Thursday, March 15, 2018 guyana times

Commonwealth Day celebrated Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Thursday, March 15, 2018

Govt slams US Ambassador over SWF comments …wants US to refrain from making “misinformed” guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 3503

statements about oil and gas sector

Page 3

Fishermen losing millions

... after Govt dragged feet on new regulations since 2015

Page 15

Integrated Security guards picket RDC

PRICE

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE: Corentyne rice infestation

Rice milling P14 company blasts GRDB’s “no outbreak” report …says over 3000 acres infested

P7 Former Buxton NDC chairman charged for planting ganja Kitty Market works stalled again P13

…Region 5 REO evicts staffers from headquarters in compound

Page 6 Almost 2 years later

Contractor refuses to P12 complete Sand Creek Health Centre

…as building begins to collapse

Integrated Security guards on Wednesday picketed the Regional Democratic Council's office in Region Five over the non-payment of their salary by the firm

3 children seriously injured after Bartica Page 6 boat accident

Pensioner stabbed to death in WBD home Page 7

“I did not poison my children” – accused mother testifies ...will know fate today

Guyanese wanted 11 for murder in the Page US to be extradited

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BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Thursday, March 15 – a night-time retraction at 04:00h and a day-time retraction from 14:30h-16:00h and Friday, March 16 – a nighttime retraction at 04:30h and a day-time retraction from 14:30h-16:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, March 15 – 15:25h-16:55h and Friday, March 16 – 16:05h-17:35h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Weather: Sunny intervals with lightly cloudy skies can be expected throughout the day, with partly cloudy to clear skies expected in the evening. Overall temperatures are expected to range between 21 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-easterly to North-easterly between 1.78 metres and 6.25 metres.

High Tide: 03:26h and 15:41h reaching maximum heights of 2.42 metres and 2.53 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 09:16h and 21:37h reaching minimum heights of 0.78 metres and 0.65 metre respectively.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14, 2018

LOTTERY NUMBERS N

14

17

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21

24

08 Bonus Ball

FREE TICKET

DAILY MILLIONS 02 04 08 16

21

LUCKY 3 5 0 4

2

Afternoon Draw DRAW DE LINE

01

28

03

08

09

7

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Evening Draw

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

Govt slams US Ambassador over SWF comments …wants US to refrain from making “misinformed” statements about oil and gas sector

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ne day after United States (US) Ambassador to Guyana Perry Holloway called for Guyana to redouble its efforts to ensure the establishment of a strong and independent fund, similar to a Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF), which would see the country’s development safeguarded as it continues to benefit from the emerging oil and gas sectors, the Government issued a strong statement upbraiding the foreign diplomat.

In a strongly worded statement issued by the Finance Ministry on Wednesday, Government said as a new oil producing nation, Guyana is ahead of many countries, having already taken the initiative to establish a fund of this kind.

Even Norway, which today is promoted as a model country in petroleum resource management, did not create a SWF until several years after its first oil.

“This of course does not mean that the establishment of such a fund is not immediately necessary, but rather, it demonstrates the Government's commitment to good governance, transparency and accountability, by ensuring that a legislative framework is in place to safeguard our national patrimony, prior to the commencement of oil production,” the statement said.

While Government said it values the comments from bilateral and multilateral partners on the draft content of the SWF, and welcomes further engagement and support, it noted, they would “recommend that our partners exercise restraint when pronouncing on Guyana's national priorities, and to refrain from making premature statements on its petroleum resource management, given the existing challenges of managing expectations and avoiding the Dutch Disease,” referring to the Ambassador’s comments.

Ambassador Holloway on Wednesday insisted that the establishment of a revenue and investment fund was necessary if Guyana is interested in effectively managing the windfall and monies that will flow from the oil and gas sector which should be utilised to boost the country’s overall growth and development.

His comment was made via an Op-Ed that was published by the US Embassy on their website and social media pages. The diplomat explained that Guyanese will ultimately have to make decisions on the type of development model they wish to have in place as he warned that a “rainy day fund” was simply not enough to secure the country’s future transformation.

Ambassador Holloway also expressed the view that as conversations and discussions continue about what needs to be done to properly

portant piece of legislation.

“That impression is misinformed. Consequently, the Ministry wishes to use this opportunity to remind the citizens and other stakeholders that the foundation for the establishment of the SWF began since 2016. This was announced more than a year ago at the opening of Guyana’s National Seminar on Preparing for First Oil, which was facilitated by Chatham House,” it added.

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

manage the oil and gas sector, it was important that the SWF which is being proposed by the David Granger Administration remain “independent, nonpartisan, transparent and inviolable”.

He also explained that the fund would realise investments in education, health, infrastructure, agriculture, and security as he stressed that its urgency cannot be understated.

According to him, difficult decisions are ahead whether that involves identifying the right talent to manage the fund or even making the difficult decision to borrow at concessional rates that will not be available tomorrow to develop the present.

However, the investment today will pay off tomorrow.

But the Government said the establishment of a SWF is already a designated priority for their Administration.

They said also that the suggestions contained in the Op-Ed may have given the impression that the Government and, by extension, the Finance Ministry, under whose remit the drafting of the legislation for the SWF falls, has not made significant progress on this im-

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US Ambassador to Guyana Perry Holloway

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

Rose Hall: leaden argument vs slow death

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n March 13, 1913, the manager of the Rose Hall, Canje sugar plantation, called in the Police to quell a work-related protest by sugar workers. The dispute centred over a promised holiday granted to workers then rescinded by a manager. Seven individuals protested, and the manager attempted to expel them from the plantation.

Later, warrants were issued for some other immigrants. The Police, including the Inspector General from Georgetown himself, arrived to execute the warrants and the crowds resisted. The Riot Act was read; the Police fired, and fourteen immigrants were killed. One Policeman was also killed by their own bullets. It was the largest number of Immigrants ever killed in one protest.

This pattern of killing workers who protested their working conditions – at this time still under indentureship – had become a regular occurrence. Only the year before, the manager at Lusignan had himself shot and killed a shovel-man, who, with six others was protesting their day’s “task”. Killings had previously occurred at Devonshire Castle – 1872, five killed, seven wounded; Non Pariel – 1896, five killed, 59 wounded; and Friends – 1903, six killed, seven wounded). The killings continued even after indentureship ended: Ruimveldt – 1924, 13 killed, 18 wounded); Leonora – 1939, four killed, four injured); and Enmore – 1948, five killed, nine injured).

In an event held on site to commemorate the Rose Hall killings this year, Social Cohesion Minister, Dr George Norton offered some remarks that demand explication: “Those lives were not lost in vain. These men and the lone woman were heroes, they are our martyrs, their struggles lend support to the fight against indentureship, which ended four years after… Not only must we be proud and recognise their contribution to the world we live here in Guyana today, but as Guyanese we must emulate the bravery of those fallen heroes.”

How can Dr Norton say, “those lives were not lost in vain”, when three months ago his Government unilaterally closed the entire Rose Hall factory and fired 800 workers.

With Rose Hall being the only source of employment in the entire Canje Creek settlements, and no alternative employment being created or facilitated by Government, the Government has effectively sentenced those workers and their families to a slow and painful death. The “leaden” argument used during the colonial period was perhaps kinder, since those lives were snuffed out immediately.

Here, we are already witnessing the induced frustration of seeing no viable future leading to marital and family discord; suicide; increased alcoholism and children pulled out of school.

In any other community, there would have been an explosion of protests over the inhuman act that will see these communities crumble and die. But perhaps the pattern of repression on the sugar plantations that actually increased after nationalisation – which was supposed to confer “ownership to the people of Guyana” – has dulled their spirits. As we saw, during indentureship, there were protests that rocked not only the industry but also the Guyanese colonial state.

These protests directly led to Guyana achieving the franchise after the visiting Moyne Royal Commission investigating sugar protests witnessed practically first hand, the 1939 killings at Leonora and made that recommendation implemented after WWII. The 1948 killings at Enmore led to the formation of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), which spearheaded the fight for independence. So how could Dr Norton say he was recognising “their contribution to the world we live here in Guyana today”?

The poignancy of the sugar workers’ predicament was highlighted by the PPP’s Regional Councillor Zamal Hussain who called on the Government to act on a motion that was passed by the Regional Democratic Council of Region Six for transportation subsidies to be granted to children of sugar workers so they would be able to attend school.

But perhaps Dr Norton unwittingly gave some solid advice: “as Guyanese we must emulate the bravery of those fallen heroes.” That is, stand up to the Government that has snatched bread from fellow Guyanese’ mouths.

Scientists dress as pandas so the captive-bred bears are to some extent sheltered from human contact (BBC)

‘PNC projects’ cannot be classified as emergency works Dear Editor, Numerous articles recently published by the media, give testimony to the consistent manipulation and breach of procurement laws, which are being blatantly and flagrantly flaunted under the administration of the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government.

Their silence on, and lack of correct efforts, provide strong testimony of a subtle accommodation of the many unacceptable wrongs.

No doubt, the suppression of disciplinary, corrective and essential counter-checking mechanisms, negatively impact local governance matters. At the same time, the transparency requirements of the Government seem to have been dissolved and forgotten by its principals and agents.

The situation in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) is not limited to the defaulting, but provides apt examples of the wide distasteful approach. Budgeted parliamentary appropriations are being re-prioritised, while the productive capacity of the region suffers from lack of necessary support.

As the 2018 rice crop gets into full swing, farmers throughout the coun-

try are experiencing serious difficulties with ‘impassable’ roads/dams along with soft and muddy fields. On the Essequibo Coast, farmers are lamenting that their calls on the Regional Executive Officer (REO) in Regional Two to address the required maintenance of roads and dams, have fallen on deaf ears.

The REO under the pretext of creating savings, has deliberately withheld much needed monies from the current budget, that was supposed to facilitate the grading of roads, dams and cleaning of drainage trenches; to facilitate the water running off the fields into the drainage trenches. Rationally, the blocked drainage trenches are causing backed up water in the rice fields. It has realised a situation where the rice had to be reaped in soft and muddy land, which contributes to significantly increased production costs.

At the recent Public Accounts Committee (PAC) meeting, the brazen misuse of authority by this REO was brutally exposed. In his futile attempt to provide an acceptable explanation for consistently breaching the procurement laws, said he spent savings from the ‘Current

Account’ to do ‘Emergency works’. This nonsensical position flies in the face of even the most irrationally challenged persons.

From a closer examination, however, readers deserve to be up-dated that the money was spent to facilitate construction of the following: a bus shed at Dartmouth; a fence at Unity Park-Phase-I; a fence at Unity Park-Phase 2, and a sitting area at Cotton Field.

It should be noted that projects which include construction of buildings and infrastructure, should be done from Capital funding.

Notably, these projects were by no means emergencies and the lack of critical productive support.

It was quite revealing that millions of dollars were expended on the planting of palm trees around Ann Regina and further millions were spent on planting trees and growing them along some specific communities on the Essequibo Coast.

I must highlight for the update of readers, that none of these ‘PNC Projects’ can be classified as emergency works. Comparatively, all the poor farmers have asked for is the usual assistance of some fuel and materials to full the potholes and grade

the dams. The REO at a recent meeting accepted that in the past, farmers were given assistance to do their own self-help work to facilitate the smooth harvesting of the rice crop.

Many farmers have expressed very strong beliefs that the current contraventions of the written policies, are intentional and designed to punish the farmers and their children in particular Local Authority Areas.

Targeted in this respect are areas where Government do not control the elected Councils. There are currently no other rational positions for the actions of the Government officers towards the farmers.

This serious deliberate vicious discrimination against selective sections of the population is driven

by Government agents and has worsened. We are now hearing more about oil replacing the agricultural sector in this country, and this is bound to have significant negative implications.

The People’s Progressive Party had warned about the “Dutch Disease” which this Government seem bent on allowing to happen.

Yours truly, Neil Kumar

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

Upholding peace Can M&CC sell property and civil rights without notice?

Dear Editor, The State embraces and is obligated to abide by this nation’s Constitution. That Constitution addresses almost every aspect regarding the fundamental rights of constituents and the responsibility of those entrusted with upholding Guyana’s Constitution. Those responsibilities ought to transcend personal feelings or partisan political positions, and contribute towards the stability and progressive development of this Cooperative Republic. So I, like many others by way of writing, am exercising one of the constitutional rights. It is our collective expectations that those to whom the matters relate will take responsibility and act towards ensuring that being Guyanese becomes the envy of every other nation on earth. It is not the responsibility of those bestowed with public trust to take umbrage or become unduly defensive when faced with realities by those they are obliged to serve. It is an opportunity for them to

improve their competence, trust, and ultimately add to making life livable and a good one in Guyana.

Reference is made to a letter captioned “Noise nuisance is killing me” on March 14, 2018 in the local press, which was submitted by “A distraught senior citizen”. The writer still seems to be in a traumatic state and is equally petrified to the point of seeking anonymity.

Several posts have also been made over the past year by a gentleman named Malcolm Harripaul regarding a similar situation where he lives in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara). I know how it feels to endure such horrible experiences.

I know how much restraint it takes to resist the temptation to respond in similar irresponsible ways. Why aren’t the rights of some of our citizens being respected? Why are a selected few being allowed to continually get away with irresponsible acts at the expense and violation of the rights of other citizens? What will hap-

pen if we all decide to violate each other simultaneously because those bestowed with ensuring civility do not act in timely or responsible manners to deter demagogic perpetrators?

I invariably attach my name to every missive I post. I am not bothered nor afraid to do so. It is a part of my innate and constitutional right to express myself in a responsible way on matters of concern or contribution to the development of Guyana and preservation of its sovereignty. No other nation on the face of this earth owes me the obligation of protection like Guyana. The same applies to every person born within the jurisdiction of Guyana, and by extension others who have taken the oath to citizenship of this beloved land. Citizens of Guyana have the right to undisturbed peace, and those who abuse their liberties must be made to act responsibly.

Sincerely, Orette Cutting

Errors at City Hall Dear Editor, The tossing out of the No-Confidence Motion against the Town Clerk of Georgetown by the Mayor at last Monday’s statutory meeting of the Council turned out to be nothing more than a comedy of errors.

First, I would like to know under what authority was the Mayor acting when she disallowed the motion?

Could she counsel the citizenry as to who or what gave her that authority?

Second, it is clear that the Mayor does not understand the difference between legal opinion and legal advice.

It is wholly unacceptable for the Mayor to adopt the guidance sought and obtained from an Attorney who is the husband of a sitting Councillor, privately by the Town Clerk, and consequently use it to disallow the NoConfidence Motion brought against him (Town Clerk) which was on the agenda for discussion.

It must first be noted that this recent advice provided by the Attorney was given privately to the Town Clerk, and not requested by nor provided to the Council. So how could the Mayor take action on private advice given?

This is not a court order or an official proclamation by a Judge (or panel of Judges) nor is it a legal opinion sought or obtained by the Council. How was this private advice even placed on the agenda or tabled before Council? Clearly now, a precedent has been set so that every and any municipal employee against whom disciplinary action is being brought can run to their private Attorney, get some legal advice in their favour, hand it to the Mayor and then they will tie the Council’s hands.

Completely incongruous!

Another serious concern I have about the Georgetown Municipality is their tractability when it comes to adherence to the laws of our country and the conditions of employment of their workers. How is it that no confidence motions were successfully effected against other Town Clerks but can’t be used against this one?

What happened at the last meeting amounts to collusion. It should be obvious to everyone watching that the ‘Terrible Trio’ have no intention of being separated, that protection is being provided to a small group, and that a fear exists within City Hall that if there is any in-

filtration or opening up of the clandestine assemblage there, that many dirty secrets will come to light.

It is clear that in the foreseeable future, there will be no accountability, transparency or democracy at City Hall. Suddenly records that were missing for years have popped up after threats were issued of prosecution.

Regards, Deodarie Putulall

Dear Editor, As a motorist traversing the David Street/ Sheriff Street area, I have observed the ongoing construction of a massive new wooden structure being erected at the confluence of those two streets where the Kitty Abattoir was once situated.

Thinking that it was a new Abattoir being constructed to supplement the dilapidated one in Water Street, I stopped to chat with the construction crew.

I was told that it was now

private property and a private structure. I was disheartened and confused to say the least.

How could the Council divest the city of this property without consulting the residents of Kitty? Is this another Bel Air Park or Subryanville playfield heist? How much did the city earn from this transaction? Who authorised the divestment.

Why did the Public Relations Officer of the Council, who is always in the press propagating a lot

of piffle about what is going on at City Hall and trying to represent errant officials there, not tell the residents of Kitty of what is going on in their ward?

I am publicly appealing to the Councillor which represents the constituency of the Kitty ward to openly inform the citizenry of what is going on there. Will the residents of Kitty now have to approach the courts to stop this illegality?

Sincerely, Sean Levius

Must I risk my life to get justice?

Dear Editor, With much fanfare this Government boasts about spending money to make the 911 emergency calls centre better.

On Tuesday at 15:39h (3:39pm) I called to report that someone picking my cherries from my tree and when I confronted the per-

son, he threatens to chop me. The person answering the emergency call told me I need to go to the nearest Police station and make a report.

When I ask her how can I when the man is still outside, she told me to hold on.

After a while I don’t know if the call was transferrd

but someone else greeted me and query my report.

Again I was advised the same and when I pointed out my dilemma, the phone was cut off. So must I risk my life to get justice?

Sincerely, Sahadeo Bates

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Integrated Security guards picket RDC …Region 5 REO evicts staffers from headquarters in compound

AFC Executive member Abel Seetaram cores of guards attached to Integrated Security Service held a picketing demonstration outside of the Regional Democratic Council’s (RDC) building in Region Five (MahaicaBerbice) as they pleaded with the Council to terminate the contract of the security firm which has not paid them for

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Region Five Chairman Vickchand Ramphal

months.

The guards said on Wednesday they were at the breaking point and some of them were not even paid their salaries since December 2017.

Even as the guards were seeking the support of the regional administration, REO Ovid Morrison ordered that with immediate effect, they stop

3 children seriously injured after Bartica boat accident

using a section of the RDC as an office because of their protest action.

The guards withdrew their services from several key agencies in the region to support a call for the regional administration to terminate the contract with the company to provide security to schools, hospitals and other Government agencies.

Some of the guards told heart-rending stories. Katty Fraser, a mother of two, said her daughter is currently hospitalised but she has no money to supply her needs.

Another guard Vernetta LaRose, a mother of eight, who resides at Number 22 Bel Air, West Coast Berbice, said they were told that they must open an account at a specific commercial bank in order for their salaries to be paid into an account at that bank.

“Some of us have loans at other banks and our salary would normally go into that bank. When some people go till to New Amsterdam to draw their money, some get $16,000. Some draw $10,000.

The highest is $20,000 for the whole month and some people only get $4000.”

Meanwhile, Region Five Chairman Vickchand Ramphal expressed concern over the situation, noting

Integrated Security Service guards on the picket line

some of the difficulties the guards are forced to endure.

Ramphal also noted the uncaring way the REO, Ovid Morrison, has treated the issue even going to the extent of chasing some of the affected guards out of the RDC boardroom. The guards had gone there to speak with the Regional Chairman seeking the intervention of the RDC. “My office would have engaged the CEO [Chief Executive Officer] of the company and he made a promise to pay all the guards in a timely manner, however, until today they have not received their full payment.

We all know that it is very difficult for our people since many of them have children to take care of, some of them have loans and other financial commitments and when they cannot have their salaries on time it affects the people, the

region, the school children and every single one.”

Ramphal said he is hoping that Government will step in and do what is right by ensuring that the people of that region are treated fairly. The issue, he noted, was not one which had to do with race, politics or religion but rather the well-being of citizens.

“Our poor working class people are not being threaded fairly in this region and so there is a need for much more unity and cooperation in Region Five to address all these issues that are affecting people,” Ramphal said.

Back in January the guards had been reaching out to regional representatives seeking assistance. Those who were seen during that protest on television or in local newspapers were either send home or suspended. Back then they were considered standing

Zeeburg Secondary teachers unlikely to receive transfers

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hree children who were injured in a boat accident in the vicinity of Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) on Wednesday.

Sheneil Moshett, Cleaveroy Edmonds and Jamal Thornhill, who are all students of Bartica Secondary School, were air-dashed by Roraima Airways to the Eugene F Correia Airport before being rushed to

the Georgetown Public Hospital for emergency medical treatment.

Guyana Times understands the children sustained spinal injuries and one of them suffered a broken foot. Others suffered minor injuries after the boat shuttling the school children ran ashore.

The accident occurred at Goshen, Riverview.

Police are investigating the circumstances.

alone except for some support they got from the People’s Progressive Party (PPP).

However, on Wednesday, PPP Member of Parliament Harry Gill vowed to take the fight to the security company on behalf of the guards.

Meanwhile, AFC executive member Abel Seetaram met with the protesters and vowed to address the issue when the RDC meets today.

He said all efforts will be made to see if the contract between the regional administrations has a clause which allows it to be terminated at any time and use that to free the guards from the oppression. Seetaram said the company received $40 million advance to pay the workers from December, while noting that some of the guards claim they are still owed part of their December salary as well as January and February.

he Guyana Teacher’s Union (GTU) has revealed that requested transfers of the teachers of the Zeeburg Secondary School on the West Coast of Demerara (WCD), will not be granted in the near future. This is in light of the upcoming Caribbean Secondary Examinations Council (CSEC) examination which is slated for May/June.

This statement was revealed by the General Secretary of the GTU, Coretta Mc Donald, who stated that the Union was aware that there have been issues regarding parents and teachers in the past, and she be-

The Zeeburg Secondary School

lieved those issues were resolved. However, according to

the parents, the matter has worsened.

When asked if the teachers who requested transfers will be relocated to a different work environment, the General Secretary noted that with the upcoming preparations for CSEC examinations in a few months, it would be unwise to appoint new teachers to the students.

However, she noted that the union will be working with the Department of Education to resolve the issues being faced by teachers at the Zeeburg Secondary School and there is a possibility that just a few teachers will be given transfers.

“What we’re going to do is go to the Ministry of Education and see how we can develop the issues that they are having there. There might be recommendations for one or two transfers,” Mc Donald stated.

Many concerned parents of the Zeeburg Secondary School had raised eyebrows in the past few months regard-

ing the poor management of the institution by the administrative body and mainly the head teacher.

They have blamed the head teacher of the school for her weak leadership and forceful views which she imposes on the students.

Some of the problems being highlighted by parents involved the large sums of monetary donations that their children are required to contribute. An infuriated parent revealed that the children were told by the head teacher that if the contributions weren’t sent to the school, the Grade Eleven students will not be allowed to write their mock examinations for this year’s Caribbean Secondary Examination Council (CSEC) examination.

The parents were also forced to make contributions totalling almost $1,000,000 which was squandered for the purchasing of surveillance cameras, which they believe should’ve been set aside towards the development of the school’s facilities.

The schools’ Culture Day undertakings, an educational activity, were also cancelled.

The disturbed parents also related that the head teacher expressed her views to have the school’s uniform colour changed to one of her choice.

As such, teachers and parents had no choice but to notify the Education Ministry which they indicated are in agreement with their concerns. This also resulted in the some of the teachers requesting transfers. However, these approvals will be hindered until the completion of the examinations.

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Pensioner stabbed to death in WBD home

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he community of Belle West, West Bank Demerara (WBD) was plunged into a state of shock after the body of a 68-yearold pensioner, which bore a stab wound to the neck and another to the head, was discovered in her home on Wednesday morning.

Dead is Ursilla Padarta, called “Data”, of Lot 566 Belle West, Canal Number Two Polder, WBD. The discovery was made some time after 07:00h by a carpenter who had returned to discuss the construction of a septic tank that the woman planned on doing.

According to the Police, the woman was killed between 19:45h Tuesday evening and 07:30h Wednesday morning. The murder weapon – an ice pick – was reportedly found in the house.

When Guyana Times visited the scene Wednesday morning, Padarta’s nephew, Naresh Singh, related that his aunt had called another relative to talk about the work she had planned on doing some time on Tuesday

Dead: Ursilla “Data” Padarta

evening and that was the last time they heard from her.

“At the time, the relative take the information from her (Padarta) about the things she has to get up to do the work and she said that the contractor was there at the same time.

Then this morning before the relative could have sent the stuff over, the contractor came over and he found the body and raised the alarm,” Singh related.

The nephew went on to say that when the carpen-

ter arrived at the house, the door was locked from the outside. Singh believes the woman was killed after the phone call on Tuesday night.

“She was sitting on the chair with a stab wound to her neck so it gotta be that it happen last night, because, too, her door wasn’t close from inside; it look like she was watching TV or something and wasn’t ready to lock up as yet,” he said.

According to neighbours, the pensioner who lived alone usually locked up late at night. They do not recall hearing or seeing anything strange the night before.

Meanwhile, as the Police are considering various theories based on information received from witnesses, this publication was told that the woman collected approximately $123,000 in cash, which was sent by her grandson from overseas, from her daughter on Tuesday to do the work. Her handbag, which contained the money, cellphone and other documents, was missing. The house was not ran-

Man found dead in city hotel committed suicide – post-mortem

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post-mortem examination conducted on the body of 74-yearold Michael Rajnauth, whose lifeless body was found in a city hotel room over a week ago, has revealed that he committed suicide.

The autopsy was conducted by State Pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh on Wednesday morning, following which the cause of death was given as pesticide poisoning.

Rajnauth, a food vendor of Lot 548 Parfaite

Harmonie, West Bank Demerara (WBD), was found motionless in a room at the K&VC Hotel on South Road, Georgetown last Wednesday some time around 13:30h.

According to reports, the man had checked into the room last week Tuesday, and paid to utilise it for 24 hours. However, when his time expired around noon the following day, the receptionist reportedly called the guest, but there was no answer.

Other staff members

sought to knock on the man’s door, but again, received no response. The Hotel Manager subsequently ordered staffers to enter the room.

It was then that the elderly man was found clad in only a grey three-quarter pants, lying lifeless on the bed. A white substance suspected to be poison was observed around the bed and on the floor near the man.

There were no signs of violence on the deceased’s body, Police had said.

Former Buxton NDC Chairman charged for planting ganja

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former Chairman of the BuxtonFoulis Neighbouring Democratic Council (NDC) who was allegedly caught cultivating marijuana in his yard was on Tuesday charged and hauled before the court.

Randolph Blair appeared at the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court before presiding Magistrate Peter Hugh and had the charge read to him.

He denied that on March

9, 2018 at Buxton, East Coast Demerara (ECD), he was found to be cultivating the illegal plants in his yard.

Blair was granted $150,000 bail and was expected to return to court later this month.

Reports surrounding the charge laid against him revealed that ranks of the C Division (East Coast Demerara) received information that Blair had marijuana plants in his

yard.

As such, the lawmen launched an operation in the area. On the day of Blair’s arrest, the ranks reportedly swooped down at the former Chairman’s farm where the discovery was made.

Marijuana plants were found as well as seedlings in buckets. Blair, who was present during the search, was taken into Police custody and later charged.

“Criminal” remanded for piracy, hijacking

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Corentyne fisherman was on Wednesday arraigned at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts after facing hijacking and piracy charges.

The Court was told that on February 19, 2018, 40-year-old Shameer Shariff, aka “Criminal”, who was armed with two firearms and a cutlass, pillaged a boat called “Ana Teresa” property of Vickash Balkisson.

In the process of loot-

ing the boat, Shariff stole a 75-horsepower Yamaha outboard engine valued $2,000,000; 500 pounds of seine valued $2,000,000; two 24-volt Powermaster batteries valued $60,000, 11 45-gallon plastic drums of gasoline valued $450,000 and food stuff valued $150,000. The items that were stolen carried a value of $4,660,000 altogether and belonged to Vickash Balkisson.

The Police Prosecutor ob-

jected to bail based on the seriousness of the man’s offence. His use of guns was highlighted along with the fact that Shariff has been implicated in several other investigations that were ongoing.

As such, Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs Marcus refused bail and Shariff was remanded to prison. He will return to the Springlands Magistrate’s Court on March 20, 2018.

sacked.

This newspaper understands that the carpenter, who discovered the woman’s body, could not be found for questioning by Police as of Wednesday afternoon.

Padarta was reportedly fond of the man and would usually cook for him and allow him into her house to watch television.

On the other hand, Guyana Times was also informed that investigators were also on the hunt for a known junkie in the village who had an argument with the now deceased woman on Tuesday and was heard threatening to “deal with her” later.

While neighbours could not say the reason behind the row between Padarta and the individual known as “Lapar”, they suspect he might have gone to steal from the woman. According

The house in which the pensioner was found dead

to nearby residents, he was last seen around the area earlier on Wednesday shortly after the discovery was made.

The neighbours called him a “big smokie” and “thief man” in the village, while bemoaning the fact the Police never took reports against him seriously.

“The Police don’t pay at-

tention to he ... people does make report, but they didn't do anything, all they does say they need more evidence and now look what happened,” one man lamented.

Nevertheless, the body of Padarta is currently at the Ezekiel Funeral Home awaiting a post-mortem examination scheduled for Friday.

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Something fishy…

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…about AG Williams move nce again, the actions of Attorney General Williams have raised the question as to how in heaven’s name he was made a “Senior Counsel”.

This is just the sort of thing that dilutes the conference of honours and such like by the State…on par with Hamilton Green being given an OR! Anyhow, the AG, who’d ordered his staff not to attend the Bar and Bench’s Oil and Gas seminar because they were prepping so hard, delivered several shockers to the CCJ. He first contended that “the doctrine of “basic Structure” does not apply to Guyana and any other Caricom country that has a Constitution that mirrors the Westminster model”!!! Is this guy for real?? Since you mightn’t believe your (humble) Eyewitness, let the UK Constitutional Law Association speak: The Basic Structure Doctrine “has been invoked in two cases (Bowen vs Attorney General BZ 2009 SC 2, and British Caribbean Bank Ltd vs AG Belize Claim No. 597 of 2011) by the Supreme Court of Belize to strike down amendments to the Constitution of Belize. In both cases, the legislation amending the Constitution had secured the special majority in the House of Representatives required by the Constitution, but was nevertheless struck down by the Supreme Court on the grounds that the legislation violated the basic structure of the Belize Constitution.”

Belize is still a Caricom member, isn’t it? Williams kept insisting our legislature followed the procedure laid out by our Constitution for amending itself and therefore could not be unlawful!! Let the real Senior Counsels of the UK enlighten him further about the interpretation of Belize Chief Justice’s take on their analogous Constitution’s amendment clause – s69: “s69 was a mere ‘manner and form’ requirement, no more than a ‘procedural handbook’, and was certainly not determinative of the constitutionality of legislation enacted by Parliament. Quite apart from the formal procedures laid down by s69, any prospective amendment of the Constitution had to conform to the Constitution’s normative requirements as captured by section 68, which provides that all laws enacted by Parliament must be ‘subject to the Constitution’. Any other view would entail subordinating the supremacy of the Constitution in favour of parliamentary supremacy, for once the required majority for an amendment is obtained then absolutely no constitutional provision would be beyond alteration or revocation.”

The second foot Williams put into his mouth was introducing an argument that hadn’t been raised in the lowers courts. The law doesn’t permit you to do this!! It’s like arguing the case de novo.

But it doesn’t matter anyway. That the PPP and PNC AGREED to the changes doesn’t make it legal. Isn’t this what President Granger told Nagamootoo about the agreement by the PNC and AFC to have him chair the Cabinet??!! …on catfish Your Eyewitness is still thinking about this catfish business – which appears quite fishy to him. Firstly, he accepts the US is being protectionist in banning the fishes just to please the southern cat-fisher lobby. But he’s doubly hurt at this unilateral and unfair action to our exporters when he found out the move was made during the Obama Administration!! There were never enough catfishers to turn those red Republican states Democratic Blue!! So, was it all for the campaign funds?? Say it ain’t so!!

But what’s the excuse of this Government for not moving faster to comply with the US’ sanitary laws since the so called “violations” were highlighted since 2015???

Not enough catfishers and catfish exporters here to swing the vote? Or stuff the campaign chest of FUCOP? Be as it may, we’re now forced to make amendments when the fish has already slipped the net!!

Let’s eat as much gillbacka as we can while we can!! …about the GuySuCo Board Could someone explain what criteria were used to select the members of the new GuySuCo Board?? Don’t we have enough theoreticians in the SPU that’s supposed to be running (down?) the show??

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

News

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Nothing wrong with “inexperienced” GuySuCo Board – Junior Finance Minister

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espite criticisms that the newly appointed Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) Board of Directors lack the skills to manage the sugar industry efficiently given the crisis facing the industry, Minister within the Finance Ministry, Jaipaul Sharma has defended the competence of the individuals who have been handpicked by the Government as he believes they bring a wide cross-section of skills and new ideas.

The new GuySuCo Board members are Colvin HeathLondon (Chairman); Fritz McLean, Komal Singh, Verna Adrian, Vishnu Panday, Annette ArjoonMartins, Arianne McLean, Roshan Khan, and George Jervis.

Sharma said the Board of Directors at GuySuCo is a policy direction body that

Minister within the Finance Ministry, Jaipaul Sharma

could help to change the industry’s performance and bring some order to the manner in which the Corporation operates. “Once you have the skillset to manage, I don’t see any problem with that,” the Minister asserted.

According to Sharma, the previous GuySuCo

Chairman, Professor Clive Thomas, had no experience in sugar either but that was not a problem. Importantly, however, is the fact that a representative from the General Agriculture and General Workers Union (GAWU) sits on the Board.

That person would have extensive experience in the sugar industry and an intimate understanding of the role of GuySuCo. “If you told me that the management doesn’t have experience in sugar then that would have been a different story but a board is a set people with different skills set that could add to and contribute to the industry and the company’s improved performance,” Sharma contended.

Asked to offer his view on criticisms that the number of Board members remains the same even though

No arrest in former Linden footballer’s murder

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lmost three days after former national footballer Romel Edison Gomes was found dead in his Buck Hill, Linden shop, Police are yet to make an arrest.

E Division (LindenKwakwani) Commander Anthony Vanderhyden told Guyana Times on Wednesday that investigations were continuing with investigators depending on the assistance of persons in the community to identify the suspects.

“Some people are helping us and so we are trying to build the profiles of the suspects with the aim of making arrests as soon as possible,” Commander Vanderhyden related.

Meanwhile, following a post-mortem examination conducted on Wednesday morning, State Pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh gave Gomes’ cause of death as gunshot injury to the head.

Dead: Romel Gomes

The 32-year-old businessman was discovered unconscious in a pool of blood on Monday evening. He was at the time in his shop, which is attached to his Lot 53 Buck Hill, Wismar Housing Scheme, Linden home.

Based on information received, Gomes was seen arguing with two males, one of whom was armed with a

handgun, before a loud explosion was heard.

The two men were then seen fleeing in the victim’s Nissan Bluebird motor car bearing registration number PVV 2057. The 32-yearold businessman was subsequently discovered with a suspected gunshot wound to the head, his throat slit, his hands bound and mouth gagged.

He was picked up in an unconscious state and taken to the Linden Hospital Complex, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Detectives have since retrieved a blood-stained kitchen knife and a spent shell from the scene. The victim’s bedroom was also ransacked, but the Police were unable to determine whether the motive was robbery.

Meanwhile, Gomes’ stolen motor car was found abandoned at One Mile Wismar on Tuesday morning.

they will be left with the responsibility of three sugar estates when the remaining four are closed, the Minister told Guyana Times on Wednesday that the number is suitable for any of the scenarios.

“You want a wide skillset when you are making decisions so the Board will have sub-committees and if you have a board of three or four people, who will head these sub-committees? Then you have meetings where people don’t attend and we are assured with those numbers that you will have a quorum,” he added.

Sharma also noted that the new Board is made up of young people, something that people were demanding.

He said with the inclusion of these people, it will add a new dynamic to the Board and it will allow these young professionals to serve in a leadership capacity who can bring new ideas.

Further, Sharma noted that the criticisms about GuySuCo being placed directly under the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) which has direct responsibil-

ity for the Corporation is not a matter of micromanaging but the intention is to bring some coherence to how the industry is ran.

He said, “The issue was always in relation to cooperation. The (Special Purpose Unit) SPU never had the cooperation of the last Board and they did what they wanted to do and they had several objections.

There was also confusion between the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Agriculture.”

“So we will now have greater cooperation. The persons from SPU are sitting on the Board itself so there is no confusion of the right hand doing this and the left hand doing this. I am really happy with the new Board structure and I will wait and see how successful they will get.”

Guyana Times was the first to report on March 1 that Government had given its nod to the appointment of a new Board of Directors after booting Professor Thomas from its chairmanship and replacing him with head of the SPU of the NICIL, Colvin Heath-London.

SPU is looking to obtain $30 billion in loans

and investments to support GuySuCo. According to the Unit, the funding will cover a four-year period and will provide capital, support infrastructure maintenance and upgrades at Albion, Blairmont and Uitvlugt. The funds are also expected to go towards developing new cogeneration capacity for the estate operations and the electric grid.

GuySuCo has a history of debt; at the end of 2015, the Corporation owed $78.6 billion. In January of last year, the National Assembly’s Economic Services Committee was informed that the debt showed a marginal decrease to $77 billion. This money was owed to the National Insurance Scheme, the Guyana Revenue Authority, the Caribbean Development Bank and others.

One of NICIL’s first acts since assuming responsibility for GuySuCo has also been to abruptly end the life of the old Board of Directors. Coming out of a special Board meeting, a decision was taken to have a new Board installed as of February 14, 2018. The acting Finance Director and CEO was Paul Bhim.

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11 Guyanese wanted for murder in the US to be extradited A NEWS

thursDAY, march 15, 2018 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

31-year-old Guyanese national was on Wednesday remanded to prison, in order to be extradited to the USA soon.

Troy Thomas of 34 Second Street Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, is wanted for murder in the USA. It is alleged that Thomas on December 11, 2011 killed Keith Frank, 21, outside a party at South Richmond Hill, Jamaica, New York.

The man was wanted by US authorities since their investigations commenced in 2012.

The fugitive was arrested around 02:00h on Wednesday at his Liliendaal address by ranks of the Guyana Police Force. The man’s arrest came as a part of an intelligence operation that began in January of this year.

Popular make-up artist Lolita Callendar, called

Wanted by US authorities, Troy Thomas

Lolita Callendar, called “Lola”

“Lola” of East Ruimveldt, Georgetown, who Police wanted for threatening behaviour and who is suspected to have harboured the fugitive, has been arrested and is assisting with the investigation.

Prosecution appearing on behalf of the US Government

pleaded with the court to deny bail, noting that Thomas is a flight risk. The court heard that the address that was on GECOM’s file for Thomas – 242 Gordon Street, Kitty – is an abandoned property and the Immigration Authorities have no record of Thomas’ re-entry into

$1.1M robbery charge dismissed against “Tear Drop”

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wenty-three-year-old Leon Clarke, widely known as “Tear Drop”, was on Tuesday cleared of a $1.1 million robbery charge brought against him on September 13, 2018.

He was told he was “free to go” by Magistrate Faith McGusty before whom he had been on trial previously.

The decision came after his Attorney, Keoma Griffith, filed a no-case submission claiming that the prosecution in the matter had insufficient evidence.

The self-proclaimed up-andcoming singer previously denied the charge against him which stated that he broke into the home of East La Penitence resident Vincent Howard and robbed him of approximately $1.1 million in cash, GTT and Digicel

Leon Clarke

phone cards and Scratch tickets.He was later positively identified by Howard as the young man whose music videos took Facebook by storm for a short period back in 2016. Before his short-lived fame, Clarke worked as a hospital attendant at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Govt slams US...

Moreover, the Finance Ministry said Minister Winston Jordan has made it clear Government’s intention to develop a fund to govern the use of petroleum resources as a key legislative priority. He also highlighted the objectives of such a fund as: to advance critical development and investment needs within the country (via the national budget); to address issues of stabilisation of the economy, and to ensure savings were made to guarantee inter-generational benefits from the extraction of this natural resource.

Those objectives, according to Government, reflect a comprehensive framework that will guide the prudent management of future oil revenues for the benefit of current and future generations, in keeping with the Government’s agenda.

Therefore, Government’s investment expenditure

from page 3

will be driven by the Green State Development Strategy (GSDS) and, by the development priorities articulated and implemented through the National Budget, which has an established consultation cycle of its own.

Back in January this year, Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman explained that the fund was being scrutinised by several international agencies, regional stakeholders and local experts in various field as systems are put in place to manage the oil and gas sector.

In developing the draft SWF legislation, the Finance Ministry is receiving support from the Commonwealth Secretariat.

A green paper on the subject will be published in 2018, and consultations will occur subsequently. The legislation is intended to be laid in Parliament by the end of 2018.

Guyana. Additionally, when Thomas was first arrested, he gave his name as Marvin Williams and only admitted his correct name to Police when he was being interrogated.

When allowed to speak, Thomas did not have much to say other than a request for legal representation. “This is news to me,” the man stated.

Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs Marcus refused bail on the grounds that the accused is a flight risk. Thomas will return to court on March 20, where he will hear the full disclosure of the official statements.

The deceased man was said to be attending a party in Richmond Hill when he was approached by a group of men that he previously had an altercation with. Frank was subsequently shot to the torso.

Guyana Times understands the misunderstanding between Frank and the

Keith Frank’s mother holding his picture

Guyanese men was as a result of dancing and females.

The dead man’s mother, Carol Kyte, said that her son, who was father to an eightmonth-old baby at the time, was shot about a mile from a hospital.

However, he had already succumbed by the time he arrived at the medical facility.

Kyte reported that she had also been hearing rumours that Thomas who has not been formally charged with a crime, has fled to

Miami or to Guyana.

The dead man is also a Guyanese who migrated to the United States at the age of 12.

Frank’s life in Queens began at MS 8 in Jamaica. He then attended Franklin K Lane High School for a time, but eventually transferred to Queens High School of Teaching, Liberal Arts and Sciences in Glen Oaks.

Authorities are hoping to have Thomas’ extradition arranged by March, 23.

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Almost 2 years after

Contractor refuses to complete Sand Creek Health Centre …as it begins to collapse

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espite being paid almost 90 per cent of an $11.4 million contract, a Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) contractor is now refusing to complete the expansion project at the Sand Creek Health Centre which started in 2016.

The contract was awarded in June of 2016 and was expected to be completed three months later. However, three months later, the project was not completed, and the contractor seemed to have abandoned the site.

The expansion works comprised of extending the existing health centre building, inclusive of plumbing, rainwater and electrical installations, construction of a new septic tank and soakway and minor rehabilitation works to the existing building.

Regional Chairman Brian Allicock explained that the contractor would have extended the building and added what looked like a septic tank but noted that none of the additions was completed.

“The contractor has not

The extension to the Health Centre

completed the project and it is only like 40 per cent completed. The contractor was paid for 90 per cent of the work despite it not being done. This was done under REO Carl Parker,” Allicock said.

He noted that the Indigenous Affairs Minister Sydney Allicock visited the community of Sand Creek and met with the contractor who, despite promising to, did not restart the work. He further explained that the regional administration would have made contact with the contractor but he blatantly refused to complete the project.

“The region contacted him several times to tell him that the building is falling apart and that we need to have it rectified and completed.

He has blatantly refused to come in and restart the project and we will be taking action against him because by

The collapsed septic tank

the time we have restarted work then it will be time for a whole new one,” the Regional Chairman said.

According to the Regional Chairman, sections of the new wall are collapsing posing a risk to life and limb, the septic tank has caved in.

The residents of the area are calling on the Government to intervene and ensure that the contractor completes the project adding that health care delivery to the community is affected since the present condition of the facility is deplorable.

In 2017, the Auditor General’s report found that the contractor received over $5 million in overpayments.

“No personnel or equipment from the contractor was on site and an overpayment of $5.407M was discovered,” the

report noted.

The report also highlighted that the contrac-

A section of the stalled project

tor received payments totaling $10.338M at the end of December 2016 but when a team visited in June of 2017 there were no signs of work ongoing and the project was stalled.

When contacted, current Regional Executive Officer Kerwin Warde explained that he could not comment on the project since he has no information about it. He did promise to gather information and relate said information to Guyana Times but several calls after were unsuccessful. Up until press time, the information was not received by this publication.

news

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Works on Kitty Market stalled…again! …contractor blames Communities Ministry engineers

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nce again, works on the Kitty Market are being stalled, this time on account of the interference of Engineers from the Communities Ministry, according to Councillor Oscar Clarke.

At Monday’s statutory meeting of the Mayor and City Council, Clarke said that he recently visited the Kitty Market where works were currently ongoing and was informed by the contractor that engineers from the Ministry were stymieing the work.

“I visited Kitty Market and I met the contractor on the job and the contractor informed me that his work on

the project is being stymied by the engineers from the Ministry of Communities. He called a particular name, but I won’t refer to the engineer’s name, but he said that the engineer stopped him from working on both outside and inside,” Clarke reported.

“They told him that he had to complete outside before he could start inside.

But if a contractor have a job, I don’t know how the contractor can be told not to do work inside when we can do both outside and inside and if he does that, then he can have the project could be completed ahead of time and at less cost, but this contractor is be-

The Kitty Market

ing held up,” he added.

The Councillor also questioned the work of the City’s Engineer Department and whether they were overseeing the work being done

Private-car taxis

Hire car drivers call for Police crackdown

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number of hire car drivers are once again voicing complaints against private car drivers and are seeking the intervention of the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

The matter was brought to the attention of Guyana Times by several drivers who operate on Main Street in the vicinity of Courts Ltd. The aggrieved men related to this publication that the private car drivers would frequently flock the area where they ply their trade. The action by the private car drivers was described as a “fight down”. The drivers noted that with the additional cars working in the area, it is difficult for them to acquire passengers as easily as they did before, resulting in them not making enough money to

maintain a suitable living.

The drivers have also noted that they have reported the issue to the Police on many occasions; however, the Police would just pass by the area quickly or in some instances, their complaints were ignored.

When the area was visited, several private car drivers could be seen plying their trade. Shockingly, the private cars being operated as taxis outnumbered the hire cars.

Meanwhile, officials at the GPF Traffic Department have stated that they have never received any such complaints. A traffic officer vehemently denied any knowledge of these reports, noting that there were no records of them.

When asked about the procedure regarding this misconduct, Traffic Officer

Superintendent Ramesh Ashram stated, “We usually act on reports, when they (hire car drivers) report it, we formulate a suitable time to crack down on it” Superintendent Ashram went on to explain that traffic ranks were in the habit of checking various areas around the city. “We usually do routine checks every couple weeks or so,” he stated.

It is a common practice, especially in and around Georgetown for private car drivers to operate as taxis or hire cars. This practice is against the laws of Guyana and is a punishable offence.

Hire car drivers are appealing to the GPF to swiftly crack down on the practice, as it is jeopardising their livelihood.

there. He also reported that the contractor related that the visits from the engineers have been few and far in between.

“The man telling me the work stalling up because of cash flow, but we all know that $25 million has been budgeted and it is available, so what is happening here, is there a deliberate attempt to have this project held back?”

Clarke questioned.

In response to the Councillor’s questions, Engineer Colvern Venture related that they were aware of delays in payments and other issues affecting the work at Kitty Market.

Additionally, Venture

said that a report was submitted to him outlining the issues, but he was yet to review the document and submit it to the Council.

However, this did not go down well with Councillor Clarke, who said that the Mayor and City Councillors have a responsibility to ensure that the project was being monitored closely.

“We are responsible for the supervision of the work being undertaken by the contractor…. work so when I heard that the engineer was assigned and he submitted a report, we should send for that report to see whether the engineers are in touch with each other… this is a se-

rious matter,” he noted.

Town Clerk Royston King said that he was unaware of such issues affecting the project and committed to contacting the Permanent Secretary of the Communities Ministry to address the issue.

Efforts to contact the Ministry’s engineer department proved futile.

The Kitty Market rehabilitation project commenced over two years ago, but was stalled several times owing to unavailability of funds and materials. As a result, City Hall was forced to approach the Communities Ministry for assistance since the first phase of the works was about 70 per cent completed for the upper flat and 45 per cent for the lower flat.

During a site visit to the Market, Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan pledged $25 million to complete the project. The Ministry said that phase one of the project was expected to cost in the vicinity of $25 million and the scope of works include the construction of 15 external stalls, the sanitary block, and the administrative office, inclusive of a revenue collection section.

Father-in-law in Mahaicony murder for court today

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ays after confessing to detectives that he dealt his son-inlaw a fatal blow to the head, a Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara (ECD) man is expected to appear before the Mahaicony Magistrate’s Court some time today, charged with the capital offence of murder.

This is following legal advice obtained on Wednesday to charge the suspect.

Twenty-three-year-old Muneshwar Bisnauth, of Airy Hall, Mahaicony, was found dead at his in-laws’ Lot 20 Dundee, Mahaicony residence on Sunday. It was reported that the father of one was reportedly imbibing with his 16-year-old wife and her parents when an argument ensued. Shortly after, the fisherman’s lifeless body was discovered lying in the yard, with a gaping wound to the head.

Initially, Bisnauth’s wife and mother-in-law told the Police that he fell and hit his

Dead: Muneshwar Bisnauth

head in the yard. However, their story did not add up and as such, the two females, along with the suspect, were taken into custody for further questioning.

The following evening, the father-in-law confessed to murder during an interrogation by detectives. The suspect allegedly told Police that he dealt one blow to the

man’s head with a piece of wood during an argument.

A post-mortem examination, conducted on Wednesday morning, confirmed that Bisnauth died as a result of haemorrhage in the brain and blunt trauma to the head. According to State Pathologist, Dr Nehaul Singh, the injuries were consistent with a lash to the head.

Meanwhile, the suspect had also confessed to instructing his relatives to “wash down” the blood before they called the dead man’s relatives to inform them of his death.

Guyana Times understands that the wife and mother-in-law of the now dead man were released from custody on Wednesday.

Relatives of the now dead man claimed that the suspect always fought with Bisnauth, since he did not approve of his daughter eloping with the young fisherman.

Security officers charged with $3.2M theft

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hree security officers attached to Massy Security Limited on Wednesday appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer to a larceny charge after they were accused of stealing $3.2 million.

Clarence Patterson, Shawn Goodluck and Cosmo

Chichester were jointly charged and entered a notguilty plea.

The robbery occurred on November 13, 2017, at Charlotte and Oronoque Streets, Georgetown.

Police Prosecutor Simone Payne told the Court that on the day in question, the security officers collected the money bags containing

the cash from Marics and Company Limited to be deposited at Republic Bank.

However, the Company later discovered that the monies were not deposited and reported the matter to the Police.

The trio was released on $200,000 bail each and the matter was adjourned to April 25, 2018.

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Corentyne rice infestation

Rice milling company blasts GRDB’s “no outbreak” report …says over 3000 acres infested

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and Persaud and Company Limited has blasted the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) for saying that there has been no outbreak of the worm associated with the water weevil on the Corentyne.

Following a report carried

by Guyana Times that rice farmers on the Corentyne are experiencing strange growth and pests in their fields, as some rice is being attacked by worms and flies, the GRDB said that it was not true.

According to the GRDB, a visit to the area revealed that there is no outbreak of the worm associated with the water weevil as reported. The State rice entity stated that the pest was only found in one farmer’s field in the area.

However, Nand Persaud and Company Limited, one of the largest rice mills in Berbice, on Tuesday said the presence of the pest was characterised by stunted plant growth and yellowing of leaves. These signs often cause confusion among rice farmers who mistakenly believe that there is a nutrient deficiency problem.

“Several farmers contacted Nand Persaud and Company Limited on the infestation issue and have benefited from intense investigative field visits and follow-up plans conducted by their agronomist.

This has resulted from significant recoveries made from the fields treated and arduous efforts are currently in progress to bring the pest infestation under control,” the rice mill-

root of the plants.

But there is a second problem – one that is more complicated affecting the rice. Largescale infestation of what appears to be flies has been seen by some rice farmers.

There were a similar attack two crops ago and rice production was low in the affected areas. Following the publi-

Frustrated Alan Goolcharran of Number 52 Village

ing company said.

When this publication first published the article, one farmer stated that he was advised by the GRDB to use Matador to control the worms which were found on the roots of the rice plants.

In its release dated March 9, the GRDB listed seven chemicals, including Matador, to be used to deal with the pest.

However, Nand Persaud and Company Limited has strongly objected to this.

According to the company, the rice farmers should not utilise the pesticide Matador for the treatment of this pest or paddy bugs since it has been found to escalate the problem.

“The Plant Hopper is known to transmit a virus called Hoja Blanca which can result in 25-50 per cent loss in yield if the problem is not identified and treated early.

The Extension Department of Nand Persaud wishes to

extend its continuous support to farmers in the fight against this potentially dangerous pest,” the milling company said. One farmer who Nand Persaud highlighted, Alan Goolcharran, of Number 52 Village, Corentyne, whose cultivation comprise approximately 40 acres of rice, is likely to lose more than 20 per cent in yield if the situation is not brought under control.

Recently, brightly coloured leaves were observed on some of the paddy plants.

According to some farmers, their fields have experienced stunted growth over the past month. One of the affected farmers is former Rice Producers Association (RPA) Extension Officer Ramlakhan Singh, who farms at Number 56 Village.

He explained that they have been investigating and it was some of the labourers who made the startling discovery: strange worms at the

cation of the GRBD’s release, some Corentyne rice farmers exposed the poor service being offered to Corentyne rice farmers by GRDB’s extension officers. They claimed that three weeks ago, reports were made to the GRDB about the infestation and the officer engaged a few farmers afterward and provided advice.

Those farmers say the extension officer might have been in trouble had the team visited the affected farms.

“They advised a few farmers and the team went to those farms and so they would not find any worms because the officers told the farmers what to do…” (Andrew Carmichael)

PPP pickets Social Cohesion Minister in Berbice …during Rose Hall Martyrs anniversary

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Some of the protesters on Tuesday

embers of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) on Tuesday picketed Social Cohesion Minister, Dr George Norton as he arrived to officiate in a ceremony to commemorate the 105th anniversary of the 15 Rose Hall martyrs.

The PPP had vowed to protest every Government Minister that goes to Region Six after President David Granger appointed retired High Court Judge, Justice James Patterson, 84, as the new Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission – an appointment which the Opposition did not support and called on the President to squash.

On Tuesday, Minister Norton went to commemorate the 105th anniversary of

sure that the rights of these sugar workers who are laid off are treated with respect,” Hussain said.

About 30 sacked sugar workers and their families held placards as the Minister made his way into the monument site at Rose Hall, East Canje.

According to Hussain, one of the burning issues is the need for jobs for those in the sugar belt. He noted that hundreds who previously worked with the sugar estate and now jobless.

He said Government needs to provide a subsidy for the sacked workers. “The severed sugar workers must be given subsidised water and electricity due to the tremendous hardships they and their families have been facing. At this point in time, it

Protesters with their placards

the Rose Hall Martyrs, but he was greeted by protecters.

The Party’s regional representative, Zamal Hussain, said the Party is not against the ceremony, which honoured workers who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the betterment of the industry.

“What led to this is that we are concerned about the rights of sugar workers because this activity here is based on martyrs; those who died to ensure that the right of sugar workers are upheld. So we are here to en-

is difficult for them to provide even the basic need of food for themselves and their families.”

He also noted that the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) recently passed a motion for the Government to provide transportation for the children of the sacked workers to attend school while adding that the Party is also calling on Government to create avenues where the formers could be re-employed.

The protesters feel Minister Norton could have made his visit more meaningful had he paid more attention to those who are currently being affected.

The new arrangement which sees pensioners receiving their pension through the bank was also highlighted.

The party official noted that it is an additional cost for them to travel to the banks; all of which are situated in New Amsterdam. “If they are paid at the estate office they could ride a bicycle or walk and go for it and save the car fare.”

Meanwhile, the monument where the wreath-laying took place was erected in 2014 and was conceptualised and designed by the National Trust.

In an effort to secure a better life on the sugar plantation, labourers on the Rose Hall Estate protested the retraction of a four-day holiday awarded to them for a good grinding season. They, therefore, refused an order from the Plantation Manager, Mr Smith, to plant cane on those days. This led to a formal complaint to the immigration officer. In exchange for the charges levied against them to be dropped, Mr Smith demanded that they pay the legal cost. The labourers offered to pay in instalments, but management refused and the case went to the Magistrate’s Court on February 7, 1913.

Hundreds of immigrant labourers filled the Reliance Magistrate’s Court where the men were found guilty of instigating resistance to work. The workers protested the verdict and management threatened to transfer the protesting families to distant plantations. The threat caused the workers to raise the level of their protest.

Warrants were issued for the leaders and on March 13, 1913, the Police attempted to execute the warrants. The workers resisted, and the Police opened fire injuring 56 persons and killing 15.

news

$2B libel suit against Chronicle

High Court Judge prevents AG from representing newspaper – Williams appeals ruling

Attorney Anil Nandlall

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cting Chief Justice Roxane George, SC and High Court Judge Franklin Holder on Wednesday presided over Full Court proceedings involving an appeal from Attorney General (AG) Basil Williams who is challenging Justice Sandhill Kissoon’s decision that effectively blocked him from appearing for the Guyana Chronicle in a civil suit. The case stemmed from a $2 billion libel suit against the Stateaffiliated newspaper from Applicant Clifton Bacchus, the owner of Sleepin Hotel and a prospective investor in the casino business.

He has sued the Chronicle for $1 billion in damages each for August 16 and August 17, 2017 articles which stated that he was under investigation by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) for money laundering.

According to Bacchus’ lawyer, Anil Nandall, Justice Sandhill Kissoon on November 24, 2017 issued an order “threw the AG out of the case” after Williams had attempted to enter an appearance for the newspaper.

In detailed submissions seen by this publication, Nandlall contended that the Guyana Chronicle is not a department or is part of Central Government and that entity’s owner Guyana National Newspapers Limited, is a limited liability company under the Companies Act. His submission observed that under the Companies

Attorney General Basil Williams

Sleep-In Owner Clifton Bacchus

Act, Chapter 89:01, “a company enjoys the rights, powers and privileges of an individual. On this argument, Nandlall believes that Chronicle can be seen as “a private person in the eyes of the law”.

“Thus, the First Named Appellant can sue and be sued in its own name. It is pellucid that the Appellants are private individuals as compared to the State and the Government. Even if it can be argued that the Government of Guyana may the sole or majority shareholder in the First Named Appellant, it is trite law that a company is separate and distinct from its shareholders,” a section of the court document pointed out.

The attorney also referenced The State Liabilities and Proceedings Act, which provides for the role of the Attorney General in civil proceedings, highlighting Section 10 of the said Act which states that proceedings for the enforcement of claims by or against the State shall be brought by or against the Attorney General.

“The AG only should appear for Government and Government agencies; under the Constitution, the AG is the advisor to Government; even with agencies that are statutory body Corporates, the AG would not appear because these are bodies Corporates that are run by a Board,” he further contended.

After Nandlall’s objection to the AG appearing, Justice Sandhill Kissoon disallowed him from appearing for the newspaper which meant that the Chronicle had to enlist a new batch of lawyers.

Guyana Times understands that Attorney Faye Barker is on that legal team.

This newspaper was told that AG Williams’ appeal of the Justice Kissioon’s decision had brought on the Full Court proceedings which continue on April 19 at the Supreme Court.

In August 2017, Bacchus denied that he had ever been approached by SOCU. He had even stated that the reports appearing in State media were “deliberately sensationalised” and also suggested that someone was carrying out a vendetta against him. He was adamant that the documents he submitted to the Gaming Authority established the source of his capital financing, claiming that his sources of finance included loans from local commercial banks and an overseas investor, which were secured by mortgages.

In court documents of the original suit, the plaintiff had sought an injunction which to restrain the respondents, GNNL and the Editor of the Guyana Chronicle from publishing any additional statements that he or his business were involved or connected to money laundering or any like crime including drug trafficking.

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thursDAY, march 15, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

Fishermen losing millions ... after Govt dragged feet on new regulations since 2015

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ased on the numerous concerns raised with regard to the recent ban imposed on the export of all Siluriformes fish and fish products (catfish species) from Guyana which is costing local fishermen millions, the United States (US) Government through its local embassy has said the Government was notified in advance of changes to the regulations so as to allow for the preparation for its eventual implementation.

The embassy said the US Government takes very seriously the protection of the world’s waterways and marine life and is constantly updating our regulations and processes to ensure that waterways and marine life are protected. As such, a few years ago, they changed the process of complying with its local food safety regulations regarding fish and shrimp, among many others.

“We notified the Government of Guyana of these pending changes in November of 2015, more than 18 months before they were to go into effect. We even gave Guyana an extension until February 3, 2018 to comply with the new regulations,” the Embassy said in an issued statement Wednesday.

According to the US, most countries in the hemisphere have now complied with the regulations and it believed that Guyana eventually can and will comply as well. “We understand that the Government of Guyana is working on complying, but it has not fully met the standards of the new processes associated with the regulations and until it does, we cannot accept any catfish from Guyana,” it noted.

The US has in the past offered technical assistance to the Government to help Guyanese fisherfolk to comply. It said this offer still stands, but explained that it cannot be accomplished overnight. “Our goal is to ensure consistency in food safety regulations across products and countries and to protect

marine life for future generations. This is a goal which we are sure all Guyanese share,” it concluded.

Tuesday, PSC On President Eddie Boyer had told this publication that the ban is nothing new but could be lifted if Government and private companies that are exporting work together to comply with the new requirements. He said it is not an impossible task but advised that they work diligently so as to lessen the economic impact this will have on the trade of these specific fish species.

Chief Fisheries Officer Denzil Roberts told sections of the media that the ban was imposed after it was found that the local

the imposition from the US export market was just a temporary technical barrier to trade. Dr Dodson said the move by the USDA was a “protectionist measure” by that country’s public health system lobbied for by the catfish farmers who have invested heavily to develop the industry there.

The US Food Safety Inspection Services (FSIS) asked Guyana to provide the relevant documentation to verify this country’s inspection system equivalence to the US standards or its equivalent public health system. Dr Dodson claimed Guyana complied with the request.

However, the country fell short of the US standards in

Siluriformes fish and fish products’ inspection system was not equivalent to the US inspection system. Roberts was also able to confirm that the Veterinary Public Health Unit of the Public Health Ministry were not able to satisfy the requirements demanded by the US. Guyana was unable to comply with several US conditions mainly due to factors such as modification of inspection procedures and outdated regulations, including those governing fisheries products, which Guyana is in the process of revising The Health and Agriculture Ministries have general oversight and responsibility for the sector and monitor and verify the quality of products.

Meanwhile, Veterinary Public Health Unit Director, Dr Ozaye Dodson has said

three areas: firstly, on the issue of the presence of inspectors; secondly, there was insufficient documentation detailing verification of each step in the sanitation and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) process and thirdly, there was insufficient documentation specifying how the industry manages adulterated catfish products.

New US standards for import of catfish species demand the presence of inspectors at plants for one hour during an eight-hour shift.

Dr Dodson explained that Guyana’s inspection system utilised a “risk-based approach”, which is a European Union (EU) standard.

Guyana was among several countries banned recently from the US catfish export sector.

“I did not poison my children” – accused mother testifies ...will know fate today

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wenty-five-year-old Hofosawa Awena Rutherford, who is standing trial on accusations that she poisoned her two children to death, will know her fate today following the prosecution closing its case.

In an unsworn statement from the prisoner’s dock on Wednesday, the accused woman in a bout of tears and excessive shaking said in an unsworn statement that she loved her children; that she’s still traumatised from losing them and that she never bought rat poison to poison them, adding that the Police treated her unfairly.

“I love my children very much... I did not poison my children,” she claimed.

Her remarks at the manslaughter trial were only audible after a brief reprimand by presiding Judge Navindra Singh who had observed that he could not hear what she was saying. The defendant at that point quickly gathered her composure, asking if she could repeat which she later did in a much softer tone, without hyper-ventilation.

Despite her claim of innocence, multiple Police witnesses maintained that Rutherford repeatedly said she was stressed and had problems and that she indeed gave her offspring, what she claimed were cold tablets. Her lawyer, Adrian Thompson harped on the fact that his client was always consistent in

The 12-member jury will determine if Hofosawa Awena Rutherford is innocent or guilty

saying that she bought cold tablets and that she never intended to buy rat poison. The prosecution however, did not take kindly to the defendant’s story.

“Who would go to the Plaisance Bus Park to buy cold tablets from a man that sells rat poison?” was the question State Prosecutor Tiffini Lyken put to the 12-member jury during her closing address. Lyken even contended that the accused woman attempted to change her story during her emotional unsworn statement, saying that she supposedly bought the tablets at a pharmacy.

The State counsel opined that Rutherford strayed from previous recollection of events.

During Wednesday’s hearing, father of the two deceased children, Jabari Codogan Sr, testified via Skype from Brooklyn, New York, USA, that he supported his children even after he separated from Rutherford and that he com-

municated with them every day. The senior Codogan told the court that he was never told they were suffering from a cold but did admit under cross-examination that his son, Jabari, was treated for asthma-related conditions.

The overseas-based man also stated that on the day of the deaths, he received a text message to call Rutherford on her number, but related that he did not have credit to do so. The father witnessed to post-mortem examinations of the children at the Georgetown Public Hospital and attended their funerals on April 6.

The accused and the children were staying with her sister, Monica Sealey and her husband Curt who both testified before the jury that they never noticed any cold symptoms

in the children on that fateful day. The prosecution’s case was that Rutherford called the children into her bedroom and gave one-year-old Jabari Codogan and four-year-old Odascia Codogan two halves of one carbon tablet which caused their deaths on March 27, 2014. She also drank two tablets and was hospitalised for seven days.

Government Pathologist, Dr Nehaul Singh confirmed that the children died from pesticide poisoning by way of ingesting aluminum phosphide which is commonly known as carbon tablets. Prosecutors Shawnette Austin and Abigail Gibbs also appeared for the State. The jury will deliberate and return its verdict this afternoon.

(Shemuel Fanfair)

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news

thursDAY, march 15, 2018 | guyanatimesgy.com

11 villages benefit Bartica Youth Group threatens legal action against Town Council from SDF workshop …over stall allocation

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he Bartica United Youth Development Group (BUYDG) is threatening legal action against the Bartica Mayor and Town Council (BM&TC) if it does not address the lack of transparency in the process it utilised for the allocation of stalls in the commercial district.

The BUYDG said that the Council recently constructed seven stalls at the Bartica Market and it displaced a number of vendors who were supposed to be given priority when it came to allocating the stalls.

However, family and friends of those on the Council was given first priority.

“It is unfortunate enough that applicants for seven new stalls recently built by the Bartica Mayor and

Town Council feel betrayed and short-changed that a transparent process was not used in the issuance of these commercial locations. It is even more heart-breaking to see that those issued these very stalls are either family members or very close to some of those seated on the Council,” the Group said in a statement.

The BUYDG explained that it became interested in the stall allocation process after a differently abled vendor, Winston James, was denied a stall. It added that James has been vending outside the Bartica Market for over two years and applied for one of the stalls but was denied.

“Like other vendors, Mr James applied for one of the new stalls constructed by

the Bartica Council. He had been vending with an umbrella and a small table in front of the Bartica Market for more than three years and pays a fee for doing so.

Mr James is disabled. He is in need of a hip replacement surgery and as such, is not able to move around much and uses crutches. Vending has been his main income and with that he cares for his family.”

BUYDG President Micah Williams related that he personally took James to the Mayor’s Office to apply for the stall and was told that all the requirements were met.

“The Mayor declared that persons who were occupying spots and relocated to accommodate the building of the stalls would be given

first preference to acquire the stands in the same manner that they were occupying their spots. Lo and behold, Bartica residents saw persons known to them winning these stalls. Persons occupying the spots were not given first preference and to date, applicants are unaware as to how those “friends and family members” of Councillors won those stalls,” Williams said.

“The BUYDG will be seeking a meeting with the BM&TC to have this matter addressed. If the matter is not addressed at this level, the BUYDG will waste no time in seeking a High Court ruling that the issuance of the stalls were illegal and to have them reversed,” he added.

Commonwealth Day celebrated T

he Parliament office of Guyana on Monday evening hosted an exhibition of innovative projects in commemoration of Commonwealth Day 2018.

The projects on display were made by primary and secondary students from each of Guyana's administrative regions and the University of Guyana's Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences.

With the aim of combating climate change, the projects which were selected in some way or another presented ideas on how to protect the environment or lessen the impact of climate change.

Most of the school projects were a part of the regional sciences fairs that occurred last week.

The event which was hosted at the Umana Yana was graced with the presence of a number of Government officials and dignitaries, such as RK Perindia, acting High Commissioner of India; Greg Quinn, High Commissioner of Britain; Lilian Chatterjee, High Commissioner if Canada; Vice President Khemraj Ramjattan; Gail Teixiera, Opposition Chief Whip; Minister of State Joseph Harmon; and Carl Greenidge acting President.

The audience was told of India's and Canada's strives to combat climate change and the importance of their

Students of Amelia’s Ward Primary explaining their project to Minister of State, Joseph Harmon and Vice President Khemraj Ramjattan

relationship with Guyana in order to do so.

Lilian Chaterjee noted that Guyana and moreover the Caribbean, is in a good position to assist in the conquering of climate change.

She noted that several women across the world are being coached to attend a forum where they will negotiate policies regarding climate change and solutions to the problem.

Operating under the theme 'Towards a common future', The Queen's Commonwealth Day message was presented by Queen' College student Shannia Persaud. The Queen often highlighted the need for unity in all aspects and the need for commonwealth nations to work collaboratively towards a common goal. "By pledging to serve the common good in

New ways, we can ensure that the Commonwealth continues to grow in scope and stature," Her majesty stated.

In her brief address, Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira noted that "The most important issue is the survival of planet Earth."

She went on to state that the People’s Progressive Party's point of view, we need to keep our sights on harnessing renewable energy, making reference to the Amaila Falls project.

In presenting his remarks, Minister of State Joseph Harmon spoke extensively on the role the Commonwealth plays in the combating of climate, especially noting that this year's theme is fitting for that work.

"The theme for this year's observance is timely and relevant, given the unprecedent-

ed challenge that all nations face individually and collectively," he said. Harmon also highlighted the work that the commonwealth has done with small islands and countries to address vulnerabilities and development needs.

This was done through an international conference of small islands to evaluate the effects of climate change and how marine resources could be sustainably used in the fight.

"The commonwealth has always been at the forefront of policy research and global advocacy, to assist small states to build resilience, access finances, alleviate debt burden and device measures to respond to natural disasters and the impact of climate change," the Minister noted. He also took the opportunity to praise the students for their excellent projects.

It was proudly announced that some 700,000 hectares of lands in the Kanashen area of South Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo) is being preserved as part of the Queen's Commonwealth Canopy. The canopy aims at fostering forest preservation and the conservation of Indigenous forests for future generations. The initiative was launched back in 2015 at a Commonwealth heads of Government meeting in Malta.

Minister Valerie Garrido-Lowe addressing the gathering at the launch of the workshop

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ith the aim of building sustainable village economies, 11 villages in Santa Rosa, Moruca Sub-District, Region One (Barima-Waini) are currently benefiting from a Village Improvement Plan (VIP) workshop which is being executed under the Sustainable Development Framework (SDF).

The workshop, which was launched on Tuesday, in the company of the Minister within the Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Ministry, Valerie Garrido-Lowe; Chief of the Bear Clan (Canada’s First Peoples), Glenn Nolan and residents of the respective villages will last for four days.

During her address, Minister Garrido-Lowe noted that there has been a drought of sustainable plans for a number of years and in some instances where there were great ideas, there was a lack of skills to implement these ideas.

She stated, “Many villages do not have plans for the future so we are going to help you strengthen your economies. We need to make plans that would last us for years to

come.”

Emphasis was also placed on the Coffee Project in Santa Rosa and the Cassava Flour Project in Kwebanna which will be executed soon, as well as the establishment of a bakery which will serve as a potential economic driver.

Minister Garrido-Lowe highlighted the key areas that should be considered for inclusion in the respective VIPs; among them education, culture, health, governance, livelihood, nature and environment and economic diversification.

Chief Nolan, who visited Guyana for the first time, stated that the area possess tremendous potential and it is necessary to educate the children of the region in areas that are relevant to the communities and moreover, the country.

The VIP is among several innovative projects on stream in pursuit of the green agenda and was designed to support the Indigenous people by improving their well-being as Guyana pursues a green, diversified and resilient economic development path.

Police tackle multi-coloured “wrap” design minibuses

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anks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), as part of their regular patrol, have pulled over several buses that have multi-coloured ‘wrap’ designs at the Brickdam Police Station.

When contacted, acting Traffic Chief Ramesh Ashram stated that this campaign was currently ongoing until all vehicles were in compliance with the traffic rules, which prevent them from operating with wraps and featuring many colours.

He later stated that this was a countrywide campaign and all bus routes would be checked to ensure that the traffic laws were not breached.

So far, over 30 buses were pulled in at the Police Station after their registration documents showed that the vehicles were supposed to be in a

single colour. However, this was not the case as most of them were wrapped in various colours and designs, and bearing logos which were not in compliance with the traffic regulations.

Meanwhile, drivers who were identified by the Police officers related that they were losing money and time.

The vehicles whose designs are sprayed on will be allowed to continue working.

Conversely, the operators of minibuses that were wrapped will have to make certain changes in order to continue working.

Police officials have indicated that these problems could be avoided if all traffic regulations were followed. Drivers will be provided with a fitness certificate, which will allow them to resume operation.

WCD flood victims still awaiting compensation

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esidents of West Coast Demerara (WCD) who experienced flooding after a spring tide pummelled the sea defence structures and caused some breaches are still awaiting the compensation which was promised

by Minister of State, Joseph Harmon.

The Tuschen/Uitvlugt Neighbourhood Democratic

Council (NDC) Chairman Vishal Ambedkar, during an interview with Guyana Times, revealed that a list was created to assess the damages of the flood victims. Losses of the residents tallied to approximately $100 million, and the list was submitted by the Geographical Representative and Member of Parliament (MP), Mohammed Irfaan Ali.

However, Minister Harmon had told the residents that compensation would be given when the list was checked to ensure that the assessments were accurate.

“We are hoping that the compensation promised from the Minister of State, that these people will be able to return to a life that was as normal or as close to normal that

they would’ve had before,” the NDC Chairman noted.

Presently, Chairman Ambedkar stated that there has been no feedback from the authorities with regard to the compensation and the list that was submitted by MP Ali. He also noted that if another high tide struck, the villages will be under wa-

ter again. As such, the NDC will also need financial assistance to cater for unexpected disasters. He stated, “We also recommended that the Government give us additional funding for incidental expenses such as these.”

Moreover, persons who were affected by the flood were still waiting on the Government to approve the list so as to re-

place some of the items they lost during the flood. Others who farm and rear livestock explained that their livelihoods were destroyed and they are in great need of the money. The flood victims related that they were in need of some financial assistance, so as to restore some degree of normalcy to their lives at the earliest.

thursDAY, march 15, 2018

guyanatimesgy.com

Around the World

Stephen Hawking, who unlocked the secrets of space and time, dies at 76

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tephen Hawking, who sought to explain the origins of the universe, the mysteries of black holes and the nature of time itself, died on Wednesday aged 76.

Hawking’s formidable mind probed the very limits of human understanding both in the vastness of space and in the bizarre sub-molecular world of quantum theory, which he said could predict what happens at the beginning and end of time.

Ravaged by the wasting motor neurone disease he developed at 21, Hawking was confined to a wheelchair for most of his life. As his condition worsened, he

The late Stephen Hawking

had to speak through a voice synthesizer and communicating by moving his eyebrows – but at the same time became the world’s most recognisable scientist.

Hawking died peacefully at his home in the British university city of Cambridge in the early hours of Wednesday.

Hawking shot to international fame after the 1988 publication of A Brief History of Time, one of the most complex books ever to achieve mass appeal, which stayed on the Sunday Times best-sellers list for no fewer than 237 weeks. ”My original aim was to

write a book that would sell on airport bookstalls,” he told reporters at the time.

“In order to make sure it was understandable I tried the book out on my nurses. I think they understood most of it.”

The physicist’s disease spurred him to work harder but also contributed to the collapse of his two marriages, he wrote in a 2013 memoir My Brief History.

“At the time, I thought my life was over and that I would never realise the potential I felt I had. But now, 50 years later, I can be quietly satisfied with my life.”

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Florida shooting: US high school students stage mass walkout

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tudents and school staff across the US are commemorating the Florida school shootings with a walkout, exactly one month after the killings.

They are stopping lessons for 17 minutes in memory of the 17 people killed at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

Pupils at the school, which was targeted by a former student, hugged each

other on the football field.

Protest organisers accuse Congress of failing to tackle gun violence.

The White House revealed a plan this week to deter school shootings which does not include President Donald Trump's repeated calls to raise the age for buying semi-automatic rifles to 21. Instead, it moves ahead with his controversial proposal to provide firearms

training to school employees.

The walkouts began at 10:00 in the eastern US (14:00 GMT) and moved west across America's time zones. Organisers of the National School Walkout, who were also behind the Women's March in January 2017 against Trump's inauguration, called on "students, teachers, school administrators, parents and

allies" to take part.

On their website, they accuse Congress of "inaction to do more than tweet thoughts and prayers in response to the gun violence plaguing" schools and neighbourhoods.

Schools taking part included Colorado's Columbine High School where 13 people were shot dead by two students in 1999. (Excerpt from BBC

News)

Panama port city of Colón hit by rioting and looting

The main march proceeded peacefully but small groups broke off and caused trouble. Protesters lit rubbish to barricade the streets, causing the Police to come out in force

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strike is paralysing the Panamanian port of Colón for a second day running after protests against plans to regenerate the city turned violent.

Civic groups behind the protest said the plans were a sneaky way of trying to gentrify the city and drive poorer residents out.

The Government of President Juan Carlos Varela argues the plans will benefit the people of Colón.

Four Police Officers have been injured and 45 people arrested.

A historic building in Colón’s old quarter, Casa Wilcox, was burned down.

Interior Minister Álvaro Alemán blamed “delinquent groups backed by people driven by political interests” for the acts of vandalism and said the government would deal swiftly with those behind them.

While the city is home to

the Colón Free Trade Zone, its residential areas have been neglected for years and its infrastructure left to deteriorate.

A contract worth US$537 million (£385 million) for the city’s regeneration was awarded in 2015 to a consortium made up of a Panamanian firm and scandal-hit Brazilian construction company Odebrecht.

Residents have complained about the slow pace

of the works which include the renovation of the city’s sewage system and its water supply. They also say they fear the regeneration of the city’s housing stock will see them driven out by rising prices.

Alemán said the government would convene a council of ministers in April to examine the progress the regeneration project had made. (Excerpt from BBC News)

UK to expel 23 Russian diplomats over Skripal poisoning

The poisoning of Sergei Skripal and his daughter has drawn comparisons to another former spy's death in England

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he UK will expel 23 Russian diplomats over the poisoning of former double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in the single biggest expulsion in more than 30 years.

Theresa May, UK Prime Minister, says a deadline issued on Monday for Moscow to provide an explanation for how a Russia-made nerve agent had ended up in Salisbury met "complete disdain".

"They have treated the use of a military-grade nerve agent in Europe with sarcasm, contempt and defiance," she said in Parliament on Wednesday.

"There is no alternative conclusion other than that the Russian state was culpable for the attempted murder of Skripal and his daughter and for threatening the lives of other British citizens in Salisbury."

Skripal, 66, and his daughter Yulia, 33, were found unconscious on a bench outside a shopping centre in the southern English city of Salisbury on March 4, after they were poisoned with a nerve agent.

A former double agent, Skripal betrayed dozens of Russian agents to British intelligence before his arrest in Moscow in 2004.

May announced a range of responses to the alleged murder attempt, including withdrawal of an invitation to Sergey Lavrov, Russian Foreign Minister, to visit the UK. Cabinet Ministers and members of the royal family would not attend the World Cup in Russia this summer.

May said the expelled diplomats were identified as "undeclared intelligence officers" and were given one week to leave the country. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Barbados Government Minister accuses Canadian diplomat of political interference

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n a scathing response to comments by Canada’s High Commissioner to Barbados Marie Legault, a Government Minister said that foreign diplomats who show bias in their positions on Barbadian politics should be asked to leave the country immediately.

Speaking at the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) branch meeting at Lester Vaughan Secondary School, over the past weekend, Education Minister of Ronald Jones did not refer to Legault by name, but made it clear that while he liked Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, “I ain’t going up there and tell anybody to vote for he.”

It was an apparent reference to Legault’s direct challenge to political commentator Maureen Holder over the readiness of Barbados

for a female Prime Minister.

While delivering the Astor B Watts Democratic Labour Party (DLP) lunchtime lecture earlier this year, Holder, who critics describe as an unabashed DLP campaigner, called for a national debate on whether the country was “seriously ready for a female Prime Minister”. The main Opposition Barbados Labour Party (BLP) is led by a woman, Mia Mottley.

Addressing the W Portfolio organised International Women’s Day event at the Hilton Barbados Resort last Thursday, the Canadian diplomat said the Caribbean had already produced four female heads of government and five heads of state, including the current Governor General, Dame Sandra Mason, and there was room for more females in top positions. (Excerpt from

Caribbean360)

Trump's tariffs could hurt Jamaica badly, says Hanna

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pposition People’s National Party (PNP) spokesperson on foreign affairs and foreign trade, Lisa Hanna has expressed concern that the proposed tariffs on a number of countries for imported aluminium and steel recently announced by United States President Donald Trump could have serious direct and indirect econom-

17

ic implications for Jamaica.

With these proposed tariffs she is calling on the Government to present to the country its plan for foreign trade especially in light of the repercussions that the US tariffs could have on our national priorities.

She explained that the country is entitled to be apprised by the Government

of any possible effect on our fragile economy, adding that silence is totally unacceptable.

In a release on Wednesday morning, Hanna contended for example that, “JISCO, the largest steel producer in China strategically invested US$320 million in the former UC Rusal plant in St Elizabeth. This is the larg-

est single investment of any kind to Jamaica in current terms which aims to refurbish, modernise and expand the alumina plant for the establishment of several ‘downstream’ and ancillary manufacturing activities.”

She said this could ultimately make Jamaica a manufacturer of aluminium and steel products while producing millions in tons

of alumina, adding that results of this investment should include exportation of these goods to China and elsewhere on the world market.

Hanna further added that already major expansion and rehabilitation of the 49-year-old plant are underway to insert a new power facility and production line. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Lisa Hanna

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guyanatimesgy.com

thursDAY, March 15, 2018

ARCHIE

Don’t share personal information, passwords or pos(March 21sessions. Being secretive will April 19) keep you safe and ward off any attempt by someone looking to make some fast cash or take advantage of you.

ARIES

Put your energy into TAURUS something you enjoy doing. A (April 20- creative outlet will do you a May 20) world of good and help you realize that you do have something unique to offer.

dilbert

Don’t be too eager to share GEMINI with someone digging into (May 21your past or trying to be overJune 20) ly friendly. Protect your reputation and question other people’s motives.

Your strength will come from your insight and ability (June 21- to express your feelings and July 22) what means the most to you.

Don’t hold back if you want to gain ground when dealing with important relationships.

CANCER

Peanuts

Overspending on things LEO you don’t need will be your (July 23- downfall. Consider being Aug. 22) more of a minimalist when it comes to lifestyle, love and entertainment. Look for cheaper ways to have fun.

Calvin and Hobbes

You’ll be drawn into someVIRGO one else’s dream. Before you (Aug. 23promise to take part, considSept. 22) er what’s entailed. You should consider taking a pass and focusing more on something you want to do.

Do whatever is required to LIBRA (Sept. 23- take care of the responsibiliOct. 23) ties concerning the younger or older people in your life. It’s the little things you do that will make the biggest difference.

WORD GAME

SUDOKU

TODAY’S WORD — DISDAINED

Average mark 19 words Time limit 30 minutes Can you find 26 or more words in DISDAINED? The list will be published tomorrow.

YESTERDAY’S WORD — NAIVETE

vain vane vein vent vina vine vita

eaten enate even event teen tine tinea

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

ity for your chores or the changes you want to make and get things done.

Getting together with SAGITTARIUS friends, relatives or some(Nov. 23Dec. 21) one you’d like to do business with will be productive. The decisions you make will lead to positive results. Love and romance are highlighted.

(DISDAINED: dis-DANED: Regarded or treated with haughty contempt.)

naive native nave neat neve ante anti

You can make headway at SCORPIO home and with important rela(Oct. 24tionships if you take responsibilNov. 22)

solution for Puzzle

You may want change, CAPRICORN (Dec. 22- but that’s no reason to make Jan. 19) an unnecessary move. Don’t feel deprived just because someone is bragging about how much he or she has. Live life your way.

Think it, feel it and do it.

AQUARIUS The changes you bring about (Jan. 20will reflect exactly what you Feb. 19) want to see happen. Embrace change. Love is featured.

You’ll feel passionate about PISCES life, your responsibilities and (Feb. 20doing what you can to get March 20) ahead. A disciplined approach and an energetic and positive attitude will lead to success and greater opportunities.

thursDAY, march 15, 2018

L

ionel Messi brought up 100 Champions League goals with a strike in each half as Barcelona dumped Chelsea out of the competition with a 3-0 win at Camp Nou. The sides were locked together at 1-1 after Messi’s equaliser in the first leg of the last-16 tie at Stamford Bridge and Antonio Conte’s men held their own for long periods once again, only to be undermined by uncharacteristic defensive errors.

Messi scored the earliest goal of his professional career in the third minute, with Ousmane Dembele opening his Barcelona account in style to ground an encouraging Chelsea response.

Thibaut Courtois was tamely beaten in the first instance and Barca’s ruthless qualities on the break were in full view as Dembele clattered into the top corner and Messi secured his latest landmark after the hour.

Chelsea’s attentions now turn to scrapping for a topfour place in the Premier League and a face-saving tilt at the FA Cup, with Conte’s prospects of seeing out his contract until the end of next season done few favours by Wednesday’s result.

By contrast, opposite number Ernesto Valverde has gone from seemingly managing a damage-control operation at the start of the campaign to being on course for a sensational treble.

The hosts rumbled straight into their familiar passing rhythm, pushing and shifting Chelsea whichever way they desired from kick-off, and the break-

through came after a mere 128 seconds.

Messi began one of his trademark dribbles towards the right edge of the Chelsea area and, even though the angle was against him

glided past a wild challenge from Andreas Christensen and drew some defensive detente from a backpedalling Cesar Azpilicueta.

Once in the area, Messi picked out Dembele, who

Lionel Messi scored inside the first two minutes

when Luis Suarez sent the ball back in his direction, Courtois contrived to let a speculative right-footed prod through his legs.

Chelsea’s response was encouraging, with Eden Hazard sparkling, but ex-Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas left his team-mates with a mountain to climb.

There was much for Messi to do when he pickpocketed Fabregas on halfway, but he

seemed to put every ounce of frustration from his injury nightmare this season into a vicious, rising right-footed finish.

Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen repelled Marcos Alonso’s strike from Willian’s cutback in the 37th minute and, after N’Golo Kante bustled into the box with the second ball, Fabregas got in the way and his team-mate slashed wide.

Alonso then struck the outside of the post with a superb free-kick in the 45th minute, ensuring the half started and finished with frustration for the reigning Premier League champions.

Courtois resumed in howling fashion, passing to Suarez, but at least stood firm to keep out the resulting shot.

Conte’s touchline fury reached new levels in the 50th minute when Alonso tumbled in the box under clumsy pressure from Gerard Pique, but no penalty was given.

Pique halted Alonso by indisputably legal means after the hour passed, launching a sliding block as the marauding wing-back fired goalwards.

Alonso was the standout performer of a tireless Chelsea performance, but their efforts were undermined as they surrendered possession again in the 63rd minute.

Suarez tore at the away defence and fed Messi to ease around the outside of Azpilicueta and clip the ball home – once more via a nutmeg of Courtois.

The Belgium goalkeeper at least kept out a Paulinho header five minutes from time before the crossbar denied Antonio Rudiger a consolation goal that the visitors’ toils merited. (Sportsmax)

19

Kohli wary of his heavy workload demands

I

ndia captain Virat Kohli has welcomed the short break from cricket that he is on currently, saying it has helped him recover from a “few niggles”. Kohli opted out of the ongoing Nidahas Trophy, the T20 triangular series also featuring Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, with Rohit Sharma captaining the Indian team instead.

“Physically, I had a few niggles, I am just getting over those,” Kohli said at a promotional event in Mumbai. “The workload has started to disagree with me a little bit. I have to be very careful about how I go forward with my body, my mind, my cricket. Times like these are very, very important. I am totally enjoying it; I do not even have an inch of me missing out on anything because my body really needed this.”

Kohli was rested for the tri-series on the back of an almost two-month-long South African tour, where he played every match barring one T20I. The Indian contingent for the Nidahas Trophy excluded several notable limited-overs regulars, including Kohli, MS Dhoni, Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Hardik Pandya and Kuldeep Yadav, with MSK Prasad, the chairman of selectors, explaining that the selection committee was mindful of their workload and upcoming schedule.

This is not the first time that Kohli has raised concerns about workload management. He had been pretty vociferous about it during the home Test series against Sri Lanka last year.

“Definitely, I do need a rest. Why not? When I think of the time when my body needs to be rested, I’ll ask for it. I am not a robot, you can slice my skin and check, I bleed,” he had said then. He was subsequently rested for the limited-overs leg of the tour.

India’s players have a long season ahead of them. After the triseries in Sri Lanka, they will be engaged in the IPL through April and May, then host Afghanistan for a oneoff Test in June, before heading England for three T20Is, three ODIs and five Tests starting in July and running through to September.

(Cricinfo)

Kohli is arguably one of the fittest cricketers in the current international circuit

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

thursDAY, march 15, 2018

A

n unbeaten half-century by captain Stafanie Taylor was not enough for Windies Women who crumbled to an 8 run loss to New Zealand in the first T20 international at Mount Maunganui on

P

owered for the first time in the tournament by Rohit Sharma’s runs, India bided their time, kept wickets in hand, and blasted 79 off six overs towards the end to make 176 for 3 - a score that proved 17 runs beyond Bangladesh, despite another fifty from Mushfiqur Rahim.

Batting in partnership with Rohit, Suresh Raina also contributed a vital 47 off 30 balls, their second-wicket association running for 102 runs. On the slowest pitch of the tournament so far, India’s bowlers mounted a proficient defence; Washington Sundar dismissed the Bangladesh openers inside the Powerplay, Yuzvendra Chapel delivered another probing spell, and the seamers largely proved difficult to put away, their full array of cutters, knuckle balls and slower ones on display.

This being India’s third win, they are now in S u n d a y ’s f i n a l .

Rohit Sharma made a watchful start (AFP)

Tuesday.

Sent in to the bat the Kiwis led by 54 from Katey Martin and 49 from captain Suzie Bates piled up 167 for 6 in their turn at the crease.

The Windies at one point seemed well in control of the

runs chase, needing just 22 from 12 balls but were in the end left stumped by a late collapse that saw the team crumble to 159-6.

Needing 13 to win from the final over Taylor, who compiled a breezy 51 from

31 balls was eventually left stranded in the non-striker’s end, as Sophie Devine, who ended with 2 for 27, kept the ball away from Akeira Peters.

The scenario had hardly seemed likely with the

Bangladesh and Sri Lanka will play a virtual semi-final on Friday, having won only one game apiece so far.

The pace of the India innings adhered roughly to Rohit’s own rate of scoring. At the end of the Powerplay, both he and the team had made a smart start without quite being explosive; he was on 26 off 23, and the total was at 49 for no loss. He coasted through the middle overs completing his 13th T20I fifty off the 42nd delivery he faced, and then came the explosion.

In the six overs between 14th and 19th, India scored almost 14 per over, and Rohit reaped 37 off 15 balls. He took an especial liking to the bowling of Abu Hider, whose final over disappeared for 21 runs. Even Mustafizur Rahman was not spared.

Perhaps the most memorable shot of the innings was Rohit’s slog sweep off him in the 17th over, which sent the ball high over the square leg boundary.

Having arrived with the score at

70 for 1 in the 10th over, Raina had been tested with the shorter delivery again, but having survived that period, it had been he who kicked India’s innings into overdrive. He thumped Mehedi Hasan over cow corner in the 14th over, before clubbing him down the ground for four next ball. There was one top edge for four off Rubel Hossain, but otherwise Raina’s advance was clinical and calculated. He favored the leg side as usual.

He was caught off the first ball of Rubel’s excellent final over, attempting a third six, again over deep midwicket. Earlier Shikhar Dhawan had made 35 off 27 balls.

Bangladesh may have been full of confidence following the

chase of 215, but they never really had the measure of this target. They needed a bright start like they had had on Saturday, but got the opposite.

Liton Das was stumped off Sundar in the second over, after the bowler fired the ball short and wide, having seen the batsman coming. Soumya Sarkar was bowled in Sundar’s next over, as he heaved unfruitfully at a straighter delivery. Tamim Iqbal, who had just begun to free his arms, was out soon after, also to Sundar, who slipped a delivery into leg stump, as Tamim shuffled to off and tried to shovel it over his shoulder. By the end of the Powerplay, Bangladesh were 48 for 3. (Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD India Innings (20 overs maximum) R Sharma (c) run out (R Hossain) 89 S Dhawan b R Hossain 35 S Raina c Sarkar b R Hossain 47 K Karthik † not out 2 Extras (lb 1, w 2) 3 Total (3wickets;20 Overs) 176 Did not bat: Rahul, Pandey, Shankar, W Sundar, Thakur, Chahal, Siraj Fall of wickets: 1-70 (Dhawan, 9.5 ov), 2-172 (Raina, 19.1 ov), 3-176 (Sharma, 19.6 ov) Bowling: Hider 4-043-0, Islam 4-0-27-0, R Hossain 4-0-27-2, Rahman 4-0-38-0, Miraz 3-0-31-0, Mahmudullah 1-0-9-0

Bangladesh Innings (target: 177 runs from 20 overs) T Iqbal b Sundar 27

L Das st †Karthik b Sundar 7 S Sarkar b Sundar 1 M Rahim †not out 72 Mahmudullah (c) c Rahul b Chahal 11 S Rahman b Thakur 27 M Miraz c Raina b Siraj 7 A Hider not out 0 Extras (lb 1, nb 1, w 5) 7 Total (6 wickets; 20 Overs) 159 Did not bat: R Hossain, M Rahman, N Islam Fall of wickets: 1-12 (Das, 1.5 ov), 2-35 ( Sarkar, 3.4 ov), 3-40 (Iqbal, 5.4 ov), 4-61 (Mahmudullah, 8.4 ov), 5-126 (Rahman, 16.4 ov), 6-150 (Miraz, 19.2 ov) Bowling: Siraj 4-050-1, Sundar 4-0-22-3, Thakur 4-0-37-1, Chahal 4-021-1, Shankar 4-0-28-0

Windies recovering from a slow start to be coasting at 146 for 4 and needing just 22 from the final two overs.

The White Ferns got a crucial breakthrough, however, when Kyshona Knight was caught by Amy Satterthwaite off the bowling of Leigh Kasperek.

Kycia Knight was then quickly stumped in the same over, which saw the Windies momentum ground to a screeching halt. Hayle Matthews had given the team a decent start by clubbing 53 from 31 early on. Kasperek ended with match-best figures of 3 for 35. (Sportsmax) Windies captain Stafanie Taylor

SCOREBOARD New Zealand Women Innings S Bates (c) c Connell b Fletcher 49 S Devine c Peters b Connell 6 K Martin † c Kycia A Knight b Mohammed 54 A Satterthwaite c †Aguilleira b Dottin 36 M Green c Mohammed b Dottin 12 A Peterson c Peters b Matthews 3 N Dodd not out 3 H Rowe not out 0 Extras 4 (lb 1, w 3) Total (6 wickets;20 Overs) 167 Did not bat: L Kasperek, H Jensen, L Tahuhu Fall of wickets: 1-15 (Devine, 2.2 ov), 2-91 (Bates, 11.1 ov), 3-143 (Satterthwaite, 15.4 ov), 4-155 (Martin, 17.2 ov), 5-161 (Peterson, 18.3 ov), 6-166 (Green, 19.4 ov) Bowling: Connell 3-0-32-1, Dottin 4-0-23-2, Matthews 4-0-27-1, Mohammed 4-0-30-1, Fletcher 3-030-1, Taylor 2-0-24-0

Windies Women innings H Matthews st †Martin b Kasperek 53 M Aguilleira † b Devine 5 S Taylor (c) not out 51 D Dottin c Bates b Tahuhu 10 R Boyce c Jensen b Devine 12 Kyshona Knight c Satterthwaite b Kasperek 19 Kycia Knight st †Martin b Kasperek 0 A Peters not out 4 Extras (lb 5) 5 Total (6 wickets; 20 Overs) 159 Did not bat: Fletcher, Mohammed, Connell Fall of wickets: 1-42 (Aguilleira, 5.5 ov), 2-60 (Matthews, 8.1 ov), 3-71 (Dottin, 9.3 ov), 4-97 (Boyce, 13.1 ov), 5-153 (Kyshona Knight, 18.3 ov), 6-154 (Kycia Knight, 18.5 ov) Bowling: Peterson 4-0-21-0, Tahuhu 3-0-33-1, Jensen 4-029-0, Devine 4-0-27-2, Kasperek 4-0-35-3, Rowe 1-0-9-0

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21

Ishmael Pulsarran of Timehri Panthers

imehri Panthers bolted to their sixth win in seven matches on account of a helmet-trick from Ishmael Pulsarran which led them to a huge 12-1 win over Diamond United and second place in the points standings as action in the East Bank Football Association leg of the GFF/Pele Alumni Frank Watson U15 Intra Association League continued on Sunday last at the Timehri Red Ground.

Grove Hi Tech pocketed their fifth win in nine matches, a 1-0 triumph over Soesdyke Falcons thanks to their Captain, Devon Padmore’s 22nd minute effort. The win took Grove to 18 points the same as Timehri with

the latter enjoying a better goal average. Agricola Red Triangle which did not play last weekend is still in the lead by a single point.

Pulsarran rocked the nets in the 21st, 31st, 42nd and 50th minute which has taken his tally in the league to nine (9). He was well supported by Neron Barrow who tucked in a hat-trick in the 34th, 37th and 49th minute. Prince Forde accounted for a brace (6, 25) with one each off the boot of Patrick Paul (47), Antone Denny (53) and Tywell Lovell in the 54th minute.

Diamond United’s consolation goal was scored in the 35th minute by Shaquan Braithwaite.

Mocha Champs recorded the other win on Sunday, 2-0 over Friendship All Stars. Yohance Porter in the 33rd minute and Jermaine Harry in the 50th minute were the players on target for Mocha

Grove Hi Tech Captain Devon Padmore

Champs.

Kuru Kururu Warriors, after taking the lead against Diamond Upsetters had to fight their way back in order to enjoy an equal share of the points. The Warriors had opened proceedings thanks to a John Fredericks’ 12th minute goal.

But that advantage was

Fraser-Pryce begins ‘greatest comeback’ in June T hree-time World and twice Olympic 100-metre champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce is expected to return to the track during the summer to begin what she has described as the greatest comeback ever.

The 2016 Olympic bronze medalist missed the 2016/2017 season to have her son Zyon and to recover from a nagging toe injury that played a part in her failure to become the first woman in history to win three consecutive Olympic 100-metre titles. After more than a year out, the 31-year-old FraserPryce announced in February that she intends to have the greatest comeback ever while speaking at the Howard Aris Memorial Lecture.

On Wednesday, her manager Bruce James revealed that comeback begins in a few months.

“Shelly-Ann is training to compete this year. She is expected to take to the track by early June this year. So she is training and will be training right through the Commonwealth Games,” he said.

“Her aim is to be ready by the end of May, early June to start her official competition.”

According to James, the threetime 100-metre World Champion will not be easing her way back into competition at the local or regional level. She is planning to go up against the best early.

“Her goal is to be as ready as ever to take on the world,” he

said, alluding to her statement in February about her planned comeback. “If you are a 10.70-runner in the 100m, doub l e Olympic champion, quadruple World Champion and you are going to make a big comeback, I w o n der what that comeback will be?

“She is training hard and she is pushing to be back on top in track and field again.” (Sportsmax)

cancelled out by Diamond Upsetters’ Jamal Thomas in the 27th minute as the first half ended 1-1. It was Upsetters which took the lead for the first time in the match on 43 minutes trough an Isaiah Hendricks.

Upsetters held on to that lead until the 57th minute when the Warriors restored the balance on account of a Colin Charles goal, the match ending 2-2.

Meanwhile, four matches were also contested on Saturday at the same venue; Kuru Kururu Warriors hammered Diamond United 6-0, Timehri Panthers defeated Diamond Upsetters 3-0, Swan needled Soesdyke Falcons with Herstelling Raiders and Samatta Point / Kaneville battling to a 2-2 draw. Matches would continue this Saturday and Sunday.

After more than a year out to have her son and heal her injured toe, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce will begin her comeback in June

GUYANA van Niekerk vows to return stronger than ever TIMES O

in your area?

Contact our

Circulation Department on

Phone: 223-7230 EXT: 55 World record holder Wayde van Niekerk looking to rebound back to his best

lympic 400-metre champion Wayde van Nierkerk, recovering from knee surgery that will keep him out of next month’s Commonwealth Games in Australia reveals his rehabilitation is going well and he will come back stronger than ever.

The 400-metre world-record holder tore ligaments in his knee last year during a celebrity rugby match at Newlands. Surgery to repair the knee was considered a success and van Niekerk says the rehab process has been going smoothly.

“Rehabilitation is going very well‚ we are in the positive stage now and I am looking forward to the process of working towards to

the upcoming season‚” told Times Live.

“I am working very hard to try and master this rehabilitation phase that I am going through now so that I get back to business. I will come back stronger than before.”

Notwithstanding his positive outlook, he was unable to say when he would be able to return to competition.

“I have to rebuild‚ refresh myself and just use this year to come back stronger,” he said.

“I am enjoying my time off but when I come back to the track it will be back to serious business in trying to continue my dominance.” (Sportsmax)

22

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

thursDAY, march 15, 2018

Corona Futsal Some close and intense action is anticipated this evening at the National Gymnasium

Round-of-16 battles ensue with Bent Street-Old Skool clash

T

he round-of-sixteen matches in the Corona Futsal tournament commences this evening with title favourites Bent Street facing Old Skool Ballers at the National Gymnasium.

Bent Street ended the group stages unbeaten in their three matches and inflicted some heavy defeats upon teams for which only four goals have been scored against them.

Their star-studded team which includes the likes of Job Caesar, Kelsey Benjamin, Daniel Wilson, Pernell Schultz and Solomon Austin would have recently tasted championship glory in another competition. The group have looked a unit destined for another title.

On the opposing side is a relatively new outfit who have shown they are not intimidated by the big names and can easily spring a surprise.

The youth of Rashawn Ritch, Roy Caesar,

Fabian Crawford and Omari James are a group Bent Street will be wary of their capabilities given they had one defeat which came against Future Stars.

Some of the other matches will see new comers Alpha Warriors who topped their group based on better goal difference with Showstoppers, clash with Mocha who came through one the basis of being a top third-place team.

Sophia battles the energetic Future Stars and California Square oppose the in-form Back Circle.

Exhibition matches will commence from 19:30 but the crust of the night’s action starts from 20:30h.

The winning purse for teams is the $600,000 and the championship trophy while two Hero motor cycles will be awarded to the Most Valuable Player (MVP) and the other to a lucky spectator at the finals on Easter Saturday (March 31).

Devers gives back to adopted county F

ormer National U-19 offspinner Sean Devers recently donated some cricket gear to Berbice batsman Chandra Saffie as part of his way of giving back to county he once represented.

Devers, who represented Demerara at youth level then Berbice in senior cricket, made the heartfelt donation of a pair of pads and gloves to 14-yearold Saffie who was the top performer with the bat during last Sunday’s final of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Regional U17 finals.

Saffie, who lives in Blairmount on the West Bank of Berbice is a right-handed batsman and has been selected in the 20-man National U-15 squad preparing for next month Regional U-15 tournament in Jamaica.

“I have had the honor to represent Berbice by virtue of playing for Bermine and I wanted to make a contribution to Berbice cricket by donating cricket gear to a young player who had talent and could not afford to buy gear” said Devers, now an International Radio Cricket Commentator and Sports Journalist.

He continued, “I asked the Berbice U-17 Coach Andre Percival, my former Berbice team mate and Guyana Youth Selector Julian Moore, who I played with at Bermine, to help me find someone. I saw Saffie batting during his top score against Demerara on Sunday and I was told that he fitted my criteria”.

Devers, who had a six-wicket haul when Essequibo were dismissed at Hampton Court in 1997 for the lowest total (31) ever made in Senior InterCounty four-day match, says

Former Berbice off-spinner Sean Devers presents pads and gloves to Berbice U-15 batsman Chandra Saffie after his top score for the National U-15s at Bourda

that one of problems affecting Berbice cricket was funding for tournaments.

However, with this new board he is seeing an injection of life in cricket in Berbice with many sponsors coming on board including former West Indies Captain Ramnaresh Sarwan.

Berbice has the most competitions in Guyana and while new President Hilbert Forster is fantastic in getting funding for cricket competitions, there are many young players with plenty of talent but with little means of sustaining their cricket careers financially.

“I grew up in a single parent home in West Ruimveldt which was described as a Ghetto by some and was grateful to those who give me stuff for my cricket. Clyde Butts (Ex West Indies off-spinner) give me my first real cricket shirt when I made the Guyana U-19 team to go to Jamaica” said Devers,

who played for Berbice with Test players Clayton Lambert, Mahendra Nagamootoo and Narsingh Deonarine.

Devers said that he knew that his former Bermine and Berbice team mate Luke Latiff, who now lives in Trinidad, has plans to help with uniforms and gear for Bermine while Anil Beharry, a former BCB President who I also played with, plans to provide some gear to the Rose Hall Canje players.

“I will try to galvanize the help of former Berbice players living overseas to send gear for their clubs for use by the many players who can’t afford to buy gear”. Being less fortunate financially should not deprive any boy or girl from living their dream of playing for their County, Country or West Indies” said the 48-year-old Devers, who survived a brain Cancer Surgery on October 2, 2012.

Regal teams ready to rumble in Orlando Cup

W

Regal Teams arrived in Orlando on Monday ahead of Orlando Cup 2

ith confidence oozing, players of Regal All Stars and Regal Masters teams have arrived in Orlando with their eyes firmly on the prize.

The second edition of the Orlando Cup bowls off on Friday in three categories but since arriving in the USA on Monday the guys are eager to go.

Other than the Open category there are two masters categories; Over 45-years old and over 50-years old.

In 2017 in South Florida, Regal Masters easily won the over-45 category while the All Star team took the Open title after some competitive matches throughout the three days.

After intense debate, South Florida Softball Cricket League and Orlando Softball Cricket League have agreed to host the highly anticipated annual tournament on a rotation basis which is the first leg of four similar tournaments per year.

Manager of the Regal touring party, Parmanand “Max” Persaud told Guyana Times Sport “the players had good preparation before departing for the US and are ready to rumble.”

Both teams had good outings on the field in real match situations where they came out on top of the annual Republic Cup which was hosted by the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc on March 3 and 4 at the Malteenoes Sports Club.

Additionally, the players had practice sessions in the nights at the Muslim Youth Organization (MYO) ground under the guidance of coach, Clive Grimmond.

Persaud said that the trip was made possible through a total team effort from a few entities including Ministry of Social Cohesion, Guyana Revenue Authority, Caribbean Airlines, Regal Stationery and Computer Centre, D. Singh and Sons, V-Net Communications, Banks DIH Limited, Prem’s Electrical, Topo Brandz Distributors, Tosoro Resources BK International, Crown Mining, Chung’s Global Enterprise, Elegance Jewellery and Pawn Shop, Ansa McAl Trading, Grey Wolf Resources, Ricks and Sari, Ganesh Parts and Auto Fashions.

The first ball is at 09:00h on Friday while the semi-finals are slated for Saturday afternoon and the finals on Sunday in Orlando.

ds nd thursDAY, march 15, 2018

guyanatimesgy.com

Inked!

ny

23

...Amazon Warriors officially contract local trio

By Kizan Brumell

T

he Management of Guyana Amazon Warriors welcomed three local cricketers to the franchise with an official contracting signing in the Boardroom of Queens Atlantic Investment Incorporated, Industrial Site on Wednesday.

Romario Shepherd, Akshaya Persaud and Sherfane Rutherford will join the Warriors for the sixth edition of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) which runs from August 8 to September 16.

Present at the simple ceremony was the team’s Operations Manager Omar Khan who welcomed the three young talented players and urged them to put their best foot forward since given such a genuine opportunity to showcase their

Operations Manager Omar Khan makes a point during the contract signing ceremony (Carl Croker Photo)

ability.

Khan managed

said, “Since West Indies

I’ve for

quite a number of years, I always told the bigger named players; [Christopher ] Gayle,

[Ramnaresh] Sarwan and so on that the greatest achievement is for a cricketer to play for his

country”.

He urged the players not to become complacent with their selection, but instead use the opportunity to better their game from being amongst professional cricketers and keep their fitness at a peak level.

Khan further posited, the franchise believes local players will have the edge in these playing conditions among other well revised aspects.

While Shepherd joins the Warriors for the first time, Persaud and Rutherford have been included in the previous seasons on a developmental basis.

All three players were very appreciative of their selection and disclosed that they want to make a difference in the Warriors squad and give the supporters

that championship win since Guyana has fallen short of the title on several occasions.

Guyana has reached the final of the Biggest Party in Sport on three of five occasions but was never able to seal the deal.

This year the National Stadium, Providence will hosts a total of seven matches; five home games and two scheduled semi-finals.

Guyana Amazon Warriors Squad : Sohail Tanveer, Shoaib Malik, Chadwick Walton, Cameron Delport, Rayad Emrit, Imran Tahir, Jason Mohammed, Luke Ronchi, Veerasammy Permaul, Roshon Primus, Shimron Hetmyer, Devendra Bishoo, Gajanand Singh, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Keemo Paul, Saurabh Netravalkar and Akshaya Persaud.

Confident Windies wary of Afghanistan threat

A

t the start of the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2018, a matchup between Windies and Afghanistan would have been considered a clash between the tournament favourites. But the opening match of the Super Sixes stage will have one of the strongest team in the competition take on a team that has just about made it to this round.

Afghanistan won only one game in the league stage: a six-wicket win against Nepal.

Coming into the Super Sixes carrying no points, they cannot afford to lose any matches. They have blown hot and cold in the league stages and have had to deal with some tough losses because their batting and bowling did not click together.

Barring Mohammad Nabi (215 runs at 53.75) and Mujeeb Ur Rahman (9 wickets at 16.22), not many Afghanistan players have been among the runs a n d wickets.

Batting lapses hurt their chances in the games against Zimbabwe, where they lost 6/38 in 16.1 overs, and Hong Kong, where the collapse was 5/62 in 11 overs. It is an area they need to address.

They will be bolstered by the return of wicket-keeper batsman Mohammad Shahzad, who was suspended for two games owing to a breach of ICC's Code of Conduct after

Afghanistan's narrow tworun defeat to Zimbabwe.

T h e b o w l e r s have done a reasonably go o d job,

b u t will have to be at their best against a formidable lineup that contains Chris Gayle, Evin Lewis and Marlon Samuels.

Windies, meanwhile, have enjoyed a strong run to the S u p e r S i xe s , w i t h several players

Shimron Hetmyer is a key figure for Windies today

contributing in each match.

While consistency among the batsmen has been an issue, the team will be pleased t h a t

someone has always put their hand up and gone on to get a big score. Gayle and Shimron Hetmyer hit centuries in their opening game against the United Arab Emirates and took them to 357/4, a steely 99* by captain Jason Holder helped the team bounce back from 58/4 and chase down 201 against Papua New Guinea, Rovman Powell hit his maiden one-day international century against Ireland, while a n unbeaten 73

by Marlon Samuels in the last game against the Netherlands helped make it four in four.

Backing that has been excellent fielding, especially against the Netherlands in the final group game.

Players to watch

Mohammad Nabi : In a tournament where not many things have gone right for Afghanistan, their senior allrounder has risen to the occasion. He has scored 215 runs so far at an impressive average of 53.75 and picked up eight wickets in four matches.

His presence in the middle order has been crucial to Afghanistan's chances and his off-spin bowling in the middle overs has provided the team with breakthroughs.

Shimron Hetmyer : While Gayle and Lewis have stolen the show at the top of the order, Shimron Hetymer, who has scored 181 runs from four games at 45.25, has also had a tournament to remember.

His knock of

reckoning came in the first game against the UAE when he complemented Gayle's 123 with a 127 of his own. The knock contained 14 fours and four sixes. The Rashid Khan has found good success against Windies

left-hander has been a solid presence at No. 3 and has helped Windies recover in case they lost an early wicket: the 36 against Ireland when they had lost Lewis early was an example of such a knock.

Afghanistan: Rashid Khan (c), Mohammad Shahzad (wk),

Javed Ahmadi, Ihsanullah Janat, Najibullah Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Samiullah Shenwari, Nasir Jamal, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Dawlat Zadran, Shapoor Zadran, Afsar Zazai Windies: Jason Holder (c),

Jason Mohammed, Devendra Bishoo, Carlos Brathwaite, Sheldon Cottrell, Chris Gayle, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope (wk), Evin Lewis, Nikita Miller, Ashley Nurse, Rovman Powell, Kemar Roach, Marlon Samuels, Kesrick Williams. (ICC)

thursDAY, march 15, 2018

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

guyanatimesgy.com

Pg 23

Inked!

...Amazon Warriors officially contract local trio Guyana Amazon Warriors Operations Manager Omar Khan (second right) stands with the newly contracted players, Akshaya Persaud (left); Romario Shepherd (second left) and Sherfane Rutherford (Carl Croker Photo)

ICC World Cup Qualifiers…

Confident Windies wary of Afghanistan threat Pg 23

Keemo Paul is poised for his debut with the senior Windies

Mohammad Nabi will be a threat with both ball and bat

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