Guyana Times Daily - July 24, 2015

Govt “big up” Amazon Warriors franchise P 14

...predicts ‘all out’ victory for team

Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 2564

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Friday, July 24, 2015

PRICE

Crum-Ewing's murder probe

$80 vat included

WHAT'S INSIDE:

DPP requests more info from Police Page 2

Robert P7 Persaud sells iRadio to TT media company ...mulls future with PPP

Crum-Ewing’s killing

Nandlall's ex-bodyguard P8 held …but former AG denies involvement in execution

Budget preparations

Trade unions propose big pay hike for workers P10

Red Steel to face Warriors in "Eliminator" ...for elimination Cash-jet pilot Sean Hinds slapped with to surrender cocaine charges to Police “Death Squad” allegations

Page 2

Page 3

New Govt promises P14 to honour post-Linden unrest pact – Harmon Region 3 farmers still battling floods P17 …damage estimated in the millions

2 news Cash-jet pilot slapped Crum-Ewing's murder probe with cocaine charges DPP requests more info L friday, july 24, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

ocal pilot Khamraj Lall finds himself in hot water once again after he and nine others were charged with the possession of over five kilograms of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking between the period December 2013 to February 2015.

Lall was previously charged following the discovery of US$620,000 on his private Lear Jet in Puerto Rico as it stopped to refuel. The money was found in several black plastic bags in a suitcase under a seat.

However, according to reports received, a federal grand jury has returned a two-count indictment charging Lall, of New Jersey, with possession with intent to distribute five kilograms of cocaine and the importation of the same amount into the United States.

US Attorney William J Hochul Jr announced that the charges carry a minimum penalty of 10 years

Khamraj Lall

in prison and a maximum of life and a US$10 million fine. Assistant US Attorney Robert A Marangola, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment, between December 2013 and February 10, 2015, the defendant conspired to possess and import from Guyana into the United States, five kilograms or more of cocaine.

Lall was arrested on July 22, 2015 in New Jersey.

He made an initial appearance in federal court in the District of New Jersey. The defendant, who is in custody, will be returned to the Western District of New York at a later date.

The nine others who were charged are Edward Mighty, Seymour Brown, Andre Taylor, Ricardo Bailey, Robert Wilson, Kenneth Harper, Desmond Bice, and Christopher Samuels, all of Rochester, New York. They were charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and 280 grams or more of cocaine base, and use of a telephone to facilitate drug trafficking that is distribute marijuana.

Defendants Mighty, Brown, Taylor, Wilson, Harper, Bice, and Samuels were also charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking. In addi-

tion, Winifredo Gonzales, of Brooklyn, NY, was charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

According to the complaint, Edward Mighty is one of the leaders of a Rochesterbased drug trafficking organisation and would obtain kilogram quantities of cocaine from Gonzales.

The cocaine was transported to Rochester and processed, re-packaged, and distributed in various quantities of both powder and crack cocaine through multiple sellers in the Rochester area. On February 10, 2015, officers executed a search warrant and arrested Gonzales at a residence in Brooklyn.

Officers recovered 17 kilograms of cocaine and two handguns, including an UZI 9mm pistol. Officers also seized approximately US$70,000.

from Police D

irector of Public Prosecutions, Shalimar Ali-Hack has recommended that additional investigations be conducted into the murder of Courtney CrumEwing before she determined whether or not to charge the suspect, Regan Rodrigues for his murder.

A senior Police source told this newspaper that the DPP returned the file on Thursday and solicited additional information before making a decision.

Up to late Thursday evening, Rodrigues was being questioned by ranks of the Criminal Investigations Department. Once the additional information is presented, the file will be sent back to Ali-Hack.

The source also stated that Police are presently questioning the former bodyguard of the previous Attorney General Anil Nandlall. He noted that the Police were expected to question two other persons including a political activist and former staff of the Office of the President.

Crum-Ewing was gunned down on March 10 while encouraging residents of Diamond New Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara to cast their vote in the May 11 General and Regional Elections.

Plot

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) on Wednesday rejected allegations that it had a part to play in the killing of CrumEwing. In a statement, the Party said that Freedom House was available to all who sought help. “It is a political office,” the Party insisted.

According to the PPP/C, characteristically, the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) has already predetermined the outcome prejudicing the results with their hostile anti-PPP statements. “Leader of the AFC and Ministers of the APNU/ AFC Government have already discovered PPP/C involvement from the very evening of the execution of Crum-Ewing and publicly proclaimed the direction that the investigation must take in establishing the political connection, the political intellectual authors, the PPP, of his murder. The PPP/C exposes this entire effort as a plot by the APNU/ AFC Government. It is apposite to note that at no time did Shawn Hinds mention ministerial involvement.”

According to the PPP/C, the APNU/AFC entire campaign in opposition was about the high lev-

Slain ex-soldier, Courtney Crum-Ewing

el of PPP/C corruption in office. “The APNU/AFC Government is ashamed to admit their failure to uncover those levels of corruption and accept the conclusion that they misled the Guyanese people.

The plot involving Shawn Hinds incriminating PPP/C Ministers and members must be exposed for what it is, designed by the Granger Government to tarnish the image of the PPP with accusations of murder and directing the investigations to prove PPP/C involvement.”

“The PPP/C rejects any involvement in CrumEwing’s murder. The PPP/C rejects the vile attempts by the Government to link it with the killing. The PPP/C calls on the Guyana Police Force to disclose the results of their investigations into the murder. The PPP is confident that this disclosure will exonerate the PPP/C fully.”

A source had told Guyana Times that the .32 pistol, which was found in Rodrigues’ possession on Monday last, was tested and proven to be the same gun that was used to execute the ex-soldier. Rodrigues was on Wednesday last charged and refused bail for being in possession of the Taurus pistol and 14 matching rounds. He was remanded and will make his next court appearance for that matter on August 4. He was also questioned for the murder of Police Corporal Romein Cleto, who was gunned down in the vicinity of Avenue of the Republic and Regent Street, Georgetown in April 2013. Also, he was questioned for the murder of Jason Wills, called “Teddy”, of Mahdia, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) who was shot at least seven times in May 2013 as he sat watching television at home.

news

friday, july 24, 2015

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, July 24 – 10:30h-12:00h and Saturday, July 25 – 13:30h-15:00h

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Thundery showers can be expected throughout the morning and into the early afternoon, with heavy rain showers expected in the late afternoon. Thundery showers are expected to return in the evening over coastal regions and near inland locations.

Temperatures are expected to range between 24 degrees and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-easterly between 1.78 metre and 3.57 metres per second.

High Tide: 10:00h and 22:27h reaching maximum heights of 2.26 metres and 2.27 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 03:30h and 15:36h reaching minimum heights of 0.92 metre and 0.97 metre respectively.

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“Death Squad” allegations

Sean Hinds to surrender to Police

S

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, July 24 – 09:10h-10:40h and Saturday, July 25 – 10:20h-11:50h

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| guyanatimesGY.com

elf-confessed death squad member, Sean Hinds has promised to turn himself in to police following reports that he is wanted for questioning in relation to another matter other than the Court Crum-Ewing’s killing.

Contacted on Thursday, Hinds said that he was planning to surrender to the police in the company of his lawyer. It was unclear up to press time whether he had done so since he could not be reached again. The former cop made some shocking and scurrilous allegations to another media house on Tuesday, where he disclosed that he was an integral part of a “death squad” which had a rampant operation during the mid 2000’s.

Hinds claimed that he was directed by the Criminal Investigation Department and if he wasn’t a part of the “killing squad this country wouldn’t a got law and order…”

He also claimed he was hired to kill Ronald Waddell who was gunned down in front of his Subryanville home back in January 2006. However, he said he was preempted by two former police officers, one of whom retired as a Assistant Police Commissioner. Hinds told the newscast that he was initially hired to kill the political activist but said he was beaten to the task by the officers who sported a blue Toyota

Self-confessed death squad member, Sean Hinds

t12 on the night of the shooting. “When I was on the seawall looking out for the man, I got a call ‘man coming’…. by the time the man was coming out the yard, the man ain’t come from the road, the man went in his house, a car swing Sheriff Street- a blue t12swing from Sheriff Street and all I hear was. ,” “Two policemen were in the vehicle when Waddell died.

Waddell was a former talkshow host on HBTV Channel 9, and an opposition activist.

He was gunned down outside his home adjoining the sea wall on January 30, 2006 at around 20:00h. Eyewitnesses at the time spoke of two men armed with pistols emerging from a car parked on the other side of the street, and shoot-

ing Waddell multiple times before getting back into their car and driving off. Waddell was hit in the head, back and chest and later died in a Georgetown hospital. Waddell often used his TV broadcasts as a platform to voice his criticism of Guyana’s “democracy”.

The “death squad” was reportedly responsible for going after criminal elements, particularly those who emerged after the massive jailbreak of February 2002, when five high profile criminals escaped from the Camp Street Prison.

The men Andrew Douglas, Dale Moore, Shawn Browne, Mark Fraser and Troy Dick have all been killed after having confrontation with police ranks. They formed the core and leadership of a gang based in Buxton that wreaked havoc on the surrounding villages of Annandale and Lusignan and further afield.

Dozens of innocent citizens were murdered, robbed, kidnapped, maimed and raped by the gang. Several homes in the village of Buxton were also razed. Most alarmingly, the gang announced they were “Freedom Fighters” and launched an all out assault on ranks of the Guyana Police Force killing more than previously killed in the entire history of the force.

Meanwhile, Co-leader of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine on Thursday

said that he and the party always felt that higher orders were involved the killing of Waddell. While Waddell was never a member of the WPA, his widow Bonita Harris is, and Roopnaraine said that the man’s death was always alleged to have been committed by top people. “I don’t see this revelation coming as a complete surprise to me, because we have always believed that it was a conspiracy that handled this”, Roopnaraine told reporters on Thursday. Minister of State Joseph Harmon, speaking to reporters on the revelations on Wednesday, said while government would welcome Hinds to share all that he knows, it will not promise any official pardon to him. “I am not offering any amnesty whatsoever to anybody who admittedly involved in a criminal activity or criminal activities, who would say that I told you this and I told you that and I should be exempted”, Harmon said. He noted, however, that Hinds is most welcome to go to the police if he feels the need for some kind of protection for the information that he has, but as far as the state is concerned, this will not be provided. Harmon said, while he has spoken to the media, the state apparatus would be interested in following up those leads “more aggressively” and getting some additional answers.

Collins supports scrapping of BASS

P

residential Advisor on National Security, Brigadier Edward Collins is in support of the decision taken by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) to close the operations of the Berbice Anti-Smuggling Squad (BASS).

Brigadier Collins, who just concluded a four-day outreach in Regions Five (MahaicaBerbice) and Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) to assess the security resources in those regions, said that BASS was merely duplicating the efforts of GRA’s law enforcement arm and often operated contrary to the mandate of the revenue body.

In a release the Ministry of Presidency said during the outreach, the Presidential Advisor visited several Police stations and engaged with senior ranks

within B Division (Berbice) and its sub-divisions, the traffic department and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

“It was a very worthwhile visit and I am convinced that there are men and women in the Guyana Police Force that are committed to the fight against crime. They have put forward workable solutions and with the support of the (Ministry of) Presidency there will be improvements,” Brigadier Collins said.

Collins also said he was particularly heartened by Commander Christopher Griffith’s plan to resuscitate inactive Community Policing Groups (CPGs) and to lend more support to the active ones. This, he said, is a sure way of bridging whatever gaps

may exist between the Police and residents. The region has a total of 89 CPGs; 28 of which are currently inactive.

With regard to resources, Brigadier Collins said that with the exception of the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS), which the Force has been using to profile arrested persons, there is need for additional equipment.

These include vehicles and communication devices such as radio sets.

Brigadier Collins will be visiting law enforcement agencies in other Regions across Guyana, after which he will be presenting a full report to President David Granger with the view of making the Police Force more efficient and better placed to serve the citizenry.

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guyanatimesgy.com

friday, july 24, 2015

Views Editor: Nigel Williams Tel: 225-5128, 231-0397, 226-9921, 226-2102, 223-7230 or 223-7231. Fax: 225-5134 Mailing address: 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, sales@guyanatimesgy.com

Editorial

A disregard for the poor F

rom the statements being made by various Government spokespersons it seems as if the Grangerled Administration has already made a decision to scrap the “Because We Care” $10,000 per student Cash Grant, which the then PPP/C Government had started. Like most of the policy decisions made so far by the APNU+AFC Government since it took office, this will certainly go down as yet another highly unpopular one.

Such a decision, once confirmed, will have a tremendous negative impact on an already burdened citizenry, especially the poorer segment of the population such as single parents who struggle every day to make ends meet.

Last year, this assistance was welcomed by every parent as they turned out in their numbers at locations across the country to uplift their monies. There was a country-wide distribution of the $10,000 Cash Grant offered to each student attending public school, with the aim of easing the financial burden parents often complain about. This year parents were hoping to receive this assistance again, only to be disappointed.

This was perhaps the only country in the region and one of few in the world that offered such support to its citizens. It should be noted that this grant is in addition to the many other initiatives being instituted to aid parents’ efforts to ensure their children receive a good education.

The reasons being offered by the Government not to continue this assistance to parents are nothing but spurious at best. For example, among the many frivolous excuses are: the assistance is given to everyone and not only poor people, there is a high administration cost to administer the assistance, nothing is built into the programme to show improved attendance and/or enrollment and the programme was meant to be an elections gimmick to win votes for the PPP. These are mere ‘excuses’ for not continuing this programme, and they are of no help in justifying the rationale behind such a move. In fact, former Minister of Education Priya Manickchand explained that this position has actually exposed Government’s position on the matter, that is, “a disregard for the needs of the people of Guyana and recklessness as it relates to fulfilling promises made only three months ago”.

Guyanese all across the country always look forward to whatever assistance they can get from the State, especially considering the hard times most parents face when they have to take care a long list of financial commitments which they must deal with, especially school expenses.

While one cannot dispute the fact that a few parents will use the money for what it was not meant for, this cannot be used as a justification to deny the thousands of poor families who have normally taken full advantage of this relief.

Under the previous Administration, a number of crucial steps were taken towards improving the quality of education students receive. Some of these initiatives are already bearing fruit, while others are still in their implementation stages. The nation is currently reaping the benefits of those investments. For example, better results can be observed at all levels of the school system; including at the CSEC level, more students are attending school, more teachers are being trained and are attending university and there is more involvement of parents and the community as a whole in the management and delivery of education in this country.

The Administration must continue to explore ways and means of investing more money in improving education standards in our country and putting systems in place where more students can attend school. Programmes such as the $10,000 Cash Grant, once managed and administered effectively and transparently will help to boost the efforts which are already being made in improving the performances of our nation’s children.

A fan rides a bicycle as he is suspended from a cable during the 17th stage of the 102nd Tour de France cycling race from Digne-les-Bains to Pra Loup in the French Alps mountains, France, July 22, 2015 (Reuters/Stefano Rellandini)

Guyanese Diaspora disturbed by Govt firings Dear Editor, Guyanese in the Diaspora are very disturbed by the spate of firings (inclusive of those sent on forced leave) of staff based on ethnicity and political affiliation, since the new A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government came into power. Many Guyanese in the Diaspora, including those who did not support the APNU/AFC, welcomed the change in Administration, saying a change was needed to wake up the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) leadership from its slumber and arrogant behaviour. However, they are now worried about the direction taken by the Government which they feel is driven by witch hunting.

They describe the behaviour of the new regime as vindictive, spiteful and bent on revenge. When the Administration took charge after the May 11 General and Regional Elections, many Guyanese in the Diaspora, though not sup-

portive of the APNU/AFC, believed that the coalition should be given a chance due to the arrogant behaviour of several officials of the PPP/C. However, many are now having second thoughts about this second chance.

The Diaspora points to the firing and removal of staff and notes that some 90 per cent of those removed were of East Indians decent, many of whom were humiliated and belittled by Ministers during their removal from office. Those who have been supportive of the AFC wing of the coalition also expressed concern about the firing of Indians from their positions. They expressed regret at the actions of the coalition and cannot understand why the AFC is supportive of such actions. PNC supporters in the Diaspora prefer not to comment on and seem supportive of the actions of their party in terminating the employment of Indians and PPP supporters of other races. In a country where employment opportunities are

limited, it will be difficult for these individuals to earn an income to maintain their families and provide housing for them.

The firing of Indians and PPP affiliates of other races brings back memories of the firing of Indians and PPP supporters after the PNC took office in December 1964. The PNC established an ethnic dictatorship that governed until October 1992.

Separately, at a trade show in Trinidad a week ago, I met several Guyanese supporters of the APNU+AFC coalition who also say they are worried about firings of staff based on racial and political affiliation and the sudden spike in violent crime. The Guyanese business men and women came to the trade show to solicit business.

The business people expressed anguish about the murderous rampage in the country and violent robberies, especially from those in the business community.

According to them, the busi-

ness community is targeted by bandits and not that much has been done, contrary to what was promised during the campaign. The business community is deeply worried about its safety and although they voted for the APNU+AFC coalition, because they were tired of the PPP and believed that change would be refreshing for business, conditions have worsened and there is no guarantee of security.

People feel unsafe.

Some of them expressed regret for “the change” they voted for and are having second thoughts about voting out the PPP and replacing it with an Administration that is turning out to be different from what it promised.

It is also a widespread sentiment that the majority of victims of robberies and other crimes are Indians and that the Government is not effective at combating crime.

Sincerely, Vishnu Bisram

Congratulations to the new Toshaos of Aishalton and Santa Rosa Dear Editor, The Amerindian People’s Association (APA) President Sharon Atkinson and Vice President Tony James contested the village Toshaos elections in their respective communities but surprising they were rejected by their village residents.

The Santa Rosa village Toshaos elections wered

held on Tuesday July, 21.

Of the three contestants – Sherwin Abraham received the highest score of 632 votes and was declared the new Toshao of Santa Rosa Amerindian Village, the largest in Guyana. Richard Cornelius brought second with the second highest score of 495 votes and Sharon Atkinson with the lowest score of 132 votes.

Many Santa Rosa residents believe the reason why Atkinson was so unsuccessful was her generally poor vision in her representative work, poor human relations and no proper village development plans.

In the Aishalton Village of South Rupununi, the race for Toshaoship was between Douglas Casimero and Tony James. Casimero

scored 206 votes where he defeated Tony James and was declared the new Toshao of Aishalton Village.

James received 179 votes.

Congratulations to the new Toshaos of Santa Rosa and Aishalton Amerindian Villages!

Yours faithfully, M Rodrigues

guyanatimesgy.com

friday, july 24, 2015

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Extending an Body language can portray olive branch to unintended messages former criminal “helpers” Dear Editor, I published an article in which I wrote that the Police need to partner with former criminals to aid in the reduction of the current crime rate and also solve old crimes. I used the then situation of Lennox Wayne, the alleged Police informant who had supplied the Police with information on planned robberies and the whereabouts of known criminals. I noted then that a best practice approach to the alleviation of crime in any country, is for the Police to befriend those who are in the ‘know’ and use them as “helpers”.

Now we see that what I am suggesting makes sense. We are in the current news cycle of the shocking revelations of Mr Shawn Hinds. Again, a former insider of the criminal underworld.

Mr Hinds said that he didn’t commit the crimes alone, neither did he commit them of his own volition. As a criminologist, this is interesting news to me. I would want to know who else were with him in the execution of his “duties?” The reason I would want to know that is because they too would have a piece of the puzzle and might be able to help fill in the blanks where he might have missed out.

I, as a criminologist, would also need to have access to as many of the perpetrators as possible because I am also interested in identifying the master mind of the crimes.

The intellectual authors.

In my field, we speak of types of crimes – larceny, robbery, burglary (entering a home or premise), arson, embezzlement, assault, etc.

Then there are the causative factors for crimes; for example, crimes of passion, crimes of convenience or political crimes.

So when Shawn Hinds,

or Lennox Wayne, say that they committed crimes and that they had help, I would be seize the opportunity to investigate this information. The more sources of information available, the more I could reduce my crime problem, no matter what the types of crime or the causative factors are.

Hopefully, I will also get to the originators of the crimes meaning the benefactors. Hinds might have been paid, or politically incentivised, but there might be someone, or a group, who has more to gain from the crime.

It is important to not scare off these “helpers” by threatening imprisonment and forcing them to face the law, instead of providing cover. This might reduce the number of “helpers” willing to come forth and compromise the quality of the information already received.

Upon removing any or all inducements, Maslow’s Hierarchy Law kicks in and self-perseveration would dictate that “helpers” no longer incriminate themselves. So while it is almost nauseating or unjustifiable graceful, an olive branch would have to be extended to these “helpers”. The more notorious they are the broader and more inviting the olive branch has to be, since the information they provide might be sufficient to bring about a greater healing than the hurt they have already caused.

So while the temptation is to assess immediate judgment for past criminal activities, or indeed to leave the persons up to their own demise, as a criminologist, I believe that there’s a factual possibility that by entering this quid pro quo I will bring about a greater good.

Respectfully, Pastor Wendell Jeffrey

Dear Editor, Guyanese have a way of saying that ‘every skinteeth na laugh’, meaning that we should be careful not to interpret every smile as a gesture of approval.

Likewise, our posture may betray messages that inadvertently portray what we never intended.

We should therefore be very careful that the ways in which we sit, stand, look and wear expressions on our face are all in consonance with the verbal mes-

sages we wish to convey.

In this regard, I wish to refer readers to the photo carried in the media this week of the President of the New Jersey Arya Samaj meeting with our First Lady. The photo shows our First lady, Mrs Sandra Granger, sitting quite properly, lady-like, and obviously professionally making a point to the President of the New Jersey Arya Samaj, who unfortunately presents an ‘opposite’ posture which may be consid-

ered disrespectful, with his left foot crossed like a ‘kick’ towards the First Lady. I have no doubt that the representative of the noble Arya Samaj Organisation never intended to convey any arrogance or disrespect but that is what I and others with whom I consulted ‘interpreted’ from his posture.

It is for such very reasons for example that we are trained in sessions on ‘good manners, courtesy, public relations and diplo-

matic behaviours’ to never cross our legs in such a way that our shoes point in the form of a kick towards persons with whom we are speaking. People in Eastern countries like India, the birthplace of the Arya Samaj movement, will never normally cross their feet in that fashion during interactions with others, especially elders, leaders and dignitaries.

Sincerely, Nowrang Persaud

Response to Roy Paul’s letter Dear Editor, I am compelled to respond to Roy Paul’s letter published in the Guyana Times on July 19 on the issue of morality.

In his response, he suggested that it may lead to chaos if everyone determined individually what was right or wrong.

However, the right to make one’s own decisions is a fundamental human right, which is why if one chooses to live collectively in a society, the rule of law is designed to penalise those who cause “chaos”.

Paul also stated that Ms Cheong may be confusing morality with “code of ethics” of different groups.

However, I believe the point was missed since there are many different peoples in the world (not individuals) who may not all have the same morals, as they may not all have the same religious, educational, sociological or cultural grounding. A code of conduct may distinguish a group who shares the same morals of the society in which it lives, but not the same behavioural pattern. Paul muddled morality and code of conduct.

Paul should also be informed that morality isn’t innate, and one is not born with a moral conscience?

Morality is part of the education provided in the environment in which an individual is born. This is why different peoples may have varying morals. The case of Victor de l’Aveyron, an ap-

proximately nine-year-old boy who grew up marginalised from human contact in Tarn, France, was discovered in the 1790s and remains relevant in modern psychological and sociological studies. His isolation from society caused him to have no notion nor understanding of wrong or write, no ability to speak, no reaction to the emotions of others, ability to live in freezing temperature and subsequently, fright of heat. Education did little thereafter to improve his condition, and he never learnt to speak or become morally acceptable to society. Victor wasn’t born morally conscious, none of us are.

In his letter, Roy Paul also suggests that Ms Cheong dangerously proposes to young minds that they have a choice in determining what was right from wrong. He must have misread the letter, since Cheong proposes that it is dangerous for a Pastor to discriminate against the LGBT community, as he may influence the actions of his following which may in turn be harmful. However,

in disagreeing with Paul, it is reiterated that choosing between right or wrong is part of the freedom of action of any individual, and though it is not to be promoted, the law is there to contain legally unacceptable behaviour.

Finally, Mr Paul insists on the need to create a “morally good society”.

However, Mr Paul must have noticed that Guyana is endowed with a culturally diverse society where morals vary, and that the issue debated in Cheong’s letter pertained to the discrimination against mem-

bers of the LGBT community, which in itself is another part of the society’s diversity.

How does morality justify its infringement on the human rights of others, in this case LGBT, where lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders are still discriminated against, prosecuted and killed today?

Perhaps what Mr Paul should recommend is a Guyanese society in which coexistence is preached.

Sincerely, De Sa

6news

friday, july 24, 2015| guyanatimesGY.com

Postponement of Toshao’s elections

Pearson, Williams at odds over interpretation of Amerindian Act 2006 G

uyanese are probably now more confused than ever regarding the reason surrounding the last-minute postponement of the Toshaos’ Elections in villages in Region One (Barima-Waini), as two main Amerindian spokespersons Yvonne Pearson and Mervyn Williams continue to be at odds over the interpretation of the Amerindian Act 2006 and whether an Amerindian settlement governed by a Community Development Council (CDC) was legally qualified to have its elections overseen by the Ministry responsible for Amerindian affairs.

Elections were just about to commence in Four Miles and Eclipse Falls Top on July 21 when officials received instructions to bring the proceedings to an immediate halt – without any reason given.

Subsequently, Adviser to the Indigenous People’s Affairs Ministry, Mervyn Williams told the Guyana Times that the elections were postponed because, at that time, it was only then realised that the two villages were managed by CDCs and it was unlawful for the Ministry to preside over elections of Amerindian settlements which were not in possession of communal titles.

He maintained that the law did not make any provisions for CDCs and, therefore, it was now the responsibility of the Communities

Ministry to decide on how it intended to deal with these types of villages.

“We inherited an operation that was a bit snub …

The previous Administration created CDCs, but there is no statutory body that provides for CDC. It is not provided for by law… the Ministry is not responsible for elections in CDCs …in the future, the Government [would], and I believe the responsibility lies with the Honourable Minister Bulkan (Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan) to determine how they want to deal with CDCs,” he explained.

On the other hand, Pearson, who is former adviser to the said Ministry, contended that Williams has a lack of knowledge of the law because the Amerindian Act 2006 clearly dictated how the Ministry should treat Amerindian settlements without communal titles.

She pointed out that the Act defines an “Amerindian Community” as “a group of Amerindians organised as a traditional community with a common culture and occupying or using the State lands which they have traditionally occupied or used” and this clearly refers to those areas without Amerindian Land Titles; like those managed

by Community Councils.

On that note, she argued that the Act Part 10 Section 88 speaks of elections for “community councils” and it

have spent many years of my life always speaking on behalf of the Amerindian people.”

Further, she reiterated that the Act made provisions for elections to be hosted by CDCs and that there is nothing unlawful about those activities.

Title for Four Mile

Adviser to the Indigenous People’s Affairs Ministry, Mervyn Williams

clearly dictated that “elections for community council shall be conducted in accordance with Part 7 of this Act”.

Part 7 outlines the process for elections.

Authority of the Amerindian Act

Meanwhile, in other sections of the media, Williams said Pearson appeared to be projecting herself as an “Authority of the Amerindian Act” and registered his disappointment over the fact that she would condone the execution of illegal activities.

But Pearson asserted, “I am not speaking as an authority. I am speaking because members of those communities and the Toshaos called me and raised their concerns with me and that is why I am speaking … and I am speaking in line of the Amerindian Act and I would like to state further that I

Following the postponement, Williams said research was done into the two communities and it was discovered that Four Miles’ application for Land Title was actually already approved under the previous Administration, but the document was not yet delivered by the Ministry.

However, Pearson in-

dicated that the new Administration knew the Four Miles was titled since this information was given to them when they took Office.

“I noticed he is saying that they are now talking to Mr Doorga Persaud (Commissioner of the Guyana Lands and Survey Commission), but I would like to say all those information with regards to Four Miles, Eclipse Falls Top and others was handed over; so had they done their homework, they would have known that Four Miles’ title is already prepared and in their possession, and Four Miles was granted title to their land…so I am surprised at Mr Williams lack

of information,” she said.

This newspaper was also informed by a member of the Amerindian Land Titling team that all information was indeed delivered to the Minister of Indigenous Affairs and his transition team, including on Four Miles and Eclipse Falls Top, when the new Administration took over.

Nonetheless, after the discovery was made, Williams indicated to this newspaper that the Ministry would soon be delivering the document to the Four Mile community and since it would now legally be identified as an Amerindian Village, the Ministry could then supervise an election process.

Toshaos elections

Some Amerindian villages celebrate successful polls

A

lthough a few Amerindian villages have been recently forced to further postpone their Toshao Election, many others celebrated finally being able to select the leader of their choice.

Among the villages that successfully completed their Toshao election process were Mainstay, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), where Toshao Joel

Fredericks was re-elected to his post on Wednesday and Orealla, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) where Deputy Toshao David Henry was elected as Toshao with 196 votes.

In Cobana, Region One (Barima-Waini), the new Toshao is Paul Pierre, who told this newspaper that he was very elated to take up his post and to better assist the development of his com-

munity.

Tony James, the Vice President of the Amerindian Peoples Association (APA), and Douglas Casimero contested the highly-anticipated election in Aishalton Village, in the South Rupununi.

Casimero emerged victorious with 206 votes ahead of James with 179.

The residents of Aishalton were all very excited. They shared that they were very eager to have Casimero as their new Toshao, as they believe he has many progressive ideas and leadership skills that can continue to move the village forward.

Some added that James, who was the community’s Toshao for some 12 years, did nothing for the village in terms of its development.

Representatives of each of these villages told Guyana Times that they were very grateful at how smoothly the process went.

Floyd Edwards of Region Six shared that even though they had only received their auditor’s report the night before the elections, he thought it better late than never.

He added that the election process was attended by Vibert Welch, a representative from the Indigenous People’s Affairs Ministry, which made the community members feel elated.

He shared that though many are in celebration of their newly elected or reelected toshaos, he cannot imagine the disappointment others must feel about the sudden further postponement of their elections, and hoped the Government of Guyana knew how deeply it was affecting its people and try to quickly resolve the situation.

news

7

friday, july 24, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Robert Persaud sells iRadio to TT media company ...mulls future with PPP

T

he ANSA McALowned Guardian Media Group has confirmed purchasing Robert Persaud’s iRadio 90.1 Love FM and has begun advertising for a general manager to run the operations of the Campbellville-based outfit.

Persaud was one of several persons who were granted radio licences when the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government broke the monopoly Government held in that sector back in 2011. Persaud has been repeatedly contacted on the sale of the radio

station, but has always been unavailable for comment, at times promising to return Guyana Times’ calls.

The Guardian Media Limited (often referred to as GML) is the media section of the Trinidad-based company ANSA McAL. Headquartered at 22-24 St Vincent Street, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, the media section’s subsidiaries operate under one publicly traded entity, the GML. GML operates in the print, radio and television, with a dynamic portal offering news headlines on its

Former Minister Robert Persaud

Flood threat looms!

...as Hydromet predicts persistent rainfall

Georgetown and other parts of Guyana were under water last week after thunderstorms lashed the coast. The University of Guyana (pictured) was forced to close its doors as it was particularly hard hit

A

gainst the backdrop of more possible flooding, the National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) is advising businesses and residents residing in low-lying areas to take necessary precautions, including moving furniture, equipment and valuable resources to higher ground and placing sandbags to form flood barriers.

Farmers are also advised to take the necessary precautions to ensure that cattle can be moved to higher ground and implement preventive measures to save cash crops. This warning comes as a result of predictions made by the National Weather Watch Centre, which forecast that coastal and low-lying areas are likely to experience moderate to heavy showers, frequent rain and thundershowers which were likely to result in flooding. This situation comes as a result of a predicted interaction between a Tropical Wave and the Inter-Tropical Zone.

The authorities said the Tropical Wave was in the Western Atlantic Ocean. At 08:00h local time it was located at 40 degrees West approximately 1900 km east of the Corentyne River). This system is expected to inter-

act with the Inter-Tropical Zone (ITCZ) while it is over Guyana. With its current trajectory, it is likely to begin affecting local conditions by Thursday at about 20:00h.

Members of the NEOC met Thursday morning and discussed possible pre-emptive measures that can be taken to offset the impact of the expected flooding.

State of readiness The National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) continues to respond by having teams in place at key pumps, kokers and sluices, while engineers are on the conservancy monitoring the situation.

Additionally, the NEOC said water was being released from the conservancy via the Hope Canal and Land of Canaan. A similar posture of readiness was demonstrated by the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) and the Public Health Ministry which indicated that assessments teams were on standby to head into the field, and emergency supplies are being sourced for distribution.

The NEOC said it has continued its response efforts to last week’s downpour. A quantity of supplies including bleach, soap, soap-pow-

der, Jeyes Fluid and clothing was Thursday morning dispatched from the CDC for distribution in Regions Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara) and Four (Demerara-Mahaica). The Sussex Street Canal, which is responsible for draining the Albouystown area, is currently being desilted by the Public Infrastructure Ministry.

“This will see an improvement in the draining of that particular area which means that should the impending threat become a reality, its impact may not be severely devastating. Also, a pump has been placed at this location to pump water when the tide is high. Guyana Livestock and Development Authority (GLDA) has reported that response teams are currently in Buxton, Vigilance, Bachelors Adventure, Bare Root, Enterprise and Beterverwagting attending to the needs of farmers. Several farmers in the affected areas have so far received helped from the GLDA, while 200 gallons of molasses (used as part of cattle feed that helps to avoid cramps) have been distributed.”

According to the Hydromet Office, pres-

ent rainfall is expected to continue, intensifying into Thursday evening. Residents of lowlying communities such as Albouystown, sections of Queenstown, and South Cummingsburg in Georgetown and others across the coast are asked to take precautions. “Present rains are expected to continue, intensifying into the evening. Cattle farmers are asked to closely monitor the situation. High tide will be in effect until 14:00 hours or 2 pm. Please call 226-1117, 226-1027 or email: infor@ cdc.gy orkestercraig@hotmail.com if you need assistance or to share information on rising flood waters.

site along with an e-paper, live streaming of its radio frequencies, and streaming content of all of the stations’ local content.

Each business unit has its own well-established audience and market share in every segment.

The Guardian Media Group operates under the highest principles of international journalistic and broadcasting standards. The media section spans Trinidad and Tobago and comprises three divisions: Cable News Channel 3; Trinidad Broadcasting Company (TBC Radio Network) and Trinidad Publishing Company (Guardian Newspapers).

Only recently, this newspaper reported that Persaud and the PPP/C could part ways amid concerns raised by other senior members about his posture towards the Party and several utterances he has made in the past which would have impacted the Party in some way.

Additionally, Persaud has already written the Party at least twice indicating his intention to go on a “sabbatical” from the politics of the PPP/C and airing concerns over various positions, as well as decisions the Party has taken in recent times.

Confirming public speculation, PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee on Thursday admitted that the Party was engaging Persaud

on the way forward following the missives he had written to the leadership.

Asked what role Persaud was playing within the leadership structures of the Party since the 2011 General and Regional Elections, Rohee said: “Well, he is not really playing a role right now.”

The General Secretary then reminded Guyana Times that “he did write saying that he is going on a sabbatical from the politics of the People’s Progressive Party. I have had a long conversation with him when I received that communication and we ended the conversation on a cordial note without any rancour.”

Rohee had refused to disclose the contents of the second letter penned by Persaud to the leadership of the Party, but confirmed that it has been discussed at the level of the Executive. “…. a course of action has been determined as to how to address the contents of the letter”, the General Secretary told this newspaper.

Asked if it was okay to say that Persaud and the Party had an amicable split, Rohee quickly said, “At this point and time, we remain engaged with the comrade and we are at this point and time continuing that engagement until we reach a point where a decision is made by him one way or another.”

8 NEWS

friday, july 24, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Crum-Ewing’s killing

Nandlall's exbodyguard held Eyew tness …but former AG denies involvement in execution

F

ormer Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall’s former bodyguard Rajput Narine, has been detained for questioning into the March 10 execution of political activist Courtney Crum-Ewing.

The man, who was employed within the Customs and Excise Department of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), was taken into custody on Wednesday evening.

Narine’s arrest has left many pointing fingers at the former Attorney General (AG) and Legal Affairs Minister, who was the subject of weeks of protest by CrumEwing. However, Nandlall on Thursday distanced himself from the death of the political activist, stating that he had hired Narine days after Crum-Ewing’s death. He noted that Narine was a complete stranger to him prior to their first meeting on March 15 last. “I have never seen this gentleman before the 15th of March, 2015; never spoke with him, never saw him anywhere, never had any interaction with him whatsoever… indirectly, directly, consciously and unconsciously,” he declared.

The former Minister disclosed that he met Narine’s brother, Anter, during an overseas trip who recommended that he utilised the services of his younger brother as his personal body guard.

The former AG said that upon his return to Guyana, he made contact with Narine and subsequently met.

“I never knew him before, never spoke with him before and never saw him before.

I met him on the 15th day of March, 2015, for the first time. I met him in the presence of my driver who knew him from before. I explained

Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall

to him the task at hand and he was willing to work as my body guard,” the former Minister said.

Nandlall noted that Narine was employed with the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), and as such, he had to write the Commissioner General of the GRA and requested his secondment. This, he said, was done the following day and Narine began working with him immediately. However, the former AG pointed out that after about four days, he was dissatisfied with the man’s general performance.

Added to this, Nandlall disclosed that he was informed by his driver that Narine was disclosing their whereabouts to persons on his telephone; hence, he relieved the man of his duties.

Nandlall admitted that he went about the wrong way in hiring his personal security and erred by not conducting more detailed checks into the man’s background. He posited that because Narine was in the employ of GRA and a former Customs Anti Narcotics Unit (CANU) officer, he assumed the man was

a person of “good character”.

Questioned about whether he took any measures to find out whether Narine was indeed a member of CANU, the former Minister noted that he knew for a fact that the man was indeed an employee of CANU. When contacted on Thursday, Head of CANU James Singh confirmed to Guyana Times that Narine was a former member of the Unit but left the agency over 10 years ago.

Singh noted that Narine was Absent Without Leave since 2005 and was never heard from again.

When the former Minister was further asked whether he attempted to find out who Narine was talking to on the phone, Nandlall replied in the negative. “I never enquired either. I just felt that it was self defeating and not in the best interest of my personal safety that a person who ought to be responsible for my safety, would be disclosing my whereabouts, during that period, election period,” he remarked.

On the other hand, Nandlall was adamant that he had nothing to do with the murder of CrumEwing. He said that at the time Crum-Ewing was killed, he was in Timehri, East Bank Demerara, at a People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) public meeting and only learnt about the man’s death on his return to Georgetown. The former AG pointed out that he had never interacted or spoke with Crum-Ewing during the period of time he was protesting outside of his Carmichael Street office. He also denied allegations that he and other members of the PPP/C had threatened the activist.

“I never spoke with Crum-Ewing, I never threat-

ened Crum-Ewing, I had no interaction whatsoever with Mr Crum-Ewing,” he declared. The former AG dismissed suggestions that he felt threatened by the activist. “I have to be stupid to be involved in Mr Crum-Ewing’s shooting then go and hire subsequently, a person who apparently, according to the Police, has some connection with this killing and then make that person my bodyguard. I have to be insane to do that,” he stated.

According to Nandlall, it was because of such allegations that he was advised to get security details both at his home and in his person.

Asked about whether he was questioned by the Police during the murder investigations, Nandlall replied in the negative and noted that he is not surprised at this because the activist was killed some two months after he had stopped the protest action in front of his office.

The former Minister highlighted that it was always his desire to serve the people of Guyana but given all the problems that befalls a person in a public office, he may have to revisit his decision, especially considering his safety.

“At this point in time, I seriously have to consider whether it is worth it… I left a very, very successful legal practice to enter into Government and to serve the people of Guyana, now you have to face all these problems… I’m doing some introspection to see whether this entire thing is worth it,” he commented. Nandlall concluded that these events have indicated that there is an obvious attempt to implicate him and the PPP in CrumEwing’s murder as part of a political design.

Man in the middle...

B

...ducking fire

efore the election, crime and security (or lack thereof) were high on everyone's agenda. But moreso in the community from which Moses Nagamootoo and KhemrajRamjattan had promised the 11% vote, which made them Prime Minister and First Vice-President/Minister of National Security respectively. Ramjattan had been hocking his "crime fighting" credentials for two decades - even since he crossed swords with old time COP Laurie Lewis.

So - wonder of wonders! - the coalition wins the election, Ramjattan's ensconced into the security power position, and then.....SILENCE!! And INVISIBILITY!! What the heck's going on? Murders and all serious crimes had skyrocketed since his ascension but when he's cornered by reporters all he can blurt out is that "greed is the source of all crimes"!!?? What was this fella doing all these years? Hadn't he come up with some concrete proposals and projects so that he could've hit the ground running?

So finally in desperation, his boss President Granger's forced to summon him- along with his (Granger's) Security Advisors to take notes on an overall strategy. Wasn't that a shame? And that's really what it was - long term stuff like "more police ranks". And Ramjattan just took it like the mook he is. So Guyana's supposed to wait for "ranks" to be recruited, get their six months of training, and then be launched into battle?? And we accept the status quo as "collateral damage"??

And why didn't Ramjattan have the guts to visit Berbice and show his presence among the troops as his predecessors used to do? Why did the President have to send his advisor Brigadier (rtd) Edward Collins - just to tell the Police commander over there to "deal condignly" with criminals.

As apposed to what? Handling them with kid gloves?

The Minister of Security's the point man of the Government's (civilian) control over the Disciplined Forces.

And in dealing with men and women in these services, strong leadership is paramount. What Guyana's facing right now is a battle against crime - and when leading troops into battle the chain of command must be as clear as Perspex.

The leader must be seen by his troops as involved: armchair generals don't win battles against even jellyfish.

Even more recently, there's been a spate of revelations on high profile cold cases. So who pontificates as to what might be going on?? Joseph Harmon, Minister of the Presidency, that's who. Ramjattan, as usual is nowhere to be seen or heard.

Even if he was appointed as a "token", tokens have to be presented on occasions, don't they?

Will Ramjattan at least show the nation he's still breathing?

...singing like a canary

Well, well, well...whaddya know? Sean Hinds' singing like a canary!! The question that's on everyone's lips, of course, is "why?" and "why now?" After all, the reason he offered that the police's trying to finger him to Crum Ewing's killing - didn't hold up. The police made a public statement that he was never on their radar. The PPP, however, says he's part of the Government's campaign to smear them.

Apart from the usual bad blood and scoring of political points (cheap or otherwise) it could be that the Government wants to distract the citizenry from the imploding economy.

They tried the bread and circuses approach, but even with the claimed "private funding" - that gets expensive. As a fella once said, "spending a billion here and a billion there... pretty soon you're talking about real money!"

But if Sean Hinds' the point man the Government's chosen to go after the PPP, they're on real shaky ground.

Everyone's convinced he's been bought out and is being played by one of his former bosses.

Right Bannuh?

...against Buxton?

According to Sean Hinds, like Horatio, he singlehandedly fought off the Buxton bandits who would've plunged us back into the stone ages.

He should get a medal - at least for his singing!

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

news

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friday, july 24, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Public Health Ministry hosts UG academic staff get grants workshop for pregnant teens to conduct research

N

I

n observing Nutrition Awareness Week 2015, the Food Policy Division of the Public Health Ministry in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), hosted a two-day workshop aimed at assisting teen mothers with various personal and physical issues.

The workshop opened on Thursday, at the Ocean View Convention Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown. The event featured about 40 teenage mothers, many of whom were expecting for the first time.

Under the team “Healthy Eating and Active Living: You, Your Health and Your Future”, the workshop disseminated information on a number of topics such as Safe Motherhood, Healthy Diet and Meal Planning, Breastfeeding Education and Anaemia Education, taught by representatives of the Food Policy Division and Adolescent Health Unit of the Ministry and the Women Across Differences (WAD) Organisation.

Speaking to media personnel, a few of the workshop’s participants shared that there were many things that they would change about their lives if they could have, as they were not ready for their lives to be

Nutrition Awareness Week focuses attention on the importance of making healthy food choices and developing sound physical activity habits

changed so drastically but there was not much they could do about it.

Malinda Sukdheo, 18, of Industry, East Coast Demerara, told Guyana Times that her pregnancy came as a shock to herself and family members, but through it all, they were all supportive. She added that she was aware that in various situations, pregnant teens are rejected by society and not given the opportunity to learn.

She said she would try to encourage more young women to be very careful of their actions as their childhood could be over in the blink of an eye. She urged other young ladies to stay in school and remain focused on the things that really matter, such as a proper education,

noting that she wished persons had constantly encouraged her to do the same.

Also 18, Casey Crawford shared that the workshop has so far made her think about being a more responsible person, not only for herself but for her unborn child.

She stated that although she did not get that chance to complete high school because of her pregnancy, she intended to eventually do so to be able to provide a comfortable life for herself and child.

Both teenagers shared that they were extremely grateful to be part of the event as they mostly face condemnation from society and they were glad that some persons have not given up on them. turn to page 10

ine faculty members of the University of Guyana (UG) were on Thursday awarded grants valued at some US$300,000 to carry out research in various areas of the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS).

In the boardroom of the Education Ministry, University of Guyana Vice Chancellor (VC), Dr Jacob Opadeyi signed the agreements in the presence of Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine.

This followed the success of similar agreements which were signed last year, whereby eight faculty members received grants to the tunes of US$329,000. The program falls under the University’s Science and Technology Support Project and will run from July 2015 to December 2016 and will be a collaborative effort with four researchers from overseas universities.

The local researchers include Donna Morrison, who will be undertaking research on aflatoxin in paddy, rice and rice by-products in Guyana; Louisa Daggert from the School of Education and Humanities, whose team will be researching the prehistoric diet and settlement of a lowcarbon lifestyle; Dr Rajeev Porrup from the Faculty of Health Sciences who will be researching the antimicro-

UG VC, Dr Jacob Opadeyi

bial potential and microbial packaging in diabetic care.

Another Natural Science faculty member Elford Liverpool will be examining the impact of mining on fish diversity and diet in coastland and inland Guyana.

Dr Dawn Fox will be examining the fuel approach composite material filter for household water treatment, while Verlyn Klass from the faculty of Technology will be assessing the wind energy potential of Guyana’s coastland.

William Harris will be researching the architectural and urban adjustments of the effects of harvesting LCDS benefits, while Peter Wintz from the School of Education and Humanities will be examining the integration of environmental education in mathematics.

Vice Chancellor Opadeyi said it was a great pleasure for the university to be doing such research again. He noted that the research was very important to the country, covering from rice production to diet, prehistoric society to the infestation of seeds that can be used to treat diabetics.

He said the first research projects have been a tremendous success, and researchers were now putting together a paper on using passion fruit to produce medication.

Minister Roopnaraine said that the University is moving forward, and that is the way it should be, as the institution has been on the backburner for far too long.

The UG Science and Technology Support Project has a US$10 million credit from the World Bank. It is aimed at strengthening the faculties to better prepare graduates for jobs in lowcarbon industries, and build sustainable capacity to operate the University and plan for its future growth.

Guyana’s LCDS has been recognised internationally as a model in terms of addressing climate change and sustainable development, an issue that many other developing countries have failed to recognise. The Education Ministry is partly responsible for executing the project.

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guyanatimesgy.com

friday, july 24, 2015

News

Budget preparations

Trade unions propose big pay hike for workers

BY DEVINA SAMAROO

G

overnment is currently involved in the critical budget preparations for the new fiscal year and the trade unions across Guyana are making demands for all the areas they would like to see money allocated for.

Recently, the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) – which is the umbrella body for the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE), the Clerical and Commercial Workers Union (CCWU) and the Guyana Labour Union (GLU) – met with Finance Minister Winston Jordan to raise some of their concerns and highlight some of the issues facing the working class people of the country and the areas Government should give special attention to when drafting the budget.

Guyana Times spoke with FITUG’s General Secretary Kenneth Joseph who explained that the organisation is vying for enough money to be set aside for significant increases in wages and salaries, a complete tax reform, lowering of the Brice Bridge Tolls and an increase in the Old Age Pension. However, Joseph recognised that the year 2015 is nearing its end and therefore, said it will not put much pressure

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

on the Government at this stage as he is giving the new Administration time to get “into running speed” with its operations.

Nonetheless, he said if the Government cannot include all these things in the budget this time around, then he would definitely expect that they are included in the budget for the subsequent year.

The Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) also has a list of high expectations of certain aspects that must be catered for in the budget. GTU General Secretary Coretta Mc Donald told Guyana Times that she expects that the Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine recognises the need for continuous training and better pay for Teachers, and therefore ensures enough mon-

ey is budgeted. She said too that when it is time to present the budget, she hopes Minister Roopnaraine vigorously defends the need for the inclusion of the amount of money for those facets.

More particularly, she explained that there are many offers online for Teachers to undergo training but sometimes, because of the insignificant pay teachers receive, they cannot afford the training. In that light, Mc Donald said Government should allocate enough money to award scholarships to Teachers so they can get the requisite training they need to advance themselves as professionals in the field.

Another major concern which she wants Government to address is the need for security systems to be in place in all schools across the country.

Mc Donald said too often than before, bandits enter schools and attack and rob Teachers and this is because of the weak security systems or lack of security systems in place.

Mc Donald also believes that money should be set aside for those Teachers who are exposed to various risks as they perform their trade.

“Additional money should be allocated as risk allowance for Teachers who teach at schools where there are ‘special’ children for example, the Sophia Special School,” she said.

Also, she wants money to go towards the rehabilitation of schools and the

FITUG’s General Secretary Kenneth Joseph

construction of new schools in the country. Mc Donald pointed out the situation where the students of the St John’s College in Region Three (Essequibo IslandWest Demerara) are forced to occupy the building of the Den Amstel Community Centre because of the atrocious state of the building

of the St John’s College. She asserted that students cannot continue to be inconvenienced and that they need their own school. She noted too that there are many schools across the country in need to grave rehabilitation and Government should ensure money is put towards this cause.

Additionally, she said money should be put towards ensuring there is enough facilities available to encourage physical recreational activities in schools, noting that Physical Education is a dying subject in Guyana.

Mc Donald pointed out that schools like St Margarets, Christ Church and Central High are just a few of the schools with absolutely no space for the students to engage in healthy physical activities during their schooling hours.

Further, she stressed on the need for Counsellors in schools and therefore, asked

that Government find it necessary to allocate money to hire additional staff and have them assigned to schools across the country. She noted too that the individuals being hired must be highly trained in the field of guidance and counselling so that the entire initiative would be effective.

Another aspect Mc Donald believes Government should address is the entire structure of the feeding programme being executed in schools throughout the country. While she applauds the programme and recognised the benefits that can be reaped from it, she said it was badly structured and implemented. Mc Donald believes that the Administration should keep the programme alive, but instead of distributing biscuits and sweet drink or sugary juices, it should distribute meals that are well balanced and will actually benefit the children.

Public Health Ministry hosts...

In April 2015, the Georgetown Public Hospital said some 326 babies were born to teenage mothers there for the year so far.

Guyana has the second highest rate of adolescent pregnancy in both the Caribbean and South America, with 97 out of every 1000 girls between the ages of 15 and 19 giving birth, according to the State of the World Population 2013 report. The report, published by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), had said that in South America, Ecuador had the highest rate with 100 out of every 1000 15- to

19-year-olds getting pregnant.

Nutrition Awareness Week is an initiative of the Food Policy Division created to focus attention on the importance of making healthy food choices and developing sound physical activity habits.

It has been celebrated annually in July since 1995, and is a timely intervention towards reducing and preventing both under-nutrition and over-nutrition in children and adults, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported.

Each year’s theme is based on an aspect of nutri-

from page 9

tion which is of national concern. This year, it is being celebrated under the theme: “Healthy Eating and Active Living: Promoting Healthy Lifestyles”.

A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people’s health and wellbeing, thereby preventing chronic Non-Communicable Diseases like diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and cancer, which can contribute to premature death. A healthy lifestyle can be attained by achieving and maintaining a healthy diet and regular physical activity as well as getting regular medical check-ups.

friday, july 24, 2015

guyanatimesgy.com

News

Prime Minister discusses support programmes with UNDP representatives

P

rime Minister Moses Nagamootoo Thursday met with United Nations Assistant Secretary General and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, Jessica Faieta along with UNDP Resident Representative Khadija Musa.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Nagamootoo and Faieta and Musa discussed the possible UNDP support in the areas of strengthening governance, constitutional reform, civil service reform and Guyana’s observation of 50 years of independence, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported.

Prime Minister Nagamootoo reiterated the high priority which the Government has placed on constitutional reform and expressed an interest in seeking UNDP technical expertise to assist in this regard.

Discussions were also had with regard to sustain-

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo with UN Assistant Secretary General and UNDP Regional Director for the Latin America Jessica Faieta

able projects at the community level which is intended to strengthen grassroots democracy. This, Prime Minister Nagamootoo, explained could be twinned with Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations next year and requested UNDP support for such an initiative.

The Prime Minister com-

Guyana Bartenders Association to host “Mixologist” Competition

T

he Guyana B a r t e n d e r s Association (GBA) will be hosting their first annual “Mixologist” Competition on Thursday, July 30, at the 704 Sky Lounge. The event begins at 20:00h and will see approximately 20 Bartenders from top bars from across Georgetown, the East Coast and East Bank of Demerara competing. Admission to view the event is free of cost but food and drinks will be on sale from the 704 Bar. President of the GBA Raphael Lochand said that the aim of the event is to give bartenders a chance to display their skills, improve their services and add to the development of the cocktail culture in Guyana. Lochand said that his organisation plans to “create mixologists and improve their services to develop the tourism industry”.

The GBA has only been in existence for a few months, and it is their hope that they will be able to influence persons to lessen the amount of alcohol and beer they consume and re-

11

place it with cocktails that have less alcohol.

The aim is influence persons to consume beverages that are fused with fruits, crèmes, and botanicals so that there will be “less drunk partygoers” parading the streets after parties.

He added that “I want people out there to see that working in the service industry is like any other career, it is not just something to do as a side job. I also want them to get more familiar with the various cocktails and additionally I would like them to know that they do not have to leave their activities for the weekends because you can do it during the week’’.

The Association has observed that during the elections period and afterwards, less persons have been going out to bars and they are calling on persons to return to their old ways.

As it relates to future plans, the Association plans to create an opportunity for interested persons to be trained in this particular field, and possibly offered jobs at top bars in Georgetown.

plimented the UNDP for the work it has been doing in Guyana and expressed the desire to forge stronger ties and work closely with the Programme in an effort to strengthen democracy and governance in Guyana.

Faieta has strong ties to Guyana, having started her career with the UNDP in 1991 here as UN Volunteer Programme Officer.

Prior to joining the UNDP, Musa worked for the Canadian Embassy in her native Ecuador. She has been in her current portfolio since May 2014.

Musa has served the UN in over 20 countries in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Europe prior to her assignment in Guyana.

School uniform voucher to be bumped up

W

ith the phasing out of the Education Ministry’s “Because we Care” $10,000 cash grant, Government said there is a high possibility of additional money being pumped into the school uniform voucher programme, raising the amount parents with children in the public school system receive for the purchase of uniforms.

This is according to Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine.

Government last week disclosed that it was scrapping the “Because We Care” programme, which was implemented by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration because it was not fiscally sustainable. Minister of Governance Raphael Trotman had said that the programme needed to be reviewed and be piloted to those who needed it more.

Prior to the implementation of the cash grant programme, parents across the country were receiving an annual uniform voucher valued $1500 per child.

“I am hoping now that we have taken the $10,000 handouts and redeployed them to the school feeding programme and helping out in the uniform voucher and so on. There is a possibility that we will increase, but we have to see how the money plays out”, Roopnaraine told reporters.

Minister Trotman, briefing the media last Wednesday, said the Cabinet has been advised that the grant was fiscally unsustainable, since when one studies

Minister of Governance Raphael Trotman

Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine

development and economics when cash transfers are given, they should be targeted, accompanied or guided so that the most vulnerable in the society are the primary beneficiaries.

“It is not fiscally sustainable for any economy. We want to review it to ensure for example that a child living in abject poverty who previously received $10,000 would now receive $100,000 when a child attending a private school does not receive a $10,000 because he would be depriving a child in need”, Trotman told Guyana Times upon inquiry on Wednesday.

He explained that to give a grant to every school child without being focused on those who need it more, is fiscally unsustainable in any economy.

Trotman said the grant is currently being reviewed, and has been stopped for now. He said the idea of giving to children was good, but the process was poorly implemented. The Minister said however that Government was continuing with the uni-

form voucher which stands at $1500 per child.

Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine had indicated to Guyana Times that Government would be discontinuing the cash grant programme which began last year and which the PPP/C said was to assist students of the public education school system.

The initiative was approved in the 2014 National Budget and was set to target each child in the public education sector. More than 188,400 families were to benefit overall from the initiative.

Minister Roopnaraine had explained that the termination of the programme does not mean that Government did not care, but added that the Administration was against the initiative even while it was in the Opposition, stating that it is the Government’s contention that the “Because We Care” cash grant was terribly administered from its inception and was instituted merely as a political gimmick to win votes for the PPP/C.

12 news

friday, july 24, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Commodity prices to remain weak in 2015 ...despite slight rebound in oil price

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he World Bank is nudging up its 2015 forecast for crude oil prices from US$53 in April to US$57 per barrel after oil prices rose 17 per cent in the April-June quarter, according to the Bank’s latest Commodity Markets Outlook, a quarterly update on the state of the international commodity markets.

The Bank reports that energy prices rose 12 per cent in the quarter, with the surge in oil offset by declines in natural gas (down 13 per cent) and coal prices (down four per cent).

However, the Bank expects energy prices to average 39 per cent below 2014 levels. Natural gas prices are projected to decline across all three main markets –US, Europe, and Asia – and coal prices to fall 17 per cent. Excluding energy, the World Bank reports a two per cent decline in prices for the quarter, and fore-

casts that non-energy prices will average 12 per cent below 2014 levels this year.

“Demand for crude oil was higher than expected in the second quarter. Despite the marginal increase in the price forecast for 2015, large inventories and rising output from [Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries] OPEC members suggest prices will likely remain weak in the medium term,” said John Baffes, Senior Economist and lead author of Commodity Markets Outlook.

Iran’s new nuclear agreement with the US and other leading Governments, if ratified, will ease sanctions, including restrictions on oil exports from the Islamic Republic of Iran. Downside risks to the forecast include higher-than-expected nonOPEC production (supported by falling production costs) and continuing gains in OPEC output. Possible

Demand from China and, to a lesser extent, India, over the last two decades significantly raised global demand for metals and energy – especially coal –but less so for food commodities

upside pressures may come from closure of high-cost operations – the number of operational oil rigs in the US is down 60 per cent since its November high, for example –and geopolitical tensions.

In a special feature assessing the roles played by China and India in global

commodity consumption, the Outlook finds that demand from China and, to a lesser extent, India, over the last two decades significantly raised global demand for metals and energy – especially coal –but less so for food commodities. China’s consumption of metals and coal surged to roughly 50 per cent of world consumption, and India’s to a more modest three per cent for metals, and nine per cent for coal. These patterns reflect different growth models and commodity consumption patterns in the two countries.

If the two countries catch up to OECD levels of per capita commodity consump-

tion, or if India’s growth shifts towards industry, demand for metals, oil, and coal could remain strong. In contrast, given that the level of per capita consumption of food in China and India is already comparable with the world, pressures on food commodity prices are likely to ease as their population growth – one of the key determinants of food commodity demand –slows.

“China and India have played a significant role in driving global consumption of industrial commodities especially since the early 2000s. Going forward, while demand from India is likely to be a major factor in shaping consumption of industrial commodities, China will be important in driving global demand for energy given its efforts in rebalancing growth,” said Ayhan Kose, Director of the World Bank’s Development Prospects Group.

Market analysis

Commodity Markets Outlook also provides detailed market analysis for major commodity groups, including energy, metals, agriculture, precious metals and fertilisers. Metals prices declined marginally in the quarter as most are still in surplus, particularly

iron ore where prices are off two-thirds from their 2011 high. The World Bank projects metals prices to average 16 per cent below 2014 levels this year, revised downward from 12 per cent in April.

The largest decline is expected for iron ore (down 43 per cent) due to new lowcost mining capacity coming online this year and next (mainly in Australia).

Metals markets are adjusting by closures of high-cost operations and reduced investment. Markets will eventually tighten, in part due to large zinc mines closures, and as Indonesia’s ore export ban weighs on supplies, notably nickel.

Agricultural prices fell 2.6 per cent in the quarter, due to large declines in food commodities – especially edible oils and grains – on further improvements of supply conditions and despite some adverse weather in North America and El Niño fears. The World Bank expects agriculture prices to average 11 per cent below 2014 levels this year, revised downward from nine per cent in April. Fertiliser prices, a key cost for most agricultural commodities, are likely to decline five per cent on weaker demand and ample supply.

news

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friday, july 24, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Arjoon-Martins calls for more wildlife awareness in Guyana

By Dennis Glasgow

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n light of the recent incident surrounding the killing of a fully grown jaguar in New Amsterdam, Berbice, wildlife specialists are saying that the slaying of the animal could have been avoided if the persons in the community were more knowledgeable about jaguars.

In an exclusive interview with Guyana Times ArjoonMartins, the National Project Officer for Caribbean Aqua-Terrestrial Solutions and a local wildlife activist, highlighted that there are many factors surrounding the jaguar’s appearance in such a populated area, since it is no secret that jaguars belong in the forests but persons need to ask themselves “Why are they straying away from their habitat?”.

Arjoon-Martins said “the answer to that is very simple, because in Guyana we have such massive gold mining, forestry and other extractive industries that are reducing the habitat of the jaguar.

The jaguars are being forced out of their natural habitats in search of food elsewhere. This is further compounding with the greater increase in the commercial bush meat business where these people go and kill deer, wild hogs and agouties which is jaguar food, to supply the mining and forests camps and also they bring it out to Georgetown”.

She added that she wants Guyanese who like to consume “wild meat” to think of the fact that you are now forcing that jaguar which no longer has that wild meat or deer to feed on to go and look for easy food near pop-

Wildlife activist Annette Arjoon-Martins

ulated communities. This is not the fault of the jaguars, whose instinct is to survive but rather it is our fault for tarnishing their habitats.

According to research done, it must be noted that each jaguar needs at least 50 kilometers to feed ade-

ECLAC to present new growth projections for Region’s economies

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he Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) will present next Wednesday, July 29, its Economic Survey of Latin American and Caribbean 2015, a publication updating growth estimates for the Region’s countries in the current year.

ECLAC Executive Secretary Alicia Bárcena will present the report dur-

ing a press conference that will be held at 11:00h at the organisation’s headquarters in Santiago, Chile, and will be broadcast live via Internet at the institution’s website.

The Economic Survey of Latin American and Caribbean 2015 is one of ECLAC’s most important annual reports. It analyses Latin America and the Caribbean’s economic performance during the

year’s first semester and delivers the perspectives for the following months.

Additionally, in this edition, the thematic chapters of the Survey will be focused on examining the dynamics of investment in Latin American countries, their relationship with the economic cycle, the role of public investment, the lack of infrastructure and the financial challenges of private investment.

quately and Guyanese need to understand that when the animal strayed to New Amsterdam, its intention was merely to find a new home. To its disappointment, the area was already inhabited by humans and the animal was attacked and killed. However, according to Arjoon-Martins, though persons on social media are saying that the animal should have been tranquilised, rather than killed, the question to be answered is “Where would we have taken the animal?” Is it a case where the animal would have been taken back to his depleting habitat, or would it have been taken to the deplorable zoo to spend its remaining days in captivity, or even if the animal was taken the North West District where there are other jaguars living there that will kill the “new guy on the block” since the animal would defend its territory if it is threatened by another.

She explained that these animals are not coming in search of humans to kill as it the thought of some; as a matter of fact, the jaguar is

the least vicious of all the wild cats in Guyana (pumas, ocelots, etc). Despite its fearsome and powerful presence, there are very few cases recorded where a jaguar viciously attacked and killed a human. The animal is the “pussy cat” of all wild cats and surprisingly, the jaguar is just as scared of humans as we are of them. There are many cases where miners reported that there were jaguars near their camps but they ran away from them as soon as they were approached.

Accompanying ArjoonMartins was Assistant Professor Anthony R Cummings, PhD from the University of Texas, who has been conducting research in this specific area dealing with jaguars and other wildlife’s’ interaction with humans.

Cummings said that “We’ve got to think of ways that we can live with wildlife, and generally jaguars are not interested in killing human beings. What they might be interested in is the dogs and livestock.” He said that we have to be mindful

of our surroundings and the things we have that may be attracting these wild cats.

He reiterated that the animals should be given an opportunity to remain in their homes, so persons should lessen the consumption of wild meat so the jaguars will have access to their own food and they wouldn’t have to stray into our environment. He added that livestock farming is one of the jaguar’s biggest attractions, and farmers should put measures in place to scare away the animals when they are nearby. He said that jaguars are easily scared by noises, so farmers should put bells around the necks of their animals, additionally every heard should always have a bigger bull to scare away the jaguar.

The duo said that their plan is to make the Guyanese people more knowledgeable about the animal and they plan on collaborating with miners and loggers to gather more information about the animal so that they will be more informed during their advocacy campaigns.

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guyanatimesgy.com

friday, july 24, 2015

News

Govt “big up” Amazon New Govt to honour post-Linden unrest pact – Harmon Warriors franchise ...predicts ‘all out’ victory for team

“We are very proud of Guyanese franchise and the achievement of the Amazon Warriors. We look forward for their presence in finals and hope they win. Again, congratulations to the team and the franchise holder and CPL in general,” Harmon noted

M

inister of State, Joseph Harmon has hailed the achievement of the Guyana Amazon Warriors and its franchise holder, Dr Ranjisinghi Ramroop and has predicted that the team will go all the way to win the final of this year’s Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

Speaking to the media on Wednesday at his post-Cabinet briefing, Harmon related that Cabinet was truncated on Tuesday owing to the urgings of several Cabinet members who wanted to go to the Providence Stadium to view the Guyana Amazon Warriors versus the Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel.

The Guyana Amazon Warriors produced a clinical display to ease past Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel with a commanding seven-wicket victory in the final preliminary game of the Hero CPL. The victory catapulted the Amazon Warriors into second position on 11 points, and they will play the second playoff against either the Red Steel or Jamaica Tallawahs on Saturday. “We are very proud of Guyanese franchise and the achievement of the Amazon Warriors. We look forward for their presence in finals and hope they win.

Again, congratulations to the team and the franchise holder and CPL in general,” Harmon noted.

Back in June, the Guyana Government had reaffirmed its commitment to support-

ing the CPL and the Guyana Amazon Warriors, and said then that it was seeking a legally-sound Cabinet-approved agreement with the regional cricket league. The announcement was made when Harmon met with CPL Chief Executive Officer Damien O’Donohoe at the Ministry of the Presidency on June 10.

An independent Economic Impact study on the tournament last year revealed that Guyana’s economy cashed in on some US$24.5 million from the overall US$166 million that was injected into the Region’s economy during the 2014 tournament – a significant increase of 58 per cent on 2013.

“Guyana is not only a cricket-loving country but a cricket-crazy country so we have every reason to welcome the CPL back to Guyana and I want to reaffirm the Government’s full support for the CPL specifically, and cricket in general,” Minister Harmon told O’Donohoe in the meeting at the Ministry of the Presidency.

“We are aware that the franchise owner of the Guyana Amazon Warriors is a close associate of the previous Administration; however, we can assure that that will not in any way, hamper how the current Administration treats with the CPL and the franchise owner in terms of facilitating the games being hosted in Guyana and our future engagement,” Minister Harmon said.

Harmon expressed regret at the ad hoc manner in which the previous Government engaged the CPL with regard to matches hosted in Guyana and conveyed to O’Donohoe that the Government would be prepared to take the requisite steps to ensure that a structured and legally sound agreement, which was Cabinet-approved is in place.

Minister Harmon further conveyed that the Government was prepared to commence negotiations in this regard, at the earliest opportunity, to ensure that the agreement was in place. Minister Harmon assured O’Donohoe that the Government would commit to ensuring that all the usual exemptions and concessions for the hosting of international cricket in Guyana were granted to the CPL for the hosting of the matches in the ongoing tournament.

In an earlier statement, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo had said that it was no coincidence that the Guyana Amazon Warriors is one of the leading teams in the league. He said Guyana’s cricket possesses a rich legacy of success.

“The standards and expectations are high. As cricket begins its resurrection in the Caribbean, Guyana has a critical role to play in all departments on and off the field.

This Government remains steadfast in its commitment to support cricket in particular as the national sport but cricket in general.”

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he David Grangerled A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government says it has every intention of honouring the commitments made in the Region 10 Agreement, flowing from the weeks-long unrest that gripped the mining community following the deaths of three men who protested the proposed hike in electricity charges aback in 2012.

Minister of State Joseph Harmon gave this reassurance on Wednesday at his post-Cabinet media briefing at the Ministry of the Presidency.

Questioned by media operatives on the status of the Region 10 Agreement, which the now Government fought for while in Opposition, Minister Harmon explained that, “now that we are in the position of the Government of Guyana, it is our intention to ensure that all of the commitments given by the Government under that agreement, that those commitments are met.”

One of the major highlights of the agreement is a television station for Linden. According to Minister Harmon, this matter should soon be concluded. “Only last week, there was an engagement on this matter in which the Prime Minister himself and other functionaries of the State were addressing the matter… it is clear from the information which I have received that there is every intention of bringing this

Minister of State Joseph Harmon

matter to a speedy conclusion,” Minister Harmon reported.

The Minister of State pointed out that the other matters which formed part of the agreement relate more specifically to improved livelihoods for residents of Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

“It was the RDC (Regional Democratic Council) extracting commitment out of an unwilling Government. We are not in that position and therefore, we see some of those claims by the community as part of our overall effort at poverty alleviation and stimulating the economy of Region 10 just as we intend to stimulate the economies of all the regions of this country,” Minister Harmon said.

The Minister further stated that the Government accepts this agreement as almost being a final judgment and promised that

“the people of Region 10 can feel satisfied and comfortable that in this Government they need not have to come to extract any concessions. We see it as our obligation to provide a good life and a reasonable arrangement so that those people can enjoy whatever they need to enjoy just like (residents in) any other part of this country.”

The agreement between the Government and Region 10 was signed on August 21, 2012, between former Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and former Region 10 Chairman Sharma Solomon.

The agreement detailed the following as agreed to by both parties: the establishment of a technical team to investigate the electricity situation in Linden with specific terms of reference for the committee; the establishment of an economic committee with specific terms of reference for the committee; the establishment of a Region 10 Regional Land Selection Committee and; Region 10 to apply for a broadcasting licence and the Government will facilitate the granting of that licence in keeping with the law, along with the dish and transmitter that were given to the Linden community to be handed over to the Regional Democratic Council.

The agreement was reached after extensive discussions with the Region 10 delegation and the APNU.

Trans Guyana to introduce new Beech aircraft in September

2 get bail for damage to property charges

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n separate matters, two men were brought before Magistrate Ann McLennan on Thursday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer to charges of damage to property.

Godfrey Taylor, 54, who lives in Georgetown, was granted bail in the sum of $10,000 when he pleaded not guilty to the charge levelled against him.

The Police are alleging that on July 16, while he was on Croal Street, Georgetown, he unlawfully and maliciously damaged a BLU cellphone belong to the Virtual Complainant (VC) Akeem Peters. It was valued at

$10,000.

Police Prosecutor, Corporal Deniro Jones told the court that the VC was under Demico House, about to answer his phone when the defendant brushed against him, causing the cellphone to fall to the ground and break.

Peters reported the matter to the Police station.

Prosecutor Jones did not object to bail.

Taylor nevertheless denied the charges. He told the court that the VC bumped into him, not the other way around. He told the court that he does not work but his family supports him, emphasising that the VC works.

Magistrate McLennan granted him bail and ordered that he return to court on July 30.

Meanwhile, Jermaine Nurse of 148 B Field, Sophia, Greater Georgetown, is charged for unlawfully and maliciously damaging the property of Dellon Hoyte on July 13 at Cornhill Street, Georgetown.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge and bail was no objection to by the prosecution.

Magistrate McLennan granted bail in the sum of $10,000 and ordered the defendant to be present for court on July 30.

The spanking new Beechcraft 1900D added to the Trans Guyana Airways fleet

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rans Guyana Airways will be introducing a spanking new state-of-the-art airliner to its commercial fleet as it strives to offer a more luxurious service for its passengers.

The aircraft touchdown in Guyana at the Ogle International Airport (OIA) on Wednesday at about 18:50h. The Beechcraft 1900D is a high flying, fast

and comfortable passenger aircraft and will be the most advanced of its type operating in Guyana currently.

It carries a maximum speed of 285 knots (528 kmph) and can fly to a maximum height of 25,000 feet.

The Beechcraft 1900D was designed, and is primarily used, as a regional airline and is one of the most popular 19- passenger airliner in history.

Additionally, the Beechcraft is capable of a range that allows it to fly to regional destinations such as Trinidad, Barbados, Antigua, etc. It also has sufficient cabin height that allows passengers to walk through with ease.

While the new aircraft has arrived, Trans Guyana Airways does not plan to introduce it commercially until September.

friday, july 24, 2015

guyanatimesgy.com

15

Around the World

Iran nuclear deal: Pentagon chief makes Better accord “a unannounced Iraq visit fantasy”, says Kerry

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he Pentagon chief has made an unannounced visit to Baghdad to get a first-hand assessment of the campaign against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) as Iraq tries to retake the fallen capital of the Sunnidominated Anbar province.

Ash Carter, on his first visit as US Defence Secretary since taking up his position in February, said on Thursday that he would meet US Commanders as well as Iraqi political leaders, including Haider al-Abadi, Iraq’s Prime Minister.

U

S Secretary of State John Kerry has hit back at critics of his nuclear deal with Iran, saying it was “fantasy” to suggest a better accord was possible.

He told the US Senate’s Foreign Relations Committee: “We set out to dismantle [Iran’s] ability to build a nuclear weapon and we achieved that.”

Republican presidential hopeful Marco Rubio told him the deal was “fundamentally flawed”.

Congress has until September 17 to approve or reject the deal.

Meanwhile, Iran’s President has also been defending last week’s agreement, which was the result of nearly two years of intense negotiations with the P5+1 group of world powers – the US, United Kingdom, France, China and Russia plus Germany.

Hassan Rouhani, in a speech broadcast live on television, said the deal represented “a new page in history” and was wanted by the Iranian people.

Under the deal, Iran must curb its nuclear activ-

The deal with Iran has encountered plenty of opposition, from within Congress to the streets

ities in exchange for sanctions relief. Tehran has always insisted its nuclear ambitions are peaceful and energy-related.

Kerry told the committee hearing that the US Administration came to the negotiating table with one clear objective – to address the issue of nuclear weapons.

Kerry said that if Iran failed to comply with the agreement “we will be able to respond accordingly by reinstituting sanctions all

the way up to the most draconian options that we have today”.

Turning on his critics, he said any suggestion of a “better deal, some sort of unicorn arrangement involving Iran’s complete capitulation” was “fantasy, plain and simple”.

“The choice we face is between an agreement that will ensure Iran’s nuclear programme is limited, rigorously scrutinised and wholly peaceful – or no deal at all.”

A

Supreme Court ordered them demolished by the end of July because they were built on private Palestinian lands.

The settlements are built on land that Palestinians claim for a future state.

Most countries consider them illegitimate.

In total, the group said, the Israeli military on Wednesday approved 541 new housing units, retro-

actively legalised 228 existing housing units, and approved infrastructure for a plan that includes 296 housing units.

The military also approved the construction of two industrial structures, a Jewish religious school and a winery.

It has been a year since Israel last approved any new settlement construction. (Al Jazeera)

Ex-climate panel chief under fire

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he former United Nations climate panel chief Rajendra Pachauri has been dismissed as head of an Indian thinktank after a backlash over his return to work while facing allegations of sexual harassment.

The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) announced on Thursday that Pachauri, 74, was being replaced as its Director General.

The news comes just days after he had won a court order allowing him to return to work while still on bail over claims he pestered a female colleague with inappropriate texts and emails.

While not specifying why Pachauri was being replaced, TERI said “the interests of TERI and its talented staff are paramount” as it named Ajay Mathur, a former World

Rajendra Pachauri

Bank official, as his successor.

The announcement was made in a statement that also praised Pachauri’s work in turning the Delhi-based TERI into “a major, financially autonomous, professionally dynamic organisation on the global stage”.

in the attacks, while 106 have been injured.

Before his arrival, Carter said he sought to form “my own on-the-ground assessment of the campaign”.

“I will be doing my own conferring with our military commanders,” he said.

Al Jazeera’s Imran Khan, reporting from Baghdad, said Carter’s visit was unannounced for security reasons.

“As he arrives, the Iraqi’s are gearing up and moving forward in the phase one of the operation in Anbar province against ISIL,” he said.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

China says Japan’s East China Sea photos a provocation

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Israel accused of advancing new settlement plans

n Israeli settlement watchdog group says Israel has advanced plans to build or retroactively approve 1065 housing units in illegal Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank.

Peace Now said on Thursday that an Israeli military committee retroactively approved 24 housing units in the Beit El settlement, though Israel’s

His visit coincides with attempts by Iraqi forces to lay the groundwork for an eventual push to try to recapture Ramadi, isolating parts of the city with help from US-led air strikes before a full offensive.

On the same day of his visit, a series of suicide car bombings rocked north and east of Fallujah in Anbar province, targeting Iraqi Security Forces and the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), military sources told Al Jazeera.

At least 113 ISF and PMF members were killed

A court had given Pachauri permission last week to return to work at TERI, on condition that he steer clear of his 29-year-old alleged victim.

Although no formal charges have so far been brought against him, Police have accused Pachauri of obstructing their investigation while the victim’s lawyer has alleged that he tried to influence witnesses.

Pachauri, a leading voice on the dangers of global warming, was forced to quit as Chairman of the Nobel Prize-winning UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in February after his colleague filed her complaint.

He has denied the allegations and said his emails and mobile phone were hacked. (Al

Jazeera)

China said it had every right to develop oil and gas resources in waters not in dispute that fall under its jurisdiction [Japan Defence Ministry]

J

apan’s release of photographs of Chinese construction activity in the East China Sea will only provoke confrontation between the two countries and do nothing for efforts to promote dialogue, China’s Foreign Ministry has said.

In a defence review this week, Japan urged Beijing to stop building oil and gas exploration platforms close to disputed waters in the East China Sea, and expressed concern that Chinese drills could tap reservoirs that extend into Japan’s waters.

In a statement late on Wednesday, China’s

Foreign Ministry said it had every right to develop oil and gas resources in waters not in dispute that fall under its jurisdiction.

“What Japan did provokes confrontation between the two countries, and is not constructive at all to the management of the East China Sea situation and the improvement of bilateral relations,” it said.

In 2012, Japan’s Government angered Beijing by purchasing a disputed, uninhabited island chain in the East China Sea. Until then, China had curtailed activities under a pact with Japan to jointly

develop undersea resources in disputed areas.

China’s position on the pact remained unchanged and it was willing to maintain communication with Japan on related issues, the Foreign Ministry added.

“The key is for Japan to create favourable environment and conditions to implement this consensus,” it said, referring to the pact.

“Japan’s hyping up of the oil and gas issue in the East China Sea will do nothing good to carry out dialogue and cooperation between China and Japan on the East China Sea-related issues.” (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

UN envoy voices deep concern over Syria barrel bombing

T

he United Nations envoy for Syria has said Government forces have dropped a large number of barrel bombs on Zabadani city, “causing unprecedented levels of destruction”.

Staffan de Mistura cited local sources on Thursday, saying the air strikes caused many civilian deaths in the city, located about 45 kilometres (km) northwest of the capital Damascus, and about 10km from the border with Lebanon. “[The] Army of Fatah [a Sunni rebel alliance], that

controls Zabadani, retaliated by firing rockets and mortar bombs on two Shia villages, Al Foua and Kefraya, near Idlib city in the north,” de Mistura said.

“In both cases, civilians are tragically caught in the middle of the fighting.”

Syrian state television said the Army had destroyed a 70-metre-long tunnel used by the rebels to transport equipment into Zabadani.

At least 14 barrel bombs were dropped on several areas in Zabadani, the UKbased Syrian Observatory

for Human Rights reported on Thursday – adding that the death toll could not yet be confirmed.

Fierce clashes continued during the bombardment in and around the city of Zabadani with reports of casualties on both sides, the observatory said.

Earlier this week, the Syrian army backed by the allied Lebanese Hezbollah movement advanced deeper into Zabadani, two weeks into a campaign to capture it from Sunni fighters, both sides said. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

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News

friday, july 24, 2015| guyanatimesGY.com

RUDISA agrees to slash Prima Facie case made US$1.5M from settlement out against suspected … Govt to prepare new agreement for Court

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urinamese beverage company, RUDISA International NV, has agreed to slash over US$1 million off of the settlement awarded by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) to be repaid by the Government of Guyana for taxes imposed on imported beverage bottles.

On Wednesday, President David Granger met with owner of the company, Rudi Sardjoe, during which the two consulted and agreed upon having the US$7.72 million owed by Guyana reduced. As part of the agreement also, Guyana was able to obtain an extension of the time within which the monies will have to be repaid.

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams, on Thursday revealed that reduced figures, following the hearing of the case before the CCJ. Williams had a video conference with the CCJ and the Attorneys representing RUDISA in Suriname, at the Court of Appeal.

He told media operatives afterwards that the CCJ was informed of the new arrangement between Government and the com-

pany. He added that they now have to prepare the formal settlement agreement to present to the Court at the next hearing, which is slated for Friday, July 31.

However, the Attorney General disclosed that the CCJ was particularly concerned with the fact that despite their ruling, Guyana continues to impose the tax.

“The issue the CCJ raised was the issue of us still collecting the tax, notwithstanding that the judgment they give clearly showed that the Customs provision in Guyana was implied repeal by the [Caribbean Community] Caricom Act and therefore, they wanted an undertaken from us that we would, in that settlement agreement, indicated that we would no longer collect the tax by a specific date,” he stated.

Williams explained that he will now have to consult with Cabinet to formulate the agreement.

Additionally, the AG did note that he indicated to the CCJ that there is a Customs Amendment Bill which Cabinet has already approved and is awaiting to be taken to Parliament.

However, the CCJ indicated

that they already have an objection to cease the collection of the environmental tax.

In May last year, the Caribbean Court of Justice ordered Guyana to the Surinamese beverage company some $1.2 billion, for imposing the controversial “environmental tax” on each non-returnable bottle imported into the country.

RUSIDA, along with its local distributor Caribbean International Distributors Inc, claimed that the tax is against the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, a view which the court held.

However Rudisa had informed the Court that it will write off the payments if the Guyana Government sought to amend the legislation. The previous People’s Progressive Party/Civic Administration had taken the amendment bill to Parliament but it was voted down by the combined parliamentary Opposition.

Government’s failure to repay the money in a timely manner has resulted in the cost being racked up by an additional $4 million, to a total of $1.6 billion.

Speaking on the matter at the post-Cabinet press brief-

ing on Wednesday, Minister of State Joseph Harmon disclosed that the total of US$7.72 million (G$1.6 billion) also includes interests to the tune of US$338,000, as well as legal cost of some US$120,000.

Harmon posited that his Government is committed to abiding by the Court’s ruling. “We respect judgments of Courts and once they are final judgments, we accept also the consequences… This is why we have been in consultation and talks with the person who has the judgement in his favour, for us to basically work it out. These are things that have been thrown into our laps by the previous Administrations and we have to now clean up that mess,” he declared.

Meanwhile, RUDISA’s Proprietor Rudi Sardjoe, commented that his decision to reduce the settlement was based on the fact that he wants to maintain good relations with Guyana.

He said “It is not about the money... We are a company working in Guyana a lot and we want to maintain the close relations that we have with the people of Guyana.”

narcotics smuggler – decision pending

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prima facie case has been brought against Kevin Sanbatch who is currently on trial for narcotic trafficking at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Magistrate Ann McLennan, who has been presiding over the matter from the onset, ruled on Thursday that a prima facie case has been made out against the defendant.

The Magistrate said the defendant was charged with possession of narcotics with the purposes of trafficking when he was busted with 1.2 kilograms of cannabis sativa (marijuana) at Yarakabra, Soesdyke-Linden Highway on March 31.

Magistrate McLennan called on the defendant to offer a defence after her ruling was made, adding that the prosecution’s array of witnesses have been credible and have held up in court.

Sanbatch was given three options; to testify in the witness box where he shall be cross examined, to give his account of what happened or remain silent. He chose the second choice, stating that it is his only defence as he has witnesses to call on his behalf.

No arrest yet in sex worker's murder

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s Police continue their investigation into the murder of Nephi Luthers who was gunned down on Carmichael and Quamina Streets, Georgetown while carrying out his trade, they are still to apprehend the suspect.

A senior Police rank stated that no arrest has been made in connection with the murder although they were in possession of an image of a person of interest pulled from surveillance footage. He noted that the image was that of a suspected client of the now dead sex worker and not that of the person who pulled the trigger.

From all indications, Luthers was mistaken for someone else. The 20-yearold, of ZZ Durban Street, Wortmanville, Georgetown, was reportedly shot once to his chest by a man who fled the scene in a Honda CRV motor vehicle.

According to information received, the shooting might have stemmed from a robbery committed on a client. It was reported that on Tuesday evening, a client turned up at Church and Carmichael Streets and paid a sex worker $5000 to perform a sex act.

During the act, he was reportedly relieved of his personal belongings. After the act was completed, he left in his motor car, but subsequently realised that his phone and

Slain sex worker, Nephi Noel Wilson Luthers

cash were missing.

The client, from reports received, collected one of his friends and went back to the location where they confronted Luthers but he denied doing business with the man, which resulted in an argument. During the argument, the client reportedly told Luther “You have to give back the thing”, but in response, the commercial sex worker said: “Me ain’t been with you”. At this time, the client’s friend pulled out the gun and pulled the trigger, shooting Luthers to his chest.

The sex worker fell on to the roadway and the two men fled the scene. Luthers’ colleagues picked him up and rushed him to the hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Sanbatch told the court that on the day in question, he had been instructed by Daniel Davidson to collect a bag from a certain location.

He said he did so, however, when he was returning along Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara, he was stopped

by Police. They searched the bag where they found a plastic bag with the narcotics but Sanbatch said he had told them initially that he did not know what was in the bag.

The defendant continued, stating that the police asked him for $450,000 for the issue to go away but Sanbatch said he did not have that kind of money, thus he was arrested. They went by Davidson, who admitted to knowing Sanbatch and sending him for the bag. The defendant said the Police Officer then solicited $250,000 from Davidson for the matter to go away but he is not sure what was the result of that alleged proposition of bribery.

Nevertheless, he said when they both arrived at the Timehri Police Station, he was placed inside a cell while Davidson was not.

Later, Sanbatch told the court that a young man came in, spoke to the officers and he and Davidson were released.

In addition, the accused said the marijuana was not weighed in front of him.

In his submission, Sanbatch’s Attorney told the court that his client’s account of what transpired has always been consistent, even when compared to what was said by the prosecution’s witnesses.

He says he finds it strange that Davidson was never charged for his involvement in the offence or that the prosecution’s claim that he was not mentioned by my client initially.

In conclusion, he stated that the prosecution has failed to prove that Sanbatch had the mental element of the offence, that he knew there was an illegal drug in the bag.

However, Police Prosecutor, Corporal Neville Jeffers, told the court that the prosecution has indeed satisfied all the elements necessary to prove the guilt of the accused beyond reasonable doubt.

In concluding, he told the court that Sanbatch never indicated to anyone, until later, that there was a second person involved in the offence. He called it a mere allegation.

Also, Prosecutor Jeffers stated that when the accused was cross-examined he had admitted to making a mistake by moving the drugs.

Meanwhile, Magistrate McLennan heard the arguments of both parties. She stated that she will rule on Sanbatch’s innocence or guilt on July 29. Until then, he is to remain on remand.

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news

friday, july 24, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Region 3 farmers still battling floods …damage estimated in the tens of thousands

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ith hundreds of acres of crops under water and thousands of dollars washed away by the incessant rains that persisted since July 15, farmers of Region Three (Essequibo Islands- West Demerara) are struggling to cope with the cruel aftermath of the flood.

Flooding is nothing new in Guyana, but the farmers in Region Three described the situation as having caused more damage than the Great Flood of 2015.

Farming is the predominant economic activity in the region and with half of the farmlands inundated, families are in a state of worry as they wonder how they will regain the thousands they lost as a result of the flood.

During an interview with Guyana Times on Thursday, farmers did not exactly blame the flood for the damage encountered, but rather blamed the negligence of the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) for not addressing the issue of drainage in the community.

In Hague Back, the farmers there were furious over the damage of their crops and livestock. “I manage this farm for my living, I plant these things for my living and right now everything that I have on the land, everything destroyed, so I have nothing to go in the market this week and this is the only thing I do for my living. I have half acre sweet potato now bearing and everything damage. I have half acre cassava that damaged.

It’s all because the sideline bad and it need cleaning. We does try, but this need excavators to clean. The water nah move now you tell me which crop gonna stand up in a week water,” Deochand Gangadin vented.

Disastrous wedding

Marriane Ghanesh, another resident, is expected to get married on Sunday and her mother Debbie Ghanesh is predicting a disastrous wedding owing to the damage caused by the flood.

Livestock were destroyed

er. “The situation that is facing us here, when the rain falls, the water comes down and clogs the drain and the drain already have weed and so. We have a pipe there, but it can’t take off nuff water.

How much water can it take off in 2 hours? So when it rains, and even though the water draining, our crops will still end up under water,” said Mortland Layne, a farmer from Parika.

Irfaan Ali visits

Farmlands under water

“I was mining over 200 chickens to cook for this wedding cause it’s Christian wedding so you have to cook nuff meat and now half of the chicken dead. I will now have to take my own money and go buy back chicken.

Them chicken had about 7lb each and a pound of chicken is about $260. You tell me how much money I lose deh,” the mother cried.

She further explained

reason the village flooded was because of the awful state of the canals.

“No market this week”

For many Region Three farmers, because of the extent of damage caused by the flood, there was really no crop left to sell.

“No market this week for many of us,” a farmer said.

For one family alone, the damage amounted to thou-

Mortland Layne, a farmer from Parika

that her entire “bottom house” was under water and now she will have to spend additional money to repair the damage the flood caused.

“Wedding is already expensive. Now I have additional costs here. I paying money to the NDC and I expect them to look after this place and if you don’t pay your taxes, they gonna run come after you,” she said, contending that the only

sands of dollars. Raimoon Rozan counted an estimated loss of over 3000 root of boras, 500 roots of boulanger, 200 roots of celery, 4000 roots of shallot, quarter acre of ochro and 300 roots of sweet pepper.

“Georgie cuss we out”

After the community of Hague was completely swamped following the downpour on Wednesday,

July 15, residents said they contacted the NDC Chairman but they were completely shocked by his response.

“Georgie cuss we out!

We call him to tell him how the place deh and he cuss we out. My daughter got the recording. And then after we call, call him, he finally come here Sunday and then when he come, he said ‘this is what ayo call me for’ and this and that and when I tell he that we get his recording and that we will put it on the media, he said ayo do what you want to do,” one resident said.

“We are fed up. We are paying our money and the NDC ain’t looking us after. I want the government hear that we want tek we own money and look after the community ourself … we need street lights and we need better roads and the NDC is not doing anything for us,” the residents expressed.

Similarly, in other villages along the West Demerara roadway where farming is the main economical activity, famers are up in arms over the situation and the NDC’s apparent lack of interest in helping them recov-

Meanwhile, People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Executive Member Irfaan Ali visited the floodaffected residents of Hague and listened to them vent about the issues they are facing.

He promised to make contact with the Government and urged them to implement the necessary measures to remedy the situation, to provide adequate compensation packages and to conduct an impact assessment study of the damage encountered.

He also stressed on the nexus between agriculture and the people of Region Three as he sympathised with them and the losses they endured.

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guyanatimesgy.com

friday, july 24, 2015

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he Westside Auto Expo and Vehicle Sound Off-4 which was slated for July 4 at the Tuschen Community Centre ground, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), had to be called off due to the inclement weather during that particular weekend.

After taking into consideration requests made by fans, the event is now set for August 29 at the same venue and patrons are advised that all tickets purchases are still valid.

Over 30 vehicles will be on

en delegates from the Caribbean and further afield will be competing in the much anticipated Miss Jamzone International Pageant, slated for August 15 at Hits and Jams Water World, Providence, East Bank Demerara.

The delegates are expected to arrive in Guyana a few days before the event and show, competing for cash and trophies, in several categories including Best Graphic, Best Lights, Best Theme, Best Interior, Best Engine, Hardest and Xtreme Sound (car, bike, suv and bus).

Music will be provided by #TRS and Big Life Sound System.

There will also be musical clashes between Star Cars, TRex, Avengers, Red Jet, Dark Siderz, Xclusive Sounds, King Kong and Hulk among others.

Formidable competitors such as The Avengers, Red Jet, Dark Siderz, Wreaker, Star Cars,

will be participating in a number of activities including photo shoots and television interviews, among others.

However, on the night of the pageant, the delegates, including Miss Guyana Cardella Hamilton, will be competing in the cultural presentation, national wear, swimsuit, fantasy swim wear, evening gown and intelligence

TRex, Xclusive and Massive are among the show stoppers that have already confirmed their participation.

Admission to the event is $1000 in advance and $1500 at the gate while vehicle passes will also be available for $1000.

Those who wish to participate in the competition can pay $3000 as registration fees.

Tickets and entry forms are available at Westsiderz Entertainment Centre; Deals on Electronics, Strathspey; and A&S Lumber Yard, Tuschen, EBE.

Miss Jamzone Trinidad & Tobago – Afeya Jeffrey Afeya Jeffrey, age 24, is a Dance Instructor with a BSc in Biology and Environmental and Natural Resource Management from the University of the West Indies, St Augustine Campus.

Currently she is pursuing her second degree in Physical Therapy at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus. Her tenure in the fashion and modelling industry began in 2009 when she copped her first title as Miss Teen Guapo. Since then, she has several other titles under her belt.

She is convinced that she is an ambassador for her country and a role model for her peers. As such, she lets her own light shine as she accomplishes her goals. Her desire is to fulfil the mandate which God has set for her.

Subsequently her aim is to discover the limits of her potential and push past them.

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he first ever Champion of Champions Calypso Competition is slated for tonight at the National Park Arena, Thomas Land, Georgetown.

The competition is organised by a recently established group, referred to as ‘4Cs’ and is aimed at returning the art form to what is used to be in the days of yore, when hundreds of followers flocked the various venues to give their support while having fun in return, needless to mention the crescendo of interest around the country back then at calypso time.

The group feels that calypso continues to play an important role in political expressions, creating an avenue for singers speak out against corruption and other issues affecting society.

This competition will celebrate the “people’s victory” in recognition of Guyana’s rich cultural calypso heritage and free speech on relevant topics.

segments. Jamaica’s rising star Romain Virgo will be serenading the delegates, as well as headlining the after party and concert.

Guyana Times Entertainment will be featuring the delegates over the next few weeks, beginning with Miss Trinidad and Tobago, Afeya Jeffrey and Miss Jamaica Soyini Phillips.

The winner of this competition is expected to win a motorcar as the grand prize while the second place winner will receive a trip for two to a tourist destination in Guyana. The third place winner will receive a motorcycle and the four place winner will receive a refrigerator.

There will also be consolation prizes for other competitors.

Persons attending the event will also win door prizes. Over the years, Banks DIH has been sponsoring the National Calypso competition with a cash prize of $700,000. The reigning calypso monarch is Manoel Ferreira also called “King Perai”.

Some other well known stalwarts in this area are Derrick Mangal, Linden Thomas, Pearl Lewis, Prince Smith, Edward Perez, Daria Barrow, Roger Hinds, Martin Byrne and Lester Charles, among others.

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uyanese have seen the “coolie bhai” dance, featuring Mystic out of Berbice, but this time around; another Berbician will be heating up the sound waves with “Coolie Gal Dance”. Bunty Singh who recently released his latest single, “Coolie Gal” will headline the event at the Buddy’s Night Club on August 1.

The event called “Coolie Gal Dance Party” will feature

Miss Jamzone Jamaica – Soyini Phillips Nineteen-year-old Soyini Phillips is currently the youngest TV personality in Jamaica. She is pursuing a Bachelors degree in Business Administration at the University College of the Caribbean and a prospective law student.

She is also actively involved in commercial modelling for international brands such as Splash and Catalog modelling for renowned Jamaican designers such as Miakalani and others.

In addition, she is involved in charity work and has successfully completed 11 projects with the intention of expanding internationally, with projects such as A Step Forward Foundation (to stop abuse against women) and Christmas treat for the Mandeville Regional Hospital.

some of the best local artistes who will undoubtedly perform to the best for their fans.

These include former National Chutney Monarch Pooran Seeraj; former chutney King Prince JP, who recently returned from the United States where he performed at several events; and the man himself Aamir Khan.

All the artistes are known for their versatility and energetic performances.

Promoter of the show Aamir Khan is confident that patrons will get their money’s worth.

He assured those planning to attend the event that secure parking will be available.

Tickets for the event cost $1500 and will be available at the door. Doors open at 19:00h and show time is 20:00h.

Buddy’s Night Club… the ultimate place to be on August 1 – a holiday night.

guyanatimesgy.com

friDAY, july 24, 2015

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amaican dancehall/reggae artiste Wallace Wilson, popularly known as “Red Rat” is slated to perform live at Club 704, Lamaha and Albert Streets, Georgetown on Saturday evening.

The artiste, who is known for his up-beat music, comical style, and signature catch phrase “Oh No!”, is expected to create a storm with his old school tunes that are loved by his fans.

He performed his debut album “Oh, No... It’s Red Rat”

(1997) featured songs such as “Shelly Ann”, “Dwayne”, “Tightup Skirt”, “Cruise” (featured in the movie ‘The Big Hit’), and “Big Man, Little Yute”. It became one of the best selling records from Greensleeves Records.

His second album, “I’m a Big Kid Now”, followed in 2000. After sometime, Red Rat was back in the media with his new hit, “Rise up Zimbabwe”.

The song was released in April of 2010 and immediately saw popularity in the music fans of

Zimbabwe.

He will be performing alongside his wife Pascalle who is also versatile in the dancehall field. In addition, Deejay Puffy, Breeze and Selector Diamond will be in the house to get the patrons hyped for the live performances.

Cruising the 90’s – the ultimate old school party is one that you do not want to miss and it is all happening at Club 704. Admission to the event is $2000.

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uyanese artiste Mahendra Ramkellwan will launch his latest single called “Bunjay Wine” at the Skeldon Big Lime, slated for August 7 at Skeldon Line Path ground, Skeldon, Corentyne, Berbice.

The show will also feature some of the best chutney artistes in the Region including former International Monarch Kris Persad, also called “KI”; Veekash Sahadeo; Omadath Maharaj; Savita Singh; among others. The event will also feature several local dance troupes that will thrill the audience.

Shakti String Orchestra

will be the official band accompanying the musicians.

Television personality Joel Ganshaam will also make an appearance.

WR Reaz, the official emcee for the event is all geared to make the night of August 7, a memorable one. Tickets for the show cost $1000 in advance and are available at the La Grill and Sukhpaul’s Gas Station, Skeldon.

Those without tickets will pay $1500 at the gate. The event is promoted by Fire Fest Production and is sponsored

by Team MMR, Corona among others.

ast Saturday, the clash among the Barticians and the contestants from the city was quite fiery as the Princess Karaoke Star 2015 competition moved into the fourth round at Princess Hotel.

And at the end of the riveting showdown, it was Bartica’s Silyne Griffith who moved to the top spot with a spectacular performance. In second place was Georgetown’s Lashaun Charles, while Aalyiah Maria Roshuvel placed third.

Talented rapper Jamal Benjamin has moved up to number four with Louis Ebenzer placing fifth. In the sixth spot was rapper Gino Fullington, while his other half, Iodelle Gilbert placed seventh.

Romichelle Brummel took the eighth position with Jonathan Basteano copping the ninth spot. In tenth place

hirty-three-year-old Susan Sharon Ibrahim, also called “Sue”, is a professional makeup artist who attended Covent Garden Secondary and furthered her studies locally at the Business School, after completing her studies at Cambridge University where she graduated with merit in 2006 in the field of business management.

She went on to the International Association of Professions Career College and graduated in 2014 with honours. She grew up in Georgetown and described her childhood as traumatic and idyllic with her mother being the person who influenced who she is today.

From a tender age, the mother of two has always leaned towards the creative arts. Growing up, she wanted to become a ballerina, but that dream did not materialize, so she turned to literature and Latin dance.

After her second daughter was born in 2012, she became a full-time stay at home mom and would from time to time perfect her make-up skills on her friends who wished to look more polished or glamorous for that night on the town. Due to her talent, they always encouraged her to make it a full time job and after giving the idea some thought, she enrolled at the IAP Career College.

After some time, she felt as if she was ready, hence she stated marketing herself and her talents on social media, through Facebook, Instagram and Google. Eventually, she was able to secure her first lucrative job with “Street Styles”. She was so nervous but with her motto being “Fake it till you make it”, keep your composure and if you make a mistake, no need to alert the client, just fix it”, it worked at her advantage.

From that point on, her clientele grew rapidly. “I had my ups and downs,

sometimes no clients and sometimes I was super busy... but that’s the nature of this business”. One year ago, she registered her business called ‘SAKS Makeup Artistry”.

“I would say we make-up artists are like magicians. We can transform a person into someone or something completely different or simply enhance what’s already there, whether it’s for

beauty, costume or just for the sake of art”, is her definition of a make-up artist.

Over the years, she learned a plethora of skills from customer service, sales, and teamwork with designers, hair stylists, models and photographers, fine tuning her artistry and exuding confidence to her clients.

She is currently studying Image consultancy at IAP Career College and

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was Oquela Jones, while DJ Mongo Slade and Lisa Walcott followed at eleventh and twelfth respectively.

Sadly Bartica’s Dameon Apple placed 13th, but promised a comeback that will rock the venue. Rounding off the presenters were Victoria’s Michael Spencer.

This showcase was certainly exciting as singers took to the stage unleashing creativity and spellbinding performances that made the work quite difficult for the judges to arrive at the top 12 moving into the fifth round slated for tomorrow night inside Club Next (Princess Hotel).

Tomorrow night the twelve contestants will battle, bringing their best to the stage or face the whiplash of the judges.

hopes one day to expand her business by installing a spa for both men and women and more so, have a variety of services for the purpose of improving health, beauty and relaxation through personal care treatments such as therapeutic massages, skincare treatments and facials.

One of her role models is Helder Marucci of Brazil. She admires his techniques and is optimistic in the near future of attending one of his classes.

Apart from being a make-up artist, she is a professional dancer and was a part of Brian De Nobrega’s Dance School and Pachanga Aruba Dance Instruction in Aruba.

She feels that great careers are no longer passed down or handed over.

“They must be seeded, tended and grown and we are the gardeners”.

She also thinks that women must take their successes into their own hands. “When we take ownership of our achievements, development and ambition, there is no limit to what we can accomplish”.

She encouraged young women to take art classes, learn about colour theory and how to blend. “Practice on all different faces, remember a bad attitude won’t get you anywhere… be pro-active and never be afraid to ask questions. This is a tough business, you need to learn to accept rejection and never give up”.

Apart from being a make-up artist, Ibrahim spends most of her leisure time with her family, husband and my two beautiful daughters. Once everyone is asleep, she takes times out to look at her favourite shows such as CSI Miami, NCIS or Castle. Her favourite colours are red and black. Her favourite dish is lasagna and the best part is the cheese. “I love how it is melted into the lasagna, Cook-up and Baigan (egg plant) Choka,” she said.

20 National junior men headed to Players Tournament in Trinidad T guyanatimesGY.com

friday, july 24, 2015

he national junior men’s hockey team are scheduled to depart Guyana on July 30 for the Players Tournament in Trinidad and Tobago which is scheduled from August 1 to 8.

According to the team’s management, this is the second phase in the team’s preparations for the Junior Pan American Championships scheduled for Toronto, Canada in June 2016.

The team, which have been in training for approximately one year, ended its first phase of preparation in December 2014 with a successful developmental tour of the twin-island republic, where they won three of their four matches.

According to the team’s coaching staff, during that

initial tour, the players were able to train and compete on an artificial turf, many for the first time.

Coaching sessions were also conducted by some of Trinidad’s most senior national players as they shared their experiences and techniques with the juniors.

The coaches also indicated they were pleased with the Guyanese youngsters’ performances and ability to match skills with the higher ranked Trinidadian national squad.

The team’s participation in this Players Tournament will present a new challenge for the squad, with the team required to play two matches per day on some occasions.

Head Coach Robert Fernandes expressed his

Aroydy Branford

disappointment that the teams from Pakistan and Mexico, who were originally scheduled to participate,

have since withdrawn and the tournament will now feature Trinidadian Clubs plus the Guyanese.

“I was hoping that the boys would get to experience the intensity and creativity that teams from those countries bring to the game, it would have contributed greatly to their development and helped to prepare them for the tough task we face next year of competing against the Pan American region’s best. This tournament will, however, allow us to assess players’ ability to perform under the significant pressure and physical demands this tournament will create,” Fernandes stated.

The tournament’s current format will see Guyana playing Trinidadian Clubs Fatima, Queen’s Park,

Malvern and Paragon twice in the round-robin phase to qualify for the semi-final round. The team’s management is also working towards arranging a match against Trinidad’s junior national side on the tournament’s rest day.

Meshach Sargeant, Eleomar Silva and Troy Hodge are the three newcomers to the team which will be led by experienced Captain Mark Sargeant.

The 18-man team also feature three players who were part of Guyana’s bronze medal winning men’s squad that participated in the Indoor Pan American Cup in Uruguay last year in Aroydy Branford, and Sargeant and Shaquille Leung who was originally selected for the tour but had the misfortune of having to

undergo an appendectomy recently which ruled him out of the team.

The team have been fortunate to be partly funded by an Olympic Solidarity team preparation grant thanks to the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA).

The 18-man national junior team: Mark Sargeant, Medroy Scotland, Kareem McKenzie, Keon McKenzie, Daniel Hooper, Meshach Sargeant, Rosario Ramsammy, Eleomar Silva, Aroydy Branford, Andrew Stewart, Leon Bacchus, Stephon Sprosta, Deheron Wilkinson, Hilton Chester, Paramanand Dindial, Shemar Boston, Ato Greene and Troy Hodge. The Manager is Devin Hooper, and Coaches Dwayne Alleyne and Robert Fernandes.

ODI fund planned to help Associate nations I

CC chief executive David Richardson has said that profitability of fixtures for broadcasters has been a stumbling block for getting top Associates Ireland and Afghanistan fixtures since their inclusion in the ICC ODI rankings table earlier this year. However, he said that the possible creation of an ODI facilitation fund could help alleviate these obstacles.

“It’s a fact that even matches between the lower-ranked Full Members, like Zimbabwe versus Sri Lanka for example, don’t make revenues so that the series are making a profit or if it does it’s making a very small profit,” Richardson said at the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier in Malahide.

“You can imagine series between Afghanistan and the West Indies also cost a lot and the revenues might not necessarily be enough to cover those costs.

“One of the talking points or suggestions that is being considered, and in October we’re having a joint meeting between our chief executives committee and the board on which there will be six representatives from the Associate members taking part in that discussion, will be trying to make sure that Full Members take some responsibility in scheduling fixtures against Associate members and if finances are a problem that we think of introducing an ODI fund similar to the Test fund that was introduced to help subsidise the costs of those series.”

Richardson also said it is possible for Full Member countries to be forced to participate in

future World Twenty20 Qualifiers. If Bangladesh or Zimbabwe finish outside the top eight spots on the ODI rankings table by September 2017, they will have to compete in the 50over World Cup Qualifier with Associates for the final two spots in the 10team event for 2019. That could be the case in the

nues for everybody for the development of the game but also just to raise the profile of these countries.

“Before, for Holland, if they got to the World Cup they got a bit of profile. If they just missed out, they lost out on that.

If we can raise the profile of these tournaments, and you’ve seen evenly

meritocratic but that Zimbabwe had earned their status through historical performances, which needed to be taken into consideration.

“At this stage the board, all they’ve agreed to do is say that it’s the lowest ranked Associate member who would playoff,” Richardson said. “At

Despite their World Cup successes Ireland have struggled to arrange series against Full Members © AFP

future for the ICC’s flagship T20 tournament as well.

“When we put the package together for this next eight-year cycle, it was envisaged that we raise the profile of these qualifying tournaments, number one by making it crucial for qualification but also involving the Full Members, not excluding them from having to participate in these qualifying tournaments going forward. The objective to that is not only to make them self-sufficient and generate some more reve-

matched teams provides for good entertainment, it will raise that profile. It is good for cricket in those countries as well, even if they don’t end up going to the tournament itself.”

As for the ODI rankings table, if Zimbabwe were to dip below Afghanistan or Ireland, they may still be protected due to their Full Member status while the lower-ranked Associate would have a play-off with the top team in the WCL Championship for promotion into the ODI rankings table. Richardson conceded that this wasn’t

this stage we have got this distinction between Full Members and Associate members. I think long term, that distinction will eventually vanish but its really long term and not in the foreseeable future.

A proper promotion and relegation would mean that the bottom ranked team would have to play off but that’s not the situation we’ve got. I think it’s a process and we’re working towards something.”

Explaining the decision to move the World Twenty20 from a two-

to a four-year cycle, Richardson argued it was done so as not to “kill the golden goose”. The increasing popularity of other domestic T20 tournaments such as the IPL, Big Bash and Caribbean Premier League were also factors.

“I think the World T20 is valuable and if you play it too often it will become less valuable,” Richardson said. “We also have to recognise that around the world we have these domestic Twenty20 leagues which are high profile, are very attractive to broadcasters and it’s a case of there’s premium content out there and probably less is more.”

A reduced tournament cycle means Associate nations will have fewer competitive and funding opportunities in a quadrennial World T20 cycle than the biennial tournament structure that was previously in place.

However, Richardson claimed Associates will be better funded in other ways to make up for the loss in playing opportunities.

“When it comes to funding for Associate members, it needs to be looked at not only in respect of participation fees,” Richardson said.

“The bottom line is that a country like Ireland, with the projected revenues that the ICC is hoping to achieve over the next eight-year cycle, a doubling of the participation fee will be dwarfed by the increased funding Ireland will receive as one of the top Associate members.”

Richardson commended the two host countries Ireland and Scotland for the job they have been doing in hosting the World

Twenty20 Qualifier over the past two weeks. When asked what it would take to assign the World Twenty20 itself to an emerging market, similar to what World Rugby has done in awarding the 2019 Rugby World Cup to Japan, Richardson said that profitability would be the most important factor both from a gate revenue and television rights standpoint.

“I don’t think it’s impossible to imagine. What we have to consider when awarding events is number one, will it at least optimise the revenues. So is it in the correct time zone, will sponsors want to get involved knowing that there’s an event in these particular places in the next four or five years? So that’s a factor that needs to be taken into consideration. At the moment we are too reliant on revenues generated out of India. It’s a problem for the game. Everybody says it.

“If we can open up new markets, be it the USA, Europe or whatever, then there’s no reason we can’t take major global events to those regions. The other aspect of course is facilities. Cricket is difficult. We’ve got to have great facilities. We’ve tried Malaysia before for Under-19 events and yes everyone did their best and it wasn’t too bad but it wasn’t really good enough. So when we’re deciding whether to go to Kenya or Ireland, Ireland could probably manage it.

But a major global event needs 40,000 to 50,000 seat stadiums. Those factors have to be taken into account.” (Cricinfo)

sports

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CPL star get involved in beach bat bouncy ball challenge

friday, july 24, 2015

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– fans around the world invited to submit their efforts on social media

T

he Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) is giving fans around the world the chance to take on some of the biggest names in cricket by entering the CPL’s Beach Bat Bouncy Ball Challenge, in association with Loop, the Caribbean’s number one news app and online media partner for CPL. The challenge is simple – try and bounce a ball on the edge of a cricket bat as many times as you can.

Caribbean cricket heroes including Brian Lara, Chris Gayle, Desmond Haynes, Shiv Chanderpaul, Dwayne Bravo and Darren Sammy have all got involved so far, however, overseas players from the Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel dominate the current leaderboard.

Legendary all-rounder, Jacques Kallis, stands

in third place with 24, with fellow South African, Cameron Delport, in second on 31. However, in first

place, with a score of 32, is Pakistan wicket keeper, Kamran Akmal.

This week, the competition is thrown wide open.

The CPL commentators will be getting involved,

and fans around the world are invited to film their attempts and submit them on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram with the hashtag #InTheLoop.

CPL partner Loop is supporting the Challenge, and will make a charitable donation based on a multiplier of the record set by a CPL player, meaning the higher the score, the larger the donation to a good cause promoting youth cricket in the Caribbean.

Damien O’Donohoe, CEO, Hero CPL, said: “It’s not often you get the chance to out-hit Chris Gayle or Darren Sammy, but you could do just that with this challenge. It’s a bit of fun for finals week and we’re looking forward to our fans around the world getting involved.” (CPL Release)

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Usain Bolt

U

sain Bolt has said he is unsure how his pelvic injury will cope with the rigours of possibly running two 100m races at Friday’s Anniversary Games.

The Olympic champion has raced once over the distance this year, clocking a pedestrian 10.12 seconds in April.

“I have worked hard in training so we will see how it is,” said Bolt, 29.

Britons Mo Farah and Jessica Ennis-Hill are also among a number of star names competing at London’s Olympic Stadium this Friday and Saturday.

Sunday will see several of London 2012’s Paralympic stars take centre stage as The Stadium hosts the final leg of the IPC Grand Prix Series.

GB stars will include Jonnie Peacock, who is hoping to break a new world record in the T44 100m, David Weir, Shelly Woods and Richard Whitehead.

The 32-year-old Farah will race in Britain for the first time since doping allegations were made against his coach Alberto Salazar

last month.

The double Olympic champion, who will line up in the men’s 3,000m on the opening night of the twoday Diamond League meeting, has not been accused of any wrongdoing and on Thursday Bolt said he felt sorry for the double Olympic champion.

Both athletes will be under the spotlight when they return to the scene of some of their finest achievements.

There are those who question whether six-time Olympic champion Bolt can successfully defend his 100m and 200m world titles in Beijing in August, particularly given the form of rival Justin Gatlin, the fastest man over both distances this year.

“I’m very excited for Beijing and a little bit nervous,” added the world record holder, who will run in the heats on Friday and then the final just over an hour later, should he qualify.

“I set the bar quite high last time [in Moscow]. I am not going there to lose. I always ensure I am ready for Championships.

“For me it just takes

one run to get to 9.7. It is the first 40m that is important and if I get that right, I know I’ll be ok.”

The Jamaican said he wanted to “put on a show” for the fans on Friday, saying: “Everywhere I go there are always a lot of Jamaicans in the crowd, especially in London, and I come here for the fans. They support me and I want to do great for them.”

With none of the top three athletes of the season - Gatlin, Asafa Powell and Trayvon Bromell in London, Bolt’s biggest threats are likely to be Frenchman Jimmy Vicaut, whose season’s best 9.86secs is equal fourth fastest of the year, and compatriot Kemar Bailey-Cole and American Ryan Bailey.

British 100m champion CJ Ujah and fellow Britons James Dasaolu, Richard Kilty and James Ellington will also be taking part in the 100m.

Organisers say tickets are still available for the event, which has not been a sell-out despite its worldclass field. (BBC Sport)

22

guyanatimesGY.com

friday, july 24, 2015

GAPF to host Masters/Intermediate Regional U-19 format designed with World Cup championship Sunday success in mind

By Avenash Ramzan

S

helving the three-day version of the annual Regional Under-19 competition was a deliberate ploy by the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) to give the Caribbean’s youth cricketers more exposure to 50over cricket with the aim of lifting the Youth World Cup. This was the response given by WICB President Whycliffe “Dave” Cameron when local media operatives quizzed him on the issue on Wednesday evening at the Georgetown Cricket Club pavilion, Bourda.

Currently, the Under-19 competition is being played in Jamaica, but the territories are competing solely in the 50-over format, a decision Cameron believes will help the West Indies to mould a winning team for the World Cup. “When you look at our peer countries – and our Under-19 players go to play them every two years at the World Cup – we realise how many ODIs [One Day Internationals] those players have played compared to our players,” he observed.

“There are two things – our objectives are at the youth level: identify youngsters, and secondly, bringing them into West Indies cricket. At the youth level, at Under-19, we’re trying to win a World Cup so we have to play the format that allows us to win.”

Last year, both the threeday and 50-over versions were held with host Guyana emerging victorious, copping

both titles. With a gap now created with the absence of the longer version, Cameron believes it is time for the club system to kick into motion.

“Then the issue we have now is transforming our

course, we want more cricket to be played, but we also have to be mindful that we want to compete at international level and win matches.”

The six regional teams – Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica,

GAPF Secretary Gordon Spencer is all smiles as he receives the sponsorship cheque from the owner of Fitness Express, Jamie McDonald

WICB President Whycliffe “Dave” Cameron

Under-19 good players to Test players. So we recognise there is a gap, and that’s why we said now that the club system has to work, the club system needs to come into place and at the club level we will now play three-day, so that the players can move into the PCL [Professional Cricket League],” Cameron explained.

The WICB head pointed out that in the not-too-distant future, there could be the setting up of an Under-23 regional competition to bridge the gap between Under-19 and First-Class cricket, something similar to the PCL. He explained, “We won’t be able to play 10 matches, but at least five games a year.

We think that is the missing link that needs to happen. Of

Leeward Islands, Trinidad and Tobago and Windward Islands – along with a side from Canada are presently playing each other once in a round-robin competition, with the top two teams contesting the final to determine the winner.

WICB Director of Cricket, Richard Pybus, said earlier this year, “It is a fantastic opportunity for the Region’s best young players to showcase their talent to break into the West Indies Under-19 squad for the [International Cricket Council] ICC Youth World Cup next year in Bangladesh.”

The Regional Under-19 tournament started on July 20 and will conclude on August 16.

GFF saddened by jaguar’s death T

he Guyana Football Federation (GFF) said it was saddened by the death of a jaguar in New Amsterdam, Berbice, which it said has been glorified on social media and elsewhere.

In a release issued on Thursday, the GFF said the jaguar was a symbol of national pride for Guyana.

The national senior men’s team go by the alias “Golden Jaguars”. Below is the full text of the GFF statement: The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) is deeply saddened to learn about the recent (inhumane and) glorified killing of a jaguar in New Amsterdam, Berbice.

The jaguar, apart from being a protected and endangered species, is the symbol of our national football teams (the Golden Jaguars and Lady Jags) and an immense source of pride for all Guyanese.

We understand that the animal may have proved to be a threat to the community, but we are certain that a more civil and humane approach could have been

used.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) could have been contacted, with the possibility of a live capture being accomplished. Apart from the actual killing of the animal, it was equally, if not more so disappointing to see the manner in which it was glorified on social media.

This does not paint a positive image of Guyana in the eyes of the many tourists that frequent our country, drawn by the lure of our beautiful wildlife, such as this very jaguar. The GFF wishes to urge citizens to contact the EPA should situations like this occur in the future.”

T

he Guyana Amateur P o w e r l i f t i n g Federation (GAPF) will host its annual Masters/ Intermediate championship on Sunday at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue, Georgetown.

According to the GAPF, the weigh-in of participating athletes will begin at 07:00h

and last for two hours, while the competition will start at 10:00h.

At least 18 lifters have indicated their interest in participating in different classes. The competition is sponsored in full with the kind compliments of the owner of Fitness Express, Jamie McDonald. The young

entrepreneur recently presented his company’s sponsorship cheque to GAPF Secretary Gordon Spencer.

Meanwhile, the GAPF will stage the inaugural Samuel Barker Classic (unequipped) Invitational championship on August 30 at the Mackenzie High School, Linden. Registration closes on August 22, and according to the GAPF, all persons – powerlifters or otherwise – are invited to compete.

More information on this event can be obtained from Spencer on 641-8558 or 6691221.

Information coming out of the GAPF also confirmed an eight-man team have been selected to represent Guyana at the upcoming 15th Pan Am Championship and 30th FESUPO South American Championship.

The lifters identified are Chloe Hunter, Andrea Smith, Britney Mack, Vijai Rahim, Osmond Mack, Winston Stoby, Rudolph Blackman and Marino Jeffrey.

George finishes 6th at Pan American Games

O

lympian and 400 metres specialist, Winston George finished sixth at the 2015 edition of the Pan American Games on Thursday evening in Toronto, Canada.

George, who is known for his big performances, again gave it his all but came up short in his quest for world supremacy clocking a time of 45.58s for the sixth position.

George, who had the fourth best reaction time to the pistol, will definitely have some areas he can improve on in order to run fast-

Winston George

er, which he is more than capable of doing judging by his personal best and national

record of 45.31s.

However, even George’s best would have only been good enough for sixth, with the fifth-place athlete from Trinidad and Tobago, Jarrin Solomon clocking 45.20s.

Dominican Republic athlete Luguelin Santos won the event in a season best of 44.56s.

George’s run will bring to an end Guyana’s campaign in athletics at the Pan American Games, with him being the only athlete to make the final of an event.

(Treiston Joseph)

Grenville Felix Memorial cycle road race set for this weekend T

he second annual Grenville Felix Memorial 60-miler cycle road race will be staged this weekend.

The race is open to cyclists throughout the country. The riders are expected to pedal off from in front of the Felix residence at Canefield, East Canje, Berbice, proceed to Number 43 bridge before turning back to finish at its point of origin .

The first six finishers will receive prizes. Prizes will also be awarded to the first three juniors, first three females and the first three veterans. A total of 10 sprint point prizes will also be awarded.

The event is organised by the Flying Ace Cycle Club, and is being held in honour of the late engineer who passed away two years ago at the age of 96.

Felix, who was one of

Mario King

Neil Reece

Guyana’s first engineers, worked with Bookers and the Guyana Sugar Corporation in Guyana and in various parts of the world.

According to the race coordinator, Cycling Coach Randolph Roberts this year’s event is expected to be bigger.

The Grenville Felix Memorial Trophy is a lean

trophy and will be given to the first person who gets their name on it three times.

The race is being sponsored by the Felix family.

Andrew Hicks rode away with the first edition, with Neil Reece etching his name on the winner’s board on the second occasion. The defending champion is Mario King.

guyanatimesGY.com

friday, july 24, 2015

23

RHTY&SC honours top Berbice individuals and groups W

est Indies international cricketers Veerasammy Permaul and Tremayne Smartt copped the top two Berbice Sport Awards for 2014 when the cricket teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) hosted the third edition of the Gregory Gaskin Memorial Berbice Sport Awards.

The awards were presented at the St Francis Community Developers Training Centre on Friday last.

Permaul took home the Berbice Sportsman-of-theYear 2014, while Smartt won the Berbice Sportswoman award. Volleyball Coach Levi Nedd received the Berbice Sports Personalityof-the-Year Award 2014, while the Berbice Sports Organisation-of-the-Year Award was won by the Flying Ace Cycling Club of New Amsterdam.

Secretary/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the RHTY&SC, Hilbert Foster, in giving a review of the awards, stated that the Gregory Gaskin Berbice Sport Awards were organised on an annual basis by the Club in memory of the late CEO of Cops Security, and is sponsored by his widow Noreen Gaskin and Sentinel Security Inc. The main aims of the awards are to identify and honour outstanding Berbicians, who excel in sports and to provide positive role models for youths to emulate. Members of the general public and sports organisations are invited to submit nominations and then a panel of judges led by

Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine and Director of Sport, Christopher Jones pose with the awardees and officials of Sentinel Security Inc

veteran sports administers Gregory Rambarran and Foster selected the eventual winners after careful consideration.

Foster hailed the awardees for keeping Berbicians proud. The long-standing Secretary/ CEO urged them to uphold their high personal standards and to strive harder for more success.

The RHTY&SC, he stated, is quite passionate about recognising sporting heroes and makes sure that the awardees leave with a lifetime of memories, unlike other award shows.

Each awardee received a trophy, medal, framed Certificate of Excellence, collection of gifts and was treat-

ed to a special luncheon. The long-standing Secretary/ CEO also expressed gratitude to the management and staff of Sentinel Security Inc for their sponsorship of the programme.

Education Minister with responsibility for sport, youth and culture, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine and Director of Sport, Christopher Jones also spoke at the impressive presentation ceremony.

Jones praised the RHTY&SC for its outstanding service to Guyana and pledged his full support to the Club. Jones congratulated the awardees on being honoured and urged them to be role models to others, while Dr Roopnaraine, in a

GRFU extends condolences to family of deceased rugger

Dustin Crawford

T

he Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) expressed its sadness at the passing of one of its ruggers on Wednesday.

Dustin Crawford, an Under-19 player, was crushed to death by a truck at Agricola, Greater Georgetown on his way to have a tour of the Namilco Flour Mill.

Here is the text of the GRFU statement: The Guyana Rugby Football Union wishes to express its shock and regret on learning of the death of Guyanese rugby player Dustin Crawford, who died in a road accident on Wednesday, July 22.

The death of Crawford happened during the Union’s summer camp trip to the Guyana flour mill.

Dustin Crawford was an Under-19 player who, during his unfortunately short involvement with the Rugby Union, has not only made an inedible impression on his fellow colleagues but also to the sport in Guyana.

This young rugby player no doubt had great potential to one day become a leading sportsman in Guyana.

The Guyana Rugby Football Union takes this opportunity to express our condolences to the family, friends and teammates of Dustin Crawford.

The Union’s President, Peter Green, along with other members, is expected to visit the family of Crawford tomorrow to discuss funeral arrangements and to see how the Union can help.

scholarly and well-accepted feature address, hailed the RHTY&SC as a role model organisation, which needed to be emulated across Guyana.

The Minister stated that if there were 10 other clubs in Guyana like the RHTY&SC, the work of the Government would be made much easier. He spoke widely on the importance of education and discipline in the quest for success, and urged the youths in attendance to stay in school and obtain an education. He also congratu-

lated the four awardees and like his Director of Sport, pledged his full support to the RHTY&SC. Sentinel Security Inc Operating Manager Cedric Browne stated that his company was impressed with the work of the RHTY&SC and was pleased to be associated with the Gregory Gaskin Memorial Sports Awards. He pledged Sentinel Security Inc’s continued assistance to the Club. Browne also congratulated the four awardees and urged them to continue serving the county

of Berbice.

Permaul was recognised for his outstanding performance for Albion, Berbice, Guyana, the Guyana Amazon Warriors and the West Indies, while Smartt also had outstanding performances for Tucber Park, Berbice, Guyana and the West Indies.

The West Indies female pacer was also named among the top 20 bowlers in the world at both the 20/20 and 50-over level in 2014.

Nedd was recognised for his outstanding contribution to volleyball as coach for the GuySuCo Training Centre, Berbice and Guyana. The Sports Organisation-of-theYear Award was given to the Flying Ace Cycling Club for its role in keeping cycling alive in Berbice by organising numerous events.

The awards were coordinated by the cricket teams of the RHTY&SC, namely Farfan and Mendes Under-15, Bakewell Under-17 and Second Division, Pepsi Under-19 and Second Division, Metro Female and Gizmos and Gadgets Under-21 and First Division teams.

The RHTY&SC hosts a total of 15 award ceremony on an annual basis, including the ANSA McAL Award of Excellence, Tribute to Heroes, Tribute to Teachers, Tribute to Retired Teachers, Tribute to Retired Sports Role Models, Tribute to Head Teachers and Outstanding Students Award Scheme.

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

friday, july 24, 2015

Hero Caribbean Premier League 2015…

Brilliant Bravos inspire Red Steel to victory!

T

he pressure of knockout run-chase proved too great for the Jamaica Tallawahs who were beaten by the Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel by 27 runs in a tense match at the Queen’s Park Oval.

The Red Steel will now play Guyana Amazon Warriors for a place in the 2015 Hero CPL Final against defending champions the Barbados Tridents.

The Tallawahs collapsed from 97-2 in pursuit of 1526 to 125 all out with Red Steel captain Dwayne Bravo taking three wickets in the eighteenth over to finish with figures of 5-23.

The Tallawahs were provided with a strong start

by Chris Gayle who struck a typically belligerent innings of 30 at the top of the order. He was supported well by Mahela Jaywardene, Chadwick Walton and Jermaine Blackwood who all made double-figure scores, but none of them kicked on and when Blackwood fell with the score 97-2

double-figure score of the innings, returning 28. The Red Steel bowlers will take the headlines for their remarkable efforts at the

death but this match was setup by Darren Bravo and he was rewarded with man of the match. (CPL.com)

SCOREBOARD

Dwayne Bravo celebrates one of his five wickets to lead the Red Steel to victory

quite suddenly everything changed.

The runs dried up, the pressure built and when Andre Russell was dismissed in the 16th over he was the first of seven wickets to fall in 21 balls as the Tallawahs collapsed in a heap. Bravo will be the star for his five wickets but in reality all the Red Steel bowlers bowled well and deserve credit for keeping the pres-

sure on in a tight and nervy run-chase.

The Red Steel had the other Bravo, Darren, to thank that they scored as many as they did. Bravo’s 63 ball 86 not out helped rescue the home team from the mire of 18-3 having won the toss to end up with 152-6. A score that ultimately pressured the Tallwahs into mistakes.

Bravo has a wonder-

ful scoring range, capable of striking boundaries all around the wicket, and yet again he displayed that in a masterful innings that at first consolidated, then solidified and then attacked to move Red Steel through from weakness to strength in less than 15 overs.

Bravo hit six sixes and four fours and was only assisted by Jason Mohammad, who scored the only other

Trinidad & Tobago Red Steel innings (20 overs maximum) JH Kallis c Russell b Taylor 6 CS Delport b Santokie 1 Kamran Akmal† c 6 Jayawardene b Taylor DM Bravo not out 86 JN Mohammed c Bonner b Deonarine 28 DJ Bravo* c Lynn b Miller 5 KK Cooper c & b Russell 9 J Botha not out 1 Extras (lb 1, w 9) 10 Total (6 wickets; 20 overs) 152 Did not bat: DYA Davis, S Badree, SJ Benn Fall of wickets: 1-3, 2-7, 3-18, 4-98, 5-121, 6-137 Bowling: K Santokie 4-0-31-1, JE Taylor 4-0-28-2, AD Russell 4-0-30-1, N Deonarine 4-0-311, NO Miller 4-0-31-1.

Jamaica Tallawahs innings (target: 153 runs from 20 overs) CH Gayle* c & b Botha 30

DPMD Jayawardene c Kallis b Benn 16 CAK Walton† b Cooper 31 J Blackwood c sub (JPR Scantlebury-Searles) b DJ Bravo 23 AD Russell b DJ Bravo 6 3 CA Lynn b Cooper N Deonarine c Delport b DJ Bravo 5 NE Bonner b DJ Bravo 7 K Santokie c Delport b DJ Bravo 0 JE Taylor b Kallis 2 NO Miller not out 1 Extras (lb 1) 1 Total (all out; 19.3 overs) 125 Fall of wickets: 1-38, 2-66, 3-97, 4-106, 5-110, 6-111, 7-117, 8-122, 9-122, 10-125 Bowling: JH Kallis 2.3-0-17-1, DJ Bravo 4-0-23-5, J Botha 2-0-141, SJ Benn 3-1-29-1, S Badree 3-0-14-0, DYA Davis 1-0-6-0, KK Cooper 4-0-21-2.

Boyce/Jefford Classic ready to roll on August 15

By Treiston Joseph

T

he Boyce and Jefford Track and Field Classic has all logistics in place to pull off what might be the best edition of the tournament when it is hosted August 15-16 at the Mackenzie Sports Club Ground, Linden.

For the first time in the tournament’s history, the Government has joined the fray of supporters. Also for the first time, a Jamaican club – the Racers Track Club (Usain Bolt’s club) will participate at the event.

At the launching held on Thursday at the Sleep Inn Hotel, Co-Director of the event, Colin Boyce was optimistic about the sixth edition of the Championships.

“This year is a year with

a difference: Racers Track Club from Jamaica which is Usain Bolt’s club will be sending four athletes, we asked for the B class athletes so they can test you guys, and they are reasona-

ment of sport.

“The National Sports Commission (NSC) is committed to youth development and sports and I give my personal commitment that we will continue to be on

Manager Gavin Hope in attendance.

Inniss highlighted that he was happy that the organisers of the tournament “resisted the temptation” of moving the meet from

field meet.

“Hopefully, we can have athletes from all countries in the Caribbean coming here in the future, I view it as the most prestigious meet in the country,” Hope point-

From left: Co-Director Colin Boyce; Caribbean Airlines Corporate Sales Executive Dion Inniss; Director of Sport, Christopher Jones; Co-Director Edison Jefford; ANSA McAL’s Smalta Brand Manager Anjeta Hinds and Digicel Events and Sponsorship Manager Gavin Hope during the press conference (Treiston Joseph photo)

bly comparable to our guys.

“I suspect we have people here that can match strides with them and I’m positive they will not take away all the cash prizes,” Boyce commented.

Meanwhile, Director of Sport, Christopher Jones stressed the Government’s commitment to the develop-

board for the near future,” Jones said at the launching.

The corporate community was well represented as well with the likes of ANSA McAL’s Smalta Brand Manager Anjeta Hinds, Caribbean Airlines Corporate Sales Executive Dion Inniss and Digicel’s Events and Sponsorship

Linden to the synthetic facility in Lenora, West Coast Demerara, while Hinds noted that it was a “proud moment” to see the event “grow” and not “fade”.

Hope, who is a former national sprinter, highlighted his biggest dream for the event while dubbing it Guyana’s best track and

ed out.

In addition to Jamaica, the meet will have athletes coming from Trinidad, Grenada, Suriname and St Vincent and the Grenadines.

The four Jamaicans are DeAndrea Whithorne (100m); Seidatha Palmer (100, 200m); Nicholas Maitland (400m) and Keno

Burell (400m). Trinidad will feature Mark London and Tonya Nero, while the athlete from Grenada will be Kenisha Pascal.

Coming from St Vincent and the Grenadines will be George Hamilton, while the one Surinamese athlete will be Daniella Clarke.

The first-place prize will be $600,000, as some clubs have indicated that they will be merging while the second-place prize will be $400,000; third, $250,000 and fourth, $100,000.

The international events for men will be the 200m, 800m and the long jump, while for the females it will be the 200m, 1500m and the triple jump.

The champion athletes for males and females will receive $50,000 while two outstanding performances will be rewarded with a gold chain each.

Gate prizes are worth up to $30,000 in cash and gold chains will also be up for grabs when the event gets underway on the final day.

The event is expected to attract the best clubs in Guyana as well as some of Guyana’s top athletes.

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