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

Issue No. 2668

Thursday, November 5, 2015

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No new rice deal inked since PetroCaribe collapse

Fire destroys Rose Hall P2 house

Road carnage continues

Essequibo P10 businessman robbed again

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Page 17

– GRDB anxiously awaits new arrangements, markets

Teens killed in another Corentyne accident

Page 14

– 4 dead in 2 days

As crime spirals out of control

Gunmen terrorise Mahaicony businesswoman Page 2

– had been robbed, chopped in Feb

Policeman injured in Camp and Quamina Sts collision

P11

– cart off cash, jewellery

Bus drivers on self-bail for fighting P8 Seawall double suicide

Parents of victims puzzled at couple’s P17 deaths

Thousands pay last respects to Swami Vidyanandaji Page 12

... during emotional send-off Guyanese from all walks of life on Wednesday turned up at the Cove and John Ashram, East Coast Demerara to pay their last respects to a renowned spiritual leader, Swami Vidyanandaji during a moving, emotional funeral service and cremation exercise. In the photo from the left are former President Donald Ramotar and Mrs Deolatchmee Ramotar, Education, Culture and Youth Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine, former Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and his wife Seeta Nagamooto and others (Carl Croker photo)

PSC to Ramjattan:

Revoke antibusiness 2:00 am curfew Page 7

– Minister accused of discriminatory practices

APNU/AFC does u-turn on campaign promises…

No new, young blood appointed to key posts Page 9

… 60 is average age of most appointees

Suicide rate troubling – President Granger

…more needs to be done by Page Govt, NGOs 11

Over 3100 traffic violations caught on CCTV

P8

...all city streets to get cameras – Minister Ramjattan

Govt stymieing efforts to P14 operationalise Opposition Leader’s Office

2 news

thursday, november 5, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Gunmen terrorise Mahaicony businesswoman – cart off cash, jewellery

F

our armed men on Wednesday terrorised a Mahaicony businesswoman after which they carted off a large sum of cash and a quantity of jewellery.

The robbery occurred about 14:00h at the T Singh and Sons’ Super Centre, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara. Based on information received, the four men entered the Super Centre and requested a bottle of rum from one of the salesgirls.

As the young lady took them to select the rum, one of the men reportedly whipped out a handgun and held her at gunpoint, while the others ordered that no one make a move.

One of the men then approached the owner of the business, Lakranie Singh and demanded cash and jewellery.

She reportedly told the men that she did not have

The abandoned getaway car

money at home, but the men refused to believe her. As they continued with their demands, they started to assault the woman but she put up a fight.

During the scuffle, she was gun butted to the head and other parts of her body.

One of the men then threatened to shoot her if she did

not take them into the upper flat of the house and give them the money and jewellery. Out of fear, the women pleaded with them not to shoot and said that she was willing to cooperate.

The woman went into the upper flat of the house and handed over the money and a quantity of jewellery.

Not satisfied, two of the men reportedly ransacked the house, but came up emptyhanded. As they were about to leave, they demanded that Singh hand over the keys to her husband’s motor car.

She complied and did as they requested. They then relieved the staff of their mobile phones, personal cash and their bags. The men then left the store and drove off in the businessman’s vehicle. The Police were contacted and arrived promptly and gave chase.

During the high-speed chase, the bandits lost control of the vehicle bearing registration number PKK 3783 which ended up in a canal at Fairfield, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara. The men abandoned the vehicle and made good their escape into the farmlands.

Up to late Wednesday evening, the Police as well as residents in the area

T Singh and Sons’ Super Centre, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara

were combing the area for the men, who appeared to be in their early 30s. At the time of the robbery, the men were not wearing any masks.

This newspaper understands that residents found one of the bandits and beat him severally before handing him over to the police.

The alleged bandit was taken to the Mahaicony

Hospital where he is under police guard.

Over the past days, several persons have been robbed and terrorised by armed men.

Only recently, four men committed a brazen robbery on several money changers at America Street, Georgetown. No one was arrested and the gunmen escaped with millions in cash.

Fire destroys Rose Hall house

The house went up in flames quickly as fire fighters struggled to source water to extinguish the blaze

A

mid-morning fire at Rose Hall, Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) has left an 84-year-old woman and her son seeking alternative living arrangements after a kerosene oil stove flared up and the fire caught a window curtain which quickly spread.

Reports stated that at about 10:00h, 84-yrear-old Joyce Beaton was cooking when her kerosene oil stove flared up. Beaton shares the house with her 51-year-old son Nigel Beaton.

Beaten, had to be lifted out of the burning house by public spirited citizens, who rushed to her aid.

From all reports, the woman did not sustain any injuries.

However, by the time the fire tenders arrived at the scene, the two-storey wooden building was already engulfed in flames.

The fire fighters also had some difficulties tapping into a water source.

One unit from the

Rose Hall Town Fire Department responded but soon ran out of water. Efforts to source water from a nearby canal were unsuccessful as the canal was overgrown with vegetation and clogged with garbage. The unit had to make three trips to source water and return to the scene. Meanwhile, a unit from the Guyana Sugar Corporation’s Albion Estate also arrived on the scene to provide assistance.

In the meantime, residence formed a bucket brigade using water from over head thanks and individual reservoirs, which prevented other building from being burnt.

The Fire Service has launched an investigation into the entire incident.

Meanwhile, Guyana Fire Service Berbice Divisional Officer, Patrick Carmichael is advising persons to exercise more care and caution during this period which he called ‘the dry spell’.

news

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thursDay, November 5, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, November 5 – 13:30h-15:00h and Friday, November 6 – 14:00h-15:30h.

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, November 5 – 12:40h-14:10h and Friday, November 6 – 13:20h-14:50h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Weather: Heavy to light rain showers can be expected in the morning, while heavy rain showers with sunny weather can be expected in the afternoon. Clear to partly cloudy skies are expected in the evening.

Temperatures are expected to range between 25 degrees and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East to East North-easterly between 4.02 metres and 5.36 metres per second.

High Tide: 11:58h reaching a maximum height of 2.12 metres.

Low Tide: 05:18h and 17:56h reaching minimum heights of 1.07 metres and 1.12 metres respectively.

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

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Rice crisis

No new rice deal inked since PetroCaribe collapse – GRDB anxiously awaits new arrangements, markets

By Devina Samaroo

S

ince the collapse of the PetroCaribe deal with Venezuela in July, Guyana has not yet clinched a similar rice deal with any other country that would see local rice farmers exporting their rice at premium rates as they did with the “rice for oil deal” with the Spanishspeaking nation.

The historic rice deal was sealed by the previous People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government of President Bharrat Jagdeo with the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela of President Hugo Chávez several years ago, which saw Guyana receiving oil in exchange for rice at premium rates.

Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) Chairman Nizam Hassan told Guyana Times during an interview that such arrangements, like the PetroCaribe deal, usually developed at the higher levels of Government.

Making reference to the Guyana-Venezuela rice deal, Hassan explained that the arrangement was born out of discussions between the two Heads of Government – Presidents Jagdeo and Chávez and then thereafter, the GRDB facilitated the trade.

While not aware of any arrangements of similar nature to the PetroCaribe deal, Hassan said the GRDB would welcome any such initiatives as it would inevitably be of great benefit to the rice sector. Nevertheless, he noted too that although no other rice deal appeared likely in the near future, the GRDB continued to work to expand the rice exports of the local farmers.

Meanwhile, concerns have been raised on whether the Guyana Government intends to facilitate discussions with the Venezuelan Government to rescue the Venezuelan market either by initiating negotiations on renewing the PetroCaribe deal or forming another rice arrangement.

Former President Bharrat Jagdeo had hinted that this was possible and had, on many occasions, encouraged President David Granger to discuss with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro the possibility of resuming trade between the two nations, even

GRDB Chairman Nizam Hassan

amid the border controversy.

Venezuela has been by far the major market for Guyana’s rice and paddy, accounting for around 60 per cent of total exports in 2010. In 2014, exports to Venezuela accounted for approximately 38 per cent of total exports although the overall tonnage exported (150,000 tonnes of rice and 50,000 tonnes of paddy) far exceeded the 2013 export levels. Therefore, the loss of the Venezuelan rice market was indeed a significant blow to the rice farmers, the entire industry and by extension, the entire economy.

Under the PetroCaribe deal, Guyana was required to pay upfront a percentage of the cost of fuel acquired from Venezuela, with the balance, which was being placed in the PetroCaribe Fund at the Bank of Guyana, being treated as a loan repayable over 23 years, with a two-year grace period and two per cent interest. Each deposit into the Fund was treated as a loan to the country on the same concessionary terms. This resulted in Guyana being able to defer its payments, which were at concessionary rates, over a longer period of time.

How the deal collapsed

The PetroCaribe deal was coming to an end in November 2015. According to the previous Administration, almost every year, Government would have had to negotiate with the Venezuelan Administration to renew the PetroCaribe deal.

When the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Administration took office, it

embarked upon such negotiations to renew the rice deal; however, it did not work out in Guyana’s favour.

According to Finance Minister Winston Jordan, during the PetroCaribe Ministerial Council Meeting which was held in Venezuela in July, he was told by Guyana’s Ambassador that Venezuelan authorities indicated that they would not renew the agreement.

He noted that this was a result of the fact that Venezuela would be taking rice from Suriname and as such, did not require the large amount which was currently being sent from Guyana. It was never made clear whether Minister Jordan even broached the issue of a new contract for 2016.

At that time, the PetroCaribe deal was to remain functional until it expired in November but due to certain circumstances, Venezuela halted the rice deal even before it was slated to end.

Based on reports, Venezuela had halted rice imports from Guyana since July 11. This was later confirmed by the Finance Minister who conceded that this development posed many challenges for the rice farmers. However, Agriculture Minister Noel Holder explained that there was never any halting of shipments, but Guyana’s Ambassador to Venezuela told him that because Guyanese shippers were speeding up shipments, Venezuela wanted a slowdown for logistical purposes.

Speculation has since arisen over what prompted Venezuela to suddenly put an end to the PetroCaribe deal.

Guyana Times broke the story that while Guyana’s contract was not renewed, the US sold 150,000 tonnes of rice to Venezuela.

Future for farmers

Indeed, Venezuela paid the highest price for Guyana’s rice. In the last contract now being completed, Guyana received over US$200 per tonne over the world market prices. With the loss of this lucrative market, rice farmers grew concerned about their future.

Guyana Millers and Exporters Marketing Association Chairman, Dr Peter De Groot had asserted that the international prices

for rice were almost half the price Venezuela was offering Guyana and, therefore, if Guyana was forced to depend on alternative markets, the rice industry may very well suffer.

Agriculture Minister Noel Holder recently assured that there was “nothing to worry about” over the loss of the Venezuelan market. He was at the time announcing that Portugal and Panama would replace Venezuela as markets for Guyana’s rice.

However, former Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy accused the Minister of downplaying the importance of the Venezuelan market and chided the entire APNU/ AFC Administration for not making stronger attempts to revive the deal.

Further, he highlighted that Portugal and Panama could not possibly replace the Venezuelan market, since Guyana has already been exporting rice to those two nations.

Portugal, being one of the largest European importers of Guyana’s rice, has imported cargo rice from Guyana for a number of years. Dr Ramsammy highlighted that it was highly unlikely that in the existing trade arrangement of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) under which rice from developing countries enter freely into Europe can take up the extra 200,000 tonnes that Venezuela would not be taking from Guyana.

With respect to Panama, Dr Ramsammy disclosed that the small State has been buying small quantities of rice from Guyana – also for several years.

Therefore, Panama is not a new market and the former Minister is contending that it could not absorb the loss of the Venezuelan market.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo recently claimed he was securing a paddy contract with Mexico, but since the US has a tariff advantage of nine per cent on paddy and 20 per cent on rice, it is unlikely that Guyana can compete especially because of the additional shipping costs.

Mexico also has strict phyto-sanitary regulations that recently caused it to cancel a contract with Pakistan. (devinas@guyanatimesgy. com)

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guyanatimesgy.com

thursday, november 5, 2015

Views Editor(ag): Michael Younge 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

Rice as a political football

T

he news that the US rushed in to fill the shortfall in the rice imports of Venezuela occasioned by the latter’s interruption of shipments on the contract with our country must have come as a shock to many. However, this is simply an illustration on how the modern global trading system operates through a logic driven by countries weighing their economic interests and not reflexively reacting to political disputes.

The contretemps with Venezuela began after the new Government grounded the Venezuelan air carrier Conviasa Airlines in June due to an alleged non-payment of a bond to cover potentially stranded passengers. Forty passengers were stranded. Even though the airline had been flying for two years, it appeared that no bond had been demanded before. The carrier had only recently settled its landing and other ancillary fees. The Government then announced that Venezuela halted all shipments of rice and paddy on the 150,000 tonnes outstanding on the 200,000 tonne contract, which was not supposed to expire until the end of November.

Two hundred and seventy containers of rice were said to be stranded on wharves between Guyana and Venezuela.

All of this occurred against the background of Venezuela placing its border controversy with Guyana on the front burner once again after the US oil giant ExxonMobil struck oil off the Essequibo coast. Venezuela had issued a maritime decree purporting to claim most of the waters off the Essequibo, but later had to amend this. In the meantime, the new Guyana Government accepted the previous Administration’s decision to quit the United Nations Secretary General Good Officer process that was overseeing the Geneva Agreement on the border controversy and requested a “juridical” settlement.

This the Venezuelans refused.

The tit-for-tat increased its pace as Guyana took its case to the Caricom Heads of Government meeting in July and President David Granger’s statement that Guyana had to get rid of the “monkey on its back” – meaning the border controversy – was interpreted by President Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela as a “racist” insult against Venezuela. The Guyana Government accused the Venezuelans of using “economic pressure” to force concessions on the border controversy.

Finance Minister Winston Jordan and a team from the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) visited Caracas on the 15th Meeting of the Energy Ministerial Council of PetroCaribe, but never spoke to the Venezuelans directly and rather depended on “hints” from our Ambassador that the Venezuelans would not renew the contract. The Guyanese Agriculture Minister, however, by mid July admitted that Venezuela had never actually halted rice and paddy shipments, but simply had requested that the speeded up schedule by Guyana should be moderated for logistical reasons.

It was clear that there was no direct intervention by the Guyanese authorities in charge of our rice industry to make direct contact with the Venezuelans about the present contract and negotiating a possible future one for 2016. But from facts now gleaned, we can now see that Venezuela was not taking the increased tensions lightly. In addition to opening up negotiations with Suriname for a PetroCaribe rice/paddy deal – and clinching it by August – they started to purchase massive amounts of rice from the US. The US has made no secret of its displeasure with the socialist Government of Hugo Chávez and his successor Maduro, and it is documented that it has supported the Opposition in various efforts to effectuate “regime change”.

But through all of those actions, the US has worked assiduously to ensure that its economic interests in Venezuelan trade – oil, rice etc – were kept intact. In August and September while our Government refused to engage the Venezuelans in talks to keep the market that was giving us a US$200 premium for every tonne shipped, the US slipped in and delivered 150,000 tonnes of rice.

This newspaper believes that it is time that the Administration stop playing political football with rice, which had been one of the few bright spots on our economic horizon.

Living on solid foundation! This picture was taken, designed and edited by Guyana Times/Television Guyana Video Editor Shantanand Anude after a photo searching session

Unfair treatment from Housing Ministry Dear Editor, As a citizen of Guyana, I wish to bring to your attention the unfair treatment meted out by the Housing and Water Ministry. Since before the year 2003, my dad and his common-law wife applied for a plot of land at the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) and were allocated a plot situated at Lot No 35, Block 22 of Golden Grove Housing Scheme.

My dad, however, was notified by the Ministry that he will not be able to access the plot at No 35 Golden Grove, since the Government of that time was in the process of creating new Housing Schemes across the country. He was then further notified by the CH&PA that he would be able to access and process documents for a plot allocated at Lot 1731, Onderneeming, Phase 2, West Bank Demerara.

However, the relationship between my dad and his common-law wife was not that much on good terms. Eventually it led to their separation, where she deserted my dad and five children in the year 2007, leaving him to provide and at the same time take up the responsibility of “fathering” and “mothering” three girls and two boys. My dad, with this great vision of a “good life for his children”, decided to seek the help of the Housing Ministry to delete her name so that he can proceed with all necessary documents in order to approach the bank and commence construction of a home for his

children, because it is the first asset he would have ever possess and pass on to his children. Housing eventually turned him down and told him to go find her and bring her to sign the documents. He went on for two years, pleading and pleading with her to accompany him to sign whatever documents they had to sign.

The CH&PA sent him a letter after he had completed the full payment for the plot allocated, dated June 1, 2010 inviting him to Lot 41 Brickdam and United Nations Place to sign for the processing of the Agreement of Sale and to sign legal documents for the processing of the Certificate of Title. My dad decided to go, but was upset to be turned down because his wife did not accompany him. Eventually he decided to take an “AFFIDAVIT” requesting deletion of name, but was yet again turned down by Housing. My dad got frustrated, but did not mention a word of giving up. He continued pleading and pleading with his former common-law wife even though she was living with someone else and he also made an effort to publish a “Notice” in the Kaieteur News calling her to accompany him to sign the documents; but it was like throwing water on duck’s back. She also indicated to him that she has no interest in that plot of land and she’s not going to Housing for any documents.

My dad continued going to the Ministry of Housing and Water to see what they

can do for him and his children, but was continually turned down. Editor, don’t you think if that woman was in the position as my dad, the Ministry would’ve surely done something to give her access to her documents?

I then decided to accompany my dad to the Ministry of Housing and Water on November 3, 2015 and enquired what was really hindering the process, but it was the same old story of “you have to find her” or “else you will have to leave it just like that” or “you can commence building your house”. Editor, as a citizen and father with five children, don’t you think my dad should be given a fair chance of getting his documents without any hindrance. Don’t you think that the development of his children, which our Government termed youths of tomorrow, is being hindered by the action of the Housing and Water Ministry? Editor, with the absence of a Certificate of Title (transport), do you think an individual can access a loan from the bank to commence construction? An individual with five children and an income that can only sustain his/her daily sustenance cannot commence construction in this era.

I have recently learnt through an online news agency (iNEWS Guyana) dated November 2, 2015, that the Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Mr Keith Scott, are urging persons with house lots to start construction and has indicated that “no longer will the Ministry give ears

to those who cry that they have not taken up their lot, because these housing areas are without adequate infrastructure and supporting facilities and amenities”. I know what the Minister is saying is quite commendable and contributes to the development of communities in Guyana. The Minister further posited in the article that, “….people cannot just come to us, get a house lot and just stay back and say that they are waiting for everything to be 100 per cent”.

But, Editor, I would like the Minister to re-consider his thoughts and ponder on the causes and factors that hinder people from taking the opportunity of commencing construction and contribute to community development. The Minister should look at why so many people are not given access to documents due to the failure of one partner in honouring his/her duty when applying for a plot of land. I think the Minister should do something about it and help the other partner in getting their documents so that they can access loans and commence constructions.

The Minister should also ponder why people cannot commence construction because the process of getting a plot of land takes about five years and in order for them to commence building they need another five to eight years to save and accumulate finances. Building a house is no easy task!

Yours truly, Anthony Alleyne

guyanatimesgy.com

thursday, november 5, 2015

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You can send your letters with pictures to: Guyana Times, 238 Camp & Quamina Streets, Georgetown, Guyana or letters@guyanatimesgy.com

Let’s abolish corporal punishment Hindi largest Indian Dear Editor, There are many routes to Rome with some being safe and others dangerous. Naturally the safer routes are most travelled. Likewise, there are many ways to modify a child’s behaviour and corporal punishment shouldn’t be one of them. Corporal punishment is draconian, heinous and calamitous. It is physically and emotionally painful. We must get rid of it. The human rights law defines corporal punishment as “any punishment in which physical force is used and intended to cause some degree of pain or discomfort”. It is appalling that in this time of civilisation teachers and parents use it. As a culture, we believe that it is the instrument through which good behaviours are driven. This is dead wrong.

Scientific evidence is screaming loud and clear that it is bad. Yet we put up a fight against banning it. Why? We are a culture that follows tradition. We believe in the philosophy of “spare the rod and spoil the child” which is a myth and is erroneously used to defend its use. Obviously, we rely on tradition to make decisions.

This is not logical or rational.

Traditions yield inconsistent results and foundations built on sand.

Undoubtedly, our society rests on a foundation of sand because of our over-reliance on tradition. We need to immediately put the lights out on tradition and shine it on science.

Science yields reliable results and builds solid foundations. Therefore, we must listen to science and swiftly move to ban corporal punishment.

Overwhelming scientific evidence has enlightened us that corporal punishment is inherently riddled with disturbing drawbacks – it lowers self-esteem, it instils violence, it causes long-term psychological distress, it induces inferiority complex, it arouses anger, it brings on shame, it increases school dropouts, it causes children to run away from homes, it lowers academic performance and degrades the teaching profession, among a string of problems. Editor, make no mistake, it can drive children into suicide. Additionally, in my view, corporal punishment influenc-

es violence in our society. Children imitate what they see. It sends the wrong message that hurting others is acceptable. Naturally violence proliferates. It is responsible for the making of the immoral man, including domestic abusers. Surely, these lines of reasoning are reminiscent of the famous experimental findings on the Bobo doll. Psychologists have long shown that children imitate (model) aggressive behaviours. Surely, a ban is needed to curtail violence.

A worldwide push is in full swing to ban corporal punishment due to the gravity and enormity of problems associated with it. At least 42 countries, including all of Europe, have banned it. Also, at least 107 organisations are against its use, including the much respected American Psychology Association (APA); the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations (UN). So why are we still using it when there is no solid basis? It makes no sense whatsoever. It is causing lots of angst. Children deserve better.

Discipline can be achieved using gentler alternatives. From an evolutionary point of view, children like adults are mentally wired for survival. So instinctively they will run away from homes or drop out from schools if they are flogged to avoid pain. These are natural built-in mechanisms that enable survival. Corporal punishment undoubtedly plays with our emotions leaving children with lifelong mental trauma that hampers “normal” adult life. Do we ever wonder why dysfunction perpetuates in our society?

Corporal punishment may be one of the culprits driving it.

As we weigh in on whether to ban this form of discipline, at least two prominent figures will play significant roles deciding this issue – the Minister of Education and the President of the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU). Unfortunately, these individuals are sitting on opposite sides of the fence. Our Minister is calling for a ban, but the GTU President is contending the opposite. His belief is that corporal punishment is needed since there are no effective alternatives. Such disagreements are un-

surprising simply because we skirt around scientific thought. Fretting about this issue will not help. We need to take immediate action.

Today, effective alternatives to corporal punishment are used at least in countries that have banned it. They rely on dialogues to delve into underlying feelings causing undesired behaviours so as to ameliorate them.

Additionally, they rely on positive reinforcement (operant conditioning) strategies such as reward schemes to shape behaviours, instead of flogging.

Operant conditioning is a proven method of discipline with wide appeal. It’s been rigorously studied and widely used, and is highly effective. It is even famously used for the training of animals. Moreover, in places like Sweden, a generation of children hasn’t been flogged because approaches like these have successfully replaced corporal punishment. In spite of the fact that Sweden does not use corporal punishment, it does not have problems with unruly children like we do. Without a doubt, corporal punishment is of no benefit to us and it needs to go.

We can all agree that in spite of the fact that many teachers and parents are great people, there are bad eggs in the mix. I am sure we have all experienced parents and teachers who beat children unnecessarily.

This is cruel. I have witnessed my own sibling flogged by his teacher because he had a chronic cough. Every time he coughed, the teacher reached over and whacked him with her ‘wild’ cane. As we all know coughing is a reflex and so the teacher was beating a defenceless child in an impossible situation. So teachers are not saints. There are cruel, abusive, biased, irrational, illogical and insane teachers which we must not discount.

I have also witnessed children beaten by their parents to the extent that they pant for breath. It is our moral obligation to protect all children and if corporal punishment is around, then it is crystal clear that we are not doing our job. Corporal punishment must go.

Yours sincerely, Dr Cecil Dilip Kumar

language in America

Dear Editor, The US Census has reported that Hindi is the largest Indian language in the US among the 3.5 million Indians (Indo-Guyanese and other Indo-Caribbeans included) in the country. A larger number listen to Hindi music, even though Indo-Guyanese may not know Hindi, virtually all of them listen to Hindi songs. Hindi has been brought to the US by immigrants from Guyana, Trinidad, Suriname, Fiji, Mauritius, Africa and India. While not spoken at home as the primary language among Guyanese Americans, many of them, especially those who attend mandirs know the language well enough to comprehend it in reading, speaking and listening. Many others show an interest in the language. It comes in handy when they visit India or attend Bollywood-type shows in the US where the emcees often speak in Hindi.

While Hindi is not widely spoken in Guyana, many Guyanese are literate in Hindi (as well as Bhojpuri, the language of their fore-parents). Those who know the language and have migrated to the US seek to impart it to those with an interest. Many American-born children of Guyanese immigrants learn Hindi through private lessons at mandirs, and at universities where it is taught. Several mandirs provide free Hindi lessons. One public high school in New York City also offers Hindi as a foreign language; several Guyanese have enrolled in it.

One year of foreign language is mandatory for high school graduation in NYC as well as a college diploma (in Graduate Studies) with rare exceptions. Learning Hindi fulfils that requirement.

Census data reveals that some 60 million people in the

US speak a language other than English at home. Some 650,000 people speak Hindi at home.

Some 3.5 million or one per cent of the American population is of Indian descent. They have the highest average income in America.

The top foreign languages spoken in US homes are Spanish (more than 37.4 million speakers); Mandarin (2.9 million); Tagalogor Filipino (1.6 million); Vietnamese (1.4 million); French (1.3 million); Korean (1.1 million); German (1.1 million); Arabic (925,000); Russian (880,000); Hindi 650,000; Urdu (400,000); Gujarati (370,000), Bengali and Punjabi (250,000 each). There are also speakers of other Indian languages such as Telugu; Tamil (Madrasi); Marathi (Bombay); Kannada; Oriya; Assamese; Kashmiri; Bihari; Sindhi; Rajasthani and Munda, etc.

This is the most comprehensive data on languages spoken in the US with nearly all the languages of the world spoken in America, reflecting the varied ethnic groups in the country. There are also some 150 native languages spoken among the varied American tribes. Millions of Americans speak more than one language at home. More than a third of New Yorkers speak a language other than English at home. And close to 200 different languages are spoken in the city.

The census said that knowing the number of languages spoken at home and/or in a district, and how many speak these languages provides valuable information to policymakers, planners and researchers on addressing diversity concerns and social issues.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

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thursday, november 5, 2015

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BY ELLEN STURM NIZ

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s parents, we love our children so much we want to protect them, help them, and cultivate them into perfect, happy humans. Unfortunately, this overparenting has the opposite effect, leaving our children unready for the world and life as adults.

“We parents, we’re doing too much,” says Julie Lythcott-Haims, former Dean of freshmen at Stanford University and author of How to Raise an Adult: Break Free of the Overparenting Trap and Prepare Your Child for Success.” “We have the very best of intentions, but when we over-help, we deprive them of the chance to learn these really important things that it turns out they need to learn to be prepared to be out in the world of work, to get an apartment, to make their way through an unfamiliar town, to interact with adults who aren’t motivated by love.”

Now the mom of two high schoolers, LythcottHaims’ a-ha moment came in 2009 after telling parents at Stanford’s freshman orientation to let their children go and then coming home for dinner and cutting her then 10-year-old son’s meat.

“That’s when I got the connection,” she says.

“When do you stop cutting their meat? When do you stop looking both ways for them as they cross the

guyanatimesgy.com

Foundation street? These are all things that we’re doing to be helpful, protective and so on, but if you’ve sheltered your 18-year-old all the way up to 18 by doing all of those things, then they end up bewildered out in the world.

I realised this was why the Stanford freshman I was working with, however accomplished in the GPA and childhood resume sense, were reliant upon mom or dad to kind of do the ‘work’ of life.”

Are you ready to stop helicopter parenting and prepare your child for life as a young adult? LythcottHaims shares 12 basic life skills every child should know by high school:

man in high school has what it takes to pack their own lunch, make his own dinner, you know? The more they age, the more they should feel that, ‘Yeah, I’ve got this.’ There’s a competence, and there’s a confidence

pens? They’re late for breakfast; they’re late to school; and we drive them. All that teaches them is, ‘I’ll always be there to wake you up and drive you,’ which is not true.”

Lythcott-Haims recent-

3. Do laundry

When teaching teens basic chores like laundry, we have to be careful not to be snippy and make them feel bad about not knowing how to do it yet. “If they haven’t learned, it’s because we haven’t taught them,” she says, “so parents need to acknowledge [to their children] that they’ve been over-helping.”

Instead, show them the ropes, watch them do it themselves once to make sure they’ve got it, and then let them handle it on their own.

1. Make a meal

“By the time your child is in high school, they really ought to be able to do everything related to their own care, if they had to,” Lythcott-Haims says. “I’m not saying stop making dinner for your children, but I am saying you ought to have confidence that they could make breakfast for themselves, that they could make lunch.”

While most days you are going to be preparing their meals, you want them to be able to feed themselves if necessary. “When something happens, grandma gets sick and one parent’s got to rush across town to look after her and the other parent’s off at work, you want to know your fresh-

ues. “We feel the stakes are high, and therefore we must help, but the stakes are low in childhood compared to what they will be in college, and what they’ll really be in the world beyond.”

4. Pump gas

that comes when we build competence.”

2. Wake themselves up on time

“By the time your child is entering high school, you ought to have confidence they can wake themselves up and get themselves washed and dressed in clothing that’s clean,” Lythcott-Haims says. “I underscore this because too many of us are letting children off. We’re their alarm clock and then what hap-

ly heard from a colleague at a major university that a parent had installed a webcam in the dorm room of a freshman to wake the child up. “That’s a parenting fail,” she says. “We’ve gotten ourselves worked up into a frothy frenzy about grades and scores in high school, and further into college, and we sort of treat our child’s childhood as if every day, every quiz, every afternoon is a make or break moment for their future,” she contin-

“When they learn to drive, they better know how to pump gas, okay?”

Lythcott-Haims says. “I know of college students who have always had their parents fill their tank, whether at home in high school or even in college.

The parents just top off the tank whenever they come visit her. Well, one day a 20-year-old student is out driving around, and her tank is near empty. And she says, ‘Oh my gosh, I’ve got to get gas. I’ve never done that. But I’m smart, I can figure it out.’” Long story short: She accidentally puts diesel in the car because no

one ever taught her what to do. That’s an expensive and unnecessary lesson.

5. Pitch in

“Employers these days are saying, ‘Hey, wait a minute, what is it with these 20-somethings, they just want to be told exactly what to do, kind of stepby-step, and they want to be applauded for doing it,’” Lythcott-Haims says. “If we’ve just served them, if parents have just said their academics and activities are all that matter and we’ll take care of everything else, no chores and no helping out around the house, then they get out into the workplace and they don’t have that pitch-in mindset.”

“Children need to learn how to contribute for the betterment of the whole,” she says. “Maybe they have siblings and one is stressed out about something, and the other says, ‘I’ll do your chore for you. Because I see you’re stressed out and you need some help.’ That’s building a sense of it’s not just about me. I can do for others.”

6. Advocate for themselves

Most of us have heard the stories of the parents who are calling college professors to complain about their child’s grades, right?

News flash: This needs to stop in high school, too. “If you’re the one throughout high school who’s always got to be emailing the teacher, you basically are teaching your child, ‘You’re not competent, and I’m going to have to do it for you,’ which is terribly harming,” Lythcott-Haims says.

Instead, teach your child how to have a conversation with an authority figure and advocate for themselves. “So I’d say, ‘Look honey, I know you’re frustrated about this grade or you’re upset about that happening on the soccer team, or you don’t understand this information.

You need to be the one to go talk to your teacher respectfully and advocate for yourself.’” she says. “And if they look at you in horror, say, ‘You can do it; I know you can do it. Do you want to practice with me?’ The only way to teach them is to get out of their way and make them do it.”

Also, prepare them to listen well to what the other person is saying and understand it might not go their way. “Many times they won’t get the outcome they desire, and it’s ‘Well, ‘I tried.’ And they come home and they learn to cope with it, because not everything in life will go your way.” (www.parenting.com)

TO BE CONTINUED

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thursday, november 5, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

PSC to Ramjattan: Revoke anti-business 2:00 am curfew – Minister accused of discriminatory practices

By Devina Samaroo

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s initially predicted by those heavily involved in the entertainment industry, the 2:00 am curfew is severely impacting night businesses, with many bars and nightclubs being faced with the threat of closure and downsizing of operations.

Rescinding its initial posture, the Private Sector Commission (PSC) is now calling on the Government to revisit the 2:00am curfew imposed on bars and nightclubs located in the commercial districts and zones in the country, especially for those which comply with building codes that limit noise nuisance.

But Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan made it profoundly clear that he would not budge on his decision.

“It will not be done. It’s 2 o’clock. I might very well bring it forward to 12:00 am. Didn’t you hear today what drinking is causing and how many deaths it is causing...? You bother with them Private Sector people…,” he told media operatives after the launch of the National Road Safety Week on Wednesday.

But the PSC highlighted that there is no definitive study on the social impact of the later closure on crime and accidents, concluding that the verdict appears notional.

Additionally, considering the highly festive Christmas season ahead, along with the upcoming 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations, the PSC is at least asking that Government extends the 2:00 am decree to facilitate visitors.

“The PSC is, therefore, calling on the Minister of Public Security to rethink this strategy and its implications on business. We are strongly recommending that consideration be given for bars and nightclubs to be open until 4:00 am on Fridays, Saturdays and Public Holidays for those night clubs located in commercial districts and zones and those which comply with building codes that limit noise nuisance,” the Commission stated in a media release.

Discrimination

Meanwhile, it was observed that while some nightspots are forced to comply with the curfew, others are being allowed to open un-

hered to by some nightclubs.

He had noted that if the Government wanted to impose the 2:00am curfew, it must ensure the law enforcers ensure everyone complies.

The economy

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan

til at least 4:00 am.

It is alleged that the Minister and owners of these particular bars have struck a “deal” which allows them to continue operating beyond the 2:00 am curfew, thus creating an unfair playing field among competitors.

Partygoers have taken notice of this apparent “discrimination”, and insisted that the law enforcers look into the situation.

Businessman Jerry Bacchus, former owner of the Jerry’s restaurant franchise during an interview with Guyana Times, had expressed concern about the 2:00am curfew only being ad-

Even amid immense public outrage, Ramjattan announced the 2:00 am close-off time for bars and nightclubs across the country, citing the high rates of crime and road accidents as reasons for this decision.

However, the local entertainment industry protested this verdict, contending that the 2:00 am curfew would not curtail the country’s crime rate, but rather it would severely impact businesses and Guyana’s nightlife tourism in a negative way.

Owners and managers of popular nightspots, including Gravity and Buddy’s Entertainment Complex, are not the only ones concerned about Government’s approach to the economy.

Concerns have already been raised over Government’s general approach towards the economy and its manner in addressing the issues facing the economic sectors of the country especially rice and sugar.

10 entrepreneurs receive funding under EELP Programme – to support income-generating projects in rural areas

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en entrepreneurs residing in rural communities across the country Wednesday received funds to support economic projects under the Enhancing the Economic Livelihood of the Poor (EELP) Programme.

This event concluded the three-component project which was the subject of an agreement signed by Guyana and Chile in 2014. It aims to enhance the economic standing of the poor in Guyana, thereby further achieving the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) of eradicating extreme poverty and hunger.

In 2013, the United

Business Minister Dominic Gaskin in the presence of Chile’s Ambassador to Guyana, Claudio Rachel Rojas and United Nations representative, Reuben Robertson and beneficiaries of the Enhancing the Economic Livelihood of the Poor (EELP) project during the handing over ceremony at the Business Ministry on South Road

Nations Development Programme (UNDP) received a grant amounting to US$200,000 from the

Government of Chile through its trust fund for hunger and poverty for implementation of the EELP project in Guyana.

This plan was intended to enhance cooperation between the two countries.

Turn to page 11

Chairman of the Trade and Investment Committee of the PSC, Ramesh Dookhoo had contended that nightclubs and bars, particularly the high-end entertainment complexes, offer more than just a venue for alcohol consumption but an ideal environment for a family affair and these places were also world-class restaurants.

“People do not just go to these spots just to drink, they go for entertainment; it’s a whole experience,” he explained.

“Partygoers will still exit clubs highly intoxicated before 2:00 am and they can still contribute to road accidents, if that’s what the case may be. So it’s not a matter of what time the bar closes, it’s a matter of law enforcement.”

Furthermore, Dookhoo said many of these high-end businesses invested heavily in creating full-blown entertainment establishments with a projected return on investments based on the existing conditions and therefore, changing the game plan by putting a deadline on the operations of the businesses will negatively impact them.

In addition, he predicted that the curfew would act as a disincentive to tourists who would have, under previous circumstances, visited Guyana to enjoy the exhilarating nightlife these entertainment complexes were able to provide.

In fact, the owners of these clubs have provided their own security for patrons coming into and exiting their clubs. Dookhoo noted that the nightclubs have proved to be safe places of entertainment, but now they were being penalised, when in fact other sectors of society needed to fulfil their obligations to the community by offering proper protection to the citizenry.

Breach

Meanwhile, Ramjattan argued that the 2:00 am curfew was nothing new and was, in fact, a law which was constantly being breached.

According to the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Act, the Minister is required to set a close-off time for businesses operating with liquor licences and in fact, the stipulated time on those licences read 2:00 am.

Ramjattan had stated that should liquor stores, bars and nightclubs dare to breach the stipulated curfew, he would not hesitate to let the law take its course.

“It is a legal requirement under the licensing arrangement that they bring a halt to their activities at 2:00 am …There are sanctions in the law and there will also be the ultimate sanction where we will close, suspend or revoke the licence,” he asserted. (devinas@guyanatimesgy. com)

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thursday, november 5, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Over 3100 traffic violations caught on CCTV – all city streets to get cameras – Minister Ramjattan

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lose to 99 per cent of over 3100 traffic violators facing prosecution by the Guyana Police Force’s Traffic Department are violations caught on closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras.

This is according to Public Security Minister and Third Vice President, Khemraj Ramjattan.

Addressing the launch of road safety month at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, on Wednesday, Minister Ramjattan assured that the Ministry has been doing its best to ensure there is a reduction of these violations.

In this light, he revealed that the Ministry early this year commenced a new development, whereby the CCTV cameras around the city are being used to catch those committing traffic crimes.

According to Minister

Road safety is everyone’s responsibility

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan addressing the launch of road safety month at the ACICC

Ramjattan, to date, these cameras have captured over 3100 offences. He said that almost 99 per cent of these violators have pleaded guilty and are before the courts. “They are pleading guilty because they cannot get away from the fact that it is them on the cameras,” he said.

Road fatalities, however, remain high, the Minister noted, pointing out that this is because the CCTVs are only located in some streets in Georgetown. He noted that in light of this, the Ministry, as part of its long-term effort, will install CCTV cameras in all city streets.

During his short speech, the Minister also lauded the effort of the National Road Safety Council (NRSC) for pushing the agenda of road safety in Guyana. He noted that while the NRSC will do its parts with support from central government, road safety is everyone’s responsibility. He pointed out that to a large extent, the damage and the destruction that is caused by road accidents are as a result of that deficiency in individual responsibility.

“We are the sole cause of the road accidents around us and we have to be the cure of that disease,” he said.

The Public Security Minister noted that this responsibility has to be cultivated from a young age, and that the Education Ministry has a prime role to play in this regard.

Bus drivers on self-bail for fighting

T

hree bus drivers were on Wednesday released on self-bail

by Magistrate Alex Moore when they appeared at the

Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts cross-charged with unlawful and malicious wounding.

It is alleged that on

October 21 at Hadfield Street, Georgetown, Mugabe Hunte and Odinga Hunte, who are brothers, unlawfully and maliciously wounded

Carl Bacchus, the Virtual Complainant (VC).

Additionally, Bacchus was slapped with a charge of unlawful and malicious wounding.

Police Prosecutor Gillian Simmons revealed that the three individuals have been known to each other for the past three years and on the day of the incident had a fight.

The parties requested that the matter be put on trial as they wanted a “peaceful” resolution to the incident.

The case will continue on November 30.

Robbery accused remanded

A

South Ruimveldt man was on Wednesday remanded to prison

by Magistrate Alex Moore when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged with aggravated robbery.

It is alleged that on November 1, 2015 at South Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Shawn DeSantos, while in the company of others, robbed Debra Grayvan of $2000.

The court was informed that investigations are still ongoing in the matter since Police are still in pursuit of several other persons in connection with the incident.

In light of this, the Magistrate remanded DeSantos to prison.

The case will continue on November 30.

Eyew tness Killing the patient…

O

…and not even curing him

k…your Eyewitness’ got it. A new Government comes into office and want to show they’re different. So they make changes as to how things are done, no?

No. At least not this Government. The only change they make is (to paraphrase the words of respected social activist Andaiye) appoint some geriatric men of a certain ethnic orientation – no women, please! – into big offices. And then – NOTHING. No, that’s not exactly true. They then launched two initiatives that really MADE them do nothing. They first gave themselves some humongous raises (to compensate for some deficiencies in other areas?). And that led to the problem when fellas without even the proverbial pot to “soo soo” in, suddenly get money – or even THINK they’re getting money – they become transformed.

They might’ve been the most energetic of men…the most enterprising…with the most vision and what not… but when that money’s in the offing, the ONE thing that dominates their mind is HOW DO I SPEND THIS MONEY? Or WHO’S AFTER MY MONEY? Or how do I pay NO taxes on this money? All their best laid plans they might’ve had all are thrown out of the window!

And the second thing they did – since they had to SHOW they were doing something – was to unleash a never-ending stream of Commissions of Inquiry, audits and inspections.

When asked what they were doing about this or that problem, these “quality” people drawing mega-salaries could – with a straight face – say “Oh! We’re investigating that” or “We inquiring into this!”

They’d learnt well from the British whose motto was: When the natives are restless, send down a Royal Commission and let them “present evidence”. Public Servants didn’t get enough of a raise? Set up a Commission!! Things not regular with sugar? Bigger Commission! Why can’t we sell the Marriott? Audit them! Cars missing? Investigate them! And for variety, of course, there’s always “Fire them!!”’

But as we all learnt when we were in Nursery School when Miss was “inquiring” as to who punched Billy on the nose – the rest of us could just do what we wanted. Meaning nothing. Later in college they said “Too much analysis leads to paralysis”! And that’s the story right now. The Government’s so busy inquiring and auditing and investigating, the job of Government has ground to a halt.

By the time they find out what’s wrong with Guyana (the patient), it’ll be dead and buried.

But then all the fellas employed to do the Inquiries, audits and investigations will now have the Government’s problem: “How the heck do we spend all the money we charged the Government?

…with the golden egg

More than 90 per cent of the money Government collects as taxes to run the country comes from the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA). You’re talking about $140 billion or so. That’s not small change. So in the spate of the Inquiries and audits and investigations, the GRA wasn’t spared. Some folks were sent on leave…some were fired and some were left to squeal on others.

Well, the audit came in…and guess what? Rather than taking action to have the GRA get on with the business of collecting more of those taxes to keep the wheels of Government moving from its stuck position, guess what?

The “quality” people just decided to order an audit to audit the audit they just received. And as a vote of confidence in the local auditing profession, the “quality” worthies have decided to hire some “quality “auditors from foreign. And how does your humble Eyewitnesss KNOW these foreign auditors are “quality”?

Why from their salaries of course!

They’ll make Nagamootoo’s $100 million Land Cruiser look like small change.

…in different ways

Before the election, Prezzie said he’ll close the sugar industry. New partner Nagamootoo said that didn’t sound right to get those Berbice votes. So now the CoI’s going to say it.

Makes all the difference, doesn’t it?

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

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thursday, november 5, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

APNU/AFC does U-turn on campaign promises

No new, young blood appointed to key posts … 60 is average age of most appointees

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s youths continue to feel side-lined with respect to their roles and involvement in the decision-making process of Guyana, Government is still to add ‘young blood’ to its leadership.

An examination of Cabinet members and recently appointed Regional Executive Officers (REO) has put the average age of the leadership of Guyana at 60.

This is despite the fact that 60 per cent of the voters at the May 2015 General and Regional Election were between the ages of 18 to 35. During the election campaign 2015, the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC)

are yet to see this promise realise. An examination of the recent handpicked REOs shows that Rupert Hopkinson (Region Two – Pomeroon-Supenaam) is 60, Dennis Jaikaran (Region Three – Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) is 55, and Veerasammy Ramayya (Region Six – East Berbice-Corentyne) is 68.

Hopkinson is the son of the first Regional Chairman of Region Two Kenneth “Baggie” Hopkinson who was appointed by the then People’s National Congress (PNC).

Jaikaran (Sr) is a member of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) now APNU, and was in

boasted on its intent to have youth involvement in its leadership once its wins the election.

However, having taken office, the youths of Guyana have been left dumbfounded, as there

fact a pallbearer at the funeral of former President Hugh Desmond Hoyte.

Ramayya is an Executive member of the AFC. Late August, Ramayya had threatened resignation from the AFC

after he was not given a substantial Government job after the APNU/AFC took office.

With respect to the Cabinet, President David Granger is 70; Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo is 67; Khemraj Rmajattan, 54; Ronald Bulkan, 57; Basil Williams, 61; Noel Holder, 70; Amna Ally, 60; Winston Felix, 62; Dr Rupert Roopnaraine, 72; Carl Greenidge, 66; Dr George Norton, 58; Sydney Allicock, 60; Keith Scott, 73; Winston Jordon, 62; Valerie Garrido-Lowe, 55; Cathy Hughes, 52; Dominic Gaskin, 52; Karen Cummings, 52; and David Patterson is 50.

After taking office, the Administration replaced a number of Heads of Agencies, Board of Directors and also established several Commission of Inquiries (CoI), hand selecting those who are now governing those bodies.

Most notably is Chairman of the Central Housing and Planning Authority, Hamilton Green, 80; Head of the State Asset Recovery Unit (SARU) Dr Clive Thomas, 77; Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), Dr Richard Van WestCharles, 66 and former CEO and current Director on the Guyana Sugar Corporation’s Board, Errol Hanoman who is 68.

James Bond, Christopher Jones and Trevor Williams; all of whom served the APNU and AFC during the 10th Parliament, led the APNU/AFC youth rallies and campaign.

As a matter of fact, the now ousted James Bond, who campaigned feverously for youth support to bring the APNU/AFC into Government, has since de-

cried the non-involvement of youths in the leadership of Guyana. Bond criticised the David Granger led-Administration saying that he was disappointed with the composition of the APNU/AFC members for the 11th Parliament, adding that more youth should have been involved, given the fact that they played a major role, not only during the campaign but to place the APNU/AFC into Government.

During Budget presentation 2015, People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), Charles Ramson

Jr, condemned the APNU/ AFC Government saying that they “rode the wave of youth to the seat of power” but discarded the youths once they gained office.

He further criticised the Government’s decision to absolve the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry into the “Ministry of Education with a Department of Culture, Youth and Sport.”

The Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO) has also joined in the call for Government to show respect to young people by including them in all levels of decision-making that

will affect their livelihoods and the future of the country which youths will inherent.

There is no doubt that under the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) rule, there were a few persons over 60 in key positions. However, these were limited in number, with a range of younger persons also in leadership. Those over 60 were Dr Roger Luncheon, 66; Gail Teixeira, 63; Clement Rohee, 65 and former President Donald Ramotar, 65.

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thursday, november 5, 2015

News

RPA distances itself from “Fake Seed Paddy” scandal T

he Guyana Rice Producers Association (RPA) is making it clear that the issue of “fake seed paddy” is in no way related to its operations, contrary to what was insinuated by Agriculture Minister Noel Holder.

Holder, during an interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA), noted that the “fake seed paddies” are being stored in a bond facility owned and operated by the RPA. But RPA General Secretary Dharamkumar Seeraj denounced those statements, noting that the Minister was trying to suggest that the issue was linked to the Association.

“For people to link fake seed paddy to RPA facility is really a bad thing,” Seeraj stated during a press conference at Freedom House, Robb Street on Wednesday.

First of all, Seeraj ex-

plained that the jargon being used “fake seed paddy” implies that the paddy is being manufactured; which is far from the truth.

“I have been dealing with seed paddies all my life and I have never heard the term “fake seed paddy”, it is not a jargon that is used in the industry. You do not manufacture seed paddy, you grow it… you do not go in a plant to make one that is real and then make one that is fake,” he clarified. Seeraj said the term “fake seed paddies” is being used to refer to inferior quality paddies, which is a result of bad storage.

However, he insisted that the issue of storage is not linked to the RPA. The Chairman further explained that farmers purchase the paddies from the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB). Thereafter, the GRDB would send off shipments of paddies to

RPA General Secretary Dharamkumar Seeraj

the various regions. When the paddies arrive at the Supenaam Stelling in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), Seeraj insisted that the paddies are immediately distributed to the farmers in the region and are hardly ever stored in the bond.

“Hardly likely the paddy stays in a bond… If the farmer is unavailable to collect the paddy at the time of unloading, it is then stored in the bond for 12 hours/overnight and then the farmer would collect it the next day or the truck could go deliver it,” Seeraj said.

Therefore, Seeraj made it clear that the issue of inferior paddies cannot be blamed upon the RPA. Meanwhile, amid media reports of farmers expressing concerns over “fake seed paddies”, the GRDB immediately launched an investigation into the matter.

The Agriculture Minister had noted that reports

of this nature only surfaced in Region Two and not from the other rice-producing regions like Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara); Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica); Region Five (MahaicaBerbice) and Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

He pointed out too that the bond where the seed paddy is stored in Region Two is owned by the Rice Producers Association (RPA).

The Minister further stated that the GRDB discovered from its investigation thus far that the RPA contracted farmers to produce and distribute seed paddy.

The investigation also revealed that the quality of the seed paddy, which was produced by the GRDB Rice Research and Extension Station in Burma, Mahaicony, was not the same as was being distributed to farmers after it was collected from the station.

This has raised several questions within the GRDB since it is suspected to have been happening for some time now.

Moreover, the investigation will continue into these reports and the findings will be made public subsequently. (devinas@guyanatimesgy.com)

Essequibo businessman robbed again – had been robbed, chopped in Feb

BY INDRAWATTIE NATRAM

T

hieves on Wednesday morning pounced on an Essequibo businessman and carted away a large amount of groceries from the man’s bond.

Reports are that businessman Asif Khan Haniff of Zorg Village, Essequibo Coast who operates a wholesale facility, heard a strange sound in his yard and his dogs began barking at about 00:30h on Wednesday morning. This prompted the businessman to look through his window, and as he did, he saw several masked men in his yard. This is the second time for the year Haniff has being robbed.

The businessman told Guyana Times that when he peered through his window, one of the men saw him and pointed a gun at him and shouted “shut up”.

According to the businessman, he feared for his life and that of his family and so he moved from the window and called the Police. He said when he called the Police, he was told that the patrol squad was at Charity and that he was to remain vigil.

The businessman told this newspaper that as he waited for the Police, the men loaded a large number of items from his storage bond, including bags of potatoes, bales of toilet paper,

The bicycle that was left behind by the thieves

boxes of butter among other items.

“We screamed till we get hoarse for help, the vision of our last robbery was coming back to us vividly, we wanted help,” the businessman related.

He told Guyana Times that an hour later, the Police still did not arrive and the men had left by then. He said that after the men left, he went to the Suddie Police Station and reported the incident.

According to the businessman, the thieves left a blue bicycle behind. He related that the Police visited the scene and launched an investigation. One person was arrested and is assisting Police with their investigation.

Haniff told this publication that several years ago,

he applied for a firearm licence but that application is still pending. He said that his family continues to live in fear as this is the second time this year they have lived through this horrid ordeal.

On February 10, Haniff along with his wife Bibi Shaneeza Khan were brutalised by four masked bandits. The men brazenly entered their home and beat them. During that incident, the businessman was chopped. On that instance, the bandits managed to carted away $250,000 cash, phone cards, jewellery and groceries before escaping.

Only recently, on October 24, Bhesham Seepersaud, of Zorg Public Road, a Sale Agent attached to Edward B Beharry Group of Companies, was robbed by bandits.

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News

Suicide rate troubling Policeman injured in Camp and Quamina Sts collision – President Granger …more needs to be done by Govt, NGOs

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s suicide continues to rock Guyana, President David Granger said he was very concerned that many persons were resorting to such action.

The most recent act of suicide on the East Coast of Demerara on Monday rocked the country, when two teenagers chose to end their lives by consuming a poisonous substance on the Kingston Seawall.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, President Granger said he was very much concerned at the rate at which the social malady was taking over the country, particularly among the youth.

“It is very troubling that many young people are resorting so easily to suicide.

Studies have been done recently in Mibicuri and it is a very difficult problem to overcome because it is a personal response,” the President said.

According to him, from the outlook of these incidents, the persons making the choice to take their lives “are not poor people who are at a dead end because of poverty”. Some of these persons, he said, seem to be living comfortable lives so “something else has to be going on”.

President David Granger

Granger said, “Something else must be going on indeed since happy people do not kill themselves.”

He said more needed to be done by both Government and local organisations, as there were many factors that were leading persons to commit suicide.

Asked if there was a plan to deal with the soaring suicide rate, the Head of State said, “You can’t have a plan to prevent suicide in all cases. It is not a matter of removing them from the chemical they use, because if you want to kill yourself, you jump off the Harbour Bridge and we cannot move the Harbour Bridge.”

He said many persons

used pesticides as a means of suicide, while others used other methods, but the idea was to get to the cause of such acts.

The President said he could not say he had all the answers, but what he knew for sure was that the local suicide rate was the highest in the hemisphere. He said it was a public health issue and Government was working on it through the Public Health Ministry.

On Monday, the bodies of 19-year-old Kavita Ackloo and her 18-year-old boyfriend Ramesh Beharry were discovered on the Kingston Seawall by joggers about 17:00h. They were found lying close to each other.

Meanwhile, Guyana Times understands that the suicide hotline set up by the Guyana Police Force remained in operation and according to Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud, lives were being saved every day.

“The suicide hotline is in operation. I know that there were several calls made and I also know that no one that called has committed suicide,” he said.

The suicide hotline numbers are 223-0001, 223-0009, 600-7896 and 623-4444.

10 entrepreneurs receive...

The first module is to support policy options of reducing poverty, while the second is intended to support cottage and linkage industries in select rural communities. The third component seeks to identify and enhance alternative coping strategies for the poor.

Of the 42 applications that were received by the Business Ministry, 10 were approved. The beneficiaries are: Violet Pierre, of Sisters Village, who is involved in aquaculture; Liselle Somwaru of Bagotville, poultry rearing; Zoey Williams of Nismes, poultry rearing ; Sherene Neils of Linden, wholesale fish and meat; Christopher Seunarine of Bath Settlement – cash crop farming, Lokesh Gopee of Cotton Tree, Berbice, a plant shop; Kelvin Sewlall also of Bath Settlement, cash crops; Richard Lewis of Mocha, a plantain and banana farm; Rohini Mangar of Cotton Field, Essequibo Coast, farming different varieties of bananas; and Loretta Culley of Nabaclis, poultry farming.

Business Minister Dominic Gaskin presented the cheques to the beneficiaries in the presence of Chile’s Ambassador to Guyana,

Claudio Rachel Rojas and United Nations representative, Reuben Robertson.

Robertson explained that the project was expected to contribute to Guyana’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals One and Two, which emphasise the ending of poverty in all its forms – ending hunger, achieving food security, and improving nutrition and sustainable agriculture.

The beneficiaries comprise entrepreneurs, who, if supported, could generate self-employment and micro enterprises, Robertson revealed. He noted that emphasis was placed on disadvantaged women, unemployed and underemployed youths and graduate apprentices. It is envisaged that the grants will improve the livelihoods of the beneficiaries, and increase household incomes for them and their dependants.

Training

The beneficiaries were also exposed to training and were required to provide a plan for their individual projects. While congratulating the entrepreneurs, Minister Gaskin urged them to stick to their respective

from page 7

business plans and make full use of the training they accessed.

Access to financing is a critical part of developing any business and has been identified as one of the major challenges facing most small and microenterprises, Minister Gaskin noted.

“You have been given an opportunity that most micro and small businesses will never have, and I want to urge you to spare no effort in developing your businesses into successful models so that we can showcase this project to other international partners as a viable measure for achieving poverty reduction and rural economic development,” the Minister stressed.

The Business Minister also acknowledged the partnership between Guyana and Chile, and expressed gratitude to the Chilean Government for considering Guyana for such an essential project.

The Chilean Ambassador noted that the project offers economic opportunities that will ultimately enhance the livelihood of persons, communities and by extension the country.

A

n Officer of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) sustained minor injuries about his body following an accident at the calamityprone junction of Camp and Quamina Streets.

The accident occurred amid rush-hour traffic about 16:45h on Wednesday.

The injured Police Officer, Andy Bisessar is also a University of Guyana (UG) student.

According to curious onlookers, who immediately converged on the scene upon hearing the sound of the crash, the injured man was travelling on motorcycle CH 5967 south along Camp Street when he collided with a motor car that was travelling west along Quamina Street.

The collision caused the motorbike to slide into a motor car, PJJ 3961, which was parked along Camp Street and its rider to be tossed onto the grassy verge of the Camp

The collision caused the motorbike to slam into another motor car, PJJ 3961

Street Avenue. The vehicle which had collided with the motorbike reportedly fled the scene.

Eyewitnesses rendered immediate assistance to the injured police officer as he lay writhing in pain. They lifted him into a vehicle, and transported him to a private city hospital for medical treatment. Bisessar sustained injuries to his head, arms and

legs.

According to some onlookers, the Police Officer appeared to be the one in the wrong since the car he collided with was already crossing the junction when the motorbike approached. But others argued that the Police Officer had the right of way; therefore, the car driver should have slowed down and allowed him to pass.

12 news Thousands pay last respects to Swami Vidyanandaji thursday, november 5, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

... during emotional send-off

BY KRISTEN MACKLINGAM

T

housands of Hindu devotees, scores of prominent figures in society, members of the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government and the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) turned

love for each other, when we come on this earth we know that there is a cycle of birth and death but it is the message that we leave on our departure that remains most important and I believe that the many of you who sit here today [Wednesday] and the many of you who are not here today will continue to

significant and important contributions of the development of society…,” the former Head of State declared.

He posited that the late Swami had fought for the equality of religion in Guyana when there was a period in which those who were not of the Christian faith could not have secured

A section of the gathering at the cremation service

Devotees viewing Swami Vidyanandaji before his cremation

up at the Cove and John Ashram to pay their final respects to the renowned spiritual leader Swami Vidyanandaji, where he was cremated on Wednesday.

President of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, Dr Vindiya Persaud, told the gathering that she was very humbled to be asked to say a few words on a man who has touched the lives of many and inspired many young fertile minds as he advocated the powerful message of education.

follow in the footsteps of a man whose life displayed humility, simplicity and inclusivity,” she said.

Former President Donald Ramotar, in his address stated that those gathered at the Ashram had gone there for two purposes; to mourn the passing of the late Swami and also to celebrate his life contributions which he made during his lifetime.

He emphasised that the Swami started his journey from extremely humble

jobs in the teaching, nursing and other public service professions.

“All of that has changed substantially and he made an important contribution where he didn’t have to deny who he was to promote the equality of religion in our society. Today there are ominous signs in our society, things that can take us backwards...and we must use the example of the life of Swami to inspire us to ensure that we do not have a reversal of those gains that we have made in this society and in that way we will be making a contribution to perpetuating his life. His work that is left here with us today and to ensure that the efforts that he made will not go in vain,” Ramotar added.

Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Venkatachalam

not only those in his country but in other parts of the world as well.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo told those attending the crematoria service that although the spiritual leader was no longer alive, he will be born again in memories, in every student who has seen the light of knowledge and who has seen the light of spirituality and learning.

“He has given to us that touch that says we are not simply human, we are human beings with a consciousness that tells us that life is much more than material things, mansions and cars and palaces. And he had lived a life not of ostentatiousness, he has lived a life of simplicity and service without expectation of rewards… And when Sase Kowlessar, then Minister, invited me to come to the ashram on one of those occasions of Maha Shiv Ratri, it was a great delight that I met the person for whom I had great admiration… and when I came again when the lotus temple was open and so on that occasion I felt the touch of his holiness when

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo sigining the book of condolences

“We live in a country where like so many around the world, we face many challenges… but it is moments when we engage in spiritual pursuits and we surround ourselves with those who have good teachings, learning and wisdoms that we understand that our purpose in life.

Swamiji’s legacy is a positive one, is a clear one that our people must remain educated, that our young people must be given all of the skills to develop their true and full potential and that we must continue to foster understanding, respect and

backgrounds but elevated himself and as such persons in the country who wish to seek self development can use his life as an example.

“But he also made a wider contribution to the development of our country and we have advanced but I believe so far that a lot of the things today are being taken for granted… When he was in his early period he helped to fight for the recognition of Hinduism, he had to fight to have the equality of religion in our country.

But more than that he made an enormous contribution to the education field as well….

Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine sigining the book of condolences

Mahalingam, in his tribute stated that he, like the rest of the country, has great respect for the late Swami and is sure that God will bless him because he has served

he asked me to sit beside him, not at his feet, he asked me to sit beside him and he knew that I was troubled then and I believe that leaving him that day I became

firmer, I became resolved that there was nothing that I couldn’t overcome if I decided that I should put my mind to the task of service, selflessly and without rewards,” the Prime Minister said.

He related that during his recent trip to Mexico it was his “obsession” to secure funding for something that was “lofty… something more

the relatives of the swamiji, all those who have followed his example…,” he added.

Meanwhile, Former Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, recalled the early days when he had met with the spiritual leader, describing him as a religious man who was peaceful, humble and lived a simple lifestyle while contributing to the development of Guyana.

Devotees of the late Swami Vidyanandaji at his cremation

intangible, stronger, more powerful, imperishable.”

As such, he requested from the Spanish nation funding for the construction and establishment of a creative arts institute.

“I asked the authorities in Mexico if they could fund the building of an institute of fine or creative arts where you could have simultaneously the teaching of dancing, music, you could teach sculpture, you could teach languages; that they are all part and parcel of what is missing in our life. The finer side of our life, the creative side of our life, it would enhance our spirituality, it would make us perfect… and harmonise us with who we ought to be, not labourers alone but to tap the better angels of our souls and to become creative and to be whole as human beings. I pay this tribute today to all

According to Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine, he met the late Swami when he had visited the Ashram years ago to create a film based on Shivratri.

“I want to say a little bit about what sitting with him, and talking to him meant.

When I had finished my film on Shivratri I called it an experience of belief and by that I meant to say not only what the film was demonstrating was the experience of Hindus, but also about my own experience of their belief. And the swami was extremely generous in his conversations with me. He knew that I was a skeptic to say the very least and he did not try to persuade me … but we sat there and emanated the kind of peace and sense of self,” the Education Minister said. (kristenm@ guyanatimesgy.com)

news

13

thursday, november 5, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Bureau of Statistics to occupy Customs House after renovation – contract signed

T

he Bureau of Statistics’ new headquarters will be the former Customs House, Main Street, Georgetown, and officials on Wednesday signed a contract for the building’s renovation.

Chief Statistician Lennox Benjamin and Aubrey Changlee, Managing and Technical Director of the contracted firm, Project Design and Construction Incorporated, signed the contract at the Bureau’s current office on High Street, Kingston.

The contract totalling $118.9 million is expected to be completed within six months and entails altercation and renovation of the Customs House to facilitate the operations of the Bureau.

Benjamin noted that provision was made by Government to have a permanent headquarters for the country’s central statis-

tical office. He pointed out that the Bureau has been established since 1987, but this was the first time it would have a permanent home.

The Chief Statistician said he was confident that the works that were about to commence would be of the highest quality and would be completed in the expected timeline.

In his remarks, Changlee stated that the firm would be putting its best foot forward in completing the project, and doing quality work.

Benjamin noted that the Bureau of Statistics would be lending material support in the supervision of the process.

The functions of the Bureau, which have since 1965 become systemised, are set out in Section 4 (1) of the Bureau of Statistics Act No 25 of 1991 and the Statistical Bureau Act Chap 19.09.

Chief Statistician Lennox Benjamin (centre); Managing and Technical Director of Project Design and Construction Inc, Aubrey Changlee (third left) and other senior members of the Bureau of Statistics following the contract signing

It is responsible for conducting censuses; collecting, compiling, analysing and publishing socio-economic and other statistical data; coordinating with other Government departments

Public Infrastructure Ministry reviewing measures to limit overtopping during high tide

T

he Public Infrastructure Ministry’s Works Services Group said it would continue to develop and implement plans and ideas that would make sea and river defence structures more resilient to overtopping during high tides.

In recent months when Guyana experienced high tides, there was overtopping of the sea and river defence structures in Georgetown, especially between Camp Street and Vlissengen Road and along the Rupert Craig Highway at the University of Guyana.

Works Services Group Coordinator Geoffrey Vaughn told the Government Information Agency (GINA), “The sea and river defence division has done its analysis and will be intervening in terms of using interventions to actually prevent the amount of overtopping that we’re having in those areas.”

He added that one of the methods being reviewed for use was the construction of a break water structure which could be constructed seawards. This would be an

Works Services Group Coordinator Geoffrey Vaughn

addition to other structures being used at present to prevent overtopping.

“There are structures used to prevent overtopping, but they form part of the various types of interventions that can be used…”

Vaughn explained.

While the cost of laying a single rip-rap structure stands at approximately US$2500, it is much cheaper than constructing one vertical wall which would cost approximately US$4000.

“We have to weigh all those possibilities, but we

have been doing the analysis and have been coming up with ways and means in which we can basically say we will hold the line with this climate change and sea level rise,” Vaughn declared.

As the Administration understands the importance of sea and river defence structures, particularly against the backdrop of citizens enjoying a better quality of life and Guyana being a tourist destination, significant sums have been allocated for rehabilitation and construction of such structures countrywide.

For 2015, $1.4 billion has been allocated for the strengthening of sea and river defence infrastructure with critical works taking place in Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) to Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

The Administration intends to continue the heavy investments for the construction, maintenance and rehabilitation of critical sections of the country’s sea and river defence infrastructure, utilising sustainable and cost-effective designs and solutions.

in compiling, analysing and publishing statistics derived

from administrative records and organising a coordinat-

ed scheme of social and economic statistics for Guyana.

14

guyanatimesgy.com

thursday, november 5, 2015

News

Govt stymieing efforts Teens killed in another to operationalise Corentyne accident Opposition Leader’s – 4 dead in 2 days Office Road carnage continues

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wo teenagers were on Tuesday evening killed after the car in which they were travelling slammed into a concrete base at Number 75 Village “Welcome to Corriverton” arch, Berbice when the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle.

Dead are 19-yearold Balram Nourang and 17-year-old Haresh Ramsaywack both of Number 69 Village Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

The two were the only occupants of the car and said to be best friends since they were young children.

According to reports,

Dead: Balram Nourang

74 Public Road. As a result, the driver, Nourang, was flung from the vehicle and Ramsaywack who was seated in the front passenger seat was pinned.

The car after it was ripped open to get Ramsaywack out

the accident occurred about 23:20h. Nourang and Ramsaywack were travelling in motor car PEE 6017 and were proceeding south along the eastern lane at a reportedly fast pace when the driver swerved west and lost control of the vehicle. This resulted in the car slamming into the Number 75 Arch located at the western corner of the Number

Public-spirited citizens called the Fire Service and firemen had to prise open the car to get Ramsaywack out.

Guyana Times was told that both teenagers suffered head injuries and were rushed to the Skeldon Hospital where they were pronounced dead on arrival.

Speaking with this newspaper, Nourang’s uncle,

Omchand, said his nephew borrowed his car about 20:00h on Tuesday and promised to return it the following morning.

He said that he subsequently received a call about the accident and rushed to the scene where firemen and Police were cutting open the car to get Ramsaywack out.

According to the uncle, it took over 90 minutes before they managed to free Ramsaywack.

“The Fire Service used their hammer and crow bar and we had to tie a rope on the door and use manpower to pull it open and them take him out,” Omchand said.

M e a n w h i l e , Ramsaywack’s mother, Linie, in tears told this publication that she did not know where her son went.

She said she last saw him about 16:00h on Tuesday when she returned home from selling in the market.

“I don’t know when he left, but his friend would always come and pick him up, because his friend has a car.

The two of them were friends since they were small," the single parent said.

Ramsaywack leaves to mourn his mother and two sisters, while Nourang leaves to mourn his parents and two brothers.

Tuesday night’s accident comes on the heels of another Corentyne smash-up which claimed the lives of two other persons and left three others injured.

Those killed were Paula Kissoondial, age 53; and Akeem Harry, age 15, both

Dead: Haresh Ramsaywack

of Rose Hall, Corentyne.

Those injured are Jermiane Smartt, Winston Collins and Keith Ross, also of Rose Hall.

The accident occurred after the car in which they were travelling slammed into a fence at Number 43 Village, Corentyne Highway.

Kissoondial was pronounced dead at the Skeldon Hospital; Harry died while receiving medical attention at the same medical institution.

According to reports, the five were travelling in motor car PRR 164 which was being driven by Collins when the accident occurred at 11:30h. Guyana Times was told that they were returning home after dropping a relative at the Canawaima Ferry Stelling [Guyana/ Suriname ferry crossing].

Reports further state that tragedy struck when the car suffered a tyre blowout, causing the driver to lose control. This resulted in the car slamming into a fence.

Road Safety Month

3-point plan to reduce accidents unveiled

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resident David Granger on Wednesday proposed a three-point approach that he said could be used to significantly decrease the rising number of deaths on Guyana’s roadways.

The Head of State was addressing scores of students, teachers and members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) at the launch of the Annual Road Safety Month at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre held under the theme, “Be wise, stay alive, stop speeding, don’t drink and drive”.

It was mere hours after Guyana reported its latest road fatalities, following two horrific accidents in Corentyne, Berbice. Four persons died in two separate accidents over a matter of 24 hours. President Granger

Students of Christ Church Secondary School doing a dramatic piece on the importance of road safety at the launch of Road Safety Month (Ministry of Presidency photo)

said that development was "troubling".

“This month should be a month when the nation ponders the more than 2000 persons who have died since this millennium started.

Many more have been in-

jured over the last 15 years,” he said.

Granger said too many Guyanese, particularly children, were losing their lives to careless driving on the roadways.

It was because of this

that the Head of State laid out the three-point approach. He spoke of the need to strengthen and enforce traffic laws in the various areas, including those against use of cell phones while driving, drunk driving and going against the speed limit.

He said too that there was a need for improved education to guide drivers, passengers and pedestrians on the importance of using the road safely.

“The need for safety on our roads must be inculcated to our children… there is need for education to instruct on the dangers of speeding particularly the drivers of minibuses, hire cars and taxis.” He said he stressed on these particular modes of transportation because they “carry human beturn to page 17 ings”.

Opposition Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira

BY EDWARD LAYNE

T

he efforts to establish the constitutionally enshrined Office of the Leader of the Opposition face fresh hurdles from the Government, as the Finance Ministry has now disclosed that the rental of the building for its office has to be approved by a tender board.

Gail Teixeira, Chief Whip of the Opposition, who was appointed to receive the assets on behalf of the Leader of the Opposition, said that these new hurdles or obstacles create a setback in the establishment of the office.

“The Ministry of Finance has put in some additional requirements to get a rental contract approved by their tender board. We are not familiar with rental contracts in the past in Government required to go to a tender board arrangement.

So although we are paying the exact amount as Mr Ganger’s office [as Leader of the Opposition] cost the Parliament Office in terms of budget, it is now almost six weeks and we have not been able to clear that. These are new the requirements and I will call them hurdles or obstacles,” Teixeira told a news conference on Wednesday at the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Headquarters, in Robb Street, Georgetown, where the Leader of the Opposition has been operating since taking up the post.

On Thursday October 8, Teixeira and a team of MPs visited the office of the Former Leader of the

Opposition in Hadfield Street, Georgetown to uplift the assets which were to be transferred to the new office.

However in a statement the same day, Teixeira said upon arrival, the team was only allowed to move a few desks and chairs, a photocopier, two filing cabinets, a partition and a water dispenser.

She said they were told that the remaining items which are located in the upper flat of the building could not be handed over since Advisers from the Ministry of the Presidency were still using them.

There were also items on the ground floor, which had the Office of the Leader of the Opposition tags, which were not allowed to be moved, she had said.

When asked for an update on those outstanding items, Teixeira said the situation remains the same.

“We have still not received any of the equipment and the list that we have provided…electronic equipment and so forth… none has been delivered that my last conversation with the clerk (Clerk of the National Assembly) yesterday (Tuesday). I wrote a letter three weeks ago, I am still awaiting a response, they say they will follow up with Minister [of State] (Joseph) Harmon.

She however explained that after a long delay, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan has finally approved the deployment of members of the Guyana Police Force to provide security to the building which will be housing the Office of the Leader of the Opposition.

Teixeira said that despite these challenges, the work of the Leader of the Opposition and other Opposition Members of Parliament in terms of representation, preparations is continuing unabated.

“As I keep saying we went through this for 28 years you know and nothing is gonna kill us on this one,” she declared.

Guyana Times contacted the Minister within the Finance Ministry for a response, but was directed to the Public Relations Officer Junita Huburn, who promises to provide a response from the Ministry.

thursday, november 5, 2015

guyanatimesgy.com

15

Around the world

Ponzi scheme Romanian PM Ponta resigns Stanford fugitive captured in Belize over nightclub fire R omanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta has announced his resignation after mass protests in the wake of a nightclub fire that killed more than 30 people last week.

“I’m handing in my mandate, I’m resigning, and implicitly my Government too,” Ponta said in a statement on Wednesday. “I hope the Government’s resignation will satisfy the people who came out in the streets.”

Ponta said he would stay

Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta has announced the resignation of his Government [Robert Ghement/EPA]

Justin Trudeau sworn in as new Canadian Prime Minister

C

anada’s new leader, Justin Trudeau, has been sworn in as Prime Minister, ending 10 years of Conservative rule.

His ascension marks a new era of Liberal politics after an election that saw Stephen Harper’s party ousted. Trudeau, 43, follows in the footsteps of his father who held the office for nearly two decades.

The move could see an increase in public spending, better relations with the US and an increase in the number of Syrian refugees being taken in.

The new Ministers, who are mostly aged between 35 and 50, took their oaths in the bilingual ceremony.

Trudeau whispered “I love you” to his family upon being sworn in.

The former school teacher turned politician was elected to Parliament in 2008, and becomes the second youngest Prime Minister in Canadian history.

He was elected after running on a plan to reject austerity and spend billions on infrastructure projects that would see Canada run a deficit for three years.

The plan caught the attention of a Canadian electorate hungry for change after a decade under the rule of Prime Minister Harper.

Harper’s political platform included plans that saw corporate and sales tax rates cut as well as Canada’s removal from a climate change agreement.

The conservative Prime Minister was also angered by President Barack Obama’s reluctance to approve the Keystone XL pipeline that was designed to transport petroleum from Alberta to Texas.

For his part, Trudeau believes the pipeline should be approved, but does not think that that the disagreement should weigh so heavily on US-Canada relations. (Excerpt from BBC News)

on until a new Government is in place.

President Klaus Iohannis will name a Prime Minister to form a new Government, which needs to be approved

by Parliament.

If this fails twice, early elections will be called.

Romania is scheduled to hold parliamentary elections in December 2016.

Deputy leader of the opposition Liberal Party,

Catalin Predoiu, hailed the resignations. “This is a victory of the street. It is a lesson for all politicians,” he said.

Cries of “shame on you” and “assassins” filled the streets of Bucharest as thousands of people rallied on Tuesday demanding Cabinet resignations as the death toll from the fire at the Colectiv nightclub rose to 32.

Anger has been brewing for some time in Romania against the Government, which many perceive as being corrupt, and Friday’s fire has added to the discontent.

“It is the outcry of a generation,” local journalist Sanda Nicola told Al Jazeera.

“The young professionals of this country cannot bear their irresponsible political rulers anymore, they want a profound shift within their society. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Allen Stanford is serving a 110-year prison term but the president of Stanford Group Mexico, David Nanes Schnitzer (inset), has only now been apprehended

O

ne of the key players in the Ponzi scheme executed by financier Allen Stanford has been apprehended in Belize.

Reports indicate that David Nanes Schnitzer, who oversaw Stanford’s operations in Mexico, Panama and other parts of the region, was caught in San Pedro on Tuesday evening, with the assistance of Interpol and US Marshals.

Nanes Schnitzer is wanted by authorities in Mexico for allegedly helping de-

fraud thousands of investors while serving as President of Stanford Group Mexico.

Investors in Latin America, including in Mexico, Panama and Venezuela, suffered hundreds of millions of dollars in losses when Stanford’s financial empire collapsed.

Stanford is currently serving a 110-year sentence for masterminding a Ponzi scheme involving his Stanford International Bank (SIB) in Antigua where he was based. (Caribbean360)

Dozens dead in South Sudan plane crash

The plane came down on the banks of the White Nile River [Jason

Patinkin/Al Jazeera]

A

cargo plane crashed shortly after takeoff in Juba, South Sudan, killing dozens and raising questions about security at the country’s main

international airport.

On Wednesday morning, the Soviet era Antonov-12 pummelled into a grove of fruit trees on the sparsely populated east side of the Nile

River, according to witnesses at the scene of the crash.

It was unclear exactly how many people were on board.

Minister of Transportation Kuong, Danhier Gatluak, told Al Jazeera that 36 people were killed, and more may be unaccounted for. Authorities are investigating the cause.

Al Jazeera counted 25 bodies, including children.

Presidential spokesman Ateny Wek Ateny told Al Jazeera the plane was heading for the Paloich oil fields in the country’s north.

Ateny said there were 18 people on board the aircraft when it crashed, including 12 South Sudanese, and six members of an Armenian and Russian crew.

He said three South

Sudanese survived, including an infant, and 10 more people were killed on the ground.

Ateny said the company was illegally carrying passengers on a cargo flight.

“It is the problem for the company now to address,” he said.

He said a local businessman chartered the flight, but had no more information.

Bodies were found on the muddy riverside along with the craft’s cargo, rubber flip flops, medicine, tires, and cans of beer and energy drinks.

Barefoot responders gathered the sandals and wore them to be able to access the uninhabited, swampy crash site. (Excerpt

ANSA McAL rejects bankruptcy warning Hundreds arrested in Kashmir ahead of Modi visit

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he battle between ANSA McAL and Brazilian company Ambev for control of Barbados’ largest beverage company, Banks Holdings Ltd (BHL), continues to intensify.

Over the weekend, in advertisements in Barbadian newspapers, the T&T conglomerate warned BHL shareholders not be forced into selling to Ambev. They also denied reports of an airtight agreement between BHL and Ambev subsidiary SLU subsidiary which will make the Barbados manufacturer bankrupt if it is sold to any other company ANSA McAL, currently the highest bidder in the BHL takeover saga, is sticking to its offer of Bdn$6 per share and said it would be challenging the validity of

the BHL–SLU agreement.

Nicholas Mouttet, president and CEO of ANSA McAL (Barbados) Ltd, said: “We will utilise all means available to us to ensure that this is not detrimental to BHL shareholders.”

There had been reports of an airtight agreement between BHL, SLU Beverages and Latin Capital Fund (LCF), which financed Bank’s Brewery’s new Bdn$56 million plant.

This agreement granted SLU Beverages, later purchased by Ambev, a superior class of shareholding and meant that if BHL sold to any company other than Ambev, the Brazilian company would receive Bdn$10 per share while the other shareholders would receive Bdn$6 per share. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Authorities have blocked more than a dozen pages on social networking sites that were promoting the protest rally [Baba Umar/

A

Al Jazeera]

uthorities in Indiaadministered Kashmir have cracked down on hundreds of political activists and pro-independence leaders ahead of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the region.

Modi will hold a public rally in the restive Himalayan territory on November 7 where rebels and pro-independence groups have called for a counter ‘Million March’ on the pattern of a similar campaign held recently in

the US. “India has responded to our peaceful march with sheer force. But we will try to reach the venue with one million people,” Syed Ali Shah Geelani, the region’s top pro-independence leader told Al Jazeera.

Geelani, who is under house-detention, has called for such a march supported by all pro-independence parties and over a dozen rebel groups who are fighting for independence, or merger of the territory with Pakistan.

“We don’t want to sabotage his [Modi’s] rally but we want to remind the world about 18 UN resolutions on Kashmir that promise right of self-determination to Kashmiris,” he said.

from Al Jazeera)

In the past few days, Indian Police have raided several places across the region to detain political leaders and activists ahead of the visit.

Authorities have also blocked more than a dozen pages on social networking sites that were promoting the protest rally, while a complete blockade of Internet, phones, roads and highways is expected on Saturday.

“We don’t want to take any chance. Known stone throwers and protesters have been detained while tight security measures are in place for the Prime Minister’s visit,” a top security official who wished to remain anonymous, told Al Jazeera. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

16 news

thursday, november 5, 2015| guyanatimesGY.com

VOX POPULI

What the people say

I SAY...

Government’s decision not to further drop gas prices considering the lowered prices on global markets Garfield Hoyte – Self employed (Linden) “Guyanese need to understand that while we are paying a little higher for fuel and these things we should not compare to the United States because they have their own connection with crude oil and are selling to other countries.

Soldiers are defending in the Middle East to get cheap oil.

So we can’t compare oil prices... with the lowering of prices on the world market, we have to understand too that it depends on the last time Guyana made a purchase because if they made a purchase when the price was higher than they would have to keep selling at a certain price until.

So if it (cost) does not go down today then, it should go down in the near future, if it does not, then we should start objecting.”

Robert Greene – Taxi driver (Linden) “The price that we are selling fuel at in Guyana, when you compare it globally, it is higher and as a result we are unable to reduce the public fare costs. The cost to maintain a vehicle is very high and cost of living would rise along with fuel prices. Even though there was a recent reduction we don’t see any changes in cost of living. I think that the price needs to be dropped a little bit more, then maybe we can also lower public transportation fare. Right now it’s really hard, coupled with the fuel prices that we have, but as citizens I think we are just trying our best to see how we can manage with it.”

Dave Lall – student (Georgetown) “Gas and Diesel are the cheapest that it has seen in the past few years. Why then are we paying $855 per gallon of gas when a barrel of crude oil is averaging US$50 per barrel? Didn’t the [A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change] APNU/AFC coalition promised us change?

Where’s the change? It appears we are only getting the coins whilst they keep the change. Recently, the Minister of Finance Winston Jordan said that gas cannot possibly be reduced any further than it is. Why wasn’t he saying this when the PPP/C were in power? In fact the APNU/AFC were campaigning on the exorbitant price per gallon of gas that we pay terming it as ‘highway robbery’. Who is the thief now? The Government of Guyana is currently taxing fuel at 50 per cent for gas and 45 per cent for diesel. Is this the Government that cares? In an economic crisis as ours, the drastic reduction of gas would see us paying less for electricity, less for transportation, less for operational costs of our businesses et al. Ohh that’s right - we get high fuel prices whilst all our sister countries and islands pay between $500-$700 a gallon!”

Kevin Glenn – Credit Officer (Linden) “I know that the current fuel costs over here are indeed twice as high as America’s. I know based on what was related by my fellow siblings in the United States who would normally pay about US$10 to fill up their tanks. Over here we would pay like way too much more for that. I think that the prices should be severely lowered, not by a small amount because it’s really high. As a driver I would really have to conserve, especially in this heat, the gas goes very fast.”

Davendra Kissoon – Teacher (Georgetown) “Yes, we should drop. But sudden changes to gas prices in the future could shock our country so the price should be kept to a price that can be maintained long-term”.

Picture saved as: Davendra Kissoon

Derron John – Credit Officer (Linden) “I think that a further reduction in fuel price is necessary for the country as a whole. What the Government needs to do, is to be an enforcer, in terms of if there is a reduction, then it should be evident in the fuel costs, we the consumers should be able to identify it. We must be able to say well yes we can see it and we are enjoying what was given to us as patriots. Continually, when there is a reduction or increase, transportation costs don’t be reduced. There is no evidence of a reduction and consumers, passengers and owners of transportation are the ones who feel it. Since oil was recently discovered as well, I think we should at least cut the present cost by half.”

Romario Samaroo – Law student (Georgetown) “Fuel is the backbone of every single thing that we do in Guyana. Guyana is a fuel dependent nation thus cheap fuel equals to more development, leaving the everyday Guyanese with an income to spend. I understand fuel prices can fluctuate based on the demand and other factors but if the fuel prices drop substantially on the foreign markets, our local market should see the same.”

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news

wednesday, november 4, 2015 | guyanatimesGY.com

Seawall double suicide...

Parents of victims puzzled at couple’s deaths

T

he parents of both the young man and woman who allegedly committed suicide on Monday at the Kingston Seawalls are still puzzled by their deaths, claiming that the motive is yet to be determined.

The bodies of 19-year-old Kavita Ackloo of Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara and 18-year-old Ramesh Beharry of Phase Two, Good Hope, East Coast Demerara, were discovered next to what is believed to be poisonous substances in containers, suggesting that they would have taken their own lives.

The grieving relatives are still in shock and disbelief at the action of the two young people – one that has rocked the East Coast of Demerara and more so, the country.

Chandracarla Sanichar, mother of the dead young man told Guyana Times that although she heard the news of the couple who had committed suicide, she did not pay much heed, claiming that it was not her business.

The fish vendor stated that she leaves home early in the morning to ply her trade, noting that when she leaves home, her sons and daughter would still be in bed.

She explained that on Tuesday morning after selling, she went home and was told that her son did not return from work since Monday. She said she immediately recalled the suicide incident and sent to purchase a newspaper to get additional information.

The woman said that no newspaper was available and feeling uneasy, she decided to contract the Police.

She was subsequently taken to the Lyken’s Funeral Home where she positively identified her son. He was clad in a black jeans and an armless vest.

Sanichar stated that she is still trying to “come to grips” with the death of her son and more so, trying to ascertain what would have led him to end his life. She posited that the young man

More tips for Diwali 2015

By Hindus for Selfless Service (HSS)

Dead: Kavita Ackloo

Dead: Ramesh Beharry

was kind and peaceful, and did not confide in anyone that he was having problems.

She said that his aunt confirmed that he left for work on Monday morning, in a ‘jolly’ state. In tears, she claimed that the young man would always be on his phone but she never enquired about his conversations.

The grieving mother said that she last saw her son on Sunday morning. The aggrieved woman is also clueless when it comes to the young woman, claiming that she did not know about the relationship.

“I never see me son with a girl… I never know he had a girlfriend… I don’t know this girl,” Sanichar added.

On the other hand, Sharda Narine, mother of dead girl told media operatives that her daughter had confided in her about Beharry but due to the relationship she shared with her reputed husband for 10 years, she encouraged the young woman to discontinue the relationship.

This prompted the young woman to leave her mother’s house and she went to her father’s home where she took up residency. Subsequent to the young lady moving out, the mother’s reputed husband was not too concerned and claimed “if she want play big woman, let her go”.

The mother stated that at the same time she was trying to protect her relationship and neglected her daughter’s happiness. “If I

de tell me husband about me daughter relationship with this boy, he would quarrel with me and that would have started a problem, so I never tell he anything.”

She nevertheless felt that her daughter was old enough to have a boyfriend but at the same time, she needed to save her own relationship. After the young lady left the house, Narine reportedly contacted her and ask her to return home but under the condition that she stop seeing Beharry.

Her daughter however, went to visit her mother on Sunday and was reportedly in a “normal mood”.

The woman said that her daughter told her on Sunday that she was happy with Beharry and would want to share the rest of her life with him. The young lady left her mother’s home and Sunday, but Narine did not know that was last time she would have seen her daughter alive.

As Police continue their investigations, they have taken the substance found at the scene to conduct toxicology tests. The Police have retrieved a bottle containing a liquid thought to be a poisonous substance and several packets of medications.

The receipt for the drugs was found in the young man’s pants pocket which proved that it was purchased from a city business.

The post-mortem examinations are slated for Friday at the Georgetown Hospital Mortuary.

3-point plan to reduce...

Third, Granger said that there was a need for proper engineering, particularly the structure of the roads. According to him, Guyana does not have highways, but roadways, which must be made safe. He said on any given day there is competition for use of the road and because of this, much thought must be given to the kind of roads that are constructed in Guyana.

“If we have so many persons using the roads, then we have to ensure that

Diwali preparations

there are sidewalks and pavements. At the school, we must ensure that there are pedestrian crossings.

We have persons with disabilities, we have to get facilities – the engineers have to think about these things.”

Guyana, he said, has the worst ranking in road fatalities in the Caribbean.

In fact, in the entire Western Hemisphere, Guyana ranks first in this regard. This, he said, remains a worrisome issue.

from page 14

Meanwhile, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan in brief remarks, said that his Ministry was working towards reducing this scourge. He said however, that each person needed to take responsibility for the manner in which they use the road.

“In a sense we are the sole cause of the various accidents that we have among us and to that extent, we have to be the curer of that disease”, he said.

Diwali in Guyana is not only the lightning of diyas and candles or the completion of a Lakshmi Puja. Diwali celebrations have norms attached to it in this lovely country of ours.

Growing up, we can vividly remember the hype that surrounded the impending festive season. From the time Navratri begins, one can sense the Festival of Lights stepping in.

As the season approached, we can remember how everyone would have made preparations to have new window curtains, new utensils or some sort of new accessory for the home. The cleaning of the home is done weeks ahead and doesn’t finish until the time for the celebration. Colours also play a big role in this festival. Houses are freshly painted and adorned with a multitude of decorations. People buy new clothes and gifts for their family and friends.

We from HSS have recognised the hassle faced by persons in preparation for Diwali and would like to guide you on some decoration ideas as well as safety tips that should not be overlooked.

Decorations Colours are most noticeable though in the traditional rangoli patterns that grace the entrance of every home. The word ‘rangoli’ is said to have been derived from the words ‘rang’ and ‘aavalli’ which refer to a row of colours. Rangoli designs and colours vary in different regions, but they all follow some basic patterns. A rangoli usually has a geometrical structure that is also symmetrical. The design patterns often consist of natural elements like animals, flowers, etc. Diwali is celebrated primarily to herald the coming of the Goddess Lakshmi. Prayers are offered to her, asking for her blessings in the form of wealth. As such, a rangoli design is created at the entrance of the house, not only to welcome the guests that visit, but also the Goddess herself. Rangoli patterns are usually made using coloured chalk or rice. So for this Diwali, have your homes decorated with at least one rangoli.

What is the significance of a rangoli

This Diwali, the members of HSS challenge you to come up with some innovative decorations and designs. You can send pictures to us on our Facebook Page – Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh Guyana.

Energy conservation and safety tips We in Guyana have grown fond of “Fairy lights” especially during Diwali. Persons would go to the extreme to have their homes brightly lit with decorative lights. Let’s go through some tips when using lights.

1) Use lights that are low wattage. Very bright lights can be difficult to look at and it would betray the purpose of decorating. Low wattage lights save energy and can be connected together to have a soothing effect.

1) Do not position lights where they can be affected by precipitation. Not many persons abide by the rule to buy outdoor lights for the exterior. You should note the difference in packaging. It is very dangerous to have regular fairy lights used on the exterior of the home.

2) Make sure you do not plug all your lights into one outlet, this is very dangerous and can overload that circuit. Distribute the load in your home. If you are not sure what to do, please call your electrician for advice.

3) When all your diyas are lit and set all around your yard, it is advisable to turn off all your lights and have the light from your diyas illuminate your space.

Regardless of which day you choose to celebrate this auspicious occasion, the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh urges you to celebrate Diwali 2015 with family and friends and the rest of our beautiful Guyana in love and laughter; and requests you to continue looking forward for the upcoming features on this Festival of Lights, Diwali.

SHUB DIWALI !!

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guyanatimesgy.com

thursday, november 5, 2015

ARCHIE

Procrastinating will get you nowhere. Get unpleas(March 21- ant tasks finished so that you April 19) will have more time to do the things that you find satisfying. Someone from your past will make an enticing offer.

ARIES

Don’t give in to self-doubt.

TAURUS A charismatic attitude will (April 20- make others take notice of May 20) what you are doing. A polished presentation to the right people will bring you greater recognition.

dilbert

Just because you are a GEMINI (May 21- go-getter doesn’t mean you June 20) can’t become overwhelmed.

Consider what you have taken on and delegate tasks to friends and peers or learn to say no without feeling guilty.

CANCER (June 21July 22)

Peanuts

Reconsider an offer that was presented to you in the past. Something you enjoy doing can turn into a paying gig.

A trip will introduce you to a potential partner.

Listen carefully to what’s LEO being said, but unless you are (July 23asked for your advice, don’t Aug. 22) give it. Your attempt to help will be interpreted as meddling and end up causing friction.

Calvin and Hobbes

A costly mistake will reVIRGO sult if you are impulsive.

(Aug. 23Prosperity can be yours if you Sept. 22) are patient. Make sure you have all the relevant factors in place before you make a move.

Make your home more orLIBRA (Sept. 23- derly and efficient. Rid yourOct. 23) self of items you no longer use and make your home a refuge where you can relax at the end of a stressful day.

SUDOKU

Jealousy is apparent. Keep SCORPIO your workplace friendships (Oct. 24professional. You may have Nov. 22) things in common, but becoming personally involved with a colleague will have negative effects on your future.

In order to keep movSAGITTARIUS ing forward, you will have to (Nov. 23make the first move. Don’t Dec. 21) wait for someone else to showcase your ideas. You have the talent. Make your dreams come true.

solution for Last Published Puzzle

CAPRICORN Don’t slow down when (Dec. 22- you are so close to the finish Jan. 19) line. Don’t waste the groundwork you’ve so diligently put in place. Keep the momentum going. Romance is in the stars.

AQUARIUS If you hit a snag, confer with successful people who (Jan. 20can offer sound advice. A secFeb. 19) ond opinion will help you calculate your options and potential outcomes.

Your emotions will cause PISCES (Feb. 20- havoc to your schedule. Avoid March 20) impulsive behavior or rash decisions and think deals through before you make unrealistic statements and impossible promises.

thursday, November 5, 2015

19

Sri Lanka v West Indies, 2nd ODI, Colombo…

Kusal, Thirimanne lead Sri Lanka to series win K

usal Perera struck a 99 lit up by flashes of aggression, but tempered by maturity, while Lahiru Thirimanne stroked a serene 81 not out, as the second-wicket pair’s 156-run stand made light work of a revised target of 225 in the second ODI against West Indies.

The match had been shortened to 38 overs a side, after rain forced an interruption of more than three hours 26.4 overs into West Indies’ innings. Johnson Charles’ searing 83 and Marlon Samuels’ measured 63 formed the guts of the visitors’ score.

The match marked a bonafide return to form for three Sri Lanka cricketers, playing in their favoured format. Thirimanne had been poor enough in Tests to warrant his exclusion last month, but was chanceless on Wednesday, prospering square of the wicket as fluidity appeared to have returned to his game. Kusal had had a bleak Test series against West Indies with the bat, but here delivered Sri Lanka to the doorstep of victory before miscuing a short ball one run short of his third hundred. A trimmer Lasith Malinga also appeared back to near his best, both with the ball and in the field, effecting two direct-hit run-outs off his own bowling. He collected figures of 2 for 43 from 7.4 overs, first

claiming a wicket with his second ball of the game, then thwarting West Indies’ final sprint with his variation.

The victory hands Sri Lanka the series, with the third ODI to be played in Pallekele on Saturday.

Kusal crashed two fours and a six from his first 11 balls, while the new-ball bowlers were in operation, but soon scaled down his ambition when the spinners came early to the crease. He found plenty of singles in the cover region, and was content to progress at less than a run-a-ball until he neared his fifty. He slog-swept seamer Carlos Brathwaite over deep midwicket to reach the milestone, then larruped two more sixes and a four off his next six deliveries.

He was lucky to make one of those sixes - the ball was parried over the deep midwicket rope by Jermaine Blackwood - and that reprieve on 62 was enough to coax him back into a sager state of mind.

Thirimanne began his innings with a late cut for four off Sunil Narine, and struck a high, straight six off Samuels soon after but, like Kusal, quickly established a pattern of singles and twos against spin. The cut was his most productive stroke; each of his five fours came in the arc between the keeper and sweeper-cover. Perhaps importantly, Thirimanne was not tested

early in his innings by seam bowling, which has recently been a weakness for him.

Kusal fell with 29 runs still to get. The scoring slowed considerably after his departure, but Thirimanne and Dinesh Chandimal nursed the chase home with nine balls to spare.

West Indies appeared poised to push Sri Lanka’s target up closer to 240 when a well-set Samuels and Brathwaite were at the crease at the death. They struck 16 off Suranga Lakmal in the 36th over, but West Indies mustered only six runs from the last two overs, during the course of which their four remaining wickets were all surrendered via run-outs. They made 214 in the end, and this figure was scaled up via the Duckworth-Lewis method.

Earlier, Charles had collected his first boundary via an outside edge that flew over second slip, but he quickly slipped into a more effective attacking rhythm. Charles was particularly severe on the spinners, who were introduced as early as the fifth over. Jermaine Blackwood had holed out trying to put Sachithra Senanayake’s first ball into the sightscreen, but Charles succeeded where Blackwood had failed. Two overs later, Charles ran at Senanayake to put him several metres beyond the sightscreen, registering the first six

of the match.

He continued to run at the spinners and hit them straight, but he also found the paddle-sweep productive. He slinked from leg to off to manoeuvre an Ajantha Mendis delivery to the long-leg boundary in the 11th over, then reached his fifty off the next ball, when Mendis went full and Charles launched him over long-on. The half-century was Charles’ fourth in ODIs, and came in 32 deliveries.

Sri Lanka had claimed three wickets at the other end while Charles attacked. In addition to Blackwood, who perished for 9 on his ODI debut, opener Andre Fletcher had also fallen cheaply, nicking Malinga behind first ball.

Darren Bravo appeared secure during his 33-ball stay, but was out lobbing Milinda Siriwardana to short midwicket for 21, ending a 70-run stand with Charles.

Samuels had just begun to free his arms, hitting consecutive square boundaries off Ajantha Mendis, before Charles was out lbw to Siriwardana. The rains soon arrived to force the long interruption, when West Indies had reached 149 for 4 after 26.4 overs.

Samuels continued to play his shots after resumption, but lost two partners in quick succession. He could have been out himself for 38 had Shehan

Jayasuriya held the chance off Malinga’s bowling at deep cover. Instead, Samuels survived to wallop a straight six during Malinga’s next over, shortly before he completed his 50th run off the 51st delivery he faced.

Samuels was at the centre of a minor controversy in this match, after he was cleared to bowl by the ICC despite the

14-day grace period afforded to reported bowlers having elapsed. West Indies had been wrongly told by the ICC that he was eligible to bowl in this match, and had picked their team on that basis, so the governing body made an exception in this case. He delivered 5.3 overs but did not make a major impact on the match.

(Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD West Indies innings (38 overs maximum) J Charles lbw b Siriwardana 83 ADS Fletcher† c †Perera b Malinga 0 J Blackwood c Siriwardana b Senanayake 9 DM Bravo c Dilshan b Siriwardana 21 MN Samuels* run out (Thirimanne/Mendis/†Perera) 63 JL Carter b Lakmal 5 JN Mohammed c Chandimal b Malinga 4 CR Brathwaite run out (Malinga) 17 JE Taylor run out (Malinga) 1 SP Narine run out (Mathews/†Perera) 0 1 R Rampaul not out Extras (lb-6, w-3, nb-1) 10 Total (all out; 37.4 overs) 214 Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Fletcher, 0.2 ov), 2-29 (Blackwood, 4.1 ov), 3-99 (Bravo, 15.5 ov), 4-139 (Charles, 23.2 ov), 5-152 (Carter, 28.2 ov), 6-169 (Mohammed, 31.2 ov), 7-211 (Samuels, 36.5

ov), 8-212 (Taylor, 37.1 ov), 9-213 (Brathwaite, 37.3 ov), 10-214 (Narine, 37.4 ov) Bowling: SL Malinga 7.4-0-432, RAS Lakmal 7-0-51-1 (2-w), SMSM Senanayake 6-0-25-1, BAW Mendis 7-0-44-0 (1-nb, 1-w), DSNFG Jayasuriya 2-0-11-0, TAM Siriwardana 7-1-27-2, TM Dilshan 1-0-7-0 Sri Lanka innings (target: 225 runs from 38 overs) MDKJ Perera† c Brathwaite b Rampaul 99 TM Dilshan b Narine 17 HDRL Thirimanne not out 81 LD Chandimal not out 15 Extras (lb-6, w-6, nb-1) 13 Total (2 wickets; 36.3 overs) 225 Fall of wickets: 1-40 (Dilshan, 4.1 ov), 2-196 (Perera, 30.2 ov) Bowling: R Rampaul 6-0-39-1, JE Taylor 5-0-47-0 (1-w), SP Narine 8-0-27-1, MN Samuels 5.3-034-0, JN Mohammed 6-0-25-0, CR Brathwaite 4-0-35-0 (1-nb, 1-w), JL Carter 2-0-12-0 (3-w)

GSSF hosts successful Costume Steel Challenge

H

istory was created last weekend when the Guyana Sport Shooting Federation (GSSF) hosted its Inaugural Costume Steel Challenge Shooting Match, which was exclusively sponsored by B.M. Soat Auto Sales.

This first themed competition at the GDF Range at Yarrowkabra saw participants donning costumes of their liking and they included a Joker, Pocahontas, Superman, a Cowboy and a Male Stripper.

Shooters and spectators in attendance deemed it a fun and successful event and the competitors who were apprehensive about dressing in costume vowed to make it a memorable one come next year.

The local pistol shooters competed in two Steel Challenge Shooting Association (SCSA) Divisions: Wildcat and Limited. Up for grabs were Halloween themed trophies for the top three shooters in each division.

Wildcat Division consisted of competitors using .32ACP and lower calibre firearms whereas those in the Limited

Top performers surround Roberto Tewari, a representative of sponsor B.M. Soat Auto Sales

Division shot 9mm or higher calibre firearms. The match consisted of three sanctioned S.C.S.A. stages (Smoke and Hope, Speed Option and Five to Go) with the action being monitored by the Range Officers.

In his opening remarks, Match Director David Dharry welcomed the members who came out to compete in the event and encouraged shooters to have fun and to keep safety as their number one priority while vying for the incentive

of leaving with one of the aptly themed trophies, all sponsored

by B.M. Soat Auto Sales.

Dharry then introduced Range Master for the event, Michael Blake, who reviewed the safety requirements and introduced Range Officers, Vidushi Persaud and Ray Beharry. After Dharry declared the Match open, shooters began the afternoon’s rivalry with the first of the three stages being the famous Smoke and Hope stage, which as with all SCSA stages, con-

sisted of five steel targets and comprised the largest targets at the shortest distances, affording shooters an attempt at maximising their speed and minimising their times.

This was followed by Speed Option, which tested the shooters’ ability to quickly transition from near and far off targets. The final stage of the day was Five To Go, which challenged shooters to engage the smaller 10” plates at varying distances in short transitional distances.

Shooters were scored using an audible timing device, penalties of added time applied for any misses and the total time resultant used as the score.

Competitors are ranked in ascending order of overall time.

Leading overall with 66.72 seconds was “the Joker” to show that shooting steel is certainly not a joke. Taking home the first place trophy was undefeated local Steel Challenge Shoote Ryan McKinnon (dressed as the Joker). Second place was secured by Ray Beharry, who came out as a “Stripper.” He was 10.74 seconds faster than third placed Vidushi Persaud, who came dressed as Pocahontas.

In the Wildcat Division, Peter Hugh emerged the first place victor over Marcel Mungal. Trophies were handed over by the sponsor’s representative, Roberto Tewari.

In closing, Match Director Dharry expressed sincere thanks to B.M. Soat Auto Sales of Lot 9 Croal Street, Georgetown, for the kind sponsorship of the themed competition; Queensway for making Armscor ammunition avail-

able for the match and Lennox Cush of Star Party Rental.

The GSSF wishes to thank the Chief-of-Staff of the GDF, Brigadier Mark Phillips, GPF Commissioner Seelall Persaud, GPF Asst. Commissioner David Ramnarine, GPF Commander Clifton Hicken, GPF OC TSU Superintendent Hugh Dehnert, Senior Superintendent Bacchus, GPF Corporal Dunn and the ranks of the GPF Armoury and TSU, Priya Mohamed, Messrs. Bashair and Rameez Mohamed and the management of B.M. Soat Auto Sales.

As an affiliate of the Steel Challenge Shooting Association, a sister body of the United States Practical Shooting Association, the GSSF has been organising matches following their strict safety policies. This simple, yet action-packed shooting sport attracts Guyanese pistol shooters from all around the country on a regular basis.

More information can be found online at GSSF’s websitewww.GuyanaSportShooting. com.

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guyanatimesGY.com

thursday, November 5, 2015

Tourists’ South Georgetown/District hopes hit by 13 confident of top 3 finish late wickets in Sharjah National School Championship...

South Georgetown/District 13 athletes at a previous national championship

Shoaib Malik, playing his final Test, picked up both wickets in the afternoon session on day four

E

ngland’s hopes of winning the final Test against Pakistan were dented by the loss of two wickets in quick succession late on day four in Sharjah.

Moeen Ali and Ian Bell perished in the space of 13 balls as England - chasing 284 for victory and a 1-1 series draw - reached 46-2 in the 22 overs possible.

Shoaib Malik, who announced his retirement from Test cricket on Tuesday, claimed both wickets.

Earlier, Mohammad Hafeez hit 151 as Pakistan were bowled out for 355.

If England are to achieve their highest successful fourth-innings chase in Asia, they must do so against a three-pronged spin attack on a wearing pitch and with Ben Stokes’ batting severely hampered by a collar bone injury.

Moeen’s departure for 22 - lbw pushing at Malik with minimal foot movement - exposed Bell, who, expecting spin where there was none from round the wicket, played inside the line to have his off stump pegged back.

While Moeen’s promotion to the top of the order has yielded only 84 runs in six innings, the manner of Bell’s dismissal for a duck led to renewed doubts over his place in the side - and his 118-Test career.

“He won’t retire and they won’t sack him because they haven’t got anybody else,” former England batsman Geoffrey Boycott told BBC Test Match Special.

“He’s got all the talent in the world but he’s flaky in the head.”

As so often has been the case in recent times,

England’s prospects of victory will rest heavily on captain Alastair Cook and Joe Root, who will resume on Thursday on 17 and six respectively.

Hafeez’s 151 was the main reason England were kept in the field beyond tea.

Like the previous day, he enjoyed moments of fortune. Jonny Bairstow missed a stumping off an Adil Rashid googly in the first over of the day, while Stuart Broad put down a low one-handed chance in his follow-through with the opener on 113.

Hafeez went on to add 93 for the fifth wicket with captain Misbah-ul-Haq, who was lbw for 38 playing back to the impressive Broad.

Even after Hafeez chipped Moeen to Bell at long-on, England were frustrated by a run-a-ball

36 from Sarfraz Ahmed which was ended by a terrific delivery from Samit Patel which pitched on leg stump and hit off.

One of several Rashid long hops accounted for Yasir Shah, but James Anderson dropped a straightforward chance to allow Asad Shafiq to further frustrate England alongside Wahab Riaz.

Broad and Anderson were exemplary once again with the ball, combining control and penetration in conditions which continued to offer little for the seamers.

Broad finished with 3-44 from 23 overs and Anderson 2-52 from 26, but spinners Rashid, Moeen and Patel returned combined figures of 3-248 and managed only five maidens in 69 overs. (BBC Sport)

SCOREBOARD ul-Haq, 85.1 ov), 6-257 Pakistan 1st innings 234 (Mohammad Hafeez, 88.5 England 1st innings 306 ov), 7-312 (Sarfraz Ahmed, Pakistan 2nd innings 104.5 ov), 8-319 (Yasir Shah, Mohammad Hafeez c 109.2 ov), 9-354 (Asad 151 Bell b Ali Shafiq, 117.3 ov), 10-355 (Wahab Riaz, 118.2 ov) Azhar Ali run out Bowling: JM Anderson 26-8(Bell/Rashid) 34 52-2, SCJ Broad 23-6-44-3, SR Shoaib Malik lbw b Patel 19-1-79-1, MM Ali 21.2Anderson 0 1-72-1, AU Rashid 29-3-97-1 Younis Khan lbw b Broad 14 Rahat Ali b Anderson 0 England 2nd innings (target: Misbah-ul-Haq* lbw 284 runs) 38 b Broad MM Ali lbw b Shoaib Malik 22 Asad Shafiq b Broad 46 AN Cook* not out 17 Sarfraz Ahmed† b Patel 36 IR Bell b Shoaib Malik 0 Yasir Shah c Broad b Rashid 4 JE Root not out 6 Wahab Riaz run out Extras (nb-1) 1 (Bell/†Bairstow) 21 Total (2 wickets; 22 overs) 46 Zulfiqar Babar not out 0 Fall of wickets: 1-34 (Ali, 11.6 Extras (b-6, lb-5) 11 ov), 2-34 (Bell, 13.6 ov) Total (all out; 118.2 overs) 355 Bowling: Rahat Ali 2-0-13-0, Fall of wickets: 1-101 (Azhar Wahab Riaz Ali, 38.1 ov), 2-105 (Shoaib 2-0-10-0 (1-nb), Zulfiqar Malik, 39.1 ov), 3-146 (Younis Babar 9-2-11-0, Shoaib Malik Khan, 50.4 ov), 4-152 (Rahat 7-3-8-2, Yasir Shah 2-0-4-0 Ali, 54.6 ov), 5-245 (Misbah-

S

outh Georgetown/ District 13 is ready and raring to go when the National School Championship commences on November 23 with its grand opening ceremony and swimming segment at the National Stadium and National Aquatic Centre respectively.

District Manager Leon Bishop revealed that his squad is already in training for the mega event.

“Preparations are going alright, the team is already picked and the high jump athletes are training already, the other disciplines will start training tomorrow [today],” Bishop noted.

Bishop also indicated his belief that the South Georgetown district can finish in one of the top three spots overall.

“We are hoping to finish top five in the track and field, we are looking to win the teacher’s championship this year and our cycling and swimming is pretty good...we have a few national champions in Alika Persaud and Donna Carter, who won gold at the Commonwealth Swimming championships and they

will lead the team. This year we should finish in the top three overall,” Bishop explained.

Despite feeling confident, the South Georgetown District has already turned to a few national coaches to fill any cracks in the team.

“We have a few loose ends, but we have already got a few national coaches to work with us in hope of strengthening some of our weak areas, such as the jumps,” Bishop highlighted.

Further, Bishop noted that District 13 has a strong managerial team that can guide the squad to their desired top three finish.

“From a managerial standpoint we have done well so far by putting all the nitty gritty things in place and we have also boosted our athletes’ confidence. Mr Longhorn of the Ministry of Education was impressed with our champion of champions event and now it is just time to wait on the Ministry for the finance for Nationals,” Bishop mentioned.

Whether South Georgetown can challenge

the powerhouse teams such as defending champs North Georgetown, Upper Demerara/Kwakwani or even East Coast, Bishop noted that his squad is “confident” and will be “ready” to compete.

The Swimming Championships will be held on Monday, November 23 at the National Aquatic Centre at Liliendaal. In addition to the swimming competition, two field events, Long Jump and Shot Putt, along with the 10km road race, 40km and 25km cycle road race will also take place on November 23.

The Games Village will be established on Woolford Avenue. Tutorial High, North Georgetown Primary and Secondary Schools and Richard Ishmael Secondary will house the 16 Districts from across Guyana that will compete at the Championships.

The Games Secretariat has been officially opened at GTU Headquarters, Woolford Avenue, with Districts submitting their entries.

The Opening Ceremony for the championship is scheduled for November 24 at 10:30h.

GBL Level 1 coaching course set for November 14

T

he Guyana Baseball League (GBL) will be conducting a Level One coaching course on Saturday November 14 at the Georgetown Cricket Club, Bourda.

The certification programme is aimed at providing participants with the skills and understanding to teach the game at a junior level. The course is open to all interested persons, but is limited to the first 50 entrants.

There is no entry fee and special effort will be made to accommodate participants from all three counties of Guyana.

The course will begin promptly at 09:00h and conclude 17:00h. Participants are asked to dress for athletic activity.

This certification process is in prepara-

tion for the rollout of the GBL’s nationwide programme in January 2016.

Interested participants can send an email to admin@baseballguyana.com or text 657-STAR (7827) for more information.

sports

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21

GTT/Petra knockout football competition kicks off Saturday

By Akeem Greene

A

fter months of persistent work, the GTT round-robin, knockout football competition, to be hosted in association with the Petra Organisation, was launched on Wednesday the company’s Brickdam Head Office.

The competition is being organised by the highly efficient Petra Organisation and will kick off this Saturday at the Number Five ground in West Berbice.

Director of the Petra Organisation, Troy Mendonca, echoed kind sentiments as he was extremely appreciative of the support given by GTT. “We are happy for the support given by GTT,” Mendonca said.

The objective of the tournament is to give clubs that are not a part of the ongoing Stag Elite League a chance to showcase their skills.

Marketing Manager of GTT, Anji Hackett, said, “Football

is being played a lot and it is something we wanted to be a part of and the partnership with Petra has been successful in the past, as such we wish the tournament well.”

The competition will have eight teams drawn from Berbice, East Coast Demerara and Linden.

Organisers of the tournament revealed that invitations were sent to the West Demerara Association and East Bank Association, both of which did not accept.

It was surprising that no Georgetown team is part competition, but this newspaper understands that they did not respond in the required the time frame. The competition is a Guyana Football Federation (GFF) sanctioned event, which will have nine match days.

The teams will be divided into two groups with Group A comprising of Golden Grove, Winners Connection, Rosignal United and Victoria Kings. Group B

will have New Amsterdam United, Top XX, Ann’s Grove and Milerock.

Each team will play each other once and the winners of the two groups will automatically advance to the semi-finals. There will be an eliminator involving the second and third place teams in each group playing each other, whereby the two victorious teams will fill the remaining two semi-final positions.

The overall winner will receive $500, 000 and trophy; runners-up $250,000 and trophy; third place $125,000 and trophy and fourth place $75,000 and trophy.

There will also be individual prizes for the Most Valuable Player, Highest Goalscorer and Best Goalkeeper. On Saturday, Winners Connection will tackle Rosignal United, and New Amsterdam United will square off against Milerock. (akeemg@guyanatimesgy. com)

Griffith enjoying training in Jamaica ahead of PCL

By Akeem Greene

Y

oung batting prospect, Trevon Griffith, is enjoying his time in Jamaica’s training camp ahead of the much anticipated West Indies Cricket Board’s (WICB) Professional Cricket League Four-Day tournament.

Speaking to the Guyana Times from Kingston, Jamaica, Griffith revealed, “It’s nothing different from what I would usually do when I’m with Guyana team; it’s just a different atmosphere, different individuals I’m dealing with. But at the same time, I’m here enjoying every minute of it and every training session.”

The left-handed opening batsman is grateful for the new insights given about his game. “The coach here is really out there to help every player; since I’m here I learn a few more things about my own game,” he revealed.

The Demerara Cricket Club product also spoke of the additional help he has received from the players.

“The other foreign player, which is Kirk Edwards, has been a great help for me; he has already identify some areas that I can work on the make me a better player.”

Griffith, who once represented the West Under-19 in the World Cup, rocked the headlines with a pugnacious 84 in the opening game and since then has been one of the young cricketers in the region that selectors and supporters of the regional team hope can

Trevon Griffith

mature through the correct training and become another West Indian cricketing star.

The cricketer is of the view that the new conditions that he is training under are benefitting his style of play. “Well as we know the pitches over the last few year in the Caribbean it is not a big difference, but at the same time we know that Jamaica would definitely be faster and bouncier than the Guyana pitches; the bouncy pitch definitely suits my style of play- ball comes on a lot more here and I favour that- it just calls for an adjustment.”

Griffith, who is adamant that more works need to be done on his batting, feels the need to improve in the area of concentration.

As the PCL is only days away, many cricketers will have certain goals they wish to achieve. The 24-year-

old, who has played seven First-Class games, and has an average of 13.66 with a highest score of 58, is eager to get on the field.

“Once given the opportunity to go out in the middle, I just want to focus on scoring runs every time I get the chance. It wouldn’t happen every time, but that’s all I’m aiming for; spending a lot of time in the middle and try my best to get the job done for myself and most importantly my team,” the young cricketer explained.

While many would agree Griffith’s figures are not impressive, the young cricketer has the pedigree and hunger for success at the highest level.

When quizzed about what it will be like to play against his home team Guyana Jaguars, Griffith responded by saying, “Like every time I go the wicket I simply want to do well, it doesn’t matter who I’m playing against.”

Jamaican Scorpions will play their first game on Friday against Barbados Pride at the Kensington Oval in Barbados. The squad reads: Dave Bernard Jr., John Campbell, Sheldon Cottrell, Jason Dawes, Nicholson Gordon, Damion Jacobs, Brandon King, Tamar Lambert, Nikita Miller, Marquino Mindley, Carlton Baugh Jr., Kirk Edwards (Barbados), Trevon Griffith (Guyana), Paul Palmer and Shacaya Thomas. (akeemg@guyanatimesgy.com)

22

guyanatimesGY.com

thursday, November 5, 2015

Kiddy Sun Burst, EBFA partner GCB/Scotiabank Progression One Cricket… for U-17 League St Margaret’s C and Number 5 storm into final ontinental Agencies Limited, through its Sun Burst Orange Juice, has teamed up with the East Bank Football Association (EBFA) to stage the second annual Under-17 League.

The seven-team competition, which will kick off on Saturday, will commence at the Grove Playfield, and defending champions Grove Hi Tech will look to keep a hold of the title they won last year. The 2014 tournament was sponsored by Continental’s Cult energy drink.

At the official launch at the company’s office at Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, on Wednesday morning, EBFA President Franklin Wilson expressed gratitude

to the entity for once again investing in the tournament, noting that the company is geared to afford young players an opportunity to showcase their football skills.

Marketing and Sales Manager of Continental Agencies Limited, Avalon Jagnandan, said the company is pleased to once again sponsor the League, adding that the competition will provide an avenue for youngsters to be meaningfully occupied.

“Football means different things to different people; for some people it is their living; for some people it is a passion; some love it, some like and some find it quite enjoyable. We at Continental see it as a form of discipline that embraces

the growth and development of our youths in Guyana,” Jagnandan said.

The tournament will see rivalry among Grove Hi Tech, Kuru Kururu Warriors, Soesdyke Falcons, Diamond United, Mocha Champs, Herstelling Raiders and Agricola Red Triangle.

Wilson said the tournament had an immediate impact in the inaugural season in 2014, as two players caught the eyes of the national selectors.

“Out of last year’s tournament we were happy to see two of the youngsters being to make the national teamyoung striker Joel Dick and one of the goalkeepers Quasam Yusuf. They have both been very competitive.

We’re looking forward to another good tournament, with a high level of discipline on and off the field of play,” Wilson outlined.

So far for 2015, the EBFA has hosted an Under-11 Pee Wee tournament and the Lens Craft Under-13 League, while apart from the upcoming Sun Burst Under-17 League, there will be a seven-a-side competition starting on Sunday.

“The possibility exists that closing off the year we might have a knockout tournament as well.

So those are some of the things that we’re doing as the new executive,” Wilson, who was last weekend elected to the helm of the EBFA, stated.

Peters reRamdhani at elected World Junior President of Championships Buxton CC

E

Esse Peters

sse Peters was reelected unopposed as President of the Buxton ‘Carl Hooper’ Cricket Club for another two years when the club held its elections recently at the Buxton Community ground on the East Coast of Demerara.

During the elections,

Dwayne Benjamin and Gavin Dick were elected to serve as First and Second Vice-Presidents respectively.

Marvin Cato was elected Secretary/Treasurer, while Kevin Hart is the Public Relations Officer.

Former national youth cricketer Clive Andries, who is also a Guyana Under-23 footballer, remains the club’s first division cricket captain, with Hart doing the duties of second division skipper.

Daren Roberts preformed the duties of Returning Officer.

Meanwhile, Peters thanked the club members for their support, and pointed out that one of his main objectives is to ensure that the club produce more national players at all levels.

G

Narayan Ramdhani

uyana’s leading badminton player, Narayan Ramdhani, is currently in Lima, Peru, where he is set to participate in the World Junior Championships.

The championships, which will carry Ramdhani in the top 100 rankings, commenced on November 2, and will conclude on

November 14.

Ramdhani is also accompanied by teammates Ronald Chang Yuen and Priyannna Ramdhani. The trio will play in the team tournament where 40 countries are set to participate.

Also, they will participate in the individual championships where over 50 countries will compete.

The elder Ramdhani (Narayan) will be aiming to continue his upward climb in the sport, and has been boosted with the support of Continental Group of Companies through its Sun Burst Orange Juice brand.

Meanwhile, the Guyana Badminton Association (GBA) has expressed its delight with the company’s continued support to the sport.

V

ictories for St Margaret’s Primary and Number Five Primary have seen them book their places in the final of the North Georgetown Zone and West Berbice District respectively, in the GCB/Scotiabank Kiddy Progression One Cricket.

St Margaret’s Primary became the first team to reach the final of the North Georgetown Zone when they defeated Green Acres Primary School by 54 runs at the Racquet Centre. Batting first, St Margaret’s Primary racked up 170-3 in their 14 overs.

Leading the way was Shameer Haynes, who struck a brutal unbeaten 42, which included six fours and two sixes. He was supported by Michael Morgan, who contributed 24 not out.

Bowling for Green Acres, Jeron Payne took 2-2.

In reply, Green Acres Primary openers Shawn Thompson and Omish Balgobin got them off to a quick start, as they raced to 20 in just 1.5 overs.

Although they threatened St Margaret’s Primary’s total for the first half of the run chase, they were eventually held to 116-6 when their overs expired. Thompson finished with 30, while Haynes followed up his brilliant batting with excellent bowling figures of 2-5.

Playing at the Number Five ground, Blairmont Primary could only manage 108-6 with Veera Farhad making an attractive 34, while Jameer Elgin contributed 29. They were held to their final score by Leron Smart and Nalessa Johnson, as both took two wickets for two runs.

The home team, backed by their supporters, eased to their target, reaching 110-2

Shameer Haynes

in 12 overs. Leading the way was Ronell Savory with 54, which included four boundaries and five huge sixes.

Maisha Jameer took the only two wickets to fall for five runs. Number Five will now play Hopetown Primary in the final on a date to be decided.

Meanwhile, Redeemer Primary disposed of Rama Krishna Primary by 13 wickets in the East Georgetown Zone.

Rama Krishna Primary, who won the toss and decided to take first strike, made 92-8. Bryan Gordon was the only batter to get to double digit, making 11. They were aided by 44 extras, as Linden Ogle took two wickets.

When Redeemer Primary took to the crease, they blasted their way to 93-1 with Sharlon Millington smashing an unbeaten 50, which included eight towering sixes, one of which ended the match. Linden Ogle completed an excellent all-round display by also smashing 36 runs, which were all scored in sixes. Kenisha Sandy took the lone wicket to fall.

GVF spreading the game across Guyana T

he Guyana Volleyball Federation (GVF) continues to fulfill its promise to decentralise the sport in an effort to make volleyball one of the mainstream sports in Guyana.

According to the president of the GVF, John Flores, who recently made donations to Mauritaro, a small village along the Demerara River, and Minister within the Amerindian Affairs Ministry Valerie Lowe, he has always had the vision and drive to spread the game of volleyball throughout Guyana.

Flores said it is an effort to support and feed the developed structures currently in place in central Demerara

and Berbice.

Flores believes that with the supply of equipment and occasional visits to these rural areas, himself and the federation will start seeing more involvement among school aged children and the fostering of better structures in those areas to develop the sport and its players.

Flores also pointed out that there is a wide pool of undeveloped talent in parts of Guyana that are not easily accessible and that by taking the game to them, the GVF will start to see rewards as is already evident through the level of skills displayed by some of the participants of the annual indigenous games.

Only recently, one member of the senior national men volleyball team hailed from Mabaruma, a district known for producing national players dating as far back as the 80’s and 90’s.

“However, I must not neglect to recognise and appreciate the assistance our federation has been receiving over the years from the South American Federation (CSV) and the world governing FIVB through the donation of balls and equipment,” Flores added.

He outlined that his drive to spread the game is in keeping with that of the FIVB, whose aim is to popularise the sport even beyond that of football.

GVF President John Flores making the presentation to Minister within the Amerindian Affairs Ministry, Valerie Lowe

guyanatimesGY.com

thursday, November 5, 2015

23

GTT donates $1M to Guyana Marathon

G

TT on Wednesday presented one million dollars to the organisers of the first-ever Guyana Marathon at its Brickdam Head Office.

The donation will go towards expenses related to the tournament, while the company will also provide 20 volunteers to be part of the November 14 activity, which will start and end at Santa Aratak Mission.

Public Relations Officer of GTT, Alison Parker, said the company is pleased to support the event, adding that it provides a great opportunity to create awareness about the Santa Aratak Mission.

One of the organisers, Sevak Tsaturyan, welcomed GTT onboard, noting that they are grateful for the support. He added that preparation is moving smoothly, and

a highly successful event is envisaged.

The day’s activities will see the marathon starting at 08:00h, the half-marathon an hour later and the 10k commencing at 10:00h.

Although the event attracts an entrance fee for athletes to become eligible to compete, top performers will not receive cash, but tokens and medals, Tsaturyan divulged.

According to Tsaturyan, proceeds from the event will be presented to the community of Santa Aratak Mission.

Over 100 local and foreign athletes have already finalised their registration for the first staging of the event, with 65 of those coming from overseas. Among the local athletes that will be on show are Kelvin Johnson, Alika Morgan and Cleveland Forde.

Officials of GTT and representatives of Guyana Marathon display the sponsorship cheque on Wednesday (Avenash Ramzan photo)

‘Understand the importance of good governance’- FIFA official

W

ith just over a week to go before D-Day, FIFA’s Technical Development Officer Anton Corneal believes that the incoming Executive Committee of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), apart from having a holistic plan for the development of the game, must understand “the importance of proper governance.”

On November 14, eligible members of the GFF will head to the polls to vote in one of the two slates presented to contest the elections. Touted as ‘Team United’, Chairman of the Alliance for Change (AFC) and Attorney-AtLaw Nigel Hughes will lead Odinga Lumumba, Mark Waldron, Aubrey Major, Troy Cadogan, Javid Ali, Robbie Rambarran, Carmel Williams and Faizal Khan to the polls.

President of the Fruta Conquerors Football Club

Anton Corneal

and Businessman Wayne Forde will lead ‘Team Integrity’, which also has on its list of candidates Jullian Bruce Lovell, Rawlston Adams, Thandi McAllister, Dion Inniss, Magzene Stewart, Rayan Farias, and Keith O’Jeer.

Corneal, who is responsible for overseeing devel-

opment in FIFA’s affiliates within the South East Caribbean area, spoke on a number of issues relating to the development of the game.

“Whichever slates gets into power, they have to understand the importance of proper governance because that is what is going to support the product, which is the game and the players and its long overdue for Guyana, because Guyana has always produced decent teams, even in not so best times,” Corneal observed.

He added, “I think with a proper structure and long-term plan, you will get a better product, so hopefully whoever takes over, they will continue what the Normalisation Committee did because they’ve done a phenomenal job because remember that they were just in place for a little over a year and all that was accomplished within that year

GVF names female teams for Confederation Cup

T

he Guyana Volleyball Federation (GVF) has selected two female teams to participate in the second leg of the Confederation Cup beach volleyball tournament in Uruguay from December 4-6.

The teams selectedSubrina Munroe with Odile Broomes and Iambie Cave with Daniella Collier- have started going through their paces at the National park on the beach court under the guidance of coach Ian Wills.

They are expected to continue training, geared at familiarising themselves with what they are expected to come up against in the outdoor version of the game.

According to the coach, he is pleasantly surprised at how quickly the ladies

Ian Wills

adapted to the training, as he pointed out that everything from the rules to the basic movement on the sand surface is totally different to that of indoor volleyball.

Guyana qualified for the second leg of the tournament due to their participa-

tion at the first leg earlier this year in Brazil.

According to the manager of the team, Andrea Flores, who also managed the team that participated in the first leg, the level of the other countries that are made up of ladies who play on the international circuit all year round will be considerably higher than that of our local ladies.

Flores intends to ensure that enough is done to make her ladies comfortable during preparation so that they can give of their best during practice sessions in preparation for the tournament.

The training will eventually intensify, leading up to a series of exhibition games before the players wing out for Uruguay on December 2.

and now it’s time to pass on the baton.”

Corneal was high in praise for the GFF’s Normalisation Committee, whom he said laid a solid foundation for Guyana to blossom and used the Stag Elite League as one such pillar.

“It’s the right pathway because the Normalisation Committee came in and did the job; Mr. [Clinton] Urling has guided that group and set a stage for a slate to come on board to really take over football and they got a template now to follow,” Corneal pointed out.

Having played an integral role in helping the GFF to establish the Stag Elite League, Corneal believes that Guyana is now on par with several of their regional counterparts whom he said have all ensured that they establish a national product that will help to bring more local players to the fore.

The GFF’s Technical Director Claude Bolton, according to Corneal, would have implemented several programmes, which will charter a pathway to development via ‘grass-roots’ football, catering for both

male and female.

Corneal said that already, thanks to Bolton’s ‘Next Generation Project’, Guyana is leading some Caribbean countries with the implementation of several key areas of development and ensuring that more importantly, the coaches are certified under the GFF D-License.

“Guyana has to ensure that they stay on par with them [the other Caribbean countries] and also lead in a few areas as well, so it’s important for proper governance to take precedence,” Corneal noted. (gffonline)

thursday, November 5, 2015

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

Sri Lanka v West Indies, 2nd ODI, Colombo‌

Kusal, Thirimanne lead Sri Lanka to series win

Griffith enjoying training in Jamaica ahead of PCL Pg 21

Pg 19

Lasith Malinga claimed a wicket with the second ball of the match

GTT/Petra knockout football competition kicks off Saturday

Trevon Griffith relaxing with his teammates after training

Sun Burst, EBFA partner for U-17 League Pg 22

Pg 21

Troy Mendonca of the Petra Organisation receives the sponsorship from Marketing Manager of GTT, Anji Hackett, in the presence of Public Relations personnel, Nadia DeAbreau (left) and Alison Parker (Paul Vanvield photo)

EBFA President Franklin Wilson (third right) and Marketing and Sales Manager of Continental Agencies Limited, Avalon Jagnandan, display the lien trophy. Sharing the moment from left are Clive Matthews, Seenauth Ramsahai, Marlon Leitch and Noel Harry (Avenash Ramzan photo)

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