thursday, september 3, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com
thursday, september 3, 2015 |
The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: September 3 – 08:30h-10:00h and Friday, September 4 – 09:30h-11:00h.
The Berbice River Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, September 3 – 07:35h-09:05h and Friday, September 4 – 08:25h-09:55h
Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 11:00h and 16:00h daily.
High
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The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) on Wednesday called on Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud to remain independent and to remember his oath as the Party roasted him for what it described as politically skewed statements made on the issue of crime during a recent exclusive interview with Guyana Times
The Party is completely flabbergasted by claims made by the Police Commissioner that crime is driven and influenced by the “political opposition”, given the fact that when its Party was in Office, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) never found it necessary to make such statements even when substantive and substantial evidence had revealed that the People’s National Congress (PNC) was greatly affiliated with the criminal underground world.
The Party insinuated that these wild statements by the Commissioner were made to ensure security of his tenure as Top Cop.
“Commissioner Seelall Persaud must know that rather than jumping on the bandwagon as if there is a threat to his security of tenure, on the contrary here in Guyana for a sitting Commissioner of Police there is no threat of job security,” the Party said in a release.
Guyana Times had reported in its September 2 edition that the Police Commissioner related that it was extremely unfortunate that crime has grown to become a tool for all political Opposition to attack and defame the Government of the day.
However, in response,
claimed that the robbery in Campbellville where Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan’s neighbour Geetanjalie Ramotar was brutalised and tape bound by bandits; the murder of Corentyne resident Pamela Kendall, which had sparked a massive protest against the Government by residents in the area; and the situation where a Corentyne woman, after being robbed, left her husband sleeping in the hammock and walked to the Police Station at 04:00h, all raised suspicions and caused one to wonder the true motive behind these crimes. However, the Commissioner was the first person to make these
the PPP/C highlighted that in blaming the political Opposition as “undermining the efforts of the Police to fight crime” and to create “a perception” that crime is spiralling out of control, the Commissioner was stuck in denial mode and blatantly ignoring statistics which clearly reveal that the crime situation has reached unacceptable proportions.
“The Police themselves have admitted that there has been a 10 per cent increase in serious crimes as well as murders not to mention crimes committed with the use of a firearm all of which are clear indications that the situation has indeed spiralled out of control,” the Party pointed out, while dismissing those claims as disingenuous.
The Commissioner had also made reference to three occurrences where he believes the crimes in those scenarios were politically influenced. The Party pointed out that his claims hold no evidentiary value and lack credibility; therefore, it was completely erroneous for someone of his authority to draw such conclusions.
The Commissioner
allegations and it is hoped that the Police Force will make more evidence-based revelations.
On the issue of public trust, the Opposition advised the Commissioner to stop taking this integral crime fighting element for granted.
“To talk about building trust and confidence and at the same time undermining and lending support to the Ministry of Public Security’s efforts to dismantle the Community Policing Groups and the Community Policing Organisation in Guyana is not only contradictory but undermines the very trust and confidence which the GPF purports to enjoy from the Guyanese public,” the Party posited.
In conclusion, the Party reiterated that it never sold or bought crime as a “political football”, noting that it was the PNC itself that was known to be associated with the criminal underworld.
“Police records can attest to this fact…these facts were reported time and again and the sitting Commissioner of Police is aware of them,” the Party stated.
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
The fact that our entire country is all agog over secondary school examination results should be a good barometer of the level of our educational levels. But be as it may, it cannot be gainsaid that while extraordinary gains have been made during the last 23 years, we have a long way to go before we can hope to hold our heads high in the company of such countries like Singapore, that once envied our educational system and attainments where we were all British colonies back in the 1960's.
With a change of Government it might not be surprising that the new Minister of Education claims that his bailiwick is in "shambles". There is always the hyperbole of the victors as to the Herculean tasks that lie ahead and by which inflated yardstick they must be judged when the next trip to the polls are scheduled. The Minister's accession to office coincided with the announcement of the results of the National Grades Six Assessment (NGSA) which determine who would be the approximately top 500 students - from a pool of approximately 15,000 - that would attend the five "top schools" in Georgetown.
The hoopla that also attended this announcement suggests one of the reasons for our stagnated educational system: if the "top" secondary schools can only accommodate 0.03% of the graduates of the Primary Division - and all of them in Georgetown - then the reasonable course would be to bring Secondary Schools across the country to the same level. The previous Government had in fact made such a commitment some years ago, but events seemed to have overtaken whatever initiatives might have been initiated.
But the NGSA results failed once again to bring home to the country in general, and the educationists in particular, why its name was changed from the "Common Entrance Examination" to the NGSA - with the stress on the last word - "Assessment". That the NGSA was simply one of three "assessments" of our children at the primary leveland was meant to pinpoint for the secondary division their strengths and weaknesses has been completely ignored by the administrators. Even in macro terms not many persons appeared bothered by the fact that over half of the students actually did not obtain over 50% of the possible marks. It was a "test" rather than an "assessment" they would have failed.
There has been much talk about the University of Guyana being in a state of disarray, but whatever the administrative and resource challenges that institution may face, its standards will never be raised if it's student intake are not improved dramatically in terms of their preparation for higher studies.
With that as background, when the new Minister launched "Education Month" under the theme, "Quality Educational Leadership: Improving Schools from Within", we have grave reservations of ultimate success if "improvement" is not also generated from "without". Our entire education system needs to be reexamined holistically from a standpoint of where we are presently and where we want to go. In other words, our educational system needs a reset.
The Ministry has also announced that it will be constituted a "National Education Advisory Council" (NESC) which is supposed have advised it on its 20/20 Education Policy. It is to be hoped that the Ministry will not follow the pattern set in the appointments by other sections of the Government in which only a very narrow pool of persons - by ethnicity, gender and age - were selected. It is more than a trite truism that education if a prerequisite for development of whatever form or content that we as a nation might desire. As such, it is imperative that since we are evidently going to "reset" from first principles, we put our best and diverse brains to the task. Brains that are not just loyal to the party, but to the nation. In other words, perchance brains from even the Opposition.
aspect of
our Customs and Traditions”,
at the
Dear Editor, There will be a “National Dialogue on Social Cohesion” starting today and concluding tomorrow. As someone involved in the discourse on this subject for the past 25 years, (but not invited to the “dialogue”) I submit an intervention I made in 2006 and 2011.
One of the most poignant and persistent cries heard around Guyana – especially around elections time – is, “Why do we have to hear about Africans and Indians or Amerindians? Why can’t we all just be Guyanese?”
The poignancy is a bit ironic, however, because those same Guyanese, by and large, have been voting along ethnic lines for the past forty years and more.
And creating the problem they implicitly bemoan: divisiveness and lack of a national ethos. What is the problem? Are we so much sheep that we are led by the politicians to vote in a way that we don’t want? The reality is a bit more complex than that and we intuitively know it.
Part of the problem is that the issue is presented as if the fact of our diverse heritage, which has resulted in the presence of different ethnic groups in our country, is in contradiction to being “Guyanese”.
This is a false dilemma. Our reference to our-
selves to being “African” etc is simply an acknowledgement of our particular heritage – we shouldn’t try to erase it because history has shown that it’s an almost impossible task that in the end is not really necessary.
The experience of the British (who bequeathed their model of identity to us) should be an object lesson to us. The British have backed off the cultural homogeneous premises of the “nation-State” and have defined Britain today as “multiethnic”. Their focus is to ensure that the rights of British citizenship are distributed as equally as possible to all groups as they define themselves.
This is what we need to do in Guyana today. The ethnic conflict that defines our politics – and our frustration – could be an “effect of” as well as an “effect on” the iniquities of the political operations of the State on the various groups.
The task of politics and politicians today in Guyana is therefore to create a Guyanese State that promulgates the values of Guyanese citizenship without regard to race, religion, ethnicity etc.
Once this is done, much of the negative aspects of ethnicity will have disappeared. Between 2006 and 2011, for instance, to ask African Guyanese to forget that he is “African” when he believes to his bones
that he is discriminated as an African by the State is to ask too much. The immediate task is to remove the discriminatory condition, which the African person has to react against for his very survival.
Guyaneseness
There is no question that we, the citizens of Guyana must see our State and country as a “common venture”. Whether we like it or not, the modern State is a reality and the unit within we act and which has sovereignty in the international arena.
Yet at independence we inherited a State but not a nation and one does not identify with the State just like that – that’s partially why we have clung to our ethnicities so rigidly. The problem before us is how do we construct a “unity” of the peoples within our State that does not seek to obliterate our diversities.
We can situate this construction of a national outlook within what has labelled “Project Democracy” – the creation of conditions where we are all treated as one, equally, by the State. Equality of opportunity; human rights, encouragement of diversities, due process; justice and fair play and rule of law may seem dry compared to the warmth of the blood ties of “nation”, but they can engender the unity of public purpose and the recognition of individual worth
where we can be proud of our common citizenship. Citizenship of Guyana has to become something that has concrete meaning to all of us.
Institutions have to be organised around values that are consonant with the goals of the particular society.
It was the United States, made up of immigrants with diverse cultural backgrounds like us in Guyana, that first attempted to institutionalise this ideological definition of “national identity” when they ringingly announced in their Declaration of Independence:
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
Today America, and Canada as well as Britain as all other stable democracies accept that the creation of a stable society must begin with the creation of a just State. The task of politics and politicians in Guyana today is not to tell people to jettison their heritages but to create a State that we can proudly say is working for, “We the Guyanese people…”
Sincerely, Ravi Dev
Dear Editor,
The Public Security Ministry has declared a month-long Gun Amnesty Programme to rein in illegal firearms with the hope of reducing the surge of gun related violent crimes. Criminals are expected to simply surrender weapons or risk being “prosecuted in accordance with the laws when the one-month amnesty is up.” As it is, most persons caught with illegal firearms are already “prosecuted in accordance with the laws”, so nothing is new here.
The fact that there is a big demand for illegal weapons in the criminal underground, is enough reason to believe that criminals will either hide the guns they now have in their possession until they are ready to commit another crime, or simply dump them in a trench if their identity is compromised.
For this programme to succeed, the Public Security Minister needs to adopt a “Carrot and Stick” approach, and offer monetary incentives for criminals to risk exposure. The private sector can be persuaded to get involved by sponsoring some of the money, because the more guns that are taken off the streets, the safer it will be for businesses to operate.
But at the end of the amnesty, law enforcement must launch an aggressive campaign to recover illegal firearms, and prosecute the criminals to the full extent of the law. During this period, police officers should be offered the same incentive if, through their own initiative and good police work, they apprehend someone with an illegal firearm.
Another innovative suggestion that is likely to take dangerous criminals off the street and behind bars where they belong, requires some vision and the courage by the Public Security Minister to implement.
We’re all aware that there are several unsolved murders in Guyana. While some may remain unsolved, I am confident that the Guyana Police is working vigorously to conclude the cases. While some career criminals will never change, I believe most would if given a chance to turn their lives around. So here is a challenge for the Honorable Khemraj Ramjattan, Minister of Public Security.
Offer a one-month conditional amnesty to criminals wanted by the police
for crimes committed such as murder, aggravated assault, armed robbery and rape. Let their names and photographs be published in the press and offer them leniency. After turning themselves in for trial, the police will follow through on their promise and offer a substantial reduction in sentence to those who surrender. But this must go along with mandatory counseling and training geared at rehabilitation, which will help to re-establish the prisoners back into society; giving them hope, a new skill, and the opportunity for a new life.
Upon their release, the prisoners would be placed on supervised probation with electronic monitoring for 3-5 years. If probation is violated, they would be arrested to complete the full term of their sentence.
The bad boys would be taken off the streets, resulting in a reduction in murders and other brutal crimes, making communities much safer.
Why some people commit crimes regardless of the consequences while others never commit a crime, no matter how desperate their circumstances, is an ongoing study by
criminologists the world over. Most criminals when caught are likely to spend the rest of their lives behind bars, so they evade the police to win their freedom as long as they can, committing crimes along the way to survive with little or no respect for another human life. But if given an opportunity to wipe the slate clean after spending less time in prison, to return to live a normal life with family in freedom, provided with the skills to rehabilitate and find employment, I’m certain that most criminals on the run would choose this option.
As a crime prevention policy, the Guyana Police Force must interact more with the public. Police Officers should conduct yearly lectures at schools in all vulnerable communities, targeting both children and parents. Discuss the need to rise above poverty and avoid a career of crime through education, the dangers of using illicit substances and challenge the parents to be good citizens, creating an environment conducive to producing the next generation of leaders.
Harry Gill, MP
Dear Editor, I bring to the attention of the public and relevant authorities the illegal actions of certain residents from Casbah on the West Coast Demerara who are claiming a portion of the Uitvlugt Pasture, WCD Masjid property. The masjid administration was in the process of renovating the existing fence around the property when these individuals began to claim a portion of the property as theirs. They even went to
the extent of illegally entering the masjid property and erecting a fence. I was born 66 years ago in Uitvlugt, and can assert that the Masjid property was approved by former Bookers Sugar Estates, Sugar Estates Welfare Fund and there was never any claims by these selected persons, even when the PNC ruled for 28 years.
The Masjid administration has engaged a lawyer and a surveyor with the necessary doc -
uments to put an end to this illegal action. This bullying cannot continue under the coalition Government which promised national “unity” although the APNU/ AFC supporters have an increased tendency of openly displaying discrimination against non supporters and East Indians, quite the opposite of what was promised.
Sincerely,
Sheik Ally
Dear Editor, This letter is about two loaves of bread given to the now useless Pensioners. We have served through the good and bad times. We are now old and senile, we have become useless.
The previous annual subsidy and pension amounted to $30 000 in electricity subsidy, $11 000 in water subsidy, $157 200 in pension totaling a sum of $198 000.
With the new budget we have $0 for the electricity
and water subsidies, with a pension totaling $204 200.
This results in an increase of $5,800 per annum or $483 per month: the equivalent of 2 loaves of bread per month.
We, the Pensioners, were fooled by the APNU/ AFC Government. The rate at which the Government is going will cause the expiration of its term in office and another snap Election.
Most of the pensioners who have claims of NIS on pension benefits, might die without receiving their money. The NIS has one million contributions and cannot say to whom the contributions belong. Let me suggest that the NIS examine the claims and with due justification make the necessary payments. The remaining should be credited as miscellaneous receipts by the Berbice Harbour Bridge.
Sincerely, Concerned Pensioner (name provided)
BY ESTHER CRAIN
It’s back-to-school season –and that means children are once again at risk for a health hazard that has nothing to do with unhealthy school lunches or being targeted by a classroom bully.
Instead, this health issue is about the weight students carry on their backs. Thanks to heftier Science and Maths textbooks as well as electronics like laptops, students these days are toting around heavier than ever loads in their backpacks, Karen Jacobs, clinical Professor of occupational therapy and past President of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), tells Yahoo Parenting. Throw in the sports gear they need for after-school activities and the bottled water many children take to school, and that can add up to 10, 15, even 20 pounds on their backs.
“Heavy backpacks are a health risk for children of any age because their musculoskeletal systems are not fully developed,” says Jacobs. “All that weight can cause aches and pain in a child’s neck, shoulders, back, and head.” One study even found that the weight from a backpack can trigger spinal curvature.
Heavy backpacks are a bigger problem than most parents think, and this is supported by a troubling statistic: Approximately 8500 children between five and 18 were treated for backpack injuries in 2013, according to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission.
To draw attention to the
dangers of a heavy backpack, AOTA has designated Sept 16 National School Backpack Awareness Day. AOTA experts will be at schools across the country, conducting backpack “weigh-ins” and talking to students and parents.
BY JENNIFER O’NEILL
“It’s perfectly fine for even preschoolers to have backpacks, but it’s important to keep some safety rules in mind so the backpack doesn’t cause stress and damage,” says Jacobs. Parents should make sure their children’s backpacks fit them comfortably and don’t leave them struggling. “Don’t just go
with the superhero backpack your child wants if it isn’t supportive,” she says. These seven tips will ensure that your back-to-schooler isn’t carrying the weight of the world on her (small) shoulders. A backpack shouldn’t clock in at more than 10 per cent of a child’s weight. “That means if your child weighs 100 pounds, the backpack shouldn’t amount to more than 10 pounds,” says Jacobs. Not sure? Toss it on the bathroom scale, and do your own weigh-in. Use different compartments to distribute weight evenly. Heavier items, like books and
laptops, should go in the center, while lighter items can go in the front and on the sides. Encourage children to use both shoulder straps. Hanging the backpack off one shoulder puts all the weight on one side of the body, which sets a child up for aches and pains on that side. Secure the hip strip. “If the pack is on the heavy side, fastening the hip strap will distribute the weight better than if you secured the chest strap,” says Jacobs. “The point is to keep all of the weight off the shoulders.” Get a backpack with wheels For children who can’t cut back on the amount of stuff they have to carry, encourage them to roll their backpack instead of wear it.
Watch for warning signs. A backpack that poses a health threat will cause pain or numbness, leave red strap marks on the shoulders, or change a child’s posture so he walks hunched over. Notice any of these, and it’s time to do a bag check to see why it’s so heavy and what she can leave at school or home to slim it down.
Talk to your child’s teachers. If children at your child’s school have to bring home heavy books or tote computers every day and it’s overloading them, team up with other parents to figure out a solution. “Ask teachers to coordinate so children don’t have to carry so much every single day,” suggests Jacobs. (Yahoo! News)
ack-to-school season prompts more headaches in children than any other time of year, according to a new study. But with a few easy fixes, parents can help children avoid brain pain.
For a surprising number of children, getting back into the school grind means grinding headaches. A new study from researchers at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, USA, reveals that during the September to November months, children between the ages of five and 18 experienced tension headaches and migraines more than at any other time of the year.
“There is over a 30 per cent increase in headaches in the fall, related to the start of school,” Howard Jacobs, MD, a Headache Specialist at Nationwide Children’s, tells Yahoo Parenting of the research, which examined the rate and dates of children’ emergency room visits for headaches over the last five years.
“Stress is really a significant player with children and teens’ headaches,” Ann Pakalnis, MD, lead study author and director of the Comprehensive Headache Clinic at Nationwide Children’s, has said of the research. “And school is the biggest stressor.”
Turns out, everything related to a return to the classroom can be aggravating, from academics to activities. The researchers report that changes in sleep, schedule, extracurricular activities, and, of course, pressure to get good grades all contribute to brain pain, with no single factor packing a bigger punch than another. “It generally
seems to be the combination of stressors ‘piling up’ that brings this on,” Jacobs tells Yahoo Parenting.
And the phenomenon doesn’t just afflict Type A perfectionists. “It is not related to how good or bad the patient’s academic performance is,” he adds. “No matter how well, or poorly, you do in school, the stresses are still there.”
The good news is parents can help children avoid the aches.
Encouraging students to get a consistent amount of sleep is an easy start, says Jacobs. “An adolescent should be getting about nine hours of sleep,” he advises. “The brain seems to need this to rest and recharge for the next day.” Naps are a no-no, though, Jacobs cautions, because they “interfere with the brain’s ability to sleep well at night.”
Eating habits are also vital. Having three meals a day can help ward off headaches. “The brain runs on energy,” he explains. “Not providing that energy in a timely manner is a stress to the brain, and stress brings on headaches.” So even if your children are running crazy late for the bus, stash some breakfast food in their bag rather than forgoing that first meal. “It’s the most important one of the day,” he says. “The brain has not had any new energy overnight and needs the refuelling in the morning. In a rush, even a cereal bar is enough.”
Fuel children up with liquids, too. “The heart is trying to pump energy up to the brain, so the better hydrated you are, the easier it is for your heart to do that,” advises Jacobs, who recommends 64 daily ounces of any liquid that doesn’t contain caffeine. “Frequent caffeine intake has been shown to worsen headaches,” he says. Exercise is another smart step. “It’s thought to improve the function of the mitochondria, the batteries, of our cells, and not just in muscles but everywhere including the brain. The better they produce energy, the less stress on the cell, and in the brain, which translates to less headache.”
But if children still struggle with headaches after putting these practices into play, consider professional help. “Often a psychologist can be a huge asset in helping children find better ways to deal with stressors,” says Jacobs. “Things that are causing obvious stress need to be dealt with.”
(Yahoo! News)
40 convicts pardoned by President Granger…
It has been several months since some 40 young convicted men and women were released from prison after being granted amnesty by President David Granger, and most of them have been enrolled in the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Skills and Knowledge for Youth Empowerment (SKYE) programme, where they are “doing quite well”.
Guyana Times spoke with SKYE Chief-ofParty Magda Wills, who stated that the pardoned youths are involved in the programme, which currently has about 800 participants, and are benefiting from education, skills and behaviourial training, so that they can be reintegrated into society. She noted that there are no distinctions between the pardoned youths and the rest of the participants of the programme. In fact, Wills said “(youths) are not treated separately (from other participants). We try not to single out the amnesty beneficiaries”.
According to Wills, the amnesty beneficiaries were placed in the programme based on various factors, such as their literacy and geographical locations. She noted that based on these factors, the length of time each participant spends in the programme will be determined.
The Chief-of-Party further pointed out that after the participant proves their readiness, then they will be allowed to re-integrate into society with skills that will help them earn a livelihood. Wills went on to say that all youths in the SKYE programme are attached to coaches from their respective areas who act as mentors during the training process and further link them to livelihood opportunities at the end of the programme. Before their release from prison on June 12, the 40 individuals were all interviewed by SKYE representatives and were identified for certain training programmes that are being conducted in
Pall administrative regions. Training is currently being conducted in Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six and 10. Approximately 98 per cent of the amnesty beneficiaries are male while the other two per cent of females are between the ages of 18 and 25.
Not Probation Officers
In a previous interview with Guyana Times, Wills had clarified that they are only facilitating the reintegration progress and pave the path for opportunities and not acting as Probation Officers for these young people. “We will not be monitoring them after they leave,” she had stated.
During the training, she explained, the youths will be educated on areas of working habits, the labour laws, among others, so that they will have the right attitude for the working environment.
At a reception held to celebrate the United States Independence Day, US Chargé d’affaires Bryan Hunt had reiterated his commitment to the programme to empower Guyanese youths in order to deter and reduce their involvement in crime and violence.
“Our mutually beneficial goal is to reduce youth crime and violence by developmentenhanced skills and increased economic opportunities,” the official said.
He added that they have partnered with Guyana’s Magistracy as well as he Probation Department of the Social Protection Ministry to ensure that alternative sentencing was given to more than 70 youths. This, he noted, will divert young persons from incarceration and push them towards receiving support to reform their lives.
Hunt went on to outline that “Over 1600 youth have been linked to long-term employment. Our work to empower youth and support improvement of their lives through this programme continues, partnering with Government, Private Sector, and the non-governmental community to achieve objectives.”
olice investigations into a number of startling allegations made by self-confessed “death squad” killer Sean Hinds, which hinted at political involvement in several high-profile crimes in the country, have revealed that a number of these accusations are completely inaccurate and false.
Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud, during an exclusive interview with Guyana Times on Tuesday, cautiously explained that the “Sean Hinds situation” was still being investigated and, therefore, he could not disclose much information.
However, he revealed that investigators have stumbled upon valuable information which proves that several of the allegations made by Hinds are false.
“We also have evidence that some of the things Sean Hinds spoke about that he was actually lying because we have evidence to show otherwise,” Persaud said, noting that the GPF was in possession of all the media recordings and reports surrounding the allegations.
When prompted further,
he declined to disclose any more information.
The first startling revelation made by ex-Policeman Hinds was of him being an integral part of a “death squad” which had a rampant operation during the mid-2000s. Hinds claimed that he was directed by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) to execute the “operations”. He even defended his involvement, claiming that the “killing squad” allowed for law and order to prevail in the country.
The “death squad” was reportedly responsible for going after criminal elements, particularly those who emerged after the shocking jailbreak of February 2002, when five high-profile criminals escaped from the Camp Street Prison.
Asked about his knowledge of the “death squad”, the Commissioner said he was not aware of any groups by that name.
“I know we had, we had several groups. I don’t know them by these names.”
However, he conceded to hearing reports of the “Phantom Squad”, “Phantom was reported
on a whole lot during the crime spree so to my mind they were speaking about a certain group of individuals and they called them phantom, because the people them who were known to be killed, some of them were involved in crime,” he related.
Hinds had also confessed to having been hired to murder journalist Ronald Waddell, who was known at the time for his harsh criticisms of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government in his television programme, “Taking Care of Business”.
Though Hinds never admitted that the PPP/C hired him to kill, media re-
ports sought to establish a relationship between the former Administration, Hinds and the killings he admitted to have committed or being involved in. The PPP/C has since denied being a part of any of the conspiracies.
Hinds also alleged that the People’s National Congress (PNC) trained him how to kill and had often sponsored his involvement in several extrajudicial killings and criminal activity.
He alleged that several top officials in the PNC-led A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government played an integral role in the execution of many of the killings in the early days of the PPP/C Administration.
Under pressure from society and Government officials, Hinds eventually turned himself in to the Police but while being interrogated, declined to divulge any information. The suddenly tight-lipped individual claimed that he was advised by his lawyer Nigel Hughes (AFC Chairman) to withhold information. He was subsequently released without being charged.
thursday, september 3, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com
As violence in the public school system takes on a whole new level, officials from the various administrative regions are working to keep it at bay, seeking out the support of parents and teachers in the fight.
The move has been taken even as activities for Education Month 2015 have been launched, with Education Minister, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine and Chief Education Officer (CEO) Olato Sam examining this year’s theme and urging parents to play a more active role in the lives of their children.
School violence has widely become a serious problem, especially where the use of weapons are involved. It includes violence between students as well as physical attacks by students on school staff.
Just over a year ago, a study conducted by the Ruimveldt Life Improvement Centre, spanning a five-year period revealed that access to guns and other offensive weapons, high suspension rates, high levels of aggressive and disrespectful behaviour that required the attention of the Police, were the usual occurrences at a well known secondary school in Georgetown.
According to the school’s misdemeanour log, in 2007, there were 74 suspensions across the school; however, by 2010, there were more than 148 suspensions. “We further found that aggressive and
disrespectful behaviours accounted for 63.5 per cent of those for 2007, when compared to 2010 when there was almost 80 per cent,” researchers had relayed at an event to present their findings.
Rise in violent behaviour
Only on Monday, two students – one from Queenstown Secondary and the other from St George’s High School – were rushed to the Georgetown Public
Secondary School was also admitted to the hospital, nursing a stab wound to his head which was inflicted by a schoolmate during a scuffle. He was stabbed with a screwdriver after a heated exchange of words.
But while most of these violent activities seem to be brewing in and around the capital city, officials of several outlining regions have also been grappling with the issue.
Speaking with Guyana Times on Wednesday, Vice
Hospital nursing injuries following a brawl on Church Street, Georgetown.
The teenagers, both 13 years old, were involved in a heated argument when one of them broke a bottle and dealt one blow to the other, injuring him to the left shoulder. During the scuffle, the aggressor received injuries to his mouth and thumb as well.
Late last year, a second-form student of the Cummings Lodge
Chairman of Region Nine (Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo) Karl Singh said that over the last couple of months, there has been a significant rise in violent activities among school children in the region.
This he said was more pronounced in the deep South Rupununi, which he noted has a very different culture altogether.
According to Singh, the issue is grave, but there remains a lack of resourc -
es to deal with the issue. He said that in the entire region which also has five districts, only has one Welfare Officer. More needs to be done in that regard, Singh said, adding that there are hardly any visits from the Regional Education Officer.
Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) Chairman Devenand Ramdatt told Guyana Times that his region has been fostering a good relationship with the Parent Teacher Association (PTA), and has been conducting several workshops. He said the region has been generally quiet in this regard.
In Region One (BarimaWaini), Chairman Brentnol Ashley said there is a support mechanism through the welfare programme. He said the Welfare Officers have been working with teachers to help them understand the issues students face, while offering assistance wherever an issue may arise.
The Region has also been seeking the assistance of the religious community to work with the students. Added to that, Ashley said the Guyana Police Force will soon launch a youth group to assist students in the right path along with the assistance of the PTA.
That aside, the Chairman said that violence is much more prevalent among youths within the community as against in the schools.
The contacting firm that rehabilitated some kilometers of road along East Bank Berbice (EBB) has made a commitment to the Public Infrastructure Ministry to have remedial works done along the roadway. During a meeting at the Ministry on Wednesday, the General Manager of H
Nauth and Sons undertook to correct all defective works on the 12 kilometers road before officially handing over the project to the Ministry. The contracting company was hired to resurface 12 kilometers of the road between Everton and Mara.
Subject Minister David Patterson along with technical staff from the Works
Services Group Jerry Loochan, was informed during the meeting that the corrective works will commence on September 9.
The Public Infrastructure Ministry had conducted an inspection on August 26, last. During the inspection, the Ministry’s Internal Auditors found that sections of the road have ‘finish surface’
that did not meet the specifications and debris was visible in wearing course, which resulted in holes emerging on the road surface.
In addition, it was also noticeable that vegetation was growing through the road and hairline cracks, which clearly indicates that the base material still has vegetative soil.
Furthermore, the compaction test of the thoroughfare will be re-evaluated by the Ministry’s laboratory. H Nauth Company will be executing some independent density tests as well.
To this end, a technical team from the Ministry will accompany the Contractor to inspect all defects with the aim of conducting a detailed assessment of the corrective works needed to bring the project within the specifications and standard as per contract.
The road project cost $393.9 million. Work commenced in November 2014 and was completed in June this year.
This Eyewitness thought he'd experienced some barefacedness in his time. But the response of the Commissioner of Crime (COP) to questions from this newspaper about the "spiraling crime wave" takes the cake. Let's review what went on. During the August Budget debate in Parliament, the Minister of Financewith no reason to bad mouth his own government, you'd hope - announced that the crime situation was "the “most pressing and most depressing problem facing our nation today.”
He was forthright in placing responsibility for the debacle: "We need a police force that is more accountable to the public and better able to deal with crime and antisocial behaviour that is anathema to the good life,” the Finance Minister insisted. The month before, the President had summoned Ramjattan and his security big wigsincluding the aforementioned COP - at 4 am in the morning to discuss "the rising crime situation".
Granger had called the meeting both because the crime situation was so dire and because Ramjattan had to ensure that his most potent innovation to fight crime up to then - a 2 am curfew on drinking - was enforced. But in the meeting Ramjattan came up with a new plan - which he passed on to the COP to "flesh out". Once again, Ramjattan thought OUTSIDE the box. While everyone was talking about beat patrolmen and such like, the new Security Minister announced that the COP should deploy "horses and dogs" to take on the criminals.
It was said that the COP didn't take too kindly to the suggestion since it intimated that his men weren't as good as horses and dogs. If there's one thing civilians shouldn't do - no matter how highly placed - it was not to mess with the Blue Wall". Policemen are loyal to their own. So it was against this background that your Eyewitness felt the COP was really taking on the Government when he made two assertions- first that crime wasn't actually getting out of hand and secondly that it was the "politicians" who were pushing that line.
Now since the President, his Finance Minister, his Minister of the Presidency and his direct boss, the Minister of National Security has all asserted that crime was rising, there couldn't be anyone else he could be "throwing talk" at, could he? Of course, there were the PPP types, including the ex-Home Affairs honcho, Rohee, who carried on about crime. But who listens to them? They're just preaching to the congregation.
It's the fellas in government, from the President downwards, who have no need to badmouth themselves, who's been on the COP's case.
And this Eyewitness doesn't think they'll take too kindly to the COP's accusations!
But the COP didn't stop at "throwing talk" at the Government politicians, he actually accused them of maybe being involved in some of the "crimes" that inflated the "serious crimes figures". The latter had been swelling faster than a marabunta's bite, so the COP couldn't very well ignore them, could he? Rapes, murders, robberies, beatings and such like we're serious business.
Now very recently, the COP had hauled in a fella for questioning on some of the said "serious crimes". He'd sang more than the proverbial Canary about politicians involved in all kinds of nefarious deeds - worse than the run-of-mill "serious crimes". Some of those politicians were still around. Could it be that the COP had some hard information that some of the Bannuhs now in Government had done the dirty?
But if what the snitch had said had any truth to it, the COP better look out.
Those political Bannuhs had a lot of clout!
...do no time
But your Eyewitness thinks we're in for some interesting times. When the top man in the war against anarchy doesn't have confidence in his own bosses...you know things na regulah!
Readers are invited to send their comments by email to eye@guyanatimesgy.com
The battered body of a man who did odd jobs around Leopold Street, Georgetown and the surrounding communities was on Wednesday morning found in his makeshift apartment.
The dead man has been identified as 51-year-old Deon Macey, also called Jarice, of Lot 67 Leopold Street. His body was found about 06:30h by other tenants in the yard who went to the apartment to check on him after he did not respond to their call.
As they pushed open the door, the man’s bloodied body was revealed. He had sustained about three stab wounds to the chest and abdomen. The body was taken to the Lyken Funeral Home to await a post-mortem examination.
When Guyana Times visited the scene, Police Detectives were conducting their investigation, while a crowd had gathered on the roadway. Several minutes later, the body was removed and the detectives left. This publication subsequently gained entry to the man’s apartment, where spots of blood were seen along with several pieces of cloth. One bystander, Simone (only name given) told Guyana Times that she received a telephone call from a friend about 06:35h informing her of the murder.
She recalled that Macey
that the man has been living there for the past three years. He never paid rent since he would normally help out in the yard.
The yard has several other apartments, but surprisingly everyone claimed that they did not hear any commotion during the evening. One young man told Guyana Times that he saw the man about 02:00h when he left the house to go on a “fine hustle”. He said when he returned home, he went straight to bed and it was not until he heard the noise in the yard, he realised something was wrong. When he rushed downstairs, he saw Macey’s motionless body lying in a pool of blood.
Guyana Times understands that two men who reside in the same yard
body bore about three stab wounds and lacerations to the head.
Police have since ruled out robbery since Macey had no valuables; thus, they are focusing their attention on the theory that he might have had an argument with a group of men who stabbed him several times.
Several persons are being questioned in relation to the matter, as the Police continue their investigation with the hope of getting a breakthrough.
Moments after executing a brazen daylight robbery on an overseas-based Guyanese and her ailing mother, three young men were arrested.
The robbery occurred about 11:00h at Lancaster Street, Goed Fortuin, West Bank Demerara.
According to information received, the three young men invaded the property of Mona Kewall and relieved her of close to $500,000 and other items. The men then fled, but the quick response from residents and Police led to their apprehension and positive identification as the perpetrators.
A relative of the victims told Guyana Times that the elderly and ailing woman was in the yard taking some fresh air, but as she re-entered the home from the back door, the three men confronted her.
Her daughter was reportedly in the upper flat of the house and saw the men running into the yard, but by the time she reached the lower flat to secure the door, they were already in the house.
The young men who were armed with knives and screwdrivers instructed the duo not to raise an alarm and demanded that they hand over the money and jewellery. Kewall, out of fear, reportedly handed over the money that she had intended to use to purchase her return ticket to the US and her mother’s hospital fees.
As they demanded jewellery, the elderly woman was about to take off her ring, but one of the men encouraged the others to leave the premises. As the men were leaving, they dropped a bag containing two mobile phones and a screwdriver.
Guyana Times understands that Kewall would have seen the faces of the men before they pulled the toques they were wearing over their faces, since she was observing them through a bedroom window.
The relative stated that he was at work when he received the news and immediately contacted his son who was at the wash bay who in turn called the Police.
A search party was established resulting in the apprehension of one of the teenagers at a Chinese restaurant in the village, while another was caught while riding his pedal cycle and the third was apprehended in the village.
Based on the fact that the woman saw the men’s faces, it was easy for her to identify them.
They were also wearing the same clothes they had on when they committed the act. The bicycle and the three men were taken to the Vreed-en-Hoop Police Station where the perpetrators are being grilled.
Meanwhile, the relative told Guyana Times that robberies were committed in the area as a result of the high vegetation, as bandits would use it to their advantage to hide before and after committing the acts. He is imploring the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) to look into the matter as soon as possible claiming that the next robbery might be more detrimental. The Police are continuing their investigation into the robbery.
was a very helpful person who did odd jobs for people in the area, but could not say if he had an issue with anyone. The resident stated that when she reached the scene, she saw his motionless body lying on pieces of cardboard. She posited that Macey was well-known in the area and did not trouble anyone.
The now dead man’s landlady declined to give a comment and redirected all questions to her husband who told media operatives
would have heard a commotion in the wee hours of Wednesday, but did not take it seriously since Macey would routinely make a lot of noise when he was under the influence of alcohol.
A bystander related that he last saw the man alive about 02:30h walking along Cross Street. He too was surprised at the man’s demise and more so, how he met his death.
A Police source confirmed that the man’s
This is the second murder in two days. On Monday evening, 22-yearold Kellon Hinds called “Bajan” of East Ruimveldt Squatting Area was shot dead after he was attacked by a group of armed men with whom he had an old grievance.
According to reports, the young man was attacked by four armed men in front of his home and was shot. He was picked up and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Reports indicate that as the gunmen opened fire on Hinds, he ran into the yard for cover, but was pursued by two of the perpetrators. The men caught up with him and shot him dead.
...had received at President's 4 am meeting
The proposed plan to implement the Crime Fighting Strategy crafted by the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition Government will see several areas within the Guyana Police Force being significantly boosted.
According to Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud, Government had formulated a strategy and tasked the Force with implementing plans to execute that strategy. He noted the proposal that he submitted basically outlined an operational plan that covered some of the major aspects of the Force’s operations.
These include the establishment and creation of several new units such as a Cold Case Unit as well as increases in certain types of operations within the Police Force such as patrols. Persaud went on to say that he was currently awaiting Government’s approval to begin rolling out the plan to curb the increasing crime the country has been experiencing. “It [the plan] will drive us into the future,” he assured.
However, the Police
Commissioner highlighted that before the plan was executed, there were some other crucial matters that needed to be examined and determined, such as resources to implement and sustain the plan.
“When you get strategies, you have to write plans, but those plans need resources to be implemented, so it is being studied at the moment by Government and then we will take it from there,” he explained.
Persaud noted that he could not say whether the plan would get the needed resources over time through annual budgets or if a special arrangement would be
put in place to have the plan get resources via another avenue.
Nevertheless, Persaud said that persons should be cognisant that Guyana was a developing country, so the Force has to operate within the realities of a small economy. Against that background, the Top Cop stated that whatever arrangements were out in place, the Police would work along with it.
A few weeks after assuming office, President David Granger held a meeting with the country’s top security officials during which the new crime-fighting strategy was crafted. Among those at
the high-profile gathering were Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo; State Minister Joseph Harmon; Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan; Social Cohesion Minister Amna Ally; Police Commissioner Persaud and Deputy Chief-of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Colonel Khemraj Persaud.
At a subsequent media conference following that meeting, Minister Harmon
stated: “The draft strategy will be flesh out by the Vice President and refined by the Commissioner of Police to ensure that citizens in this country are safe and the criminals, criminal underworld and intellectual authors of criminal activity understand that this government has a very strong resolve to root out crime wherever it exists in Guyana.”
Further, he mentioned some of the areas that the strategy would focus on, including increased intelligence capacity, training of Police ranks, resuscitation of the Police Marine Branch to curb piracy, improvement of Police communication and networking using technology such as Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras.
“I Paid a Bribe” programme useless – Top Cop ...corruption is a “cultural thing”
The “I Paid a Bribe” programme has been dismissed as completely useless by Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud, who said it did absolutely nothing to aid in the reduction of corruption among Guyana Police Force (GPF) ranks. The programme, an Internet initiative consisting of a website where citizens reported bribery, was launched by former Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee as a means to clamp down on bribery in the Police Force and other Government agencies.
However, during an interview with Guyana Times on Tuesday, the Police Commissioner declared that the programme did not allow for the relevant data to be collected in order to launch a proper investigation into the reports.
“”I Paid a Bribe” programme does not make sense. Anybody can put a report in, whether it happens or not. The report does not allow you to say Seelall Persaud took a bribe. It allows you to say a member of the Guyana Police Force, maybe the Station. The information does not allow you to put your name, so no investigator can contact you to say listen let us start an investigation and let’s see what happened. The information that is there cannot initiate an investigation. So it’s useless actually,” he stated.
Asked whether a revamping of the programme would make it more effective, Persaud’s response was in the affirmative.
“The thing is, any information, when you write in the press that something happens, we send it to the Office of Professional Responsibility. Any information we receive, we investigate. Anywhere we
get report where a Police is corrupt, we investigate,” he stated.
Within eight days of its launch in May 2013, the “I Paid a Bribe Guyana” website recorded a total of $6,426,708 being paid in bribes. Three agencies and seven departments were reportedly bribed, based on information received on the website. The most bribes were collected by the Guyana Police Force (GPF), followed by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Public Works Ministry, according to the website reports.
However, according to the Police Commissioner, most of these reports were not investigated because there was no possible way to contact the individuals involved to launch a proper probe.
Asked about the GPF’s plan to tackle the issue of corruption in the country, the Top Cop said the ranks were constantly being trained to act in a professional manner.
“The thing is every individual has an economic demand and when those demands aren’t met, then they look for alternatives, now the alternative does not have to be something illegal, but it can be. You see some big business people going to drug trafficking, why do they do that? It is a decision they took. They didn’t have to do drug trafficking; they didn’t have to do an illegal business. So the point here is, it has to do with the integrity of the individual and it has to do with the technicality of the situation…,” he said.
Nonetheless, the Top Cop accepted that Guyana has a grave corruption problem, especially in the Police Force, but he noted that all efforts were being exhausted to address the problem.
“Corruption is a cultural thing you know, it is everybody…it’s not only the Police Force, remember somebody paying that bribe…The Private Sector is involved. The same persons who complain of Police being corrupt are the ones encouraging Police to take bribes,” Persaud said, noting that corruption needed to be addressed from all angles. Persaud also believes that if the ranks get paid a better salary, it is less likely that they will be tempted to collect bribes.
Long hours of hard work and late nights of intense studying finally paid off for the 10 visually impaired students who graduated from the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) programme under the Guyana Society of the Blind (GSB).
During a simple graduation ceremony in their honour at the Society’s headquarters in Durban Street, GSB representative Ganesh Singh reported that the successes of the programme have seen an influx of the visually impaired attending the University of Guyana (UG); and for this reason, the Society will be pushing the Government to establish the necessary facilities on campus to enable their studies.
Throughout the years, the CSEC programme has been reaping major success and making significant differences in the lives of those from the visually-impaired community.
The top graduating student, 36year old Alwyn Adams, , during his brief remarks, underscored the importance of the programme and encouraged others like himself to not give up on life because of their disability.
“I would like to take this opportunity to say to the other people out there, the visually impaired or any impairment you may have, that it is not the end of the world. You can achieve, you will achieve, just believe in yourself,” he said.
Adams is registered for the social work programme at UG. He is currently engaged as a counsellor at the Assembly of God’s Church in Goed Fortuin, West Coast Demerara (WCD), and he believes a degree in social work will better enable him to reach out to others. Adams graduated with passes in five CSEC subjects, inclusive of three ones and two twos.
The other graduates are
41-year-old Julian Layne; 18-yearold Ceon Rollox; 24-year-old Teshawn Rodney; 43-year-old Stacy Greaves; 17-year-old Desmond Fraser; 32-year-old Adelphian Adams; 20-year-old Musa Haynes and 24-year-old Leroy Phillips.
The students received trophies, medals and tokens which were all donated by Genevieve McDonald, a regular volunteer at the GSB.
The teachers were also awarded with tokens for their outstanding work in helping these students achieve their success.
Meanwhile, the programme offers subjects in Human and Social Biology, Social Studies, Principles of Business, Office Administration, Religious Administration, English Language and Caribbean History.
The GSB was established on October 8, 1955 and throughout the years, the organisation has been reaching out to all those visuallyimpaired persons in Guyana.
In order to restore the country to a place where its natural beauty and tourist attractions can be properly showcased and captivate the attention of citizens and non-locals, the Administration will need to swiftly address the welfare management of the homeless, drug and alcohol addicts and the mentally challenged who roam the streets of Georgetown.
This problem has become so widespread that specialised skills will be needed to curb and manage this prevalent issue.
According to retired Major General Joe Singh, during a media briefing on Monday, counselling and guidance will definitely be necessary in tackling the situation.
In fact, there will be the need for the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to play a role in assisting the city and country at large in preventing more vagrants setting up ‘residences’ on the streets and in buildings located in central Georgetown and around well-known, prominent establishments.
“As an example, if we have people who have taken up residences at the round house outside of the Police Station on the seawall at Kingston, then that is an encumbrance. If we have persons occupying, as I passed there today (Monday) I saw persons who have hammocks at the Burnham Courts, there are persons who have bed spaces on the pavement. They have their own arrangements so that they know who has not yet turned up for the evening so those do-gooders who normally dispense snacks and meals to them would be told that four others are due there at 8pm so they have bed spaces allocated on the pavement,” the re-
tired Major General said.
He told Guyana Times that for these unfortunate persons, this was their way of life and as such all Guyanese needed to treat them with humanity.
In this regard, because many citizens of Guyana tout the country and its people as a caring society, it is our duty to ‘look after’ them but in doing so, there will be specialised functions required, Singh emphasised.
Consideration is already in place for the relevant authorities to make use of the Hugo Chávez homeless shelter situated in Onverwagt, Region Five (MahaicaBerbice) to cater for more persons than the number presently occupying the facility.
“There is a building or complex which was established for such a purpose at Onverwagt, it is known as the Hugo Chávez building. It was made available to us by Venezuela and I am told it caters for over 300 residents. Currently, as at last week, it only has 30, so it is an asset which is underutilised and we need to make use of it and reduce and hopefully eliminate the instances or incidents of persons who are wandering the streets aimlessly because they are not cared for.”
It should be noted, however, that if the government wishes to ensure that legal action can be taken to relocate these persons to such facilities and shelters there must be legislation passed in the National Assembly addressing such.
Only when this is done then can the GPF, along with other authorities, place vagrants and other persons wandering the streets into the necessary institutes to be cared for.
thursday, september 3, 2015 | guyanatimesgy.com
Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic (Greece) to the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Nikolas Kotrokois has extended his country’s offer to render technical assistance to the Guyana Government to develop the maritime sector locally.
This pledge was made by Ambassador Kotrokois during a courtesy call on Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson. Junior Minister Annette Ferguson was also part of the meeting, which was held on
Wednesday at the Ministry’s Wight’s Lane, Kingston Office.
Ambassador Kotrokois is a non-resident Ambassador to Guyana and is currently stationed in neighbouring Venezuela. This is his first visit to Guyana.
Both Ministers Patterson and Ferguson expressed appreciation to the diplomat and discussed other areas of mutual interests that can benefit both countries during the briefing engagement. According to Minister Patterson, estab-
lishing maritime links with the European country will significantly boost the local industry. “They are a maritime giant,” he stated.
The last EuroBank report – the 2014 report – stated that the Greek shipping industry has a prominent position in global maritime transports. The Greekcontrolled fleet is ranked first globally in international merchant fleet capacity, accounting for 16.16 per cent of the world’s total transport capacity.
An employee of Sankar’s Autoworks was on Wednesday placed on $50,000 bail after he appeared before Magistrate Ann McLennan in Court Two of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged with causing grievous bodily harm.
Steve Moore, 28, of Lot 11 North Sophia, Greater
Georgetown, pleaded not guilty to the charge which read that on Saturday, June 20 at North Sophia, he caused grievous bodily harm to Keith Johnson. His Attorney Keisha Chase told the Court that her client lives with his parents and has no previous convictions or brushes with the law.
She also stated that he is
not a flight risk and as such requested that he be granted bail in a reasonable sum. Police Prosecutor Corporal Deniro Jones made no objections to bail on the condition that he is granted bail in a substantial amount. This was granted by Magistrate McLennan in the sum of $50,000.
The matter was adjourned until September 28.
...says Govt "window dressing", "fooling int’l community"
Asimple glance at its track record since it came into Executive Office will be proof enough to conclude that the big fuss being created by the David Granger-led Administration with regard to social cohesion is a big façade to mislead the Guyanese public and the international community.
This is according to the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) in a press statement issued on Wednesday evening.
“The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has noted with disgust the hullabaloo being created by the David Granger Administration with regard to Social Cohesion, when in fact these efforts are merely window dressing,” the Party said, asserting that it was clear the David Granger-led Administration has no moral authority to speak on the topic at hand.
The Social Cohesion Ministry has been promoting its first Social Cohesion Roundtable, which will take place today at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre; however, the PPP/C has listed seven situations where the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) engaged and supported anti-cohesion activities.
Firstly, the Party said the APNU/AFC cheated the PPP/C and the Guyanese people, with the help of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) when it rigged the May 11 General and Regional Elections –alienating more than 50 per cent of the voting population.
Then, upon its assump-
tion to office, the Party said, the Government embarked on a mass “ethno-political discrimination” campaign in the public sector, by arbitrarily firing “Indo-Guyanese” and persons believed to be affiliated with the PPP/C.
Thirdly, the Party said the Government terminated the employment of almost 2000 young Amerindian Community Support Officers (CSOs) without any proper explanation.
Fourthly, the PPP highlighted that the APNU/AFC has in its ranks, persons who openly promote a racist ideology.
Fifthly, it was pointed out that the Government endorsed a discriminatory electricity subsidy for one segment of the Guyanese society over another.
Sixthly, the PPP/C said, the Government continues to make important national decisions without consulting with the relevant sections of the Guyanese society.
And lastly, the Party pointed out that the government’s blatant usurpation of the functions of the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), a constitutional body established to deal with issues of social cohesion, is another indicator that the APNU/AFC has no real intention to promote unity in Guyana.
In comparison, the PPP reminded that since its formation, Dr Cheddi Jagan and the entire Party embarked on promoting racial and working class unity – efforts which never faded, but continued to be engrained in the ideology of its Party.
“It was the PPP in Government that established the Ethnic Relations Commission, the InterReligious Organisation (IRO) and the Multi-Stakeholder Forum in its efforts to encourage social cohesion in the country. The PPP while in Government continuously conducted national consultations on key issues relative to social cohesion
“The PPP remains committed to a socially cohesive society, but cannot endorse the ongoing charade being put on by the APNU/AFC in the name of social cohesion, while its members and supporters continue to be witch-hunted out of their jobs and openly discriminated against,” the Party said.
Meanwhile, the Roundtable initiative is being funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the British High Commission, and it will pave the way for the development of a strategic framework for the implementation of Guyana’s fiveyear social cohesion plan.
Ahead of the Roundtable discussion, regional outreaches were held in Regions Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara); Five (Mahaica-Berbice); Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice). While representatives of the PPP/Civic have participated in these meetings at the regional level, it is unclear whether the senior members within the party will participate today and Friday; however, an invitation was extended.
The Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company Limited (GT&T) on Monday revealed its new look after it underwent a massive rebranding exercise with company officials explaining that they are ready to operate in a liberalised sector and improved spectrum allocations.
The telephone company revealed its new look and future plans for the company at a simple ceremony at the Hermandson Lodge, Lamaha Street, Georgetown on Wednesday. Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company, Justin Nedd explained that the company fulfilled all the prerequisites in order to obtain the required spectrum that will see Guyana using high-speed Internet.
He stated that the company has met with the new Administration and had discussions on several issues including liberalisation. When further grilled, the Interim CEO told media operatives that at this point in time, it is the Government that has to give the green light. Over the past years, the company has applied for an upgrade in its allocation for spectrum.
Nedd is hopeful that with the availability of spectrum, the company can do more for Guyanese. Nevertheless, with the absence of the 4G spectrum, the company is planning ahead. Nedd noted that within the next few months, officers, outlets and retail stores will be revolutionised.
At the ceremony, the company revealed its new
logo and brand which embodies the re-invigorated forward direction in which the company is headed.
The Interim CEO of the company told the gathering that the new brand is the company’s vision to be the most inspiring, integrated and customer focused Information and Communications Technology (ICT) company in Guyana with a mandate and promise to “do more”.
The rebranding comes with a new hip and interactive logo which is the focal point of the brand identity. The mark comprises two inseparable components; GTT letter forms and an exponential “+” which replaces the traditional ampersand (&).
Nedd explained that together, they encompass the brand’s vision, values, personality and is a visual interpretation of ‘do more’ which is the company’s new brand essence.
The new logo suggests digital communication,
A19-year-old murder suspect was labeled a victim of amnesia on Wednesday after he said he does not remember where he is from or where he worked prior to being arrested in Court 2 of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Christopher Sandy appeared before Magistrate Ann McLennan to answer to the charge of murder. However, though the young man told the court his age, hesitantly, he was unable to provide his place of residence. When prompted by the court for an answer, he replied in almost a whisper
that he “dont know”. Sandy is accused of murdering Dwayne Brown on August 29 on South Cummingsburg, Georgetown. More information was not given on what exactly may have happened to lead to the murder but Guyana Times understands that investigations are in progress.
Magistrate McLennan remanded the accused and transferred the matter to Court Five where Magistrate Fabayo Azore presides. He is expected to appear in that court on September 15.
connectivity and constant evolution with a level of modernity, optimism and fun. The logo and branding also adds new vibrant colours into the mix as
well to reflect the diversity and spirit of the Guyanese people.
Though he is excited about the new logo and look, Nedd suggested that
the company is most focused on their new brand essence ‘do more’.
“This is not just a new look for our company. It’s a new vision and the birth of a new mindset that will be nurtured and given time to blossom. We have had an unbelievable year of adding products and services that help our customers and partners do more in their personal and business lives. We will steadfastly add improvements and enhancements to all areas of our business”, he stated. The Interim CEO has diligently listened to customers concerns and though that they do not control all the variables, they believe that customers will continue to be pleased with our improvements. “I would like to be
very clear about this: GTT has a commitment to help Guyana do and be more. We will honour that commitment,” Nedd added.
On top of the obvious marketing and advertising enhancements, GTT will over the next 12 months be upgrading their offices, stores and business centres to reflect the new dynamic brand. Nedd is also promising a lot more to come in the near future.
“We will deliver new products and services that empower our customers to be more connected with more opportunities. We will help them learn more, play more, live more, have more fun and get more done. It is a very exciting time for not only GTT, but Guyana as a whole,” he added.
In all the eight years of operation of the Berbice Bridge Company Inc (BBCI), the common shareholders have never received a single dollar in dividends on their $400 million investment. The alleged “inequity and injustice” being bandied around that the shareholders are cashing in on hefty sums while the poor is suffering is entirely false.
Presidential Adviser on Sustainable Development, Dr Clive Thomas told another media entity that the contractual agreement between the Government of Guyana and the BBCI is “outrageous, ruthless and unconscionable”, because it allows for a handful of individuals affiliated with the previous People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Administration to get “filthy rich for the rest
the “Concession Agreement” to cover these expenses was overtaken by political events following the then Opposition A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and Alliance For Change (AFC) passing a motion to slash the Berbice Bridge tolls by half.
However, the APNU/AFC Government, inclusive of its Finance Minister Winston Jordan, is creating a perception that the Berbice Bridge Inc is “robbing” the Guyanese public and pumping millions of dollars in revenue into the pockets of its shareholders.
When contacted by Guyana Times, one of the shareholders found completely shocking the statements being made by the Government given the fact that the common shareholders did not receive any return on their investment.
of their lives at the expense of the poor.”
But the truth is, as is being pointed out by the Bridge Company, the BBCI never generated enough revenues to produce profits which could have been used to release dividends to the common shareholders. These shareholders are Secure International Limited; the National Insurance Scheme (NIS); NEW GPC INC; Queens Atlantic Investment Inc; Hand-in-Hand Mutual Fire and Demerara Contractors Limited (owned by the Demerara Distillers Limited – DDL).
If you own common shares, you are not automatically entitled to a dividend every year; the dividend will be paid only if the company makes a profit and declares a dividend and this has been the case with the Berbice Bridge. However, a shareholder of “preferred stocks” is entitled to a dividend every year at a stipulated rate. For the Berbice Bridge, the Preferred Shares are all owned by the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) and it has received dividends excepting in 2014.
In that year, the cash flow proved problematical because ,as contracted, there had to be a $500 million payment on the principal of an outstanding bond debt. The requested toll increase as specified by
Asked why they made this investment in 2006-2007, when even the model generated at the time showed that they would not be receiving any return on their investment for several years, a representative of one of the common shareholders replied, “At the time we were simply making a patriotic decision rather than just a business one.
“We felt that the Berbice Bridge was important not only to connect the people of Berbice to the rest of the country, but to also launch what we thought was an exciting new approach to building infrastructure: the PublicPrivate Partnership (PPP). Unfortunately, we have since been castigated as the “bad guys” even though we have received no returns on our investment.”
Toll reduction and bankruptcy
Against that backdrop, the BBCI is contending that the toll reductions, even with a subsidy provided by the Government, will see the Company operating at a loss and eventually plunge it into bankruptcy. Bond payments on the principal totalling another $500 million are due this year.
The Bridge Company is simply asking that before the Government imposes the reduction, it must honour the legally binding agree-
Presidential Adviser on Sustainable Development, Dr Clive Thomas ment between the Company and the Government to have tolls adjusted within specified timeframes to ensure the Company fulfils its obligations to its investors.
The Company had begun to repay the principal on its bonds in 2014; and this was going to be facilitated through the increase in tolls as was set out in the Toll Formula. However, because of the then Opposition’s successful move to slash the tolls by more than half in the 10th Parliament, it became infeasible to do so and as a result, the Company suffered even greater losses.
However, Government appears to not care about the cash flow woes of the Company. The Finance Minister already declared
that the agreement was “unreasonable” and Government would not accept it.Despite the explanations proffered by the Company, the Minister is maintaining that the BBCI will not suffer any losses since the Government would pay the Company the difference between what is now charged and the reduced charge – in effect a subsidy to the commuters.
However, he did not address the concerns regarding the Company’s commitment to pay off its debts or to release dividends to its shareholders.
Debt and debt instruments investors include NIS and a veritable who’s who of the Guyanese financial world: Demerara Bank; NBS; Scotiabank; Citizens Bank; Republic Bank; Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI); Hand-in-Hand Trust Corporation Inc, Trust Co Guyana Ltd, Hand-inHand Mutual Life Insurance Co; North American Life Insurance Company Limited (Nalico) and North American Fire and General Insurance Company Limited (Nafico).
The Berbice Bridge is Guyana’s first PPP with the abovementioned broad crosssection of the financial sector investing. In 2006, over $8 billion was invested in various financing instruments, such as bonds, subordinated debt, preference shares, and common shares.
Missing: Dr Gyaneshwarie
The Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Defence Force have taken control of the searchand-rescue operations underway for Dr Gyaneshwarie Sivinand who disappeared during a tour on Tuesday at the Kaieteur National Park.
The search reportedly commenced early Wednesday morning, but up to late that evening, the woman had not been found. According to an official at the Ministry of the Presidency, the search will continue until the doctor is found.
From all reports received, the woman was reportedly seen crying on her journey to the Park on Tuesday. She later confided to the other passengers that she was depressed as a result of a break-up and was scheduled to leave for Miami before the end of the week.
The doctor, this publication understands, has travelled to the Kaieteur National Park eight times to conduct several research studies.
Dr Sivinand was discovered missing after the tour guide realised that he had an extra chit after distribut-
ing same as they prepared to return to Ogle International Airport. A search was immediately launched, but had to be called off owing to the terrain. The relevant authorities, including the Police and Army, were informed as well as the Civil Defence Commission.
From reports gathered, the woman was last seen lagging behind the group as they trekked the trail of the National Park. When prompted to catch up with the group, she reportedly told them that she knew that area and could find her way.
Attempts to make contact with officials of Air Services Limited, the tour operator, proved futile.
In 2009, 23-year-old Aliya Bulkan jumped off the Kaieteur Falls after she reportedly encountered difficulties in her life. The United States-based university graduate had gone to the Falls with a group of friends who confirmed seeing her jump.
After days of searching, her broken body was found along the rough terrain of the Potaro River.
In the wake of an increase in murders and gun robberies in Berbice, the Joint Services conducted an operation over the weekend in New Amsterdam and along the Corentyne, arresting two persons.
Officers from B Division (Berbice); the Special Weapons And Tactics (SWAT) and a Joint Special Operations Group that comprises Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and Guyana Police Force (GPF) personnel, led by Acting Commander, Senior Superintendent Errol Watts, conducted several raids on premises at which it is believed illegal activity takes place.
Two persons were found with illegal drugs and were subsequently placed before the courts. Marvin Clark, also called “Buckman”, was found in his East Canje home with a quantity of marijuana. Gordon Bruce of St John
Street, New Amsterdam, who is considered to be a dealer, was allegedly found with both marijuana and cocaine when the SWAT-led operation went to his home. At the time, he also had $118,360 in his possession.
Police in New Amsterdam
had for months been trying to shut down the sale of illegal drugs at St John Street but were never able to get into the building which was always locked and barred when they arrived. However, on Saturday night, tactical moves by the SWAT Unit al-
lowed the team to gain access to the building where it is alleged that a quantity of both drugs was found on a table and Bruce was parcelling out the substances.
According to Senior Superintendent Watts, despite not being able to make more arrests at that location, he believes the raid has sent the signal that the Police mean business. The Senior Superintendent, who was at all of the premises searched and fully participated in the operation, explained that no one could have been given a heads up that they were coming. He told this publication that only he and another senior officer knew what the plan was and the other officers did not know where they were going until they arrived.
Meanwhile, at the New Amsterdam Prison, the team spent several hours searching for contraband items.
The rebuilding of the historic Umana Yana is pegged at $62 million under the A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Administration, an increase of some $12 million from what the previous People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration had estimated.
The monetary allocation for this undertaking was budgeted under the Public Infrastructure Ministry in the National Budget 2015.
According to Minister with responsibility for Culture, Nicolette Henry, the project is a collaborative one involving the Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Ministry, the
Less than three months after being granted an extension by Guyana’s Government for its operations on the Corentyne Block, Canadian oil and gas exploration company CGX said its exploration drilling in that area would not be prudent.
The company said that the termination of the agreement and deferral of the associated costs will allow it to continue to search for a joint venture partner and continue to evaluate industry and market conditions over the next six months.
Yana will be completed and reopened in time for Amerindian Heritage Month 2016.
The Umana Yana,
Public Infrastructure Ministry and the Department of Culture.
Public Infrastructure
the necessary material to commence the construction.
He explained that the acquisition of material will take some time, but assured that the Umana
Minister David Patterson said the design for the benab has already been approved by the Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Ministry and officials were currently in the process of acquiring
which was a 55-foot coneshaped benab, was traditionally used to host various cultural activities in observation of the Heritage Month.
However, this year,
all the activities which were conventionally held at the Umana Yana are now being held at the Amerindian Village at the Sophia Exhibition Centre.
During Amerindian Heritage Month 2014, on September 9, the iconic monument burned to ashes within a mere 15 minutes in a raging fire, which is believed to have been electrical in origin.
It is believed that an electrical spark ignited the thatched roof of the benab, causing the flames to rapidly consume the building. The situation was compounded by the high winds in the area, causing the structure to be completely destroyed before anything could have been salvaged by the fire-fighters.
The structure was made from thatched alli banna and manicole palm leaves, and wallaba posts lashed together with mukru, turu and nibbi vines. The Umana Yana was constructed by a team of 60 Wai Wai Amerindians and was known to be the largest structure of its kind in Guyana.
Several were found; however, none were considered serious enough to bring criminal charges against perpetrators. It was not the first time Police were able to unearth contraband items in the prison during a raid. Recently, a quantity of illegal items, including five cell phones, cell phone batteries, phone chargers, two SIM cards, ‘jookers’, metal spoons, a quantity of playing cards, smoking utensils, a tattoo machine, a quantity
of wire, two speakers, leather and canvas belts were found at the prison. Watts considered the operation to be fruitful, noting that searches will continue.
The Joint Services team was sent up to Berbice on Friday while the SWAT team was sent three weeks before.
Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan explained on Friday that they have mapped out high-crime areas, like Berbice and the Corentyne. “We have sent
down a unit from the Joint Special Operations Group that is made up of the Army and Police officials. So we have three bodies of about 12 or 15 men; that’s about 45 more men that have strengthened Berbice, and we’re also getting lots more senior detective work there, so it is not simply doing the patrols, but doing the detective work; and quality detective [work is] apparently paying off,” Ramjattan said. Recently detectives
from page 14
in Berbice were able to crack a high-profile murder of a woman at Number 45 Village, Corentyne after it was believed that the murder was perpetrated by a group of bandits. Following the shooting, villagers staged a demonstration against the Police who they said were not able to protect them from bandits. The Police investigation led to the arrest and subsequent charging with murder of the dead woman’s husband.
It said too that despite the costs associated with terminating the agreements, given the current availability of rigs and current rig rates, the aggregate cost of drilling its next exploration well offshore Guyana would be similar to what was originally budgeted.
It has blamed the persistent decline in oil prices over the last 10 months, as the factor behind that decision.
Back in June, Guyana’s Government had granted approval of the extension for operations effective June 18, for the spud date on the first commitment well from October 31, 2015 to July 31, 2016 and an extension to the spud date deadline on the second commitment well from November 27, 2016 to November 27, 2017.
These extensions were granted to allow the company to determine how best to explore the acreage given recent positive developments in the basin related to the discovery of hydrocarbons.
The company had been jolted by the success of US oil giant ExxonMobil, which had just around that time in June, reported that it had discovered oil in its Stabroek offshore block.
In its second-quarter 2015 Overview and Highlights, the company recorded a net loss of US$2,302,686 or US$0.02 a share for the threemonth period ended June 30, 2015, compared with US$1,527,658 or US$0.02 a share for the same period in 2014.
Regarding its strategic partners and new initiatives, the company continues to work towards securing a joint venture partner for all of its petroleum prospecting licences in Guyana and is actively pursuing this initiative.
Speaking to its Drilling Agreement Termination, it said it had entered in to a drilling rig agreement
with JDC; and a rig sharing agreement with JDC, INPEX for the use of JDC’s HAKURYU-12 drilling rig. Upon termination of the Drilling Agreement, the total amount payable to JDC by CGX Resources is US$20,508,307. It said pursuant to the terms of a settlement term sheet entered in to between the company, CGX Resources and JDC dated August 28, 2015, the JDC Payable will be paid as US$5.5 million payable in common shares in the capital of the company; US$500,000 on or before December 1, 2015; US$7.25 million on or before March 25, 2016; and US$7.25 million on or before June 15, 2016. The total amount of the JDC Payable is subject to adjustment based upon the demobilisation fees under the Drilling Agreement. JDC will be issued 16,522,500 Common Shares (the “JDC Settlement Shares”) at a price of Cdn$0.44 per share resulting in JDC owning approximately 15 per cent of the company on a nondiluted basis, which represents a 10 per cent premium to the 30-day volume weighted average trading price of the Common Shares on the TSXV. The company had said in June that with the discovery made by ExxonMobil, it would be moving quickly to determine how best it could develop its acreage given its current financial constraints.
Of all the companies operating in the country, CGX Energy is said to be the most exposed. The company’s entire portfolio is focused on Guyana, in both the onshore and offshore basins. Onshore, the company holds a majority stake in the Berbice Block, through the ON Energy joint venture, owned 62.5 per cent by CGX Energy and 37.5 per cent by local investors. However, exploration results on the block have been disappointing, with three dry holes drilled in 2005. Moving offshore, it has a 100 per cent stake in three offshore blocks, Corentyne, Corentyne Annex and Pomeroon.
In 2012, CGX participated in two offshore wells – the Eagle-1 well was drilled on the Corentyne Licence and the Jaguar-1 well was drilled on the Georgetown Licence. The Eagle-1 well had oil and gas, and the Jaguar-1 well sampled light oil in two zones. Both wells were abandoned. Eagle-1 as a dry hole and Jaguar-1 for safety concerns.
thursday, september 3, 2015| guyanatimesgy.com
Dave Lall
“Is Khemraj Ramjattan winging the entire aspect of him being the Minister of National Security? Has he seen the crime rate in Guyana? This is a plan destined to fail from the inception and here is why: A typical gun in Guyana costs between $300,000 to $400,000 (US$2000). Which businessman would give up their gun to the State having invested so much money? They need their gun for protection because it seems like the Guyana Police Force is asleep or totally incapable. The same concept applies here for the robbers and killers. They don’t commit crimes because they have to; they commit crimes because they are lazy and have this ‘get rich or die trying’ mindset. What’s the inspiration for them to give up their guns? No prosecution? As it is, the Guyana Police Force isn’t even catching them to prosecute so there’s no fear from them in that area. This is a weak and lazy approach by the Minister who has only been in power for three months. What happens if somebody is turning in a gun and is stopped by the Police and searched an arrested? Was there any provisions made for that? If so, what are they? Are we giving persons a free pass to walk around with guns for an entire month when the crime rate is at its peak? What happens if somebody returns a gun and ballistic tests on that weapon proves it has been used in a murder, what happens then? Does that person get off scotch free for killing someone? Guyana has a high rate of unsolved crimes, are we going to just collect these guns and destroy them when these guns can solve so much cold cases. For us to curb the crime rate in Guyana we need to first fix the root of the problem. In this case the root is the Guyana Police Force! You can prune a tree all you want but at the end of the day if the root is no good then the tree will die. Reformation of the Guyana Police Force should have been the first step, not amnesty. With that being said, if they are to receive two guns for the entire month then they would have received many.”
Avinash Ramkirath
“I think it’s a good idea but I don’t think it’ll work. I just don’t think Guyanese will respond to that sort of thing. All those people that have illegal guns are probably hardened criminals already so I don’t think they’re ready to turn them in and the ones that aren’t probably have them for protection.”
Deidre Sacha
“I actually see this as an excellent move. It’s sort of a second chance. Of course it’s only for a given period, which would encourage a majority of people to make things right. And frankly, if they were to be prosecuted, no one, And I mean no one, would have the incentive to hand in.”
“I think it’s a good idea but from the outset, it looks like it will be poorly managed and while I hope it will be successful, I’m not that optimistic. Why? The locations listed for persons to turn in weapons are all Police stations. The trouble with this, despite what the Minister is assuring us that no one will be prosecuted or victimised is that there is still a great deal of distrust between members of the public and ranks of the Guyana Police Force. There will definitely be some amount of hesitation by someone willing to hand in a gun to simply walk into a Police station in that environment and do so. Especially if he or she is familiar with those ranks or have had bad experiences in the past. The focus here should have been on creating a conducive environment and I know in some countries, for instance in Chicago, USA where faith-based organisations and other NGO’s were included as drop of centres and they managed to get thousands of guns off the street. So clearly, Guyana’s gun amnesty initiative was not thought through well enough by the Minister and Government and it shows lack of preparation, research and understanding, almost like a shot in the dark out of desperation at a spiralling crime wave.”
Ramona Kissoonpaul
“I have a certain amount of uncertainty of how I feel about this initiative. Firstly, I think it’s great that thought is being put into our safety and how they can coerce criminals into handing over their weapons. However, I don’t think a lot of serious and established criminals would actually hand over their weapons. The petty ones might, knowing that they won’t be charged but not the serious “big fishes” as we would say.”
Shavana Ramlochand
Joan Greene “I personally believe that it will be a wasted effort. Guyanese already pass that paper screening in stupidity. They are off to bigger things now and also, they have no confidence in the Police.”
Davendra Kissoon
“I think the gun amnesty programme would be a good thing to begin [with]. However there needs to be an education campaign on the conduct of this programme in order to reap the benefits of such a programme. This programme might come off as being unfair to those who were caught with illegal firearms in the recent past.”
Jude Corlette
“Gun amnesty is not something I’m very familiar with but it is within the Government’s powers to implement policies and strategies they believe can address our legion of problems. I’m of the opinion it will not garner much attention in the general populace and with petty criminals at large. Why turn over their weapons when at the moment they’re so successful.’
“I don’t think it will work to cleanse the streets of crime. That’s practically freedom to kill. When it comes to crime solving, Guyana has little or no equipment for something as simple as fingerprint testing. So, if we all have the freedom to bring in your illegal guns and get amnesty then you have the opportunity to kill/injure someone and I’m pretty sure it’s easy to get rid of a gun. So basically, it’s easy access for murderers/intended murderers to get rid of their guns. Even though some might get it for protection, why not just go through the legal process? The country needs the least amount of guns as possible.”
Ateam of officials led by City Mayor Hamilton Green visited key areas within Georgetown on Tuesday with the intention of addressing issues affecting the capital city and its overall restoration.
Mayor Green and his staff examined South Road, Georgetown and highlighted many drainage issues caused mainly by the appalling construction methods used by various contractors. He shared that his senior staff members were included in this tour, so that they could acquire an “appreciation of the normalcy of the task in terms of restoring the city, by ensuring the citizens are disciplined”. He expressed hope that citizens would be willing to work in conjunction with the City Council to ensure the city was restored before the first quarter of next year. The Mayor explained that he was aware of the monumental task at hand, but was very confident that the work could be done.
In addition, Green shared that the Council was having persons remove their bridges that were badly built and
some with too-small manholes as these were all issues that affected drainage around Georgetown. “This is a microcosm of what we will be doing in the entire city. It is all part of a magnificent effort to restore Georgetown,” the Mayor related.
He stated that he was willing to be lenient with defaulters, explaining that they would be given time to correct their mistakes. He mentioned that some persons have asked for several weeks to have their bridges removed or built according to the bylaws. He said when that time expired, other methods would be applied.
“We have to employ the philosophy of the carrot and the stick. At this stage, we are encouraging people. We’ve offered amnesty for people who have problems. But when that period is ended, we have to apply the stick,” he stated.
Mayor Green also disclosed his intention of having discussions with the Chancellor on the establishment of a special municipal court so that charges brought, particularly misdemeanours, can be dealt with expeditiously.
He shared that one problem that bothered him was that the constabulary and the engineering department have had to waste a lot of time in court. “The people who go plead not guilty and we don’t have time for that,” Green said, adding that that was a negation of what the City Council was seeking to accomplish.
He explained that every person the City Council spoke to so far appeared to understand the objective of the Council and were all willing to cooperate. He added that he was very excited about the continuation and completion of the restoration of Georgetown and that person will see drastic changes soon.
In addition, Mayor Green added that a public notice will be issued by the end of this week, advising all persons to remove their “big bush trucks” and equipment which should not be in Georgetown, off the streets. He noted that this move was to be implemented some time ago, but there was some administrative delay and the Town Clerk was waiting to receive legal advice.
AGeorgetown man was on Tuesday afternoon buried alive after the mining pit in which he was working at Tiger Creek, Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni) caved in.
The motionless body of Sherwyn Henry, 36, of Sophia, Greater Georgetown, was pulled from the pit some 18 hours after the incident. According to reports received, the father of two, along with several other miners, was working in the mining pit when its walls suddenly came crashing down.
The other miners managed to scramble to safety, but unfortunately Henry did not. A search had commenced on Tuesday afternoon for him, but after it got dark, his colleagues were forced to abort the mission. The search resumed on Wednesday morning.
The men managed to retrieve the body of the miner about 12:30h on Wednesday. The man’s body was taken to the Mahdia Hospital mortu-
ary, and arrangements were being made to transport it to Georgetown.
Based on reports received, the dead man has been employed at the mining camp for the past few years and was a dedicated worker. Attempts to make contact with his family proved futile.
Guyana Times understands that the Police and members of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) have launched an investigation into the industrial accident.
Only June last, Orlando Archer, 25, of
South Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, met his demise after the mining pit in which he was working collapsed at Jumbie Creek, Potaro, Region Eight. The incident had also left Leonard Persaud, 44, of Sophia, Greater Georgetown, nursing injuries.
According to information received, a group of men were working in the mining pit at Jumbie Creek when the western wall caved in. Archer was reportedly trapped while the other men escaped. The body of Archer was pulled minutes after the incident.
Earlier, in May, 10 men died after a mining pit in which they were working caved at Mowasi Backdam, Mahdia.
In light of the increased number of incidents in the mining sector, the Ministry of Presidency had launched an inquiry by inviting stakeholders of the mining community to have discussions to come up with possible solutions.
Works are in progress to address the massive flooding usually experienced in central Georgetown and other areas after heavy and prolonged periods of rainfall, as the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) collaborates with the National Task Force Commission (NTFC).
Presently, the capital city is unable to handle heavy rainfall and as such, a number of business and residential areas in Georgetown are more often than not inundated when this occurs.
This major problem is not only limited to central Georgetown but other areas throughout the country suffer as a result of poor drainage systems and methods.
The popular 704 Bar and Lounge has announced the commencement of its “September to Remember” Promotion.
Marketing Manager Dustanni Barrow told reporters that the entity was looking at different forms of entertainment in the country and realised that it needed to do something to give back to customers who have supported it ‘through and through’, so it decided to come up with various specials that would get customers in the door to have a good time at reasonable prices.
Each day of the week,
the group plans to have a different promotion.
Mondays will be Concert Mondays when live concerts from popular international celebrities will be shown on every screen in the lounge from 16:00h (4pm) to closing time.
He shared that this was to provide a form of relaxation to patrons after partying all weekend. Another weekly special for the month of September is “No VAT” Tuesdays when patrons will receive a 16 per cent discount on all items purchased between 15:00h (3pm) to closing time. Fridays are “Free Up Fridays” which are geared
for the ladies. Many other specials are to be included throughout the week for the entire month of September.
When asked if the 02:00h curfew has had any effect on the business of the lounge, Barrow explained that it was trying to adapt as the entertainment entity could not change it, and this promotion and many others to come were how it was adapting – by finding ways to get persons in the door at an earlier time so that the fun could be enjoyed for prolonged periods. He shared that 704 lost some of its out-of-town customers, but it was ‘trying with’ the Government’s new system.
Acting NDIA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Frederick Flatts, during a media briefing at the Public Infrastructure Ministry on Monday, stated that these situations were a priority of the Authority and the NTFC, where Flatts is in charge of drainage issues nationwide.
“We are working along with the 10 administrative regions, six municipalities, other communities, Neighbourhood Democratic Councils and are anticipating working with the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) as well. This is because in some cases the residential drainage is linked to GuySuCo’s system… In the end what we are seeking to do is reduce the incidence of flooding throughout the country,”
Flatts told the media.
He emphasised that this issue was a national concern and affected all Guyanese regardless of where they live and work. Hence, it is important that citizens ‘work together’ to address and tackle this recurring problem and improve the drainage situation in the country at large.
Guyana Times was told that as it relates to the city of Georgetown, it was quite evident that the capital was not capable of handling the accumulation of water after substantial or prolonged rainfall.
Flatts explained that apart from the NTFC there were other ‘things being done’ that were aimed at increasing the drainage co-efficient throughout every region in Guyana.
These initiatives include having more sluice doors operational and the placement of more fixed pumps at selected areas. The latter is
one of the fastest ways to aid in situations of heavy rains or flooding issues, said the acting CEO.
Guyana Times was also told that it was necessary for major works to be carried out to tackle the flooding situation.
According to Flatts, if minor works are executed to address drainage issues as a form of preventative action, there will be no substantial change.
While speaking on the issue of flooding in central Georgetown, the acting NDIA CEO further said that the major problem in the city was the fact that many of the drains were silted up.
As a result of this, there is inadequate space in the drains to store runoff whenever it rains resulting in water overflow which causes flooding. It was also stated that another issue which adds to the flooding catastrophe was the failure to efficiently convey water that had accumulated to the point of discharge.
Whether water is being discharged through a sluice or pump station and the conveyance is obstructed or is not easily or efficiently executed, then massive flooding can occur.
Flatts added that by simply cleaning the main, secondary and tertiary drains throughout the country, there will be an increase in the storage capacity of the drains. The conveyance of accumulated water from heavy rainfall will also be much easier.
ARIES (March 21April 19)
TAURUS (April 20May 20)
(May 21June 20)
Everyone around you will have trouble keeping up with you. You will be the center of attention no matter where you go or what you do, so put your best foot forward.
Remember to be tactful when dealing with others. You are bound to ruffle some feathers if you don’t choose your words wisely. Try not to meddle in someone else’s affairs.
Widen your circle of friends and associates. Getting involved in a progressive group will lead to life-long friendships that offer opportunities and bring great satisfaction.
You will be tempted to intrude on someone else’s business or personal affairs. Stand back and let others do as they please. Your focus should be on your own interests, not on other people.
LEO (July 23Aug. 22)
Revitalize your mind by beginning a new course or seminar, or attending a conference. Satisfy your thirst for knowledge by choosing a subject close to your heart. Love and romance are highlighted.
VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)
A look at your assets will lead to an investment opportunity. Act quickly once the facts indicate a favorable venture. Host a get-together with people who share your interests.
LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)
Romance and passion will be front and center, making this an ideal day to look for love or to nurture an existing relationship. Live in the moment.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)
Mixing business with pleasure will not work in your favor. Thrust yourself into the forefront at the workplace and let your achievements gain you recognition.
CAPRICORN (June 21July 22)
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)
Let your imagination wander. Your creative talent will shine through and draw a crowd. Attend media, cultural or philosophic events, and your contributions will be welcomed.
(Jan. 20Feb. 19) (Dec. 22Jan. 19)
Keep your emotions out of the equation in order to avoid an altercation. The current change unfolding in your life will turn out better than anticipated.
AQUARIUS
PISCES
(Feb. 20March 20)
Don’t let upsetting personal issues get you down. If you open up and share your experiences, you will receive support from a trusted friend. Positive action will bring a favorable response.
Raising your income should be on your mind. You must remain realistic and stick to a workable budget. Efficient and economical planning will help reduce expenditures.
The highest-paid athlete in the world, undisputed welterweight champion Floyd “Money” Mayweather, will head a list of boxing superstars heading to Trinidad and Tobago to help launch the World Boxing Council (WBC) Amateur and WBC Youth Professional Programmes in three months’ time.
At a media conference at Alicia’s Guest House
in St Ann’s, Annabelle Davis, chairman of the Trinidad and Tobago Boxing Board Control (TTBBC), announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the WBC and the TTBBC that was signed last Saturday in Los Angeles by WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman and Davis.
Other famous boxers who will make the trip to
the WBC convention (the occasion to launch the WBC programmes) to be hosted in T&T are former world champions George Foreman, Oscar de La Hoya and his Golden Boy Promotions, Tommy “The Hitman” Hearns, Larry Holmes and Lennox Lewis.
Renowned promoter Don King is also expected to arrive for that convention.
(Trinidad Express)
Serena Williams took another step towards her first calendar Grand Slam with victory over Kiki Bertens in the second round of the US Open.
The world number one
The scream after the first set and the grimace at the end of the match were evidence that Williams was far from her best.
Bertens, ranked 110th, took an early lead and served for the first set but
said afterwards: “It definitely doesn’t worry me. I think being down a lot, I know I can try to make a comeback.”
The six-time US Open champion would end the match with 10 double
Serena Williams is aiming to achieve her 22nd major title and the first calendar Slam in 27 years
trailed 4-0 in the opening tie-break but came back to win 7-6 (7-5) 6-3 at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Williams, 33, is now five wins from her 22nd major title and the first calendar Slam in 27 years.
could not convert, and the Dutch qualifier then let a 4-0 lead slip in the tiebreak.
Williams has spent much of her Grand Slam year fighting back from slow starts, however, and
faults, and 34 errors to 23 winners, and was just happy to get the job done in straight sets.
“I’ve been really relaxed, but today I was a little tight and and I think it showed,” she said. (BBC Sport)
England one-day captain Eoin Morgan is “not interested in playing dull cricket” as his side face Australia in the first one-day international.
England exited the World Cup at the group stages in March, before a change in approach saw them beat New Zealand 3-2 just three months later.
“Previously, we had set targets and restrictions on ourselves but that is not the case now,” said Morgan.
England regained the
captain Andrew Strauss was appointed as the new national director of cricket, with Australian Trevor Bayliss coming in as Moores’ replacement before the start of the Ashes.
The changes heralded a new, attacking style of play as England beat World Cup finalists New Zealand in spectacular fashion - they scored 1,617 runs, the highest total by a team in a fivematch ODI series and struck 209 boundaries, the most by a team in a five-match series.
improve our cricket abroad. There won’t be any dull cricket played, that does not interest me and it does not win games.”
England’s prolific number three Joe Root, man of the series in the Test matches, has been rested for the oneday games, with all-rounder Moeen Ali, who missed the New Zealand series, added to the squad and likely to come in at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton.
Australia could give ODI debuts to batsman Joe Burns
Ashes by beating Australia 3-2 in the five-Test series.
In the last five Ashes series, the team winning the Tests has gone on to lose the one-day series, but England may be able to take heart from their recent win over the Kiwis.
In their six matches at the World Cup - won by Australia - England managed victories over only Scotland and Afghanistan, failing to reach the quarterfinals.
Coach Peter Moores was sacked following a subsequent drawn Test series in the West Indies, and former
“We will play smart cricket but at the moment we will take the game to the opposition,” Morgan told BBC Radio 5 live. “It is about us trying to get the most out of ourselves and push the boundaries with everything we do.
“When we came back after the World Cup, the message was clear that what we were doing was not working so we needed to bridge the gap.
“The method we used previously meant we had a very good record at home but the method we are going with at the moment I hope will
and all-rounders Ashton Agar and Marcus Stoinis, while Steve Smith captains his first full series.
“The way they played against New Zealand, they played really well,” said Smith. “We know how they will come out, play the uptempo, positive style of cricket.
“We know what to expect and we need to counteract that. It is nice to see someone replicate the way we play. We are number one in the world, just won the World Cup, so hopefully we can continue having success.” (BBC Sport)
Sri Lanka off-spinner
Tharindu Kaushal has been reported for a suspect illegal bowling action following the third Test against India that ended at the SSC in Colombo on Tuesday.
Kaushal, 22, will have to undergo a test on his action at an ICC-accredited facility within 14 days but he can continue bowling in international cricket until the results are out.
Kaushal has played six Tests and one ODI for Sri Lanka, having made his international debut in December 2014. He is considered the frontrunner to be Sri Lanka’s leading spinner once Rangana Herath retires. Kaushal took 13 wickets in the three Tests against India, averaging
38.15 at a strike rate of 62.50.
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) had recently announced a drive to weed out suspect actions in the country, right from the school level, with the immediate aim of ensuring their players were not pulled up during the Under-19 World Cup in Bangladesh next year. The last Sri Lanka bowler to be reported for a suspect action in international cricket was Sachithra Senanayake, during the 2014 tour of England. (Cricinfo)
They have won almost every tournament they have featured in since formation in 2013 and now, Slingerz Football Club is setting their sights on the Stag Beer Elite League as their next target.
The multi-million dollar league will kick off on September 18 at the Leonora Track and Field and Football Facility, and upon the conclusion of the eightmonth long competition, the Vergenoegen-based club is hoping to come out on top.
“Well, our objective is to win the league,” a confident Head Coach Joseph “Bill”
Wilson remarked.
Under Wilson’s guidance, Slingerz FC won the West Demerara Football Association’s (WDFA) League and Knockout tournaments last year, as well as the Kashif and Shanghai football tournament, defeating Alpha United in the final this year.
According to Wilson, the players are presently going through their usual training schedule with the anticipation of playing on the opening day of the League.
“My team is ready right now to play. We’ve been putting in the work and now just
looking forward to see what the league brings and come out on top” said the former national Head Coach.
Apart from their already strong line-up with the likes of national defender Colin Nelson, Joshua Brown and deadly forward Devon Millington, Slingerz FC recently signed national Under-23 forward Domini Garnett from Caledonia AIA, along with St Vincent and the Grenadines national goalkeeper Winslow McDowall.
The 28 year-old McDowall and his “Vincy Heat” teammates, defenders Jolanshoy
McDowall and Keith James, will form part of the ‘West Side’ champs’ roster for the Stag Beer sponsored League.
Colin Aaron, the club’s General Manager, pointed out that the St Vincent players will travel to Guyana upon completion of their home and away fixture against Aruba in the World Cup Qualifiers.
Slingerz FC will enter the lucrative Stag Elite League as one of the favourites and some pundits are of the view that only the Georgetownbased Alpha United can rival the Vergenoegen giants.
Some of Kenya’s newly crowned track and field world champions returned home on Wednesday and were ferried to a celebratory breakfast in a convoy of limousines bearing the logo ‘Hotbed of Champions’.
Javelin gold medallist Julius Yego, 400-metre hurdles champion Nicholas Bett and steeplechase winner Ezekiel Kemboi were among those met at an airport in Nairobi by Deputy President William Ruto, who danced with them on a red carpet.
girls have given their story, and I don’t want to comment on that because they have recorded their statements. Investigations are on.”
The federation had asked Kenya’s new national anti-doping agency to take charge of the investigations, Kiplagat said, even though the body was only set up at the beginning of the year and isn’t officially operating yet.
“(The) IAAF is on top of things. We have asked ADAK to be on top of things, too, because indications are
They will also meet with Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta today, Ruto said.
Kenya surprisingly topped the medal table at the Worlds in Beijing ahead of Jamaica and the United States after winning seven golds and 16 medals overall.
Middle-distance champions David Rudisha and Asbel Kiprop didn’t return home, instead travelling to Europe for the continuation of the Diamond League series.
But while the East African nation celebrates, Kenya’s track federation head has announced that investigations are underway into the failed doping tests of two team members, who were sent home early from
that we may have leads, and this time, if they lead us somewhere, there will be severe punishment,” he said.
Kenyan athletes were tested three times around the World Championships, Kiplagat said, before, during and after. He said all the other Kenyan athletes were “clear”.
Team manager Joseph Kinyua didn’t comment in detail on the two doping cases when he returned with the athletes. “Yes, there were doping claims, but that’s a story for another day,” he said. “We sorted that thing out and sent the girls back home, so it did not affect our performance.”
The 29-year-old Zakary
he Ministry of Communities has announced the staging of a 20/20 hardball InterMinistry cricket match today at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) ground on Lance Gibbs and New Garden Streets, Queenstown.
The Housing/Water Super Kings team will comprise Ramchand Jailal (Captain), Omar Narine (Vice-captain), Harold More, Casey Hickery, Naeem Khan, Motie Naraine,
Ministries whose players will consist of Christopher Vandeyar, Seon Simpson, Vickram Deonarine, Arian Griffith, Rayadh Ali, Dhaneshwar James, Quincy Gordon, Rondel Nedd, Scion
door and outdoor activities and will undoubtedly boost not only morale, but also contribute to the development of a healthy work ethic and also promote interpersonal relationships.
The match will be contested under floodlights from 19:00h when Minister Keith Scott will bowl off the first delivery to signal the start of the game.
Ramkumar Ramnarine, Khemraj Persaud, Kenroy Pilgrim, Jason Goodhart, Avinash Parsram, Troy Trotman and Keron Archer. They will be opposed by a combined team from the Agriculture/Tourism
Richardson, Davindra Singh, Dhaneshwar Deonarine and Orlando Headley.
Minister Scott posited that this initial match will mark the commencement of regular Ministerial staff interaction involving both in-
The Ministry of Communities cordially extends a warm invitation to the general public to this event- entry to which will be free of cost and refreshments will be on sale.
the championships.
Joyce Zakary, a 400-metre runner, and hurdler Koki Manunga tested positive for banned substances in Beijing, further denting Kenya’s reputation, with the country already the subject of allegations of widespread doping and ineffective controls.
On Monday, Athletics Kenya President Isaiah Kiplagat said investigations were underway in Kenya after Zakary and Manunga were provisionally suspended by the IAAF for failing the targeted doping tests performed at their hotel just before the competition.
“In spite of being accused of using drugs, Kenya is still on top of the world,” Kiplagat said. “These two
broke Kenya’s national record in the 400 meters in Beijing, but didn’t run in the semi-finals as news of the failed tests broke. The two women had accepted provisional suspensions, the IAAF said, but the world body has not identified the substances or said if the athletes have requested their backup “B’’ samples to be tested.
Having previously denied they had problems with doping, authorities in Kenya were shaken into action when leading marathon runner Rita Jeptoo tested positive late last year for the blood booster, EPO, a substance undercover media investigations have claimed is easily available in Kenya. (AP)
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nglish Premier League mega club Chelsea have completed the signing of Jamaica international defender Michael Hector for £4 million.
The 23-year-old, who represents Reading in the League Championship, made his international debut three months ago and has since been capped six
times by the Reggae Boyz.
Hector underwent a medical at Chelsea’s Cobham Training Centre on Tuesday before signing off on the contract hours before the transfer deadline.
The player, however, will remain at Reading on loan for the remainder of the season.
“Chelsea Football Club have today completed the
signing of Michael Hector from Reading,” Chelsea confirmed on their website.
“The 23-year-old centre-back, who has signed a five-year-contract, will return to Reading and spend the remainder of this season on loan at the Madejski Stadium.”
Hector was born in London but qualifies to represent Jamaica through his father, whose family hails from Kingston.
The East Ham-born player has been described as a boyhood Chelsea fan and tweeted late Tuesday “can’t believe today”.
Hector made 49 appearances in all competitions for Reading last season while scoring three goals, in what was a breakout season.
He was called up for Jamaica’s Copa America campaign and started all three matches against Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay.
Hector also featured in Jamaica’s successful run in the CONCACAF Gold Cup in July, when the country became the first Caribbean side to reach the final before losing to Mexico. (Jamaica
Briton Chris Froome’s hopes of winning the Vuelta a Espana look to be over after he finished Wednesday’s stage more than seven minutes behind the general classification leader.
Froome had been hoping to become the third man to win the Tour de France and Vuelta a Espana in the same year, but he crashed early on stage 11.
It was won by Spain’s Mikel Landa from the Astana Pro Team.
The 30-year-old had started the day in eighth place, one minute, 18 seconds off the lead, he is now seven minutes 30 seconds behind the leader with his victory hopes in tatters.
Wednesday’s eventful stage also included more motorbike controversy.
Tinkoff Saxo rider Sergio Paulinho had to withdraw from the race after colliding
to
September 13.
BBC Sport’s Matt Slater: “When you are trying to do something that only the greats have done, it is a good idea not to do something that usually only happens to dozy amateurs: crashing into a barrier, five minutes into the ride, whilst going uphill.
Italian team-mate Fabio Aru took the overall classification lead.
“It was a real demonstration of strength and I’m really happy to be in the leader’s jersey,” said Aru.
“There’s still 10 stages to go and so we’ll take things day by day but we’ll try to defend it.”
Dutchman Tom Dumoulin had been in the red jersey at the start of the day, but he finished almost three minutes back at the end of a punishing mountain stage.
Spaniard Landa had surged clear of a splintered field around nine kilometres from the steep finish into Cortals d’Encamp, while team-mate Aru came second and Froome’s Team Sky team-mate Ian Boswell third.
Froome limped home almost nine minutes behind the stage winner and afterwards team-mate Geraint Thomas said that the Tour de France winner had injured a foot, knee and shoulder.
with a television motorcycle, an incident that left the Portuguese racer taken to hospital needing 17 stitches on a leg injury. It is the second time in four stages that a Tinkoff Saxo rider has been hit by a motorcycle after Peter Sagan was hit in the eighth stage and had to withdraw.
After that crash, the team asked race organiser Unipublic for a public apology and a sum “equal to the value of the prize” for a stage victory to be paid to a charity of Tinkoff and Sagan’s choice.
After Tuesday’s rest day, Wednesday’s 11th stage was a mountainous 138km race from Andorra la Vella to Cortals d’Encamp. The 12th stage today is a 173km flat race from Escaldes-
“Froome answered every question about his bike-handling and racing skills at the Tour de France, only to fluff an easy one he did not see coming on Wednesday.
“To his credit, he fought on, limiting his losses on the final climb of a brutal day at the Vuelta.
“He was not the only big name to struggle, though, with his great adversary at the Tour, Nairo Quintana, also looking tired, leaving the way clear for the more rested Fabio Aru to take charge.
“And Froome’s crash was arguably not even the most sensational. That dubious honour went to Sergio Paulinho, the second TinkoffSaxo rider to be wiped out by a motorbike in this race. The row about that one could be seismic.” (BBC Sport)
The Guyana Sport Shooting Federation (GSSF) hosted yet another Steel Challenge Shooting Match sponsored by Queensway on Saturday last at the Guyana Defence Force’s Timehri Range.
In spite of 40 minutes being lost to heavy rainfall, the entire match was completed safely. Shooters on hand deemed it a fun and successful event, which ended in a surreal tropical sunset.
The local pistol shooters competed in two SCSA divisions: Wildcat and Limited.
Queensway trophies were up for grabs to the top three shooters overall in each division. The Wildcat Division consisted of competitors using .32 ACP and lower calibers, while those in the Limited Division shot 9mm or higher calibre handguns.
The match consisted of three sanctioned SCSA stages, namely Pendulum, Showdown and Accelerator, with the action being monitored by the Federation’s Range Safety Officers.
At the end of it all, Ryan McKinnon won the Limited category, with a time of 64.05, followed by Ray Beharry (80.51) and Joseph Chin (84.18). Tracy Vieira took top honours in the Wildcat division, clocking 96.71, while Jagmohan Bassoo was second with a time of 236.22.
Earlier in the day, Match Director, Captain Roul Bhudu, welcomed the members who came out to take part in the Tier 1 Match and encouraged shooters to have fun and to keep safety as their number one priority while vying for the incentive of leaving with one of the beautiful trophies donated by Queensway.
He then wasted little time in declaring the Match open. Range Master for the event Michael Blake reviewed the safety requirements and introduced Range Officer David Dharry.
Shooters were then placed into two squads and shortly after gunshots were only interrupted by the pinging of the plates as they were being hit.
The stages “Showdown” saw two rectangle targets located some 25 yards away and the smaller plates at a closer 10 yards, while the stop plate was set at 12 yards. However, this stage was seen as tricky to tackle since there was a requirement to shoot at least two strings from one shooting location or box and then alternating to another box for the next two strings.
This ultimately changed the angles and target presentation. The competitors then had to choose from either box where they would
shoot their final string. Many competitors deliberated over their ‘better side’ to avoid prematurely hitting the tricky stop plate located in the center of the array.
“Accelerator” caused both the shooter’s trigger finger to press rapidly, their heartbeat to accelerate and ultimately saw the most ammo being used as they strove to hit the plates in short times. Some enlisted the servic-
forcing them to take follow up shots to stop the clock as your time is ultimately your score, with the total of the best four strings of five being used for score.
At the end of the main Match, there was a fun side match dubbed a ‘Balloon Challenge’, which tested the accuracy of those who signed up.
The Range was then transformed into a festive and colorful spectacle with the addition of several bright red balloons atop posts placed downrange. The first shooting line was placed at 15 meters and participants were given 15 seconds to aim and fire once at a chosen balloon.
over Persaud. Phang was thus crowned ‘Champion of the Balloons’ and was presented with an immaculate and unique trophy sponsored by Queensway.
In closing, Match Director Bhudu expressed sincere thanks to Mohamed Qualander of Queensway for the sponsorship of the Match and for making Armscor ammunition available for the match.
es of a technique coined the “spray and pray”, which was only truly mastered by one of the shooters present.
“Pendulum” saw the four furthest targets set at 18 yards and the stop plate enticingly located at a close 10 yards from the shooting box. This caused some excitement as seasoned shooters in their rush to get fast scores repeatedly shot and miss the stop plate thus
Shooters who missed were immediately eliminated, while those who hit were promoted to the next sudden death round. The shooting line was also moved to create further distance after every round.
At the end of four rounds, two shooters made it to the final, GSSF President Vidushi Persaud and experienced member Andrew Phang. With the shooting line set at approximately 30 meters the two shooters assembled with pistols in hand and made ready.
Both shots broke at about the same instance and it was Phang who emerged victor
The GSSF wishes to thank the Chief-of-Staff of the GDF, Brigadier Mark Phillips, GPF Commissioner Seelall Persaud, GPF Assistant Commissioner David Ramnarine, GPF Commander Clifton Hicken, GPF OC TSU Superintendent Hugh Dehnert, Assistant Superintendent Todd, GPF Corporal Dunn and the ranks of the GPF Armoury and TSU.
As an affiliate of the Steel Challenge Shooting Association, a sister body of the United States Practical Shooting Association, the GSSF has been organising matches following their strict safety policies. This simple, yet action-packed shooting sport attracts Guyanese pistol shooters from all around the country on a regular basis.
More information can be found on the GSSF website www. GuyanaSportShooting.com
Durban won the bid, becoming the first African city to host the Commonwealth Games
Durban will be the first African city to host the Commonwealth Games after being confirmed as the venue for 2022.
The city on the east coast of South Africa was the only remaining bidder after Edmonton’s bid team withdrew in February for financial reasons.
The Games will begin on July 18- what would have been the 104th birthday of former South African president Nelson Mandela - and finish on July 30.
It will be the 22nd stag-
ing of the event, which is held every four years.
Athletes from more than 50 countries - most of which are former British coloniescompete.
The announcement was made at the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) general assembly in Auckland.
“As a movement we stand together to support the very first games on African soil,” said outgoing CGF president Prince Tunku Imran.
Much of the infrastructure is already in place,
with an athletics track to be installed at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, which was built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
It is thought awarding the Games to an African city for the first time could pave the way for South Africa to make another attempt to host the Olympics. Cape Town finished third in bidding for the 2004 event.
The Commonwealth Games was last held in 2014 in Glasgow, with Australia’s Gold Coast hosting the 2018 event. (BBC Sport)
Embattled off-spinner, Sunil Narine, could be available again soon for West Indies in the longest version of the game, but first wants to continue fine-turning his action.
West Indies Head
Coach, Phil Simmons, said he had spoken to the 27-year-old during the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), who indicated he would make himself available only for the limited overs versions at this stage.
Coach Simmons, meanwhile, confirmed that opener Chris Gayle would be available for all formats once he recovered from back surgery.
“Speaking with Narine during the Caribbean Premier League, he still wants to be 100 per cent confident about the consistency of his action before returning to Test cricket,” Simmons told the Trinidad Newsday newspaper.
“He noted he is happy with the improvement (in) his action during CPL and is available for West Indies in the limited overs section at present.”
Narine has not suit -
Captain of the T&T Red Steel Dwayne Bravo is not pleased with the terms and conditions laid out for women in sport. As a consequence, he is advocating for the present imbalance to become a thing of the past.
Starting with better conditions for female athletes, Bravo also raised concerns about their financial incen-
gender, I believe you should be paid properly if you are representing your country, because you are putting your life and your body on the line. To me sports women don’t get treated properly and this is not only in T&T, but throughout (the world). I think they need to look at women’s sport a lot more seriously.”
tives and declared the time had come for women to receive better pay packets.
In a T&T Guardian interview, Bravo said he believes more could and should be done for women. “You have conversations with the women’s football team and the women’s netball team…I mean, they are representing the country. They are giving their heart and soul, yet still they have to balance their jobs with the sport. They already don’t get paid well, and it’s unfair for them.”
Bravo said: “We as men, maybe, get pay better, I think. But regardless of what
ed up for the Windies in over a year, with his last appearance coming during Bangladesh’s tour of the Caribbean last year August. His last Test out -
ing was nearly two years ago. His action has since come under heavy scrutiny in the Indian Premier League and he was twice called for a suspect ac -
tion during the Champions League Twenty20 and subsequently banned from bowling in the final for Kolkata Knight Riders.
Narine opted out the West Indies World Cup squad earlier this year to focus on his rehabilitation and was forced to undergo Indian Cricket Boardsanctioned testing on his action before he could turn out for KKR in the 2015 season.
CBA pay structure
West Indies will also have to do without allrounder Dwayne Bravo and opener Lendl Simmons in the Test format, with the players indicating their unwillingness to return because of the pay structure of the new Collective Bargaining Agreement.
“I have had good discussions speaking with all the players. Yes, Bravo and
Lendl said they don’t want to play Tests for reasons (CBA pay structure) you mentioned, but I’m happy that they were honest about that,” Simmons said.
“My position is if you don’t want to play Test cricket for whatever reasons, we won’t select you. But if players openly state they are available for that
format, I don’t really want them changing their minds when we select them.”
Both Bravo and Lendl Simmons announced their retirement from Tests earlier this year. West Indies travel to Sri Lanka for a Test and one-day series next month. (Jamaica
Commenting on the present state of women’s cricket in the West Indies, the team leader said he was not pleased.
Bravo declared being both “embarrassed” and in a “state of shock” over the state of women’s cricket in the region.
“The quality of the cricket? I mean… It’s showing On TV and stuff! It’s just not nice for the eyes. I don’t want to comment too much on it because I (will) really have to get into details. That’s why most times I get in problems,” he ended. (Trinidad Guardian)
By AvenAsh RAmzAn
Guyana will be represented at the upcoming South American Confederation Cup after missing out for more than a decade, with a group of 21 male volleyballers being encamped this weekend from which the final squad will be selected.
The tournament, to be hosted in Brazil, will take place this month end and will feature teams from all the countries affiliated to the South American federation.
The encampment will start on Friday and conclude on Sunday at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue, and will be held under the watchful eyes of
Head Coach Levi Nedd and Assistant Coach Ian Wills.
Wills, during an interview with this publication on Wednesday, pointed out that the group of 21 players was selected about three weeks
ago with the aim of vying for a spot on the national team.
That preliminary squad will further be trimmed to 12 by Sunday, following the national selectors’ agreement on the best players to represent the Golden Arrowhead in the neighbouring country.
During the three-day encampment, it is expected that the players, drawn from the counties of Demerara and Berbice, will be involved in several activities, key
among them teamwork and systems.
Wills highlighted that after the travelling contingent of 12 players is finalised, the national players will then meet again on the weekend of September 18-20 at the same venue for a second encampment before heading off the Portuguese-speaking nation.
During that weekend, it is expected that the national squad will be involved in several warm-up games to get in full preparation mode for the tournament.
Embattled off-spinner, Sunil Narine, could be available again soon for West Indies in the longest version of the game, but first wants to continue fineturning his action.
West Indies Head Coach, Phil Simmons, said he had spoken to the 27-yearold during the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), who indicated he would make himself available only for the limited overs versions at this stage. Coach Simmons, meanwhile, confirmed that opener Chris Gayle would be available for all formats once he recovered from back surgery.
Phang wins Balloon Challenge
TAccompanying the players to be Brazil will be Wills, Nedd and Manager Andrea Flores.
he Guyana Sport Shooting Federation (GSSF) hosted yet another Steel Challenge Shooting Match sponsored by Queensway on Saturday last at the Guyana Defence
Force’s Timehri Range. In spite of 40 minutes being lost to heavy rainfall, the entire match was completed safely. Shooters on hand deemed it a fun and successful event, which
ended in a surreal tropical sunset. The local pistol shooters competed in two SCSA divisions: Wildcat and Limited.