Guyana Times Daily - October 20, 2015

PPP/C MPs will refuse salary increases

Good Hope man found dead in home

lawyer admitted to the Bar – to serve in Public Service Sugar industry's fate in limbo

Bandits nabbed after robbing Berbice supermarket

5 remanded for trafficking in narcotics

Nagamootoo wants new flag carrier

Granger during fact-finding visit to school

...foul play suspected – businessman feels targeted, robbed three times President’s College must take lead in science and technology

Police issue wanted bulletin for ‘baby killer’

“Diwali is on November 11 and no other day” – Dharmic Sabha Kitty man nabbed with gun, ammo

tuesday, october 20, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

Guyana on cusp of national crisis – Rohee

– PPP presents 26-point demand to stabilise economy

Realising that the local economy is slowly grinding to a halt, among other problems affecting the country, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Opposition has developed and proposed a 26-point demand to the Government that may see some semblance of survival for the country’s economic stability.

PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee asserted that Guyana is on a cusp of national crisis and on that note disclosed the 26-point demand its members crafted.

At the party’s weekly media conference on Monday, Rohee said the party proposes that the Government should end the political and racial discrimination and the arbitrary dismissals of public servants and young professionals; resuscitate the $30,000 per month Amerindian CSO programme; re-reinstate the “Because We Care $10,000 per Child” programme and reinstate electricity and water subsidies for pensioners.

In addition, the Party is also calling for the end of the controversy over Berbice River Bridge; the need to revoke the astronomical salary increases and benefits to top Government officials and Members of Parliament and provide satisfactory wage and salary increases to public servants.

According to Rohee, the PPP/C has also proposed that there be an immediate relief to rice farmers, in par-

ticular, and the farming community in general by providing subsidy for fuel, spare parts and necessary tools for the sustenance of the industry. Continue investments and all-round support to the sugar industry and provide liveable wages for sugar workers were also called on the demand of the party.

The party is also calling for the restoration of the Petro-Caribe Agreement with Venezuela; the need to push for greater access to Caribbean rice markets and the reduction of the royalties for medium and small scale miners.

Rohee also reiterated the call for the reduction of passenger fares for travel on Government ferries throughout the country; the need to address the steep fall in income and employment in towns and municipalities throughout the country and the necessity to restore the plans and programmes

to address rising crime and the security sector reform as was proposed under the PPP/C Administration.

The Party is also calling for the need to address immediately the rapid decline of production, in the forestry, fishing, farming and quarry sectors and for immediate steps to be taken to revive the national economy and restore its vibrancy and robustness to the pre-May 2015 levels.

Among the other demands the PPP/C is seeking are that steps be taken to revitalise the construction sector; that there is a guarantee to ensure that the livelihood of the Amerindians and Hinterland communities are not further impaired; and the resumption of the critical Amaila Falls Hydropower project.

The Party is also calling for the need to respect and uphold parliamentary democracy: that consultations commence with all stakeholders, with a view to carrying out reforms of the electoral system, laws and at GECOM.

“The PPP/C will mobilise around these demands and work assiduously to win the broadest possible support around them,” Rohee stated.

Rohee also highlighted that the current Administration appears to be “oblivious to the social and economic repercussions in the daily lives of the Guyanese working people including their own supporters who are feeling the pinch and seeing the much vaunt-

ed “good Life” evaporate before their very eyes.”

It is on this basis that the 26-point demand was proposed, he noted.

For months citizens and business owners have been complaining about the country’s financial system. According to the MidYear Report released by the Finance Ministry, Guyana’s economy dipped during the first six months of 2015.

The report stated that the country’s economy declined some 2.5 per cent in the first half of this year when compared to the same period in 2014. The report outlined that initially, Guyana’s half-year growth was estimated to be at 0.9 per cent. However, with the passage of time and the benefit of actual first-half performance in a number of sectors, the country’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) recorded a growth of 0.7 per cent in the first half of 2015, with non-sugar GDP recording a growth rate of 0.8 per cent.

With the seemingly faltering pace of Guyana’s economy over the past months, businesses across the country have faced the harsh realities of economic slowdown. Business owners as well as local commentators have stated that the health of Guyana’s economy is deteriorating and has called on the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) Administration to focus on unearthing ways to stimulate the country’s economy.

Sugar industry's fate in limbo

...CoI's report submitted to Agri Ministry

By Kristen MacKlingaM

Guyana’s sugar industry is one step closer to knowing its fate following the handing over of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) report on the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) to the Agriculture Ministry on Monday.

The report, which contains findings and recommendations on the way forward for the sugar industry, could see major changes being implemented quite shortly in the sector.

However, this will depend on the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government, since the official document will have to be perused and deliberated on by Cabinet before any action is taken.

CoI Chairman Vibert Parvatan handed over the final report to Permanent Secretary of the Agriculture Ministry, George Jervis in light of the absence of the Minister who is currently in Cancún, Mexico attending a meeting.

Guyana Times understands that over the past three months, the 11-member CoI, guided by Terms of Reference (ToR) spent long hours deliberating on the future of the sugar industry.

According to a press release from the Agriculture Ministry, the CoI, over the three-month period, investigated the current state of cane cultivation, factory operations, and production and marketing of sugar, molasses and other by-products.

This publication understands that emphasis was also placed on human resource capabilities, research and development, diversification of the industry, community obligations, weather events, marketing, finance, procurement, factory performance and management.

It was also noted that Parvatan upon delivering the report to the Ministry stated that in going forward, the recommendations by the Commission would ensure long-term environmental and economic sustainability.

“We (the Commission) are pleased to have completed the study which took into account critical issues and major constraints affecting the industry,” Parvatan said.

Lauded

Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary Jervis commended the CoI on the works which it had undertaken during the time frame it was given to operate and lauded its efforts.

Guyana Times was told that he described the members as “competent in pronouncing on the future of the sugar industry.”

The members of the CoI were: Parvatan (Chairman); Professor Clive Thomas (Financial and Economic Analysis); Dr Harold Davis and John Piggot (Agronomists); John Dow and Joseph Alfred (Factory Operations); George James (Sugar Processing); Nowrang Persaud (Industrial Relations); Claude Housty (Marketing); Seepaul Narine, who was the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) representative and Omadatt Chandan who served as the Commission’s Secretary.

Agriculture Minister Noel Holder on Sunday night told this newspaper that although he was not in the country for the presentation of this important report, he would still receive an electronic copy via email.

“While I am in Mexico attending this agriculture meeting, I will have in my possession an electronic copy of the report, but I want persons to know that during the period of the Commission, I stayed away from being exposed to what was going on. I opted to wait until the final report is out and when I have it, I will go through it. Upon my return, I will discuss it at Cabinet on Tuesday (October 27) and then we will deliberate. After which, a press conference will be held when Cabinet is through with it,” he stated.

It should be noted that many of those employed at sugar estates and factories are anxious to know what changes will be implemented in light of this report being finalised.

Earlier, while the CoI was ongoing, sugar workers were worried when reports surfaced that certain factories and estates would most likely be shut down or closed. (kristenm@guyanatimesgy.com)

tuesday, october 20, 2015 |

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Tuesday, October 20 – 10:00h-11:30h and Wednesday, October 21– 11:00h-12:30h

The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Tuesday, October 20 – 08:45h-10:15h and Wednesday, October 21– 10:05h-11:35h

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Weather: Sunny conditions can be expected during the day interrupted by light rain showers in the late morning and mid afternoon. Clear skies are expected in the evening. Temperatures can range between 24 degrees and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North North-easterly ranging from 1.79 metres per second to 2.68 metres per second.

High Tide: 09:20h and 21:45h reaching maximum heights of 2.23 metres and 2.27 metres respectively.

Low Tide: 15:13h reaching a minimum height of 1.04 metres.

October 19, 2015

Gun Amnesty Programme

Regions 7, 9 residents expected licences when they handed in guns

...“no guns, no living” – say leaders

Insufficient educational campaign about the Gun Amnesty programme has left Amerindian leaders up in arms about the livelihood of hinterland residents now that they have handed in their weapons.

Amerindian Leaders are now saying indigenous residents, particularly of Regions Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and Nine (Upper TakatuUpper Essequibo) expected to receive gun licences when they handed in their illegal firearms during the Amnesty period.

As a result, hinterland residents are now left without a proper means of sustaining their families since they have no weapons to hunt or ward off predators.

Guyana Times received several reports that Amerindians are now frustrated following the Gun Amnesty programme, since they turned in their weapons but are now left defenceless against the wild.

This newspaper contacted several Amerindian leaders who attested to the situation, though noting that not much statistical data is available to determine exactly how many families are affected.

Former Toshao of Paruima, Region Seven Damian Chambers said in his village, he became aware of the situation during conversations with some residents.

“Since the guns have been surrendered, I learned that these families have been suffering, because it has been a little while now. They are not certain, I was told, that they are going to get back their firearm with licence,” he said.

Chambers said he is mainly highlighting this issue because the guns which the Amerindians handed in were not used for any criminal acts but rather to sustain their livelihood.

“Many of the weapons that are bought in the interior were bought for that sole purpose to provide for the family,” he said.

Reports also indicate that similar issues are facing residents of Kamarang and other communities in Upper Mazaruni.

This newspaper also spoke to People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Member of Parliament (MP) of Region Nine Alesiter Charlie, who

related that residents of Lethem are also experiencing this problem.

“There was no education-drive pertaining to the Amnesty programme,” he stated, noting that Toshaos were told about the programme during the National Toshaos Council but not much information was given to the leaders or residents.

He highlighted that residents typically use their guns to hunt wildlife or to protect their crops from wild animals but fearing the huge fines attached to carrying illegal firearms, residents decided to turn them in. He also stated that residents believed they would receive licences subsequently to handing in their guns.

According to reports however, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan pointed out that no names should have

been recorded during this programme, therefore it would be impossible to return the weapons to the respective owners with a licence.

The Gun Amnesty programme was meant to get rid of illegal weapons with the hope of reducing criminal activities, particularly

the increasing numbers of gun-related crimes all over the country.

However, the programme did not succeed in doing so. In fact, during the Amnesty programme, the Police recorded a whopping 10 per cent increase in serious crimes including armed robberies.

Of the 186 weapons surrendered at the end of the programme, none of them were found to have been used during serious crimes.

Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud had explained that ballistic tests were conducted on a majority of the weapons which proved that none were linked to serious crime. He had previously expressed belief that criminals with illegal firearms would not turn in their weapons.

The Police Chief also admitted that a majority of the weapons collected were shotguns used mostly by persons hunting more specifically by Amerindians.

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

Collective Bargaining

With the new APNU/AFC Government, following in the footsteps of the previous PPP Administration, unilaterally announced a salary adjustment for Public Servants, hackles were raised in the trade unions that represent these workers. In the lead up to the elections, the issue of “collective bargaining” – where the recognised Trade Union negotiates with the employer across the board for employees and arrive at a binding agreement – had been raised.

The now Government, but then opposition, had clearly indicated they were willing to go down that collective bargaining route. While when they made a policy statement in their manifesto that they would award a raise for Public Servants and other government workers and that this raise would be “significant” it was assumed that the actual percentage raise would have been the consequence of collective bargaining. When before the elections, the leader of the Alliance for Change Khemraj Ramjattan had gratuitously suggested “granting” a raise to Public Servants, General Secretary of the TUC Lincoln Lewis had upbraided him and reminded him of the need for collective bargaining.

Lewis, however, was comparatively quiescent on the eventual average of 5 per cent pay raise to the Public Workers that the new Government eventually announced.

But after the announcement of the average 50 per cent pay raise the Executive awarded itself, the TUC leader had both criticised the latter award, and renewed his call for collective bargaining.

While the Government’s egregious self-enrichment has shocked the nation, its original argument that the strained circumstance in which they had found the treasury militated against extravagant salary increases — even if promised – must be addressed. It will be raised again if the principle of collective bargaining once more is practised. Guyana cannot afford to throw out the baby with the bath water because one set of politicians had a rush of blood to their head when they heard the words, “salary increase for Ministers”.

Collective bargaining in Guyana has had a chequered history, unfortunately not necessarily because of substantive objections to the process but rather because of successive Governments evaluating it as another form of politics. Politics in Guyana grew out of trade unionism, and it appears that trade unionists have never been able to completely wean themselves away from the pill of politics. And it is against this background that we must view the present calls for collective bargaining.

The early acquiescence of the TUC for what has to be labelled an “imposition” of a salary adjustment without any negotiation by this APNU/AFC Government was a political decision and vitiated much of the moral weight that it had earlier earned. It will be left for workers to witness with what vigour the Trade Union umbrella body will proceed on in securing an equitable wage settlement on their behalf against this Government moving forward.

Presumably under the theory that Government must have re-evaluated and upgraded their assessment of the treasury when they somersaulted from their position on Public Workers’ salaries and gave themselves the 50 per cent increase, the TUC leader has not unreasonably demanded this same 50 per cent be used as the basis for negotiations going forward on behalf of their membership.

When in 1999 a similar situation presented itself, an Arbitral Tribunal was established to award a salary increase after the TUC led its workers onto the streets in protests that led to the Police having to resort to force to keep law and order.

The workers eventually were awarded a 31 per cent increase in salaries for 1999 and 26 per cent for 2000. Even though the then PPP Government argued, much as this APNU/AFC one has done now, that the treasury was bare, the Government was able to pay the workers and also develop the country through judicious public spending.

With the asseverations by this Government that large sums of monies had been siphoned off by the PPP but would be returned to the Treasury, they should find it much easier to finance a 50 per cent increase for Public Servants through collective bargaining.

The sugar industry must not be closed

Dear Editor, Government sources have been leaking news that is said to be coming from the Commission of Inquiry (COI) about the operations of the sugar industry. In those leaked pieces, the case is being made that estates must be closed. According to information coming out, two estates in Demerara and one in Berbice are being targeted for closure.

The only reason the regime would want to release such information now is because they may be inclined to do so.

That would be a savage mistake.

Before the PPP/C Government was rigged out of office, GuySuCo had worked out a strategic plan, which had the input of all sections of the industry.

The Board of Directors, management and staff at all levels, including the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr Rajendra Singh, worked very hard on this plan.

Dr Singh worked not only with the Board and management, but went down to all categories of workers and engaged them to have their views on what needed to be done.

The plan also benefitted from the expertise of real professionals in the field internationally. Experts from India, South Africa and Australia were engaged to produce a very good plan.

It is the implementation of this plan, which was formulated last year that is responsible for the great successes in the industry today.

The plan envisaged cutting cost and looking at more revenue streams for the corporation.

The original target this year was 242,000 tonnes. It was felt that this target was not only reachable, but could be surpassed. The basis for this optimism was that the canes were in the fields and quite a lot was invested in capital for the industry.

This year, the industry is reaping quite a lot of planted canes.

During last year, Dr Singh worked hard to ensure that the industry was returned to correct agricultural practices such as the timely application of fertilizers and ensuring high standards are set

and maintained. In the process, bio-fertilisers were introduced to cut costs and to ensure good cane growth. More lands were put under flood fallow and the industry reintroduced legume fallow in the fields.

Thirty new tractors were purchased to increase efficiency in the fields.

At Skeldon, all-weather roads were built. At the same time, the conversion in the fields was ongoing.

Three hundred new punts were put into operation, while whole fleets were rehabilitated. This was important to ensure a continuous supply of canes to the factories.

At every factory, work was done to ensure that systems and other facilities were improved to ensure greater and better productivity.

A lot of effort was also made to improve the Skeldon facility. During the out-of-crop, a new punt dumper was installed, which was capable of lifting more than eight and a half tonnes. The boilers were retubed and the diffuser was fixed.

Much more could be done. The European Union (EU) did not deliver the Euro$25M that we had earned and had an agreement on. It is hoped that they will pay it over now. Twenty million (Euros) of this sum was earmarked for the sugar industry.

It is hoped that the current Government will hand over that sum to the sugar industry.

The leaked documents also speak of the huge debt that GuySuCo has, but many people are of the view that the figures have been inflated. Nevertheless, let us assume that the figures are correct, and this is the reason why the industry needs assistance from the regime.

Already, a partnership has been forged with the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) to purchase power from the Skeldon facility. (The Government seems to want to scrap this project).

However, other estates, such as Albion, Rose Hall and Enmore, can also become providers of electricity and this can significantly boost GuySuCo’s income.

Excess bagasse could be compressed and used to restart factories. That would save GuySuCo millions in substituting compressed bagasse instead of wood. It would also not damage the tubes in the boilers as the wood does.

GuySuCo could increase the amount of packaged sugar for both the local and international markets.

A pilot project, which involved the bottling of molasses, was proving to be very successful and clearly could bring in substantial revenue for the corporation.

Moreover, the corporation could look into the possibility of opening a distillery. Molasses could be used to produce alcohol for rum and the cosmetic industry. GuySuCo could seek a joint venture with other companies for such a project.

The industry also successfully tested the production of ethanol production at Albion. That programme could be expanded and a joint venture with Guyoil could prove very successful in blending ethanol and gasoline for use in motor vehicles.

Finally, GuySuCo did not give up its dream of producing refined sugar and other specialty sugars.

This again could be achieved by partnering with other companies with similar interests.

It is my view that the industry can come out of this situation caused by the changed trading arrangement of the European Union, but it needs and deserves the support of the Government.

The regime though, seems gung ho on shutting down factories. The negative publicity they are deliberately putting out will harm the sugar industry greatly. It will become more difficult to attract partners to do business with the corporation when the Government is painting a dooms-day scenario.

The regime should stop governing by hate and spite and think more of the country and all the people in it.

Otherwise, we will all suffer as we did during the pre-1992 days.

The Government should stop ‘leaking’ and start ‘working.’

Donald Ramotar

Response to Sheik Ally letter

Dear Editor, In regards to Sheik Ally’s letter stating: ‘Is not what he voted for’, it is essential for him to state how people can vote out the APNU and others out of Office. He did not state if a website

is set up for this so people can voice their opinion, or there will be marches across the country, or any other type of effective method to demonstrate to the public, that the people are determined to have an election recount of

the May 11 votes. I hope he can give some more details how people should go about this.

Thank you, Stan Law

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

Didn’t the President say the treasury is empty?

Dear Editor,

On October 17, 2015 Guyana Times published an article under the caption,” Govt to spend double $B to boost GDF’s strength and capabilities.” The article stated that President Granger intends to increase allocations to the GDF by $20 billion.

President Granger’s motives, according to the article is that: “The force must have the capacity to maintain adequate combat-ready units with the correct mix of personnel and equipment.” As part of his plan, he wants to reinstate the People’s Militia. OK, I am confused. Didn’t the President say that the “treasury is empty”? Where will he get the money to invest in the GDF? Are they using Enron style accounting? But, let’s assume that they do find the money to finance this initiative. What are they getting ready for? Will we be putting boots on the border to defend against Venezuelan aggression? With all due respect to the men and women in uniform, I doubt that Guyana

has the capability now or will in the future, even with another $20B investment, to repel military aggression from Venezuela.

It kind of begs the question. What is the purpose of increasing funding for the military and reinstating the People’s Militia, (which was used as a paramilitary-arm of the PNC).Are the preparations really to address exterior threats? Or is the intention to use the GDF and the People’s Militia against the people of Guyana, as was done in the past when the GDF was used to rig the elections?

The arrogance of APNU is self-evident. They have essentially discarded the Cummingsburg Accord that they used to get into power. They have packed Boards and State entities with party hacks. The CEO of GUYWA, Burnham’s son-in-law Van West Charles, was hired without the position being advertised or interviews conducted. After three months in office, they have doubled their salaries, giving Moses

$20 million per year to keep quiet. The uproar from civil society does not appear to bother them.

It is very significant that the military hosted a big birthday bash for President Granger. He has superimposed on the Government a layer of ex-GDF officers, dubbed advisors. It starts with Col Harmon who wields more power than the Prime Minister, even when the latter is acting as President. When President Granger went to address the UN it was not the Acting President who issued press release addressing the Venezuelan aggression.

The country needs to know how many ex-military advisors are attached to the Office of the President. What is their role and how do they interface with line ministers. When the US Ambassador said that Roger Khan’s testimony could be available to the Government, Minister of Security Ramjattan said he was not particularly interested, while Granger expressed a deep desire to obtain the

testimony.

Who speaks for the Government, Ramjattan or Granger? Or is this the beginning of the sidelining of the AFC? Does it signal a realisation that the AFC has outlasted its usefulness? Does it mean that a fully-entrenched military signals a return to the rigging of elections in Guyana?

Now that we have discovered oil in Guyana, will the PNC be willing to give up the booty in fair and free elections? Why, when they can hold power through the power of the gun than the ballot? Does it thus make sense to run the Government with exGDF advisors, boost military spending, and reinstitute the “People’s Militia”?

It is food for thought, particularly for the AFC who foisted the PNC on the people of Guyana. They may call themselves APNU but they are PNC steeped in the old ways of rigging elections.

Sincerely, Sandra Biswas

When you put self-interest before country – the rice economy

Dear Editor, When the coalition Government openly told rice farmers that they would have to find their own markets, it was the single most reprehensible statement to have been ever made by a government. It was the most callous, cold-hearted thing to date and which clearly shows that they are not interested in country.

For an economy that is growing at a rapid rate as ours and about to pass the one million tonne mark this year, this takes the cake. Guyana is doomed. What is even more distressing is the fact that when you look at the rice sector it marks an area that accounts for some 30% of our GNP, and to deliberately cause its demise is the worse possible thing to hit Guyana since May 11.

So let us take a closer look at what this Government ac-

tually said to its rice farmers and the morbid consequences of such words. They have said to rice farmers: go find your own markets, we are not going to do that for you. This is outright sabotage from a Government which promised these very same farmers to lift them to higher heights because the previous Administration stifled their growth and development. Then, it should have been the beginning of the glory days of the “good life”, but is it?

What we see played out on the streets of Guyana are hordes of disgruntled farmers clamouring for those campaign promises, as a horrible future looms on the horizon. In essence the Government is saying from now onwards you will have to paddle your own canoe with no help from central government whatsoever. They have thrown those farmers under the bus

and sabotaged the rice industry.

So let’s be clear on this: we are here talking about an export economy with rice at its prime performance in years. Should the Government be so casual about it? But pedestrian and casual they are as this commercially-grown crop is about to go under. This spells doom - not only for the farmer - but for the entire country as a whole.

Disaster is ahead for those farmers who invested heavily in the industry in machinery and other infrastructure such as tractors, combines and the like. Their trip to the bank is written in red. The implications in real terms means that those farmers are either going to give up the collaterals like their house and land to the bank while hurriedly opt out of the industry.

Is this the change we

were looking forward to? This is what Guyanese are faced with! Right now we are bracing for a further decline as the growth index shows a decline of 2.5% so we are in real trouble.

Our troubles are compounded when you view the fact that this Government can arbitrarily raise their salaries by 50%. While all the indications point to a failed state, Government can think it best to bask in a wage hike for itself. This is adding salt to the wound; this is most outrageous.

I must close by saying you kill a promising foreign income earner like the ice industry and the entire country will go under. I wonder where are all the PPP/C critics now? Where are those who told those imaginary stories of the PPP/C destroying the economy? Where are they, have they lost their voices?

Neil Adams

Dr Bud Mangal will be remembered for his patriotism and service

Dear Editor, It is of profound sadness I read of the passing of Former Election Commissioner Dr Bud Mangal (GT Oct 4). I had the good fortune of meeting him in brief intervals (during his busy schedule) several times during regular visits to Guyana since the early 1980s when I used to join freedom fighters against the PNC ethnic dictatorship.

Bud was a patriot and servant of the Guyanese nation, a character to be admired and emulated in community service. He was respected for his passionate patriotism and honesty and was not one to accept ill-gotten wealth or to compromise his integrity. It is hard to find in Guyana people with these values, and it is hoped these cherished values will survive his passing.

Bud, as he was popularly called by colleagues, passionately believed in free and fair elections especially after experiencing firsthand the rigging (by soldiers, police, thugs, ethnic bullies and others) of the 1973 elections. It was not an accident that he dedicated part of his life to struggle for free and fair elections and then serving Gecom for 22 years to guarantee transparent elections.

Bud is widely regarded for his endurance at that body, a record for service as a commissioner in that body, and was never tempted to embrace foul play.

It was a privilege and learning experience for me to struggle alongside Bud Mangal and the likes of Moses Nagamootoo, Wasir Mohammed, Ralph Ramkarran, Khemraj Ramjattan, Lionel Peters, Clement Rohee, Navin Chandarpal, Eusi Kwayana, Nigel Westmaas, Moses Bhagwan, and others (still around) for the restoration of democracy in our beloved country.

Those who fought for free and fair elections were harassed and intimidated, somewhat similar to what occurred

on May 11. Few served democracy with greater commitment and dedication than Dr Bud. Bud Mangal served Gecom with honour and integrity. His work at that body has left a lasting impression about electoral democracy for others to follow. Unfortunately, some do not follow his lead or embrace his democratic credentials but instead close their eyes to wrong doings and even support machinations to produce a desired result.

And aside from the public service, it does not go unnoticed that Dr Mangal did not pursue a lucrative career in medicine in other territories as several of his peers did. He wanted to serve his nation making yeoman contributions to society. He stood out among other giants for his public service.

Although he was a PPP Commissioner at Gecom, many do not know that Bud was for years not a member of the PPP. He served the Liberator Party (and may even have been on the party’s list) during the rigged 1973 elections. He courageously stood up to intimidating soldiers who pulled guns on him and others for demanding that the right ballot boxes be counted. None of us who experienced the 1973 election rigging will forget the soldiers and police roving around in militarised armoured carriers intimidating us.

Bud will long be remembered for his public stature, contributions to restoration of democracy, patriotism, community service, and professional reputation as a medical doctor and election commissioner.

My deepest sympathy to his family members and hope these words will console them in their loss. He lived a full life and made an enormous contribution to institutionalise democracy in our homeland.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

Dear Editor, I fully support the views of Vidyartha Kissoon that consensus can be achieved when there are different views (‘Diwali date difference has consensus opportunities’ – SN 17/10/2015).

However, I cannot help feeling that neither consensus nor unity might have been on the agenda given the haste, it appears, with which the Ministry of Public Security rushed to have the notice published over the weekend dated 14 October 2015 naming Tuesday 10 November 2015 as the National holiday in observance of the Hindu Festival, Diwali. (Should this function still reside with the Ministry of Public Security?).

Editor, While I do accept and agree that a shift in date

from the one indicated in calendars would mean a shift in arrangements all around in order to accommodate plans for celebrations/observances to the new date, in my humble opinion I feel there was still time to hold proper discussions/discourses with all Hindu organisations and scholars in order to arrive at a consensus date.

For years the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha (GHDS) has been the authoritative voice on matters pertaining to the Hindu religion (CIOG for Islamic matters) and the dates they have given over the years for the observances of both Phagwah and Diwali have always held and accepted and have always been so indicated in calendars without any furore.

Now, very recently, voices have made claims (perhaps with good reason) of wrong dates, bringing a note of discord and contention to the national fore.

Further, it must be questioned why wasn’t this ‘error’ picked up by the Hindu organisations/scholars long before now?

It begs the question: is the GHDS being replaced as the official, authoritative voice on matters pertaining and relating to the Hindu religion?

This is certainly no way to build consensus and national unity. If we cannot find unity on the religious front, how can we hope to achieve this in the other spheres of National life?

Regards, “JLu”

Public humiliation should not be a method of discipline

Dear Editor, Let me begin by saying I support GHRA’s objection to the ‘name and shame’ campaign. Quite frankly, it’s shameful that we have a policy endorsing public humiliation as a method of discipline. The principle of ‘name and shame’ is simple: to psychologically humiliate to deter others from committing the same crime.

In a society in which shaming persons for their behaviour is more common than not, it is simply another way to encourage shamehating discourse. ‘Name and Shame’ ruins an individual’s

opportunity to sincerely feel, on one’s own capacity, remorseful.

Although these methods of ‘correcting’ may seem to work (arguably a short-term effect), we ought to be very wary of endorsing this archaic method of discipline and be disturbed by the thrill some get by the idea of embarrassing or instilling fear to express moral disapproval.

The measures a society or state takes when it comes to punishing its people determines what kind of society or state it is. Rightfully, people ought to be corrected or disciplined accordingly when they

err or have committed a horrendous crime. But the principle of justice, that is, what is fair and decent, doesn’t allow for barbaric measures of punishment. When the state inadvertently sanctions what really seems to be an act of vengeance, it reflects poorly on our justice system. History informs us that this is not the sort of state one would want to live in. For progressive values to flourish, novel approaches to law and order are necessary.

Yours faithfully, Ferlin F Pedro

Page Foundation

Part 2: Getting your child to listen to you

By James Lehman, msW

Q: James, the first step for many parents is getting their child to listen to them. How do you go about doing that when you have a “hard case” child who never listens to anyone – and especially not to his or her parents?

James: I think that this is another instance where parents have to look at their own skill base – and not at their kid’s. Understand that your child’s capacity to listen will be influenced by his age, his peer group, the setting in which you are having a conversation with him, and the issue at hand. And if your child is really angry and frustrated about something and you’re trying to reason with him, he’s not going to listen, plain and simple. Just accept that going into it.

I often ask parents to envision what might have to happen in order for their child to listen to them. What would be an ideal place for a talk?

Most parents can describe the setting: it’s quiet, there are no distractions, everyone is calm, and they have a chance to really share their ideas with their child. I think all of these elements have to be in play in order to have any kind of discussion with your child.

Here’s another crucial thing to remember: kids will listen to something – and comply – when it’s in their best interests to do so. Let me be clear: kids don’t behave because they like their parents; kids behave because it’s in their best interests to behave. So parents who compromise about household rules in order to get their kids to do what they want are missing the point. Instead of trying to get your child to like you in order to behave, what you have to do is get your child to like his life, his privileges, his friends, and his independence. Because all those things that matter to us, also matter to our kids – and are incentives for them to try harder.

held accountable if he doesn’t. The relationship between responsibility, accountability and consequences can’t be stressed enough here. The message should always be: “You’re responsible and I’m going to hold you accountable.” And let him know there are going to be consequences if he doesn’t comply with the rules.

I also believe that parents have to say something worth listening to. Kids don’t listen to preaching. Kids don’t listen to labelling. And they don’t listen to name calling or blaming, either. I think it’s helpful to talk to your child in a direct, matter-of-fact way. Don’t personalise what is happening; just stick to the facts. Try to define the problem in a way that is solvable.

“It’s your responsibility to take out the garbage. If you don’t, there will be consequences.” And

along with teachers who are highly structured. That’s because the structure the teacher has set up makes it clear that it’s in the child’s best interests to behave. Sometimes that’s because the teacher doesn’t take any playing around and sets limits right away; sometimes it’s because the teacher gives consequences and rewards that the child finds meaningful. Remember, there always has to be interplay between structure that’s clear, and rewards that are meaningful. And if you find the right combination, your child will respond to you –whether or not he’s a hard case.

I also think that with hard cases, you have to be very clear about who you are. I don’t think you have to be hard yourself, but you have to be able to clearly define what you expect from your child. And let them know that you’re going to hold them accountable. I think kids who are hard cases often don’t see what’s in it for them. They might think, “So what’s in it for me if I clean my room? What’s in it for me if I do my homework?” I think the answer is to have a structure where you can show them what the consequences and rewards are. So they know what’s going to happen if they don’t finish their assignment or mow the lawn. It’s clear to them what they’ll get as a reward – and what might be taken away as a consequence.

let him know he’ll be rewarded if he is able to meet his responsibilities consistently. This is how you hold your child accountable.

Q: What are some tips for getting through to your child, especially if that child is a hard case?

Instead of giving in to your child and trying to be his friend, communicate that it’s his responsibility to listen to you – and that he’ll be

James: Again, I think if your child sees it’s in his best interests to respond to you, hard case or not, he’s going to find a way to respond. To give you an example, we often see kids with behaviour problems really getting

I also believe there is a lot of legitimacy in giving kids more independence when they do things more independently. So you can say things like, “You can stay up half an hour later because you’ve shown me that you can be responsible with your reading homework.” That actually motivates your child to act more independently. And when I say independently, I don’t mean defiantly – I just mean independently. In other words, they’re able to meet their responsibilities without a lot of prodding or threatening or following up from you. (Excerpt from empoweringparents.com)

Communication is indispensable in any relationship, and good listening skills are an indispensable part of communicating. The key to getting your child to listen to you is to be a good listener yourself. The good news is that you do not have to be a “born listener.” You can develop these skills no matter how old you are. Active listening is a particularly important skill that will help parents and children feel connected. Parents who actively listen will be fully present (i.e. giving undivided attention to the speaker) and will not be dispensing advice as soon as the child takes a pause.

Good listening skills are basically the ability to listen carefully. This allows you to:

better understand your child show your support, care and concern about your child’s condition

help resolve your child’s problems answer your child’s questions and uncover the causes and meanings of what your child is saying

Some things to avoid

When it comes to demonstrating good communication skills, knowing what not to do is as important as what to do. Here is a list of behaviours that are on the must not do list in many cognitive psychologists’ books.

Do not have a hidden agenda or internal dialogue that will burst forth during a pause or break in your child’s communication (then you are not really listening)

Do not make judgmental statements (eg summation statements such as “You are a bad kid”).

Do not become defensive and personalise what your child is saying (consider instead what they might be feeling to say such a thing; don’t be afraid to ask them either)

Do not use all or nothing statements (eg “You always do this”)

Do not focus on the negatives (try to recognise your child’s strengths and verbalise this too)

Do not resort to blaming or shaming (these only serve to wound and will distance your child from you)

Here are some tips to exercise good listening skills and demonstrate that you are paying attention: Face your child, maintain an eye contact, and lean toward the child

Avoid folding your arms, because this gives the impression that you are already closed off (studies show that you will actually be more close minded too)

Turn off the TV or radio, put down the book you’re reading; listen to what your child or has to say; do not listen “between the lines”; give your full attention

Be patient when listening (do not rush your child) because listening is all about understanding; Take interest in what your child has to say; active listening creates a caring environment and encourages your child to speak freely (this will be coupled to the belief that you will try to understand your child’s situation)

Never criticise your child for his or her feelings or emotions. Such criticism will remove the child’s motivation to speak openly to you

Do not say anything until your child has finished the story, you might miss something; equally allow a short pause before carefully responding You should also be attentive to what your child does not say. Be mindful of his or her facial expression so that you can ascertain what your child is trying to convey;

Reassure your child (if there is any need), be a trustworthy parent and maintain the confidentiality between you and your child as the case may be

Above all, let your children know that they are unconditionally loved even if you do not approve of or agree with their actions. In these circumstances, they will learn to view your remarks as constructive feedback rather than criticisms that tear them down. (wahm.com)

PPP/C MPs will refuse salary increases

...to challenge in Parliament – Jagdeo

When Government and Opposition

Members of Parliament gather for the next sitting of the National Assembly on Thursday, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic will be ready to vigorously challenge the astronomical salary increases the Government has given itself.

In strongly denouncing these unconscionable salary increases, former President and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo said his Party will be laying a motion in the National Assembly to annul this hefty increase which now sees all parliamentarians earning $2.4 million yearly as opposed to $2 million.

In addition, the Prime Minister earns a whopping $20,580,000 per annum, while the other Vice Presidents each receive $11,135,064.

A Cabinet Minister will be given a huge package of $10,439,124 annually – more than $300,000 over previous Ministers and a Junior Minister or a Minister within a Ministry will be paid $8,346,492 per annum. Government’s adjustment to the salary scale will also see the Leader of the Opposition receiving $10,439, 124 on an annual basis. Following the announcement of this development, the PPP/C wasted no time in condemning the decision taken by the Administration, particularly since it was them who

had heavily criticised the former Government “leading a Cadillac and exorbitant lifestyle” in a “donkeycart economy”. It is for this reason, among many others, that the PPP/C will be challenging these increases which could also see their parliamentarians benefitting.

Increases approved

Despite the Party’s resolve to reject these increases, PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee told Guyana Times on Monday that even if its Members stand up against the increases in Parliament, the possibility exists that Parliament can vote to have the increases approved, which will ultimately see its MPs being paid the unjustifiable increases being advocated for the Government.

Nonetheless, Rohee said the PPP/C will continue to stand in solidarity with the majority of Guyana in re-

jecting the exorbitant pay packages.

“The People’s Progressive Party/Civic welcomes the nationwide rejection of the selfish and self-serving salary increase awarded to Ministers of the Granger-led APNU/AFC coalition Administration. This nationwide rejection is a true manifestation of the voice of the people,” he stated.

Already, nongovernmental organisations (NGOs), activists and persons associated with Government have spoken out against this move.

The Guyana Teachers Union, Guyana Trades Union Congress, former Speaker of the National Assembly Ralph Ramkarran, columnists Freddie Kissoon, Christopher Ram and David Hinds have all denounced the salary increases.

Government’s justification

Social media also erupted with grave concerns with Guyanese expressing their disbelief regarding the decision and Government’s feeble justification.

Amid the massive public outcry, President David Granger sought to defend and justify the decision to have hefty salary increases.

According to the Head of State, the salary increases will eventually translate to good governance. State Minister Joseph Harmon had stated that the salary

increase decision was made to ensure Ministers and Government officials are paid an attractive salary so as to discourage them from being corrupt.

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams had stated that the process of increasing the salaries was ‘transparent’.

Governance Minister Raphael Trotman had asked Guyanese to trust the Government and to understand that the decision by Cabinet to increase its own salary was justified.

Meanwhile, Minister of State Joseph Harmon defended Cabinet’s decision to increase its own pay by millions of dollars, declaring it “justified”. The Minister’s statement sent shockwaves throughout the country, given the fact that Government and its Ministers have only been in office for four months.

More motions Meanwhile, the PPP/C plans to table a motion in the National Assembly on Thursday, calling on all MPs to make public their tax returns to the Guyana Revenue Authority over the last 10 years.

In keeping with the interest of accountability and transparency, Jagdeo has long been calling for all parliamentarians and Government Ministers to publicly declare all their assets and make public their tax returns.

Good Hope man found dead in home

...foul play suspected

The lifeless body of Shiraz Ali, 22, called Ameer of 2 Good Hope Railway Embankment, East Coast Demerara was on Monday found lying face down on the bed. It is suspected to be murder.

Ali was discovered by his mother who went to check on him after calls to his mobile phone went unanswered.

Information reaching Guyana Times revealed that the dead man might have been murdered, since the Police have removed two knives, a hammer and several other items suspected to be the murder weapons. The hammer and the knives had what appeared to be blood stains. The Police also removed several cigarettes, which according to relatives, is a surprise since the dead man did not smoke.

A senior Police rank told this newspaper that the results of a post mortem examination will be the basis for their investigations.

The Police have questioned several persons including his neighbours. According to neighbours, Ali lived alone and was last seen on Sunday evening in his yard.

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum on Monday said based on investigations it is believed that the perpetrator(s) attempted to burn the house following the murder.

He said several burnt electrical cords were found near the man’s body.

At the home of the dead man, his mother, Bibi Hamid was inconsolable as she sat in

a hammock.

She explained that she lives in Berbice, Region Six, but suspected that something was wrong with her son since she had called him several times but her calls went unanswered.

The grieving mother said she subsequently called and asked her son’s neighbours to go check on him but they too were unable to reach Ali.

She said she travelled to her son’s home and found the door ajar. Her worst fear was confirmed when she went in and found her son’s body with several marks about his body.

Hamid stated that her son visited her in Berbice on Friday last and left on Saturday to return to ECD. The aggrieved mother is now left with questions about her son’s death.

The house was also partially ransacked but Guyana Times was unable to confirm if anything was taken.

Ali reportedly moved to the area a few months ago and leaves to mourn his parents and sisters.

tuesday, october 20, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

Local drug cartel bust Five remanded for trafficking in narcotics

Five persons were on Monday remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan when they appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged with trafficking in narcotics.

The head of the alleged drug cartel, Gordon Williams, 52, of 12 Perseverance and 25

Section C Street, Barima, Essequibo Coast; Marlyn Scott, 49, a well known businesswoman of 25 Section C Street, Barima; Marlon Scott, 28, a miner of 503 Respect Street, Onderneeming, Essequibo, Damien George, 32, of Second Phase Sandhill, Onderneeming, and Dennis Mohabir, 50, of Lot 68 Shell Road, Kitty appeared before Magistrate McLennan charged with trafficking of cocaine and marijuana.

The five accused pleaded not guilty to the charge, which read that on October 17 at Perseverance, Essequibo Coast, they were found in possession of 3.841 kilograms of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.

Additionally, Williams and Marlyn Scott were charged separately for possession of 30.5 grams of cannabis sativa for the purpose of traf-

ficking. Both denied the charge. Marlon Scott was charged separately for possession of 30 grams of cannabis sativa. He too denied the charge.

Police Prosecutor Corporal Deniro Jones told the Court that ranks from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Narcotics Branch, travelled to Essequibo Coast where they launched an operation on the premises, where the

drugs were found.

The Prosecutor said that on October 17, the ranks went to the house to conduct a search, and when they entered they saw the five accused sitting around a coffee table, with the cocaine on the centre of the table.

The ranks also seized US$4010 and $258,800. A further search of the house, the Prosecutor said, resulted in 23 grams of cannabis being found under a pillow in a room that was being occupied by Williams and Marlyn Scott, and another 30 grams of cannabis discovered on the person of Marlon Scott.

Williams was repre-

Pensioner’s murder

sented by Attorney Glen Hanoman and Marlyn Scott was by Attorney Mark Waldron, while the others were unrepresented.

Attorney Hanoman in a bail application told the Court that his client was in bed on the day in question since he was suffering from Tuberculosis and also has a broken arm. He further revealed that five persons are being charged for narcotics which were allegedly found in a house, which is occupied by several other persons as well as the accused.

Meanwhile, Attorney Waldron in his bail application told the Court that his client is a mother of two and is a well-known businesswoman on the Essequibo

Coast.

He said that on October 17, his client had gone to the building where the drugs were discovered since that is where her mechanic is located. He said his client also washes her vehicle at the same building as there is also a washbay there.

Waldron told the Court that on the day of the incident, his client took her vehicle to undergo some repairs, and sometime later she was approached and searched by the Police. The Attorney further related

that nothing was found on his client and she was told that she was free to leave, however 40 minutes later she was taken into custody and escorted to the Anna Regina Police Station.

Both Attorneys posited that their clients are not flight risks and requested reasonable bail.

Prosecutor Jones objected to bail, citing that there were no special reasons given. Bail was refused and the five were all remanded to prison.

The matter was transferred to the Suddie Magistrate’s Court and will continue on October 29.

Accused to stand trial in High Court

Junior Williams, 24, accused of killing 75-year-old pensioner Joyce Lewis was on Monday committed to stand trial in the High Court. He was charged for the murder of Lewis after his fingerprints were reportedly found at the scene of the murder.

On March 26, 2014, Lewis was found in her North Ruimveldt Housing Scheme, Georgetown, home with her hands tied, throat slit and underwear below her knees. Her body was found by her sister who went to the house after she had failed to make telephone contact with Lewis.

Sex worker's murder

The Preliminary Inquiry

into the murder of male sex worker Nephi Luthers is set to begin on October 29.

On Monday, this newspaper was told that the investigation has been completed and the Prosecution was ready to present its case against Ron Andel Forde, who is accused of killing the sex worker.

Forty-two-year-old Forde, also called “Andel”, of Lot 19 Meadow Bank, Georgetown was slapped with the murder charge which alleged that on

July 22 at Quamina Street, Georgetown, he murdered Luthers.

Luthers, 20, of ZZ Durban Street, Wortmanville, was shot once to his chest during an alleged confrontation with Forde and another suspect, Kanand Ojha of Lot 2 First Street, Meadow Bank. A wanted bulletin has been issued for Ojha; however, Police are yet to find him.

It is alleged that on the night of the shooting, Ojha paid the sex worker in the vicinity of St George’s Cathedral, $5000 to perform

The Police stated that the perpetrators may have got into the house via a bedroom window in the upper flat, since there were several footprints on the white paint. The house was ransacked and a knife wrapped in a piece of cloth was recovered by the investigators at the scene.

After receiving the evidence presented during the preliminary inquiry, the Magistrate committed Williams to the High Court before a judge and jury.

PI to commence month-end

a sex act.

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

Ojha reportedly collected Forde and went back to the location where they confronted Luthers, but he denied doing business with Ojha, which resulted in an argument.

During the argument, Ojha reportedly told Luthers,

“You have to give back the thing”, but in response, the commercial sex worker said: “Me ain’t been with you”. Forde allegedly then pulled out the gun and pulled the trigger, shooting Luthers to his chest.

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

Forde was remanded to prison as investigations were not yet complete.

Eyew tness

Who calls the shots…

…on salaries?

With “salarygate” refusing to fade quietly into the night - as the APNU/AFC’re feverishly praying it would, what’s the end game? The mid-year report on the state of the economy hasn’t helped their case. The numbers confirm things aren’t just “not regulah” for most folks… but are actually quite dread.

Your Eyewitness doesn’t have to review the litany of woes in the report, does he? Suffice it to say, there are so many dark clouds in its 19 pages, one wonders how Minister Jordan claimed to see a silver lining. Maybe it’s that sweet chariot “coming for to carry them ‘home’ ”, he’s seen – because as this economy implodes, folks are going to get quite ornery.

The report’s up-to-date to the end of June, and the 50% salary increases for Ministers kicked in the very next day –July 01. Now what’s thrown most people for a loop is the APNU/AFC fellas were barely in office for a month-and-ahalf when they decided to give themselves such a bump in salaries. Some folks figured they must’ve done something pretty spectacular — behind the scenes — because nothing was visible publicly...

Now it’s revealed what they did behind the scenes –mucked everything up so royally, all the Kings horses and all the king’s men ain’t going to put this egg-shell-fragile economy together again. Or not for a very looooong while. So where’s the silver lining that Jordan saw?

Forget sugar, rice, bauxite, timber, gold or even rum –they’re all headed south. A good indicator would be to look at housing and car sales. These are investments made by individuals who’re pretty certain they’ll have an income flow to keep up with payments. Well, no silver linings here. While the Government did spend money on house lots and infrastructure, the private housing developers have absolutely dug their heels in on plunking any money into the sector. They know that most folks aren’t going to tie themselves down to a 15-year mortgage when they’ve absolutely no confidence in the economy.

And as for cars, have you noticed how long it’s taking for the “ PTT series” to end? Even though cars are nowhere in the ballpark with houses when it comes to cost, it’s still a big investment for the ordinary Joe and Josephine out there.

And that’s why, when they’re reminded about Nagamootoo spending $73 million of THEIR money to fix up his new digs or spending $22M on an new SUV on which $63M wasn’t paid in taxes to the government, they’ll be pissed for a mighty long time.

Till 2016 at least! That’s the end game!

…on Diwali?

Well it seems that at long last the Hindu Community has caught up with their Muslim Brethren and sisteren. Muslim festivals are based on the lunar calendar – and frequently more precisely when a “new moon” is sighted. It’s not surprising there’s always been disputes on an event that’s literally perspectival! Even though there’s been proposals to use science to calculate when the moon’s ACTUALLY in a position to be seen, that’s never been universally accepted. And the dispute rages on.

So now the Hindus, whose calendar’s also lunar based - but with all kinds of additional levels of complexities with lunar precessions and suchlike, have joined the lunar based disputations. And we have a face off between the old behemoth body, the Dharmic Sabha and the new Viraat Sabha on when exactly is Diwali. Which up to now has been a quite peaceful festival, thank you.

The Government’s rushed in where angels have quaked to tread. Leading to accusations that it’s taking “sides”. Is it?

…on oil?

OK… exactly when did we stop taking oil from Venezuela? We know we weren’t placing all our eggs in the Spanish basket. But if Trinidad’s not matching the PetroCaribe deal, why put all our eggs in THAT basket?

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

PPP/C demands LGE by promised year-end

– will participate even with Surujbally around

Despite its contentions that Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Chairman Dr Steve Surujbally “must go”, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) is now willing to participate in the impending Local Government Elections (LGE) even if Dr Surujbally remains at its helm.

PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee made the announcement on Monday during the Party’s weekly media conference at Freedom House, Robb Street, Georgetown. According to Rohee, the PPP/C is mainly concerned about ensuring that transparency and accountability prevails.

“Our issue has to do with ensuring that the electors are in the correct boundaries, that there is a clean voters list… we will not be distracted by Surujbally,” he stated.

“We have a problem with Surujbally but we are not focusing on personalities,” Rohee posited.

The Party has been contending that it has lost confidence in Surujbally and so has its 49.3 per cent supporters since he has brought GECOM into disrepute.

As a consequence of this the party had previously announced it will not participate in LGE, since such a move would be “counter-productive”.

Nonetheless, on Monday, Rohee added that it still contends that Dr Surujbally should resign from his post at GECOM given “his poor performance” at the recently con-

GECOM

cluded General and Regional Elections in May.

Holding onto its belief that the Elections were seriously flawed, especially given the detection of fake Statements of Polls (SOPs) and GECOM’s handling of the many discrepancies unearthed, the PPP/C believes Surujbally played an integral role in allowing these occurrences to happen, “since he is deeply involved in the operations of GECOM.”

Date for LGE

Local Government Elections is likely to be held in March 2016. However, Rohee is challenging the Government to keep its promise and have the elections before the end of this year.

A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition had made a promise of setting a date for LGE within 100 days

of its assumption to office, with a commitment of holding LGE by the end of 2015.

Previously, Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan had said December 7 is likely to be the date for the country’s long overdue LGE.

He was quoted in Guyana Times as saying: “I am told by GECOM that despite everything, the December 7 date is not in jeopardy.”

GECOM had previously complained that APNU/AFC Administration was blocking its attempts to fully prepare for the Elections by not taking adequate steps to remove the legislative blockade in the way of the hosting of the Elections under a new and improved system.

On the other hand, Minister Bulkan told this publication that these amendments should not severely affect GECOM.

After weeks of uncertainty, Governance Minister Raphael Trotman announced that LGE is likely to be held in March 2016 - a date which Dr Surujbally said is “not unreasonable”.

Dr Surujbally pointed out that in order for Local Government Polls to be held in March, all the prerequisites need to be fulfilled such as the ‘Order’ as to whether Government will issues any new constituencies, townships and municipalities or use the same details that were prepared back in 2009, when Local Government Elections were slated to be held. The

Bandits nabbed after robbing Berbice supermarket

– businessman feels targeted, robbed three times

Three men who allegedly broke into the M Ali and Son Supermarket at Strand, New Amsterdam, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) on Sunday evening were on Monday arrested.

One of the men was a former security guard of the establishment. Police have confirmed that the man was seen at the supermarket on several occasions during the past week. According to information received, the bandits broke into the supermarket on Sunday evening and carted off $3 million. According to reports, a chair was set alight following the robbery. Equipment valued some $1 million was damaged as a result of the fire; however, it did not spread.

Manager of the supermarket, Feroze Ali told this newspaper that when he opened the building on Monday morning thick black smoke started emanating.

It was later discovered that the building was broken into and the money safe hammered open. The Police have launched an investigation.

This newspaper was told that the men gained entry to the building via the upper flat which is currently under construction. Upon entry, the intruders then broke into a private room, avoiding the alarm. This led investigators to be-

lieve that the perpetrators had knowledge of the building’s security system.

Ali told Guyana Times that the guards on the outside could not have heard anything because the building is sealed. The smoke, he added, could not have escaped as a result as well. Co-owner of the supermarket, Mohammed Ali told Guyana Times that it was the third time for the year that bandits targeted his businesses.

Earlier in the year, on March 3, armed bandits broke into M Ali and Son Supermarket and Gas Station at Strand, New Amsterdam and carried away an undisclosed sum of money after emptying several shelves in the supermarket. The incident occurred around 01:00h. At the time, two pump atten-

Order at that time was made by then Local Government Minister Kellewan Lall.

“We could go with that or the Government might want to make other areas into townships like Lethem (Region

Nine), Mabaruma (Region One), Bartica (Region Seven), Mahdia (Region Eight) and so on. If they so do, then we have to wait until that pronouncement is made, that Order is made, and then we take off from there,” Dr Surujbally explained.

After taking office in May the Coalition has made several announcements of its plans to give township status to Lethem, Mabaruma, Bartica and Mahdia. These will add to the existing six townsthe country’s capital city Georgetown; New Amsterdam, Corriverton and Rose Hall in Region Six; Anna Regina, Region Two, and Linden, Region 10.

Minister Bulkan had previously commented that the new towns will have their own mayors, councillors, as well as provide all the services that

other municipalities offer. These services include: sanitation, banking, other governmental services such as provision of passports and driver’s licences.

Moreover, the GECOM Chairman pointed out that if the Order is never made, then Guyana cannot go to polls much more set a date for elections in March.

He outlined that the Commission has to await the Order and cannot just go ahead with the Order given back in 2009 because the Minister of Communities can at any time name any or all of the places mentioned into townships. Dr Surujbally highlighted further that even though the Commission has begun some ground-work in preparing for the LGE, the earlier the Order is given, the better prepared it would be.

dants were on duty when a car pulled up to the gas station that was under construction, but stopped before reaching the pump.

One of the occupants of the car got out and punched a pump attendant. They then bound the employees and hammered their way into the building.

Then, on July 16, two men walked into M Ali and Son Supermarket at Main and Pope Streets, New Amsterdam. The unmasked men whipped out two guns and held Ali at gunpoint while demanding money and other valuables. Ali was gun butted after refusing to obey their demands, and one of the men broke into a drawer and removed an undisclosed sum of cash. Also removed was a firearm which is owned by Ali.

tuesday, october 20, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

Police issue wanted bulletin for ‘baby killer’

Police have issued a wanted bulletin for Marc Angoy, the suspect accused of killing oneyear-old Arianne Gill on Sunday when he reportedly opened fire at a home in Annandale, East Coast Demerara.

On Monday, Police said that the 45-year-old suspect is from Buzz Bee Dam, Craig Village, East Bank Demerara. It is believed that he absconded to the interior after committing the act on Sunday, this newspaper was told.

Police in C Division (East Coast Demerara) have since alerted the police stations across the country to be on the lookout for Angoy.

Reports stated that Gill of Lot 38 Eastville Annandale, ECD, was shot three times by Angoy, who

opened fire indiscriminately at the home of his former reputed wife, the child’s grandmother. The relationship ended several months ago. The woman, Shellon Norton claimed that she was in the house when she heard a gunshot and immediately checked on her oneyear-old grandchild and her 12-year-old daughter.

Norton said that after hearing the gunshots, she saw her daughter and granddaughter running towards the kitchen area, as the suspect continued to discharge the firearm.

Gill’s mother was in the kitchen and she too ran for cover. On Sunday, Norton stated that she knew that Angoy was capable of hurting people since she had endured his abuse for three long years.

She had taken out a restraining order to prevent him from going within 100 yards of her. Norton stated that out of fear, she never stayed at her home in the night and would spend the nights at a cousin’s place in Buxton.

“He does threaten me and tell me that if he cannot get me, he will do something to someone close to me... I didn’t expect it would be my baby,” Norton cried. She said that she was

physically, emotionally and mentally abused and made a decision to end the relationship which did not go down well with the suspect.

In September, he reportedly threatened to kill her and immediately left the interior.

Meanwhile, Guyana Times understands that the man was wanted by the Police for two incidents in Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) a few years ago. He reportedly inflicted grievous bodily harm on two women in separate incidents.

Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Marc Angoy is asked to contact the Police on telephone numbers 229-2557, 229-2702, 225-6411, 2258196, 911 or at the nearest police station.

Crum-Ewing murder Preliminary Inquiry to commence soon

The Preliminary Inquiry into the murder of Courtney CrumEwing is expected to begin soon as Police Prosecutor Corporal Neville Jeffers has finally informed the court that the investigation has been completed.

Regan “Grey Boy” Rodrigues, 37, of River View, Ruimveldt, a miner, was slapped with the murder charge which stated that he executed Crum-Ewing while he was in Diamond, East Coast Demerara. Thus far, the accused has had quite a lot to say about the charge against him. He denied murdering Crum-Ewing, stating

that he did not wish anyone to see him as a murderer and he was being framed. He told the court that when he was arrested, no one questioned him about the murder, but the Police held him on the basis of a gun that was allegedly found on him. Rodrigues was first suspected to be the murderer when he was caught with a .32 Taurus pistol which ballistics proved was the weapon that killed Crum-Ewing, an ex-soldier.

He was charged with illegal possession of the incriminating pistol which had 14

matching rounds of ammunition. Rodrigues has not

been cooperating with Police and has been tight-lipped about his alleged involvement in the murder. Also, Rodrigues told the court that he was approached to kill Mark Benschop, but he had gone to the Police with this information.

This was corroborated by Benschop himself when he disclosed that $3 million was offered to Rodrigues to have him killed. After he would have been eliminated, the next alleged hit was to be on Crum-Ewing. Benschop had claimed that Rodrigues reported to the Police that he was paid for the two hits; however, contrary to his claims, the Police have no knowledge of such allegations.

The investigative file contains more than 30 statements taken from eyewitnesses, Crum-Ewing family members and Police ranks. Crum-Ewing was gunned down on March 10 while encouraging residents of Diamond New Housing Scheme, to vote for the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) at the May 11 General and Regional Elections.

Another alleged “serial airport robber” remanded

Another alleged serial “airport robber” was on Monday remanded to prison.

Collis Collinson, 23, of 148 South Better Hope, East Coast Demerara was on Monday remanded to prison when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan charged for discharging a loaded firearm. He pleaded not guilty to the charge.

It is alleged that on October 7, at Kitty, Georgetown, he discharged a loaded firearm at Prem Narine with intent to maim, disable or cause him grievous bodily harm. The accused also pleaded not guilty to a charge, which stated that on the same occasion, he was found in possession of three live rounds of .38 ammunition without being the holder of a firearm licence.

He also denied the third charge which alleged that on the said occasion, he was found in possession of a .38 revolver without being the holder of a firearm licence. Bail was denied and the accused was remanded to prison until October 28. On his next court appearance, Collinson will be charged jointly with Shawn Thom who previously appeared charged for the same incident.

According to reports, the VC, who is a Police Officer, sought help from his counterparts about 23:00h on the day in question after he suspected he was being tailed after leaving the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).

The Policeman and his brother had travelled to the airport to receive some relatives and on their way back

to Barr Street, Kitty, they observed that they were being tailed. As such, the rank contacted some of his colleagues and arranged for them to meet him at a strategic point. While at the corners of Barr Street and Stanley Place, the rank, along with his colleagues who were waiting there, confronted the men. The three

male occupants of the trailing car exited and opened fire on the officers. The lawmen returned fire, wounding one of the suspects, Thom, in his right foot and managed to disarm him. The injured man was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital and was subsequently arrested and charged. Collinson was subsequently arrested and charged.

Thom and Collinson, along with another unknown accomplice, are suspected to be serial “airport robbers” as they have been implicated in several cases where persons were trailed from the airport to their homes and robbed. This newspaper was told that the vehicle was positively identified by Rowena Bowen, who, along with her 13-year-old son, was robbed at gunpoint in front of their Lot 2 Shell Road, Kitty home. They had just returned home on September 14, from vacationing in the United States. Additionally, the men are believed to be behind a similar robbery against a Diamond, East Bank Demerara resident, who was also followed from CJIA and robbed by armed men. They are also implicated in another recent robbery of a Queenstown resident, who had travelled from CJIA.

Nagamootoo wants new flag carrier

– Govt to introduce aeronautical surveillance

With the aim of further enhancing the local aviation sector, Government is still mulling reestablishing a national airline carrier.

Additionally, it is on the threshold of introducing for the first time-ever, an aeronautical surveillance service to aid in the management of the country’s national airspace. This technology will be used to track aircraft that fly over Guyana’s territory and will aid in search-and-rescue missions as it will provide a more precise location on the last-known location of the aircraft.

These disclosures were made by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo during the first Aviation Conference at the Arthur

Chung Convention Centre which was hosted by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority on Monday.

“Aviation has become part of our everyday lives. While air transportation connects us to the rest of the world, it also provides the vital link and support to our vast hinterland communities. It is pivotal for the development of our mining industry and, of course, our tourism sector. Aviation provides opportunities for job creation and improvement to our economic and social structures. While we can identify the benefits of this critical sector, we must also recognise that it requires much resources for its further development,” the Prime Minister stated.

Public Infrastructure

Minister David Patterson had recently disclosed that Government was mulling the idea of reestablishing its national airline carrier and was already in receipt of proposals. The reestablishment of this carrier would see Guyana one step closer to achieving its objective of attaining International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Category One status, the Minister had stated.

Given the challenges facing air travellers, including poor service and high airfares, persons have been calling for the reestablishment of a national airline.

However, Minister Patterson indicated that

Man remanded for attempted murder

ANorth West District (NWD) man was on Monday charged with attempted murder when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in Court Two of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Bernard Matthias, a 40-year-old farmer of Waini Village, North West District was not required to plead to the charge which read that on Sunday, October 18 at Three Brothers Village, Waini, NWD, with the intent to commit murder, he wounded Orin Mendonca.

The court was informed by Police Prosecutor, Corporal Shawn Gonsalves that the victim was still

The accused. Bernard

hospitalised after he received several chops to his head. The detailed particulars of the charge were not revealed in court.

The man was remanded to prison, and the matter was transferred to the Mabaruma Magistrate’s Court for November 17.

St Ignatius man jailed for escaping from custody

Daniel Baird was sentenced for escaping from Police custody

Aman was on Monday sentenced to five months in prison by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan when he appeared before her and pleaded guilty to escaping from Police custody.

Daniel Baird, 22, a labourer of St Ignatius Village, Region Nine pleaded guilty to the charge which stated that on May 14, 2015 at the Lethem Police Station, Central Rupununi, while in custody on a break and en-

ter and larceny charge he unlawfully escaped custody.

According to Police Prosecutor Corporal Deniro Jones, on the day in question the defendant was in prison and reportedly requested Constable Samuels to let him use the washroom but when the officer unlocked the door, he gave it a violent push, causing the officer to fall.

The man then ran out of the Police Station and jumped into the Takatu/ Brazil River and swam to the Brazil shore. On Thursday, October 18, he was arrested in Lethem and charged.

The defendant stated that he escaped from custody because the charge was falsified.

The Magistrate sentenced him to five months in prison.

any such development would be a long-term goal, given the high costs attached to the operation and management of an airline.

Airline security

Meanwhile, during the Conference, Nagamootoo used the opportunity to recognise the efforts of the Private Sector towards developing the aviation sector and urged it to continue to do so.

“I know our business partners, namely the private aircraft owners of Guyana, have been investing abundantly in aviation. The recent acquisition of a Raytheon Beechcraft 1900D aircraft to add to our domestic fleet and expand our regional operations, the impressive transformation of Ogle International Airport (designated during a presidential announcement as the Eugene F Correia

International Airport), the increased number of aircraft on our national register, are all indicators that this industry has literally taken to the sky in a progressive flight,” he said, noting, however, that the industry needed more than aircraft.

“It needs aviation security in the broader sense, which includes safety, technology, and synergies,” he stated.

Nagamootoo admitted that Guyana’s International Civil Aviation Organisation’s level of compliance was not on par with the rest of the Region and needed to be urgently addressed. He underscored the need for the legislative and regulatory reviews to be addressed immediately and with urgency in order to work towards attaining world standard aviation security. On that note, he disclosed also that Guyana was seeking international assistance to work diligently towards this goal.

The Government of Guyana had previously owned Guyana Airways Corporation, which was privatised at the urgings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) during a loan arrangement with the then People’s National Congress (PNC) Government. However, the PNC did not find any buyers. The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government held on to the airline until it collapsed in February 1999 due to problems primarily with its single aircraft

– a Boeing 757-200 it had leased. The Government worked feverishly to put the Corporation back on its feet, while placing it on the chopping block. When it was privatised in 1999, the group that bought 51 per cent controlling fraction of the shares in the new corporation renamed it ‘Guyana Air 2000’ (GA 2000), and had to assume only US$2.2 million of US$10 million of GAC’s liabilities. By June, GA 2000 had collapsed ignominiously. Many Guyanese passengers were left holding their tickets.

Ogle Airport Meanwhile, the Prime Minister’s public gestures towards the Private Sector for Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in the future, are contradictory to recent actions taken by the David Granger-led Administration. Ogle International Airport is owned by the Government of Guyana, but is run by a private company, Ogle Airport Inc, which exerts total monopoly control over the facility greater than that of the private partner in a Public-Private Partnership. Guyana Times was told that the facility is a public utility which is managed and controlled by the Private Sector. However, recently some questions regarding this partnership were raised and it was reported that the Assets Recovery Unit was be investigating the situation.

tuesday, october 20, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

“Diwali is

on November 11 and no other day” – Dharmic Sabha

... Govt must rescind Nov 10 decision

BY JILLICIA PINDER

The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha (GHDS) believes that their Religion is being trampled, in a high handed, dictatorial manner by the Government of Guyana.

On Monday, the Sabha at a media conference expressed disappointment at the announcement by the Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan that he has changed the date for Diwali. As published in the Official Gazette, Ramjattan changed Diwali from November 11 to 10.

GHDS President Dr Vindhya Persaud said Minister Ramjattan had indicated to her that he was approached by “some Pandits” to change the date. He had asked that the Sabha submit an explanation of its date which she claimed was done promptly, but added that she never heard from the Minister again.

She recalled that last Thursday, upon hearing there might be a date change, she called the Minister to enquire and was informed in “a most arrogant and abrasive fashion” that he had already made a decision and that the organisation would receive their answer in the Gazette.

Persaud noted that the Minister was not willing to meet the Sabha or to discuss the issue further.

The Sabha, its Praant

and Mandirs across the country and other Hindu organisations are extremely upset and disappointed in the Minister’s action, and added that no politician has the right to dictate the beliefs of the Hindu community.

“We are calling on the Minister to rescind his decision to declare November 10 as the National holiday and properly consult and engage with the Hindu community to make a decision that is in keeping with the wishes of the majority of the Hindu Community. That is democracy,” Dr Persaud added.

The GHDS president stated that the Government’s decision to blatantly ignore Guyana’s single largest Hindu organisation for an auspicious religious Hindu event is incredulous. “When I sit here, I don’t only speak for myself and the central executive members of the Sabha but also for our eight Regional branches or Praants and the Mandirs that comprise them. We have Praants in Upper Corentyne, Central Corentyne, East Berbice, West Berbice, East Coast Demerara including Georgtown, East Bank Demerara, West Demerara and Essequibo. These represent in excess of 120 Mandirs across Guyana,” she added.

In addition to their Mandirs and branches, Persaud noted that the Sabha also has a large net-

work of Pandits that serve these mandirs, yet Minister Ramjattan went ahead and made a decision to change the holiday date for Diwali without properly engaging and consulting with the Dharmic Sabha.

The GHDS President also added that it must be pointed out that the Sabha was not the only organisation left in the dark when the Minister was having these “secret” meetings with what was deemed to be a newly formed body.

It was mentioned that the Guyana Central Arya Samaj - another major Hindu Organisation, the Iskcon Hare Krishna movement and the Guyana Maha Kali Organisation were also left out of these discussions.

However the Hare Krishna Iskcon Movement, the Central Arya Samaj, the Guyana Maha Kali Organisation and their affiliates, the Cove and John Ashram have all indicated that they will be celebrating Diwali on November 11. The Cummings Lodge Hindu Society has also said they too will be celebrating Diwali on November 11.

“I have been reading in the press about newly formed organisations and umbrella bodies but I am not exactly sure how much of the Hindu community they speak for, and why the Minister thought it fit to make a decision affecting the lives of all the Hindus in

Guyana after meeting with them only” Persaud said. She further explained that the Sabha is very clear that Diwali is on November 11. Diwali occurs annually on Amawasya or the new moon day of the Hindu month of Kartik. It is the 15thday in the dark half of Kartik and the darkest night of the year. According to the Panchang/Patra, this occurs on November 11. The Hindu day lasts from sunrise to the next sunrise. The tithi corresponding to a particular Solar day is defined as that tithi which is present at sunrise. There is now doubt and it has been acknowledged by all that Amawasya tithi is the tithi at sunrise on November 11 and as such, this is Diwali. The new

reputable Panchangs. In coming up with our date this year, we have done exactly what we have always been doing and we have gone further to cross check these with other pandits and astrological experts.

Consulation with Hindu bodies

In efforts to “clear up” the organisation’s point in a media release, issued by Viraat Sabha about consultation with other Hindu bodies on dates, Dr Persaud added that the Dharmic Sabha since the time of Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud has, for several years, been meeting with Pandit Rudra of the Guyana Pandit’s Council to discuss calendar dates. This was done in 2012 before panditji’s death and again in

dar.

In an effort to prevent a recurrence of this type of differences for next year, the Sabha invited all the Hindu organisations including the Viraat Sabha, Pandit Rudra, Gandhi Youth, Pandit Balbadar and the Maha Sabha to a meeting to discuss next year’s dates. The Viraat Sabha outrightly refused to attend.

Persaud said the only conclusion that can be drawn from such behaviour is that there is no real interest in having a common position, and that there is no genuine desire to meet and consult and to try to reach an agreement in the interest of a united Hindu Community. The Sabha is currently preparing a petition with

moon moment itself occurs at 13:57h on November 11.

The Sabha’s date coincides with when several prominent organisations and mandirs in the Americas (Guyana’s time zone) will observe the festival including the renowned BAPS Swaminarayan Mandirs in Toronto and USA, the Chinmaya Mission, USA and ISKCON Hare Krishna Movement, USA.

The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha has been calculating its Hindu festival dates for more than 40 years on the basis of the Bhavani Shankar Panchang and the 100 year Panchang, India’s most renowned and

2013 in relation to the 2014 calendar and 2014 in relation to the 2015 calendar.

She added that when the groups met in 2014 for this year’s calendar there were differences of opinion on the dates. However, it was agreed upon with Pandit Rudra that both sides would consult further and try to find an agreement on the dates. The Sabha consulted its senior affiliated pandits in the USA, astrologers in India and others who advised that November 11 was correct.

However, by the time the Sabha got back to Pandit Rudra, he had already gone ahead and printed his calen-

signatures from pandits and mandirs across the country expressing their wish that the Holiiday for Diwali be given on November 11.

The Sabha wishes to urge all Hindus to observe the festival on November 11 as prescribed. The Sabha’s motorcade will be held as planned on Tuesday 10 November. It must be noted that there were representatives from the Sabha’s Executive, Praants and Mandirs from across the country, along with a number of Pandits, all of whom indicated clearly that they will be celebrating Diwali on November 11. (jpinder@guyanatimesgy. com)

Young lawyer admitted to the Bar

– to serve in Public Service

Following in the footsteps of his parents, Siand Dhurjon, the son of Chief Draftsman Cecil Dhurjon and prominent Guyanese lawyer Amanda Dhurjon, was admitted to the Bar of Guyana before Justice Roxanne George.

The 25-year-old in an interview with Guyana Times said that he was extremely elated to debut as a lawyer in the public service. He is currently working at the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

During his brief remarks, the young Dhurjon said that he has recognised that far

too often public servants in Guyana are viewed dimly, while among them are the “greatest unsung heroes”.

He vowed to uphold the duties of his profession and to always act befitting of the dignity of his blossoming career.

“I find support in the words of Teresa of Calcutta which I now adopt in this variation: We the willing, led by the unknown, are doing the impossible for the ungrateful. We have done so much with so little for so long, that we are now prepared to do anything, with nothing at all – this is what

I strive to,” he said. Dhurjon graduated from Queen’s College, after which he attended the University of Guyana, graduating with a Bachelors of Laws. He recently graduated from the Hugh Wooding Law School with a Legal Education Certificate (LEC). Dhurjon’s petition was presented by former Speaker of the National Assembly, Ralph Ramkarran in the presence of DPP Shalimar Ali-Hack, former Justice of Appeal Claudette Singh, and Deputy Chief Parliamentary Counsel Johnny Fung-AFat.

Govt “buying time” to regain trust for LGE – Ramsammy

– continues to dodge questions as to when these elections will be held

BY KRISTEN MACKLINGAM

As both the international community and ciitizens of Guyana await the APNU/ AFC Government’s final announcement as to when the much anticipated and long-awaited Local Government Elections (LGE) will be held, the Administration continues to ‘dodge’ questions surrounding this issue.

As it is, the preliminary time period for LGE is March 2016 as announced by Governance Minister Raphael Trotman.

However, Former Agriculture Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy on Monday, told Guyana Times the coalition has once again mislead the populace with regards to fulfilling another of its promises made on the campaign trail prior to the APNU/AFC taking office this year.

“Do not hold your breath. There is no Local Government Elections this year. Amidst the general malaise, loss of confidence and dismay surrounding the downward trajectory of development in Guyana, and the arrogance that change of Government has brought, we may have missed the certain dodging of Local Government Elections which were promised before the end of 2015,” Ramsammy said.

He added that APNU/ AFC had stated in their elections campaign that the LGE date will be announced within their first 100 days in office and that elections would be held before the end of 2015. Both these promises have since not materialised, Ramsammy stated.

“Have people noticed that APNU/AFC has gone

loudly silent on Local Government Elections? Minister with responsibility for Local Government Bulkan now is not talking to the media about Local Government Elections,” Dr Ramsammy posited.

According to the former Agriculture Minister, APNU/AFC has definitely placed Local Government Elections on the backburner.

It underlines the reality, he said, that after only five months in office APNU/AFC have been exposed, and people have discovered that “the change they had wanted is not really working out in the people’s favour, and people have lost confidence in APNU/AFC.”

This newspaper was further told that the retail industry is “barely crawling”, construction has grounded to almost a halt, taxi services have slowed down considerably, and all the major industries like rice, sugar, bauxite, and mining are experiencing low prices.

“Everyone is playing a wait and see game, hoping to see improvement, but having little confidence that a positive change is

Kitty man nabbed with gun, ammo

Police on Sunday nabbed a Kitty, Georgetown, resident with an unlicensed .357 revolver and five matching rounds of ammunition.

According to reports, the man was stopped by Police along Alexander Street, Kitty when the unlicensed gun and ammunition were found in a bag he was carrying.

He was taken to the Kitty Police Station where he was questioned.

Over the past weeks several persons have been

busted with unlicensed firearms and ammunition despite the Gun Amnesty programme. The initiative was launched as a means of allowing persons in possession of illegal guns and ammunition to hand them over without fear of prosecution.

Police have since said they have recovered a total of 186 firearms and more than 1800 rounds of ammunition during the Amnesty period but have also confirmed that none of the guns were linked to any crime.

imminent. Adding to the loss of confidence is the security situation and even though APNU/AFC has tried to downplay the serious rise in crime across the country, ordinary citizens are fearful, and have curtailed their social activities, choosing to stay locked in their homes,” the former minister elaborated.

In the meanwhile people are angry that the many promises of a “good

life” for all has been abandoned by APNU/ AFC because they feel as if the Administration ‘lied’ to them when the Government had declared that the Treasury was ‘totally bankrupt’, Ramsammy said.

“While ignoring the people’s concern, now they also try to convince people that the Treasury was not bankrupt after all and can sustain a massive pay increase

for the President, Prime Minister and Ministers. To add salt to the wound, they have adjusted the benefit package of the Cabinet astronomically. Even their own sympathisers find the increase in salaries and benefits disgusting and unacceptable,” he added.

Dr Ramsammy pointed out that trust “is a twoway street but APNU/AFC has chosen to transform a well-known two-way street

into a one-way restricted street” to be utilised by a select few.

“Now they cannot trust that the people will support them in the Local Government Elections. They are dodging and hoping to buy time, further hoping that people will forget their uncaring and arrogant response to bring the ‘good life’ to all citizens,” Dr Ramsammy added. (kristenm@guyanatimesgy.com)

Rio de Janeiro buildings destroyed by suspected gas blast

An explosion has caused extensive damage in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro.

Dozens of buildings were damaged in the blast in the Sao Cristovao neighbourhood and at least seven people were injured, including a child.

Officials said they suspected a gas leak in a local business may have been the cause.

Rescue workers are searching the rubble, but so far have reported no deaths.

People reported hearing the explosion as far as six kilometres (four miles) away.

Local resident Marlene Sangy Aires told O Globo newspaper about the moment the blast happened.

Guatemalan exArmy Chief accused of mass killings dies

The former head of the Army in Guatemala, General Hector Mario Lopez Fuentes, has died aged 85.

General Lopez Fuentes was arrested four years ago on charges of genocide committed in the early 1980s, during Guatemala’s civil war.

He was accused of ordering the killing of more than 300 indigenous Maya civilians in Ixil during the rule of Gen Efrain Rios Montt.

But in 2012 he was declared mentally and physically unfit to stand trial.

1996.

Prosecutors accused him of ordering 12 massacres in which 317 people died in the northern Quiche region.

They said he was responsible for a plan dubbed Victory 82, which aimed to kill Ixil indigenous groups.

The armed forces accused the indigenous groups of offering support to left-wing rebels who opposed military rule.

However, those killed in the massacres included women and children, and witnesses recounted how whole villages were razed to the ground.

“The roof caved in and my 21-year-old son managed to shield my 18-yearold daughter with his body,” she said.

found us and pulled us out.”

“We were trapped in the rubble and used the light of our mobile phones to signal to the rescue workers. They

A nine-year-old girl was taken to hospital after having been buried underneath the rubble for three hours, her mother told Folha newspaper.

Emergency workers said some 40 buildings had been damaged. (BBC News)

Over 50 kilos of drugs stolen from Cayman Islands Police Station

The Deputy Governor of the Cayman Islands has revealed that 24 kilos of cocaine and 33 kilos of ganja were stolen during a break-in at the George Town Police Station earlier this year. Having already created public controversy by initially denying that the thieves had managed to get into the container located in the station yard, Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) management finally admitted that it was not an attempted breakin but an actual burglary.

The quantity of drugs stolen was revealed following a parliamentary question asked by Opposition Leader McKeeva Bush in

The Board of Directors of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has approved the provision of a US$10 million loan to the Government of Grenada, to support reforms to stabilise the economy and pave the way for sustainable growth.

This is the second of three policy-based loans (PBLs) that have been proposed for Grenada to support that Government’s 36-month “Home grown” adjustment programme to restore fiscal and debt sustainability, im-

the Legislative Assembly on Thursday morning. Deputy Governor Franz Manderson admitted that 57 kilos of drugs had been taken but no other items were missing as

a result of the break-in. Bush said he was concerned that the RCIPS had taken the burglary “rather lightly” when it had been denied in the first instance but

later exposed in the media.

“All that hiding has come to the fore and acceptance that this quantity of drugs was stolen … this is a tremendous amount of drugs that are consumed in our country,” he said. “What has been done about this has anyone been reprimanded?”

Bush noted that two local officers from the prison were sacked several years ago when drugs had been stolen there, but it seems no one has been held to account over this incident.

The Deputy Governor maintained, however, that the matter was being taken seriously and a full investigation was underway. (Excerpt from Caribbean News Now)

General Lopez Fuentes only spent 16 days in jail before being transferred to a military hospital, where he lived for the past four years before his death on Sunday of natural causes.

He was in charge of the Army during one of the most brutal periods of the 36year civil war that wracked Guatemala from 1960 to

The military ruler at the time, General Rios Montt, was sentenced to 80 years in prison for genocide in 2013.

However, a high court then threw out the charges on procedural grounds and ordered a retrial.

The retrial has been scheduled for January 2016. (Excerpt from BBC News)

US pursuing Warner’s claim of political corruption in Trinidad

Late last month, the extradition hearing in Trinidad in relation to corruption-accused Jack Warner was postponed until December 2, after Warner’s attorneys requested more time so they could travel to the US and discuss extradition terms. According to confidential sources, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) may be more receptive to such a discussion in the light of unrelated claims made by Warner.

prove competitiveness and promote sustainable growth.

The programme is also supported by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.

Dr Justine Ram, Director of Economics at CDB, said, “This PBL will complement reforms that had started with the disbursement of the first loan in 2014, and is aimed at supporting additional efforts by the Government of Grenada to enhance competitiveness, promote more diverse growth and advance its so-

cial development agenda, as Grenada continues to pursue strong, sustainable and inclusive economic growth. The Government has already demonstrated a strong commitment to the programme of reform, and significant reforms have already been undertaken during the first half of the programme.”

The first PBL, which was approved in 2014, was geared towards supporting reforms in Public Sector management and the enhancement of sustainable

Private Sector-led growth and development. The PBLs are at the core of CDB’s broader Country Strategy for Grenada, which was approved by the CDB Board of Directors in May 2014. The Bank’s strategy places emphasis on assisting the government of Grenada in achieving fiscal stability; improving quality/access to education and training; promoting social development and enhancing sustainable development. (Excerpt from Caribbean News Now)

An earlier invitation to open a dialogue with the DOJ in the immediate aftermath of his indictment in New York on May 27, 2015, on multiple counts of racketeering, bribery and money laundering and his subsequent arrest in Trinidad was said to have been rebuffed by Warner.

Since then, claims by Warner in relation to an ultimately unsuccessful extradition attempt by US authorities of two local businessmen accused of bribery and corruption in relation to the Piarco Airport Expansion Project have apparently triggered increased interest on the part of the DOJ in talking to him.

Specifically, Warner has

alleged that he witnessed then Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar accepting TT$8.3 million (US$1.3 million) from local businessmen Ish Galbaransingh and Steve Ferguson in exchange for legislative protection against extradition. These allegations have also been referred to the Anti-Corruption Bureau of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, but they have not responded to several requests for an update in this respect. (Excerpt from Caribbean News Now)

Clean-up complete, water supply restored after dead fish found in St Lucia river

The water supply to residents of the southeastern village of Micoud in St Lucia was restored on Sunday, three days after dead fish in a source

river prompted a shutdown and tests.

The Water & Sewerage Company Inc (WASCO) said in a statement that it had turned back on the wa-

ter around midday, following “elaborate cleaning and flushing” and monitoring.

WASCO had disclosed last Thursday that dead fish were discovered in the

river source within the Micoud watershed area and the water supply had been compromised. It said that the Water Resource Management Agency and

the Environmental Health Branch of the Health Ministry had been informed so they could immediately begin investigations.

However, WASCO made

no mention in its statement about what the investigation had uncovered, only what steps were taken before the water supply was restored.

(Excerpt from Caribbean360)

Rights groups decry death of Eritrean in Israel attack

The lynch mob attack on a young Eritrean asylum seeker in Israel during a deadly assault at a bus station has stoked fears that a climate in which Israeli citizens are encouraged to take the law into their own hands is growing.

Haftom Zarhum died in hospital after he, mistaken for an accomplice of an attacker that killed an Israeli soldier, was shot by a security guard and kicked by bystanders.

Rights groups on Monday called for Israeli authorities to bring those who murdered

the 29-year-old Eritrean to justice.

“The death of an asylum seeker at the hands of security guards and an angry mob is a tragic but foreseeable outgrowth of a climate in which some Israeli politicians encourage citizens to take the law into their own hands,” said Sari Bashi, Israel-Palestine Country Director at Human Rights Watch.

“The Israeli authorities should investigate and prosecute those responsible for the attack. Israel faces acute threats to public safety, but vigilantism will only lead to

more innocent people being harmed or killed.”

Zarhum was a bystander on Sunday night at a bus station in the city of Beersheba when a Palestinian Israeli man, armed with a rifle and a knife, killed an Israeli soldier and wounded 10 others.

A security officer shot Zarhum and as he was bleeding on the ground, a mob brutally beat and critically injured him. The asylum seeker later died in hospital from the trauma.

The Palestinian Israeli attacker was killed on the scene. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Philippines braces for more rains from Typhoon Koppu

Typhoon Koppu is forecast to dump yet more rain on the Philippines’ largest island as authorities said that 16 people had already been killed in the north of the country as a result of the extreme weather.

Meteorological experts on Monday said that with the constant supply of moisture from the South China Sea, Koppu was expected cause more flooding on the island of Luzon.

Koppu, the second strongest storm to hit the disaster-plagued Southeast Asian archipelago this year, has forced more than 60,000 people from their homes, ac-

cording to authorities.

The storm, downgraded to a category one typhoon from category four, was moving slowly north on Monday, expected to wander up the west of Luzon.

“With little to guide its course, it looks as though Koppu will wander up the western side of Luzon … for the next two days,” Rob McElwee, Al Jazeera’s senior weather correspondent, said.

“The projected track of Koppu is close to a worstcase scenario for catastrophic rainfall across northern Luzon, home to more than 10 million people,” he said. Residents of flood-

ed farming villages were trapped on their rooftops on Monday and animals floated down fast-rising rivers.

The authorities were working to rebuild damaged roads, bridges and powerlines in the areas hit by the storm in order to carry out search and rescue operations.

“We have not reached many areas. About 60 to 70 per cent of our town is flooded, some as deep as 10 feet [three metres]. There are about 20,000 residents in isolated areas that need food and water,” Henry Velarde, Vice Mayor of Jaen town in Nueva Ecija province near Manila, said. (Excerpt from Reuters)

China’s Xi to be feted on British trip

President Xi Jinping will be feted by the royal family and leading politicians during a trip this week which Prime Minister David Cameron hopes will cement Britain’s lucrative place as China’s closest friend in the West. Hailed as the beginning of a ‘golden era’ or ‘golden time’ in Sino-British ties, the visit, which will seal a

host of business deals, has been criticised by human rights activists who accuse Cameron of turning a blind eye to abuses. It has also ruffled feathers among some of Britain’s traditional allies, such as the United States, where Xi’s visit last month was tainted by friction over cyber theft and Beijing’s moves in Asian maritime

Around the world

Croatia opens Serbia border to migrants

Croatia has opened its border with Serbia, removing one of the bottlenecks for thousands of stranded migrants trying to make their way north.

About 3000 people had been stuck in cold and wet weather in the Serbian border village of Berkasovo, after Croatia moved to curb new arrivals.

The United Nations refugee agency, United Nations High Commissioner for

Refugees (UNHCR) had described conditions there as “dire”.

Many remain stranded near the Croatia-Slovenia border. The Balkan route has been squeezed by restrictions.

Hundreds of thousands of migrants, many from Syria, Africa and Afghanistan, have been making their way from Turkey to the Balkans in recent months, in a bid to reach Germany, Sweden and other European Union states.

UNHCR spokeswoman Melita Sunjic, who is at the Berkasovo crossing, said late on Monday: “Without any announcement, the borders opened. Everybody rushed.”

Describing the conditions at the camp there earlier, she had said: “We have a lot of small children. We have disabled people, we have people who got sick on the road.

“This is not a place for people, they can’t sleep – they can just stand upright in the mud.” (BBC News)

UN attempt to decriminalise drugs foiled

An attempt by United Nations officials to get countries to decriminalise the possession and use of all drugs has been foiled, the BBC can reveal.

A paper from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has been withdrawn after pressure from at least one country.

The document, which was leaked, recommends that UN members consider “decriminalising drug and possession for personal consumption”.

It argued “arrest and incarceration are disproportionate measures”.

The document was drawn up by Dr Monica Beg, chief of the HIV/AIDs section of the UNODC in Vienna. It was prepared for an international harm reduction conference currently being held in Kuala Lumpur.

The UNODC oversees international drugs conventions and offers guidance on compliance.

Sources within the UNODC have told the BBC the document was never sanctioned by the organisation as policy. One senior figure within the

agency described Dr Beg as “a middle-ranking official” who was offering a professional viewpoint.

The document, on headed agency notepaper, claims it “clarifies the position of UNODC to inform country responses to promote a health and humanrights approach to drug policy”.

“Treating drug use for non-medical purposes and possession for personal consumption as criminal offences has contributed to public health problems and induced negative consequences for safety, security, and human rights,” the document states. Drug possession is a criminal offence in many member states, including the UK. Last year almost 36,000 people were prosecuted for drug possession in England and Wales with 1,194 receiving custodial sentences. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Two Indian states to allow Nestle to sell Maggi noodles

disputes.

But for Britain, the fourday state visit is the culmination of a years-long charm offensive to show Britain “walking tall on the world stage”, in a Government Minister’s words, and to attract investment in infrastructure, nuclear power and in its transformation of northern England. (Excerpt from Reuters)

At least two Indian states have said Nestle’s popular Maggi noodles can be sold again, just days after they were found to be safe in laboratory tests.

On Friday, Nestle said tests mandated by a Mumbai court showed lead levels in Maggi were within permissible limits.

In August, the court had lifted the ban, but ordered fresh tests before the product could go back on sale.

On Monday, authorities in Gujarat and Karnataka said as the tests had cleared the product, the ban was withdrawn.

The Food Safety and

Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) had banned the popular noodles in June citing tests that deemed the instant noodles to contain “unsafe and hazardous” amounts of lead. Nestle had challenged the government ban in court. (Excerpt from BBC News)

tuesday, october 20, 2015| guyanatimesgy.com

President’s College must take lead in science and technology

– President Granger during fact-finding visit to school

The education sector in every country is of vital importance for the future of each nation and the education system is of high interest to the entire populace inclusive of the Governments, which run these countries and the Opposition parties.

In Guyana, it is no different, and as such Head of State, David Granger on Monday visited President’s College, where he pledged his support in ensuring that nothing was done to lower the standard of this prestigious school.

Guyana’s President, in his address to the students, teachers and other members of staff at the school’s special assembly, stated that it was his vision that the President’s College emerged as one of the leaders in a “new push” towards science, mathematics and technology.

According to a press statement from the Ministry of the Presidency, the Head of State emphasised that as Guyana continued to move forward, its citizens would have to “embrace the new chapter, or science and technology in order to change the Guyanese economy”.

“I would like to see President’s College would take the lead as a college of science and technology… we have to open this country, we have to build highways and bridges, we have to build stellings and factories and to develop this country, we need engineers,

architects, mathematicians, scientists…so that we can make use of these abundant resources which God has given us,” President Granger told the students and teachers.

During the President’s tour of the school, concerns were raised by both students and staff members of the College.

According to the Government’s press release, these concerns will be discussed with officials at the Education Ministry and other relevant bodies.

Guyana Times understands that it is after this discussion, President Granger will return to the school sometime next month to inform them of the interventions that Government

will be making.

The media release also stated that President Granger said while this school was ‘special to him’, as he was a patron of the school, there were about 75,000 secondary school students across the country and the Government has to ensure equitable distribution of the State’s resources to all of them.

He divulged that the Administration was fully cognisant of the fact that the education system was plagued with serious problems that must be corrected.

“I am concerned about the conditions under which children are educated. That is why I have introduced a scheme starting in the

Pomeroon River for school boats…the important thing is that children must be able to get to school... nothing must prevent Guyanese children from going to school… My visit today (Monday) is part of my whole purpose of being President; to ensure that this Administration will be able to hand over to you the children of Guyana, a country that is in a better shape than we found it.”

President’s College was established in 1985 by late President Forbes Burnham as an education institution of quality, producing top quality students on the basis of their academic performance. This year, the school is celebrating its 30th anniversary. (kristenm@guyanatimesgy.com)

Govt does not care about youth empowerment – Ramson Jr

BY KRISTEN MACKLINGAM

While some persons may contend that it is still too early to hold the APNU/ AFC Government accountable for its ‘lack of interest’ with regards to youth empowerment, PPP/C Member of Parliament and Attorney Charles Ramson Jr has condemned the coalition for failing to put youth and young adults higher on the Administration’s list of priorities.

He told Guyana Times in an exclusive interview that the Government prior to the May 11 General Elections had boasted of what it would have done for youths, young adults and the rest of the Nation should they be elected into office.

However, thus far, the perception crystallised by the public in relation to the APNU/AFC’s fulfilment of these promises that this Administration does not ‘really care about’ youth empowerment in Guyana and the first opportunity which the Administration had to prove that it did place youth

PPP/C Member of Parliament Charles Ramson Jr

empowerment ‘high on the agenda’ was reneged on, Ramson Jr stated. “They squandered all the hope of the possibility of youths being empowered… it is like 50 shades of grey with them and we know how that movie ended. This Government had a great opportunity to ‘speak by doing’ not by words or deeds but by putting in its Budget formidable allocations to show that youths matter. They haven’t done that,” said the Attorney.

He explained that there are two ways in which the APNU/AFC coalition could have been able to ‘manifest its intention’ with the first being to give youths the opportunities they need and secondly to allocate formidable allocations to them as well.

“When you look at what this government has done as in the case with State Boards, it has given its friends, cronies and hacks positions. They don’t have to give these people all the positions just because they supported them and they are friends. They could have given youths and young people a chance too,” the PPP/C MP argued.

Guyana Times was further told that had the Administration expanded the economy by “showing up” the financial sector, there would have been many more opportunities available to youths and young adults.

“There would have been more opportunities for small and medium sized businesses to expand and youths would have gotten involved and secured positions…

Trudeau Liberal Party wins Canadian election

Canada's Liberal leader Justin Trudeau rode a late campaign surge to a stunning election victory on Monday, toppling Prime Minister Stephen Harper's Conservatives with a promise of change and returning a touch of glamour, youth and charisma to Ottawa.

Trudeau, 43, the photo-

State militants in favour of humanitarian aid and training, and tackle climate change.

The former teacher took charge of the party just two years ago and guided it out of the political wilderness with a pledge of economic stimulus and stirring appeals for a return to social liberalism.

You see, in the APNU/ AFC’s Budget they cut out the youth sector, almost unrepresentative in comparison to what it was like under the PPP/C, the previous Government, which had spent millions in its Capital Budgets for youths,” Ramson Jr further stated.

He added that youth has a minority in this present Administration, citing that under the previous Government there was a Youth Ministry and “now it is subsumed under education with the youth item appearing as the very last item. Every opportunity this Government has had to show they care about youth empowerment, it has done the opposite.”

Guyana Times was also reminded that on the campaign trail the APNU/AFC had promised the youth and young adults of this country to do much more for them than the previous Government, the PPP/C had done, however, this Government has not done anything substantial to date. (kristenm@guyanatimesgy.com)

genic son of former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, vaulted from third place to lead the polls in the final days of the campaign, overcoming Conservative attacks that he was too inexperienced and unintelligent to govern.

Incumbent Conservative PM Harper will now form the Official Opposition.

It is one of the longest and closest election campaigns in Canada's history, with leaders’ criss-crossing the country to try to sway undecided voters.

Trudeau has made a number of spending promises – including doubled infrastructure spending – that will make up what he says will be an annual US$10 billion deficit for three years.

The Liberals' win marks a swing toward a more multilateral approach in global politics by the Canadian Government, which has distanced itself from the United Nations in recent years.

Trudeau has said he will repair Canada’s cool relations with the Obama Administration, withdraw Canada from the combat mission against Islamic

Born to a sitting Prime Minister who came to power in 1968 on a wave of popular support dubbed "Trudeaumania," Trudeau will become the secondyoungest Prime Minister in Canadian history and brings an appeal more common in movie stars than statesmen. Pierre once jumped from a trampoline into the crowd. With boyish good looks, Justin thrusts himself into throngs and puts his hand to his heart when listening to someone.

Selfie requests are so common he happily takes the camera and snaps the photo himself, often cheek to cheek. He is the married father of three young children.

Criticised for being more style than substance, Trudeau has used attacks on his good looks and privileged upbringing to win over voters, who recalled his father's rock-star presence and an era when Canada had some sizzle on the world stage.

Pierre Trudeau, who died in 2000, was in power for 15 years – with a brief interruption – and remains one of the few Canadian leaders to be known abroad. (Reuters)

State Forensic Audits

No evidence of illegality, fraud or corruption – NICIL

Although the preliminary audit report into the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) remains unreleased, the organisation was forced to disclose the contents of the documents following a Kaieteur News article which stated that criminal charges were recommended against NICIL Chairman Winston Brassington.

In its October 18 edition, the Kaieteur News alleged that Junior Finance Minister Jaipaul Sharma said that the preliminary report, which was not yet shared with the Government, recommended criminal charges against NICIL’s Chairman.

In response, NICIL released the contents of the draft document, asserting that the facts contained in the document clearly showed that there was no evidence of illegality, fraud or corruption at the hands of the organisation.

In fact, it was firstly pointed out that NICIL received a draft preliminary audit report from Auditor Anand Goolsarran on the company’s operations over 13 years. This document is yet to be responded to, NICIL stated. According to the organisation, Goolsarran is awaiting its response which will then enable him to finalise his draft. Then, this formal draft will be submitted to Finance Minister Winston Jordan. Subsequent to being reviewed by the Minister, NICIL will once again be afforded the opportunity to respond to the final version of the report. Then the final audit report will be completed – with

all the recommendations.

Even so, NICIL clarifies that the preliminary report did not allege any personal enrichment of any of the officers of directors of NICIL, therefore contending that the Kaieteur News article was wholly spurious and misleading.

With respect to wrongdoings, Goolsarran’s main contention in the report is that the organisation is subject to Articles 216 and 217 of the Constitution and by extension, the Financial Management and Accountability Act (FMAA) where he is claiming that the organisation was in breach.

This section in the report reads “Institute disciplinary action against all those who were complicit in the violation of Article 216 and 217 of the Constitution, including the Board of Directors of NICIL, the former Minister of Finance and the previous Cabinet, as provided for under the following sections of the FMAA Act: (a) Section 48 – Misuse of public monies; (b) Section 49 – Liability for Loss of public monies; and (c) Section 85 –Liability of Official.”

Article 216 of the Constitution reads, “All revenues or other moneys raised or received by Guyana (not being revenues or other moneys that are payable, by or under an Act of Parliament, into some other fund es-

tablished for any specific purpose or that may, by or under such an Act, be retained by the authority that received them for the purpose of defraying the expenses of that authority) shall be paid into and form one Consolidated Fund.”

Against this backdrop, NICIL makes the point that Goolsarran recognised in the report that from 1991 to 2001, it transferred $3.415 billion

to the Consolidated Fund. Between 2002 and 2012, over $12 billion was paid as dividends from NICIL to the Consolidated Fund. NICIL also stated that Goolsarran stated in the report that the accounts of NICIL prior to 2002, were qualified “audit opinions but for every year since, NICIL has received “unqualified” or “clean bill of health” audit opinions.

“Goolsarran’s broad positions in his Preliminary Report about actions prior to 2002 when he was the Auditor of NICIL is repeated numerous times. Similarly, his publicly expressed objection to NICIL’s operations from 2002 is also reiterated in the Preliminary Report,” the organisation said. It went on to add that “notwithstanding these facts recognised in the Preliminary Report, Goolsarran states that NICIL violated Articles 216 and 217 of the Constitution when it retained all funds and invested these funds. This argument, which contradicts the facts as stated by Goolsarran, is the basis of the above recommendation by Goolsarran.”

In adding to its argument, NICIL said it has substantial legal advice indicating that Articles 216 and 217 were not applicable to NICIL. Further, it stated that the application of Article 216 and Article 217, would cause NICIL to be in violation of the Companies Act and NICIL’s own Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws.

“Specifically, ‘NICIL does not fall within the definition of ‘Guyana’ as set out in Article 232(1) of the Constitution and Section 5 of the Interpretation and General Clauses Act, Cap. 2:01. As a consequence, Article 216 of the Constitution is NOT applicable to NICIL.’”

The organisation further contended that its “clean” audit opinions for 2002 to 2013 is one form of evidence that the current Auditor, who audits all of Government, does not consider NICIL to be in violation of Articles 216 and 217.

Thirdly, NICIL said its advice in 2001 from private accounting firm Ram and McRae that clearly showed that NICIL prior to 2002, violated

the Companies Act and its financial statements were not prepared in accordance with applicable accounting standards. Ram and McRae assisted NICIL is preparing its accounts in proper accounting form, after which it received a clean audit opinion. At no time, did NICIL receive advice that it had to deposit all of its revenue into the Consolidated Fund.

Fourthly, NICIL said it operated like any other State-owned entity, incorporated under the Companies Act. If it operates in violation of Article 216 and 217 of the Constitution, then all State-owned entities would be similarly guilty. Further, this would defeat the very purpose of having Government conduct commercial business via companies.

And lastly, it emphasised that there was no legal precedent or court ruling that suggested that NICIL was obliged to deposit its revenues into the Consolidated Fund or that Articles 216 and 217 were applicable to NICIL.

The organisation noted that it was extremely unfortunate that the protocols for addressing the forensic audit were not being followed.

“Incendiary accusations without specificity as to wrongdoings lack any semblance of objectivity and is one form of prejudicing a fair and balanced audit process. Such actions are more akin to a “witch hunt” than to a fair, independent, impartial, professional, and objective audit process,” it concluded.

Fire destroys top floor of NA hotel

An eight-room hotel in New Amsterdam was saved from total destruction on Monday evening following a quick response from the New Amsterdam Fire Department.

According to reports, flames and smoke were seen emanating from the top flat of the La Chateau Van FagoKetur Hotel, Main Street, New Amsterdam about 20:00h.

Reports are that firefighters arrived quickly and immediately began containing the blaze on the top floor of the three-storey building.

However, this was not without incident as the firefighters encountered problems accessing adequate water from two nearby fire hydrants.

Speaking with <<<Guyana Times>>>, the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) Berbice Divisional Officer, Patrick Carmichael said that the fire department had to resort to a nearby trench as a water source.

He noted that the Fire Department came out in full force and he was pleased with the work that his officers did. A firefighting unit from GuySuCo Rose Hall Estate also arrived on the scene and gave support.

The hotel, which was opened on Valentine’sDay 2013, also housed a bar, internet café and banquet hall. At the time of the blaze, no guest was at the facility.

The owner of the premises, Suzan James, closed the establishment two weeks ago after business came to a standstill. James has since left for the United States.

The Divisional Officer also expressed concerns over the state of the Republic Road canal which was constructed as a reservoir for firefighting in the town. Heavy vegetation has taken over most of that canal.

The cause of Monday night’s blaze is still unknown. An investigation has since been launched.

“However, after we spoke an official from Guyana Water Inc, they increased the pressure and must be commended for their support … [it enabled] us to put out the fire with the building still standing,” Carmichael said.

SUDOKU

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

(May 21June 20)

CANCER

Make a point to take on physical challenges that will help ease your stress. Tension will build at home if you don’t have an outlet for it. Avoid saying something you’ll regret.

You will come across an enticing deal. Consider the pros and cons before taking action. Before you take on more responsibility, complete the jobs you committed to finish.

Mix and mingle. Socialise and gather information. You will be the star of any group, gathering or event you attend. An unlikely source will offer an interesting suggestion.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

People at home will be difficult to deal with. Don’t waste time and energy arguing. Pursue an enjoyable hobby or anything else that will get you out of the house.

You need an emotional boost. Make plans to spend time with people who make you smile. A humorous approach to life will lead to greater popularity as well as unexpected opportunity.

An opportunity to move forward should be considered. Your present situation has run its course or lost its appeal. Look for new prospects that will make better use of your talents.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

You will be disappointed by people who refuse to share. Keep moving forward and don’t be dissuaded by negative comments. Your accomplishments will prove how capable you are.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Take your time and weigh each move carefully. If you listen and observe, you will get a better feel for what lies ahead. Postpone crucial decisions until you are certain of the outcome.

CAPRICORN (June 21July 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

You should host an event or get-together with your peers. Use your social skills and good humour to network your way to the top. Talk about your aspirations and plans for the future.

(Jan. 20Feb. 19) (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

Steer clear of anyone looking for an argument. Heightened emotions will result in hurt feelings and regret. Think before you speak, and do your best to show compassion.

AQUARIUS

PISCES

(Feb. 20March 20)

Participate in local events that will put you in touch with your neighbours and cultural community. You will be applauded for your good nature and willingness to help others.

Taking care of your needs is not being selfish. With all you do for others, it’s likely your health will suffer if you don’t take time for some serious relaxation.

Platini angry at ‘shameful’ ban

Michel Platini still wants to succeed Sepp Blatter as Fifa president, despite serving a 90-day ban while corruption claims are investigated.

Uefa boss Platini is suspended as Fifa studies reports he received a £1.35m payment from Blatter in 2011.

The 60-year-old told French newspaper Le Monde he had done nothing wrong and “certainly still wants to” stand in the Fifa presidential election in February.

“It’s shameful to be dragged through the mud like this,” said Platini.

“I have been suspended for three months, but what annoys me the most is being tarred with the same brush as the others.

“My lawyers are following the Fifa proceedings and will take the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport if needs be.”

In June, Blatter announced he would leave his position at the head of world football, though he is also serving a 90-day ban, but also denies any wrongdoing.

Platini, who has been president of European football’s Uefa since 2007, was tipped to replace the 79-year-old Swiss and still believes he will have enough support to do so.

“I don’t think I have lost many votes with these scandals,” he added. “People who know me know that I can look myself in the mirror.

“I don’t like to lose. Especially not on the basis of a scandal that isn’t one.”

Fifa’s ethics committee is looking into the circumstances of a payment of 2m Swiss francs Platini received in 2011 for work said to have been carried out more than nine years previously.

Platini claims Blatter asked to see him before the 1998 World Cup in France and wanted the Frenchman to become Fifa president, with Blatter taking over as general secretary.

“I wasn’t interested,” said Platini. “I was focused on the World Cup and didn’t see myself as president.”

He says the pair met again two months later, with Blatter asking Platini to become his football adviser and enquiring how much money he wanted.

Platini added: “I said ‘a

Michel Platini

million’. ‘A million what?’

‘Whatever you want: roubles, pounds, dollars.’ He said, ‘OK, 1m Swiss francs a year.’ Incredible though it may sound, that’s what happened.”

‘It was a gentleman’s agreement - I trusted him’ Platini worked for Blatter from 1998 to 2002 “reforming the international match calendar” and on “the Goal Programme - a Fifa assistance and support scheme for the poorest associations”.

“It’s never been about money for me,” said Platini. “I was an unpaid chairman

of the World Cup organising committee.

“Before that, I turned down the opportunity to go to Real Madrid even though they had handed me a cheque and told me to add as many zeros as I liked.

“When I said to Blatter ‘a million of whatever you want’, I was leaving it up to him to decide how much he wanted to give me.”

However, a formal contract for the full pay was never signed.

“I haven’t had a lawyer or agent to negotiate for me for a long time,” added Platini.

“It was a gentleman’s agreement. He was going to be president of Fifa. I trusted him. I’ve since learned that under Swiss law, an oral contract is as valid as a written one.”

‘I was paid without any fuss’

Since being banned, the Football Association, which had previously backed Platini in the election, suspended its support for the former Nancy, St Etienne and Juventus midfielder.

However, Platini has defended the payment and

said it was not his fault that it came so long after the work had finished.

He says that he “worked for several months” without any payment and was told by Blatter that he could not earn three times the salary of the general secretary, who was paid 300,000 Swiss francs.

Platini claims a contract for 300,000 Swiss francs was agreed, on the basis Fifa “would pay the balance later” but “later never came” so he called in the debt.

“The finance department at Fifa asked Blatter if he owed me money and he said yes so I sent an invoice at their request,” said Platini.

“But I got it wrong, to my own disadvantage. I forgot that I had been paid 300,000 Swiss francs a year - I thought that it had been 500,000 Swiss francs and that he therefore owed me another 500,000 for each of the four years.

“So I sent an invoice for 2m Swiss francs. I was paid 10 days later without any fuss from Fifa. If there had been any doubt whatsoever, they would have refused to pay me.” (BBC Sport)

All-round Anisa helps West Indies level series

An unbroken eighthwicket stand of 44 between Kyshona Knight and Anisa Mohammed helped West Indies level the series at 1-1 against Pakistan.

Left-arm spinner Anam Amin’s four strikes had reduced the hosts to 106 for 7 in the 34th over. Captain Stafanie Taylor had contributed 49 before becoming Amin’s second victim.

Player-of-the-Match Anisa, however, backed up her 2 for 24 with an unbeaten 19 off 42 balls, while Kyshona Knight made 28 off

65 as West Indies reached the target of 150 in 46.5 overs.

Earlier, Mohammed and Hayley Matthews’ offspin had fetched two wickets apiece in a disciplined bowling effort after West Indies chose to field. Taylor chipped in with an economical 1 for 25 in ten overs as well. Nain Abidi made 48 and Bismah Maroof scored 28, but the innings failed to kick on after the latter retired hurt on 81 for 2 in the 24th over. Pakistan were eventually dismissed for 149 in 46.1 overs. (Cricinfo)

Inter-county softball on this weekend at Everest

Tas title sponsors Parsun Outboard, has many of the large commercial enterprises on board such as Crown Mining, Digicel and Stag Beer. It will allow intercounty softball cricket to return after some 14 years of dormancy.

Tournament organiser Parmanand Persaud said “many sponsors are coming on board and we are much grateful for the support that is being given”. Regal Stationery was the latest business enterprise to pledge its support.

Persaud went on to say that the event was a family-oriented one, which is the reason behind it being primarily held during the day. In addition, the organiser confirmed that several Crown Mining jerseys will be given away.

The winner will receive $500,000 and a trophy, compliments of the Trophy Stall at Bourda Market. The runner-up will take home a trophy and $300,000 and the losing semi-finalists $100,000 each. The other

participating teams will receive $25,000. The teams will play each other twice with the top four going through to the semi-finals. Games will be played on October 24

and 25. Patrons are asked to come out in their numbers, as entry to the venue is free. Action starts at 09:00h on both days. (akeemg@guyanatimesgy.com)

President to grace RHTY&SC

Tribute

to Heroes Programme

– to receive Club’s Dolphin of Excellence Award

President David Granger will headline the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) Silver Jubilee anniversary Tribute to Heroes Programme on Sunday.

The historic ceremony will be hosted at the St Francis Community Developers, and will involve the honouring of the top 25 cricketers produced by the RHTY&SC over the period 1990-2015, and recognising the contributions of 16 outstanding administrators in the history of Guyana’s leading youth and sport organisation.

President Granger will deliver the feature address, assist in the distribution of awards, and receive the Dolphin Award of Excellence, the highest award of the RHTY&SC.

Club President Keith Foster will give opening remarks, while Secretary/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Hilbert Foster will provide a

comprehensive report on the RHTY&SC over its 25-year history. Director of Sport, Christopher Jones; Minister of Sport, Nicolette Henry and Minister of Tourism, Cathy Hughes have all been invited and are expected to make brief remarks.

The RHTY&SC first played cricket at the Berbice Cricket Board level in January 1991 when they played Ankerville

at the Ankerville Ground at the Under-19 level. Since then, the Club has won over 40 titles at the Under-15, Under-17, Under-19, Under-23, Female, Second and First Division levels, and has won two male national cricket championships, in 2004 and 2005, while the Metro Female team won the national female championship in 2009.

The RHTY&SC has also produced one Test cricketer, one One-Day International player, one West Indies Sixes player, two West Indies Female cricketers, six national senior players, 37 national junior cricketers and a total of 97 players for Berbice at all levels.

The combined cricket teams have also completed over 2000 community related programmes/activities over the years that have touched the lives of countless youths under the sub-headings of sport, education, charity, anti-drugs, anti-suicide, reli-

gious and youth development among others.

West Indies Test player Assad Fudadin, Royston Crandon, Shemaine Campbelle, Neil Williams and Major James Fraser would be honoured as the top five RHTY&SC cricketers.

Among the others to be honoured are Khemraj Mahadeo, Abdel Fudadin, Delbert Hicks, Renwick Batson, Erva Giddings, Clinton Pestano, Michael Hicks, Inderpaul Mohan, Andre Percival, Shawn Grant and Dominic Rikhi.

The list of executives to be honoured includes the late Assistant Secretary/ CEO Farouk Kudrath and deceased executive members Isabella Smartt and Bernadette King. Others include Raymond Haniff, Mark Papannah, Leon Wiggins, Keith Hicks, Ravindranauth Kissoonlall, Stephen Cecil, Moonish Singh, Terry Pike and Dawn Hicks.

Forde wins another term as Fruta Conquerors head

Fruta Conquerors Football Club on Sunday last held its constitutionally due election at its Club House, Takuba Road, Tucville, where the incumbent Wayne Forde was voted in for another term as President.

Forde, a strong advocate for football’s development to take place from the bottom up, will have Martin Carto and Nekacia Jules as

his two Vice Presidents. Daniel Thomas is the Honorary Secretary, while the financial operations of the Club lie in the hands of Treasurer Tracy Brammer. Jolyan Lewis has been elected to the post of Assistant Secretary/Treasurer.

The Committee Members are Odetta Maxwell, Colin Gittens and Trevon Lythcott.

Forde, during an invited comment on Monday, said

during his next two-year term, his executives will focus on nurturing the Club’s youth population, while upgrading the infrastructure of the Tucville Ground.

“We will continue to pursue our youth development programme, which is the cornerstone of the Club, as we believe in building from the bottom up,” Forde said.

He added, “We will also be focusing on developing the infrastructure of

the Club, including the upgrade of the floodlights and playing surface, and the construction of additional stands to boost the seating accommodation.”

Sunday’s election was observed by Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Normalisation Committee member Rabindranauth Chanderpal. The GFF is the body responsible for the electoral process at the elite club.

GCB presents cricket kits to NSSCL coaches

The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) on Monday presented a number of cricket kits to its coaches who have been assigned to the various zones and districts across the country to ensure the effective conduct of its National Secondary School Cricket League (NSSCL), sponsored by Banks DIH and Digicel. NSSCL’s Anthony D’Andrade handed over the kits at the GCB Secretariat.

D’Andrade, who was hired by the GCB to coordinate and conduct the League among other duties, urged the Coaches to be responsible and make good use of the gear, adding that it was their job to see that the kits were properly taken care of.

D’Andrade is a former national youth cricketer out of Berbice. He was also a secondary school teacher. As such, the GCB believes that he is suited to manage such an important undertaking.

GCB Territorial Development Officer Colin Stuart noted that cricket gear was costly so the Board was making sure that the lack of it did not deter young talents for the future; hence, there was a need for as many youths as possible to participate, Stuart said.

The zones in the League are Corentyne,

New Amsterdam/Canje, West Berbice, Mahaica/ Mahaicony, East Coast, North Georgetown, South Georgetown, East Georgetown, East Bank Demerara, Highway, Upper Demerara, West Coast Demerara, West Bank Demerara, East Bank Essequibo, Wakenaam, Leguan, Bartica, North

4 foreign teams for Tradewind Tankers volleyball

The fifth annual Tradewind Tankers international volleyball tournament will be held later this year, and already four foreign teams have reportedly confirmed their participation.

The dates for the premier local volleyball tournament have not yet been finalised, but this publication was able to obtain information from persons close to the organisers that a club side from Brazil, and national teams from Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname and French Guiana are slated to compete against their counterparts from Guyana.

Like last year, there will be a male and female category. Further information will be divulged on Wednesday when the Guyana Volleyball Federation (GVF) officially launches the tournament at the Guyana Olympic Association headquarters on High Street, Kingston.

In a press statement issued last week, GVF President John Flores made mention of the relationship his Federation has developed with Tradewind Tankers, through the Guyana Oil Company

Limited (Guyoil), whom he commended for its continued contribution to local volleyball.

Tradewind Tankers is the shipping company used by Guyoil to transport fuel to Guyana and this year, for the fifth consecutive year, it has committed to sponsoring the biggest volleyball tournament on the GVF's calendar.

For the past three years, the tournament has brought top clubs from Suriname, Trinidad and Brazil to Guyana for the year-end event.

Barca looking to Neymar in Messi’s absenceBusquets

Barcelona are hopeful Neymar’s rich vein of form will help the Spanish and European champions cope during the glaring absence of injured talisman Lionel Messi, midfielder Sergio Busquets said on Monday.

Messi damaged knee ligaments in a La Liga game at the end of September and the prolific Argentina forward is not expected to return until the middle of next month.

Brazil forward Neymar hit four goals past Rayo Vallecano and set one up for Luis Suarez in a brilliant performance in Saturday’s 5-2 La Liga win at the Nou Camp and has a leagueleading eight in Spain’s top flight this term.

Neymar

has a big impact and we hope his good run continues now that Messi can’t be with us.”

Essequibo Coast, South Essequibo Coast and Central Essequibo Coast. The League was launched on Friday last at the Everest Cricket Club Ground and there were three matches in commemoration. It will continue today in the West Berbice District, then in Georgetown on Wednesday.

“The system is the same and we all have to contribute a bit more but it is impossible not to feel Messi’s absence,” Busquets told a news conference previewing Tuesday’s Champions League Group E match at BATE Borisov.

“He’s the one who scores the most goals and makes the most assists,” added the Spain international.

“But Neymar is also a leader for his playing style and what he brings to the team.

“When he is on form it

Barca, chasing a fourth European triumph in eight years, drew their opening match in the group at AS Roma 1-1 before fighting back from a goal down to beat Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 at the Nou Camp in their second outing.

The last time they faced BATE, in the 2011-12 group stage, they hammered the perennial Belarussian champions 5-0 in Minsk and 4-0 in the return game in Barcelona.

BATE, who have former Barca and Arsenal midfielder Alexander Hleb in their ranks, secured a 10th successive Belarus championship after a 2-0 victory against Vitebsk on Friday.

YELLOW PAGES

tuesday, october 20, 2015

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Baptiste joins Boldon camp

Trinidad and Tobago female sprint star Kelly-Ann Baptiste became the latest sprinter to join the camp of former Olympic medalist Ato Boldon.

Baptiste will join compatriot Richard Thompson at the Florida-based track camp.

Thompson, himself an Olympic medallist, announced the decision to join up with Boldon after missing out on the World Championships through injury.

Baptiste and Thompson can be considered the country’s most accomplished sprinters since Boldon and will be hoping to take their talent to the next level.

Baptiste, who previously trained with American Lance Brauman, believes the time was right for a change of scenery.

Kelly-Ann Baptiste

“I have had a great career under the guidance of Lance Brauman. It was practically when I moved to Clermont (Florida) my career took off. So it was very difficult,” Baptiste told the Trinidad and Tobago Express.

“I wanted a change, a different environment. It wasn’t that the environment I was in was bad, but I think we all get to pivotal points in life where we just want a change.”

Boldon, for his part, said it was an honour to work with the country’s top athletes.

“It’s definitely an honour to have in my camp now the greatest sprinters, both male and female, of the generation that followed mine.”

(Digicel Sportsmax)

Pistorius to go on house arrest from today

Oscar Pistorius, the Olympic runner who shot his girlfriend to death on Valentine’s Day 2013, can leave prison and move to house arrest today, South Africa’s Department of Correctional Services said Thursday.

A parole board at the prison where Pistorius has served nearly a year of his five-year sentence for manslaughter made the decision. It came after an initial ruling to release the doubleamputee athlete in August was canceled.

The board “approved the placement of offender Oscar Pistorius under correctional supervision as from 20 October 2015,” the corrections department said in Thursday’s statement.

Pistorius was acquitted of murder last year for the shooting death of Reeva Steenkamp, but prosecutors have appealed that decision and will seek a murder conviction again at South Africa’s Supreme Court on November 3.

If Pistorius is convicted of murder by a panel of judges at that appeal, he would face a minimum sentence of 15 years in prison, the minimum sentence for murder in South Africa, which no longer has the death penalty.

The spokeswoman for Pistorius’ family, Anneliese Burgess, said in a text message that they had been informed of the decision to release Pistorius but would not be commenting further.

Steenkamp’s parents are trying to “move on with their lives,’’ their lawyer told the AP.

“Whether Oscar Pistorius remains incarcerated or is released, it’s not going to change anything in their lives,’’ lawyer Tania Koen said. “It makes no difference to them.’’

But, “they still believe that 10 months or 12 months [in jail] is not enough for taking a life,’’ Koen said.

The corrections department said the parole board made the decision after receiving a submission from Steenkamp’s family.

Pistorius was sentenced to five years after being convicted of culpable homicide -- a charge comparable to manslaughter -- for shooting Steenkamp, a model and reality TV star. Under South African law, an offender sentenced to five years or less in jail can be released after serving one-sixth -- in Pistorius’ case, 10 months.

He has maintained he thought she was an intruder in his home. Prosecutors said he shot her as she was in a bathroom stall in his Pretoria house during an argument.

Pistorius will now be moved to correctional super-

vision, a form of house arrest, where he will have to live under certain conditions for the next four years. His sentence ends on Oct. 20, 2019.

Pistorius has been informed of those conditions, the corrections department said, although it did not detail them all. It did say that Pistorius would have to continue receiving psychotherapy while under house arrest and would not be allowed to handle any firearms. Correctional services department spokesman Manelisi Wolela did not rule out ultimately allowing Pistorius to return to training. He also said Pistorius would not be required to wear an electronic tagging device.

In June, the parole board cleared Pistorius to be released from Kgosi Mampuru II Prison in Pretoria on Aug. 21 only for that decision to be suspended by the minister of justice, who ordered a review.

A parole review board then sent Pistorius’ case back to the same prison officials to reconsider.(ESPN)

What will the Guyana selectors come up with?

Asks RAjiv BisnAuth

With the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) cut-off time for the submission of each franchise team for the second edition of the Professional Cricket League (PCL) just days away, the national senior selectors will soon sit to name Guyana’s squad, at least for the first three games.

The PCL commences on November 6, and Guyana Jaguars, the defending champions, will play their first three games at home.

They will play the Windward Islands Volcanoes in their opening round, before taking on Leeward Islands Hurricanes from November

13 to 16 and Barbados Pride from November 20 to 23.

The Jaguars will then play hosts Trinidad and Tobago Red Force from December 4 to 7, and Jamaica Scorpions from December 11 to 14 in the other two rounds before the tournament break to facilitate the Nagico Super50 Tournament.

The selectors have a pool of 30 players from which a final 13-man squad will be chosen.

They have the 15 contracted players: Christopher Barnwell, Anthony Bramble, Paul Wintz, Raymon Reifer, Veerasammy Permaul, Devendra Bishoo, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Shimron Hetymer, Ronsford Beaton, Keon Joseph, Assad Fudadin, Rajendra Chandrika, Vishual

Singh, Javon Searles and Kandasammy Surujnarine, but those players are not automatic choices.

They also have at their disposal the players who have earned Academy Contracts from Cricket Guy Inc.

Those players are: Gudakesh Motie, Anthony Adams, Raun Johnson, Kemo Paul, Raj Nannan, Steven Sankar, Robin Bacchus,

Kemol Savory, Kevon Boodie, Dexter Solomon, Steven Jacobs, Tevin Imlach and Akshaya Persaud, while veteran batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Leon Johnson complete the pool of 30 players.

There was no inter-county tournament, but the play-

BCB/Tenelec Inc 1st Division Cricket Competition in Berbice …

RHT Gizmos and Gadgets through to final

Aresponsible half-century by West Indies middle-order batsman Assad Fudadin, coupled with four-wicket hauls from offspinner Rajiv Ivan and legspinner Shawn Perriera, led Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets to a resounding victory in the semi-final against Young Warriors Cricket Club (YWCC).

By virtue of the victory, Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets are through to the

final of the Tenelec Inc FirstDivision tournament.

The host team won the toss and batted first at the Area H Ground. They enjoyed a solid opening partnership of 67 from Vidal Crandon and Fudadin.

However, Crandon was eventually dismissed by

Kassim Khan for a boundary filled 37 (8x4).

The consistent Berbice wicketkeeper/batsman Jason Sinclair joined Fudadin and together they put on 100 runs for the second wicket before Sinclair went, bowled by Kevin Ramdeen for 42 (4x4s and 2x6s).

Ramdeen then claimed the wickets of Ivan for 14 and Clinton Pestano without scoring. However, the lower order rallied their team to an impressive 254-8 off their allotted overs.

Fudadin topscored with 68 (7x6s and 1x4). Bowling for YWCC, Ramdeen took 3-54 off 10 overs and Khan 2-41.

In reply, the visitors lost Alex Algoo for one. They never recovered except for a few promising starts from

ers were involved in intense training for the past four months as well as a four-day practice game last week.

National Selectors Chairman and former Guyana fast bowler Rayon Griffith had told Guyana Times Sport recently that “players’ commitment” would be the key criterion for selection.

Griffith also disclosed that the selectors will also look at attitude, fitness and, of course, performance.

The biggest headache for the selectors could be the bowling line-up and the keeper, since the batting line-up looks relatively straight forward.

Rajendra Chandrika, who will return from Sri Lanka in time for the opening round, and West Indies reject Assad Fudadin are sure picks to open, but the problem could be finding a position for the talented Shimron Hetymer, who stroked consecutive half-centuries in the practice game.

With another West Indies reject Leon Johnson, who will

national senior opener and West Indies Under-19 player Shimron Hetmyer with 45 (4x4s and 2x6s); Kassim Khan 36 not out; Seon Hetmyer, 27 and Waheid Edwards, 20.

They were eventually bowled out for 193 in 42.5 overs. Doing the damage for the hosts was Ivan with 4-34 off 10 overs and Perriera 4-39 off 10 overs.

Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets and arch rival

Albion Community Centre Cricket Club will clash in the final at a date and venue to be announced.

Both Clubs are asked to note that the Berbice River Bridge final is now confirmed for Saturday, October 24 at the Port Mourant Ground from 09:30h.

captain the side, the availability of Shiv Chanderpaul and the in-form Vishual Singh, the number 4, 5 and 6 spots are secure.

Christopher Barnwell has plenty of talent, but his inability to dominate at the regional level could see his career being put on hold.

Barbadian Raymon Reifer is expected to fill Barnwell’s position as the all-rounder.

Anthony Bramble still re-

mains the best of the keepers in contention, but his position is somewhat at midpoint with the emerging talent of Kevon Boodie, who seems to have become a compact batsman without sacrificing his natural aggressive style.

The biggest headache for the selectors could be the pacers and spinners. With the absent of leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo, leftarm spinner Veerasammy Permaul could be the only specialist spinner picked in Guyana’s starting XI. However, due to the placid spin-friendly pitches in Guyana, it will be inter -

esting to see if the selectors include another spinner. They have at their disposal, left-arm spinners Motie, Adams and Persaud, legspinner Sankar and off-spinner Jacobs.

The fast bowling department could be another area of concern. With Barbadian Searles being an automatic choice in the starting XI, the other fast bowling spot could be occupied by the genuinely quick Ronsford Beaton, Raun Johnson and Keon Joseph. It will be interesting to see what the selectors come up with as Guyana hope to defend the title they won earlier this year.

Probable Guyana 13man squad: Leon Johnson (Captain); Rajendra Chandrika; Shimron Hetymer; Assad Fudadin; Shivnarine Chanderpaul; Vishual Singh; Anthony Bramble; Raymon Reifer; Veerasammy Permaul; Javon Searles; Raun Johnson; Ronsford Beaton and Keon Joseph. (rajiv@ guyanatimesgy.com)

Trophy Stall on board with Inter-Ministry/ Corporation futsal tourney

With the GT Beer Inter-Ministry/ Corporation Futsal Tournament set to kick off on Thursday, Trophy Stall joined the fray of supporters on Monday by donating the winning trophies.

At the simple handingover ceremony at Trophy Stall’s Bourda location, co-coordinator of the event, Esan Griffith thanked the Trophy Stall for its support.

“This tournament has been in the planning stages

for a while, but due to a few sponsorship setbacks, we had to reschedule… we are ready for kickoff on Thursday and we are grateful for Trophy Stall’s support and coming onboard with us.

“This tournament is a way of getting all these organisations an opportunity to have some recreation as well as to build camaraderie,” Griffith noted.

Trophy Stall Proprietor Ramesh Sunich stressed that sport was important

to society, “We are pleased to be associated with this Tournament; as it was mentioned, this will be the biggest futsal Tournament and we at Trophy Stall believe that sport brings people together and we hope that it does,” Sunich stated. The Tournament will feature 32 teams with up to $500,000 in cash and prizes to be won. Action will start from 18:00h. (josepht@guyanatimesgy.com)

UG Inter-Faculty Basketball...

Technology repeat as champions

By TreisTon Joseph

The Faculty of Technology out played Social Sciences for a comfortable 77-64 win in the final of the University of Guyana Inter-Faculty Basketball Championship on Sunday evening at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

While the scoreline may suggest an easy game, Social Sciences played a very physical brand of bas-

ketball giving Technology a run for their money early in the game.

However, a 7-0 run late in the third quarter would allow Technology to open up an 11-point lead.

Nevertheless, Social Sciences kept fighting with a 6-0 run to bring the game down to a five-point equation before running out of steam and giving up the fight with unnecessary turnovers.

the final on Sunday

“The Dream” Kanhai led the way for Technology with a team-high 18 points while Yoel Meusa had 17 points. Colwick Benjamin also had 16 points, while Kitfai had dropped 15 points in the allround effort by Technology.

Sheldon Howell was the game’s leading scorer with 21 points, while Geoffrey LaRose had 12 points for the losing side.

Meanwhile, The School of Agriculture won the third place spot via walkover against UG’s Staff team. (josepht@guyanatimesgy. com)

Brian Hackett wins Bissessar golf tournament

Veteran golfer and past President of the Lusignan Golf Club, Brian Hackett on Saturday played exceptional golf to run clear of all competitors to win the Bissessar Shipping Company golf tournament.

Hackett’s 60/82/22 performance was nothing less than historic, and with the victory, Hackett set his own personal Best Gross and Best Net scores in

spectacular fashion.

Second place and Best Gross prize went to Imran Khan, 62/8, while the third-place winner was Parmanand Persaud, 65/19. Nearest to the Pin was won by Patanjalee Persaud, who came within four inches of the hole.

Lusignan Club President Oncar Ramroop hailed the significant contribution being made by Bissessar towards the development of the sport.

Ramroop also commended the participants, adding that the good performances were reflective of the greatly improved state of the ground.

“The very good scores brought in by golfers today are reflective of the greatly improved state of the ground, but there is room for improvement, and we trust to have even better grounds in time for the Guyana Open this monthend,” Ramroop said.

Stag Elite League...

Fraser’s heroics hand

Pele 1st loss

– Buxton pull off win in battle of league-bottom teams

By TreisTon Joseph

In a game filled with no shortage of drama, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) pulled off a 2-1 stunner against the inform Pele FC behind some Delroy Fraser heroics when the Stag Elite League continued on Sunday evening at the GDF Base Camp Ayanganna Ground.

With the score level at 1-1, Fraser rocked the net two minutes into stoppage time (90+2) to send the GDF crowd into a frenzy as the goal assured the GDF men of a sure three points while handing Pele their first loss of the League.

Earlier in the game, Gregory “Jackie Chan” Richardson did what he does best by putting Pele ahead in the encounter with a goal in the sixth minute.

GDF, playing their physical brand of football, would equalise from the penalty spot in the 20th minute with a sweetly struck shot from Eusi Phillips and the first half ended one-all.

With both teams having various chances during the second half of play, it would be Fraser’s timely goal that would provide a fitting end

Delroy Fraser

to GDF’s home game.

Meanwhile in the earlier encounter, the League’s two bottom teams battled for supremacy with Buxton United getting the better of the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) in a 2-1 win. Clive Andries opened the scoring for Buxton with a well-struck goal in the 14th minute, while Denver Denis’s goal in the 38th minute doubled the lead as the half ended with Buxton having a commanding 2-nil lead. GFC scored a consolation goal from Curtiz Kelman in the 86th minute to end the game. Action in the tournament will continue later this week. (josepht@guyanatimesgy.com)

Marlon Samuels, the West Indies allrounder, has been reported for a suspect bowling action during the first Test against Sri Lanka. He will be required to undergo a testing process within 14 days, but he can continue to bowl in international cricket until the results are known.

Samuels bowled 27 overs in Sri Lanka’s only innings in Galle and picked up the wicket of Dimuth Karunaratne.

This is the third time that Samuels’ action has been reported, the first being back in 2008 when he was called for a suspect faster ball after the third Test against South Africa in Durban. He was later suspended from bowling in international cricket but after remedial work on his action, was permitted to bowl in September 2011.