Guyana Times Daily - September 8, 2015

Essequibians demand “significant”reductions

Vagrant

Woman killed on Canje Road

tuesday, september 8, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

Settlement reached for sugar workers

In light of the recent situation where sugar workers protested against deplorable working conditions at the Uitvlugt Sugar Estate, the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) and the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) have finally come to an agreement.

GAWU President Komal Chand, in an interview with Guyana Times, said that the 500 workers who began their protest last Monday and ended it on Friday, met with officials of both GAWU and GuySuCo and came to an agreement they considered would be beneficial to all parties.

noted that after the six-hour exercise, an agreement was reached with the end result being that management had agreed to make five and eight hours payment and apart from the usual pay per tonne, the workers would now receive additional payments to compensate them because of the poor conditions they were set to work under that impeded their work progress and stretched their hours.

it took an entire work week before the matter could have been resolved, as the time had caused some deterioration in the canes. He added that this deterioration could have turned into a loss of millions for the Sugar Corporation.

Govt receiving proposals for reestablishment of national airline

– CJIA expansion project, other reforms moving apace

The workers had resumed their work on Saturday after GAWU’s and GuySuCo’s visit to the estate and resolution of the matter. They have accepted the compromise.

Chand explained that last Friday, the officials of both entities met with the cane harvesters. He added that after a long discussion where management had said that the prices offered were reasonable, the Union and the workers contended very strongly that the prices that were offered were not. It was then decided that the Union and the Corporation would visit the fields on Saturday morning at 06:00h, to see if the workers’ cries for higher wages were justified based on the condition of the various fields.

Chand shared that the Union believed that if management had given this matter greater attention and had a proper evaluation done about the conditions of the fields which came about because of bad husbandry practice, whereby they allowed the canes to grow and did not contain the grass and bushes, this matter would have been resolved much earlier than Saturday.

The GAWU President

He mentioned that it was quite unfortunate that

Chand stated that although the workers did not share further concerns, they are hoping that as new tasks are assigned to them, management would be willing to be more cooperative and more involved.

The cane harvesters attached to the Uitvlugt Estate, on the West Coast of Demerara, downed their tools over what they called inadequate payments for working in abnormal conditions.

Government is mulling the idea of establishing a national airline carrier and is already in receipt of proposals for this purpose.

In order to achieve its goal of attaining International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Category One status, Government needs to establish a national airline.

Public Infrastructure

Minister David Patterson told media operatives during a press conference on Monday that Government has received several submissions from various entities about the reestablishment of a national airline.

Guyana had its own airline in the 1970s, but its operations had ended before the turn of the 21st Century.

Given the challenges facing air travellers, including poor service and high airfares, persons have been calling on the A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government to pursue the reestablishment of a national airline.

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

In the meantime, Government said it would continue to work to meet the other targets required to attain Category One status.

“Without us not having our own air carrier, we are still trying to see how best we can have ICAO requirements complied to,” said Junior Public Infrastructure Minister Annette Ferguson, who was also present at the press conference.

CJIA Expansion Project

In keeping with the interest of bringing the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) up to par with international standards, the pre-

vious Administration had budgeted some $150 million for the CJIA Expansion Project. However, Government claimed that the $150 million was insufficient and, therefore, decided to redesign the model to suit the budget.

Minister Patterson announced that the new design would allow for the extension of the runway; however, instead of constructing a new terminal, works would be done to renovate and enhance the existing terminal.

Airport security

Minister Patterson also alluded to the enhancement of the airport security at the CJIA, disclosing that Government was currently engaging several international firms on security details needed to improve the existing airport security.

Particularly, he stated that Government was in discussions with a Canadian firm that provided security to Israel and was currently accepting proposals from that company regarding the improvement of the security at the CJIA.

Consequently, Government arrived at two options: where it either hires one of the international firms to provide the security or hire them as consultants and have Guyana conduct its own procurement process to establish the necessary measures for security.

GCAA Act

Moreover, Minister Ferguson announced that a draft Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) Bill has been produced and will be laid in the National Assembly when Parliament reconvened.

This Bill, she said, will represent the roles and functions of the GCAA.

Additionally, the Minister said they were working on organising a forum where aircraft associations and operators can meet to discuss ways in which operations could be strengthened.

While on the topic of enhancing Guyana’s aviation sector, Ferguson announced that a Memorandum of Agreement was signed between Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana to facilitate hassle-free travel for Guyanese passengers. According to the Minister, instead of going through customs and immigration whenever an aircraft has to transit in the twin-island, passengers can now disembark and venture directly into the waiting area.

tuesday, september 8, 2015 |

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, September 8 – 14:30h-16:00h and Wednesday, September 9 –14:30h-16:00h

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

Tuesday, September 8 – 13:30h-15:00h and Wednesday, September 9 –14:20h-15:50h

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Thundery to heavy rain showers can be expected in the morning and early afternoon, with thundery showers continuing into the evening. Temperatures are expected to range between 25 degrees and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-easterly at 3.12 to 5.36 metres per second.

High Tide: 13:08h reaching a maximum height of 2.14 metres.

Low Tide: 06:31h and 19:01 reaching minimum heights of 1.01 metres and 1.09.

New Govt, Mayor Green betrayed us – irate city vendors ...as M&CC

By AreefA BAcchus

Sstarts demolishing stalls at the break of dawn

cores of Georgetown vendors on Monday accused the new A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government and City Mayor Hamilton Green of betraying their trust after they started demolition work on select stalls in the Bourda Market area at the break of dawn.

The vendors, most of them poor and now frustrated, said that the move by the Central Government and City Council has deprived them of a livelihood and has effectively left them jobless as their stock and other materials were collateral damage as the exercise kicked in, in their absence, around 05:00h.

The exercise, conducted by agents of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC), saw more than 10 stalls at the Bourda Market being dismantled and goods being displaced.

This resulted in the stall owners rushing to the scene; however, a major confrontation was prevented by ranks of the City Constabulary and several Police Officers who were equipped with batons.

The stalls were erected besides a derelict building that has reportedly been purchased by a businessman and was due to be demolished.

A question of notice

The frustrated stall owners lamented that they were not given any sort of notice and were now left on the breadline as their stalls were their only source of income.

Mr Fordyce, owner of Stall 20, stated that his family operated in the market for over 40 years selling groceries. He stated that after the dismantling of his stall, and his goods being displaced, his losses are estimated to be close to $150,000.

“Them seh we gah fuh go to the other corner on Orange Walk and them gon clean it and them give we a paper that say proper assistance shall be given when we moving. Lo’ and behold, this morning at 05:00h they come and bruk up this place! Where is the assistance?” the frustrated vendor stated.

“We are asking Mr Joe Harmon, Mr Bulkan and Mr Granger to come because we want development! I lost close to a million dollars, I does sell wares...plastic and glass and is meh main source of income. And yuh see this relocation that they say we going somewhere? We ain’t got no place fuh go yuh know...they ain’t show we nowhere,” the disheartened woman expressed.

Another vendor stated that for three days, she has not been selling as they told her they would be pulling down the derelict building next door, so it came as a shock to her when she went to the market and discovered her stall demolished.

“They cannot come and take our bread...our livelihood! When the day come, how we gon survive? We have children to send to school...mortgages! How we

gon make out?” she lamented.

The visibly frustrated woman fought tears as she explained that she no longer has a source of income to support her family. “They ain’t care nothin’ about the vendors ‘cause when the week come, if we ain’t pay up $700, they lock up our stalls and we gah pay fuh it open back! They don’t care about we ‘cause Mr Royston

King seh we are Bourda Market rats! I am asking the President to look into it ‘cause we can’t take it no more, is too much,” she stated.

Unavoidable Town Clerk Royston King declined to offer a comment when contacted by this newspaper.

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

National unity?

Hot on the heels of its eponymously named "Social Cohesion" confab at the Convention Centre, comes word via PRIME Minister Moses Nagamootoo that he has been appointed leader of a team to discuss "unity" with the People's Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C). This rather portentous announcement by the PM came as a surprise to many, since it was made at a "meet the people" trip to his home village of Whim, and not in front of the national media where the news could have been more closely interrogated.

The Prime Minister himself found it necessary to link his coalition's alleged outreach to bring all the political forces in the country under one umbrella of his own Alliance For change (AFC) party's challenge to consummating a "unity agreement" with the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU). The latterdubbed the "Cummingsburg Accord" - was hammered out just before the last elections.

Over the past decades, there have been repeated calls for "political unity" of one form or another by the various political entities in the country to address the political contentiousness precipitated by the stark divisions in the body polity. Proposals ranging from the very tightly structured "Grand Coalition" proposed by the Consociational school of consensus politics, to the more diffuse "shared governance" model of the People's National Congress (PNC) that apparently was satisfied with the party coalescing with several much smaller political entities to form the present government of Guyana.

But Nagamootoo's allusion to his own "unity" venture is significant, if for no other reason than it can be considered as a test case on what the PNC means by "unity". Even before SPNU's coalition with the AFC, the Working People's Association (WPA) one of the more significant partners in the APNU coalition, complained about a dearth of consultation between them and the PNC, before decisions were made. But the case of the "unity agreement" summarised in the "Cummingsburg Accord" between APNU and AFC is even more informative about the PNC's conception of "national unity".

During and after the election campaign, APNU asserted that "national unity" had been achieved - even when it was demonstrated that their coalition was barely able to garner just 51% of the vote. It is perhaps salutary that even belatedly, APNU realises that it is not practical to erase 49% of the populace from any venture that seeks to be called "national". Going forward, therefore, it is hoped that the coalition government will abjure their old all-encompassing self description.

Secondly, we arrive at the issue of "trust" which the PPPC had made THE condition, ex ante to any movement towards a "unity" with the PNC. From the much ventilated issues that emanated from the unwillingness of the PNC-dominated APNU to live up to the terms of the Cummingsburg Accordwhich was publicised as their commitment to "national unity" - it would be extremely unlikely that the PPPC's concerns were assuaged.

Apart from well-meaning platitudes, "national unity" would inevitably boil down to the question as to whether the representatives of the various groups are able to secure power in the government proportionate to their support base. In the case of the promises to the AFC in the Cummingsburg Accord, the most significant was that the powers of the presidency, to be occupied by the candidate from APNU, would be reduced in specific areas and those would be transferred to the AFC Prime Ministerial candidate.

To cut to the chase, this was never done and no amount of rhetoric can alter that. The Prime Minister's had previously denied that there were any variances from the Accord, so his belated admission that in fact he had misspoke, but that the "differences" had now been addressed, would carry very little weight with the PPP.

Last, but not least, to select as the emissary of "unity", an individual that had a most acrimonious parting with the PPPC is not very felicitous.

Freedom of expression is a human right

Dear Editor, Former President Jagdeo signed the Declaration of Chapultepec on May 24, 2002. This Declaration was instituted by the InterAmerican Press Association in 1994, a body that represents freedom of the press. The principle of the ‘Chapultepec Declaration’ is a result of a struggle begun by English poet John Milton, in his book Aeropagitica, in which he clamoured for the freedom to write and publish without any official license.

Press freedom should be the inalienable rights of every citizen of any democracy to express themselves freely without fear of the State; without fear or favour and intimidation and without any political prejudice in contemporary society.

In any country where the free press is dictated to by the State, there is lack of democracy and presence of totalitarian dictatorship. This type of Government is nothing new to Guyanese since the Forbes Burnham era, and now history is repeating itself recently in our nation where journalists, editors and writers are intimidated by the state or by autocratic politicians.

Since we are a signatory of the Declaration of Chapultepec I wish to quote the 10 principles below:

1. No people or society can be free without freedom of expression and of the press. The exercise of this

right is not something authorities grant, it is an inalienable right of the people.

2. Every person has the right to seek and receive information, express opinions and disseminate them freely. No one may restrict or deny them these rights.

3. The authorities must be compelled by law to make available in a timely and reasonable manner the information generated by the public sector. No journalist may be forced to reveal his or her sources of information.

4. Freedom of expression and of the press are severely limited by murder, terrorism, kidnapping, intimidation, the unjust imprisonment of journalists, the destruction of facilities, violence of any kind and impunity for perpetrators. Such must be investigated promptly and punished harshly.

5. Prior censorship, restrictions on the circulation of the media or dissemination of their reports, forced publication of information, the imposition of obstacles to the free flow of news, and restrictions on the activities and movements of journalists directly contradict freedom of the press.

6. The media and journalists should neither be discriminated against nor favoured because of what they write or say.

7. Tariff and exchange policies, licenses for the im-

portation of paper or newsgathering equipment, the assigning of radio and television frequencies and the granting or withdrawal of government advertising may not be used to reward or punish the media or individual journalists.

8. The membership of journalists in guilds, their affiliation to professional and trade associations and the affiliation of the media with business groups must be strictly voluntary.

9. The credibility of the press is linked to its commitment to truth, to the pursuit of accuracy, fairness and objectivity and to the clear distinction between news and advertising. The attainment of these goals and the respect for ethical and professional values may not be imposed. These are the exclusive responsibility of journalists and the media. In a free society, it is public opinion that rewards or punishes.

10. No news medium nor journalist may be punished for publishing the truth or criticizing or denouncing the government.

It is imperative that all the newspapers, their journalists, writers and staff included, be protected by these laws. The Caribbean Court of Justice and other Press Freedom Legislative bodies must ensure that our media workers benefit from these laws.

It's one thing for us as

a nation to sign this declaration joining over 26 nations but are these laws implemented at every media in this nations including the Free Press, Radio and Television?

I believe these laws should become a Press Freedom Bill in Parliament whereby the State must be separated from the Press without interference as stated in laws above.

Without freedom there can be no true order, stability and justice, and without freedom of expression there can be no freedom.

How free is our press in Guyana? None of my letters were published by many papers here in months because those Presses are controlled by Politicians that's in direct violation of the Chapultepec Declaration.

A free press enables societies to resolve their conflicts, promote their well-being and protect their liberty. No Government should limit freedom of expression or of the press, whatever the medium. Freedom of speech, freedom of the press and the right to information are individual rights, which belong to all. The violation of freedom of expression and of the press is a violation of democracy, the framework for provision of human rights.

Sincerely, Rev. Gideon Cecil

Similar Janamashtmi celebration in Guyana and Trinidad

Dear Editor, I observed Janamashtmi, the appearance of Lord Krishna among humans, in Trinidad on Sunday after many years celebrating the festival in the land of tassa and pan. In previous years, I observed the birth of the lord in India, New York, Fiji, and Guyana, among other countries. Janamashtmi is a national holiday in India and Nepal unlike in Guyana and other countries with large numbers of Hindus or Indians. Krishna is one of the most popular Gods in the Hindu religion. Observances of all major Hindu festivals, especially those related to Krishna, Shiva, Ram, Hanuman, Lakshmi, Sarasawati and Durga hold special prominence among Guyanese Hindus in the diaspora as is also the case among Surinamese and Trinidadians. Each of the nationalities has its own temples in America, although in some temples, celebration varies according to different groups. Hindus worship at each other’s temples. There are also thousands of Guyanese Hindus in Trinidad and in Tobago, including Pandits. However, Guyanese Hindus do not have their own temples, but worship at temples

within their neighborhoods.

The Lord Krishna celebration is similar everywhere except in India, where it is very difficult to make offerings at the murthis where throngs of people would try to make offerings. They are guided by the Pandits unlike in the Caribbean where offerings are more personal. In Trinidad, temples were packed for the fasting and worshipping on Saturday night, similar to what took place in New York among the large Guyanese Hindu population. Guyanese Hindus are dispersed all over greater the New York metro area as well as in Florida and other States. There are dozens of Guyanese temples in the greater New York area as well as in

Florida, Dallas, Houston, Minnesota, among other cities.

On Saturday evening, as is the custom in temples in Guyana, New York and elsewhere, devotees meditated on the lord and read the Holy Gita. They chanted sacred mantras including a dhun of "Om Namo Bhagavate Vaasudevaaya" and sang bhajans. There was also kirtan singing.

At the temples, worshippers symbolically rocked a cradle with a murthi of the Lord – signaling his birth. They offered aarti, flowers, fruits, mohanbhog and a variety of sweets including ladoo, mithai, burfi, etc. The Lord loved ghee (makhan) and so the worshippers offered a variety of products made from this clarified butter.

Clothing, foodstuffs and money were also offered. Charities were given to the poor and the needy who had queued up outside the temples on Sunday morning, similar to the Eid celebration.

Janamashtmi was also celebrated with fervor in New York with all of the temples hosting celebration on Saturday night as well as on Sunday morning.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

Response to editorial “Return of Development Communications”

Dear Editor, I refer to your Editorial of Tuesday 1st September, 2015, captioned “Return of Development Communications.”

Your Editorial unfortunately confuses the concept and, indeed, implementation of “Development Support Communication” better well known as DSC, with “Public Information Dissemination, PR and Media Management.” Development Support Communication, conceived by a former Director of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Erskin Childers, in simple terms is a commitment to build into every development project, a public communications component that would ensure that the intended beneficiaries of the project (the people) are fully consulted and informed about the project by the planners of the project.

Childers discovered that when economic planners introduced project

development in isolation from the populations intended to be the beneficiaries, in isolation from the people themselves, they invariably fail.

DSC, therefore, has absolutely nothing to do with the dissemination of information for the purpose of political propaganda, nor has it to do with the manipulation and control of the mass media.

In fact, DSC does not rely on mass media for information dissemination but uses small media, that is, power point, audio visual, face to face communication, brochures and pamphlets. DSC also places considerable emphasis on ensuring feedback from population beneficiaries to planners by such means as focus groups.

More is the pity that DSC systems have largely been abandoned by government and development planners have once again resorted to imposing projects for the people intended to benefit from

them rather than first informing, consulting, revising and then implementing.

With regards to the quote you attributed to me, I was never, incidentally, “Minister of State responsible for Information” but at that times I was “Minister in the Office of the President”. The quote is taken completely out of context and was not in reference to Development Support Communication. If I recall correctly, I was speaking on the subject of media ownership and responsibility.

Yours sincerely, Kit Nascimento

Editor's note In their book “Latin American Journalism”, Michael Salwen and Bruce Garrison detailed Burnham’s interpretation of Development Support Communications to assert control of media which was executed by Mr Nascimento as Minister.

Page Foundation

Perspective on Parenting:

By JuliA Sherwin

My high school’s motto was

“Freedom with Responsibility.” As a student in the early 90s, I never really considered the motto much. I went to an academically rigorous Catholic high school, so I thought the phrase reflected an adult’s perspective on the piles of homework we’d get each day. In my young mind the translation went something like: Be responsible by studying and doing your work, and you may just enjoy the freedom of passing. Years later, I’m finding myself more drawn to these three words, especially when it comes to allowing my children the privileges and freedoms they really want.

Today parents are often openly criticised about being overly protective of their children. We’re in the age of “helicopter parenting”, where some parents don’t allow their children enough opportunities to make mistakes and experience both failures and successes, independent of their watchful eyes.

jured or killed. We begin to not only mistrust the world around us, but our children’s abilities, too.

With all of that said, I decided that our children needed to experience a little more freedom, so I let it happen on our recent vacation. Baby steps, I usually tell myself. So we allowed our two daughters, ages 7 and 10, to walk two blocks—unaccompanied –to a candy store.

thing independent of their mom or dad. They enjoyed the freedom of shopping, unassisted, handing a store clerk money and receiving change.

Experiences like these won’t be the same for all families, but there are numerous ways we can help our children learn independence without jeopardising their safety or breaking their spirits. As parents, it’s

run a load of laundry, or ask the librarian where her favourite genre of books is shelved.

• Seek opportunities for your child. Allow your child to pay for things when out at a store, and make sure he orders his food if dining out a restaurant.

• Praise the effort; don’t judge the mistakes. They’re going to make mistakes, and that’s ok. Commend your child for trying to do something that may be totally out of her comfort zone.

• Make it fun. Start a weekend morning with these words: “What are you going to try on your own today?”

I get it. It’s a scary world we live in, and I’m like a lot of parents who fear the worst. We hear stories of evil people who prey upon children. We witness accidents where children are in-

Now, this was obviously not a dangerous venture. They only had one street to cross. I made sure they understood how important it was to hold hands, take their time and look both ways. Their dad may have even spied on them from the corner, but that’s not the important part. The thing is, my girls came home happy and confident in their new ability to leave our care and do some-

not going to be easy to watch our children make mistakes, but it’s essential. In order for them to appreciate successes, they must experience a few failures along the way. Mistakes can be opportunities for learning.

Here are a five ways to help your children learn more independence:

• Give your child a new project. Ask your child to fill the washing machine and

• Make it worthwhile. Show your child that with their newly found responsibilities, they can now have the freedoms they’ve always wanted. It may be the privilege of having a social media account if they’re old enough, a sleepover at a friend’s house or even a pet.

You may even decide to have your child keep a journal filled with these mini adventures. Encouraging your child to be independent is a powerful parenting skill. As motivational speaker and author Denis Waitely said: “The greatest gifts you can give your children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence.”

(Daily Local News)

By AnnA StewArt, FAmily AdvocAte

Plan

The final step in making conferences constructive is to plan ahead. Organise and prioritise your concerns, and be prepared with your own data to bring to parent-teacher conferences. For example, a common complaint is the challenge of getting homework done. It can take hours, include tears, and is frustrating for parents and students. If the stress of homework is negatively affecting your child, then keep a homework log and share it with the teacher. Log more than just the time; include the work, whether the child knew how to do

Do include a summary of it when you email the teacher prior to the conference. Conferences should never be the first time either teacher or parents hear about a concern. Or, if you know the teacher is already frustrated with your child, be prepared to discuss why, what you do at home and suggestions for school. Gather your information, including reports from private therapists or doctors. And be sure to ask your child. One way to get details is to sit with your child and have a piece of paper with a line down the middle. On the left, list what is working and on the right, list what isn’t working. Go through the entire day, from arriving at school to

it, the breakdowns experienced, the breaks taken, and everything else. Don’t surprise the teacher with the log at your conference.

heading home. Explain to your child that how he or she is experiencing school is important for you and the teacher to know in order to make it better. Many children will not feel comfortable saying negative things about a teacher. You can promise not to show the paper to the teacher, and instead summarise the feedback.

Parents can do the same exercise, writing down what is and isn’t working. Compare it to your child’s sheet. From there, pick one or two things you consider priorities, and that is what you share with the teacher. You should also have some specific examples of things to praise (such as how much your child enjoys the nice comments on her papers and tests when she does well).

While parent-teacher conferences can be hard to face, it can help to realise that the teacher may be just as nervous as you are when it comes to having uncomfortable conversations. By opening the door with praise, planning and prevention, you start on common ground, making it easier to focus on the reason you are there – to help your child find success at school.

(Excerpt from empoweringparents.com)

APNU/AFC Govt not serious about inclusive governance

Social cohesion will be like ‘slippery ochro’ – Rohee

The A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) coalition Administration is far from serious in its talks and claims of having an ‘inclusive government’ which involves the Opposition Party.

According to the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), it has not received any communication from the Government concerning this matter. In fact, the Opposition members have only been kept abreast of these public claims by the Administration through the media.

PPP General Secretary Clement Rohee on Monday during a media briefing stated that there has definitely been no formal or official invitation from the APNU or the AFC in this regard.

However, he maintained that while he was not asking for an invitation by stating the abovementioned facts, if the Administration was choosing to use the media as a tool to convey or relate messages to the PPP/C, that was “unacceptable”.

Guyana Times understands that if and when the Government officially extends this invitation to the Opposition Party, then the PPP/C members will ‘sit and consider’ their move.

It must also be noted that by failing to do so and having events broadcast with hopes to achieve social cohesion, the Administration is contradicting itself.

Rohee referred to the recently-held social cohesion workshop which was hosted at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.

“The PPP/C has noted the efforts made by the [David] Granger-led APNU/ AFC Administration to fool Guyanese people into believing it is making a genuine

effort in promoting social cohesion in Guyana. The workshop was clearly a talk shop similar to those organised by the Ministers of Agriculture and Communities respectively. The event was in effect a race to the bottom to fulfil another one of the coalition manifesto’s promises and to hoodwink the donor community into believing that the Granger Administration is committed to and is in need of international financial support in this area,” said the PPP/C General Secretary.

He explained that the reality in the country showed a “completely different” picture and this was characterised by the consistent and persistent witch hunting and purging of public servants known to be supporters of the PPP/C.

Guyana Times was further told that Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo met with President Granger, whereby the former raised certain concerns with respect to the prevailing ‘environment and claims and allegations’ made by the APNU/AFC Government against the PPP/C.

A mere four days after President Granger ‘came out with a statement’ justifying dismissals of public servants on the grounds of malpractice and the disappearance of tax dollars, said Rohee.

He reminded that the President also was quoted as saying that there has been no ‘witch hunting’ or ‘purging’.

Investigations

“In uttering these words, Granger reinforces the popular conviction that there have been unilateral, malicious and discriminatory dismissals on political grounds using as an excuse the argument that this Government wants efficient, unbribable, trained and educated public servants. In other words, all

those whose services were terminated were untrained, uneducated, bribable, and inefficient while those who remained in the public service are trained, educated, unbribable and efficient… These social and economic travesties committed by the Granger Administration will not go away and will have to be investigated by international bodies,” said Rohee.

This newspaper was also told that these investigations by the international bodies will be in keeping with international protocols signed by Guyana while the PPP/C was in Government.

With regard to social cohesion, the PPP/C opines that whatever efforts are being undertaken, they are destined to fail unless specific issues are addressed.

“Social cohesion in Granger’s context will prove to be like the slippery ochro for the Granger Administration unless certain steps are taken to address the PPP/C’s concerns at this critical, political, social and economic juncture of our country’s history. Our task is to work towards a united country where all our people regardless of

Guyana to send rice to storm-hit Dominica

The Government of Guyana in conjunction with the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) and the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) will be donating a 20-foot container of rice to the eastern Caribbean island of Dominica.

The Ministry of the Presidency, in a statement to the media on Monday, said that the donation came at a time when Dominica was still in dis-

tress mode after the recent passage of Tropical Storm Erika.

This was confirmed by State Minister Joseph Harmon who has responsibility for Disaster Preparedness Management as he made a presentation during a CDC workshop.

He said that soon the CDC would make the necessary arrangements for that container of rice to be delivered to the people of Dominica.

race, gender, ethnicity or religious affiliation can continue to reach new heights in peace and harmony. The PPP/C is committed to building a nation where poverty is eliminated and where the fruits of economic prosperity are fairly and equitably dis-

tributed,” the PPP General Secretary maintained.

This publication was further told that the present Administration will never be able to achieve social cohesion by “going about it the way they have started out” which is targeting the PPP/C and its supporters through wrongful dismissals, racial and political harassment and victimisation.

“Social cohesion under Granger is bound to fail if it continues to undermine and jettison the role and functions of the Ethnic Relations Commission by supplanting it with a creature from the belly of the coalition known as the Ministry of Social Cohesion. The steps that are afoot to promote internationally the Granger Administration as a believer in social cohesion will not succeed especially when it comes to the manipulative and deceptive efforts and bleatings of Granger, Harmon, Trotman and Ally. The huge sums

of money allocated by the Granger Administration to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will take us back to the pre-1992 period when the Burnham-Hoyte Administration in an effort to boost its image abroad spent billions of dollars through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to accomplish this objective,” Rohee posited.

As it relates to the “claim” by the APNU/AFC Government that “the door will be open to the PPP/C for unity Government”, the Opposition Party has deemed this as “elusive”.

“History is replete with failed efforts to achieve this goal since the advocate(s) who made or make that call were either splitters or renegades from the PPP/C who lack decency. They do not deserve any respect or honour irrespective of the Government to which they belong,” the PPP General Secretary added.

New Govt, Mayor Green...

However, Mayor Green spoke to Guyana Times on Monday.

He stated that the illegal occupants have been given notices continuously over the past two years. He stated that a space along Orange Walk, Bourda has been reserved for the relocation of the vendors.

“We began to look at the very fragile drainage system of Georgetown and we recognised that where the vendors were operating is part of our drainage contract. I met with them in office where I told them that they have to move over the weekend...at that time I said to them that once construction begins and there is ingress and egress of development, they will be allowed to go back provided that they have proper conditions like

proper tents and their presence reflects an enhancement of the city,” he explained.

He stated that while he was trying to aid in the development of the vendors who he recognise face dire economic and social circumstances, Monday’s activity could not be avoided as the area that they were occupying is an essential part of the area’s drainage system that needed to be improved, and the presence of the illegal structures would impede on the necessary drainage works.

But the vendors are saying otherwise. They say that they were betrayed by the Mayor who in an attempt to save face during the meeting told them to paint their stalls green and yellow and they would be allowed

to stay there even as the Council worked out a plan for their relocation.

“The Mayor laird bad... he tell we to paint up we stall and them they come like thieves in the night and bruk it down...they know why they didn’t come during the day...cause we woulda fight them...this new Government wicked bad... during the elections, everybody including the Mayor and Royston King beg we fuh vote for APNU and AFC...we vote for them and now dis is how they repay we...I wring meh ears.....this is sheer wickedness if it was de PPP, you woulda hear all kinda thing but seeing is we own...I left shock and surprise....me didn’t want this kinda change,” another vendor confessed.

tuesday, september 10, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

Vagrant charged for murder of 68-year-old woman

Forty-four-year-old

Stanley Barrow, a vagrant, was on Monday arraigned for the murder of 68-year-old Megon Jones Cox, who was brutally raped and beaten to death along the Vreeden-Hoop Jetty Area, West Bank Demerara (WBD).

Barrow was not required to plead to the charge when he made his court appearance at the Vreed-en-Hoop Magistrate’s Court. The charge stated that between July 22 and 25, Barrow murdered the elderly woman of Lot 14 Stanleytown, WBD. He was remanded to prison until his next court appearance later in the month.

Jones Cox, a mother of seven, succumbed to her injuries three days after the brutal attack at the Georgetown Public Hospital. The elderly woman, whose tongue was severed from her mouth, was found on July 22 in an unconscious state and was taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital. Given the severity of the injuries she sustained, Jones Cox was referred to the Georgetown Public Hospital where she subsequently succumbed.

Between July 22 and 25, relatives of the now deceased woman had fran-

20-year-old woman remanded on drug trafficking charge

Ayoung woman on Monday found herself before Magistrate Ann McLennan in Court Two of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer to a charge of trafficking in narcotics.

Oshanda Nikase Nickolas, 20, of 36 Sussex Street, Georgetown, pleaded not guilty to the charge which read that on Friday, September 4 at the Ogle International Airport, East Coast Demerara, she had in her possession 416 grams of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.

Attorney-at-Law Dexter Todd, who represented the defendant, requested an early date for trial stating that his client did not have any previous convictions, nor has she had any previous brushes with the law.

Police Prosecutor, Corporal Bharat Mangru requested that the matter be adjourned until September 18, so that the investigation could be completed.

The Magistrate remanded the young woman to prison, and the matter was transferred to the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court for September 18.

tically launched a search for her, but came up empty handed until two Saturdays ago when they visited the Georgetown Hospital Mortuary to make arrangements for her granddaughter’s funeral and came across her body.

Upon Jones Cox’s body being identified, a postmortem was performed on Friday by local pathologist, Dr Nehaul Singh, who gave the cause of death as multiple injuries about the body and blunt trauma to the head. Jones Cox was laid to rest on Saturday in Stanleytown.

Guyana Times understands that while the wom-

an was in hospital, she requested a piece of paper and a pen and wrote a detailed report of her ordeal. In the note that was handed over to the Police, she mentioned the names of two young men as the perpetrators.

Three men were arrested including Barrow, who confessed to the murder during interrogation. The suspect reportedly told investigators that he and Jones Cox were having sexual intercourse, during which she cried out for pain. As a result, he got annoyed, picked up an object and dealt her several blows to the head.

Attempted murder accused on $500,000 bail

Aresident of East La Penitence, Georgetown, was on Monday granted bail in the sum of $500,000 by Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on a charge of attempted murder.

Ian Archibald, 40, a miner and labourer of 91 East La Penitence Housing Scheme, pleaded not guilty to the charge which read that on Thursday, June 4, at Durban Street, Georgetown, with intent to commit murder, he unlawfully ad maliciously wounded the Virtual Complainant (VC), Dwayne Wallace.

It was previously revealed by Police Prosecutor Bharat Mangru that Archibald dealt the VC a chop to his left side resulting in a punctured lung.

Defence Attorney Paul Fung-A-Fat stated that his client, at the time of the incident, was acting in self-defence as the VC had attacked him. Attorney Fung-A-Fat made an application for reasonable bail which was granted in the sum of $500,000. A condition of bail being granted was that the defendant has to report to the La Penitence Police Station every day at 07:00h.

The matter will return to court on September 29.

A bridge too far...

...in Berbice?

Seems that this Berbice Bridge issue just won’t go away. So your loyal Eyewitness thought he’d have a stab at understanding what the heck’s going on. As CN Sharma used to say, there always three sides to any story: your side, their side and the truth. First off the bat, there’s the government side. Without taking “lee from license” they announced to their Berbice supporters that they were going to reduce the tolls from the Bridge “significantly”. Why?? Duh!! Why do politicians make promises? To get votes, silly!! And in the last elections, getting votes from Berbicians were seen as key to getting the APNU/AFC coalition over the winning line. And it did - even if only by a whisker. Now when you’re campaigning, talk is cheap - you can say whatever the heck pops into your mind. So they promised to lower the tolls on the Berbice Bridge - without even consulting the people who own the Bridge!

That’s like the government telling you the price you’re charging for the chickens you’re rearing in your backyard, is too high because your neighbours say so...and you must lower your price!! That’s right...don’t ask where those neighbours were when you were taking debt to buy chicken feed and all that. It’s all for the “greater good”... you’ll make a whole lotta people happy!

Now while all of this may be jolly well good at some level...you and your Eyewitness fully well know this isn’t how the real world operates. Before the Bridge was built, folks had to wait interminable hours to cross in a ferry that never had the capacity to deal with the Cara and trucks etc. Pontoons, barges and “launches” were all drafted to help out. But bridges cost money, no? And so it was, the government rallied practically the entire business community of Guyana - financial and commercial - and together closed the deal to construct the present Bridge. What everyone - including the new governmentseems to conveniently forget is that THE PRESENT COST OF CROSSING THE BERBICE RIVER IS THE SAME AS WITH THE OLD FERRY!!!! But now folks can cross at any time - at their convenience...without the sometime day-long wait. This was the promise the government made at the time. After about ten years or so, when some of the loans were being paid off the tolls would’ve gone down and in 21 years, when the Bridge was all paid for, the government would’ve taken over the Bridge to charge little or nothing as they do with the Demerara Bridge.

So what’s the hullabaloo about? Just govt being willing to kill the golden (business) goose to get into power!

...in Demerara

One hears of “large interest rates” being paid to investors in the Berbice Bridge. Did anyone ask what rates were being changed TO OTHER BUSINESSES borrowing money at that time? The SAME as was charged to the Bridge Company!! So where did this “exploitation” of the small man spiel come from? The politicians in the AFC who piloted a “toll reduction” motion since 2014”, that’s who. Because they wanted Berbicians’ votes But there’s a solution that no one’s bringing up. When Bookers ran the sugar industry, they accepted that the Demerara estates had higher costs that Berbice. So they “cross subsidised” Demerara sugar with Berbice’s. Well it’s payback time! Today the government can do the same for Berbice with the Demerara Bridge. 10,000 vehicles cross daily. If the toll’s increase by just $100 per vehicle...that’s $1M per day or $365M per year.

That’ll be enough to subsidise the Berbice Tolls at the new rates being requested!

...and recovering Government’s costs

The folks are raising the issue of monies the government, via NICIL, plunked into the approaches to the Bridge. They should ask Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo for the $7 million he pocketed for filling out some forms to relocate some families from D’ Edward Village!

UG student shot to chest trying to prevent robbery at Agricola

Police charge six more for drunk driving

Afirst-year University of Guyana student was shot to his chest during an attempt to prevent a robbery being committed on passengers in a minibus at Agricola, Greater Georgetown on Monday morning.

The teenager, Karim Shivrattan, 17, of Lot 14 Public Road, Agricola, was shot once about 08:20h and was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was admitted.

According to the Police, the young man went to the assistance of two women who were being robbed at gunpoint by two men, one of whom was armed with a gun.

Based on reports received, the two bandits had joined a minibus at Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD) and upon reaching Agricola, they requested to get off.

As the vehicle stopped, the two men held up Natasha Rampersaud, 33, and Lalita Narine, 53, both of Diamond Housing Scheme.

They reportedly relieved the women of their jewellery. Upon realising what was happening, the young man went to the assistance of the women and was shot.

He was picked up and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he remains in stable condition. The two perpetrators made good their escape.

When contact was made with the relatives of the injured teen, his grandmother in tears stated that her grandson was about to head out to classes when the incident occurred. She explained that Shivrattan’s father would normally drop him off at classes, so he asked the young man to open the gate so that he could drive the vehicle out of the yard.

Unclear

As he walked to the gate, she stated, the minibus stopped on the roadway to put off passengers, but he did not pay heed to who was disembarking and continued to open the gate. After opening the gate, he went onto the parapet and it was at this time the incident occurred.

The grandmother stated that she did not know the circumstances surrounding the shooting and was not sure if he went to assist the two women who were robbed. The Police subsequently visited the home to

enquire what had occurred.

Ranks are still to make an arrest, but the description of the two men was given to Police. Of recent, there have been a number of robberies committed on passengers in minibuses in the Agricola area.

In July, Sharon Baldeo, 42, of Section C Golden Grove, EBD was shot to her legs following a robbery in the vicinity of the Flour Mill Road, Eccles, EBD. She was a passenger of a Route 42 minibus.

It was reported that Baldeo and her daughter were on their way to Georgetown and the suspect who was sitting in the back seat of the minibus asked to be put off at Flour Mill Road, Eccles.

As he disembarked the minibus, he reportedly grabbed Baldeo’s hand bag containing $245,000, an iPhone and personal documents, but she put up a fight.

In retaliation, the man whipped out a gun that he had in his pocket and discharged about three rounds hitting the woman in her legs. He then made good his escape on foot through the Flour Mill Road.

Brazilian miner found dead in mining camp

As crime continues to spiral out of control, the body of a Brazilian miner was found in a mining camp at Mowasi Backdam, Mahdia, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) on Sunday morning. The discovery was made about 09:00h.

The circumstances surrounding the death of Josi Mar Perriera, 51, of Boa Vista, Brazil, remain sketchy, but Guyana Times understands that there were several marks of violence evident on the man’s body.

Police have since launched an investigation into the matter and are awaiting the results from the post-mortem examina-

tion to determine the way forward.

Over the past few months, there has been an increase in the number of miners of which Brazilians are a significant percentage – who have been violently attacked and robbed. In most cases, these incidents resulted in fatalities. The mining districts have also seen an increase in disagreements turning deadly.

Only recently, the body of 40-year-old Domingo Rodrigues Santos, of Quamina Street, Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara, was discovered in Mahdia.

According to information received, the man’s body

was found with a single stab wound to his chest.

In July, another Brazilian national, 57-yearold Antonio Rodriguez Da Silva of Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, was chopped to death during an argument with another man. The incident occurred at Chinese Creek, Puruni, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

According to reports, Da Silva and the suspect, who escaped after committing the act, had an argument during which he was chopped about his body and fell to the ground. Owing to the extent of his injuries, Da Silva lost a lot of blood and subsequently died.

Ex Mouth man found dead in home

Aresident of Ex Mouth on the Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) on Saturday morning made a gruesome discovery when he found one of his neighbours dead in his home. Dead is Roy (only name given) who was said to be living alone on his farm.

The discovery was made after a stench emanated from the deceased’s home

and the resident went to investigate. Roy, who was said to be Rastafarian, was then found lying motionless on the floor of his wooden house.

His body was said to be in a decomposed state.

The Police were immediately informed and visited the scene. The body was later transported to the Suddie Funeral Home. An autopsy is expected to be performed

shortly to determine Roy’s cause of death.

Roy was a well-known person in the community and would be seen daily cleaning the trenches. His relatives are currently living in the United States of America. Many persons were fearful of him as he used to roam the area nude with a cutlass on his shoulder.

The ranks of the Guyana Police Force’s Traffic Department are continuing with traffic enforcement activities and have since charged another six drunk drivers in its “name and shame” campaign.

The six were placed before the courts for driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) after they were

found to be above the legal limit in terms of alcohol consumption.

Pramindra Jeju, of Crabwood Creek, Corentyne, Berbice, was stopped and tested with a breathalyser on July 31, while driving motor vehicle PRR 5447 on the Line Path Public Road. Jeju was subsequently charged and appeared at the Springlands Magistrate’s Court where he pleaded guilty and was fined $7500.

On July 25, Vishwanauth Samlall of Lot 86 Lawrence Street, Rampoor, Corentyne, Berbice, was also stopped and tested while driving motor vehicle PSS 6527 on the Number 79 Public Road, Berbice. He too was charged and placed before the Springlands Magistrate’s Court on July 27. He pleaded guilty to the DUI offence and as such, a $7500 fine was imposed on him.

Vickram Sahadeo of Lot 4 D Williamsburg, Corentyne, Berbice was also sentenced to pay a fine of $7500, after he was found to be above the legal limit of alcohol consumption. According to reports, while driving motor vehicle PNN 6593 on the

Number 62 Public Road, Berbice on July 26, Sahadeo was stopped by the Police who conducted a breathalyser test on him which he failed. Consequently, he was charged and appeared at the Springlands Magistrate’s Court where he pleaded guilty to the DUI offence.

Additionally, Ulric Wilson of Lot 12 Number 64 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, was found to be above the legal limit of alcohol consumption after he was tested with a breathalyser on July 18. The man was riding motorcycle CG 9771 along the Number 72 Public Road, Corentyne when he was stopped by the Police.

Wilson was later charged and placed before the Springlands Magistrate’s Court on July 20, when he pleaded guilty and was fined $7500.

Seokumar, of Lot 9 Lima New Housing Scheme, Essequibo Coast, was also sentenced to pay a fine of $7500 after he pleaded guilty to a DUI offence. The charge stated that the man was driving motor vehicle HA 8908 on the Hampton Court Public Road, Essequibo, when he was stopped and tested by the Police.

Seokumar was subsequently found to be above the legal limit in terms of alcohol consumption; hence, he was charged and two days later, appeared at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court.

Finally, Shambeharry Dass of Number 64 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, was stopped and tested by the

Police on July 17 while driving motor vehicle PTT 3672 on the Number 62 Public Road, Corentyne and was found to be above the legal limit in terms of the consumption of alcohol. He was charged and appeared at the Springlands Magistrate’s Court on July 20 when he pleaded guilty to the charge and was sentenced to pay a fine of $7500.

Media fraternity saddened by passing of Ursulla Ramdayal

Veteran media worker Ursulla Ramdayal passed away on Monday morning, throwing the entire media fraternity in Guyana into a state of shock and sorrow.

Ramdayal started off her career in journalism as a proofreader at the Guyana Chronicle Newspaper in 1986. During that time, she also served as a freelance writer for the Sunday edition of the Chronicle and worked as a Legal Clerk to the Programme Manager of the then Guyana Broadcasting Corporation (GCB). Thereafter, the longstanding journalist served as a freelance producer, announcer

and operator at GBC; a trainee operator and video editor at Channel 12; and as an editor of video production and producer, news editor and anchor at CNS 6.

She then moved to the Evening News at VCT Channel 28 where she was employed as a senior reporter and newsroom editor. She then went to GWTC Channel 2 where she worked as editorin-chief.

Her last post was at the Government Information Agency (GINA) as a Communications Officer.

In a media release, the Guyana Press Association (GPA) registered its deepest condolences to the immediate family and friends of Ramdayal. The Association noted that, “Mrs Ramdayal’s passing, untimely as it seems, is a stark reminder of the need for us to be our brother’s and sister’s keepers’ in this fraternity”. GPA noted too that while many in the fraternity had lost touch with her in the past months, her work in the media never went unnoticed.

The management of Channel 28/RGI/Guyana Times extends its deepest condolences to the family of Ramdayal and paid tribute to the stalwart journalist.

Woman killed on Canje Road

Aman is in custody af-

ter killing a woman with the car he was driving on Sunday in Berbice.

Dead is 53-year-old Baspattie, also called “Beelda” of Number Two Village, East Canje, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne). The part-time domestic worker was struck when she attempted to cross the Number Two Village Public Road.

She was taken to the New Amsterdam Hospital by the driver and was pronounced dead.

The accident occurred about 21:30h on Sunday. The driver of the car reportedly told investigators that he did not see the woman crossing the road. Blood stains on the road suggest

that the 53-year-old was about 30 metres away from the pedestrian crossing.

Eyewitnesses say that the car was travelling at a fast pace and the driver was on his cellular phone when he struck the pedestrian who was at the time in the centre of the lane in which he was driving. She was tossed about 13 metres into the air. There are reports which suggest that Baspattie may have been intoxicated at the time.

Relatives say that she had left home a short time before to go to a Chinese Restaurant to purchase food and as she was crossing the road on her way back the accident occurred. At the scene, there was no evidence

of scattered food. Fragments of a brown bottle were on the roadway between the point of impact and where Baspattie landed after being hit. The accident took place under a street light.

According to the dead woman’s son Kishan, he received a message about the accident from his motherin-law. He, along with his wife, rushed to the hospital where he was asked to provide some identification of his mother.

He said after being put to sit, doctors indicated to him that his mother had passed away. At the time the body was still in the Accident and Emergency Unit (A&E). “When I go an see she, she whole han broke up, broke up. She one eye damage and she get scratch all over she skin.”

Baspattie, who lived alone, leaves to mourn three children and six grandchildren. Her death has pushed the road fatalities in Berbice to 18 compared with 19 for the corresponding period last year. These deaths were from a total of 12 fatal accidents compared with 17 for the same period last year.

Multimillion IDB-funded GPL project resuscitated

– company to get new Board in two weeks

After being stalled for more than a year, the US$54 million InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) funded project for the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Inc will be revived with the aim of improving efficiency to ensure the power company is “revamped, reenergised, and repowered”.

According to Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson, Collin Forsythe and former Divisional Director of Operations Elwyn Marshall will be working together to ensure that the project is on track by the end of December.

Patterson explained that the project was in jeopardy af-

ter being stalled for so long –with only a mere US$300,000 expended thus far.

The project will focus on three areas: the first component being to overhaul the management structure of the power company through the necessary training in the managerial and technical aspects. The second component deals with los reduction, while the third component will explore a pilot study on metering.

Meanwhile, Patterson announced that the new Board of Directors for the company will be announced and installed within two weeks.

Government recently dismissed the Chief Executive

Officer (CEO) of the company, Bharat Dindyal and appointed in his place the Deputy CEO (Technical) Colin Welch. Additionally, GPL’s other DCEO Aeshwar Deonarine had his services terminated after it was discovered that some $27 million was transferred from the PetroCaribe Fund into his personal account. Subsequently, Deonarine had requested time from the Government to repay the monies; however, to date, nothing has been repaid. When asked, Minister Patterson stated that he was not aware that the money has been repaid.

Former Anna Regina IMC councillors still owed stipend

TheInterimManagement Committee (IMC) Councillors of the Anna Regina Town Council whose services were terminated by Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan on July 24, 2015 are still owed in excess of six months worth of stipend.

The Councillors who served faithfully were given letters of revocation informing them that their services were no longer needed.

After more than one month, the new IMC Council has failed to pay the former Councillors their stipend.

A new Council has been formed to manage Anna Regina.

Councillors who spoke with Guyana Times said they were just given a letter of termination by the Anna Regina Town Council. They were then informed that the council then installed persons who were

A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) supporters. They feel that they were discriminated against and unfairly dismissed. The Councillors are calling on the Anna Regina Town Council to pay them their stipend for the time they had served. This newspaper tried to make contact with the new IMC Chairman for a comment on the issue, but calls went unanswered.

“We’re not denying there is a bill”

–Lumumba

... calls for fee structure to be put in place for Stadium rental

Alpha United Football Club President Odinga Lumumba on Monday confirmed that the Club indeed owed rental for the use of the National Stadium last year, but would not honour the payment until a proper “fee structure” was put in place.

Lumumba summoned local media operatives to his Queenstown office to share his views on an article, which appeared in another section of the press under the caption “National Stadium moves to collect monies owed by Lumumba, Hits and Jams, Kashif and Shanghai.”

“First of all, Odinga Lumumba doesn’t owe the Stadium or the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture. So first of all, the article is erroneous, wicked, [and] malicious, and was put in the paper by evil people –they know that is not true,” Lumumba said in his opening remarks.

The Ministry of Education’s Department of Culture, Youth and Sport is requesting those three persons/entities to make urgent contact with the Accounts Department within the Ministry or the Manager of the National Stadium as soon as possible to settle their outstanding accounts.

He later added, “I acknowledge that Alpha United owes this bill, and we’re willing to pay the bill once it’s fair, once it’s normal and once it’s within range. We’re not denying there is a bill. I think

New EU Ambassador meets Foreign Affairs Minister

Newly-appointed Ambassador of the European Union to Guyana, Jernej Videti? paid a courtesy call on Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge on Monday.

Ambassador Videti? will serve for the next four years continuing the work of his predecessor Ambassador Robert Kopecký in building on the already well-established relations between Guyana and the European Union.

the Government needs to have an investigation into the Stadium and the rental cost of the Stadium and come up with a fee structure that is fair to everybody,” Lumumba outlined.

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Member of Parliament said he was never written to on the issue by the Ministry although both Ministers Dr Rupert Roopnaraine and Nicolette Henry are aware of his position on what he dubbed an “uneven playing field on the issue of pricing and rental of the Stadium”.

Lumumba revealed that the outstanding sum is approximately $600,000 for rental of the Providence facility for the hosting of two CONCACAF games in 2014, involving Alpha United.

“The money is not consequential. It’s not a big thing. The money can be paid at any time, but it’s about principle. I want to pay, I want to resolve it,” he declared.

Lumumba said he found out after the games that other sport entities/organisations are paying “a substantially lower price” for use of the venue, and questioned the current fee structure. He added that it was unfair for football to pay a higher price, noting that he was unaware of the formula used to derive the fees.

“Alpha United, McNeal Enterprise, [and] Odinga Lumumba have paid millions of dollars to the Ministry of Culture for the use of the Stadium in the past. All my concerts have been paid for. The last two football games were the CONCACAF tournament and before I issue my payment I found out that the Stadium was being rented at a substantially lower price to other sports and other individuals. My objection is for that reason. I’ve told Alpha United not to pay. I told them not to pay under these conditions,” Lumumba explained.

The Stadium is seeking to recover approximately $2.6 million owed for rental during the past two years.

The Ambassador will be presenting his Letters of Credence to President David Granger on Wednesday, after which he will officially take up his duties as Ambassador and Head of the Delegation of European Union in Guyana.

Ambassador Videti?, who arrived in Guyana over the weekend, is married and has one daughter. He hails from Slovenia and previously served as Ambassador to Montenegro.

tuesday, september 8, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

“Jobs for the boys...”

PM appoints 4 Special Representatives in regions

– to bypass constitutional local Government structure

Despite already coming in for harsh criticisms over the recent political appointments of Regional Executive Officers (REOs), the A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government went ahead and provided four more of its activists with jobs within the regional districts in the country. These persons will work outside of the regional system established constitutionally.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo on Monday appointed four new Special Representatives in four regions across Guyana, who would be tasked with the responsibility of working with the public on issues which could be addressed through the Office of the Prime Minister.

“The Prime Minister’s Representative will be responsible for liaising with the public on matters of concern and working through the Office of the Prime Minister to assist persons in their respective regions to improve their lives,” Nagamootoo stated.

Nagamootoo justified this initiative by explaining that it would help “take the Office of the Prime Minister beyond Georgetown”.

The political appointees are Karan Chand for Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam); Abel Seetaram for Region Five (MahaicaBerbice); Gobin Harbhajan for Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) and Vladimir Glasgow for Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

It is unclear why these re-

gions were selected and if the other regions will be getting their own “special representatives”.

Government already came under fire for providing simply “jobs for the boys” when it appointed “unqualified political” personnel as REOs for several of the administrative regions in Guyana.

Condemnation from sections of society was particularly high over the appointment of APNU/AFC Candidate Veersammy Ramayya as Region Six REO.

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) contended that this move by the coalition Government to “politicise” the regional administration was a clear hijacking of the regional powers. The move was also considered hypocritical given that the Government justified the firing of the former REOs by claiming that it wanted to get rid of political

appointees in the system.

Meanwhile, according to a media release from the Government Information Agency (GINA), the Region Two Representative is a veteran educator who worked as a teacher and administrator for over 30 years in Guyana, Belize, Turks and Caicos, the United States of America and Canada. Boasting a degree from the University of Guyana and a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from the Miami University, Chand landed jobs in areas of vocational training for young people and adult educational programmes. For this reason, one of his responsibilities will be to provide English Language training for the Cuban doctors attached to the Suddie Hospital.

The Region Five Representative was only described as a social activist, but he has been a prolific letter writer for the AFC over the last few years and has been involved in several confrontations with PPP officials in the past.

The Region Six Representative is said to be a businessman for over 30 years who is committed to working with the rice farmers, cash crop farmers and the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) workers in region.

The Region 10 Representative is a former student of the Linden Foundation Secondary School and he will be focusing on the issues of jobs, security, housing and youth development in Region 10.

Local nurse anaesthetists meet President Granger

ADavid

and

group of Nurse Anaesthetists who recently completed training at the Georgetown Public Hospital on Monday met with President David Granger. Also present at the meeting was Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton. The group had request-

Shenelle

ed a meeting with the Head of State seeking his intervention on matters related to placement and appointments. Only recently, the group of registered nurses from different hospitals around the country concluded the two-and-halfyears training programme.

Former GuySuCo boss refutes “misleading” KN article

...says newspaper seeking to attack his reputation

Former Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), Dr Rajendra Singh is refuting an article published in the Kaieteur News edition of September 4, 2015, concerning the importation of a used 2003 vehicle.

“The article is incomplete and misleading,” said Dr Singh.

The KN article stated that “extremely reliable sources have informed this newspaper that there is a provision within Dr Singh’s contract with GuySuCo which allows him to be exempt from duties on another vehicle. But this came with a condition.”

Dr Singh said while his contract did include the provision as quoted in the KN article, on the contrary, there is no provision that requires the Board of GuySuCo to make a written request for the exemption from duty.

Dr Singh pointed out that when he imported the vehicle, he made a request to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and provided the Authority with a copy of his contract, which

A scanned copy of the letter issued by the GRA to former Chief Executive Officer of GuySuCo, Dr Rajendra Singh

included the provision for duty exemption for the second vehicle.

According to Dr Singh, the GRA then issued an approval letter to him for the 12-year-old used vehicle to be exempted from duty. The letter quoted the relevant sections of the laws governing the exemption from duty.

PPP/C geared up

The approval letter was copied to the Minister of Agriculture, the Chairman of GuySuCo’s Board and other relevant officers of the GRA.

“It seems as if this is yet another article by the Kaieteur News to continue their smear campaign against me,” added Dr Singh.

for Local Government Elections

– in spite of Dr Surujbally chairing GECOM

The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) has noted the announcement with regard to the imposed December 7, 2015 deadline by the Government to hold the long-awaited Local Government Elections.

General Secretary Clement Rohee on Monday during a press briefing reiterated the Party’s readiness to participate in this national event whenever the A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/ AFC) Administration and the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) will host it.

Government Elections, it is at the same time cognisant of certain perils which may impact negatively on the quality control preparatory of the holding of these elections and during these elections itself,” said Rohee.

However, there were no vacant posts in which to utilise their newfound skills.

The President has given a commitment that the matter will be addressed by Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, who has responsibility for the Public Service Department.

“The Party has made its views known about this hallowed practice of the six days notice to be granted for a bill to be laid in the National Assembly and which has been violated by Government, not to mention, the stated intention to take the Local Authorities Elections Amendment Bill through all the stages at one sitting of the National Assembly slated for September 9. While the PPP/C is gearing for full participation of the Local

He explained to the media that these perils include, inter alia, the discriminatory practices vested by the returning officer, the requests for the recounting of votes which allow the return officer to be the sole arbiter in disputes that may arise with respect to votes being counted and/or the tallying of results of the constituency or municipality elections which may be triggered by the request for a recount of votes and the returning officer will be the sole arbiter to determine whether these requests will be granted or not.

The PPP General Secretary maintained that his Party was of the view that proxy voting should be restricted to one instead of two electors, while the legislation would now allow GECOM to extract the voters list from the National A Registrar to fix a new date for claims and objec-

tions from August 24 to Sept 9, 2015. A major challenge likely to surface is the well-defined demarcation of boundaries and ensuring that each and every elector is placed correctly and precisely within their respective constituencies and municipalities.

Guyana Times was told that the Opposition Party was demanding once again the launching of an aggressive, focused and targeted voter education campaign with a view to enlightening electors. This will ensure these persons have a greater degree of awareness, confidence and understanding as a result of these elections which will contribute to transparent and problem-free Local Government Elections.

Meanwhile, as it relates to Dr Steve Surujbally being the Chairman of GECOM while these elections are held, it was firmly stated that the PPP/C’s focus is to ensure that the country has transparent and free Local Government Elections.

“We are not getting into personality issues now. Now is the time for issues,” he added.

APNU/AFC election promises:

Essequibians demand “significant” reductions in ferry fares ...want equal attention as Berbicians

Essequibians who utilise Government’s ferry service to access Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and other critical areas across the country especially Georgetown are calling on the David Granger-led Administration to reduce the current fares that they are made to pay when they utilise the Ferry Service.

The residents said that they decided to push for Government to consider their plight given the immense attention that is being paid to Regions Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Six (East Corentyne-Berbice) and the Berbice River

reduced to $1900 (return), a reduction of $300 compared to what a person travelling with a vehicle from Region Three to Region Two would pay. Commuters on the Berbice Bridge can travel across at any time of the day or night.

A passenger who is a frequent user of the ferry service, Wazad Bacchus, said that he believed that the same reduction Government announced for the Berbice Bridge should be applicable to Essequibians. He explained that on a daily basis many persons used the ferry to earn a livelihood and sometimes the fare took away some of their profits.

per cent. Back in 2014, the then Opposition had passed a motion for the Berbice toll to be cut by half, but nothing was mentioned about the Essequibo ferry fares.

Persons from Essequibo Coast are of the view that should their fares be reduced, then many more persons will travel and persons can maximise on business opportunities available between Regions Two and Three. Jean Ram, a huckster who took produce to sell in Georgetown, said that many persons also voted for the AFC in Essequibo and she hoped that Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo would also appoint a Special

Bridge toll reductions.

They claim that they are being neglected by the Government even though they have to pay fares that are far higher than those charged for persons who are travelling via the Berbice River Bridge on a daily basis. Since so many services are located in Georgetown, travelling to Georgetown is compulsory in many instances. They believe that they should receive attention like Berbicians.

Currently, a ticket on the ferry costs $380 per person and $1140 for a person with an empty vehicle (one-way).

A vehicle owner, therefore, has to pay a fee of $2280 for his vehicle and $1900 for five passengers – a total of $4180 – to journey from and to Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam). Businesses pay twice that amount when their vehicles are weighed. A minibus with 15 passengers would have to pay the $2280 plus $5400 for the passengers for a total of $7680 if they wanted to take a trip to Parika. This fee is massively more expensive when compared to the toll at the Berbice Bridge, and can only be utilised at weird hours of the day.

Persons traversing over the Berbice Bridge between Regions Five and Six, on the other hand, only have to pay a toll of $2200 and it is now proposed by the Government for this to be

Bacchus said many persons would be thankful if the fare for the ferry was reduced.

Another businessman, Terry Singh, said that businesses did not have other alternative to the ferry as there was no bridge from Region Two to Three. He said sometimes products would end up selling for more than they are being offered in the City of Georgetown because businesses have to recoup the transport costs.

Speaking to Phulmattie, (one name), a speedboat passenger from Essequibo to Parika, she complained bitterly, “I got to pay $1500 each way every day...this is $3000. Where am I going to get this kind of money? Essequibo only got rice, coconut and gramoxone? Is not like Berbice where they got four sugar estates and smuggling with Suriname. And yet we don’t get no break.”

On a daily basis, thousands of persons traverse the Essequibo River via the ferry to access education, health services and to conduct business.

Recently, Finance Minister Winston Jordan, told the National Assembly that the toll for passengers cars and buses on the Berbice Bridge would be reduced from $2200 to $1900, a 13.6 per cent decline. At the same time, the toll for all other types of vehicles was expected to be reduced by 10

Representative from Region Two, like for Berbice.

Other reforms

Meanwhile, other residents are also calling on the A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government, to keep its election promise to the residents as it relates to the promised ferry transportation service improvements.

They are calling for a total revamping of the service being offered at the Supenaam Stelling by the two Chinese-made ferries.

At the moment, the Kanawan and Sabato ply the route from Region Two to Region Three two times a day. There is a statutory schedule with the boats which leave simultaneously from Supenaam to Parika at 04:00 in the morning and 05:00 in the evening from Parika to Supenaam.

This schedule, many persons explained, is very unreasonable, especially for businessmen and passengers, since 04:00h is an “ungodly hour”.According to Region Two Chairman Daveanand Ramdatt, the introduction of the new ferries was a very prudent and sound initiative by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C).

Ramdatt, however, said that a total review needed to take place under the APNU/AFC Granger-led Administration as far as

regulating the operations at the Supenaam and Parika Stellings are concerned.

The Regional Chairman said that there was also need for a total rescheduling of the hours of departure which could make persons more comfortable.

He said the Regional Administration level has received many complaints from persons about the timings for the ferry which are quite unreasonable. Ramdatt said many persons were of the opinion that the departure time should be 18:00h instead of 17:00h.

He said more emphasis needed to be placed at the Parika Stelling in ensuring that passengers get adequate parking. He said as it was the area was very congested with vendors.

fee for vehicles.

According to one businessman who traverses the route from Region Three to Region Two to conduct poultry sales twice a week, he pays $1140 for his empty vehicle.

When his vehicle is full with stock, he pays $3000 depending on the weight of the vehicle. The businessman said it was very unreasonable, when it comes to the weighing of the vehicles as sometimes you pay less and sometimes you pay more.

“I am not sure what the criteria is,” the man declared.

A vendor, Jason Watson, said that sometimes he feels that he is being treated unfairly by officers at the Stelling. Watson usu-

time he was denied entrance to the ferry although he was in the line for hours waiting to be booked. Latchman said he had almost 3000 pounds of fish and was left to wait for the evening boat.

He had joined the line at 23:00h, Latchman said and had to incur additional expenses to ice his fish until he made it on the boat.

“Drop in tourism”

According to the Manager of Lake Mainstay Resort, Wilfred Jagnarine the implementation of the ferry service was good, but there should be some review undertaken now.

He said many times visitors are left stranded at Parika and are often forced to cancel their bookings at the Resort. He said because

The Chairman also said persons living with disabilities should be given priority on the ferry. He explained that the distance persons have to walk to access the service was very lengthy, and recommended that a mat be placed at the “walkway” leading to the ferry.

He is also of the view that vehicles should disembark the ferry last while passengers go ahead.

The newly-elected Chairman is calling for the establishment of a “task force” to manage the internal affairs of the ferry service with competent persons from Region Two overseeing.

Many residents also think that the Transport and Habours Department should implement a midday boat schedule to assist businesses. They have also called for a reduction in the

ally goes to Parika to buy vegetables and other items. He said he has to return on time to join the line in an effort to make it on the boat.

“Honestly sometimes people come from behind of you and go in front and you line up there long long and sometimes don’t make it… favouritism is very prevalent and if you have friends you get on the boat with ease and person who has business suffer”.

Businessmen are of the view that persons with perishable items should be given first priority at all times.

“Priority”

Businessmen, especially fishermen, who usually use the service to conduct business on the Essequibo Coast believe that they should be given priority at all times.

One fisherman, Dyal Latchman said that at one

of the varying schedule there has been a decline in tourists visiting the resort from outside the region. He is calling on Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson to introduce a midday boat service to accommodate persons and vehicles who missed the morning trip.

Only recently, the Suddie Public Hospital ambulance was denied access to the ferry with two critical accident patients. The ambulance was supposed to be given priority but was not although nurses communicated with relevant officers about the patients who had to undergo emergency surgeries.

Persons are also calling for the officers who are working on the boat to wear proper forms of identification.

Guatemalan presidential race set for run-off

Guatemala appears set for a presidential runoff in October after early results from Sunday’s poll showed no candidate receiving close to the 50 per cent of ballots needed to win the election outright.

With just over 81.5 per cent of votes counted by early Monday morning local time, TV comedian Jimmy Morales led with 25.8 per cent of votes, followed by veteran politician and businessman Manuel Baldizon, with about 18.6 per cent of votes cast.

Baldizon is followed closely by former First Lady Sandra Torres, who has 17.9 per cent.

Electoral officials said early signs showed the turnout was high, at 80 per cent, though official confirmation was not expected until later, the Associated Press news agency reported.

A run-off between the top two candidates would take place in late October.

Al Jazeera’s Daniel Schweimler, reporting from

J$24M

Guatemala City, said there was deep distrust among Guatemalans towards the political elite.

“People here are very cynical about their politics and their politicians,” Schweimler said.

“They want a clean politician emerging from all of this to lead them through what will be a very difficult time.”

Most of the candidates running were old-guard

worth

figures picked to run before energised prosecutors backed by a mass anti-corruption movement toppled Otto Perez Molina’s Administration.

Many voters were so sceptical that they campaigned for the election itself to be postponed to give them a new crop of choices.

Perez Molina resigned as President and was jailed on Thursday following a corruption investigation. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

of cocaine found in shipment from Suriname

Authorities at the Kingston Wharves have seized a shipment of two bags of cocaine valuing J$24 million, which was on its way from Suriname.

Brazil bus crash kills 15

At least 15 people were killed when a bus crash on a steep winding road near the Brazilian colonial era town of Paraty.

Another 30 people were injured. Some of the survivors were airlifted to local hospitals.

The bus was travelling to a nearby beach popular with

tourists when it overturned.

The stretch of road where the accident happened is notoriously dangerous. It is known locally as “God Help Me Hill”.

Police are still investigating the cause of the accident.

Roads in the area would have been particularly busy this weekend as Monday

was a national holidayBrazil Independence Day. Paraty lies between Brazil’s biggest cities, Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, and is a major tourist destination. It is a well-preserved coastal town built in the 17th Century, surrounded by steep mountains and lush tropical vegetation.

News)

Barbados and St Vincent sign historic maritime agreement

Barbados and St Vincent and the Grenadines have signed a treaty establishing a maritime boundary between the two countries, the first ever of its kind.

Barbados’ Prime Minister Freundel Stuart and Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr Ralph Gonsalves signed the treaty which establishes a maritime boundary based on equidistance between the two countries.

It is the first such treaty between Barbados and a member country of the Organisation of the Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and Stuart said it marked “a truly historic moment”.

port to the proper conduct of the business of the state,” he said.

According to a release from the Kingston Wharves Limited, officers found a seal discrepancy which led to the discovery of two black bags during routine checks of containers being discharged from the vessel on Saturday.

No arrest has been made in relation to the seizure.

Subsequent field tests confirmed that the bags contained 41.12lbs of cocaine with an estimated street value of J$24,207,700

The matter is currently being investigated by the Border Protection Unit of the Jamaica Customs Agency and the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Narcotics Division. (Jamaica Observer)

“The definition of the extent of a state’s jurisdiction over its land and maritime space is not a small matter. In fact, the ability of a state to exercise this jurisdiction unimpeded is one of the very defining characteristics of sovereignty. To agree with one’s neighbours exactly where their jurisdiction begins and yours ends is thus a matter of the highest im-

The Barbadian leader also pointed out that St Vincent and the Grenadines was one of his country’s key strategic partners in the Caribbean Region and both countries were committed to the pursuit of Caribbean integration.

“The treaty . . . is thus a palpable, tangible demon-

stration of that commitment to closer regional integration and closer cooperation between our two countries,” he added.

Stuart also lauded Barbados’ Ambassador to Caricom, Robert “Bobby” Morris who led the Barbados team in the negotiations, as well as the Commonwealth Secretariat, which provided technical advice. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

Former Jamaican PM calls for tertiary institution in honour of Hugo

Former Jamaican Prime Minister PJ Patterson has called for the establishment of a tertiary institution in honour of late Venezuelan leader Hugo Chávez.

He said he and Chávez had twice discussed building a school in Jamaica.

“We wanted to build in Jamaica, the land where Simón Bolivar wrote his Summons of inspiration to the people of the Americas, a tertiary institution which would offer specialist education in the fields of language, sports, culture, tourism, environment, maritime training and nursing,” he said as he addressed the 10th Commemorative Summit of the PetroCaribe Agreement over the weekend.

“Work on the discipline and design has already reached the embryonic stage for what could

become the Hugo Chávez Academy. This would expose the sons and daughters of Simón Bolivar, Jose Marti, Toussaint L’Ouverture and Marcus Garvey to develop fluen-

cy in language and hone the skills which blend our economic development and different cultures.”

Patterson said despite the financial restrictions, all effort should be made

Chávez

to get the financial and academic resources to make the academy a reality.

“Let it stand as an enduring testimony to Hugo Chávez who, in his short sojourn on our planet did make, indeed, a monumental difference on which this and succeeding generations must build,” the former Jamaican leader said.

Meantime, Prime Minister Portia SimpsonMiller hailed the PetroCaribe agreement which Chávez had conceived as a lifeline for many of the Region’s struggling economies.

“Since that historic signing, the Region has seen significant benefits and increased development in many areas. Additionally, PetroCaribe has engendered a sense of independence in our Region,” she said during a plenary session of the summit. (Excerpt from Caribbean360)

Cuba’s Castro brothers open doors to Church and popes

Baptised as Roman Catholics and educated by Jesuits, Fidel and Raul Castro turned against the Church by declaring Cuba an atheist state, chasing out priests and shutting down religious schools after seizing power in a 1959 revolution.

In their old age, however, they have brought the Church in from the cold and are gracious and experienced hosts for regular papal visits.

When Pope Francis lands in Cuba on September 19, he will be the third pontiff in a row to visit the Communistrun island.

His three-night stay highlights the new relationship between Church and State in Cuba and a marked softening of the Castros’ stance toward the religion they grew up with and then fought.

In return, the Church

has become less confrontational and it played a major role in securing last year’s rapprochement between Cuba and the United States.

Fidel Castro, 89 years old and retired, has repeatedly praised Christian values and counts as a close friend the Brazilian priest and intellectual Frei Betto.

Raul Castro, 84 and his brother’s successor as President, has gone even further, opening talks with Church leaders inside Cuba and making concessions such as freeing dozens of political prisoners and allowing religious processions.

The Church has supported Castro’s efforts to reform the Soviet-style command economy and Pope Francis personally acted as mediator when Cuba and the United States agreed to put aside their Cold War-era hostilities. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Hungary’s Defence Minister resigns over Syrian refugee crisis

Hungary’s Defence Minister Csaba Hende resigned after a national security council meeting was held to discuss the huge influx of refugees and migrants arriving in the country.

Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a right-winger who has pushed for a hard line on Europe’s immigration crisis, accepted Hende’s resignation on Monday and offered the job to Istvan Simicsko, also a member of his Fidesz party.

The country, which has seen more than 100,000 people arrive, many fleeing conflict in the Middle East, last

week proposed measures that would allow it to deploy the Army to its borders in a bid to stem the inflow.

The Greek island of Lesbos is “on the verge of explosion” with the arrival of more than 15,000 mainly Syrian refugees, pushing local resources to the limit, the Immigration Minister said.

Yiannis Mouzalas told To Vima radio on Monday that boats taking refugees to the Greek mainland would soon be using a second port to ease pressure on the island of 85,000 inhabitants.

“Mytilene currently has 15,000-17,000 refugees and

this is the official figure from all services,” Mouzalas, a Junior Interior Minister, told the station.

“We are placing emphasis here because the situation is on the verge of explosion,” he said.

The Minister said the second departure point would open at the fishing village of Sygri in coming days.

Lesbos is one of several Greek islands struggling with an influx of thousands of refugees, many of them Syrian refugees, setting sail from the nearby Turkish coast. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Iraqi Defence Minister survives assassination attempt

Iraqi Defence Minister Khaled al-Obeidi’s convoy came under sniper fire, but he was unharmed, a Ministry spokesman said.

Joint operations spokesman Brigadier General Yahya Rasool said the attack took place in the western outskirts of the town of Baiji, 190 kilometres north of Baghdad.

Around the world

Egyptian Minister arrested after quitting in graft probe

Egyptian authorities have arrested the country’s Agriculture Minister over corruption allegations, security sources said, just after his resignation was announced.

The Prime Minister’s Office released a statement earlier on Monday saying Salah El Din Mahmoud Helal’s resignation had been accepted on the instruction of President Abdel Fattah

al-Sisi.

Salah Helal “resigned on the orders of the President”, a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office said.

He was detained on leaving the premier’s office, a judicial source told AFP news agency, speaking on condition of anonymity.

“He was arrested as part of an investigation into a major case of corruption in his Ministry,” the official

MENA news agency reported.

Officials at the Ministry are alleged to have taken bribes to help businessmen illegally acquire state land, a prosecution official and media reports said.

The prosecution service had last week banned media from publishing any information about the case. (Al Jazeera)

Moldovans set up tent city to protest corruption

MPrime Minister Haider al-Abadi has said the battle over Baiji and its refinery, Iraq’s largest, is critical to the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) group.

If Iraqi security forces and Shia militia fighters regain full control of the area around Baiji, it could help them push north towards the ISIL-held city of Mosul and offset losses in the western province of Anbar.

“The Minister is well and safe,” Rasool told Reuters news agency. He said a guard had been slightly injured in the attack. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack which took place on Monday.

Test shows how old your body really is

Scientists say they have developed a way of testing how well, or badly, your body is ageing.

They say it could help predict when a person will die, identify those at highrisk of dementia and could affect medicine, pensions and insurance.

The team at King’s College London say looking at “biological age” is more useful than using a date of birth.

However, the work, published in Genome Biology, provides no clues as to how to slow the ageing process.

The test looks for an “ageing signature” in your body’s cells by comparing the behaviour of 150 genes.

It was developed by initially comparing 54,000 markers of gene activity in healthy, but largely sedentary, 25 and 65-year-olds and then whittling them down to a final 150.

Professor Jamie Timmons, from King’s College London, told the BBC News website: “There’s a healthy ageing signature that’s common to all our tissues, and it appears to be prognostic for a number of things including longevity and cognitive decline.

“It looks like from the age of 40 onwards you can use this to give guidance on how well an individual is ageing.”

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Obeidi was in Baiji as part of a field visit to Salahuddin province. He earlier inspected troops at Camp Speicher, a former US military base, and later toured Tikrit, the home city of former President Saddam Hussein, a Ministry statement said.

Baiji has been a battlefront for more than a year, since its seizure by ISIL in June 2014 as they swept through most of northern and western Iraq towards the capital. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

oldovan Opposition protesters pitched around 100 tents in the centre of the capital Chisinau, demanding the resignation of the President and snap elections after a big weekend demonstration.

The tents went up in the capital’s central square on Monday after tens of thousands of Moldovans poured onto the streets on Sunday to protest against corruption and fraud in the ex-Soviet country, in the largest such rally of recent years.

Demonstrators said they were digging in for the long haul in the “Dignity and Justice” protest camp as they declared an indefi-

nite protest near the seat of Government.

“There will be between 100 and 300 of our supporters on the square at all times,” Vasile Nastase, one of the organisers, told AFP news agency.

“They will live in the Dignity and Justice tent camp until the authorities fulfil our demands in full,” said Nastase, a member of a pro-Western movement called DA, which organised the protests.

The protests in the impoverished country of some 3.5 million people have been triggered by an eyebrow-raising scam that saw US$1.1 billion – roughly 10

per cent of Moldova’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) –mysteriously exit the country.

The scam, uncovered early this year, was dubbed the “fraud of the century” and came as a devastating blow to Europe’s poorest country, triggering the devaluation of the national currency, the leu, and stoking inflation. Among the demonstrators’ demands are the resignation of President Nicolae Timofti, early parliamentary polls and the dismissal of top officials at the central bank and the prosecutorgeneral’s office. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

The 21-year-old building India’s largest hotel network

One night, 18-yearold Ritesh Agarwal was locked out of his apartment in Delhi. It was an unfortunate minor incident that was to change his life.

Forced to check into a hotel he found himself in a situation he had already experienced several times while travelling in India.

“The receptionist was sleeping,” he says.

“Sockets did not work in the room, mattresses were torn apart, the bathroom was leaking, and at the end they wouldn’t let me pay by card.”

“I felt if this was my problem, this had to be a problem for many travellers. Why can’t India have a good

standard of hotel rooms at a reasonable price?’’

Four years later, at the age of 21, Agarwal is now the founder and chief executive of Oyo Rooms – a network of 2200 hotels operating in 100 cities across India – with monthly revenues of US$3.5 million and 1500 employees.

The firm works with unbranded hotels to improve their facilities and train staff, rebrands them with its own name, and from then on takes a percentage of the hotel’s revenues.

The owner of the hotel benefits from a higher occupancy rate, thanks to Oyo’s branding.

And as part of the business, Agarwal has also de-

tuesday, september 8, 2015| guyanatimesgy.com

Moves apace to implement river taxis in Berbice

…as Govt continues to push for bridge toll reductions …still refuses to consider cash flow woes

Berbice River taxis will soon be established as discussions are moving apace among stakeholders regarding the execution of this service.

Currently, Government is proposing to the Private Sector of Berbice that the service takes effect as soon as possible with the utilisation of existing vessels until it is feasible for other boat operators to come onboard.

Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson, during a press conference at his Ministry on Monday, explained that Government could immediately implement this service; however, it wanted to give the Berbice Private Sector a chance to participate.

As such, Patterson proposed the idea of initially using the existing boats for a few months until the locals find it profitable to take over.

He noted that the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) was currently spearheading the operations to determine the practicality of introducing these services. Currently, he explained that officials were examining the crossings at Rosignol and Blairmont to ensure the conditions are safe and to determine if any

works needed to be executed before the river taxis are implemented. MARAD, he said, is also examining the conditions of the existing vessels to ensure they meet the required standard.

The proposition of the reintroduction of river taxis for the GeorgetownBerbice route comes in light of the stalemate between Government and the Berbice Bridge Company Inc (BBCI) regarding the reduction of the tolls.

This move, according to Patterson, will bring relief to the people of Berbice, particularly the young and elderly as Government intends to offer a heavy subsidy to the boat operators to facilitate lower fares for these vulnerable groups.

The Minister said discussions were currently ongoing with the Education Ministry and the Social Protection Ministry to determine how best these subsidies can be administered and the amount of subsidies that would be required.

But even while Government is moving ahead with the introduction of the river taxis, it is still holding out to have the Bridge tolls reduced.

However, the Bridge Company is explaining that it could plunge into

bankruptcy if the tolls are implemented at the current rates. The Bridge Company is asking that the Government honour the concession agreement which provides for periodic toll increases, and only then it would concede to the reductions. The legally binding concession agreement between the Company and the Government stipulates that the tolls be adjusted within specified timeframes to ensure the Company fulfils its obligations to its investors – notably, who have not received a significant return on their investment since the Bridge began its operations in 2007.

On the other hand, Government initially made it clear that it will not comply with the agreement.

However, Minister Patterson hinted that Government would consider having discussions with the Bridge Company about the financial issues it is facing but only after it reduces the tolls.

“They want all their issues, which we inherited to be resolved in their favour prior to accepting the reduction… Those are things they are open to discussion but in the interim, we want to implement the reduction,” he stated.

Sparta fisherman loses over $1.2M in seine to “Cadel” anchor fishing in Atlantic Ocean – calls for the intervention of the Agriculture Ministry

isherman Deonarine

FSingh of Sparta Village in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) is calling on the Agriculture Ministry through its Department of Fisheries to launch an investigation into Cadel and Anchor fishing in the Atlantic Ocean. According to Singh, he lost his seine valued more than $1.2 million to Cadel and Anchor fishing in the Atlantic Ocean.

Singh speaking with Guyana Times said he and other workers were fish-

ing several miles off the Somerset and Berks Coast in the Atlantic Ocean Friday last when his polythene seine of eight-inch eye got entangled in a hook used by Cadel fishermen which was anchored and disappeared.

A frustrated Singh said the matter involving drift seine, Cadel and Anchor seine fishing has always been a problem while at sea. On numerous occasions, he said, complaints were lodged against the illegal practice and to date there is no solution.

Coalition Govt in TT suffers defeat after 1 term

– Rowley Wins

The main Opposition People’s National Movement (PNM) has won the general election in Trinidad on Monday, according to preliminary elections, defeating the coalition People’s Partnership (PP) of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar that came to power in 2010.

The preliminary figures released show that the PNM, led by Dr Keith Rowley, had won 22 of the 41 seats with the remaining 19 going to the PP that had won 29 seats in the 2010 general election.

Results are still very pre-

Arima (PNM)

Arouca/Maloney (PNM)

liminary, but Dr Rowley has claimed victory. Jack Warner, though not a major contender, has given a concession speech and said the PNM has won. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, the new Opposition Leader, has not yet given a concession speech.

The Prime Minister elect subsequently delivered a victory speech at Balisier House (PNM headquarters) to supporters.

“Tonight your party has tasted defeat,” Rowley told the United National Congress (UNC), but assures them, “we are all in

this together,” as he promises to govern for all.

Stages had been set up at both Rienzi Complex (UNC headquarters) and Balisier House from where victory and concession speeches are expected. Both camps are in a celebratory mood according to reports.

The following are the 41 parliamentary contests and how they look so far. The names of the winners will be posted next to them in brackets as shown below and this page will be continuously updated until all seats are declared.(CMC and news. co.tt)

He said like him other fishermen have lost their fishing seine to Cadel and Anchor fishing. It was further explained that drift seine operations are facing serious problems with Cadel and Anchor seine fishermen in the Atlantic Ocean.

Singh said because of the issue, fishermen are threatening each other on high seas. The matter has been reported to the Anna Regina Fisheries department. Many fishermen along the coast have echoed similar sentiments.

Barataria/San Juan (People’s Partnership)

Caroni Central (People’s Partnership)

Caroni East (People’s Partnership)

Chaguanas East (People’s Partnership)

Chaguanas West (People’s Partnership)

Couva North (People’s Partnership)

Couva South (People’s Partnership)

Cumuto/Manzanilla (People’s Partnership)

D’Abadie/O’Meara (PNM)

Diego Martin Central (PNM)

Diego Martin North/East (PNM)

Diego Martin West (PNM)

Fyzabad (People’s Partnership)

La Brea (PNM)

La Horquetta/Talparo (People’s Partnership)

Laventille East/Morvant (PNM)

Laventille West (PNM)

Lopinot/Bon Air West (PNM)

Mayaro (People’s Partnership)

Naparima (People’s Partnership)

Oropouche East (People’s Partnership)

Oropouche West (People’s Partnership)

Point Fortin (PNM)

Pointe-a-Pierre (People’s Partnership)

POS North/St. Anns West (PNM)

POS South (PNM)

Princes Town (People’s Partnership)

(PNM)

San Fernando East (PNM)

San Fernando West (PNM)

Siparia (People’s Partnership)

(PNM)

Augustine (People’s Partnership)

(PNM)

Tabaquite (People’s Partnership)

Tobago East (PNM)

Tobago West (PNM)

Toco/Sangre Grande (PNM)

Tunapuna (PNM) at 12:00h

Housing development can stimulate economy – Ali

Housing development and expansion can be considered as one of the greatest stimulators of the economy, according to former Housing Minister Irfaan Ali.

This pronouncement by the former Minister comes in light of the fact that the local economy is in need of a stimulus package.

During an interview with Guyana Times, Ali pointed out that throughout the years, the housing programme in Guyana has been described by many as one of the most aggressive, progressive and dynamic in the Region, owing to the fact that many lives were lifted out of poverty and that many sub-economies were drastically transformed as a direct result of the programme.

The programme, he explained, was designed to reduce the time lag between the allocation of a plot of land and the construction of a building by as much as possible.

“This allowed the entire economy and the construction sector to benefit from the spinoff of home construction,” he stated, noting that although the programme may have been rendered complex – it was highly suc-

cessful in empowering lower income families.

Ali noted too that even though the lower income families were being empowered, the other section of society was not being deprived and that the housing programme catered for the betterment of all classes of Guyanese. He explained that the policy was to empower persons, stimulate wealth creation and raise assets through the investment of private capital in such a way that the lower end of the market benefited.

“For example, if you have

a gated community two minutes away from a low-income community, automatically the economic prospect and asset value of that lower income family benefits. The other thing is to develop that lower income community in such a way that it does not take away from the asset that drives its value hence the 1000 homes programme,” he explained.

He added that “creating a game changing piece of infrastructure that would in the shortest timeframe multiply the asset value of the lower income family; hence the road that would link Diamond to Ogle. The lower income family will be right along that main highway. I recall some in this very Government were ranting that the lower income families were way at the back. I tried to explain the nature, complexity and thinking behind this development, but it fell on deaf ears. Housing development cannot be looked at in a compartmentalised manner, you have to look at the totality. The economics, planning, structure, vision and opportunities it would create.”

On that note, Ali emphasised that one simply could not compare a private devel-

oper “paying $7 million per acre” and a company building a warehouse for “$18 million an acre”.

He pointed out though that, of course, those that went first “in the trenches and earth dam” would pay a lower acquisition cost than those who acquired when the asset value was becoming mature.

Therefore, he explained that when a government evaluates the potential of an area and the proposals it receives, it has to match that against its long-term vision in terms of what it wants to create.

“A good point of reference is what took place in the state of Florida in many areas from swamp to what it is today. The same can be said of the East Bank Development from swamp to where it is today. Now is not the time to stop or slow down, but to press forward in empowering people, creating wealth, advancing development and stimulating the economy.

Just like Florida where some investors bought swamp and built towns and cities; here too we have investors who literally bought trenches and swamp and made it prime real estate,” he said.

International Literacy Day Illiteracy remains a pertinent global problem – Education Minister ...757

million

adults still lack basic literacy skills

Despite the strides being made across the world to combat illiteracy, the issue still remains a pertinent global problem.

This is according to Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine, who in his message for International Literacy Day which is being celebrated today, September 8, highlighted that there was an ongoing need for illiteracy to be highlighted as a global challenge and a challenge to developing countries in particular.

Guyana succeeded in achieving universal access to primary education under the stewardship of the previous Administration. This achievement was recognised by the Minister but he highlighted that the success rates at the Grade Three and Grade Six examinations still indicate that literacy was a daunting challenge.

Consequently, Roopnaraine said more efforts needed to be placed on the home and community environment a child was surrounded by to ensure his or her literacy level was advanced in all aspects of their development. He added that it was important to note the enrolment rate of students,

their punctuality and attendance at school – which may be influenced by financial circumstances, before solutions can be developed to truly address the issue.

On that note, the Minister highlighted that the President’s School Boat/ Transportation Project was one method of addressing one of the factors which can then aid in the elimination of illiteracy among Guyanese students.

“There is, therefore, need for much more research and inquiry into the causal factors in relation to the rate of literacy that is extant in our schools,” he said.

Rotaract Club of Georgetown

The Rotaract Club of Georgetown joined the local and international community in observing International Literacy Day through its “Read to Lead” project at the Ruinveldt Children’s Home and Care Centre.

The project aims to support reading and improve literacy levels among vulnerable children in Guyana. The organisation noted that the project would continue over the next three months with members working weekly with the children

to improve their literacy levels. The Rotaract Club of Georgetown is a NonGovernmental Organisation for individuals between the ages of 18 to 30 with a mandate to provide service to the community through volunteer initiatives.

UNESCO

The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), in its International Literacy Day message, explained that promoting literacy must stand at the heart of every Government’s agenda. “By empowering individu-

Bus driver charged for raping mentally challenged churchgoer

A23-year-old New Amsterdam man was on Monday placed on $100,000 bail when he appeared before a Magistrate charged with raping a 17-year-old mentally challenged girl.

Wasim Ali of Martin Luther Housing Scheme, New Amsterdam, Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) appeared before Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs to answer the charge of rape.

It is alleged that during the month of April, Ali while being the driver for a popular church which holds services until late in the night on Sundays, raped the teenager who was one of the churchgoers he was tasked with dropping home.

The court was told that Ali ensured that she was the last in the bus and then passed her home and went to Vryheid, another section of the town, where he committed the act.

The victim attends the New Amsterdam Special Needs School. Ali, who is also employed with a private contractor, reportedly told investigators that he did not expect that the victim was going to ‘tell’ after he committed the act.

Police Prosecutor, Sergeant Phillip Sherriff did not object to the defendant being granted bail. He noted that the defendant was put on his own recognisance as station bail and attended court.

The Magistrate in granting bail ordered that the defendant do not come within 50 feet of the victim or her home.

Ali has also been ordered to report to Central Police Station in New Amsterdam on Fridays at 18:30h.

The matter will be heard again on September 29, for the filing of statements.

Local Mike Tyson on 3 counts of robbery under arms

Aal women and men, literacy helps to advance sustainable development across the board – from better healthcare and food security to eradicating poverty and promoting decent work.”

UNESCO recognised the progress made across the world since 2000, but noted too that steep challenges still remain. UNESCO highlighted that 757 million adults still lack basic literacy skills— two thirds of whom are women.

The number of out-ofschool children and adolescents is on the rise, standing at 124 million worldwide –while some 250 million children of primary school age are failing to master basic literacy skills even in schooling.

In that regard, UNESCO is pleading with Governments across the world, including Guyana, to invest significantly into eliminating illiteracy from their society by developing and implementing the necessary initiatives to help children gain a sound education.

Today marks 49 years of observing World Literacy Day. The theme for 2015 is “Literacy and Sustainable Societies”.

24-year-old father of three who was charged with three counts of robbery under arms was on Monday granted bail in the sum of $300,000 by Magistrate Ann McLennan after he made his second appearance before her.

Mike Tyson, of 563 Constellation Street, Tucville, had earlier pleaded not guilty to the first charge which read that on July 1, at Durban Backlands, Georgetown, while in the company of another and being armed with a gun, he robbed Eason Grimes of a motor car valued $3.2 million, a cellular phone valued $20,000, a driver’s licence valued $2000, a passport valued $2000 and $34,000 in cash, a total value of $3,258,000.

Tyson also pleaded not guilty to the charge which read that on Friday, July 3, at Mc Doom, Greater Georgetown,, while in the company of another and being armed with a dangerous weapon, that is a gun, he robbed Manesh Veersammy of a Toyota Premio motor car valued $3.8 million, a GT&T phone card valued $200, a wallet valued $1500, two stereo speakers valued at $200,000 and $10,000 cash, a total value of $4,011,700.

Finally, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the

charge which read that on Monday, August 10 at Mc Doom, while in the company of another and being armed with a gun, he robbed Lawrence Singh of a Toyota Spacio motor car valued $2 million, a cellular phone valued $4500 and $10,000 in cash, a total value of $2,014,500. Police Prosecutor, Corporal Deniro Jones, had earlier revealed Grimes’ and Singh’s cars were recovered while Veersammy’s was still missing. He revealed that after Singh’s car was stolen, a Police chase ensued during which Tyson crashed the car and was captured.

During Monday’s proceedings in Court Two of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, the defendant’s Attorney made an application for reasonable bail, stating that his client has been locked up for some time now and two of the three stolen cars have been recovered.

After reviewing the application, the Magistrate granted the defendant $100,000 bail on each charge. She also stated that as a condition of bail being granted, the defendant must report to the La Penitence Police Station every day at 07:00h. The matter was adjourned until September 30.

SUDOKU

ARIES (March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

(May 21June 20)

Expect to face problems with the people you live with. Don’t become temperamental if others don’t do what you want them to. Being pushy will not help you get your way.

If you are determined, you will be able to tackle tough tasks that others can’t handle. If you take charge, you will outmanoeuvre the competition.

Be steadfast in your quest for success. Strive to put your best effort into everything you do in order to get ahead. Don’t let others’ comments or concerns influence you.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

CAPRICORN (June 21July 22)

AQUARIUS

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

PISCES

(Feb. 20March 20)

Prepare to forgo some pleasurable pastimes in order to maintain a healthy budget. By keeping a close watch on your spending, you will prevent nonessential purchases from depleting your savings.

Financial matters involving friends or relatives will require careful thought and planning. You are better off sticking to your own tasks instead of engaging in petty quarrels.

Take an impromptu journey. The change of scenery will be the inspiration you need to craft a new and improved strategy to achieve your goals.

People will come to you for advice. Before offering help, you should complete your tasks. Refuse to be distracted by personal matters or situations that can slow you down. Don’t give credence to rumours or hearsay. Rise above any negativity, and focus on being helpful, progressive and mindful of those around you. Get involved in a worthy cause.

A minor issue in your financial plans is best rectified quickly. You will be offered a lofty promise. Resist the temptation to donate to a speculative or dubious deal.

Nurturing a romantic relationship will ensure that you and your loved one are unified. If you are single, the prospects for a match look good if you get out and mingle with others.

You are kind and thoughtful, and your empathetic nature is a great asset when dealing with sensitive issues. Offering help to someone in need will be rewarding. Focus on enjoyable pursuits and pleasurable hobbies. Don’t let minor issues derail your plans or ruin your outlook. Everyday stress will take its toll on your health if you let it.

Surrey v Notts, RL

Cup semi-final…

Sangakkara’s hundred just sees Surrey to Lord’s final

Awonderful Royal London Cup semi-final which could have fallen either way bestowed its gifts upon Surrey by four runs when Tom Curran held his nerve and prevented Steven Mullaney hitting the last ball for what would have been a match-winning six for Nottinghamshire.

So it is Surrey, a coming force again in the county game, who have the chance to follow promotion from Division Two of the LV= County Championship with a one-day trophy when they meet Gloucestershire at Lord’s on September 19. It is Nottinghamshire who despite their midsummer rally once again fail to prove their pedigree with a trophy. On such small margins are conclusions drawn.

The stark contrast between the game’s two dominant batsmen - both of whom made hundreds - was just one facet of a match that showcased the county game at its finest and which questioned the sense of staging this semi-final as a Monday day game with the schools beginning a new term. One batsman is famous, even to those who don’t follow the game; one may not be known, even to

those who do. For Surrey, there was Kumar Sangakkara, a legend of the game, extolled to the heavens during his several international retirements, a man who could become a Sri Lankan high commissioner, perhaps in London, if he wanted it badly enough. For Nottinghamshire, there was Greg Smith, loaned out to Leicestershire earlier this

season, playing his first Royal London Cup game of the season, just another Smith to some, a jobbing county pro taking on the best, proving his worth, so close to glory.

Sangakkara’s unbeaten 166 fell only three runs short of his record one-day score made against South Africa in Colombo two years ago. He has been chaired from outfields, chased by photog-

raphers, and has been the subject of endless appreciations. Smith’s response124 from 134 balls - was his only notable performance of a summer when appreciation has been in short supply. He only played because Alex Hales and James Taylor were away with England. But how pluckily and robustly he responded. Sangakkara’s will to win remains as strong as ever. He carried Surrey to a Lord’s final with an indomitable innings of character and know-how, an innings which left him exhausted but ultimately triumphant. Michael Klinger saw off Yorkshire in the first semi with a hundred, now Sangakkara - just - did the same: two fine overseas stars earning their corn. It was a tour de force which left him exhausted, his first hundred including only six fours and a six as he worked deliveries towards a 90-yard long boundary and steeled himself for endless to-ing-and-froing. He stepped up the rate so successfully that 109 came off the final 10 overs, harder now with five fielders allowed out in the deep, and he dropped to his knees with fatigue more than once,

SCOREBOARD

Surrey innings (50 overs maximum)

SM Davies c Wessels b Gurney 4

BT Foakes lbw b Mullaney 42

KC Sangakkara c Broad b Ball 166

RJ Burns c Smith b Mullaney 23

GC Wilson† c Wessels b Ball 48

TK Curran not out 1

Extras: (b-1, lb-7, w-6, nb-2) 16

Total: (5 wickets; 50 overs) 300

Fall of wickets: 1-6 (Davies, 2.5 ov), 2-93 (Foakes, 21.2 ov), 3-145 (Burns, 31.1 ov), 4-294 (Sangakkara, 49.1 ov), 5-300 (Wilson, 49.6 ov)

Bowling: HF Gurney 8-1-58-1 (1-nb, 1-w), SCJ Broad 8-1-40-0 (3-w), SR Patel 10-0-62-0, JT Ball 9-0-52-2 (2-w), SJ Mullaney 100-49-2, DT Christian 5-0-31-0 Nottinghamshire innings (target: 301

staring blankly into the distance and perhaps wondering what on earth he was putting his body through, at 37.

Those thoughts were doubtless never stronger than as early as the fifth over when he took a jittery single off Harry Gurney to get off the mark and, diving to make his ground, demolishing the stumps. They rarely looked in danger again as he chipped the ball into the gaps with precision, crucially taking 21 off the penultimate over, from Gurney, with a series of scoops, paddles and reverse paddles, before Jake Ball defeated a shot of similar intent in the last over.

Surrey had other heroes. Watching the young Curran brothers for the first time is an intriguing sight. Sam

is only 17, a wisp of a lad with a brisk, whippersnapper run-up, trendy haircut and an ability to swing his left-arm pace, as both Riki Wessels and Brendan Taylor discovered in the second and third balls of his first over.

Tom, a comparative veteran at 20, sports a bob; his right-arm is delivered from a more loping run and he looks more of a workhorse. For Tom to cope with the pressure of such a run chase was admirable enough; for Sam to do likewise, as he delayed his return to A levels at Wellington College for a day, was utterly remarkable. Add Yorkshire’s Matthew Fisher and county cricket has witnessed the arrival of two 17-year-olds this season of great promise. (Cricinfo)

Warner “highly unlikely” for Bangladesh

As David Warner rated himself “highly unlikely” to be fit in time for the tour of Bangladesh, Australia have been compelled to raid English county ranks for reinforcements as Nathan Coulter-Nile became the third member of the ODI touring party to be ruled out of the series due in the space of two days.

A recurrence of hamstring trouble is a bad sign for CoulterNile, who has suffered a right hamstring strain in his first series back after undergoing surgery on his left hamstring during the home summer. He joins Warner and Shane Watson as casualties from the second match against England at Lord’s, after Ryan Harris, Brad Haddin, Michael Clarke and Chris Rogers were all either withdrawn or retired from the national team during the preceding Ashes series.

The surfeit of withdrawals has meant that the national selectors have pulled the Victorian duo of John Hastings

(Durham) and Peter Handscomb (Gloucestershire) from county cricket after already calling up Aaron Finch to replace Warner. The drain of experience from the team is now an extreme one, leaving the new captain Steven Smith

with a decidedly youthful squad for the remainder of this tour and more than likely Bangladesh as well.

Warner said he was very doubtful of his ability to recover from a broken thumb in time, hav-

ing been struck by Steven Finn in more or less the same place where Mitchell Johnson struck him a stinging blow in the WACA nets ahead of an ODI match against South Africa last summer.

“I knew pretty much straight away when I got hit that it was the same one and it was quite painful,” Warner said before flying home. “Look I know from last time when it was actually just a minor fracture, it was a minimum of three weeks before I could pick up a bat. You never want to miss a Test match. I never do want to miss a Test match but it’s probably highly unlikely I’m going to make Bangladesh.

“At the moment it’s six weeks with the thumb so that’s before I can pick up a bat. So I think that pretty much sums up what I can and can’t do. So for me it’s about trying to target what’s after that and sit down with obviously the coach and the selectors and see what I have to do. I wanted to go

on with the form to try and put some big scores on the board in this one-day tournament and now I’m going to miss the rest of this and quite possibly the Test series.

“I’m gutted. I’m not happy about that but I’ll get a bit of a break now and have got six to eight weeks off before we have to come back and assemble for the first-class game [for New South Wales] in Adelaide so it’s now time to get back as soon as possible and then I can work on my fitness for longevity for the next few years.”

Warner’s potential loss to the Test squad will also be a blow to Smith, as the pair seek to begin a fruitful partnership as captain and deputy. The concurrent retirement of Watson makes it increasingly likely that the selectors will name their least experienced opening combination in decades, with Joe Burns (two Tests) and the uncapped Cameron Bancroft in line for the opportunity.

Critics need to be less harsh on Rohit – Bangar

Sanjay Bangar, the India batting coach, has hit back at Rohit Sharma’s critics, saying that the batsman has “definitely contributed to the team’s cause”. Bangar also praised Cheteshwar Pujara, but backed the decision to prefer Rohit over him.

“If you look at the numbers, he has played 13 [14] Test matches and scored 800-900 [870] runs at an average of 40 [37.82] with two centuries, four half-centuries. I think if his critics can go back and compare the first 13 Test matches of any other cricketer who has played for a while, I think they would probably be less harsh on Rohit,” Bangar told ESPNcricinfo in an interview after completing a year as India batting coach. “I believe that in the matches he has played so far - obviously everybody wants to contribute more - he has definitely contributed to the team’s cause.”

Bangar insisted that the team management decided to play Rohit at No. 3 in the fourth and final Test in Australia since “Pujara was having a tough time”. Bangar, however, admitted that once Rohit was brought lower down the order, the move worked better for the batsman and the team.

“We are clear in our mind that we need to give enough time and opportunity for a player if we put him at a particular position before making the change. Pujara was having a tough time, so he [Rohit] was given a fair run at No. 3. He batted very well in Sydney (53 & 39). He got starts in both the innings but could not convert it into a big one.

“Bangladesh was just

one innings. But you could see that just three innings prior to P Sara (second Test against Sri Lanka), he was scoring runs at No. 3. After those five opportunities, we felt that moving him down the order would benefit the team more. And it also made sure that he got some time because he also had put a lot of pressure on himself to perform. Somebody who constantly wants to contribute to the team’s cause. And it worked out beautifully. In both the Test matches (P Sara and SSC), he played vital innings for the team.”

With the new Test captain Virat Kohli stressing on playing five bowlers, Pujara has had to sit out. But Bangar was delighted with the way Pujara played a match-winning innings as a stopgap opener in India’s series-decider at the SSC.

“Pujara has tremendous hunger, tremendous temperament. Again somebody who had a dip in his career but who is right up there. This is the batting group which is going to be the core of India’s batting for the next five years. Obviously there are going to be players

U.S. Open 2015…

who are going to miss out because of injuries but every new player who has come in has scored runs.”

Pujara appears to get bogged down, especially at the start of his innings. His inability to take singles consistently tends to put pressure on the batsman at the other end. Bangar, however, didn’t single him out for failing to rotate strike.

“Strike rotation is something we are all making our batsmen (aware) of. We are working on it. It is not only for one individual batsman but it is for the entire batting group. How you can achieve it is you need to know the fields, you need to know the bowling plans, you need to play with softer hands closer to the body. That is an awareness the batting group is working on and there has been a marked improvement in that area.”

Bangar, along with bowling coach B Arun and fielding coach R Sridhar, is the first Indian member of the team’s support staff in five years. According to Bangar, the trio has made a strong case for the Indian coaches’ fraternity.

“Being a group of Indian coaches, there was a bit of pressure to justify that Indian coaches can handle the national team effectively. There also was an additional sense of responsibility towards the Indian coaching fraternity. And I think we have been able to maintain the standards. That is something that I think we have been able to achieve.”

The assistant coaches, along with team director Ravi Shastri, have been working on a series-by-series basis. With the BCCI still not sure about the structure of the support staff, none of the coaches has been appointed for a longer term. While Bangar admitted that “ideally” it would be better if coaches are assured of a longer tenure, he said it wasn’t a concern.

“It’s a massive privilege to be able to discharge the duties of batting coach of the Indian team. Ideally, a longer stint is better for the individual concerned but again even if it’s just for a series, it’s a huge opportunity and accomplishment.” (Cricinfo)

Wawrinka through to last eight in New York

Fifth seed Stan Wawrinka beat American Donald Young to set up a possible U.S. Open quarterfinal against Andy Murray.

The French Open champion from Switzerland, 30, won 6-1 1-6 6-3 6-4 on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Women’s second seed Simona Halep, 23, came from a set down to beat Sabine Lisicki 6-7 (6-8) 7-5 6-2.

Murray faces South African Kevin Anderson later on Monday, while fellow Briton Johanna Konta meets Petra Kvitova in the women’s fourth round.

Swiss second seed Roger Federer takes on American John Isner in the second match of the night session after Konta-Kvitova.

There was much bemusement around Flushing Meadows when former finalist Victoria Azarenka, 26, stepped out on to Arthur Ashe Stadium wearing bandages on her biceps.

They did not appear to hinder the 20th seed, who celebrated her 6-3 6-4 win over American Lepchenko with an on-court dance afterwards.

She also revealed the reason for the

Stan Wawrinka

patches, saying: “I got a blister from rubbing against my shirt. It’s a little embarrassing.”

The Belarusian, twice a beaten finalist at Flushing Meadows, will now meet Halep for a place in the last four.

Australian Open junior finalist Katie Swan had to be helped from court six in some distress.

The 16-year-old, from Bristol but based in Kansas, required medical at-

FIFA elections… Prince Ali to announce presidential candidacy

Prince Ali bin al-Hussein of Jordan is set to announce as early as Wednesday that he will stand in the upcoming FIFA presidential election.

Ali, 39, pushed incumbent president Sepp Blatter to a second round of voting in May’s poll, winning 73 votes, before standing aside in the contest.

He will join UEFA president Michel Platini in declaring an interest in leading football’s governing body. The election is due to be held on February 26 next

year. Blatter, 79, triggered the election by announcing shortly after winning the last vote that he would resign, amid twin criminal investigations into alleged corruption at FIFA. Seven FIFA officials were arrested in May on charges of racketeering, wire fraud and money laundering.

Former FIFA executive Chung Mong-joon of South Korea has also indicated that he will run in next year’s election, as has Liberian FA president Musa Bility. (BBC Sport)

Jerome Jayaratne named Sri Lanka interim coach

tention for around 10 minutes after losing the first set in 30C against France’s Tessah Andrianjafitrimo.

Swan was wrapped in ice towels, had her blood pressure taken and was advised not to continue, but the teenager wanted to try.

She was unable to carry on when trailing 7-6 (7-5) 3-0 after one hour and 22 minutes, but was said to be recovering well with the on-site medical staff. (BBC Sport)

Jerome Jayaratne, the SLC head of coaching, has been appointed interim head coach of the Sri Lanka team for the upcoming home series against West Indies. Jayaratne’s appointment came four days after Marvan Atapattu resigned as the national team coach.

Atapattu quit after Sri Lanka lost Test series to

Pakistan and India, only the second time they were beaten in two home series in a calendar year. He had officially held the position since September last year, but had effectively been head coach since April 2014, after Paul Farbrace’s departure. Before that, he had worked as batting coach of the team since 2011.

Need a car to rent? Then call 6111018 for the best cars at great prices.

SHALOM ENTERPRISE 2 CROAL STREET, STABROEK. ENQUIRE ABOUT OUR DRIVING PACKAGE & INTERNATIONAL DRIVER'S PERMIT (JOIN US ON FACEBOOK) 2273869/622-8162/644-7052

Tain, Corentyne, Berbice, Opposite UG Campus. Tel: 675-5648

One property Ogle; One property Anna Catherina; One property Good Hope. Contact; 222-3060/6735546/6226448/679-0987

Upper and lower flat situated at Lot 90 M&TC Housing Scheme, New Amsterdam, Berbice. Contact 6479148

40’x110’ @ 10th Street, Cummings Lodge, near U.G $10M. Phone 6745019

Transported property for sale situated at lot 98 Area “A” Ankerville, Port Mourant, Corentyne, Berbice. Price negotiable. Tel: 3225046/626-4323

or 223-1506.

EMAIL: klakeram.construction@ gmail.com

House plans & estimates, weeding of grass and spraying done within 48hrs. Call: 216-0671; 622-0267; 692-8464

ALCO REFRIDGERATION: Repairs done to fridges, walk-in freezers , washing machines, Auto A/C, gas stoves, etc. Tel # 666-2276/600-2210

FOR SALE

Clean Garden earth. Also excavating, grading and leveling done. Call 6279977

For sale by lot: Lot (1): 2 bath tubs, bathroom fittings and fixtures & toilet set; shower fittings - $150,000 and Lot (2): 1 Dell desktop computer & HP scanner - $25,000. Call 225-2676 or 601-5285.

Puppies for sale. German shepherd and pitbull (mixed) $40,000 each. Contact: 269-0711 /621-7842

green card lottery, business class waivers, pardons, etc. Get your visa approved. High success rate. Balwant Persaud & Associates. Certified Immigration Consultants, 68 Sixth Street, Alberttown, Georgetown (Between Cummings & Lights Sts) Tel: 225-1540, 622-8308, 655-3105. Email: balwantpersaud@yahoo.ca

Repairs and spare parts for fridge, freezers, A/C, washers, Dryers, Stoves, Microwave. Call Ni C k – 6831312/627-3206

Technician specialized in repairs and servicing to all commercial and domestic appliances such as Air Conditioning units, Treadmill machines, refrigerators, pressure fryers, convection ovens, dryers, stoves, washing machines, pressure pumps, gas grills, fabrication of appliances, etc. On-the-spot repairs rendered. Tel: 684-2119

Khemraj & Son -landscaping & plant nursery. Lot 77 Independence Street, La Grange, West Bank Demerara. Landscaping, planting grass, weeding, killing wood ants, killing roaches, rats & mealy bug, treat plants, coconut trees and flowers, cleaning ceiling, grafting coconut plants: 18 months bearing period, treating land, grass & spraying grass, grafted papaya plants: 6 months bearing, grafted cherry plant, sour sop & sapodilla, cutting big trees & removing, treated mould for sale & flower plants for sale. Tel 6275969/ 603-1134

Cab service and cooking gas delivery available, East Bank area. Tel: 2163326, 683-9910

Surinamese spiritualist. Resolving all problems. Money, love, blockage etc. Call 223-6834/600-7719

Suriname’s Astrology, Palmist and Hindustani Spiritual Healer, solve all purpose problems, 100% confidential guaranteed. Phone: 602-8997

HEPHZIBAH MINISTRIES 24 hrs Prayer Line 322-5081,337-4510,3374259,337-4583,337-3070,337-5103. For healing, deliverance, financial difficulties, marriage issues call now. Jesus Cares.

Dutch spiritual healing in removing evil spirits, bad luck, evil sickness, spells, reuniting lovers and prosperity to business Call 612-6417, 6875653, 220-0708

Two bedroom upstairs apartment. $60,000 monthly with parking. Couples preferable. Tel 233-2607 / 644-7089

Three Storey 75ft’x 30ft’ bldg, open floors, 2 offices, 2 washrooms, driveway. 25B Princess St, Charlestown. Tel: 223-0654, 225-0605

Two Self-contained single bedroom furnished apartments for rental. Selfcontained 7 bedroom bungalow idea for family/ guests/ students local or overseas long/ short term rental. Contact: 622-7097 / 624-7111

One 2-bedroom bottom-flat house in Kitty/Railway Line-fully grilled. Decent working couple $50,000 monthly. Tel: 612-8048

necessary. Tel: 684-2119

5 waitresses needed at R&V Sports Bar, preferably from country area. $18,000 per week , free meals and accommodation provided if necessary. Tel: 684-2119

JUST ARRIVED: TOP QUALITY RECONDITIONED VEHICLES; TOYOTA NOAH; TOYOTA VOXY; TOYOTA IST (NEW SHAPE); SUZUKI SWIFT; DAIHATSU MOVE (660CC); MERCEDES

BENZ C200 KOMPRESSOR; COROLLA AE100 WAGON; TOYOTA HIACE MINIBUS RZ; PITBULL-STYLE FREEZER VAN; LAND CRUISER (FULLY LOADED); MAZDA PROCEED 4WD EXTRA-CAB PICK-UP; TOYOTA HILUX 4WD EXTRA CAB PICKUPS - 3RZ, 5L, 3L SOLID DEFFERNTIAL; MITSUBISHI CANTER TRUCKS 4 TONS FREEZER; 3 TONS OPEN TRAY; 2 TONS 4WD; NISSAN ATLAS 2 TONS OPEN TRAY TRUCK. PREORDER YOUR UNITS EARLY AND GET THE BEST PRICES. FULL AFTER SALES SERVICES AND FINANCING AVAILABLE. DEO MARAJ AUTO SALES, 2 CHIMNEY ROAD, CHATEAU MARGOT, ECD. 6240762, 220-5177. A NAME AND SERVICE YOU CAN TRUST

BMW320 I; NISSAN MARCH - PMM SERIES, BLUEBIRD, 4-DOOR PICKUP; TOYOTA - AT212, AT192, RAUM, I.S.T, L-TOURING WAGON, EP71 STARLET, HILUX 4-RUNNER AND PICK-UP; HONDA 600RR. TEL 644-5096 / 697-1453

GR Taxi, 24 hours. Phone: 2257878, 219-5000 or 227-2100

I was just protecting myself – Stokes

England all-rounder

Ben Stokes has insisted there was no wilful intent when he gloved away Mitchell Starc’s throw at the stumps at Lord’s and that he was purely thinking of protecting himself.

Stokes’ reaction, as he spun away from the throw, came when he was out of his ground and led to him becoming the first England batsman - and sixth overall - to be given out obstructing the field in a one-day international.

Law 37, which governs obstructing the field, states: Either batsman is out obstructing the field if he wilfully attempts to obstruct or distract the fielding side by word or action.

“A guy was standing there five feet away from me and it was just a complete reaction,” Stokes told ESPNcricinfo. “I didn’t put my hand there wilfully, it was purely out of human reaction to protect myself. But the decision was made, there’s nothing I can do but it wasn’t wilful whatsoever.”

Former England captains Michael Vaughan, Alec Stewart and Paul Collingwood were among those to criticise the decision. Collingwood, who was involved in controversy against New Zealand in

2008 when he refused to recall Grant Elliott after he was run out following a collision with Ryan Sidebottom and later admitted he had made an error, tweeted that Steven Smith “will regret that decision in the future.”

There were heated scenes in the middle as the decision was made by third umpire Joel Wilson after the on-field officials, Kumar Dharmasena and Tim Robinson, had indicated to England captain Eoin Morgan, who was at the crease alongside Stokes, that their initial reaction was that it was not out.

Morgan later said he would have withdrawn the appeal in the same situation, but Smith was adamant the correct decision had been reached. It led to the remainder of the match being played out to the sound of significant booing around Lord’s and during the postmatch presentation. Stokes, speaking at a Chance to Shine Street Cricket event in Birmingham, said the reaction may have got a little out of perspective.

“It probably took away from the fact that we haven’t actually played very good cricket in the first couple of games which is the biggest thing for us so we just have to put it behind us.”

Fast bowler Steven Finn had earlier said it was important that England do not dwell on the dismissal as the series heads to Old Trafford for the third match on Tuesday with them needing a win to stay in the contest.

“I think we’d be foolish to let the Stokes dismissal nag away at us,” Finn said. “We have a young side - we have some quite emotional guys in that team. If we let that emotion come into our cricket, I don’t think that it will serve us well.

“If we stick with the mantra of going out there and enjoying it, trying to show off and deliver our skills as best we can with a smile on our face, that will serve us far better than getting fired up and angry.”

Ben Stokes took part in the Chance to Shine Street cricket programme in Birmingham, which is supported by Lycamobile. (Cricinfo)

“The crowd maybe got a bit out of control, there was a lot of booing going on with the incident. It’s one of those decisions where you can’t look back and have any regrets because it’s been made, you can’t change what’s happened it’s just a shame it came to the uproar it has.

“It’d be nice if I can have a little bit of a chat to whoever is there,” Warner said of his replacements, “but with the experience with Steve Smith who has been over there and a couple of other lads they can actually learn from them. I’m pretty sure the guys that are coming in, guys from Australia A they’ve just played in India and know what the experiences are like, so whoever comes in I’m sure will do a great job and do whatever they can to help the team win.”

The injuries are a significant hurdle for the Australia coach Darren Lehmann also,

as he seeks to mould a new side under Smith’s leadership. “We’re disappointed to lose players of the calibre of David Warner, Shane Watson and Nathan CoulterNile,” Lehmann said, “but we have quality replacements on hand in Aaron Finch, Peter Handscomb and John Hastings.

“We looked at all options including the possibility of flying in cover from Australia but the fact all three of the players we have drafted in are already in England means they can join us at short notice, be acclimatised to conditions and be available for selection immediately, if required. We look forward to them playing their parts in trying to ensure we finish this tour with a victory in the ODI series, starting in Manchester on Tuesday night.” Though prolific with the ball for Durham, Hastings has not played for Australia since his one and only Test against South Africa at the WACA in 2012. The inclusion of the 24-year-old Handscomb is more of a pointer towards the future, as he took part in the recent Australia A tour of India and is regarded as one of the most promising batting prospects in the country. (Cricinfo)

By AvenAsh RAmzAn

Bent Street whipped Sophia 12-5 on Sunday evening to book their spot in the semifinals of the GT Beer Futsal competition in another night of high-scoring games at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

A total of 45 goals were scored during the quarter-final games with Bent Street scoring the most goals by a single team in the competition.

Bent Street slotted home 12 goals, while Sophia responded with five. Sophia had the previous highest number of goals (11) in a single match.

Bent Street’s goal-scoring spree was led by Okeeni Fraser, who blasted in a helmet-trick, scoring in the fifth, ninth, 20th and 30th minutes, while Colin Nelson (12th, 24th and 28th) and

Amos Ramsey (23rd, 25th, 29th) scored three each.

Stellon David also added a double in the second and 17th minutes. Dwayne Lovell (fourth, sixth, 14th and 27th) tucked in four goals for Sophia, while Omallo Williams netted the other in the 26th minute.

West Front Road- Gold is Money defeated West Back Road 5-3, with Randolph Wagner (sixth and 18th) and Hubert Pedro (14th and 27th) scoring a double each, while Michael Oie (23rd) had a single strike.

West Back Road scorers were Teon Caeser (20th and 21st) with a double and Josiah Charles with a solitary goal in the 22nd minute.

The closest game of the night was between Sparta Boss and Kitty Weavers with Sparta Boss winning

by a one goal margin. The game ended 6-5.

Doubles from Cleon Forrester and Dennis Edwards along with single strike each from Eusi Phillips and Travis Grant accounted for Sparta Boss’ goals, while Kitty Weavers were indebted to a helmettrick from Sherwin Vincent and a goal from Travis Martin.

The final game of the night saw Festival City prevailing 6-3 over Albouystown. Eon Alleyne and Solomon Austin netted a double each, while Alex Murray and Dwayne Lawrence completed the job for Festival City. Devon Dooker scored a double and Eucie Cummings scored the other for Albouystown.

The semi-finals are slated for Wednesday at the same venue.

Usain Bolt has pulled out of Friday’s Van Damme Memorial and ended his season so he can fully concentrate on next year’s Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

After winning three more gold medals at the world championships in Beijing, Bolt was supposed to focus on the season’s top time in the 200 meters at the Diamond League meet in Brussels.

But Bolt said in a statement he was “happy to end the season without any injuries and ready to go for 2016.”

Bolt beat Justin Gatlin both in the 100 and 200 meters in Beijing before anchoring Jamaica to gold in the 4x100 relay.

With Bolt a no-show, Gatlin will now run both sprints in Brussels. (Jamaica Observer)

After a very intense training camp last weekend, the national men volleyball coach and the panel of national selectors came up with a 12-man team to represent the Golden Arrowhead at the Senior South American Indoor Championship in Maceo, Brazil, between September 27 and October 5.

The training camp, which commenced last Friday evening at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenua, saw the entire 21man squad comprising players from Demerara and Berbice going through what the coaches considered a very rigorous physical and mental weekend culminating with the final selection on Sunday afternoon.

The players selected to represent Guyana are Quacey Matheson, Jason Seelochand, Ian Baggot, Trevlon McRae, Shemroy

Ross, Samuel Fraser, Khemraj Singh, Creston Rodney, Vance Harding, Cleveland Peters and Wendell Austin.

The players will all meet once again on the weekend of September 18-20 to fine tune all the systems learnt over the past weekend in game simulation exercises before they wing out to

Brazil. The coaches also told this publication that during the period between the next encampment of the team, training sessions will continue to be conducted separately in Berbice and Demerara under the guidance of head coach, Levi Nedd (Berbice) and his assistant, Ian Wills (Berbice).

What does a 12-yearold do with a windfall of US$500?

According to Jahieem Bartley, he wants to purchase a pair of cricket boots.

Bartley, who received the grant from Scotiabank based on his outstanding performance in the 2015 Scotiabank/WICB Kiddy Cricket Programme, is an avid lover of the sport. He is one of 15 young cricketers to be awarded across the region.

The 2015 Outstanding Performance Grant is part of the 15th anniversary celebrations of the Kiddy Cricket Programme that identifies one Kiddy Cricketer in each WICB member territory, who has excelled both on the field of play and academically, rewarding him or her for their all-round annual performance.

Coming out of the cricket programme at Broadleaf Primary in Manchester, Jahieem, who captained the team, stood out with his propensity for bowling and his ability to perform in all areas on the field.

He says his coach saw his abilities and invited him to join the Kiddy Cricket Programme at the school.

“It was lots of fun,” he stat-

ed when describing the experience. “I learnt a lot.”

He now moves on from Broadleaf to take up the next phase of his academic journey, when he begins the secondary school programme at Manchester High next Monday. Of course, he is looking forward to pursuing his dream of playing for the West Indies cricket team.

The coach at Broadleaf Primary, Gary Graham, said he started coaching Bartley three years ago.

“He was one of the most talent youngsters in the entire competition,” Graham stated. “He has the love for the sport, is very bright academically and is a well-behaved, disciplined youngster.”

According to Kiddy Cricket’s national coordinator, Philip Service, “In addition to displaying excellent all-round cricket performances Jahieem had an outstanding academic performance at his primary school.

“Based on his skill set, he should be a contender, almost immediately, to represent Jamaica at Under-15,” Service observed.

The Scotiabank-sponsored West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Kiddy Cricket Programme aims to give pri-

mary school children an appreciation for the game. Conceptualised in 2000, Scotiabank has partnered with the WICB in islands across the Caribbean to offer a developmental programme that inspires interest in the game in youth and has, over the period, influenced thousands of children across the region.

The programme targets boys and girls, aged seven to 12, teaching them how to play the game and fosters learning and the building of leadership skills. The development of motor skills, art and craft abilities and even mathematics, encourage Kiddy Cricketers to become more disciplined and confident.

Scotiabank has also provided training material to thousands of children and distributed teaching manuals and Kiddy Cricket kits to hundreds of schools.

Several graduates of the programme have gone on to participate professionally in clubs across the Caribbean some of whom include Barbadians Kemar Roach and Kraigg Brathwaite, Trinidadian Darren Bravo and Jamaica’s own Jermaine Blackwood. (windiescricket)

Ramdin’s sacking premature, says Seeram

By Rajiv Bisnauth

Former Guyana

First-Class batsman Rabindranauth

Seeram has branded Denesh Ramdin’s axing as West Indies Test captain “premature”.

Seeram told Guyana Times Sport on Monday that Ramdin had been appointed to carry out the specific task of rebuilding the

regional team, but that process had not yet been completed.

The WICB sacked Ramdin as captain last Friday after 15 months in charge, in favour of fast bowler Jason Holder.

Ramdin skippered West Indies in 13 Tests, winning four, with two draws and

seven losses, and arguably his greatest achievement was leading a weakened Windies side to a 1-1 series draw against England earlier this year.

“Personally I think it is premature,” Seeram said.

“I guess they are looking for young blood, and maybe they are looking at that direction of rebuilding the team, but definitely I am not in favour of the move, especially the way West Indies cricket is going. We need experienced people out there,” he added.

Not a wise move

Seeram, an elegant batsman, who averaged 35.30 with three centuries and 1,997 runs from 41 FirstClass matches between 1983 and 1992, also feels that the move to appoint

BCB/BBCI 50-over

cricket…

Holder captain was not a wise one, adding that experience plays a major hand at that level.

“Holder is not a bad player, but you need guys with experience at that level to lead,” Seeram concluded.

The 23-year-old has only played eight Tests since his debut last June, yet the WICB is convinced he can change the fortunes of a side that is ranked eighth out of 10 teams.

Chairman of Selectors

Clive Lloyd believes switching to bowling all-rounder Holder is necessary.

“He is a young man that

all of the selectors, people in the Caribbean and worldwide believe has several of the qualities that can take our team forward,” Lloyd reasoned.

Police arrest Young Warriors, Albion demoralise Blairmont

The second round of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB)/ Berbice Bridge Company Inc. (BBCI) 50-over first division knockout cricket competition continued last weekend, with Police whipping Young Warriors by 37 runs in a low-scoring encounter in brilliant sunshine and on a perfect batting strip.

Police won the toss and took first strike, but struggled to 134 all out.

Brentnol Woolford top scored with 29, consisting of two fours and a six. He was supported by Albert Sinclair with 24 (2x4s) and Quesi Mickle 23 (1x6).

Bowling for Young Warriors, for national youth player Kevin Ramdeen took 3-24 off 7.2 overs, national youth all-rounder Kassim Khan took 2-23 off nine overs and 16-year-old Trevor Stanislus 2-29 off three overs.

In reply, Young

Balchand Baldeo

Warriors crumbled to 97 all out after being well placed at 48 without loss. Former national youth batsman Seon Hetmyer top scored with 26 (1x4, 2x6s). Khan made 25 (1x4, 1x6) and national senior opener Shimron Hetmyer 21 (2x4s).

Bowling for Police, Rocky Hutson took 3-23. At Albion, the home team destroyed Blairmont

“We felt the time was right for a change and we feel he will do as well as he did when he was elevated to the position of one-day international captain ahead of the World Cup.”

Lloyd added: “We expect to get new thinking and new dynamism from him. Jason commands respect. He is a fine young man, very intelligent and he seems to get the best from the players because he is a straightforward guy.”

Holder, who has played 33 One-Day Internationals, will lead a 15-man squad for the October 14 to November 12 away series against Sri Lanka, which comprises

two Tests, three One-Day Internationals and two Twenty20s.

Opening batsman Kraigg Brathwaite will be vice-captain for the match-

es in Galle and Colombo, with the Windies squad containing two uncapped players in all-rounder Carlos

and

Flores to attend south american congress

As the Guyana Volleyball Federation (GVF) continues its drive to make Guyana’s volleyball respected on the world stage, its president John Flores will leave for the South American Congress in Brazil this Thursday.

Among the issues Flores intends to raise at the congress are: promises made by the world governing body FIVB to establish a development center in the Guianas, which he believes Guyana is in the best posi-

GVF President John Flores

tion to house, and a promise made by the regional body CSV to provide coaching assistance through an international coach, who will reside in Guyana between six months to one year. Also on the developmental level, the one week training course being conducted by International coach, Julio Morales of the U.S.A., which is specifically aimed at the development of young players, is ongoing and is expected to conclude on Wednesday.

by eight wickets.

The visitors won the toss and took first strike. They were quickly bundled out for an embarrassing 60.

National Under-19 allrounder Balchand Baldeo spun webs around the batsmen with six wickets.

He was supported by former West Indies Under-19 left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie with three wickets. In reply, Albion lost just two wickets with 16-year-old Adrian Sukhwa (21) and Baldeo (20) leading the run-chase.

Albion, the defending champions, will now meet with Police at Cumberland or Edinburgh in the only semi-final, while Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets will be host to Port Mourant with the winner drawing bye to the final. Both matches are slated for September 13.

The final will be played on September 20 at a venue to be named.

Showstoppers repeat as Stag Beer/Slingerz FC champs

Showstoppers were crowned champions of the Stag Beer and Slingerz FC second annual West Side Inter-village five-a-side football tournament after thumping Admiral 5-1 in the final on Sunday night at Vergenoegen Rice Mill Tarmac, East Bank Essequibo.

Though Showstoppers won handsomely, the game was keenly contested with both teams demonstrating a decent level of skills, much to the delight of the large crowd.

Marvan Josiah put Showstoppers ahead in the fourth minute before Dexroy Adams doubled the advantage three minutes later. Josiah, who was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, stretched the lead with his second in the ninth minute after collecting a neat pass from Adams from the right side of the box.

Admiral did produced some brilliant moments, but Showstoppers did well to deny them. However, Deon Kennedy slotted home in the 18th minute to give Showstoppers a 4-0 lead at half-time.

Admiral improved tremendously after the interval and Devon Johnson gave them some hope with a 25th minute strike, before Simon Emmanuel netted in the 29th to maintain the huge gap. Admiral increased their pace somewhat in the closing stages, but Showstoppers managed to keep them at bay; the final whistle by the referee sparked wild celebrations among the play-

ers and fans.

Showstoppers had beaten Samaroo Dam 3-1 in their semifinal encounter. Anthony Sancho netted in the 15th and 37th minute, while Marlon Josiah scored in the 25th minute for the winners. Kevin

Edghill slotted home for Samaroo Dam in the 33rd.

The second semi-finals saw Admiral thumping Vega Champs 4-0, with goals from Lexroy Mainfigo (ninth), Rolex Smith (13th), Quasi Weeks (19th) and

Devon Johnson (32nd). Vega Champs took third place with a 2-1 victory over Samaroo Dam. The tournament was sponsored by Golf Motor Oil, Ansa McAl, First Choice Water, Archie Sand and Stone Depot and Double Day Hotel.

In an invited comment, promoter Colin Aaron said he was pleased with the level of discipline and skills exhibited by the players. He added the organising committee is keen on promoting the sport in the area.

GFF takes case to Court of Arbitration for Sport

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has taken its case against world governing body FIFA and the St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation (SVGFF) to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on the eligibility of Garvin James, who played for the St Vincent and the Grenadines national team in the World Cup

Qualification match against Guyana, which was played at the Providence Stadium on June 14.

Through Attorney-atLaw Sanjeev J. Datadin, the GFF filed an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, Switzerland, on Thursday September 3.

According to a release from the GFF, the Federation contends that James was not the holder of a St Vincent and the Grenadines Passport at the time the game was played as required by Article 19(3) of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Regulations. At the time of the game, James was the holder of a United Kingdom Passport. He had a stamp inserted in the passport indicating he

was a citizen of St Vincent and the Grenadines by descent.

This, according to the GFF, is a violation of the said Article 19(3), which recognises a passport as the

only form of valid proof acceptable.

FIFA’s Disciplinary Code Article 55 (1) states that “if a player takes part in an official match despite being ineligible, his team will be sanctioned by forfeiting the match and paying a minimum fine of CHF 6,000.”

If the GFF challenge is successful it would mean the Guyana team would advance in place of St Vincent and the Grenadines. The score in the match played between Guyana and St Vincent and the Grenadines ended in a 4-4 draw with the latter team advancing on the away goals rule.

The playing of the St Vincent and the Grenadines versus Aruba on September 4–8 is no bar to the imposition of a penalty by

CAS on the St Vincent and Grenadines team and for Guyana’s team to rejoin the competition.

On June 16, the GFF had filed a complaint to FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee and

was informed on July 29 by the Disciplinary Committee that, “after careful examination of all the requested information and documentation, it was considered that no further intervention was necessary in such context”.

The GFF then followed up with an appeal to FIFA’s Appeal Committee, but was once again notified that it was not a party to the relevant proceedings and would therefore not be eligible to appeal.

FIFA further added that an appeal was lodged against a letter issued on July 29 by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee and not against a decision of the Committee. The CAS appeal is expected to heard and determined shortly.