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Issue No. 2992

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Thursday, September 29, 2016

Over 800,000 lbs of chicken to be imported by year-end Page 3

PRICE

$80 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE: New UN Secretary General P14

PPP wants Govt to name its nominee

– Van West-Charles among those granted licence

Cuban shot Sophia woman during Regent sets home St robbery ablaze Page 12

No meetings of Linden M&TC in 2 months P9

Page 17

2 arrested for livestock farmer’s P15 execution

Narrow escape: Several Sophia-bound passengers were dramatically saved from a watery grave by nearby City Council workers who quickly spun into action after the minibus in which they were travelling plunged into the Homestretch Avenue canal. The passengers were rushed to hospital to receive medical treatment (Carl Croker photo)

Guyana’s unemployment rate at 12.5% – Census report Page 13

Govt gears for massive housing project for State employees Page 7

…currently seeking private partners to develop lands

Police still to make arrest in fatal nightclub shooting P5 Bank of Montreal advises P14 Guyana on oil, gas industry

Ally back on GO-Invest’s P7 Board

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

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thursDAY, september 29, 2016 | guyana-times.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, September 29 – 14:30h-16:00h and Friday, September 30 – 14:30h-16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, September 29 – 15:40h-17:10h and Friday, September 30 – 16:15h-17:45h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Light to heavy rain showers with sunny intervals can be expected throughout the day, while clear skies can be expected in the evening, with temperatures ranging between 24 degrees and 32 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to South-easterly to East Northeasterly between 2.23 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 03:20h and 15:38h reaching maximum heights of 2.53 metres and 2.57 metres respectively.

Over 800,000 lbs of chicken to be imported by year-end – Van West-Charles among those granted licence

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he Guyana Government has granted several licences to import close to one million pounds of chicken for the latter half of 2016 and among the recipients are Managing Director of Guyana Water Inc, Dr Richard Van West-Charles and fired Debt Recovery Manager Lear Goring.

Guyana Development Associates is among the companies granted a licence to import chicken and is jointly owned by Van

West-Charles over a litany of complaints and decisions, including the hiring of Goring in a position that he created.

Goring was employed

by Dr Van West-Charles, the son-in-law of former President Forbes Burnham, as a Debt Recovery Manager, and was paid a monthly salary $263,000 in addition to a $20,000 allowance.

Goring came to prominence recently when it was found that he and the enti-

Low Tide: 09:13h and 21:31h reaching minimum heights of 0.67 metre and 0.62 metre respectively.

A local chicken farm

wednesday, september 28, 2016

LOTTERY NUMBERS H

02 05 09 14 24 25 20 Bonus Ball

FREE TICKET

Daily Millions

10 17 23 24

02

LUCKY 3 6

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Afternoon Draw

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Evening Draw

Draw De Line 02 06 09 13 14

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

West-Charles and Goring.

That company was registered on July 27, 2015.

Its address is registered as Lot 301 Meadowbrook Gardens, Georgetown. The company is among a list of 19 businesses/individuals who were recipients of the second batch of import licences to bring into the country some 884,000 pounds of chicken for 2016.

GWI’s Internal Auditing Department is currently investigating Dr Van

ty’s Managing Director, Dr Richard Van West-Charles, were also both Directors of Atlantic Fuels Inc – an entity which was issued with a fuel licence.

Goring was also found to have been twice convicted of drug trafficking and was similarly deported on both occasions from the United States of America (USA).

He was fired after the Board of Directors decided that “Mr Goring’s creden-

tials do not satisfy the requirements outlined for the position.”

Meanwhile, The importation of chicken has always been a controversial issue in Guyana as some importers have been very unscrupulous in the quality of chicken brought onto the local market. Only recently, the Law Enforcement and Investigation Division (LEID) of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) seized millions of dollar worth of chicken, which was smuggled to Guyana via Suriname.

A number of local farmers are upset at the Government’s decision to grant chicken import licence citing the fact that they have adequate supplies for the local market demand. Some local producers queried exactly how 19 companies were granted

GWI Managing Director, Dr Richard Van West-Charles

licenses by the Government without any consultation with the local industry.

This publication was told that such a move by the Government will have devastating consequences on local chicken producers and the feed industry.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2016

Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707

Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, sales@guyanatimesgy.com

Editorial

Indigenous Peoples’ land rights

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his week, there was a confluence of events that brought to the fore the issue of Indigenous Peoples land rights. First off was Patrick Harding, a past President of the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGMDA) who complained it was “unfair” for Indigenous Peoples to be given title for land they occupied. Harding asked: “Why aren’t we getting the equal treatment? Why aren’t these lands titled and given to us?

Miners have been there before; it is on their strength the Amerindians settling on the lands.” Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Sydney Allicock quickly retorted that Amerindians had been occupying the land long before mining activities started in the 1890’s.

The next event was the wrap up of Amerindian Heritage Month at the Umana Yana, where Minister within the Indigenous Peoples Affairs Ministry, Valerie Garrido-Lowe, expatiated on the contributions of Stephen Campbell in securing official recognition of Indigenous Peoples land rights in Guyana. It was Campbell who attended the 1965 Independence Conference in London and ensured the official Agreement for the Independence of Guyana, (Annex C) required the independent government provide legal ownership or rights of occupancy for Amerindians over: “areas and reservations or parts thereof where any tribe or community of Amerindians is now ordinarily resident or settled and other legal rights, such as the rights of passage, in respect of any other lands they now by tradition or custom de facto enjoy freedoms and permissions corresponding to rights of that nature. In this context, it is intended that legal ownership shall comprise all rights normally attaching to such ownership.”

But even here, most Guyanese like Harding are ignorant about Britain transferring sovereignty over Guyana’s 83,000 square miles to the new independent state encumbered by the rights to title of the Indigenous Peoples for lands they occupied. They also refuse to acknowledge that modern norms of justice are evolving to amend the inequities imposed by the positivistic legal stance of British jurisprudence as they – and other European countries – expanded their empires.

For instance, while most Guyanese would now baulk of the irony of Columbus “discovering” the “New World”, they do not follow through with the corollary of Europeans going on to assume “sovereignty” over the land and only, at best, conceding paternalistically that the Indigenous Peoples had ownership over the land if they had legal systems to assert such ownership. So what happened when, as in Guyana, Indigenous Peoples saw “ownership” in a totally different light as “symbiotically with” rather “dominion over” the said lands, they were out of luck. They were only granted rights to use the land to give expression to their culture.

Annex C of the Independence Agreement was enabled by several “Amerindian Acts” that initially insisted on “occupation from time immemorial” by Indigenous Peoples to acquire title but in 2006, the criteria were loosened in Article VI of the new Act. However, from the beginning and to date, all the concessions on ownership insisted that the Indigenous Peoples did not have rights to the minerals below the ground. And it was because of this that Harding could have said, “They (the Indigenous Peoples) don’t want lands for culture or whatever; they want lands that people mine, and that’s a fact… We are Guyanese just like the Amerindians.”

But while it is indubitably true that miners and Indigenous Peoples are “all Guyanese”, Handing’s dismissive statement about the former’s “culture or whatever” is symptomatic of the stubborn imbibed colonial mentality that arbitrarily defined reality for others from the master’s perspective and interests.

Why do we have to continue with this restriction on ownership of land what was supposed to be equivalent to freehold? And why is mining for gold not part of the culture of Indigenous Peoples? Did they not wear gold ornaments? In South Africa, the courts have now awarded rights to minerals in granted lands to Indigenous Tribes.

Will Guyana be following suit?

The Institute of Creative Arts held its third Convocation Ceremony at the National Cultural Centre on Tuesday evening where over 60 persons graduated with Diplomas and Certificates from four entities: the National School of Dance, the ER Burrowes School of Art, the National School of Music and the National School of Theater Arts and Drama (Carl Croker photo)

Barefaced attempt at historical revisionism Dear Editor, The SN editorial of September 26, 2016 is a barefaced attempt at historical revisionism, seeking to excuse the obvious and blatant APNU/AFC corruption involved in the award of the fruit juice contract to a foreign company which was not the lowest bidder (and the still fresh scandal involving single sourcing of an unfinished building to serve as a drug bond) by seeking to misrepresent the PPP/C’s record in office in relation to procurement and using this misrepresentation as a smokescreen.

The following facts are relevant: 1. It is the PPP/C that introduced public open tendering after assuming office in 1992, following decades of non-accountability and corruption by the PNC, including more than a decade of no auditor general’s reports and no public tendering whatsoever.

2. It is under the leadership of the PPP/C that the Constitution was amended to establish a Public Procurement Commission (the inescapable fact is that this constitutional provision could not have been introduced and enacted without PPP/C support and advocacy).

3. It is the PPP/C that took to Parliament the Procurement Act and secured its passage, and that established the National Procurement and Tenders Administration.

4. It is the PPP/C that introduced public opening of tenders, including attendance by the media and public reporting of tender awards, including publication of the NPTAB minutes and awards on the NPTAB website.

5. It is the APNU/AFC that has now discontinued the publication of this information on the NPTAB website, introducing a blackout

on information regarding government procurement.

6. It is the PNC and then APNU/AFC that chaired the Public Accounts Committee from 2001 to 2015, 15 years, and was unable to secure consensus on the names to the appointed to the Public Procurement Commission, even after they secured a parliamentary majority in 2011; 7. It is under PPP/C’s chairmanship that the Public Accounts Committee was able to secure, after a mere 12 months, the same consensus that eluded the PNC/ APNU/AFC for 15 years, and obtain a special majority of the National Assembly to approve the names of nominees to the Public Procurement Commission.

8. It is the APNU/AFC President who is now dilly-dallying on appointing the nominated members of the Public Procurement Commission, at a time when his government is lurching

from one procurement scandal to another (drug bond, fruit juice, city clean up, D’Urban Park construction, GWI jerrycans and consultancy services, etc,).

9. It is the APNU/AFC that has just agreed to pay a legal award to the same Surinamese company under questionable circumstances, and now comes and awards the same company this juice contract under equally questionable circumstances.

10. It is the APNU/AFC government that is reeling from embarrassment following one scandal after another almost on a daily basis, and from their abject failure to deliver on any of the manifesto promises they so dishonestly made to the Guyanese people when asking for their vote in May 2015 and are now refusing to honour.

Sincerely, Bishop Juan Edghill, PPP/C MP

Photography museum for National Park Dear Editor, It is my belief that the newly constructed venue at ‘Cuffy’s Square’ will now be the centre of attraction for many events to come in the near future. I also understand that a huge stadium will eventually be erected with a 400m synthetic track, along with many other facilities. Development is great, but sometimes we need to cherish and preserve some old wonders of Guyana.

I have always believed that the National Park, home to many historic events since Independence in 1966, is one of Guyana’s

wonders. I just recently thought of the following and perhaps the Ministry of Education’s Department of Culture can table this suggestion to Cabinet and consideration be given towards funding during the 2017 National Budget.

A museum of photography should be erected within the confines of the National Park displaying photos of historic events over the years where visitors can take a few moments down memory lane. The said museum can be used to house photo exhibitions of the Emancipation Day

Celebrations, among other exhibitions of similar nature. I envision such an educational institution which will attract tourists, school visits from all regions, etc.

Yes, a small entrance fee should be attached to assist in offsetting expenses with the up-keeping of the building, staff members, security, etc. One such historic event I would expect to be included is ‘mass games’ from the early 1980’s and I do possess such a collection of historic photos where the late LFS Burnham, former first lady, Viola Burnham, a daughter of theirs in par-

ticipation, Morag Williams, daughter of anthropologist Denis Williams, government officials, etc, could be seen in the collection, along with that black beauty of a British made vintage vehicle which Queen Elizabeth once sat in during the 1966 Independence state visit.

Another part of an exhibition which I believe will be a knock out is to witness the photo images of all the past Miss Diwali Beauty Queens who were crowned at the National Park.

Yours faithfully, T Pemberton

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2016

guyana-times.com

Police still to make arrest in fatal nightclub shooting

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lthough Police are following several leads into the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Ryan Sergeant at the Rio Nightclub in Queenstown, Georgetown on Monday, the three suspects are still at large.

Information reaching Guyana Times revealed that a former bodyguard of a well-known drug lord is among the three wanted by the Police for questioning into the murder.

Police sources confirmed that the three suspects were seen leaving the nightclub after they were reportedly thrown out after the initial altercation. They all had guns in their hands.

Moments later, the men were positively identified from the surveillance footage received; the Police went in pursuit of them, but came up empty- handed.

A source close to the investigation revealed that

several popular spots that are frequented by the suspects were staked out, but the men never showed up.

Detectives also visited the home of one of the men but there were no signs of him.

The Police continue to collect every possible lead that can assist them in cracking the case. Guyana Times understands that the surveillance footage is being reviewed with the hope of finding other leads.

A post-mortem conducted on Wednesday proved that the young man died from shock and haemorrhage due to a single gunshot wound to the head.

Sergeant, also known as “Harry”, of Lot 2530 Layon Street, North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, was shot dead, while another teenager remains in critical condition at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

The injured teen is Jeffrey Ferrel of North Ruimveldt Housing Scheme, Georgetown.

Dead: Ryan “Harry” Sergeant

The shooting incident reportedly stemmed from an argument over money and “girls” at the popular nightclub in the wee hours of Monday.

Sergeant was shot once to the jaw during an exchange of gunfire.

After the shooting, Sergeant was picked up by his ‘gang members’ and dropped off at the

Woodlands Hospital.

Upon seeing this, the staff of the hospital took him to the emergency room, but he was already dead.

While information remains sketchy about the shooting, it was also reported that the incident stemmed from a gambling spree within the nightclub.

Another version stated that Ferrel was involved in an altercation with one of the suspects, who in turn left the club with another friend and a female companion. Further reports stated that after the trio left, they were followed by Ferrel and the now dead man and the argument resumed.

During the argument, the suspect whipped out a gun and discharged several rounds, hitting Ferrel in the neck and shoulder. While attempting to rescue his shot friend, Sergeant was shot to the jaw. The suspects then fled the scene.

Getting value for money

Dear Editor, Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson has made a valid and timely assessment when he stated that the people should hold all contractors responsible for shoddy and substandard work done and he hit the bull’s eye when he further contended that each citizen has a right to demand value for money.

The Minister’s statement came at an opportune time when there is massive corruption going on in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) and I am profoundly gratified when I read Dr Ramayya’s exposé on the corrupt practices in this region. The substandard work done at Barakara is just the tip of the iceberg; more than 90 per cent of the capital works done are of a substandard nature or the costs are highly inflated so that again there is no value for money. In fact, with the capital works proposed in the 2017 Budget, it is my es-

timation that if proper budgetary planning was done then the people of Region Six would be accessing more value for money in 2017.

This is where the Minister’s input is vitally necessary.

Moreover, the Minister should investigate the high volume of ‘emergency works’ done in the region. Here again, value for money is lost since these costs of these works are highly inflated and skewed in favour of the contractor and those receiving the ‘kickbacks’. For instance, during the El Nino period in March-April 2016, the Government awarded millions of dollars to do excavation works from Whim to Number 74 Village but nearly 60 per cent on these projects were already done by the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) machines and these contracts were awarded to a close associate of a Region Six official.

I suggest that the Minister carry out an in-

vestigation since the records must indicate that these drainage canals were already done by NDIA machines deployed in the region.

In a letter to the press, I highlighted the substandard work done at Number 52 Middle Walk Access Road which began disintegrating just after three weeks of being constructed. I wish the Minister could investigate this but I want to implore him not to send the same team which went to Barakara.

Another issue affecting cost and standard of work is the fact that some of the contractors who were awarded works do not have the necessary machinery and equipment to do the work and have to sub-contract some aspects of the job. Why should these people be given contracts when they do not have the necessary machinery to successfully carry execute them?

Lastly, I wish to con-

gratulate the Communities Minister and the Regional Chairman since there is now a new round of consultations with the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDC) and the works prioritised by them are now being fairly assessed and which hopefully will find its way into the Regional Estimate 2017.

Never again should consultation be sacrificed so that corrupt practices can reign.

However, I do hope also that NDCs are given a copy of the regional estimates so that they can make a proper assessment in the future.

Yours sincerely, Lakram Singh Vice Chairman Works Committee Number 52-74 NDC

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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2016

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Foundation

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Assertiveness

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What is assertiveness?

ssertiveness is a healthy way of communicating. It’s the ability to speak up for ourselves in a way that is honest and respectful. Every day, we’re in situations where being assertive can help us – like asking someone on a date, approaching a teacher with a question, or doing well on a job or college interview.

Being assertive doesn’t come naturally to everyone.

Some people communicate in a way that is too passive.

Other people have a style that is too aggressive. An assertive style is the happy medium between these two.

Here’s what it means to be assertive: * You can give an opinion or say how you feel. * You can ask for what you want or need. * You can disagree respectfully. * You can offer your ideas and suggestions. * You can say no without feeling guilty. * You can speak up for someone else.

Why does it matter?

An assertive communication style can help us do the things we want to do. But it goes further than that: Being assertive shows we respect ourselves and other people.

People who speak assertively send the message that they believe in themselves.

They’re not too timid and they’re not too pushy. They know that their feelings and ideas matter. They’re confident.

People who are assertive tend to make friends more easily. They communicate in a way that respects oth-

self-esteem er people’s needs as well as their own. They tend to be better at working out conflicts and disagreements.

People who give respect get respect in return.

Too passive? Too aggressive? Or just right?

How do you know where

ly listens. If she disagrees with you, she lets you know – usually with sarcasm or a putdown. She has a reputation for being bossy and insensitive.

Ben has an assertive style. When you ask for Ben’s opinion, he gives it honestly. If he disagrees with you, he’ll say so – but in a way

that doesn’t put you down or make you feel wrong. Ben is interested in your opinion, too. He listens to what you have to say. Even when Ben disagrees with you, you still feel he respects your point of view.

The problems of being too passive

People who act too passively often end up feeling taken advantage of. They may begin to feel hurt, angry, or resentful.

When you hold back what you think and feel, others don’t get to know or understand you as well as they could. The group doesn’t benefit from your input or ideas.

If you start to feel like your opinions or feelings don’t count, it can lower your confidence and rob you

creativity

connected?

The trouble with being too aggressive

People who come across as too aggressive can find it difficult to keep friends.

They may dominate conversations or give their opinions too boldly and forcefully, leaving others feeling put off or disrespected.

People with an aggressive style may get other people to do things their way, but many times they end up being rejected or disliked.

They often lose the respect of others.

Why isn’t everyone assertive?

you fall on the assertiveness scale? Here are some examples: Paula has a style that’s too passive. If you ask Paula what movie she wants to see, she’s most likely to say, “I don’t know – what do you want to see?” She usually lets others decide things, but later she regrets not saying what she wanted. It bothers her that her friends do most of the talking. But when Paula tries to break into the conversation, she speaks so softly that others talk over her without realising.

Janine has a style that’s too aggressive. Janine has no trouble speaking her mind. But when she does, she comes across as loud and opinionated. Janine dominates the conversation, often interrupts, and rare-

and

of the chance to get recognition and positive feedback for your good ideas. This can even lead to feeling depressed.

Why do some people have assertive communication styles when others are more passive or aggressive?

Part of it’s just personality.

The habits we develop or the experiences we have are another part. But we also learn to be assertive, passive, or aggressive from watching how others act – especially the people who raise us.

Here are some things that can influence people to act too passively: * a lack of confidence in themselves or the value of their opinions * worrying too much about pleasing others or being liked * worrying whether others will disagree with or reject their ideas and opinions * feeling sensitive to criticism or hurt by past experiences when their ideas were ignored or rejected * not developing the skills of being assertive (Kids

BY JENNIFER HAUPT

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mproving self-esteem is a matter of taking regular steps, no matter how small, to set goals to achieve what you intend to achieve, to live the life you aspire to live, to live according to your values and according to your dreams. It’s a matter of working in regular small steps to create the art you dream of leaving in the world once you are gone.

I look back a long way to when I was a young woman dreaming of becoming a writer. In my twenties, I wrote poems; I wrote in my journal. I began researching the labour organiser Mother Jones and the history of coal mining. I was a political activist working to end the war in Vietnam, to “bring the boys home.”

it seems to me. Every day since, I’ve put in my 15 minutes. Usually more, virtually never less.

Self-esteem is not a fixed quantity. Rather it’s a feeling, fluid and changing. But I can say that over the years, with a little help from my friends, with a little help from a couple of good therapists, with a little help from a couple of good self-help books, I’ve evolved into a writer who has consistently high selfesteem. It helps me to be productive, to get my work out, to keep working on my work. It gives me resilience in the work.

You have what it takes to make art, if you make the choice to take what it takes. None of us knows whether our work will end up being great or not great, remembered or for-

Health)

TO BE CONTINUED

I worked in the women’s movement (1969–1972) and later in the movement for peace and justice in the Middle East. I was a reader, I had good friends, and I entered the printing trade.

I was good at what I did, but ever-anxious to please.

I did not have confidence in my writing. Most of us don’t at that stage. I could not put my writing first.

Two “self-help” books were transformative, and perhaps they dropped into my life at a time when I was receptive to their wisdom.

One was The New Diary

by Tristine Rainer. I spent many hours one dark winter, a time of longing and depression, working on the exercises in that mensch of a book. The other was Becoming a Writer by Dorothea Brande. Brande requires you to write for 15 minutes every day. I read her book in 1980 and that’s about when, notwithstanding previous writings and early publications, I became a real writer. Or so

gotten. But we are in control of that steady work process that is engendered by believing in ourselves and in our lives and by respecting the work we have undertaken.

Sustaining creative work requires respecting yourself, honouring your life, and the humility and faith to keep going despite the ambiguity of creative work and the lack of guarantees regarding either artistic outcome or recognition. Honour yourself and your work as if the world depended on it.

The world does depend on it. (psychologytoday.com)

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thursday, september 29, 2016 | guyana-times.com

Ally back on GO- Govt gears for massive housing project for State employees Invest’s Board D

r Shamir Ally, the fraud accused Guyana Ambassador to Kuwait, has been confirmed again as a Member of the Board of Directors at the Guyana Office for Investment (GOInvest).

The information has since been officially gazetted.

According to the Government notice, Cabinet considered the memorandum submitted by the Business Minister and have since approved the appointment of the Board of Directors for a period of two years, effective January 1, 2016.

The other approved Board members are Patricia Bacchus as Chairperson, Basil Blackman and Durwin Humphrey, along with representatives from the Private Sector Commission, the Guyana Revenue Authority, two Government Ministries and a representative of the political Opposition.

Dr Ally is a key member of the Alliance For Change (AFC), who recently came to prominence when it was discovered that he was charged for financial crimes by the United States Securities Exchange Council (SEC) and had instead opted for a plea arrangement in an out of court settlement.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry had launched an investigation into the veracity and gravity of the charges against Guyana’s Ambassador to Kuwait, but there has been no formal

Dr Shamir Ally

pronouncement on the matter by Government.

The AFC came out in support of its key supporter and had issued a missive in his defence, saying while he was charged and required to pay a penalty by the SEC, he was not convicted of a crime.

Dr Ally and his co-accused copped an out-ofcourt plea deal with the SEC to pay fines ranging from US$10,000 to US$50,000.

He was charged in 2002 by the Commission for “the dissemination of false financial information” using his company, Acrodyne.

The Guyana diplomat and others were said to be “aware of numerous and significant problems with Acrodyne’s accounting controls, but failed to assure that Acrodyne’s financial transactions were accurately recorded.”

According to the AFC’s statement, Dr Ally was charged jointly with two other senior executives of

Acrodyne, but “instead of proceeding with a long and costly trial, the three professionals were strongly advised by that company’s Attorney-at-Law, Mr Steven Thomas, to make a deal with the SEC to pay fines without admission of guilt.”

This was done, but Dr Ally, in denying culpability, said the financial practices for which he was charged were in place when he started working at the company.

Dr Ally was fired from Acrodyne in July 2000, circumstances he blamed on a “power struggle, falling revenue/income and a depleting labour force” in the company.

He was later charged along with two other Acrodyne executives, including its President in May 2002, by the SEC with civil action.

Dr Ally, in seeking to provide an explanation, said Acrodyne used to prepare quarterly financial reports “based on some actual and some estimated figures”.

He said the company would at the end of the year do an annual stock taking and these reports would be audited and sent to the SEC. He maintains that this system of preparing records based in part on estimates “was Standard Operating Procedure at Acrodyne”.

In March 2003, the SEC had ordered Acrodyne to cease and desist from future violations of the antifraud, periodic reporting, and books and records provisions of the exchange.

…currently seeking private partners to develop lands

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he Government of Guyana, through the Communities Ministry, is gearing to develop several hundred acres of land for housing, including the building of homes and apartment buildings for State employees.

The slated developmental works are scheduled to be undertaken through a Public Private Partnership arrangement.

According to an advertisement in the State-owned newspaper, the Government will be embarking on several projects emanating from its strategic objectives as it relates to housing for lowincome and State employees.

The development is slated to be undertaken along the East Bank of Demerara, the East Coast of Demerara and Georgetown.

As such, expressions of interest are currently being invited.

The project is expected to be undertaken in three phases – Phase one will entail the executing of infrastructural works, including land preparation, the construction of roads, drains, heavy duty bridges and the installation of a water distribution network.

The second phase, according to the Ministry’s invite, will be the construction of apartment buildings and single flat houses. The final

The Communities Ministry is gearing to develop several hundred acres of land for housing, including the building of homes and apartment buildings for State employees

phase will be the construction of social infrastructure, such as recreational facilities, commercial facilities, educational and health facilities.

The areas identified comprise of underdeveloped lands at Little and Great Diamond, Cummings Lodge and La Penitence. Some 150 acres of land has been identified for development in Diamond, which are said to have been lands previously used for sugarcane cultivation.

Lands identified in Cummings Lodge total 99.31 acres, while another 2.3 acres have been identified in La Penitence.

According to the invite, the Communities Ministry reserves the right to accept or reject any or all expressions of interest submitted without assigning any reason.

The Central Housing

and Planning Authority (CH&PA) was established in 1948 through the Housing Act, to address the housing needs of the citizens of Guyana.

The Agency, which is under the purview of the Communities Ministry, has among its primary objectives, the divestment of Government land to eligible Guyanese for residential use; development of housing schemes and regularisation and upgrade of squatter settlements.

The move by Government comes even as it attempts to expedite the processing of applications for house lots.

Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan, is on record saying that over the next five years, Government intends to build approximately 4000 houses in cohesive communities to benefit more than 4000 families and approximately 16,000 persons.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

IN THE COURTS Herstelling murder suspects remanded

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he men accused of killing a Herstelling man in July were on Wednesday remanded to prison when they appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

David Outar, 24, of Lot 269 Foulis, East Coast Demerara; and Patrick Ross, 27, of Lot 107 First Street, Herstelling, East Bank Demerara (EBD), were not required to plea to the charge which stated that on July 21, 2016, at Herstelling, EBD, they murdered Terry Lackhan during the course of a robbery.

They both appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan. The prosecution informed the court that its file was still incomplete, and as such, the case was adjourned to October 25.

Dead: Terry Lackhan David Outar and Patrick Ross

Reports are that the lifeless body of 55-year-old Lackhan was discovered by a neighbour on the night of July 21, 2016, shortly after a male was reportedly seen exiting the man’s Herstelling home with several bags. The father of one was a Manager at

Cotton Field labourer fined, jailed for narco trafficking

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orty-nine-year-old Abel Simon,called “Jack” of Cotton Field Village, Essequibo Coast, was sentenced to three years imprisonment and fined$30,000 for the possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.

He made his appearance before Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court where he pleaded guilty to two trafficking charges.

The prosecution contended that on September 26, 2016, detectives attached to the Anna Regina Police Station were on mobile patrol aback of Cotton Field Village when the defendant was seen walking

T

Woman fined for attempting to smuggle ganja to convict

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woman was on Wednesday fined for attempting to smuggle cannabis to her brother who is in the lock ups at the Brickdam Police Station.

Rachel McClair, 22, of Ruimveldt, Georgetown, pleaded guilty to the charge when she appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

It is alleged that on September 27, 2016, at the Brickdam Police Station, she attempted to traffic two grams of cannabis.

The court heard that on

the day in question, the defendant approached a Police Constable and gave him a box of food to deliver to her brother.

However, when the box was checked, a transparent plastic was found with the cannabis hidden inside of the food. The defendant was told of the offence, arrested and charged.

She told the Magistrate that she was sorry and only carried out the act because she was ‘confused’.

She was fined $15,000 and given four weeks community service.

Petty thief jailed for B&E

Abel Simon

and acting in a suspicious manner. As such, he was stopped and searched, and during the search, Police uncovered eight grams of cocaine and eight grams of cannabis in his trouser pocket. He was arrested and charged.

Lima Sands woman charged for malicious wounding hirty-eight-year-old Lavern Joseph of Lima Sands, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), was on Tuesday granted $60,000 bail on a charge of inflicting grievous bodily harm to another woman.

Joseph made her first appearance before Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Anna

Gafsons Industries Limited.

Reports are that his lifeless body was found next to a wardrobe with rope tied around his neck. Several bottles of tablets and photographs of his family were also found close to him.

From all evidence, the duo was attempting to stage the scene to make it appear as if the victim took his own life.

They were later arrested and charged with the offence.

Regina Magistrate’s Court.

She pleaded not guilty to the charge, which stated that on September 14, 2016, at Lima Sands, she unlawfully and maliciously wounded SherileyCoxall.

The Prosecution did not object to bail for the mother of three and the case will continue on October 11.

A

petty thief was unhappy to hear that he will be spending the next year of his life in prison for stealing a number of items.

Milton Smith, 29, of Lot 169 David Street, Kitty appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. He pleaded guilty when Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan read the charge to him.

It is alleged that between September 22 and 23, 2016, at Young Street, Kingston, he broke and entered El Dorado Trading and stole two trolleys, two travelling bags and one helmet; a total value of $95,000.

The prosecution told the court that on the day in question; the Virtual Complainant (VC) secured the articles in the premises and went out.

However, upon his return the following day, the articles were missing. CCTV footage showed the defen-

Milton Smith

dant removing the articles.

The matter was reported to the Criminal Investigations Department Headquarters, in Eve Leary, and the defendant was arrested. He was told of the offence and admitted to carrying out the act.

When asked by the Magistrate if he had anything to say, he vibrantly said, “I already pleaded guilty.” As such, he was sentenced to prison.

Eyew tness

Taking care...

I

...of those who served

t's a good thing the Commission of Inquiry's taking evidence on how best the State can assist the veterans of the GDF, the GNS and the People’s Militia. Your Eyewitness was moved (almost) to tears when he read the "testimony" (and the word is used in full cognizance of its religious moorings) of Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman. "Service to one’s country is the highest and most important form of service. When that service involves protecting and advancing the values, ideals, symbols and patrimony of the State and people then it is to be treasured and set apart for the highest commendation."

But Trotman commendably moved beyond mere "commendation". He suggested, "The protectors and defenders of the national patrimony must be given an inheritance or parts of that patrimony. It may be land that is either in housing, mining, farming or forestry....

If 20 per cent of royalties collected from mining within Amerindian titled villages are set aside for them, why not a percentage of royalties earned from the sector be transferred to the Treasury for addition to veterans’ pensions?" Haven't Guyanese heard how veterans are treated in America when they return from Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, etc? It wasn't easy for our veterans who survived Camp Ayanganna and the diggings of 1973!

And imagine the former head of the GGMDA was just complaining about Amerindians getting land with minerals! Wonder what he'll say about veterans? One representative of the Police had already protested bitterly why Policemen – who face fire every day (think those motorist shakedowns are easy? Ha! ) – aren't worthy of some extra benefits. And then, of course, will come the teachers' demands. This time na Lang time when it comes to dealing with kids...schools are the new battle zones!

And before you know it, the height of the ridiculousness will be reached when all those cane workers and rice farmers quote Jonathan Swift to demand their share of the national patrimony: "... whoever could make two ears of corn, or two blades of grass, to grow upon a spot of ground where only one grew before, would deserve better of mankind, and do more essential service to his country, than the whole race of politicians put together.”

And we can just hear Minister Trotman defending their benefits against those who'll mean spiritedly point out those farmers were paid!! It's not all about money – it's that these fellas and felines went out in the sun – like those veterans – when others were in air conditioned offices and fetched hundred pounds of cane on their heads while walking 20,000 miles before croaking at 55.

Which is just about going around the world!

...of whistleblowers

Now that Public Security Minister Ramjattan has reduced serious crimes by insisting – against a slew of naysayers (lushes?) – that bars and rum shops MUST close by 2am, he's ready to tackle another mega challenge – witness protection. Now all of us have seen the Godfather movies and understand the need for witnesses to bring down crime kingpins. And even though Don Corleone didn't care much for narcotics – crime is crime, nuh? And crime busting is crime busting.

So since having Phantom Squads to take out the bad guys creates such a fuss, Minister Ramjattan, being a lawyer, figures we have to get them in the courts and this means witnesses who can testify as to being there when the deals went down. Meaning that these can’t just be casual passer-byes but fella's from the inside. And we know what THEIR lives would be worth afterwards!

But witness protection in Guyana? Taking up a new identity in HubuBackdam?

This Eyewitness doesn't think so!

...of the kids' future

Your Eyewitness played hooky a few times when he was in school. But he knows habitual hooky's not good for the little darlings. And parents have a responsibility.

But aren't criminal charges against Mom and Dad a tad over the top?

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

news

9

thursday, september 29, 2016 | guyana-times.com

No meetings of Linden Retired Brigadier Collins sworn M&TC in 2 months CoI into aircraft discovery

in as lone Commissioner

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resident David Granger has established yet another Commission of Inquiry (CoI), this time to probe the discovery of the foreign aircraft at Region Nine (Upper Takutu- Upper Essequibo).

The one-man Commission comprises Brigadier (retired) Edward Collins, who will investigate, examine, advise and report on all the circumstances under which the foreign aircraft entered the country.

Brigadier Collins was sworn in on Wednesday by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Speaking with reporters shortly after the swearing-in, Brigadier Collins outlined the significance of such a probe, given similar cases in the past.

“The importance cannot be overemphasised, because it is not the first time we’ve had an illegal aircraft. It speaks to the question of securing our air space and the porousness of our borders,” he stated.

According to the Commissioner, at the end of the Inquiry, he will be making recommendations on how to improve that situation. During the probe, Collins will have powers equivalent to those of a High Court Judge, thus he can subpoena witnesses.

“I don’t think the Police can do that, they can have unwilling witnesses, but I will have that extra authority and power to get all the witnesses that I need,” the Commissioner added. He further recognised the geographical challenges ahead as it relates to getting witnesses.

On September 13, a Joint Services patrol discovered the illegal twin-engine Cessna aircraft just off the Yupukari Airstrip, with United States registration number N-767-Z.

Retired Brigadier Edward Collins taking the oath before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on Wednesday

Subsequently, a team of investigators from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF); the Guyana Police Force (GPF); the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) and the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) was deployed from Georgetown to the area to conduct investigations and was able to determine that the registration number was “bogus”.

Moreover, investigators had discovered during interviews with nearby residents that the abandoned aircraft had been sighted circling the area on numerous occasions in the past. Additionally, a number of residents shared information on what they deemed to be “suspicious activity”, including motorcycles or ATVs frequenting the area at midnight.

Meanwhile, several pieces of communication equipment were removed from the aircraft and were being examined for any potential leads.

However, Guyana Times was told by sources on site that a leak was discovered in the fuel tank. This, investigators believe, may have forced the aircraft to land in Guyana.

The CoI will also probe according to the terms of reference, “whether the passage of information between the security forces was timely and whether there is need for review of the

process having regard to the national intelligence system”.

Among the other terms of reference guiding the probe was determining whether any of Guyana’s laws were breached by the actions of law enforcement. “Whether it can be concluded from the information available and the relevant evidence and witness testimony that the agencies of the State acted in a manner consistent with their security responsibility,” the ToRs state.

This comes against the backdrop of reports that one of the local law enforcement agencies was aware of the aircraft at least three weeks before the disclosure was made.

It was reported that the security officials were monitoring the aircraft to see if anyone would return to salvage it.

To this end, the Commissioner is tasked with advising the President on the operational effectiveness of the various agencies of the State and the adequacy of existing human resources, technology and equipment in Region Nine, as well as the coordination among the various State agencies and other local and regional entities as it relates to the sharing of intelligence.

Works on the Commission of Inquiry commenced on Wednesday and will conclude in November.

T

he Mayor and Town Council (M&TC) of Linden, Region 10 has not been meeting for the past two months, and according to reports, this is as a result of Councillors simply not showing up for meetings.

The most recent statutory meeting for the M&TC was cancelled on Wednesday and according to Mayor Carwyn Holland, “no one showed up”.

When asked what was responsible for the Council not meeting, Holland refused to elaborate, only saying that the Council was “going through a process” involving the Town Clerk, Jenella Bowen, against whom it passed a no-confidence motion.

He added that Councillors were anxiously awaiting the outcome of “the process” involving Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan.

Holland further refused to respond to a question on the impact the lack of meetings would have on the Council’s work programmes and ultimately Lindeners, stating, “I will end this conversation here.”

The Holland-led Town Council was only elected in March 2016, just six months ago, and already it has failed to meet for more than two months.

The six-month-old Council has not been meeting despite being in the midst of a financial crunch. It recently asked central Government for a financial bailout, claiming it was facing a $200 million debt, which it inherited from the previous town administration, making it impossible to pay workers their gratuity and an increase in salaries, as well as pay for electricity and garbage disposal.

“We need a bailout at the

Linden Town Clerk Jenella Bowen

moment,” Holland said.

Many Lindeners say that despite being saddled with this massive revenue crunch, the Holland-led Council was preoccupied with its battle to remove the Town Clerk, rather than carrying on with the business of the people of Linden.

“I understand that they have a problem with the Town Clerk and whatsoever, but that don’t give them the right not to meet. We elect them to look after our affairs not to fight over one person,” a Lindener told Guyana Times.

Another resident remarked, “It is bad they not meeting so long, if they said they waiting on the Minister to make a decision, then he need to do so quick so things can move forward.”

Other residents have lashed out at the Council over its continuous “bickering” and “fighting over one person”, calling on the Councillors to show maturity and get on with the town’s business.

“I think the fight between the Mayor and some Councillors and the Town Clerk is because of politics, some Councillors don’t like her because they think she

Linden Mayor Carwyn Holland

is PPP. But I don’t think that is sufficient reason for the Council not to meet. Some Councillors want to meet, but some Councillors don’t want to and their excuse is they will not attend any meeting where she is,” a source at the Linden Town Council told Guyana Times.

Some Councillors and Bowen have been engaged in a bitter feud in recent months, with both sides trading blame for poor management.

Holland had told a news conference that the Councillors wanted Bowen removed from her position even if it meant she had to be placed in a different capacity as he levelled accusations of late notices for meetings, tardiness in the production of minutes, unedited minutes, and inadequate steps taken to implement decisions to clean up the town, among other allegations.

Bowen had earlier accused Holland and his deputy of spending at least $500,000 of the Council’s money without approval.

Minister Bulkan is expected to soon meet with Bowen before a decision is made on her future.

10

news

thursday, september 29, 2016 | guyana-times.com

‘Medical’ marijuana lands man before the court

A

man who was found to be in possession of marijuana, was on Wednesday taken before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Doodnauth Singh, 23, of Lot 1318 Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, was fined

$20,000 for being in possession of cannabis.

He pleaded guilty to the charge which stated that on September 27, 2016, at Georgetown, he had in his possession one gram of cannabis.

The prosecution contended that

on the day in question, the defendant was entering the compound of his place of work when he was searched by the security guard there.

The cannabis was discovered in his bag pocket, as such, he was detained and the Police were-

summoned. He was taken to the Ruimveldt Police Station where he was charged with the offence.

However, the man told the court that the cannabis is for medical purposes as he is asthmatic and also has a leg injury.

Doodnauth Singh

news

11

thursday, september 29, 2016 | guyana-times.com

UK recommits to sustainability of Guyana’s forestry sector

By: Lorraine Ince-Carvalhal

Where do we start with literacy?

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s education month comes to a close, I sincerely hope that the new initiatives proposed and focused on areas of improvement do not lose momentum and are not just lip service to the month. Despite the awareness of the need and identification of improvement areas, without continued motivation to application and implementation, we could be in danger of allowing the concerns to take a downward spiral as the next generation falls a little lower than the present one.

The highlighting of literacy needs is one of the most important concerns, as without literacy, it is difficult for the country and its citizens to make further development. While it is clear that the emphasis on literacy needs to start at the beginning of a child’s life because research has shown that children who struggle with literacy will become youth and adults who struggle with literacy, the problem is that these same struggling adults are parents to those children in desperate need of literacy support. Surely the consideration here is that before we can hope to be successful in tackling the falling literacy rates in children, we need to intervene and develop the literacy rates of adults.

During the recognition of International Literacy Day, Minister of Education, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine pointed out that the definition of literacy included the ability to identify, understand, interpret and create… using written materials.

This goes far beyond the boundaries of learning how to read and write, and towards a person’s capacity to apply those skills to successfully connect, understand and identify the complexities of the world around them. Despite Guyana previously boasting high literacy rates, by this definition it is clear that those rates do not reflect the status of the many adults in this country. How can they hope to support and teach the next generation if they themselves are struggling with such skills?

Study after study shows that families who read together can help children boost their vocabulary and school performance and to this end, parents are being encouraged to read with their children, discuss homework and encourage learning. Yet large numbers of parents are literally unable to do so. How sad it is that so many of our parents do not get to enjoy reading their child a bedtime story, such a rich pastime that many of us take for granted.

How sad it is that by the age of four, a child of a low literate parent will have heard 32 million fewer words than a child of a literate parent.

Schooling comes after the most influential part of a child’s development. A parent truly is the first teacher to a child and if they are unable to communicate the importance of literacy development and support that development, then a child is starting at a disadvantage when they enter the classroom. The challenge to build a strong education on an unstable foundation usually leads to that child attaining low educational standards and then we fall into a vicious cycle that perpetuates itself.

The power of language and the ability to use it as an expression is an invaluable tool in every area of life, from school to work, in relationships and all other forma of communications. Learning to read is of course the basis of literacy, but it is also important that time is taken to build understanding and encourage critical thinking both in the home and in the classroom. Without these skills, being able to read and write still has limitations.

There is an expectation that if we pour a certain amount of dollars into this generation’s education, we will get better results, but if we do nothing to address the households they are coming from, this expectation may not be realised. Should there not be more significant investment in this country to help improve adult literacy?

Although the challenge is immense, the aim should be to make adult literacy classes easily accessible. Programmes need to be more effective and easy to implement with providers trained to deliver in a sensitive manner and participators need to be encouraged to complete courses with incentives, recognition and without stigma. In an effort to reach the standard of literacy that the Education Ministry is so appropriately aiming for, the input needs to span both generations and continue to do so until the cycle is broken.

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he United Kingdom has once again thrown its support behind the Natural Resources Ministry, signalling its commitment to the sustainability of the forestry sector and the management of its resources.

The commitment was given on Wednesday, at the opening of a three-day Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) workshop at the Pegasus Hotel, Georgetown.

Acting British High Commissioner to Guyana, Ron Rimmer said the UK was very much concerned about actions that led to forest degradation and has been working with Guyana on this, seeking out ways to help curb the growing incidence.

“The UK continues to be committed to help the country reinforce their forest governance and carrying out responsible trade and the FLEGT approach is the heart of such a commitment,” he said.

Government, in 2012, en-

Participants of the EU-FLEGT workshop

tered into a formal process of negotiating a Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) with the European Union under the auspices of the latter’s FLEGT Action Plan, which was developed in response to the problem of illegal logging and trade in associated timber products in many nations across the globe.

Commissioner of the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), James Singh reminded the workshop that over 85 per cent of Guyana’s land mass was cov-

ered in tropical forest, which supported the livelihood of Indigenous Guyanese and others who depend on logging and mining activities for their livelihood.

The Georgetown FLEGT seminar is the second such event held in Guyana and is organised by the National Technical Working Group and the FLEGT Facilitation Support Office in collaboration with the GFC and the Iwokrama International Centre with support from the Food and Agriculture Organisation, European

Forestry Institute, European Commission, UK Department for International Development (DFID), Amerindian Peoples Association and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

The Guyanese National Technical Working Group (NTWG) has since spearheaded widespread consultations with Government agencies, civil society and Private Sector stakeholders throughout the country. turn to page 17

12 NEWS Cuban shot during Regent St robbery A THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Cuban vendor was shot during a robbery outside a Regent Street, Georgetown store around midday on Wednesday.

The injured woman has been identified as Maria Puig, 61, of Lot 25 Laluni Street, Queenstown, Georgetown. She was shot to the right hand, while bullet fragments caused abrasions to her abdomen.

Reports are that about 12:10h, two bandits rode up on a CG motorcycle and robbed the Cuban, who sold coffee and other food items.

Eyewitnesses told Guyana Times that one of the bandits was armed with a gun. Reports also indicated that the gunman leaped off the bike and attacked

the woman, relieving her of $5000. However, City Constables rushed to the vendor’s aid and the bandits fired a shot which hit the woman.

The armed man and his accomplice escaped on the motorcycle. The woman was picked up and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where she was admitted.

Meanwhile, the owner of the store outside which the woman was vending told this publication that he was attending to customers when he heard the single gunshot.

On Tuesday, a bar at Crane Old Road, West Coast Demerara (WCD) was robbed of $150,000, just one day after a Digicel outlet at Vreed-en-Hoop was relieved

City Constabulary ranks set up barriers moments after the vendor was shot on Regent Street, Georgetown

of all of its mobile phones.

Against the backdrop of over 20 robberies being recorded in the WCD area, several residents and businessmen met with acting D Division (West Demerara) Commander Leslie James, who suggested that at least

two gangs of individuals may be involved in carrying out the robberies, many of which included excessive violence. James encouraged business owners to install more video cameras and noted that the area would be closely monitored.

Govt gets 1st situation analysis on children, women

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he United Nations’ Children Fund (UNICEF) on Wednesday handed over the Guyana Situation Analysis of Children and Women, highlighting vulnerable groups and what can be done to strengthen them with critical data gathered.

The analysis was conducted by UNICEF in collaboration with the Government of Guyana, and the report was handed over to Government at the Herdmanston Lodge, Queenstown.

analysis gathered data on vulnerable groups of women and children, and helped to place emphasis on critical areas.

Flach, whose tour in Guyana will be ending soon, added too that the data gathered would also ensure that adequate resources were allocated in all sectors particularly in the realisation of children’s rights.

“Sufficient, equitable and efficient investment in children is crucial for the realisation of children’s civil, political, economic, social and

A section of the gathering at the handing-over ceremony

Speaking at the handingover ceremony, UNICEF’s Country Representative, Marianne Flach said the

cultural rights… Before, our concern was quantity – how much we spend on children and on what – now,

Social Protection Minister Volda Lawrence receiving a copy of the Guyana Situation Analysis of Children and Women report from UNICEF Country Representative Marianne Flach

our concern is also quality – how the money is spent and to what extend it produces results for children,” the UNICEF representative stated, as she pledged the organisation’s commitment to Guyana’s effort.

Meanwhile, First Lady Sandra Granger, in delivering brief remarks, pointed out that in this age of technology, Guyana could not afford to lag behind in the compilation and dissemination of critical data such as that contained in the analysis.

“This Situation Analysis

is a welcomed resource since it will provide researchers, policy-makers and interested observers with information on the status of women and children in Guyana. It will provide the information needed to assess the progress which has been made and recognise the challenges we face,” the First Lady noted.

She continued that the data would also reveal how well Guyana was doing as well as identify the areas in which such progress has been made.

CONTINUES ON 13

Mindfulness & Mental Well-Being

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ntil now conversations around mental health have focused on depression but a University of Cambridge report published in the medical journal, Brain and Behaviour, suggested anxiety could be a much bigger problem.

People with anxiety tend to be hyper-vigilant to negativity and worry excessively about the future, whereas those with depression tend to dwell on bad things about themselves.

It can be easy to rush through life without stopping to notice much. Paying more attention to the present moment – to your own thoughts and feelings, and to the world around you – can improve your mental well-being. Some people call this awareness “mindfulness”.

Sarah Stewart-Brown, professor of public health at the University of Warwick in the UK and a well-being expert, says: “Feelings of contentment, enjoyment, confidence and engagement with the world are all a part of mental well-being,” as are self-esteem and self-confidence, a feeling that you can do the things you want to do, and good relationships, “which bring joy to you and those around you.” Of course, good mental well-being does not mean that you never experience feelings or situations that you find difficult. But it does mean that you feel you have the resilience to cope when times are tougher than usual. It can help to think about “being well” as something you do, rather than something you are. The more you put in, the more you are likely to get out.

“No-one can give well-being to you. It’s you who have to take action,” says Professor Stewart-Brown. Reminding yourself to take notice of your thoughts, feelings, body sensations and the world around you is the first step to mindfulness. “Even as we go about our daily lives, we can notice the sensations of things, the food we eat, the air moving past the body as we walk,” says Professor Williams. “All this may sound very small, but it has huge power to interrupt the ‘autopilot’ mode we often engage in day to day, and to give us new perspectives on life.”Pick a regular time – the morning journey to work or a walk at lunchtime – during which you decide to be aware of the sensations created by the world around you. Trying new things, such as sitting in a different seat in meetings or going somewhere new for lunch, can also help you notice the world in a new way. You can practice mindfulness anywhere, but it can be especially helpful to take a mindful approach if you realise that, for several minutes, you have been “trapped” in reliving past problems or “pre-living” future worries, as well as practicing mindfulness in daily life, it can be helpful to set aside time for a more formal mindfulness practice. Mindfulness meditation involves sitting silently and paying attention to thoughts, sounds, and the sensations of breathing or parts of the body, bringing your attention back whenever the mind starts to wander Five things that, according to research, can really help to boost our mental well-being: * Connect – connect with the people around you: your family, friends, colleagues and neighbours. Spend time developing these relationships. * Be active – you don’t have to go to the gym. Take a walk, go cycling, play a game, draw, sing… find any activity that you enjoy and make it a part of your life. * Keep learning – learning new skills can give you a sense of achievement and a new confidence. So why not sign up for that cooking course, start learning to play a musical instrument, figure out how to fix your bike or repair broken furniture or torn clothing? * Give to others – even the smallest act can count, whether it’s a smile, a thank you, a kind word, helping an elderly person cross the road, carrying bags for a pregnant woman or stopping to chat with a lonely person. Larger acts, such as volunteering at your local community centre, school or hospital can improve your mental well-being and help you build new social networks. * Be mindful – be more aware of the present moment, including your thoughts and feelings, your body and the world around you.

One theory for the rise in anxiety is that whilst we are digitally connected, we are less connected to each other than people used to be a couple of decades ago. Daily life is also less communal and collaborative as more and more people are becoming individualistic, particularly when compared with life in the past. And yet, we all want to be accepted and liked.

Being excluded from a group to which we want to belong is a real terror for many people today. Whether the result of fear of missing out or fear of being left out, anxiety can be seriously life-limiting and that’s no fun at all.

NEWS

13

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Guyana’s unemployment rate at 12.5% – Census report A

fter much speculation over the years about Guyana’s seemingly high unemployment rate, the Bureau of Statistics has published Compendium Three of the 2012 Census disclosing statistics on the country’s most recent unemployment rate.

In keeping with its commitment to disseminate four Compendiums in 2016, the revelation of the third Compendium has brought the Bureau closer to achieving its self-imposed deadline.

The focus of this latest Compendium was the economic activity profile of the census. Economic activity focuses on the labour force component of the population profile, that is, the size and composition of the labour force, the level of employment and unemployment, types of economic activities undertaken within the economy and many other areas of interest.

According to the Bureau, the findings of the 2012 Census puts Guyana’s unemployment rate at 12.5 per cent. It added that when further disaggregated by gender, the unemployment rate for males was recorded as 10.6 per cent and females at 16.7 per cent.

Prior to the Census, the most recent unemployment rate was 10.7 per cent from the 2006 Household

Budget Survey (HBS), an intercensal survey.

Moreover, it was noted that Guyana has not executed a labour force Survey in recent times. In all instances of executing a nation-wide survey, Cabinet’s approval has to be first given and requisite funding approved and disbursed.

As a consequence and as a second-best approach, labour force data has been sourced from intercensal Household Budget Surveys or Censuses since the Census of 1991.

Every Census and National Survey has therefore carried an economic activity module which has allowed on-going estimates and generation of key indicators on the labour force at intermittent periods over the past 25 years.

Recent media reports stating there has been no labour force data in the longest while and unemployment figures have been kept a secret are dis-

tinctly less than accurate.

However, steps are now in place to change and significantly improve this current dispensation by having a quarterly labour force survey which will commence in 2017.

In fact, the Bureau disclosed that its Survey Department with technical support from the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) is currently in preparatory mode to execute this survey which as earlier indicated has not been done in Guyana, as a unique subject-matter survey for more than two decades.

At this juncture, the Bureau of Statistics is asking the public to cooperate with its personnel during this exercise which will be on-going, to assist in achieving reliable and timely labour force datain the interest of planning for the development of the country’s labour force which includes all

Guyanese.

Back in June, the Bureau published Compendiums one and two, detailing the findings of the 2012 Census.

That publication revealed that the 2012 Census highlighted a continued proportionate decline in the populations of the main ethnic groups and a compensatory increase among the Mixedraces and Amerindians\ Indigenous populations.

The final population count stands at “746,955”.

Nevertheless, the

Bureau noted “The distribution pattern of the ethnic groups has still remained unaffected since the 2002 Census with Indo-Guyanese remaining as the largest group followed by those of African Heritage, the Mixed race, the Amerindians/ Indigenous peoples and the Portuguese, respectively.”

According to the 2012 Population and Housing Census, “The final census count has been adjusted downwards by 929 persons from the preliminary count, a difference of 0.12

per cent. This difference is insignificant and within acceptable limits according to demographic standards.”

The final Compendium which will address the remaining key topics such as education, fertility, mortality, and housing will be disseminated by the end of November, the Bureau said. Additionally, there is expected to be a table module with data from other interesting topic areas which will also be disseminated with the fourth compendium.

Govt gets 1st situation...

FROM PAGE 12

“It indicates also the areas in which we need to improve and hopefully guide our actions as we seek to address the burning issues that tear at the fabric of our society,” Mrs Granger added.

On the other hand, Social Protection Minister Volda Lawrence recognised that the Situation Analysis paved the way for comprehensive actions to be taken to address the many struggles that Guyanese woman and children face.

“We can now act with more precision. We have an overall vivid picture of the situation as it is presented in each category. With this information and demographics outlined therein, we have directives that can give us

and guide us to those areas that need to be emphasised in order to make significant inroad,” she remarked.

To this end, the Social Protection Minister posited that a multi-sectoral approach is needed to achieve this. “The information in this document must be shared, disseminated and used by all stakeholders in collaboration with each sector to stand out the ills that arrive in our society,” she noted. Moreover, Lawrence went on to say that the report came at an opportune time as the Social Protection Ministry was in the process of shaping strategies to address the social issues affecting women and children in Guyana.

“The Ministry of Social

Protection recently initiated a multi-sectoral, high-level policy dialogue, organised in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), in an effort to advance programming for adolescents and youth. This document…will be critical for mapping the strategies for enhancing the well-being of our children and women as it focuses on the possible causes of the problems along with an assessment of the data, [the] bottlenecks and barriers that have been surmounted,” Minister Lawrence said.

Copies of the Guyana Situation Analysis of Children and Women were handed over to the First lady and Social Protection Minister.

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guyana-times.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2016

News

New UN Secretary General

PPP wants Govt to name its nominee of choice

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s member countries of the United Nations (UN) prepare to elect a successor to Secretary General Ban Ki-moon later this year, Guyana’s political Opposition, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) is calling on the President David Granger-led A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government to make public its choice for the post.

Currently, nine candidates are vying for the top UN job and the PPP in a statement Wednesday said it has been following with interest the mechanisms put in place by the UN to have the position of Secretary General filled and as such, it wanted to know if the Guyana Government has considered any of the candidates.

“The PPP, as a major stakeholder, and without prejudice to any of the contestants, is interested in knowing as to whether or not the Guyana Government has given consideration to any of the

Outgoing UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon

named candidates and if so, which from among them it will support when the matter of the vote comes up at the United Nations,” the Party said in a statement.

Those vying for the SG position are former Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Guterres, UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova, Argentine Foreign Minister Susana Malcorra, former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark, Macedonian diplomat and former Foreign Minister Srgjan Kerim, former Moldovan Deputy Prime Minister Natalia Gherman, former Serbian Foreign

Minister Vuk Jeremic, Slovenian President Danilo Turk and Slovakia’s Deputy Prime Minister Miroslav Lajcak.

A new Secretary General is expected to be elected soon, with Ban’s second term coming to an end on December 31.

Article 97 of the UN Charter provides that: “The Secretary General shall be appointed by the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Security Council.” In other words, Article 97 creates a two-stage process: a recommendation by the Security Council followed by a decision by the General Assembly.

In Monday’s secret ballot, the fifth in the process, former Portuguese Prime Minister Guterres remained in the lead. The 15-member Security Council will continue holding secret ballots in a bid to reach consensus on a candidate that it then recommends to the 193-member UN General Assembly for election. The next secret ballot is scheduled for October 5.

Bank of Montreal advises Guyana on oil, gas industry

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he Bank of Montreal is the latest international organisation to provide assistance for the development of Guyana’s oil and gas industry. The Bank delivered a presentation on the possible financial impacts of the promising industry to members of the subcommittee on oil and gas and stakeholder Ministers on Wednesday at the Marriott Hotel, Georgetown.

According to Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman, the Bank of Montreal had reached out to Guyana because, “Guyana’s find of oil is considered one of the best in the world right now.”

“The Bank of Montreal had reached out to Guyana about two months ago asking to be able to give a presentation on the financial side of the oil and gas industry, the ups and downs of the market, financial services that are available,” Trotman said.

This year, ExxonMobil’s

Liza-2 offshore exploration found high propensity sandstone reservoirs that could produce more than 1.4 billion barrels of recoverable high quality oil. It is estimated that within the next five to seven years Guyana could begin producing this oil. Since the discovery, several other organisations and countries, including the US and Norway have offered their assistance to Guyana towards the development of an effective oil and gas industry.

Trotman, who has oversight responsibility for the natural resources sector, said a number of initiatives will be unfolding. “Next month we’re going to be having a workshop on the financial part of it and so developments are taking place, we are working in finalising legislation and honing our efforts,” the Minister said.

According to Trotman, the Government is also working to ensure that when the industry comes

on board, it honours its social responsibility. “The Ministry is also developing a corporate social responsibility programme which will look at leadership and mentoring for youth so that the idea is to prepare and present a next generation of leaders for Guyana,” Minister Trotman said.

Guyana has been receiving sustained international attention from huge companies, especially in the oil sector. The US Geological Survey said in 2000 that the Guyana-Suriname Basin has the second largest unexplored oil potential in the world after Greenland.

Guyana first struck oil in the 1980s in the Takutu Basin and there is much optimism that oil will be found in commercial quantities.

ExxonMobil has joined other investors such as CGX Energy, Repsol, Anadarko Guyana Co, and Nabi Oil and Gas in exploring oil in Guyana’s offshore Atlantic basin.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2016

guyana-times.com

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News

UG students vote 2 arrested for livestock farmer’s execution in UGSS elections –turnout low A T he University of Guyana Student Society (UGSS) presidential election on Wednesday saw a lacklustre turnout, as many students claimed that they were not aware of the election date.

At the University’s Turkeyen Campus on Wednesday afternoon, several polling booths were empty, but polling staff were optimistic that students would have turned up to cast their ballots later in the day.

However, when a few students were questioned about the voting process, many indicated an unwillingness to vote, and some did not even realise that elections were being held.

Incumbent President Ron Glasgow and International Relations student Brian Smith were the only two candidates in the presidential race. Both of them expressed hope that they would be given the opportunity to implement their vision for the improvement of campus life so that the 8000-plus students can boast of having an encompassing university experience.

UGSS representative Nasheena Ramlall, who was standing outside a polling booth at the Faculty of Natural Sciences, walked this publication through the voting process. She explained that students voted in booths at their respective faculties by selecting their

Law Student Cassandra Forde

choice of candidate, whose names are listed in alphabetical order on the ballot.

Ramlall further explained that two sets of votes were cast: one for UGSS representatives and the other for President. Then, the right index finger of students who voted is inked, reminiscent of major elections in Guyana.

When asked what changes she is expecting UG to undergo, Ramlall, who has several courses in the George Walcott Lecture Theatre, noted that the Public Address system, microphones and fans all needed changing.

Several other students who cast their ballots told Guyana Times of the changes they hoped to see after the election. Third-year Economics student Dequan Lewis said he expected the UGSS to modify how it spent its allocation. He called for “accountability and more student advocacy on campus

UGSS representative Nasheena Ramlall

and better recreational facilities”.

Law student Cassandra Forde was hopeful that the University’s infrastructure would be improved, relating that her department lacked basic facilities such as lights and properly functioning washroom facilities.

“The main concern is the infrastructure, because we are paying facility fees and in my [room] we don’t even have electricity. How is it that you could have a classroom [at] a University with no electricity and you’re paying $50,000 facility fees?”

Forde lamented.

She noted that garbage disposal was also a major issue on the Turkeyen Campus. The Law student, like many other students interviewed, explained that despite the towering challenges that surround life at the University, education delivery was “up to par”.

OPEC reaches first deal to cut oil output since 2008

Participants pose at the 15th International Energy Forum Ministerial (IEF15) in Algiers, Algeria September 27, 2016

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PEC agreed on Wednesday to cut its oil output for the first time since 2008, with the group’s leader Saudi Arabia softening its stance on arch-rival Iran amid mounting pressure from low oil prices.

Two sources in the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries said the group would reduce output to 32.5 million barrels per day from current production of 33.24 million bpd.

How much each country will produce is to be decided at the next formal meeting of OPEC in November, when an invitation to join cuts could also be extend-

ed to non-OPEC countries such as Russia, sources said.

Oil prices LCOc1 jumped more than five per cent to trade above US$48 per barrel as of 1830 GMT after the outcome of OPEC’s informal meeting in Algeria took traders by surprise.

Still, many said they wanted to see the details of the deal.

Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih said on Tuesday that Iran, Nigeria and Libya would be allowed to produce “at maximum levels that make sense” as part of any output limits which could be set as early as the next OPEC meeting in November.

That represents a strategy shift for Riyadh, which has said it would reduce output to ease a global glut only if every other OPEC and non-OPEC producer followed suit. Iran has argued it should be exempt from such limits as its production recovers after the lifting of EU sanctions earlier this year. The Saudi and Iranian economies depend heavily on oil but in a post-sanctions environment, Iran is suffering less pressure from the halving in crude prices since 2014 and its economy could expand by almost 4 percent this year, according to the International Monetary Fund. (Excerpt from Reuters)

s Police intensify their investigation into the execution of Ramnarine Etwaru, whose body was found on a dam in East Canje, Berbice, with a single gunshot wound, two men have been arrested.

The two men – a 38-yearold and a 46-year-old – were arrested late Tuesday evening by detectives. The men are from the same village as the deceased.

Guyana Times understands that one of the two suspects and the now dead man had been at loggerheads over the ownership of a plot of land in the village.

The body of Etwaru, 38, also called “Bill”, of Lot 84 Gangaram Settlement, East Canje, Berbice, was found on a dam about 400 metres into the cane field at Speculation.

It is believed that the

Dead: Ramnarine Etwaru

livestock farmer went to the area to tend to his animals.

The body was discovered by a fisherman who reported to residents at Gangaram that the man had an accident and was lying on the dam next to his motorcycle.

It was later discovered that he was shot several times, including once to his head.

Detectives have since recovered four .38mm spent shells and one live round of ammunition at the scene.

The dead man’s sister-inlaw told Guyana Times that Etwaru recently developed a portion of land which was gifted to him.

According to the woman, other livestock owners in the village were banned from going onto the land since Etwaru developed it.

Meanwhile, the fact that Etwaru’s motorcycle was found in an upright position next to where the body lay leaves some to believe that he might have been lured off of the bike before being shot.

Etwaru leaves to mourn his wife and an 11-year-old son. Police are continuing their investigations and are hoping to get a confession from the suspects as soon as possible.

Cuba welcomes Ambassador nomination but says Obama can do more

P

resident Barack Obama’s nomination of an ambassador to Cuba is welcome but he should still do more to normalise relations between the two countries during his remaining time in office, a senior Cuban government official said on Wednesday.

Gustavo Machin, the Deputy Director for US affairs in the Cuban Foreign Ministry, told a news conference that Cuba will make those concerns known during a bilateral commission meeting on Friday in Washington.

“The Cuban delegation will point out the lack of advances of in the economic, commercial sphere,” Machin said. “We consider the measures adopted by President Obama’s administration are positive but still insufficient and limited.”

Obama on Tuesday nomi-

US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle stand with US Ambassador to Cuba, Jeffrey DeLaurentis (L), as they meet with Embassy staff in a hotel in Havana, March 20, 2016

nated career diplomat Jeffrey DeLaurentis, the top official at the US Embassy in Havana since relations were restored last year, to be the first US ambassador to Cuba in more than five decades.

This was “welcome” news, Machin said. Cuba appointed its ambassador to the US a year ago. Still, the nomination must be approved by the Republican-controlled Senate,

which is seen as a long shot in a presidential election year and given expected strong resistance from CubanAmerican senators including Marco Rubio of Florida and Ted Cruz of Texas. Obama should also use his executive powers, as he has done in the past, to further hollow out the trade embargo imposed on Cuba after its 1959 revolution, Machin said. (Excerpt from Reuters)

St Lucia PM threatens local journalist with defamation lawsuit

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eemingly determined to prove the accuracy of the well known saying, “Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose” [The more things change, the more they stay the same], lawyers acting for Saint Lucia Prime Minister Allen Chastanet last week embarked on the well trodden path of threatening to sue local media for alleged defamation on grounds that are at best tenuous.

The latest blatant abuse of political and economic power in this regard stems from a report by Rehani Isidore, a journalist with HTS Television in Saint Lucia, that Britain’s Prince Harry would be

St Lucia Prime Minister Allen Chastanet

staying at the island’s Coco Palm Resort, which is owned by the Chastanet family and run by the recently elected prime minister’s sister, during a forth-

coming Royal tour of the Caribbean.

The report in question was based on a press release to that effect issued by the hotel and entitled “Coco Palm rolls out the red carpet for Prince Harry’s visit”, which was featured on the hotel’s website, the Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association (SLHTA) website and reported in local online media.

However, Chastanet later claimed that the press release had been withdrawn – an event that has apparently gone unreported by any local media and no second press release withdrawing the first has ever been made public.

(Excerpt from Caribbean News Now)

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2016

guyanatimesgy.com

Collin Andrews: Success comes from hard work

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nspired by his desire to be closer to his five daughters after the death of his wife, Collin Andrews left his home village of Moraikobai, Mahaicony Creek, East Coast Demerara to open Tocuma Indigenous Restaurant, located at Waterloo Street. And our stomachs and lives are better for him bringing more of the scrumptious flavours of indigenous cooking to Georgetown. Delicious labba, melt-in-your-mouth tuma pot featuring various meats, pepperpot and fly are among the traditional Indigenous items on the eye-catching menu.

“Our culture is unique of which I’m very proud to be a part of and share with the rest of the world,” the former village captain said. “Even though some of our Indigenous, especially the coastal communities, have

moved away from their culture and traditions, we still have those who continue to live the Indigenous way.”

“All our wild meats, sweetwater fishes, cassava

bread, etc come from Indigenous communities across the country,” he revealed, explaining that the restaurant, which was launched five months ago at Sophia Exhibition Centre, serves all Indigenous cuisines yearround. The restaurant, a simple and serene mix of the traditional and modern, also showcases indigenous art on its walls, lush fabrics and richly-coloured tiles with Amerindian motifs, golden hardwood floors, beautiful nibbi furniture and above the counter, the photographs of the Heritage Queens.

Now resident in Better Hope, ECD, Andrews has made family a cornerstone of the restaurant.

He says his children are his biggest inspiration. His eldest, Erica manages the business while his third child, Analisa supervises the daily operations.

Erica says the response has been favourable, although some days are slow.

The former North Georgetown Secondary School student, who counts as his

Cur

Buying

B

Collin Andrews biggest influence, Ovid Williams and as his dream mentor, former Amerindian Affairs Minister Carolyn RodriguesBirkett (“after many years of friendship”), has big plans to expand Tocuma Restaurant to all 10 administrative regions.

Although conscious of the difficulties the economy can pose to the realisation of his expansion goals, Andrews believes that entrepreneurs “must have patience and believe that everything takes time”.

In fact, that’s his advice to all would-be entrepreneurs based on hard-won experience.

The former Toshao, who led his home village for 10 years, underlined the importance of vision and working towards it, stressing that having a vision was the single most important trait of an entrepreneur.

“It is my belief that success comes from hard work,” he declared.

Contact: 176 Waterloo Street, South Cummingsburg (next to Jerries); 6470570; www.facebook.com/ tocumaindigenousrestaurant

Calculated at 94% purity, September 28, 2016 Selling

GBP

$267.90

$271.30

CAN

$155.87

$157.68

USD

$205.98

$208.44

$ 231.09

$234.05

EURO

USD

$1324.80

Gross

$256,011

Net

$238,090

Indicators as on September 28, 2016 Indicators

US$ per barrel

Crude Oil

$45.97

Price

USD

Rough Rice

$215.16/ton

London Sugar

$605.50/ton

Live Spot Gold

Change %

-3.00 Change %

-1.13 0.00 USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1322.30

$1323.30

Low/High

$1317.40

$1327.80

Change

O

lines of the September 2628 International Energy Forum in Algiers, group officials told Reuters.

OPEC estimates its current output at 33.24 million bpd.

“We have decided to decrease the production around 700,000 bpd,” Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh said.

OPEC will agree to production levels for each member country at its November 30 meeting in Vienna, group officials said.

After reaching its group target, it will seek support from non-member oil producers to further ease the global glut.

Brent crude LCOc1 settled up US$2.72, or 5.9 per cent, at US$48.69 a barrel, hitting a more than twoweek high of US$48.96.

US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude CLc1 rose by US$2.38, or 5.3 per cent, to settle at US$47.05, after a peak US$47.45, its highest since September 8. (Reuters)

BlackBerry stops designing its own phones

Gold Prices – Guyana Gold Board

Bank of Guyana

Oil soars 6% as OPEC reaches deal to limit output in November il prices settled up nearly six per cent on Wednesday after the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) struck a deal to limit crude output at its policy meeting in November, its first agreement to cut production since 2008 and after the market crashed on oversupply.

OPEC reached agreement to limit its production to a range of 32.5-33.0 million barrels per day (bpd) in talks held on the side-

Market statistics Cambio Rates

Business News

+0.90

+0.07%

Business Concept – Insider Trading Buying or selling the securities of a publicly traded firm by an insider to benefit from insider information. Insider trading is commonly restricted or prohibited by law. Also called insider dealing. (Business Dictionary)

lackBerry is to stop designing smartphones in-house after 14 years, the company has announced.

Once a market leader, the company has struggled to keep pace with modern handsets produced by rivals such as Apple and Samsung.

In May, the company’s chief executive, John Chen, said he would know

by September whether the

hardware business was likely to become profitable.

Now, Blackberry says it will outsource hardware development to partners.

But the company has not yet confirmed when any further BlackBerry phones will be released.

“I always wanted to make sure that we keep having the iconic devices,” Chen told BNN. “I just need to find a way to be efficient and be able

to make money. I think we found the model.”

The company said it sold about 400,000 smartphones in its second quarter – fewer than the previous three months.

“BlackBerry can’t keep producing its own phones indefinitely just to serve a small subset of its clients addicted to its home-grown devices,” said Ben Wood of the CCS Insight consultancy. (BBC News)

New date for Massy delisting from BSE

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he voluntary delisting of Massy Holdings Ltd from the Barbados Stock Exchange (BSE), which was originally due to take effect from September 30, has been rescheduled to December 31.

In a notice to its Barbados registered shareholders posted on the T&T Stock Exchange, the company said the BSE had agreed to an extension to the original date set for delisting of its common shares. The shareholders will continue to have the option to

trade in Massy’s shares on the BSE until that date.

Massy Holdings had advised in a July 27 circular letter of plans to delist from the BSE following a decision made at its annual general meeting on February 6, 2015, when shareholders unanimously approved a resolution to that effect. At that time, corporate secretary Wendy Kerry told shareholders that the company had received a de-listing order from the Financial Services Commission (FSC) to give

effect to it subject to certain conditions.

The de-listing will not prevent shareholders from continuing to maintain their investment in Massy nor from trading in the company’s shares. Shareholders can continue to hold their shares by transferring them to the T&T Central Depository (TTCD), or by requesting a physical share certificate.

These can be facilitated through a registered broker in either Barbados or T&T. (Trinidad Guardian)

Investors’ Guide

Wall Street rallies as OPEC reaches output deal

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all Street ended higher on Wednesday after an OPEC agreement to limit crude output fuelled a rally in oil and more than offset nervousness about a tight race for the US presidency.

The energy index had its best day since January, climbing 4.34 per cent after OPEC sources said the group reached a deal to cut its oil production for the first time since 2008. Oil prices rallied as much as six per cent.

Chevron climbed 3.20 per cent and Exxon Mobil gained 4.40 per cent. Shares of Caterpillar Inc, which sells heavy equipment to energy companies, jumped 4.48 per cent.

A slump in oil prices has caused steep earnings declines and losses for US energy producers for several quarters.

S&P 500 energy companies on average are expected to post a 66 per cent drop in third-quarter earnings, according to Thomson Reuters data.

“The energy sector has been

the biggest drag on earnings for the past year and a half or two years, and if you can get some stability there, all of a sudden earnings start to look a lot better,” said Mark Kepner, managing director at Themis Trading in Chatham, New Jersey.

Investors for months had shrugged off the November 8 US presidential election, but uncertainty about the election’s outcome has taken centre stage since Monday’s first debate between candidates Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton.

“There is this uncertainty that you don’t know which way the election is going to go,” said Chris Zaccarelli, chief investment officer at Cornerstone Financial Partners. US stocks reversed earlier losses and moved higher following news of the OPEC agreement.

The Dow Jones industrial average rose 0.61 per cent to end at 18,339.24 points and the S&P 500 gained 0.53 per cent to 2171.37.

The Nasdaq Composite

added 0.24 per cent to 5318.55.

Seven of the 11 major S&P sectors were higher. Telecom services fell 1.04 per cent, the steepest of the decliners.

Some investors said that the oil deal would have only a limited ability boost crude prices, which earlier this year hit decade lows.

“There is still plenty of oil and fossil fuels in general that could come back on. The very fact you do have the US as the marginal producer, it caps the oil price,” said Jeff Weniger, senior portfolio strategist at BMO Private Bank in Chicago.

Nike dropped 3.78 per cent after the shoemaker’s orders missed analysts’ estimates for the third time in a row.

Advancing issues outnumbered declining ones on the NYSE by a 3.13-to-1 ratio; on Nasdaq, a 1.49-to-1 ratio favoured advancers.

The S&P 500 posted 17 new 52-week highs and 3 new lows; the Nasdaq Composite recorded 101 new highs and 36 new lows.

(Reuters)

NEWS

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2016 | GUYANA-TIMES.COM

Cummings Lodge murder Sophia woman sets home ablaze suspect surrenders O

Firemen extinguishing the embers of what was once the one-bedroom house

A

woman said to have fallen into a fit of rage with the father of her child reportedly set their one-bedroom home alight after engaging in an argument with him.

Guyana Times understands that by the time the

fire department arrived sometime after 2:00h, the wooden building, situated on the B Field reserve dam in South Sophia, Greater Georgetown, was already up in flames.

Reports are the young woman set the house alight

in frustration over her partner’s alleged infidelity.

Residents in the neighbourhood said the couple, said to be in their early 20s with a young child, would be heard having frequent arguments. Police have since launched an investigation.

UK recommits to sustainability...

FROM PAGE 11

This regional FLEGT seminar seeks to promote the exchange of experience and lessons learnt from countries that are in the implementation phase, and to address processes required to place FLEGTlicensed timber on the market, which can be delayed despite successes in the deliberative processes that the FLEGT VPAs have promoted. It is anticipated that this two-day event (followed by a one-day field trip) in Guyana will deepen understanding, broaden communication, increase opportunities for a deliberative process, situate issues within a wider context and facilitate local access to the perspectives of international experts.

Over 70 participants are engaged in discussions on a broad range of topics on experiences (including oppor-

tunities and challenges) in transitioning from negotiation to implementation; lessons learnt from civil society in VPA implementation; timber legality assurance systems and the international timber market.

Inspired by the Illegal Logging Conferences hosted by Chatham House in London, Palladium, via the IDL group, launched a series of global experiencesharing seminars and conference events in 2011. This series of events was designed to create an in-country space for discussion and the exchange of ideas, experience and research around forest governance in the timber-producing countries of the Congo Basin and West Africa.

The three-day seminar seeks to promote the exchange of experience and lessons learnt from coun-

tries that are in the implementation phase.

Official negotiations between Guyana and the EU began in December 2012, and the NTWG has since spearheaded widespread consultations with Government agencies, civil society and Private Sector stakeholders throughout the country.

The seminar brings together speakers and participants from Government, Civil Society, the Private Sector, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO) and academia. The event should foster dialogue in Guyana and deepen understanding, broaden communication, increase opportunities for a deliberative process, situate issues within a wider context and facilitate local access to the perspectives of international experts invited to the event.

ne day after the Guyana Police Force issued a wanted bulletin for Damion Hopkinson, 27, of Lot 55 Industry, East Coast Demerara, for questioning regarding the murder of Anita Mohan, the man has surrendered to the Police in C Division (East Coast Demerara).

This was confirmed by a senior Police official, who further stated that Hopkinson is cooperating with the Police. He posited that the man has given a statement and the case file will soon be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions for further legal advice.

Hopkinson was named the second suspect in the murder of the 48-year-old greens vendor, who was brutally killed in her Cummings Lodge, Greater Georgetown home on September 5. He was implicated in the murder by the woman’s nephew,

Murder suspect, Damion Hopkinson

Kevin Mohan, who gave a detailed account of what took place on the fateful night. The nephew, commonly called “Chucky”, was arraigned for the woman’s murder.

Police subsequently confirmed that the woman’s head was bashed in, with a single stab wound to her chest. A bloody rolling pin, suspected to be one of the murder weap-

Murder suspect, Kevin Mohan

ons, was found in close proximity to her body, as well as a broken beer bottle.

An autopsy performed on the body of Mohan revealed that she sustained a chop to her head and one near her temple, along with a stab wound to her chin and one to her mouth. The perpetrators also cut off a portion of her tongue before strangling her.

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guyana-times.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2016

ARCHIE

Don’t share too much with others. Watch and assess (March 21- what people are doing and adApril 19) just your plans accordingly. A secretive approach will give you the edge over any competition you face.

ARIES

Take action if you see TAURUS something you want. Claim (April 20- your space, stake out your poMay 20) sition and pursue your goals.

You can turn your idea or plan into a reality.

DILBERT

Ask questions. Don’t beGEMINI lieve anyone who is pushy, (May 21persuasive or offering the imJune 20) possible. You’ll benefit if you gather facts and take care of business personally. Protect your assets and possessions.

Discuss your plans with CANCER someone who will be affect(June 21- ed by the decisions you make.

July 22) The input you get will be helpful and will lead to a closer bond between you.

PEANUTS

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Plan a trip or make arrangements to get together with people who inspire you.

Bring about change by presenting what you want to see happen. Success is within reach.

If you show your playVIRGO ful side while networking, (Aug. 23Sept. 22) you could build a greater bond with important people.

Update your appearance in order to receive compliments.

CALVIN AND HOBBES

Avoid a dispute. You canLIBRA not win a battle if you do not (Sept. 23have the facts. Your percepOct. 23) tion is off, and this will cost you if you make assumptions or act in haste.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

Don’t leave anything unSCORPIO (Oct. 24- done. Paying close attention Nov. 22) to detail will pay off. An unexpected personal change will help give you a new lease on life. Romance is in the stars.

Someone will withhold inSAGITTARIUS formation, misinterpret you (Nov. 23- or lead you astray. Ask quesDec. 21) tions and look at the big picture before you make a decision that might jeopardize your lifestyle.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

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

Copyright 2015, Distributed by Universal Uclick for UFS

A financial deal will be CAPRICORN riddled with problems. Don’t (Dec. 22- count on anything or anyone.

Jan. 19) Do the legwork yourself to avoid disappointment. Follow instructions carefully and stay away from unpredictable people.

Your hard work will pay AQUARIUS off. Stick to your plan and in(Jan. 20vest in your skills and knowlFeb. 19) edge. Update your resume and personal documents in order to improve your cash flow.

PISCES Do everything according to (Feb. 20- the instructions you’ve been March 20) given. You may have a better idea, but save it for your own benefit, instead of using it to make someone else look good.

thursDAY, september 29, 2016

19

SCOREBOARD Bangladesh innings (50 overs maximum) Tamim Iqbal c Dawlat Zadran b Mirwais Ashraf 20 Soumya Sarkar c Hashmatullah Shahidi b Mirwais Ashraf 20 Mahmudullah b Naveen-ulHaq 25 Mushfiqur Rahim† c Naveenul-Haq b Rahmat Shah 38 Shakib Al Hasan lbw b Mohammad Nabi 17 Sabbir Rahman lbw b Rashid Khan 4 Mosaddek Hossain not out 45 Mashrafe Mortaza* c Dawlat Zadran b Mohammad Nabi 2 Taijul Islam lbw b Rashid Kha n 10 Taskin Ahmed lbw b Rashid Khan0 Rubel Hossain run out (Naveen-ul-Haq) 10 Extras: (b-1, lb-7, w-8, nb-1) 17 Total: (all out; 49.2 overs) 208 (4.21 runs per over) Fall of wickets: 1-45 (Tamim Iqbal, 10.4 ov), 2-50 (Soumya Sarkar, 12.1 ov), 3-111 (Mahmudullah, 24.6 ov), 4-122 (Mushfiqur Rahim, 27.1 ov), 5-138 (Shakib Al Hasan, 31.6 ov), 6-138 (Sabbir Rahman, 32.1 ov), 7-141 (Mashrafe Mortaza, 33.6 ov), 8-165 (Taijul Islam, 42.3 ov), 9-165 (Taskin Ahmed, 42.4 ov), 10208 (Rubel Hossain, 49.2 ov) Bowling: Mohammad Nabi 10-3-16-2, Dawlat Zadran 8-147-0 (w-4), Mirwais Ashraf 5-0-23-2, Naveen-ul-Haq 8.20-49-1 (w-1), Rashid Khan 10-2-35-3 (w-1), Rahmat

Afghanistan level series after tricky chase A

fghanistan earned a hard-fought twowicket win in the second ODI against Bangladesh in Mirpur to level the three-match series, banking on astute planning to leave the home crowd at the Shere Bangla National Stadium stunned. The win came mainly through a 107run partnership for the fifth wicket between Mohammad Nabi and captain Asghar Stanikzai in a chase of 209.

Both batsmen were out with Afghanistan 35 away from a win, but Najibullah Zadran rallied the lower order and the side scraped through with two balls to spare.

Nabi and Stanikzai came together at the crease in the 16th over with Afghanistan at 63 for 4, following Mohammad Shahzad’s miscued slog to backward point off Shakib Al Hasan. The pair struck a four and a six off Shakib in the same over

but had to wait another 5.4 for another boundary.

Despite the lull in boundaries, the pair kept rotating the strike and Stanikzai fought cramps to score his sixth ODI fifty, which included four fours and two sixes. Nabi, who had taken the wickets of Shakib and Mashrafe Mortaza earlier in the match, missed out on the landmark when Mashrafe trapped him lbw in the 40th over, and the side lost Stanikzai in the next over, caught at the deep square leg boundary off debutant Mosaddek Hossain.

Rashid Khan became Shakib’s fourth victim, in his final over, trapped plumb in front for 5, with Afghanistan 20 runs away from the target. Mirwais Ashraf played out Shakib’s last two deliveries carefully, and the bowler ended with returns of 4 for 47.

Najibullah and Ashraf then

saw off the next over, which was Mashrafe’s last.

The match could have still swung Bangladesh’s way had Mushfiqur Rahim completed an easy stumping of Zadran with 13 runs required. Bangladesh’s players were disappointed, but Taskin ended up removing the left-hander in the final over with the scores level.

The winning hit came from the other Zadran, Dawlat, who slashed a boundary through backward point.

Afghanistan’s chase had started with Shahzad flicking a four off the first ball before Nawroz Mangal took two fours off Shakib in the fourth over. Two balls later, however, Mangal misread Shakib’s length and spooned a catch to cover. Shakib went onto have Rahmat Shah lbw for a twoball duck in the same over.

Shahzad sparkled briefly and added 45 runs for the third wicket with

Hashmatullah Shahidi, who was trapped lbw for 14 by Mosaddek off his first ball in ODI cricket. Shakib then had Shahzad skewing a catch to backward point for a run-a-ball 35.

Bangladesh’s innings would have ended sooner had it not been for the 43-run stand for the tenth wicket between Mosaddek and Rubel, who kept out Rashid’s hat-trick delivery in the 43rd over. Rashid was rampant at that stage, having removed Taijul and Taskin off successive balls.

Mosaddek finished with an unbeaten 45, including four boundaries and two sixes. The scoop over long leg and pull over midwicket stood out. When he had come out to bat, Bangladesh were 138 for 5 with Shakib having been given out lbw to a debatable decision.

Mosaddek saw wickets tumble around him, but stayed composed.

Earlier, Mushfiqur and Mahmudullah added 61 for the third wicket, but Bangladesh lost their last

Shah 8-0-30-1 (nb-1, w-2) Afghanistan innings (target: 209 runs from 50 overs) Mohammad Shahzad† c Taskin Ahmed b Shakib Al Hasan 35 Nawroz Mangal c Taijul Islam b Shakib Al Hasan 10 Rahmat Shah lbw b Shakib Al Hasan 0 Hashmatullah Shahidi lbw b Mosaddek Hossain 14 Asghar Stanikzai* c Sabbir Rahman b Mosaddek Hossain 57 Mohammad Nabi lbw b Mashrafe Mortaza 49 Najibullah Zadran c Mosaddek Hossain b Taskin Ahmed 22 Rashid Khan lbw b Shakib Al Ha san 5 Mirwais Ashraf not out 9 Dawlat Zadran not out 4 Extras: (lb-2, w-5) 7 Total:(8 wickets; 49.4 overs)212 Did not bat: Naveen-ul-Haq Fall of wickets: 1-14 (Nawroz Mangal, 3.4 ov), 2-14 (Rahmat Shah, 3.6 ov), 3-59 (Hashmatullah Shahidi, 13.1 ov), 4-63 (Mohammad Shahzad, 15.1 ov), 5-170 (Mohammad Nabi, 39.1 ov), 6-174 (Asghar Stanikzai, 40.3 ov), 7-189 (Rashid Khan, 44.4 ov), 8-208 (Najibullah Zadran, 49.3 ov) Bowling: Mashrafe Mortaza 10-0-31-1 (w-2), Shakib Al Hasan 10-0-47-4, Taskin Ahmed 4.4-0-32-1 (w-2), Taijul Islam 10-0-38-0, Mosaddek Hossain 10-1-30-2 (w-1), Sabbir Rahman 2-0-8-0, Rubel Hossain 3-0-24-0

seven wickets for 86 runs.

That proved the turning point. (ESPNcricinfo)

Champions League

Celtic, Manchester City play to draw at Celtic Park C

eltic claimed their first Champions League Group C point as Pep Guardiola’s perfect record in charge of Manchester City was ended with a draw in Glasgow.

The hosts led twice in the first half, Moussa Dembele diverting in Erik Sviatchenko’s header and Kieran Tierney forcing an own goal by Raheem Sterling.

Fernandinho’s strike brought City level first time and Sterling showed composure to net the visitors’ second.

Nolito equalised for the visitors again after Dembele had netted on the turn.

Barcelona’s win over

Borussia Monchengladbach in Germany keeps the Spaniards top of the group with City two points behind in second. The top two meet in Barcelona on 19 October.

Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic hold a one-point advantage over bottom side Gladbach going into their meeting in Glasgow.

The electricity was crackling around Celtic Park even before a ball had been kicked, the home crowd unleashing noise and colour and every ounce of passion in their bodies on the visitors. All of that emotion came thundering in again when Dembele stunned City.

Scott Sinclair’s freekick, James Forrest’s first-

time cross, Sviatchenko’s diving header and in off Dembele - already a Celtic cult hero at the tender age of 20. In attack, and defence, Dembele was terrific.

In those opening minutes City looked like a team that were not ready for Celtic’s intensity. They looked a bit shocked to be involved in a fight. Class will out, though. Fernandinho equalised after latching on to Aleksandar Kolarov’s shot and the epic was truly up and running.

The teenager, as beloved a full-back as any in these parts since Danny McGrain was tearing it up, cut in, shot and saw his attempt deflected in off Sterling’s boot. Cue more

pandemonium.

Cue City’s brilliance too.

Brown was too easily dispossessed and City sliced through, David Silva playing a sumptuous pass to the magnificent Sterling, who finished with all the class of a player reborn under his new manager.

City’s defensive malaise carried on at the start of the second half. Kolarov, playing fitfully at centrehalf, was desperately poor in the build-up to Celtic’s third. When Tierney put in a cross, City’s rearguard was in a comatose state.

Dembele had time to take it down and hook it behind him and beyond Claudio Bravo. (BBC SPORT)

20

Regal Computer Centre & Sport in Atwell’s corner

T

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

thursday, SEPTEMBER 29, 2016

he statement ‘If you live for yourself, you live for a day but if you live for others you live forever’ seems to have been the mantra that steered the management of a successful corporate entity in Georgetown to support a successful boxer who was forced to slow down in the prime of his life.

Regal Stationery and Computer Centre and Regal Sports of Seaforth Street Campbellville have thrown their support behind boxer Clive Atwell following two successful brain surgeries.

The corporate entity presented US$500 to the boxer at a simple ceremony at the 69 Seaforth Street, Campbellville location.

The well celebrated Atwell who was unable to continue his fight against Dexter Gonsalves at Giftland Mall a year ago, learnt that he was losing blood and needed a reconstruction surgery which was done at Balwant Singh hospital at a cost of G$4M. The bill was shared by the Guyana Boxing Board of

WDFA/ Stag Beer Senior League...

Clive Atwell (centre) is happy to be receiving the donation from Telesha Ousman in the presence of his wife Altavi

Control, Atwell himself and the World Boxing Council.

After that episode and Atwell was recovering from that life changing incident, he learnt that he needed another surgery and this could not be done locally so he embarked on raising funds for the surgery to be done in Trinidad and Tobago.

However, on his fund raising trip to New York in July he met Matt Furigo the CEO of Ring 10 boxing foundation who made the surgery possible at Kingsbrook Jewish hospital in New York ten months after its scheduled date.

Atwell related that during his stay in New York he visited the Roy Wilkinson Park where Regal was competing in the New York Softball Cricket League masters and open Independence Cup finals in early July where he met Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Regal Stationery and Computer Centre and Regal Sports Mahendra Hardyal who promised to support the boxer upon their return to Guyana.

Atwell said he is thankful for the assistance and congratulated Regal for winning both masters and open titles adding that he was impressed with their discipline and team work. Atwell is grateful to the almighty and expressed gratitude to sport journalist Sean Devers, Gwen Williams, Matt Furigo, GBBC, WBC, Dr. Monica Sanchez, Caricom International of New York, Fly Jamaica, Director of Sport Christopher Jones and the media.

Regal defeated Floodlights and New York Allstar in the masters and open finals respectively, and Hardyal who won the man-of-the-match award in the masters final said he is happy to assist the boxer for it is their way of giving back to the society. Regal Sports is the newest addition to the Regal Stationery and Computer Centre chain and offers a variety of sporting equipment at attractive prices for sport men and women.

Stewartville, Uitvlugt latest teams to notch wins S tewartville and Uitvlugt Warriors were latest teams to record victories in the West Demerara Football Association/STAG Beer Senior League.

Playing at the Den Amstel Community Centre ground, Uitvlugt brushed thumped Beavers 4-1, while Stewartville defeated Wales United 2-0.

The undefeated Uitvlugt side now has 13 points and is in third position while Beavers remain in the cellar position on a solitary point.

The deadlock between the two teams eventually was broken by virtue of an own goal in the 34th minute by Uitvlugt.

Kevin Duke was the first to etch his name on the score sheet when he netted in the 38th to end a dominant first half.

Twenty-five minutes into the second period, Duke’s sibling Kevon added to the score and one minute later, Casper Evans sealed the comfortable victory.

The undefeated Uitvlugt side now has 13 points and is in third position while Beavers remain in the cellar position on a solitary point.

In the second match, Stewartville eased to 2-0

Stewartville scorers: Paul Hector (left) and Orette Stephenson

win over Wales United after Paul Hector and Orette Stephenson netted in the 22nd and 43rd minutes respectively.

Stewartville now has 13 points and is in fourth position while Wales are still on eight points and in the seventh position.

On Saturday, Young

Achievers will clash with Wales FC from 14:00h followed by Pouderoyen against Beavers FC from 16:00h.

Sunday, will see Uitvlugt tackle Jetty Gunners from 14:00h then FC Eagles play Golden Warriors from 16:00h.

Current WDFA Senior Standings Team Den Amstel Pouderoyen Uitvlugt Stewartville Young Achievers Eagles Wales United Jetty Gunners Golden Warriors Vege Boyz Beavers

GP 7 5 5 8 8 6 8 6 7 8 4

W 6 4 4 4 4 3 2 1 1 1 0

L 0 0 0 3 4 2 4 4 5 7 3

D 1 1 1 1 0 1 2 1 1 0 1

GF 18 20 11 13 16 21 8 5 4 9 0

GA 8 6 1 9 8 11 11 14 13 36 8

GD +10 +14 +10 +4 +8 +10 -3 -9 -9 -27 -8

Pts 19 13 13 13 12 10 8 4 4 3 1

Gayle to join BPL’s Chittagong Vikings

W

est Indies star batsman Chris Gayle has signed up with Bangladesh Premier League’s (BPL) Chittagong Vikings for the 2016-2017 season.

Gayle, who previously played for Barisal Bulls, will, however, not be available to play for the team until the latter half of the tournament.

The Vikings, who finished last season at bottom of the points table, have done major retooling for the new season. In addition to Gayle the team has added Dwayne Smith and Shoaib Malik, both of who played for Comilla Victorians last season, and Rangpur Riders’ Chaturanga de Silva and

Mohammad Nabi.

Gayle scored a total of 139 runs for Barisal last season. Smith has, however, not played in the tournament in 2013, while de Silva finished as the leading wicket-taker in this year’s Dhaka Premier League. Mahela Jayawardene, meanwhile, is set to join his teammate Kumar Sangakkara at Dhaka Dynamites, who have also signed up Andre Russell, Dwayne Bravo and Ravi Bopara.

Jason Holder, Lendl Simmons, Ryan ten Doeschate, Misbah-ul-Haq, Mohammad Hafeez, Grant Elliott, Ahmed Shehzad and Herschelle Gibbs will be the other star attractions at the players’ draft. (Sportsmax)

YELLOW PAGES thursDAY, september 29, 2016 | www.guyana-times.com

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3rd O

n Friday the third edition of Guyana’s premier junior tennis tournament, the Bakewell Tennis Tournament was officially launched and the representatives from the Guyana Lawn Tennis Association and Bakewell promised it will be an exciting tournament.

This prestigious tournament will be used to select a team to represent Guyana at the Tennis Inter Guiana Games (IGG) which will run from October 26 to November 1 in French Guiana.

The tournament is held in honour of the late Chief Executive Officer of Bakewell, Naeem Nasir and it will coincide with his death anniversary.

The competition will be held at the President’s College tennis courts for the next two weekends before returning to the National Racquet Centre for the finals.

The former CEO, Nasir was a dedicated fan and supporter of sport, specifically tennis. Bakewell is carrying on his legacy and continuing to support the development of the sport.

Speaking at the launch,

21

sports

Bakewell tennis tournament launched

Amanzar of Bakewell said the entity is excited to be part of tennis for the third time, contributing to the development of children.

Former President of GTA and committee member Grace McCalman thanked the management of Bakewell for fulfilling its social responsibility towards development through tennis...late CEO Nasir supported tennis for many years and built a tennis court at President College.

She further informed that Tennis programme for the college and nearby primary schools are to be established in the coming year.

Shelly Ramdyhan the tournament coordinator said 39 players have registered and she has so far urged them to exhibit high level of discipline and honesty when playing, scoring or otherwise.

The tournament will feature games in three categories the Under-12 Under-14 and Under-18 The tournament is the last one before the tennis IGG games and will form part of the evaluation for selection for the tennis team.

Meanwhile, the GTA is grateful that Bakewell has

Shelly Ramdyhan

upheld their commitment to come on board as a long term sponsor stating that this is what the sport needs.

This tournament will help to determine which players are selected for the upcoming overseas tournament.

Some of last year’s top competitors including last year’s girls under 18 winner Afruica Gentle and runner up Aretta Dey, Boy’s under-14 winner Mark McDonald and runner up Heimraj Resaul and Girls’ under 12 winner Sarah Klauky and runner up Nathalie Ramdyhan among many other fierce competitors like Nicola Ramdyhan, Jordan Beaton and Keenan Persaud will compete in this tournament.

Lowe gets maiden Reggae Boyz’ call-up T

“We are trying to balance the overseas with local talent and what we will also try to do is put in some younger players and some more experienced players,” said team manager Roy Simpson of the 20-man squad that includes 12 players who ply their trade overseas. “Hopefully they can take us past these two games and then we strengthen for the fiLowe, a nal stage former Camperdown and for High and Hartford the Gold Hawk player, is curC u p rently on loan with n e x t Minnesota FC in year.” the North America Damion Lowe Soccer League (NASL). Lowe, who Other members of has represented the new-look squad inJamaica at the clude goalkeeper Ryan Under 23 level, Thompson of St. Louis also represents an FC, Kemar Lawrence of influx of young talthe New York Red Bulls, ent brought in from Dwayne Ambursely of both local and overMontego Bay United, seas clubs including Owayne Gordon of Indy Omar Holness and Eleven, Dino Williams Allan Ottey. wenty-three-yearold defender Damion Lowe, son of former national representative Onandi Lowe, has received his maiden call up to the Jamaican national senior squad for the Scotiabank CFU Men’s Caribbean Cup qualifiers against Suriname and Guyana on October 5 and 11, respectively.

of Montego Bay United, Allan Ottey of Montego Bay United, Je-Vaughn Watson of the New England Revolution, Sean Francis of the San Jose Earthquakes, Michael Binns of the Wilmington Hammerheads, Corey Burke of the Bethlehem Steele, Darren Mattocks of the Portland Timbers, Ewan Grandison of Portmore United, Andrew Vanzie of Humble Lion FC, Andrew Holness of Real Salt Lake, Dicoy Williams of Arnett Gardens, Alvas Powell of the Portland Timbers, Ladale Richie of Montego Bay United, Rosario Harriott of Harbour View FC and Andre Blake of the Philadelphia Union.

The team will be coached by former Jamaica midfielder and Under 20 coach Theodore Whitmore who will be in charge of the national squad for the two matches in round three of the competition. Arnett Gardens coach Jerome Waite will be his assistant.

(Sportsmax)

22

GUYANA-TIMES.COM

thursday, september 29, 2016

Tour of Tobago

Calvin Ming living his Guyanese riders dream on the race track impress in opening stage

By Akeem Greene

The speed, the dashing turns, the smell of tyre burn, the popping of champagne after a trilling win are just some reasons that young Formula Four race car driver Calvin Ming (CM) is pursuing his dream of a life on the race track.

Just at the of 19, Ming has been a constant finisher on the podiums in both the United States and South America and most recently secured a third place finish at the Circuit of the Americas in Central Texas.

The teenager, who is son of veteran racer Stanley Ming has to balance studying Civil Engineering at Florida International University and racing took some time out from his busy schedule to speak to Guyana Times Sport (GTS) on his experiences racing with team Pelfrey.

GTS: How has it been racing in the F4 Series?

CM: Racing in the F1600 series has been such a great experience for me, I have been able to push myself to the limit racing against strong competitors and also I have been able to work with such a great team of coaches and mechanics which has helped me to develop more as a driver.

GTS: You

have been getting a lot of podium finishes, what do you think is the reason for your performances?

CM: I think it’s is due to some luck and making sure I don’t get in any accidents with the competition and also due to all the training I have been doing both on and off the track.

GTS: Obviously touring is a big part of racing, how difficult has been travelling to various countries on a regular basis?

CM: It has been really difficult and time consuming but you have to make sacrifices if u want to do the things you love GTS: Explain the thrill of going over 180 miles per hour, is it not frightening?

CM: Well it is terrifying knowing that you can lose control at any given time. But I guess it’s just growing up I use to go at that speed quite a lot while racing in karting so I got use to it.

GTS: What is your ultimate goal?

CM: My ultimate goal is to a paid professional driver, I’m very interested in

F1 but I am also interested in Leman and Indy car racing.

GTS: What keep motivated after the long hours of training, accidents and long air time?

CM: It’s my love for racing; I just love the adrenaline and going fast.

Also I love the mind games that go on in racing. It is kind of like chess trying and thinking ahead of your opponent so you can be the first across the finish line.

Ming who is grateful for the support of his parents grew up watching his father race super bikes which created the love for motorsport he now possesses.

Go-karts since age six, a competitive nature throughout his career in shifter karts, competing with friends to later becoming two-time Go-Kart Champion in Guyana, is in full force with his drive to one day become a Formula 1 racer.

This weekend, Ming will take the track at the Virginia International Raceway for the final round of the F1600 Championship after which he is expected undergo testing with INDYCAR for a new formula car next year.

The close corners, the exhilarating speed, is adrenaline rush that Calvin loves

PMSS cook best yard fowl curry T

he Port Mourant Secondary School cooked their way to championship honour when the Cricket teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, M.S hosted the first ever Yard Fowl Curry Competition in Guyana.

The event supported by hundreds of Rose Hall Residents was held at the Area ‘H’ Ground and was sponsored by the RHTY&SC, Kings Jewellery World, Guyana Tourism Authority, Ansa Mcal (Guy) Ltd, Guyana Beverage Company, Digicel and Docol.

The Yard Fowl Curry Competition was followed by an energetic two hours public concert to officially close the two weeks celebration of Guyana’s smallest town 46th anniversary celebration.

Twelve teams took part in the historic competition which was organised by the cricket teams and coordinated by Kings Jewellery World Chief Executive Officer Looknauth Persaud and a team from Georgetown. Secretary/CEO of the RHTY&SC, Hilbert Foster expressed delight at

the success of the Yard Fowl Competition and stated that the Club would be working to make it an event that is closely associated with the name of the township of Rose Hall.

Kings Jewellery World. The first Runner up received $30,000.00 and a trophy while the 2nd Runner up carried home $20,000.00 and a trophy. The best presentation award of $10,000.00 was awarded to J.C. Chandisingh

The winner of the competition

Shamie off Licence and Restaurant copped the runner up spot while J.C. Chandisingh Secondary School took home the 3rd Place prize. Sharon Cort and Terry Pike were the 4th and 5th place winners respectively. The winners received $50,000.00 and two trophies while the Head Cook received a shopping voucher worth $25,000.00 from the Management of

Secondary School.

The panel of judges was specially selected by Looknauth Persaud of the National Duck Curry Fame and were all Georgetown based in an effort to get neutral judges. The objectives of the competition were to promote the once popular Yard Fowl Curry, to create a special brand for the township, to promote social cohesion,

to attract tourists to Rose Hall Town and to promote the Club’s Say No to Crime, Drugs and Suicide Message.

Hundreds of Rose Hall Town residents later in the evening were entertained in a well organised two hours public concert to bring the curtail down on the almost two weeks of celebrations that were held under the theme of “Proud of Our Past, Optimistic of Our Future”.

The packed programme included numerous artistes drawn from the Guysuco Training Centre, Churches, Schools, B3 Dancing Group and popular Berbicians Cecil Marks and the evergreen Sweet Kendingo, the former Calypso Monarch. The Management and Members of the Rose Hall Town Farfan and Mendes Under 15, Bakewell Under 17 and Second Division, Pepsi Under 19 and Intermiade, Metro Females and Gizmos & Gadgets Under 21 and First Division Cricket Teams would like to express gratitude to all the participants and sponsors of the Yard Fowl Curry Competition and Public Concert.

D

e s pite repr e s e n t ing various teams, Guyanese r i d e r s turned out exceptional performances in the opening stage of Tobago International Cycle Classic (TICC) Tour of Tobago on Wednesday in Tobago.

Team Cocos Raynauth Jeffrey finished second in the under 25 years category in Division One while Jeban Crawford repDutchman Aron Van Der Zwet of team PSL is elated after resenting PSL winning the opening stanza Cycling team won the Division Two category ahead of his countryman Andrew Hicks also of PSL who was also the top under-19 rider.

Division One, which stretches a distance of 120km (10 laps) saw Dutchman Aron Van Der Zwet of PSL Cycling Club riding in first in a time of 2 hrs 25 min 50.68 sec followed by countryman Nick Stopler (PSL) in a time of 2:26.07.57. Ishmael Sanchez of the Dominican Republic (Team Foundation) was third in a time of 2:26.09.50.

The Top T&T finisher was Adam Alexander (Team Foundation) was sixth.

In the Under 25 category, it was Sebatian Caicedo of Colombia who rode in ahead of Guyanese Raynauth Jeffrey and Trinidadian Tyler Cole in third.

Cole won the Division Two title in 2015.

Meanwhile, in Division Two which covered a distance of 60km over five laps, Guyanese Jeban Crawford (PSL) finished in a time of 1 hr 25 min 34.822 sec ahead of Andrew Hicks (Guyana/PSL) 1:25.35.898 and Jabari Whiteman (T&T/Southclaine) 1:25.49.503.

In the Under-19 Category it was another Guyanese, Andrew Hicks (PSL) who rode in first followed by Romello Crawford (T&T/PSL) and Lorenzo Orosco (T&T/Breakaway) in second and third respectively.

The results of the other categories are; Top Under 17: Jabari Whiteman (T&T/Southclaine), 2nd Kyle Gill (Barbados/Team Massy), 3rd Enrique de Comarmond (T&T/Heatway Ladies Open: Desiree Ehler (Switzerland/Team Eleven), 2nd Sofie Mangertseder (Germany/Team Eleven), 3rd Christiane Farah (T&T/PSL) Masters 40-49: 1st Mark Hosein (T&T/Breakaway), 2nd Brent hurdle (T&T/Breakaway), 3rd Marlon Choo Ying (T&T/PSL) Masters 50-59: 1st Birk Tidd (T&T/Knights FR), 2nd Stephen Aboud (T&T/Team Pharmaco), 3rd Ronald Crooks (T&T/Team Foundation) Masters 60 plus: 1st Foster Francois (T&T/PSL), 2nd Codrington Joefield (T&T/PSL) This is the 30th edition of the Tour of Tobago and the action will continue until Sunday.

thursday, september 29, 2016

guyana-times.com

23

“Terribly embarrassing” if Top players emerge WI don’t get automatic WC victors in lopsided qualification – Dujon opening round Bakewell Tennis Tournament

J

Jeffrey Dujon

eff Dujon, the former West Indies wicketkeeper, has said it would be a “terrible embarrassment” if West Indies were unable to qualify automatically for the 2019 World Cup. West Indies are currently jostling with Pakistan for the final automatic qualification spot in the one-day rankings ahead of the series in UAE, which starts on Friday. If Pakistan can repeat their 3-0 scoreline from the T20 series in the ODIs, they will jump ahead of West Indies into eighth place.

The cut-off for qualification is September 30, 2017, with the ODI nations who sit outside the top eight then joining the qualifying tournament which is currently scheduled to take place in Bangladesh. West Indies missed out on a place in next year’s Champions Trophy after being pipped for the final berth by Pakistan and Bangladesh.

“It would be a terrible embarrassment for West Indies to not automatically qualify,” Dujon, who played in the 1983 and 1987 World Cups, told ESPNcricinfo.

“It would be damaging for any team who has tasted what it’s like to be in the top echelon of world cricket.

“As someone who played in a very successful era, it’s very embarrassing but it has to be an indication of exactly where we are at and something needs to be done. It hurts.

“We can’t be fooled by the fact that we’ve just won two tournaments - the World T20 and the U-19 World Cup - the fact we are still struggling to qualify shows we shouldn’t get carried away with that.”

On the eve of travelling to the UAE, Phil Simmons was sacked as coach - less than six months after West Indies won the World T20 with the WICB citing “differences in culture and strategic approach.” Dujon does not believe a satisfactory explanation has been given for Simmons’ departure, despite the strained relationship he had with the board following comments about one-day se-

lection last year.

“The sacking of Phil Simmons was a surprise. I’m not sure we have the real reasons, what we were given were a bit sketchy,” he said during a visit to London for a Lord’s Taverners event honouring wicketkeepers. “It’s disappointing for me that we haven’t been able to find a settled situation in the coaching area which would give the team some direction. It’s a setback. Jason Holder as captain also still has a lot to prove so things are in a pretty unstable situation now.”

S i m m o n s ’ last engagement was the Test series against India where, although West Indies lost 2-0, there were moments of encouragement, particularly with Roston Chase’s match-saving maiden Test century in Jamaica and the promising returns of young quicks Miguel Cummins and Alzarri Joseph. “The talent is still there, it’s a matter of who is going to work with them to help them develop,” Dujon said. “We are still in a situation where we are trying to solve the problem from the top down rather than the bottom.

“A promising move recently is that it seems we are going to have more A-team tours which is vital for development. They are mean-

ingful when you go and play in countries who are better than you, it gives you a bet-

Former West Indies player and Head Coach, Phil Simmons

ter gauge of where you are at. That has to be focus, as expensive as it may be, and hopefully we’ll have a better quality of player coming through to the top level in the next four or five years.

Right now, some of the players who have come to the top level are not the complete article.” (ESPNcricinfo)

A

s expected, the opening weekend of the Guyana Lawn Tennis Association (GTA) Premier Junior tournament, the Bakewell Tennis tournament, was off to a lopsided start after several seasonal youth players were in ripping form as they demolished their opponents quickly.

Played at the National Racquet Centre, last year’s boys under-14 player Heimraj Resaul proved why he is being deemed as the player to watch on the tennis court with a clinical performance over R a v i n Ramprasad 6-0, 6-2.

Meanwhile, one of Hemraj’s fierce competitor Jordan Beaton whopped Akil Browne 4-1, 4-2.

However, the largest margin of victory went to Khalid Gobin who won every point on offer to shatter Riwad Kasim 6-0, 6-0. Viraj Sharma also completed an identical feat in the boys U-18 category as he delivered a heavy blow against Ridwan Sharma who lost 6-0, 6-0.

Ciara Pooran was the day’s other winner after she beat Alana Chung 4-1, 5-3.

There were three matches where players won by walk over, those are the Boys und e r - 1 4 clash between V i j a y

Sharma a n d Michaia A n d r e w s , Sharma won that match by means of a walk over. Kassim won by walk over against Andrews and Diena Sandbeharry defeated Chung by walk over.

This weekend matches are scheduled for the President’s College tennis courts.

The tournament is held in honour of the late Chief Executive Officer of Bakewell, Naeem Nasir and it coincides with his death anniversary.

Nasir was a dedicated fan and supporter of sport, more so tennis. Bakewell is carrying on his legacy and continues to support the development of the sport.

thursday, september 29, 2016

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

Pg 21

3rd Bakewell tennis tournament launched Calvin Ming living his dream on the race track Pg 22

Calvin Ming (centre) celebrates yet another podium finish

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