Guyana Times Daily by Gytimes

The Race to LGE 2016

Religious leader focused on restoring P17 environment, promoting religion Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 2796

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Monday, March 14, 2016

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NACTA poll

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Crime, racial division among biggest problems in Guyana Page 2

Guyanese busted Bandits terrorise with drugs at Corentyne Ogle Airport family Page 10

“She was a mother, my confidante and my P7 friend” – Opposition Leader mourns passing of his sister Deadly prison riot

Rohee again rebuffs P10 President …says he had a strategic plan

Page 7

Zika Virus in Guyana

Number of suspected P13 cases declining – Dr Norton

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo addressing residents of Wakenaam on Sunday during a local government meeting. During the meeting, a number of issues were raised about the quality of Central Government and local authority services to the area

Deadly prison riot

Govt must have political willpower to reform Queens bouncer prison system beaten to death at – Ramkarran Guyanese-owned bar Page 3

Page 8

Arson suspected as Avinash Stores’ warehouse goes up in flames Page 11

Merriman P12 Mall vendors still awaiting relocation

Region 2 residents call for new school at P2 Charity

news

monDAY, march 14, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

NACTA poll

Region 2 residents call Crime, racial division among for new school at Charity biggest problems in Guyana

he North American Caribbean Teachers Association (NACTA) opinion survey on current issues in Guyana revealed that most persons are gravely concerned about the crime rate and racial division while some fear the government. The findings of the poll, conducted by Dr Vishnu Bisram, was based on random interviews with 1200 individuals of which 43 per cent were Indians, 30 per cent Africans, 17 per cent mixed, 9 per cent Amerindians and 1 per cent others. Asked what is the biggest problem facing the country, people identified: crime, stagnant economy (money not circulating), racial division and discrimination, political victimisation, fear of the government, rising unemployment, suicide, farming (low prices for rice), SOCU raids on businesspersons, corruption, among others. In fact, almost everyone complained about the stagnant economy; however they disagree on the attributing factors, with government supporters claiming that government is not responsible for the economic slowdown. More particularly, 39 per cent rated crime as the biggest issue impacting the nation, followed by racial and political victimisation (19 per cent), the economy (14 per cent) un-

Dr Vishnu Bisram

employment (10 per cent), and fear of the government (5 per cent), among others. Queried whether they agree with the government’s statement that the rice industry is not government’s business, 65 per cent said “no”, 17 per cent said “yes” and the rest “not sure”. Asked if they think the state media has been giving balanced coverage (to government and opposition) since the change in government, 37 per cent said “yes”, 46 per cent said “no”, and 17 per cent “not sure”. However, many (including some who said the state media is not fair) feel the state media is less abusive than under the previous government. Some 53 per cent feel the state media is less abusive now than before the change in government with 31 per cent say-

ing it is “more abusive” than the previous regime. On perceived corruption contrasted with the previous government, 39 per cent feel this government is more corrupt with 42 per cent saying it is less corrupt than its predecessor. Some 19 per cent feel the level of corruption is about the same or did not offer an opinion. Overall, almost everyone feel the government does not care about the welfare of the people or the country. Queried on whether they feel the composition of the government reflects the country’s ethnic diversity, 34 per cent said “yes”, 51 per cent said “no” and 15 per cent “not sure”. Asked if the Speaker of Parliament Dr Barton Scotland, has been fair and unbiased in presiding over the House, 33 per cent answered “yes” with 53 per cent saying “no” and 14 per cent “not sure”. While voters feel Scotland is academically qualified to hold the position of Speaker, his management of debates and voting in the House cause people to question his suitability for the position. Many feel the Speaker should resign or be replaced by someone who is politically “neutral”. Notably, the sample was analysed at a 95 per cent confidence level with a margin of error of 3 per cent for the findings.

Parents at the PTA meeting By Indrawattie Natram

esidents living in Region Two (Pomeroon/ Supenaam) particularly within Charity are calling on the coalition government to construct a new secondary school at Charity. At a recent Parent Teachers Association (PTA) meeting held at the school, parents requested the PTA chairman Dalip Singh to make representation for a new school. They complained that the present school lacks essential services, and is in a deplorable state. According to the parents the school is overcrowded due to its growing population, presently at 800. It was suggested that an annex be built to accommodate more

children. Parents suggest a location and said the school requires much more attention as most facilities are out of order and the entire structure needs overhauling. The over 150 parents who attended were all in favour of this idea. The school accommodates children from Charity, Pomeroon and other areas. It has a dormitory but that too is out of order and require maintenance works. Guyana Times understand works have commenced on the dormitory by the Region Two building department. Recently Regional Chairman Devanand Ramdatt along with PTA chairman Singh met and conducted an inspection to both the school and dormitory. The regional chair-

man expressed dissatisfaction with the state of the complex. He said it is unfair for children to be housed in such an environmentally unfriendly place. The school and dormitory lack water, fence and proper plumbing. The chairman however said all the complaints forwarded to him were handed over to Regional Executive Officer Rupert Hopkinson for his attention. Parents have threatened through the PTA that if the complex is not rectified they will be forced to keep their children home. Fogging was also requested as it is alleged children are falling sick because the dormitory is mosquito infested.

news

monDAY, march 14, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, March 14 – 08:30h-10:00h and Tuesday, March 15 – 09:30h-11:00h. The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, March 14 – 07:50h-09:20h and Tuesday, March 15 – 08:45h-10:15h.

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunny conditions in the early morning hours will give way to heavy showers, which will prevail throughout the day, while thundery showers can be expected in the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 25 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius. Winds: East North-easterly between 4.02 metres and 5.81 metres per second. High Tide: 08:19h and 20:54h reaching maximum heights of 2.57 metres and 2.39 metres respectively. Low Tide: 14:22h reaching a minimum height of 0.67 metre.

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Govt must have political willpower to reform prison system – Ramkarran “CoI ... a useless exercise for prison reform”

FERRY SCHEDULE

Deadly prison riot

13 19

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ormer Speaker of the National Assembly Ralph Ramkarran believes the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the state of affairs of the prisons across the country is a useless exercise and posited that political willpower is really what is needed to reform the prison system. In his weekly blog “The Conversation Tree”, Ramkarran explained that many reports were previously compiled, citing the same faults in the country’s prison system; however the government of the day never made any attempts to implement the said proposals. He pointed out that the ongoing CoI into the prison upheaval will undoubtedly unearth similar findings. “Any further investigation into prison conditions by the inquiry headed by Justice Patterson, except the proximate causes for the recent events, will be a useless exercise. The problems have already been clearly and repeatedly defined,” he explained. He outlined that in 2001 a comprehensive report by a British team on prison reform was made. It found overcrowding, violations of human rights, inadequate alternatives to incarceration, poor conditions for prisoners and staff, and minimal scope for rehabilitation. In 2001, also, the Guyana Prison Service produced a ten-year Strategic Development Plan for 2001-2011 after reports, workshops, retreats, and visits. In 2002, the Carter Center presented a report calling for a review of the criminal justice system including the system of imprisonment. In 2002, the Kennard Commission of Inquiry into the February 2002 jailbreak concluded that it would not have occurred if the prisoners had been

transferred to Mazaruni. In 2004, the Report of the Disciplined Services Commission chaired by Justice Ian Chang made 28 recommendations for improvements to the prisons, including increasing staff, and increasing the capacity of Mazaruni to deal with dangerous prisoners. In 2009, a 68-page report made by a team led by Lloyd Nickram, a

dering prison reform is not the lack of knowledge of the problems within the system but the absence of political will and energy to implement the recommendations. “The most important factor, however, is political will and governmental parsimony. At the best of times the prison and the judiciary are the two stepsisters who are starved when funds become scarce. They do not bring

Political willpower needed for prison reform

Management Specialist in the Public Service Ministry, made much the same recommendations as the previous reports and identified the main cause of chronic overcrowding as the large number of remands and imprisonment for petty crimes. He highlighted also that the Georgetown Prison Visiting Committee reports every year to the Minister, repeating the same litany of overcrowding and other problems. Therefore Ramkarran concluded, the obstacle hin-

in votes at election time so they receive no political priority,” Ramkarran stated. In fact, he suggested that the ongoing Inquiry gather the previous reports, combine the recommendations and list them in order of priority – separating the shortterm tasks from the longterm. He explained that the short-term tasks that can bring immediate relief are the substantial reduction of prisoners by modern, non-custodial sentencing laws and policies for minor offences, a more cre-

ative policy with regard to bail and an annual review by the Director of Public Prosecutions of every case of a prisoner awaiting trial for more than two years. Ramkarran recognised also that it may be found that some cases cannot proceed because witnesses are not available or for other reasons; however he pointed out that it makes no sense to keep those prisoners in prison. “They can be freed or released on bail, even if on murder charges,” he stated. Also, he said the CoI should also consider recommending the appointment of a permanent, multi-agency task force on prison reform to drive the process of reform without which it will once again languish in bureaucratic inertia. He noted too that abuses and irregularities are required to be investigated. “It is wrong for the magistracy and judiciary to violate the human rights of citizens by sending them into inhumane conditions in prisons, and they should so declare. If this happens, the rapid pace of reform would surprise everyone,” he said. Moreover, Ramkarran explained that at remand time for prisoners at the end of each criminal assizes, the judiciary has the responsibility of examining the circumstances of prisoners and affording them or their lawyers an opportunity of being heard before they are further remanded to atrocious conditions.

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monday, march 14, 2016

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Editorial

Misusing State funds for LGE

he People’s Progressive Party’s General Secretary, Clement Rohee has accused the governing APNU/ AFC coalition leaders of using State funds to campaign for their candidates in the Local Government Elections (LGE) scheduled for this Friday, March 18. The issue of incumbents using their access to State resources to their advantage during elections has been a perennial source of tension not only in the newer democracies like Guyana, but also in older ones such as the USA. At one level – that of the national government – the tension is almost inevitable, since the incumbents still have to engage in activities that can be deemed part and parcel of their constitutional duties. In the US, for instance, the use of their presidential aircraft Air Force One by incumbents has always been highly debated by challengers. The Government has responded to the challenge – as have most other democracies – by enacting regulations that constrain incumbents from abusing the State resources to their advantage. In the case of Air Force One, to use the example cited above, the President has to pay the equivalent first-class rates on domestic airlines for he and his aides. But opponents have pointed out that the few thousand dollars this amounts to is piddling compared to the US$85,000/hr it costs to fly the craft. Immediately after taking office, several members of the Government, including President David Granger, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, Ministers and their aides, made repeated trips to the US and Canada, ostensibly on “government business”, but which were clearly intended to reward their parties’ overseas supporters who had helped finance their election campaign. The Government officials, however, threw in some discussions on possible “diaspora investment” to provide the requisite fig leaf. However, the issue is much more clear-cut in Local Government Elections, which is the specific instance cited by Mr Rohee. In the case of President David Granger flying at State expense to Berbice, Essequibo Coast, Bartica and soon, Linden, with at least four Ministers and a large entourage to explicitly campaign for local candidates, the matter is quite clearly a transgression of the spirit of democratic norms that are taken for granted in other democratic jurisdictions. The common ploy to deny trips by incumbents to support candidates in national elections is “political” is to whip out the fig leaf of some national matter to cover what is obvious to everyone involved. But at least there is a genuflection to the democratic proprieties. In Guyana, during this first Local Government Elections in 22 years, there is not even the invocation of a fig leaf: the President and his team are engaged unabashedly in campaigning for local candidates. In fact, during his Bartica LGE campaign trip, the President adopted such a partisan stance that he actually criticised one local group contesting the local elections for “splitting the vote”. In no way could the President, after this remark, even pretend to be conducting “national business” which the State should be asked to fund. The issue of “campaign funding” has bedevilled the political waters for decades without any satisfactory resolution. Back in 2011, a motion was even tabled in Parliament “to establish a Special Select Committee to examine the existing laws and regulations regarding political parties’ electoral expenses, examine legislation in other countries in relation to political party campaign financing and report its findings and recommendations for this National Assembly’s consideration”. But it died stillborn. While the motion needs to be resuscitated in time for reform to be in place for the general elections scheduled for 2020, the rules on campaign spending for LGE is much more clear-cut and should present much less of a challenge for an earlier enactment before the next LGE of 2019. In the meantime, we would expect the members of the governing coalition to “do the right thing” and pay their way for the rest of the LGE.

Female labourers wearing helmets take a break from laying underground electricity cables in Ahmedabad, India, March 7, 2016 (Reuters/ Amit Dave)

NACTA Poll: Mixed views on budget & govt performance Dear Editor, There are mixed views on the recently debated budget, economy, and government according to an ongoing opinion survey being conducted by the North American Caribbean Teachers Association (NACTA). Opinions are divided mostly along ethnic and political lines with APNU supporters praising the budget and performance of the government while opposition supporters are critical of the government and its policies. Almost everyone is complaining about the state of the economy saying it has been stagnant or declining since the change of government last May. The findings of the continuous poll are based on interviews through Friday of some 1155 eligible voters (43 per cent Indians, 30 per cent Africans, 17 per cent Mixed, 9 per cent Amerindians and 1 per cent others) reflecting the demographics of the population. The poll, being conducted by Dr Vishnu Bisram, interviewed people at random.

The sample was analysed at a 95 per cent significance level with a margin of error of 3 per cent for the findings. Asked if they approve of the budget, 53 per cent said yes with 41 per cent saying no and 6 per cent not offering an opinion. Asked who impressed the most on the budget debate, Foreign Minister Carl Greenidge led the rating on the government side, followed by Attorney General Basil Williams, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, Minister of the Presidency Joe Harmon, and Finance Minister Winston Jordan. On the opposition side, voters felt Bharath Jagdeo was the most impressive respondent followed by Irfaan Ali, Gail Texeira, Clement Rohee, Anil Nandlall, Dr Frank Anthony, and Priya Manickchand. Queried on the closure of Wales Sugar Estate, a whopping 62 per cent is opposed to the government’s move to close the factory with 27 per cent supportive of it and 11 per cent not offering an opinion. Interviews with adults

living on West Bank and West Coast Demerara area find 98 per cent (including almost every APNU/AFC supporter) opposed to the closure of the estate with people worried about their economic future. Almost everyone feels the greater Wales area will become a ghost town with serious social and economic problems if the estate is closed. They urge the government to reconsider the decision to close the factory. Asked if they are satisfied with the performance of the government, 43 per cent give it a thumbs up with 51 per cent giving it negative rating. The approval rating of the performance of David Granger as President is 49 per cent with a disapproval rating of 46 per cent. Even though many disapprove of the President’s performance, they describe Granger as personable and approachable, but they are disappointed that he is not taking actions to stimulate the economy and end what they feel is political and racial victimisation.

The approval rating of the performance of Moses Nagamootoo as Prime Minister is 46 per cent with a disapproval rating of 50 per cent. The supporters of PPP and AFC (particularly farmers and rural dwellers) are disappointed that he has not stood up for them on the closure of Wales, the price of rice, and perceived racial victimisation. The performance approval rating of Bharath Jagdeo as Opposition Leader is 48 per cent with a disapproval rating of 46 per cent. Jagdeo is enormously popular among PPP supporters. The findings show voters are polarised along ethnic and political lines on the approval rating of the government, President, Prime Minister, and Opposition Leader. The poll also queried voters on a number of other issues. The findings will be released in a subsequent report. Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

Caribbean justice system is broken Dear Editor, Headlines in Guyana’s newspapers “after 40 years woman 88 still awaits division of property, eight years later former NBS boss, family still await justice.” These are only two of the hundreds of cases in Guyana where litigants are being deprived of justice. Justice delayed is justice denied. One of the region’s top judges has criticised the judicial system in most countries of the region and described it as “broken”. Justice Adrian Saunders of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) said the people in the region “deserve a whole lot better and it is incumbent upon those who work in the justice sec-

tor to work towards the improvement” Justice Saunders and a team of legal experts last week attended a workshop in St Vincent which identified several weaknesses in the legal system. The Canadian government is spending $40 million in improving the justice system in several areas including the quality of justice delivery. One project is called JURIST being administered by the CCJ. It is acronym for Judicial Research and institutional strengthening, and the other is IMPACT, spearheaded by the University of the West Indies (UWI) . It is a well-known fact that the judiciary (including

the magistracy) is not operating as efficient as possible and sometimes it takes several years for cases to be fully determined. The JURIST project has been aimed at tackling the number one complaint Caribbean people have about courts in the region - inefficiency, long delays in the hearing of cases and a huge case backlog. To this end training is being arranged for judges and magistrates and embarking on a number of pilot initiatives in the civil justice sphere in Grenada, Guyana, Belize. IMPACT on the other hand looks at the supporting infrastructure - the police,

the AG’s office, law reporting, updating of laws, professional development of the legal profession, etc. Let’s hope that the Canadian funds will be properly spent and we see improvement in our judicial system. Twenty-five years ago the United States government spent millions of dollars in a project called the Caribbean Justice Improvement Project (CJIP) in updating law libraries, court houses, and even financing the revising of the laws in several countries including Guyana, and S. Vincent and the Grenadines. Sincerely, Oscar Ramjeet

guyanatimesgy.com

monDAY, march 14, 2016

Democracy being Dale Erskine should not sit on prison CoI undermined

Dear Editor, Modern democratic societies are based on the independence of the three major institutions in society – The Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches of government. These institutions are all very important because they act as checks and balances in the system and are a safeguard against excessiveness. By the way, those who always talk about doing away with the Westminster system should note that this is at the heart of the system. This is the system that is used in most countries of the world, with some modification. Under the PPP/Civic administration, the independence of these fundamental institutions was strictly adhered to. The PPP/C never attempted to subvert any of these institutions. That is why Guyanese across the political divide were proud to say that our country was one of the freest in the world. It should be recalled that that was a practical revolution because the government before the PPP/C was a dictatorship. One of the features of that dictatorship was the control by the PNC of all of the State institutions mentioned above. The PNC’s flag was flown at the Court of Appeal, which was then the country’s final court. Since the PPP/C was forced out of office in 2015 by very questionable elections, we are witnessing the fast deterioration of the democracy we once enjoyed. Much was written before on some of these issues. These writings have highlighted the racial and political discrimination in the dismissals of Indo-Guyanese and Amerindians from the public service and the same policy is exercised when government employees are hired. This, of course, already has a negative effect on the professionalism of the public service. Commentators have spoken about the National Assembly being subverted and transformed into a rubber stamp; some persons who have been closely following the activities thus far of the Assembly have noted the partisan role the Speaker has adopted on numerous issues. The judiciary, which stood out as far as its independence was concerned, seems now to be buckling under to be influenced by the dictatorial acts of the current regime. Ashton Chase, a Senior Counsel, and an elder statesman in our country, once wrote that Burnham not only got his desired outcome from the operations of the judiciary, but that the paramountcy of the PNC was so entrenched that judges anticipated what the PNC/Burnham wanted, and delivered it to him. Last week, the Court of

Appeal ordered a stay of execution on the ruling of retired Chief Justice (ag) Ian Chang, who had declared that Winston Felix and Keith Scott unconstitutionally occupied seats in the parliament. This was a strange decision to say the least. Justice Chang did not direct the Speaker or the National Assembly; he simply declared that these two gentlemen were not properly allocated seats since they could not be described as technocrats, having been named on the APNU list of candidates. He relied on the National Assembly to take corrective action; therefore, there was no decision to stay the execution. This ruling came after the Attorney General made a public statement that he would see that the two ‘squatters’ in the Assembly be returned. The second surprise ruling of the Appeal Court was on the issue of the powers of the National Assembly to cut the budget. Justice Chang had ruled that the powers of the National Assembly in relation to the budget was to approve or disapprove the national budget, but it had no power to adjust, cut or increase it and that a power to approve or disapprove does not and cannot include a power to act or reduce the budget. This is consistent with many positions of Parliaments the world over. Indeed, Parliaments that have the power to adjust, cut or increase the budget is expressly, constitutionally authorised to do so since. This ruling must make us sit up and take notice. Immediately after these two rulings were handed down, we noted another appeal to a previous ruling made by the (now retired) Chief Justice in relation to the elections petition that was brought by the PPP. This appeal was made by GECOM’s Chief Elections Officer. If GECOM is so confident that the 2015 elections were free and fair, one would have thought that they would have jumped at the opportunity to prove this by opening the ballot boxes that were at the centre of the controversy. This was done in 1997 when a forensic audit was done on the results of that election and it was declared that not a single fraudulent ballot was found. Why are they trying to stop the PPP in its efforts to have the Court determine whether the elections were free and fair? They should be helping, not frustrating the process. It will be interesting to see how the Court of Appeal handles this matter. Only time will tell. Sincerely, Donald Ramotar

Dear Editor, I do not think that Dale Erskine should be a sitting member of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) that is now impanelled to investigate the recent riots in the Camp Street Prison. Neither do I think that the entire CoI should be a public spectacle. Except that the inmates who testify will be placed in some kind of a witness protection programme, I think that their testimonies should be off camera, minus Erskine. I have visited and worked with prisons in several countries and if there is one thing I believe I am an expert in, it is criminology and matters relating to prison inmates and the offender population. I also know that if this CoI will get to the bottom of this issue, in a way to remedy the situation; (a) Erskine will have to recuse himself from the commission, (b) parts of the hearing will have to be off camera, or (c) the inmates will have to be guaranteed their complete and protracted safety if they speak the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. I understand that there is an option for the inmate to request confidentiality of his testimony, however, if what he says in private is different, or more in-depth, from what the

others said in public, the axe will fall at him. There are a few words and terms that are known by their standard meaning in any English speaking prison around the world. One is conjugal visit – this is where a spouse or loved one is allowed to enter the prison confinement and have intimate relationship with their incarcerated lover. Another is prison mentality – this is where the incarcerated person begins to act like an inmate, either in an effort to cope, or just by mere default. Another word is snitch or snitching – this is where a prisoner tells the authorities about the violations that happen in the prison. What this CoI is asking the inmates to do, in essence, is snitch. They are asking the current inmates to finger another inmate/s or an officer/s who did the wrong. Snitching could have some very serious repercussion for an inmate, ranging for mistreatment, even to death, depending on who is affected by the snitch. For example: If an inmate was to say to the CoI, that officer “X” takes money to allow matches, cellphones and drugs to enter the prison. If word gets back that he snitched, all those (officers and inmates alike) who benefit from the business of drugs, cellphones

and matches entering the prison, will seek to do harm to that inmate. Therefore, it is very unlikely that any inmate will tell the commission what they really need to know, while the cameras are rolling or while the former Superintendent is sitting there. Knowing this as a fact, I will tell you, Editor, that the current approach and construct of the CoI will yield only limited fruits, for in these situations perception is reality. However, if the intention of this inquiry is to really get to the root of the causative factors that lend to the recent riots and if the intentions are to prevent a repeat, then the format and the personnel of the CoI will have to be adjusted. While the taxpayers and the media are owed the courtesy of knowing the findings of the CoI, I am sure they will prefer that systems be put in place for the obtaining of tangible and substantive information that will solve the issues at hand. Editor, I would personally like this issue to go away. Coincidentally, I live just a few houses from the Camp Street Prison, so I am very concerned. I am also very interested in the safety of those living directly around the Prison. Several of them have expressed fear for

their lives during the riots. As a matter of concern also is the financial losses to the businesses that have to close, or to which access is restricted, every time the inmates act-up. Additionally, I am vying to represent this constituency in the upcoming Local Government Elections and so what bothers my constituents, bothers me. Editor, I have absolutely no problems with Dale Erskine. He has served both this country and the Guyana Prison Service very well and he continues to be an asset, even in his retirement. Erskine is well intentioned. However, because of my professional expertise and because I study how the average inmate thinks, I would highly suggest that the conveners of the CoI take another look, both at the construct and the approach of the commission. Just by way of comparison; we just had the report from another CoI, which validity has been called into question by some, in part, because of construct of that commission. History should be our teacher. Wendell P Jeffrey, Independent Candidate, Wortmanville/ Werk-en-Rust

New govts usually change the top personnel of agencies Dear Editor, In a Guyana Times letter of March 10, former President of the Republic Donald Ramotar claimed that Badrie Persaud, formerly Managing Director of the Guyana Oil Company (Guyoil) Limited was unceremoniously dismissed from his post by the newly elected APNU-AFC Govt. Persaud claimed that he was entitled to due process which was not given before he was relieved of his duties. However, his appointment with GuyOil was political as he was an ardent supporter of the PPP and therefore he should have been prepared for an employment change without cause when the political landscape shifted. Most newly elected Democratic Govts including the USA usually change the top personnel of agencies under their control at the start

of their administration to ensure political loyalty for execution of their agenda and other reasons. The elected APNU/AFC Govt was apparently no exception to adopt such considerations and specifically with respect to the dismissal of Persaud there appeared to have been, “more in the mortar than the pestle” as the revelations of an Auditors Report on GuyOil may have given the Govt ‘just cause’ for his dismissal. In listing Persaud’s management achievements, former-President Ramotar claimed that during the 10year period 2006 - 2015 he increased GuyOil revenue by over 150% but he failed to note that during the same period the price for a gallon of gas increased by over 400%. He made investments in new stations and wharves but

these were intended to make GuyOil more efficient and competitive and less to do with Guyana’s development per se as claimed. Further, no mention was made of the large unaccounted losses of fuel and lubricants as well as financial improprieties which occurred at GuyOil during Persaud’s management. Finally, contrary to formerPresident Ramotar’s claim, cheaper aviation fuel provided by GuyOil will not automatically result in more flights full of visitors to and from Guyana. Evidence has shown that the significant drop in airlines fuel costs over the past year have not reflected in substantial reduction in airfares in the USA and elsewhere. Therefore, development of the tourism sector in Guyana will require much more than cheaper air fares, extension of the Cheddi Jagan

International Airport, a specialty hospital and a fancy priced room at the Marriott. These facilities would hardly be considered or be on the wish list of tourists eager to see the ‘land of many waters’. Safety and security are major concerns for visitors to Guyana and recent events have shown that criminal activities in the country have been on the rise and are getting progressively worst. Further, a Capital City strewn with garbage, poor infrastructures such as lack of potable water, reliable electricity and a good and reliable transportation system (land & water) are disincentives to attract potential tourists. Therefore much work remains to be done to truly make Guyana a tourist destination. Yours truly, Charles Sohan

monday, march 14, 2016

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Parents: What you need to know about social networking websites (Continued from Saturday)

The importance of monitoring your child’s social media use

s important as it is to hear that social media can be dangerous for children and teenagers, you may be looking for more information. Many parents are unaware of the dangers that the Internet holds. The best way to protect your child online is to be aware. One reason why you need to monitor your child’s use of Facebook is because of Internet predators, which are also often sexual predators. Facebook makes it easy for strangers to communicate with each other. The Internet in general makes it easy to be someone else, like someone a lot younger or someone a lot older. Your child may end up talking to a 50-year-old man or woman, who pretends to be someone their age. For that reason, you need to monitor your child’s Facebook account. Make sure that they are not sharing personal information online, such as their full name, phone number, or address. Another one of the many reasons why you should monitor your child’s use of Facebook is because of pictures and video. Facebook allows all Internet users to post pictures and videos. In fact, it is relatively easy to do so. All profiles that are public can be viewed by others. In keeping with Internet predators, Facebook also records and posts your child’s location, such as the city and state. Posting this information, along with their first name, the school, and a personal photo or video can make it easier for your children to be found, even by those who they have not made direct contact with online. Although Internet predators are often the biggest threat of children using the Internet and Facebook, there is another danger that lurks. There have been

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multiple news reports that highlight children, mostly teenagers, who have been suspended from school, suspended from sports teams, or arrested. This is often the result of a Facebook user posting pictures or videos of them doing something illegal, like stealing, doing drugs, or drinking underage. If this is information that your child has on

their Facebook page, you will want to see it and get it removed before their school or the authorities do. Now that you know some of the dangers that children face when using Facebook, you may be curious as to how you can go about protecting them. First, make sure you know if your child has a Facebook account. You can view your computer’s history or perform a search on the Facebook. com page to see if your child has a profile listed. If they do, view their profile. You should talk to your child about the dangers of Facebook anyways, but you should definitely talk to them if you see something disturbing on their Facebook page. This should include conversations

that take a sexual tone or the exchange of personal information. As a reminder, the monitoring of your child’s Facebook use is extremely important. No matter how mature or reliable your child is, they may unintentionally become a victim.

Should you let your child post

pictures and videos online?

When it comes to determining if you should let your child post personal pictures and videos of themselves online, you, as the parent, should have the final say. With that said, it is first important to examine the pros and cons of letting your child post these items online. Pictures and videos are common on social networking websites. In all honesty, the only true pro or plus side to letting your child post videos or pictures of themselves online is because it is what your child wants to do. Letting them post their pictures and videos online will likely make your child happy. They can easily

share videos and pictures with friends, as opposed to actually bringing them to school. As much as your child or teenager may want to post personal pictures or videos of themselves online, it is also important to know that there are many cons or downsides to doing so. One of those is the wrong impression. Say you have a teenager daughter who posts a picture of herself wearing a low-cut shirt online. Even though no cleavage is showing, the picture can create the wrong impression. Sexual online predators may think she is welcoming attention, and so forth. You and your child need to know that not everyone interprets things the same way. Speaking of the wrong impression, it is important to know that pictures and videos can easily fall into the wrong hands online. If your child is using a social networking website, is their profile set to private? If not, anyone with their own account can view their private and personal pictures and videos. Your child may be interested posting pictures and videos to share with their friends, but that doesn’t mean that others can’t see them. Unfortunately, those others can have impure intentions. Another con or downside to letting your child post personal pictures and videos of themselves online is that they are easy to copy. Yes, a picture or a video can be taken down, but did you know that it may already be too late? People can easily copy and repost or copy and save videos and pictures that are posted online for whatever reason, including their own personal pleasure. As you can see, there are a number of pros and cons to letting your child post pictures and videos of themselves online. As the parent, the decision is yours to make, but be sure to use your best judgment. When it doubt, the best answer may be no. (childdevelopmentinfo.com)

10 secret habits of highly effective moms – highly effective moms get things done with equal parts of good old-fashioned drive and a handful of these efficient habits whiskers. I was wasting (Conclusion) By Jessica Bowers

She is a master multitasker

Multitasking is such an important part of making it through the day efficiently that it’s like a game. I get so excited when I find tasks that can be done simultaneously. Shopping for groceries while listening to a podcast is my version of heaven. Cooking dinner while helping with homework makes the evening go a little bit smoother. And, bonus tip, I never allow myself to binge watch my guilty pleasures unless I am folding laundry or exercising at the same time. Getting the socks folded and running a few miles on the treadmill makes me feel great about re-watching “Downton Abbey”.

She puts her energy into the things that matter for the people that matter

I learned this lesson the hard way when I fell victim to the Pinterest fuelled Bento Box lunch craze. I spent way too much time crafting little themed lunches, mostly because I thought it would make me look like a great mom to the teacher. In the end, my child didn’t even care about the cat whiskers I made out of cheese because he just missed his favourite PB&J sandwich. And, the teacher didn’t even notice the lunch because she has way more important things to do than to notice cheese

loads of time on a task that didn’t have a high enough yield. If it turned out that he loved the Bento Boxes, I would have kept it up because it matters and he matters, but instead, I spend my time on things that really make him feel important.

She keeps things clean ... to a point

High achievers usually have at least one thing in common – a clean house – which makes you wonder even more how she gets it all done. The truth is that neat and tidy surroundings are actually a key component to being efficient. Having everything put neatly away saves the trouble of hunting for lost items, but more importantly, a cluttered home tends to lead to a cluttered mind. It’s hard to focus on getting things done when you’re surrounded by a mess. But, remember to focus on the things that matter. It helps to have the clothes hung neatly in the closet so you can find what you’re looking for, but it doesn’t matter if your sock drawer is arranged by colour and season. Spend time keeping things clean to the point of functionality, but stop short of obsessiveness.

She has no problem saying “no”

To be effective, you have to know when to say “yes” and when to say “no.” Most overwrought moms are guilty of overextending themselves, not just by doing too much, but by doing things that aren’t fulfilling for them. Learn to say “no” to things that don’t fit your schedule or won’t make you feel like you’re contributing in a meaningful way. PS: Don’t feel like you need to give an excuse; just smile and say, “no thanks.”

She knows she can’t do it all, and she doesn’t feel guilty

No one can do it all. Let me say that again: no one can do it all. For every choice to do one thing, another thing is sacrificed. Moms who seem like they’re “doing it all” are probably just really efficient at doing the things that matter to them and not worrying about the rest of it. They don’t spend a minute feeling guilty about any of the things they don’t do because they know that guilt has a way of robbing both time and energy that could be put to other uses. When you let go of guilt, there’s so much room to conquer the rest of the world – even Bento Boxes. (Excerpt from Parenting.com)

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monDay, march 14, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

“She was a mother, Bandits terrorise Corentyne family my confidante and my friend” – Opposition Leader mourns passing of his sister

The fence the two armed bandits cut to gain entry to the yard

An old family photo of Bharrat Jagdeo and his sister Oma

pposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo’s sister died on Sunday at their Goedverwagting, East Coast Demerara home. Fifty-seven-year-old Oma Jagdeo, also known as “Shanta”, was discovered dead by her niece and nephew who went to visit her at the home. The youngest of Jagdeo’s sisters, Oma was very close to her little brother. In fact, Jagdeo has described her as the epitome of a sister – a mother, his confidante and his friend. “It’s with deep sadness,

I announce the death of my sister Shanta. She was the epitome of a sister; she was a mother, my confidante and friend. She took care of me all my life and I will miss her dearly,” Jagdeo expressed in a Facebook post. Oma had lived with him at State House while he was President of Guyana; and when he moved to his Goedverwagting home, she also moved there with him. His sister’s demise caused the former President to cut short his Local Government Elections (LGE) campaigning outreaches in Essequibo.

olice in Berbice have arrested two men and recovered some of the items that were stolen during a robbery at Port Mourant on Saturday. The items, which were found Sunday morning in a house on the Corentyne, include two laptops and a cellular phone. The discovery was made about 10:00h after two armed men went to a house at Ankerville, Port Mourant, and robbed a family of cash, jewellery and other valuables. Reports are that about 19:45h on Saturday, two men, armed with firearms, cut through a back fence and robbed the family of a retired security officer and a retired headteacher. Harnauth Jaiprashad, 65; his wife, Parmini, 62; their two children, two grandchildren and son-inlaw had just returned from a fast food restaurant and were preparing to have dinner when the robbers en-

tered. One of the couple’s children, who is a teacher, Roshmine, said the men entered the yard from the back and walked around the side of the house. She said neither of them was wearing a mask. “They say you all don’t, you all don’t holler. One had a shotgun and one had a revolver; the one with the revolver also had a cutlass.” Jaiprashad said they were taken into the house and the door closed behind them. “They tell us that they didn’t come to stay long and that they didn’t come to hurt anybody; they just come for the gold and the money. They put everybody to lie down and told me to give them the gold and all the money, so I give them the gold and the money.” The mother of two said she handed over her parents’ National Insurance Scheme (NIS) pension.

“The one with the shotgun, he remained in the room and he continued to search the room. He tell me, ‘go and lie down, don’t look me in my face.’ When he came out, they ask whose car parked out there and I told them, ‘is my husband’.” Even though Jaiprashad’s husband was lying on the floor near her, she told the bandits that he had gone out and taken the car key with him. “Then they ask if we have a haversack and I said no. They said that they wanted a bag

picked up three cellular phones, two laptops and other items, and on their way out, cut the phone line. “But they cut the wrong line: they cut the extension line, not the main line. In haste, they say you all don’t call anybody and they closed the door,” Jaiprashad added. The entire ordeal lasted about 10 minutes. Jaiprashad said contact was soon made with the Whim Police, who arrived about five minutes after the call was made. According to a Police

Harnauth Jaiprashad closing the gate to his Ankerville, Port Mourant home where the robbery took place

to put the things in, so they took my working bag and put all the things that they collected from the house, including the money and gold inside.” Before leaving, the men

source, the investigation began and based on intelligence gathered, they were able to recover some of the articles. Police are continuing the investigation.

8 news

monDAY, march 14, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Queens bouncer beaten to death at Guyanese-owned bar

Eyew tness Changing course...

Johnny’s Restaurant and Bar

Queens, New York bouncer, Elsworth Reid was beaten to death at a Guyanese bar after he attempted to part a fight between two patrons. According to the New York Daily News, Reid was beaten after breaking up a fight inside Johnny’s Restaurant and Bar. He was killed by merciless customers in a savage Saturday assault that continued even after he stopped breathing. Reid, 43, was playing his typical role as pacifist in the rowdy Ozone Park bar when a fight erupted between two patrons around 01:20h, witnesses told his wife according to the New York Daily

Elsworth Reid and his wife

News. The brawlers then joined forces to attack Reid, who was knocked out by a hard punch to his temple. Laverne Reid was told that her husband landed hard on the back of his head and neck – and never moved again. “When he fell, all the guys started jumping in and hitting on him as he’s laying there and that was it,” his devastated wife told the Daily News after a sleepless night. “Everybody punched him and he was already dead.” The woman – who married Elsworth just six months earlier – said ad-

ditional attackers piled on once her husband was lying helplessly on the ground. “He never got back up,” she recounted. “People who were there and witnessed said that was it. Then a girl who worked there called 911.” Reid, known to his wife and friends as Dale, never regained consciousness. He was rushed to Jamaica Hospital, but could not be saved. “Everybody loved him,” said his wife. “He never had a problem.” Two men, 31-yearold Deonarine Deoraj and 48-year-old Harrydatt Nandalall – were arrested for the horrific beatdown. Both were charged with

manslaughter and gang assault. Another man was taken into custody and later released, as investigators looked for more people possibly involved in the brawl, sources said. The investigation continued Saturday night. Police at the scene were hunting for security video at neighbouring buildings, and Laverne Reid said the bar had security cameras as well. “I’m stunned; I’m so sad,” said pal Bobbie Stanley, 48, who works as a dispatcher with the Sunshine Car Service – just a few blocks from the Ozone Park bar on Rockaway Blvd.

...by the WPA?

his Eyewitness is sorely troubled by the silence of the WPA on Hamilton Green’s studied insult to the life and memory of Walter Rodney contained in a letter to the press. Rather than rebutting Green’s litany of lies and louche innuendoes, your Eyewitness had nailed the standing libel Rodney had been “expelled from the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania” by quoting Prof Issa G Shivji’s rebuttal. He’s the holder of the Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Chair at the University. But it just wasn’t the lie on “expulsion” - it was Green’s claimed reason attributed to Nyerere: “Rodney was frustrated in his efforts to climb the political ladder by words, but had opted for the route of violence.” Is the WPA going to let this pass?? After all, Green piggybacked on the lie to provide Burnham with the excuse to kill Rodney: “Dr Walter Rodney opted to reach the plateau of political power by violent means.” Why is the WPA giving Green a free pass? Green wasn’t an innocent bystander when Rodney was killed - he was part and parcel of the apparatus that put Rodney six feet under, in a grave. In Rodney’s paper written in 1967, he was simply making a historical point that the “briefcase revolution” that brought “independence” to most of Africa from European powers like England and France, did not go far enough. “Independence” thus merely substituted a local elite that carried on ruling just as the departed Europeans had done. No change for ordinary folks. Rodney posited IF independence had come via armed revolutions more root and branch change might’ve been engendered. He wasn’t talking about NEW armed revolutions. While Nyerere was stung since he had been given independence “in a briefcase”, he implicitly acknowledged Rodney’s point with his Arusha Declaration of 1967 - the same year Rodney left for Jamaica - that ushered in Ujaama socialism in Tanzania to attempt changing the status quo. Rodney wasn’t interested to “climb the political ladder” in Tanzania. This has been documented in the later writings of scores of persons Rodney had touched with his University activism who later rose to prominence in Africa. Even when he returned to Tanzania in 1969 where a one-party state was being created - to teach at his old University - he didn’t enter politics. And, as recounted by Dr Shivij, even when he was exhorted to accept citizenship to do so. By 1974 when Rodney returned to Guyana, he’d however seen with the best of intentions, authoritarian rule can sidle in. And imagine when, as with Burnham, there weren’t those “best intentions”! But where is the WPA?

...on interior guns

Your Eyewitness is pleased saner heads have prevailed in the matter of guns Amerindians used to hunt for meat, were taken away. This was pursuant to an order issued by Minister of National Security Khemraj Ramjattan during the “spiralling rise in crime” on the coast. He ordered all unlicenced guns be turned in during the period of amnesty. What had troubled your Eyewitness at the time, was it had been proven conclusively that not a single crime had been committed with those guns. Quick now....when was the last time you heard of men with hunting rifles held up anyone? But the Minister was adamant: the law was the law - even if it proved that in that case, “the law is an ass”. But the main point is Ramjattan’s been overturned. He can be stubborn when he takes a stand. Look how he rebuffed his colleague Cathy Hughes on that jaguar’s skin he nailed to his wall. Maybe someone can take a look at that 4am curfew? No connection’s also been shown to “spiralling crimes”.

...in media

Since when does ownership of a newspaper entitle someone to obtain a broadcasting licence? The Broadcasting Act’s clear that the licensee must be running a broadcasting business and nothing but a broadcasting business. Publishing libel doesn’t entitle you to broadcast slander. Readers are invited to send their comments by email to eye@guyanatimesgy.com

news

monday, march 14, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Specialty Hospital to offer services in 5 areas G

uyana’s first Specialty Hospital, to be constructed on the back of considerable controversy, will be designed to offer services in only five areas of expertise. While planning is still in its earliest stages, initial blueprints suggest it would be more feasible to limit the services offered to five specific areas including surgeries on complicated cases of cancer, complicated orthopaedic surgeries, organ transplants, complicated cases of neonatal surgeries, and cardiac surgeries. Public Health Minister Dr George Norton told Guyana Times during a recent interview that those are the specialised services earmarked to be offered. In providing an update on construction of the worldclass health institution, Dr Norton disclosed that there are other elements of the hospital’s functioning that is currently under deliberation. “We have to look at different aspects, apart from the actual construction,” he said, noting that construction will soon commence. He however did not provide a specific timeframe. Decisions will also have to be made on the process of admission of patients. According to the Minister, the Hospital will most likely only accept patients based on surgical referrals from other health institutions. Therefore, there will be no accident and emergency unit at the Specialty Hospital. “So patients would only be going there after they would have had them evaluated by physicians from the Georgetown Hospital or from a Private Hospital or even from overseas,” he explained. Additionally, decisions will have to be made on the types of laboratories to install. “We have to decide what kind of tests we will do at the laboratories. We have to think of the laboratory capacity between the Georgetown Public Hospital and the Specialty Hospital into consideration,” he explained, noting that the

The Specialty Hospital site

Specialty Hospital ought not duplicate the services offered by the public health institutions, unless necessary. The overall economic mix of the establishment also needs to be sorted out. “Like the accounts department of how the Hospital is going to run… if we are going to have persons privately paying or if it is going to be subsidised or completely free,” the Minister explained. Aiding in arriving at suitable conclusions on these discussions is a team of highly trained and knowledgeable individuals from both the local and international regions. “They are all playing a very important role in deciding how this Hospital will function,” the Minister said. Dr Norton anticipates that the final proposal will soon be ready to be presented to Cabinet for approval. Once all satisfactions are met, a contract will be signed for the construction. Government had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian-firm Fedders Lloyd Construction Company to undertake the building of the facility despite the magnitude of criticisms against the decision and the overflowing concerns of ‘conflict of interest’ arising therefrom. In 2012, an US$18 million contract was awarded to India-based Company Surendra Engineering to design and construct the facility.

The funding was provided by the Indian Government through a Line of Credit. The contractor’s services were subsequently terminated owing to several contractual breaches. The matter was taken to the High Court and compensation was accordingly awarded to the Government. During that initial bidding process, Fedders Lloyd was disqualified but the company’s legal representative Khemraj Ramjattan (now Vice President and Public Security Minister) had argued against that verdict. Despite this, the A Partnership for National

Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition, even whilst in Opposition, contended that Fedders Lloyd was wronged. Shortly after assumption to Office, the Government signed the MoU with the disqualified company to undertake the construction, citing that it would be more economical and less timeconsuming rather than going through the transparent process of retendering. Meanwhile, the Specialty Hospital site is located in Turkeyen and initial reports indicate that construction should be completed by the end of 2018.

guyanatimesgy.com

mondAY, march 14, 2016

News Commonwealth Day 2016

Deadly prison riot

Rohee again rebuffs President

…says he had a strategic plan

eople’s Progressive Party’s (PPP) General Secretary Clement Rohee has again rebuffed President David Granger, claiming that the things said by the Head of State are not true and that there was a plan to address issues at the Georgetown Prisons. Rohee, who was also the Home Affairs Minister under the former PPP/C Government said that he had a strategic plan for the Guyana Prison Service along with the other three agencies that were under his watch. “I have noticed he said that all that I have said is not true. I am saying that all that he is saying is not true,” Rohee, speaking about the President, told journalists last Thursday. He continued, “What I have here is the strategic plan for the Guyana Prison Service and it has all the measures that are to be implemented on the Guyana Prison Service”. Rohee said the measures which are available on the former Home Affairs website, are what he was referring to as the “blue print” for reforms of the Prison Service. He said there was a strategic management department headed by civilians set up to implement the strategic plan. According

to the former Home Affairs Minister, the Police Force, Fire Service, and Prison Service each has one. “So you have four strategic plans being implemented concurrently, being led by in each one of those agencies, civilian-led strategic management”. He said the ongo-

Ramjattan was to be blamed for the deadly prison riot, and had called for his immediate dismissal or resignation. “Lying at the feet of Ramjattan and indeed the Granger Administration are 17, not three dead bodies,” Rohee told a news confer-

Camp Street Prison after the deadly riot

ing Commission of Inquiry (CoI) should also be looking at the measures to get a clear understanding of what took place on March 3. President David Granger last Tuesday had lashed back at the former minister, who had called for the immediate dismissal of Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, insisting that he will not let go of his Minister. Rohee had insisted that

ence on Monday, referring to when a No-Confidence Motion was passed against him, following the deaths of three individuals in the Linden unrest in 2012. He said the current Administration came to power fooling the Guyanese electorate that it was most knowledgeable and best prepared to handle public safety and security in Guyana. On that note, Rohee said

the Camp Street Prison unrest shattered the myth that the current Administration was best equipped to manage the country’s security sector. The former Minister also took the opportunity to admit that his Administration failed to leave behind a perfect system, but he indicated that the present Government now has to pick up from where the PPP/C left off. In comparing the track records of the two Administrations, Rohee contended that his Government never presided over a riot of such magnitude as the one that recently took place which claimed the lives of 17 prisoners, with more than a dozen injured. “The Granger Administration stands condemned. Heads must roll for this unforgiveable and unforgettable episode in the hierarchy of the security sector in general and the prison service in particular,” Rohee declared. But the Head of State said what Rohee is calling for is nothing more than “absurd”, adding that the former Minister, who had been holding the same portfolio for almost a decade, did absolutely nothing to remedy the situation. “Ramjattan is trying to clean up the mess we inherited nine months ago and the former Minister was the Minister of Home Affairs for nine years and he never did the things he is talking about now, so I don’t know how he can expect us in nine months to clean up the mess he encouraged for nine years,” the Presdient said, lashing out at the previous Administration.

Guyana to host Youth Parliament today

– 35 youths from across the country to participate

he Guyana Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association will today join with the rest of the Commonwealth to observe Commonwealth Day 2016. Owing to the overwhelming, positive feedback received from last year’s sitting of the Youth Parliament in observance of Commonwealth Day 2015, the Guyana Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association has planned another sitting of the Youth Parliament to further sensitise students throughout Guyana on the Commonwealth, Public Relations Officer of Parliament Office, Onieka Alphonso-Walton, in a statement, said the Youth Parliament would be held in the Parliament Chamber of the Public Building, Brickdam at 09:00h today. “It is hoped that this activity will involve the participation of 35 students between the ages of 14-17 from secondary schools across the 10 Administrative Regions of Guyana,” the statement said. Students, accompanied by teachers, were brought to Georgetown on Friday prior to the debate and have attended training sessions on the Commonwealth, leader-

ship, parliamentary etiquette and decorum, the democratic process, Parliament and parliamentary procedures. “A golden and unique opportunity will also be presented for students to engage with the Speaker of the National Assembly, Members of Parliament and senior staff of the Parliament Office, who will also serve as mentors to the students and will assist them in finalising speeches, developing elocution/debating skills, and honing leadership skills,” Alphonso-Walton said in the statement. The participants will assume the roles of Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition, Ministers of Government, Members of the Opposition and Government, Clerk, Deputy Clerk and Sergeant-at-Arms. All participants will receive prizes and a certificate of participation. A special prize will be awarded to the participant who is adjudged the best debater. All prizes will be distributed at a prizegiving dinner reception. The Queen’s Commonwealth Day Message will be read by the participant adjudged best speaker and other participants will be given an opportunity to make brief remarks.

Guyanese busted with drugs at Ogle Airport

Guyanese man is now in Police custody awaiting charges after he was arrested while attempting to traffic marijuana out of Guyana on Sunday at the Ogle International Airport. According to information received, on Sunday about 13:50h, ranks of the Police Narcotics Unit on duty at the Ogle Airport conducted a search on an outgoing Guyanese man and during this exercise, the illicit substance – 17.572 kilograms – was found in his luggage. He was arrested, and an investigation was launched. It has been indicated that the man will be making a Court appearance shortly. Over the years, several persons have been arrested attempting to smuggle narcotics through the Airport. On August 22, 2015, Lovern Hendricks, 39, of Lot 3592 Westminster Phase Two, West Bank Demerara and Angel Smith, 23, of Lot 945 Westminster Phase One, were outgoing passengers at the Ogle International Airport when they were intercepted with over two kilograms of cocaine strapped to their bodies.

Shanda Nichols, a resident of Albouystown, was then arrested on September 4, 2015 after she was busted by members of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) with 500 grams of cocaine strapped to her girdle and another portion in her genitals. The woman was attempting to board a LIAT flight to Barbados when she was arrested. She was later prosecuted and sentenced to three years in prison. Following that incident, a 60-year-old woman was busted with 4.1 kilograms of cannabis in her possession at the Airport while attempting to leave Guyana.

monDAY, march 14, 2016

guyanatimesgy.com

News

Arson suspected as Avinash Stores’ Minister Lawrence calls for gender equality, acceptance of LGBT community warehouse goes up in flames

ocial Protection Minister Volda Lawrence on Tuesday called for the inclusion and recognition of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community in keeping with the aim of gender equality. Lawrence was at the time addressing those gathered at a Women’s Empowerment Cocktail and Reception to celebrate marginalised women which was held in commemoration of International Women’s Day (IWD) 2016. The event was hosted by the British High Commission in collaboration with Red Thread; Guyanese Women Roundtable (GWR); Guyana Trans United (GTU) and the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD), on Tuesday, March 8, at the British High Commissioner’s Residence in Georgetown. In her address, the Minister stated that gender inequality was evident in Guyana and was not affecting only one gender. “In Guyana, gender inequality rears its ugly head in different forms; we have women who are discriminated against in terms of accessing employment and equal remuneration; we have groups such as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people which are stigmatised and ostracised, because of their sexual orientation and gender identity, whose rights to acceptance in work environments and accessing educational pursuits are denied,” she stated.

“We witness the high incidence of abuse and domestic violence of our women and young girls, trafficking in persons, not to mention the alarming trend of suicide that is rampant among our young women as well as our young men.” She emphasised that in this day and age, it was important that society moved forward from the norm of discrimination against the LGBT community in order to achieve gender equality and complete respect for human rights. “In this era of global progress, we can ill-afford to remain caught in the traps of traditional mindsets, shunning and deeming LGBT persons as outcasts in our society. We have to wake up to the realisation that these are human beings whose human, political and social rights are being violated when we deny them access to the opportunities that we enjoy, when we categorically say no to every initiative of theirs to be involved or we pressure them in the work environment when we learn that their sexual orientation or gender identity is different from ours. Admittedly, we would have failed as a society, as a nation if we do not take the necessary steps and make the shift towards acceptance of these individuals,” she urged. Lawrence reiterated that it was critical that we find sustainable solutions to the social issues that plague society, saying “I wish to reiterate that we have to com-

mit to changing the perception of these individuals. Yes, if we intend to promote gender equality, we cannot pretend that this group is non-existent. In our workplaces, in our institutions, we have to embrace these individuals and use their potential and skills for the benefit of economic, social and political progress. We must accord them the same process of inclusion, recognition and upward mobility irrespective of their sexual orientation and gender identity. We, therefore, have to spread awareness in our working environments. From the top of the organisational chart right through to the auxiliary staff, we have to rally for a change in attitude. We must spread the message of tolerance, and remove the gender bias with respect to this group.” The Minister further highlighted the importance of transforming thoughts and words into positive actions, reiterating her Ministry’s commitment to prioritising gender equality and women’s empowerment, and supporting all organisations that are involved in the struggle for gender parity. Acting British High Commissioner Ron Rimmer shared Lawrence’s sentiments, adding that while International Women’s Day was a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, it also marked a call to action for accelerating gender parity.

The destroyed warehouse

t was moments to midnight on Saturday when neighbours heard the loud explosion and rushed out of their homes to witness ferocious flames wreaking havoc on the Avinash Store warehouse, located at La Bonne Intention (LBI), East Coast Demerara (ECD). The two-storey building is said to be void of electrical circuits, leaving the owners to suspect foul play or arson. When Guyana Times visited the scene on Sunday afternoon, the facility was completely destroyed. At the time, light smoke was still emanating from the wreckage. Neighbours explained that the bond is usually isolated and hardly ever does anyone visit the property. According to one resident, a security guard would normally visit the building once every three months. Nearby residents strongly believe the fire was deliberately set; however they noted that they did

not observe any suspicious figure lingering around the property. The Avinash Stores proprietor Ryan Panday also told this newspaper that he believes someone deliberately set the bond on fire. During a telephone interview on Sunday, Panday explained there was no possible way the fire accidentally started. He maintained that the building is without electricity. The businessman noted too that the last time the warehouse was used was around the Christmas Holidays. “But I don’t think anyone went back after that. It is a tightly shut building with padlocks and grills. No one goes there, there is no guard and there is no power or electricity,” he stated. Panday was unable to give an estimate of the value of items destroyed but he noted that it is in the millions. He noted that a proper assessment will be done today.

12 news Qualfon to expand operations in Guyana monday, march 14, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Merriman Mall vendors still awaiting relocation

The Cummings Street area where the vendors are currently cramped

ualfon, a leading global business process outsourcing (BPO) provider in Guyana has plans to expand its operations/investment in Guyana. According to the company, it is pleased with the type of business climate that currently exists. Minister within Social Protection Ministry Keith Scott, after a tour of the operations at Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara disclosed that the company intends to expand. The minister said Qualfon is agreeable to obeying the laws of Guyana: “I’ve given them the assurance that government is prepared to work along with them and assist them wherever necessary.” Minister Scott opined that the employees seemed satisfied, stating that this

Minister within Social Protection Ministry Keith Scott

may be as a result of training received, adequate working conditions, and well positioned work stations. “It augurs well for the employment of young Guyanese for us, as well as a government because our intention is to encourage employment and get employment for them

where possible and assist where training is required,” Minister Scott added. The recent visit to Qualfon is as a result of an invitation, and interactions among himself, his team and Qualfon officials went well, Minister Scott explained. Qualfon is a global provider of contact centre, backoffice, and BPO services. It offers a full suite of customer lifecycle services including sales, customer care, technical support, and retention programmes, and are experienced at operating large client programmes across multiple geographies. In March 2015, the company opened its multimillion-dollar call centre at Providence, East Bank Demerara with the promise to create 6000 jobs over a fiveyear period.

The rehabilitated area

onths after vendors from the Merriman Mall were relocated, to facilitate rehabilitation, they are still awaiting a go ahead to move back to their allocated place of vending. However, there have been many debates with the Mayor and City Council in relation to the relocation, according to one vendor who spoke in representation of the group. This publication was told that vendors were slated to return to their agreed place of vending since Wednesday last week but this move was postponed by the M&CC. The spokesperson explained that on Tuesday the vendors met with Town Clerk, Royston King and was assured that they would be relocated to the vending spot since works had been completed. The woman further said that they all turned up at

the location on Monday, anticipating the relocation but were disappointed by the announcement of the Town Clerk. The vendor claimed that King made excuses as to why it was impossible for them to move at that time. According to reports, there were generators and wood left by the contractor on the worksite, and this has caused the extended time vendors would have to wait to be relocated. “They just don’t want us to move back. Moving these equipment would take not more than 15 minutes,” the vendor argued. It is alleged King further told the vendors that because of “certain inconveniences” they would be unable to resume vending at that location until further notice. Commenting on where they were forced to continue

vending, the vendor said that the Cummings Street location is inconvenient for them and customers. Another vendor expressed anguish at the constant back and forth they are engaged in with City Hall. This newspaper was told that the vendors are again scheduled to meet with M&CC today. As the cleanup campaign was being undertaken to enhance Guyana’s aesthetics, these vendors in January were removed from their usual vending spot. This saw them being relocated to a smaller area on Cummings Street which had been prepared for them temporarily. The vendors declared they were not upset with moving to facilitate the cleanup, but the abrupt manner in which they were forced to leave was unprofessional.

news

monDAY, march 14, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Zika Virus in Guyana

Number of suspected cases declining â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Dr Norton

lthough there have been over 100 suspected cases of Zika Virus since its outbreak in Guyana, it has been revealed that the number of suspected cases locally has started to decline. This information was disclosed during an interview with Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton, who said that the noticeable symptoms were not as prominent as before. Guyana was flagged as one of the countries which were likely to be adversely affected by the mosquito-borne Virus, by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) earlier this year. During the 2016 National Budget debate last month, former Health Minister, Dr Bheri Ramsarran had lambasted the Public Health Ministry for ignoring the seriousness of the Zika Virus. At that time, only one case of the Virus had been recorded in Guyana, but the Opposition Member of Parliament noted that there have been reports of many more suspected cases. Subsequently, Dr Norton confirmed this, disclosing that he has also received reports from health facilities that a large number of persons have visited with signs and symptoms closely linked to the Virus. However, as a result of there being no medical per-

Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton

sonnel to take samples for testing, these persons were treated for the common symptoms and sent away. The number of suspected cases had continued to climb, and more than 90 samples were sent to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) in Trinidad for testing. Some of the persons whose symptoms corresponded to the Virus were placed in a quarantine unit

and underwent observation until their samples were returned to Guyana. Fortunately, for Guyana, however, there might not be such a panic anymore in terms of the Virus spreading, Dr Norton said, adding that the number of confirmed cases remained the same. There have been five recorded cases in Guyana, the first being a woman from Rose Hall, Berbice who tested positive in January. Four additional cases were then recorded in February, one being a teen from Eccles, in addition to two Cuban doctors residing on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) and a woman hailing from Timehri. Nonetheless, even as the situation has shown improvement, preventative actions are still being taken to ensure that the Virus does not become endemic in Guyana. These include fogging exercises throughout the Regions by the Vector Control Unit (VCU), and campaigns to spread awareness of the signs and symptoms of the Virus and what could be done to reduce oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s risk. Additionally, there will be continued surveillance at the ports of entry to observe persons coming in to Guyana, especially from other countries affected by the Virus.

Region 10 advances tourism development plan

A section of the gathering at the stakeholders meeting

egion 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) is now in the process of implementing a five-year Tourism Development Plan, which will see the industry making strides in the mining region. This was revealed during a meeting between Director General of the Tourism Ministry Donald Sinclair and various stakeholders of Region 10. This was the second such meeting since the initiative commenced and it was aimed at further discussing the implementation and advancement of the Plan. In requesting input from the audience that gathered inside the conference room of the Linden Enterprise Network (LEN), Sinclair noted that the aim of the visit was to give an idea as to how the Plan would be structured. According to the Director General, the Plan will make way for proposals to be made and requests for funding from donor agencies, in ad-

dition to paving the way for requests to be made from Government Ministries. He said the final document would be useful as a manual, which would contain suitable reference for those seeking to request information about the Region. Three sections are outlined in the requirements for the Regional Tourism Development Plan. These sections include a number of pointers, includ-

ing background information on Region 10, including brief historical background; main economic activities; its tourism resources which will include the main tourism stakeholders, accommodations, etcetera, and an action plan which includes the identification of seven hotspots or priority attractions, accommodations for upgrade and other relevant services which need to be advanced.

guyanatimesgy.com

monDAY, march 14, 2016

Regional

Brazilians return with Trinidad: ArcelorMittal force to streets to offers Govt its demand Rousseff's exit TT$1.3B debt for $1

Demonstrators depicting Brazil's former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (left) and Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff attend a protest against Rousseff, part of nationwide protests calling for her impeachment, in Brasilia, Brazil, March 13

rotesters poured en masse onto the streets of Brazil's major cities on Sunday to demand the removal of President Dilma Rousseff, raising the stakes for the leftist leader as she struggles to pull the country out of its worst political and economic crisis in a generation. The demonstrations were the latest in a wave of antiGovernment rallies that lost momentum late last year, but has gained strength as a sweeping corruption investigation nears Rousseff's inner circle. The magnitude of Sunday's protests could be crucial in persuading a di-

vided Congress to back ongoing impeachment proceedings against Rousseff. No official estimates for the number of protesters across Brazil were immediately available. But two Government sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters the demonstrations could be bigger than anti-Government rallies in March 2015, which gathered as many as one million people. The demonstrations were peaceful, with tens of thousands wearing the national yellow and green colours and holding banners that read "Dilma out" and "Stop with corruption".

"I support her impeachment and new elections because the presidential vote in 2014 was financed with dirty money from corruption," said Alexandre Cortes, a 39-year-old engineer draped in a Brazilian flag in a festive rally in Sao Paulo, the country's biggest city and financial capital. Many blame Rousseff for sinking the economy into its worst recession in at least 25 years. Opinion polls show that more than half of Brazilians favour the impeachment of the President, who was re-elected by a slim margin for a second fouryear term in 2014. (Excerpt from

he Steel Workers Union (SWUTT) is not accepting ArcelorMittal’s claims that it was incurring losses since 2009, which subsequently led to the company being forced to close its Point Lisas plant on Friday. The Union has labelled the company’s move as a “strategic” way to wash its hands of its obligations to workers. Only on Thursday, workers celebrated having won at the Industrial Court, in a case against the company for laying them off twice between December 2015 and February this year. Their short-lived jubilation turned to immediate sorrow, after they were informed that the company had incurred a TT$1.3 billion debt and could no longer

Steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal

continue to operate. Over 700 workers had suddenly lost their jobs. According to SWUTT’s Vice President, Ramkumar Narinesingh, the company’s managing director, Robert Bellisle, indicated in a meeting on Friday that

last December, the company had sent a proposal to the Government offering the plant for sale for $1. “He did not say whether it was a TT or US dollar. It could have been a single dollar or a nominal fee, he did not elaborate." This means that if Government purchases the company, it will automatically inherit the TT$1.3 billion debt. Narinesingh said when the liquidators take over, the company will no longer be obligated to settle outstanding payments to people who would have won in court. Additionally, matters before the courts will be deemed null and void. He said what the country was facing was the actions of a shrewd businessman (steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal) and his executives. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Downpours cause deadly floods, mudslides in São Paulo

Reuters)

Cayman Islands bank “regrets” US tax evasion conspiracy

ayman National Corporation (CNC) was quick to minimise revelations last week that its subsidiaries had, for more than 10 years, assisted US account holders in massive tax evasion as an historical issue that impacted lots of other banks around the world. In a statement on Thursday, the Corporation said the conduct was a thing of the past, while the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA) said it would “consider the implications of the matters raised in the investigation”. The financial services ministry said the illegal activity was

“greatly disappointing” and was more fuel for the popular “misperceptions about the Cayman Islands”.

The details of the massive tax scandal were revealed on Wednesday when Cayman National Trust Co Ltd (CNT) and Cayman National Securities Ltd (CNS) pleaded guilty in a New York court to helping US clients evade more than US$130 million in taxes, for which the CNC affiliates will pay fines of around US$6 million. In its statement on Thursday, CNC said the outstanding investigations by the United States

Department of Justice were now settled. Having revealed in its annual report in December that it was paying fines in excess of CI$5 million, it had already made provision for the payments. CNC did not at that time detail the extent of the tax evasion allegations, but emphasised the historical nature of the tax dodging scandal, even though it had continued until 2011. Officials also noted that CNC itself was not subject to a period of monitoring or probation under the deal and there was no requirement to close any line of business. (Excerpt from Caribbean News

Now!)

Torrential rains killed at least 20 people on the outskirts of the Brazilian economic capital, Sao Paulo [AFP]

arts of Brazil have gone from a state of drought to intense flooding after torrential downpours hit south-eastern areas of the country. At least 20 people have died in the high waters and mudslides in and around São Paulo. Five are still missing. São Paulo's fire department said 18 of the victims were killed in mudslides and the other two drowned in the floodwaters that hit

more than 10 cities in the outskirts of the metropolitan area over recent days. The rains shut São Paulo's International Airport for six hours on Thursday and halted commuter train service for several hours. On Saturday, Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff flew over the affected area. Rousseff told reporters that the Government would make emergency funds available to help families affected by

the floods and mudslides. Rio de Janeiro has also been badly hit. Authorities have declared a state of crisis after massive downpours flooded parts of the city late on Saturday. The deluge left cars, buses and local residents stranded, as streets turned into murky rivers. The rains are now easing, but further spells of wet weather are likely throughout the week, before it turns drier next weekend. (Al Jazeera)

Guatemala investigates Lake Amatitlan clean-up plan Police seize Honduran-

judge in Guatemala has ordered that a former Vice President be held in prison over an allegedly fraudulent plan to clean up pollution at Lake Amatitlan. Roxana Baldetti is accused of leading a scheme in which millions were spent on a product to decontaminate the lake. Testing revealed the product, which was never used, was mainly sea water. Baldetti also faces charges, along with ex-President

Otto Perez Molina, over alleged corruption in a customs duties scheme. The judge also ordered that her brother, Mario Baldetti, be detained over the plan, and some 15 more people are implicated in the alleged fraud. Lake Amatitlan, about 30 kilometres (20 miles) south of the capital, Guatemala City, was once a popular weekend getaway for the wealthy. But the lake became polluted with untreated sewage

from the populated outskirts of the capital. In March last year, Roxana Baldetti told the media she had a "magic solution" and she would restore the lake to its past glory. Prosecutors allege Baldetti received bribes, after she urged the Government to award a contract to a company which would provide a chemical to clean up the lake. Baldetti denied this and said she received no money

for the contract. She is also accused of setting up her brother Mario Baldetti as head of the authority responsible for managing the lake. Pressure from environmentalists and civic groups forced the suspension of the project and the "magic solution" was never used. The government was persuaded to order the tests that revealed that it was in fact mostly sea water. (Excerpt from BBC News)

registered boat in Jamaican waters

he Jamaican Police in the southern parish of St Elizabeth on Saturday detained five men and seized a boat registered in Honduras. The Police reported that the boat was intercepted in Jamaican waters. Head of the St Elizabeth Police, Superintendent Lansford Salmon, said the

boat had 85,000 gallons of fuel that was loaded in Venezuela. According to the Police, a team from the Forensic Department and the Government’s oil refinery Petrojam are scheduled to test the fuel. The destination of the vessel has not been determined. (CMC)

monday, march 14, 2016

guyanatimesgy.com

Around the World

Turkey explosion: Car bomb kills Chinese economy’s slowing output fuels global economic recovery fears at least 27 in central Ankara

However, Chinese officials said the country would be able to achieve a target of an average 6.5 per cent in GDP growth for the next five years

The scene of the explosion is a local transport hub

car bomb has exploded in the Turkish capital Ankara, with officials saying 27 people have been killed. The city governor’s office said another 75 people had been injured. Witnesses say the explosion was in Guvenpark in the Kizilay district close to several bus stops. Some vehicles were on fire. Last month, a bomb attack on a military convoy in Ankara killed 28 people and wounded dozens more. The Hurriyet newspaper said the latest blast happened about 18:41h (16:41

GMT) and the area was evacuated in case of a second attack. Many ambulances were at the scene, it added. No group has yet claimed the attack. “According to initial reports, 27 of our citizens were killed in a blast caused by a bomb-laden car at K?z?lay’s Guvenpark,” the governor’s statement said. It added that 23 people had died at the scene while four others died on their way to the hospital. The BBC’s Mark Lowen in Istanbul says three at-

tacks in the Turkish capital in less than six months show the multiple security threats that Turkey now faces. The country that was the stable corner of the Middle East and the West’s crucial ally in a volatile region is now at a dangerous moment, he adds. Last month’s bombing was claimed by a Kurdish militant group, the Kurdistan Freedom Hawks (TAK). It said on its website that the attack was in retaliation for the policies of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. (Excerpt from BBC News)

hina’s industrial output has slowed to its weakest growth since the financial crisis, prompting concerns over the global recovery. Production rose by 5.4 per cent in January and February – the worst since 2008. China is trying to refocus its economy from investment and export-led growth to consumer spending. United Kingdom Finance Minister George Osborne said China’s slowdown was one of a “dangerous cocktail of risks” hampering recovery from the 2008 financial crisis.

Recent data revealed that Chinese exports fell 25.4 per cent in February compared with the same month last year. It was the biggest monthly decline since 2009, and ahead of the 11.2 per cent fall recorded in January. Retail sales in the first two months of the year grew by 10.2 per cent – below analysts’ expectations of a 10.9 per cent rise. Zhou Hao, an economist at Commerzbank, told Bloomberg that the mix of slower industrial output and retail spending “gives us a worrying picture”. He said:

“The overall growth profile remains still gloomy.” However, Zhou Xiaochuan, Governor of the People’s Bank of China, said that the Government would be able to achieve a target of an average 6.5 per cent in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth for the next five years without implementing measures to stimulate the economy. “Excessive monetary policy stimulus isn’t necessary to achieve the target,” he said. “If there isn’t any big economic or financial turmoil, we’ll keep prudent monetary policy.” (Excerpt from BBC News)

Deadly attack hits Ivory Angela Merkel’s CDU Don’t politicise events of India’s prestige – Sri Coast beach resort suffers German state rt of Living foundourteen civilians and included four Europeans.

two soldiers were killed in the Ivory Coast beach resort of Grand Bassam when gunmen stormed a popular weekend retreat and opened fire, President Alassane Ouattara said. The attack took place on three hotels in the southeastern town which is located about 40 kilometres east of the country’s economic capital, Abidjan. “Six attackers came to the beach in Bassam this afternoon,” Ouattara said during a visit to the site. “We have 14 civilians and two special forces soldiers who were unfortunately killed.” The six attackers were also killed, he said. An officer from the national Police told Reuters news agency that the dead

An eyewitness told Al Jazeera that she saw one gunman and people started running and taking cover as soon as shots were heard before adding that it took Police 30 to 45 minutes to arrive at the resort. The attackers were “heavily armed and wearing balaclavas” and “fired at guests at L’Etoile du Sud, a large hotel which was full of expats in the current heatwave”, a witness told AFP news agency. A Reuters witness saw two people wounded and a video taken by a witness showed seven people lying on the ground following the attack by armed men who have yet to be identified. The historic town of Grand Bassam is a UNESCO World Heritage site. (Al Jazeera)

election setbacks

he party of German Chancellor Angela Merkel has suffered defeats in two of three states holding regional elections, exit polls suggest. They indicate the Christian Democrats lost support in BadenWuerttemberg and Rhineland Palatinate, but remain the largest party in Saxony-Anhalt. The anti-migrant AfD achieved gains in all three states, exit polls indicate. The elections were seen as a test of support for Chancellor Merkel’s policy of accommodating refugees. More than a million migrants and refugees entered Germany in 2015. In the western state of

Baden-Wuerttemberg, a former stronghold of the conservative Christian Democrats (CDU), support for the party reached a historic low of about 27 per cent, the exit polls suggest. They say the Green-led coalition currently in power won the election. In Saxony-Anhalt, a poor, eastern state where the CDU and the Social Democrats govern together, that coalition looks set to remain in office, but the exit polls say Alternative Fuer Deutschland (AfD) won about 22 per cent of the vote. The Social Democrats are set maintain their hold on Rhineland-Palatinate, a state the CDU had hoped to capture. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Iran risks EU sanctions over missile tests – France

rance says Iran could face European sanctions over its recent launch of ballistic missiles. Foreign Minister JeanMarc Ayrault said sanctions would be taken “if necessary”, following talks in Paris with US and European counterparts. Iran drew strong criticism earlier this month when it launched several missiles as part of a military exercise. In January, the US imposed sanctions on Iranian

companies and individuals in response to a previous round of tests. That move came a day after international nuclear sanctions on Iran were lifted as part of a deal designed to prevent it developing nuclear arms. As part of the deal – agreed with world powers – a UN resolution that barred Iran from undertaking any work on ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads was terminated. However, a new resolu-

Iran released images of a Qadr H long-range ballistic missile being fired during a recent drill

er Sri Ravi Shankar on Sunday said parties should not politicise events having a bearing on the country’s reputation and suggested that the media has been “harsh” in its criticism of the World Cultural Festival organised on the Yamuna flood plain. He claimed that his Foundation has already received invitation from Australia, Mexico and other nations for holding the next edition of the event. “We need a certain maturity. I don’t mind but I request all political parties. Whenever such a grand event is being organised, party politics should be kept aside. “You should come together so that India’s prestige on the world stage rises. It is not easy to organise an event of this magnitude.... It is a major thing... so that people from across the world can feel connected,” the spiritual guru said. “People from across the world are amazed. We got a letter from the Australian

tion then came into force that “calls upon” Iran not to undertake such activity. Speaking alongside Ayrault on Sunday, US Secretary of State John Kerry described the recent Iranian missile tests as a breach of UN resolutions. The US has asked the UN Security Council to discuss the matter today. Iran says its missiles are for use solely as a conventional deterrent. It says it

Art of Living founder Sri Ravi Shankar

Prime Minister asking us to hold the event there. They are ready to give all the help we need, from Mexico.... The countries are keen to host this event. At the same time, the international media is asking why the Indian press is so harsh towards this festival. I smiled and said that I don’t know,” he said. He said over 172 dignitaries from across the globe had come for the event, which drew intense criticism and also litigation over allegations that it damaged the ecology of Yamuna flood plains, which the spiritual guru refuted. (Excerpt from Times

of India)

has ballistic missiles with a range of 2000km (1250 miles), which means they would be capable of reaching Israel and US military bases in the Middle East. In another development, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called on the world powers that backed the Iran nuclear deal to punish Tehran for its recent missile tests. (Excerpt from BBC News)

16 news

monDAY, march 14, 2016| guyanatimesGY.com

VOX POPULI

What the people say about

I SAY...

The financial assistance given to relatives of prisoners who died in Camp Street Prison riot Caesar McAlmont (Linden)

Inderpaul Bisnauth (Georgetown)

“I don’t think the families would have gotten any sort of compensation in any other country, given the circumstances. However, I don’t see anything wrong with the Government deciding to give them some. The prisoners were under the care of the State and so I see it fit that they decide to pay the families some money, but I don’t think that it was supposed to be an obligation.”

“I think the State should take full responsibility for the situation since these prisoners were in their “care” so to speak....all funeral arrangements should be covered by State. The compensation should be negotiated based on the family members taking it to their lawyers and petition their case to have monetary compensation. I don’t think any amount of money is “enough” to compensate for someone’s life.”

Stefan Tappin (Linden) “I think that the families of those who lost their lives in the prison riot fire deserve compensation. My reason for saying this: they all were State property being held in a Government institution. I’m sure it’s written down in the rules and regulations which the institution is run by, that proper health and safety must be provided for the inmates. They are not animals. Yes, they probably did cruel things to others, but does that make them less of a human than you and I? That prison was a failure long before the incident and it still is. Give meaningful compensation to the families because the prison system failed these men.”

“Yes. The families of the prisoners who died in the prison riot and fire should be granted some compensation. This is due to the fact that the prisoners were in the care of the Government. The Government has a fiduciary duty to protect and safeguard these citizens.”

Oshana Hytmiah (Georgetown)

Kenrick Cheeks (Georgetown)

“Each life is valuable and there is no price that can replace a life. In my opinion, $100,000 is not enough for a lost life. The money cannot make all the hurt that the families are feeling disappear, but some may argue: if the prisoners were still alive and the riot didn’t take place, no money will have to be given to their families because they are State property; the State has full ownership and shouldn’t have to pay compensation. But a life is a life, whether good or bad, all equally important.”

“Well, once that covers the expenses then yes, because the family should not have to stand the expenses alone, they already have to live with the idea that one day maybe their loved ones could have walked the path of righteousness, but now they are dead. So I agree with some compensation to assist those families who are “also victims”... life is about chances ... we live with the belief that one day it will all be well ... that belief is gone now for that family ... yes, I support the $100,000 compensation.”

George Sanichar (Corentyne)

Assetou Elvis (New Amsterdam)

“They should be happy that the President considered to give them something. When you are in jail, you lose all your rights. Nobody ain’t tell them to light a fire in the same cell that they in. If the wardens did go in to them, they would have killed them. If I had to make the decision, there was no compensation. I think getting them out the system is something good for Guyana, because just now some Magistrate would have put them on bail and they back on the street. I think it is justice served and if the country wants to pay $100,000 for that, I don’t have a problem.”

“I feel sorry for some of the mothers. I saw one mother on TV who says that her two sons get set up and one of them get killed; it is sad. One hundred thousand dollars, that can’t even do a funeral. If it was me, I wouldn’t take it. Is the Government that put them in prison and if something happen to them, the Government is responsible… they should get at least 10 years’ salary. Every month, they should give the family $50,000 for about 10 years and those who had young children, the Government should give the mother money to send the child to school.”

Maxine A’guard (East Canje) “I was surprised when I heard people talking about compensation of the prisoners who were killed in the riot. When I hear about it, I say that the government should bury them if the family want… but to give money. The $100,000 is no money to talk about. It is an embarrassment to the Government. Is better they had do some scholarship fund or something.”

Mark Moseley (Linden)

Constable’s body fished out of NA canal

he body of a constable attached to the New Amsterdam Town Constabulary was on Sunday afternoon fished out of a canal at Savannah Park, New Amsterdam, Berbice. The dead woman has been identified as Devon Sheppard, 42, of Alexander Street, New Amsterdam, Region Six (East Berbice/ Corentyne). Reports are that Sheppard left home on Saturday night at about 20:30h to attend a wake at Stanleytown. Speaking with Guyana Times the woman’s son Marlon Sheppard, 19, said

when his mother did not return home by midnight Saturday, himself and brothers called her cellular phone but those calls went unanswered. “So we say that she sleeping by the friend because the two of them were very close,” he said. The son said they became worried Sunday morning when they called her friend and was informed that their mother was not there. Marlon Sheppard said he then made a report to the police. “I start looking for her bicycle and when I go on the backdam [Republic Road] I

Dead: Devon Sheppard

see she bicycle in the trench and then I see she lying face down in the trench.” He added that his mother might have used Republic Road to get to the wake since she said she was going to purchase ice and take it with her. “She did buy the ice because I see the bag that the ice was in left in the basket on the bicycle. Sheppard who has been employed with the New Amsterdam Constabulary for more than 10 years leaves to mourn three children; ages 19, 22 and 23. Police are investigating.

news

monday, march 14, 2016 | guyanatimesGY.com

Dharmic Naujawan youth camps attracting large turnout By Indrawattie Natram

cores of youths living in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) are finding themselves meaningfully occupied at the monthly youth camps hosted by the Essequibo Dharmic Naujawan. According to Chairman of the Essequibo youth arm of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, Meera Narine, the camps have managed to attract many youths and the Naujawan is proud of such achievement. “When we started some months ago, we only attracted 20-40; now, it’s gaining its momentum, we are keeping over 60 youths occupied on Sundays and I want to encourage parents to send their children out,” Narine said. On Sunday, more than 60 youths hailing from various temples throughout Region Two attended

Youths at the camp engaged in Chowtaal singing

a one-day youth camp at the Affiance Mandir. The camp began with prayers

after which informative career talks were conducted followed by games and ex-

ercises. Youths were also involved in the singing of Chowtaal, preparing their minds for the upcoming Hindu festival of Holi. The hanuman chalesa verses and the gaitra mantra were also recited. President of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha’s Essequibo Coast Praant, Pandit Kaydar Persaud also used the opportunity to encourage the youths to think positively and to keep attending the camps. The Pandit urged youths to keep themselves actively involved in sports, reading and attending mandirs. At the end of the camp, youths expressed their gratitude towards the Naujawan for organising the activity. According to them, it was a day filled with fun and drama. The camps will be conducted on a monthly basis and aim to actively involve youths in an educational and friendly environment.

Improved water for East Bank Berbice residents

he Guyana Water Inc (GWI) is making moves to improve the quality of water being supplied to residents of the East Bank Berbice. This was announced late last week when Chief Executive Officer of the company met with residents of that community. CEO of Guyana Water Inc (GWI) Dr Richard Van West Charles said the problem is about high iron content from the well. He explained that along the coast a lot of the wells are drilled in what is referred to as ‘A’ sand and many of them have a high iron content. The CEO said the utility company is now carrying out tests to remove the iron from the water. A two-prong approach is being looked at one of which includes flushing pipelines and the other is adding a

Dr Richard Van West Charles

chemical to water mains. “In the meantime I will ask engineers in Region Six to keep flushing the lines as frequent as possible and then we will ask them to collect samples of the water so they can be tested,” CharlesWest said. “Because of where the water is coming from, it has a high iron content. That

redness that you see is as a result of the iron and then when we put chlorine to remove bacteria it caused oxidation and causes the redness to appear much more.” He said the question of quality is being addressed countrywide and results from Cranbrook, Agricola and Ithaca are encouraging. While not telling the residents the name of the chemical being added to water to remove the redness, Dr Van West Charles said it is being used in the United States, Belize, The Bahamas and Europe. “Because it is good in one place, it may not necessarily be good here. So we are conducting those tests.” The residents noted that in the community only some have water meters connected and they receive higher bills from GWI. That fact the CEO did not deny but

explained that metered customers pay for the water they use while the unmetered customers are billed according to a countrywide estimation. However, he noted that the company is currently sourcing more water meters to enable more persons to have their systems metered. “There are some people too who are getting water who are not registered with us, that is a reality. At the end of the day, the company cannot run without people paying for the water because every system that we have to generate the water, we have to use electricity.” The meeting between the CEO and residents was arranged following a protest by residents on Tuesday over the quality of water being supplied to residents on the East Bank Berbice.

Venezuela Opposition launches protests, Maduro counters

enezuela’s opposition launched a new protest campaign on Saturday to oust President Nicolas Maduro, but support was thin and the ruling Socialists countered it with their own “anti-imperialist” rally. Though thousands on both sides took to the streets of Caracas, neither march recalled the passionate rallies of recent years, with many Venezuelans exhausted by an economic and social crisis that seems to be worsening. The opposition alliance is pursuing a multi-pronged strategy to oust Maduro via protests, a recall referendum or a constitutional amendment to cut his term. They hope to capitalize on anger over a deep recession, triple-digit inflation

and rampant insecurity. “Venezuela is in chaos ... more misery, more crime and more destruction,” said Ruth Briceno, 35, a law student among several thousand opposition supporters in wealthy east Caracas. Two years ago, the opposition mobilized tens of thousands of people in nationwide protests. For weeks, Venezuela’s streets were filled with tear gas and burning trash. Similar protests have begun in the western city of San Cristobal, where such rallies often start, though they have yet to hit the capital. On the other side of Caracas, red-clad government supporters protested against U.S. President Barack Obama’s renewing of a decree sanctioning var-

ious Venezuelan officials. “We’re here to defeat Obama’s decree. It’s stupid,” said Raiza Sucre, 50, a state employee. She boarded a government-funded bus at midnight to arrive in Caracas at 5 a.m. (1000 GMT) for the rally that also drew several thousand protesters. From a stage, speakers blasted out “Yankee Go Home” and a recording of the national anthem sung by former leader Hugo Chavez, who died of cancer in 2013, before Maduro gave a thundering speech blasting Obama and his domestic foes. “Let them come for me. Nobody’s giving up here!” Maduro said, before mocking Henry Ramos, leader of the opposition-controlled legislature. “I imagine him

in Miraflores (presidential palace.) My God, save us from that! There’d be a national insurrection a week later.” Lacking the charisma, oratory and financial muscle of his popular predecessor, Maduro has failed to draw out the crowds and enthusiasm of Chavez’s rule. The multi-party opposition coalition, too, may struggle in its bid to get people out onto the streets after the 2014 protests failed to bring about change. “I was expecting more people today; we have to pressure this government to go,” said painter Rafael Araujo, 62, at the opposition event, holding a placard that read: “Resign before the people turn on you!” (Reuters)

The Race to LGE 2016 Religious leader focused on restoring environment, promoting religion By Merissa Wilson

rowing up in the district of MetenMeer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara (WCD), Ravie Deonarine was a keen observer of conflicts within his community. Years later, he has been given the opportunity to effect the changes that he has always longed to see in the area where he was born and raised. When it was announced that the Local Government Elections (LGE) were going to be held in Guyana, 22 years after the last polls, Deonarine quickly grasped the chance to be an advocate for his community. Competing under the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) mantle, the President of the MetenMeer-Zorg West De Kindren Mandir is hoping that the residents will see him as having the capacity to be a prominent leader in Constituency 7. Since he grew up in Meten-Meer-Zorg West, Deonarine believes that he is at a better advantage to serve the people of the community, given that he is aware of the daily challenges they face. When the chance presented itself, Deonarine was a little more than elated as he thought this was the perfect way to impact not only the community but also their religious lives. Being a religious leader, of course, Deonarine had cause to mention just what he planned to do in terms of religion. He believes that every citizen should have the right, and exercise it, to choose which religious path they feel obliged to enter. In light of this, Deonarine informed that it was his aim to foster religion within the community by encouraging persons to view it as being an essential part of their lives. “I don’t want to change people’s religion, but I’m promoting them to be a part of some religion. Older folks and younger people need to be in a religion.” This, he says, will also contribute towards his goal of achieving unity in every aspect of community life, regardless of residents’ ethnicity, colour, or creed. The strong advocate for national peace is bent on ensuring that there is a strong connection between the villages so as to strengthen relationships and build unity. He is hoping to have frequent personal interactions with these residents so that the relationship blooms and confidence in leaders is restored. On a more physical aspect, Deonarine told Guyana Times that there have been

Meten-Meer-Zorg West (Constituency 7) Candidate Ravie Deonarine

concerns raised in regards to the deteriorating conditions of the environment as well as the poor infrastructure which the residents are forced to endure. The candidate made reference to the roads which are in a deplorable condition, unsafe for human utilisation, and the community’s burial ground, which is in a disturbing state. “The ground needs cleaning, it is overgrown. We want Meten-Meer-Zorg to be transformed into a cleaner environment that is appropriate for living at all times,” he explained. “The only way forward, if we are going to improve the quality of the environment, is to get everybody involved”, so the community will embark on this venture as a cohesive body. This, he said, will have precedence on his list of priorities once elected, and he will work towards promptly addressing these physical environment issues. Deonarine reported that another major issue in his community was the abuse of drugs and alcohol and the number of people committing or attempting suicide. Through work with community centres and partnerships with stakeholders, the Constituency 7 candidate is hoping to have completely eliminated these scourges from the community. Responding to a question on what is in store for youths once he is elected, Deonarine assured that he would work assiduously to have develop and advance the youths of his constituency. Since youth crime has been prevalent not only in that community but in Guyana as a whole, Deonarine plans to invest in different activities in which youths can spend more time developing themselves. “We need to do this to take our youths away from crimes, usage of drugs and alcohol and the long list of conflicts they face,” he stated. Deonarine is urging persons to come out in their numbers and vote on March 18, so that their interests will be represented.

guyanatimesgy.com

monday, march 14, 2016

ARCHIE

Money matters, business deals and contracts look (March 21- promising. Initiate changes April 19) that will bring greater stability to your personal life. Invest in your knowledge, skills and ability to get ahead. ARIES

Trust in your abilities. TAURUS Don’t let anyone take care of (April 20- your financial or personal afMay 20) fairs. Keep an open mind when it comes to helping others. Offer suggestions or physical help instead of cash injections.

dilbert

Don’t make a snap deciGEMINI (May 21- sion if you feel the least bit June 20) uncertain. Leave no room for mistakes. Go over every detail personally. An emotional confrontation will lead to regret. CANCER

Peanuts

(June 21July 22)

Try something different. If you have a creative idea, follow it through to the end. Your knowledge and abilities will help you make wise choices when it comes to lifestyle choices.

Remembering past misLEO takes will help you make bet(July 23ter decisions regarding your Aug. 22) work and future prospects. You’ll have the wherewithal to turn an idea into something tangible. Think matters through VIRGO before making a move. (Aug. 23Opposition can be expected Sept. 22) if you let emotions enter your conversations. Stand tall and avoid getting into battles that solve nothing.

Calvin and Hobbes

You can make a strategic LIBRA (Sept. 23- move that will address a nagOct. 23) ging concern. Your motives will shine through, and praise and unexpected rewards will be forthcoming.

SUDOKU TODAY’S WORD – ZIRCONIA

Take precautions when SAGITTARIUS dealing with loved ones, peers (Nov. 23- and relatives, or you will end Dec. 21) up in an emotional no-win situation. Moderation will be required in all aspects of your life.

(ZIRCONIA: zur-KO-nee-uh: A synthetic gemstone resembling a diamond.) Average mark 10 words Time limit 30 minutes Can you find 19 or more words in ZIRCONIA? The list will be published on Monday. THURSDAY’S WORD – NIGHTSHIRT nigh night insight iris girt girth gist grin grist grits high hint

hiring hitting thigh thin thing thirst thirsting this tight tights ting tint

tiring tithing titi trig shin shirt shirting sigh sight sign sing siring

siting sitting snit sting stint stir string right rightist ring rising

Make unusual changes to SCORPIO the way you live. Follow an (Oct. 24engaging path that will set Nov. 22) your creative mind free to follow your dreams. Romance is encouraged.

solution for Last Published Puzzle

Concentrate on your CAPRICORN health and anything that will (Dec. 22- lead to your overall improveJan. 19) ment. Tackle any bad habits you want to get rid of, and share plans with someone you love. Dealing with institutions or AQUARIUS (Jan. 20- organisations will prove diffiFeb. 19) cult. Keep a tight hold on your money and personal documents. Make home improvements that are geared toward a healthy and entertaining environment.

Interference will lead to PISCES (Feb. 20- problems with someone you March 20) deal with daily. Protect your reputation by keeping your personal business a secret. Someone from your past will comfort you.

mONDAY, march 14, 2016

Regal Masters exit Florida Cup in dramatic style - Floodlights Masters through to final

Regal trio: Rudolph Baker, Mahesh Chunilall and Eoin Abel

ost South Florida Softball Cricket League (SFSCL) knocked out pre-tournament favourites Regal Masters of the Florida Cup 2016 with a clinical batting performance in the semi-final. South Florida Softball Cricket League set up a meet in the grand finale against the Guyanese outfit, Floodlights. Regal Masters set the host, SFSCL a challenging 242 to win from 20 overs for a spot in the final and Nazim Ali made it a one man show. Ali opened the batting and

had to score 12 runs per over to put his team in the final of Florida Cup 13. He took his team over the line with seven wickets in hand and three balls to spare. The hard hitting right handed Ali took the game away from Regal Masters with a 66 ball 157* with 14 sixes and eight fours. Sadick Mohamed, 19 (2x4s) played the supporting role by turning the strike over to the aggressive Ali who made the small ground look even smaller. At the half way stage of the match

Regal Masters were high in confidence of a place in the final having scored 241/2 from their 20 overs after they were sent in. The opening pair of Eoin Abel and Mahesh Chunilall added 178 in 17 overs which laid the foundation for Rudolph Baker to hit six sixes in the final over of the innings. Chunilall hit the top score of 94 (50 balls, 7x4s; 6x6s), his third consecutive half century in Florida while Able made 77 from 54 balls with six sixes and five fours. Baker then blazed 51 from 12 balls with seven towering sixes and two fours while Eric Thomas (6*) hit the only delivery he faced over the rope. Kaiume Mohamed, 1/30 and Joey Ragunandan 1/32 were the wicket takers for the home team who will now face the only Guyanese team standing in the tournament, Floodlights. Floodlights (144/7) defeated Regal Masters (107 all out) in the teams’ final preliminary match by 37 runs in a one-sided affair to set up their semi-final clash with Orlando Softball Cricket League Masters. Yunis Yusuf made 32, Jagdish Persaud 29 and Ramo Malone 23 while Peter Persaud 4/18 (4) was the pick of the Regal bowlers. Regal were restricted to 107

in 19 overs with Fazleem Mohamed scoring 20 and no other batsman scoring more than 15. Jagdish Persaud 3/13 came good with the ball to cap a good all round match while Pooran Singh took 4 for 26. Floodlights got a scare in their semi-final match against a spirited Orlando Softball Cricket League (OSCL) Masters but eventually prevailed by 20 runs. Floodlights batted first and made 208/8 from 20 overs with Lloyd Rooplall making 82, Yunis Yusuf 52 and Jagdish Persaud 27. Krishna Singh 3/32 and 2/11 were the chief wicket takers for the Orlando side who were in with a chance batting second but fell 20 runs short after being restricted to 180/9 from their 20 overs. Mike Seosankar top scored with 47 while Saeed Adam chipped in with 41. Ramo Malone took 5 for 30 from his 4 overs. South Florida Softball Cricket League All-Star booked their place in the final of the open category with a convincing semi-final win over Untouchables of New York City. SFSCL 207 all out from their allotment of 25 overswas built around 57 from Michael Rangasammy and Steven Taylor 30. Former Guyana player

Nazim Ali after his tournament-high score of 157* vs the Regal Maters

Andrew Gonsalves was the chief wicket taker with 4 for 32 for Untouchables who were bowled out in the 22nd over for 130 to lose by 77 runs. SFSCL’s opponents are Enforcers, also from New York who booked their place in the final by defeating Mercenary by seven wickets. Mercenary made 144 all out from 23 overs with Fiaz Samad making 60 and Balieram Beharry taking 4 for 16. Vicky Sugrim

60 and Amarnauth Woarti 37 then raced to 145 for 3 from 23 overs with only D. Glasgow 3/35 looking to upset the plans. Today’s final will be historical for two main reasons. This is the first time in the competitions’ history that matches will be played at the international venue, Central Broward Stadium and also the first time that there will be live television coverage. (John Ramsingh)

Murray advances, Kerber sent packing at Indian Wells W

orld number two Andy Murray was given a tough test but pushed his way past Marcel Granollers 6-4 7-6(3) in his opening match at the BNP Paribas Open in California on Saturday. Murray led Great Britain to a Davis Cup victory over Japan last week, but apart from that team event had not competed since his Australian Open final loss to Novak Djokovic on Jan. 31. Murray has made plenty of news off the court since then, however, welcoming the birth of his first child last month and earlier this week rebuking Maria Sharapova for her drug test failure. On the court in Indian Wells on Saturday, Murray overcame a break in the first set, and then took the second in a tiebreak against his

Spanish opponent. “It was very different conditions to what I have been practicing and playing in the past five weeks, against a tough, unorthodox player,” Murray told reporters. “He's got quite a different game. He's very smart player, as well, intelligent player, and often makes the right decisions." Earlier, Canadian Milos Raonic took only 55 minutes to dispatch Inigo Cervantes. Raonic, playing for the first time since a groin injury contributed to his heartbreaking five-set semi-final loss to Murray at the Australian Open, was delighted with his form. “To come out, and really not know how things are going to go, find your

Andy Murray

rhythm well early on, do the fundamentals well,

dictate the match, I’m very pleased with that,” Raonic

told the Tennis Channel. “When I look at the overall picture of my progress, development, I have to be very pleased. I’ve incorporated a lot of new things in my game. I’m getting more efficient coming forward at the net and I think I’m able to put more and more pressure on my opponents.” In other second-round action, third seed Stan Wawrinka easily handled Illya Marchenko 6-3 6-2 and sixth seed Tomas Berdych cruised past Juan Martin del Potro 7-6(4) 6-2. Frenchman Gael Monfils and Richard Gasquet both advanced, controversial Australian Nick Kyrgios was docked a point for swearing in his loss to Albert Ramos

7-6(4) 7-5, and 10th seed Marin Cilic topped Ryan Harrison 6-4 6-3. On the women’s side, Australian Open champion Angelique Kerber was upset by Denisa Allertova of the Czech Republic 7-5 7-5. Second seed Kerber has been in a bit of slump since beating Serena Williams in the Australian Open final, losing three of her past four matches. She was not the only high seed to fall, however, as fourth seeded Garbine Muguruza of Spain went down to American Christina McHale 7-5 6-1. Muguruza struggled with her serve and was broken five times. American Sloane Stephens was knocked out by Eugenie Bouchard 7-5 7-5. (Reuters Sport)

guyanatimesGY.com

MONDAY, march 14, 2016

ICC World T20 Cricket…

Sammy sinks Australia in warm-up ished in the same Tye over, Sammy and Ashley Nurse, who finished on 12 not out, then posted a vital 37 in an unbroken eighth wicket partnership to see West Indies home safely. Hazlewood’s hat-trick had earlier handed Australia the advantage. He claimed Jason Holder – promoted to opener – for six with the second ball of his second over and then bowled Marlon Samuels and Dwayne Bravo without scoring off successive deliveries. Opener Johnson Charles (14) and Denesh Ramdin (11) also fell cheaply to leave West Indies in deep trouble. Opting to bat first earlier, Australia started strongly but were pegged back by medium pacer Bravo and left-arm spinner Sulieman Benn, to finish on 161 for

Dwayne Bravo breaks into a jig after taking a wicket, claims four wickets in win (AFP photo)

aptain Darren Sammy’s aggressive, unbeaten half-century led a determined lower order rally as West Indies beat Australia by three wickets with a ball spare, in their final official warm-up game of the Twenty20 World Cup here Sunday. Rocked by seamer Josh Hazlewood’s hat-trick in the fourth over to be tottering on 49 for five in the ninth over, West Indies recovered brilliantly to reach their target of 162 at Eden Gardens, thanks to exactly 50 off 28 balls from Sammy. All-rounder Carlos Brathwaite smashed 33 from just 14 deliveries while Andre Russell blasted 29 from 15 balls, as West Indies scored over ten runs per over in the final half of the in-

nings as they gathered 106 runs from the last 59 balls. The revival started with a 23-run, sixth wicket stand between Sammy and Russell, and continued with an exhilarating 53-run, seventh wicket stand off 23 balls between Sammy and Brathwaite. Sammy belted six fours and a six while Russell counted a four and three sixes but it was Brathwaite’s cameo – which included three fours and two sixes – that gave West Indies much needed impetus. He and Sammy combined to plunder 17 runs from the 15th over sent by pacer Mitchell Marsh and they followed up by taking another 17 runs from the next over from seamer Andrew Tye (235). When Brathwaite per-

nine off their 20 overs. Bravo claimed four for 21 and Benn, three for 37, as the Aussies declined from 106 for one in the 12th over to lose eight wickets for 55 runs. Opener Shane Watson top-scored with 60 from 39 balls, striking four fours and four sixes. He put on 76 for the first wicket with Aaron Finch who scored 33 from 24 balls, and a further 30 for the second wicket with captain Steve Smith whose 36 required 29 balls. Brathwaite was brilliant in his three overs of seam, taking three for 16. West Indies will now turn their attention to their opening group game of the T20 World Cup at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai where they take on England on Wednesday. (Windies Cricket)

SCOREBOARD AUSTRALIA A Finch c Holder b Benn 33 S Watson c Nurse b Bravo 60 *S Smith lbw b Bravo 36 U Khawaja c wkp Ramdin b Brathwaite 5 G Maxwell b Benn 0 M Marsh c Sammy b Benn 2 +P Nevill c wkp Ramdin b Brathwaite 4 J Hastings b Bravo 10 A Zampa b Bravo 2 A Tye not out 0 Extras (lb4, w4, nb1) 9 TOTAL (9 wkts, 20 overs) 161 Did not bat: J Faulkner, J Hazlewood, D Warner, A Agar, N Coulter-Nile Fall of wickets: 1-76, 2-106, 3-114, 4-115, 5-117, 6-136, 7-151, 8-160, 9-161. Bowling: Russell 3-0-22-0, Taylor 3-0-31-0 (w1), Holder 1-0-15-0 (nb1), DJ Bravo 4-0-21-4, Benn 4-0-37-3, Nurse 2-0-15-0 (w1), Brathwaite 3-0-16-2 (w2).

WEST INDIES J Charles c Maxwell b Smith 14 J Holder lbw b Hazlewood 6 M Samuels b Hazlewood 0 DJ Bravo b Hazlewood 0 +D Ramdin lbw b Zampa 11 A Russell c Finch b Tye 29 *D Sammy not out 50 C Brathwaite c Maxwell b Tye 33 A Nurse not out 12 Extras (lb4, w3) 7 TOTAL (7 wkts, 19.5 overs) 162 Did not bat: E Lewis, S Badree, C Gayle, A Fletcher, S Benn, J Taylor Fall of wickets: 1-18, 2-18, 3-18, 4-27, 5-49, 6-72, 7-125. Bowling: Watson 4-0-36-0 (w2), Hazlewood 4-1-13-3, Marsh 4-0-28-0, Zampa 4-0-35-1 (w1), Smith 1-0-11-1, Tye 2.5-0-35-2.

Williams sees off Putintseva at Indian Wells S

erena Williams edged a tough first set against Yulia Putintseva but cruised through the second to progress at Indian Wells. Serena Williams cruised through her third-round matchup with Kazakhstan's Yulia Putintseva courtesy of a straight-sets victory at Indian Wells. The world number one had to battle through a tough first set, eventually prevailing in a tie-break, but swept Putintseva aside in the second to seal a 7-6 (72) 6-0 victory. Williams and Putintseva were both broken twice in

the first set as the Kazakh world number 56 looked to set up an intriguing battle against her highly favoured opponent. She was ruthless in attacking Williams' second serve, winning 59 per cent of points on her second return during the first set. But any hope of an unlikely victory were ruthlessly put to bed in the second set. Williams won 80 per cent of points on Putintseva's first serve and the same on her second to break her three times and win the second

Serena Williams

set without dropping a game. She moves on to round four where she will face

Kateryna Bondarenko, who knocked off 24th seed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in round two. (Digicel Sportsmax)

CPL going places

By Avenash Ramzan

t was the evening of July 30, 2013, and the Kensington Oval in Barbados was packed to capacity. The Caribbean and the rest of the globe stood still to take in what was happening. The St Lucia Zouks players were already on the field, and as the Barbados Tridents openers, Dwayne Smith and Jonathon Carter, made their way out, the crowd erupted. The cheers got louder as the giant South African Avenash Ramzan Albie Morkel steamed in with a shiny white ball in hand. His effort was immediately rewarded as Smith facing up to a fullish delivery with a bit of away movement, swung his bat and nicked it behind for keeper Andre Fletcher to complete a simple catch. The partisan home crowd was silenced, but something more significant had been happening- the Limacol Caribbean Premier League (CPL) was unfolding right before their eyes. What a start it had been for the region’s first franchise based T20 competition; a wicket off the very first ball. The fielding side, the organisers and those who thrive on hyper activeness, could not have asked for better: it was action from the word go. That set the tone for a riveting tournament, as territorial fans also seemed involved in a mini competition of their own to fill their stadia every time the “Biggest Party in Sport” touched down in their locale. On the field, the cricket was simply breathtaking, as the region’s most sought-after, globe-trotting T20 stars- Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo, Darren Sammy, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell and Lendl Simmons- were on show, coupled with international stars Lasith Malinga, Tillekeratne Dilshan, Shoaib Malik, Martin Guptill, Vernon Philander, Mohammad Hafeez, Ricky Ponting, Muttiah Muralitharan and Shakib Al Hasan. For those who could not get to the grounds, their homes had all the makings of a sport bar like atmosphere as they gathered to watch the action via television. A top-class panel of commentators had been assembled and the stream was on par with other global broadcast of international tournaments. That first CPL was a historic success, as it set the foundation for the League, which has now become a household name, and a serious challenger to the popularity and success of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Australian Big Bash. CPL is now widely considered the third biggest T20 league in the world, behind the IPL and Big Bash, but it is still a work in progress, even after three years of colossal success and widespread global attention. Now Hero CPL, the 2016 edition is set to deliver undoubtedly the most remarkable achievement- taking the game to the United States of America, Florida to be exact. From the very first tournament there was talk of taking the league there, and after years of discussions and negotiations, it is now a reality. CPL’s Head of Public Relations and Communications, Peter Breen, in a recent interview with me, hailed this latest development as a significant one in the short history of CPL. “It’s a very exciting tournament to be a part of. I think it’s a massive year for cricket full stop, it would have started with the Big Bash into the various little tournaments that have been happening and I think with the growth and movement to America, that opens up a whole new avenue of possibilities for West Indies cricket and for CPL,” Breen explained. He also spoke glowingly of the League's global appeal, and the fact that it is a major hit on social media. Breen highlighted, “It’s a tournament that’s definitely growing year on year and we know that in terms of social media, in terms of the global viewership as well. Last year 302,000 came through the turnstiles for CPL- that was a growth of 44%. It would be lovely to think we can sustain that crowd, but I’m not sure if we physically can, given the size of the stadia, but it is definitely a step in the right direction.” With a large Caribbean diaspora in the US and a population slowly gravitating to the game, CPL 2016 is bound to attract the masses, as it heads to unchartered territory. It is heading to a place where the established IPL and Big Bash have yet to venture; a bold statement from a very young T20 League. Enormous possibilities are abound, and the “Biggest Party in Sport” could soon earn the tag of “Revolutionist” as it regards global T20 franchise cricket. As it was on that Bridgetown night three years ago, the Caribbean and the rest of the globe will be watching with keen eyes, as CPL turns a new chapter. (aramzan@guyanatimesgy.com)

YELLOW PAGES MONDAY, MARCH 14, 2016

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illon Mahedo of Cross Fit Bel Air Gym and Candace Lynch withstood the pressure of the grueling challenges to be deemed the fittest male and female respectively in the E-networks Fitness Challenge which was held at the National Park, Tarmac on Sunday. After a series of tests such as dead lift, bar over burpees, “suicide” 200m, kettle bell swings, pull-ups, box jumps, pushups among others saw Mahadeo who showcased some excellent technique on both the pullups and dead lift, accumulated 395 points to fend off his nearest competitors Carlos Mahendra (332) and Manano Jeffery (328) to power to the title that he placed second last year.

In the female category, Lynch who finished with 390 points overall received a close battle from Semonica Duke who had 385 points while Nessa Bhagwandin finished in third on 355. Lynch aroused the spectators with a speedily set of push presses which certainly was the determining factor in her winning the title. In the team category, Life Gym was deemed the most successful team with 975 points as Elite Systems on 969 and Cross fit Bel Air rounded out the top three. When the Guyana Times Sport spoke to one of the organizers of the event, Jamie McDonald, he explained that he was extremely pleased with the level of participation. “ The participation was the same as last year, we

had 35 athletes this year but unfortunately one or two pulled out before; the showing by the athletes was very good; the whole event has been a success”, McDonald said. Asked about which athlete he felt gave the participants the most difficult, he responded saying, “I would say event number two was the hardest [400m run, the dead lift and toes to bar]”. In looking forward to next year, McDonald expressed the need for athletes to be more readily prepared for the challenge. “I think they can do a bit more research on technique and form and strategy and also probably do a bit more training in the sun to absorb what you have here on the Tarmac”. (akeemg@guyanatimesgy.com)

Watford dump holders Arsenal out of FA Cup

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rsenal's bid to win the FA Cup for a third successive year ended on Sunday when they lost 2-1 at home to Watford in a pulsating quarter-final tie. The defeat ended the holders' hopes of becoming the first club since Blackburn Rovers in 1886 to win the FA Cup three times in a row. The result appears to have condemned Arsenal to end the season without a trophy as they face elimination from the Champions League next week, unless they manage to overturn a two goal deficit against Barcelona, and they trail Premier League leaders Leicester City by eight points with

Arsenal’s Danny Welbeck misses a chance to score (Reuters Sport)

only nine games left. Arsene Wenger's men were left to rue a host of missed chances as Watford opened up a 2-0 lead in the second half with goals from Odion Ighalo and Adlene Guedioura.

Danny Welbeck pulled a goal back for Arsenal in the 88th minute but it was too late to change the result. Watford go into the semifinals alongside Premier League sides Everton and Crystal Palace. (Reuters Sport)

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

MONday, march 14, 2016

Deokie optimistic ahead of National Race of Champions By Akeem Greene

roup One ace race car driver Daniel Deokie is raring to go come Sunday at the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) National Race of Champions at the South Dakota Circuit. When Guyana Times Sport spoke to the young driver ahead of the first major race meet of the 2016 season he revealed that preparations are going according to plan. “Preparations are going pretty well so far, last weekend we had a test run with the car and it’s just some minor tweaks now and we should be ready for event”, he said. Deokie, who was the Group One Champion driver in 2014 Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championships (CMRC), had some commendable performances in the 2015 sea-

son, copping two first places; and will be taking the momentum from November last year into Sunday’s meet. “The last event we did pretty well, we had three podium finishes, and I got that the confidence from that event going in to the 2016 season; this event we looking to start the season off well and get some podium finishes”, he said. The team ER racing driver explained that he has not gotten to a chance to use the new additions the rule changes have given but will be making those additions in time to come. “There is a new rule change in the ECU [Engine Control Unit] allowance but we have not gotten a chance to do that as yet, so will work the car as it for this meet and adapt to it and probably get a bit faster from there on”, the driver explained. Motor racing is arguably one of the most danger-

Milo U-20 School Football Tournament…

Final 4 set after thrilling quarterfinal action By Treiston Joseph

he final four of the Milo Under-20 School football championship is set in stone after a thrilling quarterfinal round on Sunday at the Ministry of Education ground. Defending Champs, Chase Academy are safely through the semifinal round after an easy 3-0 victory over North Georgetown. Chase’s ability to spread the field and find their players with space proved critical in the win as they outplayed their opponents in every aspect of the encounter. Ryan Hackett scored the first two goals of the match for a double in the 16 and 48th minutes while Kelsey Benjamin solidified the win with a goal in the 52nd minute. Former champs, Lodge Secondary had to endure a grueling penalty test to make it into the semifinals. After their match with last year’s finalist Dolphin Secondary ended 1-1, Lodge was able to win the penalty shootout 3-0. However, during the match it was Dolphin’s Leon Richardson who opened the scoring in the 13th minute as the team looked to park the bus in hope of locking up a semifinal berth. That was not to be as Shemar Dover’s 52nd min-

ute goal equalised for Lodge. With both teams unable to find a winner, the game moved to the penalty round where Lodge got the better of their opponents. Queen’s College and Bishops High, two rival teams in both academics and athletics played to 1-1 draw as well with the former prevailing 4-2 on penalties to advance to the semifinal. Stephon King’s 23rd minute goal put Queen’s up 1-0 early in the match but Tyrese Souvenir’s 43rd minute goal gave Bishops their equalizer. Nevertheless, Queen’s proved the strength of their mettle with a thrilling penalty win. South Ruimveldt was the other team to advance to the semifinal with a comfortable 3-nil win against Christ Church. Cecil Jackman looked unstoppable as his two strikes in the 23rd and 35th had South Ruimveldt looking in prime position heading into the halftime break. Leon Charles would add insult to injury with another goal for South Ruimveldt in the 47th minute. Action in the tournament will continue on March 17 with semifinal action as Lodge will face Queen’s College and Chase battle South Ruimveldt for a chance to play for the championship trophy.

ous sports but this does not daunt Deokie from the challenge and as the thrill of the sport is embedded in him. When quizzed on his love affair for the sport he revealed that “I grew up with it, it’s in my blood, I have been around cars all my life and now I got a chance to be racing so It’s just a genuine love for the sport”. Even though, many other Group One drivers have described themselves as the one to beat, the driver is not fazed and is banking on his determination and experience to get him over the line. With a smudge, Deokie said “I would say I’m pretty tough and determine and I would use those two words to get me through and keep dominating the sport”. Asked about what he believes the sport needs in Guyana to grow more, he posited that “I think we need more young individuals coming into to the sport,

Deokie poses with his Honda Civic D-15 (Marceano Narine Photo)

we recently made some rule changes to allow a lower budget of racing so hopefully this year we see more younger participants coming into the sport”.

Deokie, who will be revving his D15, a high-powered Honda Civic to the max, is grateful for the main support of his family, Fitness 53, Ideal Auto,

Honda Dealership and Emran & Raymond General Automotive Services. (akeemg@guyanatimesgy.com)

WICB/PCL 4-day Cricket…

Jaguars face uphill battle to save match against Hurricanes – 108-2 in second innings; still trailing by 132

Gavin Tonge

uyana Jaguars are in serious battle against the Leeward Island Hurricanes as they seek to avoid their first defeat in 16 matches of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Professional Cricket League (PCL) 4-day tournament that continued on Sunday. Playing the Vivian Richard Cricket Ground, Antigua, Jaguars ended close of play in their second innings on 108-2, with Captain Leon Johnson and

Leon Johnson

Vishaul Singh at the crease on 51 and 16 respectively. Guyana began day three 61-3 in their first innings but were bowled out for just 190 in 80.1 overs; Former West Indies seamer Gavin Tonge was the chief wicket taker with figures of 4-37. At lunch, Jaguars were 160-6 as Singh (25), Devendra Bishoo (08) and Christopher Barnwell (07) all fell cheaply. Raymon Reifer (45) and the experienced Shivnarine Chanderpaul (48) help their

side avoid some amount of embarrassment. Off-spinner Rakheeem Cornwall picked up 3-59 and West Indies Under-19 pacer, Alazarri Joseph copped 2-34. With a lead of 240, Hurricanes enforced the follow-on which immediately brought success as opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul was bowled by Joseph for 08 to leave the Jaguars 19-1 in the sixth over at tea. The final session of the day saw Johnson and Test

opener Rajendra Chandrika (20) bring up the team’s 50 after which Cornwall brought the demise of Chandrika to leave Guyana in a precarious position at 54-2. Johnson and Singh then forged an unbroken 54-run third partnership to keep the Jaguars in the match heading into today’s final day. The Jaguars will need to make 132 runs to make the Hurricanes bat again with eight wickets intact.

GFF/Stag Elite League….

Pele trounce GFC 2-0 –Buxton draw 1-1 with Monedderlust

ele FC registered their second win after five matches in the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Stag Elite League on Saturday when they defeated Georgetown Football Club (GFC) 2-0. Playing at the #5 Ground, Berbice, Pele took the lead in the 55th thanks

a goal by Rayon Morrison. Omalo Williams netted in the 85th to double the lead and secure victory for Pele. The loss now leaves GFC at the bottom of the table with four losses from five games. In the second game of the night, home side Monedderlust drew 1-1 with

Buxton United in a highly competitive match. The home side took the lead in the 25th minute when Sean Jackman netted but the second half Buxton’s strike-man Denvor Dennis equalizes in the 57th. The League continues on Wednesday at the Tucville ground, where

Guyana Defence Force play GFC from 18:00h and Pele play Fruta Conquerors from 20:30h.

guyanatimesGY.com

MONDAY, march 14, 2016

Road to Mecca III…

Agard relishes playing in Elite League

Stephney’s big 4th quarter leads Ravens F into semi-finals

By AKeem Greene

– Colts rout Sonics en route to semis

Jermaine Slater and Tyrone Hamid of the Ravens go up for a rebound during the game By Treiston Joseph

yan Stephney exploded to score 14 of his 15 points in the fourth quarter to pull away from the Plaisance Guardians in a 78-63 win in the quarterfinal round of the Road to Mecca III National Club Basketball Championships on Saturday evening at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. With both teams playing cat and mouse during the first three quarters, the game was tied at 46 entering the final period. Stephney’s explosion started with a three from the top of the arc that hit nothing but net followed by an easy lay-up on the next Raven’s possession that gave the squad clad in white, orange trimmings and black a 59-53 lead with 5:19 to play. With Ravens playing stellar defence in the fourth as well as rebounding the ball well, Stephney capped off his game clinching run with an and-one play with 3:18 to play to the cheers of the sizeable crowd and with the score on 68-58 and out of reach for a possible comeback for the Guardians. Stephney would also grab eight boards in his performance to lead the squad as the Ravens outscored the Guardians 32-17 in the final period. Jermaine Slater was also a rebounding machine,

gabbing a few critical offensive boards during the final period to finish with a double-double of 12 points and 14 rebounds. Dominic Vincente also scored 15 points Ryan Gullen had a quiet nine points in the win. Nikkoloi Smith was the game’s leading scorer with 26 points while Ron Campbell had 17 points in the loss. Meanwhile in the night’s earlier game, the Colts throttled to an easy 70-48 win against the Pepsi Sonics. Shelroy Thomas returned to the starting lineup after missing the Round of 16 game and led the Colts with 24 points as he showcased his finishing ability at the rim with some smooth lay-ups. Shane Webster was also a best racking up 16 points to dominate the post while controlling the paint with 19 rebounds. Stanton Rose also had 15 points in the win. Scoring for the Pepsi Sonics came from Jason Squires with 17 points and Trevor Smith with 18 points as the lack of ball movement hampered the Sonics from having easy looks at the basket. The final of the tournament will be held on March 19 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

ruta Conquerors forward Shaquille Agard, is enjoying the frolics and thrills of playing in the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Stag Elite League. In speaking to Guyana Times Sport he said “I think it’s a good league so far, it’s organized as it is so far and it will continue to show the talent in Guyana”. Agard, who resides in Toronto, Canada, plays for the Wexford Football Club in Toronto, has scored four goals in five matches to date for the Conquerors and credits the goals to the assistance his team mates gave him. “I give credit my teammates for giving me the op-

portunity to score the goals, because a lot of them are from great positioning from myself or my teammates; its them finding me or me creating the space”, the player

revealed. Asked his opinion on playing in Canada as to that of Guyana, he said, “the league is just as fast, in Toronto, people focus more on technical ability so there is a lot of passing involved, but here [Guyana] is a bit of both, u have a lot of technical ability and physical too; the teams are very passionate, as there is a lot of passion in Guyanese football”.

The twenty-two year old who played for the Guyana Under-23s against Cuba last year, is a huge fan of forwards Leo Messi and Luis Suarez for their match changing ability. “ I like playing striker but I also like slipping into the midfield so therefore I like Suarez

for his natural ability to score goals and he also creates; Messi because he makes the game look very easy the way he plays, I aspire to play like that”. Agard cheerfully said. The footballer who played for the Golden Jaguars in 2014 Caribbean Federation Union (CFU) firmly believes that the Tucville based club Fruta Conquerors has the ability to finish in the top four once again. “ I think we have a good chance, every team, is good in this league, there is no bad teams ; people might think the bottom teams are bad teams but every team is going to be tough but we are coming along very well bit I think we will finish in the top four, Agard posited.

MONDAY, march 14, 2016

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

Stephney’s big 4th quarter leads Ravens into semi-finals – Colts rout Sonics en route to semis

Pg 23 Ryan Stephney stops for a pull-up jumper during his game-clinching run

Milo U-20 School Football Tournament…

ICC World T20 Cricket…

Final 4 set after thrilling Sammy sinks Australia in warm-up quarterfinal action Pg 20

Pg 22 Some of the action during the tournament

Darren Sammy hits towards the off side

(AFP photo)

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