Guyana Times Daily - December 11, 2015

...Jagdeo’s Govt already scrapped contract since 2009 — Guyana Chronicle /KN/Stabroek/Guyana Times report

Another miner killed as pit collapses

friday, december 11, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

WEATHER TODAY

Harmon says Govt to terminate Ed Ahmad lease

By Devina Samaroo

State Minister Joseph Harmon disclosed that his government will waste no time in terminating a “corrupt” lease agreement inked in 2008 between former President Bharrat Jagdeo and Edul Ahmad of New York.

However, this contract was already revoked in 2009 under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration.

The Guyana Chronicle had reported then: “the land was leased for a brief period of time on May 30… This lease was subsequently relinquished in 2009.”

The Kaieteur News also reported: “This lease was subsequently relinquished to Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission in 2009.”

The State Minister teased the public for weeks, promising to soon release crucial information that once and for all prove corruption against former President Jagdeo and his administration.

During a post cabinet Media briefing on Thursday, the Minister disclosed that the lease agreement, “…reeks extreme efficiency…and corruption” because the deal was sealed in a matter of eight days. But Harmon could not pinpoint illegalities in the transaction ex-

cept for the fact that notice to conduct a survey on the 2.31 acres of land located at Thomas St and Vlissengen Road, was not issued in accordance with the stipulated time.

“For the issue of a lease, notice has to be served when you are going to do a survey on surrounding land owners and they are given an opportunity to object… but if you serve (the notice) on the same day you go to do your survey, there is something wrong about that,” Harmon vociferously contended.

According to the State Minister, Ahmad applied for lease on May 22, 2008 for the land. He said the application was approved on May 27; notice for survey was issued on May 29; survey was conducted on May 29; and the lease was issued on May 30.

He contended also that the land, which was supposed to be used solely for recreational purposes, was issued for the development of a hotel and casino. “A casino isn’t a recreational purpose; it’s primarily business, not recreational,” Harmon insisted. He also asserted that having a hotel so close to the GDF Headquarters poses serious security threats.

“The question that the fact that you can actually stand at the top of the building and see all the

way into camp Ayangana… At that time the admin did not see it as a security problem but we did in fact see a security problem and we saw a problem with a casino being so close to the military…,” he said.

However, he conceded that there is no law barring the construction of such a facility near the GDF Headquarters but he argued that it is an international best practice.

“It is a backdoor arrangement… It reeks of extreme efficiency in the conduct of government business,” Harmon posited.

Moreover, he also highlighted that government only received one payment of $500,000 for the leased land. However this newspaper was able to verify that only one payment was

made because the land was repossessed by the State one year later under the PPP administration.

Against this backdrop, Harmon assured the public that his government will terminate the contract and repossess the land even though the agreement was already cancelled and the land reclaimed in 2009.

The lease agreement, which was released to the public, stipulated that the contract could have been terminated if the purpose it was granted for was not fulfilled in 12 months. The lease was granted for the purpose of constructing a hotel, inclusive of 150 rooms, restaurants, bars, clubs, casinos and exhibition halls.

The land is current government property.

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

A missed opportunity

Anumber of women’s rights activists and in fact many ordinary citizens are still very much disappointed in the manner in which the A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government has treated the issue regarding one of their members launching a verbal assault on a prominent Hindu activist and politician about a month ago. This incident, of course, gave rise to the perception that the coalition preached one thing on the campaign trail to secure votes and is doing something else now that it has gained political power.

During the 2015 election campaign, the promises made by the coalition were many. The parties (APNU/AFC) promised to work very diligently to advance women’s rights and ensure they are treated with dignity and respect, but what we have witnessed so far speaks of a different story.

Even though one may want to argue that this is how politics works, there are certain core values which must be taken seriously by every leader or political party which seeks to govern a nation. Gender equality issues and particularly issues affecting women, children and the differently-able are not usually the kind of matters which are taken lightly or ignored by serious leaders or political parties. They are placed at the centre of Government where they are debated and discussed and certain policy mechanisms are put in place with the aim of advancing the interest of these groups.

It is now more than four weeks since AFC parliamentarian Charandass Persaud verbally assaulted his fellow Member of Parliament (MP), Dr Vindhya Persaud when he expressed his desire to “haul her off” a stage. Charandass’s attack on Ms Persaud occurred merely because she was conveying her views on her religion.

What is even more disheartening is that when a few women’s rights supporters expressed their disgust at Charandass’s “disrespectful” and “abusive” comments, he proceeded to insult them – stating that before he issued any apology to Dr Persaud, the women’s rights groups should “kiss my ass”.

To date, in spite of public pressure from politicians, NGO groups and ordinary citizens through the letter columns in the media, the Government has not made a single comment to distance itself from those crass, disrespectful and rude statements directed at one of our most respected and admired women in this country.

In fact, if the Government wanted to show that it was really serious and committed to ensuring women are protected from such verbal onslaught, it would have sanctioned the MP and ordered him to offer an apology to Dr Persaud, as it certainly sent the wrong message to other males; that is; it’s okay to treat women in such a disrespectful manner.

It would perhaps be an opportune time to remind readers what was stated in the APNU+AFC 2015 Elections Manifesto. That is; the coalition “recognises that women are the custodians of the fundamental values that sustain families, and are critical for success in generating social wealth and creating an environment of peace, justice, security and stability. APNU/AFC also recognises, supports and celebrates women’s leadership, participation and contributions to society, and pledges to uphold and promote the full rights, dignity and wellbeing of all women, thus creating a greater voice for women…”

And as recent as last Saturday, a statement from the Ministry of the Presidency reported President David Granger himself making an appeal for all men to respect women’s equality, as he outlined what he called the three pillars of gender relations. He was quoted as saying that there was no form of reasoning that could diminish respect for gender equality and these virtues must be learnt in homes and then practised in the wider society.

All of these statements in relation to women’s equality and empowerment look good on paper, and indeed are needed from time to time to remind our men folk of the importance of treating women with respect and dignity. But for citizens to take the Government seriously on its plans and promises, it must first of all demonstrate that within its own ranks, it is taking the necessary action against anyone found stepping out of line, even if it’s an MP, as in the case of Charandass’s case. We believe that the Government has missed a perfect opportunity in this particular case to send a strong signal that it is serious about ensuring all women are treated with the respect they deserve.

Worldwide, enough plastic is thrown out in a single year to circle the globe four times. But a form of construction being used throughout Africa and Latin America is making a difference, not only by reducing plastic waste, but also by taking advantage of the durability of plastic bottles to provide shelter for the homeless.

The “bottle wall technique” was developed by German firm Ecotec Environmental Solutions which has been training people in Nigeria, where 16 million people are homeless, to build homes out of plastic bottles. Bottles are collected and filled with sand, then stacked on their sides and bound together with mud or a cement mix, creating solid walls. The structures are well-insulated, incredibly strong (20 times stronger than brick), fire resistant, and even bullet-proof (Yahoo! News)

Benn may well want to rethink his conflict of interest

Dear Editor,

I took time off to read Commissioner Benn’s attempted response to my letter about the concocted, conflictual and hypocritical behaviour of Commissioners Benn, Shaddick and Gunraj in their attempt to determine how the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) should respond to Ganga’s petition. In effect it is their petition since Benn and Shaddick were candidates of the People's Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) at the election, which is the subject of the petition and Ganga the PPP/C agent for that election.

Benn accuses me of “fulminations”. I would readily admit to fumigating since that is the kind of action that is required to ensure that Benn’s concoction, conflictual behaviour and hypocrisy do not gain root and obfuscate his ulterior motive. I previously proved that Lowenfield needed no permission to determine the nature of his response, to the petition, once he had been given

permission to respond. The response has always been determined by the advice of the attorney retained to handle the case. Benn, however continues to argue that “the intervention on Lowenfield’s behalf at the courts remains unauthorised.”

However, in his concoction he goes on to say, “in this matter Dr Surujbally’s action of casting his deciding vote against the motion to have Lowenfield withdraw the application… to quash the elections petition is most regrettable.”

Isn’t that evidence that even if Lowenfield might not have had permission in the first instance that the Commission, by a majority vote, has since given a no objection to his action. The fact of the matter is, as was stated before, such permission was never required in the past. GECOM records can attest to my submission.

Benn seeks to relieve himself of his conflict of interest by his contention that, “it is self evident that the appointments of Benn and Shaddick as GECOM Commissioners

post-dated their presence on a list of candidates” as if to say that the list has no life or meaning after the election. They are still eligible to be extracted to fill vacancies that might arise. Their ascension to office did not result in their removal from the list, though if extracted they will be required to demit office as commissioners.

Mr Benn may well want to rethink his unfounded disposition to conflict of interest that he and his colleague find themselves in after reading the following: “The appearance of a conflict of interest is present if there is a potential for the personal interest of an individual to clash with fiduciary duties” (West’s Encyclopedia of American Law, Ed 2). It only takes the potential for the conflict interest to be determined. Benn’s conflict is manifested in his quest to have GECOM forego, according to him ‘in the interest of justice and public scrutiny’ the legal avenues available to it. But at the same

time he seeks to relieve the Petitioner of the need to prove to the court that his matter is worthy of a hearing.

My reference to the 2006 debacle when the Alliance For Change was fraudulently denied its Linden seat was intended to demonstrate the hypocrisy of Benn who remained deafeningly silent at that time in the face of illegality and injustice but now seek to jettison legitimate legal action in the interest of justice according to Benn. The petitioner has approached the court contesting the results on a number of grounds. Lowenfield has exercised his legal prerogative to challenge the sufficiency of those grounds. Let’s not be ambushed by sadness, guns and bends. I rather be GECOM’s spokesman than to engage in an enterprise of concoction, conflict of interest and hypocrisy.

Yours sincerely, Vincent Alexander GECOM Commissioner

Tax refunds still being disbursed

Dear Editor,

The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) wishes to assure the general public, more particularly the individual who penned a letter of concern in the December 3 edition of Stabroek News that fervent efforts are still being made to disburse refunds.

To the best of the GRA’s knowledge, the payment of refunds to taxpayers who for some unfortunate reason overpaid taxes at one or more tax periods, has not been averted but to a large extent

has been obfuscated by some employer who have been tardy in submitting Employers’ Return, otherwise known as a Forms 2.

Such was the case with the abovementioned individual who, the GRA recalls, first raised the concern on November 12, 2014, under the caption, Can’t Get Tax Refunds and subsequently in June of 2015 under the headline Still waiting for income tax refunds for 2012, 2013. Those concerns have certainly not fallen on deaf ears.

Records would show that the GRA promptly responded, with valid explanations on every occasion that the concerns were publicised. In the interest of a hasty resolution however, the best option would be for the GRA to contact the taxpayer’s employer to request the relevant information.

The GRA wishes to note however that it is the obligation of the Employers, as mandated under Section 93 of the Income Tax Act Ch 81:01, to submit Employers Returns (Forms 2) on or be-

fore February 28. This information would enable the GRA to reconcile with the employees’ tax returns. Assessments have shown that while some employers have been grossly negligent in this regard, other stumbling blocks have been encountered where submissions have been replete with so many inaccuracies that they further stymie efforts.

Sincerely, Guyana Revenue Authority

NY Guyanese jhandi

burning a possible hate crime

Dear Editor,

A desecrated jhandi burning attack on several GuyaneseAmerican homes in the Woodhaven section of Queens, New York on November 26 is being investigated as a possible hate crime by New York police who are looking for clues for the suspect who carried out the spiritual arson.

Street cameras showed a hooded male suspect burning Jhandis and/or gathering Jhandis (Hindu flags that are raised after a puja ceremony) taken from the yards of several Guyanese and Trini homeowners and then setting them ablaze in front of a home. The incident happened on the American Thanksgiving. New York police and community leaders have no clue what message the suspect was sending to Indians or Hindus by burning their Jhandis. Guyanese community leaders are outraged over the attacks, demanding a thorough investigation by authorities.

As in Guyana or Trinidad or Suriname, Hindus routinely have puja conducted by a Pandit at home annually. In the Caribbean and North America, the flags are mounted on bamboo. The flags are placed after a Pooja. In so doing, it identifies an Indian or Hindu household.

The pole is placed in a hole filled with milk and grain to symbolise purity; some worshippers raise up to six flags during a ceremony. All of the desecrated jhandis were fluttering in front of homes in the Woodhaven area. There are thousands of Guyanese and Trinis residing in Woodhaven that adjoins Richmond Hill and Ozone Park where tens of thousands of Indo-Caribbeans make their home.

According to police reports, the unknown suspect entered the front yard of the victims’ home late night and set fire to the flags. From a police released video, the suspect was wearing a jacket and baseball cap and carrying a travel bag. Police have released a grainy video of the incident, which shows that the suspect arrived at the scene, torched some flags, and left, then returned to the scene of the crime to set more flags on fire. Police counted some 40 flags from vari-

ous homes.

The police would not say whether it was a racially motivated incident. The ethnicity of the suspect has not been released.

Homes in Queens and Brooklyn with flags have been targeted for home invasions and robberies. Thieves target homes based on the presence of jhandis. The home of this writer was targeted two years ago in a home invasion in which the bandits carted off a large amount of cash. One bandit was seen on camera wearing a facial mask. Police have not made any progress into the crime. Police have urged Indo-Caribbeans not to place Jhandis in front of their homes.

Police detectives in the greater Richmond Hill area told this writer: “Thieves love you guys. They believe you all have a lot of gold and cash at home because you are hard working and save a lot. Your flags are a give away to the bandits to target your home”.

Murali Balaji, director of Education and Curriculum Reform at the Hindu American Foundation, has condemned the banditry perpetrated on Hindus and Indians. He said, “Any isolated anti-Hindu attack in the United States is an attack on us all”, and he added, “The centuries-old tradition of displaying jhandi flags is one that Guyanese, Trinidadian, and Surinamese Hindus have continued proudly, despite their marginalisation in the United States. Any attack on such traditions should be investigated as a hate crime.”

HAF has urged the NYPD to investigate the incident as a hate crime. Guyanese community leaders have also condemned the incident and called for active police investigation. As they pointed out, the burning of jhandis and targeting people on account of their race or religion go against the very tenets of freedom of religion. The culprit must be found and prosecuted.

The perpetrators of robberies of Indian homes are from other ethnicities and come from outside the community.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

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

Appalling conditions at the National Psychiatric Hospital

Dear Editor,

The Health Committee of Region 6 made a fact finding visit to the National Psychiatric Hospital at Fort Canje, on 19 November, and members were appalled by the unbearable and inhumane conditions under which both patients and employees struggled to exist. The Christmas season is here but these are people who time has forgotten.

A detailed and exhaustive report was prepared and submitted to the Regional Democratic Council at the last Statutory meeting with regards to these atrocious conditions and it is my fervent wish at this time that those in authority - the RDC and Ministry of Health - cease to play the blame game about who is responsible for the institution. It is time to stop shirking responsibilities and

do something tangible to alleviate the sufferings of these patients and employees.

Many of the issues raised in this report were highlighted by Public Health Minister Dr George Norton when he visited the hospital on June 3 this year.

He described the conditions as ‘disgraceful’.

In addition, the Health Committee made several other serious observations. Some of these are:

- Supplies of items in the stores are of poor and substandard quality;

- A canteen built four years ago is still inoperable;

- A heap of asbestos is in close proximity to the kitchen;

- A huge gas tank next to the kitchen is not fenced;

- There is a long delay in processing Purchase orders;

- There is an acute shortage of basic items in the kitch-

en;

- The roofs in the wards are leaking;

- The compound is flooded on a regular basis due to High tides and rainfall;

- Many doors in the wards are not working which poses serious security threat to staff;

- No fans are working in the wards;

- The staff do not have basic items such as gloves and face masks;

- There is a shortage of beds in the Female Geriatric Ward;

- Many of the toilets are not working;

- Some staff do not have access to toilets and some toilets are in a deplorable condition;

- The Laundry is in a deplorable state, even clothelines are in shortage. The nurses and staff point-

ed out that the take-home salary they receive is shameful and disgraceful - they take $43,000 and they receive a risk allowance of $450 per month! These people face serious risks from mentally ill patients in addition to a poor security system, yet they are paid just a small pittance while Dr Norton and his colleagues are getting 50-100 per cent salary increases with trained security personnel. In addition, these hard working nurses receive $15,000 per year as uniform allowance. A pair of shoes alone is $6000. Will these patients and staff see some positive changes by this Christmas?

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf Region Six Health Committee Chairman

If we do not have love, our religion is worthless

Dear Editor, I read the letter “Are Wesleyan Christians true Christians?” published on November 7 in the Kaieteur News, with disappointment and sadness. The letter written by Ganesh Mahipaul, related an incident that occurred a few weeks ago at Maria’s Pleasure, Wakenaam. This letter was a follow-up of his previous letter, “This type of religious intolerance in Guyana is dangerous”, on November 20 also published in the same newspaper.

Apparently, there was a cultural (Diwali) programme hosted by the Meer Zorg Vishwa Jotir Mandir where a 14-year-old girl from the Wesleyan church danced. Evidently, the girl was penalised by the church by being put on a 6-week ban on her from active participation. In his alleged conversation with the pastor of the church, she defended the decision by pointing out, “you cannot dine at the lord’s table and the enemy’s table at the same time”. If this is true, the pastor has grossly erred in her social and spiritual stance.

Again, this incident reminds me of how incensed

Jesus’ disciples were when they found out he wanted to dine with the ‘worst’ of sinners; they called him a glutton and wine-bibber, for a good religious person who never should have mingled with such sinful people. The disciples’ idea was that “holy” people should be in the church or synagogue; Jesus, however, had different ideas!

Christians are called to be ‘salt’ and ‘light’. What an opportunity to do so in the Hindu temple! The apostle Paul was confronted with the myriad of gods at Athens. However, instead of staying away, he was in the middle of it all – and proclaimed the love of God to the people in love.

Branding Hindus the “enemy” is not prudent in winning their admiration. As Christians, we should do what we could to win their respect and love. Consequently, they will see our “good works and glorify the Father in heaven”!

I wonder why the pastor was peeved. Was it because the girl danced, was it because she danced an Indian song, or was it because she danced at the mandir? If the girl had danced an ‘English’ song, would that have been okay?

Christians need to know that (1) God is the God of all peoples and cultures, and it is okay to dance (or sing) Indian; (2) We need to go (as we are commanded) into places that make us uncomfortable, so that we could be salt and light; and (3) We need to share the Good News of God to the peoples of the world –and “use words if necessary”!

To the young woman, I say, “Keep on dancing. Dance well, and try to perfect your skill as much as possible. (Indian!) dancing is very artistic and expressive. And let your every expression bring glory to God”. (Rina Singha, perhaps the most accomplished Indian

Christian dancer in the world, taught Indian dancing to Christians at a Wesleyan church in Guyana in 2004. Singha is a born-again, evangelical Christian, but also dances with Hindus and dances at various Hindu cultural events).

To the pastor, I say, read and re-read one hundred time the passage of 1 Cor 13, where it says that if we do not have love, our religion is worthless, and in vain.

To bhai Ganesh Mahipaul, as a Christian, I wish to express profound regret over the incident. Some day I would love to come to your Mandir, sing bhajans about Yeshu ka pyaar – (Jesus’ love), dance fervently and share the Good News of God with you as well as with the other bhaio aur baheno (brothers and sisters) of the Mandir.

Sincerely, Devanand Bhagwan

Page Foundation

BY GINGER PLOWMAN

Do you find yourself threatening, repeating your instructions, or raising your voice in an attempt to get your children to obey? Are you frustrated because nothing seems to work? It could be that faulty child-training methods have snared your line of thinking.

A quick bribe or mild threat looks appealing to a parent’s appetite for gaining control of a child, especially in a hurried situation. So, we take the bait – hook, line, and sinker. It’s not until later that we realise we’re caught in a tangled net of ineffective parenting.

We must remember that our goal is not merely to get children to outwardly obey, but to reach their hearts with the gospel of Christ. When we adopt faulty child-training methods that aim for behaviour modification only, we miss the issues of the heart and the point of biblical discipline. Here are a few pitfalls that we must guard against:

Bribing. To bribe a child into obeying is to motivate him wrongly. Bribing encourages children in selfishness, as their motive for obeying is personal gain. Bribing sounds like, “If you clean your room you can rent a movie tonight” or “If you don’t misbehave in the grocery store, you can pick out candy at the check-out counter.”

Children should be taught to obey because it is right and because it pleases God, not to get a reward. The Bible says, “Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord”. We should simply state the standard and follow through with consequences when that standard is violated.

Counting to three. As we

train our children to obey us, we are ultimately training them to obey the Lord. Do we want our children to obey God the first time, the second time, or the third time? When we count to three, we cause our children to get into the habit of delayed obedience. Delayed obedience is disobedience. Counting to three encourages them to put off obeying until absolutely necessary. We want our children to view obedience as their best option, not a choice that is put

confidence that our word is our word.

Appealing to their emotions. Parents often try to appeal to the emotions of the child by making them feel guilty. “After all I do for you, this is how you repay me,” moans the parent with a sad face. It’s easy for us to feel sorry for ourselves and think that our children “owe us” obedience. However, we want our children’s motivations for obeying to come from a heart, not from a parent

off until the last minute. Threatening. This is one of my biggest struggles in parenting. I’m so tempted to say, “If you don’t do this, then these will be the consequences.” Moms, this is how we get ourselves in a pickle. If we tell them there will be a consequence then by golly there better be one. Otherwise, we might cause them to question our word. A woman of integrity says what she means and means what she says. If we cry wolf too many times, we will eventually lose our effectiveness as well as the respect of our children. Our children need to have

inflicted guilt trip. Reasoning with small children. Parents should avoid trying to talk their children into obedience. Reasoning with small children erases the line of authority between the parent and the child, and places the parent in a position of being out smarted! We should avoid statements like, “Are you ready to go to bed?” and “Don’t you think you should brush your teeth?” and “Why don’t we pick up the toys before lunch?”

Asking the child if he would like to do something places him on a peer level with the parent. The parent who tries to reason with her child usually ends up

frustrated, and the child usually ends up disrespecting her authority by arguing rather than obeying. Sometimes I wonder if it might be beneficial for us to play a recording of “I am the parent, I am the parent, I am the parent” over and over in order to brainwash us into acting like it!

Repeating or going back on instructions. In studying some the most of admirable and successful generals of our country, I have found that they all had one thing in common: they were certain of their commands before they issued them. Soldiers do not respect or respond well to an uncertain and inconsistent leader.

When mom issues halfhearted commands to her children and doesn’t require her children to follow through immediately, she sends them mixed signals. Not only will this sort of leadership earn Mom the “most wishy-washy in command” medal, but it will also cause her children to question their own positions in the family. They will become uncertain of when and how to respond to Mom’s instructions. This can lead to insecure children who are unsure of their own actions. However, when we lead our “troops” with confidence, they find security and stability in their call to obedience.

We should never issue a warning or command without following it through. This rule of thumb requires that we think before we speak. In Matthew we are told, “Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one” (Matthew 5:37). We should try not to say “yes” or “no” to something until we are sure that it is our definite answer. (www1.cbn.com)

(Continued from Thursday)

BY AMY MORIN

4. Shape behaviour one step at a time

Self-discipline is a process that takes years to hone and refine. Use age-appropriate discipline strategies to shape behaviour one step at a time. Instead of expecting a six-yearold to suddenly be able to do his entire morning routine without any reminders, use a picture chart on the wall that depicts someone combing their hair, brushing their teeth, and getting dressed. You can even take pictures of your child doing these activities and create your own chart.

When necessary, provide reminders to your child to look at the chart until he is able to look at the chart and do each task on his own. Eventually, he’ll need less reminders and won’t require the chart as his self-discipline improves.

5. Praise

Give children lots of positive attention and praise when they show selfdiscipline. If a child asks for help instead of hitting his brother, say, “You made a really good choice to ask for help.” Sometimes good behaviour goes unnoticed and giving children praise for making good choices increases the likelihood that they’ll repeat that behaviour.

Provide praise when

children do things without requiring reminders. Say, “Great job sitting down to do your homework before I even told you to!” or “I’m so proud that you chose to clean your room today all on your own.” Even saying, “Great job putting your dish in the sink when you were done eating,” can go a long way to encourage a repeat performance.

6. Teach problemsolving skills

Teach problem-solving skills and work together to problem-solve specific issues related to self-discipline. Sometimes, asking children what they think would be helpful can be an eye opening experience that can lead to creative solutions.

Sometimes there are easy solutions to problems. A child who struggles to get dressed in time for school may benefit from having her outfit picked out the night before. Or maybe setting a timer for five minutes can keep her on task. More complex problems may require a series of trial and error type interventions. A teenager who isn’t getting his homework done may need several changes before he becomes more motivated to get his work done on his own. Try removing a privilege. If that doesn’t work, try having him stay after school to see if he can get it done before he comes home. Keep trying different solutions until you can find something that works while keeping him involved in the process.

7. Model self-discipline

Children learn the most by watching what you do. If they see you procrastinating or choosing to watch TV instead of doing the dishes, they’ll pick up on your habits. Model appropriate behaviour by showing children how to stay on task, manage their anger, and make healthy choices.

8. Rewards

A reward system can be a great way to target specific problems with self-discipline. A preschooler who struggles to stay in his own bed at night may benefit from a sticker chart to motivate him. An older child who struggles to do his homework on time and get his chores done may benefit from a token economy system.

Reward systems should be short-term. Parents can phase them out as children begin mastering these skills. There are plenty of rewards that don’t cost money and parents can use privileges, electronics time, to help motivate children to behave responsibly. (discipline.about.com)

Office of the Leader of the Opposition

Teixeira, Harmon to discuss outstanding assets – Jagdeo Isseneru conflict

BY EDWARD LAYNE

More than six months after assuming office, the Government is still to hand over all the assets President David Granger used in his office when he was Leader of the Opposition, which has been preventing new Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo from occupying this office.

The now Opposition People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), through its Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira, has been in a relentless struggle to recover significant assets, including 15 laptop computers, which were assigned to Granger’s office.

At a meeting with President Granger on Wednesday, Jagdeo raised these hurdles that have been barring him from occupying his constitutional office.

“The President asked me also whether we had moved, settled in at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition and I have said to him that I have not spoken much about the matter, but the assets that are in Parliament’s register belonging to the Leader of the Opposition office – a significant amount of those assets were not handed over... we don’t know where they are,” Jagdeo told a news conference at the PPP/C Robb Street, Georgetown headquarters on Wednesday.

Jagdeo said he informed

the President that the Opposition was not requesting any additional assets, but those that were used by him (Granger) as Leader of the Opposition.

“We are not requesting anything new, any addition, but just what was there in the Leader of the Opposition Office. I pointed out how Ministers were given their days to submit their computers and now it has been six months since these computers… some 15 of them that have been used in the Opposition Leader’s office –we are yet to receive them,” Jagdeo explained.

The Opposition Leader said he was informed that some people from the former PPP/C Government were still to return their computers; however, this claim was rejected by former Ministers and other top officials who were part of the PPP/C Administration.

“I have asked them for a list of people who had not submitted their computers in and if I receive it from them, once it’s accurate, I will then share it with the press,” he said.

Jagdeo advised that he and the President agreed that Teixeira and Harmon would meet to sort out these issues so that the Office of the Leader of the Opposition could become fully functional soon.

Last month, Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs confirmed to Guyana Times that Harmon refused to hand over the computers because they may contain sensitive information.

Isaacs had also revealed that the Parliament Office would have to purchase new computers for the Office of the Leader of the Opposition from that Office’s meagre $3 million Capital Budget for 2015.

Battle between dredge owner, residents continues

Polluted drinking water and having to constantly hear the piercing buzz of a nearby dredge operation, are just a few of the elements added to the annoyance and discomfort of residents of Isseneru, Region Seven (Cuyuni- Mazaruni).

For quite some time now, Isseneru villagers have been bitterly complaining of the excessive noise and water pollution in their small village which severely complicates basic daily duties, such as cooking, bathing, washing laundry, among others. Additionally, children are often distracted from focusing on their studies and the elderly sit in agony as the noise from the dredge echoes through the village.

Region Seven Regional Chairman Gordon Bradford told Guyana Times that he

received several complaints from the residents and decided to visit the community to investigate the situation.

Indeed, upon arrival into the community, Bradford lamented the circumstances which the residents have to

endure every day.

“The dredge is in the Mazaruni River, operating directly in front of the village,” he remarked.

Guyana Times understands that the miner, Suresh Ramkissoon, has every right to operate at the location. According to reports, the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners’ Association (GGDMA) ruled that the Mazaruni River is not a part of the village therefore, the residents’ protest are unjustified. The GGDMA posited that the miner is operating legally and has been doing so for several years. The Association noted also that the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) had recently inspected his operation and no violation was found.

friday, december 11, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com

Husband slapped with murder charge

Vishnu Narine, 28, a fish vendor of Onderneeming Sand Pit, Region Two (PomeroonSupernaam) was on Thursday remanded to prison when he appeared before Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Suddie Magistrate’s Court charged with the murder of his wife.

It is alleged that on November 28, 2015 at Paradise, Essequibo Coast, he murdered Malini Narine called "Shalini".

The police report stated that the couple were involved in an argument during which Narine reportedly stabbed his wife about her body. According to the police, after allegedly stabbing his wife, Narine reported-

Young adult fined $5000 for urinating

on fence

Ayoung adult was on Thursday fined $5000 by Magistrate Alex Moore when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged with indecent exposure in a public place.

Devendra Sukhai, 18, of West Coast Demerara (WCD) accepted the charge which stated that on 21 November at the Fire Station compound at Stabroek Market Square, in a public place, he indecently exposed his genitals.

After the charge was read, Sukhai told the court that on the day in question, he was imbibing in that vicinity and urinated on a nearby fence.

He stated he was under the influence and his inhibitions were lowered, lead-

ing him to relieving himself on the fence nearby to the fire station. He related he was approached by a female City Constable who told him of the offence and took him into custody.

The Magistrate stated that upon reviewing that charge, he came to the conclusion that the young man was slapped with the wrong charge. The charge he was appearing for falls under the Sexual Offences Act, whereas he did not expose himself in a sexually mischievous way. As such, he should have been charged with urinating in public.

The Magistrate reprimanded the defendant and sentenced him to pay a fine of $5000.

ly turned the knife on himself and cut his throat in an attempt to take his life. Narine was hospitalised

for several weeks in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Suddie Public Hospital and was later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital under police guard. In court on Thursday, Narine seemed clam when the charge was read to him.

He had suture marks to his neck and when Magistrate Scarce asked him if he could speak he replied ‘yes’. He was unrepresented in court. The case will continue on January 8.

Meanwhile, the autopsy on the slain woman revealed she died as a result of multiple incise wounds.

3 before court for fighting

Three persons were on Friday placed on bail by Magistrate Faith McGusty after they appeared before her at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on cross charges for assault.

Twenty-eight-year-old Quincy Trotman, a mason of Lot 84 Roxanne Burnham Gardens, Georgetown; Nikita Lawson; and 35-yearold Angelo Ashby, a security guard of Lot 4608 Roxanne Burnham Gardens, were brought to court on offences inclusive of assault and damage of property.

Trotman denied the allegations which were read to him. The first charge stated that on December 9 at Roxanne Burnham Gardens, he damaged one denture valued $4000, property of the

Virtual Complainant (VC) Nikita Lawson and the other stating that he unlawfully wounded him on the same occasion.

Lawson was also made to answer a charge, which stated that on the same, he assaulted Angelo Ashby. He denied this allegation and Ashby also denied the charge which read that he assaulted Lawson.

Lawson alleged that he was walking pass Trotman when he called him a derogatory term. He related that he warned Trotman who in response pointed his finger in his face.

Both Lawson and Ashby were released on $10,000 bail, while Trotman was released on $25,000 bail.

The trio will return to court on January 12.

Eyew tness

Money…

…and laundering

The UK (and the US) have pledged to help the government crack down on money laundering here.

This is, of course, all part of that worldwide effort to cut off the illegal sources of those monies and also illegal activities they might be funding. All well and good. And this Eyewitness’ darned pleased though the old “special relationship” ain’t worth a bucket of warm spit to declare war and suchlike , it’s still observed when it comes to us natives.

Trouble is, when the folks who’re responsible for monitoring money laundering talk about these matters, THE UK ALWAYS POPS UP AS ONE OF THE BIGGEST LAUNDRY IN THE MONEY WASHING GAME! It’s not that your Eyewitness isn’t grateful and all that for the help to be extended, but wouldn’t that help be more credible if the Brits showed us they knew what they were doing? Physician heal they self and all that!

Lest you, dear reader, think your humble Eyewitness harbours some residual colonial angst against our old Mother Country, he’ll cut and paste some examples from her own press. These were some recent headlines:

“Britain’s FBI’ probes corrupt use of UK shell companies in £13 billion laundering scam (The Independent, October 2014). Russian businessman held over $46 billion money laundering scheme (Business New Europe, November 2015) Financials ‘at risk’ of money-laundering, ‘Dirty cash’ floods UK property market

One staid paper pointed out: “In 2014 specialists from Transparency International coldly surveyed the lunatic sprawl of the UK AML plan in its entirety and concluded: “The UK’s current system of AML is not fit for purpose…” Not exactly a ringing endorsement for some who’ve been hitting us over the head something fierce to pass our own AML/CTF, wot?

According to a new report from the British National Risk Assessment of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing: “There are known professional enablers within the legal sector who are facilitating money laundering through the purchase of property with criminal proceeds, and the creation of complex corporate structures and offshore vehicles to conceal the ownership and facilitate the movement of criminal assets.”

While referring to the true amount of corrupt money moving through the UK as ‘an intelligence gap’, the report observed: “Some non-governmental organisations estimate that between £23 BILLION-£57 BILLION is laundered within and through the UK each year. The National Crime Agency assesses that hundreds of billions of dollars are laundered through UK banks and their subsidiaries each year.”

The report warned that the country’s banking, accountancy and legal services sectors were at a high risk of exposure to handling corrupt money.

But then again, they do say the best crooks make the best policemen, no?

…as “mother’s milk” for AFC

Yesterday, your Eyewitness commented on the nasty brawl that’s broken out between some ex-overseas members of the AFC and its leader, Khemraj Ramjattan. It all stemmed from one big moneybags fella elbowing out the foot soldiers because of that thing that makes the world go around: money!

Sasenarine Singh, one of the biggest cheerleaders of the supposedly “multiracial” party that was gonna solve Guyana’s political fracture complained bitterly: “The AFC today is no longer the AFC as was formed. Mr Ramjattan has told me in no uncertain terms that if he has to make a choice between money and a member, he will choose money since money is the mother’s milk of a political party.”

For his part, Ramjattan didn’t yell at our reporter as he was wont to do, “Haul yuh ass!” but said curtly, “I don’t deal with former members, I don’t respond to former members who are making allegations.” He didn’t mention that he’d asked the “former members” to form a new group after moneybags arbitrarily made them “ex”.

He also didn’t say, he’d criticised the PPP bitterly complaining he wasn’t allowed to voice disagreements as a member.

…for green economy

President Granger criticised Jagdeo’s LCDS for focusing too much on securing money for Guyana. He sniffed he would focus on building “a green economy”

So what’s with Trotman signing on for a $300,000 grant from Green Climate Fund?

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

Govt criticised for capping Jagdeo, Ramotar benefits

– Hinds says move to the courts “right”, questions legality

Former Prime Minister Samuel Hinds has chastised government for its move to cap the benefits of former Presidents Bharat Jagdeo and Donald Ramotar, even as he supports their moves to file legal action.

The former Prime Minister, who also served as President at one time, told Guyana Times that government must answer the question whether it was legal for it to take away these rights and benefits.

He said the argument is not whether the benefits can or cannot be capped, but whether government has that right to take the rights away with a subsequent law.

Hinds is exempt from the effects of the new law since his case is different from the two former leaders, as he served briefly as President following the death of former President Dr Cheddi Jagan in 1997. He said how-

Battle between...

On the other hand, Isseneru residents refuse to be defeated. According to the Regional Chairman, the residents are questioning the competency of the authority which would permit the continued operation of the water dredge which is not only disturbing to villagers but can cause huge environmental damages, health problems and perhaps even loss of life.

In a letter to the Editor, the villager contended that this is a serious issue which needs to be urgently addressed. They also high-

from page 7

lighted that it is a violation of their rights under Section 48 (1) of the Amerindian Act and section 112 of the Mining Act since no consultations were held with the GGMC, the dredge owner and the Isseneru Village Council.

“This is also a violation of Isseneru’s rights under GGMC and the mining operation must be held accountable for this ‘disastrous situation’ should any environmental or human disaster occur,” an excerpt from the letter read.

ever he rallies round the two former leaders as such a government move could be unlawful.

Former Presidents Bharrat Jagdeo and Donald Ramotar have filed lawsuits against the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) government challenging the legality and retroactivity of the Former Presidents Benefits legislation which was passed by the National Assembly and enacted by government.

While the separate Notices of Motion, which were filed since 11 November, did not state any specific figures, they are seeking several declarations and orders as it relates to the monies being paid over.

The Bill in question was passed on 9 July in the absence of the PPP/C parliamentarians, who had re-

fused to take up their seats, and was assented to shortly after by President David Granger.

The new Former Presidents (Benefits and Other Facilities) Act has resulted in allowances allocated for water, telephone and electricity being capped by almost $300,000, that is, to $75,000 respectively.

It also outlined that all benefits and facilities granted are subject to taxation.

However, in the legal documents filed by the two former Presidents, it is stated the new law was unconstitutional and could not be applied to them as former Presidents since they were in office before it was enacted.

As such, both Jagdeo and Ramotar are asking the court to grant an order declaring same.

Some $38 million was approved by Cabinet for the establishment of stables for horses which are now being used to aid in the country’s crime-fighting strategies.

Government recently reintroduced the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Mounted Branch in Lethem, Region

Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) with the aim of enhancing the operational capability and capacity building of the Police Force. State Minister Joseph Harmon announced at a press briefing that Government would be moving to construct the necessary facilities to care for the horses.

PM still to occupy official residence – multimillion-dollar “merry mansion” repairs continue

The year 2015 may end and minor repairs which started over six months ago at the official residence of Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo are yet to be completed resulting in him having to use his private residence may be until next year.

To date the APNU+AFC government has approved in excess of $29 million towards these renovation works after Nagamootoo had refused occupy the State residence, saying it was unfit for inhabitancy and would only move in after it is upgraded.

Shortly after, the administration had initially estimated the cost of rehabilitation works to be some $18 million, but subsequently a contact was approved to the value of $29,328,078 and was awarded to contractor Ivor Allen.

Meanwhile, ‘upgrades’ and other types of renovation works are still ongoing at the official PM residence and it is unclear at this time when the works will be completed or when Nagamootoo will be moving into the house.

Director of Public Information Imran Khan on Thursday told Guyana Times he is unaware as to when the PM would be moving into the multi-million dollar-repaired residence.

“We won’t be able to say. We have to await the com-

To date the APNU+AFC government has approved in excess of $29 million towards renovation works on the Prime Minister's

pletion of works… as far as I’m aware, yes, (works are still ongoing),” Khan stated. It must be reminded that the $29 million will be added to the $20 million for the Office of the Prime Minister, a $22 million duty-free land cruiser, over $10 million in furniture for the residence, salaries over $1.7 million retrospective to July, 2015 and a pension, even if he is to retire tomorrow, that will be higher than the pension enjoyed by any former Presidents, much less past

Prime Ministers. Guyana Times understands the scope of works to be done at the official residence of the PM include roofing and sheeting, external and internal carpentry works, tiling, plumping, electrical, painting, and lacquering, as well as other preliminary works.

Earlier upon awarding of the contract, a source close to the project had told this newspaper the works listed to be done are only to fix basic damages to the

building and that additional works will be done under Capital Expense.

According to the source, the Public Infrastructure Ministry was working closely with the National Trust of Guyana to carry out the works, since the residence is a national heritage building.

The engineer explained that external carpentry works include extensive repairs to the northern part of the building and on the tower, which leaks, as well as the shutters around the building.

As it relates to works inside the building, due to the fact that it is old, a lot of repairs need to be done, especially to the walls, the specialist stated.

Other internal works include tiling the bathroom area as well as plumbing. He stated there was some seepage in the bathrooms that caused damages to the tiles. The engineer had added that repairs would have to be done in the main bathroom which had leakage problems while the galvanized piping from the other bathrooms will be replaced.

It should also be reminded that when the APNU+AFC government had published the invitation for tender, over 20 companies had applied to carry out works on the official residence of the PM. (kristenm@guyanatimesgy.com)

Sonia Noel Foundation hosts blood drive

The Sonia Noel Foundation for the Creative Arts in collaboration with the Public Health Ministry on Thursday hosted a blood drive at the Waterchris Hotel in Georgetown.

Guyanese fashion designer Sonia Noel, who donated blood for the first time at the event, stated that this is the “perfect time” of year to host such an event, since it is a time when persons feel “freer to give”.

“What better gift to give someone than the gift of life because you just don’t know when you give that one pint of blood, how many lives it’s going to save. It might be yours or it might be a family member,” she stated

She emphasised that donating blood is not only healthy and a great gesture,

but it also benefits society. “This is something that can benefit our society because we need to be healthier. We shouldn’t as Guyanese allow our Blood Bank to go down to a certain level. There should always be an adequate supply of blood,” she stressed. While encouraging the general public to always give back, Noel asserted that the blood drive is definitely something she would like to be a part of on an annual basis.

Blood is always needed to meet the medical demands of the country and the Public Health Ministry continues to encourage work places, schools, churches and other organisations and agencies to come on board to ensure that there is always an adequate supply of blood.

Landing of military aircraft in Region 7

Guyana rejects Venezuela’s explanation

...deliberately landed in Guyana – Harmon

inister of State

MJoseph Harmon refuses to accept the explanation given by Venezuelan authorities after one of its military aircraft landed in Kaikan, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) on December 3.

Updating journalists at a press conference on Thursday, Harmon said he strongly believes that the authorities of the Bolivarian Republic are being deceitful when they claimed the helicopter mistakenly landed in Guyana.

Harmon said he is not buying that explanation, noting that it is unacceptable for trained Venezuelan military men to be unaware of their coordinates and to make such a big blunder.

“Sometimes you can actually say these things happen because when you are flying across jungle territory, sometimes the definition of the border is not clear… but we cannot accept this explanation because a Venezuelan military pilot must know where he is going, he must see that this is not Venezuelan terri-

tory. I can understand maybe if it was a civilian aircraft and it was disoriented, but we cannot accept that to be a mistake,” Harmon posited.

He noted that the Government of Guyana has already written the Venezuelan authorities expressing their views on the incident. Additionally, Guyana also wrote the United Nations about this violation.

Chief-of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Brigadier Mark Phillips was immediately contacted after the incident occurred. Initial reports indicated that armed

Venezuelan military personnel disembarked the aircraft, engaged in conversation with two villagers and after realising they were in Guyana, retreated to their aircraft and left Guyana.

This development comes at a time when diplomatic relations between the two countries are strained, following the revival of the century-old dispute of Venezuelan’s claim to nearly half of Guyana’s territory. This renewed controversy came about after US-oil giant ExxonMobil declared significant oil find in Guyana’s maritime territory.

Notably, tensions are also high in Venezuela.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who is culpable for revitalising the border controversy, recently lost the parliamentary elections to the Democratic Unity Roundtable Opposition. He subsequently asked the members of his Government to resign in order to restructure the G Waterchris overnment follow the massive defeat.

(devinas@guyanatimesgy. com)

Another miner killed as pit collapses –

GGMC calls for safe mining practices

Another mining accident on Thursday claimed the life of a miner at White Hole/Red Hole area near Mahdia, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).

Dead is Terrence Lobert, 47, of Eccles, East Bank Demerara.

Reports reaching this newspaper stated the man was buried alive at about 09:30h after the walls of the pit he was working in collapsed. Guyana Times understands it took his colleagues over three hours to dig him out. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the Mahdia Hospital.

Though not much information could be provided on the matter from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), or the police, GGMC in a release stated that while its officers on the ground are ascertaining the facts, mobilisation of officials from other relevant agencies is being mobilised.

GGMC further stated that the area where the accident occurred was among those targeted for inspection during the post Mowasi accident response, when operators/operations were educated on safety issues, encouraged to adopt a safety

culture and regulatory compliance was enforced where determined to be necessary.

This accident follows on the heels of several publications on mines safety in the weekend print media and on GGMC’s weekly radio programme.

The GGMC is once again calling on all miners to be cautious and aware of the typical hazards in mining and to follow mining and safety regulations to bring an end to these unnecessary accidents.

So far for this year, there have been over 25 miningrelated deaths.

Tourism Ministry gets new Director General

Donald Sinclair has been appointed Director General of the Tourism Ministry. He assumed duties on October 1.

Sinclair was previously employed as Director at the Suriname College of Hospitality and Tourism.

He also served as Special Assistant to the former Tourism Minister Michael Shree Chan, now deceased and the GTA Executive Director under Tourism Minister Manzoor Nadir.

DEA support integral in narcotics fight – Ramjattan

By Akeem Greene

Public Security Minister

Khemraj Ramjattan

has underscored the importance of having the support of the United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) in Guyana’s fight against the drug trade.

Speaking with Guyana Times on Thursday, Ramjattan said the DEA’s support is “very integral”, noting that the networking that will be provided will be vital, in addition to the assistance that will help in the reduction of “corrupt officers.”

The Public Security Minister is adamant the partnership will aid in the narcotics unit finding more “officers of integrity as against those who would sell information to major drug lords”.

He noted the criteria for applying to the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit will remain the same, adding that applicants will undergo a “vetting process.”

That vetting process the Minister said, will include background checks; medical and psychological fitness tests; polygraph and random drug testing, which are all key components of the partnership with the DEA.

As “Operation Dragnet” intensifies, the minister was questioned about the increased security presence at Guyana’s borders, to which he stated border controls will be manned by police and soldiers.

“CANU will operate in

mostly populated areas of travel such as the airports and the wharves,’ the minister said.

He was however tightlipped about the details of narcotics unit operations, but said there are plans to have this unit established in several interior locations in January.

Minister Ramjattan, and US Ambassador Perry Halloway on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regarding the operation of a vetted counter-narcotics investigative unit programme. The programme is intended to ensure better investigations and interdictions, and to prosecute and dismantle high-value targets in narcotrafficking networks.

The local DEA office will be receiving support from the DEA office in Trinidad and Tobago, which is the regional office responsible for the southern part of the Caribbean.

US Embassy commissions Le Ressouvenir warehouse

The United States Embassy on Thursday commissioned a state-of-the-art multipurpose warehouse facility at Le Ressouvneir, East Coast Demerara.

Back in December 2013, the US Government signed an agreement with local construction company Toolsie Persaud Limited, to design and build the facility. After two years of perseverance, planning and lots of hard work, the facility has been completed to the satisfaction and specification of the US Government.

At the simple opening ceremony on Thursday, US Ambassador to Guyana Perry Holloway said the warehouse will be a home away from home for the 20+ facilities staff members and six warehouse men.

Additionally, he disclosed that the facility will also act as an alternative command centre in the case of emergencies.

“It is fully equipped with a secure area, in the event of an emergency like we experienced in 2005 with widespread flooding that includes two large bathrooms, showers, and lockers for storage. We will have food and water shortage facility so we would be ready for any emergency,” Holloway noted.

The Ambassador went on to say that the warehouse will also serve the entire US Mission with all of its agencies. It has separate compartmentalised storage rooms for each agency’s use. In addition, he detailed that

there is a facility shop, along with electrical and plumbing shops for their staff, who are currently working in borrowed space.

Ambassador Holloway further commended the contracting company for strictly adhering to the standard required by his Government.

In response, the Head of Toolsie Persaud Limited said that the standards with which the warehouse was built, far exceeds the local building code. Nevertheless, he is pleased that they were able to satisfy the requirements of the US.

“We have constructed

this building to all stipulations and specifications required by the United States Embassy and we are sure they are fully satisfied with the works we have executed and extended all additions to the scope of works, all the changes to the specifications and all the high standards and quality of works required,” he stated.

Persaud concluded his brief remarks by saying that he is looking forward to strengthening the partnership between his company and the US through the Embassy.

The multipurpose facili-

ty has approximately 10,400 square feet of usable space (965 square meters) and is built four feet above ground level.

The warehouse has two main loading docks up front and three smaller loading docks on the side for facilities shops. It can store 6x40foot containers inside the compound along with 10 parking spots.

All the electrical cables used in the facility were imported from abroad meeting US standards, and it has 3 Phase Power installed by the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Company Limited.

Pension fund audit:

Assessment to be completed by month-end

Government is hoping to have the final report of an investigation into the Pension Fund completed by this monthend.

Finance Minister Winston Jordan during his budget presentation back in August had announced government was seeking to have an investigation launched into the operations of the Pension Fund.

However on Thursday the Finance Ministry told Guyana Times that the audit, which was undertaken by Nizam Ali and Company Limited, is expected to be completed by December 31. The contract was signed on July 23 and

costs some $2.2 million. Government, through the audit, is seeking to examine the operations of the fund, which it believes is flawed.

During the 9th Parliament, former Alliance for Change executive member, the late Sheila Holder had said something was amiss with the soaring number of senior citizens who were receiving old age pensions.

She had accused the then People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) government of diverting the Pension Fund toward public spending, noting there was at the time a spike in the number of old age

Mat thief fined

Two men were on Thursday brought before Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer to charges of breaking and entering and larceny. It is alleged that Mervin Agar, a 20-year-old labourer of Queen Street, South Cummingsburg, Georgetown, and Sherwyn Gill, a 48-yearold labourer of North East La Penitence, Georgetown, stole the items between December 5 and December 7 at Main Street, Georgetown. The prosecution contended that the men broke and entered Kissoon’s Furniture Store and stole three small foot mats valued $2000 and one large foot mat valued $600, all to a total value of $2,600; the property of Hemraj Kissoon.

Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones told the court that a security guard on duty at the Main Street store noticed the two accused in the compound at about 07:00h on December 7.

He raised an alarm and the two men were intercepted with the mats.

Attorney Paul Fung-A-Fat who represented Agar related that his client has no knowledge of the offence. He stated that the young man was walking pass the empty lot next to Kissoon’s when “nature called”. He reportedly went to the fence to urinate when he heard gunshots. He was subsequently arrested and taken into custody.

The Attorney informed the court that the other accused,

Sherwyn Gill

Gill, had told Police Officers that his client was not involved in the offence.

Gill, who accepted full responsibility for the crime, related that he was walking pass the premise when he saw a black plastic bag with the items. He said that he picked it up and took it into his possession, and when he later saw Agar, whom he has known for a number of years, he called him to show the items to him.

“He (Agar) ain’t do nothing,” the man told the court. However, Prosecutor Jones refuted the man’s story saying that there was a large cut to the tarpaulin walls of the Kissoon’s outlet, from which the two allegedly entered the store.

Gill was fined $20,000 or an alternative of four weeks in prison while Agar was granted bail in the sum of $10,000. Agar will return to court on January 11.

GRA donates 59 televisions to Education Ministry

– TVs were seized during anti-smuggling operation

Tpensioners and a consequent increase in government expenditure in that area.

She recorded that there were some 17,640 of what she described as “phantom pensioners”, and said the monthly haemorrhage from the Old Age Pension fund was over $116 million or $1.3 billion annually.

Then Social Service Minister Priya Manickchand had refuted the claim by Holder, pointing out that there were reasonable causes for the increase in the number of old age pensioners in recent years.

Jordan told the National Assembly in August that the new administration had undertaken a forensic audit of the old age pension system, with a view to determining the accuracy of the register of pensioners.

Government launched the investigation days before it increased the old age pension from $13,175 to $17,000.

he Education Ministry was given a boost to its capacity to broadcast educational programme in classrooms when the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) handed over 59 television sets to the Ministry on Thursday.

Commissioner General of the GRA Khurshid Sattaur handed over the 21-inch Westinghouse television sets to the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Delma Nedd, in the presence of Chief Education Officer Olato Sam and Assistant Chief Education Officer Baydewan Rambarran. The ceremony was held at the GRA’s Camp Street Headquarters.

The donation was in keeping with the GRA’s corporate social responsibility, which Sattaur noted is keen on assisting with, but not limited to, educational programmes that require the use of audio and video materials.

It should be noted that the acquisition of the television sets was as a result of the successful efforts by the GRA’s Law Enforcement and Investigation Division’s (LEID’s) anti-smuggling activities. Under these circumstanc-

es, the Commissioner General is empowered to use his discretion while disposing of assets in the best suitable manner.

“It is hoped that the use of this medium to educate students and teachers alike will be highly appreciated,” Sattaur stated.

A list of the schools that will be receiving the TV sets has already been prepared according to the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary. Included on the list are schools in some remote areas.

“With the donation of 59 television sets from the GRA, more of our students will be

able to access our Guyana Learning Channel... when we heard about the donation, we already put together names of schools,” Nedd explained. Asked whether consideration will be given for a slot on the learning channel to incorporate tax education, the Chief Education Officer in an invited comment concurred since he believes such a broadcast will be appropriate for students who pursue studies in accounting and business management. In 2010, a total of 15 TV sets where donated by the GRA to the Education Ministry though a similar arrangement.

St Vincent and the Grenadines 2015 elections

Ralph Gonsalves secures 4th victory at polls

– makes history as frenzy erupts amid supporters

The ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP), led by Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, retained its slim majority of eight seats to the New Democratic Party (NDP) Opposition’s seven in General Elections held in St Vincent and the Grenadines on Wednesday.

However, the ULP has called for a recount in the North Leeward and South Leeward constituencies, both of which were won by the NDP.

“I am humbled and honoured that the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines

Re-elected: Dr Ralph Gonsalves

embraced our bold vision for the future and rejected the politics of hate,” Gonsalves said.

“We are looking into various issues in North Leeward

and South Leeward and we are also calling for an immediate recount to ensure that all the votes are counted in those constituencies. There are more rejected ballots

than the margin and those ballots should be examined closely to determine the intent of the voters,” he noted.

In South Leeward, the NDP’s Nigel Stephenson kept his seat, winning 119 votes more than the ULP’s Jomo Thomas who secured 2619 votes, while in North Leeward, the NDP’s Roland Matthews got 2259 votes, beating newcomer Carlos James of the ULP by just seven votes.

The Leader of the Opposition, Arnhim Eustace won his seat against the ULP candidate Luke Brown

by fewer than 50 votes.

Eustace said on local radio that many irregularities took place in his constituency of East Kingstown, including illegal voting, and contradictory voters list to agents.

Gonsalves called for national unity to address developmental challenges and move forward.

“We ask Vincentians to celebrate this victory in peace and maturity. Now is the time to come together as one nation to address our developmental challenges and move forward to uplift

South Ruimveldt shooting

our nation and its people,” he said.

Gonsalves’ son, Camillo Gonsalves, contested an election for the first time and defeated the NDP’s Linton Lewis, who is the opposition party’s chairman. He got 3124 votes to Lewis’ 2521 votes in the East St George constituency.

Also contesting the election, but making no real impact were the Democratic Republican Party (DRP) and the St Vincent and the Grenadines Green Party (SVGP). (Caribbean News Now! and Caribbean360)

Dead bandit had criminal record – mother

The mother of 21-yearold Edgar Blackman, who was killed Wednesday morning by the Police following a robbery at South Ruimveldt Park, Georgetown, has admitted that the young man had a criminal record.

In an interview with Guyana Times on Thursday, the grieving mother, Dian Blackman, was still trying to come to grips with the fact that her son was killed. She recalled last seeing her eldest of seven children alive on Tuesday before having to identify his blood-covered body the following day.

Blackman and 22-yearold Sherwin James, both of Tucville, Georgetown, were shot dead by the Police early Wednesday morning after robbing a South Ruimveldt resident.

However, while maintaining that she was not aware that her eldest son was involved in any illegal activity, the grieving mother disclosed that the young man was previously convicted. She told this newspaper that earlier this year, the Police had taken her son into custody without saying in relation to what.

“They just come and carry he away, and he happen to like escape from them and they get he back. He ended up going to court and had to serve three months at Camp Street (Prison),” the woman revealed.

She nonetheless claimed that the young man was wanted for robbery, but, after he made several appearances in court, the charges against him, including escaping from lawful custody, were dismissed and he was released.

However, Police sources have confirmed that the 21-year-old had a burglary matter and escaping from

lawful custody matter pending in the courts.

Blackman’s mother said after his release from prison in April, her eldest son had assured her that he would not get into any more trouble and seemed to have turned his life around.

She said on Tuesday when she returned home, Edgar was not there and she was told by her younger children that he came, showered and left again. The woman said she was also told that he was at his girlfriend’s house, so she was not worried when he did not come home that night.

“The next morning one of he good friends call and say he hear they had a shootout in South (Ruimveldt) at Kaikan Street and some boys saying that is Edgar from Tucville. So he tell me that he ain’t certain, but I must call he phone just to make sure. When I call, it keep going to voice mail and it ain’t getting no answer,” the woman related.

Sometime later, her neighbour’s daughter, who is a nurse, called and said two persons were shot, but she could not recognise their faces, since there was a lot of blood.

The 41-year-old woman

said after checking at several funeral parlours, she went to the Georgetown Public Hospital Mortuary where she identified Blackman’s body.

The dead man’s mother said she was told that her son had surrendered.

“I feel very bad and upset to know that even though he surrendered, they still shoot he. They shouldn’t have done it,” she lamented.

Furthermore, she pointed out that from the bits of information she had gathered, her son was unarmed at the time and could not have been a threat to the Police.

However, she did admit that she had no idea what really happened. “I can’t say for sure … he never really talk about anything in front of me or had any weapons or so, so I don’t know,” Dian Blackman said, shaking her head lightly.

According to reports, Police responded to reports of a robbery in progress at the Pioneer Lane, South Ruimveldt Park home of Arlene Mc Lean around 04:00h on Wednesday.

Four men, three of whom were armed with firearms, had broken into the home and held up Mc Lean and her sister, Ann, during which time they took a sum of cash and a cell phone. On arrival at the scene, Police came under fire from the perpetrators who were escaping at the time. The Police managed to pursue the men into a yard at Reliance Place, South Ruimveldt Park. An exchange of gunfire continued as the men hid behind a black water tank.

During the armed confrontation, James and Blackman were killed, while their accomplices escaped. The Police are yet to arrest the other suspects.

Syrian conflict: Opposition agrees framework for peace talks

Ameeting of Syrian Opposition politicians and rebels in Riyadh has produced a statement of principles to guide peace talks with the Government.

The statement calls for the creation of “a pluralistic regime that represents all sectors of the Syrian people”, according to the Reuters news agency.

It also stresses that President Bashar al-Assad and his aides can play no part in any transitional period.

Earlier, the powerful rebel group Ahrar al-Sham withdrew from the conference.

It cited the “main role” Syria-based Opposition figures tolerated by President Bashar al-Assad Government had been given in a proposed leadership group.

World powers want negotiations between a unified Opposition delegation and Assad’s Government on a political solution to the four-

The National Coordination Committee says President Assad’s fate should be decided by Syrians

and-a-half-year conflict to start by January 1.

The two-day conference in the Saudi capital brought together representatives of the main Western-backed political Opposition alliance, the National Coalition, and of the National Coordination Committee, which is tolerated by the authorities in Damascus though its members have been harassed and detained.

Most of the main rebel factions, including Ahrar al-

Sham, also sent delegations.

On Thursday afternoon, Suhair al-Atassi of the National Coalition told the AFP news agency that delegates had agreed on a framework for negotiations.

“An agreement has been reached on ... a unified vision for the settlement process and a supreme committee that would act as a reference for the negotiating team, the composition of which will be specified later,” she said. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Salman Khan cleared in hitand-run incident

The High Court in the Indian city of Mumbai has overturned Bollywood star Salman Khan’s conviction for a 2002 hit-and-run case.

In May, a lower court convicted him of culpable homicide and sentenced him to five years in jail for driving over and killing a man sleeping on a pavement.

But the appeals judge ruled there was not enough evidence.

Khan is one of Bollywood’s biggest stars, appearing in more than 80 Hindi films, and has a huge fan following.

Thursday’s ruling is a huge relief for Salman Khan

It was only when the Judge insisted that Khan must be present before the verdict was read out, that the actor hurried to the court in south Mumbai on Thursday,

Convict missing from Mazaruni Prison

Prison authorities are on the hunt for a manslaughter convict who cannot be accounted for at the Mazaruni Prison. Chetram Nowrang was convicted on October 31, 2011 for manslaughter, and

was sentenced to 18 years’ imprisonment. He was found guilty of manslaughter committed on his wife, Jasoda Budhoo, in May 2007.

Late Thursday evening, Police confirmed Nowrang

jumped off a tractor while returning from the ‘bush’ where the firewood was being cut. Up to press time, prison officials were being assisted by Police in efforts to locate the convict.

Paris attacks: Geneva alert raised as Police hunt suspects

Police have raised the alert level in Geneva, saying they are hunting for suspects as part of the Europe-wide investigation into the Paris attacks.

They said they were acting on information of suspicious individuals thought to be in the city or the area.

Investigations were being carried out to “locate and arrest these individuals”, a statement said.

Islamic State militants said they carried out the November 13 attacks on multiple locations, killing 130 people.

Investigations have been launched in several European countries, with two men linked to the attacks – Salah Abdeslam and Mohammed Abrini – still on the run, and others found to have travelled to France posing as refugees. (Excerpt from BBC News)

the BBC’s Yogita Limaye reports from Mumbai.

“The appeal is allowed and the decision of the trial court is quashed and set aside. Salman Khan is acquitted of all charges,” news agency AFP quoted the Bombay High Court Judge Anil Ramchandra Joshi as saying.

The prosecution “failed to establish [the charges] beyond reasonable doubt”, the Judge added.

The actor, surrounded by his family members, broke down after hearing the verdict, the Press Trust of India reported.

He tweeted his thanks to his supporters. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Philippine Police Officers fired over 2009 massacre

The Philippines’ Police Board has dismissed 21 officers for being “co-conspirators” in the country’s worst political massacre six years ago when the son of a politician and his bodyguards shot dead 58 people, including 32 journalists.

The Officers were dismissed for failing to stop the killings in the southern province of Maguindanao in November 2009, according to a Police statement issued on Thursday.

All but one of the officers were found guilty of grave misconduct.

The slow pace of the legal proceedings has angered the victims’ families [Getty Images]

The remaining officer, Inspector Saudi Matabalao Mokamad, was found to have ignored the shooting he heard from the crime scene and to have failed to report it to his superiors. He was dismissed on lesser charges.

complicity and unity of action to those who committed the abduction, and later the murders, themselves.”

“The 20 respondents were held liable for opting to become silent spectators to a crime unfolding before their very eyes,” said the statement.

“Their inaction manifests

The main suspect accused of ordering the killings, Andal Ampatuan Sr, died of a heart attack in a Government hospital in July of this year. (Excerpt from Reuters)

friday, december 11, 2015| guyanatimesgy.com

LEN officially launched

– Valerie Patterson named new CEO

BY UTAMU BELLE

Forty enterprising, young professionals were on Thursday the recipients of business loans; a move which has occurred for the first time since the establishment of the Linden Enterprise Network (LEN).

Despite being in operation for almost six years, LEN was officially launched on Thursday at a ceremony held outside its location on Republic Avenue, MacKenzie, Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

The ceremony saw the attendance of numerous officials including President David Granger, Business Minister Dominic Gaskin, Region 10 Chairman Renis Morian, and regional Members of Parliament, among others.

Newly appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of LEN Valerie Patterson emphasised the relevance of the business enterprise in providing opportunities for persons across the region, in addition to much needed employment.

Additionally, she took the opportunity to introduce newly appointed members of the Board which included Chairman Klensil Grenville, members Basil Jaipaul, Orrin Gordon, Horace James and former MP Vanessa Kissoon.

In delivering the feature address, President Granger noted that LEN is not a stand-alone project but a part of an important initiative, the Linden Action Plan (LAP).

He said that this initiative has opened up the door of a new form of occupation and self employment, with an opportunity which will encourage those on board to be more prudent. The Head of State utilised the opportunity to encourage Lindeners to “think outside the box”, while he stressed that the LAP was created with the hope of developing the community. Additionally, $155 million was set aside in the National Budget towards the advancement of LEN, with President Granger noting during his address that the Administration will ensure that it remains viable and always equipped with resources.

“We want to make sure that credit is available to LEN. We want to make sure that Linden becomes the crucible, the womb for entrepreneurs and young persons who are going into enterprise... we see room for microcredit and small enterpris-

es... You don’t have to be poor, you are rich in ideas, rich in talent... we’re helping Linden to help itself,” he stated.

President Granger further identified four pillars of the LEN and LAP, including investment, information, infrastructure and innovation. These aspects, he said, will establish a firm foundation.

“Do not see LEN as a ‘box hand’, it is an economic agreement... micro-credit can transform this community, can transform this region. It can lift people out of poverty. Microcredit can establish and boost small businesses. It can create jobs for young people and for women and... we are going to create loans for small men and women,” the Head of State said.

The LEN building was declared officially open following the cutting of the ribbon, which was witnessed by those in attendance.

APNU/AFC-appointed

REOs breaching Procurement

Act – PPP/C MP

– claims REOs subverting programmes and projects in PPP-controlled regions

BY EDWARD LAYNE

Accusations of unaccountability and lack of transparency continue to be levelled against officials appointed by the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Administration with Regional Executive Officers (REOs) recently appointed by the Administration are being accused of corruption and flouting of the Public Procurement Act in order to ensure contracts are awarded to contractors of their choice.

People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Member of Parliament (MP) Collin Croal, who has responsibility for local government, said there are reports of massive collusion at the level of the Regional Tender Boards (RTBs), which are chaired by the REOs.

“We have received information in some cases alleged contract splitting… because there are certain ceilings, awards are done at the Regional Tender Board level and when it’s above that it has to go to the national level. We have received many complaints of contract splitting in some cases. Information are not being provided to our RDCs as to the awards that are being made at the regional tender board,” Croal told a news conference on Thursday at the PPP’s Robb Street, Georgetown Headquarters.

The regional tender boards are a layer just below the National Procurement and Tender Administration (NPTA).

Croal said often the Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs) representatives are unable to attend the meetings

due to the fact that they are deliberately given late notice by the REOs.

“We have too many complaints… many of those regional tender boards are held in an ad hoc manner. Some of our RDC representatives who sit on those regional tender boards are given short notice at which the regional tender boards will be meeting and many times they can’t attend because on the very morning they have a notice to say they are meeting today,” Croal pointed out.

It is important to note that the PPP/C won seven of the ten administrative regions and it is in those regions where there is a heaving conflict between the RDCs and the REOs

There is a major conflict in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) between REO Rupert Hopkinson an APNU/ AFC loyalist and Regional Chairman Devanand Ramdatt.

Similarly, in Region Three (West Demerara-Essequibo Islands) Denis Jaikarran, a staunch APNU/AFC supporter is at loggerheads with Regional Chairman Julius Faeber.

A similar situation obtains in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) between AFC Executive turned REO, Dr Verasammy Ramayya and Regional Chairman David Armogan

Similar situations are also brewing in Regions One, Five and Eight – all controlled by the PPP/C.

Incompetence

Croal said his Party has been receiving a number of complains with regards to the incompetence of the REOs in many of these regions.

“In our view many of the Regional Executive Officers do not understand their roles, albeit we understand they are new, but then they also have with them a number of deputy Regional Executive Officers, you have many of the staff that are still within the system, hence they need to consult and be guided. There are established manuals at the Ministry of Communities, there are establish manuals that guide the Regional Democratic Council, how the Regional Executive Officer and more so the Chairmen and Vice Chairmen and Councillors function,” Croal highlighted.

Political agenda

The former PS said many of the REOs are executing political agendas of the Government, which is a clear violation of the laws governing the conduct of public servants.

“May of them have also been carrying out political work, so this is of concern, because very early, one week after the new Government got into office, President (David) Granger held a meeting at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre, where it was clearly outlined what was required of public servants, etc, PSs and heads of programmes were also there,” Croal explained. He also highlighted what seems to be the deliberate nonattendance at RDC meetings by REOs, as well as the slothfulness with which decisions of the RDCs are implemented.

Meanwhile Opposition’s Chief Whip Gail Teixeira, who recently visited Region Nine, said the Regional Chairman and by extension the RDC is faced with a similar dilemma. She singled out what high degree of disrespect is shown to the office of the Regional Chairman by the REO.

“Region Nine REO determines whether the Chairman can speak or not at any public functions, he omits it. He decides what the programme for national events is and omits the Regional Chairman,” Teixeira explained.

Additionally, she said the REO has been refusing to provide the Council with financial reports on the status of the region’s capital and current budgets. Several regional Chairmen have since written to Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkhan chronicling these abuses on the part of the REOs.

Police Officer critical, 2 others injured in WCD

accident

Apolice rank is clinging to life while two others are nursing injuries following an accident at Harlem, West Coast Demerara (WCD) on Wednesday evening.

Marlon Richards, 20, a constable of Mahaica, East Coast Demerara is said to be in a critical condition while Constable Richard Mc Beth of Peter’s Hall, East Bank Demerara and Paulette Peters of Den Amstel, WCD are patients at the

Georgetown Public Hospital.

According to reports reaching this newspaper, the three officers were ‘socialising’ at a village along WCD shortly before 22:00h when the accident occurred.

Guyana Times understands that when the officers left the village, the car in which they were travelling lost control and slammed into a Route 32 minibus driven by Harrycharran Persaud.

Following the accident the ranks were rushed to the West Demerara Regional Hospital but were transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital because of the seriousness of their injuries.

This newspaper could not confirm who was driving the car at the time of the accident however the minibus driver has since given a statement to the Police. Investigations are continuing.

The West Side is expected to be explosive come Boxing Day when several high level concerts will ultimately give patrons an opportunity to choose a better avenue to enjoy themselves.

This year, Fire Fest Production is going bigger and better with one of the biggest concerts on the West Side which will see several regional artistes performing at the Synthetic Facility at Leonora, West Coast Demerara.

Those slated to perform are Adesh Samaroo; Veekash Sahadeo; Vanessa Ramotar; Rick Ramotar; Omardath Maharaj; Saleem Beharry, also called “Stinky”; and Guyana’s own Mahendra Ramkellwan. All the artistes are known for their energetic performances and have performed in Guyana several times before massive crowds.

These artistes will be backed by the Shakti Stings Orchestra, featuring Steven Ramphall, Pooran Seeraj and others.

The event which is dubbed the “Boxing Day Main Big Lime and Appreciation Concert” will also feature dancers from the Fire Fest Dance Group and the Shalita Dancers. The Emcee for the evening will be popular television personality, the Party Boss himself WR Reaz.

Tickets for the event cost $1500 and can be uplifted at several locations on the West side, including Caribbean Temptation, Wolf Furniture Store and HIFI Electronic Store. Tickets will also be available at the gates but at an increased price.

Showtime is 20:00h. Lights and sounds are provided by Travellers Sound. Remember it’s a Boxing Day party that you don’t want to miss.

On Wednesday evening, Gravity Lounge kicked off its Christmas parties with Kees performing live, but that is just the beginning of the season that is set to be a

memorable one. One Wednesday, December 23, the party continues with Private Ryan out of Trinidad and Tobago.

On December 26, the most versatile deejay, Marcus Williams, out of Trinidad and Tobago will be in the house. He is known for his energy on the console and without a doubt will be setting the Gravity Lounge on fire. Then on Old Year’s night, the final party will see Trinidad’s soca sensation, Benjai performing live. Known for his hit “Phenomenal”, the artiste will be creating a whirlwind come December 31 inside Gravity.

He is already among the most sought after soca/ragga-soca acts along the East coast of the United States, commanding audiences of thousands with his engaging performance style and infectious personality.

As Benjai celebrates his tenth anniversary as a professional artiste, he looks forward to ascending to the next level of a career in which he has made significant contributions to the sound of the soca genre.

That trademark Benjai sound has influenced the music of a number of successful young artistes and musicians, yet Benjai continues to stand out as unique and nonpareil.

Benjai, born Rodney Le Blanc in the twin-island republic of Trinidad and Tobago, hails from the eastern community of Arima, which boasts a rich tradition of music and is the birthplace of legendary musical icons such as Calypsonian “Lord Kitchener” and broadcaster Holly Betaudier.

The Gravity Christmas is exclusively sponsored by Heineken Beer. Tickets for all the events cost $2000 and are available only at Gravity Lounge.

As the Miss World Pageant intensifies, there is no talk about Guyana’s representative, Lisa Punch being part of the Global Beauty Leader’s board.

After several preliminary competitions and appearances, the competition got into high gear, with Miss Namibia being crowned winner of the Miss World Sports Challenge, event after beating the other finalists in the categories of shuttle runs, long jump and 100 metre sprint.

Namibia was the winner of all the qualifying events. In 2nd place was Miss Seychelles, while Guam came in 3rd place; Kazakhstan and Samoa arrived in 4th and 5th place, respectively.

However, the Leaders Board saw Miss Lebanon as the favourite to win the coveted title followed by Miss France, Miss Poland, Miss Brazil and Miss Vietnam. Apart from the top five in the race for the title, Miss Colombia, Miss Philippines, Miss South Sudan, Miss

Ukraine and Miss Venezuela all made it in the top 10.

Miss Jamaica was listed in the top 25 while Miss Chile was selected as a possible contestant to be named in the top 15 come pageant night.

Although Guyana is not listed as a possible country to win the title, Punch has been singing at every possible event leading up to the Miss World grand finale scheduled for December 19 at the Beauty Crown Grand Theatre in Sanya, China.

It is the season when we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and in the most fitting way, Kester Deane and the Caribbean Gospel Buzz present Gospel Groov’n, to be held on December 25 and 26.

On December 25, the performers will travel to Berbice, for the event will be held at the New Amsterdam Technical Institute and on December 26, they return to Georgetown to perform at the Cliff Anderson

Hall Tarmac, Homestretch Avenue, Georgetown. Those slated to administer the word of God through music at the Berbice Concert are Nyjole Dyer, Nickiela Ross, Jamaican Gospel Singer DA Jay, Latoya London, Tandika, Kester D, Omar Douglas, Michelle Ramnauth and an African gospel group. The feature performer at the show will be Jamaican singing sensation,

the

for

Tickets for both nights cost $2000 and will be available at the gates. Children under the age of 10 will be admitted free. Doors open at 18:30h and showtime is 20:00h.

KEntertainment will kick off its series of parties this week end with two spectacular events at Palm Court this evening and on Saturday at Club 704.

This evening, the entertain ment company will be spreading Christmas love with “Mistletoe” at the newly improved Palm Court. Steal your kisses under the mistletoe while you party to the mixes of Deejay Team P-Star Perry and Jerry West along with Deejay Ryan and Selectors Face and Seen Up. Everyone will be free before 21:30h, with a cover charge of $2000 after 22:00h. You do not

want to miss your chance to share toe. Be sure to be at Palm Court this evening. The party continues at Club 704 with another concept party titled “Back to Neverland” on Saturday evening which will see everyone being admitted free before 22:00h but those who turn up at the gate after 23:00h will pay $2000. Again, partyholics will party to the vibes of P-Star Perry, Jerry West, DJ Ryan and DJ Monster. Both events will be powered by Pulse Entertainment.

For the second time, the Guyana Police Force will be hosting its Christmas programme titled, “Christmas at Eve Leary” on Saturday, commencing at 19:00h. The event will be held on Young Street, between Camp

will be followed by a rich cultural presentation featuring dances, singing, skits and poems by members of the Guyana Police Force, youth clubs and local entertainers including, members of Kross Kolor Studios.

The Slingerz Family has promised Guyanese a Christmas to remember with its biggest event, the 14th annual Vergenoegen Village Day on December 25.

The annual Slingerz Christmas party will feature Jamaican dancehall deejay, Tony Matterhorn who is no stranger to Guyana. Earlier in the year, he performed in Berbice and had the crowd going wild. He will be joined by Nasheen Fire, out of the United States of America.

As usual, the event will be hosted on the Vergenoegen Rice Mill Tarmac, with the fun starting at 15:00h with the distribution of gifts and goodies to the children. Santa Claus will also make a special trip to the West Coast Demerara village to spread Christmas cheer.

Music will be provided by Slingerz. However, the live performances are expected to start when the sun sets.

Patrons will be admitted free before 18:00h but tickets will be sold at $1000 each after.

In less than 48 hours, the Queen of Bacchanal, Destra Garcia of Trinidad and Tobago will take to the newly erected stage at Palm Court, Main Street, Georgetown as she performs live.

Tickets have been going like hot cakes and the artiste is expected to arrive in Guyana a few hours before the event to promote the event on television and radio.

Destra, who is known for her high-en ergy performances, harmonious vocal skills and eccentric fashion style, will leave her fans breathless. The last time the soca queen was in Guyana was at the Hits and Jams Water World and without a doubt, she was fantastic.

Performing one of the best soca tunes of recent, “Lucy”, the Trinidadian artiste is bound to set the place ablaze on Saturday evening.

Patrons will also be lucky to hear her per form “It’s Carnival”, “Las Lap”, “Soca or Die”, “Sign”, “Situation”, “We Luv Carnival” and the most popular song of her 2007 releases, “I Dare You”.

General admission tickets cost $3000 while the VIP costs $5000 and are only available at Palm Court, Main Street, Georgetown.

Excitement is in the air as Signature Productions plans to close 2015 with a bang as it stages its Seventh annual edition of UNCENSORED on Saturday, December 26 and Sunday, December 27, at the National Cultural Centre (NCC).

Since its debut about six years ago, the show has been a much anticipated event, attracting overwhelming public support. UNCENSORED is all about sending serious messages under the guise of comedy and in the process, discovering new stand-up comedians.

It is an adult-oriented stand-up comedy production, showcasing Guyana’s premier veteran comedians along with the rising stars.

As always, the first night of the show this year will feature a competition among the junior comedians. Approximately 13 competitors will vie for the title of Guyana’s best UNCENSORED comedian and the privilege to perform on the second night of the show. On the second night, those labelled heavyweights will take the stage.

Performers include Lyndon “Jumbie” Jones, Kirk “Chow Pow” Jardine, Leza “Radika” Singh, Kwasi “Ace” Edmondson, Odessa Primus, Kirt “Chubby” Williams, Michael Ignatius, Jermaine Grimmond, Sean Thompson, Mark Luke Edwards, Kirwyn Mars and Chris Gopaul, among others.

Tickets for the show cost $1000, $1500 and $2500 and will be available at the National Cultural Centre, Giftland Mall, Elegance Jewellery, Payless Variety Story and Nigel’s Supermarket from Saturday. The laughter starts at 20:00h and patrons are advised that the dress code is in effect for the NCC.

GCB/Banks DIH/Digicel NSSCL

Charlestown Secondary, Anna Regina Multilateral, Aurora Secondary advance to finals

Charlestown Secondary defeated Tucville Secondary to move into the final of South Georgetown Zone, while Anna Regina Secondary and Aurora Secondary also won their semi-final matches to qualify for the Essequibo Coast Zone final, as the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) National Secondary School Cricket League (NSSCL), sponsored by Banks DIH Ltd’s Coca Cola and Rainforest Water along with Digicel, continued in Demerara and Essequibo on Thursday.

In the South Georgetown Zone, action went down at the GNIC Ground. Tucville Secondary won the toss and decided to bat first. However, they could only get to 98-8 when their 20 overs were com-

pleted. Only Rondave Noel and Godfrey Phillip offered any resistance with 25 and 21 respectively. Bowling for Charlestown Secondary, Qumar Torrington had excellent figures of 4-16 off four overs.

Charlestown Secondary then made light work of their target, finishing the game with a six in the 16th over as they marched to the final. Torrington showed his all-round ability by stroking 26 not out.

In the first match in the Essequibo Coast Zone, Anna Regina Multilateral crushed Eight of May Secondary by 146 runs at Imman Bacchus Ground. Batting first, Anna Regina Multilateral posted 191-7 in their 30 overs. Kushal Hemraj stroked 47 with four boundaries,

Mobile Wizards 10/10 cricket

and Bomesh Ramdahin scored 34. Bowling for Eight of May, Romeo Vanslygtman took 2-9.

In reply, Eight of May folded for a paltry 45 all out in 10.3 overs. Kurt Williams was outstanding with the ball taking 6-20 off five overs. He was well supported by Ranesh Persaud with 4-14 as Anna Regina Multilateral only used two bowlers.

The second match was played at the NOC Ground. Aurora Secondary had the better of Johanna Cecelia Secondary by 111 runs. Taking first strike after winning the toss, Aurora Secondary amassed 171-5 in just 20 overs as national Under-15 batsman Orlando Jailall struck an entertaining 56. His knock was laced with six fours and one

six. Davendra Mohan supported well with 38, along with Shamar Dusraj (35).

In reply, Johanna Cecelia Secondary never threatened Aurora Secondary’s target as they barely scraped to 60 all out in 15.4 overs. Bowling for the Aurora Secondary team, Ravendra Anouge displayed excellent control as he claimed 4-7. Roel Latchman and Orson Gibson had two wickets each. Charlestown Secondary will now play Lodge Secondary in the South Georgetown Zone final on a date to be set, while Aurora Secondary and Anna Regina Multilateral have now earned the right to play each other in the Essequibo Coast final which will be played today.

Top teams perform in week 8

– games to go under flood lights this Saturday

The Mobile Wizard 10/10 softball cricket tournament organised by the Guyana Softball League (GSL) completed its eight week last weekend at the Leonora Primary School ground.

Teams that are seen as favourites showed that they have the capabilities to go all the way by picking up wins that widened the point differential between leaders and lower rung teams.

Teams like Crossbreed Warriors; Settle XI showed their class and remained unbeaten in the tournament.

Settle XI defeated Vipers XI by six wickets- Vipers XI won the toss and batted scoring 105 – 5 in their 10 overs and everyone thought that this score was enough for them to achieve victory but skipper of Settle XI Nazim Azeem had other ideas. The batting of Vipers XI were led Arif Hussain with 44 off 15 balls (2x4s, 4x6s) and Akram Hussain 25 off 11 balls (2x6s). The bowling of Settle XI was led by Premnarine Omadat with 2-5 from two overs.

Settle XI started in a hurry with Nazim Azeem by blasting four sixes in the first over and set the tone for a positive reply. Azeem 45 (5x6; 1x4) and Mohamed Omar with 20 (2x6s) kept the runs coming and then Premnarine Omadat completing the victory and a fine all round performance with 18 not out. Settle XI achieved their victo-

ry by scoring 106-4 in eight overs. MMZ XI thumped MZ XI Super Street reloaded by three wickets-Superstreet XI Reloaded took first strike and made 107-6 in their ten overs. Boodram with 20 (3x6s) off seven balls along with 30 extras were the top scorers. Ricardo Chrisanand 5-8 off two overs destroying the batting having taken three wickets in his first over. MMZ XI in reply scored 110-7 in 9 overs to gain victory.

Kevin Harrylall with 30 (4x6s) led the way off 12 balls. The bowling of Ameer Khan 2-21 off 1 over was the highlight of Super Street Reloaded.

Leonora Youths mauled

Brickery All Stars by 75 runsLeonora Youths XI batted first and rattled up 119-9 in their 10 overs with Nandalall Mohan 22 (1x4, 2x6s) and extras being twenty leading the scoring sheet.

Brickery All Star XI only have themselves to blame after having Leonora Youths on the ropes at 57-5 in six overs at one stage. Their batting also did not live up to expectations as they were skittled out for 45 in 9 overs and batting short Keesho Beepat took 2-8 in two overs was the architect that swayed the game Leonora’s way.

Crossbreed Warriors easily defeated Ocean View XI by 32 runs to stay unbeaten- Cross breed Warriors were inserted and scored a challenging 122-9 in 10

overs. Anthony Arjune coming into his own form scored 25 (3x6s) led the batting. Skipper Tariq Gansham also contributed 21 (3x6s) and together helped crossbreed XI achieve their score. The bowling for Ocean view was led by Andre Ramsammy with 3-14 off two overs. Ocean View XI started slowly and were early in trouble with the dismissal of the inform Adrian Ramsammy for seven and the score on 45. Things went

downhill for Ocean View.

The other opener Arshad Azim tried his upmost to steer the innings but he was stranded mid pitch and was run out of a brilliant piece of fielding by skipper Tariq Gansham. They ended on 90-6 in 10 overs. Four run outs were the downfall of Ocean View as Cross Breed Warriors showed off their prowess in the field.

Irfaan XI defeated Zeeburg Warriors by 5 runs in a nail biter: Irfaan XI playing at home and enjoying the hospitality of the crowd rewarded their fans with a victory and gained their first points of the tournament. Irfaan XI batted first and scored 1042 in 10 overs with Michael and Daniel Abedin pounding the bowling to all parts of the field in scoring 28 each counting 6 sixes between the two. Zeeburg Warriors in reply tried valiantly and playing short were dismissed for 99 in 8.4 overs. Skipper Arif Khalil batting with an injured shoulder scored a responsible 28 (1x4,3x6s) and in company of Ganesh Jitlall 33 (1x4s, 3x6) tried their utmost to gain victory but with their dismissals thing went awry. Skipper of Irfaan XI Imran Hack was responsible for their dismissal and ended with 2-1 in one over and his offspring Irfaan Hack whom the team is named after took 2-25 in his two overs.

Meanwhile the games will go

under floodlights this Saturday at Ruby ground and will feature all the front runners coming up against each other. Teams like Wolf’s Warriors, Speed boat, Settle XI, Crossbreed Warriors, Omesh XI Leonora Youths, Viper XI, Power XI will do battle. Additionally exhibition matches will feature a female team from Linden against an East Coast Female team. The reigning Linden 10/10 champions Hillfoot Strikers will face off against a west coast XI. An over 40 10/10 will see Parika Defenders coming up against an East Coast over 40. Lots of fun is planned for this weekend matches with Granny Ivelaw being in attendance along with local comedians. There will also be ring games, Fish fry and Bar-B- Que on sale along with trampolines and other kid games. The music will feature Slingerz and the entire west Demerara are asked to come out and enjoy this day compliments of Guyana Softball League and Promoter Nigel. The entrance fee will be minimal and this is a good opportunity for all to enjoy the Mobile wizard way as their tent will also be there for persons wishing to take advantage of their discounts. The one ball “manto” will also be a feature and the spectators can have an opportunity to challenge Granny Ivelaw

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orth Georgetown Primary defeated St Margaret’s Primary by five wickets to win the North Georgetown Zone of the Guyana Cricket Board/Scotiabank Kiddy Progression One Cricket on Thursday.

Playing at the Racquet Centre on Woolford Avenue, St Margaret’s Primary won the toss and elected to bat first. However, they lost a wicket in the very first over of the innings and they never recovered, limping to 66-7 in 14 overs.

None of their batsmen reached double figures as the North Georgetown Primary bowlers did not offer many loose deliveries. Leading the bowling for North Georgetown Primary was Shaquel Jones who claimed 2-5.

In reply, North Georgetown Primary led by a composed 29 not out from Nigel Lowe got to their target in the 10th over, losing five wickets in the process.

voges, Marsh dominate limp West indies

At 10am on a greenish pitch, Jason Holder lost the toss but didn’t mind that Steven Smith chose to bat. “Hopefully we can exploit the conditions as best as possible and get into their middle order,” he said. By 12.30pm they had done so; Australia were 3 for 121 and wobbling. It turned out getting through that middle order was the hard part, for by 6pm Adam Voges and Shaun Marsh had cruised to centuries, had a triplehundred partnership, and Australia were 3 for 438.

The only consolation for Holder was that he hadn’t sent Australia in, though he said he would have done so if given the chance. Apart from one crowded hour when they claimed all three of their wickets - the hour leading up to lunch - West Indies were lacklustre. And such was their awful over rate that Holder declined the new ball late in the day so his part-time spinners could race through a few overs. It was quantity, not quality, and they still fell one over short.

Perhaps only in outer space could Voges and Marsh have been surrounded by less pressure than they were by the close of play. Still, their contributions should not be undervalued. They came together before lunch with Australia in danger of being embarrassed. But Voges especially turned that on its head in the second session, moving to a run-a-ball century, his third in Test cricket. He had solid support from Marsh, who scored slower but also raised his third Test hundred.

At stumps, Voges was on 174 and Marsh had 139, and their partnership of 317 was

Australia’s third-highest of all time against West Indies, for any wicket. Australia’s run rate had hovered above five an over nearly all day, and only as they blocked out the final few overs before stumps did it dip down into the high fours. Boundaries flowed for most of the day as West Indies served up half-volley after half-volley. Rarely has the term “attack” been more inapt for a Test bowling group.

The 50th boundary of the day came when Denesh Ramdin failed to grasp a Kemar Roach delivery that dipped on him in the 79th over of the day and it ran away for four byes. It rather summed up a day of utter disappointment for West Indies, who also faced the prospect of possibly being without Shannon Gabriel, the only fast bowler to take a wicket. Gabriel bowled only 10 overs for the day before leaving the field to have scans on a troublesome left ankle.

Amongst it all, Voges and Marsh piled on the runs. Voges made the West Indians pay for too often straying onto his stumps, scoring heavily through the leg side. He moved briskly to a 55-ball half-century and turned that into a 100-ball hundred, his second Test ton against West Indies, who by stumps had dismissed him only once in Test cricket for an aggregate of 341 runs.

It was his second century of the home summer after he posted 119 against New Zealand in Perth.

Marsh spent the second half of the Perth Test wondering if he would be the beneficiary of Usman Khawaja’s hamstring injury and on his recall helped Australia to victory in Adelaide with 49 in the chase. But he knew that he needed a big score to justify the faith of the selectors and he could hardly have asked for a better opportunity; he faced two dot balls before lunch then came out after the break to face Jomel Warrican with three men back on the boundary. Marsh was content to let Voges drive the partnership but he certainly played his part. His cover-driving especially was exquisite, and more than half of his 12 boundaries came through that region. His century came with a pull through leg for four off Roach. He had taken 50 more balls than Voges to reach triple figures but it mattered little. Finally, more than four years after he scored a century on Test debut in Sri Lanka, Marsh had made a Test hundred at home. (Cricinfo)

Winners of GTT/Limacol football tournament receive prizes

By TreisTon Joseph

After a brilliant fin-

ish to the inaugural Guyana Telephone Telegraph (GTT)/Limacol round robin knockout football tournament where Milerock emerged as champions, the teams were presented with their winning trophies and prizes at the special presentation ceremony on Wednesday evening at the Brandsville Hotel.

Financial Director of New Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation Dwayne Lovell highlighted Limacol’s pleasure in supporting the tournament.

“We are happy to be a part of this tournament,

I must congratulate the teams and Petra for a great tournament and we look forward to being onboard next year,” Lovell highlighted.

Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Public Relation Officer Allison Parker commended the Petra Organisation for their organising skills.

“We want to commend Petra for the well organised tournament it was shown throughout the entire tournament, once I have my way we will be here for years to come,” Parker mentioned.

PRO of the Guyana Football Federation, Rawle Toney also wished the teams well and stressed that the GFF will aim to work along

EBSC Busta Cricket Festival

with Petra in making future tournaments a greater success.

Meanwhile, Co-Director of the Petra Organization, Troy Mendonca who thanked the sponsors, fans and teams made a plea to all stakeholders in football to let the game play on the field.

“I want to make a plea to all stakeholders that whatever the case we let football play on the field and nowhere else, with an approach like that I believe that the sport will move forward,” Mendonca quipped.

Milerock won the tournament on penalties against Victoria Kings while Topp XX finished third.

ECCCC, Enterprise XI to clash in Sunday’s final

Enmore Community Centre Cricket Club (ECCCC) and Enterprise XI have earned the right to clash in the final of the Enterprise Busta Sports Club (EBSC) annual Busta Cricket Festival, following comfortable victories at the semi-finals last weekend.

Playing in the opening game of a double-header at the Enterprise Ground last Sunday, ECCCC easily defeated Enterprise by 29 runs, while Enterprise XI coasted to an eight-wicket victory over Buxton in the other semi-final.

ECCCC batted first and racked up an impressive 1815 from the allotted 20 overs, with Imran Hassan blast-

ing a magnificent 105. He received solid support from N Gobin and Christopher Surat, who made 32 and 21 respectively.

Seemangal Yadram bagged 3-26 for Enterprise A, who responded with 152 all out. R Beepat made 61, while Yadram returned to score 46. Hassan crowned an excellent outing by taking 3-23 off four overs, while Keno Ramascindo had 2-16 and Satesh Jainarine 2-15.

In the other semi-final, discarded senior national cricketer Zaheer Mohamed claimed 3-13 and rising talent Pradesh Balkissoon 3-7, as Buxton managed a paltry 104 all-out. D Benjamin and Clive Andries made 29 and 19 respectively.

Banks DIH launches 5th edition of GFA knockout football championship

By TreisTon Joseph

Banks DIH will collaborate with the Georgetown Football Association (GFA) to stage the fifth edition of the Banks Beer Knockout Football Cup, which is scheduled to kick off on December 13 at the Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary.

At the launching on Thursday at the Banks DIH’s Thirst Park headquarters, Communications Manager of Banks DIH, Troy Peters noted that the partnership between Banks DIH and the GFA was to make the tournament “the most sought-after event” during the Christmas sea-

son.

GFA President, A Division Police Commander Clifton Hicken thanked Banks for its continued support. “Banks DIH are our main sponsors of football, and we need to maintain this sponsorship in order to take the sport forward and we must thank Banks DIH for always being onboard,” Hicken stated.

Banks Beer Brand Manager Brian Choo Hen stressed the importance of remaining committed to the event.

“It’s football fever right now and bringing this tournament is important to the fans and the communities; we hope that they come

out and support the event,” Choo Hen stated.

The tournament will be played across four venues with 16 teams and the final is tentatively set for the National Stadium, Providence.

However, Elite League teams will not be allowed to play in the tournament nor will any player from any of the eight Elite League teams.

The 16 clubs will be battling for a top prize of $2 million, while second place will pocket $1 million. Third place will walk away with $500,000, while fourth will receive $250,000. Action is set to start from 19:00h on December 13.

Daesrath aids YWCC to receive new uniforms

AIn reply, Enterprise XI cruised to 105-2 in 18.3 overs, with Parmanand Dindyal making 40 not out, and Mohamed scoring an unbeaten 39.

The competition will wrap up this Sunday with ECCCC playing Enterprise XI in the grand final, starting at 13:00h. Prior to that, Buxton will face Enterprise A in the third-place playoff, commencing at 09:30h.

The champion team are guaranteed $50,000 and the Busta trophy, while the losing finalist will receive $25,000 and a trophy. Trophies will also be at stake for the winner of the third-place playoff, best batsman, best bowler and player of the final.

lthough Damodhar Daesrath lives in North America, his heart is still in Guyana and with his former Club, Young Warriors Cricket Club (YWCC) of Cumberland, East Canje, Berbice. He played most of his childhood and grown-up cricket with this Club and in the process, made lasting friendships.

He has demonstrated his commitment by securing sponsorship for a set of 25 coloured uniforms from his Canada-based friend, Pramchand Pitam Punwasi, the Managing Director of Jusmatt Inc/Canadian Surplus. Daesrath was a former national junior player who went on to represent the West Indies Under-15 team.

He was also the Captain of Guyana’s senior cricket

team and even played for the Canadian senior cricket team after migrating. He was one of the top players coming out of the Canje area, and was referred to as the “Canje Tendulkar”.

At a simple presentation ceremony held in Canada, Punwasi said he knew “Dassy”, as Daesrath is fondly called by his close associates, personally and could not have refused the request when he was approached. He said his heart was 100 per cent Guyanese and he found joy in giving back to his home country. He added that as a cricket fan, he followed the Club and was impressed with its work and what it has contributed to the community.

“Dassy” thanked Punwasi for readily sponsoring the uniforms when approached.

He promised that it would be insisted upon that the players care for the clothes and good ambassadors.

The YWCC was resuscitated in 1999 and has close to 70 members. The Club takes part in all cricket competitions run by the Berbice Cricket Board. Over the years, several players represented Guyana at the junior and senior level.

Players such as Daesrath himself; Gajanand Singh; Richard Ramdeen and Shimron Hetmyer, who is heading to Bangladesh to participate in the Youth World Cup 2016, have represented West Indies youth teams. Hetmyer is also a senior national opening batsman. The Club also took the opportunity to thank Punwasi on his kind gesture.

Cipriani bestowed with Dolphin Award of Excellence

Long-time friend and supporter of Guyana’s leading youth and sports organisation, the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC), Jennifer Cipriani, on Friday last became the fourth recipient of the Club’s top award, the Dolphin Award of Excellence.

The Award was given to Cipriani for her support of the Club’s numerous activities over the years, her status as a positive role model and her contributions to the development of youth and sports in Guyana.

Secretary/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the RHTY&SC, Hilbert Foster, described Cipriani as a true friend of the Club and hailed her as one of the finest individuals he has had the privilege of working alongside over the years.

The long-standing Secretary/CEO noted that Cipriani’s relationship with the Club started when she served as Marketing

Director at Western Union and later in her position as Marketing Executive at the Bank of Nova Scotia. Foster expressed gratitude to Cipriani for her support of the RHTY&SC over the years, and for the roles she has played in assisting the Club to transform the lives of countless youths, the elderly and less fortunate.

The Club was humbled by her dedication to making a positive difference, and Foster stated that the RHTY&SC would continue to be a role model to every youth and sport organisation in Guyana, as it continued to undertake over 200 programmes/activities under a wide range of subheadings that include sport, culture, anti-drugs, education, anti-suicide, awards, youth development and community development.

A proud Cipriani stated that she was very humbled to receive such a prestigious award from a dynamic organisation whose activities

were unmatched in Guyana. She noted that her relationship with the RHTY&SC was a decade old, and she was always amazed at the large number of activities the Club would successfully undertake every year.

She expressed her gratitude to the management and members of the Club for honouring her with their highest award and she expressed confidence that the relationship she enjoyed with the RHTY&SC would continue in the future.

The Dolphin Award of Excellence is the highest and most prestigious of eight awards of the RHTY&SC. Awardees are selected by a Special Committee headed by Foster. A maximum of 25 individuals would receive the award based on their support of the RHTY&SC, status as a role model and efforts to make a positive difference in the lives of youths, the elderly and less fortunate.

The first three recipients of the award were Robert Selman of the Guyana Beverage Company, Ravi Mangar of Gizmos and Gadgets and President David Granger. A number of outstanding Guyanese would shortly be honoured with the award and they include Rajiv Ganga of Bakewell, Beverley Harper of ANSA McAL Trading, June Mendes of Farfan and Mendes, Avia Lindie of Metro Office and Computer Supplies, and Sharda Veeren-Chand of Demerara Distillers Limited.

Ramnarine Appiah memorial T20 competition

Young Warriors, Canje Pathfinders in final

Amagnificent hundred by the prolific Videsh Singh led Canje Pathfinders to a massive win against Kendall’s Union A in their semi-final match played at the Cumberland Ground in Canje, as action continued in the Ramnarine Appiah memorial T20 competition.

Batting first after being inserted, Canje Pathfinders lost S Badal early for three with the score on 23. I Harrinandan then joined Singh, but did not last long either, bowled by R Seecharran for one.

Singh, a former Young Warriors First-Division cricketer, then found a good partner in A Arjune and together they blasted the bowling to all parts of the ground, putting on 117 for the third wicket.

Arjune went for a wellplayed 53, caught off Seecharran. Singh contin-

Videsh Singh

ued the onslaught, ending on 126 not out with eight fours and 10 sixes, as his team made 222-4 off the allotted 20 overs.

Seecharran and D Baker took two wickets apiece. Kendall’s Union A made a spirited start, but lost their way, ending on 156 all out off 19 overs. Baker topscored with 29 and got support from E Garnett with 27. The chief wreckers were K Dipoo

Christmas Archery Extravaganza set for this weekend

Archery Guyana, a section of the Guyana Sport Shooting Federation (GSSF), has announced plans to host the final archery event for 2015. The group will put on its “Christmas Archery Extravaganza 2015” this weekend at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue.

Members of the GSSF present at the indoor facility will be able to try the Federation’s PVC Olympic-styled bows that were fabricated with the assistance of World Archery Americas, through the Archery Development Seminar that was held in Guyana a few months ago by top Colombian Archer Diego Torres.

New members in attendance will be able to

obtain instructional training in order to practise the art with a bias towards Indoor Olympic Style shooting in this upcoming Archery Extravaganza.

GSSF President Vidushi Persaud reported that the Board of Directors is planning a rigorous calendar for the new year that will include regularly scheduled shooting sessions for the Olympic sport.

The 2016 calendar will include both indoor and outdoor Archery seminars, safety instructions, practice sessions, extensive training and a series of competitions all using the Federation’s PVC bows, arrows, targets and other resources.

In this regard, Persaud extended thanks to the Government of Guyana, Education Ministry,

Department of Sport and the National Sports Commission for the support they have given to the development of this sport in 2015.

She also indicated that under the Archery Guyana section, the GSSF will be taking the sport to various communities around Guyana in an effort to tap skilled archers in these areas. Some locations earmarked for Archery sessions are the National Gymnasium, the Leonora Synthetic Track, the Providence National Stadium and the Carifesta Sports Club Ground.

For more information on Archery Guyana and the GSSF, interested persons can visit the website- www. GuyanaSportShooting. com.

with 4-27 and W Sobhai 3-15.

In the second semi-final, played on the same day at the same venue, Betsy Ground Triple Star won the toss and batted first under brilliant sunshine. They made a competitive 154-9 off their allotted 20 overs.

Kishan Sobhai topscored with 35 and was supported by T Ramdat with 23 and Allan Gopal, 20. Former national youth player Balram Samaroo took 3-17 and former national senior all-rounder Hubern Evans 2-12. The home team in reply cruised to a seven-wicket win, ending on 155-3 off 18.3 overs. Opener Mortimer Fraser made 63; Rudolph Baker, 24 and Samaroo 23 not out. The final and thirdplace playoffs are to be played shortly.