is to his administration, the President said in his mind the regions are hybrids of central government and local government hence if the regions do not succeed the
after being sworn in country will not thrive. It is for this reason, the President said central and local government must come with the aim of building 10 strong regions, which will eventually build a stronger country. Equally important too, the President said is for, civil society, councillors, social partners and other stakeholders to be involved in decision making for the regions’ best interest.
“I would like you to examine your regions and work out a plan…I call it the Plan of Action for Regional Development, and I would like to see all of you develop some sort of plan of action for regional development.” The President said that even as these plans are being crafted,
serious consideration must be given to clearly defined economic goals.
“Every single region can be rich, no region is desert, no region is swamp land, and every region has resources, human resources, material and natural resources, and we must decide how those resources must be exploited in order to benefit our people.”
The chairpersons were also advised on the importance of going after investments for their respective regions as plans are on stream for creating more towns in the regions, with the aim of attracting more investments. Infrastructural development in the various regions is also important, President Granger
said as he pointed to the need for state-of-the-art sport facilities, technical institutes, banks, and upgraded aerodromes. “I want to see the regions developing in themselves and for themselves, producing a high standard of education, high standard of employment.”
Further, the President also encouraged those regions with resources to produce hydro electricity to play their role and come up with initiatives that will benefit themselves and all of Guyana. The President also took the opportunity to congratulate the newly elected officers as he called on them to embrace the plan of action for regional development. (GINA)
EPA audit unearths numerous offline accounts – Minister Sharma
The state audit into the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is completed and the draft report has shown that there were several offline accounts being utilised by the Government Agency.
This is according to Junior Finance Minister Jaipaul Sharma who, during a phone interview with Guyana Times, noted that the usage of offline accounts was very serious. In June, Government had launched a series of forensic audits into several state agencies, with one of the reasons being to target those agencies, which, under the previous Administration, were allowed to remain as offline accounts and did not follow the correct procedure of having their revenues placed in the Consolidated Fund.
According to Sharma, the preliminary report on the EPA is now awaiting comments from the Agency about the findings and then the report will be submitted to the Ministry for internal review. In the comments, the EPA is expected to clarify, or perhaps justify, the rationale behind the opening of the offline accounts instead of transferring the revenues into the Consolidated Fund.
Sharma noted also that a request has already been made for the closure of the offline accounts belonging to the EPA and the transfer of the revenues into the Consolidated Fund. Further, Sharma, who is spearheading the forensic audits, reported that a preliminary update on the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) audit is avail-
able and the statements show that the agency collected billions of dollars, most of which were not transferred to the Consolidated Fund.
The audit into NICIL is still ongoing, however, and when the preliminary report is completed, the agency will also be required to make a statement on the findings and then the report will be submitted to the Ministry for internal purposes.
Sharma also disclosed that audits into several other agencies are still ongoing, but preliminary reports have not yet been submitted. Some of the agencies currently being audited are the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC); Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC); the Guyana Gold Board (GGB); the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) and the Guyana Oil Company (Guyoil).
Finance Minister Winston Jordan had previously noted that the Consolidated Fund was heavily overdrawn and
the previous Government was unnecessarily utilising numerous offline accounts to bank the revenues when the correct procedure was to have the monies transferred to the Consolidated Fund. He had reported that the Government already started closing accounts with balances that have gone into the Consolidated Fund. Meanwhile, Jordan had noted that once these audits are completed, the Government will be better able to ascertain the balances in these offline accounts and will then transfer those to their rightful place, which is the Consolidated Fund. Prior to the commencement of the probe when Government revealed the names of the individuals who will be conducting the audits, several sections of society argued that the results will be biased. The controversial figures are Chartered Accountant Christopher Ram and former Auditor General Anand Goolsarran who are known to be staunch critics of the former People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Administration. The argument put forth is that the individuals selected present a clear conflict of interest and that the final results will undoubtedly be distorted in favour of the present A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Administration. The Government has since defended its selection of those individuals, maintaining that Ram and Goolsarran were professionals and would not allow their personal views to interfere with their work.
The EPA was audited by Goolsarran.
Junior Finance Minister Jaipaul Sharma
Region
President David Granger and the newly elected Regional Chairpersons for the 10 Administrative Regions
President David Granger and the newly elected Vice Chairpersons of the 10 Administrative Regions
With years gone by, the gowns worn by delegates at various pageants in Guyana have been revolutionised, giving the delegates the opportunity
to showcase their curvaceous figures.
This was evident in some of the gowns worn by the delegates of the recently held Miss Jamzone Guyana
Pageant, on Sunday last at the Hits and Jams Water World, Providence, East Bank Demerara.
While some were of the view that some of the delegates needed to
Newly crowned Miss Guyana Jamzone 2015, Cardella Hamilton will be representing Guyana in the international pageant slated for August where she will compete fiercely with several other delegates for the coveted title.
Leading up to the pageant, Hamilton will be engaged in several activities aimed at getting her toned for the highly anticipated contest. However, in an interview with Guyana Times Entertainment, the reigning queen noted that she felt great waking up the morning after the pageant as a queen.
She noted that she is still pinching herself and is trying to get over the moment when her named was announced as the new Miss Jamzone Guyana. The queen recalled on the night of the pageant all the delegates brought their “A Game” nothing that they all were beautiful and talented, thus making the competition a tough one.
Now that that she will clash head on with the other delegates in the international pageant, she feels she has leant a few things from past beauty queens that will better equip her to compete for the title.
These include confidence which she thinks is an important factor in a pageant. In addition, she explained that the most beautiful girl usually does not
drop the extra cloth, some felt that the gowns should have been more expressive, since it was a beach pageant.
These gowns were designed by
win a pageant but rather the one who is an all-rounder. “If a woman has grace, great speaking ability, style, talent,
beauty and personality, she would take home the crown”, she added. She is also cognisant that self-
some of the best in the local fashion industry and have been given the thumbs up but the delegates themselves and sponsors.
pressure is the number one enemy while participating in a pageant but explained that one has to be prepared to meet deadlines, make the impossible possible and to always be alert.
Apart from her confidence, beauty and charismatic personality, which she thinks will take her to the latter part of the competition, she intends on capitalising on Guyana’s impressive range of natural and cultural assets as she promotes Guyana during the international pageant.
She noted that Guyana’s vast forests, mountains, rivers, and wildlife represent some of the most pristine environments in the world, hence she thinks that will be a plus in helping her to stand out among the other country’s representatives.
Further, she believes that Guyana is South America’s gem. However, it is her wish to collaborate with the tourism sector of Guyana to create ways and means of highlighting the country’s vast resources.
“As Miss Jamzone Guyana, 2015, I will do all that I am able and permitted to do to help spark a flame which will hopefully ignite a movement which will see the development of our country as a surreal tourist destination,” she added.
The newly crowned queen stated that if she were to promote a tourist destination to the world, it would
definitely be the exotic, breath-taking Baganara Island Resort.
This tourist haven, she disclosed, is Guyana’s true gem that offers a magical experience to all visitors, whether Guyanese or a curious foreigner and more so, it is the perfect gateway to unspoiled rainforest.
With a few weeks before the hosting of Jamzone Summer Break, she sees the event as one that brings people together. Hits and Jams Entertainment can use the opportunity during the hosting of Jamzone to bring Guyanese together to have one big celebration despite differences.
Hamilton noted that Jamzone summer break has been a part of Guyanese culture for the past 15 years; hence, it is already an established event. As queen, she will ensure that this year is no different by ensuring more Guyanese become familiar with the concept through social media. Nevertheless, she sees herself as an ambassador for the values and principles that embody a sophisticated, purposeful woman. She is also a determined, focused and humble individual.
Hamilton is currently pursuing the path of becoming a successful entrepreneur as well as a fashion enthusiast and in the next five years, she is hopeful that she will have achieved her goals.
Delegate: Cardella Hamilton Designer: Olympia Small-Somoram
The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha launched its 20th Naya Zamana production last Sunday at the Marriott Hotel.
Dr Vindhya Persaud, Director and Choreographer of Naya Zamana, promised a spectacular show on August 29 at the National Cultural Centre, under the theme “When Fates Collide”.
Dr Persaud indicated that this year’s show would take the audience on a scintillating journey with lots of the unexpected thrown in. The show would also be replete with its usual dazzling costumes and set designs, cutting edge choreography and popular music. Members of the cast treated those in attendance to a short but captivating preview performance.
Presentations were made to longstanding dancers of the production Gina Arjoon, Zahrah Alli, Ananda Latchman, Indhira Harry and Kumar Kissson. Appreciation was expressed to Preadeep Samtani
of Bhagwans and Barbara Belgrave of the National Cultural Centre who had sold tickets for the production for the last 20 years along with Kamini Narine of the Dharmic Kendra who had sold tickets
and provided significant support for Naya Zamana for more than 15 years.
A plaque of appreciation and recognition was also presented to the National Cultural Centre where the
production has been staged for all its years. Naino Latchman received special recognition for voluntarily assisting with the making of costumes for the production for many years.
The cast of Naya
special presentation to Choreographers Vindhya and Trishala Persaud. Dr Indhira Harry and Zahrah Alli, speaking on behalf of the cast, expressed profound gratitude
to the sisters for being an inspiration to the dancers over the years and for being the creative forces behind every aspect of the production; be it Dr Vindhya Persaud’s choreography, scriptwriting and direction or in the case of Trishala, the fabulous costumes and sets that the production has become famous for.
The highlight of the evening was a 15-minute video presentation chronicling the Naya Zamana journey over the last 20 years. Kevin Kelly, CEO of Digicel, the production’s main sponsor, was in attendance and made complimentary remarks on the obvious growth and high standard of the production over the past two decades.
Tickets for Naya Zamana 20 are on sale at the National Cultural Centre, Red Mango, Bhagwans, E-Networks and the Dharmic Kendra. Interested persons can also call telephone number 227-6181.
Queen of soca, Trinidadian Destra Garcia did not leave any stone unturned on Monday evening as she headlined the “Soka Pun de Beach” event at the Hits and Jams Water World, Providence, East Bank Demerara.
The event which culminated the three-day event titled, “Sun, Water, Sand” promoted by Hits and Jams saw a massive turn out of soca fans as they gyrated to the sweet soca vibes all day long. It is the first time in history, a soca party was held during the day and from all indications, it was a huge success.
Destra who took to the stage just about 20:00h on Monday evening did justice to the outfit she wore. She had the audience fully engaged as she dished out several of her hit tunes as her name echoed from afar. She even had her fans singing acapella style.
As she got into gear,
patrons at the water park were dripping wet with perspiration. The talented artiste and former international soca monarch finalist performed to the crowd’s satisfaction. She even had a few of her male fans on stage dancing to her rhythms. She performed a few of her tunes from the Island Lyrics album including “Lucy” which had the crowd going wild. She also performed “D Queen of Bacchanal” and “Apple” which are two popular tunes here in Guyana. She ended the event on a high thus giving Hits and Jams the thumbs up for organising such a successful event.
Before Garcia took to the stage, there were performances by Lil Rick and Kerwin Du Bois who facilitated a dance off among a group of young ladies. In the end, five of ladies received US$100 each complements of an overseas visitor.
Nevertheless, both of the
artistes performed individually adding to the soca vibes. Lil Rick belched out some of this hits including “Work”, “Go Down”, “Kotch de Bumper” and “Monster Winer” which he collaborated with Kerwin Du Bois.
Kerwin also sang a few of his hits including his latest hits “Circles”, “Spoil Mehself”, “Bacchanalist”, “No Apology” and “Monster Winer” among others.
In addition, Father Fox who stayed briefly on stage performed his signature tune, “Ducking” which was well received by the crowd. He then sang a few other tunes that added some hype to the day’s activities.
On the other hand, Shal Marshall also had the crowd in a frenzy with some of his tunes that are very popular in Guyana and the Caribbean. These include “Wine yuh body”, “Trouble”, “Wickedess Wine” and others. Five Star Akil also performed for a short
time but had the ladies getting on bad.
Meanwhile, the local artistes did not disappoint as well. Jumo “Rubber Waist” Primo, as usual, was pumped and delivered a hyped performance. He sang tunes from way back to the most recent. Those decked in their swimwear had a splendid time jumping and gyrating.
Jackie Jaxx also did her part. Dressed in a skimpy outfit, she exploded on stage setting the tone for an evening of soca. So was Kwasi “Ace” Edmondson who performed in the earlier part of the proceedings.
All in all, SWS was off the hook and the directors of Hits and Jams received kudos for a job well done in making daylight party a new feature on the Guyanese calendar. With the conclusion of SWS, all focus will now be placed on Jamzone which commences on August 14 and runs until August 23 at the HJ Water World.
Mr Guyana International 2014, Paul Charles will depart Guyana for The Bahamas today to participate in the Music, Model, Talent Search (MMTS) 2015 International Conference slated for July 13-18.
Charles remains optimistic that after the conference, he will be signed with one of the top model agencies as he plans to take his “A Game”.
In The Bahamas, he will be participating in the runway, swimwear, commercial print and fashion print segments. Charles was selected via an online voting method, where he had the opportunity to share their submissions with his friends, fans and followers to garner votes for the People’s Choice.
The inaugural Virtual Auditions Competition yielded great support, as nearly 2500 votes came in from across the Caribbean in support of delegates from throughout The Bahamas and the Caribbean between June 9 and June 12.
At the end of the selection, Guyana’s Paul Charles was selected as a model among the other three – Music: Alyssa Bullock Sterling (St Vincent and The
The week-long event offers the opportunity to network closely with entertainment industry executives, agents, talent managers, record labels, modelling agencies, music producers, songwriters and international media.
This will be an opportunity for Charles to also promote himself as he is slated to compete in the Mr Caribbean World Pageant slated for August. There, he will compete with several other delegates for the title.
Nevertheless, all the finalists are officially invited to attend Island MMTS, which
Grenadines); Talent: Trevis Belle (St Kitts and Nevis) and People’s Choice: Kazia Aurelien (Saint Lucia).
Pietersen explores batting consultant roles
As the Ashes takes shape in Cardiff, Kevin Pietersen is 4500 miles away playing for the St Lucia Zouks in the Caribbean Premier League. While his thoughts on all things English cricket are well worn enough to be known by every fan of the sport worldwide, it is rare to hear Pietersen talk about his experiences as a travelling T20 batsman, how the format is evolving and where the shortest format sits in relation to the Test game.
the job that they are doing.”
When Pietersen does call time on his career he says he is attracted to the role of batting consultant. He says discussions are under way although he would not be drawn on with whom. What he is very clear about is that when he does give up playing he is not interested in a coaching role in the yearround slog that is international cricket.
think you know everything but that is when you come unstuck in our great game. The stuff that you might have forgotten and you take for granted when you are teaching somebody younger than you and learning the ropes, it brings back brilliant memories and simple basic techniques that you need to perform.”
Australian family in terms of the Melbourne Stars, the commentary stints that I did there, and just being about to play as a local in their local league, growing their league, growing their franchises and being attached to something that the Australians take to over a great period of the year.
Federer beats Murray to reach Wimbledon final
Seven-time champion Roger Federer produced a brilliant performance to beat Britain’s Andy Murray and reach his 10th Wimbledon final.
The Swiss, 33, served superbly to win 7-5 7-5 6-4 and goes on to face world number one Novak Djokovic in a repeat of last year’s final.
Second seed Federer faced one break point, in the first game of the match.
likes of Bjorn Borg, Sir Alex Ferguson and Prince Andrew watching from the royal box, simply could not lay a glove on Federer.
An early break point was snuffed out by a Federer serve and Murray would not get another chance as the Swiss fired down 20 aces with a firstserve percentage that hovered around the 80% mark for much of the match.
“There are so many other things going on with business and my life that I can never, ever commit to being on the road 24/7 as a coach of an international team.
Pietersen is wary of comparing the different franchise tournaments that have popped up around the world, but it is interesting to hear how the events in Australia and the West Indies differ from the IPL. But it seems
“I have always loved Australia, but obviously in the heat of an Ashes battle it is quite different, but being part of a franchise and having a home in Australia it is totally different.
Murray, seeded third, must now turn his attention to Britain’s Davis Cup tie against France in London next week.
Murray kept him at bay with some good serving of his own but after the Scot saved a set point with a forehand pass, Federer converted his second opportunity with a dipping backhand.
Kevin Pietersen
By Pietersen’s own admission he can live without fielding, but the art of batsmanship still excites him. As he reaches the end of his playing career - he celebrated his 35th birthday last month - he says is duty bound to pass on what he has learned.
“Your responsibility when you finish is to hand over your knowledge and that is what I have been doing a hell of a lot,” he said. “I did it at Big Bash, I’ve done it at the IPL and I am doing it here at the CPL and it is just amazing.
Pietersen takes pleasure when he hears his Zouks team-mate, Andre Fletcher, and others like him, describe him as a role model.
“I had a wonderful opportunity working with him last year and adding a hundred and whatever stand the other day against Barbados Tridents batting together. It is just so cool that you can spend time with youngsters like that and grow people’s games and make people feel a lot more confident about
There is no chance: that is not something that I am interested in. But I would be interested in speaking - and I have been speaking to some set-ups - about doing consultancy work which brings me in for a few weeks at a time and helps out with young batters.”
Despite having played 127 Twenty20 matches all over the world, Pietersen says he is still learning, and that the process of information-sharing with young batsmen teaches him as much about his game as it does them about theirs.
“Absolutely, you never, ever stop learning. And it is amazing that when you go and spend time with a youngster it just brings back memories of how you played and it also brings back simple techniques that you may have forgotten about and you think ‘I can actually do that now’. I have started doing some of the drills that I have taught others to do.
“It is amazing that you
that the CPL’s reputation for freedom is well earned.
“I don’t like comparing the competitions because they all bring positives to the domestic structure, but, yes, there is a lot more freedom at the CPL. It is similar to the Big Bash where you do whatever you want.
“You can go out, you can spend a day on a boat, you can go play golf. You can go and party. You can spend a lot of time with friends. You’ve got the freedom to be yourself. Obviously in the IPL it is a lot more strict. I wasn’t there this year but it seems from all reports that it was pretty much ringfenced and sort of closed off which players don’t like.”
Speaking of the Big Bash, Pietersen says that playing in Australia when it isn’t an Ashes contest could not be more different.
“Of course, it is hugely different. My relationship with the Australian public now is an amazing one because I am part of the
“I had such a positive reception whenever I walked out to bat, if I was commentating, if I was on the boundary, It was totally, totally different. I don’t think they saw me as just a pom, I think they saw me as someone who was there to entertain, somebody who was there to encourage the franchise system, somebody who was there to positively influence the game in Australia.”
Pietersen has recently been made captain of his CPL side with the news that Darren Sammy will miss the rest of the tournament with a fractured hand. His association with T20 cricket and the franchises it has spawned grows year on year. Despite this he says Test cricket should remain the way that players are judged.
“I think in terms of the not too distant future you will see guys definitely picking T20 ahead of 50-over cricket. I think that the guys that play Test cricket and have great careers in Test cricket are duty bound to talk positively about Test cricket because no one cares about your numbers in T20 cricket, no one cares about your numbers in one-day cricket.
“People do care and your true test of character and your judgement amongst your peers is on your Test cricketing ability, not how you whack a little spinner or medium pacer in a franchise tournament.
“It is how you deal with Test conditions. That is when you get tested - in Test match cricket - and that is where you are ranked by your peers. When you walk around the breakfast room of a hotel you don’t get judged on your T20 numbers you get judged on your Test numbers.” (Cricinfo)
The Scot’s hopes of landing a second Wimbledon title were undone by a breathtaking exhibition of serving in particular, with Federer dropping just 21 points on serve over
The pressure increased further early in the second set as Murray’s hopes already appeared to be on the line, and he was relieved to see Federer
two hours and seven minutes.
“He served fantastic, apart from the first game where I had the chance there,” said Murray.
“I didn’t really have any opportunities. That puts pressure on you. The pressure builds throughout the set that way.
“I obviously got broken right at the end all of the sets but didn’t actually play a bad match. I played pretty well.”
Federer will contest his 26th Grand Slam final on Sunday, when he will look to win an 18th major title and become the first man in history to win Wimbledon eight times.
The Swiss said: “It’s been tough. Andy’s been playing well this season. There’s so much expectation riding on it, you just have to focus for one more game, and then one more game. You think the break will come.
“I expected four or five sets. I played so well on the biggest occasion today.
“My serve was good again, against one of the best returners. I kept the pressure up and was able to mix it up. It worked out well.”
Murray, urged on by his family and support team in the stands, and with the
guide a backhand just wide on break point.
When the hour mark passed, Federer had missed just 10 of 50 first serves, and it was a testament to how well Murray was playing that he managed to stay with the Swiss as the second set developed.
There was no better example than the 10th game, a gripping contest within a contest that saw Murray fend off five break points in a passage of play that electrified the Centre Court crowd and lasted 14 minutes.
It seemed as though Murray had given his hopes a major boost but Federer swept through his next service game and then played a brilliant point to convert his sixth set point at the net in Murray’s next service game.
There was no let-up in the third as Federer refused to offer a glimmer of hope and, with Murray serving to stay in the match, the Swiss played a fabulous backhand winner and a stinging return.
Facing match point, Murray could only send a forehand into the tram lines to end one of the most complete performances even Federer has produced on Centre Court.
Roger Federer
The Ashes… Bell finds his touch as Australia need 412 for victory
Welcome to Wales, land of rain and anxiety. Cambridge scientists recently concluded that it is here where the United Kingdom is at its most neurotic. And it is here where Australia did their utmost to prey on those nerves and insist against all logic that even though they must embark upon a seemingly impossible pursuit of 412 on the fourth morning, and the pitch is both turning sharply and bouncing irregularly, they are not quite dead in the Cardiff Test. They are. They must be.
Pessimism can cling to a side with recent memories of an Ashes whitewash. England initially made rapid headway in the Cardiff Test as they sought to turn a formidable first-innings lead of 122 into a bridgehead for victory and a 1-0 lead in the Investec Ashes series. The impetus from bundling out Australia in their morning spread into the batting of Ian Bell and, less obviously, Joe Root in the afternoon. And even as the lead built, millions of England supporters looked on and spoke of “only”.
The lead was only 200, 300, and 20 minutes from the close, with great relief, 400, as England’s No. 10, Mark Wood, swung the offspin of Nathan Lyon towards the River Taff for six and then reverse lapped him for four to applause from the England balcony. The wickets remaining slipped to only eight, four, two. But by the close of the third day, an awkward spell in which Bell, Root and Ben Stokes had their wicket struck in turn and Australia felt a glimmer of hope, had been forgotten, Wood, a tail-ender with a sense of fun, had an unbeaten 32 from 18 balls and England were out of sight. Finally, there was not an “only” to be heard.
Australia like to speak of the highest Test run chase ever pulled off in England, of Headingley 1948, of Don Bradman and of 404 for 3. Even that would not be enough now. The forecast for Sunday is indifferent, but as the Welsh have it, it is not expected to rain old women and sticks. This excellent game deserves a winner
Test as a consequence.
Australia were not averse to playing on England’s insecurity. New ICC regulations might make sledging a risky business, and not before time, but nobody said anything about mind games. Lyon and David Warner more than once held conversations at the point in the crease where Stokes, idio-
Anderson, who provided a brief exhibition of new-ball bowling to log 3 for 43, every England bowler took a wicket in what had been a consistently focused display.
The sense that batting might remain a taxing business was encouraged when Alastair Cook, England’s captain, failed for the second time in the match, driv-
and logic suggests that it is England.
Four wickets for Lyon were deserving of respect, if an expected reward on a dry pitch offering considerable turn. Australia’s bonus was Mitchell Starc. When he left the field for the last time, the clock had gone beyond six o’clock and a bowler whose first ball of the day had seen this lissom left-armer hop gingerly through the crease in mistrust of an ankle injury had got through 16 overs, logged Alastair Cook and Stokes in the wickets column and, at 92.8mph, had clocked the fastest ball of the match. Impressive stuffbut he might miss the Lord’s
Tour de France 2015: Luca Paolini tests positive for cocaine
Italian cyclist Luca Paolini has been expelled from the Tour de France after testing positive for cocaine.
The 38-year-old Katusha rider failed the test on Tuesday - after the fourth stage from Seraing to Cambrai - and has been provisionally suspended.
syncratically, likes to sweep the crease in a semicircle. Brad Haddin had more appeals than the Salvation Army.
It would be tempting to term the pitch treacherous, but considering its particular difficulty to Australia, whose batsmen are brought up with pace and bounce, perhaps it was actually suffering from excessive loyalty. It has also produced magnificent entertainment from the outset.
It had taken England only 14.5 overs to polish off the last five Australian wickets, 44 runs added in the process, and although the standout performer was James
ing at a gentle, wide outswinger from Starc which was well picked up by Lyon, low at backward point. He seems, perhaps temporarily, to have abandoned his habitual insistence of making bowlers bowl at him in a desire to buy into England’s much-vaunted commitment to enterprising batting.
If Cook could rue a puff of dust from the footholes, Gary Ballance had more reason for frustration. Two excellent swinging deliveries from Starc left him fortunate to reach lunch unbeatenbut still on nought. Ballance might have reached the interval, but that first run never came as soon after the
resumption he received a climbing delivery from Josh Hazlewood and gloved to the wicketkeeper.
Bell’s three hundreds won him the Man of the Series award the last time the Ashes were contested in England, but who had been bereft of form with six scores of 0 or 1 in his last nine Test innings. It was a timely moment for him to regain form. He drove sublimely through the off side from the outset, two early boundaries against Starc setting the tone from a half-century of elegant ambition. There were 11 boundaries in his 60 before he became Mitchell Johnson’s first victim, expecting inswing but beaten by one that seamed away.
Bell’s authority briefly rubbed off on Adam Lyth, whose slog-swept six against Lyon summed up his rising ambition. Lyon, though, gradually unravelled his game and outdid his defensive poke for Michael Clarke to hold a wonderful springing catch to his left at slip.
At 207 for 4, England’s lead was already 329, but the loss of Root, bowled by a nipbacker from Hazlewood, was the start of an uncomfortable period in which four wickets fell for 38 in nine overs. Jos Buttler might have regretted this reverse sweep more than most as Lyon had him caught at the wicket; Stokes’
controlled 42 ended with a drag-on as Starc scudded one through; Broad flung his head skywards and reached deep mid-off, running in. Wood banished the nerves.
Australia had begun the morning at 264 for 5 and might have shrugged off the loss the nightwatchman, Lyon, as he fell lbw to Wood, but the dismissal of Shane Watson that preceded it was drainingly familiar as he played across his front pad against Broad. For Watson, it was another Test match 30 and a striking record of 28 lbw dismissals in 105 innings, unmatched for a player of such longevity. He left with mournful, pursed lips as if he could not believe that fate had conspired against him once more.
Haddin was a danger, memories of his productive last series against England still fresh, but Anderson found prodigious movement both ways and it was not long before Haddin edged an outswinger to the wicketkeeper. Johnson clipped Broad to midwicket and Australia’s innings came to a close when Anderson had Starc expertly held by Root, diving to his left, one of five England slips stationed for a catch, an attacking flourish they clung to, refusing whatever the doubts around them to let the talk of “only” enter their thoughts. (Cricinfo)
SCOREBOARD
Bolt to compete at Anniversary Games in London
Six-time Olympic champion Usain Bolt is to race at the Anniversary Games in London as part of his recovery from a leg injury.
Sprint star Usain Bolt is to make his comeback from a leg injury at the Anniversary Games in London later this month.
The Jamaican star last raced competitively in June and was unconvincing as he won the 200 metres at the Adidas Grand Prix in New York.
London.
“The British fans are always great and I expect there will also be a lot of Jamaican fans in the stadium. It will be amazing to put on another great show for them under the floodlights on the Friday night.” Bolt also competed in the 2013 Anniversary Games, winning the 100m in a time of 9.85 seconds.
Paolini was 168th overall and his exit takes the number of riders on the Tour to 185.
He was taking part in his fifth Tour, primarily supporting sprinter Alexander Kristoff. (BBC Sport)
He can now request a B sample and his provisional suspension will last until the hearing of his case.
Bolt missed the Jamaican trials and then had to sit out Diamond League meetings in Paris and Lausanne due to a blocked sacroiliac joint that has caused discomfort and restricted his movement.
However, the 28-yearold is to feature in London for the re-opening of the Olympic Stadium, marking
a return to a venue where he successfully defended the 100m and 200m titles at the 2012 Olympic Games.
“London is a special place where I love to compete and I am looking forward to the Anniversary
Games on July 24,” Bolt told British Athletics’ official website.
“I have great memories of competing in the Olympic Stadium in the summer of 2012 and in the previous Grand Prix meets in
His return to action is a timely one given the World Championships are due to begin in Beijing next month, with Bolt the defending champion in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m having won gold in all three events in Moscow in 2013.
In London, Bolt will be joined by the likes of Mo Farah, Jessica Ennis-Hill and David Rudisha, who were all gold medalists in 2012. (Digicel Sportsmax)
Ian Bell creamed a series of trademark cover drives as he brought up his half-century shortly before tea
Usain Bolt
Luca Paolini
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Rabada’s record 6-for sets up South Africa win
Kagiso Rabada stormed his way to the best figures by any bowler on ODI debut6 for 16 - and became only the second bowler to take a hat-trick on ODI debut, after Taijul Islam, as South Africa burst Bangladesh’s fifty-over bubble following months of success in the format. The hosts looked a shadow of the team that had beat Pakistan and India as they slumped to their lowest total this year and defended valiantly but, ultimately, in vain.
Shakib. He came out as though his team were 70 for 3, not 17 for 3, and leaned into a cover drive off the first ball he faced.
His partner could not play with the same stature. Soumya Sarkar, whose aggression was on display in the T20s, became too casual. When Sarkar nonchalantly tried to hit Rabada over the inner ring, he chipped it to cover instead to put Bangladesh into further trouble.
Rabada was given one more over in his first spell
on debut and then he bowled Jubair Hossain to overtake everyone else on the list. South Africa then seemed to let Bangladesh go. Abbott went wicketless and frustrated himself trying to change that with a mix of full tosses and short balls, and even Tahir went too full. Nasir Hossain took advantage of the lapses in concentration and finished the innings strongly but Bangladesh would have known they did not have enough.
They may have hoped
Pace and pinpoint accuracy from Rabada rocked Bangladesh before their most dependable pairing of Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim formed the only partnership of substance. Neither batsman pushed on, leaving Bangladesh’s tail open to another attack from Rabada and well short of a target that would really test South Africa’s depth.
The batsmen will forgive Rabada for stealing the spotlight after he assumed the responsibility of a seasoned seamer in his first game. The 20 year-old was tasked with opening the bowling alongside Kyle Abbott after South Africa opted to leave out Morne Morkel, the only member of their premier pace pack who has been included in the one-day squad. Abbott began, and ended, waywardly, and it was up to Rabada to set the tone. And he did against Bangladesh’s senior opener, Tamim Iqbal.
Tamim had not scored a run in the first three overs and Rabada made life more uncomfortable for him with a pair of short balls, before he delivered a full, straight delivery, directed at middle and off. Tamim played down the wrong line and was bowled for a 13-ball duck to give Rabada his first international wicket.
Litton Das gifted Rabada a second, when he flicked a delivery angled into the pads to midwicket to set Rabada up for a hat-trick. His milestone delivery was on a good length, quick and into the pads. Mahmudullah, who was making a comeback after missing the India series with a finger injury, was beaten and hit on the pads and Rabada was surrounded by jubilant team-mates.
All that had taken place with Bangladesh only a tenth of the way into their innings, which already felt over for everyone except
but he seemed to have run out gas, so Hashim Amla turned elsewhere to keep the heat on. Imran Tahir was introduced in the 11th over almost had an immediate impact on the game. Tahir appealed for lbw against Shakib and Amla reviewed. Hawkeye showed the ball going down leg and over the stumps.
Tahir did eventually dismiss Shakib lbw, 14 overs and a lot of hard grind later, but by then Bangladesh’s situation had barely changed. Shakib and Mushfiqur sought out singles to build a partnership before Mushfiqur slog swept JP Duminy to long-on and Sabbir Rahman was bowled through the gate by Chris Morris before Shakib’s himself left Bangladesh with the score on 120 for 7.
That’s when Rabada was given a license to search for a five-for and he found it and more. Mashrafe Mortaza edged to Quinton de Kock, allowing Rabada to leapfrog his former bowling coach, Allan Donald, with the best figures by a South African
they did when Amla clipped Mortaza to short fine leg in the sixth over and runs dried up for South Africa at the start, largely thanks to Mustafizur Rahman. The left-armer picked up from where he left off against India and displayed a clever selection of cutters and variation of length but he was mostly a man alone.
Quinton de Kock, with Faf du Plessis to guide him, showed maturity in riding out the tough period, but his eagerness to end things quickly was obvious. He took three boundaries off Mortaza’s fourth over to signal his intention to speed things up but his acceleration was shortlived. When he tried to drive Nasir Hossain, he handed a catch to cover, which may have prompted South Africa’s circumspection.
Rossouw joined du Plessis and the pair then knuckled down, minimised risk and inched their way to the total, helping the side take a 1-0 lead in the series.
(Cricinfo)
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Kagiso Rabada celebrates after dismissing Mahmudullah
Digicel Nationwide School Football Tournament
Orealla qualify for regional final
Orealla Secondary is in the Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) final of the sixth annual Digicel School Football Tournament.
The lads from the Amerindian community along the Corentyne River qualified for the regional final when they squeezed past Berbice Educational Institute (BEI) on Friday at the Burnham Park, 4-3, on penalty kicks after the two schools had played to a 3-3 draw at the end of regulation time.
Orealla, fresh from a 19-0 drubbing of Manchester Secondary, were sent into the lead in the second minute of play.
Donnell France scored his first of two goals. Then four minutes lat-
er, Cleon Henry made it 2-nil and memories of the Manchester game started to surface.
However, BEI got their defence clicking and started to play the ball wider making it difficult for Orealla to test their goalkeeper, Jerold Ford.
After several attempts at goal, Troy Moore found the back of the net in the 30th minute and more than 100 BEI supporters jumped for joy.
Despite being more than 100 miles away from home, the Orealla boys did not lack crowd support as many had travelled to see the boys take on their counterparts from New Amsterdam.
France gave them something to cheer about when
he made it 3-1 in the 52nd minute.
Noted for coming from behind to win in the two previous games, BEI continued to attack and were rewarded in the 69th minute when Kelston Luke sent a shot to goalkeeper Dellon Loo who floored it.
The ball spun and crossed over the goal line. Loo was on the receiving end again in the 83rd minute when BEI was awarded a penalty for an infringement in the 18yard box. The shot was taken by Dwayne Alleyne and was the equaliser.
With five minutes left on the clock, Orealla put their utility player, Cleon Henry between the uprights to ensure when the final whistle came their best goalkeeper would be standing on the goal line.
The move did pay off as Orealla won the ensuing penalty shootout 4-3.
Meanwhile, Orealla and Berbice High School will clash on Sunday in the Region Six final.
Organisers are still to decide on a venue. The game was initially scheduled for the Burnham Park; however, poor drainage has left sections of the Park soggy making it impossible to slash the ground in time for the final.
Organisers are looking at the Skeldon Community Centre Ground as an alternative venue. (Andrew Carmichael)
Djokovic reaches 4th Wimbledon final
Defending champion Novak Djokovic reached his fourth Wimbledon final with a convincing win over French 21st seed Richard Gasquet.
The Serbian top seed won 7-6 (7-2) 6-4 6-4 and will face seven-time winner Roger Federer in Sunday’s final.
Djokovic, 28, required two bouts of treatment to his shoulder but came through in two hours and 22 minutes.
“It’s nothing that worries me,” Djokovic told BBC Sport. “It will be fine for the next match.”
Djokovic will be trying to win his third Wimbledon and ninth Grand Slam title on Sunday, five weeks after missing out on winning a first French Open in Paris.
The odds favoured him heavily against Gasquet, who had won just one of their 12 previous meetings, back in 2007, and managed just six games when the pair played at Roland Garros last month.
Gasquet put in a far better performance on Centre Court but was still unable to take a set from the two-time champion.
“It was a good performance, considering the occasion,” added Djokovic. “It’s always tough. Richard had a great tournament and deserved to be in the semis.
“The first set could have gone his way but luckily it went to me.”
Gasquet was in little doubt where the strength of Djokovic’s game lay, saying: “His return. That’s the best because he never misses a return. All the time serve you serve, the ball is always on your side again. It’s very difficult.”
Djokovic looked surprisingly edgy in the ealy stages as Gasquet sent a flashing backhand past him to recover an early break at 2-2, before thrilling the crowd with several more winners off his elegant single-hander.
The Frenchman’s less heralded forehand let him down in the tie-break, however, with two errors giving Djokovic a lead he would not relinquish.
Djokovic had made eight more unforced errors in the opening 53 minutes and yet still took the set, which did not bode well for Gasquet.
The world number one began to find his range in the second, firing a cross-court fore-
hand to break straight away and then seeing off break-back points with a backhand and an ace.
Two visits from the trainer to attend to the Serb’s left shoulder suggested some level of discomfort, but Djokovic hit two aces as he recovered from 15-30 to clinch a twoset lead.
Gasquet was clinging on early in the third and was given a lifeline by Hawkeye after a seemingly wayward forehand on break point, with Djokovic already heading to his chair for the changeover.
The Serb looked less than pleased but gathered himself to earn a second chance with a beautiful angled volley, and Gasquet’s backhand let him down as he found the tram lines.
Djokovic suffered a second nasty slip on the turf and saw two match points slip by at 5-3 but never looked likely to falter, finally sealing victory with a service hold to love. (BBC Sport)
RHTY&SC/TCL Cricket Academy, Republic Bank Summer Camp off to successful start
The Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC)
2015 Trinidad Cement Ltd Cricket Academy and the Republic Bank Ltd Summer Camp commenced last Tuesday.
The Academy attracted a total of 65 students under the watchful eyes of Coaches Winston Smith and Delbert Hicks.
The two Coaches are assisted by Berbice senior player Eon Hooper. It is ex-
pected that over the next two weeks, the young cricketers, among whom are several girls, will be coached on the basics of batting, bowling, fielding and physical fitness.
The young cricketers will also be involved in several lectures on topics of interest to them. These include History of Cricket, Importance of Discipline, Peer Pressure and Laws of Cricket.
The summer camp is be-
ing conducted by educator Rohan Etwaroo of the Port Mourant Secondary School, and its main objective is to prepare students for a successful transition from primary to secondary school.
Secretary/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Club, Hilbert Foster stated that there were still limited spaces available in both programmes and interested parents can contact the club office on 337-4562 for more information.
guyana to host..
Meanwhile, Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Junior Selection Panel Chairman Nazimul Drepaul told this publication on Friday that the squad has already been shortlisted and will be released shortly.
Tournament schedule:
Round 1 – July 23
Jamaica vs Windward Islands – Guyana National Stadium
Leeward Islands vs Barbados – Wales
Guyana vs Trinidad & Tobago – Bourda Ground
Round 2 – July 24
Barbados vs Jamaica –Bourda Ground
Trinidad & Tobago vs Windward Islands – Enmore
Guyana vs Leeward Islands – Guyana National Stadium
Round 3 – July 27
Jamaica vs Trinidad & Tobago – Guyana National Stadium
Barbados vs Guyana –Everest
Windward Islands vs Leeward Islands – Wales
Round 4 –July 28
from back page
Guyana vs Jamaica –Enmore
Leeward Islands vs Trinidad & Tobago – Bourda Ground
Windward Islands vs Barbados – Guyana
National Stadium
Round 5 – July 30
Jamaica vs Leeward
Islands – Everest
Guyana vs Windward Islands – Guyana National Stadium
Trinidad & Tobago vs Barbados – Wales
Orealla goal scorers Donnell France and Cleon Henry with his goalkeeping gloves on
Novak Djokovic
More sponsorship for President Granger victory cycle race
his contribution.
According to Roberts, President David Granger is expected to be in attendance along with Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine, who has responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport; Junior Minster Nicolette Henry; Director of Sport Christopher Jones and Permanent Secretary Alfred King.
Malcolm Sonoram will be the race director, with Joseph Briton as his assistant. Cyclists are reminded that they must participate in their club colours.
Interested participants are asked to get in contact with Coordinator Roberts as soon as possible.
Businessman and photographer Sherwin Sinclair has come forward to partner with the other business entities in Berbice and the Flying Ace Cycle Club (FACC) to sponsor the first “David Granger / coalition victory” cycle event for cyclists countrywide.
The race, which is set for Sunday on the Corentyne, is expected to cover 60 miles. The event is expected to pedal off at 10:00h from in front of the Lewis and Sons store at Rose Hall Town, Corentyne before proceeding to Springlands and back to the starting point. However, the females and beginners will ride from Nand Persaud and Company Limited to the finishing line.
Prizes will be awarded to the first eight finishers, first three juniors, the first three females, the first three veterans (35-40 years) and the first three beginners. There will also be 10 sprint point prizes up for grabs.
On Wednesday, Sinclair, of Sherwin Photo Works of Rose Hall Town and First Choice Wash Bay of Auchlyne, Corentyne, presented a cheque to organiser Randolph Roberts to help offset expenses for the event.
Sinclair stated that he was happy to give back to society and was proud to be part of the event. He vowed his continued support in the future.
Roberts for his part was very thankful to Sinclair for
Powell loses to Gatlin in Lausanne
Jamaican sprinter Asafa Powell lost to American Justin Gatlin in the 100m in Lausanne, Switzerland on Thursday.
Gatlin was an easy winner, clocking 9.75 seconds for the victory, in a possible preview to the World Championships in August. Powell was adjudged second though he finished in 9.92 seconds, the same
time as American Tyson Gay.
33-year old Gatlin is the only man to run 9.80 or better since September 2013, which he has done five times.
His victory comes five years after he was slapped with a four year ban for using a banned substance.
Veteran sprinter Kim Collins of St.Kitts and Nevis finished in sixth position clocking 10.08 seconds.
Meantime, Bahamas athlete Shaunae Miller established herself as a major threat to win the 400m at the World Championships.
Miller, 21, won the one lap event in Lausanne clocking a personal best 49.92, the best time in the world this year by a woman who is qualified for the World Championships.
Miller beat Olympic champion Sanya RichardsRoss (51.12) into second while Jamaica’s Novlene Williams-Mills was third in 51.15 seconds. (CMC)
P&P 11-race cycling on today at National Park
P&P Insurance Brokers and Consultants
Limited will today stage its 15th annual 11race cycling programme at the National Park with the country’s leading riders set to participate.
National coach and organiser of the event, Hassan Mohamed, said the company’s continued investment in the game was a positive step for the sport.
The activity will ped -
al off at 09:00h with rivalry among the younger group of riders in the BMX 6-9, 9-12, 12-14 and Open categories. That will be followed by competition among the juvenile, veteran, mountain bike and senior riders.
Last year’s main event, the feature 35-lap School Boys and Invitational was won by Team Coco’s Stephano Husbands, who clocked one hour, 16
minutes, 25.86 seconds (01h:16m: 25.86s). Other category winners included Alonzo Ambrose (Juveniles); Junior Niles (Veterans Under-50); Jaleel Jackson (12-14 Boys and Girls) and Ozia McUally (Mountain Bikes). Officials of P&P Insurance Brokers and Consultants Limited will witness the races, and later assist in the presentation of prizes to the top riders.
Sherwin Sinclair (in sunglasses) of the Sherwin Photo Works of Rose Hall Town and First Choice Wash Bay of Auchlyne, Corentyne presents the cheque to Coordinator Randolph Roberts
Flashback! Stephano Husbands crosses the finish line to win the feature event last year
Justin Gatlin
The St Kitts and Nevis Patriots rebounded well to hand the St Lucia Zouks a 26-run loss on the home turf in Warner park when the hero Caribbean Premier league continued on Friday evening.
In front of an electric crowd, an all-round batting effort by Patriots allowed the home team to amass a defendable total of 170-8 after being asked to bat by newly appointed Captain of the Zouks, Kevin Pietersen.
Without their regular captain Darren Sammy out for the remainder of the tournament with a fractured arm, the Zouks started their bowling on the right foot with an early wicket.
Martin Guptill and Shane Dowrich share a 54run second wicket partnership as Dowrich slapped Kemar Roach to all parts of
Patriots rebound to top Zouks in rain affected game
the ground for a quick fire 38 runs.
Guptill would end his knock on 35 while Raymon Reifer finished the innings nicely with 20 runs off seven deliveries to help get the Patriots up to 170.
Nathan McCullum was the pick of the bowlers for the Zouks bowling his way
to figures of 4-22.
In reply, Zouks started positively with Andre Flecther playing aggressively, losing their first wicket after an opening stand of 49 runs despite a slight rain interruption.
However, after Flecther’s dismal in the 13th over, the Zouks innings went down-
hill, losing three wickets for just 24 runs.
The Zouks were unable to recover, as the Patriots kept things tight with discipline bowling to close out the game comfortably.
Carlos Brathwaite was the destroyer in the game picking up figures of 3-40 while Sohail Tanvir was
Omar Khan calls for home support – says support important for Guyana Amazon Warriors
uyana Amazon Warriors Manager Omar Khan said that the support of home fans would be important to the Warriors for their home games in the 2015 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) beginning next Wednesday at the Guyana National Stadium at Providence.
Currently, the Warriors sit on four points from five games and will travel to Jamaica to oppose the Jamaica Tallawahs on Sunday at Sabina Park before returning to Guyana for their final four preliminary games.
The Warriors will play Tallawahs on July 15, St Lucia Zouks on July 17, Barbados
Tridents on July 18 and Trinidad and Tobago Red Steels on July 21.
“Unlike the past two years, where the Guyana Amazon Warriors started their campaign at home, this year we have been on the road with matches in Barbados, St Lucia, St Kitts/Nevis and Jamaica where the home teams have received tremendous support, so we are looking forward to the tremendous support from all of Guyana when we return to play at Providence,” Khan said.
Khan, a former West Indies team manager, also expressed confidence that the Amazon Warriors would bounce back into contention for the playoffs in their crucial home matches.
Khan is urging local fans to secure their tickets early as he anticipates sold-out crowds for all four matches.
Tickets are going fast so fans are urged to take the opportunity to get the remaining tickets early.
Tickets are being sold at the CPL Central Office on Middle Street, Georgetown, as well as at the Guyana National Stadium Ticket Office; Courts stores in Georgetown, Berbice, Parika and Linden and at Ramdhan Distribution located at 19 Princess Elizabeth Road, New Amsterdam, a few buildings from Berbice High School (BHS).
The team are expected home Monday evening.
SCOREBOARD
KP Pietersen* c Brathwaite b Shahid Afridi 12
LRPL Taylor c Samuels b Brathwaite 3 H Davids run out (Samuels/†Dowrich) 16
K Lesporis b Shahid Afridi 4
NL McCullum b Brathwaite
3-78, 4-98, 5-100, 6-136, 7-145, 8-163 Bowling: ST Gabriel 4-0-301, FH Edwards 4-0-36-1, KAJ Roach 4-0-50-1, KJ Cottoy 4-031-1, NL McCullum 4-0-22-4
St Lucia Zouks innings (target:
Guyana to host Regional U-15 tournament
shortly
Windward Islands.
By Rajiv Bisnauth
Guyana will host this year’s Regional Under-15 Super50 tournament from July 23. The Guyanese will commence their title defence against Trinidad and Tobago at the Bourda Ground.
The Guyanese captured the title last year in Jamaica by topping the points table, following victories over all opponents except the
The tournament, which is now in its 20th year, will be contested under a roundrobin format, featuring five rounds of matches, with the team accumulating the most points being declared champions.
The tournament started in 1996 with then hosts T&T taking the inaugural title. They hold the record for the most Regional Under-15 titles with seven, also clinching the trophy in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2010, and 2013. Reigning champions Guyana have claimed the top prize three times with backto-back titles in 1998 and 1999, plus last year’s win. The Jamaicans have won the title on four occasions –2006, 2008, 2009, 2011 while the Bajans have won it three times – 1997, 2004, 2012. The Windwards emerged champions eight years ago, and the Leewards are yet to win the title.
Omar Khan
Nazimul Drepaul
The Patriots celebrate a wicket during their solid bowling performance to restrict the Zouks for a comfortable win
